In a technical note published this month, the tax office confirmed further details on how the new legislation will work to help taxpayers prepare for the changes. 

The timeline for new pension tax rules

The technical note published by HMRC has provided further detail on how the new regime will operate, but this isn't the full legislation. 

Towards the end of 2026, HMRC will begin a public campaign to explain the changes to everyone affected before publishing final official guidance and support materials in spring 2027. 

'Time is running out for HMRC to give schemes the detailed information they will need to implement a new system that starts in less than a year’s time.'

A Treasury spokesperson said: 'We continue to incentivise pension savings for their intended purpose of funding retirement instead of being openly used as a vehicle to transfer wealth. More than 90% of estates each year will continue to pay no inheritance tax after these and other changes.'

What rules have been confirmed?

Here are the key details from HMRC's technical note: 

Inheritance tax will be taken before income tax

HMRC has clarified how inheritance tax will interact with income tax to avoid 'double taxation' on the same pension pot. 

Currently, if you die after the age of 75, your beneficiaries pay income tax on any withdrawals from your pension. Under the new rules, where inheritance tax is due, it will be applied to the pension first.

The beneficiary will then be eligible for a statutory deduction, meaning they'll only pay income tax on the remaining amount after inheritance tax has been settled. This aims to make sure that the total tax bill is lower than it would have been if both taxes were applied to the full original value of the pension.

Families face extra admin

Under the new system, personal representatives (loved ones or executors dealing with the estate) will be responsible for locating all of the deceased's pensions and contacting providers for valuations. 

Currently, pension providers wait for official probate documents before they will discuss a deceased person's account. However, from next year, providers will be required to share information much earlier, allowing personal representatives to begin the process using alternative proof, such as the will and death certificate.

Using a new HMRC online tool – which has not yet been launched – the personal representative will combine these figures with the rest of the estate to calculate any tax due and notify each pension scheme of its specific share of the bill. 

Deadline for paying tax will remain the same

Personal representatives will still face a six-month window from the end of the month of death to settle any inheritance tax due.

To make sure funds are available for this, executors can tell providers to withhold up to 50% of pension benefits for up to 15 months. This power can be used quite early in the process, where the executor has ‘good reason’ to think that inheritance tax will eventually be due. If there’s no will, someone who expects to act as executor may, with evidence, issue a withholding notice.

Both the personal representative and the beneficiaries also have the option to request that the pension provider pay any tax due directly to HMRC.

Exemptions are still in place

Anything left to a surviving spouse or civil partner – including pensions – will remain 100% exempt from inheritance tax. 

HMRC has also clarified that most 'death in service' benefits – lump sums paid out by an employer if you die while still working – will remain exempt. However, they may need to be reported to HMRC by pension scheme administrators. 

Likewise, the government has confirmed that 'dependants' scheme pensions,' which provide a fixed regular income to a child or dependant rather than a lump sum, will generally remain outside the scope of inheritance tax.

However, there are important caveats to this exemption. The person receiving the pension must meet the strict legal definition of a 'dependant' at the time of your death. This means they must be a spouse, a civil partner, or a child under the age of 23 – unless they have a disability. 

Overseas pensions will be affected too

The update clarifies that the new rules aren't just for UK-based pots – they also apply to many overseas pensions held by UK residents. If you have a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS), these funds will generally be treated the same way as UK pensions and included in your estate. 

Executors will need to take extra care to get valuations from international providers, as these must be converted into sterling based on the exchange rate at the date of death.

Simple ways to prepare for inheritance tax changes

While some estate planning strategies are complex, Sir Steve Webb – former pensions minister and current partner at consultancy LCP – has shared three simple steps to get you started and ease the burden for your loved ones:

In this episode of Which? Money, our insurance lead Dean Sobers shares his advice on what to look for when taking out a policy, and explains how some quick glances at the policy documents can give you clues as to what you are - and aren’t - covered for.

Dean also reveals which policies received Best Buy status in our annual travel insurance review, and which providers have been named Which? Recommended Providers.

More podcasts from Which?

The Which? podcast showcases the best content from across our website and magazine. 

Plus, keep an eye out for bonus episodes that tackle important issues, from motoring and tech to health and wellbeing and travel.

How to listen to the Which? podcast

We're always releasing new episodes, and the podcast is available from wherever you usually get your podcasts.

As part of your subscription, Which? members also get access to exclusive podcasts.

Here Which? explains why rebuild cost matters, when to review it, and how to check whether your home is properly insured.

What is rebuild cost and why does it matter?

Most homeowners have a rough idea of what their property might sell for – but rebuild cost is different. It’s the amount it would take to rebuild your home from scratch if it were destroyed, including labour and materials.

Buildings insurance is based on this rebuild cost, not the market value. If the figure on your policy is too low, you could be underinsured, meaning your insurer may reduce any payout if you need to claim. If it's too high, you could be paying for more cover than you need.

Even among homeowners who said they knew their rebuild cost, only 55% in our survey were confident the figure was accurate. Meanwhile, 17% said they did not know or could not remember how the figure on their policy had been calculated. 

When should you check your rebuild cost?

Only 45% of homeowners in our survey said they had checked or updated their rebuild cost within the past two years. 

A further 18% said they had never reviewed their rebuild cost, meaning the figure on their policy may no longer reflect what it would cost to rebuild their home today.

Rebuild costs can change over time, particularly as labour and material costs rise. Government figures show the construction material price index for ‘All Work’ was 2.1% higher in February 2026 than a year earlier, while the index for new housing was up 3.4%.

You should check your rebuild cost at renewal, particularly if the figure has not changed for years. It's also worth reviewing it after major changes to your property, such as an extension, loft conversion, structural work or major renovation.

Can you rely on the rebuild cost on your policy?

A rebuild cost appearing on your policy does not necessarily mean your home has been professionally assessed.

In our survey, 43% of homeowners said the rebuild cost currently listed on their policy had been provided by their insurer. But in some cases, the figure may reflect a standard policy limit, a default assumption, or information entered into a calculator.

Another 16% said they calculated their rebuild cost using an online tool, while 9% said they had estimated or guessed it themselves. A further 15% did not know or could not remember how the figure had been obtained. Just 5% said their rebuild cost had been assessed by a surveyor or valuation expert.

Some responses suggested confusion between rebuild cost and policy limits, with homeowners referring to unlimited cover, £1m limits or maximum sums insured rather than a rebuild figure.

This matters because a high policy limit is not the same as knowing your rebuild cost. If your home is older, listed, unusually built, extensively altered or difficult to compare with typical properties, it may be worth getting a professional valuation rather than relying on a rough estimate.

‘Don’t confuse rebuild cost with market value’

‘It’s easy to confuse a property’s rebuild cost with its market value – but they’re quite different. 

'Both change over time. The latter reflects how much you could sell your home for, whereas the former (incorporating factors such as materials and labour costs) reflects how much it would cost to rebuild. 

'The rebuild figure is fundamental in how insurers calculate premiums. If the estimate’s off, it could mean you’re overpaying or – arguably worse – underinsured. If you’re asked to provide or check a rebuild cost estimate, it’s worth sense checking it using a rebuild cost calculator. 

How to check if your home is properly insured

Here’s how to check whether your cover is likely to be enough:

If you buy a few iced coffees a week, the cost soon adds up. So ditch the barista and make your own with a pod coffee machine. 

Is a cheap pod coffee machine as good as an expensive one?

'The saying goes you get what you pay for, but when it comes to coffee machines, that’s not necessarily the case. We’ve tested coffee machines that cost less than £100 and make a better espresso than others costing five times as much.

'Because pod coffee comes pre-packaged, all the machine actually has to do is heat the water and push it through the pod. The inside of a cheaper machine often features exactly the same pump and heating system as a pricier one, plus the end result will taste exactly the same.

'When you pay more you’re paying for things like stainless steel components instead of plastic, and features such as integrated steam wands and touch screens, not flavour.

'If you just want a quick shot of espresso, a cheap no-frills machine will do the job as well as an expensive one. But if you want one that froths milk automatically, you’ll need to pay more.'

The £25 coffee machine loved by Which? experts

How to make an iced coffee with a pod coffee machine

Some pod coffee machines have a cold setting, which makes whipping up an iced coffee easy. Simply fill a glass with ice, choose the cold setting and watch it do the hard work for you. 

If your pod coffee machine doesn’t have a cold setting, the trick is to brew a smaller, stronger shot than usual to avoid melting the ice and ending up with coffee-flavoured water. 

Fill your glass with ice, pick an espresso or ristretto pod, brew over the ice, then top it off with cold milk.  

Another option is to brew the pods ahead of time and freeze them so when you brew the hot coffee over them, they melt into more coffee.

What are the different types of coffee machine?

There are a few different types of coffee machines, and the one you buy will depend on the type of coffee you like to drink, as well as your budget. 

As well as traditional potato crisps and reconstituted snacks such as Quavers, this burgeoning market now includes lentil chips, veggie straws and other plant-based options aimed at the health-conscious searching for a guilt-free crisp experience. But are these 'healthy' options quite what they seem?

Which? conducted an audit of 66 popular crisps and snacks across the board, including these 'healthy-looking' options.

Using the government’s Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM), the official scoring system used to determine whether foods are high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS), and applying a University of Oxford equation to turn it into a 'scaled score' out of 100, we've gauged whether the crisps 'pass' as a healthier option – or whether they 'fail' (scoring 62 or lower out of 100).

Key findings

Expert view: choosing the healthiest crisps

'We all know crisps aren't the healthiest snack, but our audit shows some can be a much healthier option than others. However, it is concerning to see that many childhood favourites are actually some of the least healthy options on the shelf.'

Highest scoring crisps: 72-74 out of 100

These five represent the top tier of the 66 products we looked at, healthier because of how they maximise beneficial nutrients while minimising negative ones such as salt. 

Kettle Chips lightly salted  (74 out of 100)

These skin-on potato crisps secure top place in our analysis by perfectly balancing negative nutrients with solid fibre and protein, as well as keeping overall calories and saturated fat low. They tie for the lowest sugar in the entire dataset (0.4g per 100g) and feature low salt levels (0.7g per 100g) that undercut most competitors. Great news if you are a fan of traditional crisps.

Holland & Barrett carrot & beetroot chips lightly sea salted (72 out of 100)

Made with dried vegetables without any oils being added, these crisps are unique in benefiting from zero saturated fat. Despite being lightly salted, they have a low salt profile (0.24g per 100g).

The reason they score so well is that they achieve a maximum 'positive' score for fruit, vegetable and nut (FVN) content and fibre (21.5g per 100g, which is the highest in the entire dataset), thereby counterbalancing the high natural sugar content. 

Simply Roasted sea salt & cider vinegar (72 out of 100)

These potato crisps are labelled as '50% less fat' and our analysis revealed that they contain just 1g of saturated fat per 100g – the second lowest out of all 66 crisps. This is likely to be helped by them being 'oven-roasted rather than oil-fried' like many other traditional crisps.

Leaving the potato skins on also boosts the product's nutritional profile by delivering a decent level of fibre (5.7g per 100g). 

Tyrrells Lentil Crisps sour cream & onion (72 out of 100)

Using lentil flour as a base ingredient naturally maximises positive points for both protein (14g per 100g) and fibre (7.3g per 100g), which are higher than most of the other lentil crisps we looked at.

Combined with naturally low sugar (3.1g per 100g) and low salt (0.76g per 100g), this strong nutritional profile keeps negative points to a minimum to secure a higher score.

Tyrrells Lentil Crisps chilli & red pepper (72 out of 100)

These crisps also use a lentil flour base to secure a score of 72 out of 100, with similarly rich protein and fibre levels (13g and 7.2g per 100g, respectively).

As well as gaining 'positive points' for these, negative factors, including saturated fat, salt, and sugar, are kept at moderate levels, preventing large deductions from the NPM score.

