KATIE Price has revealed what husband Lee Andrews told her on the phone from prison as she admitted “time is running out”.
The Sun revealed yesterday that self-proclaimed businessman Lee must pay a fine of more than £100,000 to be released from jail.
The ex-glamour model, 48, is thought to have believed her hubby could walk free in Dubai this week if he could stump up a four-figure fine.
But after she spoke to him, it emerged he “needs a six-figure sum” instead.
And now Katie has shared her fears for Lee, saying she was worried he would not be released anytime soon.
Revealing details of her last phone conversation with Lee, Katie said: “I’m absolutely knackered, it’s the second morning because I spoke to Lee yesterday and he wants me to go to the Al Awir prison because he’s given me permission to get all his phones, his belongings.
“So I’m going there now.
“I still need to hear back from his lawyer if I can get a visit to see him.
“It’s Wednesday and I go on Friday… time is running out.”
Katie admitted she was now able to reach her husband because she had a Dubai number for him in prison.
“I’m feeling knackered today, I’m excited, but excited for what? Because I don’t know if I’m seeing Lee but at least I now know he can ring me, I’ve got the Dubai number so at least I know he can ring me,” she added.
“So let’s go to the prison again.”
The previous day, Katie posted a clip while at a hair salon in Dubai as she told fans she was “all glam, just to go to bed and chill”.
She said: “The time is half five, I’m going to go back to the hotel, get in bed and watch telly all night until tomorrow morning.
“That’s so bad, coming to Dubai and I’m going to bed at half six in the evening, that’s shocking.
“I could go and party, have a drink, but I’m happy to go back to the hotel for a cup of tea in bed.”
Former I’m A Celebrity star Katie flew out on Monday and has visited the notorious Al Awir Central Prison several times, though her only contact with her hubby is via phone.
A source told The Sun yesterday: “Katie is desperately trying to get Lee out of prison.
“Despite everything that’s gone on, Lee is her husband and Katie wants to get him out and get the answers she so badly needs.
“She has been to the prison a number of times now, including going there today, to try to get the paperwork sorted to secure his release.
“To be released, Lee will have to pay over £100,000.
“He is confident he can get the cash and has assured Katie she won’t need to pay anything.”
Lee, who mysteriously disappeared last month, is said to be in jail over a civil matter.
Mum of five Katie last night confirmed she was trying to get him out, and admitted it was exhausting.
She said in a social media video: “I have got to go to courts, prison and the police station.
“Not visiting him in prison but ‘the’ prison.
“Who knows what today will bring.
“I am so tired.”
Katie married Nottingham-born Andrews, 42, in Dubai in January, just days after meeting him.
Prior to his disappearance, he told her he was flying to the UK to go on Good Morning Britain for their first joint interview.
However, the UAE government had banned him from leaving the country for allegedly forging a signature on a six-figure loan.
Katie then feared he had been kidnapped after he disappeared.
Subsequently, she said Andrews called her to say he was in jail, apparently for spying.
Officials later confirmed to The Sun his incarceration was linked to a “private civil matter”.
Any potential release may not be straightforward, according to a source last night.
Three weeks on from when Lee went ‘missing’ after failing to arrive in the UK for a joint interview with Katie, here is what we know.
Last night Katie shared a video filmed inside a car where she discussed the effects of CBD oil. The view from the car appeared to show that the star was warmer climes in a foreign country, which would line up with the recent snaps taken of Katie at Gatwick Airport with a huge suitcase and her engagement ring firmly on her finger.
She revealed on Facebook that she is set to travel to Dubai to try and visit him in prison, but added: “I don’t know if I’m going to see Lee or I’m not when I get there and it’s a really weird feeling.”
Lee told Katie he was in Al Awir prison, also known as “Dubai Alcatraz” in a brief phone call last week, as he claims he was detained after being mistaken for a spy. It has not been confirmed by Dubai authorities that he is in prison, or was in fact charged with espionage.
While he has allegedly been in prison, he has unfollowed and followed Katie – the only person he follows on Instagram. His account also followed a woman dubbed “biker babe” who used to be on a millionaire matchmaker site, but she appears to have ultimately blocked his account.
The phone call about Lee’s whereabouts came after he’d been “missing” for almost two weeks, with Katie telling fans that her husband had been “kidnapped” and she had to get Interpol involved after as he was being taken to a “black site”.
Since this ordeal began in May, Katie has faced criticism for using Lee’s alleged arrest as a PR stunt to promote her CBD oil collaboration and her music. She has also been met with sympathy from fans who believe she had no involvement and is being “conned” by her husband.
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‘Incredible’ detective series ‘better than Vera’ now streaming for free(Image: ITV)
Fans of Vera looking for their next bingeable detective series need look no further.
Back in 2011, ITV’s crime drama Scott & Bailey aired on screens, starring beloved actors Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp as DC Rachel Bailey and DC Janet Scott.
Written by Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright, the show followed the personal and professional lives of the two coppers, who are both members of the Syndicate Nine Major Incident Team (MIT) of the fictional Manchester Metropolitan Police.
An instant hit, Scott & Bailey, which attracted around seven million viewers per episode, aired for five series, before ending in 2016 – much to the heartbreak of the show’s loyal legion of fans.
The series also boasted a star-studded cast, made up of Suranne, Lesley, Amelia Bullmore, Nicholas Gleaves, Danny Miller and Pippa Haywood. And over the years, Scott & Bailey garnered several award nominations during its run, including a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Drama Series in both 2012 and 2013.
The programme also bagged rave reviews and boasts an impressive 97 percent Rotten Tomatoes score. “Finished Scott and Bailey. What a brilliant series!” declared one person on a Reddit thread.
Someone else said: “I thought it was phenomenal, same writer as Happy Valley, if you liked that you’ll like S&B.” A third chimed in: “Much better than other cop shops like Vera.”
Another wrote: “I’m watching it for a second time and I still don’t want it to end.” A fifth said: “One of my all-time favorites, I loved the friendship between them.”
In 2016, lead star Suranne spoke about the decision to end Scott & Bailey. She told Radio Times: “We said we weren’t going to do another one last series, and then when ITV said, ‘Would you like to do another one?
“We kind of thought [why not], because there’s been quite a break between the last one and this one. And then I said, ‘Oh I’d quite like to produce as well,’ so they said yes come along and do that. So the whole thing was a goodbye in a sense.”
“We were going to do a short thing, I was going to produce, and be properly on the team, because I’ve always put my nose in.”
Scott & Bailey is available to watch on ITVX
IF you’ve got any theme park fanatics in the family, you’ll want to read on.
While the UK’s biggest theme parks are home to some world-class rollercoasters and rides, they aren’t always the kindest to your bank balance.
Once you add up entry for the whole family, parking, and a place to stay for the weekend, sometimes you’re looking at spending hundreds.
But we’ve mapped the most affordable theme parks in the UK, plus cheap hotels and holiday parks nearby.
Research from credit card brand Aqua has found the UK’s top 10 most affordable theme parks.
The rankings are based on factors like the price of a peak-season weekend adult ticket, and bang for your buck when it comes to the number of rollercoasters at the park.
In joint-10th place for the best-value theme parks are The Milky Way Adventure Park in North Devon and Twinlakes Family Theme Park in Melton Mowbray.
Both parks have an average adult ticket price of £20, with just three rollercoasters in each park; however, they have plenty of other attractions and lots to do for younger children.
All rides at The Milky Way Adventure Park are included with the cost of your entry, and include the Gravity Rider tubing slide, the Cosmic Caterpillar coaster, and the Milky Way Train, which takes you around the scenic countryside grounds.
Twinlakes Family Theme Park is an all-weather option with indoor activities like soft play and the Davy Jones indoor water ride, plus outdoor fun like a splash park and live falconry performances.
Another plus of both attractions is that you can park for free.
However, when it comes to a place to stay, Twinlakes is drastically cheaper.
