Holidays

Charlie Rome has won an all-expenses paid five-night trip for two

A man has won an all-expenses-paid holiday to Las Vegas after beating Johnny Vegas at poker. Visitors to London’s King’s Cross Station were treated to a unique showdown as the comedian took over for gambling firm GGPoker’s live stunt.

The All in or Fold event saw a virtual Vegas displayed on a giant screen inviting passers-by to take him on in a single hand of poker. Hundreds of players of all abilities stepped up to the challenge, with those who dared to go ‘all in’ and beat Vegas entered into a random draw to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas

The winner, Charlie Rome, was crowned at the end of the day and Charlie, 27, will be heading to Sin City with his girlfriend for five nights and their hotel and flights will be covered by GGPoker.

The pair were visiting London for a long weekend and had a train to catch back to Darlington when they decided to test their mettle against the virtual Vegas. Charlie said: “I wasn’t even going to play this afternoon as I’ve not played poker for years but it just looked like a laugh going up against a giant Johnny Vegas so I thought I would give it a go.

“This is the last thing I expected when I turned up to King’s Cross this evening. I literally cannot believe I’ve won. I’m going to take my girlfriend next year to Vegas. She had played a hand before me and lost so I’ve got bragging rights there as well.”

Angela Martin, Director of Ace360 representing GGPoker, s aid: “We wanted to take poker beyond the tables and into real life, giving everyone a chance to experience that all-or-nothing moment that makes the game so thrilling. Fans can expect to see more high-profile face-offs and even bigger challenges from GGPoker in the months ahead. This is just the start.”

A POPULAR theme park hailed as the ‘best in the UK’ will unveil an exciting new ride in 2026.

Every year, Paultons Park in Hampshire attracts revellers in their droves with its over 70 rides and attractions.

The attraction even scooped the gong for the Theme Park of the Year at the UK Theme Park Awards 2025.

And now, thrill-seekers have another reason to flock to the beloved spot as a brand new ride will open up in May next year.

Revellers can get a taste of what is to come after Paultons released a POV animation of what the new Drakon ride will offer up punters.

The inverted rollercoaster will be the latest addition to the Valgard, Realm of the Vikings section.

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The Valgard area is aimed at families with older children and teenagers, the theme park previously said. 

Drakon will comes complete with a vertical lift hill and will cost around £12million to build.

There will also be a restaurant for visitors who work up an appetite after a few rounds on the new ride, as well as a themed playground.

Those brave enough to take their seat on the Drakon will need to wait until May 16, 2026 before doing so.

Earlier this year, Paultons Park nabbed an incredible 10 trophies at the at the UK Theme Park Awards this year.

“We are delighted to have been awarded 10 awards this year at the annual UK Theme Park Awards, including the prestigious Theme Park of the Year Award,” Lawrence Mancey, marketing and technology director at Paultons Park, said.

“These accolades are a true reflection of the hard work, creativity and dedication shown by every team member at Paultons Park, many of whom have been part of our family for over twenty years.”

It comes after news that the UK will be getting a brand new theme park in 2026.

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, is the UK’s largest live action outdoor theatre production and next year it will launch Kynren – The Storied Lands, a new daytime historical theme park.

Set to open in summer 2026 in County Durham, the theme park will immerse visitors in multiple live shows and experiences that “span millennia”.

Phase One of Kynren – The Storied Lands will reveal The Lost Feather and four other live-action shows and immersive experiences, including Fina, a Medieval horse show, a viking show and a Victorian Adventure with characters from the past.

In other theme park news, the UK’s best value theme park has been named.

Plus, the UK theme parks with the best Black Friday discounts – from extra park tickets to free waterpark entry.

IF THERE is one thing the world’s biggest YouTuber loves more than giving away money, it is taking on a challenge. And now Mr Beast is doing exactly that.

The YouTube giant, who has a staggering 450million subscribers on YouTube, is entering the attraction world by opening a theme park based on the challenges and games seen on his channel.

Named Beast Land, the new theme park will open on November 13, in Saudi Arabia.

Jimmy Donaldson (Mr Beast’s real name) said via X: “We built custom games modelled after our videos that don’t exist ANYWHERE else and will have the world’s largest prize wall.”

At one of the games called ‘Tower Siege’, visitors must load balls into catapults, which then have to land in giant 18 metre tubes for points.

In an attraction called ‘Drop Zone’, six people stand on trap doors – a button then lights up in front of all the players, but the person who presses it last gets dropped. The last player remaining gets the most points.

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Another of the main game-style attractions is ‘Airmail’, where visitors head off on a zip line with a weighted bag, which they must then drop on target below.

Little information has been revealed about the other attractions available at the theme park, but when visitors book tickets, others mentioned include Endeavour, Energize, Sling Shot and Coco Beach Coaster.

Mr Beast, 27 said: “I didn’t want this to be like a typical theme park.

“Thought of things from first principles and created games I would love to play.

“Tons of original games created plus of course we have rollercoasters and rides.”

When asked why he chose Saudi Arabia, the YouTuber responded that it is because the majority of his audience is outside of America and that he has a big Middle Eastern fan base.

He added: “Wanted to give them a chance to participate.”

There are four different ticket types including admission only for £5.12 per person – that’s just 3p more than the price of a Big Mac – and includes zone entry but none of the rides, experiences or games.

Junior entry, which is for kids aged between six and eight, then costs £10.03 per visitor and includes the challenges, experiences, games and access up to two rides.

A Beast Mode ticket costing £20.27 is for kids over eight-years-old, and allows visitors to have access to all the same elements as the Junior entry ticket, but with up to three rides.

Finally, Beast Mode + tickets allows all the same as the Beast Mode entry ticket, but includes all of the rides.

This ticket costs £50.99 per person.

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In other theme park news, plans for the world’s first retro theme park have been revealed with lands that take you back to the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Plus, one travel writer shares how she has been visiting the UK’s best value theme park since she was a kid – here are her six tips for doing it on a budget.

A NEW sleeper train will soon connect four of Europe’s popular cities.

PKP Intercity, the state rail operator in Poland, is launching a new overnight train service.

Starting from Przemyśl in southeast Poland, it will leave around 5:51pm, local media reports.

It will then travel to Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest before ending in Munich at 10:24am.

The return journey will leave Munich at 6:45pm and arrive back in Poland at 10:10am.

Taking around 16 hours, tickets start from around £50.

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Passengers can book a sleeper compartment, sleeping between 1-3 people.

Or there are couchettes which are seats that fold out to beds for up to six people.

Don’t worry about not being able to sleep, as lights are turned off from 10pm to 6am.

And then a conductor will wake you up at least 30 minutes before you arrive at your destination station.

Toilets and shower are onboard, with passengers getting soap and clothes.

Deluxe cabin passengers are given towels, slippers, shower gel and a dental kit, as well as snacks and hot drinks.

The first departure takes off next month on December 14.

People have already started raving about the new train routes.

One person said: “Great initiative! We need more night train connections in Europe.

“And in affordable prices so that trains can compete with budget airlines.”

Another said: “Excellent and much needed….well done!”

Earlier this year, PKP Intercity revealed another train route where tickets were under £50.

Starting from Warsaw, the 745 mile journey travels through Poland, Austria and Slovenia before ending in Rijekka, a city in Croatia.

Sadly it is just a summer route, so runs four times a week from June to August.

Here’s another new sleeper train that looks more like a boutique hotel on wheels.

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And this is what it is like travelling on the UK sleeper train.

For Los Angeles, it’s been a year of triumphs, trials and everything in between. From devastating wildfires to ICE raids that shook our immigrant communities, the city has weathered plenty. Still, L.A. found moments to rally (hello, Dodgers World Series win) that gave us all something to cheer for again.

