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THE EASTER school holidays are just around the corner and with the kids off school, you might want to head on a staycation to fill some of their time.

There are loads of seaside towns across the UK, but Sun Travel has picked out some of the cheapest spots across England – all of which are great for family breaks this Easter.

Blackpool, Lancashire

Blackpool is often thought to be one of the cheapest seaside destinations in the UK, with arcades and a long-stretching beach.

For a one-night break over the Easter holidays, you could stay at The Merlin Hotel for £56 a night for two adults and two children (or £14 per person).

The hotel is in the city centre and is an eight minute walk from Blackpool Central Beach.

You can also head to Blackpool Winter Gardens Theatre just 400 metres away and Coral Island, 500 metres away.

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Coral Island is free to visit, so you can spend as much or little as you like with pay-as-you-go arcade games costing as little as 2p.

Kids also eat free at Coral Island when with a full-paying adult.

Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Great Yarmouth features a ‘golden mile’ beach and lots of cosy cafes and arcades to explore.

A one-night stay at The Dolphin Hotel over the Easter holidays will set back a family of four £86.

The hotel is just a three minute walk from Great Yarmouth Pier Beach as well.

When it comes to activities, you can head to Joyland – one of the oldest theme parks in the UK – and it is completely free to visit.

Rides are then priced separately so you can spend as little or as much as you like.

For example, the Super Snails ride costs £2.50 a turn.

Travel writer, Helen Wright, recently visited and for food suggests heading to Grelly’s, where you’ll be able to grab a hot sausage roll and chips for only £3.60.

Hartlepool, County Durham

Hartlepool is often considered one of the cheapest seaside destinations in the UK with traditional seaside attractions.

When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, you could head to Parkdean Resorts Crimdon Dene Holiday Park from April 10 to 13 for £228 for four people (or £19 per person per night).

The holiday park is just a short walk to Crimdon Dene Beach, which offers amazing views of the north east coastline.

There is also a restaurant and bar on site in case you want to grab a bite to eat.

If you head into Hartlepool town, the Museum has free entry as well.

Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset

Found in Somerset, Weston-Super-Mare was a popular 19th-century Victorian seaside resort and is still loved today for its long beach and Grand Pier.

Stay at the Savoy Hotel from £99 a night for four people over the Easter holidays.

Weston-Super-Mare Beach is then just a 17-minute walk away.

If you don’t mind being a little out of Weston-Super-Mare, in the next town along – Brean – you could stay at Unity Beach holiday park for three nights from April 10 to 13 for £189 for a family of four (£15.75 per person per night).

Visiting the Grand Pier will set you back £2 per person and an unlimited all-day ride wristband costs £15 per toddler and £20 per child.

Attractions on the pier include a mirror maze, Helter Skelter and soft play.

There are a number of eating spots on the pier as well where you can grab fish and chips for £12, sausage and chips for £7.50 and a range of kids meals for £6.

Penzance, Cornwall

Despite many thinking Cornwall is one of the more expensive places to head on a staycation, if you are heading to the county then visit Penzance, which is one of the more affordable spots.

For example, you could head to Seaview Holiday Park, costing around £60 a night for a family of four over the Easter holidays.

The accommodation has a kitchenette as well, so you can cut even more costs by cooking for yourself.

And there’s also an outdoor swimming pool, indoor play area and games room.

The beach is then about a 25-minute walk away.

Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear

According to Which?, Whitley Bay’s average room rates cost just £69 -which makes it the second cheapest UK seaside town after Southport (£66).

Over Easter though, prices are obviously a little more expensive – but there are still some affordable options.

For example, a one-night stay at The Windsor Hotel costs £77 for a family of four.

The hotel is on South Parade and within sight of the sea, with the beach just 270 metres away.

Alternatively, you could head to Hoseasons Whitley Bay holiday park for three nights between April 10 and 13 for £254 for up to six people.

That works out at just £14.12 per person, per night.

Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Bognor Regis on the south coast of England is known for its award-winning Butlin’s resort.

A three-night break at Butlin’s Bognor Regis from April 10 to 13 costs from £316 – that’s around £26.34 per person per night.

And for that price, you get all the entertainment, the indoor waterpark and fairground rides – but it doesn’t include food.

If you do want to include food, this would cost an extra £186.54 (around £15.55 per person per day) for the family food court dining plan which includes a buffet experience.

Ramsgate, Kent

Ramsgate is well known for having the UK’s only Royal Harbour, as well as sandy beaches and over 450 listed buildings.

And for Easter, there are still some affordable breaks.

You could head to Dog and Duck Holiday Park for three nights from April 10 to 13 for £234 for four people (or £19.50 per person per night).

You’d stay in a static caravan with an open plan lounge and kitchen area.

The holiday park has a pub onsite where you can grab a pizza for as little as £12, as well as an outdoor play area.

Ramsgate is also home the UK’s largest Wetherspoons as well, where you can grab a pint of Ruddles ale for just £1.99.

Or grab a pint of Worthington’s Creamflow ale for £1.99.

Paignton, Devon

When it comes to finding a place to stay in Paignton, you won’t be short for choice.

The bustling seaside town has a great mix of campsites, holiday parks, hotels and B&Bs.

For example you could stay at Devon Hills Holiday Park in a caravan with a hot tub for three nights from April 10-13 for £199 for four people (or £16.59 per person per night).

The holiday park features an 18metre pool, gym, sauna and steam room and play area.

And if you are wanting a bite to eat, there is an onsite cafe too where you can grab two pizzas, fries and garlic bread for £29.95.

The beach is a bit further away (three miles), but once there you’ll be in the bustling resort town of Paignton with red sand beaches and a pier full of different attractions including penny slot machines.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex

Over in Essex, you could head to Clacton-on-Sea, which is full of souvenir shops and ice cream spots.

You could stay at Haven’s Orchards Holiday Village for £129 for three nights for a family of four – that’s just £10.75 per person, per night.

This is for a break between April 10 and 13, and includes access to the restaurants, takeaways and arcades but not to the swimming pools, activities and entertainment venues.

In Clacton-on-Sea, you can head to the pier which has a variety of amusement arcades and rides, such as a Helter Skelter costing just £1 a turn.

And if you are looking for a cheap spot for lunch Flags Cafe has a variety of dishes including curry, vegan options and cakes or a toastie and drink for a fiver.

For more budget stays here are the UK’s best 100 cheap stays – including our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks, B&Bs and pubs from just £22 a night.

And if you’re heading abroad – here are the most popular hotels in the loveholidays sale with rooftop pools and beautiful beaches… and holidays from £149.

ONE town in Wiltshire has been named one of the best places to live in the UK – and it was once very popular with royalty.

Malmesbury in Wiltshire sits just outside of the Cotswolds border with a pretty high street, stone cottages and it is home to what is considered England‘s oldest hotel.

The Times named Malmesbury one of the best places to live in the UK, and the best in the Southwest.

It said: “If the high street is a good indicator of the health of a town, then historic Malmesbury should be feeling decidedly chipper.“

Malmesbury is on the very edge of the Cotswolds, sometimes even known as the ‘southern gateway’ to the region.

It’s also nicknamed Queen of Hilltop Towns because it sits around 302 feet above sea level.

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It has 300 listed buildings with pretty stone cottages, like you find in the neighbouring Cotswolds, and lots sit alongside the River Avon.

The town is one of the oldest boroughs in England – it was given the status in around the year 880 AD by Alfred the Great.

Malmesbury was also a favourite location of the very first King of England, Athelstan.

When he ruled, he even made himself King of all England and named Malmesbury the nation’s very first capital in around 925 AD.

King Athelstan chose to be buried within the grounds of the historic Malmesbury Abbey which still stands today.

