holidays

The drive to Pedrovo is vertiginous, and each hairpin bend has me sending a silent prayer that we won’t meet a tractor coming the other way. When we near it, we abandon the car and continue on foot to the hamlet, a scattering of red-roofed, whitewashed houses high on the steep karst hillside. The air is warm and dry, scented with wild sage.

We follow a hand-painted sign to Čilčevi Farmstead. Descending stone steps to a lush garden, we find a shaded table set with fresh cheeses produced at the farm’s own dairy. Below, the valley stretches in both directions, a wide flat plain hemmed in by steep mountain slopes, with the Vipava River winding lazily through fields and vineyards.

If the Vipava valley gets a mention in a Slovenian guidebook, it’s usually as a wine region footnote. The area is an hour’s drive south-west of Ljubljana, meeting Italy at the cross-border city of Nova Gorica (called Gorizia on the Italian side). Most visitors skip it in favour of the Soča valley to the north, drawn to the turquoise river and opportunities for rafting on the rapids.

Vipava is a landscape shaped by a strong wind, the burja, which barrels down from the Alps, keeping the red earth arid, the trees bent low, and creating the perfect terrain for dry wines and dried meats. Tourism has traditionally been less of a focus, but I’m here with my family to meet local entrepreneurs and producers, to learn how this valley is building a genuine visitor experience that works for the community.

Part of the reason for the slow development of tourism has been the scarcity of accommodation, save a few nondescript business hotels and a handful of holiday cottages. One place that’s helping change that narrative is Wellba, a boutique guesthouse in the village of Planina, where an old abandoned farmstead has been converted into self-catering apartments and guest rooms by a local couple, working with traditional craftspeople and salvaged materials.

Marko and Tereza Kobal grew up on this hillside and then worked in Ljubljana before deciding to return to build a family business, striving to create the kind of place they seek out when travelling. “People who travel want to experience something that is just the way it is, without embellishment, pretence, exaggeration – somewhere authentic,” says Marko. We enter Wellba through a traditional “black kitchen”, its walls darkened by generations of wood smoke. “When we came here the building needed work but it had a real soul. We want the building to stand for another 300 years, so we took the renovation slowly and carefully.”

Our light, spacious accommodation wears its history lightly, with plenty of space for playing card games and reading books on the balcony, with views of the neighbouring farmyard and the valley beyond. Next door, another tumble-down farm building will be converted and opened in 2027. The couple are also working on a boutique hotel in Vipava town in the valley below. The dream is for their children to run Wellba one day, forging their futures in this valley.

Across Vipava, similar small projects are emerging: small, family-run and developing slowly and thoughtfully. Tom Ločniškar and Borut Kokalj began Čilčevi Farmstead during the pandemic, having moved to Pedrovo and become interested in farming. “We started to keep animals. Now we have 150, which is too many animals for just a hobby,” laughs Tom.

He recalls the mad panic to source equipment before the lockdowns began. The pandemic also brought him his first customers, people who were out walking and keen to support local businesses. Tom and Borut keep local Istrska sheep and Drežnica goats, which graze on dry karst grasslands, changing pastures across this hillside every four days. Having tasted fresh cheese straight from the chill of the dairy, including creamy goat’s cheese with fenugreek and buttery mature sheep’s cheese, we walk uphill to meet the goats.

Tom says that in the early 1900s around 1,000 people lived in Pedrovo, but by the 1970s the permanent population had fallen to just two, and remained that low until the 1990s. “The village was almost abandoned because people moved to the cities,” he says. “It was the same in a lot of hill villages: life was hard and tractors didn’t work on steep slopes.” Today the population has risen to 20, with second homeowners roughly doubling that number in the holidays.

Elsewhere in the village, I meet Alenka and Mark Smerajc, who were one of the first families to return, raising three children and running a business here. Today they have two small holiday cottages in what were farm outbuildings and run a relaxed courtyard restaurant for guests, opening to the public at weekends and for holidays. “People wanted food,” shrugs Alenka, as her teenage children help bring out beautiful plates of handmade pasta with local cheese and wild herbs from the kitchen.

“In Vipava valley there was no tourism, so we got to decide how to build it,” says Jani Peljhan. That means GPS-guided cycling tours along roads too small to merit signposts, and experimenting with “wine trains”, carrying visitors from Nova Gorica to the vineyards with local winemakers on board to lead tasting sessions.

Jani’s company, Wajdušna, also offers hiking and paragliding, both gaining in popularity here. He meets us at Wellba with some e-bikes and we pedal through Ajdovščina to spot Roman ruins, and up to Vipavski Križ, famed for being one of the smallest towns in Slovenia, before zigzagging back up the other side of the valley through vineyards. The warmth of the afternoon and the steep hillsides makes me appreciate the “sport” mode on the bikes.

In other regions, wine tourism often means visitor centres and branded experiences. In Vipava it still means sitting in someone’s kitchen. At Vina Lisjak in Zalošče, I eat at a little restaurant run by two brothers. “We opened the restaurant to show the wine,” says Peter Lisjak. “It’s all from our farm.” We eat generous platters of house dried meat, aged mountain cheeses, a fennel frittata and slow-cooked celeriac steaks with celery pesto and spinach. Dishes are served family style and there’s plenty of time for stories, with samples of delicious wine straight from the barrels in the cellar.

From Wellba, we walk across the village to Ferjančič vineyard, where seventh generation winemaker Matic Ferjančič talks us through his wines. His father developed the vineyard, going from five to 50,000 plants. “We work hard in the vineyard to make it easy in the cellar,” he says. As we chat, Matic keeps an ear to the baby monitor for the eighth generation sleeping upstairs.

Although many of my favourite restaurant experiences are the simple ones, Vipava valley cuisine can reach loftier heights. One night we smarten up the best we can and follow a winding road uphill to Zemono Manor, to eat at Gostilna Pri Lojzetu. Chef Tomaž Kavčič is known as a Slovenian slow food pioneer, and has earned a Michelin star for his playful dishes and proud use of local ingredients.

We eat delicate Vipava river trout with fermented apricots from the previous summer, and langoustine bisque from the coast. Traditional dishes such as jota, a sauerkraut and potato stew, are honoured on the menu, their humble roots celebrated not hidden. There are some theatrics, like a juniper plant producing flavoured vapour to complement a sorbet, but the restaurant atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The server chats with my young stepson about his preferences, and brings him a generous bowl of gnocchi. It’s Kavčič’s night off so he sits with friends and a bottle of wine at the back of the restaurant, coming round all the tables frequently to chat.

Vipava may not remain overlooked for ever. But talking to the people building businesses here, there is little appetite for becoming the next famous wine destination. What they seem to want instead is something rarer and more interesting: tourism that helps a place thrive without changing what made it worth visiting in the first place.

The trip was provided by Vipava Valley Tourism and the Slovenian Tourist Board. Wellba Planina has doubles from £97

Some locals claim the tunnel is haunted by the ghost of a murdered teenager.

Hidden at the bottom of the world is a tunnel which is shadowed in years of history. Thousands of cars travel through it daily, and as they do, they sound their horns.

The tunnel is a cacophony of beeping and tooting at all hours of the day and night – all thanks to a murder which has haunted the city since 1931. The Mount Victoria Tunnel is part of a well-used stretch of highway in Wellington, New Zealand.

According to legend, the reason drivers lean on their horns as they travel through the tunnel is in tribute to murdered teenager Phillis Symons.

Phillis was buried alive in dirt fill during the tunnel’s construction.

She was only 17 and was pregnant when her boyfriend George Coats, a worker on the construction of the tunnel, knocked her unconscious with a pipe.

George then dumped Phillis in the dirt fill. Her body was found hunched over, meaning she had tried to escape the soil.

George was sentenced to death for the murder, and was hanged in December 1931.

The tunnel was opened to the public in the same year.

Now, almost a hundred years later, the 632 metre long tunnel echoes constantly with the sound of car horns which residents believe either wards off spirits, or pays tribute to the memory of Phillis.

