Travel Desk

IF you’ve got any theme park fanatics in the family, you’ll want to read on.

While the UK’s biggest theme parks are home to some world-class rollercoasters and rides, they aren’t always the kindest to your bank balance.

Once you add up entry for the whole family, parking, and a place to stay for the weekend, sometimes you’re looking at spending hundreds.

But we’ve mapped the most affordable theme parks in the UK, plus cheap hotels and holiday parks nearby.

Research from credit card brand Aqua has found the UK’s top 10 most affordable theme parks.

The rankings are based on factors like the price of a peak-season weekend adult ticket, and bang for your buck when it comes to the number of rollercoasters at the park.

10. The Milky Way Adventure Park / Twinlakes Family Theme Park

In joint-10th place for the best-value theme parks are The Milky Way Adventure Park in North Devon and Twinlakes Family Theme Park in Melton Mowbray.

Both parks have an average adult ticket price of £20, with just three rollercoasters in each park; however, they have plenty of other attractions and lots to do for younger children.

All rides at The Milky Way Adventure Park are included with the cost of your entry, and include the Gravity Rider tubing slide, the Cosmic Caterpillar coaster, and the Milky Way Train, which takes you around the scenic countryside grounds.

Twinlakes Family Theme Park is an all-weather option with indoor activities like soft play and the Davy Jones indoor water ride, plus outdoor fun like a splash park and live falconry performances.

Another plus of both attractions is that you can park for free.

However, when it comes to a place to stay, Twinlakes is drastically cheaper.

A hotel stay near Twinlakes averages £172 per night, whereas it averages £260 for a stay near Milky Way.

For an affordable stay just five minutes down the road from The Milky Way Adventure Park, opt for Parkdean Resorts Bideford Bay Holiday Park.

A two-night stay in June in a Bronze caravan, which sleeps up to six, starts from £141.

If you stay as a group of six, that works out to £11.75pp per night.

For an affordable stay near Twinlakes, try their heated pods. You can stay two nights in a lodge that sleeps up to six, with theme park tickets included, for £199 total.

If you fill the lodge, that works out to just over £33pp for two nights’ accommodation, theme park entry and all of your rides already paid for.

9. Paultons Park

Paultons Park in the New Forest ranks at number nine, with an entry ticket costing a pricey £46.75pp – but there are 10 thrilling rollercoasters here to enjoy, plus plenty more, including a brand new theme park land.

The new £12m Viking-themed land, Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, which opened on May 16, will feature an inverted rollercoaster called Drakon.

The theme park has plenty more to see and do, such as the spooky Ghostly Manor ride and family-friendly, dinosaur-themed coaster Flight of the Pterosaur.

Even though the entry cost is steep, kids under 1m in height go free – plus the cost per coaster, if you ride them all, works out to an affordable £4.68.

When it comes to accommodation, a nearby hotel averages at £234 per night, which brings this theme park down in the rankings.

However, we’ve found an affordable stay at the nearby Sandy Balls holiday village.

A three-night stay in a six-berth luxury caravan from June 29 costs £296 total – working out at £16.44pp per night.

8. Adventure Island

Southend-on-Sea‘s Adventure Island ranks at number eight, and is a free-admission theme park, meaning it’s free to walk around. But to access the rides, you’ll need a £25 wristband.

There are more than 40 rides and attractions to choose from here, including seven rollercoasters.

Popular rides and attractions include Axis, the huge pendulum swing ride, and Rage, a thrilling, twisting rollercoaster.

The cost per ride averages at an affordable £3.57, according to Aqua, making this seaside theme park a wallet-friendly choice.

As for accommodation nearby, the average hotel would set you back £196 per night.

However, a stay at the Premier Inn Southend On Sea (Eastern Esplanade) starts at just £68 a night.

7. Alton Towers Resort

Popular theme park Alton Towers in Stoke-on-Trent comes in at number seven, with an average adult ticket price of £38 for 19 rollercoasters – some of which are world-famous.

Younger children will love the new Bluey coaster and Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop ride, while adrenaline junkies can take on The Smiler or Oblivion.

The average cost per coaster here is £2, so it’s fair to say that you get some great bang for your buck at this theme park.

However, it is worth noting that the cheapest parking available is £13, and the average cost of a nearby hotel is £171 a night.

For a budget-friendly base, opt for the Weathervane Hotel by Greene King Inns, where you can bag a double room for two nights for just £125.

6. Drayton Manor Resort

Drayton Manor in Tamworth offers a great-value family day out, with entry tickets averaging at £30, 12 rollercoasters, and over 50 rides and attractions.

Family favourites include Thomas Land, a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed area with 25 rides and attractions of its own, and adrenaline zones, Vikings and Adventure Cove.

Some of the park’s most popular coasters are The Wave, an inverting coaster, and Gold Rush, the wild west-themed ride that opened in 2024.

The average cost per rollercoaster works out to £2.46. Parking costs a reasonable £10, and the average nearby hotel costs £141 per night.

Stay at the nearby Travelodge Tamworth M42 with double rooms from £28.99 a night.

5. Codona’s

Codona’s Amusement Park in Aberdeen is a traditional beachfront amusement park with seven exciting rollercoasters.

There are several ticket options to choose from, which include various perks like food and rounds of mini golf, but the average adult ticket costs £25.

Popular rides include the Dead Man’s Drop, a tower ride that launches you into the sky before sending you plummeting back down, and the refreshing White Water Log Flume.

There’s also karting, bumper boats, adventure golf and a Ferris wheel that offers spectacular views of the city skyline. The average cost per rollercoaster based on ticket price works out to £3.57 per coaster.

The average hotel cost nearby is £149 per night, but you can stay in a double room at the Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen City Centre from £51 per night.

4. M&D’s Scotland Theme Park

M&D’s in Strathclyde is an all-singing, all-dancing attraction known as Scotland’s Theme Park, and it has an affordable entry cost of £20.

There are both fairground-style rides and thrill coasters here, making M&D’s a fantastic option for a family day out or staycation.

The Runaway Mine Train is a fan-favourite and takes riders through twists and turns through a mining town on an adorable miniature train.

For something more adrenaline-pumping, there’s Freak Out – a spectacular, spinning pendulum ride that can be seen (and heard) from the other side of the park.

The cost per coaster works out to just £2.49, and there’s plenty more weather-proof things to see and do, like 10-pin bowling and exploring one of the largest indoor amusement arcades in Scotland.

The average cost of a hotel in the area is £174 per night, but you can stay 3 minutes away in a double room at the Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde Park from £69 per night.

3. Fantasy Island / Gulliver’s Land

Coming in joint-third for the UK’s best-value theme parks are Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells near Skegness and Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes.

The average adult ticket price for both parks is £26. Fantasy Island has 10 rollercoasters, and Gulliver’s Land has just seven.

Fantasy Island offers colourful and thrilling loop rides right on the beach front of seaside town Ingoldmells, plus classics like water rapids, bumper cars and a log flume.

The big three thrill rides at Fantasy Island are The Odyssey, a looping coaster, Millennium, a high-speed ride and The Volcano, a tower ride that shoots you high into the sky.

Gulliver’s Land, on the other hand, focuses on rides and attractions for primarily younger children.

There are rides like The Wriggler, a caterpillar coaster, and the Rockin’ Tug, a gentle pirate boat ride.

Mini thrill seekers can also enjoy the tall Tree Top Swings, or soar into the skies on the 360° ride Dragon Siege.

There’s also a dinosaur sculpture area, and a farm park where you can meet the animals.

The average cost per rollercoaster at Gulliver’s Land is £3.71, whereas at Fantasy Island it works out to £2.61.