Thanksgiving is a time to hold onto those small victories and give thanks for the bright spots amid the chaos. But if you won’t be brining a turkey or mashing a bowl of potatoes yourself, there are options.

Thankfully, restaurants across the city are stepping up with take-home feasts. Yes, there are the traditional roast turkeys and glazed hams, but also Caribbean jerk turkey legs, Chinese-inspired chicken ballotines, Indian biryanis, lamb Wellingtons and more.

Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or keeping things intimate, check out these 26 spots designed to bring comfort, flavor and a little local pride to your Thanksgiving table.

We live in Pasadena with our two teen boys, 14 and 17. We moved from the East Coast four years ago and are still getting to know all the interesting neighborhoods, foods and quirks of Los Angeles. We spent a lot of time in Little Tokyo as we love all things Japanese, but we need to explore more and see other neighborhoods that we don’t even know about. We’re interested in art, but not really art museums because that’s too boring for teen boys. We love food as an anchor for a visit to a neighborhood. Can you give me some suggestions? — Margaret Hunt

Looking for things to do in L.A.? Ask us your questions and our expert guides will share highly specific recommendations.

Here’s what we suggest:

I don’t have kids yet, but every time my siblings visit me from Las Vegas, I’m reminded of how difficult it is to keep teenagers entertained (and off their phones). But it sounds like your boys have some cool interests. We’ve put together a few mini itineraries in different neighborhoods. You won’t be able to cover them all in one day, so choose your own adventure.

If your teens are into the art form of comic books, check out Revenge Of, not too far from Pasadena in Glassell Park. “The shop, with its black-and-white tile floors, murals and neon lighting, is full of comic books, graphic novels and collectibles,” Times entertainment and features editor Brittany Levine Beckman tells me. “There are also pinball machines and arcade games, which may be as fun for you as they are for your kids.” Next door is sister shop And Destroy, which offers coffee and inventive beverages (the November menu includes a cornbread matcha concoction and sweet potato latte), and hosts a board game day on Sundays. Up the street is Bub and Grandma’s diner (the tuna made our food critic’s list of great sandwiches in L.A. a few years ago). But be warned, it gets packed on the weekends, so prepare to wait for a table or order to go.

For a Westside option, given that your family is already acquainted with Little Tokyo, explore L.A.’s other Japanese enclave: Sawtelle. Kick off your adventure at Odd One Out, an award-winning boba tea shop, then take a quick walk to the Giant Robot store, which is often cited as the birthplace of Asian pop culture products. Your kids will love browsing the shelves. In a Times guide to Sawtelle, Grace Xue writes that it’s packed with “quirky-cool art pieces, blind boxes, plushies, home goods, toys, anime merch and gifts that will delight the young and young at heart.” Across the street is Giant Robot’s sister gallery, GR2. The snug art hub is anything but boring — this month’s group exhibit features dinosaur art. By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite and the noodles at Wadaya are hearty enough to satisfy the stomachs of teen boys. Times contributor Tiffany Tse recommends its mazemen: “the rich, sauce-slicked, brothless cousin of the classic noodle bowl.”

A neighborhood that should be at the top of every East Coaster’s list is Los Feliz, one of the most walkable areas in L.A. Start your day off at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice, a Maui-born sweet shop that sells cloud-like shaved ice that is so soft it practically melts in your mouth. There are fun flavors like cotton candy and pickled mango. Once you’ve secured your treats, head to Barnsdall Art Park, where you can relax on on a luscious lawn and take in a stunning view of the city. Don’t forget to bring a picnic blanket, and for bonus points, bring a card game to play. I did this with my siblings and we had so much fun. You can also tour the century-old, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Hollyhock House from Thursday to Saturday — advance tickets are recommended. Have a quick dinner at smash burger hot spot Goldburger and be sure to order the curly fries. Finally, wrap up your evening at Vista, a glorious single-screen movie theater owned by Quentin Tarantino.

Now for some rapid-fire picks across L.A.: There’s Koreatown, where you can take your pick of delicious Korean BBQ joints, then go bowling at Shatto 39 Lanes, virtual golfing at W Screen Golf or sing your heart out at karaoke. My colleague, food writer Stephanie Breijo, also suggests checking out Santa Monica’s pier, Camera Obscura Art Lab, “some of the L.A.’s best pastries at Petitgrain Boulangerie” and having dinner at Southeast Asian hot spot Cobi’s. For an off-the-beaten-path art option, there’s Phantasma Gloria, one Echo Park man’s massive front-yard sculpture. It’s made of rebar and colorful glass bottles, and shines differently depending on the light that day. You can see the art from the street on a drive-by or schedule a free tour by texting the creator, Randlett King Lawrence, in advance at (213) 278-1508. He says he has some “recent spectacular expansions.” Finally, Downtown L.A. is overflowing with things to do such as exploring the treasured Last Bookstore, eating food from around the globe at Grand Central Market, taking a ride along the iconic Angels Flight railway and learning about music history at the Grammy Museum.

Living in L.A. is realizing how expansive it is. Each time I feel like I’ve figured this city out, something new and exciting pops up, sending me down a road of discovery. So as you and your family explore the sprawling city, I hope you find more and more reasons to love it as much as I do.

The budget airline will implement the new rule from November 12

Ryanair will bring in a major change from Wednesday (November 12) in a move aimed at improving its airport experience for passengers. The change – which will see the airline adopt 100% Digital Boarding Passes (DBP) – means travellers will no longer be able to download or print a physical paper ticket, and must instead access it in their Ryanair App.

This scheme, initially scheduled for May 2025, intends to eliminate check-in charges, save around 300 tonnes of paper each year, and provide travellers with direct flight updates. The budget airline claimed that almost 80% of its over 207 million annual passengers have already adapted to the transition.

In an update last week Ryanair CMO, Dara Brady, explained: “While over 80% of passengers already use Digital Boarding Passes, and therefore won’t be affected by this progressive change, we remind the small number of passengers who still print boarding passes to download the myRyanair app ahead of the move to 100% digital boarding passes from Wednesday, 12 November.

“Moving fully digital means a faster, smarter, and greener experience for passengers, whilst also providing easier access to a range of innovative in-app features, including ‘Order to Seat’, live flight information and direct updates during disruption. We look forward to delivering an enhanced travel experience for 100% of our customers, streamlined through our best-in-class myRyanair app.”

If you’re worried about the practicalities of Ryanair’s change, look no further. Below, the Mirror has explored all the essential details you need to know before November 12, including instructions on check-in and accessing your DBPs.

1. What is a DBP, and how do I get one?

A DBP, or Digital Boarding Pass, is the electronic ticket you receive after checking in with Ryanair. Starting from November 12, passengers will be required to use a DBP rather than a physical ticket to board a Ryanair flight.

Passengers can check in online at Ryanair.com or through the Ryanair App, available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. To avoid additional fees, travellers should complete this step before arriving at the airport.

After checking in, a DBP will automatically appear in the Ryanair App. You will need to present this at airport security and the boarding gate before your flight.

However, please note that for flights from Morocco on or after November 12, passengers must check in online as usual and then present their DBP at the airport to receive a printed boarding pass. This physical boarding pass must then be shown to board flights.

Besides displaying your DBP, the Ryanair App also offers several other features that may be useful before boarding. According to the airline’s website, this includes the following:

• Order to seat abilities: Place food and drink orders via your phone to receive priority service.
• Live flight information: Get real-time updates on boarding, gate changes, and delays.
• Direct updates: Receive instant notifications from Ryanair’s operations centre during disruptions.
• Alternative flight options: Access real-time information on alternative flights during disruptions.
• Travel documents: View all your travel documents in one easy-to-access location.

2. What happens if my phone dies or I lose it before boarding?

Losing your mobile can be very stressful, but Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary reassures that it won’t stop you from boarding your flight. In a previous interview on The Independent’s daily travel podcast, he said: “The big concern that people have is: ‘What happens if I lose my battery or what if I lose my phone?’

