BARCELONA is a fun city to visit, but have you heard about its cool neighbour?
El Poblenou sits just outside Barcelona in Spain but has far fewer crowds.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The neighbourhood has its own Rambla, a pedestrian-friendly street modelled on the famous one in the Old CityCredit: AlamyPoblenoui is nicknamed the Catalan ManchesterCredit: AlamyThe former factories resemble those in the UK city (pictured)Credit: Alamy
And according to Meet Barcelona, the area is known as ‘Catalan Manchester‘ what with the industrial factories that remain.
The name emerged at the start of the 20th century, when textile factories and engineering plants filled the area and played a vital part in Barcelona‘s industrialisation.
During the 60s and 70s, the local government decided that having an industrial area so close to the city wasn’t the best and moved it further away.
Many of the factories became empty until a revamp plan called ’22@’ revitalised the area to what it is today.
When it comes to visiting today, the trendy neighbourhood has fewer of the factories it once used to – though chimneys still litter the skyline – and instead lots of cosy cafes and vibrant tapas bars.
The neighbourhood even has its own Rambla, a pedestrian-friendly street modelled on the famous one in the Old City.
Much quieter than the one in central Barcelona, it stretches from Diagonal Mar shopping centre to Avinguda Diagonal to the seaside.
This is where you will then find Platja de la Nova Mar Bella – a popular Mediterranean beach.
The beach stretches for 420 metres and boasts golden sand.
In fact, it was revitalised for the 1992 Olympic Games and is today known for its calm, shallow waters.
If you happen to be in the neighbourhood during the first weekend of the month, then head to Palo Alto Market where you will find an array of street food as well as fashion and homeware stalls.
Spread across three galleries, the market also has outdoor stages with live music throughout the day.
There’s also Can Framis Museum, which is home to an array of Catalan artworks from the 1960s to present day.
Though it might seem morbid, you can also explore Cementiri de Poblenou, which is a sprawling cemetery with artistic tombs including a winged skeleton that is known as the ‘Kiss of Death’.
Many people head to Cementiri de Poblenou, which is a sprawling cemetery with artistic tombs including a winged skeleton that is known as the ‘Kiss of Death’Credit: AlamyThe cemetery is known for having lots of sculptures and statuesCredit: AlamyIt still has an amazing beach you can go toCredit: Alamy
If you happen to be in the area during the first part of July, you will be able to visit La Fira del Poblenou – also known as Poblenou Craft Beer Festival – which is a three-day festival with 45 to 50 brewers, street food stalls and live music.
Ciutadella Park then sits just outside the neighbourhood, which is a park that opened back in the late 1800s and features a zoo, boating lake, museums and walking trails inside.
Flights to Barcelona cost as little as £13 each way in April.
To get from the airport to the neighbourhood, it’s a 20 minute drive or 50 minutes on public transport.
AS an ignorant southerner, I barely believed the idyllic world I had seen on TV of Cumbria’s lakes, valleys and mountains could truly exist here in Britain.
And even as I gazed across the shimmering Ullswater lake, with the sun setting over the trees, I had to pinch myself.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
I barely believed the idyllic world I had seen on TV of Cumbria’s lakes, valleys and mountains could truly exist here in BritainCredit: GettyDave took his family to the Lake DistrictCredit: Supplied
I was so mesmerised I even tried to get the kids (aged five and seven) to stop fighting with sticks to take in the view with me. It didn’t work.
Even if it was a slightly different holiday to the one we’d taken in 2017BK (Before Kids), the 328-mile journey from East Sussex to the Lake District sure was worth it.
The drive even felt like part of the adventure, travelling in Skoda’s fully electric 2025 Elroq SportLine 85, complete with heated seats.
We only needed to stop to charge once, which gave us a welcome coffee and toilet break.
Known as England’s official “Book Town”, thanks to the high number of book shops here, its Emmerdale-esque scenery inspired my first attempt to get my children to “just look at the views”.
But like all later efforts to get them to marvel at, arguably, Britain’s greatest natural landscapes, it failed miserably.
I was told by my son that “I don’t really do views, I prefer doing things, like knee slides”.
The drive even felt like part of the adventure, travelling in Skoda’s fully electric 2025 Elroq SportLine 85, complete with heated seatsCredit: Skoda
Fair enough, and luckily for him there was plenty to keep him and his sister happy other than the scenery.
There’s lots for adults too, not least the food.
Cumbria claims to have the most Michelin stars outside of London, but my partner and I left the fine dining for a trip without youngsters.
Cumbria claims to have the most Michelin stars outside of London, but my partner and I left the fine dining for a trip without youngsters.
Instead, we spoiled ourselves in top-notch pubs, enjoying delicious, hearty grub.
Our local, The Dalesman, dished up beautiful pies by a roaring fire.
A delicious pie at the Punch Bowl InnCredit: suppliedWe enjoyed fireside meals at the The DalesmanCredit: supplied
And the nearby Black Bull cooked up a stupendous full English and the biggest bacon sandwich I’ve ever seen, setting us up nicely for a day exploring.
Choosing where to eat is almost as important as picking which lake or waterfall to visit.
But while the Elroq features a smart windscreen display and huge navigation screen, I didn’t find cruising around narrow country lanes on a dark night that much fun.
They didn’t waste a penny on tarmac when they built the roads.
So we were lucky the 17th century Punch Bowl Inn in Crosthwaite was nearby and that its renowned cheese souffle lived up to the billing.
We also made use of the brilliant local produce by raiding the nearby Meat Hook butchers for fire-side steak and sausages at home.
While our electric Skoda may be the future of travel, we still enjoyed heading back in time with an unmissable trip on the steam train from Haverthwaite to Lakeside.
It is a great way to see some of the area and we combined it with a boat ride up the mighty Lake Windermere to Bowness where, once again, the views are jaw-dropping.
Bustling Bowness boasts a huge choice of pubs and shops, but we spent the afternoon in the magical, and reasonably priced, World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction.
As well as a Peter Rabbit cafe selling home-made cakes and afternoon tea, there is a free activity trail and interactive videos showing yet more cracking Lake District views, except on a screen.
The kids loved completing the puzzles about Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Co.
And while that kept their little minds entertained, the best way to burn off energy was climbing through the trees and adventure playgrounds of Brookhole on Windermere.
There, you can brave tree-top adventures in Zip World, try axe-throwing or take a boat out on the lake, among other activities.
We left there with the kids suitably exhausted and ready for an eight-hour drive home.
Luckily, they slept the entire way, tucked up in the back of the car, while I soaked up the last of those views.
GO: Lake District
GETTING THERE: The all-electric Skoda Elroq SportLine 85 starts from £41,610 or £412.67 per month.
Scott Manson documented his epic six-leg journey from Glasgow to mainland Europe’s southernmost point for his YouTube channel Planes, Trains, Everything – but faced endless setbacks
Scott in Lyon(Image: Planes, Trains, Everything/YouTube)
A YouTuber who embarked on an epic three-night, four-day odyssey from Glasgow to mainland Europe’s southernmost point was left gobsmacked upon arrival – only to discover the gates were locked.
Scott Manson, who presents the travel channel Planes, Trains, Everything, chronicled the mammoth six-leg expedition for his audience, billing it from the start as an extraordinary undertaking.
“I’m traveling from Glasgow to the southern tip of mainland Europe. Now, this is going to be a long, long journey. It’s going to take three nights and four days. There are six transportation legs. The first leg is Avanti West Coast down to London.”
His itinerary saw him travel from Glasgow to London Euston, then traverse the capital to St Pancras International for the Eurostar to Paris. From the French capital he pressed southward to Lyon, onwards to Barcelona, and subsequently to Madrid before boarding a long-distance coach to Algeciras.
A concluding local bus journey and stroll delivered him to Tarifa, widely acknowledged as mainland Europe’s southernmost extremity, reports Glasgow Live.
However, the expedition was anything but smooth sailing.
Scott disclosed the trip “nearly went totally belly up” following a catastrophic high-speed rail collision in Spain earlier this year. Referencing the tragedy, he explained: “One high-speed train jumped the tracks, landed on the opposite side, and was hit by a train heading in the opposite direction. Forty-five people were killed. Absolutely horrendous.”
Worried his connection might be axed, he consulted the Renfe website.
While tickets remained available initially, the evening before departing the UK he received an email stating: “Unfortunately, your train’s canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
This left him frantically seeking an alternative for the vital Madrid to Algeciras stretch. Flying via Gibraltar was contemplated but ruled out as impractical and potentially costly, necessitating multiple connections and a border crossing.
Instead, he managed to book a nine-hour daytime coach – twice the duration of the train journey.
“It’s going to be horrendous, but it needs to be done,” he remarked, noting the alteration also delayed his arrival until 8pm, compelling him to postpone filming at his final destination.
The complications continued mounting. The Avanti service from Glasgow ran late, necessitating what he characterised as a hurried sprint across London.
His Eurostar seat was relocated to a “windowless window seat.” The Barcelona to Madrid train ran behind schedule.
Madrid’s weather turned “atrocious.” And the replacement train southbound was cancelled entirely.
Following all that, the ultimate disappointment awaited at Tarifa. Upon reaching the Spanish municipality, Scott headed towards Isla de Las Palomas, an island at the southern tip of Punta de Tarifa – the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula.
However, to Scott’s dismay, the area was cordoned off and accessible solely through guided tours. “Well, you spend three nights and four days travelling to the southernmost tip of the European mainland, and it’s shut,” he said.
