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ANOTHER airline is cracking down on passengers travelling with a certain travel item.

Singapore Airlines – often named one of the world’s best – has confirmed that new rules are being rolled out this month regarding the use of power banks onboard.

From April 15, travellers will only be allowed to pack two power banks in their hand luggage.

Anyone with more than two will have to surrender any other portable chargers before being able to board.

Not only that, but they must not be used onboard to charge any devices.

This follows on from previous rules that don’t allow the power banks to be charged using the onboard USB ports either.

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The USB ports must only be used to charge items like mobile phones and tablets, not power banks.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) explained: “Power banks must also not be charged on board the aircraft and passengers are advised not to use power banks to charge their devices during the flight.

“ICAO’s new requirement of a maximum of two power banks per passenger and restrictions on the charging and use of power banks on board flights seek to reduce the risk of fire while catering for passengers’ travelling needs.

“In consultation with the airlines, CAAS will provide some time for the airlines to do so and for passengers to familiarise themselves and have the requirements take effect only from 15 April 2026.”

A number of airlines around the world have been cracking down on power banks being taken onboard.

One of the strict airlines is Air Busan, who has banned passengers from even taking them onboard.

This is because of an airline fire back in January 2025 which saw a plane decommissioned due to the damage caused by the power bank setting alight.

Airlines such as Emirates followed suit, with passengers only allowed to carry one power bank onboard and it must be under 100Wh.

Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines have similar rules as well, and ban the power banks being used onboard.

And airlines across Japan, Thailand, China and Australia are also affected by the power bank crackdown.

UK airlines are yet to follow these rules, with British Airways and Ryanair yet to introduce any similar bans.

All airlines still ban power banks being in any checked luggage – they must be in bags that go into the cabin.

In the churchyard next to Wilmington Priory in East Sussex, I found a yew so ancient and stooped that its trunk had eaten half a gravestone. Its boughs were supported by long poles, a creepy sight that made me shudder. I had come here to see something just as strange, but more benign than this folk-horror vision – the figure of the Long Man of Wilmington on the hillside opposite, on the steep scarp of the South Downs. He treks over the hill, a stave clasped in each hand. Climbing Windover Hill, just beneath the South Downs Way, I saw that while he was once a chalk giant, his lines are now marked with concrete blocks.

The Long Man may be Anglo-Saxon in origin – the shape is similar to the design on a buckle discovered in Kent in 1964 by the archaeologist Sonia Chadwick Hawkes, which probably represents the god Odin (or Woden); but he may be a much later adornment for the hillside, made to be viewed from the priory. His form entranced the photographer Lee Miller and her husband, the artist Roland Penrose, who lived close to the Long Man. Penrose painted a surrealist representation of the Long Man on the inglenook fireplace at Farleys, their home – for them the figure was a protective spirit. It also inspired the Black composer Avril Coleridge-Taylor, the folk collective the Memory Band, and Benjamin Britten picnicked at its feet.

The Long Man of Wilmington is one of the more famous chalk figures, the mysterious carvings that decorate the hills in England (and almost uniquely in England), numbering 40 or so. They have always been a part of my life. Familiar and simultaneously fantastic, they have fascinated me and many others: film-makers, writers, musicians and artists. They have drawn the attention of historians, archaeologists, antiquarians, all sorts of fellow travellers. Their appearance enlivens walks and invites conjecture.

Many hill figures – most famously horses, but also crosses, crowns, regimental symbols, giants and buried gods – are located close to ancient trackways that have taken pilgrims, traders, warriors and now Gore-Tex missionaries over the rounded chalky hills. By tracing these routes for my book The Tattooed Hills, I was able to get under the skin of these mysterious shapes.

My planned walk of a few miles from the Long Man to the figure of the Litlington White Horse was cut short by a thunderstorm – you don’t want to be in the hills under lightning – so I visited the next day. This small, lonely animal peeks over the hill towards the English Channel near Cuckmere Haven, and was cut secretly, by local people, in a single night in 1924, the successor to an earlier lost figure.

Also close to the coast, in Dorset, I climbed the hill to the huge figure of George III on his horse, Adonis, overlooking his favourite seaside resort of Weymouth. It was carved in 1808 as a tribute to the king and a huge advertisement for the town, although he’s rather faded now. Walking farther north, along the Wessex Ridgeway, I was menaced and fascinated by the huge, priapic figure of the Cerne Giant, on the opposite hillside, dominating the secluded valley with his club held aloft. His date has been hotly contested – he has been believed to be a Romano-British figure, or a 17th-century marauding Oliver Cromwell. Some have thought he was Helith, a pagan god. He is more likely to be a Saxon image of Hercules, or a local saint, Eadwold. This giant is an unreliable shapeshifter, a joker.

Taking the Ridgeway across Wiltshire’s chalk hills will plunge you into the county of white horses, of which eight remain. A midsummer walk from the slim form of the Alton Barnes White Horse took me along the Wansdyke, a great defensive ditch and bank stretching for miles through empty countryside with views of the ancient Silbury Hill, to a similar horse at Cherhill, scampering over the deep-sided coomb, carved in the shadow of a hillfort and signposted by the Lansdowne Monument, which dominates the hillscape and makes it unsettling.

Both horses come with music: the Alton Barnes horse appeared briefly in a video for the Britpop band Dodgy, for their single Staying Out for the Summer. The song mashes together many nostalgic cliches of the time (VW camper vans, space hoppers, crop circles, football tops), summoning up a specific idea of the countryside as a place for raves, and selling it back to us, without its rebellion. In their earlier incarnation as the Timelords, the KLF came to Cherhill to film the video for Doctorin’ the Tardis – not a good song, but one which introduced us to their art-terrorist antics. The KLF make the horse part of a dustier landscape in keeping with this corner of Wiltshire’s weirdness.

Further along the Ridgeway, I came to the greatest and most mysterious figure – the commanding presence of the elongated Uffington White Horse, also sited beneath a hillfort. Archaeology has dated this figure to the late bronze age – 3,000 years ago, give or take – and it’s an extraordinary survival. Generation after generation have cared for this racing animal, somehow keeping it bounded to its wind-blown hill. It too has been an inspiration for musicians: Kate Bush’s Cloudbusting video was filmed here and XTC’s album English Settlement has the horse on its cover. Andy Partridge from XTC told me that the landscape surrounding his native Swindon was an important inspiration: “It marked me like an Avebury stone or the ripples across a hillfort. It made me.”

The Ridgeway gets tangled up with the Icknield Way, which runs over the country’s chalk spine to East Anglia and through the leafy Chiltern Hills, home to a cluster of some of the stranger chalk figures, which include two crosses, one on top of a massive chalk pyramid – the Whiteleaf Cross. Another figure, the Watlington White Mark, has been interpreted as an ancient fertility symbol, but is actually an 18th-century trompe l’oeil of the landscape. Stand in a particular place, it is said, and the chalk obelisk gives the church a spire. Walking east along the Icknield Way took me to Ivinghoe Beacon; from here I could see the prime ministerial retreat of Chequers in the valley below, but what drew my eye was the magnificent chalk figure of the Whipsnade White Lion, cut in 1931-33 to celebrate the opening of the zoo and now occasionally nibbled by wallabies, who help keep it in good shape.

