Travel

Discover cobbled streets, Victorian markets and winding walks surrounding this historic Peak District gem

A quaint cobbled market square is just one of the many attractions that lure visitors to a town in the Peak District, steeped in rich history.

Nestled around a stone-cobbled market square, Leek’s well-preserved historical ties to the Arts and Crafts movement make for a fascinating journey. With a wealth of original buildings still intact and its history meticulously preserved, there’s plenty to discover as you wander through the streets on your pit stop before hiking the surrounding countryside.

Boosting the town’s appeal is its strong connection with the renowned British artist, designer and writer William Morris. He arrived in Leek in the 1870s to study dyeing and printing techniques, and his time there had a profound impact on both the artistic movement and the town itself.

Indeed, a breathtaking stained glass window in a local Paris church was inspired by his work and attracts numerous visitors keen to admire its beauty. After completing his studies, the esteemed artist stayed in the town, working for silk manufacturer Thomas Wardle, where he contributed to textile production and created new designs for wallpaper and tapestry.

During the Napoleonic era, former French prisoners of war resided in the town in the 19th Century, giving one area the moniker ‘Petty France’. It’s believed their French culture infused into the local community, introducing a French flair to dancing, music, and craft sales. Some married local women, while others stayed on even after the war.

Owing to its rich history, the town centre provides a more traditional shopping experience compared to large shopping centres, with its quaint cobbled streets and independent businesses. It’s home to an array of antique shops and stores selling homewares, gifts, and crafts, complemented by numerous bakeries and cafes offering locally sourced and homemade foods.

Tradition is woven into every aspect of the town, including its markets, which host both indoor and outdoor stalls. The Victorian Butter Market, first opened in 1897, has been refurbished and sells a broad range of items, including fine foods, collectables, antiques, and crafts.

Many use the town as a base for exploring the Peak District itself, particularly a nearby trail popular among keen walkers. The Roaches is a favoured walk taking roughly two to three hours, offering stunning views en route and a fantastic photo opportunity.

Visitors climb to the summit to witness the Ramshaw Rocks, renowned for their distinctive formation that appears like a winking figure. The circular route offers stunning vistas of the Tittesworth Reservoir below, following a path that winds through a rugged landscape.

A recent hiker documented their adventure on TripAdvisor, stating: “The views from the top of the Roaches are simply breathtaking! The paths to the top are clearly marked, and various options are available for suitable routes to the summit.

“The Roaches are very popular for rock climbing as well as walking/rambling, though they didn’t appear to be overly busy on this occasion. In fact, a majority of the time, we were on our own.”

Ccharming village has a rich history dating back to 1397 and is a popular spot for walkers to rest their feet

This idyllic hamlet in North Yorkshire has been flying under the radar for far too long, and it’s high time that travellers discovered its quintessential English charm.

Nestled on the western fringes of the North York Moors, you’ll find Osmotherley, a delightful village brimming with natural splendour. It’s often the perfect pit stop for ramblers exploring the surrounding trails – a tradition that spans centuries.

With roots stretching back to the 1800s, this village was once a favoured overnight halt for Scottish cattle drovers guiding their herds southwards along the Hambleton Drove Road. Today, keen hikers tread the same path as they embark on long-distance treks through the serpentine countryside.

The three most frequented routes threading through the village are the Cleveland Way, Coast to Coast and the Lyke Wake Walk, the latter being particularly gruelling. This trail stretches a whopping 40 miles across the North York Moors National Park, commencing right in the heart of the village and culminating at the seaside town of Ravenscar.

Adding to Osmotherley’s allure as a restful haven for travellers is the fact that despite its modest population of around 650, it boasts three traditional pubs all within a stone’s throw of each other. The Golden Lion, The Three Tuns, and The Queen Catherine all provide a warm, cosy setting complete with food and drink, offering weary walkers a chance to kick back and soak up the relaxed ambience.

A recent guest at the Golden Lion gushed about being “very impressed” with their visit. Writing on TripAdvisor, they said: “The GL is a delightful pub in the centre of Osmotherley. It offers an excellent selection of beers and lagers, along with a varied menu of dishes. It’s very much a community pub with a great atmosphere. DO pop in – you won’t be disappointed!”.

Meanwhile, The Three Tuns has also won over punters with its charm. One satisfied customer raved: “The food was good, the service was great, and the pub itself is lovely!”.

A regular to the area expressed their affection for all the local watering holes, explaining: “Me and my hubby try to stay in Osmotherley once a year to get away from busy work lives, as there’s so much to see and do around North Yorkshire. We always try and visit all three pubs in this lovely village and have never had a bad experience.”

History enthusiasts will be drawn to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace, which has stood since 1397. The site attracts pilgrims from far and wide and offers stunning panoramic vistas across the region, taking in everything from the village itself to Teesside, Bilsdale, and even the distant Pennine hills, perched as it is on the fringes of the national park.

The structure is thought to have been constructed by Carthusian monks from the nearby historic Mount Grace Priory. Many have described the chapel as “peaceful”, with one individual sharing: “Lovely peaceful setting above Osmotherley with a view across as far as the Pennines on a clear day.

“A chapel that is open and has a mass on Saturday afternoons. Historically linked to the solitary monks at Mount Grace.”

The Alfriston, East Sussex

Virginia Woolf described the South Downs as “too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness”. So where better to head at this time of year, when our happiness levels are traditionally at their lowest ebb? Striding across the rolling chalkland towards the teetering sea cliffs buoyed up by a stiff breeze is the perfect antidote to the January blues. And if there’s a cosy hotel bar with an open fire waiting for you at the end of the walk, so much the better.

The Alfriston, on the edge of the Sussex village of the same name, reopened under new owners last spring. Housed in a red-brick manor house, parts of which date back to the 14th century, its new look nods to the Arts and Crafts movement with attractive block-printed wallpapers, patterned furnishings and wood panelling painted in warm colours.

There’s a long front lawn laid out for games of croquet, skittles and pétanque but the jewel in the crown is the 10-metre outdoor pool, heated and open year-round. After a swim, warm up in the sauna or steam room or treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment in the small spa area. On a Saturday evening the 1554 Brasserie was lively with a mix of guests and locals and the menu had something to please all palates – from slow-roasted Norfolk cauliflower (£18 for a main) to haunch of fallow deer with chestnuts and cacao sauce (£28). My starter of scallops followed by grilled whole sea bass with samphire was excellent. After a deep sleep we woke up to views across the mist-shrouded downs and breakfast in the Orangery, where the walls are hand-painted with delicate murals of trees and flowers. I can’t help feeling that Woolf, whose Charleston farmhouse HQ was just a few miles away, would approve.
Doubles from £135 B&B, thealfriston.com
Joanne O’Connor

Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire

The show has been ranked as the second most disappointing show in London in a Private Tours England study of TripAdvisor data. For me, it more than lived down to the hype

In the months after the first Avatar film hit the silver screen in 2009 and smashed its way to the title of the highest-grossing film ever, it’d be fair to assume that the future of cinema was 3D.

Indeed, the film’s director James Cameron has repeatedly argued as much, declaring in 2014: “I believe all movies should be made in 3D, forever”, praising 3D films as “stunning visual experiences which ‘turbocharge’ the viewing of the biggest, must-see movies.”

A decade on, it’s clear that the movie industry at large disagrees. Since the record year of 2011, when more than 100 3D movies were shown in theaters, new 3D releases have steadily declined to a quarter of that number.

