Travel Desk

WITH the weather warming up, could you name a better time for a campsite stay?

It’s no lie that the UK is full of campsites, but when it comes to choosing a spot – what about being right next to the beach?

With amazing beaches across the country, here are some holiday parks right by campsites ideal for a family staycation.

Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park, Scotland

Up in Scotland, you could head to Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park with direct access to the beach.

The beachfront park is ideal for families with both kids and teens clubs for when parents want some alone time.

For family fun together there is also bowling, a pool and crazy golf.

As for the beach itself – Embo Beach boasts white sand and isn’t too far from Dornoch, in case you want to explore further.

Sometimes people are lucky enough to see dolphins from the beach as well.

A pitch costs from £9 per night, which works out at £2.25 per person, per night.

Pencarnan Farm Caravan and Camping Site, Wales

If you fancy heading to the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales instead, then you can book into Pencarnan Farm Caravan and Camping Site.

The family-run campsite has direct access to Porthsele Beach and is a mile from Whitesands Beach.

In fact, the campsite even overlooks Porthsele Beach – which is ideal for swimming and kayaking.

If you stay for multiple days, you can also venture to Whitesands Beach, which is a mile away along a coastal path.

Onsite there’s a shop too, for essentials such as food and logs.

During the peak season, you can also enjoy a tipple and pizza freshly made onsite as well.

A pitch costs from £34.80 per night for a family of four, working out at £8.70 per person, per night.

St Ives Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall

With direct access to the three-mile long Hayle Beach, St Ives Bay Holiday Park in Cornwall has everything for a great family staycation.

The park itself also has views of the beach and coastline.

Onsite you’ll also find a shop, bar, bistro and an indoor pool.

And if you fancy venturing further afield, just 20 minutes away is the Tate St Ives gallery.

A pitch costs from £42 per night for a family of four, working out at £10.50 per person per night.

Morfa Bychan Holiday Park, Wales

Perched on top of the cliffs that back Cardigan Bay, you’ll find Morfa Bychan Holiday Park in Wales.

Just 15 minutes away from Aberystwyth, the holiday park has direct access to the pebble beach below the cliffs.

As for things to do onsite, kids will be easily occupied with a park, ship play area, heated outdoor pool and even a games lounge with a TV, pool table and air hockey.

A pitch costs from £35 per night, working out at £8.75 per person per night.

Ruda Holiday Park, Devon

Sitting right next to the popular Croyde Beach, Ruda Holiday Park has everything for a top family break.

With direct access to Croyde Beach, guests can head surfing with lessons available at the beach as well as surfboard and wetsuit hire.

The holiday park even has its own surf shop…

Back onsite, guests can also enjoy a tropical indoor pool that boasts water rapids and underwater geysers.

The site has both indoor and outdoor play areas as well as a cafe and a kids club too.

And for a treat, make sure to grab an ice cream from the parlour.

A pitch costs from £12 per night for a family of four, working out at £3 per person per night.

Unity Beach, Somerset

Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach, Unity Beach in Somerset also has a lake onsite and a play area.

Around 25 minutes away you can head to Weston-super-Mare as well, for more beach fun.

Back at the park you will also find an indoor pool as well as an outdoor pool with splash zones, flumes and waterslides.

If that isn’t enough to keep your family occupied, then there’s an indoor play centre and golf course to explore as well.

When it comes to having something to eat, you can try out the onsite restaurant, serving meals as well as snacks and ice cream in the summer.

A pitch costs from £10 per night for a family of four, so just £2.50 per person per night.

Harlyn Sands Holiday Park, Cornwall

Cornwall has tonnes of lovely beaches, so it is even better than you can stay right by the beach at a holiday park.

Less than a 20-minute walk away from Harlyn Sands Holiday Park, you’ll reach the beach but the vibrant towns of Padstow and Newquay are both within half an hour’s drive.

At the park, there is a play area for little ones as well as a kids club for when parents want some alone time.

In the evening, families can also enjoy events and entertainments, with a tipple from the bar.

Forgotten something? There is a small shop onsite as well.

A pitch costs from £30 per night based on a family of four, which works out as £7.50 per person per night.

FANCY a last-minute getaway in June? You can still get one with plenty of one-way flights under £30 and to destinations that are over 25C.

Sun Travel reveals our favourite holiday spots with cheap flights in the next two weeks, from Greece to sunny European islands and pretty cities.

Corfu, Greece

“It’s shocking that you can get to a Greek island for less than £30 and with Wizz Air, flights are as little as £18.

“Just over three hours away and you’ll reach the olive grove paradise of Corfu with beautiful blue bay beaches that in June averages at 30C.

“I love Greece mostly for the food and Corfu has lots of spots where you can indulge in a fresh feta salad with juicy tomatoes alongside a refreshing local Greek beer.

“Have a dip in the ocean at Faliraki, and make sure to pick up some locally made olive oil as a souvenir too.

“For anyone who loves history, head to the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary at Paleokastritsa. It’s quite the hike but the views from the top are unbeatable.

“If you can, take a day trip across to Paxi or Paxos, a tiny island seven miles south of Corfu with sea caves and white cobbles beaches.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Nice, France

“Nice is an astonishingly short plane ride from the UK, given how exotic it feels. Just 2 hours and 5 minutes in the air, and you’re suddenly on the French Riviera – and flights in June are £18.

“I’ve spent many summers on that stunning stretch of coast, first on family holidays as a kid, then as a showbiz reporter at the Cannes Film Festival and most recently on family trips as a mum myself.

“It is easily one of my favourite places in Europe, thanks to the glorious scenery and the fantastic food.

“My best tip would be to avoid the pricey cab fares and stick to the many beautiful towns that run along the riviera train line.”

“For instance, Villefranche Sur Mer is a sleek, picturesque seaside village that has all of the beauty of its fancier neighbours, but less of the tourists.

“With a lovely sandy beach, a pretty harbour, and a quaint old town featuring 13-century cobbled streets, there is something for everyone.

“Grab a baguette, a bottle of wine and some stinky cheese from the supermarket for under 10 euros in total and enjoy a picnic on the sand or in the pine trails behind the village.

“This is a perfect spot to base yourself with Airbnbs from £86 a night, then you can take the train along the coast anywhere from Monaco and Nice, to Antibes and Cannes in under an hour.” – Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire

Cagliari, Italy

“Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island that actually sits closer to Africa than the mainland.

“But when it comes to visiting the island, most will head to Olbia in the north – instead, I suggest venturing south to the capital Cagliari.

“This quiet and quaint city can easily be explored in a day, with colourful architecture and over 140 churches and religious buildings.

