Travel Desk

A BRAND-NEW luxury holiday resort is under construction in the Cotswolds – and it will have cabins, a natural spa and swimming pools.

The whole project is predicted to cost £24million and it’s due to open in 2027 in Langley, Oxfordshire.

CABÜ is in the process of building 51 self-catered ‘eco timber cabins‘ with wooden panels and green window detail.

Each will have either one, two or three bedrooms inside.

The high-end resort will have lots of facilities for relaxation, from large swimming pools to its natural spa with hot tubs, saunas and a plunge bucket.

The indoor swimming pool which is surrounded by loungers and huge windows.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

Along with an outdoor pool, there will also be a shop, restaurant, two bars, an events space and a sitooterie social space.

The website says “Our Cotswolds holiday cabins are being designed for year-round stays, with plans to offer relaxing 2, 3 and 4-night breaks that balance comfort, wellbeing and nature-led experiences.”

The new site will be a short distance from popular villages in the Cotswolds like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford.

The resort will be the third of its kind to open in the UK.

Two others CABÜ By The Sea in St Marys Bay in Kent and CABÜ By The Lakes at Killykeen Forest Park in Ireland.

CABÜ by the Sea sits on a stretch of privately owned grassland next to the seafront between Romney Marsh and the English Channel.

Rates for two-night stays in a one bedroom studio cabin start from £375.

Two-night stays in two bedroom cabins start from £495.

Meanwhile, CABÜ by the Lakes is found deep within the woods of Killykeen Forest Park in Co. Cavan.

This unique hideaway has log cabins and lake houses – it also has a nature spa with a forest bathing area and a Japanese Bath.

Rates for two-night stays in one bedroom cabins at the lakes start from €485 (£415).

Two-night stays in three bedroom cabins start from €650 (£556).

Louise Goodridge went to Butlin’s with her pal, only for that friendship trip to end with a blazing row. A sad direction for the holiday to go in, but one that would lead Louise to love

The Amalfi Coast. Paris. Venice. Butlin’s.

It’s at the last of these romantic places that Louise Goodridge met the love of her life.

The now 59-year-old went to the resort with her pal, only for that friendship trip to end with a blazing row. A sad direction for the holiday to go in, but one that would lead Louise to love.

Louise decided to head to the Minehead holiday camp through Gingerbread, which organises activities for single parents, including short breaks.

“I’d originally gone down with a friend and I hadn’t noticed him at first!” Louise said of the man who would soon take her breath away.

“It’s a really stupid story, but I had an argument over a loaf of bread with my friend. She ended up leaving me at Butlins and drove off in her car. I’d given her fuel money and everything.”

In the wake of the fallout, Louise was looking for someone to give her a lift to her home in Watford. Enter Gary, who, as luck would have it, lived ten miles away in Amersham.

“So I got left alone, with no way of getting back to Watford, which is where I was living. I had to go to the group and say, ‘Do you think anyone could give me a lift back?’ And that’s when Gary volunteered to drive me. He invited me out afterwards for a cup of tea and a piece of cake whilst we were on this trip out,” Louise explained.

“We’ve not been separated since that day.”

For the single mum, it wasn’t Gary’s appearance that initially won her over.

“I can’t say I really liked the look of him, but I liked his personality! I’m an honest person. He was funny, and we had a lot in common, so we had lots to talk about,” she said.

Louise knew she really liked Gary after their first date, on which they’d spent an entire night not doing anything other than talking and then singing through the Simon and Garfunkel catalogue. Just a handful of weeks later and they were living together.

“This year we will have been together for 34 years and we got married on our first anniversary of meeting. So we met on the 24 October 1991, and we got married on the 24 October 1992,” Louise added.

While the couple were sure of one another, others close to them weren’t so convinced.

“My mum wasn’t a huge fan of Gary. He was 10 years older. I was only 25 then, so I was 25 years old and he was 34. My grandparents also didn’t like him either. My friends were alright about it. Gary’s family were much more tolerant than mine,” Louise said.

Gary has a quicker summary of their romance.

“Well, it was a case of, ‘Oh, she looks alright.’ She looked slightly rattled on the day and I then invited her out for a cup of tea and a piece of cake. And that was it,” he said.

As to why she chose Butlin’s, Louise said: “It was cheap, and as a single parent on benefits, there’s no way I could have afforded to go on a big holiday. It was a no brainer really.”

The NHS GP and TV doctor shared advice in an episode of his No Appointment Necessary podcast

NHS GP and TV doctor, Dr Amir Khan, has recommended that holidaymakers start taking a tablet daily one week before their departure date. The health expert offered the advice to help people tackle a common problem many face while on holiday.

The GP suggests taking the tablets to help reduce the common issue of irritation from mosquito bites. While Brits often complain about the insects during the summer population boom, they are even more common in mainland Europe, much to the frustration of holidaymakers.

Thankfully, Dr Khan has shared advice that could help anyone visiting a country where bites are likely. The NHS doctor and TV personality offered the tip during a recent episode of the No Appointment Necessary podcast. Dr Khan, who is a co-host of the show, revealed he swears by the method himself.

The doctor clarified that the trick does not prevent bites, but it can help to reduce irritation. He told viewers: “How do we protect ourselves against insect bites?

“This won’t avoid you getting bitten, but it will help you reduce all that irritation and redness. Start taking a daily antihistamine a week before you go on holiday. I do that now, and it has changed my reaction to mosquito bites.

“They’re not as bad as they were, and I’m not like just miserably itchy on holidays. So every day for a week beforehand.” He added: “Antihistamines a week before you go on holiday, and while you’re out there as well, because your whole point is managing your overimmune response, and antihistamines will help do that.”

The advice proved popular with social media users when a clip from the podcast was shared on Instagram. The video gained over 4k likes. Replying to the post, a commenter said: “True fact as we did before going to Sri Lanka last year and what a difference!!”

A similar reply said: “I’ve been doing this for a while and it works.” Another response read: “Did this going to Thailand last year and it worked a treat.” However, there were also some commenters who said they had tried the tip before without noticing a difference.

The NHS says you should speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking antihistamines if you’re already taking other medicines. It’s also important to follow the directions when taking antihistamines.

The NHS website explains: “Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings.

“They’re also sometimes used to prevent motion sickness, to treat feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), and as a short-term treatment for insomnia. Most antihistamines can be bought from pharmacies and shops, but some are only available on prescription.”

EXCLUSIVE: Not wanting to risk the blazing temperatures of Sardinia, a heatwave fatigued mum wapped her dreamy Italian holiday for a milder ‘coolcation’, and has no regrets

A mum of one has shared how she swapped Mediterranean sun for a ‘coolcation’ and why she’ll do it all over again next year.

Monica Krenner and her husband, Peter, were on the brink of booking flights to Sardinia, Italy, on what was to be their young son Lewis’s very first holiday.

However, as the blistering heat took hold, the concerned parents didn’t fancy braving the 39-degree scorcher with a three-year-old, and so had a last-minute change of heart. The fatigue of parenting during the relentless London heatwaves this summer meant she couldn’t face more sweltering temps abroad.

Monica, 57, tells the Mirror: “It was the best decision we made.” Instead of dashing to the airport, the family made the five-and-a-half-hour journey from London to St Ives, Cornwall, back in June, where the relatively mild temperatures of between 16 and 24 degrees felt much more appealing.

Explaining how she came to the decision, nutritionist Monica says that after speaking with a few friends, as well as some clients from Sardinia, she began to worry about just how hot the famously beautiful Italian island would get.

“After talking with a lot of people, searching all the weather apps, I then said, ‘I cannot imagine going there, because then we have to be indoors the whole day, because it will be too hot to go outside’.

“And for the little one, the skin is very sensitive still. He’s also not an amazing sleeper yet. Then I thought, ‘Oh my God, if it’s then hot on top because the weather, and he’s not sleeping great, I’m already tired when I’m getting there, it won’t be better when we stay somewhere where it’s too hot this summer’.”

Once in Cornwall, Monica, Peter and Lewis were able to sleep comfortably at night after spending their waking hours walking in the fresh air and exploring the breathtaking Cornish coastline.

It was little Lewis’s very first time at the beach, and although Monica joked that “the seagulls didn’t make it easy”, it proved to be a very special, memorable trip.

Monica, who is originally from Vienna, Austria, says: “It was just relaxed, and in the evening, there was a nice breeze in your face. It felt like you could really breathe properly.

“We had a few drizzles, but even that was perfect. We had a very nice spacious room, so even if we didn’t want to rush out, we could stay inside and have the windows open looking at the ocean. It was just lovely.”

