Budget rail operator Lumo is starting a new route between London and StirlingCredit: AlamyStirling is a Scottish city that is north of Glasgow and EdinburghCredit: Alamy
Rail travel across the UK can be very expensive but Lumo, which is part of FirstGroup, is known for its affordability.
Starting July 10, Lumo will start its new route from London Euston to Stirling for as little as £29.90.
When the service launches it will have four daily return trains between the two cities.
Between the two cities, trains will call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert.
For those travelling between London and Preston, tickets start from £23.90.
And between Preston and Stirling, tickets can be booked from £14.90.
Stirling sits north of both Glasgow and Edinburgh and it’s known for its huge historic castle and even has an interactive Old Town Jail attraction.
Visitors often head to The National Wallace Monument which is a 220ft tower in the countryside.
The city also has a high concentration of pubs for its size – the oldest alehouse is The Settle Inn which has been serving ale since the 1700s.
Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, which runs Lumo said: “These fares are about putting customers first.
“By offering simple, low-cost tickets and direct services between Scotland, the north west of England and London, we’re making it easier and more affordable for people to travel for work, leisure and family visits.”
Onboard a Lumo train, there are no first class seat options – but wherever passengers sit, there’s access to USB sockets and tray tables.
Lighting can be personalised by using the button on the back of the seat in front of them.
Lumo has no first class seats but all passengers get USB sockets and free Wi-FiCredit: Alamy
Passengers can also use the free Wi-Fi, and each seat has a winged headrest for comfort and a coat hanger.
Lumo offers other routes too like London King’s Cross to Edinburgh.
But its latest started in December 2025 from London to Glasgow.
The company announced the news on social media, it said: “Our new timetable starts on 14th December 2025!
“Our new Glasgow service will start in December and we’re also adding an additional service from Newcastle to London King’s Cross every weekday.”
Lumo runs two northbound and one southbound service on weekdays and one service in each direction on Sundays between London King’s Cross and Glasgow.
One in five adults living outside London haven’t visited the capital in over 10 years due to costs – but a new challenge proves you can experience the city on just £150
easyHotel challenges presenter to budget stay in London
A fifth of adults living outside of London haven’t set foot in the city for more than 10 years. A poll of 2,000 adults who live outside the capital found more than half (52%) admitted the cost of accommodation makes it too expensive to visit. Additional factors preventing people from visiting include transport costs (50%), the price of dining out (27%) and lacking the time to organise a major trip (21%).
Meanwhile, one in 10 have avoided it because the Tube leaves them baffled. However, 58% would welcome the opportunity to discover the city, with more affordable accommodation, reduced attraction prices, smaller crowds and a straightforward itinerary likely to entice them.
The study was commissioned by easyHotel, which tasked presenter Hattie Carter with experiencing London in 24 hours on a £150 budget, beginning from its Croydon location which has recently completed a full renovation.
Nathan White, UK operations director for the hotel chain, said: “There’s no denying that London is often seen as expensive and out-of-reach for those on a budget, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise. However, with a few simple hacks such as opting for affordable accommodation, the capital becomes much more accessible to all.
“Croydon has quick transport links reaching central London in under 15 minutes, so it’s a great option for those who want to spend their budget on the experiences that make a London trip worth it.”
The survey revealed that a quarter of adults typically organise their trips between two and six months ahead, although younger travellers are leaning towards more spontaneous plans, with 60% of 18- to 24-year-olds preferring to book within one month or less.
Kew Gardens (51%), Tate Modern (50%), and Camden Market (44%) were the top attractions people expressed a desire to visit. Additionally, 36% of participants indicated they would be most likely to visit London during the summer season.
Cheaper travel options are what 44% of adults claim would make them more inclined to visit London in the forthcoming 12 months – with the average adult prepared to spend £66.15 on a return train ticket.
