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Nearly 1,000 years after it was made, the Bayeux Tapestry is set to return to England for the first time. 

This world-famous tapestry depicts events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest in 1066, and is an incredible 70 metres long. 

The tapestry is being loaned to the British Museum between September 2026 and July 2027. Its permanent home is the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Normandy, France, but as the museum is closed for renovations it has made this historic loan to the UK. 

With this in mind, discover five other fascinating medieval monuments you can visit or view in the UK. 

1. Westminster Abbey, central London

One of the stalwarts of the London skyline, Westminster Abbey is one of the most iconic and famous medieval sites in the UK. 

It was first constructed in the 11th century by Saxon king Edward the Confessor. Since then, it has been the location for many pivotal historic events, including the coronations of William the Conqueror, Elizabeth II, and Charles III. 

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior is one of the most moving sights in the Abbey. It holds the remains of an unidentified British soldier from the first world war, and represents all fallen personnel with no known grave. 

The Abbey is also the final resting place of a number of prominent figures, including Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots, Charles Darwin, and Geoffrey Chaucer. 

Opening times are 9.30 am – 3.30 pm (Monday to Friday) and 9.30 am – 3 pm (Saturday). The Abbey is closed to visitors on Sunday as it holds services. 

Pre-booking is recommended. 

2. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, North Yorkshire

This site is teeming with rich history. Founded back in 1132 by a group of devout monks, it quickly became one of the wealthiest Cistercian monasteries in England. However, it was raided by Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, taking it from glory to ruin. 

Later, in the 18th century, Fountains Abbey was incorporated into the landscape of Studley Royal, and was recognised as a World Heritage Site in 1986. 

The ruins are perfect for history buffs to explore, with imposing columns, vaulted ceilings. and a magnificent tower. Plus, you can wander around the ornamental water garden and see over 300 deer who call the parkland home. 

Opening times are 9.30 am – 4.30 pm. 

3. Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries and Galloway

This unique, triangular water-filled moat castle was built in the 13th century, on the border between Scotland and England. This strategic position led to it being besieged many times, most famously by Edward I and his English army of 3,000 men. 

Its unique geometry also offered strategic advantages, and it is now a place of fascination for history lovers. 

As well as Caerlaverock itself, you can find the foundations of the “Old Castle”, dating back to the 13th century, at the end of a short nature trail. 

Open daily from 9:30 am – 5 pm (April to September) and 10 am – 4 pm (October to March).

4. Caerphilly Castle, South Wales

A massive feat of architecture, Caerphilly Castle spans 30 acres, making it the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in the UK. It was built in the 13th century by Gilbert de Clare. 

Its “walls within walls” concept offered a strategic defence position, while its water defences included dams and artificial lakes to create barriers against attackers. Meanwhile, its famous “leaning tower” tilts even more sharply than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and is a great visitor attraction. 

Open 9.30 am – 6 pm (1 July to 31 August), with slightly shorter opening times during the rest of the year. 

5. Dunluce Castle, County Antrim

Picturesque and romantic, Dunluce Castle is accessible via a bridge connecting it to the mainland. Built by feuding clans from the 14th century, it was an epicentre of frequent and fierce regional power struggles. 

Its dramatic clifftop location is both beautiful and imposing, and its history no less so. In the 17th century, part of its kitchen collapsed into the raging sea during a storm, taking the servants with it. Plus, it sits above the “Mermaid’s Cave”, a large cave at which ships could anchor, or supplies could be smuggled in. 

Open 9.30 am – 5pm (1 March to 31 October).

Affluent families who delay estate planning could miss out on chances to reduce a potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill and pass more on to their families. Find out if you could benefit from considering IHT and how you might pass on assets tax-efficiently.

According to a report covered by Today’s Wills and Probate (5 June 2026), delays in estate planning could cost UK families £12.3 billion when changes mean pensions will form part of your estate next year.

Under the current rules, most pension wealth sits outside your estate for IHT purposes. This made pensions a useful way to pass on wealth. However, for many pension holders, that will change on 6 April 2027, as most pensions will be included in IHT calculations.

However, the new pension rules don’t account for all potential IHT savings. Indeed, £7.9 billion of the total sum is attributed to delaying estate planning.

The report states that a person beginning estate planning at 50 and making use of multiple strategies, such as exemptions, reliefs, and business relief investments, could, on average, pass on £397,000 more to loved ones than those who delayed estate planning until they were 70. 