Now, Malmesbury is a classic English market town, but with the charm of the Cotswolds.

It has lots of independent shops on the high street, along with farmers’ markets.

The Flying Monk Café & Taproom is popular for everything from craft beer to a hearty breakfast.

In August, Malmesbury holds its own carnival and festival where there are lots of pop up stalls as well as parades and music.

Near the river is The Old Bell Hotel which is rumoured to be England’s oldest hotel.

The Grade I-listed spot has been welcoming guests since 1220, where it used to be lodgings for monks.

Now, it has 34 rooms that cater to everyone from single travellers to families, and a few suites too

One reported who spent a night at The Old Bell Hotel called it the “perfect spot for some post-party pampering this summer.”

They added: “Our room was a delight, dominated by a vast, comfy bed covered in a rainbow of soft throws and cushions, while a menagerie of monkeys and peacocks danced across the wallpaper.

“The helpful team at The Old Bell can arrange a guided tour of the King’s gardens in nearby Highgrove House, a visit to Westonbirt Arboretum or paddleboarding at Cotswold Water Park.

“However, it’s just as nice to potter around Malmesbury.”

If you want to explore out of the town, a 22-minute drive away from Malmesbury is Cotswold Country Park and the UK’s biggest inland beach.

Along with swimming, there’s an AquaVenture inflatable course and boat hire.

On land there is more to do with mini golf, playgrounds and lake walks.

It opens for the new season on March 27, 2026.

The town is also close to Castle Combe Race Circuit, Lake 32 Outdoor Centre and Brinkworth Golf Course.

For more on the Cotswolds, here’s how to visit on a budget and how to find the lesser-visited villages.

And Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey reveals her favourite Cotswold town with old-school sweet shop and riverside games.

A number of European clubs have called on Uefa to change the Champions League rules and allow teams from the same country to draw each other in the league phase.

It comes amid concerns that the growing power of the Premier League is having a negative impact on teams from other countries.

Since the new Champions League format was introduced for the 2024-25 season country protection – which means no teams from the same league can play each other – has remained in place for the eight games that make up the first phase of the competition.

It is then removed for all the knockout rounds.

But with three English clubs in Pot 1 for this season’s league phase, draw conditions had to be placed upon the non-English clubs in order for the rule to be respected.

Teams felt aggrieved that it effectively increased the chances of a harder draw.

It meant Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid all had to play two games against Premier League teams.

Some were forced to take Arsenal, Spurs or Newcastle from Pots 2, 3 and 4 to avoid deadlocking the draw.

For instance, PSG and Barcelona had to be given a fixture against Newcastle from Pot 4. Without the restriction they could have faced Kairat Almaty or Pafos.

On paper at least, being forced to pay the Magpies is more difficult.

ENGLAND

Even though four teams have been knocked out this week, it is all but certain that the Premier League will get an extra place.

England (23.847) already have a coefficient score pretty much the same as last season’s second-placed country (Spain, 23.892).

Nothing should be completely taken for granted, as England seemed destined to get an EPS slot in 2023-24 only to suffer a terrible set of results in the quarter-finals.

But it is going to take another very bad night on Thursday for there to be any real jeopardy.

It also helps that Bayern Munich will face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, meaning one of England’s closest rivals will lose a team. And Barcelona must play Atletico Madrid, too.

As a picture of how far England are ahead, German and Spanish sides are effectively 18 victories behind. And Serie A can no longer catch the Premier League.

SPAIN

The Spanish league is in second place and now has more teams left in Europe (six) than any other league.

It will be a close battle as each win is worth less to the coefficient than for Germany.

The Champions League meeting between Bayern and Real Madrid could prove crucial in the race.

Spain will also be hit by their teams meeting each other.

Atletico and Barcelona will meet in the Champions League quarter-finals.

In the Europa League, Celta Vigo and Real Betis are on a collision course in the semi-finals.

GERMANY

The Bundesliga has only Bayern left active in the Champions League, and it will need a strong turnaround of results on Thursday.

Of the three German teams in action in the Europa League and Conference League, not one goes into their second leg with a lead. They all need positive results to be able to challenge Spain.

PORTUGAL

It seemed like Portugal’s chances of making the top two were effectively over when Santa Clara were knocked out of the Conference League in the qualifying rounds.

But three of their remaining four teams are still active.

However, to be in contention for second all are going to have to go very deep.

ITALY

Serie A has lost four of its seven teams and now only has a slim chance of making second place.

Bologna and Roma face each other in the Europa League last 16, so another team will go out.

At least Fiorentina won in the Conference League.

FRANCE

It has been a disappointing season for Ligue 1 teams, starting with Nice’s failure to make it through Champions League qualifying.

It did not get much better from there for Nice, as they were then eliminated from the Europa League.

France do have four teams still active but seem unlikely to bridge the gap.

POLAND

It will come as a surprise to many to find Poland so high up in the table, and they were in the top two for a while. But Poland no longer have a realistic chance.

All four of the country’s teams have been playing in the Conference League, while more than a third of their coefficient points were picked up in the qualifying rounds.

It would need both of their teams to win every remaining game.

No other country has a mathematical chance of the top two.

Nico de Boinville has been cleared of making racist comments towards fellow jockey Declan Queally at the Cheltenham Festival.

De Boinville, 36, had “categorically” denied the accusation he used such language.

Irish amateur jockey Queally had alleged he was racially abused before the Novices’ Hurdle, when it was held up because of a false start on day two of the meeting.

Queally, riding I’ll Sort That, and Englishman De Boinville, on Act Of Innocence, could be seen exchanging words at the start line.

Queally later told ITV Racing he had received abuse and then told the Racing Post some of the abuse was racial in nature – though De Boinville denied this was the case.

The two then appeared on ITV Racing together and shook hands at the entrance of the weight room, where the Irishman said the matter was “all sorted”.

However, a British Horseracing Authority investigation had been opened. It has now concluded and found “no evidence to support the allegation made by Mr Queally of racist comments”.

“It is understood, and accepted, that strong language was used by De Boinville at the start and directed towards Mr Queally,” said a BHA statement.

“It was also stated that a number of riders were also verbally expressing their frustration at the start, away from the incident being enquired into.

“There was no audio evidence or verbal evidence given from any party during the course of the enquiry to corroborate that any language used was of a racist nature.”

While Queally’s complaint was not upheld, De Boinville was reminded of his “obligations and the expectations to ensure he behaves in a professional manner, and this includes when pressure is heightened at the start of high-profile fixtures”.

NSB are also an official partner school with Northampton Saints.

This year, they provided the most players from any school to Saints’ under-18s.

Four players will also be offered first-team academy contracts this year.

“The boys have to manage their time really well,” says assistant first team coach Adam Baker.

“When we get into sixth form and into that first-team setting, we will try and put them through a programme that matches up with an academy programme, so if they go into that pathway, they are fully aware and prepped as to what that day-to-day life looks like.”

However, NSB aren’t the only state school making an impact.

They beat Campion School from Essex in the Continental Tyres School Cup semi-finals.

It was a compelling contest which went down to the wire, with two state schools playing high-octane rugby in front of a passionate crowd of over a thousand people.

The Rugby Football Union has a network of rugby managers to try to embed the game in state schools.

Twenty-two of the best state schools compete in the ACE (Academy, Colleges and Education) League. England internationals George Martin, Joe Heyes and Harry Randall all came through that route.

The programme is designed to support players who may not attend traditional rugby-playing schools, providing daily coaching, competitive fixtures, and opportunities to train alongside academy players.

Northampton Saints have two state school partnerships which play in the ACE League: Moulton College in Northampton and Sigma Sixth Colchester, located at Philip Morant School and College.

“Growing state school rugby is a one step at a time process,” said Beaumont.

