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.
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This holiday cottage opens out right onto the beach frontCredit: Sykes CottagesIt’s been awarded gold in Sykes Cottages ‘Gems Winners 2025’Credit: Sykes Cottages
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.”
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 CottagesThe 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.
WHEN Corfe Castle was besieged during the English Civil War, little else surrounded it bar rolling countryside and a narrow river below.
Today the rocky ruins of the 11th century fortress, perched high on a hill, watch over a jumble of wonky brick buildings housing antique stores crammed with dainty ornaments and cafes selling cakes piled high with whipped cream.
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The walk to the famous Durdle Door — named after a natural limestone arch protruding from the ocean — is a popular one, mainly because of the staggering viewsCredit: SuppliedThe Boat Shed Cafe, right on Lulworth Cove, dishes up fish finger sandwiches, jacket spuds and home-made soups, all for around a tennerCredit: Instagram/@boatshedcafelulworthI am staying at a Dorset Hideaways property, the rather grand Grove Lodge in Osmington, close to Ringstead BayCredit: dorsethideaways.co.uk
With such a chocolate-box look to it, I’m not surprised that this teeny Dorset gem, just a 25-minute drive south of Poole, is so frequently-named the prettiest village in the UK.
Autumn is a spectacular time to visit Corfe Castle village. In the coming months, the ivy that clings to the thatched cottages will have turned a fiery shade of red and the beginnings of the wintry chill can be soothed with a pint in front of a roaring log burner at the local pub.
Aptly named after the old fortress itself, this village is one of the many highlights of a post-summer visit to this area.
I return to this neck of the woods every autumn, in part because of the unspoilt beaches, which look just as beautiful in blustery season as they do in pure sunshine, and also for the cliff-top hiking trails that give way to jaw-dropping views over the rolling ocean.
From the top of the South West Coast Path with nothing but ocean on the horizon, it can feel like you’re standing at the very edge of earth.
This time I am staying at a Dorset Hideaways property, the rather grand Grove Lodge in Osmington, close to Ringstead Bay.
Sleeping up to 11, this holiday home is completely geared up for large groups and families, with five contemporary country-style bedrooms.
As well as a spacious sitting room with a cosy fireplace, there’s a smart country kitchen, dining room, snug and a small annex, which comes with its own double bed and a mini kitchenette.
The standout feature of the property, however, has to be its cracking location, less than a 20-minute drive from family-friendly Weymouth beach and half an hour from Corfe Castle.
In summertime, Weymouth comes alive with holidaymakers chomping on candy floss, pushing pennies through the arcade’s slot machines and settling on the sands for a Punch and Judy puppet show.
But some may say it’s even better in autumn when beaches are empty and dogs almost outnumber humans, splashing about in the frothing waves (pooches are banned from the main section of the beach in summer months).
Staggering views
Those visiting without kids, on the other hand, should head to Lulworth Cove, just a 20-minute drive in the opposite direction from Grove Lodge, where the deep blue sea is framed by a horseshoe of pebbles.
The walk from here to the famous Durdle Door — named after a natural limestone arch protruding from the ocean — is a popular one, mainly because of the staggering views.
Just come prepared for a steep climb, and make sure you’re well-fuelled for it. In my opinion, there’s no better way to do that than with a top-notch Sunday roast.
One of the best portions of fish and chips you’ll ever eat will set you back £20, while a fresh crab brioche roll served with chips costs £16
Head to the nearby Weld Arms, where plates of pillowy Yorkshire puddings accompany slices of rare roast beef doused in meaty gravy. Or for a lighter bite, the Boat Shed Cafe, right on Lulworth Cove, dishes up fish finger sandwiches, jacket spuds and home-made soups, all for around a tenner.
If you’re after something really special, nothing beats The Anchor Inn in Seatown, which sits at the edge of a relatively isolated pebble beach, further west of Lulworth.
Fresh and local is the order of the day here and the fish-focused menu is one that keeps foodies coming back. I devoured a big bowl of bouillabaisse (French fish stew) which was packed with prawns the size of my fists and flaky salmon, served with a hunk of sourdough.
One of the best portions of fish and chips you’ll ever eat will set you back £20, while a fresh crab brioche roll served with chips costs £16.
And for dessert? Tea and cake is best consumed in Corfe Castle. The cafe serves generous wedges of raspberry cake and caramel shortbread coated in a thick layer of chocolate.
