THE Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire has been used as a backdrop for several blockbuster films thanks to its ancient woodland.

Managed by The National Trust since 1926, the Ashridge Estate is part of the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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The National Trust still uses livestock to help maintain the diverse habitats, with foresters felling timber to keep the woodland healthy.

With its beech and oak woodlands, fields of bluebells in the spring, and roaming fallow deer, the 5,000-acre site has proved a master in conjuring up wonderful settings.

Disney films such as Angelina Jolie‘s Maleficent and the musical fantasy Into the Woods, starring Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and James Corden, were all shot in the ancient woodland.

Fantasy movies like Stardust and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire were also filmed in the forest.

And if Ashridge Estate is good enough for Hollywood stars and big-name productions, then it is certainly somewhere Brits should visit for a day out.

This National Trust walk gives some of the best of the autumn colours in the less-trodden areas of the beautiful Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire.

The 5,000-acre site is home to over 80 miles of pathways, with navigation website Komoot listing 19 different walks – although there are probably many more.

One of those is the Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail – North, a circular walk through the northern half of the site where ramblers pass through Ivinghoe Beacon and Incombe Hole.

A huge draw for visitors is the deer that roam on the historic estate.

The deer were introduced in the 13th century by Edmund Earl of Cornwall who founded a monastery on the site where Ashridge House now stands.

A deer park was created next to the monastery, with the woodland creatures remaining on the site for hundreds of years.

Nowadays, deer roam freely on the huge site, with three different species on the site, including Fallow deer, Muntjac deer and Red deer.

Ashridge Estate is also known for its bluebells, with the flowering attracting large numbers of visitors each year.

The blooming date for bluebells varies depending on the weather, but they’re usually visible in April and May.

Dockey Wood is the best place to view bluebells in Ashridge Estate, with visitors charged a small entry fee of £3.50 to visit last year.

Bridgewater Monument, which is currently closed for conservation works, is set to reopen in Spring 2025.

Before its closure, 15,000 visitors would climb its 172 steps to the viewing platform every year.

From the viewing platform, visitors can see Wembley Stadium and Canary Wharf on a clear day.

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Pitstone Windmill is another top attraction to visit in the woodland.

It’s thought to be one of the oldest post mills in Britain, with visitors able to explore its inside and learn how it works.

Pitstone Windmill is set to reopen in May for the summer season.

There’s also a visitor centre on-site, with a plant shop and a second-hand bookshop, and a cafe on the site.

Ashridge Estate has a 4.5/5 star rating on TripAdvisor from hundreds of reviews.

One person wrote: “The Ashridge Estate covers a large area, and there are plenty of walks to explore.”

“There is some really beautiful scenery to enjoy so have your phone or camera ready to capture what you see”

Another person added: “Stunning gardens and a lovely tea room. There is so much to explore that you would want to spend a day here if the weather is good.”

Ashridge Estate is free to enter, with the ancient forest open throughout the year.

It’s a 90-minute drive from London.

Meanwhile, these camping etiquette mistakes will make other campers hate you.

And these are the best campsites to visit in the UK.

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A CITY not far from the UK has been named a top destination to visit in 2025 – and there are big plans there for tourists.

Cork made the top 25 destinations named by National Geographic as places to visit next year.

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The Irish city is easy to get to – flights from the UK take just over an hour from both London and regional airports such as Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.

It was also once the the home city of actor Cillian Murphy, Jonathon Rhys Meyers and Graham Norton.

And the city has revealed its huge five-year tourist plan to encourage more people to visit.

One of those is a new Cork lido, with the 50m heated outdoor swimming pool currently in plans.

Blarney Castle’s gardens will be revamped, with hopes to reopen the 600-year-old Barryscourt Castle to the public.

Roches Point Lighthouse also want reopen, while accommodation could open at Ballycotton Lighthouse.

Spike Island – dubbed Ireland‘s Alcatraz – could get more ferry routes,

Coastal pathways, a visitor attraction at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, festivals and and outdoor spaces at the Docklands are also included in the plans.

More hotels, cultural areas and food experiences to make it the country’s food capital have also been mentioned.

Aileen Murray and Derry Cronin, Cork City, Harbour and East Cork DEDP co-chairs said:”This plan sets out the actions, priorities and future investment for the area, by focusing on increasing the value of tourism, growing the appeal of the destination and increasing visitor spend.

“The actions within this plan will ultimately strengthen the local communities living in these areas.”

The Irish Sun’s Roisin Phelan went to Cobh herself and explained why its such a top destination.

She wrote: “Once called Queenstown, hundreds of people were saved off the coast after the ship Lusitania bound for Liverpool was torpedoed by a German submarine.

“The Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the centre of Cobh, in the original White Star Line ticket office, where hundreds of people bought their tickets for the ship in 1912.

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“For something more lighthearted, visitors can enjoy a walk down the promenade and a glance at all the colourful buildings of the town.

“You can sometimes even spot dolphins swimming in pods through the harbour.”

Make sure to catch the Dursey Island Cable Car too, when in Cork.

And if staying, there is the fancy The Address, with the hotel dating back to 1872 when used as a military hospital, or a new Premier Inn and Moxy which both opened this year.

Also in Cork is Kinsale, dubbed the Irish Riviera with multicoloured houses that look like Italy.

Or there is the small seaside town of Youghal with soft white sand.

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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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