Travel Desk

The National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 has crowned the best fish and chip restaurants and takeaways in the UK, with a pair based in the same area taking top honours

What’s been described as the ‘Oscars’ of the seafood sector has now unveiled precisely where Brits should be purchasing their fish and chips, and the answer lies in Yorkshire.

The National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 spotlighted the finest establishments within the fish and chip trade, crowning champions in both the Restaurant and Takeaway of the Year categories.

Claiming victory in both sections were two Yorkshire-based venues, alongside their runners-up, cementing the county’s reputation as the authentic birthplace of fish and chips.

For those fortunate enough to sample a chippy meal from Yorkshire, it comes as little shock that the region boasts the nation’s finest offerings.

With coastal destinations such as Scarborough and Whitby leading the sector, serving thousands of portions each day, some of the finest establishments are surprisingly those tucked away inland, where travellers stop off along their journey through the county.

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The Scrap Box, York

Among these hidden gems is The Scrap Box in York, crowned 2026 Takeaway of the Year. The venture was established by two local brothers with ambitions of creating a chippy catering to all the villages scattered between York and Pocklington, whilst serving those travelling towards the coast.

Situated at Trunk Road Services on Hull Road in Dunnington, the takeaway does precisely that. The two siblings running the establishment, Aman and Gavin Dhesi, discovered the site, which was formerly a considerably less appealing toilet block next to a layby, and imagined something remarkable for their business venture.

The roadside takeaway has accumulated an outstanding 200+ ‘excellent’ TripAdvisor reviews, with countless patrons raving about their experience.

One reviewer said: “I’m always wary of places that say ‘award-winning’ and never say what award they won!” However at this venue, the honours are clearly showcased for everyone to view.

Following their Takeaway of the Year triumph, Gavin said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!”.

“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”

The Trenchers of Whitby, Whitby

The Restaurant of the Year champion at the 2026 National Fish and Chip Awards was a local Whitby restaurant, known as the Trenchers of Whitby.

Just a short stroll from the tourist hotspot of Whitby Beach, the eatery has firmly positioned itself at the centre of the coastal town, naturally attracting visitors throughout the year.

Whilst the enviable location certainly plays its part, they secured first place thanks to their self-described “traditional method of beef dripping”, enabling them to deliver the “best possible product”.

It’s these deliberate approaches to preparing their mouth-watering dishes that have allowed the establishment to distinguish itself from rivals. Popular choices on their menu feature seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish alongside homemade pies and lasagnes, Whitby scampi, and numerous vegetarian alternatives.

One delighted diner praised the “gravy is out of this world”. They shared: “We travelled to Whitby for a weekend away. We popped into Trenchers Friday night, we were seated in a booth, and the drinks arrived promptly once ordered… The butcher’s gravy was absolutely delicious, and we would return just for the gravy.”

Runners Up

The Yorkshire chip shops aren’t the only ones celebrating success, outperforming other venues across their respective regions. Shaw’s Fish and Chips of Dodworth, located in Barnsley, Yorkshire, secured second place in the Takeaways category, making it the nation’s second-best fish and chip takeaway.

Additionally, the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 named Whitby’s Restaurant and Take Away in Rotherham, Yorkshire, as the third-best restaurant of the year.

The Fry Awards

Further cementing Yorkshire’s reputation as the go-to destination for fish and chips, the esteemed Fry Awards unveiled their definitive list of the UK’s best chippies in January this year. A staggering number of establishments from the top 50 hailed from the county, with Trenchers of Whitby earning another commendable nod in their top 10 restaurants list.

Here are all the Yorkshire fish and chip shops that made it to the Fry Awards:.

• Auckley Friery, Auckley, Doncaster
• Hird’s Family Fisheries, Halifax, West Yorkshire
• Kirbys of Horsforth, Horsforth, Leeds
• Kirbys of Meanwood, Meanwood, Leeds
• Lighthouse Fisheries of Flamborough, Flamborough, East Yorkshire
• Portside Fish & Chips, Starbeck, North Yorkshire
• Portside Fish & Chips, Kirkstall Road, Leeds
• The Codfather, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
• The Fish Bank, Sherburn in Elemet, North Yorkshire
• Your Plaice or Mine Mobile Van, Thorne, South Yorkshire

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This hidden gem off the Cumbrian coast boasts a medieval castle, The Ship Inn pub, and a landlord crowned in a centuries-old tradition

Charming and eccentric, this tiny island off the Cumbrian coastline attracts visitors eager to experience its remarkable setting and rich historical heritage.

Resembling something from a storybook, Piel Island boasts a crumbling castle and its own monarch – though not in the traditional sense.

As far as hidden treasures go, this destination epitomises the term, nestled discreetly beyond Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria and accessible only by boat or guided crossing when tidal conditions permit.

Yet the panoramas upon arrival are spectacular, offering vistas across Yorkshire, the Lake District and even as far as Blackpool. It’s possible to spot Blackpool Tower emerging through the waves and, notably, ‘The Big One’ rollercoaster at Pleasure Beach.

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Lancashire is known for its wide open skies, stunning landscapes and lively coastal resorts. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of self catering accommodation across the county from £42 a night.

One visitor described it as a secret “paradise”, saying on TripAdvisor : “We love everything about Piel, from the walk over the sands to the warm welcome at the pub and the always exciting exploration of the castle: we’ve seen it many times – always find something new!”

Historical background

Dominating the landscape stands a 14th-century fortification, referred to by some as Fouldry Castle, constructed by the Abbot of Furness with the purpose of protecting Barrow-in-Furness.

The structure served to defend against marauding pirates or Scottish invaders on the surrounding waters. Notably, it sheltered Lambert Simnel, a challenger to Henry VII’s crown, who arrived on the island in 1487.

Whilst naturally the castle in its complete form couldn’t survive such an extended period, its remains stay remarkably preserved, revealing the principal structure that once stood there.

Guests can observe the keep, both the inner and outer baileys and the towered curtain walls, which possess an unsettling atmosphere.

The Ship Inn

The origins of The Ship Inn are somewhat unclear, though it’s thought to date back more than 300 years. Whilst there is minimal evidence, accounts indicate the location was converted from a former ship chandlery at some point during the 17th century.

Over the years, numerous travellers started using the pub as a boozy refuge, which led to several issues out at sea. Indeed, following a series of boating incidents and suspected fatalities in the 19th century, a coroner is believed to have issued a statement to the pub’s landlord.

The Ship Inn’s website states that it read: “The landlord of the Ship Inn should not supply drink so as to make incapable men who may have to take charge of a boat.”

Today, the pub continues to operate as a traditional community hub from March to September, offering an extensive selection of beers from local breweries, alongside wines, spirits and even better – food. The menu features beloved pub grub favourites including pies, wraps and jacket potatoes.

One Google review states: “Absolute gem of a place. We spent a half day on the island – took the ferry across (seven quid return for adults), had delicious burger and chips from the BARBECUE at the pub before a walk round the entire island, a wander round the castle ruins and time on the beach. Everyone was super friendly. We’d definitely consider going back to camp.”

Further cementing its unique charm, the pub’s landlord, Aaron Sanderson, who has held the role since 2022, was officially – or unofficially – crowned as the king of Piel in a traditional ceremony. This is a title bestowed upon every landlord of the pub, with the inaugural version of this ritual believed to have occurred in 1856.

In an interview with the BBC, Andersen said: “It’s definitely a unique role and difficult to do, but enjoyable at the same time. ” He also proudly declared that his pub boasts “probably one of the best beer gardens in the world.”

Getting there

Adding to the allure and mystery, the island is almost exclusively accessible via a single boat, which can only accommodate up to 12 passengers. The ferry departs from Roa Island in Barrow daily throughout the summer season, running from 11am right up until 4:30pm.

Reviews indicate that the journey costs around £7, and for those not quite ready to depart, camping is available from as little as £5. The cost is per tent and there’s no need for a pre-booking system; simply arrive and pitch up by the pub.

When the tide is low, there’s an opportunity to embark on a guided walk over to the island, but only when it’s safe to do so. As for driving, only three individuals have been granted permission to drive on the land, one of them being the king, naturally, and it’s no simple task.

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HM Passport Office has issued an urgent warning to all passport holders

Anyone holding a passport has been cautioned not to “risk it” as part of a warning from HM Passport Office. In a message posted to X, the Government agency urged Brits to “think before you share”.

This comes amid concerns over identity theft and fraud. On X, HM Passport Office stated: “Think before you share. Your passport includes important details personal to you – don’t risk it.

“Secure your passport. Protect your identity. #ProtectYourPassport.”

In an accompanying video, the office explained: “Your passport is an important document. Here are some simple steps to help keep your identity secure.”

These steps are:

• Never publicly share personal details online
• Only share details with trusted sources
• Keep a secure copy of your passport details page
• Report loss or theft online immediately on GOV.UK

Replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must cancel it before applying for a replacement. GOV.UK states: “If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it.”

HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:

• You cannot read any of your details
• Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
• There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
• The cover is coming away
• There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)

Replace online

You can replace your passport online for a fee of £94.50. To do this you’ll need:

• A digital photo
• A credit or debit card

If you’re replacing a lost or stolen passport, you’ll need someone to verify your identity online. You can apply for a replacement online here.

Replace using a paper application

You can obtain a paper application form by either:

• Visiting the Post Office
• Phoning the Passport Adviceline

The cost is £107. Payment methods include:

• Debit or credit card – complete the form in the application pack
• Cheque – made payable to ‘HM Passport Office’

You’ll require two new and identical printed photos of yourself. If you’re using a paper form, you can utilise the Post Office Check and Send service.

The address to post it to is provided on the form. For additional information, visit GOV.UK here.

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WASHINGTON — Billions fewer birds are flying through North American skies than decades ago and their numbers are shrinking ever faster, mostly due to the combination of intensive agriculture and warming temperatures, a new study finds.

Nearly half of the 261 species studied showed losses important enough to be statistically significant, and more than half of those in decline have seen losses accelerate since 1987, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Science. The study is the first to look at trends in their decrease, where they are shrinking the most and what the declines are connected to, rather than total population.

“Not only are we losing birds, we are losing them faster and faster from year to year,” said study co-author Marta Jarzyna, an ecologist at Ohio State University. “Except for forest birds, almost every group is doing poorly. So we need to ask ourselves a question. How do we protect these groups of birds?”

The only consolation is that the birds that are shrinking in numbers the fastest are species — such as the European starling, American crow, grackle and house sparrow — that aren’t yet at risk of going extinct, said study lead author Francois Leroy, also an Ohio State ecologist.

“The thing is that species extinction, they start with a decline in abundance,” Leroy said, adding that “the decline is somehow maybe giving a preview of what it could lead to in terms of species extinction.”

Cornell University conservation scientist Kenneth Rosenberg, who wasn’t part of the study, said the species declining fastest in the new research “are often considered pests or ‘trash birds,’ but if our environment cannot support healthy populations of these extreme generalists and extremely adaptable species that are tolerant of humans, then that is a very strong indicator that the environment is also toxic to humans and all other life.”

