In the mood and market for a holiday romance?

Then pay close attention to the insights travel experts reveal here about how flirting differs around the world.

They reveal the best icebreaker in the US, the land where flirting is tangible and filled with winks and the place where lingering eye contact and buttery compliments are the order of the day on the courtship front.

Our love gurus also mention the countries where women can expect men to be openly persistent – and a place where men literally bark like dogs at the opposite sex.

Read on for some helpful global lessons in love…

UK – sharp humor hides simmering passion

Hannah Dorling, cruise travel expert and founder of I like cruise shipsis a Brit who has traveled the world and witnessed many a love affair on board.

She claims that humor is leading the way for chatting in Britain.

She tells MailOnline Travel: ‘British flirting succeeds more through banter and intellectual sparring than through overt displays… sharing private laughter helps intimacy grow.

‘For me the intrigue lies in the subtleties of British flirting. Mastering repartee, inside jokes and sensing the possibilities beneath… It may look subdued, but passions can still simmer beneath the surface.’

United States – direct and sincere

Noël Wolf is a culture expert and Babbel Live teacher for the language site Babble. He says: ‘Americans are known for being more to the point and sincere in their flirting than their compatriots in Britain.’

He notes that asking about someone’s career is the traditional American icebreaker, adding, “Americans tend to be less sarcastic than British people!”

South China – chopstick codes in rice balls

Clarissa Bloom is a relationship expert for ‘hen party experts’ www.thestagcompany.com. She notes a fun flirting tradition in southern China: ‘They celebrate the Sisters Meal Festival, their version of Valentine’s Day.

‘The women cook some glutinous rice in different colors, and when a man “takes the step” they hand him some rice in a handkerchief. If they unpack it and find two chopsticks, it means it worked.

“Only one chopstick means the girl isn’t interested, but since only the guy can see how many chopsticks are in it, it’s relatively subtle and less embarrassing if it’s a no.”

Spain – direct eye contact and lots of touching

Michele Massa is a Spanish travel expert and CEO of Ibiza summer villas. She talks about how Spaniards like to keep things tangible: ‘Spaniards are very expressive people and when flirting we tend to show this through direct eye contact and physical touch.’

Sara Rodriguez, founder of Madrid Travelagrees: ‘You don’t have to be shy with the ‘me gustas’ (I like you) – we strive to leave no uncertainty about romantic interest.

‘Women in particular are bold and lead with a smile and a wink… we think clarity is sexy – why dance around the chemistry when you can feel the fire?’

Canada – a subtle dance

Michael Donovan is a travel expert and co-founder of StayNewEngland.com.

He says: ‘Flirting in Canada tends to be quieter than in many parts of the world. Canadians have a reputation for being polite and respectful, and this translates into romantic pursuits.

‘Overtly sexual comments may be considered rude.

‘Although Canadian flirting has little impact, it runs deep. Canadians seek life partners, not conquests. It is a subtle dance, in which communication and egalitarian values ​​stimulate attraction.’

France – lingering eye contact and buttery compliments

Picking someone up is called ‘draguer’ in French, literally dredging.

Yet Fiona Spinks, travel expert and publisher of Fiona followedbelieves that the French have turned flirting into a high art: ‘AYou’ll have persistent eye contact, suggestive body language, and buttery compliments about your intelligence or irresistible je ne sais quoi.

“Leave it to the land of romance to take the simple chat-up line to a poetic level with romantic gestures like handwritten notes and intimate invitations.”

India – tradition runs deep

Travel expert Anjali Chawla, founder of Travel melodiesnotes that Indian romantic cues are subtle, with suitors relying on gestures, “gentle” compliments, and finding excuses to interact in social situations.

She says, “Being too direct or overt with advances is generally not appreciated.”

Tradition is the key. Anjali continues: ‘Since parental involvement often plays an important role in the matchmaking process, openly dating multiple potential partners is usually not an initially accepted option. Flirting occurs most often during family gatherings and other controlled environments in the early stages.

‘Long-standing power dynamics also favor lighter-skinned people over darker skin tones, although this is slowly becoming more prevalent in modern urban areas.’

Italy – persistent

Emily Mendez, psychotherapist and writer for Tom’s blog, notes: ‘Italy has a reputation for amorous, persistent men who ruthlessly pursue the objects of their desire. Serenades and poetic overtures are more common flirting tactics [there] than in many other countries.’

Brazil, Mexico and Costa Rica – fast and aggressive

In Mexico and South America, flirting can become quite aggressive, according to Clarissa Bloom.

She says that in Brazil they are “much faster at dating and flirting,” adding, “It’s common to be close, dance together and kiss on a first date in Brazil.”

In Mexico, on the other hand, “it is common to hear wolves whistling or shouting comments out loud,” and in Costa Rica “you may hear men making dogs bark at you, which is a strange way to show your attraction.”

Egypt – keep it modest

‘[In Egypt] Islamic values ​​play an important role in shaping social interactions, including flirting,” said Mona Gomaa Flash Pack’s True Egypt tour.

She adds: ‘Modesty and respect are highly valued, and public displays of affection or provocative behavior are generally frowned upon in public.

‘Unmarried men and women generally do not interact freely and do not openly express their interest in each other. Instead, they may seek the help of intermediaries, such as family members or friends.”

Australia – friendly banter

Like their Commonwealth cousins, Australians prefer playful banter, fueled by humor and confidence, to pick-up lines, says Rosalind Cuthbertson, travel expert and co-owner of Frequent traveler.

She adds: ‘They tease with funny jokes, often about cultural touchpoints, demonstrating their ability to charm while gently poking fun.’

Germany – in advance and punctual

Noel Wolf from Babbel says: ‘Germans are known for being direct, and that can also apply in the dating world. Showing off or cheap lines don’t tend to be the preferred style.

‘Honest communication is appreciated, even though the truth can sometimes be a bit painful, so people tend not to beat around the bush.

‘One thing you should keep in mind is the importance of punctuality; Being fashionably late doesn’t make a good first impression!’

Denmark – talk honestly

According to Nicolai Lonne, travel expert and founder of Dive in, the Danish flirting style is similar to their German cousins: ‘We have a very direct approach to flirting and dating here in Denmark. For example, we Danes don’t really like playing hard-to-get or cryptic hints. We value honesty and openness about our intentions.‘

Film producer Hal Roach once mischievously quipped that ‘you know it’s summer in Ireland when the rain gets warmer’.

The capricious weather was a constant subject when I was making ‘Quintessentially Irish‘ with Navan-born Pierce Brosnan, a film that is a lush valentine to everything great and Irish.

Here are some of the most spectacular locations encountered while filming it.

THE K CLUB 

It is a pleasant 30-minute journey from Dublin Airport to the luxurious hotel The K Club in County Kildare, looking resplendent after an impressive multi-million-pound refurbishment.

Our gorgeous Liffey suite has expansive views overlooking the river where Tiger Woods proudly caught a fish during a stay here.

The K Club’s spectacular golf course – designed by Arnold Palmer – hosted the Ryder Cup and remains a huge attraction. There’s also a golf simulator, which Matt Damon enjoyed over a few pints of the black stuff (Guinness) while filming the historical epic The Last Duel.   

But it’s the spa and elevated dining options that make this the perfect place for a getaway.

The K Club has one of the country’s finest Bordeaux collections, the plush Palmer North restaurant serves a generously portioned venison, the club sandwich in the Henry Bar is top-notch, and breakfast is exquisitely presented in the splendid Barton restaurant.

While the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is Ireland’s most visited attraction, the hotel concierge arranges for us to take the scenic 16km (9.9 mile) Arthur’s Way Heritage Trail, passing the Guinness-owned Leixlip Castle and Ardclough village, birthplace of Guinness founder Arthur Guinness.

BALLYFIN 

Then, less than an hour further south is Ballyfin in County Laois.