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I side with film critic Roger Ebert, who argued that “3D is a waste of a perfectly good dimension” that is “unsuitable for grown-up films of any seriousness” and causes “nausea and headaches.”

In exactly the same way, Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience (recently named the second most disappointing attraction in London in a Private Tours England study of TripAdvisor data) manages to turn the work of one of the greatest painters into a farcical, queasy spectacle.

The show is the work of Fever Up and first welcomed visitors in 2021. It did so a year after Emily of Emily in Paris fame visited a similar exhibition in the French capital, leading several companies to set up similar shows in Europe and the US.

Perhaps I was unlucky and chose the wrong one. Or maybe they’re all as disappointing as one another.

The warning signs began when I walked right down Shoreditch’s Commercial Street and past the exhibition entrance, which was very easy to miss. Once safely through the inauspicious door, I found myself in a strangely dark, cramped hallway where a woman sat in a chair checked my ticket. It was a Monday evening, but the low-effort entrance felt curiously at odds with the £25-a-person entrance fee.

It would’ve been entirely forgotten had Fever Up invested the savings into the exhibition itself. In reality, what lay beyond the hallway was a complete mess of a show that not only added nothing to the work of the Dutch painter but made it much worse.

The exhibition features two main rooms. The first is fairly similar to a typical gallery, featuring printouts of Van Gogh’s paintings on the walls and a brief overview of the artist’s life. This was my favourite bit, despite the fact I could’ve just read the Van Gogh Wikipedia page and learned considerably more. Or gone to see one of the many Van Goghs that are permanently displayed for free in London, such as the National Gallery’s Sunflowers and The Courtauld’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, rather than the texture-free printouts.

The second room, and the supposed main event, was even more disappointing. The large space was devoid of physical objects beyond a couple of deckchairs and a bench. Projected onto the wall were computer-altered versions of Van Gogh’s paintings in which the swirls swirl and the petals flutter about a little. Maybe I had expected too much, but I was not immersed.

Others have suffered worse fates. One colleague told me they’d been sick after gazing up at the lightly undulated walls for too long.

I left the exhibition just 30 minutes after walking in, feeling not only short-changed but also quite sad.

One of the Wikipedia-style blurbs had detailed Van Gogh’s final years, when he cut off his ear before suffering through several months of hallucinations, paranoid spells and a period in Saint-Paul asylum. Shortly after, he walked into a wheat field and shot himself in the chest with a revolver.

From afar, it seems that an unbearable sadness hung over Van Gogh throughout his life, made worse by his self-perceived failure as an artist and great concern that he was a burden on his brother. That he never lived to see how revered and beloved his work is today is a great shame. The only scrap of solace is that he never lived long enough to endure an evening at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.

The exhibition closed in London last autumn and subsequently moved to Belfast, Bristol, York and Leicester.

Fever Up has been contacted for comment.

Have you been to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience? Let us know what you thought of it in the comments below or by emailing webtravel@reachplc.com

I spent the day in one of the most popular cities in the UK, and while it was pretty, it was lacking something else entirely, and I wouldn’t return in a hurry

I was filled with anticipation and excitement as I made my way up North to spend the day in a UK city that is, by all accounts, a blockbuster location.

Yet, as I wandered the winding cobbled streets and explored the walled city that had been so loudly hyped before my visit, I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.

The UK is packed with thriving cities that boast fascinating architecture, rich history, iconic landmarks and diverse collections of amenities set against the backdrop of a picture-postcard destination. Some of the most popular cities in the UK to visit, which have long been renowned for their beauty, include Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, London, and Oxford.

Another city that often tops this list, attracting thousands of tourists annually, is the historic city of York. The ancient North Yorkshire settlement was named the top place in the UK for quality of life in 2025 in the Good Growth for Cities Index, and was included in a list of the best ten Christmas market cities in the country.

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Additionally, York was named as one of the happiest places to live in the UK by The Guardian last year, noting its “modesty and unreserved warmth”. It was also previously named the best city in England to visit by Condé Nast Traveller.

So it’s got its plaudits. But I’m not among them. York is one UK city that I won’t be returning to in a hurry, and it wasn’t just because of the tourist crowds.

I visited York for the day during a warm September, eager to discover what all the fuss was about and experience its charm. I had already heard so much about the walled city from friends who had visited that, admittedly, it already had a lot to live up to.

But it was so much smaller than I had imagined. I made my way into the city centre, wandering around as many cobbled paths and high streets as I could, and I was finished before lunch. I even ventured off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems, but found myself struggling, as the bounds of the city came to an abrupt end.

The iconic Shambles Market in the city centre was another slightly disappointing factor. It felt like any other UK market, with some unoriginal gift ideas. The Shambles area itself is popular with Harry Potter enthusiasts, with its cobbled and crooked medieval buildings resembling Diagon Alley.

Eager to transport myself to the wizardry world of magic, I walked along the cobbles lanes, but I was not spellbound. The experience was ruined by throngs of tourists grabbing a selfie and queueing up for one of the Harry Potter-inspired shops. While it was interesting to see, I wasn’t keen on hanging around and fighting my way through the crowds any longer, so I swiftly made my exit.

York is undeniably beautiful, with its Gothic and medieval architecture, yet its city centre lacked the charm I had been promised. While it offers plenty of landmarks, such as the ancient city walls, its stunning Cathedral, York Minster, and Clifford’s Tower, I felt it was missing that vibrant character that I’ve found in other popular UK cities.

In Bath, you’re treated to the bustling sound of performers and live music in the city centre, along with its thriving food scene, while Cambridge offers punting on the River Cam and a city renowned for its university, brimming with shops and eateries. Yet, I found that I didn’t need more than a day to explore York, as beyond its history and timber-framed buildings, there wasn’t much more to uncover in the city.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Brandon Fisher was praised for carrying out the emergency landing of the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 when a door plug panel flew off shortly after takeoff at Portland International Airport

A hero pilot is suing Boeing as he believes the aeroplane manufacturer “attempted to paint him as a scapegoint” following its error that led to an emergency landing.

Brandon Fisher safely brought the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 back to Portland International Airport in Oregon when a door plug panel flew off shortly after takeoff. He was widely praised for the emergency landing as experts believe his quick thinking ensured all of the 171 passengers and six crew members survived the accident.

But Mr Fisher’s lawyers say Boeing has tried to deflect liability in past lawsuits. Four flight attendants previously sued Boeing over the incident last summer. Now, Mr Fisher’s team says Boeing believes it wasn’t responsible for the blowout in January 2024 because the plane was “improperly maintained or misused” by others.

“It was clear Boeing’s words were directed at Captain Fisher in attempt to paint him as the scapegoat for Boeing’s numerous failures,” Mr Fisher’s lawyers, William Walsh and Richard Mummolo, wrote in the lawsuit filed in an Oregon court.

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and even Boeing executives commended Mr Fisher for his heroics following the horror.

The NTSB investigation since then found that four bolts securing what is known as the door plug panel were removed and never replaced during a repair as the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft was being assembled. Boeing and key supplier Spirit Aerosystems, which has since been acquired by Boeing, were both implicated.

The bolts are hidden behind interior panels in the plane, so they are not something that could have been easily checked in a preflight inspection by the pilot or anyone else from the airline. NTSB investigators determined the door plug was gradually moving upward over the 154 flights prior to the incident before it ultimately flew off.

