This article examines the historical significance and origins of Bastille Day, France’s national holiday celebrated every July 14th. It details how the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison acted as a catalyst for the French Revolution, eventually leading to the collapse of the monarchy and the execution of King Louis XVI. The text explains that this event serves as a powerful symbol of liberty and the triumph over autocratic rule. Additionally, it notes that the date was officially designated as a national holiday in 1880 to honor both the initial uprising and the subsequent unity of the French people. Beyond historical analysis, the source provides a snapshot of modern headlines, ranging from global political up …
Millions of England supporters up and down the country are gearing up for the big match tonight, but what happens if you are due to be flying while the match is being aired?
Passengers are asking the all important World Cup question(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
British Airways has issued an improtant update for passengers hoping to watch the World Cup match tonight.
England will take on Argentina in the semi-finals with a place in the World Cup up for grabs. England supporters up and down the country are gearing up for the big match tonight, with a number of celebrities looking forward to backing their country – incluidng Joe Wickes.
Joe Wickes, widely known as “The Body Coach,” is a British fitness expert, author, and television presenter famous for his high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and recipe books. He gained international prominence as the “PE teacher to the nation” by hosting free daily online exercise classes for children and families during the global pandemic lockdown.
But, now Joe is asking the all important question. Will British Airways passengers be able to watch the match? He took to X yesterday to ask the airline. He asked: “Hey @British_Airways will I be able to watch the @England match on my flight tomorrow?”
British Airways responded: “Hi Joe, for legal reasons we’re unable to stream live sporting events, unfortunately. However, I’m sure the crew will keep you informed of the score throughout your flight.” They added: “We’re sure the crew will be just as eager to keep an eye on events. Have a safe flight.”
Around 30,000 Three Lions supporters will pack in to the 67,382-capacity Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta, US, hoping to see Thomas Tuchel’s boys win one of the nation’s biggest games in recent memory. Back home, an audience of up to 25 million will tune in on TV, and thousands more will flock to hospitality venues or join crowds across the country for the potential grudge match.
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The match has been classed as the “highest risk in the tournament” by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They issued their warning fearing trouble between the set two sets of fans in one of the biggest rivalries in world football.
Hundreds of extra police were drafted in to Atlanta on Monday and there will be a much bigger presence inside the stadium and at the sold-out fanzone. Police have designated some bars as “England only” or “Argentina only” to try to prevent any confrontations.
Michael Owen has explained why he believes both England and Argentina will find it tough to beat Spain should they reach the World Cup final. In a post on X he wrote: “Brilliant performance from Spain. France had the individual stars but this Spanish team never looked like getting beat.England or Argentina will have to up their game massively to beat this lot.”
Follow our live blog for all the latest World Cup updates by clicking here.
Todd Martens’ newsletter delivers news and commentary on the past, present and future of theme parks, right from the theme park capital of the world — Southern California.
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So when I had the opportunity to talk to Chris Mortensen, one of the Disneyland Resort’s longest-tenured vacation planners, I wanted to know his.
Mortensen recently celebrated his 40th year with the company, and has spent more than 20 of them in his current role as director of West Coast Travel Operations. That means a significant part of his job is talking on the phone with those who want advice on how to plan their Disneyland days.
He comes from a Disney family. His wife has spent about 30 years with the resort, and one of their children is also a cast member. If anyone should know how to plan a special day at Disneyland, it’s Mortensen.
One of his key pieces of advice: Decide what’s most important to you as a guest. “Is it a thrill ride? Is it entertainment? Is it food?” Mortensen asks. “One of the things that I like to tell people is that you’re going to have a really busy day, but take time for yourself.”
Here are some of Mortensen’s other favorite park tips. We steered the conversation to Southern California locals, and those who may want a little glimpse of what makes Disneyland so special.
Get around the park by train
Here’s one hint, off the bat, that Mortensen says he gives most everyone: “Use the Disneyland Railroad as a form of transportation. Yes, it’s a great little attraction. Seeing the dinosaurs is one of my favorites. But it’s also a great way to get from one place to another. If you’re on Main Street and don’t want to walk all the way back to see ‘Bluey,’ jump on the railway. It’s a great way to get a little rest, and experience the park.”
Decompress at Disneyland’s most tranquil spot
Disneyland’s Snow White Grotto is a tranquil spot overlooked by many guests.
(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)
Mortensen notes that it’s impossible to see all Disneyland has to offer in a single day, but rather than stressing about rushing from attraction to attraction, prioritize those that are important to you, and then take a breather at some overlooked park elements, especially those that add to its beauty and tranquility. I couldn’t agree more, and was pleased when Mortensen singled out one of my favorite places in the park: the Snow White Grotto, which is on a path on the eastern side of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Sculpted by Leonida Parma from Carrara marble, the initial figures have, according to Disney’s fan club D23, been since replaced by fiberglass ones built from the original molds. The eight figures are still a sight, and Disney legendary designer John Hench constructed the fountain that holds them in 1960. The character figures, in the midst of a collection of jutting rocks and log bridges surrounding a peaceful waterfall, are all the same height, so Hench used forced perspective illusions to make it seem like Snow White was towering over the dwarf sculpts.
“The Snow White wishing well — you won’t find that anywhere [else],” Mortensen says. “Bring a quarter and toss it in, experience that.”
Take time for the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, a lesser-known attraction
Don’t sleep on the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough at Disneyland.
(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)
“People don’t know about it,” Mortensen says of the self-guided mini-tour that tells the tale of Princess Aurora.
Indeed, I had the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough to myself one late Sunday morning. The attraction, best experienced with patience in mind, is largely inspired by the artwork of Eyvind Earle. Earle’s approach, after all, is designed to transport us, to place us in lush, fairy-tale-like environments that contain an ever-so-slightly foreboding atmosphere.
Think of this as a mini-art gallery where illuminated dioramas spring to life and transform before us. The walk-through was updated with new effects and artwork in 2008 but dates to 1957.
It’s Disneyland. Order the iconic turkey leg.
Mortensen and I clearly have different palates. If I’m recommending a must-try Disney snack, it’s not the churro. It’s the corn dog. Mortensen, however, is voting for the turkey leg. A brave choice, I believe, as it’s a hefty item and, well, a lot of tough meat. Mortensen, however, made his case.
“It’s unique,” he says. “Yes, you can get a churro, but where else can you walk around and just literally bite out of a turkey leg? It’s about trying to create memories. Every time we have conversations with someone, it’s about, ‘What’s going to make a memory for you?’ You’re always going to remember walking around Disneyland as a 5- or 6-year-old little boy or girl with a turkey leg.”
Turn It’s a Small World into a scavenger hunt
Cinderella is one of the many Disney characters that was added to It’s a Small World in the late 2000s.
(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)
Mortensen had my attention when he declared It’s a Small World a must-do attraction at the park. After all, the Mary Blair-styled boat excursion is my favorite Disneyland ride.
Mortensen highlights a once controversial but now beloved late 2000s renovation that added more than two dozen Disney and Pixar characters to the attraction. When riding It’s a Small World, he says, try to spot as many as possible. Disneyland even recently placed Miguel from “Coco” in the ride. Focusing on the scavenger hunt, says Mortensen, helps turn a familiar attraction into one that feels fresh.
“There’s more to it than just riding the attraction,” he says.