“The best thing to do in the city? Head on the Underground Cagliari tour with Viator, which will take you to three historic sites all underground, including passages used as bomb shelters under a school, a crypt and prison and uncovered Roman ruins (£26 per person).

“Wander around the city and you will also see several defensive towers marking the perimeter of the ancient city, with the most extravagant of them being Bastione de Saint Remy – a huge former military fortress.”

“One-way flights start from £28 in June.”- Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Rome, Italy

“Rome is a city of passion. Whether that’s due to the fiery locals, who emphasise every word with a hand gesticulation, or because of its sordid history, the scars of which are still present today, who knows.

“But that passion is what gives the place its buzz and you can see it all on the cheap as flights start from £15.

“If you’re new to the city, I couldn’t recommend a Fiat 500 sightseeing tour enough (rome500exp.com).

“You’ll cruise around in vintage motors, ticking off all the key sights including the mighty colosseum and Gianicolo Hill where you can soak up one of the best views of the city.

“The Vatican is, of course, a must. But make sure to book one of the queue jump tours for first thing in the morning – it gets very busy, very quickly and unless you’re willing to stand and wait for hours, this is the only way.

“As for food… pizza, pasta, gelato, they’re all staples in the Roman diet.
If you’re near the Colosseum, try Zia Rosetta which serves mega sandwiches stuffed with traditional ham fillings.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

“If you want some (almost) guaranteed sun, Lanzarote is a safe bet for a June getaway.

“Daytime temperatures usually sit around 27C, rain is virtually non-existent, and a one-way flight is £18 with Ryanair – you can’t beat it really.

“On my visit, I stayed near Playa Blanca, which is Lanzarote’s southernmost resor,s scattered with beach bars, restaurants and small sandy bays.

“It can be busy, but if you carry on walking along the front, you’re bound to find a much quieter spot.

“You can’t beat sitting out at one of the sea-facing bars with a cheap beer, soaking up the sunshine with a glass of Dorada you can pick up for €3 (£2.59).” –Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Valetta, Malta

“When I first visited Malta, several years ago, my only holiday demands were: guaranteed sunshine, decent food and flights that wouldn’t break the bank – and that’s exactly what I got.

“My girlfriends and I had booked a sweet little apartment overlooking St Julian’s Bay, an area littered with waterfront restaurants and a charming old-world feel to it.

“I remember the water being as clear and turquoise as the Caribbean Sea, with the dinky boats bobbing atop.

“At the weekend we caught the bus to Marsaxlokk where a traditional fishing market still operates every Sunday – get there in the early to mid morning to avoid the crowds.

“We came home with stacks of fresh prawns for only a few euros that we sizzled on the barbecue back at our apartment.

“Make sure to visit the capital Valletta while you’re here, too. The city is significant in British history and it became a hub for the Royal Navy in the 19th century.

“Pop into St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of the most beautiful baroque structures I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“Flights to Valletta start from £18 in June“. – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Paris, France

“There’s a reason why Paris is a dream destination for so many.

“Incredible food, glitzy nightlife, plus some of Europe’s top art galleries and museums.

“What’s great about Paris is that there’s so many types of trip you can take, making it the kind of city you can visit again and again.

“Spend a romantic weekend in the cobbled streets of Montmartre, where you can watch the sun set over the city from the highest point in Paris. Soak up the views from the steps of The Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

“Or spend a week with the family at Disneyland Paris, where you can explore their new World of Frozen – a new attraction we’re lucky to have right on our doorstep as Brits.

“My favourite way to visit Paris is as a girly holiday. Hit the Galeries Lafayette for world-famous shopping, then grab some boujee Instagram pictures together in the Palais Garnier.

“Make sure to go for brunch in Mon Crème, where dried flowers drape from the ceiling and candlesticks give the cosy restaurant a warm glow – plus I would fly over just to eat their Duck Confit again.

“With £28 return flights on Skyscanner, ticking off one of the world’s dreamiest capital cities can cost you less than going out for lunch.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Pisa, Italy

“Let’s face it, Italy‘s Pisa is famous for its leaning tower in the city centre and you can see it for yourself for £15 with Ryanair.

“Before you get to the tower, take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River where there are lots of cafes and restaurants.

“I stopped into Bottega for a tasty strawberry and kiwi smoothie for €5 (£4.32) – the same price as a glass of wine, I might add.

“Further into the city, there are shopping streets, some designer outlets and plenty of places to grab a souvenir too.

“I found it does get very busy once you get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa – and a trip is not complete without the mandatory photo outside pretending to push the building upright.

“It can take a while to get into the right position, but I discovered the biggest challenge is trying not to get too many other tourists doing exactly the same thing in the background.” Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Crete, Greece

“You can hop over to Crete for £18 each way – not a bad deal for a trip to the largest Greek island.

“Just an hour’s drive from Chania airport will land you in Rethymno, a coastal city with a sprawling Old Town full of surprises.

“Stroll along the Venetian Harbour to watch colourful fishing boats bob, overlooked by a charming stone lighthouse which was built in 1830.

“Then dip into your pick of tavernas to try some Dakos, a delicious Cretan bruschetta with some local wine.

“After an afternoon exploring the maze-like streets, come back for dinner to try one of the best burgers you’ll ever have.

“Mojo Burgers is a strikingly modern burger joint in the heart of the Old Town, serving up sloppy American-style burgers oozing with flavour.

“Make sure to sign your name on the wall once you’ve eaten to follow tradition.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

*Prices correct at the time of publication

FANCY some Maldives scenery this summer but don’t fancy the long haul flight or the pricey holiday?

You can also experience a same-style sitting on a small uninhabited island in the Mediterranean.

Suluada – which means ‘water island’ – is often dubbed the ‘Turkish Maldives’ thanks to its pristine blue waters (caused by microorganisms called foraminifera) and stunning beaches.

The unique island used to be volcanic and while the island has no restaurants, bars or hotels, it is a great spot to explore bays and relax on the beach.

And if you are lucky, you might even spot some turtles visiting.

Instead of the long-haul flight, you could fly to Antalya which takes between four and four-and-a-half hours.

And while the island is a great day trip – be warned it is a little difficult to get to.

From Antalya, you can book onto a £11 per person day trip with GetYourGuide to the island, which includes a pick- up from your hotel in the city, the two-hour drive to Adrasan Port and then the boat trip across to the island.

As part of the day trip, you’ll get to explore the island by boat for an hour before hopping off for a couple of hours to swim in the water and chill on the beach.

And it is not the only pretty spot you’ll get to see on the excursion – the boat will also take you to another hidden bay on the island later in the day.

Once back onboard you’ll be given lunch before sailing back to Adrasan.

Don’t worry – most of the boats have loos, so the lack of facilities on the island shouldn’t be an issue.

