A new supersonic aircraft that could travel from New York to London in just three hours and 40 minutes is being developed by a firm called Boom Supersonic, and early tests seem positive
Milo Boyd Digital Travel Reporter and Alycia McNamara
11:34, 21 Oct 2025Updated 11:36, 21 Oct 2025
The Concorde last flew 22 years ago(Image: WTZ via Getty Images)
Supersonic air travel could be making a triumphant return to the skies, nearly two decades after the iconic Concorde was grounded.
A company is currently developing a new supersonic aircraft that could whisk passengers from New York to London in a mere three hours and 40 minutes, taking the mantle of the long-mothballed Concorde. By 2029, it’s suggested that travellers could once again experience supersonic journeys, with flight times significantly shorter than those offered by current commercial airlines.
Concorde’s last flight was 22 years ago, on November 26, 2023, when it departed London’s Heathrow Airport and landing in Bristol, England, greeted by a cheering crowd gathered behind fences near the runway. When at its best, the plane could fly at 1,354 mph. That is more than double the top speed of a Boeing 747, which peaks at a miserly 614mph.
There are numerous reasons why no one has filled the void left by Concorde over the past few decades. We looked into some of those reasons in depth last year.
A crucial development has now increased the odds of a supersonic company taking to the skies again, and making a business success of doing so. In June 2025, the United States passed a key piece of legislation lifting the longstanding ban on supersonic travel over land. That means the potential US market has increased hugely.
The new plane, dubbed the Overture by Boom Supersonic, is already undergoing testing. The Overture would fly at Mach 1.7 and twice as fast over water. Major airlines including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines have placed orders and preorders for the Overture to join their fleets, reports the Express.
The aircraft could accommodate between 60-80 passengers and would cruise at an altitude much higher than standard passenger jets, at 60,000 feet.
The original Concorde faced backlash due to its noise levels, but these updated models aim to tackle this issue with modern noise-reduction technology. By 2029, US airline United has announced plans to purchase 15 new supersonic airliners and “return supersonic speeds to aviation”.
The new Overture aircraft will be manufactured by a Denver-based company named Boom. According to Boom, the plane will operate on a minimum of 600 routes.
Discussing supersonic flights, Nicholas Smith, holidays digital director at Thomas Cook and eSky online travel agency, told Express.co.uk: “While it’s thrilling to imagine this aviation icon back in the skies, it’s unlikely to appeal to the average holidaymaker from the UK jetting off to Benidorm for a week in the sun.
“We see the future of mainstream air travel heading towards larger, more efficient aircraft designed to carry more people, not fewer.
“That said, a modern relaunch focused on sustainability, digital innovation, and safety could carve out a niche for high-end, short-haul luxury routes – such as London to New York in under four hours. It’s not a mass-market solution, but for time-sensitive premium travellers, it could once again become the pinnacle of prestige flying.”
Travel times on routes such as London to New York or Los Angeles to Washington could be slashed to just two hours – a significant reduction from the current six to seven hours.
THE resort town of San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay is known for its beautiful beaches, and is making plans to keep it that way.
San Sebastián’s city council has announced that it wants to put new rules in place to conserve its famous coast.
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San Sebastián has three very popular beaches and the new rules are to keep them cleanCredit: AlamyDuring the summer, the pretty beaches of San Sebastián can get very busyCredit: Alamy
The first rule is a smoking ban across all its beaches, something that is becoming more common in Spain.
If it goes ahead, San Sebastián will become the second town in the Basque region to fully ban smoking on its beaches after Zarautz.
Beaches in San Sebastián could also have new rules when it comes to pets.
During the summer, dogs will only be allowed to walk on the beaches from 9pm until midnight.
Previously, locals were able to walk their dogs on public beaches between September 1 and May 30 at any time of the day.
Thanks to a growing number of noise complaints, loudspeakers could be joining the ban list too.
The city is inviting its locals to share their thoughts on the new rules from October 20, with the aim of the new rules being fully implemented by June 2026.
San Sebastián has three main beaches, La Concha, Ondarreta, and Zurriola and last year, Which? named San Sebastián Spain‘s ‘best coastal town’.
It was rated on factors like the quality of the beach and seafront, safety, food and drink, accommodation, and value for money.
An overall score was calculated based on satisfaction and the likeliness to recommend each destination, with places ranked out of 100.
La Concha Bay is popular with locals and tourists thanks to its soft sand and mountain viewsCredit: Alamy
San Sebastián claimed first place with an overall score of 88 per cent out of 100. Factors like its beach, attractiveness and food and drink scene were awarded five stars.
The town’s most famous beach is La Concha, a shell-shaped bay very close to the city’s Old Town, while Ondarreta is generally much quieter with calm waters.
Zurriola on the other hand is known for having stronger waves – which makes it a popular spot for watersports.
“As I enjoy views from the open-air bar on San Sebastian’sMonte Urgull hill, I can see the wild Bay of Biscay on one wise, and on the other, a panoramic view of the city and its shell-shaped beach.
“If you want to get out and about, there is so much to keep you entertained in San Sebastian, from surfing on Zurriola beach to enjoying the viewpoints at Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo.
“A charming funicular railway comes in handy if you don’t fancy hiking up the latter. But the best activity is devouring yet more food in the Old Town, savouring the city’s famous “pintxos” scene.
“Pronounced “pinchos”, and most easily described as the Basque version of tapas, these elaborate, bite-sized treats are around €2.50 a pop and found in every bar.
“And regardless of how full you get, no visit to the Old Town is complete without stopping by La Viña, the restaurant where the now-viral Basque burnt cheesecake originated.”
The village of Tintern in Monmouthshire, Wales, is a traveller favourite and is known for the majestic ruined abbey that sits in the centre of the village
Ruins of Tintern Abbey
Wales is renowned for its picturesque villages and breathtaking landscapes, but there’s one Welsh village that stands out from the rest.
Tintern, nestled in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley and hugging the west bank of the River Wye in Monmouthshire, is a sight to behold. The village is famed for its awe-inspiring ruined abbey, which sits majestically at its centre, making it a favourite among travellers.
The modern-day Tintern we see today is the result of two historically rich villages merging – Chapel Hill, forming the southern end, and Tintern Parva, making up the northern end. Since 1976, it has been a designated Conservation Area and underwent a name change in 2022 from Tintern to Wye Valley, along with some boundary alterations.
Despite its small size, Tintern holds immense historical significance. The star attraction is undoubtedly Tintern Abbey, a shining beacon in the celebrated Wye Valley.
Its stunning gothic architecture, complete with pointed arches, lancet windows, and ribbed vaults, leaves many visitors awestruck at first sight. Over the centuries, the magnificent ruins of this Cistercian monastery have enchanted visitors and inspired countless travellers, reports Wales Online.
Tintern, a village steeped in history and industrial heritage, has made its mark on the world in several significant ways. The Abbey Forge, nestled within this quaint village, is renowned as the birthplace of British brass production and was instrumental in pioneering wire manufacturing on an industrial scale.
Notably, it was here at Tintern’s Abbey Forge that the first transatlantic cable was crafted.
Today, Tintern serves as a popular destination for walkers and cycling enthusiasts, with numerous long-distance trails and circular routes either starting or passing through the village. A vast network of local footpaths crisscrosses the area, intersecting with two major long-distance paths: the Wye Valley Walk on the Welsh side and Offa’s Dyke path on the English side.
The charming St Mary the Virgin chapel on Chapel Hill is a favourite amongst tourists, and the village also boasts the award-winning Parva Farm Vineyard. Another must-visit spot in Tintern is the medieval church of St Michael in Tintern Parva.
Adding to the village’s attractions is the Tintern railway station, located just a mile’s walk above Tintern. Although passenger services ceased in 1959, the station remains operational as a bustling tourist centre.
As a dog-friendly village, visitors are welcome to bring their furry friends along when visiting any of Tintern’s numerous pubs and cafes, where they’re guaranteed a warm reception.
Getting to the village is straightforward, with the number 69 Wye Valley bus providing hourly services from both Monmouth and Chepstow.
Tintern Abbey
By the 18th century, Tintern Abbey had already become a must-see attraction as part of the Wye Tour along the river – and for good reason.
Most notably, Tintern Abbey inspired poems by literary giants such as William Wordsworth and Alfred Lord Tennyson, and was even the subject of breathtaking paintings by artist JMW Turner.
Tintern Abbey was first established on May 9, 1131, during the reign of King Henry I, by Walter de Clare alongside the river. The abbey was the second Cistercian foundation in Britain (following Waverley Abbey) and the first in Wales.
Initially, the abbey was simply a complex of timber buildings. However, between 1270 and 1301, it underwent reconstruction and was completely rebuilt.
The current remains at Tintern Abbey are a mix of architectural works spanning several centuries and its present-day remnants reflect this diverse architectural history. Once it was rebuilt, around four hundred monks, who originally came from a daughter house of Cîteaux in France, lived in the complex.
For four centuries, Tintern Abbey was a powerhouse in the local economy, with its land divided into farming units or granges. The locals worked the land and served the abbey and its many visitors, making it an integral part of Tintern village’s history and culture.
However, the abbey ceased operations following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536. In a more recent development, Cadw took over the management of Tintern Abbey in 1984.
