The highest rate is £1.30 a night

Three Welsh councils have said they will not yet introduce a tourism tax.

Conwy, Anglesey, and Gwynedd councils had held consultations with local residents over the summer.

Conwy has voted to defer its introduction pending further evidence, with 29 councillors voting for a deferral and only nine opposing.

Anglesey decided not to proceed with the levy at this time and Gwynedd has said it needs more time to properly assess the significant response to its consultation.

The Welsh Government passed laws to allow councils to introduce a levy but only if they consulted residents and local businesses. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

The rate was to be at 75p for hostels, bunkhouses, bothies or dormitories, and pitches for tents. The higher rate is £1.30.

Under-18s do not have to pay.

In Cardiff, from September 28, overnight accommodation including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering lets, hostels, caravan, camping and glamping sites must start accounting for a visitor levy on new bookings for stays from April 2027 and extra nights or guests added to existing bookings.

In Gwynedd the council received 6,856 consultation responses. Initial analysis found 79.5% of responding businesses opposed the levy alongside 79.9% of responding visitors. Across all respondents 68.5% were opposed.

Conwy received 1,210 consultation responses. Among those who gave an answer to whether the council should introduce a visitor levy 62.1% opposed or tended to oppose it, 33.8% supported or tended to support it, and 4.1% were undecided or expressed no clear preference. Councillors subsequently voted 29 to nine in favour of deferral.

In Anglesey 70.8% of respondents opposed or tended to oppose the levy compared with 25.1% who supported or tended to support it and 4.1% who were neutral or unsure. Opposition was particularly strong among businesses (83.1%) and visitors (84.2%) while 57.8% of residents were also opposed.

The news has been welcomed by a tourism body. PASC UK Cymru, the Professional Association of Self-Caterers, say tourism operators are facing a number of pressures at the same time.

Representative Nicky Williamson said: “This is a welcome victory for common sense and for listening to the evidence. Tourism businesses across Wales have been clear about the pressures they are already facing and the response to these consultations shows the strength of concern about adding another cost to Welsh holidays.

“This is simply the wrong time to introduce another cost for either businesses or visitors. We welcome councils listening to the evidence and urge others to do the same before taking decisions that could have long-term consequences for Wales’ visitor economy.”

By JULIET CONWAY

Published: 11:51 BST, 24 September 2026 | Updated: 18:43 BST, 24 September 2026

Bill Nighy has revealed he secretly married after spending years insisting he had never tied the knot.

The Love Actually star, 76, who has been romantically linked to Vogue editor Dame Anna Wintour since 2015, had long maintained that he had never married – including during his 27-year relationship with actress Diana Quick.

But Bill has now given a new account of his romantic life, recalling a time ‘when I was married’ and revealing that he wore a wedding ring which he later lost in the sea.

The actor did not reveal the identity of his wife, when the marriage took place or how long it lasted.

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‘I can’t wear rings because I’ve got funny hands,’ Bill said on his Ill-Advised podcast on Thursday. ‘I was called Nux Nighy at school because I had knobbly knuckles.’

He added: ‘When I was married, I had a wedding ring, and I went into the sea and it came off. I had to wear such a big ring to get it over my knuckle that it came off in the sea. I lost the ring.

‘It was the only time I’d ever had a ring, but it was so big, as I say, in order to accommodate the deformity of my knuckles, that it didn’t last long.’

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Bill Nighy with actress Diana Quick in 2005, with whom he had a 27-year relationship 

In a 2015 interview, Bill said ‘I’ve never been married’ and explained that marriage had not appealed to him when he was younger.

‘There was nowhere for me to go,’ he said at the time. ‘Marriage is sort of back in now, isn’t it? There wasn’t a lot of it about back then.

‘Where are you going to go? I have no God. A register office didn’t sound like much. I don’t think the tax situation was very beneficial. I don’t think anybody would have married me anyway. But it just wasn’t a thing you did.’

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Bill’s longest relationship was with actress Diana Quick, 79. The pair met while appearing in David Hare’s A Map of the World at the National Theatre in 1982 and welcomed their daughter, actress and film-maker Mary Nighy, 42, two years later.

They remained together until separating in 2008 but were never publicly known to have married.

