holidays

The islands are just a 45-minute ferry from mainland Spain and yet are almost completely unknown by UK holidaymakers despite the area’s natural beauty which includes a beach named the best in the world

Most Brits are well-acquainted with the Balearic and Canary Islands. Each year, millions jet off to bask in the sunshine across Spanish island destinations like Tenerife, Lanzarote, Majorca, and Ibiza.

However, what many don’t know is that these aren’t Spain’s only islands. There is an archipelago that welcomes barely any tourists, despite sitting just off the mainland coast, and most UK tourists won’t have heard of them.

The Cíes Islands are a 45-minute ferry journey from Vigo city in northwestern Spain. This archipelago is made up of three main islands: Monteagudo (North Island), Do Faro (Middle Island), and San Martiño (South Island).

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Monteagudo and Do Faro are linked by a 1,200-metre stretch of sand, featuring a lagoon on one side and the Atlantic on the other, reports the Express.

Don’t turn up expecting to find luxury resorts. These islands remain virtually uninhabited, with the sole facilities being a modest shop and a handful of restaurants. Most visitors stay for just a few hours, trekking between the two larger islands via rocky trails and enjoying the tranquil, pristine coastline.

Throughout peak season, which is Easter through May and September, daily visitor quotas are capped at 1,800, requiring visitors to book advance permits before boarding ferries. Outside of peak periods, just 450 people can visit daily.

The stretch of sand linking two of the islands is called Rodas, and this hidden treasure was crowned the world’s best beach by The Guardian. The publication described the islands: “Their nickname – the Maldives or Seychelles of Spain – gives a clear indication of what to expect: gorgeous white beaches, turquoise waters … in other words, your average untouched paradise.”

Walking remains the islands’ most popular pastime, boasting many spectacular coastal trails and reasonably straightforward routes to explore. Scuba diving offers another brilliant opportunity to soak up the Cíes Islands’ natural splendour.

Being part of Islas Atlánticas National Park means the local wildlife is protected, so divers require a permit, and visitor numbers are carefully controlled.

For those wanting to extend their stay beyond a single day, there’s a beautiful campsite perched above the lagoon with sweeping ocean views. You can reserve a ready-pitched tent complete with proper beds and enjoy stargazing after dark without artificial light interference, whilst having the beaches to yourself once day-trippers leave.

Camping Islas Cíes offers essential amenities – everything you need for your visit, from a snack bar to heated showers. There’s also a children’s club packed with entertaining activities, whilst kayaking and snorkelling expeditions can be arranged to help you discover more of the islands.

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Whilst Monteagudo and Do Faro boast regular ferry connections, the most southerly of the Cíes Islands, San Martiño, is only accessible by hiring a private boat. Any boats intending to drop anchor here require a special licence, but it’s well worth the effort if you can get onto a tour, as it’s incredibly tranquil and boasts pristine sandy shores and palm trees, creating the feeling of being in the Caribbean.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A sun-drenched island in the Ionian Sea that boasts “sugar-white beaches” and “turquoise waters” could be accessible for as little as £23 and has beers for just £1.75

A Greek “delight” that draws comparisons to the sun-kissed Caribbean could be accessible for as little as £23, with beers for just £1.75. A snorkelling hotspot with lush forests, mountains, vineyards, and coves, the Ionian island of Kefalonia has reportedly gained in popularity and boasts “sugar-white beaches” and “turquoise waters”.

Indeed, the sun-drenched island lies between the popular destinations of Lefkada and Zakynthos and offers curious visitors spectacular scenery, along with the much-loved Mediterranean climate.

If you choose to travel during certain months, you could also find some tranquillity. According to Metro’s Charlie Sawyer, April and May tend to be less crowded, and by late April, temperatures can reach up to 20°C.

Charlie wrote: “The cost of flying to Kefalonia depends on how flexible you are, but there are several deals available. For example, flying with easyJet from London Gatwick on Thursday, April 9, for a week-long trip, would right now set you back £88.

“Or if you’re happy to ditch a checked bag and seat reservation, you could fly easyJet out from any London airport one-way to Kefalonia on Wednesday, April 15, for just £23.

“Once you’ve arrived, grab a local beer, which will only set you back £1.75.”

Some of the local highlights include the capital, Argostolion; the brightly coloured village of Fiscardo; the Melissani and Drogarati caves; the picturesque village of Assos; and Ainos National Park.

Despite its many attributes, Kefalonia sees less than half the number of tourists that visit Santorini each year—755,929 international guests compared to Santorini’s 1,543,796, according to data from Fraport Greece.

It’s reportedly also loved by celebrities and royals, with famous visitors including The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three young children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Last year, the Waleses were said to have spent time sailing around western Greece, stopping at a number of local destinations, but are believed to have enjoyed most of their time in Kefalonia.

Travel experts at Iglu Cruise said: “Kefalonia is a fantastic holiday destination, often regarded as a hidden gem of Greece. During the summer, you’ll find fewer crowds compared to popular islands such as Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, or Corfu, making it perfect for those looking to unwind and relax.”

Notably, the Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed on the Ionian island, with other celebrities reported to have visited, including Demi Moore, Tom Hanks, and Madonna.

A popular area for yachting, another famous name linked to the island is Kylie Jenner (known from Keeping Up with the Kardashians), who, in July 2025, brought her family to Kefalonia on a superyacht while visiting islands around Greece.

Dublin offers partying, parks and pints galore which make it a perfect place to visit for 48 hours from the UK

Whenever I have been to Dublin I find there’s always a buzz of excitement in the air. There are so many places to visit with a warm and friendly atmosphere, and it’s all created by the locals. Whether it be music or museums, Guinness or gourmet food, it is a great location for a 48-hour break.

Our base was the Ruby Molly Hotel, fewer than 10 minutes away from the main action. Our room offered a calm haven away from all the hustle and bustle, and if you get back and still have the energy for a nightcap or some food, the bar is open late and the signature cocktails are recommended!

There are a lot of great pubs and bars in Dublin but perhaps the best place to start for a pint is The Guinness Storehouse, which is both a museum and the place where the black stuff is brewed in the city.

Anyone who has watched House Of Guinness on Netflix will know there is a lot of history and drama behind the dark drink. The Storehouse goes through the legacy of the Guinness family, the brewing innovations and the extraordinary advertising around the brand. At the end of your seven-floor tour you are rewarded at the top in the Gravity Bar with a pint and a chance to take in an incredible 360-degree view of the famous city.

If you get a taste for this kind of thing, there are also whiskey distilleries dotted around, including the famous Jameson Distillery, where you can also do a tour and sample more booze.

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For those short on time, The Little Museum of Dublin is famous for its 29-minute guided tour celebrating the art of great Irish storytelling, with history, comedy and some of the friendliest people in Ireland.

The city’s Trinity College is also a place to visit with many landmarks, including a breathtaking library known as The Long Room which is home to more than 200,000 books.

Dublin is a great city to tour on foot, and while you’re there you’ll also be able to see a number of landmarks, including Dublin Castle, the Ha’penny Bridge and The Spire sculpture.

The city offers a Do Dublin Freedom Pass which includes public transport and the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour, a great way to get around if you want to relax and learn about the history of the city at the same time, with many of the drivers adding in their own jokes or songs. Of course, all of this exploring can help you build up an appetite.

The Woollen Mills is a must-visit for literary fans, given that author James Joyce once worked in this very location. Expect hearty fare with plenty of Irish beef on the menu alongside long ray and chips.

Meanwhile, The Church Bar & Restaurant is, as the name suggests, set in a former church, with Taylor Swift as a recent guest when she dined there during the Eras Tour. The food is quintessentially Irish, and very tasty, and if you don’t have time to eat here, it’s worth a stop for a drink at the bar, where there is traditional Irish music and dancing in the evenings.

For something that feels a bit more decadent, Dublin’s newest rooftop experience, DÍON offers a wonderful way to spend an evening. The food and cocktails – as well as the amazing views – made it a perfect place for a romantic date. Dishes included Irish crab soldiers, dover sole, king prawns and fillet steak.

In terms of places to drink, there are far too many to mention. The pubs and bars seem to continue to thrive here, with live music in many of the bars. The Temple Bar area is considered to be for tourists only and you will pay more for pints there, but the pubs will be busy and the atmosphere is always good.

Recommendations from locals for the best pints include The Lord Edward, The Long Hall, The Cobblestone and Mulligan’s. I can also vouch for the odd-sounding Darkey Kelly’s and the oldest pub in Dublin, The Brazen Head. And if you want a change from Guinness and pubs, you could try the cocktails at Bar 1661 instead.