This boat trip is one of many on GetYourGuide, with others taking place at sunset instead with dinner included or you could book onto one from either Kemer or Belek, if you aren’t staying in Antalya.

Different tours will also provide different things, so make sure to check before booking whether you need to bring your own snorkelling gear and food.

One recent guest said: “This excursion was, without a doubt, my favourite of the trip!

“I absolutely loved the boat tour and was particularly impressed by the swimming stops, which were definitely the highlight for me.

“The boat itself was perfect, with plenty of comfortable seating, sunbathing areas, and a bar.

“I also have to mention the lunch selection, which was by far the best I experienced during my stay.

“It was an absolute delight from start to finish.”

Flights to Antalya in June cost from around £50 per way and if you are looking for a hotel, there are lots of different options.

For example you could stay at the Crowne Plaza by the beach, with both an indoor and outdoor pool, from £109 per night.

OUR Spotlight ON column takes an in-depth look at the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as shining a light on some lesser-known spots.

This week we’re focusing on Folkestone, the newly-revived Kentish coastal town.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who lives there, has shared some of her best kept secrets.

She said: “Being just 52 minutes from London, Folkestone is one of the easiest beach towns to get to by train in the country.

“It hopes to reopen the funicular again this summer after years, and you can find live music most weekends at the harbour too.

“My favourite spot? Gaia Studios for a huge cocktail list (and they’re branching out into brunch too).”

MUST SEE / DO

Who says art only belongs in a gallery? The UK’s largest outdoor art trail winds through Folkestone and is completely free.

There are contributions from 46 artists including Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin and Yoko Ono. See if you can spot the Banksy too!

HIDDEN GEM

A picturesque zig zag path from the clifftops leads down to the Lower Leas Coastal Park.

The linear coastal gardens feel tucked away under the cliffs and are well-maintained with impressive planting and a prime spot right alongside the beach.

If that wasn’t enough there’s also the South East’s largest free adventure playground which is being rebuilt and will open in the summer.

BEST VIEW

There’s nothing like enjoying the view of the sea, particularly at the end of the Harbour Arm sipping a glass of something bubbly at the Lighthouse Champagne bar.

Pick up a bite to eat from the many food stalls and restaurants on the arm or indulge in some independent shopping.

The Harbour Arm also boasts the UK’s largest beach spa so the best view might just be from the sauna, hot tub or a cold plunge barrel!

RATED RESTAURANT

The award-winning Rocksalt, a two-rosette restaurant overlooking the harbour, is where you will find the best seafood in town.

Make sure to try the seared Folkestone scallops, alongside a chunky piece of fresh bread made by Docker brewery just down the road.

A short drive away in Saltwood the only two star Michelin restaurant in the whole of Kent.

Hide & Fox serves modern British cuisine in an intimate and relaxed environment.

BEST BAR

The Radnor Arms came fifth in the Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain.

It’s a cosy, renovated Victorian pub in the Bouverie district  serving a locally-sourced menu with roasts, brunches and  themed evenings including flatbreads, Asian night and steak night.

Prohibition-inspired speakeasy The Potting Shed only opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Obtain the password to slip into the backroom and be rewarded with a carefully crafted cocktail menu inspired by the underground culture of the speakeasy bars of the 1920s.

HOTEL PICK

Voco The Clifton is a traditional Victorian hotel with rooms decorated by local artists and views of the Channel, as well as Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. 

Rooms from  £100 per night.

Or try the Burlington Best Western, a Victorian 4* hotel overlooking the famous Leas Promenade and the English Channel. 

Rooms from £75 per room per night.

THE EU is in the midst of making huge changes when it comes to air travel and all of them will greatly benefit passengers.

These include no extra fees, better compensation rights and families heading on holiday can sit together at no extra charge – but now we’re out of the EU, the new rights will only carry weight for Brits on certain flights.

The new regulations were agreed by the EU Council and Parliament yesterday, making it the first overhaul in over 20 years and will come into play in 2027.

Some of the biggest changes include allowing families to sit together at no extra cost, as well as passengers having a free personal item to take onboard.

There also won’t be penalties for missing one leg of a booking, and hand luggage costs will be shown upfront in the fare.

There will also be a ban on additional fees for alterations like name correction.

It will be easier for passengers to get money back for delays or cancellations too.

Airlines will need to immediately acknowledge a claim and then reply within 30 days.

For those who experience delays, there is a right to assistance which includes refreshments every two hours of waiting time, a meal after three hours, internet access and phone calls.

When passengers need overnight stays, they should be given the hotel free of charge and get free transport from the airport to the accommodation and back.

After a cancelled flight or denied boarding, passengers who choose to reroute must be given an alternative journey within three hours.

This all sounds great doesn’t it? Well, there is some bad news – this won’t count for all British travellers leaving the UK.

As a result of Brexit, British holidaymakers won’t necessarily benefit from this as in some cases their flights will fall under passenger rights called UK261.

Whereas for those living in the EU, the new regulations count for all.

For Brits heading on holiday, taking advantage of these EU changes will depend on the route and the airline.

For example, a flight leaving the UK for Malaga with Ryanair will fall under EU rules as Ryanair is an EU airline.

The Malaga to UK return leg will also be under the EU rules – on the return journey, it doesn’t matter if the airline is EU or non-EU, because the flight departs from the EU.

Along with Ryanair, the likes of Wizz Air, easyJet and Lufthansa are all EU-airlines so the new rules automatically count for Brits on both journeys to EU countries.

There will however, be a gap on flights leaving the UK on a non-EU airline.

For example, if a British passenger flies from London to Madrid on a UK airline like British Airways, that outbound leg would remain under UK261 rules rather than the new EU regulations.

But the return would fall under the EU rules because it departs from Madrid in the EU.

So Brits heading on holiday will only get the new benefits if they are travelling on EU-covered flights.

They will not get them automatically on all flights from UK airports.

UK-airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Jet2 won’t fall under the new EU rules.

But these do have their own guidelines and policies regarding families sitting together and luggage costs.

AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko, a renowned aviation lawyer, added: “This agreement is a meaningful step forward for European passengers, and it throws the position of UK travellers into sharp relief.

“For the first time since Brexit, we are looking at a real divergence in the
everyday rights of passengers flying from the UK versus those flying
from the EU.

“The headline compensation amounts remain broadly aligned,
but on the things passengers deal with on every single trip, being
penalised for a missed leg, paying to sit next to your own child,
comparing fares that hide the cost of a bag, EU travellers are about
to pull ahead, and UK travellers are at risk of being left behind.”

Online reviews have become one of the most powerful tools people use when booking holidays, but experts warn that not every review tells the full story

Millions of Britons are gearing up for their summer getaways, but experts are urging travellers not to place too much trust in a sea of glowing five-star reviews.

