ALL flights bound for a quaint UK seaside town have been axed after a domestic airline filed for administration.
Eastern Airways, that serves different destinations in England and Scotland, has filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator as it stares down crippling debts of over £25million.
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Flights to the picturesque coastal town of Wick have been axedCredit: GettyPassengers eyeing a trip to the Scottish town will be disappointedCredit: GettyEastern Airways has filed for an administrator
The news means that the carrier will no longer be flying to Wick, a popular Scottish coastal town.
Eastern Airways launched flights to the town’s airport with flights to Aberdeen in April 2022, after pausing during Covid.
But Wick John O’Groats Airport will receive its final flight on Sunday.
That means that from next week, the airport will no longer have any commercial flights.
The local Highland Council is calling for a subsidized flight routes to continue to Wick from Aberdeen.
A spokesperson called the cancellation of Eastern Airways “deeply disappointing,” adding: “This makes the case not only for the continuation of the PSO air services to Wick but for the expansion of provision.”
Local businesses are set to be hit by the airline’s financial woes.
It comes after Wick High Street was given a £2millon boost to upgrade the main high street.
Eastern Airways launched back in 1997 and carries around 1.3million passengers each year.
The airline plays a key role in providing regional air travel across the UK, with current destinations including Wick and Aberdeen in Scotland, and then Humberside, Teeside International, London Gatwick and Newquay.
However, the airline has previously operated many other routes including to Gibraltar from Southampton and Birmingham.
Services to Gibraltar were launched back in 2021 but then axed just a year later.
And in March last year, the operator also cancelled its route between Cardiff to Paris Orly, France.
Only this year, did the airline also announce that it would be launching flights from Newquay in Cornwall, to London Southend Airport in Essex.
Currently, this route cannot be seen on the airline’s website.
Eastern Airways is also the number one provider of charter flights for sports teams in Europe – this includes Premier League and Championship football teams, Rugby Union teams and Super League teams.
For the 12 months to March 2024, Eastern Airways reported a net loss of £19.7million — £4.8million higher than the previous year.
The company’s total debt rose by £4.8million to £25.97million, while profit fell sharply to £454,000 from £1.55million the year before.
It isn’t the only airline that recently went bust this year.
Last month, Play Airlines announced that it would be ceasing operations with all flights being cancelled.
Play Airlines flew to a number of different European destinations likes London Stansted, Amsterdam, Paris and Faro.
And last year, Spirit Airlines – a US low-cost carrier – also filed for bankruptcy.
Monarch Airlines ceased operations in 2017, which at the time was the UK’s largest ever to collapse.
Thomas Cook then shut down in 2019 – although the airline has since relaunched.
What to do if you have an upcoming flight with Eastern Airways
LISA Minot, Head of Travel at The Sun, shares her advice…
Passengers stranded by the collapse of Eastern Airways have several options depending on their circumstances.
If you need to still fly, you’ll need to find – and pay – for an alternative flight with another airline.
Many airlines offer rescue fares when competitors go bust, offering lower prices for those who can prove they were due to fly with the airline that has failed.
Or if you can get the train, London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), ScotRail, TransPennine Express (TPE), and Northern Railway are offering free Standard Class travel to Eastern Airways staff and customers on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October, on suitable routes operated by each train company.
For those without scheduled airline failure insurance, you will sadly be left out of pocket.
If you are due to fly with Eastern Airways in the coming days, weeks or months, you should put a claim in straight away with your debit or credit card provider.
They should refund you without fuss.
For those who are due to fly with Eastern Airways as part of a package holiday they have bought from a travel agent or tour operator, your package holiday provider is obliged to find an alternative way for you to reach your destination or offer you a full refund.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has the latest information on its website, caa.co.uk
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the UK’s overpriced Christmas markets, look no further than the ‘lesser known’ markets in Europe which offer a cosy day out without breaking the bank
Enjoy a cheap Christmas break in Europe this year(Image: Getty)
Many believe there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than with a hot cup of mulled wine while perusing a European Christmas market. However, these events can often be quite pricey.
For instance, a cup of mulled wine at the Berlin Christmas market could set you back five euros, and an additional three if you fancy keeping the mug as a keepsake.
Staying closer to home doesn’t necessarily mean saving money either. It’s well known that UK Christmas markets are among the priciest in Europe.
For example, a visit to the Manchester Christmas markets this year could see you shelling out around £25 for a beer and a bratwurst.
If you’re eager to plan a festive trip but don’t want to break the bank, some of the ‘less popular’ European Christmas markets offer much more affordable prices. Plus, they’re usually less crowded than their UK counterparts, reports the Daily Record.
The team at Eurochange have done some digging into the best alternative Christmas markets across Europe, including the cheapest flights from the UK and average hotel costs. They’ve also investigated which cities offer the best exchange rates, so you know where your money will go furthest.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at Eurochange, said: “Our research shows the Christmas market in Wroclaw, Poland, is one of the best in Europe if you’re looking for excellent value for money and a truly authentic experience. Two nights of accommodation for two adults costs just £47, and food and drinks are very affordable. Sibiu in Romania is a close second when it comes to the cheapest Christmas markets in Europe. Here, you can get a mulled wine for just 86p.”
Sibiu, Romania
Laura describes Sibiu as Romania’s leading Christmas market destination, surpassing even Bucharest. The Transylvanian winter celebration, dubbed ‘The Fair In Sibiu’, attracts Romanians in crowds, running from November 14, 2025, through to January 4, 2026.
The town boasts a distinctive blend of Hungarian, Romanian and German influences, creating a cultural richness unmatched elsewhere in Transylvania, according to Laura. Set within the historic old town at Piața Mare, the markets are “beautifully decorated with thousands of fairy lights and festive trinkets”, she noted.
The affordability is particularly striking, she points out. Mulled wine typically ranges from five to 10 leu (merely £0.86).
Visitors should sample regional delicacies, including Kürtőskalács (spit cakes) and cozonac (sweet bread).
Wroclaw, Poland
According to Laura, Wroclaw is considered among Poland’s finest and most stunning Christmas markets. “It is an idyllic, real-life winter wonderland, scattered across the city,” she said.
Situated across Rynek Market Square, Place Solny, Świdnicka Street and Oławska Street, numerous stalls await visitors. Laura notes many vendors offer handcrafted items and delicacies, largely from independent traders.
Laura explains that prices remain highly accessible, with mulled wine available for merely 15 PLN (£3.08) plus a 15 PLN mug deposit. However, if you prefer not to keep the mug, surrounding restaurants and bars offer warming mulled wine for just 9 PLN (£1.85).
Innsbruck, Austria
Laura said: “Nothing will give you the ‘festive feels’ like roaming the streets of Innsbruck in the run-up to Christmas. The aroma of freshly made Kiachln (piping hot doughnuts laced with Sauerkraut) and the sound of Christmas carols are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.
“Fairy lights give the medieval alleys a magical glow, and in front of the city’s famous ‘Golden Roof’, you will find the Christmas markets. Visitors can also wander across to Innsbruck’s main shopping street, Maria-Theresien Straße, where there are even more chalets offering tasty snacks and handmade crafts.”
Tallinn, Estonia
“Tallinn Christmas market is a real-life fairytale in the heart of Estonia’s capital”, Laura says. Visitors can sample local delicacies, including black pudding, sour cabbage, gingerbread and warming festive tipples from 1-2 euros, making it amongst the cheapest and most authentic Christmas markets in Europe.
She said: “The real star of the show is the incredible market Christmas tree, which has been set up every year in the Town Hall Square since 1441, making it the first ever Christmas tree to be put on display in Europe.”
Croatia might not be the first destination that springs to mind when thinking of a ‘festive’ location, but Laura claims Zagreb’s Christmas market shouldn’t be overlooked. Also known as ‘Advent Zagreb,’ the city “truly comes to life” during the festive season with an epic Christmas market, a rich programme of music and art exhibitions, and an impressive ice-skating rink in King Tromislav Square.
PAULTONS Park has finally revealed the opening date for its much anticipated Viking Valgard land.
Valgard: Realm of the Vikings will be a “fully immersive Viking world bursting with all new adventures, epic discovery, and legendary rides”.
