Holidays

A TINY station in Northumberland that was closed from the 1960s until last year, has been crowned ‘Britain’s most life-changing station.’

It beat 330 stations across the country for the award – known as ‘The World Cup Of Train Stations,’ and the town itself also has a rich celebrity past from sportsmen to actors.

‘The World Cup Of Stations’ was launched in honour of 200 years of railways in Britain, to bring attention to the stories behind the stations and how much they’ve changed and brought communities together.

Ashington train station, up the road from Newcastle upon Tyne, opened in December last year as part of the restoration of the Northumberland Line.

It was shut due to Beeching cuts to the railway in the 1960s which resulted in the closure of thousands of stations, but Ashington has made a mighty comeback.

Ashington competed against 330 nominations, which were whittled down to 20 by a judging panel.

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It stood against the likes of Liverpool Lime Street, London Paddington, London Waterloo, Vauxhall and York.

In just over five days, over 24,000 people voted, with Ashington being one of the country’s newest stations in the shortlist.

Trains started running between Newcastle and Ashington in December last year, and it’s not even finished yet as additional stations along the line are set to open next year.

Jacqueline Starr, Rail Delivery Group chief executive officer said: “As we celebrate 200 years of rail history, Ashington shows how investing in stations can transform lives linking people to opportunity, pride, and possibility.”

The Northumberland Line was one of many to be axed as part of the Beeching cuts to the railway in the 1960s but was brought back as part of a £298.5 million redevelopment project.

Ashington sits 15 miles north of Newcastle, close to the coast and was once centre of the coal mining industry.

It was the birthplace of some of Britain’s biggest sporting stars like Bobby and Jack Charlton, who were both part of the England national team that won the 1966 World Cup against West Germany.

Jackie Milburn, also born in Ashington and went on to be one of the most legendary players for Newcastle United.

Cricketing brothers Steve and Ben Harmison were born there, and after retiring from cricket, Steve managed his hometown football club in Ashington.

The TV and actor and popstar Robson Green hails from the town too – going on star in top shows like Casualty, Soldier Soldier and more recently, Grantchester.

The top things to do in Ashington on Tripadvisor include exploring the Woodhorn Museum which is based on the town’s mining history.

Inside is memorabilia, gallery exhibitions and trinkets from the days it operated as a mining hub.

It’s known for having lots of woodland and green spaces too which you can see by visiting the Queen Elizabeth II Country Park, or taking a walk around the Wansbeck Riverside Park.

On Tuesdays, Ashington holds a market where sellers sell all sorts from food to clothing and gifts.

The town is very close to Newcastle, which is a 30 minute drive away, or along the Northumberland Line, a 48 minute train journey.

It’s not all towns and cities, Ashington is minutes from the coastline with some of the nearest beaches in neighbouring Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

The small seaside town has a north, south and east beach where you’ll spot a fleet of traditional fishing boats – but the coastline is a great spot for paddling in the summer and rock pooling.

Newbiggin is also known to be one of Britain’s most budget-friendly seaside resort.

At the seaside town, you can get a bargain ice cream at Caffe Bertorelli and cheap pints at The Coble pub.

Ashington is near Cresswell Beach too, a sandy spot known for being dog-friendly and a starting point for the Northumberland Coastal Path.

Another great beach is Druridge Bay which has rugged coastline, a seven-mile beach, sand dunes and is popular for activities like birdwatching and horse riding.

These beaches might be about to get even more popular as this year, Northumberland beaches became one of the world’s trending destinations.

The northern county of Northumberland has been getting lots of attention over the summer, with plenty of pretty beaches that are usually less busy than those in the south.

Airbnb said: “Northumberland is drawing more summer visitors, with searches up over 50 per cent this summer, thanks to its pristine North Atlantic beaches.”

These include Embleton Bay, Low Newton-by-the-Sea and the seaside town of Bamburgh.

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The first ever Greggs pub has opened in Newcastle – just 30 minutes from Ashington…

Writer Jenna Stevens headed up to Newcastle for the opening of the UK’s first Greggs pub…

When I heard that Greggs were opening a pub, my first thought was “a Greggs sausage roll and a pint in one place? Sign me up!”

But what I wasn’t expecting to find at The Golden Flake Tavern was a traditional, homely pub with an impressive menu that could take on the best of boozers.

The room was decked out with local art, a jukebox, board games and cosy booths. From branded Golden Flake coasters and napkins, to a framed painting of Geordie legends Ant and Dec.

Newcastle is the birthplace of Greggs, so it’s only fitting that the pub has opened in its city centre.

The Golden Flake Tavern’s menu is loaded with Greggs’ best-loved bakes, reimagined as pub dishes.

I opted for the Greggs pub staple: the Sausage Roll and Mash and was wowed by the dish’s posh presentation. The sausage roll had been sliced in half and carefully propped up against the mash like a Michelin star meal.

I tried the Gosforth 1939 Stottie Lager (£6.50) – a beer named with Greggs’ history in mind – and all cocktails are priced at £11.50.

The Golden Flake Tavern is open daily from 11am – 7pm at Fenwick Newcastle. And you need to visit soon as the pub is open to visitors until February 2026.

Read more on the English port town that stars in Hollywood’s top films – from Indiana Jones to Batman and Paddington Bear – with a train station also making the shortlist.

Plus, these two huge cities north of London have been tipped for direct trains to Europe.

A woman recently visited a popular Spanish holiday spot but was left gutted by the experience. According to her, it was “smelly and awful”, and left her rather disappointed

There’s nothing like the feeling of having a break away, and exploring somewhere new, but one woman was recently left disappointed after her Spanish getaway, even though people have previously claimed to have found “hidden gems” near the area. The woman recently documented her experience in a candid TikTok video after visiting the popular holiday spot.

According to her, people advised her to visit the area, but she was left underwhelmed. The vlogger, known as girl_in_barcelona, ventured to Alicante, in Spain, to explore somewhere different and new, but she said it was nothing other than “smelly” and “awful”, and she didn’t understand what all the fuss was about.

Even though she thought the port was nice, and admitted there are some “cute” plazas, she said it was a “disappointment.” Though she confessed the coast around Alicante is “beautiful”,” she just couldn’t get over what the city looked like.

Since she shared the video, it’s been viewed thousands of times, and hundreds of people have commented. They were quick to share their thoughts on the matter.

One agreed, writing: “Hated Alicante. Never again. Waste of money.” Another replied: “I live here and, yes, Alicante is worse each year.”

A third made a joke, adding: “It’s awful there. The whole coast from Barcelona down and around Magaluf is awful. Best stay at home and let us who live here just suffer. We’ll be brave though and not complain.”

Meanwhile, a fourth was quick to praise the city, saying: “Alicante is so beautiful. Any city has horrible parts.” Someone else also chimed in with: “Alicante is beautiful. Every city has ugly places.”

If you’ve never been to Alicante before, it’s a very popular tourist destination. It draws in millions of visitors annually due to its beaches, historical sites like Santa Barbara Castle and vibrant nightlife.

As well as this, it’s a major gateway to the Costa Blanca region and is also popular with international property buyers. Even though the video implies the city is a little run-down, not everyone thinks this is the case.

While some areas may show signs of underdevelopment or older architecture, its city centre, especially the Old Town, is normally vibrant and visually appealing. Here you’ll find well-maintained promenades and tourist areas.

The city offers both historic charm and modern amenities, though opinions vary on its overall vibrancy. This was made clear in comments posted underneath the video following the content creator’s trip in September.

Based on the comments, it’s clear everyone has different views when it comes to visiting the holiday spot. When someone told the woman she must have worked “hard” to create such a negative video, she replied: “Not at all. I would have made a video to show how beautiful it was, if it was the case.”

She also noted that everyone has different opnions, and this was reflected in the comments too. One person said: “You’re joking, I loved it there. You can find badness anywhere.”

Someone else also chimed in with: “Why are people so upset about this video? Some people like it, some others not, and that’s it. We can’t all like the same things.”

More than half of all British holidaymakers have had to make a claim on their travel insurance after things went wrong before or during their trip – but not everyone is protected.

Two-thirds of young Brits are jetting off on their jollies without any travel insurance, with half of them convinced that nothing will go pear-shaped. This is despite the fact that research shows 29% of all holidaymakers have had to make a claim after things went south either before or during their trip, with the average claim totalling around a massive £4,500.

The top reasons for this include holidays being cancelled due to unexpected events like illness. Meanwhile, nearly half have had to dip into their policy because of lengthy travel delays, while 45% needed assistance following a medical emergency abroad.

