Latest news with #Ambassador
Scotsman
15 hours ago
- Scotsman
I discovered the magic of cruising Northern Europe and you will too
Marion Ainge is transported to the magic of of Bruges, Normandy, Amsterdam and Scilly Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Will someone hold my lollipop? Our walking tour group sniggered, not unkindly, at this question as our Belgian excursion guide handed over his flag post and offloaded his backpack to search for some maps. I'm on an Ambassador cruise and after docking at Zeebrugge, we're now in Bruges. It's around 26 degrees and guide Peter is going at some pace. We grab a gulp of water when we can and jog to catch up after taking a photo. The serene Lake of Love is believed to have been frequented by water nymphs and it's where Victor Hugo is said to have visited for a clandestine encounter with a lover. | Marion Ainge The serene Lake of Love is believed to have been frequented by water nymphs and it's where Victor Hugo is said to have visited for a clandestine encounter with a lover. White swans glide beneath the sacred, three-arched, stone Beguinage Bridge which leads to a place of silence, formerly populated by the pious, female Beguines and now a convent. From the Boniface bridge, we see half- timbered houses and the Church of Our Lady, reflected in the water. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In this 'Venice of the North', a network of canals, central to the trade and industry for centuries, threads through the magical Medieval city. | Marion Ainge Our Liverpool sailing is ideal for those based in the north of the UK. Embarkation is seamless. Additional passengers embark in Belfast making an Ambition sailing of almost full capacity. Both Ambassador's Ambition, which accommodates up to 1200 guests, and sister ship Ambience offer a traditional cruising experience in the small ship category and it's easy to get around. My home for nine nights is a 'suite' treat. The Junior Suite comprises a spacious, deep balcony, walk-in wardrobe (great for all my shoes!) with shelves and basket storage, sitting area, welcome bottle of wine and bubbly, mini-fridge, bathroom with double shower and comfortable bed. The average age is 60-70 with younger cruisers and many in their 80s and 90s. Solos have regular meet ups. The ever- smiling, helpful crew members are at the ready to help in any way they can. Repeat cruisers are delighted when, as is often, crew members remember their names. It's a happy ship. Ambition Junior Suite | Marion Ainge In the Buckingham and Holyrood restaurants, solo tables are provided and food is of an excellent standard with plenty of variety and choice. The buffet-style Borough Market offers a more casual dining style. In speciality restaurant, Saffron, the fragrant flavours of Indian cuisine are divine. The semi al-fresco Lupino's presents a pleasing mezze of Mediterranean dishes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Buckingham Restaurant Ambition | Marion Ainge On the sun deck, there are two pools and at the Green Sea Spa, which offers the ultimate in relaxation therapy, my Reviving Facial leaves my skin refreshed and glowing. On sea days, there's plenty to do with fitness classes, yoga, games, cards, table tennis, quizzes, a library and much more. In the bars, entertainment includes cabaret, game shows and karaoke. The Palladium tiered theatre's entertainment includes guest lectures and showcases such as excerpts from West End shows. From Normandy's Honfleur, I join the excursion to Giverny, just 50 miles north west of Paris and the former home and captivating gardens of French Impressionist painter Claude Monet, which attract around 700,000 visitors per season. The walls display his paintings, including the famous 'Water Lilies'. I jostle for a place on the blue, fragrant wisteria-draped bridge to view the water lilies on the pond and photo- bomb the picture-book scene. Then, as I wander the colour-splashed five acres tended by 15 gardeners, huge, open yellow tulips, hot pink peonies and royal purple iris beg admiration. Monet's house and garden, Giverny | Ambassador In Netherlands capital, Amsterdam, with a population of around 950,000 and 1.4m cycles, there are more bikes than people! Our canal boat drifts past colourful houseboats, historic, narrow, multi-storey. gabled buildings and bridges. Special residents, a colony of stray cats are fed, watered and cared for in four of these houseboats. If you fancy a coffee in the city, just be aware that a 'Coffee Shop' sign might not be what you think. These are licensed to sell and serve soft drugs such as cannabis and marijuana. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marion Ainge | Marion Ainge A tender takes us to my favourite destination of the cruise. St Mary's, the largest of the the Isles of Scilly, is a mini-paradise of natural beauty and tranquillity. Hugh Town boasts three, soft, golden-sanded beaches, glittering, clear waters, tiny back streets with flower-filled gardens, artisan shops plus a few hotels/B&Bs and inns. Covering little more than 2.5 square miles with a population of just 1800, on the day of our visit, the tiny town comes alive. Thousands of spectators and rowers flock to St Mary's for the finals of the World Pilot Gig Championship. St Mary's, Isles of Scilly | Marion Ainge In the Palladium Magic of the Musicals' show, the talented cast convey the energy and spirit of Africa in the Lion King. The vocal power, passion and intensity they put into the excerpt from Les Miserables, 'Can you hear the people sing?' is exceptional. As they take their bow, I hope the young cast can hear the people cheer! Factfile: Delights of Western France & Spain Explorer May 9, 2026: 14 nights from Liverpool. Price from £1,129 based on two sharing
Scotsman
16 hours ago
- Scotsman
I discovered the magic of cruising Northern Europe and you will too
Marion Ainge is transported to the magic of of Bruges, Normandy, Amsterdam and Scilly Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Will someone hold my lollipop? Our walking tour group sniggered, not unkindly, at this question as our Belgian excursion guide handed over his flag post and offloaded his backpack to search for some maps. I'm on an Ambassador cruise and after docking at Zeebrugge, we're now in Bruges. It's around 26 degrees and guide Peter is going at some pace. We grab a gulp of water when we can and jog to catch up after taking a photo. The serene Lake of Love is believed to have been frequented by water nymphs and it's where Victor Hugo is said to have visited for a clandestine encounter with a lover. | Marion Ainge The serene Lake of Love is believed to have been frequented by water nymphs and it's where Victor Hugo is said to have visited for a clandestine encounter with a lover. White swans glide beneath the sacred, three-arched, stone Beguinage Bridge which leads to a place of silence, formerly populated by the pious, female Beguines and now a convent. From the Boniface bridge, we see half- timbered houses and the Church of Our Lady, reflected in the water. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In this 'Venice of the North', a network of canals, central to the trade and industry for centuries, threads through the magical Medieval city. | Marion Ainge Our Liverpool sailing is ideal for those based in the north of the UK. Embarkation is seamless. Additional passengers embark in Belfast making an Ambition sailing of almost full capacity. Both Ambassador's Ambition, which accommodates up to 1200 guests, and sister ship Ambience offer a traditional cruising experience in the small ship category and it's easy to get around. My home for nine nights is a 'suite' treat. The Junior Suite comprises a spacious, deep balcony, walk-in wardrobe (great for all my shoes!) with shelves and basket storage, sitting area, welcome bottle of wine and bubbly, mini-fridge, bathroom with double shower and comfortable bed. The average age is 60-70 with younger cruisers and many in their 80s and 90s. Solos have regular meet ups. The ever- smiling, helpful crew members are at the ready to help in any way they can. Repeat cruisers are delighted when, as is often, crew members remember their names. It's a happy ship. Ambition Junior Suite | Marion Ainge In the Buckingham and Holyrood restaurants, solo tables are provided and food is of an excellent standard with plenty of variety and choice. The buffet-style Borough Market offers a more casual dining style. In speciality restaurant, Saffron, the fragrant flavours of Indian cuisine are divine. The semi al-fresco Lupino's presents a pleasing mezze of Mediterranean dishes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Buckingham Restaurant Ambition | Marion Ainge On the sun deck, there are two pools and at the Green Sea Spa, which offers the ultimate in relaxation therapy, my Reviving Facial leaves my skin refreshed and glowing. On sea days, there's plenty to do with fitness classes, yoga, games, cards, table tennis, quizzes, a library and much more. In the bars, entertainment