A NEW attraction is opening in the capital in less than two months and it will feel like you are stepping into a very famous video game.
Arcade Arena London will open in September with immersive gaming experiences including Mario Kart-style racing.
A new attraction is coming to the capital that will feel like being in Mario KartCredit: chaoskartsThe Chaos Karts experience allows visitors to race through immersive worldsCredit: chaoskarts
Known as Chaos Karts, visitors will be able to race through futuristic landscapes where they will have to steer around obstacles as well as collect weapons.
It’s more than just racing around a track in a go-kart – the walls and floors will feature an immersive world and teams compete to get the highest score.
In this game, you will join the Cosmic Cadets and head on a mission to save Earth while keeping an eye out for alien druids.
And there will also be Pac Man Live Experience, where visitors play as Pac Man themselves in a giant glowing maze.
As you venture around the maze, you’ll have to collect power pellets and try and escape the ghosts.
Between the different games, players will also be able to grab a bite to eat and a drink in the bar area.
There will also be Pac Man Live Experience at the siteCredit: supplied
Tickets for each experience cost from £30 per person, or you can do all three experiences from £65 per person.
If you don’t want to wait until September, you could head to their venue in Manchester where Pac Man Live Experience and Chaos Karts cost £27 each, per person – thanks to the Great British Summer Savings scheme.
Or you can get family tickets, where you must purchase at least one adult and one child – costing £21.50 and £18 respectively.
This ‘spectacular’ beach on a beautiful European island has often been labelled as the most unusual in the world, with its otherworldly scenes compared to those found on the moon
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This stunning beach in Europe is one of the most unusual in the world(Image: Getty Images)
One of the world’s most unusual beaches is often compared to the Moon.
There are some spectacular beaches all around the world, from the sugar-white sands along Florida’s Emerald Coast to the glistening turquoise waters in the Maldives encircling their signature overwater villas. Yet, there’s one shore that is frequently labelled the most unusual in the world, and it’s just hours from the UK.
Resembling the otherworldly scenes of the Moon rather than at a typical sandy or pebbly shore on the Med, Sarakiniko Beach is truly remarkable. Found on the beautiful Greek island of Milos, the beach is strikingly formed of bone-white volcanic rock that has been naturally carved by the Aegean Sea and northern winds.
The unique rock formations are smooth and curved, with many serving as diving boards for visitors to jump or dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters that engulf the volcanic terrain. Cliff diving and jumping are major activities at Sarakiniko Beach, with many also swimming through its natural caves and snorkelling in its azure waters.
Visitors can also lounge on its smooth, white surface, and have often cited its outer-space characteristics. One holidaymaker shared on TripAdvisor: “You have to visit to take a swim, jump from a higher or lower rock into the sea or just take a sun-bath. Great place that looks like the moon.”
A second commented: “Spectacular, a totally different place, I had never seen anything similar. Lovely. A shame that time did not accompany us because we would have loved to have had a snack and take a bath in this romantic place. It is like reaching a moonscape but with white stones.”
“This place looked like we were on another planet. So beautiful and unique a beach,” a third noted. While a fourth added: “Very nice beach with very clear waters. It stands out from all the beaches due to the white rocks… worth a visit.”
Despite its striking scenes, visitors have been warned about the sea anemones that lurk on the rocks in the water, which can cause painful skin reactions. However, it hasn’t deterred people from jumping in its pristine waters or marvelling at the moon-like scenes of this incredible shoreline in Greece.
Sarakiniko Beach is conveniently located about a 10-minute drive from the main port town of Adamas on Milos island, in the Cyclades group of the Aegean Sea. It’s also easily accessible from the island’s capital, Plaka, within a 10-minute drive, and just a 15-minute drive from the charming fishing village of Pollonia.
The best way to reach Milos is to catch a direct flight from London to Athens, which takes less than four hours, then a quick 45-minute flight from the Greek capital to Milos. Ferries are also available from Athens to Milos, with the quickest journey around two and a half hours, although this can significantly increase depending on the weather, so a flight might be the best option.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for France
12:40, 23 Jul 2026Updated 14:38, 23 Jul 2026
Some tourist accommodation has been evacuated, authorities have said(Image: John Harper via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers are being cautioned about travel to certain regions of France, with millions of Brits expected to visit the popular European destination this year. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides guidance for travel to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, covering everything from entry requirements and safety concerns to health measures and local rules.
In a new alert for France, released on Thursday, the FCDO said: “Wildfires are affecting parts of Gironde (in southwestern France), including areas around Le Porge and Lège-Cap-Ferret. French authorities have evacuated some campsites and tourist accommodation. Access to affected areas may be restricted. Roads may be closed at short notice.
“If you are already in the area or are planning to travel there, follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media, and contact your accommodation or travel provider for latest guidance. If you are affected by a wildfire or another emergency, call 18 (fire service) or 112 (emergency services).”
Further guidance highlights that the risk of wildfires is considerably elevated during the summer months from April to October. The danger is greatest in the south of the country, particularly along the Mediterranean coastline, in Corsica, and across parts of the south-west during spells of hot, dry weather.
Starting a wildfire is a criminal offence in France, even if it occurs accidentally, and could result in a hefty fine or even a custodial sentence.
This road has some truly stunning views – but if you’re behind the wheel, it’s safer not to look at them.
This terrifying road is one of the most dangerous in Europe(Image: Getty)
Road trips can be a fabulous way to see the world – but hidden in a back corner of Europe is a road trip unlike any other. This mountain pass is infamous as one of the most dangerous in the world, travelling over the ranges with 70 foot drops, no guard rails and waterfalls crashing over your path.
Known as Europe’s ‘death road ’ the Abano Pass in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia is widely known as the most dangerous road in Europe. It is the only vehicle route connecting the lowlands of the Kakheti region to the isolated mountain region of Tusheti.
It is approximately 70 kilometres long, but due to the extreme conditions it can take an experienced driver anything between four to six hours.
According to dangerousroads.org, between 10 and 12 people die in crashes every year on this isolated stretch of road.
It is a steep, winding road that is only open to 4×4 vehicles due to its rough and unpredictable surface, tight turns and precipitous climbs.
It is only open during the summer months from around May to October (depending on weather conditions).
Frequent rainfall and melting snow can trigger rockfalls or landslides which can wipe the road out entirely, and several waterfalls mean the road is often wet and slippery.
There are several waterfalls which crash across the road, and these can hide deep potholes beneath the water. If the water is heavier than usual, it also runs the risk of sweeping vehicles sideways off the road and down the sheer cliff face with little warning.
The road is also incredibly slim, making it terrifying if you meet another car coming the other way.
While some people may think there is room to pass by squeezing the two cars in close, this would be a mistake.
According to IsleofNomads, the road can quickly give way and send the car on the outside hurtling into the deep ravine below.
Instead, it is safer to very carefully reverse until you find a spot where you can tuck the car in off the road and allow the other vehicle to pass.
For those brave enough to traverse it, the Abano Pass does boast some truly jaw-dropping views – just make sure your driver is focused on the road, not the scenery.
There’s nothing worse than realising your passport is about to expire when you have a trip booked – but the good news is that you don’t have to instantly cancel your holiday
Getting a last-minute passport can be stressful(Image: Justin TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
If you’ve got a holiday booked and have just discovered your passport needs renewing, then you may be wondering what your options are for getting a last-minute passport.
