Say ‘I Do’ to the Short Wedding Dress Trend Taking Over the World of Bridalwear
If you’re yet to say yes to the dress, look no further for a dose of seriously inspiring short bridal ‘fits sure to convert you to team mini...
Whilst typically wedding planners might suggest you opt for anything but items or styles dubbed ‘hottest trends’, there’s good reason to ignore that advice when thinking about 2022’s most dreamy bridal trend, taking over Pinterest boards everywhere.
Short wedding dresses are arguably the height of bridal style right now, giving their floor-length counterparts a serious run for their money as micro weddings, elopements and more relaxed celebrations continue to be on the rise following the pandemic. For those hoping to re-wear their dress, planning an uncomplicated town hall wedding, or who simply love the silhouette of all things mini, the short wedding dress makes for the perfect choice for both minimalist and maximalist lovers alike. And you’ll be in good company too! Celebrity brides including the likes of ultra-stylish Kourtney Kardashian, Lily Allen and Chiara Ferragni all opted for mini wedding dresses for either part, if not all, of their celebrations, bucking convention and accelerating the trend whilst doing so.
If you’re yet to say yes to the dress, look no further for a dose of seriously inspiring short bridal ‘fits sure to convert you to team mini…
We’ve teamed up with our friends at SheSpot to offer one lucky Zoella reader a bumper stack of self-care treats spanning mood-balancing sexual wellness products, a spa break for two, a subscription with Bloom & Wild, and not one but TWO top-tier sex toys.
From the stress of the cost of living crisis to political instability and the end of the European leg of Harry Styles Love on Tour *cries to the tune of ‘Matilda’* – National Wellness Month 2022 couldn’t come soon enough.
Not ones to turn down an opportunity to celebrate downtime and make wellness the centre of our universe, August seems as good a time as any to take a deep breath, hit the pause button and focus on taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. And what better way to mark this glorious date in the calendar than with a feel-good giveaway, guaranteed to boost your spirits, combat stress and equip you with everything you could ever need to make this month your happiest yet?
We’ve teamed up with our friends at SheSpot to offer one lucky Zoella reader a bumper stack of self-care treats spanning mood-balancing sexual wellness products, a spa break for two, a subscription with Bloom & Wild, and not one but TWO top-tier sex toys. Leo season just got even better!
To be in with a chance of winning the juicy self-care bundle worth over £1,000, simply enter your name and contact email address below, and keep reading for a look at the list of prizes up for grabs…
Classic spa break for two – Win a spa break gift voucher for two from Spabreaks.com – Wellness Month – we understood the assignment! Grab your other half or bestie and indulge in a one-night bed and breakfast, full use of leisure facilities and one relaxing 25-minute treatment per person. Choose from a wide variety of spa hotels across the UK.
A flower subscription with Bloom & Wild – Receive flowers through your letterbox every 28 days for 6 deliveries. Full of the stems Bloom & Wild florists love using all-year round, their beautiful bouquets are guaranteed to make you smile, reduce stress and boost your mood. All power to the petals.
Biird Namii – Biird’s new 2-in-1 clitoral stimulator made from ultra-soft silicone. Designed to dive into your desires (and your partner’s), Namii comes with both suction and vibration functions which can be used independently or at the same time. Even better, Namii works hands-free! The icing on the cake? Its elegant magnetic charging base doubles as a mood light. Happy National Wellness Month indeed!
BiirdEvii – As featured in the SheSpot x Zoella collaboration box. Tap into your hidden desires with the Evii. Combining a squishy silicone body and two powerful motors, Evii™ delivers smooth vibrations and instant orgasms. Biird are also throwing in a pair of clitoris socks and earrings, here to remind us all of the importance of sexual equality!
Mallows Beauty Pineapple Enzyme Skincare Range – The Mallows Beauty best-selling mask plus the rest of the family: Cleanser, Toner, Moisturiser and Spot Treatment Gel to go with it.
SheSpot Autumn Box – First access to the SheSpot Autumn Box launching 1st of September, featuring a curated selection of self-love treats from luxury sexual wellness brands as well as the limited edition Pleasure Pouch exclusive to the SheSpot x Zoella collab box! This fairtrade organic cotton bag is the ultimate travel companion and perfect for storing your sexual wellness goodies.
