Just 15 minutes away from Aberystwyth,the holiday park has direct access to the pebble beach below the cliffs.
As for things to do onsite, kids will be easily occupied with a park, ship play area, heated outdoor pool and even a games lounge with a TV, pool table and air hockey.
A pitch costs from £35 per night, working out at £8.75 per person per night.
Ruda Holiday Park, Devon
Ruda Holiday Park in Devon is right by the popular Croyde Beach, ideal for surfingCredit: Pitch Up
With direct access to Croyde Beach, guests can head surfing with lessons available at the beach as well as surfboard and wetsuit hire.
The holiday park even has its own surf shop…
Back onsite, guests can also enjoy a tropical indoor pool that boasts water rapids and underwater geysers.
The site has both indoor and outdoor play areas as well as a cafe and a kids club too.
And for a treat, make sure to grab an ice cream from the parlour.
A pitch costs from £12 per night for a family of four, working out at £3 per person per night.
Unity Beach, Somerset
Unity Beach in Somerset has its own outdoor pool with splash zones, waterslides and flumesCredit: Pitch Up
Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach, Unity Beach in Somerset also has a lake onsite and a play area.
Around 25 minutes away you can head to Weston-super-Mare as well, for more beach fun.
Back at the park you will also find an indoor pool as well as an outdoor pool with splash zones, flumes and waterslides.
If that isn’t enough to keep your family occupied, then there’s an indoor play centre and golf course to explore as well.
When it comes to having something to eat, you can try out the onsite restaurant, serving meals as well as snacks and ice cream in the summer.
A pitch costs from £10 per night for a family of four, so just £2.50 per person per night.
Harlyn Sands Holiday Park, Cornwall
And in Cornwall, you could stay at Harlyn Beach Holiday Park – not too far from NewquayCredit: Pitch Up
Cornwall has tonnes of lovely beaches, so it is even better than you can stay right by the beach at a holiday park.
Less than a 20-minute walk away from Harlyn Sands Holiday Park, you’ll reach the beach but the vibrant towns of Padstow and Newquay are both within half an hour’s drive.
At the park, there is a play area for little ones as well as a kids club for when parents want some alone time.
In the evening, families can also enjoy events and entertainments, with a tipple from the bar.
Forgotten something? There is a small shop onsite as well.
A pitch costs from £30 per night based on a family of four, which works out as £7.50 per person per night.
FANCY a last-minute getaway in June? You can still get one with plenty of one-way flights under £30 and to destinations that are over 25C.
Sun Travel reveals our favourite holiday spots with cheap flights in the next two weeks, from Greece to sunny European islands and pretty cities.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
You can get cheap flights across Europe in the next two weeksCredit: AlamyAlice recommends heading to Corfu and checking out Faliraki BeachCredit: Alamy
Corfu, Greece
“It’s shocking that you can get to a Greek island for less than £30 and with Wizz Air, flights are as little as £18.
“Just over three hours away and you’ll reach the olive grove paradise of Corfu with beautiful blue bay beaches that in June averages at 30C.
“I love Greece mostly for the food and Corfu has lots of spots where you can indulge in a fresh feta salad with juicy tomatoes alongside a refreshing local Greek beer.
“Have a dip in the ocean at Faliraki, and make sure to pick up some locally made olive oil as a souvenir too.
“For anyone who loves history, head to the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary at Paleokastritsa. It’s quite the hike but the views from the top are unbeatable.
“If you can, take a day trip across to Paxi or Paxos, a tiny island seven miles south of Corfu with sea caves and white cobbles beaches.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill
Nice, France
“Nice is an astonishingly short plane ride from the UK, given how exotic it feels. Just 2 hours and 5 minutes in the air, and you’re suddenly on the French Riviera – and flights in June are £18.
“I’ve spent many summers on that stunning stretch of coast, first on family holidays as a kid, then as a showbiz reporter at the Cannes Film Festival and most recently on family trips as a mum myself.
“It is easily one of my favourite places in Europe, thanks to the glorious scenery and the fantastic food.
“My best tip would be to avoid the pricey cab fares and stick to the many beautiful towns that run along the riviera train line.”
On a trip to Nice, make sure to check out beautiful seaside towns like Villefrance Sur MerCredit: Getty
“For instance, Villefranche Sur Mer is a sleek, picturesque seaside village that has all of the beauty of its fancier neighbours, but less of the tourists.
“With a lovely sandy beach, a pretty harbour, and a quaint old town featuring 13-century cobbled streets, there is something for everyone.
“Grab a baguette, a bottle of wine and some stinky cheese from the supermarket for under 10 euros in total and enjoy a picnic on the sand or in the pine trails behind the village.
“This is a perfect spot to base yourself with Airbnbs from £86 a night, then you can take the train along the coast anywhere from Monaco and Nice, to Antibes and Cannes in under an hour.” – Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire
Cagliari, Italy
Ditch Sardinia’s Olbia for the capital, Cagliari
“Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island that actually sits closer to Africa than the mainland.
“But when it comes to visiting the island, most will head to Olbia in the north – instead, I suggest venturing south to the capital Cagliari.
“This quiet and quaint city can easily be explored in a day, with colourful architecture and over 140 churches and religious buildings.
“The best thing to do in the city? Head on the Underground Cagliari tour with Viator, which will take you to three historic sites all underground, including passages used as bomb shelters under a school, a crypt and prison and uncovered Roman ruins (£26 per person).
“Wander around the city and you will also see several defensive towers marking the perimeter of the ancient city, with the most extravagant of them being Bastione de Saint Remy – a huge former military fortress.”
“One-way flights start from £28 in June.”- Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
Rome, Italy
Hop in a Fiat for a city tour of Rome like Sophie did
“Rome is a city of passion. Whether that’s due to the fiery locals, who emphasise every word with a hand gesticulation, or because of its sordid history, the scars of which are still present today, who knows.
“But that passion is what gives the place its buzz and you can see it all on the cheap as flights start from £15.
“If you’re new to the city, I couldn’t recommend a Fiat 500 sightseeing tour enough (rome500exp.com).
“You’ll cruise around in vintage motors, ticking off all the key sights including the mighty colosseum and Gianicolo Hill where you can soak up one of the best views of the city.
“The Vatican is, of course, a must. But make sure to book one of the queue jump tours for first thing in the morning – it gets very busy, very quickly and unless you’re willing to stand and wait for hours, this is the only way.
“As for food… pizza, pasta, gelato, they’re all staples in the Roman diet. If you’re near the Colosseum, try Zia Rosetta which serves mega sandwiches stuffed with traditional ham fillings.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Cheap pints and flights to Lanzarote – count us in
“If you want some (almost) guaranteed sun, Lanzarote is a safe bet for a June getaway.
“Daytime temperatures usually sit around 27C, rain is virtually non-existent, and a one-way flight is £18 with Ryanair – you can’t beat it really.
“On my visit, I stayed near Playa Blanca, which is Lanzarote’s southernmost resor,s scattered with beach bars, restaurants and small sandy bays.
“It can be busy, but if you carry on walking along the front, you’re bound to find a much quieter spot.
“You can’t beat sitting out at one of the sea-facing bars with a cheap beer, soaking up the sunshine with a glass of Dorada you can pick up for €3 (£2.59).” –Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill
Valetta, Malta
You can get flights to Malta for under £30 this monthCredit: Alamy
“When I first visited Malta, several years ago, my only holiday demands were: guaranteed sunshine, decent food and flights that wouldn’t break the bank – and that’s exactly what I got.
“My girlfriends and I had booked a sweet little apartment overlooking St Julian’s Bay, an area littered with waterfront restaurants and a charming old-world feel to it.
“I remember the water being as clear and turquoise as the Caribbean Sea, with the dinky boats bobbing atop.
“At the weekend we caught the bus to Marsaxlokk where a traditional fishing market still operates every Sunday – get there in the early to mid morning to avoid the crowds.
“We came home with stacks of fresh prawns for only a few euros that we sizzled on the barbecue back at our apartment.
“Make sure to visit the capital Valletta while you’re here, too. The city is significant in British history and it became a hub for the Royal Navy in the 19th century.
“Pop into St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of the most beautiful baroque structures I’ve ever laid eyes on.
“Flights to Valletta start from £18 in June“. – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski
Paris, France
Jenna says get yourself on a plane to Paris to explore the city’s top attractionsCredit: Jenna Stevens
“There’s a reason why Paris is a dream destination for so many.