Online reviews have emerged as one of the most powerful influences when selecting hotels, resorts and holiday rentals, with many holidaymakers depending on them to determine where to invest thousands of pounds. However, according to review verification specialist TruthEngine, not all reviews paint the complete picture. Daniel Mohacek, CEO of TruthEngine, said holidaymakers should view reviews as one element of their research rather than concrete evidence that a property will live up to expectations.

He said: “Reviews have become one of the most powerful tools people use when booking holidays. A string of five-star ratings can persuade someone to spend thousands of pounds on a hotel, resort or rental they have never seen in person.

“The problem is that not every review tells the full story. Some may be exaggerated, outdated, incentivised or, in some cases, not actually genuine.”

TruthEngine cautions that fake, manipulated and misleading reviews can leave holidaymakers arriving at destinations that bear little resemblance to what was advertised online. In some instances, guests uncover dated rooms, substandard facilities, hygiene problems, deceptive photographs or loud locations that were never flagged in the reviews.

One of the most common errors travellers commit, according to Mr Mohacek, is believing that a near-flawless review score automatically indicates a property is outstanding.

He said: “Holidaymakers should not assume that a high rating automatically means a property is perfect.”

TruthEngine recommends reading two, three and four-star reviews first, suggesting that these typically offer the most balanced and valuable insight.

He added: “Our advice is simple, to slow down before booking. Read the two, three and four-star reviews as these are the least faked, check recent feedback, compare different platforms and look at real guest photos.”

He also urged travellers to watch out for repetitive phrases, reviews that resembled marketing material rather than authentic experiences, and sudden spikes of glowing feedback appearing within a brief timeframe.

He said: “If the same complaints keep appearing, or if the reviews all sound too polished and too similar, that should ring alarm bells.”

Another frequent error is depending entirely on a single booking platform. TruthEngine advises cross-referencing reviews across multiple sites including Google, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia, while also examining social media and photographs uploaded by travellers.

Mr Mohacek added: “A holiday is one of the biggest purchases many families make each year. Taking 10 extra minutes to check whether reviews feel authentic could be the difference between a dream break and an expensive disappointment.”

For holidaymakers seeking a swift reality check, TruthEngine suggests a straightforward 30-second review assessment: examine the middle-range reviews, filter by the latest comments, cross-check several platforms, remain cautious of excessive references to particular staff members and take note of recurring grievances. According to Mr Mohacek, those additional few checks can uncover considerably more than a five-star rating ever could.

AN ABANDONED airport in Spain is set to reopen after 14 years.

Nicknamed Spain’s “ghost airport”, the vast airfield boasts one of Europe’s longest runways.

Ciudad Real International Airport will reopen in 2026, despite being abandoned for well over a decade.

Having stood largely empty for the past 14 years and used for long-term aircraft storage, it has now been revealed the airfield will be opening its doors again under a new owner, resuming passenger flights this year.

Managing director of Ciudad Real International Airport, Rafael Gómez Arribas, has said that the site will only operate private flights, mainly from Europe and the US.

Located 235km south of Madrid, the Spanish airport was initially set to be the country’s second largest airport and an alternative to Madrid’s Barajas airport.

Opening in 2008, the aviation site cost more than €1 billion to build, and included one of Europe’s longest runways.

Measuring 13,451 ft, the strip was constructed to accommodate the Airbus A380, the world’s biggest commercial aircraft.

Despite plans to be a commercial flight hub for around 2.5 million passengers a year, the site struggled financially, mainly down to its remote location miles away from Madrid.

The airport soon went bankrupt and closed just four years later in 2012, earning the nickname of Spain’s “ghost airport”.

In 2015, the abandoned airport was won in a bankruptcy auction by Tanzeen International for just €10,000.

It was eventually converted into a temporary storage facility during the pandemic, and held grounded planes from European airlines while flights were not operating.

After the closure of the airport in 2012, large yellow crosses were painted on the runway as a visual warning to planes flying overhead that the site was no longer operational and the runway was unsuitable for landing.

WETHERSPOONS boozers and holiday parks are both staples of a British staycation – and what is better than the two combined?

Haven holiday parks are launching four new Wetherspoons at their parks this year and have even spoken about opening one at all 39 of its parks.

To test out the collaboration between the two brands, I headed to the Humber Stone at Haven Cleethorpes Beach.

I was sceptical about whether the bargain booze we all know and love at our local Spoons would be replicated at Haven, as it is often the case that you are paying a couple of quid extra per drink once you are in holiday mode.

But I thought £4 for a pint was good value for a caravan site bar, compared to about £5.50 at another holiday park just around the corner.

The huge veranda at the Humber Stone looks out over the playground and splash pad.

And there are also loads of paid-for activities like crazy golf and the aerial adventure course in eyesight, for the kids to enjoy while the adults chill in the beer garden.

My top tip would be to get yourself a hot drink for £1.85 as there are free refills all day, which is a massive win for tired parents who need their caffeine hit to keep up with their kids full of holiday vibes.

The pub is next-door to the pool, which has a great outdoor section including a lazy river and a Space Bowl flume, so you do not have far to go if everyone is starving after their swim.

Haven Cleethorpes Beach used to be known as Thorpe Park, which caused some confusion with the theme park near London and could be considered the biggest Haven park in the country, if you go by the number of accommodation units available.

The sprawling site has its own golf course and fishing lakes – it’s so big that it spans a public road, with the main entertainment centre, activity village and pool on one side and a minimarket and craft studio on the other.

As well as caravans and lodges galore, there’s a campsite with toilet and shower block.

I love the location of this Haven site – it’s got access to Fitties Beach, which is a lovely spot with a more relaxed atmosphere than the beach in the town centre.

The open-top Seasider bus runs along the front into the town from the caravan park every half an hour at weekends and over the summer holidays, so you can easily pop along to check out the UK’s biggest chip shop on the pier.

There is the planet’s smallest pub too at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway called The Signal Box Inn.

Or there’s even another Wetherspoons in the former Coliseum Picture House in the town centre with chandeliers, a Roman fresco and a rooftop terrace, making it quite a different feel from the modern venue at the Haven park.

A jacket potato with a soft drink there costs just £5, compared to £11.35 for the same at the Haven Spoons, so you might want to be a bit picky about what you order while you are at the caravan site.

For my family of five, we love the Premier Inn unlimited breakfast deal – with two kids eating free per paying adult, it costs us just £22 to get everyone fed and watered there of a morning.

At the Humber Stone, we’d be looking at paying that just for a cooked breakfast and hot drinks for the adults, before we’ve even factored in feeding our three growing boys.

