Travel Desk

The small but welcoming village is one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen and I can’t wait to go back.

You can’t beat a day at the beach when the weather is nice and sunny. And with some warmer days on the way very soon, it’s worth thinking about where you’re going to spend them.

The UK has plenty of very popular seaside spots, but if you’re looking for something a little more undiscovered, there’s one true hidden gem I recently visited that I can’t recommend enough. Admittedly it’s tiny, and there’s not much there, but there’s a welcoming pub and restaurant, magnificent ocean views, and it’s near to another well-loved seaside destination too.

Lower Largo in Fife has a population of roughly 2,300, and it’s one of the most gorgeous locations I’ve seen.

The small village looks out over Largo Bay, on the northern edge of the Firth of Forth in Scotland. It took around an hour and a half to drive from Glasgow, and from Edinburgh, it’s only an hour’s drive away.

Largo is a historic fishing village, divided into two separate sections – Lower and Upper, with the small village of Lundin Links just to the left. Here, you won’t find amusement arcades or masses of holidaymakers, and it has a far more tranquil ambience than other coastal villages I’ve explored lately.

But don’t allow the absence of attractions to discourage you. The more relaxed pace of life here was captivating, and already I’m eager for my next chance to return. Waking up to those breathtaking coastal vistas was an immediate pick-me-up, especially when the sunshine was beaming down.

It was a bit cold, but that didn’t matter – it was still beautiful, and the fresh sea air was so invigorating.

Lower Largo’s beach is made up of sand and rocks, and it’s pristine. We noticed several people out walking their dogs, and even spotted sight of one courageous woman plunging into the water, which must have felt amazing once she’d overcome the initial icy shock.

The streets were just as pleasant to explore. It’s so peaceful, so you’ll barely see any cars driving along, but you will discover some extravagantly decorated gardens. The nautical theme was clear to see, with garden gates embellished with pirates, fish and mermaids.

Breakfast was at The Aurrie, a charming cafe within a former church that had such a cosy and welcoming ambience. There was artwork on display from local artists that was available to purchase, and a superb range of hot dishes, coffees, and a dessert counter brimming with delights. I chose the veggie haggis and potato scone roll and a flat white, and it was delicious.

Throughout our visit, we also ate at The Crusoe, another wonderfully welcoming four-star hotel featuring a restaurant and pub. It offers all the traditional pub favourites you’d expect, from mac and cheese to fish and chips, and my entire family absolutely loved it.

Just across the road sits the Railway Inn, another pub featuring a proper fire that I didn’t get the chance to visit, but my parents said it was brilliant and the perfect spot for an after-dinner beverage.

The pub is handily positioned right beside an impressive viaduct, now out of service but still towering above. It crosses the Keil Burn, and was built to accommodate part of the Fife Coast Railway Line. It hasn’t been in use since 1965 following the restructuring of British railways known as the Beeching cuts, but it stands as an important landmark and is definitely worth seeing.

Another intriguing element of Lower Largo’s past is its link to the man who inspired Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe – explaining the hotel’s name.

Born in 1676, Alexander Selkirk came from the village, and the property that now stands on his birthplace at 99-105 Main Street displays a life-sized statue of him staring out towards the horizon.

A signpost at the harbour indicates the direction of the Juan Fernández Islands, roughly 7,500 miles away, where he spent more than four years stranded.

I’m already eagerly looking forward to my next visit to Lower Largo. The general vibe of the place was incredibly warm, and it’s evident it has a powerful sense of community spirit.

It’s the perfect destination to enjoy a peaceful few days, but for those wanting to venture further afield, the popular coastal town of St Andrews is just 20 minutes away. Although St Andrews is most famous for its rich golfing history and as the place where royals William and Catherine first met, the town also boasts a fantastic array of pubs, restaurants, bookshops and cafés well worth exploring.

A BELOVED lido, boasting elephant slides and splash pads, is set to reopen this Bank Holiday weekend.

This beloved outdoor pool is the last riverside tidal lido in Britain.

The Strand Lido Pool in Gillingham, Medway, will welcome back visitors this Saturday.

Listed as the UK’s only riverside salt water pool, this Kent-based lido uses cleaned river water that is safe for public swimming.

Opened back in 1896, Medway’s only lido has been inviting families to swim for over 130 years.

This Victorian-era lido includes a host of swimming facilities for all ages, including an outdoor leisure pool and toddler paddling pool.

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Children will love the elephant slides into the paddling pool, and cruising along the 300-metre lazy river.

For more advanced swimmers, there is also a central swimming zone, fitted with six 25-metre lengths to get some exercise this summer.

In 2025, The Strand introduced a free-to-use splash pad designed for children aged three to 11.

The splash pad features 30 sensor-activated waterjets in a beach-themed play area, opening at the same time as the lido with no booking required.

Strand visitors can also enjoy refreshments from the cafe, a mini train ride, crazy golf, tennis, a children’s play area and more.

Around the lido, visitors can buy pool inflatables, enjoy a break at the pool-side cafe, and lounge on the seating and sunbeds provided.

To enjoy all this summer fun, entry to The Strand Lido costs £8.15 for adults, and £5.35 for children, with under threes going free.

The pool will be operating on weekends from May 23 with two bookable sessions between 10.30am to 1.30pm, and 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

It will then be open for seven days a week during the school summer holidays – starting from Tuesday, July 21.

IF YOU are trying to pick your next staycation while the temperatures are set to rise, the top five family-friendly campsites across the UK have been named and they have farm animals and scenic views.

New research conducted by Pitchup.com has revealed the best campsites for families across the UK based on ‘child-friendly’ ratings from nearly 200,000 reviews.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “Camping and glamping holidays continue to be a popular choice for families looking to spend quality time together outdoors, particularly as more people seek flexible and affordable UK breaks.”

Trefach Holiday Park, Pembrokeshire

Scoring 9.3 out of 10 on the child-friendliness scale, Trefach Holiday Park in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has been named the most family-friendly campsite in the UK.

Just a half-an-hour drive from Cardigan boat trips and popular family attraction Folly Farm, the campsite sits in the Preseli Hills and features an outdoor pool, play area, games room, clubhouse and bar-restaurant with entertainment.

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Around the site, families can head on a number of scenic walks as well as explore local fishing villages and towns such as Tenby, Haverfordwest, Dinas Cross and Fishguard.

Stays cost from £40 a night.

Jubilee Camping, Hampshire

Following closely in second place with a child-friendliness score of 9.2 out of 10, is Jubilee Camping in Hampshire.

Just 15 minutes from the New Forest, Jubilee Camping has heaps of fun for the family with tractor and trailer rides, barbeques, campfires, woodfired pizza and animal experiences.

In the surrounding area there are a lot of things to do as well such as walks in the New Forest National Park and visiting the city of Salisbury.

Bournemouth is only half-an-hour away too in case you want to hit the beach.

Onsite, there is also the Shepherd’s Hut Bar which serves local ales, ciders, Prosecco and G&Ts.

A stay costs from £32 per night.

Panoramic Camping and Glamping, Swansea

In third place with a score of 8.9 out of 10 for child-friendliness was Panoramic Camping and Glamping in Swansea, Wales.

Found five minutes from Pontlliw and off the M4, Panoramic Camping and Glamping is a smaller site with pitches on a hilltop meadow, overlooking the Glamorgan hills.

The site is also a working farm so you can expect to see hens, cattle and Llanwenog sheep while staying.

In the surrounding area you can head to the beaches of the Gower Peninsula as well as head off on a trek in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

A non-electric grass tent or trailer pitch costs from £25 per night and a glamping tent, sleeping up to five people costs from £80 per night.

Little Thornham Holidays, Wiltshire

Also scoring 8.9 for child-friendliness was Little Thornham Holidays in Wiltshire.

Overlooking Salisbury Plain, Little Thornham Holidays can be found on a small farm with friendly hens, goats (named after Harry Potter characters), sheep, pigs and ducks.

The village of Melksham is just a 10-minute drive away in case you want to head to the pub or need to pick up supplies.

However, the farm does sell its own produce on site such as wood, sausages and eggs.

