When it comes to keeping a clean home, most of us will diligently scrub our bathrooms, polish our kitchen surfaces, and hoover our living spaces with the utmost care. However, despite our best efforts, there are certain areas within our abodes that harbour more bacteria and grime than we could ever imagine. These hidden germ hotspots can often be the most surprising, lurking in plain sight, yet frequently overlooked in our cleaning routines.
With that in mind, today we’re (somewhat reluctantly) uncovering the most unexpectedly dirty places in your home and providing you with practical advice on how to keep them spotless. Only then will we take you up on that invite over for dinner…
The Overlooked Offenders
1. Household Handles and Switches
Doorknobs, cupboard handles, and light switches are touched multiple times a day by various hands, making them prime real estate for germs. Yet, they are often neglected during regular cleaning.
Sanitising Tip: Wipe these surfaces down at least once a week with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a mixture of hot water and antibacterial soap.
2. Remote Controls and Electronic Devices
Our electronic companions, from remote controls to smartphones, are handled constantly and rarely cleaned. They can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Sanitising Tip: Use an alcohol-based wipe to gently clean your devices, being careful not to damage any sensitive areas with excess liquid.
3. Kitchen Sponges and Cloths
Ironically, the very tools we use to clean can become the dirtiest items in our homes. Kitchen sponges and cloths can contain a higher number of bacteria than any other household item, leaving quite the smell behind if you’re not careful.
Sanitising Tip: Replace sponges regularly, and microwave damp sponges for two minutes daily to kill bacteria. Wash cloths at a high temperature and let them dry thoroughly before reuse.
4. Toothbrush Holders
Toothbrush holders are often found near sinks and toilets where they can be exposed to a host of germs, including E.coli.
Sanitising Tip: Regularly run your toothbrush holder through the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe, or wash it in hot, soapy water.
5. Pet Bowls and Toys
Our furry friends’ accessories are often forgotten in the cleaning process. Pet bowls and toys can harbour bacteria that can affect both pets and humans, not to mention the musty aroma they often leave in their wake.
Sanitising Tip: Clean pet bowls daily and toys weekly, either in the dishwasher or with hot, soapy water, depending on the material they are made from.
These personal items come into contact with various surfaces throughout the day but are rarely cleaned.
Sanitising Tip: Wipe leather goods with a suitable cleaner and use disinfectant wipes on other materials, paying special attention to handles and corners.
7. Washing Machines
A device that’s supposed to clean your clothes can become surprisingly dirty itself, especially if you often wash at low temperatures.
Sanitising Tip:Run a hot wash cycle with a washing machine cleaner or white vinegar once a month to keep the machine and your clothes fresh.
8. Bedding and Mattresses
While sheets and pillowcases may be washed regularly, the mattress and duvet often go unnoticed. Dead skin cells, dust mites, and other allergens can accumulate, making your bed a hotbed for germs.
Sanitising Tip: Vacuum your mattress every month, use a mattress protector, and air out your duvet and pillows on a sunny day to reduce allergens. Wash bed linen weekly at a high temperature to kill dust mites. Many brands, such as Tineco, offer cordless vacuums equipped with strong suction power that can handle everything from dust and pet hair to larger debris.
9. Keyboards and Mice
Whether it’s for work or leisure, our computer keyboards and mice are in constant use. Crumbs, spills, and germy fingers can make these devices surprisingly dirty.
Sanitising Tip: Turn off your computer, unplug the keyboard and mouse, and gently shake out any debris. Use compressed air to blow out particles from between the keys, and clean the surfaces with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol, ensuring it’s not too wet to prevent any damage.
10. Showerheads
The warm, moist environment of a showerhead is ideal for bacteria and mould to thrive, especially if you have hard water which can cause mineral build-up.
Sanitising Tip: Detach the showerhead and soak it in a mixture of white vinegar and water for a few hours to dissolve mineral deposits and kill bacteria. If it cannot be removed, fill a plastic bag with the vinegar solution and secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band, allowing it to soak.
11. Houseplant Leaves & Pots
While our leafy companions bring life and freshness to our homes, their leaves and pots can accumulate surprising amounts of dust, mold, and bacteria. The moist soil in plant pots can harbor fungal growth, while dusty leaves not only look unsightly but can also impair the plant’s ability to photosynthesize effectively.
Sanitising Tip: Gently wipe plant leaves monthly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust buildup. For smaller plants, you can give them a shower in the sink or bathtub using lukewarm water. Check pot saucers regularly for stagnant water, and clean decorative pots with warm, soapy water when you repot plants. Consider adding a layer of pebbles or activated charcoal on top of the soil to prevent mold growth and fungus gnats.
Keeping Your Home Hygienically Clean
Maintaining a hygienic home is not just about the visible cleanliness but also about being mindful of the unseen germs that can accumulate in the nooks and crannies of our living spaces. Here are some general sanitisation tips to keep your home clean:
Regularly Disinfect: Incorporate the cleaning of these surprising areas into your regular routine.
Stay Dry: Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, so keep your home as dry as possible.
Ventilate: Good airflow can help prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
Declutter: Less stuff means fewer places for dust and germs to hide.
Use the Right Tools: Microfibre cloths and the correct cleaners can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your cleaning.
The Bottom Line
By shining a light on these surprising dirt magnets and adopting a thorough cleaning regimen, you can ensure that your home remains not just sparkling on the surface, but deeply sanitised for the health and well-being of everyone under your roof.
Remember, a clean home is a happy home, and sometimes the smallest efforts can make the biggest difference in our quest for cleanliness.
The UK may not boast the same temperatures as sunny Spain or possess the gastronomic heritage of foodie France. But whether it’s out of necessity, curiosity or national pride, people are increasingly realising that there’s still so much to enjoy about good old Grande-Bretagne.
Particularly in the often idyllic Devon to Cornwall, we boast some brilliant coastal towns and villages that can easily compete with holidays spent on the continent. With that in mind, here’s our top picks of coastal destinations in Devon and Cornwall.
Padstow: Ideal For A Foodie Summer Holiday
Padstow is a charming working fishing port, making it the ideal foodie destination in Cornwall for lovers of all things seafood.
From quirky cafes to award-winning bakeries and Michelin-rated restaurants, this harbour town has views that are as delightful as its culinary scene.
For a fine dining experience, it has to be Paul Ainsworth at Number 6, which offers a modern, playful tasting menu celebrating Cornwall’s frankly world class produce. Celebrity chef Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant and Rick Stein’s Cafe are also both within the town, earning it the nickname Padstein.
It’s also the start of the Camel trail cycle path. A hugely popular route with all ages, the gentle and scenic bike ride between Padstow and Wadebridge is a succinct way to get some fresh air in your lungs, wind in your sails and, of course, an opportunity to take in some views. Take a walk by the estuary at low tide and you’ll find the saltlands teeming with birds, if nature is your thing.
Ideal Tip: A short 37-minute drive from Padstow (or a 11.7 mile walk) you’ll find Port Issac. If you’re after some top-draw fish cookery, then one of the finest fish chefs in the world, Nathan Outlaw, owns two fantastic restaurants in Port Isaac, making the very most of the area’s finest produce. Which of course equates to some bloody nice seafood.
Mousehole is a small fishing village and one of the most picturesque spots in Cornwall – and one of the oldest, too.
The guys at Luxury Coastal say, “Arriving in this sleepy fishing village is a little bit like stepping into a fairytale. Found just three miles from Penzance, Mousehole is one of those destinations where time seems to stand still. Boats bob in the harbour, waves lap the beach and cafes serve the catch of the day. If you want to experience the Cornwall of days gone by, this is the perfect place to do it”.
One of the most popular times to visit Mousehole is in the lead up to Christmas when people come to see the famous Mousehole Lights. However, summer is an equally brilliant time to visit, and just perfect for strolling around its narrow streets, taking in some art galleries and enjoying the views across the harbour.
Ideal Tip: If you’re travelling with children, be sure to bring along the children’s classic ‘The Mousehole Cat’, a beautifully illustrated book that tells the tale of a cat and Cornish fisherman braving stormy seas to save their village.
Nestled in the South Hams district of Devon, Dartmouth stands as a testament to Britain’s rich maritime history. This picturesque harbour town, with its colourful mediaeval and Elizabethan buildings lining the waterfront, offers visitors a perfect blend of historical charm and modern coastal living.
The town’s crowning glory is the Royal Naval College, which has trained British naval officers since 1905. Take a stroll along the Embankment and you’ll find yourself surrounded by bobbing boats, from tiny fishing vessels to luxury yachts. For history buffs, Dartmouth Castle, perched at the mouth of the River Dart, offers stunning views of the estuary and a fascinating glimpse into the town’s military past.
Ideal Tip: Don’t miss the chance to hop aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway for a journey along one of Britain’s most spectacular coastal routes. The round trip to Paignton offers breathtaking views of the English Riviera, and if you’re lucky, you might spot seals basking on the rocks below.
Falmouth: Ideal For Culture Vultures
Boasting the world’s third-deepest natural harbour, Falmouth combines maritime heritage with a thriving arts scene and vibrant university culture. This Cornish gem has reinvented itself as a creative hub whilst maintaining its seafaring roots.
The town is home to the excellent National Maritime Museum Cornwall, where visitors can explore Britain’s seafaring heritage through interactive exhibits and stunning vessels. Art enthusiasts will find themselves spoilt for choice with numerous galleries, including the renowned Falmouth Art Gallery, showcasing both local talent and international artists.
The bustling Events Square hosts year-round festivals, from the Falmouth Oyster Festival in autumn to the Sea Shanty Festival in summer. For those seeking a quiet moment, the subtropical Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens offer peaceful retreats with stunning coastal views.
Ideal Tip: Take the short ferry ride across to St Mawes for lunch at the Idle Rocks Hotel. The journey offers spectacular views of Falmouth’s harbour, and the hotel’s terrace restaurant serves up some of Cornwall’s finest seafood with a view to match.
Brixham: Ideal For Beach Lovers
According to Beachlets, who offer bespoke beachside cottages across the UK, one of the nicest things about the beaches in Devon’s Brixham is that the area’s coastline is peppered with little stretches of sand.
The hard part is where to go. However, they tell us that, “For popularity and convenience, it’s got to be Breakwater Beach…with a Seaside Award and a nod in the Good Beach Guide, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best-loved Brixham beaches! And then there’s Churston Cove. The kind of sleepy cove that the Famous Five would have gone crazy for”. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
Clovelly Beach: Ideal For An Instagrammable Holiday
Finally, Clovelly is a picture-perfect fishing village in North Devon, brimming with quaint cottages centred around its cobbled main street. This place is picture perfect in the truest sense of the word – in 2020 it was named the most Instagrammable village in the UK, with distinctive cobbled streets, flower-strewn cottages and resident donkeys all playing their part in its unique aesthetic.
As Great British Life explains “Clovelly is privately owned so you have to pay an entry fee, making it one of the most unique places in the country…And then there are some of the most breath-taking views over Bideford Bay and across the coastline, towards the North Atlantic Ocean. It’s easy to see why Clovelly makes it into so many social media feeds”.
Because you can’t spell Clovelly without ‘lovely’, after all!
The Bottom Line
With so much gorgeous coast to explore, defined by both golden sands and quaint fishing villages and towns, why would you ever want to leave Old Blighty?
Sometimes, when the colder climes kick in, those looking to warm up their homes simply turn up the heat to full. A quick fix solution, sure, but doing so doesn’t take the time to consider what might not be seasonal factors, but rather structural issues which need addressing.
Don’t be that guy; doing so could waste money, energy, and worst of all, do a damage to the environment which could easily be avoided. Fortunately, there are several different tricks and techniques that you can put into practice, ranging from the simple and affordable to the more expensive and time-consuming, which can stop your home losing heat and keep your energy bill low in the coming months. With that in mind, here are 6 methods to prevent heat loss at home this Winter.
Insulate Your Home Properly
The clearest cut, most foolproof way to reduce your home’s energy bills is to insulate your house properly. Sadly, identifying exactly where the heat is being lost isn’t quite so clear cut.
There are several places where your abode can lose its heat, including the floor, windows, doors and roof. If you don’t insulate your home properly, a lot of this energy can end up going to waste, which is detrimental to your bank balance and more importantly, the health of the planet. If your reluctance to strengthen your property’s insulation is due to the cost, then you may even be able to get a grant from the government to cover some of the fees involved.
Windows can account for up to 25-30% of your home’s heat loss, making them a crucial area to address for energy efficiency. Double and triple glazing are excellent long-term solutions, significantly reducing heat loss through the windows while also providing added benefits like noise reduction and increased home security. If you’re considering this upgrade, look for windows with a low U-value rating, as this indicates better insulation performance.
However, if double glazing isn’t currently within your budget, there are several cost-effective alternatives you can implement immediately. Start by installing heavy-duty window films – these transparent sheets create an additional barrier against heat loss and can be applied using just a hairdryer and some patience. For older windows, draught-proofing strips are particularly effective at sealing gaps in window frames. Choose self-adhesive foam strips for windows that open, and silicone sealant for windows that don’t.