In a 2006 interview, Bill joked: ‘If she isn’t my wife, she has been following me around for a hell of a long time.’

But he made their legal status clear on that occasion, adding: ‘We’re not legally sanctioned. We live in what my grandmother would call sin, but I don’t care, and neither does she.’

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He and Diana have remained on good terms since their split and continued to spend time together as a family.

The Love Actually star, 76, who has been romantically linked to Anna Wintour since 2015, has now given a new account of his romantic life, recalling a time ‘when I was married’ 

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What do you make of Bill Nighy’s surprise marriage revelation after years of saying he’d never wed?

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Before Diana, Bill was in a relationship with Welsh actress Beth Morris, who later appeared in I, Claudius and The District Nurse.

Bill has more recently faced speculation over his relationship with Dame Anna, 76, with the pair romantically linked since at least 2015.

The rumours gathered pace after they were repeatedly seen together, before making a high-profile appearance arm-in-arm at the Met Gala in New York in 2023.

Bill’s representative denied they were romantically involved, saying at the time: ‘Bill and Anna have simply been great friends for two decades. They are not in a relationship.’

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They have been featured in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2027, described as the definitive guide to good pubs that serve real ale all over the country.

Featuring in the Good Beer Guide 2027 are the Bank Top Brewery Tap on Belmont Road in Astley Bridge and the Bolton Ukrainian Social Club on Castle Street, The Haulgh.

Also featured are the King’s Head on Junction Road in Deane and Northern Monkey on Nelson Square just off Bradshawgate in the town centre.

Bank Top Brewery Tap in Astley Bridge also features on CAMRA’s list (Image: Ben Sweeney)

All four featured in last year’s Good Beer Guide as well and have proven to be just as highly recommended this year.

This comes not long after the Campaign for Real Ale welcomed the government’s announcement that the Pubs Code for England and Wales will stay in place.

CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “We’re glad that the Pubs Code will be kept in place, as it’s needed more than ever.

“Ordinary drinkers are being denied choice and value by the global brewers that dominate the UK beer market, including how beer is sold to pubs.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the details of how more tied pub tenants might be able to challenge the beer tie.

“However, we still have a supply-led beer market that is dominated by global brewers, which means that licensees, independent brewers, and ordinary drinkers lose out.

“We need to see bolder reforms like guest beer rights for tied tenants, and the Department for Business must stop dragging their feet and publish the outcome of the review of access to the beer market for independent brewers.”

This year’s Good Beer Guide, the 54th edition, features more than 4,500 pubs with a breweries list featuring 1,700 breweries and 5,000 beers with information about brewery taprooms.

A description said: “The Good Beer Guide is completely independent, with listings based entirely on evaluation by CAMRA members.

“This year’s foreword is written by Sir Ian Rankin.

“He, and his fictional detective Rebus, both frequent The Oxford Bar, in Edinburgh which features on the cover of this year’s guide.”

Anyone interested in the full guide can go to: https://shop1.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2027/.

The Henry De Bromhead-trained Envoi Allen won the Champion Chase at Down Royal three times

Down Royal racecourse and BetVictor have announced plans to honour the legendary chaser Envoi Allen at their Festival of Racing next month.

The Henry De Bromhead-trained chasing superstar captured the BetVictor Champion Chase three times at the Lisburn venue (2022, 2024, and 2025) and was a real course favourite.

He tragically died just moments after completing his final race in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March but gave his owners Cheveley Park and regular rider Rachael Blackmore some memorable moments at Down Royal and elsewhere.

Down Royal and title sponsor BetVictor have now revealed that the feature race of the November Festival will be renamed The BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase.

The race is the first Grade 1 of the Irish jumping season and promises to be another fascinating contest with some of the best chasers in Ireland and Britain likely to line-up.

Envoi Allen ran seven times in total at Down Royal and his win in the race last year was the last of his eleven Grade One wins, that also included three wins at the Cheltenham Festival.

Emma Meehan, Chief Executive at Down Royal Racecourse said: “Envoi Allen held a truly unique place in the hearts of everyone at Down Royal. From his early days through to his historic third Champion Chase victory last November, he delivered some of the most memorable moments ever witnessed at our track.

