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THE Signet Collection is one of my personal favourite hotel brands in the UK, with properties tucked away in countryside locations where you can snuggle down in cosy nooks near a roaring fireplace.

The Barnsdale is its third property, which opened in 2023. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is The Barnsdale?

This elegant retreat sits just a stone’s throw from one of the UKs most famous reservoirs, Rutland water.

It’s immersed in isolated countryside, so you’ll want to drive and take advantage of the parking on site.

Oakham train station is around a ten-minute drive away if you’d rather use public transport.

What is The Barnsdale like?

The Barnsdale has all the charm of a dainty cottage in the Cotswold, but with the hospitality benefits of a 4* hotel.

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A former hunting lodge constructed in 1760 that – despite the installation of modern amenities – still has an old world feel to it in the form of grand paintings and varnished wooden furnishings.

It has an air of posh members club to it, only without the price tag.

What are the rooms like?

Each of the 46 rooms is decorated in a typically English style with pastel-toned walls, frilly cushions and patterned armchairs. 

The Classic is the smallest and cheapest of the bunch and worth it for the lower price.

The only difference in rooms, bar the decorative tweaks, tends to be size and the view (the Royal Room has one of the best).

Classic rooms cost from £85 per night with brekkie. Click here to book.

What is there to eat and drink?

The hotel’s 1760 Brasserie serves classic British favourites including seared scallops doused in butter and a mouthwatering 32-day dry-aged rib-eye served with chips.

I opted for the Atlantic cod which was seasoned well and served with an unctuous vermouth sauce.

Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the sticky toffee pud – this one’s a real crowd pleaser.

What else is there to do at The Barnsdale?

People come for the outdoor Signet Spa where wood-fired hot tubs, a heated pool and a glass-walled sauna overlook fields of grazing Highland cows.

It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, sipping on sparkling wine and admiring the creatures munching away on the grass.

The only downside to the spa being entirely outdoors is the unpredictability of the British weather.

Fret not, though – every spa guest is given a DryRobe and flipflops to plod around in.

They can keep this for the duration of their stay.

When the drizzle hit, we persevered in our tub. Big thanks to the staff member who swiftly came to the rescue with a couple of umbrellas.

Massages can often be overpriced, but not here.

My therapist truly listened to my needs and pressure preferences, ensuring I enjoyed every one of those 60 blissful minutes.

Is The Barnsdale family friendly?

Families are well accommodated at The Barnsdale with specific family rooms that come with a double bed and a separate bedroom with bunk beds which comes complete with a cuddly lion toy to keep.

When little ones aren’t taking advantage of the outdoor play areas they can have a get stuck into some classic board games in the Rod Room.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

Carl Carlton, the funk and R&B singer known for upbeat, era-embodying singles like “Everlasting Love” and “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)” has died. He was 72.

Carlton’s son, Carlton Hudgens II, posted to social media confirming the death on Sunday. “RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton singer of She’s a Bad Mama Jama. Long hard fight in life and you will be missed.” The post did not cite a cause of death.

Born Carlton Hudgens in Detroit in 1953, he debuted as “Little Carl” Carlton, but changed his stage name and moved to Houston after he was signed to the local label Back Beat Records. He had a minor soul-scene hit in 1971 with “I Can Feel It,” and broke through nationally in 1974 when his regal cover of Robert Knight’s “Everlasting Love” hit No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and spent 15 weeks on that chart.

Carlton is perhaps best known for his 1981 single, “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked),” a grooving and awestruck ode to the female form that hit No. 22 on the Hot 100 and helped his self-titled album that year reach gold status.

The song has enjoyed a long life in popular culture — it’s been sampled by rappers like Foxy Brown, BigXThaPlug and Flo Milli, and frequently appeared on soundtracks for TV shows and films like “Friends.”

He continued releasing records into the ‘80s, and appeared several times on “American Bandstand” and “Soul Train,“ though his output slowed in the ‘90s. In 2003, he performed for Barry Glazer’s TV special, “American Soundtrack: Rhythm, Love, and Soul,” which featured Aretha Franklin and other marquee R&B and soul acts. His last album was 2010’s gospel LP “God Is Good.”

