Parenting

This package offers a family of four the chance to experience on of Gulliver’s four theme parks and includes tickets to the park, entertainment, and an overnight stay for less than £25-a-head

Keeping the kids entertained can be a costly undertaking, but this deal offers families not only a fun day at a theme park, but also a memorable overnight stay, all for less than £100.

Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, who have four locations in Milton Keynes, Warrington, Matlock Bath, and Rotherham, are now offering a ‘1 Night Saver’ package on selected dates that comes in at £99 for a family of four. The package includes tickets to the park, so families get access to all the rides, attractions, and entertainment for the day.

The cost also includes an overnight stay in select themed family accommodation, with access to the resort’s facilities and activities for even more fun for all ages. Families can book these overnight packages on selected Friday dates throughout 2026, with park access on the Saturday after you check out.

The package can be booked at www.gulliversfun.co.uk, where families can also browse the fun accommodation options available to them. Depending on the park and availability, these can include family-sized double suites, western-themed dens, fairy hideouts, and dino dens, so no matter what the kids are into, there’s an accommodation option they’ll find thrilling.

If you’re looking for different dates, it’s also worth checking out Wowcher’s Gulliver’s deals, which include school holiday dates. Packages start from £159 for tickets and overnight accommodation, and options include stays in Jungle Cabins and dinosaur-themed Lost World dens.

Facilities and attractions also vary by resort, but as an example its Warrington park features rides such as a wooden rollercoaster, pirate ship, log flume, and lots of other fun themed attractions for all the family. Look out for themed events such as Princess and Pirates weekend where kids can meet characters that they love.

If you don’t have a Gulliver’s near you, many other theme parks across the UK also offer short break packages. Paultons Park, known for being the home of Peppa Pig world, is offering short breaks from £177 per family. This includes a second free day in the park for the family, free parking, and breakfast.

Alton Towers is also currently running a Spring Sale where those who stay overnight get a second day free. Alton Towers packages include free parking, 9-hole golf, and breakfast. Guests can also add a waterpark pass to their booking, allowing them to enjoy even more family fun during their stay. You can find out more on the Alton Towers short breaks website.

Other parks operated by Merlin are also offering a similar deal, including Chessington, Thorpe Park, and LEGOLAND. Many resorts also offer additional entertainment and perks to guests, making for the ultimate family sleepover.

Find out more about Gulliver’s deals, check availability and book short breaks at www.gulliversfun.co.uk.

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This deal from Wowcher means you could be enjoying the magic of Disneyland Paris, with the cost of the ferry and a two-night stay at a hotel close to the park, at under £200 per person

Nothing beats the magic of a day at Disneyland, but it can be a costly choice just for the tickets alone. That’s why it often works out cheaper to book a deal that includes extras such as accommodation.

Wowcher has just launched a 4* Disneyland Paris Break which is now available to book that includes two-nights in a hotel, transport across the channel, and a one-day Disneyland Paris park entry for each guest, with prices that start at £189 per person.

You can check the availability calendar on Wowcher’s website to see the prices for each date. At the moment, the £189 deal is available in the first week of May with a 37% discount available. However, these dates are likely to sell out quickly, so you may need to snap them up soon.

Dates are available later in the year for November and December at around £249, and this can be an excellent time to visit the parks for the festive period. If you’re looking for summer holiday dates, then the last week in August is the cheapest, with dates from £309 per person.

OPINION

Julie Delahaye

The package includes a stay at the 4* Paxton Hotel Paris MLV, just 10-minutes from the gates of Disneyland by car, which also offers a bus connection to the parks. The price also includes a return ferry crossing for a vehicle, and the drive from Calais to the hotel is just over three hours, mostly on motorways.

The one-day entry pass includes access to all attractions, shows, Character Encounters, parades, and more, so you can pack a lot into your trip.

Since the package has two nights in a hotel, you may also want to enjoy the onsite indoor pool, spa, and hammam, or even head to nearby Bussy-Saint-Georges station to get a train into Paris for some sightseeing. The city centre is about half an hour away by train.

If you’d rather stay onsite at the parks, you can book Disneyland Paris breaks via its official website, which gives you the option to stay in official Disney hotels. Staying in an official Disney property gives you perks such as early access to the parks and a quicker journey home at night, but it is a pricier option.

One night at the Disney Newport Bay Club in early May, with a two-day park pass comes in at £372.45 per person, and considerably more during peak times.

Another way to save money is to look for the deals that Disney offers throughout the year. For example, Walt Disney World in Florida has just relaunched its popular Free Dining offer, as well as offering up to £400 off breaks. This deal can be found on disneypackages.co.uk, and is available during most school holidays. This site also offers packages that include flights, making it easier to plan your trip.

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A mum has shared the ‘best’ European City break to take kids on, with amazing attractions such as zoos and museums – and it’s only a two and a half hour flight away

A mum has shared the ‘best’ European City break she has ever taken with her child, and it’s not where you would expect. When it comes to parents taking children away on holiday with them, there are many things they need to think about before booking.

From how the family will travel to the destination, if they can be kept occupied while travelling and if attractions will keep them entertained for long enough, there is a lot to think about. But one woman who shares content on social media has shared the “best’ destination she has visited with her child, which kept her occupied every day.

Claire and Laura are identical twin mum’s who post UK based travel content on social media under the username @twinperspectives.

The family explained how they went to Stockholm in Sweden and were surprised at home good it was for children.

The mum said: “The best city break in the world for kids, hands down, is Stockholm. It’s pure wholesome loveliness and there is so much to do.

“Let’s start off with the Open Air Museum of Skansen, which is basically Sweden hundreds of years ago, but it is also so good for kids.

