Best hot and sunny holidays in April including hotspots less than 4 hours from UK – The Mirror
Need to know
From Spain to the Caribbean, there are plenty of warm and sunny destinations perfect for April holidays – we take a look at the destinations you won’t want to miss.
There are plenty of hot and sunny destinations in April(Image: Getty Images)
Need to know: Seven hot destinations less than four hours from UK perfect for April getaways
April offers brilliant destinations less than four hours from the UK where temperatures start heating up.
Morocco delivers 25C days in Agadir and Marrakech, perfect for exploring markets and dining al fresco.
Malta offers flights from £30 and boasts Valletta, dubbed the ‘best city in the world’. The island features stunning landmarks and Game of Thrones filming locations.
Spain’s cities become ideal in April, with Seville hitting 24C and Madrid reaching 18C. It’s perfect weather for sightseeing and enjoying “a cheeky sangria in the sunshine!”
The Canary Islands offer 18-24C temperatures, ideal for hiking and nightlife as resorts come alive.
Greek islands like Santorini and Crete start opening up without summer crowds.
For serious heat, Thailand delivers 34-37C in dry conditions, perfect for poolside lounging in Phuket.
The Caribbean also offers great deals while avoiding monsoon season, with Barbados and Jamaica providing white sand beaches and adventures.
A new play area has opened at Crystal Palace Park and it is free to visitCredit: kiddoadventures / FacebookThe park features a number of slides, swings and climbing framesCredit: kiddoadventures / FacebookMany of the different elements of the playground are also accessibleCredit: HTA Design
The park features “hands-on play” with a “world shaped by scales, skeletons and stories from deep time”.
There are a number of pathways to explore with dinosaur-details as well as a few different shaped slides on the embankment.
A huge dinosaur-like skeleton also offers kids the chance to climb and hide, with the curving tail forming a play trail.
In the sandpit, which is shaped like a dinosaur’s footprint, young children can also dig and discover fossils.
The new playground replaces an old one that had become rundown over the years.
After enjoying the new play park, make sure to head on the dinosaur trail to see around 30 Grade-I listed statues scattered across the park.
These are the world’s first life-sized prehistoric animal sculptures which were all inspired by fossils found by Victorian palaeontologists over 170 years ago.
Many of the dinosaurs look rather different to how we imagine dinosaurs now and that is because the statues were created from the scientific information Victorians had at the time.
It is free to visit the park as well as the sculptures, which can be found across islands and lakes in the park.
And by this summer, there will be a new £17.75million Visitor Centre.
There’s even a climbing frame and trail that looks like a dinosaur skeletonCredit: kiddoadventures / FacebookAcross Crystal Palace Park you can also see 30 Grade-I listed dinosaur sculpturesCredit: Alamy
It will be a single-storey and will have an ‘Interpretation and Activity Room’ which will showcase the park’s history and future through a number of displays, objects and information panels.
The park’s Grand Centre Walk is also being restored to create more space for events, with the path becoming wider and a new entrance being built at Penge Gate.
In total, the park’s revamp is expected to cost around £52million.
WITH new travel requirements in action at airports across Europe, EES is set to cause travel chaos this summer.
While you’re likely to be caught up in the chaos and lengthy queues, there are a few ways to make it more manageable.
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If you’re heading on holiday – you might get caught up in EES delaysCredit: AlamyThere have been reports of queues up to four-hours long to get through passport controlCredit: Alamy
With many Brits yet to register for EES, it’s predicted that those heading abroad for the summerholidays will be privy to delays.
Some destinations even out of season have reported queues of up to four hours.
These include airports at Brussels, Lisbon, Prague and Lanzarote.
So while you might not beat the queues – here are some tips from Sun Travel to make your next trip easier.
So if you get an early flight, there’s less likely to be a backlog.
Whereas if you’re travelling in the early evening, there could still be passengers being processed who are plenty ahead of you.
Anticipate delays
If you are taking a connecting flight, we’d advise to anticipate delays.
Of course this varies from airport to airport, but some travellers might find it will take longer to get through because of the EES requirements.
Similarly, if someone’s collecting you perhaps give them a bit more time – especially if they’re in one of the pick-up zones that costs money.
Queues at Lanzarote Airport were up to 3-hours long for one Sun Travel reporter
Go for a bigger airport
If you can go to a bigger airport and take a longer road transfer, it could be worth it.
At a larger airport there’s likely to be more EES machines than at one of the smaller ones.
For example, Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski found there were plenty more of the machines in Spain‘s Alicante Airport than in Austria‘s Salzburg.
So if you can fly into to a main hub and then continue from there, it could make your journey through the airport quicker.
Bring entertainment
If you have children, or are generally just bored of queues (and who can blame you?) – think about entertainment.
It could be worth setting the kids up with an iPad or something that will keep them occupied.
Also, bring a reserve of snacks because standing in line means no access to the airport’s cafes and shops.
Get into the priority lane
For those who are disabled, make sure to let the airline know in advance as you would usually.
After landing, staff should escort you straight through to the front of border control queues.
Many major airports offer priority family lanes at passport control for families with young children (usually under 12 years old).
Use the plane facilities
Quite simply, if you are going to be waiting in line for yours, then you want to be comfortable.
So before landing, go to the toilet on the plane.
If you’re queueing along corridors before heading into border control, then the chances are there won’t be access to toilets.
Here’s what you should expect to find when you get to an EES machine…
Select your language
Put your passport into the machine
Place your fingers onto the scanner
Look into the camera
Answer series of short questions about the trip e.g. where you’ll be staying, if you have a return journey booked and confirmation of travel insurance
A woman who found a secret compartment in a plane toilet was left gobsmacked by what she found inside – as some said other public toilets should do the same
The woman found something amazing in the plane bathroom (stock photo)(Image: kool99 via Getty Images)
Your next flight might be concealing some vital items in a “secret compartment” within the toilet. We’re all aware that air travel can be an uncomfortable affair. You’re squeezed onto an aircraft alongside a host of strangers and informed you can only bring a small bag containing all your essentials – and you’re likely to overlook something important.
While nothing will truly enhance the experience unless you splash out thousands of pounds for first class, one woman on social media has revealed that a hidden door in the bathroom could hold something which at least makes the journey tolerable for some passengers.
Rhonda Abdalla, from Florida, US, was travelling on a Southwest Airlines service from Tampa to Houston, Texas, en route to Las Vegas, when she unexpectedly started her period. She consulted a flight attendant who pointed her towards a small compartment in the aircraft toilet, which was stocked with tampons and sanitary towels.
The woman admitted she had no clue the compartment existed, and suspected other women would be equally unaware, so she turned to Threads to share the discovery and spread awareness.
She posted: “I’m a girls’ girl, so I have to share. Ladies! Did you know there’s a secret compartment in the airplane bathroom that has tampons and pads if you need them?! Because nobody wants to be caught off guard at 35,000 feet.”
Speaking to Newsweek, Rhonda revealed the flight attendant instructed her to take as many tampons as required, and even thoughtfully disclosed she had additional supplies if the stock in the lavatory proved insufficient.
Rhonda detailed that whilst the compartment does feature a sign indicating it can be opened, it “isn’t very noticeable”, so she believes she never would have considered looking there had the flight attendant not informed her about it.
Southwest Airlines has confirmed that sanitary products are something they ensure are stocked on all aircraft for any passenger who might require one urgently.
They told Newsweek: “Sanitary products are available on all Southwest aeroplanes in all lavatories. These items are supplied in case a customer needs one. Whilst we do supply them, they are not a relatively high-use item.”
Both flight attendants and passengers have reacted to Rhonda’s social media post, with numerous people expressing gratitude for her sharing the information, whilst others mentioned they always carry spare tampons for circumstances like hers.
One flight attendant commented: “The amount of times someone has come up to me in tears because on top of a stressful travel day, they started their period and all their products are in their checked bag. Baby, I got you. Tampons, chocolate and a glass of wine will be brought to your tray table immediately.”
Another contributed: “And if you don’t find them in the lavatory, ask a flight attendant. We always have some on board!” One grateful passenger responded: “That’s actually a really useful travel tip! Appreciate you sharing that with everyone.”
Rhonda later expressed her satisfaction at the positive feedback to her post, as she believes it’s important for everyone to be aware of the resources available to them when needed.
She stated: “The response has been really positive, and I’m glad it’s helping spread awareness. Getting your period mid‐flight is already stressful, so knowing there are resources available makes a big difference.”