Other passes: 64-70 out of 100

The next 25 crisps listed are passes, with scaled scores ranging from 70 to 64 out of 100.

Although 64 is a technical pass for HFSS regulatory purposes, it is also close to the 'fail' mark of 62 or below – if you're choosing a crisp product with health in mind, the higher the number, the better.

Crisps are listed in the table in order of descending NPM scaled score, and where scores are identical, they are also in alphabetical order. 

Lowest scoring crisps: 20-36 out of 100

Out of the 66 crisps we looked at, 36 of them (55% or just over half) were 'fails', ranging from 62 out of 100 (the 'fail' point) down to a really unhealthy 20.

There were four that were deemed the most unhealthy – here's why they did so badly.

Mini Cheddars Original (20 out of 100)

The worst performer of all the crisps we analysed contains very high saturated fat (14.4g per 100g) compared to other products. It also has high salt (2.4g) and low fibre (2.6g), which means that even though it has decent protein levels (10.3g), there’s not enough positives to outweigh the negatives.

Proper Chips barbecue lentil chips (36 out of 100)

Despite a lentil flour base that contributes decent protein, a low fibre content (0.9g per 100g) fails to offset the 4.5g of sugar per 100g and the high salt level of 2.55g per 100g. These high sodium levels trigger significant negative points in the NPM calculations, ranking this product as the joint second worst of all the crisps we looked at.

Skips (36 out of 100)

Skips ranks poorly due to its low fibre (1.2g per 100g) and low protein (5.2g per 100g), which fail to offset its high negative points. It ranks second-highest in calories, sixth-highest in salt and eighth-highest in sugar (6.5g per 100g) among the 66 packets we analysed.

Wotsits Really Cheesy (36 out of 100)

Marketed as 'Baked not fried,' these crisps are a categorical fail in the NPM. They are the most calorific of the entire dataset (546 calories per 100g), as well as being high in sugar (6.6g per 100g), high in salt (1.96g per 100g), and the second-highest in saturated fat (4g per 100g). Positive nutrients, such as fibre and protein, are simply too low to make up for these negatives.

Other low scorers: 38-62 out of 100

Crisps and the 'health halo': what we found

A health halo is a marketing tool that can make you think a food is completely healthy, even if it isn't. 

For example, 'linguistic health haloing' occurs when a wholesome ingredient, such as 'lentil' or 'veggie', is used in a product's name, giving the impression that it is a nutritious alternative to conventional potato crisps.

Our Which? research found that three 'lentil chip' products, two 'quinoa chips' products and one 'veggie straw' product were NPM fails of 48 out of 100 or below. They had salt levels ranging from 1.84g to 2.55g per 100g, which puts them all in the 'red' for salt content under the traffic light system. 

One of the brands – Proper Chips – has two ‘fails’, including one of the lowest-scoring products (Proper Chips barbecue lentil chips, 36 out of 100). However, on its website, the company says, ‘Snacks that aren’t just better for you, but better than anything.’ 



Another tactic is nutritional masking, where a positive claim is focused upon with the effect that it distracts from the fact that the product is otherwise not that healthy. For example, Tyrrells Veg Crisps balsamic vinegar & sea salt state they are 'high in fibre', but they are also an NPM 'fail' with 58 out of 100. Others mention 'No MSG' or 'Cooked with 100% sunflower oil', such as Hula Hoops Original salted (48 out of 100).

Another example of this is saying 'Baked not fried' – read on to find out more.

Baked or fried crisps: which are healthier?

In our analysis, we found that ‘baked’ isn’t necessarily a guarantee of healthy crisps, while ‘fried’ doesn’t necessarily mean an unhealthier product.

For example, Mini Cheddars Original say: 'Baked. Never fried!' on the packaging, and Monster Munch and Wotsits say ‘Baked not fried’, even though they're all NPM 'fails'. However, Twiglets, Sunbites and Walkers Oven Baked range are examples of healthier baked goods out of everything we looked at.

When it comes to frying, companies such as Tyrrells use a special centrifuge (spinning) technique to remove excess oil, resulting in some fried products that achieve a pass.

Another cooking technique used is 'popping' under heat and pressure rather than frying, which helps to reduce the fat and calorie content – for example, Popchips, which was a 'pass' at 66 out of 100.

Even so, don't assume that light and airy means healthier – for example, Skips, Quavers and Wotsits may melt in the mouth but they are calorie-dense and have little positive nutritional value to shout about. 

Portion sizes: what you need to know

An industry practice identified in our analysis is the use of 'under 100 calories' front-of-pack stickers on individual multipack bags. By reducing bag weights to between 13g and around 20g, manufacturers of brands like Skips, Quavers, Wotsits, French Fries and Monster Munch, successfully keep single-serving calorie counts low. 

Although this aligns with historical public health guidance on portion control, it risks prompting consumers to focus entirely on energy density while overlooking a product's fundamentally poor HFSS score.

When a snack scores between 36 and 40, as these ones do, reducing the portion size helps limit calorie intake, but it does nothing to improve the nutritional quality of the food you are eating.  

Nutrition markers: salt, sugar, fat and fibre

Here's an easy-to-read table of UK traffic light nutrition labelling thresholds – as well as standard fibre guidelines – to help you instantly see what counts as low, medium or high levels per 100g of food.

Meal deal and lunchbox crisps

Included in the dataset of 66 crisp products are several perennial meal deal options. There are also popular products parents give their kids, which is why we were surprised by some of the fails.

Children's party staple, Pom-Bear Original, failed with an NPM of 54, because they are high in calories and contain almost zero fibre, as did Mini Cheddars Original, which bottomed out with 20 out of 100 from very high saturated fat (14.4g per 100g) compared to other products, as well as high salt and low fibre.

Other family favourite fails include Wotsits Really Cheesy (36), Quavers (36), Skips (36), Walkers French Fries ready salted (50) and Walkers ready salted crisps (52).

Meal deal crisp fails include Pringles Original (54), various Monster Munch flavours and McCoy's Ridge Cut salt & malt vinegar (44).

On a more positive note, some varieties of these favourites pass, including Pringles sour cream & onion (64), plus a number of traditional Walkers crisp flavours achieve a pass of 64 (roast chicken, salt & vinegar, prawn cocktail and smoky bacon).

Despite the original iteration failing, KP Snacks also make two other Pom-Bear varieties that pass, namely BBQ (68 out of 100) and cheese (64 out of 100). 

If you want more information than you're getting from a calorie label, look for the front-of-pack traffic light labels to easily spot the healthier greens and ambers over the high-salt and high-fat reds.

Crisps: how our scoring works

NPM scores are calculated by taking into account both positive/beneficial ingredients such as fibre and protein, and less beneficial ones including saturated fat, sugar, salt and calories. It also factors in FVN – fruit, vegetable and nut – content.

Once we had these figures, an official NPM tool calculated a final raw score indicating either a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ for HFSS (high in fat, salt or sugar) purposes, which we were then able to turn into a scoring system from 0 (least healthy) to 100 (most healthy).

On a scale of 1 to 100, a ‘pass’ (denoting ‘healthy’) is anything from 63 to 100, and the higher the score, the healthier the food. Anything 62 or less is a ‘fail’. This threshold is particularly significant in the crisps and snacks category, where over half the products fall into the 'fail' range, highlighting the challenge of achieving an optimised nutritional balance.

It is worth noting that a newer version of the model, NPM 2018, has been officially published by the UK government and will introduce changes, such as stricter thresholds for energy density and fat. However, it's not yet at the stage where it can be applied. Our use of the 2004 NPM aligns with the UK's current regulatory standard. It is a mathematical assessment of nutrient balance per 100g, which ensures a transparent level playing field for objective, category-wide comparison.

Read on to learn more about these types of scams and how you can spot and report them. 

Hotel reservation hijacking scam

Which? found a series of messages on Facebook reporting suspicious emails and texts claiming to be from their hotel. 

One Facebook user said that they received an email, which knew their holiday dates and asked them to confirm their holiday booking by following a link. They then received another email from their hotel telling them that the first email was a scam.

Another user mentioned receiving a WhatsApp message about a hotel booking which had their name, booking number, hotel name and holiday dates, and another spoke of receiving a similar message via text.

Others commented, stating that they received a suspicious call about a holiday booking and that they were emailed by their hotel saying that their data had been compromised.

Fake customer service agents

In a scam support group on Facebook for Booking.com customers, Which? found two scam profiles masquerading as customer service agents, attempting to get customers to contact them for help.

In one post on the group, a member shared their experience about struggling to get a refund after a cancelled reservation.

Under the post, a scammer writes: ‘We are very sorry for the inconvenience kindly send a DM or SMS via our email for quick assistance thank you.’ The message includes an email address ending in 'gmail.com'. 

The fraudulent profiles left comments on several posts in the group posing as customer service representatives. Which? found the image used on one profile had been stolen from another social media account. 

Which? reported the profiles on Facebook and they were taken down. We also reported the fraudulent Gmail account to Google.

Which? contacted Meta about these profiles and it confirmed that it removed the accounts brought to its attention for violating its policies. It also told us that it doesn't allow the creation of profiles in order to deceive Meta users.

Despite fraudulent content continuing to appear on online platforms, the regulator Ofcom is yet to announce any enforcement action related to fraud under the Online Safety Act. 

Given that fraud now accounts for around 45% of all crime in England and Wales, Which? believes that the regulator should be taking online crime much more seriously.

What to do about hotel booking scams

At the time, Booking.com told us: 'At Booking.com, we are dedicated to the security and data protection of our guests. We recently noticed some suspicious activity involving unauthorised third parties being able to access some of our guests’ booking information.

'Upon discovering the activity, we took action to contain the issue. We have updated the PIN number for these reservations and informed our guests.'

It is unclear whether the messages Which? found are related, but it is wise to always treat emails, text messages or calls asking you to follow links or provide further information with extreme caution. 

If you receive an email, message or call that claims to be from your holiday provider, you should verify details by logging into the account you have with them or by contacting them using trusted details taken from their website.

Avoid corresponding with profiles that claim to be from customer service agents on social media.

Report dodgy profiles on Facebook by selecting the three dots in the right corner and pressing ‘report.’

Scam emails can be reported by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk and texts can be reported by forwarding them to 7726.

Millionaire's playground Monaco, pricey Switzerland and trendy Iceland are all more expensive - but most of Europe is much cheaper than England, Wales or Scotland.

It’s a similar story for UK hotels, where you’ll struggle to find a decent room for less than £150 a night in some popular destinations.

South Devon vs southern Spain

Salcombe, in one of the most beautiful parts of the South West, is a lovely place, with upmarket boutiques and hotels to match. But seven nights there - for the hotel alone - would cost you around £1,505. That’s an average for the whole year. In the height of the summer it would be much more.

A week in a hotel in Fowey, Cornwall, is £1,169 on average, and in St Andrews, Scotland, it’s £1,085 - again across the whole year.

When we checked package holidays for Spain (hotel stays with flights included), we found prices started at £349pp - less than £700 for a couple sharing, with bed and breakfast. That’s at peak time - the first week in August. Average prices were £906pp - £1,812 for a couple.

The cheapest all-inclusive packages we found for Spain were £1,614 for a couple, so again, not much more expensive than seven nights in a hotel in South Devon.

If you don’t mind the intense heat, a week’s package in Seville in August is £1,000 for two people sharing. That’s much cheaper than a small (up to two rooms) Airbnb in Devon as a whole, which would set you back £1,253 on average. 

Seven popular destinations where a week’s Airbnb costs more than £1,200

Foreign holidays for less

The cheapest package holidays we found on easyJet Holidays, Tui and Jet2 for this summer were to Hungary (£1,088 in total for a couple in a double room), the Czech Republic (£1,226 for a couple) and Poland (£1,270 for a couple). 

But even the most popular resorts have package deals that look pretty reasonable compared with a week in the UK.

