holidays

WITH Easter around the corner it’s time to think about booking a holiday – so we’ve found both the cheapest destinations and the hottest.

The numbers have been crunched and this is where you want to go if you’re looking for an affordable break from just £520pp – with temperatures over 20C.

TravelSupermarket has analysed average seven-night family holiday prices and average March high temperatures to find the best and cheapest destinations.

At the very top is Portugal’s Algarve where family holidays average at £520pp, and in March there are average highs of 21C.

The region in southern Portugal is known for having beautiful golden beaches, some with huge limestone cliffs as well as plenty of fresh seafood.

Some of the most well-known towns in the Algarve include Albufeira, Faro and Lagos.

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Direct flights to the Algarve can take as little as two hours 45 minutes – so you won’t be spending long on a plane either.

If you fancy going slightly off the beaten track, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey explored tiny islands off the coast of Faro.

She said: “Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, is often called the Caribbean of Portugal thanks to its golden sandy beaches. It takes just 20 minutes to get there, with ferries costing barely a few euros.

“I was one of the few tourists who was on the island, walking around the boardwalks that stretched across the deserted sand. No-one lives on the island, and there is just one restaurant, Estamine.

“Most of the food served is from the nearby area, and I enjoyed a range of oysters, octopus and prawns, while sampling the local wines.“

With loveholidays, a family of four can stay at the Monica Isabel Beach Club during the Easter holidays on an all-inclusive package for seven-nights from £379pp.

The 3-star hotel in Albufeira is steps away from the beach with two swimming pools and a buffet restaurant.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket said: “These four destinations are the ones where the maths works on both fronts.

“The Algarve in particular is a standout — it’s the most affordable option and still comfortably clears the 20°C mark, which for late March is genuinely impressive.”

Coming in second place when it comes to cheapest holiday destinations during the Easter holidays is Lanzarote.

The island offers year-round sunshine, sandy beaches and plenty of towns and natural wonders for sightseeing.

Lanzarote has an average price of £758pp and average high temperatures of 23C.

Sun Travel found a deal with loveholidays at the Blue Sea Costa Teguise Gardens from March 30 to April 6, 2026 from £499pp.

This is for a family of four with an all-inclusive package – the hotel has a outdoor swimming pool with a children’s swimming area and it’s within walking distance of three local beaches.

In third place is Agadir which has an average price of £765pp and average highs in March of 24C.

The city in Morocco has a combination of culture, sandy beaches, and endless sunshine – even in March.

It’s a popular spot for water sports, sailing, boat trips, hiking and cycling.

Another must-do in Agadir is explore the souks to check out the many stalls selling traditional Moroccan goods – and souvenirs.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey also recently visited Agadir, and here’s what she made of it.

“Rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1960, the sprawling city nestles against the Atlantic Ocean and its palm-lined wide roads feel more Miami than Morocco.

“No wonder the South African country looks set to be a holiday. hotspot as Brits look past Spain next year.

“I’m staying in Taghazout, a surf town with an ever-growing number of modern beach-side resorts, just 13 miles north of Agadir and its sizzling souk.

“One of the newest resorts is the five-star adults-only Pickalbatros White Beach, which features pristine white marble steps, manicured gardens and a huge airy lobby offering views of the beach through giant glass windows – it’s affordable luxury at its finest.”

And finally the fourth cheapest is Fuerteventura which has an average price of £800pp and average highs of 22C.

Some of the most popular and family-friendly spots on the island include Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste.

TUI rep Samuel Gonzalez was born and raised in Fuerteventura added: “When it comes to beach day fun, look no further than Corralejo .

“The lively resort has plenty of beaches including the Grandes Playas which has golden sands and bright blue waters.”

Visitors should make sure to visit ‘Popcorn Beach’ in a village called Majanicho.

Majanicho is a small, off-the-beaten-track village known for surfing, a calm lagoon, and it even has a unique beach made of coral – often called “Popcorn Beach”.

The beach near Corralejo is covered in white, popcorn-shaped algae fossils called rhodoliths rather than sand.

Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited the island during February half-term when temperatures were as high as 25C.

For more on Easter holidays – these are the cheapest all-inclusive holidays Sun Travel has found from just £179pp.

And here’s where to find guaranteed sun this Easter – with highs of 28C and UK flights from 3.5 hours.

A POPULAR attraction found across America is finally making its way to the UK.

Slick City Nottingham will have the world’s first UV AirGlider – a gravity-powered aerial coaster that makes you feel like you are flying.

Slick City already has 95 sites across America and the Nottingham site will mark the company’s first amusement park in Europe when it comes next month.

Inside the new attraction, there will be a mix of dry slides with different drops and twists.

For example, you could head on Fast Lane – a four-lane slide that has been built for friendly competitions with high-speed sliding.

Then there’s Royal Flush – a slide that features a sheer drop and then you spin around in a massive bowl, that will feel like you’re in a flushing toilet.

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There’s even one slide – Avalanche – that is meant to make you feel as if you are skiing downhill, just without the snow.

Alternatively, you could head on Big Wave, which first has a steep drop and then builds speed as you slide back and forth along a blue half-pipe.

Then on the UV AirGlider, visitors will be strapped in and gravity will propel them along a track – with a ultra-violet theme – hanging in the air to make them feel as if they are soaring through the sky.

There’s a freestyle air court and sport air court as well, which are specifically designed with a cushioned and bouncy base making them the ideal spots for parkour tricks.

The attraction – which will span over 4,600sqm – will be designed for children aged four-years-old or over, with children under 12 needing an adult with them.

But there will be a soft play area for little ones aged three-years-old or younger.

And parents can sit back in the onsite cafe with a coffee as well.

The Nottingham site will be the company’s first standalone indoor slide park in Europe.

Slick City launched back in 2021 and has grown rapidly, with Keely Buchanan, park manager at Slick City Nottingham saying “it’s pure adrenaline for every age”.

Many people have taken to social media to express their excitement for the opening, with one person even asking whether there will be adult-only sessions, which is something the company does at its American sites.

There are a number of different ticket types available including 90 minute and 120 minute sessions.

For a 90 minute session, admission costs £19.95 per person.

If you want 120 minutes of fun, then it will set you back £24.95 per person.

You can also add on the AirGlider, which costs £4 for one ride or £10 for three rides – though the three rides must be used by the same person.

It is worth noting you will also need to grab a pair of CitySocks, which cost £3 a pair – but you can keep and re-use them.

In other attraction news, these are the 20 most-visited attractions in England that are completely free to enter.

Plus, a new ‘floating park’ with sauna and lido to open in popular London district – in huge £5billion upgrade.

Petworth in Sussex features cobbled streets, 40+ antique dealers, and a 700-acre park with a 17th-century stately home housing an internationally significant art collection

At this time of year, there’s nothing quite like strolling through a picturesque UK town before settling into a welcoming pub. There’s one particular spot that’s absolutely worth the journey.

The unspoilt English town of Petworth in Sussex feels like a step back in time, boasting charming cobbled lanes brimming with antique emporiums. Independent shops nestle amongst the streets, alongside cafes, delis and inviting pubs that create the perfect setting for an idyllic day out.

Petworth Antiques Market alone houses over 40 dealers, where you can uncover everything from exquisite furniture pieces to ornaments and an array of home accessories.

When hunger strikes, drop into The Hungry Guest delicatessen on Middle Street before heading out to explore the expansive 700-acre Petworth Park, which sits beneath the magnificent 17th-century Petworth House.

Inside, guests can wander through the 17th-century stately home and discover a treasure trove featuring an internationally significant collection of art and sculpture. You might even recognise it from films such as Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as its appearance on Netflix’s Bridgerton.

One Tripadvisor reviewer remarked: “Pretty Petsworth. Petsworth House is a beautiful period home with an amazing Mural up the staircase. The artist who painted the mural can be found hiding behind one of the pillars in the painted mural. A favourite of Turner – the famous artist who used to stay here and paint. The grounds and lake are really pretty.

“The Town nearby has some beautiful medieval houses, which are antique shops, as well as a great antique market. A great place to walk around and have afternoon tea. One of my favourite historical towns.”

Another visitor said: “Our first visit to Petworth and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the house isn’t particularly impressive from the outside, the artwork within certainly is worth viewing. We did a guided tour with an extremely knowledgeable gentleman, which was greatly enjoyable and informative.”

They added: “I’m not even a great art fan, but he brought everything to life. Afterwards, we enjoyed a coffee in the cafe and a lovely walk around the estate in the sunshine. I would say it is more suited to adults than children, but we really enjoyed our visit.”

Petworth lies just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and roughly 50 minutes from Portsmouth. If you appreciate nature and wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for the hundreds of deer roaming freely throughout the grounds.