“At least I’m not the only one who arrived thinking the place would be open. There are two Chinese tourists there. I can’t complain—they’ve travelled further than I have to get here—but I think it caught quite a few people off guard.”
He suggested strong winds might have rendered the exposed headland too dangerous. “But yeah, that’s as far as we can get.”
Despite the setback, Scott stayed positive. “For as long as I can recall making these YouTube videos, I’ve always felt there was a force pushing back, trying to stop me from completing videos. This was a prime example.”
Nevertheless, he maintained the experience was worthwhile. “But I am so glad I did this journey. I’m so glad you guys came along with me as well. I’ll see you next time.”
This is not where you would expect an article about one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands to start. It’s the tail end of winter, 2021. Kensal Green Cemetery in west London: the imperial mausolea canted and crumbling, low clouds dissolving into rain. We are still in that strange phase of the pandemic when we are masked, newly aware of our bodies and the space around them. We are here to bury Nikos, a man who for me, for many, was the incarnation of Corfu.
I had spent my 20s trying to find the perfect Greek island, hopping from the well-trodden (Mykonos, Santorini, Cephalonia) to the more obscure (Kythira, Symi, Meganisi). None quite matched the vision I had dreamed into being as a child, when I segued from Robert Graves to Mary Renault, then to Lawrence Durrell and John Fowles. Greece was an idea before it was a place: freedom and deep thought, a constellation of sand, salt and thyme.
Then, on a whim, I accepted an invitation to play cricket in Corfu.
I knew little about the island at the time – not about its strategic history, nor how that position had shaped a culture that is at once Greek, Venetian and British. I hadn’t yet walked the Liston, the elegant colonnaded arcade that might be Venice or Trieste, Bologna or Perugia were it not for the cricket pitch laid out in front of it. The pitch is surrounded by a car park; its groundsmen battle heat, salt spray, digging children and fouling dogs. Yet it remains the only cricket pitch in the world I know that’s set within a Unesco world heritage site. Taking guard there, you look up to the Old Fortress for solidity, and to the Palace of St Michael and St George for elegance and flair.
The cricket pitch next to the elegant arcade in Corfu Town. Photograph: Ernestos Vitouladitis/Alamy
I went out with the Lord’s Taverners, a UK sports charity team. We were a motley bunch: a couple of former internationals – Andy Caddick and Chris Cowdrey – some actors, entertainers and a handful of writers, including me. The Corfiots, it turned out, were very good at cricket. The Greek national team is drawn almost entirely from the island. We were soundly beaten, then consoled by warmth, generosity and a run of excellent dinners in the Old Town.
It was over one of those dinners – at the Pergola – that I met Nikos Louvros and his wife, Annabelle, our hosts and the founders of Cricket Corfu. Nikos was rambunctiously Greek, full of wild energy; Annabelle was English in that particular way that falls deeply for Greece and builds a life around it. I recognised the impulse. By the end of the meal of lamb, ouzo and excellent local wine, we had planned our future together: we would launch a literary festival.
Festival co-founders Annabelle and Nikos Louvros
Over the subsequent years, that vision has taken glorious shape. Corfu literary festival began modestly: at our first, in 2017, there were as many speakers on stage as there were people in the audience. I remember Nikos’s hope, irritation and finally, characteristically, laughter as invited guests failed to show up. But there was never any sense it would stop. With Nikos beside you, everything seemed possible.
Slowly, buoyed by local support, the festival grew into something far larger than we had imagined. We’ve had Stephen Fry and Sebastian Faulks, Bettany Hughes and Natalie Haynes, Matt Haig and Tom Holland. They came and spoke, they stayed at the heavenly Kontokali Bay hotel, or in the villas and apartments of Ionian Estates, and they fell in love with Corfu as I had. Many have come back to speak several times.
Nikos lived for this – for showing others the beauty and drama of the island on which he was born, then left and returned to. He is gone now, but the festival endures. This September, it will return, larger and more magical than ever, with Homer’s Odyssey at its heart – a fitting subject for an island where the mythic and the everyday still fold into each other with ease.
This is what I learned from Nikos, and from Corfu, over the years: swim early, before the day warms and when the water still has a faint bite. Swim after lunch, when the sea feels silky. Swim at dusk, when the surface holds the day’s heat and the light becomes thick and slow. Corfu is large enough and varied enough that you can build an entire itinerary around water and never feel you are repeating yourself.
On the west coast, Myrtiotissa remains the beach that feels closest to a private miracle. Set in a steep green cradle, it is an initiation to reach it. Not unreasonably, Durrell called it “perhaps the most beautiful beach in the world”.
Paleokastritsa beach. Photograph: Carmen Gabriela Filip/Alamy
Paleokastritsa possesses a different kind of beauty. The monastery above the bay looks down over a scatter of coves where the water is so clear you can see the rocks far below, like a second landscape suspended in blue.
Then there is the north-east, which has calmer waters, protected coves, a more intimate coastline. Agni Bay is a gentle curve of shoreline made for long lunches. Agni Taverna sits close enough to the water that you can leave your table, swim and return still tasting salt. Eat fish, eat simply, let time loosen its grip. If you can, arrive by boat: the north-east coast has a tradition of taking water taxis between bays, and there is something unmistakably Corfiot about stepping straight from deck to lunch.
A surprise – especially if your image of Greek islands is Cycladic sparseness – is how green Corfu is. The interior rises and folds like a small country. Olive groves run for miles; cypresses spike the skyline. Drive up into the villages above Paleokastritsa and you reach Lakones, perched high enough to make the island feel suddenly vast. At Boulis, the food is good, but it’s the terrace view you come for, the sense of stepping straight into the blue horizon.
Corfu’s cuisine is not what you usually think of as Greek: shaped by Venetian influence, by centuries of contact with Italy and by produce from the island’s land and sea. Pastitsadais a beef stew with pasta; sofrito is beef or veal slices braised in a sauce of white wine, vinegar, garlic and parsley; bourdeto is fish stew.
In Corfu Town, make time for a night at Salto – contemporary but grounded, with excellent ingredients and a superb wine list. Then go for ice-cream at Papagiorgios. Walk the Old Town with a cone in hand, the stone still warm, and you feel part of a long tradition of summer nights.
In 2020, in a brief, improbable lull between Covid lockdowns, we held the festival as if it were an act of defiance against the gods. The world was half closed; plans changed by the hour. Yet, for a few days, the island opened its arms and let us in. Chairs were spaced out, masks slipped on and off, hand sanitisers were perched on every table – and still there was laughter, ideas, beauty. Things that made us feel human.
Myrtiotissa beach. Photograph: Hemis/Alamy
One morning, Nikos appeared with a boat. He had a gift for that – arriving as if from nowhere, already halfway into the next idea. “Come,” he said. A dozen of us climbed aboard and pulled away from the town, leaving behind the anxious news cycle and the low-level fear of that year. We ran along the north-east coast, cutting the engine in inlets you would never find from land: slivers of shingle, limestone shelves, beaches no bigger than sofas. Each time we stopped, we swam as if trying to slough the year off our skin. I felt like freedom, something snatched from darkness.
That was the last festival Nikos attended. He died of Covid the following January – on my birthday.
When I think of Nikos now, I think of that day on the water: of joy under pressure, of how precious it becomes. When he died, the island felt altered – not less beautiful, but more charged, as if the light carried grief in waves. Yet, Corfu also teaches something: that love for a place can outlive the person who brought you there, and become a way of honouring them.
I have tried to do that in my own way, too. My novel A Stranger in Corfu is dedicated to Nikos. It grew out of this island – its layered past, its atmosphere of secrecy and hospitality, the sense that stories cling to the land. The novel is, at heart, a love letter: an attempt to pay proper attention to a place that has given me more than I can easily name.
Go to Corfu and do not hurry. Swim often. Drive into the hills. Eat as if time were a gift. Let the island reveal itself at its own pace – slowly, then all at once.
And if, one day, someone appears with a boat and an idea, say yes.
A Stranger in Corfu by Alex Preston is published by Canongate (£18.99). To support the Guardian buy a copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.The 2026 Corfu literary festival runs from 21-27 September
Tropical weather, luxury accommodation and relaxing rituals make this island the perfect babymoon destination to visit when pregnant, says travel editor Laura Mulley
We think we’ve found the perfect babymoon destination(Image: Le Meridien Ile Maurice, Laura Mulley)
Looking for a holiday destination for one last trip as a two before our baby arrived, we found our options surprisingly limited. We didn’t want to chance potential bad weather in Europe off-season, and with the risk of mosquito-borne virus Zika – which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women – ruling out most of the Caribbean and Asia, there was a clear frontrunner that ticked all of our boxes: Mauritius.
Emirates proved to be the best airline to fly with from our nearest airport – Manchester – with the most flight options available – and the staff were exceptionally helpful at making a six-months-pregnant woman feel as comfortable as possible during the journey.
Once we landed, our aim was simple: to enjoy all the things we’d probably struggle to do once our baby arrived, on what would potentially be our last relaxing holiday for a while. And it certainly delivered.
Our first stop was the huge, open, colourful Le Méridien Ile Maurice on the island’s northwest coast. One of Mauritius’s leading family hotels (perfect for showing us what to expect from our future holidays), its hidden gem is its adults-only section, Nirvana, at the end of the kilometre-long beach, which has its own rooms, reception, restaurant, beach area and infinity pool scattered with squishy floating beanbags.
