family

If you’re looking for destinations for a May half-term break that are perfect for families and not too far away, then this island often compared to the Caribbean could be one for your shortlist

Finding the perfect family holiday destination can be tricky. You want somewhere with amazing beaches and natural beauty, but at the same time, you need to be practical and ensure you pick somewhere easy to travel to and in your budget.

Recently, easyJet released a new Family Holiday Index, its way of ranking the top holiday destinations for people travelling with children based on a number of factors. These include the logistics of travelling to the destination, beach and water access, cost, and the number of family activities on offer.

Using this information, it was able to compile a top ten ranking of family holiday destinations, and unsurprisingly, Spanish destinations took six out of the ten spots. However, ranking at number six was an Italian island that has been dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Europe’ thanks to its spectacular beaches and unspoilt scenery.

Sardinia scored highly as a family destination thanks to its huge selection of beaches, family activities, and easy accessibility from the UK. The island has two main air hubs: Cagliari Elmas Airport in the south which is the largest and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in the north which is popular in the summer. EasyJet offers seasonal services to Olbia from Bristol, Edinburgh, London-Gatwick, and London-Luton. If you’re planning to fly to Cagliari from the UK, there are routes available on Ryanair and British Airways.

Sardinia flights on easyJet start from just £35.60 one way in May, and flights to the island take from two-and-a-half to three hours, making them bearable for most kids. You can also book Sardinia holidays with easyJet Holidays, with a package for four staying in a quadruple room in Borgo di Campagna, departing May 8, coming in at £340 per person. You can also save another £100 off the total package cost by using code SPRINGSALE at checkout.

Spiaggia La Pelosa is considered one of the island’s best beaches and it’s perfect for families. Its shores are covered in soft white sand, although some of the scenery is a little rocky, and the sea is a vibrant shade of turquoise and usually has only gentle waves. You can walk far from shore and still only be up to your knees in the clear blue waters, so it’s perfect for kids who like to paddle and splash around.

Unlike many overcrowded beaches, access to La Pelosa is tightly controlled during the summer from June 1 and October 1. Visitors need to book a spot in advance, and there’s an entry fee of €3.50 per person for over 12s (just over £3). However, this ensures you aren’t fighting the crowds to find a spot.

The Costa Smeralda offers a choice of beaches along a 35-mile stretch of coast in the north-east of the island. It’s a glamorous spot where you’ll often see superyachts coming into dock, and here you’ll find lots of upscale resorts with fine dining and designer shops.

Kids who love to swim will enjoy a boat trip to La Maddalena Archipelago, a National Park made up of seven tiny islands that can only be reached via boat. Many tour operators offer full-day boat tours where you can visit multiple islands, as well as stopping in the middle of the turquoise Med so you can dive straight into the ocean for a swim or snorkel.

If you have a kid who’s a budding history buff then Sardinia is full of interesting ancient sites to explore. Su Nuraxi di Barumini is the remains of a Bronze Age defensive complex, and has structures dating back thousands of years. Cagliari’s Castello sits on top of a hill and is full of ancient buildings, museums, and historic sites.

Kids who are studying the Roman Empire in school will particularly love a tour of the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari, where they can hear gory tales of fights to the death between gladiators or men vs wild beasts. It was also where many public executions were carried out and became the most important buildings in ancient Cagliari.

Sardinian food is also generally kid-friendly and even picky eaters are likely to find something they like. During the day, look out for street food vendors selling Spianadina, traditional flatbreads often filled with cheese and ham for a simple lunch. In the evening, there are plenty of cosy, authentic restaurants to choose from where kids can enjoy wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta.

EasyJet and easyJet Holidays Family Holiday Index – Full rankings

1. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
2. Algarve (Faro), Portugal
3. Costa del Sol (Málaga), Spain
4. Costa Blanca (Alicante), Spain
5. Lanzarote, Spain
6. Sardinia, Italy
7. Crete, Greece
8. Ibiza, Spain
9. Barcelona Coast, Spain
10. Dubrovnik Coast, Croatia

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Rainelle Krause, a coloratura soprano who went viral for singing a signature aria while hanging upside down from aerial silks, has died after a short hospitalization, her family announced “with immense sadness” Tuesday on social media. She was 37.

“Rainelle was a force in our lives, a brilliant talent defined by grit, fearlessness, curiosity, intelligence, integrity, and resilience,” the family said in a statement on Instagram. “Onstage, her voice matched the breathtaking power of her spirit. Offstage, she was a loving, caring soul whose vibrant energy lit up everyone around her. Our hearts are full from the years we shared, even as we’re shocked that her skyrocketing career was cut short.”

The family gave no further details about the circumstances of her death but said they were grateful to have Krause’s “preserved performances” to revisit. They said they would be planning a celebration of life “at a later date” but wanted to share the sad news now with friends and fans.

“Rainelle always gave her very best, pouring her heart into her art and those she loved,” the family said. “The best way we can honor her memory is by living her values every day. We encourage you to keep her memory alive by sharing her beautiful performances.”

Krause, whose website dubbed the Queen of the Night in “The Magic Flute” as her signature role, debuted in that role at the Metropolitan Opera over the holidays. She did the same last fall at Opera Atelier in Toronto.

“Although we knew Rainelle for only a matter of months, we will never forget her astonishing talent. We were awed by her bravery and daring and deeply moved by her willingness to draw all of us into her circle of friends,” Opera Atelier said Wednesday on social media. “Beautiful, generous, talented and kind, Rainelle is irreplaceable and will always hold a unique place in our memories.”

Born in Florida, Krause graduated from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with a bachelor’s in music and a master’s degree in music in vocal performance. The English National Opera said she trained with the Sankt Goar International Music Festival and Academy in Germany, the OperaWorks Advanced Artist Program in Los Angeles, Opera Las Vegas, the Taos Opera Institute and Opera Nova Costa Rica.

She performed with opera companies in Nashville and Atlanta, and in Texas she sang with the Dallas Opera, with symphony orchestras in Irving and Plano, and with a master chorale in Amarillo. She was set to debut with the Santa Fe Opera in May.

Internationally, Krause’s “The Magic Flute” performances included gigs in Berlin, Copenhagen and elsewhere. Roles outside of the Queen of the Night included the title role in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” the princess in “The Snow Queen,” Zerlina in “Don Giovanni” and Pat Nixon in “Nixon in China.”

As for her viral acrobatic performances, those appeared to have been on hold in the year before her death.

“I can’t even begin to express how much I miss aerial work,” Krause wrote last March on social media. “I’ve been dealing with horrendous shoulder impingement for months, I’ve been in physical therapy since last summer, I’m continuously learning new ways to attempt to build strength and fluency in order to support my VERY hypermobile joints.

“I am in pain most days,” she continued. “But I’m not giving up, I’m seeing incremental improvements, and I will fly again — this time working in concert with the body I have, instead of forcing myself to ‘just put in the work’ with all the wrong pathways.”

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. — President Trump is set to pay his respects on Wednesday at a Delaware military base when the remains of six U.S. service members killed in the crash of a refueling aircraft are returned to their families.

It will be the second time since launching the war with Iran on Feb. 28 that the Republican president will attend the solemn military ritual known as a dignified transfer, which he once described as the “toughest thing” he has had to do as commander in chief.

All six crew members of a KC-135 Air Force refueling aircraft were killed last week in a plane crash over friendly territory in western Iraq while supporting operations against Iran. They were from Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Washington state.

“Every person on that aircraft carried a weight most Americans will never see, and they carried it with professionalism, courage, and a level of quiet excellence that deserves to be recognized,” retired Lt. Col Ernesto Nisperos, a friend of one of those killed, said in a text message Wednesday.