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Paultons new themed land will open on May 16, 2026Credit: Paultons
And the new £12million development is set to open on May 16, 2026.
Visitors will be able to head on Drakon – Paultons’ most thrilling rollercoaster yet with two inversions and a “beyond-vertical drop”.
There will also be Raven, which is the park’s Gerstlauer Bobsled ride reimagined and Vild Swing, which swings 12 metres high and is a first of its kind in the UK.
According to Paultons’ website, the land will be suitable for parents, older children and teenagers, with the new rides not for the faint-hearted.
James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, previously said: “We’ve opened two brand-new rides in the last two years and with the build of Valgard firmly underway, we’re excited to open a further three, bigger-and-better-than-ever-before rides, between now and summer 2027.
“Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans.
“The introduction of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon certainly up the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, but staying true to our roots, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones and there is something for all of the family in our new Viking village.”
Once Valgard: Realm of the Vikings opens, the theme park will boast over 80 rides and attractions across six themed worlds.
In March of this year, the park also submitted plans to build a new holiday village with a resort offering.
It would be located next to Valgard: Realm of the Vikings and would feature between 85 and 95 lodges, parking and its own entrance.
In May, the park then also released a 26-second trailer on YouTube for 2027.
The video doesn’t show much other than a wave washing over a giant ‘2027’ sign standing on a rock, but many fans have speculated that the park will be getting a new water ride.
One person commented: “It’s gonna be the long rumoured water coaster.”
Another said: “Judging by the clue being water, I think that the new investment for 2027 will be a Mack Rides Water Coaster.”
THE Sun’s travel editor Caroline McGuire recently visited the theme park, and here is what she thought…
Last week, a friend from the school gates and I decided to ignore the alert from the Met Office about high-speed gusts and still visit Paultons Park in the New Forest.
And it turned out to be an excellent decision, because the longest we queued for a ride was about four minutes.
And it was two minutes for popular rides Al’s Auto Academy and the Farmyard Flyer rollercoaster.
That fact alone makes this my favourite theme park in Europe.
Because it doesn’t matter how good the rides are if you’re waiting up to an hour for each one.
On the kids’ favourite rides, such as the Velociraptor and Cat-O-Pillar coasters, we were able to fit in about three rounds in 15 minutes.
Paultons is the perfect starter park for toddlers, and I first took my son there when he was two, lured by its famous Peppa Pig World.
He is in year 2 now, so has grown out of Peppa and moved on to the entry-level coasters, of which they have several.
So despite the yellow weather warnings, we spent the entire weekend outside, grinning from ear to ear.
GLADIATORS fans will soon get the chance to live out the show in real life thanks to a new experience.
Birmingham will be getting The Gladiators Experience at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), full of classic challenges seen on the popular TV show.
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A Gladiators experience is opening in Birmingham next yearCredit: BBC
In total, the experience will sprawl across 10,000sqm and offer a gladiator ‘training facility’ as well as behind-the-scene insights.
Challenges include The Wall, Eliminator, Hang Tough, Duel and Travelator.
While little details have been revealed about what the different features look like, fans can expect the real-life challenges to be similar to the ones on the show.
For example, in Duel, contenders and gladiators face off on raised platforms, by trying to knock each other off.
Then for The Wall, two contenders race to climb a large wall, whilst being chased by two gladiators.
For the Hang Tough challenge, contenders must swing on a trapeze as gladiators try to drag them down.
Visitors will then also be able to see behind the scenes of the TV show in the Vault.
And if they want to develop their skills further, they can head to the Gladiator Training Facility.
There will also be a shop where fans can purchase exclusive merchandise.
The experience will be open to all ages and expected to launch in May 2026.
Ticket prices and when they will go on sale are yet to be announced.
The show originally launched back in the 90s and is currently in its third revival.
On the show, contenders compete against gladiators in a series of challenges to earn points.
The show finishes after a final race called The Eliminator, where the contender with the most points gets a head start.
The winner is then the first person to complete the obstacle course.
Visitors will be able to take part in a number of challenges seen on the TV showCredit: PA
Dom Bird, senior vice president at MGM Alternative Television said: “Now, fans young and old will get one step closer to walking in the footsteps of their heroes, as we announce our brand new Gladiators Experience.
“Based at the NEC Birmingham, everyone finally has the chance to test their skills on the iconic games – from Duel and Hang Tough, to The Wall, and of course the legendary Travelator.
The Conwy Valley Line weaves through the dramatic valleys of Blaenau Ffestiniog, skirts a wildlife-abundant estuary and traces the rolling hillsides and striking rock faces of this breathtaking corner of North West Wales
16:03, 29 Oct 2025Updated 16:04, 29 Oct 2025
Why not visit the Fairy Glen and River Conwy, near Betws y coed?(Image: chris smith / 500px via Getty Images)
One of Britain’s most picturesque railway routes has welcomed passengers back after reopening to the public.
The Conwy Valley Line weaves through the dramatic valleys of Blaenau Ffestiniog, skirts a wildlife-abundant estuary and traces the rolling hillsides and striking rock faces of this breathtaking corner of North West Wales.
Despite covering just 26 miles between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog, the journey takes over an hour. This is mainly because of the line’s winding and steep character, which snakes through the spectacular mountains and wild beauty of Snowdonia National Park.
Whilst the route primarily serves local residents and daily commuters, it has become a magnet for railway enthusiasts. One visitor praised on Tripadvisor: “The line from Blaenau Ffestiniog up to Llandudno is incredibly scenic, and if you’re looking for a rail journey in Snowdonia this is right up there with the heritage narrow gauge lines.”
During a debate about Britain’s most beautiful railway routes, one rail enthusiast commented: “How has nobody mentioned the Conwy Valley? It’s utterly spectacular and crams more into an hour than the ECML does into four. One of the nicest little tours you can do in the UK is a loop of Chester-Llandudno Jn-Blaenau-Porthmadog-Machynlleth-Shrewsbury-Chester, though you’ll probably need to use a bus rather than the FfR for the middle bit at present.”, reports the Express.
The railway line welcomed passengers back on Monday, 27 October, after a month of round-the-clock engineering work by Network Rail, forming part of a £1.4 million investment to strengthen the railway against severe weather conditions.
Throughout the past four weeks, engineering crews have been operating across the picturesque valley – felling dangerous trees and clearing 600,000m2 of overgrown vegetation spanning 54 miles of railway track. The extensive clearance work aims to stop fallen trees from obstructing the line when storms strike in future.
An innovative, cutting-edge approach to tackling the traditional issue of leaves on the line is also being tested.
Network Rail has introduced a pioneering rail treatment to the Conwy Valley line for the first time in Wales. A specialist road-to-rail vehicle has been applying a gel formula to the tracks.
The treatment dissolves leaf debris and remains active for up to seven days before being reactivated by rainfall.
“The Conwy Valley line is one of the most picturesque in Wales, but also one of the most weather-exposed. In the past decade, storms have forced the line to close for more than 500 days – disrupting passengers and the transportation of freight goods,” Network Rail wrote in a statement.
Beyond its scenic beauty, the line offers numerous attractions at various stations along the route. Visitors can:
Experience life as a Welsh slate miner at Llechwedd, where you can join a deep mine tour, go off-road in a quarry explorer, or have a go at slate splitting. From the mine, you can take a ride on Europe’s steepest cable railway as you’re brought back to the surface.
Learn about local life at Llandudno Museum and Gallery, which is located in the heart of this seaside town. It is a great place to uncover the fascinating stories of local people and how the area has developed over hundreds of years.
Discover hidden gems as you explore the Conwy Valley line on foot with Ramblers and Transport for Wales. Travel by train and explore on foot with a series of exciting walking routes with Go Jauntly and Transport for Wales.
Request a stop at Roman Bridge. The station is an ideal starting point for walkers and cyclists looking to explore the area’s breathtaking scenery. Take in the views of the secluded cwm of Blaenau Dolwyddelan before walking to Dolwyddelan Castle, the 12th-century stronghold of Prince Llywelyn the Great.
Stop off at Deganwy. The town overlooks Snowdonia, the Conwy Estuary, Puffin Island, and Anglesey. Just behind the town is the site of Castell Deganwy, once the seat of King Maelgwn Gwynedd. This much-visited attraction (rebuilt by Henry III in 1245) dates back to the 6th century and plays an important role in the history of Wales.
