Rachel was on holiday with her husband when everything went terribly wrong
Rachel’s husband Mark is devastated(Image: Jam Press/GoFundMe)
A 42-year-old Brit mum died suddenly in Spain while on holiday – what you need to know
A British mum collapsed and died on holiday in Spain despite the best efforts of paramedics to save her life.
Rachel Weston, 42, from Bury, Greater Manchester, had been to see a pharmacist about what she thought was just a cold, but her condition later worsened significantly – and she suddenly collapsed in her hotel room in Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
Local reports said she suffered a cardiac arrest, although no underlying cause has been confirmed. Hotel staff and paramedics tried to save her but tragically she couldn’t be saved.
Her husband, Mark, said: “My world was completely turned upside down with the sudden and heartbreaking loss of my gorgeous wife, Rachel.” Rachel was a loving stepmum to his three children and he described her as “the absolute heart of our home”.
Mark has launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and has asked mourners to wear purple, Rachel’s favourite colour, at her funeral on November 6.
The airport states on the website: “Naples Airport will be closed in November 2026 for extensive and planned runway upgrades, in compliance with stringent industry regulations and in line with GESAC’s priority commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards.”
The decision to close in November was due to this being the quietest month for the airport.
EasyJet currently operates flights to Naples from London Gatwick, while Ryanair has flights from Manchester, London Stansted and Edinburgh.
Passengers heading to Naples will instead fly to Salerno-Pontecagnano Airport.
Naples Airport will instead offer a shuttle bus from the other airportCredit: AlamyIt will reopen on November 30Credit: Getty
A shuttle bus will then operate from the airport instead, costing €12 (£10).
Otherwise the train from Salerno to Naples Central is a cheaper option for £5 each way.
“THIS pub is considered one of the most haunted in the UK.”
My guide points to the first floor of the Ten Bells in East London’s Whitechapel – one of many stops on my unique small group Jack the Ripper walking tour.
London’s Jack the Ripper walking tour is a two-hour experience that is London’s fastest growing attractionCredit: GettyThe Ten Bells pub in East London’s Whitechapel is one of many stops on the tourCredit: Getty
Several of the Rippers’ victims were thought to have drunk here before being brutally murdered in 1888 and, despite almost 140 years having passed, the morbid fascination lives on.
Why such intrigue? It’s because the killer was never caught, making this one of the biggest unsolved whodunnits of all time.
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So popular has this two-hour experience become that its operator, Empire Tours, has recently announced that it’s their No. 1 attraction.
Who could have predicted the Ripper giving the royals a run for their money?
Be warned, though, this tour is not for the faint-hearted. The notorious serial killer is believed to have struck five times, butchering his victims’ bodies on nearly each occasion – and you’ll learn all the gory details.
Storytelling brings everything to life, discussing the who’s, how’s and where’s of each murder as we visit the crime scenes.
There are seven of us in total (group sizes are kept small), and when the guide shows images of the Ripper’s mutilated bodies, we gasp and gawp at the graphic horror.
The notorious serial killer is believed to have struck five times, butchering his victims’ bodies on nearly each occasionCredit: GettyStorytelling brings everything to life, discussing the who’s, how’s and where’s of each murder as we visit the crime scenesCredit: Getty
It’s an important reminder that, while much of this story is now cloaked in lore, these shocking murders were horrifyingly real. As we walk from Brick Lane to Spitalfields and the Square Mile, we also get a glimpse into Victorian society.
There were no equal rights for women back then and the Ripper’s victims were all female sex workers, alcoholics and vulnerable.
How did he get away with it? He dragged them all into dark alleys with no street lighting. No witnesses; nothing ever seen.
Newspapers at the time published what were likely hoax ‘Catch Me If You Can’ letters, written in blood and signed by someone purporting to be ‘Jack the Ripper’ – that’s how the name caught on. And more than a century later we’re still talking about him.
Aanand Mohapatra, from Empire Tours, says: “It’s a story that everyone has heard of and its sense of mystique makes people want to dive deeper.”
It’s not all blood and gore, however. Go on a Sunday and you’ll find Petticoat Lane’s market (open since the 1600s) in full swing.
You’ll see a less touristy side of the capital, too.
Where Whitechapel was once the poorest part of town, it’s now multicultural, vibey and trending.
For proper, spooky feels, however, this experience is best enjoyed in the dark.
And if ghosts and ghouls are your thing, then Halloween is the ideal time.
As well as seeing some of the UK’s most haunted pubs, you can try solving one of the world’s most enduring mysteries. If you dare . . .
GO: Jack the Ripper Walking Group Tour
GO: The two-hour Jack the Ripper Walking Group Tour runs every day and costs from £19pp.
Use the promo code SUN5 for a special £5 discount per paying guest. See empire-tp.com.
WHEN two brothers open a Mississippi blues bar in horror film Sinners, it starts out like a great party.
That is, until someone welcomes in a very troublesome vampire — and all hell breaks loose.
Ozzy Osbourne: Prince Of Darkness house features music and gothic moments from the late rocker’s back catalogueA vampire from the 2025 box office hit SinnersCredit: Universal Orlando Resort
As I walk arm-in-arm with my best mate, we laugh, scream and cling to each other for dear life as the same terrifying story plays out in front of our eyes.
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The Halloween event in Florida has been running for 35 years and film fans can’t get enough of its fully immersive horror houses.
Each year, ten elaborate sound stages are erected to shock, frighten and entertain.
Horror is now the fastest-growing film genre, so it’s easy to see why the Halloween Horror Nights have grown to the scale they are at today.
What started in 1991 as a single haunted house, open to visitors for just three days, is now a two-month Spooktacular that is virtually sold out every night.
Whether you are a big movie buff or not, it’s a unique experience that isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Some of the biggest movies are played out in such intricate detail that, once inside the dark passageways, it’s all too easy to believe you are part of the movie itself.
