TRAVEL

Brits are following Martin Lewis’s advice on booking flights from different airports at certain times – and you could save money too with these clever tips and hacks

January marks the period when countless families begin contemplating their summer getaway destinations, but if you’re raising school-aged youngsters it might end up draining your wallet.

Costs for package holidays can more than treble throughout the school breaks which explains why some mums and dads remove their kids from lessons during term-time.

However, we’ve found a way you can still experience the ideal family break during the school holidays without emptying your savings account.

One Martin Lewis supporter revealed she slashed £6,000 from the price of three getaways by heeding his guidance. And the MSE website highlights a deal where you can save £1,148 on a holiday for four.

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As Martin outlines on his MSE platform: “Most schools in England and Wales break up around the week starting 20 July.

So book for before then if your school finishes sooner, eg many in Leicestershire break up 8 July this summer.We found a week’s four-star self-catering in Dalaman for £449pp leaving 10 July, but £736pp two weeks after.”

If you reside in northern England or northern Wales it could be worthwhile looking at departing from Scotland because their school holiday schedules differ.

“Fly from Scotland in the last two weeks of August, even if you don’t live there. As Scottish schools generally return around 12 Aug, you can make big savings by flying the family out from Scotland instead.

“We saw the same Rhodes all-inclusive holiday flying from Edinburgh for £354pp less than flying from Manchester. It works in reverse too.”

And if you reside in southern Scotland, why not consider departing from northern England? As the website clarifies: “Fly from England in late June/early July, even if you don’t live there. So on 27 Jun, the day after most Scottish schools break up, a three-star all-inclusive week in Majorca was £1,010pp flying from Glasgow, but just £695pp from Liverpool.”

Alison informed MSE: “We saved about £6,000 over three holidays flying with Tui from Manchester instead of locally at Glasgow and Edinburgh. That includes petrol, extra meals and a hotel the night before.”

If this approach doesn’t suit you, then remember that the final two weeks of summer are typically more affordable as costs plummet sharply at the end of August. MSE discovered a week’s three-star self-catering in Lake Garda was £1,019pp departing 29 July, but £752pp departing 22 Aug..

Finally, think about having your ‘summer’ break during October half-term instead. MSE found a week’s five-star all-inclusive in Crete for £1,121pp in Oct half-term, but £1,832pp in early August.

And it’s one I can personally endorse – I consistently saved several hundred pounds taking my daughter on her main getaway in May when she was of school age.

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Jen Carr (aka The Travel Mum) has just taken her family skiing without the eye-watering price tag and reveals why a resort you may not have thought of might be Europe’s best-kept secret when it comes to a budget skiing trip

When you hear the word skiing, chances are you picture luxury chalets and a holiday bill that rivals a small mortgage – add children into the mix and suddenly a week on the slopes feels completely out of reach.

But what if skiing didn’t have to mean the Alps, or eye-watering prices? Jen Carr who writes a blog called The Travel Mum says she recently took her family to Zakopane, which is tucked away in southern Poland.

With ski hire from just £55 for kids, affordable lessons, cosy chalets and plenty to do off the slopes, this charming mountain town delivers all the winter magic without the financial hangover, she says.

And she adds that it’s easy to reach, refreshingly family-friendly and far cheaper than many European resorts, meaning it’s fast becoming the go-to choice for savvy travellers planning a ski trip in 2026.

READ MORE: ‘I tried Martin Lewis’ money-saving trick – it saved me a thousands on the cost of a holiday’

“When most people think of skiing, they imagine eye-watering prices in the Alps – luxury chalets, expensive lift passes and a holiday bill that quickly spirals,” Jen says. “But skiing doesn’t have to cost a fortune, especially if you’re travelling with children or trying it for the first time. Poland’s winter capital, Zakopane, offers a brilliant ski experience at a fraction of the price of many European resorts. Family-friendly, easy to reach and refreshingly affordable, it’s fast becoming a go-to destination for budget-conscious travellers who still want proper winter magic”

Zakopane is a picturesque mountain town tucked into the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland, close to the Slovakian border. It’s long been a favourite winter escape for locals, known for its wooden alpine-style architecture, hearty Polish food and welcoming atmosphere – but it’s only recently begun to appear on the radar of UK skiers. Getting to Zakopane from the UK is surprisingly straightforward. “Fly into Kraków Airport, which is well served by low-cost airlines from cities including London, Manchester and Edinburgh,” the travel expert adds. “From Kraków, Zakopane is around a two-hour drive.

“The cheapest option is a direct FlixBus, which runs regularly and costs as little as £5–£10. Private transfers and car hire are also easy to arrange if you’re travelling with children or lots of luggage.” During Jen’s week in Zakopane, they stayed in a chalet with Snomads – a small, independent company offering fully hosted ski trips with a strong sustainability focus. “The chalets are cosy, warm and ideal for families or groups of friends looking to split costs,” she says. “They care of everything from ski hire and lessons to transfers and days out. Our host, Maks, ensured everything ran seamlessly, meaning we didn’t waste any time navigating logistics. For first-time skiers and families, it takes away a huge amount of stress.”

According to Jen, one of Zakopane’s biggest selling points is just how affordable skiing is. Equipment hire and lessons cost a fraction of what you’d expect elsewhere in Europe. “To put the prices into perspective, five days of ski hire (skis, boots and helmet) for a child under 13 cost just £55. For adults, five days of skis, boots, poles and helmet came in at around £90. “We found five days of skiing to be the perfect amount. We arrived on Saturday evening, took Sunday to relax and acclimatise, skied Monday to Friday, and travelled home the following Saturday. It gave us time to enjoy the trip without feeling rushed.”

Jen says that if you’re travelling with young children, Zakopane is an excellent place to introduce them to skiing. “Our children were aged between three and six. The three-year-olds gave it a good go, but anything longer than 30 minutes was a stretch. The five- and six-year-olds, however, absolutely loved it and made huge progress over three days of three-hour lessons. Private lessons with two children per instructor cost around £90 per child for three hours. Jen spent £270 on nine hours of lessons for their eldest child, which she says was money extremely well spent, as he now loves skiing.

Zakopane is also particularly well suited to beginners, with several smaller ski areas offering gentle slopes, modern lifts and excellent instruction, she adds. And when you’re taking a break from skiing, the region is famous for its geothermal spas, where soaking in warm mineral-rich pools after a cold day could be just the tonic. Entry costs around £15–£20, making it great value for families.

You could also try a traditional kulig sleigh ride. A kulig is a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered forests – particularly magical in the evening when the trails are lit by lanterns. Many tours include a bonfire, warm drinks and grilled sausages. Or take a trip to Snowlandia, which is a winter wonderland featuring a giant snow maze, ice sculptures, a small farm and a huge sledging hill – a big hit with kids.

And if skiing isn’t for you, sledging is just as fun, you can rent a sledges for as little as £3–£5 per day. Jen says Zakopane proves that a ski holiday doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. “It’s ideal for families, first-time skiers and anyone wanting to test the waters without spending thousands.

“With affordable accommodation, low-cost ski hire and lessons, and plenty to do off the slopes, this charming Polish town offers genuine winter magic – without the financial sting. If you’ve ever wanted to try skiing but feared the cost, Zakopane might just be the perfect place to start.”

Jen worked out that the trip came in at £208 per person for flights, transfers and 7 nights accommodation (based on £30 flights, £10 return bus and 8 people sharing a Chalet.