Frolic in the spray of a waterfall. The Conwy Falls are located near Vetws-y-Coed and cascade down a gorge in the Fairuy Glen area.
TUI, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have all cancelled or delayed flights and holidays across Jamaica following the devastating hurricane.
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane, made landfall yesterday on the island with speeds up to 160mph.
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TUI, BA and Virgin have all cancelled flights and holidays to JamaicaCredit: ReutersHurricane Melissa landed in Jamaica yesterdayCredit: APAirports in Jamaica remain closed due to damageCredit: Instgaram/romeichentertainment
New images coming from Jamaica show widespread destruction, with most of the island left without power.
As many as 8,000 Brits are thought to be on holiday in the country, with many taking shelter in hotels.
And tour operators and airlines have since been cancelling holidays in response.
TUI has cancelled all flights to Jamaica until October 31, although this may be extended.
And all package holidays to Jamaica have been cancelled until at least the end of the week (November 2).
They said in a statement: “We’re working hard to assess the full impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the extent of damage to local infrastructure including resorts, roads and airports.
“We want to reassure our customers that their safety and wellbeing remains our absolute top priority.
“We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams. ”
Virgin Atlantic has only cancelled flights up until tomorrow although this is very likely to be extended.
Flights VS165 and VS165 have been cancelled tomorrow (October 30).
And British Airways has also cancelled a number of upcoming flights, with passengers told to contact the airline.
Both Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport remain closed.
Just remember that you must not cancel your holiday ahead of the your tour operator or you will be left out of pocket.
This is because the Foreign Office has not warned again travel to Jamaica – it is only when it is advised against, that you can cancel a holiday for a full refund.
Instead it is better to contact the tour operator and see if you can push back your flight if you are wary of travelling.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7.
“We have set up a crisis centre in the Foreign Office, including with support from the (Ministry of Defence), and we are also positioning specialist rapid deployment teams to provide consular assistance to British nationals in the region.
“Any British nationals who are there should follow our travel advice and the advice of the Jamaican authorities.”
Virgin’s flights to Jamaica have been cancelled until at least tomorrowCredit: Alamy
Most powerful Atlantic huhrricans recorded
THESE are the ten most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever, ranked by pressure.
Lower pressure means a stronger storm.
A minimum of 901 mbar has been recorded in Hurricane Melissa.
When booking a flight, most people will always choose between window or aisle — but one of these choices is actually significantly better than the other for a couple of reasons
One seat is ‘always a winner’(Image: Getty)
When it comes to booking a flight, there are typically two preferred seating options. No one fancies being sandwiched in the middle of a row, so most passengers will always opt for either window or aisle. However, one of these choices is significantly superior to the other for a couple of reasons.
One key reason is that this seat is more likely to be thoroughly cleaned between flights, reports the Express.
According to Andrea Platania, travel expert at Transfeero, the aisle seat is “always a winner”.
She explained: “Cabin crews have limited time between flights to clean every row, and reaching window seats properly is tricky.
“The aisle seats tend to be wiped more thoroughly simply because they’re easier to access.”
In addition to likely receiving a more comprehensive cleaning, the aisle seat also feels a bit fresher during long-haul flights. This is due to the way air circulates within the plane’s cabin.
Andrea clarified: “Air in the cabin circulates from top to bottom and side to side. So while the whole plane shares the same filtered air, being in the aisle gives slightly more exposure to moving air, as it can feel fresher, especially on older aircraft.”
Those who favour the aisle seat often mention more freedom to move as one of the reasons they prefer it. You don’t have to scramble over other people to get to the loo, or stretch your legs.
Andrea stated: “You can move when you want without asking anyone to stand up or doing that awkward shuffle past strangers. Being in the aisle means you can stretch, go to the loo or grab something from the overhead bin whenever you please.”
Those lucky enough to snag an aisle seat are also typically among the first to disembark the flight.
Andrea added: “When everyone stands up at once, you’re already halfway to the door while the window seat passengers are still waiting to squeeze out.
“For business travellers or anyone catching a transfer, those few minutes can be priceless.”
People travelling to the county next year may need to check their travel insurance
15:06, 29 Oct 2025Updated 15:08, 29 Oct 2025
The travel advice for Italy has been updated (Image: Getty)
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel guidance for Italy. The FCDO regularly offers and updates travel advice for 226 countries and territories worldwide, covering a range of topics including warnings, insurance, and entry requirements.
The latest update was shared last week and remains current today, October 29. The update saw the FCDO issue new information about the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games planned to take place in Italy from February 6 to 22 and March 6 to 15. As outlined on the website, the updates were made to the ‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages.
The warnings and insurance page covers steps to follow before travel, travel insurance, and where to find travel advice updates. In an alert regarding travel insurance, the Foreign Office said: “If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.”
The guidelines state that travel insurance should cover all activities included in your holiday, including sports and adventure tourism, which could require specialist insurance. The safety and security page covers topics including terrorism threats, crime, laws and cultural differences, winter sports, and outdoor activities and adventure tourism.
In an alert regarding winter sports, the Foreign Office said: “Get advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations. You can contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before you travel.”
The advice also highlighted regulations for the ski season. It stated: “From 1 November 2025, all skiers, snowboarders, sledders, and tobogganers will be required to wear CE-certified helmets at all ski resorts. This law applies regardless of age or activity. Failing to do so risks a fine of up to €200 and ski pass suspension for up to 3 days.”
There’s also guidance for travellers planning to engage in outdoor activities and adventure tourism. The advice states: “Hiking, mountaineering and other adventure sports have specific risks. Check the company is well-established in the industry and make sure your insurance covers these activities.
“For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous, such as off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping, your insurance should include:
mountain rescue services
helicopter costs
repatriation to your country of residence or transfer to neighbouring countries for treatment.”
The advice could be particularly useful for anyone attending the Olympic Games and who hopes to take part in winter activities during their trip. You should always check the weather forecasts and conditions before taking part in activities such as hiking or mountaineering, ensuring you’re properly equipped in case of an emergency.
Anyone planning a visit should read the general advice set out on the ‘Winter Olympics’ page. It states: “Italy will host the Winter Olympic Games from 6 to 22 February and the Paralympic Winter Games from 6 to 15 March. Competitions will be hosted across several distant locations in Lombardy and Northeast Italy.
If you are planning to attend:
sign up to get email alerts about Italy’s travel advice
check the official Olympics website for a calendar of events, venue information, ticket sales and to stay informed of anything that might affect your travel or plans
keep your personal belongings and valuables safe, if your passport is lost and stolen, check the Getting help page.”
It also directs people to other advice pages, including the advice about winter sports and travel insurance previously mentioned.
The city of Sibiu is known for being Romania‘s most popular Christmas destination, and it has a popular annual Christmas fair.
Whilst Sibiu may not be high on the must-visit list for Brits, it’s becoming much more accessible thanks to Wizz Air flights – and you can be there in just over three hours.
The city was even named as the 18th most underrated destination by Time Out earlier this year.
From November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026, Sibiu will hold its Târgul de Crăciun din Sibiu which is one of the biggest Christmas markets in the city.
Last year it had a huge Ferris wheel and a 600-square-meter natural ice rink with room for 300 skaters, there was also a merry-go-round and Santa’s Workshop.
Here, a cup of mulled wine will cost between five and 10 leu which is just 86p, according to eurochange.
In comparison, last year at London‘s Winter Wonderland, a cup of mulled wine set Brits back £6.10.
It’s not just the Christmas treats that are cheap, according to Wise, the cost of a three course meal for two in Sibiu costs an average of 175lei (£30).
A pint of beer can cost as little as 11lei, which translates to just £1.91. And the price of an average Cappuccino is 12.20lei (£2.11).
For an overnight stay, options on Booking.com start from £26 based on two people sharing – so that works out at just £13pppn.
In December, you can fly from Birmingham to Sibiu with Wizz Air from £17.
Another airport with direct flights to the city is from London Luton with one-way flights from £27.
There’s plenty of sightseeing to do too as the city is known for its charming old town and there are lots of medieval walls and towers to spot.