But Gulliver’s Land takes the edge when it comes to parking, as you can park for free, whereas parking at Fantasy Island starts at £8.

The average cost for a hotel near both theme parks is £135.

For a cheap place to stay near Fantasy Island, book a Silver Caravan at Coastfields in Ingoldmells – three nights over a weekend in a six-berth caravan starts from £205 total in June.

And for somewhere to stay near Gulliver’s Land, go for the Holiday Inn Express Milton Keynes, where you can bag a double room with a hot breakfast included from £86 per night.

2. Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park

Lightwater Valley in North Yorkshire ranks as the second best-value UK theme park, with an average adult ticket price of £25.

With a lineup of 11 family-friendly coasters to choose from, riding each works out to just £2.23 per ride.

There are wholesome, family-friendly coasters like the Ladybird and Spin Bug, and fun extras like a Jeep Safari as well as several miniature train rides.

Plus, 2026 brings a new ride, the Spinning Racer, to the park, a colourful, curving rollercoaster that looks like a giant Scalextric track.

While you can park for free, which is a plus, the average cost of a hotel nearby is a hefty £222 a night.

Luckily, we’ve found a much cheaper option. You can book a double room at the Premier Inn Thirsk hotel from £57 per night.

1. Blackpool Pleasure Beach

The best-value theme park according to the data is family-favourite Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

While the average adult ticket price is £32, there are a whopping 26 coasters to have a go on – that works out to a cost of £1.22 per ride.

Rollercoasters include the Big One, with a 235ft drop, and Launch Pad, which shoots you to speeds of 80mph.

There are also dark rides like the Ghost Train and Valhalla, plus Nickelodeon-themed rides like SpongeBob’s Splash Bash and the toddler-friendly Bikini Bottom Bus Tour.

Plus, there’s a major new ride coming this year – the £8m Aviktas, a record-breaking gyro swing ride, is set to become the tallest in the UK, at 138ft tall, and is set to open this month.

The cheapest available parking nearby is £15, and the average price for a hotel in the area is £121.

For a budget-friendly base for your Blackpool staycation, stay at Haven Marton Mere, where four nights in a saver caravan which sleeps four starts at £49 this June.

The travel expert says ‘thousands upon thousands’ of Brits have had their holidays ruined

Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a stark message to anyone who is going abroad in June, July and August. Many Brits are counting down to their summer holidays and the peak travel season.

However, Simon has urged everyone to do a vital check before travelling to avoid “wrecked holidays”. Simon explained that “thousands upon thousands” of people have already been caught out and missed their booked holidays.

He took part in a discussion on BBC Radio 2, where a holidaymaker explained that he had been turned away from his flight at the boarding gate.

James Luton was due to fly to Portugal last week for his 50th birthday but was denied boarding at the airport gate because his passport was issued more than 10 years ago, even though it was not expired.

Brits heading to the EU or Schengen areas cannot have passports older than 10 years when they arrive at their holiday destination. It must also be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to return home.

Simon appeared on the show to urge everyone with holidays booked to check their passports before it is too late. He said: “Unfortunately, he [James] is just one of thousands upon thousands of people who have fallen foul of this.

“As we speak, there will be people who have headed to the airport, and the same thing happened to them. It is just absolutely miserable.”

Simon urged: “You must remember, if you are going to the EU apart from Ireland, you cannot have a passport older than 10 years on the day you enter. It is the only part of the world that cares about when your passport is issued.

“Everywhere else only cares about the expiry date. Please, if you are going away in June, July and August please check that your passport is going to comply.

“Has it had its 10th birthday on the day you plan to go away, and has it got at least three months left on the date you plan to leave? That way, we can hopefully avoid too many more wrecked holidays.”

Before 2018, passports could remain valid for as long as 10 years and nine months.

This was because months remaining on old passports were rolled over to new passports, but the system was discontinued in 2018.

The problem mainly affects those holding burgundy passports, as anyone with a blue passport received it in 2020 or later.

It is still worth checking children’s blue passports, as they are typically only valid for five years.

Trainspotters jostled on platform 2 as sunshine lit up the polished olive-green carriages of the 11:07 from Warszawa Główna (Warsaw main station) to Poznań. As I was readying to board, a man, sporting bow tie and braces, zipped past me, making it to the steps first. Excitement was palpable. But then this was no ordinary train, but rather an event. A throwback in time.

The Polish parliament had declared 2026 as the Year of Polish Railways, and there is a double jubilee under way: the 25th anniversary of the long-distance operator PKP Intercity and the centenary of Polish state railways. To celebrate, a series of retro rail journeys called Nieśpieszny (“Unhurried”) has been launched.

Every weekend over the spring and summer (at least until the end of August, with more departures likely), a fully refurbished train from the 1980s, with livery matching the era, departs from a different region in Poland, from the mountainous south to the Baltic coast in the north. When my friend Mariusz mentioned this to me, knowing that I take an annual railway trip to his country, I jumped at the chance, booking my ticket to Poznań the day they went on sale.

On board, settling into a marmalade-coloured six-seater compartment furnished with armchair-like seats, I sensed a sociable air; after all, nobody was commuting or in a rush. Our “unhurried” journey would take about five hours compared with just over two on a faster service.

Ready for an early lunch, I stowed my bag and headed off, following the smell of fried sausages to the dining car. The WARS catering company has been feeding passengers on Polish trains since 1948, and our menus and plates for this journey were pleasingly vintage. Having ordered, I squeezed on to a stool next to fellow passenger Anita and her son – who I later worked out was the concert pianist Jan Lisiecki – visiting from Calgary, but with family roots in Gdańsk. “In the 1980s, trains were packed. You’d even have people standing in the toilet. This is nothing,” Anita said.

Tucking into fried eggs, potatoes speckled with dill and a cool cup of kefir, I thought how easy it would be to dismiss the thought of communist-era food, such as we were served, but it was freshly cooked and excellent. I asked another man at our shared table about his soup. “This is flaki, made with tripe,” he said, taking a spoonful.

The landscape we trundled through – wind turbines, Scots pine forests and cabbage fields – was unremarkable. It was the train itself, and its handsome interior, for which we had all signed up. That, and the novelty. Even the windows opened fully, as they once did, allowing us to poke our heads out.

Getting to know Poland by train has provided umpteen enjoyable experiences over the years. I’ve crossed the country by rail, from the industrial but fast-changing city of Katowice in the south to the Baltic port city of Gdynia in the far north, but there is still so much more I want to see: Lublin in the east for its underground brewery and Zakopane for its access to hiking in the Tatra Mountains. I know the trains will get me there. Now, with my phone battery thoroughly dead – in keeping with the theme, there were no obvious sockets to be found – I recalled some highlights.

Sometimes in Poland, the pleasure is all about the railway station itself. Neogothic and completed in 1857, Wrocław Główny, for example, with its stained glass, neon signs from the 1950s and wood-panelled ticket counters, is worth a visit alone.

Joy also comes from stopping somewhere purely because doing so works with certain routes and timetables. That was the case when I visited Toruń in north-central Poland. After disembarking the train, and crossing a bridge by foot over the Vistula River, a gloriously panoramic view of the medieval old town began to open up. Shortly after, I wandered into a small museum dedicated to the city’s globetrotting son, Tony Halik, a celebrated adventurer and reporter. Old photographs showed him driving his Jeep from Argentina to Alaska between 1957 and 1961.

The next day on that previous trip, after taking the train from Toruń north to Gdańsk Główny – another photogenic station with its clock tower and copper-clad turrets – I switched trains again for a 20-minute hop to Sopot, a small resort city on the Baltic Sea. A walk by sea buckthorn bushes took me to Bar Przystań and its famous fisherman’s soup featuring halibut, salmon and herbs. It was there, too, I bought my first jagodzianka, Poland’s famous blueberry-filled bun, the taste of summer and very delicious, before boarding the train to Katowice.