• Flights £30pp
• Bus transfer £5pp
• Accommodation based on 8 people sharing £168pp
• 5 day ski hire £90 p/adult
• £20 per hour per person for a private lesson, based on a group of 4
• Ski Hire for children under 13 – £55

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IF you want the camping live but with a bit of glam, then there’s one in Europe that is rated five stars.

Union Lido Mare sits on the outskirts of Venice and families call it ‘the best campsite ever’.

It is the first five-star campsite in Italy with capacity for 12,000 guests.

It’s a popular spot for families as there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained, it has swimming pools and more relaxing infinity pools.

The campsite also has two enormous waterparks called Aqua Park Laguna and Speedy Island.

Aqua Park Laguna has a swimming pool surrounded by white sand, a non-stop wave pool, and lots of different slides – some of which are 10 metres high.

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There are also water massage beds, waterfalls and Jacuzzis.

Speedy Island has fast slide towers, a lazy river, and it has a play castle with slides, fountains, and water games.

There are play areas too and multiple entertainment venues – including an outdoor theatre and activity spaces.

Funny World is the campsite’s theme park which has a games arena, a drop tower, rollercoasters, mini-golf and go-karts.

There’s a fully-equipped spa as well as around two dozen shops on the site – including two supermarkets – and a dozen cafes, bars and restaurants.

Guests can get competitive with the daily program full of sports, fitness and entertainment – like football, beach volleyball and archery.

There’s a special program for the youngsters too so no one is left out with activities for those from 18 months to 12 years old.

Each day ends with a Speedy Disco in the Amphitheatre.

One visitor wrote called it the “best campsite ever” and on their review wrote: “The aqua park is the best pool area I have ever visited.

“The beach area is great and I could go on all day. If your thinking about booking this place don’t hesitate.”

Another added: “A great place for families with kids. The water park on site keeps them entertained all day.”

Of course there’s a beach too which private, Blue Flag and stretches for just under a mile.

There’s a deckchair and umbrella rental on offer and free playgrounds on the sands too.

For anyone wanting to head there on holiday there are plenty of accommodation options from camping with pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.

There’s also lodging options and even a 4-star hotel on-site.

The Art & Park Hotel 78 double rooms – the most basic rooms called Park Suite which sleep four people start from €160 (£138.71).

Opposite the hotel building, are the five Garden Suites with private pool, and four Pool Suites.

There are 24 Family Homes too which are two-story apartments which can sleep up to seven people.

Those staying in either the Art & Park Hotel and Family Homes get use the beach with umbrellas, reserved sun loungers and changing rooms.

The Union Lido Mare just celebrated its 70th anniversary last year, having first opened in 1955.

Here are five affordable campsites with some of the UK’s best views – and pitches from just £11.

For more campsites, this expert has stayed at 100 and this Spanish one is best one for families – it’s right on the beach & has no sunlounger wars.

Love at first flight! Romance struck for lucky Lisa and Jamie Hobbs when they met by chance on an £800 package holiday with TUI to Tenerife in 2019

“Who doesn’t love a package holiday? But I’m prepared to bet that my husband Jamie and I are bigger fans than most – we met and fell in love on one! Sun, sea, sand… and the prospect of lots and lots of sex – a package holiday has all the elements needed for romance,” says Lisa Hobbs, 58, a PA from Ferndown, Dorset.

“We both booked a five day weekend break to Tenerife with TUI in 2019, Jamie to a four star hotel in Adeje and me in the nearby Marylanza Hotel in Playa de las Americas. We paid around £800 each for flights and accommodation. Waiting to board the plane I kept seeing a good looking man. He was glancing at me too.

“So you can imagine my delight when, mid-flight, Jamie handed me his number – on a TUI sick bag. We started messaging straightaway and arranged to meet the next night at a bar. ‘If I can do a magic trick and move my glasses without touching, you have to give me a kiss,’ Jamie said.

“‘Even if he doesn’t, I’m still going to kiss him,’ I thought to myself. It was love at first sight. I’ll never forget that first smooch – there were fireworks. We met the next day, and the day after that.”

Once home, Jamie, 59, who owns a maintenance company, and Lisa only lived 90 minutes apart, so became inseparable. She says: “We were intimate for the first time around Christmas time, and it was better than any present. In September 2021, on the way to Lanzarote, Jamie proposed to me in the same spot in Bournemouth airport where we met. And in September 2023 we married on a boat in Cyprus – on a package holiday, no less!

“I wrote my wedding speech on a TUI sick bag – it seemed only right. Jamie is everything I ever wanted in a man. He has me howling with laughter and is kind and caring. He’s a great kisser too.

“After we got together, it became clear how meant to be we truly were. Both married before – we have three grown up daughters between us – our divorce papers came through within two weeks of each other. Before we met, Jamie went to an Absolute 80s weekend at Butlins. I was supposed to be there too, but dropped out at the last minute.

“And six months before we met in Tenerife, we’d both been at the same hotel in Majorca. In fact, when a friend of mine was clearing old videos off her phone about five years after Jamie and I met, she came across a video of him at that very hotel. There he was, my future husband, the love of my life, just waiting for me to meet him six months later on the package holiday that would change both our lives. We kept missing each other by inches.

“Our paths crossed so many times. If there was ever a couple that was meant to be… it’s us. And the romance bug is catching. Recently, we flew with TUI to Austria with my daughter Lauren and her partner, and they got engaged on top of a mountain – another package holiday proposal! They really are the perfect place for love. We’ve been the image of happiness ever since. I’m still blissfully in love with my package holiday romance.”

Jamie says: “‘You’re going marry that lady’, my friend whispered to me as we locked eyes in the departure lounge. He was right – it was a real sliding doors moment. Although, he was a bit annoyed when I was glued to my phone all holiday, texting Lisa. Ping, ping, ping it went – all day and all night he long.

We had a holiday cuddle and kiss in Tenerife. But it wasn’t til our festive romp back home that I realised I’d pulled a cracker. We’ve never really had a proper argument, and I pinch myself every day waking up with Lisa. Thanks to our serendipitous package holiday, we have everything we ever wanted.”

For many, having the perfect travel outfit is crucial for a flight. Now, Ryanair has urged travellers to not wear one specific item and it’s left passengers confused

Staying snug and comfortable on a flight can be challenging, especially if you’re cramped up in a seat without moving much for a few hours. Luckily, your choice of outfit could significantly improve your overall comfort on the plane.

Despite being the fastest way to travel around the world, planes aren’t known for being a comfortable way to travel. Passengers will often find themselves squished into a tight seat for hours with no space to stretch their legs or prevent their bottoms from going numb. In reality, the only passengers who enjoy any real comfort are those who fork out for expensive first-class seats.

And if you’re deciding to travel on a more budget-friendly airline, such as Ryanair, the little comfort you already had might be a sacrifice you have to make in order to pay less for your travel, such as having less legroom or smaller seats. Because of this, the little comfort you have will become even more sacred those hours you spend on the flight.

However, the airline has now taken to social media to urge passengers to avoid wearing one type of clothing item on their flights, which has left people confused.

In the video that was published onto TikTok, the airline shared a video of a plane with the Ryanair logo descending over turquoise waters before landing at what appears to be Corfu airport.