A hotel stay near Twinlakes averages £172 per night, whereas it averages £260 for a stay near Milky Way.
For an affordable stay just five minutes down the road from The Milky Way Adventure Park, opt for Parkdean Resorts Bideford Bay Holiday Park.
A two-night stay in June in a Bronze caravan, which sleeps up to six, starts from £141.
If you stay as a group of six, that works out to £11.75pp per night.
For an affordable stay near Twinlakes, try their heated pods. You can stay two nights in a lodge that sleeps up to six, with theme park tickets included, for £199 total.
If you fill the lodge, that works out to just over £33pp for two nights’ accommodation, theme park entry and all of your rides already paid for.
Paultons Park in the New Forest ranks at number nine, with an entry ticket costing a pricey £46.75pp – but there are 10 thrilling rollercoasters here to enjoy, plus plenty more, including a brand new theme park land.
The new £12m Viking-themed land, Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, which opened on May 16, will feature an inverted rollercoaster called Drakon.
The theme park has plenty more to see and do, such as the spooky Ghostly Manor ride and family-friendly, dinosaur-themed coaster Flight of the Pterosaur.
Even though the entry cost is steep, kids under 1m in height go free – plus the cost per coaster, if you ride them all, works out to an affordable £4.68.
When it comes to accommodation, a nearby hotel averages at £234 per night, which brings this theme park down in the rankings.
However, we’ve found an affordable stay at the nearby Sandy Balls holiday village.
A three-night stay in a six-berth luxury caravan from June 29 costs £296 total – working out at £16.44pp per night.
Southend-on-Sea‘s Adventure Island ranks at number eight, and is a free-admission theme park, meaning it’s free to walk around. But to access the rides, you’ll need a £25 wristband.
There are more than 40 rides and attractions to choose from here, including seven rollercoasters.
Popular rides and attractions include Axis, the huge pendulum swing ride, and Rage, a thrilling, twisting rollercoaster.
The cost per ride averages at an affordable £3.57, according to Aqua, making this seaside theme park a wallet-friendly choice.
As for accommodation nearby, the average hotel would set you back £196 per night.
However, a stay at the Premier Inn Southend On Sea (Eastern Esplanade) starts at just £68 a night.
Popular theme park Alton Towers in Stoke-on-Trent comes in at number seven, with an average adult ticket price of £38 for 19 rollercoasters – some of which are world-famous.
Younger children will love the new Bluey coaster and Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop ride, while adrenaline junkies can take on The Smiler or Oblivion.
The average cost per coaster here is £2, so it’s fair to say that you get some great bang for your buck at this theme park.
However, it is worth noting that the cheapest parking available is £13, and the average cost of a nearby hotel is £171 a night.
For a budget-friendly base, opt for the Weathervane Hotel by Greene King Inns, where you can bag a double room for two nights for just £125.
Drayton Manor in Tamworth offers a great-value family day out, with entry tickets averaging at £30, 12 rollercoasters, and over 50 rides and attractions.
Family favourites include Thomas Land, a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed area with 25 rides and attractions of its own, and adrenaline zones, Vikings and Adventure Cove.
Some of the park’s most popular coasters are The Wave, an inverting coaster, and Gold Rush, the wild west-themed ride that opened in 2024.
The average cost per rollercoaster works out to £2.46. Parking costs a reasonable £10, and the average nearby hotel costs £141 per night.
Stay at the nearby Travelodge Tamworth M42 with double rooms from £28.99 a night.
Codona’s Amusement Park in Aberdeen is a traditional beachfront amusement park with seven exciting rollercoasters.
There are several ticket options to choose from, which include various perks like food and rounds of mini golf, but the average adult ticket costs £25.
Popular rides include the Dead Man’s Drop, a tower ride that launches you into the sky before sending you plummeting back down, and the refreshing White Water Log Flume.
There’s also karting, bumper boats, adventure golf and a Ferris wheel that offers spectacular views of the city skyline. The average cost per rollercoaster based on ticket price works out to £3.57 per coaster.
The average hotel cost nearby is £149 per night, but you can stay in a double room at the Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen City Centre from £51 per night.
M&D’s in Strathclyde is an all-singing, all-dancing attraction known as Scotland’s Theme Park, and it has an affordable entry cost of £20.
There are both fairground-style rides and thrill coasters here, making M&D’s a fantastic option for a family day out or staycation.
The Runaway Mine Train is a fan-favourite and takes riders through twists and turns through a mining town on an adorable miniature train.
For something more adrenaline-pumping, there’s Freak Out – a spectacular, spinning pendulum ride that can be seen (and heard) from the other side of the park.
The cost per coaster works out to just £2.49, and there’s plenty more weather-proof things to see and do, like 10-pin bowling and exploring one of the largest indoor amusement arcades in Scotland.
The average cost of a hotel in the area is £174 per night, but you can stay 3 minutes away in a double room at the Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde Park from £69 per night.
Coming in joint-third for the UK’s best-value theme parks are Fantasy Island in Ingoldmells near Skegness and Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes.
The average adult ticket price for both parks is £26. Fantasy Island has 10 rollercoasters, and Gulliver’s Land has just seven.
Fantasy Island offers colourful and thrilling loop rides right on the beach front of seaside town Ingoldmells, plus classics like water rapids, bumper cars and a log flume.
The big three thrill rides at Fantasy Island are The Odyssey, a looping coaster, Millennium, a high-speed ride and The Volcano, a tower ride that shoots you high into the sky.
Gulliver’s Land, on the other hand, focuses on rides and attractions for primarily younger children.
There are rides like The Wriggler, a caterpillar coaster, and the Rockin’ Tug, a gentle pirate boat ride.
Mini thrill seekers can also enjoy the tall Tree Top Swings, or soar into the skies on the 360° ride Dragon Siege.
There’s also a dinosaur sculpture area, and a farm park where you can meet the animals.
The average cost per rollercoaster at Gulliver’s Land is £3.71, whereas at Fantasy Island it works out to £2.61.
But Gulliver’s Land takes the edge when it comes to parking, as you can park for free, whereas parking at Fantasy Island starts at £8.
The average cost for a hotel near both theme parks is £135.
For a cheap place to stay near Fantasy Island, book a Silver Caravan at Coastfields in Ingoldmells – three nights over a weekend in a six-berth caravan starts from £205 total in June.
And for somewhere to stay near Gulliver’s Land, go for the Holiday Inn Express Milton Keynes, where you can bag a double room with a hot breakfast included from £86 per night.
Lightwater Valley in North Yorkshire ranks as the second best-value UK theme park, with an average adult ticket price of £25.
With a lineup of 11 family-friendly coasters to choose from, riding each works out to just £2.23 per ride.
There are wholesome, family-friendly coasters like the Ladybird and Spin Bug, and fun extras like a Jeep Safari as well as several miniature train rides.
Plus, 2026 brings a new ride, the Spinning Racer, to the park, a colourful, curving rollercoaster that looks like a giant Scalextric track.
While you can park for free, which is a plus, the average cost of a hotel nearby is a hefty £222 a night.
Luckily, we’ve found a much cheaper option. You can book a double room at the Premier Inn Thirsk hotel from £57 per night.
The best-value theme park according to the data is family-favourite Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
While the average adult ticket price is £32, there are a whopping 26 coasters to have a go on – that works out to a cost of £1.22 per ride.
Rollercoasters include the Big One, with a 235ft drop, and Launch Pad, which shoots you to speeds of 80mph.
There are also dark rides like the Ghost Train and Valhalla, plus Nickelodeon-themed rides like SpongeBob’s Splash Bash and the toddler-friendly Bikini Bottom Bus Tour.
Plus, there’s a major new ride coming this year – the £8m Aviktas, a record-breaking gyro swing ride, is set to become the tallest in the UK, at 138ft tall, and is set to open this month.
The cheapest available parking nearby is £15, and the average price for a hotel in the area is £121.