However, it’s worth noting that some airlines may not stock sanitary products in their lavatories. You can always enquire with a flight attendant who may be able to assist, but it’s advisable to always carry a few emergency tampons or pads – either for your own use or to help someone else in need.
An expert has explained all(Image: John Lamb via Getty Images)
Holidaymakers are being made aware they may face additional expenses due to continuing unrest in the Middle East. With flight cancellations, disrupted travel routes and official advisories now in effect, many with travel plans remain uncertain about their financial position should trips be delayed or cancelled entirely.
Alicia Hempstead, Travel Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, has addressed a series of questions concerned travellers may be asking. She explained: “Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that travel insurance will cover travellers affected by the current situation in the Middle East.
“Most standard policies will not allow claims resulting from events that fall under standard exclusions like war and civil unrest. This means any claims for costs linked to disruption, such as cancelled trips, lost items, emergency accommodation, or medical treatment resulting from the conflict are unlikely to be covered.”
Foreign Office guidance
“In serious crises, such as the current situation in the Middle East, which has prompted updated Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warnings, the FCDO will usually coordinate support and evacuation efforts. However, this assistance is not guaranteed and does not replace travel insurance. Depending on the circumstances, travellers may still be responsible for some costs, even if they receive help from the FCDO.”
Can I get my money back if my flight is cancelled?
“As flights are being cancelled and significantly delayed, airlines have legal obligations under UK and EU passenger rights rules to offer either a full refund or to re-route at no additional cost. Once services resume, carriers must also offer re-routing options. Passengers’ first point of call should be to check directly with their airline for the latest updates, as policies may vary by departure location and the specific disruption.
“For those due to travel in the coming weeks or months, refunds are not automatic simply because the FCDO advises against travel. However, many airlines and tour operators may offer refunds or flexible rebooking options if the FCDO formally advises against all travel to a destination. Travellers should check the terms and conditions of their booking carefully, and contact their airline or travel provider if they are unsure.
“Be aware that operators may be experiencing high volumes of enquiries, so refunds or rebooking arrangements may take several days or weeks to process and you may need to be prepared for longer waiting times on the phone or online.”
Can I get specialist insurance?
“Travellers who knowingly travel to high-risk areas typically require specialist high-risk or conflict-zone insurance that explicitly covers war-related incidents. These policies tend to be more expensive and come with strict conditions, but they are the only way to secure cover for conflict-related risks.
“For instance, Dubai has previously been a very popular destination, and travellers who have holidays booked may find their hotel costs aren’t covered because their standard policy excludes war-related incidents.
“It’s always a good idea to check directly with your hotel, or if you’re on a package holiday, with your provider, to understand what might be refundable or rebookable if your plans are affected.”
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) option
“A future option to ensure you’re always as protected as possible is to opt for Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance, which can offer reimbursements of around 50-75% of non-refundable, prepaid trip costs. However, these premiums come at a higher price and aren’t offered by all UK insurers.
“If you don’t have specialist cover in place, your best first step is to speak directly to your airline, hotel, or tour operator to understand what flexibility or refunds they may be able to offer before assuming your travel insurance will pay out.”
The shiny new escalators will be up and running from today – eight days earlier than TfL had announced – and should last the station 30-40 years.
The station is also much brighter as the escalators have rows of lights and the area has been whitewashed.
The pale blue panels have been replaced with white panels, which reflect light much better and have a noticeable effect on the station’s appearance.
A new lift has also been installed as well as energy-efficient lighting, upgraded safety features, local artwork, and a new raised ceiling.
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, told The Sun previously that it was “fantastic” the major upgrade at Cutty Sark DLR station could be delivered earlier than expected.
Before it closed, Cutty Sark was the third busiest station on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), after Canary Wharf and Limehouse.
Thousands of passengers were forced to take the 121 station steps at Cutty Stark due to faulty escalatorsCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
THRILLING stunts, tough challenges, eager contestants and the stars of the ITV show themselves, the Gladiators Live Tour is returning.
Tickets go on sale in a matter of days for the 28 brand-new shows across the country.
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Gladiators Live Tour will return in 2026 with tickets on sale soonCredit: GladiatorsTVFans of the TV show will get to see Gladiators and contestants return to take on challengesCredit: BBC
Based on the popular TV show on ITV, Gladiators Live will be making a return to the stage this year after making its debut in 2025.
The show originally launched back in the 90s and is currently in its third revival.
On the show, contenders compete against Gladiators in a series of challenges to earn points – and soon, you’ll be able to watch it live.
There will be 28 shows across the UK at various venues from Aberdeen, to Glasgow, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and Birmingham.
Legendary Gladiators will storm back into the arena to face fearless contenders from previous seasons.
Fan-favourite challenges that are likely to take place during the live shows are Duel, Hang Tough, The Wall and The Eliminator.
The description of the event teases “iconic fan-favourite events, breathtaking stunts, epic head-to-head battles and the unforgettable Eliminator finale.
“With non-stop action, heroic showdowns and moments guaranteed to have the entire arena on its feet, Gladiators Live delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment for the whole family.
“Audiences can expect a truly immersive, high-octane experience, as arenas are transformed into modern gladiatorial battlegrounds complete with purpose-built sets, spectacular lighting and cinematic staging.”
One reviewer to last year’s live tour called it ‘ultimate family entertainment’ and an audience member added “it was a great show! Felt like I was inside the tv.”
Another said it took them to being a “kid back in the 90s”.
The presale kicks off on March 26 at 9am with general sale on March 27, 2026.
Prices are yet to be confirmed, but tickets for the Liverpool show start from £48.45.
If you want even more of a Gladiators experience and would rather step up to the challenge yourself – you can.
It will essentially become a gladiator training facility with all the classic challenges you’d expect plus some extras.
In the Vault, visitors will be able to see behind the scenes of the TV show.
There’s also a shop where fans can buy exclusive merchandise.
Dom Bird, senior vice president at MGM Alternative Television said: “Now, fans young and old will get one step closer to walking in the footsteps of their heroes, as we announce our brand new Gladiators Experience.
“Based at the NEC Birmingham, everyone finally has the chance to test their skills on the iconic games – from Duel and Hang Tough, to The Wall, and of course the legendary Travelator.
“Come and see if you’ve got what it takes!”
There are separate tickets depending on if you want to have a go or not.
For contenders, tickets start from £39.50, and spectators from £17.50.
ONE of the UK’s biggest free museums has been named the most popular attraction in the UK.
The Natural History Museum in London has knocked off the British Museum from the top spot of most guests, with the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) revealing 7.1million people visited last year.
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The Natural History Museum is the UK’s most popular attractionCredit: Alamy
This marked the best year in terms of visitors for the free attraction, with a 13 per cent rise compared to the previous year.
The attraction happens to be one of Travel Reporter Alice Penwill’s favourite free attractions in London.
She said: “Having been to the Natural History Museum recently, I’m not surprised it’s the UK’s most popular tourist attraction.
“Other London attractions are impressive, but you won’t ever forget walking in to see the skeleton of an 82-foot Blue Whale in the entryway.
“There’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in fossils, reptiles and birds.
“My favourite part is The Vault where there are some of the most valuable treasures like diamonds, amethyst and gold crystals.
“There’s lots of green spaces outside too, and I saw lots of children enjoying the Evolution Garden with dinosaurs like a bronze Diplodocus that was installed a few years ago.”
Over the next couple of years, the Natural History Museum is also working on new openings.
A new Human Nature pop-up display will open in September 2026, inside a gallery that has been closed for 80 years.
Inside, visitors will be able to discover stories about human history and the natural world, with a number of specimens and historical objects on display that haven’t been seen before.
There will also be a prototype of one of the Crystal Palacedinosaurs, a monk seal called Jenny ‘the talking fish’ and a handaxe that was discovered alongside the remains of a woolly mammoth in 1859.
Later in 2027, there will be a new permanent gallery specifically for young children.
It will be designed for four to seven-year-olds with lots of hands-on interactive experiences about the natural world.
London, UK – February 15 2025: Visitors admire Dippy the iconic dinosaur skeleton situated in front of the grand Romanesque Revival architecture of the Natural History Museum in LondonCredit: Getty
Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, said: “We are thrilled to be the UK’s most popular visitor attraction, smashing all previous records for the sector!”
London has a load of free attractions as well, including some right by the Natural History Museum.