By the late 18th century, tourism had begun to flourish in the Wye Valley, with many visitors travelling along the river to see the abbey and other scenic spots in the famous region. The poet William Wordsworth was one such visitor in 1798, and he wrote the well-known Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey during his visit.
The construction of the turnpike road (now known as the A466) through the valley in 1829, followed by the arrival of the Wye Valley Railway in the 1870s, led to a significant increase in visitor numbers. This established tourism as the bedrock of Tintern’s economy, a legacy that continues to this day.
Today, Tintern Abbey attracts approximately 70,000 visitors each year, who travel from near and far to marvel at the stunning beauty of the historic abbey.
Muddy Stilettos recently released its top places to live in 2026, featuring cities, towns and villages across the UK – and one Buckinghamshire village made the list
A number of people holidaying in the Costa Blanca resort in Spain have been targeted in recent days by a common crime that could leave you seriously out of pocket
Liam McInerney Content Editor
10:28, 21 Oct 2025
‘Several’ Brits have reported being targeted in recent days (Image: Getty)
Brits jetting off to Benidorm to escape the autumn chill have been urged to keep their wits about them due to a common crime that could put a damper on their holiday and leave them out of pocket.
Michelle Baker, who has resided in the popular tourist destination for over four decades and once ran a local newspaper for 20 years, now keeps Brits up-to-date via her Facebook group, Benidormforever.
Her most recent post was a “serious” warning, beginning with the words “Look out… there’s a thief about!”
She went on to detail concerns that have cropped up recently, stating: “The happy holiday vibe coupled with the warm weather – and a couple of cocktails – can often make us less vigilant and I don’t want to be a party pooper but several people have contacted me in the last two days to tell me they’ve been pickpocketed…
“All were in the Old Town (generally considered the safest area of Benidrom) and none felt a thing.
“Benidorm is a statistically safe place but crowds anywhere in the world attract pickpockets, and sadly Benidorm is no different.”
In terms of advice, she wrapped up by saying: “You know the drill; Keep your valuables out of sight; don’t carry your passport with you (unless you’re going to change money), don’t leave phones on the table, and beware of strangers getting too close, asking questions or bumping into you…
“Spread the word; stay vigilant and stay together for a happy holiday folks.”
Responding to the post, one individual commented: “Always zips and keep everything in the front pockets. Benidorm gets bad reviews for this but go to London Oxford Street exactly the same.”
Another shared: “We were targeted not far from the royal last week. Hubby’s wallet taken from buttoned short pocket. Didn’t feel a thing, first time in 35 years visiting.”
One user remarked: “A young man on (scooter emoji) tried to steal my phone from my bag late at night, but fortunately although I had consumed plenty of gin I still had my sensible head on and stopped him. That was old town.”
A fourth person noted: “Visited in April, friends zipped up bag was dipped and her purse was taken. The pickpockets walked right in front of us, broad daylight, been visiting years, it is getting worse, a zip will not stop these low lifes.”
Another added: “Thank you am coming in November we’ll take what you said on board.”
Earlier in the summer, Michelle disclosed that she herself nearly fell prey after an “agitated young individual” approached to say he had lost his friends and couldn’t remember where he was staying.
The con involved the person suggesting that they vaguely knew where it was and that you could assist by opening Google Maps for them before they grabbed the device and legged it.
Michelle continued: “I was lucky; I didn’t get my phone out I simply told the chap who stopped me where his hotel was… but my friends weren’t so lucky and are absolutely gutted to have fallen for this.”
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits, stating: “Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.
“Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe. Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.”
ON the Beach is branching out from the holidays that gave it its name, with nearly 200 city breaks now on offer.
There are 188 destinations on offer across the world, whether you’re seeking sun in Portugal or the best of both worlds with beach and city in the likes of Barcelona.
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The waterfront city of Gdansk is where you can get the cheapest city breakCredit: Aleksa TorriStaying in the Polish city can cost as little as £83ppCredit: Alamy
The travel operator shared with us their cheapest deals, and the most affordable is Gdansk, a city in Poland known for its Hanseatic Old Town and brand new theme park.
Holidaymakers can stay in the Moon Hostel Gdansk from £83pp based on a two-night city break.
It’s got 24 hour reception, luggage storage, a cosy TV lounge and shuttle bus to the beach.
Read more on Gdansk from travel writer Helen Wright who visited the Old Town, Mariacka Street and discovered the restaurant for unbeatable waterside views.
The second cheapest city break on the list, based on a two-night stay, was to Prague for £88 per person.
You can book to stay at the a&o Prague Rhea which is 20 minutes from the heart of the city.
Here you’ll find basic rooms but all with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour lobby bar.
As for what to do when you get to the city, check out our 10 things to do in Prague from visiting the castle to strolling along Charles Bridge and checking out the Retro Museum that takes you back to the 70s.
The third cheapest city break is in the capital of Hungary, Budapest, which has two-night city breaks from £90pp, with a stay at the MP Hostel Budapest .
It’s recommended for groups, families, or solo travellers who can stay in one of the 47 rooms decorated in pastel colours.
The third cheapest break is to Budapest in HungaryCredit: Alamy
The hotel is ideally located for anyone exploring the city for the first time, as it’s close to St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Dohány Street Synagogue.
Top recommendations from one writer who stayed in Budapest were to check out the Rudas Thermal Baths where you can buy day tickets from €29 (£25.19) as well as the city’s many bars and restaurants.
With almost 200 spots to visit on the cheap, travellers can explore Italian cities like Florence, Milan and Venice.
On the Beach also offers budget breaks to Berlin, Copenhagen and Stockholm, Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp.
For those who love a lakeside escape, Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Bled join the list, alongside Alpine favourites like Salzburg, Innsbruck and Geneva.
There are long-haul city destinations on offer too from New York, where you can stay in Pod Brooklyn from £820pp, to Cape Town and even Tokyo.
FANCY a cheeky city break but worried about blowing the Christmas budget?
Fear not, because we’ve rounded up nine of the best bucket-list weekenders, where you can find bargain flights, as well as cheap eats and drinks during the winter months.
Here are some of the best places that are just an hour from the UKCredit: Getty
Bilbao, Spain
For easily accessible winter warmth on a shoestring budget, Bilbao is a good bet.
This is the Spanish city that is the fastest to reach from the UK, with flights from Bristol taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (and under two hours from London).
It’s also super affordable to reach – one-way Gatwick fares with Vueling Airlines start at just £23 this autumn.
Step off the plane and into double-digit temperatures – the city has highs of 17C in November, ideal for exploring the lush green landscape and Casco Viejo, the picturesque old town with its cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.
You can’t visit without indulging in pintxos – the Basque version of tapas – paired with the local tipple Kalimotxo (red wine and cola).
Cheap but highly-rated pintxos bars include local hangout Bar Bacaicoa, known for its griddled mushrooms, £1.13 (€1.30), cod croquettes, £1.50 (€1.70), and spicy chorizo. £1.65 (€1.90).
Beer at a restaurant or pub is also cheaper than in the UK, with a “zurrito” (small glass) of local beer like San Miguel costing around £3.50 (€4).
The world-famous Guggenheim art museum is the city’s main attraction, home to popular works by artists such as Richard Serra, Robert Rauschenberg and Yayoi Kusama.
Although you need a ticket to enter, it’s completely free to admire the outdoor art installations, such as Jeff Koons’s Instagrammable Puppy sculpture guarding the entrance.
Dublin, Ireland
Close to home, Dublin offers a quick city getaway with affordable prices if you know where to look.
Flights from most UK airports are very short, taking just an hour from Manchester and 1 hour 20 minutes from London.
November is the cheapest month to travel to Ireland – return fares to Dublin cost around £36 with Ryanair from the East Midlands and £72 from Heathrow with British Airways.
This leaves extra spending money for its lively pub culture.
The typical price range for a pint of Guinness in city boozers – like O’Donoghue’s, Doheny & Nesbitt’s, Toners and The Baggot Inn – is similar to the UK’s national average of £5.15 (€5.80-€7.00), depending on location.
Tourist hotspots like Temple Bar push prices to £9 (€10.45) for a pint of the black stuff.
Avoid this by heading to a local boozer like The Auld Triangle, where a pint will set you back less than a fiver (€4.95).
You’ll still get traditional live music at a slice of the price.
But there’s much more to Dublin than a giddy Guinness binge.
Take in the city sights, including Phoenix Park and the grounds of Trinity College, both free to explore.
If you’ve got a spare £16 (€18), the Little Museum of Dublin is also well worth a visit.
Set in a cute Georgian townhouse, it’s a quirky one-stop shop for history fans.
Peckish? Wood-fired pizza costs less than £6 (€6.50) from Sano Pizza, while other cheap eats include Brother Hubbard (mezze plates from €7.50) and street food at EatYard, which is open Thursday-Sunday.
There is much more to Dublin than GuinnessCredit: Alamy
Brussels, Belgium
The capital of Belgium is within striking distance of the UK – super affordable flights take just over an hour.
One-way fares this November cost from as little as £33 from Luton with easyJet, with a flight time of 1 hour 20 minutes.
You can find even cheaper flights to the city’s second airport, Charleroi, which is around an hour from the city centre by bus.
The city’s main highlights – including the magnificent Grand Place, Sablon’s Gothic church and the famed Manneken Pis statue – are walkable and free to see.
