holidays

WHEN it comes to day trips some places leave you disappointed – but one place that has never let me down whatever the weather is Cambridge.

From tucking into sticky Chelsea buns to exploring the famous colleges and free museums, you can easily spend a day here – so here are my top tips for a half-term staycation.

Out & About

Depending on whether you want a day bracing the outdoors, or tucked up inside, there’s so much you can do Cambridge.

And one thing the city is so famous for is punting – which you can do year-round.

So if you want to head out on the water, you can opt to go with a guide (which I’d recommend), or have a go yourself.

Lots of different companies offer tours, but if you book through Cambridge Punt Company you can join a shared tour which takes you along the Cambridge Backs.

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Experts talk about the colleges, share stories and it only lasts around 50-minutes.

Prices for shared tours start at around £15 per adult – if you book online you can save 15 per cent on morning tours.

If you want to go it on your own at your own pace then you can go for a self-hire punt which with Punting in Cambridge are priced at £32 per hour.

Just a warning for the self-conscious, a favourite pastime of tourists and locals is to watch first-timers attempt punting and get stuck – so you might spot some giggling onlookers.

If you’re around the punting area, then you may as well take a look around the colleges.

Cambridge is well-known for its prestigious university, and it does no harm that it looks like a set from Harry Potter either.

You can book an official tour with college alumni – although it might not be the most interesting for small children.

If you want to poke your head in, lots of the colleges offer free entry to the public like Pembroke, Christ’s, Magdalene, and Peterhouse.

While you’re there, have a look at the very strange-looking Corpus Clock with a grasshopper on the top.

From there, head into the centre for a walk around the market which is open everyday with stalls selling street food, clothes, jewellery and books.

For some shopping, head into the Grand Arcade or walk across the park to the Grafton Centre.

Free Activities

There are some great places in the city where you don’t have to spend any money at all.

If the weather holds out, the parks are lovely places to go and there are some huge ones in Cambridge like Parker’s Piece and Jesus Green.

Christ’s Pieces is a Victorian park and yes, kids can run about in the open space – but they can also try their hand at table tennis.

On the green are three outdoor tables and you can collect bats and balls from the neighbouring coffee kiosk – free of charge.

Lammas Land has a huge adventure playground with lots of swings, slides and climbing frames to play on.

If it’s a bit chilly then parents can warm up with a hot drink at the cafe which is usually open until 6pm in the winter.

If punting isn’t your thing, but you still want to wander by the water, you can easily take a walk along the River Cam.

You can pick how long you walk for but trails go for miles – some good routes are Magdalene Bridge to Silver Street.

Or the riverside trail through Midsummer Common to Jesus Green.

Sadly there won’t be any cows grazing on the commons in February – but if you return later in the year, you’ll be able to spot them usually near Mill Pond.

Usually they’re there from April until October.

If the weather doesn’t play ball, Cambridge has plenty of museums to take a gander around – and most are free entry.

I remember going into the Fitzwilliam Museum on a school trip and it’s filled with all sorts of artefacts that span across three floors.

It’s currently got an exhibit on Ancient Egypt too (although you’ll have to pay from £14.50 to see this).

The Museum of Zoology is also free and a great one for fans of the Natural History Museum.

Here you can see skeletons of a 21-metre long fin whale, an Asian elephant, Komodo dragon, Goblin shark and even a giant clam.

Check the ‘what’s on’ page as they often hold events and workshops through the year.

Food & Drink

The only struggle you’ll have in Cambridge is deciding where to eat because there are so many good cafes and restaurants.

There are lots of your classic chains that are a hit with kids like Las Iguanas, Zizzi, Honest Burger and Bill’s (who I have to say do a great brunch).

Of course, the city is filled with plenty of fab pubs too.

The Eagle is possibly the most famous as it’s where the finding of the DNA was first announced by  Francis Crick and James Watson in 1953.

They serve up food like Chicken Kyiv, mac and cheese, fish and chips, burgers, as well as lighter options like salads and toasted sandwiches.

Head to The Mill for a fishfinger, sausage or brie sandwich.

A little outside of the city centre is the Milton Arms which has special offers on Pie Tuesdays, Pizza Wednesdays, and Burger Thursdays.

If you get peckish and want something sweet, I cannot recommend Fitzbillies enough.

There are three bakeries around Cambridge and they’re known for their enormous and delicious Chelsea Buns.

The original bakery is the one on Trumpington Street opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum with the other two on Bridge Street and King’s Parade.

You can pick up an original Chelsea bun for around £4.

But there are plenty of other flavours to try like blueberry cheesecake, Nutella, and cinnamon buns.

Or even savoury choices like cheese and marmite, or tomato, basil and pesto.

Getting There

When it comes to getting into Cambridge, if you’re heading there by car it can be very busy with car park prices being extortionate.

The worst by far being the Grand Arcade – if you’re there for over five hours it will set you back £36.10.

A great option, and one I used to go all the time as a child is hop on the Park and Ride.

My family would park the car at Trumpington and hop on the bus.

It’s free to park for up to 18 hours and then it’s £4 to the city centre and back for adults.

Up to four children (under 5) go free with each fare-paying adult.

Otherwise, for children aged between 5-15 years it’s just £1 for a return ticket.

The bus will drop you right outside the Grand Arcade shopping centre in the middle of the city too.

There’s also a train station – but for families be warned it’s around a 20-minute walk into the city centre.

But there are buses and taxis you can hop into – or request an Uber.

For more on Cambridge, check out this pretty hotel that’s perfect for city exploring with a beautiful bar and free walking tour.

And here’s a quiet village just 15 minutes from Cambridge that’s the backdrop of an ITV drama.

RAIL services to and from a major UK airport are currently down, sparking travel chaos.

Passengers are facing major disruptions and delays due to a points failure on the line.

All trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport are currently cancelled.

Trains are currently unable to run in either direction, with Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales services all affected by the issue.

The points failure has occurred near Heald Green, approximately half way between the two stations, according to National Rail.

Passengers are advised to use the Metrolink or buses to travel between Manchester city centre and the airport this afternoon.

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National Rail said “major disruption” is expected until at least 5pm today.

Network Rail confirmed it is “on site to investigate and resolve the issue”.

Failure to operate points correctly creates difficulties in safely switching tracks and avoiding rerouting trains.

One broken part can trigger larger, systemwide service outages.

The disruption comes ahead of planned engineering works on rail lines in the area scheduled to begin this weekend.

Anyone planning to travel should should check real-time updates through the official websites and apps of the applicable rail operators and consider alternative routes. 

FANCY a cheap holiday? Well, British Airways has flights for a couple of quid, but there is a catch.

British Airways has released its latest batch of Avios-Only flights to two picturesque European destinations.

Avios-Only flights are where all of the seats on the plane are Reward Seats.

And the latest version of this offer includes flights from London City Airport to Madrid in Spain and Toulon Saint-Tropez in France.

But you will need to be a member of the British Airways Club to get the offer.

Seats included in the offer will be available to book from February 12, with return prices starting just £2 plus 21,500 Avios for Toulon and £2 plus 28,000 Avios for Madrid.

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The flights include 23kg checked baggage as well.

For Club Europe (business class) the Avios-Only flights to and from Madrid cost from £30 and 49,000 Avios.

The flight departs on May 22 at 11am and arrives in Madrid at 2:20pm.

The return flight is then on May 25, leaving Madrid at 3:10pm and landing down at London City Airport at 4:30pm.

For the Toulon St-Tropez Avios-Only flight, Club Europe costs from £30 and 36,000 Avios for a return flight.

The flight will leave London City Airport on June 13, arriving into Toulon at 10am.

The return flight will be on June 20, leaving Toulon at 10:45am and landing down back in London at 11:50am.

Travellers that also have a British Airways American Express Credit Card can use their Companion Vouchers on these flights.

These allow members to get a second seat for no extra points – all you have to pay are the taxes and fees.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “These flights are always incredibly popular, and we’re delighted to give our loyal customers even more opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the British Airways Club.”

Adam Daniels, IAG Loyalty’s CEO, said: “With all seats onboard only available to book with Avios, the initiative shows the continued power of loyalty, and opens up greater redemption opportunities for customers during the peak summer months.”

The British Airways Club is free to join and when you fly with British Airways or its partner airlines, you collect Avios.

You can also collect them by shopping at over 2,000 retailers.

The points can then be used towards flights.

In other flight news, hundreds of flights cancelled at short notice in Europe with thousands of Brits hit.

Plus, a budget airline is scrapping six routes from Europe – including a mega-cheap UK flight.

