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Drivers lined up for free gas in Chicago as fuel prices surge, driven by the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupting global oil supplies, with some blaming President Donald Trump.

Newly opened Ella Álkyna is an adults-only, all-inclusive 5-star resort on Corfu’s west coast with stunning sea views and private pools

There arrives a moment in life when the notion of an adults-only, all-inclusive resort suddenly seems less of a luxury and more of a relief. No inflatable pool toys hurtling towards you, no frantic early-morning buffet chaos – simply sea vistas, excellent cuisine and the freedom to do absolutely nothing if that’s what you fancy. That’s precisely the atmosphere Ella Álkyna delivers to Corfu’s west coast.

Recently launched and positioned high above the dramatic bay of Agios Gordios, it’s crafted as a sophisticated, luxury retreat, yet without the eye-watering bill you’d typically encounter at other 5-star Mediterranean resorts.

The accommodation

The resort boasts 349 rooms, suites and villas, all orientated towards the Ionian Sea to ensure the panorama is practically inescapable. I stayed in a private pool sea-view room, which swiftly became the standout feature of the entire visit. At the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum, you can also reserve charming comfort rooms that still offer equally stunning vistas.

Inside, the design is serene and modern, featuring touches of pale timber, sandy hues and linen finishes that mirror the scenery beyond. But the genuine showstopper is the terrace. My compact private pool gazed straight out across the water, meaning mornings commenced with a pre-breakfast swim and evenings frequently concluded with another plunge as the sun descended behind the cliffs. Bathrooms are spaciously proportioned with rainfall showers and sumptuous robes, reports OK!.

The resort Álkyna is carved into the hillside overlooking Agios Gordios beach, and the location is breathtaking. The resort’s terraces tumble downwards, meaning virtually every spot – from the pools to the dining areas – boasts sweeping sea vistas. Amenities include two primary outdoor pools, an indoor pool, and a contemporary spa and wellness centre.

One point worth noting: the sunloungers surrounding the main pools tend to get snapped up fairly swiftly as the morning progresses. There’s no requirement for a crack-of-dawn towel dash, but if you’ve got your eye on a specific view, it’s wise to head down following breakfast rather than waiting until mid-afternoon.

Food and drink

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Dining takes centre stage here, with three restaurants – Cocura, Nafs and Lucáta – plus six bars dotted throughout the resort. Several of the culinary concepts were developed alongside Michelin-starred chef Alex Tsiotinis, which accounts for why evening meals feel more akin to a chic metropolitan eatery than a typical hotel buffet.

Anticipate abundant Mediterranean touches such as grilled seafood, seasonal vegetables, regional olive oil and dishes crafted for leisurely, convivial dining rather than hurried consumption. Most tables are positioned outdoors, as you’d expect, meaning dinner frequently comes accompanied by a sea breeze and a stunning sunset.

It’s worth noting, however, that Corfu’s late-summer wasp season can make alfresco dining slightly more animated than anticipated. They appeared especially drawn to sweet cocktails and anything containing honey during my visit, so a touch of patience or a well-chosen seat makes all the difference if you’re planning to go in August or September.

What’s on offer at the resort

There’s no shortage of activities if you fancy keeping busy. Visitors can take part in fitness classes, yoga and Pilates sessions, or indulge at the spa with massages and facials designed to promote complete relaxation. I was especially taken with the on-site Roée Wellness spa’s Finnish sauna and steam room, and enjoyed the most soothing (and aromatic) 50 minutes of tranquillity thanks to the bespoke massage featuring Greek botanicals and natural oils.

Exploring the local area

The resort is located near the charming village of Agios Gordios, where traditional tavernas dot the seafront and the sunsets are renowned throughout the island. If you venture out just once, I’d urge you to visit Akrogiali Family Taverna, where I sampled the finest honey-drenched baklava and ice cream of my entire life.

I’d also strongly suggest making the journey to Kaiser’s Throne in the quaint town of Pelekas, merely a 20-minute drive away. The walk is brief, and the restaurant perched at the summit serves superb Greek salads alongside endless emerald vistas. For a change of scenery, Corfu Town is approximately a 30-minute taxi journey away and certainly worth a visit. Its Venetian alleyways, independent boutiques and bustling squares make it one of Greece’s most characterful island capitals. Boat excursions along the west coast are also sought-after and showcase some of Corfu’s most striking beaches and secluded coves.

Book it

Comfort Room with Sea View prices start from £215 per night based on an all-inclusive basis. To book, visit here. Flights to Corfu from major UK airports are served by Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and more.

FAMILIES can bag free tickets to top attractions over the Easter holidays with a quick move that takes just minutes.

The offer includes GoApe, ZSL zoos and top English Heritage sites which can easily set you back around £30 for admission.

The Free Days Out annual pass is offered by comparison site MoneySupermarket to uses who have joined its SuperSaveClub.

As well as the Free Days Out pass, you can get cashback when you shop through the site and other competitions and discounts.

You can join the membership club when you buy or take out a qualifying product through the site such as insurance or a new credit card.

But you can also join without spending any cash at all.

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You’ll qualify for membership when you sign up and simply look up your credit score while logged in.

It takes just a few minutes to enter some details such as your address and date of birth to sign up for the credit score check.

Then you automatically become a member of the SuperSaveClub and you can tap through and access the Free Days Out pass.

Through the pass you can look for days out by postcode or location to see what’s on offer close to you.

You can then ‘claim’ an offer such as a free ticket.

Some of the more premium venues are ‘hot picks’ and you can only claim a free ticket once a month.

This includes Whipsnade and London ZSL zoos, as well as GoApe – but it’s worth noting not all GoApe venues are included.

For all other venues you won’t be able to claim more than once in seven days.

Once claimed, vouchers will need to be used withing 14 days.

To cut the cost of days out and top venues, you can also check websites for discounts.

For example, you’ll get 10% off bookings through GoApe when you sign up to its email distribution list.

A Kids Pass can also cut the cost of days out – it costs just £1 to sign up for the first 30 days which can easily be recouped if you are using it to get discounted entry tickets.

Just remember to cancel the subscription if you don’t think you’ll continue using it.

WASHINGTON  — The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that state laws forbidding “conversion therapy” for minors may violate the free speech rights of licensed counselors.

The 1st Amendment ruling is likely to undercut similar laws in California and 23 other states.

In an 8-1 decision, the justices said Colorado’s ban on “talk therapy” may prevent Christian counselors from helping teens work through their feelings about sexual attractions or their gender identity.

State lawmakers passed the new measures in response to healthcare professionals who said that efforts to change a teenager’s sexual orientation were both ineffective and harmful.

Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor in Colorado Springs, sued and argued the state’s law violated her rights to free speech and the free exercise of religion.

She said she does not seek to “cure” young clients of same-sex attractions or to “change” their sexual orientation. Instead, she said she is guided by their goals.

“As a talk therapist, all Ms. Chiles does is speak with clients; she does not prescribe medication, use medical devices or employ any physical methods,” Justice Neil M. Gorsuch said for the court.

But she could run afoul of the state’s law because she said she may help some of her clients “reduce or eliminate unwanted sexual attractions or change sexual behaviors.”

If so, the law “censors speech based on viewpoint” and is therefore unconstitutional, he said.

“Colorado may regard its policy as essential to public health and safety. But the 1st Amendment stands as a shield against any effort to enforce orthodoxy in thought or speech in this country,” Gorsuch wrote.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented alone in a 35-page opinion. She said the issue was one of regulating medical practice.

“The 1st Amendment cares about government efforts to suppress ‘speech as speech’ (based on its expressive content), not laws, like [Colorado’s] that restrict speech incidentally, due to the government’s traditional, garden-variety regulation of such speakers’ professional conduct,” Jackson wrote. “States have traditionally regulated the provision of medical care through licensing schemes and malpractice regimes without constitutional incident.” she continued.

The Trevor Project, a crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people, condemned the ruling.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to treat the dangerous practice of conversion therapy as constitutionally protected speech is a tragic step backward for our country that will put young lives at risk. These efforts, no matter what proponents call them, no matter what any court says, are still proven to cause lasting psychological harm,” Chief Executive Jaymes Black said in a statement.

The conservative First Liberty Institute called the ruling a “great victory for religious liberty.”

“Americans should never have their professional speech censored simply because the government disfavors that speech,” said Kelly Shackelford, the group’s president.

The ruling is the third significant defeat for LGBTQ+ rights advocates in the last year.

The conservative majority upheld state laws that prohibit puberty blockers and other “gender affirming” care for minors. And last month, the justices said parents in California have a right to know about their child’s gender identity at school.

They said California’s student privacy policy violated parents’ rights, including the free exercise of religion.

The Alliance Defending Freedom appealed her case to the Supreme Court and described her as “a practicing Christian [who] believes that people flourish when they live consistently with God’s design.”

Her clients “seek her counsel precisely because they believe that their faith and their relationship with God establishes the foundation upon which to understand their identity and desires,” they said. “But Colorado bans these consensual conversations based on the viewpoints they express.”

The state law defines “conversion therapy” as “any practice or treatment by a licensee that attempts or purports to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to … eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.”

Violators may be fined up to $5,000, but no one had been fined, the state says.

