In search of the perfect reset, Deputy Editor Ellie O’Mahoney and Art Director Laura Cunningham both tried different adults-only retreats.
The spiritual getaway with Kim Kardashian’s psychic in St Lucia proved magical for Ellie, while Ibiza offered the perfect couple time for Laura and her husband.
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LUCIA SELF
St Lucia is a Caribbean island paradiseCredit: Alan CopsonDine with your feet in the sand at Malabar Beach ClubCredit: Mikael Lamber
FLYING into the Caribbean island paradise of St Lucia, I can see why it’s been chosen as the destination for a psychic retreat.
The mystical double mountains of the Pitons loom out of the mist, and I wonder what I’m going to discover about myself.
I’ve signed up to a four-day Spiritual Awakening retreat at adults-only, all-inclusive resort StolenTime, a sister property to St Lucia’s famous wellness resort, the BodyHoliday.
Set on the island’s longest white-sand beach, on its north-west coast and within seven acres of beautiful tropical gardens, StolenTime has 100 guest rooms and my veranda suite offers the most unreal view over the palm trees.
The bed is absolutely gigantic and one of the comfiest I’ve ever tried, plus there’s a super-spacious bathtub, too.
As I sit on the love seat on the huge veranda, I gaze at the sky-blue sea while tropical birds chirrup, and it strikes me that this is my idea of total heaven.
READING THE ROOM
After waking early and making the most of my jet lag by heading straight to the beach to jump into the bath-warm sea, it’s time for the group’s first session.
The retreat is run by Jayne Wallace, one of the UK’s leading psychics, who has performed readings for both Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, at home, no less.
Workshops include aura drawings and how to connect with crystalsCredit: francescoridolfi.comHead to the beach to jump into the bath-warm sea
She’s far from your stereotypical woo-woo type – 6ft tall with a Cockney London accent, she’s straight-talking, and our group of six are all champing at the bit for a personal reading from her.
But first up is a workshop on flower psychometry, AKA flower readings. We each pick a flower and give it to a partner, who then has to describe what the bloom tells us about the picker.
It’s obviously not the most scientific process, but after a stressful few months, it is incredibly restorative staring at petals and trying to find out more about my fellow travellers.
Other workshops include aura drawings, how to connect with crystals and, my favourite, moon manifestation, which involves writing down our heart’s desires, then lighting bits of paper and sending them skywards in lanterns.
We cackle as the lanterns don’t quite do what we want them to. I’m pleased to say, my personal reading with Jayne was worth the wait in the end.
And while I’m not going to divulge all the juicy details, there were a few things she got spot-on, including how wonderful my daughter is! Her readings also really seemed to comfort other members of the group.
JURASSIC JAUNTS
When we’re not tuning into our psychic selves, the hotel offers everything for the stressed-out soul – from yoga and Pilates to water-skiing, pickleball and archery.
There are two swimming pools and a lazy river, and each morning I head to the beach to grab fresh coconut water straight from the source, before digging into pastries, freshly made omelettes and delicious papaya at the buffet breakfast.
There are two swimming pools and a lazy riverCredit: Supplied by hotel PRThe bed was absolutely giganticCredit: ALEX LUKEY
Come dinner, I dine with my feet in the sand at Malabar Beach Club and feast on treats like jerk pork rillettes with prunes and pancetta, and chips, of course!
Puds include roasted cashew nut tart with amaretto and beetroot ice cream, which sounds odd, but is divine.
On the last day, we take a four-hour boat trip, £56 per person, to spy the Pitons – think Jurassic Park views – and snorkel in coves. I gasp as I see a squid swim among the coral and coloured shoals of fish.
Later, we head to StolenTime’s champagne bar for a final toast. As I sit on a swing chair suspended from a 150-year-old samaan tree, its huge branches adorned with fairy lights, it feels as if I’ve found magic.
MORE THAN ALL WHITE
As the sky turns golden, we paddle into an atmospheric coastal cave, and I can’t help but mouth “wow” to my husband Barney, before promptly toppling off my paddleboard and splashing into the warm waters of the Med.
We’re on a two-hour guided sunset tour from our dreamy digs, the adults-only retreat of Cala San Miguel in northern Ibiza.
Cala San Miguel in northern IbizaCredit: SuppliedThe resort offers a host of complimentary wellbeing activitiesCredit: Supplied
Just hours in, we’re already feeling more zen than we have in months – as two exhausted parents of three children under 10, we’re enjoying some much-needed couple time here.
The resort offers a host of complimentary wellbeing activities, including painting, guided hikes and mornings of yoga and sound healing.
Succumbing to the sound of gentle bongs and rain sticks make for the perfect start to any day.
The decor is all soft linens and natural wood tones, and a short stroll through lush gardens brings us to the private sandy beach – we spend our days flitting between here, the three pools and the seven eateries.
For lunch, poolside bar Calido serves up Asian-fusion dishes, such as crispy prawns with kimchi sauce, £16.
By night, its terrace transforms into La Savina, with succulent roasted poussin, £28, that we pair with sangria, £14 a glass.
The decor is all soft linens and natural wood tonesCredit: Supplied
But high above the bay sits Italian restaurant Da’mar, which wins for its stunning views and its gorgeously garlicky fettuccine puttanesca, £21.
Our favourite afternoons are spent at the Beach House right on the sand, tucking into fried squid, £21, creamy omelette with the freshest of red prawns, £19.50, and huge cuttlefish paella served straight from the pan, £28.
On our last evening, as we sink into a massive bean bag for a movie night under the stars, there’s the bonus soundtrack of waves lapping the shore, and we’re already planning our return.
B&B stays at Cala San Miguel Ibiza Resort cost from £193 per night (Calasanmiguelresort.com).
FYI
All-inclusive stays at StolenTime cost from £430 per night. The next Psychic Sisters StolenTime retreat is planned for August 2026 (Stolentime.com/psychicsisters).
The world’s first ever immersive Minecraft land is opening in the UKCredit: CHESSINGTONThe land will be fully immersive and replicate the famous gameCredit: chessingtonIt will even include the first ever Minecraft coasterCredit: chessington
The £50million land will have the first ever Minecraft coaster.
It will also have “interactive adventures [and] epic block built playscapes” along with themed food and drink stores and a gift shop.
The park is working with video game developer Mojang Studios as well as Minecraft creators to bring the experience to life.
Angela Jobson, SVP of Global Brand, Merlin Entertainments said: “We are meticulously creating an authentic world that the global community of Minecraft fans will want to immerse themselves in and experience the game in a whole new way.”
This was backed by Torfi Frans Ólafsson, Senior Creative Director of Entertainment at Minecraft, who said: “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Merlin Entertainments to realise a place where you can literally be in the Minecraft Overworld and have an adventure of your own with your family and friends.”
It is set to open in 2027, although little else is known about the new land at this point.
It simply said at the time the land would have “digitally enabled real-life experiences and the creation of touchpoints that will allow guests to unlock exclusive in-game content to continue their gaming journey.”
Minecraft was first released in 2011 and now has over 141 million users.
And the popularity of the world-building game has since resulted in other live-action attractions.
Little is known about the ride yetAnd of course, a gift shop will open when the land does in 2027Credit: chessingtonThe theme park is just 30 minutes from LondonCredit: Alamy
Inspired by the game’s most iconic biomes, mobs, and items, Minecraft World will bring the best-selling game of all time into the physical world for the very first time at a major theme park
Opening in 2027, Minecraft World is a £50 million collaboration between Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios.
Inspired by the game’s most iconic biomes, mobs, and items, Minecraft World will bring the best-selling game of all time into the physical world for the very first time at a major theme park.
The news that the world’s first fully immersive Minecraft theme park land was coming to the UK has been known for some time. However, the location of the land has only been revealed now.
The land will feature new Minecraft-themed attractions, including a thrilling coaster, interactive adventures, epic block-built playscapes, and themed retail and dining.
Angela Jobson, SVP of global brand at Merlin Entertainments, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing Minecraft’s creativity, bold adventures, and ridiculous fun to life at a theme park for the first time at Chessington World of Adventures.
“Minecraft World will allow friends and families to play, explore and craft together on a truly epic scale. Working closely together with Mojang Studios we are meticulously creating an authentic world that the global community of Minecraft fans will want to immerse themselves in and experience the game in a whole new way.”
While little has been revealed about the rides so far, the park promises that they’ll be “unmistakably Minecraft”. Work has already begun on replacing the former Wild Asia area into the Minecraft zone.
Torfi Frans Ólafsson, senior creative director of Entertainment at Minecraft, said: “Minecraft World represents a meaningful milestone in our ongoing journey to expand the Minecraft universe. We’re thrilled to have partnered with Merlin Entertainments to realise a place where you can literally be in the Minecraft Overworld and have an adventure of your own with your family and friends. The team at Merlin Entertainments and Mojang have worked hard to craft an experience that feels immersive, authentic and welcoming, and we can’t wait for our community to experience it.”
Chessington is a 35-minute direct train from London Waterloo. Fans can follow updates by visiting www.chessington.com/minecraftand on social channels.
If you can’t wait until then, there is plenty else to look forward to at Chessington this year.
Chessington’s new World of PAW Patrol will open in spring 2026 and will feature four rides. Chase’s Mountain Mission, a rollercoaster suitable for young kids, Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, which will take kids on a high-flying mission, and Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue, where kids can take a ride on a shiny red truck.
Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure will be a ‘drifter’ ride, which promises to be the first of its kind in the UK. There will also be Rubble and Rocky’s Playzone, where kids can “climb, slide and explore”. Meet and greets will be available with the pups, and fans can even book a sleepover in one of the PAW Patrol-themed rooms at Chessington’s Azteca hotel. These colourful rooms sleep up to five and include themed bunk beds for the kids.
IN 2000 film Chocolat, starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, the fairytale tone is set straight away by the sleepy medieval French village of the opening scenes.
And especially the beautiful, cobbled street leading up from the river.
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Castle over the river in Beynac-et-CazenacCredit: GettyEnjoy a market day in MonpazierCredit: GettyThe choice of child and teen-friendly activities seems endless. Castles, caves and canoeing all got the nod from our 12 and 15-year-oldsCredit: Alamy
Now my family and I are walking the same road in Beynac-et-Cazenac, in the dreamy Dordogne region, amazed by the views of the water below and the 13th- century chateau perched proudly on the hill above.
The Dordogne might sound fancy — all turreted castles, foie gras and ancient villages — but it’s actually a great-value family holiday spot.
The choice of child and teen-friendly activities seems endless. Castles, caves and canoeing all got the nod from our 12 and 15-year-olds.
First up we got our bearings with a trip on a gabare — a flat-bottomed river boat which is used to carry timber, wine and other goods.
Now, they carry tourists up and down the Dordogne river (adults £8.50, children £4.50, gabarre-beynac.com). On the glassy-still water, we passed churches and castles, and waved to swimmers taking a dip.
