outdoor

Dog-friendly forest cabin with sauna and outdoor bath is perfect for Autumn staycation

Many Brits are now looking for a comfortable staycation to take this autumn. The main challenge that many dog owners face when arranging a holiday is considering who will care for their pe. But they needn’t fret any longer if they’re reserving one luxurious collection of cabins

Plenty of people are currently searching for the ideal spot to enjoy an autumn getaway. The bright summer holidays are behind us and numerous

Brits are now choosing to book a comfortable staycation within the UK instead. The main challenge that many dog owners face when arranging a holiday is considering who will care for their pet. But they needn’t fret any longer if they’re reserving one luxurious collection of cabins situated in The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, which is completely dog-friendly. The Roost Luxury Cabins all feature a private sauna, outdoor bathtub, log burner and fire pit. There’s also all the kitchen kit you’ll require – a kettle, toaster, induction hob, microwave, mini-oven, fridge (with small freezer) and a dishwasher.

Plus pots, pans, crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, washing up liquid, dishcloths, tea towels, cooking condiments, fresh ground coffee plus various teas and fresh milk.

All your bed linen and extra fluffy Egyptian towels are provided too, and there will even be some homemade brownies awaiting you.

Those bringing pets are permitted two small dogs or one medium sized dog.

The venue explains: “We leave a blanket, towel, poo bags, water and food bowel and a treat for each dog.

“If you pooch has got a bit muddy on all those lovely walks, we provide doggy towels and have a dog wash area behind the site office.”

They also provide details on canine-friendly pubs and eateries nearby.

There’s a fee of £30 for one dog (£40 for two dogs) per stay. This must be paid by card to the proprietor before arrival.

Discussing their dog-welcoming approach on their website, The Roost Luxury Cabins state: “Don’t leave your best friend behind! Here at The Roost we love dogs. The cabins are dog friendly with secure garden areas and all your doggy needs are catered for.

“Your pooch will be spoilt with their own handmade truckle bed.”

The establishment shared a video on its TikTok account showcasing the cabins, which rapidly became popular, gathering over 93,000 likes.

A dog was visible outside the lodge as the footage started, before revealing the outdoor bathing facility. The snug sleeping quarters were then displayed, accompanied by glimpses of the charming garden and external sauna.

Text overlay stated: “Call me crazy, but I would choose this with the dog over a fancy hotel.”

One viewer declared: “Oh my God, this looks INSANE!”

Whilst another commented: “Omg love this! Will have to take a look.”

A third remarked: “Looks like my sort of heaven.”

Visitors planning to book should be aware the location requires a minimum 2-night booking and check-in is restricted to Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

Rates are generally £499 per two nights but may fluctuate based on the date.

Whilst the establishment welcomes dogs brilliantly, families with children might prefer alternative accommodation as the cabins are exclusively for adults. Guests can select between two distinct cabins – The Nook and The Nest, with further information available on The Roost Luxury Cabins website.

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The accommodation currently boasts a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor, drawing from 112 reviews.

One guest commented: “We have had a really relaxing and enjoyable week in this amazing cabin! Loved the sauna and hot tub and sitting on the swing seat enjoying the peace! A beautiful place in a wonderful location.”

Meanwhile, another visitor remarked: “A perfect place to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Everything is beautiful and the soak tub and sauna made it super relaxing. We loved explore the local area and will definitely be back.”

What attractions can be found close to the cabins?

Outdoor and nature

  • Beechenhurst and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail: Explore art installations in a woodland setting.
  • Go Ape: Enjoy high ropes courses and zip-lines in the trees.
  • Forest of Dean Cycle Centre: Rent bikes for various woodland trails.
  • Dean Forest Railway: Ride a steam train through the forest.
  • Perrygrove Railway: A family attraction with a miniature railway and treehouses.
  • May Hill: A prominent hill with a distinctive cluster of trees on top, offering great views.
  • Wye Valley: Explore canoeing, kayaking, and walking opportunities along the river.

History and heritage

  • Hopewell Colliery: Take an underground tour of this working free mine.
  • Clearwell Caves: Explore this ancient and unique underground attraction.
  • Dean Heritage Centre: Learn about the local history of the Forest of Dean.
  • Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum: Discover the history of the regiment in Gloucester.
  • Museum of Gloucester: Explore thousands of exhibits on the city’s past.
  • Jet Age Museum: See aircraft and aviation equipment in Gloucester.
  • National Waterways Museum: Learn about waterways in Gloucester.
  • Coleford Great Western Railway Museum: A museum dedicated to the railway.