Head over to The Bridge of Lies which has lots of legends and myths behind it – and when lit up at night, it makes for a great picture spot.
Last year there was a 300-person ice rink in the main squareCredit: Alamy
According to Tripadvisor, another must-see spot in Sibiu is Muzeul Astra, the largest open air museum in Europe.
The Grand Square, which is historic and filled with market stalls, cafes, restaurants and shops – this is where the Christmas fair will be set up.
Flight attendant Niko said: “I’ve been to Sibiu in Romania several times already.
“You have the mountains, so there’s lots of nature, the food is amazing, everything is cheap and the people are so friendly.
“And you should try Papanasi. It’s a Romanian dessert that’s like a doughnut. It tastes amazing, but not good if you’re on a diet.”
Essentially, a Papanasi is a fried or boiled cheese doughnut usually served with sour cream and jam – and you can pick one up for around £4 in Romania.
The Christmas market is in one of the most popular in RomaniaCredit: Alamy
With stone cottages, beautiful countryside and roaring fireplaces, the beautiful UK market town wouldn’t be out of place in the classic Christmas film The Holiday
13:49, 29 Oct 2025Updated 13:50, 29 Oct 2025
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The castle was more impressive than I anticipated(Image: Julie Delahaye)
I’ve always been captivated by the snug atmosphere of the classic Christmas film The Holiday, but I believed it would be nearly impossible to find a place that could mirror Cameron Diaz’s experience.
However, there’s one quaint market town in the UK that fits the bill perfectly. On a recent weekend getaway in the Yorkshire Dales, I visited the idyllic Middleham and was immediately taken aback by its charm.
The main cobbled street is adorned with a diverse array of antique shops, tea rooms and fish and chip shops, not to mention the beautiful stone cottages boasting picture-perfect flower pots and charming trinkets on their porches. Rose Cottage in The Holiday may be fictional (apologies for the spoiler), but the homes in Middleham certainly give it a run for its money.
The entire place feels as though it’s been preserved in time, and I mean that in the best possible way. I made a pit stop at the Castle Keep Tea Rooms where you’ll discover about 6 tables, a crackling fireplace and comfy armchairs.
The menu offered all the traditional breakfast items you could desire, some light sandwiches and some seriously scrumptious cakes baked on-site.
Everything is within walking distance, primarily because it takes about 10 minutes to traverse from one end of the town to the other; although be prepared for the hill!
The town, known as the childhood home of Richard III and the location of the historic Middleham Castle, is steeped in history. I decided to visit the English Heritage site, being the main attraction, and was pleasantly surprised.
The ruins are quite charming and impressive, and it’s easy to imagine how grand the castle must have been in its prime. If you dare to climb the winding staircase to the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the town below. (Adult tickets start from £9.50, more information can be found on english-heritage. org.uk). The ruins and the views give you a feeling of being in the Game of Thrones universe; I half expected dragons to fly overhead.
The town’s prime location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park makes it an ideal base for walkers; there are countless footpaths and trails around, and some fantastic pubs with low beams and roaring fires where you can enjoy a pint. (The Dante Arms was a particular favourite).
For families, Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park is just a half hour’s drive away and offers a plethora of rides, rollercoasters and attractions for children aged 12 and under. We booked a group ticket which worked out at about £15 per person and were extremely impressed by what was included in the ticket.
When it comes to lodging, there’s a vast selection available. I was off to Middleham for a weekend getaway with mates, but since I live a few hours away from Yorkshire, I opted to book a snug cottage on Airbnb for one night to get the travel out of the way and savour the region.
The stone walls, plush furnishings, and delightful decor gave me serious ‘The Holiday’ vibes.
The following day, I made my way just down the road to Middleham House, which was ideal for our group of roughly 24 people. It’s no small task finding a pleasant base for such a large crowd, but the house didn’t disappoint with its massive living room, library, dining room, and roomy ensuite bedrooms. A crackling fireplace was also available, making it hard to pull myself away to actually do some sightseeing! You can learn more and book stays at themiddlehamhouse.com.
AS the car turned, there it was – a towering island next to an isolated and ruined castle, emerging from the water – it truly was a real-life Neverland.
Located in the Inner Hebrides in Scotland is a tiny island with a population of just nine people.
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The Inner Hebrides in Scotland is home to a car-free island that inspired Neverland in Peter PanCredit: Cyann FieldingIt is a tidal island, so to reach it you have to hop on a boatCredit: Cyann FieldingThe island then has a number of houses and cabins, including a main manor house (above)Credit: Cyann Fielding
Known as Eilean Shona, this tidal island is completely car-free and was the inspiration behind J.M Barrie’s creation of Neverland in Peter Pan.
As my boat approached the shores of the island, it was obvious why.
Towering green trees and serene still waters were both welcoming and peaceful.
Once I reached the island, the soft soil, earthy smells, chimes of birds and light breaking through the trees made it feel magical.
The island is littered with a number of houses and cabins for visitors to stay in – for my stay, I was in the main manor house.
Stepping inside, I found myself in a Traitors-like castle, decked out with tartan features, roaring fireplaces and cosy corners with well-read books.
The feeling of being somewhere else continued when I found my room – a plush bed stood proud in the centre, and old-style windows looked out onto fresh green grass just as if I was in my own magical bubble.
The main house sleeps up to 18 people and inside has a number of spaces including nine bedrooms, six bathrooms, a dining room, library with a full-size billiards table, a drawing room, and a large kitchen.
Guests can either book the house as catered or self-catered, and for prices, you will need to contact the island (though split between 18 people it wouldn’t work out too expensive per night).
Whilst there isn’t much to do on the island, it is the perfect retreat away from the modern world and the stresses of day to day life.
Thanks to there being no shops, no restaurants and patchy phone signal, it really helps you disconnect from your mobile (and consequently social media).
This particularly hit me when I ran a bath, and the water ran yellow-brown.
Initially, I was disgusted, thinking it was dirt, and reached for my phone to do a quick Google search.
But I stopped myself.
Instead, I embraced it and later asked one of my hosts why it was that colour.
Turns out the water is in fact so clean – cleaner than most places in the UK – and the colour comes from the peat found in the surrounding landscape.
Inside the manor house, there are nine bedroom and it feels like The Traitors castleCredit: Cyann FieldingAs for things to do on the island, there are limitless numbers of hikes to go onCredit: Cyann Fielding
I was told it is perfectly safe to drink and bathe in, and in fact carries minerals that are good for you.
One of the activities to do on the island that is well worth experiencing, though, is taking a cold water plunge or swim – the scenery is stunning and the water is serenely calm.
Heading off the pier, I floated for a few minutes in the water, taking in the smell of the fresh, earthy air and noting the silence around me.
For those who aren’t too fond of a cold dip or want to warm up quickly afterwards, there is also a sauna near the water’s edge.
During the evening, I headed to the Village Hall, which is the island’s social hub.
Here you can enjoy a weekly pub night, table tennis, wildlife books and board games.
You can also take a cold water plunge, and then jump into the saunaCredit: @goodcompany.group @konrad.j.borkowskiThe island also has lots of beaches, including Shoe BayCredit: @goodcompany.group @konrad.j.borkowskiThe beach has white sand and crystal clear watersCredit: Cyann Fielding
After enjoying my dinner, I snuggled up to the fire cocktail made from a Sapling Spirits – a climate-positive vodka brand that first started on the island.
For each bottle sold, the brand plants a tree, something I even got to do with my own tree sapling – perhaps it will be used by the Lost Boys to find their way home.
Obviously, the island has an endless amount of walks you can take, and a couple of mine included heading to the summit and to the opposite side of the island where I found Shoe Bay, with a white sand beach and crystal clear waters.
For guests who want to venture around the island’s shores, there are kayaks, canoes and paddleboards available for hire.
And whilst exploring the island, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as birds of prey often circle overhead.
In less than 24 hours I had completely fallen in love with the island.
It really did feel like Neverland for adults wanting to escape the modern world and I cannot wait to go back.
There are a few ways to get to the island, including via the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William.
From there, Eilean Shona is about an hour’s drive or in a taxi.
