Food and drink

THREE brand new locations have been announced by an adult-only bowling franchise.

Known for its boutique bowling lanes, retro arcade games and lengthy cocktail menu, this venue turns into an adult playground after 7pm in most of its locations.

Lane7, which describes itself as an activity bar for adults, has revealed three new branches will open in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Leeds.

In Glasgow, Lane7 will take over a large event space underneath the central station which used to be the site of Platform, previously known as the Arches.

Since 2020, Edinburgh has enjoyed the bowling brand in its St James’ Quarter, making this recently announced site Lane7’s second location in the Scottish city.

But, the new Leeds site will mark the first Lane7 branch the northern city has seen.

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According to a Lane7 spokesperson, Leeds has been “a long-held target city” for for one of their branches.

Lane7 is sure that “guests will be thrilled with the new 23,000sq ft location in the heart of the City Centre”.

Currently there are 24 locations across the country offering adults a variety of drinks, food and games such as arcade machines, darts, mini golf, curling, and beer pong.

Reviews from customers in other locations rave about the “awesome” gaming facilities and “buzzing” atmosphere suggesting these new hubs are much anticipated.

Construction for the three new branches is expected to begin at the end of March.

Lane7’s managing director Gavin Hughes hinted at the bowling giant potentially more locations later in the year.

He said: “We’ll be starting development of three new sites by the close of the first quarter, taking in some new locations and expanding further in others.

“We know 2026 is going to be another transformational year for the group.”

WHETHER you fancy a 2026 staycation or holiday across to Europe or further afield, we’ve got some incredible experience for you to consider.

We’ve been all over the world and have taken note of our favourite things to do, from guided tours to free hikes, getting our hands dirty at cooking classes or doing some daredevil stunts.

Secret Food Tour, UK

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski said: “Exploring a city for the first time? Getting a flavour of the food scene is a priority for me whenever and wherever I travel. And a Secret Food Tour is just the way to do that.

“The several-hour experiences are bookable in over 70 major cities globally, and thanks to a knowledgeable local guide you’ll get a strong idea of where’s good to eat and which joints are tourist traps.

“I’ve been on several of these tours, but was most blown away by the Soho one in London, naively assuming I’d learn nothing new. How wrong I was.

“Did you know that Berwick Street market was the first place in London to sell tomatoes on the street? Or that Ronnie Scott’s jazz club is where Jimi Hendrix played his last ever gig in 1970?

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“Of course there’s food, too. LOTS of it.“

You can enjoy six to seven food stops, including one ‘secret stop from £79pp in the UK. See secretfoodtours.com.

Walking Tour, Italy

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding added: “Sardinia has been named several times as a top destination to visit this year and with that in mind one great thing to do on the Italian island is head on the Underground Cagliari Walking Tour.

“The tour takes between two and four hours and across that time you will explore three different underground sites. The sites include a limestone tunnel used by priests, a crypt and even underground Roman ruins.”

The tour costs from £26 per person with GetYourGuide.com.

Wine Tour, UK

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “The UK wine is having a moment, even beating those in France – so why not go on a tour of some of the best vineyards in the country? 

“Wine Tours of Kent takes you around two vineyards in the ‘Garden of England‘ and it includes vineyard tours, wine tastings, as well as lunch, with prices starting from

“I recommend pacing yourself, as I ended up buying perhaps too many bottles of the stuff, easily tempted after a glass of wine or two.

“Don’t worry about having to drive yourself home – you are even dropped at the train station at the end.”

Wine Tour of Kent starts from £129pp. See winetoursofkent.co.uk

Paragliding, Turkey

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey revealed: “What’s one of the best ways to see the beach resort of Fethiye? By the air.

“There are a number of paragliding experiences in Turkey, but the best ones are in Oludeniz.

“It’s certainly nerve-wracking to start – once attached to your guide, you have to throw yourself off the cliff edge like a lemming.

“But it’s worth it for the views alone, floating suspended in the sky with the gold sand beaches below… and even a few turtles swimming in the bright blue waters.”

Oludeniz Paragliding Fethiye Turkey from £90pp. See viator.com

Montmorency Falls Park Zip Line, Canada

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding suggested something more thrilling, she said: “If you are a dare devil or adrenaline junkie then you must head to Montmorency Falls Park in Quebec, Canada.

“Here you will find a waterfall that is higher than Niagara Falls and you can zip line across it.

“The experience is both thrilling and mesmerising as you get to fly past the cascading water and see it from a different angle.

“Afterwards, you even get a video of your zip across the waterfall.”

Tickets cost £17.25 per person see sépaq.com for more.

Whiskey Tour, Ireland

Travel Writer Jenna Stevens recommends a whiskey tour when you head to this specific destination. She said: “Any trip to Northern Ireland is incomplete without a whiskey tour and tasting.

“Located in the old Victorian Crumlin Road Gaol, McConnell’s blends history, culture and deliciously distilled drinks all in one place.

“The tour starts with a history lesson on Irish whiskey and learning all about ‘Mother McConnell’, the widow who took over the McConnell business and made the drink what it is today.

“Next comes a true insight into the world of whiskey making, as you walk through the entire process – from grain to glass.

“After learning everything there is to know about Irish whiskey, you’ll be ready to taste some. Luckily with this experience, you get treated to three drams to enjoy in a group tasting.

The McConnell’s distillery experience, including a guided tour and three tastings, is £23pp. See mcconnellsirishwhisky.com.

Dolphin and Whale-Watching Boat Trip, Tenerife

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “The Spanish island of Tenerife is known for its dolphin and whale-watching tours, thanks to its huge conservation drive.

“During my trip, I was lucky to see huge pods of dolphins swim right alongside the boat, playing with the sides.

“While shyer, we also spotted whales in the distance, with it being one of the few locations outside of the US and Japan where they can be seen.

“The trip even includes time for a dip in the water, as well as drinks and snacks.

Dolphin watching tours from £40pp. See whitetenerife.com

Victoria Tunnel Tour, UK

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding says head underground: “Here in the UK, head on the Victoria Tunnel tour in Newcastle.

“The former Victorian wagonway was used to carry coal for the Tyne before it was later used as a shelter during bombings in World War II.

“There are two different tour types, either an hour and 15 minutes or two hours – opt for the latter for the full experience with an informative guide.

The tour costs from £7 per child and £14 per adult. See ouseburntrust.org.uk for more.

Pasta Making, Italy

Travel Writer Jenna Stevens explained: “If there’s anywhere to learn to make some great pasta, it’s in Italy’s capital.

“I came across this cooking class when browsing GetYourGuide for activities in Rome, and decided to try my hand at making some fettuccine.

“The class takes place in the main square of Piazza Navona, right in the heart of the city – perfect to drop into after a day of wandering the city centre.

“Here, you’ll meet strangers from all over the world, and together you’ll get stuck into mixing dough, sprinkling flour and rolling out sheets of fresh pasta.

“After you’ve made something that resembles fettuccine, pick between a range of Italian sauces, sit down with an (included) glass of wine, and let the chefs take care of the rest.

“Soon enough you’ll be served a plate of hot fresh pasta, with your nametag neatly stuck to the plate, so you know you’ve got the real deal.

“Eating something you’ve made yourself is a super rewarding feeling, and those fresh Italian ingredients make the dish taste extra special.”

Book a pasta cooking class in Rome on GetYourGuide for £35 per person.

Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding said: “When visiting New York in America, people tend to beeline for the Empire State Building to see the city’s skyline.

“Though, the Empire State Building is an iconic part of the skyline itself and if you are inside it, you can’t see it.

“That’s what makes going to the top of the Rockefeller Center better – you see the entire skyline and can also enjoy access to The Beam Experience which feels like having lunch above the skyscraper.

Tickets cost £31.27 per adult and £26.80 per child see rockefellercenter.com for more.

TV Tours, UK

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill said: “If you’re a fan of soaps, then I’d recommend taking a tour of the Emmerdale village.

“Up in Leeds, you can a guided tour around the chocolate-box village which incredibly looks exactly like it does on TV.

“You can take Instagram-worthy pictures outside David’s Shop, Café Main Street, and the village church, which has seen many wedding disasters.

“Then of course there’s the iconic Woolpack pub which has picnic tables outside so you can have a relaxing sit down during the summer.

“Equally, I visited in November, and the village is beautiful when it’s covered in glittery frost.

“If you pay a little extra, then a cast member will make an appearance too.”

The Emmerdale Village tour starts from £40pp. See emmerdalevillagetour.co.uk.

Alcatraz, San Francisco

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding said: “San Francisco is home to one of the most famous prisons in the world – Alcatraz.

“No longer operational, travellers can head to the prison island that inspired the Azkaban prison in Harry Potter and tour the buildings and grounds.

“To visit the prison, you have to head on a boat to the island from Pier 33, which is operated by Alcatraz City Cruises.

“Once on the island, there are regular boat trips back to the mainland.

It costs from £34.24 per person with cityexperiences.com.

Sidecar City Tour, Singapore

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey advises you to take to the roads, she said: “If you love a city tour and a vintage car, then a Side Car Tour of Singapore is the best.

“Book one for the middle of the week and enjoy much emptier roads as you whizz though the financial and art districts.

“Clad in a stylish helmet, my driver was both speedy and hilarious as we explored the street art and building history along the way.

“There are different themes, from night tour to Crazy Rich Asian tours, but I highly recommend the Singapore in a Nutshell.”

Singapore Sidecar Tours from £119pp. See sidecar.sg

Race Across the World, UK

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill recommended getting competitive with a game, she said: “You don’t need to literally Race Across the World for thrills as there’s an experience right here in the UK.

“With the interactive game you can run across the city of London, the West End or Manchester solving puzzles and hunting for clues, and it is competitive as you’re up against the clock.

“It’s a great day out with friends or family, and you get to take little breaks for refuelling along the way too.”

Tickets start from £50 (for two adults racing). For details, head to raceacrosstheworldexperience.com.

Hike to the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding can’t get enough to the US – and luckily, you don’t have to pay for everything. She suggested: “Los Angeles is expensive enough as it is, but there is an incredible, bucket list activity you can do for completely free – hiking to the Griffith Observatory and seeing the Hollywood Sign.

“The Ferndell to Observatory Loop isn’t for the fainthearted stretching 2.6 miles but you get to head through woodland before reaching the observatory.

“On the way down from the observatory, make sure to head via Glendower Avenue to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House and into Feliz, where there is a number of independent shops and restaurants including Skylight Books.”

Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour, Italy

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski suggested taking a tour of one well-known site, she said: “The famous Vatican City, sat within the Italian capital, is one of the most historically significant sites in not just Rome, but the entire world, and it’s still considered the heart and headquarters of Catholicism today.

“It’s also now one of the most overcrowded sites you could visit. That’s why a guided tour with queue jump, that lets you avoid those daily snaking lines, is the only way to do it.

“Even with queue-jump you’ll still have to wait a short while, but once you’re in your very knowledgeable guide will whisk you off to all the must-see places, pointing out the top photo spots as you go.

“Plus, you’ll learn things that the standard visitor won’t.”

A two-hour Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour costs from £53pp. See getyourguide.co.uk.

Hike to Arthur’s Seat, Scotland

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding has top tips for anyone doing a staycation, she said: “Edinburgh is a fantastic city to visit, especially if you want a holiday but don’t want to leave the UK.

“And for those who like to keep active, head for hike up Arthur’s Seat – a dormant volcano with breathtaking views across the Scottish capital and the sea.

“What is even better is that it is free to hike – just note it isn’t for the fainthearted.”

Cooking Class, Thailand

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill cooked up a storm on a recent trip to Koh Samui, she said: “What’s one of the best things about going to Thailand? It has to be the food. From delicious curries to stir fry and of course, mango sticky rice.

