The destination is one of the smallest nations in Europe, but it’s a winter wonderland with Christmas markets and a UNESCO-listed capital city that is known for being easy to walk around
While many dream of visiting Munich or Vienna’s Christmas markets, one small European nation offers an enchanting festive experience without the crowds or hefty price tag. Luxembourg may be one of Europe’s tiniest nations, but it’s brimming with activities as the Christmas season approaches.
The compact Grand Duchy transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with the festive Wantermaart (Winter Market) taking over the UNESCO-listed capital. The city’s walkable layout means visitors can easily stroll between historic squares like Place d’Armes and Place de la Constitution.
Travel blog Together In Transit describes the snow-covered city as “a beautiful winter wonderland experience”, featuring gluhwein stalls to keep you cosy in the crisp December chill. But the biggest draw for budget-conscious Brits is that this delightful, welcoming destination became the world’s first country to provide completely free public transport nationwide.
The zero-fare system was launched in 2020 to cut carbon emissions and boost public transport use, covering all standard class bus, tram and train journeys within the country. This exceptional value is matched by its fascinating history, which can be readily discovered on foot, reports the Express.
The city boasts spectacular views from the Chemin de la Corniche – described by Luxembourg writer Batty Weber as the “most beautiful balcony in Europe”. Luxembourg’s scattered Christmas markets offer all the festive essentials, from fairground rides and ice skating to food and drink stalls.
The capital city undergoes a magical transformation for the annual Winterlights Festival, with the main markets operating from 21 November 2025, right up until New Year’s Day 2026. Luxembourg stands out as one of the few European Christmas market destinations that remain open beyond Christmas Day.
The main attractions are dotted across key squares: the Lëtzebuerger Chrëschtmaart is located at the traditional Place d’Armes, while the Wantermaart at Place de la Constitution houses the awe-inspiring 32-meter-high Ferris wheel, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire lit-up city.
Visitors can savour traditional local treats like Gromperekichelcher (potato pancakes) and Glühwäin (mulled wine) at all major market locations, including Place de Paris. The city also boasts numerous historical attractions worth visiting, with Vianden Castle standing as the top destination, recognized as one of Europe’s most impressive fortified strongholds.
Nestled in the country’s northern region, the castle has received glowing reviews from visitors and is ranked number one of 15 things to do in Vianden. One Tripadvisor reviewer wrote: “A real medieval jewel! Vianden Castle is superb, beautifully restored and overlooking the valley. The village, with its picturesque streets and museums, is definitely worth a visit. The surrounding nature is splendid, and the chairlift offers a unique view. A must-see visit to Luxembourg.”
Another added: “The Château de Vianden is without a doubt one of the most beautiful castles in Luxembourg and an absolute must for lovers of history, architecture and impressive views.”
For those who prioritise festive markets and seasonal atmosphere, December is ideal for visiting Luxembourg. However, if warm weather, hiking and outdoor activities are more important, late spring and summer months are best.
The Cies Islands, a short boat ride from the city of Vigo in northwest Spain, are part of the UNESCO-recognised Atlantic Islands National Park, a natural environment that makes it an exceptional spot for observing wildlife
Chloe Dobinson and Laura Zilincanova
21:37, 13 Nov 2025
A quick boat trip from the city of Vigo will take you to the Cíes Islands(Image: Getty)
If you’re fed up with crowded beaches, overpriced drinks, and the never-ending queues of Europe’s typical island hotspots, then northwest Spain could be just the ticket. Galicia is a region that often goes unnoticed by international tourists.
Unlike the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, it’s famed for its verdant landscapes, rugged coastline, and mild climate rather than endless beaches and nightlife. Its relative anonymity is partly due to its remoteness and accessibility – it feels a world away compared to Majorca or Tenerife – but this has helped maintain its genuine charm.
Just a quick boat trip from the city of Vigo will take you to the Cíes Islands, a place that could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean. While Vigo is known for its foggy and damp climate, the Cíes Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Galicia, are a delightful surprise, reports the Express.
The islands are part of the UNESCO-recognised Atlantic Islands National Park, a natural habitat that makes it a prime spot for wildlife watching. Declared a Nature Reserve in 1980, its white sands, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs make the destination feel entirely unlike anything else on the continent.
The Cíes archipelago comprises three islands: Monte Agudo, O Faro and San Martiño.
The first two are linked by an extensive stretch of sand: Rodas Beach, amongst the jewels of the Cíes Islands. The Guardian declared this beach the world’s finest. Stretching over half a mile in length and 200 feet in width, it boasts pristine white sand, crystal-clear emerald waters, and untouched dune landscapes. Situated conveniently close to the harbour, it remains easily reachable and perfect for a day’s excursion.
Ferry transport provides the sole access to these islands, with visitor numbers strictly controlled throughout the summer period. This ensures you can wander along Rodas Beach feeling as though you’ve discovered a hidden haven, rather than battling crowds of tourists.
Towering pine woodlands, walking paths, and rugged clifftops provide an adventurous atmosphere, whilst the Atlantic seas offer the perfect cooling plunge following a morning’s hike. One visitor posted on Tripadvisor: “This is definitely a bucket list destination. A perfect little piece of unspoilt paradise with some of the best scenery and beaches I’ve ever seen.”
Another commented: “Arriving in the morning, we hiked to the lighthouse with spectacular views, then a picnic and drinking coffee at the campsite that served us remarkably, we continued to the Alto do Príncipe, ending up on the beach of Figueiras, a real paradise despite its cold waters, undoubtedly an island paradise.”
For those tired of the usual Mediterranean hotspots, the Cíes Islands provide a refreshing alternative: untouched natural splendour, serene beaches, and the unique opportunity to escape Europe’s typical holiday hustle and bustle.
I stood atop a lookout point in the heart of Los Angeles County watching the sunset paint downtown L.A. a deep orange.
I was amazed to be alone in the outdoors just before 5 p.m. in America’s second-largest city. I took in more of the panoramic view before me. I could see Mt. Baldy turning a hazy pink as the sun coated the rest of the San Gabriel Mountains in a scarlet hue. I spotted thick clouds moving in over the South Bay. It’d be foggy later.
I’d usually need to travel to Griffith Park or Debs Park for similar views, but that evening’s location was the lesser-known Elephant Hill Open Space, a rolling landscape in El Sereno that local activists hope becomes L.A.’s next great park. But that’s only if they can save it in time.
Mt. Baldy is visible in the distance from a hiking trail in Elephant Hill Open Space in El Sereno.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
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Elephant Hill Open Space is a 110-acre plot of undeveloped land in El Sereno that residents have advocated, for more than 20 years, to be developed into a public park like nearby Debs Park or Ascot Hills with hiking trails, benches and overlook points.
Their final challenge, though, if the entire 110 acres is to be saved from development, is persuading about 200 different land owners to sell their parcels of Elephant Hill to a public agency — and at fair market rate.
Newly installed steps near the Elephant Hill test plot lead hikers toward panoramic views of L.A. County.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
About 25 acres are owned by government agencies. Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority, a local government agency focused on protecting open spaces, manages 8.37 acres at Elephant Hill and is in the process of buying another 2.4 acres. The city of L.A. owns about 15 acres after buying around 20 acres in a 2009 settlement with a developer who wanted to build luxury homes on the hillsides. (The city later sold five acres to MRCA.)
