Children parenting and family life

SOPHIE Habboo has been left sobbing after her husband Jamie Laing’s Mother’s Day present backfired.

The couple welcomed their baby boy Ziggy in December and this year marks Sophie’s very first Mother’s Day.

However, things didn’t end up going so well when Jamie presented his wife with a photo album of their son.

The former Made in Chelsea took to TikTok to share a video to capture the moment in question.

In the short clip, Sophie, 31, is seen bawling her eyes out as Jamie, 37, asks: “Wait, why are you upset?”

As she holds her head in her hands, she emotionally expresses: “He’s never going to be that small.”

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He captioned the post: “Reminder… Don’t make your wife a photo album of your newborn baby for Mother’s Day.”

Fans flocked to the comments section as one said: “So valid. You blink and they aren’t the little baby you brought home.”

Another person commented: “That’s the baby bond burrowing it’s way through all the tired days, the hard times and the cray cray. It’s painfully beautiful.”

Somebody else penned: “Bless her, we all know this feeling but the best is yet to come as his little personality develops.

“The days are long but the years are short so just treasure every second.”

Yet another follower gushed: “That’s so sweet. Bless your heart Sophie you’re such a lovely mum.”

While a fifth social media user added: “This was me yesterday, sending you a big hug Sophie.”

The pair announced the arrival of their first child back in December as they took to Instagram to share the news.

Alongside a photo of their baby boy, Jamie wrote: “Ziggy, you have our whole hearts.”

They were flooded with messages from fans and famous pals as Rylan Clark said: “Congrats you two xxx.”

“Congratulations guys,” weighed in Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse. “A new journey begins.”

“You did it mama,” wrote Jessie J.

“Oh my goodness so many congratulations. So excited for you and this amazing new chapter for you all! Biggest hugs,” added This Morning regular Alice Liveing.

Sophie recently opened up about her motherhood journey while attending the Brit Awards with Jamie earlier this month.

During an interview with Chloe Burrows for KISS FM, she was asked: “Is there anything you’re not loving about being a new mum?”

The new mother responded: “The constant mum guilt.”

“You just feel guilty for being here, but then feel guilty… yeah, that’s not good.”

While Jamie added: “The hardest thing about having a baby is the burping.”

Rolling her eyes, Sophie chimed in: “The mums do everything.”

But to that, Jamie claimed: “I mean, this is a joke.”

Moments later, Sophie then shared: “I have the better instincts.”

Stunned by his wife’s claims, Jamie clapped back and snapped: “No, I have better instincts.”

Joking around, the Made in Chelsea icon laughed: “I feel him. I can feel him right now.”

I SPEND a lot of my time looking at holiday prices – comparing deals, breaking down packages, and figuring out where the strange little pricing tricks are hiding.

There’s one trend I keep seeing again and again. In some family resorts, it can actually work out cheaper to stay as an adult and a child than as one adult on their own.

That’s not because flights suddenly get cheaper, but because the hotel part of the package drops in price.

It sounds odd, but when you look at how hotels price their rooms, it starts to make sense.

Why does this strange holiday pricing trick happen? The main reason is something called a single supplement.

Most hotel rooms are priced for two people sharing, so when just one person stays, hotels often increase the price to make up for the empty bed.

Solo travellers can end up paying a hidden surcharge, but when you add a child, the pricing works differently.

Family resorts – especially in places like Turkey, Spain and Greece – are built around rooms designed for two adults and a child, and children usually cost hotels less to accommodate.

They often sleep on sofa beds, eat smaller portions and have discounted all-inclusive rates.

Because of that, hotels often price children very cheaply – and sometimes the total hotel cost actually drops compared with a solo booking.

Hotels are usually happy with this because families tend to spend more around the resort, from drinks and snacks to activities and excursions.

So, filling a room with an adult and a child can be more valuable than one guest travelling alone, which occasionally leads to the strange situation where bringing a child makes the hotel portion of the holiday cheaper.

When I looked at the data, I found several resorts where this pricing quirk shows up.

I compared the price of a 7-night stay as a solo traveller versus the cost when bringing one child at a variety of holiday resorts.

Here are some of the best examples, and the biggest savings of up to £698.

Labranda Targa Club Aquapark, Marrakech

Average saving: £30

Just outside Marrakech, Labranda Targa Club Aquapark combines Moroccan sunshine with a proper family-friendly resort setup.

Kids get water slides and splash pools, while adults can explore the markets and gardens of the city nearby.

And the pricing still shows a small advantage, with adult and child bookings averaging £30 cheaper for a 7-night stay than solo travellers.

BLUESEA Puerto Caleta, Fuerteventura

Average saving: £43

Located in Caleta de Fuste, Puerto Caleta is a relaxed apartment complex perfect for an adult and child beach holiday.

You’ve got sandy beaches, boat trips and plenty of restaurants right on your doorstep.

When I priced it up, holidays average a £43 saving for an adult and child per 7-night stay compared with travelling alone.

Sol Barbados, Majorca

Average saving: £45

Sol Barbados in Magaluf is one of the most family-friendly resorts in Majorca.

There’s a huge waterpark-style pool area, kids’ entertainment and easy access to the beach.

For an adult travelling with a child, it’s a simple sun-and-pool holiday – and the pricing shows an average saving of around £45 for a 7-night stay compared to booking solo.

Staycity Aparthotels, near Disneyland Paris

Average saving: £60

City breaks can show the same pattern too.

At Staycity Aparthotels near Disneyland Paris, you’re just minutes from the Disney parks, which makes it ideal for an adult taking a child on their first big theme park trip.

And the pricing structure means the average holiday can come out around £60 cheaper for a 7-night stay when you book as an adult and child instead of travelling alone.

Oludeniz Beach Resort by Z Hotels, Dalaman

Average saving: £81

Oludeniz Beach Resort sits right by one of Turkey’s most famous beaches – the stunning Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz.

It’s an easygoing, all-inclusive resort where an adult and child can spend the day swimming, exploring the beach or watching the paragliders drift down from the mountains.

And package bookings for this hotel show an average saving of £81 for a 7-night stay when adding a child versus travelling solo.

Gran Castillo Tagoro, Lanzarote

Average saving: £212

This five-star resort in Lanzarote is practically designed for family holidays.

Gran Castillo Tagoro has dedicated kids zones, family pools and incredible views over the volcanic coastline near Playa Blanca.

For an adult and child travelling together, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and activities.

Bookings here show an average saving of around £212 when bringing a child for a 7-night stay compared with a solo holiday.

Golden Port Salou & Spa, Costa Dorada

Average saving: £251

In Spain, Golden Port Salou & Spa is a brilliant base for an adult and child holiday.

It’s close to the beaches of Salou and just minutes from PortAventura theme park, which makes it perfect for a trip packed with rides, waterparks and ice cream stops.

Thanks to family-friendly pricing, the average holiday price drops by about £251 per 7-night stay when a child is added to the booking.

Rixos Radamis Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Average saving: £279

If you’re looking for something more luxury, Rixos Radamis in Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most impressive resorts in Egypt.

Huge pools, beach access on the Red Sea, kids clubs and endless all-inclusive food options make it a dream for families.

And the pricing structure here means an adult travelling with a child can save around £279 for a 7-night break on average compared with booking the same trip alone.

Auramar Beach Resort, Algarve

Average saving: £349

Over in Portugal, Auramar Beach Resort sits right above the cliffs near Albufeira with incredible sea views.

It’s a laid-back all-inclusive hotel where an adult and child can spend the day between the beach, the pools and the buffet before watching the sunset over the Atlantic.

Because it’s built for families, adding a child actually brings the average holiday price down by around £349 for a 7-night break compared with travelling solo.

Eftalia Blue, Antalya

Average saving: £698

One of the biggest differences I found was at Eftalia Blue on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

This is a classic big Turkish all-inclusive resort with huge pools, slides, and easy access to the famous Eftalia Island beach complex.

For an adult and child travelling together, it’s ideal – kids get waterparks and entertainment all day while parents can relax by the pool or head down to the beach.

And the pricing quirk here is huge, with holidays averaging almost £700 cheaper for an adult and child for a 7-night stay compared to travelling alone.

Here’s my key takeaways for travellers.

I should make it clear: holidays aren’t always cheaper with kids.

Flights are still one of your biggest spends, and plenty of hotels price things normally.

But when you start digging through package holiday deals, you occasionally find this strange pricing quirk.

Because of single supplements and heavily discounted child rates, this is one of those travel industry secrets you only really notice when you spend your days digging through holiday data.

KIP with the kids in a two-bedroom lodge at The Mole Resort or try the boujee airport hotel alternative of a grand Italianate mansion.

In search of the perfect pit stop, Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley found out all that both had to offer.

The Mole Resort

As I slam on the car brakes, my kids Poppy, seven, and Raffy, four, shout: “Woah!” In the middle of the road is a local walking her dog – which happens to be the size of a small pony.

Yep, it’s safe to say rural Devon is proving to be an eye-opener for us all.

We’re kipping at The Mole Resort, a country-house hotel that had a spruce-up a couple of years ago, set in 125 acres of rolling countryside.

Our two-bedroom, two-bathroom lodge in the grounds comes with floor-to-ceiling views of a verdant meadow and a hot tub, which proves particularly restorative after the long drive.

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Another huge win is the raft of activities on site – from pickleball to pétanque, disc golf to axe-throwing, and archery to pottery painting.

Talking of which, the kids adore painting egg cups, £14 each, and are thrilled to pick up their newly glazed souvenirs the next morning.