“…If you lose your phone, no issue. As long as you’ve checked in before you got to the airport, we’ll reissue a paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge.”

O’Leary also mentioned that if a mobile device has run out of power, staff will have each traveller’s ‘sequence number’ at the departure gate. Therefore, passengers can still board without it, so there’s no need to worry.

Advice on Ryanair’s website mirrors this, adding: “If you have already checked in online and you lose your smartphone or tablet (or it dies), your details are already on our system and you will be assisted at the gate.”

After completing the online check-in, your DBP can be accessed offline through the Ryanair App. This means there’s no need for Wi-Fi or mobile data to view it.

3. What if I don’t check in online before arriving at the airport?

All Ryanair travellers should get reminders to check in online 24 to 48 hours prior to their flight departure. If they do not check in before arriving at the airport, they will be required to pay a fee.

Currently, the fee is £55/€55 per passenger for the majority of flights. However, passengers departing from Spain are required to pay £30/€30, while those leaving Austria will be charged £40/€40.

Ryanair’s website adds: “The fee is charged per passenger and per sector.”

For further details about the upcoming changes, please visit Ryanair’s website here.

A MAN flew to Prague for the day for just £18 – and says it’s cheaper than his commute to work.

Luke Simmonds, 36, has been going on extreme day trips for the last since 2023 – and has completed 30 in two years.

For his most recent trip he jetted off to Prague, Czech Republic on October 11 on a Wizz Air flight at 6am.

Landing at 8.45am, he wandered round the city often nicknamed the Golden City for its beautiful buildings, tried a local chimney cake, and visited Prague castle.

He flew back at 5pm and says the whole trip cost him £52.65 – only £7.65 more than the cost of his commute.

Luke, from Guildford, said: “This is only a few pounds more than what my commute to work would be.

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“The commute to work is about £40 on the train and the tube on top so about £45 and it’s 60 miles to travel.

“A day out in London would have cost more.

“It just shows what’s possible having a look and a mooch about foreign capital in a day.”

Luke said Prague is his cheapest day trip and he visited with seven other travel enthusiasts who he met through Facebook.

Booking £8.99 flights each way 11 months in advance, his 6am Luton flight touched down in the city by 8.45am.

He said: “This one was very much a go and wander around trip, and we there was not really a set plan apart from going to Gediminas castle.

“We bought some local food and walked down to Charles Bridge, a famous part of Prague and then into the old town square.

“We didn’t do any paid activities we just walked around sightseeing which is why it was so cheap.”

“Clearly there’s a lot more in Prague and it was not enough time to tick it off and never go again but nice a introduction to the city.”

Luke also visited Lithuania the weekend before.

His Luton Airport flights with WizzAir took off at 7.55am on October 4, landing in Vilnius, Lithuania at 12.18pm and costing just £38.47 return.

After taking a 20-minute bus into the centre he visited Gediminas castle for free, taking in panoramic views of the city, before having a lunch of local potato pancakes and cherry beer in the old town.

He said: “Vilnius is one of those places you can wander around without really having a plan.

“The old town has got loads to look at. There’s a quirky art district that’s almost declared itself independent – called Užupis.

“It’s quite a famous site in Vilnius but I found it really underwhelming”.

The extreme day trip does come with risks however if your flights into problems.

Luke’s 23.20pm flight with Ryanair back to Stansted was delayed – meaning he was left at the airport all night, only leaving at 8:25am the next morning.

When it comes to his top extreme day trips tips, he said that he bags his cheap flights by booking at least three months in advance.

He said: “Three months ahead tends to be the sweet spot for trips, you can get really good deals.

“There’s no exact science to booking flights as the prices go up all over the place.”

Not only that, but being “flexible with airports” also helps.

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He finished by saying: “I’ve gone to places I’ve never even heard of because I’ve seen people write it up on Facebook and thought, I’ll go there then.

“Some places have definitely had a boost in tourism because of it. The price is the driver rather than where you want to go”.

A British YouTuber was left stunned by the price of a small beer on his flight to Portugal after he had been delighted to get his ticket for just £17.99

A British YouTuber managed to fly from Manchester Airport to Portugal for a mere £17.99 – but the cost of a small beer on his flight left him stunned.

The content creator, known to his fans as Just Deano, jetted off abroad to spend a week filming in Albufeira, a seaside resort that’s a hit with Brits due to its affordable prices and sunny climate.

Kicking off his vlog, he quipped: “Terminal one I hear you say? Ryanair is in terminal three Deano. You’re a cheap skate! Well, this flight cost me £17.99… £17.99! And it is in terminal one because we are flying with easyJet.”

After breezing through security, Deano, whose flight was scheduled for the evening, decided to indulge in a pre-holiday tipple at Bar MCR.

However, despite planning to enjoy a pint of Guinness, he was appalled to see the iconic dark beverage being served in generic non-branded glasses.

With that in mind, he opted for a pint of Mahou lager instead, and raising his eyebrows, he remarked: “Airport prices of course – £7.40 a pint…”

Deano had loaded episodes of the Netflix series House of Guinness onto his phone for the flight, and was pleasantly surprised when everything ran like clockwork, a welcome change after recent travel nightmares.

Settling into his seat on the easyJet flight, he commented that the smoothness of his journey was “unusual for all the right reasons” and he even had an entire aisle to himself.

However, deciding to spoil himself with another beer, he later mused: “So, with everything going so well, I thought let’s treat myself to a couple of beers…

“The only reason I got two and not one is because it is €7 (approx £6) for one can of Birra Moretti and it is €10.95 (approx £9.50) for two.”

After sampling his pricey drink from a plastic cup, he remarked: “Lukewarm. What a shame. The only thing going wrong today is the lukewarm beer. So far.”

Upon his delayed arrival at Faro Airport, he then shelled out €21 (approx £18) for an Uber to his accommodation, before turning in for the evening.

Following the upload of his video, which you can view in its entirety here, numerous viewers from his 33,300-strong following were swift to weigh in on the costs.

One viewer commented: “Deano spent more on beer than the air travel.”

Another remarked: “Great video mate but I would not be paying 11euros for two small warm cans of lager.”

A third chimed in with: “Ridiculous the prices of beer on the plane I say I’m not going to every time but always do. Belter episode DEANO.”

One individual referenced the earlier Guinness glass controversy, stating: “Guinness in a non-Guinness glass should actually be illegal and I am not joking!”.

Finally, another supporter observed: “Weird your taxi is more than your flight. Yet the plane costs far more in fuel to fly there.”

In response to claims made in this story, a spokesperson for easyJet said: “A flight to Portugal and two beers for under £30 doesn’t sound like something to complain about.”

I once ate seven bowls of ragù bolognese over the course of a single weekend. I was in Bologna, to be fair, and on a mission – to get to the bottom of spag bol (yes, I know it should be served with tagliatelle). A few years earlier, I did something similar with a Polish stew called bigos (a sort of hunter’s stew). I wanted to learn about its variations, its nuances, and I wondered what you could find out about a place if you dived into one dish in particular. In the case of bigos, I gleaned that the Polish are prepared to wait a long time for things to be done.

My friend Tom suffers from a similar obsession (just last month he dropped a dozen scotch eggs on a bank holiday Monday) and so when he said he was heading to Paris to eat multiple steak frites, I wasn’t exactly surprised. He wasn’t just going for a laugh, mind you: Tom runs a pub in London called the Carlton Tavern, and had come to the opinion that his steak and chips could do with a bit of zhooshing up. Hence the recce in Paris. But a man travelling all that way to examine meat and potatoes cannot do so alone, so I volunteered my services.

A staple of French brasserie cuisine, steak frites came to prominence during the 19th century, when Paris was filling up with a new, urban working class who wanted, well, filling up. It’s now a standard on any prix fixe menu alongside coq au vin, duck confit and beef bourguignon.