A 2019 study by Rosenberg of the same bird species found North America had 3 billion fewer birds than in 1970, but didn’t look at changes in the rate of loss or causes.

Biggest bird losses in areas warming most

The biggest locations for acceleration of bird loss were in the Mid-Atlantic, the Midwest and California, the study found. And geography proved important when Leroy and Jarzyna looked for reasons why so many bird species are shrinking ever faster.

When it came to population declines — not the acceleration — the scientists noticed bigger losses farther south. When they did a deeper analysis, they statistically connected those losses to warmer temperatures from human-caused climate change.

“In regions where temperatures increase the most, we are seeing strongest declines in populations,” Jarzyna said. “On the other hand, the acceleration of those declines, that’s mostly driven by agricultural practices.”

Farmland issues speed up bird declines

The scientists found statistical correlations between accelerating decline and high fertilizer and pesticide use and the amount of cropland, Leroy said. He said they couldn’t say any of those caused the acceleration of losses, but it indicates agriculture in general is a factor.

“The stronger the agriculture, the faster we will lose birds,” Leroy said.

Jarzyna said there is a “strong interaction” between climate change and agriculture in their effect on bird populations.

“We found that agricultural intensification causes stronger accelerations of decline in regions where climate warmed the most,” Jarzyna said.

McGill University wildlife biologist David Bird, who wasn’t part of the study, said it was done well and that its conclusions made sense. With a growing human population, agriculture practices are intensified, more bird habitats are being converted to cropland, modern machinery often grind up nests and eggs, and single crop plantings offer less possibilities for birds to find food and nests, said Bird, the editor of “Birds of Canada.”

“The biggest impact of agricultural intensity though is our war on insects. Numerous recent studies have shown that insect populations in many places throughout the world, including the U.S., have crashed by well over 40 percent,” Bird said in an email. “Many of the birds in this new study showing population declines depend heavily on insects for food.”

Birds do a lot for humans

This study is both “alarming” and “sobering” because of the sheer numbers of losses and the patterns in those accelerating declines, said Richard Gregory, head of monitoring conservation science at University College London. He was not part of the research.

The paper shows that people need to change the way they live to reduce human-caused warming, reduce agricultural intensity, monoculture of crops and broad application of chemicals, said Cornell University ornithologist Andrew Farnsworth, who wasn’t part of the study.

“Here is why this study is especially important. Birds do a lot for humans,’’ McGill biologist Bird said in an email. ”They feed us, clothe us, eat pests, pollinate our plants and crops, and warn us about impending environmental disasters. With their songs, colors, and variety, birds enrich our lives … and recent studies show that their immediate presence actually increases our well-being and happiness and can even prolong our lives! To me, a world without birds is simply unfathomable.”

Borenstein writes for the Associated Press.

POTTERHEADS can get their robes and wands ready as a major Harry Potter store will be opening in the UK this year.

Warner Bros. Global Experiences has announced that it will be opening its first premier flagship shop in London – the first of its kind in Europe.

Harry Potter Oxford Street will open in autumn of this year and will be located at The Ribbon, at 134-140 Oxford Street.

In total, the store will sprawl across just under 2,000sqm (1,950sqm) and be on two floors – making it the joint biggest Harry Potter store in the world alongside New York.

Designs are currently underway to transform the inside of the building on the UK’s most famous street to “a wizarding emporium celebrating the beloved locations featured in the books and films”.

Whether you’re a fan of Hermione or can’t wait to ‘swish-and-flick’ your own wand, there will be plenty of photo opportunities throughout the store.

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There will be a number of activities to complete as well and fans better get saving as there will be exclusive merchandise on sale too.

Little details are known about other features of the store, but if it is anything like the one in New York, fans can expect props from the films and potentially a Honeydukes corner.

The store will join the King’s Cross Shop as the only official Harry Potter retail destinations in the UK.

Karl Durrant, WB’s SVP Worldwide Retail said: “Harry Potter is deeply rooted in British storytelling, and this will give fans an exciting new way to experience this magical world in the city that features so prominently in the stories. 

“Offering a completely new retail experience for Harry Potter fans which will delight and entertain, it’s going to be very special.”

There are a number of other official Harry Potter Shops around the world including in New York, Chicago in the USA and Harajuku and Akasaka in Japan.

Warner Bros Studio Tour London, near Watford, also recently launched a costume-making workshop.

Fans are allowed to go behind the scenes of the movies and explore costumes that were actually used in the films.

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski recently went to the workshop and said: “Unlike the main tour, where guests just wander freely around the attraction, Mastering The Magic: Costume Creation is a 45-minute workshop that allows muggles to even create their own Potter-themed outfit.

“My small group learns that a school-aged Harry, for example, is first seen by viewers in his battered shirt and threadbare trousers, which conveys how poorly treated he is by his aunt and uncle.

“After learning tricks of the trade, we’re talked through the lengthy process of costume creation, from initial concept, taken from scripts, through to mood boards with fabric samples and right down to the final sketches.

“Then it’s time to get stuck in – sketching our own designs and pinning scraps of fabric left over from the costumes featured in the actual films.

“I choose a ruby red and black patch of fur, pairing it with a gold satin – more Malfoy territory than Potter.

“And for a brief moment, I’ve played my part as a Harry Potter costume designer.”

Just last month, it was also announced that there will be a new experience based on the Hogwarts Express later this year.

Partnering with Rail Events Inc., Warner Bros. Discovery will launch Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure later this year.

The magical experience will be an immersive train journey, where Potterheads can be witches and wizards heading to Hogwarts.

There will be character interactions, themed dining and even a pre-boarding experience that “nods to Platform 9 and three quarters”.

Most of the experience will actually be on a moving train as well.

The route and launch locations are yet to be confirmed.

In other Harry Potter destination news, Legoland is set to open a Harry Potter land with rides and wizard-themed hotel rooms.

Plus, here’s a look inside the real life Hogwarts where Harry Potter fans can stay this summer – and it’s surprisingly cheap.

RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus was hit by a drone, which has threatened the safety of British military personnel, and now the Foreign Office has issued a warning to tourists there

British tourists on Cyprus should follow five key steps to ensure their safety, the Foreign Office says.

Visitors on the island in the Mediterranean Sea have been ordered to keep their departure plans under review and ensure their travel documents are up to date amid the conflict in the Middle East. RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus was hit by a drone on Monday, after which 60 flights to and from Cypriot airports were cancelled.

The UK will send HMS Dragon, one of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 air defence destroyers, but tourists should also take action. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)’s website reads: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.”

READ MORE: Iran war LIVE as Ali Khamenei’s son Mojtaba named as new Supreme LeaderREAD MORE: US commander tells troops Trump was ‘chosen by Jesus to unleash Iran Armageddon’

As Birmingham Live reports, the FCDO’s full five tips are;

• read guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” on the FCDO website, with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”

• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts

• monitor local and international media

• sign up to local information alerts/resources AND follow the advice of local authorities

• keep your departure plans under review AND ensure your travel documents are up to date

The conflict and tension in the Middle East and Gulf states continues. Donald Trump, though, has said he is “not happy” with the UK after it did not initially allow the US to use its bases for strikes on Iran, and added that Keir Starmer is “not Winston Churchill”.

It is the latest in a series of broadsides from the US president over the UK’s position on the Middle East war. Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary confirmed that a Government charter flight will take off from Muscat, Oman, “in the coming days” to bring vulnerable British nationals back.

The HMS Dragon, due to be sent from Portsmouth in Hampshire and crewed by more than 200 people, is designed for air defence, it is equipped with a Sea Viper anti-air missile system. Defence Secretary John Healey said: “We are moving quickly to further reinforce our defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“HMS Dragon brings world-class air defence capability, and our Wildcat helicopters are armed with Martlet missiles to counter the growing drone threat.

“I am deeply proud of the professionalism and bravery of our Armed Forces personnel who have in recent days, successfully taken action across the region to protect our allies and defend British interests.”

Dozens of countries remain on a list, compiled by FCDO, which Brits should not visit due to the ongoing conflict. These include holiday hotspots, such as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

YouTuber Dan Grec has travelled across five continents and 65 countries, including the legendary 19,000-mile Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Argentina and 35 countries in Africa

A globe-trotting YouTuber who abandoned his office job to pursue life on the road in 4×4 vehicles has identified an African nation he was relieved to leave behind in his “rear view mirror”. Dan Grec, an adventurer from Australia, chose to quit his job and chase his dream of experiencing “all the adventures that are possible out there,” journeying across five continents and 65 countries—including the iconic 19,000-mile Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Argentina.

He also explored 35 nations across Africa, an expedition that spanned three years as he drove around the entire coastline of the continent, where he created “thousands of unforgettable memories”.

Among the highlights were “hearing lions roar” whilst sitting outside his Jeep, being invited into people’s homes to share meals, observing a family of giraffes, and even “petting a cheetah”.

It wasn’t entirely without challenges, though, as Dan also confessed there was one country where he “didn’t feel safe”.

Dan, who has also written a book about his travels, stated: “On all my travels to date, the only country I didn’t feel safe in and was happy to see in my rear view mirror was Ethiopia.

“At the time of my visit, it was a complicated place politically, and there was a lot of unrest and anger towards tourists because all the tourist money was going to tour guides from the big city, not the rural areas where the tourists were actually visiting.”

He clarified that he doesn’t want to give the country a “bad wrap”, though, and is eager to return to experience the nation properly, mentioning that he knows plenty of people who “love it”.

Dan said: “I know tons of people really love the country, so I feel bad giving it a bad wrap. I really want to go back sometime so I can properly enjoy it.”

A landlocked East African nation sharing borders with Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is the continent’s oldest independent country.

A rugged and diverse nation regarded as the cradle of mankind, it is believed that Ethiopia’s history could stretch back to the earliest hominids. Its population speaks an impressive 82 languages, with more than 200 dialects.

Unfortunately, however, potential travellers need to be mindful of some possible dangers. The Foreign Office has issued travel warnings for parts of Ethiopia, advising against all travel to certain areas, and all but essential travel to others.

In its safety and security section, the Foreign Office warns that terrorists are “very likely” to attempt attacks in Ethiopia, stating that they could be indiscriminate and take place in “places visited by foreign nationals”.

It has also noted that tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are high, with a possibility that the security situation in the north could deteriorate rapidly.

Other potential risks include civil unrest, arbitrary detentions (this has occurred with British nationals in a limited number of cases), mugging, theft near Bole International Airport, kidnapping in some areas, and landmines.

Many TUI customers due to fly in the next few days will be awaiting news of whether their flights and package holidays are cancelled. The travel operator has now issued a major update on the situation

TUI has cancelled more flights to Cyprus as a UK Royal Navy warship heads for the region.

