easyJet is a popular budget airline for Brits looking to book a cheap getaway, but passengers will need to act fast if they want to get the best seats onboard for free
Passengers board an easyJet plane [stock image](Image: BrasilNut1 via Getty Images)
easyJet, renowned for its competitively priced airfares with offerings starting from just £25.99 for summer flights, often sees the cost for passengers climb as they add extras to their journey. Those yearning to secure additional baggage or fancy choosing a specific seat will notice their bargain fare gently escalating.
The popular low-cost airline has a clear stance on seat selection; if patrons wish to handpick their seats, they’ll need to dip into their pockets. Explaining their policy, easyJet said: “You can choose where you’d like to sit for a fee. Seats can be selected at the time of booking, or at any time before you check-in, via Manage bookings on our website or mobile app.”
Travelers are given three pricing tiers depending on the type of seat sought – standard, extra legroom, or up-front positions. However, for those unwilling to splurge on seating, early check-in is the tactical alternative, reports the Express.
A feature that distinguishes easyJet from other carriers is the ability to check in as much as 30 days prior to departure. They noted: “If you don’t select a seat we’ll assign seats randomly for free when you check in and will do all we can to ensure everyone on the booking sits together. However, this is not guaranteed, especially when checking in closer to departure.”
It’s wise, therefore, for passengers looking to nab the best available seats available and who wish to stick close to their travelling companions, to act swiftly and check in at the earliest opportunity.
If you’re the type who prefers a specific seat or section of the plane, it might be worth paying in advance. The price of seats fluctuates based on when you book and your preferred location within the aircraft.
Seats in the first row, offering additional legroom, start from £12.99, while up-front or overwing seats with extra legroom begin at £7.99. Other standard seats can be switched for as little as 99p, depending on your desired location onboard and the timing of your booking.
Seat selection can be made at the time of booking, or anytime prior to check-in by logging into manage your booking online or via the mobile app.
This seaside town in Yorkshire is home to an award-winning beach and newly rebuilt promenade, though it is unfortunately overlooked by flashier resort towns
Withernsea beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for its exceptional cleanliness(Image: HullLive/Donna Clifford)
You may not have heard of this charming seaside town, but that’s exactly why it should be the setting of your next staycation. Often overlooked by Brits who beeline for destinations like Filey and Scarborough, this Yorkshire town is ideal for a quiet, cultural escape.
Withernsea has all the landmarks of a classic British seaside resort, except for the massive crowds. Travellers can peruse the local fish and chip shops and arcades without the long queues and exceptional mark-ups, and also enjoy an award-winning beach in peace.
Withernsea’s beach stretches for miles along the clear waters of the North Sea. The beach has managed to keep its Blue Flag status by maintaining exceptional water quality standards and shore cleanliness, going above and beyond to ensure its facilities are well managed.
The seaside town also recently redesigned and rebuilt its promenade and now boasts garden and play areas, as well as an open-air stage for summer entertainment. On the promenade, the Pier Towers are now the last surviving parts of the once-thriving 19th century pier.
Visitors can take the 144 steps up to the top of Withernsea Lighthouse(Image: Hull Daily Mail / Hull Live)
Withernsea’s wide promenade reaches north and south from Pier Towers, the historic entrance to a once 1,200-foot long pier, built in 1877. The pier was continually reduced in length after consistent damage from ships before it was eventually removed in full.
While the pier is no longer there, the Pier Towers mark the place where it once stood and a model of the pier stands on the promenade close to the towers with plaques that describe its gradual demise. The Towers were fully restored in 2019 and are currently operated by the Withernsea Pier and Promenade Association.
The new Towers were opened to the public in June 2020 and contain several exhibitions and art and craft stalls. Within the structure, visitors can read the plans for the new Withernsea Pier, the Coastal Change Observatory, Windmills of Holderness and historic pictures of Withernsea.