The average all-inclusive week in Spain for the first week in August costs £2,328 for a couple. That includes flights, food and drinks as well as your hotel.

A week’s package in Kefalonia - the top-rated Greek island in our last survey - is £1,912 per couple. In Barcelona, it’s £1,690 per couple. The Costa Blanca is £1,838 per couple for the first week in August. The Costa del Sol £2,100 per couple.

Package holidays in the sun this summer

Watch out for UK holiday price rises

A new law to allow mayors in England to introduce tourist taxes was announced in this year’s King’s Speech.

If passed, it would give local authorities similar powers to their Welsh and Scottish counterparts to impose a levy on hotel stays.

Edinburgh’s overnight stay charge will start in July this year, and in Wales, there’ll be additional charges from 2027. 

Despite the lack of a similar law in England, Manchester and Liverpool have already been able to introduce small fees in some areas, by designating them as ‘Accommodation Business Improvement Districts’.

How to save on your next holiday

Our research

Our data on hotel prices comes from Kayak and is for 3 to 4-star hotels and searches from April 2025 to March 2026.

For our package holiday data, we collected prices for 1,608 holidays in the first week of August 2026, double / twin rooms only, from TUI, easyjet and Jet2. Prices were collected on 1 May 2026.

We’ve gathered the prices of every favourite destination in our list to see where in the UK you’ll pay less for a seaside break. 

All of our budget seaside town recommendations cost no more than £100 on average for an overnight stay, and got an approval score of at least 70% in our latest UK beach towns survey. They all offer beaches and seafronts scoring at least three stars out of five, and usually more. And every single one also scored at least four stars out of five for value for money.

Best cheap beach in the UK 

Wales holds gold for the best cheap beach town in the UK, with the technicoloured town of Tenby. 

This historic harbour town, found in Pembrokeshire, ranked eighth overall in our survey. That’s outstanding, given its average nightly cost is £100 (the most expensive town in our survey, Salcombe, costs more than double that). It also scored five stars for the quality of accommodation.

Tenby is also one of only three beach towns in the entire survey that scored full marks for its beaches and seafront. 

The town’s Welsh name, Dinbych-y-Pysgod, translates charmingly to ‘Little Fortress of the Fish’ – a foreshadowing of its five-star food and drink rating, too. 

Best cheap beaches England

North of England

We found two contenders for the best cheap beach town in the north of England. Whitby, in Yorkshire was ranked highest overall by Which? members, with an excellent 77% satisfaction score. 

While Whitby’s accommodation received a perfect five-star rating, an overnight stay is, on average, just £94. Readers gave its seafront an excellent four-star rating, with three stars for the beaches themselves. 

Head a couple of hours further north along the coast and you’ll find Whitley Bay, which also scored an impressive 72%. Whitley Bay is even cheaper (by £12 on average per night) than Whitby, and got full marks for its seafront. Its beaches and general scenery got excellent four-star ratings too. 

You won’t be disappointed with meals out either. Park View, which runs adjacent to the seafront, is bursting with diverse, top-rated cuisine – you can find everything from tapas to tacos, Sunday roasts and Persian food. The seafront also offers plenty of choices. For award-winning fish and chips in magnificent surroundings, head to Trenchers inside Spanish City Plaza, a beautifully restored Edwardian Baroque theatre. Or, head to Hinnies for down-to-earth Geordie comfort food.

South of England 

Essex offers southern England’s top cheap beach. Frinton-On-Sea scored 73%, and four stars for its beaches and seafront – a mile-long row of pastel Victorian beach huts that face a stretch of golden sand. Apart from a vast stripe of lush green lawn buffering the beach from the roads, there's little else here, which is part of the attraction. Small wonder Frinton got the full five stars for peace and quiet.

Consider packing a picnic if you want to sunbathe all afternoon. There aren’t any food and drink options along the esplanade, so you’ll need to head across the greensward and into the town for refreshments – about a 5-10 minute walk. 

Best cheap beach in Scotland

Head towards Aberdeen for Scotland’s best cheap seaside town, Stonehaven – it’s certainly worth the journey, with a 75% score and overnight stays costing on average £90 per night. 

Its seafront scores four stars, and its beaches three. The town stands apart for its staggering coastal scenery, a highlight of which is the medieval ruins of Dunnottar Castle, perched along the grassy headland. You’ll be spoilt for choice for beachside wanders after dinner – something you’ll need to factor in, given that the town scored five stars for its plentiful cafés and restaurants.

Stonehaven is primarily a pebble-and-shingle beach, with plenty of rock pools and other geological features to marvel at. If you fancy something slightly more comfy, you could also pull up a lounger at Stonehaven’s seawater lido. The Art Deco, Olympic-sized pool is heated and open from late May to September, meaning you’ll have a plan B if Scottish summertime doesn’t quite deliver a sunny day.

It’s understandable that the Algarve is a summer holiday go-to for British travellers. Vast stretches of sand, glittering seas lapping otherworldly rock formations and coves – not to mention its southern positioning, making it a strategic destination for fly and flops.  But there is far more to Portugal than this infamous edge of the country, where a beach lounger is getting trickier to secure, as more tourists flock to the region each year.  

I’ve lived in Portugal for two years now, and have visited for holidays with my Portuguese partner for many more. Of course, I have happy memories of Algarve beach trips in Albufeira and Portimão. But I’ve also learnt where Portuguese beachgoers enjoy holidays beyond the region. Like where to go for clean powdery sand and jewel-toned waters that rival Bali. How to find the freshest seafood without falling into tourist traps. Which spots are best for watersports followed by a hot tosta mista (Portugal’s answer to the cheese toastie) in an unpretentious beach bar, and where to visit for serene sunsets, staggering scenery and exceptional yet cheap wine.

Below, I share five underrated destinations on the mainland that you should consider for your next Portuguese beach holiday.

Praia dos Galphos & Galapinhos

If crystal clear waters and world-class sands are what pull you to the Algarve, try the Bahía de Setúbal (‘Setúbal Bay’). 

Standout beaches in the region include Praia dos Galphos and Praia dos Galapinhos. The first is better suited to those who need easier access, with only a short walk down to the shore. The second is for those prepared to bring a cool-box of refreshments and follow a trail on the way down. Both are among my favourites in Portugal. They have the clearest, brightest blue sea I’ve seen on the mainland, with expansive white sands and shrubby backdrops of the Arrábida Natural Park, offering a retreat into nature. 

While you’re in the area, take a boat tour to go dolphin-spotting, and visit the city of Setúbal to enjoy some of the region’s exceptional seafood. Don’t assume the seafront spots are tourist traps – you can eat very well along the waterfront while spending relatively little. 

Comporta

The quaint, colourful beach village of Comporta, with its spacious sands and sophisticated beach bars, is becoming somewhat famous – but not so much so that it is overwhelmed with visitors. It’s informally known as ‘The Portuguese Hamptons’, due to the fact many celebrities have bought holiday properties in the area, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. But the area is still relatively undiscovered by international tourists, and isn’t prohibitively expensive. That’s especially true if you head to the local tavernas, beachside restaurants and coffee shops.

Pick any beach in the area – there’s almost 25 miles of clean, soft sand to stick a parasol into, if the flamingos haven’t beaten you to the spot. And for a little something different, you can also take a relaxing walk among the shady pine forests, stroll around the brightly coloured beach houses, or go stork spotting in the village.

Sintra-Cascais

The regions of Sintra and Cascais – two of the most popular day trip destinations from Lisbon – are bound together not just by a lush natural park, but also by a brilliantly diverse coastline. It caters to any kind of beachgoer, with the buzzy, smaller beaches tucked at the foot of Cascais, fantastic all-rounders like Sintra’s Praia das Maçãs, and dramatic clifftop vistas with wild, untouched shores further north. 

Staying along this coast positions you strategically to hop into the Unesco world heritage-listed fairytale town of Sintra itself during off-peak hours, which means you can experience its iconic palaces and castles without having to battle the heavy tourist traffic coming from Lisbon. 

Further along this stretch of coastline, which is known as the Portuguese Riviera, you’ll also find the picturesque Estoril – another hotspot. Here, you can visit Praia de São Pedro for calm waves sheltered by magnificent limestone cliffs, as stone pines, eucalyptus and giant aloe plants sway in the breeze.

Peniche

You might be worried that forgoing the Algarve means sacrificing those geological wonders that the region is famed for – but not if you go to Peniche. Here you can also get your fix of caves, coves and sun-kissed sea stacks jutting out from the waters, with Jurassic rock dating back hundreds of millions of years. The real treat is the Berlengas Archipelago, which you can reach via a short boat trip from the coast.

Peniche itself is a laid-back fishing town, frequented by surfers, offering an unpretentious experience and a peaceful beachy haven, where you can relax on golden sands or enjoy a spot of snorkelling, followed by bolas de berlim (a beloved Portuguese beach delicacy: a fluffy sugared doughnut filled with egg custard, handed out by beach vendors). There’s plenty to do beyond sunbathing too, from exploring the fortress and the lighthouse, to cooling off in stunning tiled churches. 

You could even head for a day trip to the neighbouring Nazaré, another of Portugal’s popular beach towns. During winter it’s home to some of the most gigantic wave swells in the world. By summer, the climate settles, but it is a little windier, so pick a sheltered spot and consider a light jacket for evenings.

Odeceixe

The southernmost of my recommendations (and likely therefore the balmiest), you’ll find this hideaway on the corner of Portugal where the Algarve meets the dreamy Alentejo, along the Vicentine coast.

This stunning fluvial beach (Praia de Odeceixe) is divided by the Seixe river, meaning you can choose whether to float in the calm lagoons on the river side, or take an invigorating dip on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s been voted as one of the 7 ‘Marvilhas de Portugal’, or ‘wonders of Portugal’ – and for good reason. There’s plenty of space on the sand so you’ll be able to find a spot to sunbathe in peace, taking in the rugged scenery that surrounds.

The sleepy village is a whitewashed, terracotta-topped haven, which climbs the hill to a scenic restored windmill – you’ll likely spend your time here alongside Portuguese folk on their own summertime getaways.

Overall, what you need to pack or store will depend largely on the size of your household. Start with drinking water and some food. Buying a few extra cans or bottles of water during your weekly shop can add up over time.

What should I pack in an emergency kit?

Our emergency kit 'nice-to-haves'

While the government covers the essentials in an emergency, we think there are some extra bits worth picking up to make extended time indoors a bit more comfortable.

Once you cover the essentials above, you can consider getting the following:

How else can I prepare for an emergency?

It isn't just packing a bag or a storage bin full of stuff, although that helps. The government recommends that you also: 

That’s why we’ve rounded up seven of our favourite European food tours to put on your travel wishlist. 

All are offered by Which? Recommended Providers (WRPs): the tour companies best-rated by holidaymakers. 

Our WRPs have also vowed not to surcharge in 2026; so no matter what happens to the price of jet fuel, the cost of your holiday won’t go up after you book.

Truffle hunting and honey: Slovenia and Croatia tour

This eight-day tour with Intrepid takes you from Slovenia’s fairytale capital Ljubljana to Split in Croatia, via the sparkling lakes of the Plitvice National Park - with plenty of foodie adventures along the way. These include a cheese and wine tasting at Kumparicka Goat Farm, a cooking class and truffle hunting in Motovun - a small hilltop village in Istria. 

The village is known for its fruit and honey, as well as Grasevina – a dry, aromatic white wine. Another highlight is a home-cooked kotlovina dinner, a mixed meat dish traditionally cooked in a cauldron for celebrations and parties. 

Olive oil farm and cheese tasting: Sicily tour

You can eat your way around Sicily on this eight-day tour, starting in Palermo - where you’ll explore the local open-air markets and sample the city’s street food. Expect crisp arancini, sweet cannoli and Sicilian-style pizza heaped with anchovies. 

