Ashley Polson, from Swansea, recently climbed a famous mountain. Though he was happy to take on the trek, as was left floored after making an unexpected discovery at the top
12:16, 05 Feb 2026Updated 12:16, 05 Feb 2026
He recently climbed the famous mountain (stock image)(Image: Getty)
Just days ago, he made his way to the Brecon Beacons to take in the views from the renowned peak, only to encounter an unexpected twist. Upon reaching the summit at 10am, he confessed it was “absolutely Baltic”, and that was merely the beginning of his tale.
In footage posted to TikTok, Ashley remarked: “While you’re all tucked up in bed, in the warm, I’m up here. Pen y Fan. Oh my god, it is freezing up here.
“I’m up here today for a walk event, some people are running. I’m just walking, I’ve got my sticks. I don’t know if you can hear me, but that’s the top up there.
“It’s snowing. To be honest with you, I feel like I’m going to get blown off before I get back down. I was going to say lovely views up Pen y Fan, but it’s f*****g freezing. So yeah, lovely morning walk, great.”
Ashley cheekily titled his video “scenic walk up Pen y Fan”, seemingly poking fun at the reality that visibility was virtually non-existent. The weather conditions meant he was robbed of the panoramic views, with thick fog obscuring everything.
Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Fortunately, Ashley maintained his sense of humour throughout, appearing upbeat despite being greeted by nothing but a wall of mist instead of the anticipated scenery.
His clip clearly resonated with viewers, racking up hundreds of views. Many were quick to leave comments sharing their own experiences.
One viewer remarked: “I’ve been there. It’s so cold.” Meanwhile, another expressed Welsh pride, commenting: “At our doorstep.”
Ashley responded: “We’re lucky to have all this local.” It’s evident he takes pride in residing in such a stunning nation, though moments like these are undeniably amusing.
Ashley may be familiar to some, as he’s gained recognition for creating viral content about Wales alongside his brother. The duo regularly entertain online audiences with their comedic sketches and humorous footage.
Where is Pen y Fan?
For those unfamiliar, Pen y Fan rises to 886 metres (2,907 ft) and sits within the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It holds the distinction of being the tallest peak in South Wales and southern Britain.
The location draws countless walkers thanks to its spectacular vistas and demanding yet manageable trails. A four-mile circular path proves particularly appealing to visitors.
In terms of difficulty, the trek ranks as moderately to seriously challenging. Walkers should expect sharp inclines, rocky ground and frequently waterlogged paths.
Although accessible throughout most of the year, its popularity means arriving during morning is advisable to dodge the masses.
On March 15th the whole station will be closed and London overground services will run from London Fields.
There will therefore be no access to the main concourse. but the Elizabeth line services will be running.
On March 21-22, the Elizabeth line services will again be running, but again there will be no access to the main concourse as the station will be closed.
There will be no Overground Weaver line trains on both of these days and on March 22 there will be no Elizabeth line trains.
The whole station including the concourse will be closed once more during March 28-29 and there will be no Overground Weaver line trains on both days.
Although the Elizabeth line trains will continue to run – there will be no access to the station on those dates.
March 15: whole station closure * London Overground services will instead run from London Fields * Elizabeth line services will be running, though no access to the main concourse March 21-22: whole station closure * On March 21 Elizabeth line services will be running, no access to the main concourse * On March 22 no Elizabeth line trains * No Overground Weaver line trains on both days March 28-29: whole station closure * Elizabeth line services will be running, no access to the main concourse * No Overground Weaver line trains on both days
The closures are planned for the weekends only and should not affect week day journeys
The village of Dedham will have royal visitors this weekCredit: AlamyThe riverside village is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the country
The royal couple are heading through Dedham on their way to Colchester, to celebrate it being given city status two years ago.
The pretty Essex village is frequently named as being one of the most beautiful in the country thanks to its bright Tudor buildings, pretty high street and location on the River Stour.
The River Stour, which begins west of Great Bradley in Cambridgeshire and ends in the North Sea at Harwich, passes through the village.
It’s often used for canoeing and kayaking with picnickers sitting along the bank during the summer.
Dedham village is found in the heart of Dedham Vale, which is known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Last year, Dedham was named as one of ‘Britain’s 30 greatest villages’ by The Telegraph where it called it ‘picturesque’.
In 2024, The Times called Dedham Vale one of the best “off-radar places to target if you are craving countryside without the crowds.”
During their visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the Sun Inn pub – which was on 100 best pubs by the Good Food Guide.
Most read in Best of British
The pub sits along the main High Street and was formerly a coach inn – the 500-year-old building previously served as a vital resting point for travellers and horses.
Now, it serves up grub to visitors – the Sun Inn has a seasonal menu and is well-known for its hearty roast dinners.
According to the Good Food Guide it’s a place where you’ll get some of the tastiest food in the country.
On the Sun Inn, the Good Food Guide said: “As slices of English heritage go, Piers Baker’s 15th-century yellow-washed coaching inn right in the heart of Dedham is nigh-on perfect.
“There’s a sense of seasonality too in menus that offer a winning mix of updated pub classics and more inventive, Italian-accented dishes built around prime seasonal ingredients.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla will stop by the Sun Inn pub on the High StreetAbove the pub are seven rooms that visitors can bookCredit: The Sun Inn Dedham
On Sundays you can get one course for £25, two for £35 and three for £45.
Mains include roast rump of beef, pork loin and celeriac puff pastry pie – each comes with roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.
Upstairs are seven bedrooms available for visitors to book – some are dog-friendly, and all have big beds and ensuite bathrooms.
A one-night stay in February costs £185 and comes with breakfast.
The royals aren’t the only well-known figures to have stepped inside the pub – it’s previously been visited by Sting and ex-footballer Frank Lampard.
From the Sun Inn, King Charles and Queen Camilla will head to the Essex Rose Teahouse.
Here you can get breakfast, lunch and of course an afternoon tea, which comes with a selection of freshly made sandwiches followed by homemade fruit scones for £25pp.
If you don’t fancy a whole afternoon tea – you can get a cream tea from £9.95pp.
Dedham is 9 miles away from Colchester which was given city status just two years ago as part of TheQueen’s Platinum Jubileecelebrations.
Burundi gained full independence from Belgium in 1962. This began a period of instability in the fledgling landlocked nation.
It moved from a constitutional monarchy to a republic and lurched into civil war and ethnic cleansing. In 1987, Major Pierre Buyoya led a military coup d’état to overthrow Col. Bagaza, who himself had come to power in a military coup.
Before returning to a democratically elected government, Buyoya instigated a Charter of National Unity. The charter was intended to abolish ethnic discrimination and give a mandate for the government to write a new constitution.
A referendum on the charter was held in Burundi in February 1991. It was approved by 89.77% of voters with a 96% turnout.
Following the referendum, work began on the drafting of a new constitution which was approved in a referendum and promulg …
By midwinter, Los Angeles is defined less by cold than by light. Cool, clear mornings give way to afternoons shaped by the low winter arc of the sun, painting the mountains in long shadows and the sky in improbable color.
And as that low light settles in, my whole body shifts in spirit. Somewhere deep in the limbic system, a synapse fires like a flare, tracing the old circuitry of migration and memory — that annual pull toward the wide-open deserts of the American Southwest.
I dream of lizards, dark skies, sand dunes and sunsets streaked in rose-mauve and smoky violet, the air heavy with the scent of wet creosote and campfire smoke.
A sunrise in the desert.
(Josh Jackson)
But mostly I long for the open road, those forgotten highways where pavement runs through the quaint towns, weathered landmarks and the millions of acres of public land in the desert. It is a nostalgia shared by the chroniclers of the past.