Some locals say the tunnel is haunted – others say the constant beeping is the only thing that haunts the road.

The tunnel is the subject of a £1.27billion (between NZD$2.9b and NZD$3.8b) infrastructure project which would see a second tunnel built alongside the first to try and alleviate the severe bottlenecks which occur in the tunnel.

The current one is only two lanes, and frequently closes due to crashes, causing traffic jams that can last hours.

According to RNZ, the project has been granted fast track approval – but as of last week there was still no expected start date.

TENNESSEE’S governor Bill Lee announced on Friday that Nashville International Airport will be no more – as the state looks for a new name in tribute to late icon Dolly Parton.

It comes just three days after the superstar’s death at 80 with Dolly Parton fans begging lawmakers to rename a major hub after the country icon.

The movement has also received support from lawmakers.

The petition to rename the Nashville International Airport after Parton gained nearly 130,000 signatures.

“We request that the airport’s name be changed to Dolly Parton International Airport to honor an icon who has given so much to our state and to the world,” the petition on Change.com read.

“Sign the petition to make this change a reality. We could all be Departin’ from Parton!!”

The petition had originally started in January 2025, but has gained 80,000 signatures since Parton died on Tuesday.

“Dolly deserves to be remembered and celebrated,” the updated petition reads.

“What a wonderful way to share her light and magic across Tennessee and the world.”

It called on Governor Bill Lee and state Representatives Todd Warner, Bob Freeman, and Fred Atchley, to make the change.

Warner pledged his support for the measure.

“Yes I will definitely introduce legislation to rename the BNA airport Dolly Parton International Airport!” he wrote.

Sheryl Crow also joined in on the calls to rename the airport.

During an Instagram Live with Katie Couric, she said, “Yes! I think we should,” and joked that she didn’t know what Nashville’s call sign BNA meant.

Governor Lee didn’t take long to act, announcing his intention to rename Nashville Airport on Friday afternoon.

“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” he said.

“From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her.

“At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”

The exact new name of the airport remains unclear – as is the official date the change will happen.

A meeting is currently scheduled for September 17 to discuss.

The country music icon passed away in a Nashville hospital after a brief battle with cancer.

“BNA is the front door to Music City, and with that comes a responsibility to reflect the very best of who we are as a community,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.

“Dolly’s remarkable legacy reminds us that what makes Nashville special is our ability to welcome people from every walk of life.

“She understood that dignity, kindness and opportunity should never be defined by where you come from or your socioeconomic status.

“At BNA, we share that commitment. Whether you are boarding a private aircraft or taking your first flight, you deserve to be welcomed, respected and served with the same level of care. That spirit is what defines BNA and it is a fitting reflection of the values Dolly shared with Tennessee and the world.”

L.A.’s annual summer heat wave is upon us, with triple-digit temperatures breaking records across the region. During this time of year, ovens and stoves go dormant as Southern Californians seek to sate their thirst and hunger with chilled and frozen options, from refreshing poke bowls and ceviches to shaved ice and soft serve.

Our restaurant scene is responding in kind by adding a slew of frozen beverages to their menus. That means you can get your daily coffee or matcha blended for a cool start to the day, or venture outside of your usual and perk up with a Thai tea slushie or hojicha blockshake. And for kids or those avoiding caffeine, a zesty ginger lemonade and nostalgic Dole Whip are at the ready.

Prefer a more adult take? Some of the city’s best bars are reimagining classic cocktails in blended form, from frozen negronis to piña coladas and margaritas. Far from basic, these frozen concoctions are layered and intentional, featuring small-batch mezcal, locally made cider and Belizean rum. Some are served in popsicle or snow cone form, and you can even enjoy your Dole Whip spiked.

Here are 25 of our favorite frozen cocktails and non-alcoholic slushies to cool off with in L.A.:

FINDING a London hotel room that isn’t the size of a shoe box and is actually affordable can be a real challenge.

Luckily, I’ve done my research and have found an underrated hotel that hides a secret bargain.

This stay offers suite-sized rooms for a very reasonable £65 – which is less than what you’d pay for those broom cupboard-sized rooms in the city centre.

Not only that, but the hotel has great connections into Central London, plus has attractions like the Minecraft Experience and The Legend of the Titanic exhibition less than 10 minutes away.

Throw in unlimited free ferry rides across the river to Canary Wharf, and it might just be the best-kept budget hotel hack in the capital.

Here’s everything you need to know about a&o London Docklands Riverside.

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Where is a&o London Docklands Riverside?

a&o London Docklands Riverside is in Rotherhithe, which sits directly opposite swanky London finance district Canary Wharf.

A stay here even comes with free ferry tickets to cross over the river and reach Canary Wharf in a matter of minutes.

You can take the ferry as many times as you’d like during your stay. Ferries come every 15-20 minutes, and run daily until around 11pm.

The easiest way to get to the hotel via public transport is by taking the underground to Canada Water, and then walking around 10 minutes to reach the hotel.

What is the hotel like?

This is a no faff, no-frills spot which makes for the perfect budget-friendly base on a trip to London.

The building is a restored 17th century wharf warehouse, bringing a touch of the area’s maritime history to your stay – but all of the amenities here are super modern.

Everything here is designed for efficiency – the check-in process is quick and easy, there are vending machines throughout with snacks, drinks and toiletries, and reception are on-hand 24 hours a day to help.

There’s an indoor bar and lounge area, plus an outdoor ‘Urban Beach’ bar with plenty of parasol-topped tables for soaking up the sun in the warmer weather.

What are the rooms like?

This London stay offers the ultimate room hack – entire suite-sized rooms from just £65 per night.

a&o London Docklands Riverside used to be a Hilton Doubletree hotel, however since a&o took over ownership, you can snag a large room for a shockingly low price.

This is because some rooms here which were once sold as King Junior Suites are now being sold for the price of a regular double room.

This means that you could bag an entire suite with a big double bed, lounge area with a sofa, desk to work from and even a balcony overlooking the Thames for just £65 per night.

That works out to only £32.50pp per night (almost unheard of for a Central London hotel).

Prices vary depending on the time of year you visit, so if you want to bag this price, make sure to look for off-peak season stays such as weekdays in the winter.

As this accommodation is owned by a&o hostels, there are actually dorm rooms on offer here, too.

If you’re a seasoned traveller that doesn’t mind sharing a room, you could bag a stay here from as little as £19 per night – perfect if you just want a place to crash after a concert or event.

What is there to eat and drink?

Breakfast here is served buffet-style with all the usual suspects – eggs, sausage, bacon, cereals – plus a pancake machine with Nutella and maple syrup.

It’s definitely worth heading out into the city to grab lunch and dinner, as London is full of amazing restaurants inspired by all sorts of cuisines.

Cross the river into Canary Wharf and you’ll soon spot Big Easy – a huge, American-style BBQ restaurant that sits on top of the underground station, with huge neon signage that reflects onto the water below.

Here you can feast on steak, ribs, fries, corn on the cob and more, all lathered in thick barbecue sauce. Messy, but so delicious.

What else is there to do there?

When you’re out in Canary Wharf, make sure to book in a session at Fairgame.

Head towards the giant yellow rubber duck on the waterfront and behind it you’ll find a playground for grown-ups.

Inside there’s street food-style stalls, a bar serving crazy cocktails and, most importantly, loads of fairground-style games like whack-a-mole and basketball hoop-shooting.

If you’ve got kids with you, or just fancy a wholesome day out, hop on the DLR to Mudchute Farm.

Here you’ll find a farm with a surreal feel, where you can see alpacas, goats, sheep, chickens and more grazing grasses backed by London skyscrapers.

There’s even a community garden on-site where you can get stuck in and lend a hand planting flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Is it family friendly?

a&o London Docklands Riverside is family-friendly, with private, family-sized rooms and even pram hire from reception.

The hotel also has dog-friendly rooms, with a fee of £13 per pet per day.

Is the hotel accessible?

