This sun-soaked city that welcomes more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and a tropical climate, is a haven for holidaymakers seeking a quieter escape from the tourist crowds
This beautiful coastal city, with nearby towns, is a lesser-known destination (Image: Getty Images)
A beautiful coastal city, less than three hours from the UK, offers a scenic escape with 21C April temperatures and £13 flights.
Almería, in southeast Spain, is set against the diverse landscapes of volcanic beaches, azure waters, and dramatic desert, with balmy rays and virtually year-round sunshine. It’s a lesser-known destination compared to the likes of Costa del Sol, with quieter beaches and a laid-back atmosphere for a more authentic Spanish experience.
Due to its location near the Tabernas Desert, Almería is known as the ‘desert coast’ and enjoys a warmer, drier climate than neighbouring areas. It welcomes more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and only around 26 days of rainfall, making it a highly desirable sun-soaked destination.
In April, visitors can expect to bask in a balmy 21C and enjoy eight hours of blistering sunshine. During the summer months, temperatures can creep up to 32C, with an inviting 12 hours of sunshine every day, and a warm 24C in the turquoise sea.
Aside from the inviting climate, the coastal city offers an affordable holiday, with flights from London to Almería starting at £13 in April, or £17 from Manchester, according to Skyscanner. What’s more, prices don’t rise too much during the peak summer season, with flights from Manchester to Almería costing from £28 one-way in July, or from £33 departing from London.
Once you’ve arrived in the pretty Spanish city, the appealing prices only continue. Travel experts at First Choice found that a beer could set you back just £3 (€3.50) in Almería, while a three-course meal for two typically costs between £25 (€30) and £30 (€35).
Alongside its stretches of golden-sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and diverse landscapes, there’s plenty to explore in the Spanish region. The walkable, compact city centre is brimming with charm, from its Gothic and Renaissance architecture to ancient landmarks, narrow streets and bustling tapas bars.
Almería is renowned for its huge tapas culture and vibrant bars, so you’ll often get free tapas with every drink, as you dine alongside Spaniards. There’s also the 16th-century cathedral towering over the streets, the Plaza Vieja with its beautiful architecture and palm trees, and the main shopping area of Puerta de Purchena, which is brimming with boutique shops.
Away from the city is the protected Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, with volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the most stunning Spanish beaches. There’s also the striking Tabernas Desert that you can explore during a guided day tour, as well as the charming whitewashed hilltop village of Mojácar.
The village may look recognisable to some as it was famously used as the backdrop for major Hollywood movies, including Indiana Jones, and the hit TV series Game of Thrones. There’s even the opportunity to visit the preserved Wild West film set of MiniHollywood Oasys, which offers various shows and attractions in a setting that will transport you straight onto the set of Indiana Jones.
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Holiday makers have been urged to think carefully about what they share online(Image: Getty)
Families have been warned to be careful to avoid a costly mistake when heading away on holiday. The word of warning comes as key changes to the passport system are coming in soon.
Your holiday photos could cost you a lot of money and could invalidate your home insurance. Karishma Darji, from storage group Ready Steady Store, said: “Posting holiday selfies while you’re away might seem harmless, but it tells the world your home is empty. Insurers could view that as poor security.”
She said this mistake could land you a large bill if the worst happens.
Ms Darji said: ” If your property is burgled and investigators find public posts showing you were away, they may argue you didn’t take ‘reasonable care’ to protect your home.”
If your insurance is invalidated due to you posting a holiday snap while you are away from home and you are burgled, you will be responsible for covering the costs of any loss and damages yourself. Ms Darji said this could mean you end up with a four-figure bill to pay.
She explained: “The annual Crime Survey for England and Wales, published by the ONS in April 2025 shows that the average loss from burglary equates to £4,269. The average value of stolen items sits around £2,800, whereas damage from forced entry averages at £1,400.
“However, every house differs based on the value of possessions they own, so the total cost to replace items could be significantly higher.” In light of this danger, her simple word of advice is: “Save the snaps until you’re back to avoid invalidating your claim.”
Passport changes
This update comes as the cost of applying for a passport is soon to increase. Application fees are increasing by 8 per cent, with the new fees coming in from April 8.
The proposed increases, which need to be approved by Parliament, will include the following:
The standard online application submitted from within the UK will rise from £94.50 to £102 for adults
This will go up from £61.50 to £66.50 for children under 16
Postal applications will increase from £107 to £115.50 for adults and £74 to £80 for children under 16
The charge for a Premium Service (one-day) application submitted from within the UK will rise from £222 to £239.50
The charge for a standard online application for a UK adult passport when applying from overseas will rise from £108 to £116.50
This will also increase from £70 to £75.50 for children under 16
Standard paper applications for overseas passports will see a rise from £120.50 to £130 for adults, and from £82.50 to £89 for children under 16.
The real perk of this hotel is that guests can save on pricey airport parking by booking onto a four, eight or 15 day deal that includes parking at the hotel, one night’s stay and a private transfer to the airport the following morning.
What are the rooms like?
Clean and relatively modern rooms come in a variety of sizes and bed set ups to suit all manner of groups or travellers, including standard rooms, family rooms and triple rooms.
The standout of my standard king room was the marshmallow-like pillows that made for an ultra comfortable snooze ahead of an early morning trip.
What is there to eat and drink?
Unless you want to hitch a ride into Crawley, eating at the hotel is your only option due to its isolated location.
Luckily, the American-style grub here is decent – and there’s a cracking cocktail menu that will help you kick off your holiday in proper style.
Loaded burgers make up a large portion of the food menu, but there are salads, pasta dishes, curries and wings too.
Margarita lovers should wash their dinner down with a Big Bite, one of the hotel’s signature cocktails.
A spicy twist on the classic margarita, this one will blow your socks off.
If you have time for brekkie, there is a good selection of hot and cold options.
Everyone here was accommodating and, above all, cheery, gearing visitors up for their holiday.
Even at 4am, the concierge was whipping up coffees with a smile for me and fellow guests ahead of our weary-eyed taxi rides.
How much is the hotel?
Rooms cost from £89 per night. Park and fly packages vary.
Is the Sandman Signature London Gatwick family friendly?
Extremely. Rooms come in lost of convenient sizes including four-person family rooms, with a double, single and trundle bed.
There’s also triple rooms like double and single beds.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
Yes. There’s a lift up to bedrooms and accessible rooms come with extra space for wheelchair users, lowered features, wet rooms with pullable cords and a lot of well-thought out facilities.
Even at 4am, the concierge was whipping up coffees with a smileCredit: Sandman signatureThe hotel is basic, clean and modernCredit: Sandman signature
IT ISN’T even summer yet but we wouldn’t blame you if you are already excited about Christmas – and there’s good reason to be with some changes coming to LaplandUK.
LaplandUK – the huge family-friendly Christmas attraction – will be dropping tickets for both the Ascot and Manchester experiences this week,
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LaplandUK has a number of changes being introduced this yearCredit: LaplandUK
Ahead of the drop on March 27 (this Friday) at 10am, the attraction has also revealed some big changes to the experience this year.
One of the biggest changes is that guests will get more time in the Elven Village.
This means guests will have more time to go ice skating, letter writing and enjoying the magical atmosphere of the Elven World.
Whilst LaplandUK hasn’t yet confirmed how long visitors will now have in the Elven Village, in previous years visitors had 90 minutes to enjoy the area.
Another change for this year is that every child will now have the opportunity – included in their ticket – to create their own reindeer food with the Elves, ready to lay out on Christmas Eve for Father Christmas’ reindeer.
There is also a new invitation box this year, meaning that anyone who books a LaplandUK experience for 2026 will receive their invitations by the end of summer.
Returning this year will also be Mother Christmas’s Kitchen where kids will get more time to decorate gingerbread before meeting with Mother Christmas and the Elves for traditional story time.
LaplandUK is also bringing back the portal that takes humans ‘back to the UK’, but making it bigger for this year.
This year, LaplandUK will run from November 7 to December 24, with tickets costing between £60 and £195.
Last year, 350,000 tickets were available and before the tickets were released, over 750,000 people were waiting in the virtual queue online.
On March 27, when tickets go on sale, there will be a virtual queue online from 9am.