The crash brought the U.S. death toll in Operation Epic Fury to at least 13 service members. About 200 U.S. service members have been injured, including 10 severely, the Pentagon has said.

Trump last traveled to Dover Air Force Base on March 7 for the dignified transfer of six U.S. service members who were killed by a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait. He saluted as flag-draped transfer cases containing the remains of the fallen service members were carried from military aircraft to vehicles waiting to take them to the base’s mortuary facility to prepare them for their final resting place.

“It’s the bad part of war,” he told reporters afterward. Asked then if he worried about having to make multiple trips to the base for additional dignified transfers as the war continued, he said, “I’m sure. I hate to do it, but it’s a part of war, isn’t it?”

U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, said that the crash followed an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in “friendly airspace” over Iraq but that the loss of the aircraft during a combat mission was “not due to hostile or friendly fire.” The circumstances were under investigation. The other plane landed safely.

The crash killed three people assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida: Maj. John A. “Alex” Klinner, 33, who served in Birmingham, Ala.; Capt. Ariana Linse Savino, 31, of Covington, Wash.; and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky.

Klinner, who left behind a wife, a 2-year-old son and 7-month-old twins, was known for his steady command and goofy nature, as well as a willingness to help others. Pruitt’s husband described her as a “radiant” woman who lit up the room. Savino was a friend, mentee and “source of positive energy” who was proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and inspired young Latinas, said Nisperos, who is serving as spokesman for her family.

“She had had this warmth that made you feel seen, a strength that showed up in everything she touched, and a spark — that spice — that made her unforgettable,” Nisperos said. “If you knew her, even for a moment, you knew you were in the presence of someone who was going to change the world.”

The three others were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio: Capt. Seth Koval, 38, a resident of Stoutsville, Ohio, who was from Mooresville, Ind.; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, who lived in Columbus; and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus.

Koval grew up dreaming of becoming a pilot, according to his wife, who described him as a loving, generous “fixer of all things.” Angst’s family said his life was defined by service, generosity and “a genuine love for people.” Simmons loved confiding in his 85-year-old grandmother and working out with her, Sen. Jon Husted said Tuesday, when he and Sen. Bernie Moreno honored the Ohio airmen on the Senate floor.

“To the mom and dad of these three young soldiers, I can’t even process what you’re going through. I can’t even imagine the emotions that you’re feeling,” Moreno said. “Just know that America is grateful beyond words for the sacrifice that your heroic young sons made.”

Superville writes for the Associated Press. AP writers Holly Ramer in Concord, N.H., and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed to this report.

IN A new twist in the Beckham family feud, it has been revealed how Brooklyn “lay by an LA pool just metres from dad David’s hotel room”, as they avoided seeing each other in the US.

The Sun were first to reveal how the estranged father and son were staying near to each other in America earlier this week.

We revealed on Monday, how David, 51, was in LA to shoot a commercial, after spending time with middle son Romeo, 23, skiing in Canada.

On Sunday night he checked into the Beverly Hills Hotel, which wasn’t far from where son Brooklyn, 27, and his wife Nicola, 31, were spotted at Sir Elton John’s Aids Foundation Oscars viewing party.

But in a new twist that has just emerged, it has been revealed that both David and Brooklyn were “just metres from each other” on two occasions at the five-star hotel.

It came when Brooklyn was spotted at his dad’s five-star hotel on Monday morning for breakfast after Elton’s Oscars party, according to the Daily Mail.

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David, had reportedly only just left the hotel to film five miles away in Santa Monica to record an advertisement for Lays crisps.

Insiders then said, Brooklyn stayed at the hotel all day to enjoy a “chill day by the pool“, and was seen sunbathing at around 3pm. close to where his dad’s room was.

Just three hours later David arrived for dinner at the hotel’s famous Polo Lounge restaurant at 6pm.

This means there were two occasion where the estranged father and son could have seen each other.

A source told the Mail: “David was totally in the dark about where Brooklyn was and had no idea that he had just missed him, not just once, but twice.

“Brooklyn was with Elton when David arrived to check in on Sunday night, didn’t get there before David left on Monday morning and then had gone before he arrived back.

“There is absolutely no contact between Brooklyn and his parents and there hasn’t been for some time, it is desperately sad but that is how Brooklyn has chosen to live his life with Nicola.

“Brooklyn also probably had no idea that his father was staying in a room just yards away from where they were having their breakfast.”

The insider added: “David looked like he was having a great time when he was at dinner, you wonder if that would have been different if he had known he had missed his son.”

Meanwhile, a source told The Sun earlier this week: “David was in Los Angeles for a new ad campaign, but given Brooklyn’s decision to cut off his family, there was no meeting between them.

“David had just come back from a skiing trip with Romeo and friends in Canada when he flew to Los Angeles for work.

“Brooklyn would have just been miles away from him in the house he shares with Nicola.”

The Sun first revealed last year how Brooklyn had cut off his family.

In October, insiders confirmed that the eldest Beckham boy had no interest in making amends with his family.

By January, he was communicating with them through lawyers.

Days later, Brooklyn released a bombshell statement confirming the story.

He went on to make allegations against his family, including claiming fashion designer Victoria, 51, had “hijacked” his first dance with Nicola at their wedding in 2022.

As well as cutting off his famous parents, Brooklyn is no longer in contact with his brothers Romeo and Cruz, 21, and sister Harper, 14, after blocking them on social media.

NORWEGIAN Cruise Lines have long been trailblazers of the seas.

When NCL introduced Freestyle Cruising at the turn of the millennium, it changed the way we holiday at sea.

Cruises became less about sticking to rigid dining schedules and entertainment plans, and more about doing what you want, when you want.

Now, the cruise line are once again raising the bar – with its new Prima Class ships offering more options onboard than ever.

The launch of Norwegian Prima, Viva, and Aqua saw new, upscale dining options and significantly larger outdoor decks.

Now, it’s the turn of Norwegian Luna to make her appearance, as she sets sail from April 2026 — and we got an early look at what it’s like on board.

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The new ship will sail across Mexico and the Caribbean, to destinations like the Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata, as well as Great Stirrup Cay – a private island paradise in the Bahamas.

The private island is home to a sprawling pool with swim-up bars, plenty of loungers and cabanas, as well as an adults-only retreat with a private beach and bar.

Plus, the Great Tides Waterpark is set to open on the island in summer 2026, with a whopping 19 water slides and a 9,000 square-foot splash zone for families.

Other holiday hotspots across the ship’s itineraries include Bermuda, the Bahamas and Saint Thomas – home to Magens Bay, rated among the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Sailing the Norwegian Luna is a once-in-a-blue-moon cruising experience.

With an aqua coaster, obstacle courses, a free-fall slide and glowing LED sports courts, this cruise ship feels more like a giant playground.

Even the mini golf, Tee Time, is jazzed up to the max with a futuristic neon course. In fact, it’s the first interactive and tech-immersive mini golf at sea. 

Meanwhile, the Glow Court makes getting in your onboard exercise more exciting.

The floor is illuminated by LEDs, transforming into a range of sports courts and interactive games.

These courts even turn into a disco lounge at night, transforming the sports floor into a party with a view.

Perhaps the most exciting activity, however, is the Aqua Slidecoaster.

This hybrid between a water slide and a roller coaster sends teams of two down a thrill ride with a splash, reaching speeds of up to 31 miles per hour!

And don’t worry about bringing your towel – this ship has a walk-in drying machine for you to step into afterwards.

Just in case you’re itching for yet another adrenaline rush, The Drop is a slide just as thrilling as the name makes it sound.

