huge

Huge TOWIE star is ‘ready to be pushed to her limit’ as she signs up to next series of Celeb SAS: Who Dares Wins

AMY Childs has signed up for the next series of Celeb SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The former TOWIE star, 35, will appear on the next series of the gruelling Channel 4 show which is expected to air next year.

Amy Childs attends the ITV2 Reality Showcase at White City Place.
Amy Childs has signed up for the new series of Channel 4 show Celeb SAS: Who Dares Wins Credit: Getty

A source said: “Amy is ready to be pushed to her limit on the show.

“She wants to prove to herself and her children that she has what it takes.

“Amy has also been working hard with her personal trainer to be physically ready to take on the challenge.”

Earlier this month Amy tied the knot with her long-term boyfriend Billy Delbosq at Marylebone Town Hall in London.

WEDDED BLISS

Inside Amy Childs’ £1k a night mini-moon after incredible wedding


FEARS FOR AMY

Amy Childs’ friends reveal devastating truth behind tiny bikini snaps

Meanwhile Amy has also faced cruel backlash from trolls online over her drastic weight loss.

She also faced further turmoil last year when her mum Julie was rushed to hospital following a heart attack last year.

Speaking to OK! Magazine, she said: “People don’t know what is going on behind closed doors.

“I’m going through so much at the minute that the weight has fallen off me. I worry about my mum constantly.

“She’s very emotional – she thinks she’s going to have another heart attack.”

The Sun has also revealed that Married At First Sight star Ella Morgan will compete on the military challenge show.

It will be the first time that a famous trans person has competed on Channel 4’s military challenge show, which films its ninth series this summer.

Meanwhile Freddy Brazier is also in talks to compete on the show – following in the footsteps of his dad Jeff Brazier, who starred on the show in 2019.

Former Special Forces big dogs Billy Billingham, Jason Fox, Rudy Reyes, and Chris Oliver will all be on hand to push the stars to their limit.

Series eight, which went out in January, was given a Team UK v Team Australia theme and produced in conjunction with Aussie broadcaster Channel 7.

Seven stars from each country were pitted against each other to find out which of them were capable of completing the course.

Former Love Islanders Dani Dyer and Gabby Allen as well as retired Australian swimmer Emily Seebohm were crowned the winners.

Source link

‘I design hotels – there’s one room detail most people miss but it makes a huge difference’

Luxury hotel designer Tatiana Sheveleva, who has worked with brands such as The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, has been involved in some remarkable projects and knows a thing or two about hospitality

A luxury hotel designer has revealed the key feature in every room that guests might miss, but it can make a huge difference.

Tatiana Sheveleva, originally from Kazakhstan but living in Toronto, Canada, has been a luxury hospitality designer, including for hotels, resorts and yachts, for 15 years and runs her company, Chapi Design. During her creative career, she’s worked on incredible projects with major brands, including St. Regis Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, and The Luxury Collection.

These projects have taken Tatiana all over the world, designing interiors for hotels and resorts in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Antigua, Orlando, Nashville, and Toronto. She’s even designed a luxury yacht for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Luminara, which boasts 226 suites with private terraces, five restaurants, seven bars, and a wine vault.

READ MORE: Travel operators accused of ‘profiteering’ as ferry boss makes announcementREAD MORE: British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 issue fuel warning amid Middle East war

One of Tatiana’s most recent projects was for St. Regis in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic, which was completed last year. “I like to do big properties, and everything we design [at Chapi Design] is custom-made,” Tatiana told the Mirror, “I have been very fortunate to work on different properties around the world.

“But it’s still so surreal for me that I’m working on the most amazing properties in the world, even though I have been doing this for 15 years.”

With a wealth of expertise on luxury interior designs, Tatiana revealed that there’s one key element in every hotel room that guests regularly miss.

The designer said: “The most money is spent on the headboard. Typically, it’s the most expensive piece as it’s often a feature. How you design the headboard depends on the bed’s location, and it can be a strong element of the project’s narrative.”

Tatiana revealed another important feature of any hotel room. “I would say the bathroom, believe it or not. It always gives the guests a good impression, and it’s the first place they go when they check into the room.

“The bathroom area is important. If you design a very unique layout for the washroom, people will start to talk about it. In the washroom, you can create something very sculptural and unique.

“If you are successful enough to create this interesting washroom, first of all, people will be spending more time there, they will have a bath and feel more relaxed. And actually, we spend a lot of our time in there.”

She added: “The light in the bathroom should be accommodating for different scenarios, bright enough to put on make-up but cosy and romantic at the same time. For me, every single washroom I design is very unique.”

Another feature of a hotel room that Tatania argues warrants attention is the bed.

“The mattress has to be comfortable, and the bedding. Also, there might be special glasses by the bedside table; it’s these details,” she said.

The designer likes to add a special feature inside the closet, such as interesting wallpaper, a splash of color, or a pretty stone.

“That’s a unique element you don’t notice right away, but you notice it after,” she added.

For Tatiana, the joy of the job comes from travelling and working with different people. She said: “The whole process is quite fun, and during this process, you get to meet a lot of interesting people who are passionate about projects. I also like to investigate new locations and new countries, because when I was in Kazakhstan, I didn’t really travel much. So, my first project for St. Regis was in Mexico, and it was my dream to go there.

“Mexico has a very unique culture, it’s very colourful, there’s amazing food, and they use alot of bright colours – there’s a lot of celebrations. It was very different, and I was very excited about that. The Dominican Republic is the same. It’s very comfortable, the people and land, it’s very nice.”

