Experience Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy in a bold new way as Moonhawk Theatre brings its immersive, horror-inspired production of Macbeth to Oxford’s Burton Taylor Studio for three performances this July.
Forget everything you think you know about Macbeth. This July, Oxford audiences can experience Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy reimagined as an immersive, experimental theatrical event packed with psychological horror, haunting soundscapes and striking visual storytelling.
Presented by award-winning company Moonhawk Theatre, the bold new production takes over the Oxford Playhouse Burton Taylor Studio for just three performances on 20 and 21 July 2026, promising a fresh take on one of the Bard’s most iconic plays.
Known for creating theatre that is fearless, thought-provoking and impossible to forget, Moonhawk Theatre has built a reputation for pushing creative boundaries. Since launching in 2019, the company has toured original productions across London, Oxfordshire, West Sussex and Scotland, taken two shows to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and earned five-star reviews for its distinctive style.
Now, artistic director Leon Witcomb turns his attention to Shakespeare’s tale of ambition, power and guilt.
Rather than presenting a traditional interpretation, Moonhawk’s Macbeth draws striking parallels with today’s world while exploring the psychological consequences of unchecked ambition.
“The true horror in Macbeth lies in guilt,” says Leon. “We watch someone unable to reconcile his actions, slowly unravelling from within. As the supernatural closes in around him, the horror becomes deeply human.”
The production combines innovative staging with immersive technical design to create an intense theatrical experience. Audiences can expect claustrophobic atmospheres, cinematic sound design, shocking moments and inventive stagecraft that transforms Shakespeare into something thrillingly contemporary.
Joining Leon’s creative team are co-technical director Mike Ward, assistant director and co-scenographer Ella Wernham-Clark, Chris Bedford in the title role and acclaimed stage performer Laura King as Lady Macbeth.
Whether you’re a lifelong Shakespeare fan or simply looking for an unforgettable night at the theatre, Moonhawk’s latest production offers a bold alternative to the traditional classic.
With only three performances scheduled, tickets are expected to be in demand.
Book online at oxfordplayhouse.com/events/moonhawk-macbeth or call the Oxford Playhouse Box Office on 01865 305305.
Enjoy an afternoon of football history, memorable stories and world-class music while helping Combat2Coffee continue its invaluable work supporting the Armed Forces community across the UK.
Football and music fans are invited to a unique charity event at the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield on Sunday 12 July 2026, celebrating one of England’s most memorable World Cup campaigns while raising vital funds for Combat2Coffee.
The special afternoon will feature legendary England captain and centre-half Terry Butcher, patron of Combat2Coffee, who will share personal memories and behind-the-scenes stories from his distinguished playing career, including England’s unforgettable journey to the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy.
This year marks 36 years since Terry Butcher captained England at Italia ’90, a tournament that captured the nation’s imagination. Supporters will fondly remember the dramatic semi-final against West Germany and the iconic soundtrack of that summer, with Luciano Pavarotti’s stirring performance of “Nessun Dorma” becoming synonymous with England’s World Cup adventure.
Following Terry’s talk, guests will enjoy a screening of the acclaimed concert film The Three Tenors: From Caracalla to the World, recalling the historic performance by Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras on the eve of the 1990 World Cup Final in Rome.
The event is being held in aid of Combat2Coffee, a charity dedicated to supporting Armed Forces veterans, serving personnel and their families across the UK. Through its cafés and community initiatives, the charity provides opportunities for connection, wellbeing and practical support for those who have served.
The event takes place at the National Film and Television School, 141 Station Road, Beaconsfield HP9 1LG.
Doors open at 3.30pm, with the event beginning at 4.30pm on Sunday 12 July 2026.
Tickets are £25, which includes a welcome drink, and are available via TicketSource through the Beaconsfield Film Society website at beaconsfieldfilmsociety.com.
From crisp whites and refreshing rosés to barbecue-friendly reds, convenient canned wines and a standout alcohol-free option, here are wine columnist Giles’ top picks for the perfect picnic drinks this summer.
Hello! With the weather heating up, I’ve had a lot of people asking for recommendations for picnic wines. I say a lot; there have been three, but that’s three more than I normally get, so statistically that’s a spike.
Anyway, it got me thinking about the picnic drinks, and there’s more to it than meets the gingham blanket. You want something easy to open, wines that will go well with picnic foods (sandwiches can be tricky to pair), and something alcohol-free for any drivers/non-drinkers. So, after much thinking and quite a bit of sipping, here are my perfect picnic drinks.