“This is over 10 years of hard work. But it can be done.

“My advice to other schools is find a way to get more numbers in training, organise a game.

“Put a tournament on, you don’t need posts. Make it a habit. Get kids playing.

“Rugby needs every state school to push and develop rugby. This is the perfect time. State school rugby could be really special.”

One of NSB’s biggest stars is their 18-year-old captain Jack Lewis, who plays in the back row.

He has been at NSB for the past two years and in the Saints academy since he was 14.

This year he made his debut for Northampton Saints. Now he’s preparing to lead his school for the final time in a Twickenham final.

“NSB taught me how to act, it’s the closest thing to a professional environment,” he said.

“A lot of people work hard behind the scenes, they sacrifice their time. It’s given me so much as a player and a student.

“I’ve never played at Twickenham, it would be a great achievement if we could lift the cup there. We want to show what NSB stands for.”

WE’RE spoilt for choice when it comes to seaside towns here in England – from retro to cool, there’s something for everyone.

But some of our favourites are the ones that feel like you’re stepping back in time to a different era – less penny slot machines and more stone fishermans’ cottages.

The Sun Travel team reveals our favourite old fashioned seaside spots…

Sandgate, Kent

“Sandgate is often forgotten about as a day trip destination, being just outside of Folkestone with no train station of its own.

“But it’s one of my favourites to visit with far fewer crowds, and has retained its old-worldy feel.

“It doesn’t have attractions, only Sandgate Castle which was built by Henry VIII but is now a private residence. So instead it’s a great spot for relaxing by the beach, as well as an up-and-coming food and drink scene.

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“There’s The Ship Inn overlooking the beach which, on a windy day, is the cosiest spot for a local beer and pie. But the high street itself is just as beautiful, lined with vintage antique stores, coffee shops and bars.

“Start your day with a coffee at Orchard Lane Coffee House, and get tempted by one of their rotating pastry options, or opt for brunch at Loaf just down the road.

“Then go for a long walk on the promenade lining the beach, watching the wind surfers and even canoers (or go for a sea swim yourself in the summer).

“Or if visiting in the evening, John Dory is the best place for some wine tasting with the owners really knowing their stuff.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Brixham, Devon 

“The English Riviera in Devon – formed of the three towns of Paignton, Torquay and Brixham – is a great holiday spot, but Torquay and Paignton can often be busy with tourists.

“If you fancy a quieter spot but still want a taste of the English Riviera, then head to Brixham, which remains today one of the busiest fishing ports in the UK.

“The harbour is great for spotting pretty boats and gazing at the swans. And definitely head to the Breakwater as this is where you are most likely to see the town’s resident seals.

“This is also where you’ll find the main beach, Breakwater Beach, which is a Blue Flag spot.

“If dipping into the sea is too daunting, check out the 53-metre saltwater tidal pool, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach.” Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire

“This Victorian seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast harks back to a different age with its grand architecture and pier jutting out from the long, sandy beach.

“The arrival of the railway in 1861 saw the picturesque town embrace leisurely pursuits with its pier and promenade still remarkably similar to its earliest days.

“Also still delighting tourists is its cliff tramway, a water-powered funicular that connects the town at the top of the lift to the seafront and pier below.

“With the Valley Gardens and Italian Gardens to stroll through and the Saltburn Miniature Railway to hop aboard, the town offers a delightful throwback to simpler holidays.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Watergate Bay, Cornwall 

“A little north of the popular surfing shores in Newquay’s city centre, Watergate Bay is a peaceful and rugged two-mile stretch of sand overlooking foaming, choppy waters.

“The swell ensures it remains a preferred bay for surfers, but outside of the busy summer months you’ll find it’s rather quiet, with just a few dog walkers scattered about.

“Views are breathtaking from pretty much every angle, but especially so from the coastal path that flanks it, winding high above sea level along grassy cliffs. 

“Down on shore are craggy caves that kids will be desperate to explore as well as patches of windswept rocks carpeted in mussels that cling to the wet surface.

“A beautiful restaurant, The Beach Hut, overlooks the sands and it’s a great spot for a proper bite to eat, with specials of crab linguine often featuring on its typically Cornish menu.

“For something more casual, WAX serves up pints and burgers in a fuss-free setting.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Old Hunstanton, Norfolk

“Old Hunstanton is the quieter, prettier sister of mega Norfolk seaside resort Hunstanton.

“Whilst Hunstanton has a massive arcade and bowling alley practically smack-bang on the promenade, a 15-minute walk along the clifftops will lead you to a beautiful and less busy alternative.

“The walk there overlooks the town’s famous striped limestone cliffs, plus you’ll pass a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins on your way, too.

“The beach boasts soft, golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. It makes for a great bucket-and-spade spot for families, with loos, a cafe and plenty of car parking spots all close by.

“I recommend trying a fry-up at the Old Hunstanton Beach Cafe, a dog-friendly spot that serves up a fantastic breakfast, as well as homemade cakes and an entire library of loose-leaf teas.

“Plus the Old Hunstanton RNLI station opposite is often open to let visitors see its impressive hovercraft up close.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Seahouses, Northumberland

“The many working fishing boats bobbing in its compact harbour are the reason why this historic village on the Northumberland coast offers an authentic, classic British seaside break.

“The catch still lands daily – guaranteeing some of the freshest and best fish and chips in the region and the place has no modern distractions like flashing arcades.

“A stroll along the beach and a poke about in the rockpools on land and the chance to take to a boat for a trip over to the Farne Islands.

“It’s home to one of the UK’s largest colonies of Atlantic grey seals – it’s simple classic British coastal charm.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Salcombe, Devon

“Tucked away on the South Devon coast, Salcombe is well-known for its golden sands beaches.

“The town is often dubbed ‘Chelsea on Sea’ because of its picturesque houses and pretty harbour. Head to North Sands if you want a family-friendly spot.

“Or venture to South Sands, which is accessible by a sea tractor. The town has lots of independent businesses and cost-effective restaurants as well.

“And if you happen to be there in April, make sure to spend time at the Salcombe Crabfest.

“One of the best things to do in the coastal town – no matter the time of year – is to try Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream, which is simply heavenly, especially the honeycomb.” Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Frinton-on-Sea, Essex

“I consider Frinton-on-Sea to be the more chilled out sister of Clacton – it’s so much quieter, and very peaceful, but still just as fun for a beach break.

“The Essex town of Frinton has a huge sweeping beach lined with the classic brightly coloured beach huts – a mark of any beach day trip – along with a retro ice cream parlour.

“You can pop into The Lock and Barrel which is minutes away from the beach, and when it opened was the town’s very first pub.

“When the weather is a little breezy and it’s not warm enough to sit on the beach, take a stroll along the many walking paths.

“If you head slightly up the coast, you should try to spot some seals in nearby Harwich.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Broadstairs, Kent

“So while Broadstairs technically has a small arcade, it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it one tucked away from the beach.

“Put on the map by Charles Dickens who raved about its beauty, you can even go back in time by visiting the Dickens House Museum.

“But the seaside town is threatening to become a trendy new Kent destination thanks to some new openings.

“There is the new Smith’s Townhouse, a beautiful boutique hotel, as well as the small plates restaurant Bar Ingo, recently named in the top 100 UK restaurants by OpenTable.

“You’re spoilt for choice for trendy cafes, from Giant Coffee and Salt to Forts and Kope + Loke. But it has kept its Victorian seaside charm, with traditional chippy The Mermaid as well as the best ice cream sundaes at Morelli.

“And while the beach certainly welcomes the tourists in droves, you can rent a deckchair and watch the yachts come in for some old-fashioned charm, while listening to live music from the bandstand above.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

“Any picture you take in Robin Hood’s Bay could immediately become a postcard.