And her travels aren’t stopping anytime soon. Tatiana is currently working on mega interior design projects for St. Regis in Costa Rica, The Luxury Collection Hotel in Mexico, and Luxury Hotels in Peru and Antigua, and some projects can take as long as six years to complete.

You can read more about Tatiana’s projects on the Chapi Design website. You can also follow their Instagram page.

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



Source link

Scarlett Moffatt lands huge TV deal with ITV following latest I’m A Celeb success

Scarlett Moffatt is reaping the benefits of her popularity during her latest I’m A Celeb stint with her already being offered huge deals thanks to her on-screen success

Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt has landed a huge new deal with ITV following her I’m A Celeb success.

The popular TV personality missed out on being part of the I’m a Celebrity South Africa final after she was given the boot from the camp following a Bushtucker Trial that saw her have to count coloured balls. Fans were disappointed to see Scarlett, 35, axed before reaching the finale which ended up being an all-male line-up.

However, the exit has done her no harm with ITV bosses among an array of channels and brands who are keen to work with her following her latest stint. Scarlett said: “I have got something coming up with ITV and I’ve just done a photoshoot in Barcelona.”

She continued to The Sun: “It’s been a whirlwind recently. It feels like the first time I came out of the jungle ten years ago — the same thing is happening again.”

Scarlett was just 25 years old when she was crowned the Queen of the Jungle in 2016, two years after she found fame on Gogglebox. She went on to become a TV presenter in joining Ant and Dec on their hit show Saturday Night Takeaway, before diverting to Channel 4 to reboot Davina McCall ’s dating show Streetmate.

Scarlett also served as a host of I’m a Celeb spin-off Extra Camp. She welcomed her son Jude in June 2023 and took some time away from the world of entertainment, however her fresh stint on the I’m a Celebrity all-stars series has placed her firmly back in the spotlight cementing her popularity with the public.

A source said: “Scarlett might not have reached the final of I’m a Celebrity but she’s shone this series and it’s reminded everyone how funny, kind and brilliant she is. Her diary is packed with offers but she’s thrilled to have a big new project with ITV booked.”

Meanwhile, Scarlett revealed earlier this week that she and fiancé Scott Dobson are now expecting their second child. Speaking at ITV’s Showcase event on Thursday night, she said: “I’m so excited to be pregnant again.

“I didn’t know if it would happen again so I’m so grateful that I get to be a mammy for two. When I first had my little boy Jude, I decided to take two years off. Then I’ve come back into it head first and I’m pregnant again.

“But I don’t know if I’d want to take another two-year break — I love this job. I feel so grateful that I get to call this my career. I hope I’ll do lots of new things.”

The baby news came after viewers saw Scarlett talking about her fertility struggles in heart-wrenching scenes shown on I’m a Celebrity last week.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.



Source link

Beyonce & Jay Z secretly eye huge 16th century European estate in area ‘loved by rich & famous’ after snubbing UK move

BEYONCE and hubby Jay-Z are looking to move to France — after ditching plans for a UK home.

The music power couple, who abandoned househunting in the Cotswolds due to concerns about flooding, are said to be eyeing up a stunning chateau near Bordeaux.

US power couple Beyonce and Jay Z have abandoned their plans to purchase a home in the UK Credit: AP
The couple are eyeing a 16th century estate with 10 bedrooms in France near Bordeaux instead Credit:

Crazy In Love singer Beyoncé, 44, and Jay-Z, 56, are already huge fans of the famous wine region – with the 99 Problems rapper celebrating his birthday there in 2023.

Sources say the US pair are looking at a 16th century estate boasting 10 bedrooms and eight bathrooms, nestled in a commune.

Locals have told how the area is abuzz with talk of the A-listers joining their community – which is described as the French equivalent to the Cotswolds.

Businesses have reportedly been sworn to secrecy about the couple’s potential arrival.

BEIGEY BEY

Beyonce shows off curves in sexy beige bustier, shorts and fishnets


HOT WHEELS

Beyonce stuns in busty racing suit before Lewis takes her around Vegas GP track

One local said: “Everyone is talking about Beyonce and Jay-Z moving to the area.

“It’s all been shrouded in secrecy, with local businesses and tradespeople forced to sign non-disclosure agreements, but theirs are the names on everyone’s lips.”

Residents have reported a recent surge in private planes landing at the closest airport.

One source also told how a job description has gone on a local noticeboard for an experienced property manager working with VIP clients at an historic estate.

One of the requirements for the role is “absolute discretion”.

The superstar couple — worth a combined £1.5billion — were said to be buying a £7.5million 58-acre plot in the Cotswolds, following the footsteps of several celebrities.

Planning permission was secured for the seven-bedroom property.

But insiders said the pair, who have three children together, turned their backs on the area after learning it was prone to flooding.

A source told The Sun: “Beyonce and Jay-Z buying this plot of land was the talk of the Cotswolds, so many locals were excited about them moving in.

“But the plan appears to have fallen through.”

Despite their snub the Cotswolds have attracted a raft of celebrities including Ellie Goulding, James Blunt, Kate Moss, Amanda Holden, Tom Cruise, Liam Gallagher and Lily Allen.

TV host Ellen Degeneres and wife Portia de Rossi also moved to the area and renovated a farmhouse which they are selling for £22.5million.

TV host Ellen Degeneres did buy a home in the Cotswolds – but she has now put it up for sale Credit: Getty

Source link

Inside Olivia Dean’s huge UK arena tour as British chart topper baffles fans by NOT performing one of her biggest hits

OLIVIA DEAN stormed the opening night of her debut arena tour – but left fans gutted by not performing No1 hit Rein Me In.