includes cabaret, game shows and karaoke. The Palladium tiered theatre's entertainment includes guest lectures and showcases such as excerpts from West End shows. From Normandy's Honfleur, I join the excursion to Giverny, just 50 miles north west of Paris and the former home and captivating gardens of French Impressionist painter Claude Monet, which attract around 700,000 visitors per season. The walls display his paintings, including the famous 'Water Lilies'. I jostle for a place on the blue, fragrant wisteria-draped bridge to view the water lilies on the pond and photo- bomb the picture-book scene. Then, as I wander the colour-splashed five acres tended by 15 gardeners, huge, open yellow tulips, hot pink peonies and royal purple iris beg admiration. Monet's house and garden, Giverny | Ambassador In Netherlands capital, Amsterdam, with a population of around 950,000 and 1.4m cycles, there are more bikes than people! Our canal boat drifts past colourful houseboats, historic, narrow, multi-storey. gabled buildings and bridges. Special residents, a colony of stray cats are fed, watered and cared for in four of these houseboats. If you fancy a coffee in the city, just be aware that a 'Coffee Shop' sign might not be what you think. These are licensed to sell and serve soft drugs such as cannabis and marijuana. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marion Ainge | Marion Ainge A tender takes us to my favourite destination of the cruise. St Mary's, the largest of the the Isles of Scilly, is a mini-paradise of natural beauty and tranquillity. Hugh Town boasts three, soft, golden-sanded beaches, glittering, clear waters, tiny back streets with flower-filled gardens, artisan shops plus a few hotels/B&Bs and inns. Covering little more than 2.5 square miles with a population of just 1800, on the day of our visit, the tiny town comes alive. Thousands of spectators and rowers flock to St Mary's for the finals of the World Pilot Gig Championship. St Mary's, Isles of Scilly | Marion Ainge In the Palladium Magic of the Musicals' show, the talented cast convey the energy and spirit of Africa in the Lion King. The vocal power, passion and intensity they put into the excerpt from Les Miserables, 'Can you hear the people sing?' is exceptional. As they take their bow, I hope the young cast can hear the people cheer! Factfile:
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Ten top solo holiday trips from Moroccan retreats and exotic islands to UK walking tours and no-fly cruising
DARE you fly solo? Imagine packing for a getaway just for you and heading off to wherever you choose in the world. You would be among an increasing number of people of all ages taking holidays alone. 4 Enjoy market fun in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi There is a huge range of breaks at home and abroad for single travellers – from a walking tour, sailing the seas, or a desert retreat, to a canoe expedition, sunshine island adventure or bushcraft course. Trisha Harbord goes on a quest to find the ten top solo trips . . . WONDER OF WALKING A WALKING holiday is a perfect way to meet fellow enthusiasts while exploring the glorious British countryside on foot. After being greeted by a Solos Holidays guide for a welcome drink, you will meet up with fellow ramblers for a three-night stay at the New Ocean Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. Read More on Travel Your boots need to be made for walking over the next two days. But each trek is comfortably paced, lasting around two to three hours. You will take in stunning panoramic views over the Bristol Channel and landscapes of the Brean Down peninsular, and explore Weston Woods. Evenings are spent enjoying dinner and live entertainment. Most read in Beach holidays GO: Three nights' half-board in a single room with a free bar for four hours each evening, from October 3, costs from £499. See MAKING WAVES SAIL the seas with one of the cheapest cruise lines for solos. Ambassador is known for having the best value for singles sailing from the UK, with the lowest daily rate of £156. The liner has special-fare single-occupancy cabins. But book early, as they are popular. Join the Viking Heritage Tour no-fly cruise along the Norse trade routes, calling at Sweden's Gothenburg, Guided excursions are available to explore the beautiful cities. The 1,400-guest ship has bars, restaurants, a wellness centre, pool and entertainment including an outdoor movie screen. There are dance and fitness classes, and guest speakers. GO: Eight nights' full-board for a solo guest in ocean-view cabin is from £1,009. For details, see 4 Adventure Solos runs a Canoe Scotland holiday across the spectacular great glens, navigating canals and lochs Credit: Getty COMMUNITY SPIRIT EXPLORE the world with a G Adventures holiday, just for go-it-alones. Its Solo-ish Adventures feature 33 trips to destinations including There are female-only leaders, free arrival transfers so that travellers feel safe and looked after, and welcoming experiences so a group of strangers can get to know one another. There is also 'me time' for anyone wishing to explore on their own. An 11-day tour of Vietnam, from GO: Solo-ish Vietnam including B&B, some lunches and dinners, and flights from the UK in August, costs from around £2,050. For further details see JUST FOR YOU THE world's your oyster with solo specialists Just You. From a trip to Italy is a favourite destination, with several itineraries to choose from. On an eight-day break, you can enjoy a guided tour of the historical site of You'll get to stay in the 4H Hotel Palma – once an elegant 19th-century villa – with a solarium, hot tub and large terrace looking out at famed volcano Vesuvius. GO: Seven nights' B&B, including some meals, welcome drink, tours and farewell get-together, costs £1,999, flying from Heathrow on June 17. See RELAXING RETREAT ESCAPE the stresses of everyday life and head into the serene Moroccan countryside for a rejuvenating getaway. You'll stay with Amana Retreats in a private property nestled in olive groves and set against the breathtaking backdrop of the There's a pool, walking trails, sun-drenched terraces and quiet corners perfect for relaxing and reflection. Enjoy two daily yoga sessions – open to all levels – blending ancient wisdom with modern science, alongside sound-healing, breathwork and nutrition workshops. Afternoons offer time to unwind by the pool, explore the souk or join the yoga and other sessions at the retreat. Special menus feature nourishing, locally sourced alkaline meals and fresh juices to support your wellbeing. GO: Five nights' full-board from October 9 is from £950. See Return flights from Gatwick cost from £113, see 4 A walking holiday is a perfect way to meet fellow enthusiasts while exploring the glorious British countryside on foot Credit: Jelana M - CITY SLICKER HAVE a cracking time on a city break to The Polish city's old town, within ancient walls, is one of the treasures of Europe and listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. In 2000, it was also named European Capital of Culture. It has the largest medieval market square in Europe. Or you can see 15th-century painting Lady With An Ermine, by Leonardo da Vinci, in the museum, and discover the underground market below Cloth Hall. The four-day trip is guided by an experienced tour manager. Upon arrival, you'll be treated to a welcome dinner so you can get to know other guests, in a group of up to 25. GO: Three nights' B&B in the 4H Novotel Krakow Centrum, with flghts from various UK airports including Manchester on November 14 and transfers, costs from £869. See DREAM ISLAND SUN-kissed Immerse yourself in Indonesian culture by eating delicious street food, meeting traditional fabric weavers, watching a dance performance and visiting a temple. Intrepid's Beautiful Bali guided trip will also give you the chance to hike Other activities include cycling and snorkelling but there's also plenty of free time, when you can explore on your own or in the group and relax on the beach or in hot springs. GO: Nine days including accommodation, transport, selected meals and activities, costs from £561. Multiple departures until December. Return flights from the UK cost around £845. See HIT THE ROAD SIT back and relax on a coach tour of one of Shearings is offering more trips for single travellers, with no room supplements, owing to increased demand. The five-day Holy Island and Northumbrian Coast tour, travelling through stunning countryside with wonderful sea views, includes four nights at the Leonardo Newcastle in the buzzing city. You'll visit At low tide, you'll be driven over the causeway from the village of Beal to Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island because it was a birthplace of Christianity with a monastery founded in 635AD. GO: Half-board from October 6, with coach departure points across the UK, costs from £629. See 4 Intrepid's Beautiful Bali guided trip will give you the chance to hike Mount Batur for a sunrise view across the Lombok Strait, and visit Undisan village in the hills AQUA FUN THE clue is in the name – Adventure Solos. Fully-hosted breaks and day trips offered by founder Chris Bone include canoeing, hiking, map- reading and rock-climbing. Designed for people in their thirties to fifties, the itineraries are all beginner-friendly. The five-day Canoe Scotland holiday is a 60-mile expedition across the spectacular great glens, navigating canals and lochs including famed Loch Ness, from west to east. Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy wild-swimming and camping under the stars on loch shores. You can either take your own tent or hire it from Adventure Solos, who also advise on what food to bring along. GO: Expedition departs from Banavie, near Fort William, on June 30 and costs from £795, including canoe equipment. See GOING WILD LOVERS of the outdoors who fancy giving Wild Human's four-night Native break teaches skills such as food-foraging, friction fire-lighting, preparing game, smoking meat and making fishing equipment. You'll also learn how to carve safely with an axe, make pitch glue and bark-craft baskets. Accommodation is in your own tent, pitched in a private woodland close to Windermere in the But the course, for up to 14 people, is fully catered so you'll be tucking into nutritious, seasonal local food and there's a few luxuries including a pizza oven and sauna. It's one of a number of Wild Human challenging solo expeditions, at home and abroad. GO: The course is from July 6 to 10 and costs from £495. See
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Ten top solo holiday trips from Moroccan retreats and exotic islands to UK walking tours and no-fly cruising
A walking holiday is a perfect way to meet fellow enthusiasts while exploring the glorious British countryside on foot GOING SOLO Ten top solo holiday trips from Moroccan retreats and exotic islands to UK walking tours and no-fly cruising DARE you fly solo? Imagine packing for a getaway just for you and heading off to wherever you choose in the world. You would be among an increasing number of people of all ages taking holidays alone. 4 Enjoy market fun in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi There is a huge range of breaks at home and abroad for single travellers – from a walking tour, sailing the seas, or a desert retreat, to a canoe expedition, sunshine island adventure or bushcraft course. Trisha Harbord goes on a quest to find the ten top solo trips . . . WONDER OF WALKING A WALKING holiday is a perfect way to meet fellow enthusiasts while exploring the glorious British countryside on foot. After being greeted by a Solos Holidays guide for a welcome drink, you will meet up with fellow ramblers for a three-night stay at the New Ocean Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. Your boots need to be made for walking over the next two days. But each trek is comfortably paced, lasting around two to three hours. You will take in stunning panoramic views over the Bristol Channel and landscapes of the Brean Down peninsular, and explore Weston Woods. Evenings are spent enjoying dinner and live entertainment. GO: Three nights' half-board in a single room with a free bar for four hours each evening, from October 3, costs from £499. See MAKING WAVES SAIL the seas with one of the cheapest cruise lines for solos. Ambassador is known for having the best value for singles sailing from the UK, with the lowest daily rate of £156. The liner has special-fare single-occupancy cabins. But book early, as they are popular. Join the Viking Heritage Tour no-fly cruise along the Norse trade routes, calling at Sweden's Gothenburg, Denmark's Copenhagen and Norway's Oslo and Kristiansand, aboard Ambience from London Tilbury. Guided excursions are available to explore the beautiful cities. The 1,400-guest ship has bars, restaurants, a wellness centre, pool and entertainment including an outdoor movie screen. There are dance and fitness classes, and guest speakers. GO: Eight nights' full-board for a solo guest in ocean-view cabin is from £1,009. For details, see 4 Adventure Solos runs a Canoe Scotland holiday across the spectacular great glens, navigating canals and lochs Credit: Getty COMMUNITY SPIRIT EXPLORE the world with a G Adventures holiday, just for go-it-alones. Its Solo-ish Adventures feature 33 trips to destinations including Costa Rica, India, Peru, South Africa and Vietnam, interacting with local communities. There are female-only leaders, free arrival transfers so that travellers