beaches

I went to one of ‘world’s most beautiful beaches’ to see if it’s worth the hype

It’s often been tipped as the ‘world’s most beautiful beach’ with its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters but I wanted to see if it actually looks like social media promises

As winter months creep closer, thoughts might turn towards booking a break and getting some winter sun. And while the UK might boast a healthy roster of sandy beaches tucked away on stunning coastlines, we wouldn’t blame you if you had something a little more sunny in mind.

Step forward the Caribbean island of Aruba, a frequent cruise stop dropping thousands at the capital, Oranjestad – currently undergoing a steady revamp of its brightly-coloured classic, often neo-Baroque, Latin American-style buildings – weekly, the island boasts one of the best beaches in the world.

The phenomenal Eagle Beach is a huge pull and one of Aruba’s 20+ beaches, all of which are open to the public. It’s therefore not difficult to see why it regularly features in rankings of the world’s most beautiful beaches – in fact, it’s currently second in global rankings in the Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards, although it’s taken the gold medal in rankings before.

A 1.2mile stretch of pure, white coral sand populated by the striking fofoti trees and palm shades and cabanas, Eagle Beach is stunning. The widest on the island, it wouldn’t be over-egging it to say it’s up there with the best on the planet.

It’ll take you a 10-minute, $3 bus ride from Orenjestad or if you’re lucky enough to be staying at a nearby resort or hotel, you might be right on the beach and can just stroll down. You’ll never feel like it’s too busy simply because Eagle Beach’s size means you won’t be crowded.

It took just five minutes scrunching my toes in the fine, powdery sand to feel completely sold on this bucket list destination. The only thing more beautiful than the fine sand is the azure-blue sea. I’m sure it’s the first time I’ve been able to describe the ocean as, the perhaps over-used, azure-blue but I’m happy to do so here.

Walk into the Caribbean Sea – I actually had to pinch myself when saying that – and it becomes less azure and more crystal clear. I get that these are somewhat cliched ways to describe such a dreamy body of water but I guess they are cliched for a reason.

While here in the UK you are more than likely to tentatively tiptoe into the wilder waters, letting out the odd screech – yes, I do sea dip in November – as the chilly ocean laps around your hips, you’ll be less than surprised to hear that on Aruba’s beaches you can sprint with complete abandon into the balmy tide.

Aside from leaping and ducking the gentle waves at Eagle Beach, or taking the more chill option of sunbathing with a book, there is plenty to keep you occupied. Paddleboarding, snorkelling, parasailing or even the amazing kayaking in a clear vessel, ensuring you take in the best of tropical idyll.

Its shallow water makes it ideal for kids and nature-lovers take note, between March and September you’ll be able to see sea turtles nesting along the sand, a wonderful testament to the island’s commitment to conservation.

Eagle Beach 100% is worth the hype, when you look back at your holiday pictures I guarantee you it’ll look like a perfect postcard – just the way the sand, sea and magical-looking trees frame the scene – it’s iconic.

What’s even better Eagle Beach isn’t a one-off. I also had the privilege of visiting Baby Beach and Mangel Halto. I mean they all face into the same ocean and have the same gorgeous, fairy dust-esque sand, but they are worth a trip in their own right.

Baby Beach was another lengthy strip, popular with sunbathers and families, as there’s a breakwater offshore, making it calm and shallow – perfect for the kids to explore. The best thing about Baby Beach is that the water was way cooler, refreshing even – and when the temperature is almost hitting the early 30s by 10am – that refreshing hit is irreplaceable.

But Mangel Halto was my favourite. More secluded, less commercial and with more trees for shade, the shore is cosseted with network of mangrove trees. It’s just a super pretty shore and was a lot quieter than the other two, larger coastal draws.

It’s also a great destination for experienced snorkelers as you can walk out to the edge of the reef to see a huge range of fish like parrot fish and yellowtail snapper.

For someone who absolutely loves an invigorating cold water dip at the Pembrokeshire coast at any time of the year, I did think a hot Caribbean beach might be a bit sweltering for me.

But even this sceptical Welsh girl can be convinced, I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Book the holiday

  • KLM offers daily flights to Aruba from multiple UK airports (via Amsterdam). Prices start at £306 per person, one way in October 2026. Find out more at klm.co.uk.
  • Rooms at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort start from $465 per night (approximately £352), based on two adults sharing a room.