At the far end of the Icknield Way I visited Wandlebury, in the Gog Magog Hills, named for the giants who, in folklore, once ruled Britain. One archaeologist, TC Lethbridge, thought he had found hill figures beneath the turf here; his findings were speculative and nothing remains of them, but the iron age hillfort above, the beechwoods and the nearby ancient track are the chalklands condensed into one country park. What struck me most about the Gog Magog story was something Lethbridge wrote in his book describing the dig, something that I found too as I travelled in search of the stories of the chalk. “There is no need,” he wrote, “to go to the ends of the earth for interesting quests and excitement. It is here, in prosaic old England, at one’s back door.”

The Tattooed Hills: Journeys to Chalk Figures by Jon Woolcott is published by Aurum (£17.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Follow Jon on Instagram at dorsetjonw

A cosy eatery has been crowned best pizzeria at the Italian Awards 2026, with diners praising its ‘quality hand-picked ingredients with generous toppings and a perfectly oven-fired base’

Italian cuisine is a firm favourite for most families when dining out, and a delicious pizza never fails to please – so you might be astonished to discover some of the finest examples are right on your doorstep.

In what has evolved into something of an Oscars for the Italian hospitality industry, the Italian Awards 2026 took place, celebrating the very best establishments showcasing the cuisine throughout the UK.

From traditional cafes, restaurants, pizzerias and exceptional dishes – everything received its well-earned recognition at the highly prestigious ceremony.

Emerging victorious as the winner for best pizzeria in a category featuring five rival establishments was a charming eatery nestled in the town of Darlington in the North East.

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Housed within an old Victorian-style building with dark brickwork, in a softly lit environment, it creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic pizza.

It’s an unexpected location to discover delicious, genuine Italian pasta, hidden away in a market town, but it’s absolutely worth the detour during your travels around the Peak District.

The restaurant in New Mills, High Peak, roughly eight miles south-east of Stockport, and merely 13 miles from Manchester.

While it sits somewhat away from your typical culinary hotspots, it impressed Italian food experts sufficiently that it warranted acknowledgement for bringing genuine flavour to the town.

A recent customer raved on TripAdvisor: “Without a doubt the best pizza we have ever had. Quality hand-picked ingredients with generous toppings and a perfectly oven-fired base. I like the pepperoni lover the best.

“Simple but a full slice of quality pepperoni in every bite; you don’t run out halfway through as so often I find at other restaurants. Nick and his friendly relaxed team make this a dining experience to savour. P.S. The arancini are not to miss.”

Another delighted diner shared: “Fabulous pizza restaurant! Stable Hearth has such a lovely atmosphere. Really smart and classy decor, incredibly friendly staff and owners (so wonderful with our young children) and amazing pizzas.

“The chips are incredible with a fab choice of seasonings. The pizza menu offers great choices too. A really wonderful restaurant.”

The establishment clearly takes pride in serving authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, featuring both traditional and contemporary styles.

According to TripAdvisor, this isn’t their sole achievement either; the compact yet impressive restaurant has secured the Best Pizzeria English Italian Awards in 2018, 2019 and 2022.

You’ll discover this delicious gem tucked away at 33-35 Duke Street, Darlington DL3 7RX. While there’s no dedicated car park on site, street parking is readily available, and it’s just a brief stroll from both Winston Street West Car Park and Abbott’s Yard Car Park.

Awards Director Warren Paul, discussing the launch of Italian Awards for 2026, expressed his delight in showcasing the efforts of “passionate people”.

He continued: “That’s why we do what we do. It’s to make sure the hard-working inspirational people and businesses get the recognition they deserve.

“Everyone jumps to criticise and leave a negative review or complaint over the tiniest thing, but very few rush to praise good service, food and experiences. That’s where we come in. So congratulations to our winners.”

Highly Recommended Pizzerias in the same category included:

• Best Pizzeria Amico Mio (Clitheroe)
• Best Pizzeria Osteria V2.0 (Shrewsbury)
• Best Pizzeria Primavista Bury St Edmunds (Bury St Edmunds)
• Best Pizzeria Scaramantica Pizzeria (Cardiff)

The ski resort of Riksgränsen is the most northerly in the world, sitting way into the Arctic Circle. It is treated to regularly displays of the Northern Lights and delivers midnight skiing at middsummer

If you think that you’ve missed your chance to go skiing in Europe this year, then you’d be wrong.

There is a resort where the slopes remain open not just through April and into May, but in the high summer days of June.

Riksgränsen, a small ski resort in Arctic Sweden, is the most northerly in the world. It’s 94 miles further up the road from the famous ICEHOTEL, which has melted away into the river by this time of the year.

By June 21, the snow farmers of Riksgränsen have been hard at work for weeks, making sure there’s enough coverage on the 909m tall mountain for the Midsommar downhill jamboree. They’ve dug, they’ve blanketed and they’ve cornered off sections of the mountain.

The reward is three hours of skiing, unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in the world. From 10pm to 1am, T-shirt-clad skiers whizz down Riksgränsen’s 21km of pistes, basking in the strange phenomenon of bright sun and blue skies throughout the night. At 68.4266°N, the sun won’t disappear again for another month.

When I visited the Swedish resort, it wasn’t nighttime and the sun was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a heavy cloud hung over the mountain, the wind whipping my face as I sat shivering on the ski lift. Skiing in Sweden in March hits a little differently.

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Unlike the Alpine ski season, where the temperature hangs around the 0 °C mark and there’s a 10 euro hot chocolate to warm your cockles at the bottom of every piste, Sweden’s resorts get really, really cold. -20C cold. Cold enough that after a few trips down Riksgränsen’s jump-littered slopes, you need to retreat to one of two food huts for a finger-thawing plate of meatballs or a veggie hot dog loaded with crispy onions.

The resort also stands out from others I’ve been to in terms of vibe. Gone are the Dior all-in-one après-skiers of the French Alps, replaced with gnarly 20-something youth hostellers who all seem to know how to backflip.

Riksgränsen is known as a paradise of off-piste skiing, and it does not disappoint. Either side of every piste is acres of mazy terrain, perfect for exploring and throwing yourself down. The resort also specialises in heli-skiing and snowmobile tours. You can even book yourself a caving tour at the nearby Kåppasjåkkagrottan, the largest cave in Sweden.

Riksgränsen translates as national border. Its area extends into Norway, meaning when you ski down the “Gränsleden” (border run), you swing into a different country at every corner.

This boundary-hopping continues with the Arctic ski pass required to access Riksgränsen’s slopes. Starting from about £140, it also gets you onto the lifts of Björkliden, Fjällby and Narvikfjellet.