As for other things to do in the area, Longleat Safari Park is just 30 minutes away and if you want to explore a city, you can reach Bath in 40 minutes.

There are three types of accommodation at the site including tent pitches, lodges and bell tents which cost from £120 per night for four people.

Magical Malpas PYO Farm, Cheshire

And rounding out the top five was Magical Malpas PYO Farm, in Cheshire, scoring 8.8 for child-friendliness.

Not only is Magical Malpas a working dairy farm, but it is also a pick-your-own farm and has views of the Cheshire countryside.

Guests can stay in a small field, where they will also find picnic tables and a children’s play area (though, it is worth noting that there are no showers, electricity or drinking water).

While staying, families will be able to meet Wilma and Betty – two Valais Blacknose sheep, as well as goats and two donkeys.

As for things to do in the surrounding area, you won’t be short for choice with BeWILDerwood – a family adventure park – just 10 minutes away.

A pitch costs from £22 per night.

A charming market town in the Cotswolds with a thriving independent scene and a backdrop of honey-coloured cottages, has been named as one of the best in the UK

A picturesque market town boasting a thriving independent scene has been crowned as one of the finest in Britain.

With rolling hills, cobbled streets, honey-hued cottages and picture-perfect towns that resemble something from a storybook, the Cotswolds are undeniably one of England’s most stunning regions. There’s Bibury, home to the iconic Arlington Row cottages hailed as the ‘most beautiful village in England’, Bourton-on-the-Water with its stone bridges earning it the moniker ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Broadway celebrated as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ with its broad high street, and Burford, famously described as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’.

But among these Cotswold gems, Cirencester outshines the rest as it’s been crowned Gloucestershire’s best market town. It was also ranked as one of the top market towns in the UK by Bullock Coaches, thanks to its long-established markets, antique shops, boutiques, and cafés.

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Dubbed the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’, I’ve visited Cirencester on countless occasions, but my most recent trip only reinforced my affection for the bustling town and confirmed its stellar reputation as the best market town.

Home to roughly 19,000 residents, the town’s close-knit community spirit is plain to see after just an afternoon wandering its streets – far from the sleepy charm found elsewhere in the Cotswolds, it boasts a thriving independent scene and celebrated markets. There are even glimpses of its Roman heritage, when it once ranked as the second-largest city after London, which are visible throughout its grand architecture and ancient medieval streets.

I strolled along cobbled high streets flanked by warm, honey-coloured stone buildings, which whisked me away to something straight out of Downton Abbey, while the Parish Church of St John Baptist stands proudly over the market square. This is where I discovered the renowned outdoor Charter Market, one of the oldest in the country, held every Monday and Friday, reports Gloucestershire Live.

The stalls overflow with everything from plants and outdoor furniture to fresh produce and household essentials, and are clearly a major draw for the town as locals peruse the vast array of goods before nipping into a nearby café for a cuppa. I settled on a warming cappuccino in the snug surroundings of Keith’s Coffee Shop, its shelves bursting with tempting treats to take home, from loose-leaf tea to biscuits, jams, chutneys and chocolates – resisting the urge to grab something sweet is no easy feat!

For those in search of a freshly baked treat, KNEAD Cirencester is an independent bakery well worth a visit, offering all the classic pastries — a personal highlight being their pecan and maple danish. The charming Heather’s is another brilliant option for a decent coffee, tucked away down one of the town’s characterful lanes, conveniently close to a handful of delightful independent retailers.

Cirencester’s flourishing independent shopping scene is arguably one of the town’s greatest draws, making it an absolute goldmine for finding unique gifts for family and friends. During a recent day out, a browse through Octavia’s Bookshop turned up a great read, while the gift shop m.a.d.e. and the welcoming Corn Hall Indoor Market also proved well worth exploring.

Open year-round, Sunday to Thursday, the indoor market is packed with warm and friendly traders flogging everything from organic beauty products and jewellery to art, bags, scarves, cards, wood, craft, Persian rugs, and even carpets – a real one-stop shop. Just a stone’s throw away is the Corn Hall Cellars Wine Shop, stocking a fine selection of wines, beers and spirits – ideal for those hosting evenings, along with all the tasty treats needed for a cracking night in with friends.

Beyond the independents, familiar high street names such as White Stuff, Seasalt Cornwall, Barbour, Mountain Warehouse, French Grey and Waterstones are also well represented. While the independent retailers and bustling daily markets were the real standout attractions, Cirencester is undeniably a thriving town in every sense.

Those keen to soak up the delightful character of Cirencester will find it just a 30-minute drive from both Gloucester and Cheltenham, or less than a two-hour train journey from London. Alternatively, you could make it a weekend escape and take in some of the surrounding Cotswolds villages, such as Bibury and Tetbury.

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

The site is popular with tourists but is now sealed with fences, flags and warning signs

A beach popular with UK holidaymakers has closed again after mass bacteria levels were found in the water. The sunny spot popular with tourists has been fenced off from the public after being declared a no-swim zone.

Swimming has been banned by the local authorities after water samples were taken. La Pinta beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, has been shut since May 14. Adeje Town Hall has placed barriers on the seafront whilst the samples are reviewed.

Daily monitoring of the water detected signs of microbiological levels linked to enterococci bacteria. Exposure to contaminated water can lead to stomach illnesses as well as skin, eye and respiratory infections.

The beach is now covered with red flags, barriers and tape to deter holidaymakers from taking a swim. The picturesque spot usually features an inflatable assault course which is popular in the summer.

The beach will remain closed until the sample tests are cleared. Tourists were left fuming by the news.

One person said: “Again? This isn’t great.” Another added: “How sad.” One other person said: “Many tourists, many problems.”

One person said: “I was thinking yesterday, is the water clean? I had such a feeling.” Another person said: “It is at least good that it is tested to find these things out, but sad that something nasty was found.”

What is enterococci?

Enterococci are a large genus of lactic acid bacteria that can survive and grow whether oxygen is present or not. These bacteria are natural inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other animals. In a healthy gut, they live harmoniously alongside other microbes and actually help maintain a balanced digestive system. They are also incredibly resilient organisms, capable of enduring extreme environments, high salt concentrations, and a wide range of temperatures.

While they are generally harmless in your gut, enterococci can turn into opportunistic pathogens if they escape the intestines and enter other parts of the body. This usually happens in hospital settings or in individuals with weakened immune systems. When they do cause trouble, they are notorious for triggering urinary tract infections (UTIs), blood stream infections (bacteremia), heart valve infections (endocarditis), and wound infections.

From a medical standpoint, two specific species cause the vast majority of human infections: Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. What makes enterococci particularly challenging for doctors is their natural resistance to many common antibiotics. Over the years, some strains have even developed resistance to vancomycin—one of the strongest antibiotics available—leading to a class of superbugs known as VRE (Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci). Because they are tough to kill and spread easily on medical equipment and hands, hospitals enforce strict hygiene protocols to keep them in check.

One thing unites the British more than anything else. It stands there in plain sight but is rarely spoken about. We may try to hide it; we may not admit it to ourselves; but under the surface, deep down, in the nicest possible way, we are all a little odd. Not in a sinister way, just eccentric, weird, unpredictable and downright wonderful. As a nation we have an artistic and creative zest and boffin-like inventiveness. In fields of innovation, we led the tech world with some of our brave and crazy inventions. Even our landscapes are damn weird, with some of the oldest, most mysterious and diverse geological oddities in Europe, and plentiful legends too. I spent years exploring the enchanting strangeness of Britain, discovering follies, eccentric public art, strange buildings, mysterious ruins and eerie landscapes for my Weird Guide, which features about 300 of these curiosities. Here are some of my favourites.

The Yoxman, Suffolk

In a field not far from the A12 in Yoxford, Suffolk, stands the Yoxman, an artwork of colossal proportions. At 8m (26ft) high and made from bronze, it took creator Laurence Edwards and his team four years to make. The figure is a personal tribute to Suffolk, the artist describing it as a visitor from the past, both from the land and of the land. The result, finished in 2021, is astounding – a fully grown adult barely makes it to the top of his shin, as the Yoxman dwarfs even some of the surrounding trees. From Yoxford village, take the path opposite the shop and follow it through the grounds of the hall to the statue.

