Parul Sharma

The Guns of Navarone, J. Lee Thompson’s 1961 war drama adapted from Alistair MacLean’s novel, is now available to stream on Netflix. Set in 1943, it follows a commando team attempting to destroy German guns on the Greek island of Navarone and rescue trapped Allied troops. Starring Gregory Peck, David Niven and Anthony Quinn, the film is praised for its action, performances, locations and lasting appeal, with a 92% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating. Its fictional story was partly inspired by the Battle of Leros during the Second World War.

Netflix’s six-part crime drama Griselda, starring Sofía Vergara as Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco, has attracted strong audience and critic praise since its January 2024 release. Viewers describe it as a gripping, well-acted and binge-worthy 10/10 series, with particular acclaim for Vergara’s performance. The show reached number one in Netflix rankings across 90 countries and earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. A lawsuit brought by Blanco’s son and heir, Michael Corleone Blanco, and his wife over alleged unauthorized use of the family’s likeness was dismissed with prejudice in February 2024. The series remains available to stream on Netflix.

The British television adaptation of Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallander novels is available to stream for free on Channel 4. Starring Kenneth Branagh as Swedish detective Kurt Wallander, the four-season series has been praised for its complex mysteries, Swedish landscapes, emotional depth, cinematography and performances. It adapted multiple Wallander novels and short stories, won an International Emmy and six BAFTA Television Awards, and holds a 90% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

DI Ray, an ITV police drama led by Parminder Nagra as Birmingham detective Rachita Ray, is praised by critics and viewers as an underrated, gripping series with a distinctive focus on racism, tokenism and the experiences of a British South Asian female officer. Created by Maya Sondhi and produced by Jed Mercurio, the two-series drama is noted for its strong ensemble cast, thoughtful character study, police-procedural elements and predominantly British Asian representation. DI Ray is available to stream on ITVX.

Viewers and critics are strongly praising ITV’s Foyle’s War, a historical detective drama created by Anthony Horowitz and starring Michael Kitchen as DCS Christopher Foyle. Set during and after the Second World War, the eight-season series is celebrated for its authentic performances, thoughtful storytelling and detailed historical context. It received three BAFTA Television Award nominations, winning one, and is currently available to stream for free on ITVX.

Channel 4 is streaming Harry Wild for free, a comedy crime drama starring Jane Seymour as an Irish amateur detective. Created by David Logan and co-written with Jo Spain, the series has attracted praise for its Agatha Christie-style mysteries, Dublin and Irish settings, quirky characters, humorous dialogue and Seymour’s performance. Critics and viewers describe it as a cosy, clever and entertaining mystery series, making it particularly appealing to fans of classic detective fiction.

ITV’s Karen Pirie, adapted from Val McDermid’s Inspector Karen Pirie novels, is receiving strong praise from critics and audiences for its refreshing young detective, suspenseful mysteries, writing and acting. The series stars Lauren Lyle and has earned awards recognition, including a BAFTA Scotland win for Lyle, while its two seasons adapt The Distant Echo and A Darker Domain. The drama is available to stream free on ITVX.

The BBC’s five-season adaptation of Winston Graham’s Poldark novels is streaming on Netflix and has attracted strong praise from critics and viewers. Set between 1781 and 1801, the 43-episode series stars Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark alongside Eleanor Tomlinson and others. Fans describe it as gripping, addictive, beautifully cast and faithful to the books, with some comparing its appeal to Downton Abbey.

The Mirror highlights The Man Who Knew Infinity, Matthew Brown’s biographical period drama about Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, which is now streaming on Netflix. The film follows Ramanujan’s journey from poverty to Cambridge University during World War I and his intellectual partnership with mathematician G. H. Hardy. Starring Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons, the film has received strong critical and audience praise for its performances, period detail, emotional depth and compelling portrayal of a mathematical genius.

Whitstable Pearl, a British crime drama starring Kerry Godliman as restaurant owner and private detective Pearl Nolan, is attracting comparisons with Vera and Shetland. Based on Julie Wassmer’s novels, the series has earned praise for its performances, humour, setting and cosy-mystery tone, but Acorn TV has cancelled it after three seasons, leaving viewers without a fourth series. The show is available to stream for free on Channel 4.

The Mirror recommends Anne with an E, Netflix’s period-drama adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Created by Moira Walley-Beckett and first aired by Canada’s CBC in 2017 before its global Netflix release, the series follows orphan Anne Shirley after she is mistakenly sent to adoptive siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Critics and viewers praised its fresh interpretation, writing, performances—particularly Amybeth McNulty’s—and emotional impact. The series is available to stream on Netflix.

