You’ve checked your passport is valid, bought travel insurance and packed your beachwear. But changing pounds for cash in the currency of your destination has fallen down your to-do list. The good news is you need not pay over the odds in foreign transaction fees, or a huge commission on currency exchange at the airport.

Big banks such as Lloyds, TSB and Halifax charge as much as 2.99 per cent on card transactions abroad, which works out at nearly £30 on every £1,000 spent. But there’s a range of banks that don’t charge any such fees and it takes minutes to open an account with them.

This doesn’t have to affect your existing bank accounts, although you may be offered a juicy bonus if you switch your current account to a new provider. In some cases you can use the new digital card within minutes of setting it up via the bank’s smartphone app.

Here are the best cards for holiday spending, who they suit – and what to watch out for when making payments abroad.

Best bank overall for travellers

First Direct has zero fees on overseas spending and cash withdrawals using its debit card, and the £250 interest-free overdraft it offers is useful in an emergency.

The bank also gives those prepared to switch their current account a £175 bonus. But a switch takes seven working days and it may take more than a month to get the bonus.

You’ll get instant access to your current account when approved and a virtual card to use straight away. First Direct says that 99 per cent of customers receive their physical card within six days.

The bank is well-rated for customer service. In the latest survey of banking customers produced for the Competition and Markets Authority, 74 per cent said they would recommend First Direct to friends and family – placing the bank fourth for overall quality.

Rachel Springall, a finance expert at rate scrutineer Moneyfacts, says First Direct’s customer service is ‘high standard, with 24/7 phone support, so that should give customers peace of mind if they run into any problems’.

Best pre-paid card for exchange rate

When using your usual debit or credit card abroad, you normally get Mastercard or Visa’s exchange rate depending on your bank’s preferred payment network.

These are set once a day at a fraction above the rates stated by the European Central Bank.

The rates offered by the two card providers tend to be similar. For example on July 28, Mastercard would have converted £1,000 to €1,170.55, while Visa would have converted the sum to €1,173.53, not factoring in any bank fees. This is a difference of €2.98.

But you can also use something called the interbank rate – the live rate at which banks exchange currencies. As this is a real-time rate, this can sometimes work out better than the rates set by Visa and Mastercard.

Investment platform Trading 212 offers a pre-paid card that uses the interbank exchange rate. You’d need to spend thousands to notice any savings but the main benefits of Trading 212’s card lie elsewhere. There’s no foreign transaction fee in using the card abroad and you can withdraw up to £400 a month in cash for free.

You can also earn 3.8 per cent interest on your cash. It costs £4.95 to have a physical card delivered. The virtual card is free and can be used immediately once you open an account.

The number one rule with exchange rates is to avoid using airport services to switch currency at the last minute.

And when faced with the choice of paying in pounds or the local currency at an ATM on your trip, experts say choose the local currency. This swerves an expensive mark-up from a foreign bank.

The best credit card for travel

Credit card providers charge as much as 2.99 per cent on foreign transactions. Some levy an even higher fee on cash withdrawals, such as 3.99 per cent with a Tesco credit card – on top of a 2.75 per cent foreign exchange fee.

If you need to take out £500 in the local currency, using this card to do so would cost you £33.70.

You can find credit cards that don’t charge either of these fees.

One top pick is the Lloyds Ultra Credit Card. There are no foreign transaction or cash withdrawal fees, plus you can earn a good 1 per cent cashback on all card purchases in the first year.

The interest rate is a relatively low 14.9 per cent on purchases but this is a representative rate that not everyone receives. You should get your card in five to seven working days and Lloyds says you should see your card details in the app in ‘just a few days’ – from there you can use it digitally by adding it to Apple or Google Pay.

A couple of pointers with credit cards. When it comes to cash withdrawals, unlike the grace period that you have to clear your balance on purchases, interest is charged from the moment you have the money in your hands.

When applying for a credit card, you should check eligibility first. It won’t affect your credit history.

Holidaymakers also benefit from additional protection if they buy with a credit card. Any goods or services not received which are valued between £100 and £30,000 are covered under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

With the Lloyds Ultra Credit Card, there are no foreign transaction or cash withdrawal fees

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Best app-based bank for travel

Digital challenger banks such as Chase, Monzo and Starling have become popular with travellers because they don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

They’re app-based so it takes a matter of minutes to open an account on your phone and you can usually start using your card straight away by adding it to your digital wallet. However, there are usually restrictions on how much cash you can withdraw.