The challengers had lost in the lower courts.

A federal judge and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver rejected the free speech claim. By a 2-1 vote, the appeals court said the state law was not a ban on free expression. Rather, it regulated the conduct of licensed medical professionals. States have the authority to regulate the practice of medicine.

In their appeal to the high court, lawyers for Chiles said the state was “censoring” voluntary conversations and forbidding speech on only one side of a controversy.

The Trump administration supported the 1st Amendment challenge because the state seeks “to suppress a disfavored viewpoint.”

In response, the state said its law “safeguards public health” by prohibiting “a discredited practice” that was shown to be harmful. It stressed the law regulates licensed professionals only and does not extend to religious ministers or others who provide private counseling to young people.

In 2012, California was the first state to ban licensed counselors from using conversion therapy for minors.

Then-Gov. Jerry Brown said these “change” therapies “have no basis in science or medicine and they will now be relegated to the dustbin of quackery.”

Equality California condemned the court’s ruling and said it “has weakened the ability of state licensing boards to intervene if clinicians use unproven, misleading, or coercive techniques.”

The group urged support for a pending bill in Sacramento that would “extend the statute of limitations for survivors to pursue civil claims against licensed mental health providers who subjected them to these harmful practices.”

Tuesday’s ruling was also criticized for undercutting state regulations of medical practice a year after taking the opposite view in a Tennessee case.

In June 2025, the court in a 6-3 decision upheld laws in Tennessee and 24 other red states that prohibit “gender affirming” puberty blockers and hormone treatments for minors.

The majority said then it was deferring to the state and their lawmakers who decided to prohibit such medical treatments for minors.

But in the Colorado case, the court majority did not defer to the state’s judgment that conversion therapy was harmful and potentially dangerous.

The decision is also the third victory for the Arizona-based Alliance Defending Freedom in its free speech challenges to Colorado laws. A maker of custom wedding cakes and the designer of websites won suits seeking an exemption from the state law that required them to provide equal service for same-sex weddings.

TRYING to find an affordable, but clean and safe hotel can be tricky when exploring London.

So here’s everything you need to know about The Drey, one of the newest on the block.

Where is The Drey Hotel?

Tucked down a quiet side road of London, The Drey Hotel is a short walk from Earls Court.

What is the hotel like?

The recently opened The Drey takes over one of the beautiful South Kensington townhouses, with 125 rooms throughout the townhouse.

It’s no frills but classy – think tablet check ins and complimentary umbrellas.

There are no key cards either, with buttons via your phone to unlock the main entrance and your room.

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What are the rooms like?

My room – The Roost – overlooked the garden square with huge floor to ceiling windows making it a beautiful wake up from my super king bed.

The rooms have all the essentials, that I mean a coffee machine and water bottles, as well as towels and Gabar toiletries.

The dressing gowns and irons have been missed out, but you can pay £20 for a workout ‘bundle’ which has yoga mats, skipping ropes and weights inside.

But the fun part is owning the door, bizarrely. It’s keyless, so you check in and then click a button on your phone to open the room when you’re near, without having to scan anything. Very techy.

(You can request physical keys from reception if you prefer).

There are loads of other rooms to choose from, including a number of windowless rooms for “people who take sleep seriously” or rooms sleeping up to six people.

Rooms start from £100, but there is an extra 35 per cent off until the end of March.

What is there to eat and drink there?

There is a Starbucks coffee machine and healthy snack vending machine in the lobby but for dinner you have options.

But there’s no restaurant here so you’ll have to go out.

The hotel has teamed up with a number of food and drink spots to offer discounts.

Get 20 per cent off breakfast or brunch at The King’s Head, Earls Court, as well as discounts at places such as cafe Elixis and restaurant Afandena.

What else?

The pared back hotel has little else going on inside but you can pay extra for some of the nearby amenities.

This includes 20 per cent off wellness studio Common Bond and The Gym Way Kensington.

Other local partners include florist Petal Vibes (15 per cent off) and winery London Cru (£8 off tickets).

Otherwise it is two stops on the underground to the ‘museum hub’ South Kensington which is nicknamed the museum hub with the V&A, Science Museum and Natural History Museum all nearby and free to visit.

Luggage storage costs £10.

Is it family friendly?

Yes, there are Family Rooms that sleep up to six people thanks to some strategically placed bunk beds.

Is it accessible?

Yes, there are accessible rooms with step-free layouts and wider doorways, as well as lift access.

WHEN you book a £9.50 Holiday, you get the added bonus of all the fun family events and activities available on-site.

But sometimes you fancy venturing out as a family to explore the area, and luckily, these resorts have plenty to see and do out and about.

Plus you don’t have to blow the budget by leaving the park – there’s loads of free and cheap things to do as a family.

Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked this Tuesday, with thousands of new holidays AND new holiday parks – and you can get priority access with Sun Club.

If you fancy signing up to Sun Club to access the £9.50 Hols deals early, head to thesun.co.uk/club and join for £1.99 a month or £12 for a year.

Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols From £9.50 page.

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Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.

Whether you’re a family full of mini outdoor explorers, rail enthusiasts or older teens who love a thrill ride, we’ve rounded up some of the most affordable family days out at top £9.50 UK holiday destinations.

Here’s our pick of UK holiday spots with plenty of affordable attractions and day trips to enjoy, close to £9.50 holiday parks.

Kent

Kent makes for a fantastic family holiday destination, not just for its beautiful beaches and unspoilt outdoors, but for the range of cheap attractions and museums it offers, too.

If you holiday at Harts on the Isle of Sheppey, you’ll have some of Kent‘s most unspoilt nature on your doorstep.

What better place to re-wild with the kids than by taking a walk over saltwater marshes that are home to local wildlife.

The Swale National Nature Reserve fills the southeast of the Isle of Sheppey, with flat landscapes that make cycling its routes a breeze for the whole family.

Stop to take in the views of coastal marshland home to creatures such as rare butterflies, and birds of prey like Marsh Harriers.

The reserve is completely free to enter.

Over in Dymchurch, families can stay at Romney Sands, Marlie or New Beach – three seafront resorts that are built for families.

Dymchurch beach make for the ideal afternoon walk full of fresh sea air. Kids can enjoy rockpooling, building sandcastles and perhaps finding a buried fossil.

Over in Whistable, Alberta is a £9.50 holiday park with plenty to do nearby.

For an affordable indoor option, the Whitstable Community Museum is a family-friendly attraction bursting with hands-on activities for kids.

Dedicated volunteers show kids the ‘wonders of Whitstable’, like the invention of the diving helmet.

Adult tickets are only £3 each and children are free with an accompanying paying adult.

Or if it’s a sunny day, what nicer activity than a family picnic?

At the top of a winding hill overlooking the sea, Whitstable Castle provides the perfect backdrop to lay out the picnic blanket.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the perfectly-manicured gardens, and let the kids sail the high seas in the hidden gem pirate-themed play area, Dollar Dan’s Tankerton Cove. Sometimes the castle even puts on events.

Best of all, entry to the grounds is completely free!

And if you fancy checking out New Romney, train enthusiasts are in for a real treat at New Romney Station.

Not only can they watch the collection of traditional steam locomotives come and go, the station itself is home to a massive interactive model railway exhibition.

Construction of the model railway started in 1973, and has been running for 270 days each year since.

Kids will love watching these tiny trains travel a remarkable 3.5 miles a day. Entry for children is only £2 and £4 for adults.

Take your pick from five £9.50 holiday resorts in Kent.

Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire boasts a wide range of attractions and activities that the whole family will enjoy.

Budding naturalists in the family will love exploring some of Lincolnshire’s wildlife attractions.

Sun reader Linda McDonnell, 71, from Lincoln, recommends the Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre, saying: “It’s very interesting – and there is more than seals to see.

“You also have other animals like parrots (Australian cockatiels), lemurs and reptiles.”

If you fancy getting outdoors in nature, Hubbard’s Hills is a fantastic free option for families holidaying in Lincolnshire.

The outdoor area of natural beauty is just under 30 minutes from £9.50 resorts Southview Holiday Park and Parkdean Sunnydale.

Sarah Al-Aidi, General Manager at Southview Holiday Park said: “Woodhall Spa is a former spa town with a really beautiful place called Hubbard’s Hills.

“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks“.

Here, families can while away the day by splashing in rivers, taking nature walks or visiting the cafe, which has a play area for kids.

There are also plenty of hills for kids to burn off their energy by climbing and playing.

Hubbard’s Hills is totally free to visit, so if you take a picnic you can enjoy a free family day out. However if you’re driving, parking costs £1.

Of course no trip to the Lincolnshire seaside would be complete without a visit to Skegness.

Sun Hols from £9.50 offers four affordable resorts in the area: Southview, The Chase, Golden Anchor and Golden Palm Resort.

Simply enjoy a free day out on the beach and strolling the bustling promenade, or if you have pocket money to spend, load up an iCard with £5 to use the tokens on rides at Fantasy Island.

The park has thrilling rides for the whole family, from white-knuckle roller coasters to Dodgems, water flumes and carousels.

There’s also ten-pin bowling and crazy golf to help keep your whole brood entertained all day.