“Incredible food, glitzy nightlife, plus some of Europe’s top art galleries and museums.
“What’s great about Paris is that there’s so many types of trip you can take, making it the kind of city you can visit again and again.
“Spend a romantic weekend in the cobbled streets of Montmartre, where you can watch the sun set over the city from the highest point in Paris. Soak up the views from the steps of The Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
“Or spend a week with the family at Disneyland Paris, where you can explore their new World of Frozen – a new attraction we’re lucky to have right on our doorstep as Brits.
“My favourite way to visit Paris is as a girly holiday. Hit the Galeries Lafayette for world-famous shopping, then grab some boujee Instagram pictures together in the Palais Garnier.
“Make sure to go for brunch in Mon Crème, where dried flowers drape from the ceiling and candlesticks give the cosy restaurant a warm glow – plus I would fly over just to eat their Duck Confit again.
“With £28 return flights on Skyscanner, ticking off one of the world’s dreamiest capital cities can cost you less than going out for lunch.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
Pisa, Italy
Taking a picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a must
“Let’s face it, Italy‘s Pisa is famous for its leaning tower in the city centre and you can see it for yourself for £15 with Ryanair.
“Before you get to the tower, take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River where there are lots of cafes and restaurants.
“I stopped into Bottega for a tasty strawberry and kiwi smoothie for €5 (£4.32) – the same price as a glass of wine, I might add.
“Further into the city, there are shopping streets, some designer outlets and plenty of places to grab a souvenir too.
“I found it does get very busy once you get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa – and a trip is not complete without the mandatory photo outside pretending to push the building upright.
“It can take a while to get into the right position, but I discovered the biggest challenge is trying not to get too many other tourists doing exactly the same thing in the background.” Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill
Crete, Greece
From Chania, Jenna says head to Rethymno which has a beautiful harbourCredit: Alamy
“You can hop over to Crete for £18 each way – not a bad deal for a trip to the largest Greek island.
“Just an hour’s drive from Chania airport will land you in Rethymno, a coastal city with a sprawling Old Town full of surprises.
“Stroll along the Venetian Harbour to watch colourful fishing boats bob, overlooked by a charming stone lighthouse which was built in 1830.
“Then dip into your pick of tavernas to try some Dakos, a delicious Cretan bruschetta with some local wine.
“After an afternoon exploring the maze-like streets, come back for dinner to try one of the best burgers you’ll ever have.
“Mojo Burgers is a strikingly modern burger joint in the heart of the Old Town, serving up sloppy American-style burgers oozing with flavour.
“Make sure to sign your name on the wall once you’ve eaten to follow tradition.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
FANCY some Maldives scenery this summer but don’t fancy the long haul flight or the pricey holiday?
You can also experience a same-style sitting on a small uninhabited island in the Mediterranean.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Suluada is an uninhabited Turkish island you can only get to by boatCredit: Alamy
Suluada – which means ‘water island’ – is often dubbed the ‘Turkish Maldives’ thanks to its pristine blue waters (caused by microorganisms called foraminifera) and stunning beaches.
The unique island used to be volcanic and while the island has no restaurants, bars or hotels, it is a great spot to explore bays and relax on the beach.
And if you are lucky, you might even spot some turtles visiting.
Instead of the long-haul flight, you could fly to Antalya which takes between four and four-and-a-half hours.
And while the island is a great day trip – be warned it is a little difficult to get to.
From Antalya, you can book onto a £11 per person day trip with GetYourGuide to the island, which includes a pick- up from your hotel in the city, the two-hour drive to Adrasan Port and then the boat trip across to the island.
Day trips cost from around £11 and you can get picked up from your hotelCredit: Getty
As part of the day trip, you’ll get to explore the island by boat for an hour before hopping off for a couple of hours to swim in the water and chill on the beach.
And it is not the only pretty spot you’ll get to see on the excursion – the boat will also take you to another hidden bay on the island later in the day.
Once back onboard you’ll be given lunch before sailing back to Adrasan.
Don’t worry – most of the boats have loos, so the lack of facilities on the island shouldn’t be an issue.
This boat trip is one of many on GetYourGuide, with others taking place at sunset instead with dinner included or you could book onto one from either Kemer or Belek, if you aren’t staying in Antalya.
Different tours will also provide different things, so make sure to check before booking whether you need to bring your own snorkelling gear and food.
There are a couple of beaches on the island as well as crystal-clear watersCredit: Getty
One recent guest said: “This excursion was, without a doubt, my favourite of the trip!
“I absolutely loved the boat tour and was particularly impressed by the swimming stops, which were definitely the highlight for me.
“The boat itself was perfect, with plenty of comfortable seating, sunbathing areas, and a bar.
“I also have to mention the lunch selection, which was by far the best I experienced during my stay.
“It was an absolute delight from start to finish.”
Flights to Antalya in June cost from around £50 per way and if you are looking for a hotel, there are lots of different options.
For example you could stay at the Crowne Plaza by the beach, with both an indoor and outdoor pool, from £109 per night.
OUR Spotlight ON column takes an in-depth look at the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as shining a light on some lesser-known spots.
This week we’re focusing on Folkestone, the newly-revived Kentish coastal town.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Here is everything you need to know about visiting FolkestoneCredit: Alamy
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who lives there, has shared some of her best kept secrets.
She said: “Being just 52 minutes from London, Folkestone is one of the easiest beach towns to get to by train in the country.
“It hopes to reopen the funicular again this summer after years, and you can find live music most weekends at the harbour too.
“My favourite spot? Gaia Studios for a huge cocktail list (and they’re branching out into brunch too).”
The linear coastal gardens feel tucked away under the cliffs and are well-maintained with impressive planting and a prime spot right alongside the beach.
If that wasn’t enough there’s also the South East’s largest free adventure playground which is being rebuilt and will open in the summer.
BEST VIEW
There’s nothing like enjoying the view of the sea, particularly at the end of the Harbour Arm sipping a glass of something bubbly at the Lighthouse Champagne bar.
Pick up a bite to eat from the many food stalls and restaurants on the arm or indulge in some independent shopping.
The Harbour Arm also boasts the UK’s largest beach spa so the best view might just be from the sauna, hot tub or a cold plunge barrel!
The beach is big enough to never need to fight for spaceCredit: Alamy
RATED RESTAURANT
The award-winning Rocksalt, a two-rosette restaurant overlooking the harbour, is where you will find the best seafood in town.
Make sure to try the seared Folkestone scallops, alongside a chunky piece of fresh bread made by Docker brewery just down the road.
A short drive away in Saltwood the only two star Michelin restaurant in the whole of Kent.
Hide & Fox serves modern British cuisine in an intimate and relaxed environment.
BEST BAR
The Radnor Arms came fifth in the Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain.
It’s a cosy, renovated Victorian pub in the Bouverie district serving a locally-sourced menu with roasts, brunches and themed evenings including flatbreads, Asian night and steak night.
Prohibition-inspired speakeasy The Potting Shed only opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Obtain the password to slip into the backroom and be rewarded with a carefully crafted cocktail menu inspired by the underground culture of the speakeasy bars of the 1920s.
Rocksalt has amazing views over the harbourCredit: Alamy
HOTEL PICK
Voco The Clifton is a traditional Victorian hotel with rooms decorated by local artists and views of the Channel, as well as Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill.
Rooms from £100 per night.
Or try the Burlington Best Western, a Victorian 4* hotel overlooking the famous Leas Promenade and the English Channel.
THE EU is in the midst of making huge changes when it comes to air travel and all of them will greatly benefit passengers.
These include no extra fees, better compensation rights and families heading on holiday can sit together at no extra charge – but now we’re out of the EU, the new rights will only carry weight for Brits on certain flights.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Changes to travel rules in the EU means families no longer have to pay to sit togetherCredit: Alamy
The new regulations were agreed by the EU Council and Parliament yesterday, making it the first overhaul in over 20 years and will come into play in 2027.
Some of the biggest changes include allowing families to sit together at no extra cost, as well as passengers having a free personal item to take onboard.
It will be easier for passengers to get money back for delays or cancellations too.
Airlines will need to immediately acknowledge a claim and then reply within 30 days.
For those who experience delays, there is a right to assistance which includes refreshments every two hours of waiting time, a meal after three hours, internet access and phone calls.