1 in 5 homeowners could be overlooking a potential Inheritance Tax bill

There are many reasons why families delay estate planning

It might seem like something you don’t need to worry about until later in life, or you may mistakenly believe your estate will not be liable for IHT when you pass away.

Yet, you could be closer to the IHT threshold than you think. According to an article in MoneyAge (16 June 2026), a study of homeowners aged 45 and over found that 1 in 5 people with estates worth more than £1 million describe themselves as “just getting by”.

In 2026/27, the nil-rate band is £325,000. If the total value of your estate is below this threshold, no IHT will be due. In many cases, if you leave your main home to a direct descendant, you can also use the residence nil-rate band, which is £175,000 in 2026/27.

You may pass unused allowances to your spouse or civil partner. As a result, you might be able to pass on up to £1 million before IHT is applied to your estate. 

That might seem like a significant amount. However, your estate covers your assets, such as your home, investments, and personal possessions, as well as your pension from 6 April 2027. So, it is possible to unexpectedly leave your loved ones with an IHT bill.

Estate planning isn’t just about IHT either. It includes setting out how you want to pass on your assets so they go to your intended beneficiaries, as well as planning for your security later in life. So, even if your estate won’t be liable for IHT, you could still benefit from an estate plan.

4 gifting allowances that could reduce your estate’s Inheritance Tax bill

Gifting assets during your lifetime could reduce a potential IHT bill. However, it’s not as straightforward as simply transferring assets to your loved ones.

First, it’s important to be aware of how a gift could affect your long-term financial security. A financial plan could help you assess the potential impact.

Second, not all gifts are immediately excluded from your estate for IHT purposes. Some may be included in your estate and subject to a tapered IHT rate should the value of all your assets exceed IHT thresholds. 

Using these four gifting allowances as part of your wider estate plan could provide a tax-efficient way to pass on assets.

1. Annual exemption

The annual exemption allows you to give away up to £3,000 each tax year without the value being added to your estate when calculating IHT. You may gift this sum to one person or split it between several people. You can carry forward any unused annual exemption for one tax year.

2. Small gift allowance

Small gifts valued up to £250 can be given to as many people as you’d like each tax year, so long as you have not used another allowance on the same person.

3. Wedding and civil partnership gifts

Celebrating a wedding or civil partnership also presents an opportunity to gift tax-effectively. You can gift £1,000 to the happy couple, and the gift will immediately fall outside your estate. This allowance rises to £2,500 for your grandchild or great-grandchild and £5,000 for your child.

4. Regular gifts from your income

Regular payments you make to another person can fall outside your estate, so long as:

• There is an established pattern of making these payments
• The payments are made from your regular monthly income
• You can maintain your usual standard of living after making the payments. 

This could provide a valuable way to support your family while reducing a potential IHT bill. For example, you might use this allowance to:

• Pay the rent or mortgage for your child
• Contribute to a savings account for your grandchild
• Provide cash to a family member that they can use for living costs.

For this allowance to be applied to your estate when calculating IHT, there needs to be a pattern of making these payments. So, it’s important to keep accurate, clear records of these gifts. 

Contact us

If you’d like to understand whether your estate could be liable for IHT when you pass away, and how you might mitigate a potential bill, please get in touch. 

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning or Inheritance Tax planning.

Remember that taper relief only applies to gifts in excess of the nil-rate band. It follows that, if no tax is payable on the transfer because it does not exceed the nil-rate band (after cumulation), there can be no relief.

Taper relief does not reduce the value transferred; it reduces the tax payable as a consequence of that transfer.

You no doubt want to protect your loved ones against life’s twists and turns. For many families, that includes shielding their finances from the worst-case scenario – the loss of a family member.

While suitable financial protection could provide a reassuring safety net, the options can be daunting. As a result, it’s not uncommon for people to put off organising cover until it’s too late or take out insufficient cover for their needs.

Life insurance and family income benefit can both offer some financial security in the event that you or your partner dies. But with each offering different types of protection, identifying the right one for your family can be confusing.

To help you understand your options, read on to weigh the pros and cons of life insurance and family income benefit, and whether a combined approach could provide the peace of mind you need.

Life insurance usually pays out a lump sum when you die

If you die with life insurance in place, your beneficiaries will usually receive a one-off lump sum payment.

There are two types of life cover to consider:

• Whole of life cover: As the name suggests, these policies offer protection for the rest of your lifetime, provided you keep up with premium payments until your death.
• Fixed-term cover: These plans provide cover for a defined period. If you outlive the policy term, your cover will end.

The value of your lump sum will depend on your level of cover. Generally, higher levels of cover have higher premiums. Premiums are also affected by other factors, including your age and health. 