“There is a zoo. We were at the park 10 till 4pm so there is so much to do. It is so incredibly wholesome and of course plenty of sweets.

“Next up is the Vasa Museum, home to the world’s only preserved 17th century ship. There’s a great children’s trail to keep them entertained.

“This is a pretty mind-blowing museum and you have to go .Next up is the Unibacken Museum, tis is a world of immersive stories dedicated to Astrid Lindgren who wrote Pippi Longstocking.

“Make sure you take the train through the story lands, it is so detailed, my daughter loved this”

The mum then explained that families should keep an eye out for the different metro stations in Stockholm, with the city being known for its art in the metros.

The mum added that there were plenty of free things to do in the city, alongside paid for attractions.

She said: “Aside from paid activities, Stockholm’s playgrounds are another level compared to the UK. Vasa Park is the largest in the city, even comes with bikes and play accessories as well.

“Activities aside, the food is great for kids in Sweden. Obviously there’s meatballs and mashed potato and the famous fika.

“Getting around the city is super easy. All in all one of the easiest yet most exciting city breaks you can do with kids. Obviously it’s not budget friendly but I’d say the activities that are there are well worth the price tag.”

Other parents commented on the video to agree with the twins, with many sharing their own experiences of visiting Sweden.

One person said: “We have family in Sweden but I didn’t even think about revisiting Stockholm with our little ones! I know they’d love the Vasa museum and these are some great other suggestions too.”

A second said: “Ahhh, yes totally agree. The nature and play parks and museums make Sweden a great place for children and families. I’m often asked to put together itineraries for families visiting.”

Chocolate lovers will soon be able to enjoy a brand new theme park based on an iconic Swiss brand, and at the heart of it all will be a real-life working chocolate factory to explore

If you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, and spent your entire childhood reading and re-reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, then a new attraction could soon be top of your bucket list.

Switzerland is already a major destination for chocolate lovers and for many of them the highlight of the trip is visiting Maison Cailler in Broc, Gruyère. It’s where the iconic Cailler chocolate has been made since the late 19th-century, and is among the oldest chocolate factories in the world to still be in operation.

At the moment, chocolate lovers can visit the factory and take tours, and there’s already a museum on the history of Cailler. Guests can take a chocolate workshop to learn to make their own treats such as truffles, and of course, there are plenty of opportunities for tastings along the way.

Now, new plans could mean the chocolate factory will be just the start of the excitement for fans of the brand. While the current attraction is 2,000 m², there are plans for it to be expanded to nearly 30,000m², allowing for what its website bills as a “memorable sensory experience”. The plan is for a park that’ll take around four to six hours to explore, taking visitors on a “journey of discovery through cocoa”.

Around 400,000 visitors a year already visit the attraction, making it one of Switzerland’s most visited museums, and there are reports that the park could double this number in the first phase alone.

Plans also include a cable car to whisk visitors from the car park to the factory, and a ‘flying theatre’ that will allow for stunning views over the Swiss scenery. There will also be a huge cocoa greenhouse so visitors can see how chocolate is grown and harvested.

And if that’s not enough chocolate-themed fun, a new hotel will allow visitors to indulge their sweet tooth overnight. If the project goes forward, the first phase should be open by 2030.

Maison Cailler can be reached by train from Montreux, and even the journey itself has been designed for chocolate enthusiasts with a themed train that zips you across stunning Swiss landscapes. Most visitors from the UK fly to Geneva, just a 90 minute flight from the UK, with a number of services run by easyJet, TUI, and British Airways.

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Broc itself is worth spending some time in, whether it’s in the winter when the snowy Alps are at their most beautiful, or during the summer when the mountains are lush and green. Explore the fairytale-like Château de Gruyères whose stone walls are covered in ornate oil paintings and treasures.

Just down the road another of the area’s famous exports is made. At La Maison du Gruyère you can explore a working cheese factory and sample this distinctive local product. You can even take a tour and see the huge wheels of cheese being ripened to perfection.

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The new land will add playful puppy-themed fun to Chessington and comes with new rides, places for kids to play, as well as meet and greets with the much-loved hero doggy characters

Chessington World of Adventures has finally revealed the opening date of its long-anticipated PAW Patrol land, and parents will be pleased to hear that the gates will be open to meet the pups before May half-term.

From May 3, kids and their parents will be able to enjoy a brand-new and very colourful PAW Patrol-themed area at Chessington in a new £15 million immersive experience.

The date also coincides with the early May bank holiday, so parents may wish to book Chessington tickets now to avoid missing out on this paw-some experience. At the heart of the new land are four kid-friendly rides, each one inspired by a different pup from the brave crew.

The land’s four new rides are: Chase’s Mountain Mission, Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue, Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, and Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure, which also claims to be the UK’s first ‘Drifter’ ride. The 1.4 acre land will also have three themed play areas, perfect for little pups to burn off energy, and include Rubble & Rocky’s Play Zone where they can climb and crawl through a maze of construction parts.

At The Flounder Boat Play, kids can enjoy a high-seas adventure with Captain Turbot, and there will also be themed food and drink offerings throughout the area. And of course, there will be a gift shop with plenty of PAW Patrol themed merch to take home as a souvenir. Regular meet and greets will also take place, so kids can get a photo with their favourite hero.

And if simply spending the day at Adventure Bay wasn’t enough, fans of the pups can also book a PAW Patrol themed room at the resort’s hotels. These colourful and fun rooms are fully-themed including bunk beds shaped like the pups’ rescue vehicles and colourful murals. Guests also enjoy early access to the park from 9am, allowing parents with young kids to get on the rides with minimal queues.

The park is the UK’s first and only land themed around PAW Patrol, a series that has become massively popular among pre-schoolers. The series airs on Channel 5 and Nickelodeon, as well as streaming on Paramount+.