In 1971, Lane Magazine published “The Backroads of California,” a large-format book that delivered trip notes and sketches of 42 backroads by the late artist Earl Thollander.
In the epilogue he writes, “On the backroads of California I re-discovered the pleasure of driving. It had nothing to do with haste, and everything to do with taking time to perceive, with full consciousness, the earth’s ever-changing colors, designs, and patterns.”
Many of those original roads have faded away, swallowed by high-speed highways or erased by suburban expansion. But a handful still survive — routes that don’t carve a straight line but follow the meandering, undulating contours of the land. They are living archives of the West.
This essay marks the beginning of a series exploring those remaining roads. And we begin on Highway 127, a two-lane stretch that runs north from Baker, slowly ascending and descending toward the Nevada border. To the west lies the outskirts of Death Valley National Park; to the east, millions of acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management — acreage collectively owned by all of us.
The Baker Country Store.
(Josh Jackson)
I arrived in Baker at sunrise in early December, camera in hand, notebook in pocket. The highway sign was nearly indecipherable beneath layers of stickers and graffiti.
I pulled the car north out of town, the 41-degree air still holding the night’s chill, and was greeted by shifting light and the open, empty scale of the desert. A full moon was dropping toward the Avawatz Mountains as the sun worked its way over the horizon in the east. The dry lake beds and bare mountains were cast in glow and shadow, the whole scene washed in cinnamon and brown sugar — earthy tones that felt almost edible.
Dumont Dunes, a playground for sand dune enthusiasts, is bordered by the slow-running Amargosa River.
(Josh Jackson)
By mile 34, the winter light had begun to settle over the landscape. A short spur leads to the Dumont Dunes, a popular off-highway vehicle area, but I came to witness the miraculous waterway that surfaces above ground on its 185-mile horseshoe journey from Nevada to Badwater Basin: the diminutive but mighty Amargosa River.
Here it pushes and carves through a canyon of mud walls that resemble the color of a wasp’s nest. Ravens circle overhead, croaking at my presence in defiance. The sight of water in the parched desert unsettles your perceptions. The urge to lie down for a soak, even in winter, is hard to resist. I bend down, scoop a handful of cold water and splash it against my face.
Amargosa Canyon is known for its dramatic rock formations.
(Josh Jackson)
The Amargosa Conservancy and local tribes have worked for decades to protect this river for its cultural and biodiversity values. As Executive Director Mason Voehl told me, it is “the lifeblood of these lands. The fates of every community of life in this extreme reach of the Mojave Desert are inextricably tied to the fate of the river.”
Kneeling at the riverbank, I understood exactly what he meant.
The Shoshone post office.
(Josh Jackson)
Built in the 1930s, the Crowbar Cafe & Saloon is like a time capsule.
(Josh Jackson)
Twenty-two miles farther north, Shoshone appears as a small village serving a couple dozen residents. A gas station, post office, general store and the Crowbar Café & Saloon anchor the town.
I met Molly Hansen, the community’s unofficial historian and naturalist, in her low-ceilinged office near the village center. We walked to the end of town, where spring-fed pools hold the fate of the only population of Shoshone pupfish in the world. Once thought extinct, they were rediscovered in a metal culvert in 1986. Today they dart and shimmer through the warm water — tiny, minnow-like survivors whose breeding males flash a bright desert blue.
Hansen gestured toward the springs. “We’re not just trying to save a species,” she said. “We’re trying to restore the entire ecosystem.”
This ecosystem persists in large part because of Susan Sorrells, who owns the town and surrounding thousand acres. As the lead advocate for the proposed Amargosa Basin National Monument, she is working to protect this entire corridor — the river, wetlands and deep cultural history stitched through these desert valleys. Shoshone might be a tiny dot on a map, but it holds something astonishing: the reminder that the desert doesn’t have to be a place where things go to die — it can be a place where they begin again.
Eagle Mountain.
(Josh Jackson)
Just past mile 72, Eagle Mountain begins to tease the horizon. At first only its serrated top breaches the low hills, as if surfacing for air. Eventually the entire massif stands exposed: a solitary block of limestone rising 1,800 feet above the Mojave floor. Its isolation is striking, a misplaced guardian island.
For the Southern Paiute and Western Shoshone, Eagle Mountain holds profound cultural significance — woven into their creation stories and Salt Songs, understood as a “passage to the sky.” Even with my limited knowledge, the mountain radiated a kind of gravity, as though the desert itself were remembering.
Amargosa Opera House.
(Josh Jackson)
By mile 83, the Amargosa Hotel and Opera House appear — one of the strangest and most enchanting landmarks in the Mojave. Its stucco walls and Spanish arches were once part of a Pacific Coast Borax company town, later abandoned when the boom ended. In 1967, Marta Becket, a professional ballet dancer from New York, serendipitously got a flat tire nearby and fell in love. Soon after, she moved to the outpost, bought the hotel and spent the rest of her life preserving the landmark and restoring the opera house, where she performed for audiences large and small until 2012. Today, the hotel and theater remain open — faded, fragile and utterly magnetic.
The final seven miles of Highway 127 passed quickly, the sun slipping toward the western horizon as I crossed into Nevada, eight hours after I began.
Turns out, Thollander was right: This experience had nothing to do with haste. These backroads teach a different rhythm — the wonders of going the long way, of stopping when something catches your eye, of noticing beauty that doesn’t shout for attention. In a world increasingly defined by speed and distraction, this slow way of seeing becomes more than nostalgia; it becomes an antidote to the frantic pace of our modern condition, a necessary pause to see not what has been forgotten, but what endures.
Road trip planner: California Highway 127
California 127 illustrated map.
(Illustrated map by Noah Smith)
The route: Baker to the Nevada state line
Distance: 91 miles (one way)
Drive time: 1.5 hours straight through; allow a full day for stops
Best time to go: Late October through April. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 110°F
Fuel and essentials:
Baker (Mile 0): Last major services. Fill your tank and stock up on water/supplies here.
Shoshone (Mile 57): Gas station, general store and post office available.
EV charging: Fast chargers available in Baker; Level 2 chargers available at Shoshone Inn.
Food and drink:
Los Dos Toritos Restaurant in Baker: Authentic Mexican.
China Ranch Date Farm (Mile 48): A historic desert oasis along the Amargosa River; famous for date shakes.
Crowbar Café & Saloon in Shoshone: The local watering hole. Hearty meals and cold beer.
Camping:
Dumont Dunes: A wind-shaped sand dune complex designated for off-highway vehicle recreation. Primitive camping (permit required, purchase on-site or online).
Shoshone RV Park: Full hookups, tent sites and access to the warm spring pool.
Lodging:
Hike and explore:
Amargosa River Crossing (Mile 34): Pull out safely to see the rare sight of water flowing in the Mojave.
China Ranch Trails (Mile 48): Creek Trail is an easy, short walk through riparian willow groves; Slot Canyon is a moderate 2-mile hike into spectacular mud-hill geology.
Shoshone Wetlands (Mile 57): Short walking paths to view the Shoshone pupfish habitat.
Amargosa Opera House (Mile 83): Tours of Marta Becket’s painted theater typically run daily (check schedule online); walk the grounds to see the historic borax town ruins.
Safety Notes:
Water: Carry at least one gallon per person per day.
Connectivity: Cell service is spotty to nonexistent between Baker and Shoshone. Download offline maps before leaving I-15.
Wildlife: Watch for wild burros and coyotes on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
A POPULAR family-run theme park is at risk of closing forever after it was forced into liquidation.
Brean Theme Park in Somerset originally opened back in 1946 as a camp site and later grew, but soon will close for good.
