Travel Desk

IF YOU only have one day to spare for a trip, then it is still possible to squeeze in some foreign travel.

Indeed, there are many destinations to head abroad to from the UK for exploration in the space of 24 hours.

These include the breathtaking Danish islands a flight away from Scotland as well as the cute French city that you take a train ride to in just 90 minutes.

We’ve rounded up the speediest ways to enjoy a foreign jaunt – just don’t forget your passport…

Paris

One of the most iconic day trips from the UK to abroad has to be the revered French capital.

While you can get there by Eurostar, a faster route is flying which is just 1hr15 from London.

SEIZE THE DAY

Sun travel team’s top day trips abroad with £15 flights and free attractions

FESTIVE FIND

I went on a £20 Mystery Christmas Market day trip in the UK

Some of the earliest flights leave at 7am (arriving just after 9am) with departures as late as 9pm.

This gives you a cool 12 hours to explore the stunning city, including its iconic sights.

This includes the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame.

It is easy to walk between many of the main attractions, or to use the metro to reach the rest.

To see more of the city in one go, you can also do a boat tour on the stunning River Seine or the hop-on , hop-off Batobus.

The Sun’s Travel Reporter Alice Penwill recently tried a Paris day trip – here’s what she thought.

Dublin

The Irish capital makes a lesser known UK day trip abroad.

A flight is just 1hr20 from London, with the cost as low as £30 return with the likes of Ryanair.

Once you’ve landed, it is then possible to get a 30-minute bus from the airport to the city centre, which operate between 04:05 and 00:35.

It is then very possible to see the walkable city’s main attractions in the space of just a day.

These include the stunning university Trinity College, which is home to the famous Book of Kells in the Old Library.

You can then walk along the bustling Grafton Street and grab a pint in the Temple Bar area.

There’s also Dublin Castle within close proximity, which has available a self-guided tour that takes 30 minutes on average.

It is also possible – and smart – to explore Dublin via a hop-on, hop-off bus which will take you past all the main spots.

The Guinness Storehouse – a brewery dedicated to the famous drink – recommends allowing 90 minutes to visit, however the self-guided tour means you can go at your own pace.

Here’s what it’s like to visit the city of Dublin.

Lille

Another Eurostar destination is Lille, a city in northern France that’s close to the border with Belgium.

Unlike Paris, it takes just one hour 22 minutes to get to Lille and tickets start from £39.

This means that you needn’t have too early a start in order to be there for mid-morning.

The quaint spot, with its strong Flemish influences, is also very possible to experience in a just a day.

Fuel up on coffee and waffles, before exploring the old town, packed with restaurants and shops.

There’s also 17th-century brick town houses, cobbled streets and a large central square called the Grand Place.

The latter – along with La Vieille Bourse – is only a few hundred metres from the Lille-Flandres and Lille-Europe train stations.

Head to the top of the town hall’s belfry and you’ll get a view of Lille in its entirety.

Additionally, the ‘city pass’ gives you access to 40 sites, starting from €20 (£17) for 24 hours.

A particularly good time to visit is the first weekend of September when there is a famous street market on the Braderie de Lille.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited Lille for a quick weekend trip – here are her top tips.

Faroe Islands

The Danish archipelago is actually closer to the UK, even though it lies 200 miles north of Scotland.

You can fly to the Faroe Islands directly from Edinburgh, from just over £100, and it takes less than 1hr30 to reach Vágar Airport.

The islands are home to stunning rugged coastline, dramatic waterfalls and mountainous landscapes.

The main island is Streymoy, which makes up 24 per cent of the total land area and half of the entire population.

However, there are 17 other islands to explore, many of which are easily connected by tunnels and ferries.

Booking on a day tour will ensure you can explore as much as possible in a time-efficient manner.

This includes the Súðuroy Island Day Tour by ferry ride, which includes a visit to the ancient coal mines in Hvalba.

There is also a seven-hour ‘see it all’ islands tour that begins in Tórshavn and takes in the iconic Vágar island.

Given its northern location, the ideal time to visit would be between June and August when temperatures are a more pleasant 12-14°C.

Here’s our top tips on visiting the Faroe Islands.

Calais

You can reach the northern French port city in just 35 minutes by Eurotunnel’s LeShuttle from Folkestone, Kent.

The railway shuttle service, which runs beneath the sea, is faster than the 90-minute Dover to Calais ferry crossing.

There are up to four departures every hour, 365 days a year, and tickets start from £59 for up to nine people travelling in one vehicle.

Because you’ll already have your car with you the other end, you’ll be able to get exploring faster.

This includes taking a trip to the Calais Lighthouse, built in 1848, which has panoramic views of the quay – and sometimes the White Cliffs of Dover.

Le Beffroi de Calais, the city’s historic town hall, holds guided tours which take you up to the top of its tower.

Fancy stretching your legs? Drive to the Sentier des Balcons d’Escalles, which is a beautiful coastal path just west of the city.

If it’s a nice day, then it could also be worth heading to the seaside spots of Blériot-Plage and Plage de Calais.

There’s likewise the Musée Mémoire, which documents the location’s important role in the Second World War.

On your return, make the most of UK residents being able to shop tax-free, and pick up items like cosmetics, technology or food on your shopping list.

It was previously named ‘Britain’s Friendliest Town to Drive Through’.

A charming little village in the Yorkshire Dales transports you back in time, making it an ideal spot for a weekend escape.

Tucked away in a relatively tranquil corner, this picturesque village nestles beautifully within one of the most breathtaking parts of Wharfedale in North Yorkshire. Just two miles from Burnsall and five miles north of Bolton Abbey, this village is a must-see for those yearning for a serene getaway amidst nature. Appletreewick, affectionately known as ‘Aptrick’ by the locals, boasts distinctive architecture with its stunning stone houses – many harking back to the 12th, 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. A number of these homes are perched on the hillside above the River Wharfe, overlooking the village’s only through road.

These residences offer spectacular long-distance views of the dramatic rolling valleys of the Yorkshire Dales, set against the perfect backdrop of the fells. Though small in size, this picture-perfect village brims with character. It was mentioned in the renowned Domesday Book and was once a significant market town, thriving in the first half of the 14th century, reports Yorkshire Live. Remarkably, not much has changed in this exquisite hamlet, with a mere 207 residents according to the latest census in 2021.

A stroll through history

A leisurely stroll down the main street of Appletreewick feels like stepping back in time, with historic stone cottages lining the streets. A traditional red British telephone box, a sight increasingly rare these days, also stands proudly. The village has a rich history of diverse occupations, with early records revealing a mix of farmers, cobblers, tailors, schoolteachers, weavers, blacksmiths, miners, innkeepers, carters, and corn millers among its residents. Summer sees this charming hamlet bustling with activity as hikers, rambling enthusiasts, and cyclists are drawn to the area’s captivating views and stunning landscapes.

Appletreewick was once renowned for its annual Onion Fair, a nod to the significant role onions played in the village’s trade. In fact, there’s a lane in the village named Onion Lane, a lasting tribute to its historical significance. One particular Onion Fair saw a brawl erupt between two rival families – the Nortons of Rylstone Manor and the Cliffords of Skipton Castle. While the fight itself made headlines at the time, it underscores the importance of the Onion Fair in the social calendar, given that members of such prominent families were present.

Appletreewick also boasts High Hall, a Grade II Listed Tudor-style building, restored by none other than Sir William Craven, who later became Sheriff and Lord Mayor of London in the early 17th century. Craven had a personal connection to the building, having been born in a cottage nearly opposite High Hall, which was one of two eventually transformed into St John Baptist Church.

Visitors can enjoy a meal and a pint at The New Inn and partake in activities such as fly fishing on the River Wharfe, renowned for its plentiful grayling and brown trout. A 2009 study on rural driving in England named Appletreewick as ‘Britain’s Friendliest Town to Drive Through’ – perhaps all you need to know about this charming village and its inhabitants.

It has been called Lancashire’s ‘most beautiful village’, and it’s easy to see – the picturesque spot is so well-kept it feels a world away from modern life

This stunning village is meticulously maintained by the family that owns it, seamlessly blending into its scenic surroundings whilst remaining within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Downham is part of the historic Assheton Estate, belonging to the notable Lancashire family, the Asshetons. Given this ownership, at their behest, the area is devoid of any traces of contemporary life amongst its idyllic cottages and undulating countryside. There are no TV aerials or telephone wires running in between houses, nor are there any road signs. This uniqueness makes the village feel even more otherworldly, as they have held ownership for more than 450 years.

This enables them to make choices that preserve the historic charm of the location, with all properties in Downham, including farms, being leased out to prevent any further contemporary encroachments. One attraction that lures numerous visitors to the region is the magnificent manor house, Downham Hall, which has remained in the family’s possession since 1558.

Yet at the village’s centre lies the welcoming pub, the Assheton Arms, where you can enjoy hearty fare in a classic pub environment. The establishment itself radiates history through its low-beamed ceilings, aged timbers and period features, providing the perfect relaxed ambience.

Guests consistently post glowing TripAdvisor reviews following their visits, with many describing the venue as “beautiful”. One visitor wrote: “We had the pleasure of a two-night stay at the Assheton Arms after reading many positive reviews. From our arrival to our departure, our experience was nothing short of exceptional.

“The manager and his staff could not do enough for us, and the quality of our accommodation was everything we hoped for. Advance dining reservations were made for both evenings of our stay, and the food was of a very high standard and plentiful. We will certainly return.”

Another guest shared: “Beyond the fantastic accommodation, the food was outstanding. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour, using high-quality ingredients. The pub itself has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside – such a peaceful and scenic location.”

This picturesque location has served as a filming destination for numerous productions throughout the years, including the 1961 classic, Whistle Down The Wind. The BBC also chose it for Born and Bred, whilst it featured in another BBC drama in 2012 called The Secret of Crickley Hall, owing to its genuine rural charm.

Whilst wandering through the locale, visitors frequently discover St Leonard’s Church, positioned next to the village inn. Guest reviews highlight it as “picturesque” and “peaceful”, boasting its 15th century tower constructed in 1910. One reviewer noted: “Very picturesque church in a most beautiful village. Parts of the church date back to the 15th century.”

Often considered one of the holiest sites in England, this mystical Northumberland island village is home to an ancient castle and you can spot seals from the shore

A secluded island village, cut off from the world twice daily, exists right here within the UK. Nestled off the Northumbrian coast, this island village is often hailed as England’s most sacred site.

Situated 13 miles south of Berwick-on-Tweed and 20 miles north of Alnwick, this enchanting village boasts an ancient priory, a grand castle perched on the brink of the stunning coastline, and a plethora of delightful cafes and pubs. To the joy of visitors, seals can often be spotted from the village shore. However, twice a day, this island village becomes unreachable as the fierce tide engulfs its causeway, severing it from the rest of Northern England’s mainland. This necessitates that those keen to visit must check the safe crossing times to the coastal hamlet.

Words fall short in capturing the allure of the mystical Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. As you approach the island village, the awe-inspiring views and dramatic entrance give the sensation of stepping into a hidden world, encapsulating the unique charm of this village.

England’s most sacred site

Boasting a rich history that stretches back to the 6th century AD, Holy Island was a pivotal centre of Celtic Christianity, under the stewardship of Saints Aidan, Cuthbert, Eadfrith, and Eadberht of Lindisfarne. Originally, the island housed a monastery, which fell during the Viking invasions but was later reborn as a priory following the Norman Conquest of England.

Often dubbed the holiest site in Anglo-Saxon England, Lindisfarne was founded by St. Aidan, an Irish monk from Iona, the epicentre of Scottish Christianity. Invited by King Oswald, St. Aidan brought Christianity to Northumbria. In 635, he established Lindisfarne Monastery on Holy Island, becoming its first Abbot and Bishop. The Lindisfarne Gospels, a 7th-century illuminated Latin manuscript created here, now resides in the British Museum. The 12th-century Lindisfarne Priory is situated at the other end, across the causeway, and was seen as the birthplace of Christianity during the Anglo Saxon era.

It also served as the former dwelling of St Oswald. Immersed in breathtaking beauty, this peaceful haven was once the home of the famed St Cuthbert. With its profound historical ties, castle and priory ruins, Lindisfarne remains a sacred site and pilgrimage destination for countless Christians to this day.

Why you should visit

Holy Island is a vibrant community, home to a bustling harbour dotted with shops, hotels and pubs. The island and the mainland offer plenty to discover, with bird watching, fishing, golf, painting and photography being some of the most popular pastimes. Nestled atop a rocky volcanic mound known as Beblowe Craig, the majestic Lindisfarne Castle commands views over the island. Perched precariously on the coastline, the castle was found in 1901 in remarkable condition, leading many to surmise that its military history was largely peaceful. Today, the National Trust oversees the castle, allowing visitors to marvel at its stunning architecture and breathtaking sea vistas, reports Chronicle Live.

In addition to its rich history, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is also home to an impressive variety of wildlife. Its island status protects tidal mudflats, salt marshes and dunes, which together makeup the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Bird enthusiasts should keep an eye out for wildfowl in autumn and wading birds in winter on the reserve. Pale-bellied brent geese migrating from Svalbard (Spitsbergen) often spend their winters on Holy Island, and grey seals are frequently seen playing in the waters around the island village and sunning themselves on the sands. Visitors to Lindisfarne can drop into one of the island village’s quaint cafes or try one of the numerous pubs and restaurants for a meal.

