park

“Edging closer” is the right phrase. Leeds have not won in five league matches but have drawn their past three.

With fellow strugglers West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham all earning draws this weekend, 15th-placed Leeds have maintained the three-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

To misquote the likely apocryphal words of England cricketer George Hirst against Australia in the 1902 Ashes, Leeds will “get it in singles”.

Farke’s side also have the kindest run-in on paper, with just one game against a top-six team – Manchester United on 13 April – and home games against the bottom two, Burnley and Wolves.

But there is the nagging feeling their three-point gap to the drop zone should have been five.

Since the start of the 2022-23 season, only Liverpool and Fulham have failed to convert more penalties than Leeds in the top flight – despite the Yorkshire side being in the Championship in two of those campaigns.

It denied Leeds their first away win since September, when they beat rock-bottom Wolves. The only two teams with worse records away from home are the bottom two.

And it was more frustration for Calvert-Lewin, who overcame a late fitness test on a knee issue to play here and led the line with impressive physicality.

But after scoring twice against Palace in December – taking his personal tally to seven league goals versus the Eagles – he has scored only three times in 12 league games.

Farke, a former forward himself, was philosophical.

“I was happy with his overall performance, I was happy for him to take [the penalty]. Also, what he did in the second half, he was a crucial part today.

“Of course, you want to hit the target and he is disappointed. But this is football, even Harry Kane misses penalties.

“I was a striker – I missed more penalties than you can count.”

It also ranked ahead of heavyweights like Haven, Warner, Butlins and Parkdean.

This remote corner of the UK is magical. It is steeped in history and home to the most beautiful landscapes. Stone burial chambers date back 4,000 years, standing stones inscribed with Latin and Ogham (an ancient Irish) dot the countryside and wrapped around it all is one of the most striking coastlines anywhere, where waves roll in over pristine sandy beaches or smash violently against towering rock faces.

At the heart of it all is the Bluestone National Park Resort, set within 500 acres of wild Welsh countryside. A holiday park it may be, but Bluestone wants you to feel like you are part of the Pembrokeshire panorama that surrounds you on all sides. So well-absorbed is the resort into its surroundings that despite its size and its hundreds of lodges you’d scarcely have any clue it was there until you were well inside.

But that’s not to say it’s not also a modern and luxurious holiday experience, especially where its new lodges are concerned. They took my breath away.

Bluestone in a nutshell

Most of Bluestone is made up of its 300 or so beautiful wooden lodges of various sizes dotted across hills not far from the pretty town of Narberth. The centre of the resort is its purpose-built village home to a couple of dozen charming, colourful stone cottages, a handful of restaurants, some shops (selling a wide range of Welsh foods, beers, spirits and toys), a spa and a pub with a beer garden conveniently a playground.

Also in the resort is a large indoor play area called The Hive (with one of the best features you’ll find in any indoor play area – more on that later), the Blue Lagoon, a large swimming area with indoor and outdoor slides and a wave machine, and the Serendome, a covered indoor-outdoor adventure play area featuring everything from a theatre to an extensive aerial adventure course. Generally speaking, the resort is probably better for younger children rather than teenagers (mine are 10 and under) but you can make your own call on that.

I’ve been holidaying here for a decade. My children have grown up coming here almost every year of their lives so it already holds a special place in my family’s hearts. We’ve just returned from our most recent visit, which coincided with winter turning to spring (though no one told the Welsh weather that). I’d go back tomorrow.

Accommodation: The lodges

There’s only one place to start and that’s with Bluestone’s new Platinum Collection lodges. Immaculate and beautifully-designed, these brand new lodges are on another level to any I’ve stayed in before. We stayed in a St Govan Lodge (named after one of the most striking parts of the nearby coastline) with three bedrooms sleeping six people, two bathrooms including one gorgeous en suite with rain shower, standalone bath, twin sinks and serene starlight effect lighting on the ceiling.

There was a spacious upstairs open-plan living area with a dining room, a “cwtch” (a snug room with two chairs and a TV for relaxing, working or giving the kids some quiet time) and a sun room, a stunning new feature for Bluestone lodges with two fully retractable glass walls. Even at winter’s end we opened them wide to breathe in the Pembrokeshire air and drink in those views. In summer, it would be heavenly drinking prosecco or a cold beer as well as the scenery.

The lodges come fully-equipped with an oven, microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher and even an air fryer, which we made full use of for breakfasts and an evening meal around the six-seater dining table. After a home-cooked meal on our first night, we settled into the huge u-shaped sofa in front of a cosy electric fire.

The Platinum Lodges also come with their own electric buggy to help you get around the resort. This was the highlight of my five-year-old’s trip as we tootled along in our six-seater at 6mph engaging in the resort-wide game of “beep the horn at everyone you pass”. The lodges also have their own buggy charging point.

All Bluestone’s lodges, which sleep between two and 14 people, come with kitchen and open plan living areas, while the cottages in the village have one or two bedrooms.

Check-in

Check-in is effortless. For most of the park’s guests, it’s a drive-through process: arrive at the welcome lodge, drive around the one-way system to your own lodge, unload your car then return it to the car park at the resort’s edge and forget about it until it’s time to leave. Outside check-in and check-out times, Bluestone is a car-free resort so you can stroll the roads or drive your buggy in peace and safety.

For Platinum Collection guests, it’s even smoother. We had our own exclusive entrance, check-in lodge, car park and buggy pick-up point. There can’t have been more than five minutes between checking in and driving odoff in the buggy after a quick how-to guide.

Activities

A sign on the wall in Bluestone’s village says “there’s no bad weather in Pembrokeshire, just the wrong clothes”. As someone who visited on a weekend when the weather ran its full gamut from blue-skied bright sunshine to howling wind and driving rain, I could not agree more.

Bluestone has masses of outdoor activities for all the family, from stand-up paddleboarding on its lakes to cycling, archery, exploring its woodland trails, zip-lining or rustic outdoor eating and marshmallow-toasting at Steep Ravine and Camp Smokey (which reopen in June after storm damage forced them to close). You also have all of Pembrokeshire and its award-winning beaches on your doorstep.

But even when it rains (and it’s Wales so there’s a high chance of this) there are masses of activities under cover. My kids were entertained every minute of the day. Start the day with a swim at the Blue Lagoon Water Park, an indoor pool heated to perfection (using locally sourced biomass) with four flumes, a wave machine, toddler splash areas and a lazy river which takes you outside for a quick loop before returning indoors. It’s looking a bit tired in parts and could probably do with a bit of touching up in the not-too-distant future as it approaches its 20th birthday but that doesn’t detract from how much fun it is.

The Hive indoor activity centre has soft play, a huge bouncy castle, climbing walls, messy play, and a cafe-bar upstairs where parents can relax while the kids tire themselves out. But the highlight of my trip this time round was watching my two children try Adrenaline, a circular zipline suspended from the roof which they flew around high above the play area. They came off grinning from ear to ear.

The Serendome is an indoor-outdoor adventure play area housed under a giant transparent dome housing everything from a multi-level aerial adventure course in which kids (and adults) can ride a bike across a zipwire three storeys high to an amphitheatre-style theatre in which we watched a local male voice choir perform on St David’s Day and danced along to a silent disco. There’s also a bar and a few pop-up food stalls.

And there’s The Well Spa, a tranquil, adult-only spa offering thermal experiences, hydrotherapy, saunas, steam rooms and a range of luxury treatments. The kids’ mum headed here for two hours of peace while the youngsters used up some energy on the Serendome’s aerial adventure course.

Food and drink

One of the great joys of Bluestone for me is being able to prepare and eat a meal in a beautiful upstairs open-plan dining room with views of the countryside all around. Whether it’s breakfast in morning sunshine or a cosy evening meal and glass of red wine with the wind and rain howling outside, we always plan on having at least one family meal in the lodge.

But there are plenty of options for dining out too. Our go-to is the Farmhouse Grill, a casual and rustic restaurant serving steaks, burgers fish and kids’ dinners. The Oak Tree serves pizza and other Italian food, there’s pub food in the Knights Tafarn (where a roaring log fire keeps you warm on cold winter days and a beer garden lets you soak in the summer sunshine), fast food at the NRG Lab in The Hive and outdoor eating at Camp Smokey. The food’s not award-winning but it’s perfectly decent. There’s more refined dining at the gorgeous Black Pool Mill, a newer addition to Bluestone’s eating options which is off-site and a 20-minute walk along a well-marked path or very short drive away.