Today, the Towers also represent the town’s maritime history, which can be explored at the museum located in the inland lighthouse. The famous lighthouse towers 127 feet above the beach and is the home of the Lighthouse Museum.
The town has become popular with retirees, though residents are worried about the local economy(Image: Peter Harbour)
The distinct serenity of the area has made the town particularly popular with retirees looking to escape the chaos of the city. Though there are growing concerns among residents about the local economy with a high turnover of independent businesses on the high street.
Valley Gardens is a must-visit spot, defined by its beautifully landscaped open space with ample seating. The Valley Gardens is the venue for the popular annual Summertime Special, and throughout the season its a hub for events in Withernsea.
Another annual event to keep an eye out for is Withernsea’s Blue Light Weekend. The event pays tribute to the emergency services and safety forces with a host of demonstrations from emergency teams.
The festival also has live entertainment, interactive exhibitions, games and food stalls. In 2025, the festival will run from August 2 to August 3.
Setenil de las Bodegas is a stunning Andalusian town where whitewashed homes are built into cliffs – offering history, charm, and unforgettable Spanish scenery
Setenil feels worlds away from the tourist trail
Spain has long been a favourite holiday destination for British travellers, with sun-drenched beaches, vibrant cities, and rich culture drawing millions of visitors each year. Yet, for all the allure of hotspots like Barcelona, the Costa del Sol, and the Balearic Islands, many tourists tend to flock to the same familiar places, often overlooking the country’s lesser-known treasures.
One of the most enchanting – and often missed – regions is Andalusia, a diverse and culturally rich area in southern Spain. While iconic cities such as Seville, Granada, and Malaga attract much of the attention, Andalusia hides within its vast and varied landscape a collection of charming, off-the-beaten-track towns that offer something truly extraordinary.
Spain, Andalucia, Cadiz Province, Setenil City (Photo by: Dukas/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Setenil de las Bodegas is one such hidden gem. Nestled in the province of Cádiz, roughly equidistant between Seville and Malaga, this small but unforgettable town has been voted one of the most beautiful in all of Spain. And for good reason – Setenil’s claim to fame is its jaw-dropping integration with nature: it is literally built into the side of a cliff.
Locally known as “abrigos bajo las rocas”, or “shelters beneath the rocks”, Setenil’s whitewashed homes are carved directly into massive rock overhangs, creating surreal, shaded streets where stone ceilings loom above you like giant natural canopies. Some streets even feel as though the sky has been replaced with solid rock – a surreal and awe-inspiring sight that leaves visitors speechless.
This unusual construction isn’t just for show – it’s also functional. The rock naturally insulates the houses, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s an ingenious example of architecture working in harmony with the landscape, and it’s one of the most photogenic towns in the region.
Despite its global appeal, Setenil is still home to a modest population of around 3,000 people, giving it an authentic, laid-back feel. But don’t be fooled by its quiet charm – this place has a deep and fascinating history.
The name Setenil de las Bodegas has historical roots that go back centuries. “Setenil” is believed to come from the Latin phrase “Septem Nihil”, meaning “seven times nothing.” It refers to the town’s legendary resistance during the Reconquista, the Christian reconquest of Spain from Muslim rule. According to legend, it took the Christians seven attempts and fifteen days to capture Setenil’s fortress, the Nazari castle, perched above the town.
The second part of the name, “de las Bodegas”, translates to “of the wineries,” a nod to the town’s once-thriving wine industry. While vineyards are less prominent today, the area remains renowned for its local almonds, olives, and olive oil, thanks to the rolling fields of olive trees and fertile surrounding land.
Setenil de las Bodegas is a small village between Ronda and Olvera in the province of Cadiz, Old Town, whose houses were built in the and among the rocks,
Although Setenil feels worlds away from the tourist trail, it’s relatively easy to reach. The nearest major airport is Malaga, which offers extensive international connections. From there, the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, the smaller Jerez Airport is closer but mostly serves domestic flights. If you’re planning to visit nearby Ronda, another famous white town perched dramatically on a cliff, Setenil is just 30 minutes away by car.