Celebratory music is heard playing over the video, when a voice is then heard saying the classic phrase many passengers will have heard before: “Thank you for flying Ryanair”. This is the music and statement heard after every Ryanair flight.

“It’s 2026, let’s stop travelling in jeans,” the text on the video read, adding a ‘please’ in the caption.

However, this statement left fans confused, as several viewers quickly took to the comment section to question why they shouldn’t wear jeans when travelling.

“What is wrong with jeans please explain,” one viewer asked. To this, the airline replied: “what’s right with them?”

Turns out, several people agreed with the airline’s statement, as jeans aren’t the most comfortable item to wear, especially if you have to sit down for ours on end. In response, one viewer commented: “So real. I’ll never get it.”

“Agreed. It needs to be banned. Comfies only!” another person said, while someone else shared: “always wear leggings.”

Another viewer jokingly said: “Ok I’ll fly in my 18th century historically accurate outfit.”

However, not everyone agreed with Ryanair’s statement, as some went on to say that they would continue wearing jeans on flights.

“no it’s an hour let me live,” another viewer said, showing them wearing a pair of jeans on a Ryanair flight.

Another person said they would continue to wear jeans as they ‘wouldn’t fit’ inside their carry-on bag, and they didn’t want to pay the airline its infamous extra fee for a checked-in bag.

A Disneyland regular named Kellie Krueger has shared the three things she always do when arriving at the parks in order to avoid the worst of the queues that tourists might not know

The Disney parks make for a magical break as you wander past Sleeping Beauty’s castle, see your favourite characters and enjoy all the thrilling rides. However, due to the popularity of the different parks, you will most likely spend most of your time waiting in different queues and battling crowds of people.

To help, one Disneyland regular named Kellie Krueger, who often shared her go-to Disneyland tips with her thousands of followers under the username ‘@WeDontWearEars’, has shared her top tips on how you can best avoid the queues in the parks.

In one video, she went on to share three mistakes tourists often make before they even enter the park that results in spending more time than needed to get in.

“I’m a Disneyland local, I come to Disneyland at least once a week. So the way that I walk into the park is probably a little bit different than how you do it. Let me show you,” Kellie said at the start of her video, before going on to share her top tips to avoid queuing to get into Disneyland in California.

1. Alternative parking

“First of all, when I pulled up to head to Mickey and Friends [parking structure] today, would you look at that line?! Yeah, no,” she said as she drove past the long line of cars waiting to head into the popular Disneyland parking garage.

Instead, Kellie continued to drive right on Magic Way, which took her to the Pixar Pal’s entrance, which is only open between 8-11am every day. However, as she was in the that timeframe, she revealed the queueing only took her 10 minutes.

“I like to pull all the way over to the right, because that lane splits into two and you get through a lot faster,” she revealed.

As she later parked her car and got going, she revealed she always go to the second level to walk across the bridge and into the park instead of waiting for the trams.

2. Take ‘hidden’ second entrance with shorter queue

“But when I got there, that line was, yeah that’s a little too long for me,” Kellie said as she zoomed in the camera of the long line of people wanting to get into the park.

Because of this, she revealed that she walks over to a second entrance, referring to the security checkpoint, near the entrance to the Disneyland Hotel. She explained that before 7am, it’s only available for hotel guests. But the rest of the day, it’s free for any other visitor to use.

She then revealed that she didn’t want to walk all the way to the park, and is instead going on the monorail, which is free for all guests to use.

“I also sat facing the loading platform so I could get views like this on my way in,” she said, showing clips of her incredible view of the park attractions.

3. Pre-order your food

And as she got off, Kellie told viewers that she’d pre-ordered her lunch on the way to the park, and that was now ready to be picked up, which allowed her to avoid the long line of people waiting to order their food at Jolly Holiday at 11am. As she pre-ordered from her phone, she was allowed to take the significantly shorter line for mobile order, walking straight up to the counter to get her food.

But due to the popularity of the restaurant, there were no tables available for her to sit down and eat her food at the restaurant. So she quickly walked across the street to the Plaza Inn patio, which had plenty of tables free to use.

“You can’t do that in the morning during the character breakfast, but during lunch and dinner hours, they don’t care. It’s not a big deal,” Kellie explained.

A SKI trip with a toddler might sound like a meltdown in the making.  

Tantrums in ski boots? Dragging a buggy through slush? No thanks. 

But our trip to Les Arcs in the French Alps proved otherwise. With a relaxed pace, the right resort and a dose of flexibility, a first family ski holiday can actually be . . . relaxing. 

Here’s how we pulled it off without losing our minds. 

TAKE THE TRAIN 

OUR trip started on the Eurostar from London St Pancras, and it was immediately clear — trains win.  

No long security line, no liquid bans, no making your kid take off their shoes.  

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Just space to move, tables for colouring books and no need to wrestle luggage into an overhead bin. 

Sure, nine hours door to door with a three-year-old is a risky proposition — but it beats cramming into a car or navigating the airports followed by an alpine taxi transfer.  

This is especially true if you’re heading to Les Arcs.  

It’s the only French Alpine resort that you can travel to, door to door, entirely by rail from the UK, thanks to a seven-minute funicular connecting Bourg-Saint-Maurice station straight to the slopes. 

BREAK UP THE JOURNEY 

IN winter, Eurostar runs a so-called “direct” Snow Train, but only on Saturdays — and it involves a nine-hour slog with a change in Lille. With a toddler? Forget it. 

Instead, we took things slow and made a proper trip of it. We stopped overnight in Paris, staying at a brilliant Nestay apartment in Sentier — right on car-free Rue St Denis, a vibey street packed with bakeries and wine bars. 

Sprinkle in a little sightseeing and the journey quickly became part of the holiday, making the extra cost of train travel over flights feel worth it. 

RIDE THE FUN-ICULAR 

THE next morning, we hopped on the Paris Metro (now far more luggage and buggy-friendly thanks to Olympic upgrades) to Gare de Lyon, where we boarded the high-speed TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.  

It’s a stunning five-hour ride. Our daughter, Lena, was glued to the window until she wasn’t — then it was iPad and Frozen on repeat. 

The queues in the cafe car are horrific, so top tip, order your snacks from your seat via the TGV website to skip the line.  

At Bourg, the real magic began. The funicular (a cross between a mountain tram and a Disneyland ride, which Lena loved) zipped us up to the resort. 

STAY SOMEWHERE CAR-FREE 

ARC 1950 won’t win awards for authenticity — it’s purpose-built, complete with ye olde clock tower and a fountain — but it’s perfect for families.  

The whole resort is pedestrian-only. That meant our three-year-old could wander around safely or make snowballs in the town square while we kicked back with a glass of wine. 

Our base for the week, the Pierre et Vacances Premium residence, was a win, with spacious modern apartments featuring a heated outdoor pool and a friendly vibe among lots of other families. 

LET SOMEONE ELSE COOK 

SKI holidays tend to give you two options — eye-watering restaurant bills or hours in the kitchen. 

Enter Huski — a food delivery service that drops oven-ready meals straight to your apartment.  

Think lasagne, curries, shepherd’s pie or even a full three-course dinner.  

Prices start at €8 per meal for simple mains, or around €20 for three courses.  

We stocked up online before we arrived, meaning more time on the slopes and less money dining out. 

BE FLEXIBLE – DON’T JUST SKI  

DESPITE the fantastic, friendly staff, Lena found her ski lesson at Yeti Camp was a bit of a shock. So we let her take it slow.  