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Brean Theme Park has gone into liquidation and is winding-upCredit: Brean Theme ParkThis means that the theme park is set to closeCredit: Brean Theme Park
The theme park, which calls itself the ‘UK’s largest free-entry theme park’, has over 40 rides – which include indoor and outdoor rollercoasters, a ghost train and carousels.
According to The Gazette, the UK’s official public record, the theme park has gone into liquidation, with Nicholas Stafford of Hazlewoods LLP appointed as liquidator.
On February 4, ‘resolutions for winding-up’ were published in The Gazette.
It states: “NOTICE IS GIVEN that the following written resolutions of the above-named Company, were passed on 28 January 2026 as a Special resolution and Ordinary resolution respectively:
One traveller is urging others to complete a quick safety check before falling asleep in their accommodation after a horrifying experience.
Travel guide asks tourists to do a 10-second task before falling asleep in a hotel(Image: Getty)
If you’re someone who enjoys exploring foreign destinations, you’ll understand how draining travel can sometimes be, and after an action-packed day all you crave is climbing into a comfortable bed. Nevertheless, it’s absolutely vital as a tourist to inspect your hotel room before settling down for the night, as even a brief moment of precaution can help prevent potential issues.
Sue Ross, a travel expert and founder of Sue Where Why What, has revealed she was recently burgled whilst on holiday. She explained: “On my recent trip to St Lucia, I was robbed. I was staying alone in an apartment, and an intruder broke in while I was sleeping and stole from me. It was a sickening experience, but I was also very lucky. “
Sue is now determined to help fellow travellers remain safe and has disclosed that the single hotel safety measure she wishes she’d adhered to was ensuring the windows were shut.
As reported by the Express, she continued: “If there is one big thing I have changed it’s appreciating air conditioning, or using fans to get the air circulating. I will never open the windows at night again.
“Or, only if I’m sure that there is no way of this incident being repeated. If there isn’t any air conditioning or a fan, then again, the higher your room, the better for both safety reasons and access to a cooling breeze.”
Whilst it may appear straightforward, leaving windows open makes it easy for intruders to gain entry, and even occupying a higher floor isn’t without risk if there’s a balcony or fire escape close by.
Simply take a moment to ensure the windows and curtains are fully drawn as this helps keep you as protected whilst you’re sleeping.
You should also think about securing the door before retiring for the night with a rubber doorstop, a more sophisticated alarmed version or even positioning a chair against the door can be sufficient to frighten off intruders.
Burglars typically look for easy opportunities, and any obstruction can make them think the person they are robbing is on high alert so it is not worth the effort.
Taking the time to lock up is usually enough to get robbers to turn away from your room, and thereby keeping you safe while on holiday.
Most guests also avoid using the hotel safe in case they forget their valuables, but it’s a useful place to store your items so that they don’t get stolen.
If you’re worried you might leave behind valuables in the safe box when it’s time to check out, then there’s actually a straightforward method to prevent this.
Simply place your shoes on top of the safe box, as a reminder to check the safe before leaving your hotel room for the airport.
Born in Milan in 2000, Paralympic swimmer Simone Barlaam, is a 13-time world champion who won three golds and a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He’s a torchbearer and ambassador for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, which run from 6-22 February (the Paralympic Games run from 6-15 March) at sites across Lombardy and north-east Italy (with events such as speed skating, figure skating and ice hockey in the city). He also worked as a graphic designer for the games.
Barlaam grew up in Milan and lives in NoLo (North of Loreto), a vibrant, artistic neighbourhood. “I’ve lived all over the place, so I can take you around the city and the places that belong to my heart,” he says. Here, he chooses his favourite spots, beyond obvious sights such as the Duomo, La Scala opera house and the glossy Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district.
A view over Parco Sempione and Sforza Castle in the heart of Milan. Photograph: Andrei Domanin/Alamy
Food
If I’m training, there’s this beautiful pastry shop next to my pool that I go to with my teammates after a long, hard session: Pasticceria Grossi in Piazzale Udine. It’s the best coffee place.
I like Panificio Storico Vailati on Via Vitruvio because the pastries are lovely, and it’s welcoming and warm – they treat you as if they’ve known you for the last 30 years.
Pizzeria da Mimmo near Chinatown has a special place in my heart because my parents always used to take us there for lunch. It’s a very small place and the pizza slices are very thick, soft and fluffy, like a cloud. Every time I go there, I feel like a kid again.
When I was a student, studying at the Politecnico di Milano, I would go to Grano e in Viale Romagna, where the food is very cheap and very fresh. If I want to treat myself I go to Ratanà on Via Gaetano de Castillia, it’s the restaurant of my friend and chef Cesare Battisti. It has traditional dishes like mondeghili, a type of fried meatball made of leftovers, and I think it does the best risotto in town. I also love a Vietnamese restaurant called Vietnam Mon Amour, where I used to go as a student. It’s tiny and the food is amazing.
Neighbourhood
Simone shopping in Milan’s Chinatown. Photograph: Laura Coffey
Via Paolo Sarpi, in Chinatown is a must, and comes alive at night. There are so many places to eat – restaurants as well as amazing street food places. There are a few karaoke places too – it’s fun to go with your friends and just sing and make a fool out of yourself.
Fashion
Milan is the city of Armani, and there is so much of Giorgio’s legacy here. It’s an incredible honour to have developed a race suit with them. When Giorgio passed away, I went to the funeral and the queue of people there to say goodbye was kilometres long. That showed how much people love him and how his legacy affected this city.
Inspiration
Simone finds visits to Milan’s old aquarium fascinating. Photograph: PhotoFires/Alamy
The Acquario Civico di Milano, one of the oldest aquariums in Europe, was built in the early 20th century. There are sculptures of the sea and fish around the building. Part of the aquarium is outside, with freshwater fish; most of the displays are dedicated to Italian aquatic environments, though inside there’s a little tropical aquarium too. What I love about water is the sense of freedom it gives me, because obviously, for a person with a disability, I’m very clumsy and not very graceful on land – but in the water, I’m fast and can be agile. It feels almost like flying. I could stay for hours just watching a fish swim in an aquarium, it’s mesmerising. I have this passion that I can’t really express in words about swimming creatures, they give me a kind of peace.
Green space
Milan is full of little green parks, but Parco Sempione is one of the best and it’s connected to the medieval Castello Sforzesco, the triumphal arch Arco della Pace and the excellent Museum of Triennale. It has so many cool events – live music, concerts, exhibitions – they are displaying original Olympic posters until 15 March.
Accessibility
Most of the time, Milan is an accessible city. It’s flat, and with the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, there have been many renovations in the city. For example, they’ve finally built an elevator at the metro stop in front of my house. But obviously we cannot stop here and we need to always improve because like every part of Italy, Milan is full old buildings that need to be made more accessible.
Obviously, Milan is well known for its culture and museums but there are plenty of hidden gems, too. One of them is the L.O.V.E. statue by Maurizio Cattelan, a contemporary visual artist. This statue in front of Milan’s stock exchange is a giant middle finger, and not many tourists go to see it. It’s interesting: it’s made of marble but is so different to classical buildings. It’s as if it’s saying, “screw you” to the Milan stock exchange building, which was built during the Ventennio (Italy’s fascist dictatorship).
There are many other museums that I love, such as the Mudec, the Museum of the Cultures of Milan. The Museum of Natural History is tiny but it’s in a beautiful building in a beautiful park. At the weekend it’s crowded with kids. I used to be one of those kids, I’d go there all the time. Outside they have lifesize models of dinosaurs. It’s amazing to think they used to roam on the land that became Milan back in the day.
