family

CAMERON, N.C. — The 21-year-old North Carolina man who drove through a gate at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort with a shotgun before he was shot and killed worked as a golf course groundskeeper and liked to sketch.

Austin Tucker Martin rarely, if ever, talked about politics, seemed afraid of guns, and came from a family of Trump supporters, according to Braeden Fields, a cousin who said the two grew up together.

“I wouldn’t believe he would do something like this. It’s mind-blowing,” Fields said. “He wouldn’t even hurt an ant. He doesn’t even know how to use a gun.”

Martin drove into the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early Sunday and raised a shotgun at two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy who then opened fire “to neutralize the threat,” said Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

Trump, who often spends weekends at the Palm Beach, Fla., resort, was at the White House at the time.

Investigators have not identified a motive. Trump faced two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign, including one just a few miles from Mar-a-Lago when a man was spotted aiming a rifle through shrubbery while Trump was golfing.

Following Sunday’s incident, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said investigators believed Martin bought his shotgun while driving to Florida. Authorities said his family had recently reported him missing.

Martin was from central North Carolina, where guns and hunting are a part of life, his cousin said. But whenever they’d go hunting or target shooting, Martin would never pick up a gun, Fields told the Associated Press on Sunday.

He lived with his mother in a modest modular house down a rutted sandy road near the town of Cameron. No one answered the door Monday, and the large police presence from the day before was gone.

Martin’s sister was killed in a car accident a few years ago, and he has an older brother who’s in the military, Fields said.

For the last three years, Martin had worked as a groundskeeper at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club.

“It’s tragic. I feel for his family,” said Kelly Miller, president of the course in nearby Southern Pines. “It’s just unfortunate what transpired. It was totally unexpected.”

Martin last year started a business to sell pen drawings he made, according to state records. A website matching the company name features illustrations of golf courses, buildings and ancient Roman architecture.

Politics didn’t seem to be among his interests, his cousin said

“We are big Trump supporters, all of us. Everybody,” Fields said, but his cousin was “real quiet, never really talked about anything.”

Breed writes for the Associated Press. AP reporters Michelle L. Price in Washington, Ali Swenson in New York, Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, S.C., and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, contributed to this report.

Kara Braxton, who won two WNBA championships during a 10-year career, has died at age 43.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the WNBA said in a statement Sunday. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.”

No cause of death has been given.

Born in Jackson, Mich., along with twin sister Kim, Braxton played high school basketball at Jackson High for one season and at Westview High in Portland, Ore., for three seasons.

Braxton, a 6-foot-6 center-forward, played at the University of Georgia from 2001-2004, earning SEC freshman of the year and first-team all-conference honors in 2002. She averaged 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds a game during her three seasons with the Bulldogs.

“Rest in peace Kara,” Georgia basketball posted on X.

Braxton was selected by the Detroit Shock at No. 7 overall in the 2005 draft. She spent 5 1/2 seasons with the team, winning the WNBA championship in 2006 and 2008 and earning her only All-Star nod in 2007. She also played for the Phoenix Mercury from 2010-11 and the New York Liberty from 2011-14, finishing with career averages of 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds a game.

New York Liberty’s Kara Braxton grabs the ball between Indiana Fever’s Tammy Sutton-Brown, left, and Tamika Catchings on Sept. 17, 2011.

(Mel Evans / Associated Press)

“We mourn the loss of Kara Braxton, a former Liberty player whose presence and passion left a lasting impact on our organization and the women’s game,” the Liberty wrote Sunday on X. “Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit. Her impact will not be forgotten.”

Braxton is survived by her husband Jarvis Jackson and two sons, Jelani Thurman and Jream Jackson.

Thurman, a tight end who played three seasons at Ohio State before transferring to North Carolina last month, posted a number of tributes to his mother on his Instagram Story, including a photo of her kissing him as a baby at a Shock media day photo shoot.

“imma miss my queen,” Thurman wrote to accompany another photo, which appears to show him as an older child wearing his mother’s No. 45 jersey to school.

Thurman also posted video of an interview from around the time Ohio State won the 2024 national championship in which he was asked what lessons he learned from his mother that helped get him to that point.

“Man, she taught me always go hard,” Thurman said. “There’s one goal, you know what you need to go to do.”

DAKAR, Senegal — Being gay in Morocco is illegal and punishable by up to three years in prison. But it was the violence from her family that forced Farah, a 21-year-old gay woman, to flee the country.

After a long journey to the United States and a third-country deportation by the Trump administration, however, Farah said she is now back in Morocco and in hiding.

“It is hard to live and work with the fear of being tracked once again by my family,” she told the Associated Press, in rare testimony from a person deported via a third country despite having protection orders from a U.S. immigration judge. “But there is nothing I can do. I have to work.”

She asked to be identified only by her first name for fear of persecution. The AP saw her protection order and lawyers verified parts of her account.

Farah said that before she fled, she was beaten by her family and the family of her partner when they found out about their relationship. She was kicked out of the family home and fled with her partner to another city. She said her family found her and tried to kill her.

Through a friend, she and her partner heard about the opportunity to get visas for Brazil and fly there with the aim of reaching the United States, where they had friends. From Brazil, she trekked through six countries for weeks to reach the U.S. border, where they asked for asylum.

“You get put in situations that are truly horrible,” she recalled. “When we arrived [at the U.S. border], it felt like it was worth the trouble and that we got to our goal.”

They arrived in early 2025. But instead of finding the freedom she envisioned, Farah said she was detained for almost a year, first in Arizona, then in Louisiana.

“It was very cold,” she said of detention. “And we only had very thin blankets.” Medical care was inadequate, she said.

She was denied asylum, but in August she received a protection order from a U.S. immigration judge, who ruled she cannot be deported to Morocco because that would endanger her life. Her partner, denied asylum and a protection order, was deported.

Farah said she was three days from a hearing on her release when she was handcuffed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and put on a plane to an African country she had never visited, and one where homosexuality is illegal: Cameroon. She was put in a detention facility.

“They asked me if I wanted to stay in Cameroon, and I told them that I can’t stay in Cameroon and risk my life in a place where I would still be endangered,” she said. She was flown to Morocco.

Most deportees had protection orders

She is one of dozens of people confirmed to be deported from the U.S. by the Trump administration to third countries despite being granted legal protection by U.S. immigration judges. The actual number is unknown.

The administration has used third-country deportations to pressure migrants who are in the U.S. illegally to leave on their own, saying they could end up “in any number of third countries.”

The detention facility in Cameroon’s capital of Yaounde, where Farah was held, currently has 15 deportees from various African countries who arrived on two flights, and none is Cameroonian, according to lawyer Joseph Awah Fru, who represents them.

Eight of the deportees on the first flight in January, including Farah, had received a judge’s protection orders, said Alma David, an immigration lawyer with the U.S.-based Novo Legal Group who has helped deportees and verified Farah’s case. The AP spoke to a woman from Ghana and a woman from Congo, who both said they had protection orders, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

Another flight Monday brought eight more people. Three freelance journalists reporting on the deportations to Cameroon for the AP were briefly detained there.

Deporting people to a third country where they could be sent home was effectively a legal “loophole,” said David.

“By deporting them to Cameroon, and giving them no opportunity to contest being sent to a country whose government hoped to quietly send them back to the very countries where they face grave danger, the U.S. not only violated their due process rights but our own immigration laws, our obligations under international treaties and even DHS’ own procedures,” David said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security earlier confirmed there were deportations to Cameroon in January.

“We are applying the law as written. If a judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period,” it said, and asserted that the third-country agreements “ensure due process under the U.S. Constitution.”

Asked about the deportations to Cameroon, the U.S. State Department on Friday told the AP it had “no comment on the details of our diplomatic communications with other governments.” It did not reply to further questions.

Cameroon’s Foreign Ministry didn’t respond to a request for comment.

‘Impossible choices’

Farah was one of two women from the first group of deportees to return to Morocco.

“They were given two impossible choices,” David said, asserting that claiming asylum was not clearly presented as one of them. “This was before the lawyer had access to them.”

She said International Organization for Migration staff in the facility did not give them any indication that there was a viable option other than going back to their home countries.

Fru said he has not been granted access to the deportees. He said the assistant to the country director for the IOM, a U.N.-affiliated organization, told him he must apply to speak to them. Fru plans to do that Monday.

The IOM told the AP it was “aware of the removal of migrants from the United States of America to some African countries” and added that it “works with people facing difficult decisions about whether to return to their country of origin.” It said its role is providing accurate information about options and ensuring that “anyone who chooses to return does so voluntarily.”

The IOM said the facility in Yaounde was managed by the authorities in Cameroon. It did not respond to further questions.

African nations are paid millions

Cameroon is one of at least seven African nations to receive deported third-country nationals in a deal with the U.S. Others include South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Eswatini, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea.

Some have received millions of dollars in return, according to documents released by the State Department. Details of other agreements, including the one with Cameroon, have not been released.

The Trump administration has spent at least $40 million to deport about 300 migrants to countries other than their own, according to a report released last week by the Democratic staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

According to internal administration documents reviewed by the AP, 47 third-country agreements are in various stages of negotiation.

In Morocco, Farah said, it was hard to hear U.S. officials refer to people like her as a threat.

“The USA is built on immigration and by immigrant labor, so we’re clearly not all threats,” she said. “What was done to me was unfair. A normal deportation would have been fair, but to go through so much and lose so much, only to be deported in such a way, is cruel.”

Pronczuk writes for the Associated Press.

My husband and I live in Mission Viejo. Our older son, his wife and two children (ages 5 and nearly 4) live in Newhall. We love spending time together, but it’s quite a trek on the 5 Freeway. Last year, we went to the aquarium in Long Beach, which was great fun. Another day, we enjoyed a day of hiking and a picnic at Placerita Canyon Nature Center near my son’s home. We would love some suggestions about other places to visit which would maybe be a little more centrally located and fun for the whole family. Thanks
— Cathy McCoy

Looking for things to do in L.A.? Ask us your questions and our expert guides will share highly specific recommendations.

Here’s what we suggest:

Cathy, I understand your pain. Driving 80 miles can feel like an odyssey, especially in SoCal. Thankfully, there are loads of fun places where your family can meet in the middle (or close to it). I’ve rounded up some solid options. By the way, the driving times mentioned here are a rough estimate for a weekend day without traffic, but as you probably know, your actual time may vary.

Since you all enjoyed the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, how about switching it up and spending the day with a different set of animals at the Montebello Barnyard Zoo for your next outing? That would be about a 40- to 50-minute drive for both of you. Open since 1968, the zoo is home to horses, goats, sheep and donkeys that you can pet (and feed them for an extra $3). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can ride a pony or take a leisurely trip on a John Deere tractor train. “It’s a great place for young ones to learn that animals outside the home need and deserve the same kind of care that we show our pets,” Etan Rosenbloom writes in a Times guide to things to do with kids around L.A. General admission is $11, and you can sometimes find deals on Groupon as well. Afterward, head to Blvd Mrkt, a food hall in Downtown Montebello that sells a variety of food so everyone can get what they want.

Another great option is the South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, which might be about an hour drive for both of you. I learned about this spot from my dear late colleague, Jeanette Marantos, who was a gardening expert in her own right. The garden, which has more than 2,500 species of plants and five miles of trails, also features a kids area, which features “a nursery rhyme theme with a large dollhouse, a charming bridge and plants matched to the stories,” Marantos writes. My editor Michelle Woo also loves this garden. “You can take a leisurely walk along the accessible loop trail or get really into the nooks and crannies of the place, discovering trees with giant roots that kids love to climb on and koi fish swimming in a shaded pond,” she says, adding that she’s excited for Thomas Dambo’s trolls exhibit that opens in March. If you get hungry, you can stop by Dottie’s at the Koi Pond, which sells food, beer, wine and specialty cocktails on Saturdays and Sundays. Carry-in food is permitted if pre-prepared.

If you’re interested in space travel, then you should definitely visit the Columbia Memorial Space Center, which is the ultimate cosmic playground. Located in Downey (known as “home of the Apollo”) — about a 40-minute drive for you and a 50-minute drive for your son’s family — the recently renovated museum features a play area, robotics lab and interactive exhibits on space exploration including a shuttle landing simulator. Admission is $5 for adults and kids, $3 for seniors ages 65 and up and free for children ages 3 and under.

Speaking of aviation, another spot that is worth checking out is the Proud Bird in El Segundo, about a 45- to 50-minute drive for both of you. Here, you can enjoy delicious bites as you watch planes take off from Los Angeles International Airport, which is just a couple of miles away. Woo calls it “the perfect spot for a multi-generation gathering.” “Our extended family once celebrated Christmas there when everyone was too tired to cook,” she adds. “You can order solid barbecue from Bludso’s, have a drink by a bonfire pit and let the kids play on the playground as planes fly by.” She also suggests the Point in El Segundo. It’s an open-air shopping and dining center that has a large lawn where the kids can play and the grownups can grab a drink from Lil’ Simmzy’s.

I hope these recommendations are useful as you plan your next family outing (and that they also save you some gas money). Whatever you end up doing together, I’m sure that your family, especially the little ones, will just be grateful to spend quality time with you. Have fun!

