Travel Desk

The fluorescent green gaiters seemed a ridiculous suggestion, but prove a godsend as we plod across the sand. “I bet you’re glad I told you to get a pair of these bad boys now, aren’t you?” my friend Luke jokes. We’re marching across a wide, crescent-shaped, honeyed beach. The sun is high in the sky and slivers of light flicker through a thick sea fog, as 6ft waves crash and fizz, their white foam licking the towering limestone cliffs.

I’m in Portugal, in the west Algarve, with two friends, hiking part of the Rota Vicentina, or Fishermen’s Trail, a 140-mile (226km) trek that runs from Lagos to São Torpes in Alentejo. Traversing cliffs that lead to wild, remote beaches like this one is part of the trail’s calling card. As the name suggests, it was originally carved out by fishers to reach otherwise inaccessible fishing spots along the Atlantic Ocean. Now it’s part of the Rota Vicentina, a hiking and cycling route spanning 466 miles across Portugal.

Already, this corner of the Algarve feels a far cry from downtown Lagos, where we’d been woken up the night before by noisy tourists after one too many Super Bocks. Our official starting point is 25 minutes away in Salema – a fishing village set within the Vicentine Coast natural park.

The sedate seaside haven is perhaps how the rest of the Algarve was before mass tourism arrived in this part of the Iberian peninsula following the opening of Faro airport in the 1960s. More than 20 million tourists visited the Algarve last year, 5.7 million of them from the UK.

Visitors to Salema drift in and out like the tide, pottering along cobbled streets, past traditional blue-and-white fishers’ cottages, stopping to indulge in fresh seafood on the terraces of family-run restaurants overlooking the long, empty beach flanked by chalky cliffs.

Tempted to postpone the first day of hiking to idle away the hours, we instead polish off a load of pastéis de nata and a bica or two down at Pastelaria Solmar, then set off. For the first few miles, we wend along a relatively flat, clay-coloured coastal path, following the blue-and-green striped Fishermen’s Trail logo that should lead us to Sagres.

Keeping the sea to the left (we’re heading north), it’s easy to navigate. Magical, too, with views stretching as far as the eye can see, across an Atlantic Ocean glinting in the summer sun. Occasionally, we have to scramble up or down a steep, rocky embankment. But the rewards, a series of serene beaches that seem to get better with every mile, make it worthwhile. Given the remote location, these pretty coves attract only the hardiest beach-goers, and the odd naturist.

Over the day’s almost 12-mile hike, we hardly see another soul. So, when we arrive at Sagres, we’re ready for some human interaction. The seafaring town is where slave trader Henry the Navigator spent the final years of his life. Nowadays, Sagres is better known for its enviable surf breaks.

“I’m ready for a Sagres in Sagres,” Luke says, as we drop our bags and freshen up at Alojamento Mareta, a modest two-bed apartment that hovers on a cliffside with a blushing garden and sea views (about £78 per night). We mooch around looking for somewhere for dinner and a cold beer.

Sagres doesn’t have any sense of coherent organisation; its scattering of cafes, restaurants and bars appear to have been sketched out by bored teenagers when the city planners were on holiday. Instead of joining a growing gaggle of surfers waiting for live music to start at Three Little Birds, we order piri-piri chicken and a glug of local wine from the family-run Cafe Conchinha and retire to bed.

Waking early, we zip down to the empty Mareta beach for a meditation session led by another friend, James, before plunging into the icy sea. As if the morning isn’t already wholesome enough, we head to the Laundry Lounge – a boho, wooden-clad laundrette-cum-brunch spot – for a 90-minute yoga session and some breakfast before getting back on the road.

We make our way to Cabo de São Vicente, where a 19th-century lighthouse sits perilously on an isolated rocky headland whipped by the elements. Mainland Europe’s most southwesterly point was known as the “end of the world”. It’s not hard to understand why. There’s nothing but an endless melange of blue water and craggy cliffs bathed in a golden light. It’s little wonder that the Greeks and Romans believed it to be a sacred promontory.

Later, we cut inland across a pancake flat expanse of arid shrubland with only the odd purple thistle for colour. Then, after 12 miles or so, we arrive in Vila do Bispo, a dusty, eerily quiet town, like something from a spaghetti western. Low-rise, pastel-coloured houses seem worn by time and old dusty cars sit beneath purple wisteria on cobbled street corners.

Fish, hung out to dry on washing lines, flap around in the wind as we wander the streets looking for somewhere to eat. We stumble across Pisco, an unassuming restaurant with a cosy atmosphere – whitewashed walls hung with art and crammed with wine bottles – where the vegetarian menu has excellent Mediterranean dishes, sourdough pizzas and organic wines.

Charging back towards the coast the following morning, we arrive at perhaps the most picturesque part of the hike. On the cliffs above Praia da Pena Furada, a vast, windswept beach, we perch on the cliffside for a moment to admire tall sea stacks battered by waves, the wind whistling through them as gulls swoop like kites overhead. It feels more like Steinbeck’s California than the Algarve. But for the hissing of the sea, everything is silent.

We barely say a word to one another until we land at the impossibly long sandy beach of Bordeira near Carrapateira a few hours later. The atmosphere here couldn’t be more different. The beach is busy with Portuguese holidaymakers and surfers. It’s the perfect antidote to hiking fatigue, so we settle in for a well-deserved burger at the hillside beach bar Amadobar as low-fi rock drifts from the speakers and surfers paddle out to distant breakers.

Our digs for the night, which we make our way to after sunset, are about 20 minutes from the beach. Carrapateira Lodge (about £52 per night) sits in the centre of a small, charming whitewashed town with a scattering of restaurants, bars, cafes and surf shops. We dine alfresco on the cobbles just off the main plaza at O Pontal, getting to work on plates of tender octopus, roasted salt cod and beef entrecote to sustain ourselves for tomorrow’s final push.

When we arrive at Arrifana, our final destination the following afternoon, we’re beat. The parish town is settled on the hillside in the Aljezur municipality. Like Carrapateira, it’s popular with surfers. It feels closer to the Algarve most visitors know in some ways, but it’s still relatively low key. A single lane road helter-skelters down to another postcard-worthy beach, where there’s a sprinkling of bars and restaurants. Shattered, we round off the trip watching sunset at Café Restaurante Sol E Mar, a no-frills bar that spills out on to the headland overlooking the beach, which is busier than others we’ve passed but not as crowded as other Algarve hotspots I’ve visited. No rowdy Britons in sight – except us three.

This article explores the historical significance of Victory Day in Estonia, an annual holiday observed on June 23rd. The occasion commemorates a pivotal 1919 military triumph during the Estonian War of Independence, where local forces successfully repelled German troops. While the broader conflict involved a struggle against Russian influence, this specific date honors the preservation of national sovereignty. The text explains that the holiday serves as a solemn tribute to those who fought for the country’s freedom and precedes the traditional Midsummer celebrations. Additionally, the source provides a snapshot of global news from June 2026, including international sports results and political headlines. Overall, the writing ca … 

WITH hundreds of holiday parks across the UK to pick from, it can be hard to choose where to go when you want a staycation.

But there are a number that are home to waterparks as well with everything from rapids to fast flumes.

Some spots are right by the beach too!

Here’s our round-up of the best holiday parks across Britain with waterparks.

South West England

Hendra Holiday Park, Cornwall

Around 10 minutes from Newquay in Cornwall is Hendra Holiday Park – which has previously been named one of the most underrated holiday parks in the UK.

At the park, there is a giant water complex with an indoor pool, water rapids, tipping buckets and three water flumes.

And then outside, guests will find another pool with sea scooters and inflatables.

You do not need to stay at the holiday park to access the waterpark.

You can book a one hour 20 minute session online in advance; however, the website currently shows that no slots are available.

A week’s stay at the park costs from £685 in August.

Haven Riviere Sands, Cornwall

Another Cornish spot, this time in Hayle, is Haven’s Riviere Sands.

The park boasts both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, with a number of slides too.

For little ones, there are paddling pools as well.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

A week’s stay at the park costs from £525 in July.