Next stop was Bergerac. The big-nosed, swashbuckling hero Cyrano de Bergerac, played by Gerard Depardieu in the 1990 film based on the real-life novelist, wasn’t from here . . . but the town has embraced him nonetheless.
Check out the Cyrano de Bergerac immersive experience. There, a virtual actor took us backstage of a pretend production, where we tried on a fake nose and had a go on various interactive exhibits (adults £8.50, kids £3, quai-cyrano.com).
Weather isn’t guaranteed in the Dordogne, but on drizzly days you can head for the Maxange Caves, which date back 60million years but were only discovered by accident by a quarry worker in 2000.
He uncovered an incredible cave complex, which is now open to the public (adults £10, kids £8, maxange.com).
Our guide pointed out huge stalactites and stalagmites as well as crystallizations in weird and wonderful shapes, marvellously called “eccentrics”.
Many of the activities and experiences are good value. Driving through pretty villages, we would stumble across markets, free evening concerts and chateau visits that were all good value for money.
The tiny medieval village of Cadouin is centred around its 12th-century abbey, where Richard the Lionheart is said to have once called by.
Pop your head in to check out the fancy Gothic cloisters. We timed our visit to coincide with the Wednesday market in the main square, surrounded by honey-coloured cottages, art galleries, cafes and bars.
Bigger and buzzier is Monpazier, which might be the cutest and best- preserved French village you have never heard of.
Founded by England’s King Edward I, it’s a medieval time capsule. Where knights once walked, tourists now shop, sip beer and create Insta-stories round every corner — no filter needed.
By now, the kids were desperate for some more adrenalin-based adventure so we decided to check out the canoeing.
Gliding down the Vezere River is like floating past a live-action postcard — of ancient cliffs, prehistoric caves and stunning stone villages.
We chose a gentle three-hour route from Thonac to Tursac, in a couple of two-person canoes. It is downstream so the paddling didn’t take much effort — just enough to feel adventurous without breaking into a sweat.
Once we got the hang of it, we even pulled into little river beaches and went swimming. You can stand up most of the way, and the river was sparkling-clean.
Treat yourself to laid back dining in BergeracCredit: GettySunny times for Jonathan and familyCredit: Supplied
Energy fully exerted, we checked in to the converted 17th-century Chateau Les Merles, which has its own tennis court, swimming pools and a great view of the Dordogne valley.
It is also a great base from which to explore.
On the riverbank in the nearby village of Creysse, we then ate like locals in the great-value restaurant D’Aujourd’hui.
It is run by a husband-and-wife team, and the name of the fisherman, who caught the fish we ate that day, was written on a sign on the wall. What a lovely touch.
The vintage plates come from local flea markets, adding to the authentic vibe.
A perfect corner of France — and a bon voyage that won’t break the bank.
GO: DORDOGNE
GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from Stansted to Bergerac from £16.99 each way. See ryanair.com.
STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the Chateau Les Merles cost from around £110 per night on a room-only basis. See lesmerles.com/en.
The Government says the increases are needed to make the system self-funded rather than relying on taxpayers.
Officials insist they’re not making a profit, with fees instead covering processing applications, supporting Brits overseas and managing UK border checks.
Standard applications take on average three weeks to process, which is the exact date when the new price comes into force.
So if you want a passport before the cost shoot up, you can apply for one-day premium service.
And be quick as the premium service will go up from from £222 to £239.50 in April as well.
The provided text is a news digest from March 2026 focusing on the legislative changes to the holiday calendar in Ghana. Following a 2025 amendment, the nation officially recognized Shaqq Day as a public holiday to provide the Muslim community additional time for reflection after Eid ul-Fitr. This move is described as an effort by the government to foster religious inclusivity and equitable recognition of diverse faiths. In stark contrast, the source also highlights a regional crisis, noting how military conflicts and drone strikes have overshadowed religious celebrations in the Middle East. While Ghana expands its cultural observances, countries like Kuw …
“OH, the kids would just love that,” I gasp as I watch the Aqua Slidecoaster rocket up and around the top deck of the new Norwegian Luna.
Following its progress around the pinnacle of this sparkling new cruise ship, I spot ten-deck slide The Drop, the multi-level tangle of Moon Climb’s obstacle nets, high-tech Glow Court with its interactive LED floor for virtual sporting challenges and the wacky technicolour holes of the Tee Time mini golf course.
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Norwegian Cruise Lines have launched the ultimate family-friendly cruiseCredit: Norwegian Cruise LinesThe ‘slide-coaster’ is thrillingCredit: Lisa Minot
Four more must-dos for any thrill-seeking kiddo.
Alongside indoor and outdoor arcades with carnival games, pools and splash parks and, of course, kids’ clubs, this ship is a paradise for little ones.
And while the kids will be delighted, there’s so much more for all ages onboard.
Luna has a shimmering, celestial theme to its decor — think modern luxury with an almost art deco feel, opulent fabrics and glistening metals that are understated and ooze sophisticated calm.
For a little more luxury, at the rear of the ship the Vibe Beach Club with its cushioned loungers, comfy cabanas and hot tubs is an adults-only zone.
It may come at an extra cost but you are guaranteed your own lounger and there are no splashing kids to avoid.
And what mum wouldn’t want to enjoy a pamper in the vast Mandara spa with its indoor pools sitting beneath a sparkling two-deck high wall of waterfalls.
With multiple saunas, steam, ice and salt rooms, it’s the epitome of zen.
Treatment prices are on the steep side, though.
While the main pool has even more loungers than its Prima class sister ships, one of the features I loved about this ship’s design is the generously wide spaces on deck eight where some restaurants and bars spill outside with al-fresco tables and there’s still plenty of space for loungers, infinity pools and in-pool layouts.
Dubbed the Ocean Boulevard, this 46,000sq ft walkway wraps around the entire ship and also features a vertigo-inducing glass bridge and Luna sculpture that comes with a button you can press for a personal video.
Look up at the camera and within seconds it will take a video of you, panning out so you can take centre stage.
A download of the resulting video costs £3.75 — great for adding to your social media!
Talking of restaurants, the choice is dizzying with 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges.
The Ocean Boulevard, a 46,000sqft walkway, wraps around the entire shipCredit: Norwegian Cruise LinesEnjoy the state-of-the-art the splash parkCredit: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Norwegian were among the first to challenge the idea that cruise ship dining had to be formal and at set times.
The latest ship shows just how far they have taken their freestyle concept.
There are five venues included in your fare.
I loved the Indulge food hall where you can grab a tablet to make your choice from nine different stations featuring tapas and noodles to curries and barbecue.
Tap away and dishes are then delivered to your table.
Also stunning was Hudson’s – one of the two very chic main dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling sloping windows, offering fabulous views of the ocean.
For quick bites, there’s the Surfside Bar and Grill, The Local serving classic pub fare 24/7 and on-deck ice cream stands with soft whip treats.
But the ship comes into its own with the choice of speciality restaurants.
I sampled the freshest, tastiest sushi at Nama and a sublime filet mignon at Mediterranean-inspired Palomar.
Also new on Luna is authentic Thai cuisine at Sukothai as well as a vast teppanyaki restaurant, Nuki.
These do come at an extra cost, from £38pp for the sushi to £45pp for Palomar and Nuki.
When it comes to a tipple, there’s so much choice, but my favourites were the outdoor Soleil Bar for sunset sips and the Metropolitan for evening cocktails.
Performers steal the show onboardCredit: supplied
And when the sun goes down, there’s plenty of entertainment to keep the grown-ups happy with new shows Elton: A Celebration of Elton John and Revolution: A Celebration of Prince.
But the smaller venues are also sure to be popular with a new Eagles tribute in Syd Norman’s Pour House, an intimate rock-club venue inspired by the Los Angeles Sunset Strip rock scene.
And for a risque pop-circus song and dance experience, the new adults-only LunaTique show comes with an extra charge of £34, but does come with four (very sweet) themed cocktails.
At the end of the night, I was very happy to head back to my spacious balcony cabin, which has a huge bed plus a sofa bed and roomy bathroom with a rainfall shower.
Homeporting in Miami, the ship will offer three and four-day Bahamas voyages as well as seven-night Caribbean itineraries including calls at the Dominican Republic, Cozumel and St Thomas as well as the cruise line’s private island Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
GO: NORWEGIAN LUNA
SAILING THERE: Seven nights on Norwegian Luna, departing Miami on November 14 is from £785pp including a Free At Sea upgrade to include a premium drinks package, wifi and included meals in three speciality restaurants plus a $50 excursion credit.
The cruise calls at Roatan, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico as well as Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.
The Foreign Office has updated travel guidance warning Brits heading to popular destinations to expect potential flight disruptions
Nicola Roy Multimedia content creator
13:02, 21 Mar 2026
Australia is a hugely popular destination for Brits(Image: Kieran Stone via Getty Images)
This week, British travellers heading overseas have been warned that their holiday plans could face disruption.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the government department responsible for issuing travel guidance to ensure public safety, has updated its advice for several popular tourist destinations.
The continuing tensions in the Middle East mean delays and other forms of disruption are likely, even for those not travelling to the region itself. The FCDO sometimes advises against all travel to particular countries.
While these destinations don’t fall into that bracket, it remains crucial to follow the guidance.
The update states: “Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
“Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
The FCDO has issued this update for countries including Australia, New Zealand and Thailand this week. Before departing, travellers are advised to review the guidance for any countries or territories they’ll be passing through, reports the Express.
It’s also recommended that you check the latest information from your airline or tour operator before setting off.
Additionally, reviewing your travel insurance policy beforehand can be beneficial, just to confirm what’s covered if your arrangements are disrupted.
The FCDO added: “Monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts.”
Ignoring advice from the FDCO could potentially render your travel insurance null and void, so it’s crucial to check over the details before you take off.
Your insurance should cover your planned itinerary, activities and any emergency expenses.
Experts have urged holidaymakers to make this check before jetting off
12:57, 21 Mar 2026Updated 12:57, 21 Mar 2026
If you fail to check this before your holiday, your travel insurance could be invalidated(Image: Getty)
Brits planning a getaway have been warned to check one crucial detail beforehand or risk potentially losing hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Neglecting to do so could leave your travel insurance worthless, meaning you’d be left out of pocket should anything go wrong.
The team at Travel Health Pro stressed that travellers must always keep abreast of guidance regarding their destination from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). You should “keep checking” during the “days and weeks leading up to your trip” to ensure you don’t miss anything.
This guidance will inform you whether there are any present dangers associated with your chosen location. These could stem from severe weather conditions, criminal activity, political instability, conflict, or terrorism threats.
Occasionally, the advice may be severe enough to recommend not travelling altogether, whilst in other instances it might suggest steering clear of particular regions or remaining vigilant about certain circumstances. Travel Health Pro stated: “Planning to travel abroad?