BEACH HOLIDAYS

Switch off on a Greek island

Astypalaia has the same pretty, white-washed houses you see on the famous Greek islands, but it’s far less busy. The main town is beautiful, with buildings leading up a hill to an old castle. We rented a small apartment and spent our days on quiet pebble beaches that we had almost to ourselves. It’s a genuinely peaceful place where you can properly switch off from the noise of modern life.
Roy

A Corsican beach that never gets busy

Our favourite beach in Europe is Plage de Péru on Corsica. It can be reached by a pleasant downhill walk from the village of Cargèse, established by descendants of Greek immigrants from the Mani peninsula in the 18th century. However, we were lucky enough to have direct access from the Hotel Thalassa, a sleepy hotel with balconies and a leafy garden facing the turquoise waters. There may be better beaches on Corsica but this one is perfect for swimming and never seems to get busy. You can spend a day walking from the beach to the local Genoese tower, then return and grab a seat at one of the beach pailottes where you can eat and drink while watching the sunset.
Eleanor

Hot sand and siestas in Catalonia

The train from Barcelona deposits its passengers right on Sant Pol de Mar’s harbour. The sound of gently bobbing rigging and the whiff of seafood drifts from the village, where the promise of a splendid lunch awaits. The Playa el Morer is reached on foot along a curving bay where frazzled city dwellers dig their heels in that hot, amber sand, and take a siesta and the occasional dip. Sant Pol, it seems, exists to mend broken hearts and heal the soul.
Liz

Timeless charm in Akyaka, Turkey

On a road trip through Turkey’s south-west, I stumbled upon Akyaka, a peaceful, pine-fringed village untouched by mass tourism. The Azmak River, so clear it seemed unreal, flowed past riverside cafes where I watched turtles drift by. Locals welcomed me like family and evenings meant fresh seafood and golden sunsets. The architecture – wooden houses with carved balconies – gave the town a timeless charm. Paddleboarding on the calm sea at sunrise was something I’ll never forget.
Debbie

Stay cool on the Danish Riviera

Who needs the scorching Med when you have the Danish Riviera. The water is clean and refreshing (no wetsuits allowed – you’ll be laughed off the beach). Danish summer hols are in July, so you’ll have the beach to yourself in August. Book a summer cottage near Gilleleje, a charming fishing village about an hour from Copenhagen. Denmark is expensive, so self-catering is best. Ice-cream at Hansens; lunch in Gilleleje harbour; culture at Louisiana modern art museum and Hamlet’s Castle in Helsingør.
Christina

A quieter alternative to Capri, Italy

Procida, in the Bay of Naples, is not as famous as nearby Capri and Ischia, but is all the more appealing for it. Not a tourist trap but an island where people actually live, it’s a delightful slice of unhurried Italian life. It’s small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle, and there is a bus service too. There are many pretty little beaches for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking – our favourite was Il Postino, where scenes from the movie of the same name were filmed. As people still fish for a living, there’s no shortage of wonderfully fresh seafood in the restaurants. Villa Caterina B&B’s orchard of lemon and orange trees provides fresh juice and marmalade for breakfast, and the rooms have views of the island and the bay, with Vesuvius looming in the distance and Naples only 45 minutes away by ferry.
Bernie G

Seafood and sunsets in the Vendée, France

We had a wonderful week in Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée. The town has plenty of sights – the shell museum was well worth a trip – and there are many seafood restaurants. The main beach (La Grande Plage) is extremely popular and has beignet and glace-sellers and beach volleyball. However, we found ourselves gravitating to the less busy Plage de la Paracou, smaller and more rugged, no tourist trappings and wonderful sunsets. There was also a fantastic small open-air bar just over the dune, which had great live acoustic music a few nights a week.
Dolly

Pebble coves and olive groves on Silba, Croatia

I didn’t know much about Silba before I arrived (on a catamaran from Zadar) – it’s a small, car-free island with no hotels, just family-run guesthouses. You can walk on shaded paths through olive groves, find quiet pebble coves with clear water for swimming and climb the Toreta tower at sunset for great views of the Adriatic. My tip: bring a snorkel, stay at least two nights and be sure to book your return ferry in advance, as schedules are limited.
Elaine

RAIL JOURNEYS TO REMEMBER

The night train from Belgrade to Lake Skadar

We took a sleeper from Belgrade (after a few days exploring this cool, arty city) and loved the old-school velvety cabins with corridors and big open windows. We woke up to stunning Lake Skadar on the Montenegro-Albania border. After a few days exploring the lake, the ruined hill town of Stari Bar and Montenegro’s beautiful coastline, we headed back up to Belgrade by day – the mountainous scenery on this 11-hour journey is spectacular, and all for €50 round trip. We used the Man at Seat 61 to learn about the route.
Jenny

Interrail to Morocco

We travelled from the UK to Morocco via train and ferry, stopping in Girona and Córdoba, both of which have picturesque old towns. In Córdoba we visited eight stunning courtyard gardens as well as the Palace of Viana and the Mezquita, surely one of the most astonishing buildings in the world. On the return leg we stopped in Málaga and Montpellier, both characterful places. We would have missed out on these wonderful destinations if we had flown directly to Marrakech.
Louise

Anywhere in Belgium for €8.50

Last year, my wife and I explored Belgium by train, staying in an apartment near Antwerp station, a fantastic cathedral to the railways containing several pink granite columns and panels, polished in our home town of Aberdeen. In Belgium over-65s can buy a day return ticket to anywhere in the country for just €8.50. We visited several towns and cities, and discovered the Unesco-listed Flemish Béguinages – medieval communities composed of houses, churches and green spaces for widows or unmarried women, many now beautifully restored.
Jim Fiddes

Glorious north Wales rail circuit

Starting in Shrewsbury, a spectacular multi-day circuit of north Wales is possible: take the Cambrian Coast line through Aberystwyth, Barmouth and Porthmadog, then the gorgeous Ffestiniog Railway to Blaenau, where you can link back to Llandudno on the coast, and return to Shrewsbury (change at Llandudno Junction). There is no shortage of accommodation, allowing you to stop and explore without rigid planning. Out of summer the Cambrian coast and the seaside towns are unexplored jewels.
Dave Thomas

Laid-back vibes on the line to Ljubljana

After days getting blissfully lost in the quiet alleys and forgotten courtyards of Venice, we boarded the train from Santa Lucia station and sped across the shimmering lagoon to Trieste. In a sunlit square, we savoured chocolate gelato, the Mediterranean sparkling nearby. Next was laid-back Ljubljana, where we sipped cocktails by the river, surrounded by art and colour. Finally, a graffiti-covered train carried us to Lake Bled, where we hiked and swam beneath the majestic Julian Alps, ending our journey in a cosy glamping pod under the stars and amid fireflies.
Alex

A perfect triangle in France

My wife and I have travelled around a lot of Europe but our best trip for simplicity is a triangle of France: the Eurostar to Paris, then the TGV to Toulouse for saucisse and architectural and historical delights; next, the slow train to Bayonne, gazing at the Pyrenees as the train trundles past Lourdes, and on to the French Basque coast; then the TGV back up to Paris. City, gastronomy, mountains and beach all in one.
George

Rome to Sicily by train and ferry

Hop on the sleeper in Rome, or perhaps Naples, and wake the next morning in Sicily. There’s no bridge (yet) so the train is loaded on to a ferry for the crossing while you are sound asleep in one of the functional little compartments. You can go direct all the way to Palermo or beautiful Syracuse in the south-east of the island.
Polly

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK ADVENTURES

Cabin life on a Finnish lake

One of the most magical places I’ve been is Lake Saimaa in eastern Finland – a labyrinth of islands and forests where you don’t come across many people. We rented a lakeside cabin and watched the midnight sun shimmer across peaceful waters. Days were spent kayaking between islets or hiking pine-scented trails, with only the call of black-throated divers (or loons) for company. We visited the Linnansaari national park in the middle of the vast lake, where encounters with rare Saimaa ringed seals await. It’s nature’s embrace at its purest – remote, quiet and utterly rejuvenating.
Anthony

Riverside camping in Portugal’s mountains

The sleepy villages of the Serra da Estrela, continental Portugal’s highest mountain range, are a world away from its coastal honeypots. In Vila Cova à Coelheira there is a free campsite on the banks of the River Alva, reached via an old Roman bridge that you can swim under (or jump in from, if you’re feeling brave). Even better, there is a bar at the river beach that serves excellent pica-pau – pork braised in wine with onions and pickles.
David

True remoteness in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides

For an experience of true remoteness, I’d recommend the Hebridean island of Berneray, between North Uist and Harris. Here you can walk across the rare grassland called the machair to the white, three-mile long West beach and marvel at the immense space and colour of the Atlantic. We stayed at Gatliff Hebridean hostel, which consists of two converted crofts where, for about £20 a night for a bunk, you will be staying in one of the most peaceful locations in the world.
Nik Fernee

Quiet beauty in Montenegro

In autumn I visited Durmitor national park in northern Montenegro, a quiet and beautiful place in the Dinaric Alps. The road there passed through thick pine forests and opened on to wide valleys surrounded by tall, rocky mountains. I walked to the Black Lake (Crno Jezero), where the water was so still it perfectly reflected the autumn colours of the trees. In the hills, shepherds looked after their sheep, and small villages sold fresh cheese and honey. I also gazed down into Tara River canyon, one of Europe’s deepest gorges, and right at the bottom, several thousand feet below me, I could see the bright turquoise ribbon of the river.
Lorna Walkden

A Unesco biosphere reserve near Barcelona

Just 40 miles from Barcelona lies a Unesco biosphere reserve, its peaks more than a thousand feet higher than Ben Nevis. The Montseny massif’s thick Mediterranean oak forests rise on all sides as you follow the single road threading its way up the horseshoe-shaped valley. About halfway up is the village of Montseny itself. Stop for a hike on any of the trails, followed by an ice-cream at Can Manel, a small bar with a big terrace and enormous views.
Leo

Croatia’s Mljet island is not for the jet set

It’s only a few miles off the coast of Dubrovnik and its cruise-ship crowds, but Mljet feels like another world. Pine forests dip into turquoise bays, an ancient monastery sits on a tiny islet in the middle of a lake, and there’s hardly a sound beyond cicadas and the wind. I stayed in a simple family-run cottage just outside the national park, where evenings meant grilled fish on the terrace and nights under skies thick with stars. Days were spent kayaking across mirror-still water and walking through pine-scented trails where I rarely met another soul. It felt like stepping into a corner of Europe the 21st century has politely passed by.
Mark Adamson

The Romanian delta ‘on the edge of the world’

The Danube delta marks the eastern frontier of the EU and feels like the edge of the world. Accessible by boat from the port of Tulcea, it is one of Europe’s largest and most vital wetland ecosystems and is full of wildlife. We stayed at the Delta Boutique & Carmen Silva Resort in Crișan, an old working fishing village where tranquil evenings are broken only by the lively chorus of frogs. Guided boat safaris can be arranged via the hotel.
Josh

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

All aboard in the Netherlands

Our favourite family holiday was to the Netherlands: taking turns playing captain and guiding electric hire boats on canals; tilting our ice-cream cones at windmills at Zaanse Schans; cycling to the broad, clean beaches and cabanas; Amsterdam for the colourful Pride parade and counterpointed by a calming visit to De Poezenboot (which teen could resist a cat sanctuary on a canal boat?). And staying in Haarlem in an apartment with speedy wifi kept the teens happy while we indulged in morning strolls through medieval cobbled streets to Grote Markt for coffee and people-watching.
Annette

An Italian castle at hostel prices

When I saw the picture of Ostello il Castello di Santa Severa in the Guardian in 2019, I thought it was too good to be true, but it’s genuine. We have been twice with our teens, and sent friends too!A mile-long beach where teenagers can roam and paddleboard, an easy train journey to explore Rome, lunchtime pizza slices with locals cheering on the footie at L’Angolo delle Crepes. Plus the opportunity to sleep in a castle at hostel prices. Fluffy white towels aplenty, and a gleaming kitchen if you want to cook.Don’t miss the nearby necropolis for an Indiana Jones-style adventure. Fireworks over the castle and a hilarious Italian Beatles cover band were the ciliegina sulla torta!
Margaret

Making a splash in Austria’s lake district

Salzkammergut is the Austrian lake district. Lush meadows, forests and blue-green lakes make for endless days of swimming, biking and lying in the sun. Wolfgangsee has well-marked bike trails and opportunities to swim, alongside cafes serving delicious Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancakes) and schnitzel. Nearby Fuschlsee has an incredible water park right by the lake: swimming pools, slides and plenty of quiet water in which to swim. We stayed in the newly renovated Feichtingerbauer, which offers complimentary access to the Fuschlseebad.
Neha

Slovenia’s raft of adventure activities

We started in Lake Bled. Our teens loved the Dolinka ziplines, the summer toboggan run, hiking in Vintgar gorge and swimming in the lake. You can hire paddleboards and boats. If you have the money, there is rafting and canyoning too. After seeing the incredible Postojna cave, we went up the Vogel cable by Lake Bohinj. Half-board at the Bohinj Eco hotel kept us all amply fed and it also has an aquapark, bowling and plenty of games to boot. We finished the trip off with shopping in Ljubljana and the best ice-cream ever at Romantika.
Sue

Family-friendly camping in Pays de Loire, France

I am a solo parent, and Le Domaine du Clarys on the west coast of France has been our annual retreat since my daughter was three. The static caravans with decking offer a comfortable blend of camping and convenience. The parks, water slides and vibrant kids’ club activities provide endless fun for my daughter while I savour a few precious hours of calm or hire a bike to explore nearby towns such as Saint Jean de Monts. With friendly fellow travellers, it’s the perfect safe escape for a female adventurer.
Paula

Laurie Lee inspired us to walk the Cotswold Way

After a family reading of Laurie Lee’s As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning, my husband and I decided our two teens were ready for a walking holiday in the Cotswolds. We set out on the Cotswold Way with backpacks and a tent, starting just outside lively Chipping Campden and ending in Bath. Mobiles were limited to an hour in the evening and we did 10 miles a day – covering the walk in 10 days. We felt part of a community of walkers as fellow hikers greeted us and shared drinks and tips along the way. We returned fitter, more together and happier than when we set out.
Ann