First up, something everyone can enjoy, and I do mean everyone, the Disfrutand 0,0 (E W Wines, £9.95). I’ve tasted a lot of alcohol-free wines and almost always concluded that they are either too sweet or have all the character of a pedal bin. This is excellent. I saw it being made on a visit to the winery and was struck by its completeness and delicious drinkability. A year on, I feel the same way. Verdejo is a vibrant grape that gives zesty, juicy wines with plenty of jasmine and white flower aromas. The Disfrutand 0,0 delivers these alongside citrus, pears and a touch of peach stone bitterness to the dry finish. Serve this convincing wine with chicken drumsticks or cream cheeses and breadsticks.
I’ll stay in Spain for my next recommendation, the Cune Monopole Rioja (N D John, £10.50). I’m a huge fan of white Rioja, but for a picnic, you don’t want anything too oaky. The Monopole is unoaked, which allows the glory of the Viura grape free rein. Pale gold with intense aromas of white currant, apple, kiwi, pineapple and banana, in the mouth it’s just as fruit-driven, but a savoury salinity adds complexity. Sip on its own or with pasta salad or savoury nibbles.
When it comes to convenience, you can’t beat cans. Canned wines have been around for a while now, and while the early ones were so sulphurous you’d expect the region of production to read “Hell”, they are now as good as their bottled counterparts. Take the Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc (Tesco £3.65 per 200ml). Classic Kiwi Sauvignon, with lashings of gooseberry, rhubarb, and grapefruit, alongside limes, grass and green peppers, these are ideal for picnic foods like quiche, couscous, and roast salmon.
Summer calls for rose and I have two crackers to recommend. The first is a new wine from a long-time favourite, the Marques De Caceres Excellens Rose 2024 (Fine Wines Direct, £13.99). Pale of colour, deep of flavour, this beguiling wine marries red and black berries with a refreshing burst of lemon and nectarines before apricot and orange zest come in at the finish. Just the thing to partner with a hummus and roasted vegetable wrap.
For an ultra-modern take on Rioja rose, try the Beronia Rose (Ocado, £11.50). Mid-pink, the nose offers red cherries, loganberries, grapefruit, and blossom, while in the mouth, there’s a delicious interplay between strawberries, raspberries and lemon, with minerals and gentle tannins adding texture. The screwcap makes life so much easier, and this easy-going gem is lovely on its own or with sausage rolls.
Sauvignon and Semillon are a wine marriage made in heaven. From the Grand Crus of Bordeaux to the breathtaking blends of California, the complementary combination of freshness and richness is hard to beat. One of the best I’ve tasted in some time is Strandveld Vineyards’ Adamastor 2022 (Perfect Cellar, £23.95). Golden with an abundance of peaches, pears, melon and rhubarb on the nose, on the palate it’s richer and gentler than you might expect. Age has mellowed it and brought forth hints of almonds and honey that sit well with orchard fruits and creamy oak. I happily drank this on its own; my own lament was it wasn’t a magnum, but I can see it being lovely with a mixed bean salad.
Over the years, I’ve said some horrible things about Vinho Verde, calling it a “green wine” as that’s the colour you’ll go when you drink it. Recently, I’ve grown to love it, finding it often offers cracking wines for little money. The best I think I’ve ever tasted is the Barao do Hospital (Perfect Cellar, £24.95). While Vinho Verde can be made from a wide variety of vines, this is pure Alvarinho that’s benefited from cooling ocean breezes. The pretty nose is populated by floral and citrus aromas, with added interest imparted by yeast and saline. Bone dry, but with a creamy, honeyed edge, melon, pear and lemon take centre stage, with support added by crushed nuts and a prickle of white pepper to the end. Enjoy this with quail’s eggs, fish dips and crackers, or mushroom pâte.
“Iconic” is a term that gets bandied around in wine circles with the regularity of a “vintage of the century” declaration in Bordeaux. FYI, there have so far been 10. When it comes to Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (Majestic £31/£25.50 on a mixed six) it’s an accolade that’s well-deserved. I first encountered it in 1993 at a Christmas tasting at Harrods, and it blew us all away. Tasting it again last week, I was struck by how it manages to be so intense and yet so approachable. Aromas of gooseberry, lemon and lime, green peppers and cut grass leap from the glass. These are all on show on the powerful palate, but delve deeper, and you’ll find tropical fruit and leafy blackcurrants too. Serve this classic with seafood, white cheeses or rocket salad.
