LIVE the alpine dream in a national park, says writer Siobhan Ludlow.
The Yorkshire Dales is the perfect destination for great views and tranquility.
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Step back in time at Bolton Abbey; dig into The Devonshire Arms’ menuCredit: Getty Images/Collection Mix: SubSoak up views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park from the cosy Swiss Ski Station Pod at Catgill FarmCredit: Supplied by PR
You’ll find chic alpine decor at every turn at the Swiss Ski Station PodCredit: Supplied by PR
This beaut is decked out with cute alpine touches and comes complete with a ski-lift gondola to sip tipples and snuggle up in, a wood-fired hot tub and a three-in-one fire pit/barbecue/pizza oven.
Lap up more lush countryside vistas from the master bed, while kids will love the bunks.
From spring, Cat’s Kitchen serves up frothy cappuccinos, £3.50, and bacon butties, £5, alongside giant Jenga and Connect 4, and there are walks aplenty from the doorstep.
Don’t forget to pop by to pat the farm’s friendly alpacas, too.
EXPLORE
You’re only a 15-minute walk from the Bolton Abbey estate and majestic Priory ruins, which date back to the 12th century.
If you’re brave enough, take on the stepping stones across the River Wharfe, then follow the fun “welly walk” with its obstacles and balance beams.
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This beaut is decked out with cute alpine touches and comes complete with a ski-lift gondola to sip tipples and snuggle up inCredit: Supplied by PR
Travel back in time (which your tummies will thank you for) with a full English aboard a vintage steam train on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.
Meanwhile, a five-minute walk from Catgill, Hesketh Farm Park is brilliant for little ones, with its giant sandpit, tractor rides and plenty of animals to pet and feed.
Tickets cost £8 for everyone over two and it reopens in spring (Heskethfarmpark.co.uk).
REFUEL
Reward yourselves for hikes with a mouth-watering côte de boeuf with triple-cooked chips, seasonal greens and red wine jus, £95 for two people, at The Devonshire Arms, just 15 minutes’ walk away (Thedevonshirearms.co.uk).
Meanwhile, Tea On The Green in Bolton Abbey village offers great coffee and traybakes, but the soup with a home-made cheese scone, £9, is an absolute winner (Teaonthegreen.org).
Dig into The Devonshire Arms’ menuCredit: The Devonshire Arms/ instagram
And don’t leave Yorkshire until you’ve been transported to ’50s America at nearby Billy Bob’s Parlour.
Kids will have a riot in the brilliant playgrounds, and you’ll all love its Round The Campfire fluffy pancakes, £10.25, topped with rocky road and Kansas toffee-crunch ice cream, toasted marshmallows, mallow fluff and shards of cinder toffee.
Oh, and not forgetting the dollop of hot fudge sauce, too (Billybobsparlour.com).
BOOK IT
Stays in the Swiss Ski Station Pod at Catgill Farm cost from £189.99 per night (Catgillfarm.co.uk).
BTW
Find 24 acres of woods, a rose garden and Love Brownies tea room at Parcevall Hall.
One of the closest airports is Turin, and both Ryanair and easyJet fly there.
For another £86pp stay, you can stay in the resort of Superdévoluy in Le Massif du Dévoluy.
This is one of the biggest slopes in southern France so both beginners and pro skiers will be able to find something that suits.
This deal is much sooner, with the two-room apartment deal being for seven nights on December 13.
But it also means you can get in a great holiday just before Christmas.
The best airport to fly to is Grenoble, with both Ryanair and Wizz Air having cheap flights.
You will have to pay for your flights and ski gear yourself, although you can rent lots of the gear when you get there.
Another cheap deal is seven nights at Résidence Vacancéole La Turra also at Superdévoluy for around £136pp.
One skiing pro revealed how booking an April holiday can help you find the biggest bargain.
Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell told Sun Online Travel: “Around 1.5 million Brits go skiing every year.
“Often overlooked, but April is the go-to time for many ski experts and enthusiasts, with a more relaxed feel in the resorts, crisp virgin snow for an early morning start, and long lazy afternoons in uncrowded mountain restaurants.”
She told Sun Online Travel: “Decide if the holiday is predominantly for parents, with the kids looked after in Kindergarten or Ski School or if the idea is to spend family days skiing and playing together.
“Make sure that childcare, nursery slopes and non-ski activities are close to where you stay.”