Haven Devon Cliffs

At Haven Devon Cliffs, you’ll get access to a private beach as well as a huge indoor pool with a four-lane water slide.

At the beach, you can learn sea kayaking and paddleboarding too.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

A week’s stay at the park costs from £435 in July.

Center Parcs Longleat Forest

In Wiltshire, Center Parcs Longleat Forest is a great place to stay in a woodland setting.

Typical for Center Parcs sites, the park has a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, which is an indoor waterpark.

Inside, visitors will find wave pools, waterslides, a lazy river and water rapids.

Adults can also head to the Aqua Sana Spa.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

However, if you are a staying guest but have friends or family who aren’t staying, you can get them a visitor pass for the day, which costs around £50 per adult and £38 per child.

A week’s stay at Longleat costs from £2,338 in August.

Butlin’s Minehead

Just like the other two Butlin’s sites, Butlin’s Minehead has an indoor Splash Waterworld.

Inside, visitors can try out a number of different flumes or chill out on a lazy river.

There is also a wave pool and special areas for little ones getting used to the water.

Visitors can book a day pass for £15 per adult and just 85p per child.

A week’s stay at Butlin’s Minehead costs from £215 in July.

Unity Beach, Somerset

Set across 240 acres, Unity Beach has its own waterpark.

At Splash Waterpark, you’ll find a six-lane pool as well as a splash zone and waterslides.

The general public can head to the waterpark for a session, which lasts an hour and a half.

A session pass to the indoor pool and splash zone costs £12 per person.

A week’s stay at Unity Beach costs from £610.20 in July.

Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, Dorset

Found in Dorset, Freshwater Holiday Park is set on Chesil Beach on the Jurassic Coast.

Previously named one of the “outstanding sites for 2025” by Campingsites.co.uk, the holiday park has three indoor and outdoor pools.

There are also water slides to enjoy, and guests get private access to the beach.

Day passes are available from £7.50 per adult and £4.50 per child.

A week’s stay at Freshwater Holiday Park costs from £375 in July.

Lady’s Mile Holiday Park, Devon

Found in the popular seaside spot of Dawlish Warren, Lady’s Mile Holiday Park has two pools and two waterslides.

Inside, visitors will find a 33-metre twisting slide, and outside there is a long slide that heads into the pool.

There is also a splash pad outside and a splash zone inside for toddlers.

Day passes are available to the pools at the park, costing £5 per adult and £4 per child.

A week’s stay at Lady’s Mile Holiday Park costs from £803 in July.

South East England

Butlin’s Bognor Regis

Sat right on the beach, Butlin’s Bognor Regis is home to a massive indoor Splash Waterworld with Seaside Garden Rapids and a dedicated pool for little ones.

There are also more thrilling flumes, including Stick of Rock and the Family Raft Ride.

Visitors can book a day pass for £19 per adult and just 85p per child.

A week’s stay at Butlin’s Bognor Regis costs from £404 in July.

Seal Bay Resort, Chichester

At Seal Bay Resort in West Sussex, you can head into Oasis Bay, where you’ll find a huge pool, Coral Creek Lazy River, splash zones and slides.

There’s also Wave Rider – a surfing experience.

And outside, you’ll find a lido with private cabanas to chill in.

You don’t have to be a guest to use Oasis Bay at Seal Bay Resort – day passes are available for £10 per adult and £6 per child.

A week’s stay at Seal Bay Resort costs from £505 in July.

East of England

Center Parcs Elveden Forest

Dubbed the perfect Center Parcs village for nature lovers, Elveden Forest sits in rural Suffolk.

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise and luxury forest spa include a heated wave pool, water rapids and a Tropical Cyclone ride.

The park is also home to Center Parcs’ longest zip wire.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

However, if you are a staying guest but have friends or family that aren’t staying, you can get them a visitor pass for the day, which costs around £50 per adult and £38 per child.

A week’s stay at Center Parcs Elveden Forest costs from £2,008 in August.

Center Parcs Woburn Forest

Set across 362 acres, Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire is Center Parcs’ newest location, having opened in 2014.

The park’s Subtropical Swimming Paradise features both indoor and outdoor pools as well as a lazy river, rapids and a splash zone for little ones.

It’s a great option for those wanting to escape the capital, as it is under an hour away on the train.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

However, if you are a staying guest but have friends or family that aren’t staying, you can get them a visitor pass for the day, which costs around £50 per adult and £38 per child.

A week’s stay at Center Parcs Woburn Forest costs from £1,808 in July.

Haven Seashore, Norfolk

Haven Seashore Holiday Park on the Norfolk coast has direct access to the beach, as well as an indoor waterpark.

At the waterpark, you’ll find flumes and slides, including ones on inflatable doughnuts.

Little ones can enjoy a toddler’s pool as well, with a Splash Zone and smaller slides.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

A week’s stay at Haven Seashore costs from £319 in July.

Haven Hopton Holiday Village, Norfolk

Haven Hopton Holiday Village in Norfolk was recently named AA’s Holiday Park of the Year.

Right by Hopton-on-Sea, the holiday park has its own indoor pool with slides, flumes and even a splash zone for little ones.

Adults can also enjoy a bar and lounge with evening entertainment.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

A week’s stay at Haven Hopton Holiday Village costs from £351 in August.

East Midlands

Butlin’s Skegness

When it comes to a bargain break, Butlin’s is a great option, and the one in Skegness has a huge 3,000sqm indoor Splash Waterworld.

Inside, visitors will find flumes, racing rapids, a wave pool and an area for toddlers.

One ride ideal for families is the Riptide Raft Ride, where people sit in a raft and travel through rapids.

Visitors can book a day pass for £19 per adult and just 85p per child.

A week’s stay at Butlin’s Skegness costs from £251 in July.

Center Parcs Sherwood Forest

Home to the original UK Center Parcs village, Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire is spread across 400 acres.

Like its other sites, the park has a Subtropical Swimming Paradise kept to 29.5C year-round.

In the waterpark, you can expect a sandy beach, a lazy river and slides.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

However, if you are a staying guest but have friends or family that aren’t staying, you can get them a visitor pass for the day, which costs around £50 per adult and £38 per child.

A week’s stay at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest costs from £2,048 in August.

Haven Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire

Haven Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire boasts an outdoor splash park with water features and fountains.

There’s also a lazy river for a cooling chill session in the pool.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

A week’s stay at Haven Cleethorpes Beach costs from £349 in July.

West Midlands

Alton Towers, Staffordshire

While many people think of the theme park when they hear Alton Towers, the truth is the attraction also has a huge indoor and outdoor water park.

In fact, Alton Towers claims it is one of Europe’s biggest and best waterparks.

In addition to different pools, the water park has lazy rivers, water cannons, a splash area for little ones and even a Master Blaster coaster.

There are some waterslides to try out as well, such as the Flash Floods flume ride.

A waterpark pass for the day costs from £20.13 per person.

A week’s stay at Alton Towers costs from £1,270 in July.

North West England

Center Parcs Whinfell Forest

For those wanting to visit the Lake District, you could head to Whinfell Forest.

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise has an outdoor river rapid, wave pools and water slides.

Also at the park, you can rent bikes and explore a number of woodland trails.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

However, if you are a staying guest but have friends or family that aren’t staying you can get them a visitor pass for the day, which costs around £50 per adult and £38 per child.

A week’s stay at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest costs from £1,778 in August.

Haven Marton Mere, Blackpool

Haven Marton Mere is just 10 minutes from Blackpool seafront.

At the holiday park, there is a heated indoor pool with a Space Bowl flume, as well as an outdoor SplashZone for little ones and a lazy river.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

A week’s stay at Haven Marton Mere costs from £409 in July.

Wales

Haven Hafan y Mor, Wales

In Wales, make sure to visit Haven’s Hafan y Mor, which even has views of Snowdonia.

Inside, guests will find a waterpark with a lazy river, a four-lane waterslide, and giant tipping buckets.

The park also has dry activities such as Segway excursions and mini 4x4s.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

A week’s stay at Haven Hafan y Mor costs from £609 in July.

Bluestone National Park Resort

Around six miles from Narberth in Wales, Bluestone National Park Resort is tucked away in the countryside.

