Explore new cultures, find the best travel deals, and make informed decisions with our trusted travel news. Let your wanderlust thrive as you stay connected with the ever-changing world of travel.
The Norwegian Fjords have been named the world’s most beautiful cruise destination, boasting picture-perfect landscapes, dramatic rocky coastlines, and charming fishing villages
Julie Delahaye Digital Travel Editor & Commercial Content Lead and Chloe Dobinson
12:26, 11 Nov 2025
As winter sets in, the Fjords transform into a magical winter wonderland(Image: StefanoZaccaria via Getty Images)
Cruise fans have crowned the world’s most picturesque cruise destination, and it’s a stone’s throw away for Brits – nestled right here in Europe. The Norwegian Fjords are already a must-see on any travel enthusiast’s list.
In the spring and summer months, passengers can feast their eyes on the breathtaking views of the dramatic rocky landscapes, lush greenery, quaint fishing villages and idyllic waterfront towns that could easily grace a postcard. As winter sets in, the Fjords transform into a magical winter wonderland. Additionally, from October to February, certain regions offer the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
In fact, the night skies are set to become even more spectacular.
If you’ve always dreamt of ticking the Aurora Borealis off your bucket list, then a cruise in January or February 2026 might be just the ticket. This is because 2026 is predicted to be the best year in a decade for viewing the Northern Lights, thanks to a once-in-a-decade phenomenon known as the solar maximum.
This rare event occurs when the Sun’s heightened magnetic activity releases charged particles that collide with Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in brighter and more frequent auroras, reports the Express.
Scientists anticipate this spectacle to peak by March 2026, before gradually fading again until the mid-2030s.
The closer you are to the Arctic Circle, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. So, if you’re looking to maximise your chances, consider heading to Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, Alta, or Svalbard.
But if you’re after more than just chasing the Aurora, the Norwegian Fjords could be the perfect blend of adventure and opportunity to see those mesmerising green skies.
Even without the Northern Lights, there’s plenty to see and do in this stunning region. The breathtaking landscapes have been a source of inspiration for poets, novelists, and artists for generations.
Nestled among awe-inspiring mountains and valleys, these narrow fjords boast everything from stunning waterfalls to incredible glaciers. It’s this abundance of natural beauty that has led the Norwegian Fjords to be named the world’s most beautiful cruise destination by Cruise118.com.
Sharon Hodgkiess, Sales and Customer Experience Director for the brand, said: “Seeing Norway from the deck of a ship is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each fjord has its own charm, including sights such as mountains, waterfalls, hamlets and mountainside farms.”
If you’re considering a cruise for your next holiday, Sharon has some advice.
She suggests: “Think carefully about what you want from your cruise and select one that aligns with your travel style and interests. If you love nature and scenery, Norway or Alaska are unbeatable. If you’re after sun and relaxation, lean more towards destinations such as the East and West Mediterranean.”
The engineering works are set to disrupt trains on Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16
Heathrow Airport shared an alert on X yesterday(Image: Grant Faint/Getty Images)
A major London airport has issued an alert regarding scheduled engineering works in November. No Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line train services will operate to or from Heathrow Airport on two days this week.
In a message to X, formerly Twitter, London Heathrow Airport said: “Due to planned engineering works, there will be no Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line train services to/from Heathrow on Sat 15 & Sun 16 November 2025. @TfL Piccadilly Line services to/from #Heathrow will be running as normal. Please plan your journey in advance as other services will be busier than normal.”
A similar alert has appeared on National Rail’s website, urging travellers to use the network’s Journey Planner to identify the most suitable routes. It also noted several other travel disruptions happening this weekend, in addition to the cancellation of Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line services to the airport.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Regarding the Elizabeth line specifically, the National Rail site reads: “No trains will run to / from Heathrow Airport. Services between Shenfield and London Paddington (and beyond) will run between Shenfield and London Liverpool Street (high level) only.
“Services between Abbey Wood and London Paddington (and beyond) will not run. There will be an amended and reduced service between London Paddington and Hayes & Harlington / Maidenhead / Reading.
“Please note that trains will run to / from the high level of London Paddington station. On Sunday, until 07:00, trains will only run between Ealing Broadway and Hayes & Harlington / Maidenhead / Reading.”
It also added: “There will be no Heathrow Express service.” More than 20,000 miles of track, 45,000 bridges and tunnels and 65,000 level crossings make up our national network, according to National Rail.
This weekend, engineering work will occur between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Airport.
Like National Rail, Heathrow Airport also provides its own online Journey Planner to help travellers organise their routes. The tool allows people to enter their postcode or local station address alongside the location of a Heathrow terminal before calculating the travel distance between them.
Get all the hottest shopping deals, cash saving tips and money news straight to your phone by joining our new WhatsApp Community – The Money Saving Club. Just click this link to join https://crnch.it/eutplxS1
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
With rides such as the Indiana Jones Adventure, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or the iconic Space Mountain, Disneyland competes with the world’s biggest attractions when it comes to adrenaline and thrills
11:48, 11 Nov 2025Updated 11:48, 11 Nov 2025
Disneyland takes its dresscode rules seriously(Image: Getty Images)
Disneyland has a surprisingly extensive list of dos and don’ts when it comes to getting dressed up for a day in the Magical Kingdom.
The iconic theme park is firmly stuck at the top of many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. With rides such as the Indiana Jones Adventure, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or the iconic Space Mountain, Disneyland competes with the world’s biggest attractions when it comes to adrenaline and thrills.
And, of course, it is the undisputed champion when it comes to sprinklings of magic. “The Happiest Place on Earth” delivers sparkle and joy with fireworks displays, parades and castles galore.
However, Disneyland has a strict set of rules to ensure that the park remains fun, friendly and safe for everyone. A big part of that is its dress code.
For those who have saved and scrimped for a trip to Disney, the last thing they’d want is to be chucked out or refused entry. According to the Disneyland website, that could happen if you wear “attire that is not appropriate for theme parks”.
That includes but is not limited to:
Costumes may not be worn by guests 14 years of age or older
Masks may not be worn by guests 14 years of age or older (unless they are for medical purposes)
Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
Excessively torn clothing or loose-fitting clothing, which may drag on the ground and create a potential trip hazard
Clothing that, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
Clothing with multiple layers is subject to search upon entry
Visible tattoos that could be considered inappropriate, such as those containing objectionable language or designs
Disneyland also has specific costume guidelines for special events such as Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party. Before brewing up ideas for your next disguise, it’s advised that you read the park’s rules carefully. They are:
All guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests.
Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length Princess dresses)
There are also specific rules for guests of different ages.
For guests aged 13 and under
Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.
For guests aged 14 and older
Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic Lightsabers, toy swords and tutus.
Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
Masks of any kind may not be worn, except for medical purposes.
A statement on the Disneyland website suggests that those who breach the rules will, most likely, be given a chance to change their outfit.
“Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, the event, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards. While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment. The above costume guidelines apply throughout the duration of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party and/or other costumed events. Please note: all rules, regulations and guidelines are subject to change without notice,” it reads.
The budget airline has already abandoned a number of regional airports this year, including Strasbourg, Bergerac, and Vatry, and more could be added to the list in the coming months
10:57, 11 Nov 2025Updated 11:05, 11 Nov 2025
Some airports across France could be hit by capacity cuts soon(Image: Getty Images)
Ryanair has announced it will stop flying from several French regional airports due to tax changes. The budget airline has criticised a rise in taxes across the region, leading to this significant decision.
Several regional airports have already been dropped this year, including Strasbourg, Bergerac, and Vatry. Ryanair’s commercial director, Jason McGuinness, now says more French airports will join the list in the coming months.
Speaking to French magazine Challenges, he said a 180% tax increase made regional airports ‘unviable’ for the airline. The 2025 Budget introduced by the French government includes a tax hike for air travel, adding an extra cost of 4.77 euros per ticket for both domestic and European flights leaving France.
