TRAVEL

WHEN you picture Dublin, pints of Guinness in the Temple Bar district tend to be the first thing that spring to mind.

But this city is hiding a stunning coastline, with charming seaside towns, craggy castles and beaches so beautiful they’ve earned the stretch the nickname of the Amalfi Coast of Ireland.

Flights cost as little as £21 each way and take just over an hour, so it’s a no-brainer for a budget break combining city and sea.

I ventured along the Dublin Coastal Trail, which stretches from Balbriggan to Killiney, where cliff walks overlook white sands and there are puffin-spotting opportunities aplenty.

It’s fully accessible by public transport, too. I picked up a Dublin Transport Freedom Ticket from £42, which offers 72 hours worth of travel on buses, trams and the Dart (the coastal train linking these spots).

The first stop on my adventure was Dun Laoghaire, a Victorian seaside town around 15 minutes from Dublin city centre by Dart.

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WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

My base was the Royal Marine Hotel, a majestic pink palace that once hosted Frank Sinatra.

A short walk brings you to the Forty Foot, a rocky bathing pool featured in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses and, more recently, on Apple TV’s Bad Sisters.

Locals brave the chilly water year-round, even on Christmas Day, so with the sun shining, I had no excuse.

Plus, visitors can soon warm up at the harbour’s new Helios floating sauna (£21.50pp) where a magnificent floor-to-ceiling window frames paddle-boarders and moored yachts.

Tick off a steak dinner from Casper & Giumbini’s and a delicious treat from Teddy’s ice cream parlour and you’ve done Dun Laoghaire right.

My next stop along the coast was Dalkey, Dublin’s answer to Beverly Hills.

With winding medieval streets and cliffside mansions, it’s an A-list enclave where you might glimpse residents Bono or Enya.

But I wasn’t here for celeb-spotting. It was the seal-spotting I cared about.

A kayak tour (£77) with local guide Jenny took us past seals posing on rocks in curved banana shapes — a sign they feel totally chillaxed, Jenny explained.

We then paddled past bioluminescent moon jellyfish weaving around bladderwrack seaweed, before looping back to Dun Laoghaire, ready for dinner.

This time I gave Hartley’s restaurant a go, where baked salmon followed by a peanut butter brownie rewarded my slightly aching limbs. And if peanut butter brownies sound up your street, you’ll love Blackrock, just over five minutes away by Dart.

This suburb is a bustling hub of artisan bakeries and home to a vintage weekend market you could easily lose hours in.

Armed with a flat white and an iced cinnamon roll from trendy cafe Hatch, I hit the market to sift through a bohemian treasure trove of retro records, vintage dresses and jingling chimes.

This gem of a spot could only be topped by Howth, which might just be my favourite Irish suburb.

Here I met Mark, a local whose Coastal Hike With Pints & Puppies tour (GetYourGuide, £40pp) ticked off a dream combination of activities.

We headed for the Howth Cliff Path on a two-hour loop which offers hands-down Dublin’s most spectacular coastal views.

As we passed turquoise waters shimmering beneath moss-topped cliffs, we came to a lighthouse on a strip of land jutting out over the sea, otherwise known as the Nose of Howth.

In the distance was the small island of Ireland’s Eye, where playful puffins nest.

At local pub The Bloody Stream, Mark’s spaniel puppies (who are likely closer to adulthood by now) mingle with the group.

Mark told me he’s the happiest man in the world to show off the beauty of his town for a living, and I believe him.

If you’re wanting to venture further than Dublin, you can hop on a day’s coach trip with Wild Rover Tours.

The Kilkenny, Wicklow & Glendalough Day Tour (£37) gives you a fast-pass to the neighbouring counties’ best scenery.

Our tour began in Kilkenny, a maze-like medieval city packed with witchy history.

Kilkenny saw Ireland’s first witch trial — that of Alice Kyteler in 1324 — and today you can dine in Kyteler’s Inn, her rumoured former home, marked by the swinging sign of a black cat.

From there we rolled into Glendalough, a glacial valley famous for its glittering twin lakes. After an easy circular loop, we rounded out the afternoon at Cullens Sheep Farm, where farmer Richie led an impressive sheepdog-herding demonstration.

The best part, however, was getting to snuggle up with an adorable fluffy lamb.

You don’t get that at Temple Bar.

From this month the new rule will start coming in at all UK airports with it fulling in force by early 2027

Anyone with a passport has been warned of a major change for all travellers – coming in early 2027. People who may hve been hit by delays getting back into the UK and tryin to use an eGate has been told of the rule change.

From early 2027, passengers arriving in the UK will be able to pass through the gates without showing their passports, according to the Home Office. East Midlands Airport became the first to offer the new system this week, which uses facial technology to scan passengers on approach.

After taking a photo, the system checks the passenger against verified immigration, travel and passport information. The gate then opens automatically once the checks are complete, meaning passengers do not need to place their passport on the e-gate reader.

If further checks are needed, travellers will need to put their passport on the reader or may be directed to a Border Force officer. After opening at the Leicestershire hub, the Home Office said all UK airports will have contactless e-gates by early 2027. Passengers must still carry their passports, though.