“Before you book your trip, check Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) foreign travel advice for information on safety and security at your destination. Remember to keep checking FCDO advice in the days or weeks leading up to your trip too, as circumstances can change very quickly.” The guidance elaborated on the meaning of these warnings: “If the FCDO think the risk of travel is unacceptably high, they will formally advise British people against ‘all but essential travel’ or ‘all travel’ to a particular country or region.
“The ‘warnings and insurance’ section of each FCDO country advice page lists all the areas (if appropriate) to which this applies. You can also receive FCDO email alerts about specific countries by signing up through a link on the FCDO country page for your destination.”
Neglecting to carry out this verification and venturing to a high-risk destination could result in your insurance policy becoming void. This could mean you’re left out of pocket for hundreds or even thousands of pounds if something goes wrong and your trip is cancelled or cut short.
Travel Health Pro warned: “Remember – your foreign travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. If you travel, remember to check FCDO travel advice regularly, as situations can change quickly.”
Nations with an FCDO warning currently active
At the time of publication, numerous countries are currently subject to an FCDO travel warning. These include:
Afghanistan
Belarus
Burkina Faso
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Mali
Niger
Russia
South Sudan
Syria
Ukraine
Yemen
The complete list of foreign travel advice for countries can be viewed online here.
Certain types of snacks can make your flight experience very uncomfortable.
Nicola Roy Multimedia content creator
12:06, 21 Mar 2026
Many plane travellers will grab a snack at the airport before boarding (Image: EvgeniyShkolenko via Getty Images)
Anyone planning to jet off this Easter or beyond is being advised to steer clear of a very common airport snack before boarding. Plane food isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and it’s not always on offer during shorter flights, so grabbing something beforehand is vital.
However, travel experts at Ski Vertigo have warned that one particular type of food can make lengthy flights feel even more drawn-out, causing a lot of discomfort. They say the main culprit is the “grab-and-go” salty snack many travellers purchase at the gate, such as pretzels, crisps or salted nuts, as it can leave passengers feeling bloated, thirsty and uncomfortable once the cabin doors shut. Aircraft cabins are extremely dry, which can worsen dehydration.
Low humidity at cruising altitude can leave you feeling dried out, which is why water is frequently the best option in the air. But salty snacks can make matters worse, since foods packed with sodium can prompt the body to retain fluid, contributing to puffiness and swelling – especially in the feet and ankles during longer journeys.
That “tight shoes” sensation is typical after remaining still for hours, but what you eat can influence how uncomfortable it becomes. NHS guidance related to swelling often highlights reducing salt intake as part of managing fluid retention.
Alex Dyer, Head of customer success at Ski Vertigo, said: “People buy a salty snack because it’s quick and it feels harmless, but on a flight it can leave you chasing water and feeling heavy. If you already get puffy ankles or feel rough when you fly, it is worth skipping it.”
Airports also promote last-minute purchases, and salty snacks are dotted everywhere near the checkouts. A packet eaten just before boarding is more likely to take effect when you’re buckled into your seat with limited opportunity to move about, especially if the seatbelt sign is illuminated, reports the Express.
Experts say the key thing is to drink water before and throughout the flight, and reduce caffeine and alcohol where possible, as dehydration can make travel feel more difficult.
For passengers wanting something to snack on, the experts recommend opting for choices that aren’t as salty, like a banana or a cereal bar. Checking the label can be useful, because many ‘snack size’ products are still packed with salt.
The professionals added that the aim is not to ban treats, but to steer clear of the type that makes the cabin feel more uncomfortable, adding: “If you want the easiest flight, skip the salty snack before take-off, choose a sealed drink, and you will usually feel better by the time you land.”
Storm Therese is battering the Canary Islands with heavy rain, 100km/h winds and significant snowfall, with over 40 flights cancelled and schools closed across the islands
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
10:41, 21 Mar 2026
Storm Therese is currently battering the Canary Islands (stock image)(Image: Europa Press News, Europa Press via Getty Images)
Storm Therese is currently wreaking havoc on the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, with an unusual mix of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and significant snowfall at high altitudes. Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, labelling it as one of the most severe storms to batter the archipelago in over a decade.
Spain‘s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued several alerts that will remain active throughout the weekend. Orange (high risk) warnings have been dispatched for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts reaching 90–100 km/h and heavy rainfall. Concurrently, yellow warnings are in place across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and choppy seas with waves reaching up to 6 metres (20 feet).
Unusually for this time of year, significant snowfall has also blanketed Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres.
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The storm has led to widespread cancellations and safety closures across the islands. Over 40 flights were cancelled or rerouted by Friday, March 20, primarily at Tenerife North and South airports. Travellers are advised to check their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline.
Schools and universities in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and several other islands were shut on Thursday and Friday, whilst key roads, including access to Teide National Park and the TF-445 to Punta de Teno, are closed due to ice and snow.
Major international events such as the Tenerife Bluetrail 2026 race have been cancelled or postponed.
Providing an update on the weather situation on Friday (March 20), one Tenerife resident known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok took to the platform to share details with his 115,000 followers.
The car hire and bar owner, who is based in Playa de las Américas, was heard saying: “A little weather update for you then, it’s raining… it’s pretty grim and it’s gone really overcast as well.
“The rain showers are on and off, we haven’t really had any rain until now. It was okay this morning, but yeah it is raining. The current temperature’s around 18 degrees, not too cold but the umbrella’s are out, people are sheltering and it’s really not that nice.”
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He added: “Bear in mind, you might get caught in the rain, have a brolly with you. Maybe some of the rain macs as well if you’ve got any, if not buy some because it’s on and off.”
One person wrote: “Weather’s been awful the last three days, can’t wait to go home.”
Whilst another added: “Arrive tomorrow, packed a brolly.”
A third chimed in: “This makes me so happy as someone who was going to go this week and changed to last week! Phew.”
Whilst a fourth asked: “Why is it every time it’s sunny in the UK it rains in Tenerife?”
Another resident of the Canary Islands also posted a weather update on TikTok from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, captioning the clip, ‘Rain, wind and choppy ocean. Flights cancelled and diverted. Flooding in El Médano and roads closed. The storms Theresa and Samuel are hitting Canary Islands.’
He then said in the video: “Here if your weather update from Tenerife South on Friday March 20th, 2026. The two storms – Theresa and Samuel – are hitting the Canary Islands with force.
“As you can see here, we have quite a lot of waves here in the Troya area of Las Americas. The storms have caused quite a few incidents on the island, we have had 11 flights cancelled yesterday, 10 flights have been cancelled during the day today.
“We have had quite a few flights deviated to other airports as well and we have had ferries that have been cancelled because of the conditions out on the see.”
He explained the temperature was currently hovering around 19 degrees and there had been some rain which was “coming and going” along with overcast skies.
Are flights from the UK to Tenerife being cancelled?
Yes, flights from the UK to Tenerife are currently experiencing cancellations and significant disruptions due to severe weather from Storm Therese.
As of Saturday, 21 March 2026, authorities in Tenerife have declared an island-wide emergency due to extreme conditions including heavy rain, strong winds, and rare snowfall over high ground.
Over 36 flights were cancelled earlier this week, with further disruptions reported today. While many cancellations involve inter-island services, several international flights have been diverted or cancelled due to poor visibility and high winds.
Currently, the most affected airport is Tenerife North (TFN), which has seen the greatest impact, though Tenerife South (TFS) – where most UK flights land –is also experiencing delays and some rerouted services.
Conditions are expected to remain hazardous through Saturday, with a gradual improvement predicted for Sunday, 22 March.
Major airlines serving the UK to Tenerife route, such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI, are urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport
If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline immediately to discuss rebooking or refund options.
British holiday firms are reporting a boom in bookings up to 235% compared to this time last year, as the Iran war forces people to cancel far-flung destinations and look closer to home instead
10:30, 21 Mar 2026Updated 12:51, 21 Mar 2026
The Great British seaside holiday is undergoing a revival thanks to the Iran war(Image: PA)
Brits are looking again at holidays closer to home this summer as fears grow that the Iran war could ground flights and spike plane ticket prices by up to 50%.
Contingency plans being drawn up would see holidaymakers hit by airlines ‘rationing’ their operations, including a reduced schedule, higher prices and cancellation of less profitable routes.
It comes as other destinations beloved by British tourists have ended up Iran’s crosshairs.
Cyprus, Turkey and Abu Dhabi are some of the destinations thrown into doubt this year thanks to the Middle East crisis – but holidaymakers are already making ‘staycation’ bookings instead for the likes of Norfolk, Pembrokeshire and the Isle of Wight as they eye up a safer, more certain getaway.
David Land, who works at the University Technical College in Durham, was forced to cancel upcoming stays in Dubai and the Maldives for his wife Barbara’s birthday – and has lined up “sunny Cornwall” as an alternative.
“I’m a bit of a foodie, so I quite like the idea of seeing how many restaurants I can go to, in terms of Paul Ainsworth’s, Rick Stein’s”, he said, aiming to spend four or five days “at least” in the Land of Saints.
David and his wife, who are both in their 70s and tied the knot in 1979, went on one of their first holidays together on the beaches of Northumberland – and he’s also considering a return there this year.
“I would say the majority of our holidays have been abroad, in Europe, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean – but we’ve been saying ‘Why can’t go on a holiday more in the UK’?”, he told the Mirror. “Apart from the need to pack appropriate clothing, it’s a lovely place to go – as long as the people doing it don’t try to rip us off, as happened a bit around Covid.”
‘We’re not going to listen to Donald Trump’
Asked why he hasn’t chosen to simply reschedule his existing foreign holidays, he said: “We’re not going to listen to Donald Trump when he says the war’s going to be over in ‘three or four weeks’. There’s no confidence that we would be able to go back, not until the war stops, and even then we’d have to know that it’s not going to start again.”
Businesses across the UK tourism industry are already reporting a boom in bookings not seen since the pandemic, with Google searches for ‘best staycations’ up 40% since Trump launched his bombardment of Iran.
Business is booming, say British travel firms
Samantha Evans, founder of Humphreys of Henley, said her luxury travel firm has experienced the “busiest start to the year on record”, with the “safe and deeply enriching” surrounds of the English countryside attracting both domestic guests and those from further afield, particularly the United States.
She told the Mirror: “Luxury hotels are reporting an increase in domestic demand over the next three months. British guests are choosing to stay closer to home, but still want exceptional, experience-led travel – so they’re trading airports for the countryside rather than cancelling plans altogether.”
Rental agency Habitat Escapes told the Mirror that their bookings are up 235% this week compared to the same date last year, with the majority for Silverlake Estate in Dorset and the remainder for Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds.
And industry expert Emily Keogh, a former judge for The Hotel Magazine Awards, said there was renewed interest in “spontaneous countryside escapes and coastal getaways that can be booked at relatively short notice” because of the new difficulties in international travel.
