A HOLIDAY park with bright blue waters compared to the Maldives has been named the best in the UK.
Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa won the best Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year in VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence 2026.
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Clawford Lakes and Spa has overwater bungalows and podsCredit: HoseasonsInside is an open living area with huge floor windows for pretty lake viewsCredit: Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa
Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa is a 98-acre estate that sits outside of Clawton and is described as a “Devon delight” surrounded by private bright blue lakes.
One visitor even said: “Clawford Lakes is an absolutely stunning venue. The lakes look like something from the Maldives – such a stunning blue colour! It’s nice and peaceful as well.”
Visitors can also enjoy views across the water from a private deck.
Even if it’s raining, the views can still be seen as the pods have floor to ceiling windows, they also have open plan living and dining areas with a kitchen.
Theysleepup to four people, with a double bed and sofa bed meaning both couples and families can stay there – all of them are dog-friendly too.
One visitor compared the Lake Pods to those you’d find in the MaldivesCredit: Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa
The Luxury Cocoons are for those who want to try glamping – they have an open plan double bed, kitchen, dining and living area.
Other accommodation options include luxury apartments, holiday lodges and homes.
For those who’d prefer not to swim in the lake itself, the holiday park opened a new 25-metre heated outdoor pool last year – and it has three flumes.
It might be an angler’s paradise, but there’s plenty more to do for those less interested in fishing.
Guests can sign up to try their hand at archery, hire bikes and head out around the resort and during the school holidays there’s family entertainment.
For relaxing, guests should head to the spa where an infinity pool hangs over the lake.
The outdoor pool opened last year and has three flumesCredit: Facebook/Clawford Lakes
There are lots of treatments on offer too from facials to massages, reflexology and even sessions with a nutrition expert.
With so much to do, many guests return to Clawford Lakes with lots commenting on how ‘beautiful’ and ‘peaceful’ it is.
Another said: “Clawford Lakes is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway surrounded by the beautiful Devon countryside.”
While the accommodation comes with full-fitted kitchens, there’s also an onsite is a restaurant and bar called The Apple & Grape for those who don’t fancy cooking.
If visitors fancy a trip to the beach, nearby is Bude, Widemouth Bay, Simmerleaze Beach, Crooklets Beach and Padstow.
An analysis of Google Reviews has shown which UK airports have the most cleanliness complaints — and the top spot may surprise you.
Many travellers will be getting ready to leave the UK for their summer holiday(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Airports are set to be busier than ever over the coming months as numbers of Brits prepare for their summer getaways. With greater numbers passing through the terminal, airports can become rather grubby in no time.
However, a fresh study has examined which UK airports have received the highest number of complaints regarding cleanliness. Private Tours England analysed Google Reviews of 50 UK airports and tallied how frequently travellers mentioned the word “dirty” in their feedback.
The rankings are determined by the proportion of total reviews featuring the term.
Remarkably, Leeds Bradford Airport came out as the dirtiest in the UK. In total, 2.46% of all its reviews include the word when describing their time at the terminal.
Leeds Bradford Airport operates flights to numerous destinations including Austria, Hungary, Romania, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Italy.
The airport itself holds a 3.2 Google rating, with one reviewer noting: “The airport is currently being renovated.
“However, there are very few seats, toilets are super dirty, and the WiFi does not function whatsoever.”
A second commented: “To say it’s been refurbished, it’s cheap, IKEA plastic plants everywhere and dirty and unclean. The public lounge is bad enough, but the Avro Lounge is an absolute disgrace.”
Another wrote: “Avoid this grubby, dirty little airport if you can. Completely unfit for purpose.”
Coming in second place was Manchester Airport, with 1.45% of reviews making reference to cleanliness issues. Belfast International Airport took third spot at 1.42%.
Followed by London Stansted in fourth place at 1.18%, with Birmingham Airport rounding off the top five at 1.13%.
Top 10 dirtiest airports in the UK:
1. Leeds Bradford Airport – 2.46%
2. Manchester Airport – 1.45%
3. Belfast International Airport – 1.42%
4. London Stansted – 1.18%
5. Birmingham Airport – 1.13%
6. Edinburgh Airport – 1.05%
7. London Luton Airport – 0.96%
8. Newcastle Airport – 0.84%
9. Bristol Airport – 0.80%
10. East Midlands Airport – 0.73%
Leeds Bradford Airport has been approached for a response.