When passengers need overnight stays, they should be given the hotel free of charge and get free transport from the airport to the accommodation and back.
After a cancelled flight or denied boarding, passengers who choose to reroute must be given an alternative journey within three hours.
This all sounds great doesn’t it? Well, there is some bad news – this won’t count for all British travellers leaving the UK.
The new rules will only count on certain flights leaving the UKCredit: Alamy
As a result of Brexit, British holidaymakers won’t necessarily benefit from this as in some cases their flights will fall under passenger rights called UK261.
Whereas for those living in the EU, the new regulations count for all.
For Brits heading on holiday, taking advantage of these EU changes will depend on the route and the airline.
For example, a flight leaving the UK for Malaga with Ryanair will fall under EU rules as Ryanair is an EU airline.
The Malaga to UK return leg will also be under the EU rules – on the return journey, it doesn’t matter if the airline is EU or non-EU, because the flight departs from the EU.
Along with Ryanair, the likes of Wizz Air, easyJet and Lufthansa are all EU-airlines so the new rules automatically count for Brits on both journeys to EU countries.
There will however, be a gap on flights leaving the UK on a non-EU airline.
On EU operated airlines like Ryanair – the new EU rules will apply to Brits on both legsCredit: MoreISO
For example, if a British passenger flies from London to Madrid on a UK airline like British Airways, that outbound leg would remain under UK261 rules rather than the new EU regulations.
But the return would fall under the EU rules because it departs from Madrid in the EU.
So Brits heading on holiday will only get the new benefits if they are travelling on EU-covered flights.
They will not get them automatically on all flights from UK airports.
UK-airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Jet2 won’t fall under the new EU rules.
But these do have their own guidelines and policies regarding families sitting together and luggage costs.
AirAdvisor CEO Anton Radchenko, a renowned aviation lawyer, added: “This agreement is a meaningful step forward for European passengers, and it throws the position of UK travellers into sharp relief.
“For the first time since Brexit, we are looking at a real divergence in the everyday rights of passengers flying from the UK versus those flying from the EU.
“The headline compensation amounts remain broadly aligned, but on the things passengers deal with on every single trip, being penalised for a missed leg, paying to sit next to your own child, comparing fares that hide the cost of a bag, EU travellers are about to pull ahead, and UK travellers are at risk of being left behind.”
Online reviews have become one of the most powerful tools people use when booking holidays, but experts warn that not every review tells the full story
13:00, 16 Jun 2026Updated 13:01, 16 Jun 2026
Online reviews can be a minefield(Image: Tartezy via Getty Images)
Millions of Britons are gearing up for their summer getaways, but experts are urging travellers not to place too much trust in a sea of glowing five-star reviews.
Online reviews have emerged as one of the most powerful influences when selecting hotels, resorts and holiday rentals, with many holidaymakers depending on them to determine where to invest thousands of pounds. However, according to review verification specialist TruthEngine, not all reviews paint the complete picture. Daniel Mohacek, CEO of TruthEngine, said holidaymakers should view reviews as one element of their research rather than concrete evidence that a property will live up to expectations.
He said: “Reviews have become one of the most powerful tools people use when booking holidays. A string of five-star ratings can persuade someone to spend thousands of pounds on a hotel, resort or rental they have never seen in person.
“The problem is that not every review tells the full story. Some may be exaggerated, outdated, incentivised or, in some cases, not actually genuine.”
TruthEngine cautions that fake, manipulated and misleading reviews can leave holidaymakers arriving at destinations that bear little resemblance to what was advertised online. In some instances, guests uncover dated rooms, substandard facilities, hygiene problems, deceptive photographs or loud locations that were never flagged in the reviews.
One of the most common errors travellers commit, according to Mr Mohacek, is believing that a near-flawless review score automatically indicates a property is outstanding.
He said: “Holidaymakers should not assume that a high rating automatically means a property is perfect.”
TruthEngine recommends reading two, three and four-star reviews first, suggesting that these typically offer the most balanced and valuable insight.
He added: “Our advice is simple, to slow down before booking. Read the two, three and four-star reviews as these are the least faked, check recent feedback, compare different platforms and look at real guest photos.”
He also urged travellers to watch out for repetitive phrases, reviews that resembled marketing material rather than authentic experiences, and sudden spikes of glowing feedback appearing within a brief timeframe.
He said: “If the same complaints keep appearing, or if the reviews all sound too polished and too similar, that should ring alarm bells.”
Another frequent error is depending entirely on a single booking platform. TruthEngine advises cross-referencing reviews across multiple sites including Google, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia, while also examining social media and photographs uploaded by travellers.
Mr Mohacek added: “A holiday is one of the biggest purchases many families make each year. Taking 10 extra minutes to check whether reviews feel authentic could be the difference between a dream break and an expensive disappointment.”
For holidaymakers seeking a swift reality check, TruthEngine suggests a straightforward 30-second review assessment: examine the middle-range reviews, filter by the latest comments, cross-check several platforms, remain cautious of excessive references to particular staff members and take note of recurring grievances. According to Mr Mohacek, those additional few checks can uncover considerably more than a five-star rating ever could.
AN ABANDONED airport in Spain is set to reopen after 14 years.
Nicknamed Spain’s “ghost airport”, the vast airfield boasts one of Europe’s longest runways.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
An abandoned Spanish airport is set to reopen after 14 yearsCredit: Getty ImagesLocated 235km from Madrid, the airport has one of Europe’s largest runwaysCredit: Getty Images
Ciudad Real International Airport will reopen in 2026, despite being abandoned for well over a decade.
Having stood largely empty for the past 14 years and used for long-term aircraft storage, it has now been revealed the airfield will be opening its doors again under a new owner, resuming passenger flights this year.
Managing director of Ciudad Real International Airport, Rafael Gómez Arribas, has said that the site will only operate private flights, mainly from Europe and the US.
Located 235km south of Madrid, the Spanish airport was initially set to be the country’s second largest airport and an alternative to Madrid’s Barajas airport.
Opening in 2008, the aviation site cost more than €1 billion to build, and included one of Europe’s longest runways.
Measuring 13,451 ft, the strip was constructed to accommodate the Airbus A380, the world’s biggest commercial aircraft.
Despite plans to be a commercial flight hub for around 2.5 million passengers a year, the site struggled financially, mainly down to its remote location miles away from Madrid.
The airport soon went bankrupt and closed just four years later in 2012, earning the nickname of Spain’s “ghost airport”.
In 2015, the abandoned airport was won in a bankruptcy auction by Tanzeen International for just €10,000.
It was eventually converted into a temporary storage facility during the pandemic, and held grounded planes from European airlines while flights were not operating.
After the closure of the airport in 2012, large yellow crosses were painted on the runway as a visual warning to planes flying overhead that the site was no longer operational and the runway was unsuitable for landing.
WETHERSPOONS boozers and holiday parks are both staples of a British staycation – and what is better than the two combined?
Haven holiday parks are launching four new Wetherspoons at their parks this year and have even spoken about opening one at all 39 of its parks.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The Humber Stone is a new Wetherspoons pub at Haven Cleethorpes BeachCredit: GoogleThe new Spoons has a huge veranda looking over the playground and splash padCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
To test out the collaboration between the two brands, I headed to the Humber Stone at Haven Cleethorpes Beach.
I was sceptical about whether the bargain booze we all know and love at our local Spoons would be replicated at Haven, as it is often the case that you are paying a couple of quid extra per drink once you are in holiday mode.
But I thought £4 for a pint was good value for a caravan site bar, compared to about £5.50 at another holiday park just around the corner.
The huge veranda at the Humber Stone looks out over the playground and splash pad.
And there are also loads of paid-for activities like crazy golf and the aerial adventure course in eyesight, for the kids to enjoy while the adults chill in the beer garden.
My top tip would be to get yourself a hot drink for £1.85 as there are free refills all day, which is a massive win for tired parents who need their caffeine hit to keep up with their kids full of holiday vibes.
The pub is also next door to the poolCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
The pub is next-door to the pool, which has a great outdoor section including a lazy river and a Space Bowl flume, so you do not have far to go if everyone is starving after their swim.
Haven Cleethorpes Beach used to be known as Thorpe Park, which caused some confusion with the theme park near London and could be considered the biggest Haven park in the country, if you go by the number of accommodation units available.
The sprawling site has its own golf course and fishing lakes – it’s so big that it spans a public road, with the main entertainment centre, activity village and pool on one side and a minimarket and craft studio on the other.