Book it

Rooms at the Ruby Molly Hotel start from €96 (approximately £83). Dublin hosts a brilliant series events around New Year’s Eve which are the climax of a winter programme. For more information on the city and further afield too head to ireland.com

After a tumultuous month of continued national immigration raids and the ICE shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, nationwide protests are set to occur today amid calls for a general strike. Small businesses across the L.A. area announced Friday closures in observation of the strike, while others who voiced support said the decision to close is impossible — especially for independent restaurants, which suffered an outsized string of hardships through 2025, causing a growing number of permanent closures.

Many operators who say they are unable to close are donating a portion or all profits from Friday’s business to immigrant rights causes. Some say they’ve left the decision up to their staff, who rely on the day’s wages. One restaurateur, who requested anonymity for fear of ICE retaliation, said their employees’ earnings regularly pay for undocumented staff’s private transportation to and from work, and they cannot afford to close for even a single night.

Some of L.A.’s restaurants, bars and cafes closed in observance of the strike and protests include Proof Bakery, Wilde’s, South LA Cafe, Lasita, Bar Flores, Canyon Coffee, Chainsaw, Yellow Paper Burger, Kitchen Mouse, Bacetti and Civil Coffee.

Guelaguetza‘s co-owner and Independent Hospitality Coalition member Bricia Lopez took to social media Thursday afternoon to provide tips for fellow restaurateurs who can’t afford to close their businesses today. They included donating to immigrant rights organizations or spotlighting specific fundraising dishes, as many across the county now are.

Some local restaurants are opting to remain open but are donating the day or the weekend’s proceeds to nonprofits and legal funds, or they’re temporarily flipping their dining rooms to centers for community action such as making protests signs.

Guelaguetza is offering free horchata and cafe de olla for protesters or those who can provide proof of donations to immigrant communities through 3 p.m. In Glassell Park, a pop-up tonight will raise funds for street vendors currently avoiding work for fear of ICE. Taiwanese chef Vivian Ku is fundraising at her downtown and Highland Park restaurants, while she closes Silver Lake’s Pine & Crane to the public in order to use it as a staging ground for aid groups today.

“For a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, etc., they’re just a few bad days from being upside down for the month, and a few bad months from having no business at all,” an owner of Highland Park’s Santa Canela posted to Instagram on Thursday. “We understand the weight and power of collective action, but plain and simple: We didn’t feel comfortable making financial decisions on behalf of our entire team as to whether or not they could afford to lose another shift at the end of the month at a time when cost of living has never been higher.”

Home-style Chinese restaurant Woon, with locations in Historic Filipinotown and on the edge of Pasadena bordering Altadena, will remain open, too.

“I wish we had the luxury of closing our doors, but we will keep them open as we stand in solidarity with our community and neighbors,” chef-owner Keegan Fong posted to Instagram. “We’ve given our staff the option to take the day off while also allowing those who need the hours to continue to work.”

Even those who are closing today have stressed the importance of supporting local restaurants.

Historic Filipinotown bar Thunderbolt posted its decision to close on Friday morning, with a statement on Instagram that read, “This strike isn’t about small businesses, but they will bear the weight of it…For small business in the food and beverage industry, closing the doors on a Friday night — during an already brutal January — can be catastrophic.”

Here are some L.A.-area restaurants remaining open today but fundraising for immigrant rights.

New research shows people return to their favourite holiday destination an average of six times

More than a quarter of holidaymakers revisit the same destination every year, or every other year, with a feeling of safety, familiarity, and emotional connection driving the trend, new research reveals. A study of 2,000 adults found that people who enjoy repeat visits return to the same place an average of six times. Nearly one in five (18%) have visited their favourite spot between six and 20 times.

The findings come from the 2026 Trends Report by Neilson Beach Clubs, which has seen a clear rise in repeat bookings, with seven in 10 guests returning year on year to their resorts.

More than half of holidaymakers go back to the same destination because they love what it has to offer, 15% also prefer to stick to what they know.

Meanwhile, 29% feel confident in the location’s safety and another 29% return regularly after developing a strong emotional connection with the place.

David Taylor, CEO for the travel provider, commented on the trend: “We all look forward to our holiday escapes so much that when you’ve found something you love that delivers a great experience, it’s natural to return again with confidence that the holiday won’t disappoint.”

The research suggests the appeal of a familiar destination is even stronger for families. More than a quarter (26%) of all respondents said they often revisit the same place because it is easier to plan, and one in 20 parents admitted that visiting somewhere unfamiliar with children can be stressful.

The study also highlighted a significant shift in holiday habits, with a growing interest in active getaways.

Over half (52%) of those who currently exercise on holiday would consider booking a fitness-focused trip to improve their physical health—a rise from 33% last year.

While 67% still seek a more relaxing vacation, nearly one in four (24%) say a fitness element brings just as much enjoyment.

The desire to disconnect from daily life is a priority, with 67% of respondents saying taking a break from technology is important for them when they are away.

For many, exercise is seen as a way of reducing stress (42%) and helping to rejuvenate the body and mind (37%).

David Taylor added: “We feel that it’s easier to switch off by switching on, if your mind is busy getting your body to do something you love, you can truly switch off mentally.”

FANCY a holiday? This island is the perfect place for winter sun with highs of 26C this week.

Found in Cape Verde, the main island of Sal has sandy beaches, bright blue seas – and what’s even better is there’s no jet lag for Brits either.

Despite its fairly long flight time of six hours, Cape Verde off the coast of west Africa doesn’t result in jet lag for Brits as it’s just one hour behind GMT.

Throughout February, there are average daily highs between 23-25C, minimal rainfall and as many as eight hours of daily sunshine.

Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands – its most popular is Sal which is known for its sunny, dry climate and pretty golden sand beaches.

One of the popular activities on the island is due to the strong winds, which make it a great destination for surfing and kitesurfing.

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Must-see attractions include the glowing, natural pool of the Blue Eye (called Buracona), the salt flats of Pedra de Lume, and even shark spotting.

Sal’s capital is Espargos, but most holidaymakers head to Santa Maria which is where most of the hotels are located along with lots of shops, restaurants and bars.

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Sal – there’s plenty of choice and some holidays come in at under £400.

A seven-night stay at the Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde Resort from February 26, 2026 costs just £399pp with loveholidays.

It’s a four-star self-catering hotel with rooms across four floors and all come with a private bathroom that has both a shower and bath.

Each apartment also comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, TV and aircon.

The hotel has an outdoor pool with a dedicated children’s swimming area surrounded by sun loungers and parasols – there’s a kids’ club too.

There’s an on-site restaurant that serves buffet-style breakfast and a poolside bar.

Nearby are watersports facilities and bike hire, the beach is just a 20-minute walk away, or there’s a free shuttle bus

And the price includes direct flights from Manchester Airport with easyJet.

TUI also offers a stay at the Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde on the same dates flying from Glasgow from £534pp (based on a room-only stay).

Or opt for an all-inclusive with TUI at the Sol Dunas resort across seven-nights from February 23, 2026 flying from London Gatwick from £781pp.

It’s not just the hotels that are cheap on Sal, your food and drink won’t cost a lot either.

A mid-range three course meal for two people costs around £39.28.

Coffee will set you back just £1.53 and a pint will set you back between £1.65 and £2.59.

It’s easy to island hop too if you want to head to the likes of Boa Vista – the journey between the two takes just 25-minutes and one-way flights in February start at £44.

Boa Vista is known for having beautiful beaches too, and it’s home to loggerhead turtles.

Find out what one Sun Travel Editor got up to during a visit to Cape Verde…

Here are Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey’s highlights from her visit to Cape Verde…

“The islands in the Atlantic Ocean, just 350 miles off the west coast of Africa, celebrate 50 years of independence this year and I’m exploring Boa Vista, the lesser-developed island often overlooked in favour of its busier sister, Sal.

“Tour giant TUI has just added extra flights from the East Midlands to the island, starting next weekend, in addition to its flights from Gatwick.

“My guide Paolo gave me a brief insight into the history of the island, colonised by the Portuguese until 1975.

“We learn of morna music — created by the indigenous population when they were enslaved by both African nations and Portugal — slow, danceable rhythms with tales of love and longing for the homeland.

“And one can understand their longing to return when you discover Boa Vista’s blissfully quiet beaches. Santa Monica, on the southeast of the island, is the finest in Cape Verde and often named as one of the best in the world by Tripadvisor.

“Despite the abandoned apartment complex overlooking the beach (left half-finished for decades), the rest of the beach is almost as idyllic as any in the Maldives.

“I was the only person there, sinking my toes into the soft golden sand, so powdery it almost felt like flour.

“My other favourite beach was Praia Carlota, where you can lose the days in the hippy Morabeza beach hut, chilling out while enjoying fried fish and local Strela beer and admiring the soaring kite-surfers braving the winds that whip across the waters.”

Here’s more about how it will soon become even EASIER to island hop on Cape Verde.

