The park, home to Peppa Pig World, is opening a new land in 2026 with thrill rides and a themed restaurant. Paulton’s Valgard zone is sure to be a hit when it welcomes in the public
The park is planning an entire new themed world(Image: PR Handout)
Paultons Park, a theme park known for being the home of toddler favourite Peppa Pig World, is set to expand with a new land as part of a whopping £12 million development.
The new addition, Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, is designed for older children and teenagers and is scheduled to open in spring 2026. The Viking-themed land will feature two new adrenaline-pumping rides: the inverting rollercoaster Drakon, and Vild Swing, which will whirl riders 12 metres into the air in a first-of-its-kind ride in the UK.
A sneak peek video on the park’s official YouTube page offers thrill-seekers a taste of what to expect from Drakon, promising plenty of twists and turns. An existing ride, Cobra, is also set for a revamp and will be rebranded as Raven to align with the Viking theme.
The park also plans to add a themed restaurant and a playground for younger guests to Valgard. Further expansion of Valgard is planned for 2027, including a new water ride, although details are currently being kept confidential, according to the Express.
James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, expressed his excitement about the project, stating: “We are thrilled to share our plans for our largest and boldest investment to date. As an independent, family-owned theme park, we’re incredibly proud of the investments we make to deliver the very best guest experience. We’ve opened two brand-new rides in the last two years and with the build of Valgard firmly underway, we’re excited to open a further three, bigger-and-better-than-ever-before rides, between now and summer 2027.
“Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans. The introduction of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon certainly up the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, but staying true to our roots, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones and there is something for all of the family in our new Viking village.”
The fresh Viking-themed area will join the park’s existing six themed worlds, including Tornado Springs with its American setting, and Lost Kingdom which focuses on dinosaurs.
Among the park’s most famous attractions is Peppa Pig World, inspired by the beloved children’s cartoon series, which Paultons Park has been crowned the UK’s top theme park, beating out competition from Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Legoland Windsor. The Hampshire-based attraction scooped the prestigious Theme Park of the Year award at the UK Theme Park Awards 2025, as well as being named Best Theme Park for Families (Large), and Best Theme Park for Toddlers (Large).
Its Ghostly Manor ride was also voted Best New Attraction.
Visitors have been quick to sing the park’s praises on Tripadvisor, with one reviewer, Ste H, describing Paultons Park as a “brilliant” place that is “spotlessly clean”. He added that the staff are “some of the friendliest people” he has ever encountered at such a venue, and that “[G]enuinely everyone we met made it perfectly clear they love working there, which is great to see.”
Another visitor, Lizzie L, shared her experience of visiting midweek, writing: “All the rides in Peppa Pig world were a walk on and the only time we queued was to meet Peppa. The theming is great and perfect for little ones.”
A popular Australian radio show has been axed following a much-discussed controversy involving Keith Urban, in which he hung up on the programme amid an interview
A popular Australian radio show has been axed following a much-discussed controversy involving Keith Urban(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
A popular Australian radio show has been axed following a much-discussed controversy involving Keith Urban. The Aussie musician, 57, made an appearance on Australian Radio Network (ARN)’s Hayley & Max In The Morning, which has been hosted by Max Burford and Hayley Pearson for just under a year.
The interview took place just weeks before it was revealed that he and Nicole Kidman had called time on their near-20 year marriage, and that the Hollywood actress had filed for divorce herself. It all seemed to be going well until he was asked about Nicole’s sex scenes with Zac Efron in their film A Family Affair
He was asked: “What does Keith Urban think when he sees his beautiful wife with beautiful younger men like Zac Efron, having these beautiful love scenes on TV?” Keith’s only response was to end the interview then and there. A member of the crew was heard saying he and his team didn’t like the line of questioning and pulled the chat.
Less than six months after the viral moment took place, the radio broadcaster announced that the Mix102.3 show would air for the final time on December 12. A representative said: “In 2026, the station will launch a new live and local breakfast show as part of a refreshed whole station strategy focused on bolder content and bigger moments that really set the station apart.”
It comes just days after the news that Brisbane breakfast show Robin, Kip & Corey Oates had also been axed by the network. The rep also thanked the on-air team for their “hard work, creativity and commitment to the Brisbane audience” during their time in production.
According to an email seen by Mediaweek, the network ‘can’t reveal details just yet’ of what is to come for the broadcaster. Following the controversial moment with Keith, Max Burford, the radio show’s host, then remarked that he thought they were ‘vibing’ with the country music star and wondered if Keith now disliked them.
He added: “I thought we were vibing with Keith. Do we have beef with Keith Urban now?”
His co-host, Hayley Pearson, added that she thought their line of questioning would make Keith “hate” them: “He hates us. I knew that was going to happen.” Keith’s angry response to questions about his wife’s films came just after their 19th wedding anniversary.
The couple, who married in Sydney in 2006 after meeting at a Los Angeles event in 2005, have two daughters, aged 17 and 14. The divorce documents include a detailed parenting plan, with Kidman set to be the primary residential parent for 306 days of the year. Urban will have the remaining 59. The filing states both girls will remain in Nashville, where they’ve lived their whole lives.
“The mother and father will behave with each other and each child so as to provide a loving, stable, consistent and nurturing relationship with the child even though they are divorced,” the agreement reads.
“They will not speak badly of each other or the members of the family of the other parent. They will encourage each child to continue to love the other parent and be comfortable in both families.”
Reports claim that neither will seek child or spousal support, with the filing noting both earn over $100,000 per month. Assets, including royalties and copyrights, will be split equally, with each keeping what is in their name.
The parenting agreement was signed by Urban on August 29 and by Kidman on September 6 – suggesting the split had been planned well before it became public. Under Tennessee law, the divorce will take at least 90 days to be finalised.
This was Urban’s first marriage and Kidman’s second. She was previously married to Tom Cruise, with whom she has two older children. Just last year, at a Netflix premiere, Kidman told the Associated Press, “You’re heading for trouble if you consider yourselves the perfect couple. I’m not a believer in perfect.”
Earlier that year, Urban emotionally paid tribute to Kidman at the AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony, saying, “Four months into our marriage, I’m in rehab for three months. Nic pushed through every negative voice, I’m sure even some of her own, and she chose love. And here we are 18 years later.”
Parents loved the ‘genius’ tips when they were shared online in a popular video
Families love the easy travel hacks (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
Family holidays offer lots of excitement, but they can also involve high levels of stress. From making sure your children have packed all their essentials to dealing with travel disruptions, it’s a busy time for parents.
Thankfully, one parent who has picked up a few helpful tips has shared a video outlining some of her favourite hacks – and social media users loved the ‘genius’ ideas. Content creator @muddlethroughmummy often shares tips and tricks with her 627k followers on TikTok, where she is known for her ‘positive parenting’ videos.
In one post, the savvy mum shared a video captioned: “Here’s 10 tips on how you can make travelling with kids that bit easier.” In her video, the parent explained: “Take your own car seat. Most airlines let you check it into oversized luggage free of charge.
“Before you travel, save the whole family’s boarding passes to your phone wallet for ease. The less you have to carry, the better. Unfortunately, most airports have now monetised the fast track for families. But if you’re travelling in peak times, it might be worth paying the £6 per head to skip the long queues.”
She continued: “Take your push chair all the way to the foot of the airplane stairs. Gates can be a bit of a walk from the lounge, and it’s great for naps whilst you wait. Designate one person to unload all technology and liquids at security, and the other one can keep an eye on the kids.
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“Having your kids carry their own luggage is a great idea. Mine really enjoy having that responsibility. They like to be involved, and it makes them feel important. And travelling with hand luggage only whenever possible is a great tip, so you’re not having to wait around at the other end.
“Don’t forget your reusable water bottles to fill up once through security. And take your own snacks. If we have early flights, I do breakfast pouches with individually packed pastries and fruit. And if you’re worried your kids won’t like the airplane food, take porridge or pasta pots with you and then just ask for hot water.
“Lollipops are great for takeoff to avoid ears getting popped, or milk works if they’re still having it. I hope you found this useful!”
Viewers loved the video, and it racked up over 16,000 views. Replying to the post, one parent said: “Oh genius idea about the pasta pots, I have a very fussy 6yo and was worrying about what she would eat. Thank you!”
Someone else shared: “All tech in one bag was a game changer for us. With phones and iPad and 3 switches it was a nightmare with it all in different bags!”
It is generally not allowed to take a child on holiday during term time in the UK and can result in a fine of up to 160 – but there may be exceptions
Parents could be fined signifiacntly during the winter(Image: Getty Images)
If you’re planning a winter getaway to escape the UK’s chilly temperatures, be warned – you could face a £160 fine if you pick the wrong time. In the UK, taking children out of school for a holiday during term time is generally not permitted and can result in a penalty.
This follows last year’s confirmation from the Department for Education that UK schools must consider issuing a fine if a child misses 10 or more sessions without authorisation. Remember, 10 sessions equate to five school days, as each day is split into two sessions – morning and afternoon.
