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Asia , Hong Kong , sight see

• The Ultimate Guide to visiting the Peak, Hong Kong

This is post 10 of 121 in the series “Hong Kong”

Born and bred in Hong Kong – I have finally moved back to my home town after my 12 years stunt as a student in the UK. In a city of 7 million people, living in this metropolis is kind of like living in a huge kaleidoscope and you never know what you might see next.

There are a lot of misconceptions and preconception about Hong Kong as a city, as a local who had moved away and back, I want to expose Hong Kong’s beauties to you all through my eyes.

• Dazzling… Dazzling Cafe
• 5 reasons why I ditched London and move back to Hong Kong
• Wine and dine at Stone Nullah Tavern
• Sai Kung rock pools: the 4 consecutive pools and falls
• The Ultimate Guide to a Sai Kung Boat trip
• 5 transportations to take in Hong Kong
• Top 5 dessert place of Hong Kong (as of Sept 2016)
• 5+ amazing Sai Kung beaches in Hong Kong
• The Ultimate First Timer’s info guide to Hong Kong
• Best Egg Waffle Hong Kong: tried and tested
• Best brunch Hong Kong: my top 5 western restaurant
• Night Hike in Hong Kong: Suicide Cliff, Kowloon Peak
• The Best Time to Visit Hong Kong
• Pineapple Mountain: a visit to the Hong Kong Grand Canyon
• Top things to do in Admiralty and Central Hong Kong
• The Best Place to Stay in Hong Kong for First Timers
• Alternative places to stay in Hong Kong
• The Ultimate Guide to Temples of Hong Kong (ALL free entry!)  
• Moreish and Malt Afternoon tea: a review
• West High Hill – an adventurous alternative to the Peak
• Ham and Sherry Brunch Review – Tapas in Hong Kong
• My top restaurants in Hong Kong
• Hiking Tsz Wan Shan: the most underrated view of Kowloon
• Bubble tea Hong Kong: a Laugh Travel Eat guide
• A Shop and Eat Guide to Mongkok Hong Kong:
• Tung Ping Chau Day trip: hidden Hong Kong
• Ninepin Island: the hidden hexagonal column paradise of Hong Kong
• Tai Tun Shan – the thousand islands view of Sai Kung
• 15+ most instagrammed place in Hong Kong that’s not the Peak and how to get there
• My 1 Day Itinerary in Hong Kong
• Best of Sai Kung’s nature: Lai Chi Chong, Sham Chung, and Yung Shue O hike
• MacLehose Trail Stage 4 – Shui Long Wo
• Wu Gau Tang to Tiu Tang Lung hike: Hong Kong’s mountain and bays
• Easy hikes in Hong Kong that aren’t Dragon’s Back
• Needle Hill Hong Kong – conquering the third sharpest peak
• High Junk Peak: hike the second sharpest peak of Hong Kong
• Lung Ha Wan Country Trail: a hike up Tai Tun Leng Hong Kong
• Sham Shui Po local guide: fabric, electronics, and food galore
• A local’s guide to Sai Kung Hong Kong
• Iris Hong Kong review: the annual yoga and wellness weekend festival
• A hike up Ma On Shan via Tiu Shau Ngam, Hong Kong
• Lion Rock Hike: how to hike up the iconic Hong Kong mountain
• Tai To Yan: a Hong Kong razor ridge hike
• Buffalo Hills: hike up rocky outcrops and silver grass in Hong Kong
• Robin’s Nest: hike between Hong Kong and Shenzhen
• Devil’s Peak: fortifications and urban views galore
• Qipao rental in Hong Kong: experience old Hong Kong charm
• Kai Kung Leng: the velvet trail of Yuen Long
• Tai O Hong Kong: a day trip from the city
• Hung Heung Lo Fung: shortest hike in Hong Kong with a view
• Top things to do in Lantau Island on a day trip (or two)
• Wo Yang Shan hike: frolic under Tai Mo Shan
• Things to do in Sheung Wan Hong Kong
• Things to do in Hong Kong at night
• Sheung Wan Restaurants: best eateries and cafes
• Cheung Chau Island: a Hong Kong day trip
• What to do in Hong Kong in 4 days – advice from a local
• Nui Po Shan: finding the phallic rock hike in Hong Kong
• Sharp Peak: conquering one of Hong Kong’s toughest trails
• Lui Ta Shek hike: a quiet hike in Sai Kung
• Hiking Middle Hill – a fly by from Kowloon Peak
• Kayaking in Sai Kung: where to rent and paddle to
• Green Egg Island – an unusual oasis in Sai Kung, Hong Kong
• Seeking Kam Kui Shek Teng, Sai Kung Hong Kong
• Ping Nam Stream: hidden waterfall in Hong Kong
• Madai Stream: chasing waterfalls in Ma On Shan
• Grass Island Tap Mun- a Sai Kung getaway
• Pak Lung Stream: a Lantau stream hike
• Top Hong Kong Staycation deals
• Ap Lei Pai adventure via Yuk Kwai Shan
• Po Kwu Wan: a hidden Sai Kung bay
• Wang Chung Stream: the most scenic waterfall hike
• Tai Shing Stream – seeking birds and dragons
• Basalt Island: an adventure in Sai Kung Geo Park
• Jin Island: a day trip to Tiu Chung Chau
• Rhino Rock Stanley: a short hike with a view
• Tsing Tam Reservoir and Ho Pui Reservoir: an easy hike
• Lantau Peak from Ngong Ping: the easy route
• Bluff Island: an island adventure in Sai Kung
• Lo Fu Tau Country Trail: a Lantau Island hike
• Wilson Trail Stage 4: Tung Yeung Shan – an unexpected silver grass heaven
• Middle Dog Teeth Ridge – Mid Kau Nga Ling up Lantau Peak
• Kau To Shan: the hidden hike in Fo Tan
• Lau Shui Heung Reservoir to Hok Tau Reservoir: a Fanling easy day hike
• Tai Mo Shan hike: 5 ways to go up the Highest peak in Hong Kong
• 10 best hikes Hong Kong
• Devil’s Fist – a Plover Cove Reservoir hike out Wong Chuk Kok Tsui
• Cape d’Aguilar Hike Hong Kong: a complete guide
• Violet Hill hike + Twins Peak
• Sham Shui Po Food: a tried and tested guide
• Thousand Islands: Reservoir Island viewpoint in Tai Lam Country Park
• Tai Tong: Hong Kong’s red leaves haven
• Mau Ping Ancient Trail: seeking the Vine King and Bamboo Tunnels
• Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden: a sustainable and education day trip
• Pat Sin Leng hike: conquering the 8 immortals peak
• Shek Uk Shan: highest peak in Sai Kung
• Nam Sang Wai: cycling to the Yuen Long scenic wetland
• Tsang Pang Kok Tsui: the hidden headline
• Seeking Devil’s Claw along Chung Hom Kok
• Things to do in Aberdeen Hong Kong
• Sok Kwu Wan: hidden Lamma Island
• Best Burgers in Hong Kong
• Wang Chau: Sai Kung’s hidden tombolo
• Yim Tin Tsai: the salt farming island of Sai Kung
• Top things to do in Tsim Sha Tsui
• Checkerboard Hill: a Hidden Kowloon hike
• Hidden Hindu Temple Fanling: low level urban exploration
• Shark Rock Hong Kong: a hidden Kowloon hike
• Cloudy Hill: the easy way to hike Wilson Trail Section 8
• Ngau Wu Reservoir hike: a quick trip to the forgotten Ma On Shan reservoir
• 134 hike Sai Kung: Sharp Peak-3 Peninsula-4 beaches
• Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls hike: Bali vibes in Hong Kong
• Little Hawaii Trail: easy waterfall hike with tropical vibes
• Maclehose Trail Section 3: Ka Kung Shan hike
• MacLehose Trail Section 2: Sai Wan, Ham Tin Beach, and Chek Keng
• Po Toi Island Guide: hikes, attractions, and where to eat
• Tsz Sha Ancient Trail: an easy hike between Shatin and Kowloon
• Easter Island Rock Hike: Sunny Bay to Discovery Bay on Lantau Island
• Fan Lau Trail: the southwestern most part of Lantau Island
• Shek Nga Tau: the hidden hill of Sai Kung

The Peak is many people’s symbol of Hong Kong and well worth a visit with its iconic view over the Victoria harbor as well as the famous funicular railway that takes you up there. There is a myriad of things to do up there, and I’ve certainly visited it many times during my childhood. But did you know that there are other ways to get up there, and just what exactly awaits you at the top aside from the Peak Tower? Let me be your guide (if you are visiting Hong Kong for the first time, period, check out my first timers guide )!

Visiting the Peak Hong Kong

While the Peak Tram is the most famous and iconic way, it isn’t the only way to get up there. The queue can get ridiculous at times, and as one of the oldest funicular rail in the world, you can’t blame it for having a saturation point. You can either hike up or take the bus as well.

The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram has been in operation for over 120 years now , and its sleek red body and white roof design is an attraction in itself. Built in the late 19 th century as a means to connect Murray barracks to Victoria Gap, it replaces the sedan chair method and stretches over 1,350 metres. It has witnessed the change from coal to electric power as well as the Second World War. Eventually, transportation caught up and it became what it is today: a way to get up to the Peak and down in style.

  I might have suggested other ways to get up, but there’s no denying that getting the Peak Tram up to the Peak is the ultimate experience . You can purchase the ticket in the office of the station for single or return at the lower terminal station or in the upper terminal.

Address: Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus Opening times: daily 7:00 – 0:00 Ticket price: HKD 45 return, children 3-11 and senior above 65 HKD 20

Get your Peak Fast Track Pass here

For more information, visit the peak tram page.

Public transport up to the Peak

There are several public transport means that can take you up to the Peak and a fraction the price. You can see the timetable and the stops for the bus here. I suggest getting to the Admiralty bus station for the number 15 bus, which ends at the Peak. The bus starts at the Central Pier too , but I recommend getting on at the Admiralty station at the very least as it gets crowded inside.

Frequency of the bus is every 20 minutes, and costs HKD 9.60.

Hike up or down the Peak

The Old Peak Road is pretty car free but fairly steep! The Peak, though high, isn’t a difficult hill to hike up on a pleasant day. And it’s even easier to hike down. It’ll take around an hour or so, which is the same amount of time it’ll take to take the bus up due to the tricky mountain roads. You’ll get a good view of Hong Kong as you go down, so it’s worth walking if you are not keen on waiting in line for both the bus and the tram. The Old Peak Road is fairly steep, so if you plan on hiking it, then be sure to wear trainers. This route will take you back down to Central

Viewpoints on the Peak

Sky terrace 428 on the peak tower.

The Peak Tower is most widely recognized by the wok-like top . It’s 396m above sea level and is one of the landmark of Hong Kong. Even though there are plenty of shops and entertainment options inside the tower, the biggest attraction is the Sky Terrace 428.

With the elevated height of the tower, the Sky Terrace 428 offers a 360-degree view at 428 metres above sea level, hence its name.

Many iconic photos are taken from this vantage point, and it can be a struggle to grab the best spot.

Note that there is an admission fee to reach this terrace. Opening times: Mon – Fri 10:00 – 23:00; Weekend & Public holiday 8:00 – 23:00 Admission fee: HKD 48 for adults, HKD 24 for child 3-11, Senior above 65

You can get a combo ticket with the tram

(Can be brought in conjunction with the Peak Tram for a reduced fare, can also be paid by Octopus card)

The Peak Galleria Terrace

The Peak Galleria is now under construction

If you are not keen on paying to get a view – then you can visit the Peak Galleria Terrace . Admittedly the view isn’t as good, but it’s a nice, wooden space where you can snap some shots. Address:118 Peak Road Hong Kong

The Lion Pavilion Lookout

A better free alternative is the Lion Pavilion. Without the added elevation, the view isn’t as good, but the Chinese Pavilion architecture and lion sculptures are pretty brilliant themselves.

Museums on the Peak

Trickeye museum.

A new addition to the Peak, Trickeye Museum is a 3-D art museum that originates from Korea. Located on the 3 rd floor of the Peak Galleria , it has five themed sections each with a series of optical painting and tricks for the photo enthusiasts. My mother certainly loves this place. The five themes are

Secret Garden

World of Masterpiece

Great Adventure

Hong Kong Discovery (my personal favourite)

While it seems counterintuitive to visit a museum with such a great view outside, but it’s a great family attraction and a great way to pass the time.

However, it can get difficult to take photos with a crowd, so I recommend you to visit early in the day to avoid the crowd.

