Travel Desk

A POPULAR free attraction in the UK capital is set to undergo a multi-million upgrade.

Under new plans, the free-to-visit National Gallery in London is set to undergo a major £750million project, including a new £350million wing.

The new wing will house 20th and 21st century art, which will be a first for the gallery as it doesn’t have post-20th century art.

Currently, the gallery is home to the country’s largest collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 20th century, with works including paintings by Cezanne, Monet and Van Gogh.

Named Project Domani, the expansion is set to be the biggest change for the National Gallery in two centuries.

Inside the new £350million wing visitors can expect a “simple and clean” design with the main floor featuring vaults and arches.

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On the upper floor, there will be more of a geometric design.

Judges of the design competition for the project noted that the new wing’s design is “innovative and beautiful”.

They added that this means the main floor of galleries will continue the theme seen in the Sainsbury Wing and North Galleries.

But then, in comparison, the upper floor will have its own style.

The judges said: “The thoughtful design of the external spaces, with links to Leicester Square, evokes an open visitor welcome which is further enhanced using Portland stone and stepped massing, which shows sensitivity to the surrounding streets and allows natural light to be drawn into the building.”

The new wing will be built on the site of the remaining part of the National Gallery’s campus at St Vincent House, which currently houses a hotel and offices.

The museum is also hoping to become the only one in the world to display just paintings.

An opening date for the new wing is yet to be announced.

Behind the huge project is Tokyo-based architecture firm Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA) – who designed the V&A Dundee – alongside two other firms.

National Gallery Chair of Trustees and Jury Chair, John Booth said that Kengo Kuma’s proposal is “a beautiful design inside and out, sensitive to our existing Grade I exteriors and distinctive gallery spaces, the new building will also help to unite two of London’s most important outdoor spaces — Leicester and Trafalgar Squares — by creating enticing new public realm between them”.

National Gallery Director, Sir Gabriele Finaldi added: “The new building will complete the National Gallery’s campus, adding distinction to some already distinguished buildings.”

Kengo Kuma said: “It is a privilege to join the National Gallery in this historic project.

“The National Gallery’s collection is a treasure of humanity, and to be entrusted with the expansion that will hold these masterpieces is a responsibility we carry with the greatest care and humility.”

The National Gallery is one of the world’s most visited art museums, welcoming around six million visitors a year.

And it is completely free to visit – though booking is recommended in busy periods such as the school holidays.

In addition to its vast collection of art, visitors can head to the Ochre restaurant, a cafe and shops inside the museum.

In other attractions news, visitors could soon be charged to visit other major London attractions.

Plus, here are all our experts’ favourite attractions to head to in the city.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — If you’ve ever planned to motor west and take the highway that’s the best, this might be the time: Route 66 turns 100 this year.

The Mother Road, as author John Steinbeck dubbed it, has evolved over the years from an escape for poor farmers fleeing the devastating dust storms of the 1930s to perhaps the quintessential American road trip that’s still delivering kicks.

Although there have been faster and more direct routes between the nation’s second- and third-largest cities for some time, Route 66’s neon still burns brightly and its vintage signs beckon travelers to restored motor lodges, classic diners and roadside attractions.

Each stop turns the wheels of the imagination, leaving travelers to contemplate what life was like for the people and communities that have made the road hum over the years.

Illinois

Chicago has long been one of the country’s economic engines, with access to international waters and railroads that linked all corners of the country. In the 1920s, Oklahoma businessman Cyrus Avery, known as the Father of Route 66, knew it wouldn’t be long before automobiles would dominate the transportation landscape, and the Windy City would be the perfect place to start the journey he envisioned.

A member of the federal highway board appointed to map the U.S. highway system, Avery opted to go with the number 66. He knew those double digits were ripe for marketing and could be seared into the minds of motorists.

For some travelers, the journey is fueled more by the food than the scenery, and there’s plenty to choose from — slices of homemade pie, thick shakes, cheeseburgers and an assortment of fried delights.

The Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield, the Illinois capital, is one of the many diners that sprang up along Route 66, and its breaded hot dogs on a stick have stood the test of time. Third-generation owner Josh Waldmire says the recipe is a secret.

Waldmire’s grandfather, Ed, saw the concoction’s potential as fast and convenient road food and developed a system for frying the dogs vertically.

Missouri

Route 66 has its share of twists and turns, and it’s no surprise that a highway famous for its quirky roadside attractions would cross the nation’s most famous river on one of the more peculiar bridges known to modern engineering.

As the road nears St. Louis, the mile-long (1.6-kilometer-long) Chain of Rocks Bridge hovers more than 60 feet (18 meters) above the Mississippi River.

Engineers eventually built a straighter, higher-speed option, and a poor resale market spared the original bridge from the scrap heap. Today it’s reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.

A median in Missouri is home to St. Robert Route 66 Neon Park, which features orphaned neon signs that once beckoned travelers to stop at certain sites and businesses along the highway. Often handcrafted, they weren’t only markers for motels, cafes and gas stations, but were also folk art and symbols of local culture.

Kansas

The Sunflower State hosts only a short stretch of Route 66, but it packs a punch with the Kan-O-Tex Service Station in Galena. A classic example of roadside fare, the station served as inspiration for the animated 2006 Pixar film “Cars.”

Director John Lasseter and his crew took road trips along the route, digging into history and looking for elements that could bring the project to life. It was in Galena where they spotted the old boom truck that served as the basis for the character Tow Mater. The plot wasn’t far off, as so many once bustling towns — like the fictional Radiator Springs — nearly faded away after being bypassed by an interstate.

Kansas also is home to the Brush Creek Bridge, otherwise known as the Rainbow Bridge. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of few remaining examples of the concrete arched bridges designed by James Barney Marsh.

Oklahoma

There was a real danger for some who traveled the road, particularly Black motorists passing through inhospitable and segregated areas during the Jim Crow era. The Green Book — a guide first published in 1936 by Victor Hugo Green — listed hotels, restaurants and gas stations that would serve Black customers.

The Threatt Filling Station near Luther wasn’t listed in The Green Book, but it was a safe haven — not only for getting fuel, but for barbecue and baseball. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was the only known Black-owned and operated gas station along Route 66.

Route 66 is littered with abandoned buildings and faded signs, but one example of the highway’s resilient spirit stands tall in Sapulpa, near Tulsa. The restored Tee Pee Drive-In Theater offers a step back into the 1950s, when the booming car culture helped spawn thousands of drive-in theaters nationwide.

Built in 1949, the drive-in officially opened in the spring of 1950 with a screening of John Wayne’s “Tycoon.” It was one of the few drive-ins at the time to have paved pathways. Over the years, it survived a tornado, a fire that destroyed the concession stand and break-ins before being shuttered for more than 20 years. It reopened in 2023.

Texas

Blink and you might miss it, but a stop at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo is a must for any Route 66 journey. For decades, visitors have been spray-painting the 10 vintage Cadillacs at the site and mulling the transitory nature of time as Bruce Springsteen did in his 1980 song of the same name.

It’s not a ranch, but rather a public art installation created in 1974 by the art and architecture collective Ant Farm. At first, the cars — which were half-buried front-down at a 60-degree angle — were used for target practice. Others would scratch their initials into the metal. The spray painting started later.

Arrive in Adrian and you’re halfway through your trip. Steps from a white line marking the midpoint of Route 66 is the Midway Cafe, where the “ugly pies” are anything but.

If you’re still hungry, head back to Amarillo for a 72-ounce (2 kilogram) steak and all the sides at The Big Texan. If you can finish the meal in an hour or less, it’s free.

New Mexico

More than half of Route 66 cuts through sovereign Native American lands, often tracing routes used by tribes long before settlers arrived. Much like the railroad in the 1800s, the highway opened the door to a new era of commerce, but it also fueled stereotypes about cultures along the way.

There are still faded and crumbling references to tipis and feathered headdresses at some stops along the historic highway. The symbols were easily appropriated for marketing by roadside vendors but weren’t indicative of the separate and distinct Native American cultures in the area.

Today, tribes are telling their own stories and showcasing their creations, whether it be pottery, fruit pies or poems.

Albuquerque boasts the longest intact urban stretch of Route 66. Those 18 miles (29 kilometers) pass through several neighborhoods and business districts, from historic Old Town to Nob Hill.

Some of the old motor lodges and neon signs along what is now Central Avenue have been restored. Other signs are being reimagined using hubcaps, elaborate lowrider-inspired paint jobs and New Mexico’s classic yellow and red license plates in a nod to the car culture that is very much still alive in the city.

Arizona

Musician Jackson Browne was taking his own road trip in the early 1970s when his car left him stranded in Winslow. The experience inspired the lyrics to the Eagles’ hit “Take it Easy.” But it’s certainly not the only song that is a must-have for a Route 66 playlist.

Bobby Troup created a classic American road anthem in the 1940s with “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” Nat King Cole, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones and Depeche Mode carried it through the decades, each covering the song with their own flair.

While standing on a corner in Winslow, don’t be surprised if someone saunters up with a guitar and starts strumming favorites from their own road trip playlist.

Before leaving the state, the one-time gold mining town of Oatman features a Wild West atmosphere, daily staged shootouts and beloved burros. Oatman was a destination along one of the original alignments of Route 66 via a treacherous path through the Black Mountains, but it was later bypassed as part of improvements made in the 1950s.