Monica says that the trip “completely changed” how the family now consider their summer holidays. Going forward, they’re far more interested in exploring a different options, “rather than chasing guaranteed sunshine.”

Next year, the family intend to head off on another ‘coolcation’, and they are already planning their adventures. Currently, Monica and Peter are eyeing up trips to the coast of Denmark or Sweden, while bonny Scotland is also a top contender.

And the couple aren’t the only ones looking for a crisp getaway. During the late June heatwave, Brits searches for cool-weather city breaks surged by as much as 33 percent compared to the previous week, according to online agent Opodo. Stockholm, Geneva and Gothenburg were the most coveted spots – world’s away from sunny Spain or Italy.

With four heatwaves in the UK already this summer, many holidaymakers are longing for gentle breezes rather than piercing sunbeams. So could it be that ‘coolcations’ are the new luxury in our climate change age?

Ahead of the fast-approaching August Bank Holiday weekend, Airbnb has revealed that a number of UK destinations are seeing a surge in interest this summer, with bookings in Scarborough up by 30 per cent.

Picturesque Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, which has seen bookings soar by 29 per cent, has emerged as one of this year’s top ‘coolcation’ destinations, offering refreshing sea breezes and shady forest walks.

As for Monica, she’s noticed this trend within her own social circles and reckons it makes perfect sense, especially for parents of young children looking for an easier trip.

She explains: “People are looking for some cooler areas where they can breathe and enjoy being outside, not to cover up with 10,000 creams, and also with the little ones, not to cause them any sunburn.”

The term sunny escape has taken on a whole different meaning in recent times. Awaze, the European holiday rental brand behind cottages.com and Hoseasons, found that searches for “escape the heat” rose by 300 per cent over the last three months alone. Online searches for ‘coolcations’, they say, were up by 420 per cent.

Matthew Price, Awaze’s chief executive, notes that rising temperatures are “creating a new category of holidays”, adding that they are “increasingly seeing holidaymakers look further afield to destinations known for their cooler climate, such as Scotland, Yorkshire and the northwest of England”.

Heti Morus, Marketing Executive at StayCotswold has also picked up on this trend, telling the Mirror: “It’s no wonder ‘coolcations’ are growing in popularity here in the UK. I recently flew back from Bordeaux and saw the wildfires firsthand from the air.

“It just showed how quickly these situations can escalate, and it’s made me think twice about flying to that part of France again anytime soon. Cooler staycation destinations are certainly looking even more appealing this year.”

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

IF I’ve learned one thing working in travel it’s this – you don’t need to drop a month’s wages on a five-star hotel to bag a five-star holiday.

In fact, some of the absolute best properties I’ve tracked down across Europe officially carry just three stars next to their name – despite thousands of guests rating them significantly higher than luxury resorts costing double the money.

The secret is simple: hotel star ratings aren’t customer review scores.

Stars are handed out based on rigid facility checklists – whether a property has a 24-hour concierge, three extra restaurants, a spa, or a lift.

They tell you nothing about whether the rooms are spotless, the breakfast is incredible, or the staff remember your coffee order by day two.

When I’m not lucky enough to be travelling in my day job, I spend my days buried in live price sheets and customer feedback – so here I’ve had a dig through my three-star database to find the absolute hidden gems, most of which I’ve sampled myself.

These aren’t sprawling mega resorts, but each one completely over-delivers for its price point.

Here are nine elite three-star properties where you can bag a week away from as little as £54 pp.

9. Yannis Hotel, Corfu

The Yannis Hotel sits among 15 acres of lush hillside gardens just above Ipsos, placing you a easy five-minute walk from the sand while keeping you away from the beachfront noise.

It officially holds three stars, but the overall footprint feels much higher end, featuring a pool deck that looks out across ancient olive groves toward the Ionian Sea – and guests rate it an impressive 4.2/5 on Tripadvisor.

You can lock in a seven-night stay here for two from £500pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 22 and breakfast each morning – working out at an absurd £71.43pp per night for flights, hotel, and food.

The standout feature for me at this place, weirdly, is their on-site organic vegetable patch. Trust me on this one, though.

The kitchen chef harvests fresh tomatoes, herbs, and figs directly from the hotel gardens every morning to serve up in the poolside Greek taverna, giving you proper, farm-to-table dining on a basic budget package.

8. Osiris Ibiza, Ibiza

If you assume San Antonio is wall-to-wall club noise and zero sleep, the Osiris will completely change your mind.

This family-run, adults-only gem sits quietly in San Antonio Bay right across from Es Pouet Beach.

Its minimalist white architecture and boutique pool terrace look far more high-end than budget, earning it a staggering 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.

I found a seven-night stay here from £525pp, with direct flights from Bristol on September 16 including breakfast. That breaks down to just £75pp per night.

The killer insider feature here though is the hotel’s private rooftop sunset deck.

While thousands of tourists fight for overcrowded, expensive seats at Café Mambo down the road, guests at the Osiris can bring their own drinks up to the hotel’s elevated terrace and watch the iconic Ibiza sunset in complete peace. Bliss.

7. Oykun Hotel, Turkey

The Oykun Hotel on Calis Beach is the exact kind of property people miss out on when they lazily filter their search engines to “four stars and above.”

On paper, it’s a straightforward Turkish hotel with two pools and a traditional hamam, but it boasts a massive 4.6/5 score across 900+ reviews because the family running it treats returning guests like gold.

I tracked down a week here from £435pp, including direct flights from London Gatwick on September 2 and daily breakfast, coming in at £62pp per night.

And at the Oykun you’re incredibly close to the local water taxi jetty – which is a bit of a gamechanger on a holiday here.

Rather than paying for hot, crowded buses into Fethiye, you can step straight out of the hotel gardens onto a wooden riverboat that cruises you across the bay directly into the historic Old Town for pocket change.

6. Zephyros Hotel, Santorini

Santorini is notorious for charging eye-watering prices for cliffside cave suites, but you don’t need an infinity pool to experience the island.

The Zephyros Hotel in Kamari is a gorgeous three-star property built in traditional Cycladic style, with whitewashed walls, blue shutters, and a central pool framed by palm trees – plus it holds a brilliant 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.

You can grab seven nights here from £380pp, with direct flights from London Gatwick on September 30 including breakfast.

At £54pp per night with flights, it really is an unbelievable value loophole.

At this hotel you can spend your days lounging on Kamari’s black-sand beach for pennies, then, to push the savings even further, you can even hop on the local 15-minute express bus straight up to Oia for the famous caldera views, completely bypassing the hotel tax.

5. Alfagar Village, Portugal

Alfagar Village is easily one of the hardest properties on this list to believe is rated three stars.

It sits on the cliffside above the Algarve coast, featuring direct, private steps carved into the red rock that lead straight down onto Santa Eulália Beach.

It holds a 4.3/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews, which is no mean feat in Portugal.

I clocked seven nights here from £505pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 30.

The deal is self-catering, but the apartments come with huge ocean-view balconies and full kitchen setups.

The real trick at this place though is that guests get complete, free access to the entire neighbouring 4-star Alfagar resort complex, meaning you can use their massive sports courts, heated indoor pools, and multi-lane waterpark flumes while paying basic three-star rates.

That’s a proper three-star-price for a four-star-holiday hack.

4. Dom Jose Beach Hotel, Portugal

The Dom Jose Beach Hotel sits directly on Quarteira’s paved seaside promenade, and is home to a sleek, contemporary pool deck that looks straight out over the Atlantic Ocean.

Inside, the rooms feature modern, high-spec design, helping it bag a near-perfect 4.7/5 rating on Tripadvisor. Seriously impressive.

You can lock in a seven-night stay from £655pp, including direct flights from Bristol on September 28 and daily breakfast.

While it sits at the higher end of this list at £94pp per night, it easily outperforms the £150-a-night chain hotels nearby.

Plus, when you see the hotel’s private, wooden deck built directly on the sand – equipped with reserved wind-screened loungers – you’ll see why it’s worth that little bit extra.

You can step straight off your breakfast terrace onto your private sunbed without ever dealing with public beach crowds.

3. Hotel Abrat, Ibiza

Occupying one of the best spots in Ibiza, Hotel Abrat is tucked away on the quieter, scenic northern edge of the resort near Caló des Moro beach.

Recent refurbs have left its sea-view pool deck looking like a gorgeous five-star property, backing up its strong 4.2/5 Tripadvisor score.

I found a seven-night stay here from £470pp, with direct flights from London Southend on September 30 including breakfast.