For a budget-friendly base for your Blackpool staycation, stay at Haven Marton Mere, where four nights in a saver caravan which sleeps four starts at £49 this June.
Five of seven men who entered cave seeking gold are now out after being trapped for 10 days.
Published On 30 May 202630 May 2026
Rescuers have pulled four more men from a flooded cave in central Laos, bringing to five the number freed from a group of villagers who became trapped while searching for gold. Two others remain missing.
The four were brought out on Saturday, a day after the first man was rescued, ending a period of about 10 days during which the group was cut off underground.
list of 2 itemsend of list
The Thailand Rescue Diver Facebook page said that “rescue officials were able to bring out four more people trapped” at about 3:10pm (08:10 GMT).
Rescuers said the water inside the cave had finally dropped low enough for the men to walk and swim out alongside the divers who had reached them.
The operation has drawn diving teams from several countries, but the danger is far from over, with two members of the group still unaccounted for deep inside the flooded passages.
Lao and Thai rescue groups posted images of the men being carried out on stretchers, caked in mud, wearing oxygen masks and wrapped in foil blankets.
Footage shared online showed some of them collapsing as they emerged, before being embraced by rescuers.
The five had been located alive on Wednesday, huddled on a rocky ledge in a chamber about 300 metres (980 feet) from the entrance. Unable to bring them out straight away, rescuers passed in water, soft food and blankets to keep them going.
“The first one is out. Safe and sound!!!” Manat Artmongkron, a technician with a Thai rescue group, wrote on Facebook after the first evacuation on Friday.
Divers described treacherous conditions in the narrow, flooded tunnels, where visibility was almost nil. One stretch was a 25-metre passage too tight to turn around in.
The group had entered the cave around May 19 or 20, to look for gold and other minerals, according to local officials, before heavy rain triggered flash flooding that sealed off their way out.
An eighth villager who escaped in time alerted the authorities to those left behind.
Rescue teams said they were now preparing to push deeper into the cave – about 20 to 25 metres beyond where the survivors were found – to look for the two missing men, though that section remained heavily flooded.
Local officials said residents of the remote, mountainous province of Xaisomboun often forage for a living and enter such caves in search of gold, despite repeated warnings about the risks.
Death in Paradise fans looking for their next detective series need look no further(Image: BBC)
Death in Paradise fans looking for their next detective series need look no further.
New Zealand-set show, The Brokenwood Mysteries, has been likened to Midsomer Murders and it is currently on UK screens as the crime drama’s 12th season airs.
Viewers can catch up from series one on Channel 4 and U&DRAMA with new episodes airing on Mondays at 8pm on the latter channel.
The Brokenwood Mysteries sees the “seemingly quiet town of Brokenwood slowly being riddled with murders” and it is up to Detective Mike Shepherd, played by Neill Rea, to get to the bottom of the crimes.
Other characters include Detective Kristin Sims, played by Fern Sutherland, Detective Constable Sam Breen, played by Nic Sampson, Dr. Gina Kadinsky, played by Cristina Ionda, and Detective Constable Daniel Chalmers played by Jarod Rawiri.
The show was first released in 2014 and its currently airing its 12th season. The detective series has received rave reviews and boasts an impressive 89% Rotten Tomatoes score with many viewers claiming it is “better than Death in Paradise”.
One person said: “If you like a great mystery, well written with lots of twists and turns as well as colorful characters populating a simply stunning locale, I can confidently recommend you visit the quirky world of Brokenwood.”
A different viewer put: “I really enjoy this series and agree with the positive reviews I’ve read” while another show watcher added: “I was pleasantly surprised, the lead actors were excellent and supporting cast very good in my opinion.”
Another fan commented: “I have given The Broken Wood Mysteries a 9 out of 10. For me this is extremely rare, it’s not often something catches my attention and keeps it, as well as Broken Wood does.”
They added: “BUT the Broken Wood Mysteries in my humble opinion, Is That Good!. To Conclude, Wonderful Trio of exceptionally good Actors!, Delightful Script Writing (quality writing), wonderful Scenery which shows delightfully the beauty of New Zealand. ALL IN ALL, A very deserved 9 out of 10.”
Elsewhere, a different viewer wrote: “I look forward to future episodes of this refreshing NZ ‘whodunnit’, which for me rates better than Midsomer, definitely better than Death in Paradise, but perhaps not quite as good as Lewis, Frost, or the Swedish version of Wallander. Well done NZ!”
Meanwhile, another fan added: “Came across this well done series from the “you may like ” section and was pleasantly entertained.
“The show built the characters quickly and the result was a wonderful mix of personalities with a nice mix of serious and humour ,especially from Fern and Neill. The Medical Examiner is like someone everyone knows, and the banter between all the cast is the strongest part of the show.”
While a different viewer wrote: “Outstanding Kiwi police series, reminiscent of some British country police dramas. The cast work well together and over the 11 seasons we see a development in the characters. If you like country music you’ll love the soundtrack.”
The Brokenwood Mysteries series one to 11 are available to watch on Channel 4 and U&DRAMA now. Season 12 airs on Mondays at 8pm on U&DRAMA with episodes also available to watch on Channel 4.
Six years ago, the government rejected a House of Lords select committee proposal to add the Champions League final to the list of “crown jewels” events, which would have ensured it would always be free-to-air.
Highlights of the Champions League final will be available on the BBC Sport website and across social media channels 15 minutes after the trophy lift, and on BBC iPlayer and television later in the evening.
Live commentary will also be on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The Champions League final had been free on ITV each year from 1993 – with the exception of the 1994 final, which the BBC showed live – until BT Sport won the rights, starting from 2015-16.
BT Sport continued to make it available without a subscription through to 2023, simultaneously broadcasting the game on its YouTube channel.
This changed after BT Sport was bought by Warner Bros Discovery and rebranded as TNT Sports.
While the finals remained available without cost, fans needed to sign up for a discovery+ account to get access.
Discovery+ has been replaced by Warner Bros Discovery’s new streaming service, HBO Max, which has no free option.
Fans will not need a full TNT Sports subscription, and can instead sign up for HBO Max for one month.
The cheapest subscription starts at £4.99, which would include all three matches, though most Sky customers already get HBO Max at no extra cost.
From 2027-28, TNT Sports will lose its European rights.
Paramount+ has picked up the Champions League, while the Europa League and the Conference League will move to Sky Sports.
Warner Bros Discovery has been approached for comment.
Firefighters worked to free riders stranded 30.4 metres in the air after a rollercoaster malfunctioned and their car became stuck at Pleasure Pier amusement park in Galveston, Texas. No injuries were immediately reported.
Published On 29 May 202629 May 2026
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WOULD you believe me if I told you that you could bag yourself a break for £1 just by doing your regular grocery shopping at Sainsbury’s or by filling up with petrol at BP – no strings attached?
You may roll your eyes at the term ‘loyalty scheme’, but you’re going to want to hear me out on this one, as Avios will make your Boots Advantage Card seem utterly pathetic.
And I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but what you think you know about Avios or air miles is completely wrong. You won’t need to hop on a single flight to earn points here.
In fact, I’m so confident about this scheme that if you follow my advice below for one year and don’t end up with enough points for a free flight or holiday, I’ll eat my hat (…that I bought with my points).
So, pay close attention. Here’s everything you need to know.
It is essentially a rewards currency, some may call it an air-mile points scheme, although it’s so much more than that.
Avios is linked to the IAG (International Airlines Group) loyalty scheme, meaning you can earn and (most importantly) spend with British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL, as well as partner airlines Qatar Airways, Finnair, and Loganair.
It’s a very common mistake, however, to think that you can only earn Avios on direct spend with these airlines, by booking flights, for example.
IAG Loyalty allows you to collect a generous number of points on over 2,000 brands, including major names like Deliveroo, Domino’s Pizza and Just Eat – and that’s only if you want a takeaway.
Clothing retail brands include River Island, H&M and Sports Direct, while department stores include Debenhams, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer, and wellness brands include Superdrug, Boots and Holland & Barrett.
