holidays

Travelling on a sleeper bus might not be a comfortable journey, but one woman was pleasantly surprised by her entire experience when she went from Amsterdam to Zurich

We’re always on the lookout for cheap travel, given the fact we’re still in a cost of living crisis. Recently a woman travelled from the UK to Spain without flying and left everyone surprised by the total cost.

Claire’s Footsteps is known for her travel content where she shares low-budget alternatives for holidays. And after she trekked from London to Malaga without stepping foot on a flight, she decided to take things to another level by boarding Europe’s first sleeper bus. Now we know what you’re thinking – a sleeper bus surely can’t be that comfortable, well you’ll be surprised. Claire rode the bus from the Netherlands to Switzerland where she enjoyed complimentary Wi-Fi and a full reclined sleep for a decent snooze.

The traveller recently posted a video on her Instagram and TikTok pages to give viewers a genuine insight into what the trip is really like.

Inside Europe’s First Lie-Flat Sleeper Bus Experience

Travelling from Amsterdam to Zurich overnight can set you back between €29 and €160+ (roughly £25 to £136) per person one-way, depending on your chosen level of comfort.

The direct ÖBB Nightjet (train NJ402/NJ403) leaves Amsterdam Central at around 20:30 and pulls into Zurich HB the following morning at 08:20.

In the clip, she began: “I’m about to take this business class lie flat sleeper bus from Amsterdam to Zurich. This is the Twilighter Europe’s first sleeper bus with seats that you can fully recline and get a good night’s sleep on.”

Describing the journey in detail, Claire continued: “I boarded the coach and we headed south through to Netherlands, I was given a bag with my bedding and had a look at the seat functions which had tray tables and charging facilities.

“Downstairs there’s a toilet and a separate changing room with atmosphere lighting and luxury soap, plus a snack bar with free tea and coffee.

“There is also complimentary Wi-Fi which stayed strong throughout my whole journey. I headed back to my seat to make my bed up for the night, all you need to do here is press two buttons to fully recline.”

Claire finally settled in and stretched out flat on the bus, ready to enjoy a decent night’s sleep. She said your seatbelts must remain fastened through your entire sleep and there’s a bag specifically for your feet to stay secured.

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Then after catching up on some sleep, Claire woke up to find herself in Switzerland.

She continued: “I woke up in Switzerland and headed back downstairs to refresh and grab a coffee and all too soon we arrived in Zurich and it was time to disembark.”

Concluding her post, Claire issued an honest verdict about the trip and scored it a 9.5 out of 10.

In the comments section, people rushed to ask her for the guide on the adventure, while others said it was “amazing” and “looked great”.

Someone was intrigued by the bathroom situation as a person queried: “Was the toilet clean and do you have to queue up?” To the person’s surprise, Claire said the loo was spotless with “no queues”.

In terms of the sleeping situation, Claire “slept well throughout”.

A BELOVED ferry that has been connecting a remote island to UK mainland is preparing to make its final voyage after 49 years.

The Scillonian III began sailing between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly back in 1977.

It will make its last trip in November before being sold. A replacement vessel is almost near completion in Vietnam, according to the BBC.

During its near 50- year stint on the water it has helped transport people to the stunning island, which has been known for its Maldives- style beaches.

A trip on the boat from Penzance to St Mary’s will take around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The trip can cost up to £115 if you book in August. It drops to around £77 if you book in September or October.

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It’s the third ship to bear the name The Scillonian and it is operated by The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.

The 223ft boat has sailed the same route more than 10,000 times and welcomed its five millionth passenger on board two years ago.

“This ship is part of the furniture in Penzance and has a really special place in people’s hearts,” the group’s chief Stuart Reid told the outlet.

“Some people have been working on board all of their working life.”

“When she does sail off into the sunset for a new adventure, all of us will certainly be a little bit sad,” he added.

The new Scillonian IV entered the sea trials phase just a few weeks back and is expected to make its way to the UK this winter.

Once complete, the new boat will carry up to 600 people, a 24% increase on current levels and also reduce journey time.

There are few pastimes more relaxing than messing about on the river. Whether it’s paddling along an urban waterway, navigating a historic canal in a narrowboat, spotting the wildlife on an estuary walk, or a towpath bike ride, we’d love to hear how you like to spend time on your favourite river or canal in the UK or Ireland.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 27 July at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

A VERY popular destination in Italy has permanently banned tourist coaches.

The announcement comes after a fatal crash in 2023 – but locals aren’t happy about the changes.

The ban will affect villages along the Amalfi Coast where coaches often take tourists up the steep and windy paths.

The two roads that will be under the ban are the SR 373 which connects Ravello to Scala, and the SR 366 linking Agerola to Amalfi.

The new rules have been implemented following a crash in 2023.

The incident was on the SR 373 and resulted in the death of driver when his tourist bus broke through the barrier on a hairpin bend on the road.

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Afterwards, the regional government temporarily stopped vehicles heavier than five tons from the road.

Now, the Province of Salerno has signed a total and permanent ban on all these large vehicles – including tourists buses.

The nearby village of Ravello which sits high on a hilltop at over 1,000 feet has since opposed the ban.

For years, coaches have ferried visitors up winding roads to the village, and the ban has not been well-received as it heavily relies on tourism.

Instead, it has asked for road repairs, speed limits and permission for service vehicles and public transit to use the roads.

Talking about the ban, Paolo Vuilleumier, the mayor of Ravello, said: “It is unsustainable and doesn’t take into account the dramatic repercussions it will have on the community. 

“Blocking scheduled vehicles means denying the right to mobility to students, workers and residents, as well as decreeing a total halt to international tourism that chooses our destination.”

Ravello is often considered the quieter neighbour to Amalfi and Positano but still sees around three million visitors each year.

THE UK’s most popular paid-for attraction in the UK is about to get a huge glow up costing millions.

Dating back over 1,000 years, the Tower of London has revealed plans for some huge new additions.

As part of the £70million project, the Tower will open new community spaces as well as two learning centres.

According to the BBC, the Waterloo Block – which is home to the Crown Jewels – will be turned into a three-storey learning centre, with a broadcast studio and sensory room.

There will be a new ‘green classroom’ as well, which will be located in the Tower’s moat.

The new facilities will mean that the Tower can handle 200,000 people a year, up from 125,000.

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The historic attraction’s architectural archive will be opened to the public as well, which includes more than 25,000 drawings of designs, the building and conservation work.

Once the project is complete, there will be workshops led by actors in costume as well as live broadcasts in the Tower.

The scheme, which is dubbed ‘Tomorrow’s Tower’, will take place over a year.

Though an exact date for when works will take place has not yet been revealed.

Brigadier Andrew Jackson, governor of the Tower of London, said: “For over a thousand years, the Tower has been many things — fortress, palace, prison and garrison – but throughout its history it has always brought people together.

“By opening up new spaces for learning, community and discovery, we are ensuring the Tower’s stories continue to resonate, reaching more classrooms, more communities and the millions of people from around the world who visit each year, while carefully protecting what makes this extraordinary place so special.”

The Tower of London attracts more than three million tourists a year, making it the most popular pay-to-visit attraction in the country.

It was even named the top tourist attraction for people heading to London by a study conducted by Travelodge.

WHETHER you fancy a retro 80’s disco weekender, a relaxing spa staycation, or a cocktail masterclass and overnight stay – we’ve found your next British break.

Best Western has launched a massive wave of budget-friendly summer staycation and hotel deals across the UK.

Click below to browse all Best Western hotels offering free breakfast, from gorgeous country manors to bustling cities across the UK.

To sweeten the deal, if you lock in your getaway before July 31, you can bag a FREE breakfast with your break at selected hotels.

Best Western has 200+ hotels across the UK. Click here to browse which ones are offering free breakfast.

To make a proper weekend of it, the hotel group have also rolled out their exclusive ‘GEM’ packages – which stands for Great Escapes, Memorable Stays.