Chessington isn’t the only park getting a new themed land this year. Over at Paultons Park guests will be able to enjoy the new Valgard — Realm of the Vikings land from May 16. This will include a new rollercoaster and swing ride.

Crealy Theme Park is also adding two new rides to its offerings for summer 2026, although dates are still to be confirmed. This includes Pirates’ Plummet, which claims it’ll be the tallest ride in the south west, and Rotor, an inverting flat ride which will spin passengers around and upside-down for a “heart pounding adventure”.

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This family-friendly park is perfect for a weekend break, and it’s right on the beach too, so there’s plenty to do right on your doorstep and it’s right by some brilliant days out too

A holiday park that has won multiple awards and has been listed among the best in the UK has short breaks for families from just £49.

The park, which has features such as direct beach access and a huge pool with waterslides, is often listed among the UK’s best parks and its location on the Devon coast means it’s close to plenty of family-friendly days out too.

This sprawling park on the outskirts of Exmouth has 1,641 caravans and lodges, making it one of Haven’s biggest locations, and it’s packed with activities to enjoy both day and night.

Devon Cliffs Holiday Park can be found in Sandy Bay, known for its distinctive red cliffs that shelter its soft sand shores. The beach can be reached via a ramp from the holiday park, and there’s a beachfront café and bar where you can enjoy the views.

At the heart of the park is a vast complex where you’ll find the indoor and outdoor pools, with the latter open during the sunny school holiday seasons. The indoor pool has a shallow water area for kids, waterslides, plus plenty of space to swim, while the outdoor pools include areas for the little ones to splash around.

Next to the complex you’ll find The Jump, a sheer drop where brave kids or adults can take a leap and land on a big soft cushion. There’s also the Aerial Adventure, where you can climb through the treetops, and outdoor play areas, so there’s lots of adventure to be had.

In the evenings, you can enjoy dinner at one of the park’s restaurants, or its very own branch of J D Wetherspoon which opened recently. The Red Rock serves all your Spoons favourites right on the park. There’s also evening entertainment from the Seaside Squad, including a new Tiger Club Show which promises a “nostalgic 90s twist”.

The park is close to Exmouth where the River Exe meets the English Channel. You can follow the path from the town to the sea enjoying the traditional seaside vibes of the promenade. There’s also the long sandy stretch of Exmouth Beach which has rockpools that are uncovered when the tide is out.

From Exmouth’s marina, you can also take boat tours along the Jurassic Coast, enjoying the sights of this stunning and historic part of the UK. During the summer months, there are also daily cruises along the River Exe, where you’ll see miles of rolling Devon hills and the area’s unique wildlife including thousands of geese, and on occasion, adorable grey seals that relax by the edge of the water.

Find out more about Devon Cliffs Holiday Park and book your break here from just £49 per family.

Of course if you’re thinking about a family holiday to Devon, there are heaps of other brilliant options to choose from too. For example, Parkdean Resorts and Hoseasons both offer a range of stays near some of the region’s prettiest beaches, while Pitchup.com can be a useful source for finding budget-friendly camping options too.

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Parents might be eligible for an essential suitcase ‘upgrade’ without asking

There are some specific perks that families can take advantage of at no extra cost when flying with Jet2. The airline has two policies in place to make travel easier for families with young children – and they are both completely free.

Some of these perks will only apply to families with children born between certain dates after 2024. They are usually applied automatically at check-in by the customer service team, but knowing about them in advance can mean parents can take full advantage.

When flying with Jet2, any infant (under the age of two on the date of the flight) can travel free of charge. During the booking process, families can select the option to have a child who meets the age requirements sit on an adult’s lap at no cost.

Even though little ones don’t get their own bag with this ‘free’ ticket, adding them to your booking will increase the amount allowed in an adult’s checked luggage by 10kg, the airline confirmed. This allowance is added to an accompanying adult’s 22kg hold bag, giving one suitcase a maximum weight of 32kg.

A spokesperson for Jet2 said: “Although infants don’t have their own checked baggage allowance, if you have hold luggage on your booking, we’ll automatically increase your allowance by an extra 10kg per infant, free of charge. That gives you some more room for any extra items you want to check in for your infant. This additional allowance does not need to be pre-booked.”

While this allowance is often technically added to one adult’s allowance, families report that total baggage allowance can usually be pooled across multiple cases, provided no single case exceeds 32kg. Infants under two when they fly can also benefit from extra items, in addition to the luggage carried by family members in their group.

At no extra cost, Jet2 allows families to bring up to two items on board. These can include:

• A collapsible pushchair, pram or buggy
• A car seat or booster seat
• A baby carrier
• A travel cot

In Jet2’s rules, it claims that “each item must weigh no more than 32kg”. Families are allowed to bring more than two items if needed, but the airline stated that any extra items (or weight beyond your allowance) “will be charged as standard excess baggage”.

This kind of policy is typical of many family-friendly airlines, such as easyJet and Ryanair. These items can either be checked in on arrival and put in the luggage hold or taken to the gate.

In other travel news, Jet2 has recently issued an ‘arrive early’ alert for anyone travelling to a popular European destination. The budget airline is advising people to arrive ‘as early as possible‘ to avoid disruption to their travel plans when flying from Faro Airport, located in southern Portugal.

A statement on Faro Airport’s official website reads: “Passport controls on arrival at Portugal may take up more time, as the passport will have to be stamped and there are additional questions that may be asked by the border control officers.”

The new system being put in place is the European Union’s European Entry/Exit System (EES), which started on October 12, 2025. It is a new digital border system that has changed requirements for British citizens travelling to the Schengen area EES checks are being introduced in a phased way for non-EU and UK travellers, with full operation expected from April 2026.