The Drop is the world’s first free fall slide at sea, spiralling down a jaw-dropping ten stories.

Alternatively, if you have younger children (or kids who prefer something more chilled) there’s plenty of other options.

The Splash Academy is a kids club with sports, artsy activities, and supervised group sitting available in the evenings.

There’s also a complimentary dedicated space with activities for teens, The Entourage, as well as a parent and toddler play programme, Guppies.

Plus Mum and Dad aren’t forgotten about either, with a huge fitness centre, your pick of 14 bars and lounges, and a world-class spa.

The Mandara Spa is massive, boasting a two-story waterfall, multiple saunas, a thermal suite and more – all under the relaxing glow of midnight-blue lighting.

And if you really want to splash out, the adults-only private Vibe Beach Club has its own fully-stocked bar, waterfall and infinity hot tubs.

There are of course multiple swimming pools to take a dip in, too.

The spacious main pool is surrounded by plenty of stylish sun loungers, with two hot tubs and a kids’ splash park nearby.

Or take a dip in one of two infinity pools, both of which are surrounded by comfy daybeds to sprawl out on and soak up the Caribbean sun.

What makes Norwegian’s Prima Class ships stand out is the sheer amount of outdoor space there is to explore.

The Oceanwalk glass bridge lets you see the waves crash beneath your feet as you walk, whilst outdoor dining at restaurants like Los Lobos come with a side of sea views.

When it comes to food, there’s plenty of restaurants to choose from – six of which are complimentary.

The Local Bar & Grill is a cosy option offering pub classics and pints, whilst the Indulge Food Hall lets you order anything from Chinese dishes to tapas to your table via a handy iPad.

Rooms range from the simple Studio, ideal for solo travellers, to ‘The Haven’ – home to luxurious suites and cabins that come with their own 24-hour butler.

You don’t have to pay a premium to feel pampered, though, as all rooms come with comfy, spacious beds, as well as round-the-clock room service.

The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, recently set sail on the Norwegian Luna. She said:

“I was the first UK journalist onboard Norwegian Luna as it set sail on its first transatlantic crossing to its new home port in Miami and loved the laid back luxury of this stunning ship.

“Its celestial theme comes across in beautiful spaces – including the multi-deck Penrose atrium – that shimmer and shine with a sophisticated, luxe look.

“While there’s even more space on the top decks surrounding the main pool, what I love about NCL’s Prima class ships are the many places to sunbathe on deck eight, alongside infinity pools and oodles of comfy loungers and cabanas.

“Families will love the huge range of innovative, high-tech attractions from the thrilling hybrid water rollercoaster, Aqua Slidecoaster, to The Drop – the world’s first free-fall slide at sea spiraling you down ten decks.

“The all-new Luna Midway is an outdoor amusement-style park with carnival inspired games and also debuting is the Moon Climber multi-level rope obstacle course.

“The whole family can do battle in the neon Glow Court where sports and social combine as cruisers compete in games across a high-tech LED floor – and the grownups can continue to enjoy the fun after dark when it transforms into a late night club.

“But Luna also scores highly for the incredible amount of choice when it comes to food and drink.

“There are 17 dining options and 18 bars and lounges across the ship, with a highlight for me being the included in your fare Indulge Food Hall, where you order from tablets from nine stations serving up everything from noodles and tapas to barbecue favourites and Indian curries.

“For those looking to splash out, there are plenty of speciality restaurants at an extra cost – I loved the freshest, tastiest sushi options in Nama and the Thai dishes with a twist in Sukhothai.

“For sunset sips, head to the Soleil Bar for stunning sea views and for sophisticated cocktails, the Belvedere Bar is a must”.

Sailing on the Norwegian Luna starts from £324pp for a 2-day cruise to the private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.

Click here to browse NCL cruise deals.

Viewers of Stacey Solomon’s BBC show were left emotional during the latest episode of Sort Your Life Out.

Viewers were left reaching for the tissues as one mum revealed why she’d called upon Stacey Solomon and her Sort Your Life Out team on Tuesday.

The decluttering squad arrived in south London to assist single mum Almarie and her 10-year-old daughter Marie in transforming their three-bedroom semi, which had fallen into disarray.

Under Stacey’s guidance, Almarie tackled her husband Marcus’s possessions for the first time since his sudden passing three years earlier.

The widow shared the heartbreaking story of how he’d received a cancer diagnosis with a five-year prognosis – yet he died merely two months later, leaving his family devastated.

Almarie had kept all his belongings, and having previously fostered children, the house had accumulated numerous additional items.

For financial reasons, Almarie needed to take in a lodger but couldn’t manage it without clearing out two dozen unused chairs, 204 pairs of shoes, 55 coats, 2,765 plastic toys and considerably more, reports the Express.

Within minutes of hearing the tragic circumstances, viewers flocked to social media to confess they were in floods of tears.

Taking to X/Twitter, one viewer said: “#sortyourlifeout always emotional now,” as another echoed: “And I am gone [sobbing emoji] #sortyourlifeout.”

One more declared: “I’m late starting….. not 10 minutes in and I’m gone [crying emojis] #sortyourlifeout.”

Someone else said: “Oh, you do put us through the emotional wringer! I come to #sortyourlifeout for a cry.

“Lost her husband and Mum in 5 months, that poor woman and her daughter, just heartbreaking #SortYourLifeOut,” another viewer sympathised.

Last week, fans were reduced to tears as the BBC reality programme returned for its sixth series.

Audiences watched care worker Trish and her husband Gerry, alongside their three adult children, tackle the clutter in their family home.

Her devoted husband, who works as a technician and artist, spoke candidly about his recent dementia diagnosis and how it has affected the entire family.

He revealed: “I’ve now been living with dementia for seven years. Unfortunately, over the last year or so, things have been starting to progress. It’s not just my memory; it’s all the mobility I’ve lost, or I’m losing.”

He continued: “If anything was being done in the house or garden, it was me who would do it, the heavy lifting I’d be right in there, no problems whatsoever. Now, I’m lucky that I can lift a knife and fork; it’s been very frustrating.”

Sort Your Life Out is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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WASHINGTON — An advocacy group hoping to expand support for child and elder care is planning to spend $50 million to back Democrats in congressional races, tying the costs of caregiving to the nation’s affordability debate.

The Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, created a decade ago, aims to make caregiver issues more salient in elections. The announcement comes as the cost of child care continues to rise and as waiting lists for federal child-care subsidies, which support working families in poverty, continue to grow.

Sondra Goldschein, executive director of the campaign and its political action committee, said child care and elder care are important to the affordability conversation, especially as child-care costs exceed what families pay for housing. Then there is the pressure on the “sandwich generation,” composed of middle-aged people who are caring simultaneously for their own children and parents.

“When child care can cost more than your rent or a mortgage, or you have to sacrifice a paycheck in order to be able to take care of a loved one,” that can motivate how people vote, said Goldschein. “Each election cycle, we see candidates recognizing that more and more.”

She hopes the message will resonate as families face a slew of rising costs, including climbing gas prices driven by a war in Iran that is unpopular with many voters.

The campaign plans to pour support for Democrats into Senate races in North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Maine and Ohio and into House races in Iowa and Pennsylvania. It is also slated to dispatch volunteers to talk with voters about caregiving.

The National Republican Congressional Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Republicans have begun to back child care as an issue crucial to growing the workforce, but their proposals tend to be less dramatic than those offered by Democrats. Last year, through President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, Republicans made an estimated 4 million more families eligible for a child-care tax credit. The law also increased child-care aid for military families and tax credits for employers who provide child care to their workers.

