pools

THE UK’s biggest waterpark is about to be the best place to start your weekend.

Sandcastle Waterpark, which is the largest and recently voted best in the country will be open for more hours of fun on Friday evenings.

The Blackpool waterpark has launched its Friday Night Splash event, so now you can spend your evening on its 18 slides and in the swimming pool.

Usually the waterpark is open is until 2:30pm in the week and 4pm on the weekends.

But the new Friday sessions will let you visit from 4pm until 8pm, for a post-work splash before the weekend.

The tropical waterpark, which is always heated to 28C, has something for everyone whether you’re after family-friendly splash zones or thrilling flumes.

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There are 18 slides in total, and those wanting to try out the speedy rides should head to The Master Blaster which is described as “white knuckle”.

There’s also Sidewinder, the world’s first indoor half-pipe waterslide and Montazooma, a high-speed ride with hairpin bends and 360 degree helixes on the way from top to bottom.

For families, head to Thunderfalls, which are two twisting waterslides for side-by-side racing.

There are also treehouses and forts for kids to play in and that’s where you’ll find the country’s biggest water cannon.

The slower moving Ushi Gushi River Creek is the lazy river ride while the Typhoon Lagoon is the waterpark’s huge wave pool.

While the kids are splashing about, adults can escape to the Sea Breeze Spa for an extra £7 to unwind in the sauna, steam room, and aromatherapy lounge.

For the ultimate VIP day out, the £60 Tiki Cabana package gets you park entry, lunch and soft drinks, spa access, and the private retreat comes with a TV and hot tub.

Tickets to the waterpark for a three-hour session costs from £25.50 per person over the age of eight (if booked in advance).

Tickets for kids between three and seven-years-old cost from £16.50 per person and children under three go free.

The waterpark is two minutes from Blackpool Pleasure Beach – so it’s easy to make a day out of it and see all the attractions.

The main season runs until October 31, with opening dates from Wednesday to Sunday – this drops down to just weekends after this.

For even more of the UK’s tropical indoor waterparks – check out these ones which have tickets from £2.50.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding recently visited the waterpark…

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding recently visited Sandcastle and gave her verdict…

She said: “Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool is kept at a toasty 29C and has more than 18 waterslides and attractions.

“The real gem of the show is the adult-only spa, hidden in plain sight in the middle of the waterpark.

“You’ll have to pay an extra £7.50 per person to enter the Sea Breeze Spa but it is well worth the money.

“When I visited it was quiet, with only one or two other people using the area, compared to the packed waterpark surrounding it.

“Dipping in and out of the saunas and steam room was the ideal way to relax.

“I spent half an hour in the salt inhalation room allowing my lungs to fill with warm, salty air and calm my nervous system.

“There’s Sidewinder too, which is the world’s first indoor vertical drop slide.

“Hovering over the edge of the half-pipe, butterflies flittered around my stomach anticipating the drop.

“Before I knew it, I was tipped over the edge in my rubber ring, dropping metres down before being propelled up the other side of the pipe.

“After, I ambled over to Aztec Falls, where in a rubber ring I dropped into a pitch-black bowl, swirling around like I was inside a waterfall.“

FROM brand-new swimming pools to restaurants, bars and adventure activities – some holiday parks are undergoing major upgrades.

What’s even better is that they’re still as cheap as ever to book with some costing as little as £7pppn.

Unity Holidays Skirlington Coast, Yorkshire

Back in July, Unity Holidays‘ Skirlington Coast in Yorkshire was given the green light for a major £20million glow up.

There will be upgraded dining spots and leisure facilities, as well as a new entertainment zone and outdoor pool surrounded by sunloungers.

Kids aren’t left out either, with a new splash pad including a children’s pool.

Other additions will be new pavilion home to restaurants, along with fairground attractions and cabanas.

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Accommodation at the park will be expanded as well, with 92 new caravans planned for the site – currently it has 680 caravans and 400 pitches for tents.

