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.
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Malmesbury is a small market town in WiltshireCredit: AlamyIt was just was named one of the best places to live in the UK by The TimesCredit: Alamy
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.
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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.
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 theneliminated 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.
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Kara says you should visit her local beach in BroadstairsCredit: AlamyHead of Sun Travel Lisa suggests heading north to SeahousesCredit: Alamy
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.
“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
“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
Sophie loves exploring on the two-mile stretch of sand at Watergate BayCredit: Sophie SwietochowskiJenna is a fan of Old Hunstanton in her stomping ground of NorfolkCredit: Jenna Stevens
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
Saltburn-by-the-Sea has a cliff lift that’s been operating since 1884Credit: AlamyAlice’s favourite seaside resort is Sidmouth in Devon where you’ll find Jacob’s LadderCredit: Alamy
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
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.
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The lido sits on the promenade Grange-over-Sands in CumbriaCredit: The TimesThe pool closed in 1993 and work to reopen it started back in 2023Credit: Alamy
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.
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.
Plans include a new pavilion and an accessible entrance from the promenadeCredit: West Morland and Furness Council
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.
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.
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The former lido sits on the beachfront at Worthing in West SussexCredit: AlamyThe lido was popular when it opened in 1957 up until its closure in the 1980sCredit: Alamy
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.
“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 swimmingpool.
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.
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.
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Adventure Coast Southport will reopen later this month with free entryCredit: Google maps
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”.
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.
It also is launching a new 50metre rideCredit: Google maps
“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.
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.
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Unity Beach in Somerset has a large splash park and nearby beachCredit: unity beach somersetEach site has restaurants and cafes along with plenty of activitiesCredit: Unity Holidays
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.
“Our eight-man Platinum lodge at Unity Beach in Somerset has a hot tub — and it comes complete with undisturbed views of Brean’s windswept coastline and a clear sky at night.
“Everything inside is sleek and stylish, with a statement electric fireplace in the centre and Scandi-style wooden furniture that makes the place look more like a fancy prize draw house than a holiday park lodge.
“I was staying there with my partner Bianca and two little ones, Frank, six, and Pearl, four. The lodges are really close to most of the activities and restaurants, too.
“These include the new Wonky Donkey, which serves brekkie and pub grub such as scampi, lasagne and burgers, and the Sports Cafe, where kids can play arcade favourites and cutting-edge VR games in between bites of pizza, while adults watch live sport on the large screens.
“There’s also the revamped Pavilion Theatre, where guests can tuck into wings, loaded fries and kid-sized lighter bites all while watching live game shows and tribute acts.
“The pre-booked 90-minute pool sessions were just enough for our two, although bigger kids, who can go on all the flumes, might want to stay longer.
“Despite tearing around the pool for an hour and a half, Frank and Pearl couldn’t wait to go straight to Brean Play indoor soft play afterwards.
“If one thing’s guaranteed to tire them out, it’s soft play. The area includes the Ninja Zone, with a challenging obstacle course for older kids, and a state-of-the-art ball court with an interactive screen that lets kids play all manner of games.”
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.
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Teignmouth Lido will reopen for summer despite being marked for closureCredit: Teignmouth LeisureThe lido sits on the beachfront of the Devonshire townCredit: Alamy
In February of this year, Teignbridge Council announced plans to close its beachfront lido in order to save money.
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.
“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 summerholidays.
The pool is heated and holds various swim sessions, from public to fun sessions, as well as activities like aqua fit and aqua circuits.
The Teignmouth Lido has reopened every year in May half-term to swimmersCredit: Teignmouth Leisure
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.”