In recent years, MRCA has received about $4.2 million, including $2 million last month from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, to research and buy more land, build a 0.75-mile trail to bring in more hikers, and install gates and boulders to prevent illegal off-roading.
Sarah Kevorkian, deputy chief of wildfire resilience at MRCA, said her agency is required by law to buy land at fair market rate, making it hard to compete in a “cutthroat” market with private developers who can offer landowners more money.
“The number of individual landowners is an added layer of complexity, and I don’t think that exists in other places, not like this,” Kevorkian said.
A view looking east from Elephant Hill’s new hiking trail.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
Still, she remains optimistic, regularly checking land sales websites to see whether any Elephant Hill owners have posted their properties. Community members are quick to call her if they see a “for sale” sign go up.
“I immediately will call,” Kevorkian said. “I called this one person, and they said, ‘Yeah, we have an offer, we’re going with it.’ … I said, ‘If anything changes, call me back.’ They didn’t, but I just had a feeling.”
The land was next to the hiking trail that MRCA was installing. It’d be such a perfect parcel to snag.
Kevorkian called the property owner back a few weeks later, and they told her the deal had fallen through. “It was such an awesome win,” she said.
Mt. Wilson is visible from the Elephant Hill Open Space in El Sereno.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
And anyone who visits can easily see why.
I first visited Elephant Hill a few weeks ago with Elva Yañez and Hugo Garcia, co-founders of Save Elephant Hill. They started their efforts in late 2003 to try to fight off private developers. Both live within walking distance of the open space.
We started our hike on the western side of Elephant Hill, with an aim of seeing the beginnings of Elephant Hill’s first official hiking trail, which MRCA expects to complete next year with way-finding signage, boulders and more.
We headed up the steep terrain, quickly passing the latest disputed development — a truck garden that’s drawn the ire of Save Elephant Hill and other conservation groups for its owner’s choice to chop down protected native trees, as reported by L.A. Taco.
A tree canopy provides shade over the hiking trail in Elephant Hill Open Space in El Sereno.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
We took the trail’s switchbacks and then paused to catch our breaths in the shade of hollyleaf cherry, black walnuts and other trees creating a dense canopy. There, the hills blocked the noise from the roads and city. It’d be the perfect place for a picnic table, bench or both.
Next, we walked down newly installed steps to reach the Elephant Hill test plot, a lush experimental restoration garden where volunteers have planted hundreds of native flowers and shrubs and close to 100 trees. The land looks grateful.
Bees buzzed around the sugar bush and coyote brush. Unlike other parts of the park that remain overwhelmed with invasive mustard, trees of heaven and castor bean, this area is thriving with drought-tolerant and, in some cases, fire-resistant native plants.
A native sunflower in the test plot garden, from left, a shaded path in Elephant Hill, and a white-crowned sparrow perched in the test plot garden.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
Yañez said during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she and Garcia realized they needed to expand their list of allies for Elephant Hill. “We’re not naturalists. We’re not traditional environmentalists. We’re not native plant people,” she said. “We realized at a certain point that we have to activate this space. We have to get people on it to start building that support.”
Joey Farewell, an estate planner who lives nearby and manages the test plot, said, with Yañez and MRCA’s blessing, the test plot volunteers installed the garden in fall 2022 and have seen it thrive, largely without watering outside of what’s needed to first establish new growth.
The test plot started as 3,000 square feet and has expanded to 10,000 square feet of native plant, said Jennifer Toy, director of nonprofit Test Plot, which has 16 experimental gardens around L.A. At Elephant Hill, volunteers have cleared about 20,000 square feet of invasive species, she said.
“It’s not a huge area, but each year we think about” what they can do next, Toy said. “It’s a work in progress.”
And it’s a powerful proof of concept of what Elephant Hill could look like with investment.
Farewell, who is the conservation co-chair of the L.A. and Santa Monica Mountains chapter of the California Native Plants Society, said most people don’t realize what a dynamic landscape Elephant Hill is, including its water features.
“My kids would play by the brook” after heavy rains, Farewell said. “You could reach your hand into one of the springs that fed the stream and feel the water bubbling out of the ground.”
The view of downtown L.A. from a high point at the Elephant Hill Open Space in El Sereno.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
Yañez wants more local children to have similar experiences. Elephant Hill sits among a neighborhood plagued by environmental racism, she said. Green space isn’t readily available, but with the development of Elephant Hill into a park, it could be.
Yañez said she understands the need for more housing in L.A., but Elephant Hill has repeatedly proven an unsafe option. In the late 1980s, townhouses in a nearby development started falling into the ground, causing major structural damage. Around 2006, a developer was using a backhoe to build a fence around his property when the heavy machinery fell deep into a spring. Neighbors referred to it as a “sinkhole.”
“When you look at the big picture of climate change and lack of access to park space in communities like El Sereno, it’s kind of a no-brainer — and it’s very difficult to build here. In fact, it’s not safe,” Yañez said. “All the factors come together and make a pretty strong case on their own for conservation. Plus, I think the community deserves access to open space on these hillsides.”
3 things to do
Volunteers repair habitat in the Bolsa Chica Conservancy in Huntington Beach.
(Erika Moe / Amigos de Bolsa Chica)
1. Address messy nests in Huntington Beach Amigos de Bolsa Chica needs volunteers from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday to restore nest habitat for the threatened western snowy plover and endangered California least tern. Participants will remove invasive and overgrown plants in an area of the reserve off-limits to the public. Register at amigosdebolsachica.org.
2. Craft s’mores ’round the campfire in Culver City The Nature Nexus Institute will host a fall harvest event from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook featuring a campfire and drum circle. Guests can also take guided nature strolls, listen to storytelling and make s’mores around a campfire. Register at docs.google.com.
3. Nurture native plants in the Hollywood Hills The Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife needs volunteers from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday for a habitat restoration project in the Hollywood Hills. Participants will weed and water young native wildflowers, trees and shrubs, and install humane protection from deer and gophers. Register at clawonline.org.
The must-read
A sign stands in the middle of the fire-ravaged remains of the ranch house at Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades. The park reopened Saturday.
(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Hikers rejoice! Will Rogers State Historic Park reopened Saturday after being closed for 10 months following the devastating Palisades fire in January. Times staff writer Hailey Branson-Potts reported that 4.2 miles of the park’s trails are now open while 4.8 miles remain closed. Unfortunately, the segment of the Backbone Trail — a 67-mile trek from Point Mugu State Park to Will Rogers — that runs through the park will remain closed because the fire destroyed the Chicken Ridge Bridge. The Rivas Canyon Trail and Rustic Canyon Trail will also remain closed. The looping trail to Inspiration Point will be partially open, although parks officials might sometimes close it for trail work.
I am glad, slowly but surely, we’re getting to return to some of our favorite places closed by fire.