Don’t overlook the window frames themselves. Check for any visible gaps or cracks and seal them using appropriate weather-stripping materials or caulk. Pay special attention to where the frame meets the wall, as these joints often develop gaps over time. For wooden frames, regular maintenance including painting and sealing can prevent warping that leads to draughts.
As the team at GT Glazing recommend for during particularly cold spells, consider using temporary secondary glazing kits, which involve attaching a layer of clear plastic film to your window frame using double-sided tape and shrinking it tight with a hairdryer. While not as elegant as permanent solutions, these kits can reduce heat loss significantly and are very cost-effective.
Use Draft Excluders For Your Doors
One of the most overlooked yet significant sources of heat loss in homes comes from the gaps under doors, particularly external doors and those leading to unheated spaces like garages or utility rooms. Installing draft excluders – whether store-bought or homemade – can make a noticeable difference in keeping your home warm and reducing your energy bills.
For external doors, consider fitting a brush strip or rubber seal to the bottom of the door. These are relatively inexpensive and can be easily installed with basic DIY skills. For internal doors, you could opt for fabric draft excluders, which can be simply placed against the bottom of the door when closed. These come in various designs to match your home décor, or you could even make your own using old pillowcases filled with rice or dried beans.
Additionally, don’t forget about letterboxes and keyholes – small brushed covers for these openings can prevent surprising amounts of cold air from entering your home. This simple and cost-effective draught-proofing solution can complement your other heat-saving measures and contribute to a warmer, more energy-efficient home.
Check Out Your Radiators
The first step that you can take to get your radiators working more effectively is to bleed them. Doing so will mean you’re using the heat generated effectively and efficiently.
Essentially, this means getting rid of any trapped air that is preventing them from giving off the maximum amount of heat. When you are spending so much money on heat, it makes sense that your radiators are working to their full potential.
It’s fairly easy to do this; with the heating turned off, simply take a radiator key and open your radiator’s valves (this should be obvious as the item which can be turned with the key usually positioned on the side of the radiator). Then, be prepared to catch the drips that follow, which will slowly turn into a steady stream. Once that stronger stream is present, you’ve released all the air. Tighten back up and move on to the next one.
Install A Radiator Shelf
Another option is to install a radiator shelf, which will direct the heat forwards in the room, rather than allowing it all to simply rise to the ceiling. You can get this item from most of hardware and DIY shops. Another simple step that you can take is to move anything away from your radiators that is causing a blockage, such as larger items of furniture.
Invest In Some Good Quality Curtains
We have already covered how much heat can end up being lost through your windows. Rather than letting this become too much of an issue, investing in some good-quality curtains can make such a big difference in your fight against heat loss.
Make sure that you also keep them open at the right time – allowing the sun to stream in when the weather allows for it. Avoid letting your curtains hang over the radiators as this can prevent the heat from warming the whole room.
As winter’s icy grip takes hold and frost blankets our gardens, many of us retreat indoors with barely a thought for our lawns until spring. However, these chilly months are surprisingly crucial for maintaining a healthy patch of green that you’ll be proud to show off when warmer weather returns.
Whilst your grass may appear dormant during winter, what happens beneath the surface during these months can make or break your lawn’s vitality come springtime. With proper attention now, you’ll be setting the stage for a lush, vibrant garden when the temperatures rise again.
The Winter Walking Dilemma
During frosty periods, your lawn becomes particularly vulnerable to damage. When frost forms, grass blades become brittle and crystallised, making them susceptible to breakage.
If you must traverse your lawn, wait until the frost has naturally thawed. Better yet, consider laying temporary pathways using wooden planks for essential winter garden maintenance tasks. For frequently used routes across your lawn, consider installing stepping stones—they’ll protect your grass whilst adding a charming design element to your garden.
Mastering Winter Drainage
Winter rainfall can wreak havoc on poorly draining lawns, leading to waterlogging and subsequent moss invasion. Keep an eye out for standing water, particularly after heavy downpours. If you notice persistent puddles, you may need to improve your soil’s drainage.
Winter is actually an excellent time to address drainage issues, as the reduced grass growth allows for easier implementation of solutions such as installing land drains or incorporating sharp sand into particularly boggy areas. For severe cases, consider installing a French drain system—whilst it represents a significant initial investment, it could save your lawn from long-term water damage.
The Battle Against Moss
Winter’s damp, shady conditions create the perfect environment for moss to flourish. While it might add a certain verdant charm to your winter garden, moss will actively compete with your grass for resources and space, potentially leading to bare patches come spring.
Rather than waiting until the problem becomes severe, take preventative action by ensuring good air circulation across your lawn. This might mean pruning overhanging branches that create excessive shade or using a spring-tined rake to gently lift the grass, allowing better airflow at ground level. Consider applying a winter-specific moss treatment when conditions allow—many professional products are specifically formulated to work effectively at lower temperatures.
The Art Of Winter Mowing
Contrary to popular belief, your mower shouldn’t necessarily be consigned to the shed all winter. During milder spells, when the grass is dry and temperatures are above 5°C, a light trim can help maintain lawn health. However, adjust your mower to a higher cutting height than usual—this extra length provides better protection for the grass roots during cold snaps.
Remember to avoid mowing when the grass is wet or frozen, as this can cause significant damage to both your lawn and your mower. When you do mow, ensure your blades are sharp—clean cuts heal better and are less likely to allow disease to take hold during the vulnerable winter period.
While many weeds become dormant in winter, others continue to thrive. These opportunistic plants can take advantage of your lawn’s slower winter growth rate to establish themselves. Keep an eye out for winter-active weeds like chickweed and annual meadow grass, removing them by hand when the soil is moist enough to allow for complete root extraction.
For larger weed infestations, consider consulting a lawn care professional about winter-safe herbicide applications, and check out buying guides and reviews at the weed killer experts at Posh to find out which item might be best for your garden. The key here is to tackle weeds before they set seed and create bigger problems for the spring.
Essential Equipment Maintenance
Winter offers the perfect opportunity to maintain your garden tools. Clean and sharpen your mower blades, service your strimmer, and ensure all equipment is properly stored in a dry place. Well-maintained tools will make your spring lawn care routine considerably easier and more effective.
Take time to clean and oil your tools after each use, paying particular attention to removing any wet grass or soil that could cause rust. Consider treating wooden handles with linseed oil to prevent weathering and cracking.
Preparing For Spring Success
As winter progresses, start planning your spring lawn care regime. Order seeds and treatments well in advance, and consider booking any professional services you might need—the best lawn care specialists often get booked up quickly as winter draws to a close.
Take advantage of milder winter days to assess your lawn’s condition and make notes of areas that might need special attention come spring. This forward-thinking approach will help you hit the ground running when the growing season begins.
The Bottom Line
Remember, winter lawn care isn’t just about maintaining appearances during the colder months—it’s about laying the groundwork for a spectacular spring revival. By giving your lawn the attention it needs during these challenging months, you’re investing in its future health and vitality.
With proper winter care, your lawn won’t just survive the cold season—it’ll emerge stronger and better prepared for the year ahead. After all, a well-maintained winter lawn is the foundation of a garden that will be ready to burst into life when those first warm days of spring finally arrive. Whether you’re a dedicated gardener or simply someone who appreciates a beautiful lawn, these winter maintenance steps will help ensure your grass remains healthy and resilient throughout the coldest months of the year.
The concept of living ‘off-grid’ has captured the imagination of many, conjuring images of a self-sufficient lifestyle that escapes the hellish hustle of modern life, free from the clutches of utility companies and, well, everyday responsibilities. But is this idyllic vision truly attainable in the UK, with its dense population and strict planning laws?
The answer is a tentative yes, and there are already intrepid Brits who are proving it’s not only possible but also profoundly rewarding.
The Feasibility Of Off-Grid Living In The UK
Firstly, it’s essential to point out thatliving off-grid means different things to different people, but at its core, it involves disconnecting from public utilities and creating a self-sustaining home.
In the UK, this can be challenging due to the climate, legalities, and the need for land. However, with advances in technology, a growing community of off-gridders, and a shift in societal values towards sustainability, the barriers are slowly being dismantled.
Legal Considerations
One of the biggest hurdles for off-grid living in the UK is navigating the planning permission process. The law requires that any residential dwelling has the right permissions, which can be tricky for non-traditional homes.
However, policies such as the One Planet Development in Wales are beginning to acknowledge and accommodate off-grid living.
Energy & Heating Considerations
A crucial aspect of off-grid living that many British homesteaders grapple with is heating their homes through the notoriously damp winters. While renewable energy can power electrical appliances, heating often requires a more robust solution. Oil tanks for home heating remain a common choice among off-grid communities, particularly in areas where natural gas connections aren’t available. These storage tanks need to be carefully positioned away from water sources and require regular maintenance and refilling by approved suppliers.
However, many off-gridders are moving towards hybrid systems that combine traditional heating methods with renewable alternatives. A well-designed setup might include a combination of oil heating for the coldest months, supplemented by wood-burning stoves, solar thermal panels for hot water, and excellent insulation to minimise overall energy consumption. Some pioneering households have even implemented ground source heat pumps, though these require significant initial investment and suitable land conditions.
The key is to develop a heating strategy that’s both reliable and sustainable. This might mean storing several months’ worth of fuel, whether that’s heating oil, wood, or other materials, and having backup systems in place for extreme weather conditions. It’s worth noting that proper insulation and thoughtful house design can dramatically reduce heating requirements, making the goal of sustainable warmth more achievable.
Technological Advances
Renewable energy technology has made leaps and bounds, making it more accessible and efficient. Solar panels, wind turbines, and rainwater harvesting systems are now more affordable and reliable, even in the less sunny British climate.
Practicalities Of Off-Grid Living In The UK
Transitioning to an off-grid lifestyle in the UK involves a myriad of practical considerations that extend beyond energy independence and housing. Healthcare, as mentioned, is paramount, and ensuring you have access to a GP within a reasonable distance is essential for both emergency and routine medical needs.
In terms of communication, an online PO box can serve as a flexible but stable mailing address. However, for those who require consistent internet access, whether for work or personal reasons, exploring satellite broadband or mobile data options is necessary, as traditional broadband services may not reach remote off-grid locations.
Transportation is another key practicality. Off-grid locations are often situated away from public transport routes, so having a reliable vehicle is important, and it may be worth considering an electric or hybrid model to align with sustainable living values. Regular travel to nearby towns for supplies, or in case of emergencies, should be factored into your planning.
Waste management is a further consideration. Without municipal services, you’ll need to establish a system for dealing with both household waste and sewage. Composting, recycling, and reducing waste through mindful consumption are all part of off-grid living.
Lastly (well, not lastly, there are so many more practicalities to consider), water access is also critical. While rainwater harvesting systems can provide for your water needs, they must be properly filtered and sometimes heated. For those not on a mains supply, boreholes or wells are an alternative, though they come with their own legal and environmental considerations.
Community Support
There’s a growing community of off-gridders in the UK, offering support, advice, and a shared pool of knowledge. This network is invaluable for anyone looking to make the transition. Here are a few places where such support can be found:
The Low Impact Living Initiative (LILI)
A non-profit organization that provides resources and runs courses on sustainable living.
Lammas Ecovillage is a pioneering project that has become a beacon of sustainable living. Established in 2009 under the Welsh Government’s One Planet Development policy, Lammas consists of nine households living on 76 acres of land. Each household is built from natural and recycled materials and is designed to minimize its ecological footprint.
The community supports itself through a combination of traditional farming, green technology, and eco-tourism. They have communal facilities, including a community hub building, and offer courses and workshops to share their knowledge and experience with others.
The Isle of Eigg, Scotland
The Isle of Eigg is a remarkable example of community-led sustainable living. In 1997, the islanders bought out the private landowner and took control of their future. By 2008, they had established their own off-grid electric company, Eigg Electric, which harnesses wind, solar, and hydro power to provide electricity to the island’s residents.
The system is designed to be robust and self-sufficient, ensuring that the community is not reliant on mainland power sources. The islanders are also committed to conservation efforts, preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of Eigg.
Tinkers Bubble, Somerset, England
Tinkers Bubble is a small woodland community that has been living off-grid since 1994. The residents use environmentally friendly methods to manage their 40-acre land, including horse-drawn ploughs and wood-fired steam engines. They grow their own organic fruit and vegetables, keep bees, and manage the woodland for timber and firewood.
The community is also financially self-sufficient, selling their surplus produce at local markets. Their commitment to a low-impact lifestyle extends to their homes, which are built from local, natural materials and are designed to blend into the landscape.
Simon Dale’s Hobbit Home, Wales
Simon Dale’s ‘Hobbit Home’ is a testament to individual ingenuity and the potential of natural building techniques. With no prior experience in construction, Dale built a charming and eco-friendly home for his family using a chainsaw, hammer, and chisel, and with the help of friends and volunteers.