Speaking about the summer of 2026 to the magazine, Jason McGuinness, commercial director of the low-cost airline, said: “We will be leaving several regional airports in France this summer. When you increase taxes by 180%, it makes these airports unviable for us.”
The tax increase also means long-distance business-class tickets will cost up to an additional 120 euros. Initially, the French government claimed the higher taxes would bring financial benefits, but it has faced strong opposition from many parts of the aviation industry.
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, previously told Le Parisien that the airline would cut its travel capacity across France if the government decided to raise taxes related to air travel. He described a significant tax increase on air travel as ‘unjustified’ because the sector doesn’t generate a substantial amount of revenue.
He said the airline could potentially double its annual passenger numbers in France by 2030, provided the government scrapped the taxes. But he warned there were more attractive options elsewhere, and threatened further capacity reductions if taxes rose again.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot hit back at Ryanair’s announcement, accusing the carrier of using ‘aggressive’ tactics to “evade their obligations”. The row comes despite Ryanair cutting its winter capacity in France by 11%, even as it added 31,000 more flights and six million extra seats compared to last winter.
The capacity reductions followed a hike in aviation taxes and the loss of approximately 7.3 million passengers due to French Air Traffic Control (ATC) disruptions. Strasbourg, Vatry, Bergerac, and Brive saw services virtually brought to a stop by the airline, whilst Beziers lost more than 100 flights during the winter season.
FANS of Lightning McQueen and Buzz Lightyear will soon be able to get up close to the characters in real life thanks to a new immersive experience.
A Pixar Animation immersive experience will open in London in 2026.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
A new Pixar experiences is set to open in LondonCredit: Disney PixarThe experience will feature 14 sets from much-loved Pixar moviesCredit: Disney Pixar
Mundo Pixar Experience, which is the world’s largest celebration of Pixar Animation Studios, will open at Wembley Park on February 13, 2026.
Visitors will be able to step inside 14 of Pixar’s most famous worlds, such as Toy Story, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Coco, Inside Out and Up.
In total, the experience will sprawl across 3,500sqm and it will feature more than 25 life-sized sculptures.
Sets from the movies will also be recreated, with soundscapes, lighting and even smells from the films.
Fans will be able to shrink down to the size of a toy in Andy’s Room, then explore the Scare Floor with Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc.
From Cars, there will be Flo’s Café where visitors can meet Lightning McQueen and you can then even head into the Headquarters of Riley’s emotions from Inside Out 2.
Visitors can even venture on a journey from Coco’s Land of the Living to the Land of the Dead.
And if it wasn’t enough to explore the sets and meet the characters, then there will also be a Pixar Ball Treasure Hunt, where visitors are challenged to spot the famous yellow star ball hidden throughout the experience.
The opening in London follows record-breaking runs of the experience in Brazil, Mexico, Belgium and Spain – where it attracted more than 3.2million visitors.
The experience will also be fully accessible for visitors with motor, hearing, visual and neurodivergent disabilities.
The experience lasts around 45 to 55 minutes, but if you want to spend longer exploring you can.
The venue will have a selection of exclusive merch available to buy too.
Tickets go on sale from November 21, 2025 and though prices haven’t been revealed yet, the experience cost from €14 (£12.33) when it was in Barcelona.
One person who visited the experience in Spain said: “Absolutely one to do at least once.
“There are so many super immersive rooms where you can get lost in details, take pictures with your favorite characters and become children again.
“I loved the rooms dedicated to Coco and Up.”
Visitors will also be able to meet some iconic Pixar charactersCredit: Disney Pixar
Another person, who visited the experience in Brussels said: “We had an amazing time visiting Mundo Pixar in Brussels – it truly felt like stepping into the heart of the Pixar universe!
“From the moment we entered, we were surrounded by vibrant, immersive sets that brought to life so many beloved characters and movie moments.
“The attention to detail was fantastic, with each room thoughtfully designed to reflect the magic of films like Toy Story, Up, Cars, Finding Nemo, and Coco.
“Our four-year-old was completely enchanted, and honestly, so were we – it felt like reliving our childhood.”
One of the best resorts in Wales is arguably one of the most family-oriented, but is it suitable for an adults-only break?
10:53, 11 Nov 2025Updated 10:54, 11 Nov 2025
When I went on an adults-only trip to one of UK’s best family holiday parks everyone asked me 1 question(Image: Portia Jones )
It was recently named the number one holiday park in Wales and third in the entire UK by Which? Magazine for the third year running. But is it suitable for an adults-only break?
The 5-star luxury holiday destination, Bluestone Wales, is set within 500 acres of glorious Welsh countryside in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, and easily rivals Center Parcs for British breaks. It’s hugely popular for summer holidays and weekend breaks, and families arrive in droves to enjoy a wide array of facilities, including a subtropical indoor water park and a pastel-coloured village with a pub, playground, cafes, and a shop.
I’d always wanted to visit, but there was one small issue: I don’t have children. “Who goes to a holiday park without kids?” my bewildered parent friends asked. We came in the off-season, when the unpredictable Welsh weather could go either way, and the question was simple: would Bluestone feel awkward for adults on a child-free break, or could two grown-ups have a perfectly lovely time without a single Jellycat in sight?
Check-in
After a breezy two-hour journey from Cardiff, the drive up check-in was impressively quick and efficient. I was expecting 4-mile tailbacks getting in.
Guests can enjoy the site’s facilities from 11am, which breaks up arrivals and is ideal for parents desperate to plonk the kids in the pool after an arduous car journey. We were directed to the ‘arrivals lodge’, where a smiling staff team presented us with our key cards and digital welcome pack and sent us off for our golf cart briefing and collection.
The lodge
We’d been assigned one of the resort’s fancier options, the Solva Lodge, located in a quiet, suburb-like corner of the park dotted with colourful cottages and large cabin-style lodges. The resort’s accommodation offerings really have considered every group size and budget.
Our swish, single-storey lodge frankly surpassed my expectations. It had spacious open-plan living, bi-fold doors, a master bedroom with an en-suite, and a private patio.
It also had a well-equipped kitchen complete with everything one could need for self-catering, from ample plates and cooking utensils to a dishwasher and microwave. I couldn’t wait to assemble a bougie charcuterie board.
Frankly, it was way fancier than I was expecting from a British holiday park. As an elder millennial, most of my holiday park experience came in the form of a bargain, caravan-style ‘Sun Holiday’, paid for in tokens from the paper.
The site
Before we could even unpack, we needed a game plan. Where does one begin in a vast holiday park filled with family-friendly activities?
Do you hit the waterpark first? Or stake out the spa for a soak and a glass of fizz? We compromised, a slow exploratory lap around the resort in the golf buggy, waving at fellow guests, like giddy retirees on a joyride.
You’ll need a buggy to get around the largely car-free site. Bluestone is enormous, with lakes, woodland, an activity ‘hive’, a tropical pool, and a cutesy pastel-coloured village to navigate. Just be sure to follow the one-way system, or you’ll have to reverse up a hill at 5 miles an hour like we had to.
The pool
After unpacking, we decided to brave the pool for our first ‘holiday activity’ and braced ourselves for battling with kids for first dibs on the flumes.
Bluestone’s ‘Subtropical Paradise’ is one of the resort’s main highlights, and it’s easy to see why. Cocooned by a wooden roof shaped like an upturned coracle, it’s a balmy all-weather hub with a large, temperature-controlled pool, a lazy river, flumes, spa pools, and a ‘Nippers Cove’ for the kids.
For families, there are bookable swim classes, including ‘water babies’ for children under three, and there’s a lively ‘pirate takeover’ with music and inflatables that sounds joyous.
Kids who are confident swimmers can also try the popular ‘Merschool’, where they’ll be transformed into mermaids. I was tempted to ask what the age limit was for this.