California

Once a desert oasis, Roy’s Motel & Café in Amboy is a quintessential Route 66 landmark. The towering neon sign is one of the most photographed spots along the road. Inside, foreign currency left by international visitors lines one wall. Across the street, a clothing post decorated with shoes, shirts and other items juts up from the desert floor.

This stretch of the highway through the Mojave Desert offers a special kind of solitude. The pavement gets rough in spots and the landscape takes charge, showing off Joshua trees, wide-open spaces and the remnants of ancient volcanic activity.

Much of the area is undeveloped, meaning it looks a lot like it would have when Route 66 was commissioned in 1926.

After making it through oft-congested Los Angeles, the iconic Santa Monica Pier marks the end of the line, and it’s nothing short of a perpetual party with a steady stream of spectators and performers. Although many stretches of Route 66 have lapsed into decay, the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean are a reminder of the pursuits made possible by the road over the last century.

Bryan writes for the Associated Press. AP writers John O’Connor in Springfield, Ill., and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed to this report.

Pastry chef, baker and champion of whole grains Roxana Jullapat opened Friends & Family in East Hollywood nine years ago, a forerunner among a new wave of artisanal bakeries in Los Angeles. Her first book, “Mother Grains,” served as an introduction to baking with freshly milled ancient grains such as rye, barley, buckwheat, corn, oat, rice, sorghum and local wheat. Her follow-up cookbook, “Morning Baker,” centers the same whole grains with an emphasis on incorporating them into easy, everyday bakes and weekend projects, from muffins and scones to viennoiserie and naturally leavened and yeasted breads, along with French toast, pancakes, waffles, doughnuts and quiche. With the first book, “I didn’t anticipate that people were so ready and hungry for cooking and baking with grains,” she said recently. “They were ingredients they already had in their kitchen.” The follow-up book is also a snapshot of Friends & Family’s morning bake, the daily production of several dozen kinds of pastries that fill the pastry case to overflowing. There are recipes that are easy to jump into, and there is a chapter devoted to whole-grain croissants, made with spelt and whole wheat. A primer on her favorite flours and recommended millers is a vital resource.

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A HISTORIC market in England is getting a massive revamp – and its in a town named one of the best places to live.

Founded back in 1170, Kingston’s Ancient Market is one of the oldest in London and even the entire UK.

Today, it is home to about 30 local traders including fishmongers, a bakery and street food.

Plans have now been submitted to give the Kingston Market Square a major revamp turning the square into a ‘piazza’, with 45 new Borough Market-like stalls made from sustainable materials with solar panels on top.

The piazza would host pop-ups as well as farmers’ markets, weekend events and concerts too.

If the plans are approved, the Market House nearby would get a refurb as well with the ground floor turned into a restaurant and cafe and the first floor becoming an events space.

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And there would be a new roof terrace overlooking the revamped square.

The statue of Queen Anne that currently sits in the square, will be relocated to the edge of the square too.

The planned revamp is also part of a bigger project to completely revive the area.

Since last year, Between the Bridges – the same operator as the Between the Bridges attraction on South Bank in London – has been operating the 800-year-old Kingston Ancient Market.

Throughout the year, the market usually hosts a number of different events including a Maker’s Market and Christmas market.

The market is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

One recent visitor said: “The market is charming, and offers some very nice gourmet foods, both to take home and dine out for lunch.

“Great atmosphere, particularly in the lead up to Christmas when it really comes alive with a kind of German Christmas market feel and the smell of mulled wine fills the air.”

Another added: “Kingston-upon-Thames is one of London’s most beautiful suburbs.

“The historic square is also a delightful place surrounded by beautiful and historic buildings.”

Last year, Kingston was also named the second best place to live in the UK by The Times.

The Better Lives Index, which is produced by the International Longevity Centre (ILC) think tank, ranks the authorities across the UK based on nine categories.

Categories include life expectancy at birth, the child poverty rate, pollution, disposable income, housing costs, ‘avoidable’ mortality, life expectancy at 65, economic activity for over-16s and economic inactivity of 50 to 64-year-olds.

If visiting the market or Kingston, make sure to head to the edge of the market square where you will find All Saints Church, which dates back to 1120.

Venture through the town too, where you can peruse a number of independent shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants right next to the river.

You can also head to a couple of pubs with outdoor gardens right next to the river.

If the sun is shining, you can even rent your own boat and sail on the River Thames.

From Central London, it takes just 25 minutes to get to Kingston on the train.

For more places outside of London to explore, there’s an English village under an hour from the city that makes the perfect day out.

Plus, have a look at the trendy London neighbourhood with world-famous new museum and cool hotels.

The UK is in talks about considering making the same decision

Greece has announced that it will introduce a brand new rule next year that will impact millions of people. The change comes months after Australia implemented a similar decision in December 2025, and now Greece is urging the European Union to follow suit with its upcoming ‘ban‘.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, that Greece will ban all children under 15 from accessing social media. The measure, which will come into force on January 1, 2027, is designed to protect children’s mental health and will apply irrespective of parental consent.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis cited “unambiguous” evidence that addictive screen time and social media algorithms are contributing to anxiety and sleep deprivation among children. Data from the Greek Safer Internet Centre in Athens shows that 75% of children currently using social media in Greece are of primary-school age.

It comes as the UK government has started a discussion about possibly banning under-16s, and Ireland and Denmark are considering doing the same. Last month, the House of Lords supported a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media platforms in the UK.

In a video posted on TikTok, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “We have decided to go ahead with a difficult but necessary measure: ban access to social media for children under 15 years old. Greece is among the first countries in the world to adopt such a measure.” The prime minister went on to say he would put pressure on the European Union to follow suit.

The Greek government plans to enforce the ban through its existing ‘Kids Wallet’ application, which is already used to verify ages for alcohol and tobacco purchases. This application will be used to filter and block social media access at the device level.

Unlike approaches that rely on social media platforms to police themselves, Greece is pursuing a ‘source-based’ approach. Parents will be required to activate the Kids Wallet app on all of a child’s devices to block access at the system level. Greek officials hope this state-mandated device-level block will effectively counter circumvention methods, such as VPNs.

Greece joins other nations implementing strict age-based digital restrictions, including Australia, which enforces an under-16 ban, and Indonesia. Following the announcement, Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling for a common EU-wide “Digital Age of Majority” to be set at 15.

While both Greece and Australia share the goal of protecting children’s mental health, their enforcement methods differ significantly. Australia’s existing under-16 ban places the burden on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to find and remove underage accounts.

Since its launch in December 2025, Australia’s platform-based model has faced challenges. The eSafety Commissioner recently reported “significant concerns” about platforms that allow children to bypass checks or that provide insufficient reporting tools for parents.

Australia’s ban impacts ten major “high-risk” social networks but largely spares educational and messaging services like Google Classroom and WhatsApp. The Greek proposal is part of a broader framework that also restricts minors from online gambling, dating apps, and tobacco and alcohol sales.

Meanwhile, the UK government is actively considering an outright ban on social media for children under 16 through a high-profile national consultation and legislative debate. A three-month government consultation on “digital wellbeing” is currently open, seeking views on restrictions such as overnight curfews and “app caps,” and is scheduled to close May 26, 2026.

In the legislative arena, the House of Lords has twice defeated the government by adding an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would mandate a social media ban for under-16s. The House of Commons previously rejected this measure in March 2026, with the bill scheduled to return to the Commons on April 15, 2026.

WHEN it comes to Rome, you’ve heard of the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, but what about the other hotspots?

Sun Travel has all the insider tips you need from local experts on how to make the most of your time in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

There are plenty of options when staying in Rome – but IHG Hotels and Resorts has a hotel to suit every budget – from cheap to fancy.

For a budget spot with rooms from £83 per night is the Garner Hotel Rome Aurelia, with cosy rooms, a quiet outdoor garden away from the chaos of the city, an on-site restaurant and lounge bar.

For a mid-range hotel, Crowne Plaza Rome – St Peter’s has rooms starting from £174 per night, and offers a pretty garden, an outdoor pool – plus it’s easy to get to the centre of Rome.

For a high-end hotel, the luxurious InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace has rooms from around £398 per night, with huge marble hallways, a beautiful restaurant and rooftop bar with city views.

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Experts from each of these three hotels have now given Sun Travel the lowdown on EVERYTHING to do in Rome for cheap, mid-range and pricey budgets.

Read on to find out their top restaurants, attractions, hidden gems and more…

Date night restaurants

On a budget but still want to eat and drink well? Then the team at Aurelia suggest opting for one of the best ‘trattorias’ (an Italian eatery).

They say that Armando al Pantheon , right next to the Pantheon in the city centre, is a “beloved spot known for traditional dishes like carbonara and amatriciana”, with mains from 14 euros.

For a blowout romantic dinner head to Idylio by Apreda, which is a Michelin‑starred restaurant near the Pantheon, where you’ll get an intimate dining experience.

Alternatively, take a wander through the the authentic neighbourhoods of Trastevere or Campo de’ Fiori, popular destinations even for the locals, and drop into one of the many restaurants that line the streets.

Bars

For cocktails, Jerry Thomas Speakeasy is one of the city’s most famous bars.

It has an elegant, 1920s speakeasy atmosphere and creative drinks, that have earned it a spot six times in the “50 World’s Best Bars” list.

Or for something more relaxed with a view, Divinity Terrace is perfect for an aperitivo at sunset, looking out over the Pantheon and St. Ivo alla Sapienza, it serves glasses of prosecco from 6 euros.