Sophie Minot at the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Resort OrlandoCredit: SuppliedScreams in the Hellraiser attraction
As well as 2025 box office hit Sinners, Universal has teamed up with other killer movie thrillers.
They include Evil Dead Burn and Hellraiser — a franchise that Lora Sauls, the theme park’s assistant director of creative development, says has taken a decade to secure the rights to.
And the wait was worth it, as Hellraiser delivered the most jump-scares of the night.
The films’ Cenobites and other ghouls burst out of every dark corner, mysterious curtain and doorway, accompanied by strobe lights, wild screaming and flumes of fog.
Other houses this year include Netflix’sStranger Things 5 — which also has an energetic light and water show inspired by it on the lagoon — while a very cool Ozzy Osbourne: Prince Of Darkness house features music and gothic moments from the late rocker’s back catalogue.
One original theme house is Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, which stars the much-loved characters who have dominated the event over the last three decades and have sealed their place in Halloween Horror Nights lore.
The remaining five houses cover aliens, cannibals, classic Universal monsters and futuristic cyber baddies, all offering plenty of scares as well as a few giggles.
The Halloween Horror Nights event is on a separate ticket to the regular theme park 14-day passes — and the fear continues outside the haunted houses, too.
Those who re-enter for the night get to enjoy a huge Halloween street party, stretching the length and breadth of the park.
There are dedicated bars and food pop-ups, with drinks and bites themed for the attractions, such as the Meat Grinder Red Velvet Cake and Hellraiser Spicy Meatballs.
Navigating the event is no walk in the park, with five scare zones set up to keep the jumps jumpin’.
One of them, the neon playground based on video game Fortnite, is a fresh and unique take on the event’s street scares.
During the night, you will also pass through Club Horror and The Sideshow Of Decay, which is swarming with zombies.
And the Infernal Carnival Of Nightmares has creepy fairground games and a manic cast of characters.
Universal Studios Florida gets a complete and creepy makeover as the sun goes downOther houses this year include Netflix’s Stranger Things 5
Perhaps the most terrifying can be found at Downtown Clowntown, which is pretty self-explanatory.
If jesters give you the jitters, I recommend a different route.
Halloween Horror Nights are recommended for guests over 11 — but by day, more wholesome and family-friendly movies take centre stage.
While over at Epic Universe, you can enjoy rides and attractions based on How To Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo and the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
Universal’s Islands Of Adventure has you hopping between Hogwarts, Jurassic Park and Worlds Of Marvel, with high-speed coasters such as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and VelociCoaster providing the thrills.
The Universal All-Parks Ticket gets you in to all the theme parks, as well as Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay.
That guarantees plenty of excitement and not a clown in sight.
For anyone visiting Florida next September and October, Halloween Horror Nights are a fun way to shake up your holiday.
The event I went to carried on until 2am, so there was still time after midnight to go back through the Sinners house, much to my friend’s despair.
But with entertainment on such a grand scale, a soothing blues soundtrack and the opportunity to laugh at her screaming round every corner, how could I resist?
GO: HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ room-only at Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites is from £1,478pp including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow on October 6, 2027.
PLAYING THERE: A Universal Orlando All Parks Ticket starts from £521 and gives you 14 days’ unlimited access to Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay water park.
In November 2025, King Mohammed VI established October 31st as an annual national holiday known as Unity Day or Aid Al Wahda. This royal decree followed a United Nations Security Council resolution that extended a peacekeeping mission and highlighted Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal regarding the disputed Western Sahara region. The holiday is meant to celebrate the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereign identity. Additionally, Unity Day will serve as a regular occasion for the King to issue royal pardons.
OUR Spotlight On column suggests what to do and see in the top holiday spots as well as lesser known regions in the UK and farther afield.
This week, in honour of Halloween, we’re taking a look at Nottingham – one of the spookiest destinations in the UK, regardless of the time of year you visit.
Here is why Nottingham is one of the UK’s spookiest citiesCredit: GettyYe Olde Trip To Jerusalem is an ancient pub, built into the same caves of the Nottingham CastleCredit: Getty
MUST SEE/DO
If you’re into your spooks, the National Justice Museum should be top of your list.
The former court and prison dates back to 1375 and it has seen some terrifying things in those years.
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Criminals were brought to justice here and held in the dungeons ahead of public hangings and executions.
Paranormal sightings are frequently reported, with some ghost hunters recording cold spots in the basements and hearing distant screams.
If that’s not thrilling enough, book onto the Original Nottingham Ghost Walk, one of the oldest of its kind in the UK.
The two-hour experience ticks off some creepy locations within the city’s historic Castle Quarter – it will have your hairs standing on end.
HIDDEN GEM
Did you know that Nottingham is home to an underground labyrinth of caves?
Locals first began constructing the City of caves over a thousand years ago, during the Anglo-Saxon Era.
Nottingham’s unique geology and soft rock meant that workers were able to easily carve out spaces and homes that were protected from harsh weather and the natural elements.
Generations continued to carve out more spaces to use as cellars and then as bomb shelters during WWII.
Despite being a modern city, there are secret caves underground you might not have heard ofCredit: GettyOr head to the Caves of Nottingham for some historyCredit: Getty
Having seen so much history, it’s no wonder people have reported hearing mysterious noises down there.
Family tickets cost from £62 for two adults and two children.
BEST VIEW
You’ll have to venture a little out of the city centre for the best views, but you certainly won’t regret a visit to Wollaton Hall & Deer Park.
Spread across 500 acres, this glorious green space looks particularly magnificent at this time of year, when the autumn leaves are shedding.
For some chills and thrills, pop into the main manor house, once the home of Lady Middleton.
She suffered a stroke after falling from her horse back in the 18th century, but rumour has it that her ghost still wanders the halls today, dressed in a white gown.