You can earn points (Avios) on every penny you spend with these brands.
I won’t name every brand right now, but you can find the list here on the Avios website – chances are if it’s a well known name, it’ll be on there.
I was sceptical too, but rest assured you won’t have to pain-stakingly collect points for 10 years to reap the benefits.
A few months ago I gained 2,500 Avios simply by renewing my car insurance with Compare the Market – another brand on IAG Loyalty’s books.
I’ll explain what the number of points equates to below, but, in rough terms, that’s about a quarter of the points you’d need to pay for a one-way flight to Amsterdam.
If you’re serious about it, you can earn mega points quickly and easily (more on that below too).
The most popular way to spend Avios is on “reward” flights with the IAG and Oneworld airlines. The big players will tell you that this gets you the most for your money, but you can also redeem your points against holiday packages (flights and hotel), as well as hotels, car hire and cases of wine.
There’s also the Avios shop which sells everything from perfumes and lotions to Apple products and coffee machines; plus you can convert Avios to Nectar points and spend in Sainsbury’s, Argos or Habitat; or feast at Pizza Express.
That’s why Avios is nothing like your Boots card – you’re not tied to one product or brand.
It varies from retailer to retailer with many brands offering special deals throughout the year – keep your eyes peeled at Christmas time and in January.
But to give you some perspective, last month I earned 1,790 Avios, just through my regular, everyday shopping: I get 19 points for my train to work (booked through Uber), I earned 136 points for buying some protein powder and 14 points for some new socks from ASOS.
No, I’m not a big spender. I’m a frugal 33-year-old that’s currently living with her parents, in the process of buying her first home, meaning my key expenses are my commute to work, petrol for my car and the odd meal out with pals.
I – properly – started my Avios journey almost exactly two years ago and I now have 99,420 Avios.
Just shy of enough to fly me to the furthest-away destination possible, Sydney, Australia, and all the way back again.
But that is by following a few simple rules carved out at the end of this piece.
If you’re just looking for flights then 10,000 points can get you a one-way ticket to short haul destinations like Paris, Copenhagen or Munich, while 27,500 can get you to the far-flung cities of Chicago, Dubai and Toronto.
Sydney is of course the priciest spot, costing a minimum of 55,000 Avios each way.
The above figures are all based on travelling in an economy seat at off-peak times, although you can splash your points on premium economy flights and even business class, or use points to upgrade if you’ve already booked your flight.
Head for Points has a useful table on which destinations your points will get you to.
There is one thing you need to know, though.
You may have noticed that my opening sentence to this piece read: “bag a break for £1”. That is because you will have to pay a flat-fee, essentially a nominal charge that covers taxes, carrier charges and a fixed Avios amount.
For short-haul flights like Paris, this is just £1, but for destinations like Chicago this is £60 and this price increases if you decide to fly in an upper cabin or further afield.
Points work differently on holidays and products, however, and you can pay partly in points and partly in cash – the split is entirely up to you. If, for example, I were to buy a fancy Dyson hairdryer worth £400, I could pay £200 in cash and the rest can be paid with 33,670 Avios.
This requires several minutes of faffing to set yourself up and link your cards and accounts, but once you’re done that’s everything sorted for good.
Sign up for free to Avios here, or if you are already a member of the free British Airways Club you can sign in that way – or you can sign in via Iberia Club or Aer Club if you’d prefer.
Those who like to shop on their phones should download the Avios app.
What comes next is the MOST important step. In general, every time you do any online shopping, you should check if you can earn points at that retailer by clicking on the ‘collect’ button on the Avios site or on the app.
Then select that retailer and the ‘shop now’ button. This will register your visit and then you can shop as normal and earn those points.
If you use Uber, link your account to your Avios account (Avios has a guide on this); if you buy your petrol at BP, link your Avios account to your BPme account; and if you shop at Sainsbury’s, link your Nectar account to your Avios account… you get the drift by now.
If you have the ability to do so, get yourself a British Airways American Express credit card.
You don’t necessarily need one to earn Avios but simply using the Amex for the majority of your spending is the easiest way to accumulate points. Just remember to pay it off in full at the end of the month.
I have just two rules for earning big: Always(!) check if you can earn Avios before making any purchase (literally, any purchase) and only buy what you were going to in the first place – no willy-nilly spending, please.
Of course there are other airline loyalty schemes, I just don’t know enough about those yet.
Watch this space though…
There are over 20 fantastic attractions at the affordable theme park(Image: Playland Fun Park)
With the Spring Bank Holiday fast approaching on May 25, families up and down Britain will be on the hunt for thrilling yet budget-friendly activities to enjoy with their little ones.
Sorting out plans for a bank holiday weekend can quickly become an expensive business, and parents are constantly seeking ways to keep costs down while still guaranteeing the whole family has a brilliant time.
A trip to a theme park is a fantastic way to mark the occasion, but these outings don’t come cheap.
Entry tickets typically start at upwards of £30 per person, meaning a family of four could be looking at around £120 minimum just to get through the gates – and that’s before you’ve even thought about food and drinks.
Tucked away in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire – just an hour’s drive away – lies a little-known adventure park that could be the perfect day out for families with children. The best part? Admission is completely free for everyone, with rides starting from as little as £1, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Playland Fun Park is a hidden gem of a family-run theme park in the West Midlands, which regularly features on lists of the ‘most affordable adventure parks in the UK’. According to its official website, it boasts ’20 fantastic attractions’ for visitors to enjoy.
Open from March through to October, at weekends and throughout school holidays, this charming theme park is the ideal destination for those looking to keep the pennies in check while making sure the kids – and let’s face it, the grown-ups too – have an absolutely cracking time.
Perched on the banks of the River Severn, this riverside funfair boasts a fantastic array of attractions, including the Junior Pirate Ship, Go Karts, Moto GP Bikes, F1 Cars, Pony Ride, Safari Train, Bumper Boats, Trampolines, Quad Bikes, and Crazy Caves, as well as Bouncy Castles and the brand-new safari-themed Crazy Golf.
Visitors can also treat themselves to a river steamer ride, drifting gently past the hidden treasures of Stourport-on-Severn as they glide leisurely along the water.
The budget-friendly theme park operates without a standard entry fee, embracing a ‘pay as you play’ approach. Rather than charging a blanket admission price, guests can buy ‘tokens’ on the day and spend them only on the rides that take their fancy.
The theme park’s official Facebook page states: “The tokens are £1 each and rides vary from 1-4 tokens with the majority being 1 token. We also have petrol go karts which have a special £4 token.”
This oft-underrated attraction has recently given its fairgrounds a fresh update, introducing new rides such as the thrilling Dino Tours, where visitors can “drive your own explorer jeep through our dinosaur-themed track”.
A dedicated Farmyard area, complete with ride-on animals, tractors, Pony Adventure, and a Farmyard Bounce and Slide, adds even more fun to the mix.
Families can also hire one of the park’s self-drive boats, taking the helm and cruising at a relaxed pace along the River Severn entirely at their own leisure. Playland Fun Park sits right alongside the breathtaking riverside meadows of this picturesque town, where families can stop for a relaxing picnic or simply soak up the stunning scenery.
It’s equally perfect for a lively family kickabout, giving both children and adults the chance to burn off some energy in gorgeous open-air surroundings.
One glowing Tripadvisor review reads: “Went with our son and our 3 year old granddaughter . She loved it. Loads of electric cars and bikes for her to drive. She was very happy there and on way home.
“Queues very small even on a sunny Saturday, every ride 1 or 2 pounds. Only negative is you need cash. The pictures don’t do it justice. There’s more than crazy golf. Driving, bouncing on castles, plenty. 2 hours of great fun for a toddler.”
Another delighted visitor added: “We went to a birthday party here today. Not too crowded, excellent value for money as the rides are just one token each, and there’s plenty to do for all ages (adults included!) Definitely coming back soon!”