We arrived at the pool in the late afternoon, peak time for throwing the kids in the waves to burn off energy, so we fully expected a ‘last days of Rome’ situation, but with more rubber rings.
We were pleasantly surprised that several adults appeared to be swimming without kids, and the ambience was very chill. It was really rather calm for a holiday resort pool, another bonus for visiting off-peak.
Admittedly, you can feel self-conscious at first, entering a vast family pool without a couple of kids in tow, but after the first rounds of waves, we were soon bobbing on the lazy river and doing half-assed lengths for ‘fitness’.
Outside, there were warm spa pools, where we sat with several parents who had stolen a few moments to enjoy blissful Cocomelon-free silence.
“I left them with their dad in the waves”, a mother whispered to me. “He’ll cope.” I nodded in solidarity, as if I, too, had a child somewhere being supervised by a bearded hipster dad with a pool noodle.
There were still children, obviously; it’s not suddenly an adults-only lido, but the ratio was in our favour. During our swim session, we witnessed no full-scale shrieking water fights, lifeguards shouting into megaphones, or pool evacuating ‘faecal incidents’, the horror!
There was just a gentle background soundtrack of splashing and kids having a marvellous time on the flumes. Off-peak Bluestone, it turns out, is remarkably chill, and we scheduled more ‘pool time’ into our weekend plans.
The pub
After the swim, it was naturally time for the pub, so we dropped the buggy back at the lodge (Bluestone frowns upon drink-driving golf carts) and walked to The Knights Tafarn, in the heart of the resort’s twee village.
Located near the kids’ playground, this pub has proper ‘family vibes’, with pub grub classics like burgers, curries, sausage and mash, along with a decent children’s menu.
We sat outside in the rare Welsh sunshine, sipping Bluestone’s own G&Ts (yup, they even make their own gin here) while a live reggae band jammed.
Children bopped along, jovial parents queued patiently for the very affordable hog roast, and the wholesome atmosphere was akin to a modern, middle-class version of Hi-de-Hi! No wonder families enjoy coming here.
Places to eat
There are several eating options at Bluestone, including Oak Tree Restaurant, which serves Italian classics “made with Welsh love,” the family-friendly Farmhouse Grill, and the nutrition-focused NRG Lab Café, located in the Hive.
Over at the Black Pool Mill, you’ll be treated to dishes created from some of Pembrokeshire’s best produce. Located off the Bluestone resort in leafy Minwear Wood, this ‘heritage dining experience’ was once the site of an 18th-century iron furnace and forge.
The Grade II* listed Georgian building was built to use water power to grind wheat for flour. Machinery inside the building was installed in 1901 and has been preserved as part of Pembrokeshire’s industrial heritage.
There is a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and small plates, utilising fresh produce and seasonal ingredients sourced from the local area. The standout, in my opinion, is the upscale Sunday Lunch, which starts at £26 for two courses that we decided to sample, for journalistic purposes.
Starters set the tone: beef cheek croquettes with lasagne mayo (yes, that’s a thing and yes, it works), parmesan crackling and red pepper, or courgette pakoras with lime pickle mayo, coriander and mango gel.
For meat lovers, the headline act is the roasted Welsh topside of beef: perfectly pink, as it should be. In my opinion, well-done beef is a culinary war crime and should lead to kitchen banishment.
My Yorkshire pudding was decently sized and accompanied by maple-glazed root vegetables, roast potatoes, seasonal greens, and swede and sweet potato mash. The gravy-to-meat ratio was also spot on, which, as far as I’m concerned, is the true test of any roast.
My husband opted for roasted Welsh pork loin with sausage and herb stuffing and declared it “the best decision I’ve ever made,” which I’m trying not to take personally.
Having been on many trips with kids present, I think the obvious bonus of an adults-only break is that you can eat when you want (I know, a radical concept).
There are no militant mealtimes dictated by toddlers who must dine at 5:01 sharp lest civilisation collapse. Instead, you can book a table for 8 p.m. and eat at a reasonable hour.
You’ll need to bring your appetite for this lunch. It was so filling that we cancelled our post-lunch swim in favour of a nap, which is possibly the most middle-aged sentence I’ve ever written.
The spa
Between coffee shop visits, walks and lazy mornings, we managed to fit in a few more ‘grown-up’ pursuits at Bluestone, starting with The Well Spa Retreat.
Delivered by an award-winning team of therapists, this swish spa is suitable for individuals 14 years old plus and is an indulgent escape for adults who need some me time. Upon arrival, you’re handed a towel and a plush robe, which immediately elevates you from holiday-goer to spa royalty.
This is where I find myself on a Saturday afternoon. Instead of emerging from under the duvet sporting a raging hangover like I used to in my 20s, I’m in a spa ‘sea salt cave’.
As much as I used to roll my eyes at anything I perceived as woo-woo, I’m now part of a growing cohort concerned with wellness, and instead of slamming sambuca shots, I now book sauna sessions and ice bath dips like a budget Gwyneth Paltrow. Nineteen-year-old me is judging so hard.
As a spa convert, I have to say I’m impressed. The Celtic Thermal Suite is clearly the centrepiece: a series of six interconnected pods that invite you to hop between hot, cold, and steamy experiences with your crew.
One minute you’re inhaling herbal scents in a steaming room, the next you’re rubbing ice over your limbs in the chilly ice Pod, before heading into a brick sauna or the intense Celtic Sauna infused with the subtle scent of Pembrokeshire bracken.
It’s a circuit designed to awaken, detoxify, and recalibrate your body, though, in practice, it mostly feels like gloriously permitted laziness. Mist, heat, ice, repeat, followed by a glass of fizz, for wellness.
During my sauna and steam hopping, my mind floated somewhere between a meditative state and a mild panic about whether my mascara was sliding off my face, as I had, of course, forgotten to remove it.
Every pore was open for business. I was sweating from places I didn’t even know had sweat glands. But I felt something like peace, or possibly dehydration, in that moment. Either way, it worked. I was full of zen and really in the market for a glass of prosecco or a very reasonably priced cocktail.
Want further indulgence? Treatments are an optional extra but worth every penny. You can book everything from bamboo massages and deluxe pedicures to signature massages, personalised facials, or the indulgent seaweed bath experience.
We chose the seaweed bath and emerged feeling fully human again, less swamp creature and more vaguely elegant adult. The bath is infused with Welsh sea salt and over eighty-five pure minerals, plus sustainably hand-harvested seaweed from the Pembrokeshire coast by Câr-y-Môr.
The experience detoxifies, improves skin tone, and moisturises like nothing else. It’s anti-ageing, anti-cellulite, and supremely relaxing, all in one steaming, mineral-rich tub. What a lovely treat.
Outside, the hydrotherapy pool is where the real magic happens. It has warm water, gentle jets, and, crucially, no children yelling “I did a wee in the pool.” It’s blissfully serene.
Around us, other adults were clearly unwinding too, even though the hen party was restrained, and no dodgy inflatables or body glitter were in sight.
For a while, the only soundtrack was the faint hum of jets, bubbles, and the occasional sigh of absolute contentment. By the time we left, slightly pruney and fully restored, it was obvious why the spa is a top highlight for Bluestone visitors.
Other activities
Outside of the spa, there are other wholesome wellness activities to enjoy, including scenic woodland trails to stomp along. Clearly, as a holiday resort, most of the activities here are family-oriented. There is archery, laser tag, kayaking, biking and bowling.
Many activities are centred around ‘The Hive’, an indoor play and activity hub that will keep the kids entertained for hours. There’s messy play, soft play, a play tower, an airmaze, and a multi-court arena for ball games.
The Serendome is equally impressive. Housed under a giant transparent dome, this unique indoor-outdoor adventure play area offers high-thrill activities like an aerial ‘sky walk’ consisting of a climbing frame built over seven towers with 24 bespoke climbing stations spread across three levels.
As we passed by, I felt a pang of envy. Back in my day, ‘holiday park entertainment’ meant a patchy lawn, a rusty swing set, and a strong imagination. Serendome would have blown my mind as an eight-year-old.
We decided to try kayaking, as it seemed like the most appropriate activity without children in tow. Obviously, the ‘air maze’ would have been my first choice. It sounds bloody amazing.
Kayaking and SUP sessions take place on the serene waters of Bluestone’s private lake, which is surrounded by beautiful wildlife and woodland.
There was a strong family vibe as we set off from the dock, as endlessly patient parents guided cute and delightfully uncooperative kids around the lake. “No, we mustn’t stoke the ducks, Hugo.”
For experienced paddlers like us, it was a very tame session, but it’s clearly designed for beginners, so we just had a slow lap around, regretting our decision not to bring ‘gin tinnies’ aboard our vessels.
Of course, being near the coast, Blustone is ideally positioned for more high-octane activities like coasteering and sea kayaking. Just a short drive away, you’ll find a mile of coast path, secured bays, and plenty of activity companies offering equipment hire and even guided sessions.
The verdict
As our time drew to a close, it was time for a verdict. I think that the beauty of Bluestone is that you don’t have to leave the site if you don’t want to. Everything is here.
Hop on a buggy, and you’re minutes away from woodland trails, a swimming pool, pubs, restaurants, a swanky spa, and a host of activities. Being car-free means it’s also very safe to let the little ones free-range if you’ve come with the family.
Spacious lodges and cottages also make this a great option for gathering your squad for a grown-up break with everything on site, especially if you’re looking for a spa escape where you can actually all stay together rather than in individual hotel rooms.
By the end of the weekend, I’d gone from mild sceptic to full Bluestone convert. What I’d assumed would be a glorified kids’ camp turned out to be a low-effort, high-reward getaway I didn’t realise I needed. It also turns out we’re not the only ones who think so.
According to the Bluestone team, so far this year, around 12.5% of all bookings (over 4,000) are adult-only, with no children or infants, which honestly really surprised me. but it seems plenty of adults are living their best holiday park life.
Of course, it’s worth noting that the park is still very much geared towards families. The pools, activities, and the Hive are designed for little humans to run riot, and that’s part of its appeal.
But if you can accept a few shrieks in the distance, it’s quite nice to have a weekend in a lovely lodge, with a pool, spa, and pub all within walking or buggy distance. You can also plan as much or as little as you like, and the logistics that normally plague UK getaways are fairly seamless.
Price-wise, it’s probably on the higher end for a Welsh break, but there are ways to make it more palatable. Midweek breaks often come with good deals, and if you’re going as a group, splitting the cost of a lodge makes it surprisingly affordable. Bonus: without children, you don’t have to factor in the extra cost of activities, so there’s more cash for spa treatments. Win!
Honestly, I’m already plotting a return visit with the girls this time. The plan? Cheese, wine, robes, and absolutely no itinerary. Maybe the odd spa session, though, for wellness.
I think my main takeaway is that Bluestone isn’t just for families corralling small children into armbands and softplay sessions. They can also be for adults craving a low-stress break where the pool is warm, the pub is a short stroll away, and for a few days at least, dreary life admin and emails can be forgotten. I’m sold.
Portia Jones was a guest of Bluestone. For prices and booking, visit bluestonewales.com
TRAVELLERS will soon be able to fly between a popular town in Cornwall and a major London airport once again.
The previously suspended route operated by Eastern Airways, which fell into administration earlier this month, is being reinstated in a matter of days.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Eastern Airways had operated a route between Cornwall and LondonCredit: AlamyNow it will be taken over by Skybus that generally operates to and from the Isles of ScillyCredit: Alamy
Eastern Airways had operated flights between the seaside town of Newquay in Cornwall and London Gatwick seven times per week.
But in early November when the regional airline fell into administration, the route was temporarily cancelled.
Now, Cornwall Council has secured a temporary agreement with Skybus to take on the route on a short-term contract, with flights resuming on November 23.
The Skybus service will operate daily with plans to increase to twice-daily flights on weekdays from 14 February 2026.
Skybus will operate the route on its ATR72 aircraft, which has room for 70 passengers. The average flight time is around one hour and 20 minutes.
Leader of Cornwall Council, Councillor Leigh Frost said: “We’re pleased Skybus has worked with us so closely to get this over the line as quickly as possible to ensure that lack of service wasn’t prolonged.
“We know the train line into Cornwall is not great and other routes of transport are really difficult so we need that secure route so Cornwall can access the rest of the world.”
Skybus will operate the route initially until mid-2026 as Cornwall Council is seeking a permanent airline to take on a four-year tender.
Previously, the route has been operated by FlyBe and after that, British Airways.
Newquay is known for its pretty coastline and spots for watersportsCredit: Alamy
Eastern Airways launched in 1997 and had been one of the UK’s remaining regional airlines, with services across England and Scotland.
Regional routes across the UK included Wick and Aberdeen inScotland, and then Humberside, Teesside International,London Gatwickand Newquay.
For the 12 months to March 2024, Eastern Airways reported a net loss of £19.7million, which was £4.8million higher than 2023.
While Skybus is taking on the new route between Cornwall and the capital, it’s no stranger to Newquay airport having been flying from there to the Isles of Scilly for over 30 years.
Skybus runs services to the Isles of Scilly, with flights from Newquay, Land’s End and Exeter.
The airline’s owner, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (ISSC) also operates boats to the islands.
One writer visited Newquay during the summer and revealed their highlights…
“The open-air tropical room is a big highlight of Newquay Zoo. Birds fly completely freely among visitors and the lack of cages makes for a different experience than that of a traditional zoo.
“Here we watched a penguin feed on krill, saw a roaming peacock take up residence atop a bin and were charmed by the little squirrel monkeys swinging from ropes.
“We were staying at the Newquay Beach Hotel, which perfectly blends solid hotel basics with convenient extras like the Abangamba play room — a kids’ club with toys and games — and decorative flair.
“If you’re after food with a view, then the Stables pizza restaurant on Fistral beach might be the most beautifully placed UK restaurant I have ever enjoyed.
“And Newquay is surrounded by pretty beaches, no matter which direction you potter in. Towan Beach, slightly to the west of Newquay’s main hub, is a great spot for lounging, cave exploring and taking a paddle.
“And overlooking this lively stretch is the Blue Reef Aquarium, a must for anyone with little ones.
The beautiful town of Newquay will be reachable from London once againCredit: Alamy
ON top of our brilliant Hols from £9.50, you can now bag a bargain break all year round with The Sun Club’s Breakfree Holidays partnership.
Join Sun Club for just £1.99 a month and you can also get an exclusive discount just for members on selected breaks.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Take your pick from thousands of great breaks across the UK and Europe. We have the widest selection of exclusive holidays and deals from all your favourite brands, such as Parkdean Resorts, Eurocamp and Away Resorts.
Join Sun Club for just £1.99 a month to book Breakfree Holidays all year round plus an exclusive members discount
Choose from holiday parks, cottages, lodges, hotels, ferries and boating holidays. So whether you are after a peaceful countryside getaway or an action-packed adventure, we have something for everyone.
Sun Club offers readers access to more of our award-winning articles from showbiz exclusives, real-life stories, and unrivalled investigations.
Along with being able to unlock extra articles and unlimited access to the Sun website and app, there are big perks including competitions and offers.
How to book with Breakfree Holidays and get an exclusive Sun Club discount
Sun Club Membership Programme
Step 1: To book a bargain break with Breakfree Holidays and get an exclusive Sun Club discount, join Sun Club now for just £1.99 a month for your first year. Or £12 for an annual subscription unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date.
Step 2: Then head to the ‘Offers Hub,’ select the ‘Breakfree Holidays’ page and click ‘Book’ to be taken to the membership site.
Step 3: Choose from thousands of great breaks across the UK and Europe and book your holiday and apply your exclusive Sun Club discount at the checkout.*
*Discount codes apply on selected breaks at checkout only. Excludes external sites. Discounts vary by location/date.
18+ Terms & Conditions apply, seethesun.co.uk/club for full details.
Other fantastic Sun Club offers
There are other fantastic Sun Club offers waiting for members in our Offers Hub.
By 2027 passengers will be able to fly non-stop to Australia from the UK
Currently being assembled in Toulouse, France, the aircraft’s major components — including the fuselage, wings and landing gear — have already been joined(Image: Qantas/Cover Images)
Australia’s national carrier Qantas has revealed the first images of its ultra-long-range Airbus — the aircraft that will make aviation history by flying non-stop for 22 hours. The groundbreaking jet will connect Sydney directly to London and New York by 2027, setting a new global record for the longest commercial flight ever operated.
Currently being assembled in Toulouse, France, the aircraft’s major components — including the fuselage, wings and landing gear — have already been joined. Qantas showcased the milestone at its annual general meeting in Brisbane, describing the next-generation aircraft as a “game-changer” for international travel.
The A350-1000ULR will serve as the backbone of Qantas’s ambitious Project Sunrise initiative, designed to link Australia’s east coast with the world’s major cities without stopovers. Each flight will last up to 22 hours — saving travellers as much as four hours compared to current one-stop journeys.
The jet will soon move into a dedicated hangar for the installation of its engines and flight instruments, before beginning a rigorous testing programme in 2026. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson hailed the milestone as a defining moment for the airline’s global ambitions.
“Given Australia’s position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers. Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world,” she said.
“These flights will cut up to four hours off the journey and transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science-backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing.”
The aircraft’s record-breaking range is made possible by an extra 20,000-litre rear fuel tank and state-of-the-art onboard systems, ensuring maximum endurance, comfort and safety. When Project Sunrise launches in 2027, it will make possible what once seemed unthinkable — non-stop flights halfway around the world.
To address the physical challenges of such long-haul travel, Qantas has partnered with Australian designer David Caon and researchers from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre. Their team, which includes sleep scientists, developed tailored lighting patterns and meal timing strategies to help reduce jet lag.
Unlike the standard A350-1000 aircraft, which seat more than 300 passengers, Qantas’s version will carry just 238, providing travellers with more personal space and introducing a new “Wellbeing Zone” between Premium Economy and Economy. The area will feature stretch handles, guided exercise screens, a hydration station and light refreshments to keep passengers feeling fresh throughout the flight.
Project Sunrise takes its name from Qantas’s legendary “Double Sunrise” flights during World War II, which stayed airborne long enough to witness two sunrises in a single journey. With the new generation of aircraft, Qantas is rekindling that pioneering spirit — once again pushing the limits of air travel.
The airline also announced the launch of a new domestic travel class, Economy Plus, which will include extra legroom, priority boarding and dedicated overhead locker space. The upgrade will be available for purchase from February, with complimentary access for top-tier frequent flyers.
The first of 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft is expected to be delivered in late 2026, paving the way for commercial operations in early 2027. Qantas said its teams are “incredibly excited” about the project, calling it a “landmark moment for international aviation.”
In an open-air market in the Brazilian city of Belém, I had a problem. It was breakfast time and I wanted a drink, but the long menu of fruit juices was baffling. Apart from pineapple (abacaxi) and mango (manga), I’d never heard of any of the drinks. What are bacuri, buriti and muruci? And what about mangaba, tucumã and uxi? Even my phone was confused. Uxi, it informed me, is a Zulu word meaning “you are”.
But then I started to recognise names that I’d heard on my six-week voyage from the Andes to the mouth of the Amazon. There was cucuaçu. I’d picked one of those cacao-like pods in a Colombian village about 1,900 miles (3,000km) back upriver. And even further away, in Peru, there was açai: a purple berry growing high up on a wild palm. The Amazon, it seems, is vast and varied, but also remarkably similar along its astonishing length.
My six-week Amazon adventure had begun with a conference on sustainable tourism in Peru. It was 2023 and Belém, on the other side of South America, had been declared the location for the Cop30 conference. Determined to cut down on air miles, I set off downriver, heading towards Belém, using public river boats, all the time seeking out people who were working to preserve this incredible environment. I did night walks with guides who blasted powdered concoctions up my nose to make me “alert” (not that kind of concoction – herbal stuff). I swam across the river (then enjoyed lots of electric eel stories) and repeatedly had the disorienting experience of not knowing which country I was in. Until I reached Manaus, I met only a handful of visitors, but I was always wondering about tourism and its potential role in the Amazonian future.
The idea that tourism might help in the battles against the climate crisis and biodiversity loss is one fraught with problems. Flying is the most CO2-intensive way of travelling. Tourism is a luxury. Surely the only way to save the planet is to stop privileged outsiders flying around the globe, especially for self-indulgent rainforest tours?
On the Mamori, a tributary of the great river in central Brazil, surrounded by the smoke from forest fires, I was given a salutary answer to this by a schoolboy. “My father is a rancher,” he told me. “We burn the forest to get grass to feed our cattle. In emergencies we can also sell the cleared land, but not the jungle. That’s worthless. But I don’t want to be a rancher, I want to be a tour guide.”
An old port area of Belém. Photograph: Ricardo Lima/Getty Images
When I later met his school teacher, he confirmed that other local teenagers felt the same. “To be honest, this generation don’t want the hard physical work of clearing land; they’d prefer tourism jobs. The problem is we don’t get many visitors and never see any NGOs or nature projects.” The ranching life for these people is brutally hard and unrewarding. They want a way out, but are trapped in a cycle of deforestation.
Back in Belém, having downed my juice, I moved on through the market, looking for food. My local guide was Junior who recommended the local favourite: fried fish and açai berry sauce. “Açai is making good money for small farmers,” he told me. “They can grow it around their houses mixed in with other trees.”
In the Peruvian village where I had first come across açai, the people explained that the fruit had only ever been an “emergency” wild food for them, but they were happy to find that it now commanded good prices. Their old way of life, hunting river turtles, had ended because of declining numbers and a government ban. Poaching inside the national park had been the only alternative until açai saved them.
Junior and I went off to explore the various river islands beyond the Belém waterfront, heading for the tiny green atoll of Ilha do Combu. The little wooden ferry took us up a narrow creek lined with abundant vegetation and watchful kingfishers where we met Charles, who runs a small handicraft shop and sells his own açai. “It goes with anything,” he told me. “We can eat it with fish or make ice-cream.”
Ilha do Cumbu, off Belém. Photograph: Kevin Rushby
We walked through mixed groves of palms, cacao and dozens of other tree varieties. Up above, scarlet macaws clattered around and a family of giant fruit bats complained about the noise. This productive mosaic is a way to provide income and benefit nature. I picked up a beautiful seed the size of an egg. “Rubber,” said Charles, “We do collect it, but not in commercial quantities.”
In the second half of the 19th century, the discovery of rubber triggered a catastrophic series of events that still haunt the Amazon. Hailed as a wonder product, it started an exploitation stampede. Fortunes were made. At Iquitos, 2,700 miles upriver from Belém, merchants imported bottled drinking water from Belfast and sent their laundry to Lisbon.
Harvesting açaí berries involves having a head for heights. Photograph: Kevin Rushby
For most Amazonian people, however, rubber was a disaster. Forced into ever harsher labour conditions, tribes became dispersed and broken, their languages and cultures mangled. After seeds were smuggled out to Asia in 1876 – via Kew Gardens, where they were germinated – the boom ended, but the aftermath was bitter resentment and suspicion.
Açai has not had the same impact, but is not without controversies. Overblown hyperbole about superfoods has dented its reputation. On Ilha do Combu, however, Charles wasn’t worried. Local demand was strong and prices good.
Next day, I took the ferry out to Ilha Cotijuba near the mouth of the river. The Amazon had one last novelty to impress me with. On the far side of the island I found a small cafe on a beach. The owner, Lena, served a delicious lunch: river fish baked in banana leaves, a pineapple ceviche and a dessert with some pale green berries that I’ve never seen before.
“Like açai,” she told me. “But different.”
Hidden away on those islands, the Amazon still holds secrets.
The trip was provided by sustainable tourism specialistSumak Travel, which offers tailor-made trips to Brazil and the rest of Latin America
Margit Lake sneaked “multiple miniature bottles” of vodka onto the plane before it took off from San Francisco for London Heathrow, and had to be taken to hospital upon arrival
Margit Lake drank vodka on the United Airlines plane (file image)(Image: Getty Images)
A United Airlines stewardess was ten times the legal limit to fly after downing a vast quantity of vodka on a transatlantic jet.
Margit Lake, 56, sneaked “multiple miniature bottles” of the spirit onto the ten-hour flight from San Francisco to Heathrow on 17 October. She drank some and needed to be taken to hospital after the Boeing 777 landed in west London.
A court heard the Californian flight attendant had low blood pressure and paramedics “smelt alcohol on her breath.” A blood test later revealed Lake had 216 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres in her blood — more than ten times the legal limit.
Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday Lake, who had worked for United Airlines for 26 years, resigned from her job following the misdemeanour.
The legal limit for flight attendants in the UK is 20 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, the court was told. Wearing a black cardigan there, Lake admitted performing an aviation function when over the alcohol limit.
Ben Lansbury, defending, said Lake had been feeling “isolated”, was estranged from her family and “had been dealing with grief.” Mr Lansbury said: “She had the alcohol because she needed to calm down. It was something of a shock to her as to what happened. She deeply regrets what happened.
“Ms Lake has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous almost daily since the last hearing. She is supported by colleagues here in the UK and they sit in the back of the court.”
Magistrate Tony Delliston told her: “We are not going to commit this to the crown court. We can deal with this here. You are not going to prison. We are going to deal with this with a financial penalty.”
Lake was fined £1,461 financial penalty, a £584 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.
It comes as a TUI flight attendant was left seriously injured following a horror fall from a plane at East Midlands Airport after the flight steps were pushed away. The woman, a senior crew member who had over 36 years of experience, was closing the aircraft’s front door when she put her left foot on the steps. Despite her best efforts to hang onto the door, she fell through the gap and to the ground, breaking multiple bones, an Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) report has revealed. The incident occurred on December 16, 2024, with the flight bound for Lanzarote being delayed after the accident. The AAIB investigation found the step removal occurred despite the aircraft door being open.
The flight route has now been taken over by Skybus
Flights between two major airports are set to resume this month(Image: Yau Ming Lau/Getty Images)
Flights connecting London Gatwick and another major UK airport are set to return this month, officials have confirmed. This comes after Eastern Airways, the former carrier for these routes, suspended all flights before collapsing into administration.
The flight route between Gatwick and Cornwall Airport Newquay has now been taken over by Skybus, which is part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group. Tickets for these journeys became available on November 7, with the first flight scheduled for Sunday, November 23.
Cornwall Airport Newquay, the county’s main commercial airport, announced that a refreshed flight timetable will initially operate once daily. However, this is expected to increase to twice-daily services on weekdays from February 14, 2026.
Amy Smith, Managing Director, Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “We’re delighted that Skybus, our longest-serving airline partner, will be taking over the vital London Gatwick service later this month. We know just how important a regular, reliable service between Newquay and London is for our passengers and we look forward to working with Skybus to deliver just that going forward.”
According to Cornwall Live, a 2021 agreement between the Government and Cornwall Council saw Eastern Airways previously operating daily services between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick.
It is understood that this service operated under a four-year PSO to maintain the route throughout the year, which was considered vital to the economy. However, countless travel plans were completely disrupted when Eastern Airways halted operations last month.
On October 27, the UK Civil Aviation Authority advised its customers to avoid travelling to the airport and to opt for train travel instead. “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled,” Selina Chadha, Consumer & Markets Director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said at the time.
“We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled. Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest information.”
Cornwall Airport Newquay asserts that resuming the route will restore convenient travel between London and Cornwall, while providing people with easy access to Gatwick’s international destinations.
Skybus fares starting at £79.99 one-way include a 15kg checked baggage allowance. Customers can also purchase extra baggage or a Skybus FlyFlexi add-on, which offers additional baggage, ticket flexibility, and fast-track security (if available), for prices starting from just £22.50 one-way.
Jonathan Hinkles, Managing Director of Skybus, said: “We are thrilled to launch this new service between Cornwall and London Gatwick. It is not just about making travel easier for passengers; it’s about creating opportunities – for businesses, for tourism, and for the local communities we serve.
“As a Cornish company with more than 40 years of aviation experience, we understand how crucial dependable air links are for our region and are proud to step up and operate this vital route. Our focus is on rebuilding confidence and offering reliability, and we look forward to providing passengers with the service they deserve.
“None of us underestimate the challenge ahead to build the Newquay-Gatwick route to be a thriving cornerstone of the local economy once more. We’re wholly confident that we can achieve this through Skybus’ record for reliability and service.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “I’m delighted we’ve managed to find a replacement operator so quickly, and even more so to see a Cornish company stepping in.
“It has been a difficult time, with disruption for many people who use the service and had already booked flights, so I am pleased this announcement will help end the uncertainty around this vital connection to the Capital.”
Flights can now be booked at www.skybus.co.uk, which launched its new website on November 7 to handle bookings for the service. Flights for summer 2026 will be available to book by mid-November.
TODAY is Armistice Day, which marks the signing of the agreement to end the fighting of World War One. It came into force at 11am on November 11, 1918.
Along with Remembrance Sunday, the day honours those who have died in conflicts, with the nation falling silent at 11am.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Learn more about our wartime history on the home front, as The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, highlights some amazing places to visitCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
This weekend the King led commemorations at the Cenotaph in tribute to the servicemen and women who defended our shores.
But there are plenty of other ways to learn more about our wartime history on the home front. Lisa Minot highlights some amazing places to visit.
REMEMBRANCE & COMMAND
The Map Room in the Churchill War Rooms museum, London, UKCredit: Alamy
ALL eyes were on the capital on Remembrance Sunday as the Cenotaph parade saw more than 10,000 veterans march past.
But you can pay tribute to the fallen year-round at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Set in 150 acres of woodland, there are more than 400 memorials honouring those killed on duty or by terrorism since World War Two. Entry is free. See thenma.org.uk.
A visit to the Imperial War Museum’s Churchill War Rooms is a chilling yet powerful experience.
Hidden beneath Westminster, the underground bunker was where the Prime Minister and his government directed the war effort. The Map Room is exactly as it was in 1945.
Tickets are best booked in advance and cost from £33 per adult and £16.50 for children five to 15. See iwm.org.uk.
Also not to be missed is HMS Belfast, now moored on the Thames near London Bridge.
Explore the nine decks of the ship that fired some of the first shots on D-Day, supporting the landings at Gold and Juno beaches in Normandy.
Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes, Bucks, was where Alan Turing, below, and his team of codebreakers cracked the Enigma and Lorenz ciphersCredit: AlamyTour the historic country house and the rambling huts and discover the achievements of Alan Turing and others through immersive films, interactive displays and faithfully recreated roomsCredit: Alamy
AWAY from the traditional battlefield, explore the impact World War Two had on the homefront and the secret work of those who changed the conflict’s course.
Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes, Bucks, was where Alan Turing, inset, and his team of codebreakers cracked the Enigma and Lorenz ciphers.
Tour the historic country house and the rambling huts and discover the achievements of these brilliant minds through immersive films, interactive displays and faithfully recreated rooms.
Tickets cost from £28 for adults and £19.50 for children age 12 to 17. Under-12s go free. See bletchleypark.org.uk.
The Blitz brought the war to the lives of civilians living in our biggest cities.
Tour the eerie ruins of Coventry Cathedral, destroyed by Nazi bombs.
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the devastating night that left the city in rubble.
Dover Castle’s hidden tunnels were the secret HQ where the Dunkirk evacuation was planned and later used as a wartime hospitalCredit: Alamy
THE south coast of Britain was the UK’s front line in World War Two and the staging ground in 1944 for the liberation of Europe.
Medieval Dover Castle sits above a network of secret wartime tunnels where the 1940 evacuation of Dunkirk was masterminded and later served as a command centre and hospital.
You can join a guided tour of the tunnels before exploring the castle’s rooms and grounds.
Book castle tickets online in advance and save 15 per cent – from £27.20 for adults and £17.20 for children.
There’s also a Dover Bunker escape room that can be booked separately with prices from £30. See english-heritage.org.uk.
The D-Day Story in Portsmouth is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the Normandy landings.
The city was the main embarkation point and the attraction tells the story through personal accounts of those who were there.
It also features the incredible 83-metre Overlord Embroidery and a restored Landing Craft Tank.
Book online for savings, with tickets from £15.95 per adult and £8 per child. See theddaystory.com.
BATTLE BY SEA AND AIR
Discover how RAF heroes shaped history at IWM Duxford, now Britain’s biggest aviation museum packed with iconic aircraft from Spitfires to LancastersCredit: The Times
LEARN the critical role played by the Royal Air Force at IWM Duxford, Cambs – the former RAF base is now Britain’s largest aviation museum.
Its hangars and airfield played a key role in the Battle of Britain, and the base now houses a vast collection of aircraft, from Spitfires to Lancaster bombers, and tells the story of those who flew them.
In Lincoln, the International Bomber Command Centre is a striking memorial to those who lost their lives in the skies.
Its 102ft spire – the height of a Lancaster bomber’s wingspan – is inscribed with the names of the 55,573 men of Bomber Command who lost their lives.
For a World War One focus, Scapa Flow on Orkney is the vast natural harbour that was the Royal Navy’s main base and is most famous for the scuttling of the interned German High Seas fleet in 1919.
Halloween is over and Bonfire Night has been and gone so there’s only one thing helping us all through the cold, dark winter – and that’s the thought of Christmas.
Sparkling lights, cosy pubs, nights out with friends and family – it’s all to look forward to in the run up to the festive season.
However, I have to admit the thought of being packed into hot and sweaty pubs with hundreds of other people, all equally as full of Christmas cheer is starting to lose its shine somewhat.
And with that in mind, I’ve found the perfect festive fun for an alternative night out filled with all the cosy and candlelit feels which will also give you a rare moment of tranquility and peace amongst all the present buying and Christmas menu planning.
Skuna Boats, based in Canary Wharf in east London and Bristol, offers a night out with a difference. Instead of fighting your way to the bar while Last Christmas blares out for the 895th time, you could be floating serenely around the docks in Canary Wharf in your own, private igloo.
Lit by (fake) candlelit – let’s be sensible people we don’t want any fire hazards here – and decorated like an alpine dream, each Skuna igloo boat comes with the option of either cheese or chocolate fondue with you able to pre-order your drinks from the bar.
We gave it a whirl and it was a cosy lovers dream. The experience starts with a leisurely meal – we opted for cheese fondue, which came with delicious garlic potatoes, loads of bread, crudites and meats and was absolutely fantastic. One of the best things is the igloos all come with their own smart speaker so you can pick your own playlist – no tired and old festive tunes for us.
Then, your own personal driver takes you around Canary Wharf while you chat, drink, finish off the delicious fondue and gaze in amazement at the glittering lights of the sky scrappers as you calmly float past.
Once docked back at the pontoon, you’re given more time to happily soak in your surroundings while chatting, drinking and giggling with your friends in candle-lit gorgeousness. It really felt like something out of a fairy tale and when we all hopped out of our igloo at the end of the experience, we felt refreshed, cosy and ready for the festive season.
If you’re looking for a festive night out with a difference, run don’t walk to book your igloo boat now.
The striking beach appears like an alien landscape from above. The way its orange sand undulates and twists across great hills is unlike anything else you can find in Europe
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
The beach is the sunniest in Europe
The sunniest beach in Europe during winter has been crowned, and it’s surprisingly cheap to get there.
Playa de Maspalomas in Spain has topped the chart, soaking up an average of just over 10 hours of sunshine a day – perfect to escape the winter blues. By some measures, the vast beach sprawls for 7.5miles along the coastline.
The golden-sanded beach is best known for its spectacular dunes, which form the protected Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve. People out walking, surfers and nudists mingle freely on a beach, which also has quiet, isolated areas for nude bathing.
It is home to the iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse. Built in 1861, it was once a vital guide for steamboats navigating routes between Europe, Africa, and America. Today, the lighthouse marks the beginning of a vibrant seaside promenade.
Milo Boyd
A little further from the beach is the Maspalomas Palm Tree Plantation, a protected natural space providing a resting spot for birds migrating from Europe to Africa. Wandering through its palm-lined paths offers a breath of fresh air after a day in the sun.
The striking beach appears like an alien landscape from above. The way its orange sand undulates and twists across great hills is unlike anything else you can find in Europe.
It was named the Continent’s sunniest winter beach by Saga, which has compiled a list of the beaches that enjoy the most hours of sunshine during the winter months.
Playa de Maspalomas, which sits on the south of the Canary Island of Gran Canaria, isn’t just sunny during the winter. It’s hot as well. The island has hit 24C today and is forecast to stay at that level for the rest of the week.
The beach is well loved on TripAdvisor, where it has received thousands of positive reviews. One person wrote: “Enjoyable especially in the early morning and at sunset, when the sun seems to play with the ocean waves and golden sand dunes giving unique and always new views.”
Another added: “One of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria. Super extensive and the dune landscape is unique. The beach as well as the water are always super clean. We love coming here.”
If the idea of swapping the soggy UK for a spell on a sunny beach appeals, then the good news is that Gran Canaria is not too far or too expensive a flight away. The cheapest direct flight this week is £24, with Ryanair from Edinburgh Airport. Later in the month, a one-way fare can be yours for £13.
There are also direct flights this month from the following airports: Bristol, Manchester, Bournemouth, Belfast, Newcastle, Liverpool, Nottingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff and Exeter.
EVER wanted to step into your TV screen when watching a Christmas movie? Well, one village in the UK feels just like doing that.
Located in the Lake District National Park, the quaint and charming village of Hawkshead is full of old cottages and has a charming community feel.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Hawkshead village in the Lake District feels like stepping into a Christmas movieCredit: AlamyThis is mostly due to its Christmas Fair which takes place across one weekend in DecemberCredit: Alamy
Jerry Rebbeck, a local expert at Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages, said: “It’s like something out of a HallmarkChristmas movie.”
This small village becomes the ultimate festive spot thanks to its Christmas fair, which takes place between December 6 and 7.
Jerry said: “The fair takes place across one weekend every year, taking over the centre of the village with stalls, full of local produce, food and drink.
“This tiny village of around 500 people comes alive, with street performers, carol singing and even a lantern parade.
“It’s a fabulous thing to visit and be a part of.”
But it isn’t just the Christmas fair that is worth heading to in the village.
Hawkshead is also home to a number of businesses with vintage shop fronts, which then in the lead up to Christmas create festive window displays.
Jerry shared: “Add that to the cobbled streets, and the village that look like they’re straight out of a Christmas fairytale.”
For those with a sweet tooth, head to the Chocolate Factory Hawkshead – which is a shop and cafe that hosts Christmas chocolate making workshops.
“It’s a great place to source stocking fillers, and makes for a great rainy day festive activity for families,” said Jerry.
The village also features a pretty church called St. Michael’s and All Angels.