This charming Lancashire village in the Forest of Bowland with no mobile reception is the ideal weekend getaway
It’s a tranquil haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle(Image: Wirestock via Getty Images)
Nestled within the moorland wilderness of the Forest of Bowland – designated an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) in 1964 – lies a captivating, lesser-known village that seems virtually frozen in time.
Boasting magnificent stone buildings, this charming Lancashire village is considered the perfect retreat for anyone seeking to escape the frenetic pace of urban living and disconnect for a while.
Situated at the heart of the Trough of Bowland, this picturesque hamlet offers practically no mobile phone signal, adding to its timeless character, but makes up for its lack of connectivity with plentiful charm, offering visitors countless activities as they discover the locale.
The peaceful village of Slaidburn has plenty to offer and makes an ideal starting point for walkers and cyclists, owing to its closeness to the varied landscape and breathtaking rural views that encircle it, reports Lancs Live.
Must-see 15th-century church
Among the key attractions in Slaidburn is the village’s Grade I Listed church located at its centre.
A functioning Anglican church, St Andrew’s Church is built from sandstone and originates from the 15th century, making it a superb afternoon stop for visitors, particularly history enthusiasts.
Constructed in the Gothic architectural tradition, the church was established in 1450, though it experienced several modifications during the 18th Century. The eastern wall of the church was completely reconstructed in 1866.
This historic building, steeped in a rich past and heritage, boasts unique pews, an uncommon three-tier pulpit, and a striking chancel screen. It’s also noted for its ‘quantity of good early woodwork’.
Venturing outside, the churchyard houses a sandstone cross shaft with Grade II Listed status, likely dating back to the 16th century, adorned with carved detailing on its upper part.
The churchyard is also the final resting place of a Duke of Wellington’s Regiment soldier who lost his life during World War I.
Why this delightful village is worth a visit
Slaidburn is a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts and history aficionados.
A poignant war memorial takes centre stage in the village – a solitary soldier with a bowed head atop a hexagonal plinth – and visitors often remark on the touching tribute to the fallen.
Visitors to Slaidburn can unwind with a brew and a piece of freshly baked cake at the quaint Riverbank tearoom, an ideal pit-stop for cyclists and walkers needing a break.
Indeed, it’s fair to say that Slaidburn is one of those villages where the charm lies in the small details of life.
Nestled among the Forest of Bowland fells, Slaidburn is reached via a narrow, winding mountain pass.
A stroll through this charming village reveals a historic water fountain and a display of Victorian footwear, featuring clogs and ice-skating boots. Another significant structure in Slaidburn is the Ellerbeck Hall.
The Hark to Bounty Inn, a 16th-century pub and Grade II Listed building, stands at the village’s centre, featuring oak-beamed ceilings, a spacious bar area and an adjoining snug room ideal for gatherings.
The pub, a cherished cornerstone of the community, is presently shut, according to the final update from its former landlords of more than 25 years in October 2024.
Slaidburn’s charm stems from its capacity to offer both tranquil unwinding and adventure – all within its picturesque confines, establishing it as a perfect countryside retreat.
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Lancashire is known for its wide open skies, stunning landscapes and lively coastal resorts. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of self catering accommodation across the county from £42 a night.
Nestled in lower Wharfedale, Hebden village offers stunning walking routes, trolls folklore linked to Hound of Baskervilles, Roman history, and a charming tea room in a former chapel
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Scale Haw Force near Hebden in Wharfedale(Image: Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF)
Tucked away in the hills of lower Wharfedale lies a hidden treasure brimming with history and spine-tingling stories.
Hebden sits within the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s protected conservation areas – this particular village occupies land where an ancient Bronze Age settlement once stood.
The area boasts stunning walking trails that wind past charming Yorkstone cottages. One notorious route leading to the village passes through a ravine called Trollers Gill.
This now-popular picnic destination harbours a sinister past. Locals once believed the gorge was inhabited by malevolent trolls who would murder humans by hurling boulders at them.
Even more disturbing, the cave at the passage’s end was thought to shelter a wolf-like creature that would slaughter anyone who locked eyes with it, reports Yorkshire Live.
This legend is believed to have inspired Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle’s celebrated tale The Hound of the Baskervilles, according to Yorkshire Dales.
Romans also established themselves in the vicinity – with 33 silver denarii coins discovered in the surrounding countryside – supporting the theory that Romans inhabited the region between 30 and 170 AD.
Along the village’s main street, you’ll discover something unexpected. Within Hebden Methodist Church, formerly a school, sits a charming tea room.
Outside the Old School Tea Room, the postbox has been painted gold to honour Yorkshire’s Olympic gold medallist – rower Andrew Triggs Hodge. One Trip Advisor user described it as “the perfect pit stop”.
They explained: “We visited the Old School Tea Room while doing a loop walk from Linton, along the river, via Hebden and to Grassington.
“It was about halfway, and we were ready for cake! Lovely, characterful building, inside and out, friendly staff and a great range of cakes. I opted for a raspberry and white chocolate one. Delicious! And all with a really nice cup of Yorkshire tea. I’ll definitely be back!”.
For bird enthusiasts, there’s an impressive array of wildlife worth getting the binoculars out for, including Canada Geese, Teal and Reed Bunting.
Hebden’s more recent past has been shaped by mining. Evidence of this former industry can be spotted along the popular Lead Mining Trail, which begins at Yarnbury to the north of Hebden.
The route takes you through Orefield, one of the principal mines during the Victorian period, and skirts the edge of Hebden.
Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.
The European Parliament has voted to allow passengers to carry a small case alongside free underseat bags
easyJet, Ryanair and other airlines could be impacted(Image: Anna Barclay/Getty Images)
Travellers with Ryanair and easyJet may soon be allowed to bring two cabin bags on flights without facing additional charges. Currently, these carriers permit passengers on basic fares to take just one small personal item aboard, with any extra luggage coming at an additional fee.
Ryanair has been compelled to increase the size of personal bags it allows, following changes to EU regulations. Under the new rules, passengers flying with the budget airline will be able to carry hand luggage measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, marking a 20 per cent increase from the previous 40 x 20 x 25 cm restrictions.
easyJet’s personal bag dimensions already complied with these requirements, but another EU rule modification could enable travellers to bring a cabin bag measuring up to 100cm, along with a personal bag, without extra costs. The European parliament voted last month to grant all passengers the right to carry a small case, in addition to the free underseat bags currently allowed.
Parliament wants passengers to have the right to bring onto the aircraft, at no extra cost, one personal item (such as a handbag, rucksack or laptop) and one small piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 100 cm (combined length, width and height) and seven kilograms. The amendments, which require approval from the European Council before taking effect, would cover all travellers flying to or from an EU airport with an EU-based carrier, directly impacting the majority of short-haul journeys from the UK.
European Parliament members (MEPs) are also keen to guarantee that children under 12 are positioned next to an accompanying adult at no additional charge. At present, carriers have no legal obligation to place children beside their parents, although the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recommends they should do so.
The CAA explains: “Young children and infants who are accompanied by adults should ideally be seated in the same seat row as the adult. Where this is not possible, children should be separated by no more than one seat row from accompanying adults.
“This is because the speed of an emergency evacuation may be affected by adults trying to reach their children.”
The railway operates on tracks dating back to 1725 and 1621, making it the world’s oldest. Heritage steam trains run every Sunday along the three-mile route, kept alive by dedicated volunteers
The railway is still in use(Image: Graeme J Baty via Getty Images)
Britain boasts a remarkable industrial heritage, with its railway network standing as a particular point of pride. Through decades of ingenuity and hard graft, tracks were laid across the country, linking villages, towns and cities together.