The two other resorts offer very different skiing experiences.

Björkliden is perfect for families, with a gentle mountain criss-crossed with runs through the pine trees ideally suited to beginners. Hotell Fjället sits metres from its bottom ski lift and is an excellent place to stay. Comfy, staffed by friendly ski enthusiasts from across Sweden, and boasting a dramatic view of Lapporten from its breakfast room. The U-shaped valley is known as ‘the gateway of Lapland’ and for providing a framing of the Northern Lights, which I was lucky enough to witness twice during a three-day trip. The 11-year solar cycle recently peaked, meaning the Arctic was doused in glorious streaks of green on a near-nightly basis.

A little further north is Narvik, where the mountains are higher and the slopes more intense. The resort is currently undergoing a major upgrade ahead of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championship arriving in 2029.

The warming effect of the Gulf Stream means the port does not freeze. The view along the deep blue Ofotfjorden that treats skiers as they descend down the biggest drop in northern Europe is simply breathtaking.

Book it

The Arctic ski pass costs from £140

Chalets at Björkliden’s Hotell Fjället cost from £166 a night.

Flights to Kiruna (a short train ride away from Björkliden, Fjällby and Narvikfjellet) cost from £96 in June.

Disabled mum Carol Hutchins was left ‘very upset’ after missing her TUI holiday to Fuerteventura from Manchester Airport

A disabled woman has been left “very upset” after missing her holiday to the Canary Islands due to issues with her mobility scooter battery.

Carol Hutchins had been eagerly anticipating a sunny getaway at the TUI Magic Life Hotel in Fuerteventura with her daughter, Layla, scheduled for late October. However, the mother-and-daughter pair’s dream holiday came to an abrupt end at Manchester Airport, where staff informed them Carol’s scooter couldn’t be loaded onto the aircraft.

Carol has been left “very upset” by the cancelled holiday and the fact she’s more than £1,000 out of pocket. There is no indication that TUI failed to follow protocol. However, Carol and Layla’s experience acts as a cautionary tale for Brits travelling abroad with a mobility scooter.

A TUI spokesperson said: “We’re sorry that Ms Hutchins wasn’t able to travel on her holiday, and we recognise how upsetting that must have been for her. This was due to them not having the required documentation and battery identification information for their electric mobility aid, which meant it couldn’t be cleared to fly under safety guidance. The TUI airport team supported her on the day and explored alternative options, which she chose not to accept.”

Carol arranged her holiday to the sun-drenched Canary Islands at the TUI Doncaster branch on 23 October 2025. As the reservation was made within a fortnight of departure, the travel agent contacted the welfare team while Carol was in the shop, to ensure the mobility scooter was included in the booking. When a mobility aid is included in a holiday booking, customers are sent the Conditions of Carriage, which contain crucial instructions passengers must adhere to before their flight, reports the Mirror.

They specify: “The battery or batteries should clearly be labelled showing the type and the watt-hour (Wh) rating. Failure to show this can lead to refusal of battery or batteries. Please carry the manufacturer’s operating instructions with you, which will help you and the airport staff to block the vehicle’s electric circuits and remove the battery if necessary.”

According to TUI, the Conditions of Carriage were sent to Ms Hutchins four times via email as her booking was amended, and provided twice more alongside ticket documentation.

When Carol and Layla arrived at Manchester Airport on October 29, her battery lacked any visible identification label, meaning airport personnel could not lawfully approve it under safety regulations.

An on-site duty manager liaised with the resort team in Fuerteventura to locate an alternative mobility scooter she could utilise during her holiday.

However, according to Layla, Carol did not feel at ease travelling without her own scooter or with the prospect that she might be without one for a time once at her destination.

According to TUI, Carol and Layla declined the offer of two alternative flights and goodwill vouchers.

TUI’s website features a section that outlines what customers using mobility scooters need to know and do before they travel.

Before flying with your electric mobility aid, you’ll need to:

• Check your battery type and specifications
• Provide battery details to TUI in advance
• Bring manufacturer documentation to the airport

TUI accepts these battery types:

• Non-spillable batteries (like AGM, Gel Cell, SLA)
• Lithium batteries with specific watt-hour limits:
• Single battery: maximum 300Wh
• Two batteries: maximum 160Wh each
• However, wet cell (spillable) batteries are not permitted on TUI flights.

Important pre-flight steps:

• Share your device’s battery details with TUI as early as possible
• Bring manufacturer documentation showing battery specifications
• If documentation is unavailable, check the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) website or contact your device manufacturer
• Remember that spare or removable batteries must be carried in the cabin

UNSURE where to head for your next getaway?

Why not ditch the plane and head off on a European ferry adventure instead?

Most of these routes tick off multiple destinations and you can save buckets on soaring air fares going by foot, car or train and sea.

Sophie Swietochowski has ideas to inspire you . . . 

GOOD FOR: FOODIES

ROUTE: Sail Poole to Guernsey then on to Saint-Malo, Normandy before returning to Portsmouth or Dover.

IT takes just three hours to reach Guernsey via ferry — a big win if you’re travelling with youngsters.

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Seafood and dairy are the food heroes here and there are plenty of seafront spots to sample them.

Le Nautique restaurant is renowned for its seafood, especially the oysters — you can pick up half a dozen for £12.50.

Expect even more plates of wonderfully fresh fish in Saint-Malo.

From this port city you can then make your way to some of Normandy’s top foodie hotspots, all within a couple of hours’ drive.

Bayeux, which is most famous for housing the historic Bayeux Tapestry, is crammed full of gorgeous apple orchards, hence why cider is a popular drink in these parts.

Ferme Lecornu is right in the city centre and offers a “Royal tasting” experience.

GOOD FOR: COASTAL VIEWS

ROUTE: Sail Holyhead to Dublin, return from Belfast (Larne) to Liverpool.

THE rail routes of Ireland are among the most beautiful in the world, offering simply stuinning views of the blustery ocean as you trundle along the cliffside tracks.

This ferry and train-hopping route requires no car — so make sure to celebrate your sustainability efforts with a Guinness or two.

You won’t be hard pushed to find a decent pour in Dublin, although Mulligan’s on Poolbeg Street repor-tedly serves the best — and it’s even attracted a few famous faces in its time, including John F Kennedy and Judy Garland.

Head from one Irish capital to another, catching the train to Belfast.

If you do just one thing here, make sure it’s a Black Taxi Tour that unearths the fascinating history of Belfast’s troubled past.

Then catch the train to Larne, where the scenery gets pretty spectacular — about six miles from the centre you’ll find The Gobbins Cliff Path, overlooking the often ferocious sea.

GOOD FOR: WILDLIFE

ROUTE: Sail Penzance to the Scilly isles – St Mary’s, then Bryher and Tresco, returning back via St Mary’s to Penzance.

KEEP your eyes peeled because your chances of spotting dolphins are always high in both Cornwall’s Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.