“Renaming our Grade 1 flagship race in his memory ensures his legacy remains permanently woven into the fabric of our BetVictor Festival of Racing.”

“We’re delighted to once again welcome BetVictor as title sponsor to our The BetVictor Festival of Racing – from iconic horses on the track to the style and spectacle of Ladies Day – we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for racegoers this October.”

Sam Boswell, Head of Sponsorship & Media for BetVictor, said: “BetVictor is proud to continue as primary sponsor of the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing for 2026.

“Envoi Allen was a true titan of National Hunt racing, and his extraordinary performances in this very race brought immense joy to racing fans. Partnering with Down Royal to name this race ‘The BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase’ is a fitting tribute to a horse who gave so much to the sport.”

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Envoi Allen added: “Down Royal was always a very special place for Envoi Allen, and he produced some of his absolute best performances on that track.

“To see the Grade 1 Champion Chase named in his memory is a wonderful touch. He brought our yard, Cheveley Park Stud, and racing fans so much happiness over the years, and it means a great deal to see him remembered in this way.”

Tickets are currently available for purchase at www.downroyal.com . General admission is priced at £20 for Friday 30th October and £25 for Saturday 31st October and children under 14 can enter free of charge.

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Scott McTominay is closing in on a comeback after undergoing a heart procedure

Napoli have confirmed that midfielder Scott McTominay has returned to individual training just two weeks after undergoing planned heart surgery. The Scotland international had a procedure for mild benign arrhythmia.

The NHS says that the condition causes an unsteady heartbeat, or for the heart to beat either too quickly or too slowly. McTominay is not the first footballer to undergo the procedure, with former Liverpool man Adam Lallana suffering from the affliction when he was younger.

McTominay has now missed the last four games in all competitions due to the operation. But his recovery seems to be going as planned, with a comeback to first-team action not too far away.

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In a statement on their official website, Napoli confirmed: “The Azzurri continued training during the international window.

“The team took part in a morning training session, with exercises in the gym and change-of-direction drills on the pitch. Scott McTominay returned to the SSC Napoli Training Centre and trained separately in the gym.”

They also published a photograph of the midfielder working on an exercise bike. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that he is targeting a return for the fixture against Frosinone following the international break.

The most recent update aligns with the anticipated recovery timeline outlined by Napoli director Giovanni Manna prior to the surgery. “It will take 28 days for sporting fitness because he will take anticoagulant drugs,” he said.

“For two weeks, the player will rest and then resume competitive activity without contact.”

While he will be absent for Scotland’s Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia during the international break, McTominay could return for the following competitive match. Napoli are currently ninth in Serie A and have secured victory in only one of the games that McTominay has been unavailable for.

He swiftly became a vital player for the Italian outfit following his £25.7million switch from United in the summer of 2024. Since his arrival, he has turned out 82 times for the club, netting 27 goals and registering 10 assists.

McTominay progressed through the academy ranks at Old Trafford, breaking into the first team towards the end of the 2016/17 campaign. He went on to feature 255 times, finding the net 29 times and laying on eight assists.

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Temperatures could reach the high 20s in south-east England on Friday before falling closer to average over the weekend, with wet and windy weather possible next week

The Met Office has forecast temperatures could climb as high as 28C in parts of the UK on Friday.

Conditions are set to warm up – but perhaps don’t get those summer beach towels out from storage just yet because forecasters suggest that wet and windy weather could be on the way next week.

Thursday has been largely dry for most parts of Wales and the UK with temperatures reaching the low-20s in most places. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter.

On Friday temperatures are anticipated to peak at between 27C and 28C across the south-east of England. The Met Office has characterised these conditions as “exceptionally warm” for this time of year.

According to the Met Office Wales will see something of a mixed bag of weather on Friday with Cardiff enjoying some dry and sunny temperatures of around 21C. As a whole, however, Wales will see a “cloudy and at times damp day with showery rain”.

Meanwhile, across the weekend, the outlook for Wales is: “Bright and breezy on Saturday with sunny spells and the odd shower. Turning windier on Sunday with heavy rain arriving, clearing later. Sunny periods on Monday. Temperatures remaining above average.”