And the best thing, for me, about staying at the Abrat is the coastal walking path directly behind the gardens.

It runs along the rocky coastline to a series of pristine, hidden swimming coves where the water is crystal clear. A real hidden gem of a find.

2. Hotel Valentina, Malta

If you want a hotel that pulls off a flawless five-star impersonation, Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s is the answer.

This place features boujee, bold contemporary interiors and a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline.

Just take a look yourself and it’s easy to see exactly why it boasts a massive 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating across 2,600+ reviews (one of the highest rating-to-ratings ratios in all of Europe!)

I spotted seven nights here from £510pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 25 on a room-only basis (£73pp per night).

But the secret weapon at the Valentina is its partnership with the high-end Avenue Restaurant next door.

Hotel guests get exclusive priority seating and discounts at one of the best dining spots in St Julian’s, giving you a boutique, luxury lifestyle package without the luxury price tag. Total hack.

1. Velamar Boutique Hotel, Portugal

Located in Olhos de Agua just on the outskirts of Albufeira, Velamar Boutique Hotel focuses on minimum guest numbers and maximum hospitality – which is why it tops the charts on my value scoreboard.

Its gardens, modern rooms, and peaceful outdoor pool create a calm, boutique feel geared toward couples – and it holds a fantastic 4.5/5 Tripadvisor score.

You can grab seven nights here from £425pp, including flights from London on September 22 with breakfast included (less than £61pp per night!)

The hotel even runs a seamless, direct connection down to the quieter Maria Luísa beach, allowing you to spend your days on one of the Algarve’s most beautiful, sheltered coves without ever having to worry about car parking or expensive taxis.

When I pulled into the parking lot near Long Beach’s F&M Bank Amphitheater with just 30 minutes until the opening of the show on a recent Friday, my heart raced.

“Do you think we’ll make it in time?” I asked my boyfriend, worried.

We were heading to Ice Cube and Mike Epps’ “Everyday’s Friday” concert and comedy show — a celebration of the cult classic “Friday” movie franchise — so a huge turnout was guaranteed. And ever since F&M Bank Amphitheater opened earlier this summer, my social media feeds have been flooded with complaints about Long Beach’s new temporary waterfront venue. Concertgoers have cited uncomfortable seating, sky-high parking rates and long shuttle wait times.

• Share via Close extra sharing options

Those comments swirled in my head as I hustled toward the shuttle pickup line near the Pike Outlets. But to my surprise and relief, a bus arrived within a few minutes. After a roughly 15-minute drive through mild traffic, we made it to the venue just in time to see Epps tease a few audience members during his opening comedy segment.

The 11,000-seat F&M Bank Amphitheater has gotten a lot of buzz in the two months it’s been open, with conversations surrounding its funding, noise concerns in the neighborhood and the purpose of the venue for the city of Long Beach. My mission was simply to see what it’s like to experience a show. The verdict? If you’re not expecting luxury and you arrive with a healthy dose of patience, it’s a treat.

Here’s a rundown, starting with getting to the amphitheater. Because the venue doesn’t have its own parking lot, the options are rideshare, the bus, e-scooters, bikes (with storage available at the venue), taking a water taxi ($5 per way) or paying $55 for reserved spaces, then taking the free shuttle.

Walking inside felt less like entering a temporary venue and more like stepping into a mini music festival. The pathway toward the security checkpoint was adorned with a bright abstract mural, hanging lights and swaying palm trees. A display of lowriders greeted us alongside a massive mural of iconic scenes from the film “Friday,” including Cube and Chris Tucker’s legendary “Dammnnnn” moment. Deeper into the grounds, fans delighted in interactive art installations — from a replica of Pinky’s Records & Discs to Craig’s front porch. Nearby were even more classic lowriders that drivers made bounce and dance for the crowd. The layout made the space feel more expansive and interactive than just watching a performance.

The spacious F&M Bank Amphitheater felt like a mini music festival with food trucks, art installations and more.

(Daniel Rojas)

Food trucks and bars were scattered throughout, serving up tacos, burgers, hot dogs and other hand-held bites. I ordered a smashburger with fries — which was decent though the line moved slowly — and paired it with a cocktail, which was moderately priced by L.A. standards ($19 for premium liquor). Grab-and-go beers and seltzers were easily accessible although I didn’t spot any refillable water stations around the venue.

And a major thing to note is the venue’s only restrooms are Porta Potties. I was instantly grateful that I’d brought hand sanitizer as there weren’t any hand-washing stations near the entrance. Fortunately, a second portable toilet area deeper inside the venue had working sinks and held up well throughout the show.

Thousands of fans attended the “Everyday’s Friday” event, which celebrated the “Friday” movie franchise.

(Daniel Rojas)

Much like shows at the Hollywood Bowl, the concert kicked off a few minutes after 7 p.m. With our burgers and margaritas in hand, my boyfriend and I nestled into our seats in the center 300 section, which gave us a clear, unobstructed view of the stage. Thanks to the tiered bleacher-style seating, almost every seat in the house offers a great vantage point. The actual seats were hard and mildly uncomfortable, but we didn’t mind this because we stood up for most of the show. Some attendees opted to hang out at one of the many picnic tables sprinkled around the venue.

By the time Houston rap legend Scarface — who’s known for his use of heavy bass — hit the stage I realized just how crisp the sound quality was. Even when we left our seats for a quick bathroom break, I could still hear the music clearly. The sound combined with lasers and immersive backdrop visuals of scenes from the films elevated the show experience.

Thanks to the tiered bleacher-style seating, almost every seat in the venue offers a great vantage point of the stage.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

It’s difficult to ignore the picturesque views of the harbor and famed Queen Mary, particularly at sunset. (On certain concert days, the Queen Mary offers free admission.) It felt like the perfect setting for a show that celebrated the beloved film, its soundtrack and most importantly West Coast hip-hop culture.

About two-thirds into Ice Cube’s set, I noticed small groups of people sneaking toward the exit. Mindful of the online horror stories about post-show delays, my boyfriend and I decided to duck out early to beat the rush. By the time we made it outside, people were already power-walking toward an expanding line. Security seemed scrambled, first directing a large crowd of us to the far side of the pickup zone, which sparked confusion and frustration, then waving us back. Unlike the Hollywood Bowl, which has fleets of shuttles ready to go, F&M Bank Amphitheater’s shuttle operation felt a bit leaner. Still, a bus arrived within 10 minutes, and despite initially driving to the wrong drop-off spot, the driver quickly course-corrected and got us back on track.

V.I.P Records, a store that helped launch the careers of artists like Snoop Dogg and Warren G, had a booth at the event.

(Daniel Rojas)

As an avid concertgoer, I enjoyed the overall experience at the F&M Amphitheater. It delivered on all the key elements I look for in a show: pristine sound, engaging visuals and a seamless entry. While the venue still has some post-show shuttle kinks to smooth out — an expected growing pain for a new space — it successfully turns a temporary layout into a lively entertainment venue that could soon evolve into a permanent “Long Beach Bowl.” For music lovers and promoters alike, that’s worth celebrating.

A FAMOUS UK train could soon be travelling from the UK to mainland Europe.

The Caledonian Sleeper, known for its overnight routes between London and Scotland, could soon head from Scotland to destinations in Europe.

Following a meeting, the train operator is now looking into opportunities for the sleeper to head abroad.

Stephen Flynn, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport said of the project: “We are committed to exploring the potential for a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe, and I am pleased that this work is now underway.

“This is an early-stage exercise and the study will focus on understanding the practical, technical and commercial considerations involved. The findings will provide an evidence base to inform any future decisions.”

Findings of the study are expected to be published later this year.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

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

SEA IT

All 25 of the English Riviera beaches ranked from best to worst – by a Devon local

The Caledonian Sleeper currently runs services between London Euston, Birmingham International and major destinations across Scotland including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William.

Routes include the Lowlander Route and the Highlander Route.

The Caledonian Sleeper operates six nights a week, with Saturday being the only day there isn’t a service.

Currently the only trains between the UK and mainland Europe are via the Eurostar and Channel Tunnel.

Eurostar’s destinations include Paris, Brussels and Rotterdam.

However, Virgin Trains is set to launch by the end of the decade, promising services to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

The company is also hoping to launch routes to Disneyland Paris, other parts of France and into Germany and Switzerland in the future.

A man was travelling home when he was offered a first class upgrade – but in a remarkable act of kindness, he gave it to a stranger sitting next to him, sparking a friendship that has lasted more than 20 years

A man has won hearts after explaining why he handed over a complimentary first-class upgrade to a complete stranger.