Pizza & pasta

Trattoria da Polese is a local neighbourhood restaurant specialising in homemade pasta and pizzas, close to Navona Square and Campo de’Fiori that has been described by visitors as ‘faultless’.

For something a bit different, visit the ‘Michelangelo of Pizza’ at Pizzarium Bonci near the Vatican – famous for his gourmet pizza by the slice and creative toppings like ‘buratta with smoked salmon’ and ‘eggs and black truffle’.

The price for a slice varies from 6 to 10 euros, as it’s done on weight and toppings.

Seu Pizza Illuminati, which can be found down a side street in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome, was billed as the tenth best pizzeria in the world last year.

Prices range from 10 to 18 euros for a pizza, with bold toppings like roasted peaches or green olive cream, and it’s loved by locals.

For traditional Roman pasta dishes, Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina is a deli shop with its own restaurant and huge wine cellar, that is widely considered one of the best restaurants in the city – pasta from 16 euros a dish.

Gelato

For artisanal gelato, Gelateria del Teatro near Piazza Navona is always a favourite thanks to its seasonal flavours and fresh ingredients – with unique combinations like white chocolate and basil or pumpkin, amaretti and chocolate.

For exceptionally creamy gelato, La Romana on Via Cola uses  uses fresh organic milk from certified farms and freshly whipped cream, in accordance with old recipes – buy a cone then take a stroll along the nearby River Tiber.

For affordable and creamy gelato with big portions, try Old Bridge Gelateria at Piazza Risorgimento – right near the Vatican museums, where you can get three scoops from just 3 euros.

Alternatively, head to Capriccio di Carla – an artisan gelato shop located in Rome’s Pigneto neighbourhood that is often labelled ‘the best Gelato in Rome.’

It sells two scoops from 2.50 euros.

Hidden gems

There are plenty of very famous iconic spots in Rome, but what about those that are lesser-known?

Try Quartiere Coppedè, a fascinating neighbourhood to the east of the city centre filled with whimsical architecture and fairytale style buildings that’s described as ‘ a living museum of 20th century Italian expressionist architecture.’

Passetto del Biscione is a Rome hidden gem so hidden, not even all locals know about it, despite it being in one of the most central locations; Campo de’ Fiori.

The tiny pedestrian passage is covered in beautiful frescoes.

Another is Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli,  a short distance from the Colosseum, which looks like a modest church, but hides one of Michelangelo’s most powerful sculptures, Moses.

On Sunday mornings, Romans wander through the sprawling Porta Portese Flea Market in Trastevere, Rome’s largest open-air flea market that sells everything from clothes to vintage homeware.

It’s not curated for tourists – it’s chaotic, loud, imperfect, and our experts say “that’s the point.”

Another spot is Museo Boncompagni Ludovisi, which is steps from the InterContinental hotel.

The museum is inside a historic villa and showcases decorative arts, fashion and costume collections from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Explore like a local

To experience everyday Roman life, visit Mercato Testaccio, a lively glass-roofed market where locals gather for street food and fresh produce.

For unique boutiques and vintage finds, Via del Governo Vecchio is one of the most charming streets for shopping in Rome.

The Gianicolo (Janiculum) is a scenic, historic hill, offering one of the city’s most famous panoramic viewpoints.

Often called the “eighth hill,” it is located behind Trastevere and is renowned for its midday cannon shot, Garibaldi monument, Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, and romantic sunset views.

Or, if you want to explore Rome on a tour, do it in a vintage Fiat 500 – glide through Rome in an iconic Italian car, to see legendary landmarks and cinematic backstreets in true Dolce Vita style.

At the InterContinental, these tours depart right outside the hotel.

Best family attraction

A tour of the Rome Colosseum will be a hit with kids, with special tours allowing you to access to the Arena Floor via the “Gladiator’s Gate and walk where fighters once stood.

Villa Borghese is one of Rome’s most beautiful parks, with bike rentals, playgrounds, shaded gardens and a small boating lake.

There are plenty of family-friendly pizza and tiramisu classes in Rome, where parents and kids can make dough from scratch and build the dessert with local chefs.

Shopping

To shop ’til you drop, Via Sistina is lined with artisan workshops and refined boutiques, it is ideal for discovering handcrafted pieces and authentic Roman craftsmanship.

Another great spot for vintage items is Via del Governo Vecchio, which is one of the most charming streets for shopping in Rome.

Via Cola di Rienzo is one of the most famous shopping streets, and it’s a short walk away from the Vatican.

Coffee

Coffee lovers should head Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè for a classic Roman coffee experience, using home-roast beans and water from an ancient aqueduct.

It’s a historic café famous for its signature espresso which is best enjoyed standing at the counter.

Barnum Cafe on Via del Pellegrino offers speciality coffee and lots of visitors have also enjoyed its tasty brunch options.

Best views

If you want to see the city at it’s best, the team at Aurelia said that guests often enjoy visiting Villa Doria Pamphili.

It’s the largest public park in Rome and has very pretty and peaceful sunset views.

Another spot for spectacular sunset is the historic promenade of Pincio.

If you head up to Terrazza del Pincio, you can get incredible views over Piazza del Popolo.

During the day, visit the Orange Garden and Aventine Keyhole.

Freebies

A visit to St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter and it’s one of the most impressive experiences in Rome – for incredible views, visitors can also climb the dome.

Walk the Via dei Fori Imperiali for open-air, free sightseeing of the most famous Roman remains.

You can see Caravaggio’s masterpieces for free in three churches across Rome; San Luigi dei Francesi, Santa Maria del Popolo and Sant’Agostino.

For culture

Art lovers should book a visit to the Galleria Borghese,  housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, which is home to masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio.

Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must-see while in the city.

And then there’s Palazzo delle Esposizioni, one of Rome’s leading cultural venues that hosts art exhibitions and other cultural events, in a grand late 19th century architectural landmark.

Day trips from the city

For a seaside escape, Santa Severa is an excellent option.

Visitors can explore the beautiful Castello di Santa Severa located directly on the beach, about 50 minutes from Rome.

Or head to Ariccia and the many villages on the hills around Rome where you can enjoy typical cold cuts and cheeses.

Head to Tivoli,  an historic hilltown in the Lazio region of Italy, just 30km from Rome, to explore Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, where Renaissance fountains meet ancient Roman grandeur.

Tips from the experts

When it comes to exploring Rome, the team at Garner Hotel Rome Aurelia said: “Our advice to visitors is simple: slow down and enjoy Rome like a local.

“Start the day with an espresso at the bar, take an evening passeggiata (slow-paced evening stroll between 5–8om), and always make time for a relaxed dinner.”

The team at Crowne Plaza Rome – St Peter’s said: “Don’t leave without trying the famous ‘Maritozzo con la panna’.

“This famous dessert consists of a small loaf of bread kneaded with flour, eggs, honey, butter, and salt.

“Once baked, the maritozzo is cut in half and traditionally filled with plenty of whipped cream.”

The team at InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace said: “Rome rewards early risers and late wanderers.

“Visit landmarks at dawn or after sunset to experience the city at its most atmospheric and authentic.”

For more on city breaks, here are five European holidays that are CHEAPER than an English train ticket.

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TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 can have different rules around what duty free bags you can bring onboard as part of your hand luggage allowance – we take a look at what passengers need to know

Before heading to the airport, it’s crucial to be aware of any hand luggage restrictions and certain duty-free rules that not everyone knows about, with airlines including TUI and Ryanair.

Many of us fly with different airlines, depending on the route, airport and price, so it’s tricky to keep up with the various hand luggage allowances or restrictions. Most airlines allow passengers to take on board a small personal bag for free, which can include a backpack or handbag, while others offer a generous addition of a free cabin bag.

There can also be confusion when it comes to carrying on duty-free, alongside your personal bag or cabin bag. Holidaymakers have often been left questioning whether they can carry it on separately or if they have to pack it into one of their bags.

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To ensure you’re fully prepared for your next getaway, we’ve outlined the key hand luggage rules for four major UK airlines. So you know exactly how big your bag needs to be and what to do with your duty-free goodies before boarding your flight.

Ryanair

When it comes to duty-free, Ryanair allows passengers to carry on their duty-free items alongside their cabin bags. Additionally, passengers can purchase checked bags of 10kg, 20kg, or 23kg while flying with Ryanair.

All Ryanair fares include a small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm), but it must fit under the seat in front of you. There is technically no weight limit to this bag, which is typically a handbag, laptop bag, or small rucksack, but passengers must be able to carry it onboard, unless there is an exception.

When booking Priority boarding, travellers can take an additional 10kg cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20cm) on the plane, which is stored in the overhead lockers. While infants (aged from 8 days to 23 months) have no cabin allowance, parents or guardians can bring a 5kg baby bag ( 45 x 35 x 20 cm) and two baby items on board for free. For more information, visit the Ryanair website.

easyJet

In terms of duty-free, the airline states: “You’re allowed to bring some extra things into the cabin. e.g. umbrella, overcoat, crutches, walking stick, one standard bag of goods bought at the airport.”

Everyone flying with easyJet is entitled to bring one small bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) on board for free, which must fit under the seat in front. It can weigh up to 15kg, but it’s important to note that its size, including handles and wheels, cannot exceed the specified measurements.

The airline notes that travellers “need to be able to lift and carry the bag” themselves. easyJet passengers can pay for an additional cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) that fits in the overhead lockers, which also comes with their Speedy Boarding service.