As well as caravans and lodges galore, there’s a campsite with toilet and shower block.
I love the location of this Haven site – it’s got access to Fitties Beach, which is a lovely spot with a more relaxed atmosphere than the beach in the town centre.
The open-top Seasider bus runs along the front into the town from the caravan park every half an hour at weekends and over the summerholidays, so you can easily pop along to check out the UK’s biggest chip shop on the pier.
Elsewhere in Cleethorpes you can head to the smallest pub in the worldCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
There is the planet’s smallest pub too at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway called The Signal Box Inn.
Or there’s even another Wetherspoons in the former Coliseum Picture House in the town centre with chandeliers, a Roman fresco and a rooftop terrace, making it quite a different feel from the modern venue at the Haven park.
A jacket potato with a soft drink there costs just £5, compared to £11.35 for the same at the Haven Spoons, so you might want to be a bit picky about what you order while you are at the caravan site.
For my family of five, we love the Premier Inn unlimited breakfast deal – with two kids eating free per paying adult, it costs us just £22 to get everyone fed and watered there of a morning.
At the Humber Stone, we’d be looking at paying that just for a cooked breakfast and hot drinks for the adults, before we’ve even factored in feeding our three growing boys.
Cleethorpes Premier Inn is just half an hour walk from the Haven and the kids eat free deal is open to all, whether you are staying at the hotel or not, so it might be worth taking a stroll to save yourself some cash if a big brekkie is a must on your staycay.
The holiday park is one of the biggest Haven sites in the countryCredit: Alamy
With Haven hoping to roll out more Wetherspoons at its sites around the country, no doubt this will not be the last Spoons I visit on our family breaks.
Our favourite park at Hopton in Norfolk has just launched its own branch called the White Clover, so we will give that a go next time we are there.
And we are off to Haven Kent Coast later this month, where the London Stone Spoons has just opened.
If you are heading to a Haven with a Spoons this summer, you can use the Wetherspoons website to check out the menu – it is good to know before you go what is a bargain and what might break the bank.
For me, pints are a yes, potatoes are a no.
Even at a Spoons, you need to be a bit savvy with your staycay spends, it seems!
THE World Cup is dominating England this summer, so why not up your footie game and swap the pub garden for the beach when England plays?
This beautiful spot in Cornwall is letting footie fans watch matches right on the beach with plenty of drinks on hand, from beer jugs to cocktail pitchers.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Shoreside at Carlyon Bay will screen the World Cup for free this summerCredit: instagram/@carlyonbeachIt’s surrounded by food outlets and four barsCredit: instagram/@carlyonbeach
Shoreside on Carlyon Bay near St Austell is a coastal hangout with street-food pop ups, bars, live music and now, World Cup screenings.
On Instagram, Shoreside said: “Cornwall’s biggest World Cup Fan Zone & the best spot to watch the World Cup this Summer!
“With live pre-match entertainment, 4 dedicated bars, and a host of street food just a throw-in away, Shoreside is your definitive home for the World Cup.”
It will show “every England match” and other selected games on the big screen which is under a sheltered marquee so it won’t matter if it’s raining.
To understand the gravitational pull toward golf, consider the sport as a sequence of problems. Aaron Singleton, a skilled player in the Dads Link Golf Club, is playing particularly well today at Palos Verdes Golf Course, having just hit two back-to-back birdies. But even on the shots that fly into a grassy oblivion, he smiles.
Share via
“Golf is 18 different holes. 18 different chances to solve a problem,” he says. “Each hole presents a different problem. Each shot is a different problem.” According to Singleton, this wisdom that players inherit on the golf course — especially resilience and patience — translates to fatherhood.
Singleton, who has a 3-year-old son, is part of a growing group of fathers who participate in the Dads Link Golf Club. The club is part of the region’s golf boom; Southern California Golf Assn. is estimated to have one of the largest memberships in the country, with over 200,000 golfers.
Ian Davis, the founder of Dads Link and Golf Club, watches his drive.
Ian Davis is the founder of Los Angeles’ Dads Link Golf Club. Each month, he invites fathers to enjoy golf together to focus on fellowship, fatherhood and their well-being.
“This has grown in a way that I couldn’t have imagined,” says Davis, who works as a wellness coach with an emphasis in mindfulness and meditation. He started the club in 2023 on the East Coast before relocating it to Los Angeles in January 2024, where the club hosts an annual Father’s Day tournament and various golf clinics.
At the driving range, Davis leads the group through “a grounding practice” that involves stretching and deep breathing. Member Ose Akhile, a personal trainer, follows up with stretching and other warm-up exercises. For many of the men, golf has become a rediscovered hobby. Singleton returned to the sport after playing it as a teenager. “I’m looking forward to getting better,” he says.
Club member Darius Ingram, father of 3-year-old daughter, says that reconnecting with the game has allowed him to prioritize his own well-being.
“I used to play golf recreationally. Now, I do it for mental stability,” he says.
Ian Davis greets Ose Akhile as Darius Ingram stands nearby.
Ian Monteilh, who is new to the group and has two daughters ages 11 and 15, says the outing provides camaraderie that was missing from his life.
“It’s a community that I didn’t have. I’m blessed to be around like-minded men with no pressure,” he says. “Even if we’re having a rough day on a golf course, there’s camaraderie.”
Once considered a predominantly white sport, golf is now being reshaped by a new generation of Black players and other players of color, including many of the fathers in Dads Link Golf Club. In 2024, 25% of golfers across courses nationally were Black, Asian and Latino, marking the most diverse era in the sport’s history, according to the National Golf Foundation.
Darius Ingram reacts to barely missing a putt on the 18th green as Ian Davis watches.
Ingram partly attributes Black men’s interest in golf to renewed interest from other professional athletes. Star athletes like Michael Jordan and Steph Curry — who also happen to be dads — are skilled golfers.
“There are a lot of people who play their main sport, and they play golf when they retire,” says Ingram.
Ose Akhile smiles before teeing off.
Rappers like Schoolboy Q and DJ Khalid have also become interested in the sport, adding to its cachet.
The benefits of the groups are apparent, explains Akhile, who has three daughters, ages 6, 7 and 9.
“I’m outside — fresh air, sunshine, a break for my family. I get to decompress,” he says. Describing himself as a “Caribbean baby,” he explains that the ocean waves have a hypnotic effect on him. As the golfers move along the Palos Verdes course, the ocean stretches beyond them.
“Nature helps a lot with stress relief. There’s a lot of green grass and quiet out here. I love my child, but it’s hard to hear her yell, ‘Dad!’ every three seconds,” says Singleton. During the game, he stays calm while a squirrel approaches him. “Me and nature are one with each other,” he says. Behind him, a baby coyote prances into the fog.
Singleton adds that in the chaos of fatherhood, friendships occasionally fall to the wayside.
“There’s so much to do. Everyone separated. It’s beneficial to have a group text, a fellowship like this, where you can hear someone going through the same thing as you,” Singleton says.
Akhile agrees. “These are probably the only guys that understand the day-to-day stressors and pressures of my life,” he says.
Ose Akhile, Darius Ingram, Ian Monteilh, Ian Davis, Aaron Singleton and other Dads Link and Golf members have breakfast together.
After finishing nine holes, the men enjoy breakfast burritos. They joke that they will begin ranking the golf courses in the L.A. area by the quality of their breakfast burritos. Meanwhile, Davis leads the group through a conversation about fatherhood. Each month he chooses one dad to be the focus. This morning that’s Ingram. He speaks on being a father and how it relates to golf.
“I’m not as good as I want to be, so there’s frustration there,” Ingram says, referring to the challenges of parenting. He adds that to “right things” he doesn’t like about himself, he focuses on how his efforts could result in his daughter becoming a better version of him. The men offer encouragement as birds circle above. The sun pierces through the fog.
Monteilh looks up and jokes: “The only birdies I saw today were in the sky.”
Los Angeles is the best food city in the United States. When considering breadth and scope, quality of ingredients and cooking, diversity and innovation, and sheer volume, it just can’t be beat. There’s no beginning and no end to its wonders.
But it’s more than that. Although our city can feel chronically fractured, our foods and restaurants may be the only possible glue that binds us. So we asked our Food writers, what are the local dining experiences that define living in our city?
