News

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Your best way forward is clearer as Mercury shifts signs – but this may also ask you to be more patient and less impulsive.

Taking a breath and making a pause before every decision takes practice but can be your success strategy.

The love you have can be the love you want when you truly look at your own heart.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

You are usually one of the logical signs, but there can be upheaval today as some key planet lines get crossed.

As Mercury and Pluto make an unlikely team, you are also ready to collaborate with possibly the last person you would ever have expected.

Yet somehow, it can work well.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Cool the action and work on the words in a team – as you’ve been charging on ahead, certain people have found it hard to keep up.

But it won’t take long to get everyone in tune again.

Love-wise, Venus is marriage-minded, and even the most restless Gemini can start to feel the same way.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

The Mercury and Mars mix in your chart is not always predictable – but it’s what you need right now to get out of a routine you know no longer suits you.

So harness the positive aspects, and trust yourself to deal with anything more negative, because you will.

A family who all have celebrity names, can be your key fortune-finder.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

Your natural business brain is Mercury-managed now, so you sift through possibilities and focus on the right ones to make you richer.

Plus you have a calm, clear way of summing up situations that can win you a special writing role.

Your love life may feel weak in outer security, but inside hearts are strong, and united.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

The moon encourages you to speak from the heart and take a risk.

If you can’t decide between several love options, take your time and explore each one further.

This is your moment to take charge of your own destiny. When you hear some 70s music in an unexpected setting, the luck factor can be so strong.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Passion-wise, touch is the important sense[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

Words that have felt frozen can start to flow again when you believe the best of everyone – including yourself.

A time of pulling together rather than apart can keep a family or a couple moving forward.

Not everything about a special purchase may be perfect, but good enough is enough for now.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Managing money can connect to managing feelings – when you identify certain situations that spark extra spending.

The new moon’s emotional strength can help you get cash back in check.

Love that’s a match in values is right for right now – partners who hold different views on commitment may struggle to connect.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Your sign welcomes tactful Mercury to further illuminate the gentle glow of Venus.

You are a natural friend, a gifted advisor and the kind of passion partner who’s equally caring and thrilling.

But beware of falling into the role of doing everything for everyone. Independence in all relationships is important.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

If you know there are some thoughts deep inside that you hesitate to voice – this can be your day.

Your ability to be honest with yourself is enhanced, and you are fearless in looking forward. This can help you cope with all kinds of difficult facts.

Writing about events in the past can be a surprise income stream.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Luck opens a fluorescent envelope[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

Keeping people in your life “just in case” is not a good strategy for you right now.

If you don’t see a future, for a friend, family member or lover, it’s only fair to set them free. Mercury can help you find the right words.

Mars is restless in your exercise sector – getting out and about can harness this star power.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

If you feel sarcasm rising, it can be because of a chart clash involving Uranus.

Instead of saying anything out loud, channel these feelings into a smart, funny novel or script, that speaks to so many different kinds of people.

What you have to say is unique to you, and well worth hearing.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

FORTNITE just held its Remix: The Prelude live event, revealing what’s in store for the game’s next season, which kicks off later today.

Details of the live event were kept secret, but we knew that the upcoming season was going to be throwback to the original Fortnite Chapter 2 from five years ago.

Epic Games

Epic Games

Snoop Dogg is coming to Fortnite in the first week of Chapter 2 Remix[/caption]

For The Prelude event, which was held at the Restored Reels POI in-game, Fortnite had prepared a surprise live performance.

Ice Spice and Snoop Dogg took the stage, both in-game and in real life at Times Sqaure in New York, to kick off the game’s next season.

The throwback season will bring back a remixed version of Fortnite’s island map as players remember it from the game’ s original Chapter 2.

Chapter 2 Remix has a musical theme and will feature one iconic rapper each week, starting with Snoop Dogg himself in Week 1.

The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper will be followed by Eminem, Ice Spice, and the late Juice WRLD for Weeks 2 through 4.

The new Chapter 2 Remix starts later today, November 2, 2024, and will run until November 30, 2024.

You can check out the exact launch times in our Fortnite Remix Chapter 2 start time explainer.

This week, The Agency POI in the game will turn into Snoop Dogg’ s headquarters, The Doggpound.