For some nature away from the noise, a fantastic free-to-visit option is the unspoilt Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve.

Here there’s walking trails, dunes, and bird watching, all located just a short drive south of the town.

Take your pick of from 9 Hols from £9.50 resorts in Lincolnshire.

Sussex

If you’re eyeing up a £9.50 family holiday to Sussex, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s plenty to keep the whole crew entertained.

Of course, you can easily spend your time on the beautiful beaches, which don’t cost a penny to visit.

Camber Sands in East Sussex is a perfect pick for families, the Blue Flag rated beach being home to calm waters and soft sands practically made for buckets and spades.

Plus with Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands on the seafront, you’ll only be steps away from your lodge or caravan down to the shore.

But if you’ve already had your fill of beach trips, then there’s a whole raft of family-friendly activities nearby.

Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park recommends Rye Water Sports.

She said: “It’s an action water park that’s really close to us. They have a variety of water sports, like sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.”

The location will also put parents’ minds at eas, as lessons take place on a safe inland lake between Rye and Camber Sands.

The centre runs everything from board hire (from £20) to holiday clubs for children aged eight to 15 (one day from £85 including sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding).

Meanwhile, in West Sussex, Hols from £9.50 resort Chichester Lakeside has practically more water than land, with 10 fishing lakes spread across 150 acres.

But if that’s not enough, it’s only an 8-minute drive from the resort to Chichester Watersports.

Here there’s an aqua park complete with inflatable slides. Suitable from age seven, a 50-minute session costs £20.

For another activity that will burn energy without burning a hole in your pocket, head to one of the brilliant cycle paths in Sussex.

If you have your own bike, they are also completely free to explore, and the traffic-free terrain also works well for families with prams.

The South Coast East route takes you along the seafront – you could start at Worthing and extend it to Shoreham, Lancing or Brighton depending on how far you want to go.

Alternatively, start at Shoreham-by-Sea and head inland past woods, streams and rivers on the Downs Link.

If you can’t bring your own bikes, hire a Donkey Bike via the app (from £1.80 for 30 minutes), or try Riverside South Downs who rent bikes from £20 for two hours.

Take your pick from six £9.50 holiday resorts in Sussex.

Some things simply can’t be beat

A classic period drama, one that popularised the genre globally, is still regarded as one of the finest to ever grace our screens. Period drama enthusiasts will be familiar with the show in question — Upstairs, Downstairs.

Upstairs, Downstairs laid the groundwork for Downton Abbey with a story that will be familiar with fans who have only seen the modern sensation. As the definitive period dramas of their era, the parallels between Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey are self-evident.

Both shows portray the personal struggles of an aristocratic family and their servants against a backdrop of social and political upheaval on an overlapping timeline.

Like Downton Abbey, it spans three decades, covering both World Wars and the roaring 20s through to the Great Depression. The classic show chronicled the turbulent lives of the aristocratic Bellamy family and their servants in the early 1900s.

They diverge in numerous ways, however, and one is immediately apparent.

The seventies programme is less high-end, a quality that can taken as nostalgic or a dealbreaker. Upstairs, Downstairs premiered in 1971 and ran for five years, predating Downton Abbey by a good 50 years.

In fairness, Downton’s setting is inherently more luxurious. The Bellamy family inhabit a London townhouse, a far cry from the Crawley family’s lavish country estate that was a character in its own right.

And while Downton’s visuals proved a triumph, a frequent criticism from audiences is that the programme descended into melodrama. In contrast, Upstairs, Downstairs has been likened to a stage play for its more understated visuals and plotlines.

Fans of both period dramas shared their preferences. One viewer sparked a debate on Reddit, asking: “If you have seen both shows, which show do you think is better?”

“Upstairs Downstairs without question,” replied one viewer decisively. Another agreed: “I like Downton Abbey better, but Upstairs, Downstairs is the better show.

“I have tried watching the Upstairs/Downstairs remake multiple times and I always end stopping after about two episodes,” commented a third. “It just doesn’t grab me like Downton.”

Upstairs, Downstairs is available to watch on ITVX.

LOOKING for a breezy Gatwick airport hotel with a bit of an atmosphere?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Sandman Signature London Gatwick.

Where is the hotel?

Being positioned at the edge of an A-road isn’t normally considered a bragging right.

But in this instance, the roadside location of this airy hotel is the main reason to visit.

Around a 10-minute drive from the UK’s second largest airport, the 4* Sandman Signature London Gatwick offers excellent park and fly packages.

What’s the hotel like?

It’s basic, clean and modern, with the highlight being comfortable beds to ensure you get a great night’s kip ahead of an early flight.

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The real perk of this hotel is that guests can save on pricey airport parking by booking onto a four, eight or 15 day deal that includes parking at the hotel, one night’s stay and a private transfer to the airport the following morning.

What are the rooms like?

Clean and relatively modern rooms come in a variety of sizes and bed set ups to suit all manner of groups or travellers, including standard rooms, family rooms and triple rooms. 

The standout of my standard king room was the marshmallow-like pillows that made for an ultra comfortable snooze ahead of an early morning trip.

What is there to eat and drink?

Unless you want to hitch a ride into Crawley, eating at the hotel is your only option due to its isolated location.

Luckily, the American-style grub here is decent – and there’s a cracking cocktail menu that will help you kick off your holiday in proper style.

Loaded burgers make up a large portion of the food menu, but there are salads, pasta dishes, curries and wings too.

Margarita lovers should wash their dinner down with a Big Bite, one of the hotel’s signature cocktails.

A spicy twist on the classic margarita, this one will blow your socks off.

If you have time for brekkie, there is a good selection of hot and cold options. 

What else is there to do?

What really makes this hotel shine is the staff.

Everyone here was accommodating and, above all, cheery, gearing visitors up for their holiday.

Even at 4am, the concierge was whipping up coffees with a smile for me and fellow guests ahead of our weary-eyed taxi rides. 

How much is the hotel?

Rooms cost from £89 per night. Park and fly packages vary.

Is the Sandman Signature London Gatwick family friendly?

Extremely. Rooms come in lost of convenient sizes including four-person family rooms, with a double, single and trundle bed.

There’s also triple rooms like double and single beds.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Yes. There’s a lift up to bedrooms and accessible rooms come with extra space for wheelchair users, lowered features, wet rooms with pullable cords and a lot of well-thought out facilities.

GREGGS sausage rolls are seriously taking off — as easyJet is serving free ones on board for the first time.

The budget airline is dishing out the popular flaky pastries to mark the opening of a base in the heart of Greggs country.

And passengers can dip them in a range of new sauces inspired by destinations around the world, including kebab.

The collaboration celebrates the launch of easyJet’s new hub at Newcastle International Airport — 75 years after Greggs’ first shop was opened in the city.

Holidaymakers flying from there yesterday were treated to a free sausage roll, and all week punters can scoff one from a special easyJet service landing in the city centre.

They will also be offered limited-edition dips, such as Turkish-style kebab, with aromatic choices of lemon, vinegar and smoky paprika.

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There is also Tunisian– inspired harissa ketchup, or Italy’s silky affogato flavour, with hints of deep-roasted coffee, cocoa and vanilla.

Flyers tucked into their favourites yesterday.

Easyjet’s new Tyneside base is the airline’s 11th in the UK, and will offer more than 80 flights a week to 22 destinations.

It will also support around 1,200 jobs, including 140 direct roles for pilots and cabin crew.

Garry Wilson, CEO for its holidays business, said: “This is a major milestone for us, so partnering with Greggs, a true Geordie icon and one of the city’s most famous exports, felt like the perfect way to ­celebrate our arrival.”

Greggs director Hannah Squirrell added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the local community, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a sausage roll.”

John Gregg founded the bakery in Newcastle in 1939, and its first outlet opened in the city’s Gosforth in 1951.

ONE of the UK’s biggest free museums has been named the most popular attraction in the UK.

The Natural History Museum in London has knocked off the British Museum from the top spot of most guests, with the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) revealing 7.1million people visited last year.

This marked the best year in terms of visitors for the free attraction, with a 13 per cent rise compared to the previous year.

The attraction happens to be one of Travel Reporter Alice Penwill’s favourite free attractions in London.

She said: “Having been to the Natural History Museum recently, I’m not surprised it’s the UK’s most popular tourist attraction.

“Other London attractions are impressive, but you won’t ever forget walking in to see the skeleton of an 82-foot Blue Whale in the entryway.

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“There’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in fossils, reptiles and birds.

“My favourite part is The Vault where there are some of the most valuable treasures like diamonds, amethyst and gold crystals.

“There’s lots of green spaces outside too, and I saw lots of children enjoying the Evolution Garden with dinosaurs like a bronze Diplodocus that was installed a few years ago.”

Over the next couple of years, the Natural History Museum is also working on new openings.

A new Human Nature pop-up display will open in September 2026, inside a gallery that has been closed for 80 years.

Inside, visitors will be able to discover stories about human history and the natural world, with a number of specimens and historical objects on display that haven’t been seen before.

There will also be a prototype of one of the Crystal Palace dinosaurs, a monk seal called Jenny ‘the talking fish’ and a handaxe that was discovered alongside the remains of a woolly mammoth in 1859.