The HM Passport Office advises that a renewal takes about three weeks from the date it receives your documents, with online applications tending to be much faster than paper forms. While it’s an unofficial site, PassportWait is also a good place to check current processing times, as this is based on crowdsourced data. Currently, it shows an average processing time of 25 days.
Here’s a breakdown of the fastest options and how you can apply for them. It’s worth remembering that the rules for adult and child passports are different, and not every option is available for under 16s.
1 day Premium
The one day Premium service is the quickest option for a renewal, but it means you need to book an appointment at your nearest passport office. This service can only be used for renewing an adult passport issued after 31 December 2001.
You simply take your old passport and any other requested documents to the meeting, and your new passport will be ready to collect four hours after your appointment.
But this is an expensive option. It costs £239.50 or £253.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport, whereas a standard renewal is priced at £102.
1 week Fast Track
The Passport Office also offer a 1 week Fast Track option which can be used to renew, replace or change an adult or child passport. It can also be used to apply for a first child passport if you need one last-minute.
Again, you’ll be given a list of documents to bring along, and for adult passports these get checked and returned at the appointment. If you’re applying for a child passport, the documents are left with the Passport Office and will be returned to you later.
Your new passport is then delivered to your home one week later by Royal Mail tracked delivery. This service is also more expensive than standard passport renewals due to the short turnaround time. For adults, the fee is £192 for a standard passport or £206 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport.
For a child’s passport, the fee is £156.50 or £170.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport. The usual cost for an under 16’s passport is £66.50.
Passport office locations
There are seven passport offices across the UK where you can make an appointment for the 1 day Premium or 1 week Fast Track service. At busy times, it can be difficult to get an appointment, so if you can be flexible about which location you visit this can help you get a slot faster.
London HM Passport Office – E16 1DR
Peterborough HM Passport Office – PE2 8YY
Newport HM Passport Office – NP20 2DW
Liverpool HM Passport Office – L3 9BP
Durham HM Passport Office – DH1 1SL
Glasgow HM Passport Office – G4 0BT
Belfast HM Passport Office – BT1 3GN
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With temperatures growing ever higher as the sun continues to bake Britain, skin experts and the car industry are combining to issue important health advice for motorists
Sunburn is a real risk – even when in the car(Image: IMAGO Images / Cover Images)
New research has found that 47% of motorists take no precautions against UV exposure despite an estimated 14million experiencing sunburn while travelling by car. Around one in three (31%) said they didn’t even realise it was possible to get sunburnt inside a vehicle, according to the survey by Autotrader and the British Skin Foundation.
While modern windscreens block the vast majority of UVB radiation, many side windows can still allow significant levels of UVA rays into the vehicle. Dr Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, said: “A common misconception is that being inside a vehicle provides complete protection from the sun.
“In reality, both short periods of intense UV exposure and repeated exposure over time contribute to an increased risk of skin cancer. While standard car windscreens block most UVB radiation, the amount of UVA that enters a vehicle varies depending on the type, thickness and tint of the glass.
“This means a significant amount of UVA can still penetrate vehicle windows, contributing to cumulative skin damage, premature skin ageing, pigmentation changes and an increased risk of skin cancer over time.”
While UVB rays are those primarily responsible for sunburn, UVA rays can cause deep skin damage and heighten the risk of skin cancer. Dr Laftah’s warning comes as demand for open-top motoring rises with the temperature. During the May heatwave, searches for convertibles on Autotrader increased by 8 per cent week-on-week, with models including the Porsche 911, Mazda MX-5 and Mercedes-Benz SL among the most-viewed vehicles on the platform.
She said that those driving convertibles need to be even more wary – and take care they know how long they are spending in the sun. “Many drivers also underestimate how long they’re exposed during everyday journeys, particularly on longer drives or when sitting in traffic,” she said.
“For drivers of convertibles and other open-top vehicles, the risk is even greater because the face, scalp, neck, arms and hands are exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.”
The stark warning follows separate British Skin Foundation research from 2025 which found that a third of Brits had already been sunburnt by early summer. The same proportion (31%) admitted they simply “couldn’t be bothered” to wear sunscreen in sunny weather.
Rory Reid, YouTube director at Autotrader, continued: “Nothing beats driving with the roof down on a sunny day, and every time the weather improves, we see demand for convertibles climb. What many people don’t realise is that spending time behind the wheel can expose them to harmful UV rays, even inside the car.
“Whether you’re driving to work, heading off on holiday or simply enjoying the sunshine, applying sunscreen should be as much a part of your journey as checking your tyre pressures, topping up your screen wash or making sure you’ve got water in the car.”
To browse the UK’s widest choice of new and used cars, including convertibles, visit here.
How to stay safe behind the wheel
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 or higher to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before setting off, paying particular attention to often-forgotten areas including the ears, neck, scalp, hands and forearms.
Reapply sunscreen during longer journeys, particularly if you’re spending extended periods behind the wheel.
Consider UV-filtering window films if you drive frequently or spend long periods in the car.
If driving a convertible or other open-top vehicle, keep the roof up during peak UV hours (12pm–2pm) where possible, wear protective clothing and ensure all exposed skin is covered with high-factor sunscreen.
Wear UV-protective sunglasses to protect both your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has wrapped, but some Angelenos who rented their homes to fans are still tallying up profits from a month of soccer frenzy in the city.
Driven by projections of massive tourism and a $750 first-time host incentive from Airbnb, many local property owners expected a sizable payout. While some savvy owners were able to cash in big during the tournament, others experienced only a moderate bump.
But something they all walked away with was some extra cash in their pockets and a blueprint for the LA28 Olympics.
We spoke with three L.A. Airbnb hosts to find out what they earned through their rentals during the World Cup, the luxurious renovations and amenities that helped their properties stand out and what advice they’d give others to prepare for the next global gold rush.
Wellness retreat-inspired house in Inglewood, 3 bedrooms
Lia Pilla turned one of her Airbnb properties into what she calls the Pink Palms Retreat. The Inglewood home features an infrared sauna, a large hot tub and more.
Price during the World Cup: During opening weekend, I got $2,730 for two nights. Of course, I have to pay a cleaning fee, but just in two nights, I’m a few hundred short of paying my mortgage, so that was really cool. For the following games, I maybe got like $400 to $500 a night. Then for the final weekend, I got like $3,400 for four nights, so it went back up.
What updates did you make, if any, to prepare? Last July, I did a full remodel of the house and turned it into what I call Pink Palms Spa Retreat. It’s all pink on the outside. It has an infrared sauna and a huge hot tub that can fit up to like 20 people. It has a large dining table with a firepit on top of the table, lush privacy trees and a custom gym.
Were you surprised with how things played out? I was expecting to make a couple hundred thousand off this World Cup, I’m not gonna lie, but I didn’t so I was like “OK. That kind of sucks.” I think L.A. got a little bit [cheated] with the teams we had. We had Team USA, which was cool, but we didn’t have any of the the big name teams like Argentina or France or Spain, so I think that’s one reason why the prices weren’t as high. I also think the political climate has made a big impact. Some people are scared to come to the U.S. or they aren’t allowed to come. But I’m happy with what I did get.