There’s also a restaurant, games room and health club with a pool – though this has seen better days.

The village it sits in, Chittlehamholt, is also home to excellent 16th-century pub The Exeter Inn.

Owners Hazel and Steve welcome visitors like family, as does their gorgeous cockapoo Frankie.

Flavour-packed dishes like Peking duck bon bons with hoisin, £9.50, and beef and ale pie topped with stilton, £17, are spot-on.

As are the proper puds – pick spiced sticky toffee, £8.50, for the win.

With more than 80 gins and local ales aplenty, you won’t go thirsty, either (Exeterinn.co.uk).

Just 20 minutes’ drive away is another absolute gem – Quince Honey Farm, which brings joy even on the drizzliest day.

Here, we roll our own beeswax candles, forage for wildflower seeds and taste five varieties of the golden stuff – the dandelion honey is crowned our fave.

Entry per adult and child over five costs £10.80 (Quincehoneyfarm. co.uk).

Leaving armed with brilliant bee facts, we all agree this pretty nook of Devon makes for a super stop-off en route to a beach break.

Stays in a two-bedroom lodge at The Mole Resort cost from £120 per night (Themoleresort.co.uk).

Down Hall Hotel

I’m not a huge fan of airport hotels, which is why the boujee alternative of a grand Italianate mansion in the Essex countryside instantly appeals.

Less than 20 minutes’ drive from London Stansted, its rural setting will help you to properly relax before take-off.

A giant chessboard, tennis courts and a mini football pitch in the expansive grounds keep the whole gang entertained.

Meanwhile, the newly opened Barn Spa offers mini-me treatments, including head and scalp massages, from £25 per child, and the recently refurbed family rooms come with a Nintendo Switch, so the kids are more than alright.

Tuck into dinner treats, such as crab with apple gel, cucumber and nasturtiums, £16.50, followed by venison loin with a dark-chocolate jus, £41, at The Garden Room, which holds two AA Rosettes.

And it would be rude not to try the moreish house cocktail – a Down Hall Bramble, made with the hotel’s own garden gin, £15.

When in Rome (or Essex) and all that. . .

Family rooms at Down Hall Hotel cost from £212 per night (Downhall.co.uk).

A FUTURISTIC theme park has just been named one of the best in Europe and you can fly there for just £13.

Futuroscope in France is a theme park dedicated to “multimedia, cinematography and emerging technologies”.

Named 15th on Blooloop’s best theme parks in Europe list, the theme park appeals to both adults and children.

The attraction originally opened back in 1987 and can be found just outside the city of Poitiers.

Speaking to Blooloop in 2024, Rodolphe Bouin, Futuroscope’s CEO, said: “Futuroscope is unique because it aims to develop visitors’ curiosity, not just entertain them.”

The park has even been dubbed as the “equivalent to Universal Studios in Europe”, by theme park content creator That’s So Mid on TikTok.

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The park features several attractions including an astronaut training programme-themed rollercoaster and the Mission Bermudes boat ride.

For adrenaline junkies, there’s Tornado Chasers, where you get to ride into a tornado on a rotating platform, with the world’s largest indoor LED screen.

Toddlers haven’t been forgotten either, with little electric cars, a small floating log ride and Waterworks play area.

There’s also a number of playgrounds including an airport theme one with a plane climbing frame.

In fact there are over 40 attractions at the park and three shows.

New for this year is the Greenhouse of Worlds, which is an immersive greenhouse that comes to life as you walk through it.

Another new attraction for this year is T.Rex – a 6K laser projection show that follows the true story of three children who discover a Tyrannosaurus fossil with a team of palaeontologists.

Opening on April 4, there will be Pulse! The Electric Odyssey as well.

The new attraction explores all the forces of nature, with interactive activities for children of all ages.

Parents can enjoy the experience too by heading to Bar Lab to try futuristic cocktails.

And more recently, in 2024, the theme park opened its second park called Aquascope – an immersive indoor waterpark.

Inside visitors can expect eight “XXL size” slides and four themed universes.

The indoor water park is also home to Les Abysses de lumière, which is Europe’s first aquatic cinema.

One interactive part of the aquatic cinema is The Eauculus, where visitors can dive under the water and discover a seabed of strange creatures.

There’s a lazy river as well that takes you on a journey through Aquascope.

Smaller children can make a splash in the Aquatic Maze or head to the Musical Cave to come up with a melody.

One visitor said: “Aquascope is a kind of aquatic nightclub crossed with a James Cameron film.

“Between the digital projections on the walls and the 29°C water, you no longer know if you’re there to swim or to attend a contemporary art performance.

“The ‘Luminous Abyss’ zone is the highlight of the show – swimming amidst interactive projections that react to your movements is the ultimate experience for anyone who has ever wanted to live in Avatar.”

Another person said: “The scenery is magnificent; it’s like being in Avatar!”

On sunny days, there is an outdoor pool and terrace too, with The Aquadynamic – a river course with effects throughout.

When it comes to having a bite to eat, head to the Space Loop restaurant – the only rollercoaster restaurant in France.

Inside, guests will be served their food via a small rollercoaster where dishes spiral down to where you are sat.

As this is an experience as well as a restaurant you do have to book and it does cost an extra €27.50 (£23.76) for adults and €16 (£13.82) for children.

Food then includes burgers, risotto and pork tenderloin costing around €16 (£13.82) each.

If you want to extend your stay, you can do at the Hotel Station Cosmos which is themed to be a space station, with themed rooms.

The hotel costs from €196 (£169.35) per night and includes a show, breakfast and access to Futuroscope park.

Other hotel options at the theme park include Hôtel Ecolodgee Futuroscope which features nature-themed lodges from €166.50 (£143.86) per night or the Hôtel du Futuroscope, with basic family rooms from €126 (£108.89) per night.

A day ticket to Futuroscope and Aquascope costs from €68.80 (£59.49) per adult or child aged over 13-years-old and from €56.80 (£49.11) per child between five and 12-years-old.

Children between zero and four-years-old go free.

The closest airport to the park is Poitiers Airport, which is about 17 minutes away by driving or just under an hour on public transport.

Flights from London Stansted cost as little as £13 one-way in April and the flight only takes an hour and a half.

In other theme park news, an English seaside theme park has scrapped its entry fees and will soon have a huge new ‘showstopper ride’.

Plus, the European theme park you won’t have heard that’s revealed a huge £78million expansion plan and you can fly there for £14.

MICHELLE Keegan melted hearts when she shared an adorable photo of her and daughter Palma wearing matching pyjamas.

The mum-of-one, 38, shares one-year-old Palma with her husband Mark Wright, 39, after welcoming the tot last year.

Former Coronation Street actress Michelle looked every inch the proud mum, as she beamed in the photo.

The Fool Me Once star posted the sweet snap on her Instagram Stories last night.

In the heartwarming photo, which is to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, Michelle is seen posing in matching nightwear with her mum Jacqueline and daughter Palma.

The trio looked adorable all wearing the same PJs that were cream with flowers on them.

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Michelle smiled in the photo, as Palma was seen with her back to the camera and trying to climb up on her mum.

The star wrote on the sweet snap: “Two mummies and a baby.

“How cuuuuute are these PJs from my @veryuk collection??? Perfect for Mother’s Day to match all the generations.”

The latest photo comes just days after Michelle and husband Mark threw a very extravagant first birthday party for Palma last weekend.

To celebrate their only child turning one, they hosted a pink-themed bash for the young tot at their £3.5 million mansion.

No expense was spared, and there was yummy food and drinks for party-goers to enjoy.

There was a themed cocktail bar serving “Palma Tinis”, with vodka, raspberry liqueurs and pineapple juice, and pink gin refreshers called “Bubbly First Birthday”.

Outside in the couple’s huge garden, there was a large marquee which had an inflatable balloon dome, a bouncy slide, and seating areas. 

The couple have kept their firstborn largely out of the spotlight, hiding her face from social media snaps to maintain her privacy.

Michelle and Mark shared the arrival of Palma last year: “Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl.

“Palma Elizabeth Wright 06.03.25.”

There are two very sweet reasons behind both monikers, with the couple having strong links to Mallorca, which is where they announced their pregnancy news to fans.

Palma is the capital of the Mediterranean island.

The couple consider it their “second home”, making no secret it is their “favourite place” to holiday.

Meanwhile, the couple chose Elizabeth for their daughter’s middle name as a tribute to Michelle’s great-great grandmother.

WHEN Gaz Beadle and Emma McVey announced their split in 2023, their fans were shocked. 

Geordie Shore lothario Gaz had always described the model, who he had two children with, as his ‘rock’. But, just months after she underwent heart surgery, Gaz announced their eight-year relationship was over. Now, insiders tell us tension has been bubbling behind the scenes.

Things are said to have reached boiling point after Gaz announced he was expecting a baby with his new girlfriend, Maia, 13 years his junior.  

Our insider says: “Gaz and Emma have both moved on and are in happy, loving relationships with new people.

“But fans have noticed there is a level of competitiveness between them, and they seem to be trying to outdo each other.

“Emma got engaged, and then Gary announced he was having a baby. It was a huge shock and very eye-opening.

“She feels like she has a very small group of loyal friends, and exactly who they are has become very clear since her split from Gary.”

It’s certainly not the first time Emma has been blindsided by Gaz – she was shocked when he announced they had split during a Q&A with fans.

He casually revealed they had split three weeks prior and insisted there was no bad blood between the couple, who share kids Chester, eight, and Primrose, six.

Sources said Emma felt it was ‘unfair’ and was keen to announce it to her own followers herself.