Back on the current retro train, and with just 45 minutes to go before our arrival at Poznań, I returned once more to the lively dining car. The queue was just as long as before but the staff were friendly as ever. The apple pie was generously fruity. As I winced at sipping the harsh grainy coffee, my neighbour said: “That’s the old, traditional stuff – still the only coffee my grandma drinks.” Another nod to the past, and thus forgivable.

I was not keen for the journey to end, but eagerly anticipating my return to Poznań. A train had delivered me to the city a couple of years ago, when I had fallen for its general buzz and energy, its Palm House – one of Europe’s biggest greenhouses – and the atmospheric milk bar Pod Arkadami, but I had run out of time for the Croissant Museum. A trademark of the city, Poznań’s St Martin’s croissants, AKA rogale świętomarcińskie, are iced and have a white poppy seed filling, and the museum has baking classes.

Our unhurried train contrasts sharply with the rapid development of modern rail services in Poland. To keep up with demand, disused carriages are being revamped and others are being sourced from abroad. Plus, in February, Poland won the 2026 Rail Champion award in Brussels for its contribution to the development of rail transport in Europe. When the future is this promising, surely there is nothing wrong with indulging in some good-natured nostalgia, bitter coffee and all.

Nieśpieszny journeys cost from £20. Koleo, a mobile app and website, is useful for navigating Poland’s railway system

Leon says if he had been caught, he had a plan B

A holidaymaker has explained how he saved himself £75 to £100 on a Ryanair flight thanks to a £15 neck pillow. Leon Docwra packed underwear, T-shirts, swimming shorts and even a beach towel into a £15 travel pillow before boarding a Ryanair flight.

The 50-year-old also wore two tracksuits, three pairs of pants and three pairs of socks. Leon, who flies once a month, says the trick helped him avoid paying additional luggage charges after previously being stung.

“We fly frequently and have been charged for having too much stuff in our bags and wanted to find a way to get extra on without paying fees,” said Leon, from Great Yarmouth.

“Neck pillows are allowed and they didn’t check it. If they had, I would have gone to the bathroom and worn everything to avoid paying a £75 fine. I was already wearing two layers of clothes, three pairs of pants and three pairs of socks and it did get hot but it was worth it.”

The scrap metal dealer said he had paid only for hand luggage on the flight from Norwich to Portugal, which cost around £400. Among the items hidden inside were four pairs of boxer shorts, four pairs of socks, four T-shirts, two pairs of swimming shorts and a beach towel.

Leon admitted it wasn’t the first time he had used the money-saving tactic. He said: “I’ll do it every time. Flights are expensive enough without having to pay for extra luggage and fines.

“I fly a lot so I’d spend a fortune on baggage. It’s money we can spend on our holiday.”

Leon shared a video of the stuffed pillow online, where viewers praised the inventive travel hack. He added: “People think it’s great. They said they’re going to start doing it themselves.

“Anything at the moment where you can save money is great to share with others.”

One person said: “I wore two trackies when I travelled last week to avoid the extra cost. Was sweating like a b*tch though.”

Someone else said: “Mate, I’d rather pay the 80 quid than have to iron that lot the other end.” A third person added: “Just like Joey from Friends.”

Another person said: “Can u block the airline lo?l They will start asking to check these items.” Someone else added: “That’s actually good idea. I got charged over £100 on my last trip.”

The provided text details the historical significance and modern celebration of Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day, an annual holiday occurring on May 31st. Originally established in 1961 to prepare the nation for independence from British rule, the military evolved from a local regiment into a sovereign defense force. Eligibility for service is currently restricted to Brunei citizens of Malay descent, as the country maintains a voluntary enlistment policy rather than a draft. To honor the diverse branches of the military, the public observes the day with patriotic displays such as parachute jumps, exhibitions, and parades. These festivities serve as a formal tribute to the land, sea, and air units that safeguard the nation’s security. Overall, the so … 

PRICES are plunging for summer holiday breaks – and families can take advantage right now.

The conflict in the Middle East and the continuing cost-of-living crisis has seen many people adopt a “wait and see” approach.

But travel firms are now offering even more incentives to get us booking, from free child places to extra discounts.

We’ve researched some of the cheapest deals we can find for a family of two adults and two children in July and August including hold luggage for all and transfers.

And if you’re prepared to go for a self-catering option and a smaller hotel with less fancy facilities, there’s great value to be had.

We’ve even found some all-inclusive options for those who don’t want to worry about budgeting on their break.

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Here’s our pick of the summer deals . . .

Atlantic Holiday Hotel, Tenerife

YOU’LL enjoy stunning sea views at this hotel, perched right on the shore in Callao Salvaje.

This modern hotel has indoor and outdoor play areas for the kids and a pool.

Rooms come with cookers and fridge-freezers but there’s also an onsite buffet restaurant for the days you fancy a change.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 4* Atlantic Holiday Hotel is from £1,551 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Luton on August 18, 10kg hand luggage and 22kg baggage plus coach transfers.

See jet2holidays.com.

Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel, Fuerteventura

THE bright, modern apartments at this 2*+ hotel in Costa de Antigua have all the facilities you need for a relaxing break.

There’s a large pool, children’s pool and lots of entertainment and sporty games for the whole family to enjoy.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel is from £1,470 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Stansted on August 16, 10kg hand luggage, 22kg baggage plus coach transfers.

See jet2holidays.com.

Santa Susanna Resort, Costa Brava

WITH a splash pool, splash games area and mini club full of activities, this resort has plenty to keep the family occupied, as well as a free shuttle bus to the beach and town centre.

This deal is all-inclusive, too — with unlimited ice lollies for the kids as well as alcoholic drinks from 10am to 11pm.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 3* Santa Susanna Resort Affiliated by Fergus is from £2,133 for a family of four, including Ryanair flights from East Midlands on July 31, 20kg hold bags and coach transfers.

See onthebeach.co.uk.

Palm Grove, Corfu

PREFER apartment-style accommodation?

Then try Palm Grove in Sidari, where restaurants and bars are just a five-minute drive away and a beach is also close by.

There’s two pools — including one for kids — and the simple rooms feature a kitchenette.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 2* Palm Grove is from £1,081 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Gatwick on July 30, 10kg hand luggage and 20kg hold bags and coach transfers.

See tui.co.uk.

TUI Suneo Serenity Bay, Bourgas

THIS Bulgarian bargain, sits alongside a sandy beach.

It has a big pool as well as two for kids and all the modern rooms feature balconies.

Let someone else do the cooking and enjoy meals at the buffet restaurant with themed nights throughout the week.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4* TUI Suneo Serenity Bay is from £2,484 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Manchester on August 7, 10kg hand luggage and 20kg hold bags and coach transfers.

See holidayhypermarket.co.uk.

IN a peaceful countryside spot, the studios on the Greek island of Kefalonia are perfect for a relaxing break.

There’s a pretty outdoor pool and terrace and each of the bright apartments feature a kitchenette.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 2* Lygies Studios is from £1,690 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Newcastle on July 30, 10kg hand luggage, 20kg hold bags and coach transfers.

See tui.co.uk.

THIS low-rise, white-washed hotel in Costa Teguise has two freshwater pools and a large sun terrace.

Well-equipped apartments come with balconies and kitchenettes but there’s also a pool bar where you can order freshly made pizzas, burgers and kebabs.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3* Paradise Hotel is from £1,509 for a family of four. Includes flights from East Midlands on July 30, 20kg hold bags and coach transfer.