Here’s how it works:

• passengers approach an eGate and have their photo taken
• the system checks this live image against verified immigration, travel and passport information
• the eGate opens automatically once these checks are complete

The system uses state-of-the-art facial technology to verify a passenger’s identity before the UK’s robust border security checks are carried out in full. Legitimate travellers can then simply walk through, without needing to place their passport on the eGate reader.

If further checks are needed, passengers will need to place their passport on the reader or may be directed to a Border Force officer, as happens today. Border Force officers will continue to monitor all eGates offering assistance, and passengers should keep their passport with them at all times.

Testing shows the new contactless system is up to 25% faster than using a passport on an eGate.

The phased rollout starts at East Midlands Airport, initially for British citizens, before expanding to more airports and other nationalities already eligible for eGates over the coming months.

Phil Douglas, Director General of Border Force, said: “This is a win for travellers coming to our brilliant country. By using state-of-the-art technology, we are making journeys smoother and faster, all while fully maintaining the UK’s robust border security.

“Our digital transformation also builds on our work this summer to extend eGates to children aged eight and above, making life a little easier for families.

Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: “This will be excellent news for the passenger and demonstrates how UK airports continue to be at the forefront of new technologies to keep our borders safe, while improving the travelling experience.

“It is vital that we have the fast, efficient borders that arrivals into the UK now expect, and we will work closely with our members and government officials to ensure a smooth rollout.”

Chris Wilson, Head of Terminal & Capacity Planning at Birmingham Airport, said: “We’re pleased to be one of the first airports in the UK to introduce UK Border Force’s contactless eGates.

“Working closely with our industry partners and government agencies, we have actively supported the rollout of the new UK Border Force system here at Birmingham Airport.”

Customers arriving into the UK will benefit from this new speedier and smoother arrival through the border. Millions of people already use eGates every year – the fastest way for legitimate travellers to enter the UK. This marks the latest step in the government’s efforts to modernise the UK border, delivering on the Immigration White Paper.

Earlier this year to e-gates at UK airports were expanded to include younger children allowing, children aged eight and nine returning to the UK to use e-gates.

The gates use facial recognition technology to check passengers’ identities against the photo in their passport, which is generally quicker than manual inspections. Children must be at least 120cm tall so they can be seen by biometric scanners, and accompanied by an adult.

Under previous rules, only passengers aged 10 and above were allowed to use the gates, forcing families with younger children to queue for passport booths.

In addition to the 13 UK airports with e-gates, children aged eight and nine are also now permitted to use them at ports in Brussels and Paris, where juxtaposed checks take place.

OCTOBER half-term is fast approaching, and keeping the kids entertained without spending loads can feel scarier than Halloween itself.

Luckily, you don’t need to spend a small fortune to keep the half term action-packed, with brilliant cheap and free events popping up across the UK.

From giant inflatable monster takeovers, to ‘Wizard Schools’ and Hey Duggee-themed trails, there are options for families of all ages.

Here’s our pick of the best free and cheap family days out for October half-term.

Free

Spooky Season at the National Railway Museum, York

Visit the National Railway Museum between 24 October – 1 November follow a spooky storytelling trail through spectacular vintage trains.

Drop into free daily storytelling sessions, creepy craft workshops and more, while getting to see everything from steam locomotives to the Japanese shinkansen.

For even more hands-on action, grab tickets to the Wonderlab gallery, where the interactive science exhibits have been given a thrilling seasonal twist.

Tickets are free, just make sure to book online in advance.

The Playful Park of Peculiar & Halloween Trail, London

Head to High Street Kensington for a family-friendly Halloween trail that will lead you in and out of shops along one of London’s prettiest streets.

The free trail takes place from October 23 – 31, but if you visit on Halloween, you’ll also get to visit Big Kensington Vintage Flea market which will be specially stocked with Gothic furniture and florals.

Plus, from 4:30pm – 7.30pm that night, Holland Park transform into the Playful Park of Peculiar.

This is a free trail complete with decorations, illuminations and even live characters and performances to meet along the way.

Pendle Hill, Lancashire

For a proper scare this Halloween, head to Lancashire’s Pendle Hill, which is widely known as one of the UK’s most haunted spots.

The area is famous for hosting witch trials in 1612, and there are plenty of ghostly and historical walking tours that delve deep into its past.

Brave a guided ghost walk for £10pp and explore the very villages where the accused witches once lived.

After working up a fright in the dark, you can calm your nerves and warm up with a well-earned pint by a roaring fire in one of the area’s cosy local pubs.

Halloween trails, murder mystery and more on the English Riviera

Brave the hair-raising ‘Abbey After Dark’ scare trail at Torre Abbey, hunt for mini monsters at the illuminated Babbacombe Model Village, or explore ancient underground caves on a creepy ghost walk at Kents Cavern.

If you need a break from the scares, take a brisk walk along the stunning South West Coast path before warming up with a cosy pub lunch.

Derry Halloween Festival

Visit the home of Halloween this October half-term, as Derry celebrates the 40th anniversary of Europe’s largest Halloween festival.

Families can tackle the ‘Awakening the Walled City’ trail, where the streets come alive with giant illuminated statues, creepy roaming characters, and thrilling fire shows.