Later in 2027, there will be a new permanent gallery specifically for young children.

It will be designed for four to seven-year-olds with lots of hands-on interactive experiences about the natural world.

Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, said: “We are thrilled to be the UK’s most popular visitor attraction, smashing all previous records for the sector!”

London has a load of free attractions as well, including some right by the Natural History Museum.

One of Sun Travel’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey’s favourite free attractions in the city is just down the road.

She said: “Having started my career in fashion, it’s no surprise that the museum I’ve been to the most in London is the V&A.

“The museum itself is fantastic – not only for being free to visit, but because it’s the largest museum on arts and design in the world.

“Also the second largest in the UK (behind the British Museum), my favourite area is the Asian corridor, with insanely detailed artwork and sculptures.

“There’s loads of free events coming right now, including one on Women Printmakers and one on iconic American Photographs.

“Make sure to save time for the cafe too. It’s also the oldest of its kind in the world and is a stunner.”

And Sun Travel’s Head of Travel (digital) Caroline McGuire also loves the Science Museum nearby.

She said: “The Science Museum in South Kensington is perfect for kids of all ages, I’ve been taking my child there since he was a one-year-old, as
the interactive ‘Garden’ in the basement is perfect for toddlers and
pre-schoolers.

“There are plenty of excellent free exhibitions around the museum – one
of our favourites being the Space section – but the most popular (and
deservedly so) is the paying Wonderlab, an interactive gallery featuring numerous experiments that will fascinate children aged 3-14.

“Tickets cost from £15 for this area.”

Alternatively, you could visit an exciting attraction on Tottenham Court Road.

Caroline shared: “Until I visited the Outernet, I thought it was all hype.

“Now, my son and I will make a 25-minute detour to spend even 20 minutes there, when we’re in central London.

“The huge multi-screened space on Tottenham Court Road screens
artist-made short films throughout the day, and you can walk in from
the street and spend as little or as much time there as you want.

“With screens covering the sides and ceiling, you really do feel like
you are inside the films.”

And there’s also the Southbank Centre.

Caroline added: “If I got a quid for every time I raved about the Southbank Centre, I could probably afford a slap-up meal at Pizza Express.

“As a mum of a primary school-aged kid who lives in London, we visit
the venue on London’s Southbank almost every school holiday.

“They have a range of free activities that change monthly.

“We’ve done free kids raves, free doodling workshops, free crafts sessions and free DIY sessions where my six-year-old was given a hammer and saw and encouraged to help build a Moomin House overlooking the River Thames.

“Oh, and the free Jeppe Hein: Appearing Rooms fountains are one of the
best places to take a kid for a splash around during a summer
heatwave.”

Or you could head to a number of galleries including the Tate Modern, Tate Britain or National Portrait Gallery.

Alice said: “When I head to London, I make a beeline for the galleries.

“Getting to see walls upon walls lined with famous artwork for absolutely nothing is something we take for granted – and there are plenty to see in the city.

“There’s the Tate Modern and Tate Britain, The National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery where you can see one of my favourite portraits, The Ugly Duchess.

“Not to mention lots of these venues have pretty cafes and even bars if you fancy taking a weight off your feet after exploring.”

Here are some other spots to visit across London that are free to visit.

MinaLima

Elsewhere in London, you could head to one of Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding’s favourite spots – MinaLima.

Found in Soho, MinaLima is a shop and attraction that features the graphic designs from the Harry Potter films.

Named after Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, who are responsible for most of the designs you see in the films including the Daily Prophet, the Advanced Potion Making textbook and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, the destination features themed items for sale as well as prints of their designs.

Make sure to spend time exploring as there are also items from the films, and speak to the staff, who really know their stuff.

London parks

There are also a number of amazing outdoor places to visit in London including Kara’s favourite, the commons in south west London.

She said: “I spent the best part of a decade living in south London, with two years of that in and out of the Covid lockdowns.

“To stop myself from going insane, this meant lots of walking around my local parks.

“And from Balham you can easily walk three of the best in one day.

“I recommend starting at Clapham Common, one of the more open parks of the three with ponds and a Victorian bandstand that often has live concerts.

“Go down to Wandsworth Common, and you can walk along the train tracks or across the pond.

“Then nip through Balham (with a coffee at The Apple Blue Patisserie or Insta-famous Milk) and end in Tooting Bec Common, with a much more leafier and interesting park to explore.

“Need to cool down? Finish with a swim at Tooting Bec Lido as well, the biggest freshwater lido in the UK (£9.40 for adults or free for locals).”

Travel Reporter Jenna Steven’s favourite free spots also make good walks.

She said: “London has over 3,000 parks to explore, but St James’s Park is one of my favourites.

“This is mainly because I’m a big fan of the unique Duck Island, an aptly-named nature reserve on the east of St James’s Park Lake.

“The island has its own cottage, which is surrounded by vibrant greenery and blooming flowers in the springtime, looking like something out of a fairy-tale story book.

“Plus there’s scenic picnic spots by the bandstand, and several kiosks serving cold drinks and sandwiches to enjoy when the sun comes out – save those crusts for the birds!”

Or head to Lisa Minot’s favourite – Primrose Hill.

She said: “For fabulous FREE views across the whole of London, head to Primrose Hill in North London.

“First opened in 1842 as an open space for Londoners, it was originally part of Henry VIII’s hunting grounds.

“Today it offers fantastic panoramic views of the capital and is popular at sunrise and sunsets.

“It is one of six protected viewpoints in London, its highest point more than 63 metres above tree level.

“Trees are also kept low so as not to obscure the view.”

Covent Garden Piazza

If you fancy something a little more urban, venture to Covent Garden Piazza.

Jenna added: “There’s plenty of both branded and independent shops to browse, traditional cafes and bars, plus there’s always a pop-up giving away tasty treats of some kind.

“Head into the historic Market Building and Piazza for the best atmosphere in the area.

“Here you’ll hear live music rising from the lower level that makes your stroll through the building even more beautiful.”

Borough Market

Another favourite spot of Lisa’s is Borough Market.

She said: “From the viral strawberries in melted chocolate to endless street food options, traders have been operating from London’s Borough Market for more than 1,000 years.

“Today’s unique Victorian arcades, built in 1850, are home to stands offering premium quality speciality foods as well as plenty of grab-and-go options from oysters and paella to burgers and fish and chips.

“While you don’t have to pay to wander the busy pathways of Borough Market, the tempting foods on offer will mean you will not be able to resist parting with some of your cash!”

In other attraction news, there’s a new UK attraction which has been named among the best places to visit in the world – but it’s not for everyone.

Plus, one of Europe’s best beaches is in the UK – and its top attraction is returning this week.

March 20 (UPI) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled in favor of allowing a so-called street preacher in Mississippi to challenge a law prohibiting where he can protest.

The high court said Gabriel Olivier can file a civil suit in response to a law in Brandon, Miss., that prevents public protests outside of designated areas. He said the law violates the 1st Amendment’s free speech protection.

Police in Brandon, Miss., arrested Olivier in 2021 as he and a group of protesters shouted slurs and insults at concertgoers as they entered an amphitheater. Some members of the group also held up graphic signs showing aborted fetuses.

He was convicted of violating the city’s laws banning protesters from coming within about 265 feet away of the amphitheater and from using loudspeakers that can be heard from more than 100 feet away, CNN reported.

Olivier pleaded no contest to the charges and was ordered to pay a fine and serve a year of unsupervised probation. Following his sentence, he sued the city, saying its law violated his free speech rights.

A 1994 Supreme Court ruling — Heck v. Humphrey — though says that a defendant convicted of a crime can’t then sue over the legality of their conviction. Otherwise, he and other defendants could be cleared of their convictions outside of the normal criminal appeals process, The Washington Post reported.

Olivier’s lawyers said his case should be allowed to proceed because success wouldn’t affect the result of his conviction, for which he wasn’t imprisoned. The Supreme Court agreed with a unanimous vote.

The ruling did not pass judgment on the constitutionality of the city of Brandon’s laws, only that Olivier is allowed to challenge them.

Argentina’s spunkiest duo Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso have checked themselves into a wellness center for their latest album, “Free Spirits.”

Out Thursday, the LP pushes the limits of the duo’s experimentation, combining unpredictable blends of trap, rock and pop while still maintaining their raunchy sense of humor and musicianship. The 12-track project features collaborations with British musicians Sting and Fred Again, as well as California’s very own Anderson .Paak and Jack Black.

It’s been a busy year for the avant-garde pair, who won their first Grammy in February for their nine-track EP, “Papota.”

At the ceremony, they hinted at a rebrand for the upcoming album; both appearing on the red carpet wearing matching tan robes — a look far less flashy than the custom Versace outfits they wore at the Latin Grammys in November.

“We are trying to heal that velocity that we had in the past year. If you go so fast, you’re going to crash,” Paco Amoroso told Billboard in February. “We are healing ourselves now.”

Following their Tiny Desk performance in Oct. 2024 — which has reached over 27 million views to date — the Buenos Aires singers have etched an unpredictable, kooky path in the crazed music industry, often by criticizing it.