Little Italy, Gwynedd

The late Mark Bourne, a chicken farmer, was obsessed by Italy, visiting as often as he could, filling notebooks with sketches of buildings and architecture. When he returned to his remote cottage on the Corris hillside in Gwynedd, Wales, he and his wife aimed to recreate what he had seen in their garden. Both worked on the creation, named Little Italy, well into their 80s, with models of everything from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to Florence’s Duomo. Although Bourne’s old garden is strictly off-limits to passersby, the surrounding wall is relatively low and the buildings are large enough to see from the path. From the Corris Institute, turn left up the hill along the lane then follow a footpath on the right after the youth hostel for about 100m.

Mannakin, Lincolnshire

Mannakin Hall near Grantham feels like an eerie plastic graveyard. Situated down a narrow Lincolnshire lane, it was set up by Roz Edwards in 2008 when she realised that most mannequins were discarded after no more than five years of service, and began to acquire those destined for landfill. Once repaired or cleaned up, they are hired out and at any given time there are about 15,000 mannequins on site; most are unclothed, but some are dressed up in Halloween costumes or strange outfits. As a working business, Mannakin Hall isn’t open to the public on a walk-in basis but you can prebook and visit as a group, attend one of the regular open days or even stay overnight in your camper van!

White Scar, Yorkshire Dales

On the west side of the Ingleborough summit in North Yorkshire, just south of the ancient Roman road, lies one of the country’s most remarkable areas of limestone pavement, known as White Scar. This extraordinary landscape formed during and after the last ice age, as massive glaciers scraped away the surface. Millennia of weathering broke down the soft alkaline stone, revealing intricate miniature canyons, or grykes. These deep fissures have become like terrariums, providing a habitat for rare plants that are normally at home in dark woodlands.

Library, Isle of Arran

The woodland Library near Levencorroch on the Isle of Arran, Scotland, is a unique tourist attraction, a cabin with an interior resembling a 3D giant visitors’ book. Built by the woodland’s owner, Albert Holmes, using trees blown down in a storm, the cabin is covered with drawings, poems, messages, words of wisdom and notes from all over the world. Ranging from playful to profound, the papers, which are now about 25 layers deep, are stuck in every conceivable space, including the ceiling. It feels like entering something from a Michel Gondry film, or a strange nest left by a literary woodland creature. Pick up a map at the Eas Mor Ecology cafe, east of Levencorroch, and follow a steep gravel path to the waterfall and on to the library. It’s a 25-minute walk.

Sultan the Pit Pony, Mid-Glamorgan

Measuring close to 200 metres from his nose to the end of his tail, Sultan the Pit Pony sits on the site of the old Penallta colliery north of Caerphilly. Mike Petts used 60,000 tons of coal shale rock to create the sculpture, which he built in the late 1990s to honour the thousands of ponies put to work in British mines throughout the Industrial Revolution. It’s close to Parc Penallta Ponds, with its wonderful wildlife and walking trails.

Painshill Follies, Surrey

Inspired by the culture, paintings and architecture he experienced during his grand tour of Europe, aristocrat Charles Hamilton began transforming his country estate – Painshill in Cobham, Surrey – into something between a work of art and a garden in 1738. Alongside a temple, gothic tower and lake, he created one of the most spectacular follies in the country, employing grotto builder Joseph Lane to construct a semi-naturalistic cavern with sparkling stalactites made of minerals such as feldspar and quartz. The park fell into ruin in the 1940s, but the local authority acquired it in the late 1970s and though much has been restored, work continues. The crystal grotto was completed in 2013, with builders making every effort to make it look like the original, using paintings of the grotto.

Rock-cut tombs, Lancashire

There is a local legend that, after being shipwrecked, Saint Patrick was washed ashore and set up a chapel at Heysham, Lancashire, sometime in the fifth century. Considering Saint Patrick was also supposed to have been shipwrecked on Ynys Môn (Anglesey), there may be some doubt about this story! Regardless, during the eighth century a chapel was built in honour of the saint. The remains of this chapel still stand, along with eight rock-cut tombs in one group of six and another of two.

Blackchurch Rock, Devon

Around 320 million years ago, the great continent of Gondwana collided with Laurasia (present-day Europe, Russia, North America and parts of Asia). The force of the impact was so great that it pushed up the rocks of Blackchurch Rock near Clovelly, Devon, into its present formation (we know the date thanks to fossils found in the stone, including Goniatites). Over time, tidal seas shaped Blackchurch further, carving out the great arch. It’s a 30-minute walk north west along the coast path from Clovelly village.

The Tilted Globe, Highlands

Joe Smith, creator of The Tilted Globe at Knockan Crag in Assynt, north of Ullapool, first learned how to dry stone in 1961, at the tender age of 11. By the time he was 19, dry-stone walling had become his means of earning a living. Over time, he stopped seeing walls as only functional and instead recognised how the stacking of stones could be beautiful, appreciating their potential for creating artworks. He has collaborated with Andy Goldsworthy on a number of projects around the world, including Slate, Hole, Wall at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. The Tilted Globe is an independent work made from moine schist local to Knockan Crag. The area is of geological importance, as the ancient rock has been moved through tectonic action about 43 miles (70km) west to remain above the line of the younger rocks. It’s a short walk on marked trails from the turf-roofed hexagonal visitor centre.

This is an edited extract from Weird Guide by Dave Hamilton, published by Wild Things Publishing (£18.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy from guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply. Follow @davewildish

Disneyland’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has always been a fully realized “Star Wars” toy, an intimate, interactive attraction that focuses on arcade-style joy. A new upgrade opening Friday makes it decidedly slicker, giving the ride enhanced visuals, increased participatory actions and even an injection of cuteness.

Smugglers Run, which opened in 2019, puts six players in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, the ship made famous by Harrison Ford’s Han Solo in the original “Star Wars” trilogy. There’s still no Solo, but there is now Din Djarin, often referred to as simply the Mandalorian, and Grogu, the latter colloquially known as “Baby Yoda.” And although tied to the opening of the new film “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” Smugglers Run version 2.0 smooths out and improves upon many of the attraction’s quirks.

Blessedly, this is one marketing-driven decision that doesn’t feel like a gimmick, bringing unpredictability, humor and even more video game-like zaniness to the ride. Walt Disney Imagineering, the relatively secret division of the company focused on theme park attractions, has clearly listened to guest feedback and zeroed in on ways to not only improve the ride but also make it feel fresh, all while giving players more agency.

“This is an inherently collaborative adventure,” says Asa Kalama, a creative executive with Imagineering. On the ride, groups of six are teamed up to take on various tasks within the Falcon. Kalama says Imagineering was focused on how the various positions of pilot, gunner or engineer interact with one another.

“We took all of those learnings and applied them to enhancements for each and every one of those roles,” Kalama says.

I was a fan of the initial version of the attraction, writing when it opened that it was a heavily detailed blast, especially if one was seated in a pilot’s role (one guest controls the vertical motion of the ship while another focuses on the horizontal). But over time some of the less-than-endearing traits of Smugglers Run started to nag, namely that the two guests assigned to an engineering position had little to do and its storyline was essentially a glorified errand in which we retrieved goods for Hondo Ohnaka, a scoundrel-smuggler who sets the ride in motion.

Concept art of the sci-fi-like planet of Coruscant, a new location in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

(Disney Parks)

Smugglers Run has always been a technical marvel, but it was a feat of engineering rather than one that forged an emotional connection. The tweaks should fix much of what has long ailed it. Now, instead of a singular fixed mission, guests will have the ability to visit one of three “Star Wars” locations: a planet such as the urban Coruscant, the gas realm of Bespin or the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor. This decision is made by one of the engineers and levels up the attraction’s ability to surprise.

Using the latest version of Epic’s Unreal Engine, each Smugglers Run locale is heavily detailed, putting us in more of a dogfight as the Mandalorian chases down pirates and ex-Imperial officers. No matter the route, it feels more active and lighthearted. Those who have ridden it before know Smugglers Run has always been responsive, perhaps too much so as inexperienced gamers could spend the entire attraction crashing the ship. Those flight controllers have been softened a bit, meaning guests will still steer but now do so with something of an invisible guided hand.