See loveholidays.com.

El Pueblo Tamlelt, Morocco

THIS all-inclusive hotel in Agadir is in large gardens, 300 metres from the beach.

It has two outdoor pools, a children’s pool and rooms are decorated in Moorish style.

You won’t go hungry here with a buffet main restaurant and six speciality restaurants.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 3* El Pueblo Tamlelt is from £2,138 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Leeds Bradford on August 4, 20kg hold bags and private transfers.

See onthebeach.co.uk.

Nope, it’s not AI. It’s just a really big flag with bright lights, draped on Hoover Dam for the next several weeks.

As a display to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the states of Nevada and Arizona and the federal Bureau of Reclamation teamed up to hang and illuminate an enormous American flag on the dam on Memorial Day.

The display, scheduled to be in place through July 4, is visible to anyone crossing between Arizona and Nevada on U.S. Route 93, which goes across the top of the dam. The flag is 150 feet tall and 300 feet long, spread on the south-facing side of the dam and lit by 550 LED lights (powered by dam-generated electricity).

A wider view of the illuminated U.S. flag at Hoover Dam.

(Michael Bittle)

It’s a spectacle that comes at a challenging moment for Hoover Dam, as experts warn that Lake Mead’s dwindling water levels could threaten the dam’s ability to generate hydropower. “Slap a flag on it, that’ll fix it,” suggested one of several Reddit commenters who were moved to snarkiness by the flag image.

The dam, a frequent day-trip destination from Las Vegas, stands 35 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip, about 295 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The site features a visitor center and overlook, and guided and self-guided tours.

Installation of the display involved dozens of riggers and two cranes. The flag, which is roughly the dimensions of a football field, has been previously used for celebrations at Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders football games.

Within two days after it was hung, gusts of wind up to 50 mph prompted organizers to lower the flag last Wednesday as the National Weather Service declared a wind advisory for the area. Organizers raised the flag again late Friday.

Strong winds are not uncommon in the area. Organizers said weather “may periodically require the flag to be temporarily lowered.” Updates on the flag’s status can be found on the Hoover Dam Facebook page.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority paid for the display. A spokeswoman said the cost, including flag, production, installation costs and six weeks of lighting, will be between $750,000 and $1 million.

The dam, a five-year construction job that was completed in 1936 during the depths of the Great Depression, is often hailed as one of the nation’s most impressive works of infrastructure. Though this is not the first time a flag has been draped on it, organizers have called the display “the most ambitious long-duration installation ever attempted at Hoover Dam.”

A BEAUTIFUL city in Germany has been named one of the best hidden gems in Europe.

European Best Destinations has announced its list of ‘Best Treasure Destinations in Europe 2026’, naming any that have ‘rare beauty, timeless charm and extraordinary places still preserved from mass tourism’.

At the very top of its list is Tübingen in Germany.

The publication called the city an “amazing treasure destination in Europe“.

It added that it’s “a traditional university town; about one in three people living there is a student.

“From its historical sites to its beautiful green spaces, there are so many unique things to do in Tübingen.“

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The city in southwest Germany has a very pretty Old Town, translated to Altstadt.

Tübingen is considered ‘untouched’ as unlike other German cities as it avoided being bombed in World War Two.

So it still has it’s pastel-coloured 15th-century half-timbered houses and cobblestone roads filled with independent and boutique shops, pubs, cafés, and restaurants.

One visitor said: “We went there in the middle of summer and the view was really beautiful. Between the alleys, typically German, colorful houses and flower railings.”

Another said the Old Town is “definitely the most beautiful place in the city. The square is plenty of restaurants and terrasses. It’s a good place to drink something and enjoy the atmosphere, especially in summer.”

One of the most famous sites in the city is the Hölderlin Tower, the former home of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin.

The tower was built in the late 18th century and sits on the Neckar River.

It’s now a museum with a permanent exhibition dedicated to Friedrich Hölderlin during the time that he lived in the tower.

Another popular activity is getting on Neckar River for Oxford-style punting.

Public punting along the Neckar River runs seasonally from May to September.

One of the tour operators offers sessions from €70 (£60.54) per hour – this price is for a whole boat seating up to 16 people.

There are different tours available, some along the riverfront, others head to Neckar Island and sunset tours during the evening.

There are some food specialities to enjoy while visiting Tübingen including Maultaschen – pasta filled with minced meat, spinach, bread crumbs and onions.

There’s also Käsespätzle which are cheese noodles, the region is also known for its wines like Trollinger and Lemberger.

For Brits, the easiest way to get to Tübingen is to fly to Stuttgart, and then drive 40-minutes south of the airport.

One iconic Disney movie now has its own official area at Disneyland Paris, and we got to enjoy the incredible opening ceremony as well as enjoying the brand new ride that Disney fans have been long anticipating

It’s difficult to believe that 13 years have passed since Frozen first graced our cinema screens. The adventures of Elsa and Anna soon became one of the most commercially successful animated pictures ever made, with its follow-up arriving in 2019. This means virtually every parent with primary school-aged children will, at some stage, find themselves able to reel off every word to Let It Go.

My seven year old daughter has kept the Frozen films on constant repeat on Disney+ for years. There’s something about the heartwarming stories of the two sisters that proves utterly captivating for her generation, even though she wasn’t born when the films originally came out. So when the opportunity arose to visit Disneyland Paris for the launch of Disney Adventure World featuring the World of Frozen – previously known as Walt Disney Studios Park – I responded with an enthusiastic yes.

The attraction forms part of ambitious expansion schemes for Disneyland Paris, and features stunning landscaped gardens surrounding a lake, brand-new dining venues and retail outlets, and arguably most importantly, the opportunity to enter Arendelle itself and become immersed in the magic. Not only was this my maiden voyage to Arendelle, it was also a first Disney adventure for both myself and my daughter, which made it all the more exciting.

Before the official opening back in March, we were treated to an exclusive preview, allowing us to explore the town at leisure, and it’s genuinely breathtaking. While Frozen is set in an imaginary kingdom, it draws heavily on Norwegian influences, and the park has recreated this flawlessly.

Against the striking backdrop of an enormous artificial North Mountain — where you can spot Elsa’s frozen palace shimmering in the distance — charming wooden structures are dotted throughout, packed with little nods to the film that will thrill Frozen fans.

Following a stroll around the lake soaking up the scenery, we kicked off our day with a visit to get my daughter’s hair styled. There’s a rustic wooden cabin beside the lake where children can select from an array of Scandinavian-inspired hairstyles including plaits and updos, finished with Frozen-themed hair embellishments. Face painting and flower crowns are also available for that authentic Arendelle style.

We also had a look inside the new Nordic Crowns Tavern, a welcoming spot at the heart of the park offering fast-service dining choices. The menu featured meatballs, fish, and other foods that complement the overall Scandinavian atmosphere of Arendelle.

But the star attraction is undoubtedly the World of Frozen ride, and so climbing aboard a boat, we set off into the unknown. The experience perfectly retells the story from the first film, guiding you through various scenes where you’ll spot familiar faces from the trolls, or love experts, to Sven, before going up a steep incline towards Elsa’s frozen fortress.

As the melody of Let It Go echoes around you, your boat suddenly hurtles backwards at pace, before you’re hurled from the North Mountain by the fearsome Marshmallow down a dramatic plunge. One tip for riders – don’t leave anything you don’t want soaked on the floor. I ended up having to use a hairdryer on my passport after my backpack got drenched through.

You then enjoy a firework display accompanied by delightful Frozen songs. My seven year old absolutely adored the experience, and it proved to be a trip highlight. And yes, we took a second spin — it would have been rude not to.