And Mr Fisher’s lawyers wrote in their latest report: “Boeing’s lie infuriated Captain Fisher as well, as he was being castigated for his actions as opposed to being lauded. Because he had flown Boeing aircraft for the entirety of his employment with Alaska Airlines, Boeing’s attempts to blame him felt like a deep, personal betrayal by a company that claimed to hold pilots in the highest regard.”

The NTSB made clear this was caused by a manufacturing issue and the crew’s actions were exemplary. Experienced pilot John Cox, who is CEO of the Safety Operating Systems aviation safety consulting firm, said the crew did a remarkable job considering what they were dealing with, and no one has faulted the crew. Mr Cox said: “I think the Boeing lawyers were kind of grasping at straws.”

Boeing did not comment directly on this new lawsuit. But the company’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has made improving safety a top priority ever since he took over the top job at Boeing in August 2024.

Alaska Airlines also declined to comment on the lawsuit, but said the airline remains “grateful to our crew members for the bravery and quick-thinking that they displayed on Flight 1282 in ensuring the safety of all on board.”

A NEW route to a city that straddles both Europe and Asia is coming to a major UK airport.

From March 18, Turkish Airlines will be launching a new route between London Stansted Airport and Istanbul.

It marks the first flights for the carrier from the UK airport.

There will be up to 15 flights a week to the Turkish capital.

Istanbul is just four hours from the UK and was named the world’s best airport by the World’s Top 10 International Airports survey earlier this year.

The city features cobbled streets and the famous Blue Mosque, which was created in 1609.

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It is free to enter and is known for its blue tiles and six minarets.

If you like shopping head to the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.

Inside visitors will find locally crafted carpets, lanterns and even sweets.

One recent visitor said: “The Grand Bazaar is huge, colorful, and full of energy.

“Walking through the endless lanes feels like stepping back in time, with shops selling carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs everywhere.

“The mix of history and daily life makes the bazaar unforgettable.”

Hotels in Istanbul can cost as little as £20 per night.

Or you could stay at the more premium DoubleTree by Hilton for £72 a night.

Back in July, Gareth Powell, managing director at London Stansted, said: “This is a major milestone for the airport and a strong vote of confidence in both our operation and the vibrant, fast-growing region we serve.

“Istanbul is a fantastic destination in its own right, but this new service also opens the door to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network, connecting London Stansted to over 353 destinations across Asia, Africa, Australia and beyond.”

Mehmet Gurulkan, Turkish Airlines’ general manager for London, said: “This new service increases our total weekly UK–Istanbul frequencies, providing passengers even more choice and greater connectivity to our global network.

“By operating from Stansted, we are happy to support the airport’s continued growth and contribute to job creation and economic development in the region.”

In addition to the new Stansted-Istanbul route, a number of other routes will be launching at Stansted this year.

Ryanair will be adding flights to Malmo in Sweden from April 1, which will operate twice a week.

The airline will also be adding more flights to Glasgow from March 29.

Budget airline easyJet will start flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle on March 5.

And then AJet will launch flights to Bodrum, Turkey, from June 26.

Jet2.com will also be expanding its summer programme, with new routes to Jerez, Spain from May 1, Samos in Greece from May 7 and La Palma in the Canary Islands from October 26.

Finally, TUI will be introducing flights to Kos from May 7 and BA CityFlyer will launch flights to Olbia, Sardinia, from May 23.

Ciaran Brannigan, commercial director at London Stansted, said: “We’re delighted to welcome new airlines and routes during 2026 that give our passengers even greater choice, value and convenience.

“London Stansted continues to grow as a key gateway for travel across Europe and beyond, and these additions underline our commitment to offering more destinations and better connectivity for leisure and business travellers alike.”

In other flight news, a major airline with bunk beds onboard reveals plans to relaunch UK flights for the first time in five years.

Plus, easyJet’s new UK flights to go to sunny island with three of the world’s best nightclubs.

DEVON’s ‘English Riviera’ is bouncing back to its former glory.

Once a 19th-century Golden Age hotspot that boasted visiting Royalty such as Princess Victoria, the trio of towns known as Torbay (also the English Riviera) is getting a multi-million-pound makeover.

Known for its microclimate and green palms, the region once attracted the likes of Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Darwin, and dancer Isadora Duncan.

Famous crime writer Agatha Christie was even born in one of the towns.

But after years of decline and boarded-up shops, a massive overhaul is getting underway. Here’s everything you need to know.

Torquay

Torquay is known as the ‘Queen of the Riviera’ with a population of over 50,000 people and while Paignton is bigger, Torquay is often seen as the main hub for tourism in the area.

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The town was named in a Which? survey last year as Britain’s least favourite town, with locals admitting they felt “embarrassed” by the state of the town centre.

The good news is that the town will soon see a number of changes, including at the top of the high street, where Union Square Shopping Centre is found.

The rundown destination will be demolished and in its place around 100 new homes, healthcare facilities and new shops will be built, with construction starting this year.

Also on Higher Union Street, the area surrounding the shopping centre will be revitalised as part of a broader 10-year plan.

Moving down the high street, you will eventually reach the harbour, which will have a completely new look, including a completely new promenade already in place.

A derelict Debenhams store will be demolished and replaced with a mixed-use development, which might include a high-end boutique hotel.

The total cost for the town centre and harbour redevelopment is set to cost between £60 and £70million.

Moving around the harbour, on the cliffside, there is currently a huge netted structure which is the former Living Coasts site – a visitor attraction that had seals, penguins and a number of other marine life.

The coastal zoo featured the world’s first open-air aviary for birds but closed permanently in 2020.

The site is now hoped to be turned into a marine innovation hub, run by Arc Marine, which will work on reef restoration.

Back towards the harbour, you will find Torquay Pavilion, which opened back in 1911.

The iconic building features a copper-covered dome which is topped with a life-size figure of Britannia and was originally a theatre, then a shopping centre before closing to the public in 2013.

Currently, there is a consultation for what the venue could be turned into in the future, with the project reportedly costing £11million.

Rumours and past suggestions have included an Agatha Christie attraction – who was born in the town – with a permanent exhibition and research centre or a concert hall.

With the flurry of new developments, there are also new hotels popping up across the bay.

Experts have discovered which side of the plane offers more legroom without the need to pay extra for an upgrade, with right-hand seats offering up to an inch more space

Most of us yearn for that bit of extra legroom on a flight, but it often comes with an added price tag. However, travel experts have shared a nifty trick that could bag you that much-desired additional space on your next flight without having to fork out any extra cash.

When booking flights, travellers are frequently offered the chance to upgrade their seat to one with more legroom or even to premium economy. This usually incurs an extra fee, ranging from £15 to £50 depending on the airline and the specific flight – an additional cost many would prefer to sidestep.

This is why many passengers opt to select their seats 24 hours before take-off when it’s typically free with most airlines. Alternatively, some leave their seating fate in the hands of the airline.

However, if you’re keen to secure your seat and snag some extra legroom without parting with any more money, there’s a particular side of the plane you should be eyeing up. According to the experts at Which? selecting a seat on the right-hand side of the plane, specifically those labelled D, E, or F, as opposed to the left side with A, B or C, could grant you that crucial extra space.

