magical

The makers behind Netflix’s hit drama “Adolescence,” knew their series about a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a female classmate was something special.

And while creators and executive producers Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne were thrilled after learning that the U.K. drama received 13 Emmy nominations in the limited series category, they were even more gratified that the collective efforts of the cast and crew were being honored.

“There was just something magical that happened with this show, and it was the true definition of an ensemble,” said Graham during a video interview with Thorne. The duo were nominated for writing and producing the drama, and Graham was also nominated as lead actor for his portrayal of the devastated father of the teen suspect.

“My true gratitude is not the fact that we got 13 nominations. It’s the fact that every single person, every single player, every single part of the crew is being acknowledged for what we achieved as a collective,” Graham said. “What we do is not a game of golf. We managed this collective consciousness between us.”

The four-episode series became one of the buzziest dramas of the year, and was highly praised for its approach of filming each installment in a single camera shot.

Thorne said of the hoopla surrounding the series, “I think we got very lucky in capturing a particular time, place and mood. We also got lucky with all the people we worked with.”

Win or lose, plans are already being formed for an Emmy night celebration.

“Stephen just declared that we’re all going to the Emmys in a minibus,” Thorne said. “We’re all going to stand on the red carpet as one. That will be really special.”

The minibus passengers will include Owen Cooper, who played the young suspect, and Erin Doherty, who played a psychologist. The two, who were both nominated in supporting actor categories, starred in the drama’s third episode where their characters engaged in a tense battle of wills.

Cooper and Doherty discussed the show and their nominations in a separate video interview.

Congratulations on your nominations and amazing performances. Where were you when you got the news?

Cooper: I was in my living room and I put on the TV. Then I found it we got 13 nominations. It’s just crazy.

Doherty: To be fair, I avoided it. So I was waiting for my phone to ring. My agent told me, “I’ll ring you either way.” Then she started phoning me and I thought, “Oh, what, is this going to me?” And all those nominations came in. I’m so over the moon for the show.

Owen, you’re making history as the youngest Primetime Emmy nominee in a limited series .

Cooper: I heard about that the other day. It’s hard to even think about that stuff, to be honest. It’s crazy. I don’t even know how to put that into words, really.

Did both of you know at the time you were doing the third episode that you were creating something really special?

Cooper: Yes. We knew it would hit many homes, and that it would create conversations. We didn’t know it would get 13 nominations. That’s just the cherry on top. The success of the show has been mind-blowing.

Doherty: We knew everyone who was participating on and off the screen wanted to be a part of this, having the courage to address this subject matter. We knew the importance of the story. You never know if something like this is going to hit the way that this has.

Owen, what impressed you the most about Erin’s performance?

Cooper: The fact that she could just think of things to say off the spot. I would put attitude into the line and she would put even more attitude into it.

And Erin?

Doherty: I would say the exact same thing. Like he would start yawning and start throwing around different things. It felt like the most exciting game of tennis that I’ve been a part of. You don’t get that every day with actors who have been doing this for 40 years. Owen has the ability and skill and bravery. For him to throw himself into this environment, which is nerve-wracking, overwhelming and over-stimulating. To have the ability to stay centered and be present with each other is really rare. I’m so, so proud of him and that I got to be there for his first go, because he’s going to be doing this for years and years and years.

I know it’s early, but any thoughts on how you’ll feel on Emmy night?

Cooper: I don’t think I’ll be nervous. I don’t care if I win. I’ll just get there, eat nice food, meet a lot of people. And I’ll be in L.A. where the weather is nice. I’m not bothered by the result at the end of the day.

Doherty: We’ve won. The show got 13 nominations. We’re all going to be there. It’s just going to be the best night ever. We’re going to treat it like a big party.

Rio Secreto in Cancun was discovered almost two decades ago by complete chance. Now the underground oasis has become a major tourist attraction in the Mexican seaside town

Tacos, tequila and sombreros are just some of the clichés that come to mind when thinking of the stunning country of Mexico. But what many visitors don’t realise is that there’s a whole other world lurking beneath the surface—literally.

Not only can holidaymakers enjoy cenotes—natural water pools believed by the Mayans to have a connection to the underworld—but they can also explore an entire underwater cave system.

Remarkably, Río Secreto in Cancún was only discovered in 2006 by a man who was hunting in the jungle. The story goes that he chased an iguana into a hole, which turned out to be the entrance to a vast underwater oasis. In the years since, the site has been painstakingly mapped, and guides now lead around 100 tourists per day through the cave, which is full of stalactites and stalagmites.