feel safe and looked after, and welcoming experiences so a group of strangers can get to know one another. There is also 'me time' for anyone wishing to explore on their own. An 11-day tour of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, includes enjoying stunning scenery, historic sites, bustling markets and activities such as a junk-boat cruise and noodle-making class. GO: Solo-ish Vietnam including B&B, some lunches and dinners, and flights from the UK in August, costs from around £2,050. For further details see JUST FOR YOU THE world's your oyster with solo specialists Just You. From a trip to Namibia, to a city break in Edinburgh, the company has been uniting solos for nearly 25 years. Italy is a favourite destination, with several itineraries to choose from. On an eight-day break, you can enjoy a guided tour of the historical site of Pompeii, the seaside resort of Sorrento, a limoncello farm and the beautiful Bay of Naples. You'll get to stay in the 4H Hotel Palma – once an elegant 19th-century villa – with a solarium, hot tub and large terrace looking out at famed volcano Vesuvius. GO: Seven nights' B&B, including some meals, welcome drink, tours and farewell get-together, costs £1,999, flying from Heathrow on June 17. See RELAXING RETREAT ESCAPE the stresses of everyday life and head into the serene Moroccan countryside for a rejuvenating getaway. You'll stay with Amana Retreats in a private property nestled in olive groves and set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert. There's a pool, walking trails, sun-drenched terraces and quiet corners perfect for relaxing and reflection. Enjoy two daily yoga sessions – open to all levels – blending ancient wisdom with modern science, alongside sound-healing, breathwork and nutrition workshops. Afternoons offer time to unwind by the pool, explore the souk or join the yoga and other sessions at the retreat. Special menus feature nourishing, locally sourced alkaline meals and fresh juices to support your wellbeing. GO: Five nights' full-board from October 9 is from £950. See Return flights from Gatwick cost from £113, see 4 A walking holiday is a perfect way to meet fellow enthusiasts while exploring the glorious British countryside on foot Credit: Jelana M - CITY SLICKER HAVE a cracking time on a city break to Krakow, with a guided tour from Riviera Travel. The Polish city's old town, within ancient walls, is one of the treasures of Europe and listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. In 2000, it was also named European Capital of Culture. Krakow is Poland's second-largest city and was the country's capital until 1795. It has the largest medieval market square in Europe. Or you can see 15th-century painting Lady With An Ermine, by Leonardo da Vinci, in the museum, and discover the underground market below Cloth Hall. The four-day trip is guided by an experienced tour manager. Upon arrival, you'll be treated to a welcome dinner so you can get to know other guests, in a group of up to 25. GO: Three nights' B&B in the 4H Novotel Krakow Centrum, with flghts from various UK airports including Manchester on November 14 and transfers, costs from £869. See DREAM ISLAND SUN-kissed Bali is one of the planet's most welcoming islands, so it's perfect for solos. Immerse yourself in Indonesian culture by eating delicious street food, meeting traditional fabric weavers, watching a dance performance and visiting a temple. Intrepid's Beautiful Bali guided trip will also give you the chance to hike Mount Batur for a sunrise view across the Lombok Strait, and visit Undisan village in the hills. Other activities include cycling and snorkelling but there's also plenty of free time, when you can explore on your own or in the group and relax on the beach or in hot springs. GO: Nine days including accommodation, transport, selected meals and activities, costs from £561. Multiple departures until December. Return flights from the UK cost around £845. See HIT THE ROAD SIT back and relax on a coach tour of one of the UK's most stunning coastlines. Shearings is offering more trips for single travellers, with no room supplements, owing to increased demand. The five-day Holy Island and Northumbrian Coast tour, travelling through stunning countryside with wonderful sea views, includes four nights at the Leonardo Newcastle in the buzzing city. You'll visit Alnwick Castle, the Unesco World Heritage site of Durham and the pretty seaside resort of Seahouses. At low tide, you'll be driven over the causeway from