One of Sun Travel’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey’s favourite free attractions in the city is just down the road.
She said: “Having started my career in fashion, it’s no surprise that the museum I’ve been to the most in London is the V&A.
“The museum itself is fantastic – not only for being free to visit, but because it’s the largest museum on arts and design in the world.
“Also the second largest in the UK (behind the British Museum), my favourite area is the Asian corridor, with insanely detailed artwork and sculptures.
The V&A museum is also in South Kensington and is free to visitCredit: GettyThe Science Museum is also close to the Natural History MuseumCredit: Getty
“There’s loads of free events coming right now, including one on Women Printmakers and one on iconic American Photographs.
“Make sure to save time for the cafe too. It’s also the oldest of its kind in the world and is a stunner.”
And Sun Travel’s Head of Travel (digital) Caroline McGuire also loves the Science Museum nearby.
She said: “The Science Museum in South Kensington is perfect for kids of all ages, I’ve been taking my child there since he was a one-year-old, as the interactive ‘Garden’ in the basement is perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
“There are plenty of excellent free exhibitions around the museum – one of our favourites being the Space section – but the most popular (and deservedly so) is the paying Wonderlab, an interactive gallery featuring numerous experiments that will fascinate children aged 3-14.
Caroline shared: “Until I visited the Outernet, I thought it was all hype.
“Now, my son and I will make a 25-minute detour to spend even 20 minutes there, when we’re in central London.
“The huge multi-screened space on Tottenham Court Road screens artist-made short films throughout the day, and you can walk in from the street and spend as little or as much time there as you want.
“With screens covering the sides and ceiling, you really do feel like you are inside the films.”
The Southbank Centre has lots of free activities each school holidaysCredit: Getty
“We’ve done free kids raves, free doodling workshops, free crafts sessions and free DIY sessions where my six-year-old was given a hammer and saw and encouraged to help build a Moomin House overlooking the River Thames.
“Oh, and the free Jeppe Hein: Appearing Rooms fountains are one of the best places to take a kid for a splash around during a summer heatwave.”
Or you could head to a number of galleries including the Tate Modern, Tate Britain or National Portrait Gallery.
Alice said: “When I head to London, I make a beeline for the galleries.
“Getting to see walls upon walls lined with famous artwork for absolutely nothing is something we take for granted – and there are plenty to see in the city.
“There’s the Tate Modern and Tate Britain, The National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery where you can see one of my favourite portraits, The Ugly Duchess.
“Not to mention lots of these venues have pretty cafes and even bars if you fancy taking a weight off your feet after exploring.”
Here are some other spots to visit across London that are free to visit.
London also has a number of free galleries including the Tate ModernCredit: GettyMinaLima features different items that are in the Harry Potter filmsCredit: Alamy
MinaLima
Elsewhere in London, you could head to one of Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding’s favourite spots – MinaLima.
Found in Soho, MinaLima is a shop and attraction that features the graphic designs from the Harry Potter films.
Named after Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, who are responsible for most of the designs you see in the films including the Daily Prophet, the Advanced Potion Making textbook and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, the destination features themed items for sale as well as prints of their designs.
Make sure to spend time exploring as there are also items from the films, and speak to the staff, who really know their stuff.
London parks
There are also a number of amazing outdoor places to visit in London including Kara’s favourite, the commons in south west London.
She said: “I spent the best part of a decade living in south London, with two years of that in and out of the Covid lockdowns.
“To stop myself from going insane, this meant lots of walking around my local parks.
“And from Balham you can easily walk three of the best in one day.
“I recommend starting at Clapham Common, one of the more open parks of the three with ponds and a Victorian bandstand that often has live concerts.
Clapham Common has ponds and a Victorian bandstandCredit: Getty
“Go down to Wandsworth Common, and you can walk along the train tracks or across the pond.
“Then nip through Balham (with a coffee at The Apple Blue Patisserie or Insta-famous Milk) and end in Tooting Bec Common, with a much more leafier and interesting park to explore.
“Need to cool down? Finish with a swim at Tooting Bec Lido as well, the biggest freshwater lido in the UK (£9.40 for adults or free for locals).”
Travel Reporter Jenna Steven’s favourite free spots also make good walks.
She said: “London has over 3,000 parks to explore, but St James’s Park is one of my favourites.
“This is mainly because I’m a big fan of the unique Duck Island, an aptly-named nature reserve on the east of St James’s Park Lake.
“The island has its own cottage, which is surrounded by vibrant greenery and blooming flowers in the springtime, looking like something out of a fairy-tale story book.
“Plus there’s scenic picnic spots by the bandstand, and several kiosks serving cold drinks and sandwiches to enjoy when the sun comes out – save those crusts for the birds!”
Or head to Lisa Minot’s favourite – Primrose Hill.
She said: “For fabulous FREE views across the whole of London, head to Primrose Hill in North London.
“First opened in 1842 as an open space for Londoners, it was originally part of Henry VIII’s hunting grounds.
“Today it offers fantastic panoramic views of the capital and is popular at sunrise and sunsets.
“It is one of six protected viewpoints in London, its highest point more than 63 metres above tree level.
“Trees are also kept low so as not to obscure the view.”
Covent Garden Piazza
If you fancy something a little more urban, venture to Covent Garden Piazza.
Jenna added: “There’s plenty of both branded and independent shops to browse, traditional cafes and bars, plus there’s always a pop-up giving away tasty treats of some kind.
“Here you’ll hear live music rising from the lower level that makes your stroll through the building even more beautiful.”
In the city centre, head to Covent Garden Piazza where you can browse shops including well-known brands and independent shopsCredit: GettyBorough Market is also a great spot to explore, though you will need to spend a bit of money if you want some foodCredit: Getty
She said: “From the viral strawberries in melted chocolate to endless street food options, traders have been operating from London’s Borough Market for more than 1,000 years.
“Today’s unique Victorian arcades, built in 1850, are home to stands offering premium quality speciality foods as well as plenty of grab-and-go options from oysters and paella to burgers and fish and chips.
“While you don’t have to pay to wander the busy pathways of Borough Market, the tempting foods on offer will mean you will not be able to resist parting with some of your cash!”
In other attraction news, there’s a new UK attraction which has been named among the best places to visit in the world – but it’s not for everyone.
The issue of overtourism in certain parts of the Spanish costas and islands has made headlines in recent years but the country offers so much to travellers who are prepared to explore a little off the beaten track. We’d love to hear about your favourite Spanish discoveries, whether it’s a perfect beachfront cafe, an overlooked city, an underrated museum or gallery, a beautiful walk or a back to nature experience.
The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planetwins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.
Keep your tip to about 100 words
If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judgingfor the competition.
We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.
The competition closes on Monday 30 March at 10am BST
ONE town in Wiltshire has been named one of the best places to live in the UK – and it was once very popular with royalty.
Malmesbury in Wiltshire sits just outside of the Cotswolds border with a pretty high street, stone cottages and it is home to what is considered England‘s oldest hotel.
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Malmesbury is a small market town in WiltshireCredit: AlamyIt was just was named one of the best places to live in the UK by The TimesCredit: Alamy
They added: “Our room was a delight, dominated by a vast, comfy bed covered in a rainbow of soft throws and cushions, while a menagerie of monkeys and peacocks danced across the wallpaper.
“The helpful team at The Old Bell can arrange a guided tour of the King’s gardens in nearby Highgrove House, a visit to Westonbirt Arboretum or paddleboarding at Cotswold Water Park.
“However, it’s just as nice to potter around Malmesbury.”
If you want to explore out of the town, a 22-minute drive away from Malmesbury is Cotswold Country Park and the UK’s biggest inland beach.
Along with swimming, there’s an AquaVenture inflatable course and boat hire.
On land there is more to do with mini golf, playgrounds and lake walks.
It opens for the new season on March 27, 2026.
The town is also close to Castle Combe Race Circuit, Lake 32 Outdoor Centre and Brinkworth Golf Course.
These are the top 10 places to live in the UK…
The Times revealed the top 10 places to live in the country…
“It’s a destination that truly has it all, world class cuisine, stunning architecture, hidden natural gems and a unique mix of tradition and innovation.”
Seven-night holidays with direct flights can be found for around £1,100pp, with flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester.
Singapore is often named one of the world’s best cities, coming sixth in this year’s ‘World’s Best Cities’ report.
While it is often used a stopover by Brits heading to other destinations in Asia and Oceania, it is also the best place or a holiday in itself.