Bats also call the cave home, along with some interesting creepy crawlies—which I, for one, tried my best not to look at during a recent trip in June 2025. Head torches are needed to see the wonders of the cave, and at one point in the tour, our guide asked us to turn them off to show just how dark it really is inside.

READ MORE: Lesser known island next to huge tourist hotspot with unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear water

The long, glittering stalactites and stalagmites are otherworldly, leaving you feeling as though you’ve landed on another planet. Some physical strength is needed to clamber over rocks and swim through parts of the cave, but nothing too strenuous.

Participants are offered walking sticks to aid with this before walking through a short stretch of jungle to reach the mouth of the cave. Inside, the cool air is a sharp contrast to the 30°C sun beaming down at the entrance, adding to the surreal experience.

Our guide, Imelda, spoke passionately about the site as we ambled along the path. She ensured everyone in our group was happy and engaged throughout. Before we began the tour, Imelda introduced us to a Mayan shaman, who gave us a blessing before we made our way down the steps into another world.

We clambered under and over rocks and even got to swim in the cool water. As someone who is claustrophobic, I was never afraid—the tall cave ceilings mean you don’t feel cramped or stuck.

The experience was magical, but one thing that caught me off guard during the visit was the strict ban on photography. GoPros are not allowed inside the cave, nor is any camera equipment, including phones—some of which tourists had placed in waterproof pouches in preparation.

Instead, a photographer accompanies the group, capturing images as you walk and swim through the trail. These are available for purchase at the end of the excursion and can be viewed on a computer screen—akin to the ones you see after a ride at Alton Towers, albeit with slightly fewer screaming faces.

However, with a price tag of around $100 (around £72) for a photo package or $30 (around £21) per person, it’s a costly addition to the day. And when most of the images are of you carefully stepping over a rock in a lifejacket, helmet and wetsuit, it’s not surprising that I walked away with just the memories of such a special place.

We then made our way back to AVA Resort Cancún to end the day with a cocktail—or five—for a job well done.

Book it

Seven nights at the brand new five-star AVA Resort Cancun costs from just £1,651 per person on a premium all-inclusive basis in an Oceanfront King Room with Sea View and Balcony with two-person spa tub. Price is based on two adults sharing on an All-Inclusive Basis and includes direct return flights from London Gatwick to Cancun. Price based on select September 2025 departures. Visit AVA Resort Cancun for rooms.

A ticket to Rio Secreto is $89 (around £65) for adults and $44.50 (around £32) for children.

British Airways flights from London Gatwick to Cancun cost from £498.

A new study has ranked over 100 scenic walking trails worldwide, based on distance, elevation gain and average temperature, with the world’s easiest walks to stunning views revealed

With staycations hitting a peak, Brits have been lacing up their hiking boots and heading to the hills, and it’s no surprise with four UK walkways featuring in AllClear Travel Insurance’s global study as the easiest routes to spectacular vistas.

This comprehensive analysis sifted through over 100 breathtaking walks around the globe, grading each on difficulty from distance, elevation gain to temperature.

Across the pond, Artist Point in Yellowstone seized pole position, while Cadillac Summit Loop nabbed second and New Zealand’s Milford Sound Foreshore Walk clinched third place.

Not to be outdone, the Porthdinllaen Circular in Wales and the Giant’s Causeway Blue Trail in Northern Ireland both snagged the tenth slot.

The Porthdinllaen Circular promises ramblers over an hour of spellbinding coastal panoramas coupled with potential seal sightings. A pleased hiker attested to its charm: “Stunning little coastal walk.”

Another wrote of a delightful find, saying: “There was a secluded beach just before the trail tells you to exit the golf course. I wasn’t missing out on those! The way down is steep but oh so worth it!”, reports the Express.

Echoing this enthusiasm, users are showering accolades on the AllTrails page for Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway Blue Trail – a route riddled with awe-inspiring views. One visitor advices: “A must see in Northern Ireland. Great hike, surreal views. Make sure to bring water.”

The Old Man of Storr route in the Scottish Highlands, one of Scotland’s most iconic locations, came in at number 11 on the list.

This trek takes you up to the Old Man of Storr, a rock formation that was created millions of years ago when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth.

