A TINY town in the north of Britain could soon become the ‘UK’s food capital’ – and you’ll want to visit during Christmas.

Set on the edge of the North York Moors, the small English town of Malton is famous for its annual food festival as well as monthly food market.

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For the last several years, local Tom Naylor-Leyland – who starred on Channel 5’s ‘Our Great Yorkshire Life’ – has been promoting Malton as the county’s food capital.

And another local has explained why she thinks the town is on the up.

Clara Challoner Walker, who has lived in Malton for the last nine years, owns natural beauty business Cosy Cottage.

Talking exclusively to the Sun Newspaper, she said: “Over the last five years, more creatives and artists have arrived in Malton.

“While the profile of the town hasn’t grown as quickly, there’s also a lag.

“You can only be famous because you’re doing really well, so you have to start doing the stuff really well first, and then the fame will follow.”

She added: “Malton has loads of independent shops, including gift and book shops.

“There’s a fantastic bookshop called Kemps as well as boutique clothing shops like Rusty Fox and Bias.

“Another favourite of mine is McMillans of Malton, which sells whisky and gin – the owner wears a kilt and there’s even a hidden speakeasy upstairs.”

And with its own Shambles shopping street, there are plenty of other independent shops to choose from including Environmental Art, Magpie Antiques and The Drunk Candle Company.

Visitors can become a creative for a couple of hours too, with artists and skilled craftspeople running workshop sessions.

The Cook’s Place runs cookery lessons like cake decorating, Cosy Cottage runs soap and candle-making workshops and there are even blacksmithing workshops.

Clara also revealed why Christmas is the best time to visit the town as well.

She added: “The blacksmithing workshops make brilliant Christmas gifts because they’re homemade, but people will also buy workshops as a Christmas present for the following year.”

What is it like to visit Malton?

THE SUN’s assistant travel editor Sophie Swietochowski visited Malton in 2022, here’s what she thought.

Malton’s monthly food market is reason enough to visit the Yorkshire foodie hub with stalls selling everything from monstrous brownies crammed with sweets and biscuits to artisan cheeses and fresh pork scratchings at £2 a bag.

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Swing by the Cocoa Drop stand for some miniature choccies stuffed with unusual fillings like goats cheese, lemon posset and Jack Daniels.
Head down early to avoid the queues of hungry locals, then you can tuck into your goodies while listening to the live band by the church.

If you’ve missed the market, there’s no need to stress as the pubs and restaurants here are some of the best in the country – many feature in the Michelin guide.

And there really is something for everyone. Vegan? The Purple Carrot is the spot for you, serving colourful cauliflower cakes, and loaded sandwiches. More of a carnivore? The Fox and Rabbit does a cracking Sunday roast with all the trimmings – but make sure you go hungry as the portions are huge.

Visitors who want to experience a taste of these sessions should head to Malton on November 23, when St Clement’s Festival takes place.

The festival, which is now in its second year, is described as a “celebration of Malton’s host of craftspeople” with activities and demonstrations taking place throughout the day.

Sculpture and art trails, light shows and musical performances, also take place throughout the day, while twinkling Christmas lights, trees and decorations adorn the town.

Other tourist attractions in the town include Malton Museum, Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton Castle Gardens.

There are also two galleries in Malton where visitors can purchase paintings and artwork.

And thanks to its food scene, there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat including the Purple Carrot, a vegetarian cafe which happens to be one of Clara’s favourites.

Other well-regarded restaurants include Florio’s Italian, Forty Six Malton, La Trattoria, Omni Bar & Yorkshire Grill and Tui‘s Thai Restaurant.

For overnight stays, there are a handful of hotels in Malton like The Talbot, The Old Lodge and the Mount Hotel.

Meanwhile, The Sun’s Katrina Turrill grew up in the prettiest town in Yorkshire – here’s what she thinks of it.

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Photo by St. Regis Venice

In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and burnout are rampant, travelers are increasingly seeking escapes that prioritize rest and rejuvenation.  A new trend is emerging – sleep travel – where the focus is not just on sightseeing and adventure, but on deep relaxation and restorative slumber. Leading this movement are hotels like The St. Regis Venice, W Scottsdale, and Everline Resort & Spa, each offering unique experiences designed to enhance sleep quality and promote overall well-being.

These havens of tranquility go beyond providing comfortable beds and quiet rooms. They curate holistic experiences that tap into the restorative power of sleep, incorporating spa treatments, wellness programs, and mindful amenities to help guests disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with themselves.

Photo by St. Regis Venice

The St. Regis Venice: Where Luxury Meets Rejuvenation

Imagine waking up in a palatial room overlooking the Grand Canal, the gentle lapping of water against gondolas lulling you into a state of serenity. This is the magic of The St. Regis Venice, a hotel steeped in history and elegance.  Beyond its opulent décor and breathtaking views, the hotel offers a sanctuary for those seeking deep relaxation: the renowned Valmont Spa.

Photo by St. Regis Venice

Nestled within exquisite spa suites, the Valmont Spa is a haven of tranquility. Inspired by Swiss skincare traditions, it offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate and invigorate.  After a restful sleep in one of the hotel’s lavishly appointed rooms, guests can indulge in therapies that combat the effects of aging and boost energy levels.