However, a survey of 2,000 adults found that 58% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers have given travel insurance a miss because it’s too pricey.

Emily Barnett, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, which commissioned the research, said: “Taking out travel insurance should be as instinctive as booking your flights, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances, for example should you need to cancel before you depart.

“With the busy winter travel season upon us, whether it’s skiing in the Alps or a visit to the Christmas markets, it’s never been more important to make sure you have suitable cover in place before you set off.”

It also came to light that 41% have claimed for delayed or damaged luggage, while 40% needed their policy after falling victim to thieves abroad.

Others have been forced to turn to insurance after their hotel or travel firm let them down at the last minute, whilst 38% made a claim to get hold of medication whilst away.

But 16% weren’t aware their policy must meet the specific needs of their getaway – as certain trips, like winter sports holidays, require specialist coverage. This figure jumps to nearly a third amongst 18 to 24 year olds.

Regarding travel anxieties, the top concern amongst respondents is suffering a medical emergency whilst abroad (37%), followed by misplaced luggage (21%) and missing their flight (19%).

The research has sparked a powerful photo collection from Compare the Market, called ‘What Happened on Holiday’, created to emphasise how crucial it is to arrange insurance when booking your trip.

Emily Barnett added: “We’re urging Brits to protect their trips early to give themselves peace of mind, so they can focus on making memories instead of mishaps.”

TOP 10 MOST COMMON TRAVEL CLAIMS ACCORDING TO COMPARE THE MARKET:

1. Trip cancellation (due to illness, injury, bereavement etc. )
2. Travel delays (beyond a set time)
3. Emergency medical treatment
4. Emergency expenses
5. Travel interruptions
6. Delayed or damaged baggage
7. Missed flights or connections
8. Theft of items
9. Hotel / travel company cancellation
10. Prescriptions and medication

Academics, journalists and pundits talk at great length about the conundrum of overtourism; the ready-made solution is simply to swerve the crowds. These three towns are regional centres where you will never need to queue, but will come away culturally stimulated and historically enlightened.

Leicester

Like many people, I’ve spent a lot of my travels going to edges, extremities, ends of the road. I overlooked Leicester because it was so very central – quintessentially in-between. The Fosse Way, from Lincoln to Exeter, bisects it; Watling Street, from Dover to Wroxeter, passes nearby. The stylish, high-spec Jewry Wall museum – which reopened in July after a major redesign – shows how roads and traffic made Roman Leicester (Ratae Corieltauvorum) a wealthy, important hub: sublime mosaics; a gold ring; a bathhouse complex; a wall still standing.

A cluster of medieval and Tudor structures beside the River Soar, including stone gateways, a church and castle motte, indicates a major religious centre. I was the only visitor on a Sunday morning. Near this convenient national crossroads, Richard III was able to gather forces from across the kingdom for the Battle of Bosworth; little good it did him. Leicester’s King Richard III Visitor Centre delineates the whys and wherefores of the blood-drenched savagery of the Wars of the Roses. The mental shift demanded of you as you segue from the vast, interlocking, bastard-rich Plantagenet family trees and riots of heraldry to the quiet science of archaeology and, finally, to the cold, austere tomb of the dead hunchback in the cathedral next door, is not insignificant. This is a city so loaded with history that every new retail and hotel development unearths new treasure or traces of past peoples, like a stratified tell in the Holy Land.

A pint in the Globe allowed some thinking time and – as the former preferred boozer of stockingers – a natural link to Victorian and Edwardian Leicester, which rippled with entrepreneurial energies. Thomas Cook, Walkers crisps, Wolsey clothing and Currys started here. Garments, hosiery and corsetry made the city more like a Lancashire town. Chimneys, mills and, most reassuringly, makers are still in evidence.

The 21st-century city is multipurpose – the centre has diversified from retail into gaming, co-working, education, dining, cocktails, cafes – and famously diverse. The Golden Mile (Belgrave Road) is a thriving, gimmick-free Asian gauntlet for clothes, jewellery, spices, fresh veg and restaurants. The likes of Bobby’s, with its Bollywood-inflected interiors, and Sharmilee won the city the Curry Capital gong in 2024. Belgrave Road was part of the Fosse Way, which is thought-provoking – ancient Rome was multicultural too.
Things to see and do: Guildhall; Abbey Park; King Power Stadium; Curve theatre; De Montfort Hall

Paisley

Someone on Reddit asks: “Why is Paisley even still a place?” Sixty comments follow. At the end of it, I know Paisley is most definitely a place. I have to admit, as an English northerner, I thought of it as somewhere imprecise – suburb, district, city borough. But even on the non-stop train (nine minutes from Glasgow Central), you know you’re crossing a proper green belt and, when you arrive, you see towers and domes above the trees. Paisley stands apart; it stands tall.

Bold buildings hint at booming textile times. The station – the fourth busiest in Scotland – is Scots baronial. The town hall is a capacious neoclassical palace, recently turned into a concert venue. The mighty Abbey, built on the site of a 12th-century Cluniac monastery, is a solemn hulk (minimally subverted by a witty “Alien” gargoyle). St Matthew’s church, designed by local architect William Daniel McLennan, is a blend of perpendicular and art nouveau – somewhat influenced by Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Queen’s Cross church in Glasgow, but more strident and startling.

On White Cart Water stand two monumental mills. The massive Anchor Mills is residential and sits beside a weir that resembles a wild waterfall. Mile End Mill is a business centre and has a superb chimney, coffee shop and small textile museum. The dramatic gothic hulk of the Coats building, constructed as a memorial church – and nicknamed the Baptist Cathedral of Europe – is now an event space, used for weddings, proms and as a set for TV series Outlander. Paisley has gone big on repurposing.

The famous Paisley print pattern has its origins in Persia. The teardrop-shaped motif, known as boteh in Farsi, is probably a stylised almond or cypress cone (the cypress was sacred to Zoroastrians). Paisley Museum, undergoing a major refurbishment that will create a display space as good as any in Scotland, owns 1,200 Paisley shawls, as well as looms, pattern books and printing blocks. I was allowed to see the interior on a hard-hat tour and saw a Paisley-emblazoned guitar case and a Ken doll in a Paisley top.

The Paisley pattern features in street art and in the Buddie Walk of Fame, a series of 10 plaques spread around the town centre that honour local legends, living and dead. They include TV show Porridge’s Fulton Mackay; playwright, designer and painter John Byrne – whose Slab Boys Trilogy, originally titled Paisley Patterns, is set in a carpet-making factory; Tom Conti; Paolo Nutini; Phyllis Logan; and Gerry Rafferty (whose Baker Street can be read as an angst-ridden lament from London to his home town of Paisley). Byrne’s and Rafferty’s plaques should really have been placed at Ferguslie Park, the socially marginalised district from which they hailed. As did Gordon Williams, author of the novel From Scenes Like These, a blistering, honest, funny portrayal of social deprivation, violence, sex and booze, as good as anything by Alan Sillitoe, and nominated for the first ever Booker prize in 1969. The novel was long ignored but recently rediscovered. Like Paisley.
Things to see and do: Sma’ Shot Cottages; Paisley Heritage Tours; Mural Trail

Nelson

No town is born totally ex nihilo, but Nelson in Lancashire comes close. An early description is “a peat covered and rain sodden wilderness”. An 1844 map shows a cotton factory, two chapels, the New Inn and a post office. The canal, opened in 1816, enabled the fledgling settlement to ship its wares. When the railway came in 1849, it was known as Marsden – but there was already a Marsden in Yorkshire. The train guard would shout “Nelson!” as the train came to a halt by the Lord Nelson inn. The name stuck. Locals boast, half-heartedly, that it’s the only town named after a pub.

Two thousand terrace houses sprang up around the station – built from stone, many are still there, laid out on a gridiron plan. Mid-19th-century Nelson had nine small general stores, two drapers, two druggists, one tailor and one stationer. There was a saddler’s shop and two smithies. By 1876, to these were added butchers, cabinet-makers, chemists, cloggers, drapers, glass and china dealers, grocers, greengrocers, ironmongers and tobacconists – plus corner shops, fish-and-chip shops and 21 grocery and provisions branches run by the Co-operative Society. There were more than a dozen each of pubs and churches or chapels. What towns – and townspeople – miss isn’t only what we remember from our own lifetimes.