You can keep costs down by visiting museums on reduced admission days.
For instance, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (normally €10) are free on the first Wednesday of each month from 1pm.
Sample gaufres de Liège (waffles), frites (fries) and Belgian chocolate – but find them at street food stalls, trucks and small cafés for the best price.
Maison Antoine sells a small cone of fries for around £3 (€3.50), while many good chocolate shops give out free samples.
When it comes to beer, avoid tourist trap bars around Grand Place and head to local boozers instead.
Beer Capital has beers from £2.87 (€3.30), and happy hour from noon until midnight, while Cafe Belga is a firm favourite with students.
Brussels has amazing street food if you are on a budgetCredit: Alamy
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
With its quaint canals, treasure-packed museums and vibrant dining scene, Amsterdam is perfect for a European city break.
You can reach this Dutch metropolis in 1 hour and 20 minutes, with easyJet flights from Manchester costing as little as £67 return this winter.
Walking is the best way to see the city’s gorgeous neighbourhoods of Prinsengracht, Herengracht and Keizersgracht, and the trendy Nine Streets area with its independent boutiques.
Planning to see as much as possible? You could save money with the I Amsterdam card, which allows free entry to some museums, including the Van Gogh Museum (but not the Anne Frank House, which you need to book in advance), travel discounts and bicycle rent. A 48-hour card costs £78 (€90).
Grab a £2.61 (€3) beef croquette straight from the wall at FEBO, automated snack machines dotted around the city.
Or head to a street stall to sample Dutch herring with onions and pickles for around €3, or stop by a Stroopwafels stand for freshly made caramel-filled wafers.
Fancy a drink? De Pilsener Club is a cosy, wood-panelled pub and one of the best spots for a cheap beer in the city centre.
Meanwhile, Kriterion is a trendy arthouse cinema with a student bar offering cheap beer (around £4.54 a pint), while Waterhole has happy hour every day (noon-9pm) with beers from £3.48 (€4).
If you’re planning to see a lot of sights, the Amsterdam tourist card could save you cashCredit: Alamy
Paris, France
Just 1 hour and 15 minutes from the UK by plane, Paris should make your budget-break bucket list.
While the City of Love has its fair share of overpriced tourist traps, there are ways you can shave euros off the prices you pay.
Avoid eating and drinking around the city’s main attractions, like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Arc de Triomphe, where restaurants charge a premium.
Instead, head to neighbourhoods just outside the most central zones (like the 11th, 19th and 20th arrondissements) for cheaper bars and restaurants.
With the average Parisian pint, or ‘pinte’, costing £5.22-£6.96 (€6-8), your best bet for finding budget beer in Paris is to avoid tourist zones and look for happy hour.
The cheapest pint in Paris is reportedly at Chez Marie in the 10th arrondissement – where you can enjoy a pint for £2.18 (€2.50) at happy hour (6-9pm).
When it comes to top-notch food, the French do it well – and crêpes (pancakes) are both filling and good value.
You can find street-side stands selling crêpes or eat them “à emporter” (to go) from around £3.48 (€4).
For lunch on the run, locals grab sandwiches and quiches from boulangeries (bakeries).
Other cheap eats include croque monsieur (ham and cheese toastie), which costs around £6-£8 (€7-9).
Other money-saving tips for Paris include taking the Metro instead of expensive taxis and visiting big museums like the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay on the first Sunday of the month, when they offer free admission.
You can also bag a bargain with flights – easyJet and Vueling offer one-way prices from as little as £24, with Fridays in November and March often offering the best results.
Paris is one of the closest cities to the UK by flightCredit: Getty
San Sebastian, Spain
In the heart of Spain’s Basque Country, San Sebastian is a foodie’s delight that won’t break the bank.
This city in the north of the country is home to amazing pintxos – tapas-style snacks that are small in price but huge in flavour.
Think olive and pepper skewers, chistorra (AKA smoky sausage), and traditional tortillas – with each dish typically costing less than £4 (around €2-€5).
A pint of beer typically costs around £5 (€5-7) in San Sebastian bars – but you can save money by ordering a smaller ‘caña’ (200ml draft beer), which is usually priced around £2.60 (€3).
British Airways flies direct to San Sebastian from London City, with one-way fares from £120 this autumn.
And with a flight time of 1 hour 55 minutes, you’ll be exploring its golden beaches, lush hillsides and cobbled lanes before you know it.
Even in winter, the weather can be pretty mild, with daytime temperatures rising to around 15 °C in November.
Some of the cheapest pintxos are in the Gros District, a surfing neighbourhood that’s a 10-minute walk from the old town.
The best way to burn the pintxos-hopping calories is to explore on foot.
Walk the scenic promenade along La Concha Bay or hike up Monte Urgull for epic city views that won’t cost you a penny.
La Concha beach in San Sebastian is a must-visitCredit: AlamyThe weather in San Sebastian is still around 15C in NovemberCredit: Getty
Prague, Czech Republic
A couple of hours from the UK by plane, Prague is a firm favourite as a European city break, with cheap food and pints costing a couple of quid.
Even in the centre of the Czech capital, a pint will only set you back around £1.70-2.50 (50-70CZK).
Head further out, and you can expect to pay just £1-1.78 (30-50CZK) for similar drinks.
Hany Bany, a boozer in the city’s old town, sells a small draft beer for just 78p (22CZK) and a pint for £1.25 (35CZK).
Working up an appetite? Grab a plate of hearty goulash and dumplings for £4.20 (119CZK) at Havelská Koruna, which opened as the country’s first fast-food restaurant in 1931.
Located in the old town, it’s a thriving and affordable diner, so arrive by 11.30am to beat the lunchtime crowds.
Save even more on your trip by sampling cheap street food at Havel Market and exploring the grounds of Prague Castle for free.
For a culture fix, some museums have free or cheap entry days, like the National Gallery Prague, which is free to enter on the first Wednesday of the month after 3pm.
In the Old Town Square, you can also watch the Astronomical Clock’s hourly dancing figurine show without spending a single koruna.
Return flights from London to Prague this winter cost from £34 with Ryanair, from £44 with Wizz Air and from £57 with easyJet.
Pints in Prague can set you back just £1.25m with some goulash for under a fiverCredit: GettyPrague is known for its pretty multicoloured housesCredit: Getty
Bordeaux, France
Also under two hours from the UK, the French city of Bordeaux offers cheap wine, local markets and a UNESCO area to discover.
It’s also affordable to reach, with easyJet offering return Bristol flights from £44 this winter.
While a pint of beer will set you back around £6 (€7) in most central bars in Bordeaux, wine is inexpensive.
In Le Bar à Vin Bordeaux, located opposite the tourism office, you can get glasses of decent wine for less than £3 – like a 15cl glass of Bordeaux rose for €2.50.
Meanwhile, you can keep costs low by chowing down street food near Place de la Victoire, or indulging in “canelés”.
These sweet, cylindrical pastries are typically priced less than a euro – La Toque Cuivrée sells them for a mere 60p (€0.70).
When you’ve eaten and drunk your fill, take in the historic centre and 18th-century architecture – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It won’t cost you a penny to see sights like Place de la Bourse with its beautiful reflecting pool of water.
Later, find souvenirs at the Grands Hommes market or on the rue Sainte Catherine, one of the longest streets in Bordeaux.
If you’re on a tight budget, pick up a steal in Mad Vintage, a second-hand shop, or head to the southern end of the street, which has cheaper, more student-oriented boutiques compared to the higher-end shops of the north.
Bordeaux is less than two hours from the UKCredit: GettyExpect wine to be cheap in BordeauxCredit: Getty
Munich, Germany
The Bavarian capital is under two hours away, with return Gatwick flights costing from just £59 with easyJet this winter.
Which leaves plenty of spending money once you touch down in this edgy metropolis, which has lakes and mountains on its doorstep and oodles of cultural sights.
Contemporary gallery Museum Brandhorst is a must if you enjoy pop art, and is one of many museums that offer cheap entry for 87p (€1) on Sundays.
Other free must-do activities include watching the famed Glockenspiel show in Marienplatz and strolling around the lush grass and shimmering lake of the English Garden.
Of course, Munich is the beer capital, so it’d be rude not to sample the city’s tipple of choice, Dunkel, which ranks among the best German beers.
A pint of this dark, malty lager is best enjoyed in a noisy beer hall like Augustiner Bräustuben, where it’s £3.35 (€3.85) a pint.
For a cheap bite, make for Viktualienmarkt where you’ll find stalls selling sausage sandwiches for less than £6.09 (€7) or try a bakery for a €1 fresh pretzel.
In all human endeavours undertaken within Britiain’s isles, the provision of tea and cake is the most vital consideration. When a walker or cyclist delivers the damning judgment “there’s no decent caff” to a group of friends, the ghastly silence is followed by everyone crossing the accursed region off their map. The sheer importance of this staple dietary ingredient is obvious from our island geography: Dundee, Eccles, Bakewell, Chelsea …
So it was with some trepidation that I set out to walk around the Llŷn peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales, on part of what is called the Seafood Trail. I mean, I love a lobster, but what about the fruit scones? Bangor University’s school of ocean sciences has produced a map of seafood producers and outlets to encourage hikers as they stride along the coastal path. Fine, but it’s the late afternoon sugar lull that I worry about.