He recounted how he was heading back to Florida from Costa Rica after spending several weeks working overseas. Utterly shattered, he asked his company to book an aisle seat so he could stretch out his legs during the flight. But when he boarded, he found a “rather large woman” sitting in his allocated seat. He explained on Reddit: “As I checked my ticket, she explained she had sprained her ankle and would I mind sitting in the middle seat, as she was having trouble getting in and out of the seats.

“I looked at her and realised that she and I were probably the same age. I don’t normally like middle seats, but she needed the aisle seat more than I and so I said ‘sure’.”

The pair struck up a conversation and began learning about one another’s lives when, half an hour into the flight, a flight attendant approached him with a complimentary upgrade offer.

He revealed: “I thought about it for a moment and said to my seatmate, ‘Why don’t you go ahead and go up. you can use that seat more than I can’. She looked surprised and shed a tear before accepting.

“The flight attendant took her up, and then came back (with a drink) and said: ‘We’re not supposed to do that, but thank you for helping her’.

“Anyway, that was more than 20 years ago, and we still correspond from time to time. Sometimes, little acts make large impacts.”

One social media user responded: “That’s such a beautiful reminder that small kindnesses can mean the world to someone else.”

Another chimed in: “Exactly, you showed how little kindness can ripple into something much bigger, you showed love to the family that means a lot to them.

“This is the kind gesture the world need without anticipating anything in return.”

A third added: “That’s such a wholesome story. Funny how what feels small to us can mean the world to someone else. You never know the weight someone’s carrying when you decide to help. Makes me think those little choices on flights or in lines stick with people way longer than we realise.”

Yet another user shared: “Reading this hit me because I remember when I was a kid, strangers did the same so my mum could sit with me on flights.

“I never realised how huge that was until I got older. Honestly, it’s just a good reminder that kindness has a ripple effect. Now I try to do one small ‘inconvenience’ a week on purpose, kind of keeps me grounded.”

Travel chaos

It comes as a passenger sparked a debate after reclining their plane seat on a long-haul flight without first checking behind them.

Like many passengers on long journeys, they decided to get comfortable after the meal service had finished and prepared to recline their seat before trying to get some sleep.

However, what happened next was the last thing they expected. As they pushed their seat backwards, they suddenly heard somebody shouting: “Whoa, whoa, whoa!”

At first, they assumed the noise was coming from the TV show they were watching on their tablet and carried on as normal.

But moments later, a passenger sitting behind them tapped on their seat and delivered a stern warning.

The FO-backed Travel Health Pro site has completed new review and warned of new high levels of Brits returning with disease

Officials have issued a new list of countries people need to be wary of after ‘UK deaths’ caused by a disease. The Travel Health Pro site, which is backed by the UK’s Foreign Office said people need to take precautions at these 13 locations.

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued new guidance this summer on how to avoid getting malaria. Travel Health Pro added: “Each year several UK travellers die from malaria after visiting malaria risk countries, with most travellers who catch malaria reporting travel to Africa.” To read the guidance click here.

2,004 imported malaria cases were reported in the UK in 2023 (returning to pre-pandemic levels), up from 1,369 in 2022

Most affected individuals had traveled to Africa, particularly11 visiting friends and relatives.

Travel Health Pro said this week it has completed a review and has now published new risk maps for the key countries:

• Belize
• Botswana
• Dominican Republic
• Eswatini
• French Guiana
• India
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Sudan

Malaria is a serious febrile illness due to infection of red blood cells with a parasite called Plasmodium and is transmitted by mosquitoes.

Clinical symptoms and signs of malaria

(These symptoms and signs are taken from the UKMEAG malaria treatment guidelines.)

Non-specific symptoms of malaria:

• fever, sweats or chills
• malaise (vague discomfort)
• myalgia (muscle pain, tenderness)
• diarrhoea
• cough

Major features of severe or complicated falciparum malaria in adults:

• impaired consciousness or seizures
• renal impairment (oliguria less than 0.4 millilitre per kilogram (ml/kg) bodyweight per hour or creatinine more than 265 micromoles per litre (μmol/l))
• acidosis (pH less than 7.3)
• hypoglycaemia (less than 2.2 mmol/l)
• pulmonary oedema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• spontaneous bleeding or disseminated intravascular coagulation
• shock (algid malaria)
• haemoglobinuria (without G6PD deficiency)

Travel Health Pro added: “All travellers visiting areas where malaria occurs are at risk of acquiring the disease, particularly migrants to the UK who were born in malaria risk areas and return to visit friends and relatives in their country of birth. Any immunity travellers may have acquired in their country of origin wanes rapidly on migration to a country with no risk of malaria; their UK-born children will have no protection from the disease. Certain travellers are at increased risk of severe disease such as: pregnant women, those with an absent or poorly functioning spleen, children and older travellers.”

In terms of prevention it added: “Travellers should follow insect bite avoidance advice, including covering up with loosely fitting clothes, ideally long sleeves, long trousers and socks if out of doors. This helps to reduce biting mosquitoes’ access to skin.

“All travellers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of malaria and should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if these occur either whilst abroad or up to a year after their return. They should also let the health professional know they have visited a malaria risk area.

“No regimen is 100% effective, but a combination of preventive measures will give significant protection against the potentially severe consequences of malaria.

“Choice of malaria prevention tablets depends on the malaria species common in the area to be visited and whether there is resistance to any of the available drugs. Certain drugs may not be suitable for certain individuals due to existing medical problems or interactions with their regular medication.”

For more information click here.

A UK airport has been given official approval for its planned expansion that will see it DOUBLE passengers numbers.

Its other plans include a brand-new terminal and expanding the existing one too.

London Luton Airport has now cleared all legal hurdles in order to expand in a £2.4billion project.

The initial plans were first approved by the government in April 2025.

Then on July 31, the Supreme Court declined to grant campaigners final permission to appeal – meaning the plans can go-ahead unopposed.

Now, the airport is set to build a new terminal as well as work on its existing one so that it can welcome up to 32million passengers by 2043.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

Flights will increase to 209,000 flights per year from its current average between 65,000 to 68,000.

Last year, Luton was UK’s fifth-busiest airport and saw 17.5million passengers.

The expansion will also create 11,000 new jobs at the airport, with 4,400 of those in the town itself.

Paul Kehoe, chair of Luton Rising which owns Luton Airport, called clearing it a “landmark moment”.

He said: “We are very pleased to now have the certainty we have been working towards.

“As a community-owned organisation, every passenger travelling through our airport means more investment in local people and services.”

Last year, London Luton won the award for the ‘Best Low-Cost Airline Terminal 2025′ by Skytrax.

Based on passenger satisfaction and overall experience, Luton Airport was been crowned the best terminal in the UK for budget airlines.

The airport is home to airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air.

It then welcomed airline Jet2 to the airport with 17 new routes at its start in April last year.

And throughout the month of August this year, London Luton Airport has launched free bus travel for any passenger travelling to the terminal.

The UK village has gone viral online for its stunning beauty. Visitors say it looks just like an Italian seaside town and “feels like wandering through a film set”

Many people will be jetting off to popular European destinations such as Spain, Italy or France this summer. However, a growing number of Brits are opting for staycations this year to avoid lengthy airport queues and make the most of the glorious weather the UK has been enjoying.

If that sounds like you, but you’ve yet to decide on a destination, then you’ll want to pay attention. One ‘enchanting’ UK village that will have you convinced you’re in Italy has taken the internet by storm. Portmeirion is a breathtaking, Italianate tourist village nestled in Gwynedd, North Wales. Perched on the cliffs of the Afon Dwyryd estuary, it was designed and constructed by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1976.

His vision was to demonstrate that developing a naturally beautiful location need not come at the cost of its charm.

The village is owned by a charitable trust and is renowned for its vibrant, pastel-coloured Mediterranean architecture, picturesque woodlands, and its unique place in pop culture.

Key highlights of the village

The Architecture: Williams-Ellis built the village as a “post-modern bricolage”, incorporating salvaged fragments from demolished historic buildings across the UK. It features a central piazza, a giant human chessboard, a Riviera-inspired layout, and a lighthouse.

The Gwyllt (Wildwood): A 70-acre subtropical forest surrounding the village. It includes 19 miles of pathways, hidden gardens, a ghost garden, a dog cemetery, and exotic trees like giant redwoods and monkey puzzles.

The Prisoner TV Show: Portmeirion is recognised worldwide as the filming location for the cult 1960s psychological spy thriller, The Prisoner. Devoted fans regularly flock to the dedicated Prisoner Shop on-site.