Spot details in the windows of Main Street
Enjoying a horse-drawn trip around Main Street, U.S.A., is a relaxing start to a Disneyland day.
(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)
Disneyland’s introductory land is a joy. Often, I start my day with a ride on one of Disneyland’s horse-drawn carriages, which venture from the foot of Main Street, U.S.A., to the Sleeping Beauty Castle and back. It’s a relaxing way to settle into the theme park and take a look at the exquisite designs of the Main Street buildings, which many guests rush past on their way to one of the park’s many rides.
Mortensen wanted to call specific attention to Main Street’s windows, which celebrate those who were integral to the development of the park. Many are nods to famed Disneyland designers. Most recently, the park awarded a window to the just-retired Kim Irvine and her mother, Leota Toombs. Irvine and Toombs were longtime creatives with Walt Disney Imagineering vital to the development of the park.
“I love to point out the windows on Main Street,” Mortensen says. “If you and I were walking in, that’s what I would do. I’d grab a box of popcorn, and just point out two or three of the names. Some people you may recognize. Some people you may not.”
And I certainly won’t argue with popcorn for breakfast.
This week in SoCal theme parks
Disney legend Don Iwerks died last week at 96.
(Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times)
A legend was lost. Don Iwerks, whose inventiveness helped transform Disney’s theme parks, died July 9 at the age of 96, reported the Walt Disney Co. For Disney and his own studio, Iwerks Entertainment, Iwerks helped develop technologies and techniques like Circle-Vision, the 360-degree camera behind “America the Beautiful” and other early Disney attractions, and the 3D effects used in attractions like Captain EO and Star Tours. He also had major contributions to the world of cinema, instrumental, particularly, in the effects sequences of “Mary Poppins.” Read more about Iwerks in The Times’ obituary by Corinne Purtill.
Fiesta Village is no more. The Inland Empire amusement park, which stood for more than 50 years, closed for good last weekend. A center for mini golf, roller skating and go-karting, Fiesta Village announced the closure last week, citing rising operation costs and declining attendance.
Montezooma’s Revenge is back. The reimagined coaster, now known as Montezooma: The Forbidden Fortress, is set to return to Knott’s Berry Farm on Monday. Shuttered for the last four years, the ride has essentially been rebuilt, now featuring enhanced Aztec theming, new trains and a modern launch system. Look for a report on the remade coaster next week.
It’s almost Halloween season. Disneyland in mid-August will launch its Oogie Boogie Bash, Universal will follow in early September with Halloween Horror Nights and Knott’s Berry Farm isn’t far behind with its Knott’s Scary Farm. The latter is the longest-running Halloween event in the Southland, and defined the maze-focused haunt formula. Tickets are now on sale for all three happenings.
Happy 71st anniversary, Disneyland! On Friday, Disneyland will turn 71. While the occasion won’t be as grand as the 70th anniversary, which has been celebrated for the past year and will essentially continue up until the start of the park’s Halloween activities, the Anaheim theme park typically recognizes the birthday with some light festivities for guests. Think, perhaps, a character cavalcade or some specialty treats.
Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.
Have a theme park tale to share? Whether it was a good day or less-than-perfect day, I would love to hear about it. Have a question? A tip? A fun photo from the parks to share? Email me at todd.martens@latimes.com. I may feature your note in an upcoming newsletter.
Ride on,
Todd Martens
P.S.
The initial news for those who purchased Disneyland’s specially priced $59 nighttime ticket is good. While now sold-out, Disneyland launched the promotional evenings this past Sunday, and the park didn’t appear flooded with twilight guests. Attendance was continuing a summer trend of being relatively light, and though wait times increased in the evening, nothing was headache-inducing.
At times, even showcase attraction Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance stood at about 40 minutes, with Space Mountain often showing a similar wait time. Most rides, however, were even more approachable, topping off at around 25 minutes throughout the night. Since the evening ticket only gives guests a taste of Disneyland — five hours worth — it’s a positive sign that the event’s opening night kept things manageable, providing those who bought in at a budget price a prime experience.
NOT ready for the World Cup to end? Well, why don’t you book into a football-themed hotel?
With England heading to the semi-final and the final less than a week away, there could be no better time to book yourself into a football-themed hotel – so here are four of the best themed football hotels in the UK.
There are a number of hotels with either football activities or a football theme across the UK you can stay atCredit: Refer to source
The Grove, Hertfordshire
The Grove in Hertfordshire runs football campsCredit: Refer to sourceThe next one takes place between August 25 and 27Credit: Refer to source
This five-star hotel sits on a 300-acre estate in the countryside and as well luxury rooms, there’s also a spa and walled garden.
The hotel offers its own football escapes, with a coach course led by former Premier League players and UEFA coaches.
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The next camp takes place between August 25 and 27.
Each football escape includes a two-night stay in the West Wing of the hotel, breakfast at The Glasshouse, a number of outdoor activities, access to the spa and kids club as well as the football camp.
The hotel’s ’99 rooms’ celebrate the 1998 to 1999 football season where Manchester United won three major trophies.
Each room has football-themed artwork, framed shirts and memorabilia from the season.
A one-night stay for a family of four between July 25 and 26 costs from £250.
Hilton at St George’s Park
Hilton at St George’s Park sits in the grounds of The Football Association’s National Football CentreCredit: Refer to sourceWhen families stay, you even get exclusive use of the football pitch for an hour, with training gear and a £10 voucher to spend on merchCredit: Refer to source
The four-star Hilton at St George’s Park is in The National Forest, Staffordshire.
It sits in the grounds of The Football Association’s National Football Centre.
The hotel boasts 228 rooms in total, as well as a spa, pool and even a Starbucks.
When families stay, you even get exclusive use of the football pitch for an hour, with training gear and a £10 voucher to spend on merch.
A one-night stay for a family of four between August 5 and 6, costs from £281.
Blackpool FC Hotel
Blackpool FC Hotel has rooms looking onto Bloomfield Road StadiumCredit: Refer to sourceThough, you’ll have to close your curtains for the duration of a matchCredit: Refer to source
This four-star hotel is located directly inside the Bloomfield Road Stadium in Blackpool.
Inside, there are 66 rooms with pitch views – but there is a catch.
Due to FA rules, you will have close your curtains 90 minutes before a match starts and keep them closed for the duration of the game. So unless you have a ticket to the game, you’re likely to miss out.
The hotel also boasts a fitness centre, spa and restaurant.
A one-night stay for a family of four between July 25 and 26, costs from £338.
From the Murano glass lights casting a cosy glow in the lobby, to the fun herringbone carpets throughout, it’s almost tempting you to take pictures of it.
You may not even notice the image of Winston Churchill or the inspiring quotes subtly emblazoned on the wall in reception.
But take a closer look at and you’ll find little treasures hidden all over this 145-bedroom hotel.
Make sure to look down when heading to the lift, for some fun photo-taking opps…
The restaurant is a calm oasis away from the chaos of the cityCredit: Lost Property
What are the rooms like?
Ranging from Queen and King rooms to Junior Suites, the rooms are drenched in rich jewel tones of burgundy and navy.
The herringbone patterned carpets and red marble countertops were a masterclass in luxury, with gold fittings and mood lighting for when the sun goes down.
The marble bathroom was just as impressive, with fancy Urban Apothecary toiletries.
