national trust

WE ALL like to be beside the seaside and the UK is home to some wonderful seaside spots.

With the UK summer still giving us heaps of sunshine, what better way to spend a day out?

And Uber has revealed the top 10 bucket-list beaches to visit this summer, as part of UberSeaside, where you can get discounted local rides to head to overlooked beaches.

So here are their top spots you should visit this summer.

Lantic Bay, Cornwall

Dubbed one of Cornwall’s “best kept secrets”, head to Lantic Bay where you’ll find white sand and crystal clear waters.

Owned by the National Trust, the cove never gets crowded making it the ideal spot to sunbathe in peace.

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Swimming is not recommended at the cove though, as they can often be strong rip currents.

The beach itself can be accessed by a 20 minute walk from a National Trust car park.

One recent visitor said: “Lantic Bay is absolutely stunning – one of the most beautiful spots I’ve visited in Cornwall. The walk down is definitely long and steep, so good footwear is a must, but once you reach the bay, it’s completely worth it.

“Crystal-clear water, peaceful surroundings, and incredible views. It felt like a little slice of paradise. I would definitely do it again!”

Pedn Vounder, Cornwall

Also in Cornwall, you could head to Pedn Vounder, set between the cliffs of Treryn Dinas.

The beach itself boasts turquoise water and white,sand making it look more like it is somewhere in the Mediterranean.

A recent visitor said in an online review: “Possibly the best beach in the UK!

“At low tide, the fairy pools open up around the rocks and are just magical! It was quiet, even in July and is definitely worth the walk down. Going back up is much easier.”

Chapman’s Pool, Dorset

Chapman’s Pool is a secluded beach that rarely gets crowded.

The stoney beach is home to crystal clear waters that are often calm enough to go snorkelling in.

When on the beach, make sure to have a look at the rocks as you may spot some fossils.

The beach is about a 20 minute walk from a free car park.

Mupe Bay, Dorset

Also in Dorset on the Jurassic Coast, you can head to Mupe Bay.

The beach is a mix of sand and shingle.

It is also surrounded by dramatic chalk cliffs and there is also the Fossil Forest nearby.

Expect far fewer crowds compared to the busier Durdle Door.

Achmelvich Beach, Highlands

Up in Scotland, you could head to Achmelvich Beach which is an award-winning white sand beach with clear water.

It is also the ideal stop off if you are travelling on the North Coast 500 route, as it is just three miles from the route.

While at the beach you can head swimming or have a go at different water sports.

A number of visitors have compared the spot to looking as if it is in the Maldives or in the Caribbean.

Botany Bay, Kent

Botany Bay is one of the more well-known spots on this list, but is still stunning to visit.

When the tide heads out, the beach is a great spot to go fossil hunting as well as exploring the numerous rock pools.

Often called one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, Botany Bay is also one of the warmest beaches in the UK in winter thanks to its location on the Channel.

And it gets the least rain in the country too!

Singing Sands, Isle of Eigg

Another spot to visit in Scotland is Singing Sands Beach.

This is found on the northwest coast of the Isle of Eigg.

It is known for its white sand that makes a ‘singing’ noise when you walk on it.

The beach also boasts views of the neighbouring Isle of Rum.

Luskentyre, Isle of Harris

Often named one of the best beaches in the UK and Europe, Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, features miles of white sand and turquoise water.

The beach is often quiet with no crowds as well.

One visitor said: “Breathtaking beach felt like I was in Maldives!

“A must visit! Loved the stunning scenery! If you don’t visit you are really missing out!”

Traeth yr Ora, Anglesey

Over in Wales, you could head to Traeth yr Ora in Anglesey – a large beach with a mix of sand and shingle.

The nearest parking is around a mile away so it is a bit of walk to the beach, but this usually results in it being quiet.

The beach is also known for being a great spot to watch the sunset.

If you are there at low tide, you might be lucky enough to see a shipwreck emerge from the water.

Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire

Also in Wales, you could visit Marloes Beach which stretches for over a mile.

Cliffs surround the beach and at low tide you will find lots of small rockpools to explore.

From the beach, you can often spot seals in the water too.

A recent visitor said: “Wow. This absolutely is the most beautiful beach I’ve ever been.”

THE summer holidays are in full swing and if you want a fun family day out that is completely free, look no further.

From open-air museums to galleries, attractions and incredible buildings with summer activities for kids – these places will keep everyone entertained and won’t cost a penny.

Which? has revealed the top best family days out and in top spot is St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff.

The museum has a reconstructed historic street showing what life was like in Wales many years ago.

It’s filled with historic buildings that have been relocated to the site including a medieval church, farmhouses and a school.

In the centre of it all is St Fagans Castle, which is a 16th century manor house that has been open to the public since 1948 and is set within pretty Italian gardens.

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One visitor on Tripadvisor called it an “absolute masterpiece of living history” adding it’s in a “league of its own”.

Another added: “As far as free fun goes, this was great! It was like stepping back into time and seeing how people lived in Wales eras ago. Loved it!”

The second most highly-rated on the list is the National Railway Museum in York.

It’s considered ‘best [museum] of its kind in the world’ according to On Magazine with one visitor on Tripadvisor calling it “unique and unforgettable”.

Inside are 100 locomotives, thousands of historical artifacts, royal carriages and well-known trains like the Mallard steam engine.

There’s also the art-deco Duchess of Hamilton, and a Japanese Shinkansen bullet train too.

Here’s the full list of the the top free museums and galleries from Which?…

1. St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
2. National Railway Museum, York
3. Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Cosford
4. National Museum of Scotland
5. Cardiff National Museum
6. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
7. Royal Air Force Museum, London
8. Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
9. Oxford University Museum of Natural History
10. Scottish National Galleries

Throughout the summer there are events on every day like immersive storytelling and live shows, plus there are indoor and outdoor play areas for children.

It’s completely free to visit, but it’s encouraged to book tickets online to guarantee entry, especially during the summer holidays.

Also highly-rated as a free day out is the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum Cosford.

It has a huge collection of military aircraft as well as interactive exhibits and even a plane-themed playground.

Then there’s the National Museum of Scotland which has galleries filled with treasures from the age of the dinosaurs to new technology.

Make sure to pop up to the roof terrace too where you’ll get a view of the Edinburgh skyline.

During the summer holiday there are drop-in activities throughout the day from exploring a dinosaur trail, to space missions and crafts.

Another top free day out from Which? is the Cardiff National Museum which is filled with world-class art work and natural history – it also has exhibitions and plenty of events.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow is another completely free destinations for a family day out.

It opened in 1901 and has 22 galleries filled with beautiful artwork and don’t miss the organ recital at 1pm from Monday to Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.

Families can pop into Durham Cathedral to see the incredible building for free.

Throughout the summer it holds kids’ workshops like creating your own stained glass,activitys backpacks whichares filled withchallengesr and a pair of binoculars.

The surrounding grounds can be explored for free too.

Other highly-rated historical attractions that are free including St David’s Cathedral and Chichester Cathedral.

On a regular visit to the Houses of Parliament you will need to buy a ticket, but there is a way to get a tour for free.

But Which? advises that if you’re keen to visit, any UK resident can contact their MP or a member of the House of Lords to request a free-5-minute guided tour.

Here are the top free historic UK attractions…

1. Durham Cathedral, Durham
2. St David’s Cathedral, St David’s
3. Chichester Cathedral, Chichester
4. Houses of Parliament, London
5. Bury St Edmunds Abbey
6. Somerset House
7. Bristol Cathedral

BRITS are more likely to have seen overseas landmarks than British ones, according to research.

The poll of 2,000 adults revealed more have seen the Eiffel Tower (55 per cent) than some of Britain’s most popular landmarks, including Tower of London (54 per cent), Tower Bridge (53 per cent) and Trafalgar Square (52 per cent).

As well as more people visiting them, it was found they were also more likely to be able to identify landmarks abroad than those on home soil.

More than three quarters (78 per cent) could identify the Eiffel Tower, 71 per cent could clock the Leaning Tower of Pisa and 61 per cent know Rome’s Colosseum.

Whereas fewer could recognise St Paul’s Cathedral (58 per cent), Westminster Abbey (53 per cent) and Edinburgh Castle (52 per cent).

To celebrate the incredible range of landmarks and attractions across Britain, railcard.co.uk worked with sand sculptors to create the ‘Mount Rushmore’ of British landmarks.

The sculpture was unveiled on Blackpool promenade and will be in place for members of the public to see until the weekend.

It was built using 12 tonnes of sand, took three days to create and featured the attractions at the top of Brits’ wishlist: Tower of London (22 per cent), Edinburgh Castle (18 per cent), Stonehenge (18 per cent), Eden Project (18 per cent) and Scotland’s Loch Ness (18 per cent).

Meanwhile, other natural wonders, Lake Windermere (8th – 16 per cent) and Jurassic Coast (10th – 16 per cent) are in the top 10.

Catherine Lyver, from railcard.co.uk which commissioned the research to encourage Brits to make the most of British landmarks by offering a third off travel for adults and 60 per cent off for children, said: “It’s easy to overlook the iconic landmarks and hidden gems on our doorstep, yet Great Britain is full of incredible places to explore.

“We’re encouraging people to do a third more with their break, making it easier and more affordable to tick off some of the bucket-list-worthy destinations closer to home.

“Whether you’re still looking to tick off historic favourites like the Tower of London or have added the modern Eden Project to your list, there are plenty of opportunities to make your summer go further when you travel by train.”

Whereas just 21 per cent have seen the northern gems of Hadrian’s Wall and the Angel of the North.

The vast majority in the OnePoll.com study for railcard.co.uk (79 per cent) said they would like to explore more British landmarks – but the cost of living (43 per cent) and lack of time (33 per cent) are the main barriers stopping them.

And 40 per cent will get their trip inspiration from family and 32 per cent go off what their mates recommend – meanwhile 29 per cent get most motivated by social media.

When going to British landmarks 23 per cent will travel by train, because it’s relaxing (59 per cent), more convenient (46 per cent) and don’t have to worry about parking (43 per cent).

POKÉMON fans better listen up as there is about to be a shedload of attractions across the UK for you.

This summer, National Trust‘s Summer of Play will feature at 142 locations across the UK, with 27 featuring Pokemon Play Zones.

In each Pokémon Play Zone, visitors can take part in Pokémon challenges, as well as Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution (where a Pokémon can become more powerful) trails at 15 locations.

If you have Pokémon Go, there are also specific National Trust Pokéstops and Gyms to find.

At a select number of locations, families will be able to book Pikachu meet and greets too.

At all of the National Trust’s 142 Summer of Play locations, families will be able to pick up a Pokémon x National Trust sticker book too.

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The experiences are all included with your admission and there is no need to pre-book.

At Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, for example, visitors can enter the Pokémon Play Zone, where they will find a straw bale maze arena to practise their training moves before taking on five themed challenges.

Clumber Park will also have football, cricket, sensory play and creative sessions.

Or at Dunham Massey in Cheshire, there are giant deckchairs to chill out on as well as lawn games and circus skills workshops.

You can try out different Mega Evolution Pokémon activities including striking your best Pokémon pose and attempting ‘the floor is lava’.

Other activities that are part of the Summer of Play include bug hunting, den building and team races.

Carl Greenman, the National Trust’s Programming and Production Manager, said: “There’s such a natural fit between Pokémon and Summer of Play — both are about encouraging families to have fun together and explore the world around them.

“By bringing a globally loved brand, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, into the places we care for, we’re helping more families discover them as spaces for play, adventure and shared experiences.”

A 100-MILE network of floating walkways could soon debut in one of the UK’s largest cities.

Plans for the £100million project include boat jetties, cycle lanes and new signage.

A proposal to create a 100-mile floating network of pathways in Manchester has now made “significant” progress forward.

The concept – drawn up by CyanLines – was created with the aim “to connect Greater Manchester’s blue and green spaces into a high quality network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes” for residents and visitors.

The cyan-coloured walkways have been designed to snake along either side of the River Irwell, complete with jetties for rowing boats and cycle lanes.

The £100million scheme was first announced in September 2025 and was expected to be developed over the next 10 years.

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Now, the project is now well within the first phase of co-design and agreement – including drawing up an investment case – according to co-founder, Tom Bloxham.

Backed by Manchester City Council, Labour leader Bev Craig also told Manchester Evening News that the plans are making ‘significant’ steps forward.

The project, also supported by the National Trust, is said to bring a host of benefits to the city, including better access to green spaces, more opportunities for businesses and healthier residents.

Four CyanLines pilot loops are currently being ‘proof-tested’ by the public, with more than 15 miles of paths plotted.

These routes include a trail from St Peter’s Square to Whitworth Park and the Irwell & Castlefield Loop.

Pete Swift, CyanLines project co-founder, said: “The routes will be the starting point, or spring board, for a whole plethora of CyanLines projects which will bring new opportunities for nature to thrive and to be enjoyed.”