This is our answer. The following are not the definitive “best” restaurants or meals in L.A. — we have a proper critics’ list for that each year. Instead, these experiences are the foundation for understanding what it means to love L.A. through its foods.
Tell us if you disagree, or if there’s anything you think we missed. Whether you’re a hard-boiled native or a first-time visitor with a big appetite, we’re confident that any combination of these 50 dining experiences will make your heart sing with love for L.A.’s invincible food scene. — Daniel Hernandez
I was warned in the waiting room of Pasadena’s WeFly: “This is not an arcade,” said flight trainer Corry Joyce. No, what WeFly offers is a professional-grade simulator, one that is traditionally used to train pilots. I am not a pilot, or a pilot-to-be, but I wanted a sense of how planes work, and maybe a chance to fly over my hometown. Only once I strapped into my seat, I found myself to be incredibly nervous. There was no danger here. Joyce, thankfully, would intervene at any mistake, and would helpfully remind me that, unlike real planes, “This one has a pause button.”
And yet to set foot in a WeFly cockpit is to be alternately in awe and overwhelmed. I was in a near 1:1 replica of the insides of a Boeing 737 Max. Buttons, knobs, switches and flashing lights surrounded me. And to fly a plane, I would have to let go of everything I knew about driving a car. Turning in the air, for instance, is much different than turning on a runway. And do I watch the screen, or look out the windshield? Often the former, even though I enjoyed buzzing Long Beach’s Queen Mary, flying under the Golden Gate Bridge and circling Chicago’s Wrigley Field. When it came time to land however, my palms got a little sweaty. Navigating height, winds and the steadiness of my plane was a challenge, one akin to handing a grade-schooler a calculus book, summarized Joyce. Let’s just say I needed his co-piloting skills. And I’m not great at math.
Typically, WeFly’s clientele, says Joyce, are a mix of aviation aficionados or non-commercial pilots. The space also gets a fair share of those with a fear of flight, arriving at WeFly with the hopes to conquer it. “They want a sense of control,” Joyce tells me. But WeFly is also ideal for anyone who is amazed by air flight, or those who may someday dream of being a pilot. Though it uses “Microsoft Flight Simulator,” it is no game. Sessions for 30 minutes start at $129, and WeFly’s trainers will tailor it toward one’s experience. I made sure, for instance, that crashing was turned off. But I forgot, however, to turn with the brakes when it came time to land. Yet the plane was intact, and, as Joyce reminded me, “At least you’re on airport property.”
SUN Club members can bag tickets to Drayton Manor Resort for the cheapest rate available anywhere – guaranteed.
Full-price tickets start at £29.50 online and can cost up to £45 at the gate.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
We’ve spoken to General Manager Ollie Carr to gather his top tips for a visit to Drayton ManorCredit: SuppliedThomas Land has plenty of themed rides and experiences – but did you know about its film set?Credit: Supplied
However Sun Club members can bag their tickets for £20 each.
To claim them, simply sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month.
Once you’re signed up, head to the Sun Club Offers Hub where you can claim up to four tickets.
Drayton Manor sits just 25 minutes’ drive from Birmingham, and has rides and activities for all ages – from tiny tots to thrill-seeking teenagers.
The theme park is home to over 50 rides and attractions, plus its very own on-site zoo.
We spoke to Ollie Carr, General Manager of Drayton Manor, for his ultimate insider tips on how to make the most of your trip.
He said: “Drayton Manor is unique compared to other parks because we have five bespoke lands that are all completely different.
“We have Thomas Land (Europe’s only Thomas the Tank Engine-themed land), plus we have Vikings land which is great for the braver folk.
“Then there’s Frontier Falls, our Wild West-themed zone with one of our newest attractions, Gold Rush.
“Plus Adventure Cove which is nautical-themed and the Main Park. All of that, plus a 15-acre zoo as well! There really is something for everyone”.
Thomas Land is one of five lands in the park, and is ideal for those with younger childrenCredit: SuppliedGeneral Manager Ollie Carr says the park is ideal for mixed-age families with a wide range of ridesCredit: Supplied
The theme park is an ideal day trip for mixed-age families, with rides that cater to all ages – some of which guests can go on from just 0.9m in height.
Ollie said “For young children, head to Thomas Land. Even if they’re not specifically Thomas The Tank Engine fans, we have lots of different rides for younger kids.
“The rides there are really gentle and we have a huge amount with very low height limits, which is different to other theme parks.
“We have a carousel, Submarine Splash which is a mini flume, and kids can drive their own Terence the Tractor.
“We also have an indoor soft play called Emily’s, which families with little ones really like.
“For slightly older kids, I’d recommend Accelerator, right in the middle of the park.
“It’s our boomerang coaster. It goes really high which is fun, but it’s not too intense.
“And if you’ve got teenagers or some real thrill-seekers in the group, there’s lots for them to.
“We’ve got Stormforce 10, which is a water ride with three drops. Then of course The Wave, a thrilling family coaster with a loop and inversions.
“We’ve also got Maelstrom which is a gyro swing ride, as well as Thor and Loki in Vikings.
“One thing that people might not know about is that one of our newest attractions, Gold Rush, has two settings.
Drayton Manor’s Gold Rush ride has two settings – providing two totally different experiencesCredit: Supplied
“That means if you ride it in the morning you’ll get one type of experience, and if you come back and ride in the afternoon, it’ll be totally different.
“On one setting it launches you forwards, and on the other one you go backwards. It’s a whole different sensation. It’s like going on two totally different rides“.
Knowing the resort inside-out as General Manager, Ollie shared his other little-known tricks and secrets about Drayton Manor.
“If you want a good way to take in the views of the park, you should ride the Polperro Express.
“It’s a miniature railway which takes you all the way around our lake and through Adventure Cove and Thomas Land.
“It’s a gentle ride that you can do all together as a family, and it gets you really familiar with the park.
“The theme park has been around for 76 years, so it also has a lot of history.
“A lot of people don’t know about the Discover Thomas and Friends Exhibition.
“It’s a model railway with the original models used in the filming of the TV series decades ago. You can see the original engines going around on the set that they used to record the show.
“There’s lots of nice areas outside, too. We have an outdoor play area called Spencer’s down by the zoo, which is a really nice area to sit down with a picnic.
“The zoo has been around for years, and it’s like its own attraction.
“We’ve just had baby meerkats born, and new animals have moved in like Babirusa, which are like giant pigs.
The Maelstrom gyro swing ride at Drayton Manor Resort is one for the thrill-seekers of the familyCredit: AlamyDrayton Manor has its own theme park mascots – Rory and LaurieCredit: Supplied
“Another thing that people might not know that our mascots, Rory and Laurie, put on daily shows and meet and greets around the park.
Ollie also shared his top tips for making the most of a family day out at Drayton Manor Resort.
“The gates open at 10:30. My advice to guests would be to arrive 30 minutes early, and that way you’ll be there for the opening show with Rory and Laurie, which is held at the main entrance.
“Then head straight to the attractions that you know you want to go on, just in case they get busy. There are also fast passes if you want to guarantee a quicker queuing experience.
“We have some fun events coming up, too.
“In July we have our Rock ‘n’ Rumble event with live wrestling and a Shania Twain tribute act, which will take over the whole park and takes place on the first two weekends of July.
“In October we’ll be running our first ever Blazing Halloween event, which tickets are available for now. There’ll be a Trick or Treat trail and fireworks shows”.
BRITISH holidaymakers going to France may be forced to cover their bare chests or risk being slapped with a £130 (€150) fine.
Men have been banned from walking around shirtless in several seaside resort towns – with one mayor citing concerns over hygiene and decency.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Tourists and locals alike ripped their shirts off amid blistering temperatures in July last yearCredit: GettyA shirtless tourist at a water fountain in ParisCredit: Alamy
Topless sunbathing is still legal in France – but around 20 towns are clamping down on locals and tourists from baring their chests in city centres.
The glamorous resort of Deauville has hiked up its token fine of £15 (€17) to a heftier £130 (€150).
And in the southern French city of Narbonne – which last year saw blistering highs of 43 degrees – men are barred from going shirtless all summer.
The ban came into force on Monday and will end only at the end of September.
The mayor of the resort town claimed it was common sense for a tourist hotspot to crack down on bare-chests.
“It’s about hygiene and avoiding exhibitionism,” he said.
One Narbonne restaurant owner hailed the crackdown as “a very good thing”, saying that “this isn’t something the staff of our café can easily police on their own without getting into arguments with customers”.