Potatoes should be stored away from onions because onions emit ethylene gas, which accelerates potato sprouting and softening, while moisture from potatoes can cause onions to mould. The article recommends keeping both vegetables separate in cool, dark, dry conditions, storing potatoes in the fridge where possible, and freezing cooked potatoes to reduce food waste. Aldi research cited in the article estimates that 4.4 million potatoes are wasted daily in the UK and that the average Briton discards about £387 worth of food annually.

The 2005 period drama Under the Greenwood Tree, adapted from Thomas Hardy’s early novel, is now available on Amazon Prime Video. Written for the screen by Ashley Pharoah and directed by Nicholas Laughland, the film stars Keeley Hawes and James Murray in a Victorian romance involving a village schoolteacher and three suitors. Viewer reviews praise its performances, scenery, music, costumes, humour and unusually cheerful tone, with several calling it one of the best adaptations of Hardy’s work.

Washing towels at lower temperatures can help preserve their softness, with experts recommending 30–40°C for most towels and up to 60°C for white or heavily used towels. Using the correct amount of detergent, avoiding overloading the machine, washing towels separately, and allowing them room to move during the cycle can reduce residue buildup and fibre damage. Good-quality 100% cotton towels and suitable drying practices also help maintain fluffiness.

Channel 4 is streaming The Serpent Queen, a two-season historical drama about Catherine de’ Medici, the controversial 16th-century Queen of France. Created by Justin Haythe and inspired by Leonie Frieda’s biography, the series stars Samantha Morton as the older Catherine and Liv Hill as her younger self. It has earned a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, with critics and viewers praising its performances, wit, complex depiction of power, costumes and binge-worthy storytelling.

Dog owners visiting UK beaches are warned that consuming too much seawater can cause salt toxicity, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, tremors, seizures and potentially fatal poisoning. Veterinary advice also highlights risks from eating sand, quicksand, drowning, hot surfaces and heatstroke. Owners are advised to supervise dogs closely, use a lead or suitable muzzle when necessary, visit during cooler parts of the day, check that beaches allow dogs and wash pets off before leaving so they do not lick seawater or sand from their coats.

The three-part historical drama Gunpowder is streaming for free on Channel 4 after receiving strong praise from viewers and critics for its historical accuracy, visual design and performances. The 2017 BBC One series depicts the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and stars Kit Harington as Robert Catesby, Harington’s direct ancestor. Created by Ronan Bennett, Harington and Daniel West, the series was filmed mainly in Yorkshire and received a BAFTA nomination for production design.

The article highlights widespread critical and fan acclaim for The Borgias, a historical drama available to stream on Channel 4. Viewers praise its performances, writing, costumes, and historical accuracy, comparing it favorably to other major period dramas. Despite its cancellation after three seasons, the show's reputation remains strong, bolstered by high Rotten Tomatoes scores and positive audience reviews across platforms. The piece notes the creative team, impressive cast, and production background, emphasizing the enduring enthusiasm of its fanbase.

Endeavour, the ITV detective drama based on Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse novels, is praised by critics and fans as a top mystery series. Starring Shaun Evans and created by Russell Lewis, the prequel spans nine seasons and maintains strong approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers commend its storytelling, performances and faithfulness to John Thaw’s original Morse portrayal. Endeavour, along with earlier adaptations Inspector Morse and Inspector Lewis, continues to attract a devoted audience and is available to stream free on ITVX.

A well‑reviewed period drama adapted from Philippa Gregory’s Cousins’ War novels is now available to stream for free on Channel 4. Originally produced by the BBC, the series explores real historical events from the Wars of the Roses and follows three prominent women whose stories intertwine across the novels. Critics and viewers praise the show for its compelling storytelling, rich performances, and faithful adaptation, highlighting its mix of romance, political intrigue, and historical drama.

The three-part Channel 5 period drama Anne Boleyn, first broadcast in 2021, depicts the final five months of Anne Boleyn’s life and her struggle within Tudor England’s patriarchal court. Jodie Turner-Smith’s performance has received strong praise from viewers and critics for its emotional depth and command, although her casting has also prompted accusations of historical revisionism. The series has been commended for its feminist perspective, restrained style and fresh portrayal of Boleyn’s story. All three episodes are available to buy on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.