RATED RESTAURANT
The tacos at city-centre restaurant Taquero are scarily good.
Favourites include the pork brisket which comes topped with pickled red cabbage and apple salsa and the baja with fried fish, chipotle aioli and coriander.
The Mexican restaurant has just updated its menus for autumn, too.
BEST BAR
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claims to be Britain’s oldest inn, having been pouring brews since 1189.
According to legend, the Knights Templar and crusaders ventured here to down ale before setting off for the holy land.
It’s much cosier today and with a much better drinks selection, too!
Think local ales, modern beers, wines and classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned. Its rooms are small and pokey, which adds to its charm.
HOTEL PICK
If the aim of the game is to be spooked then you may want to check into the Bestwood Lodge Hotel, a 25-minute drive from the city centre.
Once a Victorian hunting lodge surrounded by 700 acres of parkland, the now-hotel is supposedly haunted by the spirit of Nell Gwynn (the mistress of King Charles II).
You may notice strange happenings like lights flickering on and off and the noise of footsteps.
In general, the hotel is atmospheric with roaring fireplaces and dark wooden features. Rooms cost from £75 per night.
“IS there anybody there?” I whisper into the darkness, silently praying I don’t hear a response.
It’s a Friday night and I’m sitting in the dark in Cornwall’s Bodmin Jail in a bid to make contact with the spirits that apparently roam this former prison.
Visit Cornwall’s Bodmin JailCredit: SuppliedBuilt by prisoners of war in 1779, it became Cornwall’s county prison for more than 150 years and 55 public executions took place here
My husband Paul and I are sampling a thrilling experience, My Haunted Jail — Paranormal Investigation, which runs twice a week.
Upon arrival, visitors are split into pairs and taken to separate parts of the prison before being left to their own devices to see if they can conjure up any ghouls from the past.
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Folklore is etched into the facility’s walls.
Built by prisoners of war in 1779, it became Cornwall’s county prison for more than 150 years and 55 public executions took place here.
One of the most infamous inmates, I learn, was Matthew Weeks, hanged in 1844 for the murder of Charlotte Dymond.
Both spirits have supposedly been spotted on different occasions, with Matthew wandering around pleading his innocence.
Another notable figure is Selina Wadge, who was hanged for the murder of her disabled son in 1878 and whose spirit preys on youngsters visiting the jail.
The Sun’s Natasha Harding in the stocks at BodminCredit: Supplied.Natasha’s husband Paul is banged up behind barsCredit: Supplied.
He allegedly vanished into thin air in 1897 and some believe his spirit still walks the corridors today, trying to find a way out.
We begin our paranormal experience in the naval wing, home to a museum that highlights the original cells and stories of those caged here.
There was a definite ghoulish atmosphere — no surprise when in a cold prison after dark.
While we didn’t experience any chills or things that go bump in the night, many people have reported feeling their clothes being tugged, or claimed to hear children screaming and keys rattling, as well as heavy footsteps.
Every part of the jail has been fitted out with cameras, so any paranormal activity can be caught on film and potentially used on the next My Haunted Project TV show.
Paul was the first to try the Bloody Mary challenge — a trend that’s been doing the rounds for a few years now.
It involves participants trying to summon the ghostly spirit of Bloody Mary by speaking her name three times into a mirror in a dark room.
Stay in one of Bodmin’s plush roomsCredit: SuppliedBodmin Jail opened 70 lavish bedrooms — all of which are significantly more glamorous than the damp and dingy rooms we’d just been exploring
There have been reports of a shadow appearing or people being pushed and hearing whispers, but much to my relief, nothing materialised. Maybe the ghouls sensed my apprehension?
After trying and failing to summon Bloody Mary, each pair of visitors were given 40 minutes in each section of the jail before being moved on by walkie-talkie in the dark.
Silently, we made our way through the jail, creeping into the administration block and then the courtroom.
It was very hard not to be moved by the stories of the people who were once housed in the prison as we wandered the eerie corridors.
It wasn’t just evil murderers who were locked up there, though — many people were jailed for petty crimes such as theft, as well as for being mentally ill.
In times gone by, there was no segregation, with men and women being caged together — and sometimes kids even accompanied their imprisoned mothers.
Our evening finished at 2.30am and although we didn’t experience any ghostly jumps, I was relieved to escape the damp cells and head to the comfort of a warm hotel room.
Following a £50million makeover in 2021, Bodmin Jail opened 70 lavish bedrooms — all of which are significantly more glamorous than the damp and dingy rooms we’d just been exploring.
Created from three former cells, each room retains original features but has modern-day upgrades and homely touches — thank goodness.
The next day, I learned that our now lovely looking room once housed 17-year-old apprentice, James Grenfell Trewhella.
He was jailed in 1848 for setting fire to a workshop and a carriage owned by his wealthy boss, Penzance coachbuilder John James.
At least he wasn’t convicted of murder, I suppose . . .
GO: BODMIN JAIL, CORNWALL
THE My Haunted Jail – Paranormal Investigation experience runs every Friday and Saturday and costs £50pp.
STAYING THERE: One night’s B&B at the hotel is from £180.
Ryanair passengers checking in luggage will have less time to reach the airport desk under a new deadline
Ryanair will introduce the change on November 10(Image: Getty Images)
Anyone travelling with Ryanair who leave their airport journey until the last minute could risk missing their flight when a new rule takes effect. From Tuesday, November 10, airport check-in and bag-drop desks will close 60 minutes before departure, instead of the current 40 minutes.
The change means travellers checking in a suitcase will need to get their bags accepted earlier than they may be used to, even if they have already checked in online. For a flight scheduled to leave at 10am, the deadline will move from 9.20am to 9am. Ryanair carried 206.5 million passengers in the 2025 calendar year.