Time your arrival well and you can catch a Celebration in Arendelle, where beloved characters perform a spectacular show on boats across the water, and naturally, you can arrange a meet and greet with Anna and Elsa – although advance booking is required for this.

For those wanting to enjoy more Disney princess encounters without the lengthy waits, the new Regal View Restaurant is essential. I must confess, it feels somewhat strange stepping into an upscale restaurant after a morning spent at a theme park, and I felt rather underdressed compared to the elegant interior adorned with oil paintings and Disney-inspired ceramics.

That said, the staff were nothing short of delightful. As we settled in and enjoyed a three-course French meal, complete with charming nods to Disney princesses — from edible rose petals to dainty crowns — the princesses strolled between the tables to meet guests.

We were lucky enough to meet four princesses from the comfort of our seats, including Jasmine and Mulan, and each one was brilliantly professional and wonderfully engaging. My little one can be on the shy side when meeting characters, but they soon had her chatting away and practising princess twirls, and we had ample time to snap plenty of photos.

It’s certainly not a budget option, at €100 for adults and €50 for children for the set menu (roughly £86 and £43), but it made for a thoroughly relaxed and enjoyable experience — one that’s truly worth saving for a special occasion.

Amid all the buzz surrounding the World of Frozen, the brand-new Tangled ride was somewhat overlooked, though it’s an absolute gem for younger children. On Raiponce Tangled Spin, you gently drift around on spinning boats beneath a canopy of lanterns, making it the ideal attraction for little ones.

That evening, we made our way to the opening ceremony, where in a spectacular burst of glitter and confetti, the gates were flung wide open. Much like the iconic moment in the original film when the gates of Arendelle parted, there was an electric rush of excitement as we followed a brass band belting out beloved Frozen tunes.

French singer Santa took to the stage to perform Let It Go, amongst other songs, officially marking the park’s opening, with visitors making a beeline for the new ride and the chance to meet the princesses.

Rounding off the experience at the World of Frozen is a brand-new night-time spectacular, Disney Cascade of Lights, set on the lake. Combining drones, fireworks and pyrotechnics, it’s a breathtaking achievement and the ideal way to close the day for any Disney fan.

All in all, World of Frozen made for a magical experience and stands as one of the crown jewels of Disneyland Paris. As a first-time visitor to Disney, expectations were high, and the extraordinary attention to detail and outstanding entertainment on offer in Arendelle more than delivered. But above all else, watching my daughter wander around wide-eyed with wonder throughout the entire visit made every moment of the journey absolutely worthwhile.

Find out more on disneylandparis.com.

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A study has named Europe’s most overrated tourist attractions, with a number of bucket-list destinations that visitors say aren’t worth the bother due to overcrowding and expensive tickets

As the summer season kicks in, queues at Europe’s most popular attractions are set to grow even longer – but landmark named as an ‘overrated’ hotspot may simply not be worth the wait.

A data analysis examining a range of Europe’s top attractions, assessing average review scores alongside factors such as overcrowding, cleanliness and entertainment value, has revealed the ten most overrated sights on the continent. Surprisingly, many of them are iconic landmarks that feature on countless tourists’ bucket lists.

Topping the list is the vast Palace of Versailles, the lavish château commissioned by King Louis XIV on the outskirts of Paris. Despite the estate’s undeniable grandeur, the study – carried out by price comparison site idealo found a significant number of reviews from disenchanted visitors, with nearly a third of reviewers flagging overcrowding as a major gripe.

Although the palace holds an impressive 4.7 rating on Google, a clear pattern of complaints emerges among its negative reviews. One frustrated visitor wrote: “It’s another tourist trap. This place is so crowded. Most art works are of replicas, the real ones are stored at the Louvre museum.

“There’s not enough toilet facilities for the number of visitors and every part of the palace requires another ticket: the king’s apartment, the queen’s apartment, the garden, the virtue, all cost extra.”, they added.

Another review from several months back stated: “It was impossible to enjoy the palace with the sheer number of people crammed into the spaces-it even felt unsafe in such a crowd.” However, a more enthusiastic review declared: “Beautiful place to visit. So much history! Fantastic architecture and amazing art.”

Coming in second was Park Güell in Barcelona, and while this collection of outdoor spaces designed by Antoni Gaudí boasts plenty of distinctive architectural elements, not every visitor was won over, reports the Express.

One critical review remarked: “My honest opinion is don’t bother. It’s €18 to walk around a kind of country park. There are 3 houses which you can see better on the website. How people are rating it 4 I do not know.

“Nothing but a money making tourist trap. The walk up to the entrance is about 20 minutes uphill and loads of steps too. Seriously, don’t waste your money.”

Yet a recent review offered: “It’s a very nice park with several great spots for taking photos. I recommend buying tickets in advance, but you can also get them on-site if you go early. I recommend going in the morning when the park opens.”

Claiming third place was the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, celebrated for its world-renowned frescoes adorning the ceiling, painted by Michelangelo. But despite its stunning 16th century artwork and legendary reputation, not everyone enjoyed their experience.

Many reviewers grumbled that the visit felt hurried, excessively crowded, and that photography of the famous ceiling was prohibited. One tourist described being: “Forced through a maze like cattle. Took an hour to get to the Chapel once we entered. Only saving grace wax we bought tickets to miss the regular line. I think people were waiting over an hour just to get in.”

Another complained: “The artwork is of course amazing. However, the shoulder to shoulder crowding throughout the museum made it difficult to appreciate anything but oversold tickets.”

Europe’s most overrated tourist attractions in 2026 – full list

1. Palace of Versailles, Versailles
2. Park Güell, Barcelona
3. Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
4. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria
5. Prague Castle, Prague
6. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
7. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
8. Arc de Triomphe, Paris
9. Louvre Museum, Paris
10. Eiffel Tower, Paris

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Parents who are wondering how to fill the six week holidays should take a look at this offer on Merlin passes, which not only offer unlimited park visits, but also other passholder perks

Merlin has launched a summer sale that slashes the cost of annual passes and monthly memberships in time for the six-week school holidays.

The sale, launched today by the owner of a number of theme parks and attractions across the UK, means theme park fans can enjoy discounts on both Gold and Platinum passes, as well as monthly memberships, giving them unlimited access to over 20 UK attractions. These include Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, LEGOLAND, and Chessington.

Best of all, if you opt for a Gold membership at the discounted price of £16.99 a month, this works out cheaper than a monthly Netflix Premium subscription, which costs £18.99 a month. So, you can enjoy lots of days out with the kids and screen-free time over the summer without worrying about entry fees.

You can currently buy an annual pass at Gold or Platinum level with £50 off the total price. This brings Gold membership down from £239 to £189 a year, and Platinum down from £299 to £249. If you prefer to pay monthly, the sale has slashed Gold from £19.99 a month to £16.99, and Platinum from £24.99 to £20.99.

Gold memberships, whether annual or monthly, include 364 days’ entry to over 20 Merlin attractions, free parking, and 20% off food, drinks, and shopping. Platinum members get these perks with no exclusion dates, four bring-a-friend passes, a free one-shot Fastrack per visit, and other extras.

While it’s not included in the sale, there’s also the cheapest Merlin Essentials pass for £139 a year, which offers unlimited access for 339 days of the year. However, parents should note that exclusion dates include Saturdays in August, at the peak of the school holidays.

Merlin’s parks are set to be popular with families this summer thanks to the addition of some major new rides aimed at the younger crowd. The brand-new World of PAW Patrol at Chessington World of Adventures Resort opened in early May, and includes four pup-themed rides, play areas, and meet and greets. Over at Alton Towers, CBeebies Land also recently opened Bluey the Ride: Here Come The Grannies!, a must-visit for fans of the Heeler family.