She received a hero’s welcome at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, fresh from a stellar few months which saw her scoop four Brit Awards, three Mobos and the Grammy for Best New Artist.

Olivia Dean left fans gutted by not performing No1 hit Rein Me In on the opening night of her debut arena tour Credit: LOLA MANSELL
Olivia told the crowd that her whirlwind success over the past 12 months has been a shock, even to her Credit: Getty

But she surprised the audience by deciding not to include her Sam Fender collaboration, which has so far spent eight weeks at the top of the charts, on her 23-track setlist.

So fans had a singalong to it outside the venue afterwards instead.

Rein Me In won the Brit Award for Song of the Year in February, but Olivia had plenty of other brilliant tunes to satisfy the sold-out arena.

As floor-to-ceiling white stage curtains opened to reveal the singer, she looked cool, calm and collected, despite the high expectations on her shoulders.

THE GIG IS UP

Olivia Dean takes swipe at ticket touts as she wants fans to ‘afford shows’


A REAL SOFTY

Olivia Dean shows off endless legs as she poses in just a fluffy white coat

She breezed out in a pink sequined dress and was greeted with echoing singalongs of utterly joyous tracks Nice To Each Other and So Easy (To Fall In Love).

She then told the crowd that her whirlwind success over the past 12 months has been a shock, even to her.

She explained: “This is crazy. Apologies if I get emotional tonight but I just can’t believe how many people are here. Today we were driving in and I drove past King Tut’s. I played there two years ago, and there was 300 people in the room.

“Now I’m here with all of you, so thank you so much for being here.

“Just enjoy yourselves. Sing, dance, cry, whatever you want. I’ll certainly be having a good time.”

And things got more emotional as she performed UFO, from her 2023 debut album Messy, which she said is about feeling “overwhelmed.”

When the audience spontaneously waved their phone torches in the air to light up the arena, she wiped away tears of joy.

SET LIST

The Art Of Loving (Intro);

Nice To Each Other;

Lady Lady;

So Easy (To Fall In Love);

Close Up; Let Alone The One You Love;

Messy;

UFO;

Touching Toes;

I’ve Seen It;

Carmen;

Echo;

Time;

Loud;

A Couple Minutes;

The Hardest Part;

Baby Steps;

Ladies Room;

Move On Up (Curtis Mayfield cover);

OK Love You Bye;

It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be;

Dive; Man I Need

One of the set’s unexpected highlights came as she sang Loud live for the first time.

And she did so in a flowing white skirt from a flower-shaped stage in the centre of the room.

Against stripped-back instrumentation, the haunting track showed her vocals at their most powerful.

Back on the main stage, disco balls descended from the ceiling for a more upbeat section which had her skipping and dancing across the stage, along with her nine-piece band.

As she wrapped up the gig, she said: “I never imagined I could have my own headline arena tour. It’s mental.

“Thank you so much for listening and just believing in me.”

And while she didn’t do Rein Me In, she finished her set with fan favourite Dive and her first No1, Man I Need.

She will be back on stage tomorrow at Manchester’s Co-op Live before six nights at London’s O2 Arena, and further shows in Dublin and across Europe.

Olivia is at the top of her game right now and if you want a warm, musical hug, this concert is it.

Duran set for summer

Duran Duran have dropped new single Free To Love Credit: Stephanie Pistel.
The band have worked on a single with Nile Rodgers Credit: Alamy

DURAN DURAN have dropped new single Free To Love and have signed up presenter Clara Amfo to appear in the music video.

They gave Radio 2 a first play of the track yesterday morning and it’s a banger, with Simon Le Bon and the band working on the single with Nile Rodgers – 40 years after he produced their Notorious album.

In an exclusive chat after the single dropped, John Taylor told me: “We wanted to write something uplifting for these times we find ourselves in. A feelgood piece for an imaginary dance floor.

“I always want to feel the DNA of classic disco in our music, reframed for now. Nile locks us into that timeless groove, bringing a sense of optimism. It’s a reminder that music can still bring people together.”

If you’ve not heard Free To Love yet, definitely give it a listen. It’s the perfect summer song.

Lady Gaga eyes six second Oscar

Lady Gaga wants an Oscar Credit: Splash

LADY GAGA is eyeing up another Best Original Song nomination at the Oscars after recording three songs for Devil Wears Prada 2.

After Gaga, released her Doechii collaboration Runway earlier this month, I told how the superstar had a surprise in store for fans and had contributed more to the film’s soundtrack.

I can reveal that as well as Runway, Gaga has recorded Shape Of A Woman which she performs during the film, plus a third song, which is called Glamerous Life.

It is a stripped-back emotional ballad – similar to her 2022 single Hold My Hand for the Top Gun: Maverick sequel.

On the new song, Gaga sings: “I might need a hero to save me from breaking. Can I be myself in a world that’s just faking it?”

In 2019 Gaga won Best Original Song at the Oscars for A Star Is Born’s Shallow and if Prada 2, which is in cinemas from May 1, takes off like I think it will, she will have another Oscar nomination under her belt.

Gaga co-wrote Shallow with Mark Ronson and performed it at the Oscars ceremony with her movie co-star Bradley Cooper.

Sofa, so good Kylie

Kylie Jenner used her cream sofa as the backdrop for a load of thirsty Instagram snaps Credit: Instagram/kyliejenner

ANYTHING Kylie Jenner touches seems to turn to gold.

So I think sofa superstore DFS should be having a serious think about signing her up, after the American reality TV star turned beauty mogul decided that she would use her cream sofa as the backdrop for a load of thirsty Instagram snaps.

Over two million of her fans have now liked the images, which Kylie captioned: “Can’t a girl have fun?”