Our Hideaway Suite here was truly one of the biggest we’d ever seen, with a massive distance between the patio doors at the front to the heated plunge pool out the back. Guests get access to a ‘butler’ via WhatsApp, and lots of thoughtful touches from the friendly staff make staying here feel extra-special, from the complimentary cocktail (or mocktail) by the pool at sundown to the petal-strewn bath we found waiting for us after dinner. One night there was even a pregnancy pillow laid out on the bed, something we hadn’t requested but made our stay even more comfortable.
The food at Le Méridien
There are four restaurants at Le Méridien, and it’s worth making your way around them all: Nomad’s buffet is popular with families, Waves serves Mediterranean-style fish and grilled dishes, Kumin gives guests a taste of Mauritius’s strong Indian influence, and – our favourite – Nirvana’s Jade does excellent Asian cuisine, including sushi and teppanyaki (take breakfast here too if you want to savour the child-free moments for as long as possible). All are included in half-board and all-inclusive packages, although booking is recommended for the à la carte restaurants.
What to do at Le Méridien
Keen to enjoy as many grown-up activities as possible, we took part in sunset yoga on the beach, took kayaks and pedalos out into the lagoon’s clear waters, and enjoyed treatments in Le Méridien’s spa, including a heavenly head massage using warm coconut oil, and the perfect pre-natal full body massage. The therapists here are all incredibly skilled – you’ll really feel the benefits.
St Regis Le Morne
The second half of our trip was spent at sister hotel St. Regis Le Morne, formally the JW Marriott, and which joined the historic St. Regis hotel group – founded by American tycoon and Titanic victim John Jacob Astor IV – following a major renovation last year.
On the island’s southwest point, this is a quieter, more secluded part of the country, and St. Regis sits under the shadow of Mauritius’ iconic Le Morne mountain surrounded by miles of beautiful beaches and shallow waters.
Although we spotted plenty of multi-generational families here too, St. Regis definitely has a more elegant and luxurious air to it. With a colonial-style design and elegant rooms set amongst lush vegetation and trickling water features, it has a slight ‘White Lotus season three’ vibe.
There’s a huge pool here, but we found that most couples chose to spend their days on the loungers under palm leaf-umbrellas that line the beach, which are peaceful, always available, and serviced by bar staff at the touch of a button.
The food at St Regis Le Morne
Out of St. Regis’s five restaurants, our favourites were INDYA, serving a modern take on Indian cuisine with the friendliest service, and Japanese Atkuso, where the chef veered from the menu to whip up some of the best maki rolls we’d ever tried to cater to our vegetarian diets. Each restaurant also does its own signature cocktails and ‘mindful mocktails’ with certain health benefits.
What to do at St Regis Le Morne
St. Regis is proud of its history and heritage, and a key feature are its three ‘rituals’, found in all its properties around the world, and all – pleasingly for our purpose – highly unsuitable for children: Bloody Marys, sabrage and afternoon tea.
In homage to the first ever spicy tomato juice cocktail as we know it, reportedly invented at the St. Regis New York in the 1920s, our charismatic bartender Vymal demonstrated how to make this hotel’s own version, the L’Île Mary, using Mauritian rum infused with curry leaves and topped with turmeric foam. The self-appointed Bloody Mary connoisseur out of the two of us declared it to be one of the best he’d ever tasted.
Next up was learning sabrage – the art of opening a bottle of champagne with the swish of a sword, and supposedly how Napoleon liked to celebrate his victories. Although initially unconfident, following expert instruction we were thrilled to deftly remove the top of our bottle of fizz in one smooth swipe.
Afternoon tea was a more genteel affair, and is a reference to Lady Astor’s daily habit of gathering family and friends around in the afternoons to share wisdom. Here it involves Mauritian tea and viennoiserie from the hotel’s kitchen, taken under swaying palm trees on the beach – just heavenly, and the perfect last few moments of calm before we became a three.
How much does it cost?
Rooms at Le Méridien Ile Maurice start from £220 per night on a B&B basis based on double occupancy. Rooms at St. Regis Le Morne start from £585 per night based on double occupancy (two night minimum stay required). Returns flights from Manchester to Mauritius were with Emirates start from £775.
The Hoffman Kiln near Settle in the Yorkshire Dales is a moss-covered derelict kiln hidden in woodlands, though the site is currently undergoing development with limited access
The site was left abandoned for years (Image: Alexander W Helin via Getty Images)
For those looking for an extraordinary walking adventure, this trail delivers something truly unique and proves ideal for youngsters who relish uncovering secret treasures along the way.
Nestled within the forests on the outskirts of Settle in Yorkshire lies Hoffman Kiln, an abandoned kiln that once served as an insulated furnace for burning raw materials.
Today, it resembles an subterranean grotto constructed from brickwork and blanketed in moss, lending the location an unsettling verdant atmosphere.
Its past remains somewhat enigmatic to locals, though additional points of interest dot the vicinity, designated as part of the ‘Craven Limeworks trail’.
The kiln formed part of what was previously an industrial complex, where Yorkshire workers toiled in appalling conditions before nature eventually reclaimed the site, leaving it abandoned.
Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.
Historical background
The nineteenth century witnessed the establishment of the railway route connecting Settle to Carlisle, which subsequently generated fresh industrial prospects for the region.
The railway regularly transported coal inbound to process the limestone extracted from the scar, then carried away the completed product.
Enormous quantities of stone were once processed here, yet now it lies concealed. The kiln was previously operated by labourers whose responsibility involved shovelling burnt lime onto wagons positioned mere feet away in the sidings.
Describing the harsh working conditions, Senior Historic Environment Officer Miles Johnson explained: “It’s quite pleasant space to be in now but whilst it was in use it was probably absolutely grim. Lime is really nasty, caustic stuff to work with.
“The lime burners who worked in here had to cover every inch of their body with rags and clothing to try to keep the lime dust out. When lime dust meets moisture or water it reacts and generates a lot of heat.
“So if you’ve got lime dust on your body, and you’re shovelling and starting to sweat, then you’d start to blister and burn quite quickly.”
Exploration today
Proposals to develop the land housing the kiln have been under consideration for some time. Back in 2021, it emerged that Craven District Council’s planning application had received approval, with the site now earmarked for commercial development.
Prior to construction commencing, one visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Really loved my visit. I was amazed by how big the site is, considering it isn’t promoted very well. There is lots to explore, and the information boards are very helpful.
“The car park for the site is also quite large, so there is plenty of room. It felt quite exciting to be exploring the vast Hoffmann kiln by torchlight, and I was very pleased to see that it hadn’t been littered or abused.”
Yet more recently, visitors have suggested that the feeling of discovering a secret, unspoilt location has vanished, with construction work now progressing at full pace. A later review states: “These unusual kilns are well worth a visit.
“However, as other reviewers have mentioned, at the moment the area is a building site. There is access to the Hoffman kiln, but you need to cross the building site and walk along beside the railway.”
To find the kiln, you can use the postcode BD24 9NU, where you’ll find it just off the main road between Langcliffe and Stainforth.
This picturesque fishing village in Waterford has everything needed for a tranquil getaway, yet it’s often overlooked by those visiting Ireland’s coast
It’s home to plenty of lively pubs and restaurants (Image: Walter Bibikow via Getty Images)
Compact and picturesque, this Waterford fishing village offers everything required for a peaceful retreat, yet it frequently goes unnoticed by visitors exploring Ireland‘s coastline.
Nestled discreetly on the western edge of Waterford Harbour lies the charming village of Dunmore East, where there’s far more to discover than initially apparent.
Boasting up to six hidden beach coves and numerous scenic walking routes, visitors can fully embrace the splendour of the Irish seaboard.
While it’s thought people have lived in the village since pre-Iron Age times, the area truly flourished during the 1800s when it evolved into a holiday destination.
Playing a significant role in the fishing trade, featuring a delightful beach, a working harbour and an extensive selection of restaurants, it remains an excellent escape from everyday life, even now.
Beaches
Waterford itself boasts up to 147 km of coastline, with Dunmore East comprising part of that stretch, hosting up to six coves throughout the village alone.
These provide ideal locations for snorkelling and swimming, with two principal beaches proving most favoured amongst visitors – Councillors Beach and Lawlors Beach.
Best UK holiday cottage deals
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sykes Cottages offers a wide range of handpicked holiday homes across the UK and Ireland, from cosy countryside retreats to stunning coastal escapes. Prices start from £27 per night
Lawlor’s is situated directly in the village centre, whilst Councillors is a south-facing shore overlooking dramatic cliffs. One recent visitor posted a Google review, describing it as a “beautiful beach with stunning cliff views”, while another remarked it was “popular for a reason”.
They added: “The most popular beach in Dunmore, which can lead to it becoming crowded at times; however, it is popular for a reason.
“It is the largest beach here, so there is adequate space for everyone. It is sandy rather than rocky, and it is located in an area with very safe water, and lifeguards are on duty often.”
Walks
The standout trail in the vicinity, and arguably throughout the whole of Waterford, is the Dunmore East Cliff Walk, spanning 5km along the shoreline. During the 1830s, the path served as a commuter route for labourers travelling between Portally and Ballymacaw.
It’s a route suitable for all fitness levels and ages, typically taking around two hours to complete, whilst showcasing breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife throughout.
Particularly noteworthy are the sweeping coastal vistas, including views of Hook Head Lighthouse – one of the world’s oldest functioning lighthouses.