The hotel is accessible with step-free access onto the property and elevators to reach the rooms.

Make sure to mention any specific needs you may have upon booking.

A HISTORIC ride at one of the UK’s top theme parks is set to reopen.

Blackpool‘s Pleasure Beach Resort has confirmed that its River Caves ride will reopen after a period of “reimagination”.

The classic water ride first opened in 1905 and is much-loved by families visiting the theme park.

Amanda Jean Thompson OBE, the managing director of Pleasure Beach Resort said: “Hopefully the River Caves will be reopening next year.

“One of the reasons why we had to close when we closed, is because we were hemorrhaging so much water from the ride.

“First of all we’ve got to find where all the leaks are.

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“That’s what we are working on right now.”

She then added details about how the ride will change, commenting: “What I can tell you is what will remain – the Egyptian scene will remain but it and the Angkor Wat scene, which is so integral to Aviktas will remain, but rethemed and redone.

“There will be new scenes of new travels and all different areas of where my grandparents travelled to and my parents travelled to.

“The River Caves are basically the story of where my grandparents travelled to in the close period of the park.

“I think the Blue Grotto may stay because I particularly like that area.”

She joked: “The rest will be new and remains top secret for now, because I keep changing my mind.”

“Will definitely be in the Far East for one section and Latin America for another section.”

“The boats are being done now, and one is currently being redesigned now – we are making them smaller and much more comfortable.”

It comes after visits photographed staff working on the ride the week including refitting wheels before the rides final drop.

River Caves closed back in early 2024 due to technical complications.

Since, little details have been shared about whether the ride would reopen and when.

She also confirmed there’s a new ice show in the making as well.

THE OLDEST scientific attraction in Britain is set to close for more than two years – as it undergoes a multi-million pound renovation.

Visitors have just over two months to make the most of the site before it temporarily shuts.

The Royal Observatory Greenwich has confirmed it will close all buildings from November 2, as part of its “First Light” renovation project.

Following the closures, the 351 year-old site will begin its £77million renovation to transform the area with new galleries, displays and conserving the observatory‘s most historic sections.

Changes set to come include an upgraded visitor entrance, a new lift tower to the Great Equatorial Telescope, and a “revitalised” landscape.

A spokesperson for Royal Observatory Greenwich told News Shopper: “The First Light project represents the most significant transformation of the Royal Observatory in recent years and will secure the future of this internationally important site.

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“Although visitors will not be able to access the observatory buildings during the redevelopment, we are committed to ensuring people can continue to engage with astronomy through a wide range of activities and events taking place.”

In place of the main observatory, a temporary planetarium and the Astronomers Take Over gallery will open at the National Maritime Museum.

The attraction is expected to remain closed until 2028 while works are being carried out.

The project, known as First Light, claims it will bring the story of the “historic site to life” and “make science and astronomy accessible to everyone”.

The landmark project was funded with the help of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Peter Harrison Planetarium at the site is currently already closed, having shut on September 5 last year.

THE WORLD’S top cities for a night out have been revealed with one spot in the UK making the list – and no, it isn’t London, Birmingham or Manchester.

The UK is home to great nights out anywhere you go, but one seaside city in particular has it all.

According to Time Out, Brighton is the best city to go on a night out in the UK and one of the best spots in the world.

The publication commented: “Brighton’s legacy as the home of the UK’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene continues to thrive.

“Of all cities on this ranking, Brighton received the highest score for its sense of community, with 84 per cent of locals saying it’s easy to make connections in the seaside city.”

According to TripAdvisor, the best spot to head to in the city is Maggie Mae’s, which opened back in 2014 and claims to be “one of Brighton’s busiest and most loved venues”.

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For the number one LGBTQ+ nightclub on the South Coast, visit Revenge which has three floors, five VIP booths and even a magic mirror photobooth.

A raunchier option is Madam Lola’s – a cabaret and nightlife experience inside a Grade II-listed building with drag performances, dancing on tables and circus performances.

If you like to enjoy a pint but also want a bit of fun then The World’s End is the ideal spot.

The venue is home to a lively bar area as well as a 10-person remote controlled race track and a retro arcade.

If you want something unique, head to Alcotraz – a prison-cum-bar immersive experience – or for sticky floors and cheesy tunes, head to Pryzm nightclub.

Comedy clubs are more your thing? Brighton has options including Komedia, which hosts around 700 comedy performances each year.

While Brighton came eighth overall, the top spot went to Bangkok in Thailand.

The city has “everything you could ask for, from the pokey street-side bars to the mega clubs and the 360-degree rooftop bars to the wild LGBTQ+ party pads”, according to Time Out.

In second place – and the best city for nightlife in Europe – was Berlin in Germany, known for the hedonistic Berghain where cameras are banned but nudity is a go.

Time Out said: “Berlin’s nightlife is at a turning point. Rising rents and redevelopment have fuelled what critics call Clubsterben: the slow death of the city’s legendary clubs.

“But there is light at the end of the darkroom. Germany is aiming to reclassify its clubs as cultural institutions, making them harder for developers to displace; a new layer of protecting following UNESCO’s 2024 recognition of Berlin’s techno culture as intangible cultural heritage.”

Rounding out the top three was New York in America.

A new influencer fad is ready to hit Instagram and TikTok by storm, three years after the croissant XXL by acclaimed French pastry chef Philippe Conticini won our hearts

If you were on social media in 2024, then you will know about the giant croissant.

The bloated continental breakfast item took the post-Covid world by storm, triggering food influencers to flock to Paris to film themselves marvelling at its impressive proportions.

Known as the croissant XXL, it was the doughy-brainchild of acclaimed French pastry chef Philippe Conticini. The 1kg whopper debuted in his Paris bakeries before making it across the Channel to Phillipe’s Islington cafe, inspiring other Instagram-savvy food creators along the way.

Christophe Michalak delivered the le big pain aux raisins (350g), Yannick Delpech dropped la chocolatine XXL and Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette tried big pain au chocolat (a relatively svelte 320g).

Type any of those names into the Instagram or TikTok search bars, and you’ll be inundated with photos of glamorous people attempting to cram the medium-dog-sized pastry into their mouths. Clearly, these videos are a hit. The first clip that comes up on Instagram is less than 10 seconds long and has 116,000 likes.

In social media terms, this is all very old news. The big croissant fad came and then, just as quickly, it went. But now there is a new big food trend on the scene. On a recent trip to Gothenburg, I visited the beautiful district of Haga, the city’s oldest neighbourhood. It’s a great place to explore, to wander down the pedestrianised cobbled streets packed with excellent homeware, furniture, book and clothing shops. And also Café Husaren. The cosy wood-paneled spot is the inventor of the massive ‘hagabullar’ cinnamon buns.

Stretching close to a foot from edge to edge, these enlarged treats are a significantly puffed-up, Instagram-friendly version of a good that is firmly baked into Swedish life.

The average Swede eats cakes and pastry equivalent to 316 cinnamon buns per year, according to the country’s tourist board, and the act of taking fika (a cake-and-food-focused period of time) is so important that two coffee breaks per day are an unwritten rule in many Swedish workplaces.

The hagabullen has been described as a “masterpiece and the epicentre of a luxurious fika”. One happy reviewer called them a “dream and very delicious, but only suitable for a person with great hunger.”

And this is the problem. The hagabullar are simply too big to be enjoyable. They contain too much stuff. While it is undeniably fun to buy novelty-sized things (foam fingers, big Chuppa Chups at airports, etc.), sometimes bigger is not always better. Particularly when it comes to food. The smaller something is, the stronger its ratio of surface area to innards is. The oversized croissants and hagabullar simply have too much inside and not enough outside to be tasty.

But then again, no one can tell that in an Instagram post. Nor can they see the waste that’s left over. The overly doughy croissants left to the pigeons; the belly-busting hagabullar that prove too much for an influencer to handle; the bin full of unfinished lattes bought so people can pose next to a pink wall in LA.