Before 2020, many candidates rarely spoke about child care. But the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the child-care industry’s precarity and necessity. Preschools and child-care centers were pressed to stay open so parents in front-line jobs — such as those in healthcare — could return to work.

Then-President Biden successfully persuaded Congress in 2021 to pass $39 billion in aid for child care, allowing states to offer support to more families and subsidizing wages for child-care workers. Later that year, Biden sought to create nationwide universal pre-kindergarten and to vastly expand child-care subsidies for families so that none would pay more than 7% of their household income for care. But the proposal narrowly failed in Congress. Since then, the pandemic aid has dried up and families are feeling the pinch of rising costs.

Now, several candidates have centered their campaigns around child-care affordability. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who won election after pledging to make the city more affordable for middle-class residents, ran on universal child care. Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey and Gov. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia won elections after pledging to expand child-care subsidies.

Candidates this election cycle are running on universal child-care pledges. They include Democrats Janeese Lewis George, who is running for mayor in Washington, D.C., and Francesca Hong, a gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is up for reelection this year, has pledged to support Mamdani’s ambitions and eventually to expand universal child care statewide.

Neither the White House nor the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees federal child-care programs, responded to requests for comment. In his 2024 campaign, during an address to the Economic Club of New York, Trump said increasing foreign tariffs would “take care” of the expense of child care. That plan, thus far, has not materialized.

In Trump’s current term, the administration has largely focused on cracking down on fraud, after a viral video alleged Somali-run child-care centers in Minneapolis were billing the government for children they weren’t caring for.

While there have been prosecutions stemming from child-care subsidy fraud, the Minneapolis video’s central claims were disproven by state inspectors. Nonetheless, the Trump administration attempted to freeze child-care funding for Minnesota and five other Democratic-led states until a court ordered the funding to be released.

Balingit writes for the Associated Press.

TOY stores can often be a place of pure happiness for children – and one of the most famous stores in the UK is making even more reasons to visit.

Hamleys in London is the world’s oldest toy shop, with its first site opening back in 1760 under the name Noah’s Ark.

Originally in High Holburn, the much-loved toy store is now on Regent Street, where it has stood since 1881.

Across seven floors there are thousands of toys to explore and each year the store welcomes around five million visitors.

And now there is even more of a reason to go as the giant toy store is launching lots of new events – and most of them are free.

Keane Herman, Business Head Hamleys UK, said: “As the finest and oldest toy shop in the world, Hamleys has been creating magical moments for
children and families for more than 266 years.

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“By keeping our eye on what’s current, trending and relevant, we continue to elevate the experiences we create in store.

“There is always something happening at our Regent Street flagship.

“From live toy demonstrations and interactive play experiences to dance parties and puppet shows, it is this sense of energy and theatre that makes Hamleys so special.

“We pay close attention to what resonates with children and parents, and to the trends shaping the world of play, so that we can continually offer fresh and memorable experiences.”

Last year, the store launched the Hamleys Bus and Lights Your at Christmas which proved to be such a success that the store is bringing it back for Easter this year.

And the store has already hosted a number of brand pop-ups including one with dessert brand Vnilla, who are well-known for creating banana pudding just like the famous Magnolia Bakery’s in New York.

Herman added: “These events and experiences are a natural extension of our daily in-store theatre, giving children the chance to be even more hands-on and to immerse themselves in the magic of play.

“Our heritage is incredibly important to us, but what keeps Hamleys thriving is our commitment to continually evolving.

“Families come to Hamleys not just to shop, but to make memories together, and that sense of wonder is something we are proud to deliver for every new generation.”

Coming up, there are lots of daily events at Hamleys to enjoy.

For example, every day at 10am (or 12pm on Sundays) when the store opens, there is an opening ceremony with Hamley Bear, who you can also meet at 1pm and 2:30pm each day.

At the weekends, the Hamleys Beary Grand Parade takes place at 4pm each day with dancing and singing.

This is followed by Mr Monkey’s Puppet Show at 4:30pm, where Mr Monkey is searching for his next big adventure.

And then at 5:30pm there is the Hamleys Dance Medley, where magical moments from the toy store’s history are brought back to life, including a princess’s first ball and a pirate’s first adventure.

Between March 28 and April 12 (the Easter school holidays), there are loads of events on as well.

For example, you could watch Chef Choco’s Chocolatiers Puppet Show, where you can learn about the secrets of sweet making and even become a sweet maker yourself.

The show will be on every day throughout the period, at 4:30pm.

On March 28, catch Midnight in the Toyshop come to life at Hamleys, with Ballerina and Rebel Racer giving a live performance.

Performances will be at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

If your kids love slime, then make sure to head to the Hamleys Regent Street Basement from March 24 to April 12 for a Gootopia Experience Zone, where kids can create their own slime and take home a ‘gooey masterpiece’.

The experience will cost £15.99 per person.

Every day at 4pm between March 28 and April 12 there will also be a Hamleys Rainbow Ribbons Parade across every floor of the store.

Also, over the Easter school holidays there will be Hamleys Storytime, with tales of Peter Rabbit and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory every day at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Towards the end of the Easter holidays on April 6, families can meet the Playmobil Pirates at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

And last but not least, each day at 1pm and 2:30pm there will be a Hamley and Hattie Easter meet and greet.

Officially launching on March 17, there will also be a new Pokémon destination on the Regent Street store’s fourth floor.

The new Pokémon area will feature interactive experiences such as character appearances, and on March 21, a launch event will be held with Pokémon-themed candy floss and activities for visitors.

Later in early April, a Tubbz zone will open inside the Regent Street store in the basement.

In the zone, visitors will be able to grab iconic pop culture characters that have been transformed into cosplaying ducks.

For more things to do with kids, these are London’s best free indoor attractions for families – perfect for rainy days.

Plus, the best UK family days out from £10 to completely free in the Easter holidays.

SACRAMENTO — As gas prices surge in California and nationally due to the war in Iran, two Democrats running for California governor are calling for the state to temporarily suspend its fuel tax or ease refinery regulations in an effort to lower costs.

Standing in front of a gas pump in a video posted to social media, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said the costs are “becoming an emergency for working families, and I think we ought to act like it.”

The moderate Democrat called on state lawmakers to suspend California’s gas tax, which at 61 cents per gallon is the highest in the nation.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa also called for an “immediate moratorium” on regulations that he blamed for “overburdening” California refineries and working families.

“These failed policies are not only hurting tens of millions of Californians, they are terrible for the environment because they have forced California to depend on imported foreign oil from the Middle East,” Villaraigosa said in a statement.

The cost of living in California, including the price at the pump, remains a pivotal issue for voters in the state, and has become central to the moderate-leaning campaigns of Mahan and Villaraigosa as they attempt to distinguish themselves in the tightly contested race for governor.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in California on Monday was $5.52, the highest in the nation and more than 50 cents higher than any other state. The national average was $3.71, up from the previous month’s average of $2.92.

Gasoline prices in California are often among the highest in the country for a number of reasons, including environmental rules that require a unique blend of cleaner-burning fuel.

The state also relies mostly on crude oil imported from other countries including Brazil, Iraq and Guyana and processed at in-state refineries. In 2025, 61% of oil processed at California refineries was imported, compared with 23% that was produced in the state, according to data from the California Energy Commission.

A greater reliance on foreign oil has made California more susceptible to price spikes during global conflicts and other disruptions.

Republicans have long supported suspending the gas tax and cutting regulations in order to lower prices at the pump.

Steve Hilton, a GOP candidate for governor and former Fox News host, outlined a plan to lower California gas prices to $3 per gallon by slashing regulations including the low-carbon fuel standard, the rule that requires cleaner-burning gas in order to reduce tailpipe emissions.