Ilapothecary Feminine Happy Oil – A mood-balancing blend of fragrant essential oils for all-over body nourishment. The synergistic combination of sandalwood (known to balance the pituitary) rose, jasmine and herbs creates a powerfully soothing, beautifully feminine oil for the body. This happy oil is ideal for times of stress, fatigue, plain moodiness or moments when you feel out of touch with your soft, feminine goodness.
Ilapothecary SOS Body Balm – A miracle herbal balm which is perfect for summer. It helps soothe sunburn and mosquito bites, relieve bruises, aching muscles and swollen joints, as well as deeply soothe and calm dry skin, thanks to a divine smelling mix of powerful remedial ingredients such as Arnica, Blue chamomile, which are powerful anti-inflammatories, in addition to Rose Geranium, Lavender, and Sandalwood.
Ilapothecary Speak Your Truth Aroma Roller – A delightful pulse point that has a rich, feminine scent, combining the Mothers of Aromatherapy – Rose and Sandalwood, with a hint of sweet, uplifting vanilla. The resulting flowery scent is harmonising, romantic and sensuous. It helps ground and carry you into a positive dimension where anything is possible.
Ilapothecary Quiet Start Body Scrub – A sensuous and nurturing exfoliating scrub, ideal for those times when your skin feels a little lacklustre and dry. Jasmine hydrates and prompts a feel-good feeling, whilst Pearl helps to cocoon and leaves your skin with a lovely sheen. The Himalayan salts help to remove rough areas of skin leaving you feeling fresh and revitalised.
Quanna self-care bundle – Oomf 50ml bottle and Sensual CBD bath bomb. Self-care begins with mindful ingredients such as premium-grade CBD, which helps you attain peak bliss by unwinding any muscle tension and casting away intrusive thoughts.
An online membership to StrongHer – say hello to the PT in your pocket! You’ll get a 1-month online membership to StrongHer Online – the women-only strength training, HIIT and flexibility experts, and will get to choose between Strength or Shred concepts. If you’re London-based, you can exchange that for a StrongHer gym membership IRL. You’ll also get a VIP voucher to get £25 off your next pair of sports trainers from their partner AISLE3 and a set of 3 amazing booty bands (light, medium and heavy) to re-activate those glutes.
As well as the main giveaway, there will also be three runners-up prizes up for grabs. Good luck! Entries close on Monday 29th August 12:01am (UK time) and the winner will be announced on 31st August.
Spoiler: Fashion’s Latest Barbiecore Trend Is More Wearable Than You Think
Barbiecore has been crowned fashion's newest 'it girl' after photos of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on set of the new Barbie movie broke the Internet earlier this summer, and it's not hard to see why...
Margot Robbie has influenced many a trend over the years, be it from her perfect blonde locks to her enviable glowing skin. Latest on the list we hear you ask? All pink everything. Barbiecore has been crowned fashion’s newest ‘it girl’ after photos of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on set of the new Barbie movie broke the Internet earlier this summer, and it’s not hard to see why…
The trend celebrates everything that dopamine dressing and hyperfemininity is all about, and from pretty pastel to vibrant hot pinks, there’s no such thing as OTT when rocking this trend- that is, according to fashion’s biggest A-listers. From Sebastian Stan’s striking hot pink Valentino getup at this year’s Met Gala, to Lizzo and Harry Styles’ matching pink Gucci looks at Coachella, anyone who is anyone is wearing pink, pink and more pink. Greta Girwig’s Barbie is set to drop in 2023, and the trend is only anticipated to grow as its release draws closer.
Alas, for us normal folk a head-to-toe magenta look might not feel quite so attainable, so if you’re seeking a slightly more wearable way to inject a slice of Barbie into your wardrobe, get your bank cards at the ready…
Date Ideas Designed With Each Love Language In Mind
Consider these date night ideas the perfect way to express and receive love in a way that means you and your S/O feel truly seen and loved.
Quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts and physical touch- we are of course talking about the 5love languages, aka the different ways we give and receive love. Said by some to have the biggest impact on relationship satisfaction and longevity, these categories were originally created by counsellor Gary Chapman in 1992, and have since formed the basis for much of what we know about relationship success. Simply put: without knowing your partner’s love language, any consistent effort to show up for them could be falling on deaf ears if it doesn’t fit with the ways they wish to receive love- effectively showcasing romantic feelings is all about recognising your partner’s individual needs.