NEW travel advice has been issued warning Brits not to travel to a major destination in the Caribbean.

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) is advising against all but essential travel to Cuba – the Caribbean’s biggest island – as flights get cancelled.

On Gov.uk, the FCDO states: “Cuba is experiencing severe and worsening disruption to essential infrastructure, persistent nationwide power outages, fuel shortages, and increasing safety risks.

“These conditions significantly affect the ability of visitors to access reliable transport, medical care, communications, and basic services.

“Authorities have introduced fuel rationing, scaled back public services, and made temporary changes to healthcare, education, transport and tourism operations in order to conserve severely limited energy supplies.

“Flight schedules are also being disrupted due to aviation fuel shortages, with some airlines reviewing routes or temporarily cancelling services which risk visitors being unable to leave the country.”

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Flight cancellations include to and from Havana, with aviation authorities warning that no fuel will be available for the next month.

The shortage comes after the US sanctioned the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, as Venezuela is key supplier of oil to Cuba.

President Donald Trump later claimed that the “policies, practices and actions of Cuba directly threaten the safety, national security and foreign policy of the United States“.

He added that he would place tariffs as a punishment on any country that directly or indirectly sells or gives oil to Cuba.

And as a result, the country’s supply has run dry.

This has then impacted flights into and out of the country.

From February 10, jet fuel has been unavailable and this is expected to go on until March 11.

The notice was given by the island’s aviation authorities and impacts Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Santa Clara, Cayo Coco and other airports.

For example, Air Canada has been forced to cancel its weekly programme of 32 flights.

Brits often travel via Canada to get to Cuba and if you have an upcoming flight with Air Canada or WestJet, you can get a full refund.

Anyone currently in Cuba who is due to fly home is having to catch ‘ferry flights’, with Air Canada carrying extra fuel to manage both outward and return flights.

For those travelling from Europe, flights are usually with Air Europa or Iberia from Madrid to Havana.

Alternatively, you can get a flight from Paris to Havana on Air France or from Istanbul on Turkish Airlines or from Moscow on Rossiya.

However, these flights are likely to be forced into making technical stops for more fuel.

If you already have a flight booked to Cuba and the flight will still be taking off, you unfortunately have no right to cancel and won’t get a refund.

The same goes for if you have a holiday booked with a travel firm and they can still provide the holiday that you booked.

However, if it becomes impossible to carry out your trip itinerary – such as certain activities – travellers should be given the option to cancel.

When FCDO advises against travel, your travel insurance will typically not cover you.

For package holidays, you are generally entitled to a full refund or alternative holiday when the FCDO issues advice against all but essential travel.

The FCDO adds: “If you are currently in Cuba, carefully consider if your presence is essential.

“Take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption.

“Check for messaging from your airline or tour operator.”

In other travel news, travel expert warns of scary holiday scam which could see you out of pocket and out on the street.

Plus, travel expert reveals five hidden risks on trips and how to stay safe when you’re enjoying your time abroad this summer.

HAVE you ever dreamed of packing your bags and jetting off to find a place in the sun in Europe, but thought it wasn’t possible post- Brexit?

You might be surprised to learn how easy it is for British passport-holders to secure a visa to live in Portugal.

That’s exactly what I did last year, when, as a 39-year-old singleton, I rented out my one-bedroom flat in London and moved to Lisbon to work remotely on the D7 visa.

Here’s everything you need to know about why you should choose Portugal – and how to do the same thing I did.

Why move to Portugal?

When people ask me why I wanted to move to Portugal, I always say the same thing: the amazing weather!

I was thrilled to discover that temperatures reach 30C or more in July and August and rarely dip below 10C even in January, which makes a wonderful change from the endless rain and freezing winters that were really getting me down back home.

Plus, the nearest beaches to Lisbon are a 20-minute train ride along the coast at Carcavelos – or I can share an Uber with friends over the Tagus River to reach the stunning beaches at Costa da Caparica,
which is also a popular surfing spot.

I love having the culture and nightlife of the capital city on my doorstep.

But if you prefer a quieter life, you might want to head to the seaside suburb of Cascais, the picturesque former fishing town of Ericeira or the southern coastal region of the Algarve, which is particularly popular with Brits.

Wherever you go, the cost of living is much lower in Portugal than in the UK.

The rent for my modern two-bedroom apartment with a balcony and sunset views is around £1,100 a month – while I rent out my one-bedroom flat in London for £1,800.

Eating out is astonishingly cheap. I rarely pay more than £25 for two tasty courses and a couple of drinks.

A glass of delicious Portuguese white wine is around £2.50, and you can even get a whole bottle for the same price in supermarkets.

Taxis – a luxury I rarely enjoyed in London – are much more affordable too, with ride-hailing apps Uber and Bolt regularly applying automatic discounts of up to 45 per cent to try to attract customers.

My last trip back from the airport cost £6.50 for a 25-minute ride across the city.

Finally, it’s the slower pace of life that I love here.

The locals are friendly, it’s easy to make friends within the large expat community and the city is wonderfully walkable, so you don’t have to spend hours on public transport to get to work or meet up with friends (but if you do take the Metro or bus that’s super cheap too).

Since I quit my full-time job to go freelance and swapped dreary weather for sunshine and blue skies, my stress levels have plummeted and I couldn’t be happier that I chose to make Portugal my home.

What is the D7 visa?

Introduced in 2019 to attract foreign residents, the D7 is a passive income visa which requires you to prove you have an income of €10,440 (£8,825) a year from sources such as rental income, pensions or investment dividends – which works out to around £735 per month.

If, like me, you own a property in the UK and can make £735 a month in rent, you may be eligible for the D7 visa, which requires you to pay taxes in Portugal and stay in the country for eight months out of each year (or six months consecutively).

To apply for the two-year visa, you’ll first need proof of your passive income, such as a rental agreement, pension or investment statement.

You’ll need to obtain a NIF or Número de Identificação Fiscal (taxpayer identification number), open a Portuguese bank account and deposit savings of €10,440 (£8,825) for the first adult applying, plus 50 per cent of this amount for each additional adult and 30 per cent for each child, to prove you can support yourself or
your family financially.

You must show that you have secured one year’s accommodation in Portugal.

This could be a rental agreement or 12 months of Airbnb bookings, or if you happen to know someone who already lives in Portugal they can fill in what’s called a Term of Responsibility form to say you’ll be living with them.

You will also need six months of travel insurance and a DBS criminal record check issued by the UK government within two months of your visa application appointment.

Once you’ve ticked all these boxes, the next step is to make an appointment at the VFS Global centre Manchester or London to submit all your documents.

You will also have to hand over your passport, so make sure you don’t have any travel planned in the following 60 days, which is how long VFS Global estimates it takes to process a D7 visa.

However, my passport arrived back with my visa inside after just 22 days last May.

The D7 visa application process isn’t complicated but is time-consuming, so make a detailed to-do list that you can work through methodically.

I found Facebook groups such as ‘D7 Move to Portugal’ handy for asking questions whenever they cropped up during the six-month process.

For example, I learned there’s a branch of Portuguese bank Millennium BCP in London where you can open an account in person.

The hardest part for me was finding my apartment in Lisbon.

I viewed 17 flats during a 10-day trip, landing mine after applying for three flats in different neighbourhoods.

But now that I’m happily settled into my new life, I realise it was worth all the effort and admin.

My advice if you’re tempted to make the move and think you might be eligible for the D7 visa? Go for it!

A charming UK market town boasts, historic pubs, Europe’s largest secondhand bookstore, and affordable three-bedroom homes from £160,000 – as well as Harry Potter links

Nestled in the Northumberland countryside lies a delightful market town, brimming with winding cobbled streets that lead to eccentric bookshops, independent boutiques, and snug cafés.

A bi-weekly market continues to draw visitors, while an imposing castle and steam railway keep the town’s intriguing history alive.

Despite its allure, Alnwick in Northumberland was often bypassed as a tourist spot until its castle featured in a globally renowned film. Alnwick Castle morphed into Hogwarts for the Harry Potter films, with Quidditch matches shot on its outer green and memorable scenes like the flying car crash unfolding within its grounds.

Regardless of whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, Alnwick Castle is a must-see. Dating back to the 12th-century, this majestic edifice is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor, opening its gates to the public during the summer months.

In the town centre, remnants of Alnwick’s fortifications can be seen in the town walls, erected in the 15th century for protection. Bondgate Tower, with its robust stone walls and narrow tunnel, was heavily guarded during wartime.

However, while it served a purpose centuries ago, in today’s world, it tends to cause traffic congestion as only one vehicle at a time can navigate through its tight passage.