This is the place to pick up holiday souvenirs, too. Trinkets are aplenty in the little shops that line the main street, from home-made soaps to coffee table books, detailing the best UK surfing spots, many of which are in the surrounding areas.
Well . . . when in Rome.
Autumn is a spectacular time to visit Corfe Castle villageCredit: GettySomething to whet your appetiteCredit: Supplied
GO: DORSET
STAYING THERE: A three-night self-catering break at Grove Lodge costs from around £122pp, based on 11 sharing. See dorsethideaways.co.uk.
The village was once a rival to London and an important medieval hub. But a series of unfortunate storms meant much of it was lost to the sea and now lies under the water
The village of Dunwich was once the capital of East Anglia but was lost to storms and floods(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A tiny village that was once a medieval port and considered the capital of East Anglia is the perfect day out for history buffs or those who love quiet, windswept beaches.
In Anglo-Saxon times, Dunwich on the Suffolk coast was the heart of what was then called the Kingdom of the East Angles. Its international port was considered a rival to London, and the Domesday Book of 1086 revealed it had a population of over 3,000 people. This was a time when London’s population was just 18,000.
However, the town’s fortunes changed in 1286 when a storm surge hit the area, followed by two large weather fronts the next year. This caused major coastal erosion, which led to large parts of the town being submerged underwater. In 1347, it’s thought that 400 homes were swept into the sea, with most of the remains of the town destroyed in 1362 in Saint Marcellus’s flood. Around 25,000 people across Europe lost their lives in the tragic event.
Because of its unique past, Dunwich is often dubbed the ‘lost city of England’ and draws comparisons to the legendary island of Atlantis, which, according to myths, sank under the sea.
Dunwich Museum is a great way to learn about life before the floods. Researchers have mapped out where the old homes and buildings used to stand before they were lost to the sea, and you can see these maps at the museum. There are also many interesting displays about medieval life and artefacts from the time.
Only a few ruins remain from medieval times. One of the most complete buildings is the Greyfriars monastery. This was built around half a mile inland, after the original monastery closer to the coast was lost. The ruins include the grand entrance to the monastery and part of the refectory where the monks would eat.
National Trust’s Dunwich Heath and Beach is an unspoilt spot with some beautiful walking trails. The Heath is full of rare wildlife and birds, and you may be able to spot red deer and otters on your stroll. Dunwich’s wide shingle beach is a popular spot for fishing and paddling in the sea.
Not all ships en route to Dunwich made it safely, and researchers have worked to uncover a large number of shipwrecks off the coast. According to the East Anglian Daily Times, there could be as many as hundreds of ships in a shipwreck graveyard off the coast, many of which sank during World War I when shipping routes were attacked.
Once you’re finished exploring, visit Flora Tea Rooms, a traditional fish and chip restaurant on the beach that also serves British classics such as afternoon tea. The village has one pub, The Ship at Dunwich, a cosy spot with a beer garden and beautiful countryside views. It also has 16 rooms if you decide to stay and enjoy this peaceful village for longer.
Dunwich is also close to the RSPB Minsmere, a coastal nature reserve that includes areas of woodland, reedbeds, grassland, and heathland. Among the unspoilt landscape, you can spot wildlife, from a vast array of coastal birds to Water Voles.
FOR quiet medinas, pretty beaches and winter highs of 20C, this African capital is set to be a popular spot next year.
National Geographic named the destination one of its best place to visit in 2026 – and luckily for Brits, it’s just three hours away from the UK.
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Kasbah of Udayas fortress in Rabat sits across from the Bouregreg RiverCredit: AlamyDespite being the capital, Rabat is less busy than other Morrocan citiesCredit: Alamy
The publication added the capital of Morocco to its must-visit spots for next year, calling it the country’s “relaxed Atlantic-coast capital”.
When you visit, you’ll find winding blue-and-white painted streets, the historic Kasbah Mosque, and the Oudaias Museum, which is inside a former royal pavilion.
There’s also the Hassan Tower, which dates back to the 12th century and is a symbol of the city.
It’s not all history, there’s modern architecture too, like the Mohammed VI Tower, which is a 250-meter-tall skyscraper in Salé, Morocco, near Rabat, and opened in 2023.
It is the tallest building in Morocco and the third tallest in Africa.