While many of these lines remain operational today, only one can claim the distinction of being the world’s oldest. Sections of this historic route stretch back to 1725 and continue to operate as a heritage railway.
A passenger service travels along the three-mile stretch every Sunday.
The Tanfield Railway winds its way through Gateshead and County Durham. Its origins began as a horse-drawn colliery wooden waggonway, then evolved into a rope-and-horse railway, and eventually into a rope-and-loco railway.
Preserved industrial steam locomotives still traverse the route between East Tanfield, Durham, and Sunniside, Gateshead. The railway holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest, with track sections dating to 1725 and other portions in service since 1621, reports the Express.
The Tanfield Railway was constructed for transporting coal, not people, to the River Tyne for shipping to London and further afield. It employed cutting-edge technology for its era, with wooden wagons running on wooden rails, hauled by horses.
This predated the arrival of iron rails and steam power on the railway by a century. Today, dedicated volunteers have shouldered the responsibility of maintaining Tanfield Railway’s remarkable heritage.
Last year marked the railway’s 300th anniversary, with celebrations featured in the BBC documentary, The World’s Oldest Railway. Tom Hartley joined as a volunteer in 2004 after being captivated by the North Polar Express train during a childhood trip with his parents.
At 19, Tom and three fellow volunteers set out to restore their own steam engine. They purchased the National Coal Board No. 38 from veteran volunteer Peter Weightman for just £1, working out at 25p each.
The group has invested countless hours and considerable funds into the restoration project, with hopes that the locomotive will soon be operational again.
Peter reflected: “It was frightening to see so many lovely machines that were getting scrapped in the 1960s, and that was my motivation really. Somebody had to do it before we lost our history, our local history.
“It has taken a lifetime to do it all, but I have confidence knowing that the next generation is going to repair it and get it working.”
Around 170 volunteers contribute to Tanfield’s operations, alongside three full-time employees.
General manager David Watchman expressed his pride: “I am really proud of our railway; we have a fantastic bunch of volunteers. Everyone has their own skill set. It is all about the people, and we have volunteers aged 12 through to 92. The railway wouldn’t exist without them.”
AT Diggerland you can forget classic fairytale castles and rollercoasters because this one-of-a-kind theme park has none of that.
What it does have is plenty of JCBs, tractors and dumper trucks that kids can drive around themselves – which makes it arguably the strangest… and best day out for a family.
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Diggerland will reopen for half-term and it has a new attractionCredit: AlamyCrazy Trikes is the newest attraction to Diggerland theme parks across the UKCredit: Diggerland
The theme park, which has four sites across the UK, will reopen on February 14, 2026 – just in time for half-term digging fun.
Diggerland is where kids can drive and operate real construction machinery – something they can’t do anywhere else.
They can use them to dig for treasure, navigate mini-tractors, and get spinning on the Spin Dizzy ride.
There’s also a tractor ride, safari adventure course, and kids can even use mini-excavators to play hook a duck.
And new for 2026 is the Crazy Trikes attraction – three-wheeler bikes that are designed to make OTT spins.
Diggerland says of the experience: “Buckle up and unleash your inner dare-devil as you spin, twirl, and whirl in every direction imaginable in our new Crazy Trikes.
“Spin into doughnuts like a pro or cruise at superb speeds.”
Diggerland is running a very limited-time special offer during February half-term.
Families can buy two standard general admission tickets on the day of their visit for £39.50pp and get two more tickets completely free.
So, a family of four can enjoy a full day of digger fun for £79.
Just make sure to present the voucher (found online) on arrival – and note that you can’t use this on pre-booked tickets.
The offer is valid only during February half term, on days Diggerland is open between February 14 and March 1, 2026 and is available at all four UK locations.
Lauren Nelson, Marketing Manager at Diggerland, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming visitors back for our 2026 season, and we’re already planning to start the year with a bang.
“February half term is the perfect time for families to enjoy something a little different, and with our special offer plus the launch of the brand new Crazy Trikes attraction, there’s never been a better time to visit and create unforgettable memories together.”
Diggerland sites has 20 different rides and drivesCredit: Diggerland
“Diggerland has to be seen to be believed – and even then it’s quite hard to compute.
“We spent the day riding dumper trucks around a gravel pit, digging stones out of a hole with a full-sized digger and riding around a muddy concourse while seated in an enormous bucket.
“In fact, there are quite a few variations on each of those themes.
“You can dig for mud, “gold bricks”, stones or toy ducks. You can drive a dumper, take a digger safari, ride backwards in a bucket carousel – somehow, they’ve made 20 different rides from machinery.”
“If that doesn’t suffice, there are also plenty of coin- operated (you’ve guessed it) car and digger rides dotted around the place.
“With the exception of a couple of car attractions, everything comes straight off a construction site, and if you know any young kids you’ll know there lies the appeal.
“And if the weather is bad, there’s also an indoor soft-play area and bouncy castle next door.”
Diggerland will reopen in time for half-term with a new attractionCredit: Diggerland
The FCDO has issued a new travel alert for Brits before the ban starts on February 7
15:29, 04 Feb 2026Updated 16:47, 04 Feb 2026
Winter sun is a big draw for Brits(Image: Steven Smith)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released fresh guidance for Brits planning trips to a much-loved holiday hotspot this week. In Wednesday’s update, the FCDO has warned UK travellers about nationwide restrictions in Thailand.
A firm favourite with sun-seekers and backpackers alike, the Southeast Asian nation is preparing for its General Election later this week. While tourists might not anticipate any disruption, those fancying an alcoholic beverage could be in for a shock.
The FCDO stated: “Thailand will hold a General Election on 8 February 2026. A nationwide ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol will be in place from 6pm on 7 February until 6pm on 8 February.
“During this period public consumption of alcohol is prohibited, including at social gatherings. The restrictions apply to convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, both public and private. If you do not comply with these restrictions, you could face fines of up to 10,000 baht (around £230) and up to six months’ imprisonment.”
Regions to steer clear of
The FCDO is also recommending against all but essential travel to several parts of Thailand, particularly border regions. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas in the south near the Thailand-Malaysia border, including Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province, and the districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province.
The FCDO has issued guidance recommending against all but essential journeys on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar railway route which passes through these regions. This warning stems from frequent attacks occurring in provinces along the Malaysian frontier. Additionally, travellers should avoid venturing within 20km of Thailand’s land border with Cambodia.
According to the FCDO: “In July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia fought along parts of the border. The fighting included the use of rocket and artillery fire. Tensions remain and fighting erupted again at various points along the border in early December. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended.
“Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple are closed. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. We advise against all travel to the affected land border areas.”
The FCDO has also issued a stark reminder to British tourists about attempting to take cannabis outside Thailand’s borders, stating: “British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis out of Thailand. There have been arrests of British nationals caught transiting through airports in other countries. Many international airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, which may be used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.”
OUR Spotlight On column takes an in depth look at the best things to see and do in your fave holiday destinations and shines a light on some lesser-known spots too.
This week we’re looking at the much-loved city of Barcelona with a closer look at its Gothic Quarter in particular.
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Barelona’s Gothic Quarter is the home of the cathedralCredit: GettyParadiso is a world famous bar that has fantastic cocktailsCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskWhile still bustling, the streets are much quieter than Las RamblasCredit: Getty
The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski says: “I’ve never understood why Barcelona’s Las Ramblas gets more attention than the Gothic Quarter when it comes to shopping.
“For starters, most of the shops there can be found in pretty much any major city – plus, it’s so bogged down with tourists that it’ll take you 30 minutes to stroll just 10 metres.