In addition to its well-known theme parks, Merlin also operates a range of family-friendly attractions that make perfect school holiday days out. These include the London Eye, SEA LIFE centres, Madame Tussauds, and Cadbury World, meaning it’s easy to make the most out of your pass.

For comparison, booking a day ticket to Alton Towers starts at £34, so if you live near a Merlin theme park or visit a lot, you could soon get your money’s worth.

If you’re planning a one-off visit, then Cadbury is currently running a promotion on selected packs offering half-price tickets. Simply pick up an eligible product and visit fun.cadbury.co.uk to enter your barcode to receive a discount code and a link to book your tickets at 50% off.

The Merlin Pass Summer Sale ends June 28. For more information or to purchase, visit the Merlin website.

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THERE’S a landmark right by one of the UK’s biggest airports and we bet you don’t know about it.

Think about the last time you flew from Gatwick Airport in London – you would have been right next to a huge part of the UK’s aviation history.

Gatwick’s original terminal still stands today but it isn’t like any other terminal you will have seen before.

Instead, the terminal was Art Deco and the first circular airport terminal in the world, leading it to be nicknamed The Beehive.

The circular terminal was four floors in total with the main floor having three layers.

The outer part was home to customs as well as storage and toilets, and in the centre of the circle, was the main concourse along with three shops and a post office.

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Between these two layers was another layer that was mainly used as office space, but did include a bar and lounge.

The terminal had a control tower in the centre as well, with 360-degree views.

Outside of the terminal, there were four grass landing strips.

Morris Jackaman bought the site back in 1933 for £13,500 – which is around £1.25million now.

According to the BBC, the circular design came about by accident after Morris’ father warned him if he wasn’t careful, “he’d be thinking around in circles” about the design.

The terminal was built between 1935 and 1936 and operated its first flight – which was to Paris – in 1936.

It was also the first airport to link train and air travel into one place – before, travellers would usually have to head to the closest town and then hop on a bus or in a taxi to the airport.

The airport linked the two via underground tunnels and pull-out canopies which meant passengers could walk direct from the train to their plane completely undercover, even if it rained.

Today, the 130metre tunnel still stands but is sectioned off and mainly used as storage.

When you emerged from the tunnel, you would be in the atrium of the terminal, with three check-in desks in front of you – all of which still stand today.

What are now the fire exit doors, used to be where passengers would step out of the terminal and head to their plane.

When World War II broke out in 1939, operations at the airport stopped as it was then used as a base for the Royal Air Force.

And by the time the war was over, commercial flights had increased in popularity and so the terminal was retired.

It wasn’t until 1958 when it was decided that Gatwick would be London’s second airport, with a much larger building replacing the former terminal, nearby.

In 1996, The Beehive was then Grade II listed and today is used as office spaces – and is sadly closed to the general public.

However, inside the modern terminal you will find The Beehive Wetherspoons pub named after the terminal.

Decor in the pub nods to the old terminal with honeycomb patterns and a curved bar.

As seen on screen in Disney’s hit show Rivals, this country home is just as beautiful in real life now that fans of the show can see it up close and personal

Rivals is back on our screens once again, and with it comes a growing intrigue into the beautiful setting, based predominantly in the UK’s Cotswolds, including this stunning manor.

Playing a huge part in the Disney Plus series is its countryside setting, with beautiful backdrops and unbelievable luxury homes all set within the fictional county of Rutshire.

One of those very settings is The Priory, the home belonging to Declan O’Hara in the show, a highly regarded Irish TV presenter and journalist. Although, in real life, it’s privately owned by an entirely different family and known as Chavenage House.

Set back within Tetbury, the home was up until recently under the helm of the chatelaine and matriarch for 67 years, Rona Lowsley-Williams. Rona sadly passed away in July 2025 and is much to thank for transforming the estate from a fading Edwardian household to a visitor attraction.

It stands proudly as an Elizabethan house, a Grade I listed building, built in 1576 by a man named Edward Stephens. Over time it has transformed with extensions done in the 17th, 19th and 20th centuries, looking rather different from its more humble beginnings but keeping with the original style and materials.

Filming

The house has been used as a prime filming location for a number of film and TV productions, not just for Rivals. Famous faces have graced its grounds over the last few decades, including the likes of Eddie Redmayne, Jamie Dornan and Aidan Turner.

A big example of this is the BBC’s Poldark, where Chavenage portrays the fictional house of Trenwith in the series. It also featured as Candleford Manor in the BBC’s Lark Rise to Candleford from 2008 while also appearing in The House of Eliott, Casualty and Dracula, to name a few.

Now, outside of its scheduled filming, the wonderful home is open for the public to see and explore a real-life set of their favourite show.

Visiting

According to its website, the opportunity to tour the house is limited and so allows for guests to make reservations prior to turning up, subject to availability, as it is a privately owned residence after all.

The cost of this unique attraction is £12 a head for adults with a minimum group size of 21 and £6 for children. If group tours aren’t available and an individual visit is wanted, the bespoke private tour will begin at £250.

A recent visitor claimed it’s unmissable, writing on TripAdvisor: “This privately owned manor is full of history and artefacts, and the owners are lovely people. What a treat to have a personal tour of this incredibly special place, built in the Elizabethan period. If you have seen Poldark, you will recognise many of the scenes filmed in this historic home.”

Another shared: “Wow. After visiting many beautiful estates and castles (Buscot and Highclere), I didn’t expect to be blown away. However beautiful they were, I enjoyed Chavenage House so much more.

“Primarily, because the host was personally invested – he is part of the Lowsley-Williams family that has been at home here since 1891 and takes great pride in personally giving the tour. This truly makes a difference; the personal stories, pride and detail makes it very intimate.”

You can find out more on chavenage.com.

A BRAND-NEW train service has been halted just a week after its launch due to a mechanical fault.

The new route promises low prices and faster, direct services to London.

Lumo services between London Euston and Stirling have been cancelled in both directions due to a mechanical fault on the service’s sole train.

The journey was set to depart from Stirling at 8:50am this morning, travelling on the West Coast Main Line to get to London Euston by 3pm.

Passengers have been encouraged to check Lumo’s website for updates, and will face no extra cost for using alternative train services.

In a post on X, Lumo said Stirling and Larbert passengers would receive a taxi or road transport service to Motherwell to join an Avanti West Coast service.

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Greenfaulds and Whifflet passengers expected to travel by ScotRail to get there.

Passengers travelling from Carlisle, Preston, Crewe, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes were told to join either Avanti West Coast or London Northwestern services to get to Euston.

A spokesperson for Lumo said: “Since launch, the vast majority of our services have operated as planned, however, a few services have been cancelled with alternative travel offered to customers.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and are working closely with Alstom who maintain the trains to ensure minimal disruption to customer journeys.”

Only launched last week, the new route offers budget travel routes betwen London and Stirling, costing £29.90.

For some Scottish towns, this service became the first direct rail route to London.

The faulty train is said to be a refurbised Class 222 Meridian train, previously used by East Midlands Railway.

Lumo hopes to increase its schedule to four daily services, plus an additional journey between Euston and Preston, as early as late July using more new trains.

It is unknown what caused the train fault, but rail services on the London Euston to Stirling route are expected to resume on Tuesday.

A STUNNING 25-acre lavender field is opening to the public for summer.

From this weekend, visitors will be able to visit a sprawling purple paradise for the ultimate picturesque walk.

Mayfield Lavender Farm offers expansive floral fields, perfect for frolicking, and welcomes visitors during the warmer months every year.