There’s a cooking class in Erice, before visiting an organic olive oil farm to see its production methods among the sun-drenched, historic groves. 

Other highlights include ricotta tasting at a farm near Ragusa and a visit to a renowned wine cellar. You finish the tour in Catania, Sicily’s second city, built from volcanic lava stone at the foot of Mount Etna.

Pintxos, tapas and Rioja: San Sebastian and Seville tour

Small plates began with Spain, whether it's pintxos in the north or tapas in the south. This eight-day itinerary will introduce you to both, with a few tipples thrown in too. You’ll learn to cook a traditional Basque meal, with time to explore the seaside city of San Sebastian in the afternoon - a foodie paradise. 

It’s a short hop to La Rioja the next day for local vineyards and a wine tasting lunch with the region’s famous oak-aged reds.

Then it’s onto Seville to explore its cultural sites, including the Real Alcázar - as well as taking in a tapas tour and Flamenco show. You’ll also day trip to Jerez to visit a local sherry producer and enjoy a traditional Andalusian horse show. 

Fine dining and wine: the Dordogne

The Dordogne is considered the gastronomic heart of France; so why not combine your sightseeing with some high-quality food and drink? Great Rail Journeys will whisk you here on the Eurostar from London St Pancras, where you’ll explore beautiful villages including Beynac-et-Cazenac and Rocamadour, with its cluster of cliff-side churches and medieval stone houses. 

Excursions include a natural wine tasting and a visit to Lascaux caves to admire its prehistoric cave art. You’ll also enjoy epic views from a traditional flat-bottomed gabare boat and ride the Truffadou steam train. 

Expect rich, hearty food along the way: the Dordogne is celebrated for cuisine including duck confit, blue cheese and black Périgord truffle. 

Port, wine and pastel de nata: Porto and Douro Valley tour

This six-day fly-drive holiday centres around the romantic city of Porto, where there is plenty to do aside from eating and drinking. Visit the famous Art Nouveau Livraria Lello bookshop with its striking stained glass windows.  You can also meander through the manicured lawns of the Palácio de Cristal Gardens and cross the double-deck iron arch Luís I Bridge. There are opportunities to visit a port cellar, as well as enjoy local specialities - including sardines and pastel de nata - on a city food tour.

Pick up your car and drive to the Douro Valley on day four for a vineyard tour and a winding boat trip through the terraced, vineyard-laden hills. 

Home cooking and Greek sunshine: Crete tour

You don’t have to embark on a multi-stop itinerary to experience great food. This Greek foodie holiday, designed for solo travellers, is based at a family-run hotel in Crete - promising the perfect balance of sunshine and tasty home cooking. 

The eight-day trip includes a visit to the Olive Tree of Vouves to see cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil in production. 

You’ll also taste honey at a bee farm and learn how to cook the local celebration dish Pilafi - a lamb and chicken soup with sticky rice and yoghurt. 

Seafood and whisky: Fife Coastal path 

You don’t even have to leave British soil for a foodie adventure. This six-night self-guided walking holiday follows the clifftop trails of Fife Coastal Path, taking in sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages along the way. 

As well as an abundance of marine and birdlife, this part of Scotland is famed for its local produce. There are farm shops and smokehouses to visit, plus freshly caught seafood to enjoy. 

The final leg takes you to the award-winning whisky distillery of Kingsbarns Distillery, which uses locally grown barley.  

While the card could help holidaymakers avoid the typical 2.99% foreign transaction fees charged by many banks, there are still some costs to watch out for – particularly if you plan to withdraw cash overseas.

Here, Which? takes a closer look at the fees, features and how the new card stacks up against the best alternatives. 

What does the Post Office travel credit card offer?

When you’re abroad and make purchases or withdraw cash in another currency, banks often charge fees to convert your spending back into pounds. 

Most debit and credit cards charge a non-sterling transaction fee of around 2.99% every time you spend overseas. That may not sound like much, but repeated charges on hotel bills, meals out and holiday spending can quickly add up over the course of a trip.

Specialist travel credit cards don't come with these fees, making it much cheaper to spend abroad.

The main features of the Post Office’s new card are:

Purchases made in foreign currencies are converted using the Mastercard exchange rate. 

The card has a representative APR of 34.9% (variable), based on a £1,200 credit limit. 

You’ll also be able to lock and unlock the card via the Post Office app, and you can get help online or over the phone.

What's in the small print?

The card has been launched in partnership with Capital One, and in order to apply you need to be at least 18 years old and live in the UK. You can use it anywhere that accepts Mastercard.

While the card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees on overseas spending, cash withdrawals are treated differently.

If you withdraw cash abroad, you’ll be charged a fee of £3 or 3% of the withdrawal amount – whichever is higher. Once the withdrawal appears on your account, interest will also be charged at the card’s cash rate.

Cash advance fees can also apply when buying foreign currency outside the Post Office or using gambling websites.

The exception is Post Office Travel Money bought online or in branch using the card, where no cash advance fee applies.

How does the Post Office travel credit card compare?

If you’re looking for a card to use abroad, there are other travel credit cards that also don’t charge foreign transaction fees and come with added perks:

Unlike the Post Office card, these cards also don’t charge cash withdrawal fees abroad, which could make a difference if you regularly rely on ATMs while travelling.

The Lloyds Ultra card also offers 1% cashback on spending for the first year, adding another perk for frequent travellers.

Is the Post Office a good provider?

The Post Office has over 11,500 branches across the UK, making it the nation’s largest retail network.

The organisation also has a partnership with 30 of the UK’s banks and building societies, which allows customers of those outlets to access the following services at any Post Office branch:

The Post Office was included in our review of the best credit card providers, but did not receive enough responses in our latest survey to generate a provider customer score. 

What are the other ways to spend abroad?

A travel credit card isn’t the only way to cut costs overseas, and depending on how you spend, another option may suit you better.

Travel debit card

Travel debit cards can be a cheaper option if you want to avoid borrowing altogether.

Some banks, including Chase, First Direct, Monzo and Starling offer debit cards with fee-free overseas spending, allowing you to use your own money rather than building up debt on a credit card.

Prepaid card

Prepaid travel cards let you load money in advance and spend in different currencies using a card.

For example, the Post Office’s own Travel Money Card supports up to 22 currencies and can be managed through an app.

These cards can help you stick to a holiday budget, although exchange rates and fees vary between providers.

Cash

Cash can still be useful for tips, taxis or smaller purchases, particularly in destinations where cards aren’t widely accepted.

But exchanging money at airports can mean poorer exchange rates, and carrying large amounts of cash can be risky if it’s lost or stolen.

4 things to know when getting a travel credit card

In this episode of our healthy living podcast, Which? researcher James Aitchison takes us inside the research he's been conducting into the effectiveness of LED face masks and collagen supplements, while consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth shares her thoughts on the changing face of the skincare market.

Plus, for the first time, we've been reviewing anti-ageing creams to find out which brands are leading the way. Our thorough, independent testing allows us to recommend the products that really work, and highlight the ones that failed our tests.

More Which? health and wellbeing podcasts

Get the Which? lowdown on popular health topics, with insight from leading experts and our in-house research team. Here are our recent podcast episodes:

More podcasts from Which?

The Which? podcast showcases the best content from across our website and magazine. 

Plus, keep an eye out for bonus episodes that tackle important issues, from motoring and tech to health and wellbeing and travel.

How to listen to the Which? podcast

We're always releasing new episodes, and the podcast is available from wherever you usually get your podcasts.

As part of your subscription, Which? members also get access to exclusive podcasts.

Dear Which?,

My wife and I were planning a trip from Aberdeen to Dublin to attend a wedding and booked flights with British Airways for a total of £306.16. 

After making the booking, the screen displayed the message: ‘Unable to complete this transaction at this time, please try again later.’ I tried again and it still didn't work, so I assumed there was an error and made other plans.

Later that month, I found that four BA transactions had been charged to my credit card and immediately disputed them with my credit card provider, Marbles, which is owned by NewDay.

I thought the case was closed when I was credited for the four disputed payments. Two months later, NewDay emailed me to say that British Airways was defending three of my four disputed payments, and the charges were reapplied to my credit card.

I contacted British Airways’ customer support via online chat and was told that I could cancel the flights but would only be refunded the taxes as per the T&Cs. I contested this and was given a number to call for further help, to no avail. 

Are you able to help?

Ken Bruce

Put to rights

This sounds like an error that should have been resolved quickly. Instead, you were stuck in a customer service doom loop for months, which I'm sure many can relate to.

Thankfully, after I contacted British Airways, it reviewed its decision and offered you a full refund, apologising for the eight-month ordeal.

Need to know

Please be aware that we can't help with or respond to every email we receive. The inbox is monitored periodically during office hours, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Most fires start accidentally and unexpectedly. Getting your fire safety sorted now could help prevent a small fire from spreading or give you additional time to escape. 

These are our top tips to help get your fire systems and safety up to scratch.

1. A fire extinguisher

What may seem like an obvious choice comes with some unobvious caveats – not all fire extinguishers can tackle the same fires. They can be filled with foam, dry powder, wet chemicals, water or CO2 - each rated to handle different 'classes' of fires.

You can buy 'multipurpose' models, but the extinguisher that should cover the most bases at home is a 'blue' dry powder fire extinguisher. These are rated to tackle:

If you're worried about cooking oil or grease fires ('class F') in your kitchen, it's worth picking up a separate 'yellow' wet chemical extinguisher, too, as they're the only ones rated to tackle these types of fire.

Although buying a fire extinguisher can give you some peace of mind and help in an emergency, never try to fight a big fire on your own. Only use an extinguisher to tackle a fire in its very early stages, and put your own and other people's safety first. 

Always call 999 in an emergency.

2. A fire blanket

Fire blankets are made of fire-resistant fabrics that, when thrown on a fire, smother it and deprive it of oxygen so it burns out quickly.

While you could splash out on a 'yellow' fire extinguisher, fire blankets tend to be the cheaper choice to help prevent cooking fires from getting out of control.

As with extinguishers, fire blankets should only be used to tackle a fire in its very early stages. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Can you reuse a fire blanket?

No. Once a fire blanket has been used to put out a fire, manufacturers recommend replacing it as soon as possible, as the old one may be damaged – which could cause more harm than good if used again. 

That said, if you didn't use the blanket or it was a false alarm, you can simply repack it until it's needed again.

3. Smoke alarms

Another obvious pick – a smoke alarm detects smoke coming from any potential fire, warning you of the danger before it's too late. This is important because it gives you critical time to reach your escape route.

The London Fire Brigade recommends fitting smoke alarms in any room where a fire could start – not just in a hallway. A single smoke alarm won't cover your entire home, so it's important to get coverage on every floor and in multiple rooms.

We put models to the test to detect several different types of fires – the best smoke alarms sounded every time but, unfortunately, we also found models that couldn't be trusted to keep you safe.

4. Heat alarms

These alarms aren't set off by smoke; they detect sudden increases in heat and go off when they reach a specific temperature.

According to the London Fire Brigade, you should fit a heat alarm rather than a smoke detector in your kitchen, as steam or fumes from cooking can damage a smoke alarm or unintentionally set it off.

You can find models or bundles that are interlinked with smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Heat alarms are required for homes in Scotland, but are a great choice for those living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, too.

5. Carbon monoxide detectors

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about fire safety, carbon monoxide detectors are important in case a fire does occur.

Carbon monoxide (CO) builds up when fuel or certain materials, such as wood, aren't fully burnt. If you have put out a fire at home, you may still be exposed to CO, which poses significant health risks even at low levels. 

It's similar to why you should never immediately move an extinguished BBQ into an enclosed space: the smouldering fuel produces much more CO than when it's openly or actively on fire.

We've put dozens of CO monitors to the test, including how fast they alert you, how loud they are and how well they perform. Getting a Best Buy carbon monoxide alarm could save your life.