“We’ve tuned it in such a special way that no matter how skilled or unskilled you might be, you’re always guaranteed to have a flight that feels really cinematic,” says Kalama. In the past, particularly bad fliers could spend the entirety of the attraction being berated by the character of Ohnaka. That element has essentially been removed, with Kalama joking that guests shouldn’t feel as if they are being “chastised.”

Concept art of the Death Star wreckage above Endor, one of the new locales of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

(Disney Parks)

Narratively, after some quick training on the desert-like planet of Tatooine, we join the Mandalorian in an effort to break up a deal between the pirates and the ex-Imperial officers. That’s enough of a setup to inspire some space fights and chase scenes through fantastical locations.

I rode it three times to visit each vista once, and each has a different tone and look. The neon, sci-fi area of Coruscant, for instance, contrasts with the darkened, industrial Death Star wreckage. At various times, I watched the Mandalorian chase down his targets, get the Falcon caught in a tractor beam or careen through magnetic-like fences. Those seated in the gunner or engineer positions will also be treated to additional clips of Grogu via their adjacent flight panels, the young alien here portrayed as something of a playful pet of a child who is exaggeratedly chill during the commotion.

“I think what we were very deliberate about is that actually each of these different planetary locations that you go to has a different vibe,” Kalama says. “If you go to Endor, you’re in the derelict wreckage of the old Death Star 2. The feel of it is really spooky. It’s dark. It’s mysterious. It’s smokey. The music is almost ominous. In contrast to something like Coruscant, which feels very bustling, vibrant and colorful. The goal was not only are you going to a different location from a geographic perspective but to feel emotionally like you’re going on a different adventure.”

Concept art of Tatooine, where the new mission of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run begins.

(Disney Parks)

By emphasizing a chase being driven by the Mandalorian, the tone of the ride feels faster. While it’s the same length of around five minutes, rushing the Falcon through the reddish, fiery atmosphere of Bespin, for instance, where riders will encounter mountainous natural wonders and floating, bulbous structures, gives guests plenty to admire. Smugglers Run has always been full of distractions, as the screen — in front and somewhat above guests — pulls viewers away from the seat-adjacent wall controls. I minded less having my attention ping-ponged around the cockpit with the enhancements, as taking the Falcon into a brief battle creates a more pleasurably hectic tone.

Ultimately, with more choices to make, from which location to visit or whether to focus on Grogu’s antics or the action ahead, Smugglers Run feels more dynamic. “What’s even really kind of extra cool is that in addition to choosing the planets, there are different paths you can take within each location,” says Matt Martin, a senior creative executive with Lucasfilm. “You can choose to go left or choose to go right. And you’re going to see and experience different things.”

The tweaks to Smugglers Run follow big changes to Galaxy’s Edge, as Disney recently expanded the land’s timeline to feature classic, fan-favorite characters such as Darth Vader, Han, Luke and Leia. The character additions bring added life to the area but do take the land away from its original intent as a mythical world where actions unfolded in real time. The dream, however, of a fully interactive theme park experience lives on with Smugglers Run.

Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.

Have a theme park tale to share? Whether it was a good day or less-than-perfect day, I would love to hear about it. Have a question? A tip? A fun photo from the parks to share? Email me at todd.martens@latimes.com. I may feature your note in an upcoming newsletter.

Ride on,

Todd Martens

P.S.

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The provided text highlights the historical evolution and current events surrounding Cameroon’s National Day, observed annually on May 20th. It explains how the nation transitioned from a German colony to a divided territory under French and British rule before finally achieving independence and unification. The primary focus is the 1972 referendum, which replaced a federal system with a unitary state governed by a central authority. Additionally, the source features a news digest covering global affairs, including a papal visit to Africa and international political tensions. This collection of reports serves to contextualize Cameroon’s sovereignty within a broader landscape of contemporary world news.

BRITS are not confident in identifying some of the UK’s most famous landmarks – including Hadrian’s Wall, the White Cliffs of Dover and the Angel of the North.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 59 per cent struggled to name well-known sites across our native country, compared to 41 per cent who identified them correctly.

While 94 per cent could correctly recognise the Statue of Liberty in New York, 36 per cent were not able to name iconic landmarks closer to home, such as Hadrian’s Wall or St Paul’s Cathedral (35 per cent).

Angel of The North (20 per cent) and the White Cliffs of Dover (18 per cent) were also among those left unidentified.

However, 62 per cent admitted they want to learn more about British landmarks and local history.

The research was commissioned by Travelzoo, which is celebrating all the great places to see in the UK.

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The club for travel enthusiasts has teamed up with TV personality and keen explorer, Julia Bradbury, who said: “I have been lucky enough to visit almost every corner and coastline of our amazing country.

“From rugged peaks to gently rolling hills, fairy tale villages and vibrant cities.

“We have so much diversity packed into our island, I can’t imagine ever being bored exploring it, and I encourage others to discover the incredible places right on their doorstep too.”

The study also found cost was the biggest barrier to exploring local landmarks (43 per cent), followed by lack of time (34 per cent) and transport logistics (30 per cent).

Three in 10 (31 per cent) believe people are more likely to visit international attractions over UK landmarks.

When asked to place landmarks geographically, 38 per cent were unsure where Stonehenge was located, whereas 66 per cent could not correctly identify the region for Hadrian’s Wall, and 33 per cent struggled with Giant’s Causeway.

More than four in 10 respondents who had children (43 per cent) did not think their child could correctly name well-known UK landmarks off the top of their head.

Parents believed their children would be more likely to recognise the Statue of Liberty (74 per cent) and the Eiffel Tower (75 per cent) over Stonehenge (63 per cent) and The Angel of The North (42 per cent).

In addition, 81 per cent believe children need to learn more about UK landmarks and local heritage.

More than a third (34 per cent) said they would not know where to begin when it comes to exploring what is on their doorstep.

Almost three in 10 (29 per cent) believe they have visited more countries outside of the UK than they have counties across the country.

That may be set to change, as a fifth said they are planning to spend more time holidaying in the UK this year compared to previous years.

Ease and reduced stress compared with travelling abroad was cited as the main driver behind choosing a UK trip this year (27 per cent), followed by shorter travel times (25 per cent) and cheaper to stay in the country (22 per cent).

The coast topped the list of staycation destinations, chosen by 61 per cent, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

As a nation, Brits are willing to travel for short-break destinations, with journeys averaging almost four hours for a one to three-night getaway.

Cat Jordan, for Travelzoo, said: “These findings show there’s a real appetite to connect with what’s on our doorstep, but many people don’t always know where to start.

“In a country with so much to discover, it’s easy to overlook just how much is at our fingertips.

“With so much history, coastline, and culture spread across the UK, you don’t need a passport for it to feel like a proper break.”

AUGUST flights don’t come cheap, but there are some serious savings to be found this summer as airlines slash prices to entice Brits who’ve been nervous about booking because of the Iran war.

Sun Travel has worked with Skyscanner to find some of the cheapest flights that are actually during the school holidays – with some as little as £23 each way.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Working with Skyscanner, Sun Travel has crunched the numbers and discovered where Brits can find the cheapest flights that are actually in the school summer holidays.

Some destinations have dropped prices significantly since last summer including favourites like Venice and Nice.

Starting with Venice, an economy return flight starts from £46pp in August this year – which is down by 14 per cent from August 2025.

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Famous for its waterways, the beautiful city is one of the most visited in Italy.

And if you travel out of the city, there are charming Italian seaside villages peppered along the Adriatic coast.

Don’t forget to stop by Burano an island in the Venetian Lagoon with pretty rainbow-coloured fisherman’s houses.

A little closer to home, return flights to the French city of Nice start from £48pp – which is a decrease of 19 per cent.

The city is perfect for Brits as it can be reached in as little as two hours and August has highs of 27C so it’s perfect for basking on its pretty beaches.

From Nice, it’s an easy train ride along the Cote D’Azur to some of France’s most beautiful seaside towns like Cannes, Villefranche Sur Mer and Antibes.

Return flights to the German city of Berlin start from £49pp this summer which is 10 per cent less than last year.