Cleethorpes Premier Inn is just half an hour walk from the Haven and the kids eat free deal is open to all, whether you are staying at the hotel or not, so it might be worth taking a stroll to save yourself some cash if a big brekkie is a must on your staycay.

With Haven hoping to roll out more Wetherspoons at its sites around the country, no doubt this will not be the last Spoons I visit on our family breaks.

Our favourite park at Hopton in Norfolk has just launched its own branch called the White Clover, so we will give that a go next time we are there.

And we are off to Haven Kent Coast later this month, where the London Stone Spoons has just opened.

If you are heading to a Haven with a Spoons this summer, you can use the Wetherspoons website to check out the menu – it is good to know before you go what is a bargain and what might break the bank.

For me, pints are a yes, potatoes are a no.

Even at a Spoons, you need to be a bit savvy with your staycay spends, it seems!

THE World Cup is dominating England this summer, so why not up your footie game and swap the pub garden for the beach when England plays?

This beautiful spot in Cornwall is letting footie fans watch matches right on the beach with plenty of drinks on hand, from beer jugs to cocktail pitchers.

Shoreside on Carlyon Bay near St Austell is a coastal hangout with street-food pop ups, bars, live music and now, World Cup screenings.

On Instagram, Shoreside said: “Cornwall’s biggest World Cup Fan Zone & the best spot to watch the World Cup this Summer!

“With live pre-match entertainment, 4 dedicated bars, and a host of street food just a throw-in away, Shoreside is your definitive home for the World Cup.”

It will show “every England match” and other selected games on the big screen which is under a sheltered marquee so it won’t matter if it’s raining.

It adds “entry is free & tables are first come first served”.

For the first England game tomorrow there’s a live DJ to get everyone in the spirit before kick-off at 9PM.

From the four bars, visitors can order beer jugs, cocktail pitchers and enjoy snacks like chicken wings and burgers.

One Hidden Gems website described Shoreside as a “sleek beach shack that looks like it could have been plucked from California.”

For those who aren’t football fans, there’s plenty of other things to do and watch over summer at Shoreside.

Every Friday night, it hosts a line-up of live rock bands which take to the stage.

There are also silent discos, karaoke evenings, and quiz nights – all of which are completely free.

It’s not just Shoreside that has set up on Carlyon Bay, there are plenty of other food stops open throughout the day.

The Beach Cafe is open year-round serving soft drinks, coffee, tea and cakes.

Frooth offers smoothie bowls and matcha, Jasper’s Kitchen makes fresh stone baked pizzas.

When it’s really hot, Callestick Farm is the place to grab an ice cream with plenty of flavours from clotted cream vanilla to salted caramel.

There’s also OGY1 Pasty Shop, Crinnis Crib Hut, Herd, Stevie G’s Doghouse, Fry Buoys and a souvenir shop.

Carlyon Bay itself is two-miles long which visitors have called ‘beautiful’ and ‘unspoilt’.

It’s a popular spot for swimmers and lovers of watersports.

You can hire out wave runners, standup paddleboards, jet skis and kayaks and get out onto the waves.

Back on the sand, there’s also weekly sunrise yoga on Wednesdays and beach yoga every Saturday.

I was warned in the waiting room of Pasadena’s WeFly: “This is not an arcade,” said flight trainer Corry Joyce. No, what WeFly offers is a professional-grade simulator, one that is traditionally used to train pilots. I am not a pilot, or a pilot-to-be, but I wanted a sense of how planes work, and maybe a chance to fly over my hometown. Only once I strapped into my seat, I found myself to be incredibly nervous. There was no danger here. Joyce, thankfully, would intervene at any mistake, and would helpfully remind me that, unlike real planes, “This one has a pause button.”

And yet to set foot in a WeFly cockpit is to be alternately in awe and overwhelmed. I was in a near 1:1 replica of the insides of a Boeing 737 Max. Buttons, knobs, switches and flashing lights surrounded me. And to fly a plane, I would have to let go of everything I knew about driving a car. Turning in the air, for instance, is much different than turning on a runway. And do I watch the screen, or look out the windshield? Often the former, even though I enjoyed buzzing Long Beach’s Queen Mary, flying under the Golden Gate Bridge and circling Chicago’s Wrigley Field. When it came time to land however, my palms got a little sweaty. Navigating height, winds and the steadiness of my plane was a challenge, one akin to handing a grade-schooler a calculus book, summarized Joyce. Let’s just say I needed his co-piloting skills. And I’m not great at math.

Typically, WeFly’s clientele, says Joyce, are a mix of aviation aficionados or non-commercial pilots. The space also gets a fair share of those with a fear of flight, arriving at WeFly with the hopes to conquer it. “They want a sense of control,” Joyce tells me. But WeFly is also ideal for anyone who is amazed by air flight, or those who may someday dream of being a pilot. Though it uses “Microsoft Flight Simulator,” it is no game. Sessions for 30 minutes start at $129, and WeFly’s trainers will tailor it toward one’s experience. I made sure, for instance, that crashing was turned off. But I forgot, however, to turn with the brakes when it came time to land. Yet the plane was intact, and, as Joyce reminded me, “At least you’re on airport property.”

To understand the gravitational pull toward golf, consider the sport as a sequence of problems. Aaron Singleton, a skilled player in the Dads Link Golf Club, is playing particularly well today at Palos Verdes Golf Course, having just hit two back-to-back birdies. But even on the shots that fly into a grassy oblivion, he smiles.

“Golf is 18 different holes. 18 different chances to solve a problem,” he says. “Each hole presents a different problem. Each shot is a different problem.” According to Singleton, this wisdom that players inherit on the golf course — especially resilience and patience — translates to fatherhood.

Singleton, who has a 3-year-old son, is part of a growing group of fathers who participate in the Dads Link Golf Club. The club is part of the region’s golf boom; Southern California Golf Assn. is estimated to have one of the largest memberships in the country, with over 200,000 golfers.

Ian Davis is the founder of Los Angeles’ Dads Link Golf Club. Each month, he invites fathers to enjoy golf together to focus on fellowship, fatherhood and their well-being.

“This has grown in a way that I couldn’t have imagined,” says Davis, who works as a wellness coach with an emphasis in mindfulness and meditation. He started the club in 2023 on the East Coast before relocating it to Los Angeles in January 2024, where the club hosts an annual Father’s Day tournament and various golf clinics.

At the driving range, Davis leads the group through “a grounding practice” that involves stretching and deep breathing. Member Ose Akhile, a personal trainer, follows up with stretching and other warm-up exercises. For many of the men, golf has become a rediscovered hobby. Singleton returned to the sport after playing it as a teenager. “I’m looking forward to getting better,” he says.

Club member Darius Ingram, father of 3-year-old daughter, says that reconnecting with the game has allowed him to prioritize his own well-being.