Opening hours may differ over bank holidays, so it’s worth ringing ahead to double-check before you set off.
SUNSHINE and hot weather in the UK has felt like a long time coming and finally this weekend it will reach highs of 30C – ideal for spending time at a lido.
And you are not short for choice when it comes to picking a lido – with over 100 across the country.
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.
Even though most charge admission fees (unless you’re a toddler), there are some gems that are free and others that have ways to get around paying.
Whether it be a tidal pool or open-air lido, there are a number of venues around the UK that are completely free for everyone to visit.
For example, Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall is a semi-natural tidal pool, found right on the beach.
Read more on travel inspo
In Margate, Kent, you could head to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool for free – it is Grade II listed and is the UK’s largest tidal pool.
Over in Wales, you could visit Blackpill Lido in Swansea, which also has a children’s play area and climbing rock.
Embedded in the rock, Pittenweem Tidal Pool in Fife, Scotland is another free tidal pool.
Also in Fife, you can head to St Monans Tidal Pool, which is next to a historic windmill.
Another great option down in Devon is Mount Wise Pools, which is free for everyone and boasts three pools – a 25-metre main pool, a fun pool with fountains, a whirlpool and a bubble pool and a paddling pool for kids.
As for paddling pools, you could head to Stoke Park paddling pool in Guildford.
There are a number of free splash pads too across the country, such as Great Hollands in Wokingham – which has 13 water soakers, two bucket drenchers, fountain jets and water tunnels.
Depending on your age, there might be some offers available to you at a lido or swimming spot near you.
For example, if you are under 16-years-old or over 60, you could head to Hamstead Heath Ponds in London, for free before 9:30am.
The same applies to Parliament Hill Lido in London.
It is worth checking whether any pools or lidos have age-related offers, with the most common being free entry for under 16s or 18s and for over 60s.
Your local council might give out free swim passes or access to lidos near you.
For example, if you are a Wandsworth resident in London, under 18-years-old, a student or from a low income household – you can swim for free at Tooting Bec Lido.
Often you will need to bring proof of address and age to get free access, but it is worth looking into if your area offers such a scheme.
There are some other lido offers across the UK that can get you free access.
For example, there are many pop-up lidos across the UK, which are usually free to visit.
For example, Summer Splash in East London is an outdoor lido that sits over the water at Royal Victoria Dock and will return between July 25 and August 17.
Another chance to get free entry is on open days, usually in September.
Across the UK, thousands of venues usually open their doors for free as part of England‘s largest festival of history and culture.
You will often find historic, Art Deco lidos participating.
Keep an eye out for lidos offering taster sessions too, which are usually free.
A BELOVED lido, boasting elephant slides and splash pads, is set to reopen this Bank Holiday weekend.
This beloved outdoor pool is the last riverside tidal lido in Britain.
The Strand Lido Pool in Gillingham, Medway, will welcome back visitors this Saturday.
Listed as the UK’s only riverside salt water pool, this Kent-based lido uses cleaned river water that is safe for public swimming.
Opened back in 1896, Medway’s only lido has been inviting families to swim for over 130 years.
This Victorian-era lido includes a host of swimming facilities for all ages, including an outdoor leisure pool and toddler paddling pool.
Children will love the elephant slides into the paddling pool, and cruising along the 300-metre lazy river.
For more advanced swimmers, there is also a central swimming zone, fitted with six 25-metre lengths to get some exercise this summer.
In 2025, The Strand introduced a free-to-use splash pad designed for children aged three to 11.
The splash pad features 30 sensor-activated waterjets in a beach-themed play area, opening at the same time as the lido with no booking required.
Strand visitors can also enjoy refreshments from the cafe, a mini train ride, crazy golf, tennis, a children’s play area and more.
Around the lido, visitors can buy pool inflatables, enjoy a break at the pool-side cafe, and lounge on the seating and sunbeds provided.
To enjoy all this summer fun, entry to The Strand Lido costs £8.15 for adults, and £5.35 for children, with under threes going free.
The pool will be operating on weekends from May 23 with two bookable sessions between 10.30am to 1.30pm, and 2.30pm to 5.30pm.
It will then be open for seven days a week during the school summer holidays – starting from Tuesday, July 21.
YOU don’t have to spend hundreds on theme park tickets or overpriced attractions to have a great family day out this half term.
May half term is nearly here, and we’ve found plenty of days out that will cost you only a couple of pounds – and plenty more that are completely free.
Whether you’re a family of mini history buffs, budding astronauts or future artists, we’ve found hands-on activities to suit all interests.
From the north of Scotland down to the coast of Devon, here’s our pick of free and cheap family days out all across Britain for May half term.
Step into a world of Cosmic Chaos at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum, where the cast of BBC’s Horrible Science lead you on a bizarre adventure through the planets.
Much like the hit children’s TV show, this experience is packed with weird facts and wacky experiments that make learning surprisingly fun.
Designed for families with children aged 7 and up, the exhibition lets you get hands-on with outer space – from inspecting space toilets, to programming your own rover and analysing moon rocks.
You’ll even get to journey through a wormhole before ending the trip with a dance on an alien disco planet.
The exhibition is open from now until January 2027, costing £10 per person with under 3’s going free. Make sure to book your tickets online in advance.
This interactive woodland trail follows the theme of Julia Donaldson’s famous picture book through the trees of Hamsterley Forest.
Expect interactive activity points, forest facts and even a Dragon on your journey, which ends with a lovely photo op.
Purchase a trail pack from reception for just £4, which includes colouring, a lanyard, stickers and a pop-out magic wand.
Train geeks young and old will love a day out to the National Railway Museum in York.
You can stand face-to-face with Mallard (the world’s fastest steam locomotive) and climb aboard a Japanese Bullet Train, the only one of its kind outside Japan.
Plus their May half term event sees a free family trail, The Great Object Hunt, which will have you thoroughly searching each collection.
The museum is free to visit and open daily from 10am – 5pm. Make sure to book your free tickets in advance to secure your slot.
Looking for a creative afternoon out in Liverpool? Head to the Walker Art Gallery to discover Big Art, a space specifically for mini artists aged 0–5.
Your little ones can dive into a huge selection of toys and games, explore the dress-up area, or get stuck in at the craft table, which features a brand-new theme every single week.
Session times vary between 11am – 3pm. Check their website for details.
Step into hands-on history and nature at Bolton Museum.
Here families can walk through a stunning Ancient Egypt gallery or visit Greater Manchester’s only public aquarium.
Head over to the Little Lever Library for weekly Toddler Tales storytelling sessions.
For older kids, the Create and Craft sessions offer the perfect chance to get hands-on with free arts and crafts activities.
The museum is open daily from 9am – 5pm, and open from 10am – 4pm on Sundays.
From 23 – 31 May, the Royal Air Force Museum are running an exciting Hero Trail.
Families can pick up an activity sheet and work their way through the attraction, looking for clues in the collections as you learn about historic aviation heroes.
There will also be a free screening of the BBC documentary series WWII: I Was There for older history fans running daily from 25 – 29 May.
The museum opens daily from 10am with last admission at 4:30pm.
Get out and about in nature this May half term and visit Down Banks in Staffordshire.
There’s plenty of trails to walk or cycle through as a family, plus you could plan to bring a picnic or else stop by in the cafe and farm shop.
Down Banks is a National Trust site that is free to enter.
From now until 31 May, families can take part in this free city-wide, space-themed fun trail in Leicester.
Set off on an adventure through space-themed art made by local children and artists at multiple venues throughout the city, including visiting the Sun at the National Space Centre.
Download the My Leicester app for access to the free trail, or find more information on their website.
Until May 31, visitors to Peterborough Cathedral can meet the Titanosaur – a huge model of Patagotitan Mayorum, one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered.
The model is a sight to behold, loaned from the Natural History Museum and displayed in the epic Peterborough Cathedral – perfect for any dinosaur fans in the family.