“The maze of narrow streets that make up the Gothic Quarter, however, are so much fun to explore, flanked by pokey antique stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
“You’ll find lots of little tapas joints and bars, too. Nevermind Bar has outrageously cheap drinks and nibbles – beers will set you back €3.50 while a hefty portion of chips costs €1.50”
“The architecture is what makes this area of the city so special and you’ll feel instantly enveloped by the era in which these Gothic buildings were erected.
“Every street has its own story to tell and bears the scars of a different time. Bring your camera – it’s a great spot for those all important holiday snaps.”
MUST SEE / DO
The Barcelona Cathedral takes pride of place in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and is an absolute must for the bucket list.
The mighty structure dates back to the 13th century, although its main tower was built much more recently.
Entry costs €16pp and that includes access to its glorious rooftop, where you can soak up panoramic views of the city.
Make sure to take a stroll through El Call, too, the old Jewish Quarter.
HIDDEN GEM
The Gothic Quarter and its winding alleyways tend to be crammed full of tourists and locals, weaving between boutique stores and tiny cafes.
The Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, however, is a much quieter spot. That’s partly because not much else is there other than an old Baroque church that still bears visible scars from the Spanish Civil War.
Despite the horror these streets once saw, the atmosphere is extremely peaceful today with a water fountain at its centre, dulling the buzz of the nearby streets.
BEST VIEW
Barcelona isn’t short of cracking rooftops, offering a brilliant vantage point of the key sights. Terraza de Vivi, however, is one of the best.
Part of the Kimpton Vividora hotel, this laidback restaurant-cum-bar, splashed with tall potted plants, has cushioned corners to cosy down in with a cocktail while drinking in the sunset, watching the orange light reflect off the rooftops and church spires.
The vibe is just as energetic during the day, too, where locals and tourists alike spill in for brunch washed down with free-flowing mimosas and Bloody Marys.
RATED RESTAURANT
You won’t be short of places to sample local Catalan cuisine in the city centre – and make sure to order the Pa Amb Tomàquet if you do.
This bread-dish, drenched in tomato, olive oil and garlic, is a staple in these parts and can be found on many menus.
For something a little different, Kiltro Restobar puts a South American spin on traditional Catalan flavours.
The menu features moreish small plates like fried green banana with pulled pork, guacamole and pickled red onion as well as prawn ceviche drizzled in lime, cucumber, and Valentina sauce (a type of Mexican hot sauce).
People may come for the food but they stay for the cocktails and lively ambience.
BEST BAR
Few cocktail bars become true destination spots, but Paradiso is firmly one of them.
Regularly named as one of the top spots in The World’s 50 Best Bars, the experience begins before you’ve even ordered a drink, with entry through a seemingly ordinary refrigerator door inside a pastrami shop.
Once inside, the other-worldly space will blow you away with a carefully crafted menu of cocktail favourites as well as some very imaginative creations including a yellow glowing cocktail that relies on the natural luminescent properties of vitamin B2 and an unusual whisky-based drink infused with lavender, truffle honey and manchego cheese.
HOTEL PICK
The Kimpton Vividora Barcelona is perfectly-positioned within the Gothic Quarter, within reach of many key landmarks.
Rooms are very modern and trend-led but not to the detriment of cosiness and charm.
Solo travellers can check into a slightly more affordable City Single Room with a queen bed.
Rooms start from around £204 per night, on a room only basis. See ihg.com.
Why battle with the crowds of Barcelona when there are quiet streets to be foundCredit: Getty
TRACY Kennedy is the Queen of Holidays from £9.50, having taken 30 of them and with even more booked to come.
In her decades of Sun holiday experience, Tracy has stayed in holiday parks all over the UK – and knows exactly how to make the most out of your £9.50 break.
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Tracy Kennedy is co-owner of a Facebook group with 290,000+ members: £9.50 SUN HOLIDAYSCredit: Paul Tonge
So whether you’re wondering when is the best time to book, or how to choose a holiday park with plenty to do for both adults and kids – Tracy’s here with all the answers.
Is it best to book super early or wait for the last minute deals?
Lyn Shephard
Definitely book as early as you can, because the popular and cheap accommodation goes quickly. And it’s better to have more choice between the holiday parks.
Not everyone is able to book something in January. Don’t worry if you’ve missed out on booking early – there’s a top-up of £9.50 holidays later in the year.
Make sure to check all of the promotions that pop up, because sometimes the cheaper options will come back. They’re definitely worth a look, especially if you weren’t able to book on the first release.
Any suggestions for parks better catered to the elderly?
Henry McCaffery
I’d recommend Parkdean Resorts’ Cherry Tree in East Norfolk. It’s in a beautiful countryside setting, and only a short drive to the beach.
It’s very much a relaxing holiday, and there’s plenty to do nearby.
You’ve got Gorelston-on-Sea a 10-minute drive away, and Burgh Castle is only a couple of minutes away. Plus there’s Lowestoft to visit in the opposite direction, if you want a day trip out.
There’s also plenty to do on the park itself, and lots of countryside walks nearby. Norfolk is very flat, so you won’t have to walk up many hills.
Tracy recommends Parkdean Resorts: Cherry Tree in Norfolk for a relaxing countryside stayCredit: Park Dean ResortsStay at the Cherry Tree resort and you could take a day-trip to Gorleston-on-SeaCredit: Getty
Lighthouse Leisure up in Scotland is another good option. It’s a smaller park, with lots of local things to do in the area.
It’s less than an hour’s drive to Gretna Green, or you could visit Sweetheart Abbey, its a really pretty old building. There’s even bird-watching sanctuaries up there, too.
And if you visit at quieter times of year, like during school term times, any park will be quieter. Everything winds down then, and it feels a lot more peaceful.
Where is the best place to go on a walking holiday on a small budget?
Thomas Riley
For the best walks, I’d recommend a site in Wales or a site on the Coastal Path.
One of the best would be Golden Sands in Rhyl. If you use that park as a base, you’ve got loads of walks from there.
The walking route runs all the way from the holiday park to Llandudno – you probably couldn’t do the whole thing in one day, but it depends how fit you are!
Alternatively, stay at a camp near Snowdonia, and drive out there.
If you stay somewhere like Ty Mawr in Conwy, it’s about a 10-minute drive to get into Snowdonia. And there’s not much that beats the nature there!
A good option in England would be to stay in Malvern. You’ve got the Malvern hills, which when I went I thought were absolutely stunning.
Plus, it makes for a nice walking break that’s not coastal.
Lighthouse Leisure resort in Scotland is under 15 minutes’ drive to nearby Sweetheart AbbeyCredit: Historic Environment ScotlandGolden Sands in Rhyl, Wales, has a long stretch of beautiful coastline to walkCredit: Away Resorts
Can you buy more than one discounted holiday?
Elaine Burns
Oh yes you can! You can use your codes or the Sun Club entry to book as much as you want. You could book 50 holidays if you really wanted to.
I know people in my Facebook group who have booked weeks back-to-back and gone away for a whole month.
They were free to take some time off work, so they booked this way as it was more affordable for them. It was much cheaper than booking direct, so they were very happy!
Is there a curfew at holiday parks?
I. Jones
In my experience there’s been no curfews at holiday parks.
Once you’ve got your keys to your caravan, you can come and go whenever you want.
A lot of holiday parks have entertainment and bars open until midnight and beyond, but even when they shut that doesn’t stop you going out and coming home whenever you want.
Just make sure to double check with your specific park.
Parkdean Resorts: Ty Mawr is set in a stunning location close to Eryi National Park (Snowdonia)Credit: Park Dean ResortsHistory buffs will love a trip to Hastings to see its Castle and ruinsCredit: Alamy
My kids love going on sunny holidays while my wife and I love culture and history, how can we blend both into one holiday?