Others believe this is part of a movement back towards British holidays that began well before the Middle East crisis, as Matthew Price, CEO of travel firm Awaze, said: “This trend of staying closer to home is part of a broader pattern of behaviour we’ve seen in the UK for a number of years, where holidaymakers are choosing staycations over going abroad. From coastal to countryside getaways, the quality and variety on offer in the UK means a domestic break can feel just as exciting as going overseas.
He revealed bookings were up 26% for Cottages.com, alongside a 10% rise in summer bookings for Hoseasons. While the South West remains a popular destination, regions like the North West and Southern Scotland are seeing “the strongest year-on-year growth for the peak summer period”, Mr Price said.
And the Great British holiday may benefit too from rising jet fuel prices, which experts have warned could push up the cost of plane tickets very soon.
Jet fuel shortages threaten cancellations and price hikes
European jet fuel prices reached an all-time high of $1,698 per tonne this week – more than double the $830 per tonne before the air strikes on Iran – and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending alarm bells ringing among airline bosses.
While European airlines have stressed that they are currently operating with normal levels of fuel, Scandinavia’s SAS became the first this week to admit it had introduced a “temporary price adjustment” in response to the soaring prices, with more expected to follow.
Experts now predict a potential 30% to 50% hike in plane tickets for European summer holidays if the fuel crisis drags on, potentially costing an extra £600 for a family of four heading to the Canary Islands, Greece or Morocco.
Long-haul flights would see even steeper price increases, with a family trip to Australia going up by an eye-watering £2,400.
James Noel-Beswick, head of commodities at market intelligence firm Sparta Commodities, told the BBC: “I think we’re weeks away from maybe flight cancellations or delays due to lack of jet fuel, rather than months.”
An end to the age of cheap foreign holidays is likely to help tip the balance back in favour of domestic holidays when it comes to cost, as ‘staycations’ have long been criticised for poor value for money – especially when it comes to accommodation.
You can expect to pay at least £500 for five nights in a budget holiday let near St Ives – but in Malaga, the equivalent would set you back just £350.
Air travel chaos threatens holiday favourites
British holidaymakers preparing to head to Spain on their Easter getaways have meanwhile been warned to expect chaos at airports, with a national baggage handler strike threatening to cause missed connections and delayed boarding.
And there’s mounting uncertainty around Turkey, where three Iranian missiles have been intercepted since the beginning of the conflict, and popular Brit destination Cyprus, which saw the RAF base on the island’s southern coast come under drone attack.
Foreign Office chiefs currently advise anyone travelling to either country to be aware of the risks of ‘regional escalation’.
The Citizens Advice Bureau say holidaymakers who are unsure over a trip they have booked in the months ahead should get in touch with their travel provider – but don’t cancel before speaking to them, as you may lose your right to a refund.
Top 10 destinations for British summer holidays:
The top 10 UK destinations for summer staycations, based on consumer research of 2,000 UK adults by Sykes Holiday Cottages:
IT’S Monday morning, pouring with rain and I’m lugging a wooden sledge up to the top of a steep hill.
This is where I will meet the delivery driver who’s dropping off my shopping for the week.
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The stunning seafront at Clovelly in DevonCredit: Rolf E. StaerkClovelly is famed for its cobbled streets and the fact it doesn’t have any vehicular accessCredit: chrisdorney
Welcome to the life of a Clovellian — the name given to the residents of Clovelly in Devon, one of the country’s prettiest villages.
Once owned by the Queen of England, Clovelly dates back to the Domesday Book and is famed for its cobbled streets and the fact it doesn’t have any vehicular access.
For the 250 residents who live here, life is full of minor inconveniences but the trade-off is living somewhere quiet and safe with the community spirit of a bygone age — plus incredible views of the Atlantic.
Residents have to be approved by John Rous, the current owner and a direct descendant of Christine Hamlyn who inherited the estate in 1884.
The cottages in Clovelly are let to long-term residents only, so there aren’t any Airbnbs or second homes.
When we saw a house advertised on RightMove, we expressed our interest and met with the Estate Manager, who showed us around and explained the complexities of living there.
Then it was time for an audience with Mr Rous to see whether we would fit in and if we understood the ethos of Clovelly.
We succeeded, and were soon immersed in village life.
The harbour, at the bottom of the village, is generally where visitors gravitate and it’s a wonderful place for wild swimming as well as a hotspot for marine life.
I regularly see dolphins from my kitchen window and have to stop and pinch myself.
There are two pubs here, The New Inn and The Red Lion, and both are hubs for tourists and villagers alike.
I’ve even taken on one of the shops in the visitor centre’s car park where I’ll be teaching yoga, Pilates and providing a treatment space for massage and other therapies.
Because of the village’s layout, emergency services can’t access it, so if someone needs medical assistance they are either carried or walked to an ambulance.
In the event of a fire, crews need to come on foot or rely on specialist equipment to navigate their way from the top of the village.
It’s the reason why there isn’t any gas in the village. Instead, many of the cottages are heated by Aga Rayburn range cookers, which also heat up the water.
A delivery being done the old wayCredit: Unknown
Most days, we forage on the beach for wood for our log burners, which has saved us a fortune.
So it goes without saying that you have to be physically strong to live in Clovelly — pulling your sledge up and down the hill is tough going — and especially on moving-in day.
Until 1983, donkeys were used to haul heavy loads up the cobbled streets but, although you will often see them being walked around the village, their days of service are now over.
Luckily, online supermarket deliveries are a thing of modern convenience and Amy’s Pantry — a converted van full of groceries, fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products — arrives each Wednesday.
Since moving to Clovelly, I am fitter than I’ve ever been and average 15,000 steps a day, although it is strange living somewhere where we are the subject of so much attention.
Our home is one of the most photographed cottages in the village, and in the busy summer months we are greeted by crowds of gawping tourists taking photos every time we open our front door.
When our son Zak recently visited from university, he couldn’t get over the fact we were a tourist attraction.
Generally, people are lovely and intrigued about what it’s like to live there.
However, we have had to buy a private sign for our gate because tourists kept coming into our garden.
There are regular festivals throughout the year, including the Seaweed Festival, Lifeboat Day and the Lobster & Crab Festival.
The Christmas light switch-on is a big event, too, with as many as 5,000 visitors coming to the village to enjoy the fireworks.
It’s the most incredible place and, despite the inconveniences, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else now.
GO: CLOVELLY
STAYING THERE: The Red Lion in Clovelly has rooms from £180 on a B&B basis.
IF you’re dreaming of white sands and turquoise tides but don’t want to overspend, it’s time to break out of your comfort zone.
While the likes of stunning Mykonos and Ibiza may have you hiding from your bank account, there are a handful of affordable luxury gems that are waiting just a short flight away. Here, the Sun’s travel team reveals the bargain buys – including resorts that offer a five-star feel without the excessive price tag.
One resort in Albania is yet to become popular among Brits and reaches 34°C in the summerCredit: Getty
We’ve found lesser-known options that are often quieter than their overcrowded neighbours.
From volcanic Greek islands with moon-like landscapes, to unspoiled Adriatic villages where a beer costs less than £2, these are the best-kept secrets of the Mediterranean and beyond.
Whether you want to trek across Tunisian beaches on a camel or sip cocktails at an Albanian beach club, these are the top under-the-radar resorts for 2026 – where you can bag an escape for as little as £75pp.
Milos, Greece
If you love the look of the Greek Islands but want to dodge the eye-watering prices of Mykonos or Santorini, Milos is the island for you.
This volcanic gem sits in the Aegean Sea and offers some of the most surreal landscapes in Europe, all whilst maintaining that laid-back Greek holiday atmosphere.
Flights to Milos (via a quick connection in Athens) take around 4 hours in total.
Return flights start at £119. You can book the whole flight – with connections included – on Skyscanner to save you the hassle of planning.
Or you can also hop on a ferry over from mainland Greece, with flights from London to Athens starting at just £26.37 each way with budget airline Ryanair.
Visit the island during the peak summer months of July and August, and you’ll find temperatures sitting at a glorious 30C.
Although Milos is a lesser-visited island, it’s famed for its coastline – specifically Sarakiniko Beach.
Sarakiniko Beach in Milos is so strikingly white you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re looking at the ArcticCredit: Alamy
Here, bone-white volcanic rock looks more like the surface of the moon than a typical beach, making it one of the island’s most Instagrammable spots.
For something more secluded, head to the fishing village of Firopotamos, where tiny syrmata (brightly-coloured boat garages) sit on the water’s edge.
You can spend your days swimming in sapphire-blue rock pools or snorkelling the sea caves of Kleftiko, an old pirate hideout only accessible by boat.
Plus, going out to eat in Milos is a dream for those on a budget compared to those visiting its more famous neighbours.
You can pick up massive, authentic gyros from a local taverna for as little as €5 (£4.30), or sit back with a cold local beer for around €3.50 (£3.02).
While Milos feels exclusive and high-end, it remains surprisingly affordable – so you can experience that Mamma Mia lifestyle without the celebrity price tag.
Lastminute.com offers a 4-night stay in the beautiful, bright white Tsakanos Home, including breakfast (and return flights from London Stansted) from £303pp.
The Greek island of Milos is dotted with colourful syrmata boathouses overlooking calm watersCredit: Alamy
Ischia, Italy
Want Positano without the price tag? Consider visiting Ischia, known as the Green Island of Italy.
Spend days strolling past pastel-coloured traditional houses and through blooming botanical gardens, or hop on boat trips to explore hidden coves.
Temperatures average 26C in July and August, and sit comfortably in the early 20’s during the shoulder seasons.
The easiest way to get to Ischia is to fly to Naples (starting at £14.99 each way with Ryanair) and then hop on the ultra-fast hydrofoil ferry.
Once you arrive, there’s endless amounts of unique history to explore and coastline to wander.
This volcanic island even has its own hot springs that bubble up at the island’s longest and most popular beach, Maronti Beach.
Ischia in Italy is made up of narrow streets with pastel-coloured buildingsCredit: AlamyIschia is one of the most unique places to visit in Italy, with hot springs and an underwater cityCredit: Alamy
And if that’s not unique enough, there’s plenty more interesting beaches to choose from.
Cartaromana Beach has its own real-life Atlantis in the form of a sunken city called Aenaria made up of Roman ruins.
And for a historical afternoon out, head to the medieval Aragonese Castle to see the old prisons and stone bridges that overlook a vast blue bay.
It’s famously hard to find a bad meal in Italy, and the island of Ischia is no exception.
A portion of arancini can cost you as little as €3 (£2.59), and you can find local beers from €4 (£3.45).
Plus there are plenty of affordable package holiday options available to this underrated island.
First Choice offers a 7-night stay with breakfast at the Costa Citara Hotel, including return flights from Birmingham, from £483pp.
Ksamil, Albania
Albania is the recent breakout star of budget holiday destinations, but many Brits still haven’t caught on to this unspoiled coastal village.