Which? conducted research revealing that standard plane seats on the right-hand side across various airlines, including Ryanair, can offer anything from an extra half-inch to an inch of legroom compared to seats on the left. And we all know how precious that extra space can be during a flight.

This implies that when the opportunity to select your seats for free becomes available 24 hours prior to your flight, it’s wise to choose a seat on the right rather than the left. Moreover, seats located in front of a bulkhead, along an exit row or at the rear of the aircraft typically offer more room.

To get ahead of the game and secure a prime spot, you can utilise AeroLOPA with your specific plane model number to examine your flight’s seating plan. This will enable you to verify if this clever trick applies to your flight and pinpoint the best seats to reserve.

Sky News also discovered that passengers aboard Ryanair’s Boeing 737-800s can relish in 29.5 inches of legroom in seats D, E and F in rows 3-15, compared to a slightly less comfortable 29 inches in the same row on the left-hand side. Furthermore, they found that those jetting off on an easyJet A321neo can bag an extra inch of legroom on the right-hand side.

Seats in D, E and F on rows 3-17 on the right boasted a generous 29-inch space, while those on the left between rows 30 and 40 were limited to just 28 inches. Sky News also unveiled that passengers on an easyJet Airbus A320-214 can gain an additional half-inch on the right-hand side in rows 14 to 29.

Have you got a travel story you want to share with us? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

WHEN it comes to buying a home abroad, no one knows more inside tips than the A Place in the Sun presenters.

With costs rising all over the world those on the hunt for a holiday home might be disheartened – but there are still bargains to be found according to property expert, Craig Rowe.

A brand new series of A Place in the Sun is back and presenter Craig Rowe who first joined the show four years ago has found a hidden gem.

In the upcoming episode airing on Thursday, January 7, Craig heads to the French countryside region of Limousin.

He’s helping best friends Fiona and Tina look for Fiona’s ideal home with a a maximum budget of £80,000.

Yet Craig reveals that they manage to bag a deal for £75,000.

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Craig told us: “I’ve spent a lot of time in France, but for this show we were in Haute-Vienne – and I was amazed at the prices.

“At first when we were looking through the properties I said to my producer, ‘I think we’re going to struggle to get something decent for that price’.

“But you’d be amazed at what we found which were really good properties – and that really surprised me.”

While the Limousin region is miles away from the coastline, it’s well-known for being a hotspot for watersports thanks to its thousands of lakes.

In fact, the region is even called the ‘French Lake District‘ – it also has lots of walking and cycling routes.

Craig added: “It’s a beautiful region filled with little patisseries and boulangeries, which is everything I love about France.”

Craig continued: “It has lots of beautiful French towns, and of course, lots of lakes so you won’t miss being by the coast – and if you want to visit a city then Bordeaux isn’t far away.

“There’s still an expat community, and as we found, properties are really good value.

“With prices going up all over the world, it’s great to find these pockets where you can still get a really good bargain.”

If the French countryside doesn’t tickle your fancy, but you still want somewhere up-and-coming with lower prices, Craig has some other suggestions.

He said: “Valencia is one of my favourite places in Spain and in the last few years, I’ve heard more and more about it.

“It’s really booming and while property prices are going up, it’s still much more affordable than Barcelona or Madrid.

“Another place to watch in Spain would be Murcia – it’s still relatively under the radar because it doesn’t have as many airlinks as Malaga or the Costa Del Sol.

“For example in the winter you’ll have to fly from Alicante, but it’s definitely up-and-coming. That’s one to watch in 2026 – it would be a great place to invest.

Outside of Spain, I’d consider Porto in Portugal which is a great alternative to Lisbon which is getting quite expensive. But it still has great culture, food and wine.”

If you’ve been watching A Place in the Sun wondering whether now is the right time to buy abroad, Craig has some words of wisdom.

Craig told us: “Property is going up everywhere, in the UK, Europe, the States. So if you’re thinking about doing it, why not now?

“Costs are only going one way, and while you’ve got these little gems, like Haute-Vienne, which are up-and-coming destinations, take the opportunity now.

“2026 is an exciting year, and I know for A Place in the Sun, we’ve got a lot of filming coming up with house hunters – there’s still a big passion and a hunger for people who want to look at properties overseas.”

After selling Brits their dream home for five years, Craig is getting ready to take the plunge himself.

“My partner Paul and I are hoping to buy a property in Spain, we’re not in a position to do it yet, but hopefully we’ll be able to in the next couple of years.

“I love Valencia as a city, whereas my partner loves Barcelona – but I think he’s coming round to my idea.

“Valencia is smaller than Barcelona, it’s the third biggest city in Spain, but there’s only around 800,000 people that live there, so it’s still a relatively small city.

“It has amazing coasts, beautiful architecture, it’s got everything you need from a city.”

Watch Craig on A Place in the Sun on Thursday 8 January on Channel 4 at 6pm – new episodes will continue air Monday-Friday.

One Woman Who Was on A Place In The Sun Bought Her Dream Spanish Home For £45k…

Jacqui Lockhart from Scotland left for Almoradi on the Costa Blanca shortly after the airing of her episode of A Place in the Sun back in December 2017.

Originally looking for a holiday home, Jacqui travelled to Spain in search of her dream escape with the help of presenter Danni Menzies.

After looking at multiple apartments, Jacqui fell for a flat in Almoradi with a communal pool and rooftop costing just £45,000 – after visiting 10 times in one year, Jacqui made it her permanent home.

Talking to Sun Travel about her move to sunny Spain Jacqui said: “It took a lot of guts for me to move. To say ‘right, I’m not coming back to the UK’ took a lot of courage. But it’s been so good, I absolutely love it.”

She says that one of the biggest perks of life abroad is that going out for meals and drinks works out to be a lot cheaper.

Jacqui said: “I love going out for meals, and it’s so much cheaper than in the UK, you can get a glass of wine for €1.50.

“You can get a three-course meal and a coffee for around €10.”

Jacqui bravely bit the bullet and loves her new life abroad, she does heed some warnings for anyone hoping to do the same.

She explained: “I’m lucky as I have a plan B, I’ll never sell my house in Scotland.

“But I know a lot of people here who have sold up completely, moved lock, stock and barrel and now they’re coming into their dotage and they can’t go back because they can’t afford it.

“I also know some people who came just before Covid wanting to open a bar and then as they started, had to close because Spain went into lockdown.

“They lost so much money and used all their savings to live and have had to move back to the UK and rent which is such a shame.

“My other piece of advice would be to rent first to see if you like the area. Thanks to Brexit, Brits can only rent in Spain for three months at a time, but do that and get to know the town you like.”

Plus, another A Place in the Sun presenter reveals her favourite foreign family holiday park – and it’s surprisingly affordable.

And another A Place in the Sun presenter moved to the Costa del Sol where she spends evenings on the beach but reveals there is a catch to her new life in Spain.

NEW FOR 2026, Butlin’s is launching a new themed weekend – and country fans will love it.

Giants of Country – Bootleg Edition Weekender will be launched at Minehead this year.

The Big Weekender will be available from October 9 and feature modern country music including songs by Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Morgan Wallen and Chris Stapleton.

And when there isn’t a performer on stage, visitors can enjoy the Saddle Up line-dancing experience.

In 2026, there will also be new headliners for the Decade Big Weekenders, which are available from £62 per person.

At selected Back to the 2000s Weekenders, former JLS star Aston Merrygold will be part of the line up, as will The Wanted 2.0.

