Travel Desk

THE seaside town of Brighton isn’t exactly off the radar – but it could be become a new hub for tourists.

In terms of its artsy scene, the coastal city has been said to potentially ‘rival Margate‘ with a new attraction.

With buildings covered in beautiful murals, handmade trinkets being sold at markets and the fact that it’s home to many creatives, it’s surprising that Brighton doesn’t have an art gallery.

But that could be set to change as a development plan has revealed one could open on the seafront.

This isn’t too dissimilar to Margate in Kent which is home to the world-class Turner Contemporary.

The Black Rock area in Brighton next to Brighton Marina is set to be developed – while there are no official plans, it could become a gallery.

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According to Time Out, the local council are in talks with a major London art institution. 

That isn’t the only part of Brighton getting a new look – another part of the town’s redesign is on the seafront.

The council are looking to update the King’s Road paddling pool and play area.

The local council are currently looking for proposals that must have a “high-quality family play area and paddling pool that will remain free for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The hope is that the existing pool, play area as well as surrounding facilities will be upgraded and modernised.

Speaking of pools, Brighton just a few years ago opened a seafront lido called Sea Lanes which sits right by the seafront on Madeira Drive.

The 50metre swimming pool has six lanes and is heated to 19C year-round.

On the day sessions are £11.90 per adult and £7.60 for concessions.

Thanks to several businesses being open on-site, Sea Lanes is a great spot to grab a drink and bite to eat.

One such place is a cafe called Fika, which boasts about serving “an epic brunch and damn good coffee“.

Think re-fuelling smoothies and enormous breakfast and brunch sandwiches.

There’s barbecue restaurant Wood x Coal, which “captures the essence of Brighton and Hove’s spirited soul” by serving “smoky flavours with modern culinary twists”.

Among its best loved options are its pizzas, which are served overlooking to beach.

Bison Beer meanwhile is a local craft beer company and has two bars, with 14 different draft beer options as well as spirits, wine and cocktails.

Another part of Brighton set to be upgraded is its historic arches along the King’s Road.

The seafront arches are home to independent shops and beachfront cafes – and are set to undergo a £22million investment.

Later this year, the nearby Grade II listed Madeira Terrace will reopen  following a £750,000 revamp

THERE are a load of shows leaving the theatres soon that you will want to catch before they go – and with Sun Club you can get cheaper tickets.

If you sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month or just £9.99 for one year in our summer sale, you can get an extra 10 per cent off show tickets with London Theatre Direct.

Once you’ve signed up, head to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the London Theatre Direct offer, or simply click here.

Plus, you’ll get unlimited access to our award-winning articles, exclusive showbiz scoops, and a huge range of other offers and discounts too – from early access to book Hols From £9.50, free racing tickets to top UK racecourses and 2-4-1 tickets to theme parks.

With just days left of the school summer holidays and the days drawing in as we enter autumn, there couldn’t be a better activity than heading to the theatre.

Here are all the shows ending (and some exciting ones launching) in the coming months:

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Shows ending soon

Hercules

Disney‘s Hercules is due to end on September 5.

The high-energy musical is based on Disney’s 1997 animated film, where Hercules sets off on a quest to prove himself as a hero.

It is a great option for Disney fans as well as families, and those who love a good singalong.

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical

The popular immersive experience from Secret Cinema is set to end on September 13.

The interactive show allows people to fully immerse themselves in Rydell High, with actors roaming around and giant screens showing the film.

It is adult-only, but a load of fun with people getting dressed up and dancing around with actors as well as having fun on carnival attractions.

Brainiac Live!

The fun, family-friendly and interactive show Brainiac Live! is due to end on August 30.

Ideal for a last minute activity to head to with the kids before they go back to school, you can expect explosive experiments and messy stunts.

The Gruffalo

Another great family option is ending for the season soon – The Gruffalo, on September 6.

The show follows Julia Donaldson’s classic picture book.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Similarly, The Tiger Who Came to Tea will end on September 5 for the season.

The stage adaptation follows the story of Judith Kerr’s beloved tiger who loves a cuppa.

Now You See Me Live

Set to close on September 6, Now You See Me Live will have only run for five weeks.

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital) recently visited and said: “This is as close to a Vegas-style magic show as you’re going to get in the UK, which is why it makes sense that the next stop on its world tour will in fact be the Nevada city.

“Without spoiling too much of the magic, the moment the escapologist is locked, handcuffed, upside down in a tank of water in a recreation of Houdini’s water torture stunt, is undoubtedly a highlight of the show.”

Death Note The Musical

Death Note The Musical will end on September 12 at the Barbican Theatre.

The show is based on the famous Japanese manga series.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (two parts)

The two parts of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will soon become one continuous and shortened show.

The two-part show will end on September 20 before being replaced by the reimagined one part show on October 9.

The show follows Harry’s son Albus Severus Potter who struggles with the weight of his family’s legacy.

The Comedy About Spies

The Comedy About Spies stage show is set to end on September 26.

The show is set in a 1961 London hotel where a rogue British agent steals plans for a top-secret weapon.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set to end on December 27.

The show acts as a prequel to the famous Netflix series.

Shows coming soon

10 Things I Hate About You

Dates are yet to be set but a 10 Things I Hate About You stage adaption has been announced.

The show will follow the story of the 1999 rom-com but will now feature music by Carly Rae Jepson and a book by Lena Dunham.

It will premiere on Broadway before moving to the West End.

The Greatest Showman

Set to launch in the spring and replace Hercules is Disney’s The Greatest Showman.

Based on the 2017 film by the same name, the stage adaptation will feature the film’s original songs.

High School Musical

Opening on October 12 in time for the film’s 20th anniversary is High School Musical.

The story follows Troy and Gabriella as they disrupt social cliques at East High.

The production is set to feature McFly’s Harry Judd as Coach Bolton and original film cast member Kaycee Stroh as Ms Darbus.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Opening on February 26, 2027, Secret Cinema will have their first permanent theatre in London on the Greenwich Peninsula.

And the show will be Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure.

Visitors can expect a walkthrough stage as well as an interactive experience.

Billy Elliot The Musical

Set to open on February 12, 2027, Billy Elliot is returning to the West End.

Revived by Elton John, the show follows a young boy in the 1980s in a Northern English mining community, who discovers he has a talent for ballet.

Dirty Dancing

Opening on October 16, Dirty Dancing will be London’s first show at the Capital Theatre.

The show will be an intimate production set at Kellerman’s 1963 resort with live music and lots of dancing.

Rent

Opening on September 26, 2026 is Rent.

The production is a 30th-anniversary West End revival of Jonathan Larson’s rock musical, which will star Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo as Mark.

The show follows a year in the life of a group of young artists and musicians in Manhattan’s East Village coping with HIV/AIDS, love, loss and community.

The Jungle Book

Launching on November 13, the National Theatre will be running a stage adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.

The show will be set in the mangroves of the Sundarbans.

It is not a Disney musical, but instead a more serious show with original music and live puppetry.

Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (one part)

Launching on October 9, will be the new stage format of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, which will be one part not two.

It follows the same story as the two-part show, just reimagined and condensed into one performance.

Offer is open to UK residents aged 18+ only. Save an additional 10 per cent off tickets. Offer ends at 23:59pm on Thursday, December 31, 2026. Full T&Cs apply, see here.

EasyJet is about to launch its latest recruitment drive and is looking to hire hundreds of new flight attendants

EasyJet is about to hire hundreds of new flight attendants – but you have to meet certain requirements to join.

The budget airline recruitment drive begins next month. This year, easyJet has particularly encouraged older people to apply. Since first launching its initiative to recruit older workers in 2022, the number of cabin crew over the age of 50 more than doubled at the airline, with the number of over-60s almost quadrupling in numbers.