Ksamil is a resort in southern Albania that offers a real slice of Mediterranean paradise set on the idyllic Ionian Sea.
Just three hours’ flight from the UK, Ksamil sees 300 days of sunshine per year, and temperatures peak at a scorching 34C in the summer months.
With its near-luminous blue waters and rocky coves covered in lush greenery, Ksamil could easily be mistaken for a luxurious Greek island resort.
One of the resort’s best beaches is Plazhi Ksamil, a popular choice for its picturesque wooden jetty where boats wait to taxi you off to the remote Ksamil islands.
But if you truly want somewhere remote and undisturbed, take the coastal walk down to Pulebardha Beach.
Pulebardha Beach is a secluded spot in the Albanian resort of KsamilCredit: AlamyBeaches in Ksamil can often be calmer than the popular resorts of Himara and capital TiranaCredit: Alamy
If you don’t mind pebbles instead of sand, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
In Ksamil, sitting down to a cocktail at a beachside bar can feel like experiencing a high-end Mykonos resort for a fraction of the price.
Cocktails here can cost you as little as 350 LEK (around £3.16), and beers as little as 180 LEK (£1.62).
Poda Beach Bar has a posh beach club feel, with day beds, a wooden sea swing, as well as live music and DJs taking over a stretch of white sand.
The village’s top eateries include grill houses such as Restaurant Grill & Pizza Palma, as well as top seafood spot The Mussel House.
The latter offers some of the freshest local shellfish in the area, with thousands of raving 5-star reviews online.
One of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, sautéed mussels, will cost you just 550 LEK (£4.96).
And as for accommodation, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to affordable options.
You can book a three-night self-catering stay in a sea view villa, including return flights from London Luton, for as little as £75pp on Lastminute.com.
Ulcinj, Montenegro
Think the Med is getting too expensive? Montenegro is here to prove you wrong.
Montenegro’s dramatic coastline blends impressive mountains with warm turquoise waters, plus your pick of near-endless sandy coves to explore.
Montenegro is a lesser-visited Meditterranean country for BritsCredit: Alamy
And whilst the crowds head to the busy Bay of Kotor, savvy travellers are heading south to Ulcinj.
Ulcinj is an ultra-affordable Mediterranean destination, and it doesn’t compromise on the beautiful nature, either.
Flights to Podgorica, the nearest airport, average just 2 hours and 50 minutes from London – and can cost as little as £18 each way with Wizz Air.
Ulcinj is also one of the country’s oldest residential areas, so there are plenty of historical sites to visit, such as the ancient Ulcinj Castle and the charming narrow streets of the Old Town.
The best time to visit Ulcinj is between May and September, with July being the hottest month with temperatures reaching 31C.
And if you’re simply looking to laze on a lounger and soak up the sunshine, head to Long Beach.
As the name suggests, this shoreline stretches for miles – eight miles, to be exact.
The ancient Ulcinj Castle overlooks the vast Adriatic SeaCredit: Getty
This beach has soft sands and shallow, sapphire waters, perfect for paddling with children if taking a family holiday.
Alternatively, Small Beach is tucked in a crescent-shaped cove, overlooked by the impressive Ulcinj Castle.
And other than sightseeing and sunbathing, Ulcinj has plenty of other unique things to do.
Head to the Ulcinj Salina, a giant nature park, to spot wild flamingos for free, or visit Lake Skadar (the largest in the Balkans) to rent a kayak.
Local staple foods include priganice, which are doughnut-like fritters eaten at breakfast, and baklava, a sweet pastry often enjoyed with coffee.
These delights cost as little as €1-2 from markets and cafes. Plus, when they’re paired with a cappuccino, which averages a cost of just €1.97 in Montenegro, how can you say no?
And when it comes to booking your trip, holiday packages to Ulcinj are very affordable.
Loveholidays offer a 7-night stay with breakfast at the swanky Hotel Continental Ulcinj (which includes return flights from London Stansted) from just £299 per person.
Djerba Island, Tunisia
Sun-drenched Djerba is a palm tree-lined island off the coast of Tunisia, where Mediterranean and North African influences meet to make postcard-perfect seaside villages.
Flights from London to Djerba average three and a half hours, ideal for those who want that far-flung holiday feel without the long flight.
Djerba is the largest island in North Africa, and is part of TunisiaCredit: GettyHoumt Souk in Djerba is worth visiting for its bustling markets, street art and mosaicsCredit: Getty
Visit the island in its warmest months, July and August, and you can enjoy temperatures that reach up to 33C.
Here you can stroll through whitewashed fishing villages, colourful markets and neighbourhoods decorated with mosaics and street art.
Or simply laze under straw umbrellas on the shores of Sidi Mahrez beach, taking the occasional dip in its turquoise waters.
And if you want to enjoy Djerba’s beautiful beaches by trekking across their white sands via camel, you can do that here.
For a more lively day out, head to Houmt Souk (known as the market neighbourhood) for colourful souks backed by an impressive fortress.
Or head to the north-eastern coast of the island to try out water sports like parasailing and kite-surfing.
Local food is both affordable and delicious, and you can grab local delicacies like couscous from markets for around 10.20 DT (£2.60) per meal.
Plus, the average beer in Tunisia will cost you only 5 DT (£1.28) and a cappuccino will set you back just 2.63 DT (67p).
Tunisia is renowned for its affordable all-inclusive hotels, and the resorts on Djerba Island are no exception.
TUI offer week-long, all-inclusive stays at the four-star Palm Beach Djerba (including return flights from London Luton) from just £395pp.
Camel rides are available along the beaches of Djerba, TunisiaCredit: AFPBeaches within Portugal’s Costa Vicentina Natural Park often have unique landscapesCredit: Getty
Aljezur, Portugal
For a taste of the “wild side” of the Algarve that remains distant from the major tourist spots, look no further than Aljezur.
Tucked away in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park on Portugal’s rugged west coast, this market town is worlds away from the high-rise resorts of the south.
Flights to Faro from the UK take around 2 hours and 50 minutes, and can cost as little as £14.99 each way with Ryanair.
From there, it’s a scenic 75-minute drive into a landscape of jagged cliffs and desert-like sands.
Summer temperatures here peak at 28C in July, whilst the south coast can feel sweltering, Aljezur enjoys a cooling Atlantic breeze.
Aljezur is the capital of Portugal’s surf scene, centred around the stunning Arrifana Beach, a crescent of soft sands sheltered by dramatic black cliffs.
Another beautiful beach option is Monte Clérigo, which has a coastal village vibe with colourful houses perched right above the shore.
Amoreira Beach, on the other hand, features a unique river mouth that’s calm and ideal for paddling with kids.
Despite its trendy surfing reputation, Aljezur is surprisingly wallet-friendly.
The quiet market town of Aljezur in the Algarve feels worlds away from busy AlbufeiraCredit: Alamy
You can grab a hearty Prato do Dia (plate of the day) featuring fresh grilled seafood for around €10 (£8.62) at a traditional tasca.
A local beer will cost you about €2.50 (£2.16), and a coffee from a local cafe can be found for just €1.20 (£1.03).
Between the castle ruins, dramatic cliffs and endless amount of hidden beaches, Aljezur offers a taste of Portugal‘s beautifully rugged coastline for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere in the Algarve.
Expedia offer a 7-night stay including breakfast at the aptly-named Utopia from just £403pp.
WHEN you think of heading on a beach holiday, Sopot is probably not a destination that springs to mind.
However, the coastal town on the Eastern European Riviera has white sand beaches and an enormous luxury hotel right on the promenade with rooms from £89.
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The resort town of Sopot at is a forgotten beach spotCredit: AlamyBut in the summertime can be a great place for sunbathingCredit: Alamy
Running along the Baltic Sea in northern Poland, Sopot has over 500m of coastline.
It’s most popular with holidaymakers is Sopot Beach – although visitors have said it’s not the warmest for swimming.
But in peak summer, it can be busy and popular for sunbathing and there is.
One visitor to Sopot Beach said: “A must see in Poland! Who would have known Poland had such a beautiful beach?
“This should be well known. The whitest, softest sand.”
Another added: “The water was cold but it was amazingly sunny and kid loved the sand play and the park right beside it.”
Next to the beach is Sopot Pier which is the longest wooden pier in Europe and goes on for over 500 metres.
It has views of both the Baltic Sea and the Polish coastline, and cots just £2.10 to enter.
Along the front are cafesm restaurants and even chippies like Centrala Rybna.
The magnificently grand Sofitel Grand Sopot Hotel sits right on the promenade too.
First built in 1923, it was designed for affluent guests, but nowadays, visitors can stay there from £89 according to Kayak.
Along with 126 rooms and huge restaurant, it has a just-as-grand spa and wellness centre, along with a private beach.
When it comes to exploring the heart of Sopot, one of the liveliest streets is Monte Cassino Street, which is home to lots of shops, bars and restaurants.
There’s the Crooked House, which looks like something out of a creepy fairytale, as well as the towering Sopot Lighthouse.
While in Sopot, you can pick up a beer for 16zł (£3.33) and the average price for a meal is 45zł (£9.36).
The easiest way for Brits to get to Sopot is to fly directly to Gdansk which in March can be done for as little as £13 with Wizz Air.
The flight takes just two hours and 15 minutes from London Luton – and then it’s a 20-minute drive to Sopot.
The Sofitel Grand Sopot Hotel was initially designed to welcome affluent visitorsCredit: AlamySopot has a long sandy beach and the longest pier of its kind in the worldCredit: Alamy
Planning your summer holiday but want to avoid crowded tourist hotspots? These three stunning European destinations offer beautiful beaches and coastal charm without the crowds.
La Gomera has some gorgeous beaches(Image: Getty)
Spring has finally sprung, meaning summer is just round the corner. Britain is fortunate to have countless stunning countries within easy reach, and if you’re pondering where to head this year, you’re in for a treat.
One of the most frustrating aspects of arranging a holiday is deciding on a destination – and with hordes of tourists flocking to all the popular spots, finding somewhere peaceful and relaxing can prove even more challenging.
If you’re after coastal beauty without thousands of holidaymakers crowding the beaches with towels and parasols, these are the three European locations you need to consider, reports the Express.
In contrast to Tenerife or Lanzarote, this stunning island remains relatively undiscovered and experiences fewer crowds during peak season than the British favourites.
Laura Evans-Fisk from eurochange commented: “It’s the perfect tranquil, peaceful alternative to the more popular islands. You could stay here for a restful few days or make a day trip from Tenerife by hopping on the ferry.
“La Gomera is also a great spot for hikers and nature lovers, home to the lush UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park.
“Its beaches are much more secluded than the ones you’ll find on the other islands, and you’ll encounter no large-scale resorts or nightlife.”
“Like other islands in the region, La Gomera benefits from pleasant temperatures throughout the year too. And, its low light pollution means it’s an excellent spot for stargazing.”