The grounds represent one of the finest surviving examples of English landscape design by celebrated architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. From this location, visitors can take in breathtaking views across the South Downs, with the estate providing an ideal viewpoint.

It’s also an ideal destination to leave behind the chaos of everyday life for an invigorating stroll. Worth noting too that Petworth received such acclaim, it was recognised as one of Britain’s most scenic towns by Condé Nast Traveller earlier this year.

So if you’re considering a day trip within the UK, Petworth makes for a charming and peaceful excursion this winter.

The extra baggage charge would have been more than half what she paid for the tickets

A woman avoided paying a £30 luggage charge on Ryanair thanks to a simple hack that cost her just £2.59. Laura Poole, 33, paid a tiny amount to send her clothes in the post, rather than adding £30 to the cost of her flight by checking a bag in as excess luggage.

Laura says she has “better things to spend her money on” and swerved the additional charge by squeezing her outfits into her gym bag, wrapping it in a Lidl carrier bag and dropping it off at her local Tesco Express InPost locker. She flew to Glasgow from Bristol on February 22, paying £57.48 for her return flights.

Staying in Glasgow for a month on a business trip, she shipped “at least” five outfits including suit jackets and dresses – all for just £2.59. Dropping her parcel off on the Thursday evening before her Sunday morning flight, Laura’s parcel arrived safely in Glasgow just after she arrived.

Inspired by Vinted and their parcel shipping process, Laura says she has received comments from trolls saying she us “stupid” but has also been hailed a “genius” online.

Ryanair’s baggage fees are famously dynamic—they change based on your route, travel dates, and, most importantly, when you buy them. ^{The general rule is: the later you wait, the more it costs. If you forget to book online and show up at the airport, you can expect to pay at the highest end of those ranges (up to £60 per bag).}

If your bag is already checked but weighs more than your purchased allowance (e.g., your 20kg bag actually weighs 22kg) you will pay £11 more per kilo. If you try to take a bag to the gate that is too big for your allowance (like a “cabin bag” when you only paid for a “small personal item”) you can pay £75 for the bag to be put in the hold.

Laura, a public speaker and trainer, from Cardiff, said: “I have better things to spend her money on. I actually did it before, this is the second time I’ve done it. So I knew it worked. “I got the idea from Vinted because they’re using InPost lockers for that. I was curious and thought ‘I wonder how much it is?’

“If it’s only that much for postage on Vinted it can’t be as much as Royal Mail. I’ve always been really frugal and am part of the FIRE community – financial independence and retire early. Lots of people are super frugal and I have better things to spend my money on than really expensive baggage fees.

“I’m here for a month this time as well and I thought I’m going to need more than a backpack, so I got my gym bag, stuffed it with clothes and wrapped it in a Lidl bag and taped it up. People on Vinted send stuff in anything – I thought ‘that’ll do’.”

Laura also packed enough clothes to last her two to three days in her cabin backpack. “I would not post anything that I loved,” she added. “For example I’ve got a scarf I’ve had for 10 years and my grandad’s t-shirts – who is not around anymore. That stuff goes in my backpack.

“Obviously I don’t want to lose my clothes and there are lots of clothes in there. It’s insured for up to £50. My thought process is if anything goes wrong, or it doesn’t arrive in time, I’ve got time to buy new clothes. I do public speaking so I need to look good. Suit jackets, trousers, all sorts I threw it all in, dresses as well.

“I must have at least five different outfits and then loungewear and stuff as well”.

Sharing her plans on Facebook, her post went viral. Laura said: “There are always trolls whenever anything goes that big and people are always negative, but overall I’ve never been called a genius so much in my life.”

She will use the InPost locker system when she returns from the trip next month and will save another £27.41.

NEW passport rules are being introduced from today – and anyone breaking then could be banned from their flight.

From today (February 25), dual national passport holders can no longer use their foreign passport to enter the UK.

Affecting as many as 1.2million people who hold more than one passport in the UK, they must now use a valid British passport when arriving into the UK.

Anyone without this must instead have a certificate of entitlement, which costs £589.

Passengers trying to enter the country by plane, ferry or train without this risks being banned from travelling.

A Home Office spokesperson previously explained: “From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border.”

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Many have slammed the new rules, which were only announced earlier this month, for not allowing enough time for people living abroad to buy a new passport.

New British passports can take up to three weeks, while first time applications can take as long as 10 weeks.

The government suggested that airlines may allow passengers to travel with an expired passport, however this is at their own discretion.

A spokesperson told The Sun: “At their own discretion, carriers can accept an expired British passport as alternative documentation.”

Not only that, but it must be no older than an expiry of 1989 or later.

They also confirmed that anyone who previously held a British passport, but it has now expired, can instead get an emergency travel document to enter the UK instead.

The new rules are in line with the electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which has also launched from today.

Any non-British national must now may for the £16 ETA to enter the country.

Lasting up to six months, it will be required from people who are from destinations like Europe, the US and Australia.

Anyone who is a dual national cannot apply for an ETA under the new rules.

Brits will not need an ETA when returning to the UK.

Here are some other passport rules you need to be aware of.

And we explain how to apply for your child’s first passport.

Fallow deer are grazing under ruined brick walls in the house where Lady Jane Grey was born. It’s a moody spring day at Bradgate Park in Leicestershire and there are few visitors. Instead, there are fieldfares in the hedges and skylarks singing in the mist. I’m walking, through bracken and craggy outcrops, towards Old John Tower, a folly that looks like a giant beer mug on the hill ahead.

It sometimes feels as though England’s much-photographed beauty spots get more booked up and overpriced every day. But there are scenic corners of the country that still fly under the insta-radar and Charnwood, around Loughborough, is one of these. The largest borough in Leicestershire, Charnwood is the area between Leicester and the Nottinghamshire border. Its gentle wooded hills and well-kept villages offer country walks to gourmet pubs and cafes. It’s like a cheaper, quieter Cotswolds with better transport links.

An hour and a quarter by train from London or 50 minutes from Sheffield, Loughborough is easy to reach. The town makes a good base for a Charnwood holiday, with several immersive, weatherproof experiences and easy rural connections by bus, rail and steam train.

The atmospheric landscapes around popular Bradgate Park are just a few miles south of Loughborough. Bus 154 winds past thatched and half-timbered cottages, rugged granite chimneys and drifts of garden snowdrops. Outside the Badger’s Sett pub, near Cropston Reservoir, you can hop off the bus into Causeway Lane, a quiet stony track leading to Bradgate Park with wide views over the water.

Next morning’s mist turns to rain and I head to the UK’s last remaining bellfoundry for a tour. Fifteen minutes’ stroll from the cafe-lined lanes around the market, the museum was relaunched in 2024. Inside the foundry, there are showers of sparks from a metalworker’s bench, a smell of wood shavings in the bell-wheel workshop, and an 18ft-deep sandpit for cooling casts.

Loughborough Bellfoundry has made bells for cathedrals around the world, from York Minster to Sydney’s St Andrew’s, including Britain’s biggest church bell, Great Paul, for St Paul’s Cathedral. Shiny new and refurbished bells are destined for churches in Truro, Paisley, Betws-y-Coed, Stow-on-the-Wold. Guide Lianne Brooks is a keen bellringer, ringing in four church towers each week. “One pull on a rope and I was hooked,” she laughs. As she demonstrates on the foundry’s bells, the metal vibrates with a low seismic hum. The bellfoundry’s museum has a £5 entry fee for adults, and tours are available from £20.

The 1950s-style heritage Great Central Railway (GCR) station, a couple of minutes away, includes another packed museum and a Brief Encounter-esque refreshment room. With a whistle and whoosh of steam, we’re off, past banks where badgers live, to 1940s-themed Quorn and Woodhouse station. There’s a Naafi-style cafe, with a blazing log fire and radio playing wartime songs, in an old air-raid shelter under the railway bridge.

More than 700 volunteers work on GCR, doing everything from shovelling coal to serving tea. “Dig for Victory” says a sign above trackside gardens, where pink-and-lime-green rhubarb unfurls in pale spring sunshine. Drivers are training new recruits. “If one of us old buggers suddenly collapses, we’d need someone to take over,” says chief fire inspector Ken Scriven, a long-term volunteer driver and former mainline fireman.

GCR has ambitious schemes, with planning permission granted in 2025, to link the railway through to Nottingham, one of Europe’s biggest heritage rail projects. The photogenic stations feature regularly in TV series, from The Crown to Happy Valley. Much of the recent Netflix drama Seven Dials takes place on board one of GCR’s steam trains. Rolling on towards Leicester, we cross the bullrush-framed Swithland Reservoir, where dining cars pause to watch swans glide over sunset waters (GCR day tickets £24/£13 for adults/kids).