And here are the ten best things to do in Cape Verde, from turtle-watching to desert-biking.

The contagious infection can cause similar symptoms to sea sickness

Holidaymakers aboard The Balmoral cruise ship claimed they were forced to quarantine themselves amid an outbreak of gastroenteritis. However, some passengers claimed the reports were overstated and most people actually had sea sickness. What is the difference between the two conditions?

Passengers reported regular tannoy messages warning about increasing cases of people with gastroenteritis symptoms. Fred Olsen Cruises’ director of health services, Kate Bunyan, told The Shetland Times that measures were introduced to reduce transmission onboard before the ship docked in Southhampton on Friday, January 30th. The ship’s next departure will also be delayed to facilitate a thorough deep clean while it’s in port, according to Chronicle Live.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a highly contagious bacterial or viral infection that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It’s particularly common in young children but can affect anyone at any age.

The symptoms can be incredibly unpleasant but usually resolves itself within a week according to NHS Inform. People with signs of gastroenteritis are advised not to go to their GP to avoid spreading the disease and to call 111 or their GP instead.

Symptoms:

• Sudden, watery diarrhoea
• Feeling sick
• Vomiting which may be projectile
• Mild fever
• Loss of appetite, headaches and aching limbs are less common

There’s no specific treatment for gastroenteritis. People may have to simply let the illness run its course while getting plenty of fluids and rest.

Sea sickness

Sea sickness is a type of motion sickness that can cause similar symptoms to gastroenteritis but it is not contagious and can usually be relieved with a few simple actions rather than medication. It’s common to reaction to an unfamiliar motion, such as when travelling by boat.

It happens when the inner ear sense motion but the eyes don’t, leaving the brain with conflicting messages about what’s going on. For example, if you look at a stationary object such as land while travelling on a rocking boat, your inner ear will pick up motion that your eyes aren’t seeing.

Symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Feeling cold and going pale
• Sweating

Pharmacists can recommend remedies to prevent motion sickness such as tablets, patches and acupressure bands. While experiencing sea sickness, there are a few ways to relieve the symptoms depending on what the cause is.

The NHS recommends sitting in the middle of the boat where there’s less motion and looking straight ahead at a fixed point like the horizon. Fresh air and focusing on taking slow, deep breaths can also help.

STEP into your cowboy boots, grab a Stetson, and immerse yourself in the Wild West.

A new cowboy experience called Phantom Peak is launching this summer in a popular London location.

Phantom Peak will open in Westfield Stratford City in summer 2026.

After a successful run in Canada Water, the western experience is set to close and will later reopen at the Stratford venue.

The experience makes visitors feel like they’re actually in a western town with a mix of live performances, interactive storytelling and games.

To make it even better, you can visit again and again as the stories change every three to four months along with the seasons.

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The new Stratford location will be even bigger than the one at Canada Water as it will go across multiple levels.

It will have three distinct areas, each with its own atmosphere and characters – the first being the Old Town.

It’s the underground industrial mining town at the centre of Phantom Peak.

There’s also The Town Square which is a more modern area with a Town Hall and the in-world bar: the Thirsty Frontier Saloon.

Lakeside is set around an indoor lake and in the middle will be The Watermill with its water wheel.

The venue will be fully accessible too.

It will have upgraded technology so stepping into the Wild West will feel even more real.

There will also be a seven-day-a-week themed bar with speciality cocktails and food.

In the town visitors can explore an area with arcade and carnival games.

For VIPs, guests have their own entry which takes them into the experience on a train carriage.

The Canada Water experience has seen a whopping 16,000 visitors since it opened in August 2022 – and there’s been over 625 performances.

Some reviewers have even called it the “best experience in London”.

With another reviewer branding it “bonkers” and “fun”.

So if you can’t wait until the new experience opens, you can still book at Canada Water before it ends on February 28, 2026

Adult tickets cost £42, and children can enter for £27.

Phantom Peak has been named the best Immersive Experience globally by blooloop and won Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice award in 2024 & 2025 consecutively.

Tickets for the new Stratford experience go on sale soon at phantompeak.com.

For more on experiences, check out Traitors live which Sun Travel found to be a heart-pounding world of lies.

And find out what one Sun Travel reporter found when she tried out the new Race Across the World The Experience.

LONDON Liverpool Street station is set to undergo a huge transformation – but it will result in years of ‘chaos’ for commuters.

The proposed plans are set to redevelop the busiest train station in the UK and could cost as much as £1.2billion.

Network Rail has proposed a project to expand the country’s busiest train station that will completely change it and the surrounding area.

The proposals include improved accessibility and the building of a 19-storey office block over the station concourse.

According to The Standard, these plans have had around 2,500 objections but more than 1,100 supporting comments.

Campaigners believe that the works will result in almost a decade of chaos for commuters and tourists alike.

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One architect who has opposed the plans said during a recent campaign meeting that the disruption could last for 10 years.

As part of the planning process, Network Rail has revealed the extent of disruption that commuters would face despite the station remaining open during the works.

There would be an impact on some London Overground routes on Greater Anglia services including those from Chingford, Cheshunt and Enfield Town.

Documents reveal that platforms 1 and 2 which are used by London Overground trains would be closed for up to two years.

Proposals also suggest that later on, the area between platforms 9 and 10 would be needed for the building of a new upper concourse.

But Network Rail says these platforms as well as platforms 16 and 17 would remain open throughout the work.

Services could possibly face ‘thinning’ which is likely to result in overcrowding – particularly at rush hour.

The Stansted Express could possibly face disruption too.

Part of why Liverpool Street is so busy is due to the addition of the Elizabeth Line which was added in 2022.

However this would be unaffected by the construction to the main station.

If the proposals go ahead, work would start at the beginning of 2029 and last seven years, with the new station completed by mid-2036.

Network Rail’s scheme is set to be considered by the City of London Corporation’s planning committee on February 10, 2026.

Network Rail recently revealed a new fly-over video to show their proposed plans which has a large concourse area set to ease congestion during busy times.

It includes increased step-free access across rail and underground platforms, eight new lifts and more escalators which will increase from four to ten.

To reduce queues, additional ticket barriers would be added along with more toilet and family facilities on all levels.

On the upper concourse will be more cafes and food outlets and outside will be more green spaces.

Renders also show what the new office building that’s set to be built above the station concourse near the Grade II* listed Andaz Hotel will look like – with rooftop gardens.

Talking about the potential disruption, a spokesperson for Network Rail said to The Standard: “The scheme has been carefully designed and phased to ensure that the station remains open and operational during the works.

“There will be changes to entrances and routes and the only platform closure can be accommodated across the remaining platforms for that short period.

“We are engaging with our transport partners and ensuring customers can continue to use Liverpool Street with as little disruption as possible during the works is as important as the transformation for the future.”

Plus, this UK seaside town has revealed a new £14million transformation of historic train station.

And this small English town’s huge £12million railway upgrade could soon be scrapped.

If you’re planning on a swim at one of France’s over 6,000 public pools this year, travel expert Simon Hood has a warning for you and advice about what to pack

A travel expert has warned holidaymakers to think twice before dipping in France.

If you’re planning on a swim at one of France’s over 6,000 public pools this year, travel expert Simon Hood has a warning for you. Our French cousins to the south are traditionally known for their superior wines, fashion, and romantic charm. So much in fact that over 9-13 million Brits are estimated to visit the country’s beloved cities like Paris, and the glamorous Riviera each year.

However, while the European Union’s second-largest economy remains the envy of many, one little-known health regulation could upend many British holidays in the country this year. Simon, who is the executive director of John Mason International, says the rule is something to adhere to, or risk seeing you denied the ability to swim on your break.

Thought to date back to 1903, most public pools in France’s network of over 6,000 pools and open-air basins enforce a strict hygiene-based regulation on men’s swimwear.

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Upheld by many levels of French local authorities règlement intérieur, or internal regulations, men must wear ‘tight-fitting swimwear’ like Speedos at public pools. Enforced by local municipalities or the ARS (French regional health authorities), disregarding the rule could see you packing from the local swimming pool.

So, while Speedos may certainly be out of fashion abroad, they’re integral for men’s attire in public pools in almost all major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.

Simon explained: “It may seem odd but failure to comply with these hygiene regulations could see you marched out of the pool and leave you waving at your family or friends from the outside. While most pools will offer appropriate swimwear onsite, it could set you back somewhere between €10-€20, a bit of an unnecessary spend, so before I’d recommend checking whether you need more appropriate swimwear or not.”

Some may think this law to be outdated and not enforced by French public pool staff and authorities, but Simon explains it comes from a very well-intended place.