Things to do outside Bluestone

We didn’t spend a single second outside Bluestone during our three-night stay. We never do. But if you did fancy a change, Bluestone is the only UK holiday resort situated inside a national park so you’re not only immersed in protected landscapes but have easy access to land, sea and coast. You are spoilt for choice in all directions in one of the most naturally beautiful places in Britain. Five minutes down the road is the gorgeous town of Narberth, which is packed with independent shops, outstanding restaurants and has been named among the best places to live in the country.

The stunning seaside town of Tenby is 25 minutes away and is also brimming with places to eat and drink. It also has no less than four beaches within a few minutes’ walk of the town centre. The less famous, but equally charming, town of Saundersfoot is just a short drive along the coast.

A little further away you have the unique harbour village of Porthgain, which, despite being tiny and at the end of one road in and out, manages to have one of the best places to eat in Wales, as well as one of its best pubs. Also not too far away are Britain’s smallest city of St David’s, with its magnificent cathedral, the harbour village of Solva (yet another place in the area named among the best places to live), and the truly jaw-dropping St Govan’s Head, where a tiny chapel is built into the cliff face just above thundering waves below.

And then there are the world-class beaches: Barafundle, Whitesands, Freshwater West and East, Marloes Sands – it’s difficult to find the superlatives for them.

Better than Center Parcs

I have no hesitation in saying I prefer staying in Bluestone to Center Parcs. Of course, it’s all subjective but Bluestone has also been named the best holiday park in Wales (and third best in the UK) for the third year running by holidaymakers and Which? readers, beating heavyweights like Center Parcs, Haven, Warner, Butlins, Parkdean and more.

Costs

Bluestone’s prices vary by accommodation type and time of year. Here are examples of costs for the upcoming season:

• Weekend Easter break (arriving 10 April): from £645 for a 3‐night stay (up to 4 guests in a Ramsey Lodge or Caldey Deluxe).
• Midweek Spring breaks: from £300 for a 4‐night stay (up to 4 guests in a Caldey Lodge).
• The Mini Adventurer Break (from £300) is a deal designed especially for families with children under five and includes a bundle of free activities and entertainment during select midweek stays throughout the year. For qualifying dates, costs and included activities, visit https://www.bluestonewales.com/offers/free-activities-entertainment
• For any other costs, please get in touch or visit https://bookings.bluestonewales.com/search-rates
• All breaks include unlimited access to the Blue Lagoon water park, free indoor and outdoor play areas in The Hive, Serendome and village. Several activities do cost extra and need to be booked in advance: I would thoroughly recommend the 90-minute Sky Walk aerial adventure course (from £30, there’s also a Sky Walk Mini for smaller kids at £12.95), the Adrenaline circular zipline (£18 for two rounds) and the silent disco (from £5).
• A meal for four including drinks at the Knights Tafarn pub cost £73 while a meal for seven including drinks and a bottle of wine at Farmhouse Grill came in at £220.
• Access to the Celtic Thermal Suite to enjoy its steam rooms, sauna, ice pod and hydrotherapy pool costs from £20 and a Signature Massage costs from £75.

A FUTURISTIC theme park has just been named one of the best in Europe and you can fly there for just £13.

Futuroscope in France is a theme park dedicated to “multimedia, cinematography and emerging technologies”.

Named 15th on Blooloop’s best theme parks in Europe list, the theme park appeals to both adults and children.

The attraction originally opened back in 1987 and can be found just outside the city of Poitiers.

Speaking to Blooloop in 2024, Rodolphe Bouin, Futuroscope’s CEO, said: “Futuroscope is unique because it aims to develop visitors’ curiosity, not just entertain them.”

The park has even been dubbed as the “equivalent to Universal Studios in Europe”, by theme park content creator That’s So Mid on TikTok.

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The park features several attractions including an astronaut training programme-themed rollercoaster and the Mission Bermudes boat ride.

For adrenaline junkies, there’s Tornado Chasers, where you get to ride into a tornado on a rotating platform, with the world’s largest indoor LED screen.

Toddlers haven’t been forgotten either, with little electric cars, a small floating log ride and Waterworks play area.

There’s also a number of playgrounds including an airport theme one with a plane climbing frame.

In fact there are over 40 attractions at the park and three shows.

New for this year is the Greenhouse of Worlds, which is an immersive greenhouse that comes to life as you walk through it.

Another new attraction for this year is T.Rex – a 6K laser projection show that follows the true story of three children who discover a Tyrannosaurus fossil with a team of palaeontologists.

Opening on April 4, there will be Pulse! The Electric Odyssey as well.

The new attraction explores all the forces of nature, with interactive activities for children of all ages.

Parents can enjoy the experience too by heading to Bar Lab to try futuristic cocktails.

And more recently, in 2024, the theme park opened its second park called Aquascope – an immersive indoor waterpark.

Inside visitors can expect eight “XXL size” slides and four themed universes.

The indoor water park is also home to Les Abysses de lumière, which is Europe’s first aquatic cinema.

One interactive part of the aquatic cinema is The Eauculus, where visitors can dive under the water and discover a seabed of strange creatures.

There’s a lazy river as well that takes you on a journey through Aquascope.

Smaller children can make a splash in the Aquatic Maze or head to the Musical Cave to come up with a melody.

One visitor said: “Aquascope is a kind of aquatic nightclub crossed with a James Cameron film.

“Between the digital projections on the walls and the 29°C water, you no longer know if you’re there to swim or to attend a contemporary art performance.

“The ‘Luminous Abyss’ zone is the highlight of the show – swimming amidst interactive projections that react to your movements is the ultimate experience for anyone who has ever wanted to live in Avatar.”

Another person said: “The scenery is magnificent; it’s like being in Avatar!”

On sunny days, there is an outdoor pool and terrace too, with The Aquadynamic – a river course with effects throughout.

When it comes to having a bite to eat, head to the Space Loop restaurant – the only rollercoaster restaurant in France.

Inside, guests will be served their food via a small rollercoaster where dishes spiral down to where you are sat.

As this is an experience as well as a restaurant you do have to book and it does cost an extra €27.50 (£23.76) for adults and €16 (£13.82) for children.

Food then includes burgers, risotto and pork tenderloin costing around €16 (£13.82) each.

If you want to extend your stay, you can do at the Hotel Station Cosmos which is themed to be a space station, with themed rooms.

The hotel costs from €196 (£169.35) per night and includes a show, breakfast and access to Futuroscope park.

Other hotel options at the theme park include Hôtel Ecolodgee Futuroscope which features nature-themed lodges from €166.50 (£143.86) per night or the Hôtel du Futuroscope, with basic family rooms from €126 (£108.89) per night.

A day ticket to Futuroscope and Aquascope costs from €68.80 (£59.49) per adult or child aged over 13-years-old and from €56.80 (£49.11) per child between five and 12-years-old.

Children between zero and four-years-old go free.

The closest airport to the park is Poitiers Airport, which is about 17 minutes away by driving or just under an hour on public transport.

Flights from London Stansted cost as little as £13 one-way in April and the flight only takes an hour and a half.

In other theme park news, an English seaside theme park has scrapped its entry fees and will soon have a huge new ‘showstopper ride’.

Plus, the European theme park you won’t have heard that’s revealed a huge £78million expansion plan and you can fly there for £14.

A POPULAR ride at Thorpe Park has closed after nearly 40 years.

The Chertsey-based theme park’s Rumba Rapids was a river rapids ride where passengers would board a boat able to carry up to eight people at a time.

The ride originally opened back in 1987 as ‘Thunder River’ and was Thorpe Park’s first thrill ride, but has not been running since the end of the 2025 season.

Jack Silkstone, a theme park vlogger, posted a reel on Instagram announcing the news.

The post states: “After 39 years of soaking thrill seekers, Rumba Rapids at @thorpeparkofficial has now permanently closed.

“Join me as I take a trip down memory lane to look back at the history, rethemes and memories of one of Thorpe Park’s longest-running attractions.”

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Thorpe Park has shared the video to its Instagram story, as well as commenting on the video: “Thank you for helping us pay tribute to such an iconic ride!”

In an official statement, a Thorpe Park spokesperson told Sun Travel: “After nearly four decades of making a splash, Rumba Rapids at Thorpe Park has permanently closed.