“I used to play golf recreationally. Now, I do it for mental stability,” he says.

Ian Monteilh, who is new to the group and has two daughters ages 11 and 15, says the outing provides camaraderie that was missing from his life.

“It’s a community that I didn’t have. I’m blessed to be around like-minded men with no pressure,” he says. “Even if we’re having a rough day on a golf course, there’s camaraderie.”

Once considered a predominantly white sport, golf is now being reshaped by a new generation of Black players and other players of color, including many of the fathers in Dads Link Golf Club. In 2024, 25% of golfers across courses nationally were Black, Asian and Latino, marking the most diverse era in the sport’s history, according to the National Golf Foundation.

“It’s a lot less pretentious — more diverse, more access for all different types of people,” says Ingram, who noticed a shift in golfing culture in recent years. Despite Tiger Woods’ storied career as one of the sport’s most impactful athletes, Black men remain underrepresented in top tournaments.

Ingram partly attributes Black men’s interest in golf to renewed interest from other professional athletes. Star athletes like Michael Jordan and Steph Curry — who also happen to be dads — are skilled golfers.

“There are a lot of people who play their main sport, and they play golf when they retire,” says Ingram.

Rappers like Schoolboy Q and DJ Khalid have also become interested in the sport, adding to its cachet.

The benefits of the groups are apparent, explains Akhile, who has three daughters, ages 6, 7 and 9.

“I’m outside — fresh air, sunshine, a break for my family. I get to decompress,” he says. Describing himself as a “Caribbean baby,” he explains that the ocean waves have a hypnotic effect on him. As the golfers move along the Palos Verdes course, the ocean stretches beyond them.

“Nature helps a lot with stress relief. There’s a lot of green grass and quiet out here. I love my child, but it’s hard to hear her yell, ‘Dad!’ every three seconds,” says Singleton. During the game, he stays calm while a squirrel approaches him. “Me and nature are one with each other,” he says. Behind him, a baby coyote prances into the fog.

Singleton adds that in the chaos of fatherhood, friendships occasionally fall to the wayside.

“There’s so much to do. Everyone separated. It’s beneficial to have a group text, a fellowship like this, where you can hear someone going through the same thing as you,” Singleton says.

Akhile agrees. “These are probably the only guys that understand the day-to-day stressors and pressures of my life,” he says.

After finishing nine holes, the men enjoy breakfast burritos. They joke that they will begin ranking the golf courses in the L.A. area by the quality of their breakfast burritos. Meanwhile, Davis leads the group through a conversation about fatherhood. Each month he chooses one dad to be the focus. This morning that’s Ingram. He speaks on being a father and how it relates to golf.

“I’m not as good as I want to be, so there’s frustration there,” Ingram says, referring to the challenges of parenting. He adds that to “right things” he doesn’t like about himself, he focuses on how his efforts could result in his daughter becoming a better version of him. The men offer encouragement as birds circle above. The sun pierces through the fog.

Monteilh looks up and jokes: “The only birdies I saw today were in the sky.”

Los Angeles is the best food city in the United States. When considering breadth and scope, quality of ingredients and cooking, diversity and innovation, and sheer volume, it just can’t be beat. There’s no beginning and no end to its wonders.

But it’s more than that. Although our city can feel chronically fractured, our foods and restaurants may be the only possible glue that binds us. So we asked our Food writers, what are the local dining experiences that define living in our city?

This is our answer. The following are not the definitive “best” restaurants or meals in L.A. — we have a proper critics’ list for that each year. Instead, these experiences are the foundation for understanding what it means to love L.A. through its foods.

Tell us if you disagree, or if there’s anything you think we missed. Whether you’re a hard-boiled native or a first-time visitor with a big appetite, we’re confident that any combination of these 50 dining experiences will make your heart sing with love for L.A.’s invincible food scene. — Daniel Hernandez

SUN Club members can bag tickets to Drayton Manor Resort for the cheapest rate available anywhere – guaranteed.

Full-price tickets start at £29.50 online and can cost up to £45 at the gate.

However Sun Club members can bag their tickets for £20 each.

To claim them, simply sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month.

Once you’re signed up, head to the Sun Club Offers Hub where you can claim up to four tickets.

Drayton Manor sits just 25 minutes’ drive from Birmingham, and has rides and activities for all ages – from tiny tots to thrill-seeking teenagers.

The theme park is home to over 50 rides and attractions, plus its very own on-site zoo.

We spoke to Ollie Carr, General Manager of Drayton Manor, for his ultimate insider tips on how to make the most of your trip.

He said: “Drayton Manor is unique compared to other parks because we have five bespoke lands that are all completely different.

“We have Thomas Land (Europe’s only Thomas the Tank Engine-themed land), plus we have Vikings land which is great for the braver folk.

“Then there’s Frontier Falls, our Wild West-themed zone with one of our newest attractions, Gold Rush.

“Plus Adventure Cove which is nautical-themed and the Main Park. All of that, plus a 15-acre zoo as well! There really is something for everyone”.

The theme park is an ideal day trip for mixed-age families, with rides that cater to all ages – some of which guests can go on from just 0.9m in height.

Ollie said “For young children, head to Thomas Land. Even if they’re not specifically Thomas The Tank Engine fans, we have lots of different rides for younger kids.

“The rides there are really gentle and we have a huge amount with very low height limits, which is different to other theme parks.

“We have a carousel, Submarine Splash which is a mini flume, and kids can drive their own Terence the Tractor.

“We also have an indoor soft play called Emily’s, which families with little ones really like.

“For slightly older kids, I’d recommend Accelerator, right in the middle of the park.

“It’s our boomerang coaster. It goes really high which is fun, but it’s not too intense.

“And if you’ve got teenagers or some real thrill-seekers in the group, there’s lots for them to.

“We’ve got Stormforce 10, which is a water ride with three drops. Then of course The Wave, a thrilling family coaster with a loop and inversions.

“We’ve also got Maelstrom which is a gyro swing ride, as well as Thor and Loki in Vikings.

“One thing that people might not know about is that one of our newest attractions, Gold Rush, has two settings.

“That means if you ride it in the morning you’ll get one type of experience, and if you come back and ride in the afternoon, it’ll be totally different.

“On one setting it launches you forwards, and on the other one you go backwards. It’s a whole different sensation. It’s like going on two totally different rides“.

Knowing the resort inside-out as General Manager, Ollie shared his other little-known tricks and secrets about Drayton Manor.

“If you want a good way to take in the views of the park, you should ride the Polperro Express.

“It’s a miniature railway which takes you all the way around our lake and through Adventure Cove and Thomas Land.

“It’s a gentle ride that you can do all together as a family, and it gets you really familiar with the park.