A five-star Haven holiday park is packed with family-friendly activities, and best of all it has direct beach access with a long stretch of sand to enjoy

The UK has loads of great holiday parks to choose from, and they’re a practical option for families who’d like cost-effective accommodation, plenty of activities, and a lively atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a staycation for May half-term or the summer holidays, then this may be the perfect option for families with school aged kids. Set on a beautiful sandy beach, this holiday park has a 5-star rating from the AA, who called it “a very popular park with many guests returning every year”.

Perran Sands Holiday Park in Cornwall sits on 500-acres of grassland and sand dunes, and if you walk through the grassy paths you’ll reach the vast sandy beach that stretches over three-miles. The sand is soft and fine, and when the tide is out rockpools full of tiny sea creatures are uncovered. The park even offers surfing lessons for those who’ve always wanted to try catching a wave.

The sea can be quite choppy at Perran Sands, and although there is a lifeguard on duty at peak times, you may prefer to take a dip in the pool instead. On chilly days holidaymakers can enjoy the indoor pool with its own flume ride, while in the summer months, the outdoor pool is a great place to cool off. There’s also an outdoor lazy river where swimmers can float around and enjoy the sunshine.

Back on dry land, guests can book a round of crazy golf, enjoy the NERF Training Camp, hire go-karts, or take part in fun outdoor activities such as den building. In the evenings, entertainment includes appearances from Haven’s seaside squad. There are also lots of options for dinner, including the Surf Bay Café which has a Cornwall-style interior including its own campervan, and a brand new branch of popular US-chain Slim Chickens.

Like most Haven parks, Perran Sands has a number of accommodation options. You can book a 4-night break in a saver caravan from £49, and other budget-friendly options include yurts and geo-domes, some of which are right on the seafront. The park also has lodges, chalets, and three-bedroom beach houses which offer sea views and sun decks.

Walk along the seafront for about half and hour and you can visit nearby Perranporth. This charming seaside town is full of souvenir and surf shops, relaxed pubs, fish and chip shops, and tearooms. About a 20-minute drive away is Newquay, famous for its beautiful beaches and for being a surfers paradise.

Visit Newquay Zoo, a compact but fun zoo in the gardens of Trenance Park, or explore the 16th-century Trerice manor house. The Blue Reef Aquarium is also popular with families thanks to its wide range of colourful sea creatures on display, while the Oasis Fun Pools offer indoor and outdoor slides, rapids, and more.

Find out more about Perran Sands and book your break here. Of course it’s not the only tempting offering in Cornwall; there are a wealth of different sites where families can find bargain breaks too. Away Resorts for example has a St Ives Bay site with private access to a three-mile-long sandy beach, while Parkdean Resorts has budget-friendly midweek breaks as well as new all-inclusive packages for families wanting to stretch their holiday budget that little bit further.

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Is it possible to have a luxury staycation with the kids in tow? This hotel offers a range of features to make family holidays more fun, including complimentary childcare for kid-free time

If you’re looking for a family staycation that’s close to the coast, yet also has plenty for the kids to do, and even gives you the chance for some child-free time, then read on.

A hotel in Dorset is offering luxury family-friendly accommodation overlooking spectacular Chesil Beach, with lots of thoughtful touches to make your time away easier. Moonfleet Manor is set in a beautiful Georgian property and is an excellent place to explore the Jurassic Coast.

While we all love spending time with our kids on holiday, one of the main services that’s bound to appeal to worn-out parents is the hotel’s Four Bears Den Kids Club.

This Ofsted-registered onsite club takes care of kids from three months to eight years, and all guests get a complimentary two-hour session per night’s stay, starting at either 9.30am or 2.30pm. This gives you kid-free time to enjoy a romantic stroll, have a spa treatment, or just read a book in peace.

In the evenings, you can also hire a video monitor for free, so while the kids nap in the room, you can enjoy a nightcap. The hotel also offers a babysitting service for an additional fee if you want to explore the local area.

During the school holidays and weekends, the kids club offers a program of activities designed for family fun, from toasting marshmallows to scavenger hunts, so all ages can enjoy quality time together.

Just a short walk from the hotel is an indoor pool available for guests to enjoy throughout their stay, plus there’s a sauna and the option to book spa treatments for the grown-ups, including facials and ocean-inspired rituals.

Kids can enjoy the colourful play barn, where you’ll find an under-5s play area, table tennis, arcade games, and even a hands-on Science Room for young Einsteins to play in.

The problem with some family hotels is that they tend to focus just on practicalities, and they can be quite dull for adults. But Moonfleet Manor has a luxury, design-led style, so rooms are inviting whether you are staying as a couple or with kids.

There are also two-bedroom family rooms available that offer a separate sleeping area for the kids. This means you can tuck them away in bed and enjoy your evening without worrying about keeping them awake.

The hotel overlooks the unspoiled shingle shores of Chesil Beach, an 18-mile stretch of seafront that’s full of incredible fossils and spectacular scenery. Between the beach and the hotel is the Fleet Lagoon, a marine-protected area full of wildlife and seabirds, so you can’t walk directly onto the shingle from Moonfleet. However, you can drive a short distance to Abbotsbury or Portland for a beach walk or fossil hunt.

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Less than 20 minutes away is the seaside town of Weymouth, a family favorite for many generations. Here you’ll find a SEALIFE Center, Sandworld – an impressive collection of sand sculptures and castles, and the sandy Weymouth Beach, which is set in a cove, so kids can paddle and swim on sunny days.