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As for affordability, you’ll be happy in Rabat, overnight stays can start from as little as £17 per person.
Food and drink is affordable too, with an inexpensive meal costing £3.26 and dinners at a mid-range restaurant starting from around £16 per person.
Inside the city are blue and white painted windy streetsCredit: AlamyYou’ll find Rabat Beach is the main spot for swimming and sunbathingCredit: Alamy
Draft beers cost roughly £3.25, with soft drinks like orange juice coming in at 80p.
One writer visited Rabat who said: “Walking through the monumental kasbah gate, called Bab Oudaia, is like stepping back in time.
“Rather than maze-like alleyways, there is a tranquil labyrinth of wide lanes, with white houses and blue, grated windows that are lit up by pretty vines of purple and pink flowers.”
She added: “Pick up a strong black coffee — Turkish style, I’m told — and an almond pastry at the cooling Udayas botanical gardens is the perfect fuel before a venture into the National Finery Museum.
“Extravagant bejewelled crowns, breast chains, rings and belts once worn by young women, perhaps on their wedding day, sit on faceless models.”
In fact if you want to visit Rabat this month, you can get flights for as little as £17 with Ryanair who fly directly.
From the UK, you can be in the city in three hours and 20 minutes.
“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.
“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”
She added: “It pays to do your research and book restaurants and tours in advance though as even in February and the start of Ramadan, the souks were teeming and lots of places were fully booked.
“We did a three-hour food tour of the Medina with Get Your Guide and while stuffing ourselves on some fantastic street food I probably would never have had the courage to try on my own, our guide revealed the secrets of the city and its fascinating past.”
WHEN it comes to a real-life paradise, the closest you’ll probably get to it is the Caribbean.
And there’s one destination that’s seeing more tourists than ever which is developing new hotels so visitors can enjoy the hot weather and beautiful beaches.
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St Vincent and the Grenadines has both white and black sand beachesCredit: AlamySt Vincent is home to La Soufriere, an huge active volcanoCredit: Alamy
St Vincent and the Grenadines is the fastest-growing tourism destination in the Caribbean with 17.3 percent more visitors in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Jamaica and Barbados are the Caribbean islands most visited by Brits – but St Vincent and the Grenadines has the potential to be your next holiday spot.
You can get there by flying to Argyle International Airport on St Vincent – and then, from there you can explore the 32 islands and cays.
The country’s capital is Kingstown in St Vincent, where visitors explore historical sites like Fort Charlotte and the Gothic cathedrals.
The capital has Botanical Gardens, waterfalls, and plenty of opportunities to try out water activities like boat tours, snorkelling, and diving.
The waters have plenty of marine life like whales, dolphins, green sea turtles and lots of reef fish.
Of course being an island, St Vincent has some incredible beaches from Indian Bay, Villa Beach and Mt. Wynne Beach – which has volcanic black sand.
St Vincent is home to the country’s largest volcano called La Soufrière.
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It’s active too, with the last explosive events happening in 2021.
The island has rainforests as well and visitors can hike through theVermont Nature Trailand theCumberland Forest Reserve.
St Vincent and the Grenadines was used as a filming location for Pirates of the CaribbeanCredit: AlamyPalm Island has pretty white-sand beaches with bright blue watersCredit: Alamy
The island country is a great for fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise which was filmed across its beaches and rainforest.
St Vincent and the Grenadines is one of the best spots for winter sun, as throughout the whole year the temperature averages between 24-27C.
The rainy season runs from June through November, with the wettest months typically being October and November.
The island country consists of eight other inhabited islands; Young Island,Bequia,Mustique,Canouan,Union Island,Mayreau, Petit St Vincent and Palm Island.
To get to the other most popular islands, visitors can use ferries or take regional flights.
Here you’ll find white-sand beaches and plenty more swimming spots in the bright blue Caribbean sea.
To accommodate the increasing number of visitors in St Vincent and the Grenadines, there are four new projects across the islands and all are set to open by 2027.
The first is called Peter’s Hope Resort Development Project, which is a 280-room beachfront Marriott Autograph Collection hotel.
Another is the Beaches St. Vincent and the Grenadines which will be a 360-room resort focusing on families that will be built at Mt. Wynne.
The Palm Island Development is a new project with phase one scheduled to open in December 2026.