And now for something completely different. A beer that’s aimed squarely at wine lovers. Chorus (Chorus, £19.95 per 75cl) is a fine English sparkling beer with a distinctive wine character. I was a little perturbed when I saw it weighs in at 12% as memories of memory-robbing Trappist beers from my youth rang monastic bells, but like a fine sparkling wine, the alcohol is barely noticeable. Pale gold, the nose is full of orchard fruits and yeast. On the palate its full flavoured with mealy apple and bramble, finished off with a creamy, biscuity tone. Try this with a cheese pasty or a slice of game pie.
Mobile barbecues have allowed the hardcore picnicker to cook up a storm. If you’re looking to do so, here are a couple of red wines to partner a steak, roasted veg or grilled haloumi.
First up, the Errazuriz Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Majestic, £15/£12.50 on mixed six). This is the best Pinot Noir you can buy for under £20. Silken and seductive, it’s loaded with juicy red and black berries, all of which are underlain by tangy cranberries, hints of orange zest and mint, and served with cream. Medium-bodied but with good intensity, it’s a lovely summer sipper.
The Wirra Wirra Church Block Shiraz (Waitrose, £16) offers power and complexity. Inky blue/black, the nose is a brooding blend of crushed currants, green peppers, charcoal and cedar, with mood-lightening floral touches at the edges. In the mouth, it’s powerful but gentle, the mass of spiced blackcurrant and raspberry fruits, softened by vanilla, mint chocolate, coffee, and savoury earth.
Katy Perry lights up Blenheim Palace with a spectacular festival show, as shown by Nige Brown’s photos.
Pop superstar Katy Perry delivered an unforgettable night at Blenheim Palace as she headlined the inaugural Blenheim Palace Festival on Wednesday evening.
Thousands of fans packed into the Great Court to watch the global chart-topper perform a hit-filled set against the stunning backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From the opening notes of California Gurls and Teenage Dream to crowd favourites including Roar, Dark Horse and the show-stopping finale of Firework, the singer kept the audience on its feet throughout the evening.
The spectacular production combined dazzling visuals, energetic choreography and plenty of Perry’s trademark humour, with the singer joking that it had been “a long time since I played in someone’s backyard – especially Winston Churchill’s.”
One of the night’s standout moments saw Perry climb inside a giant inflatable water bottle and surf across the crowd, delighting fans as she sang and waved to the audience below.
Katy Perry, performing at Bleheim Palace on Wednday evening. Pictures, Nige BrownKaty Perry, performing at Bleheim Palace on Wednday evening. Pictures, Nige Brown
British singer-songwriter Mimi Webb opened the evening with a well-received support set before Perry took to the stage for more than two hours of pop anthems.
Photographer Nige Brown was there to capture all the colour, energy and spectacle from an unforgettable night at Blenheim Palace.
Take a look through our gallery to relive the biggest moments from Wednesday’s show.
Katy Perry, performing at Bleheim Palace on Wednday evening. Pictures, Nige BrownKaty Perry, performing at Bleheim Palace on Wednday evening. Pictures, Nige Brown
A hidden gem on the edge of Newbury, Treetops has been helping people reconnect with nature and themselves for more than 20 years.
Tucked away at the end of Garden Close Lane, it’s hard to believe Treetops is just minutes from the bustle of Newbury. Surrounded by three acres of private gardens and woodland, the tranquil retreat has spent more than two decades helping people slow down, reconnect with nature and prioritise their wellbeing.
Despite feeling wonderfully secluded, Treetops is remarkably easy to reach, sitting just nine minutes from Junction 13 of the M4 and moments from the A34, with ample parking for visitors travelling from across Berkshire and beyond.
Over the past 22 years, founder Emily Storey has built Treetops largely through personal recommendation rather than traditional advertising.
“We’ve tried different marketing over the years,” says Emily. “But word of mouth has always been the best way of letting people know we’re here. Community connections have been so important.”
Those connections continue to flourish through collaborations with local organisations, including affordable Sound Bath evenings at St George’s Church in Wash Common, alongside charity tea afternoons and the popular “Fiver Friday” garden yoga sessions each summer. These £5 outdoor classes offer an accessible introduction to yoga while giving newcomers the chance to experience the unique setting.
Nature is at the heart of everything Treetops offers. Rather than following a rigid schedule, workshops and retreat days are shaped by the changing seasons and even the weather.