As such, it’s important to weigh how much your loved ones will need when you die against how much you can afford to pay in premiums for the policy’s duration.

If your needs change, you may be able to adjust your level of cover mid-policy. Otherwise, you may need to take out new cover to either supplement or replace your current protection. Before changing your plan, be sure to speak with a financial planner for support in selecting suitable protection for you.

The advantages of life insurance

Life insurance can offer valuable protection for large financial commitments, such as covering your mortgage or other debts, or supporting your children while they’re still financially dependent.

Not only could this improve the financial security of your family, but it may also reduce stress at an already difficult time. A lump sum payment might mean your partner has more options, such as taking time away from work to ensure children are emotionally supported. 

The downsides of life insurance

A lump sum payment could be useful if your loved ones need to pay off a large debt. However, it might be difficult to manage if they intend to use it to cover day-to-day expenses over many years. If your partner isn’t comfortable or confident making financial decisions, the payout received from life insurance might not suit their needs.

It’s also important to note that your policy holds no cash value. If you cancel your policy or outlive your fixed term, you won’t be able to recoup the premiums you have paid.

Family income benefit provides regular payments for a defined period

In contrast to standard life insurance policies, family income benefit usually pays out a regular income to your beneficiaries – rather than a lump sum.

If you die or are diagnosed with a terminal illness during your policy term, your family could receive tax-free monthly payments for the remainder of the term. The income they receive depends on the level of cover you choose and is contingent on you keeping up with premiums.

The advantages of family income benefit

By covering their daily living costs, family income benefit can provide valuable financial stability, giving you peace of mind that your loved ones can continue their current standard of living if you pass away during the policy term.

This type of cover can be particularly helpful if you’re worried that your beneficiary would struggle to budget with a large lump sum. For example, if your policy is for a financially dependent child, you might prefer for them to have a regular income rather than a windfall.

The downsides of family income benefit

While family income benefit can help your loved ones maintain their regular lifestyle, it may be less suitable for covering funeral costs or any other short-term large expenses. They also wouldn’t be able to use it to pay off large debts, such as a mortgage, so you will need to consider if the income from family income benefit would be enough to meet these commitments.

As with fixed-term life insurance, family income benefit holds no cash value. If you outlive the policy term, you generally won’t receive any financial benefit from your cover and will not be able to reclaim your premiums.

That said, even if you never claim on your policy, that doesn’t mean you won’t have seen any benefit. Having suitable protection in place can provide invaluable peace of mind, allowing you to rest assured that your loved ones will continue to receive a stable income even after you’ve passed away.

A combined approach may be appropriate

Life insurance and family income benefit can each help create a robust financial safety net to protect your loved ones in the event of your death.

Choosing appropriate cover for your needs isn’t always straightforward. In some cases, a combination of protection may be suitable. As an example, if your family is still repaying a mortgage and relies on your income for maintaining their standard of living, you might consider:

• Life insurance to pay off the rest of your mortgage or other large debts
• Family income benefit to help your family continue paying the bills and enjoying their current lifestyle.

Of course, the above is just an example. The most suitable solution for your family will depend on your needs, circumstances, and priorities. As such, it’s often worth consulting with a financial planner for support in assessing which cover could deliver the financial protection and peace of mind you’re looking for.

Get in touch

For support in identifying appropriate cover to protect your family’s financial future, get in touch.

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it.

Note that life insurance and financial protection plans typically have no cash in value at any time and cover will cease at the end of the term. If premiums stop, then cover will lapse.

Cover is subject to terms and conditions and may have exclusions. Definitions of illnesses vary from product provider and will be explained within the policy documentation.

On 22 June, Keir Starmer announced he would quit as Labour Party leader. The decision had been anticipated in the media, but the changes still pose some uncertainty over the coming weeks. Read on to find out what it could mean for your finances.

The Labour Party will need to decide on a new leader, which could cause market volatility. Once a new leader is in place, they will have control over fiscal policy that could affect business and personal finances. 

While a change in political leadership can feel worrisome when you consider your finances, taking a long-term view is important. 

Uncertainty may cause market volatility in the coming weeks

Investment markets may experience volatility in response to uncertainty, which could affect the value of your investments.

Following Starmer’s announcement, markets were relatively stable. According to the Guardian (22 June 2026), markets largely “shrugged off the news” as the resignation was expected. Indeed, a domestically focused index, the FTSE 250, was down just 0.01%. 

As the new prime minister is announced and sets out their vision for the UK, markets could experience greater volatility, particularly if there are any surprises.