When a fine is handed out, parents are only required to pay £80 if they settle it within 21 days of receipt. However, if payment is made within 28 days, the fine doubles to £160.
If a parent has previously been fined for the same child within a three-year period, the higher rate of £160 is automatically applied. Moreover, parents could find themselves in deeper hot water if they exceed the limit of two fines within any three-year period. This could lead to a parenting order or even prosecution.
If you end up in court due to your child’s absence, you could be hit with a fine of up to £2,500 or even face up to three months behind bars. Government guidance reveals that approximately 89% of unauthorised absence fines are due to children being taken on holiday during term time.
Reasons why your child can miss school and avoid a fine
According to the Department for Education, you can only allow your child not to be in school when it’s open for the following reasons:
Your child cannot attend school on that day because it is a day you are taking part in religious observance.
You are a gypsy/traveller family with no fixed abode, and you are required to travel for work that day meaning your child cannot attend their usual school.
Your child is too ill to attend that day.
You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on that day due to exceptional circumstances.
Your local authority is responsible for arranging your child’s transport to school and it is not available on that day or has not been provided yet.
Further guidance on school attendance and ascences during term time can be found here.
Sharina Butler, from the Bahamas, was staying at the Paris Hotel Las Vegas when she was landed with a hefty, unexpected bill, she has claimed in a TikTok video
Sharina Butler recounted the incident on TikTok(Image: FACEBOOK)
A visitor to Las Vegas has issued a warning after she claiming was charged $200 (£150) for using a plug socket.
Sharina Butler, from the Bahamas, was staying at the Paris Hotel Las Vegas when she received a surprise bill for $224 (£168), she alleges.
According to the mum, she was landed with the hefty payment request due to her son unplugging a tray used for mini-bar snacks and drinks. Sharina claimed the policy was written on a small card that was placed in front of the tray.
The card warned that there would be a $56 (£42) charge for every day the tray remained unplugged. In a TikTok video recalling the incident, Sharina claimed she said to an employee, “You’ve got to be kidding me. The tray isn’t attached to any electricity, the tray isn’t attached to anything, it’s just a plug.”
Sharina said that they had unplugged the tray to charge their phones while sitting at the small desk inside the room. She hadn’t read the note on the minibar because she knew she wasn’t going to touch any of the overpriced items.
“Why am I reading a tray when I’m not touching it… The only thing it should be saying is that if you move something off the minibar, you will be charged, right? But that wasn’t the case.”
According to Sharina, the employee then showed her an enlarged version of the note, which indicated the $56-per-night charge if the plug is removed.
Butler told her 1,200 fans that she “blocked that charge” after being slapped with the fee. In the comments beneath the video, some called Marci claimed they had a similar problem at the hotel.
“I wanted them to remove the whole damn tray from the room, and they told me it would cost me $50 to have it removed, so I argued them into having someone come up to move it off of the desk (because I needed to use the desk to work), so it sat on the floor the whole time,” she wrote.
Paris Hotel Las Vegas has been contacted for comment.
The tourist industry in Las Vegas has been going through a difficult time of late, with resorts and convention centers reporting fewer visitors compared to last year, especially from abroad, and some officials are blaming the Trump administration’s tariffs and immigration policies for the decline.
The city known for lavish shows, endless buffets and around-the-clock gambling welcomed just under 3.1 million tourists in June, an 11% drop compared to the same month in 2024. There were 13% fewer international travelers, and hotel occupancy fell by about 15%, according to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Mayor Shelley Berkley said tourism from Canada — Nevada’s largest international market — has dried up from a torrent “to a drip.” Same with Mexico.
“We have a number of very high rollers that come in from Mexico that aren’t so keen on coming in right now. And that seems to be the prevailing attitude internationally,” Berkley told reporters this month.
Ted Pappageorge, head of the powerful Culinary Workers Union, called it the “Trump slump.” He said visits from Southern California, home to a large Latino population, were also drying up because people are afraid of the administration’s immigration crackdown. If you tell the rest of the world they’re not welcome, then they won’t come.”
The Vegas dip mirrors a national trend. The travel forecasting company Tourism Economics, which in December 2024 anticipated the US, would have nearly 9% more international arrivals this year, revised its annual outlook to predict a 9.4% drop. Some of the steepest declines could be from Canada, the company said. Canada was the largest source of visitors to the US in 2024, with more than 20.2 million, according to US government data.
The Hall family left the UK nine months to start a new life halfway around the world and they say it was ‘the best decision they ever made’ after pointing out several downsides of their homeland
Alan Johnson Social News Reporter
12:33, 05 Oct 2025
A family who left the UK for Asia say it was the ‘best decision they ever made’ (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A family who left the UK to move halfway around the world have hailed their long-distance move as the “best decision they ever made” before explaining the many reasons why. Kayleigh Hall, who documents her family‘s adventures via Instagram shared a clip that began by highlighting the miserable British weather they left behind at their previous property.
“Nine months ago we booked a one-way ticket out of the UK,” she wrote in a caption. Kayleigh went on to explain their move was enabled by “selling, donating and giving up everything we owned” and since they’ve never looked back at their ‘gloomy’ homeland.
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Kayleigh bluntly continued in her video, outlining further reasons behind the Halls’ decision to start a new life.
“Fed up with the grey skies, misery, a school system not fit for purpose, working to survive, quality of life dwindling, negativity and a healthcare system in crisis,” she slammed.
With their bags and suitcases packed, and unwanted belongings thrown in a skip on their driveway, Kayleigh explained: “Yes no country is perfect, we aren’t looking for that.”
She elaborated: “We’re looking for a country that is safe, friendly, affordable, warm, slow living, prioritising experiences over things, a place where we don’t get taxed on things taxed, a country where we can raise our family in peace.”
Six months on from settling in their new home, Kayleigh says her family are now “convinced” the move was the right decision, describing the experience as “incredible”.
“We still don’t know when we’ll settle [permanently] and where,” she went on to confess. “It definitely won’t be the UK. We are loving our adventures so far and have so much more to experience.”
Kayleigh, who has currently based her family in Malaysia, closed: “Being able to spend all day as a family is a blessing. Our children are growing, thriving, and happier than ever. I am so grateful I get to spend so much time with them and my husband.”
The Halls’ decision was met with a mixed reaction, however, with some Instagram users pointing out that the “grass isn’t always greener”.
“I find this video very negative,” one of them responded. “You’re more than happy to have your own opinion and move wherever you want but completely roasting country you’re coming from and not saying anything positive about this country is really wrong.
“Yes, weather is nowhere near as hot as in Portugal, Greece and Spain but thanks to that UK is so green. There is so many beautiful places in here.”
A second individual concurred, listing several benefits: “UK is beautiful, misty and grey in autumn and gorgeous in summer. Fifth largest economy in the world with immense opportunities. Strong chemical, environmental and safety policies. Highly regulated food and pharmaceutical industry.”
Whilst a cynic questioned: “Be interesting to see what happens if one of you needs medical care, suppose you won’t come back to use the NHS will you?”
Others were more supportive, however, including one person who congratulated: “Amazing well done, your family are going to have such amazing memories.”
Another fumed of UK life: “I think it was the best decision you’ve ever made. I’ve been living in the UK for over 20 years, and I haven’t gained anything good from this country. Just five more years, and I’ll be leaving for good. Life here hasn’t felt normal – it’s been a constant fight for survival.”
And a third exclaimed: “Much respect! Leaving the UK was the best decision I’ve ever made too! I haves lived in Tuscany, Italy for the last 24 years. It’s not perfect, but for me it’s a great quality of life. Most people don’t ever consider moving country as an option…sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t, but until you try you’ll never know!”
Prince William has revealed his strict parenting rules when it comes to his kids – Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte – and mobile phones
Kate and William have strict rules for their kids(Image: PA)
Prince William has revealed his stern parenting when it comes to his kids and mobile phones. The future King revealed Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte are banned from owning a device by himself and his wife, Princess Kate.
He made the revelation while speaking with Eugene Levy, shortly after Kate had confirmed the pair try to limit their children’s screen time. And he also admitted they regularly sit down for dinner together no matter how busy his schedule gets, labelling their chats “really important’.
“None of our children have phones, which we’re very strict about,” he confessed before revealing the kids’ other obsessions. “Louis loves the trampoline,” he admitted. “He’s obsessed. And Charlotte loves it too.
“As far as I can tell they just end up jumping up and down, beating each other up, most of the time. Apparently, there is an art to it.”
As well as enjoying the trampoline, William, 43, says daughter Charlotte, 10, takes part in netball and ballet. William claimed both he and Kate think it’s really important to ensure their kids are involved in sports and outdoor activities.
As for 12-year-old George, William says his eldest is a staunch football fan, like himself. He said he is also keen on hockey.
William also opened up on the pain he felt as he watched both his father, King Charles III, and his wife be diagnosed with cancer. The Royal Family were left devastated by the double cancer diagnosis last year. They came just months apart.
Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that the King had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer following a prostate exam. Then in March, the Princess of Wales confirmed she too had been diagnosed with cancer following tests that were conducted after major abdominal surgery in January.
Speaking to Eugene for his The Reluctant Traveler series, William described having his father and wife sick at the same time was like “having the rug pulled from underneath you”.
He candidly admitted: “We’ve been very lucky, we hadn’t had many illnesses in the family for a very long time. My grandparents lived until they were in the high 90s.
“So, they were the vision of fitness, and stoicism, and resilience if you like. So we’ve been very lucky as a family.” He then went on to reference his father King Charles ‘ cancer diagnosis and his wife Kate’s diagnosis.
“But I think, when you suddenly realise that the rug if you were, the metaphorical rug can be pulled from under your feet quite quick at any point. You maybe think to yourself ‘It won’t happen to us, we’ll be okay.’
“Because I think everyone has a positive outlook, you’ve got to be positive. But when it does happen to you, then it takes you into some pretty not great places.”
We got a first look at the new Lego Masters Academy in Denmark, and with near-constant messages about the dangers of kids in the online world, it gave us a whole new outlook on parenting
Learning the art of the Lowell Sphere using the SNOT technique in Level 3, Lego Masters Academy(Image: Mitya Underwood )
At a time where parents are inundated with warnings about the dangers to our kids of the online world and the reduction in free and imaginative play, raising happy and healthy kids can feel daunting. But after a visit to the new Lego Masters Academy at Denmark’s Lego House, I was given a much-needed reminder that all is not lost – and it has genuinely changed how I interact and spend time with my two primary school-aged kids.
We were already a Lego family, with a smattering of neurodivergency all around, but it’s never really been something we’ve enjoyed together, more a solitary pursuit. I’ve learnt there’s a big difference between just whacking up a set by following instructions, and actually sitting down and chatting about how to build the “best castle drawbridge”, or “a fruit bowl with a flat bottom”, to name some recent genuine examples.
There are now several surfaces around our home with various Lego creations on them, and every one of them is an opportunity (which we can’t and don’t always take, of course) to just be together. With the company recently reporting record-high sales figures, I would assume I’m not the only parent with the same idea….
What is the Lego House?
Not to be mistaken with the nearby LegoLAND® Billund Resort, Lego House is officially the Home of the Brick. It’s part interactive museum, part all-you-can-build Lego building buffet, and overall an incredible place to take kids (and adults).
The newly-opened Lego Masters Academy
If you haven’t seen the reality TV show Lego Masters on Channel 4, check it out. It started in the UK in 2017 and has since exploded in popularity, with versions now running in Australia, France, Japan, the United States, Germany, Norway and South Korea, and more.
The new Lego Masters Academy at Lego House essentially takes some of the incredible skills you see on the TV show, and breaks them up into teachable segments so even the most basic Lego builder can feel confident veering away from the step-by-step instruction booklets and creating something from their imagination.
What
If you’re not a Lego superfan, you may not know that certain building techniques have names (the Lowell sphere, for example, which is explained in the Level 3 session), but they do.
The SNOT technique is another one, which means Studs Not On Top, and allows the creator to build outwards, on-the-round, and sideways, rather than just stacking high.
What do you do at Lego Masters Academy?
Think classroom learning, but intensely fun. You (and your friends/family), are seated at tables facing a (human) Lego teacher, with a large screen used for instructions above them. The room itself is a thing of beauty, with almost floor-to-ceiling pick-a-brick shelves full of almost every type and colour of brick imaginable.
Both of our ‘classes’ included a mix of guided instructions and free building to a theme – for example, “give your character something to shade them”, and “your figure needs to climb high, build something for them to stand on”.
There are four different levels, focusing on creativity, storytelling, technical building, and teamwork. As of today, Levels 1 and 3 are available to book, Levels 2 and 4 will be coming in 2026.
Level 1 – Family Fun – described as a ‘playful introduction to Lego creativity’. Great for families and casual builders.
Level 2 – Build Me Up – a way to improve on basic building skills and learn how to take things to ‘the next level’.
Level 3 – aROUND the bricks we go – all about refining and improving some of the basic skills (learning the Lowell Sphere and SNOT, for example).
Level 4 – Mastery – perfect for ‘aspiring designers and Lego Masters’ who want to push their skills to the limit.
As well as walking away with some new Lego engineering skills, you’re also able to take home what you’ve built. You might also want to bear this in mind when choosing what pieces you pick to use during the free-build elements of the classes (but don’t let that distract you from the fun of the lesson, the Lego House Store is well stocked with individual blocks.)
Diners choose their foods using coloured Lego bricks – red for protein, green for salads/vegetable, blue for energy/carbohydrates – with different shapes identifying different dishes, and the prices are set per meal. It’s a small but varied menu, and adults get to choose from an extra list of dishes (using a special black brick!) and kids get a special surprise if they attach a yellow brick.
The food is surprisingly delicious (our dishes included Scandinavian salmon, veggie meatballs and Danish chicken thigh) and without wanting to ruin any surprises – delivered in an appropriately themed-box via two very special Lego robots.
FYI – MINI CHEF will be temporarily closed for renovations from 27 October 2025 to March 2026.
Prices as of September 2025 – 229DKK adults, 135DKK kids
There’s also the BRICKACCINO cafe serving fresh snacks, desserts, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks.
How to get to Lego House from the UK
You can fly directly to Billund, Denmark, from the UK’s London airports, but will need to transfer if flying from elsewhere.
Alternatively, there are regular flights to Copenhagen, and then it’s a very beautiful and comfortable two-hour train from the city’s main train station, København H, followed by a 40-minute bus ride.
We did this and aside from adding a few hours to the travel time, the trains and buses were so easy to navigate via the DSB app, that it was part of the adventure, rather than an added stress.
What are the best bits of Lego House?
The Experience zones are split into four sections – Red, Yellow, Green and Blue Zones, and each Zone has a huge number of interactive stations where you can build to your heart’s content.
The Lego sea animal aquarium was a big hit for our family, where we got to see our Lego fishy creations swim off into a huge animated aquarium. There’s also a Lego minifigure mood changer, where we saw our built characters come to life and dance on a digital stage.
There’s heavy emphasis on the ‘experience’ elements of the House, it isn’t just a shrine to incredible creations behind glass – but there are plenty of these in the Masterpiece Gallery if you want to see what some of the biggest names in AFOL (Adult Fans of Lego) have created. Prepared to be wow-ed.
The History Collection explores the history of Lego, and includes hundreds of the company’s most popular and famous sets, as well as explanations about how this simple studded brick became so iconic.
What shou
Of course it wouldn’t be a Lego experience without a Lego store. But this one is unique. Here, you can buy sets that are exclusive to the House, such as the famous Wooden Duck, which was one of the first Lego toys made, and dates back to the 1930s.
There’s also the Lego House Architecture set, true to scale and complete with the iconic coloured roof.
Tip – the store is busiest as it nears closing time (the Experience zones close at 4pm, and the House and store close at 5pm). So, if you’re organised and know what you want, consider heading there earlier in the day so you don’t panic buy or miss out. That said, it wasn’t too busy for us and we had plenty of time to create our exclusive Lego House minifigures as well as pick up the exclusive set, and a pack-a-brick box (or four).
How much does it cost to visit Lego House and what time is it open?
The 51 year old shepherdess posted a series of photos featuring some of her nine children at their home, Ravenseat Farm in the Yorkshire Dales.
In a poignant message, Amanda, who recently took a swipe at her ex-husband Clive Owen, wrote: “The ace of spades. Whatever life throws at us [dump and explosion emojis]. Come rain or shine. We deal with it.
“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do, it’s from what you reckoned you couldn’t. You can be proud and humble you know and farming is a great leveller.
“You can’t ever get too far ahead before rot sets in, the heavens open or the wheel comes off (literally or metaphorically).”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“Farming is, after all a profession of hope. #yorkshire #grit #resilience #farm #family #shepherdess #books.”
Her 543K followers were quick to react to the post, with one fan commenting: “You’re an amazing family x” alongside a heart emoji.
Another follower wrote: “Love your posts Amanda.xx”, while another said: “love your family, since I first read your book before you were on telly xx”. Another added: “Love this take on all of what you do supporting one another on the farm x.”
Amanda and her former husband Clive Owen are parents to nine children: Raven, Reuben, Miles, Edith, Violet, Sidney, Annas, Clementine, and Nancy.
Their popular documentary series, Our Yorkshire Farm, ended in 2022 following Amanda and Clive’s split. The show first hit our screens back in 2018.
The Owen family are back on our screens with a new series, Our Farm Next Door, which documents their adventures as they renovate a historic farmhouse nestled in the stunning Yorkshire Dales.
This comes as Amanda candidly discussed her co-parenting journey with ex-partner Clive during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine.
Lorraine Kelly, the show’s host, noted: “The fact that you have managed, even though you’re separated, the two of you – you and your husband – have managed to still work together, parent together, can’t have been easy but you’ve made it work!
“I’ve talked to you about this before Amanda, you have made it work and that’s a wonderful thing to have done.”