“When you bottle it down, the rule stems from a concern about hygiene in the pools. It was originally enforced as culturally French people tend to walk around in swimwear well before they attend the pool in the summer months. Thinking about this, it means people could track all manner of dirt in once they jump into the pool hours later. We don’t wander around outside in our trunks in the UK, which is why it may seem odd, but local authorities are just trying to keep the pool clean.”

Eurocamp, a large holiday park chain with a number of sites in France, warns on its website: “If you’re headed for the beach, don’t worry: you can wear what you like. But it’s true that many swimming pools prohibit the majority of baggy or loose-fitting shorts. Why? Simply because of hygiene concerns.

“Of course, rules can – and do – vary from parc to parc. If in any doubt just ask. We’re only too happy to help and save you from any poolside blushes!”

The website adds information for those concerned by the policy. “Wearing tighter swimwear wastes less water. Their material usually dries quicker, staving off any potential buildup of bacteria,” Eurocamp’s blurb continues.

“But don’t panic: if you’re not keen on slipping on a pair of conventional Speedos, you can still opt for swimming shorts. Just make sure they’re more fitted, and above the knee, and opt for fabrics that are designed for the water. Have a look for a style called ‘jammers’ online, to get an idea of what’s usually allowed.”

There’s no sign these rules are due to be eased anytime soon. In May 2022, the French municipal authority in Grenoble attempted to wind down these restrictions, only to have the central government in Paris block any changes.

Simon added: “Like with any holiday, all I’d recommend is researching in advance since these rules exist for a reason. If Speedos aren’t your thing, either don’t swim or use a pool where these regulations don’t apply. At the end of the day, Speedos might be out of style, but missing out on a day at the pool due to your fashion choices could be worse.”

A WOMAN was forced to miss her holiday after she was stopped from boarding an easyJet flight when they discovered an issue with her passport.

Donna Fairclough was due to fly out of Manchester Airport and was ‘heartbroken’ to miss out on an £820 holiday to Malta.

Donna Fairclough and her fiancé Gary Broadley were due to fly to Malta from Manchester Airport on January 3, 2026.

However, Donna was turned away from the flight by easyJet because of a sizeable tear in her passport.

The damage was across the photo page of her travel document and the size of the tear meant that she wasn’t allowed to board the flight.

Talking to Manchester Evening News, Donna said: “The rip was initially about a quarter-of-an-inch. I was excited to go away. It was heartbreaking because we lost out on a holiday because of a rip.

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“I said to my partner, you can still see my face and my passport number and it didn’t affect any of that. That’s what I couldn’t understand.”

As well as missing out on their holiday, the pair have claimed that easyJet won’t refund them for their break as the rip is classified as ‘accidental damage’.

Advice on the Gov.UK website reads: “If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it. HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if […] any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing.”

HM Passport Office will also consider your passport damaged if you cannot read any of the details, the cover is coming away, or if there are stains on the page.

Donna has since got a new passport and has urged other holidaymakers to check theirs before travelling.

easyJet responded in a statement that the airline is “sorry” that Ms Fairclough was not able to go on her holiday and “understand how disappointing this must have been”.

The airline added it “works closely with the authorities and complies with their guidance to ensure the safety and security of customers and crew, and this means we can’t allow anyone to travel if their documentation is damaged.”

They then advised Donna on how she could get a new passport and have been in touch with further support.

It’s not just damage to passports that can halt passengers from boarding flights, issues with expiry dates have caught travellers out too.

Previous rules allowed British passport holders to roll over 10 months from their previous passports meaning they’d have validity of up to 10 years and 10 months.

But the current rules no longer see those additional 10 months as valid, even if they are on your passport.

So, if your passport was issued in June 2015, but your expiry date says September 2025, that expiry is actually incorrect.

Instead, your passport would have expired 10 years past the start date – making the real expiry is actually June 2025.

There’s also the three month rule – a number of countries require British holidaymakers to have a few additional months left on their passport to travel.

Most places in Europe require British travellers to have at least three months left on the passport before it expires.

Passport Rules

Everything you need to know about passports

Here’s another common passport mistake that is costing Brits £1.1million a year on holiday.

And another woman was left sobbing after easy passport mistake saw her BANNED from her flight.

THERE’S bad news for passengers flying with easyJet to Italy this weekend.

On Saturday, unions representing easyJet’s pilots and flight attendants have announced a strike due to to take place between 1pm and 5pm.

easyJet operates daily departures across Italy in destinations like Milan Malpensa, Naples, Venice and Rome Fiumicino. 

Currently, easyJet says that there is only one return flight scheduled to and from the UK within the strike period which is currently set to operate as planned.

Another nine intra-EU flights are also within the strike period, but there are also plans in place to operate.

easyJet also told Sun Travel: “We have contingency plans in place so our flying programme to and from Italy is currently scheduled to operate as planned tomorrow.

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“We will contact customers directly should their flight be affected.”

Naples Airport operator GESAC has warned of “possible delays and cancellations”, urging travellers to check the status of their flights.

The industrial action has been taken as a result of delays in talks over roster patterns, post-pandemic wage restoration and integration of the new Airbus A321neo aircraft.

A number of services could be grounded and the select time of the walkout is to maximise disruption. 

SkyRefund has advised that if your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a choice between a full refund or re-routing to your destination.

If the airline cannot fly you out quickly, they should book you onto a flight with an alternative carrier.

Commenting on passenger rights, Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of flight compensation specialists SkyRefund, said: “Passengers should be aware that while airlines often cite strikes as ‘extraordinary circumstances’, industrial action by an airline’s own employees, such as this walk-out by easyJet pilots and cabin crew, is generally considered within the carrier’s control under UK and Under EU 261/2004 regulations.

“Because this strike stems from internal disputes over wages and rosters, it does not typically meet the criteria for an ‘unforeseeable’ event.

“If your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours, you aren’t just entitled to a seat on the next available flight; you are likely eligible for fixed financial compensation of up to £520 (€600) per person.”

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Here’s more information on what to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed due to a mystery ‘tech glitch’.

And these are the circumstances where you won’t get any compensation for a cancelled flight.

The beach resort recently gave local clubs permits to open 24-hours a day along the shore, turning the area into a serious clubbing zone and a cheaper competitor to the party island of Ibiza

If you’re looking for chilled days on the beach followed by all-nighters at the club, then Ibiza might be your go-to destination. But the Balearic Islands aren’t the cheapest option, and certainly not the only place where you can party all night long.

One beach resort is emerging as a serious contender for those who want to enjoy the party vibes, but can’t stretch their budget to a week in Ibiza. Set on the picturesque Pag Island just off the coast of Croatia, Zrce Beach is becoming a major destination for fans of night – and day-clubbing.

Zrce Beach is about an hour and 20 minutes from Zadar airport, which has Ryanair flights from Birmingham, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London-Stansted, Manchester, and Newcastle upon Tyne, making it easy to access from the UK. Flights start at just £21 one-way with the budget airline and take about 2.5 hours.

The beach itself has smooth pebbles and turquoise seas, and its position in a sheltered bay means there are shallow, clear waters for swimming. Along the beach, you’ll find a variety of beach clubs renting out loungers and Bali beds, or you can grab a spot next to a palm tree.

Outside of festival time, the daytimes here tend to be relaxed, with people sipping cocktails in beach clubs and enjoying chill music and the occasional dips in the sea. Some clubs have their own pool areas where you can enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

As the sun starts to set, the parties begin, and the great thing about Zrce Beach is that it has so many bars and clubs in a relatively short, walkable area, so you can simply wander around and find the best party. Noa Beach Club is one of the most unique clubs in the area, with a huge pier where you can dance and party surrounded by the sparkling blue seas.

At the other end of the beach is Kalypso, where the party often spills out onto the seafront. DJ sets last until the small hours in this paradise-themed club, and there’s an outdoor chillout area right next to the sea. There’s also Euphoria Club, famous for its giant cocktails and outdoor parties that often go on long after the sun comes up.

But it’s the summer festivals that really bring in the crowds, with stages set up right on the beach, boat parties, and international DJ sets that last all night. Zrce Spring Break Croatia takes place over two weekends in 2026, on May 22 to 25 and June 4 to 7, and is set to include Spring break games, water sports, and of course, plenty of late nights.

One of the summer’s biggest events is the Balkan Wave festival, with acts from July 9 to 11. Regular tickets cost €89.99 (about £77) for all three days, or you can book accommodation packages from €229.99 (just under £200) which include four-nights accommodation in a basic apartment nearby plus access to the festival.