Sir Keir Starmer said HMS Dragon – a Type 45 Destroyer – will be sent to that section of the Mediterranean. The PM has also spoken with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to let him know the UK is also “sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities”.

It comes a day after the runway of the British air base in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, was hit by a drone. The Ministry of Defence said it caused “minimal damage”.

Today, flights to Cyprus’s two commercial airports were cancelled, with easyJet, Ryanair and TUI scrapping services. This afternoon, German travel giant TUI issued a major update on its coming Cyprus flights.

The spokesperson said: “In light of the evolving situation in the Middle East, we have taken the decision to cancel the four TUI Airways flights scheduled to travel to Cyprus on Wednesday, 4 March. We appreciate this may be disappointing news for those due to travel, and we are truly sorry for the disruption to our customers’ holiday plans. Our customer service teams are fully mobilised, and every affected customer will be contacted directly to discuss the options available to them.

“We want to reassure all customers that we are closely monitoring developments and keeping the situation under constant review.”

As for next steps, TUI has said: “Customers will be contacted directly and offered the option to amend their booking fee-free, with a rebooking incentive, or to receive a full refund.”

It also confirmed that its next TUI Airways flights to Cyprus are scheduled to operate on Saturday (March 7). TUI said: “At this stage, these flights are planned to run as normal. However, we continue to monitor the situation closely and, as it remains dynamic, schedules may be subject to change.”

Passengers flying out on Saturday should keep an eye on TUI’s travel alert page, as well as check its app for updates, and keep up to date with international news.

Flights cancelled on Wednesday, 4 March:

• TOM7318 – East Midlands Airport to Paphos
• TOM6312 – Cardiff Airport to Paphos
• TOM6354 – Bournemouth to Paphos
• TOM2336 – Manchester to Paphos

TUI’s website also has advice for customers currently in Cyprus. It says: “The safety of our customers is always our top priority. Our teams are working with our airline partners to monitor the situation and make arrangements to bring you back to the UK once it is safe to do so. We are working though bookings in date order and will call you to discuss your options. However, if you would prefer, please call us on 0203 451 2688.

“If you choose to call us, please be aware that we are receiving an exceptional volume of calls and there may be some delay in your call being answered.”

READ MORE: TUI, Emirates, British Airways and easyJet latest updates on when flights might resumeREAD MORE: TUI issues update for Brits impacted by Middle East travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not currently advise against travel to Cyprus, but many airlines have been cancelling their flights in light of the current situation.

The FCDO advises that Brits planning a holiday in Cyprus should sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts, monitor local news, and regularly review departure plans as the situation can change rapidly.

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

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HUNDREDS of you, Sun Readers, have reached out to us about your holidays concerns because of the ongoing Iran crisis.

So our Travel Expert – Head of Travel, Lisa Minot – is answering them all for you.

From whether Greece is safe to whether you can cancel your holiday for a refund, here is everything you need to know.

We are going to Cyprus in June and the balance is due by March 17, should we still pay it?

Although many Sun readers are concerned about their holidays to Cyprus following on from the attack on the RAF airbase on the island and the cancellation of flights from British Airways, easyJet and TUI, currently the UK Foreign Office has not issued any warnings about travel to the island.

Unlike the UAE, where the current advises against all but essential travel, Cyprus remains on the safe to travel list.

If you do not pay the balance of your holiday, you face losing the money you have paid to your travel provider so far.

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If the advice were to change, your travel company would have to offer you the chance to amend your travel to a different date or offer you a full refund.

We have had lots of questions about holidays to Cyprus – both Larnaca and Paphos, later in June, July and September and the advice really remains the same.

Unless you have paid a minimal deposit, you should continue to make payments. If you cancel now you could lose money – and discover that holidays are significantly more expensive when you look to book again.

What is important is to make sure you have bought good travel insurance NOW to cover you in the run up to your holiday dates. A lot can happen in the coming months.

Take the time to enquire about what you would be covered for in terms of delays and cancellations as these can vary from policy to policy.

Will this affect holidays in Egypt? We’re due to fly there in May for our honeymoon

While it is very understandable that travellers would be a little nervous of the proximity of Egypt to the current crisis, the popular Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Hurgahda and Marsa Alam as well as the majority of Egypt including ancient cities of Cairo and Luxor are NOT under any Foreign Office travel ban.

While no one can predict what is going to happen in the region, it is currently considered safe to travel to these destinations and your tour operator or airline is under no obligation to refund you if you chose not to travel. 

Hurghada and Marsa Alam are hundreds of miles away from the conflict zone and holidays there should not be impacted at all.

I had tipped Egypt as one of the stand-out destinations for British travellers to enjoy 5* luxury at great value prices this year.

Increased flights from the UK and an ever greater number of new luxury resorts mean it still offers guaranteed sunshine for all budgets.

I travelled to Luxor, Hurghada and Marsa Alam in February and could not have felt safer with the Egyptians taking security very seriously.

Is Greece safe to travel, being so close to Turkey?

Yes Greece is safe to travel to – and is not under any UK Foreign Office travel warnings.

The main popular tourist resorts in both Greece and Turkey are many thousands of miles from the current problems in the Middle East.

If you choose to cancel a holiday you have already made payments on you will NOT get your money back as your travel company is under no legal obligation to refund you.

A refund is only triggered if the Foreign Office advises against all travel or all but essential travel.

Again, ensuring you have fully comprehensive travel insurance from the moment you make your booking is really important to give you added protection in the run up to your trip. 

We’ve had questions from Sun readers looking at trips to Corfu and Rhodes this summer – they should be reassured that the chance of holidays to these islands being impacted, while not impossible, is extremely unlikely.

Will travel disruption escalate to the Canary Islands travel from the UK?

While nothing can be guaranteed in these extraordinary times, there is nothing whatsoever to lead me to think that the current crisis will have any impact at all on holidays to the Canary Islands from the UK.

It is understandable that people are worried about the situation, but all of the Canary Islands – along with the rest of Spain – remain on the Foreign Office’s safe to travel list and there is no indication this will change at all. 

There is not any worry about international travel as a whole at the moment and airlines and tour operators take the safety and security of their passengers extremely seriously. 

There should be no issues with travel this summer, where lots of Sun readers are looking forward to holidays.

Are Turkey resorts affected? We have a holiday booked for half-term

No – at present Turkey is not impacted at all by the current situation.

While there are Foreign Office bans on travel to the border between Turkey and Syria, the entire rest of the country is safe to travel to.

The popular coastal resorts of Dalaman, Bodrum, Antalya, Side, Marmaris and more are many thousands of miles from the conflict zone.

As the advice is that it is safe to travel, tour operators and airlines are under no obligation to offer you a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to cancel your trip, you will lose any money you have paid.

While some people may feel uneasy, the distances involved mean it is extremely unlikely that anything would impact your holiday.

With all package holidays, you have enhanced protection should the situation change.

If the Foreign Office changes its advice to all but essential travel, you will have extra rights to a refund or amended date.

But right now, that is not necessary as trips to the popular Mediterranean Turkish resorts are safe.

We am due to fly to Dubai March 12-18, having paid £6,000 for a package through Emirates. Do you know where I stand with cancelling?

With the huge popularity of holidays to Dubai – more than 1.47MILLION British travellers headed to the Emirate in 2025 – the Foreign Office now advising against all but essential travel will have a huge impact on those with upcoming holidays.

As the situation remains so uncertain, airlines and travel companies are dealing with upcoming bookings on a rolling basis – prioritising those who are due to travel soonest first.

As of today, passengers with bookings up to March 10 can request a refund directly from Emirates via an online form – and you should expect to receive that refund within a week.

But as your holiday doesn’t depart until March 12 you will have to contact Emirates directly to see if they will allow you to amend your booking or get a refund.

I totally appreciate that this is going to be challenging with many hundreds of thousands of travellers looking to rebook flights and holidays.

Right now, British Airways Holidays are offering rebooking options for those travelling up to March 8 to request a refund.

Those travelling up to March 15 can change their holiday dates or destination free of charge if they depart before March 29.

If you amend to a holiday that is more expensive, you’ll have to pay the difference. If it is cheaper, BA will refund you the difference.

Those travelling after March 15 can change their booking up to 14 days before travel for a fee of £100 or if within 14 days of travel for a fee of £500. 

Virgin Atlantic Holidays has the same options in place for the same dates.

 If you have bought travel insurance – and I really do recommend everyone does this from the MOMENT they book their holiday – it would be a good idea to contact them as well to see if there is anything you can claim for.

Anyone with holidays from April onwards, I recommend keeping an eye on the current travel advice, but do not cancel holidays unless you want to be out of pocket.

My daughter is due to return from Mauritius via Dubai on March 5 with Emirates Airlines. Will this be possible & what are her options?

Emirates has only suspended flights until midnight on March 4.

However this is likely to be extended as they are currently only operating repatriation flights for passengers who are stranded in Dubai.

It is advised for your daughter to contact Emirates and see if there is an alternative way to travel home.

Emirates must provide her with an alternative flight home, or a refund.

However, be aware that if she accepts a refund, your daughter will have to pay for her own alternative flight home which might be quicker, but much more expensive and she will not be able to claim the difference back from Emirates.

Air Mauritius offers direct flights from Mauritius to UK, otherwise airlines with non-Dubai stopovers include Air France (stopover in Paris) and Lufthansa (stopover in Frankfurt).

I have a long-haul holiday planned later this year, stopping in the Middle East. Should I cancel my trip or find another airline?

We have had lots of questions from you about upcoming holidays with stopovers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar – seeing as they’re huge hub airports for Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, this isn’t surprising.

This includes destinations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bali, China, Vietnam, Australia and Pakistan. 

If you have partly paid for your holidays for any of the above destinations, you must still pay the remaining balance or you will be left out of pocket.

It is only if the UK Foreign Office advises against any travel to these destinations that you will be able to cancel a holiday for a refund.

Unless you are travelling in the next few days, it is likely the holidays will still go ahead.

 If you are wary of booking a stop over in the Middle East, then other popular destinations include Singapore, with Singapore Airlines, or Hong Kong, with Cathay Pacific and Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.

I’m confused about the government advice and where travel companies stand – surely a holiday shouldn’t be classed as “essential travel”?

I appreciate the travel warnings can be slightly confusing, so I’ll break them down for you.

There are two travel warnings from the UK Foreign Office – “against all but essential travel” and “against all travel”.

If the advice is against all travel, package holiday companies and airlines have to give you a refund.

If the advice is against all but essential travel the legal standing is a little more complicated. 

However, most travel companies will offer to refund or amend your booking as they recognise they will not be able to provide you with the trip you purchased due to exceptional circumstances.

THE quiet town of Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex is set to be a TV star.

ITV presenter Josie Gibson was seen filming at the pretty destination on the Dengie Peninsula last week known for its top-tier sailing scene and fresh seafood.

Josie, along with a film crew, were seen at various different spots in Burnham-on-Crouch, which sits on the River Crouch.