Monty Don advises gardeners to cut early-flowering perennials such as oriental poppies, delphiniums and hardy geraniums back to the ground in July. The pruning should encourage fresh growth and repeat flowering in late summer or autumn while creating more space in borders. He also recommends removing cuttings, weeding, watering when needed and allowing plants room to regrow. By late July, he says gardeners can begin trimming hedges after birds have fledged and should cut back wildflower meadows, removing all grass cuttings to avoid reducing next year’s floral display.

Parul Sharma recounts attempting the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk in East Sussex as a birthday activity with her husband. Despite online reviews describing the route as easy to moderate, the steep ascents, river crossing and long distances left her exhausted. She enjoyed the dramatic chalk cliffs, Cuckmere Haven, Belle Tout Lighthouse and Beachy Head, but developed severe foot stiffness and knee pain by the end of the day, turning the hike into a painful yet memorable experience.

The BBC prison drama Time is receiving extensive critical and audience acclaim, with viewers calling it a masterpiece and one of the finest television series ever made. Created by Jimmy McGovern and co-written with Helen Black, the anthology follows inmates and staff within the British prison system across two three-episode seasons. Sean Bean and Stephen Graham lead the first season, while Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrance, Bella Ramsey and Siobhan Finneran appear in the second. The series won Best Mini-Series at the 2022 BAFTA TV Awards, with Bean also winning Best Actor. A third season, featuring Finneran and David Tennant, was announced for 2025, and the existing episodes are available on BBC iPlayer.

The Mill, a two-season period drama set at Cheshire’s Quarry Bank Mill, is streaming free on Channel 4 and by subscription on Amazon Prime Video. Inspired by archival records and real mill workers’ experiences, the series depicts 1830s and early 1840s Britain, including child labour, unsafe working conditions, workers’ rights and reform campaigns. Viewers have praised its performances, writing, costumes and historical authenticity, but Channel 4’s cancellation in 2014 left the story unresolved and frustrated its fanbase.

The Mirror recommends the British Nordic noir series Marcella as a potential successor to Luther. Created by Hans Rosenfeldt and starring Anna Friel as Detective Sergeant Marcella Backland, the three-season drama follows a former Metropolitan Police officer who returns to the murder squad after her marriage breaks down. Critics and viewers praise its dark, suspenseful storytelling, evolving character work, plot twists and Friel’s performance, which earned her an International Emmy Award. The series is available for free on ITVX and by subscription on Netflix.

Monty Don advises gardeners to inspect potato plants closely in July for chocolate-coloured circular lesions indicating potato blight. He recommends removing affected foliage immediately, covering the tubers with soil, waiting for dry conditions and then harvesting the crop. First and second early varieties are less vulnerable because they mature sooner, while blight-resistant varieties such as Sarpo Mira, Cara and Setanta, along with good airflow, plant spacing, crop rotation and preventative fungicide, can reduce the risk.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, a BBC and Netflix mystery thriller based on Holly Jackson’s novel, has earned strong praise for its performances, gripping plot and binge‑worthy pacing. The series, led by Emma Myers and Zain Iqbal, has expanded into a second season with a third in development. Set and filmed in England, it has been widely embraced by critics and viewers for its suspense, character depth and faithful adaptation of the source material.

Monty Don advises gardeners to avoid adding grain to bird feeders because it attracts rats and squirrels rather than desired bird species. He recommends a custom mix of sunflower seeds, peanut pieces, suet pellets, dried mealworms and niger seed, and suggests placing feeders in sheltered spots. He also highlights seasonal food shortages for birds and recommends caloric foods such as nuts, fat and fruit to support them.

Rising temperatures in the UK are putting significant stress on garden birds, particularly robins and blackbirds, prompting experts to urge gardeners to provide shallow trays or ponds of fresh water to prevent dehydration during the heatwave. Wildlife and gardening specialists emphasise maintaining clean bird baths to avoid disease, and advise offering high‑energy summer foods such as mealworms and suet while avoiding peanuts and seeds until October. Guidance from organisations including the RHS, RSPB and Gardeners' World highlights the importance of clean feeding stations and reliable water sources to help birds survive the hotter months and successfully raise their chicks.

The article highlights growing praise for The Tower, a British crime drama available on ITVX, which viewers describe as a compelling successor for fans of Line of Duty and Unforgotten. Adapted from Kate London’s novels and brought to screen by Patrick Harbinson, the series follows Detective Sarah Collins, played by Gemma Whelan, whose performance has received widespread acclaim. Featuring a strong ensemble cast, multiple seasons, and a 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating, the show is celebrated for its storytelling, character development, and binge‑worthy appeal. Viewers and critics commend its pacing, ethical complexity, and gripping narrative, positioning it among the top British crime dramas. The series is streaming for free on ITVX.