AN iconic film has just returned to Netflix, and fans are realising that its ‘hot blonde’ bombshell hasn’t aged a day.

It’s been over two decades since the legendary comedy first graced screens across the globe, with this ‘hot blonde’ character only being in her 20s at the time of filming.

American film and TV actress Darcy Donavan, is best known for her feature in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), where she shared the screen with Hollywood heavyweights Will Ferrell, Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd.

Anchorman became considered as a “cultural phenomenon” in the world of comedy, loved for its absurd humour, witty characters and highly-quotable lines – and it’s returned to streaming service Netflix this week.

Following a hotshot television anchorman (Ron Burgundy), viewers are taken along on a journey of life in the newsroom, from breaking stories to feuds, new hires, and jealousy.

Anchorman, which also starred a stunning Christina Applegate, was nominated for countless awards in the year following its debut.

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Though Darcy didn’t have a huge role in the movie, being officially listed under the role of ‘hot blonde’ in such a big show made her character all the more iconic.

20 years on, it’s hard not to notice from recent snaps of the hot blonde – who is now in her forties – that she’s barely aged over the decades.

Darcy has maintained her svelte figure over the years, stunning in a bodycon sparkly dress on her Instagram recently.

The same signature blonde hair that also landed her the part of ‘hot blonde’ remains as beautiful as ever, now falling down past her chest.

Fans also got a glimpse of her age-defying beauty in a recent appearance on the Rollin’ Olan podcast with host Jeff Olan.

During their chat, the film and TV star recollected her filming experience on the set of Anchorman.

She told Jeff that the whole movie “was pretty much improv” and praised her famous scene partners for their wit and acting talents.

“Will Ferrell is definitely, you know, a comic genius.

“And Paul Rudd, I mean, he’s such a sweetheart. I really became good friends, too, with the director [Adam McKay].

“He is so talented, but he’s just really down to earth, you know, and, uh, he’s a phenomenal director.

“He understands, you know, how to get the best out of an actor and not feel pressure. And that’s the one thing I just think is phenomenal about him.”

Following the success of the first film, the lead stars returned for Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues in 2013, though Darcy did not reprise her role.

The ‘hot blonde’ has however starred in lots of other films and TV shows since, including popular series Modern Family, dystopian sci-fi Westworld, and even CSI.

But she still performs the occasional more anonymous role, such as ‘hot housewife’ in My Name Is Earl.

Darcy’s most recent work is on 2025 movie Hollywood Grit.

Starring alongside others including Max Martini and Tyrese Gibson, the production follows the story of a detective who’s looking for somebody’s daughter who vanished from a Hollywood jazz club.

January can be a great month to take a holiday as prices drop and there are plenty of destinations that are both hot and affordable.

Winter has arrived bringing with it dark, chilly and damp days. Whilst Christmas can inject some festive spirit into these dreary months, there’s still a considerable wait until spring makes its appearance.

Plenty of people will already be dreaming about their summer getaway, but if you’re unable to hold out that long, there are numerous destinations within easy reach of the UK that can deliver the sunshine you’re longing for.

January can prove to be an ideal time for travel, as holiday spots offer budget-friendly prices that allow you to kick off your new year in style.

A travel guru has highlighted four locations you can jet off to from the UK for “winter sun on a January budget”.

TikTok travel specialist Robonthebeach has revealed four of his personal top picks that Brits can escape to in the new year. He’s suggested destinations that are both warm and wallet-friendly.

As reported by the Express, Rob said: “January is one of my favourite months to book a holiday. Everyone’s skint, everyone’s cold, flights are quiet and the prices in a lot of destinations drop way lower than you’d expect.”

He examined January weather conditions, booking trends and pricing to compile his recommendations for a “warm, good value holiday next month”.

Madeira

Kicking off Rob’s suggestions are the Portuguese islands of Madeira. The four-island archipelago lies off the northwest coast of Africa and is renowned for its wine, pleasant temperatures and subtropical climate.