It is 30C all year round, so you are guaranteed to get some warmth no matter the month (although December is the wettest so perhaps avoid this time).
I visited the city a few years ago and squeezed a lot into just a few days – and wished I had more time.
There is the famous sidecar tours of the city, where drivers take you around some of the best spots including the artwork of ‘Singapore’s Banksy‘, Yip Yew Chong.
Fantastic bars are aplenty, with my favourite being Jigger & Pony (on the best bars list nearly every year) and Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, home to the famous Singapore Sling.
Not only that, but it has some of the cheapest Michelin star restaurants in the world.
At Chinatown Complex Market is Liao Fan Hawker Chan, the world’s first Hawker stall to win the coveted star.
For £2 (yes, really) I gorged on the tastiest soy-sauce chicken noodles, smothered in a spicy sauce.
Near here is the Michelin Guide-recommended Hill Street Tai Hwa — where for £5 you get a huge portion of juicy noodles with tender pork liver and crispy pieces of plaice on top.
Need some green space? Singapore is also called City in the Garden for its luscious environment, so make sure to visit Gardens by the Bay.
And for some beach time, head over to Sentosa Island for stretches of white sand.
It’s here you’ll also find Resorts World Sentosa, home to huge waterparks, and a Universal Studios theme park.
Make sure to save some time for the airport too – Changi is often named the best in the world with huge waterfalls, butterfly gardens and swimming pools.
Also in Singapore are white sand beaches found at Sentosa IslandCredit: GettyThere is even the Universal Studios Singapore theme park at Resorts World SentosaCredit: GettyDirect flights from the UK are from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and ManchesterCredit: Alamy
A crucial 50-mile airspace route through Azerbaijan has become vital for European travellers as Middle East airspace restrictions impact millions of passengers
Jetting away on holiday is getting a bit trickier (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The flight corridor that dictates whether vast numbers of passengers can reach their destination is getting narrower.
32,432. That’s the number of Middle East flights that have been scrapped since Israel and the US began bombing Iran at the end of February. The tally of affected passengers now runs well into the millions.
Whilst the daily cancellation figure has now dropped considerably to 11% per day, according to analytics firm Cirium, the knock-on effects of the disruption are still being experienced and will continue for some time.
One way the conflict has and will continue to affect travel is by constricting flight corridors. Now, many European holidaymakers are dependent on a roughly 50-mile route spanning three countries.
The flight corridor over Azerbaijan is one that numerous commercial aircraft have been using to travel from Europe to Asia since early March, when the country closed portions of its airspace following drone strikes the Azerbaijani authorities claim had been launched from Iranian territory, reports the Express.
Prior to the Iran war, the Azerbaijan path was 100 miles wide at its narrowest points, owing to the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the north. It is now 50 miles wide, with airspace to the south closed off by the Azerbaijan authorities.
Almost three weeks into the Iran war, this route through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey is one of just two available for a majority of long-haul flights between Europe and Asia. The alternative route passes through Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The shortage of accessible airspace is fuelling rivalry amongst airlines competing for routes. It is also rendering air travel more costly and environmentally harmful.
Prior to 2022, flights linking much of Europe and Asia travelled over Russia, via the “Siberian Corridor.” That was regarded as one of the most direct ways to connect the two continents.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Western airlines were denied access to the airspace. Now a flight from northern Europe, which would have passed directly over Russia, must take a lengthier route either over the North Pole or around the Black Sea. This can tack on roughly three hours to a nine-hour journey, consuming thousands of pounds more jet fuel and emitting dozens of tonnes more CO2e into the atmosphere.
The alternative route from Europe to Asia that is presently available takes passengers south, via Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Whilst it is returning to capacity following weeks of disruptions and cancellations, the escalating conflict in Iran means its viability in the long or medium term remains uncertain.
Dubai International Airport is typically one of the globe’s busiest travel hubs, averaging approximately 1,200 departures and landings daily. It, like numerous airports in the region, is still functioning considerably below its standard capacity. This is partly due to the aerial battles taking place overhead. On Friday, the UAE government reported that it had intercepted 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,740 drones since February 28, Forbes reports. Despite these efforts, at least eight people have been killed in the UAE, and over 150 have been injured.
Ian Petchenik, the communications director for the flight-tracking site FlightRadar24, fears that the narrowing of flight corridors and the uncertain status of major travel hubs is driving up the cost of plane tickets. He told the New York Times: “At some point, we get to the point where airlines have to make the decision: Is this route still economically viable? Is this a route that we can continue to operate long term within these parameters?”
Mr. Petchenik characterises the flight corridor above Azerbaijan as “a very narrow strip of land.”
To increase the number of planes that can fly on a restricted flight corridor, air traffic controllers instruct aircraft to fly at varying altitudes – effectively spreading them out.
However, according to Graham Wild, a senior lecturer of aviation science and technology at the University of New South Wales in Australia, this can trigger other problems. Planes flying at lower altitudes are more vulnerable to weather and turbulence and also consume more fuel, as the air is denser. Extended flight times and the potential for diversions also present staffing challenges for pilots and flight crews.
Keeping and maintaining friends as an adult is hard, especiallywith the demands of life, travel and work. In volunteering, I encounter more people like myself, which is nice, but sometimes it’s difficult to participate without a lot of commitment to the organizations. I’m wanting to explore smaller, intimate groups to build community with people who I share similar values with. I’m interested in self-growth, psychology, games, mindfulness and yoga. I loved the L.A. Times story “Awaken your inner child at this welcoming collage club for adults” and I would love to know about similar activities. Thanks! —Marlen I.
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Marlen, I couldn’t agree more. As we get older, it can feel more and more difficult to sustain friendships, especially in Los Angeles, where people live so far apart and have busy lives. This struggle is exactly why so many social clubs have been sprouting up in L.A. over the last few years. From board game clubs to junk journaling meetups, there’s so many different ways to connect and maybe try something new. I’ve compiled a list of social clubs and community spaces that I think you’ll enjoy.
Since you’re already familiar with Art+Mind Studios, you should definitely check out Junk Journal Club. Junk journaling is essentially a craft practice that combines elements of collaging, journaling and scrapbooking. With the rise of junk journaling content on social media, the once solo pastime has turned into a lively social scene. Junk Journal Club, dubbed “the original junk journal club,” hosts monthly meetups, which can be found on its Instagram page. When my colleague Malia Mendez went to an event recently, people told her that attending Junk Journal Club “has made befriending strangers easy,” and many of them stay in touch.
Another craft-centered event that’s worth exploring is the Crafters Clubhouse, which founder Victoria Ansah calls “a creative third space for adult makers.” She hosts monthly arts and crafts workshops including activities like scrapbooking, punch needle embroidery and clay art.
Given that you’re interested in yoga and mindfulness, you may like WalkGood LA, a community-centered wellness organization that hosts a variety of activities including a run club and accessible yoga classes. During the pandemic, I found solace in attending their weekly yoga classes called BreatheGood. The outdoor sessions take place every first Sunday at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area and feature free chiropractic adjustments and healthy food vendors. The vibe of the intergenerational event feels warm and welcoming. All you have to do is show up with your yoga mat. The organization also hosts various classes including yoga, breath work, mindful meditation, mat Pilates and step aerobics at their studio, the WalkGood Yard, in Arlington Heights.
Another social club I recommend is Love, Peace & Spades, which my friend Kevin Clark started in 2022, to create a space where people could play the card game with others. With music provided by a live DJ, the monthly game night feels like being at a family cookout. Spades can be extremely intimidating to start as a beginner playing with pros. But don’t worry. Love, Peace & Spades has instructors who can teach you how to play.
If you’re interested in chess, L.A. Chess Club is “an event with the laid-back ease of a chill game night and all the social and romantic possibility of a night out on the town,” according to Times contributor Martine Thompson, who wrote a story about the event. At the weekly gathering, which features a food vendor, cocktails, tattoo artists and DJs, you can “competitively play chess, learn the game, meet new friends or mingle as a single person,” Thompson shares. Another fun event is RummiKlub, a monthly Rummikub game night that takes place in elevated, design-forward spaces across the city.
L.A. also has several fun creative venues that regularly bring people together, such as Junior High, a nonprofit art gallery and inclusive gathering space that hosts artist showcases, comedy nights, pottery workshops and more. There’s also Nina in Atwater, which holds a variety of gatherings including a monthly series that focuses on mindfulness called “Be Here Now: Simple Tools for an Everyday Nervous System Reset.”