There’s also educational activities set up in the cathedral to complete your visit.
Entry costs £6 per person, and visiting slots can be pre-booked online.
This outdoor space in Essex has a near mile-long trim trail for kids to tackle.
Children can take on tyre swings, a giant see-saw, slides, climbers and more in Essex’s longest play trail.
Here you’ll also find Sky Ropes, a family-friendly high ropes course which costs just £13.50 per person, a much cheaper alternative to other treetop adventure sites such as Go Ape.
The Box in Plymouth is the ideal attraction for a budget-friendly morning.
You can hunt for hidden treasures with a family trail sheet, or meet the famous Mildred the Mammoth statue.
The museum are running family-friendly activities during the May half term, including a picnic-themed arts and crafts session where you can make fun foods from clay for ages 4 – 11.
The museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm.
Haldon Forest Park in Devon has endless walking and cycling trails that are perfect to explore as the weather warms up.
Head to the Info Pod in the forest park to grab a Gruffalo Orienteering Trail sheet for an interactive quest through the woods.
Your journey leads you through the forest and finishes at the park’s play area, where you can snap a photo with the giant Gruffalo sculpture.
The trail costs £1.50 and leads you through twelve interactive stations.
From 1 – 31 May, Bristol Walk Fest is taking over the city, providing the perfect way for families to explore the city’s parks, streets, and hidden corners on foot.
Over 7,500 attend the city-wide festival each year, and it features a huge range of self-guided and guided walks led by local experts.
You can choose from street art discovery tours and historical walks, to gentle strolls through nature or even dress-up costume events.
There’s options available to suit all ages and fitness levels.
Most of the walks are free – check the event website for details.
Until May 31, the Southbank Centre in London are hosting a Spring Family Fun festival. There are both free and paid events available.
Highlights include a huge 80th birthday bash for legendary children’s poet Michael Rosen on May 23, followed by the high-energy DanceDanceDiscoPartyFunShow on May 30.
Families can also dive into creative workshops like textile quilting or grab a map for the interactive Architecture Explorers trail.
Make sure to check the festival website for specific events, and to pre-book your place.
The Thames Clippers Uber Boat audio guide is an underrated way to explore London as a family from the water.
Hop aboard the boat and you can buy a London audio guide for £2.50 each, where a tour narrated by Rory Bremner teaches you fun facts all about the River Thames.
You can choose from two guides: a historical tour about the River Thames, or a guide to all the famous film and TV locations.
Once you grab the guide, simply download onto your smartphone, and make sure to bring your own headphones to listen along.
Note that the audio guide is a £2.50 add-on to a standard Uber Boat ticket. Tickets start from £6.20 for a single adult journey, with child tickets at 50% off the full adult price. Children 4 and under go free.
The National Museum of Scotland houses two dedicated zones specifically designed for younger explorers.
Inside Adventure Planet, children can get hands-on with the museum‘s collections through digital challenges, puzzles, and a dress-up area.
The Imagine gallery features a giant musical floor, wobbly mirrors and a quiet reading corner, perfect for a chilled break with a book.
The National Museum of Scotland, including the Adventure and Imagine zones, are free to enter. The museum is open from 10am – 5pm daily.
This unique attraction acts as a completely hands-on museum, where objects are displayed without glass casing, designed for families to pick up and interact with.
You can find the Wee Hub in the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, where there are also often crafts sessions and art exhibitions taking place.
The Wee Hub is open from 11am – 3pm, Wednesday – Sunday.
This museum in Glasgow will transport you to the early 20th century via walk-through exhibits.
The standout feature is Main Street, a recreation of Glasgow from 1895 – 1930.
You can walk through an old-fashion street, popping into traditional shops with authentic interiors that make you feel like you’re in the past century.
Elsewhere, the floor is packed with transport marvels including the towering South African Loco 3007, life-size vintage buses, and detailed boat models that celebrate the city’s shipbuilding heritage.
The museum is open from 10am – 5pm daily, opening at 11am on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Every Saturday, Aberdeen Art Gallery hosts free, themed craft workshops designed for families with children aged 5 – 12.
These creative sessions let kids experiment with different art styles, from building intricate paper sculptures, to decorating treasure boxes and sketching portraits.
The workshops are set up as relaxed drop-in sessions, so there’s no need to book ahead – simply show up and start creating.
The Art Gallery is free to visit and open from 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am – 4pm on Sunday.
Walk straight into scenes from the past at St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff.
Inside you’ll find live demonstrations from skilled craftsmen, interactive galleries, as well as farming displays and rare breed farm animals outdoors.
You can also visit St Fagans Castle whilst you’re there, a pretty Elizabethan mansion.
Admission is free, with the museum open from 10am – 5pm daily.
This free-admission museum in Swansea is full of nautical and industrial artefacts, perfect for any budding historians.
If you visit between the 26 – 28 May, you can join in a free drop-in Holiday Make and Take session, where kids can create their own crafts to take home.
The museum is open from 10am – 5pm daily.
Did you know Snowdonia is one of the most popular parts of the UK for geocaching?
Geocaching is an exciting adventure activity for all ages – it is essentially a huge outdoors treasure hunt, and it’s totally free!
Tucked away in nooks of the National Park you’ll find stashes of hidden items and letters known as caches, left by previous participants.
Simply sign up for a geocaching website, and follow the clues to find your hidden item – signing your name once you find the hidden cache to prove that you were there.
The Ulster Museum is a treasure chest of artefacts and activities, where you can come face-to-face with everything from Egyptian mummies and dinosaurs to Spanish Armada gold.
The galleries include deep dives into topics like Inclusive Global Histories and fascinating science in the Elements exhibition.
For kids, the real action is in the Discovery Centres (located on Levels 1, 3, and 5).
These are hands-on zones where they can design their own dinosaurs, crawl inside a massive sensory tree, or raid the costume trunks for a bit of dress-up.
The Ulster Museum and Discovery Centre are free-entry and open from 10am – 5pm, from Tuesday – Sunday.
This community-run farm in Carrickfergus is a hidden gem where you can get up close with pigs, goats, chickens, and ponies without spending a penny on entry.
It’s an underrated spot where families can meet the resident small pets and enjoy the County Antrim fresh air.
The site is also home to the Dancing Goat, a non-profit café serving up hot soups, sandwiches, tea, coffee and more.
The best part is that all the proceeds from the café are reinvested directly into the local area.
The farm is open from 9:30am – 4pm daily however it closes on Sundays.
May 15 (Asia Today) — Leaders from 26 countries, including South Korea, issued a joint statement supporting the restoration of normal operations through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a CNN report.
The statement came as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing.
The leaders of South Korea, Britain, France, Japan, Canada, Qatar and Bahrain were among those who reaffirmed support for freedom of navigation through the strait.
“We will use the full range of diplomatic, economic and military capabilities to support freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” the leaders said in the statement.
They said navigation must remain free under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and international law.
The leaders also pledged support for an independent and strictly defensive multinational military mission, including mine-clearing operations, to achieve that goal.
They said any military mission would be carried out only in a permissible environment and would complement diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
Trump, who is visiting China, said in a Fox News interview after his summit with Xi that the Chinese leader also supports reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
“President Xi wants the Strait of Hormuz open,” Trump said, adding that Xi offered to help “if he can be of any help.”
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.
Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260515010004172
WITH the UK heating up this month, it can be tempting to splash the cash and make the most of the sunshine.
During the May Bank Holiday, the UK could hit highs of 25C according to the BBC – compared to just 23C in Santorini that day.
BUT there are still lots of fun things you can do to make the most of the weather without having to spend a penny.
This includes everything from outdoor swimming pools and playgrounds to markets and hikes – so here are eight of the best ideas for how to make the most of the weather.
Lots of outdoor swimming pools are free across the UK – if you know where to find them.
In Swansea there is Blackpill Lido, while many seapools like Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Devon has no entry charges either, along with Bude Sea Pool.