On day three, we instead headed to Bois de l’Ours for brunch — great coffee, plush sofas and excellent Vietnamese noodle bowls. 

Les Arcs offers plenty to do for little kids and big kids besides skiing.  

While one of us hit the Arc 2000 zipline (terrifying but epic), the other explored the resort’s outdoor hot tubs and spas.  

There’s also sledging, tree-top adventure parks and play areas. 

While our ski holiday with a toddler wasn’t completely stress-free, a few smart choices made it more chilled than I ever imagined

FOOTBALL, music, TV, fashion, food and great nightlife… Manchester has everything you could want from a great city break.

But for those looking to stray off the beaten tourist track, we asked a few born-and-bred locals, including two very famous soap stars, for the city’s best hidden gems.

James Pelham, founder of Manchester Bites Food Tours, which shows visitors around the city on three-hour eating and drinking tours, reveals his hidden foodie gems:

Peveril of the Peak pub on Chepstow Street

This great pub is green tiled on the outside and looks a bit out of place amongst all the new glass offices.

It’s run by the city’s longest-serving landlady and it’s always got a good crowd in. I’ve been going there since I was a teenager.

Rad’s Caribbean on Jersey Street in Ancoats

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This hole in the wall Caribbean takeaway is run by the nicest family and offers proper home cooked Caribbean food.

The portions are huge, they really should charge more. In the summer, you can go to nearby Islington Marina and eat your lunch there.

Kabana curry cafe on Back Turner Street

Manchester has a few little curry cafes that opened up in the 1980’s to cheaply feed the growing population of South Asian workers. Thankfully we’ve still got them.

Rice ‘n’ Three (a plate topped with rice and three curries) is one of the best lunches in the city and places like This & That and Kabana fight it out for people’s favourites.

The lamb Karai at Kabana is worth travelling a long way for, but it’s only available on Sundays. 

Great North Pie Company in Kampus

Winner of pie of the year and dozens of other awards, this is a great spot for a quick lunch or a few pints in the summer.

They change a few of the pies up seasonally as well so worth a few visits a year.

The Jane Eyre cocktail bar, Cutting Room Square

A nice little neighbourhood cocktail bar on Cutting Room Square in Ancoats. Good beer and food as well. 

Josh Martin, Founder of Free Manchester Walking Tours, has shown everyone around the city, from the Uruguayan rugby team to Noel Gallagher. Here are his top five hidden gems:

Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square

I know what you’re thinking…What’s so hidden about Manchester Central Library?

But there are so many hidden offerings, including the BFI’s media library, interactive history archive, the Henry Watson music library (including keyboards!), and Manchester Visitor Information Centre with a nice gift selection.

Social Refuge on Great Ancoats Street

A coffee shop, bar and bookshop on the blossoming Great Ancoats Street, that hosts regular events such as live music, pub quizzes, comedy, book signings and talks.

Tib Street in the Norther Quarter

Lemn Sissay’s poetry is in the pavement, ceramic birds on the walls, the Northern Quarter’s unique street signage, and a huge mural from Manchester’s ‘City’s of Hope’ street art festival.

Tib Street’s shops include a high-end butchers, hipster coffee, a florist, a buddhist bookshop, vintage sports fashion, and the institution that is Afflecks Palace.

This & That curry house on Soap Street

Tucked away down a backstreet, This & That is the originator of Manchester’s ‘rice ‘n’ three’ curry houses that gained popularity through the 1980s.

For around a fiver you’ll get three incredible curries and rice, as well as a good chat with whoever you end up sat next to on the table.

Mayfield Park

Manchester’s green spaces might be small, but they make up for it with intrigue.

Perhaps best of all is Mayfield Park, which incorporates our industrial heritage, ancient wildflowers, wetland spaces, and play areas that invite the whole family to enjoy the outdoors.

The village in West Cork is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ireland, thanks to its renowned multicoloured buildings that make the place feel like it’s straight out of a storybook

Looking like something plucked straight from a picture postcard, this charming Irish village offers the perfect retreat, brimming with tranquillity and vibrant hues, whilst boasting easy access to mountain trails and stunning sea vistas.

Nestled in West Cork, the village of Eyeries has earned its reputation as one of Ireland’s most picturesque spots, renowned for its distinctively painted buildings that give the area an almost fairy-tale quality. The settlement is immaculately maintained, with residents taking enormous pride in keeping their streets pristine and their floral displays spectacular – efforts that have earned them recognition in the ‘Tidy Town’ competition over the years.

Beyond its striking architecture, the village is blessed with breathtaking mountain scenery on all sides and captivating coastal panoramas across Coulagh Bay. This prime position delivers magnificent sunsets and serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the Ring of Beara.

Located a mere eight-minute journey from Castletown-Bearhaven, the route connecting them is ideal whether you prefer to stroll, pedal or drive across the peninsula.

This particular circuit tends to see far fewer visitors compared to the Ring of Kerry, providing a much more peaceful experience for those tackling the celebrated 140km shoreline drive.

The bay itself remains wonderfully serene; as something of an undiscovered treasure, it doesn’t draw large crowds of holidaymakers, making it an ideal sanctuary for relaxation.

What’s more, the waters are perfect for a refreshing dip, whilst the pathways hugging the coastline provide excellent opportunities for rambling and cycling, with sweeping vistas at every turn.

The village boasts a delightful selection of places to enjoy a meal, pause for afternoon tea, or simply wander through whilst admiring the vibrant cottages. It’s easy to see why creative types flock here, captivated by its distinctive character and relaxed ambience.

Popular haunts tucked within the village include the classic Causkey’s Bar, O’Shea’s Bar and Murphy’s Restaurant. Given its coastal setting, seafood dominates the menus at local establishments, with diners consistently praising the quality in their feedback.

A visitor who ate at Murphy’s, a local institution operating since the 1950s, posted an enthusiastic review on TripAdvisor. They wrote: “We had a gorgeous night in Murphy’s. Wonderful, attentive staff who even offered to take a photo of us and turned on the lights outside. The food was a real delight- fresh seafood and beautifully cooked meat. Would definitely recommend!”.

Another guest at the distinctive pink-hued Breen’s Lobster Bar and Restaurant shared a review, saying it’s “so worth the wait”. They said: “Would plan my trip around this restaurant for fantastic, highest-quality fresh food, very well priced.

“Our waitress was fab and clearly knew her stuff and advised the fussy young one perfectly. Bonus was almost everything was gluten-free or available gluten-free. Very satisfied customer! Can’t praise it enough.”

The first of its kind nature reserve in West Yorkshire has been named one of the ‘wonders of the world’ to visit in 2026 and it’s a traveller’s paradise.

A stunning nature reserve, whose landscape famously inspired the Brontë sisters, is being touted as a must-see for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

This pioneering nature reserve in West Yorkshire has been making waves after recently being named one of the wonders of the world to visit in 2026 by esteemed international travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveller.

The picturesque reserve was established in May 2025 as part of King Charles’ initiative of 25 National Nature Reserves (NNRs), designed to conserve wildlife and celebrate UK landscapes by providing enhanced protection to the unique topography within these designated areas.

Covering 3,148 acres (1,274 hectares) – roughly double the size of Ilkley Moor – the reserve connects eight natural sites within the Bradford and South Pennines area, including the famous Penistone Country Park in Haworth, once home to the Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne.

The Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve brings together Trench Meadows, Ilkley Moor, Bingley Bog North, St Ives Estate, Baildon Moor, Shipley Glen, Harden Moor and Penistone Country Park, reports Yorkshire Live.

A whopping 90% of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve’s safeguarded area consists of priority UK habitats such as wetlands, peat bogs, and heathland.

A significant 42% of this reserve is newly protected, with around 58% (738 hectares) of land recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

This pioneering nature reserve is the first of its kind, safeguarding endangered wildlife species such as curlews, adders, and golden plovers by providing them with interconnected habitats and enhanced protection.

Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve, the only UK location to feature on Condé Nast Traveller’s list, finds itself in esteemed company alongside breathtaking destinations like the Faroe Islands and El Salvador’s El Imposible National Park.

The publication lauded the nature reserve, stating: “One of the reigning monarch’s ongoing Kings Series of nature reserves, the Bradford Pennines Gateway is part of a nationwide initiative to protect and celebrate the UK’s natural heritage, enhance biodiversity, and give local communities better access to nature.”

Rather like King Charles himself, there’s something stoic and un-showy about this 1,272-hectare region, resided in, and beloved by, the Brontë sisters and encompassing Ilkley Moor, Penistone Hill Country Park, Harden Moor and Bingley North Bog.”

Characterising the reserve as “landscapes of unhurried drama”, the publication heaped praise on its “undulating moors, wind-polished gritstone tors and views that collapse into long, moody distances broken only by the slow, stately flap of a marsh harrier”. It concluded: “If Britain ever needed proof that the everyday could still surprise, the Bradford Pennines Gateway delivers with quiet aplomb.”

The stunning Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve is the fruitful result of a collaboration between Bradford Council and Natural England, boasting an impressive array of biodiversity set against breathtaking views.

Dubbed as a ‘2026 Wonder of the World’, this reserve is a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, offering an exciting day out discovering its diverse wildlife.

I can’t remember when my terror of waves began in earnest. Maybe it was a singular incident that triggered it, like that monster wave in Biarritz, France, almost 20 years ago that body-slammed me on to the seabed, taking all the skin off my chin.

More likely is that my transition from fearless to frightened had been more of a slow creep, and a perfectly rational one when you consider the danger of riptides, hidden rocks, sharks and concussion. But for me, I feel it goes deeper. Almost inevitably my job will have had something to do with this. Nearly two decades of working as a journalist reporting on the very worst things that human beings can do to other human beings in a wide array of contexts has definitely eroded my sense that I can keep myself – and others – safe from harm in a dangerous world.

A British bloke who goes on holiday to Benidorm five times a year decided to visit a brand new destination for the first time in years but he says he will not make the same mistake again

A Brit who “turned his back” on his beloved Benidorm to finally try a new holiday destination instantly regretted it – and vowed to stick to what he knows best from now on.

James O’Brien, a self-employed investment trader from Reading, visits the popular Spanish resort five times a year. But this month the 39-year-old took a trip to Benalmadena, another Costa del Sol resort, to see if the grass was greener.

However, he then went viral on Facebook after writing a post explaining that “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”.

He said his holiday was “boring” and all he imagined throughout his underwhelming trip was “wish we just went Benidorm” and “imagine if we was in Benidorm now”.

James explained there was a lack of entertainment, bars, atmosphere and that the walk along the “depressing looking beach” was ruined further by being next to a busy road.

Signing off his humorous post, he said: “Yes it’s January but if we was in Benidorm at least we would have had plenty of entertainment, nice walks, nice beaches, plenty to do/explore and could get a kebab at 3am. Just confirms how much we love Benidorm and how much it has to offer. We won’t be making this mistake again!”

After his post got picked up by various Benidorm pages, James had a quick chat with the Mirror about why he loves the Costa Blanca resort and why he was compelled to make the post.

He said: “I felt I had to write something as I turned my back on Benidorm for the first time in years and it backfired on me.

“I first visited Benidorm in 2015 and fell in love with the place. I have lived there and have been going back around five times per year ever since. I have been lucky enough to have visited various other places over the years but Benidorm just has something special that I have never found anywhere else, I just feel at home when I’m there.”

James added that the entertainment was “unbelievable” both day and night and that it goes on 365 days a year. He said the people were all friendly and that everyone there simply wanted to enjoy a good time.

In the past, he used to go just for the strip, but the more he went, the more he realised how big Benidorm really was.

He now also spends time in the Old Town which is a “different world” to the strip where he takes in the architecture while visiting wine bars and eating tapas.

The holiday lover explained that past the Old Town was the Poniente side where there are two stunning beaches before adding that the Rincon de Loix neighbourhood offers family friendly entertainment, hotels and restaurants.

He added: “I could keep going, the place is huge and has so much to offer and caters for all different tastes and ages, you really could have two or three different holidays in one as there is so much to do and experience.”

The spot James hated, Benalmedena, is roughly five hours from Benidorm and just outside Malaga.

The picturesque coastal town has amusement parks, a harbour, aquarium and plenty of bars and nightlife. But this clearly, according to James anyway, has no match on Benidorm.

We found a relaxing spa break surrounded by nature at this family-run North Yorkshire hotel, where you can enjoy impressive views, locally sourced food and fun outdoor activities

Down a scenic country road near Skipton, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, is the vast 1,000-plus acre family-owned estate that is home to The Coniston Hotel. Here you’ll receive a warm Yorkshire welcome – upon check-in and throughout your stay. It’s the ideal getaway for those looking to combine outdoor adventures with downtime spent in the award-winning spa.

The Dales are The Coniston’s top-level rooms, which are modern and roomy and open out onto a private patio area with peaceful views out over the estate.

Dinner at The View restaurant uses Yorkshire produce as much as possible – including venison and livestock from the estate – with cute notes on the menu about its local suppliers. Portions are reassuringly hearty and we found plenty of options for two vegetarians.

The spa at The Coniston Hotel

The Nàdarra Spa is a short distance from the main building. You can make the dash in your robe and slippers if you wish (the hotel staff jokingly call this “free cold therapy”), or there are changing facilities inside.

There’s an indoor pool (pleasingly adults-only except between 9am and 10am), an aromatherapy steam room and three different saunas, but it’s worth braving another few chilly steps outside to one of the two outdoor infinity hydropools. These give stunning views over the estate’s lake, best enjoyed with a drink in hand ordered from the passing spa staff.

Top treatment at The Coniston Hotel

We booked the Mum To Be Cocoon treatment (from £95) which uses luxurious Ishga oils enriched with seaweed from the Scottish Hebrides. It started with a back massage lying on our side, before turning over to get our legs, arms, neck and scalp gently but effectively worked on. It’s tricky to get comfortable during the later stages of pregnancy, but we felt ourselves nearly drifting off during this, even while basically sitting upright.

What else is there to do at The Coniston Hotel?

This isn’t really the sort of hotel where you spend your time lounging about by log fires. It’s a place to get out and about in your wellies and Barbour jackets and make the most of the incredible countryside around you. The Coniston’s on-site activities include fishing, clay pigeon shooting at the well-equipped range and – the one we opted for – Land Rover driving experiences. It was a brilliant hour spent taking the high-spec car off-road around the estate’s rugged terrain, guided by our jolly instructor Bob.

How much does it cost to stay at The Coniston?