A spokesman for Unity Holidays said: “We thank the council’s planning committee for approving our application to redevelop the land on our park currently occupied by Skirlington Market, as well as the buildings on that land used by the market.

“We look forward to commencing work on that project as soon as possible, which will see us add indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities as well as re-landscaping the entire area.”

There’s plenty open already at Skirlington Coast holiday park if you fancy booking a break sooner rather than later.

A family of four can book a four-night stay the holiday park from £119 in a Bronze 2 Bed Caravan this October.

If you want to wait it out, the price is the same for a stay in May 2027.

Parkdean Resorts, UK

If you’re looking for a holiday park break next year, then two Parkdean Resorts are getting major makeovers for spring 2027.

It’s part of a £10million upgrade across multiple sites – those which have already undergone transformations include Highfield Grange Holiday Park in Essex and Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth.

Next on the list is Thorness Bay on the north-west coast of the Isle of Wight.

One of its new additions will be the Hat-Tricks Sports Bar which is a family-friendly spot which will have pool and darts.

Joe’s American Grill is its new dining spot and there will be Minigolf & Adventure Activities which include high ropes, low ropes and climbing wall.

The second resort undergoing an upgrade is Skipsea Sands in East Riding of Yorkshire.

On its Facebook account, Skipsea Sands Holiday Park revealed: “Skipsea Sands Holiday Park is getting a multi-million pound makeover, bringing even more to see, do, eat and enjoy from Spring 2027!

“Here’s a little taste of what’s coming… Exciting new activities and adventures, More ways to splash, play and have fun, New and improved family experiences, Even more indoor and outdoor fun, whatever the weather.”

It will be getting a Clip & Climb wall, Bear Grylls Escape Rooms and Fairground Golf.

You can book for 2027 already if you want to get ahead of the game.

A family of four can book to stay in a Bronze 2 Bedroom Caravan at Skipsea Sands (which sleeps up to six) from £128 in May 2027.

Lyons Robin Hood, Wales

Lyons has announced new planned investment at one of its biggest sites which is Lyons Robin Hood in Rhyl.

The firm has invested more than £1million at its Rhyl site this year and opened a brand-new Altitude Adventure Hub in May.

New activities included Altitude Aerial Adventure, Nitro Go Kart Track, Mini Aerial Adventure, a climbing wall, bungee trampolines and bouncy pillows.

A new adventure-playground also opened earlier this year too – and there are still more upgrades to come.

A spokesperson said: “We’re excited to announce further investment coming to Lyons Robin Hood for the 2027 season.

“As part of our continued commitment to investing in the park and enhancing the experience for our owners and their families, we’re investing in our gym facilities for 2027.

“It’s another exciting addition to a growing list of investments designed to make your time at Lyons Robin Hood even better.”

For more on new openings, here are all the destinations set to be big in 2027 with the opening of new theme park lands and luxe holiday parks.

A family of four can getaway this October across four-nights in a Silver 3 Bedroom Caravan from £123.

Or book a getaway for April next year from £99 in a Bronze 3 Bedroom Caravan – which works out as £6.19pppn.

WHILE this beautiful hideaway hotel looks like it’s in Asia, you’ll actually find it two and a half hours away in Spain.

The 5-star Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa is described as having the “serenity, peace and quiet of South-East Asia”.

It was named Spain‘s Leading Hotel in the World Travel Awards in 2024.

A number of famous celebrities have stayed too, including Wayne Rooney, Bruce Willis, Joan Collins and Zinedine Zidane.

The hotel itself is a 10-minute drive inland from Benidorm by the slopes of the Sierra Cortina mountains.

But thanks to being surrounded by 370,000sqm of pine forest and its own lush garden, it lives up to its name, and feels more like being in Thailand.

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The tropical grounds have 3,000 Asian plant species, including a 200-year-old bonsai tree as well as other bonsai and palm trees.

The hotel has a total of seven swimming pools, four of which are heated, and all are surrounded by jungle.