Alternatively, you could fly to Glasgow Airport, then hire a car and make the three-hour trip to Eilean Shona.
Sherry Martin Peters, a flight attendant and founder of Atlas + Wild, has shared a list of her favourite supermarket buys she makes sure to put in her shopping basket when abroad
Sherry Peters has shared her list of top foreign supermarket buys(Image: Supplied)
Is there a sensation that etches itself more deeply and immediately into the British brain than the first time you enter a French supermarket?
I doubt I will ever forget the thrilling aroma of different chilled meats, walking down an aisle of completely unfamiliar cereals, or realising that you can buy small fireworks and about 400 varieties of drink syrup in a single shop.
Supermarket shopping abroad is a serious phenomenon on social media, with more than 50 million posts related to ‘grocery store travel’ on TikTok. It is packed full of travellers showing off their finds and remarking at how different everyday things are abroad.
Last year, travel giant Expedia identified “supermarket tourism” or “Goods Getaways” as a major trend for 2025. The firm predicted that more travelers, particularly Gen Z, would visit foreign supermarkets to find unique products that have gone viral on social media.
Sherry Martin Peters, a flight attendant and founder of Atlas + Wild, has avidly visited different supermarkets throughout her long career of jet-setting across the world.
“Tourists seek landmarks and magnets for souvenirs. Flight attendants seek out grocery stores. We know which Lisbon supermarkets stock sangria worthy of wrapping inside a shoe, which Korean store to stock up on collagen face masks, which French markets sell lavender honey that doubles as a sleep remedy, and which South African shelves hold rooibos tea rich enough to taste like rest,” she told the Mirror.
“Fresh Italian pasta. Salted butter from France. Brazilian mate packed between uniforms. Lisbon sardines in artful tins. These aren’t novelty purchases — they are edible memories, our way of claiming a place as lived, not just passed through. If you ever were to peek inside a flight attendants pantry, it’d look like an international grocery store. And that gives us comfort.”
Sherry has shared her favourite foreign supermarkets when travelling abroad, and what she buys in them. “Some of this may be found in specialty stores in the U.S. but we are buying the same at dirt cheap prices,” she notes.
Do you have any foreign supermarket staples or any tips for shopping abroad? We’d love to hear from you. Please email [email protected]
Italy: Carrefour, Coop, and Esselunga
One litre bottle of “rustic unfiltered” olive oil by Carapelli
Any Italian red wine that’s about 7-10 euros – they are all fantastic
Fresh hand-cut pasta from Maffei or from a local pasta shop
Tomato paste by Tuscanini or Mutti
Canned tomatoes and tomato sauce by Cento, La Fiammante, Divella and Mutti
Fresh chunks of Parmesan for grating
France: Monoprix
Bordier Butter, or Grand Fermage Sel de Mer (sea salt butter) is a cult product
Lulu Barquettes boat cookies
St Michel Original Madeleines
Fleur de Sel gray sea salt
Duck Confit Reflets De France (duck in a can)
Torres Truffle potato chips
Pringles (taste better than in the US)
Portugal: El Corte Inglés and Continente
Dom Simon sangria (actually from Spain) and cinnamon sticks to marinate it in
Local wines like Vino Verde, but use the Vivino app to look for ratings to try new ones
Fresh pastéis de nata (custard tarts Portugal is famous for) from the bakery
The On The Beach worker shared five destinations he is convinced will go viral next year
13:17, 29 Oct 2025Updated 17:05, 29 Oct 2025
Seville could be one of 2026’s most popular destinations (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
With 2026 rapidly approaching, many families are already planning next year’s holiday. For those in need of inspiration, a travel blogger and On The Beach specialist has revealed five destinations he expects to explode in popularity next year – and which you could book now to avoid the rush.
Rob Brooks, a travel enthusiast and influencer with the travel company On The Beach. He is well-known online for providing budget-friendly travel advice, hotel reviews, and holiday tips, which has helped him amass a significant following on social media, especially on TikTok where he goes by the username @Robonthebeach.
In a new post, Rob shared a video titled: “Five destinations I think are about to go viral, my 2026 holiday destination predictions.” His caption said: “Trust me, these 5 holiday destinations will be all over your ‘for you’ page next year.” Rob told viewers: “There are five destinations that I think are about to go viral in 2026.
“I spent a lot of time recently looking through the holiday data from this year, and I think these places are gonna be huge next year. These are places rising fast in 2025 that I think are about to hit the next level next year.”
Sharing fifth place on his list, Rob said: “Porto in Portugal. Lisbon had its moment, and Porto’s next. It’s cheaper. People say it’s trendier, and it’s got that perfect mix of Old Town charm and ocean views.
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“It’s becoming the new city break with sunshine favourite, and we’ve seen bookings here shoot up already this year. The fact that it still flies under the radar against Lisbon and the Algarve makes it feel like the next big thing for travellers, and I found three nights in Porto next year with flights from £213 per person. Not bad.”
Moving onto the fourth spot, he said: “Seville in Spain. Seville is the Spanish city that’s finally getting the love it deserves. It’s got the architecture of Madrid, the atmosphere of Barcelona, but it’s half the price and the food’s better. 2025 was its breakout year, and we can see that in the booking numbers. But 2026 is when it’ll go properly big time. And at these prices, I’m not surprised. I found three nights in Seville with flights for just £182 per person.”
In third, Rob said: “Bulgaria. This one’s a bit of a dark horse. Bulgaria is becoming the go-to for affordable beach holidays. But it’s not just about being cheap anymore. The hotels are improving, the beaches are spotless, and Sunny Beach is growing up a little bit. It’s still dead fun. There’s just less chaos. If value stays king next summer, which I think it will, Bulgaria will be massive.
“We’ve seen more bookings this year, and the data shows more searches for lower-cost Eastern European holidays. And when I did a search myself, I found seven nights in Sunny Beach with flights for a family of four for £214 per person, and that’s all-inclusive.”
Revealing second place, the blogger said: “Agadir in Morocco. It’s a four-hour flight from the UK, the weather is about 25 degrees all year, and the resorts have gone up a notch in the last few years. All-inclusive holidays here tend to be cheaper than the Canaries, and people are realising that it’s an exotic destination, but without a long-haul flight. In recent years, we’ve seen Agadir popping up as a real contender to the usual winter sun destinations. This year it’s gone up again. You can expect to see more deals like this one in 2026. Seven nights in Agadir, all-inclusive package with flights, just 370 quid per person. It’s a no-brainer.
Rob’s top spot goes to Egypt, reports the Express. He said: “I feel like I bang on about Egypt, but it’s had one of the biggest glow-ups in years. Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada genuinely have world-class hotels now, proper five-star resorts with stunning views of the Red Sea, and unbeatable weather all year round. The beaches and the diving and the all-inclusives are unmatched at its price. And I think 2026 is the year that Egypt becomes the luxury destination without the long-haul flight. And here’s why. Five-star all-inclusive in June 2026 for seven nights is just £412 per person.
“So that’s my five to watch for 2026. Porto, Seville, Bulgaria, Agadir and Egypt. Each one of them has seen a big surge already, and each one of them offers something different to people.”
The video racked up over 300k views and thousands of likes. One viewer replied: “Agadir in November was gorgeous! Just chilly on evenings.”
Another commenter thought: “Seville is so beautiful and underrated. Great food spots and amazing things to do. Just don’t go in June you will be cooked in the heat.”
If you’re thinking of visiting a European Christmas market, this one isn’t well-known, but is packed with festive activities. Thanks to a special themed train, even the journey there is fun
Arezzo’s Christmas market will have a cosy traditional vibe(Image: Arezzo Intour Foundation)
While there are loads of incredible Christmas markets in the UK, visiting one in Europe is a whole other experience. Many European Christmas markets are bigger, and they often have unique features that make for a memorable festive outing.
One market that’s bound to appeal to Christmas-enthusiasts is in Arezzo, Italy, a historic city that’s surrounded by Tuscan hills and can be found just over an hour’s train ride from Rome.
While this train ride is already a picturesque journey, in the run up to Christmas the train company La Ferroviaria Italiana (LFI) will run their Espresso Assisi service with trains decked out in festive decorations. There will also be Christmas music playing, and a “small gift” for each passenger, getting you into the spirit of the season.