The seven night stays are cheaper than a night in LondonCredit: sunweb
WITH the UK’s weather’s getting wet and windy, I’ve found the perfect indoor attraction to go for all ages, right in the middle of the country.
As your kids get older, the normal soft play options just don’t hit the spot anymore – but thankfully some have had a glow up especially for teens.
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I took my kids to a ‘soft play’ that is great for all agesCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
So we visited Flip Out Coventry, which opened last Christmas, to see if it would get the thumbs up from my teen, tween and tiny.
Based in a former department store in a city centre shopping mall, you enter through a hall of mirrors and an arcade before exploring 13 attractions set over two floors of fun.
With a ninja warrior course, laser tag, bumper cars and drift trikes, I hardly saw the older two while we were there.
You know you’re onto a winner when the bank of PS5s loaded with games like Minecraft and Fifa don’t even get a look in, because your youngsters are too busy running from attraction to attraction.
I think the dark space and graffiti vibe of the upper floor really appealed to my 11-year-old and 13-year-old, feeling a bit more grown-up than the bright lights and primary colours of soft plays aimed at younger children.
But there was still lots to love for primary aged children here too.
My six-year-old enjoyed the inflatables, roller rink and football zone.
He was just tall enough to drive a dodgem by himself, so he spent a while whizzing around to his heart’s content.
The roller rink was a good chance for him to try out skating, with plenty of boots in all sizes.
And the drop slide to get from one storey to the other was a fun alternative to taking the stairs.
For little ones, there’s a dedicated toddler soft playnext to the cafe area, so they can play in safety while tired parents have a rest nearby, hot drink in hand.
Family tickets for two hours are normally £65 for four people or £80 for five.
But we bagged an absolute bargain on a discount days out website, buying a half price family pass for £32 – £8 per person for two hours of unlimited activities.
My spectator ticket meant I couldn’t take part in the activities, but you can redeem your £3 entry back against refreshments from the on-site diner.
It’s handy if you’ve got kids who are old enough to play by themselves but you want to stay close by to supervise.
I barely saw them for hours, they were having so much funCredit: Catherine LofthouseThere is still enough for little ones, but I loved the addition of the older teen areasCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
Looking at similar attractions elsewhere, you’d be paying around £8 to £10 per activity per person on a UK holiday park, so it’s great that you’ve got so much included in the price here and all under one roof.
If you’re not sure how your little ones will take to roller skating or if they will enjoy laser tag, you can let them have a quick go here and you won’t have wasted your money if it’s not their cup of tea, because they can move on to another activity.
The only downside to visiting the Coventry location is that it doesn’t have any trampolines, unlike a lot of its 35 sister sites across the UK.
A new Flip Out has only just opened in Leeds and there’s two more on the way in Wales and Scotland, so this could be a great indoor option, wherever you are in the country.
If you are heading to Coventry, Flip Out is just around the corner from The Wave, one of the UK’s largest indoor water parks.
While you’re in the area, I would recommend checking out Coventry’s Charterhouse, which was taken on by the National Trust earlier this year.
It’s a small but fascinating medieval monastic house, with a public playground just on the doorstep.
Also on my Coventry to-do list is adventure playground Hermit’s Hollow at Coombe Abbey Park, which has just become free to enter.
With family fun to be had at new attractions like Flip Out and Hermit’s Hollow, plus a refresh for established sites like Charterhouse and the Herbert, being sent to Coventry is a pleasure and not a punishment nowadays.
Next time its raining, try out one of the 35 Flip Outs in the UKCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
A BRITISH man and his daughter flew to Lanzarote for a beach day – because it was cheaper than heading to London.
Aleksander Sikora, 41, booked return flights to Lanzarote in Spain after his daughter, Wiktoria, 19, said she wanted to go shopping in London.
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A dad and daughter duo fly to Lanzarote to for day shopping and spent less than they would’ve if they heading into LondonCredit: SWNS
The avid budget traveller dad decided that instead of heading to the capital, they would go to Spain – and he spent under £100 on the trip.
Return flights to Lanzarote Airport cost Aleksander £60 return and once there the duo had around six hours to spend on the sunny coast before returning home.
Whilst Wiktoria went off to do some shopping at the local fashion shops and markets, Aleksander lay on the beach.
The trip cost under £100 per person and they were even home by midnight.
