glorious

If you fancy escaping the wind, rain and gloomy mornings this half term there’s a beautiful, Mediterranean island lined with stunning beaches where the sun is still shining

The long hot days of summer are well and truly behind us and after being spoiled with numerous heatwaves this year, the cold nip of autumn may be biting a little more fiercely than usual.

As half term approaches, the dark and early school starts could be starting to take their toll on the kids too. Tired from the stresses of their new routines with different teachers and classes, a trip away may be just what the whole family needs.

If the thought of some late October sun appeals before the madness of Christmas descends and the UK weather gets even colder, there are places where the temperatures still remain pleasantly warm.

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Located south of Turkey and southeast of Greece, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. While many other tourist hotspots have already closed or are winding down for the winter, the main resorts here are still open in at this time of year.

This makes it the ideal place to head off for half term for some much needed rest and relaxation. The weather should also be on your side too because it’s one of the warmest places in this part of the European Union thanks to its subtropical climate.

The summer generally lasts eight months from April through to November, and temperatures during October can reach 28C or higher on occasion. Even in the cooler four months, it’s possible to enjoy 20C. Coastal areas in December are blessed with as many hours of sunshine as London gets in May on average, so sun seekers are certainly well catered for.

Luckily there is more than 400 miles of coastline to enjoy as well where you can partake in some water sports, watch the world go by in the many beachside bars and indulge in the delicious local cuisine at the numerous restaurants.

Resorts make the most of their sun-soaked climate and welcome holidaymakers late into the season. In high summer, the beaches in Protaras and Ayia Napa are heaving in but by this time of year they are much calmer, so great for families to make the most of with the sea temperature averaging around 24C.

Those with younger children or elderly travellers may prefer the sandy, tranquil beach of Fig Tree Bay in Protaras where it’s possible to explore the beautiful turquoise waters with a spot of snorkelling or on a boat trip. Limassol offers a long stretch of gorgeous coastline with some Blue Flag beaches and a stunning marina.

On the East Coast restaurants and kids’ clubs in Paphos and Limassol are still running and lively. For children who are too old for hotel clubs and making sandcastles, there’s plenty to entertain them too. The island has lots of water and amusement parks. Party town Ayia Napa is home to a number, with the Greek mythology-themed WaterWorld being the most famous, while the naturally landscaped Aphrodite Waterpark is situated in Paphos.

If culture is more your thing, or you want to enlighten the kids a little on their break, you can soak up the rich history of Cyprus, birthplace of Aphrodite, by visiting some of the many churches in Larnaca or relics from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras The Tombs of the Kings is definitely worth a look. The UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors a glimpse into the mysterious burial practices in underground tombs dating back to the 4th century.

Recent visitors to Cyprus have shared their experiences on TripAdvisor, with one advising on the weather during autumn. “We have been four times to Paphos in October,” they wrote. “The temperature in mid October in the early afternoon has been around 28 degrees with beautiful blue skies. We have been able to eat outside in the early evening and used a pashmina later.

“Could still swim in the pool but it was a bit chilly. The sea, however, was fine to swim in.” Another added: “We’re always there mid-October and it’s lovely – still short sleeves in the evenings.”

A Mandria di Murtoli, Corsica

A hamlet of restored rural buildings in the Ortolo valley in Corsica reopened in June as A Mandria di Murtoli. Guests can stay in a former sheepfold, stable or barn, or one of five rooms in the main house. Three of the smaller properties have private pools, all rooms have terraces and there is a big shared pool. The buildings have been refurbished by Corsican craftspeople in a minimalist Mediterranean style, using local materials.

The neighbouring farm has also been revived around a model of subsistence farming: raising livestock, market gardening and growing traditional crops. The restaurant serves Sardinian-influenced food made with the ingredients grown on the estate and sourced from other local farms. There are just 30 seats, some on a terrace with a fire pit under olive and orange trees.