A standout offering is the Energy Spa Ritual, a revitalizing treatment that combats fatigue and dullness by stimulating skin cell oxygenation. Perfect after a long journey or a day exploring Venice’s captivating streets, this ritual leaves guests feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the city’s beauty.

Photo by W Scottsdale

W Scottsdale:  Energizing Escape with a Focus on Wellness

For those seeking a vibrant yet relaxing retreat, W Scottsdale offers a unique blend of energy and tranquility. The hotel’s AWAY Spa provides a stylish sanctuary where guests can de-stress and recharge.  With its focus on personalized treatments and innovative therapies, AWAY Spa caters to individual needs, ensuring a truly revitalizing experience.

Photo by W Scottsdale

Complementing the spa is the WET Deck, a chic oasis with stunning views and a lively atmosphere. Here, guests can unwind by the pool, soak up the Arizona sunshine, and enjoy refreshing cocktails.  The WET Deck provides the perfect balance of social interaction and peaceful relaxation, catering to different moods and preferences.

W Scottsdale further enhances the sleep experience with thoughtful in-room amenities.  A Sleep and Recovery Kit, featuring calm sleep gummies and a hydrating electrolyte mix, promotes restful slumber. Luxurious bath products and the signature W bed, renowned for its comfort, further contribute to a truly restorative stay.

Photo by Everline Resort & Spa

Everline Resort & Spa: Nature’s Embrace in the Sierra Nevada

Nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of Northern California’s Olympic Valley, Everline Resort & Spa is a multigenerational haven that embraces the healing power of nature. The resort’s spa offers a range of treatments inspired by the surrounding environment, designed to relax the mind, body, and soul.

Soul to Sole Massage: This targeted massage focuses on areas prone to tension after travel, including the head, neck, shoulders, and feet. Incorporating aromatherapy and acupressure, it promotes relaxation and prepares the body for a restful sleep.

Lavender Dream Body Experience: Immerse yourself in the calming scent of lavender with this full-body treatment. An invigorating exfoliation is followed by a soothing massage with warm stones and lavender oil, leaving you feeling balanced and rejuvenated.

Ginger Renewal Body Experience: Experience the warming and invigorating properties of ginger in this revitalizing treatment. A full-body exfoliation, followed by a massage with ginger oil and warm stones, leaves you feeling refreshed and energized.

Everline Wellness Massage: This signature massage is tailored to your specific needs, using a combination of techniques to create a truly personalized and serene experience.

Juniper Sensory Body Wrap: Awaken your senses with this uplifting treatment. A eucalyptus foot cleansing ritual and dry brushing are followed by a warm body wrap infused with the calming scent of neroli, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Everline Resort & Spa provides the perfect setting to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.  With its focus on wellness and its tranquil surroundings, the resort allows guests to truly unwind and embrace the restorative power of sleep.

These hotels exemplify a growing trend in the travel industry: a shift towards prioritizing rest, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. By offering curated experiences that promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality, they cater to the needs of today’s travelers, who seek more than just sightseeing and adventure.

THE world’s longest suspension bridge has finally been given the go-ahead – linking Italy to its biggest island.

First announced back in the early 2000s, the €14.6billion (£12.1billion) bridge would join the mainland to Sicily.

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A contract was given for the bridge back in 2009, only for the plans to be scrapped in 2013.

But it has finally been given the go-ahead, with construction to start this year.

The Società Stretto di Messina and the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency of the European Commission (CINEA9) – the construction company behind the bridge – has signed a new funding proposal.

Around €25million of the infrastructure will be covered by the EU – 50 per cent of the executive design costs.

The bridge was initally estimated to cost €10billion, although a forecast conducted by the Treasury’s Economic and Financial Document (DEF) said it would be closer to €14.6billion.

This includes €13.5billion for the bridge itself and another €1.1billion for better rail-links between Sicily and the south of Italy.

It hopes to open until in the 2030s, with no confirmed date.

Matteo Salvini, Italy’s infrastructure minister said it had “always been one of his goals” to build the bridge.

Currently, travellers have to fly to the island, or get a ferry, taking anything between 20 minutes to 24 hours.

But the new bridge would have both road and rail links, stretching 3km (1.8 miles) long.

There would be three vehicle lanes going in each direction, with just two used by the public and one would be for emergency situation.

As many as 6,000 cars and trucks could use the bridge every hour.

And train line would run throughout the middle, with as many as 200 a day.

The bridge project has faced both criticism and support.

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Critics of the project fear it is badly placed, being in Italy‘s earthquake zone as well as concerns over the migration of birds between Africa and Europe.

However, supporters of the bridge say it would help the country’s struggling economy, especially in the south.

It’s not the only record-breaking attraction being built.

The world’s biggest airport hopes to open by 2030, with 120million passengers a year.

King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will have a six runways with international flights.

Launching next year is the world’s biggest cruise ships, dubbed a “theme park at sea”.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas will launch in summer 2025.

Five new water attractions opening in the UK

1. Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
2. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
3. Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
4. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
5. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.

And you can find the world’s largest train station in New York- with Grand Central Terminal having 80 stores inside.

Want to stay at the world’s biggest hotel? You’ll have to head to Malaysia.