We start on the north coast in Nefyn, a place that boasts an excellent brewery and a good beach with one of the most Instagrammed pubs in Wales, the Tŷ Coch Inn. Me and my friend Andy are both nervously scanning the weather apps as the forecast is stormy. The plan is to walk and camp, but only after a gentle start in the Nanhoron Arms hotel. This proves doubly beneficial as the dinner includes a delicious Anglesey sea bass and, next morning, we can stay dry while watching a barrage of lashing rain come down. We have each brought a tent, but neither item has been tested at this level of downpour.
I am already a convert to the Welsh Coast Path, one of the finest walks in the world, but I have never done this particular section. Immediately, we are off to a great start: the rain stops and we cross Nefyn golf ccourse and settle into a rhythm of cliff and cove. In one sheltered spot, a few Atlantic grey seals play in the shallows while the older ones snooze on the beach. A kestrel hovers overhead and butterflies skip around a few late flowers. In May this would be a floral bonanza, but now we have blackberries to keep us going.
Looking down onto the Tŷ Coch Inn, Nefyn under stormy skies. Photograph: Loop Images/Alamy
Then, with lunchtime approaching, we start scanning ahead and almost immediately we see Cwt Tatws. The translation is roughly the Potato Shed but the name belies the true magnificence of this cafe, all the more splendid for its ideal location close to a beautiful stretch of sandy beach in Towyn. A rich selection of sandwiches, salads, pies and, of course, cakes, is augmented by cosy seating, a vintage clothing section and a range of Welsh products. Neither of us, unfortunately, has space in our rucksacks for a sack of sea salt or a bottle of Welsh whisky. However, we do manage an extra slice of coffee and walnut sponge before heading off.
After 3 miles (5km), we drop down on to a sandy beach at low tide and weave through a set of sentinel rocks. This long lovely stretch, Traeth Penllech, is a real gem, leading us up to the first campsite at Moel-y-Berth. Run by Mike and Joanna Smith, this is the kind of place people return to every year. There is a shop and a handy cafe for breakfast where, the next morning, we sit and watch another rampaging storm come blasting through. When we emerge, however, the sun is out again.
Lobster lunch at Top Cat Caffi. Photograph: Kevin Rushby
Our luck holds all day, but by midafternoon a crisis is looming. Without tea and cake, I reckon, I’ve only got a few miles left in my legs. But then at Porthor’s Whistling Sands beach, Caffi Porthor pops up, another gem, serving a vast range of delicious homemade cakes, including a Welsh stalwart, Bara brith. If you’re not familiar with this heavenly manna, it’s a fruit cake made with tea and spices. And Caffi Porthor makes the best I’ve ever tasted. Andy, foolishly, turns it down and the result, three miles later, is that he runs out of steam, taking a short cut across the headland to Dwyros, our second campsite. Meanwhile, powered by tea and cake, I stride on for a further seven miles around what is the best section so far: the actual tip of the Llŷn peninsula. The spectacular cliffs offer a fine view of the tidal race between the headland and Bardsey Island. On a day like this one, when the wind is gusting powerfully and the current is running at about four metres per second, it’s a fearsome sight.
Aberdaron, just around the corner, is a lovely village with an excellent fish and chip shop, Sblash, and a fine pub, The Ship, a good spot to try out a few words of Welsh as that’s the main language here, as on most of the Llyn.
Unfortunately, the following morning my own language skills fail. When I ask some teenage boys for the path to Rhiw, the next village, I’m met with sniggers. Apparently I’m asking for sex.
Kevin Rushby takes in an Irish Sea view. Photograph: Andy Pietrasik
The seafood, however, has really kicked in now. At Rhiw I meet Brett and Nia who harvest crab and lobster for their Top Cat Caffi where we eat a lobster salad lunch. However, the weather is deteriorating fast so we can’t get out to help with the day’s catch, something Brett encourages visitors to do. That evening, camped at Rhydolion farm, we stagger an extra mile to the pretty inland village of Llanengan and eat bowls of delicious mussels at the Sun Inn.
The final day is a bracing stomp across surfers’ beach, Hell’s Mouth, a notorious shipwreck spot in the past, then around Mynydd Cilan headland to Abersoch where there’s plenty of cafes to hide from the storm. The seafood has been great, but it’s the memories of tea and cakes that I will treasure.
Berwick-upon-Tweed has been named the happiest and also one of the most charming seaside towns in England and it’s just a 40 minute train ride from Edinburgh and Newcastle
Milo Boyd Digital Travel Reporter and Alycia McNamara
02:58, 21 Oct 2025
Berwick-upon-Tweed is home to beautiful coastal scenery(Image: Getty Images)
This charming town ranks amongst the finest seaside destinations to explore this summer – and it’s merely a brief 40-minute train journey from both Edinburgh and Newcastle. Berwick-upon-Tweed is nestled on the northeastern tip of England, directly beside the Scottish border.
It’s a picturesque and historical location that is adored by its guests. You’ll locate the town at the mouth of the River Tweed, providing stunning vistas across the North Sea.
Although there are rarely crowds in Berwick, even during the high season on the sunniest of days, the town of 12,000 has a lot of fans. Recently, it was named by Touropia as one of the most delightful coastal towns in England. It has just been crowned ‘the happiest place in the UK’ by the Guardian.
“Today, Berwick-upon-Tweed remains an often overlooked jewel. Yet people who know it, adore it – it is a great place to live with community spirit in bundles,” the publication writes.
“Berwick was LS Lowry’s favourite holiday destination and a place where he made more than 30 sketches, drawings and paintings including one of Bridge Street which, wonderfully, looks more or less as it did when he painted the scene in 1938.
“Today there is a Lowry Trail (about three hours), taking in cobbled streets, romantic riverbanks and the big, sandy, fun Spittal beach. When there was an attempt to recreate the painting last year, there was no shortage of volunteers – a reflection of the importance of community in Berwick.”
When visiting the town, one essential destination is Spittal beach. It ranks as one of the most beloved beaches in the region. A visitor on Tripadvisor reported: “A beautiful yet quiet beach. There is a car park nearby, as well as a cafe, a small amusement arcade, a splash park and toilets – it is definitely well worth a visit.”
Another big seasonal draw is the Riding of the Bounds, which takes place in May and is a celebration of the traditional horse ride that used to be carried out to ensure the safety of the town. Berwick’s markets on Wednesday and Saturday are also a big hit with locals and visitors alike.
“The romantic River Tweed runs through its centre, dominated by three iconic bridges that have seen years of conflict as control of the town was repeatedly changing. Climb on-board The Border Rose with Berwick Boat Trips, where you can sail beneath the magnificent Royal Border Bridge and into the mouth of the river for some seal and dolphin spotting. All the while, skipper David and crew will keep you entertained with anecdotes of the town’s turbulent history and its rich salmon fishing heritage.”
When in the local area, the nearby Farne Islands are intriguing. They are home to a large colony of grey seals and puffins.
Southwest Airlines has announced that it is changing its policy for passengers who cannot fit within the armrests of their seat in a move that has split opinion
Southwest Airlines has unveiled the new seating policy (Image: Getty Images)
A major US airline will soon require travellers who cannot fit within the armrests of their seat to purchase an additional one in advance.
The new rule—part of a series of recent changes Southwest Airlines is implementing—takes effect on January 27, the same day it begins assigning seats. It has proved particularly controversial. While some love the idea and see it as a fair one, others have argued it will make things worse for all passengers.
At present, plus-size passengers can either purchase an extra seat beforehand with the possibility of receiving that money back later, or they can request a complimentary additional seat at the airport. Under the carrier’s updated policy, a refund remains possible but is no longer guaranteed.
In a statement on Monday, Southwest said it is revising some of its policies as it prepares for assigned seating next year.
“To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking,” the statement said.
It represents the latest modification at Southwest, which had long been recognised for allowing its passengers to choose their own seats after boarding the aircraft, and for permitting their bags to fly for free, which ended in May. Those benefits were crucial to distinguishing the budget carrier from its competitors.
Southwest says it will still reimburse a second ticket under its new policy for extra seating if the flight isn’t fully booked at the time of departure, and if both of the passengers’ tickets were bought in the same booking class.
The passenger also needs to request the refund within 90 days of the flight. Under the new policy, passengers who require an extra seat but fail to purchase one in advance will be obliged to buy one at the airport.
If the flight is fully booked, they will be rebooked onto another flight.
Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who shares theme park reviews and travel advice for plus-size individuals on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, believes this change will affect travellers of all sizes. He said that Southwest’s current policy made flying more comfortable for plus-size passengers while ensuring everyone had enough room in their seats.
“I think it’s going to make the flying experience worse for everybody,” he commented on the new rule.
Vaughn described the change as another disappointment for loyal Southwest customers like himself, comparing it to the recent logo change by Cracker Barrel that upset some of the restaurant’s fans.
“They have no idea anymore who their customer is,” he said about the airline. “They have no identity left.”
On the Southwest Airlines subreddit, some criticised the policy, arguing that it would penalise those with different sized bodies. One person wrote: “I have broad shoulders. My issue with seats has nothing to do with me being fat or lazy. Seat size, aisle size, foot space, it’s all shrinking. Be careful, you cheer this too much you may find youself kicked off for not being small enough.”