The Caras de Angkor pool is an adults-only Balinese style pool, while another is the Zen pool which has hydromassage.

Thailand is known for its massages and the hotel has its very own Thai spa on-site too.

Treatments include various types of massages, foot reflexology and beauty pamper sessions.

There are nine restaurants too, ranging from Asian cuisine at Koh Samui as well as a range of Mediterranean options and a poolside snack bar.

The hotel has its own fitness centre, tennis, volleyball and padel courts as well as football field.

Hotel staff can even advise guests on the best running routes in the area.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Incredible place, not only for its design, floral decoration, gardens, atmosphere… but once you set foot in the lobby, you could perfectly believe you are anywhere in Asia.”

Another described it as: “A taste of heaven amongst beautiful gardens a feeling of being whisked away to Thailand without the long haul flight!!!“

Rooms range from Bali-style Deluxe to Deluxe Suites which have huge outdoor terraces with a Jacuzzi.

Room rates start from around £240 per night, but can increase to around £400 during peak season.

The most luxe room is the Presidential Suite which has its own lounge, kitchenette, outdoor terrace with sea views and a hot tub.

It also comes with 24-hour room service and guests can enjoy private in-room breakfasts.

Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway Hotel can be booked with On the Beach – a seven-night stay for two adults in September 2026 starts from £840pp.

This includes return flights to Alicante and a stay in a Deluxe Room.

A stay with TUI in November starts from £985pp – which also includes bed & breakfast and return flights to London Stansted.

I NEVER ever thought I’d be into geology – but after a week on a nature reserve in Tenerife, I’m officially an earth geek.

Admittedly, the ice-cold margaritas served inside the tranquil oasis of Barcelo Tenerife oiled my educational rediscovery of the island’s natural wonders, but now I am well and truly hooked.

My last memory of visiting Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, was marred by an over-excited, elderly sailor who threatened to throw my beloved teddy bear into the path of an approaching pod of pilot whales when I was only eight years old.

But after touching down 31 years later, I rediscovered my love for it.

The Barcelo Tenerife, my home for the trip, is set within 124 acres of almost untouched land in the San Blas Environmental Reserve — and it fully takes advantage of its rural surroundings.

It’s not just the decor that sets the tone for rustic Tenerife — guests at the resort can book a guided tour through the reserve that will showcase the best of Tenerife’s wild scenery.

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During my two-hour or so trek through the fascinating landscapes, I touched stone formed by molten lava as well as compressed volcanic ash, a type of rock that created the foundations of the island after the (still active) Mount Teide volcano erupted millions of years ago.

It was one of the best experiences I’ve had — and reminded me that this gorgeous island offers so much more than just sun-drenched beaches and cocktails by the pool.

Make sure to try and catch a look at Teide on your flight in — the mountain top peeps out above the clouds.

While it is still active, the last eruption happened in 1909 and there’s nothing to suggest it’s going to happen again in the next 100 years or so, so visitors need not panic.

When it comes to history, the mighty volcano isn’t all the island has to boast about, though.

Travellers visiting the San Blas Environmental Reserve can observe the archaeological remains of the Guanches, an indigenous community who first inhabited the islands.

Fans of The Lord Of The Rings will also recognise many of the rocky pastures as sets from the show.

It’s well worth exploring this striking landscape — if you can tear yourself away from the seven luxurious swimming pools at the hotel.

The Barcelo Tenerife manages to exude luxury without stomping on thousands of years of history — as the incredible scenery has been incorporated into the hotel’s earthy design.

The beauty of the land is seen in every inch of the hotel, from the terracotta plant pots on the terraces to its clay-coloured buildings.

Barcelo Tenerife also prides itself on its eco-friendly ethos, with sustainability built in, not tacked on — and walking through the building, you feel immersed in the natural environment.

Along with solar power energy, the hotel relies on energy-efficient lighting and ethical food supplies.

And with a 500,000-square-metre nature reserve on your doorstep, you could walk a different route every day and still feel like you have explored more of Tenerife than anyone else.