I’m staying at Burleigh Court on Loughborough’s crocus-carpeted university campus on the edge of town (doubles from £75, room only). At night I can hear tawny owls hooting from nearby bluebell woods. The Sprint Bus links the campus with the town centre and railway station every 10 minutes. There’s art on the walls by Loughborough students, carpets made from recycled bottles, and a spa with a decent-sized pool. A £4.5m refurb in autumn 2024 introduced the stylish new Fifty Restaurant, where half the meals are plant-based, and a bar, named after Lionesses Carney and Scott, both Loughborough alumnae. Cocktails include sustainable drinks using leftover veg. I sip a chocolatey purple Beet the Waste while a fellow-drinker braves the Cauliflower Colada.

Leicestershire’s only Michelin-starred restaurant is John’s House, a beamed, brick building on a working farm in the village of Mountsorrel, 20 minutes from Loughborough on bus 127 the next day. “It’s a good job he can cook,” jokes John’s brother Tom Duffin; “he was bugger-all use on the farm.” Nearby, the sheep are loudly hungry. “I hear that noise in my nightmares,” grins a young farmworker, lugging a bag of feed. The farm’s hogget, with locally foraged hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, features in today’s lunch (three courses, £49). Fresh venison arrives from Bradgate Park. The evening’s tasting menu (from £100) includes fallow deer with walnut wine as well as Tom’s potatoes with smoked eel, crispy chicken skin and lovage. Stonehurst Farm itself has a nostalgic smell of baking and wet straw. Tom’s daughter, soil scientist Zoe, shows us round pens of rare curly-headed Leicester Longwool sheep and gingery Tamworth pigs, destined for summer hog roasts. Tiny orange piglets are climbing over a spotted sow. There are Easter lambs on the way and a new indoor play barn.

At drier times of year, it’s a pleasant two-mile walk from Mountsorrel along the river to the pub-rich village of Barrow upon Soar. Today, the Soar has spilled onto the floodplains, leaving a duck-dotted lake where the path should be. Luckily, it’s not much further by road, taking a path known as The Slabs. Stepping out of icy drizzle into the fire-warmed Blacksmith’s Arms feels miraculous. An elegant mushroom wellington with deeply savoury mash goes well with golden beers from Charnwood Brewery. Trains from Barrow-upon-Soar station are hourly and take only five minutes to get back to Loughborough. Outside the window are boats on willow-hemmed waterways and flocks of wintering geese.

This trip was provided by Discover Charnwood

The way we travel could be changed forever following a futuristic rail project with rapid journeys from London to Paris within 20 minutes, and to Amsterdam in a mere 22 minutes

In a glimpse into the future of travel, a journey from London to Paris could take just 21 minutes, thanks to an innovative rail project.

As it stands, the fastest train journey from London to Paris takes two hours and 16 minutes, thanks to the efficient Eurostar which departs from St. Pancras International. However, if a futuristic rail project comes into fruition, the trip could be reduced to 1/6 of its current length, thanks to a hypothetical rail service that’d travel at more than 600mph.

This ultra-high-speed service would be made possible with hyperloop technology, which would involve passenger pods travelling through low-pressure tubes. In addition to the 21-minute journey to Paris, it could also provide transport from London to Brussels in 20 minutes, to Amsterdam in 22 minutes, and Berlin in just over an hour, reports the Telegraph.

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Yet the concept isn’t new and was brought to the spotlight in 2013, when entrepreneur Elon Musk published a white paper on the hyperloop, a proposed transportation system. Musk previously labelled it a ‘fifth mode of transport’, and work has been underway in Europe on making this hypothetical engineering marvel a reality.

The European Hyperloop Center (EHC) in Veendam opened in the Netherlands two years ago, offering a 420-metre hyperloop test tube that runs adjacent to a train track. There have been successful hyperloop tests, and engineers have achieved a “zero-moving-parts lane switch” by enabling the pods to alter their course without mechanical track adjustments.

While it was conducted at 55mph, The Telegraph, which visited the European Hyperloop Center, said it was a “turning point” for hyperloop. The inventive project could revolutionise how we travel and is said to feel like flying rather than boarding a standard train.

The managing director of the Hyperloop Center Veendam, Kees Mark, told the Telegraph: “To think that we could be having coffee in Paris in under an hour from now is a huge mindset shift. It’s more like flying. That’s one of the benefits of hyperloop – there’s no wear from moving parts.”

But there’s a long way to go for the ultra-fast transport, with the project facing major setbacks and a bundle of technical difficulties. It can also present some health and safety concerns.

In 2023, Virgin Hyperloop in the US halted passenger operations amid safety concerns, a complicated regulatory process, and substantial financial difficulties. One of the project’s investors, Richard Branson, withdrew after the company failed to reach its goal of 700mph, achieving only 107mph during the first human trial.

The number of passengers the hyperloop service could carry is another hurdle compared to a standard rail service. Hyperloop pods are designed for low-capacity, high-frequency travel, typically holding 28 to 40 passengers per capsule. However, because they are designed to operate every 30 to 120 seconds, they aim to achieve high hourly throughput despite small cabin sizes. Some designs suggest up to 50 passengers, but smaller, faster-moving pods are generally prioritized for efficiency

At this point, the project is still very much in the experimental stage, and it could be years before the form of transport is introduced for use, but with tests well underway, could this be the new normal?

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A pretty town deserves a spot on your itinerary with its cobbled streets, Georgian architecture, antique shops and cosy pubs, and a park home to hundreds of free-roaming deer

A quintessential English town, with narrow cobbled lanes and surrounded by diverse landscapes, offers a glimpse into bygone eras.

The historic town of Petworth in Sussex is characterised by meandering cobbled lanes, 17th-century Georgian buildings and quaint, stone cottages. It’s conveniently positioned just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and around 50 minutes from Portsmouth, offering a delightful day out among its unspoilt landscapes.

There are narrow streets that lead to hidden gems scattered around the town, with antique emporiums and independent boutiques, complemented by cafés, delicatessens, and inviting pubs. Thanks to its scenic setting, it was even crowned by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the UK’s most picturesque towns.

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The medieval town, with more than 400 listed buildings, is also renowned for its thriving art and antiques community, with a wide range of galleries and more than 30 antique stores where you can find ancient treasures. One of the most popular spots for vintage goodies is Petworth Antiques Market, featuring more than 40 dealers offering everything from exquisite furniture to ornaments and an extensive selection of homeware.

One guest enthused on TripAdvisor: “I absolutely love going to the Petworth Antique Market, the customer service is amazing with extremely friendly, helpful staff, and I always always find beautiful treasures there!!”

You certainly won’t go hungry during a trip to Petworth with The Hungry Guest on Middle Street, among its standout establishments, serving up seasonal, locally sourced cuisine that has elevated the town’s reputation. Additionally, there’s an array of inviting pubs, including The Welldiggers Arms, The Black Horse Inn and The Angel Inn.

But away from the town centre, Petworth is a haven for avid walkers, with diverse landscapes within easy reach of the pretty town, including the rugged chalk hills of the South Downs National Park and the ancient woodland of The Mens Nature Reserve. Yet, the Petworth House and Park is the town’s most notable attraction, with its sprawling 700-acre park surrounding the impressive 17th-century Petworth House.

Visitors can explore the historic stately residence and discover an exceptional collection of world-class art and sculptures. The property represents one of the finest remaining examples of an English landscape designed by the renowned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

There are also hundreds of deer wandering freely across Petworth Park that can be easily admired, or you can soak up the spectacular views of the South Downs during a stroll around the grounds. The National Trust park has certainly put Petworth on the map, and even more so after appearing in major film productions, Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as Netflix’s popular drama Bridgerton.

Following a visit, one traveller shared: “Another National Trust gem! Had a wonderful day there. So much to see and wonderful walks in the grounds and deer park. The art collection is outstanding, and as usual, the volunteers in the house were great. Had an interesting talk in the square dining room about the family’s history. Found the kitchens fascinating! Great cafe too. Highly recommend.”

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WANT a getaway but don’t want the hassle of flying? Well, you can see amazing destinations across and within reach of the UK, just by sailing.

Whether you want to see dramatic landscapes or explore beaches that make you feel as if you are in the Caribbean, sailing to destinations can achieve just that.

UK ferry industry body, Discover Ferries, and its 12 operator members have shared the 10 most scenic and iconic ferry routes that you can try out across the UK and further afield.

Abby Penlington, director of Discover Ferries, said: “Ferry travel is not just a mode of transport but a premier sightseeing platform.

“There are so many fantastic sights on our doorstep, from Britain’s own Hebridean fjords to the turquoise waters and white sands of the Isles of Scilly, these routes offer a visual scale that other forms of travel simply cannot replicate.”

Oban to Castlebay

The Hebridean waterway is often dubbed ‘Britain’s fjords’ due to its jagged coastlines, ancient castles and colourful seafront homes of Tobermory.