“If it’s a beautiful day, we’ll take yoga outside or head into the woods for forest bathing or mindful walking,” Emily explains. “Recently, we held a journalling workshop in the garden while the wisteria was in full bloom. We really embrace what each season offers.”
The woodland provides a peaceful backdrop for forest bathing experiences throughout the year, whether that’s soaking up fresh summer greenery or gathering around a fire pit during autumn. Even Treetops’ online yoga workshops have made full use of the stunning gardens as a natural setting.
As interest in health and wellbeing continues to grow, Emily believes people are increasingly seeking experiences rather than simply classes.
That distinctive atmosphere is what keeps visitors returning year after year. Some guests have been attending for more than two decades, travelling from Newbury, Reading, Wokingham, Marlborough, Winchester and Abingdon.
Asked what makes Treetops so special, Emily said: “Some people tell me it’s the food! I think it’s also the warm, friendly tutors we’ve built around us.”
Listening to visitors has always shaped the programme, with Emily and fellow tutor Rachel continually expanding their expertise to meet changing needs. Emily has recently added meditation to her qualifications alongside forest bathing and sound therapy, while Rachel has trained in Menopause Yoga.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, Emily recommends starting gently.
“We’ve supported many people experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout and chronic illness. Restorative Yoga is a lovely place to begin because it’s so gentle. Forest Bathing is another wonderful introduction — just two peaceful hours in nature. Once people feel ready, our monthly retreat days offer the chance to spend longer focusing on themselves.”
The journey of Treetops itself mirrors Emily’s own wellbeing story. When she launched the business in 2004, yoga wasn’t even on her radar.
“I had two young boys and wanted to create affordable creative workshops because so many courses were either too expensive or too far away. We offered everything from watercolours and flower arranging to photography, collage and cookery.”
As the years passed and Emily sought ways to support her own mental health, yoga and breathwork transformed her outlook.
“I realised it was time for Treetops to slow down too.”
Rachel joined the business eight years ago after the pair met through yoga, and together they’ve expanded the offering to include sound baths, forest therapy, retreat days, evening classes and one-to-one sessions.
“It’s still hard work,” Emily says, “but taking part in what we offer benefits our own wellbeing as much as our guests’. We’ve found a lovely balance.”
Looking ahead, Emily hopes to continue evolving alongside the community’s needs while developing new partnerships. Current plans include working with local football teams and introducing crystal bowl sound healing at the Newbury Friends Together group at St Nicholas Church.
For anyone seeking a little calm without travelling far from home, Treetops offers exactly that: a peaceful haven where nature, mindfulness and community come together.
Supporting the local wellbeing community
Beyond Treetops, Emily is also keen to champion other local initiatives making a difference, from the Renartgades Market and Rebel Art Club at Delphic Brewery to Hayley Collis’ Grief Circles and the mental health charity Sport in Mind. Founded in Reading, the charity has supported more than 60,000 people over the past 15 years through sport and physical activity, with sessions running across Newbury, Thatcham and Reading.
A collective of four local artists are exhibiting as part of this year’s Marlborough Open Studios, each weekend in July.
Newly refurbished Ogbourne St Andrew Church will be transformed into a lively art gallery for the four weekends in July. Four local artists will, for the first time, be taking part in Marlborough Open Studios (MOS), and showing their work in the beautiful Norman church, just a couple of miles north of Marlborough.
MOS 2026 visitors will be able to enjoy diverse work under one historic roof, including paintings by Jane Skingley and Amanda Gosse, photography by Robert Mills, and pottery by Stuart Anderson – all within the atmospheric setting of St Andrew’s. With creativity, community spirit and a shared purpose at its heart, this promises to be a unique and exciting addition to the north Wiltshire art trail.
The collaboration was inspired by a fundraising event that took place last autumn. Art in the Afternoon, organised by Church Warden, Marion Gordon-Finlayson, saw the Church transformed into a gallery for local artists to display their work, in support of Project Andrew, a community initiative to equip St Andrew’s with running water, a kitchen and a lavatory.
The event attracted many visitors, who came to enjoy and purchase works created by artists living right on their doorstep, and provided a welcome nudge for Project Andrew towards their campaign target.
The success of that October weekend sparked exciting conversations, and reinforced the village’s strong sense of community, and camaraderie among its fellow creatives. Among them was potter Stuart Anderson, who had the idea of transforming the Church into a shared studio for artists wishing to take part in Marlborough Open Studios but lacking a suitable space to exhibit their work.
Stuart canvassed local artists to explore the idea of forming a collective, and momentum quickly gathered following their first meeting, held at the much-loved, community-owned pub, The Silks at the end of 2025.