Quite simply, Ballyfin is Ireland’s most distinguished address and deserves its reputation as the world’s best hotel. It feels like a home and is subtly designed as such.

So many hotels have uncivilised mid-afternoon check-in times. Not Ballyfin.

Its Gourmet Escape package allows guests to arrive from midday and to be welcomed Downton Abbey-style by the friendly staff, including charming general manager Peter White.

Enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne in the stunning library with its crackling fires, while a mouth-watering lunch awaits amid the grandeur of the State Dining Room, which overlooks a charming Doric Temple cascade.

One of the hotel’s fans is Kim Kardashian. She’s stayed twice and surprised guests with an appearance in the State Dining Room. 

George Clooney is also an admirer. 

He booked out the hotel for a Clooney clan gathering and met his Irish cousins, who hail from neighbouring Abbeyleix.

Mr Clooney stayed in the charming two-storey Gardener’s Cottage, overlooking the walled garden and the Slieve Bloom Mountains. 

We stay in a stunning suite, the Lady Caroline Coote (formerly her boudoir).

CASHEL PALACE HOTEL 

Next stop is the spiritual home of Guinness, the wonderful Cashel Palace Hotel in County Tipperary, formerly an 18th-century mansion owned by the Archbishop of Cashel.

He famously left a £100 legacy to his godson, Arthur Guinness, who used this jackpot to buy a brewery.

The hotel deserves all the accolades it has received under the astute ownership of Susan Magnier (of the horseracing dynasty – the hotel even has an equine concierge). 

Our stay is made all the more special by its delightfully youthful friendly staff. 

It has long been a haven for celebrities, Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor, for instance. 

And Queen Elizabeth II visited the majestic nearby Rock of Cashel, which as Ireland.com notes, ‘is home to over 1,000 years of history’.

The website explains that the site is home to a ‘complex of interlocking structures’, including a 13th-century cathedral and the 15th-century Hall of the Vicars Choral – a medieval choir’s residence.

The Rock can be accessed directly by hotel guests through the hotel garden, which features 300-year-old mulberry trees.

If that’s too much trouble, book a lovely garden wing superior room overlooking the Rock.

A rejuvenating peat mud bath treatment in the elegant spa is a must – and be sure to finish off a delicious dinner at the Michelin-starred Bishop’s Buttery restaurant with a decadent whiskey Baba.

THE PARK HOTEL KENMARE 

The island home of the reclusive Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Last Jedi was the remote monastic settlement of Skellig Michael in County Kerry.

A far more hospitable stay in the area is the remarkable Relais et Chateaux property, the Park Hotel Kenmare.

This is Ireland’s legendary 41-room Victorian grande dame hotel that had an elegant pandemic makeover.

John Travolta and Nicolas Cage have enjoyed its Kenmare Bay views. 

It is hard to leave our sumptuous junior suite, but the luxurious Samas spa, nestled in the woods, is a worthwhile short excursion and gives us an immediate sense of relaxation.

We enjoy a Bushmills whiskey in the stylish cocktail bar, followed by a delicious dinner in the elegant dining room, with its magnificent paintings.

This hotel is a timeless gem with a five-star ethos that effortlessly combines town and country.

Kenmare, meanwhile, is a beautiful heritage town on the hotel’s doorstep. It had a cameo in the quirky The Lobster with Colin Farrell.

Pop into Kenmare Cashmere and have a pint of Guinness at Crowleys, both on Henry St.

The Park Hotel Kenmare is also perfectly situated for exploring the underrated Beara Peninsula or for a drive around the Ring of Kerry, a 179km (111-mile) driving route filled with ‘rolling green hills, sparkling lakes and jaw-dropping cliffs’, notes Ireland.com.

SHEEN FALLS LODGE 

Our final stop is another stunning Relais et Chateaux property, Sheen Falls Lodge, formerly a 17th-century fishing lodge.

The terrace of the glorious Oscar suite has a ravishing view overlooking a waterfall and a picture-perfect stone-arched bridge.

Afternoon tea in the Sheen Lounge is a delight – and the superb Falls restaurant serves a faultless dinner.

I retire to the cosy library with its log fires and read Ted Murphy’s Kingdom of Wine, which documents Ireland’s little-known contribution to wine. It is so hard to leave this all behind.

The journey to Kerry Airport is spectacular, passing through Killarney National Park, which boasts breathtaking lakes.

We stop at the stupendous Ladies View scenic viewpoint, so named after the ladies-in-waiting who accompanied Queen Victoria on her visit to the must-see Muckross House in 1861.

Ireland has always been known as the land of a hundred thousand welcomes, but now it has several world-class hotels and restaurants that ensure that every visitor will be longing to return.

Did I mention that the sun actually shines most of the time? No wonder my Irish eyes are still smiling…

Frank Mannion is an Irish film director and his new film, Quintessentially Irish, with Pierce Brosnan and Jeremy Irons is out now.

TRAIN STRIKES will plunge Premier League fans into chaos next month.

It has been confirmed that the latest series of strikes will take place between Friday, April 5 and Monday, April 8.

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Drivers from Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern and TransPennine will strike on Saturday when seven Premier League matches take place.

Of those matches, the disruption is expected to mainly affect Newcastle’s trip to Fulham – kick-off at 3pm.

Walkouts over the weekend will also affect fans making the trip to see Sheffield United vs Chelsea at Bramall Lane.

But the fans who will suffer the most are those going to Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest in North London on Monday night.

That’s because the list of notables includes c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway mainline and depot drivers and the SWR Island Line.

And that is not the only disruption, because on the same day drivers of the London Underground, who are members of the Aslef union, will also strike.

It comes after 98 percent of drivers voted in favor of action – with a second strike on Saturday, May 4, when another series of Premier League matches take place.

The above-ground strike is taking place due to a long-standing dispute over wages.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

The underground strike is the result of employees contesting their terms and conditions.

The latest travel scare comes after Chelsea fans faced cancellations ahead of their trip to Manchester City last month.

And in January, Arsenal fans suffered the consequences of tube attacks on the day of their 3-1 win over Liverpool.

Web agency Updated: Mar 20, 2024 07:58 IST

Known worldwide as the royal Pink City of India, romanticized by centuries of extravagant Rajput and Mughal prosperity, Jaipur invariably conjures up images of ostentatious palace indulgences, gilded courtly opulence and exotic oriental fantasies swirling amid majestic forts and vibrant bazaars.

But behind the imperial legacy lie extraordinary experiences where you enjoy the city’s abundant old-world charms that can nourish your soul as deeply as visiting iconic monuments alone. Plan efficiently and avoid the rush-hour ticket stairs, then prepare to fully immerse yourself in Jaipur’s sensory landscape, as you cleverly navigate through cultural gems that are ripe for savoring as you search just beneath the shiny surfaces .

1. Amber Fort rest in early morning

Make the most of Jaipur’s temperate winter months from early dawn by visiting the breathtaking 16th-century Amber Fort, when the golden light reveals shades of polished tangerine and radiant amber, after which the bastion is named. Enjoy the beautiful isolation as you watch iconic architecture unfold like curtains for theater stages as the giant saffron sun rises between majestic fortress towers, darkly illuminating dramatic tunnels and latticed windows one by one.

Take relaxing circuits along stone slopes, through once-flowing garden canals and beautifully sculpted chambers before the day buses start unloading hordes at 8am. Pause to soak up the tranquil atmosphere in pleasure palaces where kings and nobles not long ago planned battles and entertainment at the same time before being currently distracted by noisy shouting guides.

Emerge enchanted before the world fully awakens and feel subtly transformed as you witness the beautiful Amber Fort transition from a silent amber ghost to a living breathing bastion of a bygone era when history had fewer barriers in the mundane. Return later to admire the beautiful manicured gardens surrounding the Jal Mahal Palace that magically shine like a floating architectural candy above calm waters as you slowly sift through profound morning magic that still resonates from the extraordinary experience!