Defeating the legendary rapper will drop a Mythic weapon, Snoop’s Drum Gun.

Next week, starting on November 7, will be all about Eminem.

The rapper will show up at The Grotto POI in-game, which will be transformed into the Spaghetti Grotto.

There players will be able to defeat Slim Shady for an RG Minigun Mythic weapon.

In Week 3, Ice Spice will be headlining the Shark Island area of the map, which will be renamed to Ice Isle.

Beating her will reward players with an Ice Spice’s Grappler and Ice Spice’s Rifle Mythics.

Finally, Week 4 will be a tribute to the late Juice WRLD, who passed away at 21 in 2019.

To honour the “Lucid Dreams” singer there will be a special WRLD Point landmark in the game.

Players who log into Fortnite from November 30, at 1am ET / 6am UK time, and December 1 at 1am ET / 6am UK time, will receive a cel-shaded Juice WRLD outfit.

Each week, the Item Shop will feature skins and items based on the respective rapper.

Fortnite promises to close the season with another live event, Remix: The Finale, which starts on November 30, at 2pm ET / 7pm UK time.

For more on the game, check out a recent Item Shop leak that got Fortnite players raging.

WITHIN just one hour, I wake up in Rome, stroll through the streets of southern Spain, and whizz through Scandinavia on a rollercoaster.

There are still 15 more countries to see before the day is through.

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The star of the show is the new Voltron Nevera in the Croatia section[/caption]

But that is easily done at Europa Park — a mega theme park in Germany where different areas are designed to look just like European countries.

Spanning 230 acres just outside Rust, a small unassuming town in the southwest of the country near the borders of France and Switzerland, this theme park and hotel resort is an adrenaline junkie’s dream.

And its theming means you can travel the continent on a whirlwind tour.

The attention to detail is off the chart. The Greece area captures the feel of being in Mykonos while the Switzerland section transports you to the heart of the Alps.

From the architecture to the street signs, it feels like you’re really visiting these different lands.

Its extravagance reminds me of a family-friendly Las Vegas, just without the casinos and flashing neon lights.

Instead, it’s packed with 13 rollercoasters, 100 attractions, six themed hotels, and a full-blown water park.

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Go Dutch in the park’s Holland quarter[/caption]

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Stay the night in the Italian-themed Hotel Colosseo[/caption]

If there’s one thing Europa Park should be known for, it’s white-knuckle rides.

My first stop is one of its most iconic: Wodan, a daunting wooden coaster in the Scandinavian area.

The sound of the creaking as it races over its hills at high speed gets my palms sweating. It’s a fast, furious ride that’s every­thing you would want in a classic wooden coaster. Windswept hair included.

The star of the show, however, is the new Voltron Nevera in the Croatia section.

Built by the owners of the park, Mack Rides (which also manu­fac­tured the UK’s tallest and fastest coaster, Hyperia), this is a game-changer.

With a record-breaking 105-degree beyond-vertical launch, the steepest in the world, it catapults you upside down while still gaining speed.

It combines cutting-edge tech with terrifying elements like seven inversions, a bounce track, and a turntable with a backwards launch that sees you change direction mid-ride.

It’s also super-efficient, burning through queues even on busy days, so you can get a few rides in before lunch.

Voltron is easily one of the most innovative roller­coasters I’ve experienced, not to mention the scariest.

The park’s massive indoor and outdoor water park, Rulantica, is worth a visit

Lee Bell

While there’s lots on offer for thrill-seekers, Europa Park has far more besides.

From kiddie rides and playgrounds to live shows and immersive 4D experiences, the park caters to all ages.

For those who prefer a thrill without the white knuckles, there’s Arthur — an inverted-spinning family coaster — or Matterhorn Blitz, a wild mouse ride with sharp turns and quick drops in a Swiss alpine setting.

On a hot day, there’s Poseidon in the Greek area — a water coaster that combines gentle sailing with a big drop.

For a day off the rides, the park’s massive indoor and outdoor water park, Rulantica, is worth a visit.

With a lazy river, stomach- churning water slides and a wave pool, it’s the perfect way to cool off after a day of coaster riding.

Plus, there are two swim-up bars for the grown-ups if speeding down wet tubes isn’t your thing.

Floating chair

There’s no shortage of drinking or dining options within Europa Park. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a sit-down meal.