What’s one thing you’re thinking about doing with the money you made? I always invest back into the business. I want to touch up everything at all of my properties, so it continues to look like the pictures because your reviews are so important. I also have a Europe vacation planned.
Any advice for hosts preparing for the Olympics? Do your research on the market. Think “If I’m traveling to Los Angeles, what would I want?” because it’s also about the experience you create. Know what amenities people like. If you’re starting out or you’re already a host, I highly recommend having software in place for property management, cleaning and pricing.
‘Hillside hideaway’ in Woodland Hills, 2 bedrooms
Matthew Motamedi was surprised to see an influx of bookings on his Woodland Hills hideaway, which is roughly 30 miles away from SoFi Stadium.
Pre-World Cup rate: In late spring, we were charging $250-$280 per night on average.
Price during the World Cup: It was around $300, which is normal during July for us. We undercut the hotels and some of the other listings in our area by $100.
What updates did you make, if any, to prepare? We added a super crazy, comfy couch made of fake fur and people love it. That’s one of the important things about an Airbnb. There needs to be a really good hangout spot, so the couch needs to be super comfortable, and if the couch isn’t comfortable, no one wants to stay there.
Were you surprised with how things played out? Our property was so far away from SoFi Stadium (nearly 30 miles) so I thought it was going to be a non-event for us. It was supposed to be like that, but it definitely affected us because I started getting a lot of European and Spanish-speaking tenants.
What’s one thing you’re thinking about doing with the money you made? We’re definitely putting the extra money back into the property because we’re not there yet. There’s so much we want to do. During the World Cup, I was able to upgrade the AC unit, added a smart thermostat and invested in landscaping, which we want to do more of. We want to invest in the curb appeal and add more outdoor furniture. Maybe a movie room. We also want to get an auto pen so we can write handwritten cards for guests because it’s kind of hard to write perfect handwriting in different languages and in cursive. [Laughs] You can pick a font and it holds a ballpoint pen. To have that would be really cool.
Any advice for hosts preparing for the Olympics? You have to curate the experience and get more involved. If you can’t get involved, you need a co-host. Find a cousin, a sister, a brother, a friend, someone you trust with good taste to help you. Also, don’t just put up random paintings. Make it so that people want to move there. A lot of my guests are like “I wish I could live here.” You need a hotel scent and to provide laundry supplies. Ask your guests about their allergies and snack preferences then put together a snack basket. They freak out when they see that. Have a comfy couch, add plants like the fiddle-leaf fig (it looks bougie and you only have to water it once a week) and get a good cleaner. With that, you’re going to do really well.
Modern suite with luxurious amenities in Westchester, 1 bedroom, 2 guests
How long have you been a host? I started my [rental management] business about 10 years ago, but have been a full-time host for roughly eight years.
Pre-World Cup rate: About $195 a night.
Price during the World Cup: $234, which is about a 15% increase so a little bump. It wasn’t anything crazy.
Were you surprised with how things played out? I probably was expecting a little bit more because it was such a huge event. What I was a little surprised by though was how long the stays were. I was thinking that people were going to come in for a few days, but most of my stays were for a week or longer. We were pretty booked. I think we only had a couple days in between bookings.
What updates did you make, if any, to prepare? We bought the home a year ago and we’ve been getting it ready for the last four months. I added a private hot tub and an Eight Sleep Pod, which is a really fancy mattress topper that heats and cools your mattress. I tried to go all out with my amenities. We’ve got all the fancy soaps, deluxe robes and we added a washer and dryer. I always think about what I’d want when I’m traveling. I always put Q-tips, cotton balls and makeup wipes. For the kitchen, just having all the little stuff you need there. A wine bottle opener is No. 1.
What’s one thing you’re thinking about doing with the money you made? Paying my property taxes and my mortgage. [Laughs] Honestly, we’re putting it toward our living expenses and being able to afford our house. It’s been a huge help because everything is so high.
Any advice for hosts preparing for the Olympics? Really think about what you would want and put yourself in the shoes of the traveler. I always recommend people to try out your space before they rent it out. That will help you realize things like this faucet doesn’t get hot water or I forgot to put an ice cream scoop in the kitchen. You don’t want your guest to be a guinea pig.
This beach is a marvel of engineering that is totally free to cross.
The bridge is a marvel(Image: Getty)
The world’s widest bridge is a Guinness World Record holder that cost billions of pounds to build. The Rod El Farag Axis Bridge, also known as the Tahya Misr Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Nile River through Cairo, Egypt.
The bridge has a whopping width of 67.3 metres, making it the widest bridge in the world. It has six lanes in each direction and is also a big tourist attraction. Pedestrian visitors to the bridge can cross it using the walkway which offers panoramic views out over the Nile.
This walkway is interspersed with glass panels so that it feels as if you are hovering above the rushing river below.
As it is a public road, you can cross it free of charge and enjoy the spectacular views out over Cairo.
The construction of the bridge was implemented by the Armed Forces Engineering Authority (AFEA) in cooperation with a number of national companies.
It took four years, finishing in 2019.
According to Ihab Alphar, the chairman of the AFEA, the basic cost of the project reached an eye-watering £7.43billion.
The bridge is 540 metres long, with 92 metre high suspension towers and has seven different entry and exit ramps.
In order to build the bridge, 4,000 workers, including engineers, technicians and labourers, worked tirelessly to finish the project.
Chief executive officer and chairman of Arab Contractors Company, Mohsen Salah, said: “The engineering crews responsible for the implementation of the bridge faced many difficulties that were overcome with Egyptian engineering innovations.”
He said one of the major issues faced in building the bridge was moving 226.8 tonnes of metal beams to the assembly area.
During the peak of construction, there were 200 cranes deployed at the site to get the bridge up and running.
Builders also had to construct two custom ferry boats that were strong enough to move 544.3 tonnes of equipment to assembly zones
LOOKING for a beach spot in the UK when it is hot and sunny can often just feel like a battle against crowds of people.
But one beach destination is so big, that even with people on the beach it never becomes crowded.
Harlech Beach in Snowdonia National Park in Wales, stretches for four milesCredit: GettyThe beach has views of mountains and a castleCredit: Getty
Harlech Beach in Snowdonia National Park in Wales stretches for four miles, with sand dunes, mountain views and even a castle.
The beach is known for being a scenic spot as well as one of the cleanest beaches in Snowdonia, according to Go North Wales.
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Thanks to the size of the beach, it is the ideal spot for kids to run around and keen watersports enthusiasts can try out surfing at the beach.
If you happen to visit the beach during the warmer months, you might even be lucky enough to see leatherback turtles, as they migrate to the beach to feed on jellyfish, according to Sykes Cottages.
In fact, the largest leatherback turtle ever recorded in the world was found on the beach in 1988, weighing 916kg – it is now in the National Museum Cardiff.
Visitors often note how the beach is also free from crowds, with one recent visitor commenting that there is “plenty of space for all”.
Another person commented: “You can walk for miles and the views are sensational, I felt like we were abroad!”
Overlooking the beach, you can head to the 13th century Harlech Castle, which was used by Edward I and is now a World Heritage Site.
And it isn’t too far from the closest train station – just a 10-minute walkCredit: Getty
You can walk up to the castle too, if you fancy spending longer at the beach.
Tickets to see the castle cost £10.90 per adult, £7.90 per child or £34.90 for a family of up to five.