Starling offers more flexibility on taking out money. You can withdraw up to £300 and make up to six withdrawals a day. Chase lets you withdraw £500 a day but has a £1,500 monthly limit when abroad. You can withdraw £400 fee-free every 30 days in the UK and Europe with Monzo’s standard account. There’s no restriction if Monzo is your main bank.

Kate Steere, from comparison website Finder, says: ‘If you’re after a slick app with genuinely useful budgeting tools like Spaces for saving for your holiday and Settle Up for splitting expenses, Starling is the one to go for.’

When withdrawing cash, try to keep costs low by finding ATMs operated by local banks. You’ll often be charged a flat fee but this can be lower at these branches.

As children we would look forward to the long stretch of summer spent in Harlyn Bay in North Cornwall where we spent hours swimming and rockpooling.

We would drive down from our home in Bisley in the Cotswolds, the same village as Jilly Cooper.

And we weren’t the only ones. Cornwall was practically Cotswolds-on-Sea in those days with the whole Gloucestershire set making their way down, many of whom may have inspired some of my good friend Jilly’s characters.

Friends would come and stay and we would occasionally go to the Trevose Golf Club disco but most of the time we were knee-deep in sand and dogs – it was all very Famous Five. The adults would chat in the sand dunes with flasks of tea and watch their offspring frolic on the beach, and POSSIBLY got up to some shenanigans themselves.

Back then Harlyn Bay was referred to as ‘The Other Side’, with Polzeath and Rock being the places to be. When we got a bit older we would beg my poor mother to drive us 40 minutes (there was no ferry at night) round to The Mariner’s Pub in Rock where a bunch of blonde and shiny teens would drink until Mummy and Daddy came to collect them.

Eventually my mother gave up driving to ‘The Other Side’ and started looking into holiday rentals there instead to save her the midnight hassle. We swapped one sandy holiday cottage for another and had a whale of a time, going back year after year.

Cornwall was practically Cotswolds-on-Sea back in those days with the whole Gloucestershire set making their way down, writes Sybilla Hart

When I started having children, however, I knew it wouldn’t be long before we had to ditch this part of Posh Cornwall – I used to joke that you can’t mix infant bottles with beer bottles. It had become more and more of a party destination, which was not something I needed when I was more invested in Sudocrem than Sambuca.

We tried the south of Cornwall but got a bit put off by the adders on Kynance Cove and the jagged drops around The Lizard which looked like a recipe for broken legs (and the rest).

Plus everyone was in tears by the time we got to Bristol – Cornwall was just too far from Essex so in the end we had to ditch it.

So when I read that Polzeath is the epicentre of a real-life version of the cocktail Sex on the Beach, I felt more than a little relieved at my choice of Norfolk as a holiday destination. For Norfolk is the new Cornwall, at least among the grown-up smart set. It’s far more civilised and authentic than its southern counterpart, which has become raucous, downmarket and a bit last season.

Now that I am responsible for no fewer than three teenagers it is a blessing that we are not in Polzeath which I hear is transformed into a drunken playground by night for two weeks in July – with residents having to appoint a ‘beach ranger’ to patrol them.

Here in north Norfolk you are more likely to bump into a seal on the beach than a drunken teenager and most of the people who holiday in Cley-next-the-Sea are young families or retired people.

My children have made some friends over the years and occasionally sit in someone’s boat at night while sharing a can of Tesco Pear Cider but that is about the extent of it.

Norfolk, as I have come to realise, is just as smart as Cornwall but miles less populated. There’s no battling the crowds to find a tiny sliver of free sand to lie your towel down on, as you have to in Polzeath these days. The posh villages in Norfolk vary hugely and I find the best way to describe them is by comparison to London boroughs.

For example, Blakeney is like Richmond, well-heeled, beautiful with fantastic walks. Burnham Market is Norfolk’s version of Belgravia and has all the shops and smart restaurants.

Burnham Market in Norfolk is appreciated for its shops and smart restaurants – in a similar way to Belgravia in London

The Gunton Arms, found four miles from the beaches of Norfolk coast, is an award-winning traditional pub and restaurant

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Brancaster is Fulham, full of families and labradors walking on the beach. Burnham Overy Staithe is Chelsea-on-Sea and full of blonde teenagers wearing the same clothes messing about on boats.