However, you don’t have to be in the OAP camp to apply. You don’t even need aviation experience. But you will need to:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be between 5’2” (157.5 cm) and 6’3” (190 cm) without shoes
• Be fluent in written and spoken English as well as the language native to your base
• Hold a valid passport with unrestricted travel across the UK, EEA, and the easyJet network. (Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is not available)
• Live within 90 minutes of your chosen base or willing to relocate
• Have no visible tattoos on the head, face, or neck (all tattoos must be inoffensive)
• Be comfortable selling items from our CAFE.SHOP range, including alcohol (this contributes to commission earnings)
• Be able to swim 25 metres unaided, tread water, inflate a life jacket, and climb in and out of a life raft
• Pass a UK CAA or EASA Cabin Crew medical and fit securely into a jump seat

EasyJet is particularly keen to have applications from people who:

• Have at least 6 months’ experience in a customer-facing or people-focused role
• Communicate clearly, confidently, and kindly
• Stay calm under pressure and make safe, well-informed decisions
• Enjoy working as part of a diverse, energetic team
• Take ownership, solve problems with empathy, and go the extra mile for customers

EasyJet began its ‘Returnships’ initiative in 2024, offering free in-person and online cabin crew taster sessions for hundreds of interested career changers over 50. Francesca Hicks was part of the process.

Aged 64 and a former secretary and nurse for those living with dementia, Francesca was seeking an opportunity to adapt her skills and broaden her horizons. She attended a taster open day, submitted her formal application, and completed a series of interviews before joining her easyJet cabin crew training course. A year and a half on, she is now a fully trained cabin crew member and has taken to the skies over 250 times.

Francesca Hicks said: “When the opportunity to join easyJet as cabin crew came up, I jumped at the chance. I knew I already held all the skills required for the job, but it gave me another way to use my communication, organisation and interpersonal skills in a new and exciting setting.

“The reception both I and my fellow new joiners have received has been overwhelmingly positive. This, and the experiences I’ve had over the past 18 months, have given me a confidence and sense of fulfilment that I’ll take with me through the next stage of my career.”

Michael Brown, director of cabin services at easyJet, said: “It’s been incredibly encouraging to see the numbers of cabin crew over 50 more than double since 2022 – evidence that many are increasingly viewing cabin crew as a fantastic career pivot regardless of age.

“We want more over 50s to apply as they not only bring their existing skills to excel in a career at easyJet, but also a wealth of life experience that is appreciated by our customers and colleagues alike, which is at the heart of the fantastic service our crew is known for.

“With hundreds of cabin crew roles set to be available across the UK, we would encourage even more to apply, and we look forward to seeing this community at easyJet grow further in the years to come.”

To find out more about being cabin crew at easyJet, visit easyJet Cabin Crew.

IF you’ve ever wanted to stay at a campsite where there’s a touch of royalty, check out The Sandringham Estate Club Campsite.

It’s nestled in the Norfolk estate just minutes away from the royal countryside retreat.

Sandringham House has been in the British royal family for over 150 years and surprisingly you can actually camp right next door.

Called The Sandringham Estate, the royal treatment comes in the form of large safari lodges.

The luxury stays are an addition to the Caravan And Motorhome Club’s campsite and opened in August 2025.

Its Premium Safari Tent sleeps up to five people – inside is a wood burning stove, double beds, a single bed and bunk beds as well as a shower room – there’s outdoor space too with a BBQ.

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Rates start from £69 per night.

Other options include the Deluxe Safari Tent which sleeps up to six people and also has a veranda for relaxing outside.

The Large Deluxe Safari Tent sleeps up to six adults and two children with three separate bedrooms and a shower room – it even has a dining and sitting area inside.

These start from £99 per night (or £12.37pppn).

The campsite is nestled in a pine forest which has lush walking trails, an adventure playground and there’s even a tea room at the Visitors’ Centre.

One visitor wrote: “We had the best weekend stay in our cosy glamping tent. Our stay exceeded our expectations in every way.”

Another added it’s a “great way to experience the great outdoors for those that are not true campers.”

For those who would rather try more traditional camping,there are pitches for tents and caravans available to book too.

The campsite is an ideal spot to explore King’s Lynn, a port town in West Norfolk as well as Hunstanton which is a traditional seaside resort.

Of course while in Sandringham visitors should go and see the house which is easily walkable or just a few minutes away by car.

There are tours available, one of which allows visitors to see eight ground floor rooms of Sandringham House and the gardens from £22.80.

Or you can go see the 60-acres of gardens on their own. Tickets can start from £13.10.

Sandringham offers experiences throughout the year too like tours of the garden by an expert guide, or a safari tour of the estate to see behind-the-scenes.

If you want to read more on camping, check out the new trend where you put your tent on the roof of your car.

Hear what one Sun Writer thought when she stayed on the glampsite…

Tracey Davies revealed her thoughts about the safari tents on the grounds of the royal residence. She said:

“Set in a pine forest, the clutch of fancy safari tents is part of Experience Freedom, the club’s glamping arm, recently launched for us commoners to enjoy.

I’ve brought my mother along to road-test the royal escape, along with my 19-year-old twin daughters, and Miss Babs, our not-quite-a-Corgi rescue dog, who’s in her element in this rabbit-rich haven.

“Our deluxe safari tent is certainly fit for a king.

“The three-bedroom large deluxe pad sleeps six adults and two children, and even comes with a fancy bathroom featuring a double shower and underfloor heating.

“There are also premium tents, sleeping five, and deluxe ones for six. As well as a sofa and TV, there’s a kitchen with hob, microwave and dishwasher, dining table and a wood-burning stove for cooler days.”

A UK attraction that has been open since 1972 and draws in around 300,000 visitors every year, will be closing its doors following a major update, but it’s not all bad news

A popular tourist attraction will be closing its doors after six decades.

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu opened in 1972 in the New Forest, and today, it attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually, thanks to its impressive collection of 280 vintage vehicles. They range from cars used in TV and film productions to ancient motorised carriages, motorbikes, F1 racers, record-breaking speed machines and even a 1950s red bus, each with its own story.

The New Forest attraction is considered one of the best motor museums in the UK, and was named one of the ‘South’s top visitor attractions’ in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2026. However, after 60 years, the National Motor Museum will close its doors as its lease ends.

Earlier this month, the museum confirmed it was in the “process of identifying a transformational new home for the National Motor Museum as its current lease at Beaulieu approaches the end of its 60-year term.” The lease expires in 2032, but it’s reported that the attraction will move out of its current purpose-built building at the estate in the New Forest in 2030.

In a further statement from Beaulieu, they said that the “day-to-day operation of the museum will not change from a visitor experience perspective, and Beaulieu intends to continue to operate a motor museum in the future, as it has for over 70 years. A significant number of vehicles in the museum are either on loan or owned by the Montagu family and will continue to stay here.”

They added that “Beaulieu will continue to be a leading visitor attraction on the south coast and welcome thousands of visitors each year for generations of families to enjoy memorable days out.”

Since it was opened by Edward, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, in 1972, the attraction has been adored by visitors for decades. One traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “I came when I was 9, and after 37 years I returned to show the place to my Husband, we had a fantastic day, he thoroughly enjoyed himself.

“The car exhibition was obviously his favourite, but he also loved seeing the falconry, and we love what the family have done with the rooms in the house, such an extravagant revamp of the rooms, but it fits well as it’s such an extraordinary place with a fascinating history of each family member that has been lord of the estate.”

Those visiting the National Motor Museum can explore the collection of vehicles, various exhibitions, and climb on board the replica 1912 open-top London red bus. On the nearby grounds, there’s also England’s oldest monorail available for a ride, the remains of Beaulieu Abbey to explore, the play area at Little Beaulieu, and the Palace House & Gardens, home of the Montagu family since 1538, with one inclusive ticket providing access to all attractions, including the monorail.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

FROM major hubs like London Heathrow and Gatwick to regional airports – a number of airlines have scrapped been forced to scrap lots of routes in recent months.

Here are all the routes that have been axed this year by airlines like Ryanair, Vueling and Virgin Atlantic.

London Heathrow

Earlier this year, Virgin Atlantic scrapped its flights to Riyadh entirely after just a year.

The airline also suspended flights from London Heathrow to Dubai due to the ongoing Iran War until winter 2027.

Flights to Seattle have been paused until March 27, 2027.