Once you’ve caught the ferry over to St Mary’s island, head to Peninnis Head which offers panoramic views of the ocean.

From this high perch you can watch bottlenose dolphins hunting in the choppy waters below.

Hop on the small ferry over to Bryher where even more magnificent coastal creatures await.

We’re talking grey seals, hermit crabs and even puffins.

Your best chance of spotting them is from now until July, so if you’re heading out there, it’s a good idea to pack a decent camera.

From here, make your way over to Tresco and catch some well-deserved downtime on the glorious beaches.

Pentle Bay has previously been named one of the best beaches in the UK thanks to its white sands and peaceful turquoise waters.

GOOD FOR: WHISKY CRAWLS

ROUTE: Sail from Ardrossan to Arran then to Kintyre, on to Cowal then to Wemyss Bay via Bute. If short of time, consider a single-destination option – Oban to the Isle of Mull is just 45 minutes each way.

SCOTLAND blends breathtaking scenery with world-famous whisky — what could be better?

Make your way from the mainland to the Isle of Arran, which has all the unspoilt beauty of the Highlands, but comes with ocean views.

The coastal road wraps all the way around the island in 55 miles and is well worth exploring — with the famous distilleries of Lochranza and Lagg.

Or save those tipples for your next stop in Kintyre peninsula and specifically Campbeltown, otherwise known as the Whisky Capital of the World, because it was once home to over 30 distilleries.

Stay sober enough to take in the views at Cowal and then Bute (sometimes known as the Madeira of Scotland), before finishing your adventure in Wemyss Bay where you can wander the gorgeous Inverkip coastal path.

For a different tasting experience, ferry over from Oban to the Isle of Mull, and sample picturesque Tobermory, home to a very fine single malt.

HOW TO BOOK: Direct Ferries has some excellent tools for planning routes.

The travel site has designed an interactive map that identifies the most convenient port for any journey, with links out to each individual ferry operator to book.

Prices vary per journey, but all ferry journeys mentioned above cost from under £100 per car.

See discoverferries.com.

MANCHETER isn’t short of fun hotels, but Yotel knows how to be cheeky without having to splash the cash.

So here’s what you need to know about staying at Yotel Manchester Deansgate.

Where is the Yotel Deansgate?

A short walk from the main train station, Yotel Manchester Deansgate is in the heart of the city centre.

Being on the corner of Deansgate, this means you have all of the top attractions, restaurants and bars on your doorstep.

What is the hotel like?

Expect funky decor when you walk in too, with neon signs and mismatched furniture.

The hotel even has umbrellas and power banks you can rent, so all the bases are covered.

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What are the rooms like?

My King Room had more than enough space, with a working desk, sofa and bold tropical print wallpaper transporting me to another country.

Every room has everything you need – smart TVs, fast WiFi and almost too many plug sockets.

Bathrooms are fully equipped with strong power showers and Korean-Australian toiletries by Urban Jungle.

If you need a cup of tea or coffee, or an iron, you’ll find them in the hallway ‘station’ to take back to your room.

On a budget? Opt for the Compact or Twin rooms – smaller but still with all the amenities.

Otherwise choose rooms on the 9th floor for great views overlooking the city.

Rooms start from £64 on a room only basis. See yotel.com

What is there to eat and drink there?

The Motley restaurant is the place to be with a great atmosphere all day.

There’s something for everyone, from braised beef short ribs to mushroom risottos, although I was especially impressed with the small plates, especially the bread with honey and lavender butter.

It might have been helped to go down thanks to the raspberry martini that accompanied…

Bring the pup – they get a free ‘doggy meal’ per dining guest.

The buffet breakfast was just as good. Along with the usual hot and cold options, they also had veggie dishes including shakshuka and tofu hash to choose from.

What else can you do there?

While it doesn’t have a gym, guests can book a free 45-minute work out classes at boutique fitness centre TRIB3.

If you want to do some shopping, the huge Arndale Centre is a five minute walk away too.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel has Premium King rooms that sleep three, with a king size bed and sofa-bed.

Otherwise cots can be requested, with interconnecting rooms too.

Is the hotel accessible?

There are accessible King Rooms, which have step-free access as well as roll in showers, shower seats and height adjusted sinks.

They also have visual and vibrating alerts, and widened doorways.

A UK airline has scrapped some flights from mid-April to early June following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which has sent the price of aviation fuel soaring

A UK airline has cancelled flights due to the impact of the Iran war, while Ryanair is warning that up to 10% of services could be binned.

Aurigny of Guernsey has scrapped some flights from mid-April to early June following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which has sent the price of aviation fuel soaring, the Independent reports.

The airline, which links up the Channel Islands with the UK, described the cuts as “proactive measures to address the impact of global instability”, also adding a “temporary fuel adjustment surcharge” of £2 on all new bookings.

Demand for flights has fallen 13% in May, Aurigny has said, leading the airline to cancel some departures to and from Guernsey.

Aurigny’s chief commercial officer, Philip Saunders, told the Independent: “While a small island community, we are not immune from the realities presented by the global travel ecosystem. Current global events are impacting consumer confidence and changing travel behaviours. Furthermore, significant increases in global oil prices are now filtering through to aviation.

“Unfortunately, we have to pass on some of the resulting costs to customers to ensure sustainable air services to and from Guernsey.”

European jet fuel prices hit a record $1,900 per metric ton on Thursday, according to specialized publication Argus. It warned of potential shortfalls in the coming months.

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Argus project that Portugal could run out of jet fuel in four months, Hungary in five, Denmark in six, Italy and Germany in seven, and France and Ireland in eight.

Last week, the chief executive of Ryanair warned that the airline may not be able to run its full summer schedule due to the cost of fuel if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Michael O’Leary predicts that European airlines will begin canceling scheduled flights “by the end of April” if the key shipping lane is not opened.

“The Strait of Hormuz has been closed for 30 days. If it remains closed for 60 or 90 days, then we’re all facing an unknown scenario, and we are certainly looking at maybe having to cancel 5%–10% of flights through May, June and July,” he told ITV.

O’Leary explained that airlines won’t be able to choose which routes to cancel as cuts will depend on which airports suffer fuel shortages.

Later speaking to SkyNews, the Ryanair boss added: “Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market. We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated,” he told Sky News.

“We think there is a reasonable risk, some low level, maybe 10% to 25% of our supplies might be at risk through May and June, so like everyone else in this industry, we hope the war ends sooner rather than later.

“If the war finishes by April and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, then there is almost no risk to supply.”

IF you use social media to find your travel inspiration, I’m willing to bet you’ve come across plenty of videos of Japan.

Unbelievable theme parks, beautiful bamboo forests, unique foods – videos of Japan have been going viral since the dawn of social media.

According to social media research from Titan Travel, Japan is the most popular bucket list destination for Brits.

Not only that, but the country was rated the best in the world to visit this year.

The World Travel Index ranked Japan in first place in its list of the best countries to visit in 2026.