At the resort, you’ll find Blue Lagoon – the indoor swimming complex.

The indoor waterpark also has a lazy river, and every so often, the wave machine will send waves through the pool.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

A week’s stay at Bluestone National Park Resort costs from £1,390.50 in July.

Scotland

Haven Craig Tara, Ayrshire

In Scotland, head to Haven Craig Tara, which is home to the largest indoor waterpark in Scotland – Splashaway Bay.

The waterpark boasts a giant indoor pool with flumes, multi-lane water slides, a lazy river and an interactive splash zone for toddlers.

The park also has a number of other activities, including the Airspace sports hall, where you’ll find a climbing wall, soft play, a golf simulator and electronic target walls for sports.

You’ll need to be a guest at the park to use the on-site water attractions.

A week’s stay at Haven Craig Tara costs from £409 in August.

Home Bargains says the product contains ‘everything you need’ when travelling

When it comes to travelling, it can be hard to make sure you have all you need to get you through the trip. With luggage space often limited, it can mean big decisions on what to take and what to leave behind.

Now Home Bargains is selling what it says is “convenient” and contains all the beauty products you need for your break. It is selling the Travel Essentials Filled Bag for £24.99 – that is 75% less than its recommended price of £100.

Listing some of the contents on its website it describes it as: “A complete travel beauty and self-care kit featuring skincare, makeup, haircare, body care, and travel accessories. Includes Glow Hub, W7, Jil Sander, Escada, Aussie, and more, all packed in a stylish reusable travel bag.”

Then, in the product description, it adds: “Take your beauty and self-care routine wherever you go with the Travel Essentials Filled Bag. Packed with a carefully curated selection of skincare, haircare, makeup, and travel accessories, this convenient kit contains everything you need to refresh, hydrate, and pamper yourself while travelling.

“Inside you’ll find Glow Hub skincare favourites, W7 beauty essentials, Jil Sander shower gel, Escada body cream, Aussie travel-size haircare, and practical travel accessories including an eco scalp massaging brush, shower cap, and reusable travel bag. Whether you’re heading on holiday, a weekend getaway, or a business trip, this all-in-one collection helps you stay organised and feel your best on the go.”

Shoppers will not be able to pick up the bag in-store as it is an online-only deal. However the website gives further details of the Star Buy listing the products:

• Glow Hub Calm & Soothe Face Mask Stick 35g
• Glow Hub Calm & Soothe Serum Mist 90ml
• W7 Lip Drink Lip Oil 10ml
• Jil Sander Sun Shower Gel 150ml
• Glow Hub Scar Slayer Skin Mask 100ml
• Whind Dissolving Jelly Cleanser 6ml – Oasis Fresh
• Revolution Hot Shot Kombucha Kiss Primer 25ml
• W7 Sherbet Pop Eyeshadow Palette 18g
• Escada Santorini Sunrise Moisturising Perfumed Body Cream 50ml
• Aussie Miracle Moist Travel Hair Conditioner 100ml
• Aussie Miracle Moist Travel Shampoo 100ml
• Eco Scalp Massaging Brush
• Shower Cup
• Travel Bag

Meanwhile, if this is not to your taste, M&S also has an option. Its Summer Beauty Bag is priced £40 – a saving of 81% compared with buying the same amount.

It is described as “sunshine-ready” and contains some beauty-favourite products from brands including Clinique and Estée Lauder. It lists the contents as:

• Floral Street Wonderland Peony Eau De Parfum – 10ml
• Iconic London Prep Set Glow Original – 120ml (Full Size)
• Leighton Denny I love Juicy Opague Nail Polish – 13.5g (Full Size)
• Hair by Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray – 150ml (Full Size)
• Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion SPF50 – 50ml (Full Size)
• Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser / Purifying Mask – 150ml (Full Size)
• Colour WOW Dreaming Mask – 50ml
• Colour WOW Shampoo – 75ml
• This Works Perfect Body Vit C Glow – 100ml
• Ultrasun Photo Age Control Fluid SPF 50 – 20ml
• SkinKind Mini Repairing SOS Balm – 25ml
• Storage Bag

The M&S saving is based on worth value calculated using price per ml/gram of standard-size product.

TRAIN passengers have been told to expect significant delays and cancellations over fears of rails ‘buckling’ in the hot weather.

Hundreds of journeys have been affected as temperatures of up to 40C could be recorded in the UK this week.

Railway operators have begun cancelling services, as red weather warnings have been issued in parts of England and Wales for the coming days.

Network Rail has urged passengers to only take essential journeys to, from or within areas affected by extreme heat, and to prepare for the conditions ahead of time.

They added: “For safety reasons, trains will operate at reduced speeds and to amended timetables, meaning journeys will take longer and there is a heightened risk of delays, cancellations and last-minute alterations.”

Several operators, including Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway and South Western Railway, have planned to run reduced services during the hottest days.

SNOOZE YOU LOSE

What cheap seats on the UK’s lesser-known overnight train are REALLY like

RIDE ON

One of Europe’s best theme parks to get new £15million overwater rollercoaster

Between Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Chiltern Railways has also ceased more than half its services “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”.

This is over fears of rails “buckling” – a term used to describe steel rails expanding and curving as they heat up – which can occur as temperatures reach 30C.

Lineside fires create another risk to railways, as vegetation near tracks may be set alight from a combination of train sparks and dry conditions.

A number of tube lines, namely the Elizabeth and Mildmay Lines, have been further affected by flooding as a result of overnight thunderstorms as well as the hot weather.

This follows record-breaking temperatures expected this June.

Met Office spokesman, Grahame Madge, said: “The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East.

“It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39C.”

The Met Office has issued a series of amber and red heat alerts this week as temperatures are set to rise close to 40C in some parts of the UK, with the RAC urging drivers without air conditioning to postpone non-essential journeys

Britain is being battered by a sweltering heatwave this week, with temperatures threatening to nudge close to 40C in some areas of the country. In response, the Met Office has issued a raft of amber and red heat warnings.

Britons are also being urged to keep their fluid intake up and remain vigilant for signs of heat-related illness brought on by the scorching conditions.

Some people may look to escape the heat by jumping into their car and cranking up the air conditioning. However, one motoring expert has cautioned drivers that even if their vehicle is available to them, they should think twice before getting behind the wheel this week.

In a statement published on the RAC‘s website, the organisation’s road safety spokesman Rod Dennis warned that motorists without air conditioning in their vehicles should consider putting off their journeys altogether.

Explaining his reasoning, he said: “Red extreme heat warnings are rare and we urge everyone to take them seriously this week. Drivers whose vehicles don’t have effective air conditioning should strongly consider postponing any non-essential car journeys until the Met Office’s weather warnings are lifted and temperatures drop.

“If this isn’t possible, our best advice is to travel during cooler times of day. This is especially important for anyone travelling with vulnerable people, including young children and older adults, who are at greater risk from the intense heat.”

Red heat warnings, set to take effect on Wednesday and Thursday this week, have been put in place owing to the exceptionally high temperatures forecast across the south and south-east of the UK.

Temperatures are expected to soar so dramatically that some forecasters believe records for June could be shattered. The current record for the hottest June day stands at 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976 and in Camden Square, London, in June 1957.

The last time Britain endured a prolonged spell of temperatures reaching as high as 40C was roughly four years ago, in July 2022.

In a statement addressing the warnings, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway made it clear that red warnings are not handed out lightly, and are reserved solely for the most extreme weather conditions.

He said: “Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat.

“The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity.”

Meanwhile, Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the United Kingdom Health Security Agency, added: “We are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared.

“A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference.”

A “heat-dome” settling over western Europe could bring temperatures of up to 40C by Wednesday, with this latest UK heatwave expected to surpass the June record set in Hampshire in 1976

The UK Government has issued an ‘extreme’ travel warning for Brits heading to France, Spain and Portugal as a heatdome settles over western Europe.

The weather front is predicted to deliver temperatures approaching 40C by Wednesday, with this latest heatwave anticipated to eclipse the June record established in Hampshire in 1976.

Red heat alerts have been issued in France, Spain, and other nations across western and central Europe as heatwave conditions are forecast to intensify in the coming days.