A Virgin spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our seasonal service to Dubai for the winter 2026 season, while services to Seattle will also be temporarily suspended for the winter 2026 season only, before resuming in March 2027.

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“Customers can continue to travel to Seattle with our partner Delta Air Lines who will offer daily services from London Heathrow.“

“We’d like to apologise to any affected customers and will be contacting them with their options which include rebooking or a refund.”

Also no longer serving London Heathrow is Loganair which axed three routes this year.

The airline had flown to Dundee, Orkney and Shetland.

A Loganair spokesperson said: “Following a review of the route’s long-term viability, Loganair can confirm that its Dundee–London Heathrow service will cease after Friday 23 October, and the operating base will close.

“Earlier this year, we served notice to the stakeholder group behind the Public Service Obligation route after the contract became financially unsustainable.”

London Gatwick

Norse cancelled its route between London Gatwick and Los Angeles due to the rise in fuel prices in April.

The airline cited the “global fuel crisis” as the main reason.

Norse only introduced the route between the UK and American city back in June 2023.

At that time it operated seven flights per week.

Bournemouth Airport

Jet2 pulled five scheduled routes from Bournemouth Airport before they even launched earlier this year.

The airline began flying from the airport in February 2025 with two aircraft.

Plans even included adding a third aircraft along with more destinations in 2026.

But the company said in July 2025 that following a review, it had “taken the decision to withdraw services to Malaga, Dubrovnik, Jersey, Reus and Verona for summer ’26”.

Leeds Bradford

easyJet is cancelling all flights from Leeds Bradford from January 5, 2027.

Current routes from Leeds Bradford Airport include Barcelona, Majorca, Malaga and Paris, as well as Geneva and Belfast.

Last week, the airline said in a statement: “Following a review of our routes from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have made the decision to no longer operate flights from the airport after 5 January.”

It added: “We value the relationship we have built with Leeds Bradford Airport and we always keep options for our network under review, with the aim of providing more choice and connectivity where we see demand.”

Cardiff Airport

Vueling has withdrawn its flights to Alicante from its winter 2026–27 schedule just four months after first placing flights on sale.

The airline had scheduled a three-weekly service to Alicante over the Christmas and New Year period.

The last flight of the year from Cardiff Airport to Alicante is on October 24.

Neither the airline nor Cardiff Airport has confirmed if the flights will be returning for the summer season.

Manchester Airport

In March 2026, Aer Lingus announced it would be stopping all of its long-haul routes from Manchester Airport.

The airline had provided routes from Manchester to New York, Orlando and Barbados.

In January of this year, the airline said it was “undergoing a period of uncertainty on transatlantic services” at its Manchester base.

It continued: “To minimise customer disruption in the event of a closure of the Manchester base, which operates transatlantic flights from Manchester to New York, Orlando and Barbados, Aer Lingus is no longer selling transatlantic flights to/from Manchester for travel from 31 March 2026.”

IndiGo axed its two routes between Manchester and India on August 31.

It only started the routes to Mumbai and Delhi back in July 2025 – one-way flights between Manchester and Mumbai started from £290.

Southampton Airport

Loganair will close its base at Southampton Airport at the end of October.

The closure means that flights between Southampton and Manchester and Manchester and Exeter have been cancelled. The final flights were on August 20, 2026.

London Stansted

Ryanair has been forced to make several major changes in 2026 – one of which will affect London Stansted.

The airline announced it would be closing its Berlin base in October which is set to impact routes from Stansted as part of the winter 2026/27 schedule.

The details on which services and reductions hasn’t been specified yet.

A UK airport with international flights is set to undergo a multi-million redevelopment – its first in nearly a decade.

Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland has revealed the latest plans for its £200million expansion.

The plans are part of the airport’s Master Plan 2040 and would include expanding passenger facilities as well as creating new airfield infrastructure.

There will be new airport access as well as a new forecourt, additional parking and a hotel.

There are currently no plans to extend the airport though.

The airport is also hoping to increase its operating hours from 15 to 16 hours per day.

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In addition, the airport wants to increase its annual flights from 48,000 to 61,000.

Other plans include a potential new rail connection.

The wider 2040 plan includes serving up to seven million passengers per year, compared to just 2.36million today.

Eventually there will be new aircraft stands, aprons and a taxiway too.

Routes from the airport are mainly to other UK destinations, but there are flights to Amsterdam as well as seasonal routes to destinations including Majorca in Spain.

Matthew Hall, Chief Executive of Belfast City Airport, said: “Delivery of our Master Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will benefit passengers and businesses across the region, whilst delivering key elements of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government.

“Every airport on the island of Ireland will need to play its part in meeting future demand, and this draft Master Plan exemplifies Belfast City Airport’s commitment to doing so, while reinforcing our position as a vital economic enabler for the region.

“We want more passengers to arrive by public transport and leave their cars at home, hence a focus on greener journeys within the Master Plan.

He added that they have partnered with Translink to look into creating a new rail halt linking the airport with Belfast city centre on the Bangor line.

YOU could be sunning it up on a beach right now, cocktail in hand with 28C sunshine – all for the price of a three-course dinner in London.

Wowcher‘s £99 beach break deal lets you spend two nights abroad, and will even throw in your return flights.

The £99 European Beach or City Break lets you pick from a number of destinations across Europe, from seaside destinations to popular city breaks.

For example, why not spend the weekend in the Algarve with a glass of Portuguese wine?

Book Wowcher’s £99 European Beach or City Break

Or head to Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach, known for being one of Europe’s most affordable seaside resorts?

Of course, some of the other classic destinations include the Costa del Sol , Costa Blanca and Costa Brava in Spain, as well as both Lake Como and Lake Garda in Italy and St Paul’s Bay in Malta.

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Each of the Wowcher £99 deals include two nights at a two or three-star hotel, as well as return flights from UK airports.

These include London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester.

If the beach isn’t calling you and you want a bit of culture, the holiday deal also includes two-night city break stays instead.

Fourteen iconic cities across Europe (along with Morocco) are included, which are:

• Athens
• Barcelona
• Berlin
• Bratislava
• Bucharest
• Budapest
• Krakow
• Marrakech
• Milan
• Prague
• Venice
• Warsaw

The deals are perfect for everything from “romantic weekends to friends splitting the cost to see somewhere new”.

Book Wowcher’s £99 European Beach or City Break

Not only that, but they are also a great way to try out a city for the first time to “dip your toe” before committing to a longer holiday there.

Each booking includes a minimum of 40 hours in the destination, with basic hand luggage included depending on the airline.

You might even get a free upgrade to a four-star hotel, with every purchase of the £99 holiday entered into the draw.

Lots of dates are available, although some Fridays and school holiday dates are not.

Each booking must include two vouchers as the bookings are based on two adults sharing.

NOT ONE but three new theme parks have been given the go-ahead to open in Europe, which they claim could even rival Disney.

A deal between France and Saudi Arabia for three theme parks near Paris has been announced.

The project is expected to cost €6bn (£5.13bn) overall and will include a manga-themed park, inspired by the popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z.

Little details have been revealed about the theme parks, but local media has reported that it could be built on the site of the former Mirapolis park in Val-d’Oise, which has been closed for 35 years.

The opening dates for the parks are not known yet, but they will be built near Cergy-Pontoise and expected to take years to construct.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the development would be “extraordinary” and would create a “new global destination”.

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He also said: “Nothing like this has been seen since Disneyland Paris.”

The project is thought to have transpired from a conversation between Macron and bin Salman about their love for Japanese comics.

It is expected to create around 22,000 jobs.

Despite no details being revealed about the new theme parks yet, it is believed that the Dragon Ball Z theme park could be based around the park of the same theme currently being built by Qiddiya in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Riyadh theme park is set to have seven zones including Turtle House, Capsule Corporation and Beerus’s Planet.

There is also set to be a 70-metre high rollercoaster running through the park.

Overall, the Riyadh theme park is expected to have 30 themed attractions, five of which are set to be next generation rides.

Guests will be able to stay in themed hotels as well, and there will be a number of restaurants at the park.