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You can hop on a ferry and travel through the Sound of Mill before heading onto the open sea to travel to Castlebay with the Caledonian MacBrayne from just £19.05 per adult.

Oban is the busiest port in Scotland and located directly in the pretty coastal town.

Known as the seafood capital of Scotland due to its supply of fresh and locally-sourced fish, the town is surrounded by miles of pretty coastline and dramatic landscapes.

When you get off at Castlebay, on the Isle of Barra, you can explore Kisimul Castle, which is also known as the ‘Castle in the sea’.

The 15th century fortress is the ancestral seat of Clan MacNeil and is the only remaining medieval castle in the region.

Plus, you can only get to it by boat.

France to Dover

When you are on a boat, ferry or ship and are heading towards the White Cliffs of Dover, you can’t help but be impressed.

The chalk-formed cliffs essentially act as a gateway to England.

You can sail from either Calais or Dunkirk with DFDS, Irish Ferries or P&O Ferries with day returns starting from £44 per car.

There are other attractions you can explore in Dover as well, such as wartime tunnels and a Bronze Age Boat at Dover Museum.

Holyhead to Dublin

The journey from Holyhead to Dublin is bookended by mountains so is ideal for those who love to see impressive and breathtaking landscapes.

In Holyhead you will leave the mountains of Snowdonia behind and as you arrive into Dublin you’ll see the Irish Alps (Wicklow Mountains).

Day trips cost from £10 with Irish Ferries or Stena Line.

There is a lot to see and do in Dublin including heading to the famous Guinness Storehouse, which is a multi-story experience with a panoramic rooftop bar.

If history is more of your thing, then head to Dublin Castle and explore the state apartments and sprawling gardens.

Penzance to The Isles of Scilly

Down in Cornwall, you can see the deep-blue Atlantic ocean transform into crystal clear waters that will remind you of the Caribbean but actually belong to The Isles of Scilly.

The Penzance to the Isles of Scilly route is named one of the best for wildlife spotting, with passengers often seeing whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals.

And this year is the last year that travellers can sail across on the Scillonian III, which has served the island for over four decades.

When exploring the Isles of Scilly, you will see numerous white-sand beaches, historic ruins and subtropical gardens.

For example, head to the Tresco Abbey Garden which is spread across 17 acres and features exotic plants from around the world.

Hiking is great on the island as well and you will most likely spot puffins if you visit this spring.

Lymington to Yarmouth

The picturesque fishing town of Lymington in the New Forest is a pretty place itself to explore, but you can also head towards the Isle of Wight which is another picturesque spot to discover.

On a clear day, you will be lucky enough to see the Needles, which are three iconic stacks of chalk rock and are visible from the deck.

As you approach Yarmouth, you will see Yarmouth’s pier, which is the longest timber pier in England.

If you travel at dusk you might see one of the pretty sunsets and arrive on the island at the ideal time to stargaze.

Day return tickets with Wightlink start from £22.20.

Arriving in medieval St Malo

When you arrive at St Malo in Brittany, France, you will be greeted by a walled Breton city with ancient spires.

According to Discover Ferries, it is said, “A wave of emotion washes over anyone who beholds Saint-Malo, so striking and proud…Spellbinding!”.

You can travel with Brittany Ferries on a day return from Portsmouth to St Malo from £63 per person based on two sharing an en suite cabin both ways, or book an adult day trip with DFDS via Jersey from £32.

In St Malo, visitors can head to a number of pretty beaches on the Emerald Coast or head on a mile-long walk to the 12th-century city walls with panoramic views of the sea.

Embankment to Greenwich

If you are in the capital, head on the Uber Boat by Thames Clipper to see some of the city.

You can hop on and hop off at some of London’s most iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

A one-day hop on, hop off ticket costs £25.40 per adult.

Make the most of hopping on and off the boat by exploring the major landmarks.

For example, you can stop off at Battersea Power Station and see the building that once used to produce a fifth of London’s power supply.

Or jump off at Tower Bridge and walk across the bridge to see the city’s skyline from a new angle.

Southampton to Cowes

Cowes’ harbour on the Isle of Wight is known for being full of Victorian charm and maritime heritage.

You can head on the ‘Chain Ferry’ or Floating Bridge service which connects West and East Cowes.

Adults can sail with Red Funnel from £14 each way.

Cowes is a great destination for those who love spotting luxury boats, as the marina is full of yachts.

In the town centre you can then explore lots of independent shops and cafes as well.

Heysham to Isle of Man

As you set sail from Heysham, you will leave the rolling hills of the Lake District and Morecambe’s sandy beach before the Isle of Man – the Jewel of the Irish Sea – comes into view.

As you approach the island, you will see the Tower of Refuge on Conister Rock, which is built on a partially submerged reef.

You can sail with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company from £26 each way.

The Isle of Man is a great spot for those who love Viking history, as you can head to the Manx Museum, which has historical artefacts from the Viking period and information about Celtic heritage.

There’s also Peel Castle, which dates back to the 11th century and the House of Manannan, which is an interactive museum based on the island’s Celtic and Viking roots.

Sailing into Rotterdam

If you are wanting to explore further afield, you could head to Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

The city is dubbed the ‘New York of Northern Europe‘ due to its skyline which is visible from the port.

Sail with P&O Ferries from £144 one way or from £95.40 each way with Stena Line.

When it comes to exploring Rotterdam, the city features a huge market with more than 100 food spots.

Make sure to look up at the ceiling when in the market hall, as often there are digital butterflies flitting around.

You can also see the iconic cube houses just opposite the market.

For more no-fly holidays, there’s an English Channel cruise with island hopping, seawater pools and dining with the captain.

Plus, the no-flight holiday abroad dubbed the’ Parisian Riviera’ – and it costs just £39 to get there.

PASSENGERS travelling between the UK and Ireland will see a major change to passport requirements from tomorrow.

A popular airline is switching up its identification process for anyone flying between the two states.

From Wednesday, February 25, Aer Lingus will join Ryanair in requiring all passengers travelling between the UK and Ireland to carry their passports.

The Irish airline previously accepted alternative identification documents for these routes, such as driving licences or Irish Garda age cards.

Despite the Common Travel Area agreement between the UK and Ireland, a new rule change will require all passengers travelling between the two states to carry either a passport or passport card.

In a statement issued by Aer Lingus’s spokesperson, the airline said the new measures “will ensure consistency across our network and further improve our operational performance for our customers”.

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They added: “Aer Lingus is updating its travel document requirements for flights between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, effective from 25th February 2026.

“All customers (including Irish or British nationals) travelling on Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional services between the Republic of Ireland and the UK will now require a valid passport or Irish passport card.

“The other forms of photo ID (driver’s licence, etc.) previously accepted will no longer be valid for travel.”

Flights between Belfast and the UK are exempt from this latest update.

British Airways, which is the sister airline of Aer Lingus, will continue to allow passengers to travel without passports on flights from London City and Heathrow to Dublin.

The airline said: “You do not need a passport to travel between these destinations, known as the Common Travel Area (CTA), but you do require recognised photographic identification that proves your identity and nationality.”

Ferry companies sailing between Ireland and England and Wales will continue to accept alternative forms of identification.

There are no checks between the Republic and the North of Ireland.

Aer Lingus has launched dedicated phone lines for passengers who do not have a passport but need to fly between Ireland and the UK before they can obtain one.

EGYPT is having a holiday comeback, with trips to the destination booming according to all the experts.

The Red Sea resorts are tempting holidaymakers back with their incredible weather, beautiful beaches, activities like snorkelling – and it’s just five hours away.

For many years Egypt was the sought-after destination for Brits thanks to its promise of great weather and barely any rain.

In 2010, Egypt saw peak British holidaymaker numbers, with around 1.4million tourists visiting.

But then Brits stopped going to Egypt as much – leading to the 2011 flight cancellations – due to conflict within the region.

This was followed by the 2015 terror attack on a Russian passenger plane which killed all 224 onboard.

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As a result, flights from the UK were stopped for four years, with TUI only reintroducing holiday packages in 2019.

Now, many airlines fly to to Egypt, in particular the Red Sea resorts, like EgyptAir, easyJet, TUI, Wizz Air, British Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

And interest in heading to Egypt is higher than ever – TUI has revealed that customer numbers are up 10 percent more than last year.

It’s not just TUI which has found that Egypt is growing ever more popular. River cruise and tour operator Riviera Travel named it as the fastest-growing destination for 2026.

Comparing January-February 2025 with January-February 2026 bookings, Egypt is up 310 per cent.

It’s no surprise as in just five hours Brits can enjoy sun, sea and sand as well as affordable food and drink.

The resort cities are brilliant winter sun destinations and during the summer, temperatures can be as high as 38C – this week it’s seeing highs of 22C.