In fairness to Café Husaren, it’s not only an elegant place with an array of absolutely delicious baked goods, but it’s been selling the hagabullar for over 40 years. Far longer than the croissant XXL. Regardless, I was sad to see Swedes and tourists buying a hagabullar, snapping a pic and then discarding the majority of the sweet bun. Hagabullar sat, unloved, on several vacated tables close to mine.

Conticini’s XXL croissant is advertised as feeding eight people, but in reality, it is often nibbled by one or maybe two influencers, photographed, and then dumped.

They say that you eat with your eyes as much as with your stomach. While this is true, this kind of social media-friendly food is 90% for the eyes and far too little for the tum.

All of this is in service of an algorithm that rewards extremes, whether that be the biggest, the most extravagant (see Eating with Tod’s ‘tuna fight club video) or the grossest (see muckbang). It’s designed to shock in its extremity, which means it is ripe for ridicule.

Juliette Moreno is a Cordon Bleu-trained chef whose videos making fun of these trends have won her more than 400,000 Instagram followers. Her most recent efforts have seen Juliette create a huge Minion cookie, Monster energy drink soufflé, rat meringues, and hot dogs boiled in the dishwasher.

Her videos are funny because they take ideas that have been percolating on Instagram and TikTok to their most extreme possible end. She fills up the boot of a car with tiramisu so we don’t have to. Because we shouldn’t.

Around 645 million people didn’t have enough food to eat in 2025, according to the WHO, but the world produces food for two billion more people than currently exist. On a planet where Sudan and Gaza are currently facing famine, maybe we should give the big food videos a break for a while.

AFTER months of extreme heat, there is rain on the horizon, so where should you spend a bank holiday weekend when it’s a washout?

To keep the family entertained we’ve put together the UK’s best indoor waterparks with tropical temperatures, high-energy waterslides and family-friendly pirate ships.

Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent

Waterworld describes itself as the “number one indoor tropical aqua park” with over 30 rides and attractions.

The waterpark is home to a wave pool and rapids as well as the Thunderbolt ride, which is the UK’s first trap door drop waterslide and riders travel at 25mph.

One of the newest rides, Hurricane, descends at 17mph with lightning effects inside the tunnels.

There are also dedicated water attractions for younger children like the interactive Jungle House and Toddler Boat slide.

For anyone looking for a moment to catch their breath, take a break in one of the waterparks’ bubble pools.

Waterworld also has a mini adventure golf course as well as a restaurant and cafe serving up pizza, burgers, salads and drinks.

At reception is a brand new dessert bar where post-swim you can pick up a milkshake or one of the 22 different flavours of ice cream.

Tickets for adults and children start from £17.70, children under three-years-old start from £6.10.

Coral Reef Waterworld, Bracknell

This indoor waterpark is one of England’s biggest, so it’s perfect for a family outing on a rainy day.

It has tropical temperatures of 30C along with a giant pirate ship and erupting water volcano, rapid river, bubble pool and children’s splash zone.

The pirate-themed splash area is centered around a huge ship called The Coralina – it also has water cannons and interactive water features.

There are five high-tech waterslides with an option for everyone from Aquaplash which is suitable for smaller children.

The biggest waterslide is The Cannon, which launches riders down a 67 metre-long chute like a cannonball.

Poseidon’s Peril is another popular ride where two people are attached to an inflatable raft as it rotates and swirls through a tunnel with colour-changing lights.

If you’re after relaxation, then the Coral Spa is the place to be with heated loungers, three saunas, a cool pool and a Japanese steam room.

Adult tickets cost £20.55, children 5-16 cost £14.55 those aged children between 0-4 cost £1.95. Book tickets ahead online.

Splashdown Waterpark, Poole

If adrenaline-filled waterslide fun is what you’re after, then head to Splashdown Waterpark.

This action-packed waterpark has 13 indoor and outdoor flumes that visitors can use whether it’s rain or shine.

If you’re a daredevil, then check out The Screamer. The ride plummets a near-vertical 40-meter drop in under five seconds.

Or there’s Black Thunder which is a waterslide that’s completely in the dark. The Infinity waterslide plays music and has a flashing laser show too.

It’s not all about the big rides though, there’s plenty to do for the little ones with the interactive water cannons at Buccaneer Splash.

Admission for three hours costs £23 per person, £9 for 1-4-year-olds and £6 for children under 1. (Child tickets include entry for a companion adult.)

The Wave, Coventry

The Wave in Coventry is a giant indoor waterpark home to the largest wave pool in England.

The enormous pool has a wave machine which churns out more than 20 million litres of water per day – the rolling waves get bigger the further out you go.

When you want to relax, ditch the waves and bob along the lazy river.

There are six waterslides including The Riptide which is a half-pipe slide that blasts riders in a rubber ring down a near-90-degree drop.

The Cyclone spins swimmers around a giant open bowl, and The Rapids which is a ‘water-coaster’ hurl riders uphill before dropping them down through tight corners and tunnels.

For younger children, The Reef is its splash pad which has its own miniature slides, tipping buckets, jets and water fountains.

The Mana Spa has you a quieter spa pool, an aromatherapy room, sauna and steam room.

Tickets cost £15 per adult, £13 for children 11 and under and under ones go free.

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

Sandcastle Waterpark is another of the country’s largest indoor waterparks that sits on the South Promenade opposite the Pleasure Beach.

Inside the tropical waterpark are 18 slides and plenty of them are white-knuckle rides.

One of the most popular rides is The Master Blaster which is the UK’s longest water rollercoaster.

Another is Sidewinder which is the world’s first indoor half-pipe waterslide, then there’s Aztec Falls which plunges riders into darkness before spinning them around a giant bowl.

The Caribbean Storm Treehouse is a spot for the kids – it’s a giant climbing frame topped with a huge coconut that drops 600 gallons of water on swimmers below every few minutes.

Little ones can also use the multi-lane Treetops Water Chutes and the interactive HMS Thunder Splash pirate ship.

While there’s lots of action, the Sandcastle Waterpark also has a place for relaxation – the adult-only Sea Breeze Spa which has saunas, steam rooms, foot baths and aromatherapy lounge.

For anyone wanting to push the boat out, the park offers premium Tiki Cabanas for adults with its own TV and private hot tub with a fridge stocked with soft drinks – VIP packages start from £60pp.

Tickets to the waterpark start from £23.31 for ages 8+ and £13.96 for kids aged 3-7, with under 3s going free.

Calypso Cove, Barnsley

Found inside the Barnsley Metrodome, Calypso Cove is the ultimate pirate-themed indoor waterpark.

The tropical island paradise feels like one too as it’s heated to 30C and there are some high-energy water rides here like Terror Torrent, one of the UK’s fastest indoor water flumes.

There’s also The Eruption, a volcano-themed ride that spins you around a large bowl before dropping you out at the bottom.

The Kraken is a family-friendly flume where riders can choose their own music before sliding down the slide.

Families with younger kids can climb onto the decks of the Sunken Galleon ship play area.

Parents with babies and toddlers can enjoy the shallow waters and water fountains at Barnacle Bay.

For a bite to eat, head to The Hideout poolside cafe which serves up quick dishes like burgers and chips.

Adult tickets cost £13, under 10s tickets cost £11 and under 3s tickets cost £4. All tickets must be booked in advance online.

BRITISH Airways has launched its September sale making it the ideal time to book a holiday to get over the seasons changing.

The September sale started yesterday and will run until September 29, with loads of destinations included.

Travellers can get discounts on British Airways Holidays as well as flights.

For Europe, there are a number of Club Europe (business class) seats in the sale including to the Dutch capital – Amsterdam – which costs from £120 per way.

You could pay the same price and head to Berlin in Germany.

Or if you fancy some last minute Spanish sun, you could head to Ibiza for £120 per way or Madrid for £130 per way.

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Perhaps you want to splash out on a long-haul flight? Well, there are plenty of options.

If you fancy heading off to the US, you could travel to New York from £401 return.