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Many visitors stay in nearby Novalja, which during peak season has regular shuttle buses to and from Zrce Beach. Hotel Kaneo is popular with guests who want to enjoy the lively nightlife and is on a long stretch of sandy beach with rooms from £54 a night. For those on a budget, there’s the Casa La Cha – Hostel & Bar, which is also on the beach and has apartments that sleep up to eight people, making it ideal for groups.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

For Ty Dolla Sign, the perfect Sunday begins in the sky, traveling back to Los Angeles from wherever his career has last taken him. The singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist lives in constant motion — our interview had a few interruptions because he was getting ready to fly to Las Vegas, where he would be performing at a club later that night.

In Sunday Funday, L.A. people give us a play-by-play of their ideal Sunday around town. Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends.

“I’m about to be at the airport in like 17 minutes,” he said, his signal cutting in and out. “Do you want me to hit you back?”

Born Tyrone Griffin Jr., Ty Dolla Sign is known for his gruff sandpaper vocals and memorable hooks. Last fall, he released his fourth studio album, “Tycoon,” with features from YG, ASAP Rocky, Chlöe, Lil Wayne and Leon Thomas and more. Then he kicked off 2026 by dropping a mash-up version of the record on the streaming platform Hotcue.fm.

Awards season has been just as active. Ty Dolla Sign is up for his seventh Grammy nomination, this time for melodic rap performance for his collaboration with JID. EZMNY (Easy Money), the record label that Ty Dolla Sign co-founded with A&R executive Shawn Barron in 2021, also earned 10 additional nominations through its roster, including six for Leon Thomas and four for Bizzy Crook.

“We’re the greatest squad,” the L.A. native said of his team. “We just want to keep being the greatest and doing the best we can to change music for the better and keep the standard high.”

The 2026 Grammy Awards will take place Sunday — the same day as his daughter’s 21st birthday, so naturally she’ll be joining him for the special occasion. He’ll also be doing a pre-show performance before the ceremony.

Just before his plane took off, Ty Dolla Sign shared what a perfect Sunday in L.A. would look like: hitting up his favorite smoothie bar, cooking up new music at his compound and enjoying a low-key Italian dinner.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.

5 a.m.: Wake up on a plane

A perfect Sunday for me would start with landing on a plane early in L.A. Since I’ll already be up, I can handle my calls super early, which is convenient.

11 a.m.: Hit the weights with my PT

Then I’d go straight home and my trainer would get to my place around 11 a.m. or noon. We’d work out after that in my home gym. I’ve been working with my trainer since before Ty Dolla Sign. We’ve been training together on and off for about 15 to 20 years. I’m the type of guy to where it’s like, yeah, having a six pack is cool and all that, but eating great food is also one of my loves. If a girl wants to deal with me, she’s going to have to know certain times, I’m going to be the super workout fitness guy and sometimes, I want to eat for three years and I might get a little chunky. If you love me, you love me. If you don’t, get away. [laughs]

2 p.m.: Grab a healthy smoothie from Body Energy Club

Afterward, I’d shower up and if I have to do any more calls or answer emails, I’d handle that. Then I’d go to this spot called Body Energy Club, which has these fire a— smoothie and acai bowls. They have the most natural ingredients. The Green Goodness is great. It has avocado, spinach, banana and some other sweet stuff. It doesn’t taste nasty at all, but it’s super healthy. Then there’s the Blueberry Crumble that I love, which kind of tastes like French Toast Crunch with blueberries in it. It’s fire but also healthy. Then last but not least, I like the Turmeric Mango. That’s the one I get when I need to heal up and I’ve been wildin’. [laughs]

3 p.m.: Hit up the studio

After that, I would head over to my compound and probably just do some music. I might throw on a football game while I’m working.

10 p.m.: A low-key Italian dinner

Depending on when I leave the studio, I’d either order in or go out for dinner. There’s a few restaurants that I love. If we’re talking Italian, I’d go to Giorgio Baldi in the Palisades. If it was getting late, I’d go to Nice Guy. They also have Italian food. I’m only going to places that give me the private room and don’t try to “rap guy” me, meaning they don’t try to charge me extra high because they know I’m an artist.

At Giorgio Baldi, I like the ravioli that has corn in it, which is what they’re famous for. They have so many good things, so I order a whole bunch of things and then I just taste a little bit of each thing and that’s how I like it cause that’s how I eat. Everywhere I go, I like to order steak, fish and chicken and veggies just like how I cook at home. I don’t have to eat everything, but it’s better if I bring a lot of people so we can all share. That’s like when I’m on my diet s— and trying to stay slim. If it wasn’t then my favorite food is a burger. As for Nice Guy, they have this chicken Parmesan but I’m a weirdo, I eat the chicken Parmesan without the Parmesan. I found one other person who’s like me and it’s YG because we’re both on some “No cheese.” It was funny to find out that he was the same way. After that, I would call it a night.

SPANISH theme park PortAventura is home to the fastest rollercoaster in Europe – and it’s gearing up for two exciting additions.

PortAventura is not just a theme park, as it also has a huge waterpark, Caribe Aquatic Park, and Ferrari World.

It’s one of the most popular amusement parks in Europe and sees between three to five million visitors each year.

The first new addition will be inside the Polynesia area of PortAventura’s main park.

It will be a new outdoor adventure trail and visitors can explore the ‘heart of the jungle’ on its elevated walkways and rope bridges above the park.

The second will be inside Caribe Aquatic Park which is a 6,000 m² family area inspired by pirates called ‘Coral Bay The Lost Legend’.

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The new zone will have a family water coaster, an adventure pool with a one-of-a-kind aquatic obstacle course.

It will also have new water slides and a new food and drink outlet.

Fernando Aldecoa, CEO of PortAventura World, commented: 
“At PortAventura World, we continue to evolve our offer to deliver increasingly memorable experiences.

“We listen closely to our guests, and the new attractions launching in 2026 reflect our commitment to surprising them and creating unique experiences for visitors of all ages.” 

PortAventura is one of Europe‘s biggest theme parks with over 40 rides and attractions in its main park.

There are smaller rides the little ones like the carousel, bumper cars, and tea cups.

Or those who want more thrills, there’s roller coasters like Shambhala which is the park’s tallest hypercoaster at 249 feet.

The neighbouring waterpark, Caribe Aquatic Park, has waterfalls, huge pools, racing slides all surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees.

Meanwhile, Ferrari Land has 16 attractions and games – all with a racing theme of course.

One of the most popular rides is Red Force in Ferrari Land – the record-breaking launch coaster that goes from 0 to 112 mph in five seconds.

Guests wanting to stay overnight can do in one of the 10 hotels which start from €67 (£58.10).

For Brits, it’s not hard to get to either as the park is just a couple of hours away on Spain’s Costa Daurada – an hour away from Barcelona.

The closest airport is Reus which is just a 14-minute drive from the theme park.

The park has closed for the season but will reopen on February 28, 2026 and on select days afterwards.

It will fully open every day of the week from March 30, 2026.

Tickets start from €50 (£43.35) for adults and €44 (£38.15) for children and seniors.

Hear what one writer got up to when she visited the Spanish theme park…

Writer Caron Curnow took a visit to PortAventura and here’s what she got up to…

“With my eyes screwed tightly shut, I brace myself for the plummet.

“Suddenly, I’m being hurled an agonising 76 metres down a sheer drop, approaching terrifying speeds of 83mph before being thrown through a helix loop.

“When it’s all over, I can barely recall what had just happened. This is Shambhala, one of Europe’s best hypercoasters, found at PortAventura World on Spain’s sizzling Costa Dorada.

“The theme park is celebrating its 30th birthday this year but, judging from the spine-tingling ride I’d just been on, the park is far from slowing down. In fact, it is positively thirty and thriving.

“The park is not just bold, it’s also beautiful, with lush landscaping across the six themed lands of Mexico, Polynesia, China, Far West, Mediterranea and SesamoAventura, where we could recover from the adrenaline rush and soaring temperatures.”

For more on theme parks, here are the ones in the UK that you can reach by train.

And here’s more on the mega £8.72m ride that’s ‘tallest of its kind’ in UK that’s closer to launching in an iconic seaside theme park.

I made a major faux pas when going through airport security because I wore something which flags every single time – but I’m not the only one who has made this mistake…

The next time you’re going to an airport, you may want to consider your outfit a little more carefully, as I was told to never wear one item again after making a faux pas. You’d probably assume it would be safe to wear a comfy but cute tracksuit to the airport, right? But I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I want to dress for a plane as I would for chilling at home – just a little more elevated, as I am out in public after all. I want to browse the books in WHSmith and buy three, as if I don’t already have seven in my hand luggage, without stressing that my skirt is riding up thanks to my backpack.

That’s why my Juicy Couture tracksuit is a must for flights – or so I thought it was before being ushered to one side and urged not to wear it again when going through security.

Of course, for maximum comfort, I paired it with my Uggs. Yes, I was flying to a hot country, but we were arriving at night, and the transfer had air conditioning, so it was fine.