She didn’t shy away from how hard the breakup was, in contrast to Gaz’s laissez-faire attitude.

In a heartbreaking post, she told her followers: “It’s been really hard for me and the kids to be separated. There’s been a lot of crying on FaceTime, which really breaks my heart.

“I’ve been numb and focusing on my children while still trying to work. I’ve honestly not known what to say. I’m hoping this will get easier in time.

“Sending so much love to anyone going through something similar, and thank you so much to everyone who has been checking in on me.”

If Gary took them to the park, the next week Emma took them to a theme park

Our insider

And when she moved on with a new man and a fan accused her of being unfaithful, she shot back with a jibe that appeared to be aimed at Gary: “I was unfaithful? What with someone I met 7 months after my separation? No darlin, you clearly have NO IDEA who was unfaithful.”

Our insider continued: “There was tension from the get-go but they masked it pretty well. They both doted on their kids whenever they had them, but fans noticed how they often posted competing snaps. If Gary took them to the park, the next week Emma took them to a theme park.”

Cheating allegations

Emma and Gaz first started dating in 2016, but just a year later, they called time on their relationship, with Emma accusing Gaz of cheating and dumping her by text.

She ranted: “When he’s been filming Geordie Shore, he decided to send me a TEXT ending things, telling me to move my stuff out of OUR home that I furnished and paid for without explanation.

“After begging me to go to Australia with him and making me leave my career, I still find out he still managed to cheat on me throughout our relationship and continually lie.”

But the pair reconciled, and in 2017, they announced they were having a baby. Their son Chester was born in January 2018, and their second child, a daughter named Primrose, was born in December 2019.

Gary popped the question while she was pregnant with baby number two – the whole thing was filmed.

They tied the knot in 2021 in front of 90 guests and their kids in Cheshire.

Bedding 1000 women

Gary appeared to be a very different man – his wild Geordie Shore days were well in the past.

He once boasted about sleeping with over 1000 women – his tumultuous relationship with Charlotte Crosby was well documented – but after quitting the show in 2017, he turned his life around. 

He told us previously: “My life couldn’t be more different.

“My DM’s have changed dramatically, I can tell you that. It’s gone from mum’s wanting to shag me to mums and dads talking about colic, acid reflux, nappies, and bath toys.

“I had ten-years of partying and doing whatever I wanted. I was so used to life being all about me then I had a baby and quickly realised life wasn’t about me anymore.”

It wasn’t an easy time for any of them, as Emma suffered a series of debilitating health issues 

The model, who once dated Towie’s Mario Falcone, had no idea she’d been born with three holes in her heart until a monitor was fitted following her second pregnancy.

She’d suffered years of seizures, exhaustion and fainting episodes – but while the diagnosis was illuminating, medics were cautious about operating because Emma is also battling ulcerative colitis.

The condition, which affects roughly one in 420 in the UK, causes ulcers and inflammation in the digestive tract.

The steroid treatment used to treat it can lead to bone loss and breakage, which doctors warned could stop Emma’s bones from fusing back together.

I thought, ‘I’m going to get put to sleep and I’m not coming back out’.

Emma, on her heart surgery

Around Christmas time of 2023, her tricuspid valve – the valve between the two right chambers of the heart – further deteriorated, and the decision was made to proceed with the op in spite of the risks.

She later said: “I knew in surgery I’d be connected to a heart machine that would be keeping me alive while my heart was stopped, and I kept thinking, ‘They’re not going to be able to start my heart again’. 

“I thought, ‘I’m going to get put to sleep, and I’m not coming back out’.”

It was a life-changing experience for all the family, and made their split even more surprising. 

It wasn’t long until they both moved on, though. Emma started dating electrician James Staszewsky, and he became a huge part of her life and that of the kids as they set up home. 

Gary had a brief romance with pro golf star Charley Hull, before falling for student Maia.

In what some felt was a dig at influencer Emma, Gary gushed about Maia:  “I like how she’s got a normal job. Like, she got in at 8 o’clock this morning after leaving at half past 7 last night… 13 hours. She’s doing it again tonight, it’s inspirational.

“It almost brings me down a peg and I think that’s why I’m getting more normal and normal.

“I just love to pop to the pub for a bit of food and a walk with the dog, cutting the grass, like, I’ve become quite a normal boring person.”

The romances both came under fire and in a very surprising move they joined forces once again in order to issue a lengthy statement in which they addressed their marriage ending and the attention their new romances had gained.

‘One team’

Gaz hit back to insist they are “really good friends” and that they are both “happy and happy for one another” despite being in “new relationships”.

He added: “Both of us are in new relationships and we all get along well, and we can say we are so proud of ourselves to be able to all stay as one team.”

We’re told it was a brief period of calm for all parties involved but it wasn’t long that changed.

Gaz’s baby news was said to be one of those moments that rocked the boat.

Only a couple of years ago, Gaz had told The Sun he wouldn’t be having more kids, he said: “Two is hard enough. I think if you asked us before we may have said three but that was before we realised how hard it is.

“If we had two boys or two girls, then maybe it would be different but we have one of each, which is perfect.”

A baby bombshell

In a post last week, Gary told fans that nursing graduate Maia, 24, was pregnant.

He told fans: He wrote: “We’ve been keeping a little secret…

“Baby Beadle, you are so loved already.”

He recently returned to Geordie Shore after eight years away, though in a far cry from his wild days on the show he did it all sober.

He insisted that Maia won’t be joining the show because she has her own career, but with a baby on the way that could all change.

Friends are hoping it might put a stop to the one-upman ship.

They tell the Sun: “Everyone knows having a baby changes everything.

“They both have their happy ever afters now and can concentrate on that, and of course, the kids they share.

“There is room for them both to enjoy the limelight, without having to compete.”

FAMILY holidays are most fun when children reach eight years old, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 mums and dads who’ve ever been on holiday with their child found this is the age when parents and little ones alike get the most out of getaways.

At this stage, 55 per cent believe they start to form lasting holiday memories, 64 per cent think they get genuinely excited about new places and can contribute to the planning (22 per cent).

They’re better able to relax themselves (41 per cent), enjoy more shared hobbies and activities together with their kids (41 per cent) and have longer attention spans (40 per cent) then too.

Commissioned by Jet2holidays ahead of Mother’s Day, the research found 76 per cent of mums who go on one or more getaways a year consider family holidays to be their calendar highlight.

A spokesperson for the tour operator said: “Family holidays are special at all ages.

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“With the research highlighting just how meaningful family getaways are across the board.

“However, there appears to be something especially great once kids reach eight years old – with the findings suggesting many kids are more curious, more engaged and better able to take in new experiences at this age.”

The study also identified what parents look for in a family getaway – with value for money (29 per cent), a place which suits the whole family (28 per cent) and good weather (28 per cent) coming top.

Activities everyone can enjoy together are also considered key (17 per cent), along with a destination which is easy to get around (15 per cent) and genuinely family friendly accommodation (14 per cent).

To ensure the kids in particular are happy, 30 per cent ‘often’ or ‘always’ get them involved in the planning of a family break.

They do so because it makes their little ones feel included and valued (46 per cent), creates shared excitement (37 per cent) and ensures activities suit their interests (34 per cent).

And taking such steps to ensure family holidays are a success appear to be worth it – 86 per cent said memories spent with their kids on such getaways are among their most meaningful.

The research carried out through OnePoll also identified the holiday milestones those polled consider to be the most significant, with going abroad as a family for the first time (35 per cent) coming top.

Flying together for the first time (24 per cent), the first theme park or major attraction visit as a family (15 per cent) and staying away from home overnight for the first time as a unit (14 per cent) are also significant.

A spokesperson for Jet2holidays added: “It’s clear involving children in the planning process plays a big part in making a holiday memorable.

“And this is just one of a host of memorable holiday milestones they’ll be part of – whether that’s flying together for the first time or going abroad as a family stay with parents for years.

“This is why considerations like the right destination and accommodation are so important.

“We’re proud to help families make those memories by offering great value, family friendly holidays which cater to everyone, whatever stage of family life they’re in.”

JACK Osbourne has proudly welcomed a baby girl with his wife and revealed her sweet name which is a touching tribute to his dad Ozzy.

The former MTV reality TV star, 40, confirmed the happy news in a post on Instagram.

And Jack revealed her name was Ozzy Matilda Osbourne in a sweet nod to his late father.

The tot was pictured lying peacefully next to what appeared to be a bat plushie and a badge that said ‘Hello World’.

Jack captioned the post: “She’s arrived and she’s perfect.”

Ozzy Matilda was born om March 5 just before 9am according to the duck-themed sticker.

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Rock legend Ozzy, who died in July aged 76, had been told he was going to be a grandfather again before his death.

Jack previously revealed he and Aree’s tot was giving him hope while grieving for his Black Sabbath rock legend dad Ozzy.

The proud dad has three daughters from his previous marriage – while his and Aree’s firstborn is three-year-old Maple.

Fans were quick to congratulate Jack after his latest annoucement.

One said: “Yay, we have another Ozzy Osbourne! The world is right again.”

Another wrote: “Oh my goodness congratulations I love her name I’m sure ozzy is smiling.”

A third said: “The most perfect name she could have ever received!! Congratulations to you all…I am sure her birth is what everyone’s heart needed!!”

Speaking publicly for the first time about the happy pregnancy news back in December, Jack said it has been the joy his family – including his mum Sharon, 73 – have needed after such a tough year.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday he said: “It’s awesome.

“I think it’s been partly a healthy distraction, partly healing – probably in that kind of ‘full cycle’ category, in a weird way.