A spate of ‘extreme weather’ in Ibiza has left many locals and tourists experiencing heavy rainfall, flooding and strong winds – and some are now worried about their flights home

A mum who booked a trip to Ibiza is having regrets after a spate of “extreme weather” has left her worried her “flight may be delayed”. Ibiza is widely regarded as the party capital of the world, with images of vibrant clubs packed with keen revellers moving to beats spun by world famous DJs most often coming to mind when hearing its name.

But that’s not all it’s known for – its pristine, serene beaches offer a breathtaking retreat for those craving a spot of relaxation; hikers are spoiled for choice with rugged yet scenic cliffs, coastal paths, pine forests and other dramatic areas; while the UNESCO-listed walled old town of Dalt Vila is a haven for history lovers; with plenty more on offer too.

It’s no surprise then that the destination is a top choice for a wide range of holidays, with its usually hot summers and mild, gentle winters making it a decent getaway destination all year round.

This August, however, is a different story entirely. A sudden change in sea levels has led to flooding, heavy rainfall and strong winds.

There’s been reports of locals and tourists alike bolting from Platja de s’Arenal beach, which can be found in the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany, while an event planned to honour the music of a Spanish rock band was cancelled by San Antonio Town Hall “for security reasons”, after the stage was surrounded by sea water.

The flooding followed previous warnings from weather chiefs on the threat of ‘mini tsunamis’ – or rissagas, as they’re known locally – due to hit parts of the Balearic Islands at the beginning of the week.

Majorca Daily Bulletin reported: “Mallorca experienced two minor ‘rissagas’, also known as meteotsunamis, in the ports of Andratx and Soller on Monday, as the Balearic Islands remained under watch for sudden sea level changes.”

How have holidaymakers fared?

Many visitors to Ibiza have shared their experiences of the “extreme weather” online. One mum captured footage of the pool area around her hotel, with winds whipping the palm trees and the cushions strapped to the sun loungers, and shared it to TikTok.

In text written over the top of the clip, the mum penned: “Go to Ibiza in August they said!!!” while in the caption, she added: “Think our flight may be delayed!”

In the comments section, fellow TikTok users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “I went in August and it was so sunny and hot 33 degrees.”

Another shared: “Mate last year we were caught in the worst storm’s Ibiza’s had in decades.”

A third said: “We are doing 12 hours in Ibiza with no hotel THIS SATURDAY.”

To which, the mum replied: “Saturday will be beautiful I’m sure! Don’t worry, it’s very rarely like this!”

But someone else said: “Everyone knows around this time of year there is a chance for extreme weather.”

And another agreed: “It rains every year by this time so it’s nothing new and won’t stop anything either.”

Another Ibiza-holidaymaker shared a light-hearted clip mocking herself after sharing envious clips of her getaway before being “humbled” by the torrential downpour.

In the caption, she explained: “Yesterday: ‘Basically, I’m in Ibiza… and you’re not.’

“Today: Ibiza humbled me. We held out under that umbrella for FAR longer than was sensible before admitting defeat!”

Money Saving Expert – MSE – is founded by Martin Lewis

Money Saving Expert (MSE) has urged people to visit Boots before boarding the plane. While talking about easyJet specifically – although it may work for any airline – MSE urge people to “avoid sky-high food prices” and “pack a mile-high picnic instead.” They explain on their easyJet tips blog: “Mid-air picnics are perfectly within the rules. It’s only liquids over 100ml that are banned for security reasons.”

Because of this, MSE, founded by Martin Lewis, writes: “When we checked, an Easyjet meal deal (sandwich, soft drink and snack) cost £9.75. Even at inflated airport prices, a Boots meal deal is around £5.” MSE’s blog was updated on July 27, 2026, easyJet’s prices are subject to change.

Finding that a meal deal at Boots or other supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, Tesco, or Morrisons could be cheaper than what you get on board the plane, it notes that “bringing your own food may mean you win on taste as well as price” – and it doesn’t have to be boring, either.

You can make it part of the holiday by tailoring it to your destination. Think chorizo and olives for Spain, cold pizza for Italy, sausages and sauerkraut for Germany. The list is endless.

Save your pennies by planning ahead, says MSE as part of its pre-holiday tips list. Picking up snacks in advance can work out far cheaper than paying airline prices, or even the cost of food and drink in the shops after security.

30 days

In further helpful advice, the MSE team have said that easyJet passengers can check in earlier than most. And it could help people secure a better seat.

It explains: “Unlike other airlines, Easyjet lets you check in and allocates you a seat 30 days before you fly, free. You’ll have to pay if you want a specific seat, but the earlier you check in, the more likely it is that you get allocated a better seat.

“If you don’t want to take the risk and would prefer to reserve a seat when you book, Easyjet charges “from 99p” for a basic seat on a short flight. We’ve seen it cost up to £39.99 to stretch out in the front row on a longer trip (for a list of costs, see Easyjet’s fees and charges).”

Whether you’re paying for a seat or using the free check-in 30 days before, passengers are urged not to leave it to the last minute. By then, many seats may already be taken, increasing the chances you’ll end up separated from your family, partner or friends.

MSE concludes: “The best bet is to check in online (and secure your seats) as early as possible.”

For a full list of easyJet tips and tricks, visit the MSE blog here.

ANYONE travelling through Italy could have their plans scuppered thanks to a series of strikes.

Throughout September, there are set to be a walkouts from staff working in airports, railway hubs, on ferries and public transport across the country.

The first strike will hit Italy on September 7 when railway workers have planned industrial action for 24 hours.

It’s set to begin at around 9.20pm on Monday evening for 24 hours until the same time on Tuesday.

The staff staging walkouts work at companies which carry out railway operations across Italy including train drivers.

Some operators that will be affected include Trenitalia, Trenitalia Tper and Mercitalia Rail.

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It’s likely there will be cancellations and timetable changes across the entire country’s network during this time.

But due to Italian law, there has to be some guaranteed service during the strike, so some trains will be running during this period.

Later on in September, there will be strikes at airports in both Pisa and Florence.

On September 13, ground staff at Pisa and Florence airports will strike between 11am and 3pm.

Private security staff at Fiumicino, Turin and Malpensa airports will also walkout during these times.

The most disruption is likely on September 30 when there will be a four hour national strike by Italy’s national air traffic provider ENAV and a company called Techno Sky which looks after airport maintenance.

Staff look to strike during the afternoon which could see delays and cancellations at airports across Italy, although airlines are yet to confirm which flights will be affected.

Throughout September, there will also be frequent strikes on local public transport in the cities of Genoa, Venice, Vicenza, Trento, Bergamo and Perugia.

September 15 is set to be particularly disrupted with public transport staff striking in popular cities like Florence, Naples, Venice and Pisa.

On September 26, there will be a 24-hour general strike which will affect rail, ferry and bus services across the country.

It’s advised to check which services are still running before heading off as it may impact travel plans.

Under EU rules, passengers whose train or flight is cancelled because of strike action are entitled to a full refund or rerouting on an alternative service at no extra cost. 

The Grade I-listed estate invites families, friends and history buffs to explore its stunning architecture, formal gardens and rich history

One UK spot feels almost too extraordinary to be real. Tucked away in the Lincolnshire countryside, just outside Grantham, Harlaxton Manor rises dramatically from around 300 acres of parkland and gardens.

With its towers, ornate stonework and imposing silhouette, it feels less like an ordinary country estate and more like something lifted straight from a storybook. The manor was built in the 19th century for Gregory Gregory, with construction beginning in 1831 and the building completed around 1851.

But Gregory wasn’t interested in creating an ordinary English manor.

Inspired by his travels throughout Britain and Europe, he brought together a remarkable collection of architectural influences, creating something theatrical, extravagant and completely unique.

Elizabethan and Jacobean architecture, Gothic details and Baroque grandeur all come together within the same extraordinary building.

Approaching Harlaxton, you can almost imagine a horse-drawn carriage disappearing around the corner, a mysterious figure watching from one of the upper windows, or an old family secret hidden somewhere behind one of its grand doors.

Today, the manor has a very different role. It is owned by the University of Evansville in Indiana and is home to Harlaxton College, a study-abroad campus where students from around the world live and study.