The city has plenty of history as well as vibrant murals and nightlife.

And while it isn’t very close to the seaside, Germany and neighbouring Switzerland which is easily reached by train, have stunning countryside and lakeside retreats that are the perfect temperature in mid-summer.

Although, just an hour’s drive from the city centre is Großer Wannsee – it’s a large lake and is actually considered one of ‘Europe’s largest inland lidos’.

It’s a popular summer swim spot and place for a summer daytrip.

When it comes to the flights with the biggest drop in prices return flights to Cape Town in South Africa are down 20 per cent with an average price from £689pp.

It’s not the warmest time of year to visit Cape Town, but in August visitors can enjoy whale-watching and views of Table Mountain.

It’s also one of the cheapest bucket list destinations, with everything from safari to vineyards and stunning seaside towns all easily reached from the South African capital.

Another destination that Skyscanner recommends as being cheap with affordable flights is Dortmund in Germany – with an average flight of £72.

The German city is famous for its football culture and highlights its huge Signal Iduna Park and the exhibits at the German Football Museum.

Thanks to its location, both Munster and Dusseldorf are around an hour in each direction by car for those who fancy other city daytrips.

Meanwhile, in the Calabria region in southern Italy, you’ll find the port city of Crotone – where return flights start as little as £62pp.

It once a Greek colony that was the home of Pythagoras.

Visitors should head to Crotone’s harbour which is central to the city and a lively spot for local seafood markets and restaurants.

The Old Town is the spot for nightlife too, with plenty of bars and a pint can be picked up for only €3 (£2.59).

It’s known for its floating fortress off Capo Rizzuto.

Prices correct at the time of publication

EUROPE’S biggest mini-golf course spans 107,000 square feet – and it’s based in the UK.

With summer just around the corner, finding the best locations for a day out is key.

And it turns out that Europe‘s largest mini-golf course is located in an English town and boasts an epic Australian theme.

Adlington Golf Centre in Macclesfield is home to the huge Australian Golf Adventure experience, complete with an 18-hole course, a giant waterfall and snake statues.

Located around a 45-minute drive from Manchester, it’s the perfect family day out, described as “a fun, themed competition which involves putting a golf ball around challenging themed holes”.

Players can grab their club and tee off to enjoy each hole’s individual Australian-based decor.

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From the Sydney Opera House to countless kangaroos, the course’s design means you don’t have to catch a long flight to get a taste of life Down Under.

The game is played on 1500 square metres of greens based on the impressive 10,000 square metre Cheshire site, while caves, bridges and a 7.5m waterwall add to the thrills.

While players can book before they arrive, spontaneous arrivals are welcome too, with individual tickets priced from £5.

Adult entry to the course will set you back £15 per person and a children’s tickets for 13 years and under is a tenner.

A family of two adults and two kids can go for £44, while spectators and kids aged four and under will cost just £5 each.

It’s even cheaper to book as a group of twelve or more, with adults down to £12, children to £8 and toddlers and spectators for £4.

The on-site café and coffee shops are open all day for refreshments after a long round of golf – serving snacks, hot drinks, hot food and pastries.

For those hoping to get stuck into something more grown-up, the centre also hosts two nine-hole golf courses, a foot golf course and a driving range for a good whack.

There’s good news if you’re riding the padel hype, too. Adlington Golf Centre will soon be home to four brand new, state-of-the-art padel courts, set to open this year.

This picturesque Dublin village is a celebrity haven famed for its independent shops, stunning coastline and the fact that locals chose local businesses over Starbucks

For those who have never visited the breathtaking coastal village of Dalkey in south Dublin, perhaps Hollywood A-lister Matt Damon put it best.

He spent time there in 2020 while filming The Last Duel and, when quizzed about his temporary Irish home, he said: “Oh, it is incredible. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. I mean, it is just absolutely gorgeous.” Continuing his praise, he told radio station Spin 1038: “Even in the lockdown when they were like ‘you’ve got to stay within 2km of your house’…

“I mean 2km here there are trees and forests and woods and ocean. I can’t think of any place you would rather want to be in a 2km radius of. It is a little like a fairy tale here.”

Travel 13km beyond that radius and you’ll find yourself in Dublin city centre, easily reachable via the DART train. Rock legend Bono calls neighbouring Killiney home, just south of Dalkey, while Van Morrison is among the area’s other well-known residents.

Yet, despite this picturesque and tranquil seaside town along Dublin’s coastline — often affectionately referred to as the “Amalfi Coast of Ireland” — being a magnet for tourists and celebrities alike, there is one notable absence: a Starbucks, reports the Express.

This may come as a surprise to many, given the American coffee giant’s presence in most bustling towns, particularly as the company celebrates 20 years of trading in Ireland this month. A Starbucks once existed in Dalkey back in 2008, but it shut its doors just 13 months later after locals staged a boycott in a show of solidarity with independent businesses.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Peter O’Donovan, who runs a specialist coffee shop with his wife called Pepper Laine just off the main street, said: “I don’t think it suits the Dalkey image. I think they were too big for somewhere so small, and people say that it took from other businesses in the area.”

He also noted that the absence of a Starbucks, which he believes tourists would naturally gravitate towards for convenience, has actually proved a boon for independent traders during the busy summer months.

Beyond coffee, the town’s most beloved attraction is Dalkey Castle, constructed around 1390 and once used as a loading port during the Middle Ages. It now houses a Writers’ Gallery featuring exhibits dedicated to literary greats such as James Joyce, who once lived nearby.

The charming town is also characterised by narrow streets lined with cafés, restaurants and quirky bookshops.

It also offers stunning walks that wind their way from the village down to the coastline, where locals frequently take a dip in the sea.

For the more adventurous visitor, there is a rock climbing centre at the old Dalkey Quarry near Killiney Hill, where thrill-seekers are rewarded with breathtaking views across Dublin. Visitors can also explore the bay, with excursions on offer to nearby Dalkey Island, where seals, birds and wild goats can be spotted — and perhaps even the occasional dolphin.

Other notable figures to have rented properties in the area include Pierce Brosnan, Mel Gibson and Russell Crowe, while in 2022 Harry Styles was photographed at the Vico Baths enjoying a swim, just as Matt Damon did during his visit to the bathing spot.

A holiday expert says a caravan site in Cornwall offers the cheapest family holiday of its kind in the UK – and despite a lack of facilities, he was left completely speechless

A travel YouTuber who has experienced some of Britain’s most affordable caravan parks was left “speechless” following a week-long stay at a budget site in Cornwall. The Haven Perran Sands site, he claims, offers the most wallet-friendly holiday of its type anywhere in the UK.

The reviewer, who shares his escapades on the Beachlife and Beyond YouTube channel, was forced to cut his trip short due to unpredictable weather. “One minute it’s raining, then it’s sunny, and we just can’t make many plans at all,” he explained.

Elaborating on his decision to leave early, he said: “The next couple of days are going to be raining pretty much non-stop, and we don’t want to be sat stuck in a caravan. The kids have already done the activities, they’ve done the arcades, and we’re going to be bored otherwise. So, we’re just going to go home.”

Despite finding the caravan park itself a little underwhelming in terms of entertainment, he was full of praise for the stunning surrounding area: “We’ve enjoyed the holiday park. It is a little bit run-down, and there isn’t a lot to do, unfortunately. But the local area, Perranporth, St. Ives, Newquay, they are stunning.”

He went on to say: “I’ve always wanted to come to Cornwall and the last time I was in Cornwall was about 40 years ago when I was a toddler, and I don’t remember it, and it surpassed my expectations. It’s such a beautiful area. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend you come.”

For a family of five, the holiday came to a remarkably affordable £300. Despite a couple of drawbacks – most notably a mattress that was well past its best – Haven Perran Sands made an overwhelmingly positive impression overall.

Introducing his home for the week, the YouTuber remarked: “This is my caravan for the week. This is a bronze caravan. It’s a two bed, one bathroom, no ensuite this time, apparently, unfortunately. I’m a bit little bit gutted about that.

“Look at the state of it,” he continued. “It doesn’t look the best, does it? It doesn’t look the most appealing. I’ve had some absolute shockers last year. I’m hoping this one is at least decent inside.”