“A visit to the North Yorkshire fishing village feels like stepping back in time, with winding narrow streets snaking through a maze of red-roofed cottages.

“On the steep but scenic walk down to the shore, you’ll pass unique miniature pubs with room for only a bar and a couple of bar stools.

“If you manage to bag yourself a seat in one, you’re lucky – make sure to soak up the ambience of hundreds of years of maritime history.

“The village used to be the smuggling capital of the North coast, and today you can see the same narrow ginnels and cellars where tea, tobacco and gin were once hidden.

“Once you’ve made it down to the beach, you’ll find smooth sands and calm waters equally enjoyed by families and dog walkers.

“Both little ones and four-legged members of the family will enjoy racing across the flat, sprawling sands.

“Plus, at low-tide, there are always fascinating finds and fossils collected in the shallow rockpools.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Sidmouth, Devon

“One of my favourite spots on the Jurassic Coast is Sidmouth.

“It’s famous for its Grade-II listed steps called Jacob’s Ladder which lead down to the shingle beach.

“Or if you don’t fancy them – because they are very steep – you can still get to the beach by walking down the hill instead.

“As the beach is shingle rather than sand, I’d suggest taking something to lie on if you plan on sunbathing.

“Later on, make sure to explore the town, walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Make sure to pop into Ice Cream Paradise for a frozen treat later on.

“During my visit I stayed in the incredible Harbour Hotel & Spa which has an outdoor pool, beautiful gardens with sunloungers.

“It’s elevated position means it has unbeatable views across the coastline.” – Travel Reporter Alice Penwill

For more on beaches, here’s the where to find the best in the UK – and it gets the least amount of rain in the country.

And here are our 26 must-visit UK beaches for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.

WORK is set to restart on a disused lido in Cumbria – two years after it was originally set to reopen.

The Grade-II listed lido in Grange-over-Sands has been closed since 1993, but could welcome back locals as soon as this summer.

The pool on the promenade in Grange-over-Sands first opened in 1932 and is the only surviving seaside lido in the north of England.

In 1993 the lido closed because of low usage and rising repair costs.

Work then began in 2023 with £6.8million worth of funding to restore the site with an initial opening timeframe of just 14 months.

The opening date was delayed but work continued – during this time there was an upgrade to the pavilion building and an accessible entrance from the promenade was created.

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The changing rooms have been upgraded, and work to the roof and terraces has been completed, so have security upgrades, cleaning, and decoration.

A new play area on-site has already been built and work to the diving board has been completed.

However, work was paused in May 2025 after problems with concrete at the site were discovered.

Now, it’s set to restart in April 2026, with Westmorland and Furness Council saying it hopes the site will be open at the end of this summer.

In its initial opening, it won’t be used as a lido.

There is a temporary infill of the pool and the site will be used as a public space before phase two of the restoration begins.

On the Save Grange Lido website, it explains: “There’s to be a 25m 6 lane pool with a depth of 1.35m which can be used for County Level competition and training, a smaller, shallower 13m pool (0.9m deep) and a paddling pool or splash pad.”

Locals have been vocal in wanting the outdoor lido to reopen for swimming.

In 2011, the lido was granted Grade-II listed status and in the same year, the Save Grange Lido group was formed.

18,000 people signed a petition calling on the council to include the reopening of the pool in any plans to restore the lido site.

Here’s another English seaside town’s beachfront lido that is set to reopen this summer despite fears of closure.

And this popular English seaside town reveals plans for huge £4.5million makeover.

A SEAFRONT attraction has taken a major step closer to being restored to its former glory.

The seaside town of Worthing is looking to save its lido – but it could come at a cost of £4.5million.

Worthing Lido sits right on the front of the town’s beach minutes from its popular art deco pier.

It was once a popular seawater swimming pool between 1957 and 1988.

And it might be making a comeback as the local council has said it will commit £1.29million towards the first step of its redevelopment.

Councillor Sophie Cox, leader of the council, said: “The community has made it clear how much the lido means to them and that they want us to invest in it for the decades to come.

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“We’re determined to make that a reality.

“Using more than £1m from the Community Infrastructure Levy shows our commitment to turning plans into action, but we know that more is needed to cover even the least expensive substructure solution.”

The funding marks the first time ever that a cash sum has been set aside for the former lido.

While the £1.29million will cover initial works, there are predictions that the work will cost at least £4.5 million.

The lido on Worthing Beach was originally built as a bandstand in 1925 and was used as a performing space for 30 years.

In 1957, the space was converted into an unheated swimming pool.

It was a popular spot for swimmers up through into the 1980s.

In 1988, Worthing Lido was even used as a temporary home to dolphins from Brighton Sealife Centre.

The dolphins were relocated to the lido while their permanent enclosure at the Sealife Centre was undergoing renovations.

In 1989 the pool was covered over and the site transformed into an entertainment centre.

It’s now home to a cafe, arcade, and is occasionally used as an event space.

For more on lidos, here are all of the new ones set to open across the UK from seafront pools to city swimming spots.

And here’s one English seaside town’s beachfront lido which will reopen this summer despite fears of closure.

A POPULAR seaside attraction will reopen later this month with two big changes – a new ride and free entry.

Adventure Coast Southport, which used to be known as Southport Pleasureland, will reopen on March 28 with a free-entry model.

The new system will mean you can access the attraction – which is one of the UK’s oldest seaside amusement parks – for free and pay-as-you-go for each ride instead.

The park will also feature a new ride, and while little details about the attraction have been revealed, CEO Norman Wallis said that it is “something really big”.

The Adventure Coast Southport team added it will be a “spectacular new addition” that will be visible as part of Southport’s coastline.

Full details of the ride are expected in due course, but visitors can expect a “brand new BIG 50metre showstopper ride arriving from Easter”.

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Wallis added: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back for 2026 with a refreshed approach that puts flexibility for families first.

“By removing the entry fee, families can decide what works for them.

“They might come for a couple of rides, meet friends by the coast or make a full day of it.

“Guests often tell us they love coming back because every year it feels bigger and better.”

The park is split into four themed areas: Cartoon Boardwalk, Viking Landing, Steampunk Bay and Pirate Cove.

Across the different themed areas there are a number of different rides, starting from just £1 a ride.

For example, you can head on a ghost train, swing ride, flying chairs and dodgems.

There are also a number of arcades onsite to explore and gardens with waterfalls.

Visitors can grab food at the park, including new street food options like loaded fries – but you can also bring your own picnic.

Many locals have welcomed the news of free entry on social media with one person commenting: “So glad it’s gone back to free entry and just pay for what you want, better for people with only a certain amount to spend.

“Also grandparents can now join in and watch grandkids ride.”

The park is also dog-friendly, has onsite parking and will be open every weekend and daily during the school holidays, from 11am.

If you want to extend your stay and explore more of Southport, then there is a motorhome site that is part of the park where you can pitch your caravan or camper van for £24 a night.

Then, just across the road from Adventure Coast Southport is Splash World waterpark.

It costs £16.20 per person to visit and includes three slides and a lazy river.

You can also head for a stroll along Southport Beach and see the pier, which is the second longest in the UK but currently closed.

Though, the Victorian pier is due to undergo £20million repairs starting this year.

In other attraction news, a popular technology-free attraction with no loud rides is set to open a third site in the UK.

Plus, here are the 20 most-visited attractions in England that are completely free to enter.

THERE’S still time to book a cheap Easter break for all the family from just £6.20 per person per night.

Unity Holidays has a new offer for families across all three of its sites in Somerset, the Skirlington Coast in Yorkshire and Seven Lakes in Lincolnshire.

Unity Holidays which has three parks across the country is offering families a three or four-night break during the school holidays at Easter time from £149.