Money Saving Expert highlights three strategies for finding top bargains in charity shops: building rapport with shop managers, learning when new donations are sorted and visiting shops in affluent areas where higher‑quality items are more common. Examples from experienced shoppers and contributors illustrate how personal connections, timing and location can lead to better finds and greater savings.

Bleecker Burger in London, recently named the world’s top burger place, delivers exceptional dry-aged beef patties, simple toppings and soft sesame buns that make for standout burgers, though portions feel small and the buns may be overly soft. The atmosphere is fast‑casual, prices are fair and drinks are solid, though the milkshake doesn’t match competitors. The meal feels surprisingly light and non‑greasy, and while the burgers excel in flavour and simplicity, the restaurant may not suit those seeking heavily loaded options.

Penscynor Wildlife Park in Neath, Wales, once a major local attraction, closed in 1998 after declining visitor numbers and financial strain. Founded by Idris Hale and later run by his grandson Jonathan Hale-Quant, the park peaked in the 1980s with popular features such as its alpine slide and attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. After closure, its animals were rehomed and parts of the site redeveloped, while the remaining areas have become overgrown and abandoned. Former visitors continue to share nostalgic memories, and Jonathan reflects on the site’s legacy and the contrast between its vibrant past and its present derelict state.

A revived wave of enthusiasm surrounds the WWII drama Home Fires, adapted from Julie Summers' book Jambusters, as viewers celebrate its strong female-led storytelling, acclaimed performances and emotional impact. Despite its 2016 cancellation by ITV after two series, the show continues to garner praise through high ratings and glowing reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb. Set in a Cheshire village during the early years of World War II, the drama follows members of the Women's Institute as they navigate wartime challenges. Now streaming for free on Channel 4 and UKTV, Home Fires is being rediscovered by fans who remain frustrated by its abrupt ending yet deeply appreciative of its warmth, character depth and period detail.

Praise for the war film Lone Survivor highlights its intense depiction of Operation Red Wings, supported by Navy SEAL expertise and strong performances led by Mark Wahlberg. Critics and audiences compare it to Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down, commending its authenticity, emotional impact, and technical achievement. The film, based on Marcus Luttrell’s book and directed by Peter Berg, earned major award nominations, significant box office success and continues to gain attention as it streams on Netflix.

The article highlights the renewed acclaim for the BBC’s 2008 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Little Dorrit, which is praised by critics and audiences as one of the best Dickens adaptations ever made. The miniseries, featuring Claire Foy and an ensemble cast, earned seven Emmy Awards and holds a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers and reviewers commend the adaptation’s performances, direction, faithfulness to the novel, and production quality. The series is currently available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

A Chinese period drama titled Perfect Match is drawing strong praise from viewers on Netflix, with many calling it better than Bridgerton and comparing it to Pride and Prejudice. Set in the Northern Song Dynasty, the 36‑episode romantic comedy follows the Li family’s search for suitable marriages and has been lauded for its writing, acting, costumes and wholesome storytelling. Enthusiastic IMDB reviews highlight its engaging plot, charming characters and high production quality.

Boxtree caterpillars, increasingly widespread across the UK, can quickly defoliate garden plants. Experts recommend several homemade sprays as cost‑effective and chemical‑free solutions, including a potent mix of chilli, garlic, turmeric, oil and dishwashing liquid, a basic soapy spray, and a soapy garlic solution. These recipes rely on common household ingredients and work by repelling caterpillars through strong scents, irritants and reduced leaf grip. Gardeners are advised to apply the sprays thoroughly to affected foliage or directly onto caterpillars to deter further damage.

Monty Don advises gardeners to prune wisteria now by cutting back all new growth to around six inches to ensure stronger flowering next year. He explains that wisteria blooms on new growth emerging from spurs on main shoots and recommends pruning after flowering in mid-June, followed by a lighter corrective prune in winter if needed. The guidance aims to promote healthier growth, tidier structure, and more abundant blooms in the following season.

A widely praised BBC true‑crime miniseries, Rillington Place, is highlighted for its exceptional acting and gripping retelling of the John Christie murders and the wrongful execution of Timothy Evans. The three‑part drama, starring Tim Roth and Samantha Morton, has earned strong critical acclaim, industry recognition and high viewer ratings, with many calling it an outstanding and deeply immersive production. The series, available on BBC iPlayer, reconstructs locations tied to the historical case and presents the story through multiple character perspectives, drawing continued admiration for its performances and atmosphere.