Accommodation ranked second to travel as 37% of those surveyed via OnePoll.com would be persuaded if it was more affordable, expressing willingness to pay an average of £118.13 for an overnight stay.
However, despite 32% brimming with excitement at the prospect of planning a trip to the city, 24% feel anticipation – and 21% associate it with stress.
A spokesperson for easyHotel Croydon, where an average overnight stay costs just £58.27, commented: “It’s clear there is still a huge appetite to visit London and explore everything the city has to offer, but for many it’s about how to make it happen without breaking the bank.
“Our £150 budget challenge proves it can be done. By staying smart at an accessible and affordable hotel, London is doable.
“We want to help more people visit the capital for a memorable and positive experience, while keeping their budget firmly under control.”
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, 10 February 2026. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
March 10 (Asia Today) — President Lee Jae-myung said Tuesday the government may prepare an early supplementary budget to cushion the economic impact of rising energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in Seoul, Lee said additional fiscal measures could be necessary to support small businesses, struggling companies and vulnerable households if global energy shocks continue.
“To provide fiscal assistance and support for small business owners and vulnerable firms, we may inevitably need an early supplementary budget,” Lee said.
Lee also called for targeted support for lower-income households rather than a blanket reduction in fuel taxes as oil prices surge.
The president instructed officials to accelerate additional financial and fiscal measures, including a petroleum price cap system, adjustments to energy taxes and direct assistance to consumers.
“We must mobilize all national capabilities to minimize the impact of external shocks on people’s livelihoods, the economy and industry,” Lee said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Koo Yoon-cheol said the government could potentially finance the supplementary budget without issuing new government bonds.
He cited improving conditions in the semiconductor industry and increased fiscal resources linked to stronger activity in the stock market.
Lee also addressed concerns over reports that United States Forces Korea may remove some air defense assets from the country amid the regional conflict.
“If you ask whether this seriously undermines our deterrence strategy against North Korea, the answer is no,” Lee said.
He acknowledged that South Korea had expressed opposition to the partial withdrawal of air defense systems but noted that the United States may reposition some assets based on its broader military needs.
Foreign media have reported that systems such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and Patriot missile batteries could be redeployed.
Lee emphasized that South Korea’s defense spending remains among the highest in the world and said the country’s military readiness remains strong.
Pollyanna partisans of a constitutional amendment to mandate a federal balanced budget have no duty to come forward with plans to help Gov. Wilson and the Legislature draft a balanced budget for fiscal 1992-93. But if they have any ideas they ought to share them.
Obviously, the feds can’t help; their actions cost us $1 billion in daily interest. Our national debt increases by $400 billion or more each year.
California’s fiscal 1991-92 budget cut spending, devoured snack taxes and bottled water, but still came up about $4 billion short. Add that deficit to a shortfall of about $6 billion for fiscal 1992-93 and anyone sees our problem budget needs resuscitation.
Not to worry. A number of legislators have proposed a novel and painless method to balance the state’s budget. They propose to spread the deficit over two years. A two-year budget balances fiscal 1992-93 and spreads deficit payments over 24 months. This program replenishes wealth. If deficits continue to rise and revenues fall, the two-year budget precedent opens budgetary gamesmanship to three- or four-year budgets.
Problem budgets? No problem. God bless the wizards of Sacramento.
Exterior view of the headquarters of LG Uplus in Seoul, South Korea. LG HelloVision, LG Uplus’s subsidiary is still struggling to revive its mobile virtual network operator business, with subscriber growth and revenue showing little momentum despite broader expansion in South Korea’s budget mobile market. File. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
March 6 (Asia Today) — LG HelloVision is still struggling to revive its mobile virtual network operator business, with subscriber growth and revenue showing little momentum despite broader expansion in South Korea’s budget mobile market.
The company said its budget mobile revenue rose to 156.7 billion won ($118 million) last year from 156.1 billion won ($117 million) a year earlier, an increase of just 0.4%.