Harry Potter isn’t the only literary link the town can claim. It’s also home to Barter Books, one of Europe’s largest secondhand bookshops, housed within a former railway station.

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Among countless shelves of books, visitors will discover armchairs and crackling fireplaces, creating an inviting spot to while away an afternoon. Meanwhile, rival shop The Accidental Bookshop boasts what it claims is Britain’s tallest bookshop bookshelf, meaning staff assistance may be required for anything perched at the top.

Alnwick features numerous delightful independent shops tucked along the town’s winding narrow streets. Markets take place on Thursdays and Saturdays, with a well-attended farmers’ market on the final Friday of each month.

The cobbled Market Place transforms into a bustling hub of vibrant stalls offering fresh produce, flowers, crafts and food, with numerous vendors selling locally-made Northumberland goods.

An excellent way to explore the surrounding countryside is aboard the Aln Valley Railway, which operates seasonally. Comprising restored diesel and steam locomotives, it transports passengers on a 30-minute journey through lush landscapes.

Alnmouth Beach sits just 15 minutes away by car, offering an extensive sandy shoreline that welcomes dogs and provides various walking trails and birdwatching opportunities. After a full day of sightseeing, Alnwick boasts plenty of traditional, welcoming pubs where visitors can settle in for a pint or a hearty meal.

Despite its somewhat off-putting name, Dirty Bottles has an intriguing backstory rooted in local folklore. Trapped between two window panes are some aged, dusty bottles.

According to legend, more than two centuries ago, a publican met his demise whilst tampering with these bottles, prompting his widow to declare that anyone who disturbed them would meet a similar end. Consequently, the bottles remain safely encased, allowing patrons to savour traditional British pub grub or relax in the sunny beer garden without any supernatural worries.

Real ale enthusiasts flock to The John Bull Inn, celebrated for its impressive whisky collection. Tucked away on a quiet residential lane, it’s a true hidden treasure.

The Plough is another essential stop for those who appreciate historic watering holes, and whilst the interior has been updated, the façade retains its stunning 19th-century stonework and ornate carvings.

One might expect that residing in such a delightful town would command premium prices, yet whilst the UK’s average house price hovers around £300,000, Alnwick offers numerous three-bedroom properties for under £200,000. Current Rightmove listings feature a terraced house at £160,000 and another property complete with garage and driveway for £189,950, significantly undercutting the national average.

Of course instead of committing to a full move, you can just book a short break and enjoy everything Alnwick has to offer. Sykes Holiday Cottages has a wide array of beautiful cottages in and around Alnwick, while Lastminute.com can be a useful source for cheap hotels from £36 a night.

Gillian Philip met Henry during a solo trip and it changed her life

A teacher who met her now-husband on a solo trip in China and moved more than 5,500 miles – 9,000 kilometres – across the world after only meeting him four times in person has said “you will find love when you least expect it”. Gillian Philip, a teacher from Scotland, decided to “give up on dating” when she turned 30 and moved to South Korea to start a new chapter, where she could focus on herself and “enjoy (her) life”.

In October 2019, however, Gillian, now 39, found herself on a Flash Pack trip to China after her original holiday plans fell through – and this is when she met Henry Philip, 42, a software developer, also from Scotland. They soon formed a bond while exploring Beijing, riding motorbikes and watching the sunrise at the Great Wall, describing the trip as “unforgettable”, but they both “didn’t expect to meet anyone” romantically.

Despite living in different countries, they kept in contact via messaging and video calls, and Gillian decided to move across the world to be with him in July 2021 after only seeing him in person four times. Now living in Edinburgh together, they have since married and welcomed their first child, and Gillian wants to encourage others to travel the world and “dream big”.

Speaking about an amusing anecdote, Gillian said: “I remember talking to one of Henry’s best friends, and he said to me, ‘So what’s going on with you two?’. I said, ‘Well, it’s probably just a holiday fling that’s overrun’, and he went, ‘Why do you say that?’.

“I just said, ‘We live 9,000 kilometres apart, there’s a nine-hour time difference in our relationship. In reality, it’s going to go nowhere’. What’s funny is I said that to the person who ended up being the best man at our wedding.”

Gillian explained that she had a long-term relationship while at university but, otherwise, she tried the usual avenues for dating in her 20s. She downloaded various dating apps, including Tinder, signed up for online platforms such as Plenty of Fish, and her friends tried to set her up with potential partners – but without success.

“I’d go on a date and I’d be thinking, ‘I could genuinely be doing anything else with my time right now’,” Gillian said. “I could be getting my marking done, I could be sorting out my emails instead of sitting in this pub.”

When she turned 30, Gillian decided to move to South Korea to teach at an international school. Although “terrifying” at first, she said she wanted to focus on herself and enjoy activities such as walking, swimming and travelling.

“I just thought, I’m going to stop trying to do this stereotypical route – you work hard in your profession, you work up the ladder, then you buy a house, you meet a partner, you get married etc.,” she said. “I just wanted to go and enjoy my life.”

While in South Korea, Gillian said she ventured on her first solo Flash Pack trip to Vietnam and Cambodia in 2018. Flash Pack is a social adventure travel company which specialises in creating bucket-list experiences for like-minded solo travellers, and Gillian thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Then in 2019, she decided to go on another Flash Pack holiday after other plans fell through – this time, to China.

“In 2019, I was originally meant to be going to the Rugby World Cup in Japan with my sister and her husband, but they couldn’t go in the end,” Gillian said. “I didn’t know if I wanted to do that by myself, so I just thought, ‘Actually, while I’m here, I’m not far from Beijing and I know Flash Pack’s a great company, so let’s just go and do that trip’.”

Gillian booked her spot in September and Henry booked his in August, and they both flew out separately to China in October that year with no expectations to meet anyone. The 12-day adventure included seeing the Great Wall at sunrise, exploring Beijing and being invited into the homes of locals to make dumplings by hand, along with seeing the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an.

The group practised tai chi, explored lantern-lit streets, visited various food markets, travelled on high-speed trains, rode motorbikes, saw pandas and journeyed by boat in Shanghai. It was on this trip that she met fellow adventurer Henry, but she admits it was not love at first sight.

“The first time I met him, it was in a group in the evening, when everyone is introducing themselves,” Gillian explained. “It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, wow, he’s amazing’, it was more, ‘He seems like a nice person’.”

Gillian remembers spending time with Henry one afternoon when they had time to do some shopping, and he helped her pick out a jumper as she had only brought 6kg of hand luggage for the trip. They then ended up “sitting and chatting” on various train journeys and visiting food markets, allowing them to form a closer bond, and Gillian said he was “really kind and really easy to talk to”.

“I thought by fluke we just ended up sitting next to each other on every train journey, but I found out later he planned some of that,” Gillian said. “It was nice to just sit and chat and, as we chatted, we realised we had a few mutual friends in common.”

In Shanghai, they ended up “staying up all night talking to each other”, and they shared their first kiss there before flying home. However, Gillian did not think they would see each other again and even considered setting Henry up with one of her friends in Edinburgh.

“I knew he was a great guy, but we lived so far apart,” Gillian said. “We did say that we travel really well together, so it would be great to travel again, but it was one of those things where you say that and don’t know if it will ever happen.”

Despite living 9,000 kilometres apart, they maintained contact and managed to meet up a few times in December 2019, where they visited the Christmas markets in Edinburgh and spent New Year together. Then, after months of not seeing each other because of Covid-19, countless messages and an “I love you” moment over a video call, Gillian decided to quit her job and move across the world in July 2021.

“If any of my female friends said they’re moving halfway around the world for a guy they’d met four times, I’d say, ‘What are you doing?’,” Gillian said. “Surprisingly, only two people turned around to me and said, ‘I don’t think that’s a wise idea’… but a part of me thought, if I don’t give this a go, I’ll always regret it.”

After moving in together in Edinburgh, Henry proposed in May 2022, they got married in July 2023 and they have since welcomed their first child, who is now 17 months old. They have continued to travel together, visiting Alaska for their honeymoon and other places such as Toronto, Vancouver and Croatia, and they love “spending time as a family”.

Reflecting on how they met and her advice to others, Gillian said: “Henry and I say to each other, if we saw each other in a bar, I don’t think either of us would have had the confidence to go up to each other. Our paths were meant to cross, we just took the long way round to get there. It’s the old cliche which people used to say to me and I hated them saying it, but you will find love when you least expect it.”

If you get caught out with this travel essential, it could cost you hundreds of pounds

If you’re jetting off to Italy this summer, it’s vital to familiarise yourself with the local regulations. There’s a lesser-known rule that applies to both residents and tourists, though it’s far more likely to trip up visitors.