Travel expert Arber Abdullahu, from TripSIM, has urged holidaymakers to check their airport arrangements before setting off, particularly if they have booked a transfer. He warned that having a boarding pass on a phone does not mean a checked bag has been accepted or that passengers can arrive at the desk whenever they like.
“Checking in online can make you feel that everything is sorted. But if you’re taking a suitcase that needs to go in the hold, you still have a separate deadline to meet at the airport,” he said.
Getting to the airport and reaching the correct desk are not necessarily the same thing, as travellers may need to park, take a shuttle, find their terminal and queue. Anyone relying on a transfer that arrives shortly before the cut-off should review the timings rather than treating the deadline as their target arrival time.
The change could also catch people out on their return journey if they are away when the new rule begins. Someone flying out before November 10 but returning on or after that date should check the deadline for both legs and make sure their hotel pick-up leaves enough time to reach the airport.
“Don’t assume the routine that worked on your outbound flight will work for your return. Check your hotel pick-up time and tell the transfer provider which flight you are taking,” Mr Abdullahu said.
Ryanair says the earlier cut-off is intended to give passengers more time to get through airport security and passport-control queues before reaching their departure gate. The airline says around 20 per cent of its passengers check in a bag, while those who check in online and travel without checked luggage will be unaffected by the bag-drop change.
Passengers should remember that online check-in has a separate deadline and remains open until two hours before departure. Anyone using airport check-in or bag drop should check the latest instructions for their flight and allow enough time to complete each stage of the journey.
TODAY is your last chance to claim two free tickets to Winter Wonderland, as well as a visit to the Magical Ice Kingdom attraction.
We’re giving away FREE tickets to London’s most famous Christmas event this year, and it’s not too late to claim yours.
Today is your last chance to bag two free tickets to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland + the Magical Ice Kingdom 2026 with Sun ClubCredit: Getty
Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is returning for the festive season, from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, January 3, 2026.
If you want to claim your tickets, plus bag yourself free entry to the Magical Ice Kingdom, click here to sign up to Sun Club (£1.99 per month).
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Once you’re signed up to Sun Club, simply click here to visit the Offers Hub and redeem your tickets – but the offer ends tonight so you need to be quick.
(There’s plenty more offers on that make signing up to Sun Club well worth it, such as discounted West End tickets, darts tickets, free racing tickets and even freebies like skincare bundles and books.)
If you fancy a party, head to the Bavarian Village for live music, DJs, seasonal singalongs and authentic German food and drink.
Or grab some stocking fillers at the Christmas Market where you can find handcrafted gifts and tempting seasonal treats.
You can also catch the new Gandeys K-pop Dragon Circus, bringing together K-pop music, dance and circus acts.
And if that’s not enough, we’ve even created a list of all the new attractions at Winter Wonderland for 2026 – including free activities and our favourite picks for food.
Your free tickets will allow you to visit the fantastic Magical Ice Kingdom presents Neverland – an enchanted world crafted from over500 tonnes of ice and snow.
The adventure begins in the Darling family nursery, where you will meet Tinkerbell and Peter Pan.
Together you will journey through the Lost Boys’ camp, cross the enchanted mermaid’s pool and ‘board’ the Jolly Roger.
Fly down frozen slides and take on the fearsome Captain Hook to free Peter Pan – but be careful not to walk the plank!
The Magical Ice Kingdom has been created in partnership with GOSH Charity.
From visits from Santa to carol singing with the Chaplaincy team, GOSH Charity brings comfort and joy to the wards at Great Ormond Street Hospital, while giving more children the hope of many more Christmases to come.
Our tickets are available for visits between Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, December 6.
Make sure to sign up and claim them TODAY before they’re gone.
18+ UK only (exc. NI, IoM & CI). Sun Savers multiple code collect 10/10/26-14/10/26 or digital subscription required. Online access required. 5,000 pairs of tickets available (7,000 off-peak, 2,000 standard & 1,000 peak) on a first come, first served basis. Subject to availability, daily allocation limits apply. Tickets available between 19/11/26 – 06/12/26. 2 tickets per person only. Non-transferable and non-refundable. Saving based on 2 off-peak Magical Ice Kingdom tickets and entry to Winter Wonderland. T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club. New customer offer: £1.99 per month or £12 for the first year, then £19.99 thereafter unless you cancel at least seven days before your next billing date. Full T&Cs apply, visit thesun.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.
A derelict, 24-metre tall redbrick and flint folly outside Chichester, Racton Monument (known locally as Racton Ruin) is said to be one of the most haunted places in Sussex and has been the site of many paranormal investigations. George Montagu Dunk, the second Earl of Halifax, commissioned the folly, but there is no conclusive account as to why he had it built. Some say it was as a summerhouse, others a viewing point to watch ships come in from the Solent. A ghostly woman walking in the grounds and eerie sounds such as sudden manic laughter are among reported spooky happenings. Now completely gutted and roofless, it’s on private land and unsafe to enter, but still easily seen from nearby footpaths.
‘The event horizon of a black hole’ in Bannau Brycheiniog
Photograph: Margaret Clavell/Alamy
Completed in 1927, the Pontsticill reservoir in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) national park supplies water for much of south Wales, holding up to 15.5 billion litres (3,400 million gallons). Like other reservoirs of its time, such as Ladybower in Derbyshire, Pontsticill was built with a bell-mouth spillway, which looks like an eerie giant plughole – or the event horizon of a black hole. Created by flooding a valley, ghostly remains of the submerged village, including a 15th-century church, can resurface during droughts when water levels drop. Richard Ayoade used its terrifying presence with great effect in his 2010 film, Submarine.