Address: Shop No.1 on Level 3 The Peak Galleria 118 Peak Road Hong Kong Opening times: Daily 10:00 – 21:00 (last admission 20:00) Admission fee: Adults KD 150, Child (3 – 11) & Senior HKD100

*disclaimer: I received sponsored tickets for the trip, but all opinions are my own.

Madam Tussauds

Photo credit: Flickr Creative Commons/ Nicholas Chan

I’ve visit this museum countless times as a child, and while I haven’t been to any other Madam Tussauds in the world, there are unique points to the one in Hong Kong. The museum is nestled inside the Peak Tower, featuring ten different zones where you can find your favourite celebrities and famous personalities. Although I haven’t been back in years, I have fond memories of the museum and countless photos taken by my parents.

Opening times: daily 10:00 – 22:00 Admission fee: HKD 255 for 13+ years old

Get a combo ticket with tram and Sky terrace

  You can also get tickets separately here

Restaurants at the Peak

Unless you are starving, otherwise I’ll strongly discourage you to dine at the Peak. The prices in the restaurants up there are notoriously over-priced, and despite that, they’re still overflowing with tourists.

So unless you are keen on dining there with (and more often than not without due to the crowd) a view, here’s the list of options on the peak website .

That said, if you have never been to one, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co Restaurant (a seafood chain that has been inspired by Forest Gum) – it’s pricey but worth eating at.

*Note: this post contain affiliate links that means I get a % of the sale if you purchase through it but  at no cost to you

Hi, my name is Nam. I am 24 and spent half my life in Hong Kong and the other half in UK. I believe there's endless experience and beauty in the world and this is me chronicling how to experience the best at the best price.

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Hong kong tourism board, explore the must-visit wonders at the peak.

The higher you go, the more you see. Each of these hotspots on The Peak reveals a brilliant perspective of Hong Kong and makes ample perfect photo opportunities. Visit them all during various hours of the day to take in the scenery under a different light. Read on to see how you can experience the best of what The Peak offers — from shopping, recreation, dining, to taking memorable snapshots!

The Peak Tram

The Peak Tram has returned after a major facelift. The 6 th generation carriages will sport a retro green exterior as a tribute to the 3 rd and 4 th generation carriages from the 1940s to the 1980s. The upgraded Peak Tram will feature larger panoramic windows that enables passengers to take in the stunning skyline in enhanced views.

To provide a more enjoyable, efficient and comfortable experience, Peak Tramways has completed a significant upgrade project. The project included brand new tramcars, the replacement of all haulage, control and signalling systems, new ropes and track rails, and the refurbishment of its Central and Peak Termini to facilitate the beautiful new, larger capacity tramcars. In addition to reducing passenger waiting times by over 70%, visitors will be greeted by a dynamic, engaging and brand-new entertainment experience. The new experience introduces 5 engaging zones that include: Eye of Infinity, The Beating Heart, An Icon is Born, Once Upon a Tram, and Go Wild at the Peak at the Central Terminus.

The Peak To wer with Sky Terrace 428

Peak Galleria

Hike at the Peak – Peak Circle Walk

Hike at the Peak – Lugard Road Lookout and Lions Point View Pavilion

Victoria Peak Garden and former Mountain Lodge

Twisting paths navigate around sprawling lawns and pagodas, and there are Victorian features such as sundials and wrought iron, as well as an incredible vista of Hong Kong, which makes it an ideal spot for a photo op. The kiosk there also provides much needed refreshments for an afternoon break, as you kick back while awaiting the brilliant sunset on the Peak.

Plan your journey with the above vantage points and start exploring the Peak now!

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VICTORIA PEAK: Surreal Perspectives from Hong Kong’s Highest

The ride in itself was quite an experience, but it wasn’t until I had a good look of Victoria Harbor that I knew I had done what I came to Hong Kong for.

My first trip to Hong Kong was almost perfect. I was able to cross out all the items on my must-visit list except one thing — Victoria Peak. So when an opportunity to return came knocking on my door, I knew exactly the first thing I would do.

At 552m, Victoria Peak (or Mount Austin) is the highest point in Hong Kong Island. (Tai Mo Shan, at 957m, is far taller and is the highest in the entire territory.) Rising on the western end of the island, it offers the best and the most breathtaking views of the iconic Victoria Harbor, one of the world’s finest and busiest. No other place that is easily accessible can be a better vantage point for witnessing the vibrance and the energy of this Asian metropolis, especially at night. Its actual summit is closed to the public but the surrounding residential area and parks are what the moniker “The Peak” refers to today.

The Peak Tram

It was mid February, and my jacket was no match to the biting cold that permeated it. But staying outside could not be helped. I was standing at the far end of a very long queue that snaked around a building next to the Peak Tram Station, the main gateway to Victoria Peak, or more simply “The Peak.” Thankfully, this snake moved faster than I expected. By sundown, I was already in front of the ticket counter, holding my fresh tickets that would allow me to board the tram and access the viewing deck atop the mountain.

The Peak Tram is an essential part of the whole Peak  experience. There are many ways of reaching the viewpoint, but there’s a reason crowds flock around the Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus. The ride itself, albeit short, was remarkable. I stood at the very back of the packed tram for there were no empty seats left. As the tram crawled up to the peak, the force made me lean on the wall behind me and get a good grip on one of the hand rails. The windows played a series of surreal images that looked strangely attractive. Our angle made everything outside look tilted and skewed, as though they were falling on us. The lights leaking through the windows of the residential buildings gave us a glimpse into the daily lives of the occupants. It was a weird experience. Simple joys.

These trams have been around for more than 120 years. Before its opening, locals and visitors relied on walking or the sedan chair, a windowed cabin carried by two porters (like a boss!). But as more and more people chose to live in the areas surrounding the peak, the demand for a better form of transportation grew. In 1888, the Peak Tram was born, the first funicular in Asia. Its history is meticulously documented and exhibited at the Peak Tram Historical Gallery at the lower terminus.

The View from the Peak

I went straight to the Sky Terrace 428 viewing deck as soon as I alighted from the tram. The temperature was unforgiving, and the wind mocked my inability to prepare for the cold. I failed to bring gloves so I had to tuck my hands into my jacket and waited for my turn to occupy the most coveted corner spot. From here, window lights and street lamps glowed like multi-colored fireflies, allowing me to forget about my freezing predicament for a moment. I remembered the time I first heard the voice recording played on the train from the airport. When it said, “Welcome to the modern and futuristic city of Hong Kong,” it was referring to this —- the bright, luminous clusters of stars.

In spite of the cold, it was a friendly sky. No fog to block our view. No rain to shoo us away. Only me, the mad crowd behind me, and a sea of lights in front of me. I wanted to stay immovable at that spot until my eyes tired of absorbing everything. It didn’t happen. I could look at it for an hour and not budge, but my grumbling tummy and flaking skin had been urging me to get inside and eat something.

Peak Tram Opening Hours: 7am to 12mn The Peak Tower Monday-Friday: 10am – 11pm Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 8am – 11pm Peak Tram and Sky Pass Ticket Prices Return: HKD 75 for adults, HKD 36 for kids One-way: HKD 63 for adults, HKD 29 for kids How to get to Victoria Peak : From Tsim Sha Tsui, where most budget hotels are located, take the MTR to Central Station. Use EXIT J2. Upon exiting the terminal, cross the Chater Garden and look for the Bank of China Building (picture on the left). Just keep an eye on this tall building because this is your main landmark. Walk uphill along Garden Road and you’ll see the Peak Tram Terminus on your left hand side. More detailed directions here .

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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wow’s the view of Victoria Harbor from the peak! ohmaygawd.

The view was really magical!

We rode the tram too because that’s what was written on our print out of a “travel guide” we took from a blog and as it turns out, we were riding the tram going DOWN! So yeah, we didn’t get to see the view from “The Peak”. We didn’t realized that we took the bus going to the Peak Tower already, hence our funny misadventures =)) Oh well, all the more reason to go back to HK!

Hi, if we purchase the peak tram ticket online, should we still go on that queue?

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Peak District Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 3, 2022

Our Peak District Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most beautiful areas of England. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to the Peak District!

Let’s plan your visit to the Peak District

The beautiful Peak District National Park in the East Midlands of England is a favourite destination for visitors from all over the UK.

Although the bulk of the Peak District is found in northern Derbyshire it spreads into a number of other English counties including Staffordshire, South Yorkshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester towards the north west.

The Peak District National Park was the first National Park to be established in the UK in 1951. It is divided into the southern area known as the White Peak and the northern area referred to as the Dark Peak.

Both are areas of natural beauty and feature dramatic landscapes, valleys and moorlands, ridges and hills. The White Peak is characterised by areas of limestone and is located primarily in Derbyshire and Staffordshire while the Dark Peak is found to the north and has a wilder and more desolate character.

If you love the outdoors the Peak District is the perfect holiday destination.

What you will find in this complete Peak District Travel Guide

Peak District Map

When is the best time of year to visit the peak district, how much time should i plan to spend in the peak district, what are the very best places to visit in the peak district, how can i get around the peak district, what is the best way to get to the peak district from london, what traditional english foods originate from the peak district, attractions and things to do in the peak district, places to stay in the peak district, books to read about the peak district, enjoy your visit to the peak district.

FAQ’s for visiting the Peak District

The Peak District is a wonderful destination throughout the year though can at times parts can be less accessible due to weather conditions (especially during the cold winter months when snow is common) If you do head there in winter it is perfect for long walks and cosy pubs!

If you visit at the end of August into the first week of September expect to see purple as the heather flowers across the landscape.

You can easily spend a week touring the Peak District and exploring the area by car or on foot if you enjoy hiking.

Book accommodation in a central location in one of the pretty towns and villages such as Bakewell or Matlock and use this as a base for day trips to surrounding areas.

The Peak District is the perfect destination for a weekend break or staycation . Accommodation options include cottages and cabins perfect for a relaxing countryside stay.

To provide a quick snapshot these are my top places to visit and things to do in the Peak District:

• Visit beautiful Chatsworth House and estate home to Lord and Lady Devonshire.
• Sample Bakewell Pudding in the pretty market town of Bakewell
• Take a hike along the Tissington Trail, High Peak Trail or Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill
• Take a trip to the picturesque Dovedale Valley and cross the River Dove using the famous stepping stones
• Visit Cromford Mills the location of the world’s first water powered spinning mill and birthplace of the modern factory system (Arkwright’s Mill) and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take the cable car from Matlock to the Heights of Abraham for amazing views of the countryside
• Visit Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton famous for its Blue John Stone

The Peak District is famous for its walking trails to suit all fitness levels and interests from short strolls to longer hikes. Kinder Scout, the Limestone Way, the Bakewell to Chatsworth walking route and the Cromford Mill and Village Walking route are just some of the walks popular in the Peak District.

Public transport is available in the Peak District with buses and trains connecting the larger towns and most popular areas.

In the summer the Hope Valley Explorer (a hop on hop off bus) runs from Edale, Hope, Bamford (change at Sheffield for these train stations) or Chesterfield and Dronfield. (Please note that the bus was cancelled in 2020 but hopefully should make a return soon)

The Peak District National Park is spread across a large part of England so identifying your first destination will influence the best method of transportation.

If the train is your preferred method of transportation to the Peak District I recommend travelling to one of the larger train stations such as Derby, Chesterfield, Buxton, Sheffield or Manchester and picking up a hire car to make the most of your visit to the Peak District.

If you drive from London allow around 3 hours (from central London to Matlock in the heart of the Peak District)

Tours to the Peak District are available from Manchester including:

• Derbyshire and Peak District Day Trip

Experience the delights of Derbyshire on a full-day tour from Manchester. See the rolling hills of the Peak District, taste the traditional treats of Bakewell, and journey into the natural wonder that is Poole’s Cavern.

• 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour

Travel through the best of Northern England on this tour to York, Chatsworth House, the Peak District and more. On this 3-day small-group tour from Manchester, you explore all of it in the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach.

Read more – Complete transportation guide to the UK

There are many famous Derbyshire dishes that must be sampled when visiting the Peak District. These include:

• Bakewell Pudding or Tart
• Hartington Stilton Cheese
• Ashbourne Gingerbread
• Buxton Pudding

Don’t miss a visit to a farmer’s market or farm shop to purchase locally grown produce. Chatsworth Farm Shop (located on the estate) and the Bakewell Farmers Market (held on the last Saturday of the month) are particularly noteworthy!