The town that is just an hour outside of London was called “wonderfully understated” by The Telegraph and it even questioned whether it’s “the most peaceful town in England.”

While it might be quiet on land, Burnham-on-Crouch has a busy harbour, as well as a quayside, boat-building yards, listed buildings and sailing clubs.

Thanks to its location and popularity within the sailing circle, Burnham-on-Crouch is nicknamed ‘Cowes of the East Coast’.

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This is after the world-renowned Cowes on the Isle of Wight which is the “Yachting Capital of the World”.

Throughout the year are sailing events, but what Burnham-on-Crouch is most famous for is Burnham Week.

The major sailing regatta is held every year at the end of August with plenty of competitive racing for various yacht and dinghy classes.

This year it will kick off on August 29 until September 5, 2026 – and it is a major week in the sailing calendar.

Last week though, the TV crew were spotted on dry land filming outside The Cabin Dairy on the High Street.

The cafe has been in operation since the 1990s, serving up breakfast, brunch, sandwiches, toasties, tea, coffee and ice cream.

Another spot that was seen in front of the camera was The Quarterdeck restaurant.

The seafood restaurant and bistro bar sits on the waterfront, serving dishes like the seafood board with Maldon cured smoked salmon, crevettes, pickled roll mops and anchovies.

Of course you can pick up fish and chips too, as well as a Sailor Sandwich with fish goujons, and oysters.

For oyster fans, check out Burnham Seafood and Oyster Bar which is a fish stall open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Here, locals can pick up top quality seafood from lobsters to crab, and of course, oysters.

Seafood is a big part of the town’s history as it used to be a thriving oyster port.

In the 19th century, the River Crouch was filled with oyster beds, which were then harvested and traded into London and across Europe.

Next door to The Quarterdeck is Harbour Delights, an American retro diner that serves up tasty drinks and desserts.

You can choose from ice cream sundaes, Belgian waffles, bubble tea, milkshakes, and enjoy a coke float.

One place the crew weren’t seen filming at, but is a Burnham hotspot is the Jolly Fryer.

The fish and chip shop in previous years was voted as the Best Chippy in Essex.

You can pick up a medium cod for two with large chips and either curry sauce or mushy peas for £21.99.

As for what’s nearby, from certain points in the town you can see across the river to Wallasea Island which has been turned into a nature reserve.

Visitors can visit by ferry, which will cost around £5 each way, to see wading birds as well as rare butterflies.

For wine fans, head to family-run Clayhill Vineyard which makes Bacchus (often referred to as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc) and chardonnay.

One Sun Writer who visited said: “I particularly loved the English sparkling wine and at £19 per bottle it’s much cheaper — and in my opinion nicer — than champagne.“

The vineyard has views of the River Crouch, and has a small cafe for lunch, tea and cake – and you can taste its wine here too.

For train enthusiasts, head to nearby Mangapps Railway & Museum which is a working railway and museum on a farm in Burnham-on-Crouch.

It has a three-quarter mile passenger line with restored stations, signal boxes, and visitors can go on as many train rides as they like with their ticket.

One visitor on Tripadvisor wrote: “Nice little museum. Lots of different trains and even a well-kept, older station where you can enjoy a small ride on an old train.”

It’s open on weekends between 11.30AM to 5PM. Ticket prices are £15 per adult, £8 per child and under three’s go free.

For anyone who is a fan of The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, then you might want to head up to Tillingham.

Fans of the book will know that village is where the narrator’s younger brother escapes to when London is invaded by Martians.

Burnham-on-Crouch is served by the Crouch Valley branch line.

From London Liverpool Street, it can be reached in just over an hour with one transfer at Wickford.

This Essex town has been called a ‘Cotswolds alternative’…

Senior Consumer Reporter Adele Cooke visited Saffron Walden…

She said: “Its Saturday market is often a place to spot TV chef Jamie Oliver. We admired the great artisan stands, but sadly didn’t spot Jamie.

“Coffee in hand, we took a stroll to St Mary’s Church, which dates to Norman times and is still the tallest building in Essex with its spire topping out at 193ft. Then it was on to Bridge End Gardens and its maze –  before a pint at the Cross Keys Hotel, also known for its great food.

“The fun continued with a visit to one of Essex’s Tiptree tea rooms. I knew Tiptree as the makers of tasty jams, often served in little jars at posh hotels.

“We got the day off to the best of starts at Tiptree’s Courtyard tea room in Saffron Walden with their traditional breakfast, a Full English complete with tasty local sausages, bacon, egg and even some traditional Tiptree brown sauce.”

For more on Essex, Britain’s smallest town named one of the coolest spots in the country with cosy pubs and coastal walks.

And this pretty village is regularly named ‘UK’s most beautiful’ is a perfect weekend break.

AROUND the UK there are so many beautiful beaches from sandy coves to sprawling shingle stretches.

But experts have revealed where you can find the absolute best – and it is even one of the driest in Britain.

Condé Nast Traveller announced the 60 best beaches in the UK.

And Kent’s Botany Bay nabbed the top spot.

The publication called the coastal stretch “one of Kent’s most blissful hideouts”.

It said: “Viking Bay is beautiful and all, but, despite its size, securing a peaceful spot on the balmiest of summer days is all but impossible.

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“Imagine how smug, then, the local folk of Kent feel, cool bags hooked onto their arms and towels flung over their shoulders, and they descend on Botany Bay.”

It continued to add: “At low tide, wade through the puddles in search of fossils and, come high tide, take a plunge knowing how shallow and rock-free many parts of the beach are – so much so, it has long been a favourite among families.”

Botany Bay sits between trendy seaside towns Margate and Broadstairs, and its beach is easily recognisable thanks to its tall white limestone cliffs and sea stacks.

Even better news for anyone keen to visit Botany Bay is that it doesn’t get much rain.

A study conducted by Parkdean looked at the rainfall patterns over the duration of one year at some of the UK’s most popular beaches.

On average, Botany Bay gets 58 days of rainfall each year – to put that in perspective, the UK gets an average 164 days of rain a year.

And while it isn’t hot, Botany Bay is also one of the warmest beaches in the UK in winter thanks to its location on the Channel with average temperatures of 9.5C.

While Botany Bay doesn’t have a pub, nearby you’ll find the Captain Digby.

The authentic British pub where you can get a pint and burger is at Kingsgate Bay and it sits on top of the cliff and overlooking the ocean.

For those who want to take a coastal walk, you can go via Botany Bay on the 32-mile Viking Coat Trail from Margate to Broadstairs.

Here are the 60 Best Beaches in the UK…

1. Botany Bay, Kent
2. Trevone Bay, Cornwall
3. Sennen Cove, Cornwall
4. Walberswick Beach, Suffolk
5. Pentle Bay, Scilly Isles
6. Crantock Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
7. Mothecombe, Plymouth, Devon
8. Mwnt Beach, Cardigan, Wales
9. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
10. Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast, Dorset
11. Dunwich Beach, Suffolk
12. Pedn Vounder Beach, Cornwall
13. Hunstanton, Norfolk
14. Shell Bay, Studland, Dorset
15. Southwold, Suffolk
16. Mudeford Sandbank, Dorset
17. Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, East Sussex
18. Whitstable beach, Kent
19. Aldeburgh, Suffolk
20. Brancaster Beach, Norfolk
21. Dungeness, Romney Marsh, Kent
22. Polzeath, Cornwall
23. Bantham Beach, South Devon
24. Filey Brigg, North Yorkshire
25. West Wittering Beach, Chichester
26. Sandbanks, Dorset
27. St. Bees, Cumbria
28. Woolacombe Sands, Devon
29. Cromer Beach, North Norfolk
30. Whitley Bay, Tyneside
31. South Bay, Scarborough, Yorkshire
32. Sheringham beach, North Norfolk
33. Ventnor, Isle of Wight
34. Viking Bay, Broadstairs
35. Lantic Bay, Cornwall
36. Scarista Beach, Lewis & Harris, Scotland
37. Achmelvich Beach, North-west Scotland
38. Machir Bay, Islay, Scotland
39. Uig beach, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
40. St Cyrus, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
41. Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
42. Three Cliffs Bay, Wales
43. Aberfforest Beach, Wales
44. Llanddwyn, Anglesey, Wales
45. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
46. Rhossili Bay, Gower Coast, Wales
47. Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales
48. Penbryn, Ceredigion, Wales
49. Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire, Wales
50. Benone, Ulster, Northern Ireland
51. Mill Bay, Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland
52. Magilligan Point, Ulster, Northern Ireland
53. Whiterocks, Portrush, Northern Ireland
54. Whitepark Bay, Antrim, Northern Ireland
55. Blackpool Sands, Devon
56. Seven Sisters, Sussex
57. Camber Sands, Essex
58. Cley next the Sea, Norfolk
59. Hastings Beach, Sussex
60. Hengistbury Head

For more on coastlines, here are the best ‘one-of-a-kind’ beaches around the world have been revealed – and two in the UK make the list.

And here are our 26 must-visit UK beaches for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.

THINKING of booking a holiday? Well, it’s perfect timing as TUI has just announced its most-loved hotels across the world.

Over 13,000 hotels have been assessed with only those achieving top Customer Satisfaction Scores being considered for the awards.

And coming out on top for UK holidaymakers, is TUI Blue Barut Andiz in Türkiye.

Located in the town of Side, the adults-only hotel scored the highest guest ratings across the entire TUI portfolio.

UK travellers noted how the hotel has friendly staff, brilliant food and a chilled, child-free setting.

Inside the hotel, guests can dine at two à la carte restaurants on a first-floor terrace whilst looking out at the sea.

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When booking via TUI, you’ll get one free visit to the hotel’s signature à la carte restaurant – the Culinarium – which specialises in seafood and hosts themed evenings.

As for bars, you can enjoy the orange glow of the evening at the Sunset Bar or enjoy a tipple by the water at the Meltem Pool Bar.

Need some caffeine? Well, you can head to Thea’s Coffee Shop for ice cream, desserts and of course, hot drinks.

The hotel also boasts a spa with a Turkish bath and a mix of solo and couples treatment rooms.

This year the hotel is celebrating 10 years since opening and as a result, throughout this summer will be hosting a number of celebratory fitness sessions, food experiences, live music events, silent discos and parties.

Fitness sessions include BLUEfit, which are outdoor instructor-led sessions including Aqua Board classes, Pilates and yoga.

Around the hotel, you can head to the beach, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.

And Side’s old town is also not too far, where you can explore Roman ruins with glass walkways that sit over dug-out ruins.

If you want to discover artefacts that have been found during the excavations in the old town, then head to Side Museum, which costs £4.36 per person to visit.

A seven-night all-inclusive stay for two people in a double room with a balcony this April costs from £1,389.32.

Perhaps you are wanting to go on holiday with the family though? Then look at TUI Magic Life Sarigerme, which has been named the best family-friendly hotel.