Shipwrecks in the Kent marshes
Photograph: Tony Watson/Alamy
With place names such as Deadman’s Island, Slaughterhouse Point and Bedlam’s Bottom, Chetney Marshes needs no introduction. This forgotten, marshy outpost on the fringes of north Kent, with a limited palette of greens and greys, is home to a collection of slowly decaying, old barges and boats. Such is their level of deterioration, it can be hard to distinguish between the rotten hulks and the marsh itself. Information on the wrecked vessels is hard to come by and contradictory, with Historic England claiming they are former Thames barges. Yet on older maps, they are marked as the more tantalising Victorian prisoner transport ships. An atmospheric place for an otherworldly wander.
A nuclear bunker in Essex
Photograph: Jon D/Alamy
Growing up on terrifying visions of nuclear war, such as 1980s films Threads and Where the Wind Blows, bunkers have always held a certain macabre mystique. Kelvedon Hatch was one such bunker, built in the early 1950s to house up to 600 military personnel and civilians, as well as the prime minister. In this worst-case scenario, it would have become the seat of power in a post-apocalyptic Britain. Above the surface, it looks like an unremarkable bungalow, but, like a Bond villain’s lair, this leads to a three-storey underground shelter equivalent in size to 25 average British homes. Today, the bunker is home to one of the world’s largest cold war museums.
A wailing, windswept tree on the Lancashire moors
Photograph: Yorkshire Pics/Alamy
On a Pennine hill overlooking Burnley, the Singing Ringing Treeis an eerie sound sculpture created by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu. It is three metres tall and designed to look like a brutalist windswept tree. The sculpture comprises a series of galvanised steel pipes tuned to various pitches over a range of different octaves. On a gusty day, as the wind blows through the pipes, it creates a weird, somewhat discordant harmonic. The artwork is one of four Panopticons, but rather than embodying the original concept – a circular prison with a single guard at its centre – they are far more benign, designed to be seen by many rather than as a symbol of oppressive surveillance.
The Lake District’s ‘skull cave’
Photograph: North News and Pictures/Alamy
Tucked away in the Tilberthwaite valley, between Coniston and Langdale, Hodge Close is an abandoned slate quarry on National Trust land. In the right conditions, its cave tunnel openings and dark pool resemble a skull, which fans of the hit Netflix series The Witcher will recognise – though it’s much harder to see in real life than in the scenes starring Henry Cavill (Geralt of Rivia) and Kim Bodnia (Vesemir). Abandoned in the 1960s, industrial remains litter the site, giving it an edgy, post-civilisation feel.
Crossbones graveyard, just south of the River Thames near Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and the Shard, was once outside the city’s boundaries (and laws) in an area known as “The Liberty of the Clink”. A pauper’s graveyard, it was the final resting place of medieval sex workers and souls not deemed suitable for Christian burial. More than 15,000 people are estimated to have been unceremoniously buried here. Today, it’s been reclaimed as a garden of remembrance, both mystical and macabre with its own special beauty, and is open to the public at certain times for guided walks and talks.
A smugglers’ cave in Northumberland
Photograph: Peter Reed/Alamy
Hundreds of years ago,Cateran Hole was used by bandits to hide smuggled contraband. Found in the middle of Bewick Moor, about four miles north of Eglingham, it feels as far away from civilisation as you can get, and the steps leading down to its 35 metre-long, dark underground chamber are notoriously difficult to find – making it all the more thrilling when you finally do. You can walk into increasing darkness if you’re brave enough, before the tunnel tapers to a narrow point, but be cautious: there are no safety barriers, lighting or warning signs.
Stony stares from a drystone wall inDumfries and Galloway
Photograph: Sarah Marsh/Alamy
We all know that strange feeling of being watched – then turning round to find nobody there. If you wander just off the Old Edinburgh Road in a beautiful, isolated corner of the Galloway Hills, not far from Newton Stewart, you’ll find a whole bunch of faces staring out at you from the confines of a drystone wall. Artist Matt Baker carved Quorum – the Stone Facesin 1997 as part of a residency in the Galloway Forest. The heads have since become part of the landscape and have even formed new eyebrows out of lichen. The artwork is a stone’s throw away from another impressive piece called The Eye, a 10-metre tall cone sculpture on the banks of Black Loch.
The church ‘floating’ on Rutland Water
Photograph: Alex Hannam/Alamy
Arrive on a cold morning as the mist shrouds St Matthew’s church in Normanton, and it appears as if it is rising up from the depths of a lake. Normanton Church, as it is also known, stands on a small, boulder-strewn promontory on the vast expanse of Rutland Water. Built in the 1820s on the site of a medieval chapel, the church was scheduled for demolition when the man-made lake/reservoir was built in the 1970s. Thankfully, a last-minute public campaign saved it from this watery fate. Easy to view from the shoreline, it is open on scheduled days and for private events.
The stunning lakeside town just under an hour from Geneva, making it an ideal autumn day trip whether you’re based in Switzerland or travelling from the UK
05:00, 31 Oct 2026Updated 09:40, 31 Oct 2026
The most famous building in Annecy is the Palais de l’Île(Image: Sophie Harris)
With its meandering canals, pastel-hued buildings and mountainous backdrop, Annecy resembles something plucked straight from a storybook. What makes it even more enticing is that this stunning French town is remarkably accessible from Geneva, where I was visiting for a city break.
While staying at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, I decided to venture across the border into France to discover what makes Annecy such a sought-after destination.
Situated just under an hour away by road, it offers a completely contrasting atmosphere to the refined Swiss city, with cobblestone streets, waterfront promenades, and numerous spots to pause for a crêpe. If you’re organising a European city break and fancy cramming two countries into one journey, Annecy is definitely worth including on your itinerary.
One of the finest aspects of basing yourself in Geneva is how effortlessly you can venture beyond Switzerland itself. While the city possesses its own charm, from its picturesque location to its chocolate boutiques, an excursion to Annecy offers a change of pace without requiring an overnight stay.
Positioned in south-eastern France, Annecy is renowned for its waterways, historic Old Town and spectacular location beside Lake Annecy, with the French Alps offering a dramatic backdrop. It possesses a markedly different character from Geneva, with a more traditional, romantic ambience.