“It’s very much taken energy out of the grieving side of things and parked in a bit more hopefulness.

“It’s been easy for me – I think it’s been a lot harder for my wife!

“We’re super-excited. It was sort of planned, I should say. It was maybe a little earlier than expected.

“But it’s definitely something that we were wanting to pursue and somehow it happened, miraculously.”

His beloved dad Ozzy played a farewell concert at the Villa Park stadium in his hometown of Birmingham last July.

At the benefit gig, the acclaimed heavy metal star reunited with all of his bandmates, which included Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward.

The band performed some of their greatest hits, ending with a rendition of Paranoid.

During his last interview, heavy metal icon Ozzy said his “final encore” meant “everything”.

Jack then ventured into the I’m A Celebrity jungle to honour bat-biter Ozzy’s legacy and his wish for him not to be “moping about and being sad”. 

He lasted 21 days in camp and proved to be hugely popular among his campmates.

Ozzy’s death, following a six year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, reshaped Jack’s perception of their relationship with him now saying he is “really cherishing moments” – even the difficult ones.

Jack first rose to fame in 2002 after starring in the hit series, The Osbournes.

He received worldwide attention for his television tenure alongside his family, which included sister Kelly, and parents Sharon and Ozzy.

IF YOU told me there was a place that had the streets of Paris but in England, I wouldn’t believe you.

But there is, and after years of living in London, New York and Los Angeles, I decided to move back to the storied cosmopolis that is Canterbury.

Canterbury has just been named the best small city in the UK by The Telegraph, and it isn’t hard to see why.

With a wealth of glorious green spaces, museums, ‘traditional meets trendy’ pubs, inviting restaurants and unique shops, the UNESCO World Heritage Site city in The Garden of England leaves me with a grateful heart.

I first fell in love with its cobbled, meandering streets and willowy riverbank walks as a student at the university here in the 1990s, where I met my husband.

When we finally decided it was time to bring our family home to the UK after two decades living in the US, there was only one place on our list.

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And three years after our return, I still get a buzz walking past the hodgepodge of medieval taverns and churches immortalised in the novels of one of the city’s biggest fans, Charles Dickens.

Here’s my insider guide to get the best out of this glorious city, whether you’re coming for the day or a week.

Canterbury technically invented tourism when it started making the most of the martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket, who was murdered in the cathedral in 1170, encouraging people to travel to the site for miracles and blessings, and stay for the fine ale and feasts.

Today, the UK’s oldest cathedral and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican community, is still a beautiful place to spend a peaceful few hours.

You can admire the breathtaking stained-glass windows, gawp at the tombs of The Black Prince and Henry IV, or explore the wildflower gardens that surround the Gothic cloisters.

And with the first female archbishop in the cathedral’s 1400-year history being enthroned this month, there’s never been a more meaningful time to visit.

Tickets start from £18 per person and include exhibitions, mini talks and activity trails.

Under 18s can go free when accompanied by one paying adult (max two children per adult).

Social media had recently been alive with comparisons between Canterbury and Paris, thanks to both cities’ abundance of pavement cafes and tree-lined streets.

The cities are only being 177 miles apart and my car even picks up French radio stations.

“For me, Canterbury feels like a tiny English version of a Paris arrondissement… a storybook full of historic wonders,” agreed my friend Marie, a Parisian who has called Canterbury home for the last five years.

“I fell in love with its quirky tea rooms, independent boutiques, traditional
pubs and cathedral bells.

“Plus, this place has really friendly locals, who are way more welcoming and laid-back than the people you will find in most French cities!”

For the best of France right here in England, wander The King’s Mile and pop to local gourmands for sweet treats, including Madame Oiseau Chocolatiers for handmade truffles.

Or head into Café Turquoise for delicately fragrant macaroons, and there’s A. T. Patisserie as well, which has inventive eclairs that make your mouth scream hallelujah.

Our shopping definitely compares in originality to the greatest global metropolises.

From the rare gems waiting to be discovered in the infamously wonky and haunted Crooked House Bookshop (where every penny made goes to support a local charity, Catching Lives), to the made-and-glazed-onsite teapots designed by a husband-and-wife team in Canterbury Pottery.

Another spot worth exploring is The Goods Shed – an indoor farmer’s market which boasts farm-fresh soups and stews.

Thanks to Canterbury having the UK’s biggest student-to-resident ratio, the vintage shops are abundant and full of quirky finds.

Check out the Cathedral Quarter’s Superstore, Retro Remix and Karma too.

You’ll leave with a head full of history and a bag full of pre-loved treasures for much less than you’d pay in a bigger city.

Spring is the perfect time to visit, thanks to its plethora of free parks and gardens.

Toddler’s Cove is an action-packed mecca for the under-eight-year-olds, which is just along from Westgate Gardens, with its award-winning flower displays and views of 12th-century towers – the oldest surviving gateway in the country.

Inside the towers is now a museum, escape room and a kid-friendly restaurant called The Pound (don’t miss the spicy chicken
sandwich).

Entrance to the old gaol (jail) museum is free with every meal.

After people-watching on the patio, walk past the controversial new statue of a drowning Ophelia (Shakespeare was inspired to write her character after being transfixed with a similar local scandal).

It is next to The Guildhall – where a young Mozart performed – which houses a great coffee shop.

You can also jump onboard a chauffeured punt for a dreamy historic tour
along the River Stour.

Back on dry land, head to local boy Orlando Bloom’s favourite restaurant, Café des Amies, which serves the best Tex-Mex I’ve ever tasted (and I lived in Austin for seven years).

If you’re up for more action, rent your own paddleboard or kayak from Canoe Wild for a sunset paddle along the river to gaze upon the resident beavers (from £40 per person).

The brand-new Canterbury Tales Experience is a state-of-the-art interactive, immersive journey through the stories of Geoffrey Chaucer – with holograms and actors, sounds and smells of the 13th century.

The experience ends up in a pub too, where you can meet the Father of English Literature himself.

A family ticket for two adults, three kids costs £60.

Other cultural must-dos include the Roman Museum, which gives a family
friendly insight into life in Roman Britain, built around the remains of an original Roman

Another option is Town House, which is complete with stunning mosaics (Adults, £11; children £5.50) and the free Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, which hosts workshops, art shows and exhibitions for all ages throughout the year.

It is also the home of a few of Canterbury’s most beloved fictional characters, including Rupert the Bear and Bagpuss.

For more cities to explore in the UK, here’s the UK’s smallest city with a pretty high street and 26 nearby beaches.

Plus, our expert picks for UK staycation trips to banish post-summer blues – including free hidden gems for kids & £1.50 meals.

SOCIAL media is a great place for discovering hacks, but sometimes they don’t always work.

To save you the time and money, we have tried and tested some of the viral travel hacks that have popped up on our social media.

Whether it is grabbing an item you already have and using it for another purpose to save yourself some money or a specific product that can make travelling better, we know what works and doesn’t.

Tried and tested and would recommend

New toys for the journey

One of the best tips I’ve followed is to buy a couple of new toys and keep them out of sight until the plane journey, if you’re travelling with young kids.

Wiki sticks were recommended to me and went down a treat with my son.

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You can mould them into different pieces of art, then pack them away for the next trip.

A small box of Lego works very well too, and you can even pick these up in duty free at most airports.

If you’re looking to save money, a kids’ magazine with several naff plastic toys on the front works equally well – they have often kept my child entertained for the journey and the whole trip.

CBeebies magazine, Lego magazine and Pokemon magazine have held attention for a particularly long time.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Snoozeband

Any hack that promises to improve sleep will pique my interest and the Snoozeband did not disappoint me.

Essentially, it makes using headphones much more comfortable, particularly when you are trying to catch some kip.

I’ve used my band on many overnight flights – and it’s pretty much the only way I can ensure I’ll get some shut eye.

It looks a little like a sweatband or running headband in that it’s made from elasticated material that wraps around the circumference of your head, over the ears.

Built into the band are two mini speakers that line up with your ears and connect to your device via Bluetooth.

They most definitely save you that horrible discomfort that you get with traditional earbuds or AirPods-style headphones, particularly if you are leaning on a surface trying to catch some Zs or even when on a pillow.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Have an iPad for holidays-only

We have an old iPad that my child is only allowed to use on holiday.

Before the trip, I download audiobooks and Netflix shows and he’s allowed to watch as much TV as he wants on the actual flight.

He also has some apps that he is allowed to use on the holiday.

A big favourite at the moment is Simply Draw, with video tutorials on how to draw different things.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Universal plug adaptors over single country ones

Plug adapters are a travel essential that often prove to be more frustrating than you’d think.

It’s difficult to remember which countries use which type, and even if you think you know, you can sometimes still end up packing the wrong one.

Some countries will catch you out, too.

For example, even though Switzerland is in Europe it doesn’t use the standard EU Type C plug – it uses the Type J instead.

So the easiest way I’ve found to get around all of this is by packing a universal travel adaptor.

One simple block with prongs that fold in and out depending on which plugs and sockets you’ll need to use – nice and easy.

I often leave one in my suitcase: readily prepared for the next trip, no thinking required.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Inflatable booster seats

Hiring a booster seat from a car rental company can be astronomically expensive, costing up to £15 a day.

But you can buy an inflatable booster seat by BubbleBum for under £40 and take it on multiple holidays for years.

You’ll make the money back in just one trip.

Plus it’s also helpful for if you take taxis to the airport or go on coach transfers.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Balloons to cover bottles

If travelling with liquids, my biggest worry is always, what if they leak?