“First opening as Thunder River in 1987, the iconic water raft ride has been soaking generations of thrillseekers ever since.

“While we don’t have plans to share just yet on what’s next, we’re always reviewing our line-up of world-class rides and attractions to make sure Thorpe Park remains the UK’s most thrilling theme park.”

Riders would begin at the highest point of the ride on a turntable belt before turning sharply and heading down a curve to make the boat spin.

The boat would then head into a tunnel with a waterfall effect, before exiting the tunnel and entering the wave section of the ride.

The riders would then pass under a bridge and pass a photo opportunity.

The Rumba Rapids was the park’s second-oldest ride at the time of its closure.

Taking to social media, several fans have expressed their sadness at the news.

One person commented: “Sad times. I always enjoyed going on this to have a break and a chill from all the coasters.”

Another person said: “End of an era, the soundtrack alone was ICONIC.”

Over the years the park has been rebranded a few times, including in 2002 becoming Ribena Rumba Rapids with the colour theming changing from yellow to purple and the ride got its own soundtrack.

In 2007, the partnership with Ribena ended and the ride became Rumba Rapids.

A decade later the ride was re-themed to fit in with the design of the Jungle area of Thorpe Park.

Thorpe Park also recently announced that they would be closing the waterpark after more than 35 years.

Instead, Amity Beach pool will be replaced with a new attraction called The Launchpad, which will be a recharge zone.

In other theme park news, an English seaside theme park has scrapped its entry fees and will soon have a huge new ‘showstopper ride’.

Plus, the European theme park you won’t have heard that’s revealed a huge £78million expansion plan and you can fly there for £14.

A POPULAR seaside attraction will reopen later this month with two big changes – a new ride and free entry.

Adventure Coast Southport, which used to be known as Southport Pleasureland, will reopen on March 28 with a free-entry model.

The new system will mean you can access the attraction – which is one of the UK’s oldest seaside amusement parks – for free and pay-as-you-go for each ride instead.

The park will also feature a new ride, and while little details about the attraction have been revealed, CEO Norman Wallis said that it is “something really big”.

The Adventure Coast Southport team added it will be a “spectacular new addition” that will be visible as part of Southport’s coastline.

Full details of the ride are expected in due course, but visitors can expect a “brand new BIG 50metre showstopper ride arriving from Easter”.

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Wallis added: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back for 2026 with a refreshed approach that puts flexibility for families first.

“By removing the entry fee, families can decide what works for them.

“They might come for a couple of rides, meet friends by the coast or make a full day of it.

“Guests often tell us they love coming back because every year it feels bigger and better.”

The park is split into four themed areas: Cartoon Boardwalk, Viking Landing, Steampunk Bay and Pirate Cove.

Across the different themed areas there are a number of different rides, starting from just £1 a ride.

For example, you can head on a ghost train, swing ride, flying chairs and dodgems.

There are also a number of arcades onsite to explore and gardens with waterfalls.

Visitors can grab food at the park, including new street food options like loaded fries – but you can also bring your own picnic.

Many locals have welcomed the news of free entry on social media with one person commenting: “So glad it’s gone back to free entry and just pay for what you want, better for people with only a certain amount to spend.

“Also grandparents can now join in and watch grandkids ride.”

The park is also dog-friendly, has onsite parking and will be open every weekend and daily during the school holidays, from 11am.

If you want to extend your stay and explore more of Southport, then there is a motorhome site that is part of the park where you can pitch your caravan or camper van for £24 a night.

Then, just across the road from Adventure Coast Southport is Splash World waterpark.

It costs £16.20 per person to visit and includes three slides and a lazy river.

You can also head for a stroll along Southport Beach and see the pier, which is the second longest in the UK but currently closed.

Though, the Victorian pier is due to undergo £20million repairs starting this year.

In other attraction news, a popular technology-free attraction with no loud rides is set to open a third site in the UK.

Plus, here are the 20 most-visited attractions in England that are completely free to enter.

BULLDOZERS have moved in on one of Britain’s most iconic seaside amusement parks, but thrillseekers have been thrown a lifeline.

Generations of holidaymakers have flocked to the legendary amusement park for more than a century of candyfloss and white-knuckle rides.

But Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl, South Wales, is now being reduced to rubble after bosses padlocked the famous gates for the very last time in October.

The park hosted a farewell fireworks display as it bowed out of the UK holiday scene for good.

The beloved attraction first opened way back in 1918 to entertain returning American WW1 troops, taking its legendary name from the iconic pleasure beach in New York.

Now, the massive plot is being completely flattened to make way for a mega-money waterfront regeneration project backed by the Welsh Government.

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This sweeping revamp will see the vintage arcades and dodgems replaced by up to 980 new homes, alongside a string of modern cafes and restaurants.

While gutted locals have mourned the loss of a true seaside legend, council chiefs insist the drastic facelift is the only way to secure the resort’s booming economic future.

However, devastated fans of traditional fairground magic won’t be left high and dry when the summer holidays roll around.

A new seasonal funfair is set to pitch up at the nearby Salt Lake site to ensure Porthcawl keeps its crown as a top tourist magnet.

Launching just in time for the Easter break, the brand-new family attraction will boast an epic big wheel, classic rides, and mouth-watering food stalls.

Run by the veteran showmen at Studt’s Events, the fully-stewarded site will even share its prime waterfront spot with the dazzling NoFit State circus this April.

It means that while the historic Coney Beach might be gone forever, the brilliant British tradition of seaside thrills is very much here to stay.

PLANS have been revealed to turn an abandoned attraction into a new leisure spot in a popular seaside town.

The Kursaal in Southend-on-Sea has stood empty for six years and during that time has fallen into disrepair.

But now, the once thriving attraction that had a circus, arcades, a ballroom, a dining hall and even a zoo, will be transformed into a new leisure destination.

Though the details of what the attraction will be have not been announced yet, Daniel Cowan, Council leader at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “The Kursaal is woven into the story of Southend and for too long the Kursaal’s future has been uncertain.

“Today we can say it has a credible local operator, a leisure vision for the building and a clear path to reopening,” reports the BBC.

The Kursaal – which translates to ‘cure hall’ and usually refers to the main hall of a spa town – opened back in 1901 and hosted famous musicians such as Queen, Black Sabbath, Rod Stewart and AC/DC.

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Former attractions included bumper cars, a ski jump, a ghost train and a figure-of-eight rollercoaster.

Under the plans to reopen the historic venue that currently sits on the list of neglected sites, essential repairs will be carried out first.

Currently managed by the property group AEW, the Grade-II listed venue’s lease will be handed over to Star Amusements by the end of this summer.

Star Amusements already runs a number of attractions along the seafront, including an arcades venue close to Southend Pier.

Bayo Alaba, the Labour MP for Southend East and Rochford, said that the Kursaal is “a building of historical significance and architecture“.

He added: “Great-grandparents met in the ballroom, children have grown up laughing in its arcades and bowling alleys, and countless memories made here connect generations across our city.”

Nick Singer, the operations director at Star Amusements also shared that the new attraction would be “high quality” and that whilst there is a lot of work to do, they are “ready to move forward”.

When the venue opened over 100 years ago, it was one of the world’s first purpose-built amusement parks.

And to date, several distinctive features remain such as a dome which was even featured on a Royal Mail stamp in 2011.

Between 1919 and 1934, the Kursaal was also home to Southend United F.C.

Most of the building was then closed down in 1973, before it fully closed in 1986.

It reopened in 1998 but closed again in 2020, with just a small Tesco Express remaining open on the ground floor.

The Kursaal is about a two-minute walk from Southend-on-Sea’s Golden Mile beach and promenade, where you will find amusement arcades, cafes, and entertainment venues.

Taking to social media, many people have expressed their excitement about the news with one person commenting: “Please have ballroom facilities there to host dance competitions!”

Another added: “So glad that this iconic, Grade-II listed building has been saved.

“I was worried that it was going to be torn down and flats built there.

“They say, it is to be entertainment-themed, so lets hope it may be a multi use venue – concerts, exhibitions, even perhaps an ice or roller rink.”

A third person said: “Fantastic news!! Such a Southend icon!”

In other attraction news, here are 15 attractions in the UK that have £1 per person tickets from huge castles to kid-friendly museums.

Plus, London’s biggest rooftop attraction is set to open this summer with live DJs and food festivals.