2. Explore non-touristy craft neighborhoods

Given just an hour to wander, Jaipur’s royal facade quickly overwhelms the senses with flamboyant textile markets and gem-laden silver jewelery stalls where souvenirs traditionally reign supreme. But barely 200 meters behind the famous Tripolia Bazaar lie hidden parallel worlds of centuries-old craft streets where living anthropologies thrive relatively unattended without crowd supervision, making patient exploration truly rewarding.

Stroll through narrow workshops decorated with embroidered textile samples, such as vibrant cultural flags that invite discovery, where alleys intriguingly specialize in heritage crafts linked to different communities. Pause to admire the dexterity of the lac bracelet maker who delicately weaves from imported resin alongside vibrant murals of Hindu deities, while absorbing the extraordinary craftsmanship that still flourishes microscopically despite trends in mass production.

Further on, you’ll come across miniature temples in alleyways, wrapped in homemade flower garlands, where potters cover clay goddesses with edible intrinsic dyes and sacred ash paste. Then behind the open shutters we find reincarnated court singers strumming stirring Rajasthani month folk choruses, intriguingly urging travelers to delve beneath the hyper-decorative exterior and explore hidden craft facets that still resonate strongly through proud local traditions relatively untouched by passing fads, if we care enough to just look at them. !

3. Mehrangarh Fort Nostalgia Tour

As the merciless midday sun mercilessly beats down roasting lesser mortals, culture vultures discover a cool refuge in the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort in the city of Jodhpur, where the best-kept secrets surprisingly reside again in better-known rooms, but are explored via less booked special interest panels.

Attend extraordinary additional sessions entitled ‘The Zenana Trail’, conducted by historians carefully trained to reveal intriguing, bygone women’s perspectives otherwise typically hidden in male-dominated mainstream narratives. Peer discreetly into the extraordinary Gold Leaf Chamber interiors that are normally out of reach, and imagine the beautiful isolation experience here of beloved royal consorts and noblewomen sailing swan-like behind the now faded but still beautiful murals.

Look up and marvel at the intricately carved filigree walls, fine as Brussels lace, painstakingly chiselled by hand over seven arduous years, intended to allow cooling breezes while symbolically preventing the gaze of outsiders! Then explore the opulent luxury of the zenana existence, wandering through winding corridors past now vacant pleasure pavilions, informal courtyards for dance performances and shaded balconies for discreet moonlit rendezvous – ultimately feeling a deep poignancy at how such blossoming femininity is deeply contrasted with the dormant military history that otherwise dominates the fortress consciousness.

4. Craft hubs for pottery and dolls

Beyond the beautiful marble mausoleums lie vibrant historic alleys that harbor proud legacies of extraordinary mastery of indigenous art, relatively camouflaged from the tourist crowds that are currently still easily discovered if you seek out sparkling, ostentatious Rajasthani boutiques down here. Scattered behind the Water Palace are more than 300 traditionally furnished homes and workshops where famous potters daily devotedly manifest magic from wet clay on primitive wheels, which have remained relatively unchanged for centuries since the earliest human settlements emerged next to the flowing valley river.

Crouch in front of open porches and witness wrinkled fingers, textured lotus motifs on glittering lamps and urns, beautifully polished by age-old techniques without molds or glue before being carried away naturally through custom-built kilns that crackle energetically like witches’ cauldrons churning out exotic craft potions brew! Surprisingly similar neighborhoods manifested minutes later behind the Sardar Market, which today is passionately focused on preserving and reviving Rajasthan’s UNESCO-designated puppetry arts, which are facing terminal decline due to modern digital entertainment.

Here you’ll find brightly decorated community shrines that pay tribute to Lord Ganesha, the revered elephant god who constantly walks around to protect their extraordinary cultural longevity. Then venture deeper into the timeless inner sanctuaries where warm-hearted puppeteers energetically tell charming legends of bygone nomadic bhat communities, creating entire mythologies through their gifted hands alone – currently relatively unknown by passing hordes of tourists seeking limited royal Rajasthani -trinkets.

5. Culinary tours in the countryside via Vrindavan

Finally, no economic luxury experience seems completely complete these days without sumptuous regional cuisine, yet central Jaipur’s eateries are notorious for catering limited menus to international visitors wary of extreme spice. Ironically, the best indigenous flavors unfold surprisingly in simple, rural highway dhabas or ‘service stations’ that flank the state’s outskirts, deliciously paired with robust, hearty home-cooked dishes at bargain prices that have suited local tastes for generations and wallet.

Just 65 scenic kilometers outside the Pink City lies the heritage retreat of Vrindavan, where stylish farm stays nestle amid the picturesque Aravalli hills and is also home to an astonishing culinary academy founded 30 years ago by legendary local chef Laxmi who prioritized sharing cherished folk recipes before they disappeared through the generations.

Enjoy interactive hands-on curry mixing and roti rolling sessions with smiling chef instructors who indulgently fuse rare desert spices, spicy cultured buttermilk and fiery Gatte ki Sabzi tribal dishes into your personal creations that are worth gastronomically framing as extraordinary edible showpieces that dismantle the myth that royalty cannot really be balanced with economical and ingeniously seasoned by passionate culture guardians!

With his death, Mr. Issa, who was among Israel’s most wanted men, became the most senior Hamas leader to be killed since the Gaza war began. Israeli officials have characterized the attack as a breakthrough in their campaign to wipe out Hamas leadership in Gaza.

But experts warned that his death would not have a devastating effect on Hamas’s leadership structure. Israel has assassinated Hamas’s political and military leaders in the past, only to see them quickly replaced.

Here’s a closer look at Mr. Issa and what his death means for Hamas and its leadership.

What was Mr. Issa’s role in Hamas?

Mr. Issa, who was 58 or 59 at the time of his death, had served since 2012 as a deputy to Mohammed Deif, the elusive leader of the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing. Mr Issa took on the role after the killing of another top commander, Ahmed al-Jabari.

Mr. Issa was a member of Hamas’s military council and its political office in Gaza, overseen by Yahya Sinwar, the group’s top official in the enclave. Mr. Issa was described by Palestinian analysts and former Israeli security officials as a key strategist who played a key role as a liaison between Hamas’ military and political leaders.

Salah al-Din al-Awawdeh, a Palestinian analyst close to Hamas, described Mr. Issa’s position in the group as “part of the front rank of the leadership of the military wing.”

Major General Tamir Hayman, the former head of Israel’s military intelligence, said Mr. Issa was simultaneously Hamas’s “defense minister,” its deputy military commander and its “strategic mind.”

What does his death mean for the group?

Experts described Mr Issa as a key associate of Mr Deif and Mr Sinwar, although they said his death did not threaten the group’s survival.

“There is always a replacement,” Mr Awawdeh said. “I don’t think the killing of any member of the military wing will have an effect on its activities.”

Michael Milshtein, a former Israeli military intelligence officer and an expert on Palestinian affairs, said Mr. Issa’s death was a significant blow to the Qassam Brigades, although he admitted it was not “the end of the world” for Hamas.

“He had a lot of experience,” Mr. Milshtein said. “His death is a great loss for Hamas, but it is not a loss that will lead to its collapse and it will not affect it for a long time. In a week or two they will overcome it.’

Mr. Milshtein added that even though Mr. Issa’s views were valued at the highest levels of Hamas, the fact that he did not directly command fighters meant that his death did not leave a gaping hole in Hamas’s operations.

How is he described?

Mr. Issa was a lesser-known member of Hamas’s top leadership, kept a low profile and rarely appeared in public.

Gerhard Conrad, a former German intelligence officer who met Mr. Issa more than a decade ago, described him as a “decisive and calm” person lacking charisma. “He wasn’t very eloquent, but he knew what to say, and he was straight to the point,” Mr. Conrad said in an interview.