More than half of France’s regions are currently under the harshest weather warning. Tragically, two children aged two and four were found dead in their family car in the town of Carpentras in the south of France, in an incident believed to be linked to the weather.

In a section on the Foreign Office’s website titled ‘extreme weather’, an update for France issued today reads: “Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. In summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in France. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Meteo France website.”

A similar warning for Spain reads: “Extreme weather can affect many areas of Spain, particularly over the summer months. Follow the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and European Meteorological Services for severe weather warnings.”

And the Portugal advice reads: “In Summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in Portugal. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere website.”

Back in the UK, record high temperatures are forecast over the coming days.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East. Forecast temperature values are indicative and are subject to a slight range either side.

“It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrow range. It is important to remember that the temperature value is only one element of this extreme heatwave story. The other major factor is the high humidity which for many will make the intense heat even harder to endure.”

Throughout the night, temperatures remained above 20C at nine sites across England, registering what the Met Office classifies as a tropical night. Scorching temperatures gave way to thunderstorms and lightning strikes across England in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Commuters also faced significant disruption across London’s transport network on Tuesday morning. The Elizabeth Line was hit by flooding caused by heavy rainfall, resulting in no service running between Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 and Heathrow Terminal 4, Transport for London confirmed.

Passengers on the Mildmay Line also faced severe delays, with the line operating a reduced service due to the sweltering conditions. On the national rail network, soaring temperatures are also forecast to cause sagging overhead electric wires, buckled rails and lineside fires, with passengers urged to avoid non-essential travel and, if a journey is unavoidable, to ensure they have a bottle of water with them.

Avanti West Coast announced it intends to operate fewer services than normal between Tuesday and Thursday, warning that “there’s a risk of further disruption”.

Chiltern Railways has scrapped more than half its services across those three days “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”. The operator said: “We strongly advise you to avoid travelling if possible.”

The RAC revealed it is handling 10% more breakdowns than usual at this time of year and expects demand to “increase significantly as temperatures peak”.

The scorching weather is also set to cause considerable disruption for parents as schools shut or close early to shield children from the heat. Pupils have been told they may wear PE kit rather than full school uniform, which typically includes long trousers and blazers. A number of after-school clubs have also been called off.

DUBAI is currently building what will be the biggest, and possibly the most efficient, airport in the world.

Not only will it see millions of passengers through its doors – it also plans on eliminating queues altogether and will even have robot staff.

When Al Maktoum International Airport has been fully expanded and refurbished, it will be the biggest in the world – and it will have all the modcons too.

The airport which will cost £23.5billion and will serve 260million passengers every year is being designed to make travel as smooth as possible.

One of the ways it’s doing this is by creating a way that passengers won’t have to queue, which almost seems like a given in other airports.

At Al Maktoum International Airport, bags could be dropped off before travellers even reach the terminal.

TOP SEA-CRET

Locals’ guide to UK’s top seaside counties… best beaches & pubs and £15 stays

CHEAP DATE

Our fave cheap European destinations with flights under £20 & hotels from £24pp

Passengers will then be able to move through the airport without the usual repeated stops for the likes of security and customs.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths called this a “no red lights” concept while talking to Khaleej Times.

The airport is set to be huge, but travellers won’t have to worry about walking from one side to the other.

Instead, they will be able to use the ‘integrated underground Automated People Mover system’, which includes a multi-track train.

It will have 14 stations and will transport passengers from terminals to concourses.

It’s designed to help travellers get to their flights in the shortest and quickest route possible.

When it comes to collecting baggage, the new system will be able to process tens of thousands of bags in just one hour.

And better yet, bags are expected to be available within minutes – so there won’t be any standing about waiting for suitcases after a flight.

The airport is also going to be technologically advanced with automated travel systems, AI security check and robot staff.

The robots will be used for various tasks, including baggage handling and potentially customer service roles too.

The terminal isn’t completely new, as Al Maktoum International Airport is an expansion of Dubai World Central.

The nearby Dubai International Airport which is currently the main base in Dubai will close once the new runways are operational which is scheduled for 2032.

Al Maktoum International Airport is 23 miles south of Dubai and once fully up and running will be the largest in the world.

Currently, that title belongs to King Salman International Airport which is currently being constructed in Saudi Arabia.

In comparison Al Maktoum International Airport will be a whopping 70 square kilometres rather than 56.

It will have two passenger terminals, seven concourses and more than 430 aircraft stands.

A LESSER-KNOWN European theme park has announced it is getting a major new ride.

Previously named one of the best amusement parks in Europe by the European Star Awards, Nigloland is about two and a half hours from Paris.

And the French theme park will be getting a new £15.5million rollercoaster called ‘Supersonic 1887’.

The ride, which will be the park’s largest investment to date, is a launch shuttle rollercoaster.

At its highest point it will reach 47 metres off of the ground, and it will reach speeds of up to 56.5mph.

Even though the track itself stretches for 355 metres, riders will travel a total of 770 metres thanks to sections where the rollercoaster will travel backwards.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

The rollercoaster will also turn the 32 riders upside down at least six times across three inverted parts of the track, including a loop.

Each of the two carriages also include eight ‘wing seats’ that allow riders to dangle their feet in the air.

And what makes the ride even more fun will be the fact that over half the time riders are on it, they will be suspended over water.

The ride is inspired by World Expositions that took place during the 19th century, according to EAP Magazine.

The story of the ride will follow a character called Emilie Delaroche, an engineer who has developed a steam machine that travels at high speeds.

The rollercoaster is expected to open in 2027.

President and Director of the Park, Rodolphe Gelis said: “Nigoland is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

“To mark this milestone, we wanted to create a major attraction that reflects our ambitions.

“Supersonic is a project conceived by our creative and technical teams, which we entrusted to a leading manufacturer renowned for the quality of its work and its wealth of innovations.

“It is the most ambitious project Nigoland has ever undertaken.”

The theme park features more than 40 attractions in total, 27 of which are ideal for younger children.

There are four immersive zones in total including The Canadian Village, The Rock ‘n’ Rock Village, The Magical Village and The Swiss Village.

Rides include Krampus Expedition which is a water coaster based on Alpine folklore.

There’s also Spatiale Expérience, which is an indoor rollercoaster that travels through outer space.

Visitors can also stay onsite at the Hotel des Pirates.

NO ONE wants to start their holiday with delays, but with hotter weather and new travel rules, it’s becoming all the more common.

New research from AirAdvisor has found the top airports around Europe where you are most likely to be delayed this summer.

The study looked at flights between June and September 2025, to see where flights either to or from the UK were likely to be delayed for over an hour.

The top of the list was Milan Bergamo, an airport which sits just outside of Milan in Italy which had 11.96 per cent of its flights delayed by one hour or more.

Also in Italy, Pisa came fourth on the list which had 10.58 per cent of its flights affected by delays last summer.

For anyone heading to the Greek islands this summer, some of these destinations experience hold-ups too.

TOP SEA-CRET

Locals’ guide to UK’s top seaside counties… best beaches & pubs and £15 stays

DADDY DEALS

Top UK attractions where dads go FREE on Father’s Day – and get free pints

The pretty island of Kefalonia is third on the list where 11.79 per cent of flights being delayed by an hour or more last year.

Also in the top 20 is Corfu, Zante, Paphos in Cyprus, Kos, Rhodes and Mykonos.

Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor explained why the airports at Greek islands are badly affected.

He explained: “They tend to be much smaller than hubs in major metropolitan centres and are incredibly popular with holidaymakers from across the world.

“During the summer period, they frequently operate at maximum capacity, so that means that when a mass disruption event occurs, there are implications for other services.”

He continued: “Similarly, the sheer volume of flights between popular Spanish holiday hubs in Palma and Reus can result in full days of travel chaos when multiple services are delayed.”

Anton Radchenko added that these delays often result in a “domino effect” where flights across a single day are then pushed back, especially during peak times.

Spain is a popular getaway destination for Brits as it’s just a few hours from the UK.

But there are some airports here that have experienced issues too.

This includes Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Alicante, which all appear in the top 20.

Of course, last summer EES checks at passport control hadn’t been enforced yet.