His first port of call was what he calls the smell test: “Caravans can be quite dodgy from the previous guest aromas when you first come in and you usually need to open a window.”

Pleasantly, the caravan smelled perfectly fine upon entry. It was generously sized too, with seating for six on its sofa. However, comfort proved to be another matter entirely: “It is a sofa bed, but the mattress is diabolical. You can feel the springs through it. I mean, this mattress is basically a glorified yoga mat. It’s that bad.”

The main bedroom was no better: “I really don’t understand the point of memory foam mattresses. Who wants a bed that remembers the previous guests?” The next morning, he confirmed that the mattress left a great deal to be desired in terms of comfort.

He added: “As I suspected, I slept absolutely diabolically. That bed is appalling. I feel like I’m bent like a pretzel this morning. My back is absolutely killing me. But one plus note is I didn’t wake up with any mysterious itches. So that’s always a bonus, isn’t it, when you’re sleeping in a caravan?”

While the caravan seemed reasonably clean overall, Beachlife and Beyond wasn’t willing to leave anything to chance: “A little tip for you before you do come to a caravan holiday is when you arrive, make sure you wash everything up before you use it because I heard that cleaners only get 20 minutes per caravan to clean the entire van. So, the likelihood of these [cups] being washed properly is probably slim to none.”

In terms of entertainment, the site offers relatively little: “We’ve got an outdoor pool and also a lazy river, which I think is really cool, but it’s only open during the summer months.

“I was speaking to a lifeguard yesterday and she was saying it’s open usually from the May Bank Holiday onwards. It’s a really small site.”

He went on to say: “It’s large in terms of actual acreage because it’s also a touring site and there’s things like safari tents here, eco glamping pods, the lot. It’s covered in all these sand dunes that stretch for miles.

“But from what I’ve seen looking around, there’s honestly not a lot here at all. It’s one of the smallest sites in terms of things to do that I’ve been to so far.” However, he noted that any letdowns regarding the actual location were more than made up for by Cornwall’s breathtaking natural landscape: “I’m speechless. My breath is completely taken away. St Ives has not disappointed one little bit. It’s just amazing,”

WHO doesn’t love a trip to the British seaside on a sunny day? That is, as long as the water is clean.

With temperatures hitting highs of 30C this weekend, Brits will be flocking to the coastline to enjoy the weather at some of our best beaches – but before you dive in headfirst, make sure it’s safe for swimming.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

While most beaches are absolutely fine to have a paddle – there are some that you absolutely do not want to swim in because of bad water quality and even sewage spills.

Swimming in polluted water or water of poor classification can leave people ill due to the likelihood of harmful bacteria, viruses, or pathogens like E. coli being present.

The most common illness associated with bathing in dirty water is gastroenteritis, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

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In most cases these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own – but some cases can be severe and result in hospitalisation.

Channel 4 even did a recent three-part series called Dirty Business based on the investigation into England’s systemic sewage pollution crisis.

The series exposes widespread, illegal raw sewage discharges into UK waterways and the failure of privatised water companies to properly manage environmental regulation.

So, before you go swimming this weekend, and later this summer – it’s important to do some checks first.

Live sewage spills

The best place to check if bathing water has been recently affected by sewage spills is with Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

The marine conservation and campaigning charity is fighting to keep our favourite swim spots clean.

On their website, you can see which bathing water has been recently affected by sewage as it updates a map with live discharge information.

Louise Reddy, Senior Policy Officer at Surfers Against Sewage told Sun Travel: “If you’re heading to the beach or planning on taking a dip in a lake or river, check the Safer Seas and Rivers Service app.

“This is the UK’s only real-time water quality information service ensuring thousands of water users around the UK can check for pollution alerts, and make an informed choice about entering the water. You can download the app, or view pollution alerts on the web version.

“We shouldn’t need to check for sewage alerts before diving in, however the grim reality is that rain or shine, water companies are dumping sewage into our wild waters, whilst paying out profits to shareholders.

“That’s why we are demanding that the Government takes the bold action needed to restructure the water industry, removing the profit motive and changing the system so it operates for people and the planet.”

Water quality

Swimfo on the government website allows you to look up details of a designated bathing water by name or location and see the quality of its waters.

These are then classified and from best to worst these are “excellent”, “good”, “sufficient” or “poor”.

Where water quality is poor, the water it has a marker along with the words, “Bathing is not advised”.

Be aware, however, that this is based on testing from last year.

Water testing for 2026 will be undertaken 20 times between May 15 and September 30.

If you’re heading to beaches not in England, information about bathing water quality in other countries in the UK can be found here: Scotland (SEPA), Wales (NRW), or Northern Ireland (DAERA)

Blue Flag beaches

Across the country, the ‘Blue Flag’ is awarded to swimming spots that are clean, safe, and well-managed.

These were announced two days ago with a total of 61 sites including beaches, a marina and an inland water bathing area have been awarded the accolade.

If you’re heading to a Blue Flag spot this weekend like Whitley Bay, Southwold or Botany Bay, the flag should be flying.

It’s recognisable as a vibrant blue flag with a distinct white circle in the middle and what looks like a blue wave inside.

But there are some instances in which the flag is revoked – for example if water quality drops below the strict standard.

So if you don’t see it on your trip to the seaside, check online to find out why.

Other flags

When you get to the beach, check around for other flags which will advise on safety.

If you visit a lifeguarded beach, there will be flags on the beach to show you where it’s safe to swim.

If you’re planning to swim or bodyboard, stay between the red-and-yellow flags as that is where lifeguards are on duty.

A solid red flags means ‘Dangerous conditions: do not enter the water.’

And of course if the beach or bathing water isn’t lifeguarded make sure to take extra safety precautions.

Check for further safety tips on the RNLI website.

THERE’S nothing better than going to book a holiday and saving some serious cash on the advertised price.

And now a travel expert has revealed not one, but three ways you could save big on villa holidays.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

According to Sharon Bradbury, a villa travel expert at Solmar Villas, one way to get a great deal on a last-minute villa trip is to find ‘leftover’ villa dates around the bank holiday weekend.

Sharon said: “One of the best booking hacks people do not know about is looking for what we call ‘leftover’ villa dates.

“This is essentially the awkward gap left between two longer bookings.

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“For example, a villa might be booked Tuesday to Tuesday, then again from Sunday onwards, leaving a shorter four-day slot in the middle that operators are really keen to fill.”

This means that ‘leftover’ slot could be really good value, with Sharon adding that it is particularly common around busy periods such as the bank holiday weekend.

So, instead of looking for a regular seven-night break, Sharon recommends being more flexible and playing around with shorter breaks.

By doing this, you could save up to 45 per cent on your holiday.

For example, the cheapest villa with Solmar Villas for a three-night break over the bank holiday weekend (May 22 to 25) for a family of four is Villa Mar Corralejo in Fuerteventura in Spain for £329.55.

In comparison, you could stay with Solmar Villas for a three-night break between the May bank holiday weekend and the following weekend (May 26 to 29) for a family of four at Vista Lobos Corralejo, also in Fuerteventura for £297.57.

To make it even better, you could combine it with early outbound flights and later departures, which means you can make the most out of your trip without forking out for another night of accommodation.

Sharon added: “It is a win-win because travellers get a cheaper getaway, while villa companies avoid leaving properties empty.”

Sharon’s second tip is to call travel companies’ customer service lines directly to find the best deals.

She said: “Making a quick direct enquiry to an independent provider’s customer service team about leftover availability can sometimes uncover better prices.

“Providers may list slashed down offers and prices marked in red on the website, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal.”

To try this, simply call up independent travel companies near you to see whether you can negotiate a good price on a villa that has availability.

Sharon added that these villas that need filling might not even be shown online, so by speaking to an agent they can discuss more offers than shown online.

And finally, Sharon recommends booking your holiday during ‘the golden window’, to get the best post-bank holiday deal.

She said: “One thing I get asked all the time is how long to leave it before booking to get the best last-minute deals – and there is definitely a fine line.

“A lot of travel companies know there are people actively searching for those last-minute hidden gems, which is why prices can actually start rising again in the days before travel.