Other attractions

  • Gloucester Cathedral: A magnificent cathedral in Gloucester with famous cloisters.
  • Nature in Art: Explore art exhibitions and a sculpture garden.
  • Sudeley Castle and Gardens: Visit this historic castle and its extensive gardens.

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Fresh perspectives: the best outdoor art trails in the UK this autumn | Cultural trips

Haworth, West Yorkshire

Bradford is 2025’s UK City of Culture, and Wild Uplands is part of the year-long celebration that involves four new installations on the moors above Haworth, 10 miles west of central Bradford. There are pink marble butterflies designed by Meherunnisa Asad. On the ridge above, Steve Messam’s 10-metre tower of locally quarried stone looks out over heather-purple hills. These works are dotted around the lake and abandoned quarries of Penistone Hill country park and a family-friendly guide charts a route around all four. While wandering over the moors, you can tune into a geolocated immersive soundscape, Earth & Sky, which includes music by Bradford-born composer Frederick Delius. The Brontë Bus from Hebden Bridge via Keighley stops three times an hour in Haworth, and it’s then a 15-minute stroll past the Parsonage to Penistone Hill. Haworth’s steep, cobbled Main Street is lined with pubs and cafes such as the Writers’ Bloc, which opened in November 2024 and serves cream teas inside a hollowed-out book. At the bottom of the street, Haworth Old Hall has a choice of locally distilled gins.
To 12 October, bradford2025.co.uk

Folkestone, Kent

Jennifer Tee’s Oceans Tree of Life. Photograph: Thierry Bal

The 2025 Folkestone Triennial, the UK’s biggest urban collection of contemporary outdoor artworks, features new site-specific works by artists from around the world. It is free and open daily until 19 October, and you can choose your own routes using the map in the digital guide. No 15 is an old Martello tower containing Katie Paterson’s extraordinary years-long project Afterlife. She has fashioned 197 amulets from matter embodying the harm caused by the climate crisis: fragments of charred wood from burnt forests, stones from islands menaced by rising seas … Walk past Jennifer Tee’s Oceans Tree of Life, a seaweed sculpture of brick and fused sea glass built into the grassy clifftop, to reach Sara Trillo’s chalky Urn Field. Down some steps off the harbour arm, don’t miss Red Erratic by Dorothy Cross, a waterside block of red Syrian marble carved with human feet. Stop off at Herbert’s for an ice-cream, where artist Emeka Ogboh has designed a lolly that tastes like lemon cheesecake and can be dipped (sherbet dip-dab-style) into a slightly salty-spicy coating that looks like sand. Ogboh’s choral sound installation Ode to the Channel is a few minutes’ walk away past Sunny Sands beach. Here you can sit on the steps with your ice-cream and listen to the music and the waves.
To 19 October, creativefolkestone.org.uk

Newquay, Cornwall

Elle Koziupa’s fisher mural

A series of new murals are appearing on walls around Newquay. There are colourful seaside abstracts, bouncing beachballs, a fisher mending nets by candlelight … Bus 56 from Newquay runs hourly up to Porth, where local artist Phil Strugnell has painted a big, colourful mural on the side of the SeaSpace aparthotel. From here, you can follow the coast path back to Newquay for a couple of miles. Skirting Lusty Glaze and Towan Beach, walk through the ancient burial site at the Barrowfields to reach the town. Stroll past the new murals, each one with a QR code to give you details about the artist, and end near Elle Koziupa’s chiaroscuro fisher opposite Sainsbury’s.
Muqy Street Art Trail, ovenqy.co.uk

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Playscape, a playground made from clay spoil, at the British Ceramics Biennial. Photograph: Jenny Harper

The British Ceramics Biennial in Stoke-on-Trent runs until late October. More than 60 artists, including comedian Johnny Vegas, are involved in films, events and exhibitions in the Spode Works, a historic ceramics factory 10 minutes’ walk from Stoke-on-Trent station. There are regular trains from Crewe, London Euston and elsewhere. A bronze Josiah Wedgwood stands opposite the station, holding a copy of the Portland Vase. Spode is a maze of old factory buildings, storerooms and galleries. New commissions include Playscape, turning clay spoil into a playground, and Josie KO celebrating Black women in Stoke with a collaborative bottle kiln-inspired goddess. When you’ve finished exploring Spode Works, follow the new Living Heritage trail, which launched in April, and starts from Spode. There are Staffordshire oatcakes and deep-filled sarnies at the Quarter, while the Little Vintage Tea Room at Spode Museum has homemade cakes and a mosaic counter designed by artist Philip Hardaker, inspired by Spode’s blue Italian ceramics.
To 19 October, britishceramicsbiennial.com