The business remains one of LG HelloVision’s key revenue sources, accounting for about 10% of total sales. But its performance has remained largely flat as subscriber growth has slowed.
LG HelloVision said its budget mobile subscriber base, including internet-of-things lines, stood at about 770,000 in the first half of last year, up only about 20,000 from a year earlier.
Industry analysts said the company received limited benefit from increased number-transfer demand that followed last year’s telecommunications hacking incident.
South Korea’s three major wireless carriers responded with aggressive marketing campaigns to attract subscribers, reducing the spillover effect that smaller operators such as LG HelloVision had hoped to capture.
Its parent company, LG Uplus, reported about 21.7 million mobile subscribers last year, up 6.6% from about 20.4 million a year earlier. Mobile service revenue rose to 6.67 trillion won ($5.01 billion) from 6.43 trillion won ($4.83 billion).
One industry official said LG Uplus, which was seen as less affected by the hacking fallout, appeared to absorb a large share of switching demand through aggressive marketing.
Analysts also pointed to LG HelloVision’s cautious approach to new pricing plans and promotions as another reason for the prolonged slump.
The company has faced profitability pressure while growth in its core pay television business has stalled. After posting operating profit in the 40 billion won range in 2023, it has remained in the 10 billion won range over the past two years.
Aside from a new plan introduced late last year that included compensation for financial fraud such as voice phishing, the company has made few notable changes to its budget mobile offerings.
LG HelloVision said it plans to try to revive subscriber growth this year with a new promotion tied to next week’s launch of Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S26 smartphone series.
Customers who buy a Galaxy S26 device and sign up for one of the company’s plans will receive a 30,000 won ($23) gift certificate. Subscribers to its Coupon Pack plan will also receive additional coupons worth 120,000 won ($90).
The company has also added artificial intelligence features to improve the sign-up process. On its website, users can enter their preferences and receive tailored plan recommendations along with summaries of customer reviews.
Still, analysts say competition with the three major wireless carriers is likely to remain a challenge.
Industry observers expect another round of large smartphone subsidies this year, led in part by KT, which reportedly lost a substantial number of subscribers earlier this year after penalty fees were waived for some customers.
Given the structure of the budget mobile market, analysts said LG HelloVision may need to focus more heavily on low-cost promotional plans and more specialized offerings aimed at specific customer groups.
Apple unveiled the iPhone 17e on Monday, the budget phone in its iPhone 17 line-up, with an upgraded camera, faster chips and MagSafe to more easily snap chargers and accessories onto the back of the phone. Photo courtesy of Apple
March 2 (UPI) — Apple on Monday introduced the iPhone 17e, the budget model in its iPhone lineup, with upgraded cameras, a stronger scratch resistant screen and MagSafe to improve attaching chargers and accessories to the phone.
The 17e will be available in three colors — black, white and pink — for pre-order on Wednesday. It is expected to hit stores on March 11, with a starting price of $599 for the 256GB-storage model, Apple said in a press release.
“iPhone 17e combines powerful performance and features our users love at an exceptional value, making it a compelling option for customers looking to upgrade to the iPhone 17 family,” Kaianne Drance, vice president of worldwide iPhone product marketing at Apple, said in the release.
“With A19 for incredible performance, double the entry storage, a smarter camera system and enhanced durability, iPhone17e is designed to stay fast, secure and valuable for years to come,” she said.
Apple launched the iPhone 16e just over a year ago in February 2025 as a lower-priced model of the iPhone 16 to replace the SE budget-level iPhone, which had been discontinued after three generations in 2022.
The 17e comes with upgrades over last year’s edition, with a 48MP fusion camera that enables optical-quality 2x telephoto and 4K Dolby Vision video, Apple said.
The new Super Retina XDR screen is said to have 3x stronger scratch resistance and reduced glare, satellite features for satellite communication when off network and Apple has added MagSafe, which allows accessories such as charges, stands and cases to more easily snap onto the back of the phone.