MUMS have their mothers’ meet-ups and Facebook community groups, but did you know the dads have their very own festival?

Every year, DadFest – the only festival in the country for just fathers and their kids – takes place in Yorkshire.

During the festival at South Cliff Holiday Park, you can create your own campfire with your little ones or stargaze together.

For active families, there’s the opportunity to have a go at archery, bouncing on trampolines, crazy golf and high ropes.

Dads who want to take a seat and watch their kids play can head to the disco or a Forest School.

And if you love exploring the wilderness, there are even bat walks to head off on.

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Of course, you can expect arts and crafts sessions too and children’s entertainment.

For a laugh, make sure to catch the Regional Dad Dancing Championships at the festival, which will pick one dad as Yorkshire Dad Dancing Champion.

It’s not just dads though – other male figures including step-fathers, uncles and grandparents are welcome.

All of the activities are included in a festival ticket, as well as access to The Edge Aerial Adventure (high-ropes course), camping and parking.

There is food for purchase on site too but you can bring your own camp stove and prepare your own food.

Guests can use the holiday park’s facilities whilst staying, which include the Conservatory Restaurant and two bars.

There is also a fish and chip shop if you prefer a salty takeaway and a small shop.

The holiday park also boasts an outdoor playground, with nest swings, zip lines, climbing walls and a giant tower with slides.

And whilst you stay at the park and enjoy the festival, make the most of the coastal location as well.

The holiday park sits right by Bridlington South Beach, which is a huge stretch of golden sand, is dog-friendly, ideal for watersports and has fascinating low clay cliffs.

The festival was created by The Dads’ Network CIC which is for dads, father figures, male carers and their children and last year, it won the award for the ‘Best Small Event in the UK’ by the National Outdoor Events Association.

Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This unique festival gives dads and children the chance to connect with nature while enjoying fun activities that help develop new skills and strengthen family bonds.

“I had the privilege of taking part in the last DadFest and was hugely impressed by how well organised it was and by the wide variety of activities on offer.

“My daughter and I had a fantastic time, and I’m delighted to see the event return.”

DadFest organiser and founder of The Dads’ Network, Ian Blackwell, said: “DadFest started in Devon in 2014 and we ran our first DadFest in Bridlington in 2025.

“We are really pleased to be bringing our small, award-winning festival to East Yorkshire in partnership with East Riding Council and Rewilding Youth.

“The festival will also be bringing the renowned ‘Yorkshire Dad Dancing Championship’ – a hotly contested dance off by grooving dads, much to the sheer embarrassment of their kids.

“The winning dad in Yorkshire will take home the bragging rights as the Yorkshire Champ and will get free tickets to The World Dad Dancing Championships in Devon in September, along with a fetching trophy for the mantlepiece.”

DadFest will take place from 3pm on May 15 to May 17.

Tickets cost £112 per dad and one child, £122.50 per dad and two children or £132.50 per dad and three children.

For more family days out, here are the best UK family days out from £10 to completely free this Easter holidays.

Plus, the UK’s best campsite your kids will love – you get free theme park access and it’s just £25 to stay.

IT’S been a month since Alan Carr lied his way to victory on The Traitors – and now, he’s bought his own Scottish castle.

He’s set to renovate it in his own TV show and right next door is a charming seaside town with its own holiday park.

On the Scottish border is Alan Carr‘s new £3.25million home – Ayton Castle.

He has signed a deal with Disney+ where he plans to transform his castle into a luxury hotel and spa.

The castle itself dates back to the 19th century and it is set across two floors – but also has a huge five-story tower.

Just four-minutes away from the castle is the seaside town of Eyemouth.

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The small town sits on the coast, it has a harbour filled with boats and visitors have mentioned seeing seals bobbing up and down too.

It also has a sandy beach that’s a popular spot for swimmers year-round.

With its proximity to the sea, expect some top-tier fish and chips.

Some of the top-rated chippies include The Heathers Restaurant, The Contented Sole and The Ship restaurant.

In Eyemouth, there’s also a Parkdean holiday park which has sweeping views across the coastline.

The site has an amusements and games room, outdoor play area, sports courts, kids’ club and live entertainment at Killies Lounge.

There’s also a newly furnished Boathouse Bar & Restaurant.

There are plenty of caravans and lodges to choose from which vary from two to three bedrooms – the largest can sleep up to eight guests.

All accommodation has a TV, kitchen and lots have incredible beach views.

At Parkdean Eyemouth, lodge holidays start from £254, caravan holidays start from £103, and touring starts from £12.

Just up the road from Eyemouth is a pretty fishing village called St Abbs.

It has a beautiful harbour and visitors should pop into the tiny cafe that sits just above the water.

The family-run Ebbcarrs Cafe serves up fresh local seafood, homemade bakes and local ales – which can all be enjoyed whilst watching the boats bob up and down.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “The café itself is a delight. Think crusty baguettes overflowing with fresh seafood, a glass case brimming with homemade cakes, and prices that make you grin instead of wince.”

Another simply added: “Lovely cafe, in an equally lovely village.”

For those who want to head into the city, Edinburgh is an hour’s drive north of Eyemouth.

15-minutes south of Eyemouth and across the border is the small town of Berwick-upon-Tweed which is the happiest place to live in the UK.

The Guardian, who conducted the study, called Berwick an “overlooked jewel” and added “yet people who know it, adore it – it is a great place to live with community spirit in bundles.“

Berwick is at the top end of the Northumberland coastal path so it’s easy to explore the pretty coastline and see castles at Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Warkworth.

Here’s the most popular Scottish city to visit in 2026 with Traitors castles and epic road trip route.

And one comedian found the UK’s friendliest town – ‘I didn’t meet a single person that wasn’t nice’.

NESTLED in the Yorkshire Dales, you will find a camping and glamping site with a twist.

Instead of your usual glamping pods, at Catgill Farm, you can stay in Moroccan and Alpine-themed pods.

For example, the Alpine-themed pod has a converted ski lift cart outside that is now a booth to sit and eat in.

The Moroccan-themed pod features sleek styling, with bold pinks and oranges and sleeps up to four people via a bunk bed and a double bed.

If you are travelling with your four-legged best friend, then there are options for you as well such as The Duck glamping pod, which has an enclosed outdoor area for your pooch to roam in.

Each of the glamping pods comes with its own private, log-fired hot tub as well.

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And for the evenings, you can set light to the fire pit for warmth and barbeques.

Fancy something a little more like camping but still a little refined? Then opt for one of the two luxury bell tents that sleep up to four people.

And of course, they all have views of the rolling Yorkshire Dales.

At night, guests can also make the most of stargazing as the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a designated dark skies area of the UK.

If you do have your own tent, then there is a campsite open between April and October as well, which features 34 electrical hookup pitches.

On-site there are also alpacas known to join morning yoga sessions and a playing field for letting off some steam.

As for facilities, there is everything you could need including modern shower blocks, a washing up area and even a small shop selling essentials such as air beds, coffee, milk and kindling.

If you don’t fancy cooking for yourself, you can grab some food from Cat’s Kitchen which is onsite, serving up hot drinks and wood-fired pizzas.

When it comes to the local area, you’ll be surrounded by amazing walking and cycling routes (even the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire routes).

Just a short walk from the campsite itself, you will reach Bolton Abbey Station on the Embsay and Bolton Steam Railway line.

The station is in the style of the original Midland Railway from the 1800s and a ticket to travel to the half way station and back costs £17 per adult.

Not much further from the campsite, you will find the remains of Bolton Abbey which you can explore.

The site often hosts events as well like an Easter trail.

If you walk for 15 minutes from the glamping and campsite, you will reach the Devonshire Arms brasserie-style pub serving dishes such as sirloin steak and roast beef.

When you stay at Catgill Farm, you can also get 10 per cent off of Shipton Canal Boat Trips and also 10 per cent off of entry to Stump Cross Caverns.

Stays cost from £179.99 per night for one of the glamping pods or from £14 a night for a grass tent pitch.

For more inspiration on glamping sites in the UK, here’s the tiny UK glamping site named best in the UK by AA with cosy pods, treehouse and hot tubs.

Plus, UK glamping hotspot where you can enjoy breathtaking views from a vintage cheese vat turned hot tub.

There was some excitement this week at El Camino Real High during batting practice.

JJ Saffie, the best power hitter on the baseball team, hit a ball down the line and over the left-field fence. When a teammate went to retrieve the ball, he discovered that the rear windshield of a car driven by pitcher Jackson Sellz was shattered. He took a photo and showed it to Sellz, who worried what his parents would say.

“We had a good laugh,” father Stu Sellz said.

It turns out the Sellz family has been on the opposite side of breaking windows by hitting home runs since the 1990s. Stu and brothers Scott and Brandon played at Chatsworth. Scott was the family’s best window breaker. Stu’s other son, Braden, also has broken windows.

Now Jackson and the insurance company are paying for him parking too close to the foul pole off Burbank Boulevard.

“This is the baseball god getting back at us,” Stu said.

Jackson usually parks closer to center field, but his preferred parking spot was taken before school began in the morning.

What lesson was learned?

“He now knows to get to school earlier,” Stu said.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

Legoland is growing up.

The Carlsbad theme park will on Friday open Lego Galaxy, a new 2.4-acre themed land that will feature its most adult-focused attraction yet in the Galacticoaster. An indoor, space-themed thrill ride, Galacticoaster is brief but impressionable, a spinning race through a darkened landscape to save a Lego-infused galaxy from an “asteroid of probable destruction.”

At 40 mph, it’s the park’s fastest ride, but coming in at about 60 seconds and focusing on banking and turning means it still has full family appeal. Expect it to serve as an introductory, big kid coaster for many. It’s infused with lighthearted humor — floating farmers and barnyard animals cruise among the stars — lending it a rather relaxed atmosphere for a save-the-world, fast-paced attraction. In other words, it’s sleek, it’s hurried and it’s cutesy.

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“My favorite is the surfing alien,” says Tom Storer, North American project director for Merlin Magic Making, the creative team behind Lego experiences. “She’s my favorite thing to see in there. It’s right after the blast. It will sneak up on you.”

The Galacticoaster is the centerpiece of Lego Galaxy, which also includes two smaller outdoor attractions, a vintage-style shoot-’em-up video game and a play area for little ones. Its part of a $90-million investment in Legoland’s California and Florida parks on behalf of parent Merlin Entertainment (an identical Galacticoaster can be found in Lego’s Florida park). Lego Galaxy hopes to draw visitors — and perhaps new audiences — by focusing on slicker, more modern technology and injecting in the park the sort of excitable ride more commonly found at Legoland’s Southern California competitors.

Storer, for instance, isn’t shy about the Galacticoaster’s inspiration.

A view of the stars and scenery that surrounds the Galacticoaster track.

(Legoland / Merlin Entertainment)

“What is the space roller coaster of 2026? Space Mountain is a classic from back in the day,” he says, referring to the Disneyland Resort staple launched in 1977. “But this is kind of the new way.”

It is faster and brighter than Space Mountain, as the Galacticoaster is heavily populated with twinkling stars, planetary projections and many a Lego brick creation. But while Space Mountain tops off at about 32 mph, it likely still has Galacticoaster beat in the intensity factor due to its lift hill, sudden dips, jolting turns and near pitch-black darkness. No matter, says Storer, as here the objective was to place guests in a welcoming adventure with plenty to look at.

“When you think of outer space, you instantly think of stars and planets,” Storer says. “We have a really cool digital planet and we have stars everywhere.”

The Galacticoaster sits four per car, loading attendees parallel in a row via a moving platform. Once seated and locked in, it nearly immediately takes off, jetting riders into a darkened hallway with white lights before injecting them into a Lego galaxy. Lego aficionados or those who grew up with the sets will likely spy many an allusion to past toys. In the ride’s queue, for instance, guests in line will walk past a wall that features a timeline of many a Lego space set. Action comes fast, but surrounds guests, as the coaster cars rotate around a hurtling asteroid.

Legoland’s new Galacticoaster is an indoor space-themed roller coaster with twinkling stars and many Lego brick projections.

(Legoland / Merlin Entertainment)

While it twists from side to side, which has drawn light comparisons to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, with some referring to this as sort of a starter version of that more powerful coaster, it’s a smooth and relatively unobtrusive twisting. Those prone to motion sickness — and I am one of them — likely need not be too concerned here.

While Legoland has other coasters, many are known as what Storer refers to as “pink knuckle” coasters, slang for safe for kids and families. Galacticoaster, with a minimum height requirement of 36 inches, certainly is as well, but the creative executive hopes it falls somewhere between the pink and white knuckle level of force, the latter term reserved for the most thrilling of coasters.

“We’re known for having ‘pink knuckle’ coaster, where it’s not too scary,” he says. “It’s kind of, ‘My first coaster.’ This is family-friendly. We’d never do anything that’s not family-friendly. We want to make sure our guests from 5 to 12 have lots to do, but it’s a little more punchy and has that cool launch with a space blast-off feel.”

Theme park aficionados will be keen to know that this is the first attraction in the park to feature an animatronic figure. The character of Biff Dipper, an engineer, will be found in the ride’s preshow, familiarizing guests with the story of the asteroid that spells impending doom. Stout and slightly gruff, Dipper has a digital face that can approximate more than 40 expressions. The animatronic, says Storer, was an important investment for the park, as Legoland in Lego Galaxy was cognizant of guests becoming bored in what will surely be one of the park’s longest lines this upcoming spring and summer season.

There are interactive elements throughout Lego Galaxy. In the Galacticoaster, for instance, riders will build a virtual approximation of a spaceship from a touchscreen, selecting options for wings, cannons and more. Some are militant. Others look like burgers or rainbows. There are 625 variations, and the creation will then appear at the start and finish of the attraction, injected into the ride’s projectors via a guest wristband. Legoland officials like to refer to Galacticoaster as a 10-minute experience, a time that takes in the preshow with the Dippper figure as well as the construction of the spacecraft.

The character of Biff Dipper is Legoland’s first animatronic figure. Dipper is in the preshow of the Galacticoaster.

(Legoland / Merlin Entertainment )

Elsewhere in Lego Galaxy, there’s a full video game-like experience called the Rocket Assembly Bay. Here, guests will first build their own spaceship, and then have it scanned into the game for a cooperative shoot-’em-up. Rocket Assembly Bay is good fun, and rewarding even, to see a virtual scan of a hand-built ship injected into the game, this despite that fact that the play experience is largely a modern update of old coin-op “Asteroids.”

“There’s something about the simplicity of some of the things that have been done,” Storer says.

Two other core attractions dot the land. The G-Force Test Facility is a spinner that’s pitched as an astronaut training experience. Guests with a minimum height of 40” will be elevated off the ground via vehicles situated on rotating arms. There’s plenty of swinging and rotating action in this more standard amusement park-like creation, although Storer notes that riders won’t experience any actual G-forces. Still, here’s one that those with a propensity to motion sickness may want to take a pass on.

Lego Galaxy is rounded out with a play area and the preschool-focused ride Launch & Land. For those with a minimum height of 34 inches, this is a casual, patient experience, one in which seated guests will gently lift off into the air for a slightly elevated view of the land. Nominally designed as a spaceport, Lego aliens and spaceships populate the area. Press a button near one of the ships, and initiate, for instance, an engine test.

But don’t expect anything too serious. The Galacticoaster, after all, has a farting space cow.

Universal Studios Hollywood has begun peeling back the curtain — or opening the garage? — on its new “Fast & Furious”-inspired coaster coming to the park this summer.

The coaster will feature four heavily detailed miniature cars as ride vehicles. These four-seaters — mimicking a Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-Y, Nissan Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra, all complete with pull-down lap-bars and working taillights — were unveiled at a media event Wednesday.

But perhaps the most exciting news out of the event is just how meaty of a coaster Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift looks to be.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will launch this summer at Universal Studios Hollywood and boast ride vehicles that are miniatures of actual cars. The show building is themed like a warehouse with a vibrant, spray-painted mural.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

The attraction, the second outdoor coaster at the park after the more kid-focused “Harry Potter” ride Flight of the Hippogriff, was timed at running about two minutes around the track, which goes over and under the park’s famed hillside escalators. Hollywood Drift will reach a top speed of 72 mph.

While a representative for the company said the coaster is intended to reach that 72-mph milestone at various points on the ride, it’s worth noting that it’s still in testing mode and the final speeds and run-time may change. Still, the fact that Universal has been able to pack such a mighty experience into a tight piece of real estate should be positive news for coaster enthusiasts.