Yet despite its modern purpose, the manor has lost none of its extraordinary character, reports Lincolnshire Live.

Nearly two centuries after Gregory Gregory first imagined it, Harlaxton still feels like a place where reality and imagination meet.

The estate has been nicknamed ‘Lincolnshire’s hidden Hogwarts’ and is set to throw open its doors to the public later this month.

Over the August bank holiday weekend, Harlaxton Manor, will be hosting its summer open house event — a rare opportunity for visitors to discover one of the county’s most captivating and secretive estates.

On Sunday, August 30 and Monday, August 31, visitors can step inside the Grade I-listed manor, stroll through its formal gardens and soak up the atmosphere of the estate.

Harlaxton is located nearby Grantham and is an underrated market town.

Grantham is nestled along the River Witham close to the Lincolnshire–Nottinghamshire border.

With roots stretching back to Saxon times, the town developed into an important market centre by the 11th century, growing in wealth through the wool and leather trades.

Bethan Watson, events manager at Harlaxton Manor, said: “We are absolutely delighted to once again welcome visitors to Harlaxton Manor for our Summer Open House this upcoming August Bank Holiday.

“It is always a pleasure to share this remarkable estate with the public and give people the opportunity to experience the history, architecture and beautiful surroundings that make the manor so incredibly special.”

Ms Watson continued: “Guests often remark that Harlaxton Manor is simply magical, like a hidden version of Hogwarts nestled in the Lincolnshire countryside, and it’s easy to see why.

“From exploring our magnificent interiors and strolling through the gardens to relaxing with live music throughout the day, we hope families, friends and history buffs will make a day of it and create lasting memories steeped in splendour under the late summer sun.”

Those planning to attend are encouraged to secure their tickets ahead of the event, which will be open from 10am to 5pm across both days.

A savvy traveller shared a simple £6.50 packing hack that could slash your suitcase weight by over 2kg, potentially helping you dodge costly excess baggage fees at the airport

A woman shared how she spent £6.50 to ditch over 2kg from her suitcase thanks to a sneaky life hack she now uses on every flight because it really works.

There’s nothing worse than rocking up to the airport and being told your luggage is overweight and having to pay for the extra kilograms, as they really do not come cheap. It can get your holiday off to a grim start, and could make you feel the opposite of relaxed, which is how you want to feel when you’re about to explore another country. Plus, the last thing you want to do is ditch your hair masks, body creams, and toner pads at the airport because they weigh a lot.

That’s why Poppy Adams shared the perfect solution to keep your cash where it belongs. Poppy revealed her hair and skincare products alone weighed in at 2.5kg because they all come in large containers, and she has far too many outfits to pack to justify carrying that much weight.

She branded it the “best weight and space saver for your suitcase,” acknowledging her “clothes overpacking has got better with age,” but her “toiletries have got worse”.

What’s her solution?

Poppy explained she has a “very simple solution” and demonstrated how you can make all your creams and hair products fit “into the palm of your hand”.

She revealed you need some cosmetic sample jars, which she bought from Amazon for £6.49, and they also include stickers so you can label each one, eliminating any confusion about what’s where, plus you receive spatulas for easy transfer.

Poppy detailed how she decided which product would go in which containers based on the pot size, and then she decanted the products accordingly.

She also noted if you “have products that you know work really well together, you can pre-mix them in your little pots so you don’t have to do that when you’re on holiday”.

Poppy packed essentials, including snail mucin, toner pads, a hair mask, and a glowy foundation, for her holiday, making sure she had everything she needed while away.

She joked it “low-key feels like when you were a kid, and you used to play potions,” as she blended all her body moisturisers together.

Once everything had been decanted, she weighed it once more, and it came in at just 326g, saving a whopping 2.2kg.

Reaction

Many people were amazed by the hack as one said: “That’s another pair of shoes, I’m sold.”

Another added: “I’m the same Poppy, I decanted stuff for the first time this year and even put it in my hand luggage. I’m still really bad with my makeup, I need it all around me, as I just know that 4 bronzers, 2 highlighters and 5 or 6 large eyeshadow pallets just won’t be enough!”

While a third suggested: “Always decant fragrances, too! You can take more options, and if it gets damaged, at least you’re only losing out on a few ml and not the whole bottle.”

Would you give this packing hack a go? Let us know in the comments…

The historic harbour is the hub of this working East Neuk fishing port, home to a fleet of about 30 small trawlers and creel boats. Their catches are sold at the covered market on the quay each weekday morning, and served at the harbourside Dory Bistro and Chip Ahoy at the Larachmhor pub. Pittenweem (which means “place of the cave”) also has a Victorian-era swimming pool next to the beach, which is filled by the tide twice a day. After falling into disrepair, it was saved by a local group called the West Braes Project and reopened in 2021, along with the crazy golf course. Early each August, there is an annual arts festival with exhibits by nearly 200 artists in harbourside spaces, heritage buildings, homes and studios. Pittenweem is flanked by two other pretty harbour villages, St Monans and Anstruther, while a third, Crail, is a little further north; the Fife Coastal Path links them all. The Bank in Anstruther has harbour-view rooms (doubles from £120 B&B).

There has been a harbour in the village of Carnlough since the late 1700s, but the one standing today dates to 1853 (Game of Thrones fans may recognise it as the Braavos canal). It was built on the orders of the Marchioness of Londonderry to transport limestone from her quarries – the town hall’s Heritage Hub tells the full story. The old railway line between the quarry and harbour is now a footpath with panoramic views, leading to Cranny Falls. The harbour is the focal point of the village, which stands at the foothills of Glencoy – one of the nine glens, or glacial valleys, of Antrim – on Carnlough Bay. It bustles with local fishers, and boat trips set sail daily (£10 adults, £6 children; trips last 45 minutes). The Twilight coffeeshop, directly across from the harbour, serves brunch and has bunkhouse accommodation upstairs (sleeping 14). The recently refurbished Harbourview hotel offers more than 200 Irish whiskeys and hosts an annual whiskey festival (doubles from £120 B&B).

Solva, Pembrokeshire

Solva’s ancient harbour is at the bottom of a steep-sided valley on St Brides Bay, a few miles from St David’s. At high tide, it is popular with paddleboarders, but at low tide it becomes a huge stretch of sand, with the River Solva meandering down the middle. Then, there are rock pools and caves to explore; prime fishing, crabbing and shrimping spots; and safe, shallow places to swim. The village is split into Lower Solva, by the harbour, and Upper Solva – there are fantastic views over both ends from the Gribin headland. Cafe on the Quay and the Harbour Inn have outdoor tables overlooking the water; the Hats & Barrels serves fresh fish, and seasonal lobster and crab; and the Cambrian Inn is a restaurant with five rooms (doubles from £140 B&B).

Craster, Northumberland

While Craster’s natural haven has been used by fishers for centuries, today’s harbour was built in 1906 as a memorial to a member of the Craster family and has the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, a mile’s (1.6km) walk away up the coast as a backdrop. Craster is perhaps best known for its kippers, and L Robson & Sons has been producing them at its smokehouse overlooking the harbour since 1856. They are sold in the shop next door, while the Piper’s Pitch hut serves them in a bun, and the Jolly Fisherman pub turns them into paté and puts them in a scotch egg. The Cottage Inn, just outside Craster, has 10 rooms (doubles from £105 room only), and the Dunstanburgh Castle Inn in neighbouring Embleton has 16 (doubles from £120 B&B). The market town of Alnwick is about seven miles away.

Brixham, on Devon’s south coast, is probably the county’s best-known harbour town – but the village of Clovelly, on the north coast, is well worth seeking out, too. It was once the property of William the Conqueror, and is still privately owned today (entry is £10.90 adults; £6.25 children). The tiny harbour stands at the foot of a 122-metre cliff, reached via the steep, cobbled main street (known as Up-along or Down-along). Cars are not allowed, so goods are transported by sledges and donkeys. The Red Lion hotel, right on the quay, has 17 rooms, all with sea views (doubles from £225 B&B); the restaurant serves dishes such as wild hake and local lobster, while the snug bar offers haddock and chips. The Fisherman’s Cottage & Kingsley Museum is a 1930s time capsule, and there are annual festivals celebrating seaweed, seafaring and seafood.