Instead of just booking a hotel room, these thoughtfully crafted breaks combine your stay and food with unique activities perfect for couples or families.

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To save you the scrolling, we’ve tracked down some of the best value hotel packages on offer right now.

From dancing the night away at 80’s weekenders to serene wellness stays by the sea, here are our top Best Western staycations to book this summer.

Seaside escape to Bournemouth

Explore the best of Bournemouth and indulge in some serious pampering with a three-night escape to BW Signature Collection Hotel Collingwood.

This glamorous hotel also packs in the perks with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket so you can cruise around the seaside town easily.

When you aren’t out exploring, you’ll have unlimited access to the heated pool, sauna, and hydrotherapy facilities at the on-site Eden Spa – plus a generous 25% discount to use on treatments.

Not only this, but you’ll also enjoy a delicious three-course dinner in the evening and a hearty Full English breakfast in the morning – plus access to the classy Bubble Lounge Bar for a late-night cocktail.

Stay from £180 per night (for two)

Swing and Stay golf break at Southcrest Manor Hotel, Redditch

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves playing on a championship fairway before soaking in a hydrotherapy hot tub, this one’s for you.

The “Swing & Stay” deal gets two people onto the greens of the prestigious Redditch Golf Club for a full 18-hole round, with the flexibility to play on either your arrival or departure day.

Once you’ve finished playing you can retreat to this grand 1901 manor house, which sits inside 10 acres of gorgeous countryside grounds. The package also includes access to the hotel’s spa, which has infrared saunas to soothe those aching arms.

Wake up to a cracking breakfast in the morning, and tuck into delicious cakes and traditional afternoon tea at the on-site Laura Ashley Tea Room.

Stay from £238 per night (for two)

VIP Jazz and Blues Festival break, Birmingham

This VIP package lets you drink your weight in bottomless Prosecco while live jazz bands play right in front of you but instead of standing in the crowds, you’ll be lounging in reserved VIP seats for an in-house hotel performance from Birmingham‘s Jazz & Blues Festival.

You won’t even have to stand up to get a refill, thanks to a personal waiter serving bottomless Prosecco, draught lager, and wine for a glorious two-hour window.

Stay at a grand 1704 Victorian mansion in leafy Edgbaston: Best Western’s Plough & Harrow Hotel. And of course enjoy that cooked breakfast in the morning.

After enjoying the music and drinks, you can chill out on the garden terrace or catch a quick tram into the city centre to explore.

Stay from £166.95 per night (for two)

Cocktail Masterclass and countryside escape, Canterbury

Countryside manor Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury is swapping traditional quiet country weekends for something with a bit more kick.

With Best Western’s ‘Art of Mixology Escape’ package, you’ll check into a gorgeous hotel surrounded by two acres of stunning, manicured lawns before heading out into Canterbury.

Guests will then step into The John in Canterbury for a hands-on cocktail masterclass. A welcome glass of bubbly gets the session started, and you’ll soon be shaking and stirring your own custom creations.

The deal also lines your stomach with a fresh stone-baked pizza dinner at the hotel, and includes a full English breakfast the next morning.

Stay from £229.49 per night (for two)

80’s party night – The Hatfield Hotel, Lowestoft

Dust off your neon leg warmer for Lowestoft‘s 80’s party weekend. The event takes place over the weekend of September 26–27, and you can secure a free ticket by booking this stay with Best Western.

Stay at the seafront Hatfield Hotel and spend Saturday night on the dance floor boogieing to DJ Chica’s 80’s playlist.

The night is packed with everything from rock and roll anthems to cheesy power ballads.

Your booking covers your event ticket, a double room right at the seafront hotel and a free cooked breakfast the next morning.

Stay from £103.68 per night (for two)

Prices correct at the time of publication.

He said choosing the wrong option could automatically add 10 per cent to what you should be paying

A travel expert has warned Brits going away that they are going to be ‘ripped off’ unless they make the right decision when paying for things on holiday. Simon Calder, who is a travel expert at the Telegraph, said it was essential that people going away paid for things in the local currency rather than pounds if they were using their credit card.

He said choosing the wrong option could automatically add 10 per cent to what you should be paying. It is something which catches out many travellers, with people unsure of which option to choose when given the choice between paying in pounds or the local currency.

Mr Calder explained why you should choose pounds, and why it can cost you if you choose the wrong option. He said: “Just at the start of the summer rush, I need to warn people about dynamic currency conversion.

“You’re in a foreign country, you’ve got your credit card, you come to pay, the shop assistant, the waiter says, ‘Okay, here’s the card terminal and look, do you want to pay in Euros or in good old British pounds?’

“And you might be tempted for thinking, ‘Well, I’ll pay in Sterling of course, then I’ll know how much it costs’. The one thing you will know is that you are going to be ripped off to the tune of typically 10 per cent.

“So, on a £20 lunch, you pay an extra £2, which you will never get back. Leave it for the waiter instead. So, just remember, paying by credit card, always pay in local currency.”

Withdrawing money abroad

The dynamic currency conversion (DCC) that Mr Calder is warning people about is also a topic money-saving expert Martin Lewis has discussed. However, he used a similar example at ATMs, urging people to use the local currency when abroad.

He said that when an ATM or card terminal enquires whether you wish to pay in pounds or euros, it is essentially asking you who should perform the currency conversion.

“If it’s euros, do you want your card company to do the conversion? If it’s pounds, we will do the conversion for you and then charge your card,” Martin said.

According to consumer group Which?, DCC permits foreign retailers and ATM operators to convert a transaction into pounds at the point of sale, yet the exchange rates on offer are frequently far worse than those provided by banks and card issuers.

Mr Lewis even warned that ATMs abroad often try to convince the individual to use pounds due to the unfavourable exchange rate and even added withdrawal fees.

“I want euros, please. Are you sure? We won’t do the conversion. Are you absolutely sure? Yes, I want euros,” he said. “The ATM… they are desperate to persuade you to let them do the conversion because they make a lot of money from it.”

IF you were planning to head to the capital this weekend, you might want to check your train journey.

London will see two train stations close this week for major revamps.

Both Charing Cross and Waterloo East train stations will close on Sunday, July 26, for three weeks.

The two stations, which handle millions of passengers between them each year, will undergo a £20million glow-up.

The stations will then both reopen on August 16.

Across the 22-day closure, all services will be cancelled, with commuters instead having to go to London Victoria, London Bridge, London Cannon Street, or London Blackfriars for alternative services.

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Upgrades include structural repairs to the 175-year-old Hungerford Bridge, which trains head over the River Thames on.

Later this year there will also be two weekend closures – one between August 22 and 23 and another between October 10 and 11.

Travellers will be able to use tickets on alternative routes including the Underground and buses, for no extra charge during the closure period.

Scott Brightwell, train services director at Southeastern Railway, previously said: “The £20 million investment we are delivering will see 1990s track and platforms upgraded to make journeys safer and more reliable, and Victorian- era structures strengthened to remain fit for the future.

“By consolidating the work into a 22-day closure, supported by preparation and follow-up weekends, we can complete the work more quickly and with less disruption overall than the alternative options of 60 weekend closures or four to five, nine-day closures.”

He added: “We have planned the closure for the summer, when passenger numbers are around 20 per cent lower and schools are closed, to help manage the impact on customers.”

Travellers are urged to plan ahead and check before they travel.

IF you’re planning to jet away this summer, Amazon has got the perfect cabin bag.

The bargain buy can fit everything you need for your trip away and is now cheaper than ever.

Amazon shoppers can now pick up the Flymax Carry-on Suitcase for just £16.69.

Weighing just 1.3kg, this luggage offers a whopping 33 litre capacity so you can bring all your summer holiday essentials.

It comes in black, blue, light blue, green, red, grey, and purple, and features one main compartment, a large front pocket, a side grab handle, skate wheels, and a telescopic handle.