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Most people take their first Disney trip as a child, but I visited for the first time as a middle-aged woman, and some parts of my trip were completely unexpected – here’s what first time visitors should know

Look for advice on your first trip to a Disney park and you’ll often be overwhelmed with dos and don’ts, and a lot of the advice is conflicting. Going into my first Disney trip to Disneyland Paris, I tried to do some research, but found there’s just so much information out there it can be difficult to know who to listen to.

However, there are a few simple things I wish I’d known before I went with my seven year old, and if you’re a first timer like me, you might find it useful to keep these things in mind when planning.

1. The days are long

We arrived late evening on our first day and found the park beautifully lit up and the atmosphere buzzing. As someone who is used to British theme parks that usually slam their doors shut at 6PM, I didn’t realise that everything opens so much later at Disneyland. Even after the night shows, people were wandering round the shops at nearly 11PM and seemingly not planning to go to bed anytime soon.

There are certainly upsides to this. You can squeeze lots of fun out of your day and plan to go on rides when it’s quieter. However, with younger kids you might want to plan some strategic naps otherwise they aren’t going to make it through to the night-time shows, which really are worth staying up for.

2. You find most of the fun stuff by accident

While I did have a vague plan for the things we wanted to see, some of the stuff we really loved we stumbled across completely accidentally. Wandering into the main Disneyland Park at just the right time meant we arrived just in time to see Mickey dance by on a parade float. While walking around the Studios Park, we found ourselves just in time to see Stitch Live, a super fun interactive show which my daughter is still talking about, which we hadn’t planned to see.

It’s tempting to overplan on these kinds of trips, but the park really is a magical place, and sometimes it’s best to just wander round and let the magic find you.

3. The shopping and dining are as impressive as the rides

Let’s face it, the facilities at many theme parks in the UK leave a lot of room for improvement. Food is limited to burgers and hot dogs, and the gift shops have a few overpriced toys and some branded merch.

Our hotel was close to Disney Village, which had a seriously impressive selection of shops, restaurants, bars, plus some familiar chains like Starbucks and McDonald’s. There were clothing shops with just Disney-branded items, a posh décor shop were you could get upmarket scented candles and bougie gifts, and even a giant LEGO store.

The restaurants we visited, including the new Regal View restaurant, were certainly much different to any other theme park dining I’ve ever experienced. There was not a chicken nugget or sticky table in sight as we enjoyed upmarket French cuisine. Even the kids meals were fresh, seasonal, and beautifully presented. It’s great to have these options especially if you’re visiting the park for a special occasion.

4. Premier Access is an upgrade worth paying for

If you have a short window of time to visit the parks, then Premier Access is definitely one upgrade to get. It meant we could get on most rides in under five minutes so could pack so much into a short space of time. You can also buy passes for individual rides, which would definitely be worth it if you have your heart set on one of the big attractions.

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5. You’ll need a day to recover

My editor, who has visited the parks many times, warned me that I’d be exhausted after my trip describing it as ‘Disney tired’. She wasn’t wrong. The combination of 25,000 steps a day, constant stimulation, and being in crowds for hours and hours at a time left me extremely fatigued.

If you’ve got an extra day of annual leave going spare, you might want to book the day off after coming home, or at least get a nap on the Eurostar, because I honestly felt jet-lagged after arriving home. But of course, it was well worth it.

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Christmas is still quite some way away, but one attraction is already putting tickets on sale for its magical experiences, and if previous years are anything to go by it could sell out quickly

It doesn’t feel that long since the Christmas decorations were packed away, but one festive attraction is already putting its tickets on sale today (March 27) for the Christmas 2026 season.

Tickets for LaplandUK, which has locations in Ascot and Cheshire, will go on sale tomorrow at 10AM with over a million people expected to join the queue. The experience is often likened to booking Glastonbury tickets, as hopeful parents will need to wait in a virtual queue and have ten minutes to complete their order once they reach the front.

Ticket prices for 2026 have been confirmed, starting at £60 for midweek dates in November, up to £155 per person for peak weekends in December. Both venues will also host a ‘Superstar Day’ on November 25 which is “adapted for families and guests with access requirements to create a quieter, more relaxed and accessible environment.”

While the tickets are costly, the cost does include a range of experiences that set it apart from the average Santa’s grotto. Families receive a special gift boxed invitation ahead of their day out to build the excitement, and this message from Father Christmas personally invites little ones to visit LaplandUK to help the elves with toy-making.

On arrival, visitors step into a magical world, walking through several different interactive experiences from the Elven Bazaar, where guests have to work out how to enter the door to Lapland, to the Lapland Bakery where kids can help make some Christmas treats before enjoying storytime with Mother Christmas.

The experience lasts around four-and-a-half hours, according to the LaplandUK website, and also includes ice skating, a soft toy for every child, a small toy to give to kids on Christmas Day, and of course, a special visit with the man in red himself, deep in a snowy forest.

Husband-and-wife founders of LaplandUK, Mike and Alison Battle, took to Facebook to update fans of the attraction about changes that are being made for 2026. Alison said: “Every year, we challenge ourselves to make the experience more special, more magical, more believable. And this year, we’ve got some very exciting things in store for you.”

The pair announced that invites would be sent earlier this year, towards the end of the summer, to build anticipation of the event. They added that the return experience will be upgraded, so that “coming home will be just as magical”, and that visitors to Little Rudy’s Stables will now be able to make reindeer food to take home with them.

One of the major changes will be in the Elven Village, which the pair said has expanded over the years to be more immersive and include more characters. Guests will now get more time in the village to listen to stories at Fable’s Library, skate on the ice rink, and meet characters along the way.

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Those hoping to grab tickets for LaplandUK can either register on the official site to get a ticket booking link ahead of the sale, or visit the website from 9am to join the queue.