For an easyJet Plus member or customer who has booked an Inclusive Plus fare, they can also take a large cabin bag on board, in addition to the standard cabin bag. Of course, there’s the option to book checked-in luggage too.

For more information, visit the easyJet website.

TUI

TUI customers can take one piece of hand luggage (55 x 40 x 20cm) on board for free, excluding infants. It can weigh up to 10kg, and they can also take one small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20cm) on board, which must fit under the seat in front.

A duty-free bag is also allowed on board, and TUI outlines its requirements for liquids purchased at the airport. They said: “Any liquids you buy from duty-free must be carried in a sealed security bag – you’ll be given this bag when you buy the item at the airport. You’ll need to keep the item and the receipt sealed in the security bag throughout the journey.”

A checked-in bag of 20kg or 25kg is also available to book for an extra fee. For more information, visit the TUI website.

Jet2

Holidaymakers are entitled to take a small bag (40 x 30 x 20cm), such as a handbag or laptop bag – or a duty free bag – that must fit under the seat in front.

You can also take one piece of hand luggage (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) on board for free, provided it fits within the measurements, including wheels and handles, and doesn’t weigh more than 10kg.

Parents with infants under 2 years old are also provided with an additional 10kg allowance. They can also take two items per child or infant on board free of charge, including a collapsible pushchair, car seat or booster, a baby carrier, and a travel cot.

For more information, visit the Jet2 website.

Airline hand luggage rules

When it comes to hand luggage, there are certain packing restrictions to be aware of, and these are typically universal across all airlines. These include the following:

• Liquids: Many airports require liquids to be under 100ml, while some UK airports have ditched this rule. As rules have changed, it’s best to check directly with the airport for both your outbound and inbound flights, as countries outside the UK may have different restrictions.

• Lighters: As outlined on the government website, travellers can only carry one lighter on board a plane. It cannot be packed in hold luggage; instead, it should be placed in a resealable plastic bag in carry-on luggage and kept in your possession throughout the flight.

• Food and powders: While you can carry certain food items and powders in your hand luggage, they can obstruct images on X-ray machines. This means that bags may need to be manually checked at security, which can cause delays. The government advises packing suitable items into your hold luggage to minimise delays.

• Frozen items: Typically, you cannot carry frozen items in your hand luggage onto your flight, such as food, liquids or ice packs. However, there are some exceptions, such as for medicines, medical equipment, dietary requirements, baby food and baby milk. It’s best to check directly with the airline you’re flying with to ensure you meet their requirements.

• Sharp objects: While you can carry scissors on a plane, the blade must be shorter than 6cm to be placed in carry-on luggage. Small sewing or embroidery scissors are generally allowed, while other larger, sharp items can be packed into hold luggage. It’s best to check directly with your airline for specific requirements.

Some airlines may have specific requirements for some of the above items, so before heading to the airport, it’s best to check directly with your airline to avoid being caught out. After all, there’s nothing worse than having something confiscated at airport security.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

WHITE sand beaches, enormous castles, and peaceful canals – no I’m not describing France or Spain or Portugal as you can find all of this in the UK without spending much money.

Sometimes we Brits don’t appreciate what we have on our doorstep, and let’s face it, exploring the country can be costly – but here are some truly bucket list spots that you can see on a budget.

Richard Madden has been exploring the country on foot, by rail, road even boat for his new book Great British Journeys – and has given Sun Travel an insight into his favourite finds.

Richard says: “Obviously travelling on a budget depends where you start from – but walking, whether it’s on the coast or in the countryside is free.”

By foot

He started by saying: “I was brought up around the Lizard Peninsula, and here are some incredible places to walk to, like Kynance Cove.

“In Sussex, my most favourite walk is along Seven Sisters which is spectacular with Cuckmere Haven, where the estuary meets the sea.

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“It’s also big news that the King Charles III England Coast Path has just opened.”

The coastal path project was 18 years in the making – it’s now the longest coastal path in the country and is around 2,700 miles long.

It circles the entire English coastline with it’s start (or end) point at Berwick-upon-Tweed all the way to Land’s End.

By train

But, if you don’t fancy walking miles, give your legs a rest and hop onboard a train because you can see plenty from a train window.

Along the East Coast Main Line (which stretches from Newcastle to Edinburgh) you’ll get pretty views of beaches and seaside towns like Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

On the fastest services, the full length of the journey takes around 1hr38 and one-way tickets can cost as little as £7.70.

Richard says: “That whole line is beautiful with coastal views and castles.

“You don’t even have to do the whole thing – just go on a couple of stops like to Alnmouth, or go further up and you’ll pass Dunstanburgh Castle.”

On the full stretch of the line, passengers will also see the Tyne Bridge, Lindisfarne Castle, the Edinburgh skyline and Firth of Forth.

Further south, another popular route is onboard the Bluebell Line which is just around the corner from National Trust‘s Sheffield Park.

Tickets for adults to board the heritage steam train start from £27 and when you book, check for children’s rates which are just £1 with their ‘kids for a quid’ offer.

The West Highland Line, also dubbed the ‘Hogwarts Express‘ is another incredibly scenic journey.

Actually called the Jacobite Steam Train, the 41-mile round trip goes between Fort William and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands (from £72.75).

However if you’re on more of a budget but still want to get the views, hop on a public service line instead.

A ticket from Fort William to Mallaig which crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, typically starts around £9.20.

When exploring the UK – why not check into some of our favourite hotels?

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Margate House, Kent

This stylish boutique hotel is in a seaside townhouse, a short walk from Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants. Decked out with plush velvet sofas, flickering candles and striking independent art, inside feels like a warm welcome home. Rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.

BOOK HERE

The Alan, Manchester

The Alan looks extremely grand, built into a beautiful Grade II listed building. Spread across six floors, with 137 rooms, each one looks like a fancy design magazine. From the concrete coffee tables to the pink plastered walls, the industrial-inspired designs perfectly replicate the history of the city.

BOOK HERE

The Queen at Chester Hotel

This historic hotel has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry through its doors. Rooms have richly-patterned carpets with super soft bed linen and premium toiletries in the bathroom. Go for a superior room for extra goodies including bathrobes and snack boxes.

BOOK HERE

The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge

This Cambridge hotel is in the ideal spot, within walking distance to bars, shops and hotspots like the university colleges and Parker’s Piece. The inside couldn’t be prettier, with huge stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and rooms with enormous clawfoot bath tubs.

BOOK HERE

By Boat

To explore the country, most of us will hop into the car, but Britain is so well connected through its waterways.

Richard is no stranger to canal boating and reveals some of his favourite journeys to do around the country.

He says: “The Shropshire Union Canal is one I’ve done on quite a few occasions.

“That one goes to Cheshire, and you get these fantastic views of the Roman walls, so it’s a particularly good one.

“Another that I’ve done quite a few times is the River Wye, on the border of Wales.

“It’s Wordsworth country and it’s got incredibly beautiful surroundings in that area like Tintern Abbey which go past on the water.

“To make it better, there are lots of pubs along riversides, so you can moor up and go in.”

One very famous waterways spot is the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, where you’ll find the Bingley Five Rise Locks.

Renting a 6-berth narrowboat for a week generally costs between £900 and £1,500.

If you split that between a group of six, it can work out as little as £21pppn – but this varies depending on the season.

Richard also has some top tips for those planning a staycation or day trip around the UK to reduce the costs.

He says: “My key tip is to work it all out beforehand – the further you book in advance, the cheaper things will be.

“Go through your options as well, like how you’ll travel there and if it’s cheaper to take the bus, or if it’s worth going by train than by car.

“You can consider options like camping to keep costs down, but I would say it’s only worth doing that if you enjoy it – don’t if you’re not going to have a good time.

“There are so many different landscapes in the UK and generally, you don’t have to go far to see them.”

Great British Journeys by Richard Madden (National Trust Books, £14.99) is out on April 9.

This quirky village boasts England’s tiniest Grade II listed building and residents who love to see the stars at night

England boasts thousands of villages and countless tiny hamlets, each with their own unique stories to share. Communities have been moulded by history, weather patterns, landscape, geology, wildlife, conflict, inhabitants, faith, transportation and commerce.

Yet, one distinctive village in Kent is home to Britain’s smallest listed building. The close-knit community of Otford in the Darent Valley is near Sevenoaks — a town that consistently appears on ‘best places to live’ rankings.

For those yearning to escape city living and immerse themselves in the natural world, one of Otford’s attractions is that the majority of it lacks street lighting. Certain residents have claimed they “like to see the stars” and one recommending to “buy a torch”.

However, one new arrival wasn’t entirely ready for the darkness, recalling: “I remember my shock the first night after we got the keys to our house.

“I’d never been to Otford at night before. But you will get used to it, and grow quite fond of it, very quickly. Just wait for the first full moon with clear skies and suddenly the penny will drop for you.”

One long-term resident remarked: “Otford doesn’t have street lights as it’s a village not a small suburban town. There are very few people living in Otford who I think want street lights due to light pollution as it’s lovely at night when the skies are clear to see the moon and stars so easily”, reports Kent Live.

The village is home to approximately 3,500 residents, and locals are described as “really friendly” and “lovely”. Surrounded by countryside, it offers the “fresh air” that residents treasure, along with beautiful walking routes.

It’s also conveniently near the M25 and boasts rail connections to London, with journeys taking as little as 35 minutes to London Bridge with one change.