Japan came out on top thanks to its world-class infrastructure, safety, activities and value when it comes to costs and currency.

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SUNNY SKIES

Maldives, Tokyo and the Great Barrier Reef are top three holidays for Brits

Plus, with the yen’s current weakness compared to the pound, you get a lot for your money when it comes to buying food, souvenirs and attraction tickets.

I set out to explore this bucket list country firsthand, skipping the crowds of Tokyo and other major cities to explore the country’s lesser-visited regions.

These areas are full of affordable gems such as unique theme parks, paradisaical beaches and jaw-dropping temples.

And let me tell you, this destination certainly lives up to the online hype.

I began in Shirahama, a seaside with stunning white sand beaches and natural wonders that I had no idea even existed in Japan.

Shirarahama Beach might be the most idyllic beach I’ve ever laid eyes on.

The resort feels like Pacific Ocean paradise, so its unsurprising that this beach shares a ‘sister beach’ relationship with Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.

Its spectacular sand was shipped over all the way from Australia in the 1990’s, as the original volcanic sands had eroded away.

A 15-minute public bus ride will bring you to Sandanbeki, where there is a hidden cave accessible only by a unique cave elevator.

Having once been a pirate hideout, this cave is now brimming with historical artifacts and a colourful shrine.

It’s said that wishes made in this legendary cave always come true – so I left one in the form of an adorable turtle.

Entry to Sandanbeki Cave costs ¥1,500 (£7.10), not too shabby a price for your dreams to come true.

Next I headed along the coast to Katsuura, an area known for its vast blue bay, scenic boat tours…and for auctioning giant tuna.

And what better place to sample some fresh sashimi than at an early morning tuna auction?

Katsuura Port in Wakayama is one of the leading tuna ports in Japan, hauling in the freshest of catches straight from the Pacific Ocean.

Japan’s tuna auctions have surged in popularity, thanks to viral social media clips and baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, who famously ordered a 180kg tuna for an LA Dodgers team dinner.

In fact, what was once a daily routine for fishermen now draws in such large crowds that fish markets across Japan are adding viewing areas just for visitors.

Hence I found myself at 6:30am heading to Katsuura Market to witness (and taste) it for myself.

Visitors to the tuna auction can see the giant tuna fish up close, many of which weigh hundreds of kilos, and ready to be sold to the highest bidder.

Katsuura Market even has its own tuna museum, where you can learn all about the biggest tuna ever caught in Japan. Spoiler: it weighed a whopping 278kg and sold for ¥333.6 million (£1.5 million!)

Just next door is Nigiwai Market, where you can sample fresh tuna in a variety of forms like sashimi, sushi and hot grilled skewers.

Not keen on tuna for breakfast? Try out the freshly-squeezed juice stand instead – Wakayama is famous for its oranges.

Nachi-Katsuura also makes for a fantastic base for exploring one of Japan’s most beautiful walking trails: the Kumano Kodo.

The UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo is a set of ancient pilgrimage trails that provide some of the very best natural sights in Japan.

Think huge waterfalls, impressive temples and intricate shrines, backed by tall forests and misty green mountains.

There are 190 miles of trails to choose from, but if you’re like me and just want to see the very best and save your legs, I recommend ticking off the following top sights.

Start by heading to Nachi Falls and Shrine. This breath-taking, brilliant red structure is backed by a giant waterfall – the kind of picture you’d only expect to see in a film or painting.

Then pay a visit to two more shrines, Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and you’ve completed the three grand shrines of the region. And to prove it, you even get to collect a special stamp at each spot.

Head up further north through the mountains, and you’ll make your way into Nara prefecture.

Nara city is famous for its deer park, a 660 hectare area of the city where the animals have free roam – and they’re super friendly.

In fact, there are even “deer crackers” sold around the park, which you can purchase for around ¥200 (94p) and hand-feed them.

Try out a traditional tea ceremony experience whilst you’re in town, and you’ve ticked off some of the best experiences the region has to offer.

And if you really want to immerse yourself, head deep into the mountains of Nara to try out a stay in a Japanese ryokan.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn known for its futon beds, tatami mat floors, and traditional meals – and they are a must-try on a bucket list trip to Japan.

Both dinner and breakfast are typically always included with a ryokan stay. I enjoyed multi-course dinner of crispy tempura vegetables, grilled fish, and plenty of freshly-boiled rice and miso soup.

From its unique interiors to its soul-warming food, you just can’t beat a stay in a ryokan.

Although they can be pricey (around £100 – £200+ a night) so if you’re on a budget, I recommend staying in hostels during your travels to save on accommodation costs. That way, you can treat yourself to a night or two for an unforgettable stay.

Speaking of top experiences, you can learn to throw shurikens and transport yourself back to samurai-era Japan at this lesser-known theme park.

Hidden in the mountains of Mie Prefecture you’ll find one of the world’s most unique theme parks: Ninja Kingdom Ise.

This family-friendly attraction is packed with carnival-style games and activities – all of which are made ten times more fun by ninja outfit rental.

There’s ninja outfits of all sizes, with a choice between red and black. Outfit rental costs ¥500 (£2.36), which is a bargain if you ask me.

Just walking around the attraction itself is an immersive experience.

The park is made up of traditional Japanese buildings that replicate a real 16th-century castle town, backed by dramatic mountains. It truly feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

There’s plenty of fairground-style games here to test your speed, reaction time and accuracy – key skills for any ninja.

I threw darts at a colourful spinning wheel to test my aim before heading to the shuriken-throwing experience, which was tougher than you might think.

I ended my visit by hopping on the free shuttle bus up to the giant replica of Azuchi Castle.

This hilltop slice of history is decorated with bright whites, reds and golds, reflecting 15th century Japan’s Sengoku era .

And if you’re wanting to relax after a long day of ninja activities, this attraction even has its own hot springs: the Azuchi Castle Baths.

Admission tickets to Ninja Kingdom Ise cost ¥1,500 (£7.10) for adults, ¥1,000 (£4.74) for ages 12-17 and ¥800 (£3.79) for ages 7-11.

With shrines, temples, beaches, seafood, ninja theme parks and more under my belt, it boggles me that most stick to the capital and skip these regions on a trip to the world’s most desirable destination.

So if you’re planning that bucket list trip to Japan, head out of the major cities and down into the regions of the Kii Peninsula for those rare, extra-magical experiences you just can’t find on socials.

This visit was supported by the Kii Peninsula. For more information, head to visit-kii.com.

Mark Wolters shared some advice for tourists on how to approach British pubs, listing six unwritten rules that people should be aware of if they ever find themselves visiting the UK

A world traveller has listed six unwritten rules that tourists should pay attention to if they ever visit a British pub. Proper pub etiquette may feel second nature to Brits, but the unspoken rules of the boozer aren’t universal — and the UK has its own quirks that could potentially catch out overseas visitors.

Mark Wolters is one such visitor who’s spotted this, but with trips to more than 80 countries under his belt, he’s clearly no stranger to navigating the cultural differences that come with travelling.