Rob pointed out that whilst January won’t bring scorching temperatures, visitors can still enjoy pleasant sunny conditions hovering around 19C to 20C. He described it as “one of the most gorgeous coastlines in Europe” and managed to find a bargain at £330 per person departing from Dublin, including flights and bed and breakfast.

Tenerife

The biggest of the Canary Islands offers consistently warm weather even during January, with temperatures reaching 22C to 23C and daily sunshine. Rob demonstrated the destination’s affordability by discovering a seven-night self-catering package from Liverpool for just £260 per person.

His personal tip was to base yourself in Costa Adeje, which he praised for being “sheltered, warm [with] loads going on”.

Sharm El Sheikh

This Egyptian resort town is celebrated for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Rob enthused: “If you want actual summer in January, this is it. You’re looking at 24C to 27C here, blue sky every single day and water that’s like a bath.”

He tracked down an all-inclusive seven-night package with flights from Luton for a mere £225 per person. “If you want heat for cheap, this is the one,” he declared.

Miami

Rob confessed this pick is his “wildcard” but insisted that with the right offer, it can still represent excellent value for a winter escape. He located seven nights at a Miami Beach hotel with indirect flights from Heathrow for £605 per person.

The travel guru remarked: “For Miami beach in January, peak sunshine season, that’s pretty nuts.” Miami’s weather sits at a balmy 25C to 27C.

HOLLYWOOD actress Sydney Sweeney unmasks herself as a secret tourist during a whirlwind trip to the UK.

The Euphoria star enjoyed a sightseeing tour around London before heading to Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire for some relaxation.

Sydney, 28, shared pictures from her whistle-stop visit — including putting on a facemask with a pal in a hot tub and horse riding.

The trip was organised by designer brand Miu Miu, which recruited Sydney as an ambassador in 2022.

Sharing the snaps online, Sydney, whose psychological thriller The Housemaid is released later this month, told her fans: “Little London getaway.”

Last week Sydney broke her silence over her American Eagle advert backlash. 

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Speaking out about the ad, which saw her backed by President Donald Trump, Sydney said: “I was honestly surprised by the reaction. 

“I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. 

“I don’t support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign.” 

The star added: “Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true. 

“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together. I’m against hate and divisiveness. 

“I have come to realise my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it.

“So I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.” 

Leave it to Leslie Jones and menopause to turn “The View” into a more entertaining program.

The “Saturday Night Live” veteran was halfway through a chat Tuesday with Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar and the rest of the “View” crew when she suddenly began to sweat — visibly. She coped by dabbing at her face with a small navy blue towel that magically appeared from under the table.

“You’re — you’re hot,” Behar stammered, breaking up a conversation in which she had opined that comics are truth-tellers who undermine propaganda.

“I’m always hot, babe,” Jones replied, continuing her blotting adventure before explaining — perhaps unnecessarily — “I’m having that menopause. That pause, that pause.”

The performer continued. “I am in it,” she said. “I am ‘pause.’ The heat that comes off of me can light a small city in Guadalajara.”

Forget that Guadalajara itself is a city, and not a small one. Jones’ deadpan demeanor at that moment prompted Sunny Hostin to begin fanning her with a large notecard. Behar joined in with her own card.

“Let’s talk about your latest comedy show because it is funny and it’s called ‘Leslie Jones: Life Part 2,’” Hostin said, attempting to get the segment back on track.

She did not completely succeed.

“I’m spritzing!” Jones said as she once again dabbed her moist face with the magical towel.

The show played a clip from her special where she talked about everyone needing to go to therapy, after which Hostin steered “The View” conversation toward dating.

Then Goldberg stole the spotlight, having left her seat to take over dabbing duties from their guest. “I could die now,” Jones said, holding her hands out, palms up, and looking to the heavens with a peaceful smile as she basked in Whoopi’s careful attention. “This is a little — this is a dream. This is a dream come true.”

At that point, Hostin seemed to give up on talking about guys with Jones and started once again fanning her with the notecard.