The official 5 Love Languages website has a comprehensive quiz designed to help you discover your primary love language, what it means, and how you can use it to better connect with your loved ones, and once both you and your partner are on the same page it’s time to put into practice your new-found knowledge.
Whether your partner taking certain tasks off your hands is what makes your heart swell, or the idea of them picking up your favourite snacks on the way home makes you feel most connected to them, consider these date night ideas the perfect way to express and receive love in a way that means you and your S/O feel truly seen and loved.
Your partner feels loved when you carve out time specifically for them, giving them your full focus and attention without distraction. Whether this means putting your phone on ‘do not disturb’ or scheduling dates that require you to both be fully engaged in what the other one is saying, quality time is very different to the time you may spend together watching your favourite show or doing the weekly shop.
A Digital detox
Whether part of your weekend away or simply an add-on to your at-home dinner date, suggesting a digital detox where both of your devices are locked away in another room is an easy way to share time with your partner and give them your undivided attention.
A Road trip
Grab the snacks, make a curated playlist especially for them and hit the road, baby! Car chats are the best chats and the long open road ahead of you is surprisingly prime time for spending time one on one.
Block out their diary with a midweek date night
Essentially, a quality time lover’s wet dream, taking the initiative to make plans of your own accord and letting them in on the details later is a surefire way to win over those who are forever looking forward to the next date night.
Breakfast in bed
Simple, effective, beautifully intimate, a weekend brunch in bed is the stuff dreams are made of. Whip up a stack of fluffy pancakes or even order a McDonald’s to your door and start the day off together making eyes across a Sausage and Egg McMuffin.
A Spa Weekend
The ultimate digital detox, a day at the spa disconnecting from the outside world is the perfect way to spend quality time together whilst both feeling relaxed to the max. Massages, a dip in the pool and a glass of bubbly over lunch, what’s not to love?!
A weekend away
Perhaps the most costly and extravagant date option but one that will no doubt have quality time lovers weak at the knees, a weekend away dedicated purely to spending 48 hours with one another is the ultimate treat for those who value experiences and intimate time away with their partner. Whether it’s a U.K staycation to a new city or a more lowkey camping trip within an hour of home, it’s the thought that counts for those who never tire of hanging out with their other half.
Some words are felt deeper than others, and those who value words of affirmation tend to feel most connected to their partner upon hearing kind words or compliments- the less generic the better! These words of encouragement don’t have to be spoken aloud either, and could instead include a simple hand-written note or card.
Write each other a love letter during an at-home dinner date
If delivering a heartfelt speech across dinner feels a little try-hard for your liking, a more achievable, less self-ick-inducing date idea might include a romantic home-cooked dinner, followed by exchanging cards or letters to one another that are filled with kind words and true expressions of your feelings. Your S/O will treasure it forever!
Recreate your first date
There’s nothing like heading back to the location of your first date or time you met to evoke some serious heartfelt feelings, triggering heartfelt exchanges aplenty as you reflect on how far you have come as a couple and the feelings that have grown during your time together. Pass the tissues!
Plan a scavenger hunt, featuring heartfelt notes
Perfect for a special occasion date or to spice up your monthly date night, organising a scavenger hunt around your city or home is the perfect way to sneak some words of affirmation and compliments into your time together, including sentimental words that are sure to leave a lasting impact.
Organise a matching tattoo session
For long term lovers and those in committed relationships, a matching tattoo is not only the perfect way to immortalise your love, but can also act as a permanent reminder of a meaningful word between you, a phrase from a Valentine’s Card you treasure or a song lyric that speaks to you both. Commitment has never felt sexier.
Visit a book store and buy each other a new book
Words of a different nature here, but for those who value words of affirmation, picking out a romantic, sentimental or poignant book you think they would love will likely trigger big feelings. Write a meaningful note in the front and boom- dream gift, secured.
Acts of service lovers feel most valued when their partner does something to actively make their life easier- be it cooking a meal, or running an errand without being asked, taking time to prioritise their partner by helping to reduce stresses where possible is an act of service lovers dream.