Mr. Conrad said he met Mr. Issa, Mr. al-Jabari and Mahmoud al-Zahar, another senior Hamas official, about a dozen times in Gaza City between 2009 and 2011. The men met as part of an effort to broker a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

“He was the master of prisoner data,” Mr. Conrad said of Mr. Issa. “He had all the names that needed to be negotiated.”

However, Mr Conrad said it was clear at the time that Mr Issa was subordinate to Mr al-Jabari. “He was like a chief of staff,” he said.

It was only after Mr Al-Jabari’s murder that Mr Issa’s fame grew, but he was still keen to stay out of sight. There are few images of Mr. Issa in the public domain.

Mr. Awawdeh, the analyst, called Mr. Issa a man who liked to “stay in the shadows” and who rarely gave interviews to the media.

In one of those rare interviewsMr. Issa spoke in 2021 about his role in the indirect talks that resulted in Israel exchanging more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for a single Israeli soldier, Sgt. First Class Gilad Shalit, and his hopes for future conflict with Israel.

“Even if the resistance in Palestine is watched by the enemy at all times, it will take the enemy by surprise,” he told Al Jazeera at the time.

In a separate 2005 interview with a Hamas publication, Mr. Issa praised the militants who overran Israeli settlements and military bases, calling the actions “heroic” and a “sophisticated activity.”

What is known about his early life?

Mr. Issa was born in 1965 in the Bureij area of ​​central Gaza, but his family comes from what is now the Ashkelon area of ​​Israel.

A member of Hamas for decades, Mr. Awawdeh said he was involved with the militant group involved in the pursuit of Palestinians believed to have collaborated with Israel.

Mr. Issa spent time in prisons operated by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Admiral Hagari has said that Mr. Issa helped plan the October 7 Hamas-led attack. Mr. Issa is also thought to have planned operations aimed at infiltrating Israeli settlements during the second intifada in the 2000s, Mr. Milshtein said.

They’re bullet trains, but not quite in bullet mode.

Rather than shooting along at speeds of up to 200mph (320kph), these glossy marvels of engineering are trundling in and out of Tokyo Station.

I’m watching this scene from my room at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi, both a boutique sanctuary and a trainspotter’s fantasy fulfilled.

My room, a Deluxe King, overlooks the eastern side of the station, which sees more than 4,000 arrivals and departures each day. As well as a commuter hub, it’s Tokyo’s main Shinkansen (bullet train) terminal, serviced by the majority of the eight major high-speed lines, including the ever-popular Tokaido line, on which bullet trains rocket past Mount Fuji towards Osaka and Kyoto at up to 177mph/285kph.

A Four Seasons representative can greet you from your train, ushering you from the platform to the hotel in under five minutes via an underground passageway.

The intimate 57-room hotel, which has been welcoming guests for two decades, occupies the lower seven floors of the glass-walled Pacific Century Place tower in the Marunouchi district in dazzling downtown Tokyo.

While east-facing hotel rooms offer ample opportunity for train-track-gazing, the prize for the best view goes to Maison Marunouchi, the Michelin-recommended restaurant on the seventh floor, where a corner table looks directly onto the Shinkansen platforms.

During dinner, I watch as Shinkansen passengers swarm into carriages, marshalled by white-gloved conductors.

The trains themselves line up like bullets in a belt of ammunition, ready to set off right on time – Shinkansen are rarely delayed.

My waiter tells us the view is especially popular with children, with staff occasionally having to clean mini fingerprints off the windows.

Taking note of their fascination, the hotel created a package that gives children the chance to dress up as a conductor and play with a Takara Tomy Plarail toy train set as they watch the trains go by.

But this trackside vantage point isn’t the only ace in the hotel’s hand.

It has cut through the high-stakes culinary competition in Tokyo and become a big player in the city’s gastronomy scene with its two-Michelin-starred restaurant Sézanne, where British chef Daniel Calvert masterminds classically-derived French fare.

Calvert also oversees the menu in the more casual Maison Marunouchi, a Parisian-style bistro with teal leather booths and Art Deco room dividers.

There I have Japanese ‘kegani’ crab meat in a brioche bun, steeped in a moreish fish broth (3,800JPYyen/£20/$25), followed by buttery monkfish from Japan’s Hokkaido region (6,300JPY/£33/$42) and a delicate strawberry mille-feuille (3,000JPY/£16/$20).

I sample another slice of Calvert’s wares at breakfast the following morning with a serving of avocado on Sézanne’s light yet crunchy sourdough bread (3,000JPY/£16/$20).

The Surrey-born chef’s deft touch is also seen in the savoury section of the afternoon tea menu (7,600JPY/£40/$51), while jewel-like desserts such as a ruby-red strawberry tart are crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Patrick Thibaud.

Afternoon tea is served in the seventh-floor Bar and Champagne Lounge, a space filled with elegantly dressed Tokyoites, asymmetrical sofas and a colourful stacked-ball sculpture by British artist Annie Morris.

Along with Maison Marunouchi and Sézanne, it’s been dreamt up by Hong Kong interior designer André Fu, who says he wished to cultivate ‘a sense of escape from the city’ for diners.

Toronto-based firm Yabu Pushelberg designed the rest of the hotel, with lustrous black-walled hallways leading to spacious guest rooms.

Simple in design, my room has mint carpet underfoot and a sweeping headboard, with slate grey pyjamas left thoughtfully during the turndown service.

Panoramic windows are the star attraction, with triple-glazed glass reducing the lull of train traffic to a faint rumble.

The understated luxury continues in the bathroom, with a deep limestone-edged bathtub and Epsom salts to sprinkle in it, along with Diptyque toiletries and thick bathrobes.

The hotel sets out to be a peaceful haven away from Tokyo’s high-energy streets, and you feel this sense of calm the most in the spa, a bijou space with an ‘onsen’ hot spring bath and steam room.

There I try a ‘Dermadrop’ facial (23,908JPY/£127/$160), during which a wand gently sprays ‘supercharged ingredients’ onto the skin.

After the treatment, my skin rosy with the promise of boosted moisture levels and elasticity, I’m invited to relax with a steaming cup of ginger and lemon tea and crepe-wrapped ‘wasanbon’ sugar sweets, a Japanese delicacy.

My whole stay is underpinned by service that’s ultra attentive but never overbearing, which Four Seasons says is based on Japanese ‘omotenashi’ – a centuries-old culture of wholeheartedly looking after guests. 

One staff member shares advice for sightseeing in the nearby Ginza neighbourhood, kindly pointing me in the direction of the Kengo Kuma-designed Kabukiza Theatre and the stellar seafood and crockery stalls of the Tsukiji Outer Market.

Meanwhile, those who are too relaxed to leave the hotel can sightsee from the comfort of bed, watching as one of Japan’s most iconic sights – the Shinkansen bullet trains – parade below the window.

If you’re using Tokyo as a jumping-off point for exploring the rest of Japan by rail, this is just the spot for a luxurious night’s stay before you catch a bullet train to your next destination – with superior gastronomy, spa facilities and service making the ride all the more memorable.

Giovanni Pernice’s new BBC show aired on Monday night as the broadcaster continues to throw its support behind the embattled Strictly star.

Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain sees the Italian dancer team up with his Strictly co-star Anton Du Beke for a lighthearted jaunt around Spanish towns and cities.

At one point during the opening episode, which some viewers labelled ‘a cringe-fest’, Giovanni and Anton broke into song, belting out a duet of the Bette Midler classic Together, Wherever We Go.

Giovanni crooning to the lyrics ‘No fits, no fights, no feuds and no egos’ felt like a pointed inclusion in the edit as the Italian’s fiery feud with his Strictly dance partners threatens to overshadow his new prime time series.

Giovanni is at the centre of a Strictly dispute which has seen his 2023 dance partner Amanda Abbington accuse him of difficult behaviour during training. 

On Saturday Giovanni was hit by a fresh crisis, after it was claimed that three of his former celebrity partners met to discuss their difficult experiences working with him.