Happy adventuring,
P.S.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s — no, it’s a bird! It appears that a bald eagle was spotted flying over the Audubon Center at Debs Park last Thursday. “Could it be?!” the Audobon Center posted on Instagram. The answer is yes, it really could have been! On the citizen science app iNaturalist, users have reported almost 1,000 bald eagle observations in L.A. County, including one over Debs Park in 2017 and others in nearby GlassellPark and Pasadena. Perhaps the Steve Miller Band was correct about our national bird’s flight pattern: “I want to fly like an eagle / To the sea.” May your spirit carry you through this week, friends!
For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.
THE LARGEST ice rink in the UK is opening today after receiving an ‘epic’ upgrade.
Skate Bournemouth has returned for the festive season, with the popular attraction receiving some major modifications before it launched for the winter period.
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Skate Bournemouth opened its doors this week to reveal its mammoth 70ft-long ice rinkCredit: skate_bournemouth / InstagramThe skating rink. which is almost the length of a Boeing 777, is the largest in the UKCredit: skate_bournemouth / Instagram
The updated rectangular rink measures up at 70 metres long – almost the same length as a Boeing 777, becoming the largest ice rink in the country.
The popular ice skating park, located in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, returned to business on Wednesday (November 12).
Drone images show the sheer length of the stunning ice rink, which appeared draped in white, after extensive upgrade works took place.
Located in Bournemouth city centre, the skating park will offer student nights, toddler time and sessions for more experienced skaters – as it did in previous years.
A spokesperson for Skate Bournemouth said: “Skaters and spectators alike are in for a treat, with a separate skate-hire marquee featuring its own toilets and queuing area, meaning gearing up is smooth and stress-free.”
The attraction also features a Moguls Alpine Bar, which offers a “stunning menu of festive cocktails, mulled drinks and hot chocolates”, according to their website.
Skate Bournemouth will remain open for customers until January 4, accommodating skaters through Christmas to the New Year.
Prices range between £13.50 for children and £16 for adults at the huge rink.
But while Bournemouth boasts the longest rink in the UK, punters closer to the capital looking for a similar experience benefit from a stunning ice rink that’s already opened its doors for winter.
Skate at Somerset House, in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, returned to London on Wednesday, taking over the venue’s iconic courtyard.
The rink returned as part of the venue’s 25th birthday – and is one of the capital’s standout attractions during the winter experiences.
The venue offers a range of tasty food, drinks and music from DJ’s as part of the full experience.
Virgin Atlantic, who are the organisers behind the stunning rink, are also operating exclusive sessions and a lounge-inspired Clubhouse with rink-side views
HSBC UK are also running a vintage pop-up store on-site called Shelter Boutique.
The shop will be selling a hand-picked selection of pre-loved items, with all proceeds going to Shelter charity, helping tackle homelessness during the festive period.
Entry to Skate at Somerset House ranges between £15 to £28.50 for adults, and £10 for children, plus a one-off transaction fee of £2.95.
Skate at Somerset House has also made a return. with the popular ice rink remaining in the capital until JanuaryCredit: Alamy Live News
WANT to snap up a holiday next year for less? TUI Black Friday sale has something for every budget.
Whether you’re looking to book some New Year winter sun or next summer’s break, there are great deals to be had.
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Las Teresitas beach is walking distance from Santa Cruz, capital of Tenerife
With TUI, you can bag Black Friday discount codes for offers that cover departure dates from January 1, 2026 to October 31, 2027.
Simply bookmark the Black Friday sales page at tui.co.uk, browse the discount codes, apply them to the trip of your choice and save big.
The world is your oyster – but where to go?
Long haul or short?
It’s not too late to treat yourself to a winter holiday in the New Year – TUI’s Black Friday discount vouchers can be used for last-minute trips.
Tempted by the thought of some some sunshine? While we shiver at home, Florida is enjoying average temperatures of 25C – so hit the beach, tour Miami or visit Orlando’s theme parks.
Or soak up the sun in Mexico, explore Mayan ruins, laze on powder-sand beaches and stay in an incredible seafront hotel.
The Canaries are always a hit, winter or summer, with Tenerife and Gran Canaria ever-reliable choices.
Agaete – in the north of Gran Canaria – has some great beaches and natural pools, plus a quaint old town with a walled botanical garden.
Corfu is in the Ionian Sea, known for its turquoise waters
Greece is the word
How about one of the Greek islands? Corfu is a lush picture of cypress trees, olive groves and sun-bleached towns.
Make sure to fit in a trip to Paradise Beach, reachable only by boat.
Elsewhere, Rhodes has a breathtaking mix of dazzling beaches and ancient ruins.
Take the ferry to tiny island of Symi, which has a beautiful harbour and a striking 15th-century monastery on the waterfront.
Spain’s Balearics always deliver. Cala Galdana – a small, colourful resort set in a lovely cove in southern Menorca – has lots to keep the family entertained.
And of course Ibiza’s party scene, bohemian vibes and gorgeous sand are rightly legendary.
The Caribbean shores of Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
How to shop the deals
Book your next break now with the TUI Black Friday discount code BLKFRI, available to use when you open a myTUI account online.
With a myTUI account you can save up to £300* per booking on a package – including thousands of family-friendly getaways – from January 2026 to October 2027.
Once you’re set up, having your details stored online allows you to book that break swiftly before the deal is snapped up and disappears.
And if you already have dates and destinations in mind, that helps to narrow your search for the best deals.
Sign up for weekly emails and you’ll receive discounts direct to your inbox.
When you shop the TUI Black Friday sale, you’ll find unbeatable bargains… so what are you waiting for?
*Save £300 per booking when you spend £3,500 with code BLKFRI; save £300per booking including children aged 2 and over on TUI package holidays. Offer excludes city destinations operated on third-party flights. Discount is valid on holidays departing between January 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027. Minimum spend is £3,500. Room upgrades and flight extras on TUI flying will count towards your minimum spend. However, other extras such as insurance andTUI Care Foundation donations do not count towards your minimum spend.Saving is based on a minimum of 2 adults sharing. Offer is valid until midnight on December 2, 2025 when logged into a myTUI account. Offer does not apply to accommodation only, flight only, cruise and ski bookings. Offer is valid for new bookings only when logged into a myTUI account and can only be redeemed once. Enter code BLKFRI in upper case when on the holiday payment page of the TUI website. See tui.co.uk or the relevant brochure for booking terms and conditions. Offer is subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn at any time without notice. This promotional code is non-transferable and not valid in conjunction with any other discount code.
So it’s no surprise that the town is steeped in history – Samuel even says you can “travel back in time” while strolling through.
He also calls it one of the “most beautiful places in Spain” as it has white-washed buildings with terracotta roof tiles.
Gran Tarajal is a main town with pitch black sand where locals live a slow lifestyle and there aren’t many tourists around.
There’s also a marina and lots of local restaurants where you’ll find classic dishes.
Most read in Beach holidays
Beaches
You’re pretty spoiled for choice with beaches thanks to Fuerteventura being an island, of course.
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”.
Las Playitas is a postcard perfect village on the islandCredit: AlamyCorralejo is a lively resort but also has some incredible and sometimes quiet beachesCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Samuel called Majanicho an “untouched coastal area” that’s a “surfer’s paradise” thanks to its shape.
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.
Villages
There are villages scattered throughout the island, but these are the ones Samuel said needs to be on your hit list.