The hamlet is part of the wider Domaine de Murtoli, which has three other places to eat – a traditional Corsican restaurant, a beachfront spot and the Michelin-starred La Table de la Ferme – and offers wine-tasting. It is about 9 miles north to Sartène, an ancient hill town, a few miles south to Erbaju beach, and a little further to the fortress town of Bonifacio.
Doubles from £229 B&B, amandriadimurtoli.com

Rastrello, Umbria, Italy

This boutique hotel is set in the renovated remains of a 500-year-old palazzo, surrounded by its own olive groves (which are hand-raked at harvest time; rastrello means rake in Italian). The palazzo is in the medieval village of Panicale, above Lake Trasimeno. This summer, the hotel opened a new garden annex, increasing the rooms from nine to 16, plus a dipping pool and wellness area. Rooms have wooden floors, stone walls and beams; some have lake views and balconies.

The restaurant, Cucina & Giardino, serves the farm’s award-winning extra-virgin olive oil, ingredients from its organic vegetable gardens and surrounding producers, and Umbrian wines. It has a terrace overlooking the lake and its own cookbook, also featuring villagers’ recipes. Guests can take olive oil-tasting workshops and cooking classes, and go on truffle-hunting walks and wine-tasting tours. The homegrown produce is also used in the spa treatments, with scrubs made from olive oil and crushed olive stones mixed with herbs and citrus, and in herbal teas such as lavender, lemon balm and wildflowers.

Panicale has a grape festival in September. There is a 40-mile walking and cycling path around the lake, which is the fourth biggest in Italy, with cafe stops at waterfront towns such as Passignano. Perugia, the capital of Umbria, is about 35km away – it has an enormous chocolate festival in November.
Doubles from £240 B&B, rastrello.com

Sibbjäns, Gotland, Sweden

This small, family-run farm on the southern tip of Gotland opened a farm‑to-fork restaurant and hotel this summer. Guests stay in the 19th-century farmhouse, which has nine bedrooms, a library, a natural pool and a garden; there are simpler rooms in the adjacent farmstead. By next summer, there will be a sauna, outdoor gym and yoga barn. Visitors can help harvest tomatoes, learn about organic growing and composting, and meet the resident rabbits, chickens, pigs and sheep.

The restaurant serves a four-course set menu year-round and an additional a la carte menu in summer, featuring the farm’s own vegetables, meat and berries, plus local cheese and seafood. Dishes might include kohlrabi with lumpfish roe and a dill and butter sauce; grilled lamb with leeks, legumes and fresh garlic; and raspberries with emmer sponge cake and marigold ice-cream.

Gotland is a foodie hotspot whose specialities include saffron pancakes with dewberry jam, black truffles and purple asparagus, and juniper-flavoured ale. There is a food festival in late September and a truffle festival each November; microbreweries and a vineyard to visit; and more excellent restaurants such as Lilla Bjers, about 4 miles (7km) south of medieval Visby, the capital. The island has sandy beaches, sea stacks, ivy forests and more than 100 nature reserves.
Doubles from £210 B&B, dinner £62pp, sibbjans.se

Stone Barn, County Cork, Ireland

A restored farm building near Skibbereen in West Cork is now a small B&B with two double bedrooms and a converted wagon. The co-owner, Stuart Kearney, is from Northern Ireland but trained as a chef in Stockholm and serves Nordic‑influenced Irish food. Breakfast could be freshly baked bread and pastries, porridge with whiskey-soaked prunes, and home-smoked bacon with eggs laid by his own hens. Kearney cooks a seven-course tasting menu (every night except Wednesdays and Sundays) showcasing his own vegetables and produce from neighbours and local farmers. The menu changes daily but could include Skeaghanore duck breast or miso-cured cod.