Others were more positive about the policy. “It’s fair. Being way overweight and encroaching on others, especially on long flights, is just awful for everyone,” one person contributed to the discussion. Another added: “Now let’s do the same for men who spread their legs and feet into others’ footwells and space too.”
The airline has been struggling recently and is facing pressure from activist investors to increase profits and revenue. Last year, it announced plans to charge customers extra for additional legroom and offer overnight flights.
HUGE sports fan? Setting sail on the seas doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the big game or your fitness regime.
Modern cruise ships come kitted out with all the latest wellness gear whether its high-tech courts, sports bars showing the latest footie games or themed itineraries for mega fans.
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Cruise fans can stay match-fit at sea with ships offering sports bars, fitness zones and even fan-themed voyages including the likes of F1 and NFLCredit: Royal Caribbean
From footie sailings with NFL tickets to island-hopping cycling tours, Sophie Swietochowski picks five of the best sports voyages.
TAKE ON CROATIA ON TWO WHEELS
Pedal through paradise on a week-long Sail Croatia cruise exploring sun-soaked islands and stunning coastal trailsCredit: Supplied
You’ll spend three nights in Miami then day four at sea where you can enjoy minigolf or volleyball on board, before reaching Ocho Rios in Jamaica. You’ll head to Grand Cayman then back to Miami.
GO: The nine-night NFL cruise is from £2,079pp, including Heathrow flights and Miami hotel stay. Leaves November 7. See iglucruise.com.
WATCH GRAND PRIX IN ABU DHABI
Petrolheads can hit top gear with a luxury Gulf cruise that includes an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets, music performances and F1 legends on boardCredit: Getty
FORMULA One legends will be putting their pedals to the metal in Abu Dhabi this December for the much-anticipated grand prix.
And if one cruise line understands what racing fans want, it’s Celestyal. You’ll have to splash the cash, but it’ll be worth it for this cruise.
The Arabian Gulf package includes a short stay in a four-star hotel on the Corniche – the five-mile promenade – in Abu Dhabi and three-day grandstand ticket to the Grand Prix.
This is followed by a five-night Desert Days cruise, with an overnight stop in Dubai.
If you’ve never made it to the Grand Prix before then prepare to be dazzled as fans will not only be watching their racing favourites whizz round the tracks, they’ll also enjoy performances from Benson Boone, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry.
And the F1 fun continues on board, with passengers joined by guest speakers, former race ace David Coulthard and sports host Laura Winter, as they sail between Dubai, Yas Island and Abu Dhabi.
GO: The seven-night Desert Days & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix cruise costs from £2,390pp including flights from the UK, all transfers, two-night hotel stay, three-day grandstand ticket and cruise.
The price also includes an exclusive beach party on Sir Bani Yas island. See celestyaltravel.com.
PUMP SOME IRON AROUND THE MED
Stay ship-shape at sea with Princess Cruises’ gyms, courts and fitness classes – then unwind in the spa after exploring the Med’s top destinationsCredit: David Parker
KEEN to keep on top of your fitness? Princess Cruises has 18 ships offering top-notch gyms, blood-pumping classes and state-of-the-art courts.
Whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast or prefer something more low-key, the sports court of Sun Princess has something for all.
More of a runner? The gym isn’t short of treadmills, and there’s also an outdoor running track. There are fitness classes too, from pilates to spin. Revive aching muscles at the spa.
Explore Naples in Italy, Chania in Greece, Kusadasi in Turkey and Mykonos and Athens in Greece on this seven-night Med voyage.
GO: A seven-day Mediterranean with Italy & Turkey sailing is from £796pp departing Rome on May 23. Flights extra. See princess.com.
SINK HOOPS IN THE CARIBBEAN
Score big on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, with sports bars, courts, rock climbing and surf simulators on a sun-soaked Caribbean voyageCredit: Getty
MORE of an all-rounder? You’ll love the adults-only Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade on board Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Star of the Seas.
The lively venue is crammed with screens showing the biggest sports games and events.
For something more physically challenging, the sports court has a basketball area, pickleball and football. Or at Adrenaline Peak, guests can take on the rock-climbing wall or try riding waves on the surf simulator.
With spooky season upon us, John Ellis settled down for a night with the ghosts and ghouls at Chillingham Castle
21:29, 20 Oct 2025Updated 21:30, 20 Oct 2025
John spends a sleepless night at Chillingham Castle
As I switched off the light and climbed into bed, I trembled with fear. I was spending the night with the ghosts and ghouls at Britain’s most haunted castle – Chillingham, in Northumberland. I’ve loved all things spine-chilling for as long as I can remember. Horror films, ghost tours – I can’t get enough. That said, I have to say, lying in the dark in a place where people experience the paranormal on a daily basis, I did begin to wonder what I’d got myself into. Would there be a bump in the night? Only time would tell. But with Halloween just around the corner and spooky season in full swing, there was never a better time to find out.
Chillingham Castle dates back to the 13th century, although there’s been evidence of occupation on the site for 4000 years. It used to be a stronghold which protected England from Scotland and has therefore seen its fair share of violence. And it’s grim and grisly past lives on to this day with regular reported visits from beyond the grave.
“Chillingham has had many turbulent times and a fair amount of Scottish prisoners met their end here,” Richard Craig, Chillingam’s ghost hunt guide, tells me. “Then, when the castle moved into domestic matters and became more of a gentleman’s manor, there were a lot of staff coming in and out, along with all the aggravations of the time. They have embedded themselves in the walls of the place too. Along with nearby burial sites, there seem to be lines of energy at Chillingham which make it a meeting place for the moved on.”
Richard sees spooks all the time. “We’ve had some pretty curious occurrences. I could sit and talk to you all week. Yes, I’ve seen ghosts. It goes on day and night. On Wednesday I observed three different apparitions. One of them, it was raining at 4.30pm in the afternoon, on the south lawn. It lasted about five seconds and then it was gone. They like stairways too, areas of passage.”
Not all supernatural encounters are visual, he says. “Some you see, some you don’t. You might simply sense their presence. You might get a funny feeling, or one of sadness. There could be a strange smell. Lady Mary for example smells of roses, while the ghost of Crawling Key smells of rotten cabbage.”
Some are friendly, some are not. “Some have a sense of humour,” says Richard. “Simon the stone mason, he’s a shoulder tapper. He likes to mess about with men with tufty hair at the back. Crawling Key however goes for ladies’ ankles.”
Some of Chillingham’s ghosts lived there, some worked there. “One came through on a ghost listening app and told me his name – Booey – and I then found his name in one of the old books on site. He held quite a high position on the estate.”
On my arrival through the grand castle gates I had an uneasy feeling immediately. You could almost feel the history weighing on you in the courtyard. Chatting to Richard, it seemed I was not alone – in every sense of the saying. “The courtyard is haunted by the executioner… and a man named John,” he tells me. “If you go out after dark, chances are you’ll meet him – and the rest of our resident ghosts.”
Beside me, I could feel the regret radiating from my friend Glen for agreeing to come with me on my trip to Chillingham. “Why did I agree to this?” he muttered on a frequent basis throughout. But – sorry Glen! – it was too late to back out now. Richard advised us to download a couple of apps to enhance our paranormal experience. I know, right? Very high tech for a ghoul. But Ghost Talker Lite and Spirit Box, Richard said, would help us to communicate with any of the deceased who wished to make our acquaintance.
And later, ghost John did indeed come through. “John. Danger. Weapon…” the words popped up on the app. My twin, Stu, who had also come along for the ride, bristled at the encounter. Did he mean I – John – was in danger? Or he – also John – was in danger? I couldn’t be sure, but for one of us was impending peril. It sent a shiver down my spine knowing a ghost was so nearby.
Feeling spooked, we decided to walk around the castle grounds for some mental respite. However, we found none, instead chancing upon the castle’s Hanging Trees, a tangled mess of tumbled-over yews, the branches on which intruders and prisoners were once – as the name suggests – hung, until their flesh fell off their bones. How lovely. A clear night, the moon was out. A gentle breeze through the trees made an eerie creaking sound. Chilled to my core, I couldn’t get away fast enough.
So… do most people make it through their night at Chillingham Castle? I have to say it wasn’t looking good for the three of us. “The amount of runners I’ve had is unbelievable, lots of people chicken out,” laughs Richard. “One group of seven, we’d only been going 90 minutes and they couldn’t take any more. One of them kept getting poked in the ribs by a ghost and another was being pushed around. Even the tea room is haunted.”
I tell Richard where we’re staying in the castle – The Tower Apartment. “Ah yes, that is haunted,” he says. Glen nearly passes out. Stu turns pale. Richard continues: “In 2022, I stayed over, went to the bathroom, I was just about to turn the tap on, and a girl’s voice said ‘hello’. I had a good look around – no one.” So far, so terrifying.
And indeed, it was a fitful night’s sleep to say the least. Glen slept with the light on. Stu was unbothered and snored his way til morning. And me? Every sound I heard, every bang or bump, I wondered if it was a paranormal pest… or simply the castle’s ancient plumbing playing up. Dawn seemed to take an age to come, and when it did arrive I was grateful. We rose wearily, looked about the room, and began to pack our things. I had survived my night in Britain’s most haunted castle – just.
*Apartments at Chillingham Castle start from £139 for two people for one night
The Disneyland Resort will in 2026 be getting a little more patriotic.