“TONY ‘the Slugger’ Rizzo, boss of New York’s Castelli crime family, wiped the blood off the baseball bat with the dead guy’s toupee…”

“Grandad!” 

“ . . . He jabbed a finger at his late accountant and shouted: ‘See what happens when you double-cross me, you muthaf . . . ’ ”

“Grandad!!”

“ ‘. . . and you gone and got your blood all over my freakin’ money. So now I gotta waste my day laundering it!’ . . . ”

“GRANDAD!!!”

SHIRE POWER

Turf-roofed burrows to cosy waterside cabins… holiday homes for UK escapes

HOLI-YAY

Top travel mum influencer reveals her best cheap, family-friendly hotels

I am lying on a beautiful Greek beach, a good book in my hand and a cold Mythos beer on the table beside me.

It’s holiday perfection, but someone keeps interrupting.

Two-year-olds . . . it’s all about them, isn’t it?

My wife and I are in Skiathos with our daughter and her husband and our granddaughter Flo.

We’re on one of those multi-generational breaks — or as we grandparents call it, a working holiday.

(“Just off to the spa. Can you look after Flo?” “Can Flo stay with you while we go into town?” “We thought we might have dinner on our own tonight. Just the two of us . . . ”)

Luckily, we are at the Princess Resort, a wonderful hotel just 20 minutes from the island’s airport that knows how to help families relax — especially grandparents who have forgotten what holidaying with a toddler entails.

We first came here about 15 years ago, when my daughter and her brother and sister were young, and had one of our best ever family holidays. I didn’t get much reading done then either . . . 

The hotel may be the most famous on the island thanks to Mamma Mia!.

The cast stayed here during filming and Colin Firth loved it so much, he came back the next year.

You can see why. It is located in beautiful, manicured gardens in the sheltered bay of Agia Paraskevi.

Rooms are in a two-storey building in a semi-circle which means everyone gets a view of the beach.

And what a beach! A long stretch of immaculate golden sand with shallow, warm water gently lapping up against it. It’s the perfect setting for one of the big ambitions of our holiday: Operation Get Flo Swimming.

Flo loves going to the pool at home in Brighton and is just learning, but what would she make of the sea?

After some initial reluctance caused by the feel of the sand between her toes and several swallows of salty water, she soon takes to it.

And, naturally, it’s grandad she wants to keep going in with her for a splash about.

The beach’s sun loungers and tiki umbrellas are all reserved for guests and free but you can shell out on a cabana.

OK, this isn’t cheap at €90 a day but it is definitely worth it, especially with a baby or toddler. We were in Skiathos in June and, God, it was hot.

With a cabana you have a proper base on the beach in the shade where you can snooze, eat and read (yeah, right).

It’s vital when you are trying to keep a little one from getting sunburned.

The Princess Resort is great for children. There’s a complimentary kids’ club, the Little Seals Club, a superb outdoor play area and a €15-a-night babysitting service. (Now they tell me.)

Plus, a lot of the equipment you need — from high chairs and potties to car seats and even prams — is available from reception.

(Don’t even bother asking about the fuss we had packing for a holiday with a toddler.)

But, adults need a break, too, you know, and the hotel offers scuba diving, horse riding, water sports and fishing and sailing trips. Or you can just kick back and take advantage of the massages and beauty treatments in the spa.

The Princess Resort is B&B, which means you are not tied to the hotel for dinner.

But make sure you eat at Ammos, the hotel’s taverna on the beach, which specialises in fresh seafood.

It’s not cheap but the location and grub is definitely worth it. And they love kids.

As do the staff at the superb Platanias Taverna & Bar over the road from the hotel.

It’s a good value family-run restaurant serving traditional food, where children can run free while indulgent staff manoeuvre around them without complaint.

It would be Jan Leeming’s restaurant nightmare.

For an upmarket, foodie experience head to the waterfront Baracoa about ten minutes away from the hotel by taxi.

It’s expensive, but the setting and menu have made it one of the must-visit places to eat on Skiathos.

Oh, and for a meal WITHOUT nippers, try the Princess Resort’s sister hotel, the boutique adults-only Aegean Suites Hotel, just outside town. Amazing food and terrific views over the old marina.

One of the great things about Skiathos is that you don’t need a car.

There’s a bus stop right outside the Princess Resort and the fare into town is just €2.

Or splash out €40 and get a boat ride from the jetty along from the hotel and arrive in town in style.

A word of warning, though — taxis can be thin on the ground in Skiathos Town in the evening. So if you are planning a late return, get a cab into town and arrange a return pick-up with the driver.

There are plenty of upmarket boutiques, bars and restaurants to discover in this beautiful whitewashed island capital.

It’s great to sit on the waterfront with a beer and watch the boats come and go.

And not much beats wandering around the narrow alleyways and coming across some enticing looking bar or a cafe serving delicious Greek treats.

Watch out for the scooters, though.

Since Mamma Mia! was filmed in the Sporades islands, Skiathos Town has definitely moved upmarket and it is a lot busier — even though most of the movie locations are on Skopelos and Alonissos.

But it retains a friendly, down-to-earth vibe you simply don’t get in the A-list hangouts of Santorini and Mykonos.

Anyway, after a long, tiring day of exploring in Skiathos Town, Flo’s finally in bed — so at last I can get some serious reading done.

Here we go: “It was Peppa Pig’s birthday and Daddy Pig had a great idea . . . ”

Twelve Palestine Action activists, including hunger strikers, who were charged with breaking into the British site of an Israeli-linked defence firm, reunited with their families outside London’s Central Criminal Court after they were granted bail on Friday.

NEW ORLEANS — A U.S. appeals court has cleared the way for a Louisiana law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms to take effect.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12 to 6 to lift a block that a lower court first placed on the law in 2024. In the opinion released Friday, the court said it was too early to make a judgment call on the constitutionality of the law.

That’s partly because it’s not yet clear how prominently schools may display the religious text, whether teachers will refer to the Ten Commandments during classes or if other texts like the Mayflower Compact or the Declaration of Independence will also be displayed, the majority opinion said.

Without those sorts of details, the panel decided that it did not have enough information to weigh any 1st Amendment issues that might arise from the law. In other words, there aren’t enough facts available to “permit judicial judgment rather than speculation,” the majority wrote in the opinion.

In a concurring opinion, Circuit Judge James Ho, an appointee of President Trump, wrote that the law “is not just constitutional — it affirms our nation’s highest and most noble traditions.”

The six judges who voted against the decision wrote a series of dissents, with some arguing that the law exposes children to government-endorsed religion in a place they are required to be, presenting a clear constitutional burden.

Circuit Judge James L. Dennis, an appointee of President Clinton, wrote that the law “is precisely the kind of establishment the Framers anticipated and sought to prevent.”

The ruling is the result of the court’s choice to rehear the case with all judges present after three of them ruled in June that the Louisiana law was unconstitutional. The reversal comes from one of the nation’s most conservative appeals courts, and one that’s known for propelling Republican policies to a similarly conservative U.S. Supreme Court.

Republican Gov. Jeff Landry celebrated the ruling Friday, declaring, “Common sense is making a comeback!”

The ACLU of Louisiana, one of several groups representing plaintiffs, pledged to explore all legal pathways to continue fighting the law.

Arkansas has a similar law that has been challenged in federal court. And a Texas law took effect on Sept. 1, marking the widest reaching attempt in the nation to hang the Ten Commandments in public schools.

Some Texas school districts were barred from posting them after federal judges issued injunctions in two cases challenging the law, but they have already gone up in many classrooms across the state as districts paid to have the posters printed themselves or accepted donations.

The laws are among pushes by Republicans, including Trump, to incorporate religion into public school classrooms. Critics say doing so violates the separation of church and state, while backers say the Ten Commandments are historical and part of the foundation of U.S. law.

Joseph Davis, an attorney representing Louisiana in the case, applauded the court for upholding the nation’s “time-honored tradition of recognizing faith in the public square.”

Families from a variety of religious backgrounds, including Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism, have challenged the laws, as have clergy members and nonreligious families.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation, another group involved in the challenge, called the ruling “extremely disappointing” and said the law will force families “into a game of constitutional whack-a-mole” where they will have to separately challenge each school district’s displays.

Louisiana Atty. Gen. Liz Murrill said after the ruling that she had sent schools several correct examples of the required poster.

In 1980, the Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress can “make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The court found that the law had no secular purpose but served a plainly religious purpose.

And in 2005, the Supreme Court held that such displays in a pair of Kentucky courthouses violated the Constitution. At the same time, the court upheld a Ten Commandments marker on the grounds of the Texas state Capitol in Austin.

Schoenbaum and Boone write for the Associated Press.

WASHINGTON — The late Rev. Jesse Jackson will not lie in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda after a request for the commemoration was denied by the House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office due to past precedent.

Johnson’s office said it received a request from the family to have Jackson’s remains lie in honor at the Capitol, but the request was denied, because of the precedent that the space is typically reserved for former presidents, the military and select officials.

The civil rights leader died this week at the age of 84. The family and some House Democrats had filed a request for Jackson to be honored at the U.S. Capitol.

Amid the country’s political divisions, there have been flare-ups over who is memorialized at the Capitol with a service to lie in state, or honor, in the Rotunda. During such events, the public is generally allowed to visit the Capitol and pay their respects.

Recent requests had similarly been made, and denied, to honor Charlie Kirk, the slain conservative activist, and former Vice President Dick Cheney.

There is no specific rule about who qualifies for the honor, a decision that is controlled by concurrence from both the House and Senate.

The Jackson family has announced scheduled dates for memorial services beginning next week that will honor the late reverend’s life in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. In a statement, the Jackson family said it had heard from leaders in South Carolina, Jackson’s native state, and Washington offering for Jackson to be celebrated in both locations. Talks are ongoing with lawmakers about where those proceedings will take place. His final memorial services will be held in Chicago on March 6 and 7.

Typically, the Capitol and its Rotunda have been reserved for the “most eminent citizens,” according to the Architect of the Capitol’s website. It said government and military officials lie in state, while private citizens in honor.

In 2020, Rep. John Lewis, another veteran of the civil rights movement, was the first Black lawmaker to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda after a ceremony honoring his legacy was held outside on the Capitol steps because of pandemic restrictions at the time.

Later that year, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) allowed services for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Capitol’s Statuary Hall after agreement could not be reached for services in the Capitol’s Rotunda.

It is rare for private citizens to be honored at the Capitol, but there is precedent — most notably civil rights icon Rosa Parks, in 2005, and the Rev. Billy Graham, in 2018.

A passionate civil rights leader and globally minded humanitarian, Jackson’s fiery speeches and dual 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns transformed American politics for generations. Jackson’s organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, became a hub for progressive organizers across the country.

His unapologetic calls for a progressive economic agenda and more inclusive policies for all racial groups, religions, genders and orientations laid the groundwork for the progressive movement within the Democratic Party.

Jackson also garnered a global reputation as a champion for human rights. He conducted the release of American hostages on multiple continents and argued for greater connections between civil rights movements around the world, most notably as a fierce critic of the policies of apartheid in South Africa.

Brown and Mascaro write for the Associated Press.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay apologised to listeners after getting emotional while discussing his family life, before accidentally saying the wrong thing on air

BBC presenter Vernon Kay, who shares two daughters with wife Tess Daly, has issued an apology for using language his mum wouldn’t be pleased with, during a discussion about vintage technology that prompted him to share personal family memories.

The TV and radio presenter, 51, explored how technology has evolved by referencing his Sony Walkman. Vernon explained: “Earlier this week I was talking about finding my old [Sony] Walkman in the loft, played some old mixtapes from various clubs in the north west.

“It’s interesting, we were talking in the studio how the evolution of playing music whilst you’re on the go, whilst you’re mobile, has changed so much through the years. I was fascinated, I lifted the lid and just watched the tape go round.

“I was in a trance, thinking wow it’s so mechanical, it’s so raw, it’s there, you can see the engineering in it and these days you just press play and music plays in your ear.

“There was something so stunning about watching a tape go round knowing that back in the day, it was the opposite, you hated winding it on with a pencil and then mixtapes. So there have been many advances in personal listening technology, some of which took off, others not so much.”

Vernon subsequently played a segment from Tomorrow’s World showcasing the Dataplay, a device that never gained traction.

Later during the BBC programme, he turned to video recordings and revealed how his dad would accompany his grandad on lorry trips throughout Europe, before inadvertently uttering the word “Jesus”, then recalling his mother’s disapproval of taking the Lord’s name in vain.

He explained: “My mum in particular, has some footage somewhere of my grandad from way back when, because when my dad used to do international lorry driving he used to take my mum’s dad with him in his truck.

“So they’d go down to the south of Spain, Africa, all that kind of stuff. I think they’ve got some old cine-reel footage of them both trucking together.

“Trucks in them days weren’t as comfy as they are now….I was emotional then, I was getting quite emotional then.”

He then remarked to radio producer Phil: “You’re like a big full stop. He’d be a rubbish therapist, move on, your time’s up son, get out. Go on. Jesus.”