First, their 2025 EP “Papota” humorized their rapid ascent to stardom and poked fun at how artists must dilute their image to fit the mainstream.

Now through their LP “Free Spirits,” they continue to comment on the trope of the burned-out, exhausted artist who through a soul-stripping retreat can find renewal once again.

That purported healing is taking place at “Free Spirits Wellness Center,” a mock-up clinic led by Sting dedicated to advance physiological and cognitive expansion for people working under intense pressure.

In a music video released Wednesday, Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso checked themselves in after taking home five gramophone trophies at the 26th Latin Grammys.

Among the 12-step treatments are skin-changing artotherapy, where patients endure a painful micro-needling session combined with a non-goal-oriented painting session; cryo cerebral rebirth, where the brain regresses to its early developmental stages; and temperature contrast celibation, where they receive an ice bath combined with sexual arousal restrain.

None of these treatments make clear sense — mainly because they aren’t real — but that’s exactly Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso’s point: Fame is all make-believe pandemonium and there is no real recovery from it.

Afroman testified Tuesday in a civil lawsuit brought by seven members of an Ohio sheriff’s office who allege he used their likenesses without permission in music videos and on merchandise and spread lies about them after they raided his home in August 2022.

The fault, the “Because I Got High” rapper maintained, was not his. On Wednesday, the jury was deliberating the case.

The 51-year-old, whose real name is Joseph Edgar Foreman, said on the stand Tuesday that he was in the right, according to local station WCPO Channel 9 in Cincinnati.

“The whole raid was a mistake. All of this is their fault,” Foreman testified, taking the stand wearing sunglasses with American flag lenses and a red, white and blue suit and matching tie made of fabric recalling the American flag. “If they hadn’t wrongly raided my house, there would be no lawsuit, I would not know their names, they wouldn’t be on my home surveillance system, and there would be no songs, nothing.”

Officers were acting in 2022 on a warrant showing probable cause that drugs and drug paraphernalia would be found on the property. The warrant also alleged that trafficking and kidnapping had happened there. No evidence of a crime was found, and no charges were filed. Foreman wasn’t home during the raid but was able to see at least part of it via a video recorded by his ex-wife and footage captured on his home security system before law enforcement turned off those cameras.

It was that footage that was used in the various videos the rapper subsequently posted, including a music video for the song “Lemon Pound Cake,” which he wrote about the raid.

Officers tore down his door, he said, and damaged his house, taking money, vape pens and a small amount of marijuana. There was a discrepancy about the amount of money taken and returned to the rapper, which seemed to be a point of contention linked to whether he was misrepresenting what the deputies did during the raid.

“After they left, I had the right to kick the can and to do what I had to do to repair the damage they brought to my house. Yes, I did,” Foreman said. “I have freedom of speech. I’m a rapper. I entertain.”

His testimony came on the second day of the trial, after the deputies took the stand the first day and testified that though the raid wasn’t perfect, Foreman had been spreading lies about them for years since it occurred. Deputy Lisa Phillips, whose gender identity had been called into question in Foreman’s videos and social media posts, cried on the stand as some of those videos were played for the court.

Footage with a song called “Licc’em Low Lisa” showed Foreman saying he thought he would “crack some musical jokes” in the wake of the raid, then going to comfort a crying actor who resembled Phillips. “I didn’t know they hurt you that bad. … I was just having fun with a bad situation.” The same video showed the actor engaging in sexual activity with another woman.

In their lawsuit, WCPO said, the deputies said the posts and videos caused them “humiliation, ridicule, mental distress, embarrassment and loss of reputation” and made it difficult to do their law enforcement work.

In an amicus brief, however, the ACLU argued that the deputies’ lawsuit was a “classic entry into the SLAPP suit genre,” referring to a type of lawsuit that seeks to discourage criticism of public officials.

IF you want a cheaper alternative theme park in Europe, then there’s one letting kids go free until summer.

Parc Astérix is a theme park in Plailly, France, based on the famous comic book series.

The theme park has over 50 attractions across six themed worlds like the Roman Empire, Greece and the Vikings.

And until May 7, the park is offering free admission to children under 12 years old.

The offer is valid from Monday to Friday for online bookings and must be booked with a dated adult ticket.

Tickets for children usually cost €53 (£45.81) each, so for a family of four it would be a saving of €106 (£91.62).

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Adult tickets cost €56 (£48.40) each, when booked seven days in advance.

The park is open from 10am to 7pm each day, so it includes nine hours of fun.

But save your visit until next month if you want to see the new reinvented Egypt zone, which opens on April 4.

The zone is themed around Cleopatra and the Egyptian gods, with visitors able to immerse themselves in an Egyptian world.

The former Oxygénarium water raft ride has become The Descent of the Nile, with new theming to seem like you are cruising down the River Nile.

The Flying Chairs ride has now become The Flight of Ibis, where visitors swoop over the water garden, 10metres above the ground.

The ride also features water jets, greenery and themed decor.

The Egyptian zone is also home to the new dining experience, Les Fastes du Nil, which is a fast-food restaurant.

A new buffet restaurant called Épidemaïs’ Counter, with a range of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, which will also open in June.

And launching this spring, there will be a new show called Cleopatra’s Gift – where she and her courtesans bring the OzIris esplanade to life with dance, music and guests interactions.

The refreshed zone is just part of Parc Astérix’ £218million makeover, due to be completed by 2030.

In 2028, the park will open a new British-themed land called Londinium.

In the land there will be an immersive roller coaster, an interactive family dark ride, a vertical playground, a pub and shops.

The park will open its fourth hotel as well, called The Odyssée Hotel which will feature 300 rooms and open in 2027.

There are currently three hotels at the park including Les Quais de Lutèce with 150 rooms in Gaul-inspired buildings.

There’s then La Cité Suspendue, which is Celtic-themed and made up of three ‘hamlets’ – potters, artists and druids.

And finally, the Les Trois Hiboux hotel is located in the forest.

Guests staying in the hotels get exclusive access to the attractions 30 minutes before they open to the public.

Also in 2027, the park will open a renovated Greek zone with two new family attractions, a playground and a restaurant.

The theme park is just 21 miles from Paris and whilst it is smaller than Disneyland Paris, it is cheaper to visit with Disneyland Paris tickets for this month costing from £80 per person.

Previous guests have raved about it too, with one writing: “I say it from the start: better than Disneyland!”

Another said: “We were counting and we did 35 rides each every day. If you are a theme park junkie then I would recommend it wholeheartedly.”

A third commented: “This park was a real discovery for me and my grown-up children who have been used to Disneyland for years.

“A warm atmosphere, sets worthy of movie studios, varied shows of high quality and attentive staff.”

In other theme park news, there’s a futuristic theme park just two hours from the UK that has been named one of the best in Europe – with an ‘Avatar-like’ waterpark.

Plus, an English seaside theme park has scrapped its entry fees and is opening a huge new ‘showstopper ride’.

SACRAMENTO — Heartbreaking loss.

That’s the only way to describe what San Juan Hills players, coaches and fans were feeling on Saturday at Golden 1 Center when Alex Osterloh made two of three free throws with 0.3 seconds left to give Atherton Sacred Heart Prep a 47-45 victory in the Division IV state boys’ basketball championship game.

Osterloh was fouled at the top of the key by Kellen Owens with the scored tied.

“I’m pretty sure I was fouled,” Osterloh said.

San Juan Hills had earlier lost the ball on a turnover, its 19th of the game, surrendering its chance to take the lead.

“It was a tough ending,” San Juan Hills coach Jason Efstathiou said. “We turned over the ball too much. Nineteen is insane. Ultimately we didn’t do a good enough job handling pressure.”

San Juan Hills (22-14) came back from a 12-point deficit in the second quarter to take a four-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Garrett Brehmer finished with 17 points while Rocco Jensen had 10 points and eight rebounds for San Juan Hills. Osterloh scored 15 points and Pat Bala had 13.

“There’s a little distaste,” Efstathiou said, “but at the same time we got to be here.”

AS SPRING emerges, your Instagram feed will soon look like a sea of pink as people head off to find cherry trees blossoming – and the UK has some great free spots to see them.

Known as ‘hanami’, the tradition of seeing cherry blossoms is a centuries-old Japanese custom.

Taking place in the spring, the tradition celebrates the blossoms which symbolise new beginnings, mortality and the beauty of life.

While the UK doesn’t have anywhere near as many blossom trees as Japan does, there are several locations across the UK where you can catch them blooming for free – here’s some of the best.

Battersea Park, London

In South West London, head to Battersea Park and you will find a long run of cherry blossom trees on Cherry Tree Avenue.

If heading to the park, make sure to enjoy a wander next to the River Thames whilst seeing the 40 blossom trees.

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The trees are the pale pink Yoshino variety that are usually found on the hills of Nara – they grow to about 3.6 to 4.2metres tall.

The park is also home to a Peace Pagoda which you can see, as well as a couple of popular cafes.

Keele University

Keele University campus is open year round to visitors, with free parking at the weekends.

Cherry blossoms are scattered across the campus, but you can download a map of where they are from the university’s website.

Flowering cherry trees have been at the university since the 1940s and in total, there are around 300 trees of 240 species and varieties.

This makes it one of the largest blossom collections in Europe.