6. First aid kits

If you do suffer a burn, being able to properly treat it quickly can prevent it from getting worse. Many pre-packed first-aid kits come with the dressings needed to treat minor burns. However, if you're ever in doubt, seek proper care through 111 or 999.

What else should I do? 

Plan a fire escape route and keep it clear

Having these essentials is a good step toward fire safety, but the most important thing you can do is plan an escape route. You should always prioritise your own and others' safety during a fire, and being able to get away from one is essential.

We'd recommend taking a moment to work out the fastest ways to escape from your home in a fire and to keep any routes free of obstacles such as furniture, boxes or cables.

Don't overload your plug sockets

Many appliances use a lot of power, and plugging too many into one socket can easily overload adaptors and extension leads. 

A kettle alone can easily max out a socket's capacity when it's on, so we wouldn't recommend having it share a plug with anything else. Try to keep high-powered appliances to their own set of sockets, rather than plugging a dishwasher and a washing machine into the same twin outlet.

If in doubt, contact your local fire brigade for a fire safety visit

Many local fire departments will come and check your home to assess the best steps for your fire safety. Even better - they're usually free.

Contact your local authority or fire brigade to learn more.

We've spotted air conditioners, fans and ice packs  that should help you beat any heatwave without breaking the bank. 

Read on to view our expert picks, verdicts, and get the best prices.

Top affordable picks to beat the heat

Homcom 9000 BTU portable air conditioner

This 9,000 BTU air conditioner claims to be powerful enough to cool a 28-square-metre room. It has two fan speeds and can double as a dehumidifier, although we haven't tested how well it does that.

A window seal kit is included, which should save some more money.

How it helps during heatwaves

Our expert says

Levoit LTF-F362 Tower Fan

This 12-speed fan features turbo, auto, and sleep modes. These will increase or decrease airflow based on temperature, or keep the fan quiet. You'll get a remote included, so you don't need to get up to tweak any settings.

Plus, it has a 1.7-metre cable, so you won't be too tethered to outlets.

How it helps during heatwaves

Our expert says

SleepSoul Nebula mattress

If you're a hot sleeper, a cold mattress is a must during the summer months. Foam mattresses can absorb a lot of heat, leaving you feeling too warm. A pocket-sprung mattress, such as this one from SleepSoul, can be a better choice, as it won't trap as much heat beneath you.

This mattress was rated as 'very cold' in our testing, despite it being topped with a few layers of foam. It's also breathable, which should help with any night-time sweating.

How it helps during heatwaves

Our expert says

Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Spray SPF30

If you're going to be outside at any point during a heatwave, it's extremely important to slather on some SPF so you don't get burned. 

This Boots sun cream is an affordable option and claims to protect from both UVA and UVB rays - though you'll need to read our review to see if it delivered.

How it helps during heatwaves

Our expert says

Koolpak Reusable Cold Packs

While these gel packs are typically used to keep food chilled in a cool box or for injuries and muscle soreness, they can also be a cheap way to keep you cool during a heatwave. 

Once frozen, just hold them against your skin – preferably above an artery, such as on your neck or wrists – if it's too cold, wrapping it in a tea towel can make it more comfortable. They can also be warmed up in the microwave, which can help you stay warm when it gets colder again.

How it helps during heatwaves

Our expert says

Dunelm Ultimate Cotton Towel

It seems like an odd addition, but another cheap way to keep cool is to run a towel under cold water and wrap it around yourself. It may not cool you off as much as the other items in this round-up, but it works in a pinch. Another tip: wrap it around your feet, as the cooling your feet can reduce your overall body temperature.

If you're after extra towels to have on hand – which is never a bad idea – these Dunelm bath towels were among the cheapest we tested. You can get face towels for just £1.75, and bath towels cost around £16.

How it helps during heatwaves

Our expert says

Are fans and air conditioners more expensive during heatwaves?

'The price of air conditioners and fans doesn’t typically rise in hot weather, as retailers don’t usually adjust pricing with the seasons. 

'What heatwaves do tend to affect is stock levels, with higher demand meaning some popular models can become harder to get hold of quickly.'

Is summer 2026 going to be hotter than summer 2025?

It will be roughly the same (if perhaps slightly cooler) than the record-breaking highs we saw in 2024. The Met has forecasted that temperatures in 2026 will be around 1.4°C higher than preindustrial levels, on average, which means we're likely to see more heatwaves in the summer months. For reference, we saw temperatures at 1.5°C above preindustrial levels on average in both 2024 and 2025.

Projectors can offer a massive screen so you can see every tackle, goal and yellow card without spending thousands on a large TV, but are they really your best option? Our experts have weighed in to help you pick.

You'll want to consider more than the 2026 World Cup when buying, so read on to see everything you need to know to avoid scoring an own-goal.

Four reasons to choose a projector

1. You'll get a bigger screen size than the largest TVs

Several of the projectors we tested could reach maximum screen sizes of 100, 200 or even 300 inches. This eclipses even the largest TVs – meaning you can get a cinematic experience watching films or TV. 

Because of the large screen sizes, some people feel as if a projector provides a better, more comfortable viewing experience. Just know that if you're watching in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels), a large screen size can sometimes make things look a little blurry. 

If you want a sharper picture, you can get higher-definition projectors that display 4K (3840 x 2160 pixel) images – expect to pay a bit more, though.

2. They're often cheaper than a large TV

While there are some budget-friendly large TVs, many 65 or 75-inch TVs still cost well over £1,200. Even if you could find a TV with a screen size rivalling a projector's, it would have a price of tens of thousands of pounds.

In our testing, we found that you can get a large picture for less – the most expensive models cost less than £1,100, but we also uncovered some great models for £500.

3. You can stow away a projector (but not always a projector screen)

When your TV is turned off, it's effectively a big black mirror hanging in your living room. If it's not wall-mounted, you'll need a TV console to keep it on, which can take up a lot of space.

One thing to consider is a projector screen. Many are massive sheets that can be tedious to put up and take down. There are wall-mounted or motorised models which can tuck a screen away, but these add extra costs.

You don't necessarily need a screen, though. They offer the best viewing experience, but if you can easily clear a wall, that will work. Some projectors can also be pointed at the ceiling if you want to watch something while lying in bed. 

That said, your viewing experience will depend on the surface's smoothness and colour. If you don't mind a bit of DIY, you can also get special reflective white paint to coat your walls and improve your picture.

4. Many models are portable

For the World Cup, a fun idea could be to invite friends around to watch matches outdoors in the garden. On warm summer evenings, a projector would be perfect for this.

It's not just for the games, either. You can set up outdoor movie nights in your garden, and some are even small enough to take along on holiday. Many portable projectors have built-in batteries, too, so you won't need to be tethered to an outlet.

Our verdict: should you get a projector to watch the World Cup?

'Due to the time difference, many World Cup games will start late in the evening or in the middle of the night here in the UK. 

'As projectors tend to work better in a darkened space, this could make getting one a perfect choice for this year's tournament.

'Using a portable projector outside and pointing it at the wall or a projector screen is also a good option, but your neighbours may not thank you if you cheer too loudly when watching one of the games kicking off after 11pm.'

Four reasons to stick with a TV

1. TVs tend to work better than projectors in the day

A projector's performance is affected by ambient light. Even with the curtains closed, any light that creeps in can affect contrast or image quality.

While this isn't as big an issue in the darker, winter months, if you usually watch in the daytime or in a brighter room, it may be worth sticking with a TV instead.

Granted, there are projectors that are bright enough to offset some ambient light. The brighter your projector can get, the more it will shine through any interfering light. The brightest models we tested produced up to 2,000 lumens, which should still offer a decent viewing experience even in daylight.

2. You won't need to change any bulbs on a TV

Some projectors will need replacement bulbs to keep producing an image. When they start to burn out, you may need to spend more than £200 to replace them, which adds an extra cost.

That said, many newer projectors are 'laser' models that manufacturers claim will last tens of thousands of hours before needing any replacement bulbs. Additionally, projector bulbs tend to last several thousand hours, so you won't have to replace them often unless you're using your projector a lot every day.

If you're using a TV, you typically don't need to replace its screen unless it's been damaged.

3. TVs are often better for gaming and high-speed movement than projectors

Projectors can offer massive screens at a lower price, but they're not always the best option for watching shows with lots of movement or for gaming. Especially in gaming, many projectors have an 'input lag', which is a short – but often noticeable – delay between when you press a button on a controller and what happens on the screen.

Furthermore, projectors aren't always the best when handling motion. While some of the models we tested performed well in scenes with lots of motion, TVs tend to do a better job overall.

Smoother motion is, of course, better for watching sport.

4. TVs usually have louder built-in speakers

A projector offers a big screen, but doesn't always include much sound to match it. Some have built-in speakers, but they're often smaller and won't get as loud as the ones that are built in to a TV.

Unless you want to invest in a separate audio system, it may be worth putting that money towards a TV instead.

That said, projectors can typically connect to regular Bluetooth speakers or headphones. It may be worth picking up a portable Bluetooth speaker that you can easily use elsewhere to accompany a projector.

Our verdict: should you get a TV to watch the World Cup?

'If nothing less than 100 inches will do, then a projector is the way to go. Very few TVs are bigger than this, and those that are cost a lot, weigh a lot and take up a lot of space. 

'Size aside, TVs have the edge. Typically, they're brighter, capable of richer and deeper contrast, more vibrant colours and smoother motion. A projector is something you want to build your room around for the best experience. Getting a projector screen to display the image and ensuring you've got good enough curtains or blinds to block ambient light are needed to get the most out of a projector.

'If you're after the best quality with less fuss,and you don't need a huge picture, then TVs are the way to go.'

Compared: popular Which?-tested projectors

Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air

It may not be the smallest projector we put to the test, but this portable model from Anker packs a screen size of up to 200 inches for on-the-go use.

When watching films, it displays at 1080p. It's a good option if you want to watch World Cup matches outdoors, and you can use it for movie nights or on holiday after the tournament is long finished.

Hisense C2TUL 4K Smart Mini Projector

This Hisense projector isn't cheap, but it's still cheaper than many large TVs. It displays a 4K picture in any size from 65 to 300 inches, and is one of the few 4K models we put to the test.

It also has a tilting stand, so you won't need to balance it or buy a tripod to mount it. Just know that it's quite bulky and heavy compared with other projectors.

Anker Nebula Capsule 3

Another portable model, this Anker projector is roughly the size of a can of Guinness. It won't have as big a screen as some other models, but its small size means you can easily take it on the go.

It also has auto keystone features, which should prevent a lot of faff when setting it up, although you'll need to read our full review to see if that was actually the case.

In this episode of Which? Shorts, we reveal the results of our survey of consumers to find out which cabin bag brands leave customers most satisfied and which ones are truly built to last.

Plus, with baggage rules differing from airline to airline, we share our tips on how to cut the cost of carrying luggage onto a plane, and what to do if you think you’ve been unfairly charged.

More podcasts from Which?

The Which? podcast showcases the best content from across our website and magazine. 

Plus, keep an eye out for bonus episodes that tackle important issues, from motoring to tech, and from health and wellbeing to travel.

How to listen to the Which? podcast

We're always releasing new episodes, and the podcast is available wherever you usually listen to podcasts.

As part of your subscription, Which? members also get access to exclusive podcasts.

Take the different types of starchy carbohydrates, which make up more than 50% of calories consumed throughout the world. My wife, who is of white Northern European ancestry, loves it in the form of bread. I am of Chinese ancestry, and can take or leave bread. Rice and noodles however, I can easily eat every single day.

Thus, the love of carbs is largely universal, but the ‘tastes’ for its different forms are culturally embedded from an early age. However, a lot of what and how we eat isn’t acquired. It’s built into our genes.

What gene gives you a food intolerance

There are well-known genes linked to food intolerances across different ethnicities. 