As for England temperature anomaly maps for Friday show southern and eastern parts of England shaded in orange, further indicating that the mercury will climb well above the seasonal norm, reports the Mirror.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster Dan Holley said: “Once early fog patches clear in the south, Friday will be exceptionally warm for late September, especially in the southeast closest to an area of high pressure over the nearby continent.

“A weakening cold front will drift gradually south-eastwards overnight and into Saturday, with temperatures falling back closer to average over the weekend.

“This sets up a mixed weekend of weather, much of Saturday will be fine and dry before an increasing chance of rain or showers on Sunday, especially in more western parts.”

The Met Office forecast for next states that “a period of wet and windy weather” is expected to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

Mr Holley added: “While details are naturally uncertain at this range, a particularly deep area of low pressure could pass close to the UK during the first half of next week.

“This may bring some wet and windy weather for some, which coupled with high spring tides could bring impacts to some coastal areas in the west.”

Just down the road from East Dulwich and not too far from Crystal Palace, you’ll find Forest Hill: a leafy suburb of Lewisham, known for its independent shops, artsy vibe, and strong community feel.

While it might not be as popular as trendy South London stalwarts, like Brixton or Clapham, if you know, you know.

In 2024, The Sunday Times named it in their Best Places to Live list, calling it ‘charming’, and praising the ‘creative corner’ of London for its ‘jaw-dropping city panoramas’.

While it might not have a Tube station, there’s plenty to be found in Forest Hill, including cheaper rent.

According to statistics from renting site SpareRoom, the average cost of a room is £913, meanwhile in neighbouring East Dulwich, the going rate is £969, while Herne Hill costs £984 and Brixton £986.

And, of course, bougie Clapham is even more expensive, at £1,093.

Property prices in Forest Hill

Forest Hill is more affordable than the rest of London, but you’ll still need to be prepared to dig deep into your pockets to buy here.

According to statistics from Rightmove, the average home in the area has gone for £625,204 over the last year. Flats have come in at £411,341, while terraced homes tend to be more expensive, at £793,861 on average.

However, the going rate for London as a whole has been £664,962, which works out to be almost £40,000 (£39,758) more expensive.

Things to do in Forest Hill

Perhaps the most famous Forest Hill landmark is the Horniman Museum, known for its collection of taxidermied animals, musical instruments, and other random curiosities, including a Walrus that dates back to the Victorian era.

Once you’ve explored everything the museum has to offer though, there’s a market in the grounds, where you’ll find food stalls, ceramics, vinyl, jewelry, and grocers selling off fresh local produce.

With stunning views of the entire city, this is the perfect spot to perch and eat your lunch, people-watching the visitors stroll from one stand to the next.

And on certain weekends throughout the year, the bandstand is also where the museum hosts events and celebrations.

The Kusuma Nature Play Area, in the museum gardens, also doesn’t require any booking and has a climbing web, den building frame, timber balance beams, and log steps.

For green space, Forest Hill is sorted.

Dulwich Park isn’t far away, which runs a Parkrun every Saturday morning, and has a little boating lake, where pedalos are available for hire.

There’s also Sydenham Hill Wood, Blythe Hill Fields, and Dacres Wood, which has been a designated nature reserve since 2005.

As leisure centres go, Forest Hill Pools makes for a delightful swim. There are a few different pools, separated into lanes. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and very clean, so you can get your 40 lengths done in peace.

There are independent businesses everywhere, too, including Better Things, known locally for its selection of homeware and for hosting workshops, like a Paint Your Own Charm offering.

Krust opened in June, and dishes out coffee and sweet treats like the pistachio and chocolate croissant, as well as a chocolatine (the Bordeaux/Toulouse word for a pain au chocolat, so you’re in good hands).

Transport links in Forest Hill

Now, plenty of snobs turn their noses up at South London for its distinct lack of Tube stations, but if you’re open to an alternative commute, one which is mainly comprised of buses and trains, then Forest Hill might be for you.

It’s conveniently located along the Windrush Line, which runs from Crystal Palace to Highbury and Islington. It’s just 26 minutes from Hoxton.

There’s also the Southern rail service, which goes directly to London Bridge in 14 minutes, and passes through Honour Oak, Brockley, and New Cross Gate along the way.