According to local legends, these rocks are the thumb of a giant now buried underground, while some believe that the face of an old man can be seen in the rock.

Rounding off the UK entries on the list is the Chee Dale Stepping Stones Circular, a stunning trail on the fringes of the Peak District.

The world’s 15 easiest scenic walks:

1. Artist Point, USA
2. Cadillac Summit Loop, USA
3. Milford Foreshore Walk, New Zealand
4. Cape Flattery Trail, USA
5. Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail Canada
6. Blue Trail, Path of Love: Riomaggiore – Manarola, Italy
7. Moro Rock, USA
8. Grand Canyon South Rim, USA
9. Bastei – Basteribrücke Bridge, Germany
10. Porthdinllaen Circular, Wales, Giant’s Causeway – Blue Trail, Northern Ireland, and Bryce Point Trail, USA
11. Old Man of Storr, Scotland
12. The Panorama Trail: Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg, Switzerland
13. Chee Dale Stepping Stones Circular, England

Is there anything more like a fairy tale than thousands of glowing lanterns floating heavenward into the night? Long before the luminescent spectacle awed viewers of Disney’s 2010 film “Tangled,” real-life lantern festivals have been taking place around the world. In China, sky lanterns were first used as a means of communication in warfare during the Eastern Han Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago.

Since then, sky lanterns have taken on a more ceremonial and celebratory significance, marking occasions such as the end of Chinese New Year and the coming of spring. Yet, as wondrously beautiful as these floating mini hot air balloon launches are, the reality is there’s only a fine line — and a gust of wind — that can turn a sky lantern into a free-floating Molotov cocktail. Outlawed in many regions due to the fire risk and environmental hazards, the idea of releasing thousands of them indiscriminately into the sky literally wouldn’t fly here in Southern California, where memories of the January wildfires are all too fresh.

This is why when OC Japan Fair hosted a lantern release as part of its three-day festival at Costa Mesa’s OC Fairgrounds last month, organizers opted for a safer alternative: lantern-shaped helium-filled balloons tethered by string and lit by lithium battery-powered LEDs. I was among the hundreds of people who released their glowing boxy “lanterns” inside the OC Fair’s Hangar after a set by Japanese singer Minmi. For a few seconds, save for a piano playing a few pensive notes, there was silence. All eyes — and cellphones — were focused upward at the flickering white cubes.

“When you let go of a lantern in the air or in the water, you let go of your feelings behind it,” said attendee Charles Mendoza, who drove to the event from West Covina. Anything that’s been weighing your thoughts, “you just let it go.”

Whether you attend a lantern festival to release pent-up emotions, send a message to a loved one you’ve lost or cast a prayer into the great beyond, the experience can become a quiet moment of reflection. Here are four lantern events happening at various locations in and near Southern California until the end of the year, where, at the very least, you will be awed by the beauty and peacefulness of the idea — one that ironically started from war.

Water Lantern Festival, Crestline and Lake Elsinore

When: May 16-17

What: The Water Lantern Festival returns to Southern California. It happens Friday and Saturday at Lake Gregory Regional Park in the city of Crestline, and on Saturday only at Elm Grove Beach in Lake Elsinore. As the festival name and venues suggest, these are water lantern launches. But just like sky lantern events, they will be visually spectacular and, hopefully, spiritually impactful.

Originally launched in Utah in 2018, the Water Lantern Festival first came to Lake Gregory Regional Park in 2020 and has since expanded nationwide. Though it is a for-profit event, the festival has partnered with Water.org, an organization that helps bring clean water and sanitation to communities in need around the world.

Admission is $57.99 at the event. It includes a drawstring bag with one floating lantern kit with a lantern, tealight and marker to write your wishes, hopes or messages. Beyond the lantern release, the festival offers an array of food via food trucks, shopping, and entertainment. You are allowed to bring your own picnic and snacks, but not alcohol as the event is alcohol-free.

Details: waterlanternfestival.com

44th Lotus Festival, Los Angeles

When: July 12-13

What: One of Los Angeles’ beloved summer traditions — the Lotus Festival — is returning to Echo Park Lake. It began in 1972 as “The Day of the Lotus,” created to highlight the contributions of Asian American communities in Los Angeles. It was renamed the Lotus Festival in 1990, and each year since, it has spotlighted a different Asian or Pacific Islander culture. The event is timed with the blooming of the lake’s iconic lotus flowers, which was once the largest outside Asia.