“While I’m not a natural in the kitchen, Chef Lat made it very easy and soon had me chopping lemongrass and frying prawns.

“My new favourite, though is a massaman chicken curry. You eat everything you make, too.“

Book the Thai Cooking Class Farm to Table with Expedia for $82pp (£60.89). See expedia.com for more.

Traitors: The Live Experience, UK

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding loved her experience as a Faithful, she said: “The new series of Traitors graced our screens last week and what could be a more perfect excuse to try out the live experience?

“Located in London, the Traitors live experience allows fans to actually play the game – albeit in a very shortened version.

“You get a host as well as gain an insight into what it actually feels like to be a Faithful… or perhaps, a Traitor.”

The experience costs from £39.50 for off-peak dates and time slots. https://www.thetraitorslive.co.uk/ticket-info

Dune Hiking Sunset Tour, Egypt

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey added: “If you want to feel like you’re on Mars without the 10-month journey, then desert hiking in Egypt is the next best thing.

“Just outside El Gouna, the drive into Wadi Bileh makes you feel like you are the only person on the planet.

“The sandy walk is best done barefoot, and head to the top to see towering dunes of red sand.

“It ends with a Bedouin bonfire and coffee when the sun goes down, making it a true, other-worldly experience.”

Wadi Bileh Sunset Experience from £47pp. See elgounamountaingoats.org

Go Ape, UK

Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire said: “Go Ape has taken over the UK with treetop rope courses in more than 30 inner-city and countryside locations.

“It also happens to be at some of the country’s top tourist attractions, like Leeds Castle, Bedgebury Pinetum and in Battersea Park, a stone’s throw from Battersea Power Station.

“The latter is where I took my five year old, during a day out at the power station, which has its own cinema, Lego store and holds special family events during school holidays.

“It was a brilliant experience as a bolt-on to a city day out, where my son was able to blow off steam and get plenty of fresh air, among the more cultural activities of the day.

“Yes, it’s not cheap, but the infrastructure, thought and care that has gone into these courses is not cheap. And there wasn’t a miserable child or adult among those I encountered on our afternoon in the trees.

“Go Ape has inspired several copycats, both here and abroad, but few work so cleverly with nature, which is what makes this experience, particularly in central London’s Battersea, so unique.”

Tickets start from £20.95pp. For more see goape.co.uk.

Mountain Coaster, Switzerland

Travel Writer Jenna Stevens has one of these activities on her own 2026 bucket list: “Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. And what better way to see them than whizzing down a 1350m-long toboggan ride?

“The Fräkigaudi toboggan run in Hergiswil is the longest alpine coaster in Switzerland, and bends around vivid green mountain valleys.

“It’s a thrilling ride full of surprise twists, turns, and drops into “dragon holes”.

“You’re able to control the speed at which you ride, so whether you’re visiting for full-on adrenaline or a leisurely sightseeing slide, the choice is entirely up to you.

“At the top station there’s seating and a snack bar, and at the bottom a lift to transport you back up to the top to do it all over again. The toboggan run operates in the summer months from 10-4pm.”

Tickets cost 9 CHF (£8.41) for adults, 7 CHF (£6.54) for ages 8-16 and 5 CHF (£4.67) for ages 6-7. See rodelbahn.ch for more.

Boat Tour around the Sirmione Peninsula, Italy

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding added: “If you’re visiting Lake Garda in Italy this year, make sure to head to Sirmione – a picturesque town located on a narrow peninsula.

“The town is famous for its Roman ruins, medieval Scaligero Castle and thermal baths. But to catch the most spectacular experience of the town and Lake Garda, head on a boat tour.

“There are several from the town, but make sure to head off on one that explores Villa Maria Callas, Aquaria Thermal Baths, Catullus Grottoes, Giamaica Beach, Boiola Sulphur Spring and the partially-submerged Sirmione Castle.”

A boat tour that includes the above locations costs from £26.60 per person, but shorter 25-minute tours cost from £8.68 per person.

Hot Air Ballooning, Morocco

For incredible views, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey says head up to the skies, she said: “One of Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes is the Atlas Mountains, and hot air balloon rides are one of the best ways to see them.

“Arriving in pitch black, I waited in darkness apart from the flame of the balloon, before piling into the basket and floating up to wait.

“There are few things as magical as seeing the sun peek over the mountains, with hues of red and pink.

“Most experiences come with a Berber breakfast afterwards too, so make the most of the breads and mint tea.”

Hot Air Balloon Flight over Marrakech from £74. See viator.com

Musée d’Orsay, France

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill said: “If you’re in Paris and looking for something to do, head inside the Musée d’Orsay and for a very informative experience, take a guided tour.

“Inside are lots of huge sculptures like ‘The Gates of Hell’ and beautiful pieces of art by the likes of Renoir and Monet.

“It also houses Van Gogh pieces like Starry Night Over the Rhône, and his Self-Portrait.

“The building itself is incredible too as it used to be a train station, it has a giant golden clock and beautiful views of Paris from the fifth floor.

“The gallery sits on the bank of the River Seine too so afterwards, you can take a stroll along the water all the way down to Notre Dame.”

Guided tours are €26 (£22.56) which include the tour, admission and activity. See musee-orsay.fr/en.

Paddleboarding, UK

When it comes to summertime, Travel Writer Jenna Stevens said to head to her home county: “It’s hard to pick between the beautiful beaches to explore in North Norfolk.

“Whilst Cromer is popular for crabbing and cool cafes, Wells-next-the-Sea is famous for its postcard-perfect beach huts. But the best way by far to explore any of these beaches is by paddleboard.

“Whether you pick up a cheap blow-up paddleboard from Lidl, or borrow one from the many rental shops along the coast, you should make paddleboarding your new best friend in 2026.

“I recommend heading to the marshes of Brancaster or Burnham Overy Staithe for gorgeous golden sunsets and still, quiet waters.

“These grassy areas are way quieter than their nearby sandy beaches, and if you time your visit just right you might even be able to pick some fresh samphire from the marshland to take home for dinner.

“And whether you choose to paddle out to the horizon, try out SUP yoga, or simply lay down and soak in the views – it’s an activity everyone falls in love with.

“You can grab a cheap paddleboard from Amazon for £89.99, or rent one for just £20 per hour at Brancaster Boards.”

Thriller Speedboat Adventures, Miami

Travel Report Cyann Fielding said: “The glamorous city of Miami is always in the headlines for the amount of celebs who live there or visit – but on dry land you can’t get a taste of what exactly their lifestyles look like.

“The Thriller Speedboat Adventure ride takes you directly past the houses of the rich including Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.

“The boat itself is open-topped so you get to enjoy the heat and breeze of Miami too.

“The host is equally funny as they are informative, giving you a real glimpse into some of the luxury and scandal of the lives of the city’s residents.”

The experience costs £33.45 per person. https://www.thrillermiami.com/

Niagara Falls, New York

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill added: “If you’re heading to the US this year, there’s no way you can miss a trip to Niagara Falls in Upstate New York.

“Take the trails through the park, wander at your leisure at no cost as entering Niagara Falls State Park is completely free too so there are no fees necessary to see the impressive falls.

“If you want to get up close to the falls, either take a Maid of the Mist Boat across the waters, or walk The Cave of the Winds which takes you as close to the water as possible – and make sure to bring your waterproof for Hurricane Deck.”

Tickets for Maid of the Mist Boat Tours are $30.25 (£22.48) see maidofthemist.com. To walk the Cave of the Winds costs $14 (£10.40) see niagarafallsstatepark.com.

Sigulda, Latvia

If you’re seeking adventure, head to this town recommended by Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey: “While most people head to Riga on a trip to Latvia, the town of Sigulda is the one for adventure lovers.

“I spent the idea day exploring, trying out every activity on offer for a day of adrenaline.

“There is the indoor go-karting rink Klikk, where I bounded off the tyre walls at speed, to hoping on the cable car before a zipline through the forest.

“Yachting, skydiving and bungee jumping are all on offer too, if you want ore of a thrill.”

Activities from £13pp, see siguldaadventures.com.

Fossil Hunting, UK

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding added: “Kid’s love dinosaurs and right here in the UK we have some great spots to go hunting for millions-of-years old fossils.

“The best spot? Definitely Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Head to Charmouth Beach and Lyme Regis both of which are known as great fossil-finding spots with species including ammonites (which are the popular spiral shell-shaped fossils) and belemnites (the ones that look like bullets).

“Just check rules of the specific place you plan to head to beforehand, as some spots don’t allow you to chisel into the rocks.”

For more activities, here are the English counties with the most free family activities from pony sanctuaries and steam railways to soft plays.

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BEFORE I headed to the Greek island of Alonissos, a waiter in neighbouring Skiathos told me: “It’s too quiet there, I prefer to party here.” 

Now I was looking forward to the trip even more. 

While most tourists tend to land at Skiathos airport and stick to that lively destination, many are making the short ferry ride to Alonissos or Skopelos, where scenes for 2008 film Mamma Mia! were shot. 

These two beautiful islands rising out of the Aegean sea offer alternatives to bars and restaurants blasting out music from competing sound systems. 

My first stop was the relatively untouched Alonissos. 

With just 5,000 beds for tourists and 3,000 locals living on this slender, 12-mile-long island, I was immediately struck by how quiet and unhurried everything is. 

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Even though there is only one main snaking road, I hardly encountered another car.

And at the first beach I tried, Agios Dimitrios, to the north of the island, the chatter on the sun loungers was soft, no phones rang and no music disturbed the peace at the closest taverna. 

The tourists had sensibly decided that the pristine turquoise waters, facing another island so that you might think you are in a lake, were captivating enough.

Other beaches to lay your towel on include the crescent of pebbly sand at Kokkinokastro, backed by towering red cliffs, and Chrisi Milia, with its shallow water.

Further down the coast, the tiny port of Kalamakia is well known for its fresh fish restaurants.  

One such restaurant is Corali, overlooking the tranquil bay and run by two sisters. They served us the delicious local specialty — a cheese pie, which is fried rather than baked.  

Up above the main port of Patitiri, its old town, thoughtfully rebuilt following a 1965 earthquake, is pedestrianised and you won’t be harassed by scooters while attempting to navigate the steep stone steps. 

Rarely have I relaxed into holiday mode so quickly on a break. 

If you want maximum splendid isolation, join Albedo Travel’s day trip to meet the sole monk living at a 17th century clifftop monastery on the otherwise uninhabited Kyra Panagia island. 

With 90 per cent of the guests at the Atrium hotel where I stayed hailing from Britain, it is clear that I was not alone in wishing to escape the crowds

The excursion, which takes in three breathtaking swimming stops, is led by the white-bearded maritime entertainer Captain Pakis, who has honed his patter such as “GMT time is Greek Maybe Time” to perfection. 

If you are more adventurous, Alonissos has become a popular scuba-diving spot due to the presence of a 5th century BC shipwreck 66ft underwater.

The island is also home to Europe’s first national marine park, established in 1992 to protect the endangered population of Mediterranean monk seals. 

With 90 per cent of the guests at the Atrium hotel where I stayed hailing from Britain, it is clear that I was not alone in wishing to escape the crowds. 

This lovely little hotel’s hillside location means there are stunning sea views from all of the rooms.  

Travellers seeking a middle ground between party Skiathos and quiet Alonissos can opt for Skopelos, which sits between them. 

Chic pool area 

With 30,000 tourist beds and 4,500 locals, it is far more developed, with busy bars, coffee shops and restaurants vying for your custom at the harbour to the main port, Skopelos town.  

One of the big attractions is its connection to hit musical Mamma Mia!, starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. 

As I sat on a small coach waiting for my four-hour Mamma Mia! tour of the island to begin, I started to get nervous because the music sounded like someone had asked ChatGPT to play Abba in a Greek style.

