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This hidden gem has country inns, canalside walks, a stunning viaduct, the historic town of Market Harborough – and not a tour bus in sightIt was a chilly Sunday in November 2000 when the gods chose to smile on Ken Wallace. The retired teacher was sweeping his metal detector across a hillside in Lei…
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We’re almost out of time — the holidays are just about here, and if you’re still doing your holiday shopping, you’re not alone. Between wrapping things up at work before some well-deserved time off and making sure you have everything you need to host family and friends, it can be hard to find the ti…
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Once upon a time, a "board game" meant Monopoly or Risk. Then several brave souls dared to ask the question: "What if this was fun?" Thirty years later, we're blessed with tabletop games that challenge our minds, immerse us in other worlds and conjure good times with those we love — sometimes all th…
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These types of relationships can be challenging – you need to have an honest conversation about what you both wantMy partner and I are professionals in our early 30s. We’ve been together for five years, and long-distance for the last three, but have just moved back in together.While we were long-dis…
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Upgrade your space today, with eight emails packed with tips to brighten up your home - whatever your budgetEmbrace your space: the Guardian’s House to Home newsletter is bursting with tips and tricks to help you boost your bedroom and give your living room some love.Sign up any time, and get eight …
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Becky Kennedy thinks many people see no need for the performative gift buying for a person who needs very little. Laura Matthews says no one should feel obliged to buyYour anonymous correspondent (Letters, 19 December) implies that those who say “Shall we just not do presents [for Christmas] this ye…
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Unexpected arrival is a boon for birdlife in New Zealand, where there are only 500 takahē leftA pair of rare native New Zealand takahē birds who were believed infertile have stunned staff at the world’s largest urban eco-sanctuary, after hatching a “miracle” chick.The roughly seven-week old chick wa…
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From peeling sprouts to pouring drinks, there’s an art to being genuinely useful during festive cooking• Sign up here for our weekly food newsletter, Feast“Anything I can do to help?” If ever a line was guaranteed to incense the person in charge of cooking for a crowd, it is this one: uttered in see…
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Whether you’re trying to stay warm at home or smarten up for guests, we’ve found the perfect slippers and bed socks for everyone – even if you don’t normally like them• The best women’s pyjamas• The best men’s pyjamasIf it’s true that you can judge a person by their shoes, then it’s perhaps even mor…
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Subscription boxes are the rare gift that keeps its charm long after the wrapping paper is gone. You make the choice once, but the surprises keep landing on their doorstep for months after that. For anyone who loves the buzz of a delivery, these are gifts that extend the season well past December. E…
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Tell us about a lesser-known European beach – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays breakAt this time of year, thoughts turn to warmer days and dreamy holidays on sun-drenched beaches. We’d love to hear about beaches you’ve discovered on your travels in Europe (excluding the UK). We’re interest…
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If meeting Santa is on your family wishlist, this trip on a festive sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, with reindeer and huskies thrown in, is Christmas with jingle bells onChristmas was only a few days away and the Finnish capital of Helsinki was ringing with festive cheer as we explored the…