A BEAUTIFUL city in Germany has been named one of the best hidden gems in Europe.
European Best Destinations has announced its list of ‘Best Treasure Destinations in Europe 2026’, naming any that have ‘rare beauty, timeless charm and extraordinary places still preserved from mass tourism’.
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Tübingen has been named one of the ‘Best Treasure Destinations in Europe’Credit: AlamyOn Neckar River, locals and tourists can go on punting toursCredit: Alamy
At the very top of its list is Tübingen in Germany.
The publication called the city an “amazingtreasure destination in Europe“.
It added that it’s “a traditional university town; about one in three people living there is a student.
“From its historical sites to its beautiful green spaces, there are so many unique things to do in Tübingen.“
The city in southwest Germany has a very pretty Old Town, translated to Altstadt.
Tübingen is considered ‘untouched’ as unlike other German cities as it avoided being bombed in World War Two.
So it still has it’s pastel-coloured 15th-century half-timbered houses and cobblestone roads filled with independent and boutique shops, pubs, cafés, and restaurants.
One visitor said: “We went there in the middle of summer and the view was really beautiful. Between the alleys, typically German, colorful houses and flower railings.”
Tübingen has pretty colourful houses by the waterfrontCredit: Alamy
Another said the Old Town is “definitely the most beautiful place in the city. The square is plenty of restaurants and terrasses. It’s a good place to drink something and enjoy the atmosphere, especially in summer.”
One of the most famous sites in the city is the Hölderlin Tower, the former home of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin.
The tower was built in the late 18th century and sits on the Neckar River.
It’s now a museum with a permanent exhibition dedicated to Friedrich Hölderlin during the time that he lived in the tower.
Another popular activity is getting on Neckar River for Oxford-style punting.
Public punting along the Neckar River runs seasonally from May to September.
Hölderlin Tower is the former residence of the poet Friedrich HölderlinCredit: Alamy
One of the tour operators offers sessions from €70 (£60.54) per hour – this price is for a whole boat seating up to 16 people.
There are different tours available, some along the riverfront, others head to Neckar Island and sunset tours during the evening.
There are some food specialities to enjoy while visiting Tübingen including Maultaschen – pasta filled with minced meat, spinach, bread crumbs and onions.
There’s also Käsespätzle which are cheese noodles, the region is also known for its wines like Trollinger and Lemberger.
For Brits, the easiest way to get to Tübingen is to fly to Stuttgart, and then drive 40-minutes south of the airport.
A GuruWalk study found the world’s most walkable destination for travellers fascinated by ancient history
There’s nothing better than exploring a city on foot(Image: andresr via Getty Images)
The old adage that the best things in life are free rings particularly true when it comes to travel. Exploring a city on foot, rather than wrestling with bewildering public transport networks or splashing out on car hire, is one of the finest ways to immerse yourself in unfamiliar surroundings — and it won’t cost you a penny.
Free walking tours are a firm favourite amongst seasoned travellers as a brilliant way to get acquainted with a new city while soaking up a bit of local history.
Europe is brimming with historic cities where you can stroll between landmarks in just a few minutes, including Cordoba in Spain, whose magnificent Old Town has even earned UNESCO World Heritage status.
The ability to simply wander up to a World Heritage Site is a remarkable privilege that’s easy to overlook, yet far from an everyday occurrence. But when it comes to exploring your surroundings on foot, one European city — dubbed an “open-air museum” — stands head and shoulders above the rest as the ultimate walkable destination.
A study by GuruWalk, the world’s largest platform for free walking tours, has crowned Rome the most walkable destination on the planet for “travellers fascinated by ancient history”, drawing on the preferences of more than four million users of the platform.
The city’s historic centre is packed with unmissable sights, while its surrounding streets and winding cobblestone alleyways are frequently too narrow for traffic to navigate, making it an absolute must for exploring on foot.
Many of Rome’s most iconic attractions, including The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain are within a mere 20-minute stroll of one another, with countless stunning Baroque piazzas to pause at along the way.
The oldest surviving structure in Rome, the present-day Pantheon — which originally functioned as a temple dedicated to Roman deities — was finished in 126 AD and sits encircled by three of the city’s most cherished squares: Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, and Campo de Fiori, reports the Express.