And as well as saving on the price, you are also guaranteed to avoid any dreaded baggage fees as this case is designed specifically for easyJet’s 45x36x20 free hand luggage allowance.

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It also fits within the guidelines for other major airlines such as British Airways, Jet 2, British Airways, Virgin.

The case can also be carried on to Emirates, Vueling, Lufthansa, Klm, Wizz Air, Tui, Qatar, and Gulf flights.

Shoppers will want to be quick to nab this limited-time deal, which is valid until Saturday, August 1.

This cabin bag includes a one-year manufacture warranty.

With the summer holidays set to be one of the busiest travel periods, everyone needs to be aware of the different rules when it comes to taking a nifty gadget on board flights

Before jetting off abroad this summer, it’s vital to understand the little-known gadget rule that varies by airline.

For most of us, packing a power bank for our holiday is top of the list, whether it’s to use at the airport or while exploring a new city. But there are strict rules for carrying the nifty gadget onboard.

Earlier this year, the International Civil Aviation Organisation amended its rules on passengers carrying power banks, along with lithium cells or batteries, onboard any aircraft. The changes came into effect on 27 March, limiting how travellers pack and use their power banks, with a cap on the number that can be taken on board.

The amended rules from the ICAO stated that power banks:

• Must be carried in carry‑on baggage
• Must be individually protected when not in use
• Must not be recharged on board the aircraft
• Should not be used to charge other portable electronic devices on board the aircraft
• Maximum of two power banks per person

There have been various reports of power banks causing hazardous issues onboard, with safety experts at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) explaining that lithium batteries found in power banks can be dangerous on planes, primarily because they can enter “thermal runaway.” This is a process in which a battery experiences a rapid, uncontrollable temperature surge, potentially leading to fires, explosions, and the release of toxic fumes.

In accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation rules, most airlines allow passengers to carry two power banks per person on board. However, they cannot be used during the flight and must be taken on board in their hand luggage.

What airlines allow two power banks?

• Asiana Airlime
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• China Airlines
• easyJet
• EVA Air
• Jet2
• Lufthansa
• Korean Air
• Loganair
• Qantas
• Ryanair
• Singapore Airlines
• Starlux Airlines
• TUI Airways
• United
• Vietnam Airlines
• Wizz Air

While these airlines allow two power banks on board, they also outline their own additional rules, including the permitted watt-hours and the required device condition. So it’s vital to check your airline’s specific power bank rules before jetting off abroad.

What airlines only allow one power bank?

While most airlines allow travellers to take two power banks on board, Emirates restricts customers to just one power bank per person. They state that it must be under 100 watt-hours, carried in hand luggage, and cannot be used to charge devices on board.

The airline also outlines that the power bank should not be placed in the overhead lockers, but must be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag underneath the seat in front. For full details on Emirates’ power bank rules, visit their website.

What airlines allow more than two power banks?

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic permits passengers to carry up to five power banks or spare batteries per person. However, it depends significantly on their watt-hour (Wh) rating.

They also need to be stored in hand luggage and cannot be used during the flight. For full details on Virgin Atlantic’s power bank restrictions, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

ANOTHER family missed their flights home and were forced to spend nearly £2,000 due to massive airport queues abroad.

Matthew Wilson, his wife and their son were travelling home to Manchester from Milan back in April.

They were returning to the UK after a nine-night holiday when they got stuck huge passport queues due to the new European entry rules.

Talking to the iPaper, Matthew said that despite easily getting through security, they were then stuck in another queues for 90 minutes, in which they only moved about 10m in that time.

Frustratingly, he family were then told by ground staff that their luggage had been removed from the plane as the flight was going to depart while they still stuck in the queue.

They were then forced to wait three hours before easyJet, who the family were flying with, offered the family a flight back home – but this was six days later than the original flight.

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Rather than waiting, Matthew spent £1,969 on new flights from Barcelona, taxis, food and accommodation.

This was on top of the money they had already paid on the flight they missed which had cost £377.

Not only that, but their travel insurance provider also said they were unable to recuperate his costs.

Matthew said: “It was very stressful – we will think twice before travelling in Europe again.”

The airport operator apologised, adding that EES “requires more complex operations than before and longer processing times”.

Not only that, but it said that on the day the Wilsons were due to fly home (April 12), there were malfunctions at the automatic gates due to issues connecting to the border systems.

This resulted in “particularly long waiting times” as passengers had to be manually checked at passport control.

The Wilsons weren’t the only ones to miss their flight on this day – in fact 100 easyJet passengers were left behind in Milan Linate Airport.

The flight to Manchester had been held for nearly an hour “but it had to then depart due to crew reaching their safety regulated operating hours”, explained easyJet.

There have been warnings over wait times because of EES – and it’s only set to get worse.

Rafael Schvartzman – the vice-president for Europe at the International Air Transport Association (Iata) – warned queue times could stretch to as much as six hours this summer.

Mr Schvartzman said: “What we are seeing is a very hard risk of really challenging times or waiting times, talking about expectations of three, four, five, six hours which is unacceptable.

“We know for a fact there are many cases where people have lost flights or their connectivity.”

DUBBED Ireland’s Riviera by tourists, Kinsale boasts spectacular scenery, cracking cuisine and colourful streets around every corner.

Originally a medieval fishing port, the Cork hotspot is loved for its rich history and culture.

Pinks, purples, yellows, oranges and greens — this seaside town is bursting with colour, and there’s plenty to do.

It is packed with boutiques, craft shops and art galleries, while visitors can also enjoy spectacular views, water activities and adorable dolphins.

Kinsale has previously been crowned one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns by Conde Nast.

The Co Cork town is home to a number of stunning beaches and bays.

Garretstown, Sandycove, The Dock, Garrylucas, Robert’s Cove Beach, Oysterhaven Bay, Coolmain Beach and Howe Strand are all must-sees.

Adventurers can take to the water in a kayak, ride the waves on a surfboard or soak up the scenery on a Kinsale Harbour Cruise.

Dolphins are often spotted swimming in pods through the harbour, while visitors can also look out for seals and whales on a wildlife tour.

Step back in time at Charles Fort National Monument or take in the sights at the Lusitania Museum and Signal Tower.

Discover the area’s fascinating past on a private walking tour — or treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure.

Behind the brightly coloured buildings lies Ireland’s gourmet capital.

The town has a huge number of restaurants, with everything from relaxed dining to refined cuisine.

Accommodation options include seafront hotels, luxury guesthouses, B&Bs, self-catering properties and Airbnbs.

Prices for a stay in the seaside town start at about €100 a night.

Alternatively, holidaymakers can wake up to a stunning sea view near Garretstown Beach.

The beach is known for its rolling waves and excellent surfing conditions.

It holds Blue Flag status and has public parking, while lifeguards are generally on duty during the summer bathing season.

THE school summer holidays are upon us, with six weeks to fill to entertain the kids.

If you’re looking for fun for the whole family without breaking the bank then this bumper list is for you – we’ve scoured the country for some of the best cheap and free attractions.

Summer of Play, Various Locations – from £9

The National Trust brings back its Summer of Play programme running from July to September across the country.

The events on the schedule are free but admission fees are around £10 and under.

At Arlington Court in Devon, find activities such as archery, giant slingshots, and a water play zone – great for keeping everyone cool in a heatwave.

Gibside near Tyne & Wear is packed with experiences such as racket sports, axe throwing, and classic games like a bean bag toss.

Pokémon fans will also delight in recognising their favourite character in trails across different National Trust sites.

Expect to get involved with trading card games and collect Mega Evolution stickers.

To find a site near you visit the National Trust’s Summer of Play website. 

Free entry but admission fees into National Trust sites apply

National Racehorse Week, Various Locations – free

From 22 to 31 August during National Racehorse Week, families have a chance to grab a free ticket for over 85 behind-the-scenes events across the country.