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Little-known Canary Island with paradise beaches and 22C December heat has no roads

The Spanish island of La Graciosa has no roads or cars, boasts the largest marine reserve in Europe, and is perfect for hiking. Best of all, it’s basking in balmy 22C temperatures this week

If you’re looking for a holiday destination that will let you escape the winter chill, traffic noise and festive stress, then Spanish island La Graciosa, is your ideal getaway. With no cars, Europe’s largest marine reserve, and perfect hiking conditions, it’s a paradise.

Even as we brace ourselves against frosty mornings, La Graciosa enjoys a balmy 22C this week, with its coldest days rarely falling below 16C. Rain is also a rarity, making any time of year perfect for a visit.

One of the unique features of La Graciosa is its lack of traffic, owing to the absence of paved roads. In fact, it’s the only European island without a road, making it the most untouched of all the Canary Islands.

With just a few hundred permanent residents and no mass tourism, the locals travel by bicycle along sandy paths.

From atop the Risco de Famara, La Graciosa appears like a golden mirage amidst the Atlantic: a strip of golden sand, silent and luminous. Its sandy paths and tranquil atmosphere make it the most secluded and serene of the Canary Islands.

In line with its minimalistic approach to tourism, the island offers a small but well-maintained range of accommodation options. These are mainly located in Caleta de Sebo, where guesthouses, apartments and a fully-equipped camping area can be found.

With the limited availability of holiday accommodation, it’s recommended to book well ahead, particularly for summer, Easter, Christmas or during July’s Carmen festivities when the island is buzzing with an unusual festive spirit.

La Graciosa is conveniently located near Europe’s largest marine reserve. Excursions from La Graciosa take you to the islets of the Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve, a 70,700-hectare natural sanctuary.

Here, the crystal-clear waters offer a glimpse of the seabed and remote beaches where you can escape from reality. The Marine Reserve is a biological treasure chest, home to a variety of seabirds nesting in its cliffs.

On the nearby islets, a small population of monk seals, largely hunted to extinction elsewhere in the world, still clings on.

Roque del Este houses the Integral Reserve, an area accessible only to scientists where nature continues undisturbed by human interference.

To reach the stunning island of La Graciosa, Brits will need to fly to Lanzarote first, with flights from London as cheap as £39 in December. From there, a 45-minute taxi ride will take you to the port of Orzola, where a short 25-minute ferry ride will transport you to this secluded paradise.

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Empty beaches guaranteed: a wintry weekend break in north Devon | Devon holidays

It’s been a while since I’ve struggled into damp neoprene of a morning. It’s the second day of a wintry weekend in Croyde, north-west Devon; I’m stiff from an hour in the sea the previous afternoon, and the upper part of the super-thick wetsuit won’t budge past my elbows. Together, my husband, Mark, and I jiggle and pull and yank it over my limbs. Finally, five minutes later, I am in a silver-blue sea, entirely empty, save for us. White-crested waves roll in, broiling and foaming, rocketing us forward towards the empty swathe of sand. For once there are no other boarders to dodge, no surfers whisking past: it’s exhilarating, extraordinary and … really rather cold.

Map of north-west Devon

Croyde has long been a family favourite, but visiting in November does feel a bit of a gamble. It has a reputation as something of a ghost town in the off-season, with a large number of second homes and rentals that stay dark from October to April. But when an unexpected email landed from Endless Summer Beach House offering a 20% discount on winter stays, it seemed the ideal 30th birthday treat for my nephew, Ben. So, together with his girlfriend, Tasha, best mate, Rob, and my sister Caroline, we decided to take the plunge and find out what off-season Croyde is actually like.

When Mark and I arrive, the sky is unexpectedly blue, and we pull on our wetsuits and head straight for the sea. One of the joys of Croyde is that it doesn’t really change: the dunes that separate the beach from the village are strictly protected, saving both from the development that has scarred nearby resorts such as Westward Ho! and Woolacombe. Instead, the fields that flank the dunes are alive with rabbits grazing quietly, scampering away in white-tailed flashes as we pass.