More than 20 mills clacked and whirred with thousands of looms. By 1921, almost 18,000 Nelson residents – divided equally between men and women – worked in weaving. Nine tenths of Nelson’s buildings and population were dedicated to textiles. I’d seen the sad husk of Whitefield Mill from the canalside. All that remains of Riverside Mill is a chimney. Lomeshaye Bridge Mill and Spring Bank Mill survive as mixed-use spaces. Brierfield Mill has been converted into posh flats. A 40ft-high shuttle on the high street is meant to remind people of the weaving heyday; it’s an ineffectual monument, unable to convey anything of the power, graft, suffering or pride of the old times.

There were also minor industries in brewing, quarrying, coalmining, corn-milling, soap manufacture, brick- and pipe-making and engineering. The Victory V lozenge, originally made with ether and chlorodyne (containing chloroform, the opiate laudanum and cannabis), was a local invention. A more mass-market mouth-pleaser was developed by an Austrian confectioner employed at Fryers in the 1860s. He was asked to make a mould for jelly bears, but the resulting sweets looked like newborn infants. They were rebranded as “Unclaimed Babies”. That name didn’t stick, and so Jelly Babies were born.

Nelson is a radical left haven. Weaving unions were strong and often militant. A local newspaper called the town Little Moscow. The first world war saw the emergence of a sizeable pacifist movement, leading to schisms between conscientious objectors and those who believed in the national war aims. Britain’s first working-class female novelist, Ethel Carnie Holdsworth, addressed a crowd of 20,000 at Victoria Park (formerly Victoria Recreation Ground), calling for an end to war as part of the Women’s Peace Crusade. Her 1925 novel, This Slavery, has just been reimagined in graphic form.

The building that best embodies local radical history is Unity Wellbeing Centre on Vernon Street – known as the Independent Labour Party Socialist Institute when it opened in 1908. One foundation stone, in memory of William Morris and Edward Fay, was laid by Katharine Bruce Glasier, a prominent ILP figure, known as “the grandmother of the Labour party”. The other, in memory of Caroline Martyn and Enid Stacy, was laid by Selina Cooper, who had moved to Nelson from Cornwall with her family in 1875 following her father’s death. She started working in the mills aged 10 as a half-timer then full time from the age of 13. Cooper played a leading role in politicising and organising local female textile workers. She lived at 59 St Mary Street, which has a plaque – though not an official English Heritage one.

The streets of stone terraces are attractive and many open on to bracing views of Pendle Hill’s south-eastern face and the steep slope that plummets down from the summit – beloved of fell runners – called the Big End. Nelson also opens vistas in the mind, and pilgrims travel in both directions – to the fells and moors, and to the cobbled streets and regenerated mills.
Things to see and do: Seedhill Cricket Ground and West Indian cricketer Learie Constantine’s house; 66 bus ride to Clitheroe via Pendle Hill; Clarion House; Two Toms Trail

Chris Moss’s trips were supported by Paisley First, VisitScotland and Visit Leicester.

The town has been labelled “such a gem” and “so lovely” by visitors

A town dubbed the “most underrated” in the UK has been praised by visitors online. Royal Leamington Spa, located in the heart of Warwickshire, has been labelled “such a gem” and “so lovely”, and is home to “stunning” architecture and award-winning parks.

The town has been renowned for its mineral springs since the Middle Ages, while its historic Jephson Gardens are well-loved. Royal Leamington Spa is surrounded by countryside, waterways and cross-country routes to villages, hamlets and traditional pubs.

Birmingham-based blogger @bababouttown shared a clip praising the town on TikTok, and suggested it could be “the most underrated town in the UK.” The clip racked up more than 27.4k views, hundreds of likes and many comments.

The post was captioned: “The Most Underrated Town in the UK? It honestly blows my mind how Leamington Spa still gets overlooked by the big travel platforms — especially when it rivals some of the UK’s most loved spots!

“Think grand Victorian buildings, dreamy cafés, gorgeous parks, buzzing coffee shops, flaky pastries, incredible independents and so many foodie finds. It’s the kind of place that feels like a mini escape, perfect for a chilled day out or a spontaneous weekend adventure.

“Need to know: – Dog friendly – Easily accessible – Only 45 mins from Birmingham Moor Street.” The video showed clips of different things to do in Leamington Spa, including parks, restaurants and attractions.

Beneath the clip, people were quick to share their thoughts on the town. One person said: “Leamington is such a gem of a place!” and a second wrote: “Lem has my heart! Love this city so much.”

A third comment read: “Ooh I need your itinerary, looks fab,” while a fourth said: “My favourite town ever.” Another person commented: “Been to Leamington Spa last weekend and became one of my favourite places to visit in the UK. So so lovely.”

RoyalLeamingtonSpa.co.uk said: “Wide boulevards, stunning architecture and award-winning parks provide a sophisticated backdrop to this Regency town. Leamington town centre combines a treasure-trove of independent, specialist boutiques alongside high street brands and a huge variety of eating experiences.”

It added: “With a town centre of around a third of a mile square, getting around Royal Leamington Spa couldn’t be easier. All areas of the town centre are easily accessed on foot within a ten minute walk, which is a great way to appreciate the stunning Regency architecture.”

The sports court on Carnival Radiance.

(Carnival Cruise Line)

Sails to: Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and Catalina Island via three- to five-day wintertime voyages
Cost: Starting at about $200 per person

Carnival Radiance is one of the cruise line’s oldest vessels, having launched in 2000 under its original name, Carnival Victory. Following a $200 million refresh in 2021, it’s become a staple along the Long Beach waterfront.

The 2,984-guest ship offers a variety of shorter trips, which first-time cruisers may appreciate. Some of its staterooms connect, allowing extended families to vacation together. And most of its outdoor activities — such as mini-golf, a sports court and a two-level ropes course — are conveniently clustered together. Nearby are waterslides and pools, one of which sits under a large movie screen.

Like Carnival Firenze, Radiance also has NASA and Dr. Seuss-themed activities, in addition to an at-sea Build-a-Bear workshop and “Zumbini,” a kid-friendly Zumba class.

Picky eaters need not fret. Radiance has 15 dining options, nine of which are included in the cost of your cruise. A few have celebrity names attached to them: along with Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint and barbecue restaurant, there’s also a chicken counter from basketball star Shaquille O’Neal.

If you’ve tested the waters with a short Carnival Radiance cruise and can’t get enough, the ship will also be embarking on a 14-day round-trip voyage in early January to Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Hilo, Hawaii; and Ensenada, Mexico.

TRIBE at Manchester Airport is the hotspot of both convenience and comfort for those travelling early or late. 

Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.

Where is the hotel?

Less than a 15 minute walk from all 3 of Manchester’s airport terminals, it is an attractive spot for holidaymakers flying very early or very late, making the start to your journey as relaxing as possible.

What is the hotel like?

This 412-room hotel boasts the title of Manchester’s largest, and is packed with a mixture of both football fans off to Old Trafford and vacationers when I visited last week.

The relaxing, contemporary and carefully curated vibe attests to the design-led comfort.

What are the rooms like?

The rooms are both comfortable and functional, following the same bright and trendy theme of the interiors throughout the hotel, it feels very metropolitan and classy.

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Each one has a TV, coffee machine, kettle, plentiful supplies of Kevin Murphy toiletries,  a hairdryer and a steamer instead of an iron.

With room sizes ranging from the TRIBE Essential to the TRIBE Extra, there is something for everyone.

Rooms available starting from £115 a night.

What is there to eat or drink there?

The restaurant is a bright, open space which offers an Italian-inspired menu.

The kitchen has a real pizza oven, while pasta dishes also feature heavily on the menu.

Other mains include sea bass, bavette steak, roast chicken and cheeseburgers.

If the menu doesn’t do it for you, The Ship is a lovely pub in Styal village ten minutes away, while tapas restaurant El Bosc next door also gets great reviews.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

Tribe is only a few minutes’ walk to the Metrolink network, which takes visitors to Old Trafford, the Etihad stadium and Manchester city centre.

Nearby Styal is home to the beautiful Quarry Bank Mill National Trust park. While Hale – home to dozens of Premier League footballers – is 15 minutes away.

Is the hotel family friendly?

Yes, the TRIBE is ideal for keeping the bigger families in order before a big holiday to avoid all the last minute panic.

Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, the hotel offers two different types of accessible rooms, the TRIBE Essential Accessible, and the TRIBE Atrium Accessible.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

A seasoned cabin crew member believes there’s one secret trick that could be a gamechanger — and it’s designed to make the dreaded take-off and landing much easier for the little ones.

Air travel with children is often a stressful feat as they tend to experience discomfort while flying and react to it in different ways. As we approach the October half term, when many families will be jetting off for a well-deserved break, a seasoned cabin crew member has revealed her top tips for travelling with kids.