The 17e also includes Apple Intelligence, which is expected to include a new version of the Siri assistant on the phone, and will be powered by Google‘s Gemini AI.
Apple and many phone carriers offering trade-in deals for customers who would like to upgrade, with the oldest models available for trade-in credit starting with the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 13.
Four years ago, Boyle Heights and Skid Row had something to celebrate: state grants to build new sidewalks and protected bike lanes.
But now, more than $100 million from the state for the transportation projects in some of the neediest parts of Los Angeles is in jeopardy because city officials say they don’t have enough staff to complete the projects.
The issue is part of the continuing fallout from a $1-billion budget shortfall the city faced last year. Officials avoided mass layoffs but closed the gap with budget cuts to city departments, including the Bureau of Engineering, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Street Lighting and Bureau of Street Services. Those cuts included eliminating open positions, resulting in smaller staffs.
“To know that the funding is there and that we have to give it back because the city says it can’t find the bodies to do the work is a scandal,” said Estela Lopez, executive director for the L.A. Downtown Industrial District Business Improvement District. She has long advocated for more resources on Skid Row, including improved accessibility for pedestrians.
“It would be transformative in a way that wasn’t just in spirit,” she said.
On Monday, the Bureau of Street Services confirmed that it will apply with the state for a two-year extension to allow more time to begin the transportation projects in Boyle Heights, Skid Row and Wilmington.
The move came after L.A. City Councilmembers Ysabel Jurado and Tim McOsker introduced a motion to cancel the state funds, citing “staffing, funding, and implementation constraints.” Jurado said that plan is “now on hold.” McOsker, whose district includes the Wilmington project, also confirmed his support for an extension.
“After hearing directly from my constituents, I urged the Bureau of Street Services to explore every option to keep these projects moving forward,” Jurado said in a statement this week.
TheBoyle Heights project would enhance bike lanes and pedestrian-level lighting, as well as extend street curbs and plant more than 300 shade trees. OnSkid Row, existing bike and pedestrian pathways would be connected through downtown L.A. to schools, health facilities and job centers. InWilmington, near the busiest port in the country, crumbling sidewalks would be fixed and a new traffic signal and high-visibility crosswalks would be added.
The city must contribute about $23 million in matching funds.
Jurado, whose district includes Boyle Heights and Skid Row, said the two areas “have waited too long for these investments for them to slip away.” Her predecessor, Kevin de León, and his staff pitched the projects and spent about $250,000 in discretionary funds to hire consultants to put together the applications for both projects.
Dan Halden, director of external relations for the Bureau of Street Services, said in a statement that the agency acknowledges the challenges ahead, including resources, cost and timeliness, and would work to identify a path forward.
De León said in an interview this week that now is not the time for the city to return state dollars.
“It would be at best, political malpractice, at worst, criminal, if the city made the decision to return the money in a time when we need every imaginable dollar for the well-being of Angelenos,” De León said. “This is not the moment to return dollars back to the state government, especially for historically under-served and under-invested communities.”
Michael Schneider, founder and chief executive of the bicyclist and pedestrian advocacy group Streets for All, said that losing the projects would be “heartbreaking.” He said he was involved in one of the grant applications two years ago and saw the amount of resources that went into it.
“This is that times three. It’s beyond the pale,” Schneider said. “This is a lot of money for those projects that are not that complicated, already designed.”
Schneider said he is concerned that if L.A. backs out this time, the state would prioritize other jurisdictions for future funding. An extension could be putting off the inevitable unless something changes and the projects become a priority for the city, he said.
“If it goes away, all it means is that some of the most dangerous streets that we’re aware of in the city are going to remain dangerous for decades,” he said. “The projects have merit. They were chosen for a reason.”
In a video posted online last week, City Controller Kenneth Mejia highlighted the budget cuts that are jeopardizing the state grants, including a 26% cut, or $61 million, to the Bureau of Street Services, the lead agency for the projects.