Perhaps you want somewhere sunnier? Then you could go to Los Angeles from £401.

For those who have always wanted to go to Australia, return flights to Melbourne cost from £846 – and the timing couldn’t be better as Australia is due to host some pretty major sporting events.

Alternatively, if you want to see crystal clear waters and white sand beaches you could fly to Barbados from £523 return.

There are some great British Airways Holidays packages in the sale too.

For example, you could head to Barcelona for two nights between November 30 and December 2, staying at the Parador de Cardona with return flights included for £163 per person.

Alternatively, you could go on holiday to the Algarve in Portugal for seven nights at the four-star Alcazar Hotel and Spa from £319 per person.

If you book between now and September 1, British Airways Holidays will offer members of The British Airways Club 20,000 bonus Avios points when booking a holiday as part of the sale.

Andrew Flintham, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays, said: “We know many customers are already thinking about their next break and looking for opportunities to escape the everyday.

“Whether it’s a relaxing beach escape, a cultural city break or an unforgettable far-flung adventure, our September Sale offers great value on flights and holidays across our network.”

AROUND the world are some very weird and wonderful McDonald’s and now, some of the best in Turkey have just been revealed.

They have been selected by McDonald’s itself, with one in particular being selected for its incredible views over the Turkish Riviera and it even has evening DJ sets.

McDonald’s has put together a list of its best restaurants in the country calling them the ‘7 Wonders of McDonald’s’.

The seven restaurants were picked for their stand-out architecture, location and overall experience.

One that stands out is one in Yalıkavak on the Bodrum peninsula which was picked for its beautiful views across the ocean.

McDonald’s said: “The restaurant combines the atmosphere of the Aegean with stunning sunset views.

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“A remarkable option for those seeking a restaurant with a view in Yalıkavak, it offers a spacious setting for those wanting to take a break for a meal or coffee around Yalıkavak Marina.”

It proves to be popular with visitors too and the McDonald’s has made several appearances on social media.

One visitor made a TikTok about the spot and called it the ‘most luxurious McDonald’s’.

As she walked through, she showed off the beautiful views across the Turkish Riviera with yachts in the marina.

Some of the best views are from the rooftop terrace where guests can dig into their meal while overlooking the marina.

Another TikTok revealed that when the sun goes down, a DJ takes over the terrace and turns the evening into an event.

In the comments, one person wrote: “Wow, make McDonald’s premium.”

Another visitor called the restaurant the ‘best McDonald’s in the world’.

They added: “The restaurant needs to meet the sea view and nature uniquely. I love the landscape and mill; history, nature and sea are a perfect place. The most beautiful McDonald’s restaurant in the world.”

Guests can tuck into McDonald’s classics like hamburgers, chicken burgers and chicken nuggets.

But there are other specialities that you don’t get in the Köfte Burger, the Adana Style Meatball Wrap, onion rings, ice cream sundaes and churros.

There’s also the option to buy McFloat drinks which are Coca Cola and flavoured sprite with ice cream on top.

DISNEY WORLD has revealed the first look at its new holiday resort opening next year.

Opening on July 1, 2027, Lakeshore Lodge will have 967 rooms sitting on Bay Lake.

The resort has a range of different accommodations including Duo and Deluxe Studios, that sleep between two and four guests – each inspired by Encanto and Bambi.

There’s also Resort Studios, which sleep up to four people and are Pocahontas inspired.

The Villas then feature one, two or three bedrooms, sleeping between five and 12 people.

Each has a full kitchen and is designed around Bambi – with original concept art taken from the archives – and Fantasia.

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Or you could book into the Waterfront Lake Houses which are all detached with floor-to-ceiling windows and feature one or two bedrooms.

Each house sleeps between five and eight people and is inspired by Brother Bear as well as lighting inspired by the Northern Lights in the main bedroom.

The final accommodation available is the Presidential Suite & Club Level, which includes the two-bedroom Hidden Willow Suite.

Some Club Level rooms also include access to The Artist’s Nest concierge lounge for Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing.

Of course, the resort has plenty of dining and lounging spots as well, such as Moonglade, which sits on the waterfront and serves locally sourced dishes.

For a quick bite, guests will be able to head to Bay Lake Provisions – an all-day marketplace.

At Paint Out Point Bar & Grill, you’ll find a poolside bar serving sharing plates and drinks.

And finally is the Dandelion Terrace nighttime lounge with a two-story Fantasia art gallery which makes the ideal spot to watch the fireworks over the lake.

As for things to do at the resort, families and guests can head to The Wetlands which has a Lakeshore Lagoon with a spiral slide, Daydream River which is a lazy river and Cypress Point which is a quieter pool with a whirlpool spa.

Kids can also head to Heron Shores climbing area and Otter Springs, an interactive, Pocahontas-themed splash pad.

There’s plenty to see as well, for example in the lobby, there are floor-to-ceiling views of the wetland, as well as an illuminated fiberoptic river through the floor.

Guests will also be able to hop on a direct boat to Magic Kingdom.

Passholders will be allowed to book from October 7 and general booking will open on October 8.

A EUROPEAN airline you’ve probably never heard of is launching its first flights from the UK.

Discover Airlines is set to launch flights from the UK to two German cities in summer 2027.

The flights include routes between Bristol and Frankfurt; Glasgow and Frankfurt; Glasgow and Munich and Inverness and Frankfurt.

The route between Glasgow and Frankfurt will take off from March 29, 2027 and will take place six times a week.

Then the Glasgow to Munich route will begin on May 16, 2027, and fly two times a week.

The Bristol to Frankfurt route will begin on May 17, 2027, and take place twice a week.

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And finally, the Inverness to Frankfurt route will start on June 19, 2027, and will have one flight a week.

Discover Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group and it will become the only airline to offer non-stop flights from Frankfurt to Inverness, Bristol and Glasgow.

The Munich to Glasgow route will take over the route which was previously operated by Lufthansa.

Marco Götz, Chief Commercial Officer of Discover Airlines: “We’re always on the lookout for attractive destinations to offer travelers even more choice and, above all, new travel experiences.

“We see a clear trend toward nature, outdoor activities, and trips that combine culture and scenery – our three new destinations fit this trend perfectly.

“They open up a wide variety of ways to discover Great Britain.

“We are all the more pleased that our guests will be able to reach these destinations this summer more easily than ever via our two hubs in Frankfurt and Munich.”

A COUPLE due to travel to Greece were denied boarding over a simple passport mistake and lost out on £500.

And now the couple is warning other travellers about the common mistake.

Celia Jenkins, 78, and her husband Rees, 82, were meant to fly from Bristol Airport to Kefalonia, Greece, for a six-month stay at their house on a Greek island, but were unable to board their flight.

They were caught out by a rule that means UK passport holders are now seen as ‘third-country nationals’ by the EU, meaning they must follow strict entry rules where their passport is less than 10 years old, regardless of when their document expires.

Jet2 staff told the couple that their passports were 10 years and three days old, meaning their passports were past the limit.

According to The Independent, Celia said: “We were escorted out through border security because technically we had no passports suddenly. We felt like criminals.”

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She explained that while the couple missed the fact their passports were no longer valid, they feel like the Government and airlines have not made the rules clear.

She added: “We weren’t informed clearly enough by anybody at any time.

“We didn’t get it because we saw the expiry date rather than the date of issue as being a problem.”

The couple had paid for an airport hotel as well as the flights, meaning they spent and lost around £500.

The couple has since applied to renew their passports but believe they will no longer be able to meet up with their family in Greece.

The 10-year passport rule was actually introduced for UK citizens back in 2021, however many people still get caught out by it.

UK passports must not be issued more than 10 years before the date of entry into the EU and there must be at least three months remaining on the intended day of departure from the EU.

At least three months remaining on the intended day of departure from the EU.

This means that if you returned from a holiday today and have exactly three months left on your passport, but want to travel again next month – you would need to get a new passport.

Getting a new UK passport usually takes around three weeks through the HM Passport Office.