A flight attendant has shared a simple hotel room safety tip that doesn’t require any expensive security gadgets
There is a simple way to stay safe in a hotel room without spending any extra money(Image: Thomas Barwick via Getty Images)
Hotel stays typically involve minor inconveniences – sluggish Wi-Fi or uncomfortable pillows – but feeling unsafe shouldn’t be one of them.
Sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings whilst travelling can leave you feeling exposed, and it’s perfectly understandable to worry about safeguarding your belongings when you’re away from home.
Nina Bolders, a flight attendant with 15 years of global travel experience and founder of Fly Me to the Vegan Buffet, has revealed a straightforward technique she employs to enhance her security in hotels.
She explained: “Even in a five-star hotel in the safest country, you sleep better when you know that no one can sneak into your room unnoticed while you sleep or shower.
“I used to make my own alarm system by placing a glass or cup on the doorknob and another one on the floor underneath, hoping that the noise would wake me up and maybe even convince the intruder to leave.”
Whilst it may seem peculiar, positioning cups or glasses on or close to your hotel room door can create considerable noise should someone attempt to enter whilst you’re asleep.
Thieves typically seek out straightforward opportunities and may be deterred by unexpected commotion, or pause if they spot an obvious warning sign, as this indicates the room’s occupant is vigilant.
It’s a straightforward method to boost your sense of security when you’re on the road without needing to pack extra items or spend additional cash. Numerous hotels provide door wedges, which can be wedged into your door before bedtime to prevent anyone from attempting to enter your room.
It’s advisable to store essential items, including your phone, wallet, and passport, in an easily reachable spot so you can monitor them regularly.
The most secure location for valuables is either on your person or within a bag that remains in your sight at all times. Should you need to leave them behind, it’s worthwhile purchasing a portable lockbox.
Nevertheless, the most crucial thing to bear in mind whilst travelling, according to Nina, is to trust your gut instinct and remain vigilant in busy areas you’re exploring.
She advised: “Be alert when strangers approach you, especially around tourist attractions or when things happen or are being said that make no sense. There are a lot of thieves and scammers out there.”
IF you still have no plans for February half-term – then take advantage of Butlin’s half-term offer with 30 per cent off.
You can bag yourself a break at the Bognor Regis seaside resort from £69pp.
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Bognor Regis Butlin’s has half-term breaks from £69ppCredit: UnknownEntertainment includes The Masked Singer and Maximum Pro WrestlingCredit: Butlin’s
To keep both adults and kids entertained this half-term in less than two weeks’ time, check into Butlin’s Bognor Regis for an action-packed break.
For the price of £69pp guests will get accommodation along with plenty of entertainment.
The main event will be The Masked Singer Live which returns with brand-new songs, routines, top tier disguises and new mystery celebrities beneath them.
There’s not only singing – Maximum Pro Wrestling is set to take to the ring.
Other new shows around the holiday park include Peppa Pig-Nic Party and Jack and The Beanstalk pantomime.
There will also be Brainiac Live! and Theatre of Rock.
There’s also unlimited access to Splash Waterworld pool which has rapids, the Helter Skelter-inspired water slide and multiple pools.
At the fairground, kids can hop on the carousel, bungee trampoline, waltzers, go-karts and other rides as many times as they like.
Children can explore The Beachcomber Inn Playground with climbing frames, slides and swings.
The break also includes access to the new 3,000 square feet, four storey Skyline Gang Soft Play at no extra cost.
It has climbing challenges, slides, log ramps, cargo nets and for babies, a multi-sensory space.
While the children play, there’s plenty of seating, drinks and snacks for the grown-ups.
Guests get unlimited use the Splash Waterworld at Bognor RegisCredit: Butlins
If you pay a bit extra, gamers can head to the Playxperience which is set over two floors and is filled with games like VR experiences, escape rooms, shuffleboard, laser tag and glow in the dark table tennis.
Other activities at an additional cost include football academy, high-ropes, archery and the Skyline Gang Disco Dance Academy.
The break starting from £276 or £69pp – it’s based on a three-night stay during half term in two bedroom Comfort Room on 20 February 2026 in Bognor Regis (price is based on a family of four sharing).
You can add on an all-inclusive drinks package with a range of unlimited Costa Coffee, alcoholic and soft drinks starting from £25.95 per adult, per day, £10.50 per child (6-14), per day and free for under5ss.
Dining packages start from £25.95 per adult, per day, £15.50 per child (6-14), per day and £7.25 per child (2-5).
Hear more from one Travel Writer who tried out the Skyline Gang-themed soft play…
“Butlin’s Bognor Regis opened its brand-new £1.8million Skyline Gang-themed softplay attraction in time for the Easter holidays – and we were among the first guests to try it out.
“This 26ft-tall, four-storey playframe can fit up to 200 youngsters, while the seating area offers welcome respite to 100 tired parents at a time.
“The bright colours, reflecting the bubbly characters of the Butlin’s Skyline Gang, proved a huge hit with my smallest boy, who loves their energetic song and dance routines.
“My tweens were fans of the tall twisty slide that they could travel down together. I loved that my three boys, aged 12, ten and five, could all join in, thanks to the 1.7m height restriction on the section aimed at juniors.
“It’s been a fair few years since my eldest was under the 1.5m limit at the old soft play that snakes its way behind the stage in the Skyline Pavilion.”
The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning to British tourists as Spain and Portugal face a red weather alert for extreme conditions this half term
14:11, 04 Feb 2026Updated 14:13, 04 Feb 2026
Chairs are pictured floating in a flooded street of Alcacer do Sal, south of Portugal, during Leonardo storm on February 4(Image: Getty Images)
The Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning to British holidaymakers heading to two of the nation’s most beloved destinations. A red alert has been declared by state meteorological agencies for Spain and Portugal, with hazardous weather conditions forecast for the coming weeks as thousands of Brits prepare to travel during half term.
Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a red warning for severe rainstorms across Malaga Province on Wednesday, 4 February, with predictions suggesting rainfall accumulations could exceed 150 litres per square metre within 12 hours and surpass 200 litres per square metre over 24 hours in inland regions.
Schools throughout Andalucia will remain shut on Wednesday as a precautionary measure against the extreme weather. The red alert, indicating “extraordinary danger”, will remain active in the Ronda region from midnight onwards for the entire day.
AEMET has warned that storm conditions are anticipated to persist until mid-February. The Foreign Office stated: “Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong coastal winds are expected across the country until Sunday 8 February, with an increased risk of flash flooding, landslides and travel disruption. Follow advice of local authorities and monitor weather updates on the European Meteorological Services website. “
In its guidance to travellers, the Foreign Office stated: “Once the event has happened, you should be aware of possible risks relating to damaged buildings or other infrastructure. Be aware that events in places away from where you are can still cause disruption, such as through loss of power, communications or transport services.”
“It may take time for airports to re-open and there may be serious shortages of accommodation, food, water and health facilities. It may be harder for you to receive help from humanitarian workers if it is difficult to access the area due to transport infrastructure damage or flooding.
“The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) ability to help British nationals may be limited (perhaps severely) in these circumstances. We cannot ensure your safety and security in another country. The relevant authorities in the country or territory you are in are responsible for your safety and security.”
Storm Leonardo, the sixth significant low-pressure system to strike in 2026, is set to batter Andalusia once more, with Malaga squarely in its sights. In its most recent bulletin, AEMET has escalated the rainfall alert to red for the province.
According to weather experts at Meteored, “By the end of the coming early morning, very intense rain will begin in the west and far south of Andalucia. It will continue throughout the morning, spreading to the rest of the southern community. In the afternoon, the most intense precipitation will occur in the eastern area, from the Strait to Almeria, with a strong westerly maritime storm.”