Choose between meeting racehorses or exploring training yards to learn more about a side of British racing that is often overlooked.

To find an event near you visit the National Racehorse Week website. 

Free tickets available on the National Racehorse Week website

North of England

Starry Nights in Lake District, Cumbria – free

The Lake District in Cumbria is home to many low-light Dark Sky Discovery Sites making it the perfect place to go on a stargazing trail.

Grab your camping gear and find budget-friendly campsites for £15-£17 on pitchup.com.

Some favourites includes North Lakes Campsite in Deanscales, Blaithwaite House in Wigton, and Cardewless in Carlisle.

Find the most isolated lake of Lake District at Ennerdale Water and venture east for the darkest skies in Cumbria. Look out for free stargazing events a few times a year. 

For those looking for a nighttime walk, head to St Bees Beach on the west coast when the tide is out.

Sitting above the Bassenthwaite Lake, Whinlatter Forest offers lucky stargazers a chance to spot the Milky Way. 

Free but campsite charges apply

National Railway Museum, York – free

The National Railway Museum in York is perfect for train fanatics.

Visit the Great Hall for the gold leaf stripes of Duchess of Hamilton, the Japanese high-speed rail nicknamed ‘bullet train’ or ‘Mallard’, the world’s fastest steam locomotive. 

For something extra special, check out Wonderlab:The Bramall Gallery for an interactive experience to test your engineering skills.

Free Entry. Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery day passes start from £8.60.

Mere Sands Wood, Lancashire – free

Spot a variety of butterflies fluttering around at Mere Sands Wood in Lancashire on a guided walk through the reserve. 

Perfect for all members of the family, go on an easy two-hour walk and stop by different sites to find a range of beautiful butterflies and insects.

Alternatively if butterflies aren’t for you, go on the Tomato Soup at the Cafe Loop which is a 1.3 mile walking trail that ends with a bowl of soup.

Experiences are free but adults pay £6 for the Butterfly Walk

Manchester Museum, Manchester – free 

Manchester Museum is a great way to take the family out for a day and learn about what makes us human and how we connect with nature. 

Don’t forget to say hi to the giant T.rex, Stan, explore the lives of ancient Egyptians or marvel at archaeological objects.

This summer, discover the world of bugs from 21 July to 28 August in Bugtastic!

Take part in producing insect prints, designing comics starring superbugs, and make bug-like costumes.

Free entry although booking is advised for the Exhibition Hall. 

South and West of England

WhizzFizz 2026, Buckinghamshire – free

From 27 July to 1 August, WhizzFizz is holding a free summer festival across Buckinhamshire in Aylesbury, Chesham, and High Wycombe. 

The schedule includes an interactive board games show, collage workshops and poetry workshops for children. 

Sessions are free but participating kids are expected to be registered for the events. Adults are required to stay but don’t need a ticket. 

Free admission

Boating in Regent’s Park, London – from £3.40

Hop on a boat from now to September in Regents Park and take in the beautiful surroundings. 

A 30-minute boat journey ranges from free for toddlers to £6.50 for adults during off-peak hours.

Alternatively, the Children’s Boating Pond is £5.20 for a 20 minute session. 

Prices start from £3.40. Off peak hours are 11am-1pm on weekdays and 10am-noon on the weekends.

British Museum, London – free

The British Museum is at the heart of Central London with a large worldwide collection dating back two million years and the best part is that general admission is free.

This summer celebrate the 25th anniversary of John Constable’s birth with a free exhibition.

Explore a collection of Constable’s paintings where he depicted British landscapes from fields in East Anglia to the clouds of Hampstead Heath.

Free Admission

Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre, London – from £10

Experience 400 years of history in London’s original theatre district and transport yourself back into the time of Shakespeare. 

Enjoy classics such as Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Julius Caesar this summer for £10 if you grab a standing ticket. 

Prices start from £10

Mudchute Park and Farm, London – free

Families with animal lovers in the group will delight in this free family farm on the Isle of Dogs. 

Find over 100 animals in the 32 acre farm including goats, pigs, and even llamas.

Before leaving, stop by the Mudchute Kitchen Cafe for delicious home-cooked food, cakes and tea. 

Free Admission

Smithsonian Starstruck at the Science Museum, London – free

Experience this free virtual reality experience at the Science Museum in London.

Visitors embark on a cosmic journey discovering galaxies, constellations and watch volcanoes on an exoplanet erupt into glitter.  

Free Admission

Summer in the Square, London – free

Taking place in Portman Square Garden in Marylebone from 7th – 12th July, this free festival brings families together with a range of activities. 

Choose from Wimbledon open air screenings, wellbeing sessions, and opportunities to get creative with watercolour sessions.

Kids can get involved with workshops hosted by Marylebone Youth Theatre, opt for Fairytales in Oz or The Tempest Tale. 

Free Admission

Uber Boat Audio Guide, London – £2.50

Board on to an Uber Boat and cruise down the Thames with a funny and educational twist.

For £2.50, learn history, TV and cinema facts that you can later impress friends and family with. 

£2.50 for audio guides

Lady Vale Walk, Bodmin – free

Take the family out for a chance to spot some of their favourite characters from The Gruffalo. 

Follow the signs for the Lady Vale Walk in Cardinham Woods near Bodmin to hunt for the Gruffalo characters along the path.

Don’t forget to bring the camera and take a picture next to the sculptures as you venture deeper into the forest. 

Free admission

Brighton Beach and Pier – £1

Brighton Beach is one of England’s top beach destinations with plenty of activities for the whole family. 

The Brighton Palace Pier is a £1 admission fee and boasts its own helter skelter for £3.

Other attractions include a soft-play area and Brighton’s largest arcade with classic games such as penny pushers and air hockey. 

Take a ride on the world’s oldest operating railway, Volk’s Electric Railway, where an adult return fare is £7 and a children return is £4.40.

Visit the Fishing Museum for free and discover the history of Brighton’s fishing village.    

Prices start from free to £7

Song of the Sea Cave, Cornwall – free 

Instead of splashing out for a holiday away, visit this hidden gem for a beach holiday.

Jump into this natural tidal pool at Nanjizal Beach in St Levan, Cronwall and cool off from the hot summer.

Nicknamed “Song of the Sea Cave”, this low tide pool will make you feel as though you’ve escaped to a warmer destination surrounded by clear waters.

Dip into the mermaid pool and watch the light glimmering through the narrow arch. 

Free admission

Central and East England

Silverstone Museum, Towcester – free 

This summer until 31 August, Silverstone Museum in Towcester is offering Kids Go and Eat Free for children ages 15 and under.

Explore immersive exhibits, iconic cars and learn about racers that have shaped the history of motor sports.

Highlights include a Mixed and Virtual Reality behind the story of Alberto Ascari, racing Scaletric cards on a 25-meter long track and a collection of championship winning vehicles. 

Prices start from free to £24 for adults when booking at least 1 day in advance.

Norwich Theatre Family Festival, Norwich – free

On 4 August, Norwich Theatre brings a dramatic schedule for the whole family with free workshops and interactive experiences. 

Those interested in crafts and set design should check out workshops in puppet-making and set-art.

For the thespians and vocalists in the group, there are storytelling workshops and community singalongs.

All workshops apart from Storytelling and Sensory Stories don’t require a booking and are available to drop in. 

Free admission but Storytelling and Sensory Stories workshops require booking. 

Cambridge University’s Botanic Garden, Cambridge – free

From 25 June to 1 September, adult tickets into Botanic Garden in Cambridge will be reduced as part of the Great British Summer Savings Scheme.  

Boasting different sections, the Botanic Gardens offers visitors to explore British wild plants to exotic tropical plants to beautiful roses.

On 15 July, visit the Garden’s Main Lawn for Sounds Green 2026 and enjoy swing and jazz from The Basin Street Brawlers with a standard entry ticket. 