While most small playgrounds are free, there are some bigger adventure ones that don’t cost either – there’s the Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone, which is the biggest in the southeast.
Or in London there is the Tumbling Bay Playground in the Queen Elizaeth Olympic Park.
Did you know that a lot of theme parks on the coast are free to visit?
One’s like Dreamland in Margate or Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea have free entry – instead you pay to go on the rides (so non riders can get all of the vibes without the cost).
The UK is one of the best in the world for having free museums, so you’re spoilt for choice.
In London there is everything from the Natural History Museum and Science Museum to the Tate Modern and V&A Museum; in York there is the National Railways Museum while the Museum of Liverpool and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford are all free too.
History buffs can explore some beautiful castle grounds without having to reach into their wallet.
Try Liverpool Castle (weirdly not in Liverpool but in Lancashire) or Cardiff Castle in Wales (although you will need a ticket go into the castle itself).
With everything from animals to playgrounds, why not take the kids to a garden centre?
There’s the celeb-popular Burford Garden Centre in the Cotswolds or Bridgemere Garden Centre in Cheshire, which is the biggest in the UK.
If you love a good walk, the UK has lots of them.
There is the recently opened King Charles III Coastal Path, running along the Kent coast; a short option of Hadrian’s Wall that takes just a few hours; or part of the Thames Path from Windsor to Eton which is around four miles.
If you can avoid wanting to spend, then a beautiful market is often the place for stunning architecture and even sometimes some live shows.
Grainger Market in Newcastle is known for its food, while Leadenhall Market in London is beautiful just to look at.
TUI is launching its first ever loyalty scheme for UK customers – and there are plenty of perks.
The Smiles Reward Club is set to be rolled out later this year and holidaymakers will be able to use it across flights, holidays and cruises.
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.
TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel announced yesterday the TUI Smiles Rewards Club will be rolled out in the UK ‘this summer or autumn’.
This will be the first time ever that TUI will have a loyalty scheme for its customers.
The Smiles Rewards Club will be able to be used across all bookings including flights, hotels, packages, cruises, and experiences.
As members make purchases, they will progress through three levels and each level increases the benefits like TUI treats, priority support and personalised rewards.
These rewards also include on-board and in-hotel added benefits.
For even more potential wins, there will also be a monthly game with ‘great prizes’ to be won.
For higher tier members, there will be better access to services like priority live chat and priority call support.
The scheme launched in Finland in March of this year and will be rolled out in the UK later this year.
Here’s another travel website which launched its own loyalty scheme this year.
Children can explore the home and gardens of Charles Darwin at Down House, where he lived for 40 years(Image: © Historic England)
Spring is in full swing at English Heritage sites around the UK, and you can discover them for FREE with this amazing offer in the paper starting from Tuesday.
Using the voucher in the Daily Mirror, you and your family can gain access to spectacular woodland castles, colourful country houses and Victorian gardens in full bloom.
The pass covers up to two adults and three children, or one adult and four children, or two adults. It is valid until Sunday, 14 June 2026, and is inclusive of the bank holiday.
There are hundreds of historic sites across the country just waiting to be discovered and each one has a fascinating story to tell. There is everything from Viking attacks and medieval mayhem to Georgian glamour and Second World War heroics.
READ MORE: The Victorian hilltop fort built to repel an invasion which never happenedREAD MORE: UK village has one of the ‘most remarkable Roman finds’ and is packed with cosy pubs
So whatever you and your family enjoy – whether it’s a stroll around striking gardens and castles, exploring hidden tunnels or learning about World War II, historic monarchs, and the Viking way of life – you’re bound to find something to keep every member of the family happy and entertained.
And you can make the most of the season with plenty of outdoor space, fun-packed playgrounds and cafes with outdoor seating serving up ice creams, delicious lunches and refreshing drinks.
Whether you explore a Roman fortress, a royal palace or a rambling ruined abbey there’s no better way to seize the season and head out into history with friends and family
Cut out the voucher and present it at your chosen English Heritage site by Sunday June 14, 2026, inclusive.
Please check the English Heritage website for opening times.
Dover Castle — An English fortress atop the White Cliffs of Dover, where visitors can explore wartime tunnels and a medieval keep
Osborne — The seaside palace of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on the Isle of Wight
Pendennis Castle — The Tudor fortress in Falmouth, Cornwall, built by Henry VIII where visitors now find hidden tunnels, sweeping views, and lawns for picnics
Hadrian’s Wall — The historical landmark in Northumberland which was built by the Romans to guard the north-west frontier of their empire
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden — A medieval fortress turned beautiful garden in Warwickshire
Whitby Abbey — A striking 7th-century gothic monastery sitting in the historic fishing port of Whitby
Walmer House and Gardens — A Tudor fortress turned country house, which has been the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Port for three centuries
Down House — The home of Charles Darwin where he wrote On the Origin of Species, where you’ll find his “outdoor laboratory” and extensive gardens
At these sites, you can make the most of the temperate season with plenty of outdoor space and playgrounds for kids to run around in, as well as in- and outdoor cafés with serving ice creams, lunches and drinks.
Plus, you can get a scone for just £1 when bought with any hot drink in an English Heritage café.
Stonehenge and some other sites are not included in this offer.
For full terms and conditions visit the English Heritage website.
Phoenix Rose was praised for calming a disruptive passenger on a plane
An eight-year-old boy praised for calming a disruptive passenger on a plane has been showered with gifts from around the country and even overseas.
Phoenix Rose and his dad James have even been rewarded with free flight vouchers after their actions on the Jet2 plane prevented it from being diverted. Since James, 42, insisted his son is the “real hero”, the little boy has received thank you cards and presents from strangers.
James, of Salford, Greater Manchester, has been gifted with a games console from a stranger in The Netherlands, a Lego set, football kits and vouchers for toys among other presents. He said he thought it “was like Christmas Day” when he saw the gifts.
When a woman began shouting on the flight from Izmir, Turkey, Phoenix leapt into action, speaking to her, sitting next to her and then spending hours showing her his football cards, singing and asking about her family. It calmed her and the holiday flight did not need to divert.
READ MORE: Simon Calder gives surprising verdict on summer travel chaos fears as 13,000 flights axedREAD MORE: Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary wants to BAN early morning pints before boarding flights
Speaking about the reaction to his intervention, Phoenix said: “It has been brilliant.” His dad told BBC Radio Manchester Phoenix now intends to give the presents away to children less fortunate than him.
James added: “When the first gift came, we thought it was nice for someone to do that, but since then it’s been parcel after parcel.
“One of the things he wants to do is give the stuff away, so if people are in financial hardship or they know someone who might want one of these presents then they can get in touch. What Phoenix now would like is for people to stop sending things, and if you’ve got money just donate it to charity.”
Phoenix wants his story to help others. He encouraged others to be kind if they experience similar issues on aircrafts. His father said the woman was “almost trying to smack the stewardesses”. However, at James’ request, cabin staff moved the passenger to a seat between him and his son, where Phoenix “bounced into action”.
Phoenix, a Manchester United fan, was thanked personally by the pilot. Jet2 praised the boy’s actions. In a statement, the company, which flies 120 carriers to 80 destinations, said: “I want to say a massive thank you to you both on behalf of everybody at Jet2. What you did was absolutely fantastic.”
Trevor Bauer wants to pitch in the majors again — so much so that he’s willing to start over in the lowest levels of the minor leagues and work his way up.
And he’s willing to do it without being paid.
That’s the hypothetical Bauer proposed Friday on X: A talented former Cy Young Award winner signs a minor league deal with an MLB team for a “$0 salary” and can be cut at any time at no financial risk to the organization.
Since his last MLB start on June 28, 2021, as a member of the Dodgers with a $102-million, three-year contract, Bauer has been accused of sexual assault by four women. He served a 194-game suspension for violating the league’s sexual assault and domestic violence policy. He has denied all the allegations and has never been charged with a crime.