According to Aleksander, Wiktoria enjoyed the trip so much that she is keen to try another ‘extreme day trip’ in the future.
Aleksander, who lives in Farnham, Surrey, said: “My daughter said she wanted to go shopping – I said ‘give me a day and let me check something on the internet’.
“I came back and offered her a day trip to Lanzarote to do her shopping at the markets instead – and she said ‘why not?’.
“While she went off shopping, I listened to music and flew my drone on the beach – I enjoyed some peace and quiet time in the sun.
“It’s not for everyone and people will say I’m crazy for the trip – but it was what I needed to calm my mind.”
Aleksander booked the easyJet flights three days before the duo travelled.
They took off from Gatwick Airport at 7am, where they spent an additional £15 to park the car for the day.
When in Lanzarote, they spent £1.20 on the bus each to get to Puerto Del Carmen.
The two then separated, with Wiktoria heading off to find some knock-off designer handbags.
As for luggage, Aleksander had one small bag containing nothing more than a towel, his phone, passport, a powerbank, an empty water bottle, some headphones and his drone.
During four hours on the beach, he listened to music and flew his drone to take aerial pictures of the scenic coastline.
He also grabbed a Chinese takeaway, costing around £10 for a chicken chow mein.
He said: “It was on a budget, I’m not talking champagne and all-inclusive drinks.
Whilst Wiktoria went shopping, Aleksander stayed on the beachCredit: SWNSTheir return flights to London Gatwick cost just £60 per personCredit: SWNS
“I just relaxed, it’s like meditation, you don’t need much more than that.”
During this time, Wiktoria had picked up all the items she wanted while shopping.
The father-daughter duo then departed after six hours in Lanzarote, landing back down in the UK at around 10:30pm.
Aleksander said: “If you spent a day in London it would cost more than I spent.
“In the present time, a lot is going on, the price of everything is increasing and everyone has work pressure.
“Sometimes you just need a few minutes to yourself, however you get it.”
ANOTHER airline has announced that it will have free Wi-Fi on board its planes from this week.
Emirates, which was voted by Sun readers as their favourite airline of year, in the Sun Travel Awards 2025, will soon feature Starlink on board its planes.
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Emirates is adding free Starlink Wi-Fi to its flightsCredit: Getty
Starlink Wi-Fi is beamed down toEarthfrom satellites and will make in-flight internet up to 50 times faster than normal.
This means it will allow passengers on board Emirates flights to stream content, game, make calls, work and browse social media.
The airline will introduce the Wi-Fi on 232 of its planes, which is the airline’s entire in-service fleet.
In fact, the first Emirates flight with Starlink is set to take off later this week, with the airline then fitting out around 14 aircraft per month.
Initially, Emirates’ Boeing 777 will be the first aircraft in the fleet to get Starlink and roll-out is expected to be complete by mid-2027.
The airline is then aiming to install Starlink beginning on the Airbus A380 fleet in February next year.
Emirates is also set to make live TV available via Starlink, which will initially be on personal devices before launching on seatback screens from late December 2025.
The Starlink Wi-Fi services will be free across all Emirates flights, no matter what cabin you are in.
Access requires one click and there is no payment or membership needed for using Starlink.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “We’re introducing the world’s fastest Wi-Fi, elevating what passengers can expect from in-flight connectivity, like seamless productivity, real-time communication with loved ones, and uninterrupted connection to their digital lives.
“But that’s just one piece of the transformation happening across our fleet.
“Starlink is being installed in tandem with the most ambitious cabin refurbishment programme in aviation including brand new Premium Economy cabins, an enhanced Business Class, refreshed First Class, expanded and upgraded entertainment system technologies, and now, industry-leading connectivity.”
Chad Gibbs, VP of Starlink Business Operations, SpaceX, said: “With Starlink onboard your Emirates flight, you’ll be able to stream, game, and have seamless video calls, just as you can do on the ground.
“We’re excited to transform Emirates’ travel experience and support the rapid installation of Starlink while maintaining focus on delivering overall quality of service.”
Emirates isn’t the first airline to introduce Starlink on its flights.
The first flight with Starlink installed onboard will take off later this weekCredit: Alamy
At the beginning of this month, British Airways also confirmed it would be launching Starlink on board all its planes next year.