It’s not just the sunshine and beautiful resorts either as Egypt remains very affordable too.

In recent years, Egypt has been named the ‘best value for money’ destination, according to the Post Office Travel Money.

According to Wise, a beer in Egypt can be as little as 50EG£ which is 77p.

Coffee can be as little as 54p and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant starts from £1.55.

Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK&I added: “It’s one of our most in demand destinations and a stand-out location for holidaymakers in 2026.

“The choice and standard of hotels have evolved significantly keeping pace with the increased demand from UK and international tourists.”

He named Sharm El Sheikh as a popular spot for couples with its blend of relaxation, vibrant nightlife, and world‑class reefs.

Whereas Hurghada is “especially popular with families thanks to its impressive all‑inclusive offering, shallow beaches, and brilliant snorkelling”.

There’s also Marsa Alam which is gaining in popularity with “pristine beaches, exceptional diving, and a more laid‑back atmosphere”.

Chris added: “Value for money is another reason for Egypt’s resurgence.

“Whether it’s grabbing a pint in Hurghada for the equivalent of 80p, enjoying a cocktail on the seafront in Sharm for just £3, or dining out at local restaurants, customers consistently tell us they’re getting exceptional quality at a price that’s hard to beat.

“While Spain and Turkey remain firm favourites, we’re seeing North Africa flourish and Egypt is leading the way as the top choice for 2026.

“It really does have everything – UNESCO listed bucket list experiences, a welcoming culture, inspiring history, adventure, value, amazing resorts and hotels, beautiful locations, crystal clear waters, and outstanding beaches. 

“All within easy reach of the UK. What’s not to love?”

TUI has revealed some of its favourite package holidays.

A seven-night holiday to Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt at the 5T TUI Magic Life Redsina Sharm el Sheikh on an all-inclusive basis starts from £789 per person.

This is based on two adults sharing a Family Area Deluxe Double Room with Garden View and Balcony departing from London Gatwick on 11 March 2026 with 20kg hold luggage per person and transfers included.

If you’re heading to Marsa Alam, TUI offers a seven-night holiday at the Jaz Grand Marsa on an all-inclusive basis from £625 per person.

Price is based on two adults sharing a Superior Twin Room with Garden View and Balcony or Terrace departing from London Gatwick on 15 March 2026 with 20kg hold luggage per person and transfers included.

Here is perfect for swimmers as its private beach has a coral reef – and there’s a trio of sea-view pools.

Over in Hurghada, you can stay at the 3T Sindbad Club on an all-inclusive basis from £1114 per person.

Price is based on two adults and two children sharing a Superior Family Room with Pool View, Waterpark View and Balcony departing from Birmingham on 30 March 2026 with 20kg hold luggage per person and transfers included.

This hotel is great for families as it has its own waterpark and a pool scene as well a 10 bars and five restaurants.

For more on holidays to Egypt, one writer stayed a huge resort with the country’s largest water park and massive hotel buffet.

And another Sun Writer visited TUI’s Egyptian resort with a huge swimming pool – and it had unlimited booze.

IMPATIENT passengers who unfasten seatbelts before their plane has come to a complete stop at the gate could get hit with $37,000 fines.

There’s one key reason for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to penalize unruly flyers racing to be the first to disembark flights.

It’s a violation of federal law to ignore illuminated safety signs such as an aircraft’s “fasten seatbelt” sign.

But that doesn’t stop people from opening their safety restraints and reaching for their cabin bags in overhead luggage compartments.

The rule applies during the taxi, takeoff, and landing stages – until the aircraft has safely reached the gate and the sign has been turned off.

Passengers must remain buckled in while the seatbelt sign is illuminated, the FAA has warned.

Snubbing these safety instructions can result in a hefty civil penalty of up $37,000.

The regulation dates back to the 1970s, and was imposed for safety reasons.

After a plane lands, passengers are at risk of falling or other injuries if they stand and attempt to move while the aircraft taxis to the gate.

Seatbelts restrain the body movement when excessive force is applied, for example in a crash, explained Skybrary.

Keeping them fastened helps passengers survive by preventing flyers from being thrown around the aircraft and against hard objects or other people.

It also “prevents people being thrown out of the aircraft in case of a hull breach,” the website added.

There have been fatalities as a result of a failure to comply with the rule.

For example, in July 2013, a Boeing passenger flight operated by Asiana Airlines from Seoul Incheon, South Korea, to San Francisco crashed within the airport’s perimeter shortly before completing a landing.

The aircraft had hit the sea wall situated prior to the runway and the tail had detached.

Two people were found dead outside the plane, after being ejected at impact.

The dead girls were both 16-year-old students, Wang Linjia and Ye Mengyuan.

More than a decade ago, a passenger on board a Southwest Airlines flight appealed an FAA penalty after he left his seat and approached the front of the aircraft while the safety sign was on.

He was slapped with a $3,300 civil penalty.

In 2013 an appeal heard that the man, Brian Wallaesa, believed he should not be held accountable for his behavior in 2009 because he was having a medical emergency.

But his appeal was denied as he “failed to prove that he had a medical emergency that caused him to lose control of his actions on that flight,” according to the decision.

“About an hour outside of Las Vegas, the captain turned on the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign and informed the flight attendants that he wanted them to sit down and wear their seat belts because he expected the flight to experience turbulence.

“Not long afterwards, while the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign was lit, Wallaesa stood up and walked quickly toward the front of the airplane,” the filings added.

When flight attendants asked him to return to his seat, “he refused.”

The FAA had originally sought a $5,500 civil penalty, but he was given a $3,300 fine after his appeal was denied.

In 2021, the FAA proposed a $14,000 civil fine for an Endeavor Airlines passenger who allegedly unfastened her seat belt while the warning sign was illuminated.

The passenger had also refused to wear a mask properly despite repeated instructions from flight attendants.

“I can’t tell you how many times on a domestic flight, 10, 15, 20, 30 people would get up before we were parked at the gate,” ex-American Airlines flight attendant Steve Burman told the New York Times last May.

He saw a woman being injured after a bag toppled on top of her when an overhead bin was opened too soon.

The FAA has recently implemented a “zero-tolerance policy” of issuing fines.

This is due to skyrocketing cases of problem passengers risking the safety of crew and fellow flyers.

Unruly passengers can face fines of up to $37,000 per incident – as well as criminal prosecution, the agency confirmed last year.

Previously, the maximum civil penalty per violation was $25,000.

The $37,000 fine per violation for passengers also applies to flyers who assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with airline crew members, said World of Aviation.

Some cases also lead to FBI referrals.

A penalty also now applies to commercial flights to Turkey, with fines set at about $70 for flyers who move before the seatbelt sign turns off.

A WAVE of violence has caused concerns over holidays to Mexico, following the killing of cartel leader El Mencho.

Here is everything you need to know.

What has happened in Mexico?

Parts of Mexico are currently in the grip of a major security crisis following the death of cartel kingpin Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.

Local media reported a wave of retaliatory violence erupted across Jalisco, Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes and Veracruz.

This included roadblocks and the shootings at Guadalajara Airport.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico?

The popular tourist resorts that Brits visit remain safe to travel to.

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Areas in the state of Quintana Roo including Tulum, Cancun and Riviera Maya are not affected.

The unrest is primarily in the west of the country, around 1,000 miles way from the southeast.

The UK government advises against non-essential travel to 10 regions in Mexico, including parts of the US border such as Tijuana.

This includes areas in:

• State of Baja California
• State of Chihuahua
• State of Sinaloa
• State of Tamaulipas
• State of Michoacán
• State of Zacatecas
• State of Guanajuato
• State of Jalisco
• State of Colima
• State of Guerrero
• State of Chiapas

However, these are not common travel areas for Brits – read more on the UK government website here.

Are holidays and flights affected?

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are still operating flights to Cancun from London Heathrow, which remain unaffected.

TUI also operates holidays to Cancun, which aren’t being affected.

Some cruise ships have suspended stops, including a Princess Cruise ship to Puerto Vallarta yesterday.

Can I cancel my holiday?

If you have a holiday to Tulum or Cancun booked, you will not be able to cancel your holiday for a refund.

This is because the UK government does not advise against travel to the region.

You will only be able to get a full refund if this changes, and the government advises against all travel to your exact destination.

If you are travelling to any areas that are warned against non-essential travel, then you will be able to cancel your holiday for a full refund.

When is the World Cup in Mexico?

The FIFA World Cup is is taking place from June 11 to July 19.

Three cities in Mexico will be hosting games – Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey.

Guadalajara currently has a travel advisory against it, so anyone planning to visit for the World Cup should check the local advice before travelling.

Both methods are quicker than the standard three-week service

Realising you need a new passport just before jetting off abroad can cause quite a headache. But fortunately, two surprisingly quick solutions could save your holiday plans.