While some might think signing Bauer might be a risky move for an MLB organization, Bauer feels his plan is foolproof in that regard.
“Hypothetical: You’re the owner of an MLB team,” Bauer wrote. “I offer to take $0 salary and sign a minor league contract and go to Low A. If the ‘he sucks now’ crowd is right and I get lit up, you cut me, lose $0 and there’s no risk to the big league club.
Hypothetical: You’re the owner of an MLB team. I offer to take $0 salary and sign a minor league contract and go to Low A.
If the “he sucks now” crowd is right and I get lit up, you cut me, lose $0 and there’s no risk to the big league club.
If the “clubhouse cancer” crowd is…
— Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) May 8, 2026
“If the ‘clubhouse cancer’ crowd is right, you see it immediately at Low A and cut me. You lose $0 and there’s no risk to the big league club. If there’s massive negative PR, which we already know there won’t be, you just cut me and move on. The story is dead in a couple days, you lose $0, and there’s no risk to the big league club.”
In the comments on Bauer’s post, someone challenged him on the notion that “we already know there won’t be” any negative PR if he is signed. In response, Bauer pointed to his current stint with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League to support his argument.
“Where has the negative PR been?” wrote Bauer, who is 3-1 this season and pitched a no-hitter for the Ducks late last month. “I’m playing in America. In New York of all places. Most ‘hostile’ media market in the United States. Stadiums are sold out when I pitch. There’s no boycotts. No media frenzy. Where is it?”
Bauer wrote in his proposal that if none of the negatives he laid out earlier happen, then the organization can promote their cost-free pitcher through the ranks, re-evaluating him every step of the way, until he reaches the big leagues — “if I earn it,” he wrote, “which you’d be 100% in control of deciding.”
“If you don’t think I’m good enough, you lose $0 and there’s no risk to the big league club,” Bauer wrote. “You could take away my ‘antics’. You could take away my social media. You could ask anything of me. If I don’t comply, you cut me, lose $0, and there’s no risk to the big league club.”
One X user asked why Bauer doesn’t just take away his “antics” on his own.
“Because no teams actually care about that,” Bauer responded. “They enjoy the content. And I’m not going to rob baseball fans of great baseball entertainment just to solve a problem that only exists in the minds of x bots.”
Informed that the MLB Players Assn. might have an issue with him playing for free, Bauer replied, “Who gives a crap about what mlbpa does or doesn’t want?”
This isn’t the first time Bauer has made what he considers to be a low-risk proposal for an organization to bring him back into the league. In 2024, Bauer spoke with The Times’ Bill Shaikin about an offer he made to play for the league minimum.
“The reason for that was, I want to go back to work, and I am trying to find any way that I possibly can to limit the risk and exposure for a team,” Bauer said. “I realize there are a lot of other things, outside of the on-field stuff, that go into whether to sign me. So I figured that, if I could limit the on-field risk as much as possible, perhaps that offsets some of the other perceived risks.”
It remains to be seen whether any club is willing to take up Bauer on his current offer.
“What logical reason is there to not do this?” Bauer wrote. “At worst, you cut me and there’s no risk to the big league club. At best, you get a Cy Young winner for $0 who you know can still pitch and could help the big league team if and when you see fit.”
Former Miami Marlins president David Samson weighed in on Bauer’s proposal in a post on X.
“This will never happen,” Samson wrote. “First of all, no team wants to sign him. Secondly, no player is allowed to play for $0. And finally, no team wants to sign him.”
Walt Disney Co.’s ABC is forcefully resisting Federal Communications Commission efforts to soften the network’s programming, accusing the federal agency of an overreach that violates 1st Amendment freedoms.
Last week, the FCC took the unusual step of calling in the licenses of eight Disney-owned television stations for early review. The move — widely interpreted as an effort to chill the network’s speech — came a day after President Trump demanded that ABC fire late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about First Lady Melania Trump.
The FCC separately has taken aim at ABC’s daytime discussion show, “The View,” which delves deeply into politics.
The FCC has questioned whether the show, which prominently features Trump critics Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, could continue toclaim an exemption to rules that require broadcasters to provide equal time for opponents of political candidates.
In its filing this week with the FCC, Disney’s Houston television station raised the stakes in the dispute over “The View,” calling the commission’s actions “unprecedented” and “beyond the Commission’s authority.” The ABC station’s petition for a declaratory ruling said “The View,” has long qualified as a “bona fide” news interview program with freedom to conduct interviews of legally qualified political candidates.
“The Commission’s actions threaten to upend decades of settled law and practice and chill critical protected speech, both with respect to The View and more broadly,” the Houston station KTRK-TV said in the filing.
The network’s firm stance sets up a clash with the Trump administration, including the president’s hand-picked FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who has made no secret of his disdain for Kimmel and other ABC programming. Earlier this year, Carr announced that decades-old exemptions from the so-called “equal time rule” for news programs, including “The View,” were no longer valid.
ABC’s strenuous arguments mark a departure for the Disney-owned outlet.
In December 2024, a month after Trump was elected to a second term, the network quickly settled a lawsuit over statements made by news anchor George Stephanopoulos that Trump found offensive. ABC agreed to pay Trump $15 million to end his legal fight — sparking an outcry among free speech advocates, who accused the network of caving on a case it could have won.
“Some may dislike certain—or even most—of the viewpoints expressed on The View or similar shows,” the station said in its filing. “Such dislike, however, cannot justify using regulatory processes to restrict those views. The government does not get to decide ‘what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion.’”
The station noted that, while the FCC has questioned the exemption for “The View,” which dates back to 2002, the FCC hasn’t showed interest in regulating programs on other networks, “including the many voices — conservative and liberal — on broadcast radio.”
“The danger is that the government will simply decide which perspectives to regulate and which to leave undisturbed,” ABC said.
On April 28, Carr called for a review of Disney’s broadcast licenses two years before any of them were set to expire, citing the agency’s year-old inquiry into Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion policies and whether they violated federal anti-discrimination rules.
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
18:48, 04 May 2026
Beyond Paradise has concluded its latest season of the BBC drama(Image: BBC)
Beyond Paradise fans can enjoy another thrilling detective series after the BBC show recently ended.
On Friday evening (May 1), Beyond Paradise viewers were left distraught as the series concluded after a successful four seasons.
The popular crime drama, featuring Kris Marshall returning to his Death in Paradise character DI Humphrey Goodman alongside Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, debuted in 2023 and was an instant hit.
Audiences will be hoping the BBC will soon release more information on new episodes of Beyond Paradise, but in the meantime, crime drama fans are urged to watch Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, which can be streamed on Channel4.com.
The detective period drama follows the personal and professional life of Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis), a private detective operating in Melbourne, Australia, in the 1920s.
Not only is the wealthy, sharp-witted Fisher incredibly glamorous, but she also has the talent to solve cases that police can’t crack. She is often paired with Detective Inspector Jack Robinson (Nathan Page), and the duo uses each other’s expertise to investigate crimes.
However, Fisher remains haunted by the tragedy surrounding her younger sister, often wrestling with the question of whether she could have done more to prevent it. The first series aired on ABC in 2012 and was followed by two more, concluding in 2015
The show is inspired by Kerry Greenwood’s historical mystery novels, which brought the iconic Phryne Fisher to life. The series began with the 1989 novel Cocaine Blues and spanned 23 books.
The first series aired on ABC in 2012 and was followed by two more, concluding in 2015. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries was followed up by a feature film, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, released in 2020.
The show is rated 8.2/10 on IMDB with one fan calling the show “another excellent offering”, adding “The story lines, characters, writing, acting, sets, period ambiance… whatever else… are all superb.”
Another explained: “Sultry and stunning period mystery series. As a lifelong mystery buff, I find “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” to be a real treat.”
“Lots of fun, and looks gorgeous. I happened upon Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries quite by accident”, added another.
Who else stars in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries? The cast of the crime drama includes:
Beyond Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries can be streamed on Channel 4.