Reflecting on the awe-inspiring monument, one Tripadvisor reviewer remarked: “We didn’t get to go in so this review is only in regards to the outside. I thought it was so cool to see. You’re walking through a city and suddenly walk right next to this beautiful ancient structure. There’s so much history to it!”
Indeed, there’s no finer method of immersing yourself in Ancient Rome than by meandering through its storied streets. A visit to the Vatican — the heart of the Roman Catholic Church and location of one of the world’s grandest churches, St Peter’s Basilica — wouldn’t be complete without popping into the nearby Pizzarium.
This beloved Roman establishment, famed for its pizza al taglio (by the slice), is adored by both residents and tourists, and there’s an abundance more to discover while exploring — from velvety gelato and piping hot bowls of pasta to a crisp Aperol Spritz to round things off.
If you find yourself worn out from all that strolling, there’s plenty of coffee bars to choose from, but be aware that milky coffees are only deemed acceptable before 11am, with tradition suggesting it’s wise to order an espresso after that time.
According to GuruWalk’s 2026 top ranking for Rome, it stated: “Rome has captivated travellers for over 2,700 years thanks to its unparalleled historical legacy. Walking through its cobblestone alleyways reveals one treasure after another: the Colosseum, where gladiators battled before 50,000 spectators, the Pantheon with its unreinforced concrete dome that remains the largest in the world, and the baroque fountains that spring up at every corner. Every step transports you through empires, popes, and renaissances.”
This beautiful woodland has been named among the best in Europe
This stunning woodland is located in Dartmoor(Image: Getty)
One of Britain’s last remaining ancient temperate rainforests has been recognised amongst Europe’s most enchanting forest trails this summer. Wistman’s Wood, nestled within Dartmoor, secured third place on the list thanks to its remote location, centuries-old dwarf oak trees and captivating woodland scenery.
Travel specialists at Avis examined lesser-known European forests with Perućica Rainforest, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, claiming the top position and Spain’s Otzarreta Forest taking second place.
Though Wistman’s Wood was the sole British entry, it’s easy to see why this breathtaking location earned its spot.
Located just 31 miles from Exeter Airport, Wistman’s Wood offers convenient access for those exploring Devon.
The forest’s remarkable 500-year-old dwarf oaks have been twisted into gnarled, moss-draped shapes through centuries of Atlantic weather, emerging from a carpet of lichen-clad granite rocks.
The area feels more like a concealed treasure than a typical woodland, offering rewards to those who value ambience, legend and untamed scenery over picture-perfect vantage points.
Writing on Tripadvisor, one recent guest to the woodland commented: “Stunning ancient woodland that will make you feel like you are in a fairytale. A must-visit place. A lovely and easy walk from a small car park opposite the Two Bridges Hotel.
“The woodland is hidden in the fields, you cannot see it from the main road. It roughly takes one hour to reach it from the car park. We visited in autumn on a rainy day, and still, it was magical. This is one of the most unique woodlands you can find in the UK.”
A further visitor enthused: “The wood was fun, the lichen hung like Hagrid’s beard. The sights were astonishing and we saw loads of cows and sheep. I would recommend it to everybody.”
Baseball players are superstitious — it comes with the territory.
But not even UCLA coach John Savage, who has coached the Bruins since 2004, has seen something that rivals pitcher Angel Cervantes and his mini toy dinosaur, Jerry.
A two-inch triceratops, Jerry sits behind the 6-foot-2 freshman every time the righty takes the mound, serving as a familiar — albeit tiny — face Cervantes can turn to for reassurance.
“[Cervantes] used the word childish,” Savage recalled. “And I kind of like that because that’s the first thing you think, like, ‘What the hell? Baby dinosaur? What are we doing?’ And so, he got a little chuckle out of it. He doesn’t take himself too serious, and I like that from a young guy. But it’s something that he loves and works off and, you know, good for him.”
Jerry took the world by storm as Cervantes, making his postseason debut Sunday, tossed five scoreless innings in UCLA’s 3-2 11-inning win over Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. The broadcast crew zoomed in on the dino, and the rest remains history.
Cervantes didn’t expect his mini dinosaur to be a hot topic throughout college baseball. The pitcher found it “crazy” to see himself and Jerry showered with love in social media posts shared by ESPN and MLB.