Hiring a car is highly recommended—not just for convenience, but because the drive itself is part of the experience. The route from Olvera to Setenil is particularly stunning, winding through sunflower fields, rolling hills, and endless groves of olive trees. The scenic countryside alone makes the trip worthwhile.
While Setenil can be explored in a day, many travellers choose to stay overnight in one of the charming guesthouses or cave-style homes available on platforms like Airbnb. Dining under the rock-covered streets – especially in one of the local tapas bars or cafés – is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
In an age where travel is often about seeking the extraordinary, Setenil de las Bodegas offers exactly that. It’s a place where history, nature, and human ingenuity blend seamlessly into a setting so unique, it feels almost otherworldly.
So if you’re planning your next trip to Spain and looking to go beyond the usual suspects, skip the crowds and take a detour to Setenil – one of Andalusia’s best-kept secrets, and truly one of Spain’s most spectacular small towns.
Netflix’s new drama Dept Q stars Leah Byrne as cadet Rose – however, some fans may recognise the Scottish actress for her role in an episode of BBC One’s Call the Midwife
23:46, 29 May 2025Updated 23:47, 29 May 2025
Leah Byrne plays Rose in Dept Q(Image: Jamie Simpson/Netflix)
Netflix’s brand new crime drama Dept Q arrived today on the streamer, starring Downton Abbey’s Matthew Goode as a detective attempting to track down the mysterious criminal who shot him in the face. After returning back to his Edinburgh police station for the first time since the attack, Carl (Goode) is tasked with setting up Department Q – a cold case unit – while he covertly tries to investigate the crime himself.
In his new team, Carl is joined by Rose – a cadet who is keen to prove herself to Carl – played by Scottish actress Leah Byrne. The actress has just a few credits under her belt, including small roles in BBC drama Nightsleeper and Channel 4’s Deadwater Fell.
Leah Byrne plays cadet Rose who wants to prove herself to her new boss
However, before taking on the role of Rose, Leah appeared in a 2019 episode of Call the Midwife as Maggie Nickle – an expectant mother. With a brunette head of hair, Leah couldn’t look more different in the BBC role.
Meanwhile, in Dept. Q, Leah sports a ginger perm as rookie detective Rose. Leah isn’t the only unrecognisable star in Dept Q. Matthew Goode takes on a scruffy look and a beard for his role as DCI Carl Morck.
Speaking about the Netflix drama ahead of its release, Matthew said of Carl: “He’s so aggressive and rude. I loved his sense of humour. He’s a complex character, and you get to see him warts and all.”
He added that he was hooked on the character from the moment he was sent the script. “Scott could have cast anybody,” Matthew said. “When someone trusts you like that, you take it seriously. There was pressure but, as Billie Jean King said, ‘Pressure is a privilege.’”
Leah in Call the Midwife(Image: BBC/Call The Midwife)
Matthew opened up about one scene, where he needed to drive an old Ford Sierra with dodgy brakes. “Every time Scott told me to drive fast, I’d be thinking, ‘I hope it stops and I don’t plough into anyone,’” says Matthew. “Occasionally, I’d turn the car off and walk away, then I’d hear it start again and have to give it a kick.”
The series also stars The Queen’s Gambit actress Chloe Pirrie as Merritt – an ambitious lawyer whose disappearance is investigated by Carl.
“Merritt’s main strength is she doesn’t feel the need to please people,” Chloe said. “She’s loyal, someone you’d want on your side, but she’s also isolated herself. She uses people and doesn’t think that highly of them. She’s similar to Carl in that way.”
X FACTOR legend Wagner has showcased a brand new look aged 69.
The retired PE teacher from Brazil, 69, starred onthe ITV reality series when the show entered its seventh instalment in 2010.