Both options, available through the HM Passport Office, are ideal for when you’re in a rush for a passport, but believe the standard service, which takes around three weeks, won’t cut it in time. On occasion, the standard process may even take longer than three weeks if additional documents, information, or an interview are required.

Below, the Mirror has delved into two fast-track options available and how much they’ll cost you.

Option 1: One-day premium

The one-day premium service is exclusively for adults renewing their passports. Applicants must apply online and will be required to pay £222 or £235 for a 54-page frequent-traveller passport.

Once the application is submitted, an appointment is arranged, with the earliest available slot coming two days afterwards. Official Government advice adds: “You’ll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment.

“Your new passport will be ready to collect from the passport office four hours after your appointment.”

Option 2: One-week fast track

This second option is similarly open to anyone who needs to renew their passport. However, it is also accessible under the following circumstances:

• You need to get a child’s passport
• You need to change the personal details on a passport (your name, place of birth or gender)
• You need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport

The fast-track option comes in cheaper, costing £178 for an adult passport (£191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport) or £145 for a child passport (or £158 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport). However, you can only secure an appointment the day after submitting your application.

The passport will generally land on your doormat one week afterwards. Neither service is available if you’re presently abroad or seeking your very first adult passport.

The Government’s guidance adds: “If you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it yet, do not pay for an urgent passport. You will not get your passport sooner and you will be charged a £32 admin fee for each additional application.”

For further details, visit the Government’s website.

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WHEN it comes to Spanish islands, trying to avoid the crowds can be near impossible.

But Menorca in the Balearics has far fewer tourists than some of it’s neighbours, and is a great alternative according to a TUI travel agent who has been in the biz for over 25 years.

Each year, Menorca welcomes around 1.5million tourists – a fraction of Ibiza that sees up to 4million visitors, or Majorca‘s 13million.

TUI Travel agent Claire Moye, who has worked in travel for 26 years, has booked over 1,000 trips to Menorca and has even dubbed it a great alternative to the lively Ibiza.

So why visit what Claire called ‘Ibiza’s chilled-out sister’?

In the summertime, Menorca can see highs of 30C, and thanks to the island’s smaller size, airport transfers are short.

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Not to mention it can be less expensive too. Claire revealed: “In peak summer, Menorca can work out cheaper than some of the more established hotspots. 

“A casual meal out for a family of four typically costs less in Menorca, with families often spending around €60 – €90 compared with €90 – €120 in busier hotspots. And a pint of beer can be a few euros less too.”

If that hasn’t sold you on a trip yet, check out Claire’s top beaches, restaurants and her favourite hidden gems…

Best beaches

“If you love those picture-perfect Ibiza beaches like Cala Comte or Cala d’Hort, then Cala Macarella is Menorca’s answer.

“It’s got those similar limestone cliffs and the most incredible turquoise water – honestly, it’s just as stunning but without lots of people fighting for a spot.

“The smaller sister cove, Macarelleta, is even more secluded and feels really special. I always tell couples to head there if they want that romantic, intimate vibe – although it is a nudist-friendly beach, so just be aware of that before you go.

“Cala Turqueta is another absolute stunner – the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom, and there are pine trees for shade which is a godsend in the midday heat. 

“And if you want something a bit different, Cala Pregonda has this gorgeous reddish-golden sand that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a bit of a walk to get there, but that’s what makes it feel like a proper hidden gem.”

Bars and nightlife

Claire says if you’re after the party life of Ibiza with all its superclubs like the newly reopened UNVRS, then Menorca might not be for you.

But there is one very unique bar that is worth checking out – and it has plenty of room for dancing.

“Cova d’en Xoroi, is just magical. It’s a bar built into caves on the cliffsides, and watching the sunset there with a cocktail in hand is just so beautiful.

“They do have DJ nights too, so be prepared to bring out your Ibiza-style moves once the dance floor opens at 11pm.

“The port of Mahon also has a lovely string of bars along the waterfront where you can have drinks with beautiful harbour views. 

“It’s not about clubbing until dawn, but there’s definitely a buzz in the evenings and it has a lot in common with Ibiza old town – both are working natural harbours packed with history perfect for evening promenades. 

“I tell all of my customers to try a pomada while they’re there – it’s the local cocktail made with Menorcan gin and lemonade.

“The island actually produces its own gin called Xoriguer, and the gin and tonics there are massive.”

Restaurants

“For restaurants, Café Balear in Ciutadella port is legendary – it’s right on the harbour and the seafood is incredible. You’ll see locals queuing up alongside tourists, which is always a good sign.

“It actually started out as a tavern in the harbour back in the 70s, mainly for seafarers who would drop by in the early hours before they went to work. Nowadays I’d recommend booking ahead because it gets packed!

“Also in Ciutadella, for those who want Michelin standard fine dining like Ibiza’s famous La Gaia or Amante, you should book well ahead for Smoix; set inside a former shoe factory it’s called out as one of  the island’s best eateries.

“Or for Ibiza countryside-luxury vibes head for Cala en Porter and the Torralbenc Restaurant, set in a restored finca with vineyard and sea views, for organic farm to table food.”

Shopping

Make sure to take time away from the hotels and the beaches to explore the shops.

Claire said: “The markets in Menorca are brilliant. Mercat des Claustre in Mahón is a traditional covered market where you can get local cheeses, fresh fruits and sobrassada (which is a type of sausage that’s spreadable, a bit like pate). 

“Like Ibiza’s best markets, it’s less about shopping and more about soaking up everyday island life. It’s my personal favourite, and ideal for putting together a picnic or picking up gifts to take home.”

Hidden Gems

“One of my favourite hidden gems is Lithica Pedreres de s’Hostal – it’s an abandoned quarry that’s been transformed into gardens with a bit of a maze carved into the stone walls.

“It has the same slightly surreal, unexpected feel as some of Ibiza’s ‘alternative’ cultural spaces. It honestly looks a bit dystopian, but they often host concerts and events there.

“It’s the kind of place that surprises people because they don’t expect to find something so unique on a small island.”

For more on Spanish islands, here are the ‘best of the Balearics’ with Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot’s pick of unspoilt beaches and whitewashed fishing villages.

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The historic market town earned five stars for food quality in a Which? Travel survey and has been celebrated as the ‘food and drink capital of the Marches’

Long hailed by poet John Betjeman as “the loveliest town in England,” Ludlow has also earned global recognition as a culinary and beverage hotspot. Boasting over 500 listed buildings and a skyline crowned by a Norman castle, Ludlow blends historic fairy-tale character with contemporary allure.

Winding cobbled lanes guide visitors to delicatessens, artisan bakeries, welcoming pubs, and celebrated eateries. Frequently dubbed the ‘ food and drink capital of the Marches’, Ludlow’s hospitality sector flourishes thanks to its abundant locally-sourced offerings.

A Which? Travel poll of over 9,000 participants asked respondents to evaluate the culinary credentials of their preferred inland destinations.

Ludlow emerged victorious as the country’s top-rated food and drink location. It stood alone as the sole inland town achieving a perfect five-star rating for cuisine, reports the Express.

As Which? Travel observed, “Instead of a handful of high-end eateries, there’s a culture of local produce as well as numerous pubs and cafes, served by people who care about the food.”

This philosophy translates directly onto diners’ plates, emphasising fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and seasonally-rotating menus.

TripAdvisor presently places Old Downton Lodge at the summit of Ludlow’s restaurant rankings. Waterside favourite CSONS represents another cherished destination for laid-back, high-quality dining, alongside Kin Kitchen and Baker’s of Tower Street for casual cafe-style fare.

Pub enthusiasts face an embarrassment of riches with The Queens and The Boot Inn, both receiving strong ratings on TripAdvisor. Experts from Ludlow Distillery highlight that the town’s gastronomic reputation rests upon a robust network of food and beverage producers, encompassing everything from artisan cheese and bread makers to craft breweries and distilleries.

They explained: “The strength of this offering is best seen (and tasted) by a visit to the Local to Ludlow Market in the Castle Square (where growers and makers based within 30 miles of the town sell a range of high-quality and carefully selected produce), and the award-winning Broad Bean fine food delicatessen on Broad Street.”

Ludlow has embraced the ‘Slow Food’ philosophy, a worldwide grassroots initiative with thousands of supporters globally that connects culinary enjoyment with community engagement.

In recent years, the Ludlow branch of this movement has flourished considerably. Slow Food Ludlow Marches provides year-round activities, featuring site visits, presentations, cookery demonstrations, dining experiences and Taste Workshops during the Ludlow Food Festival each September.

The Ludlow Food Festival stands as one of the town’s premier annual occasions, consistently attracting approximately 15,000 people to Ludlow Castle across a three-day period.