PLACES TO VISIT IN THE PEAK DISTRICT (AREA & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE)

PEAK DISTRICT ITINERARY

THINGS TO DO IN BAKEWELL

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

This guide to visiting the Peak District will have answered all your questions and helped you plan your trip to one of England’s prettiest regions.

You can find more practical tips, resources and advice in all my UK travel guides which include:

• York Travel Guide
• Cornwall Travel Guide
• Bath Travel Guide
• Jurassic Coast and Dorset Travel Guide
• Cotswolds Travel Guide
• Lake District Travel Guide
• Best UK staycation destinations

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

The Perfect Peak District Itinerary

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

Despite all of our international travel, I still love a UK staycation. The place that we go back to most often either for day trips or for weeks away is the Peak District. In this post we share our love for the Peak District and have created for you our perfect week in the Peak District itinerary! 

Table of Contents

Best Time Of Year to Visit the Peak District

In my opinion there is no bad time to visit the Peak District! Winter is personally my least favourite season to visit in but then winter is my least favourite season anywhere! The nice thing about visiting the Peak District in Winter is that there are lots of cosy pubs and lodges with roaring fires where you can settle in for the night! Also Christmas in the Peaks is a lovely time especially at some of the historic homes, when they decorate the houses for Christmas!

Last year we visited in Spring and what we loved most was visiting the many farm yard attractions during lambing time! The peaks are also a great place to see some spring blooms!

Autumn is great because the Peaks is one of the best places in England to see fall colours.

But my favourite time is of course summer, when you are likely to get the best weather and have longer days to experience more of the wonderful Peak District attractions!  The only downside to visiting in the Summer is that this is peak season and will be more crowded!

Whenever you decide to visit, I am sure you will have a great time!

Where to Stay in the Peak District

The Peak District has some beautiful properties to stay in. When we stay in the Peak District our preferred place to stay is a Peak District Lodge with a hot tub! We have in the past stayed at:

Darwin Forest Where to Stay in the Peak District on your perfect peak district itinerary

Darwin Forest Country Lodge  – Located at the Matlock end of the Peak District with very easy access to Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall and Matlock Farm to name a few!

Check out our full review here! 

And most recently we stay at

Sandybrook Country Lodge – run by the same company as the above but this property is closer to Ashbourne, Bakewell and Dovedale! Please note we were guests at Sandybrook Lodge during our stay however we paid for our own stay at its sister property Darwin Forest and would happily pay to return tomorrow!

Check out our full review here!

Both of these properties are great with children as they have pools, and other family friendly amenities on site!

If you prefer a hotel then my in-laws make an annual visit to Biggin Hall Hotel . This is perhaps more suited to couples than families.

And finally if you want to stay in a more historic property, Chatsworth House Estate offers a variety of property from pub lodgings to on estate cottages. To find more information click here!

Our Perfect Peak District Itinerary including Best Things to Do in the Peak District

Note about itinerary : This itinerary is designed so that it can be done at any time of year however as mentioned above the best weather for the Peak District is in the summer months!

Although I have allocated days to the itinerary it is designed to be done in any order, however if you would like to see the Market at Bakewell you will need to make this your Monday activity!

If you only have 2 days in peak district etc. then do not worry, just pick the days you fancy doing most!

Please note: Although there is public transport in the Peak District, this itinerary is designed for those that have access to their own vehicle so is a Peak District driving itinerary. 

Day One –   Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House – one of the best things to do in the peak district with kids

Day one of our perfect week in the Peak District starts at my favourite historic home in  England – Chatsworth House. This is a must for any UK bucket list  and it is great whatever type of traveller you are.

The insides of the house are fascinating and you will get a real into the Devonshire family who own the property!

Outside however is my favourite part of the estate. There are beautiful gardens to stroll in from formal gardens, walled gardens, kitchen gardens – you have them all at Chatsworth and it is very easy to spend a whole afternoon in the gardens! The last time we visited there was an outdoor art installation which added an extra dimension to the visit! In the summer you will find plenty of lawn games and even a champagne van in the gardens! It is a very English afternoon out!

The gardens also lead to some fantastic trails for those that enjoy walking! Some walks are doable without paying admission into the house and gardens but I would recommend getting entrance!

For those that don’t like walking, you can see the gardens by train or horse drawn carriage to, which is great for those with accessibility issues. Children also love this!

Speaking of children, for families travelling to the Peak District the House also has an amazing outdoor adventure playground and a working farmyard (this is very special in spring time with all the new lambs)

For more things to do in the Peak District with kids check out this post! 

One of the things I love about visiting Chatsworth is that the entrance tickets are really flexible so you only choose which of the following you want admittance for

• House and Gardens
• Playground and Farmyard

which is great as you don’t have to pay for experiences you won’t use! I love all of them so always get the full ticket! For current prices click here !

Chatsworth is well worth allocating a whole day of your Peak District itinerary to!

Day Two – Dovedale, Ashbourne and Tissington

Today is about more outdoor endeavours! Your first stop is

Dovedale is actually the first place I visited in the Peak District when I went on a school trip! Dovedale is a beautiful valley in the Peak District that offers some really easy walks that are even suitable for those who have strollers with them!

One of the highlights of the walk in Dovedale is the iconic Dovedale Stepping Stones that go across the River Dove! Please note: given the ease of this walk and the iconicness of the stepping stones means that the stepping stones get very busy especially during the summer and at weekends. If you can do this day during the Week it would be preferable but not essential.

If you are a more competent hiker or looking to go further, there are extensions to the Stepping Stone Walk!

Once you have completed your morning at Dovedale head to the nearby town of

Ok, I know Asbourne itself is not technically in the Peak District but it is known as the gateway to Dovedale but is a lovely town itself! It is a great place to go shopping with lots of family run businesses, antique shops and has its own market!

Bonus Alternative for Day Two:  If you are a cycling enthusiast heading to the Peak District then you should head to the beautiful Tissington Trail! The trail runs for 13 miles from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay and the Trail is actually the site of the old railway! It is a really easy but picturesque cycle to do for all the family!

Day Three – Bakewell and Haddon Hall

Top Tip: If possible I would schedule to do this day on a Monday to coincide with the Bakewell Market!

When you think about quintessential Peak District Town you think of Bakewell! On a Monday you can enjoy the market that is on in the centre of town and partake in a bit of shopping. While in town you simply must stop and eat a Bakewell Tart at the Original Bakewell Tart Shoppe! It is simply sublime!

For your afternoon head to the nearby historic home – Haddon Hall!

Haddon Hall dates back to the Tudor Period and the house frequently appears in period film and television programmes.

Please note:  check the website The house closes from October until Spring so please for current opening times!

Day Four – Hardwick Hall and Bolsover Castle

Today is another day of historic homes and castles. Start your day off at one of my favourite historic homes in the country

Hardwick Hall

At Hardwick Hall you get two historic homes for the price of one in effect as both New and Old Hardwick on site! The home belonged to the infamous Bess of Hardwick. When new Hardwick was built, it was famed for having the most glass in England and is simply breathtaking and is in my opinion one of the best things to do in the Peak District in the rain.

There are also extensive gardens, trails and a great playground for kids to explore!

The house is frequently used in film and television programmes and eagle eyed Harry Potter fans will recognise it as Malfoy Manor from the film franchise!

The house is run by the National Trust and I don’t know about you, I always have to stop in a National Trust Cafe for a spot of tea and cake!

Once finished take a quick 15 minute drive to your second stop of the day

Bolsover Castle

Bolsover Castle is run by English Heritage and dates from the Stuart Period! It is a spectacular property but my favourite attributes are all on the outside including the Fountain Garden and the Wall Walk! But what will impress most children and adults alike is the Horsemanship displays! Bolsover was originally built by the Cavendish Family and William Cavendish was once the Royal Horse Master and is known as the Father of Dressage!  The shows only run in peak season and has a limited capacity so be sure to check the schedule and book online in advance!

For more information click here!

Day Five – Castleton And Eyam

Start your day in the pretty town of Castleton! Castleton is

One of the most unique features of the town of Castleton is its caves that are home to deposits of the semi-precious Blue-John!  One of the caves – Blue John Cavern is open for prebooked tours  and all tours must have a minimum of two paying adults!

Another alternative is to take a cave boat tour through the Speedwell Cavern  that leads to a subterranean lake known as the Bottomless Pit! The town of Castleton is also a great place to stop for a traditional English pub lunch!

After lunch you are heading to the small village of

Eyam is famously known as ‘The Plague Village’ as in the 17th Century the villagers decided to cut themselves out from the outside world when villagers started contracting the plague to stop the spread! In the centre of the village is the National Trust run Eyam Hall, a Jacobite Manor House which is also worth a visit!

Bonus:  For serious hikers you can add hiking the nearby Mam Tor to your itinerary instead!

Day 6 – Heights of Abraham and Matlock

The first stop of the day is the family friendly Heights of Abraham ! The Heights of Abraham is one of the most well known family attractions in the whole fo the Peak District as you will fly over the Peak District countryside by Cable Car!

Once you reach the top there are caves to explore, a playground and some trails!

For your afternoon head to the nearby  Matlock Farm which is especially good in Spring during Lambing Season!

Day 7 – Crich Tramway Museum and Home 

For your final day head to the Crich Tramway Museum! We love a transport museum and Crich sort of combines transport museum with a living history museum! Here you will find a reconstructed village, sculpture trail and also loads of tram rides!

And after, your perfect one week Peak District Itinerary has come to an end!

For those travelling with young families why not check out the theme park aimed at the younger child audience – Gullivers Kingdom!

Peak District Packing List

While always beautiful the Peak District weather can be unpredictable – we have had blazing sunshine in spring and downpours in Summer. When packing for the peak district layers and waterproofs are always an essential.

Our essentials on our Peak District Packing List always include:

• Hiking Boots There are loads of great walks through out the Peak District for all abilities from the easy trails at Dovedale to the more difficult Mam Tor! Be sure yo pack your hiking boots for a Peak District Holiday no matter what time of year you go!
• Trainers or Hiking Sandals Not all walks in the Peaks require hiking boots, and if the weather is nice you will definitely want trainers or hiking sandals with you!

• T Shirts –  
• Swimwear If you are stopping at a lodge with pool and hot tub facilities as we recommend this is an essential!

FAQS about our Perfect peak district itinerary

What should i do if i only have one day in peak district.

If you only have one day in pea district then just pick the day from the above that appeals to you the best. 

Is peak district worth visiting?

In our opinion the peak district is absolutely worth visiting as it has something on offer whether you like outdoor pursuits, stately home or something else – the peak district has plenty on offer for everyone. 

Have you been to the Peak District? What did your Peak District Itinerary Look Like? What did you Pack for the Peak District? 

Perfect Peak District Itinerary

Perfect Peak District Itinerary. One Week in the Peak District. Peak

Angie Vincent

Saturday 18th of May 2019

I loved reading this as it brought back happy memories. We used to visit often to see friends who lived there so l its of the places you mention are very familiar. It is a beautiful part of the country. I visited Chatsworth for the first time when I was a student at Nottingham University. I fell in love with it there and then and I think it was also then my love of historic country houses began! Lovely post #farawayfiles

USHA SITAARAAM

Friday 17th of May 2019

I love the Peak District. The stepping stone at Dovedale and Chatsworth s house are our favourite. Looks like you got to do and see any things. Beautiful photos and post. #Farawayfiles

Kids of the Wild

What a jam-packed itinerary. It includes some of my favourite Peak District locations and also some I've not visited yet, Chatsworth particularly. Great post #farawayfiles

Tanja/The Red Phone Box travels

Thursday 16th of May 2019

I'd love to visit this national park with its stately homes and beautiful nature #farawayfiles

Cristina - Memories of the Pacific

First time I hear about Peak District and I've already fallen in love with the place! So green! Staycations are a great idea. There's so much we haven't seen in our own countries.

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PEAK DISTRICT ITINERARY (2024): THE ULTIMATE 3 DAY GUIDE & BEST THINGS TO DO!

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE PEAK DISTRICT ITINERARY?

Check out our blog post below to plan a wonderful Peak District itinerary for 3 day long weekend in 2024!

Living just a few hours from the Peak District, we have been lucky enough to visit this idyllic area quite a few times, having escaped to its lush green hills for multiple long weekends!

From our experiences, we have crafted the perfect ‘3 days in the Peak District’ itinerary to follow below!

Includes: The best things to do (especially for first time visitors), some of the best great easy / moderate walks, where to stay in the Peak District, top tips for getting around and much more!

PEAK DISTRICT ITINERARY: THE ULTIMATE LONG WEEKEND GUIDE!