Soarin’ Around the World at Disney California Adventure will in 2026 be converted to Soarin’ Across America, a move timed to the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The makeover is planned for next summer at both California Adventure in Anaheim and in Florida at Walt Disney World’s Epcot.
Disney unveiled the news via a social media post with actor Patrick Warburton, who plays the chief flight attendant of Soarin’. In the clip, Warburton, as the fan favorite character of Patrick, promises “amber waves of grain” and “purple mountain majesties” while showcasing red, white and blue mouse ears fit for the Fourth of July. A post on the Disney Parks Blog hints that the new film will also capture various American cityscapes.
The Soarin’ makeover will coincide with a number of Disney initiatives designed to honor America’s 250th birthday. “Disney Celebrating America” will launch on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and continue through July 4, 2026. Various Disney networks, from ABC to ESPN, will engage in America-themed programming. Disneyland and Walt Disney World will host a special, one-off fireworks show on the Fourth of July.
An attraction poster for Soarin’ Across America released via the Walt Disney Co.’s corporate media site.
(The Walt Disney Co.)
The celebration arrives at a divisive time in American history. A poster for the attraction showcases the Statue of Liberty juxtaposed with the American flag and bald eagle. It’s art that conveys a sense of nationalistic pride, and it’s perhaps representative of shifting an outward-facing, global ride with one that may suddenly be more inward-looking.
It coincides with a time when U.S. politics are pushing a so-called America First agenda (see President Trump’s tariffs) while the Walt Disney Co. itself has faced criticism for its handling of recent controversy surrounding late night comedian Jimmy Kimmel and pro-administration ICE-recruitment ads running on its various streaming services. Disney’s own social media posts announcing the move are filled with rampant debate as to whether this is an instance of propaganda as it runs the risk of feeling jingoistic.
That being said, it is not unprecedented for the Disney theme parks to lean into American exceptionalism, although in recent years the parks have been shifting away from some of its America-centric viewpoints to showcase a more global and diverse vision. In 2022 when the park resurrected the Electrical Parade it struck its giant American eagle and flag float from the procession, replacing it instead with a showcase of scenes from more recent Disney and Pixar animated films, including “Encanto,” “Coco” and “Frozen.”
Yet Disneyland, of course, is a place of tradition, and even today the park houses a robotic Abe Lincoln (temporarily displaced for a show honoring Walt Disney), stages flag retreats and tells the story of the first Christmas each December.
Soarin’ debuted with California Adventure in 2001 as Soarin’ Over California. The latter typically returns each spring as part of the park’s popular Food & Wine Festival.
A Disney representative described Soarin’ Across America as a “limited time” offering.
AWAY from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Room2 Chiswick is greener hotel spaces, with chic and trendy comfort.
Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.
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Here is everything you need to know about staying at Room2 in Chiswick
Where is the hotel?
Found right next to the greenery of Chiswick Common, in West London, this hotel is difficult to miss with its sustainable and contemporary exterior, inspired by the arts and crafts movement.
The hotel is just a 5 minute walk from Turnham Green station.
What is the hotel like?
A cosy modern hotel just off the high street of London’s well heeled Chiswick.
There’s a big emphasis on sustainability and Room2 claims it is the world’s first carbon-neutral hotel- or ‘hometel’, as it calls itself.
The apartment style rooms are suited to short stays as well as longer ones.
What are the rooms like?
Our pastel-toned studio room was fairly compact, but the clever layout meant that there was still enough room for a sofa.
I particularly liked the decorative ornaments, most of which were from local artists and designers.
Every room has a kitchenette and mini dining table for whipping up your own meals.
Thoughtful touches include a glass bottle for fresh milk that you can fill at the bar.
Snug rooms are available starting from £97 per night.
The rooms are cosy but well designedLocal artists and designers have their work throughout
What is there to eat or drink there?
Winnie’s, the in-house bar and cafe, relies on local and seasonal ingredients.
The menu is largely geared towards brunch – we tucked into a hearty full English breakfast with sourdough bread and juicy Cumberland sausages.
Make sure to sample the ‘zero-waste’ cocktails with the hotel’s homemade coffee liqueur or honey, all served and made at the rooftop bar.
What else is there to do at the hotel?
With Chiswick as a base, the banks of the river Thames are within walking distance, and make for a great morning stroll during the spring months.
The local area is bursting with independent shops and restaurants, all at your doorstep, it would be a shame not to explore.
Additionally, Chiswick Flower Market is a popular attraction, with its local authenticity and stunning flowers.
On the Room2 website, there is a feature in which you can input your interests and details about your trip before it generates suggestions of local gems and attractions tailored to your specific wants and needs.
The bar has zero-waste cocktails too
Is the hotel family friendly?
Yes, the hotel welcomes all including families, with the suggestion of a Lounge, Suite or Studio room as to allow for a comfortable amount of space.
The procession attracts thousands of visitors with transport, accommodation and even drinks difficult to come by on the big night.
The event begins with a torch-led procession, before bonfires are held across the town.
Firework displays are also conducted towards the end of the evening.
Ahead of the event on November 5, a multi-agency group has issued a series of advice for the public.
Transport restrictions
Transport restrictions are also being put in place to prevent visitors from attending the event.
In a statement, the group, which includes Sussex Police and the British Transport Police, said: “We ask that you do not attend Lewes Bonfire unless you are local because the crowds and narrow streets can present unique safety challenges.
The event also marks the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefsCredit: REUTERS
“The decision to bring in travel restrictions has been made in the best interests of safety, by limiting the number of people attending.
“It is hoped that those who are inconvenienced will understand that and have time to make alternative arrangements where possible.
“It is recognised this will impact motorists and train passengers who are not planning to attend the event.”
Locals have been reacting to the news on Facebook.
One said: “Lewes is in lockdown for the bonfire, so you can’t get there.”
Another posted: “The more you tell someone not to do it the more they do.”
For the last several hundred years, Lewes Bonfire has taken place in the small Sussex town.
The event marks both Guy Fawkes Night and the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs.
There are thought to be more than 3,000 bonfire society members who take part in the procession each year, while up to 80,000 people have been known to watch the town’s parade.
The population of Lewes town is just more than 17,000.
A series of road closures will also be in place from 4.45pm on November 5, with residents advised to get any vehicles to their homes before 4pm to avoid disruption.
From 5pm that day, no trains will stop at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease.
A HOLIDAY isn’t complete without a trolley-dash at the local supermarket, and honestly, forget about the beach – I was in Florida for the crisps and sweets.
For me, only one spot can claim the ultimate snack crown – America.
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America has many amazing snacks and here are my honest thoughts of themCredit: The Sun – Cyann FieldingIf you like peanut butter, you’ll love ButterfingerCredit: Refer to source
Having recently travelled to Miami, I couldn’t help but dive into a local supermarket as part of my holiday itinerary to find some tempting snacks.
And it isn’t just me that loves to do this – Expedia predicted that ‘supermarket tourism’ would be big for this year, with more and more travellers looking to bring home a special treat instead of a tacky keyring.
But sharing is caring, so here are my honest thoughts on some American cult snacks including whether it is worth taking them up space in your luggage or if you can find similar in the UK.
Butterfinger
Love it or hate it, peanut butter has definitely made its way into a lot of sweet treats – of which, more and more can be found in the UK – Reese’s is just one example.
As a ‘love it’ fan, I of course was overjoyed when I discovered Butterfinger.
These treats are essentially caramelised peanut butter that has been crushed into a dense bar, and wrapped in milk chocolate.
I picked them up in mini form, in small treat boxes often found in the states.
For peanut butter fans, these crispy-crunchy bars are a treat – be warned though, after a couple they will hit you like a sugar-coated brick and have you begging for some water.
A 100g box before tax costs $2.29 (£1.71).
For a UK dupe, maybe grab a Snickers bar for a similar taste or a peanut butter KitKat Chunky.
But if you want more of a decadent peanut butter and chewy treat, we don’t really have something that matches.
I still remember when Oreos made it to the UK and I was instantly hooked.
And ever since travelling to the US, I will bring back heaps of packets in crazy flavours such as carrot cake, peanut butter and jelly and blueberry pie.
This time I opted for perhaps the slightly tamer, birthday cake flavour.
Whilst super yummy, these taste very similar to regular Oreos – just perhaps with more of an icing flavour than cream.
The family pack cost $6.79 (£5.06), which gives you the same amount of Oreos that you’d get in three standard packets in the UK.
And there is good news if you do want to try them as you can often find them in some UK shops, like most recently Poundland.
Verdict? They’re great – but stick to the classics and save your dimes.
Oreos have lots of weird and wacky flavours including birthday cakeCredit: Alamy
Pringles Mingles – sharp white cheddar and ranch
As an avid fan of Pringles, I was simultaneously excited but also shocked to find that my favourite crisps also had puffed snacks.
And in classic American style, I of course opted for the cheddar and ranch flavour.
Now ranch may be a acquired taste, but these creamy and herby puffed crisps are definitely moreish.
They are shaped liked the Pringles man’s bowtie as well, which is a fun feature.
A bag costs $4.99 (£3.72) – but don’t worry, you get a lot in there for your money.
Sadly, I haven’t seen anything like this in the UK – or even ranch-flavoured crisps, so you’ll need to grab them on your next visit to the states.