I travelled by FlixBus from Geneva to Annecy, which took approximately 45 minutes. While travel times vary with traffic, the trip was incredibly straightforward.
The Old Town is the ideal starting point for sightseeing, with cobbled streets brimming with independent shops, cafés and eateries. It’s easy to while away an entire afternoon strolling about, browsing for souvenirs and grabbing a bite along the way.
One of the most recognisable landmarks is the Palais de l’île, a historic stone building set on a small island in the Thiou canal. Its distinctive shape and remarkable position in the water make it one of Annecy’s most photographed landmarks.
The town is also pleasingly compact, meaning you can take in most of the key attractions on foot. Even with just a couple of hours to spare, there’s ample time to meander through the streets.
No trip to France would feel quite right without sampling some local cuisine, and Annecy boasts plenty of spots to stop for something to eat.
Crêpes are an obvious go-to for a swift treat, with numerous options readily available throughout the area. You’ll also discover hearty regional dishes inspired by the surrounding Alpine landscape, including tartiflette, a warming combination of potatoes, cheese, onions and bacon.
Beyond the canals and the historic centre, Lake Annecy is yet another reason this town is so extraordinary. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning Alpine backdrop, the lake offers a spectacular contrast to the narrow lanes of the Old Town.
If the sun is shining, head towards the waterfront to soak up the views across the water and towards the mountains. Boat trips and various other activities are also on offer throughout the warmer months.
For my visit, I was based at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, which provided a comfortable and opulent starting point for discovering the local region.
Geneva itself offers enough to fill a weekend break, from wandering through the Old Town and seeing its renowned Flower Clock to perusing chocolate boutiques and sampling authentic Swiss fondue.
For those contemplating a comparable getaway, remaining in Geneva and making a day trip to Annecy is a delightful way to enjoy two locations without the inconvenience of switching accommodation.
IF YOU are looking for your next countryside escape then look no further than this holiday park set to open next year.
A new Landal holiday park in Malvern Hills is set to open in springnext year.
A huge new holiday park in Malvern Hills is set to open in spring next yearCredit: LandalIt will have 40 lodges each sleeping between two and six peopleCredit: Landal
Landal Malvern Hills will be set in a woodland with 40 timber lodges complete with terrace hot tubs.
The lodges can each host between two and six people.
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Inside, the interiors will have a modern design, with light woods throughout.
The entire park will be dog friendly too so your four-legged friend doesn’t need to be left behind.
IT’S now easier than ever to get to the world’s largest non-continental island.
Greenland has opened a new airport in Ilulissat – the country’s third largest town.
Greenland has opened a brand new airportCredit: AP
The country is one of the least visited in the world, only welcoming 180,000 tourists a year (for comparison, the US welcomes that many tourists per day, on average).
The airport aims to connect Greenland to the rest of the world, costing an estimated 1.77billion DKK (£197million).
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It is the third new airport to open in the country since 2024 as part of a huge project costing around £700million.
The new airport has a 2,200 metre runway which can host larger aircraft, allowing for international flights and as a result, making Greenland easier to get to.
There’s also a passenger terminal that sprawls across 5,000 square metres for departures and arrivals.
One of the airlines that operates at the airport is Air Greenland, with domestic flights between Ilulissat Airport and destinations including Nuuk, Aasiaat, Qaarsut and Upernavik.
Air Greenland also launched a direct route between Ilulissat and Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen this week, which takes around six hours.
And Icelandair will operate a seasonal service between Keflavík and Ilulissat from June 3 to October 16, 2027.
The airport is currently ramping up its operations gradually but is set to be fully operation by summer 2027.
It is the third airport to open in the country in two yearsCredit: Visit Greenland/Greenland Airports
Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports said: “The opening is a historic milestone for Ilulissat, for North Greenland, and for all of Greenland.
“The three new airports in Ilulissat, Nuuk, and Qaqortoq fundamentally change how the country is connected internally and how Greenland is connected to the rest of the world.”
Near to the airport is the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see enormous icebergs as well as the local wildlife.
The owner of the Villa Vie Odyssey ‘never-ending cruise’ has broken his silence after passengers claimed they were ‘dumped’ in Cambodia. The round-the-world voyage came to a halt this week, with the ship now docked at the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville.
Captain Emanuele Giudice also spoke to reporters on Thursday(Image: Getty)
The boss of a ‘never-ending cruise’ has said he feels awful after passengers claimed they were ‘dumped’ in Cambodia when their round-the-world voyage came to a halt. The Villa Vie Odyssey remains moored at Sihanoukville, on the Gulf of Thailand, with no departure date confirmed by its operator.
Passengers claim they were given just seven hours’ notice to leave the ship on Tuesday and received no assistance with making alternative arrangements. Randy Cassingham, one of those on board, alleged they had been “dumped” in Cambodia. Mikael Petterson, founder and executive chairman of Villa Vie Residences, spoke to reporters the following day.
“I feel awful,” he said when contacted by phone on Wednesday, Business Insider reported. “I’m the villain in the story, but I’m doing everything I can to support the residents on a solution.” Mr Petterson described disappointing passengers as “incredibly deflating”.
He added: “Nobody that’s tried residential cruising has succeeded, and we’ve gone further than anyone else. But I think we would have been absolutely fine – and we would have seen this through – if there was no Iran war.”
On Thursday, Captain Emanuele Giudice spoke to reporters on the dock, telling them that passengers were asked to leave because the fuel situation was “critical”.
The Odyssey was promoted as a way to combine long-term living at sea with travel across all seven continents. Its operator offered to “make the Odyssey your permanent home,” with cabins available to buy for the lifetime of the vessel from around $230,000 (roughly £171,000).