“Whoopi Goldberg wiping my sweat,” Jones declared, relaxing into the experience.

“Yes, it’s a beautiful moment,” Behar snarked.

Oh, but wait. Hostin was not to be denied. Or perhaps whatever producer was hollering into her earpiece wouldn’t be denied.

“You talk a lot about the men you’ve encountered … so tell us, how’s the pool out there?” she asked, not clocking that the audience was far more interested in Whoopi now fanning Jones by waving the magical towel. “Have you found any men,” Hostin wondered, “who would do that for you?” Fan you? Wipe your sweat?

“Unfortunately, no,” Jones replied. “Listen, I’m 58 now, so I’m past the BS.”

“You’re also post-menopausal at 58,” Dr. Behar interjected, revealing herself to be an armchair expert in female endocrinology. “It should be over by now.”

Jones turned from her reverie and looked at Behar as if the latter were a bag of dog poop burning on her doorstep. But she did not stomp on the bag to put it out. “It’s different for everyone,” Alyssa Farah Griffin chimed in cheerfully.

“Have we got a beef?” Jones asked Behar, looking at her with that stone-faced gaze only Leslie Jones can deliver.

“Not that I know of?” Behar said. “You know what, we respectfully disagree.”

Good to know that Behar thinks Jones isn’t capable of experiencing menopausal symptoms despite Jones experiencing menopausal symptoms right in front of her face.

Meanwhile, Whoopi stepped up the blotting, offering comforting words to Jones while Behar babbled on in her own defense.

“You comin’ at me,” Jones told Behar.

“Let me get your face,” Whoopi said.

“Thank you, baby,” Jones told her personal sweat-swabber.

And the conversation turned back to the dating scene, which Jones correctly told Hostin “is not bleak. It’s diabolical.” As she spoke, Whoopi folded the magical towel, laid it down in a magical resting place and backed away, blowing on Jones as she took slow steps toward her abandoned chair.

“Just blow yourself all over me, babe,” Jones said, and Whoopi stepped back and obliged. Behar, looking uncomfortable, asked someone to grab a hand towel.

“It’s so sad,” Jones said, “that my whole spot is going to be about me sweating.”

After a commercial break, Behar had in hand a small electric fan, which she promptly aimed at Jones. “This one will take care of all your issues.”

“Thank you, darling. I’m good,” Jones said. “Now I’m freezing.”

Nah girl. When it came to Joy Behar in that moment, you were just cold.

WHEN it comes to January you can either embrace the chill, or escape it.

Sun Travel has got seven destinations all over the globe from African Islands to UK staycations and a beautiful city under four hours away with return flights from just £35.

Cape Verde

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey can’t abide cold weather during January so has a suggestion for anyone wanting winter warmth.

She said: “If you want guaranteed sun without having to spend too much post-Christmas money, then Cape Verde is a great option.

“Expect much warmer temperatures – think 26C in January – without having to hop on a long flight. Taking just six hours, there’s just one hour’s time difference, so no jet lag either.

“Both TUI and easyJet offer flights there, with Boa Vista and Sal the two most popular islands. TUI’s package holidays start from £515pp, or easyJet’ flights are around £92 each way.

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“There’s activities from boat trips to dune bashing, but I wouldn’t blame you if you ended up on the sun lounger more often than not for some winter warmth.”

Cruises

Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot recommends hopping on a cruise next month. She said: “Getting your Vitamin D fix couldn’t be easier when you choose a holiday at sea.

“Ocean cruising in the warm waters of the Caribbean, the Canary Islands or even the Gulf is the perfect January pick-me-up and you can sit back and relax on deck soaking up the sunshine while a new port of call will deliver the chance to explore ashore.

“For Brits, Marella Cruises offers great all-inclusive packages including flights, all your food and alcoholic drinks plus tips.

“Fly to the Dominican Republic on January 6 and you could be setting sail onboard the Marella Discovery from £1,181pp for seven nights’ all-inclusive cruising to St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts and the British Virgin Islands. Flights depart Gatwick. See tui.co.uk/cruise.

