The Garden Party 2026

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Features

Stone monastery with red dome on a cliff above deep blue sea, with mountains and coastline under a clear sky.

Top Destinations for a European Holiday

From world-class beaches, epic scenery, exceptional gastronomy, historic landmarks and sensational art, Europe has it all. Lisa de Silva offers some of her top destinations

Two armoured jousters on horseback clash with blue lances before a crowd, colourful banners and splintered wood flying on a green field.

Spotlight - Sussex Events Guide: July 2026

From Theatre to castle days out, there's something for all the family in this month's spotlight.

Smiling couple embrace nose-to-nose at a garden party with string lights, bunting, and guests mingling in the background.

Blending Cultural Traditions for a Modern Wedding

Couples are redefining marriage with weddings that are deeply personal celebrations – blending traditions, honouring heritage, and creating meaningful ceremonies that reflect modern love without boundaries.

Sunny English street with old shops, clock tower and parked cars; pedestrians walk past signs including Chequer Inn.

STEYNING - The Timeless Town

We discover how the small market town of Steyning is so much more than just a picture-perfect postcard destination; it's a desirable destination with a thriving community

Community News

Steam train "The Flying Scotsman" moves through a lush, green countryside with trees overhead and a clear blue sky, emitting white smoke.

Volunteering at the Bluebell Railway

The Bluebell Railway is a heritage steam railway in East Sussex, running between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. It operates a fleet of beautifully restored steam locomotives and vintage carriages that travel through the picturesque Sussex countryside, offering a truly nostalgic experience. This is possible with the help of over 1000 volunteers who help run the railway, from restoring carriages to greeting visitors.

Person in a market holding three bunches of asparagus labeled "Bedlam Farms." Background displays colorful fruits and vegetables.

Award Winning Farm Shop

The Seasons Wholefoods Named 2026 Independent Local Shop / Village Store of the Year and South East at the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards

Stone church with arched windows and a tower, surrounded by gravestones on grass. A flag flies atop against a clear blue sky.

HENFIELD - Where History and Countryside Meet

In the heart of West Sussex, Henfield blends centuries of history with rural charm. Timber-framed cottages, scenic countryside and a vibrant community make this picturesque village both a delightful destination and a desirable place to live.

Soccer team with kids posing on a green field. Players in green jerseys. Trees in the background. Smiling faces, team spirit visible.

On Any Given Monday

James Forryan travels to the home of Burgess Hill Town FC to meet The Monday Club – a band of unsung heroes playing a vital role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes of this grassroots football club.

Hidden Membership

Win A Two-Night Island Heritage Escape At The Fig Tree Hotel Shanklin!

We've got a pair of tickets worth £800 available for this incredible two-night trip at the stunning Fig Tree in Shanklin as you undertake a journey with Vectis Revealed: Ancient Paths and Island Stories, with all meals and refreshments included! Discover the Isle of Wight through spectacular landscapes, fascinating archaeology and unforgettable heritage. Join landscape archaeologist Kelly Wetherick for an exclusive two-night escape at The Fig Tree Hotel, Shanklin, featuring e

Win A Family VIP Experience To The Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show!

WIN an unforgettable family day out at the Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show! Looking for a brilliant August Bank Holiday day out? We've teamed up with Adrian from Aldabra Giant Tortoises UK to give one lucky family an unforgettable VIP experience at this year's Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show. As well as a family ticket to the Show, you'll enjoy an exclusive meet and greet with Adrian's incredible giant tortoises. Learn how they're cared for, discover what makes thes

NEW: Win A Family Pass To The Autumn Show and Horse Trials 2026

Back for 2026, we've got FIVE family passes to give away to this fantastic family weekend at the South Of England Showground! Taking place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September (9am - 5pm each day), The Autumn Show & Horse Trials 2026 is a thrilling event designed to captivate guests of all ages, including their canine friends. The Autumn Show & Horse Trials brings countryside pursuits and equestrian excitement to life. Watch elite riders compete in the South of England

Win An Annual Membership, Classes And More At Henfield Leisure Centre!

To celebrate the opening of their exciting new gym on 24th August, we've teamed up with Henfield Leisure Centre to offer some fantastic prizes to Hidden members this summer! Henfield Leisure Centre is a registered charity that provides a wide range of affordable activities for all ages and abilities. Facilities include a gym and weights room, large sports hall, fitness studio, three large rooms for hire, two new Padel courts and a Kidz Club. Sharky’s Soft Play and Cafe is als

Stuff We Like!