Renowned for its breathtaking turquoise waters and pristine sand beaches, this stretch of Albania is known as the “Albanian Riviera”. It’s becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers, yet sections of it remain largely undiscovered.
Laura explained: “Ksamil, an area often coined the ‘Maldives of Europe’, is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches, with white sands and strikingly clear waters.
“For a more relaxed vibe, visit Porto Palermo – this stunning bay has a small peninsula connecting it to the mainland, and an impressive 19th-century castle, Ali Pasha.”
The Algarve is frequently packed with tourists, but further north in Alentejo there’s a far more laid-back atmosphere. With its picturesque coastal landscapes and gorgeous beaches it provides the ideal summer getaway.
Laura commented: “Further North than the Algarve, this coastline surrounds the city of Lisbon, making charming towns like Cascais, Estoril and Azenhas do Mar perfect day excursions from the capital.”
Many years ago, I swapped languages with a young woman from Trieste. It was during one of our half-English, half-Italian practice hours that she introduced the idea of Trieste, on a map, as possessing the shape of a stomach. She described her city (which is also a province) as being suspended: pressed by the sea on one side, enveloped by Slovenia and the Karst hills on the other, with a short oesophagus attaching it to the body of Italy. She also suggested I read la Conscienza di Zeno – Zeno’s Conscience –Italo Svevo’s devilishly funny hymn to procrastination, self-delusion and walking around in search of a suitable cafe, and warned me about the ruffian wind.
It would be almost two decades before I finally visited Trieste, bringing with me enough anticipation to tempt disappointment (unfounded) and the itinerary of a food writer. I carried the image of a stomach too, fitting in so many ways for this remarkable food city, not least for making its geography vivid, which in turn explains so much about its history. Once a coastal fishing village, colonised by the Romans, raided by the Venetians, entrusted to the Habsburg monarchy in Vienna (for four centuries, which included a prolonged heyday), appended to the newly united Kingdom of Italy, fought over, briefly independent, handed back to Italy in 1954, from which point it developed into what is today one of the most outward looking and dynamic cities in Italy. Trieste, it seems, has digested and assimilated, meaning its complex history is reflected in the architecture, dialect, music, literature, sports, civic nature and multifaceted food culture: surely one of the most intriguing and rewarding in Italy.
True to Austro-Hungarian traditions: La pasticceria Pirona.Lunch is served at Clai.
Take the coffee culture, for example, the foundations of which were laid in 1719 when Charles VI declared Trieste a free port (and in effect the port of Vienna) and a customs-free zone. One of the goods that arrived was coffee beans, in particular from Ethiopia and Yemen, which in turn saw the creation of aromatic roasting and processing facilities – and the emergence of cafes themselves, many of them designed in the spirit of a Viennese Kaffeehaus. Later, when the railway connected Vienna with Trieste in 1850, these same cafes and pastry shops would serve the cosmopolitan population of a culturally magnetic city that many wanted to be part of. Several of the historic cafes still thrive, their literary connections intact – Svevo, Saba (Trieste poet in excelsis) Joyce, Mann, Rilke – comforting customers with coffee, strudel and no sense of rush, alongside them the economic and social powerhouse that is the Illy brand and a welcome wave of speciality coffee. The port of Trieste still handles 50% of beans entering Italy: it was and remains a city that tastes of salt and smells of coffee.
Buffet Clai, Trieste.
Another wonderful habit that robustly survives is femo un rebechin, which comes from the verb ribeccare, a typical espressione Triestina meaning to take another peck or bite: that is, to have a snack. The seaport had a burgeoning workforce whose need for a substantial mid-morning snack was met by boisterous and functional “buffets”serving il bollito misto: boiled pork served with potatoes, kraut, mustard and – a totem of Trieste – freshly grated horseradish; or stuffed in a bread roll, alongside soups, stews, goulash, cheeses and cured meats. Heaven! Buffets still punctuate the city and the habit of rebechin is like water, filling every gap and need, be that a prosciutto roll and a beer at 10am, or a glass of Friulian, Slovenian, Croatian or Austrian wine and tasty things on toast at 6.30pm. Trieste has a polyglot profusion of bars, bakeries, takeaways and restaurant-trattoria, some of which focus on the fish caught daily in the gulf, many on dishes whose roots trace back to middle European traditions, others on the superb produce that arrives from the mountainous region of Carnia, the larger Friuli Venezia-Giulia region, Slovenia … the world – Trieste is, after all, a gateway. After dinner, a chance to wander, to find another cafe, or the water’s edge, to look beyond the stomach, and out to sea.
Caffe Stella Polare, Trieste: ‘Literary ghosts contribute to the place’s popularity’.
A cherry wood bar, with white panels and a black granite top, runs the entire length of this old coffee shop. First opened in 1865, the cafe was designed, then redesigned, in the spirit of a Viennese kaffeehaus and decorated with gilded mirrors and Viennese stucco – some of which remains, with a line of tables and curveback chairs arranged opposite the bar. There is also an internal tea room for reading, meeting and gazing in the spirit of past patrons such as the writers Italo Svevo, Umberto Saba, James Joyce and Franz Kafka, whose literary ghosts contribute to the place’s popularity – as does its location on the corner between Via Dante and Piazza Sant’Antonio. I found the service best when standing at the busy, efficient bar, and their gocciato, an espresso with a generous drop of creamy foamed milk, an ideal way to start the day. Via Dante Alighieri, 14
For the smell of coffee and bread the address is Via Giusto Muratti 4d. Originally from Belgrade, Pedja Kostic spent three decades in Boston before opening the contemporary bakery Pagna, in 2022. Previously an Austro-Hungarian warehouse, the lofty space is now divided by a deep counter, the larger back section accommodating the mill, lab and ovens where the long-fermented breads are baked, the front section filled with tables for breakfast pastries, bread with honey or quince jam, filled focaccia, or cheese and wine in the early evening (the wine list is impressive, and largely natural). Pagna is also the place for speciality coffee, with blends from local roasters, such as Bianca Maria Maschio’s Bianca Tosta, and international roasters, including Drop in Stockholm. Via Giusto Muratti, 4/D
Antica trattoria Menarosti Established in 1903, Menarosti has been run by the Benussi family since 1974. The room, with its lace-edged white cloths, white chairs and white-cream tiles, has something of an elegant conservatory about it, while the paintings, ornaments and drinks cabinets give the space an idiosyncratic parlour-feel, but one in which everything has a purpose: of comfort and practised hospitality. The menu is a paean to the daily catch from the gulf of Trieste and the well-established habits of a great, unfussy kitchen. The menu changes daily but often includes granzievola (spider crab) cooked, shredded and returned to its fluted shell, a warm salad of molluschi, steamed mantis shrimps, a delicate three-fish risotto alla marinara, spaghetti with vongole lupino, gnocchi with cuttlefish ragù, a lightly battered fritto misto of calamari and anchovies, baked fish of the day, apple strudel, honey and amaretti semifreddo. There is an excellent wine list and a large selection of grappa. Via del Toro, 12
Da Pepi: ‘The oldest, and best known of the buffets in Trieste.’
The caldaia – the huge pan in which the various cuts of pork are boiled – takes pride of place on the counter at Pepi, the oldest and best known of the buffets in Trieste. When I asked a friend from Trieste if it was more popular with locals or tourists he looked annoyed, telling me Pepi, like all buffets, are a public service for anyone who is hungry. Established by Pepi Klajnsic in 1887, the buffet was originally known as Pepi S’Ciavo, for his nickname, Pepi the Slovenian, and has passed through various hands (of family and staff) since, each age leaving its mark on the wood-panelled decor. Pepi does a swift trade in takeaways, most commonly a roll stuffed with whatever cut of pork is desired – ribs, loin, ham, sausage, snout, tongue – plus a smear of mustard or a good amount of fresh horseradish. Cheese or hard boiled eggs are an alternative. The same cuts can be enjoyed sitting at one of the tile-topped tables: the ultimate pork platter, along with sauerkraut, potatoes, mustard (mixed with a dash of beer), and freshly grated cren (horseradish), or jota, bean and sauerkraut soup. Savings Bank Street, 3
L’Approdo The excellent and always bustling L’ Approdo, not far from the covered market, highlights another function of the buffet counter. That is the things on bread or toast – baccala mantecato (whipped saltcod), liptauer (an Austrian-style cheese and herb spread), sweet and sour sardines, the fried meatball and dough balls – in short a great number of tasty things with which to “Femo un rebechin” – have a snack – with a glass of wine at any hour you please, either at one of the tables, or standing outside. Via Carducci, 34
Get rare regional products at SET – an acronym for Sapori Eccellenti del Territorio.
If the weather allows, it is a good idea to get a table outside SET deli, and to order the orologio di formaggio. This tasting plate of cheeses could well include pastorut, a full-fat, soft, blue-veined cheese; pecorino with pear; goat’s cheese; or a compact and creamy mountain cheese called frant, with either a glass of Brežanka (an aromatic white originating from the Breg area) or a beer from a Dimont brewery, in the Carnia Valley. SET is an acronym for Sapori Eccellenti del Territorio, and the counter and shelves are filled with exactly that, with particular attention to traditional products at risk of disappearing in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region; look out for ricotta (which arrives daily from the Carnia valley), speck, horseradish, kraut, pesto with lard and herbs called varhackara, and cheese and potato cake, helpfully vacuum-packed, called frico. Via di Cavana, 13A
La pasticceria Pirona: ‘A cake and pastry shop from another time.’ Pirona, Trieste, Italy.
Not far from the magnificent ship-like covered market on largo Barriera Vecchia, La pasticceria Pirona is a cake and pastry shop from another time. Founded by Alberto Pirona in 1900, the shop has changed hands several times, but the art deco front with gold lettering on black lacquer and the cherry-wood fittings remain as they were when James Joyce (who lived a few doors down) called by for a bun. The cakes, pastries, sweets and preserves also remain true to Austro-Hungarian traditions: expect exceptional presnitz (a stuffed pastry ring filled with dried fruit, nuts and spices), an enriched Easter bread called pinza triestina, putizza (a ring of rolled, paper-thin dough layered with nuts and spices), apple or cherry strudel, Sachertorte, marzipan and – to bring home – finger biscuits embossed with the name Pirona. Via Largo Barriera Vecchia, 12
Caffe degli Specchi – designed by architect Antonio Buttazzoni, and a coffee house since 1839, this popular cafe has caught the attention of the Accidentally Wes Anderson brigade. Piazza Unità d’Italia, 7
Illy have several branches in Trieste (Illy CEO Riccardo is also the mayor) but the flagship cafe is on the seafront on via Gioacchino Rossini, 2 while the shop Incantalia (which also sells coffee accessories and food) is on via Luigi Einaudi, 2/A
La Bomboniera is a typical Austro-Hungarian patisserie dating back to 1836, in art nouveau style. Bring back a presnitz, a sturdy pastry ring filled with dried fruit. via Trenta Ottobre 3
La Bomboniera patisserie: go for the preznitz.