Suddenly realising his slip-up, he quickly added: “Sorry for swearing, do beg your pardon…You just feel so relaxed and then you forget that seven million people are listening.

“I’m so sorry. Gladys, she hates me using the Lord’s name in vain…so sorry.”

News of Eric Dane’s death Thursday was met with an outpouring of grief by celebrities, who expressed their admiration for the TV star’s mischievous on-screen charisma and his advocacy efforts during his battle against ALS.

Dane is best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, or “McSteamy,” on “Grey’s Anatomy” and recently portrayed the dark and secretive father Cal Jacobs in HBO’s “Euphoria.” He died at age 53, less than a year after publicly announcing his diagnosis with the neurodegenerative disease.

Alyssa Milano, who was Dane’s romantic co-star on “Charmed,” shared a heartfelt message on Instagram praising his cheeky, yet tender spirit and deep love for his daughters.

“I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective,” said Milano. “He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things.”

HBO Max shared a statement on Instagram, lauding Dane’s talent and saying the network was “fortunate to have worked with him on three seasons of Euphoria.” The show’s creator, Sam Levinson, shared a statement with Variety saying he’s heartbroken by the loss of a dear friend.

“Working with him was an honor,” Levinson said. “Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”

Former “Grey’s Anatomy” showrunner Krista Vernoff shared an Instagram post fondly reminiscing about when Dane returned to the set in 2021 to film a dream sequence featuring his character, who died in Season 9. Although it was shot during the pandemic, he “broke the rules” and gave her a huge hug.

“The thing I will remember most about Eric Dane are his hugs,” Vernoff wrote. “The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”

Dane was preparing to publish his memoir, “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” later this year with Maria Shriver’s publishing imprint, the Open Field.

Shriver said Dane was heroic in the way he handled his disease and used his platform to raise awareness about ALS.

“He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them, and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of,” she said in a statement on X. “My love goes out to his family, and to all those battling this cruel disease, as well as all those caring for someone battling it.”

In 2025, Dane drew on his personal experiences with the condition to portray a firefighter living with ALS on “Brilliant Minds” and advocated for legislation to provide funding for ALS research and give patients early access to treatments.

He worked closely with the nonprofit organization I Am ALS to raise money to research new treatments for the disease, which currently has no cure.

“Eric brought humility, humor, and visibility to ALS and reminded the world that progress is possible when we refuse to remain silent,” the organization said in a statement. “Eric was more than a supporter of our mission — he was part of our family.”

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive disease that damages nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles, typically causing death two to five years after diagnosis.

Nina Dobrev, Dane’s co-star in the western romance movie “Redeeming Love,” wrote on her Instagram story that she was heartbroken by his death.

“He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did,” she said. “He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen.”

Times staff writer Alexandra Del Rosario contributed to this report

Finalists and honorees for the 46th Los Angeles Times Book Prizes were announced Wednesday.

Writer-curator Ekow Eshun is among the biography finalists for “The Strangers: Five Extraordinary Black Men and the Worlds That Made Them,” which parses Black masculinity as embodied by various civil rights activists, philosophers and other visionaries. Contenders in the fiction categories ranged from seasoned novelists like Michael Connelly to breakouts including Saou Ichikawa, whose debut novel, “Hunchback,” was longlisted for the 2025 International Booker Prize.

Many selected books evoke the greatest anxieties of our time, from government-sanctioned historical revisionism to the ongoing proliferation of AI.

“The Joy Luck Club” author Amy Tan will be honored with this year’s Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement. Nonprofit We Need Diverse Books and novelist Adam Ross will receive the Innovator’s Award and Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose, respectively.

Winners in the remaining categories will be revealed at the 46th L.A. Times Book Prizes on April 17 at USC’s Bovard Auditorium. The ceremony is a prelude to the annual L.A. Times Festival of Books, which this year runs April 18-19.

The Oakland-born Tan will be given the marquee Robert Kirsch Award, which celebrates literature with regional and thematic connections to the Western United States, for her highly awarded body of work exploring multicultural identity and its complex effects on familial bonds.

“Throughout her extraordinary career, Amy Tan has transformed American literature by shining a light on the emotional complexities of family, identity and cultural inheritance,” said Times senior editor for Books Sophia Kercher. “Her work confronts the social and cultural legacies of the American West with rich details of the immigrant experience.”

Tan’s 1989 debut novel, “The Joy Luck Club,” which interweaves the stories of four Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters in San Francisco, is a staple of the modern literary canon and was previously a finalist for the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. “The Joy Luck Club,” along with the essays, memoirs and novels Tan has since penned — most recently 2024’s “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” — have also led her to be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters and earned her a National Humanities Medal from President Biden.

We Need Diverse Books, a viral 2014 Twitter campaign turned nonprofit, is being honored with the Innovator’s Award for its efforts toward promoting diversity and inclusion in children’s and young adult publishing.

According to the WNDB website, upon the nonprofit’s launch more than a decade ago, only 8% of children’s books published in the U.S. were written by authors of color. In 2023, that figure rose to 47%, in no small part due to WNDB’s grants, library partnerships and other advocacy work, per the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“We Need Diverse Books has played an important role in publishing by championing stories that reflect our world, and opening doors for writers and readers,” said Times Executive Editor Terry Tang. “We are thrilled to recognize them with this year’s Innovator’s Award, honoring their unwavering commitment to access and representation in literature.”

Ross rounds out the L.A. Times Book Prize honorees as the winner of the Christopher Isherwood Prize for “Playworld,” a semi-autobiographical novel about a teen growing up in 1980s New York that is described as “less a bildungsroman than a story of miseducation.”

In addition to the achievement awards, the Book Prizes recognize titles in 13 categories: audiobooks, autobiographical prose (the Christopher Isherwood Prize), biography, current interest, fiction, first fiction (the Art Seidenbaum Award), graphic novel/comics, history, mystery/thriller, poetry, science fiction, science and technology and young adult literature. Each category’s finalists and winners are chosen by panels of writers specializing in that genre.

For more information about the Book Prizes, including the complete list of finalists, visit latimes.com/BookPrizes.

Robert Kirsch Award

Amy Tan

Innovator’s Award

We Need Diverse Books

The Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose

Adam Ross, “Playworld: A Novel”

The Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction

Andy Anderegg, “Plum”

Krystelle Bamford, “Idle Grounds: A Novel”

Addie E. Citchens, “Dominion: A Novel”

Justin Haynes, “Ibis: A Novel”

Saou Ichikawa translated by Polly Barton, “Hunchback: A Novel”

Achievement in Audiobook Production, presented by Audible

Molly Jong-Fast (narrator), Matie Argiropoulos (producer); “How to Lose Your Mother”

Jason Mott, Ronald Peet, and JD Jackson (narrators), Diane McKiernan (producer); “People Like Us: A Novel”

James Aaron Oh (narrator), Linda Korn (producer); “The Emperor of Gladness: A Novel”

Imani Perry (narrator), Suzanne Mitchell (producer); “Black in Blues”

Maggi-Meg Reed, Jane Oppenheimer, Carly Robins, Jeff Ebner, David Pittu, Chris Andrew Ciulla, Mark Bramhall, Petrea Burchard, Robert Petkoff, Kimberly Farr, Cerris Morgan-Moyer, Peter Ganim, Jade Wheeler, Steve West, and Jim Seybert (narrators), Kelly Gildea (producer); “The Correspondent: A Novel”

Biography

Joe Dunthorne, “Children of Radium: A Buried Inheritance”

Ekow Eshun, “The Strangers: Five Extraordinary Black Men and the Worlds That Made Them”

Ruth Franklin, “The Many Lives of Anne Frank”

Beth Macy, “Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America”

Amanda Vaill, “Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution”

Current Interest

Jeanne Carstensen, “A Greek Tragedy: One Day, a Deadly Shipwreck, and the Human Cost of the Refugee Crisis”

Stefan Fatsis, “Unabridged: The Thrill of (and Threat to) the Modern Dictionary”

Brian Goldstone, “There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America”

Gardiner Harris, “No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson”

Jordan Thomas, “When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World”

Fiction

Tod Goldberg, “Only Way Out: A Novel”

Stephen Graham Jones, “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter”

Mia McKenzie, “These Heathens: A Novel”

Andrés Felipe Solano translated by Will Vanderhyden, “Gloria: A Novel”

Bryan Washington, “Palaver: A Novel”

Graphic Novel/Comics

Eagle Valiant Brosi, “Black Cohosh”

Jaime Hernandez, “Life Drawing: A Love and Rockets Collection”

Michael D. Kennedy, “Milk White Steed”

Lee Lai, “Cannon”

Carol Tyler, “The Ephemerata: Shaping the Exquisite Nature of Grief”

History

Char Adams, “Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore”

Bench Ansfield, “Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City”

Jennifer Clapp, “Titans of Industrial Agriculture: How a Few Giant Corporations Came to Dominate the Farm Sector and Why It Matters”

Eli Erlick, “Before Gender: Lost Stories from Trans History, 1850-1950”

Aaron G. Fountain Jr., “High School Students Unite!: Teen Activism, Education Reform, and FBI Surveillance in Postwar America”

Mystery/Thriller

Megan Abbott, “El Dorado Drive”

Ace Atkins, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World: A Novel”

Lou Berney, “Crooks: A Novel About Crime and Family”

Michael Connelly, “The Proving Ground: A Lincoln Lawyer Novel”

S.A. Cosby, “King of Ashes: A Novel”

Poetry

Gabrielle Calvocoressi, “The New Economy”

Chet’la Sebree, “Blue Opening: Poems”

Richard Siken, “I Do Know Some Things”

Devon Walker-Figueroa, “Lazarus Species: Poems”

Allison Benis White, “A Magnificent Loneliness”

Science Fiction, Fantasy & Speculative Fiction

Stephen Graham Jones, “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter”

Jordan Kurella, “The Death of Mountains”

Nnedi Okorafor, “Death of the Author: A Novel”

Adam Oyebanji, “Esperance”

Silvia Park, “Luminous: A Novel”

Science & Technology

Mariah Blake, “They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals”

Peter Brannen, “The Story of CO2 Is the Story of Everything: How Carbon Dioxide Made Our World”

Karen Hao, “Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI”

Laura Poppick, “Strata: Stories from Deep Time”

Jordan Thomas, “When It All Burns: Fighting Fire in a Transformed World”

Young Adult Literature

K. Ancrum, “The Corruption of Hollis Brown”

Idris Goodwin, “King of the Neuro Verse”

Jamie Jo Hoang, “My Mother, the Mermaid Chaser”

Trung Le Nguyen, “Angelica and the Bear Prince”

Hannah V. Sawyerr, “Truth Is: A Novel in Verse”

A holiday park offers families affordable February half-term breaks with play area, spa and lake views

February half-term presents a challenge for many families, particularly those still recovering financially from Christmas, whilst eyeing the longer Easter break ahead. British weather during this period is notoriously unpredictable, but that needn’t prevent you from discovering an enjoyable getaway destination that won’t break the bank.

Woodland Lakes holiday park near Thirsk, Yorkshire, boasts numerous attractions for families during the school holidays.

The heated indoor swimming pool proves consistently popular with youngsters eager for a dip, whilst an indoor play area, Pamper Lounge Spa, restaurant and bar complement the tranquil lake vistas and fishing spots, offering ample chances to unwind, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Situated on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and a brief drive from both the vibrant market town of Thirsk and the historic city of York, it’s described as ‘the perfect retreat for those seeking a break away in a relaxed and picturesque environment’.

Various properties can be booked at the site this February half term, including Cedar lodge.

A four-night stay from February 16 to 20 is priced at £461 for four guests, equating to £28 per person per night through Sykes Holiday Cottages.

South Lakeland Village holds an overall Google rating of 4.3 out of five, with visitors commending the ‘excellent’ pool and ‘good pub food’.

James Shaw, chief commercial officer for Sykes Holiday Cottages, commented: “February half term is the perfect time for a family escape, and with 63% of Brits taking a UK break last year, staying closer to home is more popular than ever.

“Holiday resorts like Woodland Lakes Lodges offer shorter journey times, great value, and onsite activities that keep everyone entertained.”

He went on to say: “We’re also seeing families plan later to secure better deals and work around busy schedules, so there’s still plenty of time to book a last-minute getaway.

“Cedar offers the ideal mix with a heated pool and play area for the kids, spa facilities for parents, and the North Yorkshire Moors right on the doorstep for outdoor adventures.”

To explore further holiday options with Sykes Holiday Cottages, head over to their website. Woodland Lakes holiday park is a Landal site bookable through Sykes, alongside 22 other Landal destinations.

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ERIC Dane has died aged 53 after a brave battle with ALS.

The Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria actor passed away with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and daughters Billie and Georgia by his side, his rep said in a statement on Thursday, February 19.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement began.

“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. 

“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.

“He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. 

health battle

Eric Dane’s Grey’s co-star reveals ‘heartbreaking’ update on ALS battle

“The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”

SCARY DIAGNOSIS

Eric had been battling ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease, since early 2024, when he first began experiencing symptoms.

The star announced his diagnosis in April 2025, which quickly progressed to near full paralysis in the months before his death.

Eric had to bow out of multiple public appearances due to his worsening condition.