Plan your trip for either the second or fourth Thursday of each month to explore the Ludlow Local Produce Market, which celebrates food and beverages crafted within a 30-mile radius.

Vendors prioritise sustainability and seasonal offerings, transforming an ordinary shopping trip into a delightful culinary experience.

Looking beyond Shropshire, Wells secured the runner-up position for inland dining according to Which? Travel.

Additional accolades went to Lavenham in Suffolk, Llangollen in Denbighshire, Stamford in Lincolnshire and Cartmel in Cumbria, with each destination providing its own distinctive gastronomic getaway.

Egypt is known for its bounteous history, incredible architecture and stunning Nile River – but there’s a hidden side to the country, as Jess Phillips found out during a recent trip

Between the haze of desert dust kicked up by the row of quad bikes in front of me and the glowing orange of the setting sun against the horizon, it’s easy to miss the rapidly approaching ocean, those last dying rays of sunlight reflecting off the rolling waves.

I’d be forgiven, I’m sure, for not quite expecting to stumble across the Red Sea in the middle of the desert.

Regardless, that’s exactly what happened when I found myself riding a quad bike through the Marsa Alam sands. Our group pulled up to the shore to look for shells and coral, and for a moment, it felt as though I was on another planet entirely.

Let’s back up for a second. Before last year, I’d never even heard of Marsa Alam. I’m ashamed to say that I couldn’t have pointed it out on a map if you’d paid me for the pleasure.

Now, however, all of that has changed. I genuinely feel as though I discovered one of Egypt’s best-kept secrets after jetting off from London Gatwick on a direct TUI flight to Marsa Alam International – the country’s first privately owned and operated international airport, which opened in 2003.

Marsa Alam is a burgeoning coastal resort catering to tourists from around the world. The area is still actively developing – though that definitely doesn’t mean it’s lacking in things to do – and offers the best of both worlds: incredible beaches, perfect blue water, and the more traditional Egyptian desert experiences.

Though the flight itself was over five hours, the transfer time to my hotel was gratifyingly brief – a mere 15 minutes by TUI-operated minibus. Having arrived at night, it was impossible to make out much of the surrounding scenery as we entered the hotel complex.

The Jaz hotel group is a giant in Egypt. You’ll find their properties tucked away in every nook and cranny. My destination was the Jaz Elite Amara, one of TUI’s all-inclusive offerings for UK visitors. Boasting seven public pools and 18 swim-up rooms, the hotel’s water theme hits straight from the lobby, where you’ll find quietly tinkling fountains as soon as you step through the doors.

Bright and early the next morning, I was ready to experience everything Marsa had to offer. Situated on the coast of the Red Sea, I’d already managed to grab a glimpse of the ocean on my first night, but seeing those turquoise waters up close was truly something else. So how better than to start my trip with a bout of snorkelling, taking off from the nearby resort town of Port Ghalib?

TUI’s snorkelling excursions take off from the port town and take visitors out onto the Red Sea by boat, before stopping over the gorgeous coral reefs to allow intrepid adventurers to spot dugong – better known as sea cows – and turtles frolicking in the clear blue water.

The highlight of my trip to Marsa Alam, however? Exploring the desert.

I headed off on another TUI excursion, a 20-minute drive from the Amara, over to The Camel Yard. The desert safari company offers everything from quad biking and buggy driving to traditional Bedouin experiences, and I was ready for it all.

Our group started off by getting kitted out for the journey – you’ll want to bring sunglasses due to the dust, but the company does provide goggles and scarves to keep the sand out of your face.

Prior to this, I’d never ridden a quad bike, but our instructor – who joyfully told us to refer to him as ‘habibi’, meaning ‘my friend’ in Arabic – made it simple, showing us how to start the engines and accelerate and brake. The bikes don’t have gears, so it was a totally freeing feeling to push the throttle across the dunes and in wide, arcing circles with the rest of my group.

After around an hour and a half on the bikes, with stops by the sea and in the dunes to see the incredible landscape, we headed back to the main tent for our Bedouin evening. If I was impressed by the desert itself, that was nothing compared to learning about the traditional pharmaceutical practices of the nomadic Arab tribes who traverse the desert by camel.

We sampled wellness blends containing eucalyptus to menthol crystals, which did wonders for clearing out the airways, along with spritzing ourselves with Egyptian perfumes, all available to purchase in glass bottles afterwards.

The night was far from over, however, as the desert excursion also included an incredible buffet meal consisting of roast lamb, chicken and an epic array of Egyptian salads, all with a strong blend of spices that made even the blandest foods – potatoes, cucumber, bread – stand out as a new favourite.

While we ate, we were entertained by a belly dancer and the whirling of the Tanoura. Afterwards, we trooped outside to enjoy some stargazing in the pitch black of the night, where Jupiter and Saturn were clearly visible through a telescope.

There was something truly magical about standing under the night sky, with Orion’s Belt and the Big Dipper both visible in the sky. Far from the light pollution of cities like Cairo and Luxor, Marsa Alam felt like an undisturbed paradise, one which transformed from looking like something out of an old episode of Star Trek in the daytime to an ethereal expanse of unbroken sands in the moonlight.

I can sum up Marsa Alam in two simple words – majestic and otherworldly. You’ll find something incredible around every corner, away from the hustle and bustle of city bazaars and ancient Egyptian ruins.

TUI’s all-inclusive bundles are perfect to get a feel for the area, with plenty of excursions and activities to keep you occupied while you explore the hotel complex.

I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Book it

TUI offers weekly flights to Marsa Alam from London Gatwick Airport during winter, as well as its trips to Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor and Cairo. TUI Hotels & Resorts has 57 hotels with more than 17,100 rooms across Egypt.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to Marsa Alam staying at 5T Jaz Elite Amara on an all-inclusive basis from £1,371 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Superior Double Room with Limited Sea View and Balcony departing from London Gatwick Airport on the 19 of April 2026 with 20kgs luggage included. To find out more about this holiday or to book go to tui.co.uk.

The Marsa Alam snorkeling excursion costs £62 for adults and £31 for children.

Quad Bike Morning Safari with Bedouin Tea Tasting | TUI Musement costs £43 for a shared tour.

Desert Sunset with Stargazing and Bedouin Dinner in Marsa Alam costs £53 for adults and £26 for children.

UK holidaymakers travelling to popular destinations like Spain and Greece could be turned away at airports

British holidaymakers jetting off to Spain, Greece and many other countries must follow a post-Brexit rule – or be refused boarding at the airport. While the prospect of an overseas getaway is thrilling, it’s important for travellers to be aware of all requirements before setting off.

This has become especially vital following Brexit, which has introduced new regulations in recent years. Prior to Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU), UK passport holders could visit the Schengen Area without requiring passport stamps and weren’t subject to any time limits on their stays.

However, British visitors are now limited to a maximum of 90 days during any 180-day period. To assist with this, an application called Schengen Simple has been developed.

George Cremer, founder of Schengen Simple, said: “We built a travel app that handles the 90/180 calculation for exactly this reason. The tricky part most people miss is that it’s a rolling 180-day window, not a fixed calendar period.

“So someone who did a long summer trip to Spain might unknowingly be restricted on a winter break months later. The European Commission has its own calculator, but it only looks backwards.

“It tells you how many days you’ve used, not how many you have left for a future trip. That’s the gap we fill. Users enter past and upcoming travel and can see exactly how long they can stay without risking an overstay.”

The Foreign Office’s guidance for all Schengen nations warns: “If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.”

The Schengen area consists of: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

HALF-TERM may be over but it doesn’t mean the fun has to be as there are lots of free activities taking place across this week.

Whether you want to head out for a walk to make the most of the sunshine or are wanting to pick up a new artwork for your home, this week has a great range of indoor and outdoor activities.

Europe’s largest artist and designer fair, London

This weekend you can head to Europe’s largest artist and designer fair at Chelsea Town Hall in London.

The Parallax Art Fair features over 10,000 works of art and design, that are all marked 40 per cent off of their usual price for the weekend.

The fair will also be playing music and there’s even a cinema.

The BRITs Art Trail, Manchester

Until March 16, you can explore a citywide art trail in Manchester with 21 artists.

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The trail features wall murals, immersive window installations and billboards.

Visitors can explore the art and the city in the lead up to the BRIT Awards, with art in some of the city’s most loved spots.

Beryl Cook Sculpture Trail, Plymouth

In Plymouth, Devon, you can currently discover a series of life-sized Beryl Cook sculptures.

As if they have stepped straight out of the artist’s paintings, the sculptures celebrate humour and love for everyday life.

There are four sculptures to find before the end of July.

Wedding Showcase at Natural History Museum

Future brides and grooms can head to the Natural History Museum to catch the Wedding Showcase this weekend.