The price of £149 is based upon a family of up to six people staying in a Bronze caravan across four-nights which works out as £6.20pppn.

A Bronze caravan has two to four bedrooms and is open plan with a large living area.

It has central heating, Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchen for self-catering and free parking.

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There is also a space for tourers and campers with three-night weekend breaks for a family of four starting at £150.

At Unity Beach in Brean, Somerset, there’s plenty to do like exploring the Splash Waterpark, soft play, it also has a 9-hole golf course.

The site even has its own theme park with over 40 rides including rollercoasters, dodgems, a carousel and ghost train.

There are lots of places to eat on-site like the recently renovated Wonky Donkey pub and restaurant, with a new pavilion, sports bar and arcade.

At the Wonky Donkey, visitors can expect traditional pub food like mac n’ cheese and scampi and chips.

It’s also minutes from the coastline so guests can also enjoy paddling in the sea and making sandcastles on the beach.

Skirlington Coast in East Yorkshire also has a Wonky Donkey pub along with a traditional chippy which can be enjoyed with a seaside view.

It has a heated indoor swimming pool with new activities for 2026, which include Bumper Boats, mini jets and pool party.

It has an arcade with plenty of games, fishing lakes and plenty of countryside to explore.

Like Brean, the Skirlington Coast park has a beach which is ideal for sunbathing in the warm weather, and even fossil hunting.

Seven Lakes is set amongst 200 acres of lakes and woodland in Lincolnshire.

Here, the Head to The Dog & Duck is where guests can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Each park has plenty of daytime activities, swimming and live evening entertainment.

Guests can get out on the water too on paddleboards, rowing boats, kayaks and even its huge aqua park with inflatables.

It’s an ideal spot for fishing too whether that be newcomers or experienced anglers.

Later on in the year and there will be even more to do at Unity Beach in Brean as part of its £10.2million expansion.

In time for the summer holidays, will be a new lido surrounded by private cabanas and outdoor dining area.

The existing flumes and water rides will remain, and the outdoor pool is expected to open in July 2026.

For more on holiday parks, here are 14 of the best in the UK from £19 a night – including beach resorts and huge waterparks.

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

A LIDO that was set to close for good has backtracked and confirmed that it will reopen for the 2026 summer season.

The outdoor pool in Teignmouth was marked for closure earlier this year, but the decision has since been overturned.

In February of this year, Teignbridge Council announced plans to close its beachfront lido in order to save money.

Officials said that not reopening Teignmouth Lido could save £74,000 in 2026.

Now, the decision has been reversed by the executive committee of Teignbridge Council.

The council announced the news on social media and said: “Our Executive Committee has today (Tuesday 10 March) voted to open Teignmouth Lido this summer.

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“Teignbridge District Council will operate the pool this summer and will work with community groups interested in taking on the Lido to ensure a safe handover.

“Councillors acknowledged the difficulties of balancing the books but agreed that opening the Lido would deliver value over price and enable the community to keep using the pool while Teignbridge works with groups to secure the asset’s long-term future.”

Since the news of the lido’s potential closure broke last month, the local community has been campaigning to reopen the lido.

Over 2,500 people having signed a petition to stop the lido’s closure, according to the Teignmouth Community Lido Trust.

After the executive committee meeting campaigner Catherine Brown said: “This is a brilliant outcome.

“It’s unbelievable that the council has gone from a unanimous decision to close it to a unanimous decision to keep it open!”

The 25-metre outdoor pool first opened in the 1970s and opens seasonally, usually having its debut in May half-term.

It has partial opening hours in June and July and then opens full time during the summer holidays.

The pool is heated and holds various swim sessions, from public to fun sessions, as well as activities like aqua fit and aqua circuits.

Four years ago, the pool underwent a refurbishment of £800,000 and then a further £30,000 was spent on repairs, according to Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Teignmouth Community Lido Trust has expressed its hope to take over the lido site and keep it open for years to come.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding who grew up in the area is also a fan of the lido. She said: “Teignmouth Lido is more than just a gem on the South West coast; for me, it’s the backdrop of my childhood.

“For over a decade, my school summer holidays were defined by afternoons spent there with my family – so to hear that the lido could close is heartbreaking.

“With ample patio and sun-drenched patches of grass surrounding the 25-metre crystal clear pool, it was the rare kind of place where parents could relax while kids felt a bit of freedom.”

For more on swimming, here are all the lidos in the UK mapped – with water slides, cocktail bars and some are even FREE to enter.

Plus this new ‘floating park’ with sauna and lido is set to open in popular a London district as part of a huge £5billion upgrade.

PLANS have been revealed to turn an abandoned attraction into a new leisure spot in a popular seaside town.

The Kursaal in Southend-on-Sea has stood empty for six years and during that time has fallen into disrepair.

But now, the once thriving attraction that had a circus, arcades, a ballroom, a dining hall and even a zoo, will be transformed into a new leisure destination.

Though the details of what the attraction will be have not been announced yet, Daniel Cowan, Council leader at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “The Kursaal is woven into the story of Southend and for too long the Kursaal’s future has been uncertain.

“Today we can say it has a credible local operator, a leisure vision for the building and a clear path to reopening,” reports the BBC.

The Kursaal – which translates to ‘cure hall’ and usually refers to the main hall of a spa town – opened back in 1901 and hosted famous musicians such as Queen, Black Sabbath, Rod Stewart and AC/DC.

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Former attractions included bumper cars, a ski jump, a ghost train and a figure-of-eight rollercoaster.

Under the plans to reopen the historic venue that currently sits on the list of neglected sites, essential repairs will be carried out first.

Currently managed by the property group AEW, the Grade-II listed venue’s lease will be handed over to Star Amusements by the end of this summer.

Star Amusements already runs a number of attractions along the seafront, including an arcades venue close to Southend Pier.

Bayo Alaba, the Labour MP for Southend East and Rochford, said that the Kursaal is “a building of historical significance and architecture“.

He added: “Great-grandparents met in the ballroom, children have grown up laughing in its arcades and bowling alleys, and countless memories made here connect generations across our city.”

Nick Singer, the operations director at Star Amusements also shared that the new attraction would be “high quality” and that whilst there is a lot of work to do, they are “ready to move forward”.

When the venue opened over 100 years ago, it was one of the world’s first purpose-built amusement parks.

And to date, several distinctive features remain such as a dome which was even featured on a Royal Mail stamp in 2011.

Between 1919 and 1934, the Kursaal was also home to Southend United F.C.

Most of the building was then closed down in 1973, before it fully closed in 1986.

It reopened in 1998 but closed again in 2020, with just a small Tesco Express remaining open on the ground floor.

The Kursaal is about a two-minute walk from Southend-on-Sea’s Golden Mile beach and promenade, where you will find amusement arcades, cafes, and entertainment venues.

Taking to social media, many people have expressed their excitement about the news with one person commenting: “Please have ballroom facilities there to host dance competitions!”

Another added: “So glad that this iconic, Grade-II listed building has been saved.

“I was worried that it was going to be torn down and flats built there.

“They say, it is to be entertainment-themed, so lets hope it may be a multi use venue – concerts, exhibitions, even perhaps an ice or roller rink.”

A third person said: “Fantastic news!! Such a Southend icon!”

In other attraction news, here are 15 attractions in the UK that have £1 per person tickets from huge castles to kid-friendly museums.

Plus, London’s biggest rooftop attraction is set to open this summer with live DJs and food festivals.

NESTLED in the Yorkshire Dales, you will find a camping and glamping site with a twist.

Instead of your usual glamping pods, at Catgill Farm, you can stay in Moroccan and Alpine-themed pods.

For example, the Alpine-themed pod has a converted ski lift cart outside that is now a booth to sit and eat in.