Despite its simplicity, the dish hasn’t avoided philosophical attention. In his essay collection Mythologies, the heavyweight thinker Roland Barthes gave steak frites a proper considering. Just as a cup of tea is traditionally regarded as the remedy to all varieties of strife in some parts of the world (“Lost your job? I’ll stick the kettle on …”), it seemed to Barthes that steak frites was imbued with special significance. For the philosopher, the juicy beef was a sign of vitality and brio, and when paired with the humble chip, the result was practically a dialectic on a plate. Simply put, steak frites is more than the sum of its parts.

Taking advantage of the Eurostar Snap service, which allows you to select the day of travel but not the exact time, I bag myself a discounted return for just £90. And so, within three hours of leaving London, we find ourselves tucking into our first steak.

This homely outfit in the Marais has been going since the 1950s and cooks steaks over an open fireplace. The cut is entrecôte (AKA ribeye), which is served with sauteed potatoes and a green salad dressed with a classic vinaigrette. The steak is good, my medium rare (à point) is trumping Tom’s rare (saignant), the extra minute or so giving the fat a chance to render. There’s no sauce as such, but the mingling of dressing, meat juices and mustard makes a topping unnecessary. I ask the barman what he thinks of English wine. He says it’s a nice idea. €25, 8/10

A respectable amount of time later, we take on a rump on the other side of the Seine, on Boulevard Saint-Germain. Founded in 1880, Lipp is a classy joint – all vast mirrors and gleaming banquettes – and this particular lunchtime the place is abuzz. My slab (or pavé) of rump is fair to middling, but the fries aren’t as chipper as they might be. Once again there is no sauce, while the accompanying salad – some undressed lamb’s lettuce – brings little to the party. The best feature is the performance of our waiter, whose service manages to be exceptionally brusque yet unquestionably friendly. François explains that the 12 on his lapel conveys his standing in the pecking order. ‘‘I started at 23 and aspire to single digits,’’ he says. “And what happens when you get to one?” I ask. “You die.”
€25, 6.5/10

On François’ recommendation, we proceed to Le Pick-Clops, a laid-back bistro on the right bank of the river that is popular with students. Having learned that 2m bottles of wine are consumed in Paris each day, we do our bit to uphold this remarkable statistic by seeing off a carafe while waiting on our meal. The steak, when it comes, is onglet, or butcher’s steak, a cut that is typically dark and lean owing to the muscle’s working-class background. Here it’s served with a classically dressed green salad, a small gravy boat of blue cheese sauce and dauphinoise potatoes. There’s some chew on the beef but I don’t mind that, for it gives the dish’s other elements a chance to collaborate. On leaving, I ask the bartender where we should go next. He offers an enormous shrug and says: “Nowhere.” I give him a look designed to encourage elaboration. “Any place can do this dish,” he explains. “Don’t think about it. Just go.”
€15, 8.5/10

We got to experience the delights of Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell, having recently opened its doors, boasting a traditional British pub dubbed an ‘icon’ and a gorgeous 1930s themed bar

Finding a hotel in London, be it for business or leisure, can feel like a daunting task. There’s a catalogue of establishments promising a restful night to rest our heads after a busy day in the capital. However, there’s one that stands out.

Nestled in the heart of London’s design district and just a short distance from some of the city’s hotspots is the newly opened Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell by IHG. The four-star boutique hotel sits in a welcoming neighbourhood, dubbed “one of London’s most creative postcodes”, which allowed us to comfortably slot into the lifestyle of locals during a weekend stay.

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It’s perfectly positioned to explore central London, including Barbican Centre, Little Italy and St. Paul’s Cathedral, being just a short walk away. If we needed to venture further into the city, Barbican underground tube station is just a five-minute walk from the hotel – that’s if we could tear ourselves away from our room.

Before we even reached our twin bedroom, we were impressed by the glowing clocks that were fixed outside every bedroom door, displaying the room number in time, and decorating the hotel halls. Once we stepped inside our room, we were welcomed into a chic retreat designed with sleek interiors, smart features, and a refined aesthetic that was as stylish as it was comfortable.

Plush twin beds with crisp white linens and a velvet forest green headboard anchored the room, while smart lighting, including a nifty reading light and an automatic light for the bathroom, along with built-in amenities, made our stay even more effortless. We made use of the espresso machine found in every room and the gorgeous Urban Apothecary London bathroom amenities.

There were subtle notes of baby pink and mustard yellow that complemented the green hues perfectly, while oak wood furnishings with touches of gold added to the room’s sophistication and style. Other delicate touches include the old-fashioned style phone and the ambient circle light above the beds – we felt tucked away from the bustling capital inside our little haven.

When it came to food, we were spoilt for choice and found that there was absolutely no need to dine out anywhere else during our stay, with their restaurant, Wilderness Kitchen, pub, Hat & Feathers and Sabini Bar all under one roof. Because we know, choosing somewhere to dine in London is another minefield to navigate.

We started our evening with a pre-dinner drink in the hotel’s luxurious cocktail bar, Sabini Bar, which is themed around Charles Sabini, a notorious gangster who operated in London’s Clerkenwell during the 1920s and 30s. We opted for a spiced margarita, exquisitely made by cocktail attender Ope, and sat on one of the plush velvet seats in their cosy and elegant nook of the bar.

This area of the bar featured a dramatic red curtain covering half the floor-to-ceiling windows, a large partisan-style rug over wooden floors and a dazzling orange-hued chandelier that hung above. While we can only dream of our own house being this lavish, it offered a sense of relaxed comfort with a boujee edge.

For dinner, we dined in their gorgeous Wilderness Kitchen with table booths decorated in greenery and stylish rattan chairs. Served by the friendly food & beverage supervisor, Amal, we started with the garlic chilli prawns with ginger, before indulging in a 100Z ribeye medium-rare steak served with chunky chips and peppercorn sauce.

After gazing upon the dessert menu, we couldn’t resist the warming and lightly rich chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. It was all washed down with a refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio Rosé.

Another highlight of the hotel’s food and beverage options is the Grade II listed Hat & Feathers pub, which is accessible directly from the hotel or via a main entrance outside. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy classic British pub dishes, local and international beers, in a cosy and traditional London pub, which is marked as “a Clerkenwell icon”.

For breakfast, we returned to the Wilderness Kitchen for a selection of continental options and poached eggs and avocado from their main menu. There were plenty of fresh juices on offer, along with coffees to help kickstart the day!

To book your stay at Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell, or for more details, visit their website here.

WITH hotel prices soaring and all-inclusives costing a small fortune you probably think luxury holidays are a pipe dream – but some savvy Brits have found a way to jet off several times a year totally for FREE.

These women are bagging stunning holidays to pricey destinations like Las Vegas, Spain and Lapland for their families for absolutely nothing – and we’ve got their easy secrets so you can, too.

So how are they doing it? Run-of-the-mill competitions that give away everything from staycations to long-haul breaks.

These women are self-confessed ‘compers’ who have turned prize draws and social media giveaways into their tickets to dream holidays.

And while there is an element of luck, the trick is knowing where to look.

They maximise their chances through specialist groups on Facebook like Travel Competitions UK.

Free to join, this is a private group for holiday competition hunters throughout the UK to share tips and advice.

The page is also an opportunity for members to share travel competitions they’ve spotted and there are usually between 5-10 posted per day – anything from magazine comps and Instagram and Facebook shares, to comps directly from cruise companies, airlines and hotels.

Lucky Learners is another popular Facebook group for more general competitions, with 24,000 members,

It’s run by professional comper and author, Di Coke, who has also set up another paid-for members group called Lucky Legends, which provides access to a private chat forum and exclusive resources such as the compers shopping list.