Guests will need to select their preferred venue – either Ascot or Manchester, – and then at 10am when tickets are released, each guest will automatically be allocated a random place in the queue for the venue they selected.
Once they reach position one in the queue, they will be able to select the number of tickets they want and the date they wish to visit.
After purchasing their tickets, in the following months guests will be sent a personalised invitation.
On the day of visiting, guests will venture through “secret portals in the Whispering Woods of the UK and follow magical pathways to arrive in Lapland”.
Visitors will get more time in the Elven Village for exampleCredit: LaplandUK
And throughout the day there will be performances and interactive activities such as helping out the Elves in the Toy Factory to make a toy to pop in Father Christmas’ Sleigh.
Kids will get a special moment with Santa as well, where they get a gift to take home and their parents are handed the toy they created in the Lapland Toy Factory to be given on Christmas Day.
IF you fancy a quiet escape off the coast of the UK, then an island is about to become much easier to get to.
The L-shaped Rathlin Island is six miles off County Antrim in Northern Ireland and is home to just 140 residents.
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Rathlin Island off the coast of Northern Ireland is home to just 140 peopleCredit: AlamyVisitors can stay ad the Manor House is now owned by the National Trust with rooms from £70 per personCredit: the Manor House
It does get busier during tourist season with holidaymakers hopping over on the ferry – which will relaunch for spring.
And there’s even more on offer with new weekend sailings starting up.
Once on the island, the main port and beach is where you’ll arrive.
Called Church Bay, it’s a small harbour with a gravel shoreline where visitors can spot seals and also check out the island’s only pub.
McCuaig’s Bar sits opposite the bay with an adjoining Ebb and Flow Cafe.
The walls of the bar are decorated with name places from ships that have been wrecked around Rathlin.
In total, there have been over 40 shipwrecks off the coast of Rathlin Island.
The island itself has three lighthouses which are needed because of Rathlin’s unique shape.
It’s on the western tip of Rathlin Island where you’ll find the ‘upside down’ lighthouse.
It was built into the cliff face back in 1912 and has been there to guide in boats and ships ever since.
While it’s not actually upside down, the lighthouse has its lantern room at the bottom of the tower rather than the top – which is traditional.
The reason is that when it guides ships in, the light isn’t obscured by fog that usually settles at the top of the cliff.
The island isn’t just popular for tourists seeking a quiet getaway as it’s also a nature reserve for seabirds.
So you’ll be able to spot razorbills, kittiwakes and puffins.
During the spring and summertime, some of the most popular activities include heading to Knockans viewpoint.
On a clear day, from here you can see across to Donegal.
Seals will be sunbathing at Church Bay and Mill Bay – which is on the east side of the island.
The west lighthouse on the island is considered to be upside downCredit: AlamyRathlin Island is where you’ll spot lots of puffinsCredit: PA
For those who don’t just want a day trip to the island, there is a hotel too.
The Manor House is an 18th century guesthouse with 12 rooms, a restaurant, bar and café.
It has a rich history as the house was built in 1756 for the Gage family, who bought the island 10 years earlier.
The last member of the Gage family to live at the Manor House was Brigadier Rex Gage who died in 1973.
Now, the hotel is owned by the National Trust – single rooms start from £80 and doubles from £140.
Come spring, there will be daily crossings from Ballycastle Harbour to Rathlin Island.
The ferries will run from April 3 to September 20, 2026 with an extra return journey every Saturday and Sunday morning.
The additional return crossings will leave Rathlin at 8.30am and Ballycastle at 9.30am.
It has two ferries, one that’s passenger-only and another that can take larger luggage cases and even pre-booked vehicles onto the island if you fancy driving around.
HAVE you ever wanted to live out your favourite movie? Well, there actually is an attraction in the UK that lets you do this.
Secret Cinema is known for hosting immersive movie experiences in the UK’s capital.
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Secret Cinema is planning to launch its first permanent venueCredit: Studio DJL & Dale Croft
Previous venues have included Battersea Park, Alexandra Palace and London Fields with shows including Grease, Stranger Things, Casino Royale, Guardians of the Galaxy, Dirty Dancing and even Bridgerton.
And now, Secret Cinema plans to create a permanent venue in Greenwich.
The purpose-built venue in North Greenwich, if approved, would open by the end of the year.
And the venue would be close to other popular destinations in Greenwich such as The O2 and the Troubadour Theatre, due to open in late 2026.
Merritt Baer, Artistic Director & Producer of Secret Cinema said: “Greenwich Peninsula is the perfect location for Secret Cinema’s long-term flagship home.
“We are committed to bringing world-class immersive experiences to London audiences and are thrilled to work with local businesses and partners to make this happen…
“We are looking forward to breaking ground on this venue and continuing to bring entertainment’s most loved stories to life.”
Secret Cinema hopes that Greenwich will become its permanent home “for up to 10 years”.
In addition to the potential permanent site, Secret Cinema has also announced that it is bringing back last year’s hit, Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical.
The experience will return to Battersea Park from July 22 to September 13.
Travel reporter Cyann Fielding visited last year’s Grease experience and said: “Secret Cinema’s Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical had immediately transported me out of London in 2025 and landed me in the world of Sandy and Danny in the 1950s.
“It felt like a time machine had dropped me into the world of Sandy and Danny, more than 65 years in the past.
“Guests can purchase carnival tokens, just like at a real fair, to enjoy the attractions at the experience.
The brand is known for creating immersive experiences based off of moviesCredit: Luke Dyson
“There was a Ferris wheel, flying chairs, hook-a-duck and even the iconic fun house from Sandy’s unforgettable transformation scene.
“Inside, the school’s gymnasium dominated the room, serving as the central stage for the night’s performance.
“Around the edges, themed bars and seating areas were scattered – each also playing a role in the experience.
“Rows of vintage cars had been converted into tables, the auto shop was slick with oil and the bleachers were ready for Patty Simcox to screech about school spirit.
“The experience kicks off with the film itself, but as key scenes played out, actors took to the stage to bring them to life, all before cutting back to the movie.
Secret Cinema also recently announced that it will be bringing Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical back for 2026Credit: Cyann Fielding
“My only criticism would be that at times it felt a little overwhelming to the senses – I found myself on occasions unsure where to look or what to listen to as the sound from the film, orchestra and actors sometimes battle against each other.
“Yet, the entire time my feet tapped and I couldn’t help but sing along.
“Both the dancing and singing throughout the experience was breathtakingly flawless.”
Unlike the usual West End shows in London, the Secret Cinema experience allows guests to stand and move around freely.
As you move around, so do the actors and they interact with you too, chatting while in full character.
Cyann added: “One student dropped by our table to rant about being ‘left out of Frenchy’s sleepover’ – dragging us directly into the drama.
Visitors get to walk around Rydell High, going on carnival rides, before heading into the gymnasium for the showCredit: Cyann Fielding
“For the finale, the audience was led back outside to the carnival.
“Sandy’s final transformation scene with song ‘You’re the One That I Want’ really did bring the house down complete with leather trousers and Shake Shack.”
The new seat will be installed from 2028 on hundreds of easyJet’s new aircraft, providing an extra two inches of improved knee and shin clearance
The new measure will be introduced in a few years(Image: PA)
As budget airlines attempt to cram more and more passengers onto flights, it can feel as if the seat in front edges slightly closer each time you board a plane.
However, a “next generation” economy seat is on the horizon, which its creators claim will provide travellers with additional legroom without compromising space for airlines.
The seat reshapes a passenger’s back, enabling their hips and spine to sit further back on the cushion so their knees and legs gain additional space at the front.
The back is constructed from carbon fibre rather than the traditional moulded plastic, producing a slimmer seat that provides crucial extra inches for the person behind.
A “fixed recline” of 22 degrees naturally shifts the passenger to the most efficient position in the seat, Mirus claims. Customers cannot manually recline the seat to annoy the passenger behind them.
A standard easyJet seat typically provides between 28 and 29 inches of room, meaning anyone who is six foot or taller will touch the seat in front with their knees. Some airlines on longer haul economy flights offer up to 34 inches of space.
“We’ve always had very comfortable leg room in easyJet,” said Kenton Jarvis, the airline’s chief executive. “This product is exceptionally comfortable, exceptionally light and allows a configuration that creates more space for the customer in the cabin.”