the village of Beal to Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island because it was a birthplace of Christianity with a monastery founded in 635AD. GO: Half-board from October 6, with coach departure points across the UK, costs from £629. See 4 Intrepid's Beautiful Bali guided trip will give you the chance to hike Mount Batur for a sunrise view across the Lombok Strait, and visit Undisan village in the hills AQUA FUN THE clue is in the name – Adventure Solos. Fully-hosted breaks and day trips offered by founder Chris Bone include canoeing, hiking, map- reading and rock-climbing. Designed for people in their thirties to fifties, the itineraries are all beginner-friendly. The five-day Canoe Scotland holiday is a 60-mile expedition across the spectacular great glens, navigating canals and lochs including famed Loch Ness, from west to east. Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy wild-swimming and camping under the stars on loch shores. You can either take your own tent or hire it from Adventure Solos, who also advise on what food to bring along. GO: Expedition departs from Banavie, near Fort William, on June 30 and costs from £795, including canoe equipment. See GOING WILD LOVERS of the outdoors who fancy giving Bear Grylls a run for his money can join an advanced bushcraft course. Wild Human's four-night Native break teaches skills such as food-foraging, friction fire-lighting, preparing game, smoking meat and making fishing equipment. You'll also learn how to carve safely with an axe, make pitch glue and bark-craft baskets. Accommodation is in your own tent, pitched in a private woodland close to Windermere in the Lake District. But the course, for up to 14 people, is fully catered so you'll be tucking into nutritious, seasonal local food and there's a few luxuries including a pizza oven and sauna. It's one of a number of Wild Human challenging solo expeditions, at home and abroad. GO: The course is from July 6 to 10 and costs from £495. See
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Thudarum to Hit: The Third Case: Top 6 OTT releases to watch this weekend
Are you wondering what to watch this weekend? OTT platforms are packed with fresh films and series across genres. From gripping thrillers to emotional dramas, there's something for everyone. Here are the top OTT releases this weekend to add to your watchlist—perfect for a relaxing binge session! Top six OTT releases this weekend Here is the list of the top six OTT releases to watch this weekend: Thudarum Set in the peaceful hill town of Ranni, Thudarum follows Shanmugham (played by Mohanlal), a kind taxi driver who treasures his old Ambassador car. But when life takes an unexpected turn, he must decide how far he's willing to go to protect what he loves most. This emotional story has touched many hearts thanks to its simple yet powerful storytelling. Where to watch: JioHotstar Release Date: May 30 Retro As the name suggests, Retro takes you back in time. Suriya plays Paarimel, the adopted son of a gangster (played by Joju George). Paarimel is torn between his troubled past and his dream of a quiet life with his love, Rukmini (played by Pooja Hegde). With a gripping story and strong performances, this one's worth a watch. Where to watch: Netflix Release Date: May 31 KanKhajura KanKhajura is a tense psychological crime drama starring Roshan Mathew and Mohit Raina. It's based on the hit Israeli series Magpie and explores themes like trauma, broken relationships, and moral dilemmas. Expect twists and deep character moments. Where to watch: Sony LIV Release Date: May 30 A Complete Unknown This film tells the early life story of music legend Bob Dylan. Timothée Chalamet stars in this biopic, showing how Dylan rose to fame and changed the world of music forever. Directed by James Mangold, it's perfect for music and history lovers. Where to watch: JioHotstar Release Date: May 31 Hit: The Third Case The third film in the HIT crime thriller series features Nani as Arjun Sarkaar, a determined police officer. He's on a mission to solve a series of brutal murders using his own unique methods. As he digs deeper, the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. Where to watch: Netflix Release Date: May 29 Criminal Justice Season 4 Madhav Mishra is back in the courtroom for his most difficult case yet. This season dives deep into a complex legal battle full of emotions, secrets, and tough choices. A must-watch for fans of courtroom dramas. Where to watch: JioHotstar Release Date: May 29