This is because it concerns something most holidaymakers habitually carry — a water bottle. On the Italian island of Capri in the Gulf of Naples, single-use plastics have been banned.

With approximately 2.7 million tourists visiting annually, it was essential to mitigate the environmental impact of this influx, reports the Express.

This means plastic bags, bottles, straws and cutlery are forbidden on the island. Despite the ban being enforced for several years, specialists at John Mason International Movers report it continues to surprise people regularly.

Executive director Simon Hood said: “The island’s authorities are becoming increasingly worried about the effects of the growing tourism numbers on the local population and environment.”

“In 2019, a ban on single-use plastics came into force, banning plastic bags, cups, utensils, water bottles, straws and even coffee stirrers. Authorities have been empowered to fine those caught swigging from a plastic bottle up to €500 [around £435] – it may seem excessive, but it is well intentioned.”

He noted that the restriction frequently surprises visitors, as they don’t anticipate it.

Simon explained: “Capri isn’t a municipality historically recognised for environmental work. The long-standing association of the island being a hotspot with movie stars, A-list celebs, and influencers has traditionally meant many of these concerns were ignored but mass tourism has seen changes come thick and fast in recent years.”

The rule primarily targets bars and restaurants, though the bulk of Capri’s tourism arrives as daytrippers travelling by ferry from Naples. These visitors are highly likely to bring single-use plastic water bottles with them, which is precisely how they fall foul of the rules.

Simon stated: “It’s something that would catch me out; the ban aimed at bars and restaurants has influenced what can be bought and sold locally. But for the day trippers, the likelihood you’ll bring a non-biodegradable plastic bottle on your trip is high.

“Considering this, I’d say think twice and consider whether you want to run the risk of receiving a €500 fine.”

One Cotswolds village is my favourite and I recommend it to everyone

I’m a regular visitor to the Cotswolds, spending considerable time exploring the area. It’s home to some of England’s most charming villages, yet many remain relatively unknown to British tourists.

From Broadway to Burford, Cirencester to Moreton-in-Marsh, the region offers countless picturesque settlements worth discovering.

While there are certain towns I’ve never felt compelled to revisit, others draw me back almost weekly. Despite being arguably the busiest Cotswolds village, Bourton-on-the-Water offers, in my view, the most attractions and activities.

That’s precisely why I recommend it to everyone.

The village is renowned for its low-lying bridges and classic stone cottages, and it plays host to the Cotswold Motoring Museum, Model Village, and numerous dining establishments, reports the Express.

Built between 1654 and 1911, these bridges are crafted from local Cotswold stone and have earned the village its nickname as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”.

The village’s crowning glory is undoubtedly its stunning river. Beginning its journey near the small village of Taddington, roughly 10 miles distant, the waterway winds 35 miles before reaching Newbridge in Oxfordshire, where it joins the River Thames.

There’s plenty to explore, including Birdland Park & Gardens, which houses over 130 bird species. The attraction also features the UK’s only breeding colony of King Penguins.

Adjacent to Birdland Park and Garden sits The Dragonfly Maze, a traditional garden maze and puzzle that’s perfect for keeping children entertained. Across the way sits the Model Village, a stunning one-ninth scale recreation of this picturesque village.

It features every building from the Old Water Mill, which now houses the Car Museum, right through to the Old New Inn and the ford.

I’ve adored visiting the Model Village since childhood, though the admission price has now risen to £4.75 for adults.

The Cotswold Motoring Museum is essential viewing for anyone exploring the village. It’s crammed with vintage motors, charming caravans and classic motorcycles.

Fans of the BBC series will be delighted to spot Brum, the beloved little yellow car, on display at the museum.

For those who enjoy a spot of retail therapy, Bourton-on-the-Water boasts numerous artisan boutiques and independent retailers, alongside plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants.

My go-to spots for food include Bakery on the Water and The Den. There’s also a noteworthy confectionery shop called Once Upon a Candy Shop, though I do find the prices rather steep.

It’s an unmissable destination if you’ve never visited, offering plenty of attractions. I’d suggest arriving early, though, as parking spaces become scarce and the village gets extremely crowded, particularly during spring and summer.

ONE popular lido could be sold to save thousands of pounds – and remain closed for good.

The outdoor pool in Teignmouth is set to close, and locals are worried that it may never open its doors again.

Teignbridge Council recently announced its plan to close the town’s beachfront lido in a bid to save money.

Officials said not reopening Teignmouth Lido could save £74,000 in 2026.

The news hasn’t been well received by locals who want the lido to remain open.

Talking to ITV News, Catherine Brown, a lifeguard supervisor, said: “It has a huge amount of value to people of all ages and all groups, people bring their kids to swim, their grandkids to swim, disabled people can come here to swim.

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“It doesn’t matter whether it’s raining or sunshine, it’s such a lovely place and everybody comes out with a smile on their face.”

A report said the number of swimmers using the pool was 8,224 in 2024 – this number increased in 2025.

Teignmouth Lido operates as a seasonal site which opens for the May half-term.

It has partial opening hours in June and July and then opens full time for the summer holidays.

The 25-metre pool is heated and holds public swims, fun sessions, as well as water-based activities like aqua fit and aqua circuits.

Four years ago, the pool underwent a refurbishment of £800,000 and then a further £30,000 was spent on repairs, according to Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Members of the council will hold a closed meeting on February 21, 2026.

They will vote on a proposal to dispose of the lido on the open market, without restrictions on its future use – meaning it could no longer be used as a lido.

But if the pool does go up for sale, the local community has an opportunity to draw up a bid to buy it.

This is because the pool was listed as an official Asset of Community Value in 2025.

Save the Lido – Teignmouth is hoping to do exactly that.

Daniel O’Connel, the co-founder of the campaign told ITV News: “We can look now to get things in motion to acquire the asset for the community and the people of Teignbridge.”

One Travel Writer who grew up in the area has her say on the potential closure…

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding weighs in on the potential closure of the pool…

“Teignmouth Lido is more than just a gem on the South West coast; for me, it’s the backdrop of my childhood.

“For over a decade, my school summer holidays were defined by afternoons spent there with my family – so to hear that the lido could close is heartbreaking.

“With ample patio and sun-drenched patches of grass surrounding the 25-metre crystal clear pool, it was the rare kind of place where parents could relax while kids felt a bit of freedom.

“For local families, it was an affordable but brilliant day out.

“To lose the lido now, after a £800,000 refurb less than three years ago, it wouldn’t just be a loss for Teignmouth and its community but also a tragic waste of money.”

Here’s more on a lido that could potentially open in one seaside town that hopes to bring back a swimming pool 50 years after it was destroyed.

Plus, here are all the lidos in the UK mapped – with water slides, cocktail bars and some are even FREE to enter.

BRITS flying to or from a popular holiday destination in Europe will face delays and cancellations today.

Major flight disruptions are expected today on Lufthansa Group flights which includes Lufthansa and short-haul carrier CityLine, as pilots and cabin crew strike.

While Lufthansa has not provided cancellation numbers, German airport association ADV estimated that more than 460 flights will be cancelled – affecting 70,000 passengers.

Sun Travel found that 14 flights from Frankfurt Airport to the UK today have been cancelled from Frankfurt Airport.

Lufthansa often uses aircraft for these routes that have between 150 and 180 passengers.

If 165 passengers are travelling in each flight, then the total number of people impacted by the cancellations could be more than 2,000.

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Ten flights from London Heathrow to either Frankfurt or Munich have been cancelled.

One flight to Munich and one flight to Frankfurt have been cancelled from Birmingham Airport.

Two flights to Frankfurt have been cancelled from Manchester Airport.

German pilots’ union VC (Vereinigung Cockpit) called the 24-hour strike on Tuesday, to demand more generous retirement benefits.

A spokesperson for Lufthansa said the announcements were “extremely short-notice” and “disproportionate”, adding that they would hit passengers hard.

The spokesperson continued: “Sustainable solutions can only be found through dialogue; strikes must always remain a last resort.

“We therefore call on the unions to resume talks with us.

“We are ready to do so at any time.”

The spokesperson also said that passengers would be notified if the strike impacted their flight.

The strike action comes just three days after Lufthansa City Airlines officially commenced flight operations from Frankfurt Airport, which is also the Lufthansa Group’s largest hub.

Sun Travel has contacted Lufthansa for comment.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

In other aviation news, there are 37 new flights launching from a major UK airport this year including budget routes to Asia and Jet2’s first ever.

Plus, a woman’s plane was hit by birds – blood splattered the windows and it had to do an emergency landing.