Andrea Owen, a TUI Cabin Crew member since 2003, has clocked up at least 3,000 flights in her 22-year career. From short hops to long-haul journeys, she’s witnessed hundreds of families take to the skies each week, heading to popular holiday spots like Majorca, the Canaries, Mexico and Jamaica.

With such a wealth of experience, there’s little Andrea hasn’t encountered. She’s seen families cool, calm and collected during their flight, some bubbling over with excitement, while others appear utterly frazzled and overwhelmed.

Andrea reveals: “After all these years of flying, I have looked after thousands of families. I can tell you that the secret to stress-free family travel is preparation. I always tell parents to expect the unexpected, pack more snacks than you think you’ll need, and don’t be afraid to ask crew for help. A lot of us are parents too, and we genuinely want every family to have a great start to their holiday.”

In fact, Andrea believes there’s one secret trick that could be a game-changer — and it’s designed to make the dreaded take-off and landing much easier for the little ones.

Read on for some of Andrea’s tried-and-tested tricks and tips for families travelling with kids in flights this October half term.

Relieve ear pressure

Andrea has shared some top-tier advice for take-offs and landings with young kids. She shares: “This is one of the most common concerns parents ask me about, and it’s really easy to solve. For babies and toddlers, feeding during take-off and landing is brilliant, whether that’s breastfeeding, a bottle, or even just a dummy – the sucking motion helps equalise ear pressure.

“For older children, give them chewy sweets or lollipops about 30 minutes before landing as that’s when the pressure really starts to build. I’ve seen many tears avoided with this simple trick.”

Always carry a range of activities

Andrea recommends throwing together a bag with a mix of toys, activities, and snacks to keep things interesting — and your child engaged. She reveals: “What works brilliantly is either letting them pack their own bag so they’re excited or pack some surprise toys they haven’t seen before. Keep everything small and compact with plenty of pencils, crayons, and paper.

“A surprise sticker book with a little bag of sweets is absolute gold. The games I see working best are Snap, Dobble, and colouring. And here’s a lovely tip – encourage your children to draw pictures for the cabin crew. We absolutely love receiving them and always have a stash of stickers at the ready for every flight.”

Figure out the exact time to board the flight

The in-flight expert notes: “This one really depends on your child’s personality, and you know them best. Some families find that boarding as soon as possible gives them that extra breathing space to get settled, stow the bags, and get the kids comfortable in their seats without feeling rushed. But I’ve also seen plenty of parents who swear by boarding last, especially if their little ones can’t sit still for long.”

Dress kids in multiple layers

The temperature on board can fluctuate throughout the flight. That’s why Andrea always suggests dressing children in layers so they can add or remove clothing to keep themselves comfortable.

She notes: “It’s always handy to pack a spare pair of clothes in your hand luggage just in case of a spill or accident. I’ve seen many parents caught out without a change of clothes, and it makes the rest of the flight uncomfortable for the both of you.”

Pack the home comforts

Andrea advises packing home comforts like a small pillow, blanket or cuddly toys to help children of all ages feel more relaxed.

She shares: “If you’re travelling at times when your child would normally be having a nap or going to bed, I really encourage parents to try and stick to that routine as much as possible. Let them sleep if they want to, you’ll arrive at your destination feeling so much fresher and ready to enjoy your holiday.

“It’s also worth thinking about time zones if you’re flying long haul. Maybe start adjusting their sleep schedule a day or two before you travel. A well-rested child makes for a much happier holiday start.”

Prepare them in advance

The cabin crew expert has some pre-flight advice for parents travelling with kids. “Preparation is everything when it comes to keeping children calm. Before you leave for the airport, talk through exactly what’s going to happen. Checking in, going through security, boarding the plane, and what take-off and landing will feel like.”

Andrea advises: “Let them know about the noises they might hear and explain that their ears might feel different. This is particularly useful if your child is neurodiverse. The key is to make it sound like an exciting adventure rather than something to worry about.”

Snack trays come in handy

Andrea reveals: “Those little snack trays with multiple compartments come in handy. Kids absolutely love them and there’s something about having lots of different treats in separate sections that keeps them entertained for ages. You can fill each compartment with different snacks: fruit, crackers, cheese cubes, raisins, a couple of sweets.”

She adds: “It turns snack time into something fun and interactive, and it means you’re not constantly rummaging through bags. We also have healthy snack boxes for kids available onboard which they love, so there will always be something they can eat.”

Don’t hesitate to ask cabin crew for assistance

Andrea emphasises that cabin crew recognise how daunting it can be for parents travelling with children. She says: “Don’t ever feel worried about asking us for help, that’s what we’re here for. Over my 22 years of flying, I’ve seen everything. We’ve warmed countless bottles, fetched extra sick bags, provided colouring sheets, and even entertained little ones while parents take a breather.

“Many of us are parents ourselves, so we completely understand how overwhelming it can feel. Whether you need extra wipes, help with the overhead locker, or just some reassurance, we’re here to make your journey smoother.”

Andrea advises: “We know flying can feel overwhelming for families, whether it’s your first flight with kids or you have an anxious flyer in the family, there are lots of simple and easy tips you can put into place to make it seem that little bit less daunting.”

The charming coastal Lancashire town of Lytham has plenty to enjoy for residents and visitors alike during a weekend away and is home to a major UK festival attracting hundreds of thousands each year

Lytham, a charming coastal town in Lancashire, is the place to be when music’s biggest names come to town. The town offers plenty to enjoy all year round, from its quaint bars and boutique shops to its highly praised restaurants, but it’s during the summer that Lytham truly shines.

Since its inception in 2010 as a one-day prom concert, Lytham Festival has grown into a five-day extravaganza attracting over 100,000 attendees each year. Founded by mates and business partners Daniel Cuffe and Peter Taylor, the festival has brought some of the world’s most renowned music legends to the coast.

Over the years, the festival has boasted a line up featuring global superstars such as Stevie Wonder, Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart, Justin Timberlake, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Sting, Sinitta and Shania Twain, as well as major acts like Stereophonics, Faithless, Bryan Adams, Def Leppard, The Courteeners, and The Strokes.

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The 2026 edition will kick off on Wednesday, July 1, with GRAMMY-nominated singer Teddy Swims taking the stage on opening night. He’ll be joined by Lauren Spencer Smith and Jordan Rakei for support.

The second act announced is the Pet Shop Boys, who will bring their euphoric pop sound to the stage with ‘DREAMWORLD – The Greatest Hits Live’, on Saturday, July 4, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The global superstar Pitbull will be bringing the festival to a grand close on Sunday, 5 July, with his ‘I’m Back! Tour’. He’ll be joined by rapper Lil Jon, his band The Agents, and dancers The Most Bad Ones, promising a spectacular finale to the event on the Lancashire coast.

While there are still more artists to be announced, Lytham’s appeal extends beyond its star-studded line-up. The town offers plenty to enjoy throughout the year, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just fancy a bite to eat.

Despite its small size – you can stroll from one end of the town centre to the other in just a few minutes – Lytham is packed full of charm. Its array of delightful businesses more than compensates for its compact size, demonstrating that quality always trumps quantity.

For those in search of gifts, cards or street food, the Clifton Walk Shopping Arcade provides a quaint back-alley experience. It’s been ages since I’ve seen an arcade so well-maintained and bustling with people, which only serves to underscore the town’s enduring charm.

Lytham is also home to two of the nation’s top fish and chip shops – Whelan’s and The Haven – as declared by The Times in its recent roundup of the best seaside spots for fish and chips. The town centre is awash with flowers, trees, and lush greenery, creating a laid-back atmosphere where everyone seems to be taking their time and soaking up the surroundings.

Lytham may not be the place for a wild night out, but it’s perfect for a relaxed drink.

If you’re in the mood for some grub, Lytham House brasserie is the place to go. With an AA-Rosette to its name, it’s the town’s top spot for a posh dinner.

Spread over two floors with a buzzing cocktail bar, the menu offers a modern take on British classics to suit all tastes.

Even a night-time stroll home is something special in Lytham. The Windmill Museum comes alive after dark, bathed in a soft pink light that can be seen from miles around.

There’s loads to do in Lytham, even if you’re just there for the day. From the stunning coastline and plethora of quaint bars, shops and eateries, to the annual festival that draws in thousands of visitors and big-name stars.

This peaceful seaside town is just a short drive from Liverpool and should definitely be on your must-visit list.

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Airbnb Inc. Chief Executive Officer Brian Chesky said he didn’t integrate his company’s online travel app with OpenAI’s ChatGPT because the startup’s connective tools aren’t “quite ready” yet.