“Or how about adding some Mexican flavour to your Caribbean escape? Iglu has a cruise-only deal for seven nights’ full-board on MSC Seashore from just £401pp, you’ll just need to book flights to Orlando to join the cruise. See iglucruise.com.”

Wales

Meanwhile Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski suggests sticking to the UK.

She said: “Generally speaking, I’ll pick a sunny holiday over a wintry escape every time. Except at this time of year, that is. January, for me, is about embracing winter – and I’m not quite ready to chuck on a bikini after all those mince pies.

“Instead, I’ll stay in cosy mode, with a cottage staycation where I can spend the week holed up in a typically British pub with a roaring fireplace and generously sized glass of red wine to warm me through.

“I visited North Wales in January last year and it was the perfect spot to reset myself after the festive period.

“Our Sykes Cottages property, Cefn Nannau cottage was set on a working farm and the area had just been caught in a flurry of snow.

“Mornings consisted of frosty dog walks around Lake Tegid, the largest natural lake in the country, followed by a soak in the outdoor hot tub with a cup of tea, watching the sheep huddle in the snow in the field opposite.

“A three nights’ self-catering break at Cefn Nannau cottage costs from £114pp, based on 12 sharing.”

Tenerife

Travel Writer Helen Wright has one island she goes back to year on year.

She said: “In my opinion, you can’t beat the Canary Islands in January. We go every year, usually to Tenerife, but if we get a good deal, we’ll sometimes choose Gran Canaria instead.

“It’s the perfect way to wind down after the Christmas chaos as the Canary Islands are always so chilled out.

“The weather is perfect for us as a family. It’s not as hot as some winter sun destinations, but very pleasantly warm. We’ll be wearing shorts and t-shirts during the day and then a hoodie or jacket with jeans in the evening.

“We spend our days on the beach or by the pool at our hotel – when booking, always remember to check the pool is heated and preferably not by solar panels because if it’s cloudy, the water can be cold.

“Often, we’ll book all-inclusive or half-board with Jet2, which means food and drink are hassle-free. Even when we eat out, the Canary Islands are never too expensive.

“It’s the perfect little January getaway and if you look around for some great last-minute deals, it can be super affordable too.”

Marrakesh

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill is also seeking out heat in January and there’s somewhere you can be in under four hours.

She said: “I really don’t mind the cold up until Christmas. But post December 31 and I’m ready for spring.

“Sadly living in the UK means it won’t be warm for months so if I can, I’ll head off somewhere not too far for some sun – like Marrakesh.

“In January the weather can be as high as 19C, if you’re lucky. But it’s still pleasant enough to stroll about without packing on the layers and thermals.

“There’s lots of exploring you can do too in the mild weather – which I find more pleasant than their scorching summers. Some of my favourite spots are the Dar El Bacha – a huge palace with beautiful mosaics, and of course the medina full of spices, leathers and great souvenirs.

“You can get return flights to Marrakesh from £35 with easyJet flying out on January 27 and returning on January 31, 2026.”

Seville

One places close to home that Kara loves is over in Spain, she said: “The city of Seville is perfect to visit for your first 2026 trip. Just two hours by flight, it’s one of Spain‘s hottest cities.

“Not only that, but it’s not one you want to visit in summer, with huge crowds and temperatures hitting an unbearable 40C.

“It’s an easy place for a weekend break, with fantastic food, live flamenco and beautiful architecture. I recommend staying at Only YOU – a boutique hotel that opened last year and is as little as £96 a night.

“And top tip – try and nab the free tickets for the Royal Alcázar of Seville palace, which are found in the last hour of opening.”

Paris

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill believes sometimes you have to compromise on heat for a shorter travel time – and head to somewhere like lovely Paris.

She said: “While you might not get the heat of places further afield, sometimes you can’t beat a short trip to somewhere like Paris where you can do so much in just a few days.

“When I went across on the Eurostar it was for an extreme daytrip and took just a few hours – but of course you can stay longer if you like.

