IF you’re looking for some of the most beautiful beachfront holiday homes, head to Camber Sands.
Two that sit right on the famous beach have been named as being some of the most ‘idyllic’ in the country from cosy cottages to A-shaped beach houses.
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Camber Sands is one of the warmest beaches in the UKCredit: AlamyIt has two of the best beach holiday homes too – like ‘Coastguards Beach House’Credit: Unknown
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Camber Sands sits on the south-east corner of England and its location makes it one of the warmest beaches in the country.
The spot also heats up quickly thanks to its sand dunes that absorb heat from the sun – and the spot is sheltered by the dunes too.
In spring, it can have highs of 19C, which is roughly 1C warmer than other popular UK spots like Dungeness and Studland Bay.
Camber Sands has an average of 195.19 hours of sunshine logged per month too.
The beach is often called the Hamptons of the UK, and it’s a favourite of Caroline McGuire’s (Head of Sun Digital).
She said: “Sussex lays claim to Camber Sands, but according to Wikipedia a small fraction of this seven-mile-long beach reaches over the Kent border.
“Which helpfully means we can use it as part of this round-up, as it is easily the best beach in the area.
“Backed by large sand dunes, Camber is so large that you can always find a spot – even on the hottest of summer days – if you are willing to walk.
“After an afternoon lazing in the sun, drive 10 minutes down the road to the medieval town ofRyefor a pub dinner.“
There are some beautiful places to stay in Camber Sands – and two made it onto Country Living’s list of ’14 idyllic Airbnb beach houses in the UK’.
The first house is called ‘Coastguards Beach House‘ which is right at the edge of the beach perched high up on the shoreline.
Guests can rent out the entirety of the 1875 cottage which has a cosy log burner inside the comfortable lounge.
In the kitchen is a long table for hearty breakfasts and family dinners.
The cottage can sleep up to five guests and it has direct beach access with steps down to the sands.
Lots of guests described it as ‘cosy’, ‘remote’ and ‘peaceful’ thanks to its location away from the main beach hustle and bustle.
You can book a five-night stay in May for five guests from £771 – or £30.84pppn.
‘Barefoot’ is another beautiful beach house right on the dunesCredit: Unknown
For more spots by the beach, check out these seaside towns…
Sidmouth, Devon Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.
Whitby, North Yorkshire With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.
Seahouses, Northumberland This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.
The high-powered Indy cars that will be racing in Sunday’s Grand Prix of Long Beach will burn about two gallons of fuel on each of their 90 trips around the tight 1.968-mile street course.
So if all 27 cars that start the race also finish it, the field will use 4,860 gallons of fuel. And that doesn’t include the fuel used in qualifying or in the other five classifications of cars that will be participating in the three days of racing in Long Beach.
That’s a lot of fuel for drivers who will end up in the same place they started, especially when seven weeks of war in the Middle East has driven the price of gasoline to record highs. However, the fuel the IndyCar series uses differs significantly from what that comes out of the pump at the gas station.
“This year marks the fourth season that IndyCar has used 100% renewable race fuel for the NTT IndyCar Series — the first motorsport series in North America to utilize this type of fuel,” an IndyCar spokesperson wrote in a statement. “Developed through a collaboration with Shell, this innovative fuel consists of a blend of second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels mainly derived from animal waste. The use of this renewable race fuel enables a 60% reduction in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions.”
So while driving Indy cars 177 miles in a circle may seem wasteful during a gas crunch, Sunday’s race will have a negligible affect on the price and availability of fuel at service stations. The greater impact will be made by fans driving to Long Beach; last year’s three-day race weekend drew more than 200,000 people.
A brazen scammer allegedly charged a British tourist a staggering £1,500 for a kebab – and police near Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeirom said the man was arrested
A British holidaymaker was charged £1,500 for a kebab (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
An unsuspecting tourist was hit with an eyewatering £1,500 charge for a kebab on a hugely popular tourist beach.
A scammer was arrested on the world famous Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after he and another person allegedly changed the price on a payment terminal and overcharged the victim by a staggering amount. The Brit reportedly ended up paying £1,480 (10,000 reais) for the meaty treat that should have set her back just £15 (100 reais). Police said the machine was allegedly tampered with and ended up charging the victim a much higher price than what she was told.
This comes as a wave of brazen conners have hit the popular Brazilian beaches in shallow attempts to swindle visitors. Brazilian police, in a statement, said: “We have arrested a criminal that carried out a card machine scam against a British female tourist in Copacabana.”
The detained man was reportedly part of an organised fraud scheme that targeted foreigners, mostly in Rio’s famous Ipanema and Copacabana areas, according to O Globo.
The head of Rio’s tourist police, Patricia Alemany, said her team (named DEAT) were working to find and detainee the people trying to con tourists out of their money, she told the Brazilian site.
She said: “DEAT has been repeatedly arresting these criminals. However, there is no oversight of street vendors on the beach, which creates an environment of public disorder and greatly facilitates this type of crime.”
Another woman was charged nearly £3,000 (20,000 reais) for corn on the cob which had been smothered in margarine. The woman, from Argentina, should have just paid £3 (20 reais) for the food. She said: “I don’t understand numbers in Portuguese. I don’t speak Portuguese.”
Another tourist, from Colombia, was shockingly charged about £400 (2,500 reais) for a caipirinha – a Brazilian cocktail made with a spirit, sugar and lime.
This comes after another shocking scam hit some tourists in Brazil. Last year, cases of “Goodnight Cinderella” spiking scams were reported, where holidaymakers fall for glamorous looking women, especially in Brazil, before they put powerful sedatives in victims’ drinks and then rob them once they pass out.
The scams led to several Brits finding themselves with money, belongings and passports taken by the women who often work in gangs in popular tourist locations like Rio da Janeiro.
Police in Brazil said that British tourists are seen as “easy prey” as they could be unaware to the dangers, often have expensive items on them as well as cash, and do not know the local area well.
A 21-year-old Brit spoke out about how he passed out after taking just a few sips of a drink on his holiday. He was later recorded collapsing unconscious on a Brazilian beach but was rescued by a Good Samaritan. The student revealed he was offered a Capriahna cocktail by a trio women before the incident.
WE all love a holiday abroad, but sometimes we forget what’s on our doorstep.
From beautiful beach towns to charming villages and incredible cities with luxury hotels to off-the-grid shepherd huts, the whole of Britain has options for every sort of staycation.
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The city of Cambridge has a beautiful river and plenty of independent shopsCredit: AlamyThe Nici Hotel is a luxury hotel in Bournemouth with an enormous swimming poolCredit: The NICI
The UK staycation is on the rise, and has no signs of slowing down – the latest holiday report from Away Resorts revealed 46 per cent of Brits are opting for a staycation over an abroad break.
Sykes Holiday Cottageshas also predicted a record high for staycations in 2026, reporting that bookings made in January are up 9 per cent year-on-year.
The conflict in Iran is also another factor when it comes to booking a break this year.
Data from Barclay’s has found that spending on travel agents has dropped 4.6 per cent, while airline spending was down 4.1 per cent.
Spending on UK hotels and resorts was up 1.2 per cent.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next staycation, check out these 12 destinations that are Sun Travel’s wish list for 2026…
Nici Hotel, Bournemouth
“One of my favourite places in the US is Miami – so when I heard there was a hotel in the UK compared to it, I’ve been intrigued ever since.
“The Nici, in Bournemouth, is nothing like the Bournemouth I knew growing up when visiting my grandparents.
“There’s a bright blue water swimmingpool lined with pearly white sunloungers and flamingos, while palm tree designs and plants are everywhere too.
“I’m dying to eat at their South Beach restaurant too – the scallops and tuna tartare sounds delicious, as well as the ‘lost luggage’ signature cocktail list.” – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Fort William, Scotland
“The higher you go, the better the views… surely? At least that’s what I’ll be telling myself when I eventually attempt to climb the tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis.
“Towering a mighty 1,345 metres above sea level, this craggy peak trumps both Snowdonia in Wales and the Lake District’s Scafell Pike. Much of Scotland remains so rugged and unspoilt that the landscape in these parts feels somewhat otherworldly – which certainly adds to the appeal.
“It supposedly takes between seven and nine hours to reach the summit, meaning I could spend the remainder of my Scotland trip rewarding my efforts with whisky from the Ben Nevis Distillery, in Fort William.
“The distilling process incorporates the purest water that has trickled down from that very mountain, adding an earthy flavour to the spirit.” – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
“The house itself is considered Britain’s original smart home and it sits in a beautiful estate with pine forests, lakes and an enchanting rickety bridge.
“Plus, I’m a huge fan of Jurassic World – the house was used to film the second film in the franchise with when it became Lockwood Manor, starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.
“There’s even a cottage on the site of the mansion to stay in – it looks quintessentially English with a little fireplace in the cosy lounge.”
“The National Trust house is also 30-minutes away from pretty coastal villages like Alnmouth and the town of Amble.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Cragside is a National Trust property in Northumberland and was used to film Jurassic WorldCredit: Alamy
Here are even more of our favourite UK seaside towns…
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Sidmouth, Devon Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.