Airbnb will monitor the development of ChatGPT’s app integrations and may consider a tie-up in the future similar to those of its peers Booking Holdings Inc. and Expedia Group Inc., Chesky said in an interview.

“I didn’t think it was quite ready,” he said of ChatGPT’s integration abilities.

Because Airbnb is a community with verified members, OpenAI will have to build a platform so robust that Airbnb’s app can work within the ChatGPT chatbot in an “almost self-contained” manner, Chesky said.

Chesky, who is close friends with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, said he advised the AI company on its new capability for third-party developers to make their apps available within the ChatGPT chatbot. The AI company announced those features earlier this month. Airbnb wasn’t among the first apps that are available on the popular chatbot.

An OpenAI spokesperson declined to comment on Chesky’s remarks, but referred to the company’s blog post earlier this month that described the app integration technology as a developer preview, with more features coming soon.

While Airbnb has set aside a possible integration with ChatGPT, the company Tuesday announced that it had updated its in-app artificial intelligence tools to let customers take more actions without the need of a live representative.

The company’s AI customer service agent, which it rolled out to all US users in English in May, now displays action buttons and links that can help people complete, say, a reservation change or cancellation.

That has led to a 15% reduction in users needing a live representative, cutting average resolution time to six seconds from nearly three hours, Airbnb said. The company plans to add Spanish and French language support this fall, and 56 more languages next year.

The agent is built upon 13 different AI models, including those from OpenAI, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Alphabet Inc.’s Google and open source providers, Chesky said.

“We’re relying a lot on Alibaba’s Qwen model. It’s very good. It’s also fast and cheap,” he said. “We use OpenAI’s latest models, but we typically don’t use them that much in production because there are faster and cheaper models.”

Airbnb, which expanded its business beyond accommodations into tours and individual services earlier this year, also is adding new social features to encourage user connections and eventually make better travel recommendations within the app.

The company unveiled an option for guests to share their Airbnb profile with other travelers after they book an experience. Users who have gone on the same tours can also now directly message one another — privacy safeguards are implemented where the conversation can only continue if the recipient accepts a message request, Airbnb said.

More social features are coming next year, and Chesky said that longer term these features could lend themselves to user-generated content on the app, where people can seek travel inspiration without leaving the Airbnb site.

“I think the social features, the community, that’s probably the most differentiated part of Airbnb,” he said. “People are the reason why I think Airbnb is such a sticky service.”

Lung writes for Bloomberg.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is set to journey all the way from Paris to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Its inauguration will be on May 4, 2026. The train trundles out of the French capital for an overnight journey to Pompeii

The world’s most famous and fanciest train has announced a new route.

There are few, if any, rail operators as synonymous with opulent luxury and glamour as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE). Close to a century and a half since the original train launched, the new service, which takes inspiration from the original, continues to wow guests.

According to Travel + Leisure, the VSOE will travel from Paris to the Amalfi Coast in Italy and will be inaugurated on May 4, 2026.

The train trundles out of the French capital for an overnight journey to Pompeii. The going is leisurely, with guests able to enjoy food and drink in the painstakingly preserved 1920s carriages. It will feature cocktails and live piano music in the train’s famed Bar Car 3674.

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Train travellers can disembark in Pompeii and explore the historic UNESCO site, which has been preserved by ash from Mount Vesuvius. Grand Suite guests can enjoy exclusive access to the rarely opened Casa del Larario Regio V, an archaeological treasure that Caruso supports through its preservation efforts.

A boat will then whisk guests to the lavish Caruso hotel in Positano for a two-night stay. The hotel is known for its history and its newly restyled La Piscina infinity pool, perched 1,000 feet above the sea.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express general manager Pascal Deyrolle told WWD: “This journey offers guests a unique way to experience one of Italy’s most celebrated coastlines — with its cliffs, villages and sea views revealed in a way that only the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express can provide.”

Before you book any annual leave, it’s important to note one thing. The trip is not cheap. The price tag for a ticket on the Paris to Amalfi service looks to set you back a hefty £8,600.

While that may sound pretty expensive (and it is), that fee does include all meals, transfers and excursions. It’s all relative at least. The priciest route could leave you more than £60,000 lighter for the Grand Suite on a five-day expedition travelling from Istanbul to Paris.

There are other luxury trains on offer.

Luxury brand Belmond is set to launch The Britannic Explorer, offering a three-night journey through Wales this year.

Passengers boarding the Britannic Explorer are advised to pack walking shoes and a dinner jacket or cocktail dress. This is the first luxury sleeper train to operate in England and Wales, complete with an onboard spa. Guests will slumber in stunning suites, indulge in world-class dining curated by a Michelin-star chef, and partake in excursions such as hikes in the Welsh countryside, visits to a luxury pub, and clay pigeon shooting.

Prices start at £11,000, based on a double cabin for three nights, inclusive of excursions, meals, wine, and alcoholic beverages on board.

A three-night route through Wales departs from London Victoria, stopping at Llandrindod Wells and Machynlleth, via Haverfordwest, Porthmadog and Barmouth, before returning to London via the Cotswolds.

The itinerary reveals that on the first day, guests will check-in and enjoy an afternoon tea crafted by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, featuring Welsh teacakes and Bara Brith, reports Wales Online.

WHILE the UK threatens to be a washout, we’ve found the place in the Mediterranean least likely to have rain in October.

The place in question is the Algarve in Portugal, and the best news is that Brits can be there in less than three hours and flights cost as little as £15 for a one-way ticket, even during half-term.

The Algarve in Portugal is the driest place in the country thanks to its Mediterranean climate that’s influenced by dry winds from the northeast and hot air from the Sahara.

During October temperatures in the Algarve range from 15C all the way to 23C.

The southern spot has between seven and eight hours of sunshine a day on average, throughout the month.

Next week, during October half-term, Brits can fly to Faro, also known as the ‘gateway of the Algarve’ from Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle, London Stansted and Glasgow from £15 with Ryanair.

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Albufeira

One of the most well-known spots in the region is the coastal city of Albufeira with sandy beaches and a lively nightlife strip.

Believe it or not, Albufeira was a former fishing village, and despite all the built up areas, there’s still an old town to explore.

Some of the best beaches are Praia dos Pescadores’, also known as Fisherman’s Beach, and Praia da Falésia.

There’s also a busy marina, and visitors can take boat trips out for dolphin-watching and exploring the Benagil Caves.

Albufeira is popular with tourists, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing as you’ll find plenty of hotels, waterparks, restaurants and bars.

However, if you’re looking to escape the tourist traps one local suggested heading just outside of Albufeira to the fishing village of Olhos de Água.

Angela Antor, who is a watermelon farmer told Sun Travel: “There you can enjoy a nice evening drink and watch the sun go down whilst the fisherman take to the sea.

“And in the traditional village of Ferragudo you can enjoy the catch of the day in riverside restaurants straight from the fishing boats.”

Faro

Faro is the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve and is considered the ‘gateway’ region.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited Faro, and discovered very few tourists. She added: “Most people skip Faro to head further into the Algarve.

“But there are some fantastic islands just off the coast where you will see barely any tourists. Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, takes just 20 minutes by boat, with tickets a few euros.

“Some call it the Caribbean of Portugal – something I agree with thanks to its golden sandy beaches. There is nothing on the island apart from the fabulous restaurant Estamine – a must visit serving up locally caught food”.

Other highlights in Faro include the 18th-century Capela Dos Ossos on Largo do Carmo within the walled city.

Translated as the Chapel of Bones, the ancient walls are decorated with pieces from over 1,250 human skeletons.

As for the best beach, Kara said: “Praia de Faro, on the island Ilha de Faro, is considered the best beach in the Faro region by locals, but few tourists have heard of it.

“The gold sands stretch for five kilometres with views of the sea on one side and a natural park on the other.”

Lagos

Lagos has become one of the most visited cities in the Algarve, mostly thanks to the number of tourist-friendly beaches.

Some of the most popular are Praia de Dona Ana, Ponta da Piedade and Praia do Camilo.

Sun Travel chatted to some locals about the Algarve and Ana Veiga, travel and food writer and the co-founder of We Travel Portugal, said: “Lagos is a brilliant town that has long attracted surfers to the west Algarve, but recently has become a prime destination for visitors of all types.

“It has incredible hiking trails, water and beach sports, and a historic old town to explore, plus its proximity to the west Algarve is great for explorers that want to see the wild coastline with cliffs and big waves.”   