“Having bare-chested guys on the terrace can put off other customers”, added Anthony Hill, 53, who runs Le 89 cafe in the city centre.
But as a heatwave swept across the holiday hotspot – hitting highs of 34 degrees – not everyone welcomed the ban.
Tourists cool off in the fountains opposite the Eiffel TowerCredit: AFPTwo women marching shirtless at a Gay pride event in 2019Credit: Alamy
“This excessive puritanism is disturbing. Let people live a little. A bare chest never killed anyone”, complained one user named Gabriel on X.
Another seaside port – La Grande‑Motte – has imposed the same restriction and local resident Marie welcomed the change with open arms.
“If I’m out with my kids in the town centre I really don’t want to see guys without shirts. It’s a matter of decency — and there’s also the smell when they walk past you”, the 37-year-old told French TV.
But one holidaymaker, 55, questioned whether the £130 (€150) was “a bit steep” – though he added that he found rule logical.
French law forbids women from going topless – but there is no nationwide ban on men’s shirtlessness.
If a woman walks around bare-chested anywhere other than on a beach she risks being arrested for “sexual exhibitionism” and thrown in jail.
She may also be charged a fine of around £13,000 (€15,000).
In 2020 a row erupted across the nation after cops asked three topless women sunbathing on a southern French beach to cover up.
A family had complained that the women’s bare breasts had upset their children – but when police took action they were blasted for betraying the “French way of life”.
Minecraft fans can enjoy an immersive pop-up event during the school summer holidays that includes the chance to meet baby Mobs and other characters from the popular video game universe
Minecraft fans will be able to spot ‘Mobs’ around the theme park(Image: Staffordshire Sentinel News Medi)
Alton Towers will launch a pop-up event for the six-week summer holidays where guests can enjoy an immersive Minecraft experience, including meeting adorable all-new Baby Mobs.
Announcing the new arrivals with a Buckingham Palace-style sign, the theme park has promised fans the chance to “meet baby Minecraft Mobs in real life across the park” in a first-of-its-kind event. Minecraft Meet the Mobs will take place between July 18 and August 28, coinciding with the school holidays in England and Wales.
Character appearances will include the Iron Golem, Chicken Jockey and Creeper, plus baby Mob scenes featuring yellow axolotls, pandas, pigs, goats, chicks and wolf pups.
The baby Mobs will be positioned in six Minecraft-inspired scenes across Alton Towers, and as visitors find each one, they can stamp their game card. Those who complete the trail will unlock an exclusive downloadable in-game reward – only available to visitors who’ve been to the theme park.
According to Alton Towers, Mobs “are living creatures in the Minecraft videogames that move, interact with the environment and can be passive, neutral, or hostile.”
In addition to the Minecraft trails, visitors can enjoy themed snack stands featuring Minecraft-inspired TNT popcorn and ice lollies. There will also be a range of exclusive Minecraft merchandise to purchase in the park.
Minecraft fans can book tickets for Alton Towers online now for summer dates, and the Meet the Mobs experience is included with the regular price of admission for all visitors from July 18 to August 28.
Minecraft is one of the best-selling video games of all time, with 350 million copies sold, a number only beaten by the addictive puzzle game Tetris. Its first formal release was in 2011 for the PC, and since then, it has been released on a number of consoles and mobile platforms. A version for the Nintendo Switch 2 was recently announced, with many fans speculating it could be released by the end of 2026.
Howard Ebison, vice president at Alton Towers Resort, said in a statement: “Minecraft is loved by families around the world, and this summer we’re bringing that sense of play and discovery into our park. ‘Minecraft Meet the Mobs’ is set to delight our guests with interactive moments across the park, an opportunity to unlock exclusive in-game rewards, enjoy themed treats and plenty of surprises along the way.
“We are proud to offer this unique Minecraft event for our guests joining us over the summer, all within the price of admission to Alton Towers Resort.”
Recently, the Staffordshire-based theme park opened brand new Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies!, the world’s first rollercoaster based on the much-loved cartoon pup and her family. It’s also home to CBeebies Land, where kids can enjoy rides and experiences based on Hey Duggee, JoJo and Gran Gran, Go Jetters, and the Octonauts.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
My wife and I moved from London to Marseille a little over five years ago when our British passports still conferred “right to reside” in France. That first winter on the beach, in short sleeves, as our daughters played in the topaz-coloured Mediterranean and the sun set across an ever-clear blue sky, I understood why this part of southern France has always been popular with artists.
I was recently speaking about this with the painter Fanny Nushka and her sailor husband, Benoît Bouchet, on the terrace of Café la Muse in Marseille’s “coolest” neighbourhood. She said: “It took a long time to go back to blue. It’s like being in Paris and painting the Eiffel Tower. It’s dangerous to paint the Calanques [limestone coves] as an artist from here.”
We moved to Marseille for the same reason that has attracted countless artists: it’s cheaper to live here. Marseille’s affordability enables Fanny to paint full-time and Benoît to sail without being away from his family for weeks. Benoît runs daily catered cruises on a listed sailing yacht, Le Don du Vent. For €135, you get a taste of Mediterranean luxury with swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing in the unspoiled sea coves around Marseille, pausing briefly for wine and a lunch prepared onboard.
Always buzzing … La Friche in Marseille. Photograph: Hemis/Alamy
Céline Ghisleri, co-president of Provence Contemporary Art, which represents 62 arts organisations in and around Marseille, tells me the city has always had a dynamic art scene. However, the turning point came when Marseille was named European Capital of Culture in 2013. Since then, large institutions such as Frac Sud, Mac and the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (Mucem) have expanded the city’s offering with bigger exhibitions from more widely recognised artists.
This summer, the Mucem’s exhibitions are Bonnes Mères, a collection of contemporary and historical works on the theme of motherhood, and Clément Cogitore’s fascinating Ferdinandea, l’île éphémère, a body of work centred on the brief existence of a volcanic Mediterranean island. At the end of August, the art fair Art-O-Rama will be hosted at La Friche La Belle de Mai. La Friche (the Wasteland) was a tobacco factory and is now an enormous warren of a multidisciplinary arts centre that is always buzzing, especially in the summer when they set up a movie screen and food trucks on the roof. La Friche is emblematic of the art scene in Marseille: absolute chaos, but somehow it works.
Outside Marseille, Plein Sud, a network of contemporary art organisations between Monaco and Montpellier, produces a guide with travel itineraries. It’s how I discovered the charming Gallifet art centre in nearby Aix-en-Provence, which is only about 40 minutes from Marseille but exists in a completely different universe.
Mucem in Marseille. Photograph: Pcalapre/Alamy
You couldn’t be further away from Marseille’s port city energy than Aix’s daily market at Place Richelme, where you can grab a coffee and, if you are lucky, an outdoor seat at the patisserie and salon de théMaison Weibel. For lunch, I recommend Drôle d’Endroit (Funny Place). It is tucked down an alley off a sidestreet, but the meals are always pleasing and the atmosphere friendly. Another solid choice is Tita for Levantine street food.
As tiny and quiet as Aix is, it has an abundance of museums, such as the Granet Museum, the Caumont Art Centre and the Vasarely Foundation, but they tend to lean heavily on art that historians have already anointed. For example, it wasn’t until 1984 that the Granet acquired any works by the local boy done good, Cézanne, whose preserved studio is just up the hill.
A striking sculpture by Diadji Diop in the courtyard of Gallifet gallery, Aix-en-Provence. Photograph: Javier Larrea/Alamy
That’s why it was refreshing to find Gallifet trying something different. The owners, Nicolas Mazet and Kate Davis, have a mission to bring contemporary art to conservative Aix. Located on the ground floor of an 18th-century townhouse, the courtyard’s striking red sculpture of a swimmer mid-stroke, by Diadji Diop, hints that Gallifet is more than just a home (the owners live above the art centre).
This summer’s exhibition features a retrospective of the photographer François Halard, with more than 100 works spanning more than three decades. Until the end of September, Gallifet also hosts a seasonal restaurant and chef’s residency. This year, two Paris-based chefs, Lisa Desforges and Bruno Hammerle, will use Provence’s abundant and delicious ingredients to create menus including entrees such as smoked ricotta gnocchi with peas and a peapod veloute. Gallifet also offers two apartments (from €200 and €160 per night), both decorated with pieces from previous exhibitions and filled with Provençal features such as marble fireplaces and tomette terracotta tiles.