One walker described their experience on TripAdvisor, noting: “An absolutely gorgeous and easy walk along the cliffs above the sea. Stunning vistas, pretty flowers, pastures of sheep and cows. We took a lot of photos! The path is well marked and easy enough for a basic level of fitness.”
For something slightly different, there’s also the Dunmore East Woods walk, guiding you through an impressive 42-acre woodland expanse teeming with wildlife. Visitors can complete a circular route of the grounds or opt to discover one of the four distinct zones within it.
Restaurants
Dining in Dunmore East is an absolute must for genuine food enthusiasts, with numerous establishments offering locally caught seafood that diners consistently praise. A considerable number of these eateries also feature stunning coastal panoramas to complement your meal.
According to TripAdvisor ratings, the village’s top culinary destination is Azzurro, a family-operated restaurant and bar. They primarily offer Mediterranean fare, which patrons have labelled “top class”.
One delighted customer wrote: “This restaurant is top class. Pizzas to die for as well as heavenly desserts. Peroni on draught and fab coffee also. Pleasant and efficient staff. Can’t recommend highly enough.”
For highly-rated seafood in Dunmore East, The Strand Inn Seafood Restaurant sits directly on the waterfront, commanding views across the bay. A previous visitor shared: “Really exceptional service and a great energy in the restaurant and bar.
“Amazing views, sea air, great chowder. The front of house is very helpful, and I can’t recommend it more. It feels like a five-star hotel.”
Additional favourites amongst both locals and visitors include the Bay Café and Harper’s Point, perfect for a swift coffee or midday meal. A recent patron described the Bay café as “uniquely beautiful and quaint”, with many stumbling upon it during their seaside strolls.
This charming village has been dubbed an ‘unspoilt gem’ by visitors and is home to an award-winning bakery that’s been serving up delicious baked goods for over 120 years
The village is celebrated as a traveller’s haven(Image: Getty)
Some corners of the world seem to have been shaped with exceptional care and affection – and this pristine Cornwall coastal village is undoubtedly among them.
Nestled along the North Cornwall coastline approximately 10 miles southwest of Newquay, this historically significant and remarkably unspoiled coastal settlement offers breathtaking vistas, vibrant community character, and prize-winning cuisine and beverages.
Concealed within an immaculate section of the Cornish shore, this tiny village represents a gem positioned within both a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site.
This waterside settlement thrives courtesy of its robust local community, which supports an array of independent retailers and enterprises, including one of Britain’s most ancient bakeries still trading from its founding location.
Save on the best holiday cottages in Cornwall
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Famous for its rugged coastline, golden beaches, picture-perfect villages and rich maritime heritage, Cornwall is one of the most-visited corner of the UK. Sykes Cottages has a large number of holiday homes to choose from, with prices from £36 per night.
Boasting beautiful, canine-friendly shores, exceptional public houses and dining establishments, and access routes to some of Cornwall’s most dramatic coastal paths and walks, it’s little wonder this village is hailed as a traveller’s paradise, reports Cornwall Live.
Prize-winning bakery with unique pastries
The celebrated St Agnes Bakery has been trading from its original site in St Agnes for more than 120 years – having initially welcomed patrons back in 1905.
Famed for producing the most delectable traditional Cornish recipes daily, St Agnes Bakery stands as one of the village’s finest attractions.
Their renowned Cornish Pasty has secured Gold Standard status, whilst the distinctive ‘Giant Sausage Roll’ was created and gained popularity within the bakery’s modest premises.
Buttery flaky buns, delectable Cornish cakes, and freshly baked loaves also feature amongst St Agnes Bakery’s bestselling items.
St Agnes Bakery has collected numerous prestigious accolades – from World Pastry Awards to National Bakery Awards, each testament to the quality of its exceptional offerings.
The bakery’s owners said: “The joy of baking is deeply rooted in both our own childhood memories and experiences. Since taking over the bakery it has been our aim to bake all our breads, cakes, Cornish pasties and giant sausage rolls using time-honoured methods, tried and tested recipes and only the highest quality of ingredients, just like our own mothers showed us.”
St Agnes Bakery procures the majority of its ingredients locally from Cornwall, with most suppliers and producers based near St Agnes.
A fascinating heritage and plenty of attractions
The prize-winning bakery isn’t the only draw St Agnes has to offer. This charming seaside village, with its winding lanes and delightful independent shops, proves irresistible to holidaymakers.
Its narrow streets brim with Cornish character, establishing St Agnes as a treasured destination for visitors. St Agnes boasts several stunning beaches for visitors to discover, including Trevaunance Cove, Chapel Porth, and Porthtowan – all hugely popular spots for surfing enthusiasts, swimmers, and those simply wanting to soak up the sun.
The surrounding coastal area is steeped in captivating history, particularly its mining heritage, exemplified by sites such as the derelict 19th-century tin mine Wheal Coates.
The village possesses a fascinating past and industrial legacy rooted in tin and copper mining, which dominated Cornwall’s economy during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, remnants of this mining history, including engine houses and mine shafts, still punctuate the landscape.
Despite ranking amongst Cornwall’s larger coastal villages, St Agnes maintains a charming and unspoilt character. One of its most celebrated landmarks is St Agnes Beacon – an elevated vantage point offering panoramic views of the spectacular countryside and historically serving as a watchtower.
The adjacent St Agnes Head is similarly cherished by both residents and tourists, providing magnificent views across the dramatic Cornish coastline.
This enchanting seaside village has frequently been hailed as an ‘underrated gem’ by those who visit, delivering spectacular coastal scenery featuring dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and picture-perfect rural countryside.
It’s also the home of The Peterville Inn, an award-winning establishment which previously claimed the coveted ‘Pub of the Year’ title at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2024. Chapel Porth Beach stands out as another essential spot in St Agnes, with the Chapel Porth to St Agnes Circular Walk coming highly recommended.
Visits to the St Agnes Museum and Perranporth Airfield are also strongly suggested for those seeking enjoyable pursuits, whilst the St Agnes to Trevellas Porth Circular Walk proves a treat for walking enthusiasts.
Admirers of Winston Graham’s bestselling Poldark novels (and its dashing hero Ross Poldark) will be thrilled to learn that the writer lived just moments from St Agnes and has famously revealed he found inspiration in this picturesque village, calling it ‘Poldark Country’.
Despite its modest proportions, St Agnes brims with delightful attractions, making it an essential destination if you’re after a brilliant experience amidst breathtaking scenery.
The popular beauty spot with Victorian-era bathing area was left damaged after huge waves battered the area.
It’s a beautiful spot, but the surrounding steps and sunbathing area have eroded away after relentless storms(Image: Katie Oborn )
Swimmers in Plymouth have been warned to stay out of the water at one of Britain’s most beloved beauty spots in the self-proclaimed Ocean City — a caution that follows the battering the south west endured from Storm Ingrid in January 2026. The Victorian-era steps at Plymouth Hoe’s Tinside Beach were left severely damaged by towering waves in January, though the outdoor Tinside Lido, which underwent renovation last year, has escaped unscathed.
Local year-round swimmers, however, are now speaking out, arguing that the destruction has laid bare “what an eyesore” the small beach and its surroundings have become — and they’re calling on authorities to invest in restoring Tinside Beach as a “fabulous asset” for Plymouth once more.
A visit to the much-loved spot on Saturday, February 14, uncovered “no swimming ” signs installed by Plymouth City Council, alerting visitors to “sharp spikes and debris” as well as “dangerous and uneven surfaces”.
The beach has long been a cherished gathering place for locals who brave the elements throughout the year, with many citing its significant contribution to their mental wellbeing alongside the wider benefits of wild swimming.
Yet in the wake of the storms that obliterated the concrete steps and several railings, swimmers have reported that getting into the water “safely” has become incredibly difficult. Numerous locals have also expressed worries that, even before the storm wreaked havoc, the vicinity had already become “rundown”, despite still attracting holidaymakers throughout the summer season, , reports the Express.
Melanie Green shared with me: “There’s a lot of all-year-round swimmers that know what should be used to do a ‘quality’ job with regards to repairs now needed.
“Plymouth City Council, please have a meeting with us all and make the Hoe steps and seafront look great again. This is where tourists come to visit. Invest in it.”
The dawn swimmers at Tinside Beach form a friendly community. Chuckles, cheerful banter and even homemade cakes are exchanged amongst the group whenever birthdays or milestone moments occur.
However, the Victorian-era steps at Tinside are in “desperate need of repair”, making it difficult to congregate – and one habitual swimmer observed that regular maintenance “would save money in the long run”.
The council has confirmed it “cares about the Hoe and foreshore” and is “sad to see the damage the recent storms have caused.”
A Plymouth City Council spokesperson further explained that “our surveyors and contractors are reviewing repair options for the Tinside steps and we will look to mobilise repairs as soon as practically possible”.
Last summer witnessed the reopening of the restored outdoor Tinside Lido beside Tinside Beach. The redevelopment was funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Youth Investment Fund, Levelling Up Fund, and Plymouth City Council.
With this in mind, local swimmer Rena Truscott remarked: “I wish the council would have a complete rehaul and properly fix the waterfront, starting with Tinside (beach and steps).
“I feel investment is desperately needed now, not just to make the best of a fabulous asset for Plymouth but to ensure it remains safe and an ongoing legacy for the benefit of all.
“The Tinside Lido (renovation completed in 2025) now looks amazing and I’m sure it draws attention and hopefully tourists and revenue back to the Hoe. However, this now highlights what an eyesore the surrounding area is. Despite this, it remains popular all year round.”