Oompah bands and cable cars in Bavaria

A two-centre holiday to Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria is a must with teenagers as there is so much to see and do. In Munich they loved the atmosphere in the beer halls – eating pretzels and listening to the oompah band and watching the Rathaus-Glockenspiel in the square. A visit to the Olympiapark is also recommended. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen there is a toboggan run, which is great fun, and nearby is the beautiful Zugspitze mountain and cable car, with boating on Eibsee lake.
Richard Watkins

UNDER THE RADAR CITY BREAKS

Olomouc, Czech Republic

Olomouc is an utter delight. Gleaming spires and domes, two old town squares, enchanting cobbled lanes, trams and its own astronomical clock. It also has a Unesco-recognised holy trinity column, which was built to mark the end of a plague in the early 18th century. It’s a two-hour train ride from Prague but markedly less touristy. Two great places to enjoy a beer were Saint Venceslav’s brewery, where there is a beer spa with a sauna scented with hops, and Twinburg, next to the Moravian cycle path, which serves delicious craft ales. I felt that this city had been put on Earth specially for me.
Jack Anderton

City under the volcano, Sicily

A city brimming with life, Catania is a foodie haven and a great base to explore the island from. Home to arancini (deep fried rice balls) and cannoli (fried dough tubes filled with ricotta cheese), the city has incredible food experiences like the gelato from Don Peppinu and sweet treats from Pasticceria Savia. It is also within striking distance of Mount Etna, as well as beautiful coastal destinations such as Taormina and Syracuse.
George

Polar nights in Tromsø, Norway’s ‘Arctic capital’

As a Scot who once sought drawn-out summer nights, I now lean into the opposite with fervour. Winter in Tromsø – the “Arctic capital” – is for travellers who embrace long, dark nights and are keen to meddle with their circadian rhythms. The polar night, when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, starts at the end of November and finishes in mid-January. Experience this unworldly extended twilight – the blue hour – from about 9am to 2pm. The Fjellheisen cable car and silent whale-watching with Brim Explorer are two recommended activities.
Aimee Lawrence

Wrocław, Poland’s buzzy student city

Wrocław has the perfect mix of quirkiness and beauty to make for a cracking, affordable city break. The hefty student population gives the city a real buzz, from the boat and beach bars along the River Oder (try Forma Płynna beach bar), to the delicious Georgian bakeries (stop at Piekarnia Gruzińska PURI for pastries on the way to checking out the painted backyards of the Nadodrze neighbourhood). While tourists concentrate around the huge central square, exploring the edge of the old town reaps rewards, like Pub Drukarnia (delicious Litovel Czech beer) or Stacja Breslau bistro under the rail arches on Wojciecha Bogusławskiego street.
Matt Lunt

Explore Jaén’s castles and cathedral

The city and the province of Jaén in Andalucía, Spain, can be overlooked by those heading to nearby Granada or Córdoba. That’s a shame, given that they are filled with Renaissance architecture, including a magnificent cathedral, and are renowned as a home of olive oil. Historically it held immense strategic importance due to its position between Christian Castilla and Muslim Granada, and it is surrounded by castles. I recommend staying at the Parador de Jaén, which sits at the top of the hill of Santa Catalina next to the castle. The views from its rooms towards the Sierra Morena mountains are unparalleled.
Felix

Leiden, a mini-Amsterdam with a buzz

Leiden – between the Hook of Holland and Amsterdam – is a fantastic destination easily reached by ferry from the UK. It offers everything Amsterdam does but on a smaller scale and has great places to stay, eat and enjoy. The mainly pedestrianised and historic town centre is beautiful, with a fantastic Saturday market along the canals. The large student population helps keep the city lively all year round.
Ruud Jansen Venneboer

WONDERS WORTH TRAVELLING FOR

Ghosts of Knidos in south-west Turkey

We’ve only ever reached the ancient Greek city of Knidos by sea, dropping anchor by the silted harbour that once sheltered a fleet of triremes (ancient war galleys). At night, when the few tourists who come here have gone, the toga-wrapped ghosts return. From our boat, we could feel them, roaming the mile upon mile of steep, ruined streets and collapsed temples; rising up out of the sea 30 miles west of modern Datça, to haunt the vast, crumbling metropolis which grew rich on sea trade before earthquakes and war returned it to dust and the crickets. Magnificent.
Kay Jones

Gaelic island gem in County Kerry, Ireland

The sixth-century monastery and its tiny garden on top of Skellig Michael is an extraordinary place. The wind can howl up the sides of this mountain island, but climb the rocky stairs to the collection of ancient stone domed huts in the small depression on top and it is out of this world.
Chris

Well worth its salt, Kraków

The Wieliczka salt mine just outside Kraków is an architectural masterpiece and a Unesco world heritage site steeped in the history of the feudal salt trade. The shafts reach to more than 320 metres underground (the tourist route takes you to about 135 metres). Here you will find a cathedral etched into the salt and stone. With underground lakes, narrow corridors and guides who aren’t afraid to let you know how deep beneath the Earth’s surface you are, this amazing place isn’t for the fainthearted.
Joe

Images from prehistory in Morocco

Along a bumpy road, behind the little village of Aït Ouazik, near Tazzarine, more than 300 prehistoric petroglyphs of elephants, rhino, giraffe, ostrich and more are carved into rocks atop a cliff-ringed hilltop. The exquisite depictions are impressive enough, and although the intent of the artists must be left to your imagination, you will leave with a sense of connection to the past and a people who gathered here 5,000 years ago, exchanging stories and recording the wonders they had encountered.
George Joy

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, ‘the river that runs in the sky’

Thomas Telford’s Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the centrepiece of a world heritage site that crosses three counties and two countries. There is a magic to standing halfway across “the river that runs in the sky”, looking down on the tumbling River Dee and Horseshoe Falls reservoir, the water Telford drew for his impossible canal project. Rather than a chain of locks cut across the valley, his iron trough spans it, joints sealed with red Welsh flannel dipped in boiling sugar. Opened in 1805, it is the highest, longest aqueduct in Britain.
Fiona Collins

Pitch amid the pines of Parnassus, Greece

Arrive at Delphi Camping at night and pitch your tent under a sky the colour of dark wine among the pines of Mount Parnassus, haunt of the gods. The Kanatas family serve pine-scented retsina wine and slabs of creamy goat’s cheese, generously doused in oil harvested from their ancient olive groves. Awake at dawn and wander a dusty mountainside path to the archaeological sites, catching a glimpse of the temples through the trees. Return for an early dip in the campsite pool, perched above the Gulf of Corinth, 300 metres below.
Emma

Uzbekistan’s magical minaret

Standing proud in the heart of the silk roads city of Bukhara, the Kalyan Minaret exudes power and mystery in equal measure. Its beauty lies in the ornate brickwork arches and intricate geometric patterns that adorn its gently tapering body. So striking was this minaret that it was the only structure left unmolested by the Mongol warlord Genghis Khan, who reportedly could not bear to see it destroyed with the rest of the city. At night it is lit up and acts as a beacon, drawing locals and travellers alike to bask in its presence.
Carl Sucharyna Thomas

ACTIVE BREAKS
Local flavour on a trek in the Italian Alps

We completed three weeks of the Grande Traversata delle Alpi, a 500-mile trek in the Italian Alps. It was conceived as an economic regeneration project in the 1970s to join up and provide tourism to tiny villages with ageing populations and declining industry. In each location, one or more providers elects to supply accommodation and food to hikers; as a result the variety in our stays was immense. It cost €60-70pp pn half-board, sometimes less in dormitories. It’s a very quiet trail compared with many in the Alps, and we often had it to ourselves. Villagers are friendly and we enjoyed delicious local food, always at least three courses, with vegetarians fully catered for.
Samantha McGrady

Sailing on the Norfolk Broads

Hunter’s Yard in Ludham looks after a fleet of 1930s cabin yachts and day boats, some now with electric motors. Beautifully maintained and easy to sail, they provide a restful, beautiful holiday. Away from the popular spots, the Norfolk Broads remain wild and full of birds and animals. Go to your bunk early, with the sound of water, ducks and rigging. Get up early and sail past the sleeping gin palaces. Moor up early near a pub for your evening drinks. Hunter’s Yard staff are friendly and happy to advise; I’ll never forget the smell of wood and varnish in their workshops.
Rupert

Scaling the heights in a hidden Asturias valley

The Meicín hostel in Asturias, on the border with the ancient kingdom of León, is surrounded by jagged mountains, wild ponies and, if you’re lucky, bears. Climb Picos del Fontán (2,414 metres) and you’ll be unlikely to encounter any other hikers as you walk through a hidden valley and year-round snowfields. Peña Ubiña, after which the national park is named, has views south to the Castilian plains, and north to the far busier Picos de Europa. The hostel offers full board in dorms, and you can hike or taxi to it from the high-speed station, Pola de Lena, which connects with Gijón on the Asturian coast.
Robert Graham

Horse riding in the Welsh borders

We return to Freerein Riding Holidays in Clyro (Cleirwy), Powys, every year. It’s a fantastic way to view the Welsh countryside; you can self-guide with the maps and instructions provided or go with an experienced guide. Everything is included, including your meals and stays in beautiful country inns or guesthouses.
Vanessa Jones

An idyllic campsite in Provence

Camping du Montdenier is an idyllic, isolated spot in the mountains just above the Gorges du Verdon. You can spend days relaxing in the surrounding hills and lavender fields, or take advantage of the mountain biking, horse riding and paragliding on offer near the site. When you fancy a bit more life, take a trip down to one of the restaurants in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a beautiful village that sits beneath limestone cliffs and is famous for its pottery. For the more adventurous, Verdon is the birthplace of sport climbing, or you can stay closer to the ground on a day trip canoeing down the gorge.
Lucy

Hiking and hospitality in Albania

My partner and I had a magical time in the northern Albanian mountains. From Shkodër, we made our way to the Valbona valley national park via a two-night stay on (and boat across) Lake Koman. Once in Valbona, we embarked on a series of spectacular hikes, including a three-day circular to Çerem. The first two days we saw no one apart from shepherds – and a few vipers. The views were breathtaking, the hospitality welcoming, and the experience incomparable.
Alex

Running wild in Argyll and Bute

We had an unforgettable experience at regenerative Auchgoyle Farm on Scotland’s west coast. The running trails were adventurous and exciting, leading us through ancient woodland, across beaches and over hills.The wildlife and landscape were further brought to life by hosts Katharine and David’s infectious passion for – and knowledge of – their local environment. Between runs, we were rejuvenated with delicious home-cooked meals in the stunning farmhouse, and activities including yoga, wild swimming, a wood-fired sauna, art class and coffee tasting. We left feeling inspired, recharged and nourished by nature.
Kate

Twinkling lights in Poland’s Tatra mountains

Zakopane is a great base for skiers and anyone who enjoys winter mountain activities. It’s affordable (my chalet was just €400 for the week) and has lovely traditional wooden and stone houses, cafes and cheap restaurants serving tasty Polish stews and pierogis (filled dumplings), which kept us warm throughout. We hired snow shoes to explore the foothills by day, and at dusk the twinkling lights of the mountain villages came on, adding to the wonderful scene of lakes, mountains and forests. We also enjoyed sleigh rides and husky-driven carriages through the silent forests to magical Snowlandia ice maze (open mid-January to mid-March).
Yasmin

Guardian Travel runs a weekly readers’ tips competition. The winner receives a £200 voucher for a Coolstays break

PLANNING a Sun £9.50 holiday this year?

Our UK holiday parks are packed full of things to do, from live entertainment and comedy acts to climbing walls and waterparks.

But when you’re heading away on holiday, you often want to get out and explore what the local area has to offer.

Luckily, we’ve found loads of cheap things to do for the whole family – all for under £5.

From seaside classics and scenic strolls to quirky museums, here’s our top picks of fun for under £5 across every £9.50 UK destination.

Devon

The jagged coastlines of Devon are littered with famous landmarks.

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From Dartmoor National Park to the mighty Exeter Cathedral, there’s plenty to see and do.

England’s Haldon Forest park is just one example of how this county works so well for an off-grid getaway.

Here ,there’s various nature-rich walking trails that offer pure escapism.

The popular Stick Man trail will keep little ones thoroughly amused on their ramble.

A short drive from Exeter, Sidmouth Museum is a great place for kids in summer.

There’s special activities during the school holidays that will challenge little one’s brains and keep them intrigued. 

Think picture quizzes and guessing games that will have them whizzing around the historical displays and hunting out artefacts.

The museum reopens in March this year and entry is £2.50 per adult, while those under 16 go free.

And for a bargain beach day, grab your kite and head to Saunton Sands.

This beachside spot is known for its blustery winds that will keep little ones happy for hours as they battle to keep their kite soaring high.

On the opposite side of Devon’s sprawling coast, Dawlish Warren has buckets of family fun.

It’s home to one and a half miles of sandy shores, with go-kart rides, mini golf and amusements.

Nature-loving little ones, on the other hand, will enjoy searching for marine life in the rockpools at Jennycliff Beach in Plymouth.

There’s free parking nearby and affordable cafes.

Crabbing is a tradition in these parts. The gear is super-cheap and once you’ve shelled out for it one year, you won’t need to the next.

Head to Teignmouth, Brixham Breakwater or Lee Bay.

We’d also recommend fossil hunting on the Jurassic coast or spotting the wildlife in Dartmoor National Park.

Kent and Sussex

The coastlines of Kent have surged in popularity recently, with the likes of Margate and Folkestone receiving huge cash injections to bring a new lease of life to the areas. 