Salem Haire, who lives in Lagos, said: “Pomò La Pasta Italiana has the best Italian food – people will wait more than two hours to eat there (speciality mains from €19), and there’s a local Portuguese kitchen called Tasca de Lota that’s my personal favourite (mains from €11 and bottles of wine from €13).

“Also in Lagos, Go Bao has delicious bao buns for those who are tired of Portuguese food (buns from €5), and Gelicia has amazing Italian gelato, with vegan and gluten free options too.”

Portimao 

Portimão is the second-largest city in the Algarve so there’s plenty to explore, like beaches such as Praia da Rocha – a lively resort town.

It’s known for having a vast sandy beach with water sports, as well as lots of restaurants and bars.

Inês Tito, a Portugal and Algarve trip planner, said: “Portimão, near the Praia De Rocha, is the perfect place for beach holidays. There are plenty of accommodation options, some only a few steps from the beach, so you won’t have any issue in finding a place to stay.

As for places to stay, Inês said: “Or the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – Relais & Châteaux in Portimão is a beautiful boutique hotel set in a 19th palace overlooking Praia da Rocha.”

Silves

Silves doesn’t have beaches as it’s inland, but there’s still plenty to do, and last year it was named one of the cheapest places to visit.

The city used to be the capital of the Algarve, and it’s around an hour away from Faro.

It’s a great place for an affordable break, with the average price of a hotel being around £73, while a beer can cost as little as £2.50.

In Silves, you’ll find cobbled streets with independent shops selling gifts, and ceramics, and plenty of cafes.

Compared to the other destinations in the Algarve, Silves is likely to be quieter than the others.

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WHEN Brits think of Costa Blanca, the places that come to mind are probably rowdy Benidorm and busy Alicante.

But one woman revealed to Sun Travel that the “jewel” of that coastline is actually the small town of Moraira.

It has all the best bits of Spain like white-washed houses with terracotta tiles, sandy beaches with bright blue waters, and a little harbour filled with boats and yachts.

While lots of holidaymakers like to mix up the places they visit each year, the Sun’s Jade Dadalica and her family have been returning to the town of Moraira, several times a year since 2021.

Jade explained: “My family and I go one or twice a year for around two weeks. We went on holiday to Jávea which is a nearby town and went for a day trip to Moraira, which we actually preferred.

“We booked a villa there the following year and have been going back ever since. A lot of the Spanish go on their holidays there, and you only get a few Brits, it’s not rowdy at all.

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“We love it, if I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is buy a place there.”

While Moraira might not have everything that a busy city does, the laidback town still has plenty to offer.

Jade added: “It’s got loads of restaurants, bars, shops, ice cream parlours, and Ale-Hop of course. There’s a market once a week too, that sells everything from clothes and souvenirs to fruit and veg, a lot of locals go and it’s always really busy.

“One of my favourite places to eat is what my family call the ‘windy bar’, but it’s actually called El Cafeti de la Mar. From there you can see the sea and the castle and we love it. We go so much that the owners know who we are.

“It’s always popular with locals, especially in the mornings because they go for breakfast there. But lunch and dinner are amazing too.”

On its menu, El Cafeti de la Mar serves up simple breakfast croissants, bagels, crepes, and Huevos Benedict.

There’s plenty of tapas to choose from, as well as mains in the evenings from salads, to fish dishes, burgers, ribs and steak.

Another of Jade’s favourites is a spot literally called The Secret Bar where you can sip on classic cocktails like margaritas and blueberry daiquiris.

Other places that Jade recommended are La Malquerida, a Mexican restaurant and The Ribs Bar, which has speciality dishes of ribs, steaks and kebabs.

Once you’ve filled your stomach, why not stretch out on the beach for an afternoon siesta – and Moraira has a few playas to choose from.

The main beach in Moraira is Playa de l’Ampolla but when Jade is on holiday, she goes around the corner to Playa del Portet.

Jade said: “The main beach is sandy and is always quite busy because it’s the one the locals use. We go to one on the other side, Playa del Portet, it’s a little less known, so we go out there and hire paddleboards.”

If you want to venture out of the town, then it’s an easy vantage point to take daytrips too.

Jade told us: “From Moraira, you can get to a town called Calp, which isn’t far at all. There are also some waterfalls, called Fonts de l’Algar, which are under an hour’s drive away.

“You have to buy tickets, but these are €8 (£6.95) during the summer, and €6 (£5.21) during off peak, for the whole day. You can go swimming, or climb up the waterfalls, it’s a great place for pictures.

“Of course, Moraira is close to Benidorm, which is funny because it really doesn’t feel like it. We drive down that way to go to the waterpark called Aqualandia for a family day out.”

If you think that it’s too late in the year to take a break to the Moraira to get good weather, you’d be wrong.

In October, it still has highs of 19C and next week during half-term, you can get flights to Alicante, which is the closest airport, for as little as £14.

Ryanair offers one-way direct flights from London Stansted, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham for under £15.

Although if you do book for half-term hoping to visit Aqualandia, it has closed for the season and will reopen in May 2026.

Jade told us: “I went to Moraira in late September and the weather was still really warm. You can still go on the beach, I even got sunburnt. We always go in September and June which are quieter because it’s out of school holiday time.

“It’s not like other places across Spain which close when the tourists leave either. My dad was speaking to owners of the local bars and they’re open all year round.”

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A HEART-SHAPED lake in one of the UK’s most loved beauty spots is set to become an underground attraction.

Located in the Lake District, Elterwater Quarry will be getting a new ‘Cavern Explorer’ experience.

As part of the attraction, several steel staircases and platforms will be installed across the quarry’s cavern.

The ziplines will then take visitors from one platform to another.

The experience is said to allow visitors to see parts of the cavern that were previously inaccessible.

Other plans for the attraction include ‘The Quarryman’s Viewpoint’, which will offer visitors a place to look out across the Lake District.

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There will be a natural history trail, venturing through parts of the nearby countryside as well, and a visitor centre with information boards.

Proposals were first submitted two years ago by Burlington Slate, which owns Elterwater slate mine and Zip World.

In the application, the mine said: “The proposed experience at Elterwater will provide a blend of heritage-based adventure through the caverns and offer a unique immersive experience within an underground mine that dates back to the middle of the 19th century.”

However, the first proposals were rejected.

A year later they were resubmitted and approved.

The proposed park isn’t without its controversy though as campaign group Friends of the Lake District has attempted to stop the project.

The group claimed that the planning permission has been wrongly granted and that the new experience would “take us a step closer to a Lake District of noise, chaos and degraded landscapes”.

However, this month, judgement from a judicial review was published and ruled in favour of the Lake District National Authority – meaning that the zipline was still allowed to go ahead.

Michael Hill, CEO of Friends of the Lake District said: “This ruling is a setback for the Cumbrian landscape, but in our 90 years’ history Friends of the Lake District has seen many of those.

“We remain unbowed in our determination to campaign for a Lake District that is tranquil, rich in cultural heritage and environmentally healthy and for protections in law for this and other National Parks to be maintained and strengthened.”

The International Council on Monuments and Sites – which is an advisory board to UNESCO – has also commented that they are opposed to the planned zipline.

The council explained that the zipline “would transform the quarry or part of it into a theme park and would trivialise the experience of an important aspect of the Lake District’s heritage”.

The ultimate worry is that the attraction could lead the Lake District losing its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, which is what happened to the Liverpool Docks in 2021.

The lake itself reveals a heart shape when the water levels drop, also exposing the 500million-year-old rock.

The site of the new attraction is a 40-minute drive from Windermere and an opening date is yet to be revealed.

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THE UK’S capital isn’t exactly short of train lines – but a completely new service is taking a step closer to getting approval.

Transport for London (TfL) is hoping that its proposed West London Orbital (WLO) line will get the green light next month.

Plans for the WLO launched back in 2017 and propose to create new connections to north and west London.

This would include the line travelling through Hounslow to Hendon and West Hampstead via Old Oak Common – the new rail hub created for HS2.

The proposed rail line promises to cut the journey time considerably between Harlesden and Brent Cross to just a few minutes.

Currently, travellers heading on this route need to make several changes.

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If the plans are approved, then the WLO will be built on an old freight line that hasn’t had passengers on it since 1902.

A new station would also be built on Lionel Road, near Gunnersbury Park.

Services could run from Kew Bridge as well.

In total, the project is expected to cost around £700million.

TfL is hoping that they will receive backing from the government in its autumn budget and if the project is approved, then the line will become the seventh branch of the London Overground network.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said that the WLO could “transform the future of transport in the capital”.