Ajuy on the west coast is a remote fishing village where pirates used to hide – and there are plenty of secret spots to explore like the volcanic caves.
Plus, you’ll be able to see some fantastic sunsets here.
Also on the west coast of the island is Los Molinos, a secluded village with sea caves and as Samuel points out – the only place where you can see ducks.
Tiscamanita is a farming village where Samuel revealed they make the best matured goat cheese of the island.
It’s also home to a traditional Canarian windmill.
The island of Isla de Lobos is just north of Fuerteventura with crystal clear waterCredit: AlamyTraditional windmills are still scattered about the island – like this one in LajaresCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Exploring
There’s plenty of exploring to be done around the island too, and Samuel said that Lajares, a small inland town, is “as indie as it gets” with “plenty of artisan shops”.
The town that’s popular with surfers is known for having a chilled out vibe.
Tindaya is a sacred mountain on the island for the aboriginal people of the island.
It’s a site worth seeing but visitors can only drive by or walk around a small part of the mountain.
Punta de la Entallada is an active lighthouse on the island and from there you get some incredible views – it’s also the nearest point to mainland Africa.
Samuel also recommended Jandia which has white sand beaches and it has even been used in a few films like Star Wars and Wonder Woman.
He also added that Antigua is worth a visit for its historical windmill and Cheese Museum with a guided tasting.
Another is Isla de Lobos, an island to the north of Fuerteventura – a natural park only reachable by boat with an archaeological site and incredibly clear water.
HAVE you ever wandered through London and seen the towering dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and thought, I wonder what it is like to visit? We’ve done the hard work and broken down everything you need to know.
St Paul’s Cathedral is the UK’s most popular religious attraction with over two million visitors each year.
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St Paul’s is the most visited religious attraction in the UKCredit: The Sun
It was designed by world-renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren and was completed in 1710, after the original cathedral was destroyed in the Great Fire of London.
Amazingly, the stunning landmark even survived the London Blitz during World War II.
And of course, it has a lot of royal connections including hosting the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
Today, it remains a working church with daily services but the public can visit.
It costs £26 per adult (£28.60 with a donation) and £10 per child (£11 with a donation).
Concession and family tickets are also available.
The experience
Arriving at the cathedral, I was pleased to find no queue and with a speedy bag check I was inside within a couple of minutes.
And straight away, I was impressed.
The towering ceilings and sprawling cathedral floor were a beautiful sight, with stone arches, statues and ornate windows.
As soon as you enter, you pick up one of the guides which is essentially a small iPhone.
There are multiple videos, audio clips, pictures and activities to explore as you go through the cathedral.
This means you can take the entire visit at your own pace and in all, I spent around three hours there.
Realistically, I think two to three hours is enough, but you could definitely spend more time there.
What is there for adults?
History lovers will be in their element – the cathedral really is fascinating and holds so much more than religious history.
For example, when exploring the crypt you can see the graves of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.
The cathedral itself is also an architectural marvel, designed by the famous architect Christopher Wren.
Throughout there are tons of information boards and the interactive multi-media guide even goes behind the scenes and talks to some of the cathedral’s key figures.
Inside there are lots of information boardsCredit: The Sun
What is there for kids?
Despite what you might think, St Paul’s can also be fascinating for kids thanks to a handy guided experience on the multi-media guide with a phoenix.
The phoenix flies through the cathedral and shares interesting facts about the landmark that are appropriate for children.
It is definitely one of the better children’s guides I have seen, as it makes learning about history of the cathedral both fun and accessible.
There are a number of videos that bring past historical figures to life too, such as the artist William Turner who is buried in the crypt.
Of course though, as a historical and religious attraction, younger kids might become bored and also struggle with the amount of stairs up to the galleries.
For kids, the interactive multi-media guide has a number of games and activitiesCredit: The Sun
Is it accessible?
The North Transept features an accessible entrance with a ramp, which the cathedral recommends for wheelchair users or those that require step-free access.
When you enter from here, you enter straight onto the cathedral floor.
There are a number of wheelchairs available at the cathedral on request and there is a lift between the cathedral floor and crypt.
The only area wheelchair users or those who cannot use steps cannot access are the galleries, including the Whispering Gallery.
Even if you are able to use steps the Whispering Gallery is 257 steps, Stone Gallery is then an additional 119 steps and the Golden Gallery is an additional 152 – which is a lot.
It can be a bit of a struggle as many of the steps are up narrow staircases without handrails.
The galleries are up a lot of steps, which isn’t acceptable to everyoneCredit: The Sun
For the elderly or small children, I would say miss this part of the cathedral.
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs are all allowed in the cathedral.
For visually impaired visitors, there are audio description guides and free guided ‘touch tours’ available.
For those who are hard of hearing or deaf, the cathedral has a hearing loop system that covers the cathedral floor, OBE chapel and the crypt.
The multimedia guide also features a British Sign Language tour with subtitles.
I do believe the cathedral has done everything it can do to accommodate those with accessibility needs, however there are some things that are not accessible.
Any add ons?
The multimedia guide has everything you need to learn about the cathedral and its different features and it is free with entry.
But there are a few other tours available.
For example, you could head on a highlights tour for half an hour, which is free for ticketholders.
Or a cathedral floor and crypt tour which is free and lasts an hour to an hour-and-a-half.
For an additional cost, visitors can head on the ‘Triforium Tour’, which includes the library, the Trophy Room and Great Model and a view down from the top of the Geometric Staircase.
However, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
It costs £15 per person and lasts an hour.
There is also a tour to behind the scenes area for £15Credit: The Sun
Is there a shop and cafe?
We all love a cosy cafe and St Paul’s has a great one.
The Crypt Cafe is located beneath the cathedral floor and recently reopened to the public in March 2025.
Inside it is calm and cosy, with a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and salads, and cakes.
One thing that I particularly liked is that you can leave the cathedral experience to head into the cafe, but you can then re-enter the cathedral if you show your ticket – super handy for a quick caffeine hit.
Prices aren’t too bad either.
You could get a deli lunch, which includes a main and two seasonal salads for £13.95.
Wraps and baguettes cost from £6.95 and soup of the day for £6.75.
Coffee ranges from around £4 to £6, as does cake.
Heading away from the cafe, you will then find the shop.
We all love a good landmark or museum gift shop and St Paul’s’ is great.
The book and gift section is extensive, and I was pleasantly surprised by the prices.
A personal favourite of mine was the St Paul’s Sausage Dog teddy costing £22, inspired by Christopher Wren’s famous quote: “The secret of architectural excellence is to translate the proportions of a dachshund into bricks, mortar and marble”.
The cathedral also has a large gift shop and cafeCredit: The Sun
What else is there to do in the area?
Away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street and Covent Garden, St Paul’s still has a lot of places to explore nearby.
Right next to the cathedral, you could head to the F1 Arcade London or Fairgame – the ultimate adult’s playground, with retro fairground games.
There are a tonne of fast food spots around too including McDonalds, Five Guys and Wagamama.
Just a five minute walk from the cathedral you will find Ye Olde Watling, one of the best pubs in the area with 4.6 stars out of five on Google.