BA boss Sean Doyle, British Airways said: “Launching Starlink on both our long-haul and short-haul aircraft is game-changing for us and our customers, elevating their experience on board our flights by offering them seamless connectivity from gate to gate.
“Especially on short-haul, this will really differentiate us from our competitors.”
Back in March, United Airlines also confirmed that they would be adding the free Wi-Fi service to more than 40 aircraft.
And Qatar Airways completed its installation of Starlink onboard its flights back in July – they even FaceTimed a flight attendant to show how fast it will be.
VISITING London can be great, but one couple decided to ditch the Big Smoke for a trip abroad and they managed to do it for less than a day out in the capital.
Nick Choudhury, 45, and his girlfriend, Laura Allcock, 45, decided they wanted a trip abroad but had a tight budget and schedule.
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A couple from the UK decided to head on a day trip to Italy… and it cost them less than a day out in LondonCredit: SWNSNick and his girlfriend, Laura, managed to book return flights to Milan for £27Credit: SWNS
So, the duo decided to fly to Milan in Italy and back, in just a day, for £27.
The couple set off from London Stansted at 7:25am on November 8, arriving in the fashion capital of the world just a couple of hours later.
During the day, the couple spent a total of £115 each, which included their return flights.
Nick, a programme manager from Ealing, London, said: “Planning trips is a military operation for us – we have to work around budgets, childcare and school holidays.
“We both always wanted to travel but being grown-ups just got in the way of life.
“We wanted to go away for the day and get as much value for money as possible, while still enjoying ourselves.
“On the way home, we were asking ourselves ‘is this all we spent?’.”
The couple had seen other people doing similar ‘extreme day trips’ online for a while, but Milan was their first time trying one for themselves.
“It was such a nice day,” Nick added.
When in Milan the duo started by enjoying a coffee and a pastry each, they then purchased an all-day metro ticket (£6.70pp) so they could hop on and off transport as they liked throughout the day.
According to Nick, the metro was comparable to the tube in London.
As for activities, the couple headed to Piazzale Cadorna and explored the square before heading to the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ – they spent €15 (£13.26) on tickets.
Nick said: “The reverence hits you straight away.
“You can feel the history, it’s calming. It takes you to another place.”
After this they decided to hop on a tram to the cathedral and wandered around Piazza del Duomo.
They also visited the famous shopping arcade, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The couple managed to see some key sights in the city, such as the terraces of the cathedral – Duomo di MilanoCredit: SWNS
The couple had prebooked one activity online, which was to go into the terraces of the cathedral – Duomo di Milano.
This cost £22.91 per person and included a pass to use the lift.
Nick said: “It’s stunning, the level of detail is crazy. I would recommend pre-booking that.”
Starbucks then provided a cheap spot for another coffee and pastry.
The final activity the couple chose to do was to visit the Navigli canal district, with picturesque canals and a vibrant social scene.
While the couple didn’t book a sit-down meal, they snacked on street foods such as panzerotti – deep-fried cheese-filled dough pockets – to ensure they didn’t go hungry.
They were even invited into a cafe by a host who said they had no customers, so he gave them a discount on their order as a result.
For food, they snacked off of street food and pastriesCredit: SWNS
Following this, the duo got back on a bus – which cost £17.63 per person, for a return – to the airport and landed back down in London Stansted at 11:45pm, where they had parked their car for £17 for the day.
Nick said: “We wanted to get the main bits done – any more and we would have been rushed.
“We wanted to experience Milan in a relaxed way.
“We used public transport and walked as much as possible. Milan is a very connected place.”
ON top of our brilliant Hols from £9.50, you can now bag a bargain break all year round with The Sun Club’s Breakfree Holidays partnership.
Join Sun Club for just £1.99 a month and you can also get an exclusive discount just for members on selected breaks.
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Take your pick from thousands of great breaks across the UK and Europe. We have the widest selection of exclusive holidays and deals from all your favourite brands, such as Parkdean Resorts, Eurocamp and Away Resorts.
Join Sun Club for just £1.99 a month to book Breakfree Holidays all year round plus an exclusive members discount
Choose from holiday parks, cottages, lodges, hotels, ferries and boating holidays. So whether you are after a peaceful countryside getaway or an action-packed adventure, we have something for everyone.
Sun Club offers readers access to more of our award-winning articles from showbiz exclusives, real-life stories, and unrivalled investigations.