We dropped our bags off and made our way to security, breathing a sigh of relief that the queue wasn’t long, despite the fact we’d accidentally booked a holiday during half term (our adults-only hotel was uncharacteristically cheap, and we didn’t ask questions).

Then we were told at security we could keep our jackets on and liquids in our bags, which is fantastic, but I’d already taken my jacket off and put it into the tray.

The person handling the trays then asked me: “Are your pants the same as this?” as they gestured to the diamante ‘Juicy’ on the back of my tracksuit top.

“Yes,” I said, as I turned around, and they could see it for themselves. They chuckled to themselves and said I’d definitely be getting stopped when I passed through the scanners.

Lo and behold, when I went through the scanner, something flagged, and it was my tracksuit. I was asked whether I had anything in my pocket, which I didn’t, and then I was sent for my shoes to be checked.

When I was walking away, the person working for security advised me not to wear my Juicy tracksuit to the airport again if I didn’t want to be stopped. I must admit, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard this advice, but it’s too comfy and cute.

To be honest, I’ve been stopped and searched to some extent at security every single time I go through – usually because of jewellery – so I think I would’ve set it off anyway. But I assumed there wasn’t any metal with the diamantes on the tracksuit and that it was all just plastic, but who knows.

Anyway, I really don’t mind being stopped at the airport when the person searching me is polite and friendly. I’ve definitely had some vile experiences with security staff at various airports across the world, but thankfully, when flying out of Manchester, they’re usually pretty jovial and are just there to do their jobs, rather than behave like jobsworths.

Someone on X referred to airport security as a “humiliation ritual,” and while I have been made to feel like this in the past, it’s definitely not commonplace.

Although I can’t lie, when waiting for security, I do get a little bit nervous to see how the person will treat me.

I’m not the only person who has experienced this at an airport, either. Several women have taken to X to share their experiences of wearing Juicy Couture diamante items at the airport.

One woman wrote: “My bedazzled Juicy Couture track pants set off the airport security scanner and I had to get a pat down and an explosives test.”

Someone else shared: “I went through airport security in my Juicy Couture pants, and the bum got flagged,” followed by a crying with laughter emoji.

Manchester Airport has been contacted for comment.

West Yorkshire’s Colne Valley is one of the region’s best-kept secrets for tourists and locals alike, with its scenic canal, artisan shops and traditional British pubs making it a real hidden gem to explore

Nestled in West Yorkshire’s Colne Valley, this delightful village boasts a well-deserved reputation for its scenic artisan boutiques, coffee shops, bars and selection of classic British pubs.

The canal-side mill village of Slaithwaite, locally pronounced as Slawit, is regarded as one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets – a genuine hidden treasure that largely remains undiscovered.

Despite being relatively unknown, it’s far from quiet; indeed, independent businesses flourish in this tight-knit community.

Originally established on the foundations of the textiles trade, a strong sense of craftsmanship still lies at the village’s core.

Thanks to its strategic position alongside the River Colne and Huddersfield Narrow Canal, it experienced significant growth during the nation’s 19th-century industrial revolution, with particular emphasis on wool and cotton manufacturing.

What attracts visitors to this quaint village is its diverse collection of unique shops and dining establishments.

The vibrant high street features Cobweb Antiques shop alongside an antiques warehouse and charming independent boutiques including Otso Clothing, Acorn and Pip, Every Cloud and SOS Interior and Gifts – providing an unparalleled shopping experience.

When you’ve had your fill of browsing, there are numerous spots to take a break and grab something to eat – you’ll be spoilt for choice in the village centre.

Whether it’s independent eateries such as Nom, Ruddi’s and the Cookhouse or classic boozers like the Old Mill and the Rose and Crown, visitors could easily while away an entire day sampling the culinary delights of Slaithwaite.

Based on TripAdvisor feedback, Vanilla Bean should top your list – a charming little café dishing up homemade sandwiches, quality coffees and artisan ice cream. One satisfied customer said: “I love Vanilla Bean. The staff are welcoming, friendly and helpful.

“The food is excellent, and the prices are affordable. The menu has plenty of choice, all of which is superb. “Really, one is spoilt for choice.”

The Black Bull, meanwhile, attracts locals and visitors alike with its traditional charm and inviting ambience.

A visitor said: “Called in for a bite to eat and at the outset, received a very warm and friendly welcome. This was entirely matched by the quality of the hand-pulled beers on offer, demonstrating that someone knew how to keep a good cellar. The delight continued when the meals arrived.”

Once a crucial artery of the Industrial Revolution, the village’s canal served to transport goods between the mills.

Today it provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely summer walk as it winds gently through the village, whilst the historic mills stand as lasting reminders of its prosperous past.

The Spa Mill on New Street remains a striking landmark, towering over the area since 1907, whilst Globe Mills on Bridge Street stands as an abandoned but intact mill complex.

Swaithwaite boasts several other listed structures, including a church dating back to the 13th century and an array of fascinating stone-built farmhouses and cottages scattered throughout the village.

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Glorious summer hiking in Norway

A week’s hiking in Jotunheimen national park (230 miles north of Oslo) last summer brought me tranquillity and peace. During four days of challenging hiking and wild camping through the area we saw hardly anyone else, having entire lush green valleys and still glacial lakes to ourselves. We were fortunate to have stunning weather throughout and, despite it being July, still had a reasonable amount of snow to traverse. Norway has a fantastic network of signposted trails and huts which can be found on the Norwegian Trekking Association website.
Ben

An arty cabin break near Aarhus

We had an amazing family holiday on the Jutland coast neat Aarhus, Denmark’s second city. We stayed in a cabin among pine trees and swam every day. We found helpful swimming jetties, making it simple to get into the sea – they even have hooks for towels. The beaches were wild and so quiet we often had them to ourselves. For an urban fix, Aarhus was a joy to visit. The Aarhus Kunstmuseum is definitely worth checking out for contemporary art lovers, followed by lunch at Cafe Folkeven.
Ben Dunne

Urban Scandi beauty in Stavanger

Stavanger, on the south-west coast of Norway, feels like the picture-perfect example of Scandinavian urban beauty. The city is welcoming, with quaint Gamle Stavanger (the old town) full of shops selling wool and cute bars serving up local beer (my favourite is bookshop cum bar Bøker og Børst). Head further south to Boresanden if you fancy braving the cold with a surf and follow up with a sauna. For further adventure, head east for Preikestolen for awe-inspiring views over the fjord. Finally, take the ferry to Flor og Fjære to wander round the tropical gardens (opens 9 May).
Anisa

Frozen lakes, coffee and a sauna in Finnish Lakeland

In the south of Finnish Lakeland is Lahti, a town that feels a world away from Helsinki despite its excellent rail link to the capital. Lahti is full of charming little cafes and quiet, down-to-earth people, not to mention scenes straight from a fairytale. I spent a month studying here as a student nurse and was equally amazed by the Finnish approach to public health as I was by how comfortable -22C can feel. Between days on placement, I spent time going for long walks over the frozen Lake Vesijärvi (a truly surreal experience) before enjoying Finnish coffee culture at Kahvila Kariranta, a former railway station turned cafe. There’s lots of ice skating and cross-country skiing, or, if you’re looking to unwind, you’re never far from a sauna, which in Finland is viewed as a necessity not a luxury.
Esther

A horse ride through Norwegian mountains

Why hike when you can horse ride? To get off the tourist trail, we opted to explore Norway’s Rondane national park on smallish but strong dole horses (a Norwegian breed) last summer. The horses were gorgeous, incredibly patient – although I can ride, my friend had barely sat on a horse since riding ponies on the beach as a kid – and really sure-footed as they navigated the mountain paths. It was a brilliant way to get deeper into the countryside and take things at a slower pace, giving us plenty of time to take in the views and hear stories about the area from our guide. The holiday was organised by Gutsy Girls.
Fliss

Island of sunshine in Denmark

Bornholm island is Danish, but set in the middle of the Baltic between Poland and Sweden. It has beaches of fine white sand and secluded coves – perfect in summer when the island enjoys sunnier weather than most of the surrounding region. History is everywhere, from one of the largest ruined medieval castles in Europe – Hammershus – to remnants of Soviet occupation in 1945-46 and distinctive circular churches. Fish smokeries offer herring, salmon and eel, while bakeries provide the best Danish pastries. Stay at one of Bornholm’s seaside hotels, enjoy the sunsets and you will never want to leave.
Robert Gilchrist