It starts at 7:30pm on Saturday and you will get to see what a wedding is like at the Natural History Museum.

There will be entertainment, dining experiences and even bridal styling.

You must book ahead of the event, but it is free to attend.

Viking Experience Day – Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle

On Friday, head to the Great North Museum in Newcastle to enjoy a day all about vikings.

Visitors will get to meet real-life Vikings as well as Viking experts.

For little ones, there will be storytelling sessions and riddles to solve as well as the opportunity to make your own rune stone to take away with you.

Fairy House Trail at Saltram House, Devon

At Saltram House in Devon, you can head on a fairy house trail until this Sunday.

Hidden around the garden of Saltram House you will find tiny fairy homes.

There are 10 in total to spot and as you discover them there are also some magical activities to participate in as well.

After Dark Festival, London

On February 26, make sure to head to UEL’s After Dark festival to see a number of outdoor performances and installations that have all been inspired by the four elements.

The festival takes place at the Docklands Campus and includes light, fire and circus performances such as illuminated acrobatics and a glowing parade.

It will run from 5pm to 8pm.

Bristol Light Festival

Bristol Light Festival will finish at the end of this week, so make sure to explore the trail before it disappears.

There are different installations across the city to check out including a cluster of illuminated hot air balloons.

There’s also a wider event programme with walkabout performers such as stilt-walkers and jugglers.

And for adults there are comedy shows and a night market as well.

Big Days Out: Underwater Worlds – Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Newcastle

From Wednesday February 25 to Friday February 27, between 10am and 6pm visitors can head to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Newcastle for Underwater Worlds.

Visitors can explore the ocean by building underwater worlds and even having a dance at the Cereal Disco – where you can grab breakfast and have a boogie at the same time.

There will be a marine biologist on hand too for you to learn about marine life from.

Mini-museum hunt for 50 years of Aardman at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Love Wallace and Gromit? Then head to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to go on a treasure hunt around the museum.

Lots of tiny creations from the animation studio Aardman have been hidden around the museum, which guests can look for.

You can grab a map which helps you tick off each treasure.

The treasure hunt is running until September.

Cardiff Music City, Wales

To celebrate St David’s Day, head to Cardiff Music City festival, which features free performances at a number of venues.

For example, you could head to Cardiff Market on Saturday and Sunday between 5pm and 10pm for street food, independent traders and performances by Radio Sudd.

Heritage Weekend at Lauderdale House and Waterlow Park, London

Over at Lauderdale House and Waterlow Park this weekend, you can experience the annual Highgate Heritage Weekend.

On Saturday, the Local Heritage Fair Day will be on with 20 local organisations and special talks throughout the afternoon.

Then Sunday is the family day, with activities for all ages.

If you are looking for UK staycation ideas, here are six of the best staycation deals across the UK from Cotswolds cottages to lakefront lodges.

Plus, here’s our 26 must-visit UK beaches for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.

This breathtaking train journey is right beside the sea, where you can see black swans, quaint villages, and even see waves crashing into the tracks.

It is often said that the journey matters just as much as the destination – and across the UK, certain train routes are so stunning they become an attraction in themselves. The Riviera Line is a railway route in Devon, England, renowned for its spectacular scenery, as it is one of the few railways in Britain that runs directly alongside the sea.

This train journey covers 28 miles from Exeter city centre to the town of Paignton, taking approximately 50 to 60 minutes. It is one of the most affordable ways to soak up the most picturesque landscapes of the English Riviera, where waves are known to crash across the train tracks.

A single ticket costs around £8 for an adult, with most websites pricing them at £8.40, and returns available at £10.70.

It has also been recognised as one of the “most scenic train journeys” in Britain by National Geographic, which highlights that it showcases “the best views the English Riviera has to offer.”

They said: “South Devon’s Riviera Line connects Exeter with Paignton, threading its way past towering cliffs, numerous estuaries (look out for egrets, one of the UK’s rarest birds), quaint market towns and Powderham Castle, with its deer-filled grounds.”

What can you see on the Riviera Line?

Once you depart Exeter, the train hugs the Exe Estuary, a vast expanse of water where the River Exe meets the English Channel, reports the Express.

Passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the shimmering sea, whilst numerous boats can be spotted making their way along the riverbanks. Have your camera at the ready the moment you arrive at Starcross, a tranquil rural village, as you’ll encounter the renowned sea wall at Dawlish.

Waves frequently crash spectacularly straight over the railway line, creating a stunning sight, and you’ll also witness the iconic sandstone cliffs, celebrated for their vivid rusty red hue.

Dawlish is equally famous for its black swans, though the region serves as a sanctuary for distinctive birdlife as you can regularly observe egrets, herons and waders along the coastline.

The train also passes through Teignmouth, a seaside resort recognised for its vibrant houses and enormous Victorian pier extending into the sea.

You’ll then sweep past the English countryside, where you’ll observe abundant green woodland, agricultural land, tiny hamlets, and you’ll also catch sight of the Dartmoor hills on the horizon

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As you near Paignton, you’ll begin to notice palm trees as the locale is renowned for having gentler weather than the rest of Britain and enjoys summers warm enough for tropical vegetation.

Be sure to sit on the right-hand side of the train at Exeter for the finest views, and you’ll be able to savour the best of Britain’s coastal landscape without requiring a car or ferry.

WHILE Greggs is a quintessential part of British culture, there is bizarrely a similar version of it more than 1,500 miles away.

The famous food chain recently revealed that it sells more sausage rolls at Newcastle Airport than at any of its other UK branches throughout the UK – suggesting that people really miss their pastries when going abroad.  

And having recently visited Athens, I stumbled across the coincidentally named Gregory’s, which has more than 300 branches throughout Greece (as well as a few in Cyprus, Romania and Germany).

Serving a suspiciously similar fare, albeit with a bit of a Greek twist, a cursory Google search assured me that no plagiarism took place and that it is merely a happy quirk of fate that Greggs and Gregorys share such similar titles. 

Both chains got their names from their respective founders, with John Gregg opening the first of the UK chain’s branches in Gosforth, near Newcastle, in 1951, while Grigoris Georgatos launched the first Gregory’s in Athens back in 1972. 

Nevertheless, the similarities are so obvious that I decided to put the Greek chain up against its UK namesake, to see if it satisfies in quite the same way. 

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I ventured to one of the many Gregory’s branches found along the streets of Athens, easily recognisable by their twisty green neon signs.

The first thing I noticed is that, in comparison to Greggs, it has a much more extensive range of items.  

If you’re there for breakfast, you can get all the typical morning pastries, from croissants to pain-au-chocolat and cinnamon rolls.

However, they also have some less expected choices, like toasted sandwiches filled with peanut butter and banana, catering for those with not quite so conventional tastes.  

But I was there mainly to see if its pastry game was up to scratch and asked the woman behind the counter what the most popular items were.

She informed me that the plain cheese and the cheese and spinach pies were among their best sellers, so I followed her advice and ordered one of each, for the princely sums of £2 and £2.90. 

The cheese and spinach stuffed pastry is a typically Greek choice, commonly known as a spanakopita.

And actually, it was more or less on par with some of the other spanakopita I tried from more reputable and higher priced establishments during my visit to the Greek capital. 

However, I’m not sure it’s a filling that would be racing off the shelves in Greggs, were it to be given a chance back in the UK, and would arguably be more at home in the Marks and Spencer food hall.  

Sadly the sausage roll options in Greece leave plenty to be desired.

The Gregory’s version of the iconic British stalwart was a poor imitation, instead being a hot dog sausage ‘pie’ wrapped in a crust for £2.90 (more than double the UK’s £1.35, even after a recent price increase).

It looked so hard and crunchy that I didn’t think it would be worth risking my teeth ordering one.  

That was certainly the biggest disparity between the two, however, with the sweet options, the sandwiches and the hot drinks all very much on a level playing field with the Greggs I know and love.  

Afterwards, I still had room for one of their apricot tarts, which was tasty if unspectacular at £2.40, and pretty much what I was expecting from the outset. 

Nevertheless, I don’t really have too many bad words to say about Gregorys, even with their weak sausage roll options taken into consideration. 

In Greece, pastries are a big part of the local cuisine, and it provided me with an affordable and unpretentious way of introducing myself to this world I previously knew very little about.  

While I’m certain there are better places to try these foods, this certainly opened the door and showed me what the basic level should be, and for that, it serves a great purpose.  

It’s like a Greek person going to a Wetherspoons for a Sunday roast dinner or a Full English – it’s not going to be the best one they’ll ever try, but it does a job of demonstrating (in a round about way) something that is much less accessible back home. 

Although it didn’t stop me grabbing another Greggs for the road trip home from the airport…

In the mean time, we went down to Greggs’ first ever pub in the UK.

And here’s how to find the most beautiful Greggs in the UK.