A VILLAGE in England is home to an 18th-century subtropical garden where visitors feel like they’re abroad.

Located just 20 minutes from the longest beach in the UK, the village of Abbotsbury is home to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

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The Jurassic Coast village is steeped in history, with Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens being one of its main attractions.

Established in 1765, when the 1st Countess of Ilchester built the castle on the site overlooking Lyme Bay, the gardens are home to thousands of different plant species.

Several generations of the family tended to the garden over the last few hundred years, expanding its growing collection of plant life.

Nowadays, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is home to over 6,000 species of plants from around the world.

Because of its coastal location, which benefits from mild winters and cooler summers, several species of plants can thrive in the Victorian gardens.

Spread over 30 acres, visitors can walk along winding paths through lush landscapes, featuring stunning displays of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons.

One of its rarest plants is the Puya, native to Chile, the plant has ferocious spines that have been known to trap sheep, birds and small animals.

The Puya only flowers once every 10 years, with its last blooming taking place in 2023.

Other features in Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens include a Victorian Walled Garden and a children’s play area.

There’s also a cafe with a wooden veranda and courtyard that’s surrounded by plants.

Light snacks, savoury pastries, sandwiches, cakes and a range of hot and cold drinks are served at the cafe.

Entry into the gardens costs £12.95 for a full-paying adult and £6.95 for kids.

The Dorset-based gardens has a 4.5/5 star rating from over 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor, with one person writing: “Who needs to go abroad you have this”.

Another person added: “It’s such a beautiful place, and it really does feel like you’re abroad somewhere”.

A third person wrote: “We visited the garden on a lovely sunny day and it was like stepping into a different country”.

Set on Dorset‘s Jurassic Coast, there are plenty of other attractions in the area, including Chesil Beach.

Chesil Beach is the longest beach in the country, running from the Isle of Portland to West Bay.

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The Dorset beach was the backdrop for Ian McEwan’s acclaimed novel On Chesil Beach.

Despite not having any sand, the shingle beach still draws in holidaymakers from across the UK thanks to its stunning views.

Chesil Beach is also backed by Fleet Lagoon – a large saline lake, which is one of the last undisturbed brackish lagoons left in the world.

Designated a Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Fleet Lagoon is an important habitat for many different species of wildlife, including the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans.

Meanwhile, this hotel has been rated the best in the world by travel specialists.

And this UK seaside town was named the best in the country.

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Indian Cuisine Takes the UK by Storm: British Indian Good Food Guide Reveals Top 20 Restaurants Nationwide

In a year where British dining continues to diversify, the British Indian Good Food Guide Has unveiled its Top 20 Indian Restaurants across the UK, reflecting the nation’s love affair with Indian cuisine. 

From traditional flavours to innovative dishes, this year’s guide represents the very best the UK has to offer, proving that Indian cuisine remains a cornerstone of British dining culture.

With the ongoing evolution of the food scene, this list underscores the rising demand for authentic regional Indian dishes—from Keralan fish curries to Indian street food, capturing the hearts (and stomachs) of diners up and down the country.

Raval Leads the Charge in the North

Among the selected venues, Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, located on the iconic Tyne Bridge, stands out as the Best Indian Restaurant Outside London. 

This Newcastle Gateshead gem not only captures the imagination with its unique blend of spices and ingredients but also contributes significantly to the resurgence of the North East’s culinary scene.

“Raval has redefined Indian dining in the region,” said Phil Shaw, Marketing Director at the British Indian Good Food Guide.

 “Their focus on innovation and authenticity is unmatched, which is why they’ve earned a place at the top of our guide.”

With dishes such as Lobster & Mango and Darjeeling Lamb Cutlets, Raval is a testament to how Indian cuisine is constantly evolving while staying true to its roots.

Top 20 Best Indian Restaurants in the UK

This year’s guide features an impressive lineup of restaurants, showcasing culinary excellence across the country:

1. Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar (Newcastle Gateshead) – Best Indian Restaurant Outside London.

2. Quilon (London) – Michelin-starred for its coastal Indian flavours.

3. Benares Restaurant & Bar (London) – A fine-dining experience blending Indian and British cuisines.

4. Dishoom Manchester – Nostalgic Irani café fare with iconic dishes.

5. Tharavadu (Leeds) – Celebrated for its authentic Keralan cuisine.

6.Tamarind (London) – Michelin-starred for its refined, contemporary Indian cuisine.