“The city is actually very successful in securing these large grants,” Mejia said in the video. “However, departments are constrained by the budget and staffing cuts, which makes the city unable to deliver all of them within the deadline required by the grants.”
Lopez of the business improvement district said the state money would fund a crosswalk in front of the Union Rescue Mission on Skid Row, where pedestrians now resort to jaywalking and where she has witnessed accidents.
She said she has been in touch with Jurado’s office to offer her help in keeping the projects alive.
“The city of Los Angeles can do more than one thing at a time,” she said. “We can figure this out.”
Times staff writer David Zahniser contributed to this report.
Holiday expert Rob has shared the four ‘best’ places to visit in March, saying the destinations offer the same level of sunshine as your usual July to August getaways but at lower prices
He has shared his favourite holiday spots for March (Image: Getty Images/Universal Images Group)
It’s no secret that jetting off during the summer months can set you back nearly twice as much, prompting savvy holidaymakers to shift their breaks earlier in the calendar. Lending a hand, travel guru Rob has revealed his top four destinations to visit this March, promising sunshine levels that rival your typical peak season getaways.
In an Instagram clip, Rob, who goes by @rob.onthebeach online, explained: “I’ve seen loads of people asking me recently, where’s hot in March? But the better question is, where’s hot and cheap this March? Because March might just be the perfect month for a holiday. We’re coming out of winter at home, the mornings are brighter, but it’s still freezing and wet. And in March, holiday demand is still relatively low, which means some destinations really fly under the radar on heat and price.”
To compile his recommendations, he examined multiple countries based on their March climate, booking patterns and current prices.
Kicking off his rundown, he revealed: “In fourth place, I’ve picked Fuerteventura, because March is one of my favourite months for the Canaries, and Fuerteventura is probably my favourite island.”
“You’re getting heat in the 20s, loads of sunshine, and it’s warm enough all day without feeling sticky like it can do in summer. Plus it’s quieter, calmer, and everything just feels easier.”
Moving along, he spotlighted Paphos, declaring: “March in Cyprus is criminally underrated”. He remarked: “It’s not roasting, but it’s still really warm. Sun on your face, lunches outside, pool days when the sun’s out, and it’s way less touristy than summer.”
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Egypt claimed his runner-up spot thanks to its pleasant climate, with him adding: “High 20s to low 30s most days. Wall-to-wall sunshine, and seawater that’s perfect for swimming in, snorkelling in, or just floating in doing absolutely nothing.”
Topping his list, he crowned Las Vegas as the ultimate March getaway destination.
He explained: “I know it’s a bit of a wild card, but hear me out. March in Vegas is bang on. Hot days, cooler evenings, loads and loads and loads to do. And prices that are way softer than people expect.
“Now if you don’t believe me still, check out this deal I found. For four nights in March at the Strat Hotel with flights from Heathrow, it’s coming in at only £563 per person.
“For maybe the US’s best ever city break with sunshine, entertainment, pools, food, shows. This is seriously strong value in March.
“It’s warm, it’s unrivaled when it comes to fun, and it’s way more holiday than you’d expect to get at this price.”
Ask for one of the recently refurbished rooms if you can.
We were on the ground floor but slept soundly with no road noise, despite the easy road links in the area.
Room rates start from £76 per night, or £92 with breakfast.
What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?
While it is a 15-minute drive into Oxford city centre, the hotel restaurant serves up big portions at decent prices.
Fish and chips, curries, pizza and burgers are among the options. Save room for a triple chocolate brownie or Belgian waffle for dessert.
Breakfast is available until 11am on weekends, so you can enjoy a lie-in before your full English.
What else is there to do?
The hotel sits in between the city centre of Oxford and the Cotswolds with its rolling hills and charming villages.
Gorgeous landmark Blenheim Palace is only a 10-minute drive away or spend a day exploring Oxford’s famous university buildings and visiting a pub on the banks of the Thames.