Annabelle and her husband, Mark, on Croyde beach. Photograph: Annabelle Thorpe

At first, it feels strange to find the beach so deserted, but seeing it free of windbreaks, ballgames and pop-up tents renders its raw, natural beauty even more dramatic. It’s no wonder the place gets overrun in the summer months, when the sea froths with hundreds of bodyboarders and surfers, red and yellow lifeguard flags billowing in the breeze. Today there is nothing but sky and sea: a jagged patch of blue above the long curve of Hartland Point, a curtain of misty rain slowly dissipating Lundy island into the flint-grey wash of the ocean.

Later, when I nip into the village to pick up some bread, the narrow main street is almost as deserted as the beach. The Saltrock surfwear shop is open, as is The Hub, beloved by Ben for its lemon crunch ice-cream (and all of us for the pasties). The Post Office shows distinct signs of life, as does The Thatch pub, but otherwise most places are closed until spring. As I stroll back, I think about how it takes 15 minutes to queue for an ice-cream in summer, with the Post Office out of anything fresh by about 9.30am.

Walking on Baggy Point, from left: Rob, Mark, Annabelle, Caroline, Tasha and Ben. Photograph: Annabelle Thorpe

Not everything is shrouded in silence. When we head to The Thatch for dinner on Friday night, the place is packed and buzzy (I had feared it might just be us), although I suspect almost everyone else is local. As ever, the food is fantastic: crisp salt and pepper squid and a Balinese seafood curry, tangy with lemongrass and galangal, served with a heap of coconut sambal that adds up to the best dish I’ve eaten out all year. The boys find room for banoffee pie and apple tart.

There are plenty of other signs of life, too. On Saturday, we head to Braunton (15 minutes’ drive) for the annual firework display, heading down pretty lanes we didn’t even know existed – we never usually get much further than the car park and the Co-op. It’s lovely to get a sense of the place as it really is, with all the flummery and frenetic pace of summer stripped away. On the walk to the beach, the few people we pass are smiley and friendly – a shared delight at having Croyde’s gorgeous dunes and coastline pretty much to ourselves.

Coming away out of season has other benefits too: we don’t expect good weather, so a sunny Saturday is an absolute boon. When it rains all day Sunday, we pull on wet weather gear and stride out around Baggy Point, where the sea – now a palette of steel, platinum and foaming white – is just as spectacular as under blue skies. Once it’s dark, we play board-games, watch old films, eat hearty curries and bolognese – with no squabbling over why the barbecue won’t light and whether the sausages are cooked through.

The Thatch pub. Photograph: Richard Naude/Alamy

The problem with tagging places such as Croyde as “ghost towns” in the off-season is that it deters people from visiting – the very thing our seaside resorts need most. The village was quiet, but far from dead – and, frankly, if you go with a group, you make your own atmosphere anyway. By the time we were packing the cars on Monday lunchtime (another off-season bonus is that accommodation owners are often more flexible about arrival and departure times), we were already talking about booking a return visit next November. Some might call Croyde a ghost town, but it had all the spirit we needed for an early winter break.

Endless Summer Beach House, sleeps 10, from £920 for a three-night break. For a 15% discount on four-night stays or longer, until March 2026, use the code EndlessSummer15



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EasyJet launches new £40 flights to ‘unspoiled’ Greek town with beautiful beaches

easyJet is launching two new routes from Manchester Airport for summer 2026, with fares starting from £34.99 and £40.99 for the two sunny, beach-rich destinations

EasyJet is launching two new routes from a UK airport.

The budget airline has announced new routes for summer 2026 from Manchester Airport, with seats now on sale.

New connections to Montpellier in southern France will operate on Mondays and Fridays, starting on 30 March. Customers can now explore the historic city centre of Montpellier, visit the impressive Place de la Comédie, and enjoy the vibrant local cafés and markets. sunny Mediterranean climate and proximity to the coast. Fares will cost from £34.99.

EasyJet’s new route to Preveza in Greece will start from 24 June and operate on Wednesdays and Sundays, costing from £40.99. Preveza, part of the Epirus region, sits at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf on mainland Greece. It enjoys stunning views over the Ionian Sea and is home to plenty of excellent beaches.

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“Although this is an area largely untouched by mass tourism, you will find there‘s a pleasant buzz around during the summer months when the port is full of luxury yachts and boats and the street cafes are frequented by holidaymakers. Preveza has a charming seaside esplanade and a pedestrianised centre so you can spend many a leisurely hour browsing the various shops and stopping to eat and drink at the bars and restaurants,” writes Designer Travel.