Every detail of the boutique hotel and spa has been immaculately planned, from the modern take on colonial styling to the best breakfast buffet I’ve experienced

But Dolphin Of Skopelos’ trip proved to be enormous fun, taking in Saint John’s Chapel’s 199 steep steps, which Donna (Streep) climbed for the wedding of Sophie (Seyfried), and Kastani beach, which was the backdrop to the Does Your Mother Know sequence. 

The tiny Saint John’s church has incredible views that shouldn’t be missed. 

The party vibe is more obvious here, with a DJ on the decks at the bar behind Kastani.

But when I drove to Panormos beach on another day, the atmosphere was relaxed as a waitress brought drinks to the free sun beds in front of the serene bay. 

And at the new 5-star Minno hotel in Skopelos town, the chic pool area makes you feel you’re winding down with the jet set. 

Every detail of the boutique hotel and spa has been immaculately planned, from the modern take on colonial styling to the best breakfast buffet I’ve experienced. 

The restaurant offers fine dining for a price comparable to burger and chips in a London pub. 

If you are looking for amazing food, quiet, clean beaches and welcoming locals you should be saying I Do, I Do, I Do to both islands. 

WITH its tiny, twisty streets that lead to the harbour, there’s something magical about the small Cornish fishing village that is the setting for ITV’s Doc Martin.  

The TV series, set in stunning Port Isaac, aired its final episode in 2022 but its legacy lives on.  

Daily tours take in some of the most famous landmarks and many of the shops are full of merchandise dedicated to the loveable doctor, played by Martin Clunes. 

Summer months draw the masses, but the “shoulder season” is when you can truly enjoy the sights away from the crowds. 

I was visiting with my husband Paul and daughter Lexi, staying in Mermaid Cottage booked through self-catering site sykescottages.co.uk. 

Our central village location meant that once we had pulled into our private parking space, we could enjoy almost everything without having to use the car. 

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The three-bedroom cottage sleeps up to six and was beautifully furnished and full of extra comforts such as spacious bedrooms and a powerful shower.  

The two wood-burners provided a cosy ambience in the evening, although we did have to splash out £50 for wood and kindling.  

We were lucky with the weather and, despite the odd shower, enjoyed everything that Port Isaac had to offer ­— including a couple of spectacular rainbows.  

The harbour is known for sea glass (weathered glass from discarded bottles etc), and Lexi and I spent hours searching for treasure and came up trumps.  

You won’t go hungry when staying in Port Isaac and if you want to give the cooking a miss (which we did) you will be spoilt for choice.  

Apparently lots of artists visit the area to collect pieces to use in jewellery and artwork.  

There’s more than just sea glass to spot near these waters, though.

We went on a Sea Safari courtesy of Wavehunters, which was an exhilarating 90 minutes looking for seals, tuna and other wildlife. It was awesome exploring parts of Cornwall that you cannot access by road.  

The father-daughter skipper combo were able to point out local highlights including remnants of the old tin mines, where communities lived perched on the side of the cliff, and many tiny beaches that can only be visited via boat.  

You won’t go hungry when staying in Port Isaac and if you want to give the cooking a miss (which we did) you will be spoilt for choice.  

For delicious drinks, huge pastries, and filled rolls that were probably the best I’ve ever eaten, I can’t recommend Cleaves Cafe Deli enough.

More laid-back 

We also had a delicious dinner at The Slipway (portisaachotel.com) in the heart of the village which offers tasty food at decent prices in a relaxed atmosphere. On the menu were burgers, sausage and mash, and glazed pork belly.  

Nestled in a tiny hamlet adjacent to Port Isaac is newly renovated hotel and restaurant The Port Gaverne, open from 8am through to 8.30pm for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.  

Owned by the St Austell Brewery, The Port Gaverne offers great food with harbour views. Port Isaac has long been a favourite location for both TV and films.

With so much beauty and adventure, it is no wonder Doc Martin chose to settle here

As well as Doc Martin, the original 1970s Poldark used some local spots, as did 2019 movie Fisherman’s Friends and its sequel. 

The sea-shanty group which inspired that film still sing in the harbour, but these days they do so unannounced to prevent chaos in the village.  

If you do want to venture out, Trevathan Farm Shop & Restaurant is just minutes away in the car and so much more than your average farm shop.

They have a great restaurant as well as the well-stocked shop — and the outside area is ideal for children who want to let off steam in the park.  

We also took a trip to seaside favourite Padstow. I would never visit the town in August because of the crowds — but it was ideal in October, when the vibe was more laid-back. 

Farther afield, and a great day out for youngsters is The Milky Way Adventure Park in Higher Clovelly — home to rides, slides, soft play, mini golf, live shows and an incredible birds-of-prey display.  

With so much beauty and adventure, it is no wonder Doc Martin chose to settle here. 

WHEN it comes to food, there’s much more to Lincolnshire than sausages and seafood (although you should try those, too!).

This is of course home to delicious local sausage rolls (made with Lincolnshire sausages, of course) and fish and chips fresh from the coast.

But there’s more on offer – from vintage tea shops to village pubs dating back hundreds of years.

You’ll also find plenty of wallet-friendly options along the coast, as well as restaurants that welcome families with kids’ menus and even pirate-themed animations. 

We’ve chosen some of our favourite places to eat and drink that are all within easy reach of your £9.50 Holiday in Lincolnshire.

As well as our expert picks, we’ve asked Sun readers who have holidayed here and local holiday park staff for their recommendations, including their favourite chippies, pubs and coastal cafes.

Best local pub

Joanne Green, General Manager at Parkdean’s Sunnydale holiday park, recommends The New Inn in Saltfleet, which is within walking distance of the holiday park.

She said: “It’s popular with the locals. They’re a seasonal pub so they usually close over the winter.

There’s also The Axe and Cleaver in North Somercotes, which has good food that is reasonably priced.”

Tip: Make the most of The Axe and Cleaver “pie and pint night” on Thursdays (£12.95 for a pie, sides and a pint of ale or a wine).

Meanwhile, Alex Trembath, creator of the Lincoln and Beyond blog, recommends heading to Theddlethorpe village for the King’s Head Inn.

He said: “It’s a 16th-century thatched pub run by a local couple, with big portions at reasonable prices.”

Favourite brunch spot

If you’re staying near Sunnydale, Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, recommends GiGi, an Italian restaurant in North Somercotes, less than three miles away.

Linda, from Lincoln, said: “You will get the most amazing experience there, and it’s not overly dear.

“From the front, it’s a very unassuming little place – but when you enter it, it’s done beautifully with wooden beams, exposed bricks and a relaxed, Italian atmosphere.

“As soon as you go in, you’re greeted and taken to your table. It’s child-friendly and the food is exceptional.

It’s a very nice place to go, whether you want to go for a romantic meal or meal with a family.”

GiGi has a brunch menu (10.30am until 4pm, Thursday to Sunday) – including Italian eggs benedict (£8.90) and a gourmet cheeseburger (£13.90).

They also serve a brilliant range of pizzas (from £10.90), fresh meats and kebabs. Kids meals cost £8.95 and come with a free scoop of ice cream. 

Favourite place for a cheap eat

On the seafront at Mablethorpe, The Beck is very popular. Linda McDonnell said: “They do a carvery every day throughout the year and it’s great value, especially for kids (£3 for under-twos).

You can choose from three different sized carveries, depending on how many slices of meat you want (£8.99 for small, £9.99 for medium, £13.99 for large).

They also have lots of special offers, like two-for-one meals.”

Further down the coast in Skegness, The family-run Cosy Corner Cafe is a great value breakfast spot, with a Full English from £6.60 and kids’ breakfasts costing £4.50.

They also offer a two-for-one breakfast special (Tuesday to Friday mornings) for £11.95.

Best chippie

In Skegness, Linda McDonnell says Salts Fish & Chip Shop is the best chippie around.

She said: “Everybody’s heard of them and tried them. The queue is outside the door.”

Meanwhile Sun reader John Ellis, 72, rates The Marina Fish & Chips in Chapel St Leonards.

John, who is from Sheffield and was staying nearby at Golden Palm Resort on his most recent £9.50 Holiday, said: “It’s a great chippy. Fish and chips is no longer a cheap meal anywhere, but Marina’s is worth paying for.

“It’s better than the chippies in Skegness.”

Marina’s cod and freshly-cut chips cost £9.49. A mini fish deal (mini fish, small chips and a side) costs £6.99.  

Best for a pint on the beach

John Ellis recommends checking out the pubs on the seafront of Chapel St Leonards, like the fun Admiral Benbow Beach Bar.

He said: “It’s a bar in a boat on the beach and it has a fun atmosphere.”

The main building has previously served as everything from a public toilet to a workman’s hut and is named after the inn in the book Treasure Island.

This is also a good option for dog walkers, as it’s dog-friendly inside or you can enjoy an alfresco pint in the outdoor beach bar. 

Best quirky cafe

If you want to step back in time, Linda McDonnell  recommends Maplethorpe, saying: “It’s a nice place to sit and have a coffee and people watch.

“The town is quite small, and very quaint. It hasn’t changed a lot, and they keep it nice.

“I like The Blitz Tea Room – it’s designed like it would have been during The Blitz with taped windows and retro interior.”

The World War II theme includes walls decorated with posters and artefacts and tea served old school-style (as loose-leaf tea in a teapot with a strainer).

Food also harks back to old-fashioned British choices like stew with doorstep bread and steamed pudding and custard.

For more vintage feels, head to Lady B’s Tea Room down the road – perfect for afternoon tea or cocktails with an antique twist. 

Best place to take the kids

Alex Trembath reckons families should hot-foot it to The Trawler’s Catch, a pirate-themed fish and chip shop in Skegness.

He said: “Portions are generous and kids will love the animated fire cannons.”

This seaside town has been crowned the UK’s chip shop capital after research found the seaside town has 93 fish and chip shops – the highest concentration per capita in Britain

Locals in this coastal resort understand perfectly what it’s like having an excellent chippy right on their doorstep – because they’re literally scattered everywhere.

Following thorough analysis by Suomikasinot, researchers identified Britain’s chip shop capital by calculating the number of outlets per 10,000 inhabitants. The findings revealed that Scarborough topped the list, boasting the nation’s highest density of fish and chip shops, cementing its reputation as a must-visit location for true food enthusiasts, according to reports.

It comes as little shock that a seaside destination claimed pole position, but during the study period, Scarborough boasted a remarkable 93 fish and chip establishments. Residents enjoy an embarrassment of riches, with a fish shop on practically every street corner, and this particular feature attracts countless tourists to the region.

Taking the crown as TripAdvisor’s top-rated destination for delicious seafood is the Lifeboat Fish Bar. Frequently seen with customers queuing outside, the eatery is a traditional family-owned establishment positioned along the seafront, near the lifeboat station. One delighted diner said: “Looked on TripAdvisor for the best-rated fish and chips shop in Scarborough, and this was the one. We arrived just after it opened at 12pm and were so glad we did, as we were lucky to get a table. (People started queuing outside.)”. “The food was delicious; the light bite of fish and chips was the perfect size, and the kids’ portions weren’t far off. Great price, service and food. Will definitely go again.”

Another highly regarded spot is Catch 55, which operates as both a restaurant and takeaway, featuring prominently among the town’s top fish and chip establishments. A recent diner commented: “Friendly welcome to the restaurant; immensely enjoyed our fish and chips and local beers. The homemade tartare sauce was delicious, accompanied by haddock cooked to perfection. The restaurant being clean and tidy made this a pleasurable experience – thank you we will be back!”.

Beyond its excellent selection of chip shops, Scarborough boasts plenty of attractions for those seeking a coastal getaway. The beach alone is a major draw for UK holidaymakers wanting to enjoy some sunshine, and rightly so – its vast sandy shoreline provides stunning vistas.