According to Cambodian authorities, the ship was carrying 203 passengers, most of them American, and 156 crew members. It has room for 650 passengers. In a statement on Tuesday, Villa Vie Residences said monthly fuel costs had soared following the US and Israel invasion of Iran. The company said costs per cabin, previously averaging $1,800 (£1,340), had risen to an estimated $6,000 to $8,000 in some parts of Asia.
The operator tried to reduce fuel use by cutting back its itinerary and spending longer in port, but said those measures had not been enough to offset the rising costs. Mr Petterson told CBS News the company would “likely file for Chapter 11 here any day, right, which will put a stay on that while we go through the restructure process”.
CBS also reported claims from insiders that crew members had to buy food from local supermarkets after an unpaid supplier stopped making deliveries. A Villa Vie source told the Express that staff had occasionally used a corporate credit card to buy supplies, but said all employees had since received their wages.
For some passengers, the voyage had been intended to last for years. Paul and Lynn Montoya, a retired couple from Wyoming, told AP News they had bought a window cabin and joined the ship in Panama 17 months ago. Mr Montoya said itinerary changes, unreliable internet access and declining food standards had prompted many residents to leave in recent months.
Sisters Carol Larson, 69, and Crystal Lavering, 72, from California, had lived in separate cabins for 18 months. They described the suspension as heartbreaking but remained hopeful the cruise could resume. “I hope there is a movement for the residents to buy the ship and I am hoping that goes through because it’s a dream to live on the ship and I don’t want it to end,” Larson said.
The ship arrived in Sihanoukville last Friday and had been due to leave on Wednesday, according to Long Dimanche, deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk province. He said it was now expected to refuel and depart Cambodia on Saturday, although the operator has not publicly confirmed that date.
Built in 1993, the Odyssey sailed under several names for different cruise lines before being grounded during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Villa Vie Residences bought it in 2023. Its current voyage began in October 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, following refurbishment. The journey was originally scheduled to last three and a half years, with a second cruise provisionally due to finish in August 2030.
Steak au poivre is a bistro classic that’s as timeless as French fries or a certain Gruyère-topped onion soup. Its intense, savory flavors strike a balance of richness and heat — the ideal comforting and hearty bite on a crisp fall evening. But across Los Angeles, the peppery dish is getting a second life and its bold flavors are spicing up everything from burgers to ice cream and cocktails. And, of course, its signature sauce is still being poured over plenty of steaks too.
“Au poivre is a flavor people already know and love. It feels classic and a little indulgent, and right now people want food that’s comforting and familiar,” says chef Patrick Costa, who recently added an au poivre cheeseburger at his new restaurant Sous Sous in Silver Lake. “It’s the steakhouse nostalgia people are craving, but approachable, with no white tablecloth required.”
At Compass Rose, a cafe and bar in West Adams, beverage director Danny Rubenstein crafted a cocktail that celebrates France with au poivre flavors. “I found it a fun challenge to try to turn a creamy au poivre sauce into a cocktail,” he says. “The pepper infusion plays nicely with all the flavors, and it’s an unexpected pairing that doesn’t clash. We also sneak a little bit of lactic acid into the cocktail to mimic a creamier, rounder mouthfeel.”
While steak au poivre likely originated in 19th-century late-night bistros in Normandy, France, various Parisian restaurants have laid claim to its invention dating back to the 1920s. The classic recipe was introduced to American audiences in 1961, when Julia Child featured it in her “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” cookbook, and the dish quickly became standard on steakhouse menus. Hand-crushed peppercorns are pressed directly into a cut of boneless beef to form a flavorful crust, and then the dish is finished with a silky, rich sauce made with more peppercorns, a reduction of cognac, heavy cream, beef stock, Dijon mustard and various aromatics like shallots or thyme. It’s spicy, savory, creamy and comforting all at once.
Around L.A. lately, French bistros happen to be exploding. Over the past year, we’ve seen revamps of classics like the 40-year-old Mistral in Sherman Oaks and a menu update at Pasjoli in Santa Monica, plus debuts like Mar Vista’s Electric Bleu, Sous Sous in Silver Lake and Pico-Robertson’s Marée, all of which play around with traditional French techniques and flavors while pulling local and global influences.
Here are 12 of the most notable au poivre dishes around L.A. right now, including a few creative, non-steak items:
Premier Inn breakfasts usually cost between £10 and £14 per person, depending on the location you are staying at.
Up to two children aged 15-years-old and under eat for free per paying adult guest.
Breakfast items typically include full cooked items such as bacon, sausages, eggs, hash browns and baked beans as well as a continental section with pastries and cereals.
Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/
Fans of BBC’s The Traitors might want to add the underrated town onto their list as it’s right by plenty of the beautiful locations you see on the hit show – and the castle itself
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It’s right by plenty of The Traitors filming locations
BBC’s The Traitors has us gripped with the tense roundtables, secret turret meetings, murders in plain sight and tense missions. However, it’s not just the drama that catches our attention; those beautiful backdrops make it very tempting to open up your laptop and book a Highlands getaway immediately.
Filmed in the Scottish Highlands, the series offers sneak peeks of lochs with sparkling waters, dense forests, and breathtaking scenery that is the stuff of storybooks. For fans who want a taste, the good news is that there are budget-friendly places to stay in the area, a stone’s throw from plenty of the filming locations.
In fact, one town has recently been crowned as the ‘best for fans’ in the area. Dingwall may not be famed for being particularly beautiful or full of places to visit, but the underrated town is worth having on your radar whether you’re a Faithful or Traitor. A study from SMC Coach Hire named it the ‘best place for fans’ of the hit show, thanks to its location less than half an hour’s drive to plenty of The Traitors’ filming locations, not to mention the town boasts around 32 places to eat and drink as well as 11 places to stay.
There are also a few main attractions in the town including the Dingwall Museum, or the GlenWyvis Distillery which is approximately a 10-minute drive away. Meanwhile the Tulloch Castle Hotel is a firm favourite with visitors, while Lastminute.com offers stays at Dingwall hotels from £41 a night.