But a while ago whilst carrying out my daily doom-scroll session, a video came up of a woman cutting the stem off of a balloon, just to be left with the bit that would have been the spherical part of the balloon.

She then stretched this over a bottle of fake tan.

I was sold, and sure enough on my next trip I tried it out and it worked.

A bag of 20 plus balloons will set you back a couple of quid, which is well worth it when you could be saving your suitcase from being an entire ooey-gooey mess.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

TikTok underseat bag for budget flights

Ever since I had to fork out £65 in excess baggage fees at the Ryanair departures gate, I’ve made sure never to make that expensive mistake again.

I realised just before boarding that you can’t simply eyeball your travel backpack and hope for the best – especially since the eye-watering fee cost me more than my return flights to Dublin.

So when I saw the perfect underseat bag pop up on my TikTok For You Page – black, collapsible and barrel-shaped – I knew I had to grab it.

Since my purchase I’ve been able to stuff my new bag to the brim – and it still slides perfectly into the baggage sizer at the gate.

And at £11.99, this one-off purchase has saved an over-packer like me from endless extra luggage fees!

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Ditching tours for Google Lens

A friend introduced me to the wondrous Google Lens a while back and it’s saved me hundreds on guided tours over the years.

Strolling around an unknown city and curious to know what a particular landmark is?

Snap it on your camera with Google Lens and it will be identified in a matter of seconds – and if you want to learn more about that monument’s story or historical significance, you can expand the description through use of Google’s integrated AI tools.

The Lens feature is built into the Google app, so it won’t take up an unnecessary storage on your phone.

It doesn’t just work on well known buildings either.

I often use it to identify unusual plants that I don’t recognise in tropical climates or even items of food and old artefacts in museums.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Packing cubes

If there is one thing I never do on holiday, I never check in a suitcase.

And trying all the hacks over the years, my failsafe?

The good old packing cube.

I’ve managed to cram in 10 days worth of clothes into just four packing cubes, which all fit into my hand luggage-size suitcases.

It also makes it so much easier finding my clothes, as everything is separated into tops, bottoms, jumpers and underwear.

You don’t need to spend too much on them either – certainly less than having to check in a suitcase, anyway.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Solid shampoo and conditioner bars

If you’re anything like me, packing your liquids bag often feels like an impossible challenge of fitting a million make-up items into one tiny pouch.

And once you’ve got your mascara, concealer, foundation and perfume in there, suddenly there’s no more room for your actual shower essentials.

So instead of buying a large (and often more expensive than you’d hope) shampoo and conditioner abroad, I recommend packing a solid shampoo and conditioner bar.

These won’t affect your liquids allowance, which is especially great when you’re travelling with hand luggage only.

My personal favourites are from Lush – the Squeaky Green shampoo is packed with fragrant herbs and flowers, and the ‘Big’ conditioner leaves my hair beachy and shiny with a coconut oil and vanilla scent.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Free calculator currency converter

Trying to work out if that Moroccan souk bag is really a bargain? Not sure if that cheap glass of wine is really so cheap?

You don’t need any fancy currency converter apps.

Did you know that the iPhone calculator app can be used instead?

Simply click the button at the top right and change it from Basic to Convert.

And there we go – every currency you can think of at your fingertips, so you don’t end up paying £1,000 for that rug you thought was £100 instead…

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Tried and tested and wouldn’t recommend

Foot hammock

With an old knee injury, long haul flights in economy can be pretty unbearable.

So when everyone was raving about ‘foot hammocks’ which you can tie underneath the plane seat, I was intrigued.

The mini hammock is meant to raise your legs to a higher, more comfortable position to ease pressure on your knees and back.

However, I found it didn’t help at all, instead just making my feet slide together and feel even more crammed in.

My cheaper, easier hack?

Just put a small bag on the floor underneath the seat in front of you, and rest your feet on that instead. Voila.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Mobile phone straps

A strap for your phone that hangs around your neck, allowing you to go hands free, sounds great. In reality, however, it falls short.

I don’t think you’ll ever feel fully secure parading one of your most valuable possessions around on display for the world to see, especially in city or festival environments.

The only thing standing between you and a thief is your neck.

And I’m not sure I’d fancy putting my neck on the line (quite literally).

The one time I did use a mobile strap, I found that I wasn’t able to wear it for long as my neck started to ache – and wearing it across the body, on one shoulder, defeats the purpose of having your phone easily accessible as I’d have to remove it from under my arm to use my device.

The one time I did find it useful was at a theme park, when on a roller coaster – although many places don’t allow this.

In general, though, a cross body bag is much more practical. You can carry a shed load more, too.

– Sophie Sweitochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Elastic band phone strap

I love taking photos and videos on my phone when away, but in some spots I am stressed about losing it forever.

For example, let’s say you are on a boat tour and want to lean over the edge of the boat to take photos of the vibrant blue water.

The fear is that you’ll drop your phone in the sea, right?

Well, if you have an elastic band or hairband, you can loop this through the bottom of your phone case and pop it around your wrist for a makeshift wristband.

After seeing this on Instagram, I thought it was a great idea.

That was until the hairband snapped and my phone plummeted to the ground. Luckily, I wasn’t there.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Mini toiletries

So-called ‘travel-sized’ toiletries are not suitable for travel at all – unless you’re planning on only showering once on your holiday.

These often overpriced minis can set you back £3 to £5 per tiny bottle, or even more if you opt for the luxury brands.

I often find that I can only get one use out of mini shampoos and conditioners, especially when you have longer hair.

And when it comes to the mini spray deodorants, it soon seems like you’re only spraying air from these aerosols.

Other than the disappointing contents, these mini toiletries are also not the most sustainable option.

Plus it can save you both time and money to simply refill a set of reusable 100ml bottles each time you go away, rather than repeatedly fork out on minis.

It’s also worth checking the toiletries your hotel already provides ahead of time.

Most hotel bathrooms are stocked up with shampoo, conditioner and body wash as standard.

So once you’ve simply topped up your refillables with your holy grail products, you’re all set.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Paper to stop clothes creasing

When packing a suitcase, it is slightly heartbreaking to think the next time you open it you’ll see the clothes you meticulously packed, but now with loads of creases.

So you can imagine when I saw someone on social media saying that acid-free tissue paper helps to prevent clothes from creasing, I was thrilled.

You are meant to place a sheet between each folder layer of clothes and essentially, the paper acts as a buffer to stop creases.

Though, having now tried this a couple of times, it hasn’t worked for me.

In the future, I think I’ll stick to using the hotel iron…

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Boarding the plane first

You know that announcement at the beginning of the flight that says families with young children can board first? Ignore it.

Unless you have masses of cabin suitcases and are worried about there being enough space on the plane, wait until the end of boarding to get onto the plane.

Because the last thing kids need is MORE time stuck in a seat.

I’d also add that if you’re child can possibly walk to the boarding gate, do away with the buggy and let them.

Because it will tire them out before the journey.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

For more travel tips, here are The Sun’s Travel Editor’s top hacks for having the cheapest ever break with Hols From £9.50.

Plus, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has visited more than 100 cities – here are her nine ways to do it on the cheap from ‘alternative’ airports to cheap business hotels.

IT MIGHT be super early to start thinking about Christmas but it is that time of year again where LaplandUK tickets drop soon.

LaplandUK has announced that tickets to its sought-after festive experience will be released later this month on March 27 at 10am.

The high-demand tickets usually sell out within a few hours after launch and this year is expected to be the same with the newer £30million Manchester LaplandUK experience running for its second time.

Similar to the rush for Glastonbury but for Christmas, LaplandUK is predicting that over one million people want to get tickets.

Last year, 350,000 tickets were available and before the tickets were released, over 750,000 people were waiting in the virtual queue online.

This year, LaplandUK will run from November 7 to December 24, with tickets costing between £60 and £195.

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On March 27, guests will be able to enter the virtual waiting room at 9am, via LaplandUK’s ticketing platform.

Each guest will then need to select their preferred venue – Ascot or Manchester.

At 10am, when tickets are released, each guest will be allocated a random place in the queue for the venue they have selected.

Once they reach position one in the queue, they will be able to select the number of tickets they want and the date they wish to visit.

Kerrie Thomas, 47, from South Wales said: “This year will be our 25th visit.

“The adrenaline of getting tickets to LaplandUK is literally like trying to get tickets to Glastonbury or Adele.

“We have everything ready before the sale opens, and get friends and family involved too.

“It really is worth it to see my daughter’s face when she steps into LaplandUK, it is just so magical.

“It has become an unmissable Christmas tradition in our household.”

Once guests purchase their tickets, they will be sent a personalised invitation.

Then, when it comes to the day of visiting, families will get to explore a snow-filled world with Elves, a frozen pond for skating and a Toy Factory.

Around the experience there will also be smells of the Lapland Bakery and the glistening of twinkling lights.

When guests arrive they will venture through “secret portals in the Whispering Woods of the UK and follow magical pathways to arrive in Lapland”.

The experience also includes performances and interactive activities such as helping out the Elves in the Toy Factory to make a toy to pop in Father Christmas’ Sleigh.

And of course, each child gets a special moment with Santa himself, who will give them a gift to take home and another surprise for Christmas Day – the specific toy they created in the Lapland Toy Factory.

To find out what it is like to visit LaplandUK, one Sun reporter visited the new experience in Manchester last year.

Plus, a mum has shared her top Lapland UK tips, including how to save money and the best areas to go to.

MUMS have their mothers’ meet-ups and Facebook community groups, but did you know the dads have their very own festival?