Antica Trattoria Saban – a trattoria whose menu celebrates the multicultural nature of Triestini cuisine – goulash sauverkataut, goose, pancakes … Via E. Comici 2
Ditta Emilio Cesca Casalinghi is a fabulous, ordinary, great-value houseware shop full of practical kitchen utensils. Grab yourself a cake tin, a horseradish grater and coffee cups. via Roma 10
VUD – for the most beautiful wooden bread and cheese boards. Via Diaz 15/a
Mercato Coperto, the historic Covered fruit and vegetable market – it looks like a steam ship from outside. Shop for a root of horseradish at via Giosuè Carducci, 36
La Bottiglia Volante – a relaxed wine bar (including, but not exclusively, natural wine). via Paganini 2c
Villanovich – another great speciality store with products from the mountains, paprika, and jars of horseradish and mustard. Via delle Torri, 1b
Salumeria Villanovich: regional products galore.
Melograno – for a good selection of gluten-free and vegan dishes, especially the pizza and cakes. Via di Cavana, 14
How to order coffee
For an espresso, ask for un nero, or un nero in b, if you want it served in a glass (bicchiere) rather than a cup. A decaffeinated espresso is un deca, or un deca in b. If you want a macchiato (an espresso with a little foamy milk), order un capo, or un capo in b, or a un capo deca, or un capo deca in b if you want decaf. If you do happen to order a macchiato, you will most likely receive an espresso with cold milk on the side. Meanwhile, what is considered cappuccino throughout Italy is practically nonexistent in Trieste, except in the ersatz form of caffe latte (which comes without foam) which is also known as latte macchiato. More typical, reliable and well-proportioned is a gocciato, an espresso with a generous drop of creamy, foamed milk.
Travelling to Trieste – and what to do when you’re not eating
Ryanair flies direct to Trieste daily from Stansted from £32 return in April (two hours and five minutes). Lufthansa flies from Heathrow via Frankfurt, from £184 return (shortest flight time four hours and 15 minutes). Train travel from London via Paris and Turin takes at least 14 hours 44 minutes, from £430 return. Or there are overnight ferries from Harwich to Hook of Holland (Stena Line, from £246 each way for car and two passengers), Hull to Rotterdam (poferries.com, from £454) or Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS, from £581), then a drive of about 14 hours.
Where to stay
In an 18th-century building five minutes from Piazza Unita d’Italia, hotel L’Albero Nascosto has spacious, art-filled rooms and one-bed apartments from £166 in April, including an excellent breakfast. Near Trieste’s ‘Grand Canal’, Residenza le 6A, is an elegant B&B with six doubles from €80 and a Vespa guests can borrow. (James Joyce lived nearby for more than a decade from 1904: check out his statue on the Ponte Rosso.)
The stunning centre of city life is Piazza Unità d’Italia, Europe’s largest sea-facing square, with neoclassical palazzi on three sides and the fourth open to the Adriatic. The stone jetty to its right is Molo Audace: looking like a low pier – but with no railings or amusements – it’s where Triestini go for sea breezes, sunsets or to hang with friends on summer nights.
The square links two Triestes: to your right the Borgo Teresiano, the commercial quarter built under the Habsburgs, looking like a slice of MittelEuropa; to your left the older town of seafarers and fishers. Once-dodgy Via di Cavana is today pedestrianised and busy with pavement cafes and little restaurants.
The Revoltella Museum art gallery (€4.50, closed Tuesdays) is a short walk from Piazza Unità. I love its 20th-century works by Giorgio Morandi, postwar abstract pioneer Alberto Burri and Georgio de Chirico.
Barcoleta: boats sail past the Vittoria Lighthouse. Photograph: Stefano Rellandini/AFP/Getty Images
The world’s biggest sailing regatta comes to Trieste every October. The Barcolana sees the Gulf of Trieste filled with 2,500 sailing boats – a spectacle to watch from Piazza Unità or San Giusto Hill.
At VUD, on Via Daz by the sea, architect turned carpenter Filippo Mastinu makes sensuous chopping boards, toys and furniture in ash, acacia and oak. Up the street at Carta Straccia Lab, Alessandra Cuttone and Francesca Tonsi have been making quirky toys and decorations from papier mache since 2016. And round the corner at L’Angolo del Cuoio, shoppers can watch leather experts Anna Alberi and partner Valerio Saini making gorgeous belts, wallets and bags. On a parallel street is Knulp, a bookshop/cafe that has become a cultural hub, hosting painting and photography exhibitions and live music.
Things to do
You may have spotted the icing-sugar turrets of Miramare Castle (€12, grounds free) from the train. This was built for Austrian archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium, in 1854 and boasts a shocking pink throne room, impressive imperial kitchens and, in the grounds, a mini castle and the duke’s own bathing hut on the rocky shore.
A unique tram, built in 1902, links Trieste’s Piazza Oberdan to the town of Opicina, 330 metres above in the karst hinterland. Closed for years, it reopened to great fanfare in February 2025. (It is closed now but should reopen later in 2026.) Get off at Francesco I d’Austria Obelisk for great views and access to the 5km Strada Napoleonica walking trail to Prosecco (yes, where the wine came from, though most is now made in the hills near Treviso), with panoramic views over the Gulf of Trieste.
Grotta Gigante (guided tour €15), once the world’s largest visitable cave, is close by, with stalagmites that look like piles of plates. On a hot day it’s a welcome 11C inside.
Excursions run by Trieste Green include a farm-to-table tour with half-Australian, half-Triestina Alice – food you gather and cook varies by season, but May is good for wild asparagus. Another tour features a day with shepherd Antonič, walking in the hills, watching the milking and tasting his pecorino cheese.
PASSENGERS face fresh travel misery as a major UK train station is set to partially close again this weekend.
Rail passengers can expect travel disruptions as the bustling hub undergoes a “once-in-a-lifetime overhaul”.
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Trains have been slashed and major disruption is expected over the weekendCredit: Willie Vass
Trains have been slashed and major disruption is expected over the weekend at Manchester Piccadilly station.
Only a handful of services will run on Sunday, with no trains operating from the south and east until 1pm.
The busy city centre hub — one of the UK’s biggest — will have just Platforms 13 and 14 open until the afternoon, and even those will be running on a reduced timetable.
During last month’s shutdown, engineers carried out major upgrades — replacing 11 sets of points, laying 9km of signalling and telecoms cables, installing 4,000 sleepers and pouring 5,500 tonnes of new track foundation.
Bosses hailed the works as a “once-in-a-generation” improvement of the tracks.
This weekend’s services still running include routes to Liverpool Lime Street via Eccles and Earlestown, Blackpool North via Bolton, and Chester via Earlestown — but passengers are warned there is a reduced timetable.
Meanwhile, Metrolink services will continue running through Piccadilly this weekend as normal.
Separate tram works mean no services will run between Victoria and Rochdale on Sunday.
A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We would like to say a big thank you to passengers for their patience while this once-in-a-generation upgrade has taken place over the last nine days.
“Manchester Piccadilly is one of the country’s busiest stations and it’s a key hub for people travelling to the North West.
“Upgrading the track over six lines in what’s known as the Piccadilly corridor will make journeys more reliable and the points and signalling systems less prone to faults – meaning fewer delays for passengers.
“It’s all part of our long-term commitment to invest millions of pounds to make the North West’s railway fit for the future.”
Look at a satellite photograph of Britain taken on a clear night and the only things visible are the glowing street lights of towns and cities. If you cast your eyes to the centre of northern England, the distinctive, cupped-hand-shaped boundary of the Peak District national park is clearly outlined as an island of darkness washed by an ocean of light from the industrial conurbations of the north and Midlands.
It was established in April 1951 as the first national park in Britain. And that view from space gives the clearest indication possible of why this site was chosen – it put a national park where it was most needed in the country. It has been estimated that about a third of the population of England and Wales lives less than an hour away from the Peak District.
And the teeming populations of those surrounding industrial cities – Manchester, Sheffield, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and even Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham – are where the vast majority of the more than 13 million annual visitors come from, regarding it as their back yard and playground, making it one of the busiest national parks in the world.
The inviting hills of the Peak District were close enough to be visible to the workers toiling in the cotton mills and steel foundries of Manchester and Sheffield. In the words of the late Manchester journalist and broadcaster Brian Redhead, they represented the “Great Escape”. It’s still not unusual to see a well-equipped walker kitted out in Gore-Tex, breeches and boots striding out along Piccadilly in Manchester or Fargate in Sheffield, heading for a day out in the Peak.
When Sir Arthur Hobhouse first proposed the Peak District as a national park in his seminal 1947 report, he stated: “Beyond its intrinsic qualities, the Peak has a unique value as a national park, surrounded as it is on all sides by industrial towns and cities … There is no other area which has evoked more strenuous public effort to safeguard its beauty … Its very proximity to the industrial towns renders it as vulnerable as it is valuable.”
The Peak District national park is split between two distinct geographical regions: the glorious limestone dales, such as Dovedale and Lathkill Dale, are in the White Peak; while the contrasting gritstone moorlands, in places such as Mam Tor and Bleaklow (whose very names give a clue to the uncompromising nature of their terrain), are in the Dark Peak.
I’ve always been a Dark Peak man myself, preferring that unique, away-from-it-all, top-of-the-world feeling of freedom you get in places such as the peaty expanses of Kinder Scout or Stanage Edge to the gentler, more subtle joys of the White Peak dales. It must be said that not everyone shares that view. The fell wanderer Alfred Wainwright couldn’t wait to escape Bleaklow’s peaty bogs, and actually had to be rescued from one by a passing ranger when researching his 1968 Pennine Way Companion. “Nobody loves Bleaklow,” he stated unequivocally. “All who get on it are glad to get off.” In the same year, the nature writer John Hillaby was equally scathing in his book Journey Through Britain, describing Kinder Scout’s boggy summit as looking as if it was “entirely covered in the droppings of dinosaurs”.
But Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak, is as much a spirit as a mountain – and it just tips the scales as one by topping the magic 2,000ft (610-metre) mark. Few people have actually reached the 2,087ft summit, as it lies in the middle of an extensive peat bog and was marked by a solitary stick when I last visited.
Boxing Gloves rocks on Kinder Scout. Photograph: PhilipSmith1000/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Of course, Kinder occupies a special place in rambling folklore as the scene of the celebrated 1932 Mass Trespass, after which five “ramblers from Manchester way” (as Ewan MacColl dubbed them in his song) were imprisoned merely for exercising their unjustly stolen right to roam.
Another of my Dark Peak favourites is the atmospheric tottering towers of Alport Castles on the southern slopes of Bleaklow. This is said to be Britain’s largest landslip, and I have fond memories of watching spellbound as a family of nesting peregrine falcons swooped and dived above the walls of gritstone, which glowed gold in the late afternoon sun as their piercing “kek-kek-kek” calls rang out.