But these have had a big impact in some airports around Europe – so there could be even more delays at certain destinations.

If you are delayed for more than three hours or have a flight cancelled then under the UK261 regulation you could be eligible for compensation.

For more information on this, check out the rules on AirAdvisor. 

Many years on, thousands of visitors have cherished memories of its thrilling rides and attractions

When it comes to theme parks in Wales, most people would immediately associate the region with the now-sadly defunct Oakwood Park in Pembrokeshire. The Narberth attraction, which shut its doors in 2015, was a cherished part of many childhoods, with trips on Megafobia and Snake River Falls over the years becoming the stuff of legend.

However, it wasn’t the only theme park that once created treasured memories for many, and for some, it was a rival to its more celebrated neighbour.

Back in 1994, another attraction was opening its gates for the very first time. The £1 million Grove Land Leisure Park was constructed in St Clears in Carmarthenshire, transformed from a working dairy farm.

And it offered something for everyone, with unforgettable rollercoasters such as Thunderbolt, Cyclone and Cyber Space. There was also the ‘Dance Master’ waltzer, twist rides like the iconic ‘Rodeo Rider’, the Snake Slide, dodgems and go-karts, reports Wales Online.

There was also a pirate ship, laser clay pigeon shooting and pedalo boats.

Barmy Barny served as the park’s mascot, and appeared on its emblem. It was especially appropriate given the herd of pedigree Freisians, which had been bred at the dairy farm by the Williams family across four generations, earning recognition throughout the agricultural world.

It was their herd that inspired John and Janet Williams to transform 30 acres of their 210-acre Grove Farm into a theme park.

At the time, the couple explained how the enjoyment and experience they had gained from showcasing their herd and hosting large crowds, combined with a passion for sport and leisure, had driven the park’s creation — along with their recognition of “the pressing need to impede any further decline in the local rural economy.”

When it opened on a seasonal basis, the theme park was expected to give tourism a significant boost and create up to 70 jobs in its first year alone, rising to 300 over the following three years.

It was also anticipated that 75,000 visitors would pass through its gates in the opening season, eager to experience what was promised to be a “country show ground atmosphere”, complete with calf parades, animal showmanship, and a range of rides and attractions specifically chosen for their interactive appeal and suitability for the whole family.

The park was remarkably affordable, with adult tickets priced at £7.50 and children’s tickets at £5.60. Visitors paid at the gate, and once inside, all rides and shows were included at no extra cost.

Takeaways, burger bars and a picnic area were all on hand for families looking to take a breather from the excitement of the rides.

Jade Walsh worked at the park for two to three seasons from the age of 16, taking it on as a summer job. Miss Walsh, now 40, who worked as a ride operator, said: “I worked a lot on the bumper boats and the pedalos which I enjoyed. I remember people would often get stuck in the reeds and things so you would often have to go out and rescue them.

“The boats would also have to be tested in the morning, and it was all young people who would work there seasonally and we’d all enjoy that. Mr Williams who ran it was lovely, and was such a nice guy.

“Thunderbolt was a gravity rollercoaster and how fast it went would depend on how heavy you were. Sometimes we would have to load it with sandbags if there was only a couple of kids in it. If it got stuck at the top, you’d have to climb up it, run across the tracks, push it, then get down to the bottom so you could stop it at the end. Health and safety wasn’t a thing then, but I loved it!

“My favourite part of working there was the people. It was a nice environment to work in. If you can imagine a nice seventies movie with children working at a funfair, it was like that.

“We had a lot of people who would come over and over again. Some people would visit a couple of times in the summer and come back every year. It was better for smaller children than Oakwood and there was less queues and things like that. It was just a much more relaxed atmosphere. It felt very safe. You could literally see everything from one place so parents could relax and let their children run from ride to ride.

“Everyone was really sad when it went, because there wasn’t a hell of a lot to do around here. Everybody missed it.”

Gemma Daniels has treasured childhood recollections of visiting the park on frequent end-of-year school outings between the ages of six and nine when she was a pupil at Ysgol Llwyn Yr Eos School in Penparcau, Aberystwyth.

Miss Daniels, now aged 36, said: “Trips to Grove Land are a core childhood memory for me. One ride that sticks out for me the most was rodeo-themed and it had a big mechanical horse in the middle with a cowboy on it. Basically, it was a sizzler ride. They also had a rollercoaster where the carriage you were in, it looked like a gold mine.

“The ride that we all avoided was a slide, it was like a big dipper, and it was the first time I had ever seen a ride like that. I remember kids coming off it with friction burns! They had a protector mat but you would bounce off it, because it was really fast.”

She added: “I remember that it was never crowded like you see at theme parks these days, and you didn’t have to queue long for rides. You’d have a chance to go on everything and see everything. When we were on school trips they would let us go off and we’d have to meet at a picnic table to have our packed lunch at lunchtime. It was really safe.

“I remember the little shop they had there where people used to get those water worms, that was the fascination at the time, and kids would also used to get snap bangs and use them on the bus on the way home.

“If it was open now, it’s a place I’d take my son to. It’s somewhere that I’m pretty gutted my kids won’t get to go.”

Sadly, in 2005, it closed its doors for good, with its rides relocated, including Thunderbolt, which was transported to Loudoun Castle, and Cyclone, which found a new home at Killarney Springs Family Park.

In 2008, it emerged that the site was on the market for £3.3 million.

By April 2014, we reported how plans for a “massive development” at the site had been given the go-ahead by Carmarthenshire Council, which would create 32 new-build holiday cottages, 26 holiday accommodation units and supporting leisure facilities.

In 2018, we reported how the planned accommodation project had yet to materialise, though it’s believed that it eventually launched at the start of the year, taking the form of a static caravan park.

It’s now been 21 years since Grove Land welcomed its last visitors. Yet for the thousands who spent their summers visiting or working at the attraction, it has left behind memories that they continue to cherish fondly.

Looking at a blank calendar for the six week summer holiday? With less than a month until the schools break up for the summer, here are some days out that will keep the kids entertained without costing a fortune

Most schools in England and Wales will break up for the six-week summer holidays in less than a month, leaving many parents scrambling to fill the days with things to do.

A theme park is a classic family day out, but it’s not exactly a cheap option, and some deals don’t cover peak summer holiday dates. But there are ways to cut the costs if you’re planning a day out at one of these attractions, and here are some of the parks with discounts you can use in July and August.

Flamingo Land Theme Park & Zoo – 58% off

Wowcher is currently running a deal for day tickets to Flamingo Land in Yorkshire, with 50% off single tickets and 58% off if you buy four. This means a family of four can enjoy access to the theme park, zoo, and a host of other attractions for £97. The offer includes full school holiday availability.

Flamingo Land includes a number of thrilling rollercoasters, Dino-Stone park, and the adorable Muddy Duck Farm where younger kids can visit Peter Rabbit and his friends. Flamingo Land also offers on-site accommodation for longer breaks, including lodges and cottages for those who want to spend multiple days in the park.

Gulliver’s – up to 99% off children’s tickets

Gulliver’s, which has four locations across the UK, is running a unique offer that could snag you up to 99% off children’s day tickets. The catch is that it’s tied to England’s World Cup performance. The discount will be based on the minute of England’s final goal in each group stage match.

So, as an example, if England’s final goal was at 75 minutes, the deal would mean these tickets were discounted by 75%. The deal will be live on June 24 from 10am after England vs Ghana, and June 28 from 10am after their match against Panama and available to snap up for only 24 hours.

However, if you don’t want to base your school holiday plans on the England team’s performance, there’s also a deal running on Wowcher for 50% off Gulliver’s tickets for all four of their locations in Milton Keynes, Rother Valley, Matlock Bath, and Warrington, with good availability across school holiday dates and prices from £11.50.

Alton Towers, Chessington, Thorpe Park – unlimited visits from £16.99 a month

If you live near an attraction owned by Merlin, such as Alton Towers, Chessington, Thorpe Park, or LEGOLAND, then a Merlin annual pass can work out excellent value for money. At the moment, the Merlin annual pass sale includes prices from £139 for the essential pass, while Gold and Platinum passes have £50 off, making them £189 and £249 respectively.