He explained easyJet wouldn’t be retrofitting any of its estimated 350 aircraft, stating: “There’s an expense to ripping off perfectly good seats and putting in and buying new ones.” The seats will instead appear in new orders of the Airbus A320neo and A321neo from 2028.
Research conducted this year by consumer group Which identified the short-haul carriers offering the tightest economy-class seat layout, or pitch, as Jet2, KLM, Lufthansa, Ryanair, SAS, TAP Air Portugal, Vueling and Wizz Air. All featured at least some seats with a 28-inch pitch.
The group noted that seat comfort also hinged on quality factors such as padding. By that measure, easyJet’s current seats achieved two out of five.
David Morgan, easyJet’s chief operating officer, commented: “We are delighted to be introducing the Mirus Kestrel seat across our future fleet.
“On top of the sustainability benefits, the additional legroom and enhanced comfort these seats will provide will also deliver an improved onboard experience for our customers, which we know they’ll love.”
EASYJET has launched a huge sale with millions of seats on offer for winter 2027 including the February half-term.
The budget airline’s Big Seat Release has over seven million seats on flights to and from the UK on sale for between February 1 and March 21, 2027.
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EasyJet has launched its Big Seat Release for winter 2027Credit: GettyDestinations include Agadir in Morocco, which was recently named the most affordable break for this summerCredit: Love holidays
Travellers can choose from over 140 destinations across Europe and North Africa from 22 UK airports.
Flight offers include one-way flights to Paris from London Gatwick, costing £31.99 on February 2, 2027.
You could also travel to Dusseldorf in Germany, Geneva in Switzerland, and Grenoble and Nantes in France for the same price.
If you fancy travelling further afield, you could fly to Agadir in Morocco from London Gatwick on February 23, 2027, for £37.99 one-way.
Agadir was recently named the most affordable break for summer 2026 by loveholidays, with a week holiday to the seaside city costing as little as £24 per person per night between June and August.
The Moroccan city is surrounded by mountains and also boasts a six-mile long golden beach.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the city and said: “The Moroccan city is home to the country’s largest market, Souk El Had, as well as a bustling harbour and modern marina.
“Rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1960, the sprawling city nestles against the Atlantic Ocean and its palm-lined wide roads feel more Miami than Morocco.”
Other bucket-list destinations include Reykjavik in Iceland, with flights costing from £44.17 per way and Thessaloniki in Greece, costing from £48.99 per way.
To find easyJet‘s lowest fares, head to the low fare finder section of the easyJet website where the best value fares are shown.
EasyJet holidays also has thousands of package holidays available, including to destinations such as the Canary Islands, Morocco and Tunisia.
All of the holiday packages include flights and a hotel, with a 23kg luggage allowance and transfers for beach getaways.
Kevin Doyle, UK Country Manager for easyJet, said: “Putting millions more seats and package holidays on sale today for nextwinter means our customers across the UK can book early and enjoy great value to Europe’s most popular leisure destinations, including firm favourites such as Amsterdam, Paris, Alicante, Tenerife, and Malaga.
“With hundreds of routes available from 22 UK airports, our short-haul network offers unrivalled choice for those planning their holidays for next year, to book with ease, and we can’t wait to welcome them on board.”
Every year on March 24th, Argentina observes Truth and Justice Memorial Day to honor the victims of the 1976 military coup that ousted President Isabel Perón. This public holiday serves as a solemn remembrance of the violent dictatorship that followed, characterized by a campaign of state terrorism against political dissidents and activists. During this dark era, thousands of citizens were kidnapped, tortured, and killed, with many individuals still officially classified as disappeared. Although the commemorative law was passed in 2002, it was not officially recognized as a national holiday until 2006. Today, the occasion is marked by massive peaceful demonstrations in Buenos Aires, where citizens gather to deman …
FAMILIES are facing a whopping £1.6billion tax blow on the “great British holiday”, a new report has warned.
The findings from industry body UKHospitailty, with figures crunched by Oxford Economics, show that a proposal to slap a five per cent levy on accommodation could “decimate” the industry.
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A holiday tax could slap holiday goers with a £1.6billion tax hell and lead to 33,000 jobs being axedCredit: Alamy
It comes as Labour Government has been proposing to allow local authoritiesthe right to tax overnight staysin holiday parks, campsites, B&Bs and hotels as part of a new holiday tax.
UK Hospitality claim the proposed levy would slash GDP – a benchmark for the country’s economic health – by £2.2billion.
It also warned it would result in a £1.8billion reduction in hospitality spending.
The group also claimed that it would lead to the loss of 33,000 job roles in areas of the UK where there are few alternative employment opportunities.
Allen Simpson, chief Executive of UKHospitality, said the tax would make staycations “more expensive and decimate tourism.”
“There are no winners from a holiday tax. From coastal communities and city centres to local guesthouses, pubs and taxi firms, the impacts are stark and indiscriminate.
He added: “Taxes up, jobs lost and our high streets hit once again. Holidays are for relaxing, not taxing. The government should keep it that way and stop the holiday tax.”
The charge, which could be applied to hotels, Airbnb-style accommodation and short lets, could amount to a whopping £1.6billion holiday tax on tourists by 2030, according to the figures
Meanwhile, Simon Palethorpe, chief of Haven, said it would mean fewer UK holidays resulting in “less investment and fewer jobs, often in areas where there are few alternative employment opportunities”.
He added: “In the UK, visitors are already paying double the VAT rate of the most popular overseas holiday hotspots. The UK is a great place to visit and we should be encouraging people to do so, not adding extra taxes.”
The government launched a consultation on the tax, with final views submitted last month.
Other measures that also could be introduced include a £2 tax per person per night on staycations.
However, it is worth noting that it will be up to individual mayors to decide whether or not to propose a charge for visitors to their towns or cities.
Government has previously said the charge will help improve local tourism infrastructure, public services.
The tourist reportedly admitted that he walked from a villa in the Ubud area because his stay there had come to an end and he’d been unable to find a driver to take him to a new accommodation
Karl Adolf Amrhein was reportedly confronted by officers in the village of Sukawati(Image: Gianyar Police Department)
A tourist was detained while out on a walk on holiday.
The American citizen, Karl Adolf Amrhein, was detained at 7.15 am on March 19 while walking with bags along Jalan Raya Sukawati in Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia’s police force said in a press statement.
The Pecalang officers patrolling the area discovered the foreign national traveling on foot.
“After initial communication failed, he was escorted to the Sukawati Police Station for clarification,” said Superintendent Chandra Citra Kesuma, the Chief of Gianyar Sub-regional Police.
According to Antara News, the tourist admitted that he walked from a villa in the Ubud area because his stay there had come to an end and he’d been unable to find a driver to take him to a new accommodation.
“Upon receiving this acknowledgement, Sukawati Police personnel, assisted by the Pecalang of Sukawati Traditional Village, explained that currently there is a Nyepi celebration on the island of Bali, where there is no activity for one day,” said Superintendent Chandra.
Mr Amrhein was told that all activities in Bali were temporarily suspended for Nyepi Day, it was reported. He was offered the opportunity to rest at the Sukawati Police Headquarters until the next day, but he reportedly asked for accommodation in a holiday villa, which was granted.
A mandatory stay-at-home order is in place across Bali during the Nyepi Day of Silence celebrations, during which all outdoor activities and public transport are banned.
The celebrations mark the start of the new year. However, unlike in other parts of the world, Balinese Hindus don’t mark the new year by having a huge booze-soaked party or letting off fireworks. Instead, they embrace the silence.
From 6am on March 11 until the same time the following day, adherents switch off their electrical devices, fast, meditate, and stay home with their families. Outside a group of specialist security officers patrol the street, ensuring that no one is outside causing a ruckus.
Although 8% of Bali’s population is not Hindu, the entire island is impacted by the holiday, which sees the roads completely cleared of vehicles aside from the occasional ambulance and all tourist attractions closed. Hotels do not check anyone in or out during the period. If you do find yourself on the island over the holiday, then you’ll be treated to an experience like no other.