And the Cumberland Bay Resort Development Project will be a 150-room beachfront resort set to have pretty overwater bungalows, cottages, a hotel and small marina.
Virgin Atlantic connects St. Vincent with a stopover at the neighbouring island of Barbados taking around 11 hours.
You can fly from London Heathrow to St Vincent with return fares from £574.92.
This island in St Vincent and the Grenadines is known as ‘turtle island’…
CANOUAN sits between St Vincent and Grenada, and it’s one of the smallest measuring at three square miles and has a population of around 2,000.
Known for its abundance of turtles, tortoises and beautiful beaches, the little-known island doesn’t get many tourists, which means it’s a hotspot for celebs.
Thanks to it being lesser-known, the island of Canouan has been known to be a popular Caribbean spot for celebrities.
Another reason for its popularity amongst the famous is the amount of luxury resorts there – and the fact that they all allow use of the ‘invisible key’, which means you can use facilities across all of them.
The island is known for being peaceful and quiet, but is rising in popularity amongst travellers.
It has a nickname too, Canouan is sometimes referred to as ‘Turtle Island’.
As you might have guessed this is because the island is a natural sanctuary for green sea turtles which swim off the coast.
During the months of May and October, the turtles hatch along the beach, so if you stick around until dawn, you might spot tiny hatchlings make their way from the sand to the sea.
THE TEMPUS, Northumberland is a hotel surrounded by natural serenity and an immersive, sophisticated experience.
Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.
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Here is everything you need to know about the hotelThe rooms were inspired by Alice and Wonderland
Where is the hotel?
Located just 7 miles from Alnwick and just off the A1, The Tempus is just 12 miles from the nearest station in Alnmouth, where taxis can be arranged for an easy journey.
What is the hotel like?
Sparkling blue sea, rolling sand dunes and sunshine beating down on glorious ancient ruins. I could be on an island in the Med.
Inspired by Alice In Wonderland, the Superior King with a Terrace was decorated with eye popping hot-pink walls, a comfy sofa and two armchairs, alongside a gorgeous gold and marble coffee table.
The bathroom was huge with multiple lighting options, giving guests the choice of a disco shower, while rooms come with a Nespresso machine and biscuits, as well as dressing gowns and slippers.
Double rooms cost from £195 on a B&B basis.
What is there to eat or drink there?
A gastro pub-style menu at the hotel’s Orangery restaurant combines hearty with sophisticated dining and features favourites such as burrata, succulent beef burgers and salty chips.
I had a veggie ragu pasta while my partner Jonah devoured lamb coupled with shepherd’s pie, followed by a delicious cheese board.
For brekkie, guests can pick a range of cooked options or there’s a continental buffet.
A selection of food served
What else is there to do at the hotel?
There are some excellent walks on your doorstep, including a four hour coastal hike, starting at Embleton and ending at the grandiose Bamburgh Castle.
Relatively flat, the trek winds through villages that have lovely cafes and pubs.
We also enjoyed an evening in Alnwick town, which features an array of characterful boozers filled with friendly, chatty locals.
Absolutely a place to go back to. Owners Judith and Nigel were a delight.
Is the hotel family friendly?
Yes, there are dog-friendly rooms available, as well as family suites.
Is the hotel accessible?
Yes, The Tempus Northumberland offers ground floor rooms, accessible accommodation and accessible dining spaces.
THE resort town of San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay is known for its beautiful beaches, and is making plans to keep it that way.
San Sebastián’s city council has announced that it wants to put new rules in place to conserve its famous coast.
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San Sebastián has three very popular beaches and the new rules are to keep them cleanCredit: AlamyDuring the summer, the pretty beaches of San Sebastián can get very busyCredit: Alamy
The first rule is a smoking ban across all its beaches, something that is becoming more common in Spain.
If it goes ahead, San Sebastián will become the second town in the Basque region to fully ban smoking on its beaches after Zarautz.
Beaches in San Sebastián could also have new rules when it comes to pets.
During the summer, dogs will only be allowed to walk on the beaches from 9pm until midnight.
Previously, locals were able to walk their dogs on public beaches between September 1 and May 30 at any time of the day.
Thanks to a growing number of noise complaints, loudspeakers could be joining the ban list too.
The city is inviting its locals to share their thoughts on the new rules from October 20, with the aim of the new rules being fully implemented by June 2026.