Don’t forget to have a tea break on the terrace of The Garden Cafe when all the walking and dancing is done.

Children under 17 go free and adult admissions are £7.60.

Tudor House Museum, Worcester – free

Step back into time at the Tudor Museum in Worcester from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10am-4pm. 

This summer, the Tudor House Museum brings a range of family activities on Thursdays to Saturdays exploring a different historical theme each week. 

Take home a family portrait at the Victorian Parlour, write top secret messages using wartime codes or design a banquet fit for royals. 

Free admission

Scotland

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh – free

Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh offers the chance to hike up the remains of a dormant ancient volcano for free. 

Once you get to the top of this 2,000 old hillfort, enjoy the views of St Margaret’s Loch from the summit before climbing back down. 

Free Admission

Summer Family Fun, Edinburgh – free

From 29 June – 7 August, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh is hosting Summer Family Fun on Mondays and Fridays. 

Drop in anywhere from 10am – 4pm with the family and discover weekly changing themes ranging from dinosaurs to space to ancient Egyptians for free.

Free Admission

Open Air Pool, Stonehaven, Aberdeen – free 

Jump into the UK’s only art deco, Olympic-sized lido at Stonehaven’s Open Air Pool in Aberdeen.

Now open for the summer, there is something for everyone looking to cool down from the heat.

Little ones under the age of 8 can enjoy splashing in a paddling pool (while accompanied by an adult).

If there are older kids in the group, slide down the playground of inflatables.

Catch the inflatables during the weekends from 1pm to 3pm in early and late season or all throughout the week from 3 July – 18 August. 

During the early and late season there is live music which can be enjoyed by everyone after the inflatables close. 

Day tickets start from free for under 5’s to £10.40 for adults. £1 deposit required for lockers.

Inverness Walk, Inverness – free 

If a hike up the hills at Inverness is on the itinerary, don’t forget to check out this walk around River Ness and Ness Islands. 

Explore Inverness by finding key sights of the city close to the station.

Highlights include the Inverness Cathedral designed by Alexander Ross, the Inverness Castle, and the floating Ness Islands.

On the walk, cross footbridges and spot fishermen catching salmon and birds frolicking along the river.

Free Admission

Northern Ireland

Street Art, Belfast – free

Belfast is known for its colourful streets and going on a Belfast Street Art Walking Tour may be the perfect way to learn how this creative community became so famous.

Starting from the Duke of York, go on a 2 hour walk and discover the artists who have transformed the vibrant walls of the Cathedral Quarter for £10.80.

Alternatively, download the Street Arts Cities app on your phone and go on a self-guided tour at your own pace for free. 

Prices start from free – £10.80

Ulster Museum, Belfast – free

Visit Belfast’s Botanic Gardens and drop into free workshops where kids can discover their inner fashionista or book into object handling sessions.

The interactive center offers ways to connect with creativity or learn about artefacts from different civilisations and natural wonders. 

Free Admission

17th Century Walls, Londonderry – free 

Marvel at the only walled city of Derry built in 1613-1618 and learn about the history and heritage it holds. 

Check out the impressive collection of 7 gates and cannons which have been carefully looked after and restored.

Free Admission

The Giant’s Lair, Slieve Gullion Adventure Playpark – free

Transport your little ones to the land of giants, fairies, and pixies with this free fairytale trail at Slieve Gullion Forest Park in County Armagh.

Walk the same path of mischievous Flynn the fairy and be careful not to wake the sleeping giant, Slieve Gullion.

Find fairy houses, sip on dandelion tea at the Giant’s table, pass the ladybird house and catch a glimpse of the naughty witch, Calliagh Berra. 

Free Admission

Wales

Caerphilly Cheese Festival, Caerphilly, Wales – free

Making a return, the Caerphilly Cheese Festival takes place on the 29th and 30th August at Caerphilly Town Centre and is free to attend. 

Explore the packed schedule consisting of food, drink and craft stalls, funfair attractions, street and music entertainers.

Don’t forget to gorge on cheese while you are there.

Free Admission

Cardiff Bay Barrage, Cardiff – free

For something free, families can choose to go on a stroll or an easy bike ride while enjoying the views of Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary.

Check out other facilities such as the children’s play area, Skate Plaza and adiZone outdoor gym. 

Free Admission

Margam Country Park, Port Talbot – free 

Near Port Talbot, there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family at this park with free entry. 

Visit the Fairytale Village and step into miniature houses with whimsical themes, play a game of giant chess and draughts, or wander through the willow cathedral. 

A unique feature is the Wood Vibrations Trail where kids have the opportunity to create music and appreciate nature.

Pass the giant musical instruments made from felled trees, grab a stick and watch them play their hearts out.

Free Admission, but car park charges apply (£8.90 for cars or £5.90 if arriving 2 hours before closing)

Holyhead Festival, Newry Beach – from free

From 23 July – 26th July, celebrate culture with the community at the Holyhead festival at Newry Beach with music, street food and craft stalls. 

There is also a programme of fun such as the Family Foam Sessions (With Peppa Pig) and fairground rides, although additional charges may apply (£5 and under) 

Free Admission. Foam Party tickets start at £2 for adults and £5 for children attending Peppa Pig sessions.

ANOTHER problem has arisen with the new EES entry rules for Europe and it could affect thousands of people.

In a recent case, one woman was questioned about her travels when she was confused for her sister.

EES has been introduced to use biometrics and fingerprinting to stop the need for manual checks at the border.

But it appeared that the system failed to correctly identify one woman from her twin sister.

As reported by Politico, the case involved one Brit who was accused of being illegally in the Schengen zone.

She was questioned by police while trying to fly back to the UK from Cluj-Napoca in Romania in May.

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Romanian authorities at the airport said that the woman’s departure hadn’t been properly recorded after a visit to Amsterdam in April 2026.

The problem was that she hadn’t been to Amsterdam – but her identical twin sister had.

EES appeared to have confused the twins despite taking biometrics.

The woman was questioned for about 15-minutes but was ultimately allowed to fly home.

Around 12,000 sets of twins are born in the UK every year, so this could cause problems for thousands of people.

Asking experts what could have caused the flaw in the system, Niovi Vavoula, chair in cyber policy at the University of Luxembourg, gave two possible explanations.

The first suggestion is that there may have been an improperly registered exit for the twin in Amsterdam.

The second they explained could have been down to the Romanian authorities in Cluj.

Niovi Vavoula told Politico, “It appears that the authorities are not well trained to distinguish between different processes and rely on facial images as the sole identification method.

“The fact they didn’t check the passport details in the EES, nor take into account that the EES is still fresh and there are various problems, shows what is called anchoring bias — when you rely on the first piece of evidence and disregard everything else.”

Romanian Border Police responded in a statement that said that EES had functioned properly at the time.

But that data in the system had to be “corrected” by border staff, who it added had not followed “applicable operational procedures.”

They added “we emphasise that this is an isolated incident and should not be considered representative of the overall performance of the [EES] system.”

ONE of the world’s largest airlines is launching new seats for economy passengers – and they’re a game-changer.

Emirates has revealed ‘U-Dream Headrest’ seats for economy passengers which have headrests that turn into neck pillows.

The seat means you won’t need to bring your own onboard, as the headrest is adjustable in a number of ways.

It will also be padded, as well as able to move up and down and tilt, for different heights.

The design of the headrest means that it will support passengers’ necks and heads, making it easier to fall asleep.

The new seat will be on all of the airline’s A350s as well as most of its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.

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The first planes to get the new headrest will be the A350s by the end of this year.

The airline also previously ordered 270 new Boeing 777Xs, which will all have the headrest.

And then next year, the airline will install the headrest on its Airbus A380s and existing Boeing 777s.

Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline said: “Emirates never rests on its laurels when it comes to customer experience and we have found a way to significantly improve the comfort for Economy Class passengers, especially those travelling long-haul.