However, the Government advises that Brits apply at least 10 weeks before travelling, especially during busy periods.

A MAJOR airport has been forced to close restaurants and toilets due to another water outage – just weeks its last shortage.

Passengers at Gatwick Airport have slammed the water outage, with many “turned away from restaurants”.

The outage has been caused by a burst water main, which has affected the supply to the airport.

As a result, a number of toilets have been closed with no running water, while food and drink outlets in the North Terminal are unable to serve anything.

One source told The Sun: “There were no announcements, they just started turning away everyone at the restaurants.

“Someone from the airport then directed us to Starbucks, which was also shut.

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“Water fountains weren’t operational either. People are treating the toilets like portaloos at a festival, its going to be a biohazard soon.”

Others on social media also complained, with one saying: “No water at Gatwick again so restaurants are closing.”

Another said: “Yet another water outage at Gatwick Airport.”

A Gatwick Airport spokesperson told Sun Travel: “A water issue is causing some disruption in the local area.

“The problem is affecting water supply in both terminals and is currently under investigation by SES Water.

“At present, there has been no impact on flights.

“We will provide further updates and apologise for any inconvenience to passengers.

The water in the area is covered by SES Water, which covers parts of Surrey, Kent and London.

A spokesperson told The Sun: “We have a burst water main which is temporarily affecting supply including to Gatwick Airport.

“Our teams are on site and working to repair the burst as quickly and safely as possible.

“We are sorry for the disruption this is causing customers and will continue to provide updates.”

It comes just weeks after a similar water outage left the airport with no running water, toilets or bars.

On July 26, a power outage at a water treatment plant in southeast England caused issues with low pressure and loss of supply at the major airport.

Passengers called it “disgraceful” with images showing vending machines with no water left and dirty toilets.

READY to take your next day out to new heights? Grab an exclusive 50 per cent off first-time flyer experiences at iFLY indoor skydiving and enjoy savings of up to £100 – that’s the best price guaranteed!

Join Sun Club for £1.99 per month — don’t miss out.

From excited three-year-olds to grandparents, iFLY is the kind of experience that you will be talking about long after you have landed.

So, if you fancy doing something a bit different, or just want to give your usual day out a lift, this could be just the ticket.    

At iFLY you will meet your instructor before you fly and they will run through everything you need to know before you get kitted out.

Next, you will step inside iFLY’s state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel, where powerful fans create wind speeds of up to 150mph, lifting you off your feet and into the air.

First-Time Flyers can choose from 2 Flights, 4 Flights or 10 Flights, depending on how much airtime they fancy. The 2 and 4 Flight packages both include a virtual-reality experience at an extra cost, while the 10 Flight option is great for groups looking to enjoy the experience together.

Get 50% per cent off iFly

To book your tickets, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Join thesun.co.uk/club for just £1.99 per month or £12 for the first year, then £19.99 therafter.

• Step 2: Head to Offers Hub and find the 50 per cent off iFLY indoor skydiving page. You do not need to collect Sun Savers codes.

• Step 3: From Monday, August 31 click the book button, where you will receive an email containing your discount code and steps on how to book your tickets to iFLY. 

• Step 4: Follow the steps and book your tickets by Tuesday, September 29.

T&Cs: Visits are valid up to Thursday, December 31, 2026. A £3 booking fee will apply at checkout when purchasing your tickets.

Or you can pick up The Sun Newspaper from Saturday, August 29 and collect Sun Savers codes to book your tickets.

Step 1: Download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk.

Step 2: Go to the Offers section, click Start Collecting on the iFLY page.

Step 3: Collect THREE out of eight Sun Savers codes. We will print one daily from Saturday, August 29 to Saturday, August 5. Once you have your THREE Sun Savers codes, enter them on the Sun Savers app or website to unlock booking. Booking opens at on Monday, August 31.

Step 4: You will receive an email containing your discount code and steps on how to book your tickets to iFLY. 

Step 5: Follow the steps and book your tickets by Tuesday, September 29.

T&Cs: Visits are valid up to Thursday, December 31, 2026. A £3 booking fee will apply at checkout when purchasing your tickets.

18+ England, Scotland and Wales residents only. Sun Savers multiple code collect 29/08/26-05/09/26 or subscription to Sun Club or digital subscription required. Online access required. Booking closes 23:59pm on 29/09/26. Non-transferable & non-refundable. Offer valid on a first-time flyer experience only at all iFLY locations across England. Flights must be booked between August 29- September 29 and must take place before Friday January 1, 2027. Subject to availability. Not valid on voucher purchases. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other other offer, discount, voucher or promotion.  T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club. Sun Club new customer offer: £1.99 per month or £12 for the first year, then £19.99 thereafter unless you cancel at least seven days before your next billing date. Full T&Cs apply, see thesun.co.uk/club.

Join Sun Club for £1.99 per month — don’t miss out.

I lay on my back and stared at a bright blue painted sky, dappled with puffy clouds. As my mind drifted, the sound of a breeze, created by handheld fans, filled the room. Then came a symphony of chimes, crystal bowls, wave drums and rain sticks. To my right, a black bear cub eyed me curiously.

Soon a thunderous crescendo of gongs arose. I looked to my left, where two endangered polar bears stood on a sheet of ice, ocean looming behind them.

The noises softened and went still. With a resounding clap from participants around the room, I came back to reality.

I wasn’t in a forest, nor the Arctic. And no, I had not recently taken any psychedelic substances. I was at a sound bath in the North American Mammal Hall at L.A.’s Natural History Museum, surrounded by dioramas of taxidermy, meditative instruments and sound healers from the Oso Sound Healing Studio.

Avery Whitmore leads participants in a sound bath.

Hosted earlier this month, the sound bath was the first of two events in the museum’s new Mindfulness Mornings at the Museum series, where guests can experience a meditative practice in the iconic gallery before opening hours. A nearly sold-out yoga session led by SoulPlay Yoga will take place on Sept. 13, and museum organizers hope to host more events after that, said Joel Quizon, the manager of public programs.

The Natural History Museum always looks for ways to “activate the museum space,” Quizon said. Ahead of the sound bath, Oso Sound Healing Studio founder Avery Whitmore said the unconventional space would invite a childlike energy, a deeper connection to animals and introspection.

“Just seeing these older animals, it takes you into another place,” Whitmore said. “It could invite you into a deeper meditation about where we are, where we come from. In that mind state, you might be a little bit more receptive to exploring the same questions about yourself.”

The museum introduced Mindfulness Mornings following the success of its past wellness events — including sound baths that were part of its First Fridays after-hours series. With those events, the lines went “down to the basement,” Quizon said.

The Natural History Museum is an apt venue for mindfulness events as people already see it as an “oasis [in] the city,” said Joel Quizon, the museum’s manager of public programs.

Participants Kenny Mayo of Culver City, left, and Verseilla McCloskey of Long Beach are immersed in sound.

Whitmore, who previously collaborated with the museum during First Fridays in 2025, founded Oso Sound Healing Studio in 2023. He played piano and percussion as a child and later guitar as an adult, but “put all of that away for many years,” he said.

About a decade ago, personal struggle led him to seek out spiritual practices, and that healing guided him toward being of service to others. That led him to attend massage school — not to start a career as a massage therapist, he said, but to learn how to give back to others.

The experience inspired him to learn other healing modalities, including breath work and sound meditation: the latter of which reignited his musical appreciation. “ It helped to revisit that, or reawaken it from another perspective,” Whitmore said.

When I attended the sound bath, about 100 people filled the hall and Whitmore opened the meditation by asking how many new sound bathers were here. More than half of the attendees, including me, raised their hands.

During the practice, participants can peek and see the varied habitats of North America beside them.

Avery Whitmore created a sound bath experience inspired by the unique museum space.

With the overhead lights dimmed and soft light spilling from the dioramas, the displays looked like windows to other worlds. I took a mat next to the American black bears and American badgers, only slightly jealous that the mats next to the large-scale walrus diorama were taken.