Portmeirion Pottery: The world-renowned pottery brand was established in 1960 by the architect’s daughter, Susan Williams-Ellis, who drew on botanical motifs inspired by the village. Discounted earthenware is available to purchase at the local shops.

Where to stay and eat

While thousands descend on the village for day trips, it operates primarily as a hotel resort where guests can stay beyond opening hours.

Hotel Portmeirion: A Grade II listed, converted Victorian villa situated directly on the waterfront.

Castell Deudraeth: A grand, 19th-century castellated folly transformed into a contemporary hotel.

Cottages & Dining: There are 13 self-catering cottages dotted throughout the village alongside several cafes, an authentic Italian gelateria (Angel Ices), and formal dining rooms.

Visiting information

Admission: Day visitors are required to purchase an admission ticket to enter the grounds.

Accessibility: Owing to its cliffside, coastal setting, many paths within the village and leading back up from the estuary are steep, hilly, and may prove challenging for those with limited mobility. Getting there: The village is extremely well-connected by public transport.

It sits just a 1-mile walk or taxi ride from Minffordd Railway Station, which serves both local lines and heritage steam trains like the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways.

What people online are saying

One visitor known as Bec recently took to her Instagram page to share her experience of visiting Portmeirion.

Despite having just 3,000 followers, Bec’s post went viral – amassing more than 38,000 likes from fellow travel enthusiasts.

Although Bec called it “the weirdest UK village”, she went on to say that Portmeirion ‘looks like an Italian seaside town’, despite being nestled in North Wales.

She also claimed that once the tourists are gone for the day, you ‘have the whole village to yourself’.

Bec wrote: “Walking around after dark felt like wandering through a film set.”

She also showcased the village’s breathtaking views, exclaiming: “I’ve never been happier to wake up early.

“I think I said, ‘this is so pretty’, every thirty seconds.”

Bec also labelled Portmeirion a “must-visit for anyone who supports architectural whimsy”.

Adding further detail in the caption, she wrote: “It’s a little bit Disneyland for adults who enjoy cruises… (affectionately). I’ve wanted to visit Portmeirion for years and it lived up to every expectation.

“It’s unlike anywhere else in the UK, with colourful Mediterranean inspired buildings and baroque architecture and beautiful views across the estuary. During the day it’s very busy (understandably), and I found it a bit overwhelming… but then everyone went home.

“Walking around after dark and again before breakfast the next morning completely changed the experience. You could actually stop, look around and appreciate how strange and beautiful the place is.”

She rounded off by saying: “One I’ve wanted to tick off for years, and I’m so glad I finally did.”

One viewer responded: “Fantastic find,” while another added: “I’m so jealous, I love it there but never stayed!”.

A third chimed in: “Its very pretty and photogenic.”

However, one less impressed commenter wrote: “Don’t fall for the hype. Major tourist trap at £20 each to get in and only really cafes inside.”

Stellio Lestienne, chef at La Matelote in Boulogne’s harbour, shows me his shopping list as we browse the city’s daily morning fish market. He wants to pick up some crab and sole, which are in season, but his usual lobster fisher is still out on his boat, so he’ll have to wait a bit for that. Although I’ve been a regular visitor to both Boulogne and the surrounding Hauts-de-France region for about 30 years, this is my first time in the fish market. Now I’m kicking myself for all that lost time.

It’s not very big, nor is it remotely picturesque, stretching along a nondescript car park in the port. But it does have a fantastic selection of fish and seafood, both from fishers (pêcheurs artisans in light-blue stalls) and retailers (commerçants in dark blue). And it’s considerably cheaper than other fish markets I’ve seen. “People come here from the UK with cool bags to do their shopping,” Stellio says, pointing to a man doing that very thing. I spot filleted roussettes (dogfish) going for €2 each. At another stall, a man deftly slices through a grotesque-looking monkfish, cutting out the prized cheeks.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is France’s largest fishing port and all of this bounty is just a short jaunt across the Channel. This makes the idea of a seafood safari along the Côte d’Opale – whose chalky cliffs, sand dunes and forests stretch south from Calais to Le Touquet and beyond – impossible for me to resist.

I start in the fishing village of Audresselles, a pleasant 45-minute pootle along the coast road from LeShuttle’s terminal. La Marie Galante, run by cheerful and talented sisters Béatrice and Godeleine Cuvellier, has a cosy interior and razor clams on the menu. Accustomed to seeing empty razor-clam shells on my favourite Norfolk beach but not on restaurant menus (too much of a faff to collect, a local fishmonger told me), I pounce on these shellfish smothered in garlic and parsley. This is followed by a typical plate of fruits de mer – oysters, whelks, giant juicy prawns and half a crab. Around me echoes the sound of people studiously pounding their crab claws open, soon joined by my own. The sound of a happy restaurant.

One of my favourite French towns awaits a little further along the coast – Wimereux, with its wonderfully whimsical 19th-century architecture and long expanse of beach. Its art deco grande dame, Hotel l’Atlantic, has had a major makeover since I last stayed. Chef Benjamin Delpierre, co-owner with his wife Aurélie, has also since handed back the restaurant’s Michelin star, throwing off the constraints that came with it. In a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, I dip prawn croquettes into a curried beetroot puree before revelling in a fillet of roast cod with an addictive celery cream and rich chicken jus. All the while, I watch mesmerised as the sun dips across the Channel.

Le Touquet, with its long sandy beaches, pine forests and golf courses loved by Channel-hopping Brits, is my next stop. But first I make a detour to its neighbour across the River Canche, Étaples-sur-Mer. This is another first for me: a visit to Maréis, an exhibition centre and aquarium telling the story of French sea fishing in the North Sea and Channel. And what an utterly fascinating story it turns out to be. What is caught in the sea and how it’s caught are vividly brought to life thanks to clever immersive and interactive exhibits (in French and English). Fish swim in an aquarium above my head, while another large tank holds enormous rays gliding through the water.

That evening in Le Touquet, the shouts of England fans from the Globe Trotter pub keep me abreast of the World Cup score while, across the lane at Pérard, I dine on a whole grilled sea bream. I can’t remember the last time I could fillet a fish so effortlessly, such was the perfection of the grilling and freshness of the fish. On the way back to my hotel, Novotel Thalassa Le Touquet, I’m treated to the same sunset spectacle as in Wimereux, the sands and the sea glowing in the warm light.

I spend an agreeable morning wandering through Le Touquet’s sprawling market, most of whose food stalls are under soaring wooden vaulted ceilings within the semicircular covered market. Not surprisingly, the fishmongers have their own section, where they’ve set up a bar à huitres so you can sit at high tables and order fruits de mer and a glass of wine. It’s tempting, but I go for a bowl of mussels covered in oozing maroilles cheese in nearby La Chope. The restaurant’s soundtrack of death metal isn’t exactly conducive to a relaxing lunch, but the food just about makes up for it.

I still have an evening in Boulogne to look forward to, but first a stroll around the Old Town near the imposing basilica. My B&B is here too, the Stay Well Hôtel de Fiennes, an elegant 1732 townhouse with a courtyard made for unwinding. But the prospect of dinner at La Matelote drags me out of the comfy chairs and down to the port. Delicious flavours follow: langoustine with cauliflower cream; white asparagus with smoked salmon, caviar, basil cream and hummus; hake with pea puree and thyme-roasted carrots. And it’s all crowned by a quite stupendous lemon souffle. I’m not a dessert person, but this makes me want to applaud whoever made this divine creation.

I have a final stop before the end of my little seafood safari – back to Audresselles, but this time to my regular haunt, Chez Mimi. Trying to be sensible after days of indulgence, I opt for a small plate of crustaceans instead of my usual calorific “crabe mimi” (stuffed crab with fries). My husband orders it instead, making me wish I were less sensible. In the village square, everything is being set up for that weekend’s annual crab festival, now in its 50th year and an event I enjoyed years ago. I might be missing the party, but I have my own seafood celebration to savour.

The trip was provided by Hauts-de-France tourism and Pas-de-Calais tourism. Hotel l’Atlantic has doubles from €129 room only, Novotel Le Touquet from €128 room only and The Stay Well Hôtel de Fiennes from €160 B&B

The provided text outlines the significance of Arbaeen, a major Shi’ite Muslim observance that marks the end of a forty-day mourning period for Imam Hussein. This historical figure was killed during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, an event that fundamentally defined the split between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam. Each year, millions of practitioners participate in the Ziara pilgrimage, traveling from dozens of different countries to gather at the holy site in Iraq. Some devotees even complete this journey barefoot as a display of religious devotion and remembrance. Beyond the primary destination in Karbala, the source highlights that secondary commemorations occur in other locations, such as marches in … 

The airline says it’s going to start charging passengers for ‘priority carry-on’ so it can stop weighing every piece of luggage at the gate just before departure

A major budget airline is ending its free overhead cabin bag policy and replacing it with a new £13 rule.