The rooms have it all – delightfully squishy beds, a stocked mini bar and some even come with a view of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Don’t want to be disturbed? Hang on your door the “Kindly Get Lost” sign for some peace and quiet.
Combining French and British classics, the watermelon vichyssoise was the perfect dish to cool me down in the heat.
The beef ribeye was cooked to perfection, while the zesty lemon posset cut through it perfectly.
Ask for the cocktail menu too, which leans into it’s theming of being lost – complete with am ’empty’ menu and a laser pen to help you find the cocktails.
For breakfast, head to the front of the hotel to Tattle Coffeehouse.
Drinks are made with Monmouth coffee, some of the best in London (and best chased by a freshly baked and flakey croissant…)
Gold fittings, rich red interiors – the bedrooms ooze sophisticationCredit: Lost Property
What else is there to do there?
For those that fancy a workout, there’s a very nice gym with Peloton bikes and treadmills.
They sit under large windows in the ceiling so you can soak up the natural light while you cycle.
The hotel is a short stroll from some top tourist attractions like the Tate Modern (15-minutes walk), the London Eye (30-minutes walk) and Somerset House (18-minutes walk).
Is the hotel family friendly?
There’s everything from kids menus at the restaurant to connecting family rooms and cribs on request – so definitely family friendly.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
There is lift access to all floors as well as step-free access to the restaurant and accessible adapted rooms.
Looking for another place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.
The ground floor will be used for retail and food and drink spaces, while the hotel will take over the first and second floor.
The Howlands Building will get a three to four storey extension upwards, which will be the hotel space as well.
Levels 24-30 are unconfirmed as to what they will be used for but could become art or culture areas.
And a public space will be part of the exterior as well, to make it more easily accessible.
The rooftop pool will be open both the public and hotel guestsCredit: OrmsThe downstairs area will have retail and dining storesCredit: OrmsA new public square is also part of the plansCredit: OrmsAn official opening date is yet to be confirmedCredit: Orms
Designers Orms are behind the renovation, who has replaced Heatherwick Studios.
They said in the application: “While maintaining the overall structure, we will remove unsightly modern additions to the 1960s exterior on the ground floor.
“We will then introduce retail on the ground floor and add a modest pavilion structure on the roof.”
A planning application will be submitted in September, although works cannot start in 2029 due to BT decomposing on equipment inside.
By the 1930s, 10million people were visiting each year.
Following the Second World War, the town reached its golden era with around 17million annual visitors.
During this time, the image a lot of people still associate with Blackpool was created – packed ballrooms, shows and a beach full of deck chairs.
So when did it all go downhill?
In the late 1960s and 1970s, cheap flights to Spain started booming, with some overseas trips the same price – or even cheaper – than a week in Blackpool.
The town’s tourism relied on Northern England‘s industrial workers too, so as factories shut down in the 1980s, the target market moved away.
Soon, its image as a budget ‘Vegas of the North’ emerged, attracting partygoers looking for cheap, boozy nights out.
In addition to a long-stretching beach, Blackpool is home to three piers, a theme park and the UK’s biggest indoor waterparkCredit: Cyann FieldingAnd of course, there is the famous Blackpool Tower which you can go upCredit: Cyann Fielding
Having visited this weekend, I can’t talk about being nostalgic as I’m a 25-year-old Gen Zer who has never visited the seaside town before.
But as someone who grew up on the south coast visiting numerous seaside spots every summer, I can talk about how Blackpool compares.
Having recently been named one of the worst seaside towns by Which?, my expectations were already low.
Spoiler alert: they needn’t have been.
Turning the corner from the town centre to the promenade onboard the tram, there it was in all its glory: the beach, the Pleasure Beach,the tower and not one, not two, but three piers.
Admittedly, parts are rough around the edges.
Some hotels and B&Bs definitely need of some TLC and there are a number of boarded up shops waiting for new owners.
But honestly, it is hard to name a British seaside town that doesn’t have a bit of that nowadays.
And I must admit, the beach with the sun making the water glisten, did look a dream.
The fun and upbeat vibe is really evident in the north of the town.
The seaside town is home to the UK’s two cheapest pubsCredit: Cyann FieldingTommy Cutler’s sells pints for £1.75 and The Ardwick sells pints for as little as £1.69Credit: Cyann Fielding
The promenade was busy but not crowded and everyone had a smile on their face as the sun beat down.
In this part of Blackpool, you’ll find one of the piers alongside the iconic Blackpool Tower.
I headed up in a lift that travelled through the centre of the red steel structure to a viewing point 120 metres above the ground.
The panoramic views are spectacular, and the only spot in Blackpool where you can take in the full length of the beach.
At the base of the tower, you’ll also find Blackpool Tower Dungeon, a similar experience to the London Dungeon but slightly shorter.
All along the promenade, I wandered past souvenir shops, donut stalls and cheap chippies – I mean seriously cheap chippies, with portions for just a couple of quid.
On a mission for a cool pint, I stumbled across Tommy Cutler’s along a road set back from the main promenade.
A refreshing pint is exactly what I got, but what made it even better is that it only cost me £1.75 – making it the cheapest pint in the UK.
The only place you’ll get one cheaper is some Wetherspoons pubs.
The pub has a generous outdoor decking for soaking up the sunshine and the latest hits blare from giant speakers.
You can head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach too which has loads of rollercoastersCredit: Cyann FieldingMake sure to watch the Hot Ice show tooCredit: Hot Ice XC
Head a minute down the road to The Ardwick for a more traditional pub vibe, with a pool table and darts boards and you can also pick up a pint here for £1.90 – or even cheaper on a Thursday, at £1.69 a pint.
At the south end of the town, you’ll find South Pier, along with Sandcastle Waterpark – the biggest indoor waterpark in the UK – and Blackpool’s most famous attraction, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.
Heated to a tropical 29C, Sandcastle Waterpark boasts 18 slides and water coasters.
Little ones can be lulled by gentle waves or make a splash in a dedicated water play area, but for adults without kids like myself, you can head to the spa.
Jumping between the salt inhalation room, steam rooms and a sauna, I felt adequately relaxed with the blur of screams behind me from people dropping down the numerous slides.
For dry fun, on the other hand, it doesn’t get much better than Pleasure Beach Resort. Gripping onto the handrails every time, I rolled around on the historic wooden rollercoasters and flipped upside down on the more modern thrill rides.
The resort perfectly blends traditional seaside charm and modern fun to create a day out that pleases the entire family.
The star of the show though? The newly upgraded Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic dark ride which takes you around different sets seen in the films.
To get the best of Blackpool’s attractions, make sure to purchase The Ultimate Ticket, which Blackpool Tourism launched earlier this year.
The ticket includes entry to The Blackpool Tower Top, Sandcastle Waterpark, Pleasure Beach Resort, Madame Tussauds Blackpool, The Blackpool Tower Dungeon and The Blackpool Tower Circus usually costing £65, but thanks to the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, the price is £56.88 until 1 September.
Also make sure to spend one evening of your stay in Blackpool at the Hot Ice show, which takes place in the park’s arena.
Featuring 30 Olympic and professional ice skaters, it’s a marvel for the eyes that feels like a West End on ice.