The house is dug into a hillside for low visual impact and natural insulation, with a roof covered in turf. It features a compost toilet, a gravity-fed water system, and solar panels for power. This home has inspired many others to consider alternative, sustainable ways of building.
The Hockerton Housing Project, Nottinghamshire, England
The Hockerton Housing Project is a co-housing community that consists of five earth-sheltered homes built to rigorous energy efficiency standards. The residents live a sustainable lifestyle, generating their own clean energy, harvesting rainwater, and growing food in their communal polytunnel and gardens.
The houses are designed to be passive solar homes, minimising the need for additional heating or cooling. The community also runs educational tours and workshops to promote sustainable living practices.
Scoraig, Scottish Highlands
Scoraig is an off-grid community accessible only by boat or foot, located on a remote peninsula in the Scottish Highlands. The residents here are a mix of long-term settlers and newcomers, all attracted by the prospect of a self-sufficient lifestyle. They generate their own power using homemade wind turbines and solar panels, and many grow their own food, keep livestock, and fish in the local waters.
The community is also home to a small school and a lighthouse, and they share resources and knowledge to maintain their off-grid way of life.
The Bottom Line
While off-grid living in the UK may not be for the faint-hearted, it is undoubtedly possible and increasingly viable. Sure, you might have to exercise a little poetic license in what ‘off grid’ actually means, and invest in a fair amount of gear to make it happen, but in doing so, you may well find a new meaning to life. Even if that meaning is how much you love having a Tesco Express just round the corner.
You know how the old saying goes: ‘open plan, open heart’. Nope? Us neither. But, the little made up mantra does have a certain ring to it. After all, open plan living spaces are becoming ever more popular, for the sociable, warm and, erm, open atmosphere that they encourage.
Indeed, a study carried out by the National Association of Estate Agents revealed that opening up space and kitchen makeovers are among the top four home improvements that will add value to a property.
What’s more, In last year’s UK Houzz Report, which is based on survey results from the Houzz community, 54% of homeowners were making their kitchens more open to other rooms, with 35% knocking down walls and opening up space completely.
Moreover, in a recent Houzz poll, which asked “Yay or Nay to Open-plan Kitchens?”, the result was overwhelmingly in favour of the idea, with 840 responding in the affirmative compared to 230 voting in the negative.
Well, we’re jumping on the bandwagon as it plots an uninterrupted course through our home; here are the pros and cons of open plan kitchen living.
The Pros
Let There Be Light
In a home, open-plan living is one way to bind a kitchen, typically at the back of the house, with other rooms and the garden to create one large multi-functional and light-filled space. It’s no surprise that many new build homes have open-plan layouts, as the nature of the design traditionally allows for light to travel all the way through the ground floor of a property, with no pesky walls getting in the way and blocking its natural flow; great for mood and saving on electricity costs, too!
If you’re keen to break up the space a little in terms of privacy but still allow that light to flow, then internal glazed doors do a neat job of keeping that feel of open plan living whilst providing sound-proofing and a sense of zoning. Perfect!
A Multi-Functional Affair
Another big tick in the open plan box is the multi functional nature of such a space, particularly when considering an expansive, sociable kitchen set-up.
Of course, it’s a kitchen first and foremost, primed for precision slicing and dicing, cooking up a storm and cleaning down afterwards, all with maximum levels of efficiency. But, it can be so much more than that; a place where friends or family can convene and converse (and keep you company while cooking); it’s also somewhere to actually eat – dining rooms are so last century – as well as serving as a living room, where the kids can play and the family can watch T.V together. Lovely stuff!
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transition
Bi-folding doors are a game-changer in open-plan designs, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. When fully opened, these doors break down the barriers between your home and garden, extending your living area and truly bringing the outdoors in.
As we’ve already said, having an open-plan home provides homeowners with a social space – an area that can be used for more than just preparing and cooking daily meals. Indeed, it seems that knocking down walls to combine kitchen and dining spaces also knocks down barriers between people.
This open plan space quickly becomes the focal point in the home, creating a fluid space that binds rooms together, and is the key area of the house that people are drawn to. If you are a host (or an entertainer) an open-plan kitchen is the dream – providing a space that you can use to socialise with guests whilst cooking as opposed to feeling isolated when cooking in one room whilst trying to juggle hosting skills and whipping up dishes simultaneously.
Compartmentalise
An open space, as well as looking bigger, provides opportunities for you to identify different zones, delegating space, whilst remaining open. From zone lighting to kitchen islands, breakfast bars and dining booths, just because you design an open-space area, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t identify sections of the room to maintain a structure.
Bi-folding doors helps to enhance the natural light even more, for instance, while at the same time bringing the nature of the garden into the room.
Such an arrangement is ideal for larger families, allowing parents to keep an eye on children playing whilst they stay busy in the kitchen. Open-plan takes away the need for parents to be in ‘two places at once’, as it were.
The Cons
TheNoise & Smell Travel
One downside to an open-plan layout is that there are no barriers to contain noise and smells. The clatter of pots and pans, the whir of kitchen appliances, and the aroma of cooking can easily spread to relaxation and work areas, potentially causing distractions or discomfort.
Heating Challenges
Heating a large, open space can be less efficient than warming separate, smaller rooms. Without walls to retain heat, you may find that your energy bills increase as you try to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the expansive area.
Lack Of Privacy
Open-plan living can sometimes feel too open, especially when you crave a quiet corner to read or work. The absence of walls means there’s little room for solitude, and it can be challenging to find a private nook away from the hustle and bustle of the household’s main activities.
Mess & Clutter Are More Visible
In a traditional home layout, you can close a door on an untidy room, but in an open-plan space, there’s nowhere to hide the mess. This means you may feel compelled to constantly tidy up, as any clutter is immediately on show to anyone in the space.
Design Limitations
While open-plan offers flexibility, it also imposes some design limitations. Structural elements like support beams may dictate how you can use the space, and you might find it challenging to change the aesthetic or function of a room without affecting the entire area.
The Bottom Line
Open-plan living offers a modern, sociable, and light-filled way of life that can bring numerous benefits to homeowners. The inclusion of features like bi-folding doors can enhance these benefits further by creating a more versatile and connected living environment. However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as noise, heating inefficiencies, lack of privacy, visible mess, and design constraints.
Ultimately, whether open-plan living is right for you will depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and willingness to embrace the concept’s unique challenges and rewards. Balancing the pros and cons will help you create a space that is not only stylish and functional but also truly feels like home.
2025 looks set to be a bumper year for tourism in Turkey, with the country’s ‘Hello Turkiye’ campaign taking flight and tourist numbers predicted to soar, with numbers already up 70% since the pandemic.
On top of that, Turkey this year is set to take over France as Europe’s second most visited country. Yep, we said 2025 is going to be a bumper year here.
Of course, the majority of tourism in the country starts in the glorious capital Istanbul, a city as rich in diverse culture and history as you’ll find anywhere on the planet. Straddling Europe and Asia, and enjoying a unique vibe all of its own, it’s also one of the biggest cities in the world, and certainly one of its most influential, with must-see attractions, thought-provoking museums and historical monuments all over the city to enjoy.
Whether you are travelling with family, or you are taking your first solo trip, from the moment you leave the airport, you’ll find so much to entertain, stimulate and arouse here. To inspire your itinerary, here are 11 places to explore the culture and heritage of Istanbul in 2025.
Hagia Sophia
This building was one of the biggest cathedrals in the world for almost a thousand years, and it’s no wonder people from around the world travel to Istanbul to see this. In the 15th century, it was transformed into a mosque and then a museum in 1935, before being returned to mosque status this year; a colourful history, indeed. Before all of this, it was known as the centre of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Standing tall over the city (though not quite as towering as Istanbul Sapphire, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers), to say Hagia Sophia is enormous is an understatement. With its massive dome and walls embellished with Byzantine mosaic portraits of past emperors and representations of Christ, you can easily spend a morning or afternoon here, just taking in the majesty of the structure and its cultural significance in the country.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace, a beautiful, ornate structure and museum overlooking the Bosphorus, served as the residence for the Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries and has so much to offer visitors. Open every day except Tuesdays, the large-scale rooms and chamber houses are open to the public and wandering them is actively encouraged; pay particular attention to the conversation-starting imperial collections like the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond.
There are four back-to-back courtyards surrounded by huge walls, though there is only one accessible to the public. In the other courtyards, only official visitors and members of the court can enter the space. Topkapi Palace still upholds its original layout from four centuries ago to this day and as such, it’s a historical site you do not want to miss.
No visit to Istanbul would be complete without experiencing the magnificent Bosphorus strait, the natural waterway that literally divides Europe and Asia. This iconic waterway has been the lifeblood of Istanbul for millennia, and today offers visitors countless ways to experience its majesty.
The best way to appreciate the Bosphorus is, naturally, from the water itself. Whether you’re looking for a Bosphorus cruise on a private yacht, a romantic sunset tour, or a full-day excursion to the Black Sea, there’s an option to suit every preference. Many of these experiences depart from Bebek or Kabataş, and as you sail, you’ll witness the city’s most stunning waterfront attractions, including the Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the magnificent Bosphorus Bridge.
For those who prefer to stay on terra firma, the waterfront neighbourhoods offer their own delights. The Ortaköy district, with its baroque mosque and bustling weekend artisan market, is particularly charming. Here, you can sample the famous kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes) whilst watching the boats go by. Meanwhile, the Bebek area, with its luxurious yalıs (waterfront mansions) and sophisticated cafés, offers a glimpse into Istanbul’s more refined side.
Don’t miss the opportunity to dine at one of the many fish restaurants along the shore, particularly in areas like Arnavutköy or Sarıyer. The catch of the day, served with rakı (the local anise-flavoured spirit) and meze, tastes even better with the spectacular water views and the gentle sea breeze.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, is another historical must-see which will enlighten you on Istanbul’s culture and heritage immensely. With its instantly recognisable, iconic blue interior, it was built during Ahmed I’s reign in the 17th century and still stands still and resplendent to this day.
Each wall in the monumental mosque is embellished with 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles, and it’s a striking sight to behold, regardless of your faith. But the azure anointed walls aren’t the only reason why the interior stands out; natural light from the mosque’s 200 windows filters through in a magical, mystical way. The mosque’s six minarets, instead of the usual two, are another striking feature.
Just be cognizant of when you attend, as Sultanahmet is still a functional mosque and visiting during prayer isn’t permitted.
Basilica Cistern
To take a deep dive into a very deep past in Istanbul, you have to visit Basilica Cistern, which sits underground, close to Hagia Sophia. In Turkish, the Basilica Cistern is known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı and was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian I. He used it to house 80,000 m3 of water and ration it out to other palaces in the area. This water system is a complex and intricate attraction with hundreds of time-honoured Ionic and Corinthian columns.
You can even go below the ground to check out some of the underground compounds. One of the most noteworthy things to see here is the two-column bases, adorned with the upside-down head of Medusa. As you pass through the columns, you’ll feel water dripping from overhead, and history all around you.
Istanbul Archaeological Museum
This is known as Turkey’s first museum and is actually part of a collection of three (the others being the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Pavillion), all housed in Gülhane Park, which is close to Topkapi Palace.
Founded in 1891, it’s still perhaps Istanbul’s most extensive collection of artefacts, with over a million (!) pieces to admire. It’s huge, so it’s wise to arrive early; you’ll need an entire day to get the most out of this tourist attraction.
Established in the late 19th century, the Archaeology Museum is home to Ancient Greek, Roman and Turkish artefacts. There are even some heirlooms from places like the Balkans, Africa, Mesopotamia and the Middle East. If you want to get familiar with the city (and country’s) unique, complicated past, then it’s here you should head.
Gülhane Park
Actually, let’s mention Gülhane Park in its own right, as is one of the biggest parks in the historic city, and a great place to escape to hustle and bustle of this furiously paced metropolis. Sitting proud in the city’s Eminönü district, and overlooking the Bosphorus strait and Marmara sea, the ideal time to come here is during springtime when you can see hundreds upon hundreds of tulips blooming, lending the place a hopeful, optimistic air in tune with Istanbul’s energy. The breeze coming off the water and shade lent by trees (which date back several centuries) make the park one of the best places in the city to cool off.
Grand Bazaar
If you love going shopping for trinkets and souvenirs unique to a city, then the Grand Bazaar is definitely the tourist attraction for you. Indeed, Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s biggest and oldest covered markets, home to hundreds of shops dispersed across too many streets to count (60ish, actually). It’s so big in fact, that it has its own prayer rooms, police station and pharmacy. Keep in mind that when shopping here, the name of the game is bargaining and bartering; all part of the experience when visiting Grand Bazaar’s 4000 stalls and shops. Of particular interest here are Turkish teas, Turkish delight and the country’s intricate, unique jewellery and ceramics.