Cromer is more like Hackney, Holt is Barnes and finally, Hunstanton with its famous tennis tournament is best described as Norfolk’s answer to Clapham.

The restaurants in Norfolk are a case of Rick Stein eat your heart out with The Gunton Arms near Cromer scoring high as well as The Moorings in Blakeney, and we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to nice cafes selling flat whites.

There are hidden beaches to be found at low tide with only a tern for company; mudflats that look like works of art; windmills peppering the horizon and you can almost imagine former Norfolk resident Admiral Nelson striding out of the waves towards a centuries-old watering hole.

On the beaches you will find pebbles instead of beer bottles, shells instead of discarded vapes.

And the only creatures I’ve seen copulating on Norfolk beaches are the birds.

Mosquitoes and midges can ruin even the chicest of getaways, triggering a raft of holiday woes – namely the itchy, sore, unsightly, insect bites that can be enough to make the most body-confident want to cover up.

Keeping bugs at bay used to mean spritzing on insect repellent formulas laced with DEET, a chemical-formula that, while it does the job, melts your nail polish and smells dire too.

Until now. Luxury French fragrance house Diptyque has gone viral on social media because fans of its limited-edition Citronnelle & Geranium Summer Body Spray say it not only keeps bugs away but also smells divine. Which you’d hope, given it has a £52 price tag.

It’s all down to the added essential oils such as lemon eucalyptus and lemongrass, which are said to have inset-repelling properties.

Diptyque isn’t the only one; this summer sees a raft of body sprays and fragrances with natural bug-deterring benefits hitting the market. But do natural insect repellents really work?

‘Plant-based repellents with extracts like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender and verbena contain naturally occurring compounds which can disrupt the scent cues mosquitoes, midges and other biting insects use to identify us humans as targets, making it harder for them to locate us,’ explains GP and aesthetics doctor Ahmed El Muntasar.

Chemical formulas made with DEET also work in the same way. So how do natural formulas – which, let’s face it, smell infinitely better – compare? ‘Many natural repellents evaporate more quickly than chemical formulas, so they need to be reapplied more frequently – every couple of hours,’ says Dr El Muntasar.

The type of protection you choose should also be determined by your destination.

‘If you’re travelling where mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya or Zika are a concern I’d recommend choosing a repellent with proven longer-lasting protection,’ he says, ‘However, for general everyday use in the UK natural repellents can be a reasonable option.’

Here, I test the latest luxe natural bug sprays to see which are worth the investment…

Diptyque Citronnelle & Geranium Summer Body Spray (£52 for 100ml, johnlewis.co.uk)

This bougie body spray went viral for a reason. If you’re not keen on the medicinal scent of citronella (the telltale essential oil in many mozzie-repelling products) this fragrance relies on lemongrass and lemon eucalyptus, which studies show is one of the most effective natural repellents. The scent is a summery blend of lemongrass, geranium, neroli, lemon eucalyptus and orange blossom, so wearing it feels more like a sophisticated cologne than a bug repellent.

I stowed this in my hand luggage for a weekend away and didn’t feel the need to pack a separate perfume – which goes some way to mitigating the price.

The scent lasts only a couple of hours so it needed topping up regularly, but after spritzing it on my arms and legs I had no bites.

Neals Yard Remedies Citronella Formula Body Spray (£15 for 100ml, nealsyardremedies.com)

A family barbecue was the ultimate test for this citrussy body spray and it was a hit – not only did it look chic on the table, it smelled gorgeous and no one complained about midge bites.

Yes, it does smell slightly medicinal (the main fragrance note is definitely citronella) but it’s quickly tempered by other insect-repelling essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus, plus skin-soothing witch hazel, so it errs on the side of sophistication.

Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Spray (£6 for 150ml, avon.uk.com)

This lightly-hydrating body oil spray has such rave reviews online about its insect-repelling abilities it’s becoming a cult classic. Apparently, it’s the added citronellol and limone that staves off the bugs.

I liked the soft, almost baby-powdery fragrance that didn’t interfere with my usual perfume and how it left a subtle, glowy sheen on my limbs, too.

My daughter – the person in our family mosquitoes seem to love most – still gets the odd bite using this, but nowhere near as many as she does without it. The only drawback is the oil-based formula might not appeal to everyone. But for £6 it’s a no-brainer.