The day before Nyepi is Ngrupuk, which is essentially a time to get all of the noise out of your system. Children parade effigies of evil spirits made out of papier-mâché around the streets before torching them, while men launch burning coconuts at one another. Carrying torches while yelling and spitting spice into the corner of homes is another common custom on the day.
Many hotels such as the Viceroy Bali do not allow customers to book in over Nyepi. Those who are already checked-in cannot leave the hotel grounds but are able to use the pool, spa and gym there. The Wi-Fi is also kept on.
“We respect our culture, but we also respect our guests. They are not the same religion as us, so that means our hotel is still operating normally,” resort manager Jero Mangku Tindih told CNN. On Ngrupuk guests of the hotel can head on an arranged trip to a nearby village to watch the flaming coconut battle and masked parade.
Chief Chandra urged all international visitors to respect Balinese customary laws to maintain communal harmony during high-level cultural observances.
A sprawling all-inclusive resort along the scenic coast has often been ranked as the ‘best in the UK’, with remarkable facilities that will keep everyone of all ages entertained
13:41, 24 Mar 2026Updated 13:41, 24 Mar 2026
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The all-inclusive resort has often been ranked among the ‘best in the UK’(Image: Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea)
You don’t need to travel far to lap up the benefits of an all-inclusive resort, as one of the ‘best in the UK’ offers incredible facilities, ‘West End’ shows and unlimited drinks.
When we think of an all-inclusive resort, it’s easy to turn our minds to those in Europe, sipping cocktails around the pool by day, and watching lively entertainment by night. But why not ditch the cost of a flight for an all-inclusive escape in the UK, perfect for families during the school holidays or adults looking for a serene escape?
Situated between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft on the Norfolk coast is the luxurious five-star, all-inclusive holiday resort, Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea, set across 65 acres.
Just a stone’s throw away from the golden sands of Hopton Beach, the resort has “something for everyone, and it’s all included”, and they mean everything, from its accommodation, drinks, meals, to entertainment, activities and facilities.
It’s been so highly praised and loved by visitors that Which? named it among the ‘best UK holiday parks & resorts’, while it was also highlighted as a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice. It’s not surprising, given the impressive facilities on offer.
The resort not only boasts two heated indoor swimming pools, a sauna, a steam room, and a whirlpool, but there’s also a spa where guests can pamper themselves with a massage or beauty treatment for an additional cost, but there’s so much more included in the price.
There are a bundle of fun activities, from their climbing wall and virtual reality experience, to pilates, yoga, nordic walking and dance classes. For those into sports, there’s certainly enough to keep you busy with badminton, tennis, pickleball, table tennis, air rifle shooting and archery all accessible.
Additionally, there’s a fully equipped gym, adventure golf, and bowls on the lawn of the World Indoor Bowls Championship. And if that wasn’t enough, there are traditional pub games and classic board games for those quieter afternoons, alongside snooker, pool, shuffleboard and darts, whatever your niche might be!
Sykes Cottages offers a wide range of handpicked holiday homes across the UK and Ireland, from cosy countryside retreats to stunning coastal escapes. Prices start from £27 per night
While the resort is predominantly for adults, it welcomes families and people of all ages during the school holidays, offering a host of fun-packed activities for kids, alongside its standard facilities. From KMX bikes and bungee trampolines to the inflatable assault course, football skills, and last man standing, the kids are bound to be entertained.
During the evenings, there is a packed programme of live music, dance, comedy, quizzes and cabaret, along with “West End-quality shows”.
Like any good all-inclusive, there’s plenty on offer food wise, with four meals a day for guests, as well as all-inclusive drinks covering teas and coffees, soft drinks, and a vast selection of beers, wines, and spirits.
For accommodation, the resort offers everything from a bungalow near the sea to hotel rooms near the main facilities, and penthouses with panoramic views of the scenic Norfolk coast. And when visitors can tear themselves away from the resort, there’s the sprawling Hopton Beach to explore, alongside the nearby town of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.
Following a visit in March this year, one visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Just returned home from Potters, this was our 3rd visit in 8 months, and as always it was first class all the way. Food and entertainment were superb, our accommodation was a bungalow plus, which was very comfortable, tried various activities which we haven’t done on our previous visits, absolutely loved Mark Brewer and his team, they are all so funny and friendly, can’t wait to return again, which I’m sure will be very soon.”
“First time for myself, daughter, granddaughter & two great granddaughters aged 5 & 3, half term week, loved every minute, plenty to do for all ages, food varied & so plentiful! Will definitely be back!” another shared.
The brand also has Potter’s Resorts Five Lakes in Essex, offering a similar experience set among a whopping 333 acres in the heart of the countryside. For more information on Potters Resorts, or to book your break, you can visit their website. Of course it’s not the only offering in the region. Holiday firms including Haven and Parkdean Resorts also offer a plethora of stays in the area, complete with plenty of entertainment options.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Monica’s apartment in Friends has been remade – and you can spend the night thereCredit: AIRBNBThe famous purple walls are exactly the same as the one in the hit TV showCredit: Unknown
Guests walk into the main living room which is replica of the iconic Friend’s flat including the same artwork, sofas and lamps.
Make sure to try out the keyboard, complete with a picture of Ross on it.
The open plan kitchen on the left includes similar styles as well as the main table and exposed brick walls.
On each side of the TV are also doors to both bedrooms, although these are in a more generic style rather than looking like Monica’s and Rachel’s.
It sleeps up to eight people, with two bedrooms each having a double bed and 2 bunk beds, although a cot can also be requested.
Something it has that Monica’s apartment didn’t is a private garden terrace with sofas and table football.
There are also Friends games including Wheel of Mayhem and Trivia games to try out while in the flat.
A tiny ‘Central Perk’ bar has even been installed on the ground floor, with comfy sofas and similar artwork.
And when you want to leave, you can check out the famous yellow picture frame on the door, which featured in the final ever scene of the series.
People on social media have been raving about the unusual Airbnb.
One said: “This is so amazing omg. Bucket list for sure.”
Another agreed: “Omg one ticket to France please.”
A third wrote: “The picture of Ross on the keyboard has me wheezing.”
The holiday home is near La Rochelle, which is less than an hour away.
The kitchen is made to look just like the apartment as wellCredit: Getty – ContributorEverything from the blue cupboards to the exposed brick have been includedCredit: AIRbnbThere is even a mini Central Perk on the ground floorCredit: AIRBNB
Stays start from £552 for a two night minimum stay, which works out to around £35 each a night if staying as a group of eight.
And if you want to do something exciting outside of the house there is the Futuroscope de Poitiers theme park (named one of the best in Europe) just 45 minutes away.
If you don’t want to go that far, there was The Friends Experience in London where you can pose in some of the iconic sets, although future dates are yet to be announced.
THE EASTER school holidays are just around the corner and with the kids off school, you might want to head on a staycation to fill some of their time.
There are loads of seaside towns across the UK, but Sun Travel has picked out some of the cheapest spots across England – all of which are great for family breaks this Easter.
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The UK is home to a number of cheap seaside spots including BlackpoolCredit: Alamy
Blackpool, Lancashire
Blackpool is often thought to be one of the cheapest seaside destinations in the UK, with arcades and a long-stretching beach.
For a one-night break over the Easter holidays, you could stay at The Merlin Hotel for £56 a night for two adults and two children (or £14 per person).
The hotel is in the city centre and is an eight minute walk from Blackpool Central Beach.
You can also head to Blackpool Winter Gardens Theatre just 400 metres away and Coral Island, 500 metres away.
When it comes to activities, you can head to Joyland – one of the oldest theme parks in the UK – and it is completely free to visit.
Rides are then priced separately so you can spend as little or as much as you like.
For example, the Super Snails ride costs £2.50 a turn.
Travel writer, Helen Wright, recently visited and for food suggests heading to Grelly’s, where you’ll be able to grab a hot sausage roll and chips for only £3.60.
Or you could head to Great Yarmouth, with a hotel costing around £86 per nightCredit: Alamy
When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, you could head to Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene Holiday Park from April 10 to 13 for £228 for four people (or £19 per person per night).
The holiday park is just a short walk to Crimdon Dene Beach, which offers amazing views of the north east coastline.
There is also a restaurant and bar on site in case you want to grab a bite to eat.