Verdict? Do not miss these when in America, particularly if you like ranch.
These are puffed Pringles, which I have never seen in the UKCredit: Refer to source
Skittles Gummies – wild berry
We all know Skittles and we all love them for not being like any other sweet you can get.
But I had never seen Skittles Gummies – essentially a soft version of Skittles.
I grabbed a bag in the wild berry flavour, and I won’t lie I was sceptical – the vibrant colours looked like I would just be eating food colouring.
As for the taste? Well, they were as expected – super sugary and artificial.
They weren’t cheap either at $3.99 (£2.97) a bag and that is before tax.
And they aren’t anything special, they taste like a lot of sweets you can get in the UK that are wild berry flavoured.
Verdict? I think if you picked up some 79p jelly cherries at ALDI and some red and black Wine Gums and you will get the same taste – potentially even better.
Save your money and suitcase space and opt for some hard ones instead once back in the UK,
Skittles Gummies are essentially a soft version of SkittlesCredit: Refer to source
Welch’s Fruit Snacks
Now before you scroll past at the thought of a fruit snack, don’t worry as these are more like sweets.
These small fruit gummies are packed full of flavour and – apparently – made with real fruit juice.
They look a lot like midget gems and I would say this is the closest the UK will get to Welch’s fruit snacks, though midget gems are much harder.
There are a number of flavours in each bag, such as grape, strawberry and orange.
A bag costs $2.99 (£2.23) but you can also get them in small bags or boxes.
Verdict? They taste a lot less artificial than the Skittles Gummies and definitely pack a powerful fruity punch – grab some when in the US.
There isn’t anything exactly like Welch’s fruit snacks in the UK – which are more like sweets that fruitCredit: Alamy
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal
Now I know a cereal isn’t exactly a snack, but when I wandered down the cereal aisle in an American supermarket, I couldn’t help but grab one of the brightly coloured boxes.
The shelves of fun and flavourful cereals also made me realise that cereals in the UK are boring.
Where are the marshmallows? And the exciting sugar rush?
Cinnamon Toast Crunch is the ultimate autumnal cereal – they are little cinnamon squares that are like a much sweeter – and more fun – version of Shreddies.
If you love cinnamon cereal, there is a great dupe to the US onesCredit: Alamy
It costs $5.49 (£4.09) a box and makes breakfast a real treat, but I also will tip a handful into a zip lock bag to have as a snack.
The even better news is that the UK has a great dupe – Curiously Cinnamon.
Available at most supermarkets for between £3 and £5 a box, it is essentially the same product just with a different name.
Although I do think the UK version is less sweet – which is no surprise.
Verdict? Definitely grab a box in the US, but in the meantime the UK version will do.
Whether it’s browsing for antiques in a French brocante, stumbling on a rare vinyl LP in a Berlin record store, or shopping for vintage and pre-loved fashion in Madrid, the chance to pick up a unique souvenir or a designer bargain while abroad is an essential part of the itinerary for many travellers. We’d love to hear about your favourite second-hand shopping destinations in Europe, whether it’s a market, a particular shop or a neighbourhood or town.
The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planetwins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.
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HUNDREDS of trampolines and indoor fairgrounds are the perfect ways to burn off steam when the weather is moody.
We’ve rounded five of the best indoor playgrounds across the UK, loved by families.
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Stockeld Park is where you’ll find the huge indoor play area called PlayhiveThere’s even a spaceship, and plenty more to see outside if the weather holds outCredit: Unknown
With so much to do, it’s no surprise that one parent wrote on Tripadvisor that the Playhive is the best place for “rainy day fun”.
Open during the weekends between 9.30amand 5.30pm, tickets are £13.50pp for an hour and a half in the indoor play park.
All day entry for the Playhive (an hour and a half slot), and the Adventure Park start from £23.50pp.
From October 25 to November 2, there’s a Halloween event where the park is open all day, with tickets from £13pp.
During the Halloween event, kids can take a tractor ride and pick their own pumpkin, and explore the adventure playgrounds in the Enchanted Forest.
Take a look around the Monster Maze, enjoy Zombie Laser sessions, adventure through the Playhive, ride the Flying Stocksman.
Play Factore has the UK’s largest indoor slide and is 131feet highThere’s an indoor zip line, football pitch and racing simulator at Play Factore tooCredit: Play Factore
Play Factore, Manchester
Play Factore is the ‘UK’s largest indoor family entertainment arena for parties and play’, and better yet, it’s open every day of the week between 10am and 6pm.
Inside is the tallest standing indoor slide in the UK, an indoor laser tag arena, interactive ValoJump trampolines and a zip wire.
Other facilities include a built-in football pitch, racing simulator, or for the smaller children, there’s a specially designed play area for toddlers.
The big red slide inside Play Factore is the tallest indoor slide in the country and is 131feet high.
Inside the arcade are retro games as well as air hockey, whack-a-mole and even racing bikes.
General admission tickets into Play Factore for kids aged between 5-16 range between £16.95-£20.95.
Children aged between six and 11 years old can enter from £3.95, and tickets for adults are £5.25.
You have to book into a session which is between 10am-12pm, 12.30pm-3pm and 3.30pm-6pm – which you can do online.
Riverside Hub in Northampton has the largest playframe in the countryRiverside Hub has two huge climbing walls that look like a beanstalk and an oak treeCredit: facebook
Riverside Hub, Northamptonshire
Riverside Hub just outside of Northampton is often described as being ‘every parent’s dream’ because it literally has everything for a family day out.
Think soft play, sensory rooms, go-karting, laser tag, room for role-play and the largest playframe in the UK.
The playframe is one of the most popular attractions and is set across various heights with nets for climbing and big slides for coming back down.
Inside is also a beanstalk climbing wall, or smaller oak tree suitable for smaller children, or beginners.
There are also areas just for toddlers which have a ball pool, activity wall and dolphin carousel.
Entry is £7.95 for adults, £16.95 for children between four and 17, and £13.96 for little ones aged between one and three. Babies under 12 months old can enter for £6.
You can save money by visiting during off-peak times, which is before 2PM on Monday to Friday, or get 40 per cent off if you visit after 2PM Monday to Thursday.
The Riverside Hub is open from Monday to Friday between 10am and 6.30pm.
On Saturdays, it’s open between 9.15AM and 7.30PM, and on Sunday it opens at the same time, but closes one hour earlier.
Woodlands has indoor and outdoor theme park ridesCredit: Twinlakes ParkIndoors Woodlands theme park you’ll find daring slides, a mini drop tower and soft playCredit: Alamy
When it rains, it boasts a huge indoor area five floors of adventure play with slides, rope bridges, swings and even rides.
Inside is a Ferris Wheel ride, a drop tower and another where children will be on small submarines.
For thrills, there’s a six-lane racing slide called Barracuda, or there’s another that drops 40 feet.
The Ice Palace is an area for smaller children with soft play, ball pools and slides.
On the middle floor is Rays Diner which serves snacks, and hot and cold drinks.
Plus, when the rain stops, families can head back out to ride the tornado toboggan run, drive the buggies and zoom down the rapid waterslide.
Tickets for Woodlands theme park start from £16.50 per person, with offers for families and money off depending on peak or off-peak timings.
Flip Out has just opened its biggest ever site in Leeds with 150 trampolinesCredit: UnknownIt’s not all trampolines, there are plenty of games like indoor football at Flip OutCredit: Flip Out
The entire site is 100,000 square feet and filled with 150 trampolines and 14 other attractions, like an enormous inflatable obstacle course with a climbing wall and slide.
Kids can also explore a multi-storey Ninja Playground, a drift bike arena, roller disco, soft play, arcade area, or even play a game of dodgeball.
There’s a zipline which travels from one side of the trampoline arena to the other.
Inside is a dedicated ‘Slide World’, which as the name suggests, means it’s filled with slides.
For kids seeking thrills, there’s the space-themed Laser Quest, and for smaller children, there’s a toddler soft play area.
After building up an appetite, visitors can take a seat and get a bite to eat from burgers, nachos, hot dogs, pizza, toasties, cold drinks and hot drinks – even cocktails, beer and wine for the adults.
A standard ticket for Flip Out with access to Slide World and all the attractions starts from £16.95 – there are discounts and family passes available too.
One writer visited Riverside Hub in Northamptonshire with her three sons…
Catherine Lofthouse visited the Riverside Hub in Northamptonshire with her family – and gave Sun Travel her verdict…
“As seasoned soft play samplers, my boys thought they had seen it all – until I took them to family favourite Riverside Hub in Northampton to check out the UK’s largest playframe, set over four floors.
“You know you’re onto a winner when your tween’s eyes light up in wonder and you hardly see your children from the moment you arrive until home time.
“With three boys aged between five and 12, it can sometimes be difficult to find somewhere that has enough to keep all ages happy as the older two are getting a bit big for soft play, but that certainly wasn’t a problem here.
“Laser tag, crazy golf, two climbing poles, go-karts and even arcade machines all included in the price. The main issue is keeping an eye on all your children as they head off in opposite directions to make the most of everything on offer.
“While the youngest was taking a spin on the carousel, my middle son was clambering up the two 10m climbing poles, one in the shape of an oak tree and the other a beanstalk, in the centre of the hub.