Organise a cooking class together
Practical actions are an act of service lovers dream, meaning organising an activity like a cooking class that can benefit both of you will get a big thumbs up. Bonus points if you listen carefully enough to recreate the recipes at home!
Take part in their hobby
It’s about actions over words, and taking part in a hobby of theirs- especially if it’s something you don’t normally do- is earning you major brownie points for AOS lovers. Take the initiative to join in and immerse yourself in their world and they will love you even more for it.
Surprise them with a mid-week lunch date
Unexpected “I’m outside” texts are hot, end of story. Surprise your other half at work by taking them out for lunch when you know they’re having a stressful week and alleviate some of that pressure with a debrief and hug over a Katsu Curry. Ask them what you can do to help and be there to support them when things feel heavy- they’ll be eternally grateful.
Make a playlist for them and listen to it together
Music is often the way to the heart, and this date idea will ensure they feel truly seen and appreciated. Surprise your S/O with a playlist to make them smile- whether it’s a combination of meaningful songs from your relationship or new tunes you think they would love- and listen to it together with a glass of wine in hand.
Although this love language may on the surface appear materialistic, gift giving is far more about thoughtfulness than the value of a present. Gift giving reminds your partner that they are on your mind, no matter how small or inexpensive the gift is, and affirms to them that even when you are apart you are thinking of ways to make them smile.
Pottery painting
Head to your nearest BYOB pottery painting and prepare for the most wholesome date of all. Not only is it a perfect way to spend quality time together, but you both get something to take away and keep forever- cute AF!
Head to a gallery and hit up the gift shop
The perfect way to spend a rainy day, local galleries, museums and exhibitions can offer hours of intrigue and fun. Finish your cultured date with a visit to the gift shop and purchase a memento for your S/O- be it a keyring, book or poster, your gift loving partner will treasure it.
Surprise them with gig tickets
Be it as part of a birthday or Christmas gift or just because, experiencing a concert together is a memory that’s sure to last, and organising and purchasing the tickets for your partner is the ultimate impressive date night.
PYO patch
Summer and autumn dates just got a whole lot more outdoorsy thanks to the humble Pick Your Own strawberry/blackberry/pumpkin/squash fields up and down the country. Pay for your partner’s pickings and head home to carve your pumpkins, bake a blackberry crumble or make a refreshing glass of Pimm’s with a selection of juicy strawberries. Yum!
Ring Making
The ultimate in romantic gestures with an end result your partner will hold dear to their heart, a ring making workshop is the perfect choice for creative couples looking to create a lasting memory together. Stuck for inspo? We had bundles of fun making our own rings with Cast!
Those who value physical touch above all other love languages feel most loved when receiving affection through touch, be it a hug, sex, holding hands, an arm around your shoulders in public. Serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin are released when we touch those we love, with oxytocin in particular being known as the bonding hormone. Physical touch lovers are more likely to enjoy public displays of affection and spontaneous kisses or touching of skin.
Couples Massage
Grab the hot oil, light some candles and prepare for a sensual evening like no other. You need not be a professional masseuse to impress your partner with this date idea- sparks will be flying no matter what once the lights are dimmed and clothes are removed…
Book a dance class
From swing to ballroom, foxtrot to tango, a dance class in which you’re up close and personal with your partner is sure to inspire some flirty fun. Start the night over a drink in your gladrags and enjoy some quality time strutting your stuff together and enjoying physical touch galore.
Share a booth at dinner
Dinner just got upgraded with this spin on your normal date night. Find a restaurant where you can share a booth and enjoy a delicious meal and drinks sat side by side. This simple switch to your normal routine offers a chance for your partner to feel physically close to you, and will truly make their heart sing.
Walk a new route holding hands
Sometimes the less expensive dates are the best ones, and really who can top a Sunday morning walk with a coffee and your love? Grab a pastry and find somewhere scenic to sit, before continuing your stroll hand in hand, feeling the love radiate between you both.
Hot in The Office: Classic Movies, Brighton Restaurants & Best of TikTok
In this week’s HITO, we’re ‘fessing up to the classic films we’ve never seen, sharing our favourite Brighton restaurants, the TikTok accounts that have us in a chokehold and the iconic movies we've actually never seen...