These impressive views can also be appreciated from the Observation Ferris wheel. The 105ft tall attraction is complemented by an 18-hole mini golf course, ideal for families seeking entertainment before tucking into fish and chips. One visitor described their beach experience, stating: “Lovely beach in a traditional old English seaside town. Clean sand and all facilities close by – bars, chip shops, amusements, toilets, seaside stuff, etc. Very picturesque and photogenic place.”

Coming in second as the most densely populated fish and chip hotspot was East Lindsay, home to beloved seaside resorts like Skegness and Mablethorpe. This district boasts 89 chippies in total, roughly translating to one for every two miles of its coastline. Following closely behind is another coastal gem, the ever-popular Blackpool, securing a spot in the top three with a total of 84 chip shops. The research revealed that the majority of these prime locations are coastal towns, offering fresh fish to numerous establishments.

However, inland areas such as Rossendale and Burnley also made the list.

ACTRESS Keira Knightley says she almost ditched now-husband James Righton because he ate only cheese on toast.

The Love Actually star had to give the Klaxons singer, 42, an ultimatum.

Keira, 40, said: “He just couldn’t cook — all he ate was cheese on toast.

“I was like, ‘This is not going to work’. He wouldn’t even go out for dinner. He didn’t understand going to restaurants. He was bizarre.”

Keira said she managed to persuade him to test dishes with his eyes shut.

She added: “My oldest friend is a proper old-school bon viveur, we basically trained him.

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“We took him out to restaurants and he wouldn’t try anything. He was like a child. He used to shut his eyes, and we’d be like, ‘Try it, try it!’.”

Keira, who wed James in 2013, told the Dish podcast: “He’d be like ‘OK, it’s nice, it’s nice!’.”

Knightley revealed earlier this month that she has only watched her Christmas classic film Love Actually once — and has forgotten all her lines, she says.

The Brit says she is unable to recall them when asked by fans of the hit 2003 romcom because she has a “delete button” in her head.

She was only 17 when she starred as newlywed Juliet who discovers her husband’s best pal Mark, played by Andrew Lincoln, is secretly in love with her.

The story revolves around his crush and in one scene he confesses his feelings using cue cards on her doorstep.

Ultimately, she stays with her new husband Peter, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.

WHOEVER or whatever chiselled Chesil Beach did a mighty fine job.

The XXXL sandstone cliffs and 12 miles of shingle on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast are a treat for fossil hunter, swimmer and rambler alike.

But for a winter getaway, whether you like a bracing seaside walk, or brooding, storied villages like from the Thomas Hardy novels, Dorset is your wonderland.

First stop on our recent break was the latter — the village of Cranborne, inspiration for Hardy’s Tess Of The D’Urbevilles with its Norman church, coaching inn and thatched cottages.

But our Victorian hotel-restaurant La Fosse was as worldly as it was olde-worlde — chef-patron Mark Hartstone’s cuisine as classy as the interior design by his French wife Emmanuelle and the dining area’s woodland mural with REAL branches.

The menu proudly lists Mark’s local suppliers and our three-course feast, £75 for two, included treats such as anchovies and rhubarb compote, pork tenderloin in apple sauce, and braised quince with praline ice cream. Our bedroom was then just as sumptuous, with church view.

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Our next stop, Portland Peninsula in the English Channel off Weymouth, could not have differed more — the full windsock, this wild outpost, but great for blowing away thoughts of the annual tax return.

Our home, though, was the height of comfort — literally so, for the Pennsylvania Estate’s luxury Clifftop Apartments lord it high over the Channel with grandstand terraces.

Hewn of the same Portland Stone as Buckingham Palace, these glass-fronted superpads with James Bond-style kitchen-lounge, two bedrooms, and your own telescope for whale-watching, are quite the treat for two couples sharing or a family.

We swam in nearby Church Ope Cove, named for a now ruined 11th- century chapel with pirate graves — and it was a fine appetiser before bussing into Weymouth for dinner.

Star of the town’s bouji harbour is seafood restaurant The Catch, hailed recently by one posh critic as “the best restaurant in the world”.

Again, you are in treat land — the tasting menu and wine flight for two costs several hundred. But our fare, from oyster with fermented chilli and pickled shallot, and pickled mackerel with beetroot and salted plum, to chocolate, pear and hazelnut praline choux, was of the gods.

The harbourside Ebike Cafe, in a former grain warehouse, is also foodie heaven — its power porridges, buddha bowls, smoothies and fine wines as hipster-trendy as anything East London could serve up.

Across the harbour is Bennett’s Fish & Chips — top spot to meet the locals and admire old photos of the town — before the posh eateries then spill out on to nearby Chesil Beach.

Walk the epic shore, famed for TV drama Broadchurch, and The Watch House, Hive Beach Cafe and The Club House all offer premium bites.

At the first, we had the best beer-battered haddock, with craft cider, and at The Club House sea bass in seaweed butter sauce, and oysters.

If all that makes you lazy, The Island Sauna, overlooking Portland Harbour, is just the place to flop.

Another trip highlight, literally, was a tour of the Edwardian Portland Bill Lighthouse. As you climb its stair, you hear a haunting recording of the foghorn, at a polite fraction of full might, before being regaled with Spanish Armada tales.

Offshore is the Portland Brace tidal race where currents collide to create perilous turbulence, and our guide told how Sir Francis Drake suckered the Spanish into it before turning his guns on them.

Dorset get more exciting? Surely not.

SPOTTING yet another shark, my sister Hayley shouts: “Quick! There are loads over here,” pointing towards the edge of the reef.

We’ve only just jumped into the sea on our 90-minute guided snorkelling trip, £53 each, so I decide to closely follow the guide instead, who points out moray eels, box fish and spotted eagle rays, plus the aforementioned reef sharks, which are thankfully harmless.

There is coral aplenty, and it’s teeming with sea life in every colour of the rainbow, as if I’ve swum straight into a scene from Finding Nemo.

Water View

Staying in a water villa at Oblu Xperience Ailafushi – complete with an outdoor rainfall shower and deck with a ladder straight into the turquoise water below – offers the classic Maldives experience.

The sound of the waves lapping beneath us is more calming than any white noise track I’ve listened to.

Thankfully, this all-inclusive resort on Ailafushi island is not solely aimed at couples, unlike many luxury getaways in the Maldives.

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Even better, it’s just a 15-minute speedboat ride from the capital Malé, which works out much cheaper than a sea-plane transfer.

The main restaurant, Element X, is a buffet eatery, which also helps keep costs down.

Here, we find dishes from all over the world, but it’s the Indian selection with rich, buttery paneer masala, spicy lentil daal and fresh roti, that most hits the spot.

All the action on Ailafushi centres around the main pool, the X360 bar and the neighbouring beach, where water shoes prove handy for the coral.

Daily activities include aqua Zumba, water polo and volleyball, plus a DJ hits the decks at sunset.

There’s even a twice-weekly foam party, which reminds us of teenage trips to Ibiza.

After a few frozen piña coladas, the nightly karaoke proves entertaining, and there’s a games room complete with pool tables, board games and huge screens playing live sport.

But it’s the water slide that drops you straight into the Indian ocean that becomes our favourite activity.

Beach Happy

At the other side of the island – a 10-minute stroll away – we find the Elena Spa And Wellness Centre, one of the Maldives’ largest spas, with landscaped tropical gardens that blend indoors with outdoors.

My treatment room overlooks the beach, and beneath the spa soundtrack I can hear the gentle sound of the waves.

The Balinese massage, £57 for 60 minutes, melts away tension from our long flight, while Hayley’s detoxifying lymph massage leaves her abs looking super-sculpted.

As well as treatments, there’s a steam room, sauna and salt water infinity pool, £8 for an hour, plus a juice bike which you can pedal to blend your fruits of choice.

Later, on the 90-minute dolphin cruise, which costs £53 each, we camp out on the bow of the boat, and are soon fortunate enough to spy a pod complete with a calf leaping out of the water just as the sunset turns the sky orange.

We celebrate with a delicious five-course lobster-themed beach dinner from The Copper Pot food truck, £60 each, that includes brown butter lobster tortellini, poached lobster, fennel and mango salad and a gigantic lobster thermidor.

Another ray in paradise

Our most memorable evening is spent at Oblu’s underwater restaurant Only Blu.

At 6.8m below sea level, we tuck into three courses with wine pairings, and marvel at the marine life on the other side of the super-sized windows.

As we’re feasting on scallops with pickles and cauliflower, and Maldivian yellowfin tuna poke, a 5ft-long nurse shark glides past and hundreds of tiny fish quickly dart into the reef to camouflage themselves among the coral.

It’s not long before we spy a similar-sized blacktip reef shark, and I lose count of the number of rays that appear alongside brightly coloured trigger and lion fish, before my main course of melt-in-the-mouth, pan-fried reef fish with corn mash and an olive and caper emulsion arrives.

A gulab jamun cheesecake and rich deconstructed banoffee pie don’t disappoint either, and the night proves well worth the extra £95 each.

With the fish still entertaining us just a few feet away, if we could, we’d both happily stay here until sunrise.

ISLE BE BACK

Meanwhile, writer Samantha Rea found joy on the island of Sark.

The “toast rack” – which is basically a row of benches on a trailer pulled by a tractor – is chugging me uphill from the harbour.

With no seat belts or doors, I hold on for dear life.

But seeing as only tractors and horse-drawn carriages are allowed on the tiny isle of Sark (yes, there are no cars!), this is the best way to reach The Avenue, Sark’s main street.

And at £1.80 a ride, it’s worth a go.

Sitting in the English Channel, just off the French coast, Sark is 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide with some fab foodie gems.

At Caragh Chocolates, I decorate truffles and a huge slab with hazelnuts, fudge and cranberries alongside owner Caragh, before leaving with my delicious creations.

Ninety-minute workshops cost £45 (Caraghchocolates.com).

While at cosy Nova’s Bistro, portions are generous and the rich beef stew with pastry lid, £26, and treacle tart, £9.50 (@Novas. bistro) are well worth the 20-minute walk from Stocks Hotel, where I’m kipping

I walk off some of my indulgence the next day on a one-hour tour of La Seigneurie House and Gardens, with its gorgeous fountains, bridges and chapel. It’s owned by a family who are like Sark’s royals and has a fascinating history. Entry costs £8 (Laseigneurie desercq.uk).

Sark is also great for wild swimming – the best spots being Dixcart Bay, Les Fontaine Bay and La Grande Greve.

Meanwhile, if you want to see the Milky Way once night falls, head to Sark Observatory, £10 (Darkskyisland. co.uk).

And just like the song, you’ll hopefully soon be counting stars. . .

UK flights to Guernsey cost from £100 return. Ferries to Sark cost from £38.50 return (Sarkshipping.gg).

Double rooms at Stocks Hotel cost from £250 B&B (Stockshotel.com).

LYING by the pool, white wine in hand, I wonder if the Seaside Palm Beach hotel might be the most beautiful resort I’ve ever stayed in.

In front of me, hundreds of wild palm trees — the tallest I’ve ever seen — sway in the afternoon breeze as canaries sing in the shade below.

The scene marked the start of a calm and relaxed weekend on the tranquil Spanish island of Gran Canaria, where temperatures can easily reach the 20s in the winter months.

Just a four-hour flight from the UK (costing less than £30 each way with easyJet from Luton), this trip was the ultimate warm oasis retreat . . . without the jet lag.

The 5-star hotel, situated on the south east coast in Maspalomas, is a haven of luxury.

The serene spa is home to a new sauna, cold plunge and hydrotherapy suite, where guests have the option to strip off completely for an authentic wellness experience.

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Small but buzzing

While my pal and I weren’t that brave, we did manage to plunge ourselves into the freezing ice bath (a welcome break from the October sunshine) before treating ourselves to a massage (99 euros for one dreamy hour) in the garden rooms, which have views of the botanical plants.