The rooms also have a Scandi style; there is a cosy sitting room with a wood burner; and a hot tub. Guests can take walks along the Sheep’s Head Way, and Kearney can recommend cycling routes. Skibbereen, a 12-minute drive away, has pubs and restaurants, a Saturday market and Fields, which opened in 1935 and is said to be the best supermarket in Ireland. Just beyond is Lough Hyne, a salt-water lake – its bioluminescent algae can be seen on a night kayaking trip. Other day trip options include nearby fishing villages such as Baltimore, which has ferries to Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island.
Doubles from £142 B&B, dinner £65pp, sawdays.co.uk

Quinta Camarena, Alentejo, Portugal

Vera and Cam Camarena have turned a farmhouse in Cercal, a coastal town in Costa Vicentina, south-west Portugal, into an eco retreat. They have backgrounds in fashion (Vera, from Porto) and photography (Cam, from Los Angeles), and the restoration looks great: original features, calming colour schemes and locally made textiles and artworks. Food and wine is part of the package – the couple serve healthy brunches and dinners made with Alentejo produce, run cheese- and jam-making workshops and cooking classes, and organise visits to artisanal bakeries, wineries, organic farms and local markets. They also run a three-night sustainable food and wine retreat, and a “not so serious” surf, yoga and wine retreat.

The newest rooms are in the forest, a few minutes’ walk away from the communal areas, and are multilevel with terraces for sunset views. There are also rooms and apartments in the old country houses; the whole property sleeps 23 (no children under 12) and is pet-friendly.

There are gardens with vegetable plots; a pool, gym, yoga studio and sauna; and hiking trails. Cercal is a short walk away, and it is a 15-minute drive to surf beaches. Lisbon is two hours by car.
Doubles from £95 B&B, quintacamarena.com

Penrhiw Farm, Pembrokeshire

Chef Alan Latter was born and raised on Penrhiw Farm, near Goodwick in north Pembrokeshire, and, after years working in hotels and restaurants, he has returned to run the farm with his partner, Philip. The 17th-century farmhouse is now a four-bedroom B&B, and there is a glamping option in a converted horsebox.

Latter cooks a Welsh breakfast every morning, and offers a fixed two-course kitchen supper every other evening (May to September; on request, October to April). Ingredients are homegrown or locally sourced, including vegetables from the garden; eggs, milk and cheese from the 80-hectare (200-acre) organic farm; and Pembrokeshire meat and seafood.

The menu changes daily – perhaps hake fillet with a herb crust, crushed peas, runner beans, pommes anna and hollandaise sauce, followed by a vanilla Basque cheesecake with blood orange and rhubarb compote. There is a small selection of wines and Welsh beers, or guests are welcome to bring their own.

The rooms are furnished with furniture repurposed from the Dorchester hotel in London, and decorated with Welsh artworks, blankets and ceramics. The big sitting room has an open fire and lots of books, there are beautiful gardens and the farm is on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Sustainable energy comes from an air-source heat pump, solar panels and a wind turbine.
Doubles from £115 B&B, dinner £28pp, penrhiwfarm.co.uk

Two Tribes was the well-backed winner of the Stewards’ Cup at Glorious Goodwood as he claimed his second victory in a week.

The 11-2 chance, ridden by David Egan for trainer Richard Spencer, had been as big as 18-1 on Friday.

Named after the Frankie Goes to Hollywood 1980s hit by owner Phil Cunningham, Two Tribes had won the International Handicap at Ascot seven days earlier.

Drawn 25 of the 27 runners at Goodwood, he swept clear to triumph by two and a half lengths from Strike Red, with Jakajaro in third.

“He actually did it easier there than he did in the International. Not many horses can do a quick double like that,” said Egan, who punched the air after crossing the finishing line.

Spencer also had the fourth and fifth-placed finishers – Run Boy Run and Twilight Calls.

Earlier, Callum Rodriguez rode the Owen Burrows-trained filly Waardah to victory in the Lillie Langtry Stakes.

It was a good end to the five-day meeting for Rodriguez, who was one of five jockeys to miss rides on Thursday after a private plane taking them to Goodwood had to make an emergency landing.

“It was a messy start to the week, but we made sure that we were on four wheels today,” said Rodriguez.

Oisin Murphy was the five-day meeting’s leading jockey with six wins.

Jm Jungle, trained by John and Sean Quinn, was a surprise 14-1 winner of the Group Two King George Stakes on the penultimate day of Glorious Goodwood.

Ridden by Jason Hart, it was the five-year-old’s first outing at Group-race level.

Having broken smartly from the stalls in the far-side group, Hart steered his mount into the lead inside the final furlong and was able to prevail by a neck.