The pub dates back to the 17th century and features a good comfort menu with a range of ales.
The closest bus stop to the cathedral is Stop SH, just outside the cathedral, linking to many different areas of the capital.
The closest tube station to the cathedral is St. Paul’s Underground Station itself, with the Central Line, which is just a three minute walk away.
Final verdict
As someone who has lived in London now for five years and not visited St Paul’s, I wish I went sooner.
The history of the cathedral is truly fascinating for both Londoners and tourists alike.
It definitely is one to visit and for the entrance fee, I think you get a lot for your money.
Especially at the highest gallery where you can see skyline views of London.
Accessibility wise, even without the galleries, I think it is still worth visiting and for kids, if they are bit older or teenagers, they will be fascinated by the stunning artworks, ceilings and winding passages to the galleries.
For younger kids, the interactive guide will definitely keep them occupied whilst parent perhaps look at the more detailed information boards.
Next time you’re driving the Grapevine and nearing the forest of oil rigs on the outskirts of Bakersfield, look for a six-story guitar.
That would be the Hard Rock Casino Tejon, whose opening on Thursday brings industrial-strength Indian gaming — and some Hollywood pizzazz — to a territory better known for cowboy hats, farmland and petroleum extraction.
The Tejon casino stands in the rural community of Mettler, near the convergence of Interstate 5 and State Route 99 — “a stone’s throw away” from Los Angeles, suggested Hard Rock Casino Tejon President Chris Kelley.
In effect, the casino is a $600-million bet by leaders of Hard Rock International and the Tejon Indian Tribe that they can grab a central role among the many Indian casinos in Southern California.
The property is the first full-scale gaming and entertainment destination in Kern County.
(Makenzie Beeney Photography for Hard Rock International)
A wind sculpture at the entrance of the casino.
(Cristian Costea for Hard Rock International)
The draw? Most notably, 150,000 square feet of gaming space — including 58 table games and more than 2,000 slot machines — putting it among the largest casinos in Southern California, on par with many along the Strip in Las Vegas.
And, of course, because this is a Hard Rock venture, there are pop music artifacts on display. Among them: the blue hooded velvet mini dress Sabrina Carpenter wore in her “Please Please Please” music video, signed guitars from Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt, Beck’s tambourine and Natalie Cole’s orange high heels.
The casino also includes four restaurants serving Asian street food, tacos, pizza and American comfort food (especially Nashville hot chicken) — and a bonus feature. At select hours, Kelley said, staff will put up a divider to create Deep Cut, a fancier “speakeasy restaurant” that will emphasize steak and seafood.
“This is something no other Hard Rock Cafe has … a restaurant within a restaurant,” said Kelley, leading a tour in the days before opening.
Live-action table games include blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat.
(Makenzie Beeney Photography for Hard Rock International)
Plans for the second phase of the project will include a 400-room hotel and spa on-site, along with a 2,800-seat Hard Rock Live venue designed to host concerts, sporting events and ultimately make Kern County a premier destination for travelers and fans. Officials declined to share a timeline for this next installment.
Though its global empire began with a London cafe in 1971, Hard Rock International has been owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida since 2007. The company’s native ownership was “a major influence” on the Tejon tribe’s decision to team up, said Tejon Tribal Chairman Octavio Escobedo III. Hard Rock Casino Tejon is owned by the Tejon Indian Tribe and is managed by Hard Rock International.
For the Tejon tribe and its 1,523 enrolled members, the casino amounts to a new chapter in a saga full of challenges. In the 1850s, the Tejon were included in the creation of California’s first Indian reservation — which was then closed by federal officials in the 1860s. More than a century later, in 1979, the tribe was omitted from a U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs list of formally recognized tribes — an apparent mistake that took decades to correct.
When the Tejon did win federal recognition in late 2011, gaming plans materialized quickly. By late 2016, the tribe had set in motion the acquisition of the casino site.
The restaurant Deep Cut is billed as an “elevated steakhouse experience.”
(Makenzie Beeney Photography for Hard Rock International)
For the tribe, Escobedo said, the long-term picture likely includes developing a residential community — which the Tejon haven’t had for more than a century — as the tribe aims for “financial sovereignty.” Though he declined to specify the amount of money that would require, he did say “it’s going to take a tremendous amount of financial discipline to achieve that.”
So far, things feel promising. Escobedo said 52 tribal members have signed on to work at casino jobs and “I’d love to see that number double over the next year or so.”
Long before the Seminoles bought control of Hard Rock International, the tribe pioneered Indian gaming in the U.S., beginning with a bingo hall in Hollywood, Fla., in 1979. Through further investment and legal victories rooted in tribal sovereignty, tribes in 29 states across the U.S. have built hundreds of gaming operations, which together gross more than $40 billion yearly.
Beyond its possibilities for the Tejon tribe, the arrival of the casino means about 1,100 new jobs for greater Bakersfield, which lost a beloved entertainment venue in August when Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace closed after 29 years.
Owens, who died in 2006, was a longtime resident of Bakersfield and proponent of the gritty “Bakersfield sound” in country music. Besides artifacts from pop music, rock ’n’ roll and Tejon cultural history, Kelley said, “We are going to have some Buck Owens memorabilia. It just wouldn’t be right not to.”
Jasmine Harman and her family are starring in Renovation in the SunCredit: Channel 4They documented their journey in doing up their villa on the Costa del SolCredit: Channel 4
Talking to Sun Travel, Jasmine has revealed what her new life in Spain is like, and the renovation mishaps she wishes she knew sooner.
Having been advice on property since 2004., it was in October 2023that Jasmine and her family were relocated from the UK to Spain, buying a run-down villa to transform it into their dream home.
It took around one year to transform the casa, and for anyone who wants to do the same, Jasmine has some words of warning.
Jasmine said: “It’s not for the faint hearted. If anyone was considering taking on a renovation project, I’d say be prepared.
“It’s going to be harder and more expensive than you think. There will be things that will come up that you weren’t expecting and you’ll need to leave yourself a financial and time buffer.
“We had rough figures that we were trying to stick to, but I reckon we ended up going over by around 50 per cent.”
Another huge challenge that Jasmine warned people against is living in the house whilst undergoing a renovation – especially during demolition.
Jasmine along with her husband, Jon, and their two children Joy and Albion, transformed the villa which wasn’t without its setbacks – including serious health scares.
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The work however started long before the actual renovation when Jasmine and Jon had to choose exactly where to live.
For the family, Jasmine revealed that moving abroad to the Costa del Sol was also the only logical option.
The family now spend their evening on the beachCredit: Channel 4And they can go skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountainsCredit: Alamy
She explained: “The Costa del Sol was a practical decision because we filmA Place in the Sun here all year round.
“There would be no point in me moving abroad somewhere to be with my family more, which was the whole idea, and say we moved to Italy.
“When deciding whereabouts on the Costa del Sol, we chose the western side of Malaga. Then Estepona we chose mostly for the schools – I found one I thought my kids would be happy in.”
Now she and her family have been living in Estepona for some time and have really settled in.
Jasmine shared: “I love Estepona because of the vibe in the town. Where we are, the beaches are quiet all year round. It’s a lovely Spanish town – very authentic.
