I’ve always had a soft spot for the Skoda Superb, right from the first generation which looked like an Octavia that had been run through a photocopier at 110%. This new, fourth-generation model returns to its safe and sensible roots of 2001, although I’d argue that it looks a little too similar to the outgoing model. That’s pretty much where the criticism ends, though. The estate version of the car has already been driven, and my colleague Maxine Ashford said it was “ultimate proof that the estate car, especially in diesel guise, is still a winner.” We’ve had to wait a little longer for the ha ..read more

It takes many elements to come together to make a great camping experience, but just for a moment, forget glamping and let’s go back to basics and consider the biggest investment — the tent itself. If you’re a first-time tent buyer, things might look a little bit overwhelming — there are myriad tents on the market in different sizes, styles and price points. If you pick the right option for you and your family, it will likely serve you well for many years, so look at the bigger picture when deciding, particularly regarding the space it offers. You might only have a couple of toddlers to fit in ..read more

Nissan is promising to shake up urban driving by teaming up with Acciona and its mobility brand, Silence. Starting in October 2024, Nissan will be the exclusive distributor and service provider for Silence micro vehicles in the UK, building on its success across Europe This partnership means Nissan customers can soon enjoy a range of Silence’s electric vehicles, beginning with the tiny S04 Nanocar. Designed for nimble navigation through crowded city streets, the S04 comes in two models: the L6e and L7e. Both are perfect for urban driving, offering buyers a choice between electric range or perf ..read more

Whether you’re jetting off on a summer holiday or hitting the festival circuit, travelling light is vital. The right travel bag can make all the difference, offering flexibility, value for money — and even savings on flight costs. We’ve tested five different travel bags to help you find the perfect match for your needs and budget. From sun-soaked getaways and music festival campouts to spontaneous road trips, our top picks will have you covered… Helly Hansen Canyon Duffel Pack 35L Backpack £75 The Canyon Duffel Pack from Helly Hansen is an extremely lightweight backpack with ample space for ev ..read more

Summer is a great time to take your entertaining outdoors and enjoy a few cocktails with friends. If you want to spend more time drinking cocktails and less time preparing them, why not let someone else take the reigns and opt for ready-to-drink cocktails instead? We tried a few options, from well-loved classics to contemporary twists, and we weren’t disappointed.  Betty Booze 4x 335ml cans, £12 Last year, the UK saw the launch of Blake Lively’s adult-inspired soft drinks brand Betty Buzz. This summer, the Hollywood actress launched her second brand in the UK by introducing her premium re ..read more

For many, where to spend their hard-earned summer break is a simple choice — anywhere with sand, sea, and sun. But what if you could have some of that wrapped up with a bit of adventure, culture, mountains and jungle thrown in for good measure? This is the dream combination we found on a recent trip to Sri Lanka. It’s true that Sri Lanka hasn’t been a destination of choice in recent years; a civil war ended in 2009, leaving in its wake a not entirely unified population. Thankfully, things have been rather more stable recently, and with that and the Covid-19 pandemic behind them, Sri Lanka is w ..read more

Themed parties are a great favourite amongst children and preschoolers. You can draw your theme from anywhere – a special colour or motif such as a rainbow, a type of animal, or perhaps a fun place like a farm or a jungle. But some of the top themes are drawn from popular culture, particularly the television programmes your children and their contemporaries like to watch. Paw Patrol is a particular hit amongst the 2–6-year-olds, and with a colourful cast of characters having fantastic adventures, it’s easy to see why. It is also a great theme for a birthday party, and at PartyWorld, we are exp ..read more

Thierry Henry has collaborated with Parisian luggage brand Kabuto to create a range of suitcases that are as slick and stylish as he is. Unveiled today, the limited edition range was co-designed by Henry — a shareholder in the brand — and Kabuto’s team of in-house inventors and engineers, with the aim of revolutionising travel.  “I’ve travelled to countless destinations over three decades yet never managed to find suitcases that tick all the boxes — so being able to co-design this collection with Kabuto has been inspiring,” commented Henry. “Like all travellers, many things have frus ..read more

Whisky distilling has a rich and vibrant heritage in Scotland, and Fettercairn Distillery has been in the mix since the very early days. This year sees it reach its 200th anniversary, and to celebrate, Fettercairn Distillery has released an ultra-rare collection that honours not only the whisky but also the skill, dedication and vision of those master blenders who helped put its signature style on the whisky map — and we’ve tasted it.  Since it was first opened in 1824 by Alexander Ramsay, Fettercairn Distillery has taken an innovative and forward-thinking approach to whisky making. Ramsa ..read more

It always seemed to me that fishing was a sport that you either loved or hated. Even as a child, it never really held any appeal — it just seemed a rather slow way to spend a day. But not wishing to be closed-minded, when the idea of learning to fly fish with Fishing Breaks was suggested, I was up for the challenge. We headed to the beautiful Test Valley in Hampshire, famed for its chalk streams and fabulous countryside, to spend the day with a qualified instructor learning the basics of this most skilled form of fishing. Fishing Breaks was started over thirty years ago by experienced angler ..read more