Another intriguing feature of this village — something of a claim to fame — is its diminutive Grade II listed structure, which happens to be England’s smallest. Its occupants are of the web-footed variety, as it’s actually a duck house situated in the village pond.

Historic England said: “The award for smallest listed structure goes to the Duck House in the middle of Otford Village Pond roundabout in Sevenoaks. This rubble and brick circular house shelters the luckiest ducks in England – they enjoy a food allowance from the Parish Council!”

If you are looking to relocate to Otford, Rightmove states the average property sale price over the past year stood at £810,059. The majority of properties sold were semi-detached, fetching an average of £693,458.

Values rose by two per cent compared to the previous 12 months. By contrast, Kent’s average sale price was £421,327.

Otford also has a Solar System, which is a scale representation of planets’ positions. Created for the Millennium, it guides visitors throughout the village to the various planets in proportion.

The village also features the picturesque River Darent, four churches, a village pond, pubs, cafes and shops. If you enjoy travelling back through time, you’ll adore Otford as its history and archaeology reveal people have inhabited this spot for no less than 3,000 years: including farmers during the Iron Age, Romans and Royalty.

Over the years, there has been a palace, a poor house, and a manor court. There’s a heritage trail, a Millennium Mosaic and more attractions to explore, all of which can be discovered on the Otford Heritage website.

The Bull Pub, located on the High Street, is an ancient coaching inn with roots dating back to 1512. The pub is owned by WH Pubs, who also operate The Chaser Inn in Shipbourne, The Little Brown Jug in Chiddingstone, and two other establishments in Kent.

For those keen to delve deeper into Otford’s history, a visit to Otford Palace is a must. This site was once home to the Archbishop’s Palace, dating back to 821 AD.

In 1515 AD Archbishop Warham constructed one of England’s grandest palaces, slightly surpassing Hampton Court in size. Sadly, the buildings fell into disrepair in the 17th Century, and today only part of the North Range remains.

The North West corner tower, part of the Northern Gatehouse and a connecting wall, which has been converted into a row of three quaint cottages. The site, including the Palace Field, is open to visitors.

In 1519, the hunting-obsessed Henry VIII stayed at Otford Palace with his companions, pursuing game in the vast deer park attached to the palace grounds. Between 1532 and 1533, Princess Mary, the future Queen of England, took refuge there amidst the political and religious upheaval that followed the dissolution of her mother’s marriage to Henry.

Ownership of Otford Palace was transferred to a trust in the early 2020s, preventing it from being turned into a housing development.

If you’re up for a five-mile circular walk and prefer not to drive, the railway station is just a third of a mile from your starting point. This route is known as the Otford Walk.

It takes you out of the village, along tracks, over several stiles, through wooded areas and high onto the North Downs for breathtaking views of the countryside. You can park for your Otford Walk in the High Street opposite the Bull Pub.

THE cost of getting a new passport has gone up today – but there is a way to avoid paying the steepest price.

The new price has seen the standard price of a passport go over £100 for the first time, with the highest cost being £129.50.

However, there is a way to avoid paying the most expensive fee.

The new £129.50 cost – up from £120 – is for any 54-page passport, larger than the standard 34-page one.

Unless you are a very frequent traveller, you are unlikely to need the bigger version.

Not only that, but the £129.50 cost is also if you apply via postal form rather than online.

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Do it online and it drops to £116.

Most Brits will pay around £102, as this is for any 34-page passports that are applied for online.

Kids passports have also increased, and you could pay as much as £94 for one.

However, this is also for a postal form application, and a 54-page one.

Apply online for a 34-page passport and it drops to £66.50 – a saving of £27.50.

Anyone born on or before September 2, 1929, can apply for a free passport.

Thousands of Brits also still have burgundy passports, despite the new navy options rolled out back in 2022.

Anyone with a burgundy passport should check the start date of them as a number of families have been caught out.

New rules – introduced when the UK left the EU – mean any ‘additional’ months on passports are no longer valid.

This means if your passport has a start date of March 2016 but an expiry of December 2026, it has technically already expired.

Instead, your passport will expire 10 years past the start date.

Some countries – including many in the EU – also require there to be three months after the day you plan to return home.

And here is everything you need to know about the new British passports rolled out last year – said to be the most secure ever.

Airline passengers were issued a warning in a social media post shared by Jet2

Jet2 has issued a safety warning that applies to all passengers flying with the airline. The low-cost carrier has urged customers to ‘look for the gold tick’ when contacting its customer service agents on social media. The airline regularly responds to passenger questions on X as Jet2tweets, where the Jet2 team assists Jet2.com and Jet2holidays customers.

However, scammers may contact social media users, falsely claiming to be from Jet2. The official Jet2tweets account highlighted the possible risk to passengers in a recent post.

A team member warned a customer named Elaine to ‘look for the gold tick’ before replying to any messages sent to her on X. Elaine had contacted Jet2tweets with a question about an upcoming booking.

She wrote: “Jet2tweets Hi. We leave Faro for Liverpool on 19th April. Please could you advise what time we should arrive. We don’t need to check in any baggage. Thank you.”

Answering the question, Jet2 replied: “Hi Elaine, thank you for getting in touch. Our check-in desks open from two hours and thirty minutes before standard departure time. Please feel free to check in from this time. I hope this helps. If there’s anything further we can assist you with, please do let us know. Thank you, Rachel.”

In a follow-up response, another Jet2 team member issued a warning to Elaine, which applies to all passengers using X to contact the airline. Jet2tweets wrote: “Hi Elaine, it appears you have been reached out to by a fake account not affiliated with Jet2holidays. Please be vigilant when dealing with these accounts and be aware our only official account is @Jet2tweets (look for the gold tick).”

Jet2tweets is a verified account on X, as indicated by the gold tick next to its name. When customers click on the gold tick, it displays an official message from X, which reads: “This account is verified because it’s an official organisation on X.”

More information is available on the X Help Center, which explains the different checkmarks that social media users might see on the platform. For example, accounts that subscribe to X Premium could have a blue checkmark. Meanwhile, a grey checkmark is used for government officials or organisations.

Any X users impersonating a business or person risk permanent suspension. The Help Center states: “Impersonation is a violation of the X Rules. Accounts that pose as another person, group, or organisation in a confusing or deceptive manner may be permanently suspended under X’s misleading and deceptive identities policy.”

The guidance says that brands can file a report in the Help Center if they believe an account is posing as them. If an X user believes an account is misusing someone else’s identity, they can also report it as a bystander directly on the account’s profile.

A HUGE Eden Project attraction has finally confirmed a new opening date – and it will be the newest in 25 years.

Eden Project Morecambe will overlook Morecambe Bay in Lancaster, and will be the first new Eden Project since the one in Cornwall opened in 2001.

It has now confirmed it will open its first phase in early 2027, followed by a full opening in 2028.

It comes after the new attraction appointed contractor VINCI Building for the next stage of development and construction.

Overall, the North West-based Eden Project is set to cost £100million and the first phases, which will be 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens, will open early next year.

The public will be able to get a sneak peak at the free-to-enter Bring Me Sunshine Garden at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, before it relocates to Morecambe permanently.

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By 2028, visitors will be able to explore two shell-inspired structures that will house “immersive ‘Realms’ exploring humanity’s relationship with the natural world”.

In the Realm of the Sun, visitors can expect “a bright, tropical landscape of the near future where humans have discovered how to heal and re-engage with the broken rhythms of the natural world around them”.

Details previously mentioned include hanging plants and mini gardens, a multi-sensory area, a cascading waterfall, a 20-metre Elder Tree sculpture and a ‘Town Square’.

The ‘Realm’ is also planned to adapt to both the hot and cold seasons.

Then inside the Realm of the Moon visitors can explore a darker space, with a “hyper-real rock pool” that has sped-up cycles of tides.

Between the two realms, there is expected to be an area called Metronome, where visitors will purchase entry tickets.

There will be a 750-capacity Tidal Theatre, a 300-capacity restaurant and a shop at the attraction as well.

Once the attraction is open, visitors will be able to interact with different exhibits as well as participate in a number of workshops.

Eight concerts or events are also planned for the attraction each summer, aiming to attract around 6,000 people.

Eden Project Morecambe will bring around £80million to the local area as well as hundreds of jobs.  

Changes to the project were announced back in February after both residents and councillors raised concerns over the impact it would have on some of the nearby landmarks such as the Midland Hotel and Winter Gardens venue.

From the updated plans, changes were also made to ensure there would be more outside areas with coastal plants, as well as links to animal and human life.

And to prevent flood damage to the attraction, there will be a sea defence area that will wrap around the site and feature raised walkways.

When plans were originally approved in 2022 the attraction was set to feature four domes and it was set to open in 2026 – though this has now been pushed back.

The attraction will sit on the site of the former Bubbles Leisure Complex.

John Pye, project director for Eden Project Morecambe, said: “VINCI Building’s appointment marks an exciting acceleration for Eden Project Morecambe.

“Their technical capability, deep roots in the North West and strong commitment to sustainability and social value make them a powerful partner as we move towards breaking ground later this year.

“This is a nationally significant project for Morecambe and for the region and this latest milestone brings us another step closer to realising that vision.”

Gary Hughes, regional director at VINCI Building, said: “Our team brings extensive experience in delivering complex cultural and environmental projects and we are committed to placing local people, local businesses and local supply chains at the heart of delivery.”

This isn’t the only new Eden Project site set to open in the UK – there are also plans to open an Eden Project in Dundee.

The project was first announced back in 2020 and is set to cost £130million.