A comparison of UK supermarket own-brand cornflakes finds Tesco and Morrisons tied as the best-value alternatives to Kellogg's, offering strong flavour and crunch at lower prices. Kellogg's remains tasty but loses out on cost, while Sainsbury's and Asda score poorly due to weak flavour and texture. Waitrose performs moderately, and Marks & Spencer’s single-ingredient version is considered too unconventional. The reviewer concludes that switching from Kellogg's to Tesco or Morrisons provides comparable quality at a significantly lower price.

Clevedon Pier in Somerset is highlighted as the UK’s most beautiful and one of its most underrated destinations, praised for its Victorian architecture, Grade I status and history of restoration. Once a ferry point and now a major local attraction, it features museums, cafes and serves as the departure point for the last seagoing paddle steamer. The pier has a notable link to One Direction, who filmed a music video there, with plaques commemorating the event and the late Liam Payne. Visitors consistently give glowing reviews, citing the scenic views, preserved structure and welcoming atmosphere.

A Netflix adaptation of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel The Leopard has earned strong acclaim for its visual richness, performances, and detailed production, drawing comparisons to major period dramas such as Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. Set during Italy’s 1860s unification, the Italian-language limited series features a prominent cast and expansive on-location filming across Sicily and Turin. Reviewers and viewers highlight its opulence, historical depth, and cinematic execution, calling it a standout production and one of Netflix’s finest series.

Gardeners can deter slugs using natural barriers such as bran and seaweed meal, both shown to be highly effective in trials by Gardeners' World. Bran dehydrates slugs and attracts birds, while seaweed meal’s salt content repels them and enriches soil. Other abrasive materials like cat litter, grit and coffee grounds offer additional protective options, though they require regular replenishment.

Netflix has added the ITV crime drama Prey to its UK library, quickly pushing it into the most-watched charts. The miniseries, which originally aired in 2014 and 2015, features John Simm in the first season and Philip Glenister in the second, with Rosie Cavaliero appearing across both. The show, praised for its gripping storylines and strong performances, holds a 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating and has earned accolades including a Royal Television Society award for Simm. Critics and viewers commend its tense pacing, compelling characters, and standout cast. Prey is now available to stream on Netflix.

Natural rodent repellent methods gain attention as experts highlight onions and garlic as effective, low-cost deterrents during peak summer rat activity in the UK. Advice from pest control specialists and home maintenance sources emphasises placing onion slices or homemade mixtures containing spices and baking ingredients at entry points, while noting the need for regular replacement and caution around pets. A detailed recipe for a non‑toxic onion-based paste offers an additional method to keep rats from entering homes.

A four-part BBC true crime drama, Steeltown Murders, is being widely praised for its authenticity, strong performances and sensitive portrayal of the real 1970s Port Talbot murders committed by Joseph Kappen. Written by Ed Whitmore and directed by Marc Evans, the series stars Philip Glenister and Steffan Rhodri and was filmed in South Wales with real investigator Paul Bethell contributing. The show earned BAFTA Cymru awards and has been lauded by critics and viewers for its emotional depth, accuracy and production quality, and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Rats become more active during the UK summer, but strong-scented herbs can deter them humanely. Basil, lemongrass and thyme are most effective when used as oils, sprays, diffusers or live plants placed near entry points or areas of activity. Additional strong fragrances such as peppermint, citrus, cayenne pepper and chilli flakes can help keep rats away without relying on traps or poisons.

Research by outdoor retailer Millets identifies Warkworth Beach in Northumberland as the UK’s top hidden‑gem beach, praised for its long golden sands, clear water and uncrowded setting. Highcliffe Beach in Dorset and East Strand Beach in County Antrim follow in the rankings, each noted for scenic views and strong visitor reviews. TripAdvisor comments highlight the beaches’ natural beauty, water quality and amenities, while Millets’ expert Calum Jones offers guidance on sun protection, preparing for unpredictable weather and maintaining beach cleanliness.

The BBC crime drama Sherwood is praised by critics and audiences as one of the strongest British crime series in years, drawing comparisons to Broadchurch and Line of Duty. Inspired by real 2004 murders in Nottinghamshire and created by James Graham, the series features an acclaimed cast including Lesley Manville, David Morrissey and Adeel Akhtar, whose performance earned a BAFTA. With two seasons released, a third on the way and a 96 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating, the show is highlighted for its gripping storytelling, strong character work and high production quality, with many viewers calling it among the best of British drama.