“The U-Dream changes the game if the person wants to sleep – by supporting the neck in full. No more neck pillows needed.

“It’s another innovation that shows our commitment to customers and cements our Economy Class as the best.”

It isn’t the only upgrade set to come to the airline, with suggestions of the world’s first ever private bathrooms onboard.

You’ll have to start saving though, as these will only be for First Class passengers.

During the June heatwave, we took a trip down to the great British seaside, where Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel had something special on offer

Bournemouth vastly expanded in the 1800s as wealthy Victorians came to convalesce among the town’s famous, inflammation-soothing pine trees.

Strolling through the town, I can’t quite catch the scent of those historic pines – but the sea breeze coupled with the olfactory overload of a nearby doughnut stand is equally reviving.

While the trees may no longer soothe my woes, there is a mountain of scientific research proving that being by the water really does boost spirits.

Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, in his book Blue Mind, wrote how exposure to blue spaces – including the glorious British seaside – can act as medicine for the brain, effectively lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol and boosting overall happiness. For me, it is an undeniable truth: being by the sea brings a sense of calm that I simply cannot replicate anywhere else.

Luckily, I am soaking up all of these benefits from my seaside cottage at Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel, which offers incredible, sweeping views from its hillside perch.

For many of us, 2026 is the year of the staycation. With thousands of holidaymakers enduring airport chaos and the EU’s troublesome new entry/exit system, opting to stay closer to home makes sense.

But while staying in the UK gets rid of most problems, it can still be a gamble: the fickle British weather, the uninspiring reality of holiday rentals that look fabulous online, and the long list of check-out demands by so-called hosts.

If you’re looking for the perfect compromise – which offers the privacy of a private rental, but with four-star luxury and no cleaning demands – the hotel’s new coastal cottages have cracked the code.

Marriott has revamped its 19th century former coastguard cottages into a set of stunning boutique retreats. Designed by Joanna Knight Interiors, they feature a gorgeous coastal aesthetic packed with sandy neutrals, retro Smeg fridges, and beach-hut-coloured front doors.

The service when we arrive after a long, sticky drive during the June heatwave is top notch. We arrived at a cottage where staff had already thoughtfully blasted the air conditioning, and were handed a kids’ activity pack at reception.

Best of all, there was no requirement to strip the sheets or empty the bins at the end of our stay, leaving us more time to enjoy the hotel’s perks, including a 24-hour gym and a well-heated outdoor pool.

Complete with a range of games in the garden for kids, including giant Jenga, while there’s a fully stocked pool-side bar for adults, along with grandstand views of the pier, it is remarkably hard to drag yourself away from the surroundings and into the town itself.

You don’t have to venture far to eat well, with the on-site Brasserie Blanc restaurant serving up an impressive feast for every meal.

For dinner, I followed a wise proverb: cheese is love, and cheese with cream is extra love, meaning I had to order the cheese soufflé (£8.50) – it was delicious, with a beautifully light, airy texture, while my guests opted for a tasty looking Devon crab and avocado with garlic croutons for their starter (£9.95).

The mains include a spectacular sirloin (£29.95) alongside an impressive Chateaubriand (£69.95) for two: succulent, perfectly seasoned, teamed with a punchy pepper sauce, and accompanied by very decent fries. For dessert, the lemon tart (£9.50) went down extremely well, as did the classic crème brûlée (£6.95). The mocktail menu is surprisingly strong – if often feels like an afterthought at most places, but here, I got to enjoy an alcohol-free margarita (£10.95) that left me reeling at how punchy it was.

Even the children’s menu is surprisingly decent, with a welcome absence of standard beige chicken nuggets; instead, it offers a large variety of healthy, delicious dishes including grilled trout and veggie bolognese. Thanks to the temporary summer VAT cut, it is also well-priced at £9.50 for two courses or £12.50 for three.

Dining on the large outside terrace where I could breathe in the sea air, I left the table feeling spiritually lighter despite the three-course meal.

That welcoming atmosphere carried me straight into a buzzy evening, with the hotel bar packed with drinkers ready for a fun night out before the England match.

The next morning, breakfast continued to the same high standard, with a vast range of hot and cold items, including an exceptional cooked-to-order omelette bar, a high-quality full English fry-up and a great Continental spread.

Fuelled up for the day, Bournemouth beach called to us. Helpfully, it is just a three-minute stroll from the hotel, which is a godsend when you’re travelling with kids. Its golden sands are stunning, and at seven miles long, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out.

Bournemouth is a town of brilliant dualities. While parts of the town centre can look slightly worse for wear, looking beyond the high street reveals world-class coastal beauty.

The nearby Hengistbury Head is well worth a visit, a sprawling nature reserve offering great views of the Isle of Wight and gentle walks.

Closer to the hotel, right by Bournemouth Beach, sits the Oceanarium. We found this to be very reasonably priced at £35 for a family and a perfect sanctuary during the heat. It is a great spot for kids to burn off some energy in the shade, while staring down sharks, stingrays, and penguins.

And of course, the iconic pier remains an absolute must for older kids, packed to the brim with traditional arcade, fairground rides and a set of indoor climbing walls.

By combining a private cottage with the luxuries of a landmark hotel, the Highcliff Marriott has set a new standard for the great British staycation.

Book it

• A private Coastal Cottage is available from £130/night (based on two sharing). Fine out more here.

Tourists say people were putting the towels on the beds first thing then not coming back until 4pm

Resort workers have been hailed heroes after being filmed removing piles of towels from unoccupied sunbeds reserved by holidaymakers. The viral clip has delighted travellers fed up with people claiming loungers for hours without using them.

It was filmed at Camping Le Marsouins in Argelès-sur-Mer, near Perpignan, France. With several holiday resorts now introducing rules to stop guests reserving sunbeds they are not using, staff at the campsite decided to take matters into their own hands.

The clip, which has racked up over three million views and 80,000 likes, showed two members of staff in yellow and red uniforms collecting towels from empty loungers. They piled the abandoned towels onto a single sunbed, freeing up the rest for guests who are actually using the pool

Vir Ginie, who filmed the video, explained why staff stepped in. She said: “The idea is to free up unoccupied sun loungers. People come and leave their towels as soon as the pool opens, then leave and come back around 4pm, for example.

“So the loungers are unavailable for people at the pool and, in high season, it causes problems and annoys the other holidaymakers.”

The clip reignited the long-running debate over holidaymakers reserving poolside loungers for hours before returning to use them.

One viewer said: “About time – all hotels should be doing this.” Another said: A big round of applause for these staff members.

“This is exactly how it should be in every hotel.” While a third said: “All hotels should do this.”

Canterbury for Evensong. Is there a more delightful cluster of syllables in the English language? Old English, I should say, as æfensang comes from that tongue, an update on the Latin-derived “vespers”. But whatever you call the service, Canterbury Cathedral does it in style. How beautiful the singing from the choristers in their white and purple. How beautiful the light as it honeys the stone of the quire. I had been in the city only an hour or so, and considered this early evening worship a sort of overture for my stay.

What a relief to get inside the great stone building. The lovely old city was horrible with heat. A statue of Chaucer on High Street appeared overdressed in robe, cloak and hat. He held out a page inscribed with the opening lines of The Canterbury Tales: “When in April the sweet showers fall … Then people long to go on pilgrimages.” The bronze had been hot to the touch and I began to suspect that I’d made a mistake starting my own pilgrimage at midsummer.

Walking to the cathedral, I had passed the former site of the Royal Fountain, where the travel writer HV Morton stayed in 1939. Morton chose the inn because it was quiet, Canterbury being very noisy in his experience, forever busy with tourist traffic. “And who can deny,” he wrote, “that the mobility given to masses of people by the cheap motor-car and the motor-bus has revived a wave of secular pilgrimage in Protestant England within the past 20 years and multiplied relics in a way unparalleled since the heyday of the Middle Ages?”