For our long weekend in the Peak District itinerary, we first begin exploring the cluster of key sights in South Peak District, before heading to the mid and West areas.

This itinerary mainly keeps you outside on the best easy to moderate walks in the Peak District, as well as taking time to visit the famous towns of Bakewell and Buxton.

DAY 1: DOVEDALE STEPPING STONES, THOR’S CAVE & BAKEWELL TOWN

MORNING: DOVEDALE STEPPING STONES WALK Start your morning early on this popular return walking trail from Dovedale Stepping Stones to Dove Holes, through a beautiful natural limestone valley following the gentle River Dove.

This enchanting trail is one of the easiest Peak District walks, and offers a journey across a picture-perfect set of stepping stones, jaw-dropping rock formations and colossal caves. In our opinion, the Dovedale Valley is the prettiest part of the the Peak District!

Top Tip : Park at the designated ‘Pay and Display’ Dovedale car park (postcode DE6 2AY).

This car park gets incredibly busy especially at peak times (i.e. weekends and public holidays) and it is common to be completely full by 10am, so be sure you get here earl y!

EARLY AFTERNOON: THOR’S CAVE Just a further 15 minute drive from Dovedale, park up in the quaint village of Wetton to begin a short trail to one of the Peak District’s iconic cave formations – Thor’s Cave !

Head deep into the idyllic countryside for about 15 to 20 minutes, passing fields full of friendly cows, before making your way down to the impressive Thor’s Cave.

To explore inside, you’ll need to scramble slightly up a steep rock that graduates deep into the cave itself. Looking back inside the cave, take in the breathtaking countryside view, now framed by the cave face.

Top Tip : There is designated free field parking for Thor’s Cave in Wetton village, located here .

Top Tip : The best time to visit Thor’s Cave is during off-peaks times, ideally on a weekday. The steep cave entrance gets incredibly slippery and much harder to climb if many people have climbed up, distributing wet mud from their shoes. Getting down from inside Thor’s Cave may require you to go down on your bum, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Did You Know : UK’s National Parks, including Peak District National Park, are areas where people live and work (over 38,000 people live in the Peak District!). There are no specific opening times, barriers and no entry charge.

AFTERNOON: VISIT BAKEWELL TOWN One of the most popular towns to visit in the Peak District is Bakewell. Though relatively small in size, it is the Peak District’s main town! Famous for its iconic British pudding of Bakewell tarts, Bakewell is a great spot to spend the rest of this afternoon.

After all that walking today, treat yourself to a hearty pub lunch or enjoy a classic fish and chips along the River. Browse Bakewell’s independent shops, adding your own lock to the love-lock bridge or a relaxing stroll up to the Riverside Gardens from the quaint Bakewell bridge.

Top Tip : There are numerous car parks around Bakewell, all ‘Pay and Display’. The largest is located here on the other side of the river at an old agricultural farm, and is your best bet if you go on a busy day. It is just a 3 minute walk into Bakewell town by crossing the love-lock bridge. You can pay by coins, card or PayByPhone app here.

Top Tip : If stately homes and gardens are up your street, Chatsworth House is a great place to add to your Peak District itinerary! It is only a 11 minute drive from Bakewell.

DAY 2: MAM TOR RIDGE WALK, CASTLETON & BAMFORD EDGE SUNSET

MORNING: MAM TOR RIDGE WALK One of the most scenic trails in the Peak District is hands down the Mam Tor ridge walk . Proudly standing at 517 metres high, this majestic fortress of a hill was once a Celtic settlement with a populated fort where the summit now stands.

Today, there are well-maintained steps up to the summit and well-laid pathway all along the ridge, allowing walkers of all levels and ages (and easily dogs and children) to witness the jaw-dropping views from the top!

This is a popular walk, so we recommend to get here early to enjoy the peace and quiet of morning.

Top Tip : The best car park for the Mam Tor walk is the Mam Nick car park , which is right at the beginning of the trail. It is a National Trust “Pay & Display” car park, and you can only pay via the PayByPhone app, website or telephone number.

AFTERNOON: WINNATS PASS TO CASTLETON Just 2 miles (5 minute drive) away from the Mam Tor car park is the charming little village of Castleton, which is a great spot to grab a well deserved rest and wander after your Mam Tor walk.

The route from Mam Tor to Castleton with send you through the idyllic Winnats Pass, where the road now cuts straight through the heart of this historic limestone valley!

When arriving into the tiny village of Castleton, have a wander round, enjoy a scrumptious British brunch or cream tea at Tillys of Castleton before driving towards your next destination: Bamford Edge!

Fun Fact : Winnats Pass valley was historically engulfed by a tropical sea, and the limestone remaining today is still jam-packed with sea creatures fossils that lived over 350 million years ago! How Incredible!

Top Tip : There is one designated ‘Pay and Display’ car park in Castleton near the Visitors Centre, but there is the opportunity to park for free on this road-side here instead, still only few minutes walk away from the village centre.

Top Tip : Other popular sights to see around Castleton are Peveril Castle (an impressive ruin of an 11-century castle) or guided tours within some of the UK’s best underground caverns, including Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff.

LATE AFTERNOON: BAMFORD EDGE FOR SUNSET From Castleton, drive 15 minutes to New Road for our final short walk to Bamford Edge ! Park up for free along New Road before heading up on this relatively easy to moderate walk, perfect for beginners.

Ideally, park here along New Road to be next to the Bamford Edge trail starting point. We parked too far down the road by accident – save your time and avoid walking New Road’s incline!

Described as one of the best views to see sunset in the Peak District, allow just 25-35 minutes to reach the jaw-dropping Bamford Edge viewpoint.

Spend as much time as you need taking in the beautiful scenery and amazing panoramas at Ladybower Reservoir! Also look out for the plenty of roaming sheep as you walk along the trail.

Top Tip: There are no toilets along the walking route to Bamford Edge, but there are nearby public toilets in Bamford village, just a 5 minute drive away.

Top Tip: It is common for Bamford Edge viewpoint to be very windy, due to its exposed location!

DAY 3: CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES (MONSAL TRAIL), BUXTON & LUD’S CHURCH

MORNING: CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES WALK The Peak District is home to “ The Monsal Trail ” – an old, derelict railway line which has been revamped into a safe, traffic-free and incredibly scenic 8.5 mile walking and cycling route.

The trail is ever-changing, passing derelict limestone kilns and breathtaking scenery whilst soaring over grand viaducts and through old railway tunnels!

While you may not complete the entire stretch on your long weekend Peak District itinerary, a brilliant point to pick it up from is at Millers Dale car park, roughly halfway along the trail, to complete the Chee Dale stepping stones walk.

This is a beautiful river-side walk deep into the enchanting Chee Dale valley, before heading up to the viaduct and rejoining the Monsal trail on your return back.

Top Tip : The Millers Dale car park is the closest car park for the Chee dale walk. It is a “pay and display” (coins, card and payment apps accepted) with refreshment and toilet facilities on-site. The car park is small and gets filled up quickly, so if you prefer this option, set off early!

Or equally, you can respectively park along the road-side for free in the nearby village of Wormhill and walk your way down to Chee Dale. The describe this route in our Chee Dale stepping stones walking guide .

AFTERNOON: EXPLORE BUXTON Drive a short 14 minutes to the town of Buxton, one of the UK’s most renowned spa towns, skirting the Peak District.

Take time to simply wander the town, or a top paid thing to do is enjoy a spa afternoon at the newly renovated 5* Ensana Buxton Crescent & Thermal Spa Hotel. Book this in advance, or even opt to stay overnight here tonight.

Other things to do in and around Buxton are the wandering the idyllic Pavilion gardens, browsing all its quirky independent shops or venturing to nearby Soloman’s Temple!

Fun Fact : Wonder why the name Buxton sounds so familiar? Buxton is the birthplace of bottled Buxton mineral water!

LATE AFTERNOON: WALK THROUGH LUD’S CHURCH A lost jurassic world lies just a 20-minute drive away from Buxton. Park at Gradbach car park for free, heading through the woods and down into the otherworldly chasm of Lud’s Church .

Giving you the feeling of being on a real Indiana Jones cross Jurassic Park movie set, walk through its towering cliff faces, laced in vibrant green fauna, ferns and moss. Enjoy getting lost in it secret passages and small caves.

Top tip : While the car park at Gradbach is free, it only has space for approx. 20 cars, and (dependant on day and weather), can fill up quickly. This is why we suggest to come here later in the evening, to avoid peak times when most people have gone home.

Top tip : If you had the time, a popular circular walk from Gradbach car park is Hens Cloud, The Roaches, Lud’s Church and back to Gradbach.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

⭐ The Cow Shed (Perfect for 2 people. Quaint self-contained stone cottage with free parking, outside space and outdoor hot tub)

⭐ Little Barn Peak District (Perfect for 2 people. Quaint self-contained stone cottage with modern interior, rural setting with amazing countryside views)

⭐ Peak Edge Hotel (Perfect for 2 people. Large, modern and stylish boutique hotel located just outside of the Peak District)

⭐ Bankside Cottage (Perfect for 4 adults, 2 children max. Quaint self-contained stone cottage holiday home in Milldale, right next to walking trail to Dovedale Stepping Stones).

PEAK DISTRICT PACKING LIST

• Loose comfortable clothing for walking, such as tank tops, cotton shorts or leggings. If you visit in the colder months, pack additional layers.
• Comfortable lightweight walking shoes with good grip and thick thermal socks .
• An additional pair of comfortable shoes to walk around the Peak District towns in, i.e. Bakewell or Buxton. These could be trainers, converses, etc.
• Refillable water bottle to bring on your Peak District walking trails.
• High factor sun cream for warmer months.
• Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses for warmer months.
• Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.
• A lightweight rain poncho just in case – you never know with our unpredictable English weather!

HOW TO GET AROUND THE PEAK DISTRICT

Getting around peak district by car.

Ideally, the best way to get around the Peak District is by self-driving your own vehicle. This gives you absolute freedom on your Peak District itinerary with no restrictions on waiting for bus timetables, etc.

If you are visiting the UK and do not own your own vehicle, you can quite easily rent a car for multiple days !

GETTING AROUND PEAK DISTRICT BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

If you do not want to drive the Peak District, or cannot drive, you’ll be pleased to know there is a good public transport system in place to get around the Peak District without a car. Click here for the official Peak District’s transport planner page .

ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

What are the roads like to drive on in the peak district.

The majority of Peak District roads and predominantly single carriageway. These are usually well kept sealed roads, which is easy to drive on.

That said, there are a few country roads dotted around which are slightly tighter and have numerous pot holes, so just take these much more carefully if encountered.

PARKING IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

At most key attractions in the Peak District, you will need to use a ‘Pay and display’ car park. The average cost was typically £2-£4. Occasionally, there is the opportunity to find suitable free spaces to park, which if there is, we would have highlighted in our Peak District itinerary above.

Top tip : Some parking metres, like the one in Dovedale for example, only accept coins due to lack of phone service. Make sure you always have change on you.

Likewise, some (like the one at Mam Tor for example) only allow payment via the ‘PayByPhone’ (click to download on Apple / Android )’ parking app. Make sure you set yourself up on this app before your Peak District trip!

VISITING THE PEAK DISTRICT: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

Where is the peak district.

The Peak District National Park is set in the very central heart of the UK in the Midlands. The Peak District National Park is the most accessible of all UK National Parks, spanning across 5 different counties: Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. In fact, approximately 20 million UK people live within a 1 hour travel time to the Peak Distrct!

WHY SHOULD I VISIT THE PEAK DISTRICT? WHAT MAKES THE PEAK DISTRICT SPECIAL?

Why should you visit the Peak District National Park? It is one of the UK’s most beautiful countryside areas, hosting a vast green landscape made up of idyllic rolling hills, enchanting woodlands, dramatic cliff edges, mysterious dry valleys and gentle rivers.

It is also home to a seriously impressive collection of colossal caves – what the Peak District is famous for!

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN THE PEAK DISTRICT?

I think a shorter list would be, ‘What isn’t there to do’! Whether you are an active adventurer itching to trek / cycle miles across its beautiful landscape, a keen shopper wanting to explore its quaint little towns or simply in search of a quiet countryside cabin escape, the Peak District has something for everyone.

It is the perfect long weekend getaway for anyone. There are plenty of free things to do in the Peak District such as cycling, walking, climbing, wildlife-watching – to additional paid activities such as visiting majestic stately homes, caving tours, paragliding from the peak tops and indulging in tearooms or country pubs.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT PEAK DISTRICT?