A numbers game

Mum-of-two Natasha Douglas,  46, from Kent, is a member of Travel Competitions UK and has scooped several trips including not one but TWO holidays to Las Vegas – the first she won in 2019.

She says it’s primarily a numbers game.

Natasha told The Sun: “There’s no real skill involved. I just enter a lot of competitions all the time. The more you enter, the more chance you have of winning.”

Natasha and her friend used her latest holiday win to travel to Las Vegas last month – a win she secured through a newsletter sign-up with gambling.com – and the prize included a helicopter ride, show tickets and even £2,000 in spending money.

She’s also bagged a Lapland day trip on Christmas Eve, a Cornwall surf break, and a stack of UK hotel stays.

Natasha added: “Comping’s my hobby, any spare time I get, I’m entering something, but I never pay to enter.

“I’ll subscribe, share or answer a question, but it’s all free. The only downside are the spam emails! I get loads of them but it’s worth it.”

You gotta be in it to win it

Meanwhile, Lucy Davis, from Manchester is currently sunning herself in Mojácar, Spain, on her latest win.

The 47-year-old, who has one son, two stepchildren and two grandchildren, started entering competitions during lockdown.

She said: “A friend told me about the Lucky Learners site on Facebook, it’s amazing. There’s a £5 subscription for the full version, but there’s a free page too, with loads of competitions and advice.”

Since then, Lucy’s racked up an impressive list of wins.

She won a glamping break in Wales, a school-bus stay in Cornwall, a ferry trip to Amsterdam, and a city break in Liverpool, not to mention dozens of smaller prizes including shopping vouchers and restaurant meals.

Lucy told us: “I probably enter about 600 competitions a month, I usually do it late at night once the kids are in bed. I’m on Facebook, Instagram, magazines, anywhere that’s running a giveaway. You’ve got to be in it to win it!”

Lucy’s even made it onto ITV’s This Morning three years ago on a segment called ‘It’s behind You,’ where she pocketed £300 on the spot, and another £1,000 from an online prize draw.

She added: “Local Facebook pages are brilliant too. I’ve won panto tickets, Winter Wonderland entry, and even an Alton Towers trip for five.”

Mum-of-two Rachael Jones, 44, from Basingstoke, joined the Travel Competitions UK Facebook page over a year ago and now enters competitions almost every day.

Rachael said: “When I have spare time to relax, it’s something that I like to do. Fortunately my hobby paid off when I won a holiday.

“I found out in July 2024 that I had won a trip with Global and Booking.com and I had a year in to book it, so I arranged to go on my birthday in May this year.

“The prize was return flights to Malta, for four people including transfers, and two nights in a luxury apartment in Valletta.

“I also received £500 cash, which was transferred into my bank account just after I accepted the prize. My family and I had a wonderful time.”

All three women swear by Facebook groups like Lucky Learners, Late Deals Competitions, and Travel Competitions UK – and admit that while it takes time and a lot of entries, the rewards can be huge.

DESIGNS for a train station from the 1850s have been unearthed revealing what could have been the UK’s own Grand Central Station.

A map of the station from 172 years ago shows that it would have been a huge hub just like New York’s station of the same name.

To mark 200 years of modern railway, Perceval Parsons’ plans have been released and put on sale.

And they reveal a very different looking rail hub than what we know today.

The Grand Central Station would have connected up lots of mainline stations in the capital.

It would have been built next to Great Scotland Yard, close to where Embankment tube station is now and backed onto the River Thames.

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Outside would have been lots of decoration with a front that would be 800 feet in length.

For passengers there would be multiple entrances into the main concourse which would be around 300 feet long.

There would have been eight arrival platforms and eight for departure.

In comparison, Grand Central Terminal in New York is 275 feet long, 120 feet wide, and 125 feet high.

Parsons wrote on the plans: “The great desideratum of a connecting link to unite the termini of the various metropolitan railways, and at the same time afford them access to the heart of London, has long been admitted.

“And a line that would effect this, and at the same time give a like accommodation to the principal suburbs, would be of still greater importance”.

The proposal was supported by Robert Stephenson, chief engineer of the London and Birmingham Railway, but the reason why it didn’t go ahead was due to the Crimean War.

The war meant many expensive projects were scrapped across the UK.

Charing Cross Station opened in 1864, eight years after the end of the Crimean War.

One train line that was running in the 1800s was what was dubbed one of the spookiest train lines in history.

The London Necropolis Railway would transport up to 2,000 bodies a year from the city, to be buried in the countryside due to overcrowding.

Starting at Waterloo Station, the Necropolis Railway would transport coffins from London to Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey.

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Here’s how to find the UK’s most beautiful rail journey that takes 10 minutes and costs just £10.

Plus, here’s one of the world’s most beautiful train routes is in the UK – and it’s getting a £15million upgrade.

Here’s more on the London Transport Museum…

From rare road and rail vehicles to vintage posters, visitors can see over 320,000 items relating to the English capital’s transport history at the London Transport Museum Depot in Acton.

There’s lots to explore at the Museum Depot like decommissioned tube carriages – including some from the 1930s.

There are also signs, ceramic tiles, original posters and ticket machines from over the years.

There are limited open days each year where there are expert talks and demonstrations.

Some topics ask the questions; why are buses red? to why design of the Piccadilly Line train is the way it is.

The depot also has a working miniature railway based on real underground trains from the carriages to signals – this only runs on weekends during the open days.

For more information and details on opening days, head to the London Transport Museum Depot website.

A PRETTY town on a island in Greece has opened a new €3.5million (£3million) marina to visitors.

The brand new marina in Nydri, which is located on the Ionian island of Lefkada, is set to attract more tourists, visitors and yacht owners to the area.

Having opened back in April, the marina has 73 berths for yachts up to 15 metres.

The marina was developed to make access to the Ionian islands better.

While there is a small bridge from the mainland which makes the island accessible via car, the new marina should help to improve nautical tourism.

Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gkikas, stated: “This project marks a vital development that will foster prosperity not only in Nydri but across the entire island of Lefkada.”

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He added that the upgrades make the destination competitive with the likes of Croatia, Montenegro and Albania.

He said: “It is crucial for the Ionian Islands to experience such significant growth in maritime tourism.”

The project was also part of a wider development plan to expand marine tourism in the islands.

Other projects include adding a 100-berth marina in Vassiliki.

Nydri itself is a pretty resort town to explore, just under 10 miles from the main town.

The town curves around the bay and has a few quaint taverns and restaurants to explore.

Head to the harbour to see boats bobbing up and down on the water.

Or venture to Dimosari Waterfalls – a popular hiking spot that leads to Dimosari Gorge and its waterfalls, which you can even swim in in the warmer months.

As a whole, this island of Lefkada is known as the ‘Caribbean of Greece‘ thanks to its exotic, Caribbean-like natural landscape.

On the island, visitors will find sprawling beaches, such as Porto Katsiki which is bookended by dramatic cliffs and has soft, golden sands.

One recent visitor said: “Great beautiful beach with beautiful blue water! The road after is already an experience and beautiful views!”

The island’s main town is also worth exploring – it features lots of little alleys, a long promenade and several restaurants and bars.

One of the top restaurants to head to is Antivaro, which won a TridAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for 2025.

On the menu, you could opt for a meat grill with chicken, pork, beef, pita bread and french fries for €27 (£23.78).

Make sure to look at the buildings as well, many of which have Venetian architecture.

Throughout the town there are a number of landmarks worth exploring too, such as the Church of Pantokrator and the Church of Agioi Anargyroi.

Or head to a museum, such as the Phonograph Museum, the Folklore Museum or the Archaeological Museum.

The island is littered with different accommodation spots, meaning there is something for every type of holidaymaker.

For example, you could stay at Armeno Beach Hotel from £72 per night.