Whitby, North Yorkshire With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.
Seahouses, Northumberland This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.
Scotland is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben NevisCredit: Alamy
Bluestone, Pembrokeshire
“Having written about it for several years now, I’m very keen to check out Bluestone in Wales – which many people say is a better, cheaper version of Center Parcs.
“I’m particularly interested in staying here because it has the best of both worlds for my son and I – the blue lagoon water park and indoor adventure park for him, the spa and the walks in the surrounding Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for me.
“I know that they are particularly proud of their Christmas offering, but I love Wales in the early autumn.
“When the leaves start to fall and the pubs get particularly cosy, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing long weekend.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)
Ventnor, Isle of Wight
“Trendy Ventnor in the Isle of Wight is high up on my wish list for a UK staycation this year.
“Charles Dickens is even known to have declared the town ‘the prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad’.
“Such high praise is reason enough for me to want to go and check it out – but as it turns out there is plenty more to V-Town.
“The seaside town is known for its thriving creative scene, with top-tier theatre, comedy and arts festivals. Ventnor Carnival is the second oldest carnival in the UK, and sees the town light up with colourful floats, costumes and performances.
“When it comes to somewhere to stay, The Royal Hotel was built in 1832 and was loved by Queen Victoria – plus its got a gorgeous pool and gardens to make use of if you visit in the summer time.
“And I’d treat myself to a meal in The Elderflower and Aquitania, too, for a delicious Michelin-star dinner.” – Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
“Last year I ticked off Oxford, so it only seems right that this year I tick off Cambridge.
“Known for its historic university, often ranked one of the best in the world, Cambridge is the ideal day trip or city escape from London, just 49 minutes from London King’s Cross.
“As a big fan of architecture, I can’t wait to see the historic buildings scattered around the city as well as go punting on the River Cam.
“I’m also such a sucker for shopping local, so heading down the different cobbled lanes dipping in and out of independent shops sounds like a dream.” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Scilly Isles, Cornwall
“The Scilly Isles, a short ferry ride from Penzance in Cornwall, are sometimes overlooked by wildlife lovers for more exotic and far-flung destinations.
“But marine life absolutely thrives in these parts. Puffins are top of my animal wish list and now is the best time to see them, with the orange-beaked birds arriving on the coastal cliffs in April to nest before returning to the waters in July.
“The best way to see them is on a boat trip sailing around the uninhabited island of Annet – you may even get to see dolphins, whales and grey seals, too.
“The Scillies are completely car-free and camping and glamping spots are aplenty.
“I like the idea of a cosy shepherd’s hut with a roaring log burner and plenty of windows overlooking rustic scenery.” – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
York has winding streets that were said to inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon AlleyCredit: AlamyCharles Dickens called Ventnor on the Isle of Wight ‘the prettiest place’ he’s ever seenCredit: Alamy
York, North Yorkshire
“Having grown up near the Devonshire Street, which is thought to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, I have always been intrigued by the city that also claims fame via the Harry Potter series.
“If you haven’t guessed it, it is York. The association is primarily due to The Shambles, a medieval street boasting wizard-themed shops and themed walking tours.
“As a lover of all things witchy, I am also intrigued to see if the city lives up to its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in Europe.” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Clovelly, Devon
“A countryside girl at heart, I love visiting little villages and Clovelly is one of the best. It was even formerly owned by the Queen of England.
“It has pretty cobbled streets and stone cottages that are hundreds of years old. The restored walled Court Gardens are open all year round filled with flowers and greenery.
“The village is completely car free and donkeys were once used as their mode of transport. Now, the donkeys are settled in their stables at the top of the hill and tourists are free to visit Rex, Bert, Ernie and Alfred.
“I love the idea of staying in the local inn called The Red Lion Hotel in a room overlooking the harbour.
“Unlike other villages around the country, you actually need to pay a fee to enter that all goes towards preserving its charm.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Lake District, Cumbria
“I’m keen to take my son on more outdoor adventures this year and where better to start than the Lake District?
“As the UK’s largest park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it feels like the perfect place to introduce a seven year old to enjoyable but easygoing hikes.
“But it’s also exceptionally child-friendly. We’ll start on Windermere and Bowness, making sure to check to take one of the kayaks on the lake, as well as a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter, and Brockhole on Windermere, with its adventure playground and treetop adventure.
“I’m also very keen on the alpaca walks around the stunning grounds of The Lingholm Estate. I’ve heard some great things about a few of the campsites, including Castlerigg Hall and the National Trust’s Low Wray Campsite.
“But I’d also be hoping for a couple of nights at the lovely Storrs Hall hotel on Lake Windermere.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)
The holiday park Bluestone in Wales has a huge waterparkCredit: Unknown
Buxton, Derbyshire
“I grew up in the Cotswolds, so my love of a pretty town is built deep into my DNA. And one on my list to visit this year is the spa town of Buxton, famed for its geothermal springs.
“Similar to Bath, it even has its own Buxton crescent of houses, and wellness spa with thermal pools.
“It’s set to have a multi-million makeover with new bars, shops and restaurants, so there’s no time better to visit. I’d definitely be choosing to stay at the Buxton Crescent Hotel too, owned by Champneys.” – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
“I’d first set out on a hike to Fair Head – a huge, dramatic cliff where rugged walking paths lead to breath-taking views over the waters of Murlough Bay.
“Then I’d head to Ursa Minor Bakehouse for a well-deserved snack to re-fuel – their freshly-baked pastries are slow fermented and made with nourishing whole grains.
“A visit to Ballycastle isn’t complete without a trip to the beach – I’d make sure to visit Ballycastle Beach, and take some sunset pictures at Pans Rock bridge, too.
“I’d also use Ballycastle as a base to tick off some spectacular nearby sights on the Antrim Coast. Here you’re only 10 minutes away from Carrick-a-Rede, the historic rope bridge suspended above the Atlantic.
“Plus it’s easy to take the ferry from here to Rathlin Island, where you can spot puffins perched atop its cliffs, or see seals poke their noses out from the water.” Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter
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SPAIN’S popularity might often leave you feeling like there isn’t a part of the country that is untouched and unexplored.
But just over an hour’s drive from Seville, you’ll find the much quieter coastal town of Mazagón.
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The Spanish town of Mazagon is about an hour from SevilleCredit: AlamyThe small town features a long beach, backed by sandstone cliffsCredit: Alamy
The town of Mazagon dates back to the 14th century, when it used to be a fishing village.
It was initially a popular holiday destination for rich Spanish families from the nearby cities, and even now just a few thousand people live there.
According to The Telegraph, it is still more popular with Spaniards than Brits.
They said: “The low-key town is popular with Huelva locals, but it’s still relatively undiscovered by holidaymakers from the rest of Spain, let alone Britain.”
It largely remains untouched for two reasons – one being strict planning rules that ban anything from being built higher than three-storeys high.
Not only that, but the area is protected due to sitting near the Donana National Park.
The largest nature reserve in Europe, it is home to a number of endangered species including the Spanish imperial eagle and the Iberian lynx.
One of the main attractions of the town itself is the 3.4mile beach, backed by rocky, sandstone cliffs.
At the western end of the town, close to the marina, Playa de Mazagón is built up enough to have things like showers, sunloungers and parking facilities.
One tourist said it “offers a peaceful escape from crowded tourist spots,” while others said the calm waters made it ideal for families with young kids.
Along the beach you might also spot ‘chiringuitos’ – small, wooden hut beach bars – usually serving tapas and drinks.
Moving westwards from the town, the Playa de Mazagón leads into Playa de las Dunas – a quieter spot, with a number of villas littered at its edge.
Head even further west and you will reach Playa de Alcor which is a more rural beach that is backed by pine woods and sand dunes.
Don’t expect the beaches to have a promenade, instead you can explore then via wooden boardwalks.
The town centre itself is relatively small, but there are a number of sites worth visiting such as Ermita del Carmen chapel, which was restored in 2014, or the more modern Sagrados Corazones.
There’s also the Mazagón Lighthouse, dating back to 1861 and is still in use – and is bizarrely built 600metres inland.
Historically, the town was a fishing villageCredit: AlamyAnd key sites to visit include a lighthouse 600metres inlandCredit: Alamy
When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, the town has many tapas bars where each dish can cost as little as €4 (£3.49), such as cheese croquettes and calamari.
At most bars and restaurants you can expect to pay a couple of euros for a beer.
If you are looking for a place to stay, you can’t get much closer to the beach than Playa de Mazagon Camping which is right on the sand.
There are a range of different accommodation options at the site including bell tents for between two and six people, a two-person cabin and camping pitches.
The campsite also boasts an outdoor swimming pool with a pirate ship, a restaurant and bar, sports courts and a playground.
A bell tent for two people costs as little as €50 (£43.63) per night and the two-person cabin costs from €60 (£52.35) per night.