San Sebastián has three main beaches, La Concha, Ondarreta, and Zurriola and last year, Which? named San Sebastián Spain‘s ‘best coastal town’.
It was rated on factors like the quality of the beach and seafront, safety, food and drink, accommodation, and value for money.
An overall score was calculated based on satisfaction and the likeliness to recommend each destination, with places ranked out of 100.
La Concha Bay is popular with locals and tourists thanks to its soft sand and mountain viewsCredit: Alamy
San Sebastián claimed first place with an overall score of 88 per cent out of 100. Factors like its beach, attractiveness and food and drink scene were awarded five stars.
The town’s most famous beach is La Concha, a shell-shaped bay very close to the city’s Old Town, while Ondarreta is generally much quieter with calm waters.
Zurriola on the other hand is known for having stronger waves – which makes it a popular spot for watersports.
“As I enjoy views from the open-air bar on San Sebastian’sMonte Urgull hill, I can see the wild Bay of Biscay on one wise, and on the other, a panoramic view of the city and its shell-shaped beach.
“If you want to get out and about, there is so much to keep you entertained in San Sebastian, from surfing on Zurriola beach to enjoying the viewpoints at Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo.
“A charming funicular railway comes in handy if you don’t fancy hiking up the latter. But the best activity is devouring yet more food in the Old Town, savouring the city’s famous “pintxos” scene.
“Pronounced “pinchos”, and most easily described as the Basque version of tapas, these elaborate, bite-sized treats are around €2.50 a pop and found in every bar.
“And regardless of how full you get, no visit to the Old Town is complete without stopping by La Viña, the restaurant where the now-viral Basque burnt cheesecake originated.”
Berwick-upon-Tweed has been named the happiest and also one of the most charming seaside towns in England and it’s just a 40 minute train ride from Edinburgh and Newcastle
Milo Boyd Digital Travel Reporter and Alycia McNamara
02:58, 21 Oct 2025
Berwick-upon-Tweed is home to beautiful coastal scenery(Image: Getty Images)
This charming town ranks amongst the finest seaside destinations to explore this summer – and it’s merely a brief 40-minute train journey from both Edinburgh and Newcastle. Berwick-upon-Tweed is nestled on the northeastern tip of England, directly beside the Scottish border.
It’s a picturesque and historical location that is adored by its guests. You’ll locate the town at the mouth of the River Tweed, providing stunning vistas across the North Sea.
Although there are rarely crowds in Berwick, even during the high season on the sunniest of days, the town of 12,000 has a lot of fans. Recently, it was named by Touropia as one of the most delightful coastal towns in England. It has just been crowned ‘the happiest place in the UK’ by the Guardian.
“Today, Berwick-upon-Tweed remains an often overlooked jewel. Yet people who know it, adore it – it is a great place to live with community spirit in bundles,” the publication writes.
“Berwick was LS Lowry’s favourite holiday destination and a place where he made more than 30 sketches, drawings and paintings including one of Bridge Street which, wonderfully, looks more or less as it did when he painted the scene in 1938.
“Today there is a Lowry Trail (about three hours), taking in cobbled streets, romantic riverbanks and the big, sandy, fun Spittal beach. When there was an attempt to recreate the painting last year, there was no shortage of volunteers – a reflection of the importance of community in Berwick.”
When visiting the town, one essential destination is Spittal beach. It ranks as one of the most beloved beaches in the region. A visitor on Tripadvisor reported: “A beautiful yet quiet beach. There is a car park nearby, as well as a cafe, a small amusement arcade, a splash park and toilets – it is definitely well worth a visit.”
Another big seasonal draw is the Riding of the Bounds, which takes place in May and is a celebration of the traditional horse ride that used to be carried out to ensure the safety of the town. Berwick’s markets on Wednesday and Saturday are also a big hit with locals and visitors alike.
“The romantic River Tweed runs through its centre, dominated by three iconic bridges that have seen years of conflict as control of the town was repeatedly changing. Climb on-board The Border Rose with Berwick Boat Trips, where you can sail beneath the magnificent Royal Border Bridge and into the mouth of the river for some seal and dolphin spotting. All the while, skipper David and crew will keep you entertained with anecdotes of the town’s turbulent history and its rich salmon fishing heritage.”
When in the local area, the nearby Farne Islands are intriguing. They are home to a large colony of grey seals and puffins.