The hotel has a restaurant, with free breakfast included and beach access.

Alternatively, head to Lefkas Hotel, which has a pool and is a two minute walk from the sea – it costs from £43 per night.

The best way to get to Lefkada is by flying into Aktion National Airport, which is about an hour away from Lefkada.

Some airlines fly seasonally to the airport – for example, you could fly with easyJet from London Gatwick to Aktion Airport in April 2026 for £171 return.

Alternatively, you can fly into Athens and drive, which takes around five hours.

Flights from the UK to Athens in December cost as little as £28 return from London, £61 return from Bristol and £71 return from Manchester.

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If you are looking for more inspiration for holidays to Greece, then one expect has shared four better value islands where locals go on holiday.

Plus, the smaller Greek island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular.

CROATIA is full of islands, in fact it has over one thousand of them, but there’s one that was the favourite hotspot for royalty many years ago.

It’s not hard to see why either as the island is covered in lush olive groves and ruins of those grand former summer residences.

Šipan Island is the largest of the Elaphiti archipelago and is around 11 miles away from Dubrovnik.

On the island there are just two hotels, so you can opt for an overnight stay at either Hotel Šipan in Šipanska Luka and Hotel Božica in Suđurađ.

Both are expensive, although Hotel Božica offers a more relaxed retreat than what you’ll find on mainland Croatia.

It’s small with around 30 rooms, and guests can make use of the outdoor pool, a private beach, a restaurant and a lounge bar.

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In peak summer it can be as much as £380 per night.

If you want to simply explore, then jump on a ferry and take a daytrip from Dubrovnik.

To get to Šipan, holidaymakers need to take the ferry from Dubrovnik.

There’s one ferry a day, and the trip takes around 45 minutes with a one-way ticket costing £3.63pp.

Once you get to the island, you’ll find a mass of olive groves – as it holds a Guinness World Record for the highest density of olive trees per square meter.

This is also why it’s called ‘golden island’, thanks to its rich land which produces quality olive oil.

It is inhabited by around 480 residents who live between the two main villages, Šipanska Luka on the western side and Suđurađ on the southeastern tip.

You’ll also spot some ruins that used to be Roman villas and summer residences of Dubrovnik nobility.

Thanks to its proximity to the city, Šipan Island used to be the holiday spot for rich and noble Croatian families from Dubrovnik.

One of those is Vice Stjepović-Skočibuha in the village of Suđurađ, the most famous one among them.

Of the 13 Elaphiti Islands, only three are inhabited; Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan.

Koločep is the island nearest to Dubrovnik, and it has two villages, plenty of hiking trails, and the Modra šilja, known as The Blue Cave.

On Lopud, visitors will find the very pretty Šunj beach and a historic monastery.

Much further up the coast, nearer to Zagreb, Krk is Croatia’s largest island, and unlike Šipan, it can be accessed via a bridge, so there’s no need to take the ferry.

As it’s one of the larger Croatian islands, which has a number of resorts, hotels, holiday homes and campsites.

There are over 68 towns and villages on the island, and a popular spot is Beach Kozica, also known as the silent beach, which has been described as “dream bay” by visitors thanks to its clear waters.

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Plus, here’s more on the Croatian town that Brits always skip, which is named one of the cheapest beach resorts in Europe.

And check out the tiny European coastal town that used to be its own island named top 2024 hidden gem.

The wild swimming spot is popular with reviewers, who praised the ‘stunning’ views

A ‘magical’ tidal pool that’s popular with wild swimmers has been praised as the ‘perfect’ spot for a winter swim. Found in Cornwall, the ‘stunning’ pool could be especially attractive to people who like to swim year-round, but who don’t always get the chance due to rough seas.

While it’s always important to follow water safety guidelines, swimming in the winter can be more dangerous due to unpredictable conditions and stronger currents. Bude Sea Pool often goes viral on social media and is highly rated by TripAdvisor reviewers. It’s also free to visit.

Friends of Bude Sea Pool, the charity that maintains the pool, explains: “Bude Sea Pool is a semi-natural tidal pool and is a safe haven for wild swimming on the edges of the Atlantic Ocean. There is no cost, no booking nor any other imposed restriction. Bude Sea Pool is for everyone to enjoy for free.”

The sea pool is open throughout the year, and the temperature typically ranges between 11°C and 18°C. The website advises unseasoned swimmers to consider wearing a wetsuit. It is also recommended to always swim at low tide.

On TripAdvisor, the tidal pool has an average rating of 4.7 out of five, and it earned a 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award. The description for the attraction reads: “Bude Sea Pool is a part-natural, part man-made tidal pool on Summerleaze Beach in the popular seaside town of Bude, North Cornwall.

“Built in the 1930s under the cliffs, it provides a safe swimming area away from the dangerous Atlantic currents. Measuring approximately 91m by 45m, the pool is naturally replenished by the Atlantic Ocean at high tide.”

One previous visitor said: “Bude sea pool is my favourite place in the world. I have visited it many times, in all months and seasons. It is never the same, but always magical and I am so happy that it continues to be free for everyone to enjoy. Wonderful place.”

Another visitor wrote: “A lovely spot. Perfect, safe place for a winter swim. A lovely spot.

“Perfect, safe place for a winter swim when the sea is rough. An amazing facility. Volunteer run and charity so pop in the ‘friends of’ shop for some swim-supplies or gifts to show support. Parking & toilets nearby.”

Someone else praised: “Awesome! What a stunning place for a swim! The Bude sea pool is a wonderful thing. It is backed by cliffs creating stunning views while you can swim in calm but fresh sea water. I recommend a wetsuit in winter unless you’re seriously hardy!

“But it is open and beautiful all year round whatever the weather. If you do swim please do donate to keep this wonderful resource going. Go there and enjoy!”

Berlin

A city as celebrated for its quirkiness as Berlin is almost duty-bound to deliver on the flea market front – plus, many of its shops close on Sundays, making market browsing the natural retail fix.

Although Mauerpark in the Prenzlauer Berg district is well known for its flea market and sells good stuff, if you have the patience to rummage through the inevitable piles of tat, smaller markets tend to have more interesting one-off finds. A favourite is Arkonaplatz in the Mitte district, which is especially alluring in autumn when the light and surrounding trees take on golden shades. There’s old film and camera equipment to be had here, as well as industrial furniture. My favourite buy is a huge, hand-crocheted blanket in shades of lapis and rust.

The Rathaus Schöneberg flea market in Tempelhof-Schöneberg is one of Berlin’s oldest, and is located where John F Kennedy made his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech. It’s mostly the wares of people having a clear-out, as opposed to professional dealers, and is affordable.

Lesser known to non-Berliners, Neukölln’s Kranoldplatz Flohmarkt – in one of the city’s most vibrant alternative neighbourhoods – is a good choice for cool castoffs. Strict regulations limit what vendors can sell, too, so you’re spared much of the new, mass-produced junk you might find elsewhere.

For the most beautiful setting, though, the Bode antique and book market on Museum Island is pure romance. I can’t read any of the books I’ve bought there, nor have I ever served cake with the silver-plated slice I found there, but who cares?

Secondhand stores can be found all over the city – but it’s worth homing in on Friedrichshain. It’s home to Europe’s biggest Humana store (five floors of vintage treasure, including a selection of lederhosen) and there are several smaller outfits here, too. V Vintage (Kopernikusstraße 18 and Grünberger Straße 50) has a great range of pieces, from vintage denim to retro après-ski, while Soul and Style (Krossener Straße 24 and Frankfurter Allee 35-37) serves up fashion with a distinctly 80s flair, complete with band T-shirts, glitter and lurid shell suits.
For more insider tips, check out @ezcape, @jessica.miusha

Athens

Who wouldn’t have old things on their mind when visiting the cradle of western civilisation? Once you’ve taken in the Acropolis and Parthenon, swerve the stalls selling fridge magnets of ancient ruins and head to the port city of Piraeus. About 5 miles south-west of Athens, it’s where the ferries depart for hundreds of Greek islands and a Sunday flea market takes place, alongside the railway tracks, until 2pm-ish. There’s often good retro clothing and vintage homewares – be prepared to rummage, sometimes at ground level, as not all vendors set up on tables. Then head for lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Another Sunday option is Pazari Rakosyllekton, or Scavengers’ Fleamarket (the name alone gets my treasure-hunt heart racing), a few minutes’ walk from Eleonas station, selling everything from furniture and homewares to books and records. Having found Olivia Newton-John’s Xanadu here, I feel I’ve peaked.