I hope that these suggestions are a good starting point for finding the group, or several groups, that are an ideal fit for you. Just by putting yourself out there and being open, you are bound to build and find community. Best of luck on your journey!
United Airlines is the latest to confirm that it would be cutting five per cent of flights in the second and third quarters of 2026.
With up to 5,000 flights a month – working out to around 4,000 domestic and 800 international routes – this means it affects around 250 flights a month.
And with this set to last until the end of summer, it means thousands of passengers will be affected.
While the affected flights haven’t been confirmed, it will mainly affect the “less profitable” routes so including midweek flights, as well as overnight and Saturday routes.
United Airlines has the world’s largest airline fleet with more than 1,075 aircraft.
United Airlines‘ Chief Executive Scott Kirby said the cancellations were due to fears of oil rising to as much as $175 (£131) a barrel, and remaining above $100 (£75) until the end of next year.
This would mean the airline’s fuel costs would rise to $11billion (£8.2billion) – double the profit of their best year which was $5billion (£3.7billion).
They warned: “There’s no point in burning cash in the near term on flying that just can’t absorb these fuel costs.”
It’s not just the cost of fuel but how much is being used by airlines as well.
The closure of airspaces and Middle East airports, particularly Dubai which is one of the world’s busiest, has forced airlines to fly alternative – and longer – routes, which burn more fuel.
Other airlines have already confirmed they would be cancelling flights due to expected fuel costs.
The waymarked quartzite path glimmers in the sun, flanked by amber-gold grassland. Beyond, one of Scotland’s finest landscapes opens up before me, a woodland of ancient Caledonian pines leading my eye to the metallic glint of Loch Maree. On the other side of the water, a winding river separates the steep, stacked rocks of Beinn a’Mhùinidh from Slioch, one of the great mountains of Wester Ross, rising to a knuckle ridge of Torridonian sandstone.
I’m walking the four-mile mountain trail looping through Beinn Eighe national nature reserve (NNR), Britain’s first NNR, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. In a crowded list, you’d be hard pushed to find a more soul-stirring landscape in all of Scotland.
“The mountain path gives you a real flavour for Beinn Eighe,” the reserve manager, Doug Bartholomew, told me earlier. “It takes you right through the heart of the ancient Caledonian pinewood, then you climb steeply up to this rocky upland with views of Beinn Eighe mountain itself.”
When I reach the high point, at about 550m (1,805ft), I’m awed by the views across a lonely valley to the jagged ridgeline of mountain, which surges and falls like Atlantic waves locked in stone.
Beinn Eighe NNR stretches 48 sq km from Loch Maree to the eponymous mountain summit. When it was created in 1951, a key mission of the NNR was to protect Coille na Glas Leitir (the Wood of the Grey Slope), which is the largest remaining fragment of ancient Caledonian pinewood in north-west Scotland. The woodland was felled by some of Scotland’s earliest ironworks in the 1600s, and forestry and farming took its toll over the generations, but it is believed to have been here for the last 8,000 years.
After the Highland clearances, the lower slopes of Beinn Eighe were increasingly used for grazing. Deer-stalking, grouse-shooting and muirburn (when old growth is burnt off to encourage new growth for grazing) followed. The final exploitation happened during the second world war, when lumberjacks were brought in from Newfoundland and British Honduras to fell the trees for ammunition boxes. But thanks to pioneering landscape restoration work, namely deer management and tree planting, woodland cover has increased by more than 40% in the 75 years since the reserve was created.
Today, it’s a rare Scottish landscape where you can walk beneath twisted and gnarled pine branches hundreds of years old, but also alongside younger, conical trees.
Stuart Kenny in the ancient pinewoods on the mountain trail. Photograph: Isabelle Erbacher
“In the past, we had a tree nursery; so we collected seeds from the reserve, grew them in our nursery and planted them,” said Bartholomew. “We’ve now got continuous woodland linked from Glas Leitir all the way through to Coulin Estate, where you’ve got other remnants of ancient woodland, and we’re moving more to natural processes – conditions that will allow the woodland to regenerate and expand naturally.”
I soon descend into Coille na Glas Leitir on the mountain trail, passing a mosaic of birch and pines, draped in lichen. This path was a public access landmark when it opened in the early 70s, encouraging visitors to explore the mountain, and it’s still perfectly marked (though snowfall can obscure it in winter). Stags roar from the other side of Loch Maree as I walk. Tougher to pick out are the crossbills, with crossed mandibles to prise open pine cones. In warmer months, dragonflies with magical names – northern emerald, azure hawker – nose around rare mosses.
While steep, the mountain trail isn’t technical. Along with the easier woodland path, which showcases the ancient forest, and short loops from the excellent visitor centre, the beauty of this reserve really is accessible. Local providers such as Shieldaig Outdoor Adventures also offer days out exploring the islands of Loch Maree by canoe or kayak in warmer months.
I’m staying in Torridon youth hostel, at the head of Upper Loch Torridon, south-west of the Beinn Eighe massif. It’s a 20-minute drive from Coille na Glas Leitir via the village Kinlochewe, passing beneath the bulky mass of Beinn Eighe before Liathach, an icon of Glen Torridon, is revealed. The hostel is tucked beneath this mighty mountain, not in the nature reserve itself, but in an ideal place to explore it and the Torridon hills beyond.
The view from Torridon youth hostel. Photograph: Stuart Kenny
“When we mention that we live in Torridon, people get misty eyes,” jokes Debbie Maskill, manager of the youth hostel. “For us, it’s the best part of Scotland. A real jewel.” It’s true that few place names roll so sweetly off the tongue of a hillwalker as Torridon. This is a place of grandeur – of immense, intimidating mountains set on some of the oldest rocks in Britain; of shifting light and uncompromising ferocity – with a beauty verging on myth.
The hostel – which itself turned 50 last year – is a pilgrimage site for hikers; it’s in close reach of some of Scotland’s finest scrambles, as well as the family-friendly nature reserve. Walkers and climbers trade stories and photographs in the communal kitchen and dining area. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the cosy lounge allow you to watch the weather roll over the Wester Ross peaks.
I stay in a comfy private room, and regret my early bedtime when a French guest shows me the photographs he took of the aurora shimmering above Loch Torridon the next morning. “Winter really captures the far north essence here, but by February, it’s getting lighter,” says Paul Thompson, duty supervisor at the hostel. “In the middle of winter, we don’t see the sun here, but in February it’s above the hills for quite some time. Then you get to May, a stunning time of year, when everything is fresh and you’ve got almost endless daylight. I love it all.”
Loch Maree seen from Beinn Eighe. Photograph: Stuart Kenny
On a six-mile loop of Loch Clair and Loch Coulin, just outside the reserve, I stroll beneath more tall pines, looking on to the Torridon beasts. The grey, dotted ridge of Beinn Eighe looks like it has a snow leopard’s coat draped over it, and the pyramidal mass of Liathach reflects back off the water.
I plan to walk to the Triple Buttress of Coire Mhic Fhearchair on my final day (three glacial rock towers in a corrie of Beinn Eighe), but heavy rain arrives. It’s all the excuse I need for a venison lunch at Bo & Muc, a field-to-fork restaurant at the swanky five-star The Torridon hotel.
I leave Torridon via the road to Achnasheen, stopping at the Glen Docherty viewpoint for one last look over the road to Kinlochewe, the lapping mountains and Loch Maree.
After centuries of deterioration, it’s heartwarming to see the fragments of ancient pinewood reconnecting here, in this immediately spellbinding landscape. In another 75 years, the young pines of Beinn Eighe will stand taller and, if all goes to plan, those who pass by them will be walking through a fully regenerative forest.
Accommodation was provided byHostelling Scotland. Torridon youth hostel has private rooms for two from £52 a night, dorm beds from £20.50. The Beinn Eighe NNR trails are open year-round and are free to visit. The Beinn Eighe NNR visitor centre (with info on the reserve) is open April to October, 10am to 5pm
The Peak District village was systematically demolished and submerged in the 1940s to provide water for the industrial industries during the second world war – but it’s ruins remain
Passers-by have no idea what lies beneath (Image: Steve_Bramall via Getty Images)
It lies beneath a beloved hiking destination in Derbyshire, but this was once a thriving community before it was deliberately flooded and lost forever.