Palais des Papes, in Avignon. Photograph: Image Broker/Alamy
A little further up the Rhône, Avignon nestles against the river, enclosed by preserved medieval walls. The Palais des Papes overlooks the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the north and lavender fields to the south. Each July, the town is taken over by the Avignon festival, one of the oldest performance arts festivals.
After a visit, take a walk along the most picturesque and charming street in Avignon, La Rue Peyrolerie. A winding medieval cobbled alley leads to an equally charming restaurant, L’Épicerie, situated in a square beside a small 14th-century gothic church with an ornately carved walnut-wood door. The cuisine is classic French, served in generous portions by friendly staff. Every time we visit Avignon, we dine here and have never been disappointed, but be warned that the terrace fills up quickly. This is a well-known and well-loved spot among locals. Another safe bet for outdoor courtyard dining is Numéro 75.
The most notable address for contemporary art in Avignon is the Lambert Collection, housed in two stunning 18th-century townhouses, Hôtel de Caumont and Hôtel de Montfaucon. The collection is the legacy of Yvon Lambert, a celebrated gallerist and collector who made his reputation in the latter half of the 20th century championing American artists such as Nan Goldin, Donald Judd, Lawrence Weiner and Cy Twombly. The collection continues to support up-and-coming local artists in its Antechamber of Summer exhibition. This year’s exhibition is by Melika Sadeghzadeh, an Iranian artist living and working in Montpellier.
Luma art complex, with a tower by the architect Frank Gehry, in Arles. Photograph: Hesham Elsherif/Getty Images
Just south of Avignon, Arles has at its centre a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre, which hosts plays and concerts. The Vincent van Gogh Foundation and Luma host several exhibitions throughout the year, but the real treat comes in July during the Rencontres d’Arles. For 50 years, venues across town, from galleries to grocery stores, have showcased a wide range of contemporary and historical photography.
Recently,we went to Arles for its Festival of Drawing. After a wander through the picturesque medieval streets of the Roquette district on the east side of town, popping into venues as we went, we discovered the tiny restaurant Páouin the quaint Place Paul Doumer. The menu promised sharing plates starring local produce and wines. So we sat down for another meal at another terrace table, under another clear blue sky.
The UK airline is cutting flights to and from three destination in its schedule this summer due to financial pressures including the increase in fuel costs and airport fees
The airline is cutting flights from its schedule (Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A UK airline is set to cut flights to three destinations next month due to financial pressures.
Loganair offers passengers flights to and from destinations across the UK and France, including London, Glasgow, Paris and Edinburgh.
However, the airline has announced that it cannot continue to run all current routes “without impacting the wider business”.
From July 19, Loganair will reduce flights between Inverness and Stornoway, Orkney, and Shetland.
Daily flights currently run from Inverness to Orkney (Kirkwall) and Shetland (Sumburgh) with a regular service also flying to Stornoway.
However, following the cuts, flights between these destinations will only operate on weekends.
Chief executive of Loganair, Luke Farajallah, told the BBC, said: “We do not take these decisions lightly.”
He continued: “The recent increase in fuel prices, together with escalations in aircraft repair costs, airport fees and route charges, mean that Loganair, Hial and Transport Scotland must find a way to sustain lifeline routes where passenger numbers are limited.
“These routes matter to us and to the communities they serve, but we must balance that commitment with the long-term sustainability of Loganair and the wider network those communities also rely on.”
Mr Farajallah said that full services could resume in October if more funding was secured.
Hial, owned by the Scottish government, have offered a support package but it warned that any assistance must be affordable.
The provided text originates from an online news digest dated June 15, 2026, which features a primary article regarding the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Colombia. This specific holiday highlights the country’s religious history and the transition of the devotion from medieval Europe to Latin America through Spanish colonization. Beyond this cultural focus, the source displays a variety of global news headlines, including updates on a tentative peace agreement between the United States and Iran. Financial data such as currency exchange rates and fluctuating oil prices are also presented alongside local sports scores and weather forecasts for London. Ultimately, the document serves as a multidisciplinary snapshot of curren …
ALL eyes have been on Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, who threw a three-day party in Sicily after tying the knot in London recently.
But why leave all the fun to the stars?
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Lovebirds Dua Lipa and Callum Turner celebrate their weddingCredit: BackGridTropical Sky hosts weddings in the Maldives, Seychelles and Thailand, among other destinationsCredit: supplied
A destination wedding or celebration doesn’t need to come at an A-list cost.
There are tour operators and cruise lines offering packages to take logistical faff out of the equation at a relatively affordable price.
Couples can get up to £1,800pp off if they book before June 30, with complimentary wedding packages for anyone splashing out on a seven-night stay in a Harmony Concierge Junior Ocean View Suite or a Splash Two-Bedroom Family Room.
A seven-night all-inclusive getaway to the 4* Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa for up to four is from £1,849pp – including free wedding.
Anyone wanting family and friends to join can get a ten per cent discount when booking between five and nine rooms.
Princess Cruises has classic packages for the happy couple, plus two guests, that cost £2,606Credit: Supplied
IF you love the ocean, why not go for a wedding afloat.
Princess Cruises has classic packages for the happy couple, plus two guests, that cost £2,606.
Included are a ceremony performed by the captain, fresh florals, wedding cake, sparkling wine toast, dedicated photographer, romantic breakfast for the couple, stateroom gifts and goodies, pre-cruise and onboard wedding co-ordinator and keepsake certificate.
Packages that accommodate up to 18 guests cost from £4,842, including extras such as live music and cocktails.
The packages are on top of the cruise price itself.
Those who like the sound of tropical climes can book a seven-day Western Caribbean with Mexico cruise on board Star Princess.
It costs £649pp based on two sharing an inside cabin.
One of Tui’s most popular venues is Sensatori Atlantica Aphrodite Hills in CyprusCredit: TUI
TUI was voted best for weddings and honeymoons at the British Travel Awards last year and can host events at more than 200 venues, including castles, yachts and hotels, in 18 sun-soaked destinations.
Couples have a team of wedding specialists, available seven days a week.
On top of stylish rooms, the chic resort has a knock-out spa ideal for bride prep, and a golf course.
Wedding packages at the Tui Blue collection venue start from £4,439 and typically include wedding co-ordinator services, ceremony venue and set-up, bridal bouquet and groom’s buttonhole, wedding cake and celebratory drinks, photography options, reception and dining arrangements, guidance on legal requirements and accommodation arrangements.
JET2 has a Classic package from £1,650, which covers the ceremony, pre-planning, assistance with legal documentation and flowers for the coupleCredit: Jet 2
JET2 has a Classic package from £1,650, which covers the ceremony, pre-planning, assistance with legal documentation and flowers for the couple.
Those looking to throw a photographer into the mix should book the Deluxe service (from £2,299), which also comes with a hair and make-up artist and wedding flowers for two attendees.
The Ultimate package includes all the above, plus a private reception venue, three-course meal and DJ, from £4,250.
You do have to pay for your actual holiday on top of that, but with weddings at home often exceeding £20,000, these prices compare well. Destinations include Cyprus, Zante, Crete and Rhodes.
Try the 4* Venus Hotel and Suites, Zante, where a week’s B&B is from £759pp, including flights from Newcastle on May 1, next year.
IF you’re looking for an affordable stay that ticks all the boxes, a Premier Inn is one of the best.
Here is everything you need to staying at the Arundel hotel in Sussex.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Here is everything you need to staying at the Premier Inn Arundel hotelCredit: Premier Inn
Where is the Premier Inn Arundel?
This charming Premier Inn nestled on the edge of the South Downs, feels more like a cosy, country hotel than a convenient pit stop to explore East Sussex.
On the outskirts of Arundel, the hotel faces picturesque fields and is very conveniently located to explore Arundel Cathedral and Arundel Castle.
Both are less than a ten-minute drive away.
What are the rooms like?
Premier Inn pride themselves on offering budget-friendly comfort in over 800 locations, and this country hotel is no different.