Amanda replied with a humorous anecdote: “He was on the phone this morning, he had fried eggs in some yellow washing up liquid!
“So he was complaining that I shouldn’t buy washing up liquid in yellow! Washing up liquid should only be green!”.
Lorraine responded with amusement: “Oh I see… because he thought it was like, okay…” before breaking into laughter. Amanda insisted: “So you see, we are up against it!
“Believe me, it’s the idea that we’re just getting on with it, there’s plenty to do, plenty of space and a heap of things always on the go. Let’s be honest, that’s reality!” with Lorraine replying: “Of course it is!”
When mum of two Hannah Britt checked into the want-for-nothing all-inclusive Mallorca hotel with her children, she never wanted to leave
16:49, 15 Sep 2025Updated 16:54, 15 Sep 2025
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Some of the rooms at Zafiro Palace Alcudia have private pools
I’m just going to say it… I’m not a fan of many all-inclusives. I find that often quantity takes the place of quality when it comes to what’s actually in your glasses and on your plates. So when I was invited to check out Zafiro Palace Alcudia, my expectations were fairly low. Well let me tell you – I was wrong. Oh so very wrong. No more than 10 minutes after we’d strewn our luggage in our room and headed to the buffet, I fell head over heels with the hotel – and never wanted to leave. Let me tell you why…
WOW FOOD
The food at Zafiro Palace was nothing short of superb, with an expansive ever-changing selection to choose from. There are several a la carte restaurants to enjoy (Italian, sushi, local Mediterranean flavours) but to be honest, as a family with a one year old and a five year old, we spent every mealtime in The Market. A top-tier buffet, each night there’s a theme, be it Mexican or Asian etc, which runs alongside your classics like pasta, pizza and salads, and everything served up is delicious. There’s something for all ages to munch, from tasty mashed potato for your teething one year old, to fresh fish like John Dory and monkfish, and seafood paella. Drinks are well made and carefully considered, with premium wines and delicious cocktails. Waiters and cleaning staff whip round constantly so you want for nothing and any mess is taken care of quickly and graciously. Mealtimes, as a result of all the above, are a delight – even with tiny humans in tow.
The food at Zafiro Palace Alcudia is top tier
PLAYGROUND FUN
Whoever designed the Zafiro Palace hotel clearly has young children, because to put a contained playground right next to the family buffet restaurant is a genius move. It means that once little ones are done with their food, they can run off to have a play on the bouncy castle, slides and climbing frames, while their grown ups enjoy a glass of wine, knowing they are safe and having fun nearby.
KIDS CLUB
…and right next door to said playground is a gorgeous little kids club for ages four to teens. There’s loads to do from crafting to games, with an enclosed playground for them to run around in too. There’s family entertainment too every evening, and a games area to explore.
POOL JOY
When it comes to pools, Zafiro Palace has all the whole family needs for a splashing good time. There are six swim up pools, a super-zen adults only pool surrounded by shady spots to relax, two indoor swimming pools and a kids’ pool with a pirate ship. Some rooms have private pools too, and if this is within your budget I can wholeheartedly recommend one, because it was in ours that my nervous-of-water-daughter learned to swim!
The family pool has plenty of slides to keep little ones busy
STUNNING ROOMS
When it comes to room options, there are plenty to choose from, catering to a variety of wants and budgets. All are clean, ultra modern, well-designed, spacious and airy, with large floor to ceiling windows, terraces or balconies, and expensive bedsheets. Some have hot tubs, swim up pools and private pools. Cots for babies and day beds are provided when required.
NEARBY TOWN
One of the best things about Zafiro Palace Alcudia is, as the name would suggest, Alcudia. Indeed, a short stroll away down a tree-lined street, you’ll find the stunning Old Town, with its gorgeous streets to wander down, pretty squares and delicious eateries to try. On Tuesday and Sunday mornings a visit is a must in particular as there’s a big and lively market, selling food, gifts, toys and more.
Hannah and her children explore Alcudia old town
BEACH DAYS
Just a stone’s throw away from the hotel also lies Alcudia beach, a large stretch of sand surrounding a picturesque inlet of sea. This makes it incredibly calm and safe and thus very popular with families. The water is warm, clean and clear and if you can tear yourself away from your bucket and spade, there are watersports like stand up paddle boards to try too, and plenty of cafes and bars in which to have lunch, relax and wile away the day.
A mum was left fuming after a recent flight with her two children, as the behaviour of the passenger sitting in front of her completely ruined the experience for her kids
The mum was furious with another passenger on the plane (stock photo)(Image: Getty Images)
If you’ve ever taken a flight with young children, you’ll know how much of a headache it can be at times. Rushing them through airport security, making sure you all get to your boarding gate on time, and hoping that they don’t cause a scene when you’re on the plane can leave you feeling drained.
Many people have sparked discussions in the past about how they don’t like flying with “screaming” children on board, but the parents of those children are likely even more exhausted – and we should all be more compassionate. But one mum didn’t receive any sympathy on a recent flight she was on with her two children, as the passenger in front of her chose to do something “rude” in the middle of their journey.
Matilda Norton shared a video on TikTok of herself sitting with her two children on the plane, where the family was happily minding their own business. Matilda had her youngest child on her lap, while her older son was standing up in the seat beside her, playing with a toy plane.
But her problem came when the man in front of her decided to recline his seat – meaning she had very little room for herself and her young baby, who was already getting restless and starting to cry.
The mum also explained in her video that the seat next to the man in front of her was empty, meaning he could have moved across and reclined that seat, which was in front of her older child.
Although that still would have encroached on their space, it would have given the mum enough room to properly look after her younger child.
In the video’s caption, she said: “He had an empty seat next to him. He could have moved over and put the other seat back … where there was no baby behind him.
“Or when he lay down across both seats, he could have at least put his seat upright since he wasn’t even using it. I know everyone has the right to put their seat back, but where is the common courtesy? We had no space.”
Commenters on the post were split over the issue. Some said that the mum was right to be annoyed, as even though the man was within his rights to recline his chair, he could have been more respectful of her situation.
Others, however, said the man did nothing wrong. They also argued that the mum could have swapped seats with her son so that she took the window seat and he was in the middle, meaning she would still escape the reclined chair.
One person said: “You could literally swap with your other son, and the issue would be resolved. People are allowed to recline their seats on a flight.”
Another added: “Why do people think they are entitled to special treatment? He’s allowed to recline his seat without any question or explanation.”
However, someone else defended the mum, stating: “This comment section isn’t it. It’s so rude to recline your seat on a short flight. It’s entirely unnecessary, and you know that it makes the person behind you uncomfortable.”
Matilda also later shared in the comments why she refused to swap seats with her son, as she said she would rather make sure he has a good time and enjoys his flight.
Responding to one commenter who told her to swap seats, she wrote: “He likes the window seat and I would rather him happily look out the window than be grumpy in the middle. You’ve clearly never travelled with kids!”
Mum Billie Van Der Walt and her husband Selwyn have given up their home in Manchester to see the world with their two young sons, Bligh, four, and two-year-old Rothko
Gemma Strong Lifestyle Writer, Almara Abgarian and Paige Oldfield
09:00, 14 Sep 2025
Billie Van Der Walt, 36, and her husband Selwyn, 35, quit the UK with their two sons, Bligh, four, and Rothko, two(Image: Jam Press/@WanderingVanDerWalts)
A mum has ditched life in the UK to “give her boys the world” instead of sticking them in a classroom.
Last year, Billie Van Der Walt and her husband Selwyn, 35, gave up their home to hit the road with their two sons, Bligh, four, and Rothko, two.
The couple, who hail from Atherton, Greater Manchester, are currently in Vietnam – and have already made trips to Abu Dhabi, South Korea and Thailand.
It has meant that there were no ‘back to school’ photos from Billie and Selwyn; instead the proud mum took a snap of her little lad Bligh casually posing in his sunglasses with a huge travelling backpack.
Bligh marking his ‘first day (not) at school’ (Image: Jam Press/@WanderingVanDerWalts)
Billie, 36, said: “There’s a little bit of guilt at him not having the milestone of the ‘picture in uniform behind the door’ and occasionally we worry that he’s missing out but we know we’re doing the right thing – giving him the world!
“Bligh is actually a year or two ahead of where a school would expect him to be – which is amazing for us because all of the learning we do is child-led.
“We’ve [also] saved hundreds on uniform, equipment etc – that’s a couple of weeks’ living costs here in Vietnam! We get to spend time together, not worrying about all the stresses of back to school.”
The family have already visited Vietnam, Abu Dhabi, South Korea and Thailand(Image: Jam Press/@WanderingVanDerWalts)
Taking to social media to share the reality behind her decision, the mum wrote: “Sad isn’t the right word, but I’m definitely in my feels today.
“We know we made the right decision and we’re SO lucky to be living this life… BUT there’s a small part of me that’s missed getting him his own little uniform, packing him a lunch he’ll love and giving him the biggest squeezes at the school gates.