From Costa Dorada in Spain to Vendee in France, we have a beautiful beach for everyone.
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The sandy beach at Miami Platja in Costa DoradaHeap praise on Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia
SPAIN – Playa Montroig, Costa Dorada
Editor in Chief Sinead McIntyre, husband Alistair and their teenage twins found a coast with the most, including a day trip to Barcelona.
THE PAD
Set on the stunning Costa Dorada coastline and a quick 25-minute drive from Reus airport, the star of the show here is the sandy beach, with its lively bar and floating dive pontoon.
One morning, my daughter Riley and I woke early to swim out and had it all to ourselves while watching a yoga class – just one of the activities on offer.
Our premium three-bed lodge was also minutes from the three swimming pools, slides and a pool bar.
Get your tapas fix and dig into calamari, £12.60, garlic shrimp, £10.90, and Iberian ham croquettes, £1.75 each, on-site at Terrassa restaurant.
Pair with a refreshing carafe of sangria with cava, £14.70.
The Playa Montroig pool complex in SpainCredit: Supplied by PR
Or try beachside Tucanamar, with its stunning sunset views and divine spaghetti with clams, £10.90.
A walk along the shoreline is Restaurant Friends, serving up specialty spare ribs, £17.25, and grilled sea bream, £15.20 (Friendsplaya.com).
In Barca, hit Catalanian eatery La Nueva Marquesa for delights such as fried eggs with Iberian ham shavings and monkfish skewers with prawn and crab sauce.
Seven-night stays for four people at Playa Montroig during May half-term 2026 cost from £586 (Eurocamp.co.uk).
All hands on deck for a relaxing stayCredit: Supplied by PR
FRANCE – Le Garangeoire, Vendee
Deputy Editor Ellie O’Mahoney, husband Mark and their two young kids fell for crêpes and climbing on the west coast of France.
THE PAD
This five-star, family-run campsite, just 15 minutes’ drive from the beautiful beaches of France’s Atlantic west coast, has 200 hectares of woodland and a stunning 17th-century château, complete with free pedalo and canoe hire on the boating lake.
There are tennis courts, crazy golf, a horse-riding stable and two kids’ clubs.
La Garangeoire has 200 hectares of woodland and a stunning 17th-century châteauCredit: Supplied by PR
Of the four pools, the main one boasts three slides, and is our kids’ favourite.
For some quiet time, head to the natural lagoon surrounded by a sandy beach.
There are tons of activities, including aromatherapy and night walks, and our three-bed lodge was perfectly appointed with a veranda for alfresco feasts.
EXPLORE
Kids will love swinging through the branches at Le Grand Défi, the world’s largest tree-climbing park just down the road, plus there’s a huge aqua park and pony rides.
Treeclimbing costs from £10.70 for kids, £20.90 for adults (Grand-defi.com).
Of the four pools, the main one boasts three slidesCredit: Shot by Cedric Colin – Supplied by PR
Historical theme parkPuy du Fou, an hour’s drive away, puts on eye-popping performances.
Watch gladiators fight in the “Roman” coliseum and experience stormy seas aboard an 18th-century-style explorer’s ship.
Tickets cost £39 for adults, £28 for kids (Puydufou.com).
Or head to the beach town of Brétignolles-sur-Mer – you’ll find pretty Breton T-shirts and wooden toys at its busy market on Thursdays and Sundays.
REFUEL
At nearby lakeside restaurant L’Auberge du Jaunay, we demolished a stack of cheese galettes for a bargain £3.25 with a half-carafe of red wine, £8.90.
A sugar and lemon crêpe, £4.70, completed the kids’ favourite feast of the trip.
Have a knight of adventure
On a beach day, we nabbed a table on the white sand at Crêperie La Normandelière.
We didn’t get the warmest of welcomes, but the food made up for it – I loved the smoked salmon salad, £12.70, and Nutella and banana crêpe, £5.20 (La-normandeliere.eatbu.com).
In the nearest town of Saint-Julien-des-Landes, just minutes’ drive away, you’ll find Rest’O Landes, which does the most delicious honey and goat’s cheese takeaway pizza, £9 (Restolandes.com).
Seven-night stays at La Garangeoire in May half-term 2026 cost from £363 for up to six (Eurocamp.co.uk).