In other attraction news, here are the 20 most-visited attractions in England that are completely free to enter.

Plus, here are our favourite old-fashioned English seaside resorts – with quaint promenades and retro beach huts.

WITH temperatures set to hit the mid-20s in parts of the UK this week – and it still being the Easter holidays – there couldn’t be a better time for a last-minute staycation.

Londoners can expect highs of 25C today, while those in Cardiff and Manchester will enjoy 21C.

So with the weather being this good, the seaside is an ideal spot to soak up the sun.

Here are our favourite seaside spots in the UK you could head to this week for a last-minute break.

Teignmouth, Devon

Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Devon isn’t short of pretty seaside towns that are ideal for family days out and trips.

But when it comes to Teignmouth on the South West Coast Path, it has a charm that not many other places I have visited in Devon have.

The seafront has a wide promenade, ideal for a walk or for kids to whiz along on a scooter.

The long beach features Devon’s famous red sand due to its iron minerals.

Often the sea is too rough to swim in here, but it doesn’t matter as Teignmouth Lido – which recently announced it was going to close – has been saved and will reopen for the season.

While a date is yet to be announced, the lido usually opens in May.

About halfway along the beach, you will find the 161-year-old Teignmouth Grand Pier.

Despite suffering storm damage in late January, it remains open – just the deck at the end is closed.

This means kids can still have fun in the arcades with the penny slot machines.

In the town, there are a few shops you can explore and plenty of cafes and bakeries to grab a bite to eat, too.

Make sure to head to Jane’s Ice Creams for a treat as well – their Turkish Delight ice cream is heavenly.

If you want to extend your visit to explore the surrounding areas, hop on the ferry to Shaldon, which is the oldest passenger ferry in England.

You could stay at Coast View Holiday Park for three nights from April 10 to April 13, costing from £37.17 per person per night, based on a family of four sharing.

Southwold, Suffolk

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

The seaside town of Southwold has it all.

Of course, it has a huge stretch of beach, but it also has the classic arcades and activities, without being too lively.

The 190-metre-long pier stretches over the sea and is filled with the classic 2p machines, an ‘Under the Pier Show’, restaurants and little ice cream parlours.

On the other side of the pier is a boating lake where visitors can rent out a pedalo or rowing boats.

It also has an adventure golf course and a cosy tearoom which has lovely views across the lake.

One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is stocking up on food and taking it for a beach picnic, which you can do at the lovely food stops in the high street, like The Black Olive Delicatessen or The Two Magpies Bakery.

Of course, a staple of the town is the Adnams Brewery, where you can buy some of its locally brewed beer – they even offer tours.

Then there’s the beach, which is lined with multi-coloured beach huts.

For fish and chips, you’re spoiled for choice with places like The Little Fish & Chip Shop and Mrs T’s Fish and Chips.

My favourite place, the Sole Bay Fish Company, is a five-minute drive away from the beach.

Pull up on the side of the road, grab your fish supper and then head out to watch the boats bobbing in and out of the harbour during sunset; it’s the perfect way to end the day.

A lot of availability for hotels in Southwold is booked up this week, but just down the road, you will find Boundary Farm, Suffolk.

You can stay from April 8 to 10 for £290 total, for a family of four in a safari tent – around £36.25 per person per night.

Boscastle, Cornwall

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Cornwall has more than its fair share of picture-perfect seaside towns
and villages, and Boscastle is up there with the very best.

The fishing village on the north coast of the county has a more rugged
charm than those in the south, owing to the fact that it faces out into
the Atlantic Ocean.

One hundred years ago, Boscastle was a busy fishing port, but today its
dramatic, cliff-edged harbour is mainly used for small fishing boats and tourism.

Oh… and swimming.

When the tide is high, there’s nowhere better to go for a morning dip.

Then on the way back, it’s almost mandatory to pick up a coffee and a pastry from the Harbour Light cafe.

The cafe has a lovely spot next to the stream that leads out to sea,
and is the perfect place to watch the world go by.

It’s also opposite the famous Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – home to
one of the world’s largest collections of items relating to witchcraft
and magic, which is well worth a visit.

In that same riverside stretch is the renowned Rocket Store, a tiny
seafood restaurant serving excellent dishes like grilled scallops in
green chilli butter, torched seabass and grilled leeks in brown
butter.

The combination of extremely welcoming staff and the size of the
venue, makes it feel like you’re almost eating in someone’s home.

If you’re looking for something simpler, I recommend a pint in the
garden of the Wellington Hotel, which has a really cool suntrap of a
back garden.

It is a quintessential, charming Cornish fishing village, ideal for scenic walks, exploring local history, and experiencing a unique atmosphere on the north coast of Cornwall.

The YHA Boscastle is in a stunning location on the edge of the harbour, and it still has private rooms this week from just £80 a night that sleep up to six people – working out at a very reasonable £13 per person.

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Raised in this postcard North Norfolk seaside town, I’ve had years to explore every nook and cranny.

So here’s all of the must-visit spots, with insider tips from a local.

The main buzz of the town is found on the quay, where you can easily spend an afternoon dipping into traditional sweet and souvenir shops and spending spare change in the amusements.

I recommend heading down to the East Quay with a bucket, crabbing line and diced bacon for a quiet spot to go gillying (Norfolk slang for crabbing) – a must-do when in Wells.

On the quay, Will’s of Wells is a trendy spot where you can enjoy an expertly-made flat white in a surf shack-style interior, while the Golden Fleece serves posh pub classics and local ales.

There are also two award-winning fish and chip shops here, just a few doors down from one another, French’s and Plattens, which have long divided locals with their rivalry.

Both offer seating with quay views where you can watch fishermen haul in their catches, but for me, Plattens takes the win with its crispy battered fish and soft golden chips.

Wells-next-the-Sea beach is worth the mile-long walk from the quay.

The raised coastal path offers views over the harbour, marshland and pinewoods, making your stroll down to the shore a scenic activity in itself.

Once you reach the end, you’re met with miles of sweeping golden sands, backed by rolling dunes and thick pine forests.

Colourful beach huts separate the forest from the sand, and if you fancy treating yourself on your beach trip, you can even rent one from £65 per day.

The rental comes with deckchairs, a windbreak, and, of course, shelter from the scorching sun or the odd blustery breeze.

They’re also handy for storing your belongings and have a comfy spot to sit in and watch the children play on the beach.

For a place to stay, I recommend the Pinewoods Holiday Park.

It’s perfectly placed just minutes from the beach, plus it’s close to the trendy beach cafe and watersports centre that offers kayaking and paddle-boarding.

A three-night stay from April 7 to 10 costs £174 for three people – that’s £14.50 per person per night.

Deal, Kent

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

The Kent coastline is hardly short of fantastic seaside towns, but one of the best spots for me is Deal.

It’s quickly becoming a foodie destination to rival London, with some insanely good places to eat after spending your day on the pebbly beach.

There is The Blue Pelican, with unique small plates as well as ramen on select days.

Make sure to head downstairs to the underground bar for a mean cocktail too.

Otherwise, there is Jenkins & Son Fishmongers that opens as a street food bar, where the juicy scallop and bacon roll is a must.

The pubs are just as fabulous – The King Head has live music and a front beer garden overlooking the beach, while The Port Arms does a rather unusual but very delicious Jamaican-style roast.

Outside of eating your way around town, hit up the shops with places like The Hoxton Store and 123 High Street, making sure you don’t leave without picking up a present or two.

Grab a drink at the recently renovated Le Pinardier wine bar or the established Deal Pier Kitchen, right at the end of the brutalist pier.

And when you need to spend the night, you can head to Parkdean Resorts St Margaret’s Bay Holiday Park.

For a three-night stay from April 10 to 13, you could pay from just £17.42 per person per night (£209 total).

Whitby, Yorkshire

Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

If you love your classic UK beach break to come with a dose of the dramatic, then it has to be the seaside town of Whitby.

The north Yorkshire coastal gem is dominated by the clifftop gothic ruins of 13th-century Whitby Abbey, thought to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

It’s perfect for a spooky family game of hide and seek.

With clean, sandy beaches aplenty, the town’s West Cliff Beach is among the most popular, complete with colourful beach huts, safe waters and rock pools for crabbing.

Nearby Pier Street is your go-to for 2penny arcades, fish and chips and more.

For a hidden gem a little further afield, check out the Falling Foss Tea Garden, a magical destination in beautiful North York Moors woodland, complete with a tumbling 30ft waterfall.

The tea garden is in the heart of the forest, and you can enjoy a strong brew and homemade cakes while enjoying the magical surroundings.

You could camp at Whitby Holiday Park between April 9 and 11 for £122 for four people, which is just £15.25 per person per night.

For more seaside destinations to explore, here’s an English coastal town overlooked by its busy neighbours that’s like ‘going back to the 1950s’.

Plus, seven great UK seaside towns with beachfront theme parks – and you can stay with Hols from £9.50.

With two bank holidays on the horizon, many people are keen to jet off on a cheap long weekend getaway and a travel expert has shared the four best value destinations he’d “genuinely” book himself

A holiday expert has listed four “hot and cheap” destinations well worth booking this May for a spring getaway without the “summer prices”.

With two bank holidays on the horizon, many people are looking to make the most of a break from work by jetting off on a long weekend on the quest for some guaranteed sunshine – never a safe bet here in the UK. With that in mind, holiday expert Rob, known online as Rob On The Beach, listed four places he’d “genuinely” book for himself.