The Foreign Office has announced a major travel warning to a popular Caribbean island for Brits, as flights are disrupted and cancelled amid an ongoing fuel crisis

All UK travellers have been banned from visiting a popular Caribbean island, as the Foreign Office issues a crucial advisory.

The Foreign Office has advised against “all but essential travel to Cuba” due to widespread power cuts and fuel shortages affecting the island. As a result, flights have been severely disrupted, with multiple cancellations, while Cuba struggles to provide reliable transport.

With its tropical heat and sand beaches, Cuba has often been a desirable destination for Brits looking for a sun-soaked getaway, particularly during the winter months. Yet, due to its ongoing fuel crisis, travellers cannot access the island, essentially banning all travel from the UK.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, 11 February, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “Cuba is experiencing severe and worsening disruption to essential infrastructure, persistent nationwide power outages and fuel shortages. These conditions significantly affect the ability of visitors to access reliable transport, medical care, communications, and basic services.

“Authorities have introduced fuel rationing, scaled back public services, and made temporary changes to healthcare, education, transport and tourism operations in order to conserve severely limited energy supplies.

“Flight schedules are also being disrupted due to aviation fuel shortages, with some airlines reviewing routes or temporarily cancelling services, which risk visitors being unable to leave the country.”

For anyone currently in Cuba, the FCDO said to “carefully consider if your presence is essential”. They advised taking precautions, “by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption”, while also contacting your airline and tour operator.

On Monday, Air Canada confirmed that all flights to Cuba were suspended as it sought to evacuate around 3,000 holidaymakers from the island. Meanwhile, further Canadian airlines, Air Transat and Westjet, also confirmed their flights to Cuba were being suspended.

Although no direct flights operate between the UK and Cuba, the ruling will impact a number of specialist tour operators that offer the destination through airlines that route via third countries, including the UK travel company Trailfinders. Other operators impacted include Simply Cuba, Love Cuba, Cox & Kings, Exodus and Intrepid Travel.

The enormous impact on travel follows the confiscation of Venezuelan oil tankers by the President Donald Trump administration team. Cuba relies heavily on Venezuela for much of its fuel and has been in short supply since December, when it was blocked by the US.

According to a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM), aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the airports in Cuba until at least March 11, 2026. The Caribbean island has also faced power cuts as it struggles with a lack of fuel and electricity.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

ONE of the most popular beaches in the UK will close during half-term.

Undergoing important works to ensure it’s ready for summer, part of Weymouth Beach will close to visitors next week.

In a Facebook post, Weymouth Town Council gave advance notice of the beach closure for ‘annual levelling works’.

It detailed that from Monday 16 until Friday 20, 2026, Weymouth Beach will be closed between the Pavilion Theatre and the Jubilee Clock.

It added that “the reason the work needs to be done now is because we need to coincide with the spring tide”.

“During the spring tide, more of the beach is exposed, which allowed the team to get the diggers further on to the beach”.

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Diggers will take to the sand to level it out from where it’s been moved from bad weather and tides – all in preparation for peak summer season.

Some comments on the post aren’t overly positive due to the closure coinciding with the half-term break.

One person wrote: “But why do it at school half term its crazy.”

Another added: “Half term week of all weeks! Next you’ll be telling us that you are going to close off the best part of the beach for a week in the summer holidays.”

A third wrote: “That’s half term week! Going to have very disappointed children.”

Others were more understanding with one encouraging families to watch the diggers in operation.

The part of the beach past the clock tower will remain open to visitors.

Weymouth is one of the most popular beaches in the country and was named one of the best beaches in Europe by Tripadvisor last year.

Previously, Weymouth was also named the UK’s best beach by The Times – it beat 49 other beaches that also made the list.

If you want some more space on the beach, just a 17-minute drive away from Weymouth is the longest and largest in the county.

Chesil Beach has 18 miles of stretching coastline, and on the part of the promenade that’s on the Isle of Portland, is one of the best pubs in the UK.

The Cove House Inn made an appearance on the list of the 25 best spots for a pint by Big 7 Travel last year.

One visitor commented: “And the VIEWS! Amazing – right on Chesil beach with views out to sea. What a gem of a place.”

For more beaches, here are Sun Travel’s 26 must-visit UK beaches for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.

Plus, one Travel Writer reveals their favourite spots on the pretty UK coastline with the most Blue Flag beaches.

I carry my train journeys in my bones, the juddering song of the Indian rail. Our first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, famously likened India to a palimpsest, no layer quite effacing the one that went before. That’s how I think of Indian railway journeys. They inscribe on the mind our fellow travellers, our ways, our thousand languages, our landscapes, our climate.

I think of a rail journey I made in 1998 – that brutal summer of nuclear testing – setting out from Mumbai, in an ordinary three-tier sleeper, for Dehradun, 1,000 miles (1,600km) north. The frazzled train fell off any semblance of a schedule. The voyage grew longer, past 50 hours; hotter, past 50C. I remember the metallic burn on the window grilles; the hot, killing wind that blew through them; the sizzle of water drops splashed on the face when theyhit the uncovered platforms in the heart of the country; the melt of my rubber soles. A fortnight later, having trekked to the mouth of a tributary of the Ganges, completing my expedition from the Arabian Sea to a Himalayan glacier, it was possible to look back on the rail ordeal with affection.

I wonder, as I write, whether this memory seeped into the heat-addled odyssey made by the runaway protagonist of my novel Railsong. Physically depleted as she is by its end, she is sustained by the benevolence and solidarity of strangers. Alighting in the great city of Bombay, as Mumbai was then called, standing below the gargoyles of the gothic masterpiece then called the Victoria terminus (now the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj terminus), she knows she has emerged on the other side of something.

In no other activity, so easily available to all, does India offer itself up as wholly as train travel. Mahatma Gandhi, initially a critic of the railway system (“Railways accentuate the evil nature of man”), came around to accepting this, hitting the rails to understand his country on his return from South Africa. This is why I recommend to the prospective traveller not necessarily the heritage or scenic routes – though by all means sample the quaint narrow- or metre-gauge hill railways, or the gorgeous run down the Konkan coast – but instead using the railways simply as a way of getting from one place to another.

In the process, one learns much about oneself. Consider sleeper travel. Is there a situation more exposing than sharing a compartment with strangers? With luck, you might fall into invigorating company. A few months ago, I made an overnight trip up from Mumbai to Delhi with three large policemen, one nursing an injured toe, another dedicated to his newspaper, the third his phone, each initially taciturn. As the journey unspooled, so did their stories. They were going out to capture someone. If it was anything like their last outing to Delhi, when a slippery accused murderer had them chase him for more than 600 miles across three states, these officers would make it on to the news again. Another time, a painstaking manhunt had taken them to Mangaluru on the south-western coast, where they discovered instead the fellow’s namesake – himself wanted in a decades-old riots case. That led to a medal.

Food is also a valuable companion on the rails. No matter that dining cars are gone, that regulations about open flames have restricted platform fare, or that the foil-boxed meals served on premium services trigger thousands of official complaints every year and much casual grousing – eating remains a crucial railway habit. Depending on the season, and your route, it is possible to pop out on to the platform during a halt and buy top-notch, farm-fresh lychees, custard apples, bananas and mangoes in places famed for them.

On the Mumbai-Pune route in the west, vendors at Karjat align themselves with the carriage doors, bearing metal trays of the town’s famed vada pav – a deep-fried, lightly spiced potato ball, placed inside a soft bun with a mix of dry and wet chutneys (for the cautious, the dry is safer). On the same route, as banker (helper) engines push the rake (coupled carriages) up the Western Ghats, the hill station of Lonavala offers up its famous chikki – an energy-boosting sweet made from nuts and jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) – and the more decadent chocolate walnut fudge. In the southern states of Telangana and Karnataka, you might help yourself, as I did a few years ago, to vividly peppy breakfasts of ograni – a mixture of soft puffed rice and an array of condiments and spices, similar yet so distinct from the crunchy, mustardy puffed-rice jhalmuri of Bengal in the east. And there is always the prospect of packing yourself a tuck and sharing food with any friends you make along the way.

Despite the myriad challenges of Indian train travel, the journeys are pleasurable and affordable, not to mention sustainable. For these reasons, my family and I do as much of our travelling as possible by rail. Routinely, we curve out east from Delhi, across the great swathe of the Gangetic plains, the dusty brownscapes gradually getting greener, up past the trim tea gardens in the eastern Himalayan foothills, through the narrow corridor known as the “chicken’s neck” (officially, the Siliguri Corridor), into bamboo-shaded Assam, to my wife’s ancestral home. This run, 24 or 28 hours long, depending on the service, sometimes stretches past 35. Our two young girls don’t mind; it’s flights that make them feel claustrophobic.