Spice Bazaar
Treat the gourmet chef in you and indulge yourself with hundreds of stalls that sell spices, sweets, teas, dried fruits and other goods at the Spice Bazaar. Smaller than the Grand Bazaar, this shopping hub is also a great place to buy your family and friends souvenirs from your trip relating to Turkey’s incredible cuisine. It’s not just about food here; don’t be afraid to try the many traditional Turkish herbal remedies sold in the market, which are believed to help things like memory, immunity, digestion and overall health.
Finish your tour of this great market with a glass of pickle juice (yep, you read that right) in the market where locals often stop off for a reviving sup of the sour liquor. Often accompanied by balik ekmek (fish sandwiches) straight from Bosphorus, this is a refreshing, energising Turkish tradition we’d love to see become popular in the UK!
The ‘Asian Side’
Speaking of pickle juice, another place to sample it is across the river at Meşhur Özcan Turşulari, near to the Kadikoy underground station. It’s one of the most popular pickle vendors in town and has been selling the stuff since 1935.
The Asian side (or the ‘other side’) itself is a multicultural mix of Ottoman palaces, galleries, lively cafes and bars with a hipster vibe. Be sure to explore the Kadıköy district and its cool Moda neighbourhood in particular to experience a more laid back side to Istanbul and its culture.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Completing our list is the majestic Dolmabahçe Palace, a stunning example of Turkey’s transition into the modern age while still holding onto the grandeur of its past. Built in the 19th century, this palace served as the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire in its final years and was home to the last of the Ottoman Sultans.
As you wander through its opulent halls and richly decorated rooms, you’ll be transported back to a time of lavish lifestyles and political intrigue. The palace’s architecture is a fusion of various European artistic influences integrated with traditional Ottoman design, making it a unique cultural gem. The grand ceremonial hall, with its 4.5-tonne chandelier, is a sight to behold, while the palace’s extensive collection of paintings, furniture, and decorative arts offers a glimpse into the imperial lifestyle.
Dolmabahçe Palace is not just a symbol of Istanbul’s imperial past but also a reminder of the city’s continuous evolution, embodying the spirit of ‘Hello Turkiye’ as it opens its doors to the world.
How Easy Is It For Brits To Move To Turkey?
For British nationals considering a move to the enchanting city of Istanbul or any other part of Turkey, the process is relatively straightforward, thanks to the warm bilateral relations between the UK and Turkey. However, there are some essential steps and legal requirements to be aware of.
Visa Requirements
Initially, British tourists can enter Turkey without a visa for short visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For those looking to stay longer, whether for work, study, or retirement, you will need to apply for a visa and/or a residence permit.
Residence Permits
After your visa-free 90 days, if you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit. The Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) handles all applications, which can be done online through their e-residence system. Types of residence permits include short-term, family, student, and long-term.
Short-Term Residence Permit
This is suitable for those who wish to stay for longer than 90 days but do not intend to work. It’s often used by retirees or those who can support themselves financially without working in Turkey. You’ll need to provide proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and a place to stay.
Work Permits
If you plan to live and work in Turkey as an expat, you’ll need a work permit, which also serves as your residence permit. Your employer in Turkey typically initiates this process by applying to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. You can then enter Turkey with a work visa and complete the process.
Long-Term Residence Permit
After living in Turkey for at least eight years without significant interruption, you may be eligible for a long-term residence permit. This gives you more rights, similar to those of a Turkish citizen, but you must prove you have not received any social assistance in the past three years and have sufficient income to support yourself.
Buying Property
Purchasing property here can also lead to a residence permit. The process is relatively investor-friendly, with apartment prices in Turkey around 65% cheaper than in the UK. There is even a pathway to citizenship for those who invest a certain amount in real estate.
Healthcare and Insurance
All expatriates are required to have health insurance coverage to obtain a residence permit. You can either pay into the Turkish state health system (SGK) or purchase private health insurance.
Integration and Language
While not a legal requirement, learning Turkish will significantly enhance your experience and ease your integration into Turkish society. There are numerous language courses available in Istanbul and other cities.
Retirement in Turkey
Turkey is becoming an increasingly popular retirement destination for Brits due to its lower cost of living and Mediterranean lifestyle. As a retiree, you would apply for a short-term residence permit and show proof of a pension or other regular income.
Legal and Professional Advice
It’s highly recommended to seek legal and professional advice when moving to Turkey. Regulations can change, and having a professional guide you through the process can ensure you meet all the requirements and choose the best type of permit for your situation.
Indeed, while moving to Turkey requires some administrative work, the process is well-established and facilitated by the Turkish government’s desire to attract foreign residents and investors. With the right preparation and support, Brits can find the transition to life in Turkey to be a smooth and rewarding experience.
The Bottom Line
As you embark on your journey through Istanbul, let these 10 destinations be your guide to a city that is as timeless as it is dynamic, as rooted in history as it is forward-looking. Welcome to Istanbul, where every visit is an encounter with the soul of Turkey.
New year, new sleep routine? We’ve certainly heard of worse New Year’s resolutions, that’s for sure. And as we now enter the final month of 2024, don’t you think it’s time you should start making some that will actually count?
But just how do you achieve a better night of rest efficiently and economically? It all starts, unsurprisingly, with your bed.
Your bed is the centrepiece of your bedroom, and determines the quality of your work, rest and play, both directly and indirectly. It makes sense, then, to adorn it with a quality mattress.
As well as enhancing the look and feel of your bedroom, having a quality mattress will improve your sleep and help you rest more comfortably.
When shopping for a new mattress, you’ll want to consider your body type, preferred sleep position, and bedroom size at the forefront of thinking when buying a new mattress, whilst also considering the suitability of the material, whether it’s made from memory foam, latex, or an organic material.
Your budget is another crucial factor to consider. The price of a mattress varies hugely; you can find a decent quality mattress for as little as £250 or a luxurious one for upwards of £5000. Alternatively, you can design a customised mattress the suit your own unique needs. Decisions, decisions, indeed. You might want to sleep on it…
Anyway, let’s explore further on how to choose the right mattress for your bedroom.
The Lifetime Of A Mattress
The best age-proof mattress could last up to 25 years, and that longevity represents a worthwhile investment, both in your home and your sleep.
The average mattress lifetime today is around eight years. If you’ve used yours for longer than that, it’s time to upgrade, as it has likely absorbed a fair amount of sweat and may have begun to degrade in quality, sagging and no longer offering the support needed for a good night’s sleep.
According to scientific studies, a new mattress can even help you breathe better, lessen the risk of allergic reactions, alleviate back pain, promote better air circulation, be easier to clean, and, of course, help you sleep more soundly.
Whether you’re in the UK, the US or Canada, mattresses have standard sizes. It’ll be relatively easy to buy a mattress that fits your bed frame as long as you follow these standard sizes, though you may need to measure your bed to fit your bedroom’s design. An oversized mattress may drive you to distraction and look incongruous, whilst a small one could cause discomfort.
The standard mattress sizes and dimensions for your consideration are:
Small single: 75cm x 190cm
Single: 90cm x 190cm
Small double: 120cm x 190cm
Double: 135cm x 190cm
Kingsize: 150cm x 200cm
Super kingsize: 180cm x 200cm
Emperor: 200cm x 200cm
These standardised dimensions ensure you can find the perfect fit for any space or sleeping arrangement. Compact options like singles and doubles are ideal for smaller rooms or guest spaces, while the increasingly popular king and super king sizes offer generous space for couples. Emperor beds and other larger sizes are available for those seeking maximum sleeping area, but the most important factor is finding the right balance between your room’s dimensions, your lifestyle needs, and your comfort preferences.
Many people find that mid-range sizes offer the sweet spot between spaciousness and practicality, while still leaving enough room for bedside furniture and easy movement around the bedroom. If space-saving is a priority, consider foldable mattresses – they can stand upright in a closet or slide under a bed when not in use. Ideal for guest rooms or multi-use spaces.
Mattress Firmness
Firmness can be measured, too. As a rule of thumb, heavier people prefer firmer mattresses because they provide better support, whereas lighter people opt for softer or medium mattresses. But that is a very general rule. You should also consider personal preference and your natural sleeping position, of course.
Mattress firmness is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being extra soft, 10 being extra firm and 6 (medium firm) generally considered the norm.
Of course, there are more esoteric concerns when considering the size, shape and placement of your mattress. The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui can help inform these decisions.
So far, so simple. But let’s be honest here; cleaning your mattress is another story entirely. If you have a washable one, it may take you an entire day to clean it. Instead, save your time by using a mattress topper and other accessories. That way, you can clean the outer layers and protect the mattress itself.
They also prevent the ruinous effect of spills, stains, sweat and the rest. Instead, you could peel the outer layers and throw them in the washing machine to save time. Let’s face it; nobody has time to clean a mattress and hang it out to dry, and washing it may actually do more damage than good.
No matter how you slice it, cleaning a mattress isn’t as easy as it sounds. So, choose easy-to-clean mattress accessories to save yourself from a housekeeping nightmare.
Sleep Better & Save The Earth
The last factor in choosing a mattress for your bedroom is mattress recycling. Yep, we’ve all seen mattresses chucked somewhere by the side of the road, often soiled and always unsightly.
Instead, it’s a conscious decision to choose a recycle-friendly mattress because sooner or later, you’ll need to replace it. Think ahead because discarded mattresses are a growing environmental concern, and check out our guide on eco-friendly mattresses here.
In an ever-changing world, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves grappling with stress and uncertainty. Whether it’s personal challenges, work pressures, or broader societal issues, these factors can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. However, it’s essential to remember that we have the tools to navigate tough times effectively.
Today, we’re exploring practical strategies to help you maintain your wellbeing during stressful periods. From embracing open dialogue and maintaining a regular exercise routine, to smart eating habits, practising gratitude, and prioritising sleep, these tips are designed to help you stay grounded, resilient, and positive, no matter what life throws your way. Let’s dive in.
Take A Moment To Talk
Though it may sound counterintuitive, sitting down and facing up to your feelings and the increasingly troubling state of the world is a healthier, more holistic way to approach this tough time, we think.
Instead, try to take proactive steps to take stock of the turbulent situation we find ourselves in. A regular practice of mindful meditation can help you do just that; only ten minutes a day can do wonders for realigning your perspective. If you’re new to the wonderful world of ‘taking a moment’, there are plenty of apps offering guided meditations and mindfulness exercises for a monthly fee. If meditation doesn’t work for you, do still make the time just to sit still for a few minutes each day, enabling space for reflection on what is, for everyone, a really confusing time.
Try to remain open, frank and honest with those around you about how you’re feeling. A problem shared is a problem halved and all that, and you may just find others are experiencing similar feelings as you, and have advice to share through learned experience.
Home Gym Haven
When the sun is shining and the temperature mild, exercise is easy, whether that’s taking yourself for a run, embarking on a long stroll or getting down the gym in one, dry piece. Peering out the window now, imagining the rays of summer sunshine feels like another world ago. Yep, winter can bring about a very different approach to exercise, when the temptation of the sofa is often too strong to get you in your gym kit and out the door.
But during tough times, it’s especially important to remember just how hugely, immeasurably beneficial exercise is, for both the body and mind, with the NHS recommending 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, to boost mood, health and wellbeing, as well as keeping a whole host of issues at bay.
Don’t allow the longer, darker nights and colder temperatures to herald a more sedentary life until spring rolls around. Even if you’re not keen on going to the gym when the temperatures dip below freezing (hey, who is?) you can still get the blood pumping at home with some cardio and aerobic exercise, such as star jumps or running on the spot. It’s basic, we know, but it can make a worldof difference.
Diet Smarts
Of course, a healthy, balanced diet comes first, and is the most sustainable way to get all of the nutrition you need. That said, some choice supplements can help things to tick along nicely, too.
With more time spend indoors over winter, it might be tough to get enough that all important Vitamin D from the sun. Fortunately, there are various Vitamin D supplements out there, and as such, it might be sensible to stock up. Experts also advise taking a multi vitamin daily, one which contains Vitamin C as a priority, as well as zinc, to promote good metabolic function and strengthen the immune system.
Other supplements may soothe the stresses of a shift in the seasons. The amino acid L-Theanine can help reduce heart rate, inhibit the release of the ‘stress hormone’ cortisol and potentially, create a sense of relaxation approximately 30-40 minutes after ingestion. The good news is that it’s found in a cup of tea, but if you prefer, L-Theanine can also be bought in capsule form, for those crazy folk who don’t like tea.
Gratitude
Optimism can slip with the changing of the seasons, but in recent years experts have started recommending a new solution to help you put things in perspective; gratitude. Indeed, practicing gratitude is a great way to boost your emotional wellbeing, as it helps you appreciate the things you do have, rather than pining for unattainable, material items. Slowly but surely, your outlook changes, helping you take a more positive outlook on life.