Along with being able to unlock extra articles and unlimited access to the Sun website and app, there are big perks including competitions and offers.
How to book with Breakfree Holidays and get an exclusive Sun Club discount
Sun Club Membership Programme
Step 1: To book a bargain break with Breakfree Holidays and get an exclusive Sun Club discount, join Sun Club now for just £1.99 a month for your first year. Or £12 for an annual subscription unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date.
Step 2: Then head to the ‘Offers Hub,’ select the ‘Breakfree Holidays’ page and click ‘Book’ to be taken to the membership site.
Step 3: Choose from thousands of great breaks across the UK and Europe and book your holiday and apply your exclusive Sun Club discount at the checkout.*
*Discount codes apply on selected breaks at checkout only. Excludes external sites. Discounts vary by location/date.
18+ Terms & Conditions apply, seethesun.co.uk/club for full details.
Other fantastic Sun Club offers
There are other fantastic Sun Club offers waiting for members in our Offers Hub.
A MAN flew to Prague for the day for just £18 – and says it’s cheaper than his commute to work.
Luke Simmonds, 36, has been going on extreme day trips for the last since 2023 – and has completed 30 in two years.
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Luke has been on 30 day trips to Europe in two yearsCredit: SWNS
For his most recent trip he jetted off to Prague, Czech Republic on October 11 on a Wizz Air flight at 6am.
Landing at 8.45am, he wandered round the city often nicknamed the Golden City for its beautiful buildings, tried a local chimney cake, and visited Prague castle.
He flew back at 5pm and says the whole trip cost him £52.65 – only £7.65 more than the cost of his commute.
Luke, from Guildford, said: “This is only a few pounds more than what my commute to work would be.
His Luton Airport flights with WizzAir took off at 7.55am on October 4, landing in Vilnius, Lithuania at 12.18pm and costing just £38.47 return.
After taking a 20-minute bus into the centre he visited Gediminas castle for free, taking in panoramic views of the city, before having a lunch of local potato pancakes and cherry beer in the old town.
He said: “Vilnius is one of those places you can wander around without really having a plan.
“The old town has got loads to look at. There’s a quirky art district that’s almost declared itself independent – called Užupis.
“It’s quite a famous site in Vilnius but I found it really underwhelming”.
The extreme day trip does come with risks however if your flights into problems.
He said some of the trips cost nearly the same price as his commuteCredit: SWNSHe said you can do it as long as you are flexible with airports and destinationsCredit: SWNS
Luke’s 23.20pm flight with Ryanair back to Stansted was delayed – meaning he was left at the airport all night, only leaving at 8:25am the next morning.
When it comes to his top extreme day trips tips, he said that he bags his cheap flights by booking at least three months in advance.
He said: “Three months ahead tends to be the sweet spot for trips, you can get really good deals.
“There’s no exact science to booking flights as the prices go up all over the place.”
Not only that, but being “flexible with airports” also helps.
From gorgeous Getxo to the City of Love, you won’t want to come home from these mint mini-breaks
Find foodie heaven near BilbaoCredit: Supplied by PR
SPAIN – Palacio Arriluce Hotel, Getxo
Commissioning Editor Martha Cliff and fiancée Lauren found foodie heaven near Bilbao.
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THE PAD
Check in and zone out at the Palacio Arriluce
Perched on a striking cliffside overlooking the Bay of Abra in Getxo and with a beauty of an outdoor pool, this 18th-century boutique gem sits in a palatial setting and offers the perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary elegance.
Craving vistas of the rolling Basque mountains? You’ve got it. Want to gaze at boats bobbing in the harbour? No problem. A city view more your vibe? It’s got that, too.
Be sure to eat breakfast – think other-worldly Spanish tortilla and Iberico ham – on the terrace to take full advantage.
Meanwhile, come dinner at Delaunay, try local specialities such as grilled kokotxas (hake chin) on stewed spider crab, £35, and Iberian pork shoulder with passionfruit, £31.
Make sure you’re there on a Thursday to join locals in Getxo for “pintxo pote”, a foodie’s dream bar crawl and Basque country tradition.
Restaurante Ixta Bide offers four pintxos (small savoury snacks) – our fave was pintxo de txaka, akin to a mini crab sandwich – and two vinos for a mere £9.
Just don’t expect to bag a seat! Wind your way up the steps of Algorta to reach Arrantzale and finish on its perfectly salted pork belly (Arrantzale.com).
While day-tripping, step into one of Bilbao’s oldest bars, Café Iruña, just a hop from Arbando metro station.
Dating back to 1903, the beautiful tiling is reason enough to visit, but coffee for just £1.75, is a big pull, too.
Or opt for a glass of the local txakoli white wine, £2.70, instead (Cafeirunabilbao.com).
DON’T MISS
The works inside Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum are, of course, breathtaking, but the building itself and its surrounding sculptures – including Puppy, a massive dog made of flowers by American artist Jeff Koons – are worth the trip alone.
Fly to Bilbao from London Gatwick and Heathrow with Vueling from £56 return (Vueling.com).
FRANCE – Hôtel Dame des Arts, Paris
Creative Director Mark Hayman and wife Margaret fell for cocktails and culture in the French capital.
Fall for cocktails and culture in the French capitalCredit: Getty Images
THE PAD
Rest easy at Hôtel Dame des ArtsCredit: LUDOVIC BALAY
This sleek bolt-hole in the city’s Latin Quarter has shaken off its Holiday Inn past to channel full Hollywood glamour.
Think rich woods, bamboo accents and pretty palms, with rooms that feel like film sets, thanks to glass dividers, velvet finishes and luxe bathrooms made for long soaks.
Downstairs, Pimpan serves up bold Franco-Mexican fusions on a leafy terrace – highlights include beef tartare with piquillos, £12.50, lamb shoulder with harissa, £25, and hibiscus-poached pear, £11.
But the real scene-stealer is the rooftop bar, where 360-degree skyline views stretch from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré Cœur – even locals come here for the vistas.
Order a Spritz del Arte (Aperol, mango liqueur, rum and prosecco), £17, or the punchy Uno Mas margarita, £14, pop on your biggest sunglasses and watch the city turn blush at sunset.
There’s also a sauna and a gym kitted out with sculptural wooden equipment for those partial to a designer workout.
EXPLORE
Explore the history of Notre-DameCredit: Getty Images
First time in Paris? Glide down the Seine aboard the Batobus – this hop-on-hop-off riverboat is a relaxing (and photogenic) way to tick off major sights like the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre.
For more treasure-hunting, swing by the flea market off Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine – a weekend haven of vintage mirrors, mid-century ceramics and nostalgic postcards.
There’s no entry fee, just bring cash and your best haggling game.
Then head to the Panthéon, a neoclassical gem where Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie lie in dramatic crypts beneath a rooftop dome offering jaw-dropping views.
Lively, retro-chic Brasserie Dubillot’s espresso martinis, £10.50, are a must, but equally good is the sausage and mash with truffle sauce, £16, steak-frites, £21, and the perfect crème brûlée, £8 (Lanouvellegarde.com/brasserie-dubillot).
Craving something casual? PNY serves next-level burgers with aged beef, brioche buns and toppings like smoked cheddar and pickled jalapeños, from £11.50 (Pnyburger.com).
Or just nab a pavement perch at Café Saint-André for a croque monsieur, £10.50, a glass of sancerre, £7, and some world-class people-watching.
Double rooms at Hôtel Dame des Arts cost from £226 per night (Damedesarts.com).
Psst…
Fancy something a little more party? Rixos Premium Dubai JBR sits in one of the UAE city’s buzziest neighbourhoods, with captivating views of Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest ferris wheel.
Suave rooms come with huge tubs, rain showers and espresso machines, from £304 per night (Rixos.com).
Rixos Premium Dubai JBR sits in one of the UAE city’s buzziest neighbourhoodsCredit: SuppliedThe suave rooms have captivating views of Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest ferris wheelCredit: SuppliedHead to Aussie beach club Byron Bathers for great foodCredit: Byron Bathers Club/Instagram
Downstairs is Azure Beach Club with its large pool, pumping soundtrack, outdoor gym and private beach (Azure-beach.com/dubai).
The breakfast buffet is, in true Dubai style, eye-poppingly big – you can even blend your own fresh peanut butter.
Plus, you’re half an hour’s cab ride from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, for that classic Dubai selfie – viewing platform visits cost from £37 per person (Burjkhalifa.ae).