“He’s a very, very good horse,” Sean Quinn – who trains alongside his father John – told ITV Racing. “I’m a little bit lost for words to be honest.”

She’s Quality was runner-up for her fourth race in succession, with Commonwealth Cup winner Time For Sandals half a length further behind in third.

Favourite Big Mojo could only manage a fifth-placed finish.

The final day of Glorious Goodwood takes place on Saturday, when the Stewards’ Cup takes centre stage at 15:05 BST.

Five jockeys missed their rides on day three of Glorious Goodwood after their plane was forced to make an emergency landing.

The flight, from Bagby Airfield in north Yorkshire, suffered what was thought to be an engine problem.

But jockeys Rowan Scott, Callum Rodriguez, PJ McDonald, Tom Eaves and Jack Garritty were all fine.

Scott was booked on two rides at Goodwood, including Magellan Cloud for John and Sean Quinn in the first race.

Scott’s agent Niall Hannity said: “They set off from Bagby and something went wrong with the plane so they started to get a bit panicky, as you can imagine.

“The pilot, who has 25 years experience, said nothing like it had ever happened to him but they were able to get turned round and land back at Bagby, which must have been frightening.

In a delicious twist, the return coincides with McIlroy ending his 11-year major drought by winning the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam. The Northern Irishman is here wearing the coveted Green Jacket.

No further hype needed. “Yeah, poor Rory, everyone seems to build up the pressure on him being the favourite,” Harrington said.

“But if you want to be at that level the pressure’s always going to be on you.

“Clearly, he knows Portrush very well, he’ll have the support and there’s no doubt we’d love to see an Irish winner.”

But Harrington says McIlroy should maintain some perspective for what could otherwise be an overwhelming week.

“Him going with the Masters’ jacket, I think it’s enough for him to just swan around and wave to the crowds,” said the three-time major winner.

“He doesn’t have to win. The people always want him to win the next major or whatever, but it doesn’t have to be this one.

“I know it would be nice to be Portrush, but he’ll win plenty more majors.”

Regardless of whether Portrush can serve up another domestic fairytale, this will remain a golden period for golf on the island of Ireland. How does Harrington think the sport’s historians will reflect on it in years to come?

“Clearly it’s been unprecedented,” he said. “There’s been a lot of ‘how did we do it?’ You know, I don’t know if you can replicate things like that.

“Everybody’s been trying to find the formula, did we have something special in Ireland? I’m not sure.

“We gained some momentum. We did our thing. I think it’s good for us going forward that we will have players who will believe in themselves.”

They will do so while speculation grows that new ground will be broken by the R&A taking a future Open to Portmarnock in the the Republic of Ireland.

It is another indicator of how far and how quickly golf in this part of the world has moved. “Definitely, that’s a big step,” Harrington said.

“It’s tried for a long time to lose the tag as the British Open; it’s The Open,” Harrington said.

“And it represents everybody, not just the people in Britain, but it represents everybody around the world who plays golf.

“It’s everybody’s Open.” But this week with a discernible Irish hue.

Whitby in North Yorkshire has been named one of the UK’s best seaside entertainment spots, and it’s easy to see why with its sandy beaches, historic landmarks and top-rated restaurants

Recognised as one of the UK’s top seaside amusement locations, this charming coastal town has long been a hit with those yearning for a traditional beach holiday. Nestled at the mouth of the River Esk, Whitby in North Yorkshire is steeped in a rich history rooted in maritime, mineral and tourism trades.

Its appeal as a tourist hotspot is further amplified by its close proximity to the North York Moors national park and the heritage coastline, not to mention its eerie link to the horror novel Dracula. The town’s most iconic landmark is undoubtedly the ruined abbey perched on the East Cliff.

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Other notable features include the swing bridge spanning the river and the harbour, safeguarded by the grade II listed East and West piers.

Whitby’s nautical history is honoured through statues of explorer Captain Cook and whaler and scientist William Scoresby, as well as the whalebone arch that graces the West Cliff, reports the Express.