Balthasar Castle serves tradition­al German fare, like bratwurst, in an epic real castle.

For something way more fun, check out Food Loop, where your meal arrives at your table via a mini rollercoaster.

I chose something more casual at Bar Chez Marianne, a cosy café in the quaint Swiss area.

If you want to take your dining to another level, go to Eatrenalin.

This crazy, futuristic restaurant combines gourmet cuisine with cutting-edge technology — and it’s the first of its kind in the world.

Here, you’re transported through different rooms on a state-of-the-art “floating chair”, sampling different dishes paired with creative cocktails among huge immersive displays.

I gorged on ten delicious plates inspired by cuisines from around the world.

From fresh king crab paired with a tropical citrus sauce, to delicate Japanese dump­lings, each dish was beautifully present­ed and bursting with flavour.

It’s like nothing you have exper­ienced.

Despite its size, Europa Park runs like clockwork. During my visit, queues moved quickly even for the most popular rides, the staff were friendly and the park was spotless.

With so much to see and do, a one-day visit isn’t enough.

Luckily, Europa Park has six themed hotels on site, from a medieval castle to a Portuguese monastery and amphitheatre.

It’s no wonder it won the Golden Ticket Award (the Oscars of the theme park industry) for best amusement park worldwide for the ninth time this year.

It might not have the recognition of Disneyland, but with so much for all ages, Europa Park should top any theme park-lover’s list.

MILLIONS of households will see their finances shaken up after Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave her first Budget this week.

But how can you protect your family’s funds? Lana Clements explains everything you need to know…

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NEW DEATH TAX

 PRIVATE and workplace pensions will no longer be exempt from inheritance tax from 2027.

At present, any money in your pension when you die can be passed on free of death duties, meaning they are a tax-efficient way of leaving cash to loved ones.

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At present, only 5 per cent of households pay inheritance tax — but now pensions group Canada Life says that number will almost double by 2030[/caption]

But the new plans will see your pension pots added to the value of your estate — so could incur a tax bill.

Individuals can pass on up to £325,000 tax-free when they die, while couples who are married or in civil partnerships can combine their allowances and pass on £650,000.

Anything over that is taxed at 40 per cent. Although, there are extra allowances for homes.

At present, only 5 per cent of households pay inheritance tax — but now pensions group Canada Life says that number will almost double by 2030.

The new rules will affect those with modern defined contribution pensions.

It’s unclear whether those who have saved into protected funds will be affected by the move.

Nigel Green, the CEO of financial consultancy the deVere group, said: “Many pension holders, particularly those who have saved for years, never anticipated having to navigate such a significant change.

“The potential ripple effects are staggering — increased financial anxiety among retirees, a hastening of pension fund withdrawals and the gutting of a system designed to support families long-term.”

There may be ways for pension savers to shield themselves from the new tax. This includes withdrawing larger amounts from pensions.

Savers can take out 25 per cent of their pension tax-free and move it into a tax-efficient account such as an ISA.

However, experts have previously advised against this due to the limit on returns.

 You can get free advice via the Pension Wise service.

You can also make an unlimited number of cash gifts. As long as you don’t die within seven years, these will be tax-free.

TAX-FREE ALLOWANCES

NOW is a good opportunity to protect your wealth by maximising tax-free allowances, if you are in a position to do so.

Firstly, take advantage of tax-free savings allowances which are £1,000 for basic-rate tax­payers and £500 for higher-rate ones.

You will be liable to pay tax on savings above this.

However, you can save £20,000 per person (or £40,000 per couple) annually tax-free in an ISA.

You can also save £9,000 a year per child into a Junior ISA.

PENSION PERKS

DON’T forget about tax-free pension perks, too.

If your employer will match your contribution into your pension fund, then it could be worth upping your payments.

For example, someone on a £35,000 salary saving four per cent, or £116 a month, for 35 years matched by their employer could expect a total fund of £283,000, according to calculations by pension platform AJ Bell.

However, if you upped that to 7.5 per cent, matched by your employer, it would mean you would put away an extra £102 a month, but would make the total fund £531,000 — an additional £248,000 for retirement.

If you have a self-invested pension you can save £60,000 per year without paying a tax charge. It had been feared that Reeves would tinker with pension tax relief or lump sums — but she dodged it.