During the 1940s, the picturesque village of Derwent was methodically demolished and submerged beneath what is today known as Ladybower Reservoir.
The expansive, stunning expanse of water frequently serves as a stopping point for visitors admiring the scenery whilst exploring the Peak District, yet few realise what rests beneath its surface.
The reason for its submersion was to supply water to the booming industrial centres throughout the East Midlands during World War Two.
Locals were relocated, and by 1945 the valley had been flooded, with remnants of the former settlement now resting underwater.
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Derwent before it drowned
Prior to the outbreak of war across Britain, Derwent had seemed like a permanent fixture in the moorlands, characterised by its century-old structures and tight-knit community.
Two initial dams were constructed after the water board selected a remote section of the valley. This decision impacted numerous residents. Those who owned farms or smallholdings were relocated to safer areas including Derwent and the neighbouring village of Ashopton.
What they couldn’t have anticipated was that this stretch of the valley, and their cherished village which they’d made their home, would shortly vanish entirely.
The village church conducted its final service for parishioners on March 17, 1943, before being submerged beneath the reservoir. Remnants of the church can be found scattered throughout Derby, with the bell now rehung at St Philip’s Church in Chaddesden.
Whilst nearly the entire area was deliberately flooded, a small number of homes survive above the waterline. Reports indicate that five properties from the original village endure, including several farms and the former village hall.
Mabel, a former Bamford resident who was 92 at the time of her interview, spoke to BBC Travel about growing up nearby and her memories of Derwent.
She revealed: “I may be the last person who remembers Ashopton and Derwent,” explaining that her school was located in Derwent, which she attended whilst the reservoir was being built.
The village emerged
During periods of extreme heat or reduced water levels, the reservoir has receded, and hauntingly, remnants of the village have surfaced. This phenomenon has been documented on several occasions, with the first instance occurring in 1976, leaving locals astounded.
The most recent, and consequently most significant, reappearance of the village occurred in 2018, when reservoir levels dropped dramatically and visitors flocked from across the region to witness the extraordinary spectacle.
An enormous crowd assembled, and the attention drawn to the old structures – which are largely piles of rubble and bricks – resulted in various complications.
On 3 November that year, a man found himself in a sticky situation, requiring mountain rescue assistance after becoming severely stuck in the dense mud surrounding the ruins of Derwent.
In a similar vein, due to the influx of visitors, the remnants were defaced with graffiti, prompting park rangers to discourage further visits as additional items were also taken from the site.
Animated Australian sensation “Bluey” has arrived in Disneyland, and the titular anthropomorphic pastel-coated canine has come ready to play. And dance. And to race some “barky boats.”
The Walt Disney Co. first teased that the Blue Heeler puppy and her younger sister Bingo would be coming to the Anaheim theme park in 2024. Bluey is now the star of a performance-focused takeover of the park’s Fantasyland Theatre, which officially opened Sunday.
Two shows, games and spontaneous dance parties are hallmarks of the experience, as Disneyland’s live entertainment team sought to translate the show’s particular broadcast-based appeal to the real world.
“Bluey” works because it’s charmed children and grown-ups alike, emphasizing imaginative parenting skills as much as it does Bluey’s playful spirit. Though only about seven minutes, each core “Bluey” episode unfolds patiently, often centered on make-believe, wonder and childlike ingenuity. Subtle life lessons, such as cooperation, understanding one’s self-worth, overcoming a fear of the unknown and much more, dot seemingly simple scenarios.
In many episodes, Bluey’s mom (Chilli) and dad (Bandit) indulge in their daughters’ penchant to play pretend, so much so that a friend of mine with a young girl joked that she needed to watch the show to learn how to be a better mom.
I arrived at “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” as a childless columnist, and yet I came away enchanted by what Disneyland’s live entertainment team, led by Susana Tubert, had concocted. It’s a little silly and corny, yes, but manages to vary the tempo and can even tug at one’s heartstrings by showing the bond between siblings.
Theme park fare, especially when aimed at a preschool set, tends to fall back on high-energy, photo-op-based treatments, and while there’s plenty of amped-up goofiness here, “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” understands that’s not why the series was the most-streamed program in 2025, according to data from research firm Nielsen.
Two core shows are featured in the experience, and some “Bluey” regulars make an appearance. The overbearing, bratty hand-puppet Unicorse, for instance, plays key roles in launching each performance. Set to play continuously throughout the day, with breaks for Bluey and Bingo to appear on stage and dance or play with youngsters, each has a slightly different tone and feel.
One emphasizes an adventure story, its themes encouraging Bluey to flash some bravery and dispel stereotypes. The other takes a lighter touch, with some of the softer, almost ballad-like songs from the show, such as “Rain (Boldly in the Pretend),” highlighted, seeking to emphasize the bond between Bluey and Bingo. Here, I thought of Bluey’s more tender moments — those, for instance, that emphasize becoming comfortable with growing older and letting go.
“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” features live music, puppets and dance breakouts.
(Mark Potts / Los Angeles Times)
“We try to hit the humor, the play — shared play — and some of the more profound experiences that these characters go through,” Tubert says. “At the end of the second show, you’ll see a moment that is really quite beautiful. It’s a tribute to sisterhood, and how these two characters of Bluey and Bingo connect with one another.”
While one can certainly sit in the Fantasyland Theatre’s stands and simply take in the two shows, there are plenty of moments geared at getting audiences moving. Dances, for instance, may mimic animal behaviors, or reference popular moments from the series, such as getting grannies to floss.
A nod to the attention-seeking fairies — here, less Tinker Bell and more a metaphor for being noticed — inspires a “Riverdance”-like breakout. The five-piece, brass-heavy band gets a workout when Bluey’s impossible-to-control toy Chattermax has a cameo. The squawking plaything can test even Bluey’s patience.
Throughout, performers walk a line between teaching the maneuvers to the crowd and getting lost in the moment themselves. The challenge for Disney choreographer Taylor Worden was to create dance moves that also doubled as audience encouragement.
Spin, for instance, like a flower in the wind, or lightly snap your fingers to recall the sound of rain. Bounce with your hands in front of you as if you’re driving a car down a rocky street, or put your hand above your head and try for an elegant, ballerina-inspired twirl.
“It actually was letting go of all of those technical things that I’ve learned and letting that inner child come out,” Worden says. “As imaginative as Bluey and Bingo are, I wanted to hone in on that. I want everybody to enjoy, have fun and play. Play is at the forefront of everything. It’s so easy to get set in our ways, and even as an adult, it’s so hard to actually play nowadays. This has been such an experience to get to a childlike state.”
“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” references many show moments from the series, including one with nods to the fairies.
(Mark Potts / Los Angeles Times)
There’s more, however, to “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” than the two performances. The Fantasyland Theatre has been outfitted with pop-up installations. Some are purely photo ops, such as an opportunity for little ones to take a class photo with Bluey and her pals, while others aim to inspire exploration, such as a mini gnome village or fairy garden.
Taken as a whole, the feel is something of a fair, like hanging out with Bluey and Bingo at a backyard barbecue. The theater’s walk-up food window is serving pizza-inspired baked potatoes, a colored chocolate pretzel meant to mimic an asparagus pretzel wand, and more.
There’s also a place to race some “barky boats.” In the show, barky boats is a game that takes place on a tiny stream with tree bark, but there’s no water here. Instead, look for a track in a nook above the seating area, where one can race wooden blocks affixed with wheels — think Pinewood Derby — down a track painted to mimic a waterway. Throughout the theater, the colors are springlike and muted, pastels that are lightly bright and storybook-inspired. Even the dance costumes adopt this soft, crayon-like color palette.
“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” at the Disneyland Resort invites audience participation.
(Mark Potts / Los Angeles Times)
“The color palette works perfectly with the set,” says Trevor Rush, a manager with costume design and development. “Lots of pastel colors. ‘Bluey,’ that world, focuses very much in that primary world. You won’t see a lot of black represented.”
“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” does not currently have an end date, but is expected to be a Disneyland staple throughout the spring and summer seasons, with showtimes currently set for the late morning and early afternoons. For Tubert, who has an extensive background in theater, “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” is meant to highlight the theme park as a place of play, where one can be a bit silly, and maybe even a little vulnerable.
“There’s a nonjudgmental safe space that we’ve created in ‘Bluey’s Best Day Ever!’ that invites everyone to feel uninhibited and the joy of playfulness,” Tubert says.