“See incredible sites like Notre Dame, the Musée d’Orsay and you can even go on a food tour which will take you through beautiful neighbourhoods.

“When it’s not raining, walking along the River Seine during the winter with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate is delightful.

“If you fancy a short trip, you can get a return journey on the Eurostar from £83 departing on January 27 and returning a day later.”

For more Sun Travel suggestions, check out our favourite day trips in the South East – from pubs with a view to quiet beaches.

Plus, these are the holiday destinations we predict will be HUGE in 2026 – thanks to cheap hotels, flights and pints.

THE last time Britain had a white Christmas was 15 years ago – and its unlikely to be one this year either.

But there is one way of guaranteeing one in the UK thanks to a holiday lodge that has a sneaky way to make sure you have snow.

You can get festive quite easily with cosy log fires, a cup of mulled wine, and a classic Christmas dinner.

But there’s one thing that would make it that extra special – a blanket of snow outside.

And Holiday Lodges have announced a stay that will actually guarantee snow – thanks to hidden snow machines throughout.

Tucked away in the heart of Wales is its White Christmas Lodge where in December guests will wake up to snow outside.

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The description reads: “From the moment you arrive, you’ll step into a winter wonderland. Fully decked out in Christmassy decor and covered in snow”.

The lodge sleeps up to eight people and has its own hot tub, games room, cosy living and dining room along with icy lake views and you can stay there from £350 per night.

For further festivities, you can add a “decorate-your-own tree” experience or a festive wreath-making class.

In the evening, the kitchen is full-kitted out so you can relax with a cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine or spiced cider.

Not to mention it’s the perfect place to watch movies like Home Alone, Elf and for classic fans, White Christmas.

There might even be a special visit from Santa himself.

The following morning you’ll actually get to see snow falling outside (thanks to the hidden snow machines too).

The lodge has captured attention on social media too. TikTok‘s @_miawootoon said “I feel like it would be the most incredible experience in the world to have a white Christmas – why hasn’t it been done before?”.

@alexandratealeaf added “it looks like it’s straight out of a Christmas movie”.

More details are yet to be announced and the lodge isn’t available for booking quite yet.

But if you’re interested in a stay at the White Christmas Lodge next tear then head here to register your interest at holidaylodges.co.uk.   

For more on Christmas, check out the popular UK attraction with the tallest Christmas tree in the WORLD – and they need a crane to decorate it.

And here are 15 unusual places to see Santa this Christmas from underground mines to water attractions.

EVEN if you enjoy crisp mornings and a bit of snow, it’s hard not to daydream about a sunny break during the British winter. 

You could be looking for a half term getaway with the family or simply trying to escape the UK at its chilliest.

Whatever your motivation, the desire to shed your winter coat is understandable. 

There is a great variety of destinations ranging from long to short-haul which offer a chance to catch some February rays, whether that be in the sizzling tropics or the mild Mediterranean.

We’ve rounded some of these up, along with great deals that will get you there, so that you can chase the sun all year round. 

Agadir, Morocco

Average high temperature: 21C

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Just under four hours from the UK lie the golden sands of Agadir’s crescent-shaped beach. 

The six mile stretch of coast is a hotspot for surfing – but it’s also popular with holidaymakers who simply want to kick back and enjoy the sunshine, which the city gets 300 days of per year. 

And Agadir boasts more than just a beach, with a bustling souk and stunning 16th century ruins adding to the reasons it was named a top travel destination by British Airways in 2025. 

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited and said: “You can easily sunbathe on the beach with highs of 21C in February, and I was easily able to walk around in a t-shirt during the day. Just make sure to bring a jumper for the evening as it can drop to 10C by night.”

Plus, this Moroccan gem is incredibly easy to reach from the UK as most major European airlines offer direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Orlando, Florida

Average high temperature: 24C

Florida benefits from a powerful Atlantic Ocean current which causes warmer water to be brought in from the tropics, which means it’s warm year-round.

With temperatures reaching highs of 24C in February, a tan is definitely on the cards.

It might still be worth packing a brolly, as chances of rain do increase in February with the average total rainfall being 77mm across the month.