The causes of these delays are often dramatic, and instructive about Indian life.

One time, a station footbridge collapsed under the weight of Kumbh Mela pilgrims – typically, a last-minute change of platforms was involved, causing a stampede – in the town then known as Allahabad (since renamed Prayagraj by a regime intent on scrubbing Islamic fingerprints off Indian history). More than 40 people died, putting into perspective my trivial discomfort of waiting in the chilly hours for the train to pull into Mughalsarai (also renamed, after the philosopher Deen Dayal Upadhyay). On another occasion, a derailment sent us on a circuitous gallivant through Bihar and Bengal. Then there was the time our rake first mowed down three cows and then, in the middle of the night, smashed into a stalled Jeep. The occupants got away. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

On a monsoonal Assamese morning in 2012, the train I was on came to a standstill beside a paddy field. This was an inexpensive regional service, fitted with unreserved bench-seating – in Indian Railways parlance, a “passenger” train – and it was halting at the merest hint of a station. But even by the standards of passenger trains, this seemed like an eccentric location. Eventually, I climbed off to investigate. In front of the locomotive sat a mangled autorickshaw. The bodies of three men had been laid alongside the tracks.

I don’t mean to deter you from passenger services. In fact, I highly recommend them. In a land as diverse as India, a passenger train is a full-blooded immersion in the local: the dress; the produce the farmers carry; the food vendors serve up; the unknown halts that mail and express trains roar past, which are the centres of their own little worlds. After all, on the railways, as in certain novels, the intimate and the epic, the local and the national, are linked together, making the whole.

Rahul Bhattacharya’s latest novel, Railsong, is published by Bloomsbury (£18.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply

With its winding cobbled streets, charming cottages and pretty harbour, it’s no wonder a quaint UK fishing village remains one of the country’s most adored coastal spots for visitors

Tucked away on the Cornish coast, about three miles south of Penzance and in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the village and fishing port of Mousehole.

The picture-postcard hidden gem has seemingly remained unspoiled for years and is where poet and author Dylan Thomas spent significant time, including during his 1937 honeymoon. It was said he treasured the narrow, cobbled streets and fishing harbour and described it as “the loveliest village in England”.

Today, visitors still appreciate the beauty of the sleepy hideaway, with its sandy beach and calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for children to safely play in, a selection of cafes, shops, and galleries for grown-ups to explore, and “sheer beauty” that is perfect for capturing Insta-worthy memories.

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Mousehole, which is actually pronounced ‘Mowzel’, is steeped in history and dates back to the 1300s when it was a prominent harbour and the main port for Mount’s Bay. Pilchards were exported to France, and the trade continued until the late 1880s. Along with other villages on the coastline, Mousehole was attacked by the Spanish in 1595. The only surviving building from the raid was the local pub, the Keigwin Arms. Today, it is a private residence with a plaque in memory of the former owner, Squire Jenkyn Keigwin, who was killed defending his property.

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Now charming granite cottages line the maze-like winding streets, along with independent galleries, gift shops, and places to eat. The Grade II listed Lobster Pot hotel, where Thomas spent his honeymoon, is now a private residence and holiday let. Still, visitors can admire its uninterrupted sea views, which captured the poet’s imagination from other nearby pubs and restaurants.

The Ship Inn, which Thomas also frequently visited, serves seasonal, local food such as fish and chips, mussels, and Sunday roasts, and is situated directly opposite the harbour, making it the perfect spot to recharge the batteries. Inside the harbour is the small, sandy beach, lapped by crystal clear waters, where children can go crabbing or build sandcastles.

Known for its thriving sense of community, Mousehole hosts a variety of festivals and is famed for its Christmas lights during the cooler months. On 19 December every year since 1981, the lights have been turned off to commemorate the eight crew members of the lifeboat service who were lost during a rescue in hurricane-force winds. Tom Bawcock’s Eve is celebrated every 23 December to mark the end of a 16th-century famine. The festival is the birthplace of stargazy pie, which features fish heads poking out of the pastry topping.

Recent visitors to Mousehole soaked up its tranquility and charm, with one writing on Tripadvisor: “Mousehole is a very beautiful place. You can snap off photos all day and never capture all of its quirkiness, quaintness and sheer beauty. As someone with an interest in photography, I found so much to capture.”

Another added: “This village is absolutely stunning and well worth visiting, it’s truly gorgeous.” A third loved the safe beach and local amenities:: “A lovely little harbour with small sandy beach. Safe for children to play. Very picturesque with little cottages surrounding it. The Mousehole is an excellent gift shop with friendly staff. We also visited Jessica’s Dairy to get a cup of tea,” they shared.

FOR many, winter means hibernation – but if you’re looking for something to do as a family, there are plenty of options out there.

Now might also be a good time to look for better deals, with fewer crowds and lower prices; those looking for winter days out and short breaks can feel more special than during peak season.

Whether you’re craving crisp countryside walks, a fun day filled with adventure and rides, or something a bit more spontaneous, a little planning goes a long way.

Winter can also open the door to seasonal events that don’t exist during the summer and cosy family experiences with less hustle and bustle.

Wondering where to get started?

That’s where this checklist comes in handy, as a practical, inspiration-led guide to making the most of the colder months.

Before you resign yourself to another winter spent mainly indoors, here are five ideas worth considering.

Top 5 travel checklist

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If you’re heading abroad this year you’ll need to make sure your passport is valid – and that includes checking two key dates on your document before booking a trip

There are crucial passport checks you need to be mindful of before jetting off abroad, especially with the February half-term looming.

Over the past year, travel rules have undergone significant changes, including hikes in passport fees, the introduction of digital-only boarding passes, and rises in tourist taxes. However, one of the most frequent blunders is neglecting to properly check passports prior to reaching the airport.

If a passport is within its expiry date, it’s easy to assume it’s good to go. But what many Brits may not realise is that their passport must have at least three months’ validity when travelling to the EU.

This is calculated from the return date, not the departure date. So, if your holiday spans from 25 July to 1 August, your passport must be valid until at least 1 November 2026.

While some countries demand six months of validity, the EU only requires three, so it’s essential to verify your passport’s validity, reports the Express.

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Another important check is to confirm your passport was issued within the last 10 years. The ’10 year rule’ has tripped up travellers, particularly those who received a passport prior to September 2018, as these were valid for 10 years and nine months.

Although the passport might seem valid, it could actually be over 10 years old and thus invalid for flying. Meanwhile, passports issued after September 2018 are valid for 10 years, with the ’10 year’ rule applying to all passports.

Should you discover your passport has lapsed for either reason, you can arrange a renewal via the government website. If time is tight, there’s an option to fast-track the application, though it’s advisable to submit your renewal request at the earliest opportunity.

In related travel news, the European Union (EU) introduced the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travellers entering and leaving the Schengen zone last year. For British passport holders, this means that instead of receiving stamps, your biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, will be captured at the border when visiting a Schengen area country.

The Schengen zone encompasses many of Britain’s favourite holiday spots, including destinations anticipated to be particularly busy during February half-term as families jet off for sunshine breaks.

The Schengen area countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus fall outside the Schengen area, meaning EES doesn’t apply when travelling to these nations.

This adjustment came into force on October 12, 2025, designed to boost security whilst speeding up border processing. Holidaymakers needn’t take any extra steps before reaching the border, and EES registration carries no additional charge.

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Nevertheless, to guarantee a seamless holiday departure and prevent missing your outbound flight, passengers are encouraged to factor in extra time when turning up at EU airports or other points of entry. The digital EES remains valid for three years, after which travellers must supply fresh fingerprints or have another photograph taken at the border during entry and exit.

Whilst no extra preparation is required, it’s crucial to be mindful of this modification so you’re prepared for fingerprint and photo requirements when crossing into a Schengen zone. Additionally, understanding this change means you’ll anticipate potential hold-ups as the EES is implemented.

The new framework isn’t yet operational at every EU airport, so it’s advisable to verify beforehand and build in additional time. Full implementation across all Schengen nations is scheduled for April 10, 2026.

Meanwhile, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to go live later this year for those visiting the EU. The new visa waiver scheme will oblige Britons to complete an ETIAS application prior to their EU holiday, costing €20 per person.

Nevertheless, once granted following a pre-screening process, the ETIAS will remain valid for three years, or until your passport runs out. The rollout of the new scheme, which mirrors the United States’ ESTA system, hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it’s anticipated for Q4 of this year.