I can think of more places to have a laugh than on my sofa wearing a bra, but each to their own.

Ant & Dec go crazy

We revealed back in February that Ant & Dec were in talks for a new ITV show all about crazy golf Credit: Rex

OUR sister showbiz column Biz On Sunday told you back in February that Ant & Dec were in talks for a new ITV primetime show all about crazy golf.

And now I’m told the Geordie duo have had the series green-lit by telly chiefs, and the pair are already busy filming with a host of golf-mad hopefuls.

It is based on US show A Hole In One, where contestants battle it out on a seriously hard silly course for cash.

A source said: “Ant and Dec have been given the nod and they’re preparing to film their new ITV show later this summer.

“Rather than having the public competing like in the US version, they’ve got a load of golf fans to sign up and play.

“It’s going to be the weirdest and wackiest game of crazy golf ever, with some big personalities trying to putt a winner.

“Ant and Dec are huge golf fans so really wanted to get the concept off the ground. ITV loved it and now it’s being pitched for a primetime slot on Saturdays. It’s family-friendly and with the great personalities they’ve got on board, they think it could be a ratings winner.”

Ant and Dec will have a hell of a job fitting this new show into their schedules, with the pair due to jet off to Australia later this year for the next series of I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here!

But if I was getting paid to spend some days in the sun mucking around on a crazy golf course, I’d definitely make some time in my diary.

Liam bigs up Oasis return

Liam Gallagher is bigging up more Oasis live shows Credit: Getty

LIAM GALLAGHER is fuelling what we all know – Oasis will be coming back with more live shows.

And now the motormouth has sent fans in Italy into overdrive after heading to Rome.

He was mobbed outside his city-centre hotel, where one asked if he and Noel would return to the city.

Liam replied: “Without a doubt. We’re coming next year.”

I revealed the rockers are plotting more reunion dates in 2027 after taking this year to recharge.

A huge run across the UK, Europe and North America is heavily tipped as the brothers celebrate the 30th anniversary of their heyday.

For a man meant to be on holiday, Liam is putting in serious hours in the Oasis promotions department.

Tyla has A* pop lined up

Tyla has announced her second album and when it will drop Credit: Tod Dow Young/ Fallon Tonight

TYLA has announced her second album A*Pop will drop on July 24.

The singer was in New York to dish out copies of her signed i-D Magazine cover and celebrated the release date with her fans, saying: “Initially going into this project, I was nervous – like, ‘Where do we go from here?’

“But I realised that the music really reflects where you are in life, and the way the new album sounds came on its own, it fell into place.

“There are some exciting features but those are all still under wraps for now.”

Reverand And The Makers also have exciting news for fans.

Today they have dropped new single F*ked Up with Robbie Williams.


NICK GRIMSHAW knows an act who has already been booked to headline Glastonbury 2027, after I revealed in January his close pal Harry Styles will top the bill next summer.

On his Sidetracked podcast Nick seemed to confirm my story by saying: “I know someone that’s playing. I can’t say who. So two spots to go . . . Maybe. They might be booked.”


VINYL fans with deep pockets should start saving now, as the White Label Auction is back.

The annual sale in aid of The Brit Trust begins on June 23, with hundreds of rare white label test pressings going under the hammer through Omega Auctions.

Among the hottest lots are signed releases from Sam Fender, The Cure, Roxy Music and Yungblud.

Collectors can also get their hands on gems from Gorillaz, Coldplay, Freddie Mercury, Sex Pistols and The Who.

The charity event has already raised more than £200,000.


STRICTLY fans can swap the sofa for the dance floor later this year, with the show’s pros heading to Warner Hotels for a string of star-studded breaks.

Kai Widdrington and Katya Jones will lead the glittery line-up, with guests able to watch live performances, snap photos and even learn a few moves themselves.

And it’s not just sequins on offer.

Singers Chesney Hawkes, Michael Ball, Alexandra Burke, Will Young and Russell Watson are all booked to perform at various locations across the country.


Source link

All of the UK lidos getting huge makeovers this year from new heated pools to cafes and splash parks

THE WEATHER is warming up and what better way to enjoy it then heading to an upgraded lido?

The UK is home to over 150 outdoor swimming pools, so there are more than enough to choose from no matter where you are in the country.

A number of UK lidos are being upgrading this year including Portishead Open Air Pool (pictured) Credit: TripAdvisor
Hilsea Lido will also reopen this year, having been closed since 2022 Credit: Instagram/Hilsea Lido
A floating lido is set to open in Canary Wharf, London, this summer Credit: Sea Lanes

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

But there are a number of lidos that are reopening this year with major upgrades – or even new ones opening for the first time.

Here’s a rundown of the refreshed spots with new heated pools, cafes and splash parks.

Portishead Open Air Pool

Sitting not too far from the British Channel coast, Portishead Open Air Lido reopened this week following a major £1.3million makeover.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs


GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

The project included refurbishing the pool and the cafe, as well as upgrading the changing rooms.

The pool itself is 33metres long and there is a separate toddler pool as well.

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf

Last year, Canary Wharf in London announced plans for an Olympic-sized open-water lido with sauna pods and a clubhouse.

In total, the pool will have six lanes and stretch 50metres long, with a fixed depth of 1.3metres.

The new lido will float in the Eden Dock area of Canary Wharf.

The Sea Lanes lido is set to open this summer and will be open all year round.

Valentines Lido

Valentines Lido in Illford is set to open later this year.

The brand new £4million heated lido will have a huge pool, kids’ splash park and spa zone.