Cathays Park, Wales

In Cardiff, head to Cathays Park and find the Welsh National War Memorial in Alexandra Gardens.

Here you will find flourishing cherry blossom trees that usually bloom in late March to early April.

The trees surround the war memorial and are pink and white blossoms.

There are also some other flower beds, with tulips, to see.

To make the most of your time in the park, there are several benches nearby ideal for enjoying coffee whilst seeing the blossoms.

Greenwich Park, London

Greenwich Park is a lovely day out anytime of the year, with the Observatory and the Planetarium.

But during the spring months, near the Ranger’s House and Rose Garden, you will find a path of cherry trees.

There are even benches underneath the trees so you can sit and enjoy them.

The Stray, Harrogate

In Harrogate, make sure to visit the Stray – 200 acres of parkland near the town centre.

Long lines of pink cherry blossom bloom in late March to early April, often with daffodils underneath them.

Around 200 cherry trees were planted back in 1953 in the park to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

People even have wedding celebrations under the blossom…

Windsor Great Park

In Windsor, head to The Savill and Valley Gardens to see a collection of Japanese cherry trees.

The gardens sprawl over 250 acres and you will also be able to spot magnolia trees in full bloom.

Whilst in Windsor Great Park, make sure to stroll past the Heather Gardens as well.

St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Working in the city? Well, during your lunch break head down to St Paul’s Cathedral, where you will see a number of cherry trees.

They are scattered throughout the churchyard and make the ideal scenic foreground for a shot of the iconic London landmark.

If you haven’t visited St Paul’s before, you could tie in seeing the blossom with a day trip to the cathedral.

Sun Travel Reporter recently visited and has shared a full rundown of what it is like.

The Meadows, Scotland

The Meadows is a large public park south of Edinburgh‘s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.

The park is even protected by an Act of Parliament, that was created in 1827.

During the spring, there are avenues of cherry trees.

They are known to bloom a little later than other places, usually starting to bloom in April.

Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline

Up in Dunfermline, Scotland, head to Pittencrieff Park and walk along the path near the main entrance to enjoy a row of cherry trees that line the path.

The cherry trees usually blossom here in late April and whilst you are exploring the park, make sure to look out for its resident peacocks and the Andrew Carnegie statue.

Nearby, you can also visit Dunfermline Abbey and Palace.

Castle Park, Bristol

Castle Park in Bristol is an open space between the city’s Shopping Quarter and the Floating Harbour.

In addition to ruins in the park, visitors will be able to find different cherry trees.

One spot is the cherry avenue, with 21 trees.

And the other spot is a singular, white Japanese Cherry Tree that was planted in 2014 to mark the 70th anniversary of Hiroshima.

This type of cherry tree had actually died out completely in Japan, but was saved when a single specimen of the tree was found in England in 1923.

For more things to do this spring, here’s a huge list of 100 free family days out in the UK – from concerts to kids festivals.

Plus, free things to do across the UK this month including huge parades, story festivals and rugby screenings.

WARMER weather is on the horizon, so why wait until summer to visit your favourite holiday hot spots?

Spain is still top of Brits’ holiday lists and the coming months are a great time to visit this beautiful country, with mild temperatures just right for exploring when it’s not too crowded.

Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of springtime destinations in Spain and its islands with tips from experts who know the area.

THIS northern port city may not attract as many fly-and-flop holidaymakers as the southern costas, but its coastlines are no less beautiful.

Temperatures can reach the low 20Cs during spring in Bilbao, so Sara Di Lenardo, Destination Manager at British Airways Holidays, recommends hitting the shores.

She says: “There are several wild beaches in the Basque Country. The rocky shores are dramatic and incredibly photogenic.

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“Walk along stunning coastal paths with the Pyrenees as the backdrop — they might possibly still have snowy peaks in spring.”

The month of May is a great time to visit for music fans, thanks to several big concerts and events.

Sara advises to keep your eyes peeled for the Trikitixa, a traditional basque instrument that’s a bit like an accordion.

STAY: Two nights’ room-only at the 5H Melia Bilbao is from £349pp including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Price includes 10 per cent discount. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/content/holidays/spain/bilbao.

THE White Isle only starts awakening for its big party season in spring, after a slow winter hibernation — and for travel expert David Mason, this is one of the best times to visit the party isle.

He reveals: “You have all the optimism of a new season commencing, cheap accommodation and flights, plus lots of local food festivals.”

Throughout this month, up until early April, you’ll be able to experience the Pintxa Run food festival in San Antonio, close to the ocean, David says.

Every Thursday throughout the month, dozens of small bars and restaurants dish up tapas and a drink for just three euros with everything from steakhouses to pizzerias participating.

David adds: “The festival includes a free novelty train that takes you from stop to stop — perfect if you’ve had a few too many cervezas on the route.”

STAY: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Invisa Figueral Resort Hotel Cala Blanca is from £562pp including flights from Manchester on April 7.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

IF you’re a foodie, San Sebastian won’t disappoint.

Sara di Lenardo says this is the top place to sample pintxos in the traditional way (small bites served on a mini slice of bread).

Wash it down with a local beverage for a truly authentic experience.

Sara adds: “Spring is cider season. Try the local drink txakoli — it can be found in most bars in town, but if you have time, make sure to visit Getaria where it’s produced.”

For those seeking seaside relaxation, Sara recommends La Concha, a horseshoe-shaped beach right in the city, offering gorgeous views of the blue Med.

STAY: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Bancal Hotel & Spa is from £599pp including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/tenerife.

THIS vibrant student city, which sits a little south of Alicante, is fascinating for history lovers, with its 14th-century cathedral taking pride of place in the city centre.

Tom Wilkinson, product manager at Explore Worldwide, says: “This lesser-known southern gem enjoys 320 days of sunshine each year, with mild winters and a semi-arid climate.”

The sights are best explored on two wheels, says Tom — on a cycle tour you’ll pass through white-washed villages and historic Moorish towns, pausing to watch the sun set.

Fruit and veg are at the forefront of cuisine here and you can expect rich stews as well as freshly baked cakes.

Try Keki, not far from the cathedral, which serves up a Murcian cheesecake to die for.

STAY: A seven-day Cycle Southern Spain tour costs from £970pp including six breakfasts, all accommodation, cycle gear and flights from selected airports on May 10.

See explore.co.uk.

HOLIDAYMAKERS jetting off to Menorca in spring can expect rugged landscapes backed by chalky white cliffs and sandy bays overlooking vibrant blue seas.

“The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, offering Caribbean-style scenes without the time difference,” says Kate Bigger, destination manager at British Airways Holidays.

She suggests strolling the impressive Cami de Cavalls, adding: “This is a walk that goes through the length of the island, with spring being the perfect time to do this.”

Vineyards are scattered across the island and many of them invite visitors to meander among the vines, sampling wines as part of a tasting lunch or dinner.

STAY: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Melia Cala Galdana is from £1,099pp (includes €28pp tourism tax, payable locally) including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/menorca.

NFL free agency is here!

Well, kind of.

The league’s so-called legal tampering period begins Monday at 9 a.m. PT, when teams are allowed to start negotiating with the agents for players who are about to become unrestricted free agents. No contracts can actually be signed, however, until the the start of the new NFL league year, which is Wednesday at 1 p.m. PT.

So, basically, fans will start finding out what moves their teams make and where various players will land starting Monday morning.

Hours before the legal tampering period started, the Miami Dolphins announced they will release longtime quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The 2023 All Star will count $99 million against the Dolphins’ salary cap, the biggest dead cap hit in NFL history. The money can be split over the next two seasons if Tagovailoa is designated a post-June 1 release.

In six years with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa went 44-32 as a starter, completing 68% of his passes for 18,166 yards with 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions. He made the Pro Bowl in 2023.

“Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Tagovailoa wrote Monday on Instagram, adding: “I also carry deep regret that I couldn’t get the job done and bring a championship home to this city. Miami deserves that, and I’ll always wish I could have delivered it for you.”

Who are some of the other big names in the free agency market? As far as quarterbacks are concerned, Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis could be a hot commodity. Daniel Jones is a free agent after a strong season with Indianapolis, although the Colts placed the transition tag on him and can match any offer.

Veteran quarterback Kyler Murray was informed by the Arizona Cardinals last week that they will be letting him go at the start of the new league year. The Atlanta Falcons have made a similar announcement regarding Kirk Cousins. Other available veteran quarterbacks include Aaron Rodgers, Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson and Marcus Mariota.

Teams in need of a running back might be interested in the services of Kenneth Walker III, who will be a free agent just weeks after he was named Super Bowl LX MVP as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. Travis Etienne of the Jacksonville Jaguars could also find a new home.

This also seems to be a big year for free agent edge rushers (including Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips, Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson and Boye Mafe) and wide receivers (including Alec Pierce, Mike Evans, Romeo Doubs, Rashid Shaheed and Jauan Jennings).

Check back here for updates as teams begin making moves.

SACRAMENTO — One unique perk California kids enjoyed for generations was tuition-free college. Now, a candidate for governor promises to bring that back. And bravo for her.