Also located in Türkiye, the hotel features five swimming pools, seven bars and four restaurants – all sat on the beachfront.

The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Dalaman but also right by Sarigerme Beach, which is a large, sprawling beach loved by locals for kitesurfing.

There is even a watersports centre on the beach if you want to try out kitesurfing for yourself.

An all-inclusive seven-night stay for two adults this April in a double room costs from £1,383.68.

Fancy heading to Greece? Well, Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel and Suites has been named the best hotel in the Cyprus and Greece category.

With its own private beach, there are two restaurants to pick from as well, serving traditional Mediterranean dishes.

There are two outdoor freshwater pools, an indoor pool and even a whirlpool.

Over the summer months, the hotel usually also puts on entertainment such as live music.

Two adults can stay for seven-nights on a bed and breakfast basis this May from £2,114.82 in a double room with a sea view.

And if you are thinking about heading to Spain, you might want to book in to Hotel Fariones in Lanzarote.

The hotel came out on top for the best in Spain and Portugal category and boasts two pools, three restaurants and direct access to the Playa Grande Beach.

Just a short walk away, you can discover Puerto Del Carmen’s Old Town where you will find a selection of restaurants and bars.

A seven-night break for two adults this May costs from £2,509.14, on a bed and breakfast basis in a double room with a sea view.

For more inspiration on hotels in Europe to book, here’s Europe’s number one beach hotel with a huge pool and sea-view suites.

Plus, Europe’s biggest hotel is in a VERY surprising part of the UK – with 1,630 rooms.

FROM political conflicts to natural disasters, British nationals have been advised against visiting a number of countries.

And with the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, the Foreign Office’s has issued a number of updates to its “do not travel” advice.

Travel warnings are in place for 76 destinations for British nationals, with some advice only applying to specified areas of the named country.

The FCDO has also outlined countries, or parts of countries where only “essential travel” is advised.

The Foreign Office clarified: “Whether travel is essential or not is your own decision.

“You may have urgent family or business commitments which you need to attend to.

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“Only you can make an informed decision based on your own individual circumstances and the risks.”

In general, travelling to a country or region where the advice is against all but essential travel will also invalidate most travel insurance policies.

Countries with updated travel warnings

Afghanistan

While Afghanistan was already classified as a no-travel destination by the FCDO, its website flagged that there is “new information about heightened tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan”.

British nationals are advised: “You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions.”

The warning described travel throughout the country as “extremely dangerous”, noting that “a number of border crossings are not currently open”.

It also flagged a “heightened risk of British nationals being detained”, with the potential of “years of imprisonment” and “extrememly limited support” from the FCDO.

Armenia (certain areas)

The FCDO also advises against all travel to regions surrounding the Armenia-Azerbaijan border due to tensions between the nations.

Azerbaijan (certain areas)

As well as avoiding the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, the FCDO advises British nationals against all but essential travel to southwestern Azerbaijan.

Bahrain

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain and is also encouraging Britons currently in the country to register their presence.

Egypt (certain areas)

All travel to Egyptian zones near Israel as well as the Egypt-Libya border should be avoided.

The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to Egypt’s Western Desert.

Warnings are not currently in place for popular holiday destinations such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.

Iran

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Iran, with “regional escalation posing significant security risks”.

The latest update advises British nationals already in Iran to “carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying”.

The FCDO warned: “British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning, or detention.

“Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”

Iraq

Iraq is also on the FCDO’s “do not travel” list, with British nationals warned of a “significant risk of further escalation”, with the situation described as “fast-moving and unpredictable”.

Israel

The FCDO now advises against all travel to Israel, with British nationals currently in the nation told to register their location and follow local guidance.

Jordan

British nationals are advised against all but essential travel to Jordan, while any area located within 3km (approximately 1.8 miles) of the Jordan-Syria border should be avoided entirely.

Kuwait

All but essential travel should also be avoided to Kuwait, with the FCDO advising British nationals already in the country to immediately shelter in place “due to reported missile attacks”.

“Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel, and follow instructions from the local authorities,” the Foreign Office said in its official update.

Lebanon

The FCDO advises against all travel to the borders between Lebanon-Syria and Lebanon-Israel.

Meanwhile, all travel to certain areas of Beirut should also be avoided, while the rest of the country should be avoided unless travel is essential.

Oman (certain areas)

A shelter in place warning is in place for Brits currently in specific regions of Oman, specificially the city of Duqm and surrounding areas.

British nationals currently visiting Salalah, or within 100km, are advised to leave as soon as possible “if commercial means allow” and to follow the advice of local authorities.

Pakistan (certain areas)

The FCDO advises against all travel within 10 miles of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, with a comprehensive list of areas to avoid in the region.

All but essential travel is also recommended within five miles of the Pakistan-India Border Area.

Palestine

All travel to Palestine is not advised, with British nationals encouraged to register their presence in the country.

Qatar

The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Qatar, with immediate shelter in place warnings for British nationals “due to reported missile attacks”.

Saudi Arabia (certain areas)

British nationals are urged to steer clear of areas within 80km (roughly 50 miles) of the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border region.

Britons currently in Saudi Arabia are currently adised to “immediately shelter in place”.

Syria

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Syria, warning regional escalation posing “significant security risks”, leading to travel disruption.

Turkey (certain areas)

The zone within 10km (just over six miles) of the Turkey-Syria border should be avoided, according to the FCDO.

But all other areas, including tourist areas like Istanbul and Bodrum are considered safe to visit.

Yemen

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Yemen, telling British nationals: “If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.”

And as of March 3, the FCDO is not advising against travel to Cyprus after strikes at an RAF base in Akrotiri.

British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus are advised to “follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities”.

Scroll down for the full list of countries on the Foreign Office’s “do not travel” list.

A British man in Spain has shared one big difference between the UK and Spain, claiming it’s something you’ll only notice once you leave the UK – but not everyone agreed with him

Spain has remained a firm favourite amongst Brits seeking a sun-soaked getaway for several years in a row. And It’s not just the brief flight time that appeals for holidaymakers, as the country also enjoys glorious weather throughout the entire year.

Data from the Office of National Statistics reveals that Brits clocked up more than 17.8 million trips to the Mediterranean nation in 2024, with figures projected to have climbed to 19.1 million in 2025. These holidays included trips to the Canary Islands and Costa Blanca, home to Benidorm. Further hotspots include the various Costas, the Balearic Islands, whilst the Northern regions are also seeing a surge in popularity.

Whilst the prospect of swapping Britain’s bleak and overcast winter months for brighter, warmer climes is undeniably attractive, there are certain contrasts many travellers might not have considered.

A British expat has now highlighted one major distinction between Spain and the UK, which may well explain why countless Brits are lured to the southern European nation.

On TikTok, a man called Mark posted footage of himself strolling through British streets back in January, showcasing murky skies with the sun conspicuously absent.

“You don’t realise how depressing it is until you leave the UK,” he captioned the clip, which then switched to show him wandering through Spain’s bright streets, lined with palm trees along the pavements.

“Why does the UK have a grey filter?” he pondered in the post’s caption.

Is the UK weather more grey than Spain?

From March 2026, the UK is forecast to see average temperatures ranging between 9C and lows of 2C, though some regions might also benefit from sunny spells with temperatures reaching up to 17 degrees in Eastern England on 5 March, according to the Met Office’s long range forecast.

Northern parts of England and Scotland are anticipated to face rain and storms, and potentially even some snow on higher ground, with overnight frost still possible between 4-13 March.

In contrast, Spanish March days are typically sunny, offering 6-8 hours of sunshine daily, alongside average temperatures of between 12-18 degrees. However, occasional brief rain showers should be expected, according to Tui.

Southern regions like Andalusia and the Canary Islands are the warmest (up to 21°C), whilst central and northern areas are cooler, creating perfect conditions for exploring the spring-blooming countryside.

Despite Mark’s post, numerous people quickly flocked to the comment section of his video to argue the UK weather isn’t as ‘depressing’ as he suggested.

“will never understand why people think grey skies are depressing,” one viewer commented.

Multiple people also pointed out that the UK can be equally sunny and warm at times, and that it’s unfair to judge the weather based on cold and overcast winter days, as the sunny summer days we experience deserve recognition.

Check the latest air travel status including departures from popular holiday destinations such as Dubai, Cyprus and Egypt after the Iran war forced airports to close and airlines to cancel flights

The war in Iran has plunged air travel into its biggest crisis since the pandemic as airports shut across the world and airlines cancel huge numbers of flights.

Conflict between Iran, the US and Israel has spread across the Middle East and triggered widespread airspace closures, sparking major disruption to flights, and leaving thousands of British tourists stranded abroad.

Popular holiday destinations including Egypt, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are among those to ground all flights or severely limit departures, but the ‘ripple effects’ are also impacting travel to and from a number of other countries, including Cyprus and Turkey.

Here’s all the latest on flight cancellations, cruise ships and your rights if something goes wrong:

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READ MORE: First Dubai flights as Emirates and Etihad operate very limited routesREAD MORE: Cyprus flights update as easyJet, British Airways and Ryanair cancel routes this week

Which destinations are affected?

The UK Foreign Office now advise against all but essential travel to the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.

Airspace closures mean flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait and Oman are almost entirely cancelled, with aviation largely reserved for military and cargo flights.

If you have a flight due soon to one of these countries, you should get in touch with your airline as soon as possible.

While flights to and from Cyprus, Egypt and Turkey are going ahead largely as scheduled, they may be subject to short-notice delays or cancellations, so you should check regularly with your airline before you travel.

Dubai and UAE travel advice

The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates.

Your travel insurance could be rendered invalid if you travel against this advice.

British nationals currently in the country should stay indoors due to risk of missile attacks, and the current advice reads: “Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

Cyprus travel advice

After a suspected Iranian-made drone was fired at the RAF base at Akrotiri, the Foreign Office updated its advice to read: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.

“British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration. British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities.”

Turkey travel advice

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to “fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism”.

Egypt travel advice

There is “heightened risk of regional tension” which “could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts”, the Foreign Office said.

Which airlines have cancelled flights?

A handful of flights will bring British nationals stranded in the Middle East back to Britain today – but the majority of departures from the region remain cancelled.

The current Emirates flight status is that the airline plans to operate two flights to Heathrow, and one each to Gatwick and Manchester. At least some of these flights will be operated by the airline’s A380 jets, which can each carry up to 615 passengers depending on how they are configured.

Emirates usually operates 146 weekly flights to the UK, which is the equivalent of about 21 per day.

Etihad Airways has scheduled one UK flight on Tuesday, from Abu Dhabi to Heathrow.

Qatar Airways, which usually serves Heathrow and Gatwick from Qatar, said on Tuesday morning that its operations remain suspended because of the closure of Qatari airspace.

British Airways has cancelled its timetabled flights to Heathrow from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha and Dubai on Tuesday.

The airline told passengers: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East.

“Safety is always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.”