Plus, every time you drive, you can see the escalating average cost for a gallon of gas throughout the state that ranges from $5.77 in Orange County, $5.78 in San Diego County, $5.80 in Los Angeles County and $5.86 in San Francisco County to the high of $6.57 in Mono County, according to AAA.
It can easily make anyone think having fun is unaffordable.
Fortunately, our Travel and Experiences team has put together a list of 75 fun things to do for under $20.
On warm days, it’s hard to beat a ride on the swan boats at Echo Park.
They’re powered by foot paddles, and the pedaling is easy because you’re in no hurry. Maybe you’ll want to do a circuit of the lake (really a man-made reservoir). Maybe you’ll sidle up to the towers of whitewater rising from the mid-lake fountain.
Maybe you’ll wait until after dark (because the swans light up).
(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
Experience L.A.’s esoteric history at the Philosophical Research Society (Los Feliz)
Cost: Free to visit, workshops and lectures from $10 and up.
Located at the intersection of Los Feliz and Griffith Park boulevards, the Philosophical Research Society has long been a place of mystery, intrigue and, for some, apprehension.
The Mayan Revival campus painted in Southwestern shades of clay, cream and sage was built in 1935 by the celebrated author and esoteric lecturer Manly P. Hall.
Today, it hosts a dizzying array of events each week including poetry readings, death cafes, sound baths, a weekly class on Buddhism, tarot and astrology salons and musical performances — some of which have a suggested donation of just $10.
If you visit, make sure to make time to browse the excellently curated metaphysical bookstore.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Find the perfect meditation spot at the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine (Pacific Palisades)
Cost: Free.
Whether or not you’re familiar with the work of Paramahansa Yogananda, who founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920, if you live in Los Angeles you owe him a debt of gratitude for the smattering of lush, meditative gardens in Southern California that are still open to the public today.
Among those is Lake Shrine, a beautifully landscaped 10-acre property in the Pacific Palisades surrounding a spring-fed lake that is dotted with quiet meditation spots.
It is free to visit, but you will need to make a reservation online before you go. (Reservations open each Saturday at 10 a.m. for the week ahead, and they can fill up quickly.)
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Cozy up with a flick at the Paramount Drive-In Theater (Paramount)
Cost: $14 per adult, $7 per kid (ages 3-11).
For a night out that feels as cozy as a night in, head to the Paramount Drive-In Theater. In the comfort of your own car, you can spread out, munch popcorn and make all the commentary you want without getting looks from other moviegoers.
Tickets are purchased on arrival, and the parking lot is huge, so you’re bound to secure a good view of the big screen. There is a concession store on site with candy, chips and drinks, but you are free to bring all the snacks you want from home. Recline your seat all the way back, relax and enjoy the show.
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A FERRY route connecting the UK to Scandinavia could return after almost 20 years.
Brits could get a direct link to the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ without setting foot on a plane.
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A ferry route connecting Newcastle to Bergen could restartCredit: AlamyDFDS Seaways was the last company to operate the service which ended in 2008Credit: Alamy
There are talks of restarting a ferry route that could link Newcastle to Bergen in Norway for the first time in 18 years.
Historically, this route existed for over 140 years, and is being looked into being brought back by Newcastle City Council.
DFDS Seaways was the last company to operate the service – but this ended 18 years ago on September 1, 2008.
The crossing was usually overnight and the sailing lasted up to 22 hours – depending whether or not it stopped at Stavanger.
In 2022 Bergen Cruise Line revealed that it was hoping to re-introduce a ferry service between Newcastle, Stavanger and Bergen starting this year.
The Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour said in January of this year that she would “love to see the return of the ferry.”
The service was first introduced in 1890, just two weeks before World War Two.
It continued on and off for over 140 years which resulted in a special relationship forming between the two cities with Bergen even providing Newcastle with a Christmas tree each year.
This tradition continued right up until 2022 – the giving of a Christmas tree stopped, but the cities’ mayors now swap baubles each festive season.
Talks about bringing back the ferry route are still in the works.
Despite a journey across the seas not being available, Jet2 has direct flights from Newcastle to Bergen, taking just one hour and 25 minutes.
One-way flights in April with Jet2 start from £69.
She said: “If you take a stroll around the cobbled streets you will find an array of quirky gift shops, cafes and bars, as well as the vibrant Bryggen Nightclub.
“And the one-day Norway In A Nutshell tour is a must (£192pp, see fjordtours.com), showcasing the best of this country’s breathtaking nature.
“The carefully curated experience begins early, taking you straight from the city centre through more than 60 miles of wild mountain terrain on the Bergen Railway.”
When it comes to eating, Emily says to head to the Skyskraperen restaurant at the top of Mount Ulriken.
Here you can try ‘traditional Nordic food surrounded by nature’ – like grilled trout or a duo of beef.
There’s plenty of places to stop for a drink too – grab a pint of locally brewed lager from Ægir at the Flåmsbrygga Hotel.
GET ready to rock ’n’ roll – there are more thrills and spills at our favourite theme parks.
The new season has launched and families are guaranteed exhilarating new rides, amazing attractions and sensational shows.
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Rubble the dog at PAW Patrol Land in Chessington World Of AdventuresCredit: Chessington World of Adventures
Disneyland Paris’s World Of Frozen is making headlines but other favourite kids’ TV characters are being celebrated with coasters, heart-stopping swing rides and even a new historical theme park.
Trisha Harbord picks top parks with something new for 2026, at home and abroad.
A replica of the show’s Lookout Tower will form part of Chase’s Mountain Mission coaster.
And families can join a rescue mission while flying high on Skye’s Helicopter Heroes.
Other rides include Zuma’s hovercraft, which will slide, drift and skid, and Marshall’s rolling and rocking fire truck.
There will be pup meet-and-greets and themed play areas, along with PAW Patrol rooms at the park’s hotel.
GO: New season started on Friday. Tickets from £37. B&B for a family of four from £155. See chessington.com.
PAULTONS PARK
A THRILLING rollercoaster and swing ride are the highlights of Paultons Park’s new £12million themed world.
Valgard: Realm Of The Vikings features Drakon, the park’s first inverted coaster, which has a vertical lift hill and two twists taking riders upside down.
A viking in Valgard at PaultonsCredit: Supplied
It will intertwine with the coaster known as Cobra, reborn as Raven, which is an exciting bobsled adventure.
Nearby stands the massive Vild Swing — the first wild swing of its kind in the UK — which will swirl riders 40ft in the air.
Valgard, opening at the Hampshire park on May 16, will also have a Feasting Hall restaurant and Viking-inspired playground.
There will now be more than 80 rides and attractions in six themed worlds, including Peppa Pig World.
GO: New season starts Wednesday. Tickets from £46.75. Those under one metre go free. See paultonspark.co.uk.
Bluey and her sister Bingo, dressed as mischievous grannies Janet and Rita, take families on an adventure through the TV characters’ back yard.
It’s Bluey The Ride at Alton TowersCredit: Supplied
Fans can also meet the lovable pup at showtime and the CBeebies Land Hotel has Bluey-themed rooms — as well as Hey Duggee themed ones, which are new for 2026.
The Staffordshire park celebrated Bluey’s arrival by creating a giant portrait on the lawn.
It’s made from 11,000 cans of beans because they feature in the TV Grannies episode.
Alton Towers Resort has more than 40 rides and attractions, including thrilling roller coasters and a waterpark.
GO: Now open, with After Dark extended openings today and on March 27 and 28. Tickets from £32. See altontowers.com.
FUTUROSCOPE
A MAJOR new immersive experience that this park based on the marvels of science and nature will allow visitors to walk among the flora and fauna of the world.
After investing nearly 300million euros in new attractions, Futuroscope has again used amazing technology to create The Greenhouse Of Worlds, a colourful visual experience.
You wander through a massive dome to discover a professor’s collection of plants from all around the globe, which you can touch and smell as they are projected around you.
Also new at the French park, just north of Poitiers, is T.Rex — where a laser projection of images takes you back 67million years to get close to the legendary monster.
The park has also partnered with EDF to open an energy theatre with workshops and activities next month.
GO: Tickets from around £40. B&B and two-day tickets for a family of four from £250. See futuroscope.com.
KYNREN
AWARD-WINNING live-action night experience Kynren is becoming the UK’s first historic show park.
There will be no roller coasters at Kynren — The Storied Lands.
Instead, it will offer immersive live performances and large-scale shows depicting historical periods and legends.