Sources claim Amanda, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore had an ’emotional summit’ where they ‘compared notes’ about their time working with the Italian dancer on the BBC show.

But just hours after the claims emerged, the BBC showed its support for their Strictly star by plugging his new travel series on social media.

Giovanni and Anton were also invited onto The One Show sofa on Monday night to promote the series in a clear sign of solidarity.

During Monday’s episode Giovanni touched on his work ethic as he told close friend Anton that he is ‘a workaholic.’

‘Obviously there is the fear that everything is going to finish at some point. That’s the truth.’

‘I support me, I support my family back in Sicily financially so I always have a fear that if I stop, everything and everyone else stops because of me.’ 

Amanda Abbington has reportedly lined up top lawyer Persephone Bridgman Baker to demand rehearsal footage as her fight against Strictly and Giovanni, 33, continues.

The Sherlock actress, 52, quit Strictly back in October due to ‘personal reasons’ amid claims of a feud between her and Giovanni.

Reports then emerged she demanded footage of their rehearsals after the experience in the competition left her with PTSD. 

 The Sun now claims that Amanda is working with experienced lawyer Persephone as she helps her prepare a legal letter to the BBC to aid her obtaining the rehearsal footage.

A source told the publication: ‘Amanda is lining up a well-known lawyer to help her gain access to the rehearsal tapes of her and Giovanni with the aim of reviewing them.’

On the website of her lawyer firm Carter-Ruck it says: ‘Persephone specialises in media and reputation management work, encompassing defamation, privacy and harassment, together with data protection and intellectual property litigation.’

The BBC and Amanda have been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

On Saturday Giovanni was hit by a fresh crisis, after it was claimed that three of his former celebrity partners met to discuss their difficult experiences working with him.

Sources claim Amanda, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore had an ’emotional summit’ where they ‘compared notes’ about their time working with the Italian dancer on the BBC show.

Ranvir complained about Giovanni to producers back in 2020, during their time on the show, while Laura said she ‘cried every day’ and felt ‘uncomfortable’ while dancing with him in 2016.

Sources claimed that while ‘tears were shed,’ the trio also discussed the prospect of ‘formally’ complaining to the BBC about Giovanni’s behaviour.

An insider told The Sun: ‘There is every possibility all three could take it further and formally complain to the BBC, but for now they’re comforting each other.’

‘Only a handful of people will understand what it’s like to be trained by Giovanni and in the industry he is regarded as a ”perfectionist”.

They added: ‘There is some shock that the BBC appears to be doing nothing. Like Amanda, Ranvir also flagged an issue during training with Giovanni and said she was unhappy.’ 

However, a source close to Giovanni told the publication: ‘Gio finds some of these allegations deeply unfair and offensive. He believes he’s done nothing wrong, and simply wants to get the best out of his partners.’

A representative for the BBC declined to comment to The Sun. MailOnline has contacted representatives for the BBC, Giovanni Pernice, Laura Whitmore, Ranvir Singh and Amanda Abbington for comment. 

The BBC said earlier this year that they would not be investigating Giovanni’s behaviour with Amanda, with a spokesperson saying: ‘There is a constant dialogue between the senior production team and contestants to ensure any concerns are addressed swiftly.’

In 2016, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore said she ‘cried every day’ and felt ‘uncomfortable’ while training with him.

She later wrote for HuffPost UK in 2018: ‘I’m still not ready to talk in depth about my experience on the show.

‘I was placed with a dance partner I was extremely uncomfortable with and in the end I felt broken, I cried every day. And I really was broken, both mentally and physically, by the end.’

It’s also thought that Giovanni clashed with his 2018 celebrity partner Faye Tozer, while his 2022 partner Richie Anderson has unfollowed him on Instagram. 

Giovanni, who is currently on tour with his stage show, hinted last month he’d return to Strictly later this year for the last time.

However a Strictly spokesman said they would make an announcement in ‘due course.’

Over the weekend Giovanni broke his silence on Amanda’s explosive exit from the BBC show. 

Speaking on The Mirror’s Invite Only podcast alongside fellow dancer Anton Du Beke he said: ‘It’s a shame because, in my opinion, [Amanda] could have gone all the way.’

While judge Anton added: ‘I thought you and Amanda were marvellous. I thought you were terrific’ and compared the Sherlock actress’ talents to 2019 winner Kelvin Fletcher. 

Following accusations of his ‘militant’ teaching style Giovanni admitted that was a ‘perfectionist’ but said it came from a ‘perspective of caring’ and that he believed all other professional dancers were the same. 

Saying: ‘In every single part of the world, if you’re a professional dancer on one of these [Strictly] shows, you have to get these people looking the best they can on Saturday night’. 

‘And if we have good scores at the end, I do look back and say, ‘I’ve done a great job’. But we all care about our partners and we want that for them every single week; to look great on a Saturday’. 

He continued: ‘There’s no specific way that you are, or have to be with your celebrity. You make the most of their strengths so the only thing that’s constant is the fact that you have to do a show on Saturday night.’ 

Earlier this year MailOnline exclusively revealed that Amanda had dropped her complaint to the BBC and had not contacted the Corporation on the matter further. 

Sources at the BBC said that the ‘matter is now closed’ and they have ‘moved on’ after she asked to review the recordings of their off-screen dancing after she left the series, citing ‘personal reasons.’

Amanda was also seeking legal advice over Giovanni’s alleged behaviour towards her, believing video footage could ‘back up’ her claims.

It is understood that the first BBC chiefs knew about her PTSD late last year when they received a request for the tapes.

One show insider told the Mail: ‘The whole thing was baffling but when Amanda contacted the BBC, she wanted some answers.

‘But she hasn’t followed it through and the matter is now closed. Amanda said she left for a medical reason at the time, but that was not PTSD.

‘Her complaint was of course looked at but they were adamant that Giovanni had done nothing wrong. The BBC were ready to fight her, Amanda’s reason for quitting Strictly was an entirely different one to her PTSD.

‘She told production of a totally different medical condition and they [were] hugely supportive of her and did all they could to help.’

Amanda left the show during week five in October. It has reportedly taken months for her to recover from her time on the programme and she has apparently needed therapy following the ‘behaviour she was exposed to.’

Speaking about her condition, Amanda told The Sun: ‘I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons and I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life at the time both professionally and personally.’

A BBC spokesman declined to comment at the time.

Amanda was praised by the judges for her performances during her time on the show but it was claimed she was struggling behind the scenes.

An inside source told The Telegraph: ‘It could be that she didn’t know what she let herself in for.

‘He [Giovanni] was quite tough and she found that difficult. If she wasn’t very well, that wouldn’t have helped.

‘She was with a partner that had a certain training style that she couldn’t cope with. Whether that came to a head or whether there’s something else going on I don’t know.’

Giovanni’s parents said the dancer ‘was just doing his job’ following Amanda’s shock departure from Strictly.

Addressing the news at the time, Giovanni’s father Piero and mother Rosalda admitted that their son ‘trained for long hours but was just doing his job’.

Twinkle-toed star Giovanni was reportedly only given the news of Amanda’s exit a few hours before the official statement was released.

A source told the Daily Star: ‘Amanda didn’t tell Giovanni she had decided to quit the show. The first he heard was a call from a producer.

‘This has really annoyed him. He’s barely heard from her for 10 days. She hasn’t been replying to messages or telling him what’s happening.

‘He’s been complaining about it to friends. He’s frustrated. He is worried the drama will be damaging for his career and make him look bad.’

Amanda snubbed the show’s December final which saw the stars of the year’s series that had previously been eliminated came together to do a group dance and celebrate with the winner. 

A source told The Mirror of why she wouldn’t be there: ‘They wanted to position her as still very much part of the Strictly family, but Amanda’s response to the invitation was she’d not be back.

‘It’s a shame, because her exit has been a sour note to the series this year.’