For example, I’m able to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine. However, I have a far lower tolerance than many of my white friends. 

This is because of a genetic variant of my Alcohol Dehydrogenase 1C (ADH1C) gene. We all carry two copies of the gene. However, I carry one copy of a variation which results in different alcohol metabolising speeds.

Many white people don’t have this variation, which is why they’re able to handle alcohol far better. However, my dad carries two copies of this genetic variant, which means he can’t cope with alcohol at all and can barely handle the bubbles coming off a glass of champagne (true story).  

Like many Chinese people, I am also lactose intolerant, because I don’t have the mutation in the Lactase (LCT) gene that many white people, for example, carry.

Makes you eat more fat

What is less well known is that there are actually genes that influence the ‘taste’ for certain types of food.

One of the key genes that plays a role in the control of food intake is the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R). This forms part of the circuit in our brain that senses how much fat we are carrying.

My research has discovered that around 0.3% of the UK population, potentially up to 200,000 people in the country, carry mutations in the MC4R, making them, at 18 years of age, on average 18kg heavier than someone without an MC4R mutation. 

Of that 18kg, 15kg is fat. Why? Because people with mutations in MC4R have brains that are less sensitive to the amount of fat in the body. Their brains think they are carrying less fat than they actually are. As a result, they eat more, and end up heavier.

However, the MC4R doesn’t only influence how much we eat, but also what we eat. 

Can't resist high-fat choices

She tested lean individuals, and individuals with obesity with and without MC4R mutations. 

In the first experiment, she gave participants an all-you-can-eat buffet with three options of chicken korma (a mild, sweet, almond-based curry). 

The three curries were the same, in look, smell and taste, but differed in fat content, which was manipulated to provide a ‘Goldilock’s selection’ of 20% (low), 40% (medium) and 60% (high) of the calories from fat. 

What happened was those carrying a mutation in MC4R ate almost twice the amount of high-fat curry than the lean individuals ate, and 65% more than individuals with non-MC4R obesity.

Curbs your taste for sugar

In the second experiment, the same three groups were given Eton mess, which is, in effect, what happens when someone drops a Pavlova of strawberries, whipped cream and meringue on the floor, and scoops it back in a bowl. 

Again, there were three options from which to choose, this time differing in the amount of sugar present in the meringue and cream, providing 8% (low), 26% (medium) and 54% (high) of calorific content. 

Paradoxically, in contrast to the fat choice experiment, individuals with a mutation in MC4R liked the high sugar dessert less than their lean and obese counterparts and in fact, ate significantly less of all three desserts compared to the other two groups. 

It turns out that people with a defective MC4R preferred higher-fat food, but had a decreased preference for sugary foods.

Makes you hate green veg

How about the taste or distaste for specific types of food? Brussel sprouts for instance?

Everyone got a little blank bit of paper, and were told to put it on their tongue (I did it to, to reassure that I wasn’t trying to poison anyone). 

Half of the volunteers (including me) encountered an acutely bitter taste, while the other half tasted nothing, and were looking around, puzzled by the difference in reaction. What was going on?

Well, all the pieces of paper were infused with a little drop of phenylthiocarbamide. That’s the chemical responsible for the bitter taste found in brassica, plants in the cabbage and mustard family, which include Brussel sprouts. 

However, only around 50% of people, known as ‘supertasters’, carry a variation of the gene TAS2R38, that allows them to detect the bitterness. The ability to taste this bitterness doesn’t automatically mean you hate sprouts, but it certainly influences the taste sensation you get from eating them and other related vegetables.

Why you might detest coriander

Then there is the marmite reaction of different people to the herb coriander – or cilantro, depending on where in the world you hail from. 

Many people, including me, consider it tasty. However, some, most famously the chef Julia Child, find it disgusting. Julia said she’d throw it on the floor if she found it in food. 

This dislike may, of course, simply reflect preference. However, for those coriander-phobes among you, for whom the herb has a strong soapy taste, it is indeed genetic. 

Some people have a genetic variation in the olfactory-receptor gene OR6A2, allowing them to strongly perceive the aldehydes in coriander leaves, which are the source of the soapy flavour. 

Interestingly, the prevalence of this genetic variation varies geographically. Regions where coriander is more popular, such as Central America and India, record fewer people carrying this ‘soapy’ variation.

But that doesn’t rule out maintaining a reasonable lawn that the kids can play on and the grown-ups can enjoy without it turning into a muddy mess.

Certain maintenance tasks are a must, but these don’t need to eat into your weekend or become yet another thing to add to your never-ending to-do list.

Here’s my step-by-step guide to achieving - and maintaining - kid-proof turf that survives the school holidays.

1. Don't forget lawns need feeding too

Waking up a sleeping lawn after winter is a bit like waking a teenager on a school day - you can't just throw a bucket of water over it and expect it to be good to go.

Most lawns naturally thin out over time, regardless of how many pairs of feet (or paws) you have trampling on it, so feeding in spring and summer is a must. If your lawn is relatively hassle-free, a standard feed is all most lawns need to keep them happy and looking good. They're high in nitrogen, so are recommended for spring and summer use when grass is actively growing.

However, if grass isn't the only thing growing on your lawn, you could get a feed that is designed to tackle specific issues such as moss and weeds. That said, I like to pick my battles, and I'm not going to lose any sleep over a spot of moss or a few rogue dandelions!

We've tested lawn treatments from big-name garden brands, including Evergreen, Miracle-Gro and Scotts, to see which will keep your garden looking its best. If you've got kids and animals, always read the label to check the product you're planning to use is child and pet-friendly.

2. Mow as needed, not as scheduled

It’s a common misconception that a carpet-thick lawn requires time, dedication and lots of ground work - it doesn’t. Letting grass grow a bit longer not only shades the soil and prevents weed seeds from germinating, but it also helps the lawn survive heatwaves - and little feet - because longer grass has stronger roots.

I cut our grass every week during the summer months, but in the school holidays, when the kids are trampling on it, I avoid mowing completely and just trim the edges of the lawn to keep the garden looking neat and tidy.

After moving from a flat with no outside space to a house with a garden, I'm currently using a lightweight, cordless grass trimmer from our old allotment to stay on top of the grass. It's also handy to trim new, young grass I've overseeded to fill in bare patches that aren’t quite ready for their first mow yet.

EGO LM1702E-SP (80%, Best Buy, Eco Buy)

This superb cordless mower for medium-sized lawns did a great job on all the lawn and grass types we could throw at it in our independent lab tests, making it a worthy Best Buy and Eco Buy recommendation. It's got a 42cm cutting width and five cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 20mm to 80mm, plus the handles are telescopic, so it can be collapsed and folded away to easily store. A mulching kit is available to buy separately, which costs around £30. 

Spear & Jackson 42cm cordless lawn mower (72%, Best Buy, Eco Buy)

This Best Buy and Eco Buy Spear & Jackson lawn mower's lightweight design, adjustable handle and efficient mulching abilities make it a dream for medium to large lawns. It weighs 15kg, making it relatively lightweight for its size, and it comes with two 4Ah batteries, used one at a time, so you can swap one in when the other runs out of charge. There's a 40-litre, rear-mounted, plastic grass-collection bag, plus a roller if you like a striped lawn.

3. Only use your lawn mower in mulching mode

Stopping to empty a grass box, then traipsing backwards and forwards to the compost heap, is the ultimate time sink if you're a busy parent running on a tight schedule. 

Mulching not only saves you time by shredding the clippings into tiny pieces that are then spread back across the lawn, but it also improves soil health and acts as a free natural fertiliser by putting essential nutrients back into the ground as it decomposes.

Of the 185 lawn mowers we've currently tested, 58 include mulching modes. If you're shopping for a new mower, mulching abilities are well worth looking out for.

4. Stay on top of wear and tear

With four spirited children, I know first-hand the havoc kids can wreak on a lawn - especially during the school holidays. Throw in some four-legged friends (in our case, three bunnies and a cat) plus a slip and slide water game to keep them occupied in the summer holidays, and it's a wonder there's any grass left at all.

High-traffic areas tend to suffer from soil compaction (compression of soil) and bare patches. Allow air back into the ground by pushing in a garden fork every 20cm to help with compaction. 

For gap-free grass, I use a handy three-in-one shop kit which combines grass seed, mulch and fertiliser to fill in the patches. Alternatively, rake the area yourself, sow grass seed and cover with compost or soil - and don't forget to water!

5. Don’t be tempted to switch to artificial grass

It might be tempting to switch to lower-maintenance, artificial grass, but not only is it bad for wildlife, it's also bad for the environment.

Artificial grass is made of plastic, which breaks down over time, releasing microplastics that can contaminate the soil and enter the food chain. It also retains heat, making it much hotter than natural grass, resulting in temperatures that can be harmful to both pets and children.

Real turf is barefoot-friendly and much nicer for kids to play on, plus it provides an essential habitat for wildlife, including insects, worms and birds. 

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We went undercover, posing as a patient seeking GLP1 (weight-loss jab) medication for the first time to test the prescribing processes of major online pharmacies.

We used a genuine weight (overweight BMI), but falsely claimed to have high blood pressure – an obesity-related condition that would make us eligible for the jabs. We did this to test whether any pharmacies would interrogate the false high blood pressure claim before issuing prescriptions. 

Superdrug, MedExpress, Voy and Zava all sent us weight-loss jabs based on false health information and a fake GP address, without seeking to verify this information first.

Some pharmacies did challenge false information

We set out to test the prescribing processes of a range of popular pharmacies. Some did flag false information early on, or require proof of qualifying health conditions.

Boots, Numan, Morrisons and Pharmacy2U refused to give us a consultation without genuine GP details.

Simple Online Pharmacy and MyJuniper didn't flag our fake GP address, but did require proof of high blood pressure to proceed.

Simple Online Pharmacy contacted us, requesting evidence of the condition, which it stated could be a GP letter confirming the condition, medication packaging with the label showing the date, name and address or a screenshot of a prescription for high blood pressure medication.

MyJuniper also required documentary evidence to confirm the medication was 'clinically appropriate and safe'.

Regulator concerned by Which? findings

We shared our findings with the GPhC, which said it was ‘concerned about the inappropriate prescribing of weight-management medications found by Which?' and 'will consider these findings as part of our ongoing review of emerging issues and risks in this area'.

We also reached out to the pharmacies that allowed us to order jabs based on false information for comment.

Superdrug told us its clinician ‘made a prescribing decision using their clinical judgement based on the information provided by the patient’.  

Zava said patient safety was ‘paramount’ and it relied on the ‘integrity and honesty of our patients when they provide personal health information'. Zava also stated that providing false information was a breach of terms. 

Verification processes for weight have tightened considerably since, with the GPhC issuing fresh guidance. Pharmacies now require photos of patients either in tight clothing or with a bare midriff to show their body composition.

But our most recent findings show that some pharmacies are still more lax about checks than others.

Rules left open to interpretation 

Our investigation revealed varied interpretations of weight-loss jab prescribing rules, with some pharmacies apparently routinely prescribing the medication ‘off label’ without requiring evidence of health-related conditions at all.

MedExpress, which didn’t respond to our requests for comment, states on its website that, where ‘safe and appropriate’, it will ‘in some cases’ prescribe to people with a BMI of between 25 and 30 (classed as overweight rather than obese). 

Voy, in response to our findings, told us it prescribes to people with a BMI as low as 25 as standard. 

It stated that anyone with a BMI of 25+ qualifies for jabs, even without a health-related condition, because it takes a 'proactive approach to health'. The company added that it was compliant with the regulations.

'Off-label' prescribing is relatively common in medicine. It means a clinician can prescribe a medicine where appropriate and justified, even if it’s not intended for that specific use.

No specific guidance exists for off-label prescribing of weight-loss jabs. Clinicians, however, are meant to exercise extra caution when prescribing off-label. 