He added: “As the West London Orbital route would be integrated into the London Overground network, it would be given its own line name, consistent with the principles of the individual line names I launched in 2024.

“The local communities along the line, the local heritage, history, and interchanges with other lines would all be taken into consideration to find a suitable name that showcases London’s rich diversity and makes sense for wayfinding and navigation.”

A number of other rail projects are proposed for the capital including the DLR extension and Bakerloo extension.

The Bakerloo Line extension would extend the tube line from its current terminus at Elephant & Castle, to Lewisham.

The project would involve adding a number of new stations along the route, including on Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate.

And an extension will also be carried out on the DLR to Thamesmead, veering off the current line at Gallions Reach.

This involves adding a new station at Beckton Riverside too.

Commenting on the ongoing projects in July, Sadiq Khan said: “Subject to successful funding discussions, as well as further project development, planning and public consultation, I am confident that the DLR extension could be delivered by 2032, with the Bakerloo line extension and West London Orbital following later in the 2030s.”

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KEEPING the kids busy during October half term is probably the easiest of the school holidays, with Halloween events and pumpkin patches popping up everywhere. 

As a mum, getting a bit extra for your buck is always a win, so I was impressed that family-friendly theme park, Legolandd Windsor, have a special Halloween festival that is included with your admission ticket. 

Legoland’s aptly-named ‘Brick or Treat’ event runs throughout the month of October with activities on select dates until November 1st 2025.

As part of the spooky celebration, there are lots of extras on offer for kids, including a Trick or Treat trail, themed shows, character meet and greets, Lego-build activities and themed photo opportunities. 

This year, the park has also unveiled the UK’s first-ever Lego pumpkin patch, painstakingly made from almost 45,000 individual Lego bricks.  

The impressive Halloween sculptures took 134 hours of expert model-making to build.

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I headed to the theme park in Berkshire with some friends and a gaggle of kids aged between four and fifteen. 

I have been to Walt Disney World in Florida more than 50 times and have been to Halloween events at the US Disney parks, Disneyland Paris and other theme parks that celebrate Halloween, such as Universal Studios, Thrope Park and Paultons Park.

However, it was my first time going to Legoland in the UK and I was impressed with how much was on offer for all ages. 

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by Lego-themed Halloween decorations.

The front entrance was adorned with giant Duplo pumpkins and spooky music was playing.

We started with the Spinning Spider ride, which felt fitting with the ‘creepy’ theme. 

Then, the kids were desperate to try the famous Dragon coaster in the Knight’s Kingdom area.

This is a great starter coaster for younger children who want to try the big rides, but feel a bit nervous. This coaster is gentle and fast enough to be thrilling, without being too scary.

As someone who goes to theme parks often, I love rides that families can all enjoy equally, together. 

From here, the kids spotted their first Trick or Treat station ‘scary sweets’. 

No prizes for guessing what goods were secured here, but the kids were more than happy scoffing their Haribo jellies as we headed to one of Legoland’s most famous rides – Lego Ninjago.

This ride is a very clever moving computer game simulator, where we had to use our hands to lob LEGO at the ‘bad guys’. 

The kids thought it was brilliant, but the adult scores were painfully low. I will have to practice my gaming skills for next time… 

Considering the Halloween extras, the lines for attractions weren’t that long.

Some of the big rides, including Lego Ninjago, Hydra’s Challenge, The Dragon and the Mini Figure were not too bad, with the longest being 40 minutes. 

However, most other attractions at the park had lines shorter than 15 minutes.

As well as the trick of treat stations, some of which were giving out posters and activity packs instead of sweets, there were some simple decorations across the park and a special Halloween show.

Lord Vampyre’s House Party is a stage show on at various times during the day, encouraging guests to ‘dance their bones-off’. 

On the lake, the Monster Jam Harbour Show has rock and roll performances, special effects, and Lego monsters getting up to mischief on stage. 

For lunch, there is a limited-edition Halloween menu at dining locations around the park.

If you fancy a scary snack, you can tuck into a Monster Burger, Scampi Fright Bites, Toffee Apple Popcorn and Ice-Screams. 

The only disappointment for us is that we didn’t see any of the Lego characters around the park. 

The weather was a bit blustery, so it may have been to do with the conditions that day, but it wasn’t very clear from the map or signage exactly where we had to go to meet them. 

Still, there was plenty to do and the park shuts at 5pm, so we didn’t even get on to all of the attractions we planned to ride before the end of the day.

We had a great time at Legoland and the kids really enjoyed all the extra haunts – it’s great value for money considering there is no extra cost to go during Brick or Treat. 

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With extra perks and less crowds than summer, it’s a top time to visit. 

Tickets for Legoland Windsor start from £34 per person, with kids under 90cm going free.  

FANCY an adventure holiday that’s straight from the pages of an Enid Blyton, with olden day prices to match? 

I stumbled across a secluded Welsh beach only accessible at low tide, overlooked by a former MOD base where families of six can stay for just £7.50 per person – and promptly booked it for my family of five.

Second in Time Out’s list of most underrated European beaches this summer, Skrinkle Haven in Pembrokeshire is cheap as chips to visit.

Family rooms sleeping either four or six at the clifftop hostel starting at just £45 over October half term.

Kids under 10 can eat for £1 at YHA Manorbier with an adult meal, so you could get bed and breakfast overlooking this stunning hideaway haven for just £77 for a family of six.

There’s a self-catering kitchen available to lower meal costs even further if you’re using this as a budget base to explore the Wales Coast Path, which runs in front of the hostel.

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A glamping pod for four starts at £40, while camping using your own equipment is £10 per person.

It’s ironic that this beach has remained under the radar, given its past use as a Ministry of Defence site.

The striking hostel exterior remains in keeping with its military roots, while the inside is clean and cosy after a refurb ten years ago.

Clambering down the steep steps from the clifftop to Church Doors Cove, my boys and I were wowed by the incredible rock formation that gives this beach its name.

If you’re looking for something similar to the famous Durdle Door in Dorset, but without another soul in sight, this spot is for you. 

The cove is connected to neighbouring Skrinkle Haven beach by a narrow tunnel through the headland, only passable at low tide.

We took a picnic to enjoy on the deserted golden sands of the bay before exploring caves that would be perfect for smugglers to stash their loot.

It really was like stepping into the pages of an Enid Blyton story, with a crumbling stairway no longer in use at one end of the beach and the narrow tunnel that fills with water at high tide at the other.

Time and tide wait for no man and if you’re cut off by the rising waters, you’ll be stranded here until the next low tide.

Walking three and a half hours east on the coastal path, you’ll find the gorgeous town of Tenby, with its colourful houses and beautiful beaches.

Keep the Famous Five vibe alive by visiting St Catherine’s Fort perched on a rocky outcrop on the beach or taking a boat trip to Caldey Island, home to Cistercian monks and a colony of puffins.

There’s a neolithic burial chamber known as King’s Quoit along the Pembrokeshire coastal path west of the hostel, so you’re surrounded by spots straight out of a Secret Seven story whichever direction you take as you step out of the front door.

If you’re not a fan of hostels and want to stay somewhere a bit more upmarket, there’s some great family options in easy reach of Skrinkle Haven. 

Haven’s Kiln Park is just a 10-minute drive away, with caravans sleeping six starting at £129 during October halfterm, while a three-bed lodge is £670.

It’s got its own Blue Flag beach on the doorstep and lots of kids activities, including sessions with a nature ranger.

For luxe lodgings, try Bluestone Resort, within a half hour drive.

Bluestone is the Welsh answer to Center Parcs and has lodges starting at £760 over halfterm. 

There’s a huge indoor soft play, outdoor activities and an amphitheatre under the glass Serendome and the Blue Lagoon water park, all included in the price.

We loved our meal at Camp Smokey, a hideaway hut down in a wooded valley that offers alfresco meals and family fun. 

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So why not give a Welsh staycay a go this October half term?

With secluded beaches, coastal walks and plenty of places to stay, you’ll be spoilt for choice for channelling your inner Enid Blyton.

I moved to Kent during the pandemic and am yet to leave. From its bustling high street to its sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone in this charming seaside town

Five years ago, I relocated to Deal in Kent during lockdown, intending to flee the deserted streets and sky-high rent of London, with plans to return once normality resumed. Needless to say, that didn’t transpire, and here I am, half a decade later.

Despite my occasional grumbles about the town, I’m not too proud to confess that I’ve become smitten with the place. There’s nothing quite like strolling down a bustling high street brimming with independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs on a Saturday morning.