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Aston Merrygold will also headline some of the Replay Weekenders, with music from the 80s, 90s, and noughties.

British singer-songwriter Alison Limerick will headline at selected 90s Reloaded Weekenders as well.

In addition to the new Giants of Country – Bootleg Edition Weekender and returning Decades Weekenders, there will also be four other Big Weekenders launching this year for the first time.

At the Bognor Regis resort there will be two new Big Weekenders.

The first to launch will be Don’t Tell Mama LGBTQ+ Weekender, which will begin on January 23.

And then Bugged Out will return as well, after a 10-year hiatus, on March 6.

It will feature “three nights of the best electronic music from world-class DJs,” according to Butlin’s.

Minehead will also get another Big Weekender, launching this weekend – My Generation Weekender, which will be ideal for Mod fans.

In Skegness, guests can enjoy the Soul Power Weekender from January 16, transporting visitors back to the early 90s.

Butlin’s is currently running an offer for up to 25 per cent off selected Big Weekenders, with the offer ending on January 15.

Each Weekender includes three nights of live music, with headline performers and DJs.

For the price, accommodation is also included and there will be other activities – such as pool parties and silent discos – on during the daytime and evening of each day.

Butlin’s also launched a new £1.8million indoor soft play attraction last year, which Sun Travel tested out.

Plus, how to get a cheeky mid-week break at Butlin’s with all the frills for a fraction of the price.

Escape the cold with these hidden European gems perfect for a winter sun getaway, with budget flights for £150 or less from the UK.

As the chilly weather and shorter days persist, you might be yearning for a dose of winter sun. More and more Brits are opting to escape abroad in the early months of the year.

Data from ONS1 shows that UK residents took 18.7 million overseas trips from January to March 2025, a significant increase from the 16.7 million recorded in 2024.

While well-known destinations like Tenerife and Corfu are undoubtedly favoured during this season, Europe also boasts a plethora of lesser-known treasures ideal for a winter retreat.

With this in mind, the travel experts at Eurochange have compiled a list of top winter sun spots that won’t break the bank, with flights from the UK costing £150 or less.

Cadiz, Spain

• Return flights: From £34 from London Stansted to Seville in January
• Accommodation price: Starting from £51 per person, per night
• Average January-March temperature: Highs of 17°C

The seaside town of Cadiz, just a brief train journey from Seville, is brimming with remarkable landmarks to explore, including the Castle of Santa Catalina and the Torre Tavira, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Nestled in one of Spain’s warmest regions, temperatures in Cadiz seldom dip below 10°C, even during the winter.

Formentera, Spain

• Return flights: From £57 from London Stansted to Ibiza in March
• Accommodation price: Starting from £62 per person, per night
• Average January temperature: Highs of 16°C

If you’re an Ibiza enthusiast seeking a quieter, more affordable, yet equally stunning alternative, Formentera could be your perfect match. Once a ‘hippie’ commune, the island retains a laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity during their holiday.

Karpas Peninsula, Cyprus

• Return flights: From £62 from London Gatwick to Larnaca in March
• Accommodation price: Starting from £55 per person, per night
• Average Jan-March temperature: Highs of 16°C

Highlighting the Karpas Peninsula, also known simply as Karpass, the travel specialists said: “This much less densely populated area of Northern Cyprus stretches 80km to the northernmost tip of the island, and is a great winter sun destination that also offers seclusion.

“It is considered one of the most unspoiled places anywhere in the Mediterranean, with beautiful deserted beaches and natural beauty in the Dipkarpaz National Park. In terms of where to stay, there are lots of beautiful farmhouses in Iskele. But if you prefer to stay in a town, Rizokarpaso is a good option – a quaint beach town with plenty of ancient landmarks to explore and a beautiful marina.”

São Vicente, Madeira, Portugal

• Return flights: From £37 from London Stansted to Madeira Airport in January
• Accommodation price: Starting from £25 per person, per night
• Average January temperature: Highs of 19°C

Famous for its breathtaking landscapes, spectacular coastlines and superb wines, Madeira makes an ideal choice for those seeking to escape Britain’s chilly winter months. São Vicente, situated in the extensive Laurissilva region, is celebrated for its valleys and vineyards, and also boasts numerous hidden beaches waiting to be discovered.

Valletta, Malta

• Return flights: From £38 from London Gatwick to Valletta in March
• Accommodation price: Starting from £31 per person, per night
• Average January temperature: Highs of 16°C

Valletta, Malta’s capital, is an underappreciated European treasure, which the specialists have described as a “little oasis in the heart of the Mediterranean.” Dubbed the ‘sunny city’, Valletta enjoys an average of 2,957 hours of sunshine annually, making it an excellent winter sun escape.

Palermo, Sicily

• Return flights: From £35 from London Stansted to Palermo
• Accommodation price: Starting from £40 per person, per night
• Average January temperature: Highs of 15°C

“For those who want to sample an Italian city break with fewer crowds in January, Palermo should be top of the list,” say the experts. “Situated on the North-west coast of Sicily, the southernmost island in Italy, it’s a perfect winter sun destination.

“Palermo offers both city break and beach holiday vibes, with plenty of gorgeous beaches and cute seaside towns just a short drive from the city centre. Spend your days meandering the cobbled streets, exploring the stunning Gothic architecture and the many churches and cathedrals. No Italian city break is complete without sampling the local cuisine of course, and in Palermo, the Arancini is a must-try.”

ALMOST 200 flights have been cancelled and delayed across the UK today as seven weather warnings remain in place.

A total of 41 flights have been grounded today as a result of the snow and ice, with a further 152 routes experiencing delays.

Nine major airports across the UK have grounded flights due to the current weather conditions.

On Monday, Liverpool John Lennon Airport was forced to close due to a snow-covered runway.

While the Liverpool Airport has since re-opened, cancellations and disruptions continue to plague passengers across the UK after temperatures plummeted as low as minus 12.5C overnight.

Yesterday’s severe weather also led to cancellations and disruptions to flights out of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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Scots airline Loganair cancelled two flights from Aberdeen, with routes to Kirkwall and Norwich scrapped as an amber warning was issued for heavy snow across north-east and northern Scotland until 7pm.

Meanwhile, air passengers across England are also experiencing disruptions, with London Heathrow currently experiencing departure delays an average of 39 minutes.

The airport has also topped today’s list of cancellations at eight, with a further 87 delays, according to FlightAware.

Aberdeen and London City follow with six cancellations each, and five and two flight delays respectively.

And its not just outbound flights that have been affected, with Edinburgh reporting arrival delays for airborne aircraft at an average of 28 minutes.

These wait times are expected to increase as the Arctic Blast continues into the evening.

Anyone planning to travel is advised to check with their flight’s status with their airline before heading to the airport.

With certain areas of England hit with heavy snow, disruptions have not been limited to air travel.

Rail passengers are also experiencing chaos as National Rail confirmed that disruptions are expected on the Wirral and Northern line services, as well as to trains across Scotland.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen – Dundee railway has partially reopened following closure yesterday due to heavy snow.

Those travelling between Edinburgh and Aberdeen have been issued a “Do Not Travel” warning until at least 2pm today.

The Glasgow subway was also closed this morning due to harsh weather conditions.

Select rail services across England have also been suspended due to snow, with passengers advised to verify their route is still operating before arriving at their station.

And motorists can also expect delays as breakdown companies including the AA and RAC are experiencing high demand.