Staithes, North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is not short of busy harbour towns and fishing villages: see Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. But Staithes, a little further north, is less well known. The name means “landing place” in Old English; Vikings landed here, and it was once one of the busiest fishing ports in the north-east. Today, there are still a handful of cobles (a traditional fishing vessel), plus boats running wildlife-watching trips, from which minke whales can be seen in August and September. The village is a steep jumble of cottages (largely white-washed and red-roofed, with the occasional electric blue pile), threaded with cobbled snickets (narrow alleys). The Cod & Lobster pub is right on the harbour wall; and the Endeavour B&B (refurbished in 2022) has four rooms, one with harbour views (doubles from £120 B&B). There is an annual arts festival (this year running 11-13 September), and visitors can walk a mile or so along the Cleveland Way to the ruined harbour at the abandoned hamlet of Port Mulgrave.

From mighty Falmouth to minuscule Mousehole, harbour hunters are spoiled for choice in Cornwall. But pretty Porthleven, on the Lizard peninsula, tends to have fewer crowds. Its double harbour, which opened in 1825, is said to have been built by French prisoners of war after the battle of Waterloo. It is lined with pubs, restaurants and galleries; there is a craft market most days from Easter to the end of October, and a food festival in April. The 17th-century Ship Inn straddles the harbour and the waters of Mount’s Bay; the Mussel Shoal is a seafood shack right on the harbour head; and Kota Kai serves fusion food such as Cornish fish and chips with katsu curry sauce, wasabi tartare, Asian slaw and pea puree. The Harbour Inn is a recently refurbished pub with 15 rooms (doubles from £110 B&B).

Lyme Regis’s harbour includes the Cobb, a breakwater and jetty. The first written mention of it was in 1328, when it was damaged by storms, but today’s Cobb was built from blocks of Portland stone in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It is on the west side of the town (known locally as the Pearl of Dorset), so is great for a sunset stroll. You can often see seals in the harbour and dolphins just out to sea; there are daily boat trips in late spring and summer. The beaches are fertile ground for fossil hunters – especially at Monmouth, to the west of the Cobb, and East Cliff, to the east of the town – and have thrown up many amazing discoveries, including an ichthyosaurus excavated by the paleontological pioneer Mary Anning in 1812. The Cobb Arms is the closest pub to the harbour and has three rooms (doubles £155 B&B); while the Harbour Inn, a tiny bit farther north by the beach, serves Lyme Bay seafood.

This market town on the west bank of the River Lymington, at the edge of the Solent, was first mentioned in the Domesday Book, became a hotbed for salt manufacture in the medieval era and later a shipbuilding centre in the 19th century. Today, it is a yachting hub, with two marinas as well as the old town quay. Near the Royal Lymington Yacht Club are the town’s seawater baths – established in 1833 and still open for swimmers (plus paddleboarding and inflatable obstacle courses). There is a lively market along the high street on Saturdays; while waterfront pubs and restaurants include the Ship Inn and The Haven, and the recently reopened Mayflower, set a little back near the seawater baths, which has seven rooms (doubles from £100 B&B). The Wightlink ferry port is just outside the town at Lymington Pier, taking passengers to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, another historic harbour town (with a crossing of about 40 minutes).

Plockton, a planned harbour village built to support the herring industry in the early 1800s, is known as the Jewel of the Highlands. It sits in a sheltered bay on the banks of Loch Carron, with a mild climate that allows incongruous-looking palm trees to thrive, and wooded hills beyond. Visitors can buy fresh fish and prawns off the pier when the boats come in at about 3pm; go on sea-kayak tours and seal-watching trips (from spring until the end of October); and watch the annual summer regatta in July. The Plockton Inn serves local langoustines and other seafood; the Plockton hotel has six rooms with loch views and five overlooking the gardens (doubles £180 B&B); and the bunkhouse by the railway station has budget beds (£20pp, discounts for groups). It is about an hour’s drive over the bridge to the Isle of Skye and on to its pastel-painted harbour capital, Portree.

Charlie Herlihy and Sophia Woodcock have been working hard to save money after living in a city on entry-level salaries

A savvy couple who “never pay full price for anything” by using discount apps and reward offers manage to save £1,600 per year living in London. Charlie Herlihy, 26, and partner Sophia Woodcock, 24, have been living frugally since their teens, and since moving to the capital on entry-level salaries in 2025, have been working out ways to maximise their savings.

They eat out using apps that give huge discounts, choose their energy providers wisely to get the best rewards and use Gold Amex cards to earn points “anywhere” they spend to exchange for luxury perks like plane tickets. In July, the duo were able to save £137.02 from their swaps.

After travelling to South-East Asia for six months after saving £12,000 in just three months in 2022 using their tips and tricks and spending less, their next goal is to afford return tickets to Singapore. Charlie, a graphic designer, from London, says: “Kind of our brand became we never pay full price for anything.

“I think mainly the reason it became a habit is anywhere you go you tap your card without thinking about it. We have a back catalogue of apps on our phones that do deals and discounts and websites we research on first.

“Say we’re planning a weekend we’ll check certain websites for offers and places that are doing different discounts. It takes 15 minutes in the morning but to plan it out is the most cost-effective way of doing it.

“I was used to doing it myself and a lot of people don’t factor it in and go with the flow but you end up spending loads of money without planning. It really does add up.”

Sophia and Charlie have a “portfolio” of methods to ensure they can live frugally, especially on food and drink. Sophia said: “Eating out and coffee is something me and Phi love to do and one of the things we spend on and apps are the best way to save money on a big expense.

“The Paace app rewards you with coffees for getting your steps in. Eat Club gives you discounts at restaurants that don’t have their tables filled.”

They also make use of First Table, an app that often gives you a 50% discount on your food bill if you dine early. The pair try to shop at Sainsbury’s where they can – as Charlie says they have an affiliate with Amex where they can earn four points per £1 spent, as oppose to £1 at other supermarkets.

Lidl Plus is also a go-to, and they will check out the app before hitting the shops to see what’s on offer, as well as making use of Ocado’s 25% off offers.

“We use Octopus energy as it gives you stuff like two for £8 cinema tickets, e-bike rides around London and free coffees for literally paying your bills as you would with every other provider,” Charlie says.

“We use the gold Amex card which gives you points on everything you spend anywhere really. You can build those up and buy flights, stuff like that.

“Our project we’re working towards is return tickets to Singapore. We’ve made it our default card even when tapping on the tube and stuff like that.”

She is also a “big advocate” for checking promotions that come through from restaurants on emails – having recently “paid nothing” after bagging a £15 voucher and cashing in on half price ramen at a restaurant. Charlie said: “We’re not really saving for anything but just to have enough money for freedom in life as we’d love to go to Australia and go travelling again.”

You can follow Charlie and Sophia on TikTok @lifeofphiandcharlie. Charlie and Sophia’s July savings:

Utilities

Octopus Energy

-Cinema trips £11.96 saved

-Free Forats bike hire – 30-minute free session (usual price £10.90)

Food and drink

Paace

-They bought four coffees and saved £16.60 (£8.30 each)

Eat Club

-Went out to dinner using discounts 3 times and saved 30% on one bill (£51.07 became £29.86 saving £11.21)

First Table

-Saved 50% on one saving £23.69 from a £65.38 bill (including the first table £6 booking fee)

London on the Inside

-£88.90 down to £50 with a 50% off offer (with service charge)

Too Good To Go

-Didn’t use this month but normally pick up a £3.99 Gail’s bag worth £15, an £11.01 saving

Banking

The Amex Gold card

-The couple say they make back between 0.05%-1% every time they tap their cards on anything with Avios redeems – which is how nothing they pay for is really ever full price (unless they do not accept Amex). In July, they spent £850 through Amex which equates to £4.25-£12.75 depending on where they redeem their Avios.

They are still saving up for their first fully paid for Avios flight. Also, whenever purchasing anything online they try and do so through the Avios portal – similar to TopCashback – which gives them Avios for free just for buying something through the portal.