It was built in around 1300 on the site of a Norse Chapel and what visitors see today mostly dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Jerry said: “The view of the village from the 12th century churchyard is beautiful, with an easy walk back down to get a hot chocolate from quaint cafes such as The Minstrels Gallery Tea Room, or a glass of mulled wine in pubs such as The Red Lion Inn.”
Just a seven minute drive away or a 55 minute walk, visitors can also explore Hill Top Beatrix Potter House, which is a National Trust property.
The house is believed to be the place that inspired a lot of Beatrix Potter’s stories, and it has a cottage-garden, small cafe and shop and a second hand book-nook.
It costs £18.70 per person to visit, but will be closed from November 17 for the winter season.
Visitors can choose to stay in Hawkshead or in the surrounding areas.
Jerry shared: “In the surrounding area, only a mile away you can find holiday cottages in Outgate, as well as Ambleside, around five miles away.”
During the fair, the businesses all deck out their windows with festive displaysCredit: Alamy
The small village also just 22 minutes from Lake Windermere, which is where the closest train station can be found and it is just a 30 minute drive from Grasmere.
If you also want to tie in a nearby city, then Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds are all between one hour and 55 minutes and two hours and 22 minutes away.
For a slightly smaller city, head to Lancaster, which is just an hour away.
There are a number of quaint villages that are pretty to visit around the festive period.
ONE London spot well-known for its historic dinosaur sculptures is set to get a new playpark entirely themed on the prehistoric beasts.
Crystal Palace is well known for many things including its football team and giant transmitting tower, but its much-loved park is set to get a new children’s play area.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
A new playpark will open in Crystal Palace Park in 2026Credit: HTA DesignThe entire playpark will be themed around dinosaursCredit: HTA Design
The new playground will be inspired by the Crystal Palace Park’s famous dinosaur sculptures.
When the park first opened in 1856, they were the world’s first attempt to depict the prehistoric creatures based on fossils found by Victorian palaeontologists.
In the park, children will be able to find elements of dinosaurs everywhere to spark their imagination – think claw marks carved into the slides and a skeleton-like structure to venture through and climb on.
There will also be a play trail formed from a curving dinosaur’s tail and a sandpit in the giant footprint of a dinosaur.
Other elements of the playpark include jumping discs, a log scramble and swings for younger children.
For spectating parents, there is a picnic area too.
A lot of the park will be accessible as well, with a wheelchair accessible roundabout, accessible swing and slide, tactile games and there will be accessible access to the sand pit as well.
Many of the features of the park have been shaped by ideas from children that live close to the park.
This included the Megalosaurus, Hylaeosaurus, and Iguanodon being found the most popular dinosaurs and as a result, there will be reference to them across the park.
And it will replace the old playground, which will remain open until the new one is finished.
It will be located near the main park toilets, the new visitor centre, the cafe and en route to the dinosaur sculptures.
A number of people have already expressed their excitement for the attraction, with one person commenting on Facebook: “Cannot wait to take my grandsons when it is ready.”
Another added: “The best news. Thanks to everyone who is involved in making this happen. Happy days!”
The new playpark forms part of the regeneration project of the park.
There are around 30 statues of dinosaurs at the park – but they are a little different to how we know dinosaurs to look today as the Victorians created them from the scientific information they had at the time.
It is completely free to see the sculptures, which are littered on islands in the park’s lakes.
The statues are all Grade I listed and currently undergoing restoration.
There will be climbing frames that look like dinosaur skeletons as well as jumping discs and a sand pitCredit: HTA Design
Another part of the project is the creation of a new visitor centre.
Inside, visitors will be able to discover the 170-year-old history of the park.
The new single-storey building will replace the existing information centre and provide space for an activity room, with displays, historic objects and information panels.
The Grand Centre Walk is being restored as well, with more space for events.
The path will become wider and there will be a new entrance at Penge Gate too.
And the park’s Italian terraces are being repaired, after being placed on Historic England‘s At Risk Register.
The parks entire makeover is costing around £52million.
If you are looking for something to do with kids now, then you could head to a huge indoor playground that only opened in the UK last year – it has oak tree slides and castle play fort.
AN airport in Europe is one of the few to have its own ice rink – and it is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Opening this week, the 600sqm ice rink is right by Munich Airport.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
There is an airport in Europe which has a massive ice rink insideCredit: Andreas SchebestaThe Christmas event is celebrating its 25th anniversaryCredit: Alex Tino Friedel ATF Pictures
Along with ice skating, families can even book curling as well as classes such as bauble painting (new this year), wreath making and face painting.
Of course, Father Christmaswill also be on hand to meet kids, but only on November 27, December 6 and December 19.
Time it right as Wednesdays have ice discos from 6pm.
From ornately frescoed churches in Florence, to rock-hewn chapels in Greece, stained-glass filled sanctuaries in France or tiny seaside shrines in Cornwall, the UK and Europe has a stunning variety of churches and cathedrals. Whether it was a small rural discovery or a grandiose urban affair, we want to hear about favourite discoveries on your travels.
The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planetwins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.
Keep your tip to about 100 words
If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judgingfor the competition.
We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.
The competition closes on Tuesday 18 November at 10am GMT
Your responses, which can be anonymous, are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions. We will only use the data you provide us for the purpose of the feature and we will delete any personal data when we no longer require it for this purpose. For alternative ways to get in touch securely please see our tips guide.
If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.
Jennifer, who goes by the handle ‘I’m Fit Jen’, is known for her bold fashion choices but not everyone was impressed with her latest outfit, which she wore to Disneyland
Layla Nicholson Senior Features Writer and Chloe Dobinson
15:11, 10 Nov 2025Updated 15:43, 10 Nov 2025
The fitness fanatic isn’t afraid to flaunt her toned body(Image: @imfitjennifer/TikTok)
A self-proclaimed ‘hot’ mum has caused quite a stir with her outfit choice during a family trip to Disneyland Paris. Jennifer, known on TikTok as ‘I’m Fit Jen’, is no stranger to turning heads with her bold fashion choices.
The fitness fanatic previously claimed that she channels Julia Roberts’ character in ‘Pretty Woman’ when she goes to work, rocking a mini dress and heels. However, it was her recent visit to Disneyland Paris that really sparked conversation on social media.
In a TikTok video that has since garnered thousands of views, she showcased her outfit at the family-friendly theme park. Tattooed Jennifer posed in front of the iconic Disney castle, donning sparkly Minnie Mouse ears and sunglasses.
She matched the pink bow on her headband with a figure-hugging playsuit, reports the Daily Star. She finished off the look with pink trainers, a necklace and a handful of bracelets. As the glamorous mum lip-synced to a tune, she flashed a grin and cheekily stuck out her tongue at the end of the clip.
Jennifer posted another clip showcasing her Minnie Mouse ears, this time matched with a green crop top and denim booty shorts. Her steamy Disneyland clips have proved popular with supporters, with many flocking to the comments to heap praise on the mum.
Yet not everyone has been thrilled with her clothing selection. Some have declared Jennifer’s ensemble was simply “not appropriate” for the family theme park. Critics of Jennifer’s look suggested that she should wear something more than the playsuit.
On its website, Disney explains its approach to dress codes.
“The parks are a casual, family-oriented environment. We suggest you dress comfortably, wear good walking shoes and check the local weather report before you leave for the parks. Review our Pre-Arrival Tips to make sure you come prepared for a fun-filled trip!
“Ensuring that the parks are family-friendly is an important part of the Disney experience. In that spirit, we ask you to use your discretion and common sense.”
On its list of “attire that is not appropriate for theme parks”, it includes; “Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment.”
It continues: “Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, the event, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards. While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment.”
The footage has re-emerged as the world of celebrity embraces the braless and ‘naked’ frock phenomenon. Sydney Sweeney showed off her take on the trend, sporting a silver chainmail gown with nothing beneath.
Chloe Kelly also joined the movement as she sported a jewelled creation for Harper’s Bazaar’s Women of the Year awards.