HEADING to the airport this summer? Getting through border control could take hours longer than usual.

Airlines have warned that holidaymakers could face delays of up to four hours at European airports during peak months due to EES registration.

The Entry/Exit system for Brits heading abroad was first introduced in October 2025.

Non-EU travellers must use the new machines which record biometric data like fingerprints and photographs to track entries, exits in the Schengen area.

But these new rules have already caused delays for Brits and officials have warned there will be more to come.

Late last year, disgruntled Brits heading on holiday reported two hour delays at arrivals in Lanzarote.

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There were also three hour queues in Lisbon and even longer in Prague back in December.

Airports Council International, Airlines for Europe and Iata, the airline trade body, have warned about further delays during the summer.

They said there are already “persistent excessive waiting times of up to two hours at airport border control.”

They added: “Failing immediate action to provide sufficient flexibility, severe disruptions over the peak summer months are a real prospect, with queues potentially reaching four hours or more.”

Olivier Jankovec, the director general of ACI, added that “non-EU travellers are experiencing massive delays and inconvenience. This must come to an end immediately.”

At the moment, there are no plans to delay the EES rollout, as it’s set to complete in April 2026.

With the number of travellers likely to increase over the summer period – delays are also predicted to increase.

ACI has said that the capturing of biometric data entering the Schengen area has resulted in border control processing times at airports increasing by up to 70 per cent.

Factors in the delays include the unavailability of self-service kiosks.

As well as the unavailability of Automated Border Control (ABC) gates for EES processing, and the unavailability of an effective pre-registration app.

At the moment, 35 per cent of arrivals are required to go through digital registration.

For more on EES checks, here’s everything you need to know about them from a travel expert.

And one major airline introduces strict new luggage rules with £125 fines for rulebreakers.

GAUDY arcades, faded bucket and spade shops and donkey rides on the beach. You may call Blackpool stuck in the past, but I think it’s timeless.

Recently named as one of the best big towns in the UK, Blackpool may be about to see a resurgence.

As Britain’s original seaside holiday resort, this sometimes sunny stretch on the Lancashire coast embodies everything us Brits want from a holiday.

Blackpool, with its seven-mile sandy beach, three pleasure piers, seafront theme park and iconic tower landmark has everything you need for a family holiday – and unlike other coastal towns in the UK – can be enjoyed at an affordable cost.

As a travel writer and content creator, I travel almost every month for work and I’m lucky enough to have been to many of the world’s best holiday destinations, such as New York City, Thailand, Australia and Florida.

In fact, as a Disney travel expert, I’ve been to Disney World more than 50 times, but but I’ve had just as much fun on a weekend in Blackpool as I have at the Florida theme park.

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I live in London now and I also lived in Los Angeles in my 20s, but Blackpool has always held a special place in my heart. I know I will always go back.

Being from a working-class family, overseas family holidays were not something we did very often when I was growing up.

Instead, we would get the train to destinations like Weymouth, Margate and Blackpool from London.

No passport required, but holidays were still the most exciting thing we did every year.

Blackpool was always my favourite.

The seafront was so exciting. We would always walk from the station, passing B&Bs with neon Vacancy signs glowing in the window, that always smelled like egg and chips.

The Blackpool illuminations were dazzling for a little kid like me. Designed in 1879 as an ‘artificial sunlight’ attraction, this appeal has never faded.

Modern light trails and events are popping up from Land’s End to the Scottish Highlands these days – and often charge guests to enter. Even in 2026, Blackpool’s illuminations are still completely free to enjoy.

Who needs Vegas? The Blackpool arcades would be flashing and whirring, luring you inside to win big on the 2p machines. With the great British weather, this was often a necessary past time.

I became a master at winning naff pastel-coloured teddy bears in the grabber machine.

As a theme park nerd, something I inherited from my dad, Blackpool Pleasure Beach was my Disneyland.

The Big Dipper, a wooden rollercoaster built in 1923 and still going strong, was my first thrill ride. Being tall enough to ride this was like graduating tweenhood. My dad was thrilled as he finally had a rollercoaster buddy.

When The Big One opened in 1994, it was the highlight of the holiday. I was 12. From the top of the 235ft drop, you can see the whole of Blackpool Seafront laid out in front of you. It’s spectacular.

As you tip over the edge and race to the ground at 85mph with the wind in your hair, it’s exhilarating. For 12-year-old me, I was on the top of world.

Family holidays these days feel far more complicated. Even with short breaks in the UK, costs can add up.

I often want to create the wholesome British beach breaks of my childhood, but many destinations feel very different.

Some UK hotspots cost more than flying abroad. But, nabbing a great deal overseas can sometimes be stressful, confusing and time consuming.

Then you have to factor in long travel days, airports and finding somewhere with something for everyone that comes in under budget.

Like most parents, if I can take advantage of a kid’s club or send my two children on the rides together, while I wave from the side-line, I will. Life is busy these days and even 10 mins of peace can feel like a mini break.

But Blackpool hasn’t changed much since my memories of the early 90s.

Everything can be enjoyed together. Paddling on the beach, sharing a bag of chips, screaming in the lift to the top of the Blackpool Tower and enjoying the famous Blackpool Tower Circus.

The foundation for family fun is at the heart of this seaside town and I think it always will be.

Unlike many places which jump between personalities, Blackpool has always known its place – and better still, been proud of it.

I have gone back many times. I’ve also sold my friends on to Blackpool’s charms and we try to get a girls’ weekend in every couple of years too.

It’s an ideal weekend break for all ages.

Bursting onto the scene as a leisure destination for industrial workers and working-class families, in over 150 years, nothing has changed.

While other seaside towns have been infiltrated with artisan coffee shops, art galleries and trendy crowds migrating from the big cities, sending house prices and rents through the roof, Blackpool is still an affordable place to live and visit.

It’s not the spot for a delicate macaron or an eye-wateringly expensive afternoon tea.

But if you’re happy with a £2 doughnut and a hot cocoa in a paper cup, you can enjoy a great snack with sea views for under a fiver.

Budget-conscious visitors can get a decent hotel room for only £17 per night. Haven Morten Mare Holiday Park, just 15-minutes down the road has deals for £112 for a weekend for the whole family.

Attractions like the Blackpool Illuminations, Stanley Park, the promenade and piers are all free to experience. There are sometimes deals to enter Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park for only £10 too.

As a mum, knowing I won’t be racking up a huge debt makes holidays less stressful from the start.

My kids are far more travelled than I was at their age, but I have noticed that spending big doesn’t always make them happiest on holiday.

Kids, like me and like my parents 30 years ago, just want to let off steam, have a bit of fun and have a bit of a break from life.

You don’t have to spend a lot to get that, especially in Blackpool.

I do sometimes splash out though. Mr Whippy with two flakes? Oh go on then.

LONDON’S West End is full of exciting productions, but it can be hard to keep track of them all and there are some you might want to see, finishing this year…

There is nothing worse than saying for ages that you want to see a specific show, finally coming to book it and finding out that it has actually ended.

Well, for a few big productions, that will be the case this year.

Back to the Future

Back to the Future will be leaving the West End on April 12.

You have just two months to catch Back to the Future in the West End if you haven’t seen it already.

The Olivier Award-winning production is currently at London’s Adelphi Theatre and is based on the 1985 film by the same name.

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The show even features high-tech effects, like a flying DeLorean.

And while it is leaving London’s West End, it will be touring the UK from October with stops in Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Sunderland and Southampton.

Meanwhile, Billy Elliot will be replacing it, coming to the Adelphi Theatre from February 12, 2027 to July 31, 2027.

It will mark the production’s first time in the West End in over 10 years and is part of a national tour of the original award-winning production.

If you do want to catch Back to the Future before it leaves London – there are some great offers available.

Direct through the production’s website you can get weekend tickets from just £19.85 (do you see what they did there?).

Or you can get four tickets from £50.

If you have the TodayTix app, you can get £29.50 Rush tickets for same day performances.

And some midweek shows cost £23.

Starlight Express

Starlight Express will be leaving the West End on May 3.

Currently at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, the show has been running since 2024 and is considered to be the longest-running revival of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in London over the past two decades.

The show follows the story of a train set that has come to life.

The Starlight Express will then be heading off on a world tour in 2027.

What show will be at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre next is yet to be announced.

Tickets are still available including discounted tickets for 16-25-year-olds for £25 when booked in advance, directly.

Regular tickets cost from £27.50 per person.

TodayTix has Rush tickets for same day performances for £30.

Hercules

Disney’s Hercules will be leaving the West End on September 5.