Total savings – £137.02

The provided text details the historical transition of Ukraine from a Soviet republic to a sovereign nation during the early 1990s. While the country initially recognized July 16th as its day of sovereignty, the modern holiday was established following the Act of Independence on August 24, 1991. This legislative shift was triggered by a failed coup in the Soviet Union and was later solidified by a national referendum where over 92% of citizens supported autonomy. The source also highlights the cultural importance of the blue and yellow flag, which served as a banned symbol of resistance before becoming the official national banner. Ultimately, the text illustrates how unified public support and parliamentary action transformed August 24th into th … 

EasyJet says the number of cabin crew over the age of 50 has more than doubled – with over-60s almost quadrupling – and so it has extended a new recruitment push

Budget airline easyJet is launching a new recruitment drive to hire more older workers as cabin crew.

The no-frills carrier says it follows the success of a previous initiative in 2022, with the number of cabin crew over the age of 50 more than doubling to over 600, and over-60s almost quadrupling.

With a new recruitment push for hundreds of new crew roles for 2027 set to open next month, the airline wants to encourage even more to join.

Among those to take the plunge was Francesca Hicks, 64, a former secretary and nurse for those living with dementia. She attended a taster open day, submitted her formal application, and completed a series of interviews before joining her easyJet cabin crew training course. Eighteen months on, she is now a fully trained cabin crew member and has taken to the skies over 250 times.

Francesca said: “When the opportunity to join easyJet as cabin crew came up, I jumped at the chance. I knew I already held all the skills required for the job, but it gave me another way to use my communication, organisation and interpersonal skills in a new and exciting setting.

“The reception both I and my fellow new joiners have received has been overwhelmingly positive. This, and the experiences I’ve had over the past 18 months, have given me a confidence and sense of fulfilment that I’ll take with me through the next stage of my career.”

EasyJet says the new wave of older workers has brought years of experience, and signficant enthusiasm.

It added that many people assume cabin crew is a job for younger workers, and worried they would be the oldest in the team.

Michael Brown, its director of cabin services at easyJet, said: “We want more over-50s to apply as they not only bring their existing skills to excel in a career at easyJet, but also a wealth of life experience that is appreciated by our customers and colleagues alike, which is at the heart of the fantastic service our crew are known for.”

Employment minister Andrew Western said: “Supportive employers like easyJet know the breadth of experience over-50s can bring to the workforce and it shows what can be achieved when this is valued.”

EasyJet says the increase in more over 50s had also brought a strong “culture of mentorship” amongst easyJet’s crew. Over half of its older workers surveyed said they feel like a mentor to younger colleagues.

Nearly seven in 10 crew say that travellers of all ages are happy to see different generations represented on board.

Applications open from September, with opportunities available across the airline’s UK bases.

WANT to get the best value out of your cruise – and explore gems on both sides of the pond?

Transatlantic repositioning cruises offer just that.

As cruise companies relocate their ships from Europe to the Caribbean and beyond for winter warmth, you can get some amazing deals.

Combining a few ports of call on each side of the Atlantic, as well as some extended sea days, these one-way sailings offer the best of both worlds, with port days and plenty of time to relax at sea.

And cruise lines often offer really competitive prices – or throw in extras such as free drinks or tips – to tempt holidaymakers on board.

Lisa Minot has the lowdown on six great transatlantic sailings.

SEGWAY TO GO

The Greek-Turkey cruise with swimming turtles, Broadway shows & Thai massages

CRUISE CONTROL

I took my daughter on Euro river cruise – visiting 4 countries in one week

DEFINITELY KNOT YOUR AVERAGE CROSSING

You’ll get a free all-in package, with alcoholic drinks, wifi and tips, worth more than £1,000pp on Windstar Cruises’ Knot Your Average Crossing from Lisbon to Barbados.

Departing Portugal on November 10, 2026, on this 14-night non-stop voyage on the 148-guest sailing ship Wind Star, guests can step up to the flying bridge to take the helm, and learn age-old seamanship skills.

There are talks on legendary explorers and pirates and you can learn to read charts, tie sailor’s knots and even navigate the vessel alongside the ship’s officers.

Prices start from £2,682pp, including all meals, drinks and activities.

See windstarcruises.com.

MIAMI SPICE

You can save 50 per cent off the original fare sailing on Oceania Marina’s transatlantic sailing from Barcelona to Miami.

Departing November 25, 2026, the 15-day sailing offers the chance to enjoy port days in Spain and the Caribbean.

You will enjoy calls at Valencia, Alicante, Malaga and Funchal in Madeira before crossing the Atlantic and calling at San Juan in Puerto Rico and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.

Oceania cruise fares include speciality dining, tips, free wifi plus a choice of wine and beer by the glass or shore excursion credits.

This sailing is now on sale from £1,415, down from £3,629.

Book by September 8 at oceaniacruises.com.

GOING SOUTH

Transatlantic sailings don’t have to end in North America.

With Celebrity Cruises’ sailing onboard Celebrity Equinox you’ll enjoy calls in Brazil and Argentina after your ocean adventures.

Departing Barcelona on November 19, 2026, you’ll explore Tangier in Morocco before your South American odyssey, calling at Salvador de Bahia and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

You’ll visit Montevideo, Uruguay before arriving in Buenos Aires.

Popular excursions include a Moroccan Tea and Bread experience in Tangier, Carnival Behind the Scenes with Dance Lesson in Rio and a birdwatching trip in the Wetlands west of Montevideo.

Prices start from £699pp, including full-board and entertainment.

See celebritycruises.com.

FIT FOR A QUEEN

This cracking transatlantic deal on Cunard’s Queen Anne includes a stay in Miami and return flights.

Departing Southampton on January 10, 2027, this 15-night trip includes 12 nights onboard as well as a two-night hotel stay in Miami.

It includes calls at Hamilton, Bermuda, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale before you dock in Miami for your 4H hotel stay.

Onboard, all meals, afternoon tea, theatre shows and gym are included.

It’s from £1,159pp.

See seascanner.co.uk.

THE MIGHTY QUINN

Enjoy shows by actor, singer and dancer Ray Quinn, on P&O Cruises’ flagship Arvia as it sails from Southampton to the Caribbean.

The X Factor finalist and Dancing On Ice winner will be performing in The Limelight Club throughout the sailing, which departs October 23.

The 15-night sailing includes calls at Santa Cruz, Tenerife, before the delights of Philipsburg in St Maarten, St Kitts, Castries in St Lucia and finally Barbados.

The fare, from £945pp, includes return flights. See iglucruise.com.

HOMEWARD BOUND

With Holland America, you can sail to Blighty from Florida.

The 12-night sailing departs Fort Lauderdale April 4, 2027 and calls at Kings Wharf, Bermuda, before a relaxing seven days sailing.

There’s plenty to do on the Nieuw Statendam, with its Music Walk district featuring sophisticated live venues including BB King’s Blues Club and Rolling Stone Rock Room.

The ship will call at Portland for Weymouth before arriving in Dover.

Prices are from just £819pp.

With their Have It All package, from £1,599pp, you also get a drinks package, wifi, tips, speciality dining and two shore excursions.

See hollandamerica.com for details.

It has been dubbed one of the most unique villages in the UK thanks to its steep cobbled streets, stunning beach and car-free policy that sees residents use sledges for transport

The UK boasts some stunning locations, but one village in North Devon could well be among the most distinctive. Nestled into a dramatic sea cliff, the village is so steep that cars are banned from its cobbled streets, forcing locals to devise a rather unconventional method of getting about. Instead of vehicles navigating tight lanes, residents rely on sledges to haul items up and down the remarkably steep hillside.

TikTok user David Ashman paid a visit to the village and was left astounded by what he discovered. The village comprises a remarkable maze of cobbled streets, with a pub and hotel positioned at both the top and bottom of the slope. This means residents and visitors face plenty of climbing, with what David described as an “obscene amount” of cobbles separating the two ends.

Yet the challenging walk is arguably part of what lends the village its unique character.