And to elevate your time in the town, you can stay at The Boulevard HotelCredit: Cyann FieldingThe five-star hotel has sea-view rooms as well as one that overlook the theme park
If you thought you could only stay in a run down B&B, I would think again – Blackpool even boasts a five-star hotel.
The Boulevard Hotel sits at the south end of Pleasure Beach Resort and inside you can expect sleek silver interiors, with a swish restaurant and bar.
There is a wide variety with an adults only floor and family rooms available, or you can either get a room overlooking the ocean like mine – and even one that looks at the rolling rollercoasters whizzing by.
Rooms cost from just £85 per night, including breakfast – which, might I add, was a great selection of cooked items, cereals, fruit and even pancakes.
The added perk is that if you stay Friday to Sunday you’ll get tickets to Pleasure Beach for free, which you can then access from a private entrance right outside the front of the hotel.
But if you are on even more of a tight budget, I did also check into a cheap £23 a night B&B – which I will be doing a full review on soon.
ONE travel expert who has lived in 25 different countries has revealed the one destination that trumps them all.
The Turquoise Coast in Turkey has it all from year-round sunshine to cheap hotels with huge swimming pools, and plenty of restaurants.
Marmaris in Turkey sits on the Turquoise Coast and is perfect for a cheap breakCredit: resulmuslu
Gary Cook, a TUIretail agent, explained: “I’ve worked everywhere, but I keep coming back to Turkey – particularly the Antalya region and Marmaris on the Turquoise Coast.”
He’s racked up 17 trips to Turkey since working in Marmaris over 30 years ago.
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“It’s got everything you might want – stunning beaches, such as the Turunc Beach, incredible history, amazing food.
“With an amazing selection of all-inclusive resorts, you can enjoy the views, sip on a cocktail and not have to worry about paying extra while you’re there.”
It’s no secret that the Turquoise Coast with destinations like Marmaris and Antalya is a hit with Brits thanks to its cheap prices and short four-hour flight from the UK.
While Antalya has golden sands and is famous for its huge waterpark, The Land of Legends Theme Park, Gary really recommends Marmaris.
Gary added: “Marmaris offers a completely different vibe – a large beach dotted with bars and restaurants.
“A promenade stretching down to the old town with its markets and bazaars, plus a cosmopolitan harbour. The bay is absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise.”
When it comes to where to eat out, Gary recommends Nil, a fish restaurant on the Marina or Mehmet Ocakbasi for authentic Turkish food.
When it comes to shopping, the newly renovated Marmaris Bazaar is the place to be.
TUI’s Gary Cook has lived in 25 different countriesCredit: TUIOne of his favourite spots for families is Marmaris in TurkeyCredit: nejdetduzen
When it comes to booking, you don’t have to wait until the summer seasons as Gary explains that “even the winters are mild”.
“Whether you want to go in the school holidays or off-season, you are sure to get your fix of sun.”
Although the season runs from April through to October, Gary calls it a year-round destination with mild winters.
While it’s not necessarily ‘hot’ in the months of November to March, it can still see highs of 17C – much warmer than it is in the UK.
Gary even has hotel suggestions, including some of his favourites.
TUI BLUE Side
Found in Antalya, the TUI BLUE Side has a huge swimming pool, three restaurants, and five bars.
Gary said: “This adults-only hotel is smaller and modern with loads of activities. The pool area has luxury sunbeds spread, and there is a beautiful sandy beach club and jetty.
“Hop on a local bus to Side’s historical centre where you’ll find the Temple of Apollo – one of those rare places where time seems to pause, set dramatically at the edge of the Mediterranean.”
A seven-night trip to TUI BLUE Side can be booked from £632pp – or £90pppn.
Trendy Lara
With its big swimming pool, plenty of waterslides and evening entertainment – the Trendy Lara is an ideal family destination.
Gary describes it as a “modern hotel” with a “great selection of restaurants, pools and activities for all ages”.
Lara Beach is also right on your doorstep.
A family of four heading abroad during the school holidays in August 2027 for a seven-night stay can book the Trendy Lara from £1,327pp – or £189pppn.
TUI BLUE Grand Azur is Gary’s favourite hotels in the areaCredit: TUIIt has a huge swimming pool surrounded by sunloungers
Liberty Lara
The Antalya hotel sits right by a beach – it comes with a few pools, a private pier and has plenty of food and drink spots.
Gary calls it a “beautiful hotel, with the most amazing service and food.”
It’s close to Lara Beach and is in a great central location perfect for exploring.
An all-inclusive seven-night break for two at the Liberty Lara can be booked from £530pp – or £76pppn.
TUI BLUE Grand Azur
Found in Marmaris, this hotel is another by the beach with a promenade just a short walk away.
It has a freshwater pool surrounded by sunloungers as well as a tennis court, and fitness classes.
Gary confessed it’s his “absolute favourite hotel in Turkey” with great customer service and a private beach.
An all-inclusive seven-night stay at the TUI BLUE Grand Azur starts from £615pp – or £87.85ppn.
The travel expert has a message to anyone who has booked easyJet flights
Simon Calder has issued a message to anyone flying with easyJet(Image: Ashley Cooper/Getty)
Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a message to anyone with flights booked with easyJet. Last week, it was reported that the budget British airline has agreed to be bought by a US investment giant for £5.7billion.
EasyJet announced it had reached an “agreement in principle” with Apollo Global. It comes after a series of approaches by another American giant, Castlelake, which could come back with a counter offer.
It is unclear what the deal, if it happens, would mean for easyJet customers and employees. However, Simon has given his expert verdict on the situation.
Explaining the deal on the Travel Expert with Simon Calder podcast, he said: “easyJet for a fair while was the biggest budget airline in Europe, then Ryanair gradually overtook.
“We are now at the stage where Ryanair is almost twice as big as easyJet but its market capitalisation, in other words what investors think it is worth, is about five or six times easyJet.”
If the deal goes through, Simon explained the best case scenario would be if not much changes.
He said: “That easyJet continues on its trajectory which is one of steady growth and of course, offering great service, incredible safety standards and delivering very good value for the traveller.”
Many passengers are worried about what the potential deal could mean for flights and holidays already booked, especially in the coming weeks as we enter peak summer travel season.
Simon’s co-host Greg Dickinson urged: “Let us stress that if you have a holiday booked with easyJet this summer or a flight with easyJet, it is going ahead as normal.
“These changes are going to take months to get the deal completed, and it will be a year until we start seeing anything different.”
Simon agreed as he said: “I think that is absolutely right, do not fret. I’ve had some people say to me, ‘Is it alright to book with easyJet?’ Well, of course it is.”
The travel expert said that if you have flights booked next year and the potential takeover means the flight won’t run, passengers are entitled to ask the airline to find them an alternative at the airline’s expense.
He added: “It would not be a problem, carry on booking easyJet and the interesting element will be whether it goes through.”
A stock market statement said: “Apollo has followed easyJet for many years and continues to regard it as one of the most attractive businesses in the global aviation sector and a highly differentiated franchise with significant long-term growth potential.”
It added: “Apollo places a high value on people and believes that identifying and retaining key staff within the easyJet Group will be of paramount importance.” It also said other investments by Apollo in airlines had led to it “growing the employee bases”.
EasyJet was founded by entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou in 1995 to offer low-cost fares in Europe. The first inaugural flights took off in November 1995, flying from Luton to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Sir Stelios and his family still own 15.3% of the airline.
Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “EasyJet shareholders are strapping in for an exciting ride as Apollo enters the race to land the orange airline company.
“Apollo’s offer is now the preferred option and the one that easyJet’s management would recommend to shareholders. But the deal’s not off the runway yet, with Apollo having until August 7 to decide whether to make a formal bid. In that time, rival bidder Castlelake could still come to the table with improved terms.”
A SPRAWLING golf course has undergone a multi-million pound transformation – and it’s set in the heart of the English countryside.
The lakeside location has now been upgraded to a luxury “world-class” getaway.
The property is located on 157-acres of Cheshire countrysideCredit: Fairmont Cheshire, The MereThe Orangery features a champagne and oyster barCredit: Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere
The Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere in Knutsford, has completed its £70million renovation, transforming the site into a 5-star countryside retreat.
Works done to the previously-named The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, included upgrading the 81 exisiting guest rooms into luxury suites, with an additional 35 rooms added to the property.
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Located on the shoreline of Lake Mere, the 157-acre site now features an 18-hole championship golf course, originally designed in the 1930s by James Braid and George Duncan.
Guests will also be able to luxuriate in the property’s on-site spa and wellness resort, which boasts three pools, seven thermal experiences – including a sauna, salt room and hammam – alongside three cold plunge pools.
The 18-hole course was originally designed in the 1930sCredit: Fairmont Cheshire, The MereThe property has three pools, one of which is 20-metres longCredit: Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere
A Technogym fitness studio also offers spin and HIIT sessions, with a covered outdoor class area ideal for training under open skies.
Further upgrades include a new restaurant to be operated by Gordon Ramsay, featuring lakeside dining and seasonal British ingredients – as well as the chef’s signature beef Wellington.
Enhancements have also been made to the existing orangery, which now incorporates a champagne and freshly-shucked oyster bar, as well as an afternoon tea atrium.
Located just 10 minutes from Manchester Airport, and just half an hour from the city centre, the property has said “it is one of the North West’s leading destinations for conferences, weddings and corporate retreats”.
Guests will be able to dine lakeside in Gordon Ramsey’s restaurantCredit: Fairmont Cheshire, The MereThe menu features a range of sophisticated British classicsCredit: Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere
As a result, the site offers a separate conference and events centre with ten dedicated spaces, the largest of which – the Grand Ballroom – has a capacity up to 1,000 guests.
The resort, which opened last Friday (July 10), is managed by the French multinational hospitality company, Accor.
This marks Accor’s fourth Fairmont-branded property in the country, joining Fairmont Windsor Park, Fairmont St Andrews and The Savoy.
There is a dedicated events space on-site that is specially designed for weddings and conferencesCredit: Fairmont Cheshire, The MereThe property opened last Friday on July 10Credit: Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere
Israr Liaqat, group CEO for Select Group, said: “From the outset, Russell WBHO brought the skills, experience, and dedication that this project demanded, and the result speaks for itself.
“The development sets a new benchmark for five-star hospitality in the North West, offering opulent accommodation, world-class spa and golf experiences, exceptional dining and grand event spaces.”
One former Omaze winner has decided to let out their Cornish property, and if you’ve got a group of friends or family who want to take a break, you can enjoy it from just £35-a-night each
Kew House in Cornwall is the perfect place for a group getaway(Image: Lizzie Churchill)
If you regularly enter the Omaze draw, you may have plans for if your number comes up. Some winners choose to live in their home, others sell it quickly, and one property has been turned into a holiday home for the ultimate weekend break.
Set in the beautiful coastal village of St Agnes in Cornwall, Kew House was valued at over £3 million when it was put up for an Omaze draw in 2024. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom house is in the heart of the village and its elevated position means it enjoys stunning countryside views, as well as being just a short distance from the north Cornwall coast.
But you don’t need a winning ticket to enjoy this modern home. Luxury holiday letting company Perfect Stays is now offering both short breaks and longer stays at the property for groups of up to ten.
Week-long breaks at this country retreat start at £2,450, which works out at just £35-a-night when split among ten people. There are also three-night breaks available starting at £2,050. Guests will enjoy spacious accommodation, including an open-plan kitchen and dining room for entertaining, with seaside-inspired cosy neutral décor.
Outside, there are also landscaped gardens with a sunken hot tub, and the price includes bed linen, a welcome hamper, and concierge service. And if your loved ones have pets, up to two dogs can be brought along to your gathering.
The charming village of St Agnes is perfect for those seeking a peaceful Cornish escape, and you’ll find independent coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants right on your doorstep.
Follow the sloping roads down to the coast, and you can visit Trevaunance Cove, where wild, rugged cliffs overlook a sandy bay that leads to the crystal clear waters. At low tide, there are rockpools full of marine life to explore, or you can hire a surfboard and hit the waves with an instructor in this idylic cove.
You can also visit the charming St Agnes Museum, where you’ll find exhibits on local natural history, Cornish mining, and the village’s maritime past. Walk along the South West Coastal Path and you’ll spot the Cow and Calf islands offshore, two tiny islands that are nesting spots for seabirds and a popular place for boats and divers to visit.
A short drive away, Chapel Porth Beach is popular with families, and you’ll often see kids bodyboarding off the coast in its clear waters. Its high cliffs keep it sheltered from the wind, and it’s accessed through narrow footpaths that make it feel like you’re exploring somewhere secluded and off the beaten track.
While at high tide it may seem like just a small pebbly beach, at low tide the ocean rolls back to reveal plenty of golden sands, although be careful when laying down your towel as the waves can be unpredictable.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
Major changes are set to impact British holidaymakers entering a European hotspot, and it’s good news, with the plans aimed at making travel smoother and quicker for Brits
British holidaymakers will benefit from easier travel to this European hotspot (Image: Getty Images)
A beautiful European hotspot is set to make travel easier for Brits by relaxing its entry rules.
British holidaymakers have been facing significant disruptions when travelling to Europe, partly due to the new European Union (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES), which was rolled out on 10 April 2026, and the increased demand for short-haul getaways, particularly during peak periods. In a bid to offer a smoother journey for Brits, without relentless delays and lengthy queues, Switzerland has eased some of its restrictions.
Under a new agreement between the UK and Switzerland, Brits will be allowed to use the Swiss e-gates at airports, providing a smoother experience at passport control. British tourists and business travellers visiting the country, known for its snow-capped, dramatic peaks, will also be able to benefit from scrapped roaming charges.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive, said: “We want travel to be as easy and smooth as possible, so this announcement includes great outcomes for British holidaymakers and business travellers. Removing roaming charges would give people one less thing to think about before their trip and should make it cheaper to stay in touch, too.
“Plus, giving UK visitors access to Swiss e-gates will make going through the airport smoother and quicker for tourists and business travellers alike.
“We know it’s not something that can just happen overnight, but it is encouraging to see that Switzerland has a plan in place to make it happen. Removing travel frictions like these with major European partners is so important for UK tourism and exports.”
Initial plans, set to be in place by the end of 2026, will allow Brits to enter through the e-gates at Zurich Airport, the country’s largest international airport. There are also plans to introduce this at the airports in Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.
The significant changes were announced following a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could ultimately offer an estimated £5.2 billion a year in additional UK services exports to Switzerland. Meanwhile, news that thousands of British holidaymakers and business travellers could use the Swiss e-gates was confirmed outside of the FTA.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK. It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.