While this might feel disconcerting, keep in mind that short-term volatility is a part of investing, and markets have historically recovered.

In the last decade, the UK has had seven prime ministers, and while periods of volatility followed some of these leadership changes, the overall market trend has been upwards.

So, rather than reviewing your portfolio’s performance each day, take a look at the bigger picture. Assessing performance over several years could highlight an overall trend rather than short-term responses to periods of change. 

While you might be tempted to make changes in response to volatility, sticking to your long-term investment strategy instead of making knee-jerk decisions could be beneficial. 

It’s important to note that investment returns cannot be guaranteed, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

The prime minister may change policies that affect personal finances

The new prime minister might also choose to go in a different direction from the previous one. For example, they could change tax rates or allowances, which might affect your personal finances. 

While the potential for change could prompt some people to alter their financial plans, this often isn’t the best course of action.

First, with so much speculation, it can be difficult to know what information is accurate before it’s officially announced. Reacting to a news headline that isn’t confirmed could mean making unnecessary changes to your financial plan, which has the potential to harm your ability to reach your goals. 

Second, when changes are unveiled, they often aren’t implemented immediately. So, you will typically have an opportunity to fully assess your options rather than needing to make a snap decision.

As your financial planner, we could alert you if anything might affect your long-term financial plan. We could help you assess how changes might affect you and offer guidance on how to mitigate the potential effects if appropriate. 

Contact us

Over the coming weeks, there’s likely to be a lot of speculation about what will happen. Remember, reacting to rumours could lead you to make decisions based on scenarios that don’t materialise or ones that don’t align with your objectives.

If you have any questions about what Starmer’s resignation means for your finances, please get in touch. 

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

In a bid to pass more wealth to their loved ones, a growing number of families are opening pensions for their children. Whether your child is still in nursery or already working their way up the career ladder, there could be benefits to making pension contributions on their behalf.

According to an article in the Telegraph (13 June 2026), pension providers have noticed an uptick in the number of pensions opened for a child, with one provider registering a jump of 158%.

This trend is partly being driven by changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules. From 6 April 2027, many pensions will be included in the value of your estate when calculating if IHT is due when you pass away. As a result, some people are opting to contribute to a child’s pension rather than their own. 

Whether this strategy is appropriate for you will depend on your personal circumstances and goals, and it’s important to carefully assess the potential implications first. 

2 important things to be aware of before contributing to your child’s pension

You can open a pension for your child from the day they are born. In many cases, you can also contribute to a pension that your adult children have. However, you should note:

1. A pension cannot usually be accessed until the pension holder reaches pension age

Before you contribute money to a pension, be sure that it’s the right option for you and your child. Money held in a pension cannot usually be accessed until the pension holder reaches 55 (rising to 57 in 2028 and potentially rising further in the future).

As a result, you would not be able to withdraw the money if you changed your mind. Similarly, your child would not be able to access the money if they wanted to use it for another purpose, such as buying a home, before reaching pension age. 

2. The Annual Allowance might limit how much you can tax-efficiently contribute to a pension

The Annual Allowance is the maximum amount of money that can be paid into a pension each tax year before the pension holder could be subject to charges.

In 2026/27, the Annual Allowance is £60,000 or 100% of the pension holder’s annual earnings (whichever is lower). Non-taxpayers, including children, have an Annual Allowance of £3,600. In addition, the Annual Allowance may be lower for higher earners or those who have accessed their pension. 

The Annual Allowance covers all contributions, including those made by the pension holder, employers, and third parties. So, it’s important to track what you’re contributing and speak to your child about other contributions that are made to avoid unwittingly exceeding the Annual Allowance. 

4 reasons you might regularly contribute to your child’s pension

1. You could support their future 

Contributing to your child’s pension allows you to support their future.

According to the government (19 May 2026), many working-age adults are not saving enough for retirement. It’s estimated that 15 million people are undersaving. Additional regular contributions could make their retirement more financially secure and potentially ease pressure on your child’s finances now. 

2. Your additional contribution could grow

Pensions are usually invested with the aim of delivering long-term growth. While investment returns cannot be guaranteed, the initial contribution you make has the potential to grow over the long term. 

3. Your contributions will usually benefit from tax relief

Assuming your contributions don’t exceed the Annual Allowance, they will typically benefit from tax relief at your child’s nominal rate of Income Tax. This provides an additional immediate boost to your child’s pension and, as the money will be invested, further potential for long-term growth. 