Taking to Instagram, he said: “Four places I’d personally book for May if you want a properly hot holiday without paying summer prices.”

He continued: “May is easily one of the best value months for good weather at a pinch of a price. Plus, the UK’s fully into bank holiday season so you can stretch that annual leave a bit further, too.

“So I’ve looked at the data, the weather and the live pricing to find the four places I’d genuinely book myself.”

4. Malta

Kicking off his list, Rob began with island country Malta, which boasts 300 days of sunshine per year.

The holiday expert said: “In fourth, Malta. This is one people are slowly catching onto now. You’re getting consistent mid-20s heat, loads of sunshine, but it’s still not hit the peak pricing window yet in May.

“And the best part about Malta is it’s not just sit by the pool, either, which you can do, but there’s loads to explore and loads to see on the island.”

He then shared a deal he found from Monday, May 4 until Saturday, May 9, which cost £240 per person for direct flights from London Luton and a stay at the “gorgeous” St Julian’s Levante, Affiliated by Melia hotel.

3. Cyprus

Next, Rob listed Cyprus, another island country, which is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It offers renowned beaches and 320 days of sunshine a year, as well as rich history and culture.

Rob said: “This is your safe bet because in Cyprus in May, there’s proper sunshine every single day and by mid May, you’re well into the high 20s here.

“Also, quick one, because people always ask; yes it is safe in Cyprus right now. The FCDO advice has not changed and everything there is operating as normal. But speaking of things that aren’t normal, just look at this deal.”

Rob detailed a five night stay at Hylatio Tourist Village in Paphos from Friday, May 15 until Wednesday, May 20, at half board, with direct flights from London Stansted for £280 per person.

He added: “For that level of weather, this early in the year in a premium destination like Cyprus, that’s a cracking price.”

2. Dalaman

In second place, Rob put Dalaman, a municipality and district of Muğla Province, Turkey. Dalaman is famed for its award winning beaches, scenic snorkelling, rich history, views of the legendary Turquoise Coast, as well as its natural beauty complete with nesting loggerhead turtles, and plenty more.

Rob “specifically” recommended Fethiye and said: “Now look, Fethiye is unreal all year round but May is when I personally think it’s at its best.

“You’ve got that perfect balance of temperatures in the mid 20s, proper sunshine all month and all without the peak pricing the peak level of tourists.

“It’s green, it’s scenic, there’s loads to explore, it’s absolutely drop dead gorgeous and you still get that classic Turkey all-inclusive value here, too.”

Rob shared a deal he’d found for a five night all-inclusive stay at the five-star Club Tuana Fethiye with direct flights from London Gatwick from Saturday, May 2 until Thursday, May 7, for £350 per person.

He said: “This is one of the best value holidays you can book in May, full stop.”

1. Albania

Rob said he’d “gone for something a bit different this time”, putting Albania in first place. The small Balkan country boasts vibrant coastlines and rich history and culture. There’s many castles and archaeological sites, as well as hiking options and peaceful, uncrowded Mediterranean beaches.

The holiday expert explained: “Somehow, Albania is still flying under the radar – because here, you’ve got coastline that looks like Greece but prices that really do not.

“In May, you’re comfortably in mid-20s heat with loads of sun and crucially not a lot of people there.”

Rob shared a deal he found for four nights at the three star Hotel Vola with breakfast included from Saturday, May 9, until Thursday, May 14, and direct flights from London Stansted, priced at £175 per person.

He added: “For a sunny, cheap European beach break that’s also a hidden gem, that’s cheaper than most people’s weekends at home. This is the kind of place to go to now as well because people will cotton on and it will be busy next year.”

PAULTONS Park has revealed when their huge new Viking-themed land will be opening and you won’t have to wait long.

The theme park – named the best in the UK by Tripadvisor and eighth best in the world – has splashed out a huge £12million on the new themed area.

Called Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, it will have the theme park’s first inverting rollercoaster.

Drakon will not only be the most thrilling ride at Paultons Park, but will see riders climb a huge vertical hill before they twist and fly through the air upside down.

There will also be the swinging ride Vild Swing, going 12metres in the air, while the bobsled Cobra coaster is being reinvented as Raven.

The parks biggest investment to date, it will open to the public on May 16.

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Also in the park will be a themed Feasting Hall restaurant as well as Viking inspired playground.

Back in 2024 they even teased another ride could open in Valgard next year, which would be water-themed – although little else is known about it at the moment.

And last year, Paultons Park won 10 awards at the UK Theme Park Awards, including Theme Park of the year.

It is also known for being home to the famous Peppa Pig World, as well as the Ghostly Manor ride which opened last year.

The Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently raved about the park.

She said: “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.

“Ghostly Manor even won Best New Attraction at this year’s UK Theme Park awards, one of ten gongs Paultons bagged that I’ve have to agree with thanks to a number of key factors.

“These include the short queues, incredible customer service (employees all cheerful), the cleanliness (bathrooms spotless) and the attention to detail and the fact that they don’t charge for parking, unlike several other big theme parks.

“we spent the entire weekend outside, grinning from ear to ear. And we were blown away, in the good sense.”

The new Viking land isn’t the only exciting new opening in the UK.

Chessington is opening its new £15million PAW Patrol Land this spring.

And a £50million Minecraft land is also set to open at Chessington, and will be the first of its kind in the world.

Alton Towers has opened its new Bluey The Ride: Here Come The Grannies! at CBeebies Land already as well.

Here are some other openings to be excited about both in the UK and Europe this year.

Tenerife tourists admit they’ve been hit with an unlikely issue that’s “catching holidaymakers out”. Travellers visiting the hotspot have alerted people to the matter

Tourists visiting Tenerife have been left floored after an unlikely aspect led to impacting their recent holidays. It comes as holiday season has started with a bang, with thousands jetting off to hot countries to sample their first real bit of sun this year.

However, those visiting the Canary Islands have been issued travel advice, especially those heading to Tenerife, as they’ve been warned they may need to act before they go on their travel adventure. Claire, known as Family Freed Company on TikTok, recently alerted people to the issue in a candid video were she offered her top travel tips for visiting.

It’s not the first time the holiday hotspot has been in the news recently either. A few weeks ago, some people admitted they booked early flights home after visiting the destination.

Alongside her video, Claire wrote: “Everyone thinks Tenerife is hot ALL day, but no one tells you what happens when that sun disappears.

“Midday? Boiling. Shade/cloud? You’ll feel it instantly. Evenings? Jumper is coming out. And, if you’re travelling with kids, this catches you out FAST.

“We’ve been multiple times and I STILL see families underpacked. Tenerife is amazing – just don’t pack like it’s 30 degrees 24/7.”

The video has been viewed hundreds of times since it was shared, and dozens have commented to share their thoughts. It seems as though many have been struck by the issue when visiting the destination.

One quipped: “Finally someone said it. Clouderife most of the time.” Another added: “Not in the north it’s not! Cloudy every day.”

A third said: “Coming tomorrow. We have cardigans and jackets.” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “I stayed there last March. It was so lovely. I was grateful for a bit of cloud as some days it was so hot.”

While Claire loves Tenerife, and admitted it can get really hot at times, she said it’s something travellers need to be aware of. You need to know what to pack if you’re planning a holiday there to ensure you don’t get cold when it clouds over.

In another recent post, people also complained about the misty weather. Someone said: “Got here yesterday and I have never seen it this bad before.”

One more also wrote: “So depressing when you get three or four days out of seven like this.”

What you need to know

If you haven’t been to Tenerife before, there are a few things you may want to know about the weather. Tenerife often has varied cloud cover, frequently appearing cloudy or overcast in the morning, particularly in the north.

However, generally, this tends to clear to sunny spells by midday. While the north is greener and wetter, the southern tourist areas are generally much sunnier and drier.

Even so, these areas can sometimes experience “calima” (dusty, hazy, hot conditions), so people should bear this in mind. Lots of people love visiting the destination though, much like Claire.

For the most accurate, localised forecast, it’s best to check the weather specifically for the area of Tenerife you are visiting. Sources you could use include the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) or a local Tenerife weather webcam.

Deep in Kielder Forest, on the northern side of the vast Kielder Water stands Silvas Capitalis, a giant, two-storey timber head, one of the most striking of the 20 sculptures tucked between the pines. It’s an eerie sight, almost shocking; its mouth ajar, as if astounded by all it sees. It’s my first visit to Kielder, and my face has been wearing a similar expression since I stepped out of the car at the lakeside trying to take in the scale of the landscapes unfolding around me.

Kielder doesn’t look like England – at least, not the England I know. For a start, it’s vast; 250 sq miles (648 sq km), with 158m trees, mostly sitka spruce conifers planted by hand. And even though it’s a plantation, there’s a wilderness feel that reminds me of Finland or Canada; a great swathe of nature at its most intense. It’s a working forest, involving 500 full-time jobs (not including tourism) and 2026 marks the centenary of the very first plantings, when the UK was in need of timber reserves after the demands of the first world war.

The desolate moorland around Kielder Castle had been identified as a suitable site for a new forest by Roy Robinson, who was instrumental in the creation of the Forestry Commission in 1919. “He was a visionary,” says Alex MacLennan, part of the Kielder team for more than 20 years. “It was hard farming country, but perfect for forestry. Originally, there were eight villages planned, to house the timber workers. But three decades later, when the first trees were ready to be felled, mechanisation and new tools such as chainsaws meant they only needed three.”

All of which means development in the forest is minimal; the main tourist area is at the Kielder Waterside, where 50 unobtrusive lodges are tucked between the trees, some of which were damaged when Storm Arwen roared in five years ago and tore down a million trees across the forest and the wider Northumberland national park. “It’s given a very different feel to the place,” says Gary Storey, general manager of Waterside, “and a chance to replant with different species, native to the UK – silver birch, oak, aspen, wild cherry – something other than the sitka spruce.”

The careful management of Kielder has made it a benchmark for forestry in the UK, not least for the low-impact tourism that has been carefully folded in. Aside from Kielder Waterside, there are a handful of places to stay, including Calvert Kielder, which in addition to offering self-catering lodges, specialises in respite care breaks packed with forest-based, accessible activities. There are also remote spots with facilities where camper vans can park up for £15 a night and a campsite (two-person pitch £20). “We’re not Center Parcs, and we’re never going to be,” says Liz Blair, director of the Kielder Partnership, when we chat over coffee. “But we’re working to make sure it’s accessible and welcoming for everyone, however you want to enjoy it.”

Many people who visit, including me, set off along the Lakeside Way; a 26-mile (42km) route that encircles Kielder Water, linking the sculptural works and immersing walkers and cyclists in the dense forest. When I visit, the silence that hangs between the trees feels almost thick enough to touch; only broken by the occasional rat-a-tat of a woodpecker, calling out for a mate.

But if Kielder is quiet by day, at night it becomes almost unworldly; a pitch-black void, bereft of almost all signs of life, save for the bright stars of England’s first dark sky park (the Northumberland international dark sky park). Driving up to the observatory, I’m glad to have my sister Caroline beside me in the car, keeping up a flow of chatter as the 2-mile off-road route winds further and further into the silent forest.

It’s the Northumberland dark skies festival when we visit, and we settle in for a fascinating (if slightly science-heavy) talk on exoplanets (planets outside our solar system) before braving the bitter cold to walk across to the telescope room. Sadly, it’s cloudy, but it’s still an extraordinary place, staffed with a mix of professional astronomers and passionate volunteers.

Kielder is a place of superlatives; England’s biggest forest, the UK’s largest human-made lake by capacity, the darkest skies – along with quite possibly the most terrifying mountain bike trails in the country. The Deadwater Double Black Downhill opens officially on 1 May, a rock-strewn, ledge-filled, vertiginous route that I wouldn’t want to walk, let alone cycle. It’s one of several new initiatives planned to celebrate the centenary, including a new Room on the Broom trail for kids, based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler; the Kielder celebration weekend (4-6 Sept); and the reopening of Kielder Castle in the summer after extensive renovations.

The forest may be vast, but it’s just one part of the Northumberland national park; the least populated and least visited of the UK’s 15 national parks. Coming from the built-up south-east, there’s an extraordinary beauty in the stark, untouched landscapes – a stillness, a peace, unmatched by anywhere closer to home. The history is pretty impressive too; we dip into the ruined Roman fortress at Vindolanda, take a windswept walk along Hadrian’s Wall and warm up with a fabulously hearty lunch of Cumberland sausage, mustard-mash and thick onion gravy at the centuries’ old Twice Brewed Inn.

But nothing quite matches my late afternoon judder up to the top of Deadwater Fell in Alex’s Forestry Commission van. Standing at the very peak, 571 metres (1,900ft) above sea level, it feels as if I can see for ever; a 360-degree widescreen vista, from the Cheviot Hills in the north-east to the peaks of the western Lake District, the snow-capped Pentland Hills rising up towards Edinburgh, like great white meringues. It’s genuinely awe-inspiring. I’m just glad I don’t have to mountain-bike back down.

This trip was supported by Visit Northumberland, Visit Kielder and Crabtree & Crabtree cottages. Birks Stable Cottage sleeps six, from £472 for a three-night break

A five-star Haven holiday park is packed with family-friendly activities, and best of all it has direct beach access with a long stretch of sand to enjoy

The UK has loads of great holiday parks to choose from, and they’re a practical option for families who’d like cost-effective accommodation, plenty of activities, and a lively atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a staycation for May half-term or the summer holidays, then this may be the perfect option for families with school aged kids. Set on a beautiful sandy beach, this holiday park has a 5-star rating from the AA, who called it “a very popular park with many guests returning every year”.

Perran Sands Holiday Park in Cornwall sits on 500-acres of grassland and sand dunes, and if you walk through the grassy paths you’ll reach the vast sandy beach that stretches over three-miles. The sand is soft and fine, and when the tide is out rockpools full of tiny sea creatures are uncovered. The park even offers surfing lessons for those who’ve always wanted to try catching a wave.

The sea can be quite choppy at Perran Sands, and although there is a lifeguard on duty at peak times, you may prefer to take a dip in the pool instead. On chilly days holidaymakers can enjoy the indoor pool with its own flume ride, while in the summer months, the outdoor pool is a great place to cool off. There’s also an outdoor lazy river where swimmers can float around and enjoy the sunshine.

Back on dry land, guests can book a round of crazy golf, enjoy the NERF Training Camp, hire go-karts, or take part in fun outdoor activities such as den building. In the evenings, entertainment includes appearances from Haven’s seaside squad. There are also lots of options for dinner, including the Surf Bay Café which has a Cornwall-style interior including its own campervan, and a brand new branch of popular US-chain Slim Chickens.

Like most Haven parks, Perran Sands has a number of accommodation options. You can book a 4-night break in a saver caravan from £49, and other budget-friendly options include yurts and geo-domes, some of which are right on the seafront. The park also has lodges, chalets, and three-bedroom beach houses which offer sea views and sun decks.

Walk along the seafront for about half and hour and you can visit nearby Perranporth. This charming seaside town is full of souvenir and surf shops, relaxed pubs, fish and chip shops, and tearooms. About a 20-minute drive away is Newquay, famous for its beautiful beaches and for being a surfers paradise.

Visit Newquay Zoo, a compact but fun zoo in the gardens of Trenance Park, or explore the 16th-century Trerice manor house. The Blue Reef Aquarium is also popular with families thanks to its wide range of colourful sea creatures on display, while the Oasis Fun Pools offer indoor and outdoor slides, rapids, and more.

Find out more about Perran Sands and book your break here. Of course it’s not the only tempting offering in Cornwall; there are a wealth of different sites where families can find bargain breaks too. Away Resorts for example has a St Ives Bay site with private access to a three-mile-long sandy beach, while Parkdean Resorts has budget-friendly midweek breaks as well as new all-inclusive packages for families wanting to stretch their holiday budget that little bit further.

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

The provided text details the history and observance of the Day of the People’s April Revolution, a significant public holiday in Kyrgyzstan. This commemoration marks the 2010 uprising in which citizens protested against government corruption and rising costs, leading to the removal of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev. The source explains that the unrest escalated into violent clashes in the capital, resulting in numerous casualties and the establishment of a transitional government. Each year, the nation honors those lost during the conflict with memorial ceremonies and prayers attended by high-ranking officials. Established as an official holiday in 2016, the date serves as a solemn reminder of the country’s turbulent path toward political change fo … 

Content creator Sophie Royston shares how she’s ditched hotels and embraced car camping for stunning views and flexibility

Adventurers are swapping hotels for cars in an emerging trend which sees them use their trusty cars as their hotel for the night. Sophie Royston, like countless other keen globe-trotters, has adopted the trend, using her Dacia as a mobile camper. The content creator insists the “freedom”, “incredible views” and simplicity of converting your car into accommodation beats the hassle of reserving a hotel.

The adventurous traveller, who boasts thousands of Instagram followers, embraced the trend with the intention to cut costs and save money, but confessed she now does it to reach stunning locations away from the tourist trail.

“I love the freedom of it. If I find somewhere beautiful, I can just stay there,” said Sophie. “Waking up and opening the back of the car to an incredible view is the best part.

“It was initially about saving money and using what I’d saved on a hotel to enjoy experiences. But this soon turned into the benefit of flexibility and spontaneity, as well as the spirit of adventure and essentialism.

“More people are realising you don’t need a campervan to enjoy an amazing road trip.”

Sophie used her car to camp beside a Scottish Loch as well as the snow-covered peaks of the Alps, using her vehicle as a home away from home. The 31 year old insists she gets a better night’s sleep in her car than she ever did when stopping in hotels.

She claims this is down to a new Sleep Pack that easily fits into her Dacia Bigster, which is available with a number of Dacia’s cars. “It makes me feel more free to sleep in my Dacia rather than stay in a hotel,” she added.

“I have stayed in hotels where you can see a beach in the distance, but with camping in my car, I can actually be on that beach. Quite the difference and quite the experience.”

As an avid hiker, she admits that car camping makes everything simpler, allowing her to reach her destination and recuperate on-site ahead of walking the next day.

With the trend gaining momentum and more people following in Sophie’s footsteps, she says: “It’s amazing to see more people embrace outdoor travel.

“There are so many solutions available to make this easier and more accessible like the Sleep Pack and the set up in the Dacia Bigster. I think this is why it’s growing in popularity.”

To get the most out of the experience, she recommends curling up with a good book or treating yourself to a hot chocolate before settling down for the night.

She adds: “Find the perfect park spot, get the Sleep Pack set up, cook some tasty food and then get cosy for the evening. I always make sure I get into some warm, comfy clothing, especially when car camping in winter, have a nice hot chocolate and then climb into the cosy set up and wind down for the evening.”