In Malaga, the Costa del Sol, the Guadalhorce region, and Axarquia, Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET has issued an orange warning for rainfall accumulations of between 90 and 100 litres in 12 hours. The agency warned: “Accumulations exceeding 150 litres in 24 hours may be reached in the western half of the zone. In the rest, accumulations of 40 litres in 12 hours are expected,”.
AEMET has also issued its highest level of alert, a Red Advisory, for heavy rain in Cádiz and parts of Málaga province for Wednesday, February 4. The advisory warns of 150mm of rain in 12 hours and 200mm in 24 hours in some inland areas.
Due to the severe weather threat, all schools in Andalusia will be closed on Wednesday. Additionally, a series of yellow alerts and amber warnings have been activated, as the regions brace for a battering.
The alerts arrive as Portugal and Spain prepare themselves for additional downpours with Storm Leonardo set to hit this week, meteorologists have confirmed. Following several weeks of damp and occasionally blustery conditions, Storm Leonardo is forecast to deliver further precipitation to the Iberian Peninsula, with particularly severe rainfall anticipated throughout Andalusia, weather experts have warned.
PLANNING a UK city break can be a right headache when you’re skint and short on time – but one must-do activity lets you see a lot without spending a penny.
Recently, my family came to visit me in London and even though I live in the city, I don’t often get the chance to be a tourist.
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A free self-guided walking tour is a great way of exploring a city at your own paceCredit: Cyann Fielding
Stumped on ideas of what to do that pleases everyone but didn’t cost much, I took to Google and stumbled across London Walking Tours by Richard Jones.
On the website, there are a number of free, self-guided walking tours – but what makes them even better is that they aren’t to cliche spots, instead you get to uncover hidden pieces of history.
In fact, there are 22 free walking tours on the site to choose from.
I opted for the Soho self-guided walk, taking about two hours starting from Tottenham Court Road Station.
The walk takes you around the area showing streets and alleyways frequented by famous figures like Charles Dickens and the Beatles.
One of my favourite things about the tour is that it takes you to places you would have otherwise missed.
For example, it took us down this rather normal-looking road to a house with a blue plaque.
The blue plaque simply stated: “John William Polidori, 1795-1821, poet & novelist, author of ‘The Vampyre’, born and died here”.
I had no clue who this person was, but the tour informed me that Polidori was actually a personal physician to the famous poet Lord Byron – whom he idolised.
Upon showing Byron one of his submissions to Byron’s 1816 writing competition – ‘The Vampyre’ – Polidori was dismissed as having little potential.
Not long after, the New Monthly Magazine had published ‘The Vampyre’ but attributed it to Lord Byron – who denied any involvement.
Polidori wrote to the magazine, but was accused of plagiarism and ended up taking his life.
If you aren’t so much of a history fan though, there are other options that are more themed.
For example, you could spend the day on a magical tour that heads all over London showing you locations that have been featured in the Harry Potter movies.
I recently tried one around Soho in London and discovered things I have never seen before despite living in London for five yearsCredit: Getty
Or perhaps, you want to add in a fun game?
Then head on the Mayfair to St James Quiz Trail, where, as you explore different places, you have to find the answers to a number of questions and complete photo challenges.
There are plenty of different sites out there offering free walking tours.
For example, if you are exploring Manchester you could opt for The Ultimate Manchester Free Walking Tour, where you can discover history about the famous Britannia Hotel and stop by the bustling Corn Exchange for some food.
In Birmingham, you could go on a self-guided Discovering Britain walking tour which takes you to the popular spots but shares information you may not know about them.
Lots of councils also have guides on their websites, as well as walking maps.
To get the best search result for the city you want to explore, make sure to search the name of your city along with ‘free self-guided walking tour’.
By doing this, you will get results which are free and also aren’t led by anyone, which means you can do the tour at your own pace and even stop along the way for a cuppa or bite to eat.
One thing I learned from the tour I did, was definitely print the tour if you can before heading off on it.
I had the tour open on my phone, but obviously walking around London, or any other large city for that matter, with your phone constantly in your hand isn’t the best idea…
Top sites for free self-guided walking tours in the UK
HERE are some sites that offer free, self-guided walking tours:
Travellers are being warned to double check information generated by AI after tourists showed up to an attraction that didn’t exist after reading about it on a travel company’s website
Visitors to Weldborough, Tasmania were left disappointed by its lack of hot springs(Image: ourtasmania.com.au)
Tourists who travelled to a remote Tasmanian town were left disappointed when they found out the attraction they were visiting didn’t exist and had been invented by AI.
In a blog post published in July 2025, which has since been deleted, travel company Tasmania Tours posted a list of the ‘7 Best Hot Springs Tasmania Experiences for 2026’. Among the list was Weldborough Hot Springs, and the post promised an off-the-beaten-path experience, saying: “Its reputation as a tranquil haven has made it a favourite among local hiking groups, wellness retreat organisers, and anyone wanting to experience one of the more untouched hot springs Tasmania has to offer.”
The article was even accompanied by an AI-generated image of a man backpacking along a bright blue river, with steam rising from the surface.
While it looked and sounded enticing, there was a big drawback: Weldborough Hot Springs does not exist. While Weldborough is without a doubt a beautiful part of Tasmania that offers hiking trails through lush green forests, those hoping for a healing dip may be disappointed when they enter the rather chilly waters of the River Weld.
Much to the amusement of locals in the small town, tourists soon started arriving, hoping to find these mythical hot springs. Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), local pub owner Kristy Probert says she gets daily phone calls and visits from people trying to find out more about the springs.
She revealed that people have been travelling far and wide to find the springs. “I actually had a group of 24 drivers turn up there two days ago that were on a trip from the mainland, and they’d actually taken a detour to come to the hot springs. I said, ‘If you find the hot springs, come back and let me know and I’ll shout you beers all night’ — they didn’t come back,” she joked.
ABC spoke to Scott Hennessey, owner of Australian Tours and Cruises, which operates Tasmania Tours who admitted: “Our AI has messed up completely.” before explaining that marketing materials were created by a third party.
Scott said that posts, which he would usually review, were accidentally made public when he was out of the country. He told ABC: “We don’t have enough horsepower to write enough content on our own, and that’s why we outsource part of this function.”
He added: “We’re trying to compete with the big boys. Part of that is you’ve got to keep your content refreshed and new all of the time. We’re not a scam. We’re a married couple trying to do the right thing by people … We are legit, we are real people, we employ sales staff.”
It’s not the first time tourists have been fooled by AI. In late 2025, images began circulating on Instagram of an elaborate Christmas market at Buckingham Palace, showing the historic building decked in Christmas lights and stalls set up inside its iconic gates.
However, it was soon revealed to be an AI image, and the Royal Collection Trust had to put out a statement confirming that no such event was planned on the palace grounds.
And it’s not just fake images that holidaymakers need to be aware of. A video circulated on social media in Malaysia showing an amazing new attraction called the Kuak Skyride, a cable car offering spectacular views across the mountains. A couple reportedly travelled across the country to the town of Pengkalan Hulu only to find out no such attraction exists.
ABC also spoke to Professor Anne Hardy, who works for Destination Southern Tasmania and is a tourism expert. She claimed that AI ‘hallucinations’ will make this kind of situation much more common in the future.
“What we know is that now about 90 per cent of itineraries that are generated by ChatGPT actually have at least one error in them, and we also know that 37 per cent of people rely on AI to generate their itineraries,” she said.
Australian Tours and Cruises has been contacted for comment.
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