Lud’s Church, hidden away in the birches and beeches of Back Forest in the far west of the park, is another favourite landslip. This one is wreathed in Arthurian legend because it’s widely acknowledged as the location of the Green Chapel in the denouement of the anonymous early medieval alliterative poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. I’ll never forget my first visit to this mysterious 18-metre-deep chasm, when I nearly bumped into an escaped red-necked wallaby and was the first to spot the unmistakable profile of the helmeted, lantern-jawed Green Knight in the natural rock wall of the Chapel. Everyone sees the knight now, but the wallabies are long gone.
My favourite pub in the Dark Peak has to be The Old Nags Head atEdale, a traditional, stone-floored pub in the centre of the village. It is popular with walkers and famous as the starting point of the 268-mile (431km) Pennine Way, envisioned in 1935 by rambler Tom Stephenson and finally opened in 1965.
The Old Nags Head at Edale is a popular starting point of the Pennine Way
The most famous of the lovely limestone dales is Dovedale, whose gin-clear waters were first described by Izaak Walton in his Compleat Angler(1653) as the “princess of rivers”. But Dovedale is probably best avoided in summer when it can resemble Blackpool on a bank holiday, and queues form to cross the famous, now restored, stepping stones.
Far better to stroll through the sylvan delights of Lathkill Dale, below Over Haddon, along the River Lathkill, described by Walton as “by many degrees, the purest, and most transparent stream I ever yet saw, either at home or abroad”. But be warned, the Lathkill shares the habit of many of the Peak’s limestone rivers of disappearing underground for much of the year, only to reappear in quite spectacular fashion after heavy rain.
Arbor Low stone circle near Middleton-by-Youlgrave is about 5,000 years old. Photograph: Steve Tucker/Alamy
After a walk, I always enjoy a pint at the Church Inn at Chelmorton. “Chelly” (as it is known locally) is one of the highest villages in the Peak, and the Church Inn stands at the top of the village opposite the parish church, which has a golden locust as its weathervane in recognition of its dedication to John the Baptist and his time in the wilderness.
The White Peak is also the best place to appreciate the incredible richness of the Peak’s prehistoric past. It’s humbling to walk up to the now-prostrate, clockface-like Neolithic stone circle of Arbor Low, near Middleton-by-Youlgrave, and hear the silver, spiralling song of the skylark just as the builders of this atmospheric monument must have done 5,000 years ago. Or to visit the nearby haunted ruins of Magpie Mine near Sheldon, the best-preserved lead mine in the Peak, which was worked almost continuously for 300 years.
As the first British national park, the Peak District has always been a pioneer in the way it manages its ever-increasing tide of visitors. This has included groundbreaking traffic management schemes in places such as the Upper Derwent and Goyt valleys, and the conversion of former railway tracks into popular walking and cycling routes such as the Tissington and High Peak Trail and the Manifold Way.
But like all the British national parks, the Peak has suffered crippling cuts in its government grant over the past decade. A massive 50% cut in real terms, resulting in a 10% decrease in staff last year alone, prompted the establishment of a charitable Peak District Foundation to raise income. A visitor tax of 10p a head has also been mooted, something which would undoubtedly make those trespassers of 90 years ago turn in their graves.
The Peak District national park proved to be a vital and easily accessible lifeline for the frustrated, locked-down folk of the surrounding towns and cities during the recent Covid pandemic. It’s a proud role it has served for the 75 years of its existence, and long may it continue to do so.
Roly Smith is the former head of information services for the Peak District national park, which earned him the epithet “Mr Peak District” in the local media. He is the author of 99 books, including 111 Places in the Peak District That You Shouldn’t Miss (Emons) and Fifty Odd Corners of Britain (Conway), both of which will be published this year
Ryanair have shared their brutal opinion on passengers who miss their flights and then complain to the airline, and people have said their video was ‘accurate’
Ryanair shared a hilarious video online (stock photo)(Image: rparys via Getty Images)
Missing your flight can prove an enormously frustrating ordeal, particularly when the hold-up is completely beyond your control. Delays can occur due to security complications, last-minute boarding gate changes requiring you to trek across the entire airport, or even a late taxi journey to the terminal.
However, occasionally the blame lies squarely with the traveller themselves. It’s widely understood that arriving at the airport with ample time to spare is essential to accommodate these possible setbacks, and opting to turn up at the eleventh hour or lingering so long in duty-free that you miss boarding entirely isn’t the airline’s responsibility.
And in a cheeky video, Ryanair have been refreshingly blunt about their views on such passengers. The Irish budget carrier shared a clip on Facebook in which they mockingly demonstrated what travellers who miss their flights apparently expect the aircraft to do to accommodate them.
The footage depicted a man reaching the airport precisely as his plane departed from the tarmac. He yelled in desperation and dashed onto the runway, whereupon the aircraft looped back and employed some kind of science fiction film-style beam to teleport the man aboard whilst still airborne.
Ryanair captioned it: “What passengers that miss their flight expect us to do.”
Ryanair’s candid video had commenters in stitches, with many responding with laughing emojis. Some expressed bafflement at how frequently travellers lose track of time in airports, ignoring boarding announcements and then becoming irate when the plane departs without them.
One individual commented: “Accurate!”
Another chimed in: “I would work for free in this marketing team.”
A third shared: “I watched four people chatting for like two hours in front of me whilst their gate was open and they waited until everyone boarded the flight, and then went to the gate after it was closed and started shouting at the employees. The whole time they were sitting and chatting, 10 steps, literally, from the gate!”
What to do if you miss your flight
If you find yourself missing your flight, the first course of action should be to ring the airline you’re booked with as soon as you realise you’re going to be late. This could be due to traffic en-route to the airport, other travel disruptions, or lengthy queues at security once inside the airport.
According to Which?, this can boost your chances of being rebooked onto another flight at no extra cost, or if a fee is required, it may be less than the price of purchasing a new ticket. Some airlines offer a “rescue fare” or a “rescue fee” for missed flights, but the conditions for this will vary depending on the airline you’re flying with.
You may also incur a “no-show fee” from certain airlines if you fail to turn up to the airport at all, so if you’re running behind schedule, you should still attempt to reach the airport, even if you don’t manage to board the plane.
Certain travel insurance policies might also provide cover if you miss your flight, but this will be dependent on your policy, and numerous policies don’t offer protection if it’s down to lengthy queues at the airport.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of missing your flight is to allow ample time to journey to the airport and pass through security, taking into account any possible delays.
Nestled in the undulating countryside of Oxfordshire, you’ll find Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, one of the finest zoos I’ve visited in the UK. In fact, it was recently hailed as the UK’s top zoo in a nationwide poll that evaluated everything from the diversity of animals to visitor satisfaction and value for money. I’m a huge fan of exploring the Cotswolds, so I was thrilled to see what this place had in store.
From the moment you cross the threshold, there’s a sense that every detail has been meticulously planned to ensure both animals and visitors feel comfortable. Spread over 160 acres of parkland and gardens, the ambience is serene and calming — it’s ideal for a leisurely, unhurried day out.
The park is home to over 260 species, each residing in roomy, naturalistic enclosures that integrate effortlessly with the surroundings. As you meander, you’ll come across magnificent creatures from all corners of the globe.
This includes giraffes, white rhinos, lemurs, Asiatic lions, Humboldt penguins and red pandas.
Every animal appears content and well looked after, a perception supported by the park’s high visitor ratings and numerous recent accolades for animal care and guest experience, reports the Express.
One of the highlights of my visit was the giraffe feeding experience, a unique encounter you can arrange as an additional treat.
Approaching these gentle giants at eye-level was a memory I won’t forget, and the keeper was available to impart intriguing facts about their behaviour, diet and conservation.
It was both educational and enchanting to observe their lengthy eyelashes and tongues at such close proximity.
Despite ranking among the UK’s premier wildlife attractions, the park never appeared overcrowded or hurried. The gardens and softly undulating lawns provided numerous places to pause, unwind and appreciate nature.
One of the reasons the park was crowned the best zoo is its outstanding value. Standard day tickets cost around £19 for adults and £13.50 for children aged three to 16, with slightly cheaper online tickets available if booked in advance.
Children under three go free, and parking is included with the ticket. Given the scale of the park, the quality of the animal care, and the range of experiences on offer, I found this incredibly reasonable, especially when compared to other UK wildlife attractions.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a family looking for a memorable experience, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens ticks all the boxes.
Its combination of scenery, immersive experiences and variety of animals makes this one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
If you’re planning a visit, book your tickets in advance, take time to explore slowly, and don’t forget to say hello to the giraffes.
WITH holiday season fast approaching, savvy travellers are raving about a budget buy on Amazon.
A cabin bag that’s designed to fit within the restrictions on budget airlines has been slashed in cost.
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This cabin backpack has racked up thousands of rave reviews on Amazon and it’s perfect weekend breaks
Lossga Underseat Cabin Bag, from £10.82 (was £18.95)
Over 2,700 shoppers have given the bag a five-star rating, praising its durability and clever design – it’s now a best-seller on the Amazon website.
Usually retailing for £18.95, the black version of the bag has been slashed to just £10.82 in a limited-time deal.
(Other colourway are on sale, but are a little costlier.)
While that super-low price tag is a major draw, it’s the suitcase-style design that has shoppers talking.
Unlike standard rucksacks where you have to dig through layers to find your essentials, this bag opens 180 degrees.
This allows you to pack and organise everything at a glance, much like a traditional suitcase.
It is specifically built to maximise Ryanair’s free luggage allowance of 40x30x20cm, which is actually part of a new set of rules from the budget behemoth.
Lossga Underseat Cabin Bag, from £10.82 (was £18.95)
This new size recently saw a 20% increase in space, offering travellers an extra 4 litres of room.
The bag is packed with practical features that should appeal to everyone from solo explorers to busy families.
It includes an integrated charging port, allowing you to keep tablets and phones powered up during long delays.
There is also a dedicated wet pocket made of high-density waterproof material – perfect for those leaky toiletries or damp swimwear.
It’s also got a padded 14-inch laptop sleeve and a luggage strap on the back, which means you could slide it over a separate suitcase handle.
“Perfect bag for city breaks!” one delighted shopper wrote.
“Great bag, lots of room and separate compartments. Fits over the handle of your case for ease. Would definitely recommend.”
Another fan noted: “I love love love this… it opens all the way up like a suitcase would so you can fill everything in and then it has elastic straps to hold everything in place.”
A third reviewer added: “Well made, thoughtful design, perfect size. Great buy.
“[I] bought this over a year ago and [I’m] very pleased. After several trips it shows no sign of wear.
“It fits in the Ryanair test frame – as long as it’s not overloaded – and fits easily under the seat.”