When you’re craving a chilled day, head to Aussie beach club Byron Bathers for lobster linguine, £37, and burrata pizza, £17, with excellent Whitsunday spritzes – an exquisite blend of grapefruit bitters, strawberry shrub, pink grapefruit, citrus vodka, Aperol and prosecco, £14 (Byronbathers.com).
WE all love a city break, but heading to the main European capitals can give your bank balance a battering.
The Serbian capital of Belgrade offers all the history and grandeur for a fraction of the price.
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Belgrade offers all the history and grandeur for a European city break at a fraction of the priceCredit: GettyThe Serbian capital is one of Europe’s oldest cities, pictured Republic SquareCredit: Getty
With beers or coffees in local cafes from £1.50, meals with wine in a decent restaurant for £15 and hotels from £40 a night, it’s perfect for those tourists looking to expand their city-break horizons without spending a fortune.
WHY SHOULD I GO? One of Europe’s oldest cities, its architecture tells its history from Roman and Ottoman to Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav.
Catch up on its recent history at the Museum of Yugoslavia, home to the tomb of Josip Broz Tito, founder of socialist Yugoslavia. The Belgrade Fortress is free to enter and offers panoramic views of the Danube and Sava rivers.
Elsewhere, the Sava Lake offers water sports, tennis and cycling, with restaurants and bars perched on the shore.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? Public transport in Belgrade is free, making it easy to hop on and off the buses and trams. However, walking around the city means you can stop and rest at the traditional kafanas (coffee houses).
The main cobbled street in the city — Skadarlija — is regarded as the city’s “bohemian quarter” and is a great spot to enjoy a drink.
A walking tour of the Red Star Belgrade football stadium is not to be missed, even for those not familiar with the club. Take a walk through the famous tunnel which at 787ft is the longest pre-match walk in Europe.
Fans can get a taste of what the players go through as they are transformed into gladiators with the thumping chants from the stands.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? Tara National Park is a four-hour drive from the city for those wanting to escape the hustle.
Lake Perucac offers floating houses that allow guests to wake up on the water and look over to the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The national park has the largest population of brown bears in Serbia.
Also worth a hike is the path up to the viewpoint known as Banjska Stena, soaring above the Drina River.
Kayaking down the river also gives the best views of the worldfamous Drina River House.
The hut, first built by swimmers wanting to rest, is perched on a rock in the middle of the water and has been rebuilt multiple times. It’s definitely an Insta-worthy picture.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT? Belgrade is without doubt a city for meat eaters. For an authentic lunch, head to Drama Cevapi in the heart of Belgrade’s Dorcol district for grilled meat and fresh flatbreads.
Tramways help visitors speed between the sightsCredit: GettySplash some cash in the city centreCredit: Getty
The cevapi — minced sausages with a mix of beef, lamb or pork — come in generous portions of five from £3, and flatbreads just 45p. If you fancy a smarter dinner, Iva New Balkan Cuisine shows off traditional Balkan recipes with a stylish twist.
Beef ribs with a celery and apple cream, honey and mustard seed glaze or pork belly with kohlrabi salad, pickled beetroot and crackling will set you back just over £10.
The main cobbled street in the city — Skadarlija — is regarded as the city’s ‘bohemian quarter’ and is a great spot to enjoy a drink
Meanwhile, Restoran Uzelac is a short taxi ride from the city centre where spit-roasted lamb is served by the kilo.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? There’s a bed for every budget.
The Stari Grad district is best for a central location and the five-star Square Nine is great for those with deep pockets.
The gold-fronted building gives a cool oasis from the busy streets and features a wellness spa with a 59ft swimming pool.
Expect luxury linen and cashmere throws, with rooms from £300 a night. But there are also some fantastic budget options.
Boatel Charlie is set on the Danube. It is a chic barge with contemporary interiors that has rooms from £43 a night.
The neighbourhood of Dorcol is the place to stay to meet the locals, with multiple coffee shops and markets.
Tuck into some street snacksCredit: GettyThe Sun’s Emily kayaking down the Drina RiverCredit: Supplied
GO: Belgrade
GETTING THERE: Fly to Belgrade from Luton with Wizz Air, with fares from £27 one way, and from Heathrow with Air Serbia, with fares from £80 one way. See wizzair.co.uk and airserbia.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at Square Nine (squarenine.rs) from £300 a night. Rooms at Boatel Charlie (boatelcharlie.com) from £43 a night. Rooms at Smokvica B&B (smokvica.rs) from £80 a night.