Once you arrive, you can browse a vast Christmas market in the heart of this charming medieval city. Arezzo’s Piazza Grande will host the Tyrolean Village market from November 15 to December 28, which is based on the traditional markets of the northern region of Tyrol, as well as having German and Austrian influences. Browse the small wooden huts and find hand-crafted items from handblown baubles to nativity figurines.
Visit between November 15 and January 6 and there’s also an additional Art Market, which will be full of artisanal crafts, as well as offering local speciality food stalls. The market opens until 9pm on some dates, which means you can see the streets lit-up after dark.
Arezzo will also have an ice rink, again with late opening hours, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere at night. After sunset, visit La Luna di Natale (Christmas moon), a giant model of the moon that lights up. You can also take a stroll through Il Bosco delle Emozioni (the forest of emotions), a Christmas light trail surrounded by pine trees with free entry. Or hop on the Ferris wheel for amazing views of the city.
The Arezzo Christmas Bus Tour is also a good way to explore the city. This small electric bus takes you through the narrow streets and squares, with the tour taking 40-minutes and costing 12 euros (approx. £10.57).
If you’re planning to stay in the picturesque spot for a little longer, you can also visit Arezzo Cathedral, which sits on a hilltop and has spectacular frescoes and stained glass. There’s also the Basilica di San Francesco, which is home of the famous Legends of the True Cross frescoes, which date back to early Renaissance times.
Casa Vasari is also a great place to see Renaissance artworks, sculptures, and more. Set in a historic home that once belonged to artist Giorgio Vasari, this collection includes his own works from the 16th-century, as well as artists he collaborated with.
Ryanair offer flights to Rome from London Stansted from just £18 one way, with flight times of two hours 45 minutes. You can also fly with airlines including Jet2, whose Manchester to Rome flights clock in at three hours and start at £35 each way.
NEW rules have come into which will ban ALL pub crawls in a major Spanish city.
The classic activity popular with locals and tourists alike is now totally banned, whatever the time of day or night.
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The organising of pub crawls has been banned in one popular Spanish cityCredit: GettyFrom today, organisers will face fines if they plan the eventsCredit: Getty
The ban on promoting, organising or running pub crawls has been extended to cover the entire area of Barcelona at all hours of the day, and comes into force on October 29, 2025.
The move aims to “ensure peaceful coexistence, safeguard residents’ right to rest and protect public health“.
The new rule, which also prohibits advertising related activities in any form, has been agreed following a public consultation.
A spokesman for Barcelona city council. “Pub crawling is a business that takes customers on organised drinking tours to a series of establishments that offer discounted alcoholic drinks.
“It typically involves quickly consuming one or more low-quality drinks before heading to the next stop.
“This activity has been identified as a risk factor that causes disturbances in neighbourhoods, puts extra strain on public spaces and potentially leads to criminal behaviour or road safety violations.”
Organisers face fines ranging up to €3,000 (£2,641), while participants are exempt from fines, they could face them for other infractions like drinking in the streets or causing disruptions.
Until now, pub crawls were only banned in the districts of Ciutat Vella, since 2012, and L’Eixample, since June 1, 2025.
The restrictions here were mainly focused on nighttime hours, from 7pm to 7am.
The new rules that have been introduced are for a permanent ban that applies 24 hours a day, all year-round, rather than being only seasonal.
Other rules include no drinking in public places that aren’t pubs, bars or restaurantsCredit: Alamy
This has been approved and will be in force for four years.
According to the city council, data provided by the police indicates that the ban on alcohol routes in Ciutat Vella and L’Eixample has worked.
They say it has “contributed to significantly reducing the number of activities detected and has facilitated their prevention, thanks to the early detection of the offer through social networks”.
The city council says the ban has been well-received in the Ciutat Vella district, with only three fines issued last year, and authorities believe it will have a similar impact citywide.
Pub crawls have been hugely popular in Barcelona and have been widely promoted on the internet.
The city of Barcelona will no longer tolerate pub crawls no matter what time of day it isCredit: Alamy
These have attracted hundreds of thousands of people every year and bringing in a huge income.
Most pub crawls lasted for at least six hours and others up to 24 hours, but now organisers have started to post “now unavailable” messages on their websites.
These aren’t the only rules that have been introduced, across Spain there are been lots of new sanctions put in place to stop bad behaviour.
THE UK’s biggest indoor tropical waterpark is about to get even better.
The new owners of the enormous attraction in Staffordshire have promised ‘upgrades’ and ‘grand plans’ coming as soon as next month.
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Waterworld Aqua Park has indoor pools, slides and river rapidsCredit: Waterworld Leisure ResortThe indoor waterpark is tropical and always around 30C, even in the colder months
Earlier this year, Waterworld Leisure Limited and Waterworld Leisure Group Limited was bought in a multi-million pound sale by a European company, Looping Group.
Waterworld’s managing director Wayne Goodall said: “Recent years have seen big changes at the resort, and we are all excited about this new phase. With the new owners, we will bring experience, quality and security to the next level.
“Waterworld itself has already had a total overhaul of its Water’s Edge Restaurant, focusing on a new, high-quality menu and a reorganised, speed-of-service system to give our guests more time in the pool and less time queuing for their lunch.
“There are significant upgrade plans for the pool hall installations this November too and guests will start to see lots of improvements for themselves, very quickly, and grander plans are also in the pipeline.”
Waterworld has 30 different rides and attractions including Thunderbolt, the UK’s first trap door drop waterslide, of course there’s a main pool and river rapids too.
The Space Bowl is another popular one, where visitors are thrown around a “UFO” before ending up in the splash pool beneath.
Other rides include Nucleus – a water rollercoaster – as well as Stormchaser and Cyclone.
It’s not all about pools though as The Waterworld Leisure Resort also has Adventure MiniGolf with two 18-hole, tiki-themed mini golf courses, and M Club Spa and gym.
In 2024, £13million was spent on behind-the-scenes upgrades to the waterpark.
The year before in 2023, one of the new additions was the £250,000 immersive play village.
Inside the Adventure Mini Village is its own mini Staffordshire Barge, The Old Vic Theatre and kids can even create their own pottery in the Kiln.
There’s also a post office, vets, doctors, farm shop, construction site and ice cream van.
A restaurant, cafe and gift shop are also of course on-site, and an outdoor pool which will reopen in spring.
The Waterworld site isn’t the only one owned by Looping Group – it acquired Drayton Manor in August 2020 and West Midlands Safari Park in 2018.
Currently, Waterworld is offering tickets to the water park for £19.99 (up until November 3, 2025).
There are 30 different rides and attractions within the waterparkCredit: Waterworld Leisure ResortAlso on-site is a play village for kidsCredit: Adventure Mini Village
To make the most of your visit, you can get one visit to Waterworld Aqua Park and one visit to West Midlands Safari Park for £35pp.
The offer is called the Splash ‘N’ Safari Ticket and is available to buy up until February 1, 2026.
Other combination tickets include the Waterworld and Adventure Mini Golf Combo ticket.
This is valid for a one single admission to Waterworld and one round of 18 holes at Adventure Mini Golf for £30pp.
FOR anyone travelling to Poland, you can ditch the classic Warsaw and Kraków for this even cheaper alternative.
Ryanair has started up a new winter route between Edinburgh and a city in Poland where you can get beers for £3 and coffee for as little as £2.18.
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New flights link up Edinburgh with a city in PolandCredit: AlamyRzeszow has a pretty market square, riverside cafes and in the winter, Christmas marketsCredit: Alamy
Ryanair has added a new winter route to its roster between Edinburgh and Rzeszow.
Rzeszow is a city in southeastern Poland and sits on both sides of the Wisłok River.
Flights between Edinburgh and Rzeszow operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays with one-way fares starting at £24.99.
It’s a quick journey too with the journey taking just under three hours.
There you can explore shops and cafes on the pretty Market Square, see the Rzeszów Multimedia Fountain, the Town Hall building and Zamek Lubomirskich castle.
And there’s even more lurking underground, one of its most popular attractions is the 396m-long route linking 25 old cellars beneath the central market square.
The circuit took 17 years to complete and restore, and the cellars date from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Brits can take a 45-minute guided tour with around three operating daily throughout the week.