If you head into Hartlepool town, the Museum has free entry as well.
In Hartlepool, you could opt for Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene Holiday Park from April 10 to 13 for £228 for four peopleCredit: Alamy
Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
Found in Somerset, Weston-Super-Mare was a popular 19th-century Victorian seaside resort and is still loved today for its long beach and Grand Pier.
Stay at the Savoy Hotel from £99 a night for four people over the Easter holidays.
If you don’t mind being a little out of Weston-Super-Mare, in the next town along – Brean – you could stay at Unity Beach holiday park for three nights from April 10 to 13 for £189 for a family of four (£15.75 per person per night).
Visiting the Grand Pier will set you back £2 per person and an unlimited all-day ride wristband costs £15 per toddler and £20 per child.
Attractions on the pier include a mirror maze, Helter Skelter and soft play.
There are a number of eating spots on the pier as well where you can grab fish and chips for £12, sausage and chips for £7.50 and a range of kids meals for £6.
Weston-Super-Mare has a number of cheap attractions including the Grand Pier, which will set you back £2 per personCredit: Alamy
Penzance, Cornwall
Despite many thinking Cornwall is one of the more expensive places to head on a staycation, if you are heading to the county then visit Penzance, which is one of the more affordable spots.
For example, you could head to Seaview Holiday Park, costing around £60 a night for a family of four over the Easter holidays.
The accommodation has a kitchenette as well, so you can cut even more costs by cooking for yourself.
And there’s also an outdoor swimmingpool, indoor play area and games room.
The beach is then about a 25-minute walk away.
Sun Hols from £9.50 returns next week
WANT to discover more bargains? Well, Sun Hols from £9.50 is returning with thousands of new breaks ready to book for this spring and summer.
And if you’re a Sun Club member (you can sign up here for £1.99 a month) you get priority access to these new bargain breaks.
The Hols from £9.50 website will be updated with new holidays on Wednesday, April 1.
Those collecting codes from the paper will unlock access to the website on Wednesday morning, but if you’re a Sun Club member, you can unlock those holidays on Tuesday March 31.
This means you can beat the online crowds and take your pick of holidays at a range of award-winning resorts earlier than the rest.
Once you’re signed up to Sun Club, head to the Sun Club offers hub. Then simply click through to the Hols from £9.50 website on Tuesday March 31 to access the holidays early.
And yes – you can book a holiday at a range of Hols from £9.50 resorts from as little as £9.50 per person. Find out more at Hols from £9.50.
If you want to head to Cornwall, but are looking for a cheaper spot than Penzance is a great optionCredit: Alamy
Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
According to Which?, Whitley Bay’s average room rates cost just £69 -which makes it the second cheapest UK seaside town after Southport (£66).
Over Easter though, prices are obviously a little more expensive – but there are still some affordable options.
For example, a one-night stay at The Windsor Hotel costs £77 for a family of four.
The hotel is on South Parade and within sight of the sea, with the beach just 270 metres away.
That works out at just £14.12 per person, per night.
According to Which?, Whitley Bay’s average room rates cost just £69 -which makes it the second cheapest UK seaside town after Southport (£66)Credit: Alamy
Bognor Regis, West Sussex
Bognor Regis on the south coast of England is known for its award-winning Butlin’s resort.
A three-night break at Butlin’s Bognor Regis from April 10 to 13 costs from £316 – that’s around £26.34 per person per night.
And for that price, you get all the entertainment, the indoor waterpark and fairground rides – but it doesn’t include food.
If you do want to include food, this would cost an extra £186.54 (around £15.55 per person per day) for the family food court dining plan which includes a buffet experience.
In Bognor Regis, you could head to Butlin’s and make the most of their facilitiesCredit: Alamy
Ramsgate, Kent
Ramsgate is well known for having the UK’s only Royal Harbour, as well as sandy beaches and over 450 listed buildings.
And for Easter, there are still some affordable breaks.
You could head to Dog and Duck Holiday Park for three nights from April 10 to 13 for £234 for four people (or £19.50 per person per night).
You’d stay in a static caravan with an open plan lounge and kitchen area.
The holiday park has a pub onsite where you can grab a pizza for as little as £12, as well as an outdoor play area.
Ramsgate is also home the UK’s largest Wetherspoons as well, where you can grab a pint of Ruddles ale for just £1.99.
Or grab a pint of Worthington’s Creamflow ale for £1.99.
Ramsgate is well known for having the UK’s only Royal Harbour, as well as sandy beaches and over 450 listed buildingsCredit: Alamy
Paignton, Devon
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Paignton, you won’t be short for choice.
The bustling seaside town has a great mix of campsites, holiday parks, hotels and B&Bs.
For example you could stay at Devon Hills Holiday Park in a caravan with a hot tub for three nights from April 10-13 for £199 for four people (or £16.59 per person per night).
The holiday park features an 18metre pool, gym, sauna and steam room and play area.
And if you are wanting a bite to eat, there is an onsite cafe too where you can grab two pizzas, fries and garlic bread for £29.95.
The beach is a bit further away (three miles), but once there you’ll be in the bustling resort town of Paignton with red sand beaches and a pier full of different attractions including penny slot machines.
Paignton in Devon has a bustling town centre and a vast choice of hotels, holiday parks and B&BsCredit: Alamy
Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Over in Essex, you could head to Clacton-on-Sea, which is full of souvenir shops and ice cream spots.
You could stay at Haven’s Orchards Holiday Village for £129 for three nights for a family of four – that’s just £10.75 per person, per night.
This is for a break between April 10 and 13, and includes access to the restaurants, takeaways and arcades but not to the swimming pools, activities and entertainment venues.
In Clacton-on-Sea, you can head to the pier which has a variety of amusement arcades and rides, such as a Helter Skelter costing just £1 a turn.
And if you are looking for a cheap spot for lunch Flags Cafe has a variety of dishes including curry, vegan options and cakes or a toastie and drink for a fiver.
Or head to Haven’s Orchards Holiday Village in Clacton-on-Sea for £129 for three nights for a family of four – that’s just £10.75 per person, per nightCredit: Alamy
A UK tourist attraction may start charging visitors an entry fee for the first time.
The historic site has cited increasing financial pressures as the reason behind the potential move.
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Worcester Cathedral is currently considering the implementation of an entry fee for the first timeCredit: Alamy
Worcester Cathedral has launched a consultation period to explore whether its annual 250,000 visitors could help with running costs.
The 1,300-year-old building, which is the resting place of historic figures such as King John and Prince Arthur Tudor, is the most visited attraction in Worcestershire.
According to the Worcester Cathedral website, the site is currently free to visit but there is a suggested donation of £7 for adult entry to the site.
Guided tours are also available, priced at around £8 per person, offering visitors additional information on the site’s history and architecture, as well as access to the tower.
Despite these revenue streams and the site’s popularity, the cathedral confirmed that its “current financial position is not sustainable over time”.
Total expenditure for the cathedral was recorded as £4.06million for the 2024-2025 financial year, while the site’s gross income came to £3.08million, leaving a funding gap of roughly £1million.
To tackle this, the cathedral is currently considering a mandatory entry charge, which it said would contribute to costs such as energy bills and maintenance, as well as staffing.
Speaking on the potential fee, Dean Stephen Edwards emphasised the cathedral would always remain a place of worship first and foremost, reports the BBC.
He assured local church-goers that access for prayer, services, and pastoral support would not be affected under any potential changes.
“Through this consultation we explore how we can invite appropriately those who visit primarily for heritage and tourism to contribute fairly towards the cost of maintaining the cathedral and its activities,” he said.
He went on to explain that Worcester Cathedral, like “many historic institutions”, is experiencing a rise in running and maintenance costs.
“While careful financial management and support from our endowment have enabled us to balance budgets in recent years, this has reduced our reserves and increased our reliance on investment income.”
The Dean added that diversifying income streams would help the cathedral to “remain resilient and financially sustainable”.
Worcester Cathedral is currently asking for the public’s views on the proposed entry fee via an online survey, which will remain open until Friday, April 10.
The survey stated that “no decisions have been taken” and did not include a potential price for the entry fee.
Other tourist attractions, including Rome’s Trevi Fountain, have recently brought in entry fees for the first time.