“Although there’s quite a big international community here, it still maintains its Spanish feel.”
As for what she loves most about her move to Spain, like most Brits would find, it’s the good weather.
In the summer season, Estepona has highs of 28C and even during the winter it can still be as mild as 17C.
Estepona Old Town has white-washed buildings and feels ‘authentically Spanish’Credit: AlamyA Place in the Sun Presenter Jasmine Harman has undertaken a huge renovation projectCredit: Channel 4
Jasmine told us: “I know it’s a cliche, but the weather is so much better and more predictable and reliable.
“I had never really understood the pull of why people want to live by the sea, but I get it now. I love being this close to the sea, the mountains, and being able to see the horizon and that big, beautiful blue sky.”
Thanks to her new home being so close to the sea that they can see it from their home, Jasmine makes the most of it by taking regular dips in the ocean.
She and her children sometimes walk across the beach after school.
There are also plenty of spots for day trips from Tarifa where you can spot dolphins and whales, to Malaga City.
It’s not all sun and sand though; Jasmine is also very close to the Sierra Nevada mountains in the Granada province.
Jasmine said: “For the last two years that we’ve lived here, we’ve driven to Sierra Nevada, which is a few hours away, to go for a little skiing weekend.
“We don’t have to fly there, we just chuck everything in the car.”
“As a result of these high Govt taxes/fees (the highest in Europe), and Lufthansa’s high-fare monopoly, German citizens/visitors now pay the highest air fares in Europe.”
Dortmund, Dresden, and Leipzig airports are to stay closed overwinter.
Ryanair has already axed flights across Spain and GermanyCredit: Alamy
Manchester Airport has defended itself after data revealed that it had the most delayed flights among major airports in the UK during the first half of 2025, with less than three-quarters of flights departing on time
Manchester Airport was ranked as the worst for flight delays across major UK airports(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester Airport has defended itself, hitting back with a strong statement after it emerged that the travel hub was ranked as the worst major UK airport for flight delays so far this year.
A study of Civil Aviation Authority data compiled by AirAdvisor found that just 71.5 per cent of flights at the airport left on schedule during the first six months of 2025. The figure falls considerably short of the 77 per cent national average.
Manchester Airport, the biggest UK airport outside of London, has dismissed the data as “misleading to passengers”, arguing that numerous factors contribute to flight delays that are beyond the airport’s control. These include issues such as extreme weather, cabin crew shortages, inbound flight delays and air traffic control staffing.
A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “The punctuality of flights can be affected by a number of factors, most of which are outside of an airport’s control. These include inclement weather, airline crew shortages, delays to inbound flights, and even things like continental air traffic control issues including capacity restrictions and industrial action.
“As such, it is inherently misleading to passengers to imply a link between airports and delays – although periodically we do see companies doing this in order to promote themselves and sell particular products or services. In reality, passengers can feel assured that the vast majority of flights that leave Manchester Airport do so on time.”
In turn, the airport’s size and extensive route network can impact the figures for delayed flights, its spokesperson claimed. As Britain’s largest airport outside of London, Manchester serves more than 200 destinations worldwide, with many long-haul routes originating from destinations such as the Middle East and Asia.
These long-haul flights will depart from their home countries, fly into Manchester and then return. This means that if any delays occur at their point of origin, it creates a domino effect on Manchester’s timetable, which then appears in the CAA statistics.
Flight delays are further compounded by air traffic control staffing shortages across Europe, alongside airspace restrictions in Russia, the Middle East and Pakistan – all factors that are beyond the airport’s control, according to its spokesperson.
However, it’s not all bad news, as the statistics reveal progress compared to last year, when only 69.5 percent of Manchester Airport flights departed on time.
Following closely behind Manchester Airport in the charts is Birmingham International, with 72.5 per cent of flights leaving on time, while Stansted and Bournemouth Airports ranked a joint third with 73.5 per cent. The CAA, which gathers punctuality data from 25 UK airports, defines a flight as ‘on time’ if it departs from or arrives at the gate within 15 minutes of its scheduled time.
The top 10 worst major airports for delays in 2025, according to AirAdvisor, are as follows:
Manchester – 71.5 per cent of flights were on time
These campsites have outdoor pools and winter highs of 20CCredit: Caravan and Motorhome ClubTuriscampo in Portugal has lots of outdoor pools and plenty of entertainmentCredit: Caravan and Motorhome Club
Here are some of the very best which are just a few hours from the UK.
Turiscampo, Portugal
You’ll find Turiscampo at the very bottom of the Algarve in the city of Lagos.
If you fancy visiting in November, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how warm it is still with highs of 18C.
What will draw most visitors in is the enormous swimmingpool lined with sun loungers.
If you love the beach, then this campsite is ideal as it’s seconds away from the coast.
With highs of 19C in November, you’ll still be able to enjoy frolicking on the sands and splashing about in the water.
There’s a pretty terrace restaurant with views over the Med as well as a huge slide and a shallow splash park for kids.
There’s also an outdoor and inside play area, teen club, games room as well as a sports area with a basketball hoop.
On the front line of the Costa Daurada and close to the Ebro Valley, just fifteen minutes from Port Aventura.
Alannia Els Prats has an entertainment team that puts on performances for families.
Nearby is the Botanical Garden, Gaudi Centre, Port Aventura Theme Park and Aquopolis Costa Daurada Aquatic Water Park.
Pitches vary from serviced to large, premium and sea view with prices starting from £23.94pn.
Los Escullos campsite is surrounded by a huge National ParkCredit: Caravan and Motorhome ClubYou can still dine outside as it’s still 20C in NovemberCredit: Caravan and Motorhome Club
Los Escullos, Spain
If you want a break surrounded by nature then Los Escullos is for you as it’s found tucked away in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park.
In the low season it’s quiet so it’s also a great spot if you fancy a less frantic atmosphere.
Activities range from the multi-sports court to the entertainment program, and there’s an outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and cosy cabanas.
There’s a focus on wellbeing so make sure to explore the gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and massage treatments.
And if you fancy taking a stroll, there are plenty of trails that run through the National Park.
When it comes to meals, the Oasis Restaurant overlooks the pool and offers guests the opportunity to try traditional Spanish cuisine or check out the pizzeria menu.
The site is around a 40-minute drive from Almería too if you want to explore the city.
Los Escullos offers electric hook-up pitches from £22.53pn.
Costa do Vizir caravan site has an outdoor pool and is 450m from the beachCredit: Caravan and Motorhome ClubYou get beach access and it’s less than an hour into the city of LisbonCredit: Caravan and Motorhome Club
Costa do Vizir, Portugal
This campsite is on the western coast of Portugal where temperatures reach highs of 18C in November.
Called the Costa do Vizir, it’s ideal for anyone seeking a peaceful camping break by the coast.
The campsite is just 450m from Praia Grande beach, a popular watersports location.
On-site is a fine dining restaurant, and on the beach is the second restaurant which makes for great sunset views.
There’s an outdoor pool and children’s play area.
The country’s capital, Lisbon, is one hour and 30 minutes drive away where you can hop on a tram and eat a tasty Pastel de Nata.