UK SUMMER = JUNE TO AUGUST UK AUTUMN = SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER UK WINTER = DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY UK SPRING = MARCH TO MAY

From our experience, we believe the best months to visit the Peak District is between the two off-peak seasons, either late Spring in May or the start of Autumn months in September.

During these months, it will be far less busy and there is still a good chance for some mild and warmer weather. The UK’s Summer has a habit of starting late, with warm weather usually carrying on into September!

On the contrary, we would advise not to visit the Peak District during the Summer school holidays, between July and August. This is when the Peak District will be it’s most busiest and accommodation prices at their highest.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN THE PEAK DISTRICT?

We would suggest for most, the minimum Peak District itinerary would be across a long weekend, i.e. 3 days and 2 nights.

This will give you enough time to see the majority of key sights. If you are an avid walker, the hundreds of countryside walks on offer here would keep you occupied for even longer, though we include a few of the most idyllic walks in our Peak District itinerary above!

PEAK DISTRICT FUN FACTS

• The Peak District National Park was actually the first official National Park in the UK, established back in 1951!
• The Peak District National Park is one of the UK’s best holiday destinations, welcoming over 13 million people a year!
• Covering 5 counties, the Peak District makes up an area of 555 square miles – the equivalent of the size of Greater London!
• The Peak is most famous for its multiple giant caves, which incredibly remained inhabited by people until 1910! The tallest of which being the ‘Titan Shaft’ in Castleton, which is taller than the London Eye at 142 metres! There are also many free caves to see in the Peak District, a few of which we covered in our Peak District itinerary above!
• The Peak Districts idyllic setting has made it a the perfect filming location for multiple films and TV series, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pride and Prejudice, The Duchess and more recently BBC’s Peaky Blinders final series.
• There is 26,000 miles of dry stone wall in the Peak District – which staggeringly, equates to a wall around the entire Earth!
• The Peak District is home to an amazing array of wildlife, including the Mountain Hare (only UK population found outside of Scotland!), Red deer, birds of prey and the Ring ouzel birds.
• There is a small village in the Peak District called Eyam with a heart-breaking and incredulous story. In 1665, after a small cloth from London infected the majority of the village with bubonic plague, they took it upon themselves to completely self-quarantine from the rest of the world to stop any further spread.

CONCLUSION: PEAK DISTRICT ITINERARY

In conclusion, we believe this long weekend Peak District itinerary gives a great glimpse into this beautiful region.

This guide makes the very most of the best easy to moderate walking trails found in the Peak District, whilst also allowing for some much needed down time to explore and relax.

We hope you have a reinvigorating, relaxing and wonderful trip to the Peak District!

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

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Helpful Tips to Increase Your Traffic and Bookings During Low Seasons

Travel blogging has many “ebbs” and “flows” — sometimes, your traffic and bookings skyrocket for seemingly no reason, and other times, you can’t figure out why your traffic is drastically dropping month after month. These fluctuations can be frustrating, but they are inevitable, so understanding and navigating them (rather than letting them discourage you) is essential.

One of travel bloggers’ most common reasons for traffic fluctuations is the high and low travel seasons. During the low season, traffic might dip, so it’s imperative to understand what (and when!) the low season is and some ways to combat the lower traffic during these months. Below, we’ll explain how to increase bookings during the off-peak season so your travel blog can thrive — regardless of the time of year!

What Is the Off-Peak Season?

Before jumping into all the solutions to boost your traffic during the low season, it’s essential to define the low season (or off-peak travel season).

The off-peak travel season will vary depending on the part of the world you’re blogging about, but generally, in the United States and Northern Hemisphere, the peak season lasts from June to August when schools are dismissed for the summer and much of the region enjoys warm, sunny weather. The off-peak season lasts from November to February or the late fall and winter, when most destinations are chilly, snowy, and cold.

The months of March, April, May, September, and October are called the shoulder season — though traveling during these months isn’t as popular as during the peak season, the weather is more favorable than during the off-season, so many travelers opt to travel during this time to enjoy lower prices on flights, hotels, and activities and fewer crowds in popular destinations.

Even during the low season, there are still some “peaks.” For example, Thanksgiving and Christmas are popular times to travel in the United States, so traffic might spike in December before leveling off again in January and February. And although spring isn’t necessarily considered the “high” season in the Northern Hemisphere, spring break often increases traffic and bookings during March and the beginning of April.

Why Do Travel Bloggers Struggle During Low Seasons?

We’ll be honest — the off-peak travel season is a rough time to be a travel blogger. After experiencing a “high” in traffic over the summer, when August ends and September rolls around, many bloggers see a huge dip in traffic. While it’s easy to assume there is something wrong with your content (or blame the Google algorithm — we’re all guilty of that!), often, the reason for your dip in traffic has nothing to do with the quality of your content, but rather, seasonal traffic fluctuations.

During the low season, travelers are coming off a thrilling summer of road trips, family vacations, and epic international adventures. Then, as autumn rolls around, most people think about getting back into routines — like school and work after having time off — and then gearing up for the holidays. And, after spending money on travel during the summer, most people will be in “saving” mode for the rest of the year (or, at least, until booking holiday travel).

Despite the challenges of maintaining traffic and bookings during the low season — it’s essential to learn how to overcome these challenges so you can create reliable income streams and a sustainable travel blog that thrives during every season. Below, we’ve listed some of our proven tips to increase your traffic and bookings during the low season. Start implementing them now, and watch your traffic skyrocket — even during the least-popular travel months!

Content Optimization

Optimizing old and new content to account for seasonal fluctuations is probably the most important tip for maintaining traffic and bookings during the low season. These are some ways to incorporate seasonal and evergreen content optimization into your travel blogging strategy:

Seasonal Content

Do you notice your traffic always takes a dip during the winter months? Chances are, none of your content focuses on destinations people want to visit in the winter.

For example, warm-weather destinations like Hawaii, Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean are generally popular during winter — people are desperate to escape the snow for a beachy, tropical getaway. Additionally, destinations well-known for winter activities, like Colorado and Utah for skiing and snowboarding, and popular places for holiday travel, like New York City, generally do well during the winter months in the United States.

Need some inspiration for seasonal content to add to your content calendar during the low season? These are some examples of blog posts that would be great for driving traffic to your blog during the winter off-season:

• 21 Warm Places to Travel in January in the USA
• 13 Most Beautiful Beaches on Kauai
• 10 Best Ski Resorts in Colorado
• 25 Magical Things to Do in New York City During Christmas
• 15 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in December
• 21 Best New England Winter Getaways

Do you get the idea? Writing about topics you know will do well in the off-peak season will help drive traffic to your blog during this time, even when other blog posts that typically perform well, like national park guides and summer destination guides, dip during the winter.

Benefits of Off-Peak Travel

Though many people don’t travel during the off-peak season — those who do travel during this time know there are many benefits!

For example, prices are generally lower for hotels, flights, tours, and activities during the low season, and there are fewer crowds at popular locations. Plus, some destinations offer unique experiences that you can only experience in the off-peak season. For example, you can only see the holiday decor in New York City during November and December, and you can only go skiing in Park City during the late winter or spring.

You should highlight some of the benefits of off-peak travel in your blog posts to convince people why they should travel to a specific destination during that time. For example, you could write a blog post about “10 Compelling Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Winter” and include ideas like seeing the Northern Lights, avoiding the summer crowds, seeing snowy landscapes, and getting to know the locals. Though someone might not have considered visiting Alaska during the winter, a post like this could convince them otherwise!

Evergreen Content

In addition to writing seasonal content, it’s just as important to have evergreen content on your blog — content that stays relevant regardless of the season.

For example, some destinations, like Hawaii and Southern California, are popular to visit at all times of the year since the weather is always beautiful. Other locations, like Utah, remain popular year-round for different reasons. For example, in the winter and spring, the resorts fill up with skiers and snowboarders, but in the summer and fall, road trippers flood the national parks, and hikers go leaf peeping on the trails.

Other examples of evergreen content include non-destination-specific content. Posts like “12 Tips for Packing a Carry-On Like a Pro” and “21 Travel Apps You Need to Make Booking Trips a Breeze” are excellent blog post ideas that will drive traffic during all seasons.

Promotions and Discounts

One of the best ways to increase affiliate bookings during the off-peak travel season is to promote excellent travel deals, promotions, and discounts that people can use to book upcoming travel — whether that be a winter island getaway, spring break vacation, or summer trip (remind travelers that it’s never too early to book to secure the best deals!).

Many of the best deals on travel occur during the off-peak travel season on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and after-Christmas sales. Spend some time promoting the hottest deals during the low season to increase traffic and bookings. People might not be traveling, but they are starting to think about (and shop for) future vacations.

SEO Utilization

The off-peak season is a great time to evaluate your blog’s performance and optimize posts that aren’t bringing in much traffic or leading to affiliate sales. According to successful travel blogger Laura Peters , look for the following posts to optimize:

• Posts that are decreasing in ranking but still generate traffic or affiliate income.
• Posts within the first five to ten search results on Google — if you can boost your blog into the top three spots, you will receive a significant boost in traffic!
• Posts within the first 11–20 search results on Google — getting these posts onto the first page will also increase traffic.
• Any post older than nine months that does not bring in any traffic.

When optimizing old posts or writing new posts, perform keyword research to find keywords that have a high search volume and low SEO difficulty score and incorporate these keywords into your SEO title , meta description , headings , body paragraphs , and image alt text (but no keyword stuffing — only incorporate keywords in a natural, conversational way).

You should include relevant internal links to other blog posts on your website, helpful external links (a combination of no-follow and do-follow links is recommended), and relevant affiliate links in each blog post. To learn more about SEO, check out these helpful resources about SEO .

Social Media Engagement

During the low season, social media is a great way to drive traffic to your blog, engage your current audience, and share relevant content. You can even repurpose existing content from the blog to share on social media.

Here are some ideas of ways that you can leverage different social media platforms to drive traffic to your blog during the low season:

Create “fresh” pins that link back to older blogs that are relevant during the off-peak travel season. For example, if you have a blog post about “21 Best Beaches to Visit During the Winter in the USA,” you can create new pins to drive traffic to this blog post during the low season.

You can also create fresh pins for affiliate-focused posts on Pinterest to boost affiliate income during the off-season.

Instagram is an excellent tool for resharing old content. For example, you can link to blog posts on Instagram Stories during relevant times of the year (for example, in October, link to posts about visiting Salem, MA, or the top leaf-peeping destinations in the United States).

Instagram is also a valuable tool for affiliate marketing during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can share affiliate links on Instagram Stories or share links to blog posts that include affiliate links to deals on flights, hotels, and more.

Facebook is a helpful social media platform to use during the off-peak season for multiple reasons. You can reshare old blog posts , do affiliate marketing on Facebook for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and even join specific Facebook Groups for travel bloggers, where you can share relevant blog posts on weekly sharing threads to boost engagement.

Email Marketing

You’re missing out if you don’t have an email list for your travel blog. Emails are an effective way to drive traffic to your blog during the off-peak season (at any time of the year) and a great way to highlight relevant blogs.

For example, you can send a weekly newsletter highlighting your most recent blog posts or a targeted email round-up to direct visitors to older blogs. In January, for instance, you might send an email highlighting blog posts that feature warm-weather destinations, like Florida, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, to inspire people to plan a trip here during this time of year (and visit your blog to do the planning, of course!).

Additionally, email marketing is one of the most effective marketing tools for driving sales, so it’s a great place to promote affiliate links. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you’ll want an email marketing strategy to promote travel deals. If you’d like to learn more about email marketing, check out these helpful email marketing courses .

Collaborations and Guest Posting

If you’re struggling to get traffic to your blog during the off-peak season, collaborations and guest posting for other travel bloggers can be a helpful strategy to increase traffic.

By guest posting or participating in a collaborative post on another blogger’s website, you’ll usually receive a do-follow backlink to a post on your website, which can help boost this post’s ranking in Google search results and improve the overall domain authority of your website. As your domain authority increases, it will be easier for your blog posts to rank higher in Google search results, boosting traffic.

However, there are a few “cons” to consider regarding guest posting. First, you’ll be writing posts for someone else’s blog that will drive traffic to their website — not yours. Second, you generally aren’t permitted to include your affiliate links in a guest post. Hence, guest posting isn’t always the best strategy for someone focused on boosting their affiliate income.

Before guest blogging, evaluate your goals for your blog (boosting advertising revenue, improving affiliate income, increasing traffic, improving search rankings, etc.). If guest posting is not aligned with your goals, spend time writing SEO-optimized seasonal and evergreen content for your own blog instead.