“We know he’d smash it but he’s doing SO well and as someone pointed out to us last week, we LITERALLY are giving our boys the world, still, today’s a difficult one.”
Billie continued: “Sending so much love to everyone waving their whole hearts away this morning as they trot through the school gates and I can’t WAIT to see all of their beautiful first day of school pics all over my feed in a couple of hours time.”
According to Billie and Selwyn, before they left Manchester they were often struggling to pay bills and found it hard to fit “precious family time” into one weekend. And while they were happy and coping, they lived “paycheque-to-paycheque” and relied on credit cards for unexpected expenses.
Billie says she and her husband are ‘literally giving our boys the world’(Image: Jam Press/@WanderingVanDerWalts)
Selwyn worked long hours at a kitchen showroom while Billie stayed at home with the boys. Meanwhile, expensive nursery fees and the idea of being fined for taking their children out of school were all factors that pushed them to think differently.
Billie said: “In terms of the kids’ education, there are a few ways to describe it, but we definitely fall under worldschooling and unschooling.
“Unschooling sometimes gets a bad rap – people think it means doing nothing. But really, it’s just learning through life.”
The mum-of-two describes their approach to learning as a mix of museum visits and local experiences. While some days involve reading and workbooks, others are more spontaneous – like stopping to learn how sewer pipes are repaired or talking about history while visiting a landmark.
She said: “People have said, ‘You’re being selfish, the kids won’t even remember it,’ or ‘You’re ruining their education and future.’
Bligh and Rothko in South Korea(Image: Jam Press/@WanderingVanDerWalts)
“To the ones who say they won’t remember it, we always reply, ‘They won’t remember their first birthdays or Christmases either – but those moments still matter. These experiences are shaping who they are.
“I was truly happy before but now it’s as if my soul feels a little lighter. I didn’t even realise how much the weather in the UK affected my mood until we left and had more sunshine.”
The family say they have no plans to return to their old lives in the UK but hope to eventually settle somewhere with more sunshine and a slower pace. In the meantime, they have their next destination decided – China.
With rooms starting at less than £180, mum of two Hannah Britt reveals how this under the radar Balearic hotel should be firmly on your bucket list
The pool at the Hilton Mallorca Galatzo was a real hit with Hannah’s family
As a family who love to travel, when I find a good deal I just have to share it. And this is one I simply cannot keep to myself. Mallorca is super popular with Brits, we flock there in our thousands year on year. With good reason, of course – it’s gorgeous, the beaches are flawless and there are plenty of things to do for all ages from water parks to markets to nightlife. There are hotels catering to all tastes too. But it’s the Hilton Mallorca Galatzo I’m going to talk about today. Because you need to add it to your family holiday bucket list right now…
DEALS TO BE HAD
Let’s start with the price, shall we? Rooms at the HMG start from just €207 per night, which works out at just less than £180. For that you get a Superior Lateral Sea View room, which comes with a king bed, room for a cot, floor-to-ceiling windows and a Balearic style design.
A recent revamp has seen decor throughout the accommodation updated and it’s all very swish indeed – modern, stylish, super clean and well considered. All rooms have a balcony with some variation of a sea view.
Rooms are modern, recently refurbished, well considered and clean
MEGA LOCATION
The Hilton Mallorca Galatzo is ideally located for exploration and ease. 20 minutes by car gets you to the airport, or to Palma de Mallorca for a day of shopping or sightseeing. The hotel is sat atop a hill with a gorgeous view looking down over Costa de la Calma, and a complimentary daily shuttle takes guests down to the beaches and eateries below. Taxis are easy to summon too, and cost just a few Euros to do the same.
The marinas of Andratz and Puerto Portals and the beaches of Peguera are a must. Or, for the intrepid, white sands, hiking trails and Insta-worthy landscape moments are less than 2km away on foot.
The view from the hotel is gorgeous
PLENTY TO DO ON SITE
If you fancy wiling away a day at the hotel, there’s lots to keep the whole family busy, with an indoor pool, outdoor pool, spa and tennis facilities to enjoy. The pool area was particularly lovely from a family point of view as there was a large shallow area, plus a fenced off baby pool. Towering palm and pine trees provided much welcomed dappled shade throughout the day.
There’s a beautifully bright and well-equipped kids’ club too, which offers fun for 4 to 14 year olds and provides games, crafting, soft play and more.
The kids club can be enjoyed by children from age 4 to age 14
DELICIOUS FOOD
Breakfast at La Cocina is busy but ordered, with lots of choice from porridge and cereals to fruit, baked treats and full-English options like eggs, sausage, bacon and beans. Freshly made pancakes and omelettes were a nice touch and very popular, especially with my children. The same restaurant does a popular buffet for dinner too.
Elsewhere, the Alma bar was comfy and chic, serving ice cold cava and tasty tapas – the garlic prawns, padron peppers and iberico ham were delightful. There was a children’s menu too, and the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming.
But my favourite eatery at HMG was the Paradis Pool Bar. The food was really good here, with mouthwatering poke bowls and pizza to munch. Cocktails, too, were moreish and well made.
The Alma Bar, where tapas and ice cold cava are served aplenty
Important recommendation for parents who are planning to take young children on a trip to Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura have been issued by one mum
The advice has been aimed at parents travelling to four Spanish islands with young kids (stock image)(Image: Westend61 via Getty Images)
A British mum has shared important crucial guidance for all parents with young children planning a getaway to one of a number of popular Spanish islands. Mother-of-one Melissa O’Donnell praised a firm that assisted her baby during a recent family break to Gran Canaria.
“If you are taking a baby abroad to one of these locations – Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura – you need to listen to this,” she began in a TikTok video. Confirming that the firm in question played no part in creating her clip, Melissa stated: “I’m doing this off my own back – I just want people to know how helpful it is.” She went on, revealing that Travel 4 Baby provides parents with the chance to rent “anything you could possibly need” for your baby whilst you are away.
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“Cots, bath seats, sterilising machines, buggies, car seats – even down to potties – they have everything you’d want to put it in your suitcase but aren’t able to bring,” Melissa raved. “They are priced really fairly too.”
To highlight her point, she revealed she paid €20 [£17.34] for a snooze shade “for as long as we wanted it”. Melissa added: “They drop the item off at the hotel wherever you are staying and come and pick it up the day that you leave.”
Scores of others rushed to commend Travel 4 Baby as well, sharing their own holiday experiences with the firm.
“We used them when we went to Lanzarote!” one TikTok user wrote. “They have no idea how much it helped us!”
A second satisfied customer shared: “We used them for Lanzarote when baby was only 12 weeks old. When we arrived at hotel the steriliser, bottle, formula and water were all there when we arrived at check in. Definitely recommend them.”
A third added: “We hired so much from them in Tenerife last month. Made life so much easier and they were brilliant to deal with. Everything waiting for us at the hotel.”
Whilst a fourth person praised: “They are fab. We used them back in 2022 for our little one’s first holiday. Walker (so he can mooch about tiled rooms safely) and travel cot. But they have so much more – even bottle safe water – fab company.”
Travel 4 Baby also caters for those holidaying to several destinations across Spain and Portugal including major cities, and plans to extend its services to further hotspots including Benidorm in the near future.
The company offers further advice online, listing its top tips for a stress free trip with baby – which are:
On the plane, babies under two years old can sit on your knee or some airlines let you book and pay for an extra seat for more space and comfort
Change your babies nappy or take them to the toilet just before you board the aircraft
Try keep them awake at the airport so they will sleep on the plane (fingers crossed!)
Feed them when you get on the plane rather than before. The combination of feeding and the rocking and noise of the plane, will often send your baby to sleep.
Take extra formula, snacks, nappies etc just in case of a delay.
Always remember, if you don’t want to be traveling with too much luggage and baby items, check with us before you travel as most baby items can be hired and delivered to you in resort. Travel 4 baby has everything you will need and the less luggage you have to bring the better.
We have been holidaying in the UK for the past few years, and recently returned for a break in Norfolk – which is a brilliant spot for family holidays, especially when you go to the free kids play park
Dianne Bourne and Shania King-Soyza
15:28, 08 Sep 2025
Spectacular sandy beaches in Norfolk stretch for miles(Image: MEN)
“My kids are running with glee into a huge woodland playpark, with castle-like forts, giant sand pit, zip lines and water tower offering a dizzying choice of things to play on, as far as the eye can see,” shared Lifestyle editor Dianne Bourne, who visited a “magical spot” with her family this summer – and the best part of all, it’s completely FREE.
This isn’t your average playground either; it boasts a Royal endorsement. Nestled within King Charles III’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, this Woodland Playground is part of the rural retreat that the Royal Family have used as their holiday home for the past 150 years, reports the Manchester Evening News.
You’d typically expect to pay an entrance fee for a playground of this size, but here, you only need to cover the cost of parking. Additionally, there’s access to lovely woodland walks and bike rides across the estate’s 20,000 acres, which are open and free to the public all year round.