“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges, and alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”
UK holidaymakers keen to visit Switzerland do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area, and can travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Meanwhile, for UK services professionals, the changes will also introduce visa-free travel to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.
The government website outlined: “UK businesses will be able to transfer people to work in Switzerland for up to 5 years, without being subject to stringent economic needs tests, making it easier to secure Swiss work permits for UK graduates in areas like finance, insurance and consultancy.”
Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “This is the most significant services trade deal the UK has ever negotiated. It will bring huge benefits to British business and consumers and comes after a slew of deals with the US, Europe, the Gulf, South Korea and India.
“This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Overlooking one item in particular could ignite some travel disruption which is not ideal for holidaymakers
Packing this could land you in some serious trouble(Image: Getty Images)
Packing for a holiday often means working your way through a seemingly never-ending checklist. From remembering your passport and boarding pass to making sure you’ve packed enough clothes, there’s also the important task of checking your bags for items that could cause problems before you even board your flight.
The warning applies to anyone flying with major airlines, including Ryanair, Jet2, TUI, easyJet and British Airways, among others. While each carrier has its own baggage policies, dangerous goods rules are governed by international aviation regulations and enforced during airport security checks.
Non-safety matches, for example, can cost as little as 60p in supermarkets, but packing them could end up costing you precious holiday time. Although they may seem harmless, they are classed as dangerous goods and are prohibited in both hand luggage and checked baggage under aviation safety rules.
This could spell bad news for anyone heading off on a camping holiday, planning to light birthday candles abroad or travelling with matches tucked away in a backpack without giving them a second thought. Even if they were packed by mistake, finding them during screening could trigger additional inspections and slow your journey through the terminal.
According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, non-safety matches are not permitted on commercial flights because they present a fire risk. If they’re discovered during baggage screening, they may be confiscated and your luggage could be held back while officers carry out further checks.
Depending on when they’re found, this could mean anything from a manual bag search at the checkpoint to checked luggage being removed from the aircraft before departure. While procedures vary between airports, prohibited items are routinely removed to ensure flights comply with aviation safety rules.
There is, however, one important exception. The Civil Aviation Authority says passengers are generally allowed to carry one small packet of safety matches on their person for personal use, but they must not be packed inside either hand luggage or checked baggage. “Strike anywhere” matches and all non-safety matches remain prohibited.
Before travelling, it’s worth taking a few moments to check coat pockets, backpacks and suitcases for forgotten items.
A 60p box of matches might seem insignificant, but packing the wrong type could leave you facing unnecessary delays before your holiday has even begun.
Oakland is a town often misunderstood. As someone who’s lived in the city and still spends a ton of time there, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly.
And yet, there’s no place like it.
People who know the real Oakland — the ones who’ve explored neighborhoods from Chinatown to Fruitvale to Temescal, who’ve caught sunsets over the entire Bay from the Oakland hills, who’ve admired art in downtown and watched films at the historic Grand Lake Theater — will tell you there’s so much more to “The Town” than it gets credit for. During her post-Olympics homecoming at Frank Ogawa Plaza, figure skating gold medalist Alysa Liu summed up Oakland with one word: “Soul.” Locals beamed. With her unapologetically funky style, zen-like confidence and YOLO mentality, this athlete had clearly been shaped by the city.
Located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, Oakland is a midsized city with an outsized reputation, having long served as a pressure cooker for grassroots activism. The Black Panther Party, the hyphy subgenre of hip-hop, official U.S. wildlife refuges — they all started in Oakland. Visit the city and you’ll find that it’s slower-paced than San Francisco but has all the cultural diversity. Its food scene is endlessly innovative — try the handcrafted zaru soba at Soba Ichi or some of the best Indigenous food on the West Coast at Wahpepah’s Kitchen. And for those wanting to explore the outdoors, there’s Lake Merritt in the center of town and redwood forests in the hills.
Oakland is far from perfect; while crime is reportedly down, it’s important to be street smart (or as locals say, to “keep your head on a swivel”). But I’ve seen many changes to the town over the years and have a renewed appreciation for its vibrancy. Here’s just a sampling of ways you can enjoy the cultural bounty from this city by the Bay.
Budget airline Ryanair has shared an ‘important’ announcement on Facebook telling people to stop wearing jeans on flights – and passengers have plenty to say about it
Ryanair has issued an ‘important’ announcement for passengers travelling in jeans (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Ryanair has issued an ‘important’ message to passengers who choose to wear jeans on their flights, having previously threatened to introduce a ‘denim fee’ for travellers not adhering to this guidance.
Staying warm and comfortable during a flight can prove more challenging than expected, especially when you’re confined to your seat with limited movement for hours at a time. Fortunately, selecting the appropriate travel attire could dramatically improve your comfort levels while in the air.
For many, this means tracksuit bottoms or leggings, while others continue to wear less comfortable garments, such as jeans, on their journeys.
But now, Irish budget airline Ryanair has posted an announcement on its Facebook page addressing all passengers regarding their clothing choices on flights.
“Important Travel Announcement,” the company posted, accompanied by three images of a Ryanair aircraft in the sky, zoomed in to reveal various details.
The first two images showed a Ryanair plane soaring through the air, with a brilliant blue sky visible in the background. However, the third image displayed a banner trailing from the rear of the aircraft.
The message was short and sweet. It read: “Stop travelling in jeans.”
While there’s no real cause for concern here, the joke simply comes from most travellers preferring to dress comfortably on flights, as jeans are well known for being rather restrictive when sitting for extended periods of time.
But this didn’t deter passengers from joining in with the banter. Scores of people quickly headed to the comments section to share their views, with many insisting they had no intention of ditching their beloved denim on flights.
“I’m always flying in jeans because they are 200g heavier than sweats and you would just love to charge me for those 200g in my suitcase,” one person said. Another went on to say: “It’s how many layers we have under our jeans that you should be worrying about.”
“Noted. I’ll fly in pyjamas… unless that’s a €12 add-on too,” a third person said.
Someone else wondered: “What, should I just travel in a t-shirt and my pants to save weight?”
Another person went on to share the safety reasoning of flying in jeans, explaining: “Better jeans than shorts… much safer in case of an emergency evacuation (same applies to closed shoes vs flip flop by the way).”
One of the two pilots onboard a commercial plane made a personal announcement over the tannoy ahead of a flight, which left people in tears and feeling overwhelmed with emotion
Passengers were greeting with an announcement from the pilot
Passengers who had just boarded their flight were in tears after the pilot of the plane made an announcement over the tannoy before take off. Once passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight found their assigned seats and got comfortable ahead of an upcoming flight, two pilots came out of the cockpit of the plane to make an announcement to all the passengers and crew.
The pilot, Captain Svein, explained how he was “very excited” ahead of the upcoming flight as it was a “very special day” for him personally. He turned around and then explained how he had a brand new pilot on board with him who had “just finished training”.
In the video, which was posted on social media by Southwest Airlines, the pilot said: “I’m very excited today is a very special day for me personally and I would like to use this moment to introduce to you our latest addition to Southwest Airlines pilot group.
“She is right behind me, she just finished training and today is her very first day flying for Southwest Airlines.
“Just one more thing, she is my daughter.”