Got a good quick-fire question for the team? Get in touch over on Instagram!
Ask any book lover what’s at the top of their bucket list and you can guarantee it’ll be a room of one’s own. And by room, we mean home library or a cosy hideaway to spend quality time with their beloved stack.
Between the pages of a book is always a good place to be but finding a position that’s a) comfortable and b) you can hold for the long haul, is another story altogether. Pins and needles, cramp, paper cuts to the forehead – bookworms know the struggle all too well.
Ask any book lover what’s at the top of their bucket list and you can guarantee it’ll be a room of one’s own. And by room, we mean home library or a cosy hideaway to spend quality time with their beloved stack.
If a separate space in your house isn’t readily available, rest assured the same peaceful sanctuary can be achieved with a bit of creativity, considered design and mood lighting. Whether you want to spruce up a wasted corner of your bedroom with a comfy armchair or go full-on Beauty and the Beast style with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, the spaces below will inspire your slice of interior calm, inviting you to recline in style, be it in the comforting embrace of a reading nook, a cosy alcove for the kids or a restful window seat with a view. Hibernation mode: activated.
Keeping things light and airy makes for a calming space to settle down with a good classic.
Interiors guru Kate Watson-Smyth’s living room-cum-library is every bibliophile’s idea of heaven. Top of our list? Those vintage Jindrich Halabala chairs.
Layer up bookshelves with their favourite reads and use faux sheepskin and cute decorative items such as string lighting, bunting and cuddly toys to create an inviting space where you can both wind down before bedtime.
The era of spiced cocktails is upon us, and we’re not mad about it. As Picantes andJalapeño Rosé become the new ‘it’ girls on the drinks menu, it’s clear that warming beverages are not just for winter…
Soho House’s iconic Picante is partly responsible for this trend- a fresh, zingy cocktail that packs a punch thanks to the crushed chilli inclusion- yum!
Understandably, not everyone fancies heading to a members-only club for their hit of heat, so we’ve compiled a list of 10 spicy drink recipes easy enough to make from the comfort of your own home.
From a Bloody Maria to a Spicy Cayenne Paloma, bookmark these delicious drinks for times when you’re seeking some serious heat, even as the end of the summer season draws closer. *Cries*
Spicy Mango Margarita
Heatwave in a glass, this spicy mango marg is the perfect balance of fruit + a little somethin’ somethin’ to bring the sunshine to your living room. Using fresh mango, Triple Sec, lime juice and an extra special jalapeño shot to finish things off, it’s a fruity glass of joy sure to put smiles on the faces of all your guests. Brb, off to add fresh mangoes to our Tesco repeat order list…
Spicy Paloma
If you’re in the market for a boozy brunch, look no further than the humble Paloma to satisfy your desire for alcohol + hydration in one. Perfect for a midday hit thanks to its citrus, grapefruit flavours, it makes for a delicious accompaniment to a stack of savoury topped pancakes or french toast. This *spicy* version has a hint of something hot thanks to the Tajn coated rim (chilli, salt and dehydrated lime juice seasoning, FYI) ensuring your day starts off with a bang!
Spicy Cucumber Cooler
Want a beverage that feels like one of your 5 a day? Look no further than the cucumber cooler. This fresh and fun tequila based cocktail is made with cucumber, jalapeño (what’s a cocktail without a bit of spice in 2022 anyway?) agave and mint before being blended, strained and served over a generous portion of ice. Beware though, this hot weather classic is so dreamy you might forget it’s alcoholic…
Jalapeño Rosé
Introducing 2022’s hottest alcohol trend: Jalapeño Rosé. A crisp glass of wine on a warm day hits different, so imagine our joy when TikTok’s latest trend involves a delicious glass of Rosé + our favourite spicy accompaniment. Simply pour yourself a glass of your fave rosé, add a handful of ice cubes and a few slices of jalapeño and boom, you’ve got yourself a refreshing, spicy glass of sweetness that is a must-try for wine lovers far and wide.
Spicy Marg Mocktail
For the hangover days, the times when you need a detox or for those who don’t dabble in the world of alcohol, you need not miss out on the spicy drinks trend this summer with this Jalapeño infused margarita mocktail- because who doesn’t love a salty rim? With the same delicious flavours as a regular marg, this alcohol free version is one to toast on a Sunday evening ahead of a fresh week.