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X Factor legend Wagner has revealed a brand new lookCredit: Rex
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The Brazilian former PE teacher found fame on the singing show in 2013Credit: Rex
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He stripped to a yellow gym vest to show off his ripped new look in an interview for FUBAR Radio
It was the same season that saw contestants such as Cher Lloyd,One Directionand Rebecca Ferguson compete for the winner’s title and, at the time, he sported shoulder-length locks and a striking black moustache.
Wagner, who was notoriously known as the oldest finalist, was eliminated in the quarter final but not before he showed off his striking look complete with beard and open-button shirts.
And three years on, after his return to the UK, he has changed up his striking appearance.
In a video interview for FUBAR Radio, he showcased his platinum blonde locks, still at their shoulder length, and in their natural waves.
While he’s kept his moustache, it’s now a natural silver shade and paired with a bushy beard.
Yet fans were left particularly distracted by his ripped physique, with Wagner giving a bicep curl to the camera for good measure.
His muscle definition could clearly be seen on his tattooed arms as he posed in a bright yellow vest.
Wagner was chatting to FUBAR host Andrew White and told how he had returned to the UK in December.
Yet he admitted he “couldn’t stand” living in Brazil so sold his hair transplant clinic back to the Da Vinci business.
The X Factor’s Wagner offers his singing services with personalised video message service Stardm
Back in 2022, we told how Wagner was leaving his Birmingham home and coming out of retirement to start up the business.
At the time, he said: “I love it here but I am going to Brazil to start a hair transplant business.
“I’m living proof that hair transplants work. I had mine eight years ago and I haven’t lost anything. I lose more from the beard than my head.
“I’m going to be making so much money I’ll be coming back to the UK. I’m only a flight away.”
Speaking about his wife, who is 36 years his junior, he then added toThe Mirror: “Once I die, (his wife) Lydia will communicate with the manager and I can die in peace now.”
Wagner has also been selling custom videos to fans for just £10 – as he doesn’t want to price anybody out.
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The Brazilian star reached the semi final stage of the reality seriesCredit: Rex
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Wagner re-located back to Brazil in 2022 to start a hair transplant business but is now back in the UKCredit: Refer to Source (Instagram)
The announcement comes weeks after the army made gains in and around the capital city to push back the RSF.
Sudan’s army has announced it has cleared the state of Khartoum of rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after weeks of intensive battles, with the civil war now in its third year.
The General Command of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said in a statement on Tuesday that the state – which comprises the capital Khartoum, its twin city Omdurman, and the city of Khartoum North (Bahri) – is now “completely free of rebels”.
“We also renew our pledge to our people to continue our efforts until every inch of our country is liberated of every rebel, traitor, and agent,” said the SAF, headed by Sudan’s de facto leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
This comes after Sudan’s army secured a number of victories in battles in and around the capital in March, including the recapturing of the presidential palace and major urban centres that culminated in taking back the Khartoum airport from the RSF, headed by General Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo.
In late March, al-Burhan had declared “Khartoum is free” hours after the recapture of the key airport, although smaller battles were ongoing with RSF militias in pockets around the state.
Reporting from Khartoum, Al Jazeera’s Hiba Morgan said intense battles raged in recent days in southern Omdurman’s Salha area, which was the last remaining major RSF stronghold and home to one of the group’s largest military bases.
“The army had been making gradual advances in the Salha area in the past few days until it was able to take control of the area completely from the RSF in the early hours of Tuesday morning,” she said.
“The army also said it was able to recover weapons and ammunitions that were used by the paramilitary, including drones and jamming systems.”
After more than two years of devastating civil war that has gradually attracted foreign funding and weapons, control of Sudan remains torn between the two generals and their allies.
The SAF dominates the north and the east – including the smallest state by area, but most populous, Khartoum – along with some central areas, while the RSF holds most of western Sudan, including most of Darfur.
Where the RSF has been forced back on the ground, it has been trying to inflict damage with drone strikes, including those that have targeted energy infrastructure in both Khartoum and Port Sudan.