A spokesman for the Met Office said milder temperatures are expected towards the end of the week, though further snow is possible on Sunday as the warmer air meets cold air.

Ramsgate in Kent attracts visitors with its stunning coastline and sandy beaches, but the seaside town has been dubbed ‘depressing’ by locals as dozens of shops lie vacant

An iconic British seaside town is “dying a death” as empty shops clutter the high street and daytrippers stay away.

When you picture British seaside towns, images of sandy shores, the aroma of fish and chips wafting through the air, the clang of a penny arcade and, naturally, ice cream spring to mind. Many UK coastal resorts deliver this experience, even if you have to endure the chill of a British coastal day.

But many more suffer from a series of economic challenges that make life on the British coast harder, in many ways, than that in inland towns and cities. Median pay in almost all coastal towns is lower than the counties in which they sit; funding formulas often leave coastal kids benefitting from half the cash as their city counterparts; and levels of obesity, smoking and substance abuse are higher than the national average in coastal towns, Prospect reports.

While many of Britain’s coastal towns and villages buck this trend – Broadstairs being a prime example – others are stuck in a seaside economic rut. One such place is Ramsgate in Kent.

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“The more I have visited Ramsgate over the years, the more I have noticed how empty it has become,” writes the Express’s Millie Bull. “The town was once filled with bustling independent shops, unique eateries and a steady stream of visitors.”

A report at the end of 2024 from Kent Online revealed that a staggering 65 shop units—almost one in four—sat empty. This compares with the one in seven outlets that are empty nationwide. In Ramsgate, more than half of the shops are not advertised as for sale or rent.

“This was highlighted on my most recent trip to the town when I spotted a plethora of boarded-up shops and empty display windows covered in old posters,” Millie added.

Jack Gilhooly, who owns local pet shop Sherley’s on Queen Street, fears his business, which has been in situ for more than half a century, may not manage to stay open for much longer. “The town’s dying a death. We’re really struggling, every business in Ramsgate is struggling,” he told Mail Online.

“If you stayed here for an hour, you’d see maybe 100 people walk past. You’ll get about five people coming into your store, maybe three spend money. It’s just not sustainable.”

Louise Brookes is determined to stop the rot. She set up Ramsgate Space, which tracks empty shops and finds businesses to fill them. She told Channel 4: “Empty shops matter because they touch on so many different components of local life. It impacts how people feel about the place. You go into the town centre and you don’t feel good about the place.” Ramsgate Space provides business support and advice for small companies that want to move into a retail space.

Kent County Council is also attempting to address the issue. It announced last year that the formerly derelict Old Wine Warehouse on Charlotte Court had been transformed into three distinct spaces offering a comfortable office environment with hot desks (Ramsgate Works), a café area with outside courtyard seating and gardens and an atmospheric cellar bar and performance space (Ramsgate Arts Club). The council’s No Use Empty scheme contributed £431,500 towards the project through low-cost loans.

While Ramsgate suffers, the surrounding towns of Deal, Margate, Broadstairs and Whitstable have experienced a relative revival, with Londoners flocking in large numbers to enjoy seaside weekends whilst browsing trendy vintage shops or dining at fashionable eateries.

Last year, Deal received praise from celebrated food critic Grace Dent following her visit to the Japanese-influenced restaurant The Blue Pelican. Meanwhile, Broadstairs, which earned recognition as one of Britain’s ‘coolest’ places to reside, has emerged as a tourist magnet after featuring in Sam Mendes ‘ film Empire of the Sun, which starred Olivia Colman.

The charming coastal town of Whitstable has long been nicknamed ‘Chelsea-on-sea’, whilst Ramsgate’s trendy neighbour Margate remains constantly bustling thanks to its sandy shores, retro amusement park Dreamland, and lively bars.

Speaking to the Express, one local asked: “Strange because Broadstairs and Margate are doing okay. Why isn’t Ramsgate?”

The website Travelsupermarket has looked at where families can save hundreds of pounds on their week in the sun this summer

Bulgaria has emerged as the top spot for a bargain summer getaway this year, families have been advised.

With January’s peak booking season in full swing, website TravelSupermarket revealed what it says are the most affordable countries for those planning an all-inclusive sunshine holiday in 2026. Bulgaria claimed the top spot, with an average of £760 per person for a week-long stay. In second place was Morocco, at an average £852 per person for seven nights, then Malta at £862.

The data was based on analysing family holiday searches conducted between October 5 last year and last week, for travel between May and September 2026. It found big price differences across popular destinations.

Looking across 13 popular destinations, the average price of a week in Bulgaria has fallen by £54 per person – or 7% – since last summer. At the other extreme, Cyprus was found to be the most expensive in the selection, at £1,186 per person.

Spain, ever popular with Brits, and including the Balearic and Canary Islands, ranked fourth in this year’s list, at £888 per person, with prices remaining virtually unchanged from 2025. Turkey was in 11th place, costing an average £1,057, with Greece in 12th position at £1,096.

Croatia is 10th cheapest for this summer, at an average £1,046 person. But the cost of typical break to the country has tumbled by 12% since last year, making it £136 cheaper this summer.

Travelsupermarket also looked at where families looking to head long-haul could get the most bang for their buck. It found Cape Verde offered the best value, at £1,247 per person, followed by the United Arab Emirates (£1,297), then the Dominican Republic (£1,664), and Mexico (£1,694).

Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket said: “Bulgaria looks set to reclaim its crown as the go-to bargain all-inclusive destination.

“Despite the increases, Tunisia and Morocco remain firmly in the top five cheapest countries, so families can still find excellent value there. Croatia had been starting to get a reputation as a pricey destination, especially since adopting the Euro in January 2023, so this 12% price drop is really good news for families who were beginning to feel priced out of this beautiful destination.”

Cheapest short-haul summer holiday destinations for 2026

1. Bulgaria £760
2. Morocco £852
3. Malta £862
4. Spain £888
5. Tunisia £934
6. Italy £948
7. Egypt £1,010
8. Portugal £1,017
9. Montenegro £1,037
10. Croatia £1,046
11. Turkey £1,057
12. Greece £1,096
13. Cyprus £1,186

Jetting off on a winter getaway is a desire many people have and travellers have been urged to give specific packing methods a try to help them potentially save hundreds of pounds

People jetting off abroad this January have been urged to be careful when it comes to packing, or risk having to pay a costly baggage charge at the airport. Frigid temperatures, icy weather, and persistent snowfall in some parts of the country have got many people fantasising about a winter getaway.

Those lucky enough to be going on holiday this winter have to be careful when it comes to their clothing, though – especially items used to ward off the January chill. According to a spokesperson from Ski Vertigo, bulky winter items are one of the biggest causes of unexpected baggage fees during January travel.

They say this is because travellers often pack heavy coats and footwear without realising how quickly weight limits are exceeded. Airlines charge for bags that go over set size and weight limits – and fees can add up fast.

Baggage charges vary depending on the airline, flight route and more. Typically, there’ll be higher fees for checked bags, with overweight bags typically incurring charges of between £12 and £25, or sometimes more, per extra kilogram beyond the designated allowance.

It’s best to always check your specific airline’s policy before flying to avoid any unwanted surprises at the airport.

A spokesperson from Ski Vertigo said: “Excess baggage charges can reach well over £100 per flight, with some airlines charging per kilo once limits are passed. For families or return journeys, costs can quickly reach £200 or more.”

