15 h. ago Best illustrated children's books of all time to inspire young minds

Discover some of the best illustrated children's books that continue to enchant young readers today, from timeless classics to contemporary favourites

Science

19 h. ago ‘Like it had been put on Earth specially for me’: readers’ favourite European city breaks

From the later summer glow of Marseille to polar nights in Tromsø, our tipsters choose their favourite cities • Tell us about a great trip you’ve had since hitting 60 – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherSibiu, the former capital of Transylvania, proved a wonderful place to visit. The city’s old town is on a hill, with every other building in the three main squares and the sidestreets seemingly a historic monument, dominated by the medieval Lutheran cathedral of Saint Mary. The characteristic design of attic windows makes it clear why Sibiu is called “the town of a thousand eyes”, and the Teutsch Haus provides a brilliant history of the region and the Transylvanian Saxons. The old town is crammed full of restaurants and cafes, and down by the river there is a local market with giant aubergines, tomatoes and peppers. For an evening glass, Wine Not has a vast selection of Romanian (and Moldovan) wines, and a black cat to talk to.Barbara Forbes Continue reading...

Politics

40 h. ago 'I visited bleakest UK town with more St George's flags than people for one highlight'

With one of the worst pub food experiences, a deserted high street and a pint-glass littered river front - there is only one thing going for this Essex town.

Politics

7 d. ago 16th century Scottish dining experience in 'hidden' historic location to go up for auction

A new dining event steeped in history is going up for auction to raise money for charity.

Politics

7 d. ago ‘Hop on the boat and wake up in Spain’: readers’ favourite ferry breaks from the UK

From Rotterdam to Bilbao, our tipsters recommend the best trips by ferry• Tell us about a break in a remote location in the UK and Europe – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherThe overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo is hard to beat. After work, we board the ship, enjoy a drink in the bar and wake up to the sunrise over the harbour. The scenic coastal path that runs along the Brittany coast winds through woodlands and secluded coves. A swim in the clear water and then on to the restaurant La Guinguette des Marmouz near Plouër-sur-Rance. The best chips we’ve ever had in a very laid-back spot along the estuary. We’d stumbled across something pretty special.Kate Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Foodie tries 'best hotel buffet in England' to see if it's as good as Netflix shows

A food enthusiast has shared her experience of trying out the 'best breakfast buffet in England', which previously appeared on Netflix's Million Dollar Buffet documentary

Society

2 w. ago ‘A truly authentic experience that benefits everyone’: readers’ favourite community travel experiences

Supporting Sri Lankan tea-pickers, training Mexican marine conservationists, and helping to regenerate remote Alpine villages are among your favourite tourism projects• Tell us about a favourite European city break – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherNestled in the Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot Community Homestay Network is a cornerstone for building businesses. It enables women to grasp financial independence by opening up their homes to tourists. It was an enriching cultural experience for both me and my host. Their support of each other spilled over during my stay, in their warmth, delight and genuine desire to share and learn.Vicky Bamford Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Woman spends £40 on McDonald's Monopoly stickers to see if she can make 'profit'

This year's McDonald's Monopoly promotion runs until October 21 and offers fans the chance to win a wide variety of cash prizes, experiences, food and other rewards

Economics

2 w. ago 'I had a religious experience whilst having my breakfast at this new Greater Manchester cafe'

I'm even half tempted to start up a sermon

Politics

3 w. ago Stoats partners with Universal Products & Experiences to launch new Wicked: For Good inspired snack bars, launching exclusively in Tesco

Edinburgh-based snack bar manufacturer, Stoats, is partnering with Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) to launch brand new spellbinding snack bars, in celebration of the upcoming theatrical release of Universal Pictures’ Wicked: For Good - the epic conclusion to the Broadway film adaptation, which has captivated audiences around the globe, in cinemas from November 21.

Politics

3 w. ago People left stunned as passenger makes fresh pasta on a flight

Airplane food has a long-standing reputation for being bland - but one experimental passenger, One woman decided enough was enough, and took matters into her own hands...

Politics

3 w. ago 'Dentists missed cysts in my mouth and left me with lifetime of pain'

Steven Rahman says he can't eat food properly, experiences intermittent pain, and feels anxious when he thinks of someone coming near his mouth following the dental ordeal

Politics

4 w. ago Rumaan Alam: ‘Reading JD Salinger now is like running into that particular ex at a cafe’

The US author on his early love of Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, the genius of Judy Blume, and finding perfection in Agatha Christie and Gustave FlaubertMy earliest reading memory I recall lying in the bath, age seven or eight, reading the final page of Judy Blume’s Starring Sally J Freedman As Herself, then turning to the novel’s opening and beginning again. Memory is untrustworthy, but Blume is a genius who has that effect on her reader.My favourite book growing up We’re always growing up; we’re always choosing a new favourite. For me, once, this was Louise Fitzhugh’s Harriet the Spy. Later I’d have said JD Salinger’s Nine Stories. Later, still, John Cheever’s Collected Stories, Lorrie Moore’s Self-Help, Thomas Mann’s The Magic Mountain, my favourite changing as I did. Maybe I’m finally old enough to understand that favourite is impossible to designate. Or maybe I’d say my current favourite is Don DeLillo’s Underworld. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago ‘True flavours and honest hospitality’: readers’ favourite food experiences in Europe

From a herring festival in The Hague to the best pizza in Rome, our tipsters share their perfect foodie travel moments• Tell us about a community travel experience – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucherDespite its name, Flag Day (Vlaggetjesdag) in Scheveningen – a seaside resort close to The Hague – is actually more about fresh herring. Fishmongers bring in the first catch of the year in June, the hollandse nieuwe, and mark the start of the herring season with festivities, marching bands, wearing traditional costumes, and even an auction of the first vat of fish to raise money for charity. Don’t miss the chance to share a jenever (gin) with a Scheveninger, who will tell you how this year’s herring compares with last year’s.Olivia Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago Hospitality giant Buzzworks appoints new Director of Food to drive 'culinary excellence'

David Bell has over 20 years of experience in high-level culinary leadership and food development roles across the UK.

Politics