4. Your contributions could be efficient for Inheritance Tax purposes 

Gifts you make aren’t always outside of your estate for IHT purposes. Some may be included for up to seven years after they are given. However, some allowances could provide a tax-efficient way to pass on wealth.

One of these allowances is regular payments made to another person. The gifts must be made regularly and come out of your regular income without affecting your standard of living. As a result, making monthly contributions to your child’s pension could allow you to make use of this allowance.

It’s a good idea to keep clear records of your gifts as HMRC may look for a regular pattern of gifting if your estate uses this allowance. 

Get in touch

Tax and pension rules can be complex, particularly if you want to support a loved one or consider IHT. We could help you create a financial plan that suits you and your family’s needs. Please contact us to arrange a meeting. 

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. All contents are based on our understanding of HMRC legislation, which is subject to change.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates, and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts. 

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning, tax planning, or Inheritance Tax planning. 

Investing is often as much about emotions as it is about numbers. One emotion that might affect how you invest at times is fear. Learning how fear influences investment decisions and how to master it could support your long-term success.

Fear could strike investors in multiple ways

There’s more than one form that fear can take when you’re investing. You might experience a fear of:

• Losing money, which could lead to you being overly cautious. You might even avoid investing altogether because of the perceived risk of losing some or all of your money.
• Making the wrong decision. As an investor, you often have multiple options, and this form of fear could lead to decision paralysis because you overthink or feel overwhelmed.
• Missing out. There’s a lot of investment noise, including people proclaiming that one investment or another is a must-invest. For some investors, this might generate a fear of missing out (FOMO) that could lead to impulsive decisions.
• Not being in control. Multiple factors that aren’t in your control will affect the performance of your investments, and this can be scary. Investors experiencing this type of fear might miss opportunities due to their worries or react in a way that doesn’t align with their strategy when new information is released. 

Many things could trigger fear when making investment decisions, such as market volatility or even being reminded that investing involves risk. Indeed, according to FT Adviser (4 June 2026), more than half of UK adults said that reading a risk warning when investing in stocks and shares puts them off investing. 

It’s natural to feel some worries in these scenarios, but mastering your fears could improve long-term outcomes. 

Fear could lead to decisions that don’t align with your long-term strategy

Fear isn’t necessarily a bad thing when you’re investing. It might prevent you from rushing into an investment that isn’t suitable for you, but it could also harm your decisions.

For example, investing might play an important role in your long-term financial plan. It might help you grow your pension savings with the aim of delivering a more comfortable retirement. However, if you fear losing money, you might choose to hold your assets in cash instead, which would mean missing out on potential investment returns.

Investment returns cannot be guaranteed, and past performance may not be replicated. However, historically, markets have delivered returns over long-term time frames and recovered from periods of downturn.

It’s also important to note that there are different levels of risk when you’re investing, so you can choose opportunities that align with your risk profile. In addition, a balanced portfolio will spread your investments across a variety of assets, so while you might lose money in one area, gains in another could create balance. 

A key part of mastering fear so it doesn’t hamper your long-term goals is understanding the difference between perceived and actual risks.

Acting out of fear when investing could make it more difficult to achieve your financial goals and increase stress. So, here are three things to keep in mind when you’re investing. 

3 steps that could reduce investment fear

1. Focus on your long-term objectives

Emotional responses are often temporary, as are the factors that trigger them. Instead, focus on what your long-term objectives are. This can help you put current events into perspective and potentially reduce your concerns.

Some investors may find it useful to implement a decision delay, such as waiting at least a day before making any changes. This could provide time for strong emotions to ease and an opportunity to review what’s driving your initial reaction.

2. Recognise that market volatility is normal

One factor that often affects investor emotions is market volatility. However, if you look at past performance, you’ll see that rises and falls in investment values are normal. 

Rather than looking at investment values daily or weekly, take a longer-term view. When you look at performance over several years, you’ll often see that the peaks and troughs smooth out, which doesn’t seem as scary. 

3. Understand your investment strategy

Take some time to understand why your investment strategy is appropriate for you. Discussing with your financial planner why your risk profile is suitable for your current financial circumstances and overall goals could help ease fears.

A financial planner could reduce the impact of emotions when making financial decisions

Working with a financial planner could help keep emotions, including fear, in check when you’re making financial decisions. 

Your financial planner will understand your goals and strategy, so they could provide an objective review of your decisions and factors that you might be worried about. Knowing you have someone who could provide tailored guidance might also help you tune out some of the noise that could trigger emotional responses and allow you to focus on what matters to you.

Please contact us to arrange a meeting with one of our team. 

Please note: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.