Last year’s celebration honored the Philippines and its L.A.-based diaspora. This year it will honor South Korea, showcasing the richness of Korean culture through live music, traditional dance, cuisine and artisan vendors.

While the highlight of the weekend is usually the Dragon Boat Races — which have drawn competitors and crowds since 1991 — the sentimental favorite is the water lantern release onto the lake. Admission is free, but details on the cost of the water lanterns has yet to be announced. Check the website closer to the date for more information.

Details: laparks.org/lotusfestival

Rise Festival, Mojave Desert

When: Oct. 3-5

What: This fall, Rise Festival returns for three nights at Jean Dry Lake Bed, a desolate patch of Mojave Desert (three miles from Jean, Nev.) that has been used as a filming location for “The Hangover,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and other movies. In its 10th year, Rise is the only sky lantern release festival on this list. But because it also features large scale art installations and a stage that sets up the night with live music, it is the Burning Man of lantern release festivals. (Though unlike at Burning Man, you can drive less than 20 miles to the Las Vegas Strip when it’s done and end your evening with a shower in a hotel room of your choosing.)

Ticket packages start at $129 for the Silver tier, which includes the lantern release ceremony, live performances on two desert stages, access to large-scale art installations, meditation spaces known as Rise Halos, two lanterns per guest, a portable cushion for desert seating, and unlimited water refills. Higher-tier packages add perks such as gourmet dining, open bar access and reserved viewing areas.

Details: risefestival.com/

Saint Martin Lantern Parade, Huntington Beach

When: Nov. 9

What: Celebrated for centuries in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, St. Martin’s Day honors the life of Martin of Tours, a 4th century Roman soldier turned monk and bishop. He is best known for a simple but profound act of compassion — sharing his cloak with a freezing beggar on a winter’s night. That moment of generosity defined his legacy.

When he died, his body was carried by boat along the river to Tours. Legend has it that children bid farewell by standing on the riverbank with candles to light the way. Since then lantern processions, or Laternenumzüge, became tradition, symbolizing the light and the enduring warmth of human kindness embodied by the saint.

On Nov. 9 at around 5 p.m., this tradition continues in Huntington Beach’s Old World Village. Children and families will carry illuminated lanterns through the mall while singing traditional songs sung for generations. Hosted by German School Campus of Newport Beach, this St. Martin Lantern Parade is free to attend (but a $5 donation and reserving your spot online is requested).

Details: events.oldworldhb.com/event/st-martin-day-lantern-parade

This lesser-known village is northwest Wiltshire has everything you’d expect from the Cotswolds, including mellow stone cottages, a charming 17th-century estate and a beloved local eatery

Even regular visitors to the Cotswolds may have missed the memo on this picturesque village. While buzzier destinations like Bibury and Bourton often get the most attention from tourists, heading to a new part of Wiltshire will help you enjoy the area in peace and relative quiet.

Biddestone has a reputation for being one of the best-kept secrets of the Cotswolds – which, of course, means that it is not as big a secret as it once was. Still, the village has retained a quiet charm that travellers would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Biddestone is a small, rural village in north west Wiltshire, England, with an incredibly modest population of only a few hundred residents. You may have even passed the village unknowingly, as it is in close proximity to many other beloved destinations; just four miles from Castle Combe and about 5 miles from Lacock, Corsham, Giddeahall and Chippenham.

READ MORE: Insanely beautiful UK village is so magical you won’t ever want to leave

The heart of Biddestone is the village green, where many community events and celebrations are hosted every year. The main open space is surrounded by grand Cotswold mellow stone homes and cottages, decreasing in size as you move away from the village centre.

The architecture of the area certainly adds to the character of the squared village, with the majority of buildings boasting picturesque Georgian facades and tiled roofs. Travellers planning an extended trip in the area can stay at one of the architectural marvels situated by the village’s large duck pond.

The Anvil Cottage and the Billiard Room are both award-winning holiday properties set on the grounds of a 17th-century estate, known as The Close. Once a working forge, Anvil Cottage has been restored beautifully and is now a five-star gold-rated luxury property.

The Billiard Room has also been masterfully restored, though it has lived many lives. Originally a blanket factory and then the village school, the property was also converted into a billiard room by the owner of the estate in the 1920s. Today, it is a luxe hideaway with all the modern conveniences of any top hotel.

The duck pond on the property also has a unique history, originally serving as a watering place for cattle from the local farms. The Close also continues to celebrate the village’s wool trading history, which is what allowed it to prosper.