Le Labo Eucalyptus 20 Eau de Parfum (£172 for 50ml, libertylondon.com)

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If you really can’t bear bug sprays, devotees of this chic, woody and eucalyptus-driven fragrance say it also helps deter insects. It’s not for the faint-hearted – an intense, aromatic eau de parfum that lasts a long time on the skin (I could still detect a whiff next morning).

After liberally spraying this, I wasn’t bothered by any bugs on an evening walk by a river. The price takes some justifying, but given this is fine fragrance rather than insect repellent you’re covering both bases with one bottle.

However, bright white clothes are very easy to stain, whether that is through spilling things like food or drink or getting make-up stains on them.

Sometimes stains can be incredibly hard to get out of white clothes even if you have washed them a few times.

A clothing expert has revealed a way to remove stains to make white clothes look perfect again that will only cost you a few pounds.

The hack is cheap and easy to do. (Image: Getty)

How can I get stains out of white clothes?

Caroline Jackson, who is the Creative Director at Monsoon, has shared a cheap hack that can be used to get rid of tough stains.

If you want to avoid expensive cleaning products and chemicals, this hack might be worth testing out.

The hack is simple to do so won’t take too much time out of your day to complete.

Caroline said: “Baking soda, mixed with lemon juice, white vinegar, dish soap and cold water is what is going to successfully refresh your clothes without trying different brands and sprays that will end up costing a fortune.

“Rinse the stain with cold water, then simply add the combined mixture on the stain, grab a toothbrush and brush the stain away.

“This should help lift marks on the suitable fabric but I always recommend testing first, because lemon juice and vinegar can affect some fibres and finishes.

“It’s important to note that leaving lemon too long on fabrics can cause discolouration, so ensure you keep a close eye when treating any stains using this method.”

It is likely that you will already have a few of these things at home already.

However, if you need to buy anything, you can get the items from Aldi with the baking soda costing 65p, lemon juice costing 69p, distilled vinegar costing 35p, and washing up liquid costing 62p.

Common mistakes when removing stains from white clothing

Caroline also brought up some common mistakes people often make when trying to get rid of stains.

She said people can often use too much stain remover, which can leave a residue behind, or using too much heat, which can cause more harm than good to the item of clothing.

You should check the garment labels to see what fabric it is made from, as different fabrics will respond differently to treatments.

Will you be trying this hack in the future to remove stains? Let us know in the comments.

East Anglia has been officially declared in drought by the Environment Agency, as Cambridgeshire residents debate housebuilding, water leaks and climate change

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Readers of Cambridgeshire Live have responded to the news that drought has been declared in the county, with many highlighting housing development, water leaks, and climate change as factors of concern.

The Environment Agency said on Wednesday (July 29) that the region was in drought. Seven areas across the nation, including East Anglia, are in drought.

They are East Anglia; Hertfordshire and London; Thames Valley; Hampshire and the Isle of Wight; Devon and Cornwall; the West Midlands; and Wessex. This follows exceptionally low rainfall and elevated temperatures.

The fourth heatwave of the year reached its peak on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching up to 35C, as specialists warned wildfires could be “exceptionally severe”. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, the East, South East and London.

Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.”

One of our readers, Bobbinbootsie, comments: “New houses are still being built, though. Nothing stops that!”

Skipper says: “Infrastructure needs to improve before any more building. It won’t, though – the great god PROFIT rules OK. Anglian Water have had 10 years to improve things since their last hosepipe ban, but have done nothing.”

Rogersinflatablepants writes: “The scientists warned this would happen. Dry hot summers are becoming increasingly more common, and it’s been entirely attributed to man. Don’t believe the deniers’ lies and misinformation.”

Whynot2 adds: “So the water pipelines AW have and are constructing are nothing, that’s a lot of money spent on nothing. People complain about water leaks and with justification but when you think about the length of water mains and secondary pipes they have perhaps the leakage problem isn’t all that bad and if you add the brown water side of it that they have to maintain it’s all time and cost. How many times have AW objected to new developments due to supply problems, and yet the developers have won?”

2ndincommand says: “And houses are still being built in their thousands in the area. Madness.”

On our Facebook page, Andrew H comments: “I’m sure there are lots of people who recall the ‘summer of 76’. Drought, hosepipe bans, poor crops. The water companies said it would take years for the reservoirs to recover. Then came the August Bank Holiday, it rained, & rained, & didn’t stop raining for two months & by Christmas all the reservoirs were full!”