The Moroccan-themed pod features sleek styling, with bold pinks and oranges and sleeps up to four people via a bunk bed and a double bed.

If you are travelling with your four-legged best friend, then there are options for you as well such as The Duck glamping pod, which has an enclosed outdoor area for your pooch to roam in.

Each of the glamping pods comes with its own private, log-fired hot tub as well.

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And for the evenings, you can set light to the fire pit for warmth and barbeques.

Fancy something a little more like camping but still a little refined? Then opt for one of the two luxury bell tents that sleep up to four people.

And of course, they all have views of the rolling Yorkshire Dales.

At night, guests can also make the most of stargazing as the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a designated dark skies area of the UK.

If you do have your own tent, then there is a campsite open between April and October as well, which features 34 electrical hookup pitches.

On-site there are also alpacas known to join morning yoga sessions and a playing field for letting off some steam.

As for facilities, there is everything you could need including modern shower blocks, a washing up area and even a small shop selling essentials such as air beds, coffee, milk and kindling.

If you don’t fancy cooking for yourself, you can grab some food from Cat’s Kitchen which is onsite, serving up hot drinks and wood-fired pizzas.

When it comes to the local area, you’ll be surrounded by amazing walking and cycling routes (even the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire routes).

Just a short walk from the campsite itself, you will reach Bolton Abbey Station on the Embsay and Bolton Steam Railway line.

The station is in the style of the original Midland Railway from the 1800s and a ticket to travel to the half way station and back costs £17 per adult.

Not much further from the campsite, you will find the remains of Bolton Abbey which you can explore.

The site often hosts events as well like an Easter trail.

If you walk for 15 minutes from the glamping and campsite, you will reach the Devonshire Arms brasserie-style pub serving dishes such as sirloin steak and roast beef.

When you stay at Catgill Farm, you can also get 10 per cent off of Shipton Canal Boat Trips and also 10 per cent off of entry to Stump Cross Caverns.

Stays cost from £179.99 per night for one of the glamping pods or from £14 a night for a grass tent pitch.

For more inspiration on glamping sites in the UK, here’s the tiny UK glamping site named best in the UK by AA with cosy pods, treehouse and hot tubs.

Plus, UK glamping hotspot where you can enjoy breathtaking views from a vintage cheese vat turned hot tub.

Published on
07/03/2026 – 8:00 GMT+1

France will push back against a European Commission plan to fast-track ratification of trade agreements by circulating only English-language versions during talks with EU governments and lawmakers, skipping translation into the bloc’s 24 official languages, according to several sources.

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The slow ratification of the contentious EU–Mercosur trade deal has frustrated the Commission, which wants to accelerate negotiations and bring deals into force more quickly as it seeks new markets amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Translating the agreements into every official EU language can take months due to the legal scrubbing required before the ratification process begins. The EU executive has confirmed to Euronews that trade chief Maroš Šefčovič told EU trade ministers in February that the trade deal with India concluded on 27 January could serve as a test case for using English as the main language during ratification.

“We lost almost €300 billion by not having the Mercosur agreement in place since 2021, if it comes to the GDP, and more than €200 billion in export opportunities,” Šefčovič told journalists after meeting ministers on 20 February, adding that once negotiations end it can take up to 2.5 years before businesses can operate in partner countries.

“In today’s world, we cannot simply lose the time,” he said.

Šefčovič said the Commission would ensure the agreements are translated into all 24 official EU languages once published in the Official Journal, i.e. after ratification. He added the proposal was backed by at least seven member states at the meeting, though not all countries had time to speak.

French sources who spoke to Euronews were insistent that Paris would vigorously oppose the move to English-only agreements if necessary.

“As a matter of principle, we defend the use of all the languages of the Union, and in particular French, which is one of the EU’s working languages,” one official told Euronews.

‘Transparency, precision and understanding’

Language policy in the bloc’s institutions remains politically sensitive for countries such as France, whose language has declined sharply over the past decades as English massively dominates daily work in the European Union institutions – despite French, German and English being the three working languages.

“Switching entirely to English raises a legal and democratic issue, and the Commission is well aware of it,” an EU diplomat told Euronews.

On its website, the European Commission says linguistic diversity is essential and that the EU promotes multilingualism in its institutional work.

The bloc once even had a commissioner dedicated to multilingualism, though the portfolio was gradually merged with others and eventually disappeared.

“I have the impression that in some cases the Commission seizes the opportunity to push the idea that English has a superior status, and that the other official languages are translation languages that can come later,” Michele Gazzola, expert in language policy, said.

He added that relying only on English during ratification could pose problems for members of the European Parliament, and even more so if national parliaments are involved.

“It’s a matter of transparency, precision and understanding.”

FANCY a pint? This new heritage pub is set to become a popular spot for a post or pre-train journey tipple.

The boozer has just opened as part of an enormous multi-million pound refurb at Carlisle Station.

Called The Scott & Brassey, the new pub officially opened on 25 February inside Carlisle Station at Platform 4.

It was formerly used as a First Class waiting room and at one stage even welcomed Queen Victoria.

The Grade-II listed space has been used as various different outlets over the years and was a cafe for decades – but has just opened as a pretty pub operated by Lancaster Brewery.

It has undergone a £400,000 renovation delivered by Network Rail, backed by Avanti West Coast and the Railway Heritage Trust.

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Its name ‘The Scott & Brassey’ comes from novelist Sir Walter Scott and Victorian railway pioneer Thomas Brassey.

Inside, the pub has period features like a large fireplace, and vaulted beam ceilings.

The walls are a mix of deep blue and bright yellow, in the corner are cosy booths with low lampshades.

Upstairs on the mezzanine level is additional seating at smaller tables.

The bar area is sleek and modern with a wooden top and dark grey tiled front along with lots of greenery on shelves and of course, drinks offerings.

It will have seven cask ales on hand pull, five from Lancaster Brewery and two from local cask brewers, and one cask cider – there will also be eight keg lines.

The pub said it aims to spotlight ‘regional and national producers with one of the largest selections in Cumbria‘.

On Facebook reviews, one visitor to the new pub wrote: “Had a great afternoon with my mum and sister today! lovely staff and a fabulous asset to Carlisle.”

Another said: “What a fab job you’ve done. Stunning renovation and fantastic atmosphere.”

The pub is open every day from 11am until 10pm Sunday-Thursday and 11pm Friday-Saturday.

It’s dog-friendly too.

The new pub is inside Carlisle Station which is around 179 years old, and is in the middle of a huge overhaul.

Carlisle Station cost just £53,000 to build at the time, which in today’s money is around £4.6million.

It now welcomes around two million passengers a year with trains to London and Manchester as well as Edinburgh, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Cumberland Council previously announced it would be spending £28million on redesigning Carlisle Station.

The new designs include the creation of a new forecourt entrance to the north of the station.

The north side will have improved links to the city centre, and parking outside the already standing Griffin pub.

It will also see a new piazza space, called George Square created to the south of the station.

This will mean improved access for passengers, and secure cycle parking, as well as plenty of green spaces.

The work is set to be fully complete in early 2027.

For more on train station’s, this is one of the UK’s busiest that’s set to undergo a huge transformation.

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EY up . . .  Heathcliff is not the only mysterious, brooding beast in Yorkshire.

The scenery provides just as much drama as the Wuthering Heights character.

With the recent film adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel — starring ­Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi — the Yorkshire Dales is once again teeming with yearning Cathys and brooding young Heathcliffs.

And there I was too, like a budget Cathy, if she wore Gore-Tex and hiking boots rather than a generous bustle.

Largely shot on location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park — amid the landcapes of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale valleys and the peaceful village of Low Row — the movie shines a well-deserved spotlight on this glorious corner of England.