Passengers with bookings on certain routes up to March 15 are being allowed to amend the date to fly on or before March 29.

Virgin Atlantic axed a flight from Dubai to Heathrow.

What about connecting flights?

You could also be affected if you’re due on a flight that changes at an airport disrupted by the war – such as Abu Dhabi, which acts as a major hub for connecting flights to Thailand, Vietnam, India, Australia and New Zealand. Check with your airline in advance if you’re in any doubt.

What if I’m stuck abroad?

British nationals currently in the Gulf have been advised by the Foreign Office to remain indoors and follow local authorities. Plans for evacuation repatriation flights are going ahead, but at a very limited capacity, and you should not make plans around these until you have been contacted by British consular staff.

What are my rights if something goes wrong with my flights?

Don’t cancel your own ticket if your destination or connecting flight is affected – instead, wait for the airline to cancel the flight.

If you cancel voluntarily, you will likely forfeit your right to a full refund or rebooking under UK air passenger rights.

It’s important to check your travel insurance, as standard policies will usually cover extended emergency medical expenses if you are stranded abroad – but many exclude cancellation or curtailment costs arising directly from acts of war.

What about cruise ships?

Thousands of cruise line passengers are currently trapped in ports in the Middle East due to the war in Iran.

At least six well-known ships from big companies, including TUI, are reported to be at a standstill and awaiting news of when they can leave.

Cruise liners affected include TUI Cruises’ ships Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, which are stranded in the ports of Abu Dhabi and Doha. The cruise line has had to cancel its upcoming departures due to the lack of operating repatriation flights.

The MSC Euribia remains docked in the port of Dubai, under strict security measures, with embarkations suspended until further notice.

The ships Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery have also had their departures cancelled and are being kept under supervision in regional ports.

TUI Cruises said in its latest alert: “We are currently monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East region and the latest guidance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”

Disruption ‘could last weeks’

Last night, US president Donald Trump said the joint US-Israel military operation in Iran could last four to five weeks or “far longer”.

Aviation consultant John Strickland said it could take weeks to clear the backlog of passengers, even if the conflict ends sooner.

He said: “It’s a bit uncertain (when that will happen) because of course it will depend on how long the airspace restrictions remain in place.

“But factoring in the high volumes of normal daily traffic and the high capacity of aircraft such as the A380 and the Boeing 777, plus the fact that other flights covering similar routes operate at high occupancy, then it will certainly be quite a period of time which would likely run into weeks.”

Jenna Carr aka ‘Travel Mum’ has made travelling with her family her full-time job.

On her social pages, she reveals how to find last-minute cheap holiday deals, top travel tips – and now, her most underrated holiday destinations.

For fun family breaks that you might not have considered – Jenna says we should think about our closest neighbour.

Talking to Sun Travel, Jenna said: “France is overlooked a lot and it’s so close to us – you can drive over, which is much easier with a family.

“Of course you’ve got the famous spots like Paris and Disneyland, but there are lots of other places that are just as lovely.

“We went camping in the south of France last summer and flew into Nice, which didn’t take long from the UK – and went to a couple of places along the coast.”

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“It also has so many great holiday parks and campsites too.”

In fact, France has over ten thousand registered campsites across the country – some even have waterparks and beach clubs.

Equally great for a cross-Channel break is the Netherlands, thanks to its award-winning theme park that Jenna reckons is on a par with Disneyland Paris.

She said: “We’ve driven over there from the UK a lot, and there’s loads to do for families.

“The theme park, Efteling, is really cool – I’d call it Disneyland Paris after dark. It’s based on fairytales and is a little creepy.

“But I prefer it to Disneyland. I think it’s a bit more authentic, and it feels more magical.”

Efteling is a popular fairytale-themed attraction in Kaatsheuvel.

Some of the most thrilling rides in the park include Baron 1898 which has a 120ft free-fall drop into a mineshaft at 55mph.

There’s a double-track rollercoaster called Joris en de Draak where riders can speed past a 39ft fire-breathing dragon.

The theme park is also home to the world’s largest swinging ship, a monorail, and an 100-year-old steam carousel.

Day tickets for Efteling for anyone over the age of four range from €40 to €56 depending on the day of visit.

You could tie the theme park into a city break with the kids, as it’s under an hour on the train from Amsterdam – so plenty of culture for the adults and roller coasters for the kids in one trip.

March is one of the most reliable months for a family city break, and Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities to do with children.

The weather sits around 10 to 12C, the city starts to feel brighter, and peak tourism is still a few weeks away.

It is flat, organised and designed for everyday life, which makes navigating it with kids feel intuitive rather than stressful.

March is also when parks, canal walks and museums like NEMO Science Museum really come into their own, giving you options that work whether the day is high energy or low key.

If you’re looking for somewhere with guaranteed sun, head outside of Europe for Agadir in Morocco.

The coastal resort city has plenty of sunshine, sandy beaches with vibrant souks and hotels.

Jenna said: “I know it’s not a place where families would traditionally go – but it’s amazing.

“It’s very cheap, they’ve got lovely hotels and there’s lots of fun activities to do, and it’s culturally interesting.

“It’s not like the Costa del Sol where everything’s made for the Brits. It’s Morocco, so you can go to markets and explore the desert.”

During her holiday, Jenna and her family checked into the Allegro Agadir.

She went on to tell Sun Travel that not only is Agadir family-friendly, it’s also cheap as she paid just £600 for her family of three at the time.

It has plenty of running about space for kids on the grassy areas and children have their own swimming pool, games and club.

There’s also a tennis court, evening entertainment and all rooms either have views across the pool, or over the garden.

The hotel is a short walk from the beach where there are complimentary sunbeds for hotel guests.

Jen’s new book ‘Yes You Can Travel With Kids’ is available now on Amazon.

For more on family holidays, here are the cheapest destinations under three hours from UK that are over 20C this Easter.

And here are eight holiday destinations the Sun Travel team have their eye on for March – with flights from £13.

OVER the Mother’s Day weekend, you can head to some fantastic attractions across Britain for free – or as little as 25p.

Between March 7 and 15, National Lottery players can get free tickets, discounted tickets and special offers to hundreds of attractions across the UK.

All you need to do is show proof of purchasing a National Lottery ticket, scratchcard or Instant Win Game in store or online.

And what better way to spend Mother’s Day than exploring somewhere your mother has always wanted to – but without paying the usual fee.

So here are some of the best to add to your diary to visit next weekend.

The Brunel Museum, London

On March 14 and 15, you can head to the Brunel Museum for free and explore the world’s first underwater tunnel.

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The Thames Tunnel was built by Marc Brunel alongside his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel and hundreds of workers.

It was originally a pedestrian tunnel with lots of shops and entertainment, and then it was later converted into a train tunnel, which the Windrush Line now uses.

As part of your visit, you can head 40 feet underground into the Tunnel Shaft.

Tickets need to be booked in advance via the Museum’s website, using the code ‘LOTTERY26’.

English Heritage Bolsover Castle, Bolsover

Bolsover Castle was once an aristocratic retreat during the 17th century.

Inside, there are wall paintings and lavish interiors, and outside you can explore the Fountain Garden, which is designed around a statue of Venus and features lots of flowers.

If you have kids, there is a play area as well and a tearoom.

It’s not required to book in advance, but use the code ‘NLOPENWEEK26’ to gain free entry.

Free Family Swims at The Lenton Centre, Nottingham

Between 2:30pm and 3:30pm on Mother’s Day, families can go swimming at The Lenton Centre in Nottingham.

It’s a family swim session so you can master your swimming skills or splash and play.

As spaces are limited, booking in advance is recommended and you just need to bring your swimming gear and a towel.

Willow weaving with Oskars, Bridgewater

In Bridgwater, on Mother’s Day you can have a go at willow weaving with Oskars the Wanderer.

You’ll learn about the ancient craft, whilst also getting hands-on experience.

The workshop is ideal for beginners or even those with some willow weaving experience that want to learn new techniques.

And what’s better is that you get to take home your creation.

All materials and tools are included, and there are two sessions on Mother’s Day – one starting at 10am and another starting at 2pm.

The workshop will take place at Mingle Cafe Bridgewater and is for over 18s.

Abbotsford, The home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose

Each day between March 7 and 15 from 12pm, you can head on a free tour of Abbotsford House, which was once home to Sir Walter Scott.

While you do have to pay for admission to Abbotsford, which is £16.20 per adult and gives you access to the house and gardens, the guided tour will be free when you present a National Lottery ticket.

English Heritage Housesteads Roman Fort & Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland

Housesteads is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain and can be found midway along Hadrian’s Wall.

The fort was built around AD 122, which is when work on Hadrian’s Wall began.

Over the decades, excavations have revealed major buildings, defences and even a settlement just outside the walls of the fort.

Visitors can see the fort as well as explore an immersive exhibition.

And you will even be able to see the oldest toilets in Britain!

You don’t need to book in advance but you can do online if you want to by using the code ‘NLOPENWEEK26’.

Historic Royal Palaces Hampton Court Palace, London

If you don’t mind celebrating Mother’s Day a day early, then you can head to Hampton Court Palace in London.

Whilst not free, you can get 50 per cent off tickets for up to two adults and four children.

You can explore Tudor kitchens, see amazing architecture and wander through 60 acres of gardens.

Booking online in advance is essential, and you will need to enter the code ‘LOTTERY50’ to benefit from the promotion.

Filmhouse, Edinburgh

Fancy doing something a little out of the ordinary? Well, you can go on a tour of the projection box at the Filmhouse in Edinburgh.

This unique opportunity allows visitors to see how real film projection works and explore the hidden areas of a film house.

Places are limited to 10 per tour and you’ll need to book your space via the Filmhouse website.

Eden Project, Cornwall

From March 7 to 15, you can get free entry to the Eden Project in Cornwall.

What says Mother’s Day more than flowers? Well, exploring thousands of them alongside other tropical plants.

The Eden Project is also home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest, so you can investigate plants from further afield.

You’ll need to book a free day entry ticket on the website, and then show your National Lottery ticket on arrival.

Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire

Perfect if you are spending Mother’s Day with children, Witley Court and Gardens boasts exciting woodland trails, sprawling gardens and a wilderness play area.

Witley Court once used to be a Victorian party palace, and inside the audio tour will bring the mansion’s party days to life.

To get free entry, simply show up with a National Lottery ticket or proof of a game.

For more inspiration on where you can visit across National Lottery Open Week, here are some more of the top attractions open across the country.

Plus, you can get a year’s free entry to 20 of UK’s top theme parks and attractions for less than the cost of one chocolate bar a week.