Debra Romagnuolo voiced similar worries, stating: “Tinside steps are in desperate need of repair. Not just a quick fix. It needs good quality workmanship, not something that literally lasts a few weeks like the railings. It is in a sorry state.”
During my visit, chunks of concrete from the storm damage were visible strewn across the shoreline and seabed near the steps.
Warning notices have been put up advising people not to enter the water in this location, as large concrete blocks remain underwater and, depending on the tide, may not always be easily spotted.
A Plymouth City Council spokesperson commented: “We care about the Hoe and foreshore and are sad to see the damage the recent storms have caused, not just here in Plymouth but in so many other coastal villages, towns and cities.
“We are very much at the mercy of the elements but work hard to direct as much resource as possible towards protecting and reinforcing our historic waterfront so it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
“Recent and ongoing works include repairs to West Hoe Pier and the Admirals Hard slipway, as well as the steps into the water at Commercial Wharf.”
Plymouth City Council added in their statement: “Our surveyors and contractors are reviewing repair options for the Tinside steps and we will look to mobilise repairs as soon as practically possible, once the weather is more in our favour.
“We are also working with marine and foreshore technical advisors and contractors on condition surveys of the wider foreshore. The findings from these surveys will be used to produce an action plan of monitoring, further investigations and prioritised repair works, for which we can then seek funding.
“Refurbishment works at Tinside Lido last year transformed underused areas of the Grade II-listed Art Deco building, safeguarding it for future generations whilst creating new opportunities for people to connect with Plymouth Sound.
“Its careful preservation and transformation will ensure Tinside continues to be a much-loved feature of Plymouth’s waterfront whilst supporting the health, wellbeing and aspirations of young people in Britain’s Ocean City.”
A pilot has explained the real reason passengers need to switch their phones to airplane mode during flights, and it’s not just a formality
Travellers told what happens if you ignore a safety procedure(Image: Getty)
Flying remains one of the safest ways to travel, largely due to meticulously crafted safety protocols. Whilst some procedures might appear mundane or superfluous, each serves a vital purpose in safeguarding passengers and crew alike.
However, a pilot (@PerchPoint) has taken to TikTok to clarify whether one specific procedure genuinely needs following. Whether through absent-mindedness or simply not knowing better, switching your phone to aeroplane mode matters – and it’s not “a conspiracy theory,” the pilot cautions.
But what actually occurs if you don’t bother? In the video, the pilot explained: “This is just a friendly PSA, that the airplane mode button is not a conspiracy.
“If you forget to put your phone on airplane mode, no, it’s not the end of the world, the plane will not fall out of the sky, and it won’t even mess with the systems on board.”
However, does this mean passengers can disregard the procedure? “If you have an aircraft with 70, 80, or 150 people on board and even three or four people’s phones start to try and make a connection to a radio tower for an incoming phone call, it sends out radio waves.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
“There’s a potential that those radio waves can interfere with the headsets that the pilots are using.”
He proceeded to describe his own encounter with this interference whilst attempting to land safely, noting there was an irritating noise in the headset that “sounded like a mosquito.”
The pilot explained: “No, it’s not the end of the world, but it’s pretty annoying when you’re trying to copy down instructions and it sounds like a wasp or something flying around you. So if you’re ever curious why you need to put on airplane mode, that’s why.”
According to Travel and Leisure, it goes beyond mere irritation. Pilots frequently operate with restricted visibility, meaning they depend heavily on information relayed from ground control, particularly during takeoff and landing – the phases when most aviation incidents take place.
Consequently, it’s vital that they remain focused and their communication isn’t compromised.
Rule or courtesy?
Per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, all passengers must enable airplane mode during flight to avoid potential signal interference.
It’s also a straightforward gesture of consideration that contributes to a seamless journey for all passengers, according to Booking.com.
“When smartphones and devices were first introduced, it was found that cell phones that aren’t in flight mode can overload the networks on the ground, especially during takeoff and landing, as phones try to connect to multiple towers at once.
“How much phones affect aviation technology hasn’t been studied in-depth, but pilots say they can hear background noise and interference from phones while flying, especially when they’re landing, and mobile phones begin to make contact with towers again.
“So, while your phone may work at times during flight, do you really want to distract your pilot while they’re speaking with air traffic control to execute a safe landing?”
Why are flight crew permitted to use devices?
According to Lovely Planet, pilots and flight attendants are seen with devices right in the cockpit, which gives them access to digital charts and documents.
However, unlike passenger devices, this equipment has undergone rigorous testing to guarantee it won’t disrupt the aircraft’s systems.
This little town in Yorkshire is ideal for fans of Emily Bronte’s gothic story thanks to its wild and rugged surroundings, and nearby attractions that might just be haunted…
Whitby has long been known as a dark and brooding place(Image: Getty Images)
Sometimes, when a storm hits the UK, rain batters the pavements and wind whips the trees, it’s easy to feel swept up in the kind of awe-inspiring conditions that helped Emily Brontë to write her classic novel, Wuthering Heights.
There is a little town in Yorkshire, 100miles from Cathy and Heathcliff’s home, but steeped in as much Gothic drama, where every day feels like you’ve tumbled into such dark Victorian melodrama.
As I stepped aboard my coach bound for Whitby, I imagined a sleepy seaside town, much like those down south that slowly emerge as you drive along the road towards the sea. What I got was very different.
Just getting to Whitby was a beautiful journey. The town is nestled between the rugged expanse of the moors and the wild thrashing of the North Sea. In days gone by, travellers would only be able to access it if they hiked for miles along the hills and valleys of the North York Moors or braved the violent waves of the sea. Now, we have cars and trains, but both still take you over the moors.
As my coach sped through the twists and turns of the roads across the moors, I was like a child, with my face pressed against the window. There wasn’t a soul for miles, just acres and acres of heather. Once in Whitby, when you hear the waves crash against the sea defences and feel the wind whistle past your ears, it’s easy to see how someone might think a faint voice calling for Heathcliff was coming over their shoulder.
The town itself is split into two halves. The newer section was built following the Second World War, but much of the town is older and filled with Georgian terraces. Even older is Whitby Abbey, whose ruins stand proudly at the top of a cliff and have inspired many a tale, including Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
If you walk along the coast from the nearby villages of Saltmoore and Sandsend, the gothic ruins stay within your sightline. Lucky hikers will get to see the sea fog – which locals used to believe was the fiery breath of a dragon – come in to cover the abbey. You’ll feel like you’re trekking the same paths Heathcliff did as he searched for Catherine’s ghost, not least because Emerald Fennell’s new film was shot about two hours away, in the Yorkshire Dales.
The most remarkable sight comes when you walk back towards Whitby, as when the fog clears, the Abbey can be seen looming through a gap between the cliffs. It’s terrifying and awe-inspiring all at once. I felt drawn towards the ruins, much as Cathy is drawn to Heathcliff or as an entranced Lucy is drawn to Dracula. How could anyone resist such a terrible sight?
Indeed, not Whitby residents of years gone by. Whitby Storyteller, Rose Rylands, who tells of the myths of the moors. When Rose spoke about the ghostly figures said to appear on the hilltops, goosebumps pebbled my skin, as if I was walking with them myself.
The tale of Bram’s inspiration in Whitby was similarly haunting. During a holiday, the author stayed on the West Cliff, offering views of the Abbey, which he felt suited the Gothic atmosphere of his story. One day, he turned to the local library to research a shipwreck, only to discover the name ‘Dracula’ in the records. Its meaning in the Wallachian language, Bram learned, is ‘devil’.
When Rose told us these tales, the winter’s night pressing against the hostel windows, my heart started to beat faster. I began to wonder if I, too, would soon be hallucinating the ghost of lost love calling to me.
Of course, Heathcliff’s hallucinations of Cathy’s ghost all happen at night, and there really is nowhere better to see the stars than the North York Moors. The national park is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only 25 in the world, protected from light pollution and able to provide clear horizons, clouds permitting. As someone who grew up in London and finds it hard to sleep without the orange glow of streetlights coming in through the curtains, just standing in complete darkness is a wonder. When the stars are visible, there are no words.
We went to Castle Howard, a stately home that has served as a filming location for Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton, to see the stars. Except for the enormous house, there is nothing around for miles, leaving the sky unpolluted by light. Inside, the house is equally beautiful.
The entrance hall is a vast space whose domed ceiling has been painted with the most gorgeous fresco of cherubs – it’s similar to Michelangelo’s painting The Creation of Adam, which decorates the Sistine Chapel. The whole place feels like an art gallery, really. I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that people actually live there, but they do. The family is very involved in ensuring the house and its heritage remain standing strong.
Flouncing around the house, through the rooms, and then eventually into the cold and dark night definitely made me feel like I was Cathy after she had married Edgar Linton. Castle Howard has all the opulence of Thrushcross Grange, and it was easy to slip into the role of the new wife enjoying her surroundings. Heading out to see the stars, with the house behind me, had my heart racing, as though I could really see Heathcliff across the moors at Wuthering Heights.
If you want to really live in the kind of luxury that the Earnshaws did (without the madness and rooms where the wallpaper is modelled after Margot Robbie’s skin), the Saltmoore Hotel and Spa is the place to go. Just slightly removed from the touristy bustle of Whitby, the hotel is extremely peaceful. My room was a huge and managed to fit in a double bed, a giant shower (with underfloor heating) and two incredibly comfortable armchairs where you can sit and you listen out for ghosts at the window.