In January 2026, he withdrew from the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Cares gala just hours before the event began.

The TV star also missed his scheduled appearance at the Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2025 because of complications from the disease.

In December 2025, Eric shared an update on his health during a virtual panel for IAMALS.org.

At this point, the father of two had lost mobility in his arms, had noticeable changes in his speech, and was confined to a wheelchair.

“I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day,” an emotional Eric shared.

“I don’t think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying.”

Despite his drastic health decline, Eric vowed to continue acting and that he wouldn’t give up fighting.

“I’m not about to concede my purpose for some disease. I just am not capable of doing that.

“I’m fairly limited in what I can do physically as an actor, but I still have my brain, and I still have my speech, so I’m willing to do just about anything.”

BRAVE FIGHT

In November 2025, Eric starred in an episode of the NBC medical drama Brilliant Minds, playing a firefighter living with ALS.

“The hardest thing for me to do was separate myself from the character because it was something that was so fresh and it was something that was so real to me,” Eric told the Daily Mail about the role.

“I’ve never played a character who’s going through something, and something that I’m dealing with in real time, in real life as well,” he continued.

“So, it was hard, and there were moments where it was very difficult for me to get the lines out. 

“But overall, I was really grateful for the experience. I found it to be a bit cathartic.”

Eric is also reprising his role as Cal Jacobs in the third season of Euphoria, which will premiere on HBO in April, after a four-year hiatus.

In late January, Eric received praise from his Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Patrick Dempsey, for his bravery since his brutal diagnosis.

“I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing. I think he’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease,” Patrick told Parade in an interview.

He also said that he tried to get Eric on his new crime thriller series, Memory of a Killer, but his condition made it “virtually impossible.”

Eric is survived by his two children, Billie Beatrice, 16, and Georgia Geraldine 14, whom he shares with Rebecca.

The couple separated in 2018, but called off their long divorce once Eric received his diagnosis.

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — In some families, children are expected to attend the same college as their parents or root for mom or dad’s favorite team.

In Azaria Hill’s family, the children were encouraged to go to the Olympics. Not to watch, but to compete.

Hill’s father Virgil, a boxer, earned a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Games. Hill’s mother, Denean Howard, met Virgil at the 1984 Games and won Olympic gold that year running with her sister, Sherri Howard, in the 4×400-meter relay. The sisters won silver medals in the 4×400 at the 1988 Olympics before Denean earned another silver at the 1992 Games.

“At a very young age, since I could understand what the Olympics were and knew what my family did as Olympians, I knew that’s something that I wanted to do and wanted to experience,” Hill said.

But her top marks of 11.70 seconds in the 100 meters and 23.93 in the 200 didn’t rank in the top 100 for U.S. women in 2021, her senior year at Nevada Las Vegas. So if she was going to continue the family tradition, she knew she’d have to find another sport.

Jadin O’Brien was in a similar fix. She won two NCAA titles in the pentathlon but finished seventh at the U.S. trials ahead of the 2024 Games. To realize her Olympic dream, she’d have to change sports too.

Luckily for both women, there was a well-worn path from the track to the Winter Olympics: Just hop onto a sled. On Friday, Hill and O’Brien will complete their journeys when the two-woman bobsled competition gets underway at the Cortina Sliding Centre.

“I never thought that this would even be a possibility or an opportunity,” Hill said. “It just kind of fell into my lap and I was really good at it. I stuck it out and worked hard and here I am a Winter Olympian.”

She has Kaysha Love, a UNLV teammate, to thank for that. An 11-time high school track champion in Utah, Love was encouraged by her college coach to take part in a 12-day bobsled rookie camp after COVID shortened the track season her senior year. That led to more auditions and 14 months later she and pilot Kaillie Humphries won a World Cup race.

U.S. bobsledders Azaria Hill, left, and Kaysha Love take part in a training run Wednesday in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

(Aijaz Rahi / Associated Press)

After just six races, Love made the 2022 U.S. Olympic team as a brakewoman. She then tried to sell Hill on the sport.

“She was like ‘I think you should try it. Let’s see if you can do it,’” Hill remembered. “I went to my first rookie camp and I did really well, got invited back to some more camps, and ended up making my first World Cup team.”

That was in December 2023. Two years later she made it to the Olympics as the brakewoman for Love, who is now a driver.

“That’s completely opposite of what I thought I’d be doing,” Hill said. “The first time it is definitely scary. I was like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t know if I even want to do this.’ It is an acquired taste.

“But Keisha Love was just super positive.”

O’Brien’s rise to Olympian in the two-person bobsled, the second-fastest sliding sport of the Winter Games, has been even swifter. Elana Meyers Taylor, a five-time Olympian and five-time medalist, began recruiting O’Brien to be her brakewoman after the Beijing Games. At first she resisted, but last summer O’Brien decided she needed a rest from track “and bobsled seemed like a good alternative, so I took it up.”

Jadin O’Brien, left, and Elana Meyers Taylor prepare for a bobsled training run at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games on Wednesday.

(Aijaz Rahi / Associated Press)

In her World Cup debut four months later, O’Brien pushed Taylor to a fourth-place finish, earning a spot on the Olympic team.

“There was so much I needed to learn,” she said. “Luckily there were quite a few girls who were very patient with me, who helped me understand the sport, understand form.”

One of the most important things she had to learn is when to pull the brake.

“If you do it too early, then you’re going to drastically hurt your time. If you do it too late, there’s a chance you’re going to ruin the runners because the track ends at a certain point,” O’Brien said.

And that decision has to be made in a heartbeat at the end of a mile-long ice chute covered at speeds exceeding 90 mph.

“It’s terrifying. You’re going super, super fast. As a brakeman you can’t see what’s going on because your head is down,” she said. “But at the same time it’s very thrilling. You feel like you’re flying if the run is done right. It’s almost addicting.”

Track athletes like Hill, 27, and O’Brien, 23, have a long history of success in bobsled, where speed and power at the start are important. Lauryn Williams won a gold medal on the track in the 2012 London Games and a silver on the back of Taylor’s sled two years later in Sochi. Lolo Jones won three world championships on the track and two in a bobsled. Most of the Jamaican team in Cortina is made up of sprinters who couldn’t catch Usain Bolt, so they climbed in a bobsled instead.

“They’ve got just an athleticism that is very applicable to pushing sleds,” said Curtis Tomasevicz, a former football player at Nebraska who won gold and silver Olympic medals in the four-man bobsled before becoming a coach with the U.S. team. “We’re recruiting athletes that have a sprinting ability and we feel like we can teach them to be bobsledders in a short amount of time.”

For Hill, that transition from the sprints to a sled has allowed her to carry on a family tradition. And she’ll have 11 relatives — including two Olympic medalists — at the Cortina Sliding Centre on Friday when she creates her own memories as the first Hill to compete in the Winter Games.

“They’re super excited seeing me on this journey, being that I’ve been able to kind of follow my own mission, create something for myself,” she said. “It’s almost like they’re kind of experiencing it again, but just in a different way.

“This has definitely exceeded my expectations of what I thought being an Olympian would be. It’s so much fun.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) endorsed former Rep. Katie Porter, her protege and former Harvard Law School student, for California governor on Thursday.

“From the moment Katie set foot in my consumer law class, I knew that she would be a warrior for working families,” Warren said in a statement, citing Porter’s work on the foreclosure crisis as well as her questioning of corporate leaders and members of the Trump administration while wielding a white board in hearings when she represented an Orange County district in Congress.

“No one will stand up to Trump with more grit and determination than Katie,” Warren said. “But just as importantly, she will champion the kind of bold, progressive vision that California workers and families deserve.”

The endorsement comes on the cusp of the California Democratic Party’s convention in San Francisco this weekend, at a time that there is no true front-runner in the crowded race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Porter was initially viewed as having a potential edge in the race, but her prospects dimmed after videos emerged in October of the UC Irvine law professor scolding a reporter and swearing at an aide. She expressed remorse for her behavior.

Warren and Porter, who met more than two decades ago, have a long-standing relationship, to the point that the senator is the namesake of one of Porter’s children.

Porter endorsed Warren during the 2020 presidential campaign, which caused consternation among some California Democrats since then-Sen. Kamala Harris, who as state attorney general appointed Porter in 2012 to oversee a $25-billion mortgage settlement with the nation’s top banks, was also running for the White House.

Porter pointed to their shared values, such as fighting to protect consumer protection in Congress, as she responded to Warren’s endorsement.

“Senator Warren and I fought together in Congress to hold Big Banks and giant corporations that cheat the American people accountable,” Porter said. “From the classroom to the Capitol, we have made … fighting for working families our lifework. I’ll be a governor who is unbought, undeterred, and unwilling to continue the special interest status quo that has left too many Californians behind.”

A HUGE new family campsite is opening at a historic UK holiday park this summer.

Billing Aquadrome in Northampton is one of the oldest holiday parks in the UK dating back to 1945 when it opened shortly after World War II.

Sitting on 235 acres the resort has everything from a caravan site and funfair to a marina.

And now it is reintroducing its family camping offering for the 2026 season, after undergoing a massive revamp.

In the refreshed family camping area, guests will find 150 electric pitches as well as an amenities block and a play area.

Nikki Rathie, holidays director at Billing Aquadrome, said: “The return of camping for 2026 is something we know many families have been eagerly awaiting.

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“By reintroducing a premium family camping experience, we’re able to offer a much-loved family holiday experience at Billing Aquadrome which complements the other holiday styles on offer.

“This launch marks an exciting new chapter for the park following a year of major investment and regeneration.”

The park is also undergoing a massive £17million regeneration.

This includes new restaurants, the waterside Lake Club, Willow Lakes Aquapark, a BMX pump track, a Himalayan Adventure Golf Course and Adventure Island.

There is a newly opened Zen Den too, for families needing to escape the noise.

By the end of this year, a new indoor entertainment venue will also open.

Campers will also get access to all of Billing Aquadrome’s attractions such as the indoor swimming pool, which has a toddlers’ splash zone and a flume slide.

And guests can also enjoy a programme of activities and live performances including drive-in movie nights, Tough Mudder, an aqua assault course and paddleboard hire.

Guests won’t be charged extra for bringing a dog, having a gazebo or pup tent or any extra equipment.

There is a premium camping experience available as well with 150 electric pitches measuring eight metres by 10 metres.

Bookings for the new family campsite launch on March 26.

However, from February 17, families can sign up to be the first to know when bookings go live.

As part of the launch, 26 families from this sign-up list will each win a three-night break.

When it comes to the cost per night, prices will vary but current pitches available to book on Billing Aquadrome’s website cost from £25 a night during the summer holidays.

If you don’t fancy camping, Billing Aquadrome also has an array of other accommodation types including glamping.

For example, you could stay in one of their static caravans for two nights (midweek) for £129.

And for convenience when staying, there is an on-site shop, hair and beauty salon and a laundrette.

In other holiday park news, UK holiday park with its own shopping village, theatre and golf course plunges into administration.

Plus, the nine most popular Hols From £9.50 holiday parks of last year – as bookings open for 2026.

WHAT if the best memories you make with your family this year didn’t have to cost you a single penny?

We’ve scoured the internet for family days out across the UK – and the best part is, they are all TOTALLY free.

We’ve compiled a mega list of all the best free family days out taking place this spring, including free kids festivals, a travelling activity train, wilding workshops and more.

For the mini history buffs, science geeks, horse lovers, artsy types and railway enthusiasts in the family, we’ve got you covered.

From free mini kids concerts in Birmingham, to meeting newborn lambs at farms in Wales, you’re bound to find something near you that the whole family will love this spring.

North of England

1. National Railway Museum, York

The National Railway Museum in York is free to visit and open daily from 10am – 5pm.

Inside, you’ll find an extensive model railway, a large family play area and a viewing balcony overlooking York Railway Station.

Make sure to book your free tickets in advance to secure your slot.

2. Play Pavilion at The Hepworth, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

The Hepworth art museum in Wakefield is home to a Play Pavilion full of arts materials, books, fun artifacts and more for kids to get stuck into.

The Play Pavilion is part of the artistic Playing with Fire exhibition, and will be available to visit until May 4 2026.

There’s plenty more for families here, too, like Explore and Draw stations dotted around the exhibitions and a welcoming free Warm Space to enjoy a free hot drink and a biscuit.

3. Family Parkrun in Fountains Abbey

Parkruns are free to attend and take place across the country, so as the sun comes out in the springtime, what better way to celebrate than a family Parkrun?

The trails are 5km routes, which most people run but you can walk them as well.

The Fountains Abbey Parkrun is often considered to be one of the most beautiful in the UK as it goes through a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Run along past 12th-century abbey ruins and gorgeous Georgian water gardens.

You can sign up for free on Parkrun’s website.

4. Tiny Tigers and Rory’s Saturday Club at Leeds City Museum

Tiny Tigers is a creative kids workshop held at Leeds City Museum, where children under 5 can get stuck into some colourful arts and crafts.

The sessions take place every Friday morning inside the Life on Earth gallery of the museum.

The museum also runs crafts for families of mixed ages on Saturday mornings, hosting Rory’s Saturday Club drop-in sessions.