After a quick dip in the pool to wake ourselves up, we headed to the terrace for lunch of prawn caesar salad, calamari and homemade bread, with an ice-cold beer to wash it down.

Unlike most all-inclusive hotels I’ve stayed in, the Palm Beach offers guests the option to order lunch a la carte from the poolside restaurant as opposed to being stuck with just the buffet area, making it a much more intimate and luxurious experience.

Dinner was an equally impressive affair, with both a la carte and buffet options available on different nights.

Highlights included the Italian barbecue, with a homemade pasta station and a selection of fresh meat and fish grilled to order.

Outside of the hotel, local Italian restaurant il PosTo served us a delicious Neapolitan pizza for 18 euros, with a night cap of limoncello on the house.

The strip here is small but buzzing, with sunset beach bars lining the boardwalk, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail with stunning views of the Atlantic ocean.

But the most impressive place we visited had to be the natural wonder of the Maspalomas sand dunes. This protected nature reserve is home to 400 hectares of desert-like dunes and lagoons.

A ten-minute walk from the hotel, it is the perfect place to explore in the early-evening golden hour when the heat of the day has died down.

For those wanting something a little more buzzy, the resort of Puerto Rico is a 20-minute drive south.

Here you’ll find shopping malls, discos and a wider selection of restaurants, as well as dozens of daily boat excursions to explore the local coastline.

For 40 euros, we hopped aboard Spirit of the Seas’ whale and dolphin watching tour — a 2.5-hour excursion with local experts who have worked on the sea here for 25 years.

We weren’t fortunate enough to see any marine mammals, but the company offers visitors a free voucher to go out again if there are no sightings — so it’s worth doing this excursion at the start of your trip to allow time to try again.

The next town along, Mogan, is also well worth a visit.

We paid a visit to the Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa, one of the grandest in the town, which offers day passes for 55 euros per adult and 27.50 euros for kids, including lunch.

The terracotta hotel blocks surround a garden spa featuring luxurious day beds, an outdoor heated hydrotherapy pool, hot tub and hot and cold foot spas.

After enjoying a fresh juice here, we tried the volcanic lava exfoliation treatment inside.

The 40-minute session started with a full-body exfoliation using black sand from the island’s northern beaches, followed by a massage using locally-sourced aromatic oils.

It was the perfect end to a three-day retreat — a break I will definitely want to repeat in the cold, dark winter months.

THERE’S no shortage of brilliant pubs dotted across the UK – and we’ve rounded up some of the very best.

We’ve scoured the UK to find places that are great for kids, have brilliant beer gardens and most importantly – won’t break the bank.

With family-friendly options and some of the most affordable pints in the UK, these pubs tick every box.

From the Scottish Highlands down to Cornish beaches, here’s some of the top picks for pints.

Best for families

Ailean Chraggan, Highlands

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Luckily, we’ve found pubs all across the UK that cater to kids brilliantly.

Scottish blogger Adele Murray from Aberfeldy recommends a cosy pub in the heart of the Highlands.

“One of my family’s favourite pubs is Ailean Chraggan” she says, a spot known as “The Crags” by locals.

“It’s great for families, with a beer garden and outdoor play area”.

When it comes to food, the kid’s menu is simple and well-priced.

A children’s mac and cheese dish costs £6.25, and garlic ciabatta costs £3.50.

Plus, there’s some delicious and locally-sourced options for adults too.

“The Scottish mussels are delicious and come from the west coast” (£9.50 as a starter, £18.95 as a main).

The Tree House, Ayr

The Tree House in Ayr is also another great option for families.

Their “Little Foodies” offer for kids includes a main, drink and ice cream for only £3.50!

Just make sure you’re visiting between 3 – 5pm if it’s term time, or between 12 – 7pm if it’s during the school holidays.

The Mermaid, Cornwall

Down in the south of England, Sun reader Anne Walton recommends The Mermaid on the beach of Porth, Cornwall.

“You can just put the kids on the beach and watch them while you’re having a drink” she says. “They do a very nice Chicken New Yorker“.

“It’s also great for kids as they serve little meals – it was perfect for my granddaughter who’s only 11 months old”.

Jolly Sailers, Norfolk

Over in East Anglia, the Jolly Sailors in Brancaster Staithe is a fantastic option for families in North Norfolk.

The pub has a massive garden with a wooden playground, colouring and is dog-friendly if you’re coming in from a family beach walk with your pet.

Plus for adults there’s a beach hut bar with a humungous rum menu with delicious rum cocktails that opens up in the summer.

You’ll also find events with live sea shanty music, quizzes, festivals and bouncy castles depending on when you visit – Easter family fun days are particularly great for kids.

There’s also a beach hut serving ice cream flavours that kids go crazy for, from bright-blue bubble gum to the swirly pink “unicorn” flavour.

Food is super affordable, with the “Little Sailors” menu offering tomato pasta with cheese for £6.25 or a sizeable kids margherita for £6.95.

Brewdog, London

And if you’re in or around London, Sun Head of Digital Travel Caroline McGuire found the capital’s most family-friendly pub.

Brewdog at London Waterloo station has a massive slide and duckpin bowling lanes inside.

There’s a great kids menu with cheap pizza and chicken nugget meals, and even an in-house ice cream van.

Best for cheap eats

The Beck, Mablethorpe

There’s nothing worse than strolling into an unassuming pub only to be faced with a menu showing £20 mains and £7 pints.

Sometimes all you want is a pit-stop for some cheap and cheerful pub grub and a drink.

Sun reader Linda McDonnell recommends The Beck in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire.

“They do a carvery every day throughout the year and it’s great value, especially for kids” she says (under-twos can eat for just £3).

When it comes to carvery there’s three tiers, and they’re all cheap: costing £8.99 for a small portion, £9.99 for medium and just £13.99 to go large.

“They also have lots of special offers” she says, “like two-for-one meals.”

The Two Tubs, Bury

And if you’re after a cheap pint, Bury in Greater Manchester was found to be the cheapest town to buy a beer in England.

The average cost of a pint here is just £2.75, compared to the national average of £5.17.

One of the best pubs to visit in this area is The Two Tubs, a family-run joint that won a ‘Community Hero’ award in hospitality due to its welcoming atmosphere and great prices.

They even offer a free hot meal and a shot of port for serving soldiers and veterans on “Military Monday”.

The only catch is that they don’t serve any food here – the focus is on having a cheap pint and a good time relaxing or watching sports.

The Sandringham, Hull

Another cheap option would be in Hull – where the average cost of a pint is just £3.68.

The Sandringham on Paragon Street offers a pint of Carling for just £3.10, serving beers cheaper than Wetherspoons.

The pub was opened in 2024 by ex-lorry driver Lee Cunningham, who has made it his mission to pull cheap pints for the people.

Best with beer gardens

The Old Mill, Perthshire

Sitting outside and sipping on a well-poured pint is a pretty unbeatable feeling.

And luckily across the UK we’ve got some pretty spots to sit outdoors, no matter the weather.

Christopher Hill, an Administration Manager from Tummel Valley Holiday Park in Perthshire has a few great picks in Pitlochry.

“My favourites are The Old Mill Inn, Victoria’s and The Auld Smiddy Inn” he says.

“The Old Mill has a great setting, with a watermill outside and a nice beer garden“.

The Woolpack Inn, Romney Marsh

Over in Suffolk, Sun reader Nora Hinds recommends visiting The Woolpack Inn in Romney Marsh.

“Their food is good but they have a wonderful garden. If it’s a nice day we tend to go there on our way down and stop for lunch” she says.

“I’ve had their fish pie that is really good. The grilled salmon fillet is also delicious” (costing £16.95).

Church House Inn, Devon

Plus, Sun travel reporter (and Devon local) Cyann Fielding recommends the beer garden at the Church House Inn in Devon.

“The Inn has a wide variety of beverages and also hosts regular events and themed nights” she says.

“The village green is also located just across the road for a nice stroll”.

Tickled Trout, Wye

Meanwhile, the Tickled Trout in the village of Wye in Ashford has outdoor seating overlooking a pretty river.

It’s a quaint 400 year-old pub with a cosy wooden-beamed interior, and it serves up some great seafood.

Visit in the summer for some amazing live music too.

Best traditional pubs

The Treguth Inn, Cornwall

Putting your finger on what makes a “good” pub is often down to its traditional atmosphere.

Sun reader Anne Walton from Newport in Wales, suggests visiting The Treguth Inn – a coastal spot in Holywell Bay, Cornwall.

“It’s a very local, old thatched pub with a great atmosphere” she said.

“It’s very cosy, dog-friendly and they do nice food. We used to go to their Wednesday Quiz Nights.”

The Cinque Ports Arms, Rye

Over in Rye, East Sussex, Sun reader Nora Hinds recommends The Cinque Ports Arms.

The traditional pub is close to the harbour, and is a great spot for all with its tasty local ales, family-friendly atmosphere and sports games showing on the TV.

Visitors can tuck into a delicious cod and chips for just £14.50, or a warming pie of the day for £11.95.

“It’s always been a friendly pub,” Nora says.

The Axe and Cleaver, Lincolnshire

Over in North Somercotes, Lincolnshire, Joanne Green recommends The Axe and Cleaver.

The pub is close to Parkdean’s Sunnydale holiday park, where Joanne is General Manager.

It has well-priced food, and even offers a “pie and pint night” on Thursdays where you can grab the meal and a drink for just £12.95.

The Railway Inn, Brynowen

Over in Brynowen in Wales, reader Ian Peabody from Newark suggests visiting The Railway Inn.

“It’s very welcoming and feels like a local pub” he said.

And if you’re staying at the nearby Parkdean Resorts Brynowen, it’s just a 10-minute walk.

“There’s also the Victoria Inn, which is popular with a lot of people going there to eat. It’s dog friendly and backs onto Borth Beach“.

“IF you go above 50mph, a monkey will jump out and give you a speeding ticket.”

I have been warned, but it certainly feels like I’m going that fast as I whizz through the jungle on a zipline.

Thankfully the monkeys keep to themselves, although you’ll often see them popping out from the trees while in St Kitts.

The Caribbean island is definitely one for the adventure-seekers. At least that’s what I’m told as I zoom down The Boss zipline, speeding through the tree canopies around me.

My grin is ear to ear as I throw my hands out, flying along like a bird. When I come back to earth with a massive spring cushioning my fast fall, I’m sad it’s over — but there’s so much more to come.

Next up is hiking the live volcano Mount Liamuiga. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as the six-hour trek is up 2,000ft, with the majority of it scrabbling up rocks and tree roots.

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Even as someone relatively fit, it was a battle of my will to get all the way up.

Thankfully, the view was worth it as I overlooked the grassy crater while perched on the edge of a rock. Even the hazy clouds covering the top couldn’t stop me feeling proud of the achievement.

But those clouds soon turned into some of the heaviest rain our guide said he’d seen outside of hurricane season.

Those tropical storms that just last an hour? Not this one.

The already treacherous walk down was made all the harder when the steep route was turned into a waterfall.

Soaked in minutes, it’s no surprise I walked (slid) down to the bottom in half the time it took to go up. I was only too grateful for the very deep tissue massage waiting for me at the beautiful Belle Monte Hotel at the end.

But if you are desperate for that knockout island view, there is a much easier way to get it.

At the very south of the island is Cockleshell Beach, home to all of the island’s top watersports. And it’s how I found myself 60ft in the air during my first attempt at parasailing.

The view from up there let me see both St Kitts and its neighbouring island, Nevis, uninterrupted, as my pro captain sped along the waves.
Evening smores

And I spotted his cheeky grin as he dunked us in the water “accidentally” when bringing us back to the boat.

Evening smores

Most of our travel went through the middle of the island, where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet.