Discount designer shopping complex Bicester Village is another good local draw – also a 15-minute drive away.
If the hotel family friendly?
Family rooms that sleep four and connecting rooms are available, as well as cots on request.
Is it accessible?
The hotel has wheelchair accessible rooms, which include accessible door locks as well as bathrooms with grab bars, tall toilets and adequate clear turning space.
Rooms include family and accessible ones as wellCredit: Holiday Inn
TREAT the kids to a fantastic half-term day out this week without breaking the bank.
There are superb free and low-cost events across the UK promising a lot of laughs at festivals, farms, forests, castles and animal parks. Trisha Harbord has selected a dazzling dozen.
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Treat the kids to a fantastic half-term day out this week without breaking the bank, including a stay at ButlinsCredit: supplied
FESTIVAL FUN
WITH a name like Super Duper, it is bound to be a great family festival.
For four days in half-term, Manchester is transformed into a giant playground with free activities in public spaces, cultural venues and landmark destinations such as the Central Library and Great Northern Warehouse.
There is storytelling with CBeebies, crafts, dancing, music workshops, shows and sports. Get a photo beside a Formula 1 car, or try the Lego workshop.
There will also be a carnival with a Victorian carousel and stalls, in St Ann’s Square.
Pick up a pass from Portsmouth Historic Quarter’s Visitor Centre to access heritage sites for freeCredit: PR Supplied
EXPLORE 300 years of fascinating maritime heritage for free.
Pick up a pass from Portsmouth Historic Quarter’s Visitor Centre to access the boathouse, exhibitions and beautiful gardens.
Fantastic artwork installations include the new Standing With Giants — silhouettes of military figures, including Winston Churchill — to celebrate wartime sacrifice.
You can also see iconic vessels including the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, currently docked here.
THERE’S a new destination for Lego fans — Longleat Safari Park.
The Wiltshire estate is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a Brick Week, including tiny versions of animals, from lorikeets to giraffes.
Families can build creatures, structures, trees or plants, to become part of the brick safari.
Longleat’s Scott Ashman said: “It’s 60 years since the first drive-through safari outside of Africa.
“The brick safari will grow throughout the week.”
Enjoy adventure playgrounds, the railway or lake’s jungle cruise before driving to meet the real animals.
GO: Until February 22. Adult from £39.95, children £29.95, under-threes free. See longleat.co.uk.
FABULOUS FORESTS
RAIN or shine, get the kids outside with Forestry England.
There are trails, cycle courses, play areas and stargazing in woodlands across the country, including Hicks Lodge, Leics; Gisburn Forest, Lancs; and Kent’s Jeskyns Community Woodland.
A highlight is the Room On The Broom trail, based on Julia Donaldson’s famous story, at sites across the country, with themed activities to help the witch find her hat and wand.
An adventure pack costs £4 and includes a lanyard, stickers and spell cards.
Many forests also have a Gruffalo orienteering course, with giant sculptures littered among the trees.
Falkirk boasts the biggest steel horse heads in the world, standing at 100ft tallCredit: Alamy
MARVEL at the magnificent 100ft horse head sculptures that are the pride and joy of Falkirk.
The Helix: Home Of The Kelpies offers tours to learn about the engineering and how they represent the country’s history and industry, with horses having played a huge role in the development of the area.
There are exhibitions about the steel horse heads — the largest in the world.
And the surrounding Helix parkland has an adventure zone and splash play.
GO: Tour for adult £8.50, child £3.50 (free with an adult ticket), under-fives free. See thehelix.co.uk.
ANIMAL KINGDOMS
Zoo tickets are discounted at top attractions around the country – with a variety of eventsCredit: PR Supplied
LET the kids play at being vets, with a third off zoo tickets.
Vets In Action runs throughout this week at London Zoo and Whipsnade, Beds.