Keeping a gratitude diary doesn’t have to involve writing down your hopes and dreams in essay form each night. Instead, most practitioners simply write down three things that they’re grateful for today, three things you enjoyed yesterday, or three things you’re looking forward to tomorrow, either just after waking up or just before bed, though of course, any time is fine. This is a wonderful way to gather your thoughts and learn to be thankful for what you’ve got.
Foster Social Connections
In times of stress, it’s easy to retreat and isolate ourselves. However, maintaining social connections can be a powerful antidote to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Reach out to friends and family, join local community groups, or engage in online forums that interest you. Remember, human beings are social creatures, and a sense of belonging can significantly boost our emotional wellbeing.
If you’re drawn to painting, start with a basic oil paint palette – a few primary colours, white, and some earth tones are all you need to begin exploring this rewarding medium. Don’t feel pressured to create masterpieces straight away; focus instead on the meditative process of mixing colours and applying paint to canvas.
Even simple exercises like creating colour swatches or painting basic still life compositions can help quiet a busy mind. They allow us to express ourselves, focus our minds, and achieve a sense of accomplishment. Plus, they can be a lot of fun! So, pick up that paintbrush, dust off that guitar, or start that blog you’ve been thinking about. Your mind will thank you for it.
The Importance Of Sleep
When the mind is racing, full of thoughts and concerns which haven’t had a productive outlet all day, it can be hard to get a full, replenishing night’s sleep. But being properly rested is so crucial to tackling stress and anxiety; according to the American Institude of Stress, ‘’anxiety and insomnia are two very common problems that may hamper your ability to fall asleep…both conditions can play off each other, making the other worse’’. And they’d know, right? Yep, this thing can be cyclical; get on top of one and you’ll likely develop a better control of the other.
Therefore, a good night’s Zzzeds must always be at the top of your list of priorities when taking care of yourself. Check out our tips on how to get more restorative sleep for more!
In the words of William Morris, “have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” And while that’s certainly a maxim worth remembering, when minimalism is a necessity due to lack of floor space, well, it doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.
Indeed, eeking out real estate around the home can be tough when you live in a small apartment. But ‘small’ doesn’t necessarily have to mean compact or cramped. Yep, the good news is that there are interior design approved tricks out there to maximise the space you do have, both visually and physically. All it takes is a little know-how and a lot of creativity. With that in mind, here’s how to find more space in a small apartment in 8 simple steps.
Double Duty Furniture
There are some really clever ways you can create space in your apartment involving practical but stylish furniture which boasts hidden storage potential.
Elle Decor points out that this ‘double-duty furniture’ not only looks stylish but gives you great storage options, and we couldn’t agree more with them. Indeed, furniture retailers are catching on, realising that there is a demand for maximising space in properties and are tailoring their offering to suit this. Storage benches or a simple footstool or poof which allows for storage does a great job of fusing the functional with a foolproof storage option.
Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
Collapsible furniture is a fantastic resource that lets you enjoy all the functionality you need from a chair, table, desk or set of drawers, but only when you want it. When the item isn’t in use, you can seriously mitigate the space it takes up by reducing its size until its next outing is required.
Folding dining tables can be pulled away from the wall, used, then simply folded flat and returned to a corner again, whereas collapsible chairs can be folded and slotted under the bed or in a utility cupboard in between uses. It’s this flexibility which is so essential in small spaces, so do endeavour to seek collapsible or folding options as opposed to rigidly standing furniture.
Cut To Size Cabinets
In the quest to maximise space in a small apartment, one cannot overlook the importance of cut to size cabinets. Specifically designed to suit your space requirements, these types of cabinets can be the key to unlocking more room in sometimes compact living quarters.
Their main advantage lies in their customisable nature. They can be designed and built to fit the exact dimensions of your wall or corner, ensuring no precious space goes to waste. Furthermore, these tailored cabinets can be fashioned with numerous compartments, enabling organised storage and reducing clutter. In short, cut to size cabinets are a novel solution worth investing in when attempting to create more space in a small apartment.
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
Not just a great life tip, this applies to small apartments, too. What we mean is that you should prioritise finding storage solutions for the really bulky items as a matter of urgency, rather than worrying about a couple of rogue leads or shampoo bottles.
Because it’s the heavyweight kit which takes up so much room. If you’re a cyclist, for example, the amount of floor space a bicycle takes up is ridiculous, especially when squeezing past the handlebars is taken into account; a recipe for disaster and damage, no doubt.
As the team at Stash Bee, who offer self storage in Leicester, tell us, clever storage solutions for those big, bulky items is vital, so in the case of your trusty commuter-friendly wheels, get it up on a hook, on the wall. As for your cycling kit, just stuff it all in a bag and on the back of the bathroom door. Done!
Stash In The Bathroom
If your bathroom barely manages to play host to the basics, like toiletries and loo roll, without overflow (hmm, perhaps the wrong term there) it’s time to put the minimal space here to better use. Pull-out storage baskets, wall hooks, over-door hangers and shower caddies are all brilliant ways to get more bang for your bathroom-storage buck.
With more storage and hanging options in place, plenty more items can take up permanent residency in the bathroom, thus freeing up space in your bedroom, which let’s be honest, is more of a priority. Just be sure that you exercise a little caution, as there are certain things that shouldn’t be stored in a humid bathroom.
So Niche
If you own a small apartment, you can decide to be more adventurous with permanent fixture adjustments which add space. Taking a few doors off can be a fun way to start, to get a more open-plan vibe working for you, but what about building shelving into all those empty wall niches, too? They might make good wall art display areas, but we’re focusing on space saving here, so populate that wall niche with as many shelves as you can fit, potentially doubling your storage. Floating shelves work best, as they leave a neater finish and look more contemporary. Additionally, consider installing floating tables, which provide functional workspace or dining surfaces without occupying floor space.
Get Crafty In The Kitchen
If you haven’t noticed how much space is wasted in your kitchen cupboards already, you will now we’ve mentioned it. Sorry about that. Indeed, the backs of your cabinet doors can often lay dormant but for a solitary tin of tuna, but really, this area represents prime real estate for integrated bins, shopping bag storage and even spice racks. Talk about practical kitchen improvements that make an aesthetic impact, too.
By clearing the bulky clutter out of the actual cupboards, you’ll be able to keep your surfaces clearer and free up floor space too. Without a freestanding bin, for instance, you’ve created a whole extra corner which you can move around in more effortlessly. And that’s why you’re here right?
You can also put your wall space to better use, by adding a pegboard with hooks that can easily house pans and Tupperware lids, both of which seem to eat up so much cupboard space. Yep, there are so many kitchen storage solutions out there, if only you look.
Not Just A Shoe Rack
We’ve all seen those door-mounted shoe holders with plastic pockets for your favourite footwear, but are you seeing the potential for more? We certainly are. A perfect solution for organising everything from cleaning products to first-aid supplies, medications and even toiletries, they can be hung inside a cupboard door, out of sight but still always within easy reach, and far better than being splayed out on the floor ready to be tripped over.
That’s not to say they don’t work well for shoes. Discarding bulky shoeboxes that need to be stacked and tessellated perfectly will free up an enormous amount of shelf or under-bed space that can be used for other storage needs. Sure, it’s a game of Tetris at every turn, but it’s worth it for the extra room and peace of mind you’ll create.
The Bottom Line
Small apartments don’t need to feel claustrophobic, as long as you decorate and innovate with space-saving initiatives in mind. By freeing up floor and cupboard space using simple tricks and hacks, you’ll lift the burden of clutter from your apartment, making it more peaceful, and most importantly, spacious place to spend time.
The European winter ski season is nearly upon us, with early December traditionally welcoming the requisite snow blanket over The Alps, and in turn heralding the opening of the proverbial gate into the continent’s greatest slopes.
This season is looking like a busy one, with Ski Mag predicted huge snowfall this winter. We don’t blame anyone seeking that sense of escapism after the couple of years we’ve all had, but for those still in the planning stage of their skiing holiday, let’s explore 7 of the best resort villages in the Swiss and French Alps for ski season 24/24.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
We start in Saas-Fee, a place known for both the quality and predictability of its snow. As any keen skier will attest, those two attributes are a perfect mix for a holiday on the slopes.
Nicknamed ‘the pearl of the Alps’, owing to its position amongst 13 peaks including Switzerland’s highest, the Dom, Saas-Fee boasts over 150 kilometres of ski slopes and 1’800 metres of vertical. Whilst this might sound like a hair-raising proposition, Saas-fee is actually well-known for being perfectly suited to beginner and intermediate skiers, with a practice slope and nearly 40 kilometres of beginner slopes.
The resort village itself is car-free, with a luxury ski chalet in Saas-Fee perfectly suited for a skiing holiday with the children… The family that skis together, stays together, after all.
Perched at 1,500 metres in Switzerland’s southwestern Valais canton, Verbier stands as the crown jewel of the 4 Vallées ski area, offering a staggering 410 kilometres of marked runs that cater to every skill level – though it’s particularly renowned for its challenging off-piste terrain that draws expert skiers from around the globe.
The resort has earned its reputation as one of the Alps’ most prestigious destinations, attracting a cosmopolitan mix of serious skiers and glamorous socialites. Mont Fort, reaching an impressive 3,330 metres, serves as the resort’s highest point and offers heart-stopping views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc massif. From here, expert skiers can tackle one of the most challenging black runs in the Alps, while intermediate skiers can find their sweet spot on the numerous red runs that criss-cross the mountain.
But Verbier’s appeal extends well beyond its slopes. The resort village pulses with an electric après-ski scene that rivals St. Moritz and Courchevel, with Le Rouge, Pub Mont Fort, and the infamous Farm Club drawing in crowds until the early hours. The town itself maintains its traditional charm with wooden chalets and cobbled streets, while housing some of Switzerland’s most exclusive boutiques and restaurants. Whether you’re seeking extreme skiing, luxurious accommodation, or simply that perfect Swiss Alpine atmosphere, Verbier delivers on all fronts.
Laax, Switzerland
If that all sounds a little pedestrian for you, then perhaps you might want to head north-east to Laax, which has been voted as the ‘World’s Best Freestyle Resort’ at the World Ski Awards for six years on the bounce.
Because of this, Laax has become one of the coolest (and that’s not just the temperature!) ski resorts in the world, populated by pros who head here to have a go on Laxx’s halfpipe, the world’s largest.
Here, the skiing happens in the midst of the Vorab Glacier (over 3’000 metres at its summit) and on the 225 kilometres of slopes, runs and trails of Vorab and four other interconnected mountains.
Laax is also revered for its environmental credentials, with the resort pioneering the concept of ‘greenstyle’, which aims to see the resort become the world’s first to be totally self-sufficient and use 100% sustainable resources. Bravo to that, we say!
Away from the slopes and half-pipes, Laax is also ideal for winter hiking and is home to some of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes.
Espace Killy, France
Named after Val d’Isere native and three-time Winter Olympic medal winner Jean Claude-Killy, Espace Killy combines the two iconic resorts of Val d’Isere and Tignes, coupling 300km of downhill skiing.
Situated close to the Italian border, Espace Killy is defined by the Grande Motte Glacier at its summit, which rises some 3600 metres above the group of villages that make up this high altitude ski resort.
In Tignes, the action is focused around Val Claret; the highest village at 2’300 metres and with direct access to the slopes (there are five lifts here, all within a few minutes of each other), as well as plenty of bars. In fact, there are two nightclubs in town notorious for debauchery, the Blue Girl and the Melting Pot.
Speaking of debauchery, Tigne’s sibling Val D’isère is famous on the snow circuit for its raucous apres-ski, a reputation which is defined largely by globally celebrated apres-ski bar La Folie Douce, where a level of impropriety is actively encouraged. It’s even earned Val D’isère the nickname of being ‘Ibiza on the Snow’.
It’s also here where you’ll find the infamous black downhill run, La Face. So, whether you’re looking to get off your face or tackle La Face, you’ll find Espace Killy an incredibly satisfying place.
Another collection of Tarentaise Valley resorts with a quirky name, Paradiski primarily encompasses La Plagne, Les Arcs and Peisey Vallandry. The former is particularly good for beginners and intermediate skiers, as it’s home to plenty of gentle runs and the longest ‘funslope’ in Europe, as well as a 1500m Olympic Bobsleigh which is now open to the public.
For something a little more full-throttle, the ski resort of Les Arcs was the first of its kind in Europe, boasting ski-in and out apartment access as standard and plenty of hair raising descents.
If you’re planning a ski holiday in Paradiski, it’s important to know that the villages here are, rather prosaically, named numerically. The original village, for instance, is Arc 1600, and the most party-heavy is Arc 1800. In Arc 2000, on the other hand, the ice bar known as Igloo Village attracts tourists to its freezing cold climes for cocktails and traditional Savoyard fare.
Nestled in the Tarentaise Valley of the Alps is Meribel, a ski resort which is part of the Three Valleys Ski area, the largest on earth with 600km of piste. It’s particularly suited to beginners, with green runs making up around a tenth of the total offering here, and the Easy Rider slopes safe and accessible for all.