“In most cases, the sweet spot tends to be around five to ten days before your trip, which is what I like to call the ‘golden window’.”

The ‘golden window’ allows travellers to find leftover villa availability but also avoid panic-booking price surges, which can usually happen between 48 and 24 hours before departure.

She added: “It also gives people who may have already booked flights a bit more flexibility without the worry that accommodation is suddenly going to disappear altogether, because there is nothing worse than that.”

WE HAD one job – to get the crystals – but as I found myself sliding down a vertical drop into a pit of sand, I realised it’s a lot harder than it looks on telly.

The Crystal Maze TV series first graced our screens back in 1990, with host Richard O’Brien leading a team of six ambitious players to complete challenges.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

For the uninitiated, each challenge wins a crystal – which gives the team five seconds in the giant glass dome at the end to catch as many gold foil tokens while they are blown about.

Weekends during my childhood were spent screaming at the TV with my mum and sister as we vowed we would be able to do The Crystal Maze’s famous challenges better than the contestants themselves.

So where better to test my mettle than at the Crystal Maze experience itself, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary?

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The immersive experience is one of the oldest in the UK and is still running at its Shaftesbury Avenue venue in London.

Joined by our rather peppy Maze Master to help us along the way and keep us entertained, our experience started with an introduction to the show for those who had (shockingly) not seen it, to understand what the experience is about.

And before I knew it, I was selected as team captain, responsible for picking who to do each 2-3 minute challenge in one of four categories just like the show – physical, skill, mental or mystery.

And just as you’d expect with the TV show, the experience has all of the much-loved themed ‘zones’ too.

Starting in the Medieval Zone, we made our way through a historic street leading to a courtyard with a well in the middle covered in cobwebs, to our first challenge – a physical that involved bouldering around a room to reach the crystal before coming all the way back (think ‘the floor is lava’).

You do a couple of challenges in each zone before heading to the next, with enough options meaning you can return again and not do the same ones.

The Futuristic Zone felt like entering a space station but with classic 90s features like a big red button and a stereotypical alien form.

It was here where I started my first challenge.

Completely blind to what I was doing, my team guided me through as I had to get a ball from one end of the maze to the other. Thankfully I completed it… with just seconds to spare.

There is also the recently launched Ocean Zone, where you descend down a ladder into the shipwreck of the steamship S.S. Atlantis.

And last but not least, the brilliant Aztec Zone – entered via a vertical slide.

Complete with sand and crawling vines, I felt transported to another world.

In another physical challenge, fellow Travel Reporter Alice Penwill had to slither under criss-crossing ropes with dangling bells, that she daren’t ring otherwise it would mean an automatic lock-in.

After an hour of two or three challenges each, sweating, cheering and high-fiving, we had secured 35 seconds in the much-anticipated crystal dome.

“Will you start the fans, please,” our host bellowed after we entered, making adrenaline rush through my body as it felt like I was living the iconic TV moment.

I won’t lie, frantically catching foil tokens and shoving them as fast as you can into a narrow letterbox, was hilarious – I think I laughed more than actually catching anything.

If you manage to get enough tokens you’ll get a prize. Although if I’m being honest, I wasn’t there for the prize; I was there to live out my childhood dream.

Before leaving the experience, you can grab a picture in Crystal Maze bomber jackets in front of the iconic dome.

The experience is suitable for those aged nine years old and over, though be warned the whole experience is quite physical with moments crawling through tunnels (though there are ways around this if this isn’t accessible to you).

And if you book the experience before May 30, you’ll be entered into a draw where winners will get the chance to play in a ‘Money Dome’ session, where you have 30 seconds to collect as much money as you can, up to £1,000.

The experience costs £47 per person and considering it’s the original immersive experience, it remains one of the most impressive I’ve been to yet.

A VICTORIAN seaside spot has doubled in size thanks to a £185 million promenade makeover.

The beachfront has now reopened to visitors after six months of work.

Southsea beach in Portsmouth is undergoing a huge redevelopment as work continues to increase the beach’s size and improve the promenade flood defences.

The Southsea Coastal Scheme is a £185 million project that was introduced to help reduce the risk of flooding to thousands of homes and local businesses.

Its planned defences will stretch along a 2.7 mile section of the seafront and is the UK’s biggest local authority-led coastal defences project.

The beach widening work, which covered the stretch between the Pyramid Centre and the Coffee Cup café began in October last year and was completed by March 2026.

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Increasing the beach’s width was achieved using shingle dredged from a nearby strait close to the Isle of Wight, with one million tonnes of shingle deposited on the beach using a pipeline from the dredger.

Widening the beach improves the area’s flood defences as the larger beach can now absorb more wave energy and will better defend the coastline.

While this process was underway, access to the beach was limited for safety reasons and certain sections were closed to the public, reopening section-by-section as work was completed.

Speaking on the decision to expand the beach, Southsea Coastal Scheme project executive, Marc Bryan, said: “We’ve chosen to build a larger shingle beach in this area because they’re great at absorbing wave energy which in turn helps reduce erosion and protects homes and businesses from coastal flooding.

“The new beach will adapt to rising seas and our changing climate while still providing the required standard of protection.

“It will be easily maintained and can be topped up if needed in the future.”

Other work that forms part of the scheme has already been completed including the demolition and creation of a new seawall around Long Curtain Moat.

Two new bridges were also built nearby and the promenade was made higher and wider with additional seating.

Rocks were imported to create new sea defences around Southsea Castle and improvements have been made to part of the promenade between Pyramids and Speaker’s corner, including new terraces, seating and play areas.

Currently, construction work is underway between South Parade Pier and Speaker’s Corner creating a new-look promenade and improving the defences.

Large precast concrete blocks have been installed onto 75 units on the sea frontage, cleverly disguised as tiered planters and seating.

The promenade level is also in the process of being raised using a mix of crushed stone and crushed concrete from the previous promenade.

When complete, the new promenade area will match the existing seafront paving.

Construction is expected to continue till May 2027, and while the work is underway, certain areas of the beachfront will be closed, however many local businesses will remain open.

The entire coastal defence scheme is expected to be completed by 2029.

The beach, made up of a mix of shingle and sand, has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century and is located just a mile south of Portsmouth city centre.

Named after the nearby Southsea Castle, the beach first welcomed its South Parade Pier in 1879, originally the site of a passenger steamer service for travellers heading to the Isle of Wight.

The seafront has been described by visitors as “a little gem” on the South East coast, with a “wonderful” promenade full of shops and cafes.

Current events are causing all sorts of problems, according to a currency exchange expert

Brits heading abroad this summer are being given a new warning.

Towards the close of last week, Sterling dropped to a three-week low against the Euro and a five-week low against the US Dollar, spelling trouble for Britons travelling overseas. The decline, according to a foreign exchange expert, stems from two key factors.

Tony Redondo, founder of Newquay-based Cosmos Currency Exchange, explained: “Firstly, markets are worried that Britain is heading towards a period of political instability. Secondly, they are worried about how the UK economy will cope with an expected rise in inflation.

“Though inflation fell to 2.8% today, it is expected to rise, potentially sharply, in the months ahead as the impact of rising oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East hits the UK economy in full. If markets believe higher inflation makes UK gilts a not–so-safe bet, that will apply further downward pressure on Sterling.”

Tony noted the weakened Pound was hammering holidaymakers venturing abroad, as their money was now “plummeting” in value against currencies like the Euro and Dollar – a situation that “could get worse in the weeks and months ahead”.

However, he highlighted that a struggling domestic economy and Sterling’s persistent fragility was prompting an increasing number of businesses to fundamentally reconsider how and where they sell their services.

Tony added: “If they’re anything, the UK’s businesses are resilient and proving they can adapt. During 2026 to date, we’ve seen a sharp rise in UK businesses moving away from difficult domestic conditions and looking for customers overseas.

“Rather than having all their eggs in one UK economic basket, a growing percentage of UK firms are now marketing and selling their products and services online to customers in Europe, America, Canada, Australia and even Singapore and Hong Kong.

“If there’s one silver lining to the weak UK economy, it’s that many traditionally domestic UK small businesses have become international ones, as they cast their nets ever wider in search of customers and profit.