Every year, DadFest – the only festival in the country for just fathers and their kids – takes place in Yorkshire.

During the festival at South Cliff Holiday Park, you can create your own campfire with your little ones or stargaze together.

For active families, there’s the opportunity to have a go at archery, bouncing on trampolines, crazy golf and high ropes.

Dads who want to take a seat and watch their kids play can head to the disco or a Forest School.

And if you love exploring the wilderness, there are even bat walks to head off on.

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Of course, you can expect arts and crafts sessions too and children’s entertainment.

For a laugh, make sure to catch the Regional Dad Dancing Championships at the festival, which will pick one dad as Yorkshire Dad Dancing Champion.

It’s not just dads though – other male figures including step-fathers, uncles and grandparents are welcome.

All of the activities are included in a festival ticket, as well as access to The Edge Aerial Adventure (high-ropes course), camping and parking.

There is food for purchase on site too but you can bring your own camp stove and prepare your own food.

Guests can use the holiday park’s facilities whilst staying, which include the Conservatory Restaurant and two bars.

There is also a fish and chip shop if you prefer a salty takeaway and a small shop.

The holiday park also boasts an outdoor playground, with nest swings, zip lines, climbing walls and a giant tower with slides.

And whilst you stay at the park and enjoy the festival, make the most of the coastal location as well.

The holiday park sits right by Bridlington South Beach, which is a huge stretch of golden sand, is dog-friendly, ideal for watersports and has fascinating low clay cliffs.

The festival was created by The Dads’ Network CIC which is for dads, father figures, male carers and their children and last year, it won the award for the ‘Best Small Event in the UK’ by the National Outdoor Events Association.

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This unique festival gives dads and children the chance to connect with nature while enjoying fun activities that help develop new skills and strengthen family bonds.

“I had the privilege of taking part in the last DadFest and was hugely impressed by how well organised it was and by the wide variety of activities on offer.

“My daughter and I had a fantastic time, and I’m delighted to see the event return.”

DadFest organiser and founder of The Dads’ Network, Ian Blackwell, said: “DadFest started in Devon in 2014 and we ran our first DadFest in Bridlington in 2025.

“We are really pleased to be bringing our small, award-winning festival to East Yorkshire in partnership with East Riding Council and Rewilding Youth.

“The festival will also be bringing the renowned ‘Yorkshire Dad Dancing Championship’ – a hotly contested dance off by grooving dads, much to the sheer embarrassment of their kids.

“The winning dad in Yorkshire will take home the bragging rights as the Yorkshire Champ and will get free tickets to The World Dad Dancing Championships in Devon in September, along with a fetching trophy for the mantlepiece.”

DadFest will take place from 3pm on May 15 to May 17.

Tickets cost £112 per dad and one child, £122.50 per dad and two children or £132.50 per dad and three children.

For more family days out, here are the best UK family days out from £10 to completely free this Easter holidays.

Plus, the UK’s best campsite your kids will love – you get free theme park access and it’s just £25 to stay.

BUTLIN’S has launched a brand new darts attraction at all three of its resorts.

In partnership with the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC), the JDC Butlin’s Darts Academy will allow kids to participate in darts sessions.

The JDC Butlin’s Darts Academy is included in all School Holiday Breaks and involves a two-hour session aimed at beginners and kids with some experience.

The session will be run by academy leaders, who will guide each player to improve their darts skills.

The leaders will also teach the kids the basics of the sport and give them the chance to play the interactive ABC darts game.

The academy is suitable for children aged eight to 16 and it is already open at the Minehead resort and will be available on all School Holiday Breaks from Easter at the Bognor Regis and Skegness resorts.

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Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s said: “If you’ve got the next Luke Littler or Beau Greaves at home, then our new JDC Butlin’s Darts Academy will be perfect on your next school holiday break.

“We’re always looking at ways to give our guests new experiences and with the huge rise in popularity of darts this new session is the perfect way for kids to get involved in the sport.

“And what’s best, this amazing new activity is included in the price of the break.”

Darren Barson from the Junior Darts Corporation, said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Butlin’s.

“This partnership will give children a unique opportunity to learn a new sport while having fun during their holidays.”

Also this Easter holidays, between April 10 and 12, the three Butlin’s resorts will be hosting three-nights of birthday celebrations to mark 90 years since the first resort opened.

There will be fireworks with performances by the Redcoats alongside mascots Billy and Bonnie.

There will be a new Birthday Party Bingo in Reds as well, with themed games, dancing and a special moment when the number 90 is called out.

Adults can also enjoy special birthday cocktails as well.

A three-night birthday celebration break starts from £214 and includes all that you usually get from a Butlin’s break plus the Easter entertainment line up which includes The Masked Singer and Maximum Pro Wrestling.

Godolphin added: “No one does it bigger and better than Butlin’s, and we’ve been proudly doing it for 90 years.

“A milestone this special deserves a Butlin’s style celebration to match.

“From the spectacular firework and laser display and incredible entertainment across the weekend, we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone across the three resorts.

“This weekend is not only dedicated to the memories made over the last nine decades at our resorts.

“We’re also looking to the future, and all the special moments that will be made at Butlin’s in the next 90 years.”

In other holiday resort news, these are 14 of the best holiday parks in the UK from £19 a night – including beach resorts and huge waterparks.

Plus, we reveal the nine most popular Hols From £9.50 holiday parks of last year – as booking opens for 2026.

NAOMI WATTS watched on proudly as her daughter showcased her model behaviour at Paris Fashion Week.

Rising fashion star Kai Schreiber – who came out as transgender last year – stole the spotlight as she towered over her Hollywood star mum at the Balenciaga show on Saturday.

Wearing a sharp tailored two-piece teamed smokey eye make-up, 17-year-old Kai made an impact with her striking look.

Proud mum Naomi, 57, wore a matching black ensemble as she supported her daughter, who has been feted as a future top model.

Also on the runway was Rebel Yell punk star Billy Idol, 70, who had on a tasseled black leather poncho.

US model Paris Jackson, 27 — daughter of late pop star Michael — was also spotted in black outside her hotel.

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Kai made her fashion runway debut at Paris Fashion Week last year by walking for Valentino.

Kai’s parents have both conquered Hollywood and are known for TV and film.

Naomi and Liev – who also have son called Sasha, 17 – were together for 11 years before they amicably split in 2016.

Liev has since married Taylor Neisen, while Naomi went on to wed Billy Crudup.

Naomi often shares how proud she is of her daughter, in sweet posts on Instagram.

When the teenager turned 16, her mum penned a heartfelt message to her.

“Darling Kai. Happy sweet sixteen. Your sweetness is pure and I’m the luckiest mommy in the world and that world is SO lucky that you are here!” the proud mum wrote.

“You blow me away with your wild spirit, strength and yes your soft sweetness too. You even let me post a baby picture!

“I thank my lucky stars I get to be your mom [sic]. I Love you to the moon.”

KERRY Katona wants to “up and leave to Spain” with boyfriend Paolo Margaglione after a receiving a telling sign.

The 45-year-old revealed her plans to relocate to the warmer climate last month with her and Paolo’s blended families.

But now she’s admitted that the move could be happening sooner than expected because her youngest daughter Dylan Jorge’s school is closing down.

Writing in her column for New! magazine, she said: “I recently got a message announcing they are shutting DJ’s school down in July. Molly, Lilly and Heidi all went to that school, so I am truly gutted.

“Now we’re running around trying to get her into a different school, but they favour pupils who already have siblings who attend, so DJ’s been put on a waiting list.

“I’m in touch with another school but we keep missing each other, so I’m wondering if this is a sign to up and leave to Spain and start fresh…”

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Kerry is mum to children, Molly, 24, Lilly-Sue, 22, Heidi, 18, Max, 17 and 11-year-old Dylan-Jorge.

Meanwhile, Paolo is dad to two daughters, Milani and Nola.

The couple revealed their future plans last month and admitted they were considering moving overseas.

During a joint interview with OK! magazine, he said: “Hopefully somewhere hot and sunny. The idea is, at some point, to potentially move away from the UK.

“It’s something I wanted to do and something Kerry’s wanted, too,” as Kerry expressed: “We do have a plan.”

The pair fell in love while filming for Celebs Go Dating last year, despite Kerry having reservations about the 12-year age gap.

He met Kerry’s daughter Heidi on the show as well as her best pal Danielle Brown, with both of them giving him a thumbs up.

Since filming wrapped, Kerry and Paolo have gone from strength to strength and are now living together.

They’re all set to return for Celebs Go Dating’s upcoming series, which will star Coleen Nolan, Gabby Allen and Lucinda Light.

The loved-up pair will sit down with dating experts, Paul C Brunson, Anna Williamson and Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn to discuss their whirlwind romance.

In an exclusive for The Sun earlier this year, Kerry opened up on the sexual chemistry she shares with her other half.

She gushed: “Oh, it’s f****** unbelievable. Honestly, even now I get stuck with words!

“I was adamant I wasn’t interested in meeting anybody. I was not f****** interested in anybody. Honest to God,

“I was, “I’m doing it on my own era,” and now when I’m not with him, I actually ache.”

She added: “Whether this works out or not, how I feel right now, I can’t deny these feelings. It’s electric.

“I’ve never felt that. I’ve never felt giddiness and my hands shake, it really excites me.”

DIANNE Buswell has shown off her blossoming baby bump after being forced to shut down rumours she’d secretly given birth.

Strictly star Dianne and long-term partner Joe Sugg jokingly shut down the rumours after an AI photograph of them cradling a baby was spread online.