The candidate, former congresswoman Katie Porter of Orange County, even suggests a way to pay for her bold pledge. That’s unusual for a politician. It’s normal to promise the moon without specifying how to get there.

She‘d raise the corporate income tax a notch.

OK, it’s very unlikely to ever happen.

The powerful business lobby would scream, even though California companies would benefit from a more educated workforce.

And California’s public universities would probably cry about their revenue streams having to rely on unpredictable corporate profits rather than the pocketbooks of students’ parents.

But at least there’s a potential governor who’s advocating tuition-free higher education and proclaiming it to be a priority.

Why is this Democrat, a UC Irvine law professor, pushing the issue? Tuition cost doesn’t show up anywhere on voter lists of important concerns. But California’s high cost of living is a gigantic gripe. And “affordability” these days is one of the most overused words in any politician’s vocabulary.

“When we talk about affordability, there’s lots of talk about the problem, but people want to hear what [candidates] would do about it,” Porter told me over coffee last week. One thing she’d do is eliminate much of the tuition at public universities.

Another reason for making college tuition-free again, she said, is that “it was a promise made to the people” by the California Master Plan for Higher Education.

But that was 66 years and nine governors ago. A lot has changed.

Actually, tuition-free public higher education was a California birthright long before Gov. Pat Brown’s master plan.

Policymakers regarded tuition-free college as a sound economic investment. It was in the state’s self-interest to produce highly educated innovators and skilled professionals to grow the economy. The middle class expanded, with people landing good-paying jobs that resulted in higher tax revenue for state coffers.

That didn’t mean college was free — and it wouldn’t be under Porter’s plan. There’s still housing, meals, books and annoying fees.

But Sacramento switched priorities in the 1970s, spending tax money on other things: enhanced welfare, healthcare and specifically K-12 schooling.

Free tuition existed before the creation of Medi-Cal healthcare, which now eats up 20% of the state general fund. It also was prior to Proposition 13 in 1978 that dramatically cut property tax revenue for K-12 schools. The state felt obliged to make up the difference.

Naysayers contend California can’t possibly afford to educate students today without their paying tuition. Nonsense. The state could happily afford it long before we expanded into the world’s fourth largest economy. It’s about priorities.

And today, free tuition could be the PR tonic California needs to brighten its faded image across America. It could attract middle-class families to California and keep those already here from fleeing.

Porter promised a return to yesteryear in a speech that was a far cry from old-time political rhetoric. Addressing more than 2,000 delegates at a recent Democratic state convention in San Francisco, she held up a whiteboard with two words in large letters: “F— Trump.”

And she led the delegates in shouting “F— Trump.”

That was a bit of a turnoff for this old traditionalist, who thinks politics has gotten too coarse and foul-mouthed.

I asked Porter what prompted the profanity and whether she had any regrets.

No, she answered. Candidates were allotted only four minutes to speak and “I was economical with my time.

“I wanted to be very clear in the first 15 seconds that I would fight Trump. I wanted the other three minutes and 45 seconds to be about all other stuff.

“Some people just want to talk about Trump because they don’t want to talk about our own problems.”

Plowing into her speech, she quickly promised to “deliver single-payer healthcare, less-expensive housing, free childcare for all, zero tuition at our UCs and CSUs, and [elimination of] income tax for those earning less than $100,000.

“Those are real affordability solutions.”

Right. But no specifics. How does a state wading in red ink afford all that?

I pressed her when we met later. She didn’t have time for details at the convention, she said. But this is her plan on tuition:

Free tuition only for California residents who are undergrads. And only in their third and fourth years at the University of California and California State University. If they desired free tuition in their first two years, they could attend community college.

Many community colleges already waive course fees for full-time, first-time students. Kids are better educated in their first two years at community college anyway, the UC professor said.

Many liberals complain that free tuition would waste tax money on rich kids who don’t need it.

“I’m a believer in universal programs” that don’t base eligibility on income, Porter said. “Something I learned in Congress. You know what never gets cut? Universal programs such as Social Security and Medicare.”

Anyway, she added, “Kids from really wealthy families go to Harvard or USC or other options.”

Public school tuitions are bargains in California compared to other states and private universities.

At UC, annual tuition is roughly $14,900 and at CSU it’s around $6,500. Without tuition, UC would lose roughly $5.9 billion and CSU $3.7 billion, state budget officials say.

But under Porter’s plan, the universities would lose much less. They’d still collect tuition from freshmen and sophomores and hefty levies from non-Californians. Also student aid could be cut back if kids weren’t saddled with tuition.

Hiking the corporation tax from 8.84% to 9.5% “would generate way more than I need for tuition-free,” Porter said. “I would use any extra money for free childcare.”

Political promises often aren’t worth a nickel. But tenacious and feisty Porter’s free tuition pledge might be worth at least a few bucks. And, maybe some votes.

What else you should be reading

The must-read: Veteran Rep. Darrell Issa decides not to seek reelection in new Democratic-leaning district.
Internal combustion: Anxiety grows among California Democrats as gubernatorial candidates rebuff calls to drop out.
The L.A. Times Special: Yes, Republicans have a chance in California governor’s race. Here’s our expert analysis.

Until next week,
George Skelton

—
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The Island Bakery in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is hiring two production staff members, with the job offering a two-bed flat and a salary of £22,000-£24,000

Anyone seeking a remote relocation with some baking know-how might find their dream opportunity on a stunning Scottish island. The Island Bakery in Tobermory, situated on the wild Isle of Mull, is recruiting two production staff members – and the position includes a two-bedroom property.

The bakery has built quite a reputation, stocking its renowned biscuits through several upmarket stores, including Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. According to the job advert, the salary ranges from £22,000-£24,000, with minimal experience necessary, making it ideal for anyone wanting to swap hectic urban living for a more peaceful existence – so it could be time to refresh that CV.

Two shift patterns are available: 2pm to midnight, Monday to Thursday, or 6am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

The posting has gained traction online because it includes a two-person flat, as job vacancies offering accommodation on the Isle of Mull are relatively uncommon.

The bakery has made clear it will favour candidates prepared to share the flat, given the accommodation is suited for two occupants. Those with a partner or mate also keen to move may stand a stronger chance of securing the role.

Both the bakery and accommodation are based in Tobermory, which has been recognised as one of the ‘most colourful places in the world. ‘

With a population of merely 900 residents, Tobermory is genuinely isolated, with the journey from Glasgow typically requiring a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Oban, followed by a 45-minute ferry crossing to Craignure and then an additional 35-minute drive to reach the village.

Lonely Planet highlighted its “cinematic scenery” and “distinct wildlife,” acknowledging that whilst it may lack Mediterranean sunshine, the village still boasts stunning landscapes and exceptional seafood.

The island’s remarkable wildlife includes golden and white-tailed eagles, minke whales, and basking sharks, all of which you might spot frequently if you choose to relocate to this beautiful village.

To apply for this job, visit the listing at hijobs.net.

WE’VE scoured the internet to find some of the best things to do over the Easter holidays for all ages – and the best part is, they all cost less than £10.

From Easter garden parties with furry friends to Gruffalo and Stick Man woodland trails, here are our top things to do as a family for under a tenner.

£10 and under

BBC Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester

Visit Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum for a new exhibition guided by the characters from BBC’S Horrible Science.

The hit children’s TV show is known for its unique experiments and fascinating facts that kids love – and this educational exhibition is just as wacky as the programme.

Follow an outer space adventure where you’ll see space toilets, travel through a wormhole and boogie on an alien disco planet.

Aimed at families with children aged 7+, you can even have a go at programming a space rover and analysing real pieces of moon rock.

The exhibition is open now until January 2027, and costs £10 per person with under 3s going free. Make sure to book your tickets online in advance.

Wild Tots club, nature workshops and Easter Eggstravaganza, Suffolk

Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve in Lowestoft, Suffolk is hosting a variety of nature-themed events for families this Easter.

The Wild Tots group allows children aged 18 months to 5 years to get creative with hands-on messy crafts and games in the woods, with a range of Easter-themed activities on offer.

The Wild Tots Easter Special takes place on 31 March, costing £7 per child which includes an Easter treat. Adults go free.

There’s also hands-on nature workshops for families during the holidays, including art workshops and drop-in wildflower seed bomb making, at £3 per child or £5 for two.

There’s also an Easter Eggstravaganza taking place on 9 April, where families can tour the nature reserve, build nests and take home some Easter crafts for £8 per child and £3 per adult.

Plus the Carlton Marshes nature reserve itself is well worth exploring in the holidays. Make the most of a sunny day out with the family, and set up a picnic overlooking the Suffolk and Norfolk border.

Check the website for a full list of upcoming events and workshops.

Mixed Reality Experience at The Natural History Museum

Step into the future at the Natural History Museum with their mind-blowing Visions of Nature AR experience.

This high-tech adventure uses mixed reality headsets to whisk you 100 years into the future. Here you can explore an inspiring world where nature has bounced back in the most spectacular way.

Suitable for children aged 10 and over, you’ll be taken through eight different ecosystems including rainforests and the Arctic Ocean.

Using the headsets, you’ll find amazing plants and animals that look so real you’ll want to reach out and touch them.

The experience is available daily with sessions between 10:15am and 4:45pm. Tickets cost £9.95 per person, and can be booked in advance online.