One could voice similar sentiments now. Pilgrimage is having a moment and has been for a while. According to YouGov research for the British Pilgrimage Trust in 2025, 3.7 million British adults have already made a pilgrimage, and almost one in five are considering making one. What is going on?

Torin Brown is the man to ask. The pilgrim officer at the cathedral meets many arriving in the city on foot and others for whom it is the start of a long, challenging walk. “We’ve seen a resurgence in pilgrimage in the last 10 years, especially since Covid. People are looking back to the old ways in their search for meaning. Even those who declare themselves atheists are engaging in this ancient religious ritual of walking to sacred spaces.”

Canterbury’s popularity as a pilgrimage site was accelerated by the murder in the cathedral of archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170 and his speedy elevation to sainthood. His shrine was among the most popular in Europe.

There are a number of historic routes to Canterbury, among them the Pilgrims’ Way from Winchester, the Old Way from Southampton, and the Augustine Camino from Rochester. Sarah Mullally, the new archbishop, spent six days walking from St Paul’s Cathedral ahead of her installation in March this year. My plan was to walk the English leg of the Via Francigena, which links Canterbury with Rome. This would mean reaching Dover in a day – about 20 miles. I had an OS map, the Via Francigena app, and a pilgrim passport, which Torin stamped before my departure. “You are now part of this wonderful history and tradition of pilgrimage,” he said.

I wouldn’t be leaving until the following day, so there was time for a proper look around the cathedral. They were tuning the organ, the building echoing with eerie drones and groans, which somehow gave a medieval air. I sat in the nave, beneath a vault built during the reign of Henry IV, and watched as a woman with a silver bob worked her way down the south aisle, cleaning memorials and tombs. She had a feather duster in one hand, a yellow cloth in the other and carried a pale blue handbag in the crook of her left arm. Her name, she told me, was Cilla.

“I’m one of the Holy Dusters! We’re the lowest of the low!” In the cathedral hierarchy, she said, the volunteer cleaners were below the florists and the welcomers. “And the older I get, the more that suits me.”

Cilla didn’t seem the sort of lady whose age one asks, so I contented myself with observing that the building was beautiful. “Isn’t it! I grew up in Salisbury, so I’m used to a more modern cathedral, but this is growing on me. Well, it would after 47 years.”

And she went on her way up the north aisle, dusting recumbent effigies of archbishops and deans, not neglecting to wipe beneath the ruff of Sir John Boys, who died in 1612. Forget memento mori, here was the true equality of the grave, every great man coming to the same humble pass – his stone face tickled by the feathers of the Holy Duster.

Next morning, I was out at first light. The heatwave was intensifying and I wanted to get ahead of the sun. A gull sat high on the cathedral gate, looking down as I touched the scallop shell, symbol of pilgrimage, carved into the wooden door.

The route is waymarked with the logo of the Via Francigena: a pilgrim carrying a staff. It follows the North Downs Way, so you can also look for the acorn sign.

Mist lay in the fields, working its alchemy. Copses became floating islands. Pylons were robot ramblers; I envied the length of their stride. Still, despite my shorter pace, I reached Shepherdswell by 8am and refilled my water bottle from a tap set into the church wall.

I had thought of stopping at this village and catching the train to Dover. To press on meant another 10 miles. But I was too much in love with the idea of walking to the coast – until the land, not my legs, gave out.

Over the next hours, I had cause to regret that decision. The sun, so gentle at rising, turned vicious. Nine felt like noon. What would noon feel like? The earth in field paths was hard and cracked. Nodules of flint lay around like bones. I considered lying down and adding my own. Pilgrimage? More like an act of atonement. Henry II, in penance for Becket’s murder, walked barefoot into Canterbury and was whipped by the monks. That was my whole vibe now.

Once in a while, I’d pass a garden and someone would look up from watering their roses and say good morning. I said it back, but wondered: “How can it still be morning?” Worst of all was a man floating in his pool, happy as a hippo in a mudhole. I was too Scottish and reserved to ask if I could join him.

Arriving in Dover at midday, I went to the museum to get my pilgrim passport stamped. If continuing the Via Francigena, I’d catch a ferry to Calais. But I had another destination in mind. I passed a sign saying Welcome to England and another for Dame Vera Lynn Way and then there they were – the White Cliffs. So bright, so beautiful. The Channel was a blue haze; France a shadow.

I hope one day, before long, to be on the other side of that water, exploring the cathedrals of Europe. But, for now, this footsore pilgrim was on a more humdrum quest: ice-cream and a pack of blister plasters.

Economy passengers will continue to receive a complimentary beer or wine served with their main meal, but will now be required to pay if they want additional alcoholic beverages

A carrier has changed its rules concerning alcohol on board flights, leaving passengers with mixed responses.

TUI Airlines offers economy passengers up to three free alcoholic drinks on long-haul flights, but passengers will now have to pay for drinks from November 1.

Customers will continue to receive complimentary soft drinks throughout their flight as well as a complimentary beer or wine served with their main meal. However, they will now be required to pay for additional alcoholic beverages onboard.

Adults with existing bookings affected by the change will receive a £12.50 refund per flight, each way.

Passengers in the premium cabin will not be affected.

Passengers took to social media to respond to the change.

One Tiktok user said: “Good, I am glad. I sat on a 10-hour flight to Mexico last year, a wedding group of about 20 adults where absolutely pissed before even getting on.

“TUI still served them for about 7 hours. I was fuming; it was like a flight to Ibiza with 18-year-olds.”

Another user said: “All alcohol should be banned from airports and aeroplanes, it causes too much trouble.”

Others were angered by the change, with one Tiktok user saying: “TUI are dead to me.”

Another said: “It shouldn’t have to be a blanket ban for everyone. People just need to have more control. Many just enjoy one or two drinks, and I don’t see an issue with that.”

“Sadly, some people ruin it for everyone else.”

Earlier this year, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary told The Times that airports should be banned from serving alcohol to passengers prior early flights to reduce disruption.

A Ryanair spokesperson subsequently told Metro: “The problem is not drinking on board one-hour flights; the excessive drinking occurs in airport terminals where no limits are placed on alcohol consumption, especially during flight delays.

“Ryanair have several processes in place to manage disruptive passengers onboard, including crew’s discretion to limit the number of drinks permitted to be purchased inflight.”

Ryanair introduced a €500 fine for disruptive passengers in June 2025.

Intoxication is a regular cause of trouble on aircrafts. Civil Aviation Authority statistics for 2019 showed that there were 390 occasions when airlines reported “difficulty in controlling intoxicated, violent or unruly passengers”.

By 2023, the number had risen to 1,245 incidents, and in 2024 it remained over 1,000.

Being drunk on a plane is a criminal offence and can be punished by a fine of up to £5,000 and two years’ imprisonment.

Claire Howard, 48, flew from Birmingham to Beauvais, northern France, for a day of food, sightseeing and sunshine — she was back in the UK by midnight and said the whole trip cost just £70

A teacher hopped on a plane to France for lunch and claims it was more affordable than a standard day out in the UK.

Claire Howard jetted off to Beauvais, France, for a leisurely day of dining, exploring and sunshine and was back home before midnight. The 48-year-old woman found return Ryanair flights for merely £27 and secured them a month beforehand.

The early morning flight departed Birmingham at approximately 7.30am, with the homebound journey leaving at 11pm. Her husband gave her a lift to the airport, and she caught a £1.80 bus to Beauvais that took 15 minutes. Claire, who is a mum, believes the entire trip, including flights, buses, food, and drink, came to roughly £70.

Claire, from Birmingham, said: “I’ve been to Paris a few times and didn’t want to travel in from Beauvais as Paris is really pricey and busy.

“I just wanted to see what was actually in Beauvais itself for a relaxing day of wandering, eating, and drinking. I just saw on Skyscanner that return flights were only £27, so I went for it.