Top Five Hidden Mediterranean Escapes Beyond Greece and Italy

When people dream of a Mediterranean holiday, their minds usually jump straight to Greece’s whitewashed islands or Italy’s glamorous coastline. But the Mediterranean is far bigger—and far more diverse—than its most famous destinations. Beyond the headline-grabbing hotspots are places with crystal-clear water, beautiful old towns, outstanding food, and a fraction of the crowds. If you're looking for a Mediterranean escape that feels a little more under the radar, these five de

Five Brilliant Brain Teasers For The Week: Five Camping Conundrums

Campfires, tents, and a few puzzling mysteries to solve beneath the stars. Whether you're a seasoned camper or someone who prefers their wilderness adventures from the comfort of an armchair, these outdoor-themed brain teasers are sure to get your mind working. This week's collection features two easy puzzles, two medium challenges, and one harder conundrum to finish. Pitch your tent, grab a torch, and see how many you can solve before checking the answers! 🧠 1) The Missing

Friends sharing lunch on a sunny rooftop patio, smiling and serving food with wine, salad, and sandwiches among potted plants

A Matter of Taste - Cheese & Wine

Cheese and wine remain one of life’s great pairings – done well, the delicious combinations can transform an ordinary evening into something memorable – here's a basic guide.

Top Five UK Seaside Towns for Fish and Chips, Ice Cream and Nostalgia

There’s something timeless about a British seaside holiday. The smell of salt in the air, the cry of seagulls overhead, a paper-wrapped portion of fish and chips balanced on your knees, and an ice cream that starts melting before you've taken three bites. While overseas sunshine has its appeal, some places capture the simple pleasures of a traditional British summer better than anywhere else. These are the seaside towns where nostalgia comes built in. Here are five UK coastal

Food And Drink

A Matter of Taste - Cheese & Wine

Cheese and wine remain one of life’s great pairings – done well, the delicious combinations can transform an ordinary evening into something memorable – here's a basic guide.

Lemon cake dusted with powdered sugar, topped with lemon slices, on a wire rack with knife, sieve, oil, and lemon halves nearby

Recipe: Citrus Yoghurt Cake

This simple but delicious citrus yoghurt cake is a recipe that's ideal to make with children, as it's such an easy bake

Recipe: Chocolate Roulade

This gorgeous chocolate roulade is made without flour, so it’s light as a feather. Add berries to the whipped cream filling to make a delicious gluten-free dessert

A grey atable with a white bowl on the left with one whole lemons and two halves. A square playe on the middle right with a full lemon drizzle cake and one slice cut off.

Easy Lemon Drizzle Cake

Brighten up a dreary spring day with an easy, zesty lemon drizzle cake recipe.

Home And Garden

The exterior of a home does plenty of quiet work. It greets visitors, sets the tone before anyone steps inside, and shapes the daily moment of arriving home. A look at the small seasonal refreshes that lift a frontage as summer approaches.

Refreshing Your Home's Exterior for Summer

Interior styling tends to receive most of the design attention in a home. The recent Homes Extra: Small Space. Big Style article showed how much can be achieved within four walls. From the outside, though, the picture can be very different. A tired front door, a faded garage, or a dim path after dusk can quietly drag the whole frontage down. Summer is a useful season for these jobs, with the longer evenings allowing time for them. The weather behaves itself for most of the wo

Smiling woman in a cozy sweater sits on a sofa with a mug and open book, surrounded by pillows in a bright living room.

Homes Interiors - Second Place

In recent years, the open-plan living space has been embraced, but there are times a quiet, separate space is needed. Hence, the rise of the snug or a second sitting room.

Child examines a caterpillar on a tree branch with a magnifying glass. Background of green grass, creating a curious and focused mood.

Eco Kids: Nature Detectives

In a world increasingly shaped by screens and schedules, encouraging children to step outside and engage with nature has never been more valuable

Purple iris flowers with rain droplets against a vibrant green background, creating a fresh and lively atmosphere.

Blooming Times: Paint an Iris Rainbow

Iris, the Grecian messenger of the Olympian Gods, flew in a rainbow ribbon of celestial light - such sumptuous flowers could not be better named. And, on a more down-to-earth note, pesky squirrels, deer and rabbits leave them alone,