On the Atlantic side is the St Kitts Marriott Resort, which overlooks a sandy beach. The rooms are simple, but large, so more than enough room to spread out.

And the rest of the hotel will keep you occupied, with a huge central pool complete with swim-up bar, volleyball nets and enough sun loungers for everyone.

There’s also tennis courts, ice-cream parlours, shops and the island’s only casino.

Make sure to check the board for activities too — we missed the live bands but managed some evening smores over the outdoor fire pit.

While you can eat at the hotel restaurants, most resorts in St Kitts aren’t all-inclusive.

It’s a good thing, though, with amazing diners dotted throughout the island.

There is Shipwreck, a pirate-like bar on Frigate Bay that serves the best jerk chicken and rice I’ve ever had.

Or head to Rock Lobster for a beautifully rich lobster thermidor.

Or for something fancier there is Carambola, with a huge fresh sushi bar as well as delicious surf and turf.

But I barely scratched the surface when it comes to island thrills.

There’s snorkelling and catamarans, beach horse-riding, jet skis and even retro train rides.

“It’s an island where you can do something different every day,” my boat captain tells me during an impromptu sailing lesson.

After a week of ziplining, hiking and paragliding, it might just be the first holiday I came home fitter from than when I left.

HEADING to Devon on your next £9.50 Holiday? Then take our experts’ advice on the best places to eat and drink while you’re there.

We’ve spoken to local residents and Sun readers who have holidayed in Devon to get their top tips on the best places to eat and drink – from local pubs to food trucks and everything in between. 

Here’s what they said… 

Best local pub

If you’re staying in North Devon, Paul Braithwaite, General Manager at Ruda Holiday Park, recommends visiting his favourite pub, The Thatch in Croyde.

He said: “I like old and quirky things. The Thatch is very quaint, dog-friendly and there are always locals there so lots of people you can talk to.

The food is very good and reasonably-priced. I love lobster but they also do great burgers and pub classics.”

In South Devon, don’t miss The Journey’s End, a 13th-century pub in Ringmore, a ten-minute walk from Challaborough Bay.

Gem Krupa, Holiday Homes Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay Holiday Park, says: “The head chef has won awards for his food and the food is amazing.

“He is Irish but has travelled through Asia so some of his food has got an Asian twist. It’s pub grub, but really, really nice.”

Try wok fried noodles (from £16.50) for dinner or beef sandwiches for lunch (£8). Kids’ meals, like cheeseburgers or fish and chips, cost £8.

Favourite place for a cheap eat

Tessa Lomas, 31, from Braunton, owns Hippy Happy Hoppers, a summertime food truck in Croyde.

You can pick up a hopper (Sri Lankan pancake bowl) with chocolate and banana for £3, or a hearty curry one for £9.

Tessa also recommends Blue Groove in Croyde, a seasonal cafe with a relaxed, seaside vibe and large outdoor terrace.

It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can eat there, or make it even more wallet-friendly by ordering takeaway.

Kids’ egg on toast costs £1.95, while an adult’s breakfast sandwich costs £5 (takeaway).

Family-friendly touches include an outdoor play area and crayons for kids.

This is also a great place to sample local seafood – splash out on West Country mussels (£12.55 for a starter, dining in). 

Best for a meal on the beach

If you want proximity to the beach, you can’t beat Beachside Grill, set on Saunton Sands in North Devon.

Sun reader Dawn Brannigan, 54, from Wakefield, said: “It has big windows and a terrace upstairs. You can sit inside or outside, which is really lovely if it’s a nice day.

I travel on my own, so this is a good place to sit and enjoy the view or have a read while I’m eating.”

Mains start at £9 and a kids’ menu is available.

Favourite restaurant

Tessa Lomas recommends The Duck Dive in Braunton. She says: “It has a great menu that changes with the season, good cocktails and a fun atmosphere.

“It’s a restaurant but then switches to a bar so it’s good for dinner and a night out.” 

Dawn Brannigan recommends the Tarko Lounge in Barnstaple. She said: “It has a 1920s Art Deco feel, which is really cool.

They have a large menu – I had a lovely all-day breakfast (£9.95) and fresh juice (£3.85 for a pink lemonade). It’s located in Green Lanes shopping centre so it’s good for retail therapy.”

Meanwhile in South Devon, Sun reader Richard Tilley also discovered one of these lounges, Visto Lounge in Torquay, not far from Parkdean Resorts Torquay.

Richard, 62, from Devizes in Wiltshire, said: “It’s nice and modern, and makes good burgers.”

If you’re located closer to Plymouth, try Seco Lounge, which is also modern, family-friendly and allows dogs.

Tip: Bag a bargain with a lunchtime deal – soup and half a panini for £6.25, available weekdays between 12-5pm.

Favourite brunch/breakfast spot

Located at Bigbury-on-Sea, Venus cafe has indoor and outdoor seating that looks out towards Burgh Island and Bantham.

For brunch with a sea view, try an egg bap (£4.99) or a breakfast burrito (Devon free range egg, cheese, bacon and hash brown with sriracha sauce, £9.99).

The cafe has good plant-based options, too, like dahl soup and vegan chilli (mains from £7.99).

Favourite place to get ice cream

On the water’s edge in Plymouth, Pilgrim’s sells arguably the best ice cream around.

Its 22 flavours range from classic clotted cream vanilla to “unicorn” (strawberry, blueberry and marshmallow swirled together).

There are vegan and gluten-free options available, as well as milkshakes and smoothies.  

A city in the UK has seen a rise in demand for holidays – and it is surprisingly affordable.

Despite its nickname the ‘Granite City‘ Aberdeen is filled with pretty shopping streets as well as sandy beaches.

Booking.com revealed it to be the biggest hotspot for UK travellers in 2025 with an increased search of 36 per cent – and it will no doubt continue to be visited next year.

Union Street was once used to connect medieval streets to the Scottish countryside, but now it’s filled with shops and restaurants and is close to the train station.

One writer who visited Aberdeen recommends heading to Thistle Street for boutique and trinket shops.

And you must try a buttery for breakfast – which is a crispy, flat, flaky pastry, rich in salt, and one great spot to pick one up is Ross Bakery on Chapel Street.

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Other impressive spots nearby include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, art gallery, Duthie Park and St Machar’s Cathedral.

Despite it being a big city, Aberdeen actually has very impressive beaches too and they are just 20 minutes away from the city centre if you walk – and even quicker by car.

If you’re lucky enough, there’s a chance of spotting a Bottlenose dolphin which live off the coast in the north east of Scotland.

Aberdeen Beach could soon get a new attraction too with a ‘play factory’ for kids and an outdoor performance area.

As part of a multi-million pound project called the ‘Beach Masterplan’, Aberdeen Beach is set to introduce a huge play area for kids called The Rope Factory, with images showing climbing structures, swings and slides.

There will be interactive displays as well as activities and events taking place at the park.

For places to stay, check out UK’s best value hotel which you’ll also find in Aberdeen.

Earlier this year, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Scotland was crowned ‘the best ever we’ve ever stayed at’ by Which? thanks to its rock bottom prices.

The luxury Aberdeen hotel opened in 1993 and was given top praise, thanks to its value for money.

Which? sent in an undercover inspector to scope out the hotel, where they anonymously scouted out everything from cleanliness, to room quality, facilities, location, customer service and value for money.

The five-star hotel is found on the outskirts of Aberdeen and is a huge Victorian manor house.

Inside, the hotel has 40-rooms and suites, gym, an on-site spa and even a billiard room where guests can try their hand at snooker.

It has two restaurants, the Conservatory and the Drawing Room Bar and Lounge – both of which have over 300 wines and 100 whiskies.

Marcliffe impressed Which? with its “value”, “elegance” and “exceptional staff” as well as  “locally caught” food from langoustines to steak – the start from £25.

A stay in one of Marcliffe’s ‘classic’ rooms costs £180 per night.

For more on Scotland find out one man’s favourite of the 100 Scottish islands – and the ones that rival Skye.

Plus, Scotland’s most unmissable places according to a local – from lesser-known lochs to ‘magical’ islands.

GLIDING into the glitzy Grand Atrium and gazing up at three marble-clad floors of bars and boutiques, a thought hit me.

If this is just one small section of the impressive ship Iona, how am I going to experience everything on offer in just one-and-a-half days?

This was my first cruise and, as a total novice, I’d decided to book a short, two-night sailing.

P&O Cruises’ Iona is deemed the perfect ship for first-time British cruisers, partly because — carrying 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew, it is big enough to not feel cramped or overwhelming.

Plus there are plenty of familiar UK favourites on board from roast dinners to Tetley tea.

And with prices starting at £199 per person, including all your food and activities, you can’t go wrong.

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Longer voyages are cracking value, too, with five nights on a European itinerary costing less than £500pp.

You could spend a week on board and not run out of things to do thanks to Iona’s 30 bars and restaurants, ten entertainment venues — including a cinema, theatre and spa — swimming pools and hot tubs along the decks.

I stayed in a Conservatory Suite, where floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views without having to brave the biting wind on the balcony — the only downside of a UK cruise.

Luckily, the SkyDome has a heated indoor pool and this area of the boat has just had a sleek refit.

It’s a great place to kick back with a beer in hand (a pint of Moretti costs £6.25).

Nowhere is quite as relaxing as the spa, though — home to a therapeutic sauna, sensory steam room and rejuvenating hydrotherapy pool.

If that doesn’t float your boat, why not indulge in some retail therapy at the on-board boutiques, where you’ll find designer watches, bags and sunglasses, among other gems.

A particular hit with my husband was the Barbour shop — I’m fairly certain he came home with a whole new wardrobe.

When we weren’t watching aerial acrobatics in the large theatre, or rolling dice at the casino, we were sampling the excellent food.

‘BUFFET OF DREAMS’

The Horizon Restaurant — an all-you-can eat buffet of dreams — has salads and sandwiches, freshly-cut kebabs and full roast dinners.

Meanwhile, The Quays offers a street food style selection of live cooking stations, where I tucked into delicious breakfasts of fresh scrambled eggs and hash browns.

And Ripples ice cream parlour serves treats with edible cups and spoons — a small but fabulous nod to P&O cutting back on waste.

It would be hard to tire of the dining options included in your fare, but if you do fancy treating yourself, the speciality joints are top notch.

We loved Sindhu, the Indian restaurant where you can get three courses for £22, with a £3 supplement for the lobster thermidor.

My husband and I enjoyed Sindhu’s signature cocktail, the East India punch, a muddle of spiced rum, cognac, falernum (a sweet syrup) and tropical juices.

And if you can’t decide what to eat, the Sindhu Signature Plate boasts smaller portions of three of their most popular dishes: the duck tikka malabari, the beef lali mirch masala and the creamy lobster, drenched in thermidor sauce.

Elsewhere, the Glass House in the Grand Atrium offers a heavenly seven-course tasting menu and wine pairing (priced at around £35 a person), by award-winning wine expert Olly Smith and acclaimed Spanish chef Jose Pizarro.

Our highlight was a black tie dinner and show at the adults-only Limelight Club, with a performance from singer Jonathan Wilkes and a nightclub boogie on board.

If that doesn’t convert you to a cruise lover, I’m not sure what will.

NESTLED in the Scottish highlands is an island like no other.

Think – vibrant trees that change colour as the seasons do, calm water with a gentle breeze skimming over the surface and cosy cabins with log burners in…

What you are picturing is Eilean Shona, an island in the Inner Hebrides that has no cars, no roads and no shops.

In fact, only nine people permanently live on the island.

To add to its beauty, the island even inspired J.M Barrie’s Neverland in Peter Pan.

Despite being a private island, visitors can still book to stay on the island and to get there, the residents have to come and collect you by boat.

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Once on the island, you can indulge in the ultimate detox from the modern world by heading on hikes, including to the island’s summit and to white sand beaches.