All of the messy craft sessions have materials provided at no cost, although the museum itself is a Give What You Can museum.

5. Little Liverpool, Museum of Liverpool

The National Museums in Liverpool are running plenty of free events for families this spring.

Whilst the permanent displays on Ancient Egypt, Natural History, and on-site planetarium are fascinating enough, there are also extra events taking place across locations.

Little Liverpool is a hands-on giant fantasy world at the Museum of Liverpool, designed for children aged 6 and under.

You must have a ticket to take part in this area of the museum, which can be reserved online in advance or collected on the day from the welcome desk.

6. Aquarium baby sessions, World Museum, Liverpool

This 45-minute sensory session is a relaxing choice for families with babies under 12 months.

Here, light from glowing fish tanks and soft colours soothe little ones lying on soft cushions and blankets.

The sessions take place in early spring until March 19 2026. You can book a free ticket for your 0 – 12-month-old online on the museum’s website.

7. Interactive Big Art, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool is open from 10am – 4pm from Tuesdays to Sundays, and is free to enter.

The gallery has its own creative area for kids called Big Art, designed for families with kids aged 0 – 5.

Here, there’s plenty of toys and games, costumes to dress up in, and a craft table which rotates themes on a weekly basis.

Entry is free, just make sure that you pre-book your slot in advance online, where you can find all the timings available.

8. Wild and Kind workshops and walks, Bradford

The Wild and Kind Gatherings held by local artist Rachel Cambell offer a free day out for families with children ages 6 – 12 to walk through nature and learn about the world around them.

Nature-themed walks and workshops include The Whispering Sky, inspired by astronomy, and The Quiet Stirring, all about the telltale signs of nature transforming for spring.

The events take place every Wednesday from 1:30 – 3pm until April 2026. Booking is required for certain events.

9. Cereal Disco and artist workshops at Baltic Arts Centre, Gateshead

The Baltic Arts Centre in Gateshead is free to visit, and it’s full of all sorts of weird and wonderful art exhibitions.

There’s also quirky kids’ events on offer here, such as the Cereal Disco, which mixes breakfast with party tunes and runs from 10 – 11am on Wednesdays – Sundays.

There’s also Meet & Make workshops every Sunday from 2pm – 4pm, with arts and crafts activities for children aged 5 – 12.

Both events are free drop-ins with no pre-booking required.

10. Bolton Museum and Little Lever Library

The Bolton Museum and libraries have plenty to see and do for families and young children – and admission is totally free.

Inside, there’s a fascinating Ancient Egypt gallery, as well as Greater Manchester‘s only aquarium inside the Central Library and Museum building.

Plus, throughout spring at the Little Lever Library, families can attend the weekly Toddler Tales for ages 2 -5 for morning storytelling sessions.

There are also Create and Craft events every Saturday from 11am – 1pm with free arts activities.

Events are drop-ins with no booking required.

11. Durham Cathedral Lego display

A Lego edition of the beautiful Durham Cathedral, which took three years to create, is on display in the city.

The huge model is made of 350,000 Lego bricks, and its details include glowing stained glass windows and an intricate roof structure.

The display is available to view for free inside the Durham Cathedral Museum with no admission fee.

The museum is open from 9:30 – 4:30pm Monday – Saturday, and 12 – 3pm on Sundays. Other exhibitions require a paid admission ticket (£7.50 adults, under 18’s free).

12. Fairy-tale Forest Creative Play at Theatre Hullabaloo, Darlington

Just next door to Darlington Hippodrome, The Hullabaloo is a venue created for kids with creative events for all ages on offer.

The events programme is constantly updated with new and exciting shows and workshops. Whilst theatre shows have admission charges, there are plenty of exciting free events too.

The Hullabaloo is open from 10am – 2pm from Wednesday – Saturday. The listed events are free to attend with no booking required.

13. Big Beasts, Little Beasts trail at the Great North Museum, Hancock

Some of the best to look forward to this spring include the Little Light Explorers sensory play from March 18 – 28, and the space-themed Moonbeam Creative Play and dress up from April 1 – June 27.

Running until April 2, the Big Beasts, Little Beasts trail is fun for the whole family with plenty of activities and games to find dotted around the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Simply pick up a free trail sheet at the welcome desk, and follow the activities around the galleries – there’s even some fun prizes to take home, too.

And if you happen to visit on Saturday, March 28, there’s a free drop-in living history family fun day to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition Treasure: Hidden, Lost and Found.

Entry to the Great North Museum, Hancock, is free. The museum is open 10am – 5pm Monday – Friday, closing an hour earlier on weekends.

14. National Football Museum, Manchester

Manchester’s National Football Museum has plenty to see and do that footie fans will love.

There’s four galleries of memorabilia, interactive sporty activities, and shiny league cups and trophies to see up close.

The National Football Museum is free to visit for City of Manchester residents.

15. Baby Active and Baby Pitch and Play – National Football Museum, Manchester

There are also free events for tots and toddlers held at the National Football Museum.

Baby: Active takes place in the museum’s discovery zone, and includes sensory play as well as physical movement and singing songs.

Baby Pitch Play is another sensory play option for small babies below walking age.

 Booking is encouraged but not essential.

16. Clitheroe Castle, Lancashire

The grounds and keep of the medieval Clitheroe Castle in Lancashire are totally free to visit and open to the public to explore.

The castle dates all the way back to the 12th century, and its beautiful surrounding green fields make for a picnic spot with a great view.

Or see if you can find any ancient coins, which you can bring to the Finds Liaison Officers to identify and record your discoveries.

17. Tracks of Life Train Exhibition, Clitheroe Castle Museum, Lancashire

The Tracks of Life: Trains, People and Places exhibition at Clitheroe Castle Museum is the perfect place to take train enthusiasts, young and old.

The exhibition celebrates local photographer and railway enthusiast Ken Roberts, who was recognised nationwide for his talent in railway photography.

As well as his famous photographs, there are plenty of model railways and other artefacts to see donated by local historians.

The exhibition is open daily to visit for free between 11am – 4pm, and will run until June 30 2026.

18. The Harris Museum, Preston, Lancashire

The Harris Museum in Preston is free to enter, and is also holding a variety of free events for all ages this spring.

Baby Bounce and Rhyme is a weekly drop-in where families with infants can share in songs and stories – plus if you collect eight stamps on the loyalty card they give you, you receive a free children’s book.

There’s also a jungle-themed reading club, Little Steps on Mondays and Fridays for children aged 2 -5, and the Curious Creators drop-in arts activities for ages 3 – 9.

All of the free events are drop-ins with no booking required.

19. SEA LIFE Beach Cleans in Blackpool

Beach cleans are a fantastic way to do your bit in keeping our oceans safe and clean for both animals and people, and taking part in a beach clean as a family can be incredibly rewarding.

Luckily, SEA LIFE plans and hosts regular beach cleans with all the equipment you’ll need, as you set out as a large group to tackle the rubbish left on the sea shores.

Grab a litter pick and stroll along the stretches of sand, clearing your path as you go and disposing of items safely and correctly with trained professionals.

Multiple SEA LIFE sites across the UK host these beach cleans, with events taking place in Blackpool this spring on April 26 and May 23.

20. The HAPPY! exhibition at Hatton Gallery, Newcastle

To inspire the young artists in the family, the HAPPY! The exhibition at Newcastle‘s Hatton Gallery is an art exhibition made entirely by young people.

Created by local youth art group L-INK, the exhibition is a collection of vibrant art pieces made in collaboration with professional artists.

The Hatton Gallery itself is free to enter, and often hosts pop-up art workshops for children of all ages, so make sure to keep an eye on their website for new events.

The exhibition will take place from February 14 – May 9 2026. The gallery is open from February 14 – May 9 from Monday – Saturday.

21. Trails, arts activities and baby sensory sessions at Salford Museum

The START trail is a hands-on way for all ages to explore the Victorian Gallery of the Salford Museum and Art Gallery, and let creativity flow with writing and drawing exercises.

Pick up a free trial and pencil case, and take your time exploring the gallery’s dramatic paintings and marble sculptures.

The attraction is open from 9:30am – 4pm from Tuesday – Friday, and 11am – 4pm on weekends.

22. Locomotion, Shildon, County Durham

Visit the world’s first railway town and blow off some steam at Locomotion in Shildon this spring.

The star object of the attraction is Locomotion No. 1 – the 200-year-old locomotive which ran the first ever passenger service on a public railway.

Once you’ve admired its “knitting needle”-like gears and giant black chimney, families can make use of the outdoor play area and free Railway Boy trail (make sure to print this at home first).

And if you choose to visit the weekend of May 16-17, you can take part in a completely free Magnificent Models weekend, where you can browse stalls and take part in family railway modelling craft activities.

Locomotion is free to visit and open from 10am – 4pm daily.

23. Derwent Reservoir, Northumberland

Head to Derwent Reservoir on a sunny day this spring for a wide open space the whole family will love, including the dog.

Here, there’s a giant wooden play park, a nature trail, picnic spots and plenty of cycling and hiking routes.

There’s also a 12-acre secured field where dogs can be let off the lead to roam free.

Derwent is also a popular fishing spot, with cash prizes available for any tagged fish caught.

Plus, if you do have a few pounds to spare, the half-term kids clubs during the Easter break and May cost £2.50 per child for some artsy activities.

24. The Stick Man Outdoor Trail, National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire

The free Stick Man trail in the woods of Alrewas, Staffordshire is a must-visit for kids who are fans of the book, animated film, or of course, the kids’ party song.

The woodland trail is dotted with recognisable wooden animal sculptures, and runs one mile in length.

Simply pick up your paper trail copy from the welcome desk of the National Memorial Arboretum, then head on your merry way to meet the much-loved characters.

25. Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester

If you’re looking for something different to do in the city, you can visit a former Victorian railway viaduct turned beautiful sky garden in the heart of Manchester.

The Grade II-listed viaduct was built by the same engineers who constructed Blackpool Tower, and now it blends Victorian history with modern gardens.

Explore secret gardens, untouched wild areas, and plenty of scenic rooftop viewpoints, whilst introducing children to hundreds of plant species they may have never seen before.

The viaduct is free to visit and open from 10am – 5pm from Wednesday – Sunday.

26. Darlington and Durham Running Day, County Durham

On 18 April 2026, County Durham is celebrating the Darlington and Durham Running Day.

This free day celebrating transport will see classic and modern buses take to the streets, with free bus rides on offer throughout the day.

The event will take place from 10am – 4pm, and there’s no need to book a ticket.

27. The Wind in the Willows interactive trails at RHS Gardens

Beginning in February and running until December of 2026, all five Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) gardens are taking part in a Wind in the Willows-themed event.

Each magical garden trail hides story characters such as Mole, Toad and Badger around each corner – with garden games and plenty of photo opportunities.

The five RHS gardens across the UK are located in Manchester, North Yorkshire, Essex, Devon and Surrey.

The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure is a free trail included with your garden entry.

28. Newcastle Discovery Museum

Newcastle Discovery Museum is another great option for a free family day out in the North.

It’s home to Turbinia: a huge ship powered by steam turbines, and collections with some really unique items, such as a Roman toilet and rare sea slugs collection.

And for some play time, their kids’ space, Tiny Tyneside, is full of replica transport inventions to play with, and is open daily.

The museum is open from 10am – 4pm on weekdays, opening an hour later on weekends.

Central and East of England

29. Wild City and Marvellous Makers, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery’s Marvellous Makers is a weekly free drop-in for creative kids of all ages.

Activities are switched up every single week, with previous sessions including building wild sculptures and creating huge collaborative floor artworks.

The sessions take place every Sunday from 11am – 3pm, and there’s no need to pre-book.

Make a day of your visit by wandering through the two new Wild City galleries, with animal and nature-themed displays that are designed for children and families.

The museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm during Birmingham school holidays, and Wednesday – Sunday during term time.

30. RAF Museum: Midlands, Cosford

The free-to-enter RAF Museum: Midlands contains everything from the world’s oldest Spitfire plane, to a playground with mini models of RAF aircraft to play inside.

Aviation geeks will enjoy walking underneath the wings of the Vulcan, trying on RAF uniforms and seeing the world’s oldest surviving Supermarine Spitfire.

You can even have a go at sitting inside the cockpit of a Phantom or Hunter aircraft.

The museum and playground are open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm.

31. Free tours of the Lapworth Museum, Birmingham

This specialist geological museum is perfect for the history buffs and budding archaeologists of the family.

The museum regularly hosts comedy, quiz and music events for a small fee, but has plenty of free things to see and do, too.

Here you can look back at 4.6 billion years of history in palaeontology and fossil collections, or marvel at geological displays and historic maps.

There’s also free family tours of the museum, which come on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Just make sure to arrive early and ask at reception, and you’re in with the best chance of receiving a guided tour, free of charge.

32. Musical Picnic and miniBEAST music concerts at The Dome, Birmingham

The University of Birmingham are putting on a series of musical events this spring that are both family-friendly and totally free.

Taking place at The Dome inside the University of Birmingham’s Bramall Music Building, these events provide both live and electronic music options.

The Barber Baby with Musical Picnic events are designed for families with children aged 0 – 4, with creative musical sessions themed around famous paintings.