In a bid to avoid this, experts recommend wearing the bulkiest items during your outbound journey. Thick or long coats, chunky jumpers and heavy boots take up a lot of space in suitcases and can quickly weigh it down. Ski Vertigo advises wearing these items through the airport in order to free up room in your luggage and avoid weight issues at check-in.

Once you’re through security, you’ll be able to remove those outer layers to make the journey more manageable while still taking advantage of the extra space in your bag. The pros also recommend stuffing accessories like gloves, socks, and scarves inside packed shoes, as empty boots and trainers can take up excessive space and, when empty, that space is often wasted.

This can be useful on winter trips, where these items are necessary, yet may be forgotten until the last minute. Adding them to shoes in checked bags ensures they’re readily available – and they can provide an added layer of protection for your shoes.

Ski Vertigo said limiting coats to one versatile option is also “key”. Many people pack multiple coats “just in case”, only to wear one throughout the trip. A single insulated, waterproof coat works for airports, city breaks, and winter destinations, reducing both bulk and weight.

The spokesperson added that January travellers often underestimate how strict baggage checks can be. Despite winter travel requiring heavier clothing, airline limits remain the same all year round. Many passengers are stuck having to pay excess fees at the airport after packing bulky items like ski jackets and boots into their bags.

One person took to Reddit and asked: “So let’s assume you are only allowed 23 kg per suitcase, but you have more. How much tolerance leeway do you have and what does it depend on? What are your experiences with excess baggage and goodwill/room for manoeuvre?”

In response, one person simply said: “It depends on the agent so my advice is… I wouldn’t risk it but you can if you want to invite hassle and annoy people around you.”

Another added: “Most airports I have been to they will charge you for being over the limit at all. It’s a limit for a reason. Plan on being slightly under the limit unless you want to plan to argue with the staff. Seems rude though.”

ONE of the most popular UK holiday parks has launched an all-inclusive offer – and it includes all your food and drink.

Parkdean’s new offer is being rolled out across 42 of its 65 resorts in the UK.

The all-inclusive package starts from £25 per adult per day and £10 per child per day.

It includes three meals a day and unlimited soft drinks, including Costa Coffee.

The parks cover the whole of the UK with destinations in favourite spots like Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Norfolk, Snowdonia, the Isle of Wight, and the Lake District.

Caravan holidays without the package start from £89 for four nights.

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So a family of four can enjoy four nights with food, drink, and accommodation for as little as under £93 per day when adding the all-inclusive package.

With these prices, holidays can be as low as £23.25 per day with the all-inclusive package.

Andy Edge, Chief Marketing Officer at Parkdean Resorts said: “Following the huge success of our trial at ten parks in 2025, we are rolling out our all-inclusive offer to a total of 42 holiday parks this year – making us one of the largest providers of all-inclusive UK holiday park breaks.

“Families of four can save over £300 by going all-inclusive, making this an extremely cost-effective option for families seeking action-packed breaks in some of the UK’s most scenic and sought-after locations.”

The offer is available only on four-night Monday to Friday breaks during selected spring and early summer dates.

To book the offer, you must be arriving at one of the selected parks between February 16 to March 23, 2026.

Other included dates include between April 20, to May 18 and then June 1 to July 13, 2026.

While main meals are included in the offer for dinner, starters, sides and desserts are not.

And you cannot book all-inclusive for one day – it has to cover the whole break.

Any dishes over £19.99 will include a £5 supplementary charge.

The website also added that ‘Bottled soft drinks, canned soft drinks, non-alcoholic cocktails, hand-crafted sodas, mixers and dash measures of soft drinks are excluded’.

You can stay in a range of accommodation across Parkdean Resorts including their caravans.

Each comes with a lounge with Freeview TV, a fully equipped kitchen with cooker and fridge, a bathroom with shower, and between 1-4 bedrooms.

These 42 Parkdean Resorts Are Offering All-Inclusive Packages…

• Bideford Bay Holiday Park, Devon
• California Cliffs Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth
• Camber Sands Holiday Park, Sussex
• Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park, Wales
• Cayton Bay Holiday Park, Yorkshire
• Challaborough Bay Holiday Park, Devon
• Cherry Tree Holiday Park, Norfolk
• Coopers Beach Holiday Park, Essex
• Crimdon Dene Holiday Park, County Durham
• Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park, Scotland
• Highfield Grange Holiday Park, Essex
• Kessingland Beach Holiday Park, Suffolk
• Lizard Point Holiday Park, Cornwall
• Looe Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall
• Lower Hyde Holiday Park, Isle of Wight
• Manor Park Holiday Park, Norfolk
• Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, Scotland
• Naze Marine Holiday Park, Essex
• Newquay Holiday Park, Cornwall
• Nodes Point Holiday Park, Isle of Wight
• Ocean Edge Holiday Park, Lancashire
• Pendine Sands Holiday Park, Wales
• Romney Sands Holiday Park, Kent
• Sandford Holiday Park, Dorset
• Sandy Bay Holiday Park, Dorset
• Skipsea Sands Holiday Park, Yorkshire
• Southerness Holiday Park, Scotland
• Southview Holiday Park, Lincolnshire
• Sundrum Castle Holiday Park, Scotland
• Thorness Bay Holiday Park, Isle of Wight
• Torquay Holiday Park, Devon
• Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Wales
• Tummel Valley Holiday Park, Scotland
• Ty Mawr Holiday Park, Wales
• Valley Farm Holiday Park, Essex
• Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth
• Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset
• Wemyss Bay Holiday Park, Scotland
• West Bay Holiday Park, Dorset
• White Acres Holiday Park, Cornwall
• White Cross Bay Holiday Park, Lake District
• Whitley Bay Holiday Park, Northumberland

For more on Parkdean, these two holiday parks are getting a multi-million pound upgrade.

Plus, more on another holiday resort that one woman visits every year with her family.

THE price for passenger drop-offs at London’s second busiest airport has jumped 40 percent.

That’s a £3 increase from previous charge of £7 and will apply to all drivers entering the drop off zone, excluding Blue Badge holders.

From today London Gatwick will have the highest drop-off fees in the country thanks to the new £10 charge.

The price has steadily increased over the years since it was first introduced in 2021 and was only £5.

It jumped to £6 in 2024 before being increased to £7 just a year later in May 2025.

“Poor old passengers and drivers are getting another blow to the pocket,” complained travel writer Andy Mossack in an interview with BBC Radio Surrey.

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“It is disgraceful.”

London Gatwick, which is the busiest single runway airport in Europe, said it was “not a decision they took lightly”.

However, it cited reasons such as the “doubling of business rates” as one of the reasons for the increase in cost.

A spokesperson for Gatwick suggested passengers could use the free shuttle bus if they are dropped of in the long stay car park.

They added: “We also have excellent public transport connectivity at the airport, with passengers able to connect directly with more than 120 train stations.

“Many local bus routes serve the airport 24  hours a day, seven days a week.”

Drop off fees have also increased at London Heathrow with its drop off fee increasing from £6 to £7 on January 1.

It is also introducing a strict 10-minute drop off time, with drivers charged £80 if they go over.

And London City, the last of the London airports to allow free drop offs, will be introducing a new charge in 2026 as well.

NOW is the time to start planning your summer 2026 holiday, with travel companies launching their January sales.

And new research has revealed the most affordable destinations – both short and long haul – to head to.