LaplandUK’s Facebook page confirmed that both sites will have their own booking queues accessed through a unique link. It said: “Upon entering a queue, you will be randomly assigned a place before bookings open. When the queue begins moving at 10 AM, you’ll gradually make your way forward.

“Once you reach the front, you will have 10 minutes to complete your booking for your chosen location.. We truly cannot wait to welcome you to Lapland to make treasured memories together this Christmas.”

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A channel spokesperson said: “We have made the decision to not move forward with the new season.”

The new series of reality TV dating show The Bachelorette has been cancelled following domestic violence allegations against one of its stars. A video of Taylor Frankie Paul appearing to assault her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen had been published by TMZ.

Taylor was announced as the star of the latest series of the show, which is a spin-off from The Bachelor and sees a woman choosing a husband from a large pool of romantic interests. It had been a huge success for US network ABC and Paul was due to be central to its 22nd series.

However, a spokesperson for ABC owner Disney said today it would be pulling the show, which has already been filmed and was due to air on TV in a matter of days.

It said: “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.”

TMZ obtained a video of a 2023 incident with Taylor and her ex, Dakota, where she was arrested for and charged with assault, criminal mischief, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. In the video Dakota can be heard saying: “This is called physical abuse.”

Police bodycam footage of Taylor’s arrest in the 2023 incident was played on the first episode of Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

A spokesperson for Paul issued a statement to People in response to the video. It said: “It’s sad to see the latest installment of his never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child.

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“Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior. Thankfully, the public has seen this act before and knows who he is and sadly, many will recognize this pattern of manipulation, both in his actions on the show, and from their own experiences.”

Paul also confirmed that the next series of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which first aired in 2024, has paused production for its fifth season. Her co-star, Mikayla Matthews said: “It was a decision that all of us girls came up with. We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.”

Paul rose to fame on social media as part of a group of young mothers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who made dance videos and parenting content in Utah.

It has been reported that Salt Lake County District Court records show Mortensen today filed for a protective order against Paul via his attorney, but that the filing was sent back for a correction and an amended petition.

Travelling with kids can be expensive, even if you stay within the UK, but changing your travel dates could potentially save you hundreds of pounds – according to Expedia some dates could be the key to nabbing bargains

When you have kids, it feels like the days of cheap holidays are over, especially once they hit school age. Holidays can take a lot more planning and careful budgeting.

However, travel booking site Expedia has given parents a hand, putting together data that shows the cheapest exact dates to travel as a family, as well as the peak travel dates to avoid. Melanie Fish, spokesperson for Expedia Group Brands said: “Using the right dates to dodge peak travel times is a great money‑saving hack, especially when paired with booking everything you need for your trip on Expedia for a hassle‑free holiday.”

It also revealed some up and coming destinations for spring that are seeing a surge in searches, potentially making them popular places for a spring break. These include Conwy, Tenby, and the Cotswolds, all classic family holiday staycation spots.

As you may expect, late-March and early-April are expensive times to travel as parents try to get some time away for the Easter holidays. For domestic travel, the most expensive dates are between May 23 and 31, which is half-term in most schools across the UK. The most expensive dates for international travel were revealed as April 5 and May 23, again both coinciding with school holidays.

The busiest dates for staycations were found to be March 6 and 27, while for international travel, you can expect packed airports and ferry ports on April 2 and 3. If you’re someone who prefers to avoid the crowds and traffic, it’s best to rethink booking a departure on these dates.

When it comes to the cheapest dates, for domestic travel these fall on March 1 and 2, early in the spring, as it’s before the main tourist season kicks off in most staycation spots.

For international travel, the cheapest departure dates include March 2 and April 27. Unfortunately, these do fall outside of school holiday dates, but some parents may be tempted to book a break anyway. However, it’s worth making sure you research school holiday fines before you pull the kids out of school, as a family of four could rack up a £320 bill even for a first offence.

The quietest times to travel also fall outside of school holidays: April 28 and May 31. However, if your school has a later May half-term or inset days tacked onto the holiday, then going slightly later could cut the cost of a break later in the month. Choose flexible dates when searching for flights or holidays to see how much you could save by departing a few days later.

If you’re in a particularly strict area for school holiday fines, don’t worry, shifting your dates within the school holidays can also cut costs. For example, the cheapest dates to book in the six week summer holidays tend to be closer to the end of the holiday, as most people want to go away as soon as school finishes. By opting for a late-August rather than mid-July break you could save hundreds and still be back in time for school.

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Hannah Britt and her family fell in love with Scotland while on a road trip through the highlands in a Skoda Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 – here’s how you can do the same

When you think of a Scottish road trip, what comes to mind? The NC500 probably. Two children aged six and one… probably not so much. And yet I’m here to tell you that it can be done, all it takes is the right car – and lots of snacks. A frequent yet fearful flyer last summer I became a convert to the good old family road trip when we borrowed a Skoda Kodiaq vRS and drove from our home in Manchester to France. Being able to get there under our own steam and haul 35 tonnes of equipment for the children was a gamechanger. I was chomping at the bit to do it again. So you can imagine my delight when my pals at Skoda got in touch again, offering to lend us a Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 this time – if we drove it to Scotland. My partner John’s bags were packed before I’d finished asking if he wanted to go.

The Superb is a long and spacious family car. You won’t get into a small parking space, but boy can you cram it full of stuff. It’s quite low to the ground, meaning those of us over 30 will make an oof noise getting in and out, but it feels how I imagine Lewis Hamilton must in his F1 car. I loved it right away.

As we set off from our home in Manchester, the four of us settled in – me, John, six year old Molly and one year old Poppy. Our route would take us to Langbank near Glasgow, where we would stay the night at Gleddoch Golf and Spa Resort, before continuing on the next day to Cameron House on Loch Lomond. From there we would loop up through Glencoe to Oban, before driving back home via Loch Lomond once more.