Down in the city centre, the streets are packed with free entertainment and live shows to keep the kids entertained, with acrobatics, circus performers and spooky street theatre.

The fun wraps up on Halloween night with a costume carnival parade through the city and a dazzling fireworks finale over the River Foyle.

Halloween in the City, Manchester

From October 24 – 31, Manchester city centre will be taken over by giant inflatable ghosts and aliens as the popular MCR Monsters return to the city to celebrate their 10th birthday.

Families can join in the completely free monster birthday bash, featuring a Rave Yard disco, live storytelling and a brilliantly bizarre Monster Bake-Off.

Kids are also encouraged to don their best fancy dress alongside creepy creatures in the Walk the Plank monster procession.

To top it all off, little trick-or-treaters can tackle the Kids’ Halloween Hunt on New Cathedral Street to bag themselves a party bag stuffed with free sweets.

Lightpool Festival, Blackpool

Blackpool‘s Lightpool Festival is back with a bang this October half-term, celebrating its 10th anniversary with another completely free program of illuminated entertainment.

Running from October 21 – 31, the seaside town‘s landmarks will be transformed by mesmerising 3D projection shows and interactive artworks including neon jellyfish and giant glowing sculptures.

Make sure to visit the famous Tower Ballroom to catch the ‘Carnival Magic’ show, an explosive performance packed with puppets, fire-breathers, and dancers.

With zero cost to explore all the indoor and outdoor displays, it’s the perfect family evening out to brighten up the dark autumn nights.

£5 and under

The Creepy Circus, Zombie Apocalypse party & more, Weymouth – £2.75pp

Head on a haunted trail through Weymouth this October, and meet the cast of the Creepy Circus (made up of live actors) along the way…

Beginning in the city centre, you will explore the seaside town as a team, stopping to collect clues from witches and mystery circus characters.

The trail takes place from October 25 – November 1, from 10am – 6pm daily and costs £2.75pp.

Plus if you’re in Weymouth on Halloween night, there’s a Zombie Apocalypse party at The Donkey Social with totally free entry. Fancy dress is encouraged, and there’s prizes up for grabs, too.

Wizard School & more in Southampton – from £4

There’s plenty of spooky happenings in Southampton this October, with options for families of all ages.

Tudor House will offer free admission on October 30 on a Halloween-themed open day. The site is Southampton’s oldest museum, and was built in the late 15th century.

There will also be additional themed crafts, face painting and more from £4.

Families visiting on October 26 or 27 can take part in ‘Wizard School’ sessions, and even create their own wand to take home (£8 per child).

Scarecastle, Staffordshire- £5

Brave the dark depths of a two-mile long underground canal tunnel on a spooky ‘Scarecastle’ boat trip this October.

The tunnel opened in 1777, and helped to connect the Midlands canal network to Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

Running daily from October 25 to 31, this historic tunnel is transformed into a floating Halloween tour packed with surprises.

Tickets cost £5 each. Pre-book your spot in advance online.

£10 and under

Southampton Ghost Tour – £10pp

The Southampton Ghost tour winds through underground medieval vaults and includes visits to haunted historic buildings such as the Merchants Hall, Tudor House and The Red Lion pub (which boasts an impressive 21 ghosts)

It starts at 6pm on Halloween night, but if you can’t make this one there are more options with various dates hosted by the likes of Dark Encounters and Get Your Guide.

Halloween at Stockeld Park, Yorkshire – from £9pp

At Yorkshire’s Stockeld Park, families can explore an Enchanted Forest on a Woodland Witches trail, tackle interactive challenges and even take on a giant Mummy Maze.

Beyond the witchy fun, there are tractor rides to pumpkin patches and even a Zombie Laser Tag arena.

For a special after-dark treat, you can grab tickets to the brand new Pumpkin Nights to watch spectacular fire-eating shows under the stars.

The events run every weekend throughout October, with event tickets priced individually. The cheapest event costs £9pp.

£15 and under

Illuminated Halloween trail, Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Dorset – £14 per adult, £8 per child

As darkness falls, Moors Valley begins to glow with a spectacular illuminated Halloween trail packed with eerie encounters.

Wander beneath towering giant skeletons, dodge creepy characters like manic barbers, and tip-toe through a creepy carnivorous garden.

The route also features a brilliant food village where you can stop to sip a hot chocolate or toast some marshmallows.

The event takes place from October 23 – November 1. Pre-book timed entry tickets online, costing £15.75 for adults and £13 for children.

Hey Duggee Kew Gardens trail, London – £2 (+ £10 entry)

Kew Gardens is teaming up with Hey Duggee for an autumnal outdoor adventure trail for little ones this October half-term.

Kids can grab a map and explore the famous gardens while taking on interactive challenges, stopping to collect Squirrel Club badge stamps along the way.

After earning their final badge and grabbing a quick photo with a Duggee sculpture, there’s plenty more to explore such as the Children’s Garden.

Running daily from October 17 – November 1, the trail is completely free with standard garden entry. You can bag £10 entry tickets if you visit on a Tuesday throughout autumn.