One of my favourite activities is indulging in a slice of cake on a Saturday afternoon after hours spent hunting for Christmas and birthday gifts for my loved ones. While the summer months are undoubtedly warmer and the town buzzes with more activity, Deal truly shines in the autumn.

Christmas lights begin to twinkle, illuminating the charming high street on damp, grey afternoons; shop windows burst into life with festive displays, and the aroma of freshly baked pastries and hearty pub meals permeates the air.

The experience is also more tranquil overall. I often find myself steering clear of Deal High Street and the seafront during the summer, when they’re teeming with tourists queuing for ice cream, precariously balancing pints of beer in plastic cups, or fishing off Deal Pier.

While it can be off-putting, I’m pleased it’s bustling. Without these summer visitors, many local businesses would struggle throughout the rest of the year, reports the Express.

The charm of Deal lies in its fantastic independent shops and cafes. While you’ll find a few essential chains like Superdrug, Boots, Costa and Starbucks at one end of the high street, the majority of the town’s shops are independent businesses.

One of my favourite spots is Barkened, a small independent shop at the North end of the high street. It’s brimming with carefully selected items that make perfect gifts for dog-lovers and homeware enthusiasts.

For those in search of unique gifts and eclectic clothing, Urban Chic is your destination. The shop is full of colourful womenswear, sunglasses, gifts, cards, bags and homeware. It’s my go-to place for Christmas gifts as I’m always sure to find something unique that can’t be found elsewhere.

Tucked away down St George’s Passage just off the high street, The Little Purple Wardrobe is a true hidden treasure filled with pre-loved designer and high street women’s clothes, shoes, hats and accessories.

It’s always my first stop when I’m hunting for an outfit for a special occasion or simply in need of some quality clothing.

Just off the high street on the corner of Stanhope Road, visitors will discover a truly unique shop: Pop! Vintage and Retro.

Overflowing with vintage and retro items, vinyl records, enamel signs, collectables, furniture and more, it’s the ideal stop if you’re searching for a gift for that eccentric uncle or the friend who has everything.

Every Saturday morning, from 9am to 2pm, the Union Road car park at the north end of the high street transforms into a bustling weekly market. During these hours, the high street’s northern end is pedestrianised, creating a vibrant atmosphere as locals and visitors alike peruse the wide array of goods on offer. The market boasts an impressive variety of stalls, selling everything from fresh flowers and vintage clothing to books, furniture, arts and crafts, and mouth-watering cakes.

Even if you’re not in the mood for shopping, it’s a delightful way to spend a Saturday morning, perhaps with a coffee in hand from Real Deal Roasters. I often find myself picking up freshly cut flowers and eggs, which are both cheaper and superior to their supermarket counterparts.

Lately, I’ve set myself the challenge of sampling all of Deal’s eateries—a daunting task given their sheer number.

A few weeks back, on a whim, I popped into Little Harriettes of Deal Tea Rooms for some warm scones and a pot of tea. The experience was utterly charming, and the entire lunch—which included homemade soup with bread, two pots of tea, and two large warm scones with jam and clotted cream—cost less than £20.

The staff were incredibly attentive and friendly, instantly making me feel comfortable. The decor was exactly what you’d expect from a traditional Victorian tea room: a small chandelier, an old-fashioned till, vintage furniture, a cake counter, and tea served in floral bone china.

If you’re not a fan of tea and cakes, there’s a wide range of savoury options on the menu, including vegetable tarts, sandwiches and soup.

Just last week, I popped into Miretti, situated at the North end of the high street. I confess, I’ve been strolling past this cafe for years, always promising myself that I’d stop by one day.

On a crisp autumn afternoon, I finally kept that promise and dropped in for a slice of cake and a decaf coffee.

This cosy cafe is run by a welcoming couple and offers a small selection of homemade cakes, chocolates and Italian biscuits, alongside illy coffee and hot chocolate. Although the selection is limited, the coffee and food items I sampled were divine. I indulged in a small dark chocolate praline truffle that was rich, nutty and luxurious, and a set vanilla custard cake that was creamy and just the right amount of sweet.

Sat at a table on the pavement, it was delightful to sip my coffee and nibble on my cake while watching the world pass by.

Miretti has now earned a solid spot on my list of must-visit locations on Deal High Street.

With its abundance of trendy eateries and foodie destinations, it’s tough to single out the best pubs and restaurants in Deal.

Last year, esteemed food critic Grace Dent hailed the Japanese-inspired eatery Blue Pelican, nestled on Beach Street, as one of her top restaurants of the year. In contrast, a few years back, Jay Rayner lauded The Rose on Deal High Street for its “impressive cooking”. I’ve yet to sample the fare at either establishment, but the feedback I’ve received from both tourists and locals has been nothing short of stellar.

For a scrumptious dinner with a beachfront view, my personal favourite is 81 Beach Street, a cosy bistro known for its superb steak and seafood dishes that won’t break the bank.

I’d also suggest giving The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant a try, which is part of The Royal Hotel situated on the seafront. During the balmy months, you can snag a table outside and watch the waves crash against the shingles on the beach below.

Come autumn, you’ll likely prefer to dine indoors to escape the chilly winds, but you’ll still be treated to a splendid view of the sea.

For breakfast, I always point people towards Goose on the Green and The Corner Cafe in Walmer, and The Lane in South Court, just off Deal High Street. Each of these spots offers a slightly different menu, but they all share a common thread—friendly, attentive staff and high-quality ingredients at fair prices.

After a leisurely Sunday stroll along the pier and back, I’d strongly recommend heading over to The Ship Inn on Middle Street.

This traditional pub, complete with rickety wooden chairs, candles on tables and friendly staff who’ll happily stop for a chat, is a real gem. During the winter months, a roaring fire fills the establishment with a warm glow and a pleasant smoky scent that always reminds me of autumn. It’s also one of the few places where you can still get a pint for less than £4.

Living in Deal is fantastic. There’s always something happening, and there’s never a shortage of great food spots.

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THE opening date for a massive £160 million train station servicing London is just days away – and all destinations and ticket fares have finally been revealed.

It is the first new station on the East Coast line for 100 years, and will be a massive boost for thousands of commuters.

As previously reported, Beaulieu Park Station in Chelmsford is being built in the north of the city and is part of a huge regeneration project in the area.

It will provide frequent trains to-and-from London Liverpool Street in just 40 minutes and opens on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

The mega station will have three platforms, a new track for passing, faster trains, plus a taxi rank, drop-off areas and bus connections. 

There will also be more than 750 parking spaces for people to leave their vehicles while using the trains.

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Parking charges start from £3.50 for an hour rising to £11.50 for the day.

London Liverpool Street connects over 100 million people annually and is one of the UK’s busiest stations.

An off-peak day return from Beaulieu Park Station to London Liverpool Street is priced at £28.20, while seven-day season tickets will cost £134.60.

A day return to London Liverpool Street during peak hours will cost travellers £42.60.

For those travelling to and from Stratford, the costs are £22.60 for an off-peak ticket, £19.70 for a standard day single and £35.30 for a standard day return.

The new service will also service Southend Airport, with tickets costing £16.90 for a standard day single, £24.10 for a standard day return, and £21.30 for a child day return. 

Residents of other cities such as Ipswich and Norwich will also benefit from Beaulieu Park Station.

The full list of fares and services is available from operator Greater Anglia.

Major upgrade

The new station is part of a major upgrade to the city.

This includes the construction of new roads and up to 14,000 new homes.

Of these, more than 4,000 homes have received planning permission so far, with 2,000 of those already built.

The project has been years in the making.

The original planning permission was granted in 2013.

Work has been ongoing since 2023 with the opening date finally on the horizon.

Chelmsford has a huge commuter rail service that sees over 15,000 passengers every day and 5.7 million annual users.

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The development of Beaulieu Park has also been put in place to try and relieve congestion in the city centre.

The new north-eastern bypass will make access to the new station from surrounding towns such as Braintree much easier.

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They hope to challenge Eurostar with trips across the Channel…

A brand-new train operator is hoping to launch services between the UK and Europe, offering ‘competitive fares’ for passengers.

Currently, Eurostar is the only rail operator that connects the UK to destinations across Europe, including cities in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

This could all change as a new train operating company, Gemini,has announced its plans to launch services between the UK and Europe.

The new train operator, which is currently being established, hopes to begin its rail journey by launching services from London to Paris and Brussels.

Once services between London and Paris/Brussels have launched, Gemini hopes to further its list of European destinations.

The new rail operator plans to introduce ‘new cutting-edge trains and a fresh approach to sales and ticketing’ on services between the UK and Europe.