The other major Republican in the race, Riverside Sheriff Chad Bianco, supports suspending the gas tax, according to his website.

The current price spike echoes 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine and disrupted global oil markets.

As prices eventually fell around the rest of the country that year, they remained high for months in California, leading Gov. Gavin Newsom to wage war against oil and gas companies. He accused them of price-gouging drivers and backed laws requiring companies to report their profit margins and keep a supply of fuel on hand to prevent shortages and price spikes.

The governor backed off his battle with the oil companies last year after two refineries announced plans to close. In September, he signed legislation to permit 2,000 new oil wells in Kern County, reflecting an acknowledgement that his war on oil companies threatened to send California’s gas market spiraling.

Republican state lawmakers in 2022 pushed for a temporary suspension of California’s excise tax on gasoline, arguing that it would provide immediate relief to California drivers. That effort was rebuffed by Newsom and Democratic lawmakers, but they later approved $9.5 billion in tax refunds to Californians, providing as much as $1,050 to families as financial relief from record-high gasoline prices and other rising costs.

In 2017, the Democratic-controlled Legislature passed Senate Bill 1, which then-Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law, levying the state’s first gas tax increase in 23 years to fix California’s roads and bridges in disrepair. Under the law, the tax increases each year on July 1 based on the growth in the California Consumer Price Index.

California voters remain conflicted on the state’s regulation of the oil industry, according to an August survey by the Public Policy Institute of California. It found that more than 60% of adults support goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate electricity from renewable energy sources.

But majorities also said the costs of gasoline and utility bills is a major problem for them personally, according to the poll.

Mahan and Villaraigosa are the only two Democrats who have publicly called to roll back regulations on the state’s oil and gas market, illustrating the political murkiness at the nexus of California’s climate and affordability challenges.

Still, Democratic lawmakers – who hold supermajorities in the state Senate and Assembly – continue to shut down proposals to pause the gas tax, arguing that the state would lose out on much-needed money for roads.

“If anyone has a proposal about how to backfill (transportation) revenues, I’m up for that conversation, but so far, it’s just a bulls— political talking point,” said Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine).

Petrie-Norris chairs the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee and has helped lead legislative efforts to stabilize California’s fuels market without retreating from goals to achieve carbon neutrality.

”When I ask people, ‘Do you want affordable gas, clean air or safe roads?’ they say yes. So they want us to do all three of these things,” she said. “We’ve got to be honest with Californians about trade-offs so that we can have real conversations.”

Mahan pushed back on the importance of collecting gas tax revenue.

“The truth is we have the highest taxes in the country and a $350-billion budget, and we ought to be able to pave our roads and enable working families to put food on the table,” he said in an interview. “I just reject the notion that the sky is going to fall if we provide temporary relief to working families who are being pushed to the brink by a war that they didn’t ask for.”

The San José mayor said the state should suspend the fuel tax “for the duration of the war” in Iran “or as long as gas prices are over $5 a gallon” in the state. He also called for “massive regulatory overhaul that brings down costs across the board,” including rules on refineries.

If elected governor, Villaraigosa said he would “reform and overhaul” the California Air Resources Board, which enacts many of the state’s environmental laws — including the low carbon fuel standard and cap-and-invest program.

“We can no longer allow bureaucrats who live in a bubble — with no accountability for the harm they are causing our economy and our people — to have so much power over the lives of every Californian,” Villaraigosa said in a statement.

BROOKLYN Beckham was offered a public show of support by Sir Elton John — who made him a VIP guest at his Oscars party.

The 27-year-old, locked in a family feud, was seen at the bash alongside wife Nicola Peltz deep in conversation with the singer, 78.

We revealed last year that the I’m Still Standing singer has been acting as a peacemaker between Brooklyn and estranged parents David and Victoria.

And the VIP invitation to Sir Elton’s Academy Awards viewing party in West Hollywood on Sunday night showed his continued love and support for his godson.

A source said: “Elton has seen Brooklyn all adrift without his biological family and he’s stepped up for Brooklyn.

“Inviting him and Nicola to the party was a public show of support for him.

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“Elton doesn’t want to get involved in the row — as far as he’s concerned that’s between Brooklyn, David and Victoria.

“But he has been watching everything that has unfolded over the past ten months.

“Brooklyn lives in Los Angeles and when Elton is in town, he’ll often touch base with him.

“Brooklyn knows he has Elton’s ear and support.”

Brooklyn and US actress Nicola, 31, were among a string of celebs at the Elton John Aids Foundation bash, co-hosted by the singer and his husband, David Furnish.

They were photographed with Sharon Osbourne and her I’m a Celebrity star son Jack, while singer Dua Lipa and her actor fiancé Callum Turner were also there.

A source added: “Brooklyn and Nicola had a fantastic time with Elton and David.

“He just wants to move on with his life and is happy to have the support of Elton and David, who have always looked out for him.”

Sir Elton, who has two sons Zachary and Elijah with his hubby, has been very close friends with Posh and Becks for several years.

They asked the singer to be godfather to their first-born son Brooklyn in 1999, and they did the same with Romeo three years later.

Former Spice Girl Victoria was also a guest at Sir Elton’s Oscars party in 2009.

But they have not been pictured together in public since August 2019, when the Beckhams joined Sir Elton and David on a yacht during a holiday in the South of France.

Victoria posted pictures of their trip on Instagram with the caption: “Happy Summer with friends. Kisses @davidfurnish @eltonjohn. We love u both and your boys so much.”

In May 2023, David and Victoria supported Elton on the final night of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour and shared videos and photographs from a box at London’s O2 Arena.

Last summer The Sun revealed that Sir Elton had reached out to Brooklyn and Nicola amid their family feud — and invited them to lunch to talk in the South of France.

A source said at the time: “Elton wants everyone to be happy.

“There is no side-taking as such; he simply adores his godson, and really has a laugh with Nicola who he thinks has a great sense of humour.

“He wants to look after them in his role as ‘spiritual adviser’ as a godfather.

“It’s a role he takes seriously.”

We revealed yesterday that Brooklyn snubbed Victoria on Mother’s Day — while posting a birthday message to “the best mother-in-law”.

He told Nicola’s mum, Claudia, “Love u so much”, as she turned 71.

Who won on Hollywood’s biggest night?

One Battle After Another ran away with the night with six Oscars, while Sinners, which was nominated for a record-breaking 16 awards, came away with four. See the full winners list below:

Best Picture: One Battle After Another

Best Actress: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet

Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan, Sinners

Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan, Weapons

Supporting Actor: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another

Directing: One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson

Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson

Original Screenplay: Sinners, Ryan Coogler

Documentary Feature: Mr. Nobody Against Putin

Documentary Short: All the Empty Rooms

Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters

Animated Short: The Girl Who Cried Pearls

Cinematography: Sinners, Autumn Durald Arkapaw

Costume Design: Frankenstein, Kate Hawley

Film Editing: One Battle After Another, Andy Jurgensen

International Feature: Sentimental Value – Norway

Life Action Short: 

The Singers (TIED)

Two People Exchanging Saliva (TIED)

Makeup and Hairstyling: Frankenstein, Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey

Original Score: Sinners, Ludwig Goransson

Original Song: Golden, KPop Demon Hunters

Production Design: Frankenstein, Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau

Sound: F1, Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo and Juan Peralta

Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash, Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett

Casting: One Battle After Another, Cassandra Kulukundis

Two Palestinian brothers are the only survivors after Israeli troops killed their parents and two siblings in Tammun in the occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian health authorities. The boys say soldiers opened fire on their family car and beat them after the shooting.