Additionally, the staff couldn’t be more helpful. They even lend you wellies for a walk along the beach. Fingers crossed the next time I go, I’ll be better prepared. And best believe, I will be back. For costume drama fans, there really is nowhere better to be.
Ensure our latest lifestyle and travel stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
With the highest chance of clear blue skies and balmy temperature during the Easter holidays, this beautiful island is a haven with golden sand beaches and azure waters
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
This sunny island could be the ideal Easter escape you’ve been looking for(Image: Getty Images)
A sunny island offering balmy rays of 22C and golden sand beaches could be the ideal destination to jet off to this Easter.
With February half term almost over, thoughts will start turning to the Easter holidays, particularly when a vitamin D fix is in order. One destination that offers ‘near guaranteed sunshine’, alongside its expansive sand beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear turquoise waters, is Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands.
In a bid to help travellers book their Easter escape, easyJet collected data to reveal the destinations with the highest chance of blistering rays and clear skies in April. From their research, they found that Gran Canaria would offer a balmy 22C in April and just a mere 5 to 15 per cent chance of rain per day, coming in third place behind Egypt and Cape Verde in the easyJet index.
The beautiful island, off northwestern Africa, is a haven for radiant weather with an average of nine hours of sunshine a day – perfect for days spent by the hotel pool or on the beach! What’s more, one-way direct flights to the sun-soaked island in April start from just £25.99 with easyJet, making an Easter escape even more appealing.
Among its fun-packed waterparks to keep the kids entertained, and desert-style sand dunes for days of exploring, easyJet revealed that the average price of a package holiday to Gran Canaria starts from around £429. There’s also a catalogue of sprawling resorts nestled along the picturesque shores, making it even easier to choose your preferred accommodation.
As the third-largest island of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has often been dubbed a ‘miniature continent’ due to its diverse landscapes, with around 60km of pristine sand beaches stretching along its 236km coastline. One of the most popular beaches is Playa de Maspalomas, with its heaps of golden sand dunes.
While it’s a scenic spot that’s certainly worth visiting to marvel at this phenomenon, you can also spend time on the beach with nearby bars and restaurants. One traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “Stunning, unique, and a magical natural place, and with a sea and climate all year round. Spectacular with pleasant places where you can bathe and be relaxed, its coasts, its dunes, beaches and its wonderful people and delicious food, all in general, a visit where I will return safely, always.”
Other notable beaches include Playa de Las Canteras, Playa de Amadores and Playa de Mogan, which has been hailed as a “total hidden gem off the beaten track”. The beautiful beach has often been dubbed a ‘Little Venice’, due to its charming canals connecting the marina to the town, with waterfront restaurants, cafés, and shops also in the area.
Aside from the sprawling beaches, there’s plenty more to explore in Gran Canaria. Including the huge waterpark, Aqualand Maspalomas and Lago Taurito, as well as the Palmitos Park, a garden and zoo, for the kids to enjoy when they’re not splashing around in the sea or building sand castles.
For those looking to delve into local culture, the historic old town of Vegueta (Las Palmas) is worth exploring, with its majestic Santa Ana Cathedral and Casa de Colón. Additionally, there is the traditional town of Teror and the municipality, Arucas, which is famed for its neo-Gothic Church and ancient rum distillery.
Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet holidays, said: “After making it through the dark winter months, we know many of our customers are relying on April’s Easter break to catch up on some much-needed vitamin D.
“For those chasing warmer weather at this time of year, nearby destinations across Europe and North Africa can be brilliant options and are well worth considering. We know how important it is for customers to feel confident when booking a sunny Easter getaway. easyJet holidays offers great-value packages across a wide range of beach destinations, which is why we’ve launched our new sun-reliability index to give customers extra reassurance when choosing where to go, helping set them up for a brilliant holiday experience.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Ensure our latest lifestyle and travel stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
One train journey takes a staggering 167 hours to complete, with the railway spanning eight time zones to make it the longest in the world
The train journey is the longest, direct railway in the world(Image: Bruno Morandi/Getty)
The longest direct train journey in the world stretches a staggering 5,771 miles and takes almost a week to complete. Passengers on board the train undertake a mammoth journey through eight time zones.
The Trans-Siberian Railroad claims the title of the longest single rail system in the world. It connects east and west Russia, running from Moscow to Vladivostok.
To travel the length of the railway, it takes approximately 167 hours and requires no passenger changes. Heading east from Moscow, the train crosses the country to the Pacific Ocean.
There are even non-stop train options, so all passengers remain on board throughout the seven days. If you prefer to get off and explore the local surroundings, passengers can opt for the stopping service.
However, this takes between 14 and 20 days to complete. The Trans-Siberian railway runs through cities such as Moscow, Yaroslavl, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita, Khabarovsk, and Vladivostok.
There’s also the Trans-Manchurian line, which runs through northern China to Beijing, and the Trans-Mongolian, which heads to Beijing but passes through Ulan Bator.
A famous train on the Trans-Siberian railway is Rossiya (the Russia), which has second-class sleepers, third-class open-plan sleeper bunks, and a restaurant car.
Passengers can pay for four tickets to ensure sole occupancy of a four-berth compartment, even if they’re the only ones travelling. The bunks convert to seats during the day, with toilets and washrooms at the ends of the corridors.
Many tourists who travelled the route chose not to start or end their journey in Russia. Tourists once began in London and made their way to Moscow before boarding the Trans-Siberian Railroad.
Once in Vladivostok, tourists could then head to Korea, Japan, or China without taking a plane. National Geographic also ran tours along the route, offering tourists the chance to travel on “one of the world’s most legendary railways.”
They described the journey: “Set out on an epic train journey across one-third of the world, travelling from Vladivostok, Russia to the heart of Moscow along the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway.
“From the Mongolian steppe to Lake Baikal’s remote shores to the snow-capped Ural Mountains, trace the history of tsars, exiles, and Mongols in the comfort of our luxury train, the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. Encounter remote cultures and the unique architecture of Siberia’s wooden cottages and Moscow’s onion domes.”
Tours like these have been halted, yet the train is reportedly still being used by Russians. The UK Government warn against all travel to Russia.
Official advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office says: “FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity, lack of flights to return to the UK and limited ability for the UK government to provide support.”
The town is the wettest place on Earth, with an average of 11,873mm of rainfall each year – 22 times more than London and 11 times more than Glasgow
The rain can be dangerously hard in Mawsynram (Image: Subhendu Sarkar, LightRocket via Getty Images)
The wettest spot on the planet receives 22 times more rain than London and frequently experiences downpours so severe that venturing outdoors becomes hazardous.
In the UK, it has been a truly miserable winter. Cornwall and County Down recorded their wettest January on record, while Northern Ireland saw its wettest January is 149 years. Across the UK, 26 stations set new monthly records for the highest January rainfall. Daily records also fell. Plymouth recorded its wettest January day in 104 years. And February has been no better so far. As of February 9, southern England had seen 72% of its monthly average.
There is a place in India that makes all of this look pathetic.
Mawsynram is tucked within the verdant forests of the Khasi Hills in India’s far eastern reaches, perched above Bangladesh. It boasts stunning scenery, but remains perpetually drenched. The town sees approximately 11,873mm of annual rainfall, nearly 11 times the 1,109mm that drenches notoriously wet Glasgow and a staggering 22 times London’s yearly 585mm.
Jyotiprasad Oza has spent his entire life in the town, earning his living by guiding inquisitive tourists through the area with TourHQ. Visitors travel from across the globe to witness existence in Earth’s soggiest location, with travellers routinely journeying from America and Britain.
“We get about 10,000 tourists a year. During rainy time people like to visit because it’s very heavy rainfall, especially June to September,” Jyotiprasad explained to the Mirror just as storm clouds – rather unsurprisingly – started gathering overhead.
Mawsynram’s rainfall differs markedly from precipitation elsewhere. Once it begins, it can persist relentlessly for days. Locals often rush indoors when the deluge begins, only to discover the torrent hasn’t ceased for an entire week. Yet it’s not merely duration that sets it apart.
During one extraordinary June day last decade, a staggering 1,003mm of rain drenched the town – double London’s entire annual precipitation. The consequences of such torrential downpours on Mawsynram can be utterly catastrophic.
“During the time of heavy rainfall, it is impossible to go outside. We can’t do our daily walk. We are not supposed to go outside during the rainy time. Sometimes children can’t go to school during the rain. It is quite dangerous,” Jyotiprasad explained.
When the monsoon arrives, landslides and flooding pose severe risks to residents’ safety, whilst power cuts become routine and fresh water systems struggle to cope. But beyond these immediate perils, the unrelenting dampness leaves many locals yearning for drier climes.
“We prefer to move to where it gets less rain,” Jyotiprasad said, noting that hardly anyone chooses to relocate to the region.
Multiple factors contribute to the town’s extraordinary precipitation levels. Perched 1,400m above sea level, Mawsynram experiences a highland climate intensified by humid, tropical air masses that sweep up from the Bay of Bengal throughout the monsoon season, whilst the positioning of the Khasi Hills creates a natural barrier that blocks airflow from the bay.
Locals in Mawsynram have devised ingenious methods to prevent the relentless downpours from completely upending their daily lives. Numerous homes are constructed with soundproofing to block out the thunderous drumming of rainfall.
On days when a heavy waterproof jacket and wellington boots simply aren’t sufficient, traditional full-body umbrellas known as Knups offer popular protection from the deluge. These substantial shell-shaped contraptions are fashioned from bamboo and banana leaves.