“There’s a mezzanine floor with extra seating that’s perfect for cheering your little climbers on as they get to the top. And you’ll also find a fantasy village playground up there for youngsters to enjoy.
“Downstairs, my sons really loved being able to take on the free arcade machines that would be pay per play elsewhere. And the go-karts were a big hit too, with short queue times despite how busy the venue was.
“Riverside Hub was certainly a revelation and lived up to its reputation. We will be back!”
AUTUMN has most certainly arrived – and with it, the dilemma of where to entertain the kids that’s weatherproof.
Luckily, London is home to a lot of attractions that are both indoors and free.
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There are a number of free attractions in London ideal for rainy days such as the National GalleryCredit: Alamy
So you can be kept dry and warm, without spending a penny – and the kids will be happy.
If in central London, unlimited travel within Zone 1 and Zone 2 across a day will set you back £8.90 per adult.
Zones 1 to 3 will cost £10.50 per adult and Zones 1 to 4 will cost £12.80 per adult.
Children between five and 10-years-old travel for free on the Tube, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line if travelling with an adult who is using pay as you go or has a valid ticket.
Unlimited daytime travel between Zones 1 and 2 costs £4.45 per child between 11 and 18-years-old.
This rises to £5.25 if including Zone 3 and £6.40 if including Zone 4.
Here is a long list of tings to o in the city, when the weather isn’t playing ball.
Zone 1
Zone 1 ultimately has a lot of free attractions, many of which are close to each other.
South of the river you could head to the Tate Modern, about a 10-minute walk from Southwark (Jubilee Line) Tube Station.
The gallery is home to modern and contemporary art and often runs children’s workshops and activities as well.
At Battersea Power Station, families can explore a Peppa Pig store, Lego store and a Transformers storeCredit: Alamy
Also south of the river is Battersea Power Station – which only reopened a few years ago.
The former power station has been converted into a grand shopping complex, but inside there is also a Lego store, Transformers store and Peppa Pig store.
Each is full of exciting products to explore and they often host events and activities.
More widely, the Power Station also has information boards to learn about the location’s history.
If you kids are massive Lego fans though, head to the Lego Store in Leicester Square instead. where families can enjoy a Pick & Build Wall, demo table, chance to make a mini figure and more.
Perhaps your kids are Harry Potter fans (or you are and want to drag them along) – well then head to House of MinaLima in Soho, near Oxford Circus tube station.
This hidden gem is a gallery and store that displays and sells the graphic art created by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima for the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
Think – newspapers with the headlines that Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban and the boxes from Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans.
And downstairs there is even a mini museum with props from the films.
Chat to the staff as well, for great stories and facts about the designs and props.
For those more into dinosaurs, the Natural History Museum near South Kensington is a must.
The Natural History museum is home to a lot of dinosaurs as well as other stuffed animalsCredit: Alamy
The museum has over 80 million life and earth specimens to investigate across five main collections – Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Zoology.
Exhibits include a blue whale skeleton, a number of small and large dinosaurs and interactive displays, like an earthquake simulator.
Alternatively, for those more into space and the wonders of the scientific world, head to the Science Museum, also in South Kensington.
Here visitors can see a number of different items from history, such as early computers and space exploration artifacts.
Many of the areas across the museum also include ‘hands-on’ activities and displays, ideal for kids.
Just last month, the museum also opened a new Space Gallery with cutting-edge prototypes and key items used in space exploration.
A third stop in South Kensington is the V&A, which is dedicated to art, design and performance.
There are over 2.8million objects to explore inside the museum, including Henry VIII’s writing desk and a number of Vivienne Westwood‘s designs.
The British Museum building has more than eight million artifactsCredit: Alamy
There are a bunch of other museums in Zone 1 as well, like The British Museum, which is dedicated to human history, art, and culture.
In fact, the eight million items span from over two million years of history.
For an insight into Britain’s military, head to The National Army Museum for history of the army from the English Civil War to the present day or the Imperial War Museum for history of modern war and conflict including both World Wars.
There are a number of galleries in Zone 1 as well, such as the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square, which is home to the world’s most extensive collection of portraits of historically important and famous Brits.
Next door is then the National Gallery, where you will find the UK’s collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to early 20th centuries.
You’ll be able to spot artwork by Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci.
At the Tate Modern families can explore lots of modern art and often there are workshops for childrenCredit: Alamy
Or over in Pimlico, you could explore the Tate Britain – a major art gallery which holds the UK’s national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day.
Expect artworks by J.M.W Turner, William Hogarth, David Hockney and Barbara Hepworth.
To see an extravagant house in the heart of London, venture to The Wallace Collection.
Inside visitors will find lots of art and antiques that were collected by the Hertford family and Sir Richard Wallace, left to the UK in 1897.
It is perfect for older children who like history and exploring fascinating artefacts.
Book worms should check out the British Library, which is home to over 13million printed and electronic books.
The library hosts a lot of free activities, workshops and exhibitions – especially for children.
For example, you could head to Story Explorers: A journey through imaginary worlds, which explores the stories behind weird and wonderful objects.
At The Outernet, visitors can watch digital art displays on large LED ScreensCredit: Alamy
If your kids like gaming or high-tech, make sure to visit The Outernet, next to Tottenham Court Road Station.
The Outernet is an immersive entertainment venue, which broadcasts different digital art displays on giant LED screen.
Current shows include ‘Enchanted Forest’ which allows visitors to step into a “musical adventure where you help bring a silent forest back to life”.
Last but not least is an amazing spot to see both the city’s skyline and enjoy a sprawling garden, without being rained on.
Sky Garden, near Monument, is a public garden inside the glass dome that sits at the top of the famous Walkie-Talkie building.
The garden offers breathtaking views of the city, as well as lots of greenery.
Tickets do need to be booked in advance though.
V&A East Storehouse only opened earlier this yearCredit: Getty
Zone 2
If you venture out to Zone 2, one top spot is The Young V&A in Bethnal Green, which only opened in 2023.
The museum is the perfect place to take kids to spark their creativity, with hands-on activities based on colours, textures and shapes.
For example, there is a construction zone for den making and a giant marble run.
In West India Quay, you can head to Museum of London Docklands where the history of London’s port and river are explored.
The museum takes visitors on a chronological journey of the docks’ history, with interactive displays along the way.
Having only opened this year, the V&A East Storehouse is a new one to add to your ‘to visit’ list.
The Sun’s deputy travel editor Kara Godfrey said: “It almost reminded me of anIKEAwarehouse with the simple plywood and metal structures and open concept.“
The Horniman Museum has lots of different collections to explore, as well as an aquariumCredit: Alamy
Zone 3
Located in Forest Hill, families should visit the Horniman Museum and Gardens.
The museum has lots of different collections including ones based on natural history, anthropology, and musical instruments.
There is even an aquarium as well.
For some multi-fun, drop into God’s Own Junkyard to see Europe‘s largest collection of vintage and new neon signs.
Located in Walthamstow and open Friday to Sunday, the warehouse even has a number of signs from films including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Batman.
You’re bound to have seen some of William Morris’s designs plastered across hotel walls as wallpaper or even as a notepad cover, and at the William Morris Gallery – also in Walthamstow – you can see the world’s largest collection of Morris’s work up close.
At God’s Own Junkyard, you can see hundreds of neon signs, including ones used in filmsCredit: Alamy
Zone 4
If you fancy travelling out to Zone 4, then make sure not to miss the Royal Air Force Museum London.
Located in Colindale, The Royal Air Force Museum London has a vast collection of aircraft and artifacts that all tell the story of aviation and the RAF.
In total there are six hangars to explore and key exhibits including a Spitfire and Hurricane.
You can even try out a flight simulator, that feels like you are flying a Typhoon jet.
Looking for rainy day activities outside of London? Then head on this English walk that’s perfect for rainy days, ending with a stunning waterfall and one of the country’s best cafes.
Andrea Owen, who has been TUI cabin crew since 2003, has shared her top tips for flying with children to boost your chances of as little going wrong as possible
Andrea Owen has shared her top tips
A flight attendant has shared her top tip for boosting the chance that a flight with kids goes well.
Andrea Owen, who has been TUI cabin crew since 2003, has lifted the lid on some of the best tips for travelling with children that she’s learned in her 22 years of flying.
From short-haul to long-haul flights, Andrea has flown at least 3,000 times and sees hundreds of families take to the skies every week to some of TUI’s popular destinations, such as Majorca, the Canaries, Mexico, and Jamaica.
Andrea says: “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.”
Andrea’s number one tip to having a successful flight is to choose the right boarding time. When, exactly, is a personal decision.
“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,” she said.
Below are Andrea’s other top tips:
Relieve ear pressure
“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 equalize 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 pack a variety of activities
“I recommend packing a small bag stuffed with variety – different toys, activities, and snacks. 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.”
Help them to feel prepared
“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. 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.”
Bring your home comforts
“Packing home comforts like a small pillow, blanket or cuddly toys can help children of all ages feel more relaxed. 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!”
Dress in layers
“The temperature on board can vary throughout the flight. That’s why I always recommend dressing your child in layers so you can add or remove clothing to keep them comfortable. 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.”
Snack trays
“Those little snack trays with multiple compartments come in really 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. 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 be afraid to ask cabin crew for help
“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.”
“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.”