The Ogbourne Collective are delighted to be supporting Project Andrew, once again, by donating a percentage of all MOS sales.
Exhibition opening hours are 11am – 5pm on the following dates:
4th and 5th July 11th and 12th July 18th and 19th July 25th and 26th July
Photographer Nige Brown shares his highlights from another memorable Forest Live series at Westonbirt Arboretum.
This was my fifth visit covering Forest Live, and it never disappoints. This year was no exception.
Opening the series was Fatboy Slim on a beautiful summer evening in the perfect setting. He held the audience in the palm of his hand, creating great music, a visual spectacle and a night to remember.
Fat Boy Slim, setting the place alight during Forest Live at Westonbirt Aboretum on Wednesday. Pictures by Nige Brown.
The following nights featured Deacon Blue and UB40, both entertaining the crowd with their back catalogues of hits and bringing back plenty of memories along the way.
Deacon Blue, performing at Forest Live, Westonbirt Aboretum. Pictures by Nige Brown.UB40 featuring Ali Campbell at Forest Live, Westonbirt Aboretum. Pictures by Nige Brown.
Rick Astley was pure fun from start to finish, dancing with his backing singers, playing drums and clearly enjoying every minute with the audience.
Rick Astley, performing at Forest Live, Westonbirt Aboretum. Pictures by Nige Brown.
The final night belonged to Richard Ashcroft, supported by former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan, who put on a blistering performance of new songs alongside old favourites.
Tom Meighan, performing at Forest Live, Westonbirt Aboretum. Pictures by Nige Brown.
Richard Ashcroft seemed to catch the mood of the crowd perfectly, building his set gradually and creating a very memorable evening with classics from The Verve as well as his solo material.
Richard Ashcroft, performing at Forest Live, Westonbirt Aboretum. Pictures by Nige Brown.
It was the perfect way to end another fantastic Forest Live on a hot summer night in the Cotswolds.
About Nige
Nige Brown is a professional photographer with more than 30 years’ experience covering news, travel, fashion, concerts and events through his business, Image 8 Photography.
Award-winning dog care provider Rags & Bert’s has opened a new 5-star licensed doggy daycare centre in Farnborough, bringing premium daycare, dog training, a summer swimming pool and convenient dog bus services to pet owners in the surrounding areas.
Dog owners across Fleet, Church Crookham, Farnborough, Camberley and Blackwater can now access a premium doggy daycare experience as award-winning Rags & Bert’s opens its newest site at Cody Sports & Social Club, the former Busy Bees Nursery location.
Already trusted by dog owners in Reading, Rags & Bert’s has built its reputation on providing exceptional care that puts dogs first. The new centre expands the company’s unique approach to dog care, offering a safe, stimulating and enriching environment where dogs can play, socialise, learn and thrive.
The spacious new facility has been designed with dogs’ wellbeing in mind, with plenty of outdoor space for exercise, play and social interaction, alongside comfortable indoor air-conditioned areas to ensure dogs remain cool and comfortable during warmer weather. Every aspect of the environment has been carefully considered to provide a positive experience for dogs throughout the day.
Licensed to the highest 5-star standard, the centre is operated by a qualified professional team with expertise ranging from Level 2 to Level 5 in animal care, animal management and dog training. Every dog benefits from personalised care, structured social interaction, enrichment activities and appropriate rest, ensuring their individual needs are always prioritised.
Alongside Doggy Daycare, Rags & Bert’s also offers a range of training services designed to support dogs throughout every stage of their lives. The recently launched dog training packages provide tailored support for owners looking to build confidence, improve everyday manners or develop essential life skills. From puppy socialisation parties and early learning to one-to-one training sessions, the experienced team helps dogs learn in a positive, rewarding and enjoyable way.
With summer now here, the centre is also introducing a Doggy Swimming Pool, giving local dog owners a new way to help their four-legged friends stay cool and active during the warmer months. The pool provides a fun, safe and enjoyable environment where dogs can enjoy a refreshing swim, gentle exercise and quality time with their owners.
Designed with dog wellbeing in mind, the self-service pool allows owners to book dedicated sessions and enjoy the experience at their own pace. Whether dogs are confident swimmers or simply looking for a fun way to cool down, the pool offers a unique summer activity for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
For added convenience, Rags & Bert’s also operates its popular Dog Bus service, collecting and returning dogs directly from their homes, making daycare easy and stress-free for busy owners.