An overnight ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo with Brittany Ferries for four people with a car costs from £351 (Brittany-ferries.co.uk).
ENGLAND – Daleacres, Kent
Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Danielle Woodward, husband David and their two teens sought out safaris and steam trains in the South East.
THE PAD
In the heart of the Kent countryside, near the seaside town of Hythe, you’ll find Daleacres Campsite, complete with a playground for younger kids and a communal firepit for glampers.
Safari tents offer kitchens with a fridge and microwave, and the kids took turns to fill up the water dispenser, a short walk away.
Pitch in at DaleacresCredit: Supplied by PR
With patchy free Wi-Fi, they also “enjoyed” screen-free time!
We woke to cock-a-doodle-dos from a nearby farm, before freshening up in the spotless shower and loo block.
EXPLORE
Feeling beachy? Pick between Hythe’s shingle or nearby Dymchurch’s three miles of sand and amusement park with classic rides and an arcade (Dymchurch-amusements.co.uk).
The kids were also fascinated by the crypt in St Leonard’s Church, home to the largest, best-preserved collection of ancient human skulls and bones in Britain (Slhk.org/theossuary.htm).
REFUEL
In Dymchurch, hit Lamby’s Seafood stall next to the Ocean Inn pub for a pot of brown shrimp, £4 (Oceaninn.co.uk/lambys).
At Port Lympne, scoff tasty wood-fired prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and rocket pizza, £15, followed by fig and pistachio frangipane tart, £5, in Babydoll’s restaurant.
While the 400-year-old cosy Botolphs Bridge Inn pub, a short walk from Daleacres, offers fab pies of the week with mash, veg and gravy, £13.50 (Botolphsbridgeinn.co.uk).
DON’T MISS
The Battle of Britain Memorial in Folkestone has an interactive Scramble Experience, which brings WW2 to life.
Senegal is a vibrant West African country that’s just a six-hour plane trip from the UK – and it boasts some pretty incredible beaches as well as 32C heat in November
A six hour flight from the UK to the pristine beaches and waters of Senegal(Image: Leamus via Getty Images)
Just a six-hour flight from the UK, the lively African nation of Senegal boasts pristine golden beaches that stretch along most of its coastline.
This haven for beach lovers offers endless expanses, with each beach offering something unique for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking to unwind and relax, get involved in watersports or dive into the party scene, there’s a beach in Senegal just for you.
The West African country has become a hotspot for the international surf scene. Home to a world-renowned wave, it’s not uncommon to spot pro surfers on Senegal’s shores. But don’t worry if you’re new to the sport – there are plenty of calmer beaches with surf schools catering to all abilities.
In the heart of Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant capital, keen surfers often flock to the bustling Virage beach. After a day riding the waves, visitors can kick back and enjoy the stunning views at one of the many beach bars or restaurants lining the coast, reports the Express.
But it’s not just about the beaches – this diverse country is also home to an array of incredible wildlife. Birdwatchers will be in their element, with the chance to spot some of Africa’s rarest species.
And with a range of habitats to explore – from mangroves and freshwater pools to savannah lands and forests – nature lovers won’t be short of places to explore.
Senegal, known for its stunning beaches, is also a hub for trendsetting art, culture and fashion. It hosts the renowned Dak’Art exhibition every two years, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate African artwork.
While many African countries boast of their cuisine, Senegal’s rich culinary dishes are a standout. The national dish, Thieboudienne (pronounced ceebu jen), is a tantalising rice and fish meal. It features stewed broken jasmine rice and vegetables paired with marinated fish, which can be any type available.
For those with a penchant for trying new foods, this dish can be perfectly complemented with Bissap, Senegal’s national drink. This highly nutritious tea is made from hibiscus flowers, sweetened with sugar and flavoured with mint.
However, first-time travellers to Senegal are warned by the UK Government about potential dangers, such as pickpocketing, particularly in Dakar.
Holidaymakers are advised against walking alone in the evening and after dark, especially women. They’re also cautioned not to wear conspicuous jewellery and to keep handbags or satchels on the side furthest from the street.
The Government further advises travellers to pre-arrange taxis to avoid bogus drivers and ensure they show ID. For those who fancy a self-drive holiday, UK driving licences are valid for up to six months in Senegal. However, due to the stark difference in driving standards, Brits are advised against driving after dark if possible.
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