Dianne wrote, “It makes it one of the special things about this part of the world which makes it a brilliant spot for family holidays, as I have found with my two young boys over the past few years. We returned to Norfolk for our holidays this year, and struck gold with the weather in the ongoing heatwave.
The free woodland children’s play area in the grounds of Sandringham, the King’s rural retreat in Norfolk(Image: MEN)
“The base for our stay was a lovely holiday cottage booked with Norfolk Hideaways close to the Sandringham Estate, in the village of Tattersett. It made for the perfect location for exploring brilliant family attractions both inland and by the sea in North Norfolk.
“Sandringham made for a great day out during our stay, with the kids running off lots of energy in the Woodland Playground, and then a lovely stop off at the Sandringham coffee shop for snacks and ice cream.”
The free play area is open for as long as you wish. It features main equipment like wooden play forts, slides, and obstacle courses, suitable for five—to 12-year-olds. There’s also a dedicated woodland play spot suitable for younger children, along with a sandpit that toddlers particularly adore.
Kids love the Woodland Playground at Sandringham(Image: MEN)
For those intrigued by the site’s Royal history, you can also pay to explore the Royal house and gardens on selected dates throughout the year.
Other activities for kids
What’s brilliant about this part of the world is the sheer number of things you can do with young children, many of which are free. Not least the fact that there is just one stunning beach after another along the North Norfolk coast, and here are some of our favourites.
Kids love the sandpits too(Image: MEN)
Dianne went on to say, “We love Hunstanton as the more traditional seaside resort with funfair, chippies and ice cream, while neighbouring Old Hunstanton has a stunning stretch of sand and lots of starfish and crabs to find in the sea.
“Brancaster is another beautiful stretch of sand, owned by the National Trust, with a car park right next to the beach, which is handy for those not keen or able to walk all that far. Holkham is the most spectacular and epic beach you’re ever likely to see, but be prepared for the half an hour walk down to it, which in itself I personally find to be a really special experience.”
This is the beach adored by the Royal Family, likely due to its vast expanse and abundant sand dunes, giving you the feeling of having your own private beach even in the peak of summer. Cromer is another quintessential seaside resort, this one boasting a pier made famous in the Alan Partridge film.
She added, “We loved wandering along there where many people are crabbing. The beach is impressive, although does get very busy, and there’s also some pretty fabulous ice creams to be had, with a Mr Whippy shop right by the pier selling multi-coloured and even chocolate-dipped creations.
Kids enjoying the sand dunes at Holkham (Image: MEN)
“Away from beach activities, we also discovered close to where we stayed an absolutely brilliant garden attraction called Pensthorpe at Fakenham. You have to pay for entry, but once inside, there’s a huge outdoor play area for kids, as well as an indoor playbarn that you can book a timeslot for on arrival.
“The gardens themselves were utterly stunning, with a rather comical ‘poo trail’ during the school holidays for kids to find, which, as you can imagine, the youngsters found hilarious.”
Where we stayed
Having previously lodged in a self-catering cottage in Norfolk, Dianne found this option more favourable when travelling with young children – it provides ample space for play and everyday living during a week-long getaway, complete with your own kitchen and washing machine.
Stunning gardens at Pensthorpe (Image: MEN)
Her family were guests of Norfolk Hideaways, which boasts over 550 properties scattered across Norfolk, ranging from cosy cottages for couples to larger accommodations suitable for big groups and multi-generational families.
For Dianne’s holiday this year, her family chose Mallard Cottage in the quaint village of Tattersett. It was an ideal location, featuring bunk beds that the kids adored upstairs, as well as a comfortable living area downstairs equipped with a lounge and dining area, plus a kitchen.
Short breaks can be booked from £453, or seven nights from £551, although our four-night stay in August, during peak school holiday time, cost us £772.
Mallard Cottages was booked through Norfolk Hideaways(Image: Norfolk Hideaways)
For those requiring more room and who favour being closer to the beach, last year they also stayed with Norfolk Hideaways at The Little House in Brancaster. This property can accommodate six or eight guests, with prices starting from £1,672 for a short stay, or £2,075 for seven nights based on eight people staying.
Getting there
“The only bad thing I have to say about Norfolk is the fact the journey there is not the easiet, as it is one of the only counties in England with no motorway,” said Dianne.
She went onto explain: “The fastest route from the north west in terms of miles (and usually time) is via the A50 through Stoke, Derby and then Nottingham, and then across Lincolnshire towards Kings Lynn in Norfolk and then on to the coast.
Stunning beaches are worth the trip to Norfolk(Image: MEN)
“You’re looking at a drive of around three and half to four hours from Manchester to North Norfolk depending on the day and time you go, and depending on what sort of vehicle you get stuck behind on the single lane roads.
“In terms of public transport, there’s a mainline train station in Kings Lynn, although from Manchester you’re looking at a four-hour trip with a change at Ely. But there is a decent Coastliner bus (the 36) that stops in all of the villages mentioned during our stay above.”
If your summer holiday saw screen time soar, you’re not alone. New research shows kids spend up to 67 per cent of their time on them while off school. Mum-of-two Hannah Britt reveals how cutting back made her feel like a better parent – and you can do it too
Hannah and family outside their Airbnb in the Lake District
Our summer was full of sea, sand, sun… and screen time. K-Pop Demon Hunters, anyone? But with September now in full swing, it’s time to crack down – and fast. And I am by no means alone. In fact, the latest statistics show that, for primary-aged children, 29 per cent spend two or more hours per day on screens during the school week, but that number jumps to an eye watering 67 per cent during the holidays.
Parenting expert Kirsty Ketley explains. “School provides children with structure and built-in limits on screen use, and of course, once home, there are less hours in the day for screens, but once the holidays arrive, that structure disappears,” she says. “Parents are often juggling work, childcare, and the cost of keeping kids entertained, so screens naturally become a convenient option. On top of that, digital entertainment is designed to be engaging and hard to switch off from, so it’s no surprise children gravitate towards it when they have long stretches of free time.”
Hannah and Molly ditch the screens and play dominoes
So what’s the issue? “It’s not that screens are inherently ‘bad’,” says Kirsty. “In fact, they can be educational, social, and even calming at times. However, when screen time dominates, it can crowd out other important activities like active play, real-world socialising, outdoor time, and rest. High levels of screen use are also linked to disrupted sleep, reduced concentration, and higher stress levels in both children and adults. The key issue isn’t the screen itself, but what’s being displaced when usage creeps up too high. It’s why having consistent boundaries around screen time is important, so that kids strike a healthy balance.”
Having done some serious Netflix parenting over the summer holidays, I decided to pull the plug – and go cold turkey when it came to screens. Indeed, experts agree the benefits of reducing screen time are huge. “Reducing screen time means more space for connection. Families who put healthy limits in place often find they talk more, laugh more, and feel less stressed,” advises Kirsty. “Sleep improves, behaviour often does too, and there’s more opportunity for shared activities – from board games to walks, to simply sitting around the table together.”
Molly has a read
Looking around our home, my eyes glanced upon the TV, the iPad, various laptops, a Nintendo, the Kindle and two phones. So I booked an Airbnb, and we hopped in the car to the Lake District. And there the screen time stopped.
For our digital detox I chose Dodd’s Lee, a 17th Century farmhouse, located in the village of Dockray, near Ullswater. It was a Guest Favourite (easy to recognise as they have a special logo on the properties, and a collection of the most-loved homes on Airbnb, according to guests), and around £400 per night, with four bedrooms. It looked ideal – there was a pub at the end of the road, walks to Aira Force waterfall, Ulswater and more from the door and plenty of board games to enjoy while we were there. It was so well located, I wouldn’t even need Google maps to explore.
Once there, my partner John and I put our phones, along with Molly’s Kindle, and the TV remote in a little bag and hid them in an upstairs wardrobe. “What now”, I thought. “Can I watch Mr Bean?” asked my five-year-old, Molly. When the answer was no, she huffed. Getting out the board games, we started our digital detox by playing dominos. Then Monopoly. Molly’s grump gave way to laughter as she beat both me and her dad.
John tries to teach Molly how to play chess
Then, it was time for a walk, for which we headed down the hill from Dockray to a little beach on the banks of Ullswater. I found myself reaching for my phone several times out of habit. Whatever I would have done on it, check Instagram, reply to a text, it could wait. Holding hands with Molly, we chatted all the way instead, and she told me stories, clearly happy her mummy was fully engaged. That evening came stories and songs, and when the children were in bed John and I set about talking away before we too hit the hay.
The next morning, Molly didn’t ask for her Kindle but to play snap. She beat us again. Lunch came in the form of a trip to the pub, where John tried in vain to teach us the rules to giant chess. We fell about laughing, getting our rooks mixed up with our pawns.
Molly and Poppy play in the cosy Airbnb
After three days, when checking out of our wonderfully cosy Airbnb, I almost didn’t want to get my phone out of its bag. And in fact, after just a few minutes of a Disney film in the car on the way home, Molly set her Kindle aside and asked for a family sing song. A complete digital wipeout might not be possible in the modern age in which we live. But a detox every now and again might be just what we need.