There is a car park about 400 metres from the beach, along a path, where you will also find a cafe and a shop.
Though, if you don’t drive, it is actually still easy to get to the beach.
Harlech Railway Station, which sits on the Cambrian Coast Line, is only a 10-minute walk away.
FANCY a trip to the beach without having to schlep to the seaside? You’re in luck.
Many cities around the UK are launching their own pop-up beaches this summer – and they’re perfect for those who living inland and have no way of getting to the sea.
Summer’s here… but you don’t have to visit the coast to enjoy sandy shoresCredit: Getty
They promise family-friendly rides, adult-only beach clubs and of course, buckets and buckets of sand.
Here are 10 of the best that you and the family can enjoy this summer.
1. Northampton’s Market Square
Market Square in Northampton will also feature fairground rides and a pop-up cinema as well as a beachCredit: Alamy
The Market Square in Northampton is about to be transformed into a huge beach this summer.
Along with the sand, there will be everything from deckchairs and buckets and spades to palm trees.
Fairground rides, pop up cinema and live events are also part of the summer season pop up.
Market Square beach runs from July 31 to August 31. Free to visit.
2. Middleton Hall, Milton Keynes
The UK’s biggest indoor beach can be found in Milton KeynesCredit: facebook/thecentre:mk
Calling itself the biggest in an indoor shopping centre, the new seaside-esque pop-up The Beach is back at Milton Keynes this year.
There are all the seaside classics such as free Punch & Judy shows, as well as an indoor rollercoaster and rides, although these cost extra from £3 to £6.
Bungees, games, train rides and pop-up stalls are also part of the event.
The Beach run from July 17 to August 31. Free to visit.
3. Costa del Croydon, London
Head to Croydon for some rooftop beach nights this summerCredit: Costa Del Croydon
Can’t quite make it to Spain this year? How about going to… Croydon.
The incoming tide has made a labyrinth of the beach. As silvery rivulets spread across Culbin Sands to meet the mudflats, my walk becomes increasingly circuitous: weaving inland towards the pine forest, backtracking closer to the waves, skirting tidal pools and scaling dunes constantly resculpted by the North Sea breeze.
In this shapeshifting stretch of north-east Scotland’s Moray coast, there’s not another soul in sight, nothing to anchor me to the modern day. It’s easy, then, to imagine a longship bringing weary warriors ashore, or a band of man-eating giants marauding from the woodland. Which is exactly what happens here – on screen – in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey.
At first glance, Scotland is not an obvious backdrop for a nearly 3,000-year-old Greek epic. While the poem describes the Ithacan king Odysseus and his men being cast adrift on mysterious, far-flung shores, its imagined geography is the Mediterranean (unsurprisingly, Sicily, Morocco and the Peloponnese are the movie’s other locations). Few people who live in Moray, including me, anticipated Hollywood actors Matt Damon, Zendaya and Tom Holland descending on our local beaches and sleepy fishing villages last summer. The Moray coast isn’t even well known domestically, overshadowed by the likes of the Isle of Skye and the North Coast 500 driving route in the Highlands.
The more I think about it, though, the more Nolan’s decision makes sense. Unfurling due east of Inverness in a series of vast sand dunes, shingle bars, pine-edged marshes and sandstone skerries, this coastline is both cinematic and unusually varied. The absence of tourist crowds and coastal development must be a boon to film-makers.
Yet the resonances between the world of The Odyssey and these Scottish seafaring communities run deeper than scenery. Legends cling like barnacles to Moray’s shores. Superstitions intermingle with real histories of sieges and tragedies. Take the “Atlantis of the North” at Culbin Sands, the RSPB nature reserve and forest where Matt Damon’s Odysseus clashes with the giant-like Laestrygonians. A thriving agricultural estate and village stood here until 1694, when a freak sandstorm buried the settlement in a single night. Locals blamed either a witch’s curse or their reckless laird’s bargain with the devil.
Culbin Sands, where Matt Damon’s Odysseus clashes with the giant-like Laestrygonians. Photograph: Jan Holm/Alamy
“The lore you hear along this coast is worthy of a Homeric epic,” says Moray-based author and classicist VJ Randle, whose novel The Athenian Murders is inspired by Greek mythology. She leads me along a section of the 50-mile Moray Coast Trail. Through an early morning Stygian sea-mist, we set off from the fishing village of Hopeman, the sandy footpath weaving between tangles of gorse and heather, before we clamber over the rock pools of Clashach Cove to a shadowy opening between the golden sandstone cliffs.
“This cave always reminds me of Calypso’s home,” Randle says. “Although locally, it’s said that a scarier sort of sea-spirit lives here.” She’s talking about the Grin Iron Wife – a witch with pale-green skin, rusted-red teeth and hair of seaweed who drags children and the elderly down to her underwater lair.
Such tales were once shared by seanchaidhean– oral historians who preserved heroic battles, local legends and clan genealogy. They were to Scottish Gaelic culture what the wandering bards were to ancient Greece.
It’s a fading tradition that local storytellers like Michelle van den Hout of Otherworldly Tales are helping to revive. Her walking tours introduce figures with striking parallels to classical mythology: theScottishcreator goddess and giantess Cailleach, a titan if ever there was one, islands and mountains formed from the rocks that fell from her creel basket; or the siren-like Ceasg, luring sailors who listened to her song to a watery grave.
Burghead harbour is where The Odyssey’s film crew docked a longship alongside the usual fishing vessels. Photograph: Helen Hotson/Alamy
Such tales were never simply about frightening people, van den Hout explains: “For isolated coastal communities, storytelling was a way to pass down lessons about survival, respecting nature and how to treat strangers. Rather than warning a child with, ‘Careful, that place has a riptide,’ it was more effective to say that a witch lives there.”
Threats coming from the North Sea could sometimes be made of flesh and blood, of course. In the town of Burghead, I stand on the grassy promontory overlooking granite cottages huddled around a working harbour. This is where The Odyssey’s film crew docked a 35-metre (115ft) longship last year alongside the usual fishing vessels. My attention turns to the raised earthworks beneath my feet: the remains of one of the largest Pictish forts ever built, burnt down in the 10th century, most likely during a Viking raid.
Along the neighbouring beach of Roseisle, dozens of barnacle-covered concrete blocks and pillboxes are wedged in the sand, half buried, like the ruins of a forgotten civilisation – and resembling the Trojan horse in the movie. But these relics are not ancient; they’re part of a vast defensive frontier from the second world war, when Moray became a secret training ground for the D-day landings. This legacy continues beneath the waves, where several sunken tanks from the wartime exercises can be explored on scuba diving excursions.
Heading further east, the cliffs steepen and craggy outcrops have long stirred up stories of metamorphosis. The soaring, 50ft sea-arch of Bow Fiddle Rock, for instance, is a giant that’s fallen beneath the waves, only the edge of his fiddle still visible, and the cries of nesting seabirds are its mournful music.
A few miles further on, the ruins of Findlater Castle cling to a narrow promontory. Befitting its turbulent past, from Viking occupation to being besieged by troops loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, this is where Nolan has the sorceress Circe bewitch Odysseus’ men into swine.