MOTORHEAD guitarist, Phil Campbell, has died aged 64.

His family said that he died following “a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex operation”.

In a heartbreaking statement, his family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation.

“Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as “Bampi.”

“He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.

“We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.”

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The tribute was posted online by Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, a band featuring Phil and his three sons Todd, Dane and Tyla.

The family band were forced to cancel an Australian tour in February due to “medical advice Phil has just received”.

Campbell joined Motorhead in 1984 before they disbanded in 2015 following the death of front man Lemmy, who died in 2015, aged 70.

His studio debut came with the release of Motorhead’s Orgasmatron in 1986.

In 2019, he released his first solo album, Old Lions Still Roar.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

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The celebrity chef opened up about his beloved grandmother Marjorie who died before seeing him star in a show she was a ‘huge fan’ of

James Martin has shared a poignant family revelation that he admits leaves him with “sadness”. The 52-year-old chef first gained recognition as part of the Ready Steady Cook team.

Since then, he’s featured across numerous television programmes including the likes of Housecall and Entertaining with James. In 2006 he joined Saturday Kitchen, presenting the weekend programme for a decade.

Throughout his professional journey, James has relied upon his family’s steadfast support, particularly from his devoted grandmother Marjorie, who he says tuned into every programme he featured in.

Tragically, she passed away before James appeared on one specific show that she was a “huge fan” of. In conversation with Candis magazine, he revealed: “Mum is my biggest fan and the most honest person I know. My granny, Marjorie, also watched everything I did.”

He continued: “She was a huge fan of Strictly and it’s a sadness to me that she didn’t live long enough to see me take part in 2005.”

James took part in the third series of Strictly Come Dancing, where he was paired with professional dancer Camilla Dallerup. He secured fourth place behind radio presenter Zoe Ball, with Olympian Colin Jackson finishing runner-up and cricketer Darren Gough claiming the Glitterball Trophy.

James, who grew up on a farm in North Yorkshire, attributes his culinary passion to his grandmother’s influence. In a 2011 Mirror interview, he recalled enjoying fresh produce from his grandparents’ allotment during his childhood.

The chef even credits his grandparents with nurturing his passion for cooking, backing him when he secured a position in a local kitchen before attending culinary school. He said: “My grandmother was a huge influence in my life and inadvertently inspired me to be a chef.

“She baked and cooked, and she was just wonderful. If I could be 10% of what she was, I’d be a lucky man.

“As a boy, my most vivid memories are of helping her dig up potatoes fresh from her allotment, then boiling them up with some mint. If someone asks you what your most memorable meal was, it’s seldom something you had in a restaurant, it’s what you ate at home as a kid, isn’t it?”.

He added: “I remember going shopping with her and watching her buy bacon and crusty white bread. You’d just see her backside as she disappeared into the shelf, reaching right to the back for the freshest loaf, squeezing them until she found it.

“When we got home she’d grill the bacon on one of those old enamel gas cookers with red buttons. It would take ages to warm up and cook, and the room would fill with the smell of cooking fat.”

James returns to television with James Martin’s Saturday Morning from 9.30am today (March 14). Joining him will be vocalist and television presenter Jane McDonald alongside chefs Judy Joo and Curtis Stone plus mixologist Merlin Griffiths.

From bike hire to spa escapes and lodge stays, this Center Parcs review shares everything families need to know about the popular UK break

Center Parcs had been on our radar for some time; a getaway promising relaxation without the hassle of airports. However, I hadn’t anticipated just how much the experience would focus on unwinding and quality family time.

The absolute highlight for the children was cycling everywhere. We collected our bikes on site (though, if you have room you can also bring your own) and it quickly became our primary mode of transport – and some of the most unforgettable moments of our stay.

Not a mobile phone or tablet in sight. Without even trying, we slipped into a slower pace, chatting as we pedalled, pausing for snacks and savouring our time together.

Even sporadic rain didn’t dampen our spirits.

READ MORE: I visited Pureseoul’s K-beauty store and found hidden gems – it’s heaven for the skincare obsessed!’

Family time and adult time

Center Parcs is designed with families in mind, but it’s easy to carve out some adult time. I managed to escape to the Aqua Sana Forest Spa, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the village.

The treetop sauna was my standout spot, and a full body massage was the reset I didn’t realise I needed.

But what I adored was the balance. There’s an endless array of activities to keep children entertained – including the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, with indoor and outdoor pools, and rapids.

But there are also tranquil spaces to unwind without missing out on family time. In the Sports Cafe, for example, we could sneak in the Arsenal game, whilst the kids amused themselves on arcades.

Where we stayed

The lodge played a significant role in how relaxed the break felt. Luxuriating in one of the newly refurbished Grand Forest lodges, it’s clear they’re designed with families in mind.

In the kitchen, everything was designed to make cooking a breeze, with ample worktop space and storage. I realise it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (and there are plenty of other options on site if you’d rather not cook at all) but we relish cooking as a family, so having a clear, user-friendly space to do it in made a world of difference – instead of one of us being cooped up in the kitchen whilst the rest of the clan were enjoying themselves.

After action-packed days, it was lovely to cook together and settle down for an evening of board games or a film, whilst ducks would come and tap on the patio doors, much to my daughter’s sheer joy.

All the best things to eat

We stayed for three nights and cooked twice in the lodge, keeping evenings chilled and costs low (Stock up on supermarket essentials before you arrive; there’s a shop on site for extras, but it’s a bit steep).

For our dining out experience, we booked The Dozing Duck – an absolute treat. It boasts shuffleboard tables so the four of us divided into teams for some friendly rivalry.

Book ahead on the app where you plan your stay.

How to book a Centre Parcs break

Two-bedroom Grand Forest Lodge from £799 for a Mon-to-Fri stay. Three-bedroom Woodland Premium Lodge also from £799 – ideal for larger families who need a bit more space.

Breaks run Mon to Fri, or Fri to Mon. Book at centerparcs.co.uk.

I’ve had my fair share of bad neighbors over the years. Ones who’d stomp their feet above my bedroom at odd hours of the night or who’d block my parking garage without warning every time they had guests over. Talking to friends in L.A., such experiences seem to be the norm rather than the exception — people either have gripes about their neighbors or no feelings at all. A Stanford study showed that the percentage of Americans who frequently interact with their neighbors declined among all age groups from 2017 to 2023.

As someone who doesn’t live near any family, I know that good neighbors can be a godsend. And though I’ve had some questionable ones, I’m lucky to have also had some of the best. Like Joseph, who let me borrow his portable air conditioner — and even installed it — when a heat wave hit Los Angeles. Or Mr. Art, who’d close my garage whenever I was in a hurry and forgot to do it. And my current neighbor, Ms. Cassandra, who always makes sure to save me a plate when she grills her mouthwatering barbecue ribs.

Neighbors can become your friends — or even your family. That’s why we’re looking for Los Angeles’ most neighborly neighbors. And we want you tell us about yours. What’s the most remarkable thing they’ve done for you, big or small? Did they lend you a cup of sugar when you were baking a five-layer cake? Did they offer you a ride to work? Did they babysit for you last minute? Or invite you over for a holiday dinner so you wouldn’t have to spend it alone?

Nominate your favorite neighbor below. We may feature them in a future story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE best hotels in the country have been revealed and one even has rooms for under £70 a night.

It has also been praised for being family-friendly and sits on the estate of a stately home that appeared in the film, Pride and Prejudice.

The Times has revealed its ’50 best places to stay in 2026′ and The Hide was declared the winner for ‘great-value’.

The cosy 19th century hotel was formerly a Premier Inn, before being converted and reopened in October 2025.