The food options include an impressive and tasty buffet for breakfast, while fine-dining restaurant La Dolce Vita Trattoria brings a taste of Italy while using superb Spanish produce.

Creamy burrata served with locally-reared beef carpaccio was a highlight, as was a tasting menu inside the Arrozante Restaurant — where I had a truly wonderful paella.

The hotel is a five-star — and worth it — but if you fancy spending a little more, upgrading to the Royal Level is worth saving your cash for.

A private pool and access to a premium bar and restaurant give you a chance to live the high life without breaking the bank too much (from just £160 per night).

Rooms have a slightly more elevated feel to them, too, with chic, sandy-toned furnishings inspired by the nature reserve and fabulous views of the ocean.

But the hotel is so well proportioned and the nature reserve so vast, I don’t think you could ever feel cramped, even during the high season.

Now is the best time to visit, too, with the weather in the UK finally taking a rather more drizzly turn, announcing the official arrival of autumn.

In Tenerife, by contrast, temperatures tend to stay balmy throughout this time of year — with highs of 26C in October perfect for both sunbathing and exploring the island — and even into winter.

My helpful hotel guide informed me that Tenerife has only had five days of rain in the last four years, so the sunshine is pretty much guaranteed.

It’s a go-to destination for winter sun and I, for one, am sold.

See you again in November, Tenerife — and this time, I’ll be bringing along my walking boots.

HAVE you ever struggled to get to sleep on a plane? Well, what if the plane was actually a hotel?

A new hotel has just opened in Malaysia where you can stay on two planes.

In Johor Bahru – the third-largest city in Malaysia – you’ll find the new 1975 Avenue & Hotel formed of two Boeing 747 planes once used by Pan Am and Japan Airlines.

The planes – nicknamed Bove and Bey – form part of the new hotel, which has 38 rooms in total.

To get on each plane, guests will have to board via a jet bridge from the main hotel.

Each plane then has nine suites onboard designed around different countries including Indonesia, China, England and Thailand.

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In the Premium Suites, guests will be able to enjoy two levels of accommodation including a king-sized bed, a freestanding bath, a rain shower and a separate lounge area.

Even the cockpit on each plane has been transformed into a lounge area, complete with original details.

The suites cost from 1,706 Malaysian Ringgits (£267.36) per night.

The two planes sit in the middle of the wider hotel complex where you can book into regular rooms – many of which have views of the two orange-painted planes.

And below the wings of the planes is where you will find a man-made beach pool, a kid’s waterpark and bar.

The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool, sunken hot tub, a fully equipped gym and a spa as well.

When it comes to grabbing something to eat, the hotel has an all-day dining restaurant as well.

The hotel isn’t too far from Singapore either, as well as just 20 minutes from Senai International Airport.

IF you want to stay at some of the best hotels in the world – check out these five resorts.

All of these spots were recognised at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026 with spaces still available this year and affordable stays.

TUI BLUE Barut Andiz, Turkey

Starting strong, this hotel was voted as the Best Hotel – TUI UK & Ireland thanks to its high praise from guests noting its friendly staff and chilled atmosphere.

Inside the adults-only hotel, guests can dine at two à la carte restaurants – both are on the first-floor which has panoramic sea views.

Or check out the spa which comes with its own roof terrace with treatments on offer.

Side itself is a 20-minute walk along the promenade, which will get you there where you can explore its Roman ruins and restaurant-lined harbour.

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A seven-night all-inclusive stay in a Double Room with Balcony starts from £748.24pp – this includes return flights to London Southend.

Hotel Fariones, Lanzarote

The Hotel Fariones in Lanzarote came out on top for being TUI’s best hotel in the Spain and Portugal category.

It boasts two pools, three restaurants and direct access to the Playa Grande Beach.

Just a short walk away, you can discover Puerto Del Carmen’s Old Town where you will find a selection of restaurants and bars.

In the summer season there’s usually live music in the evenings.