The photograph was so realistic that family and friends had reached out to them to “congratulate them”, albeit confused they hadn’t been told.

Today, Dianne showed off her classic jokey charm with a TikTok video set to a sound clip from Friends.

In the video, Dianne pushes a baby stroller in front of the camera, while wearing a bright green jacket.

She then whips it back to reveal her bare baby bump in a sports bra and leggings and declares: “That’s right, still no baby!”

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Dianne then covers the bump back up with the jacket and struts out of shot.

This isn’t the first time Dianne has combatted the internet with a comedic take, previously hitting back at trolls who questioned why her baby bump is always on-show.

She shared a TikTok video over the top of which she’d written one of the remarks: “But why do you always have your belly out?”

She had KC and the Sunshine Band’s That’s the Way (I Like It) playing in the background, as she captioned the video: “Because that’s the way I like it!”

Joe and Dianne announced they were expecting their first baby last September, shortly before Dianne returned to the dancefloor for Strictly Come Dancing 2026.

The returning champion dancer was partnered with Neighbours actors Stefan Dennis, however unfortunately the pair were forced to withdraw in week four because he sustained an injury.

Her participation made Strictly history as she was the first pro to compete while pregnant.

Dianne and Joe met thanks to the BBC competition, as they were partnered together on the sixteenth series of the show back in 2018.

They proved to be an impressive partnership as they managed to make it all the way to the final before falling at the final hurdle and losing out to Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.

They confirmed their relationship shortly after, with Joe declaring in an Instagram post that he’d “got something better than the glitterball”.

WHAT’S your check list for a family holiday that keeps everyone happy? Several pools? Water slides? Beach access? Good kids club?

This month, the TUI Holiday Village in Sarigerme, Dalaman, was voted TUI’s best family-friendly hotel in the world.

The Magic Life property on the edge of the Aegean Sea has 253 rooms, five pools and four restaurants… and enough activities to keep guests busy for an entire month.

I visited for a week last summer with my 6 year old and was blown away by the offering. 

As a Travel Editor for nearly a decade, I’ve slept in some of the world’s best places, from five-star resorts to Disney theme park hotels. 

But this flagship Holiday Village property by TUI got a 10 out of 10 for many things, from food and cleanliness to extracurriculars. 

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I’ve been to five-star hotels with far poorer service and fewer food choices.

On my family’s trip our days were so busy I had to schedule everything. 

We filled our days with Go Ape-style aerial adventures, drama classes, inflatable obstacle courses, discos, game show challenges, arcades… 

There truly was something for everyone, including football and swimming lessons, or even chocolate parties.  

Despite scorching temperatures in August hitting 48C, the staff were amazing.

The entertainment team were always on form, the food at breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious, the poolside was immaculate and the rooms were spotless.

Breakfast was enormous, with every taste catered for — Turkish pastries, English favourites, about six types of eggs, continental, and a huge fruit selection.

Lunch by the pool was equally impressive, with a huge mezze selection consisting of about 40 different dishes.

But the best meal was dinner, with an even more expansive mezze selection, soups, salads and several hot food stations serving everything from pizza to gourmet to-order dishes, and a pudding buffet of dreams.

They also had themed nights, when the entire menu was changed — our favourites being the Turkish and Asian evenings.

And they had a separate kitchen for kids’ food at all meals. 

There were three a-la-carte restaurants too, serving American, European and Asian dishes.

At night, most of the hotel decamped to the 500-seat amphitheatre to watch the entertainment.

One evening towards the end of our holiday, my son and ten others put on a half-hour show that was deeply impressive given the minimal six hours of rehearsals that had taken part in the run-up. 

Also part of the evening entertainment schedule were DJs, dance contests, quizzes and a musical. 

Admittedly, you have to be a certain type of person to enjoy this hotel.

“Never a dull moment” extends to all times of the day, with a full-on range of activities taking place by the pool during the afternoon.

But if that’s you, then the TUI Village Sarigerme really does offer everything the whole family could want from a holiday.

Seven night all-inclusive holidays at the hotel start from £655pp, with return UK flights.

WE THOUGHT we’d try somewhere adventurous and long-haul this February half term – only to balk at the price of five flights for the family.

I’ve visited some amazing destinations with my kids, such as Antigua and St Lucia – but it was my 13-year-old who said it first: “Mum, why don’t we just go back to Butlin’s, we love it there.”

Despite the UK weather doing its usual February sulk, it really did seem like the best option.

Because honestly, when you’ve got a family, ‘easy’ is the luxury – not the fluffy dressing gowns and designer toiletries.

So it’s no surprise that Butlin’s is still going strong after turning 90 this year.

You can feel the old holiday-camp DNA (updated for the way kids live now) nine decades later.

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And with three kids of three different ages, they easily cater to three different ideas of a good time.

We went to Bognor Regis on the South Coast – it’s not a mega
mission from London and we like browsing the charity shops in the town when we want a break from the noise of the resort.

We had a great first day of sun making the most of the outdoor activities – shooting arrows in an archery session, trying the climbing wall and the high ropes, driving go-karts and doing a circuit of the fairground rides.

Then of course, in new British fashion, the heavens opened.

But that didn’t matter because of all the indoor activities there were to choose from.

Bognor has its new PlayXperience building, and with the kids now nine, 12 and 13, they were the perfect ages to get stuck into this new high-tech play space.

The Escape Room was our highlight, with the alien-themed Area 51being exactly the sort of story that drags kids in from the first second.

Secret bases, weird goings-on, computer servers, clues and that delicious feeling that you’re actually on a real mission.

Within five minutes, my lot were in full command mode – one child on text, one on codes and one on fiddling with every locked box willing something to fall out.

I tried to put in my tuppence-worth but was generally overruled, by my seemingly smarter kids.

I think we might still be locked in the first room had the nine-year-old not cracked the essential first clue and it was my 13-year-old, not me, who managed to line the wellies up correctly in the second room to give us a crucial code.

I can’t remember the last time I saw my three children genuinely working together

And that family bonding is the whole point of Butlin’s, going right back to Billy Butlin’s original idea of giving ordinary British families a proper break by bundling fun, food and somewhere to sleep into one straightforward package.

Mine don’t want a quiet week of skimming stones on Bognor beach – they want big, shiny, ‘tell-my-mates’ experiences, like Laser Tag (where I learnt that small people have no mercy and I got completely rinsed by someone who still needs help finding the right sock).

Or the VR-cade where I learnt that virtual reality games give me motion sickness, but it’s funny watching your kids react to things that only they can see.

And where else could take your kids swimming, climbing, bowling, go-karting and to a show all in the same day?

The live shows were a particular hit with the poor weather scuppering any outdoor fun.

There’s the good old-fashioned pantomime, even in the height
of summer (this year it’s Jack and the Beanstalk).

And the evening shows include a team of talented redcoats singing popular hits with impressively quick costume changes.

This year there are two new evening shows proving a big hit with punters: The Masked Singer Live and Maximum Pro Wrestling.

The Masked Singer Live has that big Saturday-night energy: bright, silly, loud, designed to make you shout “take it off” even if you’ve never seen an episode of the TV show.

The families around us were guessing, debating and building elaborate theories, which swept my kids in and even though I didn’t have a hope of guessing the celebrity correctly I had fun all the same – it was impossible not to get caught up by the energy in the room.

The Pro Wrestling show was also a blast, even if you’ve never watched any form of wrestling before.

My kids instantly got the gist of it – the characters, the drama, the outrageous moves; i’s basically panto with muscles, and it’s brilliant.

They screamed at the baddie and the adults joined in, too, my throat hoarse by the end of the night.

And that’s the thing with Butlin’s – it takes the pressure off and lets you be who you want with no judgment.

Also, and I say this with feeling, it’s a place where you don’t have to apologise for having children.

Nobody looks at you like you’ve brought a marching band into a library a everyone’s in the same boat trying to keep boisterous little ones entertained.

And there’s comfort in knowing that if we don’t have the budget or the will for something long-haul and adventurous next year either, there will always be Butlin’s for a fun half term.

In other holiday park news, here are 14 of the best holiday parks in the UK from £19 a night – including beach resorts and huge waterparks.

Plus, here are 10 of our favourite £9.50 holiday parks in the UK.

SPRING is blooming and what better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than heading out in the sunshine and making use of some ‘mums go free’ deals to top attractions.

I love heading out with my boys, but sometimes it can cost a lot by the time I pay for myself and them.

But when it comes to Mother’s Day, my secret weapon is heading to spots that have a ‘mums go free’ offer.

The offers celebrate Mother’s Day but is a great opportunity for having a fun family day out whilst saving a bit of cash.

One of our favourites as a family is Audley End miniature railway near Saffron Walden in Essex, which is about to launch a new play village in time for its reopening.

Now known as Audley End Enchanted Railway, it’s a must-visit for fans of all things fairy, as the train ride is full of magical moments winding through the woodlands.

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There’s an adventure playground and an elf and fairy walk as well as the new wooden play houses.

And this Mother’s Day weekend, both mums and grandmothers go free.

Just across the road is one of the historic houses looked after by English Heritage.

This year, Mothering Sunday falls during the National Lottery Week, which means free entry to English Heritage sites between March 7 and 15 with a lottery ticket.

At Audley End House and Gardens, one adult and two children can get free entry with each lottery ticket, so you could easily combine the English Heritage deal with the mums go free offer at the miniature railway for a full day of family fun.

While National Trust properties in England and Wales are also taking part in the National Lottery Open Week, many don’t offer free entry on Mothering Sunday, so that’s something to bear in mind.