Bloody Maria
Another use for your favourite Tajin seasoning, this Bloody Maria is equal parts delicious, equal parts likely to get you feeling wavy over your weekend fry up. Another tequila based cocktail, add in some premade Bloody Mary mix and a generous serving of ice before pouring into your most aesthetic glass. Garnish with some lemon, olives, cucumber and baby pickles on a cocktail stick for the ultimate cafe brunch at home and voila, your Sunday morning just got upgraded.
Habanero Ginger Beergarita
Not a tequila girl? We’ve got you. This Beergarita is a beach girl’s dream, adding a fresh twist to the usual margarita by topping it with a cool bottle of Corona with the classic spiced rim we know and love. Perfect served at upcoming summer BBQs or to impress the girls ahead of your Saturday night in, this gingery delight tastes as good as it looks. Tequila lovers, grab your coupe glasses and prepare to be converted!
Spicy Old fashioned
Whiskey lovers rejoice, a drink with a hit is still on the cards for you with this spicy old fashioned that’s perfect for the upcoming autumn season. Made with whiskey, agave syrup, firewater and umami bitters and finished off with orange peel, this traditional whiskey cocktail is a sweet hit of warmth from start to finish. With little dilution and no significant mixer, it’s a strong one, so beware of trying it both too early or too late into the night…
Spicy Cayenne Paloma
Blood oranges – along with jalapeños and tequila – have certainly had their moment in the drinks world, and this spicy Paloma gives them another opportunity to shine in a vibrant pink drink sure to top your go-to list. Warmed up with a generous serving of cayenne powder to add that sought-after *spice* we’re oh-so fond of, it’s then complemented by citrusy grapefruit, lemon and limes for the ultimate summer beverage your friends will be requesting the recipe for.
Smoked Rosemary Negroni Sour
Another one to bookmark as the cooler weather gradually makes its approach, the Negroni Sour is a classic Italian cocktail with a twist, featuring Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Gin, Rosemary syrup, lemon juice, a splash of orange juice and an egg white. The smoked rosemary flavour makes it perfect for the autumn season, adding a subtle warmth that’s like sitting next to a smouldering open fire with a good book. De-lish!
Incredible Wild Swimming Spots In The UK You Have To Visit
From tranquil river swims to idyllic ponds, grab your swimmers, your sea shoes and your picnicware, along with your best adventurous self - these are some of the best outdoor swimming pools mother nature has to offer.
Summer solstice may have slipped away like a bottle of lukewarm supermarket wine, but what better way to make the most of the last of the sunshine than by immersing yourself in nature, Where the Crawdads style, and taking a wild dip?
Beyond the endless physical benefits, outdoor swimming is an exceedingly good way to de-stress by cultivating mindfulness and anchoring you into the present (‘cuse the pun).
From tranquil river swims to idyllic ponds, grab your swimmers, your sea shoes and your picnicware, along with your best adventurous self – these are some of the best outdoor swimming pools mother nature has to offer.
Here’s to being carefree and blissfully buoyant (but also, slightly paranoid about swallowing algae).
1. Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Sparkling azure waters are not limited to the Balearic Islands, people. Hidden in the cliffs above the Abereiddy Beach, you’ll discover Pembrokeshire’s magical blue lagoon, surrounded by sandy beaches and clifftops. Whilst it might be slightly colder than the Mediterranean, crowds flock to the 25m deep man-made quarry every summer to swim, kayak or simply enjoy the stunning coastal walks. Whether you opt to take to the open water, book a coasteering tour or stay dry and admire the view from the shoreline, it’s a must-visit playground for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. For those who are not brave of heart, bring a wetsuit.
2. Beckenham Park, London
This delightful Georgian swimming lake at the heart of Beckenham Place Park has been lovingly restored to its former glory over the last few years, welcoming bathers and water sports enthusiasts from across the city and further afield. If you’re looking to escape the hurly burly of London life, spend the morning here in perfect solitude, with the exception of a few feathered friends who also flock to the area to get their wings wet. Who can blame ‘em! Book ahead to reserve a slot (open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7am to 3pm).