The Hide sits on the Chatsworth Estate in the rolling Peak District hills – so guests can enjoy magnificent views.

The Times praised it highly and said: “It’s laid-back and unpretentious while still offering Chatsworth hospitality including produce from the estate farm, curated art on the walls and bespoke textiles in the bedrooms plus hand-painted room numbers.”

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It was awarded the title of ‘Great-value winner’ with rooms starting from £69.

They added: “The idea is that all are welcome – dogs, children, walkers in muddy boots.”

The hotel has a mix of bright and spacious rooms from doubles to triple, quad, bunk rooms and accessible ones too.

Each come with a double or king size bed, power shower and free Wi-Fi.

Meanwhile the triple or bunk rooms are suited towards families of three or four.

Guests can eat in from the All Day Dining menu available, with options such as fish and chips and beef and ale pie, as well as stone baked pizzas, burgers, steak, salads and BBQ ribs.

During the summer months, The Hide opens up its patio for outdoor dining with a pizza oven and BBQ.

There’s even a fire pit for s’mores – guests can get a sharing board for two for £10.

The breakfast buffet option starts from £15.95, or there are cook to order options including The Full Hide (essentially a full English).

There’s also a veggie option, pancakes and waffles too.

Sunday lunch is from £18 per person with a choice of Chatsworth beef, roast chicken, lamb or butternut squash, spinach and chestnut wellington.

As The Hide sits on the Chatsworth Estate, it’s easy for staying guests to explore the house.

Chatsworth House was built in the 1600s and famously appeared in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as Mr Darcy’s house, Pemberley.

It has also appeared on screen in The Duchess and Peaky Blinders.

Guests can buy a multi-entry ticket to Chatsworth to use throughout their stay, for less than the cost of a single day ticket.

This can be added to your booking or bought while at the hotel.

Chatsworth House is around a 15 minute drive away from The Hide.

On the grounds of Chatsworth House there’s also a farmyard and adventure playground.

At the farm are small animals like pigs, horses, goats and guinea pigs.

The playground has ladders, a climbing wall, rope bridges and racing slides – there’s also a zip wire, swings, and a giant sand play area

Tickets can be bought from £10 for both adults and children.

The Hide is a 23-minute drive from Matlock Bath which is known for being a seaside-themed town that’s nowhere near the coast.

Visitors strolling along the River Derwent will feel like they’re by the seaside as it’s lined with fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and arcades.

You can get beautiful cliff-top views over the water, and there are boat parades too – also known as the Matlock Bath Illuminations.

The nearest city is Sheffield and it’s a 17-minute walk to Chesterfield.

For more hotels near The Hide, this hotel was named the best in the UK has Peak District views and guests say is ‘worth every penny’.

And here are some very affordable hotels that are better than a five-star – by a holiday expert who’s visited more than 200.

Hannah Britt and her family fell in love with Scotland while on a road trip through the highlands in a Skoda Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 – here’s how you can do the same

When you think of a Scottish road trip, what comes to mind? The NC500 probably. Two children aged six and one… probably not so much. And yet I’m here to tell you that it can be done, all it takes is the right car – and lots of snacks. A frequent yet fearful flyer last summer I became a convert to the good old family road trip when we borrowed a Skoda Kodiaq vRS and drove from our home in Manchester to France. Being able to get there under our own steam and haul 35 tonnes of equipment for the children was a gamechanger. I was chomping at the bit to do it again. So you can imagine my delight when my pals at Skoda got in touch again, offering to lend us a Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 this time – if we drove it to Scotland. My partner John’s bags were packed before I’d finished asking if he wanted to go.

The Superb is a long and spacious family car. You won’t get into a small parking space, but boy can you cram it full of stuff. It’s quite low to the ground, meaning those of us over 30 will make an oof noise getting in and out, but it feels how I imagine Lewis Hamilton must in his F1 car. I loved it right away.

As we set off from our home in Manchester, the four of us settled in – me, John, six year old Molly and one year old Poppy. Our route would take us to Langbank near Glasgow, where we would stay the night at Gleddoch Golf and Spa Resort, before continuing on the next day to Cameron House on Loch Lomond. From there we would loop up through Glencoe to Oban, before driving back home via Loch Lomond once more.

As was now customary, John did most of the driving with me the passenger princess and queen on snacks, handing out Pringles and Haribo on demand and restarting Golden from the K Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack each time it dared to stop. The Skoda’s big sat nav screen made it easy to work out where to go, and its built in black out screens allowed Molly and Poppy to doze off.

Four hours later, with just one stop to walk off a tantrum (not mine, promise), we arrived at Gleddoch, on the banks of the Clyde. I was impressed with this golf hotel, which welcomed children with open arms. Our room, a Residence Four Poster, was newly renovated, with a sleek bathroom, view out over the water, sofa bed for Molly and – as the name suggests – a gargantuan four poster for her parents. Arriving with fussy kids, we ate in the room, and the food was lovely, with a good kids menu and an excellent wine list.

But the jewel in Gleddoch’s crown is the Imperia spa, a newly opened, multimillion pound delight. It recently won the accolade of “best new spa” and, once I tore myself away from my family, I had a sublime old time checking it out. The space boasts the UK’s largest outdoor sauna with panoramic views over the estuary and rolling Renfrewshire hills to Ben Lomond.

Children are not allowed in the pool at all, which was a shame for me – but a bonus for the other guests who didn’t have to endure their spa time with a side of my little ones’ splashing. In the morning, I sat down in Gleddoch’s cosy Dram whisky and gin bar to do some work, before packing our rabble back into the Skoda to head to our second stop, 30 minutes away – Cameron House on Loch Lomond.

Now, Cameron House is a Scottish institution. Barack Obama has stayed here. Guests don’t really get cooler than that. And the moment you arrive it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved. Sweeping the Skoda up to the hotel, which sits right on the water, we were immediately greeted by a valet, who whisked the car off to park it and brought in our bags. Good lord, the crumbs, I thought to myself as the chic valet sat himself down on two days worth of digestive biscuits.

Inside, Cameron House is stylish, cosy and unmistakably Scottish, with nods to its rich heritage in everything from the pictures on the walls to the tartan prints of the cushions. Staff remember names, coffee orders and chatted to the children as if they were long lost friends. It’s a home from home – albeit an incredibly luxurious one.

The food is delicious, whether you choose to eat in the Michelin-starred Loma by Greme Cheevers, the Tavern, the Great Scots Bar, or anywhere in between. The room service is good too, and the chefs are happy to rustle up anything your little one desires off menu. Our room, a family suite, was spacious, sparklingly clean and modern, with an undisturbed view of the Loch.

Cameron House has a brilliant adults-only spa, which I’ve heard is exceedingly relaxing. However during my time at the hotel, I was to be found in the large family pool. With floor to ceiling windows out onto the grounds, areas shallow enough for Poppy to paddle in and areas deep enough for Molly to swim, and with a large and genuinely fun water slide, there was enough to keep everyone entertained for hours. When we finally tempted the children outside, a falconry lesson was equally enthralling. The next day, our be-crumbed valet returned the Skoda to us and waved us on our way to Oban – via Glencoe.

Glencoe is a stunning, historic glen in the Scottish Highlands, renowned for its dramatic, volcanic, and glacial landscape. It is a premier spot for hiking, mountaineering, and – luckily for us – scenic drives, often featured in films like Harry Potter and James Bond. From Loch Lomond to Glencoe takes around 90 minutes, and there’s an excellent visitor centre to greet you once you arrive, with nappy changing facilities, a shop selling various miniature models of highland cow, and a cafe that makes a good flat white.