Fighting has also been ongoing in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state in western Sudan, as well as some key supply lines in Kordofan.
More than 12 million people have been forcibly displaced by the war so far, with tens of thousands killed and many exposed to ethnicity-based violence.
This market town in Northumberland is ideal for history buffs and nature-lovers, home to plenty of impressive monuments, walking trails and within close proximity of one of the UK’s most iconic ruins
08:00, 14 May 2025Updated 08:56, 14 May 2025
Hexham Races is one of the many attractions in the area, and considered one of the most scenic courses in the country(Image: PA)
The UK certainly has no shortage of picturesque destinations to explore, but if you are trying to avoid the summer crowds you’ll need to expand your horizons. Instead of opting for hotspot staycation sites like the Cotswolds and the Lake District, consider a trip to Northumberland – this one spot in particular.
Hexham in Northumberland is a petit market town that has been highlighted as a top staycation destination by the travel blog The Crazy Tourist, as previously reported by The Mirror. Located 25 miles from Newcastle, the town is home to about 13,000 residents and attracts about 120,000 visitors annually.
Hexham Abbey was rebuilt in the 13th-century and has restored its Priory Buildings(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Situated between the Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines National Landscape, visitors will have plenty of stunning vistas and landmarks to explore. Hexham is also home to family-friendly parks and green spaces, including the Sele, Hexham House and the beloved Hexham Abbey grounds.
Originally built in 674AD with materials repurposed from Roman ruins, Hexham Abbey was rebuilt in the 13th century. Markers of the grounds’ Roman history are present in the form of pagan dedications as well.
Hexham Abbey has restored much of its medieval monastery complex – the Priory Buildings – to an impeccable standard. The impressive buildings are fully licensed premises and can thus be rented out as an event space for weddings, banquets and luncheons.
For those interested in diving further into the area’s rich history, Hadrian’s Wall is conveniently close. Just a short drive from the town’s centre, the Wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast. It was originally built to serve as the north-western frontier of the Roman empire.
Construction of Hadrian’s Wall began in 122AD by order of emperor Hadrian and was defended by regiments of 500 to 1,000 infantry and cavalry men. Today, the Hadrian’s Wall Path allows travellers to follow directly in the footsteps of Roman soldiers.
There are plenty of trails for curious visitors to traverse given the Wall’s unique settlement across two of England’s most picturesque counties. Following the popular Birdoswald Roman trail will set visitors along a path set against the River Irthing and down the longest continuous stretch of the Wall.
Another moderate path is the Housesteads Roman trail, which covers some of the most peaceful parts of the Northumberland National Park. This specific trail provides access to Walltown Crags – the majestic countryside area – and the Dark Sky Discovery Site of Cawfields.
The Hexham Old Gaol is a Scheduled Ancient Monument – a nationally important archaeological site(Image: PR HANDOUT)
One final historic landmark that must be highlighted is the Hexham Old Gaol, which is England’s oldest purpose-built prison. Constructed in 1333, the medieval prison served as a detention site for nearly half a millennium, where inmates were required to fund their own sustenance and attire.
A Scheduled Ancient Monument, the Gaol is both a fun and educational destination. Visitors can uncover a bounty of music, poetry and books about the English-Scottish border in the interior Border Library Collection while more daring guests can try out the stocks.
The town is not just a hub for history, it also has many modern attractions to boast. For instance, the Hexham Racecourse is the only racecourse in Northumberland and considered one of the most scenic in the country. Another modern marvel is the Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre. The contemporary glass building is a community hub and learning centre, hosting an array of exhibits throughout the year. The centre also offers impressive views of the Northumberland National Park.
Finally, the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre – located opposite the Hexham Abbey – is a draw for the best international and national artists. The Victorian building boasts a 350-seat theatre to watch dancers, musicians and dramatic artists and is also home to two art galleries.