The video, which has been viewed over half a million times on social media, showed the entire plane started clapping and cheering after the dad made the announcement.
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The dad continued: “I’m so glad you folks are coming with us today to enjoy this little party. Thank you so much for flying Southwest Airlines thank you folks thank you.”
Southwest Airlines a major U.S. low-cost carrier headquartered in Dallas that serves over 100 destinations across 10 countries.
People in the comments section of the video that appeared on Southwest Airline’s TikTok page were thrilled for the father-daughter duo on their first flight co-piloting together.
One person said: “The safest flight to be on, he has his most precious cargo at the helm with him.”
A second said: “Probably his proudest dad moment for him, no doubt about it.”
A third simply said: “You should not make us cry.”
A fourth added: “The father has passed his legacy wings to his daughter on her first flight. As a qualified aviator, she’ll make a fine captain of her own aircraft someday.”
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Southwest Airlines said: “Like father, like daughter! Hanna recently joined Southwest as a First Officer, following in the footsteps of her dad, Captain Svein.
“He inspired her to start flying at the age of 15, and she was immediately hooked. She made it her mission to one day fly alongside him!.
“Just 8 years later, she accomplished that mission serving as her dad’s First Officer on her very first Southwest flight. Welcome to the Southwest Family, Hanna!”
Swanage in Dorset is home to the fantastic Swanage Carnival, which takes place across two weekends in July and August and is about to return for its 2026 outing
Swanage is also a morris dancing hub(Image: Getty Images)
It wouldn’t be a trip to the British seaside without a lorry-load of child stormtroopers appearing at some point.
Or at least, that seems to be the case in Swanage.
Last week, the seaside town was named the 14th best in the country by readers of Which?, who praised its fantastic scenery and beach. What the 5,320 readers did not mention in the rankings (which placed Bamburgh in Northumberland for a sixth year in a row), is Swanage’s weirder side.
I visited the Dorset town of 10,000 during a stay in the beautiful village of Kimmeridge, a little further down the Jurassic Coast. I was expecting more of the same: a pebbly beach, rugged headlands and a sense of peace and quiet that belies its location and quality.
I got nothing of the sort.
Swanage is home to one of the best and weirdest events you’ll find anywhere on the British coastline. The iconic Swanage Carnival.
The Swanage Regatta and Carnival, as it is formally known, has a history dating back to the mid 1800’s when the first sailing regatta was held in Swanage Bay. The carnival portion was added in the early 1900s and hit a real high point in the 1950s when Noddy and Famous Five author Enid Blyton became its president. She loved getting stuck in, even organising the closing firework display.
Today, the show remains one of the best points of the carnival. On warm evenings, people swim out into the sea to get a unique view of the rockets and roman candles exploding above.
What has changed quite a bit – and where Swanage’s strangeness lies – is in the carnival floats.
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When I visited, a lorry was loaded up with a primary school classroom’s worth of girls dressed as Star Wars stormtroopers, sporting blasters and shiny white helmets. A short while later, they were joined by Granny Tourismo, the world’s first (and only) shopping trolley dance display team. Look up to the sky, and you’d be treated to a genuinely breathtaking aerobatic wingwalking display team.
The year’s theme? ‘Swanage Goes Musical’, of course.
Last year, the dress code was ‘Cirque du Swanage’. Cue a floatload of 20 clowns in violently bright rainbow wigs and a traveling circus float, followed a short way after by a child in an electronic jeep, pulling a large giraffe toy.
Belly-dancers danced and majorettes twirled their batons, at the same time as a pair of orange-faced Oompa Loompas raced against the Undertaker and Hulk Hogan for glory in the ever-popular wheelbarrow race.
A woman dressed as a tiger could only watch on from her position on the back of a lorry, locked in a cage.
It’s all the kind of excellent, distinctly weird stuff that the south coast does particularly well. When viewed on a scorching hot summer’s day, sky blue and ice cream melting onto your hand, the effect is almost surreal.
And the good news is, the Swanage Carnival is about to begin again. For eight days from July 25, thousands of visitors will descend on the town to enjoy more than 100 events. This year’s theme is ‘A wacky western in Carnival Canyon’. Expect Stormtroopers in cowboy hats.
If all of that wasn’t enough, come September, the streets of Swanage are taken over by hundreds of members of Britain’s longest-running and most beloved cult, morris dancers.
TOP 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES
Bamburgh — 84%
Tynemouth — 82%
St Andrews — 81%
Aldeburgh — 80%
Crail — 80%
Frinton-on-Sea — 80%
Portmeirion — 80%
St Davids — 79%
Bude — 78%
Southwold — 78%
North Berwick — 77%
Plockton — 77%
St Ives — 77%
Swanage — 77%
Lyme Regis — 76%
Lytham St Annes — 76%
Portstewart — 76%
Conwy — 75%
Dornoch — 75%
Filey — 75%
Lynmouth — 75%
Sidmouth — 75%
St Mawes — 75%
Tenby — 75%
Tobermory — 75%
Wells-next-the-Sea — 75%
Whitley Bay — 75%
Broadstairs — 74%
Falmouth — 74%
Llandudno — 74%
BOTTOM 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES
Ilfracombe — 57%
Minehead — 57%
Bridlington — 56%
Cleethorpes — 56%
Fishguard — 56%
Seaton — 56%
Torquay — 56%
Abersoch — 55%
Colwyn Bay — 55%
Morecambe — 55%
Newquay — 55%
Barry Island — 54%
Skegness — 54%
Mablethorpe — 53%
Margate — 53%
Paignton — 53%
Southport — 53%
Herne Bay — 52%
Littlehampton — 51%
New Brighton — 51%
Weston-super-Mare — 50%
Burnham-on-Sea — 48%
Clacton-on-Sea — 48%
Southend-on-Sea — 47%
Bangor — 46%
Blackpool — 46%
Fleetwood — 46%
Great Yarmouth — 46%
Lowestoft — 46%
Bognor Regis — 41%
Results are based on an online survey conducted in January-February 2026 of 5,320 Which? Connect panel members who spoke about 11,999 experiences of visiting a UK seaside town for leisure purposes in the previous 12 months.
Laura Horton on holiday in Greece(Image: Laura Horton/SWNS)
A woman was bitten by a bat on holiday and ended up seeking rabies treatment thanks to AI.
Laura Horton, 53, was on a two-week birthday trip to Lesbos, Greece, in May 2026 when she found a bat drowning in the swimming pool at the apartment complex where she was visiting a friend. She grabbed the animal from the water and let it sit in her hand for 10 minutes to “dry off” – unaware it had bitten her before flying away.
Laura wanted to know what type of bat she had rescued, so she uploaded a photo of it sitting in the palm of her hand to Google Lens. As well as identifying it as a pipistrelle bat, the AI programme alerted her to seek medical treatment immediately due to the risk of contracting rabies from handling the animal.
She also claimed Google Lens warned her that she would be unable to feel a bat bite as their teeth are too small, and on closer inspection, Laura noticed two tiny pin-prick bite marks. According to the NHS website, rabies is a rare but serious infection that is usually caught from an infected animal’s bite or scratch, and it is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
Laura went to the Hospital of Mytilene, Lesbos, the following day, May 8, where she started a course of preventative rabies post-exposure vaccines. She had a total of three jabs in Greece, followed by her fourth and final jab when she returned to the UK on June 1 at the School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool.