Weight-loss ads also found breaking the rules

Because weight-loss jabs are medicines, companies can't directly advertise them to consumers. However, they can advertise general weight-loss services, which creates a grey area. And in recent years, many have fallen foul of advertising rules. 

Dr Marie Spreckley, from the University of Cambridge’s Epidemiology Unit, told us that weight-loss jabs are an ‘important and effective tool', but warned that they're clinical medicines, not consumer products. She said:

'There is growing concern that the distinction between prescription medicines and consumer products is becoming blurred. The way these medications are discussed on social media and in some commercial settings can make them seem like quick, simple solutions.

This risks underplaying the clinical nature of these treatments, their potential side effects and the need for medical oversight.'

We regularly hear from members who have lost money or handed over personal information after falling victim to fraud. In many cases, scammers rely on people reacting quickly without stopping to question what they’re seeing, whether that’s a text message, social media advert or unexpected email.

1. Suspicious social media ads

Some are more obvious than others. Investing in random Bitcoin schemes from a company you’ve never heard of is unlikely to make you money. Buying a patch or some strange ‘miracle’ salt won’t help you lose weight quickly, either. Others are less obvious, such as ads that use a legitimate company’s branding and ask you to fill in a customer survey. 

And even if one seems easy to spot now, there’s a chance you’ll eventually come across one that bypasses your defences, especially as scams become more convincing with the help of AI.

Before you click, ask yourself these two things:

It is, quite frankly, appalling that social media companies aren’t doing more to stop scam ads. When we flag these ads, the platforms typically tell us they've removed the scams due to violating their policies, and that they don't allow scams on their platforms. 

Yet we still see more ads appearing. And you, your friends and your family probably do, too.

Tech analyst firm Juniper Research estimated that social media companies made nearly £3.8 billion in revenue from scam ads in Europe in 2025.

2. Missed delivery messages

‘Delivery not achieved’ – all I need to do is either click the link or reply ‘Y’ to get it all sorted out. Yeah, right. And I’ve got a bridge I can sell you.

Take particular care at busy times of year, like Christmas. Scammers will always try it on then, as they know so many of us are waiting for deliveries. I know someone who ended up handing over their credit card details after ordering a Christmas present online and then falling for one of these messages.

Another giveaway is urgency. Scam texts often try to panic you into acting quickly by threatening returns, extra fees or missed deliveries if you don’t respond immediately. And remember – legitimate delivery firms won’t ask you to confirm sensitive information or payment details via a random text link.

3. Copycat websites

This used to be a common scam, but I haven’t seen it in a while – I’m including it here in case, like whack-a-mole, it pops up again. Particularly as more of us are using AI and relying on it to help find the right site.

Back in the day, you’d use a search engine to find the right website to renew, say, your passport or driving licence. ‘Helpful’ websites would appear, claiming to take the stress out of the process or even pretending to be the official sites themselves.

Only use official websites. For government services, that usually means checking the address ends in .gov.uk. And if you need a hand filling something in, the Post Office can usually help – or you could ask a neighbour or relative.

Be cautious about clicking sponsored search results, too. Scammers have been known to pay for ads that appear above genuine websites in search results.

4. Car park QR codes

Gone are the days when we’d all keep loose change in the car. Now, it’s easy to pay for parking using your phone. Or at least it should be.

Have you got the right app downloaded? If not, you might not want to use mobile data installing it, or your signal may not be strong enough. Thank heavens there’s a handy QR code that you can simply scan, click and use to enter your card details.

Unless, of course, it’s a sticker placed over the real QR code that sends you to a phishing website designed to steal your bank details.

I used my home wi-fi to download the parking app most commonly used in my local area. I recommend this, as it’ll save you hassle later on and means you can pay with confidence. Side quest: find out which app your local hospital uses, just in case – your future self will thank you.

If you’re in a car park and there's a QR code, see if you can pay by another way - a website, for example, if you can't download the app. 

Otherwise, if you really have to scan, double-check you’re not scanning a sticker placed over the original. Use your phone's camera and preview the link first in the pop-up that appears. Look carefully at the website address you’re being sent to – does it look genuine?

5. Ransom emails

This is a particularly nasty scam. You receive an email claiming that someone has hacked your webcam and recorded you – and that the footage will be sent to all your contacts unless you pay up. This won't resonate with everyone, as it depends on what content you enjoy viewing. But it's absolutely terrifying when it reaches its intended audience.

Some versions even include an old password of yours to make the threat seem more believable. Usually, though, that password has been exposed in a historic data breach rather than stolen directly from your device.

These emails are sent out far and wide, and scammers only need a handful of people to panic and pay up to make them worthwhile. Ignore the message. Do not engage. Do not pay.

6. Password reset emails I wasn't expecting

It's easy to see why scammers send these emails, as they can look incredibly convincing. They often copy the branding, colours and wording used by well-known companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Amazon or Netflix.

The email will often claim your account will be locked or deleted unless you act immediately. Scammers include this as they want you to react emotionally, so you click straight away and give away your data.

Sometimes these emails are actually from the company itself, as it's been triggered when someone enters your address on a login page – either by mistake or as part of an automated attack using leaked passwords from other websites.

Either way, I would never click. 

If you get a password reset email you weren't expecting, go directly to the company’s website or app and check your account there.

7. In fact, most messages with links in

I'm not just talking about the 'congratulations, you've randomly won an expensive prize even though you didn't enter a competition' or 'you can earn tons of money from a job that sounds too good to be true' messages that are obviously scams. Whether it's an email from what looks like my bank or a WhatsApp message from what appears to be my mobile provider, I don't click.

Scammers can be incredibly inventive in how they persuade you to click. From 'hey mum, I need your help' messages (the first time I received this, both my kids were sitting next to me as we were watching TV) to deepfake video ads on social media impersonating well-known companies or celebrities. 

Remember that it's a scammer's job to find ways to persuade you to give away your details. Even if it's not as overt as demanding your credit card number, simply getting you to give away some information could leave you vulnerable to a spear phishing attack later on, where you're targeted with personalised messages.

If I genuinely believed I was getting an emergency message from my kids, I'd double-check it was them by ringing their actual phone. Or, if this wasn't possible, I'd ask questions only they would know the answer to. And if there's a chance there really is an issue with an account, I check the app or go directly to the relevant website. Then I can be confident I'm not getting scammed. 

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More than 255,000 homeowners are due to come off five-year fixed-rate mortgages over the next three months, according to analysis by specialist lender Together. Many borrowers fixed when rates were at record lows, meaning their next deal could cost significantly more.

Here, Which? explains how mortgage rates have changed over the past five years, how much your repayments could rise and how to find the best mortgage deal. 

How have rates changed since 2021?

At the start of May 2021, the average five-year fixed-rate was 2.79%. Going into the archives, we found a Santander five-year fix that offered an interest rate of 1.19% from May 2021. But fast forward to now, and it's a very different picture. 

When we last checked, on 18 May, the figure was 5.67%. The average two-year fixed-rate is even higher at 5.75%. 

Of course, it is possible to find better deals than these. For borrowers remortgaging or moving home, some of the cheapest fixed-rate deals are currently below 5%. 

Tracker mortgages are currently your best bet for securing the lowest possible rate. Unlike fixed-rate mortgages, tracker deals move in line with the Bank of England base rate, meaning your monthly repayments can go up or down.

For those moving home or remortgaging with a loan-to-value (LTV) below 75%, sub-4% tracker mortgages are available. However, there is a risk that repayments could increase if interest rates rise.  

Ultimately, whatever product you choose for your next mortgage, if you are coming off a five-year fix, your next mortgage will have a substantially higher rate.

How much will your mortgage cost now?

To help you understand what your monthly repayments could look like when you remortgage, we've worked out costs for two example borrowers across different mortgage products and loan-to-value (LTV) levels.

Example 1: £200,000 mortgage with 20 years remaining

In this scenario, your previous monthly repayments would have been roughly £1,080, based on the rates available in May 2021. This means that, regardless of your LTV ratio or the product you choose, your repayments will increase by more than £120 a month. If you choose to fix again for five years and have a higher LTV, your monthly repayments will rise by more than £200.

Example 2: £180,000 mortgage with 15 years remaining

You are coming off a five year fixed-deal with 15 years left on your mortgage and a remaining balance of £180,000.  

In this scenario, your previous monthly repayments would have been around £1,230. This means that, even in the best-case scenario, your monthly payments would rise by almost £100. If you wanted to fix again for five years, your repayments would increase by between £160 and £180 a month, depending on your LTV.

In both examples, we have conservatively assumed that the borrower only secured a rate slightly below the market average for May 2021. If the borrower was able to secure one of the best deals, less than 1.5%, then the monthly repayments will increase by at least an additional £100. 

How to get the best mortgage deal

It can be tempting to stick with your current lender when your mortgage deal ends, especially if you already bank with them. However, this won't always get you the cheapest deal. 

When searching for a new deal, borrowers need to be vigilant that table-topping deals really offer the best value for money. For example, Halifax offers a two-year tracker with a rate of 3.96%, but it comes with a substantial upfront fee of £1,499. In some cases, a slightly higher rate with no fees will actually be cheaper.

If you expect to be in a position to overpay your mortgage or pay it off before the term ends, early repayment charges (ERCs) are another factor to consider. 

When to think about remortgaging 

If you're in the last six months of your fixed term, you can start searching for a new deal now. 

If you've got more than six months left, it's best to sit tight for now. If you lock in a deal too early, you may need to pay early repayment charges to your current lender, which can run to thousands of pounds. 

Exploring beautiful nature trails across the UK or discovering the new King Charles III England Coast Path is a great way to spend the summer months. But you’ll need the right walking kit, whether you’re heading out on an all-day adventure or a shorter weekend wander. 

Which? experts reveal what they pack on their walks to stay comfortable, hydrated and prepared for the unpredictable British weather.

Walking clothes

Walking trousers

A good pair of walking trousers will keep you comfortable and dry during your walks – come rain or shine, summer or winter. 

On particularly sunny days, some will even unzip at the knee and transform into shorts. 

Waterproof jackets

British summers can be unpredictable, so you need a waterproof jacket on hand for any outdoor activity. 

There are plenty of brands offering waterproof jackets to keep the rain out. To find the best, we surveyed thousands of people to rate the jackets they own. Barbour, Páramo and Rohan are among those that came out on top, and all had superb water resistance. 

If you’re on a tight budget, Regatta also got solid reviews but couldn't match the pricier options for breathability, so it may be better for shorter walks than long hikes.

Darn Tough socks

Keen walkers will know how crucial a good pair of socks is. They need to be durable, comfortable and fast-drying so you can wear them year-round in any weather. 

These Darn Tough socks are claimed to do just that, with cushioning for comfort, breathable wool and a lifetime guarantee. 

If they develop holes or wear out, the brand will replace them. 

Baseball cap

When the sun is shining, a cap will shade your face, preventing UV damage and keeping the light out of your eyes. 

You won’t be short of options to choose from; tonnes of brands offer different styles.

If you’d like to shop sustainably, why not pick up a hat from Blue Panda? It makes baseball caps embroidered to order from its Bournemouth studio, and donates to a wildlife conservation charity with every sale. Plus, it uses organic cotton and ships its products in plastic-free packaging. 

Walking tech

Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch

Tracking your route on a smartwatch is a great way to log your walks and look back on where and how far you went.

The Amazfit Balance 2 has GPS, so you don’t need to rely on your phone's mobile data to see where you are on a map. It’s water resistant and has several tracking technologies built in, including a step counter, an accelerometer and a barometer for measuring altitude and gain. 

Bone conduction headphones

If you’re out walking on your own, you might want some entertainment for the journey. You could listen to music, podcasts or an audiobook through a pair of headphones, but usually that means cutting yourself off from the outside world. 