Also nearby is Porto Covo, Pessegueiro’s Island, the Natural Reserve of Costa Vicentiva, Zambujeira and the town of Odemira.
It has electric hook-up and serviced pitches from £24.66pn.
A MUSEUM based in south-east London that is loved by families will be getting even more attractions next year.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill – named London‘s best family attraction in 2024 by Muddy Stilettos – will open a new play park next year.
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The Horniman Museum and Gardens is getting a major upgradeCredit: Feilden Fowles/ J L GibbonsOpening next year, there will be a new nature-themed play areaCredit: Feilden Fowles
Dubbed the ‘Nature + Love’ project, the park is one of several new experiences launching as part of the museum’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
It will be free to visitors and feature a cast of animated animals for visitors to meet and interact with.
The trail will also include a number of challenges and mini games for visitors to play.
In addition, The Horniman’s Nature Trail will offer step-free access for the first time.
The Gardens Nursery will be transformed as well and will include new glasshouses, a public boardwalk route and a workshop space – all free to visit as well.
Later in early 2027, the Horniman’s natural history gallery will reopen to the public having been fully refurbished.
Inside, visitors will be able to once again see many of the museum’s favourite items as well as new objects.
To mark its 125th birthday, the museum will also be hosting a number of events between June 27 and 29, 2026.
Michael Salter-Church MBE, Chair of the Horniman, said: “Opening in the Horniman’s 125th year, these new features in the Gardens will help visitors learn about the natural world and provide new welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
“They embody the Horniman’s ethos and purpose and will help us celebrate our birthday!”
Gordon Seabright, chief executive at the Horniman, said: “We are delighted to reveal a first glimpse of what’s to come at the Horniman as part of our Nature + Love project.
“The Gardens are a beloved and integral part of the Horniman, and we hope the new attractions opening in 2026 will provide new and familiar visitors with fun and enriching encounters with the precious natural world we all share.”
Most of the Horniman is free to visit, including the library, animal walk, World Gallery and gardens.
And according to The Guardian, the destination “feels as if it was created for kids”.
And there will also be an augmented reality trail with animated charactersCredit: Andrew Lee
There is also an aquarium that visitors can go to, though this is ticketed costing £6.50 per adult and £3.25 per child.
Inside, visitors can explore 15 exhibits showcasing different water environments from around the world, such as pond life and coral reefs.
There is also a butterfly house, which is also ticketed, costing £9.75 per adult and £6.50 per child.
The tropical indoor garden features free-flying butterflies of different colours and sizes.
THE UK’S best budget campsite has been named and it has tonnes of amazing features as well as a great price.
Named in the Campsites.co.uk Camping and Glamping Awards, Caldbeck Camping in Cumbria can be found in the Northern Lake District, not too far from the northerly fells of High Pike and Carrock Fell.
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Caldbeck Camping in Cumbria has been named the best budget campsite in the UKCredit: Campsites.co.ukThe campsite features 13 pitches in total, including three that have an electric hookupCredit: Campsites.co.ukIf you don’t like camping though, there is a bell tent tooCredit: Campsites.co.uk
In total, the campsitefeatures 13 grass pitches, three of which have electric hook-ups.
But if putting up a tent isn’t your thing, then you can always opt for the cosy bell tent that is on site as well.
Inside the adult-only bell tent, visitors will find a cosy double bed, electrical supply, tea and coffee making facilities and a table and chairs.
Outside the tent there is also a private garden with a fire pit, seating and a sheltered bench area.
Those staying in the bell tent also have access to a private toilet.
The campsite, which also featured on Campsites.co.uk 2025 Outstanding Sites list, is directly on the Cumbrian Way footpath, making it the ideal spot for keen hikers.
Barbecues are allowed at the site, as long as they are raised from the ground – an ideal summer evening activity.
Alternatively, there are fire pits which are available to hire.
And your four-legged friend is welcome too.
One recent visitor said: “Beautiful lake running through camp, space for wild swimming at bottom.
“Fire pits on each pitch, pitches are of a very good size!
“The site was very peaceful with little to no noise in the evenings.
“Host was lovely and friendly. Would definitely return.”
If you want a tipple before settling down for the night, The Oddfellow Arms pub is just a five-minute walk away.
And there are plenty of things to do nearby including Aira Force Waterfall which is just 30 minutes away.
The staggering 20 metre waterfall is located in an 18th century pleasure ground and there are a number of woodland trails to explore.
You might even catch a glimpse of rare red squirrel.
Here, you can explore a pretty Grade I listed country house that features a mix of medieval, Tudor and Georgian architecture.
Nearby, visitors can head to Dalemain Mansion and Historic Gardens which features a Grade I listed houseCredit: AlamyOr head to Aira Force Waterfall, which towers 20 metres tallCredit: Alamy
The gardens are also award-winning.
Spread across five acres, visitors can explore a number of plants and flowers and the gardens are known for whimsical features, so keep an eye out for a dragon and a sleeping earth giant.
Pitches at the campsite for adults cost from £9 per night and kids, £5 per night.
If you wish to have a pitch with an electrical hookup, it is an additional £6 per night.
For the bell tent, it costs from £65 per night for stays between Sunday and Thursday or £75 per night for stays between Friday and Saturday.
There is also a two night minimum stay in the bell tent.
Travel expert Simon Calder has shared his favourite winter destinations for UK pensioners, and one town has been described as a “slice of heaven” by visitors
Andrea Blazquez Lifestyle Editor and Steffan Rhys Deputy Content Hub Director
11:31, 13 Nov 2025
Cascais is easily reached by train from Lisbon.(Image: Getty)
Travel expert Simon Calder has named Cascais, just outside Lisbon in Portugal, as one of his top winter destinations. The coastal town is not only affordable during the colder months, but also boasts an average temperature of 18C in November and direct flights from UK airports to nearby Lisbon.
Cascais is a dream for those who love to explore on foot, making it an ideal holiday spot for pensioners. Travel blogger Caroline, from Packthesuitcases, described the town as “is a nice walkable size, you don’t need to worry about taxis and buses unless you’re venturing further afield to things like Cabo da Roca – everything in the town itself is easily reached on foot”.
Caroline also highlighted the ease of reaching Cascais by train from Lisbon, noting that “The train takes about 40 minutes from Cais do Sodré, and it’s an enjoyable journey along the coast.”
On his travel podcast, Simon Calder praised the beautiful town as one of his “favourite Portuguese locations”. He said: “Cascais is the port planted elegantly on the shoreline west of the capital, Lisbon, on what’s known as the Portuguese Riviera. It was settled in turn by Romans, Visigoths and Moors, and today the centre of Cascais is an intriguing combination of sun-worn houses, cafés, shops and smart hotels.”
He also pointed out that there are “excellent beaches within easy reach of Cascais”, adding another reason to consider this charming Portuguese town for your next getaway, reports the Express.
One visitor took to Tripadvisor to describe the town as “a little slice of heaven”. The tourist gushed: “Cascais is amazing, beautiful coastline, stunning, immaculate beaches and a really charming town. The people are lovely and the food is out of this world!”
Simon also suggested Cassis, in the south of France, as another pedestrian-friendly destination, ideal for a winter getaway.