Car hire is at its peak over summer, with people using them to travel around the UK and beyond. And getting it right is easy with a bit of knowhow, says travel expert Jamie Holt
Car hire is a task completed by Brits in their hundreds of thousands every summer(Image: Getty)
Hiring a car is not particularly sexy nor glamorous – but it’s a task completed by Brits in their hundreds of thousands every summer. “We’re seeing families prioritise flexibility and convenience more than ever, whether that’s for a summer holiday abroad or a UK staycation,” says Jamie Holt, SIXT’s Head of Operations and Resident Travel Expert. “Whether it’s a week in Cornwall, a weekend in the Lake District, or driving straight from the airport to a resort abroad, people want the journey itself to feel easy and enjoyable.” Here he shares his top tips for getting it right.
Don’t leave it too late
Jamie says: “Summer is always busy, and family-friendly vehicles – SUVs, estates and 7-seaters- get booked up first, particularly during school holidays. Booking early gives you more choice, better value and the right vehicle for your trip. It’s also worth being realistic about space: once you add luggage, pushchairs and everything else, a slightly larger car makes the whole journey more comfortable.”
Embrace flexibility
Jamie says: “My biggest tip is to embrace the flexibility a car gives you – stop at a beach on the way down, visit smaller villages that are harder to reach by train, and avoid the pressure of fixed schedules. Make sure you plan for busy roads during peak weekends: setting off slightly earlier or later than the main rush makes a real difference. Keeping snacks, entertainment and chargers easily accessible helps too. We’re seeing more families turn short UK breaks into proper road trip experiences.”
Understand local rules when abroad
Jamie says: “Book in advance, especially in popular destinations where availability drops quickly in summer. Make sure you understand the local driving rules before you travel – speed limits, road signs and right-of-way rules can vary significantly. Check what’s included in your rental: unlimited kilometres, protection options and 24/7 breakdown assistance make a big difference abroad. And always take five minutes to familiarise yourself with the vehicle, the navigation system and local road apps before you set off.”
Book the right car for you
Jamie says: “Comfort and practicality should come first. People focus on price, but choosing the right vehicle completely changes the experience. At SIXT, we specialise in premium vehicles, so customers can expect a comfortable drive from the moment they collect the car. For summer, whether you’re heading on a UK road trip or hiring abroad, SUVs and larger family vehicles are popular because they offer the room and comfort that longer journeys demand. Think beyond getting from A to B; the journey should feel like part of the holiday.”
Take five minutes before setting off
Jamie says: “It makes a real difference, especially when driving somewhere unfamiliar or abroad. Before anything else, do a full walk-around of the car and take photos and videos – it only takes a moment and gives you peace of mind for the journey ahead. Check the navigation system, phone connectivity, charging points and child seat fittings before leaving the branch. Test how luggage fits in the boot rather than assuming it will all squeeze in later. Travel days can already feel hectic during summer, so a little preparation upfront helps everything run more smoothly.”
Plan, plan, plan
Jamie says: “Extra planning goes a long way during peak season. Whether you’re collecting from an airport, heading off on a staycation or navigating busy roads, giving yourself extra time helps. Keep an eye on live traffic updates and avoid the busiest routes where you can. If you’re travelling with children, build regular breaks into the journey. Hiring a car through SIXT already takes a lot off your plate – with flexible booking, 24/7 support and out-of-hours returns, families can focus on enjoying the trip.”
Hire straight from the airport
Jamie says: “Hiring straight from the airport removes unnecessary stress. After a flight, the last thing you want is to navigate train connections or wait for taxis with lots of luggage. Having a car ready means you continue your journey comfortably and on your own schedule – especially useful in destinations abroad where public transport is limited. We also see strong demand for same-day and short-notice bookings during summer, so flexibility is built in for when plans change.”
Look beyond the headline price
Jamie says: “Features like unlimited kilometres, vehicle protection and 24/7 breakdown assistance make a huge difference, particularly for families driving long distances or abroad. Adding an extra driver for longer trips is also worth considering – sharing the driving makes the experience more relaxed, especially with children. And for UK staycations, you can often book and collect from city centres and local branches, not just airports.”
Think about the journey as part of the holiday…
…”not just the transport,” says Jamie. “The smoother the travel day, the better the trip starts for everyone. Booking early not only gives you the widest choice of vehicle categories – it’s also where you’ll find the best rates, with SIXT’s prepay option offering great value and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. At SIXT, we’re making it easier than ever to hit the road – browse the premium fleet at sixt.co.uk or download the SIXT app to book from our nationwide network including city centres such as London, Manchester, and airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and many more. SIXT gives people the freedom to travel on their own schedule, make spontaneous stops, and avoid the stress of crowded stations or peak-time public transport.”
One town has been hailed as the ‘most beautiful in the UK’ thanks to its stunning beaches and clear blue waters that rival the Greek islands
One Devon town has been hailed as the ‘most beautiful in the UK’ thanks to its stunning beaches and clear blue waters that rival the Greek islands(Image: image by grahammcpherson.com via Getty Images)
With sparkling azure waters, yachts, and a sweep of golden sand, you could easily mistake this stunning beach town for somewhere on a Greek island. Devon’s Dartmouth has been dubbed the UK’s answer to the Greek Isles, with its coastal beauty inviting comparisons to the Mediterranean.
Devon, renowned for its picture-perfect holiday spots, attracts countless tourists each year, yet Dartmouth stands out with its spectacular views and attractions. Travel enthusiast Sarah Hagan, who goes by sarahkhagan on TikTok, sang Dartmouth’s praises in a viral video, calling it the ‘most beautiful town in the UK’.
Her TikTok clip’s comment section brimmed with praise for Dartmouth’s distinctive appeal, with one user saying: “Most beautiful place in the UK I’ve ever been to.”
Another added: “Favourite view ever!”
Some viewers were so taken aback by Dartmouth’s splendour that they questioned its whereabouts, with one commenting: “THAT’S DEVON?! It looks like Greece in my opinion.”
Dartmouth effortlessly combines its coastal grandeur with a rich history, alongside its picture-perfect harbour, teeming with a mix of fishing vessels and sailing yachts, reports the Express.
When it comes to seaside trips, beaches are typically the first thing that springs to mind. A short distance from Dartmouth sits Blackpool Sands, a hidden gem of coastline.
However, this isn’t your typical seaside destination, providing visitors with the distinctive chance to relax in its Seaside Sauna. Switch between the refreshing salt water and the peaceful escape from the outside world’s chaos.
For those craving adventure, paddle boards or kayaks can be rented, or you can join a guided tour along the coastline.
Combining historic architecture with stunning river settings and the South Devon countryside, you’re transported to a completely different world. Dartmouth Castle ought to be among your initial destinations.
Commanding the harbour entrance, Dartmouth Castle may well claim the most picturesque location of any fortification in the UK. The castle saw action during the Civil War and remained operational right through to WWII.
If maritime and naval heritage captures your imagination, the town’s Royal Naval College, where navy officers have undergone training since 1863, is essential viewing. You can also spot HMS Britannia anchored in the River Dart.
A wander through the town will inevitably bring you to Dartmouth Harbour, the hub of the South Devon town, where as many as 3,000 moorings can be discovered during the autumn months. It’s also the perfect place to treat yourself to some classic fish and chips.
Located in the vibrant centre of the harbour, Rockfish is a treasure for seafood lovers, serving fresh local catches that have earned glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. Guests can savour their meals while taking in a scenic view of Bayard’s Cove, with the highly praised fish and chips takeaway option costing £11.95 for MSC Haddock and Chips.
For those who prefer eating inside, Rockfish features a restaurant with breath-taking views across the River Dart. Celebrity Masterchef viewers may recognise the venue’s head honcho, Mitch Tonks, who has previously appeared on the programme as a judge.
The menu showcases a selection of superb dishes, including a sumptuous Platter of “Fruits de Mer” for two at £37.50 per person, Grilled Brixham Cuttlefish at £19.95, and tempting Rockfish Tacos.
For a hint of elegance, the Michelin Guide recommends The Angel of Dartmouth, where Elly Wentworth, recognised from BBC’s Great British Menu, creates dishes with international flair. Standout options include Brixham Crab Risotto for £18, Devonshire Lamb served with asparagus, spring pea, and lamb jus for £37, and a delicious Clotted Cream Parfait at £9.50.
If you’re after a drink, Dartmouth’s most popular spot is Bar 1620, situated at the heart of the harbour. For a peaceful moment overlooking the town while enjoying a cocktail or two, head here.
Bar 1620 offers an extensive range of cocktails — including classics, hot cocktails and some creative 1620 originals — alongside a draft master keg system that serves up the freshest, coldest pints you’ll find anywhere.