From the start of February 2027, passengers flying with Jetstar will only be able to bring a small bag that must fit under the seat in front of them for free. The new rules end Jetstar’s free overhead luggage policy, which was limited to 7kg, and now mirrors the baggage restrictions used by European budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet.

Previously, every piece of luggage set to be taken onboard a Jetstar flight was weighed by airline staff at the gate, with anyone with overweight bags forced to pay fees in order to board with their bags.

The Australian airline, which flies across Australia, New Zealand, south-east Asia, and even as far as Japan and South Korea, says the new rules have been brought in to stop this practice.

“We know that weighing carry-on bags at the gate can be frustrating for our customers and for our crew,” said CEO Stephanie Tully.

“To make packing easier we’ve decided to remove the 7kg weight limit, so from February, the main thing customers will need to think about is the size of their carry-on.”

The new rules mean passengers who want to take more luggage than the free under-seat bag must purchase a ‘priority carry-on’ fare to access the overhead lockers. This fee costs at least another A$25 (£13, as of August 5, 2026).

Ms Tully explained why Jetstar decided to charge extra: “By giving customers an underseat bag with the option to add Priority Carry-on, we can make better use of overhead locker space, streamline boarding and help more flights depart on time.”

“Our new carry-on baggage model provides more choice to customers while helping to keep our fares low. You only pay for what you need – travelling with less means paying less, and you can always add more if you need.”

While fees start at just A$25, they climb dramatically for longer and more popular flights. It will cost A$33 (£17.30) for its most popular route, Sydney to Melbourne, A$39 (£20.45) from Perth to popular holiday destination Denpasar in Bali, and A$52 (£27.27) from Cairns to Tokyo Narita.

New size limits have also been confirmed for carry-on luggage. Underseat bags must be smaller than 40 × 30 × 20cm, while overhead bags can be up to 56 × 36 × 23cm large.

THE summer holidays are in full swing and if you want a fun family day out that is completely free, look no further.

From open-air museums to galleries, attractions and incredible buildings with summer activities for kids – these places will keep everyone entertained and won’t cost a penny.

Which? has revealed the top best family days out and in top spot is St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff.

The museum has a reconstructed historic street showing what life was like in Wales many years ago.

It’s filled with historic buildings that have been relocated to the site including a medieval church, farmhouses and a school.

In the centre of it all is St Fagans Castle, which is a 16th century manor house that has been open to the public since 1948 and is set within pretty Italian gardens.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

One visitor on Tripadvisor called it an “absolute masterpiece of living history” adding it’s in a “league of its own”.

Another added: “As far as free fun goes, this was great! It was like stepping back into time and seeing how people lived in Wales eras ago. Loved it!”

The second most highly-rated on the list is the National Railway Museum in York.

It’s considered ‘best [museum] of its kind in the world’ according to On Magazine with one visitor on Tripadvisor calling it “unique and unforgettable”.

Inside are 100 locomotives, thousands of historical artifacts, royal carriages and well-known trains like the Mallard steam engine.

There’s also the art-deco Duchess of Hamilton, and a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train too.

Here’s the full list of the the top free museums and galleries from Which?…

1. St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
2. National Railway Museum, York
3. Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Cosford
4. National Museum of Scotland
5. Cardiff National Museum
6. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
7. Royal Air Force Museum, London
8. Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
9. Oxford University Museum of Natural History
10. Scottish National Galleries

Throughout the summer there are events on every day like immersive storytelling and live shows, plus there are indoor and outdoor play areas for children.

It’s completely free to visit, but it’s encouraged to book tickets online to guarantee entry, especially during the summer holidays.

Also highly-rated as a free day out is the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Cosford.

It has a huge collection of military aircraft as well as interactive exhibits and even a plane-themed playground.

Then there’s the National Museum of Scotland which has galleries filled with treasures from the age of the dinosaurs to new technology.

Make sure to pop up to the roof terrace too where you’ll get a view of the Edinburgh skyline.

During the summer holiday there are drop-in activities throughout the day from exploring a dinosaur trail, to space missions and crafts.

Another top free day out from Which? is the Cardiff National Museum which is filled with world-class art work and natural history – it also has exhibitions and plenty of events.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow is another completely free destinations for a family day out.

It opened in 1901 and has 22 galleries filled with beautiful artwork and don’t miss the organ recital at 1pm from Monday to Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.

Families can pop into Durham Cathedral to see the incredible building for free.

Throughout the summer it holds kids’ workshops like creating your own stained glass,activitys backpacks whichares filled withchallengesr and a pair of binoculars.

The surrounding grounds can be explored for free too.

Other highly-rated historical attractions that are free including St David’s Cathedral and Chichester Cathedral.

On a regular visit to the Houses of Parliament you will need to buy a ticket, but there is a way to get a tour for free.

But Which? advises that if you’re keen to visit, any UK resident can contact their MP or a member of the House of Lords to request a free-5-minute guided tour.

Here are the top free historic UK attractions…

1. Durham Cathedral, Durham
2. St David’s Cathedral, St David’s
3. Chichester Cathedral, Chichester
4. Houses of Parliament, London
5. Bury St Edmunds Abbey
6. Somerset House
7. Bristol Cathedral

Disneyland Paris may be France’s most famous theme park but there’s an underrated, lesser-known gem that I discovered with my son which I’ve been telling everyone to visit immediately

Theme parks are not my thing. Like many first-time parents, when my first son was born, I was wildly optimistic about the prospect of travelling with him.

I imagined my sweet boy hanging off my hip as we wandered around restaurants and museums on city breaks, enjoying all the things I enjoy.

The reality, of course, is that children like children’s things. And if you’re lucky, they’ll tolerate your interests for half an hour at most. Which is why, for years, the idea of a theme park holiday filled me with dread.

So, when I found myself taking my 11-year-old to Futuroscope in France, I approached it with an endurance test mindset. What I didn’t expect was that by the end of the trip, I’d be recommending it to other families.

Getting there

The journey, in both senses, was easier than I expected. Just months away from starting secondary school, my son has reached that fleeting sweet spot between childhood and adolescence where he still wants to spend a weekend away with his mum.

Our route from Manchester involved an Avanti train, a night near St Pancras station, an early morning Eurostar, the Paris Metro and a high-speed train to Futuroscope station near Poitiers. On paper it sounded like a lot.

In reality, it became very much part of the adventure and my son was enjoying all the responsibility – checking maps and practising his French on DuoLingo.

As a mum of three, I realised how rarely we get this kind of uninterrupted time together. Even before we’d reached the park, the journey itself had already brought us closer.

Staying at the Ecolodgee

A short walk from Futuroscope station and we were there. In fact, the journey via Eurostar was so seamless that my son repeatedly asked whether we’d actually left England yet.

We stayed at the Ecolodgee near the park entrance for really easy access. It’s made up of nature-inspired cabins overlooking a beautiful lake with very lively families of frogs to provide endless wonderment for curious kids such as mine. My son along with some neighbouring kids named themselves ‘the frog hunters’ for the duration of our stay, which says it all really. Nature is the best playground.

The cabins themselves are thoughtfully designed with cabin beds for kids cleverly separated from the master bedroom area yet in the same space. According to my son, the hand-delivered breakfast basket that arrived on our cabin doorstep each morning filled with French delights was the best meal of the entire trip.

I couldn’t agree more. Sitting on the terrace together, listening to frogs and looking out across the lake with no screens, was just perfect.

The rides and attractions

As someone who once rode Blackpool’s Pepsi Max Big One six times in a row without hesitation, I’ve reluctantly had to accept that age has made me considerably less fearless.

Two fun-packed days with my son however, meant stepping out of my comfort zone and straight into the arms of a nine-metre-high robot. Dances with Robots is a ride that throws you around to music at a fear factor of your choosing. Speaking on behalf of both of us, that fear factor was apparently “expert level” according to my son.

I emerged feeling slightly shaken and wondering how I was going to survive an entire weekend of being flung upside down. Thankfully, I quickly realised that Futuroscope isn’t really a theme park in the traditional sense.

Yes, there are plenty of thrilling rides; my son called Objectif Mars (Destination Mars) “the best ride ever” before immediately asking to go on it again. But much of what makes Futuroscope special isn’t physical at all. It’s immersive, imaginative and distinctly French in a way that truly sets it apart from most theme parks.