However, as the virality increases, Cervantes has been an open book about Jerry.
“Jerry, he’s a big part of my plan,” he said. “He just keeps me calm.”
The triceratops has been calming Cervantes since his senior year at Downey’s Warren High School.
In George Redfox’s photography class, Cervantes and his classmates were assigned to take pictures of mini dinosaurs on the ground at varying angles. With the longtime teacher’s approval, Cervantes and a friend kept a pair of dinosaurs; one was named Tom, and the other Jerry, inspired by the show Cervantes loved watching with his dad growing up.
Cervantes first placed Jerry behind him on the mound during a game at Angel Stadium and has made it routine ever since.
“I put my hand on my lid, I look down, and I close my eyes,” Cervantes said of his superstition. “And once I open my eyes, I look at Jerry, and that’s when I know it’s time to go. If I’m [ahead] 0-2, I like to slow myself down. I don’t want to think ahead. Or, after a first-pitch strike [or] the beginning of the inning, you know, whatever. Whenever I think the moment’s getting a little big, I want to slow things down.”
Some players pat their gloves. Others chew gum or spit seeds. But Cervantes? He just looks at his little pal.
UCLA pitcher Angel Cervantes holds his good luck toy dinosaur.
(Joaquin Ruiz / For The Times)
As Savage said, the arrangement is unique.
However, what works, works. And the Bruins, when they’re not worrying about stepping on Jerry or watching the tiny-but-mighty dino get obliterated by a grounder up the middle, are all for anything that will empower Cervantes to be his best.
“I remember seeing [Jerry] for the first time in the fall, and I just thought it was funny,” UCLA junior catcher Cashel Dugger said. “I think it’s just his thing, and it keeps him comfortable out there. And if he’s comfortable out there, then I think everybody else is good for it …”
Jerry didn’t just help Cervantes thrive in the biggest game of his life to help the Bruins earn their first Big Ten conference title.
Rather, the dino helped Cervantes evolve from an adapting freshman into a trustworthy arm — that enters the NCAA tournament with a 3.86 ERA with just one run given up over his last five outings — in a rotation that needed a boost, as right-handed ace Logan Reddemann has been out with arm soreness since mid-April.
“He was not ready, three [to] four months ago, to be a weekend starter,” Savage said of Cervantes, who the Pittsburgh Pirates selected with the No. 50 overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft. “In terms of Angel, it’s really been a fun progression. It’s really, I think, the epitome of development, of not rushing a guy with high expectations. I mean, he [was the] 50th pick … you would think [he’d] be plug-in-and-go. But in today’s world of college baseball, being barely 18 years old … he just wasn’t there yet, and he needed to fall.”
Jerry isn’t on UCLA’s roster and probably won’t be sized for championship rings any time soon.
But don’t get it twisted: there’s only one tiny dinosaur Cervantes looks to when he feels the heat, or for a lift when he falls. The two, quite literally, are inseparable.
“He’s in my backpack,” Cervantes said when asked where Jerry goes after games. “So, he’s still with me. I don’t want to keep him in my pocket — maybe I’ll grab my wallet, and he suddenly falls out. I’m always on top of where I keep him.”
Jerry has the trust of everyone in Westwood as UCLA begins its quest for a second national title in program history on Friday against Saint Mary’s.
The Bruins love him. The fans love him. Heck, even umpires can’t help but smile when met with the triceratops.
“Every time they do checks — like, they check my hands and glove — they’re always asking what’s in my pockets or hand, because before they do that, I put Jerry in the pocket. And I just put my hand out, and Jerry’s just right there. ‘Oh, OK, cool. Go get ‘em.’ So they’re always having a smile on their face.”
Cervantes and the Bruins still have a ways to go before they’re champions of the world. But if anything is certain, it’s that Jerry will be there every step of the way, whether on the mound with the freshman or in his backpack.
Oh, and if Cervantes ever gets to make that dream big-league appearance one day, he made it clear: He’d do everything he could to share the experience with Jerry.
“Someone said that if the batter ever gets mad and goes up to the pitcher, that Jerry will be right behind him,” Cervantes said of his favorite social media comment about his mini companion. “And that we should get a helmet for Jerry.”