A familiar face on YouTube, Mark had some advice on how to approach British pubs for his 1.17m subscribers, specifically six tips that tourists should be aware of if they ever visit Blighty.

1. Order at the bar

For his first rule, Mark warned prospective punters watching his video on Wolters World that pub staff are “not coming” to their tables, stressing that they need to go up to the bar to order.

He said: “And whether you’re going to be ordering your pints or you’re going to order your food or you’re getting your snacks and your crisps, you order there. Also, when you go up and order, that’s when you pay.

“It is not one of the things like in the US where you do all your drinking, you do all your eating, then you pay at the end. You’re paying each time you go up there. “

2. Respect the queue

Mark noted that people should “respect the queue” when they come to the UK, but pointed out that there may not be a single discernible queue at the bar. As we all know, people tend to gather at different points.

But Mark said everyone “kind of knows” who was there before them and will ensure they go first.

3. Order in rounds

Mark said: “Now the third unwritten rule of going to the pub is that they order in rounds. So if we’re going with friends, we’re not all going up to the bar to order.

“We will go in rounds. It’s like I’ll go up first, ask everybody what they want, and then I’ll go and I’ll pay the first round. Then the next time up, my friend will go up and take the orders, and they’ll order and get a round for everybody. And everybody needs to pay for a round.”

He went on to warn people not to “skip your round” and “don’t leave early” to avoid getting one, as “people remember that”.

4. Not all pubs sell good pub food

Mark observed that not every pub that sells traditional food actually sells “good” British fare. He noted that you can sometimes get “phenomenal” food such as Scotch eggs and bangers and mash.

But if an establishment sells food and nobody is eating it when you walk in, this should be a “red flag”.

5. Watch out for stairs

Something that he says becomes “more precarious” as your night goes on, Mark claimed that pub toilets will “undoubtedly” be down a “very narrow and steep” set of stairs.

He advised people with accessibility issues to research the pub beforehand, as visitors may be be presented by what he described as “little stairwells”.

6. Don’t linger past closing time

Finally, Mark stressed the importance of not lingering past closing time and how, generally, bars don’t really stay open “super late”, adding that staff like to “wrap things up really quickly.”

He advised people to be “respectful” and do the same for those in the local community by being quiet when you leave.

MY family’s favourite seaside holiday park has just been named best holiday park in AA’s Caravan And Camping Awards, and it’s about to open its very own Wetherspoons to boot. 

We visit Great Yarmouth several times a year and Haven Hopton is always the first place I check when I’m booking us somewhere to stay.

We love its location right by the beach and the family-friendly feel, and it turns out we’re not alone – AA inspectors were impressed by its immaculate grounds, top-tier amenities and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the best improvements in recent years has been the expansion of the indoor pool areas, by covering the old outdoor lido and linking it with the existing indoor area – to double the capacity for a year-round splashabout.

My boys loved the flume and the aqua inflatable course.

The soft play was also a winner and Hopton’s a great spot for a wander along the beach, as the caravans are set right by the sand. 

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It’s a half-hour bus ride to Great Yarmouth, where you have loads of great attractions, including the hippodrome with its seasonal shows, funfair rides and arcades.

What I really love about Hopton though is its tucked-away village vibe, despite being in between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft.

It’s off the main road and once you’re there, there’s plenty to keep you occupied if you never venture off-site.

It’s even got its own nine-hole golf course set beside a lake, which is perfect for families introducing youngsters to the sport. 

Just by the lane into the site, there’s a ruined church that’s been turned into a community garden, which is great for some peace and quiet away from the holiday park hustle and bustle.

You’ll be walking past a chip shop and an arcade to get there from your caravan, so it would be rude not to have a little go on the slot machines or grab something tasty to eat as you stroll past.

If we’re heading for a seaside resort nearby, it’ll always be Gorleston for us.

We love the wide golden sands, the splash pad and the clifftop playground, and we’ve had lovely food at the Pier Hotel and enjoyed open-air music at the bandstand overlooking the beach.

Our latest find is the beach huts at one end of the promenade, which are a perfect base for a day by the sea.

They are great all year round, a place to keep cosy by the coast in the winter and for a seat in the shade with a bit of sea breeze in the summer. 

One place on our must-visit list this year is Pleasurewood Hills, which is about 15 minutes away from Hopton.

It’s come under new ownership and has four extra rides opening this season.

Locals could get into the theme park for a tenner over the Easter weekend, but if you’re quick, you can convert Tesco Clubcard points into vouchers for entry before the park leaves the Clubcard scheme later this month.

The vouchers will be valid until October 22, so you can use them over the summer if you’re heading to the coast.

I think we’ve stayed in all the big caravan parks around Great Yarmouth now and Hopton is one that we’ll return to time and again.

Although we’ve enjoyed Haven holidays at Caister, Wild Duck and Seashore and they all have their own highlights, Hopton is hands-down our favourite.

If you’re looking for somewhere for May halfterm, you can actually stay there for less than the other three sister sites at the moment, with a midweek caravan at Hopton starting at £339, compared to £355 at Caister and Wild Duck and £479 at Seashore.

My top tip would be to go at the end of the season – we stayed there for Bonfire Night one year and we got two different light displays.

Haven put on a laser show and then we could also see the excellent fireworks being set off at the renowned Potters resort next door. It felt really festive.

And if you make Hopton your holiday hotspot this year, you’ll be able to grab a bite to eat at the new Wetherspoons that’s opening this spring.

The White Clover will be the one of nine boozers from the pub chain now open on Haven sites. 

Travelling to these countries could put your safety at risk

Brits are reminded to check important information before jetting off on holiday, as the Foreign Office currently has travel warnings in place for 52 countries. The Government body advises people not to venture to these locations amid safety and security concerns.

And a further 24 countries have “all but essential travel” guidelines set by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Failing to adhere to these warnings can not only put your safety at risk but invalidate any travel insurance you have.

As reported by The Independent, political conflicts, natural disasters and safety concerns are some of the reasons the UK Foreign Office will advise people to avoid certain destinations.

Among these current restrictions are advice against “all travel” and “all but essential travel” to entire countries or parts of countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.

Of a total of 226 countries or territories with foreign travel advice pages, 76 are currently flagged as having no-go zones due to security issues, health risks and legal differences with the UK.

Below is the full list of countries on the FCDO “do not travel” list.