With its scarred limestone hills, scattered with rocks, and rolling green pastures, criss-crossed with drystone walls and peppered with honeyed-stone villages, this region is the picture of a period drama.

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While the rain barely lets up in the movie, Yorkshire welcomes me with beautiful blue skies, sunshine and even a light dusting of snow on the hills.

I’m almost disappointed.

I’ve brought along my own Heathcliff, my partner Toby, and my dog, Miss Babs, who loves a good romp across the moors.

We’re staying in Settle, a cute little market town in the heart of Bronte Country near the southern entrance of the National Park.

After the long journey, we hunker down with the first of many pints of local Thwaites ale in The Golden Lion – a coaching inn in the centre of town and our base for the weekend.

Rooms are cosy and comfy with a modern country feel.

Settle is a popular base for walkers.

Nearby is Ribblesdale, probably the best known walking area in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, not least for those conquering the Yorkshire Three Peaks — Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent.

As keen but fair-weather walkers, we opt for an easy route along the River Ribble, which still offers some spectacular views across the Dales.

Unlike in the 18th century, there’s no need to ride a bumpy old stagecoach around these parts.

Settle is the starting point of England’s most scenic railway journey.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the Settle–Carlisle Railway soars over viaducts and through heather-filled moorlands.

There are numerous stops on the 72-mile route, including the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct, which has 24 arches.

It’s a bargain at £4.60 for a single journey.

We stayed on until Dent, the highest railway station in England, and walked part of the Dales Way, which runs from Ilkley to Lake Windermere, stopping for a pint (OK, three) at the Sportsman Inn before wobbling back for the train.

Back at the The Golden Lion, it’s time for dinner.

Choices include fat steaks (from £18.50), beer-battered fish and chips (£18.50) and Settle pudding, a traditional suet pudding oozing with steak and ale, which Toby gazes at with the lustful look of Heathcliff.

On Sunday morning, the weather turns moody.

After a hearty Yorkshire breakfast, we drive five miles to Malham, a fine village with several easy-to-access walks.

We take a muddy trudge up to Malham Cove – a natural limestone amphitheatre – and then to Gordale Scar, a towering limestone gorge with a gushing waterfall, which featured in Netflix drama, The Witcher.

Dark, damp and deliciously Gothic, it’s a fitting end to our Wuthering Heights weekend.

A HUGE new lido complex is set to transform an English holiday park this summer.

The plans are part of a £10.2million expansion at Unity Beach holiday park in Brean.

In time for the summer holidays, will be a new lido surrounded by private cabanas and outdoor dining area.

The existing flumes and water rides will remain, and the outdoor pool is expected to open in July 2026.

Other plans included in the development are a trampoline park, bandstand, boardwalk, landscaped gardens and a dog agility area.

There will also be an outdoor activity centre where guests can have a go at archery, axe throwing and rifle shooting.

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Unity Beach Resort Director Jonny Green said: “These are exciting times for our owners, our holidaymakers and the local community.

“Our improved pool facilities will help us sustain and grow participation in swimming lessons and recreational activity — not only for guests staying on the park, but also for the wider community across Somerset.”

The new outdoor facilities are part of the huge refurbishment of the site that has been underway throughout the winter months.

The site has been upgrading its soft play, changing rooms, the Wave Café and gym.

Other improvements have been to the 25-metre indoor pool and the addition of poolside showers.

A new indoor Splash Pad will replace the baby pool so that children of different ages can swim and play in the same space.

The unisex changing rooms have been upgraded with larger family cubicles – with space for up to four.

For accessibility, a new lift and pool hoist have been installed, as well as a refreshed accessible changing area.

The Wave Café has also been refurbished and will continue to serve meals throughout the day.

Visitors can enjoy sweet treats like cookies and donuts to breakfast options, sandwiches and paninis.

At Unity Play, children can explore different soft play zones; Ocean World for under-4s, the main soft play area for ages 4 to 11, and Ninja Warrior zone for ages 7 to 11.

There is also a new reception area with a dedicated buggy park for families.

The refurbished indoor facilities are due to reopen shortly.

Previously, the site underwent a £15million upgrade with a new Wonky Donkey pub and restaurant, with a new pavilion, sports bar and arcade.

The Wonky Donkey serves up traditional pub food like mac n’ cheese and scampi and chips.

Inside the Pavilion Theatre, there’s plenty of family entertainment and shows as well as silent discos and movie sing-along challenges.

As well as the 2025 additions, the park is home to a theme park with 40 rides and attractions from rollercoasters to dodgems and a ghost train.

For more on staycations, here are the most popular UK holiday park from £9.50 Hols – with beachfront pods, hot tub lodges and a surfing simulator.

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DESPITE being in the UK, you could be easily mistaken for thinking you were in France when visiting Waddesdon Manor.

And the French Renaissance-style chateau in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, has revealed plans for a huge new woodland playground this year.

Built back in the 1870s by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, the Manor opened to the public in 1959 and is still home to the Rothschild collection of paintings, sculptures and artworks.

And now the grand home is opening a woodland playground.

The new playground will boast giant wooden towers, climbing trails, bridges, tunnels, slides and more.

Pictures also show there will be a zip line as well.

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Using natural materials, the new attraction hopes to connect kids with nature.

The new play area – which will be free to use – will open this year, though an exact date is yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, from the end March, visitors can see the House as it reopens for the season.

Inside the Manor, you’ll be able to explore a collection of 18th century French decorative arts including furniture, porcelain and carpets.

In fact, the Manor is home to over 15,000 objects.

And if it is a sunny day, the gardens are well worth exploring as they are in the style of French formal gardens.

There’s even an Aviary which is home to rare and exotic birds.

You can head to the Wine Cellars onsite too, which features a collection of more than 15,000 bottles.

The estate also often hosts events such as family trails.

And for when you are feeling peckish, there is an cafe onsite serving light bites and drinks.

A ticket to the house and grounds costs £25.50 per adult and £12.50 per child.

But if you are a member of the National Trust then you can visit for free.

One recent visitor said: “An incredibly beautiful building. It is worth visiting at least once, but be sure to visit.

“Different types of birds, flowers, and palm trees will delight your eyes.”

Another added: “I think this was my most enjoyable National Trust visit.

“One of many Rothschild properties in the area but must be the jewel in the crown.”

In other attraction news, London’s best family attraction that ‘feels like it was created for kids’ to get huge new nature playground.

Plus, a huge new wooden play attraction is set to open at historic English house with den building, zip lines and racing slides.

BRITAIN’S answer to the Mediterranean with sandy beaches and palm-tree-lined promenades, won’t have a single Blue Flag beach this year.

Devon‘s English Riviera, formed of three towns – Paignton, Brixham and Torquay – will lose all of its Blue Flag beaches this year after the local council agreed to scrap the scheme.

At a recent meeting, Torbay Council agreed to leave the internationally recognised scheme which awards high-quality beaches.

While the English Riviera stretches across the South Devon coast, every single one of its awarded beaches sits under Torbay Council’s control.

There are six beaches in total with the award including Broadsands Beach in Paignton; Oddicombe Beach in Torquay; Preston Beach in Paignton; Torre Abbey Sands in Torquay; Breakwater Beach in Brixham and Meadfoot Beach in Torquay.

One beach – Oddicombe in Torquay – has even held a Blue Flag status since the scheme launched 38 years ago.

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The council has said that the decision has been made as local leaders believe the scheme wasn’t meeting the bay’s needs anymore and that it had become too expensive, reports theBBC.

The scheme has recently updated its criteria to include a requirement for designated zones for swimmers, surfers, boarders and motor boats at each beach.

However, for smaller coves, Torbay Council believes this is unpractical.

