Staying In

Watch Lynley

In case you haven’t had enough TV newness recently – Traitors, The Night Manager, Run Away, so much to stream! – a new detective drama is launching on BBC One this evening. Starring Nathaniel Parker as DI Tommy Lynley, 8th Earl of Asherton (aka the poshest copper on telly) and Sharon Small as working class DS Barbara Havers, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries ran for six series from 2001 to 2008, praised for its exploration of gender and class alongside its gripping investigations. And now it’s time for a reboot: starring Leo Suter and Sofia Barclay as detectives Tommy Lynley and Barbara Havers, Lynley brings Elizabeth George’s original novels bang up to date for a 2026 audience. If you were a fan of the original, don’t fret: this new rendition delves into some of George’s stories we are yet to see on screen. 8.30pm on BBC One, catch up on iPlayer

Going Out

Book Burgh Island’s Wellness Retreat

Stayed in too much over the holidays? Get OUT and enjoy some sea air and a dose of wellness this month. Hidden on a private island off the South Devon coast, Burgh Island Hotel’s Wellness Retreat is running until the end of the month and it’s the perfect place for some seclusion. As dawn breaks, the island stirs with the waves, inviting guests to start their day with a bracing swim in the hotel’s natural seawater mermaid pool. Then there are guided meditation sessions and gentle yoga flows overlooking the expanse of the Atlantic. Guests are encouraged to slow down, to embrace the luxury of stillness through coastal walks, sea immersions and restorative moments of reflection. A bit of peace and quiet after the hosting chaos of the festive season? Sounds like the perfect way to kick off the New Year. Available until 29 January 2026 (excluding weekends and festivities), with stays beginning at £1,065, burghisland.com

Property Of The Day

Nestled in over 15 acres of picturesque Cheshire countryside, this 16th century estate comes with its own private lake, enchanting woodland, stables and equestrian arena. With its ornate detailing, overhead beams, ancient timber, beheaded deers, golden lions, four poster beds, thrones, armour and tapestries, Randle Rode Farm really takes ‘historic charm’ to the next level.

On the market for £1.35m. Find out more at search.savills.com

Little Luxury

Who said staying in couldn’t be as glamorous as going out? Whether you’re hosting or attending a dinner party, don’t let a ‘shoes off’ situation spoil your outfit. These sequined slippers by Ancient Greek Sandals are the perfect solution; super soft, supple and comfortable but a fun finish to your favourite party ensemble. They fit snugly so size up. £215, ancient-greek-sandals.com

Competition Time

Craving some winter sun? Here’s your chance to win a five-night stay at Shangri-La Le Touessrok in Mauritius.

Psssst…

Did you know the origins of Dry January can be traced back to Finland? In 1942, a programme called Raitis Tammikuu (Sober January) was brought in as a way of saving resources – as well as preventing alcohol dependency, which had increased during the war.

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Worry too much about microplastics, say doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken in their latest episode of the What’s Up Docs podcast, which outlines three wellness topics not worth stressing over. The pair refer back to a previous episode, in which expert Dr Stephanie Wright concludes that the amount of plastic in the brain has been hugely overestimated – and ultimately, microplastics are everywhere nowadays, so it’s very hard to avoid exposure.