Wildlife watching in Britain isn’t all about sitting on a damp hillside with the hope of glimpsing an elusive, mangy and ultimately underwhelming small grey bird. Believe it or not, our waters are home to the world’s second largest fish, the Basking Shark. Growing up to 40ft long, the massive swimmers are noted for their friendly dispositions and won’t eye you up as a potential snack – they can’t stomach anything larger than plankton.
The best time to see them is during June and July with the Cornish coast and the West Coast of Scotland being the best spots. Companies offering Basking Shark spotting trips include Marine Discovery in Penzance and Sea Life Surveys in Mull.
Rare and wonderful gifts from London Peculiar
The mysterious Margate Shell Grotto
Evil Cakes from Eat Your Heart Out, 28-31 October, London
Top of the Shops: Tights for Sore Eyes
Get yourself kitted out at the London Vintage Fair
Pic of the week: Hoochie Coochie Kabaret, Bristol