Bone conduction headphones give you the best of both: their open-ear design lets you listen to your playlists and hear what's happening around you. 

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are claimed to be splashproof, and they have ear hooks to keep them in place. They're easy to charge using the USB-C port. 

Power bank

Keep your devices charged on days out with a portable charger small enough to fit in your backpack.

The INIU BI-B6 can be used with any USB-C device, whether that’s an iPhone, Android or a pair of headphones. The digital display shows you how much battery it has left, so you’re never caught out. 

AllTrails app

Find new walking routes wherever you are in the country (or the world) with an app like AllTrails. 

See what’s nearby or plan for your walking holidays by creating saved lists of routes. You can build custom routes, see National Park guides and even preview the trails and terrain in 3D. 

Some features require a paid membership, which starts from £3 a month (or £36 a year). 

Walking accessories

Walking backpack

Whether you're going for a quick morning walk or an all-day hike, you'll need a backpack to carry necessities such as your phone, water bottle and sun cream. 

We surveyed Which? members about their backpacks, focusing on models between 20 and 40 litres, which is the perfect size for daytime outings. Brands such as Highlander and Osprey stood out with their variety of options, adjustable features and lightweight construction. 

Water bottle

Packing a water bottle should be one of your top priorities before you head out, especially on hot days. 

An insulated bottle ensures every sip stays cool and refreshing, even if you're in the sun. The Stanley model is claimed to keep water cold for up to 10 hours and has a handle to make it easy to carry. 

A dog

A dog is the ultimate hiking companion. It can motivate you to get outdoors, even in bad weather or when you don't feel like it. 

Remember, pets are lifelong friends, not just summer walking buddies. 

Leica 10 x 42 Trinovid HD Binoculars

The UK offers fantastic sights, from seals on the south coast to white-tailed eagles in Scotland. If you're exploring, you'll want a good pair of binoculars to see these marvels clearly. 

The Leica 10 x 42 Trinovid HD Binoculars have 10x zoom, a 1.6-metre focusing distance, a neck strap, a carry case and a lens-cleaning cloth. They're also tripod mountable. 

Ocean Bottle Brew Flask

If your walks are as much about catching up with friends as they are about the miles, they're not complete without a hot drink and a few scenic tea breaks. 

The Ocean Bottle Brew Flask is built for these moments, using double-wall insulation to keep your beverage at the perfect temperature.

Choose between a 350ml and 590ml flask.

Sit mat

Perfect for picnics and pit stops, this mat will give you a softened surface to sit on anywhere, whether that’s grassy hills or sandy beaches. 

Made from foam, it should protect you from sticks and stones, and from dirtying your trousers. 

When you’re done, simply fold it up and tuck it in your backpack.

RSPB Pocket Guide to British Birds

Turn your walk into a nature trek with this compact guide, including 310 regularly sighted UK bird species. 

Each entry includes vivid illustrations and details on behaviour and song, making it easier to identify your feathered finds.

Sun cream

Sunscreen is a rucksack essential, even on overcast days, when UV rays can still penetrate the clouds. 

Long walks involve extended exposure, so carrying a bottle allows you to reapply regularly and protect your skin from long-term damage.

Walking poles

A pair of walking poles can take the pressure off your knees and joints, keeping you marching for longer. They also help you keep your balance on uneven terrain.

We surveyed walking-pole users to find out about customers' experiences with different brands. 

Leki came out on top with the highest customer score. Users loved how strong and supportive its poles were – the brand got the highest score for shock absorption, which hikers said helped them maintain their balance and relieved pressure on sore knees and hips. 

However, over time you can end up with a surprising number of apps linked to your accounts. Some will still have access to information such as your email address, calendar, cloud storage or contacts. If any one of those services suffers a data breach, your information could be caught up in it – even if you haven't opened the app in years.

Some apps use Google only to speed up sign-ins. Others may have broader permissions, such as access to your Google Drive files, calendar, contacts or Gmail.

Remember: an app that can only read your email address is low risk. An app with access to your Gmail inbox or Google Drive files is a much bigger deal – it could potentially read your emails or access documents you've stored in the cloud.

Google lets you review and update these third-party connections from your Google Account settings. It also advises checking what information an app wants to access before granting permission.

You’ll now see a list of apps and websites connected to your Google account. This page also lets you filter connections by the type of access they have.

Removing access stops the app from signing in through your Google account and prevents it from accessing your Google data in future.

Apple's Sign in with Apple feature is designed to give you more control over the information you share with apps and websites. But, over time, you can still build up a long list of connected services that you no longer use.

Unlike Google, Apple limits what third-party apps can access through Sign in with Apple – at sign-in, they can request only your name and email address. That makes it lower risk than Google by default, but it's still worth reviewing, particularly to spot apps you no longer use or don't recognise.

Apple lets you review and manage these app connections directly from your Apple account settings on an iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Why removing old app access matters

You don't need to remove every connected app. Focus first on services you no longer use, don't recognise or no longer trust.

The risk isn't just about what apps can access right now. Even if you stopped using a service years ago, the company behind it might still hold personal data it collected when your account was connected. If that company is involved in a data breach, your information could be caught up in it long after you've forgotten the app existed.

Keeping connections tidy also makes it easier to spot something genuinely suspicious. The more unused apps are listed, the harder it is to notice one that shouldn't be there.

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And wait. Three weeks later, a parcel turns up, but as soon as you open it, the facade fully unravels. Inside is a cardigan, sure, but instead of an intricately knitted garment, it has a badly printed knitting pattern on it – not at all stylish or elegant.

This is a rising type of shopping hazard, involving dodgy sellers using slick websites to trick shoppers into buying sub-par goods typically shipped from China.

Citizens Advice says it helped consumers with a fashion purchase every seven minutes, on average, in 2025, finding that ever-increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) makes it easier for dodgy shops ‘to trick people into buying items that look nothing like the images advertised’. It said that 82% of complaints it sees about clothes, shoes and accessories related to online orders, and one in 13 involved scams, including shoppers thinking they were buying items from UK-based companies.

We investigated how these dodgy shops operate and how to avoid getting conned.

Expectation vs reality

We found 20 suspect sites claiming to be independent shops, most stating they are UK-based. The sites listed women’s and men’s clothing and shoes, accessories, jewellery and in some cases homewares including wallpaper and art prints.

We were able to identify that these shops are potentially misleading shoppers, using reverse image searches to find the same products on marketplace sites including Aliexpress, Amazon and Temu, as well as checking customer reviews on Trustpilot.

We attempted to order eight items from six seemingly dodgy shops –Avery & Scott, Clara London, Hudson Grace, Ivy Luna, NinaNicole UK and Oliver & Grace London. Hudson Grace was flagged by our researcher’s bank as being a suspected scam, while for Avery & Scott, there was a problem with the payment. For the remaining four shops we placed orders with, we had no idea if anything would turn up. 

Eventually, they did, some as much as four full weeks after ordering. All were shipped from China, and none matched the imagery or description.

A knitted cardigan was, in fact, made entirely of polyester with a print of a knitted pattern on it, and two supposedly linen and cotton shirts were 95% polyester and 5% spandex. The knitted jumpers we ordered were 100% polyester and were poorly made with zigzagging stitching and saggy, baggy sleeves and collars.  

The clothes we ordered came to £200. When we compared the prices found on online marketplaces for what appeared to be the same items, we found they could have been bought for less than £40. It’s not a giant profit for the dodgy sellers, but – with enough people falling for it – the money adds up.

We tried to contact the shops we bought from. 

Ivy Luna UK told us that it's a legitimate business that works with a trusted third-party fulfillment partner in China in order to offer a wider range of designs at more accessible prices. It said it is committed to providing quality products and a positive customer experience.

Hudson Grace (now known as Hudson Claye) said that it is a legitimate business that works with international suppliers and fulfilment partners in order to offer a wide range of products at competitive prices. It says that it clearly communicates policies, including shipping times, returns, and store credit options, and aims to support customers fairly and transparently throughout their shopping experience. It said it actively assists customers with refunds, returns, and order-related issues.

The other shops either didn't respond or no longer exist. 

Building a bogus boutique

Creating a convincing website used to be resource-intensive, but easy-to-use e-commerce website builders, such as Shopify (used by 11 of the sites in our investigation), combined with AI, have made it easier than ever to create a slick storefront that feels like a legitimate business. Many stores we looked at claimed to have been in business for 10 or more years, although the page source reveals that most of the websites have only existed for a few months.

Once a shopper is convinced by the legitimacy of the site, sellers then use a variety of tactics to get them to buy. The ‘about us’ pages are littered with stories to pull at the heartstrings – businesses built from a dream between mother and daughter, or family-run shops forced to close due to hard times.

Elsewhere, we saw sites leaning heavily on claims of UK roots, including one, Marlow York, that pictured a traditional-looking shopfront within York city walls with the store name on the sign. Another site showed men wearing wax-style jackets in a Cotswolds village.  

They then apply pressure tactics such as time-limited sales (often closing down or anniversary), with countdown clocks and ‘limited stock’ tags. Ivy Luna had a ‘revival’ sale countdown timer that refreshed each day, for example. Reviews on the sites often give a 4.7 or 4.8-star rating based on thousands of reviews, but the link to the reviews site goes nowhere.

The dropshipping model

The sellers behind these shopping sites use a dropshipping fulfilment model. This means that they don’t have the stock but instead send orders to a third-party supplier, usually in China, which then ships the goods to a customer. This practice isn’t in itself misleading, and it’s used on plenty of e-commerce sites.

The difference between legitimate retailers and the fake boutiques is that they seem to be selling under false pretences that customers feel misled by. They tend to use AI-generated imagery that doesn’t match the item you receive. Or they claim an item has features it doesn’t (for example, that it’s 100% linen when it’s polyester), and present the business as something it’s not. 

The role of social media

It’s becoming increasingly common for people to discover products they want to buy through social media, via paid-for ads or member-generated content such as posts and business pages. Paid-for ads on platforms like Facebook are the perfect place for sellers to promote bogus closing-down sales, or simply to target shoppers they know are interested in clothing.

We found one shop in our investigation – Avery & Rose– that had posted more than 2,500 sponsored ads on Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, all since July 2025 and most by October that year. Multiple posts advertised a closing-down sale, with one saying ‘after 26 memorable years of being part of this community, our family business is closing its doors’, and others saying goodbye to their beloved designer, entering retirement. We compared this to a genuine boutique store, which had 170 ads for the same period. 

Avery & Rose doesn’t exist at Companies House, and there’s no record of it in the locations claimed (we checked Manchester and Galway). It appears the website has been taken down, although the Avery & Rose page still exists on Facebook. It took less than a minute to dismantle its claims, but sponsored posts have appeared on Meta as recently as February. We contacted Meta, but it didn’t provide a comment.

Ridiculous returns

All of the sites we looked at claimed to offer 30-day returns, but none provided a returns address, and none of the items we ordered contained a returns label. You have to contact the company directly to arrange it, and as Heather Harris found out, that’s when the problems really start. The sellers are reluctant to offer refunds, saying that shipping to China is expensive, and they tend to offer partial refunds if you keep the goods.

We also looked at the Trustpilot reviews for seven of the sites and found them filled with frustrated people who felt scammed after returning items at a significant cost to themselves, only to see them sitting in customs for months. Most never received their money back from the sellers, although some had got their money back by other routes.

What’s being done?

Most people discover dodgy shops via social media. Under the Online Safety Act (OSA), platforms will be required to prevent and remove fraudulent advertising. But due to continued delays with the enforcement of these rules by the regulator Ofcom, platforms will likely not be held accountable for scam ads until at least 2027.

We’re concerned that many more shoppers will fall victim during that time. We want the OSA’s measures on fraudulent advertising to be implemented, so that Ofcom can take action against tech firms that fail to stop scams on their platforms.

How to avoid a bogus boutique