“Preveza itself has a low-key charm and is worth stopping by if you’re in the area. True, there are no real tourist sites in town, but if you enjoy taverna-hopping then Preveza really excels. It has a cute old quarter packed with colourful tavernas and shaded alleyways. There’s lots of seafood on offer including the local specialties → specialities, shrimps and sardines. Yachts moor next to the wide cafe-lined promenade which runs between the town and water,” writes Steph of the Mediterranean Traveller

Preveza is mostly known for its international airport, Preveza-Aktion, which is small but served by seasonal European budget and charter airlines. It’s the primary gateway by air for those visiting the island of Lefkada and the region of Epirus, particularly the pretty resort town of Parga.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK country manager, said: “In our 30th year, we’re still as committed as ever to making travel easy and affordable for our customers in the UK. With two new routes and package holidays now available to book from Manchester Airport for next summer, we’re continuing to provide our customers in the Northwest with even more choice and connectivity at fantastic fares, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard.”

EasyJet has been growing in Manchester and this summer launched new routes to Izmir, Kalamata, Larnaca, Madrid and Rennes for the first time last summer and now operates 23 aircraft from the airport. This means easyJet will connect customers in the North-West with 88 routes throughout the UK, Europe and North Africa. EasyJet serves 22 UK airports, offering more than 630 routes to 140 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond.

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The secluded paradise island in Europe with ‘endless beaches’ is just an hour from the mainland

LOCATED in the Baltic Sea is a crowd-free island with outdoor music festivals and ancient forests – and we bet you’ve never heard of it.

Hiiumaa in Estonia is an island home to several historic lighthouses and sprawling beaches.

Hiiumaa is Estonia’s second largest island and is less than an hour from the mainlandCredit: Getty
The island is also home to a number of historic lighthousesCredit: Getty

It is Estonia’s second largest island, yet is home to less than 10,000 people.

But this led to the island, along with other West Estonia islands, joining the UNESCO biosphere programme area dubbed ‘Man and Biosphere, which means that the locals have lived sustainably alongside nature for hundreds of years.

And most of the time, the island is completely in the dark unless the moon and stars are glowing – as a result it also has no noise or light pollution.

Many people who travel to the island love it for its peace, including soothing sauna and walks in the forest.

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Naturally, being an island, the destination also has “endless beaches” according to Hiiumaa.ee, such as Tõrvanina, Luidja and Ristna.

Ristna, in particular, is loved by surfers thanks to having the biggest waves in the Baltic Sea.

This spot is also where you will find on of the island’s historic lighthouses.

Ristna Lighthouse’s tower was completed in France at the workshop of Gustave Eiffel – the same person responsible for the Eiffel Tower.

Then it was brought across to Hiiumaa in pieces and then assembled to watch over the sea and ships in the region.

The lighthouse is still operational today, but is open to visitors during the summer.

Nearby is also Kõpu lighthouse, which is one of the oldest working lighthouses in the world.

Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and see across the coastline.

If you happen to visit the island during the summer months, you can also explore The Lavender Farm, which is the northmost lavender farm in the world.

And rather unusually, it is located on the edge of a meteorite crater.

Visitors heading to the farm can see 20,000 lavender plants and the products produced using them, such as lavender jam, lavender spice and lavender micellar water.

For a longer walk in nature, then visitors can head to the ancient Kõpu Nature Reserve, which is located on the oldest part of the island.

The area has many rare plants and bird species.

The island also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year including the Ice Fish Festival in February which involves a number of winter-related activities on the ice and summer music festivals of jazz, folk and club music.

And it is known for have “endless beaches”Credit: Getty
In addition to “endless beaches”, the island also has ancient forestsCredit: Alamy

When it comes to food options, local dishes often include fish or lamb.

One top spot is IIUmeekk, which is located inside a quaint redhouse and overlooks a harbour.

Inside, dish options include sea trout with edamame beans, parsley and salted egg yolk or slow cooked porky belly, with tomato kimchi and polenta.

Make sure to check out their desserts as well, such as gingerbread tiramisu.

As for somewhere to stay, there are hotels scattered across the entire island.

For example, for £75 per night you could head to Kassari Holiday Resort which features bubble baths on the hotel’s roof terrace, access Kassari beach and family-friendly rooms.

Alternatively, you could head to Utoopia No. 9 for £70 a night.