Rachel B believes: “I think the consumers would have more sympathy for Anglia Water if: Anglia Water stopped pumping untreated sewage into the rivers and sea! If Anglia Water fixed reported water leaks in a timely fashion. I know of one main water leak which has been pouring water over the road for approximately 2 weeks!!! (All AW have done so far is put up temporary traffic lights and a few signs – water is still pouring across the road)

“Stopped putting prices up, without improving the service – For example: I live in an area with historically low water pressure, the only thing that has gone up is the price increase! Apart from the new large pipe linking the north to the East Anglia region, has AW invested / improved the local water infrastructure? Not that I can recall.”

Paul B asks: “Why is it our fault? All bloody winter, we had floods and steady rainfall, but Anglian Water did nothing to deal with it. They aren’t interested in stopping the millions of leaks across the region. When was the last reservoir built ?.The population keeps rising, but nothing is done with the infrastructure to deal with it. Just keep pumping millions out to their shareholders.”

Peter J says: “Didn’t think after taking all that extra money from all the new property developments over the years that it might be prudent to build a few reservoirs, or did they hope none of the new houses would want to actually use water?”

Are Anglian Water doing enough throughout the year, regarding our water supplies? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaking to the media during a visit to HM Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, in Dover, Kent. Since the start of 2025, the number of National Crime Agency officers tackling organised immigration crime has more than doubled from 376 to almost 800. Picture date: Sunday August 2, 2026.

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By ELEANOR MANN

Published: 16:56 BST, 2 August 2026 | Updated: 16:59 BST, 2 August 2026

Small businesses could be burdened even further by an employment law change set to come into effect on January 1 next year. 

The Employment Rights Act will mean that, from next year, employees will be able to claim ordinary unfair dismissal after six months rather than two years, which is the current law. 

In practical terms, this means small business owners will have less time to decide whether new workers are suitable before they are entitled to a lot more rights. 

Although the law has been praised as it will offer employees greater protection, it will also make it harder for small business owners to change staff and put them under pressure to make a decision about whether an employee is to be permanent.  

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With small businesses under pressure already from policies introduced under Rachel Reeves‘ chancellorship, and unemployment rates at 4.9 per cent, experts worry that the sweeping changes set to be introduced will put the labour market under further pressure. 

Under the new law, the existing cap on the maximum amount of compensation that a fired worker can receive for successful unfair dismissal claims will also be removed. 

This could have a costly effect on small businesses, who have suffered already under changes enacted under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. 

Then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced an increase in Employer National Insurance contribution rates from 13.8 to 15 per cent, while the earnings threshold at which employers start paying dropped sharply from £9,100 to £5,000. 

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Hard-hit small business owners could face a compliance burden in the new year under the Employment Rights Act 

Rachel Reeves’ policies, including increasing employer contributions to national insurance, already put many businesses under strain 

This policy – alongside an increase in the national living wage for teenagers and young people – made small businesses less driven to employ young people or more staff due to higher labour costs. 

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Small businesses also faced higher business rates, with high street and larger commercial properties valued over £500,000 facing higher costs, de-incentivising small business growth. 

And the one request from the small business and hospitality sector – a reduction in VAT – was refused, denying companies some relief. 

This latest law change by Labour will put an extra burden on compliance for already hard-hit small businesses. 

Employers will now also have to provide a written reason for dismissal if requested by the employee.  

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Katie Nightingale, Director of People Consulting at Grant Thornton UK, said: ‘Businesses are already squeezed in a slow economy so will naturally have concerns about investing in training for managers to be set up for the new bill. 

‘This is where the government needs to step up and support. It should provide SMEs with straightforward, accessible templates for compliant recruitment, probation and performance-management procedures. 

‘It should also use the Growth and Skills Levy to fund short, practical courses that build line-manager capability without imposing a prohibitive cost or time commitment.

‘Poor recruitment and performance management are expensive long before a case reaches a tribunal. Mis-hires, employees ‘checking out’, and avoidable staff turnover all damage productivity.

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‘Grant Thornton UK helps businesses build hiring and performance practices that work in the real world, not just on paper. This isn’t about ticking a box.

‘Clear expectations, capable managers and honest conversations will help businesses ensure they have the right people working for them and achieve successful outcomes for employees.