A new lido will also open with a spa in Illford, called Valentines Lido Credit: Redbridge Council

Our favourite UK holiday parks

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Park Holidays UK Sand le Mere, Yorkshire

This holiday park in Yorkshire is a thriving family resort, just steps from Tunstall Beach. Entertainment is what this resort does best, with costume character performances, Link-up Bingo and cabaret shows. Accommodation ranges from fully-equipped Gold Caravans to Platinum Lodges with sun decks and luxury bedding.

BOOK A BREAK

St Ives Bay Beach Resort, Cornwall

This beachfront resort in St Ives, Cornwall is a true beach bum’s paradise – whether you want to laze out on the sand, or take to the waves for some surfing. Activities include disc golf, a Nerf challenge and an outdoor cinema, as well as indoor activities for the colder months like karaoke, bingo and DJ sets.

BOOK A BREAK

Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park, Northampton

This holiday park has loads of unique activities on offer, including TikTok dance classes, alpaca feeding, a pump track for BMX riding, and taking a ride on the resort’s very own miniature railway. Throw in bug hotel and den building, pond dipping, survival skills workshops and a lake for paddleboard and pedalo hire, and you’ve got yourself an action-packed park.

BOOK A BREAK

Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex
This beachfront resort is a classic family favourite. If you’re not up to swimming in the sea, there’s four fantastic pools here, as well as water flumes, underwater jets, inflatable jet skis and kayak races. Plus if you’ve got any little fans of Paw Patrol or Milkshake!, you’ll be glad to know there’s Milkshake! Mornings and Paw Patrol Mighty Missions to keep your tots entertained.

BOOK A BREAK

In addition to the 25metre-long, six-lane pool, there will be a gym too.

Other facilities planned for the site include a cafe, gym, dance and exercise studio, meeting room and a picnic area.

Unity Beach holiday park, Brean

Unity Beach holiday park in Brean will launch a £10.2million expansion this year with a new lido that will be surrounded by private cabanas and an outdoor dining area as well.

Open to non-guests as well, a new indoor splash pad will also replace the baby pool, for kids to play in.

The park is also planning to open a trampoline park, bandstand, boardwalk, landscaped gardens and a dog agility area.

Hilsea Lido

Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth is currently undergoing a £7.75million refurb, having been closed since 2022.

The lido is planning to reopen on May 2 and will feature an upgraded pool, new changing rooms, benches, tables and a fountain.

The refurb at Hilsea Lido will cost £7.75million Credit: Facebook

In total, the pool will be 67metres long and 2.6metres deep.

For those wanting a snack or drink while visiting, there will also be a food and drink pop up on site.

Saltdean Lido

Saltdean Lido in Brighton is planning to refresh its cafe and restaurant.

The upgraded restaurant and cafe will feature dishes made with local produce and will reopen as the Reading Room at Saltdean Lido on May 1.

If you are looking for a lido near you, two women who have been to every one in the country have shared their favourite pools for kid-free swims.

Plus, here are the six cleanest beaches in the UK where you can safely swim in the sea this summer.

Saltdean Lido is also in the process of renovating its restaurant Credit: Alamy



Source link

Town that’s been submerged for 2,400 years just reappeared right by huge tourist hotspot

A remarkably preserved town that has been underwater for a whopping 2,400 years has reappeared in a tourist holiday hotspot – anchored in the past and frozen in time

In an extraordinary turn of events, a town has reappeared after being submerged under water for more than 2,000 years – and it remains largely untouched.

In the popular holiday hotspot of southeastern Turkey, archaeologists uncovered a 2,400-year-old town beneath the Dicle Dam Lake. Despite being submerged for thousands of years, the town appeared eerily frozen in time, with remarkably preserved mosques, religious schools, and tombs that once made up an ancient community.

Due to a lack of human disruption, the town, near the district of Eğil, and near Diyarbakır, has remained protected and untouched under the water’s still surface. “In the images taken by the teams or when the water recedes, we can see that these historical structures have preserved their integrity and remain standing in a solid condition,” Dr. İrfan Yıldız, a researcher at Dicle University, said.

READ MORE: The seaside town with beautiful beaches and 23C May temperatures ‘begging Brits to come’READ MORE: Popular airline reduces Europe flights and cancels others until June 14

The mosque and tombs beneath the water are said to be associated with the Prophet Elisha, as well as the Ottoman-era Caferiye, also known as Lala Kasım, Madrasa, and the Byzantine-era Deran Bath. Experts have noted just how extraordinary it is to have such well-preserved structures underwater.

The discovery of the settlement, published by Dicle University, is now offering archaeologists insight into the region’s prehistoric past and its transformation over the millennia. But how did this foregone town, that once had a thriving community, find itself lost in time and engulfed under water?

The Dicle Dam Lake was formed by a dam built in 1986 and completed in 1997, which was required as a vital water source for the region. But before this, the Eğil district, part of the Tigris River Valley, had been home to ancient communities.

Its residents date back to the Hittites and Ottoman empires, which once used prehistoric tombs. While the region is said to have served as a vital gateway for Assyrians, Persians, Hurrians, Mitanni, Romans, and Byzantine citizens.

Before the dam was completed and flooding engulfed parts of the region, some important sites were removed, while other parts were simply abandoned. The reservoir was filled, and the ancient town remained untouched, lost beneath the water.

While it’s been one of the most fascinating discoveries, the ruins are at risk of being lost if measures aren’t taken to protect them due to shifting water levels, sediment activity and possible erosion. Dr Yıldız, who described the find as “extraordinary”, is championing the extension of studies to protect the heritage site.