Ski season here lasts from early December to late April, and if you’re after a longer holiday with a greater frequency of challenging runs, Meribel is perfectly positioned between Courchevel and Val Thorens. That said, accommodation here is particularly lovely, andis a touch more affordable than its neighbouring resorts. When combined with the easy links between the Three Valleys ski resorts, this makes Meribel the perfect launchpad to hit the superb slopes of this region.
We finish, somewhat topsy-turvily, at the summit of the highest winter sports area in the Alps, Switzerland’s Zermatt. Here, altitudes reach almost 4’000 metres, with the resort resting in the shadow – or, rather, bathing in the glory – of the Matterhorn with Italy on the other side. In fact, at 3’295 metres in altitude, you’ll find the legendary Theodul Pass, which allows you to descend from Switzerland’s side of the Matterhorn down into Italy via a spectacular sloping trail.
So spectacular it is, that we’ve run out of superlatives and energy to ski onwards. Now, where’s the best bar for a spot of apres-ski?
There’s something almost poetic about exploring Italy by bicycle. Perhaps it’s the way the morning mist clings to Tuscan cypress trees as you climb yet another hill, or how the Ligurian Sea sparkles beyond each hairpin bend of the Cinque Terre.
In a country where life moves at a speed that entirely depends on when you had your last espresso, cycling offers a rhythm that feels just right – fast enough to cover ground, slow enough to absorb every detail.
And you can only, truly absorb every detail if your mind isn’t fixated on plotting your next move the whole damn time. We’re here to lighten the load, metaphorically speaking, and help you get ahead with the planning side of things, so you can luxuriate in that feeling of the open road properly, fully and without tedious distraction.
With that in mind, here are some suggested itineraries that piece together sections of Italy’s most beautiful roads, many immortalised in the country’s great cycling races. You’re in for one hell of a ride…
The Chianti Classic
Route: Florence to Siena loop (suggested itinerary)
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Duration: 3-5 days
IDEAL for: Intermediate cyclists who appreciate combining cultural visits with their riding. The route offers plenty of opportunities to stop at historic towns, vineyards, and local restaurants, making it perfect for those who view cycling as part of a broader Italian experience rather than purely about covering distance.
This suggested route through Tuscany’s undulating landscape incorporates sections of the famous Strade Bianche race, known as “Italy’s most beautiful race”. The white gravel roads that give the race its name create one of cycling’s most spectacular one-day events each March, when professional riders battle over the steep hills of Siena province. Our leisure-paced itinerary follows some of these iconic gravel sections while also taking in the classic Tuscan landscape between Florence and Siena.
The route can be customised to your preferences, but we suggest including the stretch through Gaiole in Chianti, where the famous L’Eroica vintage cycling event starts each October. This non-competitive celebration of cycling heritage attracts thousands of enthusiasts riding pre-1987 bikes along the historic white roads. It’s also massively popular with motorcyclists.
Insider Tip: The majority of cycling tours in Italy are timed for May or September, to avoid both the summer heat and crowds. The morning light in these months is particularly magical for cycling through the Tuscan countryside, and you’ll find many agriturismi (farm stays) more readily available for overnight stops.
IDEAL for: Experienced cyclists and climbing enthusiasts who relish steep ascents and technical descents. This route is best suited to those with good fitness levels and experience in mountain riding.
This challenging circuit incorporates some of the most famous climbs in professional cycling. The Passo Giau (2236m), regularly featured in the Giro d’Italia, was the scene of Egan Bernal’s epic solo victory in the 2021 edition through the snow. The Passo Falzarego (2105m), another Giro favourite, has been crossed more than 40 times in the race’s history.
You can adapt this route to your abilities by choosing which passes to tackle – the classic combination of Giau and Falzarego makes for an unforgettable day, while adding the Passo Pordoi (2239m), known as the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’, creates an even more epic challenge. This pass has been crossed more times than any other in Giro history and hosts the Cima Coppi (highest point) of the race when included in the route.
Insider Tip: Start your ride no later than 7am to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the Dolomites during summer months. Always carry a lightweight waterproof jacket and arm warmers, as temperatures can vary dramatically between valleys and mountain passes.
Sicily’s Coastal Circuit
Route: to Cefalù (suggested itinerary incorporating Giro di Sicilia routes)
This suggested itinerary pieces together sections of the Giro di Sicilia race route, including parts of the dramatic coastal road that regularly features in this spring stage race. The route through the Madonie Mountains follows roads used in the 2023 edition, where Damiano Caruso thrilled local fans with a decisive attack on the final climb.
The beauty of this route is its flexibility – you can follow the flatter coastal sections for easier riding, or challenge yourself on the inland climbs that have tested professional riders in both the Giro di Sicilia and the Giro d’Italia’s Sicilian stages.
Insider Tip: The coastal roads can get busy with traffic, particularly in summer. Plan to tackle these sections early in the morning and save the quieter inland routes for later in the day. Local cyclists recommend carrying extra water during the summer months, as drinking fountains are less common than in northern Italy.
Route: Conegliano to Valdobbiadene (following sections of the Giro d’Italia time trial route)
Distance: 60 km
Duration: 1 day
IDEAL for: Wine enthusiasts and photographers who enjoy a challenging day ride. This route suits cyclists who appreciate a good climb followed by a rewarding glass of Italy’s finest sparkling wine.
This route follows parts of the spectacular 2020 Giro d’Italia time trial course, where Filippo Ganna powered to victory through the UNESCO-listed Prosecco vineyards. Known locally as the ‘Strada del Prosecco’, these roads have also featured in the Giro Rosa (now the Women’s Giro d’Italia), offering challenging climbing among some of Italy’s most prestigious wine estates.
Insider Tip: Book your vineyard visits in advance, as many require reservations. The best time to cycle this route is during the harvest season (late August to early October) when the vines are heavy with grapes and the whole region buzzes with activity.
The Great Lakes Tour
Route: Lake Como to Lake Garda (suggested itinerary incorporating Il Lombardia routes)
Distance: 180 km
Duration: 2-3 days
IDEAL for: Confident cyclists who enjoy varied terrain and dramatic scenery. Perfect for those who want to combine challenging riding with opportunities to explore historic lakeside villages and elegant villas.
This suggested route connects two of Italy’s most famous lakes via roads that have witnessed some of cycling’s greatest moments. The section around Lake Como incorporates parts of Il Lombardia’s finale, including the famous Madonna del Ghisallo climb – a chapel at its summit serves as cycling’s spiritual home and houses a fascinating museum of cycling history. The route to Lake Garda can be customised to include varying degrees of challenge, from the gentle lakeside roads to more testing climbs in the pre-Alpine foothills.
Insider Tip: The roads around Lake Como can get extremely busy, especially on weekends. Plan your departure from Como for early Sunday morning when traffic is at its lightest, and consider taking the ferry across some sections of the lakes to avoid the busiest stretches of road.
The Bottom Line
While these suggested routes piece together some of Italy’s most beautiful cycling roads, they should be viewed as starting points for planning your own adventure. The joy of cycling in Italy lies in the flexibility to adapt your route based on your interests and ability – whether that means tackling the same legendary climbs as your cycling heroes or meandering through quiet backroads in search of the perfect gelato stop.
There’s something about Bristol that makes it particularly well-suited to the Sunday roast. Maybe it’s the city’s knack for taking tradition and giving it a gentle twist, or perhaps it’s the wealth of produce from the surrounding West Country farms. Whatever the reason, this city has elevated the humble Sunday lunch into something of an art form.
From cosy neighborhood pubs to sophisticated, sustainable restaurants keen to cash in on the week’s easiest service, moody basement steakhouses to Spanish-inflected feasts, Bristol’s Sunday roast scene reflects the city’s wonderfully diverse culinary landscape. You’ll find everything from classic beef with Yorkshire pudding to innovative sharing platters with Iberian accents, all united by a commitment to quality that’s made booking a Sunday table in Bristol an increasingly competitive sport.
Whether you’re after a traditional pub roast or something more adventurous, these are the spots that make Sunday lunch in Bristol worth getting out of bed for. Just remember to book ahead – these places fill up fast, and in some cases, you might need to plan several months in advance. But trust us, they’re worth the wait.
Anyway, enough pre-amble; our beef is beginning to sweat under the heat lamps. Here are the best Sunday roasts in Bristol.
The Clifton, Clifton Village
Here’s something of a Bristol success story: having only opened its doors in July 2023, The Clifton managed to bag itself a Bib Gourmand within seven months – no mean feat for a new opening.
Though the pub itself may be fresh to Bristol’s ever burgeoning culinary scene, the pedigree behind the place certainly isn’t. Owners Sarah and Tom Watts-Jones crossed the Severn from their acclaimed Welsh pubs (the Heathcock in Cardiff and the Hare & Hounds in Aberthin), bringing with them Cory Scott, former Sous Chef at the Hare & Hounds, to head up the kitchen. Their brand of unpretentious, locally-focused cooking has already found its feet in one of Bristol’s most charming neighborhoods.
The dining room sets the scene perfectly: high ceilings, sage-paneled walls, and huge windows flooding at least the front of the space with natural light (the dining room further back, it has to be said, gets a touch dusky). Bare wooden tables adorned with wildflower posies and flickering candles strike just the right balance between refined and relaxed. It’s exactly the kind of place you want to while away a Sunday afternoon.
The roast menu here is appealingly focused: Hereford sirloin with horseradish, Torgelly Farm lamb with mint sauce, or stuffed Gothelney pork belly with apple sauce. Yep, all the meat has a reassuring proper noun attached, and each comes with duck fat potatoes that achieve that perfect balance of crisp exterior and fluffy interior. The Yorkshire puddings – also cooked in duck fat – are available separately for an additional £2.50 if you want an extra (and trust us, you do).
Don’t skip the sides here – the Hafod cauliflower cheese (£6) is a standout, made with Welsh cheddar that gives it a proper tang, while the buttered hispi provides a welcome green contrast to all that richness. If it weren’t for the buttered bit, obvs. Regardless, everything is cooked over their custom-made Parrilla grill, adding subtle notes of smoke that elevate the whole experience.
The absolute highlight though? Come game season (right about now, then) whole Yorkshire grouse is roasted to gently pink perfection, and served with bread sauce and game chips. Oh yes.
Whole Roast Yorkshire Grouse
Anyway, before diving into the main event, consider starting with some Porlock oysters or the particularly good chicken livers with creamed spinach on toast. And save room for dessert – the pear soufflé with milk ice cream currently on the menu (and hopefully remaining for autumn into winter) is well worth planning ahead for.
The wine list is an inclusive affair befitting of the city and the meal, with an impressive selection by the glass (starting at just £5.70) and carafe that leans heavily on French and Italian producers. For something more local, there’s always a rotating selection of ales at the bar.
The Sunday roast at The Clifton runs from midday until 4pm, then again from 6pm until 9:30pm, with main courses – there’s a vegetarian and fish dish, too – ranging from £24-£28. The menu changes regularly based on what’s best from their network of local suppliers and their own smallholding, so don’t be disappointed if that pear soufflé is no longer on!
Booking ahead is essential – this is rapidly becoming one of Bristol’s most sought-after Sunday spots.
If you want a measure of just how good The Bank Tavern’s Sunday roast is, consider this: when they reopened their booking system on New Year’s Day 2024, every single Sunday slot for the entire year was gone within two hours.
This tiny pub in Bristol’s Old City, which has stood since the 1800s, made national headlines after winning Observer Food Monthly’s best Sunday roast in 2019, turning what was already a six-month waiting list into a four-year backlog.
But what makes a roast worth such an epic wait? It starts on Wednesdays, when the bones are roasted for the gravy – and yes, refills of this liquid gold come as standard once Sunday rolls around. The menu is refreshingly simple: 30-day aged rare topside of beef, braised free-range pork belly, or a vegetable and lentil loaf for the plant-based crowd. Each arrives with the full array of trimmings: Yorkshire pudding (properly puffed), roast potatoes (properly crisp), and seasonal vegetables including parsnip purée, creamy leeks, and cider-balsamic braised shallots.
With just seven tables and three sittings each Sunday, intimacy is guaranteed in this historic space that some claim could be Bristol’s oldest pub. The setting is everything you want from a proper boozer – well-worn and welcoming, with none of the pretense you might expect from somewhere serving food of this calibre.
Head chef Balazs Kovacs, brings years of Bristol kitchen experience to bear, starts with carefully sourced West Country ingredients and treats them with the reverence they deserve. The starters change weekly – you might find duck breast with kohlrabi and raspberry vinaigrette, or tikka cod with shallot pakora – while desserts like leche frita with honey ice cream ensure you won’t need dinner.
At £27.95 for three courses (or £24.95 for two), it’s remarkably good value for cooking of this standard. Just don’t skip the sides – at £4 each, the extra roast potatoes and creamy leeks are a glutton’s dream. That’s us; we are the gluttons. For those less indulgent, you can have just the roast round, too, for a keenly priced £18.95. Decisions, decisions…
For those without the patience (or foresight) to book ahead, there’s always the slim chance of nabbing a table from a no-show if you happen to be passing. Otherwise, keep an eye on their social media for cancellations – or start planning for 2025.