It’s worth noting that the essentials pass does exclude Saturdays in August, but you can still enjoy the parks on other days of the week. If you don’t want to pay in one go, you can also sign up for a monthly pass at Gold or Platinum level for either £16.99 or £20.99.

In addition to its theme parks, Merlin also operates attractions such as the London Eye, Cadbury World, and SEA LIFE centers, so you can ensure you make the most of your pass with a wide range of days out.

Drayton Manor – VAT-free tickets

Drayton Manor is one of the attractions offering VAT savings this summer as part of the government’s scheme to cut the prices of family days out.

If booked in advance, tickets start at £25.80 for peak dates such as the school holidays. Another option is the three-park ticket, although it is only valid until July 31. For £49.50, you get a day at Drayton Manor, one at West Midlands Safari Park, and one at Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent, a huge indoor waterpark. This works out at just £16.50 per attraction, far below the usual gate price.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach – tickets and stay for £38.03 per person

A deal from Virgin Experiences means a family of four can enjoy a night in a Blackpool hotel, as well as tickets to its iconic Pleasure Beach for just a few pounds more than the usual admission cost.

A Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort and Family Stay at the Big Blue Hotel costs £169, and if you use discount code DEAL10, this brings it down to £152.10, or £38.04 per person. Day tickets to the park alone usually start at £31.50, so this is a great deal if you want a night away at the seaside.

This deal is not available on bank holiday weekends or Saturdays in July and August, but can be redeemed for other school holiday dates.

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

Jet2 has rolled out a ’72-hour’ update so passengers can check live flight times and its status before even getting to the airport, to help make travel over summer even easier

Just ahead of the summer holidays, Jet2 has rolled out a new ’72-hour’ update for passengers.

Travellers flying with Jet2 will now be able to check live flight times, monitor their flight status and receive any updates 72 hours prior to departure. The new functionality was introduced this week and is designed to provide customers with accurate, up-to-date information about their flight to help ensure their journey runs as smoothly as possible.

The new handy features come courtesy of an upgrade to the airline’s app, which will also enable passengers to find out how and when they can meet their Jet2 in-resort Customer Helper. Times, locations and the Customer Helper’s name will be made available to holidaymakers via the app, making it even easier to access assistance and information about their holiday.

The update comes at the ideal moment ahead of the summer holidays, one of the busiest periods for travel. It’s expected to make travel more straightforward for passengers as they’ll have instant access to crucial flight information at the touch of a button, reports Chronicle Live.

David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Jet2, said: “We are always looking at how we can continually improve the experience for our customers and digital innovation is a critical part of that. We are very pleased to be launching this new app functionality, which makes travelling with Jet2 even easier and more convenient. By putting more real-time information in our customers’ hands, we are improving our industry-leading customer experience even further.”

“This is part of our continued investment in delivering the very best customer service there is, and it is another example of how we are continuing to evolve our app and digital offering in response to what customers want from us.”

Last year, Jet2 introduced its ‘Live Transfer Status’ app feature, enabling passengers to track their coach transfer to the departure airport from their holiday destination in real time. This covers coach services when returning from the Balearics, Canaries, Mainland Spain, Morocco, Turkey, and Bulgaria, and is set to expand to Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Faro, and Madeira this summer.

Elsewhere, Jet2 has urged passengers to take action “at least 12 hours” before their flight.

With a packed summer season on the horizon and thousands of holidaymakers expected to board their flights, Jet2 has published guidance on arrivals and departures on its website. The airline advised customers: “Please check this section of the website at least 12 hours before your flight for the latest flight information.”

It continued: “Further information can be found by using the [above] search panel by entering your flight number or route. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.

“Please remember – check in desks close 40 minutes before this. In the event of flight disruption our dedicated Operations teams are working hard behind the scenes at our UK-based HQ to get you on your way as soon as possible.”

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

TOURISTS may face fees for rinsing off at a popular Spanish beach holiday resort.

A controversial smart meter has been installed at beach showers, upsetting both locals and visitors.

The smart shower is currently being trialled at Matalascanas Beach at Costa de Luz in south-west Spain.

While it is currently free to use, the plan is for users to be charged via a QR code or they can pay with cash.

The meter accepts two types of coins, with “no change given”, or beach-goers can use their mobile phones to scan the code and pay online.

This initiative has been promoted by two local engineers as a water-saving scheme.

HOLS HORROR

Tourists ‘ran inside to get belongings’ after huge fire erupted at beach resort

GETTING SHIRTY

Brits warned they could face £130 fines in France for going shirtless

However, claims that the set-up could cost a family-of-four around £3.50 to quickly wash off the sand on their bodies, has caused a stir.

The smart shower has been installed by the four-star On Hotel Oceanfront, which is understood to be the only shower in operation along the entire 2.6 mile-long beach.

It has already been met with backlash from residents, with many pointing out the issues with the set-up.

“Great idea. You have to get your mobile out and when you go to shower where do you leave it?” asked one person.

Another said: “I understand that water is important but I think this is terrible. Do you have to shower with your mobile in your hand?”

Commenting on an online discussion over the proposed charges, one social media user said: “Little by little, we normalize paying for everything.”

“By next year there will be parking metres, paid showers, and in a few years they’ll charge us for stepping on the sand – private beaches, like in other European countries,” they added.

Another person said: “This year the trial to find out how much they’re going to get, and next year they charge everyone.”

Almonte Council, the local authority covering the beach, has not confirmed how long the free trial period will last.

The estimated cost of a shower lasting less than a minute has been put at around €1 (85 p).

It comes after several beaches on the eastern end of the Costa del Sol decided to shut their showers last summer, with only foot washes remaining open.

However, the situation is expected to be much better this summer following a winter of heavy rain.

Rincon de la Victoria Council announced last month it would be opening its beach showers as normal this year.

The travel specialist has issued a plea for anyone travelling by train over the coming days

Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a new alert for anyone travelling by rail this week, sharing his latest advice for millions of people across the country as a heatwave hits. His warning comes as train passengers face significant disruptions, with operators across Britain reducing services due to the hot weather this week.

According to the Met Office, temperatures could reach 40C in parts of the UK, with the weather agency issuing a red extreme heat warning. Britain is facing what could be its hottest June since 1976.

Appearing on today’s (June 23) episode of Good Morning Britain, the travel journalist and broadcaster offered a word of warning to viewers. He urged people to change their travel plans this week and, if possible, swap to another date due to the severe heat over the next couple of days.

He said: “My advice to anyone booked to travel by rail over the next few days is, please, if you can, move your journey to the end of the week, then do so. It will be much more comfortable and have a higher degree of actually working as it is supposed to. Otherwise, I’m afraid, just be prepared for delays and disruption.”

The rail industry is preparing for problems that can arise from extreme heat, such as sagging overhead power lines, warped tracks, and fires along the tracks. Travellers are encouraged to leave earlier in the day if they can and to bring a water bottle. Online journey planners may not display accurate schedules until the day of travel due to last-minute cancellations.

What are my rights if my train is delayed or cancelled due to hot weather?

According to Citizens Advice, if your train is cancelled, you can receive a full refund if you can’t catch the next train or choose not to travel. If you’re delayed and reach your destination over 30 minutes late, you can typically get some money back.

Some train companies may even offer compensation if your train is late by more than 15 minutes. Make sure to keep your train tickets to request a refund. It’s best to file your claim within 28 days, although some train companies may allow a longer period.

For those who travelled with Transport for London (TfL), like on the London Underground, you can check its website to see how much you could receive and the process for claiming.

What have UK railway lines said about the hot weather affecting services?

Avanti West Coast said it plans to run fewer services than usual between Tuesday and Thursday, and “there’s a risk of further disruption”. The company eased ticket restrictions, enabling passengers to use an earlier service than the one they booked at no extra cost. Those with tickets booked for departures between Tuesday and Thursday are eligible for a full refund if they no longer want to travel.

Chiltern Railways has axed more than half its services over those three days “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”. This affects London Marylebone services to and from Birmingham, Oxford and Aylesbury via Amersham.