And to add to the magic, a spirits brand was created on Eilean Shona.

Sun Travel spoke to Ed Faulkner, co-founder of Sapling about the brand and the story behind it.

If someone were to planning a restorative road trip in the UK, where should the top stops be?

A Sapling inspired road trip would celebrate quiet luxury, slow living and a deep connection with the natural world.

It could begin at Knepp Wildland in West Sussex, where rewilded meadows and roaming wildlife surround peaceful treehouses.

Then move on to the ancient beech canopy of Blackwood Forest in Hampshire with its inviting woodland trails.

From there, the journey might continue to the historic Blean Woods in Kent and the tranquil off grid cabins at Elmley Nature Reserve.

End among the ancient Caledonian pines that frame the still waters of Loch Tay in Perthshire.

Along the way, the spirit of the trip comes alive in the simple moments, such as enjoying a vodka or gin and tonic after a long walk with the people you care about.

It is a wholesome and grounding pause that brings everyone closer.

It reflects exactly what Sapling stands for, which is connection, presence and celebrating nature together.

For more inspiration about where to travel in the UK, these exciting new hotels, attractions and festivals coming to the UK’s seaside towns and cities next year.

Plus, our expert picks for UK staycation trips to banish post-summer blues – including free hidden gems for kids and £1.50 meals.

HAS party season left you craving some one-on-one time?

Book a dreamy couples’ getaway.

The Challoners, East Sussex

Deputy Editor Gayle Schoales, husband Nick and their Jack Russell Dixie cosied up in an idyllic rural retreat.

THE PAD

It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting than The Challoners: two timber-clad cabins in a lush walled garden festooned with fairy lights, buried deep in the rolling fields of the East Sussex Weald.

Beautifully decorated and stocked with everything you could think of (from torch to telescope), this adults-only, dog-friendly bolt-hole is brimming with rustic-chic charm.

The shepherd’s hut sleeping quarters – with roll-top bath and luxe bedlinen – is more boutique hotel than glamping spot, while the second hut has a fully equipped kitchen, the comfiest of corner sofas and separate shower room.

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Both huts have underfloor heating to keep you toasty in colder months, plus there’s a firepit in the garden for stargazing.

EXPLORE

You’re in 1066 country – where the Battle of Hastings was fought – so there’s no shortage of history around these parts, and 14th-century Bodiam Castle, three miles away, is well worth a visit.

Climb the battlements and spot medieval graffiti before posing by the moat for the perfect Insta shot.

Adult entry costs £12 (Nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle).

Eleven miles away, the pretty market town of Tenterden has a tree-lined high street full of independent shops and tea rooms – pick up hand-crafted toffee-cream vodka for £26 in the kitsch Mr Taylor’s Drinks Emporium, and quirky art and beauty bits from local creatives in Ethel Loves Me (Ethelloves.me).

Fancy a ramble?

You’re spoiled for choice, but the stunning Bedgebury National Pinetum And Forest, seven miles away, is hard to beat.

Entry is free (Forestryengland.uk/bedgebury).

REFUEL

Country pub of dreams the Salehurst Halt is a leisurely 25-minute stroll across the fields, with a buzzy atmosphere, live music on weekends and top-notch seasonal grub.

We loved the corn and manchego hash browns, £8, and The Double Buck burger with two venison patties, brie, blackberry hoisin and caramelised onion, £19 (Salehursthalt.co.uk).

Sunday lunch at The Abbey Hotel in the nearby town of Battle is a local institution – and for good reason.

Our thyme-roasted beef with all the trimmings was the stuff of legend, £21, while a Dixie-approved doggy roast is £5 (Abbeyhotelbattle.co.uk).

Afterwards, take a 30-minute drive to Rye’s medieval cobbled lanes to browse the boutiques and customise your dream hot chocolate at Knoops.

The 70% cocoa blend with orange, cinnamon and whipped cream will blow your mind, £6.50 (Knoops.com).

DON’T MISS

Chug your way back in time on the Kent And East Sussex Railway’s lovingly restored steam train, which runs between Tenterden and Bodiam.

Adult tickets cost £29.50 (Kesr.org.uk).

BOOK IT

Stays for two at pet-friendly The Challoners, Robertsbridge, cost from £119 per night (Cottages.com).

The Terrace Rooms & Wine, Ventnor

Assistant Editor Claire Frost and her partner Steve found a foodies’ delight on the Isle of Wight.

THE PAD

Husband and wife team Tom and Ashley have created a sea-view haven that might be even better in the off-season, thanks to its cosy lounge where you can curl up with a book and house pooch Ronnie.

The six individually designed bedrooms all feature a wine fridge and a decor of soft greens, dusty pinks and wood panelling, plus super-king Hypnos beds and La-Eva toiletries.

Every evening, sommelier Tom leads a super-interesting tasting where you can learn about some of the 900-plus bottles lining the walls of the wine room.

Later, sip your fave, along with a cheese and meat platter, £12, in front of the fire.

Come morning, breakfast is a four-course (and super-pretty) affair including poached fruit topped with yoghurt and home-made salted coconut granola, and local MasterChef-worthy egg, bacon, tomato and mushroom.

EXPLORE

With the shingle beach just across the road, you can stroll along the coast on a 20-minute amble to the cute village of Bonchurch and pop into tiny Bonchurch Pottery for a unique mug, £14.95.

Or hire an ebike from Route Fifty 7 through The Terrace for £25 a day, and speed your way up and down the isle’s hills, stopping at the awe-inspiring 22-acre Botanic Gardens.

Entry costs £13.50 (Botanic.co.uk).

Later, reward yourself with a Winter Warmer session at Slo-mo, 30 minutes’ drive away at Tapnell Farm.

Sweat it out in the wood-fired Nordic sauna, before a bracing dip in the lake.

Recover (and warm up again!) in the hot tubs and “floating” sauna.

Hour sessions cost £15 (Slomo.me/slomo-tapnell-winter-warmer).

REFUEL

Pop into London House bakery for pillowy chocolate and strawberry muffins, plus to-die-for sausage rolls, both £3.50.

For dinner, make a beeline for Pan-Asian Smoking Lobster and its insanely good glazed yellowfin tuna, £15, char-siu Iberico pork, £14, and moreish peanut noodles, £6 (Smoking-lobster.co.uk).

Or try Stripped for a Med-inspired menu that includes a huge sharing platter, £54, piled high with chicken skewers, lamb kebabs and garlicky home-made Romanian sausages (Stripped-brasserie.co.uk).

The best thing? All are within easy walking distance of your room.

DON’T MISS

Stop by Harvey Browns farm shop en route to the ferry for delicious Briddlesford Farm cheese and Godshill Orchard chutneys (Harveybrowns.co.uk).

BOOK IT

Double rooms at The Terrace cost from £250 B&B, including wine tasting (Theterraceventnor.co.uk).

Ferry crossings with Wightlink from Portsmouth to Fishbourne cost from £81 per car (Wightlink.co.uk).

FUELLED by a glass of Moet from the 24-hour champagne bar, I sleepily made my way to the resort’s palm-lined beach club, nibbling on a golden chocolate-covered strawberry as I plodded.  

So far, so Dubai . . .  except I am actually in Turkey at the Cullinan Belek hotel. 

Which means, after a short four-hour flight from the UK, I was swept into the kind of luxury you would expect from one of the 5H properties on The Palm Jumeirah — only without the seven-hour journey, or the jet lag.  

Plus, it meant I was feeling fresh enough to go from the plane to the party in minutes. 

Cullinan Belek’s Galapagos beach bar was pumping as masked dancers beckoned in revellers with their flaming torches and a live DJ played Balearic-style beats. 

Its troupe put on two original shows a night – one more family-friendly piece in the main auditorium and a more progressive, late-night number for the adults, like tonight’s, which took its inspiration from Moroccan belly dancers.  

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A waiter served me a freshly-shaken, personalised cocktail from his cart, and before long, I was dancing barefoot on the beach.  

Cullinan Belek won the Luxury All-Inclusive Resort gong at the World Travel Awards in 2024, but if I needed further proof of its prestige, I found it back at our Superior Duplex room. 

There’s a pillow menu, top-of-the-range tech to control lights, curtains and air, plus divine Bvlgari toiletries in the two bathrooms.  

But the real treat is the swim-up infinity pool which lapped my second-floor terrace, overlooking the main resort.  

A quick plunge shook off last night’s cocktails and a trip to the hotel’s C’Espace spa beckoned. 

Somehow the hotel’s gym even managed to make sweating feel refined as it is among the best I’ve ever used — yes, it even beats those in Dubai. 

As well as the usual equipment there is a Pilates reformer stand, yoga room, decent set-up for weight-lifters, plus even an indoor and outdoor Hyrox zone for those seeking an on-trend workout.  

And if you’re after something more relaxed, I’m told the Cullinan’s golf course is the best in Belek, which has become known as the heartland for the sport with the hotel offering special packages for enthusiasts.

There are 14 sections to browse for breakfast, ranging from your standard pastries and fry-ups to Indian cuisine, Mexican breakfast burritos and a juice bar.  

Instead, I signed up to play sport-of-the-moment padel — as made popular by the Princess of Wales — and was immediately hooked, as it had all the fun of tennis without as much running.  

That felt like more than enough activity for one day, but it turns out another challenge lay ahead.  

The Mare main restaurant is an epic buffet set-up, larger than any I’ve seen before — yes, even larger than those in Dubai.  

There are 14 sections to browse for breakfast, ranging from your standard pastries and fry-ups to Indian cuisine, Mexican breakfast burritos and a juice bar.  

Variety might be the spice of life, but at that hour of the day, the choice was sometimes overwhelming and the crowds and queues tricky to navigate.  

Away from the throng of the buffet, though, is where the Cullinan Belek really excelled. 

The resort has two Italian restaurants as well Greek, Asian, teppanyaki and a steakhouse plus a number of snack bistros, a patisserie and an in-house chocolatier. So I got to work.  

In the evening, some of these carry an additional charge on top of the all-inclusive package but each time it felt worth it. 

Great value 

I particularly enjoyed the beef in hot sauce from Nori Asian, which, for an extra €25 per person, allows you to dine to the sounds of live music as you sit among the petal design of the Azure pool.  

Meanwhile The Beef Grill puts its succulent steaks at the centre of the action, with the cuts displayed in a huge chiller spanning the length of the restaurant, and an open kitchen grill.  

The real jewel in the hotel’s crown, however, is the huge water park which offers an oasis for families, alongside a football pitch, splash pool and tons of beach games…

The €55-per-person surcharge felt great value when the signature starters of Meat Sushi and Onion Blossom were prepared at our table by an intrepid server with a blow torch.  

The real jewel in the hotel’s crown, however, is the huge water park which offers an oasis for families, alongside a football pitch, splash pool and tons of beach games as well as indoor bowling alley and games consoles. 

The offering for children is impressive — but all the more so because these facilities somehow nestle unobtrusively alongside the chic, laidback aspects, just like at the super hotels in Dubai. 

Which was ideal for me, lazing by the adults-only pool as I awaited my next cocktail from the roller-skating waitress. 

If Cullinan Belek is a Dubai dupe, then honestly, who needs the real thing? 

SNOW-DUSTED fir trees line the streets, shiny red baubles dangle over shopfronts and enormous Nutcrackers stand to attention by the doors of cafes.

The city of Vilnius in Lithuania has been named this year’s Christmas Capital of Europe — and I couldn’t wait to unwrap it.

There’s festive fodder in every direction I turn and, unlike many European cities at Christmas, there are no obnoxiously loud rides or tacky grottos.

Instead, the capital of Lithuania celebrates the festive period with pure charm, transforming into a glittery wonderland as soon as it is acceptable to do so (generally in late-November).