Youngsters will be shown how to do a health check on real animals while practising on cuddly toys.
At London, they will join a rescue mission to save precious Darwin’s frogs from extinction.
And at Whipsnade — a 600-acre site with 11,000 animals — kids can learn about the conservation and well-being of the chimpanzees.
GO: Until February 22. Adult tickets from £29 and children £20.30, under-threes free. Use code WEB30 at londonzoo.org and whipsnadezoo.org.
ADVENTURE TRAILS
NATIONAL Trust properties have a huge selection of events for little outdoor adventurers.
Croft Castle, near Leominster in Herefordshire, has a Wildlife Detectives trail where kids track down clues among the trees.
The 17th century manor house, complete with turrets and towers, has a secret garden and play area with rope swings and balance beams among 1,500 acres of parkland.
There is a welly hunt at Charlecote Park, Warks; orienteering at Wentworth Castle, South Yorks, and a Winnie the Pooh exhibition at Nymans, West Sussex.
GO: Croft Castle family ticket costs from £42.50. Detective trail with a prize costs £3. See nationaltrust.org.uk.
MAGICAL RESORT
HAVE a spell-binding time in Blackpool as the resort bursts into life for the February Festival of Circus and Magic.
There are free spectacular shows, live performances and hands-on workshops for four days at venues including the Blackpool Tower.
Street entertainers roaming through the town centre include singer Elton
Wrong driving a white piano. Try your hand at puppetry and circus skills.
Last year’s Britain’s Got Talent winner, magician Harry Moulding, headlines a show at the Pleasure Beach Resort.
The Jorvik Viking Centre in York provides a fascinating journey back in time for visitorsCredit: PR Supplied
PACK in a host of attractions in York, there is something for all the family.
Most famous sights are just a short walk from one another and you can take your pick from 35 with a one-day pass.
They include the 7th century Minster — one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals — the Jorvik Viking Centre, which is a fascinating journey back in time, and The Cocoa Works — a yummy lesson in chocolate-making.
Why not take a sightseeing tour down the River Ouse to hear about York’s history with City Cruises?
GO: A day’s Visit York Pass costs from £65 per adult, child £40. See yorkpass.com.
BARGAIN GARDENS
HERE is an offer you can’t refuse — pay what you can afford to enjoy a major attraction.
Throughout February, Cornwall’s Lost Gardens of Heligan, which normally cost £28 an adult and £12.50 a child, are letting families choose their own admission price.
The Neon Jungle roller rink is a highlight this half-term — skate to a playlist of retro hits.
Meet the Home Farm animals, including piglets, goats and donkeys, take part in question-time sessions and try horse tail-braiding. There’s a shop and cafe, too.
BUTLIN’S is slashing day visit prices until February 26. There is 20 per cent off at Minehead and Skegness, and ten per cent off at Bognor Regis.
Families have access to the Skyline Pavilion at all resorts, with a packed schedule of shows and activities including Dino Expo, where kids come face-to-face with pre-historic predators.
There are fairground rides, Splash Waterworld pools with slides and flumes, football, plus arts and crafts sessions.
Bognor Regis has a four-storey soft play centre for 200 children, and the sister parks have playgrounds with climbing towers and trampolines.
GO: Adult day pass now costs from £29, child £12. See butlins.com.
CUDDLY ENCOUNTERS
Visitors to Park Hall will get an early taste of spring at a lambing festivalCredit: PR Supplied
IT always feels like spring is on its way at a lambing festival.
Get up close to the cuddly newborns at Park Hall Countryside Experience, Shrops, and, if you are lucky, see a birth.
The team will be on hand to educate youngsters on the new arrivals.
There are lots of other animals too including ponies, pigs, alpacas and chinchillas, on the farm near Oswestry.
And there are fun activities galore, with indoor play areas, science and music rooms, tractor and barrel train rides, go-karts, an adventure course and a 130ft zip wire.