He said: “Underwater archaeological studies can be carried out on these remains.” It’s thought that further studies on the former town could help uncover more of the region’s history and the lives of the citizens who called it home, all those years ago.

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

Source link

One of Europe’s barely visited countries reveals plans for huge £871million airport makeover

A SMALL European country without the crowds has revealed huge plans to overhaul its airport.

Luxembourg Airport is getting a huge £871million makeover that will eventually accommodate 10million passengers a year.

Luxembourg Airport has revealed plans for a £871million upgrade Credit: lux-Airport
Terminal A will be expanded and Terminal B will be rebuilt Credit: lux-Airport

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Works at Terminal A will focus on extending the current terminal to the airport’s tram stop and creating a new, modern security area with the latest technology by 2028.

There will also be an improved check-in area and bag drop-off area by 2028, to help passengers to move through the airport quicker.

By 2032, the disused underground station at the airport will be transformed into a baggage sorting area too.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs


TRIP UP

The Sun’s travel experts reveal their best EVER holidays & how you can do them too

On the other hand, Terminal B will be completely redeveloped.

It will be transformed into a two-storey building with six new boarding gates, which passengers will have to hop on shuttle buses to get to.

The airport as a whole will get a number of other upgrades as well, such as the air traffic control tower as well as a new business aviation centre and VIP lounge set to open in 2029.

Aircraft parking across the airport will also increase from 27 spaces to 53, with additional boarding bridges too.

The airport hopes that the development will help the airport to handle up to double the amount of passengers it currently does (5.2million) to 10million passengers a year, by 2050.

A huge project is also going on around the airport that will see over 44 acres transformed into new offices, shops, restaurants and even a VIP terminal.

Dubbed the ‘Airport City’, travellers will be able to shop and dine at places including Starbucks and Oberweis restaurant in an area with a “unique metropolitan feel”.

The Airport City will even have a new hotel with the Skypark Business Centre North Hotel having over 200 rooms.

Then at Skypark Business Centre South, there will be a shopping centre and direct access to the terminal.

There is also another project at the airport to create an ‘Airport City’ with shops and restaurants Credit: lux-Airport

Luxembourg is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany and tends to be a lesser-visited country in Europe.

In total, around one million people visit the country each year, whereas around 19million visit Belgium, over 100million visit France and over 37million visit Germany.

If heading to the capital, Luxembourg City, you will find a UNESCO listed medieval old town sat at the edge of steep cliffs.

The country as a whole is a great destination for keen hikers too with over 3,000 miles of trails through Ardennes forests and vineyards.

A major plus of visiting the country is that public transport is free across Luxembourg for everyone.

Luxembourg was also named one of the best places in the world for quality of life, last year.

Despite being home to just under 700,000 people, the Numbeo Quality of Life index placed the country top across a number of categories including the cost of living and house price to income ratio.

The country was also named among the happiest countries in the world last year, according to the World Happiness Report 2025.

The report recognised the country’s strong economy, as well as its social support network, with residents claiming that they have a good personal freedom.

You can fly direct to Luxembourg from the UK from London City, London Heathrow and London Stansted airports.

A one-way flight from these airports in May costs from £15 per person and only takes an hour.

In other airport news, Ryanair threatens to axe all flights to European country due to ‘massive passport queues’.

Plus, flights are now costing families hundreds extra due to ongoing Iran war – with even more airlines hiking prices.

Projects are set to finish between 2028 and 2032 Credit: lux-Airport



Source link

All the trendy UK seaside towns with huge makeovers and enough to do for a WEEK

2026 is looking like the year of the staycation – and luckily, you’ve got plenty of revamped resorts along the coast to choose from.

Many of the UK’s favourite seaside towns are unveiling major, multi-million-pound makeovers. Luckily, while the upgrades are first-class, the holiday prices remain refreshingly retro.

Blackpool is one of many UK seaside resorts seeing multi-million-pound upgrades this year Credit: Alamy

We’ve scoured the coast to find the biggest transformations alongside the best-value places to stay, with budget-friendly deals starting from just £35 a night.

From record-breaking theme park rides to Victorian promenades polished back to their former glory, here are the hottest UK seaside spots that have been revamped for 2026.

Blackpool

The huge new gyro swing ride, Aviktas, will be a new addition to Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Credit: Supplied

If you thought you knew Blackpool, think again. This family entertainment hotspot is undergoing a glow-up.

The popular theme park Blackpool Pleasure Beach is unveiling a massive new ride to keep thrill-seekers on their toes: Aviktas.

The giant gyro swing ride is set to be the tallest of its kind at 138 feet, changing the skyline of Blackpool pier. The ride is set to open on May 21.

As well as this, the seaside town is unveiling a brand-new £3million indoor attraction.

Set to open this summer, Tenpin Blackpool will host 24 bowling lanes as well as a laser tag arena, soft play, escape rooms and even karaoke rooms.

Plus, there’s a cocktail bar and live sports lounge for the grown-ups, too. The attraction is set to open on June 5.

There’s plenty more to look forward to in time for summer as well.

The Southbeach Streetfood dining venue will serve a selection of food from 19 revamped shipping containers, and is set to open by the end of spring.

There’s also the 100th Anniversary of the Blackpool Dance Festival, with ballroom and Latin dance events held at the Winter Gardens from May 16-29.

To enjoy all the new thrills coming to the seaside resort this summer, we’ve scoured the internet for the cheapest staycation deals.

Book Your Stay In Blackpool

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Haven Marton Mere holiday village is just a 12-minute drive from Blackpool, where you can book a holiday from just £49.

The Haven Hideaway deal includes a four-night stay for two in a saver caravan.