The Glencoe drive is best done slowly, to ensure one takes in the insanely gorgeous scenery, and to make sure you don’t miss the turning down Glen Etive Road. The “Skyfall” road is the single-track B8074, famous for the scene where Bond (Daniel Craig) and M (Judi Dench) stop with the Aston Martin DB5 against the backdrop of Buachaille Etive Mòr. The spot is roughly halfway along the 12-14 mile road. I didn’t have an Aston Martin, but one better – my Skoda.

Another 50 odd minutes later and we arrived at the furthest point of our road trip – Oban. Or to be precise, Rhunacairn, a little Sykes Cottages house on the banks of Loch Etive, a couple of miles out of the town. Down a tiny road, with just one other house nearby, it was a white washed child’s drawing of a house, set in the most stunning scenery imaginable.

Sat next to a mussel farm, the house had all we needed for the next few days – a swing, a log burner and sea otters in the water outside. It was absolutely idyllic – a real find. And while we did go into Oban to sample the delights of the seafood capital of Scotland – and to buy a bottle of local whisky – I must admit the house had a magic to it that I was loath to leave. Before we left we began plotting our return, wondering which Skoda might fit paddleboards and fishing rods for a summer staycation.

10 steps to road trip success

Parenting expert Kirsty Ketley says:

1. Plan Ahead – Time journeys around naps, mealtimes, or toilet breaks to reduce stress and disruption to routines.

2. Leave at Nap Time – If you can, start longer journeys when little ones are most likely to sleep.

3. Entertainment is Key – Mix up old-school games like I Spy with sticker books, reusable window stickers, or magnetic boards.

4. Car-eoke – A family singalong is a fun way to pass the miles (and yes, Disney soundtracks count!).

5. Tech Can Help – Tablets on headrests with headphones make for a peaceful drive when everyone needs downtime – don’t feel bad or guilty for using them, but be clear about the boundaries on using them and use them more as a last resort, rather than the default.

6. The Quiet Game – When things get noisy, challenge the kids to see who can stay quiet the longest.

7. Snacks & Drinks – Pack snack boxes for older children and keep drinks in the front with you to avoid unnecessary stops for the loo when they have necked a whole bottle of water! Be very mindful of giving younger children snacks if an adult is not sitting in the back with them, as it is a choking hazard!

8. Safety First – Use child locks, remind kids about seatbelt safety, and follow The Lullaby Trust advice on babies sleeping in car seats.

9. Be Prepared – Keep wipes, tissues, and the nappy bag within easy reach. Blankets and comfy clothing are also essential.

10. Break It Up – If traffic hits or the car gets tense, don’t be afraid to stop somewhere safe, stretch legs, and reset before heading off again.

*The Skoda Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 costs from £44,715. Visit skoda.co.uk for more information

*Gleddoch Golf & Spa Hotel costs from £129 in low season and £189 in high season, based on entry level rooms. Visit gleddoch.com to book

*Rooms at Cameron House start from around £275 per night. Visit cameronhouse.co.uk to book

*Sykes Cottages Rhunacairn House costs from £1135 for 7 nights, see sykescottages.co.uk

ORE Oduba’s kids are said to be devastated as he puts the family home on the market a year after his split from wife Portia Jett.

The Strictly star, 40, announced that he and Portia, 36, had ended their nine year marriage in October 2024.

The pair share a son, Roman, eight and four-year-old daughter Genie together.

The TV presenter’s new-build family home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, is now up for sale but Portia admitted it has left their kids heartbroken.

She said on social media: “I told the children that we are selling the house.

“It’s hard, especially for Roman, to have these conversations. He’s really upset.

raw reveal

‘Terrified’ Ore Oduba breaks his silence on TV after porn addiction confession

COSTLY ADDICTION

Ore Oduba says he spent ‘thousands’ on porn after getting addicted aged 9

“I wanted to let the kids know, I tried to explain why.

“It’s gutting, and I’ve known for a while.”

The family have been living in the property since 2022.

Last November, Portia appeared to take a swipe at Ore after he revealed his porn addiction battle.

Portia shared a photo as she posed with her two children either side of her during an autumn day out.

The lyrics talk about a partner who is “young, wayward and lost in the cold” and includes the phrases “you pulled the wrong trigger”.

Appearing on the We Need to Talk podcast with MAFS expert Paul C Brunson, Ore told how his addiction struggles have spanned three decades.

He candidly said: “I was nine when I was introduced to pornography. That’s when my addiction started.”

Ore added: “While I wouldn’t say the addiction set in immediately, the intrigue started immediately and it didn’t take long for that intrigue to start running my mind over.

“It was the thing that was destroying my life from the inside out.

“But it was a thing I was running to from an early age as a response to the trauma.”

He told Paul he was speaking out as he wanted to “guide my own children.”

The London-based TV and radio anchor shares two children with ex wife Portia, son Roman born in 2018 and daughter Genie, born in 2021.

Ore, who admitted he had become a “master masker” during his childhood due to fears his father would send him back to Nigeria, told of the personal “shame” he had been struck by.

He then told how his brave confessions were for his family.

He said: “I’m sharing this to save my kids.

“Shame kept me silent for 30 years. It took me 30 years, two deaths, and a divorce to finally go: here’s what’s happening.”

He added: “The reason I felt like I needed to speak out on this, is because I wanted to guide my own children when it comes to it, when it comes to them seeing stuff that is going to be there.

“They’re going to come across it.”

Ore then confessed: “I never imagine I’d ever share this with anyone but in the last year I’ve spoken to friends and family and some amazing, supporting people in my working world who have all shown so much love and pride in me talking about something that is a problem for so many of us.”

The couple announced they were ending their nine-year marriage in October, with presenter Ore then confirming the news on Instagram. 

The couple’s break-up shocked longtime followers of the pair, who have watched on as they got engaged, married and welcomed two children.

They first met in 2010 when they were studying at Loughborough University. 

Portia was also a prominent support for Ore when he competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, eventually lifting the glitterball alongside pro partner Joanne Clifton. 

Swerving rumours of the long-derided “Strictly curse”, Ore made sure Portia bonded with Joanne throughout their time on the show together. 

Yet he revealed their sad spit in an emotional message to fans.

The statement read: “Hi guys. Portia and I are sad to announce that we separated earlier this year [2024].

“We’re so grateful for all the love you’ve shared with us both over the years.

“And we want to thank you in advance for respecting our privacy as we navigated this difficult transition.

“We will be making no further comment. Be kind, always.”

Parents believe everyone in the family can get something out of a holiday when their children reach eight years old.

Family holidays can be stressful but new research has shown that they are considered to be most fun when children reach eight years old. A poll of 2,000 parents found eight is the age when everyone in the family gets the most out of holidays. At this stage, more than half (55%) of parents believe their children start to form lasting holiday memories, while 64% believe their children can start to get genuinely excited about new places.

What’s more, at eight years old 22% of parents say their children can contribute to the planning. This means parents are better able to relax themselves and can enjoy more shared hobbies and activities together with their kids.

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

A spokesperson for the tour operator said: “Family holidays are special at all ages. However, there appears to be something especially great once kids reach eight years old – with the findings suggesting many kids are more curious, more engaged and better able to take in new experiences at this age.”

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

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

To ensure the kids in particular are happy, 30% ‘often’ or ‘always’ get them involved in the planning of a family break. They do so because it makes their little ones feel included and valued (46%), creates shared excitement (37%) and ensures activities suit their interests (34%).

The holiday milestones considered to be the most significant were going abroad as a family for the first time (35%), flying together for the first time (24%), as well visiting a theme park or major attraction for the first time (15%). Staying away from home overnight for the first time as a unit (14%) was also significant.

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

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

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

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