‘For SMEs, it’s time to act before it’s too late.’ 

How businesses can prepare  

Three pieces of advice from Grant Thornton UK:

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1. DO review recruitment processes – Recruitment must be robust and standardised, with clear guidance helping hiring managers make consistent and defensible decisions. Objectives should be measurable, reasonable and agreed from an employee’s first day, rather than hastily introduced when a problem emerges several months later. 
2. DON’T assume your managers know the policy – Asking somebody to confirm that they have read a new policy is no substitute for teaching them how to conduct an honest performance conversation properly. 
3. DON’T leave performance conversations until the last minute – Managers must hold regular, structured development conversations and record what has been discussed. Waiting until an employee approaches the six-month mark before raising concerns is simply too late. Employers need evidence that expectations were clear, support was provided and issues were addressed fairly. 

Swimmers will be granted free parking permits for a city centre car park

Swimmers at a city lido are being granted free parking at a city centre car park this summer. Regular swimmers at Peterborough’s Lido are being offered free parking if they purchase swim passes in bulk.

Swimmers who purchase passes for 20 and 40 swims will be given a permit for free parking at the Regional Pool car park in Bishops Road. The scheme, in partnership with Peterborough City Council and Vivacity, will run throughout this year’s Lido season until 30 September.

The move coincides with the launch of another free parking scheme in Peterborough which has been funded by the Combined Authority. From August 3, parking will be free after 3pm at the council’s Bishops Road, Car Haven, Riverside and Pleasure Fair Meadow car parks.

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “We’re extremely proud to have a fantastic facility like the Lido in Peterborough which many people have already enjoyed this summer with the warm weather. We’ve launched this free parking scheme to encourage even more people to get swimming and also enjoy what our city centre has to offer, so I would encourage everyone to use it.”

As someone whose wardrobe is made up of about 90 per cent Spanish brands, I confess that I have considered a trip to Spain solely to visit my favourite stores.

While I haven’t managed to rationalise that quite yet, thankfully you can now nab yourself a continental wardrobe without having to hop on an easyJet flight.

Europe is fit to bursting with fabulous mid-market fashion brands – many of which are now available in the UK.

So whether you’re heading to Provence and want your suitcase to be packed full of ‘a la mode’ items, or you’re staycationing but want to look like you’ve bought all your clothes in Rome, here’s my guide to the best European stores which are available to shop in the UK. 

Consider it your one-way ticket to style.

Italy  

I adore Italy’s unwavering commitment to chic and the fact you get odd looks from locals if you go to the supermarket in flip-flops or activewear. 

But that doesn’t mean you have to be super formal. No one does relaxed chic better than the Italians.

Intimissimi has a great cotton shirt and shorts set which will have you fit in with the fashionistas in Rome. ViBi Venezia is also a great footwear option. 

It makes traditional Venetian furlane slippers, reinterpreted for the modern wearer in bright velvets and silks, that are available online and in store at Harvey Nichols and Farfetch.

 France

In recent years, a bevvy of French brands boasting wares beyond Bretons and white shirts have burst on to the scene. 

Balzac Paris has several stores in the French capital but, mon dieu, is also available at Liberty. 

This screams farmhouse fabulousness. Top, £100, shorts, £100 and sandals, £165, sezane.com

And, of course, you can never go wrong with Sezane, which is invading the High Street with increasing pace. This checkered blouse screams French-farmhouse fabulousness. 

For your feet, Repetto is still queen of the oh-so-French ballet flat and is stocked by Farfetch and Aime London in its Notting Hill store and online.

 Spain

I am on a one-woman mission to give Spanish women their rightful crown as the best-dressed in Europe. 

Something they do particularly well is what they call invitada dressing, i.e. occasionwear (look up the Duchess of Huescar for inspo). 

The Sailor Blouse could work for a wedding. Top, £97, Tiny Big Sister at anthropologie.com

Something they do particularly well is invitada dressing.  Dress, £89.99, mango.com

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For my sister’s wedding I’m wearing a pink statement skirt by Seville-founded Cherubina and a silk top by Pontevedra-founded Coosy. Sadly, neither of these brands are available yet in the UK. There are, however, some great alternatives. 

There’s The Tiny Big Sister, founded in Barcelona and stocked at Anthropologie. Its sailor blouse with matching trousers and heels could work for a country wedding, or with flats would be perfect for beachside dinners. 