Boost Bookings During Every Season With Travelpayouts

It will initially take some hard work to optimize your content for the off-peak season, but once you do, you’ll see an increase in traffic and bookings during every season — not just the peak summer months. This will help you create a sustainable business during all the “ebbs” and “flows” of travel trends as a travel blogger. If you’re looking for the perfect affiliate platform to join as a travel blogger, we’d love to invite you to Travelpayouts. We’re partnered with dozens of reputable companies in the travel industry, like Booking.com , Viator , and GetYourGuide , to provide our partners with endless opportunities to monetize their travel blogs. Join the Travelpayouts partnership platform to get started!

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Travel could be a good deal this summer. Here's when plane ticket prices will peak.

Spring is springing, and according to Hopper, it’s time to start thinking about your summer vacation plans.

New data from the online booking site shows some favorable trends for travelers in the next few months, including slightly lower airfares compared with 2023 and hotel and car rental prices that are more or less flat year-over-year.

Here’s what you need to know as you prepare to book, whether you’re looking for a domestic getaway or go on an overseas adventure. It’s also not too late to take advantage of deals on some last-minute trips.

How much are spring and summer plane tickets?

According to Hopper, the best deals right now are on domestic airline tickets. Round-trip flights within the U.S. are averaging $290 in April, but prices are expected to rise in the months ahead.

Hopper’s data shows prices for domestic flights will peak between May and June at $315 on average, then will gradually fall through the summer, reaching a low of $264 on average in September.

On a call with investors discussing first-quarter earnings Wednesday, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said summer travel demand has been pushed forward in recent years in part because schools, especially in the South, are finishing their summer breaks earlier in the year.

Is airport Wi-Fi safe to use? How to keep your information safe while traveling.

Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you? Here's how they compare.

This summer also will be a good time to travel internationally; Hopper data shows fares to most destinations abroad are down compared with last year. 

“Airfare to international destinations continues to improve following two years of bloated prices due to quickly recovering demand, high fuel prices and supply constraints. Airfare to most major regions of the world has dropped compared to last year with the exception of trips to Canada,” Hayley Berg, Hopper’s chief economist, said in the report. “International fares remain higher than pre-pandemic levels to most regions, as higher fuel prices persist and airlines continue to rebuild capacity to many regions.”

How much will a hotel room for the spring and summer cost?

Hotel prices remain mostly flat compared with the same time last year. Rooms in the U.S. are averaging $206 a night; better deals are available in some trending international destinations like Osaka, Japan, and Istanbul, Turkey.

According to Hopper, Las Vegas, New York and Chicago remain popular destinations in the U.S.

Will car rental prices rise this summer?

Car rental prices also haven’t increased much since last year and average $42 a day, according to Hopper.

The report shows most travelers rent a car for about four days, and warm-weather destinations like Orlando and Los Angeles remain popular pickup points.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

• Uncategorized

The Best Expat Blogs for Moscow

• Posted on May 31, 2020 June 1, 2020
• by Kings of Russia
• 4 minute read

Living in Moscow comes with a host of challenges. The language and culture render it difficult for many expats who call Moscow, home. Fortunately, there are some great resources for expats to help with assimilation and acculturation. The following are the best expat blogs for Moscow to follow in 2020. These blogs provide valuable information on carving out the best lifestyle in Moscow for expats.

1. The Moscow Times

2. moscow living, 3. moscow night guide, 4. miss tourist, 5. master russian, 6. russia trek, 7. we heart moscow, 8. moscow places, 10. 56th parallel, top moscow expat blogs for expats.

Average Posts Per Month : 100 Plus

Latest Article as of May 31, 2020 : Russia’s Coronavirus Cases Surge Past 400K as Infections Increase Again

Top Article : Russia’s Climate Emergency

Blog Description : The Moscow Times is the premier, second-to-none expat publication. This English-language publication covers current news, politics, lifestyle, and essentially every topic that expats need to know. The Moscow Times is an independent publication, provides unbiased coverage in depth and breadth. Tt has also been the go-to source for expats to stay informed on pertinent information pertaining to Covid-19.

Contact Information : [email protected]

Average Posts Per Month : 1

Latest Article as of May 31, 2020 : Go on a Culinary Journey with Hyatt Regency

Top Article : The Best Restaurant Deliveries in Moscow

Blog Description : A partner of The Moscow Times, Moscow Living is an independent, English-language publication that provides valuable information to help expats live a full lifestyle in Moscow. Covering top cultural events, restaurants, nightlife, and navigating public transportation, Moscow Living is the best cultural expat publication for Moscow. They also provide a flower delivery services 2 times per month.

Contact : [email protected]

Latest Article as of May 31, 2020 : 5 Cultural Insights Why Russian Women are so Unique

Top Article : The Step-by-Step Moscow Nightlife Guide

Blog Description : Moscow Night Guide provides the most in depth coverage of bars, clubs, and restaurants in Moscow. The coverage of nightlife coverage in Moscow is impressive, so anyone planning to Moscow will know exactly where to party, dance mingle.

Contact : Visit the contact page to initiate an email contact.

Average Posts Per Month : 3

Latest Article as of May 31, 2020 : Best Last Minute Ideas For Online Gifts For Your Loved Ones Staying At Home

Top Article : 18 Best Tips and Apps for Working from Home that Will Help You Stay Focused

Blog Description : Originally from Russia, Yulia’s blog is geared to expats who work remotely. Although not specifically geared towards expats in Russia, Yulia has unique cultural, business, and travel insights into Russia.

Contact : Visit the contact page to initiate an email contact with Yulia. Also, see her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/misstouristcom.

Average Posts Per Month : 4

Latest Article as of May 31, 2020 : How Well Do You Know Russian?

Top Article : Russian Speaking Vocabulary for Everyday

Blog Description : Master Russian is a great source for beginner learners of Russian language. Leaners can access their free lessons and tools to learn Russian online. They even have a forum for learners to connect with other Russian language enthusiasts.

Contact :   [email protected]  

Average Posts Per Month : 5

Latest Article as of May 31, 2020: Unique Color Photos of Yekaterinburg in 1909

Top Article : The Historic Island Town of Sviyazhsk

Blog Description : Russia Trek is a travel blog that is useful for expats who are interested in exploring Russia outside of Moscow.

Contact: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RussiaTrek

Latest Article as of May 31, 2020: Soviet Moscow Historical & Heritage Private Tour

Top Article : Moscow Metro & Stalin Skyscrapers Private Tour

Blog Description : We heart Moscow specializes in giving English language tours in Moscow. Their services are a great way for Moscow newcomers to get acquainted with the cultural sites, metro systems and overall logistics in Moscow. Their tour guides are friendly and informative.

Contact: [email protected]

Latest Article as of May 31, 2020 : Russian Visa for Indians

Top Article : Where to Eat Cheap in Moscow?

Blog Description: Written by a local Moscowvite, Lilia advises on the hidden cultural gems in Moscow. This blog is written clearly and is highly informative for expats and tourists looking to explore the unknown sites that only a local would know.

Contact : [email protected]

Latest Article as of May 31, 2020 : Russian Visa: Electronic visa, regular visa or visa-free?

Top Article : Trans-Siberian Railway (and the Trans-Mongolian)

Blog Description : Written by a local, this blog provides current information related to visa management, travel preparations to Moscow. Be sure to check out the guide to the Trans-Siberian railway trip.

Latest Article as of May 31, 2020 : A Teacher’s Guide to Planning an Educational Tour to Russia

Top Article : A Guide to: Russian Traditions, Culture, Customs & Etiquette

Blog Description : This travel company helps expats and tourists plan trip throughout Russia. They provide themselves on taking care of all the needs of their clients in making memorable travel experiences in Russia.

Contact : [email protected]

We hope that in our coverage of the best expat blogs for Moscow, our readers are more familiar with the valuable resourcess available to tourists and expats living in Moscow. Please feel free to drop us a line or post in the comments section any valuable recourses that we did not cover.

• Eastern Europe

Romanian Girls: The Dating Guide To The Latinas Of Eastern Europe

• Posted on May 26, 2020 June 5, 2020

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Rent a Car in Moscow and other Russian Cities

Driving in Russia is very cheap: the petrol costs only about 60 ¢ per liter (€2 per gallon), the infrastructure is relatively good, and there's almost no road toll charges, so it's a great way to explore the country, especially if you're two or more.

In order to rent a car in Russia you just need your driving license (the plastic card one), a credit card, and your passport — no extra paperwork is needed (you don't even need a translation).

The insurance excess and security deposits are usually limited to about €200, and the daily rent is about €20 for a standard car and €30 for an SUV. We've partnered with the two biggest car rental aggregators, so you can use the form below to find the best car rental deals for Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities from major local and international providers, such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis and others.

Option #1: RentalCars.Com

Option #2: cartrawler.

Use this aggregator if you're renting a car for a longer period — two weeks and more — or if you're renting a car in Siberia.

Option #3: Car Sharing

Russia car rental faq.

• Moscow Airport Transfers
• Arrival and Departure: St. Petersburg Airport, Train Stations, and Bus Stations
• Arrival and Departure: Moscow Airports, Train Stations, Buses

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• Travel Products

Hoka Just Dropped Comfy, Supportive New Sneakers — and They’re the Perfect Walking Shoes for Travel

They are breathable, blister-proof, and help with overpronation.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

As a trail runner and hiker, I love spending time in nature every chance I get, and one of my favorite things to do when I travel to a new city is to get a run in. I have tested many shoe brands on my trips, and no one makes running shoes quite like Hoka (in my humble opinion). So when I got a chance to test out the new Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes , I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take them on a few trips — and was very surprised at how well they performed on both concrete and gravel.

This is the seventh iteration of the brand’s iconic stability running shoe, the Arahi. It is a higher stack height training shoe perfect for those who want full-length medial stability in their daily sneakers. And though deemed running shoes, they also perform well as a daily walking shoe for travel if you’re exploring town and on your feet all day. 

Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes

Right off the bat, I noticed that the overall fit of the shoe is quite tapered compared to some of the other Hoka shoes thanks to a new updated flat knit upper. This might be a challenge for someone with a wider foot, but combined with a plush tongue and a signature high-heel collar, my foot and ankle felt quite snug and comfortable. I didn’t have to size up like I sometimes do with other running and hiking shoes. The toe box is still quite roomy, so you do have space to wiggle your toes. But if you want a bit more room in the front of your foot, choose the wide version. And like other Hoka shoes, the heel is slightly wider than the front, which gives your foot a bit more stability when you are running on trail or gravel. 

The Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes ’ midsole is made from CMEVA (Compression Molded EVA) and is stiffer and firmer than some of the other shoes in its class. I prefer a firmer shoe especially as I run on trails that have loose rocks and gravel so I don’t have to be concerned about slipping or sliding.

 The shoes also have the brand’s “J-frame” technology, a firm piece of form shaped like the letter J in the EVA midsole that hooks around the heel to the medial side of the foot, which helps mitigate overpronation. (Overpronation is when your gait causes the arches of your feet to flatten more than they normally would. Over time this puts strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support your arches causing a lot of foot pain.)

But don’t just take my word for it. One shopper on Hoka’s website noted that they are the most comfortable shoes they have ever worn. “I have neuropathy from chemo, and I feel so much more secure in my Hokas.”

These shoes are a bit heavier at more than one pound, so if you are looking to pack a pair of running shoes or everyday trainers on your next trip, I would wear these on the flight. Thanks to their streamlined look and updated colorways, they are stylish, and I got quite a few compliments from my fellow passengers when I wore them on my flight. Another shopper agreed with me that they are great power walking shoes. “Easily broken in. Hold up well for a 3-mile power walk,” they added.

The Hoka Arahi 7 Running Shoes are best for beginning runners or those who run moderate distances at an easy to moderate pace which is exactly how I run. It is not an extremely technical shoe so if you are looking for trainers that can multitask as walking and running shoes for everything on your itinerary, these are a great choice.

If you are looking for similar everyday sneakers or running shoes for beginners, check out more popular options below.

More Comfortable Running Shoes:

Salomon sense ride 5 trail-running shoes, brooks divide 4 sneakers, nike air zoom terra kiger 9 trail-running shoes, altra lone peak 8 trail-running shoes .

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How a millennial Lyft driver used the gig to travel to all 50 states, launch a food blog, and get started on a book

• Kreskin J. Torres, a Lyft driver, has traveled across all 50 states, documenting his dining experiences.
• Torres is working on a book, an app called Rideshare Foodies, and is organizing a national potluck.
• He said gig driving is just temporary and has helped him achieve his larger goals.