The 19-room hotel is sat on Kirikulahe Bay and is inside a historic manor’s vodka kitchen.

You can get to the island by flying to Tallinn then hopping on another flight to the islandCredit: Getty

The best way to get to Hiiumaa is by flying to the capital of Estonia – Tallinn.

Return flights from London in November cost from £37 and the flight takes under three hours.

From Tallinn you can either hop on another flight to Kärdla Airport, which takes 30 minutes.

Then you can jump on the ferry to Hiiumaa, which takes less than an hour.

Alternatively, you can hop on a coach from Tallinn, which takes just under four hours before catching the ferry.

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Also in Estonia is a seaside city nicknamed the ‘summer capital’ by locals – with huge sandy beach and the sea hits 33C.

Plus, there is a tiny island in Estonia with white sandy beaches that’s the most child-friendly holiday destination in the world.

Or you can get a coach and then a ferry to the islandCredit: Alamy

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4 biggest indoor waterparks where it’s always 29C with sandy beaches, massive wave pools and ‘islands’

THE best way to keep kids busy is to head to an indoor waterpark for the day.

So we’ve rounded up some of the biggest and best in Europe where is is always warm, with some as hot as 32C.

Here are four of the biggest indoor waterparks in the worldCredit: Trip Advisor

Suntago Water World, Poland

Having opened in 2020, Suntago Water World is now Europe’s biggest indoor waterpark.

Remaining around 32C, the 75,000sqm attraction has three zones – Jamango, Relax Suntago and Saunaria

Inside are 18 swimming pools, including a wave pools, thermal pools and baby pools.

And guests have a choice of 35 slides, ranging from big dual-riders to more gentle ones for smaller guests.

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Relax Suntago is for adults only, with thermal pools and hot tubs, while Saunaria is the spa area with steam rooms and saunas.

New this year was Crocodile Island, part of the Jamango area, which has climbing areas and games inside.

The rest of Jamango is great for smaller guests, with lazy rivers and baby pools.

Next year it will also be opening a new four-star hotel

Until then, guests can stay at the onsite ‘village’ with 92 bungalows sleeping up to eight people.

The best way to get to Suntago Water World is to fly to Warsaw, with the attraction around an hour by car.

Suntago Water Worlds is now the biggest indoor waterpark in the worldCredit: Park of Poland Suntago

Tropical Islands, Berlin

Tropical Islands was the largest indoor waterpark in Europe until Suntago opened.

Built inside a former aircraft hangar, it still has a number of record-breaking attractions.

This includes the world’s biggest indoor beach, and the world’s biggest indoor tropical rainforest.

The 10,000sqm waterpark has four sections – Water Worlds, Tropical Rainforest, Tropical Village and Amazonia.

Water Worlds is the main area with the large beach, sunglounger and palm trees as well as a swimming pool, water lagoon and water playground.

Tropical Rainforest has everything from 50,000 plants to flamingos and turtles while Tropical Village is the food, drink and souvenir area.

Themed by destination, it includes Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo and Bali as well as the new Hawaiian themed Ohana Town last year, with overnight lodges, bowling and karaoke.

Amazonia is the huge outdoor area, although most of this closes during the winter.

While there are lots of overnight lodges and camping areas for guests to stay in, there are plans for a new hotel although an opening date is yet to be confirmed.

The best way to get to Tropical Islands is to fly to Berlin, with the attraction around an hour away by car.

Tropical Islands has the largest indoor beach in the worldCredit: Trip Advisor

Rulantica, Germany

Rulantica is the waterpark of the Europa-Park theme park in Germany and opened back in 2019.

Spread across 32,600sqm, there are 14 themed zones a well as 50 slides and attractions.

It is always 32C so you can grab one of the 1,700 sunloungers to warm up.

For kids there are playgrounds, ‘water carousels’ and wave pools, with enough for both older children and toddlers.

Otherwise it has everything for adults too with swim up bars, steam rooms and saunas.

New last year was a huge outdoor water attraction although this is closed for the season.

The best way to get to Rulantica is to fly to Basel Airport with the waterpark around an hour away.

Rulantica is part of Europa Park in GermanyCredit: Rulantica

Sandcastle Waterpark, UK

When it comes to the UK, you need to head to Blackpool for the biggest indoor waterpark.