With the lavender plants blooming once again, the Surrey farm is open for days out from Saturday, June 6.

Opening hours are from 9am to 6pm every day, with last entries at 5:15pm.

With 25-acres of sensationally scented land to explore, the area is located in Banstead, just 15 miles from central London.

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It also provides the perfect backdrop for some striking photography or a serene summer stroll.

With the farm’s gates set to remain open until August 23, flower fans can expect the plants to offer the best blooms in mid July.

There’s even a contrasting red phone box nestled amongst the violet buds that provides a rather aesthetically pleasing Instagram photo opportunity.

Entry to Mayfield is affordable with ticket prices for adults and children over 11 starting from £7.40. Tickets for little ones aged between four and 11 start at £2.50, while under fours get in for free.

General admission tickets allow entry to the fields with access to the on-site cafe and shop.

There’s also the option to pay a little more for the likes of a tractor ride around the fields, the opportunity to adopt a lavender plant and get access to the farm’s potting station.

Tickets can be purchased upon arrival, but it’s recommended to grab them online before you go during busier periods like weekends and school holidays.

There is free parking on site, too, although it is limited.

Visitors can also make their way to the lavender farm via train from London Bridge Station to Woodmansterne, with services taking as little as 40 minutes.

A FAMILY attraction said to be “one of the best attractions in Scotland” is getting a major upgrade.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, Scotland is to open a new toboggan-style ride in time for summer.

The ride will be in the Forest Adventure Zone at the amusement park and feature six lanes ideal for family races.

The first of its kind experience will weave through the ancient pinewood forest, with both open-air and undercover sections.

And it won’t be the only new arrival at the ‘all inclusive’ amusement park, where all attractions both indoors and outdoors are included in the ticket price.

Kids eager to let off steam will be able to jump on new bouncing pillows and tackle an obstacle course.

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There will also be a new hexagonal swing, climbing frame and an accessibility roundabout.

For little kids, there will be musical instruments and a sand pit too.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park opened back in 1970 and has over 22 indoor and outdoor attractions including Wild Water Coasters, a Butterfly House and Dinosaur Kingdom.

There have been several new additions over the past five years as well, including an aerial net adventure and treetop trail.

One recent visitor said: “An absolute must for anyone visiting anywhere around Carrbridge.

“There is something for all ages to enjoy and everything is the very best quality.

“Landmark is easily one of the best attractions in Scotland and it never ever disappoints.

“Rain or shine, this is the place to be for wholesome family fun.”

Tickets cost from £34 per adult and £32 per child over three-years-old.

An aeroplane had to be sent back to the airport it took off from after an incident mid-air

Air travellers are being forced to think carefully about Bluetooth rules on flights after a plane was sent back to an airport and evacuated. The incident has reportedly led to the arrest of a passenger.

Headlines today suggest that refusing to follow the rules may result in the flight returning to the airport for safety reasons. On Saturday afternoon, a flight took off for Palma de Mallorca in Spain from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Yet some time later, while over the Atlantic, it was forced to return to the airport it set off from due to a security emergency, reports say.

For UK travellers, the incident will emphasise the importance of following airline rules. It will also require many to check them to make sure they adhere to the guidance.

easyJet rules on Bluetooth use

easyJet’s website states that you can use portable electronic devices on board for activities such as playing games, reading e-books, watching movies and listening to your favourite music. The airline says passengers can use most devices during all parts (take-off, the flight and landing) of the journey.

The site adds: “All devices must be in ‘flight safe’ mode for taxi, take-off, inflight and landing and held securely in your hand or in your pocket. During the taxi-in to the arrival gate the cabin crew will let you know when you can make telephone calls or send text messages.”

The airline also notes that some devices can be used for boarding and in-flight provided they are in “flight safe” mode. However, this is not the case during taxi, take-off and landing – as they must then be safely stowed away in the overhead locker. These are:

• All Bluetooth accessories (wireless keyboard, headphones etc)
• Notebooks
• Large music players
• Ultra books
• Laptops
• DVD players
• Large electronic games

easyJet says that devices that do not have a “flight safe” mode will need to be turned off for the duration of the flight. There may be times when the pilot or cabin crew may ask for all electronic devices to be switched off so please follow their instructions, the airline says.

In the incident in America on Saturday, according to some passengers who spoke to the website AirLive, the crew had ordered passengers to immediately disconnect all Bluetooth devices. However, after repeated requests, at least two devices remained on.

The pilots decided to return to USA, Spanish news website El Diario reports. Reports say the threat originated from a device referred to by “a certain four-letter word.”

Passengers reportedly told aviation media that the message read ‘BOMB’. After landing back at Newark, the plane was evacuated while security staff inspected the aircraft.

The authorities later said it was the name of a device and arrested the suspect. According to media reports, he was a teenager.

Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI rules on Bluetooth use

Airline rules for UK travellers on popular carriers are clear on what passengers need to do. Ryanair’s website has a a section entitled “Will I be able to use my phone/device/electronics on board?”

It says: “Yes. You may use your laptop, tablet, smartphone and other electronic devices on board Ryanair flights. Your device will need to be switched to flight mode for the entire flight duration.

“Laptops and larger electronics can be used once the fasten seatbelt sign has been turned off. For safety reasons, these items must be kept in the overhead locker or stored in your bag under your seat when the aircraft is taxiing (moving towards the runway for take-off or towards the terminal after landing), take-off and landing stages of your flight.”

Jet2’s website also offers guidance for passengers. It says: “You can use all handheld electronic devices and Bluetooth gadgets, such as headphones, throughout the flight, as long as they’re switched to flight mode while onboard.

“Larger gadgets, such as laptops, must be switched off and put away for take-off and landing. If there are any changes to this, the captain or our cabin crew will let you know.”

TUI’s website has a similar section about using personal electronic devices on a flight. Its guidance states that passengers can use things like MP3 players, e-books, smartphones, and other handheld personal electronic devices at any time during a flight, unless they are told otherwise by the crew – “as long as they’re switched to ‘Flight Safe Mode’ or ‘Airplane Mode’.”

The site adds: “That said, please make sure you listen carefully to the safety briefing by the cabin crew. You’ll not be able to use any type of clip-on product to hold your phone or tablet on TUI flights, as you’re not allowed to attach anything to your tray tables or seats.”

The airline says that if you are carrying larger devices like laptops and larger tablets, you will be able to use them during the flight. However, it emphasises that they will need to be switched off for take-off and landing and stowed away.

The airline says: “You’ll need to take these items out of your hand luggage before you get to the security search point. This is because they’ll need extra screening. If any of your electronic devices can’t be switched to ‘Flight Safe’ or ‘Airplane Mode’, they’ll need to be switched off completely throughout the flight. Please also be aware that you won’t be able to charge your laptop on the flight.”

ONE of the UK’s prettiest islands has been forced to ban people travelling there once a week.

Ulva is home to just 16 people but after it starred on a TV show, has experienced ‘unprecedented interest’ by tourists.

In a bid to control the number of people visiting the small Scottish island, the local and only ferry service has announced it will not run on Sundays.

Ulva is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland found off the west coast of the Isle of Mull.

The island receives an influx of visitors during the spring and summertime – but this year has had more than ever.

This is a result of the TV show, Banjo & Ro’s Grand Island Hotel being aired on BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

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Banjo and Ro who hail from Australia appeared on the series renovating Ulva House – a Regency home that will open as a hotel.

Since the show aired, the island has become much busier – so much so that the ferry operator has decided to close on certain days.

The ferry is the only way to get to Ulva as it crosses the strait from Mull in around 5-minutes.