Great restaurants often have unexpected origins. When Louise McCrimmon’s 23-year career as executive chef at Harvey Nichols Bristol was cut short by the pandemic, she turned challenge into opportunity, spotting her local pub in pretty Bristol suburb Henbury up for sale.
Together with husband Ian and neighbors Nicola and Peter Gilbert, she took over The Blaise Inn in December 2021. Within nine months, they had a Bib Gourmand from Michelin, and by 2024, they’d been voted Bristol’s best Sunday roast by Bristol Live readers with a whopping 41% of the vote.
Housed in a beautiful 17th-century building near the gates of Blaise Castle Estate, the pub has been thoughtfully updated with a slate-blue bar, metro tiling, and antique brass fittings, while the dining room glows in rich crimson, decorated with oil paintings. There are still cushioned circular stools orbiting a mismatch of tables and Arbor on tap. It’s still a pub, and it’s exactly the kind of place you want to find after a Sunday morning walk around the estate.
McCrimmon’s classical French training shows in the attention to detail on the Sunday menu. The roast rump of beef arrives with a burnished shallot and punchy horseradish sauce, while the cider-roasted pork belly comes with generous stuffing and house-made apple sauce. For vegetarians, the sweet potato, goats cheese and walnut parcel proves this kitchen takes the meat-free option as seriously as the rest.
Images via @theBlaiseInn
All roasts come with golden-crisp chicken fat potatoes (vegetarian alternatives available, naturally), cauliflower cheese, buttered greens and seasonal vegetables, plus Yorkshire puddings that dominate the plate in the best possible way. But it’s the little touches that elevate things here – the cider and balsamic braise that gives real vitality to those shallots, the parsnip purée that’s silken smooth.
The starters change regularly, but you might find a velvety pumpkin and orange soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, or a more luxurious half pint of shell-on prawns with watercress and lemon aioli. Save room for pudding though – the chocolate orange pot with Chantilly cream and candied orange seems engineered for Sunday afternoon comfort, while the cheese board showcases the best of the region with Bath Soft and Westcombe Cheddar among others. Phwoar.
At £19 for the beef (other roasts from £15), with starters at £6.50-£8.50 and desserts around £8, it’s sensibly priced for cooking of this quality. The well-chosen wine list and selection of local ales complete what has quickly become one of Bristol’s essential Sunday lunch spots. It’s also now one of our IDEAL 22 Bristol restaurants – surely the biggest accolade of the lot.
The Alma Tavern wears many hats – it’s home to what’s believed to be the oldest pub theatre outside London, offers luxury rooms upstairs, and has been part of Zazu’s Pubs’ thoughtfully curated family of Bristol venues since 2017. But on Sundays, all eyes turn to the kitchen, where head chef Tim Woodhead and executive chef Charlie Hurrell have developed a roast that helped earn this Clifton stalwart second place in that city-wide poll from Bristol Live we’ve already mentioned.
Their approach is refreshingly straightforward: take a classic roast and give it that extra touch that elevates it beyond the ordinary. The rare rolled topside of beef, for instance, comes with its own beef shin ragu, while the braised pork belly is accompanied by a smoked cheddar and leek croquette. Even the chicken supreme gets special treatment with a house-made apricot stuffing. It’s this attention to detail that’s really welcome in a meal out that can sometimes feel one dimensional and phoned in.
Not so here. For the plant-based crowd, there’s real thought behind the butternut squash, leek, butterbean and rosemary filo parcel, too – a proper main rather than an afterthought. All roasts come with the expected trimmings: Yorkshire pudding, rosemary and thyme roasted potatoes, seasonal greens and roasted roots, with everything getting its own gravy (gluten-free alternatives available if you ask nicely).
The sides here deserve their own paragraph – the cauliflower cheese (£6) is exemplary, a real umami-laden affair, while the seasonal greens come lifted with almonds and confit garlic. But it’s the truffled mac ‘n’ cheese, topped with sourdough breadcrumbs, that really shows the kitchen’s fun side.
Desserts keep things classic but considered – the white chocolate ganache slice comes with raspberry and pomegranate gel and a boozy cherry compote that makes perfect sense of the combination. There’s a plum and Cointreau crumble too, if you’re after something warming and boozy.
Speaking of boozy, the drinks list matches this small pub’s big ambition, with local ales from Arbor and Bristol Beer Factory on tap, and a thoughtfully assembled wine list that leans toward good value European options. And if you’re a student? Show your ID and they’ll throw in a free Bloody Mary with your roast – though they warn you’ll be charged if you leave it unfinished, which seems only fair. Fair, and weird…
At £19.50 for the beef (other roasts from £14), this is honest pricing for cooking of this quality. Book ahead for one of their Sunday sessions between 12pm and 4:30pm – and maybe stick around for whatever’s playing in the theatre upstairs.
This restaurant, tucked away a floor below street level beneath The Commercial Rooms (a ‘Spoons) on Corn Street, has been serving up top-notch, meat-heavy British fare since its inception just over a decade ago. The Ox has quickly built a reputation as one of the best steak purveyors in Bristol, offering a menu brimming with the choicest cuts of meat, all cooked over coals in a rugged but refined way in the restaurant’s central Josper oven.
The Ox’s location, steeped in history, adds to its charm. Corn Street, along with Broad Street, Wine Street and High Street, were once the four cross streets that met at the Bristol High Cross, the heart of Bristol when it was a walled mediaeval town. Today, this historic street is home to The Ox, a restaurant that aims to blend tradition with modernity.
The basement setting offers an intimate dining experience, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. Unsurprisingly, the Ox do a wicked Sunday roast, but also welcome is the kitchen’s more than capable hand in the fish department. Their scallops, roasted in the shell and dressed with a selection of butters (heads up; the kimchi butter isn’t the one), make a fine starter before the carnivores close in.
Individual roasts are pitched at the premium end of Bristol’s Sunday scene – their dry-aged Buxton’s beef rump and slow-roasted porchetta sitting in the low-to-mid twenties – but it’s the sharing options that really show what the kitchen can do. A charcoal-roasted beef sirloin and porchetta combo arrives with roast bone marrow, onions and parmesan for the table to share, while the showstopping 30oz T-bone or bone-in rib of beef with horseradish is firmly in special occasion territory at three figures.
Start with something from their small plates – the roast bone marrow with caramelized onion, parmesan and sourdough toast is a steal at eleven quid, or splash out on those grilled scallops in the shell with garlic butter for a couple of pounds more. The Ox cured meat board makes a fine sharing starter, loaded with Cotswold salami, coppa, pork & pistachio terrine, rabbit rillettes, and pickles.
Sides are equally considered – triple-cooked chips, proper mac ‘n’ cheese, and Somerset new potatoes all complement the main event without breaking the bank. All roasts come properly garnished with roast potatoes, roast carrots, braised red cabbage, leeks & greens, and Yorkshire pudding.
The basement setting, with its intimate lighting and exposed brick walls, makes for particularly atmospheric Sunday lunching. The drinks list matches the food’s ambition, especially in the ‘Red Wine Made for Steak’ section. Here you’ll find gems like the Indalba Brai Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa with its notes of cooked fruit and, erm, “barbecue grit”, or the more accessible La Mascota Malbec available by both glass (£6) and bottle (£40). For special occasions, their ‘Statements’ section includes some serious Champagnes, topped by the Dom Perignon 2013 for those really pushing the boat out.
The Ox’s Sunday service runs from midday until 5pm. Yes, you’re in premium steakhouse territory when it comes to the bill, but you’re paying for top-quality ingredients and serious cooking in an atmospheric setting. This is destination dining for Sunday lunch – especially if you’re looking to impress.
When Sam Elliott opened Pasture in 2018, he brought something different to Bristol’s steakhouse scene – a celebration of fire-based cooking that has since spawned siblings in Cardiff and Birmingham. While the restaurant’s bread and butter might be its theatrical steaks (displayed with pride in gleaming aging cabinets), Sundays see this passion for premium meat translated into one of the city’s most ambitious roast offerings.
The low-lit space, with its flagstone floors and open kitchen showcasing the charcoal grills, sets the scene for what’s to come. Their Sunday roast arrives as an abundant spread: a dry-aged sirloin of beef rolled and roasted over fire and served pink (coming in at a shade over £25), or a slow-cooked lamb shoulder designed for sharing at £58 (enough for two or more to feast on). For the truly committed, there’s their ‘House Cuts’ – any of their signature steaks served Sunday-style, including the prized châteaubriand or the show-stopping ‘dinosaur’ tomahawk, both priced by weight and designed for sharing.
Everything comes with proper trimmings: golden, shatteringly crisp roast potatoes, a rich spinach and leek gratin, seasonal greens, braised red cabbage, Yorkshire puddings, and bottomless gravy. The sides deserve special mention – the cauliflower cheese and ‘cabbage in the coals’ offering smoky depth to complement the main event for a modest additional charge.
The attention to detail extends to the drinks list. Their digestif menu is particularly strong – perhaps end with a glass of Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos, or their house-made limoncello. For something more indulgent, the salted caramel martini makes a decadent alternative to dessert (though at £8.95, their actual dessert menu, featuring treats like the chocolate dome with molten caramel sauce, is hard to resist).
This is Sunday lunch taken seriously – you’ll need to book well in advance, with tables often snapped up a month ahead, especially for prime times. While the pricing puts it firmly in special occasion territory, the quality of the meat, the generosity of the portions, and the theatrical presentation make it worth saving up for.
Just eleven miles from Bristol’s centre in Cleeve, The Maple Lounge stands as a testament to the power of keeping things local. This modern, family-friendly spot, complete with its namesake maple trees outside, has built its reputation on championing South West producers – from Somerset cheeses to Bristol-distilled gins and meats from the farms of nearby Nailsea. What’s not to love?
Their Sunday offering reflects this commitment to local sourcing. The roast menu leads with a tender local beef sirloin served medium rare, while the roast pork comes with all the traditional accompaniments including proper sausage stuffing. For the indecisive (or the particularly hungry), their trio of roasts lets you sample all three meats – beef sirloin, pork, and chicken – along with their respective trimmings.
Every roast arrives with a generous spread of sides: crisp roast potatoes, seasonal greens, roasted carrots, beetroot, butternut squash purée, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding, and rich gravy. The attention to detail extends to their extras menu – an additional Yorkshire pudding will set you back less than the price of a coffee, while their cauliflower cheese makes a worthy supplementary side.
For those seeking something different, their Sunday menu also features some appealing alternatives. The beetroot wellington offers a thoughtful vegetarian option, while their Maple Classic Burger keeps burger enthusiasts happy with its cured streaky bacon and cheddar cheese. The fish and chips, complete with curry sauce and minted peas, provides a taste of the British seaside on a Sunday, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Start with something light – perhaps their soup of the day with crusty bread, or the heritage tomato and chutney tart. The baked camembert for sharing makes an indulgent beginning if you’re dining as a group. They’re particularly accommodating of families, offering smaller portions for children, and most dishes can be adapted for gluten-free diners.
At £20 for the beef (other roasts from £18), this is honest pricing for cooking that takes its ingredients seriously. Their Sunday service runs from noon until 4:30pm, offering a relaxed setting for a family lunch or a pit stop if you’re exploring attractions like Goblin Coombe or heading to Bristol Airport. Just remember to book ahead – and yes, dogs are welcome both inside and out. Woof.
There’s something reassuring about a restaurant that’s been doing the same thing well for over two decades. The Clifton Sausage, which opened in 2002, has stuck steadfastly to its winning formula of hearty British classics served in unpretentious surroundings. Owner Simon Quarrie, who started as head chef 18 years ago before buying the business with his wife Joy in 2014, maintains the same high standards that have kept locals coming back.
The Sunday menu strikes that sweet spot between quality and value. Their standard roasts (sirloin of Somerset beef, slow-roasted Old Spot pork belly, or the vegetarian wild mushroom and chestnut option) form the backbone of the menu, while the signature Clifton Roast – which adds a modest £5 supplement for its generous combination of beef, pork belly, roast turkey, stuffing and a pig in blanket – caters to more ambitious appetites.
Starters set you back less than a decent glass of wine – their roast plum tomato and basil soup or warm goats cheese tart hovering around the £6-7 mark – while sides show similar restraint at £4 for cauliflower cheese or seasonal greens. It’s this kind of sensible pricing that makes their two-course offer at £24.50 (or three for £29.50) feel like genuinely good value.
All roasts come generously garnished with proper roast potatoes, braised red cabbage, seasonal greens and carrots, Yorkshire pudding, and rich gravy. The dining room, with its pine tables, warm yellow and sky-blue walls, and natural candle light, cultivates exactly the right atmosphere for a long Sunday lunch. It’s a place that’s mastered the art of being classy without being snooty – helped no doubt by affable bar manager Bob Cagney, who’s been perfecting the welcome here for 19 years.