Councillor Martin Brook said: “I think the Blue Flag lot have shot themselves in the foot.

“Places all over the country are going to pull out of the scheme.”

The council is now planning to introduce a new scheme that would be run locally called the English Riviera Beach Standards (ERBS) scheme.

ERBS will replace the Blue Flag scheme, managing all of Torbay’s 25 beaches and coves and it would cost £260,000 less to run.

It will also allow the council to test the water standards more frequently.

The beaches will be accessed against three categories.

The first is ‘excellence’, which celebrates the highest-quality beaches in the area – ones that consistently have a great visitor experience.

The second category is ‘quality’, which looks at what unique offerings each beach has.

And the third category is ‘natural’, which highlights unspoilt beaches in the region.

Each beach will be assessed every year under the new scheme.

According to the council, the scheme will also allow water to be monitored more often, there to be a stronger focus on environmental protection and sustainability, visitor experience to be improved, be better value for money and more accurately present Torbay’s coastline.

Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said: “Torbay’s coastline is central to our identity, and these new beach awards will highlight just how deeply we value and protect it.

“By creating a locally designed system, we can focus on what truly matters to our communities, our visitors and our environment.”

Under the new ratings current Blue Flag beaches Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Torre Abbey, Broadsands and Breakwater would all move into the ‘excellence’ category.

Then in the ‘quality’ category, Maidencombe, Anstey’s Cove, Goodrington North and Goodrington South beaches would feature.

And finally, Watcombe, Petitor, Babbacombe, Peaked Tor, Corbyn Head, Livermead, Fairy Cove, Oyster Cove, Saltern Cove, Armchair Cove, Elberry Cove, Churston, Fishcombe, St Mary’s Bay, Beacon Cove and Hollicombe beaches would be in the ‘natural’ category.

The council added how Paignton and Preston Beaches will currently not be categorised due to a multi-million waterfront upgrade project taking place.

Locals are skeptical about the idea of a new scheme though, with one person commenting on social media: “Is the blue flag recognised across the globe?

“Why replace (your words) something that has been around for over 40 years. Unless you look to make cut backs on facilities.”

Another added: “Why have a local system that means nothing to our visitors…. Stick to the Blue Flag system that is known throughout the UK.”

The new scheme is set to come into force on March 2, with the former £11,000 Blue Flag budget being used to set up the scheme.

In other beach news, world famous UK beach closed to the public after storm damage.

Plus, our 26 must-visit UK beaches for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.

Petworth in Sussex features cobbled streets, 40+ antique dealers, and a 700-acre park with a 17th-century stately home housing an internationally significant art collection

At this time of year, there’s nothing quite like strolling through a picturesque UK town before settling into a welcoming pub. There’s one particular spot that’s absolutely worth the journey.

The unspoilt English town of Petworth in Sussex feels like a step back in time, boasting charming cobbled lanes brimming with antique emporiums. Independent shops nestle amongst the streets, alongside cafes, delis and inviting pubs that create the perfect setting for an idyllic day out.

Petworth Antiques Market alone houses over 40 dealers, where you can uncover everything from exquisite furniture pieces to ornaments and an array of home accessories.

When hunger strikes, drop into The Hungry Guest delicatessen on Middle Street before heading out to explore the expansive 700-acre Petworth Park, which sits beneath the magnificent 17th-century Petworth House.

Inside, guests can wander through the 17th-century stately home and discover a treasure trove featuring an internationally significant collection of art and sculpture. You might even recognise it from films such as Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as its appearance on Netflix’s Bridgerton.

One Tripadvisor reviewer remarked: “Pretty Petsworth. Petsworth House is a beautiful period home with an amazing Mural up the staircase. The artist who painted the mural can be found hiding behind one of the pillars in the painted mural. A favourite of Turner – the famous artist who used to stay here and paint. The grounds and lake are really pretty.

“The Town nearby has some beautiful medieval houses, which are antique shops, as well as a great antique market. A great place to walk around and have afternoon tea. One of my favourite historical towns.”

Another visitor said: “Our first visit to Petworth and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the house isn’t particularly impressive from the outside, the artwork within certainly is worth viewing. We did a guided tour with an extremely knowledgeable gentleman, which was greatly enjoyable and informative.”

They added: “I’m not even a great art fan, but he brought everything to life. Afterwards, we enjoyed a coffee in the cafe and a lovely walk around the estate in the sunshine. I would say it is more suited to adults than children, but we really enjoyed our visit.”

Petworth lies just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and roughly 50 minutes from Portsmouth. If you appreciate nature and wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for the hundreds of deer roaming freely throughout the grounds.

The grounds represent one of the finest surviving examples of English landscape design by celebrated architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. From this location, visitors can take in breathtaking views across the South Downs, with the estate providing an ideal viewpoint.

It’s also an ideal destination to leave behind the chaos of everyday life for an invigorating stroll. Worth noting too that Petworth received such acclaim, it was recognised as one of Britain’s most scenic towns by Condé Nast Traveller earlier this year.

So if you’re considering a day trip within the UK, Petworth makes for a charming and peaceful excursion this winter.

A pretty town deserves a spot on your itinerary with its cobbled streets, Georgian architecture, antique shops and cosy pubs, and a park home to hundreds of free-roaming deer

A quintessential English town, with narrow cobbled lanes and surrounded by diverse landscapes, offers a glimpse into bygone eras.

The historic town of Petworth in Sussex is characterised by meandering cobbled lanes, 17th-century Georgian buildings and quaint, stone cottages. It’s conveniently positioned just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and around 50 minutes from Portsmouth, offering a delightful day out among its unspoilt landscapes.

There are narrow streets that lead to hidden gems scattered around the town, with antique emporiums and independent boutiques, complemented by cafés, delicatessens, and inviting pubs. Thanks to its scenic setting, it was even crowned by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the UK’s most picturesque towns.

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The medieval town, with more than 400 listed buildings, is also renowned for its thriving art and antiques community, with a wide range of galleries and more than 30 antique stores where you can find ancient treasures. One of the most popular spots for vintage goodies is Petworth Antiques Market, featuring more than 40 dealers offering everything from exquisite furniture to ornaments and an extensive selection of homeware.

One guest enthused on TripAdvisor: “I absolutely love going to the Petworth Antique Market, the customer service is amazing with extremely friendly, helpful staff, and I always always find beautiful treasures there!!”

You certainly won’t go hungry during a trip to Petworth with The Hungry Guest on Middle Street, among its standout establishments, serving up seasonal, locally sourced cuisine that has elevated the town’s reputation. Additionally, there’s an array of inviting pubs, including The Welldiggers Arms, The Black Horse Inn and The Angel Inn.

But away from the town centre, Petworth is a haven for avid walkers, with diverse landscapes within easy reach of the pretty town, including the rugged chalk hills of the South Downs National Park and the ancient woodland of The Mens Nature Reserve. Yet, the Petworth House and Park is the town’s most notable attraction, with its sprawling 700-acre park surrounding the impressive 17th-century Petworth House.

Visitors can explore the historic stately residence and discover an exceptional collection of world-class art and sculptures. The property represents one of the finest remaining examples of an English landscape designed by the renowned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

There are also hundreds of deer wandering freely across Petworth Park that can be easily admired, or you can soak up the spectacular views of the South Downs during a stroll around the grounds. The National Trust park has certainly put Petworth on the map, and even more so after appearing in major film productions, Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as Netflix’s popular drama Bridgerton.

Following a visit, one traveller shared: “Another National Trust gem! Had a wonderful day there. So much to see and wonderful walks in the grounds and deer park. The art collection is outstanding, and as usual, the volunteers in the house were great. Had an interesting talk in the square dining room about the family’s history. Found the kitchens fascinating! Great cafe too. Highly recommend.”

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