“The theme park has been around for 76 years, so it also has a lot of history.

“A lot of people don’t know about the Discover Thomas and Friends Exhibition.

“It’s a model railway with the original models used in the filming of the TV series decades ago. You can see the original engines going around on the set that they used to record the show.

“There’s lots of nice areas outside, too. We have an outdoor play area called Spencer’s down by the zoo, which is a really nice area to sit down with a picnic.

“The zoo has been around for years, and it’s like its own attraction.

“We’ve just had baby meerkats born, and new animals have moved in like Babirusa, which are like giant pigs.

“Another thing that people might not know that our mascots, Rory and Laurie, put on daily shows and meet and greets around the park.

Ollie also shared his top tips for making the most of a family day out at Drayton Manor Resort.

“The gates open at 10:30. My advice to guests would be to arrive 30 minutes early, and that way you’ll be there for the opening show with Rory and Laurie, which is held at the main entrance.

“Then head straight to the attractions that you know you want to go on, just in case they get busy. There are also fast passes if you want to guarantee a quicker queuing experience.

“We have some fun events coming up, too.

“In July we have our Rock ‘n’ Rumble event with live wrestling and a Shania Twain tribute act, which will take over the whole park and takes place on the first two weekends of July.

“In October we’ll be running our first ever Blazing Halloween event, which tickets are available for now. There’ll be a Trick or Treat trail and fireworks shows”.

BRITISH holidaymakers going to France may be forced to cover their bare chests or risk being slapped with a £130 (€150) fine.

Men have been banned from walking around shirtless in several seaside resort towns – with one mayor citing concerns over hygiene and decency.

Topless sunbathing is still legal in France – but around 20 towns are clamping down on locals and tourists from baring their chests in city centres.

The glamorous resort of Deauville has hiked up its token fine of £15 (€17) to a heftier £130 (€150).

And in the southern French city of Narbonne – which last year saw blistering highs of 43 degrees – men are barred from going shirtless all summer.

The ban came into force on Monday and will end only at the end of September.

The mayor of the resort town claimed it was common sense for a tourist hotspot to crack down on bare-chests.

“It’s about hygiene and avoiding exhibitionism,” he said.

One Narbonne restaurant owner hailed the crackdown as “a very good thing”, saying that “this isn’t something the staff of our café can easily police on their own without getting into arguments with customers”.

“Having bare-chested guys on the terrace can put off other customers”, added Anthony Hill, 53, who runs Le 89 cafe in the city centre.

But as a heatwave swept across the holiday hotspot – hitting highs of 34 degrees – not everyone welcomed the ban.

“This excessive puritanism is disturbing. Let people live a little. A bare chest never killed anyone”, complained one user named Gabriel on X.

Another seaside port – La Grande‑Motte – has imposed the same restriction and local resident Marie welcomed the change with open arms.

“If I’m out with my kids in the town centre I really don’t want to see guys without shirts. It’s a matter of decency — and there’s also the smell when they walk past you”, the 37-year-old told French TV.

But one holidaymaker, 55, questioned whether the £130 (€150) was “a bit steep” – though he added that he found rule logical.

French law forbids women from going topless – but there is no nationwide ban on men’s shirtlessness.

If a woman walks around bare-chested anywhere other than on a beach she risks being arrested for “sexual exhibitionism” and thrown in jail.

She may also be charged a fine of around £13,000 (€15,000).

In 2020 a row erupted across the nation after cops asked three topless women sunbathing on a southern French beach to cover up.

A family had complained that the women’s bare breasts had upset their children – but when police took action they were blasted for betraying the “French way of life”.

Minecraft fans can enjoy an immersive pop-up event during the school summer holidays that includes the chance to meet baby Mobs and other characters from the popular video game universe

Alton Towers will launch a pop-up event for the six-week summer holidays where guests can enjoy an immersive Minecraft experience, including meeting adorable all-new Baby Mobs.

Announcing the new arrivals with a Buckingham Palace-style sign, the theme park has promised fans the chance to “meet baby Minecraft Mobs in real life across the park” in a first-of-its-kind event. Minecraft Meet the Mobs will take place between July 18 and August 28, coinciding with the school holidays in England and Wales.

Character appearances will include the Iron Golem, Chicken Jockey and Creeper, plus baby Mob scenes featuring yellow axolotls, pandas, pigs, goats, chicks and wolf pups.

The baby Mobs will be positioned in six Minecraft-inspired scenes across Alton Towers, and as visitors find each one, they can stamp their game card. Those who complete the trail will unlock an exclusive downloadable in-game reward – only available to visitors who’ve been to the theme park.

According to Alton Towers, Mobs “are living creatures in the Minecraft videogames that move, interact with the environment and can be passive, neutral, or hostile.”

In addition to the Minecraft trails, visitors can enjoy themed snack stands featuring Minecraft-inspired TNT popcorn and ice lollies. There will also be a range of exclusive Minecraft merchandise to purchase in the park.

Minecraft fans can book tickets for Alton Towers online now for summer dates, and the Meet the Mobs experience is included with the regular price of admission for all visitors from July 18 to August 28.

Minecraft is one of the best-selling video games of all time, with 350 million copies sold, a number only beaten by the addictive puzzle game Tetris. Its first formal release was in 2011 for the PC, and since then, it has been released on a number of consoles and mobile platforms. A version for the Nintendo Switch 2 was recently announced, with many fans speculating it could be released by the end of 2026.

Howard Ebison, vice president at Alton Towers Resort, said in a statement: “Minecraft is loved by families around the world, and this summer we’re bringing that sense of play and discovery into our park. ‘Minecraft Meet the Mobs’ is set to delight our guests with interactive moments across the park, an opportunity to unlock exclusive in-game rewards, enjoy themed treats and plenty of surprises along the way.

“We are proud to offer this unique Minecraft event for our guests joining us over the summer, all within the price of admission to Alton Towers Resort.”

Recently, the Staffordshire-based theme park opened brand new Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies!, the world’s first rollercoaster based on the much-loved cartoon pup and her family. It’s also home to CBeebies Land, where kids can enjoy rides and experiences based on Hey Duggee, JoJo and Gran Gran, Go Jetters, and the Octonauts.

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

My wife and I moved from London to Marseille a little over five years ago when our British passports still conferred “right to reside” in France. That first winter on the beach, in short sleeves, as our daughters played in the topaz-coloured Mediterranean and the sun set across an ever-clear blue sky, I understood why this part of southern France has always been popular with artists.

I was recently speaking about this with the painter Fanny Nushka and her sailor husband, Benoît Bouchet, on the terrace of Café la Muse in Marseille’s “coolest” neighbourhood. She said: “It took a long time to go back to blue. It’s like being in Paris and painting the Eiffel Tower. It’s dangerous to paint the Calanques [limestone coves] as an artist from here.”