These take place once a month, with dates available on their website.

The miniBEAST informal concerts play electronic music made by both the staff and students of the University of Birmingham. These take place weekly on Wednesdays.

33. Free arts and crafts, comics and music workshops, The Exchange, Birmingham

The Barber Family events held at The Exchange in Birmingham are free, creative workshops designed for families with children aged 4 – 10.

Upcoming events this spring include musical performances and activities at Sounds of the Sun on March 21, and a Light and Landscape textiles activity on April 1. Both activities take place from 11am – 3pm.

There will also be an exciting comic book workshop on April 18, in which families can take part in a writing and illustration workshop, creating a comic of their own.

These workshops operate as free drop-ins, with no need to reserve a slot.

34. Uncover bank secrets and history with an immersive free family tour, The Exchange, Birmingham

The Exchange in Birmingham City Centre are offering free family immersive tours, where you can explore the fascinating history of the Birmingham Municipal Bank.

A bank clerk character will lead you and your family through a journey marked by mysteries and historical artefacts.

This immersive family tour is entirely free, but make sure to reserve your slot. The tours take place once a month, with tickets available to book in April and May.

35. Stonebridge City Farm, Nottingham

An option for animal lovers is Stonebridge City Farm in Nottingham, which is free to enter but supported by donations as a charity.

This unique working farm in the middle of the city has amazing grounds, with a well-kept wildlife pond and even Japanese gardens.

Plus, there are, of course, plenty of farm animals to meet and greet, including fluffy sheep, goats and rabbits.

And if you have a couple quid to spare, they also run plenty of cheap family and children’s events.

There are regular £2 craft sessions, and Rainbow Stripes on Tuesdays (£3), which is an interactive live music workshop.

36. Museum of Lincolnshire Life

If you’ve got any mini history buffs in the family, they’ll enjoy a visit to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.

The museum takes a deep dive into life in the county, from 1750 to the present day.

There’s an authentic WWI tank, interactive exhibitions and group quiz sessions.

The museum is open from 10am – 4pm throughout the week, closing on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

37. Bransby Horses, Lincolnshire

The charity owns a 600-acre site which is home to over 300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

Visitors can walk through to admire the animals and set up for lunch at the designated picnic area.

There’s also a play park, cafe and gift shop.

Entry is free, although donations are recommended upon visiting to support the charity.

38. Hubbard’s Hills, Lincolnshire

Hubbard’s Hills in Lincolnshire is a vast green space with plenty of trees and a water valley, perfect for getting out in the outdoors.

Here, there’s open space for bringing a bat and ball or running around, dog walking paths, cycling trails and more.

Park up with a homemade picnic on the riverbank, after enjoying a family day out full of fresh air and exercise.

39. Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

Situated in Shrewsbury’s town square, the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is free to visit and chock-full of things to see and do.

Here, there’s a fascinating geology and fossils gallery, containing woolly mammoth specimens and more rare finds.

There’s also a social and industrial history collection which will transport you back to 18th-century Shropshire through costume, vehicles, machinery and more.

The museum and gallery are open from 10am – 4pm daily, closing on Monday and Sunday.

40. Sandringham woodland trails and adventure playground, Norfolk

Sandringham in Norfolk attracts many visitors who come to tour the Royal House and gardens, which costs a pricey £26 per ticket.

However, a free family day out can be enjoyed exploring the estate’s 1,300+ acres of forest.

Next to the visitor centre and restaurant, you’ll find a vast open field space that’s perfect for ball games and burning off some energy.

Head towards the woods to find an adventure playground and multiple forest trail routes, which are marked by tall, wooden animal sculptures.

41. Old Hunstanton Beach and RNLI Lifeboat Station, Norfolk

Old Hunstanton Beach is one of Norfolk‘s most family-friendly options and makes for a fantastic day out.

Stroll the coastal path beside Old Hunstanton’s red and white striped cliffs to reach its wide stretch of beach, where there’s plenty of room to run about on soft sands or set up a picnic on the dunes.

There’s plenty of facilities here, including a cafe, loos, a large car park and taps to rinse off.

Plus, Hunstanton Lifeboat Station is right on the beach, with its giant lifeboat and hovercraft on display, alongside a friendly team who are always willing to answer children’s questions.

Hunstanton Lifeboat Station is open from the Easter weekend through to October, 10am – 4pm on Monday – Friday and 9am – 12pm on Sundays.

42. Crabbing and adventure playground in Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Soak up the sights of Wells-next-the-Sea‘s pretty quayside by bringing along a bucket, bait and wire to go crabbing.

Whilst the main quay can become busy with fishermen loading boats and holidaymakers queuing for fish and chips, the East Quay is a quieter spot to set up and enjoy the views in a more peaceful location.

Plus just around the corner is a giant children’s playground with a colourful pirate ship and skate park, which is right beside the scenic pinewood walk down to the beach.

43. Family drop-in activities at Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

Cambridge‘s Fitzwilliam Museum offers relaxed morning workshops and craft activities for families.

The family-friendly drop-ins are suitable for all ages, with sensory play, picture books and arts materials available to use.

Family Friendly drop-in events occur monthly, with the first springtime event taking place on March 4 2026.

There is also a free paper fortune-telling crafts event at the museum running from 2pm – 4pm on April 8 – 9.

44. Little Stars and Travellers in Time event at the Whipple Museum, Cambridge

The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is stocked with fascinating collections of instruments and artefacts that the science geeks of the family will love.

Plus this spring, there’s plenty of free family-friendly events to enjoy.

Weekend at the Whipple: Travellers in Time is an all-ages time-travelling adventure in which families can explore the museum’s collection and learn about the history of time. The event will take place from 10am – 4pm on March 28 – 29.

Plus the Little Stars at the Whipple provides a relaxed morning for families to make use of art and sensory play resources in the museum’s Learning Gallery. The event takes place monthly, with the first spring session beginning on March 19.

The museum itself has free entry and some exciting exhibitions for 2026, such as The Art of Deception, where visitors can learn how to spot a fake or forged artefact.

The museum is open from 12:30 – 4:30pm from Monday – Friday, as well as the third Saturday of each month.

45. Felixstowe Activity Park, Suffolk

Smack-bang on Felixstowe‘s scenic seafront, this outdoor activity park has games and sports equipment that are completely free to use.

Here you’ll find everything from climbing walls, table tennis and chess tables for kids, to outdoor fitness equipment.

Make a day of your visit to the seaside town by strolling down the seaside promenade and exploring the seafront gardens.

46. Wildlife Trust nature reserves, Suffolk

Suffolk‘s Wildlife Trust nature reserves stretch all the way along the coast from Lowestoft to Felixstowe, and is home to beautiful landscapes such as green marshes and the calm waters of Lound Lakes.

Pick a section of the nature reserves to explore on foot or by bike, and see which animal species you can spot as a family.

Native wildlife species you may spot include beautiful birds such as Bittern and Avocet, as well as otters, water voles and Chinese water deer.

47. Christchurch Mansion, Suffolk

Christchurch Mansion in Suffolk is free to enter and full of fascinating rooms and displays to explore as a family.

The 12th-century building has historical rooms kept in period fashions, ranging from the Tudor to the Victorian era.

Step back in time and stroll through stately bedrooms, from the Queen Anne Room to the Butler’s Room, plus explore the kitchen and servants’ quarters.

There are also fascinating collections of historical items, such as old toys and instruments.

Christchurch Mansion is open from 10am – 5pm, closing on Mondays and Fridays.

South and West of England

48. Natural History Museum, London

Young dinosaur, animal and fossil enthusiasts should look no further than the Natural History Museum.

Its dinosaur specimens and replicas are world-famous – and include part of the first Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever discovered.

The building, in South Kensington, London, is one of the city’s most spectacular architectural attractions in itself.

Although some exhibitions may have an entry fee, general admission to the museum is completely free.

The museum is open daily from 10am – 5:50pm.

49. Science Museum, London

London’s Science Museum has world-class displays and collections, with over 500,000 fascinating objects to discover.

Some of the most jaw-dropping displays include the Black Arrow satellite launcher, the 1928 Gipsy Moth aircraft, and the 1950 Pilot Ace Computer.

There’s also a free interactive gallery for ages 0 – 3 called The Garden, located on the museum’s basement floor.

The museum is open daily from 10am – 6pm. Make sure to pre-book your free tickets online.

50. Spring Family Fun Festival at the Southbank Centre, London

From April 1 – May 31 2026, London’s Southbank Centre will be hosting its Spring Family Fun festival.

The festival comprises both free and paid events, with some of the most exciting free events on offer being poet Michael Rosen’s 80th birthday party and the energy-filled “DanceDanceDiscoPartyFunShow“.

More free events on offer include the Architecture Explorers: Family Trail and a family quilting textile workshop.

Make sure to check the festival website for the dates and times of specific events, and to pre-book your slot.

51. Character encounters and sea-themed playground at the National Maritime Museum, London

The National Maritime Museum in London’s Greenwich is both free to enter and packed with things for kids to do.

There’s The Cove playground, a sea-themed area with a giant shark, pirate ship and huge kraken with rope tentacles to swing from.

Plus, you can visit the National Maritime Museum every Saturday to discover a different character based on real historical figures with their own fascinating story to tell.

Characters include sailor John Simmonds, who served with Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, as well as James Robson, a sailor who served on the greatest tea clipper, Cutty Sark.

The museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm. You can reserve your free booking slot online.

52. Tate Modern, London

The Tate Modern is the perfect place for kids to express themselves through art and creative play.

Once you’ve browsed the range of awe-inspiring galleries and exhibitions, which include works by Picasso, head to Tate Draw.

Here, children can grab a digital sketch pad and watch their drawings come to life on the big screen.

The Tate Modern is open from 10am – 6pm Monday – Thursday, staying open later until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

53. Daily combat shows at Royal Armouries, London

Exciting combat shows take place daily at the Royal Armouries Museum in London.

Here you can watch authentic combat techniques performed, as well as knight duels and battles with swords, shields and spears.

The demonstrations last 10 – 15 minutes, plus there is allotted time afterwards to handle objects and ask any questions.

Other daily shows include a Celtic warrior’s recounting of Boudica, and first-hand style reenacted tellings of the Battle of Towton and the Battle of Little Bighorn.

The Royal Armouries Museum, London, is open from 10am – 5pm daily during the school holidays, closing on Mondays during term time.

54. Mudchute Park and Farm, East London

Mudchute Park and Farm in East London is another working farm that is free to visit – and has a massive 32 acres of land to explore.

Their courtyard and small animals area has just reopened for the year, where you can visit guinea pigs and rabbits.

Here you can also meet cows, sheep, goats, and more.

The farm is open from 9am – 4pm daily.

55. MinaLima, London

Found in the heart of Soho in London, MinaLima is the home of the graphic designers of the Harry Potter movies.

Inside, you can explore some of the original props used in the films as well as learn about Mina and Lima and see their designs that featured in the films.

From Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Bean packaging to the Lestrange’s family tree – they designed something in pretty much every scene.

56. Free children’s animal workshops at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Enjoy free entry to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and explore its exciting collections.

Free family trails are available from the welcome desk, with a variety of options for children of all ages. Plus, this spring there’s some free family events to look forward to.

The ‘A Little Look At’ series takes a deep dive into various animal species, with a Flying Animals workshop on March 16 and an Ocean Animals edition on April 20.

Another free event held at the museum is Super Science Saturday on March 7, where children can meet scientists and researchers at a science fair full of hands-on activities.

The museum is open from 10am – 5pm daily.

57. Explorer trails and historic coin handling at Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is full of free hands-on activities that kids will love.

Have a go at handling historic coins in the Money Gallery, where volunteer experts are there to tell you all about the coins from 11am – 3:30pm every Saturday.

There’s also a free explorer activity pack for kids available to pick up from the welcome desk, which is currently themed as the ‘Viking Ashventure’.

The museum is open from 10am – 5pm daily. It’s recommended to book your free tickets ahead of time online.

58. Storytelling sessions and Easter Play Days at Hove Museum of Creativity

The Hove Museum of Creativity is one of the most family-friendly museums in the South of England, with a rotation of bright and colourful exhibitions and activities to enjoy.

Play days at Easter provide free outdoor Easter-themed fun and games over the bank holiday of April 5 – 6.

Storytelling sessions will take place on March 30 and April 6, with morning or afternoon sessions available for ages 4 and under, with a separate story for ages 5+.

The sessions are free and operate on a drop-in basis. Hove Museum of Creativity is open from 10am – 5pm daily, closing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

59. House of Marbles, Devon

The House of Marbles in Devon is home to four unique museums and is free to visit.

There’s loads of unique marble runs to take part in, including a massive snooker ball-sized contraption as well as a games garden.

Their free games museum can be enjoyed by kids and parents alike, as you learn about the history that inspired Pac-Man and Space Invaders.

House of Marbles is open Monday – Saturday from 9am – 5pm, opening an hour later on Sundays.

60. Explore Dartmoor National Park, Devon

Dartmoor National Park in Devon is a great place for a walk – but you will see much more than hills.

The National Park is home to hundreds of tors, which formed around 280 million years ago, when molten magma solidified in the rock to form granite.