Kreskin J. Torres, 35, has eaten his way through all 50 states — including Alaska and Hawaii. His ticket to doing so? Driving for Uber and Lyft .

The Army veteran and Baltimore native has documented his dining on his blog Rideshare Foodie . After seven years, he's learned the most profitable times of day to drive, the best locations to find riders in each city and the optimal strategies for maximizing tips .

"You just got to work smarter, not harder," Torres said. "From my experience, I've been in every state, so I know how every city works now."

At the same time, he's been able to pursue his foodie passions. Torres is now working on a book called "Taste of the States," his recommendations app called Rideshare Foodies, and planning a series of events to honor dishes from various states and their history.

While driving for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft can be a flexible way to earn money for people like Torres who have more than one hustle, it can also be a recipe for burnout. Among the dozens of drivers Business Insider has spoken with over the past few months, many are already dreaming of what's next — starting a business or finding new modes of employment .

And that's Torres' main career advice for those considering it. After all, he's not planning to do the job forever, as he hopes to transition away, though it helped him jump-start new paths for his future.

"Do not make this the end all be all," Torres said, noting how Uber and Lyft have threatened to pull out of Minneapolis. "When it started, it was advertised as a gig, a side hustle."

Traveling the country as a gig driver

As a veteran, he said this job has been relatively stress-free and helpful for not feeling lonely, a similar sentiment he's heard from veterans with PTSD.

"I enjoy meeting and connecting with different people and getting to see different places," Torres said.

He decided to spend his next few years on the road using driving to fund his adventures and to meet locals who could point him to the best restaurants and experiences.

"The great thing is you get to learn about different cities and how everything operates," Torres said.

Related stories

He moved to San Antonio , though he works mainly around the more-profitable Austin area, and has explored the South and Southeast.

While he doesn't make much money from his blog, he said driving has allowed him to try everything from Navajo tacos in Arizona to biscuits in chocolate gravy in Arkansas to huckleberry swirls in Montana. Driving has led him to some of his favorite restaurants like I693 Red Zone Grill in Jackson, Mississippi; Strawberry's BBQ in Holcomb, Missouri; and Rice & Roll by Xing Xing in Wichita.

Learning the most profitable places and times to drive

Torres noticed he would get more profitable rides driving around suburbs, airports, and sports stadiums, locations coveted by drivers as they get more tips and sometimes elevated fares.

He learned New Year's will always be profitable , though rides slow down around February before picking up in mid-March. It's led him to be more methodical about the types of rides to take, as well as planning when to save more of his earnings and when to splurge a little on food and travel.

"After seven years, I'm a lot more experienced. It depends on the time of the season, so I usually can do a lot more business in college towns," Torres said. "I would visit a city, see what they're known for, a little history behind it."

Torres was making enough to comfortably travel the country, though he's always been careful since he said passengers are sometimes confused by his out-of-state license plate. He also faced a permanent deactivation from Uber last year over a dispute over the color of his car.

He doesn't have a wife or kids, nor does he have an apartment, as he mainly lives out of his car to save money. He acknowledges that growing competition on the road and lower earnings could put a greater dent in savings for people with families or permanent residences.

Torres has transitioned to driving full-time for Lyft , and he typically is online for 12 hours a day but only actively drives five to six hours in between waiting around airports.

He said he's increasingly put himself in his passengers' shoes to determine the best places and times to drive — he likely won't put in the effort to drive during rain, and he's more likely to do later trips around concert venues or bars.

To continue supporting his travels, he said he sometimes does airport rides at 3 or 4 a.m., as well as rides between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. during the morning rush. He also said being online around noon is fruitful for corporate workers, while 3 p.m. is right when schools let out. He usually tries not to drive around evening rush hours but sometimes resumes later at night.

He also devotes more time to driving between Wednesday and Sunday, when rides are more frequent, whether for "whiskey Wednesdays" or Friday afternoon happy hours. This is also when he can best network with passengers and hear their stories, as he said he occasionally gets to drive famous people.

Torres said drivers should consider this a short-term opportunity while working toward long-term goals. As he eases off the app, he has his eyes set on more international travel in the coming months. He's also investing more time in his food app, a local recommendation tool that functions like a Facebook group in which people ask questions about, for example, the best bartender in the area or where to go for particular dishes. It has launched on Android and set to be released on Apple by the summer.

"The most positivity that you can get out of it, do whatever you can and get the most out of it," Torres said. "The next few months will probably be my last time doing this because I'm focusing on other things, so I always had a plan for the things I was going to do."

Are you a ride-hailing driver who's struggling to pay bills or has had recent success? Have you recently pivoted to a new career from driving? Reach out to  [email protected] .

Watch: How truck driving became one of the worst jobs in the US

• Main content

US 50 bridge closed west of Gunnison due to safety concerns

Travel advisory.

Gunnison and Montrose Counties  — A safety closure is in place for a bridge on US Highway 50 located west of Gunnison. The Colorado Department of Transportation is closing the bridge at the urging of the Federal Highway Administration and state bridge engineering experts due to the findings of an ongoing safety inspection, which identified anomalies in the bridge on Thursday, April 18. The closure is in place between US 50 Mile Point 131 (intersection with Colorado Highway 92) and MP 138. Local traffic will be allowed through the closure point to reach residences. Motorists should use COtrip to plan an alternate route. See below for more information about the northern and southern recommended alternate routes. CDOT has set up an incident command and will coordinate with local, state and federal agencies in order to respond as quickly and effectively as possible. CDOT has been conducting a special inspection for high-strength steel bridges for the Blue Mesa bridges as required by the Federal Highway Administration. This inspection was required because of known issues with similarly constructed bridges elsewhere in the country. A defect was observed during an early investigation of the bridge at approximately Mile Point 136.3. CDOT immediately brought in a second inspection crew with resources to perform another method for testing whether the defect posed a safety hazard on the bridge. The second inspection took place on Thursday, April 18.  CDOT is continuing to assess the safety of the bridge and to quickly determine options for interim and permanent fixes – and will keep the public informed as soon as more information is available. The bridge closure is located between Gunnison and Montrose. It is located east of the US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon project, which is currently in a planned winter shutdown.

Recommended Alternate Routes

This closure will create a significant detour for commuters between Montrose and Gunnison. The recommended detour route for through traffic is via Interstate 70 to the north or US 160 to the south. CDOT understands the inconvenience that this creates and is rapidly evaluating options to improve options for residents, businesses, and travelers on the western slope. The northern route is 354 miles and requires approximately six hours of travel time. The southern route is 331 miles and requires nearly 7 hours of travel time. CDOT and local partners are exploring whether it is feasible at this point in the season to clear local seasonal routes that may be able to significantly reduce the detour time for local travelers. 

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

Money latest: The parents paying their kids hundreds of pounds for good grades - and what psychologists think

As exam season approaches, some parents are putting hundreds of pounds aside to reward their children for certain grades - and we've asked experts if they think it's a good idea. Share your thoughts on anything we cover in the form below, and we'll be back on Monday with live updates.

Saturday 20 April 2024 14:39, UK

Weekend Money

• Should you offer kids cash rewards for good grades? The psychologist's view  
• Amex hikes, inflation and child-free pubs: What our readers said this week
• Money news of week: Inflation falls, wages grow and fuel warning for drivers

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• Ian King analysis: Why an interest rate cut may not come as soon as you think
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• Money Problem: My boss ruined end of maternity leave with ultimatum - what are my rights?
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Ask a question or make a comment

By Brad Young, Money team

As exam season approaches, some parents are putting hundreds of pounds aside to reward their children if they achieve certain grades. 

While some parents lambasted the idea as "absolute potatoes", others told Sky News they saw their children's focus increase after offering up to £250 for the top results.

Among them was Sarah Cook, 45, from Dorset, who said cash incentives had improved her eldest daughter's concentration at GCSEs and she promised her youngest, Merryn, the same offer: £100 for a 9, 8 or 7 (A*/A in old money), £50 for a 6 or 5 (B) or £20 for a 4 (C). 

"We were definitely all for it and happy to pay up based on achievement. I think it reflects real life as well - if you do well in your job, you tend to get paid more," Ms Cook said. 

Merryn, 13, added: "I think it is better for the motivation and for that extra encouragement to get the highest you possibly can and to push yourself more."

Robert Gidney, from Norfolk, said his 14-year-old son's results had improved by a grade since the family decided on reward money: £250 for a grade 9, reduced by £50 for each lower grade, with no reward for grades below 5.

"He seems to be concentrating a lot more on it. He has been studying a lot more and putting a lot more effort in."

He admitted the practice might not be for everyone - something mother of two Sarah Paterson, 57, from Cheshire, would agree with. 

"Never in a million years," she said, recalling how her children, now aged 26 and 37, would protest that their friends were being offered cash rewards. 

"It's absolute potatoes. What are you setting you kids up for there? 

"If they are going to academic, they are going to be academic. Life is about self-motivation."

What the psychologists say

External motivators like money can help children focus in the short term, but they "eventually kill off intrinsic motivation", said Dr Cath Lowther, general secretary of the Association of Educational Psychologists. 

She said all children were intrinsically interested in learning, but regular external incentives "erode the engines of motivation" that cause them to find joy in learning or set and achieve their own goals. 

It could also cause conflict and jealousy in some schools, with "children in that classroom who can't afford breakfast". 

There is already too much pressure on children, said Dr Emma Citron, consultant clinical psychologist and chartered member of the British Psychological Society. 

They are already trying to catch up after the pandemic and taking exams that could determine if they get a university place, she said. 

"I just think that it's sending all the wrong messages as parents. You're adding to their pressure and actually, more importantly, changing the dynamic between you and your children. 

"You're making it conditional on outcome, on reward, rather than what we know to be good, which is unconditional approval and validation."

Parents ought to be "quietly supportive" and act in a pastoral capacity, she said. 

Teachers split on the practice

Charlotte, a biology teacher at a private school, who did not wish to give her last name, said approximately 20% of a given year group were offered cash incentives by their parents. 

The educator of 30 years said those children often found academia harder, misbehaved or hadn't put in much work before exam season. 

"It's not that much fun, revising, it's pretty dull, so I think anything that is an incentive is probably a good thing."

She said her children, now adults, were not offered cash, adding they had dyslexia and dyspraxia. 

"They knew that what we required was just for them to do their best," she said.

A 26-year-old teacher at a state school in Reading said she hadn't found cash incentives were common during her four years as a teacher, but she was offered money by her parents when she took exams. 

"I think sometimes it could be effective, but it could put more pressure on the pupil and I don't know if it's healthy," said the teacher, who did not wish to be named. 

"They are going to feel disappointed if they don't get the grades no matter what."

Dr Lowther said cash incentives spoke to a wider problem with the British schooling system, where external motivators are built in from the start, rather than practices that foster intrinsic motivators like autonomy and connection to others.

From gold stars at reception to narrow choices in the national curriculum, schools focus on extrinsic incentives, she said.

"It would be great if there could be some real thinking about the curriculum and getting science behind how it's developed and how it's implemented," she said. 

Each week hundreds of our readers share their thoughts on the things we've been covering in the Money blog.

This week's comments have been dominated by these topics...

• Our feature on renting your home out to celebrities;
• Wednesday's inflation announcement; 
• Changes to American Express cards;
• The prospect of child-free pubs. 

We learnt on Wednesday that inflation had eased to 3.2% from 3.4% in March.

Many readers said they felt no difference in their wallets after the announcement, with these two comments summing up the general mood...

It definitely does not feel like inflation is coming down. And isn't that what really matters, especially with elections coming up. These figures will feel like fake news to the majority of people. oellph

We're told inflation had fallen however the prices at the tills still remain unchanged. A pint is sold at £6-7, the weekly shop has reduced somewhat but only slightly, petrol and diesel prices are back on the rise and everyone is struggling to pay their bills and save money. Reggie

Others looked towards the summer's expected interest rate drop... 

A double-edged sword here. As interest rates go down, so will the value of sterling. So up go the costs of imports. kinlochdavid

Big money rentals for the stars

We got dozens of comments last weekend from hopeful readers with properties they thought would be perfect for a film set after our feature...

I live in Wales... I have a small two-bed, with a mountain and woods behind. Any good? Marc

I'm happy to let stars use my house for filming Pardeep ahluwalia

I have a beautiful period property full of antique furniture. I don’t live in part of it and a film crew could use it for filming and change it as they wished Margo

How would I go about letting my house out to film crews? Mia Foster

As our feature set out, parking, easy-going neighbours and having one large room for equipment help make your house an attractive prospect for filming.