The show at Theatre Royal Drury Lane opened last summer and has received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for the anthem ‘Go the Distance’.

A replacement show has not yet been announced for the theatre.

If you book via LW Theatres, tickets cost as little as £29.50 and these are for lightning seats, which means you could pay less for a better seat.

TodayTix also sells Rush tickets for this price, for same day performances and regular tickets from £33.

MJ The Musical

MJ The Musical will perform its last show on February 28.

The show focuses on the creative process behind Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, with the show set during rehearsals.

Once it finishes in London’s Prince Edward Theatre, the production will go on tour in Asia before launching a UK tour in 2027.

As for the London theatre, Beetlejuice The Musical is set to replace it and open at London’s Prince Edward Theatre in May 2026.

If you still want to catch MJ The Musical before it finishes, you can book via the production’s website with tickets costing from £58.

Though, if you have or download the TodayTix app, you can snap up Rush tickets for same day performances from just £30

And even regular tickets are cheaper via TodayTix, costing from £51.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (two parts)

The two-part version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be leaving the West End on September 20.

The much-loved stage show spin-off arrived at the Palace Theatre a decade ago but now it will be shrunken to just one show instead of two parts.

The theatre will close for a few weeks before reopening on October 6 with a single show which will run for two hours and 55 minutes.

Potterheads and for those who are intrigued by a two-part show have some time to catch it before it finishes – and it might be the best time to as historically, watching both parts has been expensive.

Whilst the best seats in the stalls are still priced at a couple-hundred quid for both parts, you can snap up tickets in the balcony for just £36 for both parts on TodayTix- a bargain!

If you want to try and get a bargain on good seats, then enter TodayTix’s Friday Forty, where you could get tickets in top seats for just £40 for both parts.

A couple of years ago, I managed to secure Friday Forty tickets and ended up in the front row of the Grand Circle – tickets that would have cost me upwards of £300 for both parts.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Live

In just a few days, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Live immersive show at London’s Riverside Studios will end.

The 90-minute show began back in November 2025 in Hammersmith and incorporates a live cast and a puppet of Marvin the Paranoid Android.

If you are desperate to go there are still a few tickets left via TodayTix with 25 per cent off costing £30 per person instead of £53 when you book direct.

If you are looking for inspiration on what to watch on stage near you, then here are the best theatre shows for kids coming to the UK in 2026 – from Dogman to Spongebob and Great Showman.

Plus, here are all the little-known apps and websites offering cheap and even free tickets to top gigs, theatre shows and festivals.

Adam Toms visited a classic British market town and was left shocked shortly after arriving.

Some UK towns can feel like they are in a state of decay, leaving locals feeling their taxes are little better than money down the drain. Many high streets have become ghost towns, with only large chains or resilient independent businesses managing to survive.

Burgess Hill, once renowned for its thriving brick and tile-making industry and an annual St. John’s Sheep Fair, is nestled just north of the affluent coastal city of Brighton in Sussex. However, some locals claim it’s now a town in decline, teetering on the brink of oblivion.

The story they tell is one that will be familiar to many: once a bustling hub with its own market, attracting shoppers from far and wide to its array of local shops, it has since fallen into disrepair. And shortly after arriving in the town and paying for parking, journalist Adam Toms was confronted with what he described as a scene more reminiscent of The Last of Us than a typical English provincial town.

A desolate patch of land, eerily reminiscent of Margaret Thatcher’s infamous “walk in the wilderness”, was flanked by vacant retail units, their interiors hauntingly empty. Messages left by former staff were scrawled on the doors.

Adam went on to share: “A piece of barren land – which put me in mind of the famous photos of Margaret Thatcher’s ‘walk in the wilderness’ – was surrounded by empty retail units with ghostly, empty interiors. On their doors were messages written by staff who had since moved elsewhere.”

Signs declared “STORE CLOSING. EVERYTHING MUST GO” and “SALE 50%”. Windows had been boarded up after apparently being smashed by local youths, rainwater leaked from pipes, and metal fencing and red plastic barriers cordoned off a particularly dismal passageway.

He continued: “It wasn’t all this bad. Burgess Hill has a number of shops operating in its actual high street, and an amazing Creative Community Hub, which is run by volunteers and puts on skill-sharing activity sessions, including sewing and pottery.”

Run by volunteers, the hub hosts skill-sharing activities such as sewing and pottery. However, the locals he chatted with seemed somewhat embarrassed and disheartened, feeling their hometown was being eclipsed by more prosperous areas like Horsham.

“One woman, Susan Truran, 68, a retired revenue analyst, asked if I was lost when I explained who I was. People added that they have been let down by promises to improve the area,” said Adam.

The latest proposal aims to revamp the shopping district into a contemporary, lively retail and leisure hotspot, while also creating new homes and jobs. Developer New River is collaborating with Mid Sussex District Council on this project.

Planning permission has been granted for 50,000 square feet of fresh retail space, including a 21,000 square foot food store, 172 new residences and a 102-room hotel.

Jo Homan, a volunteer at the creative hub, stressed that Burgess Hill isn’t the only UK town facing challenges. She commented: “It’s pretty much the same everywhere, isn’t it? A lot of towns are like it.”

This is certainly accurate, and numerous other local authorities are pledging to spruce up their areas. Adam said that he has also visited Margate and Weston-super-Mare, where locals spoke of their towns’ urgent need for regeneration.

Folkestone in Kent presented a unique scenario, with businessman Sir Roger De Haan sharing details of his £100million investment that’s rejuvenating the area. And over in Hampshire, locals expressed their disappointment at the current state of Aldershot.

Back in Burgess Hill and Andrew Griffin, 56, an employee at an insurance firm, highlighted to Adam that it has room for growth, being home to major employers like American Express.

Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer discussed Labour’s Pride in Place plan, announcing that around 40 new areas across England will have the power to decide where up to £20million is invested in their localities: “It is the same story in towns across the country. Youth clubs that have been abandoned, shops boarded up and high streets decimated,” he said.

“We must reverse the devastating decline in our communities and give power, agency and control to the very people who want to improve their community – those who have skin in the game. Through the Pride in Place Programme, communities – backed by the state and fired up by pride – will join the fight for national renewal and a Britain built for all.”

Adventure Leisure, operator of Mulligans indoor crazy golf and Ninja Warrior UK venues, is introducing a mobile phone ban during February half term week to give families more time to connect without smartphone distractions

We’re all aware that excessive screen time can negatively impact our mental wellbeing, yet stepping away from our devices entirely remains a challenge. Even during family outings, many of us can’t resist a quick peek at emails or a scroll through social media.

That’s why the company behind two popular UK attractions has revealed plans to ban mobile phones across its venues this half term, allowing families to spend quality time together free from smartphone distractions. Adventure Leisure, behind the move, describes the initiative as the first of its kind in Britain, with a ‘phone patrol’ ensuring guests keep their devices tucked away.

Adventure Leisure operates Mulligans, a chain of indoor crazy golf centres that also features activities ranging from pool to virtual reality experiences, alongside five Ninja Warrior UK venues. Throughout February half term week – running from February 16 to 22 – its locations will transform into ‘no phone zones’, with families requested to switch their mobiles to airplane mode upon entry.

According to a company statement, the initiative will enable “uninterrupted time to create lasting memories” for parents and children alike. Instead, families can immerse themselves in Mulligans’ entertainment offerings, including themed crazy golf, electro-darts, rebound shuffleboard, and karaoke.

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Meanwhile, at Ninja Warrior UK, families can tackle numerous challenges at adventure parks boasting climbing frames, inflatables, and various physical activities inspired by the hit television programme. Families visiting Mulligans this February half-term will receive a 50% discount voucher valid for a return trip in March.

The mobile phone ban for the forthcoming February school holidays follows concerns raised by Catherine, Princess of Wales, who warned that excessive screen time is fuelling an “epidemic of disconnection”.

Writing alongside Professor Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School, she highlighted the damaging impact of smartphone overuse, cautioning: “We’re physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us.”

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Recent research revealed that British adults now spend more time glued to their mobiles than watching television, clocking up an average of seven and a half hours of daily screen time. The findings also exposed the relentless nature of phone usage compared to TV viewing.

Whilst television consumption peaks outside working hours, mobile phone activity remains constant throughout the day, making it a persistent distraction during both professional and personal time.

Stephen Brown, Chief Operating Officer at Adventure Leisure, commented, “We know how important spending quality time with your family is, so we wanted to create the best environment where our guests can make their memories. We’re really proud to be the first leisure operator to introduce an official ‘No Phone Zone’, and we hope to see others following suit in the future.”