FCDO advises against all travel

• Afghanistan
• Belarus
• Burkina Faso
• Haiti
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Mali
• Niger
• Palestine
• Russia
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Yemen

FCDO advises against all travel to parts

• Algeria – all travel to within 30km of Algeria’s borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Tunisia
• Armenia – within 5km of the full eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the M16/H26 road between the towns of Ijevan and Noyemberyan
• Azerbaijan – within 5km of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border
• Benin – northern border regions
• Burundi – FCDO advises against all travel to Mugina, Cibitoke, Bukinyayana, Bubanza and Mpanda communes, and parts of Ntahangwa commune, specifically the RN5 road north of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport
• Cameroon – Bakassi Peninsula, parts of the Far-North Region, North-West Region and South-West Region and within 40km of the Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria borders
• Central African Republic – against all travel except to the capital, Bangui
• Chad – Borkou, Ennedi Ouest, Ennedi Est and Tibesti provinces, Kanem Province, including Nokou, Lake Chad region and within 30km of all Chad’s other borders
• Congo – within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border in Likouala Region
• Côte d’Ivoire – FCDO advises against all travel within 40km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali, to the Northern Zanzan and Savanes provinces and to Comoé National Park
• Democratic Republic of the Congo – within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic, the province of Kasaï Oriental, the Kwamouth territory of Mai-Ndombe Province and provinces in Eastern DRC
• Djibouti – Djibouti-Eritrea border
• Egypt – within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border and the North Sinai Governorate
• Eritrea – within 25km of Eritrea’s land borders
• Ethiopia – international border areas, the Tigray region, Amhara region, Afar region, Gambela region, Oromia region, Somali region, Central, Southern, Sidama and South West regions and Benishangul-Gumuz region
• Georgia – South Ossetia and Abkhazia
• India – within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and Jammu and Kashmir
• Indonesia – Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, Mount Sinabung, Mount Marapi, Mount Semeru, Mount Ruang, Mount Ibu
• Jordan – within 3km of the border with Syria and all but essential travel to all other areas
• Kenya – Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast
• Lebanon – areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate, the South and Nabatiyeh Governorates, the Beqaa Governorate, the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, the Akkar Governorate, the city of Tripoli and Palestinian refugee camps
• Libya – advises against all travel to Libya except for the cities of Benghazi and Misrata
• Mauritania – Eastern Mauritania and within 25km of the Malian border
• Moldova –Transnistria
• Mozambique – Cabo Delgado province, parts of Nampula province and Niassa province
• Myanmar (Burma) – Chin State, Kachin State, Kayah State, Kayin State, Mon State, Rakhine State, Sagaing and Magway regions, Tanintharyi Region, Shan State North, North Mandalay Region, and East of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago region
• Nigeria – Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State, Katsina State, Zamfara State and the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states
• Pakistan – within 10 miles of the border with Afghanistan, areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and the Balochistan Province
• Philippines – western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago
• Saudi Arabia – within 10km of the border with Yemen
• Somalia – advises against all travel except the western regions Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil, for which it advises against all but essential travel
• Sudan – against all travel except to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid, for which it advises against all but essential travel
• Togo – within 30km of the border with Burkina Faso except for the city of Dapaong and the N1 highway leading to it from the south
• Tunisia – parts of Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border and Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border
• Turkey – within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border
• Ukraine – all regions of Ukraine with the exception of some western areas, for which it advises against all but essential travel
• Venezuela – border areas, the Orinoco Mining Arc, south of the Orinoco river and the Zulia state. All but essential travel to all remaining areas of Venezuela
• Western Sahara – within 30km of ‘the Berm’ boundary line and areas south and east of the Berm boundary line

FCDO advises against all but essential travel

The FCDO clarifies: “Whether travel is essential or not is your own decision. You may have urgent family or business commitments which you need to attend to. Only you can make an informed decision based on your own individual circumstances and the risks.”

• Bahrain
• Cuba
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• North Korea
• United Arab Emirates

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FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts

• Angola – Cabinda Province, except Cabinda city and border areas in Lunda Norte Province
• Bangladesh
• Bolivia – Chapare region
• Brazil – four river areas towards the west of Amazonas State – along the Amazon River and its tributaries west of the town of Codajás and east of the town of Belém do Solimões, the Itaquaí River, the Japurá River and along the Rio Negro and its tributaries north or west of the town of Barcelos
• Cambodia – within 20km from the land border with Thailand
• Colombia – within 5km of borders and parts of northern, central and southern Colombia and the Pacific Coast
• Ecuador – seven coastal region provinces and within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border
• Ghana – Bawku Municipality
• Guatemala – within 5km of the Mexican border and the towns of Santa Ana Huista, San Antonio Huista and La Democracia
• Kosovo – the municipalities of Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and areas of Mitrovica north of the river Ibar
• Laos – Xaisomboun Province
• Malaysia – Eastern Sabah coastal islands
• Mexico – parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero and Chiapas
• Papua New Guinea – Hela and Southern Highlands provinces, Enga Province in the Highlands, except Wabag District
• Peru – within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border and the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro River
• Rwanda – Rusizi district
• Tanzania – within 20km of the Tanzanian border with Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique
• Thailand – parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border and within 20km of the land border with Cambodia

To check the travel advice for a country before you visit, see the Foreign Office’s complete guide here.

TAMWORTH may not be top of many tourists’ to-do lists, but it boasts the best boozer, a kids-go-free castle and even a chance to ski on real snow, all within staggering distance of each other. 

I’m lucky that this Midlands marvel is only half an hour from me, so I headed over to check out all the things that make the town a perfect day trip destination this year.

It’s been ages since I last visited Tamworth Castle, a landmark feature in the centre of town, still standing tall on its original motte.

It’s just announced that it’s the latest visitor attraction to join the Blue Peter scheme, which means that kids who’ve earned a badge from the beloved TV show can get in free.

We were absolutely amazed by all the different eras of history showcased at the castle, a fascinating snapshot of its own journey through time.

What I really loved though was the recreated Saxon mead hall with fount-of-knowledge volunteer guide Ralph on hand to bring history to life and chat to us about the Staffordshire Hoard, a huge stash of Saxon riches discovered by a metal detectorist on a farmer’s field in 2009.

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The hoard was split between three Midlands museums and Tamworth makes the most of the sparkling specimens it received in its Battle and Tribute exhibition.

We love a castle and have visited many of the biggest and best, like Warwick and Windsor, but Tamworth gives them a run for their money in terms of immersive experiences for children and offering up history in easy-to-understand bite-size chunks. 

One thing that Tamworth really has going for it is the greenery of the Castle Grounds right in its centre.

This open-to-all public space has a fab castle-themed playground, a skate park, tennis courts and a cafe.

It is bordered by indoor attractions like Namco Funscape, which includes bowling, softplay and adventure golf, and the SnowDome, where visitors can ski, skate, climb and swim.

My boys love taking to the slopes and a firm family favourite here is the snow fun park, where you can play in the white stuff all year round.

The pool offers flumes and floats sessions for families.

If you have a Blue Light Card, you can often get money off and it’s always worth checking out the deals section of the SnowDome website, as you can bag a bargain at quieter times of the year.

We rounded up our visit with a trip to the Tamworth Tap, which has just been named pub of the year by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for the third time.

It’s the first pub to win this award three times, so it was no surprise to find it already bustling with barely a table to spare within half an hour of its opening on a Friday afternoon.