Rooms at The Coniston Hotel start from £129 (room only). The One-Hour Land Rover Taster Experience costs £150 for two people.

New research has just revealed which cities Brits can get the nation’s favourite Sunday dinner for a fraction of the price

There are very few things more quintessentially British than an amazing Sunday roast or grabbing a bargain.

Fortunately for Brits, research has revealed which UK cities serve up the lowest-priced roast dinners so people can combine the two – with the cheapest coming in at a wallet-saving £6 less than the nation’s average.

At an average cost of just £12.48, roasts being served in the north-east city of Sunderland are the cheapest in the country. Research done by price comparison experts, Idealo, has revealed the top 10 best places to get a roast if you want to go easy on the purse strings, with fellow northern cities, Hull and Sheffield, and Wales’ second largest city, Swansea, also providing roasts for a bargain.

Sunderland locals or visitors to the city can go to grab a good deal and pubs like The Dun Cow, which is known for its generous portions and cosy, traditional atmosphere.

The Welcome Tavern is also a charming pub that offers a delicious Sunday lunch, which is praised for its good value and generous portions. One reviewer said of the pub: “What a lovely historic nautical pub. “

While another said: “Lovely traditional pub with great Sunderland welcome from both staff an other customers. Had a great Sunday lunch with good music.”

But if Sunderland is too far away for you to take advantage of their cheap meats, veg and potatoes, other cities across the country are offering Sunday bargains.

Sitting at number two on the top 10 cheapest roast list is Swansea, where it costs on average £15.23, and rounding out the top three is the most central city in England, Coventry, which costs £16.65.

Recommendations for those areas include The Village Inn in Swansea – a highly rated local favourite with a warm, welcoming coastal atmosphere, and The Millpool in Coventry, with hand-pulled ales and a classic British pub menu.

Hull in East Yorkshire is not that much more expensive at number four which charges an average £16.76 for a Sunday dinner. The next six cities only have £1.18 between them – with Southend-on-Sea in at number five costing £16.80 and Sheffield in South Yorks., at number ten charging just £17.98.

Recently, Mirror writer Shania King-Soyza decided to tuck into a roast at a pub that Bristol Live readers crowned as the best roast dinner spot in 2024. The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer on King Street is one of Bristol’s historic pubs, established in 1673, and is renowned for its “nostalgic and refined” roast dinner.

“The moment we stepped inside, I was immediately taken by the stunning Grade II* listed building, which exuded a Tudor-like charm, with its dark wooden floors, dim lighting, and vintage tables and chairs. We then made our way to the extensive bar boasting a selection of 36 beers and ciders,” she wrote.

At the end of the dinner, Shania delivered her verdict. “I was also pleased with the portion size, and the presentation scored a perfect 10/10. However, considering my bill came to £19.50, I’m not sure I’d return specifically for their roast, but I’d certainly pop back for their beer selection and perhaps sample a tempting dessert,” she concluded.

This tasty, scenic and thriving coastal town has got history that dates back over 2,000 years but may be hitting its true peak now and it needs to be on your staycation radar

Nestled into the north east of the county, there’s one town that has been described as ‘seafood nirvana’ because its vibrant and buzzing coastal cuisine.

Tynemouth is one of the Tyne and Wear area’s most popular locations and is dominated by high-quality, locally sourced and sustainable seafood options. The area’s premier dining spot is Riley’s Fish Shack which serves nationally-renowned charcoal-grilled mackerel, lobster and scallops sourced directly from nearby North Shields Fish Quay.

Away from food, the town is also known for its Blue Flag-awarded beaches, maritime history, a popular and bustling market and a number of well-respected surf schools.

Located just eight miles from Newcastle, Tynemouth has a history that spans over 2,000 years and was subject to a significant monastic stronghold which was dominated by Tynemouth Priory and Castle that is now open to visitors and locals alike.

Located on the rocky North Sea headland, the remains of the medieval priory are now managed by English Heritage and play host to a swathe of exhibitions charting it history and incredible views of the North Sea and the mouth of the River Tyne.

Away from its history, Tynemouth has two particularly well-known beaches – Longsands and King Edward’s Bay – that are known or their golden sands, surfing, clean water and stunning views.

In the town centre itself, there’s a thriving high street full of independent shops and Tynemouth Market – billed as the North’s most vibrant marketplace.

Filled with over stalls in Tynemouth Station that’s been restored to the former glory of its grand Victorian days, visitors come from all over the country to sample what’s on offer including vintage clothing, jewellery, antiques, street food and much more.

The market has got rave reviews with one person writing: “Lovely little market. Plenty of art, photography, keepsakes and great food options.

“But my favourite part was the Sidings, a little row of shops I’d not seen before. Can’t recommend a visit enough.”

Another wrote: “It’s an amazing place. Both sides of a Metro transformed into the largest market I’ve ever seen.

“Put it on your list of must see in the North.”

A visitor to a village named among the ‘coolest postcodes to move to in 2023’ by The Times, summed up her experience in three words

A visitor was left scratching their head after a visit to a village that’s been dubbed one of the UK’s coolest spots.

Potto, nestled in North Yorkshire, might not be the first place that springs to mind when considering hip locations. With a modest population of 324 and a name derived from the Old English word for ‘pot’, its main attractions are a Victorian-era village hall and the inaugural branch of the Tomahawk Steakhouse chain.

The village once boasted a railway line established in the 19th century, but its distance from the village centre and the advent of buses offering direct routes to Middlesbrough led to its closure in 1954. The village lacks a shop, and the local primary school shut down when enrolment dwindled to a mere 14 pupils.

Back in the 1950s, the landlord of the Dog and Gun became infamous for his practice of scrutinising patrons from his window before deciding whether they appeared ‘respectable’ enough to enter – earning the pub the moniker ‘The Pub That Never Opens’. This unique character – or rather, the absence of much else – surprisingly landed Potto on the Times’ list of ’11 coolest postcodes to move to in 2023′.

The publication stated: “Looking for more from life? And by that we mean “moor”. The beautiful, blustering plains of the North York Moors are the perfect place for burnt-out city folk to disconnect from the world. It’s no wonder the quaint village of Potto, on the edge of the national park, is such a well-kept secret. It has just 120 houses, no shop, not even a main pathway, so it feels as if you can properly hide away here. Take a walk to Whorlton Castle on the edge of the moors, or if you want a longer adventure head out to the Cleveland Hills, which can be seen from Potto. Have a meal at Tomahawk Steakhouse, the only restaurant for miles (luckily it has great reviews, with locals raving about its Himalayan-salt dry-aged steaks).”

ExaminerLive’s Megan Banner chose to visit Potto, having been raised in nearby Darlington and describing herself as an “admirer of all the picturesque spots in Yorkshire.”

Following her trip to the village, her assessment can be captured in three simple words: ‘is this it?’

“This tiny Yorkshire village, praised as the ideal getaway for those ‘seeking to truly escape the hustle and bustle’, houses the first branch of Tomahawk Steakhouse alongside several appealing glamping pods and camping locations. Yet, considering its absence of a shop or main thoroughfare, I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘is this all there is?’,” she noted.

“The homes were idyllic, but beyond the 120 residences and a single pub, there wasn’t much else. The Tomahawk Steakhouse, a renowned steakhouse restaurant and bar, is known for its exceptional Himalayan salt dry-aged beef. It’s a hit across the North East, but I anticipated more from this coveted postcode.