TravelSupermarket looked at the price of all-inclusive holidays across some of the most popular short-haul destinations in both Europe and Africa.

The study looked at holiday searches between October 5, 2025 and January 4, 2026, when booking for travel between May and September 2026.

Coming in first place was Bulgaria, with an average price of £760pp for a week-long, all-inclusive stay.

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Bulgaria is often named one of the cheapest European destinations for a holiday – last year Nessebar was named by easyJet as one of the cheapest seaside destinations, with beers from £1.60.

Coming in second place, according to TravelSupermarket, was Morocco, with all-inclusive stays on average at £852.

Morocco is often seen as a great winter sun destination without having to go too far, with popular destinations including Marrakech, Agadir and Fez.

Similarly, all-inclusive holidays can be found for as little as £259pp on loveholidays.

Other cheap holiday destinations include Malta, with all-inclusive holidays £862 on average, followed by Spain (£888) and Tunisia (£934).

However, when it comes to the destinations which have dropped in price, Croatia has seen the biggest fall.

Holidays, on average, have fallen by £136pp, around 22 per cent.

And while Morocco and Tunisia remain as some of the more affordable destinations, they are starting to increase in price.

Tunisia holidays are up £170 compared to last year (up 22 per cent) while Morocco holidays are up £125 (up 17 per cent).

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Bulgaria looks set to reclaim its crown as the go-to bargain all-inclusive destination.

“Despite the increases, Tunisia and Morocco remain firmly in the top five cheapest countries, so families can still find excellent value there.”

When it comes to the best affordable long-haul destinations, Cape Verde came out on top.

Around six hours from the UK by plane, the average all-inclusive holiday comes out at £1,247 – down six per cent compared to last year.

This was followed by the UAE at £1,297 (a drop of nine per cent) and the Dominican Republic at £1,664 (down four per cent).

Destinations that have increased include Sri Lanka – up 22 per cent compared to 2025 – and Jamaica, up 16 per cent.

The Maldives is the only destination where all-inclusive holidays have remained the same in price with an average of £1,857.

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The family-friendly holiday park operator is offering the package to visitors who want to avoid cooking and washing up during their stay, with three meals a day included in the price

Holiday park operator Parkdean Resorts is launching an all-inclusive package at 42 of its UK-based parks during selected dates in 2026 with prices from just £25 a day for adults.

The package will include three meals a day, unlimited soft drinks, and all-you-can-drink Costa Coffee. After trialling the package at ten parks in 2025, the option to book an all-inclusive break will be extended to over 40 of its parks during spring and early summer.

The upgrade will be available for those booking four-night breaks between Monday and Friday on dates between February 16 and March 23, April 20 and May 18, or June 1 to July 13. The price starts at £25 per adult and £10 for children, while a four-night caravan holiday costs from £89, meaning a family of four could enjoy a midweek break that includes all meals and accommodation for under £400.

To book an all-inclusive break, all holidaymakers need to do is add the option when checking out on the Parkdean website. There’s also an option to add all-inclusive dining to your break once you arrive at the park, if you’re not quite sure about upgrading.

Parkdean have revealed the list of parks that’ll offer the all-inclusive package, and it includes family-friendly destinations such as Cornwall, Dorset, the Isle of Wight, and the Lake District, giving plenty of choices of places to stay.

Andy Edge, Chief Marketing Officer at Parkdean Resorts, said: “Following the huge success of our trial at ten parks in 2025, we are rolling out our all-inclusive offer to a total of 42 holiday parks this year – making us one of the largest providers of all-inclusive UK holiday park breaks.

“Families of four can save over £300 by going all-inclusive, making this an extremely cost-effective option for families seeking action-packed breaks in some of the UK’s most scenic and sought-after locations.”

List of Parkdean Resorts parks offering all-inclusive breaks:

1. Bideford Bay Holiday Park, Devon
2. California Cliffs Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth
3. Camber Sands Holiday Park, Sussex
4. Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park, Wales
5. Cayton Bay Holiday Park, Yorkshire
6. Challaborough Bay Holiday Park, Devon
7. Cherry Tree Holiday Park, Norfolk
8. Coopers Beach Holiday Park, Essex
9. Crimdon Dene Holiday Park, County Durham
10. Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park, Scotland
11. Highfield Grange Holiday Park, Essex
12. Kessingland Beach Holiday Park, Suffolk
13. Lizard Point Holiday Park, Cornwall
14. Looe Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall
15. Lower Hyde Holiday Park, Isle of Wight
16. Manor Park Holiday Park, Norfolk
17. Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, Scotland
18. Naze Marine Holiday Park, Essex
19. Newquay Holiday Park, Cornwall
20. Nodes Point Holiday Park, Isle of Wight
21. Ocean Edge Holiday Park, Lancashire
22. Pendine Sands Holiday Park, Wales
23. Romney Sands Holiday Park, Kent
24. Sandford Holiday Park, Dorset
25. Sandy Bay Holiday Park, Dorset
26. Skipsea Sands Holiday Park, Yorkshire
27. Southerness Holiday Park, Scotland
28. Southview Holiday Park, Lincolnshire
29. Sundrum Castle Holiday Park, Scotland
30. Thorness Bay Holiday Park, Isle of Wight
31. Torquay Holiday Park, Devon
32. Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Wales
33. Tummel Valley Holiday Park, Scotland
34. Ty Mawr Holiday Park, Wales
35. Valley Farm Holiday Park, Essex
36. Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth
37. Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset
38. Wemyss Bay Holiday Park, Scotland
39. West Bay Holiday Park, Dorset
40. White Acres Holiday Park, Cornwall
41. White Cross Bay Holiday Park, Lake District
42. Whitley Bay Holiday Park, Northumberland

For more information and bookings visit the Parkdean Resorts website.

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The 8-kilometre bridge is crossed by about 70,000 people each day

For more than 24 years, the 8-kilometre Øresund Bridge has served as a crucial link between Sweden and Denmark, providing a combined railway and motorway connection across the Øresund strait.

The bridge, a joint venture between Swedish firm Svedab and Danish company A/S Øresundsforbindelsen, makes up half of the journey from Sweden to the Danish Island of Amager.

Beginning near the city of Malmo on the Swedish coast, it extends to the man-made Danish Island of Peberholm, situated in the middle of the strait.

From Peberholm, a tunnel completes the remaining journey to the island of Amager, where Copenhagen airport is located, bringing the total distance travelled to around 16 km.

Construction on the bridge began in 1995, and it officially opened its lanes to traffic in July 2000. Just two years later, it was recognised with the IABSE Outstanding Structure Award, reports the Mirror.

Peberholm acts as a junction between the tunnel and the bridge.

It’s fitted with a motorway exit, restricted to authorised vehicles only, and a helicopter pad for use in emergencies.

The bridge, which sees an average daily footfall of 70,000 people, came with a hefty price tag of around £3.4 billion. The cost is expected to be recouped by 2037.

Crossing fees vary depending on the type of vehicle. Motorcyclists are charged £25.68, passenger cars £50.77, and vans, motorhomes or passenger cars with a trailer pay a staggering £178.55.

The Øresund Bridge claims the second spot as the longest bridge in Europe, only outdone by the 18.1km Kerch Bridge.

The latter spans the Kerch Strait, linking the Taman Peninsula of Krasnodar Krai in Russia and the Kerch Peninsula of Crimea.