The cathedral explained that entry charges would contribute to everyday running costs of the site (stock image)Credit: Alamy
WHEN it comes to city breaks, some of the cheapest in Europe are found a bit further east.
And Romania‘s Bucharest is not only affordable, but is getting more flights too.
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The Romanian city has just got new UK flights – and you can get there for less than £20Credit: Getty Images – GettyOne of the biggest draws to Bucharest is its Therme spa and waterparkCredit: Alamy
Romanian airline, AnimaWings, has started six new weekly flights from London Gatwick to Bucharest.
This isn’t the only option though as there are also cheap flights with Ryanair from London Stansted with one-way journeys starting from £18.99.
Wizz Air also offers cheap flights to the city from London Luton.
With a flight time of just over three hours, Bucharest is the ideal city break destination.
Last year, The Telegraph even named Bucharest as being one of Europe’s ‘last great cheap cities’.
It added that Bucharest has everything you need for a good city break with “expansive, tree-lined avenues, lively bars and characterful museums.”
Bucharest is inexpensive, according to Numbeo – a pint of local beer costs on average £2.55 and an average meal is around £10.18.
For a three-course meal, you’re looking at around £50 and a cappuccino is just £2.45.
It’s not just food and drink that’s on the cheaper side as public transport is the same – a typical single journey on the tram and metro network is as little as 85p.
One of the most popular places in the city to go is Therme Bucharest, a spa and waterpark.
Split into three parts, the Galaxy area is a more family-orientated with 17 water slides, a wave pool and water playground.
The Palm zone is where people go to relax – with three mineral pools and swim-up bars, it has been created for relaxation.
And Elysium is a ”restoration area’ with lots of traditional and modern treatments from hammams to infrared light therapy beds.
Sun Writer Steve Corbett visited Therme and called it one of ‘Europe‘s greatest secrets’.
He compared it to Center Parcs’ Subtropical Swimming Paradise as he tried out the water slides, high-tech treatments and poolside bars.
It also has cheap beer with a pint costing £2 on averageCredit: AlamyThe city even has it’s own Van Gogh-inspired cafeCredit: Alamy
One woman even flew to Bucharest for a spa break at the Therme because it was cheaper than one in the UK.
Kara Wildbur booked her and her mum in at the Therme for £64 after finding out a spa break would be £400 back home.
Even with the flights being £157 return for the two of them, with the hotel costing £94 – it worked out cheaper than a UK spa day.
Another attraction is the Museum of Senses, which is an interactive museum – especially good if you’re visiting the city with kids.
It’s full of optical illusions, infinity rooms and hands-on exhibits.
Tickets for adults start from £9.33, and £6.79 for children.
When it comes to eating, there’s plenty of quirky cafes within the city.
Some top spots include The Grand Café Van Gogh in Bucharest which some visitors have said reminds them of Amsterdam.
It’s an art-themed cafe filled with Van Gogh artwork in the Old Town.
Another is Dulcinella which sells éclairs, New York-style rolls and is known for having an ‘Instagrammable-vibe’.
Caru’ cu Bere is considered the most famous restaurant and beerhouse in Bucharest and was founded in 1879.
Its house beer, called Berea casei, is brewed on-site and is still made from the original recipe – you can pick up 400ml from £4.30.
The best times of year to visit Bucharest are between April and October, with highs of 31C in June and July.
Just skip the winter months – the average temperature in December and January is around -2C.
ROYAL Caribbean has reportedly canceled a number of scheduled cruises out of Miami this summer.
The cruise ship operator is said to have told guests with already booked trips they are eligible for full refunds if offered alternatives do not work.
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The Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas cruise ship sets sail from Port Miami on March 12Credit: Getty
In an email seen by Royal Caribbean Blog, the company tells customers: “As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process – which sometimes requires flexibility due to scheduling, port agreements, or operational needs, Freedom of the Seas will be redeployed for our Summer 2027 season.
“We know how much effort goes into planning your vacation and apologize for the inconvenience.”
It is understood the liners will be redeployed to Southampton in the United Kingdom.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean told The New York Post: “Freedom of the Seas will sail from Southampton for the 2027 summer season, reflecting the continued strength of the UK & Ireland market.
“The move represents an upsizing of capacity and brings a Freedom Class ship — long regarded as a favorite among British and Irish guests — back to the region.”
Upwards of 20 voyages on Freedom of the Seas between May and September are thought to have been moved.
The trips were scheduled to depart from Miami to the Bahamas, Aruba and Curaçao.
The decision comes just weeks after Carnival Cruise Line pulled the plug on 11 routes.
The scrapped trips were aboard Carnival Firenze, the line’s Italian-themed ship that sails from Long Beach, California in short runs.
Carnival said the affected departures were scheduled between October 12, and November 16.
The change in Caribbean’s schedule means customers have been invited to rebook on alternative sailings or claim full refunds.
The email to customers adds: “Regardless of the sailing length of the cruise you move to, if your booking was already paid in full and your cruise fare decreases, we’ll provide you with a refund for the difference.”
Freedom of the Seas will be redeployed for the Summer 2027 seasonCredit: Getty
Latest cruise line news
Norwegian and Carnival previously cancelled all sailings to a popular tourist spot
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Royal Caribbean added America’s Got Talent stars to the entertainment roster
One trip was deemed the ultimate family cruise as it offers water roller coasters and a private island
Major US cruise operator suddenly cancels scheduled voyages and offers passengers full refunds
THERE’S a Caribbean island that is booming in demand but barely any Brits go.
New research conducted by TravelSupermarket has seen a number of Caribbean destinations surge in demand, caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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Turks & Caicos is seeing a huge boom in searches, according to the expertsCredit: GettyThere are amazing floating bars tooCredit: Visit Turks & Caicos IslandsI visited the islands back in 2024 when Virgin launched flightsCredit: Supplied
And the research found that searches to Turks & Caicos were up 119 per cent, when looking at the first two weeks of March compared to the previous two weeks.
The islands are lesser visited by Brits, with the majority of tourists being Americans, with famous as celebs such as Kylie Jenner, Will Smith and Bill Gates visiting too.
This is likely to due to the lack of direct flights.
One of the main draws are the stunning beaches – so beautiful in fact they are often named some of the best in the world.
I spent my jet-lagged mornings walking the length of Grace Bay, with powder soft sand and quiet sunrises.
Even in the evening they were just as beautiful with pink sunsets ending the day.
And there is not just one, but two floating bars.
One of the most popular is Captain Oak’s Tiki Bar, which has even welcomed celebs such as Drake and Jake Harlow.
Tourists have to pay $20 to get there by boat or jet ski.
Otherwise there is the more vibey Noah’s Ark, which has a floating dance floor as well as sea swings.
If you want to stay on land, head to Da Conch Shank on a Wednesday (also named one of the world’s best beach bars) to join the 14-man marching band playing live music throughout the tables.
Captain Oak’s Floating Bar has even been visited by DrakeCredit: Visit Turks & Caicos IslandsSave time for Da Conch Shack, one of the world’s best beach barsCredit: TripAdvisor
Our favourite Caribbean holidays
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Hotel Capriccio Mare, Dominican Republic
Facing the calm, crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea, Hotel Capriccio Mare looks like a bright white island villa. The hotel’s position on Bavaro’s coastline is perfect for exploring the popular resort town of Punta Cana. Whether it’s strolling the sands to grab a fresh coconut with a straw, or venturing out on a catamaran trip to Saona Island, this dreamy Caribbean resort is not one to miss.
This friendly, family-run hotel is a slice of Caribbean paradise. This hotel sits smak-bang on a sugar-white beach with warm turquoise waters. Enjoy both the beaches of Barbados and its plethora of rum bars – there are about 1,500 of them on the island.
Set on the quiet side of St Kitts’ Frigate Bay, the boutique Sugar Bay Club offers superb value and wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Staff are on hand to assist with island tours, from catamaran cruises to scenic railway excursions.
Amazing Antigua has 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – as well as a fascinating history. This resort in Falmouth Harbour is perfect for exploring the beautiful local area, including Pigeon Point, Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour.
Splash out on the Selling Sunset-esque villages if there is a group of you, complete with slides into the ocean and access to the Caribbean’s first ocean-water pool.