Another architectural landmark of the area is the church of St. Nicholas, which dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. The church was reportedly never enlarged during the seven centuries between its Norman foundation and the late Victorian era, and visitors are welcome to explore the historical landmark daily.

The Grade II* listed Manor House is another stop worth adding to your list. When it is open to the public – dogs included – travellers can explore the five acres of beautifully manicured gardens, streams and orchards. Once you’re done strolling for the day, a trip to the local favourite pub – The White Horse – is a must. It’s easy enough to spot with it’s bright white facade.

While Biddestone has just enough to keep you entertained for a day and plenty of gorgeous accommodation options, it may be better suited for a day trip from a neighbouring base. In fact, you’re likely to meet other Cotswolds residents from Chippenham spending a day on The Green or at The White Horse.

It’s also a great starting off point for a countryside walk, another reason its so popular with Cotswolds natives.. The Wiltshire Walks website recommends a scenic four-mile walk west into the rural landscape and the deep valley of Colerne Park.

This village just outside Bristol has experienced a boom since the pandemic, drawing travellers with its picturesque countryside, award-winning pub and historic architecture

Somerset is a hub of some of the UK’s best-loved cities – but there’s more to explore beyond familiar favourites like Bath and Bristol. It is within the quieter villages of the region that travellers will find some of the best spots to roam the scenic countryside and appreciate historic architecture.

One such hidden gem is Pensford. Nestled between Bath, Bristol and Wells, Pensford is a small village – with a population of only about 1,000 people – but its petite size makes it ideal for a tranquil staycation. It has also been experiencing a tourist surge post-pandemic.

Pensford lies in the Chew Valley – a reservoir named for the River Chew and home to a rich biosphere. It is known for its countryside, historic buildings and the striking Pensford Viaduct, a disused railway viaduct that dominates the landscape

READ MORE: Charming UK market town with no tourists ‘perfect for a staycation’

The village dates back to the 14th century, and much of its medieval street layout remains intact today. In fact, Pensford is home to many protected buildings with Grade-II accreditation and is a recognised conservation area because of its historical significance.

One of the most-visited historic landmarks in the area is the 14th-century St Thomas à Becket Church. Set just beside the striking Victorian railway viaduct on the banks of the River Chew, the Grade II listed church boasts a tower that is nearly 700 years old.

The viaduct is another Grade II listed landmark that towers over the village. Standing at 29m tall and consisting of 16 stone arches, the viaduct was once the track for a busy railway line. However, after a flood caused significant damage in 1968, it never reopened as a railway line and now serves as purely an architectural landmark to accent the surrounding countryside.

Still, the viaduct is a huge draw for travellers for its historic significance and for the distinct vantage point it offers. Visitors will certainly also want to make a stop at The Rising Sun gastropub at the foot of the landmark, home to an award-winning and dog-friendly beer garden.

Pensford’s other two pubs – Travellers Rest and the George and Dragon – are also worth a visit. When you’re ready to hit the road again, there are plenty of nearby walking trails to explore. To appreciate the full beauty of the village and the surrounding countryside, you can join parts of the Two Rivers Way and the Three Peaks Walk – which is about a mile long.

The Two Rivers Way route itself runs from Congresbury in the River Yeo valley to Keynsham on the River Avon, where it meets the River Avon Trail – about 25 miles in length. It passes through farmland and historic villages around the Chew Valley.

The Three Peaks Circular Walk – which is about 17 miles long – leads into the rolling tops of Maes Knoll, Knowle Hill and Blackberry Hill. It then crosses the Two Rivers Way at Pensford and Chew Magna.

Exceptionally adventurous travellers can head to Hidden Valley Bushcraft and Forest School to really test their mettle. Located just outside Pensford, the school offers training in outdoor survival skills such as campfire cooking, shelter building and even overnight wild camping.

Of course, if you’re in the area it’s worth stopping into Bristol, which is only seven miles away and ranked 48th on Time Out’s list of the world’s 50 best cites for 2025. That said, travellers to Bristol Airport may find that their car is in worse condition than when they arrived.

Many holidaymakers using Bristol Airport have returned to find their cars damaged and with unexplained mileage after parking in unofficial ‘airport’ car parks. The local council has subsequently increased efforts to clamp down on this practice, which has been “blighting” the countryside and causing problems for locals.