The annual Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards have recognized the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh as the best attraction in the United Kingdom, surpassing renowned London sites such as The British Museum and Tower Bridge. Announced on July 22, 2025, the awards highlight top-rated experiences based on user reviews, showcasing the diverse offerings available to travelers across the country.

Located permanently in Leith, the Royal Yacht Britannia served the British monarchy from 1954 until its retirement in 1997. Today, it stands as a five-star visitor attraction where guests can explore its five decks, including the Engine Room and Crew’s Quarters. The Sun Lounge, famously known as Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite room, is among the highlights. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at the Royal Deck Tearoom, featuring a selection of sandwiches, soups, scones, and cakes.

Edinburgh’s Attractions Shine in the Awards

Edinburgh’s prominence in the awards continues with Edinburgh Castle ranking fifth among the UK’s best attractions. This historic fortress has been a significant landmark in the city for centuries, drawing visitors to its Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the One o’clock Gun. Additionally, the National Museum of Scotland, also located in Edinburgh, claimed the tenth spot. This museum is a major draw for tourists, hosting thousands of exhibits that cover various fields, including science, technology, art, and design.

Scottish experiences have also made a mark in the awards, with the Guided Walking Tour at Edinburgh Castle being the top-rated experience in the UK. Participants are guided through the castle grounds, learning about its storied past and notable figures, including Mary Queen of Scots. After the guided segment, visitors have free time to explore the castle’s interior.

Following closely, the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour, which visits sites across Edinburgh that inspired J.K. Rowling and served as filming locations for the films, ranks fifth among experiences. Another popular attraction is The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience, placing eighth. This immersive experience allows guests to create their own chocolate inspired by Scotland and sample a variety of treats from local and international chocolatiers.

Additionally, the Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and The Highlands from Edinburgh rounds out the list. This coach tour takes visitors through some of Scotland’s most picturesque landscapes, including the iconic Loch Ness and Glencoe.

Kristen Dalton, President of Tripadvisor, emphasized the importance of these awards in helping travelers discover memorable experiences. “With such a huge selection of travel activities and excursions available on the platform, Tripadvisor helps travelers find the experiences that turn a trip into a lifelong memory. Whether you crave adrenaline or prefer to take things slow, ‘The Best of the Best Things to Do’ showcases the world’s top-rated experiences,” she stated.

For more detailed information about the awards and the complete list of attractions and experiences, visit the Tripadvisor website.

Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson is making headlines not just for her athletic prowess but also for sharing her stunning bikini photos while on holiday. The 23-year-old athlete posted vibrant images on Instagram, showcasing her athletic figure as she enjoys a break from competitive racing due to a hamstring injury.

Injury Delays Track Return

Hodgkinson’s return to the track has been delayed following a hamstring injury she sustained in February 2025. Initially set to compete in the Stockholm Diamond League in June, this event would have marked her first race since winning gold at the Paris Olympics in August 2024. However, she had to withdraw from the meet, and there is currently no confirmed timeline for her return to competition.

The injury has caused significant disruptions in her training and competition schedule. Following her Olympic success, Hodgkinson faced a knee issue that cut her 2024 season short, and her hamstring injury has ruled her out of the entire indoor season, including critical events like the European and World Championships.

Embracing a Break

Despite the challenges, Hodgkinson is making the most of her time away from the track. In her recent Instagram posts, she flaunted her toned physique in a black bikini, later switching to a vibrant red swimsuit. Her caption, “Training camp never looked so good,” reflects her positive outlook on her current situation.

Last week, she was spotted enjoying the Hide&Seek Festival in Macclesfield alongside fellow athlete Olivia Mason. The two shared moments from the event, highlighting their camaraderie and VIP status as they attended DJ sets together. Hodgkinson’s stunning appearance at the festival further underlines her commitment to maintaining her athletic physique, even while sidelined from competition.