Donana National Park is nearby too and is home to over 300 bird speciesCredit: AlamyIf you are looking for somewhere to stay, you could opt for Playa de Mazagon Camping, which is right on the beachCredit: Google Maps
Our favourite Spain holidays
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Hotel Best Punta Dorada, Salou
The Spanish resort is a popular destination near PortAventura World, a theme park with over 40 attractions and huge rollercoasters. It’s also close to sandy beaches like Platja de Llevant, and the scenic Camí de Ronda coastal walk.The hotel itself has an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, as well as two bars along with evening entertainment and shows.
With its palm tree-lined pool and Mediterranean backdrop, it’s a miracle this Majorca resort is so affordable. Expect a classic family holiday feel – where days revolve around soaking up the Spanish sunshine, chilling by the spacious pool and sipping on frozen cocktails. Set away from the busier resorts, it’s a good option if you’re after a more out-of-the-way escape.
The Magic Aqua Rock Gardens Hotel is African-themed and less than a mile from the beach. It has two outdoor pools, including a children’s freshwater pool with a waterfall and a tipping water bucket for the little ones. There’s also an aquapark with slides, and a kids club for both younger children and teens.
For a calmer side of Ibiza, this hillside resort has two pools, a kids’ splash zone, and an all-inclusive buffet with a poolside bar. It’s a 10-minute walk from Cala Llonga’s shallow turquoise bay, offering a scenic, family-friendly base away from the island’s main party zone.
If you fancy exploring further afield then you could head to the port city of Huelva, just a 20-minute drive away.
The city is famous for being the departure point for Christopher Columbus‘s first voyage to the Americas.
The easiest way to get from the UK to Mazagon is by flying to either Seville or Faro in Portugal – both taking just under three hours.
Flights from the UK to Faro cost as little as £13 one-way in April and May.
Once in Faro, you can either drive or hop on a bus for an hour-and-a-half, costing £16 per way.
Alternatively, if you head to Seville, flights from the UK cost from £15 in May and from the airport it is then an hour-and-20-minute drive or bus journey, which would cost around £6 per way.
The easiest way to get to Mazagon from the UK is by flying to Faro or SevilleCredit: AlamyFrom there, the town is about an hour-and-a-half drive awayCredit: Alamy
You don’t have to spend a fortune or hours flying to have an amazing holiday.
Take a short break to Madrid for tapas, local wine and plenty of free and cheap art attractionsCredit: Getty
Luckily there’s loads of amazing and affordable European cities right on our doorstep – and with cheap and speedy flights, you can tick them off more easily than you’d think.
With delicious street food, cheap beers and plenty of local history, these European city breaks will give you a short haul holiday to look forward to – all for less than £100 per person.
We’ve found destinations you can visit for two nights from £99 or under, including popular capital cities you can tick off your bucket list – plus all of the best things to see and do there.
So whether you want to explore hidden ruin bars in Budapest, catch sunsets at the beach in the Algarve, or visit quirky art galleries in Madrid, these breaks have something for everyone.
Here are 10 European gems where £99 covers both your flights and hotel, leaving you with more to spend when you land.
Prices were correct at time of publication.
Madrid – £99pp
Madrid has masses of world-class art and architecture to exploreCredit: Alexander Spatari
For a sunny city break that’s big on style but easy on the wallet, Madrid is a total winner.
Spain‘s capital has masses of world-class art and architecture to explore.
To tick off some of the top sights, take in the regal beauty of the grand Palacio Real (The Royal Palace of Madrid), or visit the 15th-century Plaza Mayor to get into the real heart of Madrid.
The magnificent views don’t stop there. Make sure to take a visit to the 125 hectare El Retiro Park, where a visit to the stunning glass Crystal Palace won’t cost you a penny.
Art lovers can also hit the so-called Golden Triangle of galleries for free if they time it right.
The world-famous Prado offers free entry from 6 – 8pm from Monday – Saturday, whilst the Reina Sofía opens for free from 7pm Monday – Saturday (excluding Tuesdays).
The Thyssen-Bornemisza completes the trio, with free entry on Mondays and on Saturdays from 9pm.
Then, when hunger hits, skip the tourist traps and join the locals on Calle de la Cava Baja – one of the area’s most lively streets – for a tapas crawl, or grab a legendary calamari sandwich at La Campana for around €4.
Getting around is a breeze, too. While the city is incredibly walkable, the speedy Metro offers a 10-trip pass for just €7.30 (£6.36), plus kids under four travel for free.
Book Your Stay
Loveholidays offer a 2-night room-only stay at the Cuatro Caños hotel from May 18, including return flights from Bristol, from £99pp.
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Berlin – £89pp
You could go on a city break to the artsy and affordable Berlin from just £89ppCredit: Alamy
Effortlessly cool and cost-friendly, Berlin is packed with things to see and do that won’t cost you a penny.
You can walk through the giant monument Brandenburg Gate, walk the 1,316 metre-long open-air East Side Gallery, or catch a free lunchtime concert at the Berlin Philharmonie at 1pm on Wednesdays.
For the largest open space in the city, head to Tempelhofer Feld. It’s a massive former airport where locals enjoy cycling, skating, jogging and cooking together in the BBQ zone. It’s the ultimate free hangout in the heart of the city.
Going for a night out in Berlin is a must. If you like your music loud and your beer cheap, go to Clash in Kreuzberg. It’s a legendary gritty spot with alternative music and affordable pints.
Book Your Stay
Loveholidays offer a 2-night stay with breakfast at the Mercure Hotel & Residenz Checkpoint Charlie from 27 April, including return flights from East Midlands airport, from £89pp.
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Prague – £99pp
Visit Prague for a city with a fairytale feel that won’t blow your budget.
To see the city at its best, set an early alarm to walk Charles Bridge at sunrise before the crowds arrive, or wander the sprawling Prague Castle courtyards and the peacock-filled Wallenstein Palace Gardens for free.
To sample some of Prague‘s best budget-friendly food, hunt down a deli for a traditional open-faced chlebíček sandwich for about CZK 30 (£1.09) or grab a massive slab of smažený sýr (fried cheese) from a street stall for around CZK 135 (£4.80).
One of the best ways to see the city is to hop on Tram 22. It’s essentially a sightseeing tour that goes past the National Theatre and right up to the gates of Prague Castle.
A standard 30-minute ticket costs 36 CZK (£1.28).
Book Your Stay
Loveholidays offer a 2-night room-only stay at the Plus Prague Hostel from 26 April, including return flights from London Stansted, from £99pp.
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Budapest – £99pp
Visit the Charles Bridge across the Vltava River early in the morning for unbeatable viewsCredit: Getty – Contributor
If you’re after a holiday with a high-end feel that won’t break the bank, Budapest is for you.
Hike up Gellért Hill for a panoramic sunset, or explore the fairytale lower turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion for free.
You’re not short of options when it comes to street food in Budapest. Head to the Great Market Hall to grab a massive, garlic-rubbed lángos (deep-fried flatbread) from 900 HUF (£2.04).
Plus no visit to Budapest is complete without trying a cylinder-shaped chimney cake, which you can buy from vendors across the city for around 1,000 HUF (£2.27).
A relaxing trip to the thermal baths is another must when in Budapest. Dandar is the cheapest option, and even cheaper if you visit on a weekday. An adult ticket costs 3,500 HUF (£8.08) during the week compared to 4,000 HUF (£9.23) on weekends and public holidays.
When night falls, dive into the legendary Jewish Quarter ruin pubs like Szimpla Kert, where you can grab a local pint amidst a maze of quirky, recycled decor.
Book Your Stay
Loveholidays offer a 2-night stay with breakfast at the Easy Star Hotel from 26 April, including return flights from London Stansted, from £99pp.
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Krakow – £99pp
Wawel Castle has historical courtyards with a dragon statue that are free to visitCredit: Getty
Krakow is a European city that’s known for its affordability and great nights out – what more could you want from a city break?
Head to Wawel Royal Hill, where the castle courtyards and the fire-breathing dragon statue are free to visit, before crossing into the Kazimierz district to see its bohemian courtyard cafes and street art.
Plus you can visit the Rynek Underground Museum on a Tuesday for free entry, or take a walk through the Planty Park, a belt of vibrant green that surrounds the Old Town where the medieval defensive walls used to be.
For a lunch that costs less than a coffee back at home, hit a Milk Bar like Pod Temidą for a huge plate of pierogi for 29 zł (under £5.89), or grab a zapiekanka (a pizza-like giant baguette) in Plac Nowy for around £3.
Drinks are a steal too, with local beers in the city’s famous cellar bars still priced around £2.20.
Book Your Stay
Loveholidays offer a 2-night room-only stay at the Hotel Daisy Budget from 27 April, including return flights from Manchester, from £99pp.
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Lloret de Mar, Spain – £77pp
Take a scenic coastal cruise to Tossa de Mar, where a castle overlooks the beachCredit: Alamy
Who can say no to a sun-soaked weekend away in Spain from just £77pp?
Follow the Camino de Ronda coastal path for a cliffside trail that leads to hidden, turquoise coves like Trons Bay and the peaceful Fenals Beach.