The town also boasts a robust literary tradition, having been featured in numerous works, television programmes and films, most notably Bram Stoker’s renowned novel, according to Yorkshire Live. If Whitby doesn’t tickle your fancy, you might consider this stunning town on the Welsh coast.

A recent survey ranked Whitby seventh on the list of the UK’s top holiday entertainment destinations.

The survey considers factors such as the number of pubs, restaurants, museums, parks, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach review scores, hotel prices, Google searches, average temperature, average rainfall and local train stations.

Whitby boasts a variety of highly-rated dining establishments, ranging from cosy coffee shops to gastropubs and sea-view restaurants. There are three five-star rated eateries on TripAdvisor, ideal for those seeking a delicious meal.

First up is Lush Coffee on Silver Street, which earned the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award for 2023.

Promising a ‘warm welcome’, this coffee shop offers freshly brewed coffee, quintessential Yorkshire Tea, hearty full English breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches, toasties, burgers, and an array of homemade cakes and treats.

They also provide outdoor seating and welcome dogs. For those in search of a more upscale dining experience, Ditto, another five-star rated establishment and recipient of the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award for 2023, could be just the ticket.

Situated a mere stone’s throw from the beach on Skinner Street, this family-run restaurant is the perfect spot for food enthusiasts looking to indulge in a special meal while visiting the town.

Just around the corner, Beckett’s has scooped up the bronze for top-notch dining in Whitby, with an impressive 875 TripAdvisor reviews lauding its selection of hot beverages, savoury treats, breakfasts, brunches, and cakes, all acclaimed for their “excellent quality”.

Make sure your itinerary includes Cranberry Swamp – a firm favourite among breakfast aficionados, Al Taco for some Mexican flair, and The Postgate Country Inn for a slice of British tradition.

No coastal getaway is complete without sipping on a cold beer, a glass of prosecco, a sophisticated cocktail or a refreshing mocktail under the warmth of the sunshine.

Whether you’re seeking a serene spot to relax or a lively evening filled with karaoke entertainment, Whitby’s varied pubs and bars cater to all tastes.

Whitby is dotted with hotels and B&Bs suitable for every budget, some with stunning sea views that are truly unrivalled.

TripAdvisor heralds Hillcrest as the crème de la crème of hospitality, ideally situated close to the bustling town centre and easily accessible from a treasure trove of local shops, eateries, pubs, and attractions.

The establishment is not only bike-friendly, offering secure storage, but with their insider knowledge, they’re ready to point you towards exceptional spots for cycling, rambling, and watersports such as paddle-boarding and surfing. On top of that, their luxurious rooms offer ample space for families.

Other establishments in Whitby receiving high praise include The Stables, The Penny Hedge Lodge, and The Belfry.

Whitby is home to one of Yorkshire’s most pristine and secure beaches, recently honoured with a Blue Flag. This international recognition is bestowed upon well-kept beaches boasting superior water quality.

There’s an array of other beaches to explore as well. Whitby West Cliff Beach, a favoured sandy location interspersed with rocky patches, is supervised by lifeguards from May through September.

The beach extends from Upgang Beach to the River Esk’s mouth and is conveniently situated on Whitby town’s northern fringe, just a brief stroll from the town centre.

Access points to the beach are scattered along Cleveland Way, North Terrace, and North Promenade. On sun-drenched days, families gather on the sandy stretch between Upgang Beach and West Pier.

A line of colourful beach huts are available for hire, and deckchairs and windbreaks can be found near the slipway at West Pier.

From May to September, a seasonal dog ban is enforced on Whitby West Cliff Beach. However, dogs are permitted all year round on the nearby Tate Hill Beach.

Other popular beaches in Whitby include Sandsend Beach and Runswick Bay.

BRITS can look forward to basking in glorious 29C sunshine this weekend following days of rain.

Thousands of sun lovers are sure to flock to the seaside and stow out beaches as the mercury rises across the UK.

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The Met Office forecasts a warm start on Saturday morning, with figures as high as 23C by 10am in the capital.

Much of Britain will hover in the mid to late teens, before temperatures climb in the afternoon.