As was now customary, John did most of the driving with me the passenger princess and queen on snacks, handing out Pringles and Haribo on demand and restarting Golden from the K Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack each time it dared to stop. The Skoda’s big sat nav screen made it easy to work out where to go, and its built in black out screens allowed Molly and Poppy to doze off.

Four hours later, with just one stop to walk off a tantrum (not mine, promise), we arrived at Gleddoch, on the banks of the Clyde. I was impressed with this golf hotel, which welcomed children with open arms. Our room, a Residence Four Poster, was newly renovated, with a sleek bathroom, view out over the water, sofa bed for Molly and – as the name suggests – a gargantuan four poster for her parents. Arriving with fussy kids, we ate in the room, and the food was lovely, with a good kids menu and an excellent wine list.

But the jewel in Gleddoch’s crown is the Imperia spa, a newly opened, multimillion pound delight. It recently won the accolade of “best new spa” and, once I tore myself away from my family, I had a sublime old time checking it out. The space boasts the UK’s largest outdoor sauna with panoramic views over the estuary and rolling Renfrewshire hills to Ben Lomond.

Children are not allowed in the pool at all, which was a shame for me – but a bonus for the other guests who didn’t have to endure their spa time with a side of my little ones’ splashing. In the morning, I sat down in Gleddoch’s cosy Dram whisky and gin bar to do some work, before packing our rabble back into the Skoda to head to our second stop, 30 minutes away – Cameron House on Loch Lomond.

Now, Cameron House is a Scottish institution. Barack Obama has stayed here. Guests don’t really get cooler than that. And the moment you arrive it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved. Sweeping the Skoda up to the hotel, which sits right on the water, we were immediately greeted by a valet, who whisked the car off to park it and brought in our bags. Good lord, the crumbs, I thought to myself as the chic valet sat himself down on two days worth of digestive biscuits.

Inside, Cameron House is stylish, cosy and unmistakably Scottish, with nods to its rich heritage in everything from the pictures on the walls to the tartan prints of the cushions. Staff remember names, coffee orders and chatted to the children as if they were long lost friends. It’s a home from home – albeit an incredibly luxurious one.

The food is delicious, whether you choose to eat in the Michelin-starred Loma by Greme Cheevers, the Tavern, the Great Scots Bar, or anywhere in between. The room service is good too, and the chefs are happy to rustle up anything your little one desires off menu. Our room, a family suite, was spacious, sparklingly clean and modern, with an undisturbed view of the Loch.

Cameron House has a brilliant adults-only spa, which I’ve heard is exceedingly relaxing. However during my time at the hotel, I was to be found in the large family pool. With floor to ceiling windows out onto the grounds, areas shallow enough for Poppy to paddle in and areas deep enough for Molly to swim, and with a large and genuinely fun water slide, there was enough to keep everyone entertained for hours. When we finally tempted the children outside, a falconry lesson was equally enthralling. The next day, our be-crumbed valet returned the Skoda to us and waved us on our way to Oban – via Glencoe.

Glencoe is a stunning, historic glen in the Scottish Highlands, renowned for its dramatic, volcanic, and glacial landscape. It is a premier spot for hiking, mountaineering, and – luckily for us – scenic drives, often featured in films like Harry Potter and James Bond. From Loch Lomond to Glencoe takes around 90 minutes, and there’s an excellent visitor centre to greet you once you arrive, with nappy changing facilities, a shop selling various miniature models of highland cow, and a cafe that makes a good flat white.

The Glencoe drive is best done slowly, to ensure one takes in the insanely gorgeous scenery, and to make sure you don’t miss the turning down Glen Etive Road. The “Skyfall” road is the single-track B8074, famous for the scene where Bond (Daniel Craig) and M (Judi Dench) stop with the Aston Martin DB5 against the backdrop of Buachaille Etive Mòr. The spot is roughly halfway along the 12-14 mile road. I didn’t have an Aston Martin, but one better – my Skoda.

Another 50 odd minutes later and we arrived at the furthest point of our road trip – Oban. Or to be precise, Rhunacairn, a little Sykes Cottages house on the banks of Loch Etive, a couple of miles out of the town. Down a tiny road, with just one other house nearby, it was a white washed child’s drawing of a house, set in the most stunning scenery imaginable.

Sat next to a mussel farm, the house had all we needed for the next few days – a swing, a log burner and sea otters in the water outside. It was absolutely idyllic – a real find. And while we did go into Oban to sample the delights of the seafood capital of Scotland – and to buy a bottle of local whisky – I must admit the house had a magic to it that I was loath to leave. Before we left we began plotting our return, wondering which Skoda might fit paddleboards and fishing rods for a summer staycation.

10 steps to road trip success

Parenting expert Kirsty Ketley says:

1. Plan Ahead – Time journeys around naps, mealtimes, or toilet breaks to reduce stress and disruption to routines.

2. Leave at Nap Time – If you can, start longer journeys when little ones are most likely to sleep.

3. Entertainment is Key – Mix up old-school games like I Spy with sticker books, reusable window stickers, or magnetic boards.

4. Car-eoke – A family singalong is a fun way to pass the miles (and yes, Disney soundtracks count!).

5. Tech Can Help – Tablets on headrests with headphones make for a peaceful drive when everyone needs downtime – don’t feel bad or guilty for using them, but be clear about the boundaries on using them and use them more as a last resort, rather than the default.

6. The Quiet Game – When things get noisy, challenge the kids to see who can stay quiet the longest.

7. Snacks & Drinks – Pack snack boxes for older children and keep drinks in the front with you to avoid unnecessary stops for the loo when they have necked a whole bottle of water! Be very mindful of giving younger children snacks if an adult is not sitting in the back with them, as it is a choking hazard!