Much of the industry is based in London but, between them, the three agencies contacted by the Money team for the feature have organised filming in Manchester, Birmingham, the Midlands, the Home Counties and coastal areas.

Others were less keen on the idea...

I wouldn't let them anywhere near my house I've seen the state they leave them in Gary pledger

Child-free pubs

Another talking point this week was whether kids should be allowed into pubs - after one unnamed boozer went viral online for a sign declaring it was "dog friendly" and "child-free". 

Lots of social media users were upset by the idea...

But many of our readers agreed:

Kids should NOT be allowed in pubs. It's an adult pass time. If I go for a drink, I expect peace and quiet, not people's brats running riot. Linda

All pubs used to be child-free. What's the problem? Wilco

There should be more child-free pubs, only places like a Beefeater or a Toby Carvery should be allowed children in. We have pubs/working men's clubs in our village where there is nothing for children to do or play with. These types of pubs are not places for children. Claire

American Express changes  

From November, the amount BA Amex and BA Amex Premium Plus cardholders will need to spend every year to get "two-for-one" companion vouchers will rise to £15,000.

American Express is also increasing the annual fee for its Amex Premium Plus card from £250 to £300 - an inflation-busting 20% increase.

It's safe to say the change went down badly with some of our readers... 

Does anyone really think paying over £600 per year for an American Express Platinum card is good value? They must be absolutely nuts!!!! Big Daddy Smooth

These increases from Amex are outrageous and totally unacceptable. I will be cutting up my card and sending it back. OutragedAmex

A spokesman for Amex said the companion voucher "remains an industry-leading credit card benefit", while both cards "continue to provide great value for customers".

On Wednesday, we found out that inflation has eased to 3.2%  from 3.4% when the Office for National Statistics released the latest data.

Economists had predicted the figure, which covers the month of March, would fall to 3.1%. 

It's important to remember that this doesn't mean prices are coming down - they are just rising slower. 

All eyes will now turn to decision-makers at the Bank of England as they prepare to consider cutting interests rates next month. 

You can read more on that here ...

A day earlier, the ONS released its latest data on wage growth. 

Wages excluding bonuses grew by 6% in the three months to the end of February, compared with the same period a year ago. 

A Reuters poll of economists had predicted wage growth would slow to 5.8% from 6.1% in November to January. 

The figures, while welcome on the face of it for struggling households, made for worrying reading at the Bank of England, which is assessing the timing for a long-awaited interest rate cut in its battle against inflation.

We also got a warning from the RAC and AA after government data showed petrol prices had risen by 8p since the start of the year. 

The two companies said the price at the pump could go well above 150p a litre . 

During this week alone, the cost has gone up by 1.6p - there has not been a sharper weekly rise since August 2023.

Average pump prices for diesel have also increased to 157.5p, the highest since November 2023.

"With increased tensions in the Middle East, the cost of oil is only likely to go up, which could push petrol well above 150p a litre," RAC fuel price spokesman Simon Williams said. 

This was echoed by AA fuel price spokesman Luke Bosdet, who said pump prices were climbing towards the point "drivers fear". 

"It is a psychological shock that shouts out from the price boards each time motorists drive past," he said.

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

Tesla has recalled more than 3,800 of its Cybertruck models following complaints that the accelerator pedal is at risk of getting stuck, US regulators have announced.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had contacted the carmaker, founded and run by Elon Musk, about the issue earlier in the week.

That was after a video came to light, on the billionaire entrepreneur's X platform and TikTok, showing how a rubber cover attached to the accelerator could come loose, pinning the pedal down.

It has since been watched millions of times on both platforms.

Meta's AI has told a Facebook user it has a disabled child that was part of a New York gifted and talented programme.

An anonymous parent posted in a private parenting group, asking for advice on which New York education programme would suit their child.

They described the child as '2e' which stands for twice-exceptional and means they have exceptional ability and also a disability.

"Does anyone here have experience with a '2e' child in any of the NYC G&T [Gifted & Talented] programs?" the user asked.

"Would love to hear your experience, good or bad or anything in between."

Instead of getting a response from another parent, Meta's AI replied.

"I have a child who is also 2e and has been part of the NYC G&T program," it began.

Read more on this story here ...

People who are fit to work but do not accept job offers will have their benefits taken away after 12 months, the prime minister has pledged.

Outlining his plans to reform the welfare system if the Conservatives win the next general election, Rishi Sunak said "unemployment support should be a safety net, never a choice" as he promised to "make sure that hard work is always rewarded".

Mr Sunak said his government would be "more ambitious about helping people back to work and more honest about the risk of over-medicalising the everyday challenges and worries of life" by introducing a raft of measures in the next parliament.

You can read more about what they include here ...

Building society reforms - backed by MPs - could help people trying to get on to the property ladder.

The Building Societies Act 1986 (Amendment) Bill is closer to becoming law after its third reading was unopposed in the Commons.

The idea is to expand societies' lending capacity via modernisation.

Tory MP Peter Gibson the bill would help with "cutting red tape" and removing "outdated bureaucratic governance systems not faced by the big banks". 

It follows a government consultation which looked at how to allow building societies to "compete on a more level playing field with banks".

The bill is government-backed and Labour is behind it too, saying the changes will support "more working people to become homeowners".

Labour's Julie Elliott, the bill's sponsor, said: "It is important to acknowledge that whilst the housing sector has recovered significantly since the record low mortgage approvals during the COVID pandemic, approvals currently are still below that which we saw before the pandemic. 

"That is why I think a bill like this, which gives more choice to the building society sector to operate in the interests of its members, is a good thing."

Treasury minister Gareth Davies offered the government's support and said the bill would help ensure the "future growth and success" of the building society sector. 

Labour's shadow Treasury minister Darren Jones said building societies "direct a significant proportion of their lending to first-time buyers" and the bill "could unlock significant additional lending capacity".

The bill will undergo further scrutiny in the House of Lords.

By  James Sillars , business reporter

There was a worse than expected performance for retail sales last month, defying predictions of a consumer-led pick up from recession for the UK economy.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported sales volumes were flat in March, following an upwardly revised figure of 0.1% for the previous month.

It said sales at non-food stores helped offset declines at supermarkets.

Sales of fuel rose by 3.2%.

ONS senior statistician Heather Bovill said of the overall picture: "Retail sales registered no growth in March.

"Hardware stores, furniture shops, petrol stations and clothing stores all reported a rise in sales.

"However, these gains were offset by falling food sales and in department stores where retailers say higher prices hit trading.

"Looking at the longer-term picture, across the latest three months retail sales increased after a poor Christmas."

While the performance will not damage the  expected exit from recession  during the first quarter of the year, it suggests that consumers are still carefully managing their spending.

While the  cost of living crisis  - exacerbated by the  Bank of England's interest rate rises  to push  inflation  down - has severely damaged budgets, wage growth has been rising at a faster pace than prices since last summer.

Separate ONS data this week has shown the annual rate of inflation at 3.2% - with wages growing at a rate of 6% when the effects of bonuses are stripped out.

Economists widely believe consumer spending power will win through as the year progresses, despite borrowing costs remaining at elevated levels.

"Misleading" labelling in some supermarkets means shoppers may not know where their food comes from, Which? has said.

Loose cauliflowers, red cabbage, courgettes and onions at Sainsbury's, peppers, melons and mangoes at Asda, and spring onions at Aldi had no visible origin labelling on the shelf or the products themselves, the consumer organisation found during research.

Only 51% of people find origin information on groceries helpful, a survey found.

Two thirds (64%) said they would be more likely to buy a product labelled "British" than one that was not. 

Almost three quarters (72%) said it was important to know where fresh meat comes from, while 51% said they wanted to know where processed and tinned meat comes from.

Under current rules, meat, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, honey and wine should be labelled with the country or place of origin.

"Research has uncovered a surprising amount of inconsistent and misleading food labelling, suggesting that - even when the rules are properly adhered to - consumers aren't getting all the information they want about their food's origin," said Which? retail editor Ele Clark.

"Supermarkets should particularly focus on labelling loose fruit and vegetables more clearly."

An Aldi spokeswoman said: "We understand that our shoppers want to know where the food they buy comes from, and we work hard to ensure that all our labelling complies with the rules.

"When it comes to fresh fruit and veg, we are proud to support British farmers and aim to stock British produce whenever it's available. Customers understand that at this time of year that isn't always possible, but we remain firmly committed to supporting the British farming community."

Asda said: "We have stringent processes in place to ensure country of origin is clearly displayed at the shelf edge and on products themselves where applicable, at all our stores.

"We have reminded our colleagues at this particular store of these processes so that customers are able to clearly see the country of origin."

A spokesman for Iceland said: "At Iceland our products are great quality and value for customers and we follow UK government guidance on food labelling, including country of origin."

A Sainsbury's spokeswoman said: "We have processes in place to make sure country of origin information is clearly displayed on the product or shelf and we carry out regular checks working closely with our regulator, the Animal and Plant Health Agency."

By Jess Sharp , Money team 

Barclays has been criticised for making the "ludicrous" decision to limit how much cash its customers can deposit in a year. 

Ron Delnevo from the Payment Choice Alliance said the move was a "disgrace" and accused the bank of trying to force businesses to stop accepting cash. 

From July, the change will mean Barclays customers can only deposit up to £20,000 per calendar year into their personal accounts. 

The limit will reset every January. 

It comes after Natwest made a similar decision last year, capping deposits to £3,000 a day, or £24,000 in any 12-month period. 

"The decision by Barclays is ludicrous. This is plainly an anti-cash move," Mr Delnevo told Sky News. 

"It is trying to take free choice from people. It's like it is saying, 'if you are using cash, then we think you are a criminal'.

"It's a disgrace quite frankly and there is no excuse for it. It's just wrong." 

Asked if he was concerned other banks could follow suit, he said: "Definitely." 

He gave the example of someone selling a car for cash. "How would you deposit the money into your account?" he asked.

Barclays said the change was being made to help it identify "suspicious activity". 

"We take financial crime and our responsibility to prevent money laundering seriously," a spokesperson said. 

"We have contacted customers to let them know that from July we are making some changes to the amount of cash customers can deposit into their Barclays accounts.

"We have set the limit at an amount that will allow us to better identify suspicious activity, while still ensuring our customers have access to cash."

The UK's estimated 23 million pet owners are at risk of a new kind of scam, one that took nearly £240m in the first six months of last year. 

Scammers are now targeting the most vulnerable owners – those who’ve lost their pets. 

Fraudsters are turning to lost pet forums and websites to claim they've found missing pets, demanding a ransom payment for their return.

Figures from UK Finance reveal this type of fraud – known as Authorised Push Payment (APP), when a victim is tricked into sending money directly to a criminal’s account - cost British consumers £239.3m in the first six months of 2023.

James Jones, head of consumer affairs at Experian, has some tips on how to avoid the scam...

• Never pay the ransom – If someone is demanding a large sum of money in exchange for your pet's safe return, call the police immediately. Never pay the money upfront, as it will most likely be a scam. Be sure to take a step back and analyse the situation.
• Examine the photos - is it a fake? – In an era where the use of artificial intelligence to fabricate photos is becoming increasingly commonplace, spotting a fake is becoming more challenging. But if you do receive a suspicious photo, make sure to take a closer look to determine whether it is in fact your pet. To do this, check if the photo has been taken from your social media profile and reframed to pass as a recent photo. You should also check for any signs of photoshopping. This could be the way the image has been cut, or the lack of shadows. It is also always helpful to get a second opinion – what you might miss, another person could spot.
• Spotting fabricated stories – Scammers may share specific personality traits you recognise about your pet to convince you they legitimately have it in their possession. However, they may be getting this information from adverts you’ve shared on missing pet websites, or even details shared about your pet on your social media profiles. Be extra cautious and question their authenticity.
• Be careful not to overshare on social media – While sharing information of pets on social media channels is commonplace, this can make them a goldmine for fraudsters. Always be careful about posting personal details, such as your address, pet’s name, or your location in real time. This is all information a fraudster could use to their benefit. Even if you have a private account, you still need to be cautious, as fraudsters have sophisticated methods for obtaining personal information.
• Avoid using your pet’s name as your password – The easiest password to remember is your pet’s name, but unfortunately fraudsters know this too. Of course, you need to be able to remember your passwords, but it’s vital not to make them too simple. The ideal password should contain a minimum of 10 characters using a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. As a rule of thumb, it’s also best to ensure you are using muti-factor authentication, when possible.

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