If you want something a bit more formal, Spanish staple Mango has this great dramatic asymmetric dress in terracotta.

 Portugal

My luggage being lost on a work trip to Lisbon last year made me particularly acquainted with the joys of Portuguese fashion, particularly their bright accessories. First stop? Parfois. 

Founded in 1994 in Porto, the brand now has stores on most high streets in Portugal and, I was delighted to discover, offers free UK shipping for all orders over £39.99. 

Think of it as a Portuguese version of Zara price-wise, but with more unique pieces you’d think were from a small independent boutique (cue lots of ‘where did you find that?!’). 

Think of it as a Portuguese version of Zara price-wise. Shoes £45.99, parfois.com

Founded in 1994, the brand now has stores on most high streets in Portugal. Shoes £45.99, parfois.com

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Then for a colourful bag, click on Lemon Jelly. Bag, £75, lemonjelly.com

Its gorgeous suede and leather pumps are available in a range of summery colours and look five times the price. 

Then, for a colourful bag, click on Lemon Jelly. I’ve got my eye on this playful, clementine bucket bag, which you can easily wipe sand off after long beach days.

Greece

Flip flops have gone high-fashion this summer, and for a smart but beachy pair look no further than Ancient Greek Sandals. 

If you want other classics with a modern Greek twist, head to Athens-founded Greek Archaic Kori, stocked by Liberty. Its gorgeous, embroidered dress, with a flattering wrap waist, will be the envy of friends on holiday. 

Flip flops have gone high-fashion this summer. Flip flops, £170, ancient-greek-sandals.com

For a smart but beachy pair, look no further. Flip flops, £190, ancient-greek-sandals.com

This dress will be the envy of friends. Dress, now £209.25, Greek Archaic Kori at julesb.com

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The former Top Gear star has found success beyond the screen with his Hawkstone IPA, which was crowned England’s Best IPA at last year’s World Beer Awards.

Now, the popular British beer is making its way to the dinner plate.

Marston’s Hawkstone Pies (Image: Marston’s)

Marston’s has announced that Hawkstone IPA will feature in a new Hawkstone IPA & Beef Pie, set to launch in almost 500 pubs across the UK from tomorrow. Available for a limited time only, the hearty dish combines tender beef with the distinctive flavour of Clarkson’s celebrated ale, giving pub-goers a delicious new way to enjoy the award-winning brew.

For fans of Hawkstone and classic pub grub alike, it’s the perfect excuse to raise a glass and tuck in.

The pie contains seasonal vegetables and Barber’s Cheddar, all encased in a buttery shortcrust pastry. The Hawkstone IPA & Beef Pie is served with seasonal vegetables, lashings of extra gravy and either chips or mash. 

Founded by Jeremy, Hawkstone has been brewing award-winning beer using the best produce from British farms since 2021. 

The brand is on a mission to shine a light on the incredible work that British farmers do to keep the country running and Marston’s is supporting the cause by serving Hawkstone at hundreds of its pubs across the UK. 

 The beverage is said to perfectly balances bursts of tropical and citrus notes, with richness from malt and hop bitterness, making it the perfect addition to the rich gravy. 

Andy Cross, Sales Director at Hawkstone, said: “Farming isn’t just ‘how’ Hawkstone is made, it’s ‘why’ it’s made. The more Hawkstone you drink, the more barley we buy from British farmers. That’s why we’re thrilled Marston’s is serving Hawkstone IPA, not just by the bottle but also in a Great British pub classic, in almost 500 pubs nationwide. So, visit your local Marston’s pub, tuck into a pie and help us celebrate the farming community before stocks run out.”

 Kiran Bains, Director of Brand Activation, at Marstons, said: “We’re so excited to working with Hawkstone to bring our new take on a pub classic to almost 500 of our pubs across the UK. British beef and Hawkstone IPA are a match made in heaven, and we’ve created a really delicious dish to serve to guests up and down the country, introducing Hawkstone to more customers and giving them a new reason to visit their local. We can’t wait for everyone to try it!”

Those serving up the treat include Jolly Crofters on Chorley Old Road, Horwich and Sparking Clog in Radcliffe.

For other establishments visit www.marstonpubs.co.uk/hawkstone/

Clarkson’s Farm follows the long-time television presenter and his crew as they navigate the challenges of running Diddly Squat Farm near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The sixth season of the show is due to air in 2027.