The Strictly insider added her snub has been ‘difficult’ and upsetting for Giovanni as he doesn’t want people to see it ‘as a reflection on him.’

They added whilst the pair sometimes ‘clashed’ Giovanni wishes her all the best.

Web agency Updated: Mar 19, 2024 04:52 IST

Nicknamed the cultural capital of India, the bustling metropolis of Kolkata offers an evocative immersion in history, art, literature and delectable food.

As a prominent port city on the Ganges Delta overlooking the Bay of Bengal, Kolkata was the prosperous capital of British India for more than a century until 1911, fostering iconic institutions, architecture and even a unique dialect of the Bengali language that is used today is widespread. Although it suffered from the post-independence economic downturn and the social challenges of overpopulation, Kolkata still retains an old-world romantic charm that juxtaposes beautifully with vibrant pockets of cosmopolitan modernity.

Understanding the city’s key facets before you arrive will help you better navigate and appreciate your journey through Kolkata’s chaotic canvas, bringing nostalgic stories of the past to life as you look optimistically to the future.

The tropical climate of Calcutta

Stretching across the Tropic of Cancer, Calcutta experiences a hot tropical wet and dry climate with seasonal variations throughout the year.

Summers see rising temperatures and humidity, while strong monsoon rains provide plenty of respite before the crisp, cool winters begin.

Patterns again

Summer (March – June)

Hot and humid weather with temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius in May. Tropical thunderstorms in the afternoon, accompanied by strong hot winds.

Monsoon (June – September) Heavy rainfall from June with high humidity of about 80%. Umbrellas and raincoats are a must during the wet months!

Winter (November – February)

Pleasantly cool with temperatures dropping below 15 C. Light woolen clothing, jackets needed, especially near the breezy riverbank of the Hooghly.

Post-monsoon autumn in October and pre-monsoon spring in March are wonderful weather for exploring Kolkata in a leisurely manner.

Iconic transport of Kolkata

As the first city in Asia to operate a metro line, an underground public transport system and electric trams, Kolkata still retains many of its vintage transport mainstays with trams and iconic yellow Ambassador taxis, although new routes are expanding.

Typical Kolkata rides

Yellow Ambassadors Sleek Hindustan Motors manufactured taxis made iconic by Bollywood legends

Metro Rapid transit route under construction to cover major parts of the city

Hand-pulled rickshaws Human-powered tricycle moves through thinner lanes

Ferries Scenic Hooghly River crossings to reach Howrah district

Tram Slow rides along selected fixed routes since 1902

Immersive cultural panorama

A pioneering crucible for the 19th-century Bengal Renaissance movement spanning literary, social and artistic genres, Kolkata strongly reflects a cultural shift from stagnant ideas to progressive intellectual philosophies relevant today.

Literary identity

Home to the first Nobel Laureate in Literature, Rabindranath Tagore

Schools attract celebrities Kalighat Painters, Satyajit Ray

Thriving book publishers along College Street ‘Boipara’

Food and party

Street food mecca aromatic phuchkas, sweet rasgullas

Vibrant ghats along the river Spiritually palpable, especially Durga Puja

Pioneer of Indian cinema Legendary actors taking to theaters in South Kolkata

Architectural allure

The buildings of Kolkata offer exemplary expressions of imperial grandeur, social reconstruction and religious harmony that proudly endure decades of history.

Best Historical Sites

1. Victoria Memorial Large white marble tribute to the British Queen
2. Howrah Bridge Architectural cantilever wonder over the Hooghly River
3. Marble Palace Opulent Victorian mansion with priceless art
4. Nakhoda Mosque Captivating beauty of red brick indoors
5. College Street Educational bookstores along the Presidential University

Culinary temptations

Food is an integral part of the neighborhood’s identity, with small streets known for specialized dishes that can be enjoyed at your leisure under twinkling lights.

Bengali signature dishes

• Mishti Doi – Sweetened yogurt tempered with cardamom
• Kosha Mangsho – Slow cooked mutton curry
• Chingri Malai Curry – Juicy shrimp in creamy coconut gravy
• Bhapa Ilish – Steamed Hilsa wrapped in banana leaves
• Sandesh – Fluffy delicacy of milk curd, shaped into a sweet dessert

Where to party

Tea Shops Strong aromatic brews with fried fritters

Candy shops Rosogolla, Misti doi, curd stacks and more!

Restaurants Continental, Mughlai cuisine with meat and vegetable dishes

Street buns, phuchka, jhalmuri stalls filled with mixtures

Best time for Kolkata trip

Visit Bengal’s epicurean gem during the winter months between November and March, when balmy sunshine and open azure skies make exploring pleasant along sidewalks dotted with vibrant orange shimul flowers.

The holiday spirit is also palpable with ornate idols under pandals, cultural performances and mouth-watering specialties. However, expect crowds and hotel costs to spike accordingly.

I hope this introduction helps you discover and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the City of Joy, intertwined with modern landscapes, for an excellent journey through dynamic, dreamy and delightful Calcutta.

An American travel influencer has been criticized for promoting a ‘slum tour’ during her visit to India.

Tara Katims, 24, originally from the US but recently moved to Mexico, posted a video advising her followers on the best way to spend 72 hours in Mumbai.

The full-time solo traveler documented her activities on her TikTok account @tarkatims, which included a pilates class, clubbing and a cooking class, as well as a “tour of the slums of Dharavi.”

Tara said she is ‘so happy’ to have gone on tour despite being ‘so nervous’ – but she is being criticized online for turning others’ ‘poverty’ into her own ‘tourism’.

Recommends the two-hour tour to her fans in a video, Tara said: ‘I’m not going to lie, I was so nervous going into this experience, but I’m so glad I did. If you’re the kind of person who likes to stay in touristy places when they travel, then this probably isn’t for you.

‘I saw this advertisement on Airbnb for a tour given by a man who has lived in the slums himself.

‘His motivation in starting these tours was to help break the stigma associated with growing up in the slums. People can be denied jobs after growing up in the slums, and much more.

‘The tour takes you through the different industries in the slums and you see daily life there and the NGOs and organizations that go there to help.

“It’s easy to come to India and only see the beautiful parts, but the reality is that this is how most people in Mumbai live.”

But despite saying she would ’10/10 recommend’ the tour, Tara was slammed online by those shocked that she was promoting the tour to her 15,000 followers.

One social media user wrote: ‘“Slum tour” girl, hey people live here – poverty is not tourism, it’s not your place to be entertained – instead of posting a “slum tour” maybe you could promote a charity that helps them.’

A second added: ‘Definitely not how “most” people live in Mumbai. This is a big slum, but only a small part of Mumbai. At least try to be accurate.’

A third said: ‘I understand the intention behind this video but calling it a slum tour puts the whole idea in a really bad taste,’ while another commented: ‘Using the SLUMS world tour will NOT help reduce the stigma breaking through.’

However, some people quickly rushed to Tara’s defense, with one saying: ‘How insensitive is she? It literally says ‘Dharavi Slums Tour’, she didn’t make up the name.”

The ‘Dharavi Slums Tour’ is advertised on Airbnb as a two-hour experience organized by Jitrenda, who grew up in Mumbai.

It costs £6 per person and has an average rating of 4.98 stars from 300 reviews – aiming to ‘dispel the negative image of the slum and spend some of the profits from the tour on social activities’, according to the listing on Airbnb.

The Dharavi residential area is considered one of the largest ‘slums’ in the world, with around a million inhabitants, and was used as the setting in the Oscar-winning British film Slumdog Millionaire.

Search results for such tours return hundreds of results, including listings on the likes of TripAdvisor and Airbnb.

In 2019, The Telegraph reported that tours of the area had become India’s ‘most popular’ tourist attraction, despite controversy over the ethics of participation.

‘Slums’ are areas of densely packed housing and are often associated with poverty.

However, many no longer use the word ‘slum’ due to its derogatory associations and negative connotations.