The rainfall isn’t the sole attraction drawing people to Mawsynram. The stunning scenery, vantage points and cascading waterfalls throughout the region prove enormously popular with those who appreciate the natural world.
A particular magnet for visitors are the Nohkalikai Waterfalls, ranked as the fourth tallest globally.
The UK’s largest wildlife crossing will be completed by 2027
The £460million bridge that will help deer, badgers and barn owls in the UK cross safely(Image: National Highways)
A groundbreaking wildlife bridge is under construction in Gloucestershire, with completion expected for 2027. The Gloucestershire Way bridge, set to be the UK’s largest wildlife crossing, is part of the A417 Missing Link project, an initiative designed to build new roads while preserving the Cotswolds ‘ natural beauty and wildlife.
The wildlife bridge is a pivotal component of the A417 project, with an estimated cost of £460million. The wildlife corridor, which crosses the new A417 dual carriageway between Gloucester and Cirencester, will measure 37 metres in length, featuring a 27-metre stretch of grassland and a hedgerow.
The bridge will also accommodate walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Hedgerows on either side will facilitate bats and barn owls in using the bridge as a commuting route, whilst grassland and additional trees will ensure deer, badgers and reptiles can cross safely.
Gavin Jones, Kier’s project director for the scheme, commented: “The green bridge is the centrepiece of the scheme, linking up habitats and the landscape on one side of the road to the other.
“The focus is the ecology, the animals that are going to use it, but not forgetting the people – it’s going to be a footpath as well. We’re on budget, ahead of programme, and [have] a good safety record. I couldn’t be prouder of the team.”
Nicola Bell, National Highways’ executive director of major projects, said: “Our work goes beyond just operating and maintaining our roads and by collaborating more closely with Natural England, we can ensure that our infrastructure projects deliver better outcomes for both people and nature.”
Marian Spain, Natural England’s chief executive, said: “Projects like the A417 showcase the positive outcomes for people and nature that can be achieved by working closely together.”
She continued: “This memorandum is an important step in embedding this open, early, constructive communications between Natural England and National Highways to deliver our shared objectives of sustainable development.”
Enjoy its serene waterside setting with views of Conwy Castle, and a terrace bar where you can soak up the sunset.
There’s also a luxury spa, ideal for a laid-back break away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind.
Guests looking to unwind should head to the spa, where they can enjoy a thermal area, a spacious swimmingpool, a vitality pool, heated loungers and foot baths.
If you’ve got cash to splash, the treatments here are fantastic, designed with skincare brand Oskia.
The hotel is also near the seaside, where you can treat yourself to fresh cockles and fish and chips.
The luxury spa features heated loungers on the poolsideCredit: Supplied by The Quay Hotel, ConwyFor a relaxing break, away from the hustle and bustle, The Quay Hotel’s spa is perfectCredit: Supplied by The Quay Hotel, Conwy
What is there to eat and drink there?
The restaurant, connected to the bar, offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
Dishes include a 24-hour slow-cooked beef that melts in the mouth, as well as salted caramel cheesecake.
Swing by the bar afterwards and cosy down on one of the comfy sofas – the house red is excellent.
Is the hotel family friendly?
While the Quay Hotel welcomes children of all ages, it would suit older children best.
The spa pool is open to children but only at certain times.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
Fully accessible rooms are available, and the spa is all on one level with rails to assist in the swimming and hydrotherapy pools.
The restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery and a relaxed atmosphereCredit: Supplied by The Quay Hotel, Conwy
Holiday expert Rob has shared the four ‘best’ places to visit in March, saying the destinations offer the same level of sunshine as your usual July to August getaways but at lower prices
He has shared his favourite holiday spots for March (Image: Getty Images/Universal Images Group)
It’s no secret that jetting off during the summer months can set you back nearly twice as much, prompting savvy holidaymakers to shift their breaks earlier in the calendar. Lending a hand, travel guru Rob has revealed his top four destinations to visit this March, promising sunshine levels that rival your typical peak season getaways.
In an Instagram clip, Rob, who goes by @rob.onthebeach online, explained: “I’ve seen loads of people asking me recently, where’s hot in March? But the better question is, where’s hot and cheap this March? Because March might just be the perfect month for a holiday. We’re coming out of winter at home, the mornings are brighter, but it’s still freezing and wet. And in March, holiday demand is still relatively low, which means some destinations really fly under the radar on heat and price.”
To compile his recommendations, he examined multiple countries based on their March climate, booking patterns and current prices.
Kicking off his rundown, he revealed: “In fourth place, I’ve picked Fuerteventura, because March is one of my favourite months for the Canaries, and Fuerteventura is probably my favourite island.”
“You’re getting heat in the 20s, loads of sunshine, and it’s warm enough all day without feeling sticky like it can do in summer. Plus it’s quieter, calmer, and everything just feels easier.”
Moving along, he spotlighted Paphos, declaring: “March in Cyprus is criminally underrated”. He remarked: “It’s not roasting, but it’s still really warm. Sun on your face, lunches outside, pool days when the sun’s out, and it’s way less touristy than summer.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Egypt claimed his runner-up spot thanks to its pleasant climate, with him adding: “High 20s to low 30s most days. Wall-to-wall sunshine, and seawater that’s perfect for swimming in, snorkelling in, or just floating in doing absolutely nothing.”
Topping his list, he crowned Las Vegas as the ultimate March getaway destination.
He explained: “I know it’s a bit of a wild card, but hear me out. March in Vegas is bang on. Hot days, cooler evenings, loads and loads and loads to do. And prices that are way softer than people expect.
“Now if you don’t believe me still, check out this deal I found. For four nights in March at the Strat Hotel with flights from Heathrow, it’s coming in at only £563 per person.
“For maybe the US’s best ever city break with sunshine, entertainment, pools, food, shows. This is seriously strong value in March.
“It’s warm, it’s unrivaled when it comes to fun, and it’s way more holiday than you’d expect to get at this price.”
A travel influencer sparked controversy after branding a popular city the ‘worst in Italy’ and claiming it was filthy. She was so unimpressed, she willingly lost money on her hotel booking so she could check out earlier
Jess Flaherty Senior News Reporter
15:59, 20 Feb 2026
The travel enthusiast branded the popular Italian city “filthy” and even claimed it stinks (stock image)(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)
A travel influencer has labelled a city the “worst” in Italy, claiming she was so disappointed during her visit that she left early and deliberately lost out on money by cutting her stay short.
Celebrated for its exceptional, world-class cuisine, elaborate architectural heritage, artworld masterpieces, prestigious fashion brands, rich historical tapestry and cultural significance, plus much more. Despite Italy’s abundant offerings, one woman has denounced one of its most popular cities, describing it as “filthy”.
Karo, who shares content online as @karosolotravel, turned to TikTok to voice her opinions about Bologna, a city celebrated for its extensive collection of UNESCO-designated medieval porticoes set among characterful red-roofed historic buildings.
It’s equally renowned and cherished for its indulgent pasta specialities, such as tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù, yet Karo remained underwhelmed.
Throughout the clips she recorded, she captured some graffiti daubed on metal waste bins and stone columns, along with a discarded cigarette end on the ground.
She additionally filmed a rough sleeper covered by a sleeping bag and blankets positioned outside a shop entrance. Karo also featured footage of multiple Bologna streets, which appeared deserted but otherwise pristine and devoid of any litter or vandalism.
During one segment, she directed the camera towards herself and filmed while she walked about with a tissue pressed against her nose, claiming the area smelt offensive. In the caption beneath her video, she wrote: “The worst Italian city I’ve ever been to. It smells of urine everywhere, it’s filthy, and you can tell it hasn’t been cleaned in years.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
“Why aren’t the city authorities cleaning the streets and buildings? Those orange buildings are black. And that awful stench.”
Karo went on: “I came here to eat pasta bolognese, but I felt like vomiting and barely ate a thing! Why do people on TikTok recommend Bologna? It’s disgusting! I fled Bologna for Rimini, gave up on my hotel, and lost my money.”
However, other TikTok users were quick to dispute her assessment of the historic city. One commented: “I spent five days in Bologna last April. Walked everywhere including St Luca. TOTALLY DISAGREE. I LOVED BOLOGNA”.
Another said: “Bologna is beautiful!” while a third quipped: “Complaining that the 2000 year old buildings look like they are 2000 years old”.
A fourth person wrote: “One of the most beautiful cities I visited!!”
Meanwhile, someone claiming to be a resident shared: “Bologna became much much worse since it became a heavily touristy city. Mass tourism is destroying my city!”
Another user countered: “I respect your opinion but in my view, [it] does not represent the reality at all. I guess [you] didn’t match with the place. Bologna is an amazing city with unique character.
“I did not find it dirty at all and it was nice and tidy. In my view, I did find Bologna more authentic in comparison to other Italian cities.”
WANTING to go on holiday but don’t want to spend much money? Well, British Airways has just launched a sale.
British Airways is offering up to 25 per cent off flights to Europe and beyond, including popular destinations such as Malta, Marrakech, Madeira and Faro.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
British Airways has launched a sale on return flights to EuropeCredit: GettyFor example, you could travel to Majorca for £84 returnCredit: Getty
The sale on return flights operated by Gatwick-based subsidiary airline, BA Euroflyer, is running from February 19 to 24 and is available on travel between March 1 and July 31.
Passengers will also get a complimentary drink and snack onboard, as well as hand luggage allowance.
For example, you could head off to Faro in Portugal from London Gatwick from £104 return.