Brighton

Brighton’s Victorian Promenade is getting a new lift for step-free access to the beach Credit: Getty
A Travelodge is just a two-minute walk from Brighton Beach, with prices starting from £34.99 a night Credit: Alamy

If you fancy a seaside escape with a touch of Victorian glamour, Brighton is currently polishing its crown.

The city’s famous Victorian promenade has been undergoing a massive £750,000 revamp, with the historic terraces set to fully reopen to the public this year.

It’s the perfect excuse to book a staycation, stroll the seafront and soak up the bohemian atmosphere that makes this city famous.

For a totally free afternoon, head to the Rampion Visitor Centre on the seafront to try out their virtual reality experience, or go street art spotting through the North Laine, where the walls are a giant open-air gallery.

The Brighton Fishing Museum is a great free stop-in to see traditional Sussex boats, while the world-famous Brighton Palace Pier costs just £1 entry for adults (kids go free) and is a must-do when visiting.

Book Your Stay In Brighton

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Despite its “London-by-the-sea” reputation, you can still find a bargain stay right in the thick of the action.

A night at the Travelodge Brighton Seafront is just a two-minute walk from the beach, and can be bagged from just £34.99 a night – leaving you with plenty of spare change for a bag of doughnuts on the pier.

Folkestone

Folkestone’s upgrades just keep coming, with the restoration of the Leas Lift and new dining spots Credit: Alamy
Folkestone has even opened up a sauna on the beach, which is the UK’s largest Credit: Sea Scrub Sauna

Folkestone is all the rage as the artsy seaside town continues to benefit from a massive £20 million makeover.

The town has been transformed into an open-air art gallery, with the Creative Quarter’s neon-lit streets leading down to a revamped Harbour Arm.

The Harbour Arm has now become a trendy dining destination, with nearly 70 food and drink outlets available.

Some of the top-rated include the champagne bar The Lighthouse and its sister restaurant Tasting Rooms – visit on Fridays for three courses, complimentary fizz and Jazz music for £29.

Plus, spring 2026 brings the long-awaited return of the historic Leas Lift, a Victorian water-balanced funicular that’s been restored to its former glory.

When visiting, you can spend a totally free afternoon wandering the Folkestone Artworks trail to see sculptures by famous artists, or head to the Lower Leas Coastal Park to make use of the largest free adventure play area in the South East.

For some unique self-care, visit the brand new Sea Scrub Sauna right on the beach for a sweat with a sea view.

Book Your Stay In Folkestone

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

You can bag a stay at the Burstin Hotel overlooking the harbour from just £49 a night.

Southampton

The Town Quay in Southampton is soon to receive a £200million upgrade Credit: Alamy
Hythe Pier stretches 700 yards and is accessible via the world’s oldest pier railway Credit: Alamy

Southampton is one year into the major makeover of its waterfront and city centre, in a grand revamp described by the council as “The Renaissance Vision”.

Plus, the newly-approved £200million upgrade to Town Quay will soon see the addition of a new hotel complex, bringing a spa and even a helipad to the waterfront.

While the planning for the big builds is underway, one heritage seafront attraction has reopened to the public.

If you visit this summer, you’ll be able to walk the newly reopened Hythe Pier – a 145-year-old seaside pier that is sparkling new again after six months of extensive restoration.

To get there, board the world’s oldest pier train at Hythe Pier Railway. The pier stretches a whopping 700 yards from the centre of Hythe to Southampton Water, and costs £1 to enter.

To explore Southampton’s history, you can spend a totally free afternoon walking the Titanic Trail, which leads you through the city centre to historic memorials.

Or see the exciting new displays at Southampton City Art Gallery, which has just reopened its doors in March 2026 following a year of upgrades.

Book Your Stay In Southampton

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

For a budget-friendly base right in the heart of the action, you can bag a room at the Ibis Budget Southampton from just £40 a night.

Margate

Trendy Cliftonville will be receiving a beachfront skate park as part of Margate’s major upgrades Credit: Alamy
Head for a swim in Walpole Bay, a giant tidal pool spanning four acres in size Credit: Getty

Margate is undergoing continued transformations set to further transform the seaside town into one of the UK’s trendiest coastal hubs.

Local neighbourhood Cliftonville was named the coolest street in the UK by Time Out last year, and the area’s only getting more stylish with the addition of a brand new attraction.

Abandoned gardens overlooking the sea will be transformed into a beachfront skatepark in Cliftonville, a trendy area known as “Shoreditch-on-sea”.

The skatepark is predicted to open in the late summer of 2026, and set to cost £1.1million to build.

As well as this, Margate’s Winter Gardens are set to reopen after an £8million upgrade. The historic seaside venue has seen bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones take the stage, first opening in 1910.

Now the charming venue will see the addition of a snazzy rooftop bar and restaurant, as well as a nursery and drama school. The Main Hall of the Winter Gardens is set to reopen to the public in late 2026, with other new additions opening in stages throughout 2027.

Plus, the upgrades aren’t slowing down anytime soon, with proposed plans to build a new £95,000 accessible boardwalk on Margate Sands.

To see the best of this trendy resort on your trip, stroll along the beachfront to soak up sea views, before stopping in at the free-to-enter Turner Contemporary gallery to see the latest exhibition.

Elsewhere, take a dip in what’s believed to be the UK’s largest tidal pool, Walpole Bay, or take the family along to the free Crab Museum in the Old Town for a quirky, hands-on experience of science and marine life.

Book Your Stay In Margate

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

For a budget-friendly stay, Premier Inn Margate offers sea views and is close to Dreamland amusement park, with rooms from £78 per night.