Sandcastle Waterpark opened in 1986 and sits at 29C all year round.

It is home to the UK’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, Master Blaster, as well as a number of other slides.

Otherwise there are treehouses, lazy rivers, wave pools and even the biggest water cannon in the UK.

There are also treehouses and forts for kids to play on, as well as a wave pool and lazy river and the UK’s biggest water cannon.

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You can even hire Tiki Cabanas where you have a hot tub and drinks, or just visit the Waterfall Cafe for snacks.

Sandcastle Waterpark in the UK is still impressiveCredit: PR Handout image

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Chicago serves up legendary eats, stunning views, and sun-soaked beaches you can’t resist

MOVE over, New York! Chicago will win your heart (and stomach), says writer Qin Xie.

“Is this place famous or something?” I overhear someone ask as our camera-wielding tour group files into Mr Beef.

Move over New York… Chicago will win over your heartCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Mural mania in Wicker ParkCredit: Shutterstock / WhiteBlush

The low-key Chicago sandwich shop is a cult favourite, serving wafer-thin slices of roast beef in gravy-dipped bread since 1979.

But thanks to TV show The Bear, which is inspired by the eatery, its popularity has sky-rocketed and now fans are flocking here on food tours.

At £96 plus tips, the half-day bus tour is a pricey day out – but as I bite into my flavour bomb of a sandwich, there’s nowhere I’d rather be (Chicagofoodtours.com).

Pizza the action

I’ve visited Chicago a few times and I always book a food tour, because the city is home to some of the best restaurants in the US.

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First-timers should try the gut-busting Original Chicago Pizza Tour, £66 for a half-day, where the classic deep dish is the star (Chicagopizzatours.com), though the fabulous half-day tacos and tequila tour in Pilsen, the city’s Mexican neighbourhood, is better for making friends.

Twinning is winning at chic L7 Chicago By LotteCredit: Supplied by PR

I met a local improv comedian on mine and ended up going to his show.

Fantastic food aside, I love checking out the artworks scattered around Millennium Park, free fireworks displays at Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday night, plus quirky attractions like the Museum of Ice Cream, where you can try the hot-dog flavour!

It’s certainly an experience, but the strawberry cheesecake flavour is so much better.

Entry costs £18 per person (Museumoficecream.com).

Top of my list of places to revisit on this trip is Skydeck Chicago.

Located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, it’s the highest observation deck in the US, with sweeping views of the city.

There’s only one problem – I’m terrified of heights.

On my last visit, I hovered around the edge of the glass-bottomed viewing platform, too scared to step forward for a better view.

This time, as soon as I get close to the edge, my palms start to sweat and I’m ready to leave.

Then, out of the blue, a complete stranger offers me their hand to hold.

Something about it gives me the courage to step on to the glass and, between cold sweats and hot flushes, I manage to get a decent selfie.

Tickets cost £24 per person (Theskydeck.com).

Beach happy

On gloriously sunny days, it’s utter bliss to cycle along the Lakefront Trail next to Lake Michigan, stopping to flop out at the sandy beaches beside the city skyline.

I use bike-share scheme Divvy – there are bikes everywhere and they cost just £13 a day (Divvybikes.com).

The Museum of Ice Cream’s ‘hot dog’Credit: Supplied by Qin Xie

The best place to refuel is Whispers at Oak Street Beach, right on the sand, although an iced coffee here will set you back close to £7 (Whispersgroup.com).

I’m staying at L7 Chicago By Lotte, a hotel in the heart of the city with rooms that come with yoga mats and free weights (Lottehotel.com).

It’s steps away from Chicago Riverwalk, the waterside footpath where the locals hang out, and it’s here that I join Urban Kayaks for a paddle past towering skyscrapers as a guide shares stories about the architecture.

A two-hour tour costs £44 per person (Urbankayaks.com).

My fave thing about coming to Chicago?

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Exploring the neighbourhoods, like leafy Lincoln Park with its free zoo, or trendy Wicker Park and Bucktown, which are packed with cool street art and edgy boutiques.

It’s why I can’t get enough of this city – each of its 77 neighbourhoods feels like somewhere new.

Qin joined Urban Kayaks for a paddle past towering skyscrapersCredit: Supplied by Qin Xie

FYI

A five-night trip with return flights, a room at L7 Chicago By Lotte and selected tours costs from £1,575 per person (Audley travel.com).