Meanwhile, Sussex boasts an excellent arts scene and is home to some fascinating historic sites, including where the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066. 

If you’re up for a subterranean adventure, the Margate Caves are guaranteed to wow.

Clambering into a damp chalk mine may not sound like a conventional family day out, but it is sure to have you captivated.

And with admission costing just £12 for a family of four (£3pp), it’s a bargain experience for all ages. 

The mines were originally dug in the 18th century before being reopened as a tourist attraction during the Victorian era, receiving a makeover in 2019.

During the summer months, kids can normally join a “cave quest”, where they’re tasked with finding animals such as elephants, crocodiles and deer, illustrated on the cavernous walls.

In West Sussex, Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve offers a great introduction to birdwatching, with warblers and lapwings to be spotted.

Entry costs just £2.50 per child and a fiver for adults.

Venture into the woodlands during autumn and you’ll spot all manner of colourful mushrooms.

Over in Brighton, it would be mad not to visit the Palace Pier, which has modern arcade games that teens will love.

And if you’re in Margate, pick up a bucket and spade and spend the day unwinding at Main Sands.

There’s an abundance of classic arcades nearby and vintage fairground Dreamland has free entry.

Whitstable is one of the most charming towns on the Kent shores, with cute cafes and pastel-coloured delis lining the streets.

Alternatively, if you’ve got buckets of energy to burn, visit Cyclopark in Gravesend.

Here, young and old can explore varying trails on two wheels.

There’s an easy-to-ride area for toddlers (£4.50 per family of five) with tunnels, bridges and even mini traffic lights, as well as BMX trails, road circuits and a play area.

It’s fair to say both of these counties have an abundance of things to do, but you don’t always have to part with your cash to enjoy what’s on offer.

It’s free to visit Preston Park — Brighton’s largest — with water fountains that kids will love in summer.

And it won’t cost a penny to explore the White Cliffs of Dover.

Meanwhile, the Sussex coast is known for its fossil-rich landscapes and Cuckmere Haven is one of the best spots to go hunting for them.  

Cornwall

For a tranquil afternoon of wildlife spotting, check out Tanglewood Wild Garden in Penzance. 

The rugged forest and its small ponds attract a huge number of birds including mallards, Canadian geese and kingfishers.

You may even spot dragonflies and damselflies hovering around the water, while squirrels and rabbits run in among the trees.

Entry costs £3 per child and £6 for adults, but that can still work out at under a fiver per person for a family.

Elsewhere, near Falmouth, Cornwall Gold is a free-entry, family-friendly attraction focused on Cornish heritage.

It offers gold-panning, pottery-painting, a jewellery showroom with local designs, and an interactive tin-mining exhibition.

Those travelling with youngsters should head to Porth Beach in Newquay.

With a large patch of sand sheltered by tall cliffs, the shallow surf is great for kids to paddle in, and for adults who are less confident swimmers. 

The sands are flanked by lots of small cafes selling affordable coffee, ice cream and snacks and there are public toilets near the car park.

Nearby Porth Joke Beach is more secluded, if you prefer.

Those venturing to Bude instead should pay a visit to Summerleaze Beach.

The Blue Flag sands are dog-friendly outside busy summer months and are backed by colourful beach huts.

There are plenty of lifeguards on duty during summer to keep an eye on youngsters, as well as adults. 

Another top attraction here is the sea pool carved out at the water’s edge.  

It is free to use and just the thing for parents wanting to be able to keep an eye on their kids as they splash about.

Fortified tidal island St Michael’s Mount, now a National Trust site, is  linked to the mainland by a cobbled causeway that is walkable at low tide.

There is no charge for walking the causeway, although you must pay to explore the castle.

Art lovers, meanwhile, will love the gallery at Falmouth. It’s free to enter and hosts various exhibitions throughout the year.

Cornwall’s Camel Trail is also a must for ramblers, runners and cyclists alike.

The free 18-mile route stretches all the way from Bodmin to Padstow — although you may like to skip the Bodmin stretch and start at Wadebridge where the views become prettier. 

Reward yourself for your exertion with a delicious home-made cake from Padstow’s Cherry Trees Coffee House.

Norfolk

Time your getaway right and you could be sharing the beach with not just the whole family, but some sweet, baby seal pups. 

Norfolk is famous for its long sandy beaches, and the surrounding marine life loves them just as much as we do.

Pupping season is this month for grey seals, while you’re more likely to spot common seals from June to August. 

And where’s the best place to see them?

Horsey Beach, close to the action-packed resort town of Great Yarmouth, plus Blakeney Point are the best spots.

And even if you don’t catch a glimpse, you won’t regret visiting these gorgeous shores. 

Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach has been entertaining families since 1909, so it sure knows a thing or two about seaside fun.

Pick up a Fun Card for £5 per person, which allows entry for the whole of 2026.

Every pound uploaded can be used as a credit to go towards the many rides and attractions, which include mini rollercoasters and classic dodgems.

Essex

If you’re keen to show the kids some culture then whisk them off to the Southend Central Museum.

Here there’s loads of local history, as well as a giant planetarium.

Over in Clacton-on-Sea, there’ s loads of family-friendly options.

Harbour ferry boat rides are a fun choice, offering a 15-minute trip to Landguard beach or a quick 5 minute-trip to ride to Shotley Marina.

The boat trips cost just £4.40 for adults (17+), £3.30 for kids and ages 0-1 go free.

Clacton Pier is a classic fun-filled and affordable place to spend an afternoon.

For £5 you can get 5 credits to use on a range of games and rides – plus there’s a bowling alley and aquarium there to explore, too.

And those after a cracking night out should look no further than this glamorous county where the nightlife scene will blow your socks off. 

As will the pints at The Last Post, a Wetherspoons pub located in  Southend’s former head post office that dates back to 1896.

Essex also has its fair share of picturesque shores. 

Southend On Sea, for example, is home to the world’s longest pleasure pier promising 1.33 miles of non-stop thrills.

Suffolk

If history and the great outdoors hold great appeal, then be sure to make your way to Suffolk, where the free fun lasts for weeks on end.

Christchurch Park is an excellent place to while away the hours, with sprawling lawns that make the perfect picnic spot. 

The Abbey Gardens, on the other hand, will pique a history lover’s interest.

It’s home to the ruins of a Benedictine monastery, as well as a beautiful rose garden made up of more than 400 bushes.

Suffolk’s got its fair share of beaches to explore, too.

Southwold Beach is a hit with its colourful beach huts, whilst Aldeburgh Beach is great for rock pooling and spotting pretty fishing boats come in with the day’s catch.

And there’s plenty to see and do with kids of all ages.

Barnville in Stowmarket is an adorable indoor play where kids can role play as chefs, builders and more in themed zones.

Tickets cost £5 per child (ages 0-5) with parents going free.

Ipswich Museum offers free admission, and takes families on a journey through the Iron Age, Ancient Egypt and more.

Scotland

With its otherworldly landscapes, it is no surprise that Scotland has played host to many blockbuster movies. 

From barren, grass-topped mountains to large, tranquil lochs, it is everything the British countryside should be — and more.

The hilly city of Edinburgh frequently steals the show — and for good reason.

There’s buckets of action-packed activity for families, yet the leafy countryside is just a hop, skip and jump away.

The Royal Commonwealth Pool, at the edge of Holyrood Park, is one of the country’s most famous leisure centres.

It was built to host the Commonwealth Games in 1970. 

Today it is an excellent spot to take the kids for a dip, with swimming sessions starting at £4.25.

The Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum will be a highlight for little ones  fascinated by ancient history.

Entry costs from £4.50 per child, or £15 for a family of one adult and two kids.

Once inside, you’ll marvel at 26 carvings of animals, birds and horsemen, with works of art dating from around the 800s.

You’ll want to head further north of the main cities for properly picturesque beaches.

Some of the Scottish shores are so quiet, you will likely get the whole of the sands to yourself.

West Sands in St Andrews is simply gorgeous, known for its two miles of uninterrupted white sands, flanked by windswept, grassy dunes.

It was even used to film the opening scenes of 1982 Oscar-winner Chariots Of Fire.

The other brilliant thing about Scotland is that many of its beaches overlook peaceful lochs instead of the sea.

Take Loch Morlich, in the Cairngorms, for example.

This fresh water loch is a watersports haven, with kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing all available.

What’s truly great about this captivating country is that you really don’t need to spend money to make the most of what’s on offer here.

Unspoilt nature is what many come to this region for and much of that is free. 

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is a great place to de-stress.

There’s no admission fee to access the gardens, which cover 70 acres and sit just a mile from the city centre.

While you’re there, it’s well worth making the stroll to Arthur’s Seat.

There are various routes to choose from, depending on your walking ability, with some kid-friendly options.

Either way, the peak of the hill promises exceptional, panoramic views of the capital below.

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Nothing quite says beach holiday like a classic British pier – and the one at Skegness promises lots of fun, from the clip and climb wall and ten-pin bowling to the mind-boggling escape rooms. 

Rand Farm Park, eight miles from the city of Lincoln is home to the most adorable family of Highland cows. 

Crumpet the goat will be there, too, along with his pals Charlie the donkey and Alice the alpaca.

When the sun shines, there’s no better place to head than Hubbards Hills in Louth, home to chalk‑streams that are perfect for paddling in.

And on the grassy banks you can set up camp with a picnic blanket and basket of takeaway goodies.

The woodland keeps the area cool, offering plenty of shade in the height of summer. 

Eager to spot some wildlife? Head to Donna Nook salt marsh in the north of the county for a chance to see seals.

What does Yorkshire do better than anywhere else? Tea, of course.

And you’ll be spoilt for choice with excellent coffee houses and cafes dotted all over the county, many offering views of rolling hills.

It would be a sin not to venture to a Bettys tea room.

There are two in Harrogate, two in York and one in Ilkley and they all serve its famous Fat Rascal, a scone-like biscuit packed with glace cherries and decorated with almonds to form a smiley face.

Samuel Smith’s is one of Yorkshire oldest breweries and its boozers are scattered across the county, so be sure to pop in and sink a few pints.

Tadcaster is the original site, dating back to 1758.

Isle of Wight

Hopping on a ferry adds an extra layer of excitement to a staycation. 

And the fact that the journey from the mainland to the Isle of Wight can take as little as 22 minutes  means you won’t have to deal with whines of “Are we there yet?”.

The island is frequently referred to as the Dinosaur Capital of Britain, thanks to the large number of bones and fossils that have been found on an 11-mile stretch of coastline there.

Dinosaurs are just part of what makes the Isle of Wight’s past fascinating, and you’ll uncover more interesting facts at the Museum of Island History in Newport.

The attraction, which reopens in February and costs £1 for adults and 50p for kids, offers access to hands-on displays, archaeological finds and a variety of exhibitions.

If dinosaurs are your focus, book a guided National Trust Fossil Walk at Compton Bay.

You can hunt for Cretaceous-period fossils, including dinosaur bones.

Walks cost from £3 per child and a fiver for adults and give you a real understanding of the region.

Those after traditional seaside fun can’t go far wrong with Sandown Beach, on the east of the island.

The long stretch of golden sands is ideal for building sandcastles, while a classic pier with arcade games will keep the older kids happy.

The calm waters make it a great spot for little ones to paddle, too.

On the other side of the island sits Compton Bay, a stunning two-mile stretch backed by sandstone cliffs, which make it one of the more beautiful spots.

It’s part of a National Trust site and is littered with tiny rockpools where kids can go hunting for marine life.

You have to pay for parking if you are not a National Trust ­member. 

The Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall is free to visit, although donations are welcomed.

There’s a playground and if you’re willing to splash a bit of cash you can   learn how to care for the animals and get some exclusive time with them.

Appley Park in Ryde consists of a sweet beach-side playground with slides and climbing frames.

There’s also a budget cafe nearby as well as public toilets.

You don’t need to pay to gaze at the mighty Carisbrooke Castle, either.

The English Heritage site looks just as impressive from the outside, with its rickety stone walls and 14th century gatehouse.

Several walking routes will pass the grounds and lead you through the charming village.

Wales

Unspoilt landscapes featuring ancient castle ruins and breath-taking beaches flanked by windswept sand dunes.

And this is only a fraction of what makes Wales a cracking staycation spot.

History buffs can take their picks from Caernarfon Castle, Cardiff Castle, Castell Harlech, Conwy Castle and Kidwelly Castle, each of which has a unique story to tell.

If you decide on Cardiff, swing by the National Museum Cardiff while you’re there, which is free to enter and crammed full of ancient animal skeletons, artwork and historic artefacts.

Some downtime is crucial, too, of course. And one of the best beaches for pure relaxation is Pwll Du Bay. 

This secluded patch of sand is tucked away at the bottom of a valley, which means it can be a little challenging to reach, but it’s worth it for the magnificent views of rolling waves, crashing onto the limestone cliffs.

North East

The southern beaches of the UK may steal the limelight in summer, but that’s partly what makes a northern escape that bit better.

You can avoid the heaving crowds of Cornwall and enjoy the quiet and less commercialised coastlines in peace.

Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland is one of the best and most scenic, with views of the mighty Bamburgh Castle.

Its sands are flat and waters relatively calm so it’s great for toddlers and those who can only paddle, as well as keen sandcastle builders and bird-watching. 

Watersports fans may want to set their sights on Beadnell Bay instead of Bamburgh.

There tends to be good swell, attracting hordes of surfers year on year.

But if that sounds too challenging, pick up a body board from one of the seaside shops or have a go at stand-up paddle boarding. 

If you’re travelling to the North East then you’ll probably want to visit the energetic city of Newcastle, famous for its nightlife and family-friendly attractions.

There’s free attractions like the Discovery Museum and Great North Museum: Hancock, both of which have dedicated kids areas.