Plus, heaps of buses constantly pile through, including the 185 to Victoria, the 176 to Tottenham Court Road, and the 197 to Peckham.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk

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Del Somerville, 42, was the first to be arrested and sentenced for violent disorder following the violence which erupted after the arrival of a small boat in Portsmouth on September 6

A father-of-two has become the first demonstrator to be imprisoned after hurling a plastic bottle at a police cordon and verbally abusing officers during an anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth.

Del Somerville, from Paulsgrove, received a two-year jail term at Portsmouth Crown Court after admitting to violent disorder.

The 42-year-old was the first person arrested and sentenced in connection with the disturbances that broke out following a small boat’s arrival in the Hampshire city on September 6.

Judge Daniel Sawyer stated his sentence would serve as a warning to others amid further demonstrations in the locality.

Branding him a “thug”, the judge told the defendant: “Police officers dedicate their lives to the protection of the public regardless of their own views, the very least they can expect is that those who engage in protests treat them with respect and the courts punish those who assault them.”

Prosecutor Edward Warren explained: “This case arises out of the violence that occurred on the night of September 6 following the arrival into the country of 114 illegal migrants who had crossed the Channel from France and were diverted to Eastney marina, escorted by the Coastguard and the RNLI.”

Mr Warren added: “Following an initial peaceful and lawful gathering from local residents, a large number of people gathered on Ferry Road near the marina.

“That protest apparently initially appeared spontaneous before it seemed organised elements with online encouragement from public figures having shared information on social media and elsewhere led to a much wider group and a large number of people attending.

“Public awareness spread online and a larger number of people began to congregate in Eastney.

“Protests began popping up in other parts of the area, including Hayling Island and ferry terminals.

“Hampshire Constabulary declared a major incident during the evening and a significant police presence was deployed, and significant resources were required to maintain public order and to ensure those who had arrived in the country were moved to a secure location.

“During the evening there were seven recorded assaults on police officers and damaged caused to police vehicles.

“Other forces were deployed from outside Hampshire to assist and approximately 50 officers from Hampshire and a further 100 supporting officers to assist.”

The court was informed that local residents had provided statements expressing fear within their own homes, while demonstrators were witnessed urinating in gardens, with property damage in the vicinity running into thousands of pounds.

Mr Warren stated that bricks, stones and bottles had been hurled at police, and community wardens found themselves confined to their vehicles for five hours throughout the disorder. The prosecution outlined how at approximately 11.20pm, Somerville, dressed in a khaki hooded top with the hood raised, first gestured to a fellow demonstrator to “back off” from the police cordon.

The court heard the accused subsequently “turned to face the police and was seen to throw a small bottle and he has shouted at officers to ‘f*** off’.

“He remains at the front of the group talking to protesters a short distance from the police line.”

It was further stated that at 1am, body-worn camera evidence captured Somerville “aggressively pushing” through the police barrier and “shouting verbal abuse at police officers” as well “pointing aggressively” at them.

Mr Warren explained that Somerville, who resides on a vessel at the marina, was located at his van by officers on September 11 and allegedly assaulted a constable during his arrest.

The defendant has denied this charge, with the matter now set to be heard at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court.

During questioning, Mr Warren revealed Somerville “said the police were the ones responsible for the violence and he suggests he was struck by a baton multiple times and sprayed with CS gas”.

Helen Easterbrook, defending, told the court that Somerville had been aboard his boat at the marina that evening and ventured out to investigate the commotion.

She explained: “Unlike so many of those involved in disorders where people are transporting themselves across the country, he was caught up in it.

“He was one of the people affected by this, his original involvement was when he came out of the marina to see what was going on. This does not excuse the behaviour he began to undertake.”

She further stated: “He asked police to go back to his place of safety on his boat but he was refused.”

Ms Easterbook revealed that Somerville had initially tried to defuse the situation, but had thrown a “light plastic bottle” with no intention of causing harm.

She went on to say: “He has suffered a number of mental health issues, rebuilding his life multiple times.”

The judge addressed Somerville directly, stating: “You didn’t simply find yourself caught up in this disorder, this maybe how it started but you made a decision to engage in this behaviour.”

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