The provided text details the historical significance of Language Martyrs’ Day, a major public holiday in Bangladesh that honors those who fought for linguistic recognition. After the partition of India, the government of Pakistan attempted to establish Urdu as the sole official language, triggering widespread resistance in the Bengali-speaking eastern region. This tension culminated on February 21, 1952, when police killed several students during a protest at the University of Dhaka. These sacrifices eventually forced the government to grant Bengali official status, serving as a pivotal milestone toward the eventual independence of Bangladesh. Today, the date remains a somber and proud reminder  … 

The roughly three-mile route winds through historic neighborhoods with excellent views, incredible century-old homes and (literally) breathtaking climbs along with an intriguing collection of gates and doors. The walk also gives you a chance to admire the Hollywood Bowl without jillions of people milling around (and, if necessary, visit its lovely restrooms without waiting forever in line), but be sure to check the Bowl’s schedule ahead of time. The route won’t be possible when it’s having a concert.

Traffic and parking are always a challenge in this part of L.A. and nearly impossible in the High Tower area. I recommend finding a place to park across Highland Avenue on Milner Road because it’s less traveled (and very lovely). One final note: This route has few sidewalks, and those that exist are uneven, so keep an eye open for traffic and trip hazards, which is tougher than it sounds, because there are plenty of lovely sights to distract.

Here’s how to get there:

1. Start your walk at the corner of Camrose Drive and Highland Avenue, next to the Highland-Camrose Bungalow Village (which we’ll visit later.) Walk straight up Camrose past Woodland Way to Rockledge Road, where you’ll turn right and continue your climb.

This Hollywood Heights neighborhood has a real Mediterranean feel, with brilliant white villas clinging to the hills. The narrow winding street offers charming views of balconies and towers and the soothing tinkle of running water, so it’s easy to forget the cacophonous traffic and looming billboards nearby. The views get better as you climb until you reach the top of the hill and the end of Rockledge — at least for vehicles.

2. Continue walking to the end of the cul-de-sac, where you’ll find Los Altos Place, a pedestrian-only street. At the start of the walkway is a beautiful mosaic bench, where you can stop to catch your breath and then descend the first set of stairs, just 12 steps down.

3. This narrow walk takes you past many impressive doors and gates until you reach High Tower Drive. You’ll cross this road to stay on Los Altos Place, but as you cross, take a moment to wonder at the tiny garages built into the bottom of the hill and the High Tower elevator built like a freestanding Italian bell tower (a.k.a. campanile) rising 100 feet above. The elevator tower was designed by architect Carl Kay in the 1920s to provide the neighborhood’s tony residents elevator access to their hilltop homes, which are inaccessible by car.

4. Alas, only residents have a key to the elevator, so you must admire from afar and continue your walk along Los Altos Place, which includes a short set of 23 steps, to another pedestrian walkway called Broadview Terrace, where you will turn right and climb 37 steps toward the tower. At the top you’ll see more mostly white houses, bristling with balconies and to your right, a clearing with some gorgeous views of Hollywood.

5. Keep walking on Broadway Terrace, past the back side of the tower, to the next pedestrian walkway, Alta Loma Terrace, where you will turn right. It’s easy to get confused here, because the narrow walkway seems to have many passages that lead to front doors. After you pass the tower and a large, white Streamline Moderne home on your right, look for the street sign to Alta Loma Terrace on your left, partially hidden by shrubs and turn right.

6. This is another narrow, shaded walkway where you will see more interesting gates and fences than actual homes, but at No. 6881, you’ll pass a boarded-up 1921 Craftsman-style home with Japanese influences peppered with graffiti and “keep out” notices. The home once belonged to pioneering Asian American actor Philip Ahn, but it’s mostly famous now for being the home where Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love lived from 1992 to 1993. It’s sometimes known as the “In Utero” house, because Cobain wrote most of Nirvana’s third and final studio album, “In Utero,” there. Now the most notable thing, beyond the warnings, are the squirrels and bees buzzing around the property’s lovely overgrown landscape.

7. Follow Alta Loma Terrace as it slopes downhill and turns to the right. It’s mostly walkway along here, with intermittent series of short steps, but the descent is steep enough that you’ll feel it in your legs. After a short four steps down to No. 6836, where a beautiful pink bougainvillea drapes near a blue gate, the walkway turns left, and the descent feels faster over a series of four 14-step stairs separated by segments of straight walkways until you finally take 10 steps down into a parking lot and turn left.

8. You’ll be walking beside those adorable little garages on your left, barely big enough to hold a small modern sedan, and exit onto Highland Avenue through a black gate (that is locked from the parking lot side, so be sure you’re ready to leave).

9. Now turn left toward the Hollywood Bowl, and you can walk through the parking area, which is shaded by many beautiful trees and much more pleasant than walking alongside Highland Avenue’s unrelenting traffic. Walk up to the main entrance to admire the lovely Art Deco George Stanley fountain created in 1940, then walk over to the Peppertree Lane walkway — yes, lined by pepper trees — to the amphitheater. which is open to visitors who want to admire.

10. You won’t find much else open except for clean restrooms, which we were happy to visit. After gaping at the shell-shaped stage and the venues towering, arched rows capable of seating 18,000, retrace your steps back toward Highland. And near the place where you exited from the Alta Loma Terrace parking lots, step inside the gates to the Highland Camrose Park Pathway, around 2153 Highland Ave. On concert nights, this park is usually full of people eating their picnic dinners before entering the theater, but the park is usually empty and quiet when the Bowl is closed.

11. Follow the path heading east toward Camrose, and take a few minutes to wander through the cobble-stoned Highland-Camrose Bungalow Village of 14 Craftsman homes built between 1900 and 1924, according to an informational sign at the village. The cute houses were designed to be working-class housing for film-industry folks — what a concept! — and today mostly house offices for organizations affiliated with the Hollywood Bowl as well as the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Parks Bureau.

12. Exit onto Camrose and turn left to Highland Avneue, where you’ll cross to the other side, where Camrose becomes Milner Road and start walking uphill into the Whitley Heights Historical Preservation Overlay Zone, created by developer H.W. Whitley and architect A.S. Barnes. The majority of the stately homes were designed between 1918 and 1928 to resemble a Mediterranean village and quickly became the home of Hollywood’s elite, including Rudolph Valentino, Tyrone Power, Gloria Swanson and Marlene Dietrich, according to the Los Angeles City Planning website.

13. Follow Milner Road as it winds and climbs up the lushly landscaped hill. After the road curves left, watch for La Scène Idéal, an adorable yellow 1923 cottage that hugs the next curve. At Watsonia Terrace, bear right to stay on Milner Road and continue walking uphill, past several grand Spanish Colonial Revival-style homes, the neighborhood’s favored design. It’s the details on these homes that really captured my eye — arched doorways and windows (some with stained glass), tile inlays, elaborate garage doors and wrought iron light fixtures.

14. At the end of Milner, turn right onto Whitley Terrace, with some breathtaking views on your right, along with many more lovely homes. The book mentions a short stair just past 6681 Whitley Terrace, before a stretch of low slung freestanding garages, but it’s apparently been removed. A small plaque marks the spot where the Mary Jackson Staircase was rebuilt in 2000, but it no longer exists, so keep walking a short distance more to Grace Avenue and turn left to continue climbing the hill.

15. The higher you go, the more houses seem to become more stately. At the top of the hill, you’ll see Kendra Court to your left, a gated street closed to the public. Follow Grace Avenue as it turns right and heads downhill.

16. Turn right at the next street, which is Whitley Terrace, and follow it down past Bonair Place, where the road starts curving to the right. Follow the curve to the Whitley Terrace Steps, between 6666 and 6670 Whitley Terrace, and your final stairs, a twisting, 159-step descent with various short landings under shady trees, wrought-iron fences and tiled roofs. At step 66, pause to admire a charming yellow gate and then carry on, through a charming wrought iron gate back to Milner Road and wherever you parked your car.

For the handful of skiers gliding across a sun-drenched ridge high in the San Gabriel Mountains, the wide expanse of the Inland Empire stretched to the Pacific Ocean nearly two vertical miles below.

Across sparkling water, the rugged spine of Catalina Island graced the horizon.

The view rivaled anything at the posh, world-renowned ski resorts of Lake Tahoe, but this was humble Mt. Baldy — the familiar local mountain that, for a few precious weeks each year, becomes a downhill skiing destination that holds its own with anything in the American West.

A sign inside Top of the Notch restaurant at Mt. Baldy.

Last week — after the 10,000-foot summit that looms above Los Angeles emerged from storm clouds blanketed in white — was one for the ages.

But in a rapidly warming world, and in an industry dominated by two huge and growing conglomerates that are crushing the competition, every run feels fleeting.

These days, managing a small ski business is like trying to keep a mom-and-pop general store afloat after Walmart comes to town.

By noon last Wednesday on Mt. Baldy — a little more than an hour’s drive from downtown L.A. — it was getting pretty hot, and the snow was melting fast.

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For a skier racing between towering Jeffrey pines and plummeting through soft, slushy piles of forgiving snow, the hardest part was dodging exposed rocks and random tree limbs that appeared underfoot with alarming frequency.

The hardest part for the business is the fact that one of the conglomerates, Alterra Mountain Co., essentially surrounds Mt. Baldy.

Zac Chambers and his daughter Whitney, 6, of Upland, snowboard together at Mt. Baldy.

It owns Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit in nearby San Bernardino County, and Mammoth Mountain, the closest big resort in California’s High Sierra.

Although a season pass at Mt. Baldy is a relative bargain at about $300, it’s good only when there’s snow.

For about $800, you can get an “Ikon Pass” from Alterra, which offers access to all of its resorts in California and dozens more across the country and around the globe, including South America, Europe and Asia.

All of which makes keeping the lights on and the chairlifts spinning at beloved, but beleaguered, local resorts an exhausting labor of love.

Last week, Robby Ellingson, president and general manager of Mt. Baldy Resort, drove two hours to a rival resort in Big Bear Lake to pick up spare parts for an old chairlift that had broken down. He thanked them with a few cases of beer.

He planned to grab some tools and install the parts himself, with the help of an electrician.

Michael Phelps, left, and Seven Foster, of Riverside, take the chairlift up to Mt. Baldy Resort.

“I climb the lift towers, I drive snowcats, I do pretty much everything,” he said, chuckling at all of the hard, physical labor despite his executive title. “There’s a lot of things I do that none of the other dudes who hold my position would dream of — out of necessity.”

Another Mt. Baldy executive, Ellingson’s brother Tommy, turned up for an interview on the mountain in a camouflage hoodie, clutching an electric hand drill.

“Everybody’s like a Swiss army knife up here,” he quipped. “It’s awesome, it’s organic!”

It’s also very old-school.

While resorts like Mammoth invest millions in state-of-the-art chairlifts that whisk six people at a time up the mountain with astonishing speed, Mt. Baldy relies on slow, creaking two- and three-person lifts reminiscent of the 1980s.

A lot of the ski gear, ski fashion and the skiers themselves seemed proudly rooted in a bygone era too.

A skier carves down the mountain at Mt. Baldy.

Chris Caron, a 65-year-old retiree who lives 20 minutes down the road, stood at the top of the experts chairlift with a beard as white as snow, a black plastic sun shield across his nose and a cold craft beer in hand.