Findlater Castle, where Christopher Nolan has the sorceresss Circe bewitch Odysseus’ men into swine. Photograph: John Bracegirdle/Alamy
There’s magic on my visit, too, only it erupts from the ocean below. The setting sun is a bronze shield, the sea uncharacteristically calm, when a dozen dorsal fins pierce the surface. Bottlenose dolphins. They’re a regular sight along these shores, with the Moray Firth home to Europe’s most northerly resident pod. Minke whales, humpbacks and orcas sometimes pass through, too, making this one of the UK’s best cetacean-spotting locations.
A motor launch scuds across the bay, heading for shore apace as dusk falls. My thoughts turn to homecomings. That, after all, is the essence of The Odyssey, more than monsters or battles. The hero’s yearning to return. His wife Penelope anxiously waiting. Countless women through the centuries have surely done the same from this very clifftop, staring out to sea for a sign of a familiar sail.
But a visit to Buckie and District Fishing Heritage Centre the following day reveals that the Moray coast’s fishwives were no idle, passive Penelopes. While the menfolk were at sea, they baited thousands of hooks by hand, gutted and packed herring, and trudged 13 miles inland to sell their catch.
One faded, sepia photograph in the display is unforgettable: it shows the female fishers, barefoot and skirts hitched, carrying their husbands on their backs through the surf, ensuring the men’s boots stayed dry before they boarded their boats. These are, perhaps, the true heroes of these Scottish shores: not a cunning soldier-king, as Homer would have it, but the stalwart, unsung “fisher lassies”, sharing a sea-swell of stories and ballads as they worked.
Where to stay The Odyssey’scast and crew made their base at The Seafield Arms in Cullen (doubles from £150). “The production team turned our meeting rooms into a working base for editing the film,” says owner Charles Milne, “while our grand ballroom became a private cinema where Christopher Nolan and the crew watched the day’s footage each evening.” Its refurbished self-catering accommodation Bow Cottage, where Matt Damon stayed, has been decked out with ancient Greek-inspired touches and movie memorabilia for visiting fans (sleeps seven from £300 a night, minimum three-night stay.) While you’re in Cullen, browse the shelves at Beinn Books for collections of Scottish folklore or perhaps a translation of Homer’s original.
How to get there National rail services run to Inverness and Aberdeen, with onward train and bus connections to larger coastal towns. Hiring a car is the easiest way to reach its more remote beaches, castles and walking trails.
Despite this being lower than expected, Ryanair said it is still too high.
When the tax increase was announced at the beginning of the year, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary slammed the plans, calling them “silly” and “damaging”.
He added: “Over the last 20 years, Ryanair has grown to be Belgium’s largest airline.
“This growth can easily be lost to tax abolishing countries like Sweden Hungary,SlovakiaandItaly, and if Charleroi and Belgium don’t reverse these taxes.”
Ryanair currently carries 11.6million passengers to and from Belgium, making it the largest airline operating in the country.
It’s not yet clear whether the routes axed will be from the UK.
Current flights routes to Charleroi include from Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
The town has been named among the prettiest in the UK, and there are now plans to turn part of a ‘under-utilised’ car park into a modern Premier Inn that’s just steps from its golden sandy beaches
The new Premier Inn could be perfect for holidaymakers visiting the seaside town(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
A brand-new Premier Inn is headed for a seaside location that has been named among the prettiest in the UK.
The UK’s largest hotel chain, which already boasts over 840 locations, confirmed that it’s coming to Hunstanton on the North Norfolk coast with a 108-bedroom property on the town’s Southend Road, subject to planning permission.
In a statement, Whitbread PLC, which owns Premier Inn, confirmed: “The company is in early discussions with planners at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk on the design of the new hotel, with a planning application expected to be submitted in the autumn.”
It also revealed: “The multimillion-pound Premier Inn will feature the brand’s latest guest bedrooms, including its popular enhanced ‘Premier Plus’ rooms, and guest-focused restaurant alongside dedicated on-site guest car parking spaces.”
The planned hotel would be the first from the chain on the North Norfolk coast. Premier Inn’s last opening in the county was the Great Yarmouth Seafront Premier Inn, which opened its doors in 2019. Premier Inn was also recently granted permission to redevelop its current Norwich Nelson hotel, which will include a new, larger 248-bedroom Premier Inn, student accommodation, a new public park, and an upgraded public river walkway.
The new hotel comes amid a proposed ‘masterplan’ for Hunstanton, which is currently undergoing a consultation until July 27. Its objectives include “promoting and diversifying the town’s tourist offer”.
Part of a car park described as ‘a generally underutilised area’, Seagate East Car Park on Southend Road, is the proposed site of the new hotel. Whitbread clarified: “The coach park and the Honeystone Public House car park do not form part of the proposed development site.” This location is just a three-minute walk from the town’s South Promenade and attractions such as SEA LIFE Hunstanton.
Hunstanton is a purpose-built seaside resort, dating back to Victorian times, famous for its unique striped cliffs, fine golden sands, and soft sand dunes. It’s also the only east coast resort in England facing west, meaning you can watch spectacular sunsets over the sea.
The town was recently named the UK’s best place for fish and chips thanks to the number of chippies close to the beach, many of which have won awards. It was also dubbed one of the UK’s prettiest seaside towns by Time Out in 2025.
Councillor Simon Ring, deputy council leader, said: “This is huge news for Hunstanton, the culmination of years of discussions between the council and Premier Inn, and I’m so proud the agreements are finally in place, subject to formal planning consent.”
He added: “The detailed designs, of course, will come out through the usual planning process and consultation. But the sheer fact that the UK’s largest hotel chain wants to invest in Hunstanton is a vote of confidence in the resort’s future, placing us alongside Norfolk’s other big visitor destinations, and this investment and new facility will hopefully act as a catalyst for further money, guided by our Masterplan.”
Paul Smith, regional acquisitions manager for Whitbread, said in a statement: “Hunstanton is one of the UK’s best-known seaside destinations and a place we’ve wanted to bring Premier Inn to for some time. It attracts visitors from across the East of England and beyond, yet it does not currently offer any branded hotel rooms to visitors.
“We believe a Premier Inn in Hunstanton would be a great addition to the town’s tourism offer, providing visitors with the quality, value and reliability they expect from the UK’s leading hotel brand while helping to support local businesses, jobs and year-round economic activity.”
Premier Inn’s statement also said: “In launching the plans, Whitbread has confirmed it does not have any agreements with national government departments to house asylum seekers at any of its trading Premier Inn or hub by Premier Inn hotels in the UK and Ireland.”
The brand also said it was looking for further potential Premier Inn locations across the country.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
The Lidl case holds 10kg of luggage and fits within the size requirements of most UK-based airlines, helping you dodge those hefty oversized baggage fees.
But the Amazon dupe is cheaper and even better.
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Like the Lidl bargain, the AVIO option features a secure hard shell, easy-glide wheels and fits neatly in a plane’s overhead locker.
It also comes with an extra feature that the Lidl option doesn’t have.
It has a built-in, three-digit lock to protect your items.
This means you can lock down your zips and keep your passport, tech, and any valuables secure without needing to buy a separate padlock.
And you can’t beat the peace of mind knowing that your luggage is safe and secure when out of sight.
Amazon reviewers rate the suitcase very highly, too, giving it a 4.3/5 star rating and praising that the roomy suitcase lets you make the most of your cabin baggage allowance.