It’s an affordable city, with the average cost of beers being £3 and a coffee around £2.18.
A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages at £31.17 – without drinks.
The huge castle called Zamek Lubomirskich is near the city centreCredit: AlamyThe price of an average beer in Rzeszow is just £3Credit: Getty
On average, restaurant prices in Rzeszow are 20.1 per cent lower than in Warsaw – which is also considered an affordable holiday destination for Brits.
During the winter months, Rzeszow will be lit up with Christmas markets where you can pick up specialities deer sausage, local honey, mulled wine, hot cider, and hot beer.
Flights will continue through to to the summer season where visitors can enjoy water activities at the Zwirownia lagoon or the Rosia open-air pools – which is essentially an enormous splash park.
With temperatures reaching highs of 25C in July and August, it’s a great time to relax at the riverside cafes.
AMBITIOUS plans to turn a region into “Europe’s Silicon Valley” are on track with architects releasing the first images of an “essential” new railway station.
The station is a huge £120m boost to a world-famous city – and central to an American billionaire‘s massive £10 billion investment in the area.
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Conceptual view of the approach to the future Littlemore StationCredit: Unknown
This week, architects Foster + Partners released the first images of Littlemore Station, one of two new stations in Oxford set to be delivered with the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line.
The line has been out of service to passengers since 1963.
It is currently used by cargo trains going to and from the BMW mini plant but as previously reported is set to reopen.
The Government has pledged £120m in funding for the project to reopen the line.
It is part of a £500m investment in infrastructureto link up Oxford and Cambridgeand turn the region into the “European Silicon Valley”.
Anneliese Dodds, MP for East Oxford, said the Cowley Branch Line was “finally going to become a reality”.
She said it would make a “massive difference to local residents, slashing travel times and reducing congestion”.
The update has also been welcomed by the Ellison Institute, funded by American billionaire Larry Ellison, which is investing £10 billion in the region.
“It’s a great example of what can happen if Government and the private sector join forces and both contribute to a common goal.
“It will help us attract world-class talent to EIT by linking up key innovation hubs with Central London via direct train services.
“It will also facilitate a closer alliance between EIT and Oxford University with faster journey times.”
A second station will be built at Oxford Cowley, and the reopened line will connect Littlemore, Cowley, Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys to central Oxford in under 10 minutes.
An artist’s impression of the platform at Littlemore StationCredit: Foster and Partners
Services will then go directly twice-hourly to London Marylebone.
The Government has said that reopening the line will create up to 10,000 new jobs.
Cowley is an industrial area home to Plant Oxford, which is owned by BMW and is the largest industrial employer in Oxford, employing more than 4,300 people.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said that the Government has huge plans for the “Oxford-Cambridge corridor”.
Sometimes, the best place you can go is a dead end. Especially when that dead end is surrounded by crashing surf on empty beaches, dramatic cliffs and lonely trails through forests thick with redwoods.
That’s the situation along Big Sur’s South Coast right now.
A chunk of the cliff-clinging highway has been closed for a series of landslide repairs since January 2023, making the classic, coast-hugging, 98-mile San Simeon-Big Sur-Carmel drive impossible. Caltrans has said it aims to reopen the route by the end of March 2026, if weather permits.
That means the 44-mile stretch from San Simeon to Lucia will likely be lonely for at least six more months. Travelers from the near north (Carmel, for instance) will need to detour inland on U.S. 101. Meanwhile, many Canadian travelers (usually eager explorers of California) are boycotting the U.S. altogether over President Trump’s tariff policies and quips about taking over their country.
And so, for those of us in Southern California, the coming months are a chance to drive, hike or cycle in near solitude among tall trees, steep slopes and sea stacks. The weather is cooler and wetter. But over the three October days I spent up there, the highway was quieter than I’ve seen in 40-plus years of driving the coast.
Moreover, those who make the trip will be supporting embattled local businesses, which remain open, some with reduced prices. Fall rates at the Ragged Point Inn, 15 miles north of Hearst Castle, for example, start at about $149 nightly — $100 less than when the road was open.
“It’s kind of perfect,” said Claudia Tyler of Santa Barbara, on her way from Salmon Creek Falls to two nights of camping at Plaskett Creek in Los Padres National Forest.
“I am sorry for the businesses…,” Tyler said, “but it’s good for the traveler.”
Further north, David Sirgany, 64, of Morro Bay, was getting ready to surf at Sand Dollar Beach, thinking about coastal erosion, climate change and this moment in history.
“To me,” he said, “it feels like the end of a time that will never be again.”
The Ragged Point Inn stands at the southern end of Big Sur.
The closed area, known as Regent’s Slide, begins about 26 miles north of Ragged Point, toward the south end of Big Sur, and covers 6.8 miles. Thus, you’d need to detour inland via U.S. 101 to reach most of Big Sur’s best-known attractions, including the Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, Nepenthe restaurant, Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, McWay Falls and Esalen Institute.
But there’s plenty to explore on the stretch from San Simeon north to the roadblock at Lucia (milepost 25.3). Just be careful of the $8.79-per-gallon gas at the Gorda Springs Resort. (At $6.99, the Ragged Point gas station isn’t quite so high.)
San Simeon Bay Pier at William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach.
Here, from south to north, are several spots to explore from San Simeon to Lucia. Be sure to double-check the weather and highway status before you head out.
See Hearst’s castle. Or just one of his zebras.
I’ve been hoping to see some of the Hearst zebras in the hills of San Simeon for years, and this time I finally did — a single zebra, surrounded by cows in a pasture beneath distant Hearst Castle.
That was enough to make my brief stop at the castle visitor center (which has a restaurant, historical displays and shop) well worth it. Other travelers, however, might want to actually take a tour ($35 per adult and up) of the 165-room Hearst compound (which is officially known as Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument).
The state park system’s visitor tallies from June through August show that 2025 was slightly slower than 2024, which was slightly slower than 2023.
Perhaps with that in mind, the castle last fall added “Art Under the Moonlight” tours, which continue this autumn on select Friday and Saturday nights through Nov. 16. The castle also decorates for the holidays.
If you’re spending the night, the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort has 90 rooms (for as little as $169) and firepits overlooking the sea.
A zebra, part of the Hearst Castle animal collection, is seen from the visitor center off Highway 1 in San Simeon.
San Simeon Bay Pier or hike San Simeon Point Trail
My southernmost hike was at the San Simeon Bay Pier. From the parking lot there, walk north on the beach and follow a path up into a eucalyptus grove. That puts you on the 2.5-mile round-trip San Simeon Point Trail (owned by Hearst Corp. but open to the public.)
At first, the route is uneventful and surrounded by imported eucalyptus (now being thinned) and pines. But there’s a payoff waiting at the point, where tides lap on a little sand beach, waves crash on dramatic black rocks and pelicans perch on sea stacks. Look back and you see the beach, the pier and the hills of the central coast sprawling beyond them.
Then, if you’re as hungry as I was, you rapidly retrace steps and head to the Seaside Foods deli counter in Sebastian’s General Store, a block from the pier. (I recommend the Coastal Cowboy tri-tip sandwich, $21. But you could also take your meal across the street to the Hearst Ranch Winery tasting room.)
Find the Piedras Blancas elephant seal viewing area, then go beyond it
California’s coast is a catalog of uncertainties, from rising tides and crumbling cliffs to private landowners discouraging public access. But we can count on the elephant seals of Piedras Blancas.
Elephant seals gather at Piedras Blancas, north of San Simeon.
Once you pull off Highway 1 into the observation area parking lot, no matter the time of year, you’re likely to see at least a few hulking sea creatures flopped on the sand and skirmishing for position.
Because it’s a great spectacle and it’s free, there are usually dozens of spectators along the shore. But most of those spectactors don’t bother to follow the boardwalk north and continue on the Boucher Trail, a 1.9-mile path along the bluff tops and across a meadow, leading to striking views of sea stacks and Piedras Blancas Light Station.
Along Boucher Trail, just north of the elephant seal viewing area at Piedras Blancas.
(BTW: Visitors need an advance reservation to tour the Piedras Blancas Light Station. At press time, all tours were canceled because of the federal government shutdown.)