Looking ahead, Hodgkinson expressed her anxiety about returning to racing after such a lengthy hiatus. “I feel out of practice in a way, because by the time I do race it will be 10 months,” she stated after receiving her MBE last month, referring to her upcoming challenges as she prepares to compete again.

As Hodgkinson navigates her recovery, fans and supporters eagerly await her return to the track, hopeful that she will once again showcase her extraordinary talent in the world of athletics.

Renowned actor Tom Troupe has passed away at the age of 97. He died from natural causes over the weekend in Beverly Hills, just five days after celebrating his birthday. The news was confirmed by a family spokesperson. Troupe’s extensive career spanned several decades, marking his presence in both television and film.

Career Highlights and Notable Roles

Troupe gained fame for his role as David Day in the original television series Mission: Impossible, which first aired in 1967. His performance in this iconic show laid the groundwork for a legacy that would continue through various projects, including the modern Tom Cruise film adaptations that began in 1996. In the same year, he also appeared as Lt. Harold in the beloved science fiction series Star Trek.

Born on March 4, 1926, in Missouri, Troupe moved to New York in the late 1940s and served in the Korean War. He made his Broadway debut in 1957, playing Peter van Daan in the original production of The Diary of Anne Frank. This marked the beginning of a prolific career that included notable appearances in television series such as E.R., Frasier, and the classic Cheers.

His film credits include roles in My Own Private Idaho (1991) and Murder, She Wrote. Troupe also showcased his theatrical talents in productions like The Lion in Winter and The Gin Game. He even created a one-man show titled The Diary of a Madman, further underscoring his versatility as a performer.

Personal Life and Legacy

Troupe’s last credited role was in the 2019 short film Time Out, although he also appeared in the series Break A Hip and Caravaggio and My Mother the Pope prior to that. He is survived by his son, Christopher, as well as a daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.

His wife, actress Carole Cook, who was known for her roles in The Lucy Show, American Gigolo, and Sixteen Candles, passed away in 2023 at the age of 98. In lieu of flowers, Troupe’s family has requested donations to the Entertainment Community Fund or the Pasadena Humane Society.

Tom Troupe’s contributions to the performing arts have left an indelible mark, and his legacy will continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

Cadbury has announced a significant reduction in the number of Curly Wurly bars in its multipack offerings, a move that has sparked frustration among loyal customers. The popular chocolate manufacturer, based in Birmingham, will now include only four bars per pack instead of the usual five, while maintaining the retail price of £1.40.

This change has left many fans feeling discontented, with one shopper expressing their disappointment on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “I’ll try to enjoy this four pack as it will be my last.” Such sentiments reflect a growing concern among consumers about the phenomenon known as “shrinkflation,” where product sizes decrease while prices remain unchanged.

Company Response to Rising Costs

In a statement addressing the situation, Cadbury acknowledged the economic pressures that consumers face. The company emphasized that any adjustments to product sizes are a last resort. It cited significant increases in input costs, particularly for essential ingredients like cocoa and dairy, which have seen a marked rise in price.

Cadbury’s communication highlighted that not only have ingredient costs surged, but other expenses, such as energy and transportation, remain elevated. The company noted, “This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges.”

The decision to reduce the number of Curly Wurly bars in each pack was described as a necessary step to ensure the company can continue to deliver the quality and taste that consumers expect.

The Implications of Shrinkflation

The practice of reducing product sizes while keeping prices stable has become increasingly common across various industries. This trend, termed “shrinkflation,” is not limited to Cadbury, as many businesses are also resorting to “skimpflation,” which involves cutting back on service quality and availability without altering prices.

As consumers confront these changes, many express frustration over the perceived decline in value. The reduction in Curly Wurly bars serves as a stark reminder of broader economic challenges affecting both manufacturers and consumers alike.

As Cadbury navigates these difficult waters, it remains to be seen how customer loyalty will be impacted by this latest decision. With the chocolate giant’s reputation for quality at stake, many customers will be watching closely to see how the brand adapts to ongoing economic pressures.