If needed, English language translation is available through the ListenWIFI app for many of the story-led attractions, but I found myself happily dusting off my GCSE French for the most part and embracing the fact that this is a park built with French families in mind.

Chasseurs de Tornades (Tornado Chasers) was a favourite. We were plunged into the heart of a tornado on a revolving platform, combining blockbuster storytelling with a thrill factor that doesn’t make you question your life choices. My kind of ride.

I also loved La Clé des Songes (The Key to Dreams), a spectacle of water screens, projections, lights and pyrotechnics in the most grand and beautiful setting, that really was like stepping into a dream.

What I appreciated most though was the overall balance.

One minute my son was absolutely wired on the water rapids ride Mission Bermudes, the next he was peacefully gliding around the world with me on The Extraordinary Journey.

Each attraction activated different parts of his imagination. And, more importantly, gave me just enough recovery time.

The food

Futuroscope offers a huge variety of food options ranging from French dining and buffets to gelato and street food – without a nugget in sight.

La Table d’Arthur is great for most tastes with its generous self-service buffet, while L’Atelier des Saveurs offers a more traditional French dining experience.

The most enticing option for children, however, is Space Loop Restaurant, a futuristic dining experience where your meal travels from the kitchen to your table via a rollercoaster suspended above your head. The star attraction is the famous blue burger, which is as blue as a bottle of WKD and, unsurprisingly, is a child’s dream, as is much of the food at Futuroscope.

For us, though, enjoying it all required extra planning.

My son has multiple food allergies, including sesame, nuts and fish, so eating anywhere new can be very stressful. Throw in a language barrier, an overwhelming buffet and you have a familiar challenge for many allergy families.

Thankfully, Space Loop had a delicious pasta option and fries, which kept my son very happy and full. Meanwhile, when I felt stressed by the choices at La Table d’Arthur, staff were able to give a detailed allergen information sheet which was reassuring.

Travelling with food allergies will always need extra vigilance, but once I knew how to ask, our meals became easy and enjoyable.

My overall verdict on Futuroscope

What I loved about Futuroscope overall was that rather than stepping into a global brand, I felt like I’d genuinely travelled somewhere both unique and affordable. The food, language, attractions and even the families around us reminded me that we were in France at every turn. And for me, that’s its biggest selling point.

It also gave me something I hadn’t expected from a theme park holiday.

As my son edges closer to his teen years, uninterrupted one-on-one time can be surprisingly hard to find.

Whether eating food delivered on a rollercoaster or exploring virtual worlds, the trip gave us space to try new things and just be together and that’s what I’ll look back most fondly on.

Of course, he’ll treasure the rides the most. And strangely, we’ll probably both remember the frogs.

Book the holiday

• Stay three days and two nights at Futuroscope from €896 (£774) for a family of four staying at Hotel Ecolodgee, with Futuroscope tickets as well Aquascope tickets. Find out more and book at futuroscope.com.

A MUCH-LOVED playground is set to reopen TOMORROW after a multi-million refurb.

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens in London, will reopen on August 5 with a new 17metre by 12metre Galleon on a sandy beach.

The Galleon also has two crow’s nests to climb, a large tunnel slide and a play telescope.

Inside the ship, there is a kitchen and lots of nooks and crannies ideal for a game of hide and seek.

Other parts of the £3million playground upgrade include a “treehouse of dreams”, which has three different climbing towers and a four metre tunnel slide.

The free-to-visit park also now has an accessible walkway, talk tubes, musical instruments and games such as tic-tac-toe.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

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

SEA IT

All 25 of the English Riviera beaches ranked from best to worst – by a Devon local

Ideal for the hot and sunny weather, there’s a new waterplay area as well with a crocodile sculpture.

Little kids aren’t left out either, as there is an area with timber houses, play ships and a large sandpit for toddlers.

Andy Williams, Park Manager for Kensington Gardens said: “We know that children across London, the UK and the world have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this playground, and we can’t wait to see their reactions when they visit. We know they will absolutely love it.

“This playground has been thoughtfully designed so that children of all abilities and interests can find something that appeals to them.

“Children can once again splash, swing, climb and hide in this almost two-acre playground set amongst sub-tropical planting.”

He added: “This incredibly popular playground has a capacity of 450 people and with UK schools now on summer break, we are expecting more people to visit than usual.

“Therefore, there may be lengthy queues across the week, but especially at weekends.”

DID you know Travelodge has more than 630 hotels around the UK?

Not only that, but lots of them are on the seafront so you are just steps from the beach or pier.

To save even further, kids get free breakfasts this summer including everything from pancakes and porridge to sausages and cereal

The deal includes two kids under the age of 15, per one paying adult.

Along with a Best Price Finder to get the biggest room bargain, to £14.95 meal deals, Travelodge is on a mission to save you money this summer.

Here are eight of the best Travelodges across the UK that are right on the seafront, all with rooms from £25.

BUILD IT

Travelodge to open hotel in one of UK’s best cities getting £300m makeover

SEA YOU

Travelodge to open new seaside town hotel next month and it’s by popular UK’s beach

Travelodge Bournemouth Seafront

The Travelodge Bournemouth Seafront is just a few steps from the beach, which is Blue Flag.

This means you can enjoy clean, golden sand, before getting some shut eye back at the hotel.

Rooms from £25

Travelodge Brighton Seafront

The location of the Travelodge Brighton Seafront gives you the option of both the beach and the famous The Lanes.

With 159 rooms to choose from in the hotel, you are spoilt for choose.

Rooms from £25

Travelodge Paignton Seafront

Step out of the Travelodge Paignton Seafront and you can see the beautiful sea and pier right outside the door.

The hotel has 92 rooms, which include the New Design ones which have been upgraded.

Rooms from £25

Travelodge Ramsgate Seafront

Did you know Ramsgate is home to the UK’s only Royal Harbour? You can even look straight at it from the Travelodge Ramsgate Seafront.

It is also right by the beach – home to the UK’s biggest Wetherspoons.

Rooms from £25

Travelodge Worthing Seafront

If you want to explore the palm-tree lined promenade of Worthing, one of the cheapest stays you’ll find is Travelodge Worthing Seafront.

Of the 90 rooms, pick one at the front for views over the water.

Rooms from £25

Travelodge Skegness Seafront

This Travelodge not only is right by Skegness beach, but also has a top floor Bar-Cafe with panoramic sea views.

The beach is just two minutes by foot, while the main pier and theme park are nearby too.

Rooms from £25

Travelodge Rhyl Seafront

The Welsh town of Rhyl is getting a £20million makeover – but you can still stay on the cheap with Travelodge Rhyl Seafront.

There’s just 73 rooms to choose from so its a much more intimate hotel.

Rooms from £25

Travelodge Helensburgh Seafront

If you need a base when exploring the west coast of Scotland, choose the Travelodge Helensburgh Seafront.

Pop out for a seaside stroll with amazing views of the Clyde from the pier.

Rooms from £25

A FAMILY has been left distraught after they missed their flight – but it wasn’t their fault.

A father along with his family including his severely disabled teenage daughter has claimed that they were abandoned by budget airline Ryanair.

Daniel Laws, from Bournemouth commented that Ryanair told them to make their own way home after waiting in the wrong airport for hours, adding that the treatment from the airline’s staff was “abominable”.

When at Alicante Airport, the special assistance bus took the family to the wrong plane and resulted in them missing their flight back to Bournemouth.

According to the Bournemouth Echo, Daniel said: “I said to them this is the wrong plane, this is a TUI plane.”

However, by the time the family were back at the terminal, their plane had left without them.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

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

SEA IT

All 25 of the English Riviera beaches ranked from best to worst – by a Devon local

The family was then taken to the Ryanair help desk, where they were left “sitting on the floor for two hours”.

After waiting for a few hours, the family was then told they could be rebooked onto a flight that would head to Stansted Airport.

He added: “I responded would they also be able to help us get back to Bournemouth and they seemed to laugh at that and walk away from the window.”

After landing back in London, the family headed to the Ryanair desk at the airport to seek further assistance to travel back to Bournemouth.

After an hour of waiting passed, the staff hadn’t spoke to the family and when they eventually did, they told the family that “Ryanair believe it has nothing to do with them and we must organise our own way home”.

To make matters worse, the family hadn’t eaten since breakfast.

Daniel added: “We were abandoned in Stanstead and none of us had eaten.”

The family eventually travelled home via train, but have stated that they want a refund for the flights and all expenses incurred.

He added: “It was a life changing event for them [the children]….they were so worried about my eldest.”