But there are a number of other big names participating in National Lottery Open Week, such as several RSPB destinations around the UK.

What’s great about lottery week is that it’s not specific to mums – so if you’ve got an important person who you want to celebrate on Mothering Sunday, you can treat them, whoever they are.

As for other offers, you can head to Gulliver’s theme parks and get one adult entry for free with each paying child on March 14 and 15.

We always have a great time when we visit Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes, which is perfect for a first theme park visit if you’ve got little ones who haven’t been on rides before.

We especially love the JCB zone near the entrance, which has a covered picnic area where mums can have a coffee while the kids keep themselves occupied with diggers galore.

There are also Gulliver’s sites in Matlock Bath in Derbyshire and in Warrington, so you’re spoilt for choice if you want a fun day out.

These aren’t the only theme parks with offers for Mother’s Day either.

Other attractions include Drayton Manor near Tamworth and Flamingo Land in Yorkshire, both of which let mums go free on Mother’s Day with a full paying child.

Loads of farm parks around the country get in on the act of offering mums free entry and March is the perfect time of year for a visit, with lots of baby animals being born.

Bluebell Dairy near Derby is one example, where my little boy particularly enjoyed the huge jumping pillow and watching the cows in the milking parlour before sampling the ice cream that the farm is famous for.

Some farms are even giving mums a little gift as well as free entry.

Rand Farm Park near Lincoln, lets mums take home a potted plant to mark their special day, while at Thornton Hall Country Park near Skipton, mother figures will be offered a free glass of prosecco or orange juice.

The best way to find somewhere near you is to simply Google search ‘mums go free offer near me’, and you should discover a number of spots where you can save some money this Mother’s Day.

For more places to explore this Mother’s Day weekend, there are hundreds of paid-for attractions with free entry when you have this one item.

Plus, the family-friendly spas perfect for a Mother’s Day treat from country house hotel to hot-tub heaven in Lake District.

AMY Childs has made a plea to fans about her secret family tragedy.

The Towie icon, 35, is asking her followers to share or donate to her cousin’s fundraising page after her five-month-old daughter Lila was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumour.

Amy’s cousin has shared how they are now “out of options” following Lila undergoing 9-hour brain surgery and the tumour since returning.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Amy shared a screengrab of the JustGiving page and wrote about her family’s ongoing tragedy.

“Please, if you can, help support my cousin’s beautiful daughter Lila,” Amy touchingly penned.

She continued: “She’s fighting so hard and every donation makes a difference.

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“Even sharing this means a lot. Thank you all so much.”

On the JustGiving page, Amy’s cousin Hannah opened up about the ordeal in depth.

“Our beautiful little Lila is only 5 months old and been through more in her little life than any adult we know. Our brave girl, our little lion cub,” she began.

“Lila was diagnosed at 3 weeks old with ATRT – a rare and aggressive brain tumour.

“She underwent 9 hour brain surgery at just 3 weeks old, and started chemotherapy at just 5 weeks old. And that is really just the surface.

“What one tiny baby has endured in her 5 months of life has taught us some serious life lessons.”

ATRT is also known as atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor.

It is a rare, fast-growing, and highly aggressive cancerous tumour that develops in the brain and spinal cord of children aged 3 and younger.

Brain Tumour Research states: “ATRTs are classified as embryonal tumours, meaning that they develop from stem cells that helped the embryo to form in the womb, but have unfortunately remained active in the brain after birth.

“When these stem cells fail to stop dividing and developing after the child is born, they can form a cancerous tumour.”

On Amy’s cousin’s fundraising page, Lila’s mum Hannah went on to add: “Lila is the strongest baby girl, already defied all the odds, she has done everything that has been asked of her.. but unfortunately after 6 rounds of chemotherapy, an MRI showed the tumour has returned.

“We were told that treatment would not continue and we were out of options.”

Hannah then revealed that she and her partner “lived in hospital for four months” and were separated from their three other children during this time.

She explained how they have now been living in a children’s hospice for two weeks.

“Our lives have been turned upside down and we are devastated,” she added.

She then explained how they have reached out to an oncologist in Toronto, who is leading on research in ATRT, for a second opinion on Lila.

“We have no idea if there are any options for us, what they could be and how much it might cost us.

“The target is therefore completely random – but if by some miracle, they come through with something for us to try and it comes down to finances, we need to be prepared. Time is not on our side,” she went on.

Concluding her moving plea, Hannah went on to add: “Be assured your donations will not go to waste.

“If our efforts don’t pay off, your donations will be given generously to the lovely charities who have supported us during this time.”

At the time of publication, Amy’s cousin had raised £24,350 of her £25,000 goal.

THE WORLD’S first Hey Duggee themed hotel rooms are launching at a UK theme park next month.

The beloved BBC preschool series, which features a friendly dog and his Squirrel Club, will soon have its own themed rooms at Alton Towers theme park.

Launching March 14, fans of Hey Duggee will be able to stay in rooms that bring the Duggee Clubhouse to life.

There will be one standard room and one suite, with each able to sleep up to five guests.

Each room will feature a double bed with a bespoke headboard, themed TV and furniture and even a dedicated children’s area with bunk beds inspired by the Squirrel Club.

Each space will also be full of familiar faces from the show including Betty, Happy, Norrie, Tag and Roly.

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Kids will even be able to play a sensory game with elements from the series in the room.

For those with beady eyes, you’ll be able to spot characters hidden in corners too.

A one-night stay in March or April, in the Hey Duggee standard room costs from £343 a night and in the Hey Duggee suite, from £450.

Included in the room are tea and coffee making facilities, a bottle warmer, cot, iron and ironing board and toiletries.

You will also get a full-English breakfast, free parking and access to nine-hole golf.

And throughout the day and evening, the hotel hosts activities as well, such as a tots disco, stargazing and live shows.

It is worth noting though, that theme park tickets are not included in this price.

If you want to head into the theme park, standard entry which includes access to CBeebies Land costs £34 when booked in advance online.

You can also grab a £29 toddler and parent pass, with children under 90cm tall visiting for free.

Alton Towers is already home to a Hey Duggee themed interactive sensory play area in CBeebies Land, where kids can meet Duggee and collect a Big Adventure Badge.

There’s also Hey Duggee Live, where fans can help Duggee, Roly, Betty and Happy discover the mystery DJ in Big Fun Showtime.

The CBeebies Land Hotel is designed for young families at Alton Towers and features a number of other themed rooms, such as Bluey, Bing, In the Night Garden, Octonauts and Something Special.

Guests staying in the hotel also get to meet some of their favourite CBeebies characters.

Natasha Spence, Events Director – Live Entertainment at BBC Studios, said: “These world-first Hey Duggee themed hotel rooms bring the Duggee Clubhouse to life in a truly immersive way.

“It’s a wonderful extension of the show that allows fans and families to continue the fun, imagination and adventure beyond the screen and we’re delighted to be working with Alton Towers Resort again to create something so special.”

Howard Ebison, Vice President of Alton Towers Resort said: “What better way for fans to relax and continue the adventures after a fun-filled day at CBeebies Land than with a stay in our world-first Hey Duggee themed rooms.

“We have an exciting year ahead in 2026 at Alton Towers Resort for families and this themed addition to CBeebies Land Hotel is the latest example of our commitment to unforgettable memories and immersive experiences for families.”

The new Hey Duggee-themed rooms follow the announcement of the world’s first Bluey-themed rollercoaster which will open in CBeebies Land on March 28.

Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! will be based on the episode where Bluey and Bingo dress up as grannies called Janet and Rita, with the two characters causing chaos on the ride.

Ebison said: “Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! is all about celebrating energy, play and those everyday moments families love about the show.

“It’s playful, unexpected and unmistakably Bluey – and we can’t wait to welcome families from March 28 to experience the world’s first Bluey coaster right here at Alton Towers Resort.”

In other theme park news, you can get a year’s free entry to 20 of UK’s top theme parks and attractions for less than cost of one chocolate bar a week.

Plus, there’s a European theme park that feels like the ‘Eden Project meets Disney’ and it is getting two new rides this summer.

KATIE Price has confirmed her family were livid upon hearing she had married for a fourth time.

The star wed Lee Andrews in Dubai in January in a whirlwind marriage that took everyone – including her own family – by surprise.

Now, chatting to The Sun for the first time about the romance in a wide-ranging interview, Katie has revealed just exactly what her family thought – and confirmed that her sudden marriage to Lee was hard on her wider family.

She says: “Of course my family are going to worry, I wouldn’t expect anything different.

Watch more of Clemmie’s interview with Katie Price on The Sun’s Showbiz YouTube channel

“They love me and they’ve seen me go through so much heartache, and the most horrific times.

“So I don’t blame them for being p***ed off and angry. They love me and I love them too.

“But I’m not a kid any more, I am 47, I can make my own choices, and I will. They have to give me that chance to go and find out for myself.

“You just got to let me be me; my life isn’t normal. There’s no textbook to any of this.

“Just let me enjoy the moment and enjoy my relationship.”

Despite the family worries, Katie has admitted she wants to take her marriage slowly despite affirming that Lee is “the one”.

She told The Sun she won’t introduce Lee to her children for a “year” if that’s how long it takes for the dust to settle.

Katie said: “Even if it takes a year they [the children] need stability.”

The former glamour model also reaffirmed her faith in her fourth marriage.

“I’ve gone for a beautiful human being who genuinely makes me happy, who I’m so in love with.

“And if I’m happy, please be happy for me.”