Castle Howard Arboretum, North Yorkshire – from £12.75 per adult, £8.50 per child

Visit Castle Howard Arboretum this October half-term for a spectacular display of autumn colours across 120 acres of beautiful woodland.

After exploring hidden glades and tranquil lakes, you can sit down for a family meal in the cosy on-site cafe.

Make sure to look out for the resident red squirrels, named David Attenborough and Cinnamon.

Enjoy getting out in the fresh air this half term, with adult tickets from £12.75 and kids from £8.50.

Welsh School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Carmarthenshire – £10pp

Pack your broomsticks, as the British Bird of Prey Centre is transforming into the Welsh School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this October half term.

Trainee wizards can get stuck into a timetable of spooky activities, including crafting their own wands and brewing potions.

You can also upgrade for £10 to a masterclass where you’ll learn how to fly an owl and more.

The event runs from October 26 – November 1, with all standard classes and bird shows included in your regular centre admission ticket (£14 per adult, £8.50 per child).

“THIS can’t be it, can it?” I thought as I gazed up and down the road.

Instead of the ornate Athens streets I’d become used to, here were rundown second-hand electrical shops, smashed windows and crude graffiti.

I checked my phone map.

Sure enough, tucked beneath a battered cellar door, flush in the pavement, was the entrance to Diporto, one of the city’s best-kept culinary secrets.

Friends had tipped me off about this basement taverna in the Omonia district, serving real-deal Greek soul food and wine and, despite its dodgy entrance, it delivered in spades.

When most people think of Greek food, light salad dishes and dips spring to mind.

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I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

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But in the winter months, the menu transforms.

Out go the chilled dips, replaced by steaming pots of revithia (rich chickpea stew simmered with olive oil and lemon), piping-hot tomato and potato soups, grilled fish straight off the coals, and thick slabs of crusty sourdough.

Sitting next to massive vintage wine barrels, sipping house red from a metal jug, I was in food heaven.

Family-run bakery Feyrouz was another amazing spot secreted away down an alleyway, the heady scent of cumin, za’atar and toasted pine nuts wafting into the street.

Its signature street food includes lahmacun, a crispy spiced flatbread and peynirli, sourdough pasties stuffed with halloumi and spices.

It’s no wonder Time Out crowned Athens the most underrated winter city break in Europe.

With temperatures back in the UK plummeting, I was grateful for the relative warmth of 15C during my January trip.

Winter had clearly chased the tourists away.

Gone were the packed market streets and endless crowds.

I was free to roam around the Acropolis unfettered by the masses that gather in the summer heat and able to really appreciate just how awesome a spot it truly is.

The columns of the Parthenon rise almost 50ft while the view from the hill it stands on is spectacular.

Without the summer heat haze, the crisp sunshine reveals Mount Lycabettus towering next to it and the Aegean Sea visible behind the urban sprawl that lies at its base.

Thousands of years on, this ancient wonder hasn’t lost its magic.

Such remains are commonplace throughout Athens, with Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Olympian Zeus just some of the amazing ancient spots you find yourself wandering around, just a stone’s throw from the city centre.

Even in January, cafe culture is alive and kicking.

Wrapped in fleece blankets, locals huddle under outdoor patio heaters, sipping hot rakomelo (honeyed spiced brandy) in the historic Plaka quarter.

I climbed Mars Hill to catch the sunset over the city — an experience that’s usually a shoulder-to-shoulder fight in July, but in winter felt like my own private viewing platform.

What’s more, hotels are far cheaper in the winter, the lack of demand stretching your money much further than in the busier months.

This gave me the opportunity to try out a hotel chain I’d never used before and I was once again pleasantly surprised.

Bob W, which stands for “best of both worlds”, markets itself as somewhere between a local homestay and a lifestyle hotel.

They team up with nearby restaurants and cafes to bring locally produced food to your door in the morning for breakfast, while partnerships with local gyms mean guests have access included in the price of their stay, as well as the chance to join in with yoga classes and other sessions.

For just £40 a night at Bob W Akadimia, I had a sizeable design-conscious modern apartment, complete with a comfy double bed, living room area, huge bathroom with rainfall shower and a kitchenette.

It’s very tech forward — with check-in and even access to your room done via mobile phone — and all apartments feature high-speed wifi and smart TVs.

I would definitely recommend spending a night or two with Bob, much as I would visiting Athens for a little winter break.

Its combination of hearty winter stews, incredible archaeology, warmer weather and quiet, tourist-free streets means you can have a wonderful time getting to know the city properly before the summer rush transforms it into almost a different place.

NOT only is the Algarve one of Europe’s most affordable holiday destinations, but also still gets some great October warmth.

But if you want to avoid the crowds, there are some barely-known-to-Brits islands that are just of the coast where you can enjoy gloriously quiet beaches.

To get to the Algarve, most Brits will fly into Faro before heading over to their resort along the coast.

But I highly recommend staying in the city as it is home to Ria Formosa, a group of islands.

I was told about the islands by a local, as I had never heard about them or even seen them promoted as a holiday destination.

But just a few euros by boat (taking around 20 minutes) you’ll find empty beaches that rival Caribbean.

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My favourite is Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta.

But don’t expect to see any huge holiday resorts or even houses, as no-one lives on the island.