That being said, Orlando is home to some of the world’s best theme parks, and February might be one of the best times to visit as you won’t be queueing under the scorching summer sun.

Gran Canaria, Spain

Average high temperature: 21C

Winters in the Canary Islands are balmy, with temperatures regularly surpassing the 20C mark.

Gran Canaria sees little to no rainfall during the whole month of February, making it a safe bet if you want to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or boat tours for dolphin-watching.

The island boasts over 80 beaches with both white and volcanic black sand, so visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to sunbathing spots.

One of these is Playa de Maspalomas, which was recently named the sunniest beach in Europe due to getting over 10 hours of daily sunshine, even during the winter months. 

Cape Verde

Average high temperature: 25C

As an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is surprisingly close to the UK in terms of flight-time. 

The six hours it takes to travel from Blighty – and the added benefit of no jet lag – makes it a convenient, mid-haul destination for sunseekers. 

Strong breezes keep the warm temperatures comfortable while also making the islands ideal for activities like windsurfing and kiteboarding. 

“I visited Cape Verde in February, when the sunshine is guaranteed and there is less than a millimetre of rainfall in a month,” said Jacob Lewis. “I was also lucky enough to be around for Carnival, the nation’s biggest annual celebration.”

Of its 10 islands, head to Boa Vista for pristine white-sand beaches, Sal for watersports and Santo Antão for breathtaking landscapes.

Malta

Average high temperature: 16C

If you prefer milder weather, Malta is a fantastic option for a winter trip.

Even with an average high of 16C, it can reach up to 20C on the warmest days. 

You’ll get to enjoy impressive amounts of sunshine while you explore its ancient citadels and lesser-known islands – all without the crowds that arrive during the hottest months. 

February is also the cheapest time to visit, with direct return flights from the UK available for as little as £33 per person. 

Cape Town, South Africa

Average high temperature: 27C

February is Cape Town’s hottest month of the year, and allows you to swap the extremes of UK winter for South African summer. 

It is also one of the driest months, unlike in tropical destinations where you’d run the risk of a shower. 

There are many events happening in February, with the Cape Town Art Fair and the Pride Festival both taking place.

To make it even better, February marks the end of the peak holiday season, so you can make the most of significantly cheaper accommodation and flights.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Average high temperature: 26C

There’s a reason that February is the high season in Dubai. 

The days are pleasantly warm without reaching the sweltering temperatures of a UAE summer, meaning you can better enjoy daytime outings such as tours, water parks or even a desert safari.  

The Sun’s Daniel Tison holidayed in the city in February, saying: “The weather was hot, especially around noon which made the cold sea water very refreshing.”

With its opulent skyscrapers and luxurious resorts, Dubai during this month offers the best of its desert climate.  

The Gambia

Average high temperature: 32C

The hottest place on our list is the unsung nation dubbed ‘the smiling coast of Africa’ – The Gambia.

It has a small Atlantic coastline where soaking up the sun is best done in February, as the month falls within the dry season and guarantees endless sunshine. 

Besides beaches, The Gambia’s diverse natural environment includes savannahs and wetlands, making it a prime destination for nature lovers.

What’s more, it’s a highly accessible country for British travellers, with English as the official language, direct TUI flights and no time difference at all. 

Valencia, Spain

Average high temperature: 16C 

Just over a two-hour flight from the UK is Valencia, with its mild climes that make February feel more like spring than winter. 

Caroline McGuire – The Sun’s Digital Head of Travel – said: “I travelled to Valencia in February half term and the weather was lovely and warm. 

“There’s plenty to see and do for kids and it’s a beautiful city with a gorgeous beach. It wasn’t roasting, but definitely t-shirt and shorts weather – and it beat the 5C back in the UK for sure.”

At this time of year flights can be bagged for just £28 return per person, with budget airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Vueling all offering direct routes. 

If you’re after a city break rather than a beach escape, Valencia’s striking architecture, vibrant atmosphere and exciting food scene make it an excellent choice for some winter warmth.