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “Special assistance services at Alicante Airport (and all other airports) are provided by the airport but are paid for by Ryanair.

“We regret that Alicante Airport’s special assistance provider, Alyzia, failed to bring these passengers to the aircraft prior to this flight from Alicante to Bournemouth departing on 31 July.

“Following Alyzia’s error, Ryanair reaccommodated these passengers free of charge onto the next available flight from Alicante to Stansted, which departed later that the same day.

“We are working with Alicante Airport to ensure this does not recur.”

A SUMMER of free bus travel for under 16s has started in the UK and one major airport is now offering free trips too.

To encourage passengers to leave their cars behind, bus travel will be completely free to and from the terminal for all holidaymakers throughout August.

London Luton Airport in Bedfordshire will operate buses throughout the day dropping passengers right outside without having to pay a fare.

This falls under the ‘Fly and Ride’ scheme where passengers can travel free on a range of Arriva and Stagecoach services.

All travellers have to do is show a valid printed or digital boarding pass for a flight departing from London Luton Airport during August.

The offer is valid on Arriva routes 101, X1, X2, X3, X4, A and Z.

SUNNY STEALS

Sun-drenched European holidays with £1.50 pints and stays from under £9pp

PARK UP

Epic UK holiday parks with waterparks, theme parks & Spoons pubs from £3pp a night

It’s also valid on Stagecoach’s MK1, which covers the nearby towns of Stevenage, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, Bedford and Dunstable.

The free journey will count from any stop between August 1-31.

Return journeys must be completed by August 31 to qualify.

The offer does not include National Express and Greenline services.

August is the busiest month for most airports and last year 1.8million holidaymakers travelled through Luton Airport.

This was a five per cent increase from the year before, according to the CAA.

Alberto Martin, CEO of London Luton Airport, said: “This is a fantastic initiative and a great example of how we continually look to extend our simple and friendly passenger experience far beyond the terminal doors.

“As we prepare for our busiest summer on record, we’re delighted to offer passengers the opportunity to leave the car at home, take advantage of excellent local bus services and travel to the airport for free.”

This comes after part of the new government scheme where under 16s can get on bus for no cost as part of the government’s Great British Summer Saving scheme.

Child fares typically cost between £1 and £2 so families will be able to save on the cost of travel.

The scheme is running from now until August 31.

“I’M going to spend my Saturday digging soil with a JCB for fun,” was a phrase that would never have passed my lips until I became a mum. 

Yet, here I am, spending the first sunny weekend in August on an industrial estate in Medway, Kent, having the time of my life at Diggerland theme park. 

Find out how to get 2-4-1 tickets through Sun Club here

Diggerland has to be seen to be believed and is possibly the UK’s most unique theme park.

Yes, it really is an attraction entirely themed around construction machinery, which was founded in 2000, by digger hire firm owner Hugh Edeleanu.

The Kent site was the first, and there are now three further parks around England, in  Devon, Durham, and Yorkshire. 

PITCHING IN

One of the UK’s best holiday parks launches pop up campsite right on the beach

CASH IN

Ask our Hols from 9.50 expert a holiday park question and win a £100 Amazon voucher

You might question whether you can really get a whole day out of construction equipment, and I was as surprised as anyone to find ourselves racing around the park at closing time, trying to choose our last attraction. 

The range of activities is impressive, and not like any other theme park. 

They have 20 main rides and drives included in the ticket price, plus some extras like dodgems and quad bikes. 

Spin Dizzy is the biggest – spinning up to 8 guests high in the sky in the bucket of a huge digger.

But the giant diggers were by far my son’s favourite, as you spend around 10 minutes shifting soil in an impressive Komatsu PC55MR-5 tracked excavator. They’re simple enough to use that at seven years old, he was able to get into the cab and tackle control himself. 

Other crowd pleasers included the chance to drive a JCB around a circuit, digging for gold with Komatsu PC14 mini diggers and being lifted 50 feet into the air by the Skyshuttle. 

But the standout for me had to be the decommissioned police car. 

My son was able to drive the car himself, pedals and all, around a dirt track, despite being a whole ten years away from getting his provisional license. 

Which is no bad thing, considering he made for a hair-rising chauffeur and was even given a ‘speeding ticket’ at the end of his go.

It feels like the Diggerland creative team had a whale of a time when coming up with the various attractions, which are diverse enough to entertain all ages. 

You’ve got the little Tykes toy area, the indoor soft play and the crazy trikes for the younger kids, plenty of options for primary school age children, and a large choice for the adults who’ve always fancied having a go when passing a construction site. 

The parks even offer stag and hen do parties, with the onsite cafe listing a range of cocktails and beers that you’d never see at your typical theme park restaurant. 

If you fancy checking it out for yourself there’s no better time to visit as Sun readers can get 2-4-1 tickets at Diggerland through Sun Club or Sun Savers, with families saving over £39 on tickets, plus free entry for children under 90cm. 

To get your tickets, Join thesun.co.uk/club for just £1.99 per month or £12 per year, then head to Offers Hub and find the Diggerland page to claim your voucher. 

Tickets cost £25.95pp in advance and £39.50pp on the door, for adults and kids over 90cm.

Or you can pick up the The Sun newspaper from Saturday, August 1 and collect Sun Savers codes.

• Find the Diggerland page in the Offers section and select Start Collecting.
• Collect THREE out of eight Sun Savers codes printed in The Sun from Saturday, August 1 to Saturday, August 8. Once you have your THREE Sun Savers codes, enter them on the Sun Savers app or website to unlock booking. Booking opens at 11am on Monday, August 3.
• Download your voucher (Max 2 people per voucher) and have it ready on your phone or printed before your visit.
• Choose your Diggerland Park in Kent, Devon, Durham or Yorkshire.
• Claim this offer by Monday, 19 October 2026. Present your voucher and a valid Sun Savers account at the park entrance when purchasing your tickets. Your voucher can be redeemed at your chosen Diggerland attraction on selected dates up until Saturday, October 31, 2026.
• 18+ UK only. Sun Savers multiple code collect 01/08/26-08/08/26 or Sun Club subscription required. Online access required. Buy one full price standard admission ticket to get a second standard admission ticket free for the same day. Voucher must be redeemed at attractions alongside valid Sun Club/Sun Savers account. Cannot be used online or in conjunction with any other offer. Max 2 people per voucher. Tickets valid weekends in September-October and October 26-30 only. Subject to availability. Non-transferable & non-refundable. Full T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk  or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club

MoneySavingExpert, which was founded by Martin Lewis, shared a tip for plane passengers

Some customers could be owed back hundreds after purchasing plane tickets, according to MoneySavingExpert (MSE). The consumer website, founded by journalist and TV personality Martin Lewis, regularly shares advice to help Brits.

In advice for travellers, the money experts pointed out that passengers who book non-refundable plane tickets but don’t end up using them can still request a refund for some of their money. While the refund won’t cover the entire cost of the tickets, they can get the Air Passenger Duty refunded.

In a Facebook post, MSE said: “Air Passenger Duty is a tax only paid by the airline to HMRC if you fly. If you don’t fly, whether you cancelled a non-refundable ticket or you missed your flight, you can request a refund from £8 to £253 per person.” The post also included a real-life success story from MSE Clare.

Clare revealed that her in-laws received a refund of £92 each after realising they needed to change their return flight home after visiting the UK from Australia. The family members had assumed they wouldn’t get any money back from their non-refundable tickets after their plans changed, but a “quick email” to their airline confirmed the good news. Clare said it was “a small consolation, but better than nothing.”

In the comments under the post, MSE added: “There’s no deadline for how far back you can claim – though some airlines impose their own (and a few charge an admin fee).” More information is available on the MSE website.

It said: “When you book a flight departing the UK, your ticket price will include various fees, such as airport tax. However, this isn’t collected by HM Revenue and Customs from the airline until after you actually fly. If you don’t fly – even by choice – you shouldn’t have to pay the tax.”

If you’re looking to make a claim, airlines publish information for passengers explaining exactly how to get it. Skyscanner explains: “The procedures for claiming an airport tax refund vary from airline to airline.

“Some will refund it automatically, whereas others require you to fill out a form. It’s worth noting that some carriers will charge an admin fee for the refund application, and with budget airlines, that fee can often surmount the amount you’ll get back.

“Each airline should publish details of how to claim back APD tax on its own website. If you cannot find this, call the airline and request details.”

Skyscanner added: “Some airlines have commercial agreements with various airports and may not always pay airport taxes. If you didn’t initially pay them, you wouldn’t be eligible for a refund.”