For even more beautiful views, explore the Santa Clotilde Gardens, where Renaissance-style terraces overlook the sea, or visit the colourful Sant Romà Church in the town centre.
When you get hungry, avoid the beachfront tourist traps and look for a Menu del Día in the backstreets, where you can get three courses and authentic dishes including seafood or paella from just €10 (£8.71).
The nightlife here is legendary for a reason – you can find bars offering cocktails for £5 and beers for under £3 at your pick of spots along the strip.
And if you’ve got time after all of those adventures, take the local Dolfi boat taxi to the nearby medieval town of Tossa de Mar for €30.40 (£26.46) return. It’s a scenic coastal cruise and a day trip to a castle overlooking the beach all in one.
Book Your Stay
Lastminute.com offer a 2-night stay with breakfast at the BLUESEA Montevista Hawai, including return flights from London from £77pp.
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Salou, Spain – £92pp
Salou makes for an ideal short break for families, with Port Aventura World nearby
Big on thrills and little on costs, Salou is the crown jewel of Spain’s Costa Dorada.
For the best coastal views, walk the Camí de Ronda and dip into glimmering turquoise coves like Cala Crancs.
For an exciting day out, PortAventura World is renowned for its theme parks with rollercoasters and water parks with giant slides all in one place. You can grab a day pass from TUI for £37 per adult and £32 per child.
For a spectacular and free evening activity, head to the Jaume I Promenade to catch the Cybernetic Fountains – a vibrant display of water, music, and laser lights.
The nightlife here is famous for its value, with bars along the Carrer de Saragossa offering pints for €2 (£1.74) and free shots to get the party started.
For a slice of history, take a short bus ride to the nearby city of Tarragona where you can explore its UNESCO-listed Roman amphitheatre by the sea, and cool off with a gelato in the historic Old Town.
Book Your Stay
Lastminute.com offer a 2-night stay at Hotel Best Da Vinci, including return flights from London Stansted, for £92pp.
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Le Raincy, France – £96pp
Le Raincy is a lesser-known French destination just 30 minutes from the Gare du Nord in Paris.
Its crown jewel is the Notre-Dame du Raincy – a modern church built entirely of concrete that shines with light thanks to its stunning floor-to-ceiling stained glass. Plus it’s completely free to visit.
Here you can wander the leafy, tranquil streets of this so-called garden city, a slice of peace and quiet away from the pace of central Paris.
For an authentic and affordable lunch, grab a freshly-baked baguette and some local cheese from a boulangerie on Avenue de la Résistance.
In the evenings there are plenty of cosy bars to dip into, like Le 40, where you can enjoy a glass of French wine and some charcuterie without the “tourist tax” of the city centre.
Lastminute.com offer a 2-night stay at Zenao Appart’hôtels Le Raincy Thiers, including return flights from Birmingham, for £96pp.
San Antonio, Ibiza – £95pp
We found 2-night breaks to sunny San Antonio in Ibiza from just £95ppCredit: supplied
If you want the White Isle experience without the price tag, San Antonio is the way to go.
Start evenings on the legendary Sunset Strip, where crowds gather on the rocks to watch everything from the sun dipping into the Mediterranean to a world-class DJ.
Or head to the Kumharas beach bar and market for a hippy vibe with live music, again perfect for watching the sunset.
Cocktails here will set you back €14 (around £12), but for the stunning views and beach club atmosphere, it’s very affordable compared to elsewhere in Ibiza.
To get your steps in and culture fix at the same time, follow a free street art tour through the town’s backstreets.
The nightlife in the West End is where the real savings are, with many bars offering “pre-club” drink deals that are a fraction of the £15+ you’d pay for inside the big venues.
Book Your Stay
On the Beach offer a 2-night stay at the adults-only Brisa hotel, including return flights from London Stansted, for £95pp.
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Albufeira, Portugal – £95pp
You could be topping up your tan on the beaches of Portugal’s Algarve on a break from £95ppCredit: Getty
Albufeira is one of the most affordable holiday destinations in the Algarve, and it’s equally as beautiful as it is budget-friendly.
Spend days exploring the whitewashed alleys of the Old Town, or wandering through rock tunnels to reach the golden sands of Praia dos Pescadores.
Plus the Pau da Bandeira viewpoint makes for the ultimate postcard-like photo of the coastline.
When night falls, the neon-lit strip in Montechoro is the place for bargain hunters, with happy hour pints at spots like Rock Time starting from just €1.95 (£1.70).
When it comes to transport, avoid the pricey taxi ranks and use the Giro local bus network to reach spots like the spectacular Praia da Falésia, with its red cliffs and endless golden sands.
Book Your Stay
On the Beach offer a 2-night stay at the 16+ Areias Senses hotel, including return flights from Glasgow Prestwick, for £95pp.
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AS Tom Hardy enjoys a spot of Spring sunshine in Barbados during a relaxing holiday with his wife Charlotte Riley, the actor has shown off his impressive tattoo collection.
The Mobland star, 48, has over 30 inks across his chest and arms, all of which could be seen as he hit the beach on Tuesday.
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Tom Hardy has shown off his tatted torso as he hit the beach in Barbados this week during a family holidayCredit: BackGridThe actor was joined by his wife, Charlotte Riley, for the beach day as they cooled off in the seaCredit: BackGridWearing a pair of Venum UFC shorts, Tom’s extensive collection of inks could be seenCredit: BackGrid
Donning a pair of Venum UFC shorts, Tom and his other half enjoyed dips in the sea and sunbathed on the sand while joined by their kids.
Tom’s entire upper half is adorned with tattoos, with the actor going for his first ink – an Irish Leprechaun – at the age of 15.
The tat was a nod to his mother’s Irish heritage, with each one of his body art with a meaning behind it.
A Union Jack sits above his heart, which he has previously said is to “remind me where I come from”, whilst the words “Padre Fiero”, which translate to “proud father” are above the flag.
In 2016, Leo was certain that Tom would bag an Oscar nomination, while Tom said he definately would not.
The pair wagered a tattoo on it, and when Tom was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor gong at the Oscars, he agreed to get the ink.
Now, his right arm clearly reads: “Leo knows all” in large writing.
Leo isn’t the only one to get a permanent tribute, with Tom’s ex-wife, Sarah Ward, the inspiration behind the writing on his lower abdomen.
“Till I die SW,” reads the ink.
His current wife Charlotte also has a place on his body, with her name emblazoned across his shoulder.
Tom has several tattoos written in Italian, despite having no known ties to Italy.
Tom met his now-wife while filming the 2009 TV adaptation of Wuthering Heights (pictured on the show)Credit: ITVThe hunk has over 30 tattoos, each with a meaning behind themCredit: BackGridThe collection includes a tribute to his ex-wife Sarah Ward, whom he split from in 2004, which reads: ’till I die SW’Credit: BackGridTom also has his wife Charlotte’s name emblazoned across his shoulderCredit: BackGridThe London-born star has been getting body art since he was just 15 years old, when he got a leprechaun to mark his mother’s Irish heritageCredit: BackGridHe has since been building up the collection, which also features quotes written in Italian and a Union JackCredit: Refer to Caption
A five-star Haven holiday park is packed with family-friendly activities, and best of all it has direct beach access with a long stretch of sand to enjoy
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Enjoy the outdoor pool in summer(Image: Haven )
The UK has loads of great holiday parks to choose from, and they’re a practical option for families who’d like cost-effective accommodation, plenty of activities, and a lively atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a staycation for May half-term or the summer holidays, then this may be the perfect option for families with school aged kids. Set on a beautiful sandy beach, this holiday park has a 5-star rating from the AA, who called it “a very popular park with many guests returning every year”.
Perran Sands Holiday Park in Cornwall sits on 500-acres of grassland and sand dunes, and if you walk through the grassy paths you’ll reach the vast sandy beach that stretches over three-miles. The sand is soft and fine, and when the tide is out rockpools full of tiny sea creatures are uncovered. The park even offers surfing lessons for those who’ve always wanted to try catching a wave.
The sea can be quite choppy at Perran Sands, and although there is a lifeguard on duty at peak times, you may prefer to take a dip in the pool instead. On chilly days holidaymakers can enjoy the indoor pool with its own flume ride, while in the summer months, the outdoor pool is a great place to cool off. There’s also an outdoor lazy river where swimmers can float around and enjoy the sunshine.
Back on dry land, guests can book a round of crazy golf, enjoy the NERF Training Camp, hire go-karts, or take part in fun outdoor activities such as den building. In the evenings, entertainment includes appearances from Haven’s seaside squad. There are also lots of options for dinner, including the Surf Bay Café which has a Cornwall-style interior including its own campervan, and a brand new branch of popular US-chain Slim Chickens.
Like most Haven parks, Perran Sands has a number of accommodation options. You can book a 4-night break in a saver caravan from £49, and other budget-friendly options include yurts and geo-domes, some of which are right on the seafront. The park also has lodges, chalets, and three-bedroom beach houses which offer sea views and sun decks.