“Despite boasting only one pub, no shops, and a church, the breathtaking views are worth noting. The sweeping, picturesque vistas that envelop this quaint village make it a sanctuary for countryside strolls. However, in my view, an appealing postcode should offer more than just scenic walks. Its proximity to the North York Moors enhances its allure for outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s certainly a hotspot for Instagram aficionados. But for me, a village needs to provide more.”

She added: “I can see why people might be drawn to relocate here; it’s a charming little village, but I believe it doesn’t offer much beyond its natural beauty.”

This town in Norfolk is the longest-established ‘Cittaslow’ in the UK and has fully embraced a slower pace of life with a focus on sustainable living and local produce and businesses

For people sick of the fast-paced frenzy of a lot of busy areas, this ‘unspoilt’ town in Norfolk could be perfect for you.

Aylsham is the oldest established ‘Cittaslow’ town in the UK, having qualified as one in November 2004. The term ‘Cittaslow’ is Italian for ‘slow city’ and is an accredited place with a population of under 50,000 people that focuses on improving the quality of life for its residents by adopting a slower, more community-focused pace of life.

The turning point for the residents of Aylsham came over 20 years ago when the loss of the town’s livestock market, followed by the opening of a supermarket and planned residential growth all became too much.

The community became desperate to change its focus and started by supporting local businesses and maintain high street shops, as well as protecting the environment, conserving local traditions and creating a people-friendly urban fabric.

Now Aylsham is a popular place to visit because of its slow movement, alongside its weekly markets, local produce and historic buildings.

One of the major features of the town is the Blickling Estate which has been the site of a medieval manor house owned by the last Anglo-Saxon King and late became home to the family of Anne Boleyn, the second queen of Henry VIII. Today, Blickling has one of the most significant libraries across the country and boasts significant and rare interior Jacobean plaster ceilings.

Away from the history of the town, Aylsham town centre boasts a traditional market square with independent shops, local food and a strong community feel. The ‘traditional, unspoilt’ market place is surrounded by 18 ^th century houses that reflect the town’s prosperity from the cloth trade from that era.

Today, the picturesque area holds markets on Mondays and Fridays and many people who visit also take in the wealth of shops, pubs and tearooms along its quaint streets. One Aylsham reviewer wrote of the town: “Aylsham is a thriving market town with good bus kink to Norwich and the coast. Lots of lovely independent shops and places to eat.”

Is there a town you think we should be shouting about? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

HAVE YOU ever watched a TV series or film and thought ‘I want to go to where they filmed this’? Well, one historic market town used in major TV productions is the ideal staycation getaway spot.

Found in Wiltshire, Corsham is widely known for its picturesque, honey-coloured houses which have led to its high street being named one of the prettiest in the UK.

According to The Telegraph, “Corsham’s High Street, a handsome run of Bath stone and bunting, hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“[F]ilm crews have flocked in: productions such as Remains of the Day, Poldark and Rivals have been made here.

“The street has many award-winning independents, from bookshops to jewellers to delis (try Woody’s for fresh salads and cheeses).”

The Telegraph added how in the spring of this year, the team at Bath’s Beckford Bottle Shop will also open Corsham House at No 13 – a wine-led bar and restaurant with accommodation upstairs.

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But there is so much more to Corsham than just its high street…

The town is set right on the edge of the Cotswolds, meaning it is the perfect base to explore the area that is capturing the hearts of so many celebrities.

In fact, famous drummer and founder of Pink Floyd, Nick Mason, lives near Corsham.

And famous faces tend to appear in the town quite often thanks to it being a popular filming spot.

In October, the town’s high street was transformed for the filming of the second series of Disney series Rivals, originally created by the late Dame Jilly Cooper.

Celebs spotted include David Tennant.

The town has featured in other productions too, including Poldark.

If you want to explore one of the spots used for the filming of Poldark, head to St Bartholomew’s Church.

Known locally as St Bart’s, the Grade-I listed church features a large churchyard, tower and spire.

And if you aren’t tempted to visit already, Corsham also has a number of very special residents….roaming peacocks.

They are long-term residents of the town, having been introduced by the Methuen family from Corsham Court in the 1920s.

They can often be seen strutting the streets and causing traffic chaos.

You can head to Corsham Court itself as well.

The historic manor is home to a number of art collections, with over 160 pieces of art on display.

The public can visit the house and gardens for £12.50 per adult or £6 per child and explore the state rooms, cabinet room, picture gallery and state bedchamber, which were all designed by Capability Brown and John Nash.

The breakfast room and library are still used by the family living at the house, so are only open for two weeks of the year.

Just a short walk from Corsham Court, you will find The Pound, Corsham’s gallery, theatre, cinema and a cafe-bar.

The Pound often hosts a number of events and workshops, and if you are there in June, make sure to visit the Blue Sky Festival which celebrates the arts.

For another historic find, head to the Corsham Almshouses which were built back in the 17th century.

They were originally houses for the poor and elderly.

When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, you won’t be short of options in Corsham.

One top spot is The Flemish Weaver with a traditional English pub vibe that dates to the 17th century.

Inside, the pub has a cosy atmosphere and even your furry friends won’t be left out as the pub is dog friendly.

The menu has lots of choice including fish and chips with tartare sauce and garden peas for £16 or the pie of the day with mash, vegetables and gravy for £17.

And if you are thirsty, try out the pub’s very own Flemish Ale.

Alternatively, you could head to the Methuen Arms – a Georgian coaching inn that serves, breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

It even has rooms so you can stay there too from £88 per night.

Bath is just down the road as well, around 10 miles away, which is a great city to explore if you are a Bridgerton fan.

For more spots to explore in the UK, here’s the town with one of the most beautiful streets in the UK.

Plus, five pretty English villages that will make you feel like you’re in The Holiday with cosy pubs and cottages.

FAMILIES will be thrilled to hear that an enormous wooden playground is set to open this summer.

Tucked away in Suffolk, the play area will be set within the four-acre grounds of Helmingham Estate in Stowmarket.

The attraction will be called Guildenacre and will be suitable for children of all ages who can immerse themselves in a magical adventure.

There will be four themed areas around the playground – the first will be Flint’s Hollow, home to Flint the Badger.

You’ll be able to tell where it is as it has badger stripes covering the top of the turrets.

Flint’s Hollow will have tunnels, burrows and two-storey lookout spots.

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Once the kids get up there, they’ll be able to look across the grounds before heading back down on the twisty slide.

Up amongst the trees is Eira the Owl’s Canopy Keep with wooden walkways and rope ladders.

There’s a stargazing deck and even talking tubes where children can send messages to their playmates.

The biggest part of the playground is Elderglade which is looked over by Atlas the Stag.

Here there are climbing walls, tunnels, ladders, multi-level walkways, bridges and several impressive slides to race down.

The Ember Den is the fourth area and is the ideal place for older children with an exciting zip line and racing slide.

On the ground there are play trails and balance beams too.

Each area of the playground is linked through bark pathways – so anyone with pushchairs or wheelchairs can easily access it.

There’s also a den building zone for children to build their own hideout.

Adults won’t have to go far for drinks and snacks either as there will also be a place to pick these up within the wood – at the Grade II listed Wades Barn.

The new adventure playground also includes a separate car park and the planned opening is for summer 2026.