(Seven-night deals can be found for just under £3k each if travelling later this year).
The best way to get there is changing in the US with Virgin Atlantic, with flights around 12 hours.
Other airlines including Finnair, American Airlines and JetBlue also have connecting flights.
Otherwise we’ve found seven night holidays with return flights for as little as £1,569 each with loveholidays.
Stay at Wymara Resorts’ villas is you want your own slide into the waterCredit: 2022 Gary James OwnerHoliday packages can be found for under £1,300 eachCredit: Alamy
THERE’s a Spanish city that is set to be nearly 30C this week – and luckily for Brits it’s less than three hours from the UK.
Seville’s got everything Spain has to offer from affordable wine to beautiful plazas and free flamenco performances.
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Plaza de Espana is one of the most well-known landmarks in SevilleCredit: AlamyIt has four pretty mosaic bridges over the canal
This week, temperatures in Seville are set to soar with highs of 27C, according to the BBC.
Thanks to its location in southern Spain, Seville often sits 17C and higher – even in the winter months.
It’s very easy to get to as well with direct flights from all over the UK although the cheapest is with Ryanair, who has £14.99 flights from London Stansted next month.
When it comes to what to do there, you’ll be spoiled for choice at the riverside city with lots of beautiful sites and great food for affordable prices.
On average, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant start from £10.50.
As for wine, it tends to sit between £2.50 and £3 – depending on where you go within the city.
Plaza de España is one of the biggest and most well-known landmarks in Seville.
It’s a huge semi-circular plaza stretching over 50,000 square metres with four bridges sitting over a canal decorated with brightly coloured mosaic.
It’s a favourite spot within the city for pretty pictures, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a free flamenco dance.
If you want to get out onto the water, you can rent pedalos for a few euros.
The square even doubled as the planet of Naboo in the second Star Warsfilm.
In the middle of the city is the enormous Seville Cathedral – which is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world.
You can choose to go inside if you wish, but as someone who has been you can see plenty of its grandeur from outside.
Seville Cathedral is the biggest Gothic cathedral in the worldCredit: Alamy Stock PhotoThere are lots of horse and carts around the cathedral – and palm trees too
But if you want to head inside a standard ticket costs €13 (£11.25).
Other hot spots include the Real Alcázar palace and La Giralda tower.
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill visited the city two years ago. She said: “I loved strolling about Seville, particularly the Alfalfa neighbourhood.
“It’s got plenty of pretty little cafes and restaurants to explore – one of my favourites was Casa Toni which cooks up tasty paella.
“Salvador Square is beautiful in the morning time, take a stroll there and make sure to pick up some brunch from Sagasta.
“It has outdoor seating too so you can bask in the spring sunshine.”
She said: “The Royal Alcázar of Seville, a palace dating back 1,000 years, offers limited free tickets on Mondays between 6pm and 7pm.
“Or for Seville Cathedral, there are 100 free tickets a day between 2pm and 3pm.”
Kara’s favourite bar is El Rinconcillo which is the city’s oldest tapas bar which dates back to 1670.
And you can get a huge glass of wine for £3.
Our favourite Spain holidays
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Hotel Best Punta Dorada, Salou
The Spanish resort is a popular destination near PortAventura World, a theme park with over 40 attractions and huge rollercoasters. It’s also close to sandy beaches like Platja de Llevant, and the scenic Camí de Ronda coastal walk.The hotel itself has an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, as well as two bars along with evening entertainment and shows.
With its palm tree-lined pool and Mediterranean backdrop, it’s a miracle this Majorca resort is so affordable. Expect a classic family holiday feel – where days revolve around soaking up the Spanish sunshine, chilling by the spacious pool and sipping on frozen cocktails. Set away from the busier resorts, it’s a good option if you’re after a more out-of-the-way escape.
The Magic Aqua Rock Gardens Hotel is African-themed and less than a mile from the beach. It has two outdoor pools, including a children’s freshwater pool with a waterfall and a tipping water bucket for the little ones. There’s also an aquapark with slides, and a kids club for both younger children and teens.
For a calmer side of Ibiza, this hillside resort has two pools, a kids’ splash zone, and an all-inclusive buffet with a poolside bar. It’s a 10-minute walk from Cala Llonga’s shallow turquoise bay, offering a scenic, family-friendly base away from the island’s main party zone.
If you find yourself surrounded by towering palms, mod furniture, vintage-looking neon signs, a 26-foot Marilyn Monroe statue and a backdrop of bare desert mountains, chances are you’ve landed in Palm Springs.
Look, I get it: Palm Springs doesn’t exactly scream Gen Z. It’s long been known — and still functions — as a retirement haven. A place where older adults trade in puffer jackets for gallery strolls, pool lounging and taco sampling under cloudless skies.
But I, a Gen Z reporter, am here to say Palm Springs can be really fun, and it actually aligns with my generation more than you might expect.
“If you’re going to Palm Springs and you’re our age, you’re looking for spots that are content-creatable,” said Ava Bostock, a 25-year-old L.A.-based public relations professional who researches the intersection of media and youth consumer behavior. “We need the picture to prove we were there.”
Palm Springs doesn’t shy away from its past, and that’s exactly what makes it feel so current.
Gen Z, which covers those who are 14 to 29 years old, is fluent in the digital world, but we romanticize the analog: the grainy film photo, the thrifted wardrobe, the rotary-phone energy of another era. Palm Springs leans into that fantasy: sun-faded signage, bubblegum-colored motels, midcentury homes with breeze blocks and Old Hollywood flair. It’s a time capsule built for our aesthetic eye and our camera roll.
“When I revisit the past, the ’60s were so focused on the future and space age and what comes next,” Bostock said. “I don’t think our generation has that. It feels like we’re walking into the future backwards — like we’re so enchanted with the past.”
That fixation shows up in our Pinterest boards, photo filters and travel decisions. “The most iconic images of decades past are at your fingertips,” she said.
In a place like Palm Springs, where roadside signs, retro motels and Old Hollywood architecture are preserved like set pieces, Gen Z can find a slowed-down, stylized version of the past we’ve only ever seen online.
It’s not just about visuals. “The way we consume and vacation and travel is really dictated by content,” Bostock said.
That’s part of what makes Palm Springs feel uniquely Gen Z. It satisfies a generational paradox: a destination that’s hyper-photogenic yet relaxed and immersive. It’s a place where you can stage the perfect coffee photo, then put your phone down and just be.
So whether you’re tagging along with your desert-retreating parents or planning a weekend getaway with friends, here’s your Gen Z-approved guide to Palm Springs, from where to caffeinate and vintage shop to the best spots for dancing, wellness walks and content-worthy photo ops.
A travel lover who tried a £99 mystery holiday bargain soon regretted it when it ‘turned into a nightmare’. Lauren Kirby and her friend each paid £99 for a trip, plus an extra £20 to change from Venice to Malta and then an extra £12 for a city centre hotel.
On top of that, there was another €3 tourist tax and €100 for transfers and food. But despite the extra outlay, they say the destination was ‘not worth it’. Lauren, 22, from Maidstone, Kent, says she will think twice before doing it again.
“We bought our ticket in August 2025 and went on the trip in January 2026,” she said. “We didn’t expect a five-star hotel for £99 but we did expect a basic level of customer service, which we don’t believe we received.
“Initially, we got Venice and paid £20 each to upgrade to Malta as we had been to Venice before, but hadn’t been to Malta. We changed this when we found out there was an option to do so and were really excited.
“But when they rang us to confirm the booking, that’s when the problems started. We were told we couldn’t go to Malta, even though we paid specifically to go there and then we were told we could go to Prague or Venice instead but wouldn’t get the £20 back.
“Which didn’t make sense when we’d already paid £20 not to go to Venice. After a lot of toing and froing and swapping agents, it was reluctantly agreed that we could still go to Malta. But after that point, my trust in them disappeared.
“The hotel itself was OK and the hotel staff were very nice. But we had paid £12 each on top of the £20 we already paid to stay in the city centre. “And our hotel turned out to be located a 30-minute drive away from the centre.
“Not what we paid for. It would have been significantly cheaper to book it ourselves. On top of this, the travel agents asked us for our login details to easyJet to be able to complete the booking – we were told that we could change the password afterwards.