How to reduce your family’s screen time
Kirsty shares her advice:
OFFER ALTERNATIVES
For me, the most effective way isn’t to ban screens altogether, but to add in alternatives, and have rules and boundaries in place – they need to be fair and realistic, too. Children need things to do instead, whether that’s setting up playdates, encouraging outdoor activities, or giving them creative projects at home.
SCREEN-FREE ZONES
Having screen-free zones or times of day (like during meals or the hour before bed) also helps build natural boundaries. Start small and be realistic: shaving an hour off daily use by swapping it for something else is far more sustainable than trying to go cold turkey. Also, when creating boundaries for the kids, incorporate some as whole family rules – no screens at the table, after a certain time, in bedrooms, for instance.
SET AN EXAMPLE
Children copy what they see, so if we’re always scrolling, they’ll think that’s normal. Modelling balanced screen use is powerful. That might mean putting your phone away at dinner, not checking emails late into the evening, or choosing to read, cook, or go for a walk instead of defaulting to a device. Being honest with kids about your own screen habits can also help. If you explain, “I’m putting my phone down because I want to spend time with you,” it sends a strong message.
Wales Online writer Ruth Mosalski and her family spent four nights at Haven’s biggest UK campsite, Hafan y Mor in north-west Wales, and found it to be a hit with the kids
Haven’s biggest UK campsite at Hafan y Mor in Pwllheli, north Wales(Image: Ruth Mosalski)
Haven’s largest campsite, nestled in the stunning Llyn peninsula of north-west Wales, spans a whopping 500 acres. Ruth and her family family spent four nights there and said her children were “absolutely smitten.”
Located just outside Pwllhelli, the Hafan y Mor site was once a Butlin’s holiday park. Remnants of its past still linger, such as the platform from the land train and some of the old apartment blocks, although the cable car is long gone. Today, it’s a sprawling, modern site boasting hundreds of caravans and an impressive array of dining options and activities.
Ruth shared her visit and said: “We embarked on our four-night getaway last summer, arriving just as check-in opened. The queue of eager holidaymakers had already extended beyond the campsite and onto the main road.
The main area of bars, restaurants and the pool(Image: Ruth Mosalski)
However, the efficient staff quickly resolved the situation, making the check-in process one of the smoothest I’ve ever experienced at similar venues. There were no lengthy checks or key handovers because all necessary information is provided via the app prior to arrival, reports Wales Online.
Once your car registration is verified, you’re given directions and off you go! Your keys await you on the counter inside your caravan, with a security seal (and your name) on the exterior door to ensure you’re at the correct location. This streamlined system significantly speeds up the entire process.
We were cosied up in The Stables area, in a gold-level caravan. Tucked away on the far side of the site, it was blissfully quiet yet only about five minutes’ stroll from the Dragon Lakes adventure village and roughly 10-12 minutes from the main facilities including eateries, pubs and pool.
Inside a gold standard caravan at Hafen y Mor in Pwllhelli(Image: Ruth Mosalski)
The caravan itself, the highest grade offered by the site, was spanking new and genuinely plush. The living space was considerably larger than others I’ve experienced at similar sites, boasting two sofas (not the modular ones that are impossible to get comfy on), televisions, ample storage and extra perks like USB plug sockets and a hairdryer. The master bedroom even had an en-suite.
Prior to our arrival, the app proved useful for booking activities, viewing the entertainment schedule and even providing a handy packing list – even at the gold level you need to bring plenty with you. However, the sparse Wi-Fi coverage on the site meant we occasionally struggled to access what we needed unless we were in one of the site’s main areas. While there, this app can be used to book activities but also order grub to your table in the pubs, or even to your caravan.
The main bedroom had an en suite bathroom(Image: Ruth Mosalski)
Food and drink on the site
There’s a plethora of dining options on site. While they may not be winning any gourmet awards, for a mum who’s usually cooking three meals a day, it was a welcome break.
On-site eateries include popular chains like Papa Johns, Slim Chickens, Burger King and Millie’s Cookies. Haven’s own offerings include their pizza joint, The Pizza Deck, their pub, HMS Glendower, and the Coast House bar and restaurant. For sunny days, there’s the Box Bar, and The Cakery serves Costa coffee and cake right next to the playground.
We enjoyed two evening meals at the Coast House – one was “excellent pub food”, but the other left us wishing we’d ventured elsewhere. However, with kids eating for just £1 when adults order a full-priced meal, and the option to combine this with the two for £18 meals deal, four of us managed to dine for just £20.
Inside the Coast House restaurant(Image: Ruth Mosalski)
A breakfast of four full breakfasts (two kid-sized, and two adult) with Costa coffees came in at under £30. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the on-site shops were reasonably priced. Stocking Co-op items, even typically marked-up products like nappies were sensibly priced.
On-site activities
There’s a plethora of activities on offer here, all reasonably priced. From trampolining and climbing walls to pedalos, Nerf battle zones, sports pitches, and a thrilling leap of faith jump. Our top picks were the 4×4 off-roader experience and the pic ‘n’ paint pottery. You can hire karts for a cycle around or Segways for a bit of fun.
There’s also a soft play area and two large arcade areas for those who fancy a go at the 2p machines or grabber toys. The swimming pool was an absolute blessing. With five different pools catering to all ages, including a smaller one for our nearly two year old and slides that our adventurous four year old could enjoy.
The brand-new caravan’s kitchen(Image: Ruth Mosalski)
There was even a lane pool, although we never managed to tear ourselves away from the slides long enough to use it. It’s evident that there’s been significant investment in these facilities. Haven was acquired by Bourne Leisure Ltd ten years ago, the same company that owns Warner Leisure Hotels, and they’ve spent that time investing heavily.
This is clearly visible here, with the only giveaway of the site’s age being some of the paintwork in the pool area, but that’s just nitpicking. As you’d expect from Wales in August, the weather during our stay was a mixed bag. We had glorious sunshine on our arrival, departure and middle day, but torrential rain on the other days.
On the sunny days, we ventured off-site to explore the stunning beauty of Criccieth, Aberdaron, Llanbedrog, Abersoch, Llanystumdwy and fulfilled a travel bucket list item at the Ty Coch Inn at Porthdinllaen.
Despite the rainy days, we made the most of the on-site options. Our kids would tell you it was the best holiday ever. Our four year old spent an hour hunting fossils in an interactive show (£16) before we saw Haven’s mascot perform her own show. We also got to paint a pot (£12 per person), have a swim (free with the play pass or £10 otherwise), and then danced at the Tots Disco (free).
The painting workshop in full flow on a rainy day(Image: Ruth Mosalski)
We even took seats in the huge showbar for the on-site team’s panto (free), with fish and chips delivered to our tables for tea (£5.99 for a kids meal, including fruit shoot).
Many of the activities are outdoors and carry on regardless of the weather. The staff were helpful in rebooking things on the day we were due to do something outdoors, but they were almost all fully booked by the time we were there at 9.25am, probably because everyone had the same idea.
We’ve previously visited Eurocamp and French equivalents, as well as Bluestone in Pembrokeshire, but the entertainment here was much more suited to our kids. In France, things only really get going much later at night, which isn’t ideal for our younger kids.
The tots disco here started at 5pm and lasted half an hour – perfect for little ones. When it comes to entertainment, Haven was the clear winner. For us grown-ups, it served as a brilliantly situated base in a region we’re often priced out of exploring.
Our caravan in The Stables area of the site(Image: Ruth Mosalski)
We didn’t just explore Llyn itself, but my husband and I also managed to cover a few more miles of the Wales Coast Path, which runs alongside the park.
We never made it to the nearby beaches, but they were completely deserted and should definitely be signposted more to showcase the area’s natural beauty. However, for our children, it was the jam-packed schedule that left them shouting, screaming and smiling from dawn till dusk.
We departed exhausted, but wonderfully happy with memories we’ll cherish for years to come. In conclusion, the site’s facilities cater to nearly every age and ability, and our caravan was superbly equipped, comfortable and offered lovely sunset views.
If we hadn’t been so knackered each day from cramming in as much as possible, it would have certainly been the sort of place where we’d have happily sat on the decking with a bottle of red and a pack of cards, but those water slides really do take it out of you.
Vanessa Feltz quit This Morning in March this year after 33 years to launch her own rival show on Channel 5
12:09, 26 Aug 2025Updated 12:09, 26 Aug 2025
(Image: CHANNEL 5)
Vanessa Feltz has had the last laugh after quitting This Morning. Her Channel 5 lunchtime show has been extended by bosses. While her former colleagues at ITV are facing brutal spending cuts with the budget for shows and staff, Vanessa has been granted more time on air.
The talk show Vanessa was originally planned to air for “six months”, but now the TV presenter has confirmed the programme will run for “eight months at least”.
Vanessa, 63, told the new issue of Woman’s Own magazine: “We’ve just had an extension.
“We were commissioned for six months, but we’re running about eight months at least, there’ll be a Christmas break, and then we’re very much hoping to come back in the new year. We’re thrilled.”