Helmingham Hall itself is a moated 16th century manor house with a 400-acre deer park.

It has Grade I listed gardens surrounding the house. It also has a café and shops in the Coach House Courtyard.

Helmingham Hall and Gardens is currently closed for the season and will open May 3, 2026.

Plus, one of England’s best playgrounds to reopen this summer after major £3million renewal.

And here’s London’s best family attraction that ‘feels like it was created for kids’ to get huge new nature playground.

Travellers heading to Spain have been warned of severe disruption

Holidaymakers travelling to Spain have been cautioned that they could face ‘severe disruption’. The alert mirrors guidance released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on Monday.

It follows a high-speed train crash on Sunday evening near Adamuz in the Córdoba province. At least 43 people died in the incident, with a further 159 people injured after two trains collided and derailed.

At the time, the FCDO warned of ‘severe disruption’. In an updated statement on its travel guidance page, it states: “On 18 January, two high‐speed trains collided near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba in Andalusia, southern Spain.

“High‐speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia remain severely disrupted. Renfe, the national railway operator, has introduced a replacement transport plan combining train and bus services. Additional bus and rail services operate on some routes.”

READ MORE: Foreign Office issues urgent Spain travel alert – ‘significant disruption’READ MORE: Couple jet off to Spain for eight-hour New Year’s Eve day trip – and make it home by midnight

You should:

• check the latest information with your train operator before you travel
• allow extra time for your journey
• follow local authority advice

If you need assistance or information about affected passengers, you can contact:

• ADIF: (+34) 900 10 10 20 @Adif_es
• IRYO: (+34) 900 00 14 02 @iryo_eu
• Emergency services (112 EMA): From inside Andalusia: 061; from outside Andalusia: (+34) 953 00 11 49

“If you are a British national and you or a family member have been affected by this accident and require consular support, call the nearest British Embassy or Consulate on 0034 91 714 6300.”

It is understood a high-speed train operated by Iryo travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed before colliding with another train. The second train, which was run by state rail operator Renfe, also derailed and plunged down an embankment, authorities confirmed.

Bianca Birleanu, 23, who was journeying to Huelva, revealed to newspaper El Pais: “We felt the first jolt and, in a fraction of a second, another very strong one.

“The table in front of our seat fell on top of us, the lights went out, and the carriage roof collapsed.”

FOR MANY, heading to Japan is a dream come true with the vibrant cities of Tokyo and Kyoto – but from this year, visiting will become more expensive.

Across 2026, several new fees are being introduced in Japan that could see your holiday to the Asian country suddenly become a lot more expensive.

So if you are planning a trip to Japan, you might want to budget a bit extra…

Kyoto hotel tax

From March, anyone visiting Kyoto will have to pay Japan‘s highest-ever hotel tax.

The new system will be tiered based on the prices of rooms, with the fee ranging from ¥200 (93p) per night, to as much as ¥10,000 (£46.73) per night.

The city’s authorities have introduced the tax as a way for tourists ‘sharing the cost’ of tourism.

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The money collected from the new fee is set to go to transport upgrades, campaigns and a new express bus service that will connect the city centre to Higashiyama’s temple district.

It is estimated that the tax will generate around ¥12.6 billion (about £58.8million) each year, which is around double what the city’s previous tax raised each year.

Departure tax

Known as the departure tax, Japan will raise the fee for travellers leaving the country.

The fee will rise from ¥1,000 (£4.67) per person to ¥3,000 (£14.01) in July 2026.

The departure tax was originally introduced back in 2019 and applies to anyone who is leaving Japan.

The fee isn’t paid separately but is usually applied to either a flight ticket or ferry ticket.

However, if you depart within 24 hours of arriving – so let’s say you have a flight stopover – you will not be charged the fee.

The fee will apply to all travellers aged two or older.

Visa fees

Visa fees could also rise under Japan’s 2026 budget.

The plans suggest there could be a ¥15,000 (£70.07) processing fee for a single-entry visa.

This would cost five times more than the current fee, which sits around ¥3,000 (£14.01).

For multiple-entry visas, the fee could even rise to ¥30,000 (£140.13).

2028 introductions

Japan is also looking at introducing even more fees in the future.

By 2028, the country hopes to roll out the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA) for travellers from visa-free countries.

If this were introduced, it would mean that citizens from 71 countries and regions that currently have visa-exempt short-stays in Japan, would need to get a pre-authorisation to travel.

And this includes Brits.

It would, in practice, be similar to America’s ESTA.

The fee for this could be between ¥2,000 (£9.34) and ¥3,000 (£14.01) per person.

Existing fees

There are a number of fees already in place across Japan including Mount Fuji’s ¥4,000 (£18.70) entry fee which was introduced last summer to limit the issues of overtourism.

The fee applies to all four main trails of Mount Fuji.

In other tourist fee news, the cost of holidays is set to rise at home AND abroad thanks to pricier flights and new tourist tax rules.

Plus, new tourist tax to introduce £76 entry fee at 11 National Parks – while locals have free entry days.

More than 84 million passengers travel through London’s Heathrow Airport every year, making it the busiest hub in Europe

Heathrow Airport has made a major update to rules affecting every passenger. More than 84 million people use the London airport every year, making it the busiest hub in Europe.

It announced it has completed the roll-out of its new high-tech scanners which means major changes to what can be taken through security in hand luggage. The new equipment now allows electronics such as laptops to be left in luggage while clear plastic bags for liquids no longer have to be used.But a new key change is that liquids no longer have to be no more than 100 ml without clear plastic bags being used. Passengers can now carry up to 2 litres of liquids in their luggage.

Heathrow is the latest airport to make the change following the introduction of the high-tech scanners. Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham airports have already upgraded and rolled out the 2-litre limit.

Passengers using most UK airports will still have to follow the rule which means they can keep liquid containers of up to 100ml in their luggage, without having to remove them and use clear plastic bags. Bristol and Belfast airports have also raised their liquid limits to two litres.

Heathrow Airport explains the change on its website saying: “Liquids in containers up to two litres can remain in cabin bags and be taken through security in all terminals (T2, T3, T4 and T5). Remember refillable metal or double walled containers must be emptied but these can be refilled once through security.”

It adds that the following liquids are allowed in the aircraft cabin:

• Baby food or baby milk: breast milk can be carried in the cabin; when it is stored in a clear, transparent container or commercially available storage bag. Metal or double walled containers are not permitted.
• The volume of each container / bag should not exceed 2 litres. Breast milk should be in a liquid format and not frozen. When travelling without an infant, breast milk can be carried in quantities up to 2 litres. This does not apply to formula milk or other baby juice / food. Please check with your airline as individual cabin / hand baggage allowance can vary.
• You may also wish to take advantage of our Reserve & Collect Service for collection by calling us on 0800 678 5324 or online via www.heathrow.com/shopping (Or feel free to use direct page link – Baby Milk – Airport Shopping | Heathrow Reserve & Collect)
• Liquid medicines: You are only permitted to carry quantities of liquid medication in excess of the 2 litre limit where it is needed during the course of your flight. All medication should be accompanied by documentary proof of authenticity, such as a prescription or letter from a medical practitioner confirming that you need them for your journey. Liquid medication that is not required on the flight should be carried as hold luggage. Find out more about travelling with medicines.

However the rule remains that explosive or flammable liquids, and those that are considered toxic, are not permitted in either hand or hold luggage.