Walk along the seafront for about half and hour and you can visit nearby Perranporth. This charming seaside town is full of souvenir and surf shops, relaxed pubs, fish and chip shops, and tearooms. About a 20-minute drive away is Newquay, famous for its beautiful beaches and for being a surfers paradise.
Visit Newquay Zoo, a compact but fun zoo in the gardens of Trenance Park, or explore the 16th-century Trerice manor house. The Blue Reef Aquarium is also popular with families thanks to its wide range of colourful sea creatures on display, while the Oasis Fun Pools offer indoor and outdoor slides, rapids, and more.
Find out more about Perran Sands and book your break here. Of course it’s not the only tempting offering in Cornwall; there are a wealth of different sites where families can find bargain breaks too. Away Resorts for example has a St Ives Bay site with private access to a three-mile-long sandy beach, while Parkdean Resorts has budget-friendly midweek breaks as well as new all-inclusive packages for families wanting to stretch their holiday budget that little bit further.
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Is it possible to have a luxury staycation with the kids in tow? This hotel offers a range of features to make family holidays more fun, including complimentary childcare for kid-free time
Moonfleet Manor has child-friendly facilities such as a kids club(Image: Moonfleet Manor)
If you’re looking for a family staycation that’s close to the coast, yet also has plenty for the kids to do, and even gives you the chance for some child-free time, then read on.
A hotel in Dorset is offering luxury family-friendly accommodation overlooking spectacular Chesil Beach, with lots of thoughtful touches to make your time away easier. Moonfleet Manor is set in a beautiful Georgian property and is an excellent place to explore the Jurassic Coast.
While we all love spending time with our kids on holiday, one of the main services that’s bound to appeal to worn-out parents is the hotel’s Four Bears Den Kids Club.
This Ofsted-registered onsite club takes care of kids from three months to eight years, and all guests get a complimentary two-hour session per night’s stay, starting at either 9.30am or 2.30pm. This gives you kid-free time to enjoy a romantic stroll, have a spa treatment, or just read a book in peace.
In the evenings, you can also hire a video monitor for free, so while the kids nap in the room, you can enjoy a nightcap. The hotel also offers a babysitting service for an additional fee if you want to explore the local area.
During the school holidays and weekends, the kids club offers a program of activities designed for family fun, from toasting marshmallows to scavenger hunts, so all ages can enjoy quality time together.
Just a short walk from the hotel is an indoor pool available for guests to enjoy throughout their stay, plus there’s a sauna and the option to book spa treatments for the grown-ups, including facials and ocean-inspired rituals.
Kids can enjoy the colourful play barn, where you’ll find an under-5s play area, table tennis, arcade games, and even a hands-on Science Room for young Einsteins to play in.
The problem with some family hotels is that they tend to focus just on practicalities, and they can be quite dull for adults. But Moonfleet Manor has a luxury, design-led style, so rooms are inviting whether you are staying as a couple or with kids.
There are also two-bedroom family rooms available that offer a separate sleeping area for the kids. This means you can tuck them away in bed and enjoy your evening without worrying about keeping them awake.
The hotel overlooks the unspoiled shingle shores of Chesil Beach, an 18-mile stretch of seafront that’s full of incredible fossils and spectacular scenery. Between the beach and the hotel is the Fleet Lagoon, a marine-protected area full of wildlife and seabirds, so you can’t walk directly onto the shingle from Moonfleet. However, you can drive a short distance to Abbotsbury or Portland for a beach walk or fossil hunt.
Less than 20 minutes away is the seaside town of Weymouth, a family favorite for many generations. Here you’ll find a SEALIFE Center, Sandworld – an impressive collection of sand sculptures and castles, and the sandy Weymouth Beach, which is set in a cove, so kids can paddle and swim on sunny days.
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The iconic Dorset beach featured in one of the most emotional scenes in Ryan Gosling’s new film, and fans are now visiting the picturesque Jurassic Coast location for spring walks
Alice Sjoberg Social News Reporter
14:31, 05 Apr 2026
The beach was used to film an important scene in Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
There’s always a thrill when you recognise a familiar location in a film or TV programme, whether it’s a documentary or the backdrop for a fictional tale. While the UK serves as a popular setting for numerous blockbuster films and television series, one of this year’s biggest cinema releases actually filmed one of its most memorable scenes in the UK – and it’s accessible to visit right now as a stunning walking destination.
That’s precisely what one London-based couple decided to do, bringing their dog, Presto, along to the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset to see the Project Hail Mary filming location after recently watching the film at the cinema.
“Cried at the cinema at this beach so we went in real life,” they captioned their video, before sharing footage from their day trip adventure.
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Without giving away any spoilers, the beach serves as a significant location for one of the film’s characters, with several of the more poignant scenes captured here, making it particularly meaningful for fans to experience. That said, the breathtaking views alone make the journey worthwhile.
Durdle Door stands as one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. Situated on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset, it forms part of the stunning Jurassic Coast.
The coastline holds such exceptional geological significance on the world stage that UNESCO designated it as England’s first natural World Heritage Site in 2001, placing it alongside iconic natural treasures such as America’s Grand Canyon and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
The stunning natural limestone arch was created when powerful waves eroded the rock and carved a hole through its centre. The name Durdle comes from the old English word ‘thirl’, meaning to pierce, bore or drill.
The film also features the neighbouring Man O’ War Beach, which visitors can normally reach via a footpath. However, the pair revealed that during their late March visit, storm damage had swept away the steps leading down to this beach, rendering it currently inaccessible.
Still, they weren’t bothered, as they were able to take in the spectacular views from the clifftops overlooking the beach.
How do you get to the Jurassic Coast? If you’re travelling by car, you can park at the sizeable car park reached through Durdle Door Holiday Park. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk down a steep path to the steps above the beach.
For those without a car, the iconic landmark is also reachable by bus, with a brief journey from Wool in Dorset taking you straight to the beaches.
The London pair weren’t alone in their admiration for the landmark, as numerous others quickly flooded the comment section to share their own visits.
“Went back in 2022 and loved it, need to go back again now that I saw it in the film,” one person wrote. Someone else added: “I wish I hadn’t seen that this was in the movie before we saw it but it was special seeing it with my boys who I took there in 2022.”
This seaside hotel is arguably one of the most famous in the UK, and it overlooks the city’s long shingle beach and lively promenade, as well as being just steps from the easily-recognised pier
The hotel overlooks a famous beach with classic seaside vibes(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
A weekend at a seaside hotel is a classic British staycation. From windswept walks on the promenade to fish and chips on the beach, it’s fun no matter what the weather.
Seaside accommodation can vary massively from independent B&Bs to chains, and a recent article by Which? uncovered some of its inspectors’ favorite seaside hotels from across the UK, with properties from Fife to Kent making the list.
However, clinching the number one spot is a five-star property that overlooks the famous Brighton Beach. The Grand is over 155-years old, and has had a complete refurb in recent years, restoring much of the former glory to this long-running hotel.
Even among Brighton’s long promenade which hosts many huge hotels, the Grand stands out as a landmark of the city. Its marble columns and iron balconies harking back to when Brighton was a stylish seaside destination for Victorians.
The hotel has over 200 rooms, from simple doubles with comfy beds to grand sea-view suites, and each room has suitably nautical colors and touches that will get you in the mood for seaside fun.
Downstairs, guests can relax in the thermal suite with a hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, and steam room, or can book a spa treatment such as a facial or massage, the perfect end to a long day exploring the city. It also has a stylish restaurant overlooking the seafront, where you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea or a dinner menu featuring freshly caught seafood.
Staying at the Grand means you’re just a short stroll from many of Brighton’s attractions. Brighton Palace Pier is a must-see. Dating back to 1899, it’s another example of Brighton’s ornate Victorian architecture, and you can enjoy amusements, fairground rides, bars, and colourful end-of-the-pier shows.
Explore the Royal Pavilion and gardens, a unique Regency-era palace inspired by Indian architecture. This ornate building is often compared to the Taj Mahal on the outside thanks to its dramatic domes and minarets. A newer addition to the skyline is the Brighton i360, an observation tower that gently lifts visitors 138-metres into the sky. Walk around the glass viewing pod and you can enjoy sea views on one side and the city and the South Downs on the other.
Holidaymakers bringing kids along, or just those who love seeing colourful creatures, will enjoy SEA LIFE Brighton. It’s the world’s oldest continuously-running aquarium, having been open since 1872, and includes the classic glass tunnel for spotting sea animals up close.
The Lanes and North Laine are also must-visit areas when you spend a weekend in Brighton. North Laine is full of colourful independent shops offering vintage clothes, unique household items, and artworks, while The Lanes include boutique shops, stylish cafés and upmarket restaurants. As the name implies, these are found down narrow, pedestrianised streets where you can wander for hours and find the city’s hidden gems.