By comparison, the family coaster Flight of the Hippogriff is only about a minute, whereas Disney California Adventure’s Incredicoaster comes in at more than 2 and a half minutes. It’s not uncommon for modern coasters today, due to their increasing emphasis on speed and thrills, to last only about a minute.

A look at the ride vehicles and inside mural in the passenger load area of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.

(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)

Though packing storytelling into a fast-moving outdoor ride is always a theme park challenge, Universal is doing what it can to make guests feel as if they’re sitting in actual tiny, authentic cars. Check, for instance, the brightly orange Supra, or the black, vintage-style Charger. Each car will be equipped with onboard audio and has unique details, right down to the different placement of the odometers on the dashboard.

One question: Do those odometers actually work and measure speed? A Universal rep declined to answer, but no matter, as most guest will likely be focused on the scenery outside the vehicle, such as the next-door golf course or bird’s-eye views of the park.

An artist rendering of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, the park’s first high-speed outdoor coaster.

(Universal Studios Hollywood)

The coasters will board two at a time inside the red brick, warehouse-themed show building, which features spray-painted murals from artist Tristan Eaton. Each coaster train holds four cars. There will be a single rider line for solo guests, and the coaster will boast 360-degree rotation, which is meant to create the sensation of a car drifting. The track is 4,100 feet and will take guests on a hillside journey between the park’s upper and lower lots.

The “Fast & Furious” saga spans 11 films, and will soon be recognized with an exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum. “A Fast & Furious Legacy: 25 Years of Automotive Icons” opens March 14 and will feature various movie-used vehicles and stunt cars. Among the cars on display will be an early ‘90s Supra driven by Paul Walker’s character Brian O’Conner, one of the vehicles Universal mimicked for the roller coaster.

The popular theme park has released details of its much-anticipated new Viking-theme land, which will include thrill rides, a restaurant, and a playground, and the official opening date has been revealed

Paultons Park theme park has shared a sneak peek of its new Valgard: Realm of the Vikings land, a £12 million project that’s due to open later this spring.

The Hampshire-based park is perhaps best known as the home of Peppa Pig World, which opened in 2011 and has attracted thousands of young children and their families. (In fact, it’s even been tipped to be the UK’s best theme park in recent rankings, beating out the likes of Thorpe Park and Alton Towers). However, this new land is aimed more at teenagers and adults, cementing the park’s reputation as a destination for thrill rides.

Valgard: Realm of the Vikings is set to open on Saturday, May 16,and one of its most-anticipated rides is Drakon, the park’s first inverting rollercoaster. It will feature a vertical lift hill and two twists where riders will be flung upside-down. An interior shot shows the vehicles used in the ride, and the image features dry ice and dim lighting, teasing an atmospheric ride.

Another new ride will be the Vild Swing, where riders will be thrown 12 metres into the air and spun around. A teaser video showed construction of the new ride, as well as on-ride footage showing the thrilling experience that visitors can enjoy.

Frequent visitors to the park may also notice a former ride has been revamped for the new Viking world. Cobra is being reborn as Raven, a bobsled adventure that’ll be redesigned to fit the viking theme.

Younger visitors can enjoy a Viking-themed playground, and the experience is complete with a new themed Feasting Hall restaurant where you can dine like a Viking.

Lawrence Mancey, marketing and technology director at Paultons Park, said: “Despite weeks of rain and difficult conditions, our team and contractors have made incredible progress on site. We designed Valgard to offer an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families, and it’s amazing to see the vision come together.

“In the last few weeks new pathways have gone in, landscaping has begun, and our Viking statues have been installed. Drakon and Vild Swing have begun testing and the Feasting Hall restaurant is looking incredible. We are so excited to open the gates in May and see Valgard conquered by our guests. It’s great to be able to share the construction journey and anticipation with our fans online too.”

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In addition to the new Valgard land, Paultons already boasts six themed worlds. Other lands include Tornado Springs, themed around Midwestern America, which has the Cyclonator and free-spinning Storm Chaser rollercoaster. The park also has a dinosaur-themed world, Lost Kingdom, which is much-loved by all ages.

Paultons Park tickets can be booked online with prices starting at £46.75 per person. However, if you book a short break through the theme park’s official website, you get a second day free, and can stay at a number of nearby hotels for a family break.

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This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Peak District national park – the first designated national park in the UK. That number has grown to 15 across the UK, alongside more than 200 national nature reserves, which are designed to protect specific landscapes and habitats. Whether it’s boating through the Norfolk Broads national park, birdwatching on Lindisfarne national nature reserve, or camping in the Cairngorms, we’d love to hear about your favourite things to do and places to visit in our national parks and reserves.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 9 March at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

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Cardiff: Winnett; Beetham, Millard, B Thomas, Grady; Sheedy, A Davies; Barratt, Belcher (capt), Sebastian, McNally, Nott, Lawrence, D Thomas, Basham.

Replacements: D Hughes, Southworth, Assiratti, Thornton, E Rees, Mulder, I Lloyd, Bowen.

Yellow card: Beetham 65

Leinster: O’Brien; Kenny, Ioane, Henshaw, Moloney, Byrne; Gunne, Cahir, McKee, Sparrow, Spicer, Deeny, Deegan (capt), Penny, Culhane.

Replacements: McCarthy, Usanov, Slimani, Snyman, Ericson, McGrath, Tector, Osborne.

Yellow card: Tector 12

Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)

Assistant referees: Ben Whitehouse (Wales) & Carwyn Sion (Wales)

TMO: David Sutherland (Scotland)

IMAGINE if the Eden Project had a Disney makeover – well, one theme park in Europe achieves this and will be getting a new ride for 2026.

Terra Botanica theme park in Angers, France is often compared to the Eden Project in Cornwall due to its focus on plants.

But it also has rides…

And now the theme park has announced two new experiences for this year – Cleamolette’s tractor cabins and a new Terra Nocta show.

Cleamolette’s tractor cabins will be an immersive experience where visitors climb onboard the tractors and set off to meet Cleamolette, who is a ‘passionate inventor’.

There will be 10 tractor cabins in total, which will be able to host up to 500 people an hour.

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During the experience, visitors will get to discover Cleamolette’s botanical experiments.

The park will also have a redesigned discovery trail that sprawls across 1,200sqm.

The trail is entirely dedicated to vegetable plants and over the course of the season, visitors will be able to see more than 10,000 vegetable plants, 4,000 flowering plants, 500 perennials, 200 shrubs and 40 trees.

You might even get a glimpse at some rare species including pistachio trees, Brazilian guava trees, Japanese pickling eggplants and snake gourds.

Then, Terra Nocta – an evening event at the park with light and sound – will return from April 11 but with a new 150metre area that is an immersive water display with mist, waterfalls, sounds and lights to create the ultimate sensory experience.

This new area will allow visitors to discover aquatic biodiversity and learn about the role of water in ecosystems.

The show will also include eight performers from the National Institute of Music Hall Arts in Le Mans.

The theme park will be hosting Terra Spring Festival between March 28 and 29 as well, where attendees can see the theme park’s large plant market and meet lots of local sellers and makers.

The theme park is set to fully reopen for the 2026 season on April 4.

Connexion France previously described the park as “Cornwall’s Eden Project on steroids”, adding that it has “environmental ideas with a Disney twinkle”.

Other rides at the park include giant walnut shells, and a Canopy of Birds experience where you fly virtually through the air and a miniature land train.

You might also want to check out the Garden of Legends, where you will be greeted by a vegetable ogre as he takes you into a mysterious universe.

Other ‘lands’ at the park include a dinosaur reserve, where you can watch a 4D film where you can get behind the wheel of a Jeep and drive among dinosaurs – just like in Jurassic Park.

There are even boat trips, a greenhouse with over 100 butterflies from across the planet and a high ropes course with over 3,000sqm of netting to explore as well.

One person commented on TripAdvisor: “Great place, a bit like England’s Eden Project, only better.”

It is also cheaper than the Eden Project with tickets costing from €21 (£18.38) per adult and €17.50 (£15.32) per child.

In other theme park news, the world’s first Bluey rollercoaster is set to open in the UK next month.

Plus, a top US attraction is set to open its first indoor adventure park in the UK – with 16 slides and a ‘flying’ coaster.

THERE’S still time to take advantage of the ‘stay for a night, play for a year’ theme park offer for huge savings.

The deal means that my family can visit theme parks and attractions like Alton Towers and Legoland all year round, plus enjoy an overnight stay and breakfast for less than it would normally cost for two annual passes.