Vilnius’s main attraction, an enormous decked-out Christmas tree, stands tall in Cathedral Square, accompanied by a traditional carousel and market stalls dishing out warm apple punch and pots of doughnuts drizzled in chocolate.

This tree has some competition, though. In early November each year, The Senator’s Passage, just up the road from Cathedral Square, receives its own grand tree.

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The owner tells me with a grin that it usually takes around 15 workers to drag the tree through the narrow passageway and dress it for the season.

It seemed worth the hassle though, with seven metres of green branches dripping in twinkling lights.

If you plan your travel dates well, you can visit for “Christmas Before Christmas”, where seasonal events take place throughout the city prior to the main event.

This year, the festivities took place on December 13 with performances from carol singers, festive tours and even a holiday-themed train and bus.

Your euros won’t be accepted on this day, though.

Christmas Before Christmas relies on a special currency — a red pine cone which visitors can swap for a warming cherry tea or a sweet treat.

There’s so much to keep you entertained during the day, from ice skating to strolls through wintry gardens, but the magic of Vilnius doesn’t truly comes to life until the sun goes down.

This is especially true for Konstantinas Sirvydas Square, which this year has an impressive 144 Christmas trees.

Delicious grub

Or, for a truly epic festive display, a must-see is the Poniuų Laimė in the Old Town’s Jewish Quarter.

The cafe selling delicate cakes and cookies decorates its front for each season, and this December it became the Orient Express, embellished with huge red velvet bows and suitcases.

If you’re looking for something a little different, however, you may want to swing by the Lukiskiu Kalejimas Christmas market set up in a former prison.

Eagle-eyed Stranger Things fans will recognise this as the filming location of the Russian prison where Hopper was held in the fourth series.

It looks a little different at this time of year, though, with locally-made drinks, teas and gifts being flogged from a once gloomy building that housed prisoners until as recently as 2019.

Of course, a festive getaway isn’t complete with some delicious grub.

I had never considered Lithuania to be a place for foodies — but in fact, Vilnius has four Michelin-star restaurants.

It was one simple snack that took the biscuit for me — kepta duona, which is essentially fried bread in garlic.

The crunchy, delicious treat is a bit like a meat-free pork scratching, but much tastier.

If you’re a fan of bagels, then stop by Baleboste, where I felt more like I was being welcomed into someone’s dining room than a Jewish cafe.

Here, the ring-shaped bread is served warm with just the right amount of sweetness and a sprinkling of poppy seeds.

I had mine with a pulled beef filling which comes with mustard and plenty of pickles.

This isn’t something locals will be enjoying at this time of year as traditionally in Lithuania, it’s common to fast in the run-up to December 24, and most families don’t eat meat in this period — even on Christmas Eve.

Instead, they get together for a 12-course evening dinner called Kucios where they feast on beetroot, dumplings, lots of fish, berries and nuts.

You can enjoy a taster of this feast at Ertlio Namas, a Michelin-Guide restaurant in the Old Town.

After that delicious spread, I practically rolled back to the Hotel Pacai which has spacious rooms with enormous bathtubs for when you need to warm up after wandering around the chilly city.

If you’re lucky, like I was, there might even be a sprinkling of snow outside the window come morning.

ARE you a big train fan? Well, there is one UK spot where you can even get your meal delivered by a miniature train.

Found in Newenden in Kent is the Nibbles Railway Cafe – known for its miniature model trains that deliver meals and drinks to guests at their tables.

The family-ran spot serves up homemade dishes, which are then carefully placed on a model train which chugs around the cafe to deliver the meal to the customer.

And if you don’t want to leave your furry friend out, then you don’t have to as there are four bookable ski gondolas outside, which are dog friendly.

From 8am to 11:30am each day, the cafe serves breakfast which includes The Nibbles Breakfast with one fried egg, two rashers of bacon, a Cumberland sausage, baked beans and a tomato for £11.90.

Lunch is then served from 12pm to 1:30pm each day and options include jacket potatoes from £6 and paninis from £7.

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You could also grab a flame grilled burger from £5.95.

Lattes cost from £2.95, but you could also opt for a smoothie or milkshake.

One recent visitor said: “It was certainly a novel experience to have our drinks delivered by a model train.

“We came for breakfast and an excellent breakfast it was.

“Amply sized, served by very friendly welcoming staff and very good value for money.

“Even though the food was great, it was the trains that stole the show.

“Can certainly recommend and we will be back.”

Another added: “Our grandchildren had a lovely time and ate all their dinner which is always result!

“Definitely worth a visit if you want something a little different.”

Lots of visitors have documented their visits on social media, with some TikTok videos nearing 200,000 views.

The cafe is open Thursday to Monday, 8am to 3pm and booking is essential.

In the area you can also head off on a walk along the River Rother to Bodium Castle, which is around three and half miles away.

The path follows the river, allowing walkers to see the countryside and you will also pass the Castle Toll earthworks.

Bodium Castle dates back to the 14th-century and is surrounded by a moat.

It costs £12 to enter and visitors can explore its towers and exhibitions.

Also nearby in Northiam is Great Dixter House & Gardens – a 15th-century manor house surrounded by pretty gardens.

It costs £17 per adult and £5.50 per child to visit.

If you fancy staying in the area, head to The White Hart, which costs from £85 per night.

One recent guest said: “My wife and I recently stayed for three nights at this pub.

“We had a wonderful and very relaxing time. The room was very nice, with a very comfortable bed.

“We will definitely be back again, and will 100% recommend it to friends and family.”

If you are looking for more quirky spots to grab a bite to eat, here’s the UK’s weirdest pub that’s ‘built in a shoe’ with Egyptian coffin, secret bar… and a Minotaur.

Plus, inside incredible time-warp café transporting customers back to 1940s Britain – and it even has an outdoor toilet.

SEASIDE towns are good fun in the summer from swimming to building sandcastles, but some can be just as good in the colder months too.

From cosy pubs to stays in award-winning hotels, chilly beach walks and seal-spotting along the shoreline, this one has plenty to rave about during the autumn and winter.

The pretty seaside town of Saundersfoot sits between Tenby and Amroth in Pembrokeshire.

It’s home to around 3,000 residents and has a Blue Flag sandy beach, a picturesque harbour with cafes and shops, plenty of walking paths – but absolutely no rides.

And according to WalesOnline its “craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round, especially in autumn”.

Someone on Tripadvisor described the village as a “winter wonderland” when the Christmas lights are up.

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It’s a popular place for Atlantic grey seals and you can see them on boat trips – and you can see them all year round.

Saundersfoot has previously been named one of the ‘best places to live by the sea in the UK 2024’ by The Sunday Times.

The Boat House at Saundersfoot is a 2025/26 Good Food Award winner – Gold Seal.

The family-run restaurant serves up meals from curries to pastas, surf and turf, steak, and burgers.

Meanwhile, St Brides Spa Hotel in was crowned Hotel of the Year for Wales at the AA Hospitality Awards in 2025.

The ‘Best Hotel in Wales‘ offers stays in coastal suites, cosy double rooms to superior king – some of which have impressive sea view balconies.

When it comes to food, the hotel has The Cliff Restaurant, a Gallery Bar & Lounge, Marine Fish & Chips and Lobster Club Outdoor Terrace.

Whether you’re a guest or not, you can book to have a tasty meal in their hotel restaurant, from Afternoon Tea to Sunday Lunch and special events like Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

Last year, research from holidaycottages.co.uk recently revealed the best spots in the UK for a festive staycation.

Destinations across the UK were ranked based on their proximity to a cold plunge or a seaside sauna – and Saundersfoot came out on top.

A team of travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk wrote: “Topping the list of locations is Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire, followed by Saunton in North Devon, Sheringham in Norfolk, St Andrews in Fife, and Whitstable in Kent.

“Each selected offers spectacular sea views, a great availability of eateries and pubs, and a communal swim event to make a cold-water dip all the more appealing”.

Speaking of, there’s a popular sauna on Saundersfoot Beach Hwyl Outdoor Sauna which has incredible Pembrokeshire coastal views as well as hot and cold therapy sessions.

In recent years, Saundersfoot Harbour and other parts of the town have undergone a huge revamp.

It has new shops, event spaces, and Marine Centre of Excellence for watersports.

Other attractions for visitors include Saundersfoot Lighthouse, which was built in 1848 to mark the entrance to the harbour.

Nearby are family attractions like Folly Farm and Blue Lagoon Waterpark.

Plus, the sleepy Welsh village which was once a busy port has beautiful coastal paths and cosy pubs.

And the little-known pink beaches and turquoise lagoons that you won’t believe are in Wales.

WE all know Wowcher is good for offers, but did you know you could go on holiday for just £89 and it is all-inclusive?

Holidays really can add up – by the time you book flights, airport transfers, and accommodation, you may have already spent hundreds.

Then add in the costs when you are there, like eating and seeing paid-for attractions.

Often, holidays aren’t cheap.

But this is what makes all-inclusive so appealing, as it takes away that stress.

And Wowcher now has deals as cheap as £89 for an all-inclusive break away.

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For example, you could head to a four-star all-inclusive resort in Tunisia.

The package includes return flights, two nights at a four-star hotel and all your meals and drinks.

The hotel is the Occidental Sousse Marhaba, which has recently been refurbished according to Wowcher.

At the hotel, guests will find two outdoor pools, a wellness centre, direct beach access, kids’ pools, on-site bars, and a sauna and hammam.

Rooms at the hotel include en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and either have a garden or sea view.

When it comes to food and drink, you get your daily meals, snacks and drinks included.

One recent guest said: “Lovely hotel, good choice of food, staff very pleasant.

“Evening entertainment was good. We paid extra for a sea view and it was well worth it.

“Five min walk through the grounds to the beach. Has a lovely pool.

“You can book trips out by speaking to the lovely Lee who explains the trips in detail. We did the Sahara Explorer, it was amazing.

“Would return to this hotel. Sousse is a beautiful place.”

Nearby you can explore the medina of Sousse, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are a number of souks as well, such as Sousse Medina Souk.

One recent visitor said: “Needs at least a couple of hours to soak up the atmosphere and wander.

“I love wandering around a souk. This one is easy to navigate and not overlarge.

“Also very pretty in parts as this is a very ancient medina area, where people have been trading and living since ancient times.”

History lovers should head to the Ribat of Sousse, a small fort that was built in the eighth century and has a tower boasting panoramic views.

Or head to the Sousse Archaeological Museum, where you can explore a collection of mosaics and statues, as well as sit in a pretty courtyard.

There is one date left in January, from January 18 to 20.

But there are several dates still available in February, including February 1 to 3, 8 to 10, 23 to 25 and 25 to 27.

Or for £99, you could head off on February 24 for two nights.

Prices then rise from March onwards.

Alternatively, you could head to Majorca in Spain, staying at the Bluesea Mediodia for £99 for two nights.

The hotel includes meals, snacks and unlimited drinks and your flights will be from either London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol or Edinburgh.

At the hotel, there is a swimming pool, restaurants and beach access.

One recent guest said: “Considering the price and the services offered, I was very satisfied!

“The hotel is in an excellent location, very close to the beach. The food is varied and can satisfy both those with simple tastes and those who are more demanding.

“The rooms have air conditioning, which is a great plus during hot days.”

The hotel is just a 16-minute drive from Palma, so is a great spot for exploring the city, but also soaking up sunshine on the coast.

Dates available for the £99 offer include January 19 to 21, and the 26 to 28.

Or if you travelled in February, you could go on the 4 to 6, 23 to 25 or 25 to 27.

Prices then rise from March onwards.

For more getaway inspiration, there’s an all-inclusive hotel that’s just been named best in Europe with ten swimming pools, free childcare and Jet2 flights.

Plus, 10 winter sun holidays for all budgets – with 7 nights from £193pp.