And while you might be tempted by the traditional roasts, their namesake dishes shouldn’t be overlooked on Sundays. The sausage menu (where mains come in slightly cheaper than the roasts) offers choices from their signature Clifton with pork, cider and wholegrain mustard to more adventurous options like duck, plum and ginger, all served with your choice of mash or champ (the latter is just the ticket for us) and proper onion gravy.
The wine list is particularly accessible, with over thirty options available by the glass (including champagne), and the staff are happy to let you try before you buy. Finish with their sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream – a dessert that’s achieved near-legendary status among regulars.
Since 2002, the Bar 44 brothers have been building one of Britain’s leading Spanish hospitality groups, but it wasn’t until 2018 that they brought their unique take on Spanish food to Bristol. Housed in a beautifully refurbished old bank in Clifton Village, complete with two transformed bank vaults for private dining, they’ve created something rather special – especially on Sundays, when their Spanish-inflected roasts have become one of the city’s most Instagrammed meals.
This isn’t your standard Sunday lunch. The roasts here come as sharing platters for two, with every element showing a creative Iberian twist. Their 35-day dry-aged picanha of Hereford beef (for two at £44) arrives with what might be Bristol’s most interesting Yorkshire pudding – filled with chorizo – while the slow-roasted Duroc pork belly (£39 for two) offers a similarly sophisticated take on the classic.
The accompaniments showcase the kitchen’s skill at bridging British and Spanish traditions: jamón fat roast potatoes with rosemary, garlic and thyme, manchego cauliflower cheese, and hispi cabbage enriched with jamón butter. Even the red wine gravy shows serious depth, while their burnt apple sauce makes the perfect foil for the pork. Vegetarians aren’t forgotten, with a celeriac steak option that gets the same careful treatment.
The Spanish influence extends well beyond the food. The drinks list is one of the most interesting in Bristol, with an exceptional sherry selection that includes their own UVA 44 Manzanilla. There’s a thoughtfully chosen Spanish wine list too, while their choice of six different sangrias (by the glass or pitcher) offers a more relaxed way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
The dining room, with its striking artwork from Spanish artist Andi Rivas, makes a dramatic setting for this Anglo-Spanish feast. While the prices put this firmly in special occasion territory, the generous portions and exceptional quality of ingredients justify the investment. Just make sure to book well ahead – these roasts have developed quite the following on social media, and tables aren’t easy to come by.
Yes, that was us. We also mentioned Christmas. As the festive season approaches, the hunt for the perfect gift begins in earnest, with all the stress, strain and eleventh hour shopping that involves.
Jewellery, with its timeless appeal and personal touch, remains a favourite (see: easy) choice for many. This year, the trends in jewellery are as dazzling as ever, blending classic elegance with contemporary flair. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, here are the key jewellery trends to look out for this Christmas.
Sustainable & Ethical Jewellery
Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a movement that’s reshaping the jewellery industry. This Christmas, more people are opting for pieces that are not only beautiful but also ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. Look for brands that use recycled metals, conflict-free diamonds, and fair-trade gemstones. These pieces often come with a story, adding an extra layer of meaning to your gift.
Name Necklaces
Name necklaces have surged in popularity, becoming a cherished trend for their personal and sentimental value. These pieces, often crafted in elegant scripts or bold block letters, allow you to wear your name or the name of a loved one close to your heart. They can be customised in various metals, including gold (still the most enduringly popular choice), silver, and rose gold, and sometimes adorned with small gemstones for an extra touch of sparkle.
A gold name necklace, in particular, isn’t only a stylish accessory but also a meaningful gift that celebrates identity and connection. This Christmas, a name necklace can be a thoughtful and intimate present, perfect for showing someone special just how much they mean to you.
Personalised Pieces
Personalisation continues to be a significant trend, making jewellery gifts even more special. From initials and names to birthstones and zodiac signs, personalised jewellery allows you to create a unique piece that reflects the recipient’s personality. Consider custom-engraved pendants, bracelets with meaningful dates (perhaps, you know, the big December 25th), or rings featuring birthstones for a truly bespoke gift.
Bold & Colourful Gemstones
This season, it’s all about making a statement with bold and colourful gemstones. Rich hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red are particularly popular, adding a festive touch to any outfit, even a Christmas jumper. Multi-coloured gemstone pieces are also in vogue, offering a vibrant and playful alternative to traditional jewellery. These eye-catching pieces are perfect for those who love to stand out.
Vintage & Retro Styles
Nostalgia is a powerful trend, and vintage-inspired jewellery is making a strong comeback, and what’s more kitsch than Christmas?
Think art deco designs, Victorian-era motifs, and retro styles from the ’60s and ’70s. These pieces often feature intricate detailing and unique craftsmanship, making them a thoughtful and timeless gift. Vintage jewellery not only adds a touch of elegance but also tells a story, making it a cherished keepsake.
Layering & Stacking
Layering and stacking remain popular trends, allowing for a personalised and versatile look. Delicate necklaces of varying lengths, stackable rings, and mix-and-match bracelets offer endless possibilities for creating a unique style. This trend is perfect for those who love to experiment with their jewellery and create different looks for different occasions.
Pearls With A Modern Twist
Pearls are a classic choice, but this season they come with a modern twist. Think asymmetrical designs, baroque pearls, and pieces that combine pearls with other materials like gold and silver. These contemporary takes on a timeless gem add a touch of sophistication and elegance, making them a perfect gift for someone with a refined sense of taste.
Mixed Metals
Gone are the days when you had to choose between gold and silver. This season, mixing metals is not only acceptable but encouraged. Jewellery that combines different metals, such as gold, silver, and rose gold, offers a contemporary and versatile look. This trend allows for greater flexibility in styling and ensures that the piece will complement any wardrobe.
Nature-Inspired Designs
Finally, nature-inspired jewellery is another trend that’s gaining popularity. Pieces featuring floral motifs, leaves, and animal designs bring a touch of the natural world into your jewellery collection. These designs often have a whimsical and organic feel, making them a delightful gift for nature lovers. Expect this one to be even bigger in 2025.
The Bottom Line
This Christmas, the jewellery trends are as diverse as they are dazzling. From sustainable and personalised pieces to bold gemstones and vintage styles, there’s something to suit every taste and style. Whether you opt for a timeless classic or a contemporary statement piece, jewellery remains a gift that speaks volumes. So, as you embark on your festive shopping, let these trends guide you in finding the perfect piece that will light up the season and bring joy to your loved ones.
We’ve all been there – that bittersweet moment when you’re heading home from the Lake District, already dreaming of your return. Perhaps you’ve found yourself wondering: why leave at all? If those majestic fells and glittering waters have captured your heart, here are seven spectacular spots where you might just want to put down roots.
Keswick: The Cultural Hub With Mountain Views
Nestled between the mighty Skiddaw and the serene Derwentwater, Keswick offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and market town charm. Its thriving arts scene, with the Theatre by the Lake and countless galleries, means you’ll never be short of cultural stimulation. The twice-weekly market has been running since 1276, and you’ll find everything from artisanal cheeses to locally crafted jewellery. The robust tourism industry means plenty of employment opportunities, whilst excellent schools make it ideal for families.
A Local’s Insight: “The secret to living in Keswick is knowing the quiet spots. While tourists flock to Derwentwater’s main beaches, locals head to the secluded eastern shore for peaceful picnics. And don’t miss Thursday nights at the Dog & Gun – that’s when all the mountain guides gather to swap stories over Cumberland sausage and tatties.”
Cockermouth: Georgian Elegance Meets Modern Living
Don’t let its amusing name fool you – Cockermouth is one of Cumbria’s hidden gems. Wordsworth’s birthplace boasts immaculately preserved Georgian architecture, independent shops, and a flourishing food scene. The town sits just outside the National Park boundary, meaning property prices are more reasonable than in the heart of the Lakes. Yet you’re still only a stone’s throw from Buttermere and Crummock Water, some of the region’s most spectacular lakes.
A Local’s Insight: “The best thing about Cockermouth is how the seasons change our routines. Summer evenings are spent in beer gardens along the River Cocker, while winters mean cosy afternoons in The New Bookshop with their legendary hot chocolate. And always get your veg from the Friday market – Sandra’s organic stall has been feeding local families for generations.”
Kendal: The Gateway To The Lakes
Known as the ‘Auld Grey Town’ thanks to its limestone buildings, Kendal offers the perfect compromise between urban amenities and rural charm. With excellent transport links to Manchester and London, it’s ideal for those who need to maintain connections with bigger cities. The town’s rich history is evident in its medieval ruins and Victorian architecture, whilst its contemporary arts centre and thriving festival scene keep things decidedly current.
A Local’s Insight: “Everyone thinks Kendal Mint Cake is our claim to fame, but there’s so much more to food here. The Farmers’ Market at the end of each month is where you’ll find the real treats – especially the Kendal Creamy cheese from Winter Tarn farm. And if you’re commuting, the trick is to catch the 7:42 train – it’s always less crowded than the 8:15.”
If you want to be in the thick of it, Ambleside delivers. This bustling town sits at the head of Windermere, surrounded by fells and waterfalls. Yes, it gets busy with tourists, but there’s a reason they come – the location is unbeatable. The community is tight-knit, with many independent businesses and a strong outdoor sports scene. The University of Cumbria campus adds a youthful energy, whilst the countless hiking and climbing opportunities on your doorstep mean adventure is always calling.
A Local’s Insight: “Living in Ambleside, you learn to embrace the rain – we call it ‘liquid sunshine’. The real local hangout is the Golden Rule pub, unchanged since the 1930s. Skip the tourist cafes and head to Rattle Ghyll for your morning coffee – that’s where you’ll find all the mountain guides planning their day.”
Ulverston: Coastal Charm With A Festival Spirit
This market town near the Furness Peninsula offers a different take on Cumbrian life. With views across Morecambe Bay and easy access to the Lake District, you get the best of both worlds. Ulverston’s Festival Town status means there’s always something happening, from the lantern procession to the dickensian festival. The town’s most famous son, Stan Laurel, would surely appreciate its continuing creative spirit.
A Local’s Insight: “The best thing about Ulverston is how the community comes together. During the lantern festival, everyone leaves their doors open for brews and biscuits. For the best local produce, bypass the supermarket and head to Gillam’s tearoom – their Cumberland rum nicky is made to a 200-year-old recipe.”
Kirkby Lonsdale: Picture-Perfect Living
If you’re seeking quintessential English charm, look no further. The medieval town of Kirkby Lonsdale, perched above the River Lune, offers views so stunning that Turner painted them and Ruskin praised them. The town centre is a conservation area, packed with characterful buildings and independent shops. Despite its timeless appearance, it’s remarkably well-connected, sitting at the intersection of Cumbria, Lancashire, and Yorkshire.
A Local’s Insight: “The Sunday morning walk from Devils Bridge to Ruskin’s View is a local tradition – but go early before the visitors arrive. We all do our shopping at Boots the Butcher, where they still hang the game in the window, and Plato’s bakery for their legendary sticky toffee bread and butter pudding.”
Brampton: Northern Tranquility
For those who prefer to be slightly off the beaten track, Brampton offers peaceful living with easy access to both the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall. This market town maintains a genuine working community feel, with property prices that won’t make your eyes water. The surrounding countryside is less visited than the central Lakes but no less beautiful, with the romantic ruins of Lanercost Priory and the wild beauty of Geltsdale nearby.
A Local’s Insight: “Everyone thinks the action is all down in the Lakes, but we’ve got our own treasures up here. The walk along Hadrian’s Wall at sunset is magical – and you’ll often have it to yourself. The Saturday market is the heart of the community – that’s where all the gossip gets exchanged over Cumberland sausage butties.”
Modern Developments In Traditional Settings
While Cumbria’s charm often lies in its historic buildings and traditional architecture, the region isn’t frozen in time. New developments are thoughtfully appearing across these communities, designed to complement their surroundings while offering modern comfort and energy efficiency. Searching for new builds in Cumbria can offer a glimpse into the area’s growth and suitability for your needs. From eco-friendly housing estates in Kendal to carefully planned riverside apartments in Cockermouth, these newer options often come with advantages like lower maintenance costs and better energy ratings – particularly welcome during those long Cumbrian winters.
The Bottom Line
Before you pack your bags, remember that Cumbrian life comes with its own challenges. Winters can be long and dark, public transport in rural areas is limited, and some communities can feel isolated. However, if you’re seeking a lifestyle where natural beauty, community spirit, and outdoor adventure combine, these towns offer some of the finest living opportunities in Britain.
The key is to spend time in your chosen location during different seasons. Rent before you buy, chat with locals in the pub, and imagine yourself not just visiting, but truly living there. The Lakes have inspired countless artists, poets, and dreamers over the centuries – perhaps it’s time to write your own Cumbrian story.