We’re avid fans of rollercoasters and rides and last year visited Alton Towers, Chessington, Thorpe Park and Warwick Castle, so I couldn’t believe my eyes when this offer popped up.

I paid less than £250 for an overnight stay at Thorpe Park, which includes breakfast and free parking during your stay, and now have four Merlin passes that I can use all year round.

An essential pass is normally £139, so it’s a massive saving just on the passes alone.

You need to be clever about how you use the deal, which ends this weekend, to get the most for your money.

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First of all, try to find a midweek date for your theme park stay by checking out if you have a school inset day during the promotion period, which runs until June.

If you go in the school holidays or on a Saturday night, an overnight stay will invariably cost more.

Luckily we have an inset day in May, which is the perfect time to make the most of this offer.

Secondly, take a look at all the different Merlin attractions that offer accommodation, as there’s often a huge difference in room prices.

In general, I’ve found Thorpe Park to be the cheapest and Legoland or Alton Towers the most expensive.

Don’t forget to check out Warwick Castle as it’s easy to overlook that as a place that offers overnight stays and the rooms there tend to be good value for money, especially if you’re visiting with small children.

My friend found a room for her family of four for just £219.

My third tip would be to think carefully about what combination of people you’ll book for. 

We have two adults and three children in my family and if I book an overnight stay for all of us, that rules out some of the cheaper accommodation options because the camping pods at both Alton Towers and Legoland can only sleep four.

There’s more choice for a smaller family, so it could be more cost-effective to choose that, especially if some of your family won’t be available for the overnight stay anyway.

I have children at both primary and secondary schools now, so they don’t all have the same inset days.

If you go down that route, you won’t then have free passes for all your family members.

But an easy hack to sort that is to sign up for Sun Club membership, as you get two free tickets to many Merlin attractions like Chessington and Alton Towers with that.

So you can book your pair of free tickets when they are on offer with Sun Club and then use your annual passes for entry for the rest of your party on the same day.

There are a few pitfalls you need to watch out for – some dates are excluded from the essential pass, but maybe not as many as you might expect.

The 25 days you can’t use your pass mainly fall on bank holiday weekends and Saturdays in August. I was pleasantly surprised by how many dates were included.

Remember that you’ll need to pay for parking each visit as that’s not covered by the essential pass.

If you’re going to be visiting a lot, a gold pass costing £239 does include parking, so it may be worth grabbing one for a single family member to use alongside your essential passes.

Parking at Alton Towers has risen to £13 this year and the other parks aren’t far behind, so it can quickly add up if you visit multiple times over the year.

It’s not just theme parks that are covered – you get free entry to 20 attractions like Cadbury World in Birmingham, the London Eye and the Legoland Discovery Centres in Birmingham and Manchester with the pass.

One notable exception is the Alton Towers waterpark, but you do get discounted entry with your annual pass.

So don’t miss out – book before this bargain ends for a full year of family fun.

For more on theme parks, one writer went to the European theme park where you ‘travel through time’ and the rides roar past your hotel room.

And another writer spent three days at Universal’s huge new £7bn theme park – all the things worth doing… and the bits to skip.

A HUGE new lido complex is set to transform an English holiday park this summer.

The plans are part of a £10.2million expansion at Unity Beach holiday park in Brean.

In time for the summer holidays, will be a new lido surrounded by private cabanas and outdoor dining area.

The existing flumes and water rides will remain, and the outdoor pool is expected to open in July 2026.

Other plans included in the development are a trampoline park, bandstand, boardwalk, landscaped gardens and a dog agility area.

There will also be an outdoor activity centre where guests can have a go at archery, axe throwing and rifle shooting.

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Unity Beach Resort Director Jonny Green said: “These are exciting times for our owners, our holidaymakers and the local community.

“Our improved pool facilities will help us sustain and grow participation in swimming lessons and recreational activity — not only for guests staying on the park, but also for the wider community across Somerset.”

The new outdoor facilities are part of the huge refurbishment of the site that has been underway throughout the winter months.

The site has been upgrading its soft play, changing rooms, the Wave Café and gym.

Other improvements have been to the 25-metre indoor pool and the addition of poolside showers.

A new indoor Splash Pad will replace the baby pool so that children of different ages can swim and play in the same space.

The unisex changing rooms have been upgraded with larger family cubicles – with space for up to four.

For accessibility, a new lift and pool hoist have been installed, as well as a refreshed accessible changing area.

The Wave Café has also been refurbished and will continue to serve meals throughout the day.

Visitors can enjoy sweet treats like cookies and donuts to breakfast options, sandwiches and paninis.

At Unity Play, children can explore different soft play zones; Ocean World for under-4s, the main soft play area for ages 4 to 11, and Ninja Warrior zone for ages 7 to 11.

There is also a new reception area with a dedicated buggy park for families.

The refurbished indoor facilities are due to reopen shortly.

Previously, the site underwent a £15million upgrade with a new Wonky Donkey pub and restaurant, with a new pavilion, sports bar and arcade.

The Wonky Donkey serves up traditional pub food like mac n’ cheese and scampi and chips.

Inside the Pavilion Theatre, there’s plenty of family entertainment and shows as well as silent discos and movie sing-along challenges.

As well as the 2025 additions, the park is home to a theme park with 40 rides and attractions from rollercoasters to dodgems and a ghost train.

For more on staycations, here are the most popular UK holiday park from £9.50 Hols – with beachfront pods, hot tub lodges and a surfing simulator.

And one writer has found an incredibly cheap UK holiday park that brings the best bits of Center Parcs, Butlin’s and Haven to ONE site.

SUN Holidays from £9.50 is back with a restock of brand new breaks to book.

Thousands of new breaks have been added across over 300 holiday parks over at Sun Hols from £9.50 – but which resort is the most popular?

Some of the most popular resorts to book include Unity Beach in Somerset and Hendra in Cornwall, but one park consistently comes out on top.

Seal Bay in Chichester, West Sussex is an award-winning holiday park that tops the list of both our most popular parks for families and most popular holiday parks in general.

And with its range of activities for all ages and setting smack-bang on the sands of Selsey, it’s easy to see why this resort is such a big hit among holidaymakers.

When picking a place to stay, you can choose from simple seaside caravans to beachfront pods or glamping options.

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All stays come with kitted-out kitchens, bed linen, as well as access to swimming pools and entertainment – so there’s no need to fork out on costly entertainment or linen passes.

The most simple option is camping, where you can pick between grass, electric or serviced pitches – each with room to park your car and access to hot shower facilities.

Plus the best part is you can pitch up just steps from the beach, whether you’re bringing a pop-up tent, your own caravan or giving a luxurious pre-pitched Safari Tent a go.

Caravans, on the other hand, range from comfy Bronze bases where six to eight guests can sleep comfortably, to Platinum caravans that feel more like a homely countryside cottage than a static.

Lodges are larger, starting at a 20ft-width minimum with private decks to enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail. Some luxury lodges even come with a private hot tub.

Beachfront pods, on the other hand, are cosy hideaways facing the sea with mezzanine and fold-out double beds to retreat to, as well as private decking to enjoy that sea breeze.

Or if you’re visiting as a large party, you can even book an entire self-catering house to turn your holiday park stay into more of a coastal cottage retreat.

There’s accessible and dog-friendly options too – just make sure to seek out these options specifically when booking.

When it comes to entertainment, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice at Seal Bay.

There’s all the usual options such as pool activities and a soft play, but this adventure-driven resort also offers axe throwing and a surfing simulator.

Families with young children can enjoy a create-your-own teddy bear factory, as well as sand art sessions and mini archery for ages 2 – 5.

Plus the beloved Cove Crew, made up of characters Sandy the seal, Fisher the penguin, Luna the wolf and Laurel the otter, are never too far away to meet and greet.

And if you’ve got older kids that need to burn off some energy, they can run around zorbing or have a go at climbing or laser tag.

There’s plenty for adults and couples too, like live music and comedy nights, as well as the park’s twist on classic holiday activity: Big Red Button Bingo.

If you can manage to drag yourself away from this award-winning holiday park, the local area of Selsey has plenty to see and do, too.

This park has its own private beach, so if you visit in the warmer months make sure to pack your buckets and spades.

Plus there’s a reason this resort is named Seal Bay – stroll down to the shores and you may spot adorable seals and even dolphins popping up out of the water.