You’ll need a passport to travel internationally(Image: Maksims Grigorjevs via Getty Images)
HM Passport Office has issued a warning to those applying for new or replacement passports, as they may face delays. At the moment a standard adult passport for those aged 16 and over costs £94.50 when applied for online, or £107 when using the paper form.
To apply online and save some cash, you’ll need a digital photo. This can be obtained from a photo booth or shop prior to your passport application, or by taking one with your own device during the application process.
If you choose to use a photo booth, you can receive a code to input during your online application. However, the Passport Office has explained that certain guidelines must be adhered to if you want to get your passport as soon as possible.
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In a recent alert on X, previously known as Twitter, HM Passport Office said: “A rejected photo can delay your application. Make sure your photo has a plain, light background. Shows your full face with a neutral expression and has no shadows, filters, or headwear.”
Additional advice on Gov.uk states that your photo must be clear and in focus, in colour, unaltered by computer software, at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, and between 50KB and 10MB in size. The photo should not include other objects or people, should not have ‘red eye’, should be taken against a plain and light-coloured background, and should clearly contrast with the background.
You should also only wear glasses if absolutely necessary. If you do need to wear glasses, ensure they’re not tinted or sunglasses and that your eyes aren’t obscured by the frames, glare, reflection, or shadow.
Should your photo and application be acceptable, you can expect to receive your new or replacement passport within three weeks.
It’s been created ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics
09:44, 13 Nov 2025Updated 09:44, 13 Nov 2025
An artist’s impression of the shelter in the Italian Alps(Image: CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati/SWNS)
An incredible new glass house will let mountaineers shelter from high-altitude perils. Designers have created the camp ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, where it will be showcased in Milan before being airlifted to its permanent location in the Alps.
The eye-catching bivouac is the brainchild of Italian design firm CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, in collaboration with Salone del Mobile.Milano. Designed to harmonise with the Alpine landscape, its creation began with a 3D scan of rock formations in the region.
Carlo Ratti, co-founder of CRA, said: “Unfortunately, today bivouacs often look like airships that have landed on our beautiful alpine landscapes. Here we took the opposite approach: a structure that blends as much as possible with the surroundings.”
CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati say the resulting design minimises visual impact while maximising functionality – incorporating energy production, storage, and water harvesting through air condensation.
Maria Porro, president of Salone del Mobile.Milano, said: “It is a gesture that turns research into a form of harmony with the natural world and that, in its journey from our Milan to the Alps, expresses the principles we share: a circular, responsible design.”
Carlo Ratti added: “Great 20th-century Italian architect Gio Ponti once said that architecture is ‘like a crystal’. We took that literally in this design, using digital fabrication to design a bivouac as if it were part of the natural rock formations that shape the Alps.”
A POPULAR holiday choice for Brits has revealed plans to become a ‘super destination’.
With more cheap flights coming from the UK, it’s about to be even easier to get to.
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Turkey is set to become a “super destination”Credit: AlamyCappadocia is well known for its hot air balloonsCredit: Alamy
Turkey as a holiday destination isn’t anything new to Brits, who have been fleeing to the affordable resorts there for decades.
However, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has now teamed up with Trip.com to relaunch the country as a “Super Destination” for travellers.
The new plans will push locations such as the cities of Istanbul and Izmir.
Other highlights spots include Cappadocia – known for its hot air balloons – and the much-loved beaches of Antalya.
TGA’s general manager Sinan Seha Türkseven said they were wanting to offer “distinctive, exceptional experiences”.
This was backed by Trip.com’s Amanda Wang, who added: “Türkiye is one of those destinations that truly has everything: beauty, culture, history, and an incredible story to tell.
“This partnership with TGA is about turning that story into meaningful travel experiences.
“To pursue this vision, we are curating high-end journeys that blend cultural authenticity with digital innovation.”
More flights are already being added to Turkey from the UK.
Turkish airline Corredon is launching more flights to Antalya from London Stansted, Manchester, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle.
Istabul was named a top city this year and is set to remain popular with BritsCredit: Alamy
SunExpress, a budget airline, is launching flights from theEast Midlandsto Antalya.
Citing it as a “less traveled alternative to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts,” cities such as Samsun and Bartin were named as having “sandy strands on blue coves”.
We spoke to Selda Bayhan, a senior cabin crew member at SunExpress.
“A lot of UKtravellersstill see Türkiye mainly as a sun-and-sea holiday spot, and while the coastline is stunning, there’s so much more to the country than justbeaches.
“You can visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus near Izmir, take in the cave dwellings and rock formations of Cappadocia, or see the impressive Roman theatre at Aspendos in Antalya.
“A place that really deserves more attention is Kayseri.
“You’ve got the fairy chimneys, cave hotels, hot air balloons at sunrise… and much fewer crowds if you fly straight into Kayseri.
“It’s often skipped in favour of nearby Cappadocia, but actually offers a lot of the same incredible experiences — just with fewer crowds.”
More flights and hotels will make Turkey even bigger next yearCredit: Alamy
Christmas markets have been popping up across Europe, and one expert has shared the secrets to a perfect trip – including the best time to visit to avoid the crowds.
Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer
09:09, 13 Nov 2025Updated 09:09, 13 Nov 2025
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This is the perfect time to visit Christmas markets to avoid crowds(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
Christmas markets have been springing up throughout Britain and across Europe, and whilst there are numerous options domestically, many Brits are planning to jet off for a winter break.
Whilst visiting these markets is undoubtedly enjoyable, they can frequently become overcrowded, which might diminish the enchantment of the experience for some visitors.
Maren Schullerus, GetYourGuide‘s German Market Expert, has attended over 60 Christmas markets worldwide, and is now sharing insider tips for the perfect getaway – including optimal times to avoid the masses.
Regarding the best timing, she advises: “The best time to visit a Christmas Market and beat the crowds is on a weekday, mid-December at around 4pm. The kids are usually still in school, and it’s dark early, so it feels Christmassy.”
For those seeking a quieter alternative, or a market suited to a romantic escape, Maren suggested the Santa Pauli Christmas Market in Hamburg, which specifically caters to an “adults-only” audience with entertainment including a Bauble Burlesque show.
She also cautioned against succumbing to tourist traps whilst visiting these markets, such as learning to distinguish whether something is genuinely handmade or factory-produced.
Maren explains: “When it comes to souvenir buying, there’s a few indicators that the person has made it themselves, as opposed to it being shipped from a factory.”
“Three tips: Look for stalls that won’t let you photograph their crafts, look for tradespeople that can tell you how they made it and make sure you’re allowed to pick it up and have a look before you buy it.”
Whichever market you choose to visit, make certain you dress warmly, as temperatures at some destinations could plummet to -15C°. For particularly cold locations, Maren suggests buying pocket warmers to keep your hands toasty.
Remember to bring both your card and cash when attending, as certain market vendors only take cash payments, whilst ATMs at these markets typically charge withdrawal fees.
For those worried about the dreaded mulled-wine hangover, Maren recommends: “Look for the ‘Winzer-Glühwein.’ This is real wine from your local wineries. Stands usually state clearly that they are ‘Winzers’ (winemakers). You’ll get the tastier Glühwein options without the headache.”