Sweden’s wooden wonder

The lakeside town of Nora, 130 miles inland from Stockholm, is one of Sweden’s three “wooden towns” (along with Eksjö and Hjo), where all the buildings are made of timber from the surrounding forests. The town and its surrounding area have a timeless feel of a wealthy bygone age belonging to Nordic nobility. I strolled around Nora’s cobblestone streets and visited the perfectly preserved 19th-century villa Göthlinska Gården. I spent another afternoon in Glasstorget (Ice-Cream Square) to try the local ice-cream, Noraglass. On another day, I wandered around the streets of the Kvarteret Bryggeriet creative quarter – full of independent shops, eateries and with a fascinating microbrewery. The nearby lakes (Norasjön, Fåsjön and Usken) are gorgeous and great for swimming and picnics.
Jo

Design gems near Copenhagen

A great advantage in revisiting a city is venturing further afield, beyond the obvious tourist sights. Returning to Copenhagen, we went in search of one of its most famous architects, Arne Jacobsen, travelling just 6 miles outside the centre. At Bellevue Beach, Klampenborg, an area perfect for summer promenading, Jacobsen built an iconic theatre, a restaurant, the angular Søholm houses, and gleaming-white Bauhaus-influenced apartment buildings. But that’s not all – he even designed the local kiosks and blue-striped lifeguard towers. Twenty minutes stroll down the coast, there’s also a striking Jacobsen petrol station (now part ice-cream parlour) with oval-shaped canopy somewhat reminiscent of the Starship Enterprise.
David M

Quietly thrilling Finnish design

Visiting Alvar Aalto’s Paimio sanatorium is a quietly thrilling pilgrimage. Set among pine forests in south-west Finland, the building feels tuned to light, air and human dignity. Designed in the 1930s for tuberculosis patients, every detail tells a story: gentle colour palettes to soothe minds, silent sinks to aid rest, chairs shaped for easier breathing. Walking its corridors offers deep insight into Finnish culture – pragmatic, compassionate, nature-led. History lingers in patient rooms and sun balconies, yet the place feels timelessly modern. For design lovers and curious travellers alike, it’s an energising, moving visit, worth seeking out on any trip.
Stephen Edwards

Winning tip: explore Oslo’s diverse islands

Spend a blissful summer day island-hopping in the inner Oslofjord. The five islands closest to the capital are all easily accessible by regular ferries, and each has its own personality. Langøyene has a broad sandy beach (and a separate nudist option if you like), Hovedøya has the ruins of an 1147 Cistercian monastery (founded by monks from Lincolnshire) and Bleikøya is dotted with colourful Nordic summerhouses. Using the Ruter app will give you 24 hours’ travel for about £10. Budget a bit more if you’d like a drink from the 1930s cafe on the island of Gressholmen. Pack a swimming costume and a picnic basket and marvel in the variety so close to the capital.
Olivia

Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Abkhazia, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Belarus have some seriously interesting bus stops

Find yourself at a bus stop in the UK, and there’s a decent chance you’ll share it with some wads of chewing gum and a bit of scrawled graffiti, sat on an uncomfortable bench designed to stop unhoused people from lying down.

In terms of artistic flair, the most creativity you’re likely to see is a traffic cone balanced on the roof.

The same cannot be said for former Soviet Union countries, where the world’s most striking and strange bus stops are scattered across the rural landscape. From Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, to Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Abkhazia, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Belarus, the Eastern Bloc nations are adorned with a reminder of the Empire in the form of public transport infrastructure, 30 years after it collapsed.

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The Mirror’s Jonathan Reynolds found himself enchanted by the unusual shelters during a recent trip to Moldova, a country of 2.2 million that is the poorest in Europe. What it is rich in, Jonathan discovered, is bus stops.

“For Christmas a couple of years ago, my brother had bought me the book Soviet Bus Stops volume 1, and in it was a section of Moldova and pictures of these amazing bus stops that had been designed and built with such creativity and care. Often, it includes intricate mosaic designs in a structure created to provide shelter and comfort for the local commuters,” he explained.

“So, I woke up early, before the sun came up, picked up my hire car at 6am and headed out into the Moldovan countryside to find as many bus stops I could. I wasn’t disappointed.”

One particularly striking bus stop has large, intricately designed mosaic stars running along the wall, beneath a ski-chalet style roof. Another is a long, dry-stone wall with a corrugated roof lolling over the top of a small bench, providing protection from the elements, while echoing the style of contemporary British artist Andy Goldsworthy.

The creator of Soviet Bus Stops volume 1 is Canadian photographer Christopher Herwig, who has spent years travelling more than 30,000 km by car, bike, bus and taxi across 14 former Soviet countries to document the unexpected treasures of modern art.

He started the project in 2002 during a trip from St Petersburg to Sweden, on which he pledged to take a photo of something every hour. “I was trying to get out of that mindset that I needed to find a stunning National Geographic monument. I wanted to make ordinary things look cool or interesting. Bus stops, clothes lines, power lines, whatever you’d find on these farm roads.”

When he got to the Baltic countries, he started coming across the bus stops. “They were much more individualist, unique, minimalistic. They were beautiful pieces of architecture and design.”

In the two decades since, Christopher has returned to the Bloc multiple times, to take more photos and to unravel the history of the bus stops.

“I spoke to architects and designers to find why these curious things are on the side of the road. They’re quite unexpected, in that it’s a bus stop, on a rural road, but also, in that it was the Soviet Union. I had a different impression, growing up in Canada, of what the Soviet Union was like in terms of creativity and art. I thought a lot of things were standardised and controlled, without a great scope for freedom of expression, but these bus stops went against that,” he said.

“I could not find any evidence that it was a centralised plan from Moscow. But it was not something that was discouraged either. Bus stops were classified as something called a small architectural form, which didn’t have the same stringent rules and necessity to be approved or ideologically controlled as other monuments or bigger buildings.”

One of the key architects behind the bus stops was George Chakhava, whose unusual work decorates Georgia’s Black Sea coast.

“He created some of the wildest bus stops I could find. He was working in concrete and mosaics. George had a lot that went over different animal themes. An octopus, an elephant, a fish, a wave. One of his has a big concrete crown with a large gap in the roof. It gives no protection from the elements.”

This intriguing tension between form and function is replicated in Kyrgyzstan, where a plump bird forms the main structure of the bus stop. Its wings are too small to offer any protection to passengers from the wind or rain. Another is, simply, a large hat.

“The bus stop showed a lot of regional and national pride, more so than communist ideals. The Kyrgyzstan hat is a traditional hat, for example. There are some, however, that are blatantly propaganda and have hammers and sickles.”

While Christopher did meet people who loved their bus stops, such as a group of Estonian factory workers who took great pride in designing their very own, others saw them as eyesores.

“They are not something that’s treasured. They are seen by a lot of people as something that should be taken down. People tend to go to the bathroom there or throw their rubbish there. I’ve had people approach me asking why I’m taking photos of this yucky scene,” the photographer explained.

Copes of Christopher’s book are available online. His Instagram page is herwig_photo.

I didn’t mean to ruin anyone’s new year cheer, but I also didn’t expect so many people around me to be on news cleanses in 2026.

I was visiting a friend in a mental health facility in early January when he told me news I didn’t believe: that the U.S. had captured the Venezuelan president. I asked him how he knew. A staffer had told him. I did not believe him. Sounds like AI-generated misinformation, I thought to myself.

After leaving, I called my friend, Patrick, who listens to so many podcasts, I’ve wondered if he plays them as he sleeps just to stay informed. “Can you believe the news?” I said without saying hello. He didn’t know what I was talking about.

“I’ve been taking a news cleanse with the new year,” he said. “What’s going on?”

I proceeded to tell three more people about the raid on Nicolás Maduro’s compound, including a friend on a camping trip who was probably much happier before she read my text.

And that was just Day 3 of 2026. Over the past month, Americans have faced overwhelming, heartbreaking and frightening news. I cannot be the only one who sometimes closes my eyes when I open a news app, doing a quick countdown before I read the headlines.

It’s even more important in these challenging times to take moments in the day for quiet reflection. Meditation, which can include prayer, has a tremendous number of health benefits, including lowering stress and anxiety and helping us be less reactive or quick to anger.

Below you’ll find three hikes with places along their paths where you can easily sit or lie down. If meditation isn’t your thing, consider practicing mindfulness. You could take a moment to play what I call the “color game,” where you try to spot something from each color of the rainbow (including indigo and violet, if you’re feeling lucky). I’m always amazed at how much color I can spot even just on a walk in my neighborhood.

I hope you find a moment, at least, of peace as you explore these trails.

The Verdugo and San Gabriel mountains, as seen from a trail to 5-Points in Griffith Park.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

1. 5-Points/Beacon Hill Loop (Griffith Park Explorer Segment 11)

Distance: 6 miles
Elevation gained: About 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed? Yes
Accessible alternative: Los Angeles River Bike Path from North Atwater Park

The 5-Points/Beacon Hill Loop is a six-mile excursion through the southeast corner of Griffith Park that offers epic views of L.A. and its neighboring cities.