But the best way to explore the local area is by picking one of its walking trails to explore.

Take the aptly-named Seal Art Trail and stop by artsy seal sculptures where signposts with QR codes will teach you all about the local wildlife and history.

Or head to the nearby high street, where there’s quirky cafes and fish and chip shops to check out, as well as colourful independent shops.

But there’s no need to spend money on dining out – the food and drink at Seal Bay offers something for everyone.

Executive Chef Jason is Michelin Star-trained, and put together a high-quality menu that really makes this holiday park’s food and drinks stand out.

Grab a proper burger or a sizzling steak from Smokey’s BBQ Kitchen, or sit down to hand-crafted cocktails in the Secret Garden.

The Viking pub is designed with sports fans in mind, with plenty of screens for you to catch the big game, and if you fancy a takeaway treat there’s a Greek Street Food Box and a Papa John’s on site.

There’s even Millie’s Cookies and the Box Treats sweets and desserts shop to satisfy those with a sweet tooth.

If all this sounds up your street, you’ll be glad to know that new breaks have been added to Sun Hols from £9.50 website – including stays at Seal Bay.

Plenty of other popular parks are being updated with extra availability too, such as Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay in Wales and Golden Coast in Devon.

There’s even holiday parks abroad in countries like Spain and Italy being topped up with extra breaks, so if you fancy heading overseas make sure to check out the European resorts.

New breaks will be added from midnight on Sunday 1 March, so make sure to hop on to the Hols from £9.50 website fast with Sun Club access to secure your stay.

This European city has topped a poll of the top 10 greenest cities with a 77.3 score based on air quality, green spaces and public parks

Travel needs for Brits looking for a holiday are changing and one search term in particular has surged by a staggering 9,900% in the last year – the ‘greenest city in the world’.

Research has suggested people are picking cities to visit that blend exploration with outdoor relaxation and open green spaces. If that sounds like a combination too-good-to-be true, it turns out it isn’t with many cities across the world classed as ‘nature rich’.

The travel pros at Iglu Cruise have developed a Green City Index which charts the top 10 cities where nature and urban life combine. Based on the amount of greenery in each city, air quality, and accessible public green space, they have discovered a European city has topped the poll – and it’s only a two-hour flight away.

Oslo, the capital city of Norway, came first with a green score of 77.3 because of its high air quality and a high percentage of green spaces and public parks.

A staggering 95% of residents in Oslo live within a 300-metre walk of a green area, making it one of Europe’s most walkable capitals and a city that feels like you’re living in a national park.

The city also has an initiative scheme called ‘pocket parks’ which have been developed through community-led efforts to transform old parking spaces into green areas. In addition, Oslo has the world’s first ‘bee highway’ – a corridor of flowers and bee hotels running across the city’s streets which gives tourists a unique experience of stunning Norwegian nature only minutes away.

The city also boasts well-known sites including the Royal Palace Park and Vigeland Park, which is the largest sculpture park in the world created by a single artist.

Visitors can take a 20-minute metro ride out of the city centre to Oslomarka forest and the trails around Sognsvann Lake.

There are also well-known sites like the Royal Palace Park and Vigeland Park, the largest sculpture park in the world created by a single artist. A 20-minute metro ride from the city centre takes you to Oslomarka forest and the trails around Sognsvann Lake.

There are also a number of impressive beaches in Oslo, primarily located on the Bygdoy peninsula which offers sandy shores, green spaces and is easy to access from the city centre. The most popular beach is the bustling Huk which has sandy spots, grassy lawns and a beach volleyball court. For a quieter experience, visitors can go to Paradisbukta or urban Tjuvholmen which are ideal beaches for swimming, sunbathing and walking alongside the Oslo Fjord in the summer.

Other green cities in Europe included Vilnius in Lithuania, Helskini in Finland and Vienna in Austria in second, third and fourth place while Reading was the only entry for the UK in at ninth place.

Canberra and Sydney in Australia and Singapore flew the flag internationally in fifth, sixth and eighth spots with Stockholm in Sweden in seventh and Munich in Germany rounding out the list at ten.

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CARAVAN park owners have a message for Labour: park the holiday tax now. 

One of those making the call is Claire Flower, who runs a site in Paignton, Devon, which has ­welcomed guests for more than 60 years.  

Beverley Holiday Park was started by her grandfather and now 12,000 tourists a year spend their breaks there. 

But Claire, 53, fears for the future if Labour bring in a visitor tax of at least £2 per head per night. 

She says: “If the Government puts a tax on everyone ­visiting, that means a lot of families won’t be able to afford it.  

“Holidays aren’t just a luxury, ­people rely on them for their mental health and family time. 

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“Plenty of parents these days work two or three jobs and there can be shift work in families, too. Holidays are often the only place whole ­families get to sit and eat together. 

“The Government talks about wanting people to spend their money here, not in Spain or Portugal or wherever in Europe, but how are people encouraged to do that if they’re going to be taxed for it?” 

Clare is a member of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (Harpa), which wants the Government to abandon plans for local mayors to tax anyone staying ­overnight on a break in their area.  

She believes the tourist tax will affect the whole English Riviera in the South West, which depends heavily on holidaymakers. 

Claire says: “The economy of the entire bay will be hit. We employ 180 staff in the summer and 80 all year round.  

“We pay our VAT, our business rates, all our taxes and we help the local economy in a really big way with all the visitors we can accommodate who go on and spend in local businesses. 

“If our numbers start to dwindle, it’s impossible to say where the impact will hit hardest.” 

The park has free indoor and outdoor swimming pools but its utility bills have gone through the roof. 

Claire says: “It’s becoming harder and harder to operate but we have such loyal and lovely visitors, so we work hard to keep prices affordable.  

“We’ve even got a 30 per cent off Easter holiday offer at the moment to encourage people in.” 

The park was founded by Claire’s grandad Stan Jeavons in 1965, and her nephew Adam Furneaux, 22, is the fourth generation to work there. 

Claire says: “Grandad would be devastated at the prospect of the tax. English holiday parks like ours contribute £9.2billion in visitor spend into the economy.  

“For a lot of people, even if they could afford to go abroad, there may be a health reason they can’t or there might be another reason they choose to holiday in the UK rather than overseas.” 

Lee Jenkins, from Abertillery in Gwent, has been visiting Beverley Holiday Park since 1971, when he was three years old.  

He spent his honeymoon at the park with wife Julie in the 1990s and visits several times a year.  

Taxi driver Lee, 58, says: “We’re supposed to support the UK ­economy, aren’t we?

“This country needs people holidaying here, not abroad, so we can support local businesses and spend what we earn here rather than overseas. 

“It seems so short-sighted to tax people out of UK holidays, and it will impact the whole country’s economy.” 

Association Harpa represents 3,000 holiday parks across the UK, from small campsites to major companies.

It believes a holiday tax on British families will place extra financial strain when many are already ­struggling with the cost of living. 

The organisation’s director general, Debbie Walker, says: “Holiday parks and campsites offer some of the most affordable holidays in the UK and this tax risks pricing people out of breaks at a time when money is so tight. 

“While we fully recognise the financial pressures facing local authorities, a holiday tax adding around £100 to a typical two-week family break is not the right ­solution. 

“If we want people to choose UK holidays, taxing them for doing so sends exactly the wrong message.”

Park Holidays UK, which operates more than 50 sites in the UK, says that a tourism tax would be “totally self-defeating” as well as punishing hard-working families who choose to take a holiday in Britain. 

Chief marketing officer Brad May says: “The Government imagines a holiday levy would help raise ­revenues for cash-strapped local councils.

“But it’s far more likely that ­visitor numbers to these areas would drop as families turn to other destinations which are not slamming a tax on their fun. 

“When our guests take a well-earned break, many enjoy visiting nearby attractions, going out for a meal and spending money in local shops.

“So, it’s these businesses which will also suffer as an unintended consequence of this move.” 

All of them are backing The Sun’s Hands Off Our Hols campaign. 

It is a sentiment echoed by Alfie Best, who owns Wyldecrest holiday parks. 

He says: “When you think of a budget holiday in this country you automatically have a picture of a caravan park in your mind. They have been the backbone of holidays for a generation.  

“This tax will surely drive ­holidaymakers abroad in search of better value getaways. 

“If it comes into force, the tax will ultimately lead to the closure of many parks and lots of job losses.”