8. Safety First – Use child locks, remind kids about seatbelt safety, and follow The Lullaby Trust advice on babies sleeping in car seats.

9. Be Prepared – Keep wipes, tissues, and the nappy bag within easy reach. Blankets and comfy clothing are also essential.

10. Break It Up – If traffic hits or the car gets tense, don’t be afraid to stop somewhere safe, stretch legs, and reset before heading off again.

*The Skoda Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 costs from £44,715. Visit skoda.co.uk for more information

*Gleddoch Golf & Spa Hotel costs from £129 in low season and £189 in high season, based on entry level rooms. Visit gleddoch.com to book

*Rooms at Cameron House start from around £275 per night. Visit cameronhouse.co.uk to book

*Sykes Cottages Rhunacairn House costs from £1135 for 7 nights, see sykescottages.co.uk

Parents believe everyone in the family can get something out of a holiday when their children reach eight years old.

Family holidays can be stressful but new research has shown that they are considered to be most fun when children reach eight years old. A poll of 2,000 parents found eight is the age when everyone in the family gets the most out of holidays. At this stage, more than half (55%) of parents believe their children start to form lasting holiday memories, while 64% believe their children can start to get genuinely excited about new places.

What’s more, at eight years old 22% of parents say their children can contribute to the planning. This means parents are better able to relax themselves and can enjoy more shared hobbies and activities together with their kids.

Commissioned by Jet2holidays ahead of Mother’s Day, the research found 76% of mums who go on one or more getaways a year consider family holidays to be their highlight.

A spokesperson for the tour operator said: “Family holidays are special at all ages. However, there appears to be something especially great once kids reach eight years old – with the findings suggesting many kids are more curious, more engaged and better able to take in new experiences at this age.”

The study also identified what parents look for in a family getaway – with value for money (29%), a place which suits the whole family (28%) and good weather (28%) coming top.

Activities everyone can enjoy together are also considered key (17%), along with a destination which is easy to get around (15%) and genuinely family friendly accommodation (14%).

To ensure the kids in particular are happy, 30% ‘often’ or ‘always’ get them involved in the planning of a family break. They do so because it makes their little ones feel included and valued (46%), creates shared excitement (37%) and ensures activities suit their interests (34%).

The holiday milestones considered to be the most significant were going abroad as a family for the first time (35%), flying together for the first time (24%), as well visiting a theme park or major attraction for the first time (15%). Staying away from home overnight for the first time as a unit (14%) was also significant.

A spokesperson for Jet2holidays added: “It’s clear involving children in the planning process plays a big part in making a holiday memorable.

“And this is just one of a host of memorable holiday milestones they’ll be part of – whether that’s flying together for the first time or going abroad as a family stay with parents for years.

“This is why considerations like the right destination and accommodation are so important.

“We’re proud to help families make those memories by offering great value, family friendly holidays which cater to everyone, whatever stage of family life they’re in.”

SINGER Anne-Marie has sparked concern after branding herself a “wreck” in a new social media message.

The star tweeted a lengthy message in which she also suggested people “wouldn’t care” about her “emotional” struggles.

Anne-Marie, 34, took to X earlier today to share the rare personal message in which she also addressed her parenting struggles and ‘mum-guilt’ amid attempts to revive her fledgling music career.

The star began by writing: “Feeling emotional today. Sorry I been distant.

“Not sure if you care but I do. I’m working really hard to get this right.”

Her concerning post continued as she addressed her compromising work-life balance.

TOUGH TIME

Anne-Marie says she felt ‘mad’ & like a ‘bad mum’ but was scared to ask for help

CIAO OLD ME

Anne-Marie promises ‘spicy’ new album and reveals star she turns to for advice

The Ciao Adios singer penned: “Still figuring out how to be a good mum AND write the best album you’ve heard from me. It’s intense.

“I want to post, but I look and feel like a wreck most of the time.”

She added: “I know you don’t care about that though hahah.

“I miss you all so much and hope you are feeling as happy as you can be.”

Anne-Marie signed off her message by posting: “A cuddle is needed.”

The mum-of-two’s post sparked worry among her fans as many rushed to check in on the performer and insist they “do care” after her troubling words.

One said to her: “Anne marie you never ever need to apologise for being distant. You’re balancing being a mum, being human, and creating something beautiful for all of us that’s a lot for anyone.”

Another echoed: “We all care about you so much. You prioritise yourself, your health and your family.”

Another alarmed fan penned: “I’m proud of you. Speaking out is already so brave.”

Before a fourth went on to comment: “You didn’t have to force yourself, we care about it and care about you. Take care yourself and kids love u.”

Anne-Marie welcomed her first child with rapper husband Slowthai in February 2024 months before he faced a trial relating to charges of rape.

Her partner faced a criminal trial later that year whilst she was pregnant with their second child.

Slowthai was ultimately found not guilty of the crimes.

The couple’s second child was born in April last year.

The singer has been attempting to head back to the top of the charts after her latest single released failed to make a dent on the singles charts.

Her latest single, Depressed, managed to reach number 41 – a far cry from her top ten streak of hits eight years ago.

A collaboration with Aitch, also released last year, also failed to chart.

Speaking to The Sun last year, she affirmed her plans to continue working on her fourth album despite recent setbacks.

She told us: “Next year there will be new music.

“I think I need to switch it up a bit… Will I be rapping? Who knows.

“I am definitely switching it up.

“I need to make it exciting again, you know.

“I can’t just come back as the same Anne Marie I have been for ten years.

“I am going to do a little spice.”