“There’s big conglomerates trying to buy everybody up, and I don’t want that,” he said, shading himself beneath the bill of his Pliny the Elder ball cap. “That’s what I love about here. It’s not so commercialized.”

Caron said he snowboards at Baldy every chance he gets — 20 to 30 days in a good year.

“I grew up here. We used to ride our bicycles and hike these mountains,” he said. “It’s like home.”

Driving back from visiting family in Missouri recently, Caron stopped at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, a bucket list destination for people who don’t shy from pricey vacations. He couldn’t help himself, he said — they’d just had a big dump of fresh powder and it wasn’t too far out of his way. But it didn’t feel right.

“It’s pretty posh,” he said with a resigned shrug. “That’s just not me.”

Also enjoying the uncrowded slopes and gloriously short lift lines on Wednesday was Tommaso Ghio, 28, an aspiring filmmaker from Italy who spent much of the afternoon snowboarding shirtless and looking like an extra from a Visit California commercial.

Old skis adorn a light fixture at the Top of the Notch restaurant at Mt. Baldy.

He and his friends drove up through the desert where it was, “like 80 or 90 degrees, and then we just ended up on top of a mountain,” covered in snow, he said, grinning as if he had won the lottery. “You can’t get this anywhere else.”

But the balmy weather that made the afternoon feel so decadent, and otherworldly, also poses a serious threat to Baldy’s on-again, off-again ski season.

It started with a surprise early storm in November — one that had locals dreaming of a record-breaking year — followed by a bone-dry December.

Then at Christmas, an atmospheric river that dumped several feet of snow on Northern California resorts arrived at Mt. Baldy, which tops out at 8,600 feet, as “catastrophic” rain, Ellingson said.

Rain washes away existing snow and destroys the quality of anything left behind.

And since Christmas week crowds generate about 30% of annual revenue at many U.S. ski resorts, the storm soaked Mt. Baldy in more ways than one.

Things stayed grim until last week’s storm, which dropped more than 2 feet of snow at the base of the resort and up to 3 feet at the top.

With limited snow at lower elevations, people make the up-and-down trip from the chairlift at Mt. Baldy.

It took some time to recover from damage done by the howling wind and make sure none of the enormous piles of snow on the upper reaches became life-threatening avalanches. When the resort finally opened, the skiing was as good as any in recent memory.

“I’ve lived in Mt. Baldy almost my entire life,” said Ellingson, who is 50, “and last Friday was one of my top five days ever.”

He’s hoping the storm delivered enough snow to stay open for at least a month, but the heat is not helping.

Ellingson’s family bought the Mt. Baldy Lodge, a restaurant in the village far below, in the late 1970s. They started running the ski hill, which they own a substantial share of, in 2013.

Increasingly fickle winters have forced the resort to branch out in an attempt to boost summer earnings and attract non-skiing customers: hosting moonlight hikes with live music in the restaurant at the base of the lifts, renting “glamping” tents on wooden platforms — with beds and locking doors — to tempt uneasy campers to sleep beneath the stars.

And in what Ellingson called a “swing for the fences” move, the resort recently bought a microbrewery in Upland. After serving beers at the restaurant for decades, it seemed like a natural next step.

Anything to avoid getting trapped in a “desk job,” Ellingson said, like his friends working as middle managers at the big, corporate resorts.

“I hate to throw shade,” he said, but do those guys ever go skiing?

Independence is priceless to Ellingson because, when you’re the boss and the snow is good, nobody can order you to stop throwing tricks in the terrain park and flying off jumps.

“I grew up during the X Games boom. That’s my identity,” he said. “I still get rad every single day.”

FLIGHTS are continuing to be cancelled as the travel chaos caused by the Middle East conflict enters a fourth day.

Limited flights were permitted to take off last night, which included an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to London.

However the majority of airlines have confirmed that most flights remain cancelled.

According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, around 73 flights are scheduled from the UK to the Middle East, working out to nearly 25,000 passengers affected today.

Emirates, which operates out of Dubai, confirmed that “limited flights” took off yesterday.

However, this was only for passengers with earlier bookings, and only those who are being contacted by Emirates.

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They warned: “Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified.

“All other flights remain suspended until further notice.”

Etihad also operated limited flights yesterday across Asia and Europe, which included a flight to London.

However, most scheduled flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until at least 2pm tomorrow.

In a statement, it confirmed: “Passengers should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad Airways and advised to do so.”

Qatar Airways confirmed this morning that flight operations were “still suspended due to the closure of the Qatari airspace”.

It added: “Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.

“A further update will be provided on March 4 by 9am Doha time.”

Virgin Atlantic has cancelled its Dubai to London flight today but has not yet confirmed any cancellations tomorrow.

And British Airways said they have “cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East”.

Most airlines are allowing passengers to ask for a full refund, or can move their flights to a later date without any additiona charge.

Yesterday, the General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE – in a very rare move – confirmed that the state would cover all accommodation and hosting costs for stranded passengers.

This means anyone still stuck in Dubai or Abu Dhabi will be able to stay at hotels free of charge, as well as not pay for any additional costs like food and drink.

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains everything to do know about travelling to the Middle East right now.

I’m standing at 3,330 metres on a tall metal platform with a heavy harness strapped to my back, gazing in awe at the snow-covered Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi ridge. It’s a gorgeous distraction while I wait to be clipped in and launched down the valley at 120 kilometres an hour. This is the Mont Fort zip line, the highest in the world. I sit with my legs dangling over the precipice, then with a stomach-churning clunk the mechanism releases and I speed through the air over tiny figures skiing below. It’s exhilarating and over too soon. I’m grinning ear to ear, my lungs full of high mountain air.

I’m in Verbier, one of Switzerland’s most famous ski resorts. With access to 410km of pristine piste, excellent alpine food and a legendary après-ski culture, what’s not to like? Well, for many, the price. Verbier has long been favoured by A-listers and royalty, with eye-watering prices to match. Happily, there is a way to enjoy the same slopes, with much less of a financial hit. Stay in the village of La Tzoumaz (pronounced La Tsoo-mah), where accommodation can be half the price of Verbier, and you’re one chairlift away from the entire Four Valleys ski area. And as I discover, this “back door” resort has plenty of its own charms too.

La Tzoumaz has a year-round population of little more than 300 and, despite the influx of skiers, retains a charming village feel. Its name comes from the word “tzoumer” in Valaisan dialect, meaning “the place where you rest”, and it’s a good fit. I’m staying at Le Papill’on, a boutique hotel run by Ana and Pico. The 12 cosy, wood-panelled bedrooms are above the restaurant, some with views of the mountains, and the welcome is warm and genuine. Breakfast is generous, with Ana’s pastel de nata alongside eggs, cheese and meats, plus yoghurt, granola, fruit and cakes. Perfect fuel for a day on the slopes. Ski hire and the gondola are just two minutes’ walk away.

While Verbier access is the bonus, there’s also wonderful skiing at La Tzoumaz. A combination of north- and south-facing slopes gives excellent snow coverage over miles of blue, red and black runs. There are four chairlifts, including the swish new “télémixte” lift (both gondolas and chairlifts), which opened its second phase last December, improving the connection between Verbier and La Tzoumaz. A permanent “funslope” has ramps, jumps and tunnels, some of which play music – definitely not just for kids. There are two top ski schools: I spend a day with instructors from Ecole Suisse de Ski and another with Tzoum’Evasion and find all the guides unfailingly positive and professional. A beginner in our group progresses from grappling with bindings to snowplough turns in two days. The dedicated “Babylift” area is ideal for new skiers.

I’m here to ski, but it would be remiss to skip the other activities on offer. While the zip line was a definite highlight, I also try La Tzoumaz’s popular luge attraction. At 10km, it’s one of Europe’s longest sledging tracks, with a vertical descent of 711m. I crash into the sides (definitely wear a helmet), career off the edge into a snowdrift, and take a wrong turn requiring a long walk back, pulling my sledge. Speed demons will love it: I’m glad I tried it (but also, never again).

Ice-skating in La Tzoumaz is more my style, and the free ice rink makes this an easy evening activity. In peak season there’s a bar beside the rink, and you can rent skates from the sports shop over the road. We have a go at eisstock, a game similar to boules but played on ice. Best attempted with a mulled wine to warm the hands. At the base of the ski station there’s a little swimming pool, free to use with your lift pass. At Riddes, the village at the bottom of the slopes, I pop in to the Maye winery to taste some Swiss wines.

Food on the mountains is hearty skiing fuel. L’Inkontro is a smart new restaurant on Les Attelas slope, with incredible views over the valley from its large, sunny terrace. It merges Valaisan cuisine with Italian classics; the baked tortellini gratin powers my afternoon nicely. Chez Simon is a cosy alpine hut, easy to spend a few hours in. Croûtes are popular here, an alpine version of cheese on toast that’s so generous it’s served in a bowl to catch all the melted cheese. For serious mountain hunger, the croûte royale has added ham, egg and pickles. Stop for coffee at Croix-de-Cœur to drink in panoramic views over the Rhône valley, La Tzoumaz and Verbier.

Although it’s an easy ski between Verbier and La Tzoumaz, by road it’s a little more challenging. Currently you have to go down the mountain to Riddes and back up, and the buses don’t run all night, so it’s better to enjoy après-ski back in La Tzoumaz to avoid risking an expensive taxi. Evenings in La Tzoumaz are more relaxed than Verbier, but a lot of fun. For après-ski, Bar Des Etablons towards the end of the slopes is a lively and unpretentious meeting point with upbeat tunes. The sledging route ends here, and the free ski bus picks up outside.

Down in the village, near the ski lifts, Le Central bar is the best spot to wind down, with comfy leather sofas and beautiful big windows overlooking the valley. It opened last December, run by pro-snowboarder Xavier de Le Rue and friends. There are pizzas to share, local beers and a good wine list. For restaurants head to Le Papill’on for garlic snails or raclette, L’Auberge La Tzoumaz for fondue or local fish, and at L’Trappeur the house speciality, la potence de bœuf – beef served “on the gallows”, skewered on a metal structure then flame-grilled at the table. A well-stocked supermarket makes self-catering easy too.

While skiing in Switzerland may never be cheap, La Tzoumaz makes its most famous ski area feel far more attainable. With affordable accommodation, seamless access to the Four Valleys, and a friendly village atmosphere, it’s proof you don’t need to stay in the spotlight to enjoy the very best of the Alps.

The trip was provided by Verbier 4Vallées. Travel to Riddes by train from Geneva (with a change in Martigny) then catch a bus to La Tzoumaz. Hôtel Le Papill’on has rooms from 97 Swiss francs (£89) B&B a person, based on two sharing. Adult ski hire at T-Shop starts at £167 for six days. An adult one-day ski pass for the Verbier 4Vallées sector is around £85, adult six-day pass £380. More information at verbier.ch