By 4pm, most of the UK will be basking in sunshine between 21C to 28C, with the exception of lows of 16C in the Scottish Highlands.

And, a warm and sticky night can be expected as figures are set to remain high even after the sun goes down.

Sunday kicks off in a similar fashion, with temperatures in the mid 20s expected by 10am.

The forecast then echoes that of Saturday throughout the day.

A heatwave in the UK is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days, with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature thresholds.

Across the north and west of the UK this is 25C, and across Greater London and the Home Counties, 28C.

However, Brits may have to brace themselves for “thundery showers” on Wednesday.

Before the glorious weather returns, downpours are expected across much of the UK.

Scattered showers are predicted in the north, while those in Wales and the Midlands are forecast a drizzly morning.

Thursday will also bring a mixture of sunny spells and showers across Britain.

Meanwhile, it is predicted to feel breezy this evening, with the best sunsets in the south east of England.

It will remain cloudy through the night, with some rain forecast in the north and west.

The Met Office has also revealed the forecast for Glastonbury – with revellers bracing for a variety of weather conditions.

When the festival opens on June 25, reasonably warm temperatures of around 24C between 1pm and 4pm, can be expected.

This is then predicted to drop off into a cooler evening with temperatures in the high teens.

There is also a 40 per cent chance of rain on Wednesday evening, climbing to 50 per cent between 4am and 7am Thursday morning.

Glastonbury attendees can expect milder weather averaging in the high teens and low twenties.

The milder weather might be offset by wind chill, as gusts are expected to reach around 30mph between 10am and 4pm on Thursday.

It might pay to be prepared with warmer jackets, suncream and hayfever meds -with a high pollen count and UV rating at 1pm Thursday.

As the music begins on Friday, crowds can expect it to be “cloudy changing to sunny intervals by late morning” according to the Met Office.

With Supergrass kicking off the Pyramid stage at 12pm, they’ll be met with temperatures of around 22C, as well as relatively high humidity and wind speeds.

As the music begins on Friday, crowds can expect it to be “cloudy changing to sunny intervals by late morning” according to the Met Office.

With Supergrass kicking off the Pyramid stage at 12pm, they’ll be met with temperatures of around 22C, as well as relatively high humidity and wind speeds.

This follows a stunning weekend to mark the summer solstice on June 22.

Hundreds headed out early last Saturday to watch the sunrise over Stonehenge in celebration.

Those who marked the year’s longest day elsewhere experienced 18C temperatures in Salisbury and Greater London by 5am, according to the Met Office.

The weather agency also confirmed that Yeovilton in Somerset and Crosby in Merseyside had the highest recorded overnight figures in England, both reaching 19.7C by 6am.

The mercury in Cumbria and Lancashire also reached highs above 19C.

The pebbles at Brighton Beach, in East Sussex, could hardly as people soaked up the rays.

Hand held fans were also in demand at Royal Ascot as the hot weather continued on day five of the prestigious event.

One Royal Ascot spectator was even taken to hospital, with 42 others given medical attention on site for heat-related illness.

And, a number of horrified Brits were evacuated after being trapped on a train for two hours with no air con.

Weary passengers have slammed Thamelink after their service from Bedford to Brighton came to a screeching halt on the hottest day of the year so far.

The train broke down between Elephant and Castle, and Loughborough – but ticketholders were left waiting in their carriages during the sweltering heat on Sunday.

There was no air conditioning, and a major evacuation was eventually carried out after several hours.

People were led onto the tracks to fend for themselves, and claimed they were given no instruction on where to go next.

In lighter scenes, one delivery courier could be seen hurling what appeared to be drinks up to passengers stranded on a Thameslink train on a viaduct in south London.

Travellers cheered as the delivery driver chucked the items up with impressive accuracy to parched and agitated customers on board the train.

Incredible footage shows the driver hurling the items up as passengers, sweating in the intense heat, sat on the edge of the train and on the viaduct itself, as the train doors had been opened.

Temperatures hit up to 33.2C in Charlwood, Surrey, making it the hottest day of the year so far, according to the Met Office.

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