A seven-night stay for two in a Double Room with Sea View and Balcony or Terrace with bed and breakfast starts from £1302pp with return flights to London Gatwick.

Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites, Greece

If you’re looking for a beach break in Greece, then check out Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel and Suites.

It was named the best hotel in the Cyprus and Greece category and comes with its own private beach, along with two restaurants.

There are also two outdoor freshwater pools, an indoor pool, a whirlpool and a spa.

The hotel sits on a cliff-top so be prepared for some breathtaking views across the bay.

A seven-night stay in a Double Room with Sea View and Balcony or Terrace with bed and breakfast starts from £1186.15pp – this includes return flights to Newcastle.

TUI MAGIC LIFE Sarigerme, Turkey

TUI Magic Life Sarigerme has been named the best family-friendly hotel – and it’s not surprising.

The hotel has five swimming pools, seven bars and four restaurants – all of which sit on the beachfront.

The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Dalaman but also right by Sarigerme Beach, which is a large, sprawling beach loved by locals for kitesurfing.

There’s also a packed entertainment programme with parties and live music as well as dedicated areas for those over 16.

A seven-night all-inclusive stay for two people in a double room starts from £932.63pp – this includes return flights to London Gatwick.

Hotel Caravel, Italy

Nestled away in Torbole, Lake Garda, is Hotel Caravel, which was declared the Best Hotel Northern and Central Europe.

Rooms have mountain views and make sure to take a dip in the pool, surrounded by greenery.

The hotel team are cycling specialists so simply hire a bike and they will recommend the best lakeside routes or mountain biking trails.

Included in the stay is a Trentino Guest and Garda Guest card which allows for free public transport and discounts into local attractions and experiences.

A seven-night holiday for two people in a room with a balcony and bed and breakfast in September starts from £801pp – this includes return flights to Bristol.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

THE seaside town of Brighton isn’t exactly off the radar – but it could be become a new hub for tourists.

In terms of its artsy scene, the coastal city has been said to potentially ‘rival Margate‘ with a new attraction.

With buildings covered in beautiful murals, handmade trinkets being sold at markets and the fact that it’s home to many creatives, it’s surprising that Brighton doesn’t have an art gallery.

But that could be set to change as a development plan has revealed one could open on the seafront.

This isn’t too dissimilar to Margate in Kent which is home to the world-class Turner Contemporary.

The Black Rock area in Brighton next to Brighton Marina is set to be developed – while there are no official plans, it could become a gallery.

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According to Time Out, the local council are in talks with a major London art institution. 

That isn’t the only part of Brighton getting a new look – another part of the town’s redesign is on the seafront.

The council are looking to update the King’s Road paddling pool and play area.

The local council are currently looking for proposals that must have a “high-quality family play area and paddling pool that will remain free for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The hope is that the existing pool, play area as well as surrounding facilities will be upgraded and modernised.

Speaking of pools, Brighton just a few years ago opened a seafront lido called Sea Lanes which sits right by the seafront on Madeira Drive.

The 50metre swimming pool has six lanes and is heated to 19C year-round.

On the day sessions are £11.90 per adult and £7.60 for concessions.

Thanks to several businesses being open on-site, Sea Lanes is a great spot to grab a drink and bite to eat.

One such place is a cafe called Fika, which boasts about serving “an epic brunch and damn good coffee“.

Think re-fuelling smoothies and enormous breakfast and brunch sandwiches.

There’s barbecue restaurant Wood x Coal, which “captures the essence of Brighton and Hove’s spirited soul” by serving “smoky flavours with modern culinary twists”.

Among its best loved options are its pizzas, which are served overlooking to beach.

Bison Beer meanwhile is a local craft beer company and has two bars, with 14 different draft beer options as well as spirits, wine and cocktails.

Another part of Brighton set to be upgraded is its historic arches along the King’s Road.

The seafront arches are home to independent shops and beachfront cafes – and are set to undergo a £22million investment.

Later this year, the nearby Grade II listed Madeira Terrace will reopen  following a £750,000 revamp