This is a relief because many need to put more money into pensions.

Nigel Peaple, from trade body Pensions And Lifetime Savings Association, said: “Most ­people in the UK need to save more, not less, into a pension to have a good retirement income.”

CHECK YOUR PAY

THE Chancellor revealed a surprise pay boost for millions of workers by announcing the freeze on income tax thresholds and National Insurance Contributions will end in April 2028.

This will add £69 a year to someone’s take-home pay on a salary of £35,000, assuming an inflation-linked increase of two per cent to the personal allowance, according to calculations by financial services firm Evelyn Partners.

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Make sure you’re not paying too much tax by checking your tax code – 1257L is the most common and means you’re entitled to a tax-free personal allowance of £12,570[/caption]

 In the meantime, make sure you are paying the correct level of income tax.

You can check your tax code by looking at your pay slip.

The most common code is 1257L and indicates you are entitled to the standard tax-free personal allowance of £12,570.

FIND MISSING CASH

MILLIONS who receive benefits, including pension credit, and those on the state pension will get a boost next year as payments will rise, the Chancellor confirmed this week.

However, billions of pounds worth of benefits are left unclaimed by people who are eligible for payments.

The Sun offers a free online benefits checker in partnership with poverty charity Turn2Us.

It will quickly tell you if you’re missing out on any cash. If you are unable to access the internet, you could ask a friend or relative to help you do the check.

Visit thesun.co.uk/benefits checker to access the tool or try Age UK on 0800 678 1602.

BOOST STATE PENSION

THE State Pension is protected by the triple lock, making it an even more valuable source of income during retirement.

You are only entitled to the full payment if you have 35 years of NI contributions.

However, if you fall short, you can plug gaps by buying contributions. These cost £824.20 a year for all years from 2006/07 to 2022/23.

Buying a year boosts your pay by more than £325 annually, meaning the cost is paid off within three.

THIS IS the bizarre moment cops dressed as Wolverine and Deadpool busted a drugs operation on Halloween.

Footage of the peculiar scene, which involved two policemen wearing superhero costumes storming a building, was captured in Lima, Peru on Thursday.

Policia Nacional Del Peru

Footage released by the Peru national police force shows the officers holding weapons[/caption]

Policia Nacional Del Peru

Deadpool escorts a woman through the streets during the operation[/caption]

The Mega Agency

Police dressed up as Deadpool and Wolverine for a Halloween drugs raid in Lima, Peru[/caption]

The Mega Agency

The items were laid out during a press conference[/caption]

The officers can be seen holding a sledgehammer and wooden bat while huddled round with other cops at the start of the clip.

The cop dressed as Deadpool can then be seen standing beside a woman in front of a haul of narcotics.

He is also filmed escorting her through the streets, before walking with her inside the police station.

Cops seized 54 bags of cocaine, along with 850 packets of coca base paste and 2,000 Peruvian soles (approximately £410), local media said.

The items were displayed during a press conference, with the cops still wearing their superhero outfits.

They stand beside an officer who explained how they were wearing Halloween outfits as they are “specialists at camouflaging”.

He adds that, if it’s Halloween, they will go to the streets of Rimac, giving sweets to children “according to the festivity”.

The officer said: “They knew about a criminal organisation that trafficked drugs.”

The Policía Nacional del Perú posted footage of the incident on X, writing: “The Witches of Alameda family clan falls!

“Dressed as comic book characters, Green Squad agents arrested aliases Muelon, Gorda, Viejita and Pequeña in #Rímac .

“They seized various drugs and confiscated money and other items.”

The Mega Agency

The costumed officers are seen escorting some people into a police station[/caption]

Policía Nacional del Perú

The items were laid out during a press conference[/caption]

Policia Nacional Del Peru

Cops seized 54 bags of cocaine, along with 850 packets of coca base paste and 2,000 Peruvian soles (approximately £410), local media said[/caption]

Policía Nacional del Perú

A cop dressed as Wolverine escorting a suspect during the raid[/caption]

I’VE never liked the rain, especially not on holiday.

But as the crackles of thunder began to rumble among the spindly trees, signalling an imminent and torrential downpour, I found myself rushing to the window in excitement.

It’s not the shards of sunlight piercing through a leafy sky that make this treehouse getaway shine, it is the pitter patter of rain echoing throughout the woodland, of which I have a prime view.

Add lightning to the mix and you’ve got yourself some drama worth of an EastEnders cliffhanger.

The newly opened TreeDwellers, buried in woodland near the Cotswolds village of Charlbury, blends almost seamlessly with nature.

Its seven wooden and copper treehouses are propped up on stilts, three-metres above the floor, and each features green, vegan handwash and eco-lotions that match the setting.

Mine, the one-bedroom Camellia, was a wave-shaped wooden structure with a spacious terrace and what seemed like more window than wall making the space feel truly enveloped by the thick forest.

From the comfort of my linen bed I could spy creatures lurking among the shrubs in a scene more reminiscent of a reserve in Canada than a park 30 minutes’ drive from Oxford.

While the log burner sputtered inside my living room, mist wove between the tree trunks outside. It was clear winter was on its way and this was the perfect place to hunker down.

As well as a fully equipped kitchen and snug living room, my treehouse featured a huge stone bath tub, plenty big enough for two people – although I had it to myself and relished the chance to pamper myself.

If the surrounding views of nature don’t help you unwind, a bath ritual hamper (an extra £25 for two people) certainly will.

It comes with an organic selection of goodies including a fizzy bath bomb, Epsom salts, dried flower petals, body butter and a clay face mask.

With the noise of traffic muffled by the shrubs, it’s the dream spot for a solo detox retreat or romantic getaway (although two of the treehouses are two-bedroomed, so suitable for families as well).

An evening curled up in front of the fire with a spread of local cheeses, bread and dips collected from the nearby Bruern Farms shop, a 20-minute drive away, was just what the doctor ordered.

But for those who want to venture out, The Plough Inn – a 16-minute walk along rural paths – does a cracking Sunday lunch.

Or there is the Royal Oak, a slightly further trek but with plenty of nooks to snuggle down in.

Blenheim Palace is a 15-minute drive away and worth a visit if you’re a fan of Netflix show, Bridgerton.

A pop-up trail through the grounds gives a behind-the-scenes look at some of the filming locations.

On selected days in autumn, a string quartet will be performing in the Great Hall – and it’s free for visitors.

Back at my wooden home, daylight had started to disappear. I’d left the blinds half open to gaze at the still forest, willing the rain to return and lull me to sleep.

Perhaps I don’t always need sunshine on holiday.

BOOHOO yesterday snubbed Mike Ashley’s demands to be installed as CEO and promoted an insider instead.

The troubled online fashion retailer named Dan Finley, 41, as its new chief executive “with immediate effect”.

Boohoo Group

Mr Finley has run its Debenhams online store for the past two years and previously worked at JD Sports, a rival to Mr Ashley’s Sports Direct.

It is understood the announcement was a shock to Mr Ashley’s Frasers Group, which last night had not commented.

Mr Ashley holds a 37 per cent stake in Boohoo and has accused it of destroying shareholder value.

Clive Black, analyst at Shore Capital, said: “The appointment has box-office implications.”

He added of the boardroom bust-up: “There could be a few rounds to go yet.”

Mr Finley said he would be focused on “delivering value for all our shareholders” but he refused to refer directly to Mr Ashley.

Stephen Morana, Boohoo’s finance chief, said of Mr Ashley’s wish for a board seat: “We want to find a solution, but it would be like giving a board seat to a direct competitor.”

Mr Morana said Mr Finley had been “CEO-in-waiting” for a while.

Yesterday, Boohoo’s share price rose 3.31 per cent, valuing the firm at £392million.

Four years ago, it was worth £3billion.

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Reckitt wins

SHARES in household goods giant RECKITT jumped 6.6 per cent yesterday after a US jury cleared it of covering up risks of its baby milk.

The maker of Durex and Dettol has spent four years battling more than 1,000 lawsuits claiming its Mead Johnson premature infant milk formula caused intestinal disease.

Stamp surge

A RUSH of house sales is likely in the first three months of 2025 as buyers try to seal deals before a rules change, experts are predicting.

The Budget has reduced the threshold for stamp duty relief — which comes into force on April 1.

NATIONWIDE said the move will “lead to a jump in transactions”.