Some say the use of the word slum is an attempt to delegitimize land by repurposing it.

The UN defines slums as: ‘Individuals living under the same roof and lacking one or more of the following conditions: access to improved water, access to improved sanitation, adequate living space, sustainability of housing and security of tenure.’

Tara has traveled the world and posted videos of her trips to Mexico City, Nepal, India and Egypt, among others.

She previously revealed that she would never visit Egypt alone as a female traveler because she was harassed in Cairo.

Hard-pressed families are counting pennies as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite. But we’ve come to the rescue by tracking down 101 of the best events over the four-day Easter weekend. And the best thing? They’re all completely free.

LONDON AND HOME COUNTIES

Trafalgar Square for all: A cast of more than 100 volunteers, plus horses, donkeys and doves re-enact the Passion of Christ (twice) at Trafalgar Square on Good Friday. From noon and 3.15pm. wintershall.org.uk

Hertfordshire hot cross fun: St Albans, the historic home of hot cross buns, celebrates Easter with a long list of events from traditional religious processions to egg hunts – being held at the cathedral and town centre at various times. enjoystalbans.com

Highgate treasure hunt: Solve map riddles while hunting the ‘Giant Bunny’ to win chocolate prizes at Waterlow Park in Highgate, North London, on Easter Sunday, 11am-4.30pm. lauderdalehouse.org.uk

Westminster Abbey traditions: A historic ceremony of ‘Solemn liturgy of the passion and death of our lord’ is just one of the traditional Easter services at Westminster Abbey on Good Friday from 3pm to 4.15pm. westminster-abbey.org

‘Bunny rave’ in Camden: Expect egg hunts, live music, face painting, flower planting and a children’s ‘bunny rave’ disco at Camden Market, North London, running all weekend. camdenmarket.com

Music at St Paul’s Cathedral: A free recital is being given by prize-winning organist Alexander Knight on Easter Sunday at 4.30pm. stpauls.co.uk

South London bonanza: A free day of family activities, including egg hunt and prizes for best bonnets, takes place at Rookery Gardens on Streatham Common on Easter Sunday, from noon to 3pm. eventbrite.co.uk

Capital choral delights: An acclaimed Anglican choir and quartet will perform Mozart at St Giles In The Fields, Central London, on Easter Sunday at 11am and 6.30pm. stgilesonline.org

Wonders of Wokingham: There’ll be treasure trails, bunny characters, inflatables and face painting at Home Grange Craft Village on Easter Monday from 10am to 3pm. holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk

EAST ANGLIA

Rabbit trails in Norwich: Follow a Peter Rabbit toy trail using a map and clues at the Chantry Place shopping centre all weekend. chantryplace.co.uk

Choir in Cambridge: Cambridge Voices Easter choral concert takes place at Downing Place Church on Easter Saturday at 4pm. cambridgevoices.org

East Anglican egg hunt: Search for hidden eggs in a medieval setting – and decorate your own – at Dragon Hall in Norwich on Easter Monday from 10am to 3pm. nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk

THE SOUTH WEST

Cornish bunny race: One of the strangest Easter traditions comes in the form of an Easter Bunny costume race across a beach… against 100 dogs. It’s held at St Agnes on Easter Sunday from 1pm. stagnessurflifesavingclub.co.uk

Parade in Dorset: The town mayor leads scores of entrants in the traditional bonnet parade through Lyme Regis on Easter Sunday from 2.15pm. There’s also a rubber duck race on Easter Monday at noon. lymeregiscarnival.co.uk

Celtic craic: The annual Celtic and Breton Easter music and dance festival takes place in the streets (and pubs) of Falmouth in Cornwall on Easter Saturday. facebook.com/AberFest

Easter lambs in Gloucester: Collect Larry the Lamb trail maps and use them to explore Gloucester Cathedral all weekend. gloucestercathedral.org.uk

Wild in Devon: Explore wildlife trails, check out bird hides and visit a farm zoo – as well as chocolate-making and a lamb feast (egg hunt £3.50, Easter meal £20-45) – at Darts Farm in Topsham on Easter Sunday from noon. dartsfarm.co.uk

Cornish tradition: Watch or join a traditional family Easter ‘trigging’ – using a rake to catch cockles and winkles at low tide – at Helford River on Good Friday. cornwallforever.co.uk

Prizes in Plymouth: Follow treasure maps around the cobbled waterfront or the city centre to win prizes at the Barbican or West End Centre all weekend from 10am to 5pm. visitplymouth.co.uk

Dunk your dolls: The ancient Easter ceremony of ‘dolly dunking’ (ceremonially dipping toys in a spring at a remote sacred well) is the main event at Morvah in Cornwall on Good Friday at 11am — hot cross buns are provided for onlookers. calendarcustoms.com

Wiltshire surprise: There’s a special Easter opening of an old church which had been ‘lost’ to an army firing range (and consequently rarely open) at Imber on Salisbury Plain on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4pm. imberchurch.org.uk

Bath bunny hunt: Explore a garden trail around Beckford’s Tower, hunting for 16 hidden bunnies, all weekend from 9am to 5pm. beckfordstower.org.uk

Ceremony in Salisbury: Head to cathedral green outside Salisbury Cathedral at 5am on Easter Sunday for a bonfire at sunrise and candlelit service. salisburycathedral.org.uk

THE SOUTH EAST

Broadstairs food festival: Delicacies from chocolate pigs to brioche buns feature at the annual Easter seafront food festival in the Kent town all weekend. broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk

East Sussex fancy dress: Traditional revels with fancy dress and an Easter bonnet parade are planned at Battle on Good Friday from 10am. battleeastsussex.co.uk

Rubber ducks in Kent: The popular annual rubber duck race, with a barbecue and music, at the Royal Military Canal in Warehorne on Good Friday from about 9.30am. facebook.com/woolpackwarehorne

Candlelit Canterbury: An atmospheric candlelit celebration of ‘Easter Eve’ will be held at Canterbury Cathedral on Easter Saturday at 7.30pm. canterbury-cathedral.org

Mad hats in Hastings: Stalls, games, music and art, plus Punch & Judy shows, will be at the Mad Hatter’s Easter Party in Alexandra Park on Easter Saturday from 11am to 4pm. facebook.com/artintheparkaop

THE SOUTH

Isle of Wight fireworks: An hour-long Easter celebration display is being launched from the end of the pier at Sandown on Easter Saturday at 7.30pm. visitisleofwight.co.uk

Southampton challenge: Pick up a free map, follow a city centre trail and solve Easter clues in the city’s old town, all weekend. visitsouthampton.co.uk

Portsmouth falcons displays: Free falconry displays will be held inside a hilltop fort along with an Easter Bunny treasure trail at Fort Nelson all weekend. visit-hampshire.co.uk

Eastleigh ‘Eggstravaganza’: A day of live theatre and music, craft activities and a bouncy castle is planned at the Pavilion on the Park on Easter Saturday, 10am-3pm. southamptonrocks.co.uk

WALES

Perfect in Pembrokeshire: Enjoy a waterfront coloured-egg trail, meet a giant bunny and get involved with face painting and homemade chocolate too at Milford, all weekend. milfordwaterfront.co.uk

Swansea fun: Find family craft, music and story events – to be held at the National Waterfront Museum on Good Friday, from noon to 4pm. museum.wales

Blaenafon treasure trail: Meet ‘Butty Bear’, who welcomes kids to an Easter treasure trail at Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, in south-east Wales, all weekend from 10am to 3.30pm. museum.wales

Llandudno beach party: Join the annual Easter community beach-cleaning party by the West Shore Prom in Llandudno on Good Friday, from 10am to 1pm. northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk

Market in Cardiff: From homemade gin to carved lovespoons, explore the huge free market of Welsh craftspeople by St Fagans Museum in Cardiff, all weekend from 10am to 5pm. museum.wales