The operator said: “We strongly advise you to avoid travelling if possible. Trains are running at greatly reduced levels to ensure everyone’s safety, which means you may experience significant delays and very busy conditions.”

Great Western Railway requested that people use its services only for “essential travel” on Wednesday and Thursday, coinciding with a severe red warning from the Met Office. The company explained that extended high temperatures can impact the equipment on its older regional train fleet, including engines and cooling systems.

It is operating fewer trains than usual between London Paddington and Reading until Friday. This is due to Network Rail not moving certain points—metal pieces that allow trains to switch tracks—on that route to reduce the risk of failures, which are more probable in high heat.

LNER said passengers travelling on Tuesday can board an earlier service, adding “we strongly advise that you do not travel across the LNER route” on Wednesday or Thursday. There is disruption across the Transport for Wales network, including between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay, and between Coryton and Penarth.

South Western Railway issued an alert stating it will run fewer services than normal between Tuesday and Thursday. Its services in Hampton, south-west London were also affected by flooding on Tuesday morning after heavy rain overnight.

Flooding also caused severe delays on the Elizabeth line between Heathrow airport and London Paddington. Several London Underground lines were suffering from major disruption on Tuesday morning. This included the entire Circle line being suspended because of a signalling failure.

WE AREN’T all lucky enough to be close to the coast, so when it comes to hot weather days, it can be hard to find a spot to enjoy the sun.

Yet across the country there are a number of inland beaches you can head to – so we’ve rounded up the best across the country.

Cotswold Country Park & Beach

The UK’s largest inland beach can be found in the Cotswolds at Cotswold Country Park and Beach, where you can head to the Main Beach for some swimming or dip in the Paddling Lagoon.

The beach is then backed by a grassy area, ideal for picnics.

But don’t worry if you haven’t brought your own food as there is the Beach Shack serving light bites as well as an Ice Cream Hut.

Admission varies depending on the time of year, but during peak season pedestrians and cyclists can access the park from £5 per person and a car of up to five people costs from £18.18 (around £3.64 each).

Read more on travel inspo

TRAVEL TIP

The £2.99 SIM hack that can save Brits HUNDREDS abroad

STAYCAY

Our travel experts’ best-kept-secret UK holiday spots for summer – from £37 a night

Ruislip Lido Beach, London

Ruislip Lido Beach in Hillingdon, West London, is a long stretch of sand with its own palm trees.

Even though you aren’t allowed to swim at the beach, you can sunbathe making it the ideal spot for city dwellers to escape to.

There’s plenty to keep kids occupied though, including a pirate ship play area and a splash pad.

Entry to the beach, splash pad and play area is free.

Loch Morlich, Scotland

Loch Morlich Beach can be found in the Cairngorms National Park, near Aviemore, in Scotland.

The unique beach sits 300 metres above sea level in Glenmore Forest Park and while sunbathing on the beach you can even see the snow-topped Cairngorm mountains.

When it comes to the water, it is one of the cleanest freshwater beaches in the UK where you can rent paddleboards and kayaks if you fancy.

The beach is free to visit.

Wallingford Beach, Oxfordshire

Found close to Wallingford Bridge, you can head to Wallingford Beach which stretches 35 metres long.

The Thames-side beach is backed by grass too which is ideal for a picnic.

Despite being a river spot, the water tends to have little to no current during the peak season but is also a designated swimming spot, so the water is tested regularly.

The spot is free to visit.

Rutland Water Beach, East Midlands

In the East Midlands, you can head to Rutland Water Beach which stretches 140 metres.

The spot is the first bathing location in England to achieve both a Blue Flag and Seaside Award for its water quality.

While the beach is open all year round, you can only swim in the water in the summer months from May to September, with opening hours varying from 10am to 6pm.

Access to the beach is free.

St Andrews Lakes, Kent

Close to Rochester, St Andrews Lakes has not one but two beaches with sunloungers and pretty blue waters to swim in.

There’s also a Nordic-inspired wellness centre with a hot tub and wood-fired sauna.

You can even stay at the lakes too in overwater lodges that look like ones in the Maldives.

Entry starts from £7.50 per person.

Hemsworth Water Park, West Yorkshire

Hemsworth Water Park in West Yorkshire has not one but two lakes.

Even though you can’t swim in the lakes, the sandy beaches are the ideal place to chill out in the sunshine.

There’s also Playworld by the beach, which is an outdoor adventure playground with a tower slide and climbing frames.

The attraction is free to visit but if you want to go to Playworld, it costs £3 per person.

River Dart Country Park, Devon

Near Dartmoor in Devon, you can head to River Dart Country Park which is home to a beach at the edge of a lake.

In the middle of the lake you will also find a partially sunken pirate ship.

There’s also a desert island with sand and faux palm trees.

Admission costs between £10 and £14.95 per person depending on whether you visit on a weekday or at the weekend.

Church Stretton Reservoir, Shropshire

Located at National Trust‘s Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton Reservoir has a man-made beach ideal for a day in the sun.

While on the beach you can look out to Long Mynd as well.

You can swim in the reservoir as well.

The spot is free to visit and there are a number of nice walks in the area too.

Gaddings Dam, West Yorkshire

Famous for having England’s highest beach, you can head to Gaddings Dam in West Yorkshire.

In addition to the beach, you can swim in the dam which has previously been described by visitors as a “wild swimmer’s paradise”.

It is free to visit, but you’ll need to hike for around 30 minutes to get to the spot.

A CITY said to be an alternative holiday destination to Dubai is getting its only flight route from the UK.

Air Arabia will launch the new flights from London Gatwick to Sharjah in the UAE next month.

The route, starting from July 4, will operate twice a day, with flights from £205 each way.

It will be the first time the airline operates from the UK, and the only direct route to the UAE city.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick, previously said: “Demand for flights to destinations across the Middle East has really taken off this year and we have been delighted to offer passengers across London and the South East an increasingly fantastic range of routes and choice of carriers.”

Sharjah is the third biggest city in the United Arab Emirates behind Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

TAKE OFF

UK airline named best in Europe – with new flights to two bucket list destinations

JET SET

EasyJet to launch 13 new flight routes to Europe and Africa

It is often touted as a more family-friendly destination and said to be the cultural capital of the UAE.

Popular attractions includes the UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World and the Al Montazah Parks amusement park

However, it does follow stricter rules than Dubai – such as alcohol being banned a cross the entire city.

But holidays to the UAE are back on the cards after the UK Foreign Office lifted the travel ban.

The ban on holidays to the UAE came after a number of attacks across Dubai due to the Iran War, which included to Dubai Airport.

Here are some other new routes launching from London Gatwick this year.

L.A. bars offer something for everyone. Want to sip amaro cocktails in a moody Echo Park bar? We’ve got the spot for you. Or maybe you prefer a beachside tiki haunt with frozen Dole Whip and crab rangoons. What about a sprawling West Hollywood rooftop overlooking the hills, or a destination for locally produced sake in Sawtelle Japantown? Much like the drinks that flow from these newly established institutions, the options are endless.

A neighborhood favorite dive relaunched in its former Echo Park location, while a new gastropub brings Korean bar culture to Highland Park. In West Hollywood, a karaoke lounge elevates the art with luxurious surroundings, and just next door, a lesbian-owned LGBTQ+ club debuted just in time for Pride Month. Tapas seemingly is taking the city by storm, with two Spanish cafes on opposite sides of the city offering pintxos and bocaditos alongside vermouth and Tempranillo wines.

Nonalcoholic options are more thoughtful than ever, presenting those of us who aren’t drinkers with smart and layered concoctions that prove just as complex as their boozy counterparts. In Los Feliz, a veteran bar team launched a cocktail destination that puts the focus on L.A.’s seasonal produce, and in Beverly Hills, a three-Michelin-starred chef is behind a stylish new restaurant and lounge in a luxury retail shop. Here are 23 of L.A.’s best new bars to visit this summer and beyond. — Danielle Dorsey

EASYJET is launching a new international flight route from a UK airport for the first time.

The new route will begin operating flights in 2027.

EasyJet will launch its first international route out of Newquay Airport in Cornwall next year.

Flying between Newquay Airport and Geneva Airport in Switzerland, the route is expected to launch on January 16, 2027.

The seasonal route will then operate once a week on Saturdays until February 27, 2027.

Currently, EasyJet only provides regional and domestic flights from the coastal airport, so the new flight path will be the first international destination for the airline.

FLIGHT FIGHT

Moment hero easyJet captain tackles passenger to floor seconds before take-off

SUN ESCAPE

EasyJet’s ‘sun-guaranteed’ breaks this summer – with VERY cheap holidays

A further 12 routes are also being launched by EasyJet over the next year, including new routes from London Luton to Kittilä in Finland, beginning on November 24, and from Strasbourg in France launching on November 29.

The airline will be operating flights to Kittilä twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and fly to Strasbourg four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

New flights from London Southend to Edinburgh, Scotland, will launch on October 25 from £23.99 per person.

The flights will operate twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays between the two cities.

From Birmingham, travellers will be able to fly to Copenhagen, Denmark, from November 16.

Costing from £31.99 per person, the flights will head out twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.

Those living near Manchester can head to Cairo, Egypt from November 9 – the only direct route from the city to the ‘Sphinx’ airport.

Flights will set you back from £131.99 per person and the route operates twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

Two new routes are launching from Liverpool Airport to Kittilä in Finland and Reykjavik in Iceland.

Costing from £30.99 per person, flights to Kittilä will begin on November 25 and operate out of the airport twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Flights to Reykjavik will launch even earlier, starting on November 2 and will take off twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, costing from £43.99 per person.

Newcastle is set to get several new destinations by the end of the year, including Barcelona in Spain, Berlin in Germany, Copenhagen in Denmark, Hurghada in Egypt and Rovaniemi in Finland.

First to launch will be the flights to Barcelona on October 25, costing from £28.99 per person and operating twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays.

On October 27, flights to Hurghada will launch heading out on Tuesdays and Saturdays and costing from £121.99 per person.

Copenhagen flights are set to begin on November 5, followed by Berlin on November 20 and finally Rovaniemi on November 25.

The discount chain claims this bag is ‘approved by over 30 airlines’ around the world

A ‘compact’ yet ‘stylish’ travel bag is available at Home Bargains, which the store says could help take the stress and worry of overpacking out of holidaymakers‘ minds this summer. It has been approved to comply with the luggage dimension rules of up to 30 airlines worldwide.

People can pick up the Bordlite Under Seat Cabin Bag in an online sale, down from £14.99 to £5.99 (a 60% saving). Shoppers can choose between black and navy for the same price at Home Bargains.

Describing the travel bag online, the store said: “The Bordlite Under Seat Cabin Bag is a lightweight and compact travel essential, approved by over 30 airlines. With three external pockets and a long shoulder strap, it keeps your journey organised and hassle-free.”

According to the Home Bargains website, the bag measures in at “approximately” 40 x 30 x 20cm. Using the provided dimensions, shoppers can confidently pack and use this underseat bag on a variety of airlines.

Home Bargains claims that “over 30” will approve this for travel, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, Jet2 and British Airways. Because the bag fits in with some of the strictest size guides, it automatically works for airlines that offer slightly larger allowances.

Below is a full list of the 30 airlines which accept this size (or bigger) when booking. In most cases, airlines include a free personal or underseat item within the ticket price – but always double-check with the airline itself before getting caught out with an extra airport fee.

For more Home Bargains deals, click here. Some are online-only, meaning shoppers who shop only at their local store could miss out on certain major deals.

What airlines accept this size bag?

UK & Europe:

1. Ryanair (Up to 40 x 25 x 20cm)
2. Wizz Air (40 x 30 x 20cm exactly)
3. FlyOne (40 x 30 x 20cm exactly)
4. easyJet (Up to 45 x 36 x 20cm)
5. Jet2 (Up to 45 x 36 x 20cm)
6. British Airways (Allows a large cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm for free)
7. Lufthansa (Up to 40 x 30 x 10cm for personal item, but easily fits their free overhead limit of 55 x 40 x 23cm)
8. Air France / KLM (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item, but easily fits their free overhead limit of 55 x 35 x 25cm)
9. Norwegian Air (Up to 38 x 30 x 20cm)
10. Iberia (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 56 x 45 x 25cm for overhead)
11. TAP Air Portugal (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 20cm for overhead)
12. Aegean Airlines (Up to 40 x 30 x 25cm)
13. Vueling (Up to 40 x 30 x 20cm)
14. Eurowings (Up to 40 x 30 x 25cm)
15. Pegasus Airlines (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 20cm for overhead)
16. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) (Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)
17. Swiss International Air Lines (Up to 40 x 30 x 10cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)

Middle East and Asia

1. Emirates (Allows an overhead bag up to 55 x 38 x 20cm for free on all tickets).
2. Qatar Airways (Allows a cabin bag up to 50 x 37 x 25cm for free).
3. Etihad Airways (Allows a cabin bag up to 56 x 36 x 23cm for free).
4. Singapore Airlines (Allows a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 10cm or a main cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 20cm)
5. Turkish Airlines (Allows a personal item up to 40 x 30 x 15cm or a main cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 23cm)

American and Transatlantic

1. Delta Air Lines (no specific personal item dimensions, must fit under the seat)
2. United Airlines (Up to 43 x 25 x 22cm)
3. American Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
4. Air Canada (Up to 43 x 33 x 16cm for personal item / 55 x 40 x 23cm for overhead)
5. JetBlue (Up to 43 x 33 x 20cm)
6. Spirit Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
7. Frontier Airlines (Up to 45 x 35 x 20cm)
8. WestJet (Up to 41 x 33 x 15cm for personal item / 53 x 38 x 23cm for overhead)

Shoppers can improve their travel days with the £20 B&M product that’s ‘brilliant’ for holidays

B&M is selling a ‘noise-cancelling’ travel product that could be ideal for noisy trains, planes, and buses. Popular for selling budget-friendly essentials, the bargain store could have a new crowd-pleaser for holidaymakers.

The retailer is selling £20 Bluetooth headphones that help shoppers “tune in and block the world out.” Showcasing the Goodmans Noise-Cancelling Metallic Bluetooth Headphones online, B&M told shoppers the headphones are a “brilliant companion for commutes, travel, or working from home.” In recent years, many travellers have started using noise-cancelling headphones to relax and block out background noise.

Prices often range from around £20 to £400 across different brands. However, you don’t have to pay hundreds. Shoppers might be just as happy with the £20 B&M option, which offers 30 hours of playtime when using Active Noise Cancelling and up to 18dB noise reduction, according to B&M. The headphones are available in four colours: blue, pink, black, and silver. The tech also has a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

B&M’s full product description states: “Tune in and block the world out with the Goodmans Noise Cancelling Metallic Headphones. Bluetooth connectivity and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology make these a brilliant companion for commutes, travel, or working from home.

“ANC reduces unwanted background noise by up to 18dB, so you can focus on your music, calls, or podcasts without interruptions. With 30 hours of playtime with ANC active, you won’t be reaching for a charger anytime soon.

“The metallic-coated earcups give a sleek, stylish finish, while the extra soft cushions and premium padding keep things comfortable over long listening sessions. Earcup controls put volume, ANC mode, track navigation, and power on/off right at your fingertips.”

For shoppers looking for more headphones, B&M also sells SONY Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, on sale for £30. The product description said: “Enjoy immersive and high-quality listening experiences with the WH-CH520 SONY Wireless Bluetooth Headphones.

“Featuring an adjustable headband, soft ear pads, and a lightweight design, the SONY Wireless Bluetooth Headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously with Multipoint Connection plus Fast Pair and Swift Pair. You can even personalise your sound settings and EQ settings for a personalised listening experience with the Sony Headphones Connect app!”

The description continued: “With up to 50 hours of battery life, you can listen to all your favourite music without worrying about running out of charge, and if your battery is running low, a three-minute quick charge can give you 1.5 hours of listening time.

“The WH-CH520 also has easy button operations, and can even be controlled with your voice, and since connection is easy with Swift Pair and Fast pair, these Sony Headphones are ideal for everyday use.”