At Ragged Point, that Big Sur vibe kicks in
About 10 miles beyond the elephant seals, the raw, horizontal coastal landscape morphs into a more vertical scene and the highway begins to climb and twist.
Right about here, just after San Carpoforo Creek, is where you find the Ragged Point Inn, a handy place to stop for an hour or an evening. It has 39 rooms, flat space for kids to run around, cliff-top views, a restaurant, gift shop, gas station and a snack bar that’s been closed since the highway has been blocked.
Right now, this stretch of the highway “is a great place to cycle,” said Diane Ramey, whose family owns the inn. “I wouldn’t do it at a normal time. But now the roads are uncrowded enough.”
To recover from the “frightening” drop in business when the road first closed, the inn has put more emphasis on Sunday brunch, the gift shop and live music on summer weekends, Ramey said.
At Salmon Creek Falls, roaring water meets tumbled rocks
At the Salmon Falls trailhead, 3.6 miles north of Ragged Point, there’s room for about 10 cars in the parking area on the shoulder of the highway.
When the highway is open, those spots are often all full. Not now. And it’s only about 0.3 of a mile to the base of the 120-foot falls, where there’s plenty of shade for the weary and boulder-scrambling for those who are bold. In the hour I spent scrambling and resting, I encountered just two couples and one family, all enjoying the uncrowded scene.
If you want a longer, more challenging hike, the falls trailhead also leads to the Salmon Creek Trail, a 6.6-mile out-and-back journey through pines, oaks and laurels that includes — gulp — 1,896 feet of elevation gain.
The yurts and quirks of Treebones Resort
Treebones, about 14 miles north of Ragged Point and 2 miles north of the rustic, sleepy Gorda Springs Resort, is an exercise in style and sustainability, producing its own power and drawing water from its own aquifer.
Treebones Resort, just off Highway 1 in the South Coast area of Big Sur.
Born as a family business in 2004, Treebones has 19 off-the-grid units, mostly yurts, whose rounded interiors are surprisingly spacious. Its Lodge restaurant offers chef’s-choice four-course dinners ($95 each) and a sushi bar.
If you book a yurt (they begin at $385), you’ll find your headboard is a felted wood rug from Kyrgyzstan (where yurts go back at least 2,500 years). The resort also has five campsites ($135 nightly, advance reservation required) that come with breakfast, hot showers and pool access.
A deck at Treebones Resort.
“For the last 20 years, we were basically 100% occupied from April through October,” assistant general manager Megan Handy said, leading me on a tour. Since the closure, “we’ve stayed booked on the weekends, but we’ve seen at least a 40% decline midweek.”
Once you’re north of Treebones, beach and trail possibilities seem to multiply.
Stand by the edge (but not too close) on the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail
Several people told me I shouldn’t miss the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, a flat route that begins just north of Sand Dollar Beach. It runs about 1.6 miles between the roadside and the bluffs over the Pacific. Here you’ll see sea stacks in every shape, along with a dramatic, solitary tree to the north. In about 45 minutes of walking amid a land’s end panorama, I never saw another soul. Plenty of cow patties, though, and a few patches of poison oak, which turns up often near Big Sur trails.
A little farther north, I did run into four people walking the beach at Mill Creek Picnic Area. I found even more at Kirk Creek Campground, which was booked solid because it has some of the best ocean-view campsites in the area and it’s on the ocean side of the highway.
Waves crash near Sand Dollar Beach.
Big trees and a meandering creek at Limekiln State Park
Limekiln State Park is one California’s youngest state parks, having been set aside in the 1990s. But its occupants, especially the redwoods, have been around much longer.
And now, after park closures over storm damage and infrastructure issues and a reopening early this year, we have a chance to enjoy the place again. Or at least part of it. The park’s campground, Hare Creek Trail and Falls Trail remain closed.
But there’s still plenty of opportunity to check out the rare overlap of species from northern and southern California. As the Save the Redwoods League notes, “You can’t find both yucca and coast redwoods in very many parks.”
The park is about 4.4 miles south of the Highway 1 closure. Entrance is $10 per vehicle. I savored the 1.5-mile out-and-back Limekiln Trail, which is one of the best ways to see redwoods in the area. And once again, no fellow hikers.
Highway still too busy for you? How about an isolated lodge or a silent monastery?
Just south of the highway closure, the rustic, isolated Lucia Lodge and the New Camaldoli Hermitage, a Benedictine monastery, remain open for overnight guests.
But not everyone knows this. Unless somebody at Google HQ has just made a fix, Google Maps will tell you incorrectly that the hermitage and lodge are beyond the road closure. Nope. They’re both on the south side of the road closure, accessible to northbound traffic. And they’re both really quiet.
“People come here for silent, self-guided retreats,” said Katee Armstrong, guest ministry specialist at New Camaldoli Hermitage. Its accommodations, high on the slopes above the highway, include nine single-occupancy rooms and five cottages with kitchenettes ($145 nightly and up).
Meanwhile, on the ocean side of the highway, the Lucia Lodge’s 10 very basic units are visible from the road. Four of them are cabins that go back to the 1930s, when Highway 1 was new.
Some nights, there are only one or two guests, and those guests typically see no hotel employees, because there’s no lobby and the staff is down to a skeleton crew. (The lodge’s restaurant and lobby burned down in 2021.) The nearest restaurant is at Treebones, about 10 miles south.
“We have to have a conversation with every guest who books with us,” said Jessie McKnight, the lodge reservationist. Many “end up canceling once they understand the situation,” she said. “You’re kind of on your own.”
Ad yet, she added, “it’s so rare to experience Big Sur like this. Once the road opens, I think it’s going to be right back to being a zoo.”
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is scaring the life out of punters with Terrifier. Kelly Williams decided to give it a go and left with goose bumps and utterly horrified
Kelly Williams Assistant News Editor (Live)
09:51, 29 Oct 2025Updated 09:53, 29 Oct 2025
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Despite having never been to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights before, I knew the Terrifier was going to be bad, but I didn’t expect it to feel like my stomach – and nerves – were being tested with every step.
The smell hit me before anything else – putrid rot, bleach, coppery blood, even the stench of faeces. It stuck to the back of my throat so thick I nearly gagged. The house started deceptively dry, as if lulling me into thinking I’d make it through clean. That didn’t last.
Within minutes, I was in the middle of a full-on blood bath. Red splattered walls, dripping ceilings, and warm droplets spraying across my arms. They say it uses six gallons of blood and 35 bodies – the most ever – and I believe it. Every corner I turned was another slaughter.
And then there was Art the Clown. Not just once, he appeared everywhere, each guise worse than the last. He came at me dressed as a sick parody of Santa, revving a chainsaw and plunging it gleefully into a victim’s back with that same, mocking grin.
A few rooms later, I caught him mid-kill, snapping someone’s jaw with a crunch that echoed through the hall. The squelch of him disembodying someone else was another gruesome scene that still haunts me.
In another chamber of hell, he stood behind a screaming man, dragging a blade across his throat as blood sprayed into the air, and I had to turn my face away. The worst was the bathroom scene. It stank of mold and sewage, and the sinks were clogged with guts.
There were bodies piled in the bathtub and a mirror streaked with gore. I wanted to close my eyes, but Art was there too, standing so still it made me wonder if he was waiting for me specifically. Then came the familiar warped jingle of the Clown Café, cheerful and wrong, like a lullaby for nightmares as Art danced nonchalantly along.
By the finale, I was lightheaded from the smell and the sights, practically stumbling toward the exits where I was faced with a choice – dry path or blood bath (of course, I went for the latter). My stomach lurched with every step, I came so close to throwing up. But I made a run for it, and when the warm spray of blood (water really) finally hit me in the last corridor, I felt it on my skin long after I’d escaped.
I staggered out laughing, but it was the kind of shaky laugh you let out when you’re not sure if you survived or just got broken. Terrifier wasn’t just a haunted house. It was being dragged into Art the Clown’s world – unrated, unrelenting, and almost too much for me to handle.
Book the holiday
Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers seven nights on a room-only basis at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, starting at £1,719pp, including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow and a ticket to Halloween Horror Nights. Find out more and book at virginholidays.co.uk.