Wolterton, Norfolk

Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson feature in the Sea State exhibition. Photograph: Courtesy of the artists and Wolterton. Photo: Eva Herzog

Wolterton Hall and its 200-hectare (500-acre) estate have been closed to the public for decades. Now a new art and culture programme comes with a chance to explore the Palladian house and grounds during opening hours (generally Wed to Sun, 11am to 4pm) if you book a free ticket online. The inaugural exhibition, Sea State, includes tempestuous new North Sea-inspired works by Maggi Hambling and painted-steel wave-form sculptures by Ro Robertson in the Marble Hall. In the old Portrait Room, don’t miss Hambling’s moving tribute to her late partner of 40 years, Tory. This is less an art trail than a parkland stroll and indoor exhibition, but both are lovely. Maps available at Wolterton offer various routes around the lake and ponds, with views of the heronry and ruined round-towered church. There are more great walks at nearby Mannington. Norfolk-based bakery Bread Source has cafes in Wolterton Hall’s library and at Mannington too, serving cakes, drinks and huge flaky croissants.
Sea State runs to 7 December, wolterton.co.uk

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Westminster, London

Scott Eaton’s Amy Winehouse sculpture in Camden. Photograph: Silvia Nadotti/Alamy

Author and journalist Juliet Rix’s new book, London Statues of Women, features interviews with artists and models. It covers the more obvious monuments, such as Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace and Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square. But you can also find groundbreaking director Joan Littlewood outside the Theatre Royal in Stratford and Amy Winehouse in Camden Market. The book includes three statue safaris around Westminster, Bloomsbury and the City. The Westminster route starts with a dancing Anna Pavlova in gilded bronze on top of the Victoria Palace theatre and ends at Waterloo near Basil Watson’s National Windrush Monument. Look up on Horseferry Road to see Mary and Etienne Millner’s bronze figure of visionary mathematician Ada Lovelace, backed by gold computer punch cards. Or head to the riverside garden by St Thomas’ hospital to find nurse Mary Seacole.
London Statues of Women is published by Safe Haven Books

Wrexham, Clwyd

Liam Stokes-Massey’s tribute to footballer Paul Mullin. Photograph: Rob Stephen

A new public art trail is part of Wrexham’s bid to be 2029 UK city of culture. Coordinated by local artist Liam Stokes-Massey, the trail includes 14 works so far and the city is planning a second phase this autumn. The Boss is Stokes-Massey’s tribute to Wrexham FC manager Phil Parkinson, and there are several football-themed works. Others celebrate the city’s industrial heritage, such as Josh Colwell’s monochrome miner with caged canary. The Art Bunny (AKA Rachel West) evokes Wrexham’s markets, where her mum and grandad worked. There’s a map to plot your route round the murals. Tŷ Pawb gallery, market and food court has homemade curry, pies from the Pie’d Pie’per and more.
Find out more at wcct.wales



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‘Hidden gem’ outdoor lido with lazy river and ‘Greece-like’ waters

The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent, is the only riverside tidal salt water pool in the UK – and it’s been a hit with visitors for more than a century.

The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent
The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent has been favourably compared to holiday resorts in the Mediterranean(Image: Medway Council)

A treasured lido in Kent has been compared to a Mediterraen resort by experts who say it resembles a Greek holiday resort.

The Strand Lido in Gillingham – a treasured destination amongst residents for nearly 130 years – features on the Historic Pools of Britain register. It earns its place as the sole riverside salt-water pool in the UK.

Initially opened in June 1896, The Strand Lido has remained a cherished location for countless families. With water sourced straight from the River Medway and treated with chlorine for secure bathing, it’s a beloved location for a sunny day out.

For fitness enthusiasts, the lido provides six 25-metre swimming lanes. There’s additionally a paddling pool for toddlers, alongside a 300-metre gentle current river, elephant-themed slides and water fountains to keep young guests amused, reports MyLondon.

With its pristine white surfaces and azure-painted aquatic zones, the entire venue resembles a Mediterranean holiday destination rather than a location beside the River Medway, according to experts writing for The Lido Guide. The review reads: “Nothing about the exterior gives away what lies within.

Pool area at the Hotel Kipriotis village, Psalidi
The Hotel Kipriotis pool in Greece – experts say a cheaper alternative is right here in the UK(Image: Franz Marc Frei via Getty Images)

“What lies within is a riot of Mediterranean-resort-style colour and fun. Any children in the party will be completely unable to contain their excitement.

“The whole thing is a freeform riot of bright white painted concrete, edged in royal blue, that gives the treated river water that fills the pool a hue that is more reminiscent of Greece than Kent.”

The entertainment factor wasn’t overlooked either, with the guide noting: “It takes a special sort of curmudgeon not to grin like a loon while hurtling down a pink elephant’s trunk into brilliant clear water.”

Catering to all needs, the venue boasts sunbathing areas, an on-site café (though you’re welcome to pack your own picnic), changing facilities, loos, poolside showers and a shop selling inflatables, but you’ll have to hurry to enjoy it – it’ll soon closes until next year.

The Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent
The lido is popular with families(Image: Medway Council)

The pool remains unheated, meaning it only opens its gates during warmer months, from May 25 to September 1. Advance ticket booking is essential, with two daily sessions running from 10:30am to 1:30pm and 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

One delighted visitor shared their praise on Tripadvisor, writing: “So impressed with this place and feel lucky to have it in Medway. Very clean, love that the water is sourced and filtered from the Medway, not too much chlorine as lots of natural salt!

“Could easily spend the day here sunbathing and slipping in and out of the water at own pleasure.”

Another visitor dubbed it a “hidden gem” whilst recounting their visit. They said: “What a great place to go. Went for the first time this summer and was pleasantly surprised.

Families enjoy the Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent
Families soak up the sunshine and water fun at The Strand(Image: Medway Council)

“It was very clean and well maintained. The parking was super cheap and the numbers were controlled so it never felt overcrowded which was lovely.”

Close by, the Strand Park features a delightful miniature railway, an open-air fitness centre, a parkour course, tennis facilities, picturesque waterside strolls, and children’s playground areas.

Another fan remarked: “This place is full of great things to do. Walk along the river, Crazy Golf, a mine railway and, of course, the wonderful Strand Lido Swimming Pool. Something for all really.”

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‘No computers, just outdoor fun’: readers’ favourite family nature trips | Family holidays

Winning tip: meadow birdsong by the beach in Pembrokeshire

For 28 years we have been going to West Hook Farm in Marloes, Pembrokeshire, to camp. The farm has some lovely showers and toilets, and nothing else apart from beautiful fields full of meadow grass. The swifts and swallows dart along the top of the grass to eat bugs at dawn and dusk. All day long you can hear beautiful birdsong from birds such as skylarks. The fields run alongside the beautiful coastal path, which has a hedgerow full of wildflowers and birds. This is the most beautiful place on Earth (when it isn’t raining). The numerous beaches are full of soft white sands. Our children have grown up playing free in the fields on their yearly holiday – no computers, just outdoor fun.
Em

Hiking a Highlands mountain

The view near the summit of Lochnagar, a Munro in Aberdeenshire. Photograph: Scott Sim/Alamy

For a true taste of the Scottish Highlands, head to Ballater and hike the 1,155-metre (3,789 ft) peak of Lochnagar in the Grampians. The trail winds through pine forests and open moorland, the air crisp and alive. Be ready for the weather to change like pages in a book: sunshine, sudden rain, a flurry of snow on the summit, then blue skies again. On the way down, slip into the river, its water sharp as ice. Pack layers, bring snacks and take your time. It’s a walk that stays with you long after you leave the mountain behind.
Eva

Walking the Cotswold Way – inspired by Laurie Lee

A view from the Cotswold Way at Crickley Hill country park, Gloucestershire. Photograph: Cotswolds Photo Library/Alamy

After a family reading of Laurie Lee’s As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning, my husband and I decided our two teens were ready to try a walking holiday in the Cotswolds. We set out with backpacks and a tent on the Cotswold Way, starting just outside lively Chipping Campden and ending in Bath. Mobiles were limited to an hour a day in the evening and we did 10 miles a day – covering the walk in 10 days. We felt we were a part of a community of walkers as fellow hikers greeted us in passing, sharing drinks and tips with us along the way. We also learned about the Japanese idea of shinrin-yoku – feeling free in nature under the canopy of trees, sky and stars – from a family from Tokyo. We returned fitter, more together and happier than when we set out.
Ann

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Forests and folklore in the Carpathians

Dracula’s alleged abode – Bran Castle, Romania. Photograph: Janos Gaspar/Alamy

Following a brilliant solo back-to-nature trip to the Carpathian mountains in Romania two years ago, I talked my two teenage boys into a family repeat earlier this summer – dangling the carrot of a trip to Count Dracula’s castle. In fact I only needed some minor encouragement from the vampire; the area itself was my ally. The forests, flanked by brooding mountains, were exciting to hike through anyway (with the help of a local guide), with the presence of brown bears, wolves and lynx adding to the thrills as we marched along. We came across medieval towns and villages that are rich in traditional folklore. One highlight was sampling local cheese and singing songs with villagers in the Bârza valley. The boys were rewarded with a ride on a horse-drawn cart to the next village, near Dracula’s alleged abode – Bran Castle. Don’t miss the stiff climb up to Postăvarul peak (1,799 metres) for great views over the area.
Joe

Where Austria’s hills are alive

Bathers enjoy the jetty at Lake Wolfgangsee, Salzburg. Photograph: Volkerpreusser/Alamy

Salzkammergut is the Austrian lake district. Lush meadows, forests and blue-green lakes make for endless days of swimming, biking and lying in the sun. No wonder that The Sound of Music was filmed here. Wolfgangsee has well-marked bike trails and opportunities to swim, alongside cafes serving delicious kaiserschmarrn (fluffy pancakes) and schnitzel. The nearby Fuschlsee has an incredible water park right by the lake: swimming pools, slides and plenty of quiet water in which to swim. It’s excellent entertainment for the entire family. We stayed in the newly renovated Feichtingerbauer, which offers complimentary access to the Fuschlseebad.
Neha

Paddleboarding in County Derry

The River Roe near Swanns Bridge, Northern Ireland. Photograph: Robert Morris/Alamy

By the end of the summer in 2021 we were at the end of our tether due to lockdowns and the lack of socialising opportunities. The kids had never been so quiet. My good friend Bob insisted we join his family at Swanns Bridge in County Derry for a paddleboard trip. Swanns Bridge is only a few minutes’ drive from the Atlantic beaches of Benone, but it makes use of the River Roe, rather than the ocean. After 20 minutes of trying to stay upright, something happened. For the first time in over a year we were distracted by something positive and by the beauty of the Roe. The only sound was water (mostly me falling in) and laughter. We’ve gone back since to be distracted for different reasons. It still works.
Kieran

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Trigbagging in the Peak District

A family enjoy the view from a trig point. Photograph: Sally Anderson Weather/Alamy

Try trigbagging with the kids. Be it a weekend in the Peak District or Monday to Friday in the Lake District, it doesn’t have to cost a lot. You can pitch a tent in a campsite or get cheap accommodation in a youth hostel. My kids love scrambling up the hills, paddling in the streams that flow down them, spotting the ground-nesting birds, and tucking into the snacks that come with hiking. It teaches them so much about nature and personal safety, as well as about how quickly the weather can change in such places.
Rebecca

Searching for buried treasure on Ynys Môn (Anglesey)

The dunes at Newborough beach, North Wales, are the perfect location for a treasure hunt. Photograph: Shoults/Alamy

Our best back-to-nature day out? A spontaneous treasure hunt through the dunes of Newborough beach on Ynys Môn (Anglesey). There’s no admission fee needed – just a hand-drawn pirate map, a flask of lemonade and plenty of imagination. The kids darted between marram grass and shoreline, hunting for shells and “buried treasure” (a biscuit tin full of sweets we’d hidden earlier). With views of Llanddwyn Island and a picnic under the pines, it was low-stress, big-memory magic. Just bring snacks, suncream and a good sense of adventure!
Robert Serebriakoff

Car-free and carefree on the Isle of Arran

Arran is an easy ferry ride away from mainland Scotland. Photograph: Iain Masterton/Alamy

We had a lovely summer holiday staying on a farm on the Isle of Arran. It’s the perfect car-free holiday for families, with a very easy train ride from Glasgow to the harbour [at the mainland ferry port of Ardrossan]. We stayed on the organic farm, picking our own fruit and veg then cooking it on our camping stove on the beach. The accommodation is right on the beach and on our first morning we stepped out and saw an enormous pod of dolphins. Our days were spent walking up and down the beach playing in rock pools. Absolute heaven! The owner of the farm, who used to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant, cooks fresh lobster and seafood most nights. You can watch him and his daughter going out on their kayak to make their daily catch.
Gemma

Rockpooling in East Sussex

The Seven Sisters make a beautiful backdrop to walking, biking and crab-hunting. Photograph: Liliya Sayfeeva/Alamy

One of our favourite trips out in nature is to the beach at Seven Sisters, East Sussex. The walk to get there is lovely – it’s flat and a good size for our boys to ride their bikes along. It’s beautiful, with the cliffs and rivers winding along, and there’s even a little empty building to look inside, which is very exciting for small children. When at the beach, there is so much to do, including wading across the part where the river joins the sea with a pretty decent current; rock pooling in crystal-clear waters; and, on a good day, there’s the sludgy sand to get filthy in! Bonus fun is had by watching walkers wade across the river to get to the cliffs, teetering on the painful rocks, as they don’t want to get their walking shoes wet; or by finding crabs in the rock pools; and seeing little islands made as the tide goes in and out. It’s extra fun if you win the competition to find the most interesting stone or find some treasured sea glass. Chalk is fun too, but common enough not to count as an entry into the competition.
Lauren

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USC men capture share of NCAA outdoor track national title

South Florida ran a brilliant 1,600-meter relay to close the NCAA men’s outdoor track and field championships Friday night, leaving USC and Texas A&M tied for the team title.

The Trojans, who won the indoor title earlier this year but hadn’t won an outdoor title in 49 years, and the Aggies, both finished with 41 points, one ahead of Arkansas.

That came after a late surge by the USF anchor to edge Texas A&M in the final race, winning in 3 minutes, 42 seconds. Arkansas was third with the Trojans a disappointing eighth to earn just one team point. The Aggies earned eight points in the relay — a win would have been worth 10 points — and the Razorbacks got six.

Arkansas protested after the race that a USF runner hindered a Razorback but the protest was denied. If successful, Texas A&M would have won the title and Arkansas and USC would have tied for second.

USC’s top performances included Max Thomas (third in the 100 with a time of 10.10 seconds), William Jones (second in the 400 with a 45.53) and Garrett Kaalund (third in the 200 with a 19.96). The 4×100 relay team took second overall with a time of 38.46.

The women’s title will be decided Saturday at Hayward Field on the Oregon campus.

Sam Whitmarsh of Texas A&M, runner-up a year ago, beat indoor champion Matthew Erickson of Oregon to capture the 800 in 1:45.86, the second-fastest in school history.

Jordan Anthony of Arkansas, the NCAA champion in the indoor 60, added an outdoor title, winning the 100 in 10.07 from Lane 9.

Ja’Kobe Tharp, who won the 60 hurdles at the indoor championships for Auburn, added the 110 hurdle title to his resume with a personal-best time of 13.05. Tharp ran the fifth-fastest time in NCAA history, only 0.07 off of Grant Holloway’s record.

Auburn also won the 400 relay in a time of 38.33.

Samujel Ogazi of Alabama raced to a dominant win in the 400 with a time of 44.84, more than six-tenths faster than the runner-up. The sophomore, who made the Olympic finals in Paris, became the first Nigerian athlete to win the 400 NCAA title in 26 years.

James Corrigan of Brigham Young, a 2024 Olympian, won the 3,000 steeplechase in 8:16.41, grabbing the lead at the last water jump. His time is the fourth fastest in college history.

Nathan Green of Washington, the 2023 champion, won the 1,500 meters in 3:47.26 with the top 11 finishing within 0.68 of Green.

Brian Masau on Oklahoma State added the outdoor title in the 5,000 to the indoor title he won earlier this year, finishing in 13:20.59.

Ezekiel Nathaniel of Baylor lowered his Nigerian record to 47.49 in the 400 hurdles, the second-fastest time in the world this year.

Carli Makarawu of Kentucky took the 400 in 19.84 seconds, a Zimbabwe national record, edging countryman Makanakaishe Charamba of Auburn, who ran 19.92.

Oklahoma’s Ralford Mullings, who returned to the championship for the second time in his career, took the discus title by launching a meet-record and personal-best 227 feet, 4 inches.

Brandon Green Jr. and Floyd Whitaker gave Oklahoma a 1-2 finish in the triple jump with Green soaring 55-2 to win by more than a foot. Green led from the first jump and had it wrapped up after five rounds and then had his best leap to end it.

Arvesta Troupe of Mississippi cleared 7-5¼ to win the high jump.

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Massive European waterpark with 14 themed lands opens new outdoor pool and 150-seat swim up bar

A MASSIVE European waterpark has opened a new year-round outdoor pool – and it comes with a massive swim-up bar.

The outdoor pool Svømmepøl is n the Rulantica water world at Europa-Park Resort in Germany.

Rulantica swimming pool at Europa Park.

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The new pool will be heated to 32CCredit: Europa Park
Outdoor swimming pool at Rulantica.

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It has a Nordic-theme, included the surrounding vegetationCredit: Europa Park

It measures around 660sqm and sits inside a Nordic-style ‘volcanic landscape’.

The 32C heated pool is in the ‘Dynstrønd’ area of the park and is the largest open-air pool in Rulantica to date.

It also has several features including geysers, water mist and an infinity area.

In addition, there is a rock cave with bubbling water loungers and a discovery tour with mascot ‘Snorri’ – perfect for little ones.

There is a swim-up bar called ‘Svømme-Bar’ too – which seats 150 guests.

The pool is then surrounded by sun loungers and Nordic vegetation.

Visitors can also get to the outdoor swimming area from the indoor area.

Europa-Park’s owner, Ronald Mack, said: “With ‘Svømmepøl’, we are expanding Rulantica’s year-round offering with a spacious and fascinatingly designed outdoor pool that promises both relaxation and adventure.

“The numerous details and special features create an impressive bathing experience and once again set new standards in innovative water attractions,” reports EAP Magazine.

The pool even took an entire week to fill.

Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food

Rulantica first opened in 2019 and in total spans 32,600sqm with 14 themed zones based on Nordic legends including Rangnakor.

There are 50 slides and attractions in total, as well as a wave pool and two swim up bars.

There are a number of other experiences available at the waterpark including evening DJ sets and private relaxation booths and saunas.

Rulantica is operated by Europa-Park, which sits just next door to the waterpark.

There is even a free shuttle that runs between the two attractions.

Tickets to enter Rulantica cost £38.50 and tickets to enter Europa-Park cost £54.

What is Europa-Park like?

WRITER Lee Bell recently visited Europa-Park and has shared his thoughts.

Within just one hour, I wake up in Rome, stroll through the streets of southern Spain, and whizz through Scandinavia on a rollercoaster.

There are still 15 more countries to see before the day is through.

But that is easily done at Europa Park — a mega theme park in Germany where different areas are designed to look just like European countries.

Spanning 230 acres just outside Rust, a small unassuming town in the southwest of the country near the borders of France and Switzerland, this theme park and hotel resort is an adrenaline junkie’s dream.

And its theming means you can travel the continent on a whirlwind tour.

The attention to detail is off the chart. The Greece area captures the feel of being in Mykonos while the Switzerland section transports you to the heart of the Alps.

From the architecture to the street signs, it feels like you’re really visiting these different lands.

Its extravagance reminds me of a family-friendly Las Vegas, just without the casinos and flashing neon lights.

Instead, it’s packed with 13 rollercoasters, 100 attractions, six themed hotels, and a full-blown water park.

Back in February, Europa-Park celebrated its 50th anniversary and with it, opened a new ride.

Featuring the park’s mice mascots Ed and Edda, the ride is a train journey with an interactive gaming element.

The ride is based on the upcoming film, ‘Grand Prix of Europe‘ – a cartoon film that stars Ed and Edda voiced by Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Gemma Arterton.

Visitors can ride on ‘Grand Prix EDventure’ with Ed and Edda’s racing crew and take a trip across Europe.

There was also a £75million indoor tropical waterpark that nearly opened in the UK.

Plus, the first look at huge new £200million indoor waterpark opening in the UK with aquadrome and adventure zone.

Stone carving with the word "Svinnepel" and runes.

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The pool will be open year-roundCredit: Europa Park
Outdoor swimming pool at Rulantica with swim-up bar.

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There will also be a swim-up bar, with 150 seatsCredit: Europa Park

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