“It’s exciting to go to a different country just for lunch or to explore for a day. The bus from the airport to the centre is very cheap. It’s just a different feeling abroad.

“It makes it feel much more like an adventure than just going somewhere at home. I don’t want to pay £50 to go to the cinema and lunch here in a shopping centre when I can go and experience so much more abroad for a very reasonable price.”

The English teacher spent her morning exploring the city’s weekly Saturday market, treating herself to a coffee and a pain au chocolat for just £4. She then unwound with a drink in the town square, soaking up live music before hopping in a £10 Uber to Plan d’Eau du Canada, a beloved lakeside destination.

For lunch, she put together an £8 French-style picnic featuring a supermarket baguette, cheese, and a small bottle of wine, which she enjoyed while reading and sunbathing beside the water. Her packed itinerary also took in Beauvais Cathedral and the neighbouring Musée de l’Oise, both of which were completely free to enter.

The day wrapped up with a Pad Thai supper at a nearby Thai restaurant for roughly £10, before she made her way back to the airport for her evening flight home. She also picked up an £8 bracelet as a memento of her trip.

Claire said: “I’d say it could probably be done even cheaper. I do stay over in some places depending on flight times but it wasn’t necessary for this trip as the flight times fit and I could still have an evening meal and a full day.

“There’s no point in staying over to get a flight home the next morning as it’s a waste of accommodation money.” Claire admits she’s become completely addicted to budget day trips overseas after stumbling across bargain flights from Birmingham Airport, jetting off to a new destination almost every month.

Just this year alone, she’s already ticked off Bergamo in Italy, Malaga in Spain, Valetta in Malta, Poznan in Poland, and Porto in Portugal. She’s already snapped up return flights to Poland and Berlin in August for just £70.

Claire said: “I’m just led by what is possible and affordable. I can’t take time off at all in term time but I have Tuesdays off so I do like to make use of them.

“I just love the way you can do and see so much in the same time that you might waste a day at home just watching Netflix and doomscrolling. I usually find the best prices four to six weeks in advance. My husband doesn’t like short trips so he’s not jealous.”

THE SCHOOL summer holidays have finally started and if you have kids, you’ll definitely be looking for things to do.

One of the best ways to keep kids entertained – and in gloriously cool air-con – is a theatre show, and many cost less than the cost of a cinema ticket.

According to research conducted by SeatPlan, families can still see some of London’s biggest productions from as little as £12 this summer – less than the price of a medium Domino’s pizza.

So here are the best they’ve found for all ages, ranging from two to 13.

Age two and older

Be Like Blippi – from £24 per ticket

Blippi is a well-known children’s TV character and this summer, in London, you can catch them on stage with a new interactive show.

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The show boasts music, learning and audience participation.

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show – from £12 per ticket

What kid doesn’t love Peppa Pig?

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show features the TV show’s most-loved characters including Peppa themself.

The show is also interactive.

Ages three to four

The Tiger Who Came to Tea – from £12 per ticket

The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a much-loved children’s book, so what better way to enjoy it more than seeing the theatre adaptation?

You can expect songs and audience interaction throughout.

The Gruffalo – from £12 per ticket

Another show based on a children’s book is The Gruffalo.

Bring Julia Donaldson’s character to life, the 55-minute show features three characters that the audience interacts with including singing songs.

SeatPlan recommends for the smaller shows, including plays and dramas, it is better to sit closer to the stage so you can see all the performers.

Ages five to six

Matilda The Musical – from £24 per ticket

For kids a little older, Matilda is a great option – with a powerful story about imagination and courage, it remains one of the capital’s most popular family shows for a reason.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding, who recently saw the show, said: “I have to admit – while I loved Rah Dahl growing up, Matilda was not my favourite story of his.

“But, any excuse to see one of his stories on stage, and I’ll be there.

“And now I take everything back – the stage show is better than the film and does the book justice, with an amazing stage set and catchy songs that will get your hips moving in your seat.

“The fact that most the performers in this show are children just make it all the more impressive.

“Definitely will be loved by both parents and children alike.”

For bigger productions, SeatPlan advises sitting further back so you can fully take in the stage and sets.

The Lion King – from £40 per ticket

The Lion King is consistently dubbed one of the best stage shows in London and follows the classic story you know and love from the Disney movie.

And it isn’t one just for the kids, adults who grew up with the films will love it just as much.

Cyann also recently saw the show and said: “Mindblowing is the first thought that comes to mind when I think of The Lion King stage show.

“The costumes, the songs, the dancing, the sets – are all simply breathtaking.

“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be inspired and you’ll leave wanting to immediately watch it again.”

Despite being the most expensive show on this list, the team at SeatPlan states: “The cheapest seats aren’t always the worst seats.

“In many West End theatres, moving back just a few rows can save £30-£60 per ticket with very little difference in the overall view.”

Ages seven to eight

Wicked – from £25 per ticket

Thanks to the recent films, there is no better time to go and see Wicked on stage.

The show has amazing visuals, memorable songs and a story which both kids and adults can enjoy.

Cyann said: “Wicked was the very first West End I ever watched and it did not disappoint.

“Not knowing what to expect from a West End show, Wicked blew me away with its breathtaking sets, detailed costumes, emotional and inspiring songs and dramatic effects that will leave your mind blown.

“To date, it is still one of the best West End shows I’ve seen.”

Disney’s Hercules – from £29 per ticket

Full of humour, known songs and outgoing characters, Hercules is perfect for children ready for bigger productions.

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill said: “Zero to Hero, Go the Distance, I Won’t Say I’m in Love – I was hit with a wave of nostalgia when I went to see Hercules at Royal Drury Lane.

“The production of the Disney film has everything you want from a musical, fabulous dance routines, comedy, tragedy and a bit of cheese too.

“The highlight has to be The Muses, a group of five goddesses, and they have the voices of them too.

“Their incredible outfits dazzled with every number – and each time they took to the stage, they were met with rapturous applause.

“I’d go back purely to see them sing A Star is Born.”

Ages nine to 10

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – from £31 per ticket

For younger Harry Potter fans, this magical stage production has spectacular effects, surprises and adventure throughout.

Cyann said: “As a massive Harry Potter fan, I had been wanting to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for years.

“I eventually then won the lottery for cheap tickets and saw both parts – though it is soon being merged into one performance.

“It is a must for Potterheads and will leave you smiling, crying and feel inspired.

“The onstage tricks also help to make it feel as if you are one of the students at Hogwarts.”

Horrible Histories – from £19 per ticket

What kid didn’t watch Horrible Histories when growing up?

And now kid can re-live it through its stage performance, complete with jokes, song and educational moments.

When it comes to picking a show, the bigger names might be tempting but SeatPlan advises: “Look beyond the biggest show – everyone heads straight for the biggest blockbuster musicals, but many newer productions offer outstanding entertainment with much lower ticket prices.”

Ages 11 to 13

Hamilton – from £24 per ticket

One of the biggest theatre phenomena in the world. Older children and teenagers studying history or interested in music will be completely hooked by its unique blend of storytelling, rap and musical theatre.

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens said: “There’s a reason the Hamilton soundtrack is the most streamed musical theatre soundtrack of all time.

“Watching the show on the West End will have you uncontrollably moving to its 90’s R&B and Hip Hop-inspired songs, plus the harmonies of the Schuyler sisters really scratch that itch in your brain.

“It’s the history class you wish you had been taught: fast, funny, and heart-wrenching all at once.”

Mamma Mia! – from £18 per ticket

Perfect for families wanting a theatre trip that everyone can enjoy. Older children and teenagers will love the ABBA soundtrack, while parents get the nostalgia factor.

Cyann said: “Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good film and the show is the same.

“You can expect all the iconic songs to sing along too, as well as vibrant sets and costumes that transport you to Greece.”