The business continues to invest in the site, with a professional grooming salon opening soon and plans for a purpose-built dog hotel in 2027, creating a complete destination for dog care under one roof.
“We believe dogs deserve more than simply being looked after during the day – they deserve an environment where they can learn, play, socialise and flourish,” said founder Julia O’Gorman.
To celebrate the opening, new customers can enjoy one week of free Doggy Daycare when signing up for regular daycare.
Rags and Bert’s offers a warm, caring environment where dogs can spend the day enjoying doggy daycare or settle in for a stay at its luxury dog hotel. With generous indoor and outdoor spaces, the facility follows a daily programme of activities designed to keep dogs active, stimulated and socialised, giving owners peace of mind while they’re away.
As well as daycare and overnight stays, Rags and Bert’s provides a range of convenient on-site services, including professional grooming, dog training and puppy socialisation parties, making it a go-to destination for canine care.
Denise Berkley tells us about Witney Museum which has reopened with major heritage revamp.
A fresh chapter has begun for Witney and District Museum, which reopened on 8 April 2026 following a major redevelopment supported by a £198,096 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The volunteer-run museum, first opened in 1996, has undergone an extensive transformation designed to secure its future while bringing the town’s story to life in new and engaging ways.
At the heart of the project is a focus on Witney’s evolution since the closure of its last blanket factory in 2002, ensuring more recent history is captured alongside its industrial past.
Visitors will immediately notice the striking new gallery displays, created in collaboration with designer Sam Brown and studio work-form.
Inspired by traditional tenter racks once used in the town’s blanket industry, the installations give the space a distinctive and locally rooted identity.
A key feature of the redevelopment is the “Voices of Witney” project, which captures oral histories from local people, adding a rich and personal dimension to the museum’s collection.
Among those featured are individuals who have helped shape the town, from educators and creatives to community figures.
The museum also explores Witney’s wider heritage, including its long association with blanket manufacturing, as well as stories of healthcare and innovation, from traditional high street chemists to modern employers such as Abbott.
Chair of the management committee, David How, praised the impact of the funding. “We’re really grateful for the support from lottery players,” he said. “We’re proud to be launching our fresh, exciting showcases for Witney’s treasures and we see a bright future for the town’s heritage.”
Volunteer collections manager Beverley Sherwood highlighted the behind-the-scenes benefits, with funding enabling essential cataloguing and conservation work to protect the collection for future generations.
The project has also strengthened community connections, with new partnerships and plans for a Community Cabinet initiative inviting local groups to help shape future displays.
Housed in a historic Cotswold stone building once home to local builder Malachi Bartlett, the museum remains a treasure trove of Witney’s past and present.
The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm until October.
By understanding the different types of mortgages available, you can make more informed decisions and approach buying or remortgaging a property with greater confidence.
Last month, we covered the basics of mortgages and why they matter. This time, let’s look at the different types of mortgages you might come across. Understanding the options can help you see what’s out there and how they differ.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for a set period—usually 2, 5, or 10 years. This means your monthly payments remain consistent, making it easier to budget. Fixed-rate mortgages are popular for their stability, especially if you prefer predictability.
Variable-Rate Mortgages
Variable-rate mortgages have interest rates that can change over time. There are a few types:
Standard Variable Rate (SVR): Set by the lender and can go up or down at their discretion.
Discounted Rate: Offers a discount on the lender’s SVR for a set period.
Tracker Mortgages: Follow an external rate, such as the Bank of England base rate, plus a set percentage.
These mortgages can offer flexibility and potentially lower rates, but your payments may increase if rates rise.
Interest-Only Mortgages
With an interest-only mortgage, you pay only the interest on the loan each month, not the capital. This means your monthly payments are lower, but you’ll need a plan to repay the full loan amount at the end of the term. These are less common now and usually require a clear repayment strategy.
Offset Mortgages
An offset mortgage links your savings and mortgage accounts. Your savings are used to reduce the amount of interest you pay on your mortgage. For example, if you have a £200,000 mortgage and £20,000 in savings, you’d only pay interest on £180,000. This can help you pay off your mortgage faster or reduce your monthly payments.
Spring and summer are busy times for the property market, so knowing your options can help you feel more prepared. Even if you’re not planning to move just yet, understanding the different types of mortgages puts you in a stronger position for the future.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. We may charge a fee for our services up to £199, payable on application. Viking Mortgages is a trading style of Torild Bastien, an Appointed Representative of Ingard Financial Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No 450731.