Instead, the boardwalk stretches around the coastline, making it a gloriously peaceful walk.

There is one building on the island, however, which is a restaurant called Estamine.

It first opened in the 1960s, but sadly burnt down in 2021.

Thankfully it has since been rebuilt and it’s worth the boat ride – after all, where else can you go to a desert-like island just to see a restarant?

The huge glass windows mean you still get fantastic views, albeit the Portuguese wine and freshly caught fish help too.

Otherwise if you want something a bit more built up, try Isla Armona instead.

There are a few houses and cafes, with a pathway winding through the boat pier to the beach.

Yet that peace and quiet remains, with the stone cottages covered with flowers and tiled patterns.

Get to the soft sand and you can grab an ice cream and a drink before sitting on the beautifully quiet beach.

It still remains quiet however – the boat gets onto the island at one end, with along single path winding through the tiny cottages to the beach on the other side.

However, this beach is just as quiet, with just a small bar serving drinks and snacks.

Now is a great time to go – it’s 27C next week and you can still get flights to Faro for under £20.

If you need somewhere to stay, I highly recommend splashing out on 3HB, which was Faro’s first 5* hotel.

Rooftop restaurant, chic bedrooms and friendly staff all make it worth the stay.

A MAJOR UK airport has announced a £2 billion ‘Master Plan’ that it hopes will land 30million passengers a year.

The expansion will create 50,000 jobs, including 3,800 on site.

Birmingham Airport‘s 15-year plan makes the best of its existing runway with major upgrades to passenger facilities.

It currently has around 13 million passengers travelling through it a year, so the 2041 goal of 30 million annual passengers is more than double.

As early as next year, flyers will see improved baggage facilities, additional aircraft stands and better public transport access.

The terminal area is a main fixture of the expansion, and is set to become 60% larger.

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Parking will be vastly improved, too – in the first five years there will be two new car parking areas for flyers.

Nick Barton, Chief Executive Officer at Birmingham Airport Limited, said: “The £2bn proposed investment is unprecedented at Birmingham Airport and will take our airport close to 30m passengers.

“This level of ambition sends a strong signal of support and confidence in our airport and wider region.”

Birmingham Airport has assured local residents that in 2041, the noise impact will be similar to how it is today because of quieter aircraft.

They have also said they will be net zero by 2033; they list energy efficiency, alternative fuels and renewable electricity as a few reasons why.

The West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, said: “It’s set to bring thousands of new jobs, better international links, and unlock vital backing for local businesses and supply chains.

“This consultation gives local people and business owners a chance to have their say and help shape the airport’s expansion so that it brings lasting benefits for our communities.”

Mont Blanc is hiding behind the clouds, but the Aiguille du Midi spears the sky above a mountainside ablaze with russet, gold and tawny tones. The maples flare red; rowan trees are dusted with crimson berries.

Our little group has trundled up to Mont Lachat station (altitude: 2,115 metres) on the Tramway du Mont Blanc, the century-old cog railway that climbs improbably steep slopes from the French alpine town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. Operational since 1909, the railway was once intended to reach the 4,809-metre summit of Mont Blanc, but war, glacial terrain and waning funds put an end to that ambition. But even from Mont Lachat, the view is a showstopper. On one side, the Bionnassay Glacier slips scenically down the slope, a buzzard soaring over the milky-green glacial lake at its base, while on the other the Chamonix valley basks in soft autumnal sunshine.

IF the average holiday home isn’t quite cutting it with the kids, you’ll love these ones.

With whole role-play villages, ziplines and even ballpit rooms, these are the five best family-friendly Airbnbs in the UK.

Imagine at High Parks

This pretty farmhouse might look like your average Airbnb – but inside, it has a secret wing that’s dedicated to children’s play.

It’s a paradise and will definitely inspire play as inside you’ll find a tearoom with an oven, cups and mugs and even a stable with a rocking horse.

The village shop has a real-life counter with a cash machine and around the corner is a cinema.

There’s also a hotel that is actually where the children’s rooms are and each is kitted out with single beds and made to feel cosy.

Outside there’s even more for kids to enjoy as there’s a huge wooden climbing frame with a basket swing, see-saw, toddler swing and slide.

The climbing fort is set amongst a huge garden so there’s plenty of room to run around too.

One visitor wrote: “I stayed with my two children aged 8 and 5, they were so excited when we arrived and said it was the best holiday house ever.”

As for the rest of the property, it can sleep up to six guests.

It has a light and airy living room with high ceilings, and wooden beams across the ceiling.

There’s also a modern kitchen with a dining area, the master bedroom is on a mezzanine level.

Three of the bedrooms have a single bed, two of which have views across the garden, and bedroom five has a cot.

Surrounding the house is a patio area, a great spot to sit and enjoy the views in the summertime.

A seven-night stay for six people in January 2027 starts from £1,575 – or £37.50pppn.

Searles Cottage, Cornwall

Tredethick Farm Cottages is in the top 10 per cent of homes on Airbnb and is a particular hit with families.

Inside, kids and teenagers will enjoy playing in the games barn which has a pool table, table tennis table, indoor slide and sand pit – the home even has an heated indoor swimming pool.