“I think a reputable travel service would be able to do that themselves without needing to log into our accounts. The whole thing was highly disappointing as it was not what we had paid for. There wasn’t anything within walking distance apart from a corner convenience shop, so we were very annoyed that we had paid extra but didn’t feel we received anything for it.
“I don’t think I would do it again. So in future if I want a mystery holiday, I’d prefer putting a list of destinations in a hat myself and doing it that way.”
There’s a massive hole in the ground at the top of Whinney Hill – a shale quarry that once supplied raw materials for Accrington’s famous Nori brickworks (as used in the Empire State Building and Blackpool Tower). It’s fitting, as there’s a chasm-wide gap in history when it comes to this unprepossessing spot on the edge of the West Pennine Moors.
On the morning of 24 April 1826, about 1,000 weavers met on the hilltop to plan their day and, no doubt, get the lie of the land and the weather before setting off. A banking crisis in December of the previous year – dubbed the Panic of 1825 by historians – had hammered the cotton industry. Lancashire’s weavers, who had already suffered years of declining wages and living standards, faced destitution and even starvation.
Desperate, they decided to carry out large-scale breakages of power looms to send a symbolic message to their employers and the government. On that fateful April day, the first of four days of action, they would split into groups to walk many miles to Clitheroe, Oswaldtwistle and Blackburn – mill towns where they were met by soldiers, cavalry and yeomanry with guns and swords. By the end of their protest marches, at least six people had lost their lives.
The views, once you get past the fencing around the old quarry, now a landfill, are extensive – especially on such a pin-sharp winter’s day as I had when I recced one of the weavers’ walks with local guide and historian Nick Burton, who is leading this year’s remembrance walks for the Weavers Uprising Bicentennial Committee (WUBC) charity. Eight guided walks, taking place across Lancashire between March and August, will follow the routes used by the 1826 protestors as closely as ipossible.
We could make out the moorlands around Darwen to the south, Burnley to the east and Pendle Hill in the north. Behind and below us was Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium, which has a terrace named after Whinney Hill.
We opted for the Clitheroe route, as it would take us near to home. Like the weavers, we began on the old turnpike road, now the A680, which is dotted with Victorian and earlier properties. I spotted several Mill Lanes, old access points to workplaces now turned into housing estates. There were also plenty of Moor Lanes. We passed through Clayton-le-Moors – best known for its fell running team, once presided over by the legendary Ron Hill – and Great Harwood, another textile hub, and birthplace of printing and dyeing innovator John Mercer.
James Spencer’s the Powerloom Riots in the Whitaker museum shows weavers smashing power looms in the Whitehead family’s mill in Rawtenstall. Photograph: The Whitaker
Things got greener around the Grade II-listed Martholme (former) railway viaduct, where we looked down on the River Calder. I was on familiar ground, having learned to drystone wall in the shadow of this 10-arched beauty. The Calder takes wild meanders here, as it approaches the River Ribble. We followed what was probably an old limers way (packhorse routes used by traders to carry lime) before climbing to a shoulder of the Nab, a prominent, wooded hill above Whalley, with its stirring Cistercian abbey ruins and Lancashire’s longest viaduct. With views all the way back to Whinney Hill and dramatic wintry shadows, it was time for tea and a butty. We were soon at the summit and with even bigger vistas north. As the sun crept away, it turned chilly. We more or less raced across the last few fields to get to Low Moor, where there was one final disappeared mill and clash between unarmed weavers and soldiers to note – whence to the New Inn in Clitheroe for a warming ale.
A total of 415 power looms were broken on the first day of the uprising. It wasn’t the first time workers had smashed technologies, many of which had been invented and developed in Lancashire. The spinning jenny was invented in Oswaldtwistle; Blackburn and Manchester were testbeds for the power loom. But the workers had been pushed to the limit; after tramping 10 miles or more, sometimes encountering resistance, they had to hike all the way home.
My second walk, a week later – on a colder, even crisper day – started and finished at blue plaque sites. It began in Haslingden, this time heading south. The first plaque, on the former New Inn, recorded that on 25 April 1826, handloom weavers were arrested for destroying 100 power looms in nearby Helmshore. They were charged with riot but released when an angry crowd protested. Some were transported to Australia for life. A bystander called Mary Hindle was sentenced to death, later commuted to transportation.
This route – taken by the weavers on the third day of the uprising – passed some pitstops for coffee and culture, including the Whitaker museum and art gallery, which has a social history collection featuring a painted panel capturing the moment handloom weavers smashed power looms in the Whitehead family’s mill in Rawtenstall. They destroyed 96 looms in just half an hour. A new commemorative WUBC banner, Rise Up!, by textile artist James Fox is on display. On 16 April, a newly commissioned sound and film installation by Blackburn-based artist Jamie Holman, responding to the original painting, will be unveiled.
The viaduct at Whalley, (known locally as Whalley Arches), from the grounds of Whalley Abbey. Photograph: Alamy
From the windows of the gallery you can see Hardman’s Mill, with its 49-metre (161 foot) high chimney, which postdates the uprising. Before it was bought by self-made textile magnate Richard Whitaker, the grand mansion containing the museum was the home of George Hardman. It’s said he liked to be able to see the mill from the windows.
The weavers took action at Hoyle and Ashworth’s Mill at New Hall Hey, and Longholme Mill – a site now occupied by an Asda. A lot of east Lancashire’s textile buildings have been razed, but you can see traces of foundations or old walls in some places, as well as repurposed mills used as offices or carpet shops. Wherever you see a big supermarket, it’s worth checking the old Ordnance Survey maps on the excellent National Library of Scotland website. There’s a good chance that a supermill once stood where now we buy groceries.
In the centre of Rawtenstall, we passed the famous Mr Fitzpatrick’s temperance bar (where I always take a pint of blood tonic) and a vintage chippy called Old Man Greenwood’s, which has been serving splits (chips and mushy peas) and babby’s yeds (steak and kidney pudding)since 1932 (it also sells fresh fish). After passing the terminus for the East Lancashire heritage railway, underneath the aforementioned chimney, and through a small industrial estate, we were on a path running along the side of the River Irwell (all the way to central Manchester if you’re so inclined). The busy A56 wasn’t far away, but it was peaceful and pastoral, with herons and mallards, and lots of songbirds; the all-day frost made the scene bewitching.
At the border with Greater Manchester, on Plunge Road, we went down into the woodland beside Dearden Brook. All that remained of the mill here were crumbling stone walls, draped, Angkor Wat-style, in a century of undergrowth. From Edenfield, we had distant views over the valley to Musbury Tor – a sort of miniature Pendle Hill, its pronounced profile standing out clearly amid the level moortops.
Valley of the Dearden Brook, Rossendale, Lancashire. Photograph: Martin Moss/Alamy
A hard-to-read small blue plaque on a house in Chatterton, bearing the specious title The Chatterton Fight, informs passersby that handloom weavers “were fired on by soldiers of the 60th Foot. Four men and one woman was killed. A fifth man, an onlooker, was also later shot dead.” The local magistrate, William Grant, had read the Riot Act, giving a green light to the violence. Soldiers fired 600 bullets into a crowd of 3,000 people over a period of 15 minutes. You can listen to actor Maxine Peake reading their names out loud here, on behalf of the WUBC.
Lancashire historians believe the significance of the April 1826 rising, and the Chatterton Massacre, have been unjustly overlooked. But the events of those four days – brave and tragic – are a historical bridge between the Luddite risings, Peterloo and Chartism. In the heartfelt words of Dr David Gordon Scott, founder and chair of the WUBC – who began organising remembrance walks in 2022 – “walking in the protesters’ footsteps and feeling the solidarity that arises by participating in their journey, deepens our understandings and sense of empathy with those courageous souls who 200 years ago risked their lives in a desperate attempt to ensure that their loved ones had enough to sustain them in the bleakest of times”.
See weavers-uprising.org.uk for more information on the history of the Weavers’ Uprising, plus dates and booking information for the guided walks
Chris Moss is the author of Lancashire: Exploring the Historic County that Made the Modern World, published by Old Street Publishing (£25). To support the Guardian order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply