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Tourist, Samuel Carceres confessed he was ‘unaware places in England like this exist’ after visiting a picturesque medieval town that is just two miles from the coast
Historic streets and rooftops of Rye old town, East Sussex(Image: Arthur Passant via Getty Images)
If you’re after a quintessentially British location to explore that’s perfect for a weekend away, an escape in the south of England comes highly recommended. “I can’t believe places like this in England exist,” confessed visitor, Samuel Caceres in a TikTok video.
The Spaniard shared footage of himself standing on a cobbled hillside street, taking in an array of Tudor architecture after making the journey to the Sussex town from London. “It’s famous for one of the prettiest streets in the UK – Mermaid Street,” Samuel explained as he descended the slope. “This medieval street dates back to the 12th century.”
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The town he’s referring to is Rye, where Samuel kicked off his visit by tucking into a “delicious brunch” at the Whitehouse restaurant.
“I then wandered through the town’s charming little alleyways,” he added, passing independent shops including The Mint Arcade and Curious and Curiouser.
Samuel continued: “There is so much to do here – from climbing the church’s tower to take in the sweeping views – to exploring the church’s grounds and postcard-perfect streets.”
He proceeded to tell his followers they simply ‘can’t miss” the chance to enjoy a pint at the Mermaid Inn – an historic hotel and restaurant that “feels like stepping inside a Tudor castle”.
Samuel also highlighted Rye’s Watchbell Street, drawing attention to the “stunning viewpoints” it provides of the surrounding countryside overlooking the River Tillingham.
He concluded his visit at the “famous” Cobbles Tea Room, where he savoured an afternoon tea. “It was cosy, welcoming, and perfect for homemade scones and a warm cup of tea,” Samuel enthused.
He wrapped up his travel recommendation: “You need to add Rye to your bucket list – it’s the perfect daytrip.”
And he provided additional details in a caption: “Rye is a storybook town full of crooked lanes, medieval charm, and smuggler legends. Once a major port and part of the historic Cinque Ports, Rye lost its seaside access as the coastline shifted, but not its character.
“In the 18th century, it became a hotspot for smuggling, with secret tunnels said to run beneath old inns like The Mermaid Inn. Writers like Henry James found inspiration here, and festivals like Rye Bonfire Night still light up the cobbled streets.”
How to Get to Rye
Discover Sussex has the following advice for those wishing to travel to Rye:
By Car – If you are driving, there are many car parks in Rye including Rope Street car park, the Cattle Market car park (not Thursdays) and Cinque Ports Street car park, which are all within walking distance to the town centre.
By Train – Rye has a beautiful Grade II listed train station, which is located north of the town centre and is only minutes from the high street. Trains run approximately every hour from London St Pancras, which require one change at Ashford International, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
THERE are thousands of beaches in the UK but Cuckmere Haven has been named the best to visit in spring.
With beautiful views across the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and some of the mildest temperatures in the country, it’s the perfect spot for your next trip to the seaside.
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Cuckmere Haven has been named the best UK beach to visit in springCredit: AlamyThe Cuckmere River goes through the beach all the way to the seaCredit: Alamy
The experts at GO Outdoors analysed average spring temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours and Google reviews to reveal the best spring beaches across England.
Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex came in top spot, scoring highly when it comes to mild temperatures as it’s an average of 9.5C during the spring months.
It averages 52mm of rainfall across the month, and 7.8 hours of sunshine each day.
The beach had a Google review score of 4.8 out of 5 and received an overall score of 9.60 out of 10 by Go Outdoors.
The shingle shoreline itself is unique as it’s the only spot in Sussex where a river flows through the beach to meet the sea.
It’s isolated too, but it’s worth the walk for the incredible views of the huge white cliffs.
One visitor said: “Absolutely stunning scenery. Long walks and perfect for the family I loved every second of walking his beautiful beautiful cliffs.”
Another added: “Wow – this iconic sight takes your breath away! The cliffs are blindingly white and the beach and surrounding countryside is so pretty. Everyone should see this once in their lifetime.”
While it has no shops or cafes around, there are four cottages up on the hilltop.
These are former homes of the coastguard and their families built in the 1820s, and are now used as residential homes.
Cuckmere Haven has also been called a ‘wild beach’ thanks to the amount of wildlife here, ranging from oystercatchers and skylarks to rabbits, seahorses and butterflies.
Daniel Start, author of Wild Guide London and South England, says: “This is a wild beach, where the river meets the sea, against a backdrop of the iconic Seven Sisters.
“You can explore the myriad caves carved within them or wander upstream to swim in the lakes made from the meanders of the ancient river.”
One Harry Potter scene was filmed at the top of Cuckmere HavenCredit: Refer to Source
Here’s another of our favourite beaches in the south of England – and a hotel to stay at too…
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Sidmouth, Devon Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.
Even if you haven’t been there, you might recognise the spot as Cuckmere Haven is frequently used in the backdrops of films.
Movie fans will recognise the spot at the top of Cuckmere Haven from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when the characters use the Portkey to get to the Quidditch game.
The beach and surrounding area has also been used to film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Atonement, Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Luther.
It was even used for Cheryl Cole’s music video, The Flood.
The closest train station to Cuckmere Haven beach is Seaford.
From there it’s a 15-minute drive, or there’s a popular walking route from the town across the coastline which takes just over an hour.
Another popular option is to head to Eastbourne and walk from there which is around a 12-mile trek.
Here are the best beaches to visit this spring…
This the full list of the best beaches to go to this spring according to Go Outdoors…
Celebrity Ex on the Beach returns for Season 4 with an all-star cast including Helen Flanagan and Jedward’s John Grimes
Daisy May Cooper will be the new narrator for Celebrity Ex on the Beach(Image: Paramount+)
A brand new and explosive series of Celebrity Ex on the Beach has returned to screens with an all-star cast searching for romance.
The popular reality dating programme has made its eagerly awaited comeback to Paramount Plus today (Tuesday, March 31) for its fourth series with Daisy May Cooper as the new narrator.
As the heat intensifies in Tenerife, eight single celebrities are seeking love, but there’s a catch. Their former partners will be lurking, poised to appear at any point.
An official synopsis states: “This season, temperatures rise as eight single celebrities touch down on the stunning shores of Tenerife in search of love but as ever, their exes are waiting in the wings, ready to crash the party.”
It continues: “Celebrities including Corrie actress Helen Flanagan, TOWIE’s Dani Imbert, Love Island star Toby Aromolaran, and pop phenomenon Jedward’s John Grimes, are among the famous faces diving headfirst into the drama and putting everything on the line for a real shot at love.”
The synopsis adds: “With exes such as Curtis Pritchard, Ronnie Vint and Rogan O’Connor ready to make their dramatic entrance into the Villa, how will the singles cope when faced with their former flames seeking closure, truth or even worse, revenge?”
Celebrity Ex on the Beach episode release schedule
Series 4 has launched on Paramount Plus today (March 31) with the programme streaming exclusively on the platform, reports OK!. Episodes will subsequently be released weekly, every Tuesday. This season has seen the release of 10 episodes, with the episode release dates as follows:
Episode 1 – Tuesday, March 31
Episode 2 – Tuesday, April 7
Episode 3 – Tuesday, April 14
Episode 4 – Tuesday, April 21
Episode 5 – Tuesday, April 28
Episode 6 – Tuesday, May 5
Episode 7 – Tuesday, May 12
Episode 8 – Tuesday, May 19
Episode 9 – Tuesday, May 26
Episode 10 – Tuesday, June 2
Celebrity Ex on the Beach cast
Amy Kenyon, 28, known for: Married at First Sight UK
Chase DeMoor, 29, known for: Too Hot to Handle
Dani Imbert, 27, known for: The Only Way is Essex
Freddie Powell, 32, known for: Love is Blind UK
Helen Flanagan, 35, known for: Coronation Street
Izzy Fairthorne, 26, known for: Too Hot to Handle
John Grimes, 34, known for: The X Factor
Toby Aromolaran, 26, known for: Love Island
Celebrity Ex on the Beach trailer
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A thrilling first look trailer was previously unveiled, showcasing the eight celebrities making their grand entrance on the beautiful beaches of Tenerife in pursuit of romance. The intense snippets provide viewers a glimpse into the drama and turmoil they can anticipate, complete with numerous reconciliations and splits.
The trailer, filled with anticipated jaw-dropping twists, features Curtis Pritchard confessing he was “telling the truth”, while another clip shows Helen Flanagan questioning: “Am I just being deluded?”
Celebrity Ex on the Beach can be watched on Paramount Plus.
A UK seaside town is brimming with charm, with vibrant beach huts lining the golden beach and a high street packed with independent businesses that serves up its famed oysters
This picturesque seaside town is just a short train journey from London (Image: Getty Images)
A charming coastal town, just a short train ride from London, offers an idyllic day out, adorned with colourful beach huts and an independent high street.
The seaside town of Whitstable in Kent is perhaps one of the best ways to make the most of the warmer weather, with its sprawling beach, thriving harbour and high street brimming with independent businesses. Nestled between Herne Bay and Seasalter, the Kentish town is just over an hour’s train journey from London, making it a favourite among those who want to escape the smoke for a break by the picturesque coast.
The shingle beach is at the heart of this town, with its picturesque pastel-hued beach huts lining the promenade for a quintessential British seaside. While it may lack the pier or rides you might find at other seaside towns, its stretches of golden beach have previously earned it the recognition of the ‘best of the traditional British seaside’ by Beach Guide, thanks to its ‘quirkiness and charm’.
It’s a place where families can spend hours playing along the shore, taking a refreshing dip in the seawaters, or simply walking along its stretching promenade, admiring the colourful beach huts. If you fancy a pint in the sun, there’s the famed Old Neptune pub, with outdoor seating offering views across the coast, and where fishermen take in their daily catch.
Whitstable also has a bustling harbour and is renowned for its oysters. Its heritage of seafood dates back to around 80AD, when the Romans reportedly sent oysters back to Rome because they loved them so much, and the town built a thriving industry based on mollusc business that remains in place today.
A trip to Whitstable wouldn’t be complete without sampling its famed oysters with the acclaimed Whitstable Oyster Company and Wheelers Oyster Bar, providing the perfect spot. But with an array of restaurants nestled around the town, you’ll never be far from fresh seafood, and the town even holds its very own Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival to celebrate its historic connection.
Away from oysters, the town, which has been dubbed the ‘jewel of the Kent coast’, is also known for its thriving high street. Whitstable has hundreds of independent businesses, from vintage shops and art galleries to cafés, bakeries, hardware stores, and family-run eateries, with just a few chain stores surviving.
A stroll along Harbour Street and the High Street will reveal shopfronts bursting with character, including George’s Whitstable, an authentic Aladdin’s cave that has been a fixture for around 50 years. Some of its other notable highlights include the elegant jewellery shop Pearl Shop, the independent toy shop Buttercup, and Harbour Books.
Whether you’re looking to spend time on the beach, browse around the extensive selection of independent shops or simply stroll around the charming town, a day trip to this ‘oyster paradise’ is well worth it. And with a direct train from London Victoria to Whitstable taking just over an hour, it couldn’t be easier to experience the seaside charm along the Kent coast.
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One beach has been named third best in the world with its stunning backdrop, and it’s not in Cornwall, Devon or Yorkshire
Mia O’Hare Senior Spare Time Reporter and Grace Piercy
09:19, 30 Mar 2026
The stunning UK beach has been named among the best in the world(Image: Michael_Conrad via Getty Images)
Residents in a picturesque seaside town may need to prepare for an influx of tourists this year, after their stunning beach secured a spot on TripAdvisor’s ‘best of the best’ global list for 2026. It nearly claimed the top position, landing in an extremely impressive third place, thanks largely to its absolutely breathtaking backdrop.
When discussing beaches in the UK, Roker and Seaburn beaches have drawn comparisons to LA and Tynemouth has been likened to Australia’s Bondi Beach. Yet, for countless people – both residents and tourists alike – there’s one that will forever reign supreme in the North East, and that’s Bamburgh.
It boasts spectacular scenery, a brilliant day out, fresh sea air, and a chance to clear your head, regardless of the conditions.
Even during the recent bitter cold snap, visitors have continued strolling along its renowned sands and admiring the ‘unparalleled’ and utterly magnificent views of Bamburgh Castle in the distance.
It is the very location where Hollywood star Harrison shot an Indiana Jones film in 2021.
Interestingly, in last year’s rankings, Bamburgh actually trailed behind Roker and Seaburn amongst the UK’s finest beaches.
The beach is now proudly representing the UK as the sole entry from British shores on TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards best-of-the-best list for one-of-a-kind beaches.
Bamburgh comes in third place, behind only Boulders Beach in South Africa and Isola Bella in Sicily – a prestigious list that celebrates beaches boasting the most extraordinary settings.
Bamburgh has been rightly recognised for its breathtaking Medieval backdrop, which sets it apart from the crowd.
Highlighting its position on the One of a Kind list, TripAdvisor writes: “Framed by the iconic silhouette of Bamburgh Castle, this beach boasts miles of soft white sand, and a dramatic coastal backdrop.
“The dog-friendly stretch is close to the charming Bamburgh village, making it a standout choice for unforgettable family escapes and romantic coastal breaks.”
Brits could be paid up to £13,000 (€15,000) to relocate to an Italian village and enjoy a peaceful life living next to ‘one of the best beaches on the planet’ – with many calling it a no-brainer
JEDWARD star John Grimes hard launched his new girlfriend on social media today, and she’s absolutely stunning.
It comes just before the singer is due to appear on CelebrityEx On The Beach.
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John Grimes hard launched his new girlfriend on Instagram todayCredit: InstagramThey posed together in sparkles in front of Tower BridgeCredit: Instagram
Taking to the official JedwardInstagram page that he shares with twin brother Edward, John shared some cosy snaps of himself with his lady on a day out in London.
In the photos the loved-up duo are standing in front of the iconic Tower Bridge.
The beautiful brunette rests her hand on John’s chest while he wraps his around her waist.
The happy couple beam at the camera, both dressed up with sparkles as the sun sets.
In thefirst-look at the new episodes, John is stunned to be reunited with former flame Sarah Carragher – but it’s not long before they pick up where they left off.
He tells her: “No one really ever came close to what we had.”
John and Sarah are then seen kissing, suggesting the shock reunion was a successful one.
While he’s never publicly spoken about his relationship with Sarah, John previously revealed he prefers to keep his private life separate from his work after shooting to fame on The X Factor in 2009.
He said in 2017: “I’ve had two long-term relationships that were private. That wasn’t part of my career.”
John is one half of the Irish musical duo, JedwardCredit: Getty Images – GettyThey rose to fame on The X Factor in 2009Credit: Reuters
SPLIT between heading to a seaside town or the Cotswolds over Easter? Well, what if you could head to the Cotswolds but still get time on the beach…
A beach isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Cotswolds, but near the village of Somerford Keynes you’ll find one, and you can head there from this week.
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Cotswolds Country Park and Beach features the UK’s largest inland beachCredit: Facebook/Cotswold country Park and BeachFamilies can chill on the beach or have a dip in the waterCredit: Facebook/Cotswold country Park and Beach
Cotswolds Country Park and Beach features the largest inland beach in the UK, as well as swimming lagoons.
This is despite the Cotswolds beach being more than 70 miles from the sea.
And the attraction reopens on March 27, including the Main Beach Swimming spot where visitors can have a paddle or sunbathe on the sand.
The beach also looks out across the lake, which means you can keep an eye on kids splashing in the water or watch people pedal on pedalo swans.
Each session lasts around an hour and costs from £15 per person.
There are a number of other activities you can do at the park, like an inflatable course on the waterCredit: Facebook/Cotswold country Park and Beach
If you think the water is a little nippy or would rather stay firmly dry, there is a minigolf course as well, which costs £5 per play.
And children needing to burn some energy can have a go on the climbing wall for the same price, or head to the two playgrounds.
You will also need to pay to get into the park in the first place, which varies depending on the time of the year.
In May, you could enjoy the sun while mid-season prices are available, which costs £4.09 per person or £13.64 per car of up to five people, so about £2.73 each.
However, during the high season, it usually costs £5 per person, or £18.18 for a car of up to five people (so about £3.64 each)
Our favourite UK holiday parks
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Park Holidays UK Sand le Mere, Yorkshire
This holiday park in Yorkshire is a thriving family resort, just steps from Tunstall Beach. Entertainment is what this resort does best, with costume character performances, Link-up Bingo, and cabaret shows. Accommodation ranges from fully-equipped Gold Caravans to Platinum Lodges with sun decks and luxury bedding.
This beachfront resort in St Ives, Cornwall, is a true beach bum’s paradise – whether you want to laze out on the sand or take to the waves for some surfing. Activities include disc golf, a Nerf challenge, and an outdoor cinema, as well as indoor activities for the colder months like karaoke, bingo, and DJ sets.
This holiday park has loads of unique activities on offer, including TikTok dance classes, alpaca feeding, a pump track for BMX riding, and taking a ride on the resort’s very own miniature railway. Throw in bug hotel and den building, pond dipping, survival skills workshops, and a lake for paddleboard and pedalo hire, and you’ve got yourself an action-packed park.
This beachfront resort is a classic family favourite. If you’re not up to swimming in the sea, there’s four fantastic pools here, as well as water flumes, underwater jets, inflatable jet skis and kayak races. Plus if you’ve got any little fans of Paw Patrol or Milkshake!, you’ll be glad to know there’s Milkshake! Mornings and Paw Patrol Mighty Missions to keep your tots entertained.
In the surrounding area, there are a few places you can choose to stay at as well.
For example, you could head to Cotswold Lakes Camping at Field Farm, which is surrounded by lakes, wildlife and rolling hills.
The site boasts hardstanding pitches with electrical hook-ups, grass pitches, and open field grass pitches, as well as hot showers, indoor and outdoor kitchens, and is dog-friendly.
A standard grass pitch sleeping up to six people costs from £40 a night.
And if you want to explore the wider area, Cirencester is down the road.
The pretty market town sits on the River Churn, and it is the largest town in the Cotswolds.
If you are looking for more places to explore in the Cotswolds, head to the ‘Golden Triangle’, where you will find some of the UK’s prettiest towns.
Plus, the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ that had the first English king, has been named one of the best places to live in the UK.
Admission costs as littler as £2.73 per personCredit: Facebook/Cotswold country Park and Beach
Nate McFall has spent the past six years travelling the globe curating tourism content for social media, but he says a cold North East beach town is still one of his favourite places
Alan Johnson Politician and Alan Johnson
15:52, 25 Mar 2026
A travel content creator has highlighted a North East town as one of his favourite places in the world(Image: palliki via Getty Images)
A globetrotter who has dedicated the last six years to travelling the world claims the finest destination he’s discovered is a “cold little beach town” in the North East of England.
Nate McFall, whose videos focus on highlighting unusual accommodation and travel adventures, posted on Instagram where he admitted there’s nowhere quite like home.
“I spent six years travelling the world, and yet somehow this is still one of my favourite places I have ever been,” he opened in a clip filmed on the shoreline. “I didn’t realise when I left, but this place shaped me in more ways than I can explain.”
While he may have visited Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia recently, Nate maintains this chilly North East coastal spot still “hits different” whenever he returns.
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“It was actually here about eight years ago that I tried surfing for the first time,” he went on, displaying a photograph from the moment in 2018.
“It was cold – like properly cold – but something shifted in me that day because if I could surf in the freezing cold North Sea, what else is possible?”
Nate admitted that throughout his journeys he had been “chasing something” he’d already discovered.
“This is Tynemouth,” he revealed. “A small coastal town, but it’s full of life. Wherever you look, people are enjoying this place running along the seafront, swimming in the sea and surfing.”
Nate also pointed out the wealth of coffee shops dotted around the town, noting that at weekends, Tynemouth’s Victorian railway station “turns into a bustling market” of people selling “delicious food, crafts and handmade trinkets.”
The traveller also declared Tynemouth home to the “best chip shop in England”. He made his way back down towards the beach to show the reasons why.
“It’s served out of what is basically a shipping container [called The View],” he explained. “There’s a fresh sea breeze and with fishcake in hand, I top it off by looking at 1,000 year old ruins [Tynemouth Priory and Castle] right next to me.”
Nate concluded by stating he’s utterly convinced the UK possesses beauty that countless people fail to appreciate.
Enjoying a chilli fish empanada from Riley’s Fish Shack, he closed: “It’s proof that you don’t always need palm trees or plane tickets. Some of the most unreal places are right here on our doorstep.”
Writing in response, one Instagram user enthused: “I love this – I’m from Whitley Bay and am a wild swimmer so am always at the beach when I visit home. It’s such a special place.”
A second person declared: “Love Tynemouth and Riley’s fish shack, on a summers night as it gets a little chillier, sitting around one of the fire pits with friends is such a good way to finish a weekend.”
A third commented: “Love this. I am in New Zealand. So many beautiful places in the world. No country has the title of best place. Tynemouth looks cool. I will visit it now when I next visit UK.”
And a fourth person praised: “Thanks Nate. Spent many lovely days at Tynemouth as a child. Haven’t been back in 50 years since my family moved to Florida, USA. But still have fabulous memories. Thanks so much for reminding me.”
Call them the Geek Squad, the Surfer Dudes or the Genius Squad from Redondo Union High.
In an unprecedented achievement, three starters for the Sea Hawks’ 13-2 volleyball team — Tommy Spalding, Vaughan Flaherty and Carter Mirabal — are headed to MIT this fall.
Their final assignment in Advanced Placement Physics 2 should be figuring out the astronomical odds of how three best friends from the same volleyball team could be admitted to one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
“There’s no way,” was the reaction of Mirabal’s father when he heard the news.
“It’s crazy,” coach Kevin Norman said.
Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple hanging out in a garage. Who knows what inventions, ideas or technological feats will be imagined in gyms or on surfboards as these three Southern California teenagers unleash their brain power and love for having fun on the East Coast.
“Probably twice a week, I’ll call him, ‘Yo, I have this idea,’” Spalding said of his conversations with Mirabal. “Ninety-nine percent of the time, we usually don’t do anything about it. But it’s throwing ideas out there and hopefully one is going to stick.”
One Spalding idea: “When I was driving home from Joshua Tree, I was stuck in traffic. I was like, ‘Dude, what if we made a Google Maps type of app that utilized AI and had a camera in your car that analyzed the road, tells you what lane to be in to go the fastest and also be able to look at the traffic lights and tell you if this left arrow is red, then go straight, turn left at the next street.”
Elon Musk, beware.
MIT-bound Redondo Union volleyball players Tommy Spalding, left, Vaughan Flaherty and Carter Mirabal.
(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)
They’ve formed a band, “Ratiohead,” a parody of the English rock band Radiohead, with lyrics from math. They’re preparing for the battle of the bands. Spalding is the vocalist, Maribal is on keyboard and Flaherty, the 6-foot-5 redhead, plays guitar.
“We’re looking for a drummer,” Spalding said.
Spalding has a 4.65 GPA and 1490 SAT score. Flaherty is at 4.4 and 1560. Mirabal is at 4.4 and 1510. Spalding said his hardest class was AP European history. Mirabal chose honors chemistry. Each received one B in four years of high school. Flaherty has received multiple Bs and said, “I think it goes to show you that you don’t have to be perfect to get into these schools if you have the potential and you’re willing to work hard and be a good fit.”
Flaherty is so witty he might be able to do a comedy routine, with Spalding serving as his wing man.
“Someone might have messed up, but I’m not going to tell them,” Flaherty said of the threesome earning a spot in the MIT class of 2030.
“Maybe it was chemistry,” Spalding quipped.
If they can make a movie, “The Social Network,” about the invention of Facebook. and a TV series, “Big Bang Theory,” about smart geeks, just wait until someone figures out the entertainment value following around this threesome.
Coming Wednesday in L.A. Times is one of my favorite stories. How 3 Redondo Union volleyball players were accepted to . . . MIT. Yes, it’s hard to believe and the players are talented in many things. Here’s Tommy Spalding and Carter Miribal, part of the new band, “Ratiohead.” pic.twitter.com/MBWvPXvIxF
Spalding has all the attributes of a future entrepreneur and loves tinkering with cars. He sent a two-minute video to MIT as part of his application process that showed himself and his father, Michael, turning a 2002 yellow school bus into an RV.
Mirabal has his own YouTube channel, “Carter’s Stuff Review.” He wants to be a mechanical engineer and explore the business side. Flaherty would be happy sending rockets and satellites into space while living near the beach.
All three hang out at the beach, either playing volleyball or surfing. Spalding brought his grandfather’s ping-pong table to the volleyball room at school for more fun. Cornhole is another game they play.
None set out at the beginning of high school seeking a path that leads to MIT, which accepts only about five students for every 100 applicants. “We weren’t taking the classes because we want to go to MIT,” Spalding said. “We just enjoy the subjects.”
There are smart genes in their families. Spalding’s parents are both educators, one an AP physics teacher at Peninsula High, the other a middle school vice principal. Mirabal’s father is an accountant. Flaherty’s father owns two Handel’s ice cream stores (everyone wants to hang out with Flaherty on a hot day).
Each has a story to tell about how they learned of being accepted to MIT.
Mirabal was playing volleyball in his backyard on Dec. 15 with teammates. He was going to wait until his friends left to check the email for fear of rejection. Instead, with them huddled around, he opened the email and everyone started screaming, “Yo!”
Spalding was with Mirabal and headed home to share the moment with his parents when he received a text from the MIT volleyball coach walking out the door congratulating him. “Welcome to the MIT family,” it read.
Flaherty had to wait until March 14 — Pi Day — to see if he was going to make it three for three.
He was driving home from Joshua Tree national park with his girlfriend and Tommy’s girlfriend in the car. The traffic was so bad it came to a standstill so he checked his cellphone.
“I opened it up. I saw the confetti but didn’t realize what it meant until I got a couple lines down,” he said. “The first reaction was disbelief because I thought there was no chance after these two got in.”
In fact, Flaherty said the person doing the MIT interview admitted later, “I’m not going to lie. I thought that was the killer for your application.”
They’ll be playing NCAA Division III volleyball. Mirabal and Spalding will be roommates. “Vaughan will room with someone else because he said he’d be too comfortable with us and be a bad roommate,” Spalding said.
So are they really OK leaving Southern California?
“I wouldn’t say OK with it,” Spalding said.
“It is a sacrifice,” Mirabal said.
Just know the beach will always draw them back to sunny Southern California as the three sat in the Redondo Union volleyball locker room wearing shorts, sandals and their MIT shirts.
“As much as we study, I feel at the end of the day we want to have fun,” Spalding said.
They’re not expecting to re-create “Animal House” at MIT, but let’s see what happens when three surfer dudes from the same high school in California show up with open minds and lots of ideas to explore.