We moved to Marseille for the same reason that has attracted countless artists: it’s cheaper to live here. Marseille’s affordability enables Fanny to paint full-time and Benoît to sail without being away from his family for weeks. Benoît runs daily catered cruises on a listed sailing yacht, Le Don du Vent. For €135, you get a taste of Mediterranean luxury with swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing in the unspoiled sea coves around Marseille, pausing briefly for wine and a lunch prepared onboard.

Céline Ghisleri, co-president of Provence Contemporary Art, which represents 62 arts organisations in and around Marseille, tells me the city has always had a dynamic art scene. However, the turning point came when Marseille was named European Capital of Culture in 2013. Since then, large institutions such as Frac Sud, Mac and the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (Mucem) have expanded the city’s offering with bigger exhibitions from more widely recognised artists.

This summer, the Mucem’s exhibitions are Bonnes Mères, a collection of contemporary and historical works on the theme of motherhood, and Clément Cogitore’s fascinating Ferdinandea, l’île éphémère, a body of work centred on the brief existence of a volcanic Mediterranean island. At the end of August, the art fair Art-O-Rama will be hosted at La Friche La Belle de Mai. La Friche (the Wasteland) was a tobacco factory and is now an enormous warren of a multidisciplinary arts centre that is always buzzing, especially in the summer when they set up a movie screen and food trucks on the roof. La Friche is emblematic of the art scene in Marseille: absolute chaos, but somehow it works.

Outside Marseille, Plein Sud, a network of contemporary art organisations between Monaco and Montpellier, produces a guide with travel itineraries. It’s how I discovered the charming Gallifet art centre in nearby Aix-en-Provence, which is only about 40 minutes from Marseille but exists in a completely different universe.

You couldn’t be further away from Marseille’s port city energy than Aix’s daily market at Place Richelme, where you can grab a coffee and, if you are lucky, an outdoor seat at the patisserie and salon de thé Maison Weibel. For lunch, I recommend Drôle d’Endroit (Funny Place). It is tucked down an alley off a sidestreet, but the meals are always pleasing and the atmosphere friendly. Another solid choice is Tita for Levantine street food.

As tiny and quiet as Aix is, it has an abundance of museums, such as the Granet Museum, the Caumont Art Centre and the Vasarely Foundation, but they tend to lean heavily on art that historians have already anointed. For example, it wasn’t until 1984 that the Granet acquired any works by the local boy done good, Cézanne, whose preserved studio is just up the hill.

That’s why it was refreshing to find Gallifet trying something different. The owners, Nicolas Mazet and Kate Davis, have a mission to bring contemporary art to conservative Aix. Located on the ground floor of an 18th-century townhouse, the courtyard’s striking red sculpture of a swimmer mid-stroke, by Diadji Diop, hints that Gallifet is more than just a home (the owners live above the art centre).

This summer’s exhibition features a retrospective of the photographer François Halard, with more than 100 works spanning more than three decades. Until the end of September, Gallifet also hosts a seasonal restaurant and chef’s residency. This year, two Paris-based chefs, Lisa Desforges and Bruno Hammerle, will use Provence’s abundant and delicious ingredients to create menus including entrees such as smoked ricotta gnocchi with peas and a peapod veloute. Gallifet also offers two apartments (from €200 and €160 per night), both decorated with pieces from previous exhibitions and filled with Provençal features such as marble fireplaces and tomette terracotta tiles.

A little further up the Rhône, Avignon nestles against the river, enclosed by preserved medieval walls. The Palais des Papes overlooks the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the north and lavender fields to the south. Each July, the town is taken over by the Avignon festival, one of the oldest performance arts festivals.

After a visit, take a walk along the most picturesque and charming street in Avignon, La Rue Peyrolerie. A winding medieval cobbled alley leads to an equally charming restaurant, L’Épicerie, situated in a square beside a small 14th-century gothic church with an ornately carved walnut-wood door. The cuisine is classic French, served in generous portions by friendly staff. Every time we visit Avignon, we dine here and have never been disappointed, but be warned that the terrace fills up quickly. This is a well-known and well-loved spot among locals. Another safe bet for outdoor courtyard dining is Numéro 75.

The most notable address for contemporary art in Avignon is the Lambert Collection, housed in two stunning 18th-century townhouses, Hôtel de Caumont and Hôtel de Montfaucon. The collection is the legacy of Yvon Lambert, a celebrated gallerist and collector who made his reputation in the latter half of the 20th century championing American artists such as Nan Goldin, Donald Judd, Lawrence Weiner and Cy Twombly. The collection continues to support up-and-coming local artists in its Antechamber of Summer exhibition. This year’s exhibition is by Melika Sadeghzadeh, an Iranian artist living and working in Montpellier.

Just south of Avignon, Arles has at its centre a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts. The Vincent van Gogh Foundation and Luma host several exhibitions throughout the year, but the real treat comes in July during the Rencontres d’Arles. For 50 years, venues across town, from galleries to grocery stores, have showcased a wide range of contemporary and historical photography.

Recently, we went to Arles for its Festival of Drawing. After a wander through the picturesque medieval streets of the Roquette district on the east side of town, popping into venues as we went, we discovered the tiny restaurant Páou in the quaint Place Paul Doumer. The menu promised sharing plates starring local produce and wines. So we sat down for another meal at another terrace table, under another clear blue sky.

The UK airline is cutting flights to and from three destination in its schedule this summer due to financial pressures including the increase in fuel costs and airport fees

A UK airline is set to cut flights to three destinations next month due to financial pressures.

Loganair offers passengers flights to and from destinations across the UK and France, including London, Glasgow, Paris and Edinburgh.

However, the airline has announced that it cannot continue to run all current routes “without impacting the wider business”.

From July 19, Loganair will reduce flights between Inverness and Stornoway, Orkney, and Shetland.

Daily flights currently run from Inverness to Orkney (Kirkwall) and Shetland (Sumburgh) with a regular service also flying to Stornoway.

However, following the cuts, flights between these destinations will only operate on weekends.

Chief executive of Loganair, Luke Farajallah, told the BBC, said: “We do not take these decisions lightly.”

He continued: “The recent increase in fuel prices, together with escalations in aircraft repair costs, airport fees and route charges, mean that Loganair, Hial and Transport Scotland must find a way to sustain lifeline routes where passenger numbers are limited.

“These routes matter to us and to the communities they serve, but we must balance that commitment with the long-term sustainability of Loganair and the wider network those communities also rely on.”

Mr Farajallah said that full services could resume in October if more funding was secured.

Hial, owned by the Scottish government, have offered a support package but it warned that any assistance must be affordable.

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