At the base, the streets emerge towards a picturesque harbour, while a brief stroll away sits a waterfall framed by striking coastal scenery.

For those who enjoy discovering quirky corners of the UK, it certainly appears to be a destination worth adding to the bucket list.

David said he could imagine it being “pretty cool” to live there, though conceded the relentless walking would undoubtedly keep residents in good shape.

The village is called Clovelly and is located in North Devon.

There is, however, one drawback for visitors hoping to explore during the summer months.

David highlighted that visitors are required to pay an entrance fee to access the village during the summer months, meaning you’ll need to purchase a ticket before exploring its distinctive streets and seaside panoramas.

Recording his experience on TikTok, David described the village as among the most remarkable locations he’d encountered in the UK, while urging his followers to seek out more unconventional destinations across the country.

Responding to his video, one user said: “My dad grew up here and they used to live around the inn.

“People back then would leave their doors open in summer and one time some American tourists just walked right in to the house because they didn’t think people actually live here.

“[They] just thought it was some quaint preserved village for tourists..”

Another user added: “Ok just to confirm the queries. Car park at the bottom for hotel guests only. Car park further up for residents but no access to the cobbly bits.

“Car park right at the top for visitors and the only access from there is via visitor centre, shop etc.

“Yes, you have to pay because it is a family owned private estate. The same as paying to go into Longleat, etc.

“All the residents and businesses are tenants of the estate, hence no second home usage. If anyone fancies it, the lease on the pub at the top was up for renewal last year. Not sure of its current status.”.

Why do you have to pay to enter Clovelly?

According to Clovelly’s official website, there has always been a charge to visit the village.

A statement reads: “Like most historical landmarks (e.g. National Trust sites), we heavily rely on entrance fees for the essential maintenance and upkeep that comes with an ancient village perched on a 400ft cliff, with no vehicular access.

“Your entry fee also goes towards our tree planting and conservation initiatives that you can see around the village.”

What is included in your entrance fee?

• Entry to the village
• Parking
• Entry to Clovelly Court Gardens
• Entry to the Fisherman’s Cottage and Kingsley Museum
• Audio-visual experience
• General Facilities
• Great access to the walks and picnic spots surrounding the area
• Contribution towards the care of the donkeys

1st March 2026 to 28th February 2027

• Adult – £10.90
• Child (Aged 7 – 16) – £6.25
• Young Child (Under 7 – Free
• Family (2 adults & 2 children) – £27.00
• Adult (Annual pass) – £35.00
• Family (Annual pass) – £85.00

A POPULAR seaside town has been forced to close its cliff lift with immediate effect over safety fears.

The attraction, which cost £8,000 to build, is the oldest of its kind in the UK and first opened in the coastal resort in 1875.

Engineers assessing Scarborough Spa Cliff Lift found “a number of issues”, resulting in its closure.

The Victorian-era lift is one of the seaside town‘s most popular heritage attractions.

Last year, a host of live performances and exhibitions were held in the town to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Carl Les, councillor with North Yorkshire Council, said “the lift is an important part of Scarborough’s history and identity”.

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He added that no decisions had been made “regarding the scope of any future works, timescales or funding arrangements”.

The findings would be assessed in detail and further updates would be shared “in due course”, the council added.

The lift was used to transport passengers between the hotels on the Esplanade and the spa and was originally powered by water and gas engines.

It was converted to run on electricity in the 1950s.

The latest report investigated the condition of the tracks, carriages and associated infrastructure, the council said.

The council added that as the lift is in a “challenging coastal environment”, this could accelerate wear and corrosion.

THE year is flying by, so much so that it’s time to think about your next holiday. So where is set to be big in 2027?

With events like the Ryder Cup, football tournaments, eclipses and K-pop festivals – these are the spots you should book a holiday to next year.

Algarve… for Formula 1

The Algarve could be a great should for fans of Formula 1 as in June, it will return to Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão.

It will be the first time the F1 has been to the track since 2021.

If you fancy a holiday there as well as a thrilling race, Portimão has an old quarter to explore along with a busy marina and lots of pretty beaches.

From the UK, you can get direct flights from 21 UK airports to Faro – which is the gateway airport to the Algarve region.

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Burgas… for Eurovision

After their win in Vienna with 516 points, Bulgaria will host the Eurovision Song Contest next year.

Anyone wanting to witness countries going head-to-head with bizarre performances should head to Arena Burgas next May.

The city on the Black Sea coast is also one of the cheapest spots for a family holiday with 89p beers and all-inclusive holidays for under £280.

One-way flights to Burgas can cost as little as £17 and are direct from nine UK airports.

Brazil… for FIFA Women’s World Cup

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 will have 64 fixtures across eight host cities throughout June and July.

Locations include Salvador, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro which according to Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey is ‘just like the movies’.

It’s home to Sugarloaf Mountain where you’ll see one of the Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer, and the city also has the famous Copacabana Beach.

Rio de Janeiro has direct daily flights from London with British Airways, taking just over 11 hours.

Luxor… for the eclipse

For those who enjoyed the recent partial eclipse in August – a total solar eclipse will block out the sun over parts of North Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Luxor in Egypt is a spot that will see a lot of the eclipse – it will be dark for a total of six minutes and 22 seconds.

The city is known for having the historic Valley of the Kings tombs, and Karnak Temple.

There aren’t any direct flights to Luxor – indirect journeys can take nine hours with a stopover at Cairo.

Australia… for Men’s Rugby World Cup

Between October 1 and November 13 2027, rugby will dominate Australia at the Men’s Rugby World Cup.

Matches will take place across the country in Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville.

Of course heading to Australia isn’t just a weekend break for Brits – so make the most of it by planning excursions, heading to its beautiful coastline and even go on a safari.

It’s about to get easier to travel to as with new direct BA flights to Melbourne next January while Qantas will launch the longest ever flights called Project Sunrise between Sydney and London in 2027.

Madrid… for UEFA Champions League

The Premier League season is already underway and soon enough the UEFA Champions League will be too.

Paris Saint-Germain are the ones to beat – and the final match will take place at the Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid on June 5, 2027.

There’s plenty to do in Madrid too from visiting its world-class art museums like Prado and eating at Mercado de San Miguel where pintxos (open sandwiches) start from £1.30.

One-way flights take two and a half hours and start from as little as £13 and depart from six UK airports.

Limerick… for the Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup golf tournament between teams from Europe and the US will return after two years being held at the Golf Course at Adare Manor in Limerick.

The competition takes just three days, so there’s plenty of time to explore the city.

Take a stroll along the riverside, tour King John’s Castle and enjoy a pint at JJ Bowles which is considered the oldest pub in Limerick.

The nearest airport is Shannon which is a 30-minute drive away from the city. One-way flights are as little as £15 and it takes an hour and a half from UK airports.

Florida… for Disney

Any fans of Disney will want to head to Florida next year, with a number of new exciting launches.

There’s the new Disney World attraction at the Glob Theatre called “Welcome to Monstropolis”, with the monsters in the show introducing visitors to Monstropolis.

And the new cruise ship Disney Believe is set to launch in late 2027 – with a Moana-inspired Grand Hall, Tinker Bell on its bow and Woody and Buzz Lightyear on the stern.

Airlines like BA, Norse, American Airlines, Finnair, and Iberia offer direct flights to Orlando.

Seoul… for K-pop

Calling any K-pop fans – you might want to book flights to Seoul.

Next December it will launch Fanomenon, a festival with concerts and award shows centered around K-pop will debut on December 2 which hopes to rival Coachella.

Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot, even tried out a K-pop dance class when she visited as well as exploring K-beauty shops in Myeong-dong and popped into a cat cafe.

Virgin Atlantic launched new flights from Heathrow to Seoul earlier this year, with return flights from £840.

Goodwood… for the races

If you don’t fancy hopping on a plane, then stay right here in the UK.

In West Sussex the Goodwood Estate hosts races throughout the year, and scheduled for 2027 is Qatar Goodwood Festival between July 27 -31.

It will also host a motorsport Festival of Speed between July 15-18.

There’s also live music, lounges, a roof garden, private bars and boxes.