The Amazon find fits perfectly into overhead cabin storage with airlines like Ryanair and easyJetCredit: Getty
One reviewer said, “These are excellent little cases. We bought them to fly with easyJet and to keep our ticket price as low as possible; these will fit easily under the seat in front.
“We were able to get a surprising amount of stuff in them for a four night stay; toilet bag (basics), 4 t-shirts, hoodie, 4 socks, 4 pants, sweatpants and Birkenstocks and some electronics and an anorak.”.
Another reviewer added, “Amazing quality, very lightweight, tires are nice. For cabin bag, its good as it gets”.
It feels like there’s a world class beach at the end of almost every coastal road on this Mediterranean island.
La Pelosa beach is one of several world-class beaches in Sardinia (Image: Getty)
When you picture the world’s best beaches, it may well be places like the Maldives or Barbados that spring to mind. But there’s one large Mediterranean island, easily accessible from the UK, that can stake as strong a claim to the world’s best beaches as anywhere on the planet — and it’s not in Spain or Greece.
Official UK government figures show that the number of British tourists visiting Spain dwarfs the number visiting Italy, which is where you’ll find this magical island packed with world-class beaches. In the most recent list of Europe’s 50 best beaches, the island of Sardinia has two beaches in the top 10. In 2024, one of its beaches was named the best on Earth.
But Sardinia offers tourists way more than beaches. It is the second largest island in the Mediterranean so there is lots to explore, including its inland countryside, coastal villages, luxury resorts and exceptional food and drink. Given Sardinia is less overwhelmed by tourists than the likes of Tenerife, you’ll find that many of its restaurants still cater mainly for locals and the quality of food is high. It also has a large city, Cagliari, which offers all the culture and nightlife you’d expect from a large European city with a vibrant student population.
But despite its size, Sardinia, which lies around halfway between the coasts of Italy and Spain, is easily navigable and you can drive its coastal roads stopping off at the stunning beaches that seem to be dotted every few miles. And all of this is just a short flight from the UK. The weather is perfect too, with temperatures reaching 30C in summer and still hitting up to 23C even in October.
The best beaches in Sardinia
It’s not an easy task to compile a list of the best beaches in Sardinia because there are so many of them. I’ve been lucky enough to visit several times, reaching nearly all four corners and sampling its wonderful beaches, which are almost never crowded despite their natural beauty and easy access.
This year, Cala Dei Gabbiani on the island’s east coast, and La Pelosa, on its northwestern tip, were both named among Europe’s top 10 beaches. In 2024, Cala Goloritzé was named the best on Earth, with those who compiled the list for The World’s 50 Best Beaches saying: “Cala Goloritzé feels like more than just a beach — its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it. Whether you’re looking down from the viewpoint above or standing at the shore with your feet in the water, the scene is truly breath-taking.”
Meanwhile, Poetto is the city of Cagliari’s “in-house” beach. Just a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre it has 8km of sand and is packed with bars and places to eat.
Here are a selection of Sardinia beaches you shouldn’t miss:
1. Cala Mariolu: clear water, with shades ranging from turquoise to deep blue, white limestone pebbles, dramatic cliffs and rich marine life.
2. La Pelosa: powdery white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters, it is widely considered one of Europe’s most spectacular beaches, with an iconic 16th-century watchtower on a nearby rocky islet.
3. Cala Dei Gabbiani: clear waters and few crowds
4. Spiaggia del Pirata: just 100 metres long and good for snorkelling in shallow waters
5. Spiaggia Rena Bianca: pale, fine sand, shallow, clear water and views towards Corsica
6. Cala Corsara: in the La Maddalena archipelago just off Sardinia’s north-eastern coast, it has crystal-clear water, soft golden sands and dramatic rock formations
7. Spiaggia del Poetto: a huge 8km-long beach on the outskirts of Cagliari
8. Liscia Ruja: a mix of unspoilt nature and exclusive beach clubs
A celebrity hotspot
Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, Beyoncé, Sir Elton John, Leonardo DiCpario and Cristiano Ronaldo have all enjoyed holidays in Sardinia over the years. The destination of choice for the stars is the Costa Smeralda region and its main hub, Porto Cervo, where you will see vast superyachts worth hundreds of millions of pounds moored with security keeping wide-eyed tourists at bay.
Just down the road from Porto Cervo is the celebrity’s beach of choice, Spiagga del Principe, which Lonely Planet describes as a “magnificent crescent of white sand… bound by unspoiled macchia and startlingly clear blue waters”.
Food and drink in Sardinia
You have so many options. All the major towns and cities have lots of authentic options which are still mostly aimed at Italians more than tourists and many beaches will have pop-up style places to grab a salad, wine or piadini (a type of sandwich). Sardinia has a famously long-living population thanks to its healthy diet based on fish, fruit, vegetables and olive oil.
One eating experience not to be missed is the agriturismo. This is an Italian concept which has seen traditional farms adapt to cater for visitors who want to eat or stay (or both). The menus can be extensive and fantastic, and you will find yourself very full of the most excellent locally-produced food. There’s nothing like it.
Where to stay in Sardinia
Deciding where to stay largely comes down to the sort of holiday you want. Cagliari, on the south coast, is a bustling city with lots of places to stay, eat and drink. It’s not really a tourist city so you’ll have an authentically Italian experience. It’s easy enough to get out of the city by car to nearby beaches, especially Poetto, which is essentially on its doorstep.
At the opposite end of the island is Alghero, a medieval town also within a short drive of world-beating beaches like La Pelosa. and while Costa Smeralda, in the north-east of the island, is popular among wealthier visitors, you can find affordable places in the region, like Cannigione.
Flying to Sardinia
The main airports in Sardinia are at Cagliari on the south coast, Olbia on the north-eastern coast and Alghero on the north-western coast. They are served by several UK airports with deals starting from around £40.
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Holafly eSIMs start from £2.99, and you can pick from over 200 destinations worldwideCredit: PA
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TWO women have been to every single lido across the UK – so it’s fair to say they know the best outdoor pools to cool down in this summer.
Authors Emma Pusill and Janet Wilkinson met through their shared loved of lidos, and between them, have visited them all over the years.
Emma has been all over the country and the Channel Islands exploring lidosCredit: AlamyThe Strand Lido in Kent has a huge Mediterranean-looking lazy riverCredit: http://www.visitmedway.org
The pair put together The Lido Guide which was first published in 2019 and is a practical guide to all the 130 outdoor pools in the country.
So whether you’re looking for family-friendly pools, ones with beach views or huge cafés, Emma reveals some of the loveliest lidos where you should swim this summer.
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Family-friendly lidos
Haltwhistle in Northumberland is a very family-friendly pool with twisty slidesCredit: Unknown
“Three spring to mind for family-friendly lidos. Firstly, I would say Haltwhistle.
“It’s in Northumberland and it has amazing twisty slides as well as a larger and smaller pool – so it’s lots of fun for kids.
“There’s a really good splash pad at Greenbank Pool in Somerset.
“I also like Droitwich Spa Lido in Worcester for families – it’s got a splash pad, and at one end it has a sloping entry, so it’s more of a beach-style pool.
“My daughter’s favourite, which she loved as a child, is The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent.
“It’s like the Mediterranean with a huge lazy river around the outside and a little elephant slide in the toddler pool.”