Different spots across the Moor have myths associated with them, making them intriguing to explore.

Another fun activity is looking for letterboxes in the rocks.

One really special feature of this National Park is that there are free-roaming ponies – just note some are friendlier than others!

61. Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is a special place to visit with kids.

The sanctuary is a working farm with rescued donkeys, and you can walk around different trails to see the herds.

Then head inside to learn all about the donkeys in the exhibition centre.

The site also has a hedge maze, nature trails, a gift shop and The Kitchen, where you can grab a bite to eat.

The sanctuary is open daily from 9am – 4pm.

62. Explore the Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast stretches across Dorset and East Devon and is a much-loved World Heritage site for beach lovers and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

Over the 96 miles of coast, there are many famous beaches to explore like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

But one key characteristic of some of the beaches on the Jurassic Coast is that they are fossil-rich, making them the ideal day out for the family.

Free beaches to fossil hunt on include Charmouth and Monmouth Beach – where the rocks have crumbled, revealing many fossils, such as shark teeth, ammonites and belemnites.

Just make sure to check the rules on the specific beach you are visiting, as some don’t allow the rocks to be chiselled at.

63. Spring Fayre at Bath City Farm

Bath City Farm is free to visit – and it’s easy to spend an entire day there exploring its woodland trails, children’s playground, seeing the animals and visiting the farm shop and cafe.

Springtime sees not just the arrival of adorable newborn animals, but fun events such as the popular Spring Fayre and Spring Plant Sale.

The farm is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am – 4pm, and on Sundays from 9.30am – 4pm.

64. Bluebell Railway, Sussex

The Bluebell Railway in Sussex has plenty to see and do, with an interactive “SteamWorks” exhibition at Sheffield Park station and an outdoor playground at Kingscote station.

There is no charge for platform entry on non-service days, and the gifts and models shop often remains open on these days too.

Make sure to check their website ahead of time for non-service dates.

65. Novium Museum, Chichester

The Novium Museum in Chichester is free to visit and great for families.

At this fascinating museum, families can learn about ages through history, covering the Stone Age to the Saxons.

The museum is open from 10am – 4:30pm Tuesday – Friday, and on Saturdays at 10am – 5pm.

66. Haldon Forest Park, Exeter

Haldon Forest is full of exciting family activity trails and mountain biking routes.

The most popular is the Discovery Trail – a beautiful winding trail which ends at a picnic spot. Plus, there’s also an impressive Gruffalo sculpture along the way.

Haldon Forest Park is just 15 minutes from Exeter, and home to over 3,500 acres of woodlands to explore.

67. The Jolly Roger, Dartmoor

Hidden in the outskirts of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey is the exciting indoor attraction, The Jolly Roger.

Here you’ll find incredible showrooms displaying giant animal and dinosaur models – and the best part is, it’s free to visit.

There’s also models of race cars, fairies, life-size animals, pirate boats and more.

You can visit for free from 10am – 4pm Monday – Saturday.

68. Bristol Walk Fest

From May 1 – 31, Bristol Walk Fest invites families and individuals to explore the outdoors on a series of walking events.

Most events are free, and different routes and activities are available for a range of ages and abilities. Some are simple nature routes, whilst others involve wacky costume dress-up and more.

The popular festival attracts over 7,500 attendees each year, and themed walks range from street art discovery to historical tours, led by walk providers.

69. Inspiration Railway Exhibition, Bristol

Inspiration is a travelling transport exhibition contained within one action-packed train, stopping at Bristol Temple Meads station this March.

Here, families can learn all about the history of railways, the engineering of locomotives and more, all whilst making their way through interactive carriages.

Entry onboard is completely free – just make sure to book your tickets online in advance.

The touring exhibition will be stopping at Bristol from March 23 – 29. You can check the other locations Inspiration is due to stop online at their website.

70. Free guided tours of Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

Towering over Avon Gorge in Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a sight to behold – and walking across the giant landmark takes a whole hour!

For families with any budding young architects, you can snap yourself up a free guided tour, where you can learn all about the history, design and construction of the bridge.

The tours last between 45 minutes and an hour, and end at the Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum.

Free tours take place at 3pm on weekends and bank holidays from the Easter weekend through to October. You can book your free tour on the Clifton Suspension Bridge website.

71. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

There’s plenty for all ages to see and do at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

Beginning on the ground floor, you can explore collections that range from the wonders of Ancient Egypt to works by Banksy.

The first floor houses the dinosaur collections and the popular Alfred the Gorilla, whilst the second is home to art galleries with paintings and pottery.

The museum is open from 10am – 5pm from Tuesday – Sunday.

72. Windmill Hill City Farm, Bedminster

This free community farm hosts a variety of educational events and fun activities, as well as access to their working farm, outdoor playground and walking trails.

The 4.5-acre farm has animal paddocks and barns, a duck pond, a fairy garden, wildlife gardens, as well as several picnic and play areas.

The farm even offer free hot meals at the weekly Tuesday Supper Club from 5pm – 7pm. These meals also offer fun children’s activities, such as crafts and board games. There’s no need to register.

The farm is open from 9am – 5pm daily.

73. Roskilly’s Farm, Cornwall

Take a free visit to Roskilly’s working farm in Cornwall to meet its friendly farm animals, and of course, find out how their delicious ice cream is made.

Meet animals such as Tamworth piglets and fluffy cows with their newborn calves.

And if you fancy treating the family to a meal out, the Croust House restaurant serves delicious meals and ice creams made from the farm’s very own produce.

74. Baby paint sessions at Falmouth Art Gallery, Cornwall

Falmouth Art Gallery are hosting Baby Paint sessions for families with little ones up to 18 months old this spring.

Sessions take place at either the Falmouth Art Gallery itself or the Dracaena Centre.

Here families can enjoy a messy painting experience with all materials provided – just make sure to dress them in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!

The sessions are completely free, and last for one hour. Just make sure to book your slot online.

75. The Castle Bude, Cornwall

The Castle Bude is a historic site and heritage museum with lots to see and do, including archives of local history and museum exhibitions that explore everything from sailing to life-saving.

The castle also offer free live music days, such as Coffee, Acoustic and Cake taking place on March 1 and 8.

There’s also free heritage tours available to book each month, with the first spring tour taking place on March 12.

The castle is open from 10am – 4pm daily.

76. Trevaskis Farm, Cornwall

Trevaskis Farm in Hayle, Cornwall, is free to enter and home to a farm park with friendly animals and a farm cafe.

As well as visiting the resident farm animals, you can even pick your own fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, raspberries and beans.

Farm entrance is free, but if you do choose to take part in the pick-your-own experience, you must pay a small charge for what you pick.

The farm is open from 8am – 7pm daily.

77. The Box, Plymouth

The Box in Plymouth is a free-entry family attraction with free trails, drop-in activities and changing exhibitions.

Grab a family trail upon arrival, head to the craft creation tables, or explore the current exhibitions, which include Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy.

There’s also free storytelling sessions for under-5s every Friday from 10:30am – 11am, where afterwards children can meet Mildred the Mammoth or settle down with some crafts.

The Box in Plymouth is open from 10am – 5pm from Tuesday – Sunday.

Scotland

78. Crafternoons at The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

Drop in for an afternoon of completely free arts activities for all ages at Crafternoons, held at the Main Hall of the Scottish Parliament.

Each week, the craft activities change in theme, with previous themes including ink stamping and origami.

The building also has public areas with permanent exhibitions to explore, including an art collection and regular short talks.

Crafternoons sessions take place between 11am – 4pm every Saturday.

79. Edinburgh International Children’s Festival

This 9-day festival is packed with performances to bring the whole family along to.

Celebrating the best in children’s theatre, circus and dance shows, with free pop-up events taking place in the National Museum of Scotland.

Theatre groups, actors and dancers travel from all over the world to perform at the festival, which showcases a wide range of shows from slapstick comedy to beautiful dances with colourful fabrics.

The Edinburgh International Children’s Festival will take place from 30 May to 7 June 2026, with free pop-up events at the National Museum of Scotland.

80. Adventure Planet and Imagine zone, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

The free-to-enter National Museum of Scotland is home to two large play areas that kids will love: Adventure Planet and Imagine.

Adventure Planet is full of hands-on and interactive games, such as design games, puzzles, digital games and dress-up.

Imagine, on the other hand, having a musical floor to step all over, funny distorted mirrors, or a cosy reading corner to head into to wind down with a story.

The National Museum of Scotland is free to enter, with Adventure Planet located on Level 5 of the museum and Imagine on Level 1.

81. Tech Decoded at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

This free pop-up for kids is part of the 2026 Edinburgh Science Festival, which takes place from 4 – 19 April 2026.

Here, kids of all ages can get hands-on with electrical circuits, machine learning and get to grips with all things tech – from AI to coding.

The event runs from 10am – 5pm daily, as a drop-in with no need to book ahead.

Tech Decoded will take place from 13 – 19 April 2026 at Hawthornden Court in the National Museum of Scotland.

82. Riverside Museum, Glasgow

The Riverside Museum in Glasgow offers free admission and has plenty to see and do for all ages.

Main Street will transport you to the Glasgow of the early 20th century, as you can pop in and out of historical shops with fully-decorated interiors.

There’s plenty of transport marvels here, too, such as the South African Loco 3007 locomotive, life-size buses and boat models.

83. Free Lego building sessions, Glasgow

These free, drop-in Lego building sessions take place in various libraries across Glasgow on a weekly basis throughout 2026.

Both regular kits and various Lego set collections are available, so the whole family can get stuck into building something spectacular.

Participating libraries include the Castlemilk Library, Elder Park Library, Bridgeton Library and more.

There’s no need to book, and there is a full list of libraries, dates and times available on the event website.

84. Art for Baby workshops at the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow

These workshops for babies aged 0 to walking age are informal gatherings where you can meet other families, and even create crafts together to take home.

The workshops take place in the gallery’s rooftop studio, with toys, books and simple art projects available.

The workshops are free to attend, but you must reserve your slot in advance online.

85. Children’s Discover Sessions, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum are holding weekly children’s Discover sessions throughout 2026.

Here, families can discuss and handle objects from the museum‘s collections, as well as undertake some creative tasks.

The Discover sessions operate on a drop-in basis, from 1:30pm – 4pm every Saturday.

86. Family fun craft workshops at Art Gallery, Aberdeen

These themed weekly craft sessions at the Art Gallery, Aberdeen are free to attend and suitable for families with children aged 5 – 12.

Themes throughout the spring include paper sculptures, decorate your own treasure box, and portraits.

The weekly drop-in sessions will run on Saturdays from 1pm – 3pm from March 28 – June 6, 2026.

The Art Gallery itself is free to visit, and open from 10am – 5pm Monday – Saturday and 11am – 4pm on Sundays.

87. Zoology Museum with free tours, Aberdeen

The Zoology Museum in Aberdeen charges no admission fee, and has many fascinating animal collections.

Popular displays include Rani the tiger, as well as collections of beautiful butterflies and beetles.

There are also free guided tours available on Wednesdays during term time, from 12 – 12:45pm. Reserving your slot for tours online is advised.

The museum is open from 10am – 4pm on weekdays, closing on weekends.

88. The Kelpies and Helix Park, Falkirk

The Kelpies in Falkirk are two giant horse head sculptures overlooking Helix Park, and are well worth the visit to see the sculptures alone.

However, the Helix Park site happens to have lots for kids to do, too, including an Adventure Zone with rope bridges, swings, slides and even its very own Splash Play Area.

Plus there’s plenty of scenic walking and cycling routes too.

Wales and Northern Ireland

89. Visit newborn lambs at Llwyn yr Eos farm, Cardiff, Wales

What better way to celebrate the spring than going to see some adorable newborn lambs?

At Llwyn yr Eos farm in Cardiff, visitors can watch newborn lambs be born in the farm’s lambing shed.

From March 1 – 28, 2026, lambing at Llwyn yr Eos farm will be open to the public to visit for free from 10am – 5pm.

90. Little Movers, Little Speakers play group, Cardiff, Wales

Little Movers, Little Speakers is a free group designed for families with babies aged 6 weeks to 12 months and their parents.

These monthly family sessions combine music and movement play with the Welsh language.

Sessions take place at the St Fagans National Museum of History. Attendance is free, and you’re able to view upcoming dates and reserve your space on the group’s website.

91. Geocaching in Snowdonia, Wales

Geocaching is an exciting activity for families with children of all ages, and can make for an energy-burning day out exploring nature.

Geocaching is essentially a huge outdoors treasure hunt – and it’s also totally free!

Tucked away in nooks of the National Park and in the UK beyond, you’ll find stashes of hidden items and letters known as caches.

Simply sign up for a geocaching website, and follow the clues to find the hidden item. signing your name upon arrival to prove that you were there.

Geocaching is particularly popular in Snowdonia, with the park attracting many hiking visitors throughout the year who leave hidden items for others to find.

92. Big Pit National Coal Museum, Pontypool, Wales

The Big Pit National Coal Museum in Wales is free to enter, and is a real coal mine as well as a museum with mining galleries.

The museum, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes you through a fascinating audio-visual experience that teaches you all about the Welsh mining industry.

