adventure

Travel can affect our lives in many positive ways – and some holidays really can be life-changing. We’d love to hear about trips that have changed you – perhaps it was a wellbeing retreat, a learning or yoga holiday, going fishing or sailing for the first time, or a long-distance hike or kayaking adventure, in the UK and Europe. Tell us what you did and why it was so special.

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‘This wants so bad to be Romancing the Stone, but it can’t even be Jewel of the Nile’

A modern rom-com that harkens back to an 80s’ classic while featuring a pair of A-list stars is on British telly tonight (Sunday).

Starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, The Lost City was released in 2022 to generally positive reviews, earning back almost three times its budget.

Bullock plays Loretta Sage, a former archaeology researcher who writes romance-adventure novels. She reluctantly agrees to go on a book tour with a cover model for her fictitious hero, played by Tatum, but both find themselves embarking on an adventure, searching for a lost city that hides a priceless treasure.

The movie also features Brad Pitt in a rare supporting role, while Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe plays against type as an egotistical, eccentric billionaire who acts as the film’s ultimate baddie.

The Lost City has a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which says that while “The Lost City doesn’t sparkle quite as brightly as some classic treasure-hunting capers such as Romancing the Stone, its stars’ screwball chemistry makes this movie well worth romancing.”

One critic wrote: “The Lost City is every bit the romantic adventure we didn’t know we needed and then some. It’s fun and hilarious, and its on-the-nose praise of the romance genre is something we’ll never tire of exploring.”

Another was more circumspect, writing: “Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum get blindsided by a wonky and aimless script better suited for the balls-to-the-wall performances of its side characters.”

Movie fans were also divided on the film, which has some big supporters but more than a few who were left unimpressed. One wrote: “Enough laughs to make it enjoyable. All the actors did great in it. Sandra Bullock is really good at doing clumsy slapstick.”

A second stated: “It was such a funny treat. All the cast and crew were amazing. It had the whole theatre laughing. I’d definitely recommend watching this film.”

A third said: “Very enjoyable adventure-romance-comedy movie. I loved it. Highly recommend!”

However, some thought it paled in comparison to the classics: “This wants so bad to be Romancing the Stone, but it can’t even be Jewel of the Nile… It’s fun enough to be a passable time-waster, but it’s not compelling or unique enough to leave a lasting impression.”

Another wrote: “Clicked play immediately upon seeing the cast – found myself extremely disappointed that such great actors would partake in such an overplayed, cheesy plot. Paying attention was a chore.”

The Lost City airs on E4 tonight (Sunday, January 4) at 9pm.

If you’re heading to Scotland on a £9.50 Holiday with your family, you’ll want some ideas up your sleeve to keep the kids entertained.

Of course, there are swimming pools, playgrounds and free entertainment at your holiday park – but if you want to step outside and explore the local area, there’s plenty on offer. 

We’ve asked local experts for their top recommendations on what to do with your family in Scotland, with suggestions that are never too far from our £9.50 Holiday parks.

From child-friendly aquariums to free-to-enter country parks that have brilliant playgrounds, here’s where you should take the kids first. 

Adventure park thrills

For families with kids needing to burn off some energy, a day trip to an adventure park could be a good bet.

Nairn has the fabulous Landmark Forest Adventure Park around 40 minutes away.

Children will enjoy coming face-to-face with more than 22 prehistoric giants in Dinosaur Kingdom and embracing nature on a fun treetop trail (keep eyes peeled for red squirrels). 

If you’re staying closer to Perth, you could instead head for Active Kids Adventure Park.

Recommended by Christopher Hill, Administration Manager at Tummel Valley Holiday Park, it has an indoor soft play and little ones will love feeding the animals.

Christopher added: “We also have magical bluebell woods at Kinclaven and seasonal fruit picking at Gloagburn Farm, which has a play park.” 

Swings and steam engines 

The Scottish Sun Travel Editor Heather Lowrie says: “Sundrum castle is just outside Ayr – you could go into the town and go to Ayr beach for its attractions, big swing park, and Pirate Pete’s adventure play areas for kids.

“Or turn the other way towards Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park and the Doon Valley Railway, which has steam trains and a museum with kids’ stuff.”

If trains are what your brood is into, Strathspey Steam Railway is another great idea for a family day out.

See the magnificent Cairngorm mountains from the comfort of a plush carriage, or stop off at Boat of Garten to spot ospreys at the nearby RSPB reserve.

The railway is located near Aviemore, around an hour’s drive from Tummel Valley Holiday Park.

Free family activities

In Ayrshire, near holiday parks such as Sandylands, Eglinton Country Park is ideal for a family day out without spending a penny.

As well as having 400 acres for your kids to run around in, it has a big swing park and marked routes including a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) trail.

Morvyn Cattanach, General Manager at Sandylands Holiday Park says: “It’s a good option for families on a budget because it’s free to enter and there are lots of picnic areas and barbecue stations.”

Other top-rated free things to do in Scotland include hiking up Arthur’s Seat and visiting the National Museum of Scotland, both in Edinburgh, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

Leaps of faith

Older kids – and parents – can test their mettle with a bungee jump.

Highland Fling is just a short drive from Tummel Valley Holiday Park and offers heart-pounding activities such as bungee jumping, bridge swings and zip lining through the valley of Killiecrankie. 

Meanwhile, around 20 miles south of Ayr on the west coast, Adventure Carrick offers a range of water-based thrills, including three-hour coasteering sessions (from £55pp).

Suitable from age eight, the high-energy sessions will see you climb cliffs and leap into swirling seas near Ballantrae.

For budding scientists

If your kids are scientists in the making, expand their little minds at a family-friendly museum like Glasgow Science Centre.

Its super-engaging exhibits include a Planetarium that transports you through the solar system and a “Perception” room with mind-bending visual illusions.

Other fantastic kids’ exhibits can be found at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh and the Dundee Science Centre.

Wildlife wonders

Wildlife lovers big and small can find their favourite species from all over the globe in Scotland.

You could head to Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore – home to everything from polar bears and snow leopards to rare Scottish wildcats.

Or how about letting your kids be a zookeeper for the day at Camperdown Wildlife Park in Dundee? 

For an aquatic adventure, SEA LIFE Loch Lomond contains a magical underwater world, and you can join turtle tea time and watch the tropical sharks being fed. 

Cornwall might be best known for its show-stopping beaches and natural beauty – but there’s a whole host of family-friendly attractions, from theme parks and soft plays to historic jails and kid-friendly museums.

It’s a good idea to have some wet weather ideas up your sleeve, or if you simply want an alternative to exploring Cornwall’s golden sands and picturesque fishing villages. 

We’ve asked Cornwall experts, holiday park staff and Sun readers who have holidayed here for their recommendations of the best family attractions in the county, located near your next £9.50 Holiday park. Here’s what they said… 

Hop on a bus

Carol Harris, 72, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, stayed at Parkdean Resorts Lizard Point and her top tip is to take the double decker bus, which stops right outside the holiday park.

She said: “Taking the bus was an unexpected highlight. We took a double decker to Penzance for just £4 for an all-day ticket. The sea views from the top deck were brilliant – and, as passengers instead of driving, we both got to enjoy them.

“We jumped off at Marazion for St Michael’s Mount, which is beautiful. In Penzance we walked along the quay and got unlimited refills of coffee in Wetherspoons for £1.56.”

Cornwall expert and Sun travel writer Ellie Ross also recommends the Atlantic Coaster.

She said: “On a sunny day, children will also love the thrill of riding this open-top bus.

“It links Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay with Padstow, offering amazing views out to sea, and you can hop on and off as you please. It’s also a bargain – with single fares from £2.”

Take a boat

A short ferry ride can add a dose of excitement to a day out, especially for little ones.

You can hop on board the St Mawes Ferry from Falmouth, like Laraine Wells, 73, from Taunton in Somerset, did during her £9.50 Holiday to St Ives.

She said: “Falmouth is a great place to mooch about – there are loads of small, independent shops selling interesting things.

“You can also catch the ferry to St Mawes – it’s a nice boat trip over and St Mawes is a pretty fishing harbour that you can explore or just have a cup of tea in one of the cafes.”

Family tickets cost from £7.56 return for five people; under-threes travel free. You can take a (foldable) buggy on the ferry.

Toddler-friendly attractions

If you’ve got tots in tow, rainy day activities can be a challenge.

In which case, take a trip to Lappa Valley, a train-themed attraction set in beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Newquay.

As well as the steam engine that chugs you into the park from the car park, it features mini golf, outdoor play areas and indoor soft play (tip: check the train timetable before you arrive – they only run every 40 minutes in low season).

It was recommended by Dani Fillery, Owner and Guest Experience Manager at White Acres Holiday Park.

Dani also recommended Newquay Trampoline and Play Park, which has an under-twos area as well as huge soft play for older children (tip: rainy days are especially busy, so book online to avoid disappointment).

Meanwhile, Camel Creek is an adventure park that’s great for kids of all ages. Dani said: “There’s a huge indoor soft play where you can hide away if it rains. It’s reasonably priced, we’ve been going for years with my son who is now six.”

For older kids

Cornwall expert Ellie Ross said: “Located just off the A30, Bodmin Jail is a great option en route to or from Cornwall – or if you’re happy to head half an hour inland from your holiday park.

“The 18th-century prison has recently been redeveloped into an attraction and hotel, and is a great option for families with older children, offering educational tours for children up to the age of 16 (Key Stage 4).

“Highlights include an interactive walk back in time, offering a glimpse into life inside the historic jail.

“Or pop over to Falmouth, where the National Maritime Museum has loads of interactive exhibitions that will engage youngsters while teaching them about Cornwall’s seafaring past, from pirates to packet ships.

“Tickets – which last a year – cost £18 for adults and £9 for under-18s. Under-fives get in free.”