To start your hike, you’ll park near the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round and head south to the trailhead. You’ll take the Lower Beacon Trail east and head uphill and soon be able to spot the L.A. River and the cable-stayed, 325-foot North Atwater Bridge.

You will follow the trail as it curves and runs parallel to Griffith Park Road before meeting up with the Coolidge Trail just over a mile in. The Coolidge Trail will take you west and then north toward 5-Points at 2.3 miles into your hike. (Note: The Griffith Park Explorer version of this route includes short in-and-back jaunts that I’m not including here, so my mile markers will be different.)

The 5-Points trail is aptly named, as it’s a location where five trails converge. I’d recommend taking the 1/5-of-a-mile Upper Beacon Trail, which takes you northeast up to Beacon Hill. It’s briefly steep but is worth it for the great views of downtown L.A. and the surrounding area. And it is a great spot for you to take a moment for meditation or mindfulness.

From Beacon Hill, you can head back to 5-Points and continue southwest to the Vista Viewpoint, a lookout point that’s usually more crowded but still stunning. Or take the Fern Canyon Trail to loop back to where you parked. Or both!

As an extra treat: This weekend is the full moon. On Sunday, you can take this hike to 5-Points, a great spot to watch the moon rise. I once crested a hill at 5-Points only to witness the Strawberry Moon, June’s full moon, rise over the Elysian Valley. My friends and I cheered over our luck.

The moon is expected to rise at 5:24 p.m. Sunday. I hope you catch it from this epic lookout spot. (And yes, it’s another place to pause in quiet reflection, taking in the beauty of our Earth.)

The Musch Trail, or Backbone Trail, takes hikers through lush meadows.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

2. Backbone Trail to Musch Trail Camp

Distance: 2 miles out and back (with option to extend)
Elevation gained: About 200 feet
Difficulty: Easier end of moderate
Dogs allowed? No
Accessible alternative: Sycamore Canyon Road

This two-mile, out-and-back jaunt through Topanga State Park takes you through lush meadows and chaparral where you’ll likely spot wildflowers and wildlife.

To begin your hike, you’ll park at Trippet Ranch and pay to park before heading out. The Musch Trail is in the northeast corner of the lot. You’ll take the paved path just 1/10 of a mile before turning on the dirt path, the Backbone Trail.

The Musch Trail Camp in the Santa Monica Mountains.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

The ranch was originally called Rancho Las Lomas Celestiales by its owner Cora Larimore Trippet, which translates to “Ranch of Heavenly Hills.” You’ll find, as you hike through those hills covered in oak trees, black sage, ceanothus and more, that the name still rings true today.

A mile in, you’ll arrive at Musch Trail Camp, a small campground with picnic tables and log benches. As you pause, listen to the songs of the birds. California quail, Anna’s hummingbird and yellow-rumped warbler are commonly spotted. Stay quiet enough, and you might just spot a mule deer, desert cottontail or gray fox.

From the trail camp, you can either turn around or continue northeast to Eagle Rock, which will provide panoramic views of the park. From Eagle Rock, many hikers take Eagle Springs Fire Road to turn this trek into a loop. Regardless of which path you take, please make sure to download a map beforehand.

Boulders at Mt. Hillyer in the San Gabriel Mountains.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

3. Mt. Hillyer via Silver Moccasin Trail

Distance: 5.8-mile lollipop loop
Elevation gained: About 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed? Yes
Accessible alternative: Paved paths through Chilao Campground

This six-mile jaunt along the Silver Moccasin Trail, which is just over 50 miles when fully open, takes you through high desert and pine trees.

Shaped like a lollipop, the trailhead sits about half a mile northwest of the Chilao Visitor Center, which is typically open on the weekend. You will head north for a mile before turning left off the Silver Moccasin Trail.

You will follow Horse Flats Road to Rosenita Saddle, where you’ll take the trail southwest to Mt. Hillyer.

Keep an eye out for Jeffrey pines, which will have deeply furrowed bark and round prickly cones. Their bark smells like butterscotch or vanilla, which I always love pausing to sniff.

A hiker takes the path to Mount Hillyer in Angeles National Forest.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

The trail also features Coulter pines that produce massive cones nicknamed widowmakers because of their size. The Coulter pine cones can weigh up to 11 pounds. If you’re in the area when it’s windy, please watch your head.

To reach Mt. Hillyer, you’ll follow a short spur trail about half a mile southwest from the Rosenita Saddle. Mt. Hillyer features several large boulders, perfect for stopping to meditate. It’ll also offer you sweeping views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

You can make the trail a loop by continuing south until it jags back east, meeting back up the paved road you previously took.

Outside of rock climbers, this trail isn’t terribly popular, so you’ll likely have opportunities along the way to pause.

Deep breaths. We’ll get through this together!

3 things to do

Participants prepare for the Griffith Park Run during a previous year’s event.

(Los Angeles Parks Foundation)

1. Hit the hills in L.A.
There’s still time to register for the Griffith Park Run, a half marathon and 5K through L.A.’s iconic park on Sunday. Participants will start the half marathon at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K at 10 a.m. This is the first year dogs are allowed to run alongside their owners in the 5K. Proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Parks Foundation. Register by 11:59 p.m. Saturday at rungpr.com.

2. Learn to ride a bike in El Monte
ActiveSGV, a climate justice nonprofit in San Gabriel Valley, will host a free class from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday about how to ride a bicycle. Students will be taught about balancing atop a bike, along with tips on starting, stopping and controlling the bike. The class is open to all ages, including adults. Preregistration is required. Register at eventbrite.com.

3. Welcome the upcoming full moon near Chinatown
Clockshop, an arts and culture nonprofit, will host “Listening by Moonrise,” from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Los Angeles State Historic Park. A seasonal series held around the eve of a full moon, the event will feature performances and immersive sound experiences. Learn more at clockshop.org.

The must-read

Last summer, nature enthusiasts hiked a steep trail to see California poppies growing near the community of Elizabeth Lake.

(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)

Outside of Friday’s lottery numbers, few things draw more speculation than whether Southern California will experience a superbloom. Recent hot weather in January threatened our chances, Times plant queen Jeanette Marantos wrote, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Wildflower expert Naomi Fraga told Marantos that more rain and lower temps would help, but even still, superblooms remain tricky to predict. That said, there will undoubtedly be flowers this spring! “We had lots of rain, so no matter what, I’m excited for the spring, because it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors and see an incredible display by nature,” Fraga said.

Happy adventuring,

P.S.

Officials at Angeles National Forest are seeking public feedback on what, if any, changes they should make in how they manage the Mt. Baldy area of the forest. In light of recent deaths and rescues in the area, there has been increased pressure from local officials to implement a permitting process to hike in the area. You have until Feb. 28 to submit comments.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.

A HUGE new food, drink and music venue is coming to Leeds – after success in another major city.

Freight Island has announced it’s opening a new site in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre and will welcome new food stalls and lots of entertainment.

The new venue is part of a £15million expansion at the Trinity Kitchen food court in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.

It will be huge too as the space will more than double in size from 30,000 square feet to 63,000.

Inside will be street-style food stalls, independent bars, and live entertainment.

The plans also include a new outdoor terrace which will look over City Square.

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Construction is set to start in late spring 2026 – and Trinity Kitchen will remain open throughout the entire time.

Dan Morris, Managing Director of Freight Island, said: “Trinity Kitchen is an iconic Leeds destination with a decade-long reputation for championing independent food traders and creating a genuinely social dining experience.”

He added: “Food will remain at the heart of the venue, with menus driven by independent chefs and operators, alongside a programme of DJs, sports, performances, cultural and family events, all with a strong focus on showcasing and supporting local Leeds talent.”

There are three other cities with Freight Islands already in the UK.

The first to open its doors was in Manchester – it opened in July 2020 as part of the Depot Mayfield development.

There are bars, restaurants, food trucks, shops and even a bike park.

There’s also a New York inspired-roller disco, and a karaoke spot called Queen Samantha’s where visitors can sing their hearts out.

Throughout the year it holds free entertainment too like screenings of the Six Nations Bingo and Drink, Dance, Dine sessions.

Freight Brixton has a tequila-led bar called Casa Amigos and another called Hotel Milano which is inspired by Northern Italy.

Freight Island Newcastle will open in Eldon Square in late 2026.

The 60,000 square foot venue is being developed in the former Debenhams shop.

This site is said to have taken inspiration from Coney Island in New York and Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

Along with having street food it will have high energy DJs and live music performances in the evenings.

For more on entertainment, check out this huge new riverfront music and food attraction to open in UK capital, as part of £4billion redevelopment.

Plus, this popular London borough to get huge £10billion makeover with parks, restaurants and ‘flower amphitheatre’.