3. Grantchester Meadows, Cambridge
If you’ve already ticked off punting, grab your swimmers and head to Lord Byron’s famous bathing grounds about a 30 minute walk from the city centre, where a picturesque stretch of the River Cam fringed by willows and accompanied by bursts of birdsong awaits.
After cooling off in the river, recline in a deckchair under an apple tree at the Orchard Tea Garden, a favourite haunt for the Bloomsbury Set who came to picnic, swim and discuss their work in this corner of England where time stands still. The ultimate summertime unwinding!
4. River Derwent near Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
As afternoons go, whiling away the hours in this quintessentially English spot is like tonic for the soul. With Chatsworth House for a backdrop – thought to be the inspiration for Pemberley in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – wild swimming doesn’t get more romantic than this. Until you ruin the pleasant quietude with a cannonball of course. Got to be done!
5. River Wharfe at Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire, England
The River Wharfe is set in front of the majestic Bolton Abbey ruins. Packed with charm and character aplenty, it’s the ultimate period drama plunge and the perfect place for a paddle and a picnic. Just a word of warning – absolutely avoid the nearby Strid section at the point where the river is at its narrowest. The full force of the river flows through this rocky channel of indeterminate depth and the undercurrents and hidden ledges are notoriously dangerous. Stick to the shallows near the stepping stones by the abbey ruins.
6. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
One of the most famous attractions on the Isle of Skye, the fairy pools is as enchanting as its name suggests. Tinged with pinks and greens thanks to the presence of quartz in the rocks and surrounded by some of Britain’s best mountains, it’s easy to see why these storybook waters entice visitors from all over the world. Pack your goggles and your wet suit though, this wild swimming spot may be fanciful but it’s also chuffing freezing. Layer up, water nymphs!
7. Lough Shannagh, Mourne Mountains, County Down, Northern Ireland
A wide open loch framed by the stunning Mourne Mountains and boasting crystal clear, refreshingly cold waters, Lough Shannagh is sure to make for one unforgettable dip. Wim Hof who?
8. Hampstead Ponds, London
No wild swimming guide would be complete without mentioning this famous bathing spot. With your pick of three sites – the mixed gender pond, the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond and the Highgate men’s pond – you can escape the sweltering city heat by taking the plunge in these 250-year-old reservoirs before catching some rays in one of London’s best loved parks. The men’s and ladies’ ponds are open all year round, so should you wish to dip your toes into cold water therapy, this is the place to give it a try.
9. Barcombe Mills, East Sussex
This 5km stretch of the River Ouse near Lewes is perfect for fishing, boating and swimming due to its lack of current. Surrounded by bucolic fields and grassy banks, you can easily while away an afternoon here, dipping and drying off in the sun.
Bring plenty of picnic supplies and sun cream and make a day of it with the family, or head to the nearby Anchor Inn for a lovely riverside lunch. Those looking to get their boating fix can hire boats from the pub for £8 per adult for one hour.
10. Rydal Water, near Ambleside, Lake District
For a serene early morning dip combined with one of the most beautiful walks in the Lake District, take a leaf out of Wordsworth’s book and head to Rydal Water. It is reputed that this was the great poet’s favoured spot for relaxing and taking in the bucolic scenery and when you experience the view for yourself, it’s easy to see why these tranquil waters and exceptionally pretty trails inspired so much of his poetry.
At 15 metres deep and only 1 mile long, this lake is one of the first to warm up in the summer season, making it a great place to come if you’re new to wild swimming. After you’ve worked up an appetite, stop off at Grasmere to snap up some of their world-famous spicy-sweet gingerbread.
As always, please take due care when outdoor swimming and follow the standard safety guidelines:
Don’t jump into water you have not checked for depth and obstructions
Make sure you know how you will get out before you get in
Never swim alone
Come prepared with warm clothes before and after a swim
Never swim in urban rivers, stagnant lakes or reedy shallows
Wear footwear if you can
Look out for blue-green algae that can irritate the skin and make you sick if you swallow the water
From the smell of rain in the summer to the sound of wine cascading into a glass, these are a few of the modest pleasures that fill you with joie de vivre and charm your soul into a state of euphoria.