The meditation lasted about an hour. In addition to the variety of instruments evoking the sounds of nature, it incorporated breathwork, vocal exercises and a small amount of physical sensation: a refreshing spritz of rose water. Sets of instruments were stationed along every wall of the room, fully encompassing us in sound. Peeking at the animals around me, I couldn’t help but think of them as characters whenever new instruments joined the symphony.

“Definitely the coolest sound healing experience I’ve been to,” said Kenny Mayo, 35, after the sound bath.

“The different stations felt like an orchestra. It was put together in such a beautiful, methodical way, and all of the instruments were harmonizing perfectly.  It felt like no matter where you were, there was something close to you,” Mayo said.

Toward the end of the meditation, Whitmore asked participants to envision an animal and invited them to receive its message. Mayo said she thought of a hawk, and found meaning in connecting with the spirits of animals that “don’t exist anymore.”

“It’s a magical thing, to be able to see the history of all the animals, our ancestors,” she said. “We can still connect to the essence.”

I looked at the taxidermy black bear cub, standing energetically on its hind legs, and imagined the future ahead of it; then across the room to the adult polar bears, traversing an icy surface that, beyond the diorama, continues to melt away.

As part of the meditation, participants were invited to think about where they were, and where they’ve come from.

In reality, Dave Franco has a strict routine for Sundays, one he takes very seriously. He and his wife, actor Alison Brie, stay in bed all day, watch four movies and Postmate every single meal. But for the sake of Sunday Funday, the actor, director and screenwriter gave us a hypothetical Sunday where they actually leave their house.

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.

The couple have lived in Los Feliz since 2012 and have bounced around to a few different spots in the neighborhood during that time. “We love that there are certain pockets that feel tucked away in nature where you don’t feel the buzz of the city,” Franco says, “but when you’re in the mood for a great meal or a night out, you’re still only a five-minute drive from all the action.”

Franco and Brie have collaborated on multiple projects, including the horror film “Together” (where they were the two leads) and the rom-com “Somebody That I Used to Know” (which he directed, she starred in and they co-wrote). Up next, Franco will roll solo as an actor and producer of the dark action comedy “Idiots,” out in theaters on Friday.

Sunday remains a day that he and Brie dedicate to being with each other. “No matter what else is happening in our lives or what we have coming up for that following week, we know we’re going to be together on Sunday,” Franco says. “Let’s spend the whole day together, let’s be connected, and it just resets us in a nice way for the week.”

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

7:30 a.m.: Coffee and doughnuts

I’ll set my alarm so I can roll out of bed and get to Maru Coffee right as it opens in an attempt to avoid the insane line that will inevitably snake down the entirety of Hillhurst Avenue. If I don’t want to wait in line, I’ll head to Dayglow in Silver Lake where some of my favorite baristas are generous enough to let me try whatever new concoction they’re experimenting with. But no matter where I end up, I’ll typically grab a cold brew for myself and an iced oat cappuccino for my wife.

If I’m feeling extra magnanimous, I’ll then drive to Proof Bakery in Atwater Village for our favorite croissants, or I’ll go all the way to Bob’s Donuts at the Farmers Market at the Grove and grab a couple of old-fashioned glazed.

Doughnuts on Sunday is a very important ritual for us. I legitimately think it’s a big reason our marriage has been so successful. We work hard and then we get to look forward to sharing something decadent at the end of each week.

11 a.m.: First movie of the day

After digesting our pastries, we will catch a late-morning movie at the Los Feliz 3, the Vista or the Landmark Sunset. When we get to the movie theater, Alison will ask whether we should get a small or large popcorn. I always reply, ‘Get the small. I don’t want any. I’m just going to have Red Vines.’ Inevitably, I’ll finish my Red Vines before the movie has even started and then Alison will begrudgingly allow me to have a few handfuls of her popcorn, but she is not happy about it. I’m not exaggerating when I say this happens every single time we go to the movies.

1:30 p.m.: Strictly vintage

After the movie, we might pop by Denim Revival in West Hollywood, which has the best vintage shopping in town. It’s a small curated collection, but if you’re into vintage Levi’s and old band T-shirts, this is your spot. My wife typically gets bored quickly in a vintage clothing store, but when I find her the perfect-fitting Tom Petty or John Lennon shirt, she perks right up.

Most of what’s in my closet is vintage. I can’t think of a T-shirt that I’ve worn in the past handful of years that wasn’t a vintage T-shirt. I have a pretty good collection at this point. I’m hitting all the different angles where I have anything from Beastie Boys to Jimi Hendrix to Britney Spears to Hansen.

I will definitely scour eBay or Grailed to find the perfect white T-shirt, which I have 10 of already, but it’s an endless search to expand that collection.

3 p.m.: Big Sur in L.A.

If we are in the mood for a pre-dinner snack, we’ll pop by the Trails cafe [in Griffith Park] for their famous egg in a basket, which is their take on the classic breakfast dish, toad in a hole. We’ll sit at Trails’ wooden benches surrounded by nature where it almost feels like we’re not in LA. It’s the closest we can get to Big Sur in Los Angeles.

We could sneak in a hike. We’ll sometimes start at an entrance across from the Greek Theatre, which will loop us all the way around past the [Griffith] Observatory and back to the Greek. We feel very fortunate that we live close to some very nice hikes in L.A., and so we definitely try to take advantage of that.

5 p.m.: Oysters, always

Even though we just ate, we are already thinking about where we should go for dinner. We like a very early dinner that verges on being a very late lunch. We’ll likely end up at Found Oyster. We’ll order a dozen oysters, a scallop tostada and a little steak frites if we’re feeling cheeky.

I’ve been an oyster person for as long as I can remember. I’m such an oyster person that I’ve actually gotten food poisoning twice in the past two years from oysters and I will not let that stop me. In both of those instances, I was begging for death — death would be better than whatever I was going through — and then a week and a half later I’m back fiending for more. But I’m not saying I got food poisoning from Found. I just want to make that clear.

7:30 p.m.: Time for another movie

The good thing about an early dinner is that you can be home and in bed by 7:30 p.m., where there’s still enough time to sneak in at least one more movie and some dessert.

We always try to have a pint of ice cream in our freezer from Henry’s Secret, which you can only order online for the time being. This is the guy who was making ice cream at Antico Nuovo for many years, which was always our favorite ice cream in L.A. And now he’s got his own little underground operation.

My wife is a massive [movie] re-watcher. She has seen “The American President” and “The Prestige” 150 times each, but I’ll always push to watch some hidden gem that’s been on our list for the past decade. She’s sometimes hesitant, then almost every time the movie finishes and she says, “I loved it.”

I’m not on Letterboxd. I have lists of movies that we want to watch in my Notes app on my phone. There are certain times where the list really grows, but we’ll knock them off pretty quickly because we really do try to watch one movie a night. When you’re doing that, you’re watching seven plus movies [a week] because on Sunday we’re watching multiple movies.

10 p.m.: Early bedtime

We go to bed relatively early. We’ll eventually fall asleep from food coma exhaustion and then we’ll wake up early the next morning to hit the gym and get back to a somewhat healthy routine, until the following weekend of more gluttonous excess.

In a few weeks the new route will be whisking holidaymakers away to their dream destination

Virgin Atlantic is opening its newest route, offering travellers a direct 14-hour flight from London Heathrow to the largest island in Thailand. It will become the only direct route between London and Phuket, with most other direct flights to Thailand ending in Bangkok instead.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a popular resort destination famous for its long sandy beaches, jaw-dropping scenery and rich culture. Phuket International Airport itself is a tourist attraction as the runway sits right next to Mai Khao Beach, making for some iconic photographs as beachgoers can watch planes coming in for landing just overhead.

Virgin’s new route is expected to launch on October 18, 2026, after being announced last autumn. The Boeing 787-9 planes hold more than 250 seats and will be taking flight seasonally to Phuket three times a week.