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Stunning cottage is crowned ‘Best for Beaches’ in UK and you can book for £27pppn

An image collage containing 4 images, Image 1 shows Waves breaking against groynes on a shingle beach in Pevensey Bay, Image 2 shows Beach cottage with an outdoor dining area and gravel path leading to the house, Image 3 shows A view from inside a beach cottage looking out to a patio with outdoor seating, a blue umbrella, a pebble beach, and the ocean, Image 4 shows Bedroom with white bed frame, blue blanket, white nightstand, and mirrored closet

THIS holiday home brings a new meaning to the phrase ‘beach break,’ as the property actually backs onto the sea.

The coastal retreat actually sits on the shingle beach, so you can bathe in the sun during the summer, or cosy on up with a cup of tea in the winter months.

This holiday cottage opens out right onto the beach frontCredit: Sykes Cottages
It’s been awarded gold in Sykes Cottages ‘Gems Winners 2025’Credit: Sykes Cottages

Sykes Cottages announced their ‘Gems Winners 2025‘ – which were judged by a panel of experts – including the Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski.

Categories like ‘Best Farm Stay’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ were included, but the cottage called Bucket and Spades picked up ‘Best for Beaches’ – and Sophie revealed why it stood out to her.

She said: “When judging the Sykes Gems Awards, this property instantly stood out to me. Why? It’s its proximity to the beach. With bi-fold doors that open directly onto a pebble shore, but with your own private garden area, holidaymakers can benefit from a day at the seaside without needing to leave the home for the day.

“That’s a huge perk in my eyes. It reminds me a little of a beachside property in the Maldives that I once stayed in – I’d wake up and immediately plod into the open sea.”

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The cottage literally sits on the beach at Pevensey Bay in pretty East Sussex and is set over three floors starting with the open plan lounge, kitchen diner, where you’ll find bifold doors that open onto the beach.

Outside, there’s a private beachside area with a table, parasol and stepping stones that lead out onto the wider beach.

There are two double bedrooms with ensuites and the king room which has a balcony where you can enjoy a morning coffee looking at the view.

Inside, the rooms have a coastal and calming feel filled with light tones of blue along with splashes of hot pink and orange.

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The cottage sleeps up to six guests, and there’s off-road parking for three cars – to bring along a pet dog costs an extra £40.

According to Sykes Cottages, if you book now, staying on Friday, November 7, 2025, for seven nights, you’ll be set back £1446 – but split between six guests, it’s £163.71pp, or £27.28pppn.

It even has a private beach area leading out to seaCredit: Sykes Cottages
The inside has nods to its coastal exterior with blue throws and rugsCredit: Sykes Cottages

It’s very popular too, one visitor wrote in a review: “If I owned this property I wouldn’t rent it out because I’d live there myself”.

They added: “The location is amazing, Pevensey Bay is a well kept secret. I don’t think I would ever get tired of staring out at the view.”

The cottage has a customer rating of 4.9 out of five stars and a top Sykes rating.

Pevensey Bay sits between Eastbourne and Hastings on the East Sussex coast and is an old fishing village.

It might look familiar to anyone who watched ITV‘s Flesh and Blood series in 2020 as it was used as a filming location along with the nearby town of Eastbourne.

The village is small but still has a local shop and places to eat like The Aqua Bar and Castle Inn.

One historical site nearby is Pevensey Castle built around AD290Credit: Alamy

When it comes to coastal adventures, guests can walk to reach Cooden Bay in one direction and Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour in the other.

Sovereign Harbour has The Waterfront’s bars, restaurants and cafés with views out to the marina.

Further inland is the village of Westham, which is home to the Castle Cottage Tearoom, and as the name suggests, it sits right next to Pevensey Castle.

Pick up a slice of homemade cake, or enjoy a traditional cream tea for £8.20, or opt for sandwiches or toasted paninis instead.

Other nearby spots include Beachy Head, which is where you’ll find Britain’s highest chalk cliff with incredible panoramic views out to sea.

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For more incredible holidays stays, check out this one on the UK’s new Riviera with white sand beaches, celebrities and hidden holiday homes only visible from the sea.

Plus, here’s the secluded English cottage where your garden is the beach and people say it ‘doesn’t even look real’.

The holiday cottage sits on the shingle Pevensey BeachCredit: Alamy

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