The city is the capital of southern Portugal‘s Algarve region and is known for its historical buildings including the 13th century Faro Cathedral.
Visitors can also head to the Municipal Museum, which is inside a 16th-century convent and boasts a collection of prehistoric displays and medieval artefacts.
Or perhaps you want to go further afield? Well, you could travel to Marrakech in Morocco from £118 return.
Dubbed the ‘Red City’, Marrakech features a large medina – which is the old walled city that was built centuries ago.
In the medina, visitors can explore a network of narrow, winding alleyways with hidden treasure shops selling everything from brass lamps to freshly made flatbreads.
Elsewhere in the city, you can head to Ville Nouvelle, where you will find the modern part of the city with art galleries, boutiques and cafés.
Want to spend less than that? Travel to Majorca, Spain, for £84 return.
This Spanish island is loved for its blue waters, sandy beaches and secret coves.
You can spend time exploring charming villages, but there are also a number of world-famous beaches to venture to.
Make sure to try some of the local food, which consists of Mediterranean dishes with pork, lamb, fresh vegetables and olive oil.
And it isn’t just flights you can save on…
Or you could head to the ‘Red City’ of Marrakech, in MoroccoCredit: Getty
Currently, you can get £200 off a £5,000 holiday, which includes flights and a hotel.
Or £100 off a £2,500 holiday, which includes flights, hotel and car reservations.
There is also a £50 discount on £1,250 holidays and £25 off of £625 holidays.
Many of the destinations are top winter sun spots with sprawling beachesCredit: Getty
For example, you could head to Majorca for seven nights and stay at the five-star Hotel De Mar Gran Melia costing from £1,229 per person between May 1 and 31.
If you don’t fancy spending quite that much, then head to Morocco for seven nights, staying in the four-and-a-half-star Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech from £879 per person between May 1 and 31.
THERE are hundreds of cities across Europe – but this one in Spain has been named the best place to visit this year.
European Best Destinations has announced the ‘best places to travel in Europe 2026’.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Madrid has been voted the best destination to travel to in 2026Credit: AlamyA popular activity is taking a rowboat across the lake in El Retiro ParkCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
This ranking was made from the votes of travellers from 154 countries, highlighting the most “captivating places”.
Madridclaimed top spot with the publications said it’s “one of Europe’s most compelling capitals — where culture, lifestyle, gastronomy and quality of life converge with rare intensity”.
Kara revealed some of her favourite spots too, she said: “At Pez, the only thing on the menu is huge sloppy pieces of tortilla chased with a cana (small beer) or tinto de verano for €2.50.
“My favourite rooftop bar is El Cielo de Montera, which felt more like a swanky rooftop members club.
“The pool is reserved for hotel guests, but its the best place for an Aperol Spritz and views of the city (costs €10 but it gets taken off bill).”
One highly-rated drinking spot is the Sky Bar terrace at the top of the Hotel Riu Plaza Espana.
It has 360-degree views of the city which visitors can enjoy with classy cocktails.
Or check out Calle 365 Discoteca, a stylish nightspot with dancing, delicious food trucks, cocktails and beers from just £2.50.
For live music head to Sala Equi which is a former adult-movie theatre turned bar and music venue.
Madrid is the birthplace of tablao flamenco and there are often high-quality performances with tablaos (flamenco venues) in the city centre.
In the summertime Madrid has lively plazas, and long, grand, tree-lined boulevards full of shops.
Madrid’s largest public park is El Retiro Park it has over 15,000 trees and is described as a ‘green oasis in the heart of the city’.
If you fancy getting on the water, visitors can hire a €4 rowing boat to take in King Alfonso XII’s monument from the lake.
Other top spots include the Prado Museum which contains some of Europe’s finest art collections.
There’s free entry between 6pm and 8pm Monday to Saturday.
Madrid is also one of Europe‘s most walkable cities so it’s easy for exploring, but it’s also very easy to use the Metro.
The city has over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year – mild temperatures start in spring at around 18C.
In the height of summer, the city can reach highs of 32C.
In March, Brits can fly from London Stansted to Madrid with Ryanair from £15.
Here are the ‘best places to travel in Europe 2026’…
A seasoned cruise ship worker has shared the four things that crew members really hate about passengers
These habits irritate the crew(Image: Getty)
Cruising should be an enjoyable and tranquil getaway, but certain passenger behaviours can seriously spoil the atmosphere for everyone involved. Lucy Southerton, a veteran crew member with nine years under her belt working aboard cruise ships, has revealed some of the biggest gripes shared amongst her colleagues.
Boasting a loyal following of more than 65,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel Cruising as Crew, Southerton provides insider perspectives and practical guidance for cruise aficionados. In a recent upload, she explored the irritations encountered by crew members, from dishevelled cabins to inappropriate advances.
Here are four behaviours passengers ought to steer clear of to guarantee a more pleasant voyage for all, reports the Express.
1. Dishevelled Cabins
According to Southerton, crew members, especially those in housekeeping and stewarding roles, become exasperated by passengers leaving their cabins in complete chaos.
She stressed that their role involves cleaning and sanitising the accommodation, not picking up after guests.
“It’s crazy to think they’re only on board for five days because of the amount of stuff that’s everywhere,” Southerton remarked. She appealed to passengers to show consideration and respect for crew members’ duties whilst occupying their cabins.
2. Inappropriate Advances Towards Crew
Southerton warned passengers against making unwanted romantic or flirtatious overtures to crew members, describing it as a form of sexual harassment.
She shared accounts from male cabin crew who felt uneasy and irritated when travellers overstepped the mark. “It’s hard when they take it another way and they think that they have a chance with you just because you’re a sexy crew member,” Southerton explained.
3. Lack of Manners
Among the most frequent complaints from cabin crew is passengers’ failure to display basic courtesy. Southerton emphasised the significance of simple pleasantries like saying “please” and “thank you.”
She recalled occasions where travellers would bark orders without a shred of politeness, underlining the necessity for respectful conduct, particularly whilst on holiday.
4. Bragging
Finally, she voiced her frustration with passengers who show off, particularly those who parade their wealth in front of less privileged individuals.
She encouraged passengers to be conscious of their surroundings and avoid boasting, especially to crew members grafting hard to provide for their families.
“Brag to people who are on a similar level to you,” Southerton advised, emphasising the need for consideration and compassion.
By remaining mindful of these behaviours, passengers can help create a more enjoyable and considerate atmosphere aboard cruise ships, encouraging positive exchanges between travellers and crew members alike.
BUTLIN’S is already a cheap holiday, but what if we told you that holidays to its resorts are about to get a lot better?
Butlin’s is making one of its popular all-inclusive packages better value for money.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Butlin’s is making its drinks package even betterCredit: Alamy
The all-inclusive drinks package now includes seven new drinks including spirits and cocktails.
Partnering with Coca Cola, there will be three new cocktails including the ‘Birthday Bonanza’ which features vodka, amaretto and Coca-Cola to celebrate Butlin’s’ 90th birthday.
In addition to the new cocktails, guests will also now be able to order Gordon’s Mediterranean Orange Gin, Captain Morgan Dark Rum and Disaronno.
And there will be another non-alcoholic and low alcohol option as well – Madri Excepcional 0.0%.
Per adult, the drinks package starts at £25.95 per day and includes the above as well as soft drinks, wine, draught beers and cider and Proud to Serve Costa Coffee.
Travel writer, Helen Wright, who has tried the drinks package, said: “To add the all-inclusive drinks package onto the booking, it was an extra £41.45 for us and £51.95 for Gen and the boys per day. An overall £124.35 and £155.85 respectively.
“When you check in, you are given a wristband and a QR code to use when you want to order drinks during your stay.
“But with the amount of activities and entertainment, I was unsure whether I would get through £42 worth of drinks in one day.
“It was almost 1pm and with them occupied for 15 mins, Gen and I could enjoy our first cocktail of the weekend along with some adult conversation.
“Alcohol is served from 11am at the resort. A glass of house wine is £4.90 and a pint is £5.95.
“I’m more of a cocktail girl, so I decided to get into the holiday spirit with a margarita, usually £7.75, but free with my wristband.
“Doing a quick tally, it wasn’t even lunchtime yet, and I’d spent over a third of my initial £30 a day outlay already.
“Only the adults wear the band, so it does mean that kids can’t go up and order their own drinks.
The package will now include over 60 drinks including spirits and cocktailsCredit: BUTLIN’S
“However, it was easy to get drinks, and despite the resort being very busy in high season, none of the bars were too crowded or had a long wait.
“There is no question, if you like a beer or cocktail in the sun or you plan on drinking at lunch and dinner, with a few extras like coffee and a lemonade in between, £30 a day is well worth the money.
Alex Meyer, head of marketing at Butlin’s, said: “We’re all about offering incredible value for money, and with the latest additions to the All Inclusive drinks range the package is even better value for guests.
“Now with over 60 drinks to choose from, including our new cocktails and spirits, our All Inclusive drinks package continues to be unrivalled compared to other UK holiday resorts’ offerings.
“As we celebrate our 90th birthday, guests can raise a glass to the landmark occasion with our brand-new Birthday Bonanza cocktail.
“The new creation is set to rival our guest favourite cocktail, Butlin’s On The Beach, which has been the most popular cocktail since the drinks package launched in 2024.”
If looking to head off on a break to Butlin’s, you could book a Showtime Term-Time Midweek break with the drinks package for £399.
In September 2025, Butlin’s holiday resort also revealed it’s latest expansion plans with hundreds more lodges.