When the weather plays ball, children can enjoy the outdoor playpark and balance bike track.

As it’s on a working farm, there are morning animal feeding sessions held at least three times per week with the goats, pigs, chickens and guinea pigs.

In the summertime, guests can book pony experiences.

There’s also a heated indoor swimming pool for splashing about and a private garden for playing in.

Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of the hot tub and relaxing in front of the fireplace in the living area.

The home sleeps up to four guests in its two bedrooms, one with a king- size bed, the other with two singles.

A four-night stay in April 2027 for a family of four starts from £1,000 – or £62.50pppn.

Fun City Stay, Essex

Just outside of Colchester in Essex is this beautiful Grade-II home which looks like it should be a cosy retreat, and it is – but there are lots of surprises inside too.

Along with its open kitchen-diner, large living room and Disney-themed bedrooms is a play room called Narnia.

Not only is it a soft play, but it has a huge ball pit that children will love.

One visitor wrote in their review: “The soft play was a huge hit with the children and kept them entertained for hours!”

Another added: “We had a fantastic stay here for a family getaway! Everything was perfect. The soft play room was amazing for the children.”

In the kitchen is a seven-foot table that can transform into a pool and table tennis table.

There’s also a darts board if you fancy a go.

In total, the home can sleep up to nine guests across its four bedrooms inspired by Disney’s Madagascar, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Jungle Book and Aladdin.

A five-night stay for nine guests in November 2026 is £1,793 – or £39.84pppn.

The Narnia room is available to book at an additional cost, as is the hot tub.

Country cottage and treehouse, Salisbury

This beautiful countryside cottage is tucked away in a private 80-acre woodland near Salisbury.

Next to the pretty Airbnb is where the kids are likely to spend most of their time – up in the treehouse.

Once up there the whole family can take it in turns zooming through the woodland on the 100-foot zipline.

It’s definitely a hit with previous visitors, one said: “So much space for the children to run around in, an incredible tree house with zip wire (just as much fun for the adults).”

Another added: “The kids were in their element with the zip line, treehouse, and lake-endless adventures right on the doorstep.

“It felt like a little paradise for them, and gave us all such a chance to properly switch off and enjoy time together.”

The home is nestled in a private 80-acre woodland near a secluded lake. Enjoy tranquil trekking trails, or relax by the secluded lake.

The country cottage has a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom downstairs – the further two bedrooms are upstairs.

While the kids are enjoying the activities, parents can soak in the wood-fired Dutch tub.

On arrival there’s complimentary tea, coffee, sugar, 1 litre of organic milk, locally produced apple juice, cornflakes, oats and cereal from the hosts.

The home can sleep up to six guests across its three bedrooms.

The base price is based on a two person occupancy – it then increases by £40pppn (there is no charge for infants).

There’s an offer of 20 per cent off on weekly stays and 40 per cent off on monthly stays.

A five-night stay in November for a group of six costs £2,016 – or £67.20pppn.

Halula’s House of Fun, Somerset

For the ultimate family and friends holiday, the Halula’s House of Fun has it all.

It can sleep up to 21 guests – it also has a swimming pool, swim up bar, hot tub, indoor slide and ballpit and children’s play area.

The whole house will be like a play park for the kids thanks to its bright decor and plenty to do. One of the rooms has a rainbow slide that goes straight into the ballpit.

Kids will also love the huge movie room with snug sofas and projector screen.

Outside, there’s a climbing frame, playhouse, trampoline and play cars.

Between April and October, the outdoor swimming pool is open for business too.

All six bedrooms have their own theme – and there’s even a cosy book nook for bedtime stories.

It’s not just kids that will love this house, it’s possible parents might enjoy it even more, it has a pool house, bar and hot tub.

The home sleeps up to 21 guests across seven bedrooms

A six-night stay in April 2027 starts from £8,338 – or £66.17pppn.

LOOKING for a new drink spot? Well, the best bars in the world have just been revealed.

The50 has just announced its list of the ultimate bars – and three of them are in the UK.

The Connaught Bar has been named the best UK bar on The50 list landing at number eight.

The publication praised it for its cocktails which “are near unimpeachable – a few of its signatures are genuine neo-classics – and the hospitality is as warm as it is indiscriminate”.

The bar is inside the Connaught Hotel in Mayfair and serves up signature cocktails.

You’ll want to start saving for some of the cocktails though – opt for the The Vintage Martini Cocktail made from Gordon’s Dry gin 1970s, Martini Extra Dry vermouth 1970s and you’ll pay a whopping £150.

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Another cocktail called the Silver Jubilee Rob Roy will set you back even more – a huge £2,210.

The judges particularly liked the new BRB cocktail that’s a “a melon-spiked paloma” which you can enjoy for a much more modest £26.

It’s reportedly a popular spot for celebrities too with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz and Taylor Swift having all checked into the Connaught Hotel.

Also on the list is Satan’s Whiskers which is in Bethnal Green and came in 29th spot.

It has a very different look to the Connaught Bar with a more grungy feel.

The judges recommended the bar’s Miami Vice which is a frozen strawberry daiquiri and piña colada in one glass.