Set within County Durham’s Kynren Park, it combines storytelling with cinematic music and breathtaking stunts.
The first phase, opening on July 18, features five attractions, including The Lost Feather, with 250 birds filling the sky above you.
Medieval knights charge into combat on horseback, a vast lake is turned into a stage, Vikings clash while fires rage, and a maze is full of surprise characters.
The night show Kynren — An Epic Tale of England continues on Saturday nights from July 18 to September 12.
GO: Tickets on sale next month. Night show tickets are £30 for adults and £20 for children. See kynren.com.
The Frozen Ever After boat ride, closed for super technology changes, has reopened at Epcot — with the famous sisters looking even more life-like as they appear to the soundtrack of the hit movie song, Let It Go.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has had a makeover and opens at Magic Kingdom this spring, along with Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
In the summer, Hollywood Studios launches two new live shows, where you will be able to dance along with Mickey and Minnie, while Animal Kingdom welcomes two new creatures to play with — Bluey and Bingo.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the Disney All-Star Movies Resort, including seven-day park tickets and flights from Heathrow to Tampa on September 2, costs from £1,250 per person. Check out virginatlantic.com.
Aviktas, a 138ft gyro swing — the UK’s tallest — opens at the town’s Pleasure Beach this summer as the attraction celebrates its 130th birthday.
Aviktas, the 138ft gyro swing at the Pleasure Beach in BlackpoolCredit: Supplied
The ride can seat 40 people at a time on a spinning circle at the end of a pendulum, which then swings to arc 120 degrees over Blackpool’s seafront.
It’s not for the faint-hearted, but there should be some great views from up there.
Aviktas joins other thrill rides including ten roller coasters, such as the Big One, which drops 235ft, and ICON, where you can feel the G-force of an F1 driver.
There’s also Nickelodeon rides for younger children, featuring favourite characters, plus water rides and shows.
NEW space adventure Lego Galaxy has blasted off, featuring the indoor Galacticoaster, with speeds of up to 40mph, and spectacular lighting and sound effects.
Rookie cadets are briefed by a moving, talking Lego engineer before designing their own digital spacecrafts, linked to the ride-by wristbands.
Legoland’s new GalacticoasterCredit: Supplied
With up to 625 ride combinations, the coaster navigates twists, turns and dynamic launches.
Throughout Lego Galaxy — also open in Legoland California — there’s brick-building opportunities and galactic-themed food.
The park in Winter Haven has more than 60 rides, shows and attractions.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Legoland Florida Hotel, including flights from Gatwick and two-day park tickets, is from £1,065 per person. See travelplanners.co.uk.
LIGHTWATER VALLEY
YOU’LL get an idea about this new ride from its name, Spinning Racer.
The roller coaster opens at the park, near Ripon in North Yorkshire, for the start of the new season on March 28.
Climb aboard and speed up to 45mph on the colourful track as the carriages whirl, twist and turn.
Lightwater, in 175 acres of countryside, prides itself on being a family-friendly park and has more than 35 rides and attractions including a swinging pirate ship, beautifully decorated chair swings, waterslides and an express train.
Easter events, including meet-and-greets with Ebor the resident dragon, are also planned, from the opening day.
GO: Tickets from £22, children under 90cm free. Special offer for opening weekend from £17. See lightwatervalley.co.uk.
THORPE PARK
THE legendary home of big-thrill rides, Thorpe Park is unveiling its very first recharge zone, The Launch Pad.
The dedicated space, in the heart of the Surrey theme park, is designed for guests to relax, refuel and rest before their next adrenalin hit.
Set on the site’s former Amity Beach, the new zone will be a vibrant space where you can take a breath before diving back into the action.
And there’s plenty of that, with the Big Six coasters to experience — led by Hyperia, the UK’s tallest, fastest, most weightless coaster.
Standing 236ft tall, it can reach up to 81mph.
Add to that Stealth, The Swarm, SAW — The Ride, Nemesis Inferno and Colossus, and you’ve got a thrilling half dozen.
GO: The season starts on March 27. Tickets from £32pp, see thorpepark.com.
Storm Therese is battering the Canary Islands with heavy rain, 100km/h winds and snow at high altitudes, causing flight cancellations and travel disruption, with some holidaymakers even cancelling their breaks
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
11:02, 22 Mar 2026Updated 12:32, 22 Mar 2026
Many people have branded Tenerife South Airport as ‘chaos’ (stock image)(Image: DESIREE MARTIN, AFP via Getty Images)
Many people book a holiday to Spain for some much-needed sunshine, however some are now choosing to cancel their trips as Storm Therese is currently causing chaos across the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma.
The storm is currently delivering an unusual combination of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and substantial snow at high altitudes. Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, describing it as one of the most severe storms to hit the archipelago in over a decade. Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued several alerts that will stay active throughout the weekend. Orange (high risk) warnings have been dispatched for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts reaching 90–100 km/h and heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, yellow warnings are in effect across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and choppy seas with waves reaching up to 6 metres (20 feet).
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Unusually for this time of year, significant snowfall has also covered Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres.
One Tenerife resident, known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok, took to his account on Saturday (March 21) to discuss the ‘wild’ weather in the area.
The car hire and bar owner filmed himself as he said: “The Tenerife weather is just wild at the moment. It’s on for another at least four days this crazy weather. He explained the Santa Cruz de Tenerife area had just experienced a “torrential downpour”, but then he turned the other way to reveal “blue skies with the sun shining”. However, he noted, within the next minute, the rain is “bouncing down” again.
The Tenerife resident also mentioned the drains “just can’t handle” the rainfall and they end up “bursting up” fairly regularly.
He continued: “The good news is, it is mixed. I suppose that’s kind of good news, you can get a bit of sunshine, but it was absolutely hammering it down a minute ago.
“So there you go, another four days or so of this. If you’re here, expect a mixed bag – heavy rain, a bit of sunshine now… towards Las Americas looks alright. But you’re going to want to do your indoor activities.”
He stated when the sun is out, it’s “about 22 degrees”, but it’s “around 18 degrees” in the shade, the rain and the wind.
Numerous followers amongst his 115,000-strong audience who were heading on Tenerife holidays confessed they were concerned about their break.
One person commented: “When will it be finished? We come Friday.”
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Whilst another added: “Praying it passes by Tuesday.”
A third chimed in: “I’m coming Monday, really hope it picks up!”
Nevertheless, others admitted they were calling off their breaks as the Tenerife resident posted another clip of the rainfall, with one person writing: “We cancelled our week away at the last minute.”
Another replied: “Snap – we’ve rebooked for April 12 onwards.” The storm has resulted in widespread cancellations and safety shutdowns across the islands. Over 40 flights were cancelled or diverted by Friday, 20 March, mainly at Tenerife North and South airports. Travellers are urged to verify their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline.
Numerous individuals on TikTok and Facebook have branded Tenerife South Airport as ‘chaos’, claiming that the luggage queue is taking hours and some people are missing their flights.
Others have also alleged that the E-gates aren’t functioning and hundreds of people have been queuing “to see one passport officer who was having to re-scan face/finger prints”.
Sharing another video from Tenerife South Airport, @theknightstrider1 described it as “rammed” in the caption and said arrivals was particularly crowded so holidaymakers should “be prepared”.
He added in the clip: “If you’re wondering if Tenerife is busy, it certainly is. This is the arrivals area and it’s absolutely rammed. People are still pouring in.
“If you come to the airport, I do recommend you get here nice and early if you’re leaving, there’s bound to be queues when you’ve got this many people around.”
Aena said in a comment: “In Spain border control is the responsibility of the National Police, not the airport. The airport has provided the necessary infrastructure for the implementation of the Entry Exit System but its availability depends primarily on the number and performance of police officers at the border post.”
When will Storm Therese be over?
Storm Therese is expected to subside across most of its affected areas by Monday, 23 March 2026. While the worst of the weather occurred between Thursday and Saturday, some impacts and weather warnings will persist through early next week.
Storm effects are currently continuing today (Sunday March 22) with rain and strong winds. Orange wind warnings (up to 100 km/h) remain in place for Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, and western La Palma.
Weather is forecast to “ease off” on Monday (March 23) with wind speeds dropping and rainfall decreasing significantly. However, yellow and orange warnings remain active for several islands, and some schools in El Hierro, La Gomera, and parts of Tenerife will stay closed as a precaution. Conditions are expected to improve throughout the week.