ALWAYS dreamt of doing a road trip around New Zealand but can’t face the 24-hour flight or justify the £1,500 airfare?

The Scottish Highlands might just be the answer.

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Scotland is the New Zealand on your doorstep[/caption]

Yes, really.

Having explored both, I can say they are unbelievably alike.

Both offer rugged mountains, charming villages and winding single-track roads that continue for miles.
Although, the northern coast of Scotland is also home to one of the top 50 beaches in the world, hundreds of fairytale castles and, the icing on the cake, Britain’s ultimate road trip — the North Coast 500.

I boarded the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Glasgow to kick off my adventure in style, curling up in my bunk bed filled with childlike wonder.

It was a rocky night with little sleep, but a novelty to be able to leave on a Friday evening and wake up on Saturday in a new country.

On arrival to Glasgow, Frida — a 2022 Mercedes Sprinter and my home for the next ten days — awaited me.

Decked out with dimmable lights, heating and even an airfryer, it was more luxurious than many Airbnbs I’ve stayed in, which meant I could travel in complete comfort.

We’d barely made a dent in our journey when my boyfriend asked: “Are we in Greece?”, stepping on to the glistening white sand at Achmelvich near Lochinver.

The water was the most astonishing blue in the sunshine, reminding us of the bays along the Abel Tasman in New Zealand or the azure shores of Platis Gialos in Mykonos.

It’s no surprise this place was listed as one of the world’s top 50 beaches last year. Although watch out for the wind.

With so much to explore, it may be tempting to skip the small and quiet village of John O’Groats, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Instead of garish souvenirs and coachloads of tourists, the village has a row of charming rainbow houses, fishing boats and a cute craft shop.

Pop by the John O’Groats Brewery to sample the local beer, or head to the neighbouring 8 Doors Distillery for a whisky — although not before you make the 20-minute drive along the road to Dunnet Head, the true most northerly point of the island of Great Britain.

Behind the wheel of a 20ft campervan, I’d decided to avoid the famous Bealach na Ba — a curvy mountain road famous for its hairpin bends and often dubbed one of the most dangerous in the world ­— instead opting to venture southwest to the Isle of Skye.

It was here that I was truly blown away. The Fairy Glen — a magical area hidden in the hills above the village of Uig — felt dreamlike.

Created by 100,000-year-old landslides, its otherworldly grassy domes and moss-covered crooked trees made me feel like I was walking through a real-life fairytale. Similarly ethereal were the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools.

Despite the former simply being a big rock at the top of a hill, it’s the island’s most visited attraction ­— but don’t let that put you off.

‘REAL-LIFE FAIRYTALE’

I was travelling at the end of September and visiting just before sunset meant I almost had the place to myself, watching the clouds loom overhead and a candy floss-like mist descend over the hillside.

Even with the fog, the view from the top was mesmerising. You can see across the Sound of Raasay, which reminded me of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Before making the return trip to Glasgow, there’s just enough time for a pit stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct — also known as the Harry Potter bridge.

The Hogwarts Express crosses over it in four of the films, but in reality, it’s the Jacobite Steam Train that wows visitors, though the effect is very much the same.

I was surrounded by “oohs” as it chugged by, sending plumes of steam into the sky. This Harry Potter ending only added to the magic of my NC500 adventure.

Why fly to New Zealand when the Highlands are on our doorstep?

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John O’Groats is a pleasing little village on the North tip of Great Britain[/caption]

IT was my first time in Washington D.C. and, thanks to a late-night arrival, I had no real idea what lay beyond the curtain of my hotel room.

But as the sun rose the next day and I pulled back the drapes, I was greeted by a view that stopped me in my tracks — the White House, framed perfectly in front of me.

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Getty

Supplied

Having grown up as an expat, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world and witness some of its greatest wonders, but this was a true “pinch me” moment.

Not only was I gazing directly at the beating heart of American democracy, I was so close to the building that I could even see the Secret Service agents on the roof seamlessly changing shifts, sniper’s rifles at the ready.

Jet-lag may be a common travel woe but at that moment it felt like a gift to be up and alert so early.

With the Presidential election so close, there is no better time to be in the nation’s capital — where the pulse of politics felt more electric than ever.

For the next few days, my base was the luxurious Hay-Adams Hotel, a distinguished establishment that once hosted the Obama family for two weeks before Barack’s inauguration in 2009.

This splendid building boasts 124 spacious rooms in colonial style and is ideally situated on Lafayette Square, just a stone’s throw from all the essential sights.

With that in mind, what better place to commence my inaugural visit than the historic White House?

Regrettably, we Brits can’t simply pop inside for a tour, but photographs taken outside the front gate are a worthy addition to anyone’s travel bucket list.

My true interest, however, lay in visiting the epicentre of American democracy — the US Capitol building, home of Congress.

As with most museums or historical tours in Washington DC, a visit to the Capitol is free of charge. Just be sure to book your time slot in advance at visitthecapitol.gov to avoid queueing at the visitors’ centre.

Brimming with architecture, art and artefacts, as well as informative exhibitions and a legacy of decisions that have influenced all our lives, it’s an absolute must-see.

Once you’ve navigated the stringent security checks, guides will escort you around the campus, showcasing highlights such as the Crypt and the iconic domed Rotunda, where many former Presidents have lain in state.

However, the most captivating part for me was the neoclassical, amphitheatre-style National Statuary Hall, which is dedicated to sculptures of prominent Americans, including civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

Be sure to cross the road from Capitol Hill and explore the Library of Congress on your way out. Housing an astonishing 175million catalogued books, it stands as one of the largest libraries in the world, second only to the British Library.

A visit to L’Ardente at 200 Massachusetts Avenue is another essential for anyone interested in American politics (and hearty grub).

A favourite haunt of Michelle Obama and other high-profile D.C. politicians, this restaurant is renowned for its 40-layer lasagne, smothered in cheese.

It will certainly keep you full and will only set you back $38 (about £29) while other mains cost from an affordable $18 (about £14).

Wash it down with a cocktail at the Round Robin Bar at The Willard Intercontinental, a favourite meeting place for politicians, lobbyists and power brokers.

If you fancy a break from the political scene, there are plenty of other complimentary museums in the city.

And as a big kid trapped in a 25-year-old’s body, my absolute favourite was the National Air and Space Museum (airandspace.si.edu).

Here, you can marvel at Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 space suit, which he wore on his historic moon landing in 1969, and see the Wright brothers’ pioneering flyer with your own eyes.

One of the splendid aspects of Washington, D.C. is its compact and well-connected layout. Just a stone’s throw from the museum are the stunning Botanical Gardens and the awe-inspiring National Museum of African American History and Culture.

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Notorious traitors

But why walk everywhere when you can tick off all the key sights by bus?

The Big Bus Tour’s Monuments Sunset Tour includes visits to iconic landmarks such as The White House, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and The Capitol Building, with a drive past the Pentagon.

If it’s a night tour you’re after, though, my favourite has to be the Embassy Row Spy Tour (tickets cost $55 via spyher.co).

This 90-minute walking experience, designed and guided by former CIA officers, reveals the intriguing stories of notorious traitors who once lived and operated in the area.

D.C. embodies a “work hard, play hard” ethos so, beyond the rich history, be sure to carve out time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and myriad offerings of this dynamic capital.

One of my favourite areas was Georgetown, a former tobacco port that has been transformed into a charming suburb brimming with shops, restaurants and bars.

It’s also home to one of my favourite dining spots, Martin’s Tavern (martinstavern.com).

Established in 1933, this cosy, booth-lined restaurant with its homely brunch menu of buttermilk pancakes ($12.95) and corned beef hash ($16.95), plus its dinner menu of comfort food is celebrated as a favourite among Presidents.

You will relish every minute spent there and, if you ask politely, you might even be seated at the very table where JFK proposed to Jackie in 1953.

Just don’t ask for a pint of Guinness — it’s never as good as back at home. And make sure to book in advance.

I rounded off the trip in proper style ahead of the election, with a visit to Washington’s National Portrait Gallery (si.edu/museums/portrait-gallery) to admire the artwork depicting the nation’s former Presidents.

Washington may have the bright lights, towering skyscrapers and bustling streets of most American cities, but its history, low-rise architecture and surprising cleanliness are what really sets it apart.

I’ll be following next week’s Presidential election through a whole new lens.

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The Bravolebrity apologized for offending anyone, but insisted her words were "twisted" and taken out of context.