You won’t be able to bring the kids in here, as it’s over-18s only, but if you’re visiting with older kids who are happy to enjoy the skate park, which is only a two-minute walk away, you can sneak in for a cheeky pint and a portion of £4 frickles – pickles fried in breadcrumbs. 

If you’re here in the warmer months, the pub’s beer garden certainly has one of the best views in the town, overlooked by its castle neighbour.

April is a great time to visit the town, with a dragon egg hunt around the castle over the school holidays and then a free medieval festival to mark St George’s Day in the park on April 18, with jousting, archery, games and fairground rides.

Just outside Tamworth, there’s plenty of family-friendly visitor attractions a short drive away where you can easily while away a day if you’re making a weekend of it. 

My top picks would be Twycross Zoo (20-minute drive), Statfold Country Park (10 minutes) and Drayton Manor (7 minutes).

As well as visiting the animals, Twycross also has the Gruffalo Discovery Land, which is great for little ones, while both Drayton Manor and Statfold are perfect for train fans and anyone who loves fairground and theme park rides.

Drayton, which hosts Thomas Land, has just celebrated its 75th anniversary by installing a lake lights show, while Statfold recently opened the National Fairground Museum, so visitors can now enjoy vintage fairground rides as well as steam and diesel trains.

With a hoard of hidden gems of its own, this Staffordshire treasure has a wealth of wonders just waiting to be discovered.

Van-life traveller Lana says this gorgeous UK village with cobbled streets and turquoise waters is so ‘quaint and dreamy’ it’s like stepping back into the past

This pretty UK village has narrow cobbled lanes and cute shopfronts that will make you feel like it’s the good old days.

Lana, who explores Britain while living in her van, is encouraging people to make the journey to Clovelly in north Devon.

The content creator said: “I had a solo trip to this quaint and dreamy little place with the most picturesque scenery! It was like stepping back in time with no cars allowed and had a kind of a Greece feel to it with the cobbled streets, bright white houses, hanging flower baskets over looking a turquoise ocean.”

She adored spotting donkeys at the top of the village, as well as taking in the breathtaking vistas and indulging in a scrumptious afternoon tea.

Clovelly boasts dramatic views over the Bristol Channel, a small working harbour, and a really distinctive layout that makes a visit feel like an experience rather than just a stop-off.

People come for the cobbled main street that drops steeply down to the water, the photogenic cottages and flower-filled walls, and the slower pace created by the fact cars don’t use the village streets.

Another reason if feels like stepping back to the past is that goods are traditionally moved by handcarts, and you’ll often see donkeys referenced as part of the village’s heritage.

If you’re planning on visiting, Lana said there’s an entrance fee for the village as it has remained privately owned since Elizabethan times. Visitor charges are roughly £8.75 per person.

Clovelly Court Gardens are an absolute must-see when exploring this famous village, boasting immaculately maintained grounds and beautifully restored Victorian greenhouses.

Be sure to pop into the Kingley Museum or head up to Mount Pleasant – widely regarded as the finest picnic spot in the village

There are also a handful of charming pubs, craft workshops to get stuck into, as well as shops stocking unique and handmade goods.

For ale fans, the Clovelly Brewery sits proudly at the top of this stunning village.

But Lana warned: “It’s on a steep cliff so be prepared for a bit of a walk and don’t be like me and wear flip flops – which also broke so that was interesting on steep cobbled paths.”

Lana recommends visiting on a weekday where possible to sidestep the crowds – and people agree that it’s well worth the journey.

Commenting on the viral video showcasing the village’s stunning beauty, one user said: “Beautiful Clovelly, worth the £9 per adult. Absolutely stunning the £9 ticket is valid for seven days so definitely worth it. Visited the garden too – bought a little plant.”

Another said: “I visited Clovelly some years ago, it’s lovely.” And a third added: “Clovelly, prettiest village ever, been few times.”

From the jagged peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-baked beaches of Sicily, via Roman ruins, Renaissance art and rolling vineyards, Italy has something for everyone. We’d love to hear about your favourite Italian discovery, whether it’s a beautiful hilltop town, a favourite shoreline, a memorable hike or a less famous gallery, museum or cultural sight.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet, wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 13 April at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

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Standard adult passport costs are increasing from April 8, but there is one way to do it cheaper

Brits in need of a new passport are being reminded that applying via a specific method will save them £13.50 as fees are set to increase this week. Using the Government website to obtain your essential travel document is less expensive than submitting a postal application.

A passport is necessary for travelling overseas. In the UK, they remain valid for 10 years for adults, or five years for those aged under 16. When your passport is approaching its expiry date, it is crucial to apply for a replacement well in advance, to avoid the risk of having to cancel a holiday. However, you may be unaware that the method by which you apply for a new passport can have an impact on the cost.

At present, applying for a standard adult passport online costs £94.50. However, obtaining the same passport via a postal application is priced at £107 – a difference of £12.50.

This gap is set to widen further with the introduction of revised fees from April 8. The update means that a standard adult passport will cost £102 to order online and £115.50 through the post – a difference of £13.50.

New passport fees

The full list of passport fee changes:

• Adult: takes up to three weeks to arrive – online cost now – £94.50, online cost from April 8 – £102, postal cost now – £107, postal cost from April 8 – £115.50
• Adult fast-track – arrives one week after appointment – online cost now – £178, online cost after April 8 – £178
• Adult ‘Premium’ – given at the appointment – online cost now – £222, online cost after April 8 – £239.50
• Child – takes up to three weeks to arrive – online cost now – £61.50, online cost after April 8 – £66.50, postal cost now – £74, postal cost after April 8 – £80
• Child fast-track – arrives one week after appointment – online cost now – £145, online cost after April 8 – £145

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Applying online

To apply online, visit GOV.UK. You will need a digital photo, a credit or debit card for payment, and your old passport if renewing. You’ll also need to provide information about your identity and citizenship.

You can also get help with your online application at a Post Office. Staff can:

• Take your digital photo
• Help you fill in the application online

However, this service costs extra.

To apply via post

You can pick up a paper passport application form from your local Post Office and apply by post. It takes longer to apply by post than online.

You’ll need to send off a fully completed application form, supporting documents, two photos, and your fee. If you need help, Post Office staff can check you’ve filled in the form correctly.

However you will need to provide your own photos – and this service costs extra. You can pay by cash, or debit or credit card.

Fast-track applications

According to GOV.UK, it typically takes three weeks for a new passport to be processed and delivered. However, it can take longer if the passport office needs more information. If this is cutting it too close with your holiday, there are two ways to apply for an urgent passport.

GOV.UK says: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.” For both of these options you will need to go to a passport office for an appointment:

• One day premium
• One week fast track

If your passport is lost, stolen or damaged

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must cancel it before applying for a replacement. And if your passport is damaged, you must replace it.

GOV.UK says: “You may not be able to travel with it.” HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:

• You cannot read any of your details
• Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
• There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
• The cover is coming away
• There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)