Poetry in St Davids: Find poems, pens and paper in boxes along the inspirational coastpath linked to a poetry exhibition in St Davids in Pembrokeshire, all weekend. pembrokeshirecoast.wales

THE NORTH WEST

Egg rolls in Preston: Join the 150-year-old tradition of rolling Easter eggs down a hill with a free festival of live music, theatre and crafts at Avenham and Miller Parks in Preston on Easter Monday, from 11am to 4pm. visitpreston.com

Lytham live music: Theatre shows, live music, craft sessions, rides and Easter bonnets will be at Lowther Pavilion in Lytham, all weekend from 11am to 5pm. lowtherpavilion.co.uk

Egg and spoon fun near Eccleston: Family day of activities including egg and spoon races, egg hunts and Easter bonnet parade, at Heskin Hall, near Eccleston, Lancashire, Easter Sunday from 11am to 4pm. heskinhall.com

Animal magic in Bootle: A mobile zoo, Easter craft stalls and a hunt for the missing golden egg are all part of the fun at Lock and Quay in Bootle, Merseyside, on Easter Sunday from 1pm to 3pm. facebook.com/lockandquaybootle

Blackpool horsing around: An Easter experience of ponies and birds, treasure trails and quizzes at an animal sanctuary is planned at Penny Farm in Blackpool, all weekend from 11am to 3pm. worldhorsewelfare.org

Donkeys in Lancs: Donkey rides, crazy golf, circus acts and comedy magic will be on offer at a street fair in Colne on Easter Saturday. colnetowncouncil.org.uk

Liverpool art: Create a masterpiece at free family art sessions at Tate Liverpool all weekend, from 10am to 4pm. tate.org.uk

Cumbrian festivities: Discover scarecrow creations in an historic walled garden with children’s pony rides alongside at Ford Park in Ulverston all weekend, from 10am to 5pm. ulverston.com

Lancashire entertainment: Willy Wonka characters, chocolate making, egg design and edible wallpaper are among the Easter events at Affinity shopping centre, in Fleetwood all weekend. affinitylancashire.com

THE NORTH

Huddersfield prizes: Scan the QR codes on hidden eggs to win prizes in a high-tech Easter egg hunt through Huddersfield on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, from 8am to 5pm.

York chocolate cheer: A street party of chocolate sculptures, tasting trails and egg hunts is planned on Parliament Street from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. yorkfoodfestival.com

Creature comforts: A family Easter Fair including games, eggs, crafts and lots of animals is being organised at the RSPCA Animal Home on Landing Road in York on Easter Sunday, from 10.30am to 3pm.

Bradford egg hunt: Donkey rides, egg hunts and Easter bonnets at Harold Park in Bradford on Easter Monday, from 11am to 1pm.

Medieval Easter in Leeds: Brace yourself for live combat demonstrations and thrilling battle stories at the Royal Armouries Museum all weekend, from 10am to 5pm.

Dragon hunt: Explore an ancient fortress while searching for dragon eggs at Castle Garth in Pontefract, West Yorkshire all weekend, from 9.30am to 4.30pm. experiencewakefield.co.uk

Yorkshire duck race: Around 12,000 rubber ducks join an annual river race through the town centre at Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire on Easter Monday, from 1pm.  hebdenbridgeduckrace.uk

Skipton bunny hunt: Ten bunnies have been hidden in Skipton, Yorkshire. Can you find them and win a hamper? All weekend. welcometoskipton.com

THE NORTH EAST

Party in Durham: Meet the Easter bunny, a balloon artist and the local police team at a town centre fun day involving rides, games and raffles in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham on Easter Saturday, from noon to 3pm. facebook.com/NewtonAycliffeTownCentre

Northumberland petting zoo: Get close to the animals at an Easter Family Day petting zoo at Ridley Park in Blyth on Easter Saturday, from 11am to 3pm. blythtowncouncil.org.uk

Party in Thirsk: An Easter party with a local bake off, inflatables and a classic egg hunt is planned at Thirsk and Sowerby Institute in North Yorkshire on Easter Sunday, from 11am to 5pm. facebook.com/ThirskSowerbyInstitute

Newcastle no-strings fun: Enjoy a wide array of puppet shows across Newcastle over Easter, starting with a ‘giant beast’ parade. movingpartsarts.com

North Yorkshire daffs: Join the Easter tradition of taking a three-mile walk along the banks of the River Dove carpeted with daffs planted by monks at Farndale, North Yorkshire, all weekend. discoveryorkshirecoast.com

Cracking contest in Peterlee: The annual world championship of egg jarping – that’s banging boiled eggs together to see which is the hardest – is being held at Hearts of Oak in Peterlee, County Durham, on Easter Sunday at 3pm. facebook.com/theheartsofoak

THE MIDLANDS

Shropshire festival: Find growers, sewers, knitters, carvers and brewers at a fair at the British Ironworks Centre in Shropshire on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, from 10am to 3pm. britishironworkcentre.co.uk

Hereford Cathedral show: Hear the ‘Father Wills organ’ in full voice at a recital in the cathedral, with playing close-ups shown on a large screen on Easter Monday at 1.15pm.

Bunny hop in Worcestershire: Find hidden bunnies by following a town centre trail in Tenbury Wells all weekend, from 10am to 4pm. visitthemalverns.org

Wolverhampton fun for all: Meet Mother Goose and Bo Peep, search for eggs, make glitter tattoos and try your own balloon art at the Mander Centre on Easter Saturday, from 11am to 4pm. mandercentre.co.uk

Street circus in Oswestry: Roll up to see jugglers and clowns on Easter Saturday, and a treasure hunt, face painting and donkey rides on Good Friday in Oswestry, Shropshire. oneoswestry.co.uk

Herefordshire intrigue: Enjoy a ‘Gruffalo’ trail through the arboretum at Queenswood Country Park all weekend. queenswoodandbodenhamlake.org

Music in Oxford: An Easter Passiontide organ recital will be held at the medieval chapel at Magdalen College on Good Friday at 1.30pm. magd.ox.ac.uk

Leamington Spa parade: Take part in a fair with stalls, activities and a homemade bonnets show at The Parade on Easter Monday, from 10am to 4pm. warwickdc.gov.uk

Leicestershire bottle battle: A traditional Easter bottle-kicking parade and subsequent battle between two villages takes place at Hallaton, Leicestershire, on Easter Monday from 2pm. calendarcustoms.com

SCOTLAND

Capital celebrations: A band, choir and orchestra perform in a Christian Easter celebration at Usher Hall, in Edinburgh, on Easter Sunday at 7.30pm. originscotland.org

Castle forays: Historic Scotland holds Easter egg hunts at many of its castles, abbeys and palaces such as Skara Brae, St Andrews Castle and Fort George. It’s free to take part and member entry is free (new visitors pay an entry fee), all weekend from 9.30am to 5.30pm. historicenvironment.scot

Edinburgh egg hunt: Drop in for a day of Easter quizzes, trails and egg hunts around the grounds at Lauriston Castle on Easter Monday from 11am to 4pm. visitscotland.com

Fife fun: Enjoy a festival of arts, crafts and speciality food stalls in the centre of the pretty seaside town of Crail, Fife, on Easter Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. welcometofife.com

Magic on Mull: Visit artists in their studios dotted around Mull’s picturesque capital Tobermory from Good Friday to Easter Monday, 10am to 5pm. mytobermory.com

Egg hunt in Kirkcaldy: Scour a two-mile golf course trail for hidden eggs (not balls) at Dunnikier Park on Easter Sunday, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk

Baby chicks in Perth: Experience an Easter food, art and craft market at a farm shop with baby chicks hatching at Arngask Home Farm on Easter Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. facebook.com/arngaskfarm

New Lanark festivities: The historic village of New Lanark hosts an Easter market, egg rolling and egg hunt for high-tech 3D-printed Easter eggs on Easter Saturday. newlanark.org