Another top UK bar called The Waltz has been described as a ‘serene hideaway in Shoreditch, and ‘a perfect little piece of Japan‘.

The menu is split into two sections; In Season and Evergreen – there there always new drinks to try especially as one is based on the 72 Micro-Seasons of the ancient Japanese calendar.

Going back to the very top of the list, the bar that landed in the top spot is Bar Leone in Hong Kong.

The 1970s Roman-inspired bar has with intimate lighting, vintage tiled floors where you can pick Italian classic cocktails like negronis, martinis, old fashioneds.

This win means it has now won the top spot in The 50 Best Bars Asia and the global edition twice.

Second on the list is Moebius Milano in Milan which is inside a former textile warehouse.

The seating is situated around a huge 700-year-old olive tree that that is the height of two floors.

It has weekly live music performances from jazz, bossa nova to soul.

This is followed by Alquímico in Cartagena which has an enormous open-air tropical-style tiki-bar.

It’s on the third floor of a 100-year-old colonial mansion where the bar is found.

Following on in fourth and fifth place is Bar Us in Bangkok, and Line in Athens.

Coming in sixth spot is the Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City which has a secret underground basement bar where hip-hop is played and there are cocktails on tap.

Here is the full list of the World’s Best Bars…

1. Bar Leone, Hong Kong, China
2. Moebius Milano, Milan, Italy
3. Alquímico, Cartagena, Colombia
4. Bar Us, Bangkok, Thailand
5. Line, Athens, Greece
6. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City, Mexico
7. Zest, Seoul, South Korea
8. Connaught Bar, London, UK
9. Lady Bee, Lima, Peru
10. Bar Mauro, Mexico City, Mexico
11. Schmuck, New York, US
12. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou, China
13. The Cambridge Public House, Paris, France
14. Sip & Guzzle, New York, US
15. Bar Nouveau, Paris, France
16. Sips, Barcelona, Spain
17. Paradiso, Barcelona, Spain
18. Jigger & Pony, Singapore, Singapore
19. The Bar in Front of the Bar, Athens, Greece
20. Exímia, São Paulo, Brazil
21. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
22. Mamba Negra, Medellín, Colombia
23. De Vie, Paris, France
24. Himkok, Oslo, Norway
25. Argo, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
26. Danico, Paris, France
27. Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok, Thailand
28. El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara, Mexico
29. Satan’s Whiskers, London, UK
30. BKK Social Club, Bangkok, Thailand
31. Victor Audio Bar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
32. Waltz, London, UK
33. Locale Firenze, Florence, Italy
34. Mirror Bar, Bratislava, Slovakia
35. Tan Tan, São Paulo, Brazil
36. Montana, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
37. Sastrería Martinez, Lima, Peru
38. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore, Singapore
39. Bar Carmen, Medellín, Colombia
40. Barro Negro, Athens, Greece
41. Gokan, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
42. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai, UAE
43. Nouvelle Vague, Tirana, Albania
44. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo, Japan
45. Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne, Australia
46. Martiny’s, New York, US
47. Tlecān, Mexico City, Mexico
48. Virtù, Tokyo, Japan
49. Bar Snack, New York, US
50. Angelita, Madrid, Spain

FORGET kid-friendly Halloween events of pumpkin picking and trick or treating… this is the ULTIMATE nightmare zone.

This October marks 30 years since Tulleys Shocktober Fest first launched at Tulleys Farm near Three Bridges in Surrey.

If you are wondering what on earth a ‘Shocktober Fest’ is, it is exactly what it sounds like; a festival packed full of heart-stopping scares and 100 per cent adrenaline.

Tulleys Shocktober Fest is Europe’s largest scream park with 12 scare mazes full of live actors waiting to make you jump with real chainsaws (don’t worry, the chains have been removed), decaying dolls and a whole load of literal smoke and mirrors.

Be warned: it is strictly not for the faint-hearted.

The haunts have varying levels of scariness but I took no notice, deciding to enter The Chop Shop first.

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It felt like stepping straight into a morgue, with the temperature plunging the second I crossed the threshold.

The stench of oil and grease lingered in the air. Before I knew it I was standing in a garage beside a mangled car.

Out of the dark, a human-pig creature lunged at me with a chainsaw, squawking into my ear and setting the tone for the rest of my night.

Electrick Circus was next and certainly one to avoid if you have coulrophobia (an intense fear of clowns).

With sparks flying and sinister tricks lurking in the dingy corners, the abandoned circus was more like a scene ripped from a horror movie with Sparky the clown leading an army of dead clowns to make my stomach lurch.

Meanwhile, the award-winning Doom Town was the real-life version of Shaun of the Dead, complete with a zombie-infested Greggs takeaway where a worker chased me out when I was bold enough to ask for a sausage roll.

The Village Coven of 13 sent my pulse through the roof.

The maze felt endlessly long, kicking-off in a pitch black room filled with thick smoke.

For what felt like hours, I stumbled disorientated in the dark desperately hoping to find the exit and not accidentally grab something more sinister.

The maze then spills outside to an eerie cemetery where witches lurk in the shadows, chanting spells over your shoulder.

One stalked me right up to a closed door but what awaited me on the other side was far worse.