Be it the way the summer breeze dances with the pages of your book, dreamy watercolour sunsets or the way a friend plucks a flying ant out of your hair without hesitation (an act of love), paying attention to the subtle but significant ways that joy can show up has the power to transform your life, enhancing your day-to-day happiness and overall well being.
Rejoicing in the gentle beauty of everyday existence helps you cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude for the simplest of pleasures, shifting your focus away from what’s lacking in your life to what’s there in glorious abundance.
If you’re in need of some inspiration, soak up this collection of magnificent mini things. From the smell of rain in the summer to the sound of wine cascading into a glass, these are a few of the modest pleasures that fill you with joie de vivre and charm your soul into a state of euphoria; the things that make you believe in the magic of living, if you slow down for long enough to savour them.
1. When they remember something important you said in passing
2. “This made me think of you”
3. A tight hug
4. Listening to you with curiosity when they ask how you are (top tier)
5. “I want you there!”
6. Comfortable silence with your pals
7. Turning their phone over on the table. It says they’re really here.
8. Getting a flying ant out of your hair without asking
9. Tearing off hunks of warm, freshly baked bread
10. Time to yourself
11. Fresh bed sheets
12. The sound of wine being poured
13. That first mouthful of dessert
14. Hearing the rain beating down on the window when you’re cosy indoors
15. Realising that a setback was actually your awakening
16. Swimming in the moonlight
17. Cloud-gazing
18. Someone messaging you, just as you were thinking about them
19. Your luggage being the first out on the baggage carousel – you are the chosen one
20. Finding money you didn’t know you had
21. Bank holidays that are actually *sunny*
22. Losing track of time
23. Putting your Out Of Office on before your holiday. The feeling is unmatched.
24. A song coming on the radio and taking you right back the time you first heard it
25. Walking in the rain on a summer’s day
26. “I appreciate you”
27. Dating yourself. Romanticise your life.
28. The first cup of coffee in the morning. Elite.
29. Wildflowers nodding in the wind
30. The way music sounds different in the heat of the summer
31. Indistinct chatter when you’re at the beach – children playing, bottles popping, cutlery on plates from nearby restaurants, waves lapping
32. The way the wind dances with the pages of a book
33. Overheard conversations, “Excuse me daddy, I love you” <3
34. The sweet honey tones of August’s golden hour light
35. Having no plans – because that IS a plan. Rest is productive.
36. “Have you had your lunch yet?”
37. A heartfelt thank you
38. Watching clothes drying on the line; the air perfumed with roses, the gentle breeze caressing the linen
39. Getting a car park space just as someone is leaving
40. The odd occasion when you’re trying to organise a night out with the girls and everyone just so happens to be free on the same day. Hallelujah. The stars have aligned, as has the jalapeño rose.
41. White Magnums in summer
42. Seeing a dog run through fields. Only their flapping ears are visible.
43. “Do you want me to do your back” SPF kindness – a love language
44. A ‘picky bits’ dinner
45. Going for a drive at sunset
46. “Just checking in” texts
47. Hearing the buzzing of bees, flying from flower to flower
48. Rising with the sun and starting your day gently
49. “Text me when you get home”
50. Rearranging your room. It’s like gardening for the mind.
24 Gifts Every New Parent Will Be Eternally Grateful To Receive
From frozen meals for when the 3am feed leaves mum's stomach rumbling too, to a pair of soft AF new pyjamas to sink into during that first welcome night at home, consider these the new baby essentials that every first time parent will be forever grateful to receive...
So, life just changed big time for one of your besties/family members/colleagues, and after 9 long months of preparation and weird and wonderful cravings, they just welcomed a tiny bundle of joy into the world- cue the ‘awwws’ from across the hospital ward.
Amongst the teary eyes and milky cuddles, your loved one is likely experiencing a considerable dose of overwhelm too, as the reality of their new life sets in and a dreamy 8 hours of consistent sleep seems like a distant memory. And whilst flowers, balloons and chocolates will all be gratefully received, what can you actually buy for new mums and dads that is sure to make their life easier?
From frozen meals for when the 3am feed leaves mum’s stomach rumbling too, to a pair of soft AF new pyjamas to sink into during that first welcome night at home, consider these the new baby essentials that every first time parent will be forever grateful to receive…
