Hotlists

For winter 2020, we’re shelving books such as A Christmas Carol and Little Women in favour of modern festive fiction, soul-warming poetry and the real-life accounts that would make even Scrooge get into the holiday spirit. Season’s readings.

Our Editor-in-Chief introduces our new issue, in which we're celebrating the diverse people and places that make up the colourful mosaic of the UK. Encouraging responsible, local travel that is kind to the planet, we venture from emerging neighbourhoods to the wildest landscapes, spotlighting little-known subcultures and reconnecting with nature along the way.

Wine Friday? Whisky Wednesday? Cocktail hour? We’ve pulled together some of the tip(sy) top deliveries services and subscription boxes to help you enjoy a very merry Christmas and beyond. They make great gifts too. Chin chin.

Tis’ the season for Christmas decorations. This year we’re trimming our tree, decking the halls and tablescaping (it’s a thing) with offbeat ornaments, eco-friendly crackers and handmade trinkets from small, independent UK businesses.

We’ve pulled 10 of our favourite destinations from Germany’s Top 100. Whether you want to channel the optimism of the Bauhaus school in Dessau, parade about the fairy-tale palaces of King Ludwig II or simply fancy a leg-pumping hike amid glorious scenery, we’ve got you covered.

Real-life book clubs might be on the shelf for now, but reading in lockdown needn’t be an isolated affair. We’ve found the best celebrity-led groups, Goodreads discussion boards, activist communities and globe-spanning Zoom book clubs to join right now.

Surprise and delight your nearest and dearest with a macramé tote bag, a wreath bound with dried foliage or a lovingly packaged tin of home-baked biscotti. These ethical, easy-to-make and thoughtful homemade gifts are sure to go down a treat.

As we gear up to binge-watch season four of The Crown on Netflix when it’s released on 15 November, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the regal film locations you can actually visit. Best warm up your royal wave.

We’ve called upon our Devon friends to shine a light on the best independent shops, locavore restaurants, galleries and boutique boltholes for staying and playing in Plymouth, Totnes, Dartmoor and beyond.

We’ve pulled together a list of film festivals you can watch from home. Whether you’re in the mood for the latest in contemporary Korean film or you fancy an insightful documentary on LGBTQ+ Britain, these movie marathons will keep you entertained.

Here are eight ways to prevent Covid-19 from triggering the final curtain call on our favourite galleries, theatres and creative enterprises. P.S. They don't all require you to make a donation…

Tired of queuing in the dazzling supermarket aisles? We’ve eaten our way through the Cotswolds, skipping past oh-so-obvious Daylesford, to find the under-radar farm shops with the best local produce and sustainable credentials. Tuck in.

Searching for some stellar book recommendations? Look no further. We’ve consulted the astrology charts to pull together this star-studded list of books to read in autumn/ winter 2020 based on your zodiac sign.

Not only are antiques fairs and flea markets great for treasure hunting among vintage homeware, furniture and collectables, they also make for a fun day out. We’ve found some of the UK’s biggest and best – including rural get-togethers and others easily reached from London.