Laura, a personal trainer from Mossley Hill, Liverpool, who spoke to Talk to the Press, said: “I had no idea you could catch rabies from a bat. I grabbed it from the water on instinct because it was drowning – I had no idea of the risks.
“It sat on my hand for about 10 minutes, drying off. We all thought it looked cute, so I took a photo of it.”
After uploading the image to Google Lens to determine the species of bat, Laura was met with a series of questions from the AI tool.
She said: “It started asking questions like, ‘are those your hands?’ and ‘have you washed your hands for 15 minutes after handling it?’ It warned me of the risk of rabies and said I wouldn’t feel a bite, as their teeth are too small.
“I thought it was all a bit dramatic. But when I took a photo of my hand, I saw two tiny bite marks.”
Laura was four days into her two-week holiday in Petra, a village on the Greek island of Lesbos, with friends when she was bitten. She rang her insurance company the following day, May 8, which confirmed she should seek medical attention.
She needed to undergo a course of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – a life-saving treatment given immediately after a potential bite or scratch from a rabid animal. Later that day, Laura went to the hospital, but claims a language barrier nearly prevented her from getting the correct treatment.
“At first, they tried to send me away with antibiotics,” she said. “I’m not sure they understood what happened.
“I was sent to a travel clinic and a nurse was furious I hadn’t been given the first dose yet. I went back to the hospital and found the infectious diseases department – they were brilliant.”
She returned on May 11 and May 15 for two more jabs while in Greece and had a fourth when she returned to the UK on June 1.
She said: “My GP didn’t actually know what to do. Luckily, we have the School of Tropical Medicine in Liverpool and I was able to get my fourth injection arranged with them very easily.
“I later found out there is a dedicated rabies hotline in the UK that would have delivered it to my doctor’s surgery. It was lucky Google Lens told me to go to hospital – who knows what might have happened.
“I read the tragic case about the boy in Canada who died after a bat landed on his face. A lot of people aren’t aware of the dangers of these wild animals and the risks. Hopefully I can help raise awareness.”
“I’m not going to wake her up,” I hiss at my 12-year-old son who’s standing half naked in a dark corridor of a Victorian house. “Please, Mum. She said we could come at any time! I don’t want to get Lyme disease,” he begs.
This is not the kind of drama I was expecting when I signed up to a family walking holiday in Exmoor. A few meltdowns about an extra mile or a blister perhaps, but not a night mission to one of the guides to request a tick removal.
The door opens and Jill comes out brandishing her tweezers. “Have you found another one?” she says cheerily as she whips out the bug that’s buried its head in my son’s torso.
As we trot back to our room, I feel as though I’ve walked into one of the Enid Blyton boarding school books I devoured as a child, returning from a visit to matron with the warm fuzzy feeling of being safe and looked after. Everything about this HF Holidays trip, based at Holnicote House, near Selworthy, feels as though I’ve stepped into a little piece of British history. From the morning briefings in the boot room to pre-dinner hula-hooping on the lawn, we could easily have time travelled to 1956.
The company – a cooperative – has been around since 1913, when Lancashire pastor Thomas Arthur Leonard founded the Holiday Fellowship to give working people access to countryside walking holidays. More than a century later, much of that original spirit survives: communal dining tables, organised walks, evening entertainment and the feeling that everyone has collectively agreed to leave behind modern life for a few days.
The holiday is based at Holnicote House. Photograph: Andrew Hasson/Alamy
I’ve come with my two daughters, 10 and 14, and my son in the hope that one of them might turn into a new walking buddy. Since marrying my husband 18 years ago, holidays have tended towards the accessible – he has partial paralysis – and long hikes, ridge walks and muddy scrambles are things I associate with a previous version of myself. This time I’ve left him at home and have four days (and four walks) to turn the kids on to the pleasures of the great outdoors. We share two rooms with Victorian sash windows and built-in cupboards, simple but spacious. The house has been an HF Holidays property since 1952 and has 32 rooms (14 are singles), sleeping up to 50. This week, there are about 40 of us.
Over scones and cream at the arrival briefing, the kids scour the room for children their age, while I clock other solo parents and grandparents along with a couple of multigenerational family groups. Each day, we can choose from four walks graded in difficulty from level one (about 3 miles), to level four (about 10 miles and with the steepest ascent).
We quickly find our stride: ticking boxes to order packed lunches; attending evening briefings to choose the next day’s walk; joining in organised nightly activities. It’s an introduction for my children to a particular brand of Britishness – one of tea in the drawing room and snacks in brown paper bags, of camaraderie and can-do. And although they are the only mixed-race children here, they easily fold into the tribe of HF Holidays repeaters. Their presence speaks to the history of this country mansion, which during the second world war became Britain’s first mixed-race orphanage, established for children born to Black American GIs and white British mothers at a time when many faced open hostility and rejection.
Two of the writer’s children. Photograph: Antonia Windsor
My children’s initial resistance to the idea of a walking holiday turns to enthusiasm when they realise we’re all in it together and friends made out on the lawn are also on the walks with them. Each day, we’re out for five or six hours. The walks are so brilliantly paced with snack stops, paddle stops, tree climbing stops and the promise of ice-cream at the end, that even my youngest, the most reluctant, happily keeps pace and asks questions about trees and flowers. Mary, our guide, was a geography teacher and imparts her encyclopaedic knowledge engagingly, getting us to count rings on felled trees to determine their age or to guess which leaves come from which tree. We’ve borrowed some binoculars and enjoy identifying the white feathers of a buzzard’s belly and working out the name of a cargo ship far away in the Bristol Channel.
The walks, which are largely circular, cover varied landscapes: fields of buttercups and noisy sheep, pine forests and cliff paths. A particular favourite is a walk that starts by travelling two stops on the steam train of the West Somerset Railway and ends with a visit to Dunster Castle, which emerges fairytale-like from a deer-filled field.
Panorama view of Dunster castle in England. Photograph: Pavel Dudek/Alamy
As a solo parent I’m never lonely. Long conversations on walks lead to shared meals and drinks. The children bag “kids tables” at dinner, forcing us adults to mingle. I share one meal with a father who’s with his youngest while the older children are home revising, another with a woman who’s brought her grandchildren (up to three under-11s stay for free with a paying adult). Nearly everyone has been on an HF Holiday before; many came themselves as children. The food is surprisingly good with nightly three-course dinners; my son loves the soups, my eldest the salads and the youngest feels too grown up for the kids menu of burgers and nuggets and opts instead for fish and couscous, or chicken and potato gratin.
The holiday ends with dancing to a live ceilidh band. The final song has Sally walking down an alley and meeting a man from Tennessee. I think of those young English girls and their GI lovers, and for all the old-fashioned fun of the past few days I feel grateful I’ve had my children in a different era. Watching my daughters line dance with pensioners, I vow that this is where I, too, will bring my grandchildren, if I’m lucky enough to have them. But until then, I will bring my son, who tells me on the drive home that he preferred this holiday to any beach holiday we’ve had – despite the ticks. I think I may just have found myself a new walking buddy.
The trip was provided by HF Holidays. The next four-night Exmoor Family Walking Adventuresare on 17 and 24 August, £909pp (under-11s free), including full board and daily guided walks. Book now for discounts of up to £172pp for Easter, August and October 2027
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