Stepping through the gateway, I thought I had entered a furnace.

Mimicking witches being burnt at the stake, the room was scorching, thick with smoke and crawling with dark figures ready to scream down my neck.

I felt lucky to escape in one piece.

Other highlights include the award-winning Wasteland Penitentiary – an abandoned prison haunted by escaped inmates – alongside new scare mazes; Appleton Sawmill, Appleton Farm and The Cellar Returns.

All bring different scares, thrills and blood-curdling screams but for the ultimate test of your bravery though, try Hell-elements.

You’re hooded and forced to navigate through total darkness with only a small rope to guide you.

Deprived of my sight, I felt like the jump scares hit ten times harder.

The maze plays on the four elements: chilly wind breeze past your neck, suffocating heat takes your breath away, damp mist sends a shiver down your spine and the scent of fresh earth overwhelms your senses.

Not being able to see the scare actors felt like a blessing in disguise until one breathed wetly on my collarbone.

Outside the mazes you aren’t safe either and if you arrive thinking you can avoid frights, then you are VERY naive.

Around the entire attraction, scare actors roam ready to pounce on you at every unsuspecting moment.

The production is staggering with the attention to detail being Hollywood-level from the cinematic sounds and flicking lights to minute cracks down brick walls and huge cauldrons with roaring fire.

There’s thrill rides too and a new show called House of Hades for when you need a break from the haunts, with transfixing fire stunts and daredevil performers – it is tantalising, thrilling and super sexy.

You won’t go hungry either as there are food vendors around the entire grounds from huge chicken burgers to tasty pasta dishes – though you’ll have to fork out extra cash for these.

There are loads of bars as well, with alcoholic drinks reasonably priced.

Imagine all your worst nightmares in one place and that’s what you’ll get out of Tulleys Shocktober Fest… I couldn’t think of a better way to test my bravery this spooky season.

What to know about visiting

There are a variety of different tickets available with the most popular being the XScream Pass costing between £46.95 to £69.95pp, depending when you visit.

It includes unlimited access to all haunts, park entry, street theatre, live music, food courts and free car parking.

Or you can get an XScream Pass with a number of fast tracks included.

For three fast tracks, it costs between £66.95 to £89.95, for six between £86.95 to £109.95 and for one for each maze (12 total) it costs between £126.95 to £149.95.

With previous visitors noting that queues can be as long as two hours for a single maze on some nights, I would definitely recommend purchasing a ticket with at least three fast tracks included.

The dates further away from Halloween are likely to have less wait times at each haunt, which is worth bearing in mind too.

The attraction is for teens and adults, though I think this one should certainly be left for those brave enough and with a healthy heart.

The nearest train station is Three Bridges, which is less than half an hour from central London.

You’ll then need to jump in a taxi for five to 10 minutes to get to the farm.

And be warned, all that screaming may leave you without your voice the next day…

NEARLY 30 new routes are being launched by Ryanair next summer.

The budget airline has revealed all of the new flights, and they start from £14.99.

While some of the destinations are between European airports, there are a number of new UK routes.

This includes Birmingham, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Leeds.

The full list of new UK routes are:

• Birmingham to Wroclaw
• Bournemouth to Porto
• East Midlands to Gdansk
• Exeter to Porto
• Leeds Bradford to Tirana
• Newcastle to Reus
• Newcastle to Rhodes

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While none of the routes are new for Brits, more routes also mean lower prices.

The flights are already on sale, with the cheaper options if you book sooner rather than later.

Ryanair CMO Dara Brady, said: “These are the first of our new Summer 2027 routes to go on sale, with more exciting additions to be announced as Ryanair continues to expand Europe’s largest route network.

“Customers looking to secure the lowest fares for their Summer 2027 travel should head to the Ryanair app/website and book now to get ahead of the curve.”

Virgin has offered a first glimpse into its new cross-Channel rail service that will provide services between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam in one of its striking, high-speed trains

Virgin has offered a sneak peek at its new high-speed trains that will provide daily services from the UK to three major European destinations. The new cross-Channel rail service is set to rival Eurostar, with anticipation already building ahead of its launch, which is currently expected for 2030.

Plans include 20 daily return services between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam as part of the new cross-Channel offering. With an estimate of about 7.5million seats every year, it’s expected to make it even easier for travellers to journey between the UK and European hotspots, while boosting tourism and creating up to 1,000 new jobs.

The rail operator offered a sneak peek of its trains with renderings of the sleek, futuristic black-and-red train, which the company says will be able to reach speeds of up to 300km/h. The firm has also hinted that it will recreate the likes of Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses as “pre-departure and onboard social spaces” where passengers can relax before their journey.

Passengers will be able to earn Virgin Points when using the rail service through their Virgin Red loyalty platform, which can then be redeemed on future train journeys, flights, hotels, cruises and other experiences.

Josh Bayliss, CEO of Virgin Group, said: “Virgin has a proud history in UK rail. With our latest venture we are drawing on more than four decades of experience across travel and hospitality to create something genuinely new. This time, we’ll be connecting London with some of Europe’s greatest cities and giving passengers a distinctive new choice in cross-Channel travel.