Tidal pools
Three tidal pools in Scotland all look out over the Firth of Forth – including St MonansCredit: Alamy
“Tidal pools are all so pretty and there’s a lovely cluster of them in Scotland; Pittenweem, Cellardyke and St Monans which all look out to the Firth of Forth.
“You can have a lovely weekend visiting all of those.
“It feels like a more conventional pool even though it’s washed over by the sea, it’s free to use too, so it makes for an inexpensive day out.”
Free lidos
Mount Wise in Plymouth has mutiple pools – and it’s freeCredit: Facebook
“Most tidal pools are completely free to use – but a best example of a free lido that isn’t tidal is Mount Wise in Plymouth.
“Everyone usually thinks about Tinside Lido in Plymouth which is very beautiful.
“Mount Wise is only a mile from there with three swimming pools on-site, a toddler walk-through area and it’s absolutely brilliant.
“There’s another little pool in Cumbria called Hunsonby which isn’t free, but is managed on an honesty box where you can pop your money in.”
Hidden gems
Emma says Askham Lido in Cumbria is a true hidden gemCredit: askhamandhelton.co.uk
“I would say the Cumbria cluster, as none of those are very well known.
“There’s Shap, Greystoke and Lazonby but at the top of the list I’d say is Askham.
“They’re all close together too, so you could go for a weekend and see them all, they’re tucked away in villages rather than towns.
“Clyst Hydon in Exeter I’d also include as a hidden gem. It’s completely hidden away up a little leafy track and if Enid Blyton wrote ‘Five Go Swimming‘ I’m sure it would have been set there.”
Lidos with extras
Saltdean Lido has a restaurant and even the community library is on-siteCredit: Saltdean Lido
“Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is great for having lots of things on-site, they’ve got two big saunas, catering, and funky pods to sit in if the weather is a bit bleak.
“Hathersage has an underground café which is really nice – I say underground, it’s underneath the covered terrace opposite the bandstand.
“So you have to go up a little set of stairs to get to the pool.
“Saltdean Lido in Brighton is one of most beautiful streamline modern building that has a lovely restaurant on-site and a library – that’s a great extra.
“The pools are lovely too, there’s a cluster of four of them along a half a mile on the stretch of coast. The café sits on what used to be the ladies and children’s pool.”
Pretty views
Emma describes the pool at Marine Lake at Clevedon as an ‘infinity pool’Credit: Alamy
“There’s a tidal pool at the Marine Lake at Clevedon which is essentially a massive 200metre long infinity pool.
“If you go up to the sea wall you’ll be looking out across the Bristol Channel and the Victorian Pier, it’s a lovely view.
“It’s surrounded by hills which you can see in all direction, it feels very green.
“Similar to that is Hathersage in the Peak District which has a bandstand in the grounds and you’re surrounded by hills there as well – it’s pretty special.
“I suppose as well, Sea Lanes has just opened in Canary Wharf, it’s not a classically pretty view. But you won’t get a view like that anywhere else – it’s a fun swim.”
London lidos
Most people don’t even know that you can swim in Covent GardenCredit: Instagram
“London lidos are all so different – I have a soft spot for Parliament Hill, it’s open all year-round and the staff there are brilliant. Although it’s very busy in the summer months there.
“I quite like Oasis in Covent Garden. The pool itself is nothing to write home about but it’s in Covent Garden – you can walk past it at street level and never know it was there.
“It’s a 25metre heated pool and sauna, so you go up a little flight of stairs. It’s surrounded by trees so it’s leafy which is such a treat in that part of London.”
Adults-only
The lido in Matlock Bath has a hotel pool that is open to the publicCredit: Alamy
HEADING to Turkey for your summer holiday in the next few weeks? Make sure to double check your passport before flying.
Brits are repeatedly being caught out before they travel by things like passport expiry dates and leaving blank pages for stamps.
The Turquoise Coast is popular for Brits thanks to its beautiful beachesCredit: AlamyBut you don’t want to miss out on your holiday because of the passport rulesCredit: Alamy
Thomas Cook has found that travel to Turkey is up 37 per cent year-on-year with Brits heading to places like the sparkling Turquoise Coast.
For those heading on holiday soon, it’s important to have a reminder of the entry rules as they are different to countries in the Schengen Area.
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Brits heading to Turkey need at least 150 days left on their passport from the date of arrival.
This is different to the EU rules which requires three months, compared to Turkey’s nearly five months.
If you don’t have the right amount of time then you may be denied entry by your airline before flying, or at the border on arrival.
Even worse news is that if this happens, travel insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of cancelled accommodation, missed flights or return travel.
Another requirement to enter Turkey is that passports need to have one completely blank page.
This is to allow room for entry and exit stamps or full-page visas.
You may need to use fast-track passport services if you
Airlines may check this before passengers even board the plane, as they could face fines if a passenger is later refused entry.
So if you’re a frequent flyer, check how many blank pages you have remaining in your passport before booking a trip.
The UK Foreign Office currently states: “To enter Turkey, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least 1 blank page.
“You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document.”
If you need a new passport for your holiday, you may want to look at applying now as typical renewals can take around three weeks.
There is a fast-track service if your passport isn’t valid and you need to travel soon.
For more information on passport rules, visas and items you need to pack in your hand luggage this summer – head here.
Sandcastle Waterpark is the biggest indoor waterpark in the UKCredit: Cyann FieldingInstead, you will find 18 rides and attractionsCredit: Cyann Fielding
On a recent hot weekend I found myself in Blackpool and beelined for Sandcastle Waterpark, which claims the title as the biggest indoor waterpark in the UK.
Kept to a toasty 29C, the waterpark has more than 18 water slides and attractions.
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Upon entering the park, my eyes immediately looked up to the Master Blaster which claims the title as the world’s longest indoor roller coaster waterslide, stretching 250 metres.
I’ll be honest, hearing the terrified-yet-joyful screams did put me off and while I failed to muster the courage for this slide, the waterpark has loads of others to enjoy.
I opted to head on Sidewinder instead, the world’s first indoor vertical drop slide.
My heart lurched as I hovered over the edge of the half-pipe in my rubber ring.
Before I had a chance to back out, I was tipped over the edge, dropping metres down before shooting right up the opposite side of the pipe.
Unlike me, just remember to smile for the camera.
There’s also a wave poolCredit: Cyann FieldingAnd the entire attraction is heated to 29CCredit: Cyann Fielding
Next up was Aztec Falls, which quickly became my favourite.
In a rubber ring, you drop into a pitch-black bowl and swirl around in the dark.
The roar of the rushing water made me feel as if I had been sucked into a waterfall.
Other slides include Montazooma, where you head down a large drop and whizz through bends at high speed.
And ideal for competitive family members, you can head on the Duelling Dragon slides and race side by side in the near dark.
At this point I had exhausted my bravery for the day, and decided to head to one of the busiest areas of the entire waterpark – the Typhoon Lagoon Wavepool.
I spent 20 minutes bobbing up and down, lulling my heart rate back to a somewhat normal level.
Every so often, the waves are turned on, which makes you feel as if you are surfing the waves in the actual ocean.
There’s a splash play area for little ones tooCredit: Cyann FieldingAnd for an extra charge, you can head into the spa as wellCredit: Cyann Fielding
Another section I found relaxing was the Ushi Gushi Action River, where I floated in the gentle current, leaving me feeling as if I was bobbing down a river in Thailand.