There are several National Trust sites, too, in the North East, including Cragside, Wallington and Gibside.

North West

Love a beach but not a fan of the sand? Head to the North West, where the Lake District boasts all the benefits of the beach, but without sandy toes.

Windermere is England’s largest natural lake and probably the most well-known too – for good reason. 

This is also one of the best parts of the UK to go cycling to soak up the views, so make sure to bring your bikes for a fun free activity – or simply go for a walk.

The Grizedale Forest trail offers breathtaking trail views of lakes and mountains.

It’s a great ramble for children, too, thanks to the artwork and sculptures dotted throughout the woodland.

Central England

If you’ll be staying at Newhaven, Billing Aquadrome or Malvern View Country and Leisure Park, here’s some top activities for the whole family for under a fiver.

The Peaks are right on your doorstep at Newhaven, with its famous hiking trails, woodlands and caverns to explore.

Padley Gorge is a good option for families with its wooded valley and gentle stream paths that kids love to explore.

Derby Arboretum is also nearby, and is known as Britain’s first public park.

Over in Northampton, guests at Billing Aquadrome can head to Sywell Country Park for lakeside walks, wildlife watching and your choice of scenic picnic spots.

Abington is worth a visit for both its park and free museum, which always has great hands-on exhibitions for kids.

A short drive will take you to Stanwick Lakes, where there’s everything from an assault course, adventure park and water play areas to zip lines.

The best part is you only have to pay for parking – and up to 4 hours costs just £4.90.

And for those staying at Malvern in Worcester, Herefordshire, there’s plenty to do both indoors and out.

The Malvern Hills Natural Landscape has endless walking and cycling trails to explore in the warmer weather.

Priory Park, Malvern Common and Belle Vue Island are other scenic options for outdoors-y types.

History fans can head to Malvern Museum or Great Malvern Priory for free, to take part in kids’ trails or admire stained-glass architecture.

There’s also Imagination Street nearby if you’re looking for some indoor play for younger kids, including an inflatable park – just make sure to book your slot in advance.

Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire

With three holiday park locations spread out down South, we’ve collected some of the best cheap or even free things to do if you’ll be staying at Sandford, Unity Beach or Hayling Island.

Those staying at Unity Beach in Brean Sands have plenty to explore on your doorstep.

Brean Beach has miles of golden sands to explore and is just steps away from the park – so make sure to pack your buckets and spades and inflatables to bring on holiday with you.

Brean Down Fort is a slice of history that’s free to explore, and the countryside trails around Brean Down are best explored by foot or bike.

Over in Poole, Dorset, there’s plenty to see and do for guests of Sandford holiday park.

Poole Museum has free entry and is a great rainy day option. There’s often free discovery trails and exhibitions specifically for kids.

The RNLI Poole Lifeboat Museum is another great choice.

Here you can meet Thomas Kirk Wright, a Surf class lifeboat who operated from 1939 to 1962.

And if you want to get out into the outdoors, Upton Country Park is home to huge grassy parklands, nature walks and woods perfect for den-building.

Over in Hayling Island, Hampshire, entrance to the Funland Amusement Parks is free.

Here there’s activities like a clip and climb and a pirate-themed mini golf course.

Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary is also free to visit, though it is open to charity donations.

And entire days can be spent exploring Hayling Island beach and promenade, lined with traditional arcades and ice cream shops.

QUEEN of the £9.50 holiday, Tracy Kennedy knows everything there is to know about how to book the perfect Sun holiday.

Tracy leads the Facebook group “£9.50 SUN HOLIDAYS“, which now boasts an enormous 288,000+ members.

Having taken trips with The Sun for 29 years, she is full of advice on how to get the best of our cheap breaks, which is why we’ve made her our new £9.50 Agony Aunt.

Here, Tracy whittles down her best pieces of advice for booking your £9.50 holiday to these 17 tips.

If you fancy asking Tracy something else about the Sun’s Hols from £9.50, she’ll be answering your questions in her new agony aunt column in Sun Club.

One top question each week will be rewarded with a £100 Amazon voucher – use the form further down to send her your question.

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1. Always have a list of the kids’ school holidays to hand

Before booking your break, make sure to read up on the kids’ school holidays schedule.

You don’t want to book only to find out later that you have a clash.

2. Make a list of holiday parks you want to go to

Come up with a list of your top four parks from the list of those available.

But you should also add a few extras you wouldn’t mind going to, just in case you don’t get your top picks.

It’s always good to be flexible – you can always try a new place.

3. Have a list of your preferred dates ready

Don’t go into booking with no idea when you want go.

It’s best to know ahead of time which dates you can make – and, if possible alternative dates.

It can be disappointing if you can’t get the dates you want. 

4. Know how far away you’re willing to travel, and if you’re taking public transport or the car.

It’s a good idea to plan ahead how you’re going to get to the holiday park.

For example, you might see a good deal in Scotland, but you’d have to take five or six trains to get there.

Then there’s also the possibility of train strikes, so you should have a back up.

I think it’s a good idea to have in mind three other routes to get there, it’s something my dad used to do. 

5. Make sure it’s a dog-friendly booking if you’re bringing the family pet with you

There are sites that are dog friendly, but you often have to look out for a green figure.

If you don’t book a dog friendly place you can risk being charged full price for a dog.

I see it in the group all the time. 

6. When it comes to booking, clear the cookies in your browser

In the last few years, some people have experienced problems when booking.

Sometimes when getting to the page, an ‘invalid session…’ message comes up and stops you booking.

We’re not sure why this is, but it’s something to look out for and some people have said that clearing their cookies have helped.

7. Look up the entertainment programmes beforehand – especially if you’re taking kids

If you’re interested in going along to the entertainment, it’s worth checking the holiday park website to see what will be on.

Especially if you’re bringing kids, it’s a good idea to know the kind of things there will be.

Then you can plan your dates around what’s on if you want to.

8. Book popular parks before they go

Popular sites like Seal Bay and Unity Beach tend to go really fast.

I often see people in the group who have left it too late and missed out on booking the one they wanted.

So if you’re set on which park you want, book it as soon as possible.

9. Set an alarm to book

To be in with the best chance of getting the one you want, you should set an alarm.

I book through Sun Club which opens earlier – at midnight, so I make sure to stay up.

It’s really exciting. It feels like Christmas!

I definitely recommend joining Sun Club to get first dibs.

10.  Do your research before booking day

Every year, I see people online asking questions about resorts after booking has already opened.

If you haven’t done your research first, the holiday you want could get snapped up.

Take a look at all the parks ahead of time to see which ones you like, so you don’t waste time faffing around when the website opens.

11. How to plan if you’re booking a family holiday

If you’re booking a family holiday, read up on the parks to see if they have activities you like.

Seal Bay, for example, has loads of stuff to do.

It’s practically on the beach – there’s even picnic benches on the beach that are part of the park.

It’s really good for families. Kids definitely won’t get bored.

12. How to plan if you’re booking a couple’s break

If you’re booking as a couple, it can be a good idea to go out of season before the kids break up.

When the kids are back to school, the parks are a lot quieter and more adult-oriented.

A lot of them still run games like bingo, and there are bars to have a drink.

Some couples like a quieter holiday, but if you don’t mind the kids running around for a bit of a more lively atmosphere, then go during half term.

Competition is open to UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland), aged 18+ only. Competition ends at 23:59pm on Saturday, January 31 2026. See here for the full Terms & Conditions.

13. How to plan if you’re going as a group of friends

There’s lots to do entertainment-wise if you’re going with your friends.

Most parks have discos that go on until midnight.

The comedy is always really funny too – some of the comedians really push the limits.

I recommend looking up the entertainment programmes ahead of time to get an idea of what you want to see and do.

14. How to plan for an outdoors-y holiday

The Isle of Wight is great for getting out and seeing the outdoors. There’s not one bit of the island you won’t like.

There’s so much there, it’s only about 27 miles to walk around the whole island and that site is close to so many things to do.

Nodes Point has direct access to the beach. You can watch the ships going out from there, it’s amazing.

In the town, there’s even markers on the ground pointing you to the beach, so you’ll never get lost. There’s a lift down to the beach, too.

Unity Beach is also great for the outdoors – the nearby Brean Down is worth a visit, for the stunning views and fort.

The most popular £9.50 resorts with families

Our £9.50 Holidays offer plenty to do for adults and kids of all ages – and these ten were our most popular resorts with families last year…

1. Seal Bay Resort, West Sussex
2. Hendra Holiday Park, Cornwall
3. Golden Coast, Devon
4. Unity Beach, Somerset
5. Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay
6. Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands
7. Park Holidays UK Sand le Mere
8. St Ives Bay Beach Resort
9. Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park
10. Parkdean Resorts Southview

15. Try a comfort upgrade if you’ve got spare cash

Sometimes you’ll get lucky and get a random free upgrade.

But if you’ve got the spare cash, it can be worth booking an upgrade.

I know families of four who have booked a place with an extra room just to store the suitcases.

And if you want the extra space, it’s not a bad idea.

We got randomly upgraded once at The Lakes at Rookley.

The room was like a house. We even had our own back garden and washing line.

16. Look out for extra dates added later in the season

January is the best time to book to get the holiday you want, but you should definitely keep checking to see if any extra dates get added.

I’ve seen it before where new dates have been added months later, and people rush to book them.

So it’s worth hopping back on to see, even if you’re not planning on booking.

17. Get the entertainment passes if you have kids and you’re going in term time

If you have children and you’re going in term time, I’d say definitely book the entertainment and club room passes.

These will give you access to things like swimming and bingo.

And even if you haven’t got kids but you want to see the entertainment, you should book them anyway.

Especially if you’re going in a quiet season and want something to do.

I’ve gone to see the entertainment with friends and had a great time.

THE Sun’s Hols from £9.50 are back – and who better to give us their top tips on where to holiday this year than our new 9.50 Agony Aunt, Tracy Kennedy.

From next week, Tracy – who runs the hugely successful 9.50 Hols Facebook group boasting more than 264,000 members – will be answering all your questions about how and where to book.

When Tracy took on the £9.50 Sun Holidays Facebook group in 2007 it only had 50 members, and it now has more than a quarter of a million fans.

She told The Sun: “We get 100 people asking to join daily sometimes, it’s still very popular.” 

Having been on 30 Sun Holidays herself, we asked Tracy for her recommendations, tips and tricks for travelling with 9.50 Hols.

If you fancy asking Tracy something else about the Sun’s Hols from £9.50, she’ll be answering your questions in her new agony aunt column in Sun Club.

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One top question each week will be rewarded with a £100 Amazon voucher – use the form further down to send her your question.

Which was your first Sun Holiday?

My first Sun Holiday was in 1996 to Kewstoke near Weston-super-Mare – that was a time when people still cut out tokens!

Which has been your favourite? 

Lyons Robin Hood in Rhyl, North Wales, is one of my favourites, as there is so much to do onsite.

It has swimming pools, an adventure playground, an arcade, a spa and lots of daytime and evening entertainment.

I love the location of this site, it’s a stone’s throw away from Rhyl town centre, with its promenade.

On the lovely Ffrith beach across the road we spotted a seal poking his head out of the sea on one holiday.

Favourite county? 

Catching the ferry to Thorness Bay, Isle of Wight is great fun, I’m one of those that waves to the ferry coming the other way.

Isle of Wight is lovely and clean, so very peaceful too, and there are lots of parks you can try with The Sun 9.50 Holidays.

It’s also great value for money if you’re travelling with the kids.

If you’re travelling with family, I recommend Blackgang Chine. You can do one day or get a pass for seven days, which lots of parks do now.

Best tips for a caravan holiday?

It’s important to remember it’s colder in earlier parts of the year, but a lot of places have heating now – you can find that out from a site before you book. 

If you go for the cheapest caravan there’s always a chance you could be upgraded!

Bring a ‘goody bag’ of non-perishable foods and useful items, for example washing up stuff and tins of beans.

Bringing some food with you is also good if you don’t fancy going shopping when you arrive.

Milk and butter are useful to bring along. If you’re getting a coach or train you can bring things like coffee in sachets to travel light. 

Competition is open to UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland), aged 18+ only. Competition ends at 23:59pm on Saturday, January 31 2026. See here for the full Terms & Conditions.

What unexpected thing would you never forget to pack?

A tin opener! It’s always something that can break easily. 

What hidden gems have you discovered on your trips?

In Weston Super Mare, the Weston Museum. It’s down a back street and it’s really, really nice. 

In the Isle of Wight, Arreton Barns. A lot of people don’t know about it. It’s full of local people and local produce, they also offer a few workshops. 

In Hastings, Hastings Museum and Gallery. You can walk past that easily. 

And in Blackpool, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. That’s overlooked a lot but offers all sorts. 

What places do you think are underrated? 

Weston Super Mare. I love the place, but it gets a lot of slack.

There’s loads of things to do there. We’d go there when the kids were young, I went there when I was a kid.

There’s miles of beach, it’s clean, there are lovely walks, and I like to go look at the Old Pier, it’s a part of history.

You also have to take the kids crabbing – there are some really big crabs there! 

The most popular £9.50 Holiday resorts

Every year, Sun readers return to book a £9.50 Holiday at their favourite resort – these were the top ten most popular sites in 2025…

1. Seal Bay Resort, West Sussex
2. Hendra Holiday Park, Cornwall
3. Golden Coast, Devon
4. Unity Beach, Somerset
5. Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay
6. St Ives Bay Beach Resort
7. Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands
8. Parkdean Resorts Southview
9. Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay
10. Parkdean Resorts Kessingland Beach

Are there any big seaside towns you think are really great? And any particular places within those you recommend? 

Blackpool – the Parkdean sites in Morecambe are great, the Lake District is great to visit, there’s Blackpool Tower, the circus, it has it all! 

It can be costly, so you have to be careful.

Visiting Pleasure Beach, the Sealife Centre, The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse and Peter Rabbit Explore and Play can be expensive if you visit all in one day, but there is also plenty of free or affordable activities, so just do some research in advance.

 Best place to take young kids?

The best place for young kids is Lyons Robin Hood so much to do onsite.

It includes an indoor swimming pool, dino karts, a playpark, an activity den, adventure gold, arcades, lots of activities and plenty of opportunities to meet with the park characters. 

Why do you like Sun Holidays so much?

I mean, the prices are from £9.50 – it’s fantastic value. And it’s an opportunity to try different places.

For example, when I did a Sun holiday to the Isle of Wight, I was initially put off by the thought of the ferry, but I ended up loving it.

The cost for the whole thing with the ferry included was £150 for my daughter and I, which is fab value. 

Sun holidays are more popular than ever, especially with budget crunching. 

What is so great about British holiday park holidays?

What is more British than a caravan! And the parks offer so much, there’s something for everyone. 

And the community of people is fantastic.

Last time I went to Wales there was another group member there and we found lots of stuff to do together. People have definitely made lifelong friends going on these holidays. 

If you haven’t booked a Sun Holiday, book one! It doesn’t matter what level of accommodation you stay in – if you book to stay in the cheapest, you get treated no different, and a lot of people get upgraded anyway.

THE Sun’s fabulous Holidays from £9.50 has been providing our army of readers with the best bargain breaks around.

And for more than 26 years I have been heading up Travel at The Sun, determined to search out those great value stays across the UK and Europe.

In that time I’ve picked up some great tips and tricks for making your £9.50 break even better without splashing the cash.

Here’s my top tips…

Bring your own

Save on hiring equipment by bringing your own.

The price for bedding and towel packs can soon add up for a family, so pack a bag full of duvets, sheets, towels, tea towels from home.

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If you need a cot or highchair, consider bringing those from home or borrowing from family or friends.

For those spring and autumn breaks, don’t forget a cheap fleece blanket or two for cosying up on the sofa.

I always pack a large plastic box full of basic cleaning supplies and store cupboard essentials.

Start with washing up liquid, cloths, surface spray, bin bags and loo roll.

For store cupboard basics, I decant tea bags, coffee and sugar into re-sealable plastic bags and add in herbs, spices, sauces, pasta, cereal and snacks from home to save on pricey last-minute shopping on site or at petrol stations.

Plan your meals in advance to avoid the temptation to splurge on takeaways.

I always batch-cook and freeze a bolognese that can then be cooked up for a first-night easy meal and then turned into a chilli for the following day, with the addition of some spices and kidney beans.

Both can be padded out with some garlic bread and salad to make substantial meals.  

For days out and on the beach, it pays to be prepared in advance and avoid having to shop last minute.

I always freeze bottles of water and cartons of fruit juice so they can cool down packed lunches in an insulated cool bag.

To avoid soggy sandwiches, I bring part-baked baguettes and fniish cooking them in the caravan, adding hearty fillings like ham or cheese.

Pack a small tub of salad bits – cucumber, tomatoes, carrots – that you can add to your sandwiches at the last minute.

Think about other often-forgotten bits that can add up if you leave home without them.

Put together a basic first aid kit with plasters, painkillers and other relevant meds.

It’s also a good idea to create a tech kit with all your necessary chargers and cables all packed up in a case or bag to avoid having to shell out again.

Prep for success – make a list of everything you will need to pack and tick it off as you go along!

Getting there for less

Check to see if you have enough supermarket loyalty points to fill up the tank for free.

To avoid pricey motorway petrol stations, use fuel price apps like PetrolPrices.com that you can download for free to work out the cheapest ways to fill up along the way with real-time updates on fuel prices.

Pack a picnic for the journey and load up a multi-compartment snack box with sweet and savoury treats to keep the kids filled up – and amused – enroute.

You can pick them up online from just £5. 

If taking the train, check if you could save with family railcards, split tickets and family or group savers and always book as far in advance and off-peak.

It’s also a great way to save on attractions once you get to your destination.

Travel by national rail and you can get 2-for-1 tickets on a host of attractions across the country via daysoutguide.co.uk.

The deal includes theme parks, museums, parks, gardens and more. All you have to do is book through the website and travel by train.

Coach travel will be one of the cheapest ways you can get to your £9.50 holiday park.

Check out National Express or Flixbus for bargain fares if booked in advance.

A coach from London to Bristol typically costs around £32 one way by train, a coach will cost from just £3.90 for the same journey.

A coach from Manchester to Blackpool costs from £4.80. See nationalexpress.com or flixbus.com. 

Perfect park life

Build your days around the activities that are included in your chosen park, from swimming slots and kids clubs to playgrounds, nature trails and included entertainment.

Research in advance exactly what you can enjoy for free in the park and anchor your days around those.

Check if there are any special activities when you are on site.

Then do some online checks and fill in the gaps with free fun in the local area from beaches and coastal walks to playgrounds, splash parks, local museums and libraries’ kids activities. 

Don’t forget to pack some fun for those inevitable rainy days from board games and packs of cards to colouring books and stickers.

Wi-fi on parks in coastal or country areas can also sometimes be slow or expensive to upgrade to.

Download films, playlists and kids programmes at home so you’ve got it there for the journey and occasional tablet time on holiday.

Bringing a football, buckets and spades and scooters from home also saves on renting them or buying them onsite.

And don’t forget swimming goggles, armbands, spare swimwear and a bag to transport all your gear in – the prices in pool shops are always notoriously high.

Kids can’t get enough of arcades but these can soon start costing a fortune if you aren’t prepared.

Give each child a bag or envelope daily with a set allowance of coins and stress that when it’s gone, it’s gone. 

THE Sun’s Head Of Travel Lisa Minot has taken thousands of holidays with her children in her 26 years on the job – from top cruises to 5-star hotels.

But, here she reveals why the holiday park break is one of the best-loved trips among their family.

“But mum, he’s just sleeping!” We’re holidaying near Kimmeridge Bay on Dorset’s Jurassic coast, and four-year-old Ben has caught his first ever fish – a tiny grey minnow netted in the rockpools on the beach.

It’s now floating ominously upside down in a plastic bucket but Ben is convinced Fred – as he has been named – is just having a little nap.

So begin the negotiations.

Mum reckons Fred will be just fine sitting in his bucket on the decking. Ben thinks he’d be happier in his bedroom in the mobile home.

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It was a tense stand-off. And if I am honest, I can’t say Ben didn’t get his own way.

The bucket spent a few hours sitting alongside all the other treasures a four-year-old can pick up on a British beach – broken shells, many odd shaped, interesting rocks and of course, the treasure of sand glass jewels.

So Fred the fish remained inside until Ben had fallen into a happy, worn-out slumber, before being carefully relocated outside in his bucket coffin.

Thankfully, the next day dawned bright and within an hour Ben had forgotten his fishy friend and moved on to searching for ancient sea creatures, entranced by the idea of fossil hunting on Chesil beach.

It’s one of hundreds of incredible memories I have of exploring the beauty of the British coast and countryside with my kids from UK holiday parks.

As a travel editor, my very lucky children got to explore some wonderfully exotic destinations.

From sunny Spain to the beaches of the Caribbean, they got to road-test some amazing family holidays and jetted off on planes decades before I’d flown for the first time myself.

But I am sure the first-time experiences and excitement they had on our breaks at UK holiday parks remain among some of their most vivid memories.

For them, it represented a freedom they never had in our suburban, city neighbourhood.

At home, there was no opportunity for them to ride bikes on quiet country roads.

I would never have even dreamed of allowing them to pop to the local shops alone.

And yet, within the safety of a UK holiday park there were those very first steps of freedom that they could take, with us helicopter parents safe in the knowledge they were never far away and in a fabulous, family-friendly environment.

A £9.50 park gave us the opportunity to holiday as a family without the hassle. 

All manner of toys, bikes and balls would be tossed into the back of the car, alongside wellies and swimmers to cover all bases of a British holiday.

With just a few hours to reach the coast, we’d be unpacking in our little holiday home in the time it would normally take just to get through an airport.

All kids are fascinated with new spaces and a holiday home where they could race between bedrooms bagging the best beds, open unknown cupboard doors and marvel at a very different view from the cosy lounge window was completely intoxicating.

After a quick supper in the van, and with Mum and Dad ready for a drink, it was on to the excitement of the show bar where the kids could explore and we could indulge in a tipple or two.

Of course, the lure of the bright lights of the arcades was another wonder they were simply unable to resist. 

Handfuls of two pence pieces would be studiously posted into sing-song penny pushing machines while Mum and Dad carefully explained their pocket money would last a lot longer there than going for broke on the grab machines.

Garlands of winning tickets would be wrapped around their necks before being carefully counted out at the end of the night to see if they could claim a prize.

The swimming pools meant water fun.

My daughter Abbi’s grin of delight as she bounced confidently on the inflatable obstacle course is as vivid in my head as the day she finally completed the challenge.

Taking the kids out of their comfort zones – challenging them to scale that climbing wall, or bounce higher than they’d ever reached on the bungee trampoline – were celebrated long after we’d got back home.

As they got older, the bikes got bigger and the kids were able to explore the quiet park roads, make friends at the kids’ clubs and get that first taste of holiday experiences without mum and dad watching over them every second.

Throughout their childhood, we ticked off a host of the best of British coastlines, from the piers and promenades of Bournemouth and Great Yarmouth to the beaches of Devon, Cornwall, the Isle of Wight and Jersey.

Every one of those trips gave us all memories that would last a lifetime.

Now I’m just waiting for the day I can bring my own grandchildren on more marvellous British adventures. 

Writer Deborah Peters was one of the first to set sail on Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, and discovered endless extravagant eating and entertainment options to explore

Imagine you’re on your dream holiday – how many bars and restaurants would be too many? How many different spaces can you explore in a short space of time? To answer these questions, we were lucky enough to join the maiden voyage of the Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship for 2026.

The latest in the Edge Series of ships, the Xcel will have you spoilt for choice; there’s so much on offer that it’s hard to decide what to do first. Luckily, inside your cabin you’re provided with daily planners, and there’s a handy app with information on what’s happening where.

Everything on board the Xcel is sparkly and brand new, you’re surrounded by so much art you won’t know where to look first, and the Magic Carpet platform, suspended above the sea, is seriously impressive. Setting sail from Fort Lauderdale, there was certainly a celebratory atmosphere as we started our Caribbean cruise to Bimini in the Bahamas and Cozumel in Mexico.

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What’s on board the Celebrity Xcel?

The Grand Plaza is the main hub of the ship. Set over three open and airy decks, it’s overlooked by a breathtaking chandelier hanging above the martini bar, where the flamboyant bar staff put on a skilled juggling performance in front of an eye-catching golden horse sculpture. It’s the perfect spot for relaxing, with different entertainment each night and brilliant people- watching opportunities at all times (especially during the silent disco!).

One new area on the Xcel is The Bazaar on deck five. It’s approached through a tunnel of changing lights, and is inspired by the cultures, flavours and sights of the destinations you’re visiting on your cruise. Every time we passed through there was a different delicious smell, and it’s full of interesting little stalls from local artisans. Festivals take place here on sea days where you can experience themed sips and snacks, and crafting activities are also dotted around.

The food on board the Celebrity Xcel

There are so many different dining experiences on board the Xcel, and the food standard is excellent. The four complimentary restaurants – Cosmopolitan, Normandie, Cyprus and Tuscan – are all designed differently and have their own signature dishes.

The Oceanview café is a relaxed space with great views and great food. The choice is huge and as well as the main buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s a pizza and pasta bar, an ice-cream parlour, late night snacks… it goes on and on and on.

There are also seven speciality dining restaurants, bookable for an extra charge. We were massively impressed by Mosaic, an open kitchen concept with a spin on your destination’s signature dishes, all presented beautifully. Bora, meanwhile, is a new outdoor restaurant at the top of the ship, serving extravagant brunches and sunset dinners – perfect for date nights.

What can you do on the Celebrity Xcel?

With all that food and drink, you might fancy some light activity. A walking/running track winds its way around the top decks with views of the pool. For the more active, the state-of-the- art gym looking out to sea is fantastic; we’d never had such a great view from a treadmill.

There’s also a gorgeous spa with its own private sundeck called Vitamin D, and a huge choice of saunas, steam rooms and treatments. It’s so relaxing and quiet, it’s hard to remember that you’re at sea at all.

The Celebrity Pool Club is overlooked by a giant mirrored monkey sculpture that provides the perfect spot for selfies. Poolside valets keep you refreshed all day and there’s a programme of volleyball, poolside trivia and aquafun dance classes. After hours the pool club transforms to host the Shine the Night party with DJs. There are so many entertainment areas on board, there’s something for everyone – a casino, a theatre, The Club with activities, retro video games and game shows, an art gallery, and more bars than you can keep track of.

And of course, there are loads of excursions to choose from when you get off at your destinations too; the shark snorkelling at Bimini in particular was a fantastic experience.

One last thing…

Something worth investigating is the whispered rumours of a secret speakeasy bar on board. You won’t find any information about it online (it’s only referred to as ‘IYKYK’ on the website) and staff will deny all knowledge when questioned, but we happened upon it on our last night. It’s all very hush hush with no photos allowed, but if you can find it, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. All we’ll say is look out for the photo booth…

How much does it cost?

Celebrity Cruises’ 7-nights Bahamas, Mexico & Cayman Cruise on board the Celebrity Xcel, sailing from 1-8 March 2026, costs from £879.50 per person based on two adults sharing an Inside Stateroom. This price includes food, with drinks packages, flights and WiFi at extra costs.

For additional options for Caribbean cruises, have a browse of TUI’s and MSC’s offerings.

A TUI travel agent with 31 years’ experience has one destination she always recommends to customers going through relationship changes – whether newly single or couples needing to reconnect

A seasoned travel agent has revealed her top pick for a destination that’s perfect for those seeking romance.

With 31 years of experience at TUI’s Penarth branch, Hannah Sterling has become a dab hand at pairing life events with the perfect holiday destinations. When it comes to clients undergoing relationship transitions, be it a first trip as a couple or a newly single individual embarking on their maiden solo journey, there’s one place she suggests above all others.

” Thailand,” Hannah declares. “It works for everyone, but especially for people going through relationship changes. I’ve seen it work wonders for hundreds of my customers over the years.”

Recent research from TUI indicates that 64% of Brits would book a holiday to commemorate a significant life event, with relationship shifts often serving as a key motivator. Engagements and weddings were the most common reasons to book a holiday (19%), while an unexpected 8% said they’d celebrate newfound freedom by booking a ‘divorce-moon’.

“The beauty of Thailand is that it caters perfectly to both groups, just in different ways,” Hannah elaborates. “For newly singles, it’s the ideal place to dip your toes into solo travelling. For couples who’ve lost their spark, it encourages them to reflect and reconnect.”, reports the Express.

Do you have a romantic travel tale to tell? We’d. Email webtravel@reachplc.com

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TUI has seen a surge in passenger numbers to Thailand, with an increase of over 30% for this winter, making it one of the travel giant’s most popular long-haul destinations in 2025. The company is set to ramp up capacity even further for 2026.

“Thailand has this magical ability to make you slow down,” says Hannah. “The moment you arrive, you feel the pace shift. For couples stuck in the rat race – rushing to work, managing kids, staring at screens – Thailand forces you to be present. You’re sitting on a beach, sharing a meal, watching the sunset. Suddenly you’re actually talking to each other again.

“It gives you time to think, to process, to just be with yourself without the chaos of daily life. I’ve had customers tell me that sitting on a Thai beach was the first time they’d felt calm since their break-up.

“Thailand offers the perfect combination of comfort and adventure. It’s safe, it’s welcoming, but it’s also completely different from daily life in the UK. Whether it’s a couple reconnecting or a newly single person rediscovering themselves, Thailand gives you the space to do it.”

TUI provides the following trips to Thailand:

Seven-night trips to Khao Lak, Thailand staying at the 4T TUI BLUE Mai Khao Lak on a bed and breakfast basis from £1515 per person. Price is based on one adult staying in a Premium Double Room with Pool View and Balcony, with direct TUI Airways flights departing from London Gatwick Airport on 3rd February 2026. Includes transfers and 25kg luggage per person. For more details or to book, visit tui.co.uk, stop by your local TUI holiday store, or download our app.

Seven-night trips to Phuket, Thailand staying at the 4T+ Cape Sienna Phuket Gourmet Hotel & Villas on a bed and breakfast basis from £1210 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double Room with Sea View and Balcony with direct TUI Airways flights departing from London Gatwick Airport on 3rd February 2026. Includes transfers and 20kg luggage per person. For more details or to book, visit tui.co.uk, stop by your local TUI holiday store, or download our app.

Seven-night trips to Phuket, Thailand staying at the 4T The Marina Phuket Hotel on a room only basis from £1017 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double Room with direct TUI Airways flights departing from Manchester Airport on 5th February 2026. Includes transfers and 20kg luggage per person. For more details or to book, visit tui.co.uk, stop by your local TUI holiday store, or download our app.

Seven-night trips to Phuket, Thailand staying at the 4T Nipa Resort on a room only basis from £1326 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double or Twin Room with indirect Turkish Airlines flights departing from Edinburgh Airport on 9th February 2026. Includes transfers and 20kg luggage per person. For more details or to book, visit tui.co.uk, stop by your local TUI holiday store, or download our app.

THE Sun’s Hols from £9.50 are back and this year, one of the best ways to bag your favourite cheap summer break is through Sun Club.

Members can skip the token collecting and also get access to booking early – giving you a better chance of bagging the top holiday parks.

With the winter chill biting, thoughts are turning to summer breaks – and The Sun’s legendary £9.50 Hols are amongst the best-value, most family-friendly holidays in Britain.

To book your £9.50 Hols this way, simply head to thesun.co.uk/club and sign up to Sun Club for just £1.99 a month.

Or £12 for an annual subscription unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date.

Millions of our readers have enjoyed our fabulous breaks from £9.50 and, with over 300 holiday parks across the UK and Europe to choose from you’re sure to find a break you like.

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There is something for the whole family to enjoy, whether you are after a relaxing break, action and adventure or bowling and bingo.

Breaks are available for spring, summer and autumn 2026.

In addition to £9.50 holidays, Sun Club members also get access to savings worth up to £800 – including tickets to theme parks such as Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland, plus attractions like the London Eye and brilliant value theatre cinema tickets.

As a Sun Club member, you will have unfettered access to all the best Sun content, with more than 300 exclusive stories a month, as well as Q&As and newsletters.

Once you have joined, head to the Offers Hub and click ‘Book’ on the Sun Hols from £9.50 offer from Tuesday, January 13 (a day early).

You will be taken to the Sun Holidays website to choose from thousands of breaks at over 300 parks across the UK & Europe. 

Sun Club members do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. 

Our new £9.50 Hols Agony Aunt Tracy Kennedy, who runs the Facebook group “£9.50 SUN HOLIDAYS” with more than a quarter of a million followers recommends booking through Sun Club for the early access.

In her new guide to getting the best £9.50 Holiday, she told us: “To be in with the best chance of getting the one you want, you should set an alarm.

“I book through Sun Club which opens earlier – at midnight, so I make sure to stay up.

“I definitely recommend joining Sun Club to get first dibs.”

If you fancy asking Tracy something else about the Sun’s Hols from £9.50, she’ll be answering your questions in her new agony aunt column in Sun Club.

One top question each week will be rewarded with a £100 Amazon voucher – use the form further down to send her your question.

SCHOOL support staff worker Nicola Sennett boasts Sun Holidays are in a class of their own.

The 40-year-old mum of three rolled back the years and couldn’t resist a photo opportunity with Syd the Seagull and Sparky – just two of the colourful, larger-than-life members of the Starland Krew who keep kids entertained at Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands in East Sussex.

Nicola and her two daughters and son enjoyed a great getaway with the youngsters making a splash in the swimming pool, having plenty of adventures in the adventure playground as well as taking in all the entertainment organised by Sid and Sparky and the rest of the gang.

“It’s absolutely brilliant,” says Nicola, who explains she has been going on the bargain breaks for 20 years and reckons she has had more than 60 Sun Holidays since she first sampled them in her early twenties.

“I saw them being promoted in the newspaper and thought it must be worth a try. I remember we had such a good time that I got hooked and have been chalking up around three trips a year ever since. 

“Living in Birmingham I am perfectly placed to visit parks in every direction and that’s exactly what I have done. Now we go as a family and we still get a great buzz from the holidays. 

“There is a fantastic choice and all the parks we have stayed on have been of a very high standard. I have been all along the south coast, to the east of England, to Wales in the west and right up into Scotland.

“The staff are brilliant and make sure all the children are involved in the entertainment and mums and dads can join in too – if they’ve got enough energy!”

Nicola is quick to tell all her friends about the unbeatable value for money when it comes to family fun and holidays to remember.

That’s why she says: “Sun Holidays get full marks from me!”

Discover the very best of the UK, from the beaches of Cornwall and Devon to the highlands of Scotland and much more.

We’ve partnered with fantastic holiday parks that offer everything from British seaside charm to remote, natural beauty.

And when you get there, choose from evening entertainment, on-site pubs and restaurants, family activities and sports.

Or if you’re looking for some guaranteed sunshine, venture further to explore top European destinations including France, Spain and Italy.

You don’t just get early access to Hols From £9.50 with Sun Club – as well as exclusive content daily, members get a range of benefits including discounted tickets to the UK’s top attractions like Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures.

Plus there’s regular competitions and offers, saving you hundreds every year.

You can even get four FREE racing tickets to top race days across England and Scotland every three months – that’s four race days a year, on the house!

You’ve got great deals on other entertainment too, with up to 70% off West End show tickets from London Theatre Direct.

Plus discounts on railcards and train tickets with Trip.com and a FREE grüum self-care set bundle worth up to £35.50.

Competition is open to UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland), aged 18+ only. Competition ends at 23:59pm on Saturday, January 31 2026. See here for the full Terms & Conditions.

Under the change Britons will provide four fingerprints and a facial biometric scan to a machine during their first arrival

British travellers visiting Europe are being warned to prepare for the possibility of even longer queues from today. The rollout of the EU’s new border check tech aims to eventually speed up entry, but its expansion this month presents a risk of greater delays, according to travel association ABTA.

Under the automated Entry/Exit System (EES), Britons will provide four fingerprints and a facial biometric scan to a machine during their first arrival, followed by one scan on each subsequent arrival and departure. “As more places introduce the system, and more passengers are processed through it, there is a greater risk that people will face queues and delays,” ABTA warns.

“It’s important travellers are prepared for this as they prepare to go through passport control.” The EU set a January 10 deadline for its member states to roll out the EES at half of their border crossings.

Manual passport stamping will continue until 9 April, meaning double red tape. “We are also urging border authorities to do all they can to minimise delays. They have contingency measures at their disposal – such as standing down the system or limiting checks – and we want them to be utilised to help manage the flow of people,” ABTA says.

The Entry Exit System (EES) requires non-EU citizens to register at the EU border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken. The rollout began last October and mean British passport-holders need to register on their first visit to a country where EES checks are operating. Registration is valid for a rolling three-year period or until the passport expires.

The new system will be phased in over six months, meaning different ports may have varying requirements until April 2026. By January 10 half of all checkpoints should be in operation.

On exit, and for subsequent visits to a participating country, travellers will only need to scan their passport and provide either fingerprints or a photograph at the border.

EES will be a requirement when entering Schengen area countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. EES will not be required when travelling to Ireland and Cyprus.

For travellers using the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, the process will take place at the border before they leave the UK.

The government has supported these juxtaposed ports (Eurostar, St Pancras; Eurotunnel, Folkestone; and the Port of Dover) with £10.5m of funding for border infrastructure to make the change as smooth as possible for travellers. While EES is an EU system, the government has been working closely with the travel industry, ports and transport operators to help raise public awareness and understanding of the border changes.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.

“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.”

Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, Keir Mather, said: “We’ve backed our ports and operators with £10.5 million to help them get ready for the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, ensuring they have the infrastructure and systems in place to manage the changes.

“Our priority is to minimise disruption for travellers and hauliers, particularly at our busiest border crossings. We’ll continue working closely with European partners and local resilience forums to keep traffic flowing and journeys smooth.”

Travellers do not need to take any action before travelling and the process is free. Registration will take place upon arrival at the EU border and may take slightly longer than previous border checks.

Whilst the checks should only take 1-2 minutes for each person, they may lead to longer wait times at border control upon arrival in the Schengen area. At the juxtaposed ports, where registration will be completed in the UK prior to departure, there may be longer waits at busy times. Eurotunnel, Eurostar and the Port of Dover have plans in place to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Children under 12 will not be fingerprinted but under the new EU rules, all travellers, including babies, will be photographed and have digital records created.

The UK Government has rolled out its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which is a digital permission to travel for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, or do not have another valid UK immigration status prior to travelling to the UK.

Discover a charming Cornish village on the River Tamar with stunning Devon views, historic pubs, galleries and access via the UK’s ‘most scenic’ train ride

A delightful Cornish village overlooking the river towards Devon remains something of a hidden treasure – boasting galleries, pubs and beautiful walks to discover. Situated inland, this charming spot doesn’t get swamped with tourists, which is why I adore visiting for its authentic Cornish atmosphere.

Despite its tucked-away location, Calstock village is remarkably accessible by train. Better still, it forms part of a railway journey that’s been dubbed Britain’s “most scenic”, winding through Devon and Cornwall.

There’s also another delightful way to reach Calstock during spring and summer – via a boat trip departing from Plymouth’s Barbican.

Last summer, I arrived in Calstock aboard a Plymouth Boat Trips ferry and I can’t recommend it enough – the harbour cruise to this riverside village is both picturesque and thoroughly enjoyable.

Plymouth Boat Trips describes the ferry journey on their website: “A truly idyllic cruise to experience the stunning scenery of the Tamar Valley. Setting sail across Plymouth Sound and up the River Tamar to the picturesque Cornish village of Calstock.”, reports the Express.

“Leaving the busy city behind we pass the Naval Dockyard and Brunel’s famous bridge, taking in the beautiful sights of the Tamar Valley, passing Cargreen, Wier Quay, Pentille, Holton and Cotehele.”

The cruise tends to be quite sociable – when I made this ferry trip to Calstock with a few friends, we ended up chatting to plenty of fellow passengers, whilst the vistas along the River Tamar were absolutely breathtaking. The boat then docks along the river banks at Calstock, allowing passengers to disembark for a few hours before heading back; this provides visitors with ample time to explore the village properly.

During my visit to Calstock, we stopped by a local pub called The Boot Inn, which seems to be thriving as a recent TripAdvisor review describes it as “a lovely friendly place” where diners enjoyed a “brilliant” Sunday roast beef lunch.

Alternatively, you can take the Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth to Calstock – a railway journey that’s been dubbed “the most scenic train ride in the UK”.

The route takes you through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, passing charming villages and picturesque river crossings, and as you approach Calstock the train travels across an historic viaduct built in the early 1900s.

Calstock Viaduct offers a breathtaking view from the village – the impressive structure dominates the local landscape, connecting Cornwall to neighbouring Devon.

The Cornish village of Calstock is naturally separated from Devon by the River Tamar, so it’s Cornwall on one bank and Devon on the other – and numerous historical battles have taken place along these shores throughout history.

The Escape To Britain observes: “Calstock lies alongside the River Tamar, an area of Cornwall often neglected in favour of more popular Cornish destinations such as St Ives and the Lizard coastline.

“However, what you’ll find should you venture to this UNESCO World Heritage site is plenty of Roman history and some gorgeous architecture.”

The resort includes all the elements of a sunshine holiday, from a beach to waterslides, yet only carefully vetted people will be able to put their feet up and enjoy a stay in the secretive country

When you look at photos of the Wonsan Kalma resort, it could be any hotel in a destination beloved by Brits, from Spain to Turkey, Portugal or Greece. Seemingly carefree tourists queue for colourful waterslides, float on inflatables, and frolic on sandy beaches.

But the images aren’t from any tourist destination likely to be on your bucket list. Rather, they come from the secretive state of North Korea, who in summer 2025 launched a state-built coastal tourism project on its east coast. And despite being promoted by Kim Jong Un as a way to turn the country into a tourist hotspot, it’s unlikely to be welcoming British sunseekers anytime soon.

For start, the Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to North Korea.

Meanwhile the resort has mostly been open to domestic visitors, with a few international visitors from Russia allowed to enjoy its facilities. Bookings are tightly controlled, with pre-planned itineraries and official guides mandatory, meaning it’s a less than spontaneous travel experience. Visitors are unlikely to want to leave the guard-patrolled zone by themselves anyway, as it’s reportedly close to military and missile testing sites.

The resort is found in the coastal city of Wonsan, which sits on a long stretch of sandy beach. It’s long been a stop on tours of North Korea for the small number of foreign visitors who’ve been allowed through its borders. Back in 2018, Kim Jong Un announced an ambitious project to create the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, which was initially slated to have a number of luxury hotels and facilities to rival the world’s top resorts.

A typhoon in 2020 set back construction, before the resort, which state media reports can hold 20,000 tourists, eventually opened last summer. Photos of the opening event, supplied by local media appear to show Kim Jong Un waving to an enthusiastic crowd in front of a grand firework display.

A Russian visitor, Anastasia Samsonova, described her break at the resort to the BBC in an interview last July. She said the trip was tightly controlled, with any deviation from the itinerary needing to be approved by North Korean officials.

Anastasia also revealed that she was asked to dress modestly, and that she was not allowed to photograph construction sites. However, she did enjoy the quiet resort, where the beach was cleaned and levelled perfectly every morning for guests.

She also told the BBC that the food included “lots of meat”, including sweet and sour dishes, and that a beer cost just 60 cents (around 44p). Souvenirs that tourists could pick up included Olympic clothing emblazoned with the North Korean team’s logos, and toy rockets draped in the country’s flags.

Specific details of the resort are sparse, with only glossy photos released by the government to offer a glimpse of what it’s like. Photos of a waterpark and people enjoying pools have been released, as well as some of locals heading out to the beach with inflatables.

A Russian travel website, which appears to be offering trips to the area from June to September describes its itinerary as: “Sea and experience: morning beaches of Wonsan, comfortable hotels, delicious dinners, and then vibrant Pyongyang with its panoramas, arches, fountains, and metro. Easy logistics, a Russian-speaking guide, all inclusive. The perfect mix of relaxation and exciting discoveries—book now!” An eight-day trip will set Russian visitors back 45,000 Rubles, around £415.

The resort attracted criticism during its construction phase by human rights groups concerned about the treatment of workers. There were allegations of forced labour, as well as poor pay and conditions, and there were concerns around the secrecy surrounding its construction.

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

The cliff path has been named the cleanest hiking trail in the UK by Independent Cottages – though the route is impacted by rockfall and has some impressive drops along the way

A dizzying cliff path overlooking a churning sea has been crowned the UK’s cleanest hiking trail.

The Gobbins, an extraordinary and awe-inspiring route that stretches for three miles along the treacherous cliffs of County Antrim in Northern Ireland, has clinched the top spot in Independent Cottages’ ranking of the UK’s cleanest walking trails. Remarkably, there were no mentions of uncleanliness across more than 1,300 reviews.

The Gobbins presents a surreal landscape, born from colossal geological forces and subsequently shaped by the elements. Today, it teems with life and has been captivating courageous visitors for over a hundred years.

The tale of The Gobbins begins some 200 million years ago when the Earth’s continents were united in the supercontinent, Pangaea. The land that would eventually become northeast Ireland was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea.

Algae and single-celled organisms thrived in these waters, their calcium carbonate shells slowly accumulating layers of calcium on the seafloor after they died, which solidified into a limestone layer, reports the Express.

OPINION

Milo Boyd

READ MORE: Beautiful seaside town now ‘dying a death’ and ‘depressing’ as 1 in 4 shops lie empty

This is what gave rise to the coastlines and caves that are dotted across Ireland today. This stone forms the bedrock of The Gobbins’ spectacular rock formations.

Atop this lies basalt, a product of eruptions from now long-extinct volcanoes, which has been fractured and moulded by the shifting bedrock of tectonic plates as Pangaea separated, and later, vast ice sheets during ice ages.

The outcome is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline found anywhere across the British Isles, which happens to offer countless habitats for diverse birds and marine creatures. For instance, the Gobbins hosts Northern Ireland’s sole mainland colony of puffins, which nest in the cliff-face earth disturbed by ancient glaciers.

“Guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, and kittiwakes make their homes high in the rocks and scan the waters from perches on the sea stacks. The depths teem with fish, feeding in the plankton-rich waters of the North Channel. Lion’s Mane jellyfish, one of the largest such species, migrate through here, providing prey for seals, porpoises and other marine mammals,” the official Gobbins Cliff Path website writes.

“Low tide exposes the rockpools under the path, a home for molluscs, sponges and weird nodules of red seaweed. Spleenwort ferns, kidney vetch, and sea campion cling to cracks in the rocks or hold down patches of volcanic soil.”

The stunning natural landscape has transformed this location into an essential walking destination, first attracting masses of nature enthusiasts and day visitors during the Victorian era. Berkeley Deane Wise played a crucial role in shaping the Gobbins into what it is today.

This civil engineer, who had climbed to the position of Chief Engineer of the Belfast and County Down Railway and had created a groundbreaking signalling system that cut accidents on his routes, possessed a dedication to safety and fascinating design. Amongst his creations are the mock Tudor structure and clock tower in Portrush, plus walkways and a tearoom in Glenariff Forest that offer a superb view of its woodland and waterfalls.

The Gobbins Cliff Path is widely regarded as his most significant achievement and perfectly captures his brilliance as an engineer dedicated to helping ordinary folk enjoy remarkable experiences.

Construction commenced in 1901 and spanned several years, given the challenge of transporting steel girder bridges manufactured in Belfast via barges and rafts. These were subsequently hoisted into position using lines lowered from the clifftop.

The pathway became enormously popular and drew vast numbers of tourists from throughout the British Isles. “There is, in short, nothing like The Gobbins anywhere else in the world,” noted a correspondent in the Proceedings of the British Association in 1902.

A writer for The Sketch observed: “Surely there is something in the influence of the Irish climate which acts upon the rocks. The tints are softer and deeper. The very air is laden with poetry.”

Regrettably, the Gobbins route is currently shut due to rockfall. If you’re considering a trip, ensure you verify the official website for the latest information on its availability.

This small European country is made up of over 2,000 islands and is under a three-hour flight from the UK. It might not be as popular with tourists as some other European destinations, but it has a lot to offer

A petite European nation, comprising 2,000 islands and a relatively short jaunt from the UK, Estonia is an under-the-radar gem that sees a modest number of visitors.

If you’re yearning for a change of scenery and fancy venturing off the beaten track this year, then Estonia might just tickle your fancy. According to ETIAS, this Northern European jewel lured 70,000 Brits in 2024, a stark contrast to the whopping 17.8 million who flocked to Spain.

That’s 254 times more Brits jetting off to Spain than the former Soviet state. While it may not offer the same allure of sangria, guaranteed sun and Full English breakfasts, Estonia has plenty of other charms up its sleeve. For starters, it’s a haven of natural beauty.

Over half of Estonia is blanketed by forests and peat bogs, and the country boasts over 2,000 islands, reports the Express.

READ MORE: Beautiful seaside town now ‘dying a death’ and ‘depressing’ as 1 in 4 shops lie empty

OPINION

Milo Boyd

Among these is Naissaar, home to the remnants of deserted Soviet military bases. Nestled just off the coast of the capital, Tallinn, it takes on a desolate, somewhat forgotten aura during the winter months.

Another gem is Hiiumaa, renowned for its lighthouses, unspoilt beaches and forests. It exudes tranquillity and a slightly mystical vibe, making it an ideal spot for cycling, birdwatching and escaping the hustle and bustle.

The Mirror’s Ines Santos explored one of Estonia’s most renowned islands last summer. “As I stepped off the ferry onto Estonia’s largest island, Hiiumaa, all I could hear were birds. All I could see were trees. No big buildings, no tourist attractions – just space to breathe and land untouched by mass tourism. It felt like a place still undiscovered. (And with the third fewest visitors in Europe, it kind of is),” she penned.

Ines was instantly captivated by the nation, embracing its unhurried rhythm and the mindset of its residents. “Estonian life is relaxed. There’s no ‘hustle culture,’ so people have time for hobbies, and visitors like me get to join in,” she observed.

“Sauna culture in Estonia is woven into daily life much like in Scandinavia. In fact, the country feels like the laid-back cousin of the Nordics, with similar design, a love for nature, and a fish-rich diet – but shaped by a very different history.

“Tallinn’s Old Town is full of cobbled streets and medieval buildings that still echo traces of both German and Soviet rule. Estonia only became independent in 1991, and it still wears its freedom with quiet pride. The next morning, I ferried to Estonia’s biggest islands: Hiiumaa and Saaremaa. That’s where the true beauty of the country lies. The ferries here are spacious, modern, and spotless – they feel more like floating lounges than basic transport. There’s many indoor and outdoor viewing decks, a café, and even a convenience store onboard.

“My first activity in Hiiumaa ended up being a favourite: horse riding along Käina Bay, a seaside bird paradise in the Kassari Landscape Reserve. I rode a horse named Custiv through wetlands and woodlands, and he was the best – he did not go off track and followed all my instructions!”.

Tallinn manages to squeeze an extraordinary amount into its modest footprint, seamlessly merging medieval character with contemporary flair. The simplest starting point is Tallinn Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone lanes, historic merchant buildings and ancient towers guide visitors towards Toompea Hill for sweeping vistas across the city.

For those seeking culture, make your way to Kadriorg Park, a verdant space commissioned by Peter the Great, and explore the refined Kadriorg Art Museum. Close by, the Seaplane Harbour Museum presents one of Europe’s most captivating maritime displays.

To experience contemporary Tallinn, discover the Telliskivi Creative City, brimming with street art, coffee shops and boutique retailers, or wander along the rejuvenated Noblessner waterfront. Rummu Quarry, one of Estonia’s most captivating and unique attractions, offers a blend of raw natural splendour and eerie history.

Once a limestone quarry and Soviet-era prison labour camp, it was deserted in the 1990s and slowly filled with water, submerging buildings and machinery beneath the pristine turquoise depths. Nowadays, it draws visitors for swimming, snorkelling and diving, as well as hiking the surrounding ash hills for sweeping views.

The stark contrast between the vibrant water, stark white limestone and semi-submerged ruins lends Rummu Quarry an otherworldly feel.

The most budget-friendly time to visit Estonia is from January to March, but if you’re after warmer climes, May is your best bet. Car hire in the capital can be as cheap as £6 per day, and accommodation at Dream Stay – Mere Residence Apartments starts from £51 per night (for two people).

Estonia recently made it onto DiscoverCars. com’s list of must-visit destinations.

Flights from London clock in just under three hours and are going for £17 this month.

VIRGIN Hotels has landed in the heart of East London in glamorous style.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at their first English hotel.

Where is the Virgin Hotel?

This is the first Virgin Hotel in London, and it’s housed in a cool warehouse on Curtain Road.

Standing proud in London’s original entertainment district, Curtain Road was once home to Shakespeare’s original playhouse The Curtain Theatre.

And the show is not over, Virgin Hotel is as well connected as you can get.

In the heart of London’s trendy East End, you’ll have easy access to the rest of London and beyond with Liverpool Street Station just an 8-minute walk away.

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What is it like?

One of the capital’s sexiest hotels, with nods to fashionable designs of the 1970s with bold colours and curves in all the right places.

This place ticks all the boxes for a hip and happening hotel, even with a “selfie room” in the lobby. 

Nods to the building’s industrial past remain with exposed brick and steel frame windows but no measure of glamour is sacrificed.

What is there to do?

The rooftop pool elevates a stay here, literally. In the summer, cool off with an Aperol Spritz and a dip.

There is also a state-of the-art gym and luxury spa. 

If you want to explore London’s nightlife, then you are in the right place. Some say club culture is dead, but not in East London.

Bounce Old Street, the OG ping pong bar, is the best place to make sure your night is a hit.

But if you’re an early riser skipping the hangover, take the chance to explore Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday morning or check out the vintage shopping spots in Brick Lane.

What is there to eat and drink?

The 45th & 7th restaurants dish up an Asian-inspired duck bao and fish and chips, plus an excellent Caesar salad.

Don’t miss Hidden Grooves, a new hi-fi listening bar inspired by the Virgin Records era, with a music themed cocktail menu and an extensive vinyl collection that you can listen to with headphones on.

The cute bar looks like a 1970s living room, with vintage furniture and music memorabilia.

On selected nights, there is an in-house DJ and you can also have lunch and dinner here.