Elsewhere, curated vintage stores include Kilo Shop (Ermou 120), where finds are charged by weight and rails restocked every second day. Higher-end options include Anthophile Vintage (Zoodochou Pigis 55), where florals and whimsy reign, and Handpicked Cherries (Frinis 51) for vintage leather and Y2K treats.
For more insider tips, check out @athens_thrifts, @posh.vintage

Stockholm

Sweden and its Scandi neighbours are known for being savagely pricey, so balance the books with a touch of secondhand shopping. Stockholm has two stores from the popular European chain Humana – one in the Norrmalm district and another in Södermalm – good for clothing and accessories. With several locations around the city, Myrorna – owned by the Swedish arm of the Salvation Army – is more for your home than wardrobe. Gustavsberg porcelain and stylish glassware by Kosta Boda pop up frequently, as do pieces by other Nordic brands, such as Marimekko.

Södermalm is also home to a branch of the UK chain Beyond Retro and Judits Second Hand (Hornsgatan 75), which operates partly on a consignment basis, selling unwanted garments of local people for a split.

For a particularly Swedish experience, seek out a loppis. Not quite a garage sale, not quite a flea market, it’s an immensely popular way to socialise on a weekend, while unearthing the treasure that is someone else’s trash. Some are spontaneous, others semi-permanent with on-site refreshment and music. Spring and summer are prime times for loppisrunda (loppis-hopping), especially in the countryside, but they can be found year-round (check loppiskartan.se). A vintage Swedish Christmas tablecloth with matching fabric napkins and a pair of sleek brass reindeer, all from Uppsala, a 40-minute train journey north of Stockholm, remain beloved finds.
For more insider tips, check out @modernretrostockholm, @vintageretrosimon and @myrornaopsten

Madrid

Fast-fashion behemoth Zara was born in Spain, and although its largest retail store worldwide is in Madrid, the capital isn’t enslaved to high-street dressing. As well as its 29 Humana shops, where you might stumble upon anything from 90s streetwear to 50s corsetry, those with a yen for designer labels should check out the city’s many upmarket secondhand boutiques, which are more akin to concept stores than thrift shops.

Try Second Chance in the city centre (Calle de la Virgen de los Peligros 11) for lightly used clothes by names such as Loewe, Dolce & Gabbana and Yves Saint Laurent. While not exactly bargains, they are far more affordable than they would be new.

Denim is the staple at Friperie (Calle Rodriguez San Pedro 2), which has been name-checked by Vogue; and for those who consider Y2K to be vintage (rude) then Neare in the centre (Corre Alta de San Pablo 21) has a varied selection of clothing and accessories.

At Piel de Mariposa (Calle Embajadores 35) there are books, vinyl and homewares, as well as a good range of fashion and accessories, many for under €10 apiece.

The traditional flea market experience is also readily available in Madrid: El Rastro, home to many restaurants and bars, bursts into life on Sundays, when the flea market takes over the neighbourhood. Be prepared to wade through lots of rubbish, but when you do strike gold (for me, the vintage ceramics are particularly beguiling) it glitters for real.
For more insider tips, check out @rastro_madrid, @matiz.life

Amiens

There are plenty of reasons to visit Amiens, the capital of the Picardy region: France’s largest Gothic cathedral, the country’s first purpose-built museum (with displays covering everything from Egyptian artefacts to Francis Bacon), and for Channel-hoppers it’s only a 90-minute drive from Calais. Plus, twice a year it hosts the Réderie, one of the largest flea markets in France.
On the second last Sunday in April and the first Sunday in October, 2,000-plus vendors spread over 50-odd streets in the town centre.

Aim to arrive on the Saturday, as many of the vendors start setting up the night before. So wrap up warmly, wear comfortable shoes and a head torch, and maybe you’ll bag an early bargain. Take a camping trolley for your finds: some of my favourites have included framed floral needlepoints, heavy brass swans and acrylic candleholders.

While the biannual market is the big draw, the town has plenty to keep vintage lovers happy year-round. Fripes et Merveilles (151 Rue Gaulthier de Rumilly) is a time capsule of well-priced finds, from bric-a-brac to jewellery. Prices are far higher at Silk & Roses (18 Rue Saint-Martin aux Waides), but expect to find the likes of Kenzo, Moschino and Yves Saint Laurent. Meanwhile, Icône Friperie (21 Rue du Général Leclerc) charges by the kilo – €30 a haul.
For more insider tips, check out #grandrederieamiens, @se_souvenir_des_belles_choses

While the New Year is a peak time for booking summer holidays, especially for families looking to jet away outside of term time, here’s why I tend to be an early bird booker in November

The promise of a summer holiday is often the thing that gets you through the post-Christmas slump. And holiday companies certainly know this. While you’re finishing your turkey sandwich and fighting festive hangovers, there are two adverts you’ll see a lot of; sofa sales and holidays.

As a travel journalist, I take a lot of last-minute breaks, but as a busy mum when it comes to booking my own holidays, I like to be organised. This means that before I’ve put the tree up I’ve often got my summer holiday booked, and November can be an excellent time to start browsing travel sites.

Here are some of the reasons why I’m already thinking about my summer holidays this month and will likely be booking in the next couple of weeks.

1. Yes, there are some great deals

While travel companies do offer sales in January and February, November is a quiet month for bookings for travel companies, which means there are often flash sales and deals going on that aren’t as heavily promoted, but can still save you a lot of money.

Of course, the big one in November is Black Friday. At the time of writing, many of the major operators were still keeping their deals under wraps, although Jet2 currently have 20% off flights and £100 per person off all holidays.

Black Friday is officially on November 28, but in my experience, most travel companies will launch their offerings before then. If there’s a particular tour operator, airline, or cruise provider you’re interested in, sign up for their newsletter now. Some of them will give early access to deals, and you can always unsubscribe later.

2. Availability is better

Most airlines and accommodation providers will have released their 2026 summer availability by now for early bird bookers. If you’re looking for a very specific destination or holiday type, for example a certain cabin type on a cruise or a sea view apartment in your favourite resort, then you’ve got a better chance of nabbing it now before the New Year rush.

As someone who once endured an overnight ferry to France in a reclining seat because I booked too late and there were no cabins left, I always try to get bookings locked in as soon as I know the dates I want. Car hire is another one that tends to be better booked in advance, especially if you’re visiting a small Spanish or Greek island, as they’ll often have limited vehicles available.

3. It’s easier to budget

As a parent whose family holiday dates are restricted to half terms and those dreaded six weeks of summer, I’m well aware how expensive it can be to even get a few nights in a caravan during peak times. That’s why I like to take advantage of interest-free options for spreading the cost, so I can budget monthly and get the holiday paid off before I go.

TUI, for example, offer zero deposit options, with the cost of the holiday paid in instalments via direct debit. The last payment is made eight weeks before your holiday, so if you book earlier, you can spread it in smaller instalments which I find much less painful than paying in one go.

Some UK holiday providers offer the same such Haven offer low deposits of £30 and a variety of payment options to help you budget.