The foot passenger ferry operates on weekdays from 9am to 5.30pm and does not operate on Saturdays.

In recent news, the ferry announced it will no longer carry passengers across on Sundays either.

In a recent post, it said: “None of us could have predicted how significant the increase in the numbers of visitors would be, so to give ourselves, the Boathouse [restaurant] and fellow islanders the chance to recharge and prepare for the week ahead, we have made the difficult decision not to open Sundays this summer.”

For those who have already pre-booked a trip to the island in June, July or August, the ferry operator has said that it will still help visitors across.

Banjo and Ro already run The Boathouse on Ulva, a restaurant where visitors can pick up a coffee or local fish dishes.

The island is car-free island with cliffs, moorlands, woodland as well as quiet beaches and bays.

Talking to Sun Travel about the island, Banjo described it as “another world” and there’s plenty of wildlife to spot too.

Banjo said: “We’ve got otters, dolphins and seals swimming by, and one ferry you can take from Ulva is called Turus Mara which goes to the Treshnish Isles, it’s home to puffins.

“Often we go there for a puffin picnic just to sit with them, that’s one of our favourite things to do.

“There are more cows than people too so you’re likely to see a lot of them. And you’ve got a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights when the sun goes down.”

When it comes to activities on the island, of course Banjo suggests stopping at The Boathouse for a “pre-walk coffee” then a walk to Ormaig.

Here is where there are ruins of the island’s villages.

Another attraction is Livingston’s Cave, and nearby you’ll see “gorgeous view of Inch Kenneth where the Mitford sisters used to live”.

Then Banjo said: “Head back to The Boathouse for lunch – we serve fresh langoustines, crab and lobster which you can enjoy with a fresh bottle of wine.”

Flights were delayed at two major UK airport because of jet fuel supply issues on Sunday evening. Passengers on ten flights flying out of Glasgow and Edinburgh airport faced delays.

The two Scottish airports have now said their operations are returning to normal after issues with the supply of jet fuel on Sunday evening.

The situation around the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been severely constrained since the outbreak of the Iran war, has led to a reduction in the global supply of jet fuel. However the issues at the two Scottish airports are understood to be linked to a shortage in drivers for fuel lorries rather than the global market.

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport said 10 flights were delayed on Sunday, but deliveries had resumed on Monday.

A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said: “A short‑term staffing issue has affected one of the fuel suppliers used by airlines at the airport, with work underway to return stock levels to normal. There have been no related flight cancellations, and the airport remains fully operational.”

The spokesperson said fuel stocks are now returning to normal and there was no widespread disruption despite delays to some flights. Jet fuel is purchased by airlines, while the airports provide storage and infrastructure.

Finding affordable hotel accommodation in Europe’s coastal hotspots in summer can be a challenge, especially if you’d rather not settle for a soulless budget chain or youth hostel. Whether it’s a grand old hotel on the French Riviera that oozes faded glamour or a charming guesthouse on the Amalfi coast, we’d love to hear about European seaside hotels that feel special without blowing the budget.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 8 June at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

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AN English busway, hailed as the longest in the world, is on track to get a £150million upgrade.

Building work on the busway is set to begin in January 2027, with construction hoping to improve travel times and reliability for commuters.

Cambourne and Cambridge are set to become connected by the busway, as Cambridgeshire County Council announces they are searching for contractors.

Named the Cambourne to Cambridge busway, or the C2C, the service will span the 13.6km distance between the locations.

The journey becomes part of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, a rapid transit service that connects Cambridge, Huntingdon and St Ives.

It is currently the longest busway in the world at 25km long, beating the O-Bahn Busway in Adelaide, South Australia.

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Plans will see a segregated guided busway with adjoining emergency and maintenance access tracks, including public transport stops between Cambourne and Cambridge.

A brand new Travel Hub, with a park and ride service, will also be constructed, providing spaces 2,000 spaces for cars, bikes, and coaches as part of the “turn up and go” scheme.

Constructing this busway aims to improve journey times and reliability of public transport, also creating jobs and more housing in the area.

The council estimates work to complete this upgrade will cost around £180million including VAT, and £150million without.

Now, interested contractors have until noon on July 2, 2026, to submit requests to participate in the construction, with the award decision date set for December.

It is hoped that construction will begin as early as January 4, 2027, and be completed in December 2030.

A GuruWalk study found the world’s most walkable destination for travellers fascinated by ancient history

The old adage that the best things in life are free rings particularly true when it comes to travel. Exploring a city on foot, rather than wrestling with bewildering public transport networks or splashing out on car hire, is one of the finest ways to immerse yourself in unfamiliar surroundings — and it won’t cost you a penny.

Free walking tours are a firm favourite amongst seasoned travellers as a brilliant way to get acquainted with a new city while soaking up a bit of local history.

Europe is brimming with historic cities where you can stroll between landmarks in just a few minutes, including Cordoba in Spain, whose magnificent Old Town has even earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

The ability to simply wander up to a World Heritage Site is a remarkable privilege that’s easy to overlook, yet far from an everyday occurrence. But when it comes to exploring your surroundings on foot, one European city — dubbed an “open-air museum” — stands head and shoulders above the rest as the ultimate walkable destination.

A study by GuruWalk, the world’s largest platform for free walking tours, has crowned Rome the most walkable destination on the planet for “travellers fascinated by ancient history”, drawing on the preferences of more than four million users of the platform.

The city’s historic centre is packed with unmissable sights, while its surrounding streets and winding cobblestone alleyways are frequently too narrow for traffic to navigate, making it an absolute must for exploring on foot.

Many of Rome’s most iconic attractions, including The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain are within a mere 20-minute stroll of one another, with countless stunning Baroque piazzas to pause at along the way.

The oldest surviving structure in Rome, the present-day Pantheon — which originally functioned as a temple dedicated to Roman deities — was finished in 126 AD and sits encircled by three of the city’s most cherished squares: Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, and Campo de Fiori, reports the Express.

Reflecting on the awe-inspiring monument, one Tripadvisor reviewer remarked: “We didn’t get to go in so this review is only in regards to the outside. I thought it was so cool to see. You’re walking through a city and suddenly walk right next to this beautiful ancient structure. There’s so much history to it!”

Indeed, there’s no finer method of immersing yourself in Ancient Rome than by meandering through its storied streets. A visit to the Vatican — the heart of the Roman Catholic Church and location of one of the world’s grandest churches, St Peter’s Basilica — wouldn’t be complete without popping into the nearby Pizzarium.

This beloved Roman establishment, famed for its pizza al taglio (by the slice), is adored by both residents and tourists, and there’s an abundance more to discover while exploring — from velvety gelato and piping hot bowls of pasta to a crisp Aperol Spritz to round things off.

If you find yourself worn out from all that strolling, there’s plenty of coffee bars to choose from, but be aware that milky coffees are only deemed acceptable before 11am, with tradition suggesting it’s wise to order an espresso after that time.

According to GuruWalk’s 2026 top ranking for Rome, it stated: “Rome has captivated travellers for over 2,700 years thanks to its unparalleled historical legacy. Walking through its cobblestone alleyways reveals one treasure after another: the Colosseum, where gladiators battled before 50,000 spectators, the Pantheon with its unreinforced concrete dome that remains the largest in the world, and the baroque fountains that spring up at every corner. Every step transports you through empires, popes, and renaissances.”

GuruWalk’s top 10 walkable cities in 2026:

1. Rome, Italy
2. Madrid, Spain
3. Budapest, Hungary
4. Prague, Czech Republic
5. Lisbon, Portugal
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
7. Porto, Portugal
8. Barcelona, Spain
9. London, United Kingdom
10. Berlin, Germany