7. Kanishka by Atul Kochhar (London) – Innovative tasting menus pushing culinary boundaries.

8. Asha’s (Birmingham) – Renowned for its authentic Indian dishes.

9. Swadish (Glasgow) – Modern twists on traditional Indian recipes.

10. Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food (Edinburgh) – Vibrant Indian street food offerings.

11. Purple Poppadom (Cardiff) – Fusion of Indian and Welsh flavours.

12. Mowgli Street Food (Liverpool) – Authentic street food inspired by India’s bustling markets.

13. Veeraswamy (London) – Showcases vibrant, fresh ingredients.

14. Masala Junction (Nottingham) – Diverse menu reflecting India’s rich flavours.

15. Urban Choola (Sheffield) – Innovative takes on Indian classics.

16. Mumtaz (Bradford) – Celebrated for its authentic Punjabi cuisine.

17. The Chilli Pickle (Brighton) – Modern twists on traditional dishes.

18. Darjeeling Express (London) – Authentic, home-style Indian food inspired by Kolkata’s royal Mughlai cuisine.

19. Tamatanga (Leicester) – Lively atmosphere with delicious curries.

20. Kachori (London) – A celebration of Rajasthani street food, known for bold flavours and vibrant dishes

This diverse selection illustrates the UK’s widespread appreciation of Indian food, highlighting how Indian culinary innovation extends far beyond the capital.

The Broader Picture: Why Indian Cuisine Thrives

The influence of Indian cuisine on British culture has never been stronger. With over 10,000 Indian restaurants in the UK contributing significantly to the economy, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. 

The rising interest in authentic regional dishes—like Goan and Keralan cuisines—reflects the UK’s growing demand for not just curry, but an array of diverse Indian dishes.

According to Phil Shaw, “Indian restaurants are no longer just places for a night out—they’re cultural landmarks, representing the diversity and vibrancy of British food culture.”

Explore the Full List

For those looking to experience the best Indian food the UK has to offer, the British Indian Good Food Guide invites you to explore the full list of restaurants on their website, showcasing the finest dining experiences from Birmingham to Brighton.

Visit : British Indian Good Food Guide for more information.

END OF RELEASE

Notes for Editors:

For further information, please contact:

Alan Brown, Marketing Manager

Email: Alan@BritishIndianGoodFoodGuide.com

Address: British Indian Good Food Guide,  Suite7, Marlborough Cres, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EE

Website: British indian good food guide

Facebook: British indian good food guide

About the British Indian Good Food Guide:

The British Indian Good Food Guide is the ultimate resource for discovering the best Indian restaurants across the UK. 

Our mission is to celebrate the diversity and excellence of British Indian cuisine, highlighting top dining experiences through an annual guide that reflects authenticity, taste, and service. 

Each restaurant featured undergoes a thorough review process, ensuring a truly exceptional dining experience for food lovers across the country

A TINY town in Europe looks like it’s been plucked from a fairytale, with a winding river and colourful castle.

Český Krumlov in Czechia is not too far away from the Czech Republic‘s capital city, Prague.

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Its historical charm is abundantly clear throughout, with its Renaissance architecture harking back hundreds of years.

And travel expert Maryanne Sparkes from European Waterways has explained why autumn might be the perfect time to visit the city.

She said: “If you’re searching for fairy-tale charm this Halloween, look no further than Cesky Krumlov!

“This enchanting town, with its winding streets and medieval architecture, offers a Halloween experience that feels straight out of a storybook.

“During this festive season, Cesky Krumlov hosts celebrations filled with costume contests, ghost tours, and themed events at the castle.”

Krumlov Tours operates a nighttime ghost tour where visitors will hear ghost stories while passing some of the city’s best monuments like the Renaissance town hall, a gothic church and the castle courtyard.

There’s also Český Krumlov Castle, an imposing building that towers over the city and dates back to the 13th century.

Nowadays, it is preserved with its original layout, structure, interior installations and architectural detail.

Its website claims it is “one of the most important monuments in Central Europe“.

The castle has stunning views over the old town and provides a glimpse into what life would have been like for the Bohemian Aristocracy all those years ago.

A unique baroque theatre is located inside the castle and is described as “the best preserved Baroque theatre in Europe”.

The theatre still has its original building and with an orchestra pit, stage, machinery and sets.

Because of its age, the theatre is only used twice for public shows, when an opera is performed by candlelight. 

Local businesses also host Halloween-themed events and activities like costume parties and pumpkin carving.

The city becomes even more picturesque thanks to the vibrant autumn colours.

If you don’t have time to visit this autumn, the Czech city also comes into its own over summer during the annual Five-Petalled Rose festival.

The celebration takes part in the weekend closest to the summer solstice.

Period music is performed throughout the old town and historical sword fights can also be seen.

Jugglers and jesters also perform, while jousting competitions and horsework displays also take place.

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Visitors can play period games, or simply have something to eat and drink from the many market stalls while taking in the festivities.

With pints in the town costing on average around £1.50, it’s certainly an affordable option.

Linz Airport in Austria is the nearest airport to Český Krumlov, with train journeys between the two taking 70 minutes.

Ryanair runs a direct service between London Stansted and Linz Airport, with return fares starting from £41 in December.

Alternatively, direct buses run from Prague where return flights can be booked from the UK.

A night for two in the town will set you back around £30.

Earlier this year, the mayor of Prague revealed they want to crack down on pub tour crawls at night.

Meanwhile, these six European holiday hotspots are yet to be discovered by Brits.

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The SOS Africa Charity staff and trustees are delighted to share the exciting news that an SOS Africa sponsored child has been appointed as Head Boy of Grabouw High for the 2025 academic year! It is the first time that such an honour has been bestowed on an SOS Africa sponsored child and has sent a ripple of excitement throughout the charity’s education programmes across South Africa.

The worthy recipient, Ameleo Benans was a member of the very first group of Grade 1 children sponsored by SOS Africa in the Western Cape, back in January 2014 (Sponsor a child in South Africa). After joining the inaugural programme, Ameleo and other sponsored children from his community flourished thanks to the holistic education and care provided by the charity’s Grabouw Education Centre and the loyal support of sponsors from around the world. 10 years later, 100 more children from different parts of the region have followed in Ameleo’s footsteps and now look up to him and his classmates as role models.

The news was first announced during a school assembly and came as quite a surprise for Ameleo:

“I was very nervous when I heard my name being called out to be Head Boy for next year. I will try my best to fulfil this role and be an example to the rest of my peers and I am very grateful to SOS Africa and the school for always believing in me.”

It was less of a surprise for SOS Africa Grabouw Centre Manager Sharnice Barties who has seen the leadership potential of Ameleo for some time:

“Ameleo has always been a learner with leadership qualities and is liked and respected by everyone at SOS Africa. We were all so excited when we got the news that he is to be Grabouw High School Head Boy in 2025. We are all so proud of him for being the very first SOS Africa sponsored child to be given such an honour!”

It was an emotional time for Ameleo’s parents who were filled with both pride and gratitude when hearing the news:

“We are very grateful to SOS Africa who made it possible for Ameleo to attend school since he was 6 years old. ​​We are very proud of him and are filled with of joy! Thank you very much SOS Africa and Grabouw High School for supporting him throughout.”

On behalf of the charity’s staff, trustees and supporters, we would like to wholeheartedly congratulate Ameleo for this incredible achievement and wish him luck for next year!

Enso Connect, an AI-powered guest experience platform, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Avantio, a premier provider of property management software for vacation rentals. This collaboration aims to streamline operations, drive revenue and elevate the guest experience in the short-term rental market.

The integration between Enso Connect and Avantio will empower property managers with advanced tools to customize workflows, offer personalized upsells, and enhance communication with guests. By combining Enso Connect’s innovative technology with Avantio’s robust management platform, users will benefit from a seamless experience that simplifies property management tasks and maximizes rental potential.

Key Benefits of the Integration Include:

• Centralized Guest Management: Users can now manage all guest interactions in one place, reducing the complexity of juggling multiple platforms.
• Custom Workflows and AI: Condition-based automation and AI messaging enable teams to deliver fast, error-free service in their guests’ preferred languages
• Data-Driven Monetization: Access to guest data allows property managers to boost occupancy rates and revenue with personalized add-on offers.
• Premium Guest Experience: A branded web app guiding guests throughout their stay. Integrates verification, upsells, guidebooks and smart devices for smooth check-ins, checkouts and stays. For enhanced guest satisfaction and more 5-star reviews.

“We’re excited to partner with Avantio, a leader in vacation rental software solutions,” said Francois Gouelo, Co-founder and CEO of Enso Connect. “This integration allows us to provide innovative digital tools that elevate the guest experience, increase revenue, and set new standards for hospitality across the short-term rental industry in Europe. Our mission is to help hospitality professionals turn every guest interaction into an opportunity for 5-star reviews, repeat business, and additional revenue. Avantio is the perfect partner to help us achieve this goal.”

“Avantio is dedicated to empowering property managers with the tools they need to succeed,” said César Augusto Ramos, Head of Partnerships at Avantio. “Our partnership with Enso Connect aligns perfectly with this mission, enabling our clients to streamline their operations, drive revenue and focus on delivering exceptional experiences for their guests.”

The integration has been thoroughly tested, with shared users reporting significant success. “Enso Connect is one of our favorite tools so far!” says Jordan Boissière-Navarro, CEO and Managing Partner of Keytoko. “We didn’t offer upsells before and didn’t expect much, but within the first week of using Enso, we generated far more revenue than the subscription cost.”

He adds,”With the Boarding Pass, our guests receive all the information they need well in advance of their stay. EnsoAI enables us to respond quickly and politely in our guests’ own languages, which has greatly reduced negative interactions and freed up our team’s time to focus on guest and property care”’

The Enso Connect and Avantio integration is now live, and users can access it through their respective dashboards. Vacation rental managers are encouraged to explore the new features and take advantage of the enhanced capabilities, at a special rate. The offer is available until November 30, 2024.

For more information about the integration, its benefits and a special offer for Avantio users please visit: https://ensoconnect.com/avantio-integration/

About Enso Connect

Enso Connect is an AI-powered guest experience platform for vacation rentals and boutique hotels that helps personalize and monetize interactions all along the guest journey.

From upsells, guidebooks, smart lock-connected contactless check-in, white-labeled guest verification, AI-driven multi-channel messaging, and more, Enso Connect navigates guests through an effortless digital journey.

With “If this then that” capabilities, Enso Connect empowers property managers to create personalized guest experience in a way that best meets their business objectives. It links top tools, simplifying management of scaling hospitality operations and boosting revenue per guest.

Find us on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Youtube, or at EnsoConnect.com

Contact: marketing@ensoconnect.com

About Avantio
Avantio offers a comprehensive Vacation Rental Software solution, seamlessly integrating essential tools like our Property Management System (PMS), Channel Manager, booking-engine websites, and digital marketing tools.

Avantio’s award-winning Channel Manager reaches a wider audience and maximizes your exposure by effortlessly connecting your portfolio to top OTAs like Airbnb, Booking.com, Marriott, and Google with no extra commission fees. Connect to guests globally, locally, and through niche portals. Avantio is here to help and support you to grow your business.

Media Contact:
Natalia Janikowska
Public Relations
media@avantio.com

DISNEYLAND’s multi-million renovations have started – transforming one of the main lands.

The Walt Disney Studios Park is set to double in size under the new plans.

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Currently home to rides such as Crush’s Coaster, the land opened in 2002, ten years after Disneyland Paris opened (then called EuroDisney).

Announced at Disney‘s huge D23 event this year, Walt Disney Studios Park will be renamed Disney Adventure World.

The €2billion (£1.7billion) plans have started at the park, with a new entrance being added.

Replacing the park’s Disney Studio 1 is World Premiere, opening in spring 2025.

Disneyland’s president  Natacha Rafalski told Blooloop: “In spring 2025, that creative vision will reach the park’s entrance when our entrance building reopens as World Premiere, inviting guests into a glamorous film premiere in the heart of Hollywood before arriving in the full splendour of the park.”

And also opening will be the new Frozen land in 2026, along with a word-first Lion King land.

Mr Rafalski added: “Disney Adventure World will be the culmination of an ambitious creative vision, evolving from what we call ‘how it’s done’ soundstages to celebratory theatres and adventures that come to life in immersive areas.”

The new Frozen Land will be the third of its kind in the world, following Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo’s Disneyland.

The Kingdom of Arendelle inside the all-new attraction at Disneyland Paris.

Water-based performances will take place on the central lake with a Frozen Ever After boat ride, similar to the one in Disney World.

New Frozen-themed rooms will open at the Disneyland Hotel too.

Fan will also be able to meet Anna and Elsa, as well as visit immersive shopping and dining experiences.

And the Lion King attraction will be a world first.

Images show a log flume ride down Pride Rock as Rafiki the monkey looks on.

Mufasa, Simba, Timon and Pumba will all feature.

A Tangled ride will also open at the new Adventure Way in Disneyland Paris

Last year, Disney announced they would spend a whopping £47billion over the next ten years.

Other new additions to the Disney theme parks and cruises include

• Encanto-themed ride at Animal Kingdom in Disney World
• New villians land at Disneyland California
• Disney’s biggest cruise ship Disney Adventure
• Spider-man ride at Shanghai Disneyland

Use these tips on your next theme park trip

Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.

1. Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
2. Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
3. Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
4. Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
5. If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.

Here’s how to do an adult-only trip to Disneyland Paris.

And we went inside the new Disneyland Paris hotel which opened last year after a huge renovation.

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