Hull

Hull was named one of National Geographic’s best places to travel in the world in 2026 Credit: Getty
The Spurn Lightship opened up on Hull Marina in March 2026, for the first time since 2018 Credit: Alamy

Named one of National Geographic’s best places in the world to travel to in 2026, Hull has plenty to offer holidaymakers.

A massive £27.5m makeover has seen the area invest in its maritime history, with the money poured into the city’s historic museum and ships.

The Maritime Museum, which received an £11million makeover beginning in 2020, is finally set to reopen in summer 2026.

New additions to the museum include a 40-foot whale skeleton, miniature ship models and maritime artwork.

As well as this, the new and improved Spurn Lightship opened in early March of 2026, having been closed to the public since 2018.

The floating museum is free to visit, with slots reserved online. You can also book a place for a free maritime guided tour, running on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Hull also boasts plenty of totally free attractions, such as the Streetlife Museum, where you can hop aboard a vintage tram and stroll down a 1940s high street.

Alternatively, head to Hull‘s revamped Queen’s Gardens. Set to reopen in April 2026, the gardens’ three ponds have been refreshed, plus there are redesigned Peace Gardens and plenty of new maritime-themed activities.

Book Your Stay In Hull

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

Bag a stay in this coastal hotspot at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull, where rooms start from £69 a night.

Littlehampton

Littlehampton received a £7.2million investment to build family attractions on the West Green Credit: Alamy
The West Green in Littlehampton now has a waterfront splash park with shade spots to rest in Credit: Experience Sussex

Littlehampton is quickly becoming a firm family favourite for 2026, thanks to the massive £7.2million transformation of the West Green seafront.

With the revamp reaching completion late last year, the seaside resort is ready to welcome visitors for the 2026 spring and summer season.

The West Green seafront now has a water play area, with jets, splash pads and shaded areas to make use of in the hotter months.

As well as this, families can make use of the barbecue zones, mini basketball court and beach volleyball court. Plus, there’s also a climbing wall and petanque setup for even more fun and games.

And when you get hungry, there’s your pick of food and drink kiosks, from the Soul Kitchen and Bar to delicious Jim’s Ice Cream.

To extend your free family day out in Littlehampton, stroll the promenade past the colourful and quirky longest bench in Britain, which winds along the coast.

Or for an indoor option, pop into the Littlehampton Museum, which offers free entry and a look at the town’s history, from the Anglo-Saxon era to WWII.

There’s so much to do in the surrounding area, too. Just a few miles west is the town of Bognor Regis, where you could get day passes to Butlin’s.

There’s also the Bognor Pier, Hotham Park Miniature Railway and Blake’s Cottage, the former home of the poet William Blake, which is now a museum.

There’s also the South Downs National Park, the Goodwood Estate and Racecourse, Petworth House and Amberley Museum.

Book Your Stay In Littlehampton

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.

You can stay just a mile from the new seafront action at the Travelodge Littlehampton Rustington from just £39.99 a night.

Source link

Huge new £375million chocolate theme park planned just 2 hours from UK

Chocolate lovers will soon be able to enjoy a brand new theme park based on an iconic Swiss brand, and at the heart of it all will be a real-life working chocolate factory to explore

If you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, and spent your entire childhood reading and re-reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, then a new attraction could soon be top of your bucket list.

Switzerland is already a major destination for chocolate lovers and for many of them the highlight of the trip is visiting Maison Cailler in Broc, Gruyère. It’s where the iconic Cailler chocolate has been made since the late 19th-century, and is among the oldest chocolate factories in the world to still be in operation.

At the moment, chocolate lovers can visit the factory and take tours, and there’s already a museum on the history of Cailler. Guests can take a chocolate workshop to learn to make their own treats such as truffles, and of course, there are plenty of opportunities for tastings along the way.

Now, new plans could mean the chocolate factory will be just the start of the excitement for fans of the brand. While the current attraction is 2,000 m2, there are plans for it to be expanded to nearly 30,000m2, allowing for what its website bills as a “memorable sensory experience”. The plan is for a park that’ll take around four to six hours to explore, taking visitors on a “journey of discovery through cocoa”.

Around 400,000 visitors a year already visit the attraction, making it one of Switzerland’s most visited museums, and there are reports that the park could double this number in the first phase alone.

Plans also include a cable car to whisk visitors from the car park to the factory, and a ‘flying theatre’ that will allow for stunning views over the Swiss scenery. There will also be a huge cocoa greenhouse so visitors can see how chocolate is grown and harvested.

And if that’s not enough chocolate-themed fun, a new hotel will allow visitors to indulge their sweet tooth overnight. If the project goes forward, the first phase should be open by 2030.

Maison Cailler can be reached by train from Montreux, and even the journey itself has been designed for chocolate enthusiasts with a themed train that zips you across stunning Swiss landscapes. Most visitors from the UK fly to Geneva, just a 90 minute flight from the UK, with a number of services run by easyJet, TUI, and British Airways.

READ MORE: Foreign Office warns tourist spot on islands loved by Brits can be ‘fatal’READ MORE: 5 holiday hotspots with tourist tax hikes as Venice re-introduces visitors’ fee

Broc itself is worth spending some time in, whether it’s in the winter when the snowy Alps are at their most beautiful, or during the summer when the mountains are lush and green. Explore the fairytale-like Château de Gruyères whose stone walls are covered in ornate oil paintings and treasures.

Just down the road another of the area’s famous exports is made. At La Maison du Gruyère you can explore a working cheese factory and sample this distinctive local product. You can even take a tour and see the huge wheels of cheese being ripened to perfection.

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

Source link