Phuket’s winter season runs from November to February, but even these cooler months can see average daytime highs hitting over 30°C and cooler evenings rarely dipping below 20°C. This is also the dry season for the island, following the heavy summer rains and monsoon season.

The new route adds to the winter sun destinations Virgin offers British travellers, with other hotspots including the Maldives, Dubai, Cape Town and year-round Caribbean options.

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic, said when the route was announced last year: “We’re thrilled to introduce our new direct service to Phuket, giving our customers a flavour of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations.

“As well as making the trip more convenient, they can enjoy exploring Thailand’s unique heritage, natural beauty and delicious cuisine. We can’t wait for our customers to experience our trademark hospitality on their next unforgettable journey.”

Virgin has also partnered with Bangkok Airways, allowing travellers to use the new Phuket route and get easy connections over land and sea to Thailand’s other islands, including Bangkok, Koh Samui and Krabi.

The London to Phuket flights will be taking off every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday this winter, with return flights leaving the island on Thursday, Saturday and Monday.

Travellers wanting to head to the Andaman Sea before October 18 are still able to book their holiday with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, but they will be flying on an Emirates plane with a connection in Dubai.

Seats on Virgin’s inaugural Phuket flight are currently priced around £1,300 for a one-way in economy and up to £4,097 for upper class seats.

Winning tip: a bird’s-eye view of wild Croatia

Giant griffon vultures glided parallel with my bus as it reached the highest point of Cres, the least populated of the four main islands in the Kvarner Gulf at the very north of the Croatian Adriatic. Covered in scrubby heath, olive groves and lavender, with small towns and villages on its coastline, its wildness is its appeal. Some, like Cres town, are unobtrusively set up for holidaymakers; in others local people just quietly get on with the life they’ve lived since the Venetians ruled here. All are lapped by the turquoise, crystal seas Croatia is known for.
Rhiannon

Swimming off the Kerry coast

Earlier this summer, my sister and I took a road trip along the south-west coast of Ireland. Our favourite place was Valentia island, a small land mass slightly off the more touristy Ring of Kerry, accessed via a bridge to the south and a ferry to the north. Head for Glanleam beach, an idyllic secluded cove surrounded by rich vegetation, which looks out on to the mountains of the Dingle peninsula, and take a dip in the Atlantic. Like us, you’ll probably want to return the next day and do it again.
Ellie

Going back in time in Greece

Between Rhodes and Crete, Karpathos slips under the radar: no package crowds, just goats, wildflowers and twisting mountain roads that cling to the cliffs. The remote village of Olympos feels frozen in time, its older women still in traditional dress, drying pasta-like makarounes in the open air. Apella and Achata rank among Europe’s finest beaches, with turquoise water backed by unspoilt pine-covered mountainsides. Hotel Lefkorama provides a spectacular valley-to-sea view and a breakfast feast of fruit, jams, yoghurt and freshly baked bread. End the day at a family-run taverna, sipping local wine as the sun drops into the Aegean.
Stephen and Luca

A car-free outpost off Brittany

After an exciting 60-minute ferry crossing from Audierne, which includes the Pointe du Raz where currents off the Breton coast create weird wave formations that carry bemused seabirds in opposite directions even when they are only feet apart, you arrive on the Île de Sein, an island mostly only 1.5 metres above sea level. There are no cars and you can walk the entire island in a couple of hours. We loved the cowrie shell-rich beaches and plants forming carpets over pebbles. There is plenty of history here, an impressive lighthouse and a handful of stylish cafes (we had crepes in Chez Bruno). We felt very jealous of those people who had bags to stay the night.
Miles

Castles and cocktails in Italy

Jauntily perched off the north-east coast of Sicily, Lipari has an energy to it that perhaps comes from its volcanic origins. It is the largest of the Aeolian islands and great fun to visit. Lipari town hugs the water and is dominated, Game of Thrones-style, by a brooding castle. The cathedral and the archaeological museum, with its ancient statues and artefacts, are worth checking out. My family and I enjoyed taking part in the evening passeggiata, sipping island-themed cocktails – the worryingly named Volcano, for example – or eating delicious gelatos. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is lined with restaurants down to the picturesque port of Marina Corta. We swam on the nearby beaches of Papesca and Porticello – the rocky white seabed and clear waters create a magical shimmering sea that enticed us in hour after hour.
April

Lanzarote’s quiet, tiny neighbour

Most visitors to La Graciosa arrive from Lanzarote for the day, but if you stay overnight it becomes wonderfully peaceful. This tiny volcanic island feels different from the rest of the Canaries, with sandy, largely traffic-free streets in Caleta de Sebo. Swim or snorkel in the clear turquoise water, walk or cycle among the volcanic peaks and enjoy fresh fish in the village. You can take a boat around the coast or simply find a quiet stretch of sand. By evening, the island feels a world away from the busy resorts of Lanzarote – exactly what an island escape should be.
Susanna

Puffin-watching in Pembrokeshire

My absolute favourite island trip is seeing the puffins off the coast of Skomer in Pembrokeshire. Arriving at an unassuming pier (and getting on a somewhat unassuming boat), we were slightly unsure about whether the planned family outing would succeed or flop. But, in fact, Dr Samuel Johnson’s quote should be amended: a man who is tired of watching puffins is tired of life. A few hours spent on the Welsh coastline watching potentially the world’s most joyful bird can cure many an ill.
Rosie

Medieval city walls and fossils in the Baltic

Gotland is a magical island in the Baltic. Get there via a three-hour ferry from Nynäshamn, south of Stockholm. The main town, Visby, is a perfectly preserved medieval dream complete with wraparound city walls, cobbled streets and no cars. Take the bus and ferry to the island of Fårö, hire bikes and cycle to the famous rauks – massive limestone columns by the sea. It’s also a fantastic place for fossil hunting as the whole island was once a coral reef.
Gaynor

Walk around meteorite craters in Estonia

On the Estonian island of Saaremaa, you can walk around meteorite craters. The nine Kaali craters were formed when meteorites crashed into the island about 3,500 years ago. The area later became a cult site, with archaeological finds suggesting animal offerings, and has been linked to old Finnic tales of the sun falling from the sky. The tiny Meteoritics Museum costs just €2 (£1.70). Cosmic drama on a very Estonian budget.
Elina

A POPULAR UK theme park will reopen today after being forced to close due to flooding.

The owners issued a statement on social media yesterday stating that it needed to shut to ensure the “safety of its customers”.

Drayton Manor Resort has now said it will open as usual today between 10.30am and 6pm – although it has warned not all of its rides may be open depending on conditions.

Today, Dayton Manor said on social media: “We’re open today and operating as normal.”

It continued: “As always, ride availability can be affected by weather or operational requirements, so we recommend checking our ride availability page before visiting for the latest updates.”

Yesterday, the theme park was closed due to heavy downpours and thunderstorms caused flooding in the area.

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Floods swamped Birmingham and the West Midlands on Wednesday night.

Locals reported their cars having been stranded and homes were inundated with flood water.

A statement on the theme park’s Facebook said on Thursday: “Due to adverse weather and flooding, Drayton Manor Resort will be closed today.

“We know many of you were looking forward to visiting, and we’re very sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience this causes.

“There’s no need to contact us at this stage. We’ll be in touch with affected guests shortly with information on how to rearrange your visit for another date.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding while we make alternative arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you to Drayton Manor soon.”

Drayton Manor, located in Tamworth in Staffordshire, is considered to be the best-value park in the country.

It has over 50 rides and attractions, and is home to Europe’s only Thomas the Tank Engine Land and a 15-acre zoo.

In 2024, Drayton Manor opened its new Wild West themed world called Frontier Falls.

It opened in July 2024 with a new rollercoaster called Gold Rush where visitors are whisked away in a runaway mining cart.

It’s the first rollercoaster in the UK to feature a backward launch into an outdoor gravity track.

The roller coaster has a two-minute ride time, with Drayton Manor claiming it to be the longest track length for a family coaster in the country.