Always make sure you can afford the monthly payments, as missing one could mean your holiday ends up getting cancelled with any payments lost. Read any terms and conditions carefully. Make sure there’s no interest being added and avoid options like credit cards and pay later providers who can add massive fees.

4. You can lock down popular annual leave dates

If you’ve ever worked in a team with other parents, you’ll know there can be a battle to get weeks off at certain times of year. Even if you aren’t booking your holiday yet, it’s worth getting those annual leave requests in. Of course, never book a holiday before you’ve had your annual leave approved.

5. Enjoy the holiday excitement for longer

Christmas can be a stressful time, so it’s nice to have something to look forward to. I appreciate it’s not the same for everyone, but I really love the countdown to my big holiday. It gives me plenty of time to look for local attractions I want to visit, and even start shopping for holiday clothes.

Admittedly, early booking isn’t for everyone, some people love to be spontaneous. But if you’re already dreaming of jetting off in summer it may be a good time to see what the tour operators have to offer.

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Dan, who documents his travel with wife Natalia on Youtube and Instagram, spent Christmas Day on the Canary Islands hotspot of Tenerife with his two scaffolder friends

A scaffolder who ditched the UK for Christmas Day in Tenerife has explained why he left his wife behind for the festive break.

Traditionally, Christmas is a time when families come together to pull crackers, exchange presents, and watch Doctor Who.

Not so for Dan, a construction worker who spent a week in Tenerife with two of his mates while his wife stayed behind in the UK. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Natalie wasn’t thrilled. However, Dan was not tempted to the Canary Islands by the promise of sun, sand, and sea alone.

“She actually did mind me going. She didn’t want me to go. But my mate’s house had been flooded and he was in temporary accommodation in a hotel room, his family had all gone away for Christmas and he had nobody left, so I said I’d go to Tenerife with him and another guy from work – as they wouldn’t go just those two,” Dan told the Mirror, when asked about his decision to fly out.

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Dan, who travels the world with Natalie and offers “nothing but honest opinions” as two “working class travellers from England” on YouTube and Instagram, broke down the logistics of the break.

“We travelled to Tenerife as a group of three friends, our return flights, from Christmas Eve, to New Year’s Eve cost us just £261 each. Our accommodation was on the north side of the island, where it’s much quieter and a little less expensive,” he explained.

“We stayed in a house in Los Realejos, which cost us £1,118.40 for three people, for six nights, and as three scaffolders from Essex – this side of the island helped us stick to a nice budget. To reach the tourist hotspots (Playa de Las Américas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje), we had hired out a car for £271.80 (for seven days). As I’m not a big drinker anymore, I was always able to act as designated driver.”

On the big day itself, the three lads enjoyed 23°C, sunshine, and “not a cloud in the sky” as they basked on Playa de Las Américas.

“We had a pint at a restaurant and spent the day relaxing in the sun, surrounded by a sea of fellow Brits, drinking and relaxing on the beach. Later on, we tried to find somewhere to have a traditional Christmas dinner, a roast, or anything resembling one,” Dan continued.

“Our efforts were futile. Everywhere was completely fully booked, we even decided to walk a couple of miles out of the hotspot area to find one, but when we arrived, it was closed. On our way back to Playa de Las Américas, we stumbled upon an Asian restaurant with little to no customers inside, the menu was substantially cheaper than most other places we had tried. As three hungry guys who absolutely love Asian food and Asia, we happily settled for that. A Thai red curry with a spectacular view of the sunset over the ocean. That was to be our Christmas dinner.”

After dinner, Dan spent some time reflecting on his festive Tenerife jaunt. As fun as it was, it lacked a certain cosiness and family feel.

“Christmas Day in the sunshine, surrounded by a sea of strangers was just not the same as being at home in the UK; where it’s cold, dark and miserable outside, but you’re in your warm home, surrounded by your loved ones, who are all in the same situation together, with seemingly endless amounts of good food available – there is something special about that,” Dan explained.

“Spending the day in the sun abroad just wasn’t really giving me that same Christmassy feeling. And that’s all coming from a scaffolder who spends six months of every year travelling vlogging abroad, without so much as a second of it being spent feeling ‘homesick’. Although the two older lads I went with would disagree with my feelings and both much prefer it in the sun, relaxing on the beach with a beer in their hand.”

In total, light-drinking Dan spent £1,200 on the trip, which included flights, accommodation, car hire, fuel, food and some drink. His two friends spent closer to £2,500 each “whilst drinking and smoking”.

“I would recommend Tenerife for Christmas if you don’t have anyone to spend Christmas with at home, or if you don’t want to spend the day with anybody at home. I would also recommend it if your family would go with you,” he continued.

“There were a lot of families there, but that’s likely going to be an expensive trip at Christmas. If however, like me, your family is all at home enjoying the day in the cosiness of a family home, I would recommend you join them and enjoy the day with them, as you might find that in your older years, you can spend the day of Christmas abroad, on the beach, without any family to miss.”

In terms of how Natalie feels about Dan’s decision now, he said: “She’s cool man. She was upset when I left, but we’ve been together for 10 years now. She knows what I’m like.”

The AA has named the UK’s Holiday Park of the Year, and it’s in a beautiful coastal location with a sandy beach, plenty of entertainment, and lots to do in the area

The UK’s Holiday Park of the Year has been announced, and it’s nestled on a stunning stretch of Norfolk coast, sandwiched between two popular seaside resorts.

Haven’s Hopton Holiday Village, located between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth and near the Suffolk border, has been awarded a five-star rating by the AA, with the inspector praising its: “Excellent leisure and entertainment facilities for all ages.”

The AA Caravan and Camping Awards 2025-26 judged parks across the UK, covering a variety of award categories, from Small Campsite of the Year to Glamping Site of the Year. Hopton scooped up the coveted AA Holiday Park of the Year award, with inspectors praising its picturesque coastal location, natural countryside setting, and superb range of on-site amenities.

Home to 775 static caravans, the park is situated in the village of Hopton, known for its long sandy beach that becomes a hotspot during the summer months. Visitors can take advantage of direct beach access, allowing them to spend their days lounging on the golden sands or strolling along the low grassy cliffs.

Hopton village itself has classic seaside charm, complete with fish and chip shops, amusements, and a handful of convenient stores. There’s also plenty to do in Great Yarmouth, just a ten-minute drive away, offering family-friendly rides at the Pleasure Beach, the chance to discover marine life at the SEA LIFE Centre, or enjoy traditional seaside fun on the pier.

A mere 40-minute drive north from Hopton, you’ll find Horsey Gap, a beach known for its large grey seal colony. The best time to see them is during the pupping season, which runs from late October to February, reports the Express.

Visitors can use the viewing platforms to spot these adorable creatures without disturbing them.

Another fantastic day out is Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, situated about 15 miles from the park. This popular attraction has something for everyone, from a Kiddie Zone for the little ones to thrilling rollercoasters for the adrenaline junkies.

There are also wildlife areas where you can spot colourful birds and sea lions, and a soft play area is included in the ticket price.

If you’d rather stay close to home, there’s plenty to do on site at Hopton Holiday Village. It boasts an indoor pool with flumes, as well as a covered outdoor pool that opens during the warmer months.

Families can enjoy a round of 6-hole golf or a game of tennis, hire bikes or karts, or have fun in the inflatable arena during the summer months.

As a Haven park, there are also loads of bookable activities such as a climbing wall, archery, and arts and crafts.

The park features a large entertainment complex, complete with a family-friendly restaurant, fish and chip shop, amusements, fast food takeaways, and The Marina Bar and Stage where Haven’s entertainment team put on shows. Evening entertainment kicks off with The Seaside Squad with games that keep the kids entertained, followed by activities such as bingo and all-ages shows.

You can nab a three-night stay at Hopton Holiday Village for as little as £59, based on a family of four sharing a saver caravan. Discover more and make your booking here.