This week, York will welcome creative industry leaders from around the world as the city celebrates ten years of being a UNESCO City of Media Arts.

York is one of 26 cities globally to have won the City of Media Arts designation and the only city in the UK to hold the title.

The tenth anniversary coincides with the 14th annual Aesthetica Short Film Festival, which showcases and brings together the world’s independent film, VR and gaming industry.

In addition, the city will mark this milestone with York’s first-ever UNESCO EXPO, bringing together leading media arts cities from across Europe, including Braga (Portugal), Linz (Austria), and Oulu (Finland) to explore how UNESCO designation has driven cultural investment and sparked creative opportunities.

The festival, taking place in venues across the city from 6-10 November, will see attendees and participants from over 60 countries arrive in York, with industry leaders from world-famous organisations like the New York Times, Aardman and Ridley Scott Associates sharing their expertise through workshops and panel discussions.

Claire Foale, Interim Director of City Development, said:

“On behalf of the council, I’d like to warmly welcome delegates from across the world to York – a city that blends a rich sense of history with a forward-looking and innovative spirit, making it one of the UK’s most exciting places for creative investment.

“We’re delighted to have supported this year’s festival through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, enabling Aesthetica to make cutting-edge culture accessible and open for all to enjoy.

“We’re encouraging residents and visitors alike to get involved with the festival and enjoy the world-class talent and creativity on show in our city this week.”

ENDS

MANCHESTER Airport’s revamped private terminal – called Aether – opened its doors for the first time to passengers this week.

The Sun was the first newspaper invited to experience the luxury
concept, which costs from £90 to £170 per person. So is it worth the
money?

5

The last time I arrived at Manchester Airport, it was peak summer season.

My cabbie dumped us outside terminal 2 as quickly as possible, no doubt keen to dodge any “drop-off” parking charges.

We hauled our own luggage to check-in, went through security and spent the next couple of hours enjoying some food and a drink in the £34-a-head Escape Lounge.

The grub was decent and the bar well-stocked, but it was very busy.

This time I am expecting a very different experience.

I arrive at Aether and park outside and walk towards a trendy, modern-looking building where I am greeted by name by two smartly dressed members of staff.

They show me into the building and I am offered the chance to leave my bags with them.

I only have a cabin-sized rucksack but if I had checked baggage there
are two machines which spit out the necessary labels and you can forget about them until you land at your destination.

I am then taken into the Aether lounge, which unusually for airports
is an oasis of peacefulness and calm.

Indeed during the three hours I spent in the terminal, the attentive
staff outnumber the guests – and apparently that remains the plan.

The helpful manager Suzanne explains they hope for no more than a
dozen or so customers every hour, so the space never feels busy.

The friendly head chef pops out to say hello and we discuss the food
menu on offer, which has been curated by legendary Manchester chef Adam Reid, who is a double winner of TV programme Great British Menu and is chef patron at Manchester’s acclaimed restaurant The French.

Like most northerners, I start with a cup of tea and have a little
wander to the window, where a huge Airbus A330 slowly taxis along the runway.

The thick glass windows ensure none of the engine noise comes through, so business customers can get on with some work undisturbed after logging onto the wifi.

Unlike other lounges, Aether also welcomes guests who are not travelling, so families wishing to enjoy a long goodbye can use their services.

While I wait, I have a poke around and check out the drinks on offer.

A good selection of red and white wines along with bottles of Asahi,
Corona and Moretti lager and a fridge packed with champagne.

The usual soft drinks – Coke, fruit juices and still and sparkling
water are all on offer too.

5

5

The toilets get the luxury touch too with Molton Brown soap and hand lotion, gold taps and large mirrors.

Onto the food. First up is a plate of vegetable crisps on a bed of pea puree which was very moreish, and should be served with a spoon so no pea is left behind.

Then a hefty chunk of malt loaf with whipped beef butter, some
beautiful cold ham, smoked salmon and a pickled vegetable garnish.

After my guest arrived, we asked the chef to give us a little
something of all the main courses on offer.

Reading them on the menu, they don’t sound too filling – a crumpet
topped with shrimp and tomato butter, Mincemeat gravy on toasted malt loaf and a rye bread rarebit with mushroom and walnut
ketchup.

All were delicious and of restaurant quality.

The portions were hearty and by the time we’d had a desert Crumble
bowl with this season’s stewed fruit and three good-sized pieces of
cheese and crackers, we were stuffed.

If I was getting on a plane after the food, I would not need to pay £5
for a small box of Pringles or £10 for a stone-cold toastie.

Infact, I’m not sure I would need to eat again.

5

Staff in the lounge know which flight you are booked on, and monitor the departure board for you until they feel it’s time for you to pass through the private security lane.

The room is next door – and while rules prevent it from being
photographed – the body scanning equipment is state of the art and the lack of other passengers ensure there is no queuing.

Once through, you are handed a fresh bottle of water (as you are now airside) and escorted to a waiting BMW i7. A driver then takes you along the tarmac to your gate, with the furthest gate being a maximum of 20 minutes drive away.

A staff member then escorts you to the gate where your boarding pass is checked by gate staff and you board the plane.

As I had no flight booked, I couldn’t experience the BMW, but I did
get to sit in one outside and can confirm its the first car I have
seen with a drop down TV screen and Netflix available.

So after all the glitz and glamour, how much does Aether cost and is
it worth it?

Entry level is £90 for the ‘Express’ – for those with just cabin bags,
it provides access to go straight through the private terminal’s
security – thus avoiding the queues, and getting chauffeured straight to your plane.

Then from £150 per person, you get all that plus inclusive alcoholic
and soft drinks, and an a la carte menu and refreshments.

For £170, it works for check-in bags too, which clear security and are then taken to your plane for you. You can also choose to book in for both legs of your journey.

Guests planning on booking a checked bag package will need to be
flying with a partner airline, which includes British Airways and
Cathay Pacific, while all other passengers are able to book the cabin
bag only options.

Non-travelling guests can also enjoy the dining experience from £40pp.

Prior to experiencing Aether, I was sceptical about the cost.

As a married dad of two, it’s unlikely I would spend £680 extra so my
family can experience Aether on our next package summer holiday.

I mentioned the terminal to my elderly parents as my dad is a nervous flyer, and his response was “Where do I sign up?”.

Some travellers don’t mind the hustle and bustle of a busy airport and love nothing more than a pint in the airport pub to kickstart their trip.

But if I were travelling with my wife for a weekend away, it would be
a great way to make the airport experience more enjoyable and a £30
budget airline flight to somewhere more bearable.

Aether is also likely to be popular with travellers who have mobility
issues as has no stairs and every aspect of it – food, drink, toilets,
security – is just a few yards walk.

Business passengers are also likely to enjoy its benefits given the
wifi is unlimited and quick to access, and parts of the lounge can be
partitioned off for more privacy.

Will it be a success? I think so – and we’ll know if it has been as
more Aether lounges are likely to pop up at airports around the world.

5

GROWING up in Scotland, I’ve always been fascinated by castles –  they’re hard to miss as around 4000 of them are scattered throughout the country.

But I’ve never actually stayed in one, until now.

7

7

Advertisement

7

There are plenty of castle hotels and hotels that are made to look like castles, but Kilmartin Castle in Argyll and Bute is the real deal.

Built in the 16th century, the castle was abandoned in the 1790s and left to ruin until couple Stef and Simo bought the property in 2015, transforming it into a boutique guest house.

Their renovation journey featured on the Channel 4 show, The Great Hotel Escape.

With its sloping ceilings, fairytale turrets and winding stone steps, it’s easy to imagine living within the castle walls 500 years ago.

But staying in one of the five unique rooms is a much cosier experience than it would’ve been in the 16th century.

Located on the West Coast of Scotland, the surrounding area of Argyll and Bute is known for its local wildlife and sweeping landscapes.

Kilmartin Castle is a three-hour drive from Edinburgh and a two-hour drive from Glasgow.

Kilmartin Museum, which recently reopened after a £7million renovation project, is just a short walk away from the castle and tells the story of Kilmartin Glen.

Also nearby is Kilmartin Hotel, a lovely hotel with a great atmosphere and good food.

When we arrived at Kilmartin Castle, we were welcomed by Simo who showed us around, giving us a brief history lesson in the process.

Everything has a personal touch, making it feel like we were visiting grand friends.

We stayed in Clarke, a luxury double room with untouched stonework, which has been painted in lime green, a commonly used colour in the 16th century.

And just like staying at a friend’s house, guests are encouraged to explore the castle and relax in its communal spaces like the grand hall, which is perfect to sit around the fire and enjoy a wee dram.

7

7

Advertisement

Even in the colder months, the stone castle doesn’t feel chilly as the couple have painstakingly lifted each original stone tile to install underground heating – walking around barefoot is quite surreal.

Breakfast is another interesting experience.

All guests gather under the stone barrel-vaulted ceiling of the dining room where they can help themselves to homemade granola and foraged fruits.

There is a list of experiences available to make your stay as special as possible.

One thing we enjoyed was foraging for toppings for our homemade pizza, which we cooked in the wood-fired pizza oven with fresh herbs from the garden.

For the more adventurous, there is a wild swimming pond on site and guests can go on a Sea Safari on an antique wooden cruiser and try and spot eagles and dolphins.

I’m not the only one who thinks it’s wonderful – last year, the New York Times put it at no.4 in their list of ’52 Places to Go in 2023′

They said of the castle and the surrounding valley: “This verdant valley on Scotland’s wild west coast is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Britain, yet it’s largely off the visitor circuit; imagine Stonehenge without the crowds.

“For full immersion into the Scotland of yore, stay at the moody 16th-century Kilmartin Castle.”

Despite its hype, prices are quite reasonable for such an experience. The whole property is available to book out for private events, or group trips, from £1300 a night.

At the moment however, there is a winter deal for £800 a night to take over all five rooms of the castle – that’s only £160 each if you can organise four other couples to join you.

A castle for Christmas at a fraction of the cost!

Three other castles to visit in the UK

THE UK is home to some amazing castles – here are some of the best:

Bamburgh Castle

This medieval fortress is built overlooking the stunning Northumberland coast, offering a wonderfully picturesque place to explore some of England’s history.

The castle itself is incredibly well preserved and dates all the way back to the 11th century.

Advertisement

Kenilworth Castle

Brits can find out about sieges and royal scandals at Kenilworth Castle, one of the most famous forts in the country.

The medieval castle has had a fascinating history and was even transformed into an Elizabethan palace.

Today its keep, its Tudor towers and Elizabethan garden are among the sites people can explore.

Advertisement

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle has been dubbed “defender of the nation” by locals.

Today, the castle is still an active military base, with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo remaining a highlight among visitors.

It’s also home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels as well as other national treasures

Advertisement

Meanwhile, these are some of the most popular castle stays that can be booked in the UK.

And here are some bizarre holiday homes from around the world that people can rent.

7

7

Advertisement

THERE’S a pub in the middle of an English forest that people are calling a hidden gem.

Aptly named the Pub in the Woods, its found in Wild Park Derbyshire, an outdoor activity centre.

6

6

Advertisement

6

It opened in 2021, inspired by the outdoor drinking that was enforced during the pandemic.

Inside are a range of bookable tables, which is advised due to the small nature of the pub.

The cabana fire pit has space for up to 12 people, inside a purpose built wooden cabana so has a bit of shelter in case it rains.

There are also tipi tents, also with shelter and fire pits, or tables on the veranda.

Otherwise you can risk it with an open-air table.

Prices range from £10 to £50.

There is a fully stocked bar, where you can find everything from beer and fizz to mulled wine and boozy hot chocolates.

There’s food to soak up the alcohol too, ranging from burgers and hot dogs to pizzas and snacks.

Along with boozing, there are are live music nights, running once a week with two acts per night.

An on December 5 and 6, the pub has it’s own mini Christmas Market with more live music as well as gift stalls and food and drink.

The website says: ” Think live music; beer, mulled wine, hot chocolate (boozy & virgin); food; fire pits; festoon lights and friends – socialising outdoors in the fresh country air.

“Get booked in, bring your coats, hats and long johns (blankets, hot water bottles, quilts – whatever you fancy!) and visit The Pub in The Woods.”

Previous punters have been left impressed by the pub, raving about the staff and the atmosphere.

One person said: “The photos don’t do it justice. Environment is outstanding, so so cozy, beautiful fairy lights dotted around, staff were approachable and really attentive.

6

Advertisement

6

“The people that repeatedly served us kept checking into see if we needed anything, lots of spare wood to add to the fire pits.

“Nothing was ever too much even filling up my hot water bottle for the journey home.”

Another said: “Truly unique experience and could not recommend highly enough.”

A third called it “Derby’s best-kept secret”.

If you want to explore the adventure park while there, you can book both laser tag and paintball sessions as well as quad biking and archery.

Stay in the nearby ‘trending’ town of Ashbourne

Near the pub is the town of Ashbourne – which was named a trending destination this year.

Research from Independent Cottages revealed that it was the place that saw the largest increase in attention from Brits.

Advertisement

It is known as “the gateway to Dovedale” a valley in the Peak District, named one of the seven wonders of the UK by the Royal Geographical society in 2021.

Ashbourne gingerbread is even famous with legend saying the recipe was given to a local by a chef of a captured French general during the Napoleonic War.

Another ‘hidden’ bar is Cafe Pacifico, the UK’s first ever Mexican cantina and tucked down a side street in London.

And here’s what its like to drink at the UK’s most isolated pubs.

6