Deals, destinations and a decent challenge.

Your daily mix of fresh bargains, cruise ideas, beautiful places, good telly, romantic reads and something worth puzzling over.

Fresh places to save

Live deals, from trusted sources.

These links open the latest pages on established UK money-saving sites, so you see current offers rather than an old list copied here.

01

Compare the unit price

The smaller pack is not always the cheaper one.

02

Check before renewing

A ten-minute quote check can beat an auto-renewal.

03

Stack the saving

Look for a shop offer, loyalty price and cashback together.

Family deal drop

Spotted something good?

The family can leave Chris a deal, reminder or useful link in one private place.

Leave something useful

Offers can change quickly. Check the final price, delivery charge and returns terms before buying.

Next trip with a friend

Start with cruises that fit the budget.

Live deal pages are more useful than fixed prices here. Compare the full cost for two people, including travel, tips, drinks and the cabin you would actually choose.

Before you book

  • Compare the total price for both travellers.
  • Check transfers, luggage, gratuities and drinks.
  • Price travel insurance before paying a deposit.
  • Check the cabin position and cancellation terms.

Today’s challenge

A proper daily Sudoku.

Medium difficulty, a running timer and one optional hint. Your progress stays saved on this device if you come back later.

Medium · daily puzzle

Fill every row, column and 3×3 box.

Time00:15Filled45/45

A little daily escape

Two beautiful places for the travel list.

A postcard from somewhere in Britain, and another from farther afield — made especially for Chris’s Daily.

A peaceful early-morning view of Castle Combe in the Cotswolds

Today in the UK

Castle Combe, Cotswolds

A warm late-afternoon view across Lake Como in Italy

Today in the world

Lake Como, Italy

These are original AI-made postcard images inspired by the named places, rather than documentary photographs.

Watch, listen and read

Good company for a quieter hour.

Favourite programmes, a quick quiz, a romantic read and Coldplay when music is the better option.

Chris’s soundtrack

Coldplay, any time.

Browse the band’s albums, songs and official news — or start In Demand Radio from the player at the bottom of the page.

Open Coldplay’s music

Chris’s quick-fire round

What is the capital city of Portugal?

Romance pick of the day

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle

by Matt Cain

Tender, hopeful and full of heart — a search for lost love.

Look up this book

When the grandkids visit

Easy ideas for a good day together.

Low-prep activities using ordinary things, with clear timings and no complicated shopping list.

01

10 minutes · Ages 4–8

The colour hunt

Pick a colour, set a timer and find five safe things around the house that match it.

No prepIndoors
02

25 minutes · Ages 6–11

Nana’s tiny café

Make a paper menu, price the snacks and practise taking orders and giving change.

KitchenLearning
03

15 minutes · All ages

The story suitcase

Choose three everyday objects. Take turns adding them to one wonderfully silly story.

No screensAny weather

The private family nook

A family conversation that belongs to everyone.

Notes from Chris, you and your sisters, useful deals, grandkid ideas and friendly replies — kept within the family.

Open the family nook