Curiosity Club at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is free to visit and packed with fascinating galleries and displays.

The hands-on Imagine and Adventure Planet galleries are perfect for kids, with interactive games and cosy reading corners.

Plus, Curiosity Club sessions at the museum are packed with games and activities that allow kids ages 7 to 11 to interact with the galleries in new ways.

Taking place in the museum’s Learning Centre, this club follows new themes each month, with the next theme Primates beginning on 28 March.

Curiosity club sessions cost £10 per child and must be booked online in advance.

Observatory tours and stargazing in Omagh, Northern Ireland

Shielded by the Sperrin Mountains of Northern Ireland, the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is protected from light pollution – meaning that the sky glistens with stars.

This attraction is a top choice for budding astronomers, or families wanting a unique nighttime experience.

Book onto a guided tour of the OM Exhibition to learn all about the local landscape and the history of the Sperrins, whilst making your way through holographic installations.

Tickets cost £6 per adult and £3.90 per child, with under 2s going free. Make sure to book your tour online in advance.

The Easter Garden party and detective trail at Holkham Estate, Norfolk

Head to Holkham Hall and Estate for an Easter extravaganza that will entertain the whole family, set in a beautiful walled garden.

The Easter Garden at Holkham event takes place from the 3 to 6 April, and will include magic shows, games, races, and plenty of chocolate to go around.

The event will also see different animal breeds visit each day for children to meet and greet, from cuddly guinea pigs, to spiky hedgehogs, to scaly bearded dragons.

Meanwhile, the detective-themed Easter trail is simple to follow with a trail sheet and egg boards dotted around Holkham Park.

Once you’ve got your thinking caps on, you’ll be looking for clues to help you crack the code in a family trail suitable for all ages.

The Easter Garden event costs £7 per ticket, with under 2s going free. Make sure to book online in advance.

The Easter detective trail is completely free and runs from 5 to 17 April.

£5 and under

National Trust Easter Trails, across the UK

Nearly 100 National Trust sites across the UK are hosting Easter-themed events and egg hunts during the holidays.

Most of these trails spread across UK sites cost £3.50 per child, but there are some free options too.

This includes an Easter Bunny Bootcamp held at Staunton Harold in Derbyshire, from 28 March to 12 April. The trail itself is free, and the estate does not charge for admission.

The outdoor trail features fun activity stations and fitness challenges to tackle as a family as you help the Easter Bunny find his missing carrots.

There’s also a unique Easter event taking place at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate in Bedfordshire.

Dunstable Downs will be taking part in the tradition of orange rolling, with 10 family racing stations made from tennis ball tracks. There will also be an Easter-themed trail and classic egg hunt to take part in.

The event takes place from 28 March to 10 April, with admission to the Downs free. The trail costs £3.50 and includes a trail sheet, bunny ears and chocolate egg, with options for children with dietary requirements available.

Check the full list of Easter events on the National Trust website to find a trail or egg hunt near you.

The Gruffalo Orienteering Trail, Exeter

Haldon Forest Park is the ultimate outdoor destination in Devon, with an abundance of cycling and walking trails as well as plenty of activities year-round.

Easter is the perfect time to explore the park, with spring sunshine and dry walking trails making a welcome change from the winter sludge.

Pick up a map and certificate for just £1.50 from the Info Pod, and set out on an exciting forest adventure with The Gruffalo Orienteering Trail.

This map will help you to find 12 sights hidden in the woods, and ends at the park’s play area where there’s a giant Gruffalo sculpture.

You can pick up your trail for £1.50 from 9:30am to 3:30pm during the Easter holidays.

Easter Spring Trail and Mini Mammoths club, Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

The School Holiday Adventure: Take on the Museum Trail will take over the Shrewsbury Museum this Easter.

In a free family trail suitable for ages 5+, you’ll be able to search for hidden treasures amongst displays and undertake a series of hands-on challenges.

As well as this trail, the museum offers a weekly Mini Mammoths workshop where children ages 2 to 4 can take part in songs, stories and even handle historical objects. There’s tea, coffee and snacks to enjoy, too.

The trail is completely free and takes place from 28 March to 11 April. The museum is free to enter and open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Mini Mammoths takes place on Thursday mornings between 10:30am and 12pm. Tickets cost £6 for one adult with up to two children, working out at at £3 per person or less.

Egg hunt, Easter crafts and interactive storytelling sessions at Blakesley Hall, Birmingham

There’s a whole host of exciting events popping up across Birmingham museums for Easter 2026.

Between 1 and 3 and 8 and 10 April, you can take part in an Easter trail at the Tudor home Blakesley Hall.

Follow an Easter trail through the gardens of the historical hall to find all the hidden eggs and complete the challenge.

The egg hunt costs £3.50 per child and takes place from 11am to 3pm.

Other events taking place at Blakesley Hall include Craft Wednesdays: Easter Arts as well as Goldilocks and the Three Bears storytelling sessions.

The crafts on offer include Easter cards and bracelet making, which cost £3.50 per session. Book your slot in advance online.

The Goldilocks storytelling sessions are fully interactive, as children will learn the story while touring rooms of the house.

This includes seeing the kitchen where Goldilocks made her porridge, and taking a seat in the three bears’ chairs.

These storytelling activities do however break the £5 mark, at £5 per child and £8 per adult. The sessions take place on 2 and 9 April. Make sure to book online in advance.

Room on the Broom trail at Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Enjoy a spellbinding day out at Westonbirt Arboretum, where the classic kids’ book Room on the Broom is bought to life in a nature trail.

Little explorers can follow the mile-long trail, stopping to collect the special ingredients needed for the witch’s spell.

Don’t forget to grab a family photo with the witch and her animal friends on their brand new broom before you head home.

The trail pack costs £4 and includes colouring, stickers, a lanyard and a pop-out wand. Westonbirt Arboretum is open between 9am and 4:30pm daily.

Free

Amazing Aircraft Top Trumps Trail, IWM London

Take a family throwback to the days of collecting Top Trumps with this free trail at the Imperial War Museum, London.

Aviation and history fans young and old will love this interactive trail. Simply pick up a trail sheet and search for hidden aircraft dotted about the museum to add to your collection.

The Amazing Aircraft trail is open daily from 10am to 6pm, ending on 19 April.

There’s also a Story Seekers trail available on weekends, from 10am to 4pm, where you can learn all about historical heroes at sea.

The IWM London is free to enter and open daily from 10am to 6pm.

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

The Big Beasts, Little Beasts trail is taking over the Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne, with family-friendly games dotted across the galleries.

To join the fun, just grab a free trail sheet at the welcome desk and follow the interactive activities throughout the museum. There’s even some great prizes to take home.

Plus, if you visit on Saturday, March 28, you can catch a free living history family day to celebrate the opening of new exhibition: Treasure: Hidden, Lost and Found.

The Big Beasts, Little Beasts trail runs until April 2. Entry to the Great North Museum, Hancock is free. The museum is open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, closing an hour earlier on weekends.

Tracks of Life Train Exhibition at Clitheroe Castle, Lancashire

Railway enthusiasts should head to Clitheroe Castle Museum for the Tracks of Life exhibition, a celebration of the legendary railway photographer Ken Roberts.

Alongside his famous railway shots, you’ll find model trains and fascinating artefacts that bring the history of trains to life.

While you’re there, don’t forget to explore the 12th-century castle ruins and 16 acres of parkland at Clitheroe Castle.

It’s perfect for a scenic picnic or a hunt for ancient coins, plus the grounds and keep are completely free to visit.

Plus, if you find anything interesting, there’s often Finds Liaison Officers on hand to help identify your treasures.

Clitheroe Castle Museum is open 12pm to 4pm from Friday to Tuesday, opening daily from 1 April.

Stick Man Trail, National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire

Fans of the book, film, or that catchy party song won’t want to miss the Stick Man trail hidden in the woods of Alrewas, Staffordshire.

This mile-long woodland path is packed with the familiar faces of classic characters in carved wooden sculptures throughout the trail.

To start your journey, just grab a free trail map from the National Memorial Arboretum welcome desk, and head into the woods to see who you can find.

The National Memorial Arboretum offers free admission and is open daily from 10am – 4pm.

Spring Family Fun Festival at the Southbank Centre, London

From April, the Southbank Centre in London will host an exciting Spring Family Fun festival.

The festival offers both free and paid events during the Easter holidays, with free events including family textiles workshops and free Wordplay songs, rhymes and dance workshops.

There’s also Simmer Down dancing sessions with live music and art workshops inspired by new exhibitions.

The Spring Family Fun festival takes place from April 1 to May 31. For dates and times of specific events, visit the festival website, where you can pre-book your activities.

The Box, Plymouth

The Box is a top-tier family attraction in Plymouth, offering everything from free museum trails and craft tables to fascinating art exhibitions.

You can dive into the current Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy exhibition, or pick up a family trail sheet to hunt for hidden treasures across the galleries.

For those with little ones, don’t miss the free storytelling sessions held every Friday morning for under-5s.

It’s the perfect way to spend a morning, followed by a quick visit to meet Mildred the Mammoth or a creative session at the drop-in craft tables.

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