The show – which sees Vanessa have straight-talking discussions on relationships, parenting, gossip, fashion, and other topics with celebrity guests – launched in March.
However, one show that month only raked in 83,000 viewers – a big contrast to rival, ITV’s Loose Women, which drew in 686,000 people.
Vanessa Feltz has shared her delight in having her Channel 5 show extended (Image: Channel 5)
And it has been reported that bosses at Channel 5 were thinking of ways to “revamp” Vanessa to attract more viewers.
A TV Insider claimed to the magazine: “Bosses have been locked in crisis talks and have been planning ways to immediately revamp the programme if there is to be a chance that it could be saved.”
The show also raised attention when it became the centre of an Ofcom storm after guest Karen Millen said that feeding children past six months breast milk was ‘weird‘ and selfish.’ The designer’s comments led to more than 2000 people complaining with Millen apologising for her comments.
However, Vanessa is proving popular as the show took home the prestigious Talk Show gong at the National Reality TV Awards on July 30 – beating the likes of BBC’s The Graham Norton Show and ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show.
Reacting to the award, Vanessa told London Beautiful Life Media: “I’m beside myself!”
Ben Shepherd, Cat Deeley, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary pose up ahead of This Morning’s core presenting team returning from their summer break(Image: ITV)
Asked if she expected to win, the TV star continued: “Definitely not – you must be joking! The show’s only been going since the last week of March, it’s only July!
“And we’re up against all the greats – Graham Norton, Jonathan Ross, Alan Titchmarsh, absolutely everybody! So I was not. I was thinking – I had this knot in my stomach of nerves, and I was trying to give myself a sharp talking to like, ‘Don’t be silly, absolutely don’t stand a chance, the show’s brand-new, we’re never going to,’ and then here it is, we did!
“So, it’s one of those extraordinary moments. I’m shaking, and I’m thrilled to bits, and it’s lovely for the team, and it’s lovely for me, and it’s lovely for the audience. And I’m just delighted.”
Vanessa quit This Morning after 33 years in March this year.
Vanessa told the Daily Star newspaper: “I’ve been on ‘ This Morning ‘ since 1992. It’s been a long time . But I’m now doing my own show and I can’t do both.”
As she made her announcement, Vanessa praised the presenters and crew on This Morning for being “so lovely” about her decision.
She added: “When I told everyone I wouldn’t be able to do the show anymore, they were lovely about it. I heard from Alison Hammond and Holly Willoughby immediately and the bosses were charming. I’ll miss working with them all.”
Snugbury’s Ice Cream Farm in Cheshire has been welcoming visitors in their thousands for its array of 55 different and fun flavoured ice creams on their farmland
The huge straw sculptures are available throughout the summer(Image: MEN)
A beloved ice cream farm renowned for its massive straw creations has unveiled fresh attractions to entertain families during the closing weeks of the summer break.
Snugbury’s, situated near Nantwich in Cheshire, has been drawing thousands of guests in recent years with their selection of flavoured ice creams, whilst installing towering 45ft wooden and straw sculptures across their farmland featuring everything from daleks to Peter Rabbit and an enormous bee.
Paddington Bear currently serves as the signature landmark towering over the farm, and this year he’s been accompanied by a fresh trail of wooden dinosaurs, located in a field that’s completely free to access.
There are 55 different ice cream flavours available at the farm(Image: MEN)
This week, the farm also revealed that its sunflower field has now reached full bloom – allowing guests to wander through, capture photographs and marvel at the stunning bright yellow flowers, reports the Manchester Evening News.
At the trail’s conclusion you can also purchase a single stem for £1.50 or a bundle of five sunflowers for £5, with £2.50 from each bundle donated to their chosen charity.
The “Snug-o-Saurus” dinosaur trail has already proved popular with younger guests and families, where you can stroll through a wildflower meadow and discover an assortment of wooden versions of the prehistoric creatures.
The dinosaur trail and the sunflower field is available throughout the summer(Image: MEN)
You can spot a triceratops, stegosaurus, a baby dinosaur and its enormous egg alongside the terrifying T-Rex which is sure to be the biggest draw for dinosaur enthusiasts. After a stroll through the dinosaur trails, visitors are greeted by an enormous Paddington Bear – Snugbury’s largest sculpture to date.
The beloved bear is donned in his iconic blue jacket, tipping his hat and carrying a suitcase. Visitors can wander around Paddington at the ice cream farm before returning to the starting point where a pop-up cafe serves coffees, milkshakes for £5, small tubs of ice cream for £3.70 and soft serve cones for £3.30.
You can also go and visit the huge 45ft Paddington Bear sculpture(Image: Tim Jervis)
For those wanting to sample the full range of tantalising flavours that Snugbury’s offers, they can continue on to the main ice cream parlour on site.
Here, a daily rotation of some 55 flavours awaits, with options ranging from marmalade, lavender and honey, raspberry pavlova, caramelised banana, snugtella, battenburg, pistachio, turkish delight, as well as more traditional flavours like strawberry, chocolate, vanilla and mango and lemon sorbet.
The family-run farm also contributes to charitable causes throughout the summer, with half the proceeds from every sunflower bunch sold going to Freddie’s Army charity this year, which raises funds for research into children with the genetic disorder MPS, with donations encouraged.
Snugbury’s ice cream business was established in 1986 at Park Farm by Chris and Cheryl Sadler, who began making ice cream with a mixer in their kitchen.
Spotting dinosaurs along the trail is all part of the fun(Image: MEN)
The business was taken over by the Sadler’s daughters, Kitty, Cleo and Hannah, eight years ago, who have since expanded the business by an impressive 60-70%. The shop proudly displays a ’55 pan display’ of flavours, with their double cone being the most popular item.
Snugburys can be found on the A51 in Hurleston, just outside Nantwich in Cheshire. The snug-o-sauraus dino trail is open every day from 10am to 6pm, and even well-behaved dogs are welcome, provided they’re kept on leads.
Tommy Fury spoke about co-parenting his daughter Bambi with Molly-Mae Hague in the second episode of his new BBC Three series Tommy: The Good. The Bad. The Fury
23:35, 19 Aug 2025Updated 23:35, 19 Aug 2025
Former Love Island star Tommy Fury has revealed that he has a different approach to parenting compared to Molly-Mae Hague. He’s said that their daughter Bambi “knows she can’t get away” with anything when she’s with her mother.
The boxer, 26, spoke about being a parent in his reality TV show Tommy: The Good. The Bad. The Fury, which launched on BBC Three earlier tonight. In the second episode, filmed towards the end of last year following his split from Molly-Mae, now 26, he opened up about co-parenting whilst living separately from the content creator and Bambi, now two.
Tommy, who has since reconciled with Molly-Mae, said that it had proved “tricky” to co-parent since she moved out of the home they shared with their daughter. He then teased that Molly-Mae offered more discipline as a parent than him.
Tommy Fury spoke about being a parent to toddler Bambi in his new BBC reality TV show(Image: BBC)
Amid scenes of Bambi staying at Tommy’s house with him, he said on the show: “Obviously it’s tricky because Molly’s at her house and I’m here at the minute. When Bambi’s here, it’s all me, and when she’s there, it’s all her, so it is tricky.”
Tommy continued by saying: “I’m wrapped around her little finger ten times so I’ll literally do anything for her. But at least with Molly she knows she can’t get away with it But with me, she definitely can. She can get away with murder.”
She told fans at the time: “I feel like I need to keep my camera running all day so you guys like actually just see … it’s like every single thing is a huge problem. Like [Bambi is] screams and can’t even get like socks and shoes on.”
He teased on Tommy: The Good. The Bad. The Fury that he has a different approach to parenting than Molly-Mae Hague(Image: BBC)
Molly-Mae also addressed the suggestion that she’s “out of touch,” after complaining about struggling with parenting lately, in the same vlog. She said: “I don’t care who tells me I’m out of touch with reality or like all this stuff that’s going on on TikTok at the minute. […] I don’t care like I’m not gonna not talk about it.”
In the second episode of his show, Tommy also spoke about hoping to live with Molly-Mae and Bambi again in the future. He said: “You just dream of one day, y’know, them coming back and the house to be filled with joy again. Y’know, I hope that one day everything can sort itself out and we can live here as a family again.”
Tommy, who has since reconciled with Molly-Mae, had been co-parenting their daughter with her at the time(Image: mollymae/Instagram)
And in the first episode, Tommy spoke about them having moved out as he once again dismissed previous speculation that cheating had led to him splitting up from Molly-Mae. He said: “The reason for our end in the relationship was alcohol.” He said that he had been “drinking a lot” whilst unable to train after injuring one of his hands.
Tommy later said that he didn’t expect Molly-Mae to leave him. He went on to say that he was “drunk” when his fiancée and Bambi left their home, adding: “So I don’t actually remember it that well, which was even more upsetting.”
Tommy: The Good. The Bad. The Fury continues on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer next Tuesday from 9pm. The first six episodes are available through BBC iPlayer now.
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk.