The museum is open daily from 9:30am – 5pm.

93. Go rock pooling on the Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales

For a cost-free afternoon that feels like a mini-expedition, take the family rockpooling along the Pembrokeshire Coast.

At low tide, beaches like Broad Haven, Wisemans Bridge, and the wilder Freshwater West transform into secret saltwater worlds.

Kids can spend hours peering into crevices to spot devil crabs with their bright red eyes or translucent shrimp darting through the waters.

It’s a brilliant way to connect with nature without spending a penny – just make sure to pack some sturdy wellies for those seaweed-covered rocks!

94. Oriel Science, Swansea, Wales

For a brain-boosting indoor day out for the whole family, try Oriel Science in Swansea.

This free-entry interactive attraction brings local scientific research to life through hands-on exhibits that turn complex science into a playground.

Science corner activities are a permanent and free option at the museum, with mini experiments and crafts available aimed towards younger children.

The centre is open from 10am – 4pm on Saturdays only.

95. Belfast Children’s Festival, Northern Ireland

Belfast Children’s Festival are hosting a range of both free and paid events in the first few weeks of March 2026.

‘Drop‘ is a free theatrical comedy and clowning show for 0 – 6 year-olds, whereas the Festive Family Day Out in the city’s Cathedral Quarter will see a day full of pop-up storytelling, circus acts and more.

Belfast Children’s Festival runs from March 5 – March 14 2026 at various venues across the city. Check the website for more information on specific events.

96. Free kids discovery centre at the Ulster Museum, Belfast, Northern Ireland

The Ulster Museum in Belfast is a great place to enjoy a rainy day out, with lots to see and do for free.

Explore exhibitions like the scientific Elements or Inclusive Global Histories.

Kids will love the Discovery Centres, which house art, history and nature-themed sections with activities like dress-up and a big sensory tree to crawl inside.

The museum and Discovery Centres are open from 10am – 5pm, Tuesday – Sunday.

97. The Linen Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland

As Belfast’s oldest library, The Linen Hall has plenty to please the bookworms in the family.

Explore the collections, including Irish and Local Studies, Theatre and Performing Arts and more.

Or simply grab a book from the General Lending section and settle down for a couple of hours of quiet reading.

The Linen Hall is open from 9:30am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday.

98. Urban Farm, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

This free-to-visit farm in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, is home to all the usual farm animals like pigs, goats and chickens, as well as ponies and small pets, too.

You’ll also find the non-profit cafe called the Dancing Goat, serving hot drinks, soups, salads and sandwiches, with all money received going back into the local community.

The farm is open from 9:30am – 4pm throughout the week, and closed on Sundays.

99. Family walking trails at Gortin Glen Forest Park, Omagh, Northern Ireland

Gortin Glen Forest Park in Omagh has six exciting walking trails to choose from, each varying in difficulty.

The park is home to one of County Tyrone’s Giants of the Sperrins – huge wooden sculptures inspired by folklore that are said to watch over the past, present and future.

You can see Darach, the so-called guardian of the present, if you take the Mullaghcarn Trail.

100. Deer-spotting at Gosford Forest Park, Armagh, Northern Ireland

As the sunshine returns and blue skies open up again, head outdoors to Gosford Forest Park in Armagh to make the most of the green landscapes and local wildlife.

Whether you choose to bring your bikes and cycle the routes, or simply stroll and take in the fresh air, you won’t regret getting outdoors into the forest this spring.

Plus, Gosford Forest Park is home to a giant wooden playground, as well as a herd of striking red deer that you may encounter from afar on your walk.

ATHENS, Greece — Israeli producer Dana Eden, best known for co-creating the International Emmy-winning espionage thriller “Tehran,” has died suddenly in Greece, Israeli public broadcaster KAN said Monday.

Eden, 52, was found dead in a hotel in the Greek capital, Athens, a Greek police official said, adding that initial indications suggested she had taken her own life and there was no suspicion of foul play. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as Greek police do not comment publicly in such cases.

KAN said Eden was in Greece for the filming of the hit series’ fourth season.

“Dana was among the leading figures in Israel’s television industry and played a central role in the creation and leadership of some of the most prominent and influential productions within the corporation,” KAN said in a statement. It did not give a cause of death.

“Her professional work, uncompromising dedication, and love for creation left a deep mark on the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. KAN shares in the deep sorrow of her family, friends and colleagues,” the broadcaster said.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Eden’s production company, Donna and Shula productions, sought to dispel rumors that the producer had been killed.

“The production company wishes to clarify that the rumors of a criminal or nationally motivated death are false and unfounded,” it said.

“This is a moment of great pain for the family, friends and colleagues. We ask that Dana’s dignity and the privacy of her loved ones be respected,” the production company said.

Israel Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, in a social media post on X, said it was “with great sadness” that he had received the news of Eden’s death, describing her as “one of the most prominent and influential producers in the Israeli television industry.”

“Dana left a deep mark on Israeli creation and brought our story to international stages with pride, talent and courage,” Zohar said.

“Tehran,” which premiered in Israel and on Apple TV in 2020, tells the story of Tamar Rabinyan, a young Mossad operative tasked with hacking into and disabling the Iranian nuclear reactor so the Israeli military can carry out an airstrike. The show was named best drama series at the 49th International Emmy Awards in November 2021.

Eden started working in TV production in Israel in the 1990s, working on shows including comedy “Yom Haem” and crime drama “Magpie,” before finding international success with “Tehran.”

In 2018, her show “Saving the Wildlife” won best TV magazine for children and youth at the Awards of the Israeli Television Academy.

Kantouris and Becatoros write for the Associated Press. Kantouris contributed from Thessaloniki. Matt Kemp in London contributed.

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper is walking away from his second job at “60 Minutes” in the latest sign of upheaval at the storied news magazine.

Cooper said in a statement Monday he is leaving the CBS News program because he wants to spend more time with his two young children. He joined the program in 2007 while maintaining his role as prime-time anchor at CNN.

“Being a correspondent at ’60 Minutes’ has been one of the great honors of my career,” Cooper said. “I got to tell amazing stories, and work with some of the best producers, editors and camera crews in the business. For nearly 20 years, I’ve been able to balance jobs at CNN and CBS, but I have little kids now and I want to spend as much time with them as possible, while they want to spend time with me.”

Cooper’s departure could be the first of a number of changes for “60 Minutes” as Bari Weiss, who joined CBS News as editor-in-chief last October, is expected to substantially overhaul the prestigious news magazine.

Cooper, 58, was courted for the anchor role at “CBS Evening News” last year before the network parted ways with the anchor duo of Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson. Cooper signed a new deal with CNN instead, and CBS News gave the anchor job to Tony Doukopil.

This is a developing story.

THE Beckhams played happy families amid their feud with Brooklyn as their youngest son Cruz celebrated his 21st with a Beatles-themed party.

Victoria, 51, and David, 50, joined their other children Cruz, 21, Romeo, 23, and Harper, 14, on Sunday night for the event – which their estranged eldest son was not invited to.

They forget about their family drama as they posed for a photo, also featuring Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30, and Romeo’s partner, DJ Kim Turnbull, 24.

Cruz, who will turn 21 on Friday, hired out the restaurant at The Maine Mayfair in London.

Alongside photos from the event, which included a lavish dinner and concert, mum Posh wrote on Instagram: “Celebrating Cruz early!! We love you so much!!!”

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David added: “We love celebrating you Cruzie. A lot of love in the room for you last night.”

The lavish event was dubbed The Grand Beatle Ball and included a performance from the world’s No1 tribute band to the music icons, The Bootleg Beatles.

In videos shared online, Cruz could be seen joining them on stage to perform a guitar solo during a rendition of the 1969 song Something.

The fledgling musician also performed with his band The Breakers.
Victoria’s Spice Girls bandmate Emma Bunton, 50, was among the guests at the party, where his sister Harper gave a speech.

They enjoyed themed cocktails, including one named after his latest single For Your Love, and another named after the 1996 Spice Girls song Wannabe.

Cruz has not spoken to Brooklyn, 26, for months, amid growing family tensions.

He claimed that his brother had blocked him, but in his six-page Instagram statement last month, Brooklyn claimed it was the other way around.

The chef claimed Romeo and Cruz “were sent to attack me on social media, before they ultimately blocked me out of nowhere this last Summer”.

As his family were celebrating in London, Brooklyn shared a belated Valentine’s Day message on Instagram vowing to always “protect” his wife Nicola Peltz, 31.

In the gushing post, alongside a photo of them kissing, he wrote: “Happy Valentine’s Day baby x

“I am the luckiest person in the world to be able to call you my Valentine’s every year x.

“I love you more than you know and I will forever protect and love you x.”

FEBRUARY half-term is already here and you might be looking at the week ahead thinking – what do I do with the kids?

Well, many places across the UK are hosting special half-term events and activities at no cost.

With so many different activities you can ensure the kids will have fun without having to spend any money.

The Super Duper Family Festival, Manchester

The Super Duper Family Festival starts on February 18 and runs through until February 21.

Across four days, families can explore Manchester‘s public spaces that will be transformed into free Play Zones with games, dancing, activities, crafts, movies and performances.

For example, The Carnival zone will feature a Victorian carousel, Hook a Duck, Spin the Wheel, a Coconut Shy and Ferris Wheel Hoopla.

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Family Day: impasto studio, National Portrait Gallery, London

On February 17, families can head to the National Portrait Gallery between 11am and 4pm for fun-filled activities.

Between 11am and 1pm and 2pm and 4pm, families can take part in a sketcher’s session, where you get to make your own sketchbook.

At the same times, there will be two relaxed workshops where you can draw from still lives.

Or head to animal attire, to draw and collage an animal accessory to wear.

Across the day there are also free activity trails to explore.

Pancake Day races, various

This year, Pancake Day falls within the half-term holidays which is ideal to enjoy some pancake-themed fun.

For example, you could head to Leadenhall Market in London to see the Pancake Race at 12:30pm, where teams of four run a 20 metre relay flipping pancakes.

In Devon, you could head to Dartmouth between 2:30pm and 4pm to see an afternoon of pan-flips.

There is also pancake making of course…

Search ‘Pancake Day race near me’ to find your local event.

February Festival, Blackpool

Between February 19 and 22, there will be a festival of circus, live entertainment and family activities in Blackpool.

Events include Elton Wrong, who will be roaming the town centre with his mobile white piano.

There will be dancers on the streets too such as ballerinas.

Railway family fun day, Clitheroe Castle in Lancashire

On February 16, Clitheroe Castle Museum is hosting a family fun day to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway.

Across the day, there will be hands-on fun, creative activities and immersive railway heritage.

At the castle, visitors will be able to see a working ‘Rock and Roll’ model railway, meet Lancashire children’s author Susan Brownrigg who will read extracts from her book Wrong Tracks, play train spotting games and decorate your own train wagon.

In addition, there’s the ‘Tracks of Life: Trains, People and Place’ exhibition, which celebrates the life and work of Ken Roberts (1928–2024) who was a local railway enthusiast and photographer.

Nottinghamshire Festival of Science & Curiosity

Nottinghamshire Festival of Science & Curiosity returns for another half-term full of activities.

Running until February 20, you can get involved in a number of different activities that are designed to inspire curiosity and imagination.

These include geology workshops, bath bomb making, Lunar New Year celebrations and Lego sessions.

Ikea events, various

Ikea is a great day out in itself, but did you know each store often hosts free events too?

For example, you could head to the Hammersmith store this week for Lunar New Year Fun sessions.

Or perhaps visit Ikea Exeter for spring flower garden canvas painting.

Just head to Ikea’s website and then to the events section and explore the activities at the store near you.

Seven Stories – The National Centre for Children’s Books, Newcastle

If your kids love reading and are good with their imagination, then head to Seven Stories – the UK’s National Centre for Children’s Books.

Inside, visitors can explore children’s stories through exhibitions, performances and workshops.

Cotswolds Designer Outlet

Across this week, the Cotswolds Designer Outlet will have special guests from Scrubditch Care Farm.

Kids can meet therapy farm animals, which include baby lambs and goats.

There will also be a farmyard trail where little ones can spot colourful animals around the shopping outlet.

There’s an indoor soft play area and adventure playground too.

Waterstones stores treasure hunts, various

Over this half-term, Waterstones stores across the country host scavenger and treasure hunts.

For example, at Waterstones York Monks Cross, there are events themed on Winnie the Pooh’s 100th birthday.

Every day at 11am there will be a storytime session, then there are themed colouring sessions and a picture hunt as well.

Or at Waterstones Carlisle you can browse the bookshelves to try and find Dav Pilkey’s Dogman.

For more inspiration on things to do during half-term, here’s 12 of the best free or budget activities across the UK to keep the kids busy in half term.

Plus, here’s how to have a fun half term entirely for FREE – from tennis lessons to kids’ meals and epic days out at the zoo.

Have you had a memorable family adventure? A trip where you stepped outside your comfort zone and tried something new together? Whether it’s a family backpacking trip, completing a long-distance hike, bike or canoe trail, wild camping, youth hostelling or trying out a new activity, we’d love to hear from you.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 23 February at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

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