“The ability to ply your trade internationally has never been easier and it can massively boost a company’s bottom line.”

ALL aboard for a summer of family fun at Drayton Manor Resort, where Sun readers can grab up to four tickets to the UK’s best-value theme park and zoo.

There are 10,000 FREE tickets up for grabs, plus another 90,000 tickets for just £20 — that is the lowest price you will anywhere, and that’s guaranteed!

With over 50 thrilling rides and attractions, plus a 15-acre zoo all in one destination. It is the perfect place for unforgettable family adventures and shared experiences. 

Join Sun Club for just £1.99 a month — don’t miss out.

From adrenaline-filled rollercoasters to family rides designed for all ages, there’s excitement around every corner, including guests under 90cm tall.

Younger guests can explore the magical world of Thomas Land™, Europe’s only Thomas & Friends™ themed area, featuring 25 rides and attractions inspired by the beloved characters from the Island of Sodor.

Families can also explore Drayton Manor’s zoo, home to animals from around the world, where they can swap rollercoasters for unforgettable animal experiences without ever leaving the park, making it both fun and educational.

Whether you are planning a big family day out, celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable adventure, Drayton Manor Theme Park & Zoo offers epic family fun.

How to get four tickets to Drayton Manor Resort

To secure your seats, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk

Step 2: Go to the Offers section on the app or website and click Start Collecting on the Drayton Manor Resort page.

Step 3: Once you have FOUR out of 12 Sun Savers codes. We will print one daily from Saturday, May 23 to Wednesday, June 3.

Step 4: Once you have collected FOUR Sun Savers codes, enter them on Sun Savers to unclock booking from 11am Tuesday, May 26. Click the Redeem code button and get your unique code, then book tickets on the Drayton Manor website by midnight Tuesday, June 23.

Or join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for just £1.99 a month. Head to the Drayton Manor Resort page on Sun Club hub. Click the Redeem code button and get your unique code, then book tickets on the Drayton Manor Resort website by midnight Tuesday, July 21.

Tickets are available from the start of June until the end of September, excluding August.

18+ UK only (exc. IoM & CI). Sun Savers multiple code collect 23/05/26-03/06/26 or subscription to Sun Club or Digital Newspaper required. Booking closes 23/06/26 (Sun Savers/Digital Newspaper) and 21/07/26 (Sun Club). Tickets available from 01/06/23 – 30/09/26 excluding August, 2026. Non-transferable & non-refundable. Subject to availability, daily allocation limits apply. Limit of 4 tickets per person (maximum 2 free tickets). New customer offer: £1.99 per month or £12 per year unless you cancel at least seven days before your next billing date. Full T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club.

Join Sun Club for just £1.99 a month — don’t miss out.

A British tourist has praised a hotel for taking action against guests who try and hog empty sunbeds by reserving them with towels. She said she witnessed something that was worth highlighting

Many of us relish a holiday abroad, but one issue that never fails to cause a headache is the notorious sunbed wars. One woman recently claimed she witnessed the drama firsthand, reportedly in Greece, and couldn’t speak highly enough of the way the hotel handled it.

The British tourist, known as WelshTaiTai on TikTok, shared footage of what unfolded during her sun-soaked holiday. While most of us cherish the chance to travel, the age-old habit of reserving sunbeds can quickly spiral into chaos, rows and wholly unnecessary stress when you’re supposed to be unwinding.

It’s hardly a new debate either. In previous years, images have surfaced of holidaymakers literally camped out to stake their claim on a sunbed.

In the video, she described some guests as being “naughty”, claiming there’s a sign at her hotel clearly stating that sunbeds must not be reserved. It politely requests that guests refrain from leaving towels on the beds to stop others from using them.

Yet some guests chose to ignore the rule, prompting the hotel to reportedly take matters into its own hands. Staff are said to have gathered up all the offending towels and draped them over a wall, freeing up the sunbeds for other guests to enjoy.

Alongside the clip, she wrote: “POV: You wake up early for the perfect pool day only to find every sunbed ‘reserved’ with a random towel and nobody in sight. Then the hotel staff start removing the abandoned towels and suddenly people appear from nowhere acting shocked.

“If you’re not actually using the sunbed… you don’t own it. Simple.”

The clip has racked up hundreds of views, with many viewers quick to share their thoughts in the comments section, offering a wide range of opinions.

One wrote: “Wish every hotel would do this.” Another added: “Needs to be carried out in every hotel. I look for reviews and if this happens, I won’t book.”

A third chimed in: “Give those staff a raise. Just back from Majorca, where people were out at 5.30am reserving beds. Their towels were in the pool by 6.30am when the cleaners arrived to sort the beds etc. These guys are heroes.”

Meanwhile, a fourth remarked: “I would book a hotel purely on this rule.” Yet another observer noted: “Need more of this. You work 52 weeks and spend three weeks trying to get a sunbed.”

Others described it as “excellent” that the hotel had taken action to put a stop to “sunbed wars”, with many agreeing the policy should be adopted far more widely.

What you need to know

If this is news to you, hotels are well within their rights to prevent guests from reserving sunbeds, and many already have policies in place to tackle the problem.

Various methods are employed by hotels to address the issue. Some instruct staff to remove unattended towels, while others encourage guests to use booking apps to ensure fair access.

Such measures exist to stop guests from “hogging” beds — an all-too-familiar frustration that nobody wants to deal with while on holiday.

FOR cheap all-inclusive holidays, one destination in Europe has just been revealed as most affordable spot for summer this year.

TravelSupermarket has found that one spot along the Bulgarian coastline that’s the ideal for spot families with pretty beaches and hotels with aqua parks.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Making a change for 2026, TravelSupermarket has totted up the prices and found that Bulgaria has knocked Tunisia off its perch for cheapest destinations this summer.

A week in the Bourgas Area averages out at just £553per person.

The Bourgas Area is along the Black Sea coast in southeastern Bulgaria – and a few places might be familiar to Brits.

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The major city of the region is Burgas, but most will recognise the name Sunny Beach.

It’s Bulgaria’s largest holiday resort with almost five miles of golden sandy coast and plenty of nightlife.

On TravelSupermarket, all-inclusive holidays to Sunny Beach in the week beginning June 15 cost as little as £249pp.

In July during the summer holidays, all-inclusive breaks increase to around £529pp.

One favourite spotted by Sun Travel is to the DIT Evrika Beach Club Hotel which is perfect for families with young children.

The hotel has multiple swimming pools and even an aqua park with flumes.

It has six bars, five restaurants and plenty of entertainment throughout the day and during the evening.

A seven-night all-inclusive break for a family of four departing on June 22 costs £562per person.

Other popular spots in the area include the historic town of Sozopol and Nessebar.

Nessebar is known for its history, seaside and charming cobblestone streets.

On the approach is The Windmill of Nessebar, which was built in the 19th century and is a symbol of the town’s rich maritime history.

Here, the average price of an ice cream is £1.20, a family meal is priced around £28, and a three course dinner for two costs just £22.

In a surprise change of events, Tunisia, which was last year’s number one cheapest destination has dropped out of the top 10 entirely.

Meanwhile Rhodes, Majorca and Dalaman are all cheaper than they were last summer, with savings of up to £91 per person.

The pretty island of Menorca takes second place at an average of £588 per person, with Turkey‘s Bodrum Area close behind in third at £591.

Turkey‘s Antalya Area follows in fourth at £604, and Greek favourite Rhodes rounds out the top five at £608 per person.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Bulgaria taking the crown this year is a real moment. The Bourgas Area — home to Sunny Beach and Burgas — has long been one of the most affordable spots on the Black Sea, but seeing it leapfrog Tunisia to top the all-inclusive rankings shows just how much value it’s offering British holidaymakers right now.

“It’s also striking that Tunisia, which held the top two spots last summer, doesn’t make the top 10 this year — a reminder that the cheapest destinations can shift year on year.

“The good news for anyone heading back to old favourites is that Rhodes, Majorca and Dalaman are all still in the top ten, and are noticeably cheaper than they were last summer.”

TravelSupermarket analysed all-inclusive holidays between 1–20 April 2026 for trips departing May–September 2026, across all star ratings, durations and traveller groups.