For Traitors fans, Dingwall is actually just a 24-minute drive from the actual Traitors Castle where the series takes place. Its real name is Ardross Castle but sadly it’s not a real hotel, nor is it a castle that’s open to the public. The 19th century castle boasts beautiful formal gardens and 100 acres of parkland you will no doubt recognise from the show, but if you want to visit there are only a few options; either you need to be filming a TV show or film and have permission there, or you can book out the entire venue for a wedding (although it’s worth noting that it will look very different when it’s not decked out with its Traitors decor).
Still, the missions in the show are filmed on the estate as well as around Alness, Inverness and local spots such as Loch Glass, Cairngorms National Park, and the Rothiemurchus Estate, all of which are open to the public, and less than a half hour’s drive from Dingwall.
If you do want to experience a hint of where the Faithfuls and Traitors stay, then you may want to consider a trip to the Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport. Despite the show offering scenes of the cast staying in lavish rooms in the castle, they actually stay at this airport hotel during filming! (If you’re in Inverness and want a budget stay, there are other options too including Travelodge and Premier Inn hotels in the city centre).
A BUSY UK train station is set to CLOSE for seven months for a major upgrade.
City Thameslink station in London has confirmed the next year closure, for a multi-million pound project to replace ten escalators.
City Thameslink station will close for seven months for a major upgradeCredit: Alamy
The closure will take place from May 17, 2027 until late December 2027.
Thameslink trains will continue to run as normal but will not stop at the station.
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Network Rail is recommending travellers to use Blackfriars as an alternative, which is around a six- minute walk away.
Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex Route Director for Network Rail, said: “We know closing City Thameslink is a significant change and we’re sorry for the disruption it will cause.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We have looked long and hard at every possible option and, although none of them are without impact, a single closure is the least disruptive and most efficient way to carry out this vital work.
“City Thameslink’s escalators are at the end of their operational life. By replacing them now we’re tackling the root causes of access disruption for passengers in one go.
During the closure all of the escalators will be replacedCredit: Alamy
“This means that when City Thameslink reopens in December 2027, customers will benefit from completely renewed escalators, designed to provide safer, more dependable and accessible journeys through this important station on our network.”
The current escalators have been at the station for around 35 years, but recent flooding damaged them.
The station, which opened in 1990, welcomes around 7.6 million people a year, as it is near popular attractions like St Paul’s Cathedral.
A full closure of the station was decided on instead of a partial closure for safety reasons.
“A national strike is planned from 9pm on 29 October to 9pm on 30 October.
“The strike may disrupt rail and air travel, taxis, highways, local public transportation, schools, and government offices.
Rome (pictured) Milan and Turin are just some of the cities affectedCredit: AFPThe Government is now warning Brits heading to the countryCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
“Check with your travel provider for the latest information.”
A major change for train travel has emerged, and it impacts three million people in the UK who have ADHD, as a discount railcard is now available, saving more than £100 annually
People with ADHD are able to save a third on train travel (Image: Getty Images/Stock Image)
People with ADHD can now apply to get a third off train tickets for themselves and one adult companion. It follows an expansion to the requirements for a disabled railcard.
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that can impact someone’s ability to concentrate, control impulses, or experience high energy levels. There are three million people in the UK living with the condition, according to ADHD UK, with 881,922 of those estimated to be children aged between five and 24 years.
People who are neurodivergent, with ADHD falling into this category, are now eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard (DPRC) that offers discounted train tickets. It follows new eligibility criteria for the disabled railcards, which were expanded earlier this year to include a wider range of conditions, including “neurodiversity where it has a substantial impact on a person’s ability to travel by train”.
Anyone with a disability listed on the Railcard’s eligibility checklist can save a third on the usual price of a train ticket for themselves and one adult companion. The disabled railcard costs £20 for one year, or £54 for three years, with the Rail Delivery Group, which manages and distributes railcards, estimating that it can save travellers around £126 every year.
This year, the number of people with a disabled railcard reached a record high of more than 450,000, compared to fewer than 200,000 in 2016, according to Office of Rail and Road data. The number is expected to significantly increase as more people are eligible to apply.
The development was hailed as a “railcard revolution” by the rail minister, Lord Hendy, earlier this month. He said it would “help thousands more people access cheaper rail travel, helping disabled people travel with confidence”.
Lord Hendy added: “The Government is determined to help ordinary people live better lives and this change is just one measure that will make it that bit easier for disabled people to get to education, employment, and stay in touch with friends and family.”
Those with ADHD who wish to apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard will need to provide the following, as outlined by Railcard:
A report or letter from a health professional that helps explain your access needs. Confirmation of diagnosis alone for conditions with variable impact may not be enough to process your application. Remember, to be eligible, you must experience significant disability-related barriers to rail travel
Or a completed impact declaration form signed by a suitably qualified and regulated health or social care professional
The Rail Delivery Group encouraged anyone who thinks they might fit the criteria for a disabled railcard to apply. A spokesperson said: “There is no list of neurodivergent or degenerative conditions that automatically qualify. Instead, applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, recognising that experience and support needs can vary considerably between individuals.”
Nevada Day is a regional holiday observing the official entry of Nevada into the United States on October 31, 1864, as the thirty-sixth state. The name of the region originates from a Spanish term meaning snow-covered, while its flag proudly displays the motto battle born to reflect its establishment during the American Civil War. During this festive day, public establishments such as government offices, schools, and libraries typically close, whereas standard mail services and financial institutions generally remain open. The biggest celebration features the historic Nevada Day Parade held in downtown Carson City, which is the state capital. Although informal observances began locally in the 1870s under the original name of Admission Day, the occasion was formally recognized as a state holiday in 1933 following legislation introduced by Senator Ira L. Winters.