Little ones just getting used to the water aren’t left out either with the Caribbean Storm Treehouse packed with water cannons and splash zones.
For an extra £7.50 per person, you can get access to the Sea Breeze Spa.
While there isn’t much there, it is nice to have an adult-only retreat in the middle of the park.
I hopped between the salt inhalation room, steam room and sauna for a good half hour at the end of my waterpark session.
It allowed me to chill out after all the thrills – though you’ll still hear all the screams and water blasts of the park.
If you want to spend more time without kids running around you, then you can book the Tiki Cabana Experience, which gives you access to an exclusive area with your own TV, soft drinks and hot tub.
Sessions tend to last three hours, which is plenty of time to experience all the slides and attractions.
Each session costs £22.31 per person over the age of eight, and £14.44 per child aged between three and seven.
Is it worth it? I think so, as there is more than enough to do and kids will be hard pressed to want to leave.
If you’re looking to bring a squishy toy on a flight this summer, there are some travel rules you may not be aware of.
The viral toys are extremely popular with young children, but may not be allowed through security at certain airports.
Squishy toys can be filled with gel which could be a problem at airport securityCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
With the summer break fully underway, many Brits will soon be heading overseas on holiday.
For families packing children’s toys to bring on the flight, it’s important to check with airport security rules as certain toys may not be allowed past the gates.
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One such product is the viral squishy dumplings, the latest toy craze to take over the internet.
Housed in plastic “basket style” pots, the trending toys come in a variety of bright colours, including rarer glitter and galaxy dumplings.
However, if you or your child are looking to bring the toys with you abroad this summer, there’s a possibility the squishies may be flagged at security.
This is because some of the squeezy dumplings are filled with gel.
UK airports have restrictions on the limit of liquids, gels and pastes you can bring through security, which can range from 100ml up to two litres.
To check rules surrounding squeezy dumplings, the BBC reached out to the Department for Transport and major UK airports to see what guidelines they had in place.
The DfT is one of the regulatory bodies that consults on airport security restrictions.
When it comes to bringing squishy toys on planes, the DfT said: “No matter how adorable your squishy dumpling is, airport security rules still apply.”
This means that depending on the airport you are flying from, the limits that airport sets out surrounding liquids, gels and pastes will apply to your squishy toy.
It’s advised to check directly with the airport you are flying from to understand these limits.
However, the department did add that for any travellers in doubt as to where to pack their squeezy dumplings “the safest place is in your hold luggage”.
Manchester Airport has advised that “all but very small squishy toys should be placed in hold baggage”.
As smaller squishies contain less than 100ml of liquid they should be fine to bring through.
But larger toys may not have the exact measurement listed on the item, meaning it’s better to bring them in hand luggage so security can estimate the size.
Both Birmingham Airport and London Gatwick Airport said that the squeezy toys are required to go through security screening, whichever bag the item is in.
Like anything going through security, the airports confirmed that if the item fails security checks, it would not be allowed on the plane.
As the toys contain gel, Belfast City Airport has confirmed that the items are subject to the airport’s security rules surrounding liquids, gels and pastes.
Belfast City is one of a small number of airports in the UK that has introduced new security checks and limits on the amount of liquid able to bring through security.
Passengers can now bring up to two litres in hand luggage through this airport, so squishy dumplings are likely to be fine.
Both Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports have said that its best to follow guidelines set out by the DfT.
THE longest outdoor tubing slide in the UK has finally opened at an adventure park – and it’s just in time for the summer holidays.
Families can now enjoy the new attraction, which offers visitors the chance to slide down 315ft on a doughnut-shaped inflatable.
All attractions are included in the price of entry to the 85-acre parkCredit: ROARR!The £300,000 ride was officially opened on Saturday by Gladiators’ Matty CampbellCredit: ROARR!
Located at Roarr! park in Norfolk, Fossil Falls is even bigger than the 288ft-long Forest Tubing experience, which opened at Heaton Park’s Zip World in May.
The £300,000 ride was officially opened on Saturday by Matty Campbell, better known as Bionic from Gladiators.
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He said: “It was amazing to see so many people turn out for the opening of Fossil Falls and the atmosphere has been incredible.
“I’m delighted to have been here to officially open it and see so many families enjoy it.”
A study of 2,000 holidaymakers found a manicure or pedicure is the treatment they would most like to have while away, followed by a Turkish bath and a facial
Holidaymakers are seeking out beauty treatments abroad(Image: PinPep)
Two thirds of travellers describe themselves as ‘pamper tourists’ and relish beauty treatments abroad – because they’re more affordable and there’s greater opportunity than back in the UK.
Research involving 2,000 holidaymakers revealed a manicure or pedicure tops the list of treatments they’d most like to indulge in while away, with a Turkish bath and facial following close behind. Massages, hair treatments and even fish pedicures also feature among the top 20.
A third of those surveyed said they would be tempted to book a treatment abroad if it worked out cheaper than back home, while 28% would consider it simply because they have more free time than usual while on holiday.
More than one in 10, however, would book a treatment at their destination purely to avoid the last-minute rush before they even set off.
The research was commissioned by Treatwellas part of its ‘No Shame in Being Type B’ campaign, which celebrates holidaymakers who don’t panic if their beauty prep isn’t sorted before take-off.
Its so-called ‘beautician brigade’ took over London Victoria, lining the concourse of the Gatwick Express terminal with signs serving as a love letter to those with an unapologetically last-minute approach to holiday beauty prep.
The brand’s UK CEO, Alessandro Frau, said: “Holiday beauty prep doesn’t have to happen before you leave home anymore.
“As our customers’ habits evolve, we’re evolving with them, making it easier to discover and book trusted beauty services wherever they are in Europe.”
The findings came off the back of data from Treatwell revealing that 5% of all UK bookings made on the beauty and wellness platform were placed overseas rather than at home.
Nails proved the most popular treatment booked by British travellers abroad, topping the charts in six of the brand’s seven biggest European markets — only knocked off the top spot by hair in Lithuania.
Italy is the overseas destination where UK travellers are most likely to book a beauty treatment, with the Mediterranean nation accounting for 21% of all cross-border bookings across those same countries, ahead of France (18%), Germany (17%), Spain (15%) and Lithuania (15%).
Greece is the fastest-growing of the seven destinations, with UK bookings there up 38% year-on-year, while Portugal (+23%) and Lithuania (+5%) also recorded strong growth.
However, a number of hurdles remain when it comes to booking treatments abroad, with 33% expressing concerns over treatment quality, 25% unsure about which venues to trust, and 23% worried about hidden costs.
This follows research revealing that UK travellers are divided between meticulous planners and last-minute bookers, with 54% describing themselves as Type A travellers who prefer to plan well in advance
Yet 11% proudly consider themselves Type B, leaving everything to the eleventh hour, according to the research by OnePoll.
Despite this, the average traveller spends just under six hours preparing for a trip, juggling everything from passports and visas to pet care and beauty treatments.
Alessandro Frau, from the beauty booking brand, added: “Whether you’re planning ahead or booking from your sun lounger, Treatwell gives you the same seamless experience, verified reviews and quality partners you trust at home.
“So everyone is treated like a local.”
TOP 20 BEAUTY TREATMENTS TO HAVE WHILE ON HOLIDAY:
