pools

From huge indoor waterfalls to rooftop swimming pools

AIRPORTS are a gateway to travel – but some of them are so much more than that with swimming pools, indoor rainforests and panoramic sky decks.

Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s Best Awards’ named the top 10 airports – and sadly none are in the UK.

The impressive Singapore Changi Airport has the world’s biggest indoor waterfall Credit: Alamy
It has an airside hotel with a rooftop pool that’s open to all Credit: Unknown

The airports were declared the best by readers who voted in their thousands for their favourites in multiple categories for the publication.

At the very top of the ‘Best International Airports’ is Singapore Changi Airport which got a score of 95.19 out of 100.

Travel + Leisure said about Singapore Changi Airport: “Back on top after a two-year hiatus, this legendary hub has efficient operations, excellent hospitality, and eye-catching amenities like a butterfly garden and a swimming pool.”

It stretches across five square miles and no one could ever say it’s an ordinary airport.

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Inside is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a tropical rainforest, butterfly garden and even a hedge maze which is the largest in the country.

It also has a swimming pool and hot tub up on the roof at the airside Aerotel Singapore, which is even open to non-guests to watch the planes take off.

In second place is Doha’s Hamad International Airport which is the home base of Qatar Airways.

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski who visited called it the “ultimate layover destination“.

Hong Kong Airport has mountain views on Lantau Island Credit: Hong Kong Airport

She said: “Within a few hours I’d strolled through a tropical rainforest, tucked into traditional sweets in a souq and had a sumptuous massage in a tranquil spa where airport stresses melt into distant memories.”

“The Orchard is the airport’s indoor tropical garden, constructed in 2022 – tall leafy palms and lush, green banana plants flourishing in the sunlight under a glass dome.

“All of the shrubs are real. The birds hiding within them are not, although the chirping sounds floating from hidden speakers nearly had me fooled.

“I wasn’t surprised to catch passengers reading a book on the artificial grass, or cosying down in one of the wooden tipis – with the noise of the nearby waterfall muffling out the chaos of a busy airport, this is surely the most peaceful spot in Hamad International.”

Sophie calls Hamad International Airport the ‘ultimate layover destination’ Credit: Alamy
Zayed International Airport got a score of 91.24 out of 100 Credit: Alamy

Coming in third spot is Istanbul Airport followed closely by Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai International Airport also made it onto the list even though, surprisingly, the hub will eventually close in around 10 years time.

The airport which has a wellness spa, luxury boutiques and sleepover lounges will close to make way for Al Maktoum International Airport.

Hong Kong International Airport on the list has incredible surroundings from mountains on Lantau Island to the South China Sea.

Visitors can take it in on the Sky Bridge which is the world’s longest airside pedestrian bridge – and there’s a Sky Deck with 360-degree views.

Other winners include Tokyo Haneda Airport and Adelaide Airport in Australia.

Here are the Best International Airports…

Each airport got a score out of 100 by Travel + Leisure

  1. Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore – 95.19
  2. Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar – 93.96
  3. Istanbul Airport, Istanbul, Turkey – 92.13
  4. Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE – 91.24
  5. Dubai International Airport, Dubai, UAE – 91.06
  6. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong, China – 86.52
  7. Incheon International Airport, Incheon, South Korea – 85.90
  8. Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan – 85.29
  9. Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai, China – 84.83
  10. Adelaide Airport, Adelaide, Australia – 83.73



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7 places you can still enjoy £1 beers, private beaches & lagoon-style pools

REMEMBER when finding a £1 pint on holiday was the norm? Those days feel a long way off. 

Just like here in the UK, classic holiday hotspots have seen food and drink prices creep up over the last few years.

Holiday expert Rob Brooks has rounded up the destinations where a pint costs you £1 or less Credit: Rob Brooks
Not only do these holiday spots offer cheap pints, but Rob’s found a package deal to go with each Credit: Getty

And now, in plenty of major resorts, the old-school £1 beer is nothing more than a nostalgic memory.

But as a holiday expert, I knew the mythical £1 pint hadn’t vanished entirely.

So, I went digging, trawling holiday reviews and local expat forums and cross-referenced Facebook groups.

I even tapped up every contact I have working in hotels overseas.

And I have great news: the £1 pint is alive and kicking… you just have to know exactly which backstreets to turn down.

Even better, every single spot below is a destination where I clocked a full package holiday for under £400 per person. Or £401 if you want your first pint thrown in…

Benidorm, Spain

Benidorm remains one of the cheapest spots to visit in Spain, according to expert Rob Brooks Credit: http://www.onthebeach.co.uk

If there’s one destination refusing to let the £1 pint disappear quietly, it’s Benidorm.

People love to moan that the strip isn’t as cheap as it used to be, and to be fair, they’re almost right.

But every time I go looking for a proper value holiday, Benidorm still cleans up – and there’s one legendary venue everyone mentions: Uncle Ron’s.

They’re famously flying the flag for the €1 pint long after everyone else moved on, making it the ultimate first pitstop to prove the old-school Benidorm spirit is alive and kicking.

I even clocked a five-night stay at the Terralta Apartments, flying direct from Bristol at the end of September on a self-catering basis, from just £260pp.

Aside from putting you well within striking distance of Uncle Ron’s, the real draw at this hotel is the massive lagoon-style pool area that features its own dedicated poolside supermarket.

It means you can stock your apartment fridge with cheap local snacks and ice-cold cans at local residents’ prices without having to lug heavy shopping bags back from the town centre.

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Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Sunny Beach in Bulgaria has plenty of affordable hotels, as well as buget-friendly spots to eat and drink Credit: http://www.onthebeach.co.uk

Sunny Beach has spent years dominating the European holiday market when it comes to budget trips, and in 2026 it certainly hasn’t lost its crown.

The beaches and weather here really live up to the name, and your spending money stretches ridiculously far when you get there.

Whenever I’ve visited, I’ve stopped bothering to convert prices back into pounds after day one because everything is just SO cheap.

For the ultimate bargain brew though, Bulgaria-obsessed holidaymakers point straight to The Funny Pub, which regularly slashes its local lager prices down to the £1 mark during daytime promotions.

You can lock in five nights at the Aparthotel Cote Da Zure, flying direct from Luton on a self-catering basis, from a crazily low £160pp.

And the perk of this specific property is that every room comes with a proper, deep balcony overlooking a quiet green pine forest lot.

It gives you a peaceful, scenic spot to pre-drink your bargain beers before heading out onto the main prom to chase £1 pints all night.

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Marmaris, Turkey

Holiday expert Rob Brooks recommends a trip to the Crazy Daisy Bar in Marmaris for a cheap pint Credit: Getty

Every time I check booking data, Marmaris tends to dominate the dashboard.

Thanks to the great exchange rate, British holidaymakers get unbelievable buying power the second they step off the plane.

When I asked around to find out where experts would send a mate for a rock-bottom pint, the Crazy Daisy Bar topped the list, famously keeping local draft beers around the £1 mark during their extended afternoon happy hours.

So I went and tracked down five nights at the Grand Villa Sol Apart, flying direct from Manchester in September on a self-catering basis, from £335pp.

And the restaurant team at this hotel are kind of famous too.

They cook up a traditional Turkish clay-pot stew on-site that beats most of the overpriced tourist traps on the main marina, letting you secure a top-tier local meal for pocket change right by your sunbed.

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Sarande, Albania

You can book an entire package holiday at Hotel Vola, which has a private beach, from £235pp Credit: Getty

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep shouting it from the rooftops: if you want to catch the next massive travel trend before the crowds ruin it, get to Albania.

The water is stunningly clear, the Balkan scenery is stellar, and because the tourism infrastructure is still developing, the prices haven’t quite caught up with the quality yet.

When asked about tracking down a £1 pint here, a couple of people in the office laughed and told me I’d probably get change back from a quid if I ordered a local lager at Jericho Cocktail Bar on the front.

I found a six-night stay at Hotel Vola, flying direct from Luton with breakfast included, from just £235pp. And for a coastal spot that feels like a hidden Mediterranean secret, which is huge value.

The standout feature at this hotel, for me, is the private beach access.

They have cordoned off a quiet, rocky swimming platform directly below the hotel with free loungers.

This allows you to bypass the crowded public beach clubs and swim in the exact same pristine Ionian water for zero extra cost.

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Book a six-night stay with breakfast at Hotel Vola, flying direct from London Luton on September 30, from £235pp.

BOOK HERE

Ayia Napa, Cyprus

The Green Bungalows Hotel Apartments in Ayia Napa offers stylish bungalows facing a large swimming pool Credit: http://www.onthebeach.co.uk

Ayia Napa still suffers from a bit of an old-school 90’s clubbing reputation, which I think is really unfair.

The coast here boasts some of the finest sand in Europe, the sea is bath-warm well into autumn, and because it sits so far south, you get guaranteed scorching sun long after the rest of Europe has started cooling down.

If you want a £1 beer here, head straight to Senior Frog’s, where they regularly run afternoon drink promos designed to keep your spending money intact.

I found a great deal nearby too, with five nights at the Green Bungalows Hotel Apartments, flying direct from Gatwick at the end of September on a self-catering basis, from £275pp – which makes this deal an absolute shoulder season winner. 

And what I loved about these bungalows was the outdoor hot tub and courtyard setup – they’ve built a massive, open-air hot tub right beside the main pool bar, meaning you can wind down in the evening heat with a cheap drink without having to head into the busiest parts of the resort.

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Laganas, Zante

Head to the Rescue Club in Laganas, Zante to bag a pint for less than a pound Credit: Alamy

Zante is another island that gets judged far too quickly based on the main strip. 

Walk ten minutes away from the neon signs and you’re looking at beautiful turtle-nesting beaches, traditional family tavernas, and some of the clearest water in Greece.

For a budget pint, the Rescue Club is the staple shout, running massive seasonal daytime promos that knock local drafts down to the £1 mark.

I even found five nights at the Acapulco Marinos Apartments, flying direct from Manchester at the end of September on a self-catering basis, from £385pp.

It’s a cracking price for a Greek island, and what I love about this family-run spot is their on-site traditional olive grove garden… Not what you’d expect in Zante, eh?

The family actually harvests their own olives right on the grounds to make homemade oil for the pool bar snacks, giving you a proper, authentic slice of Greek island hospitality right at your sunbed.

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Prague, Czech Republic

You could book a city break to Prague for £175pp before settling down to a lager for under £1 Credit: Getty

I couldn’t write an article about cheap beer without including the absolute capital of lager.

No, it doesn’t have a beach, but if your idea of a holiday involves wandering historic cobbled streets and dropping into ancient beer halls, it’s unbeatable.

While the centre has indeed gotten pricier over the years, lots of people pointed me toward U Zlateho Tygra (don’t ask me how to pronounce that), a historic pub where a world-class Czech Pilsner still costs around about a quid.

You can grab a city break at the Bohem Prague Hotel, flying direct from Bristol in early September on a room-only basis, from just £175pp (is it me, or are trains to and from Manchester and London more expensive than that these days?)

The real win at the Bohem though is its location in the Smichov district.

This hotel sits completely outside the overpriced tourist zones, putting you right next to the local Staropramen neighborhood bars where food and drink prices drop by 50 per cent compared to the Old Town Square.

Cheers to that!

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You can grab a room-only city break for three nights at the Bohem Prague Hotel, flying direct from Bristol from September 6, from £175pp.

BOOK HERE

All prices were accurate at the time of writing but may vary.

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I stayed at the Greek island resorts right on the beach with lagoon pools and island day trips

I HAVE normally necked far too much Ouzo the night before to rise with the sun during a holiday in gorgeous Greece.

But my eyes are being opened, literally, to a much more wholesome and healthy way to start the day here on the island of Crete.

This Crete resort right on the beach has lagoon pools and island day trips, pictured Old Venetian Harbour Credit: Getty
Steve Corbett takes to the blue Med Credit: Supplied

While my downward dog should arguably be put down, as my balance has gone walkies, the sound of the Cretan Sea gently lapping at the shore does make a sunrise yoga session surprisingly satisfying.

Never mind sinking sambuca shots, this is how holidays should be — relaxing, restful and geared towards recuperation.

I’m staying at Giannoulis Santa Marina Plaza, a 4* adults-only hotel tailored to a quieter and more authentic Cretan vacation.

Superbly serene, with a calming, child-free environment, it’s right on the golden, sandy, Blue Flag-rated Agia Marina beach.

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My double room is small but comfortably formed, with an ensuite bathroom, TV and compact balcony to enjoy the sunrise over Kri-Kri island (more on that later).

With just 51 rooms and suites at this boutique hotel, even at full occupancy you’ll always get a sun bed.

The food is as good as you’d expect in Greece — super souvlaki, terrific tzatziki, outstanding olive oil — but the jewel in the crown is the hospitality.

From reception staff to the waiters and cleaners, this family-run resort is full of welcoming faces, attentive and always ready with a friendly “kalimera” (good morning) or “kalispera” (good evening).

The majority of guests are couples, over 50, enjoying the easy-going vibe.

By day, the only activity is people rising from a sun lounger for a refreshing dip in the pool or sea.

By night, it’s all about a game of cards on your balcony or a casual al fresco dinner by candlelight.

Crucially, this tranquil base is only 20 minutes — by bus, right outside the hotel, or taxi — from Chania, Crete’s charming old town, where ancient architecture meets a more modern city.

It’s an easy-on-the-eye cultural hub, with shops carved into honey-coloured stone walls, restaurants, cute cafes and churches.

After a few relaxed hours searching for souvenirs down its narrow, cobbled streets and snapping away at the beautiful Venetian harbour and 16th-century lighthouse, it’s time for a change of location, as I head west along the coast to Giannoulis’s sister hotel, Cavo Spada.

A much larger complex, with 150 deluxe rooms and suites, this sporty 5* leisure and spa resort is more suited to active holidaymakers. With tennis and padel courts, an assault course, a running track and indoor and outdoor gyms kitted out with top-quality equipment, its facilities are so good that the Swedish Olympic team use it for their training camps.

You can take part in a calendar of events ranging from spinning to body combat.

Sprawling pool is great for relaxing evenings Credit: Supplied
Cavo Spada offers excellent dining facilities Credit: Supplied

But that’s not my idea of a holiday.

Instead, I take advantage of the ­all-inclusive board to sample the decent cocktail menu at the bar overlooking the huge lagoon pool at the heart of the resort.

After over-exerting my right arm with the repeated lifting of a pina colada from table to mouth, I head to the on-site spa for a full-body massage, followed by a sauna and steam room.

Clearly a gem of a resort for keep-fit couples, it’s also a good option for families, with a kids’ outdoor playground and indoor play room.

And it’s just a short taxi ride from Kolymbari port, where I clamber aboard a catamaran for a half-day at sea. Destination — Kri-Kri island.

Our deckhand tells us of the ancient Greek mythology that Kri-Kri — AKA Thodorou island — was created when a massive sea monster and its child were turned to stone by Crete’s protector Poseidon, God of the Sea.

Now it’s a breeding ground for the protected Kri-Kri wild goat.

And while anchoring up for some paddleboard play and a snorkel in clear azure water, it’s fun to see if you can spot any of the cliff-climbing goats.

Having worked up an appetite thanks to all that, well, relaxing, back at the hotel’s Azzuro restaurant I really get stuck into a sensational a-la-carte option with Michelin star-worthy food.

After another cocktail workout (my right arm really is doing the heavy lifting on this break), I educate myself with two mainstays of Greek culture.

A complimentary olive-oil tasting session (FYI: trust the Cretan chef and store your olive oil in the fridge) is followed by wine-tasting with the hotel’s maitre d’.

I could quite easily finish a bottle of the white — an indigenous Vidiano.

But like I have done since arriving in Crete, I’m taking it easy — I’ve got another yoga session at sunrise.

Relax in style at Cavo Spada spa Credit: Supplied

GO: Crete

GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ half-board at Giannoulis Santa Marina Plaza is from £913pp, including flights from Birmingham on October 20, transfers and 20kg hold luggage.

Seven nights’ half-board at Giannoulis Cavo Spada Sports & Leisure Resort is from £782pp including flights from Bournemouth on October 9, transfers and 20kg hold luggage.

See tui.co.uk.

MORE INFO: For details of Giannoulis Hotels & Resorts, go to giannoulishotels.com.

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Mega European holiday parks with massive pools and beaches that you can book with £9.50 Holidays

FANCY bagging a sunny getaway at a European resort from £9.50?

You don’t need to spend a fortune to book a family break abroad, because our famous £9.50 Hols unlock some of the biggest and best holiday resorts across Europe.

You can book a stay at Park Umag in Istria, Croatia with Sun Hols from £9.50 Credit: Euro Camp
Hundreds of holidays from £9.50 will become available on July 8, but Sun Club members can bag them a day early Credit: Euro Camp

We’re talking massive pool complexes, thrilling waterslides, and doorstep access to gorgeous beaches – plus quirky perks like on-site bakeries with fresh bread delivered straight to your door.

Good news – new dates will be released for all of the following European holiday parks plus more on Wednesday, July 8.

But if you want to beat the crowds and bag yourself a bargain before they all sell out, make sure to sign up to Sun Club.

Sun Club members will get exclusive access to these holidays an entire day early, scoring the best deals before anybody else.

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Whether you want to lounge under banana trees in Spain, explore ancient Rome from a shaded pine forest, or splash in Croatia’s clear blue seas, these action-packed parks have something for everyone.

Here’s our selection of the mega European holiday parks you can book with Hols from £9.50.

La Torre del Sol, Costa Dorada, Spain

La Torre del Sol in Spain’s Costa Dorada is just one of hundreds of parks in the £9.50 Hols top-up Credit: Euro Camp

While the kids are busy splashing around in a dedicated pirate pool and splash park, adults can kick back with a cocktail under the shade of lush banana trees at La Torre del Sol.

Centred around a massive swimming pool, this pretty resort is styled with Roman and Moorish designs.

There are plenty of ways to keep the energy high with table tennis, bike rentals, and evening family discos.

But the best way to unwind at this resort is going for a relaxing soak in a hot tub in the unique shape of a snake.

Millau Plage, France

Millau Plage in France has activities like football, paddle-boarding and canoing available Credit: Euro Camp

Sat on the edge of France‘s Tarn River among rolling green hills and deep rock gorges, this holiday park is a total outdoor playground.

Here you can set off on a canoe or paddleboard onto the water, have a game of basketball or football on the multi-sports pitch, plus kids can tire themselves out on the outdoor adventure course.

Plus you could even hire a bike on-site and load up a picnic with fresh food from the park’s very own bakery, then pedal off to explore the nearby town of Millau.

When you return, you can unwind in your modern holiday home. Each spacious unit comes with full self-catering facilities and a private outdoor space.

Fabulous, Lazio, Italy

Fabulous in Lazio, Italy has a huge outdoor pool and splash park, plus a lazy river and waterslide Credit: Euro Camp

Surrounded by a sprawling 70 acres of beautiful pinewoods, Fabulous is an aptly-names resort that sits on Italy‘s Ostia coast.

The area was once a bustling port city in Ancient Rome, and while there is plenty of history and nature here to explore, the resort itself is packed with top tier amenities.

You can spend your days alternating between a massive outdoor pool and a lazy lagoon, catching thrills on the waterslide, or soaking in the whirlpool.

Plus the resort is a convenient 30-minute drive away from the centre of Rome, where you can tick off all of the must-see sites and restaurants.

Bella Austria

Bella Austria is surrounded by bright green fields, rolling hills and meadows Credit: Euro Camp

Set in a landscape of massive mountains and vibrant meadows, Bella Austria looks just like a film set.

Tucked away in the rural Katschtal Valley, this active park is built for outdoor adventures.

Nature lovers can set off on scenic hiking trails, guided countryside tours, and cycling routes down to the nearby Mur River.

When you aren’t out exploring the local villages, the resort keeps the whole family happy with a mini animal farm, sports pitches, and a traditional Austrian wellness area complete with saunas.

Park Umag, Istria, Croatia

Park Umag in Istria, Croatia has activities like water zorbing and a giant inflatable obstacle course Credit: Euro Camp

Facing the turquoise Adriatic Sea, Park Umag is a massive, lively resort on Croatia‘s Istrian peninsula.

With direct beach access, it features two miles of waterfront promenade and Blue Flag beaches that are perfect for exploring on hired bikes.

When you aren’t off exploring the local beaches, the site keeps everyone busy with two seafront pools, waterslides, water zorbing and an inflatable obstacle course.

There’s also four restaurants, a pizzeria as well as supermarkets and a traditional market on-site – so you won’t go hungry.

Orbitur Valverde, The Algarve, Portugal

Orbitur Valverde sits between Lagos and Praia da Luz in The Algarve, Portugal Credit: Euro Camp

Imagine waking up to freshly-baked bread delivered to your door before spending the day out exploring the Portuguese coast.

That’s what’s on offer with a stay at Orbitur Valverde, a holiday park ideal for those who love the outdoors.

Tucked between The Algarve‘s Lagos and Praia da Luz, the resort has a wealth of dramatic coastal walks and sweeping sandy beaches right on your doorstep.

On-site there’s an action-packed itinerary of golfing, horse riding, and scenic boat trips that will fill your days with adventure.

All the ways to book your holiday from £9.50

There are six ways to book our Holidays From £9.50 – however Sun Club members gain access an entire day early

  1. Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 per month. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any code words or Sun Savers codes. Sun Club members can book from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 7 2026.
  2. Collect codes then book online: Simply collect five out of 20 code words printed in The Sun daily from Saturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking. Code collectors will be able to book from Wednesday, July 8.
  3. 12-Page pullout – Gather codes from the pullout on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking.
  4. Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect five Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspapers from Saturday, July 4, 2026. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Wednesday, July 8.
  5. Book by post: Collect five of the code words printed in The Sun each day from Saturday July 4 to Thursday, July 23, 2026. Cut the code word out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
  6. Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Digital Newspaper subscribers can book from Wednesday, July 8.

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All of the new lidos set to open in the UK from city swimming pools to beachfront splash parks

THE UK is home to over 160 lidos and soon there will be more with a number of new pools set to open.

Following other new openings this year – including Canary Wharf Sea Lanes – here are the latest new spots to keep your eye on.

A number of new lidos are opening across the UK including in Valentines Park in London Credit: Redbridge Council
Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.

Valentines Park Lido, London

At Valentine Park Lido, there will also be saunas and a gym Credit: Redbridge Council

Years in the making, Valentines Park Lido will be in Valentines Park in Ilford, East London with a pool that stretches 25 metres and boast six lanes.

There will also be a spa pool, steam room, plunge pool and treatment rooms.

And kids won’t be left out either, as there will be a splash pad too.

After having fun in the pool, you can head to the onsite cafe for a bite to eat.

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The site will also be home to a gym, dance and exercise studio, meeting room and an outdoor picnic area ideal for soaking up the sunshine.

The lido was meant to open this summer, but this has been pushed back with no new opening date announced yet.

Holt Town, Manchester

Manchester is planning its first open-air pool in 40 years Credit: democracy.manchester.gov.uk

As part of a project to transform Holt Town into a ‘woodland neighbourhood’, there will be a new lido.

It will be the first open-air pool in the city for 40 years and would be on Cyrus Street, which is currently an overgrown backroad.

The wider project will include rejuvenating 15 acres of green space and launching a new cultural hub.

No opening date has been announced yet.

Porthcawl, Wales

Porthcawl is looking to open a lido next to the marina Credit: Porthcawl Council

Porthcawl in Wales could be getting a new outdoor lido.

The lido would be at Salt Lake, opposite to the marina and would also feature a gym, a restaurant, a cafe and other facilities.

The lido would also be part of a wider project to add fairground rides to the area, as well as new shops, cafes and bars.

And if that wasn’t enough there will also be a site for motorhomes and touring caravans as well.

Other plans suggest that a splash pad could also eventually be built at the site, as well as mini golf and a skate park.

The site is set to start being built in 2027.

Swansea saltwater lido, Wales

A saltwater in Swansea could open as part of a wider regeneration plan Credit: Swansea Council

Also in Wales, a saltwater lido is set for Swansea, at the redeveloped Civic Centre.

In fact, the entire waterfront area could be getting upgraded with a pier as well as the lido as part of a £20million project.

The saltwater lido will be a first for the city too, with other parts of the project include opening an aquarium, rooftop terrace and apartments.

No opening date has been announced yet.



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Is this the coolest campsite? Spanish resort has tropical waterpark and Maldives-like pools

An image collage containing 4 images, Image 1 shows A swimming pool with palm trees and gazebos in the background, Image 2 shows Tropical waterpark with a thatched-roof pool bar and swimming pool, Image 3 shows Water slide attraction with a large stone head sculpture, palm trees, and a person splashing into a pool, Image 4 shows Modern bungalows with a thatched pergola and palm trees next to a light-colored swimming pool

CAMPSITES are getting cooler – letting you have a family holiday with all the frills but without the expensive costs.

One of the most fun ones on the block is Alannia Costa Blanca Resort in Spain, one of the largest of it’s kind in the country.

There’s a campsite in Spain that people are saying has pools like the Maldives Credit: Alannia Resorts
Alannia Costa Blanca Resort isn’t a tent campsite, but with lodges instead Credit: Alannia Resorts

The five-star camping resort isn’t one where you’ll be pitching tents, but instead with holiday lodges instead.

But the main attraction is its huge tropical waterpark, with Indonesian Island stone heads overlooking it.

It has loads of pools (one of which is heated) as well as slides and splash zones.

Adults can head over to the spa centre or gyms, if they want a break, or take the kids to the many sports facilities including tennis and padel.

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You won’t have to leave the resort for anything – even with a hair salon and supermarket on-site.

Otherwise the main restaurant has both local and international dishes, or grab drinks and ice creams from the poolside bar.

The resort has poolside bars, heated pools and waterslides Credit: Alannia Resorts
There are loads of spots like tennis and padel on offer as well Credit: Alannia Resorts

When the sun goes down, there is lots to do as well with a vast programme of activities including discos, shows and bingo.

While the resort isn’t on the beach, the nearby Costa Blanca coastline is around 20 minutes away by car.

If you’re visiting in the peak summer season, expect prices to be around £1,719 for a week’s stay.

Visit outside of the peak summer season and you’ll pay just £554 for a week’s stay – and with lodges sleeping five, this works out to just £16 each a night.

There is loads for kids too with splash parks and smaller slides
Stays can be found for £554 for the week outside of the school holidays Credit: Alannia Resorts

Rooms range from premium two and three-bedroom holiday homes to larger lodges and chalets.

Families have raved about the campsite online, with one saying it was the “best camping site they had been to”.

Another said the pools “make you think you’re in Thailand“.

A third added: “The Tahiti pool is out of this world. Felt like we were in the Maldives.”



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Best Los Angeles pools for lap swimming and summer fun

When summer hits the San Fernando Valley, finding ways to cool off is a must, which is why my kids grew up swimming at the Verdugo Aquatic Facility in Burbank.

(When it closed for upgrades, the kids on our street were so bereft that they set up a lemonade stand, hoping it would help expedite the pool’s reopening.)

The pool is open year-round, but it’s especially popular in the summer, when it offers recreational swimming, swim lessons starting at 6 months old, a junior lifeguard program, lap swimming and other sports.

There’s a fun activity pool for kids ages 4 and under, with waterslides, dumping water buckets, a play area and a shallow wading pool with a beach-style entry. Chaise longues, picnic tables with umbrellas, and multiple lifeguards give the public pool a resort feel.

On a recent Friday, the main Olympic-sized pool was busy with families, but there were still plenty of lanes open for lap swimming. I tried a Monday evening Aquatic NoodleFit class, where you use a pool noodle for low-impact resistance training while standing in the center of the pool. The instructor, Karen Eldridge, was warm and welcoming and gave clear instructions, even working up a sweat herself as we followed her moves on the pool deck. The workout was challenging and fun, but not overwhelming for students of all levels, body types and ages, thanks to the water’s support.

During the week, the activity pool is usually not crowded, but on weekends, staff closely monitor capacity as it can get busy. Burbank residents get priority and can buy presale wristbands online at BurbankParks.com from Monday to Friday between 9 and 10 a.m. If you can’t get into the activity pool, don’t worry. The recreational pool is a fun and easy backup option.

Size: 50 by 18 meters
Temperature: 80 to 82
Swim lanes: 7
Depth: 2.5 feet to 8 feet and a 12-foot diving well
Admission: Lap swimming, $5 to $9. Monthly membership, $41 to $96. Activity pool, $4. Water fitness classes are subscription-based and range from $99 to $110, depending on the class. (My Aquatic NoodleFit class costs $109 as a nonresident for an 11-class series).
Parking: Free.
Hours: Lap swimming, 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Recreational swimming, 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Extras: Activity pool, snack bar, vending machines.

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After algae clean-up effort, Reflecting Pool’s painted blue bottom is peeling

U.S. National Park Service employees are pictured using a vacuum pump to clean algae off the bottom of the newly repainted Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, which on Friday started peeling and floating to the top of the pool. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo

June 19 (UPI) — After cleaning algae from the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool weeks after its $15 million renovation, the Interior Department now has to deal with blue paint applied to its bottom peeling off.

President Donald Trump‘s renovation of the national monument was meant to clear the water and prevent algae, and included painting the bottom of the pool “American Flag Blue” in the effort to improve it’s look.

The Reflecting Pool has for decades been known for some algae and unclear water, though it was designed to reflect the Washington Monument and sky rather than appear similar to other fountains and water features at monuments that have filtration systems that prevent water from being still enough to reflect their surroundings.

The pool’s new paint job was meant as an upgrade ahead of celebrations for the 250th birthday of the United States of America but after it was refilled following the paint job, green sludge started appearing on the water’s surface — and on Friday, chunks of paint could be seen floating to its top, as well.

The Interior Department on Friday told The Washington Post that it is treating the pool with hydrogen peroxide and a “high-tech nanobubble ozone technology” to prevent algae growth.

Swimming pool experts told The Post that it is possible the resurfacing was improperly installed, or that there could be water seeping under the repainted surface that is causing it to peel.

In posts on X on Wednesday, as the department started treating the water to reduce algae blooms, officials reported that some parts of the pool had seen clearer water as a result.

“The nanobubbler technology and vacuuming have been incredibly effective,” the Interior Department said in one post, “making the water crystal clear with the American Flag Blue coating shining brightly on the bottom of the pool.”

The cost to repaint the pool, along with other enhancements the administration has made, cost more than $14.65 million for the main contract on the work, with another $1.74 million paid to a separate company for the nano bubble technology that is expected to kill algae in the pool, ABC News reported.

According to a lawsuit filed by The Cultural Landscape Foundation, a thorough review of the renovation plans before the administration started work may have identified “potential problems — like algae and exfoliating paint — and, perhaps, suggest solutions.”

“Instead, the Park Service granted themselves a ‘streamlined review,’ which they admitted was done under pressure from ‘White House leadership,'” the TCLF’s CEO Charles Birnbaum told The Post.

President Donald Trump presents a Medal of Honor to Tom Ripley on behalf of his father, John W. Ripley, during a Medal of Honor award ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Thursday. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo

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The huge £585million indoor water resort with 18 slides and 20 pools

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Illustration of people enjoying a large indoor waterpark with palm trees, water slides, and multiple swimming pools, Image 2 shows Illustration of the Therme Singapore facility, a large, multi-story building with a wavy roof design and extensive glass walls, surrounded by lush green landscapes and palm trees, with a pool and people relaxing outdoors, Image 3 shows Illustration of Therme Singapore's wellness sanctuary with thermal pools, art, and coastal nature, featuring people relaxing and walking in a green park

A MASSIVE indoor water resort the size of nine football pitches is set to open – and a similar one is coming to the UK.

Therme Singapore has confirmed that it will be opening in 2030, with works set to start.

Therme Singapore is opening in 2030 – and is similar to one coming to the UK Credit: Therme Singapore

The 720,000sqft attraction will be set across seven levels, with a range of activities based around water and wellness.

Set to cost S$1billion (£584million), inside will be 20 swmming pools, 18 waterslides and 70 treatment rooms for health and wellness.

There will be three zones – Play, Relax and Restore.

Play will be home to the water slides, as well as kids pools and a wave pool while Relax will have mineral and hydrotherapy pools.

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Restore will be the wellness area, with everything from steam rooms and saunas to cold punges and massage rooms.

Not only will there be hundreds of thousands of plants inside, but it will remain at around 30C all year round.

Inside will also be a huge dining area with restaurants and food spaces.

When it opens, it hopes to eventually welcome up to two million visitors.

It will have three themed zones as well as pools and waterslides Credit: Therme Singapore
It will be the size of nine football pitches Credit: Therme Singapore

But if Singapore is a bit too far for you, you can get excited by these images as a similar one is opening in the UK.

Therme Manchester is also opening in 2030, and claims it will be the biggest paid for attraction in the UK with three million tourists a year.

The £500million indoor water resort will be across 28 aces, with similar Play, Restore and Relax zones like the one in Singapore.

This will include a indoor beach, year-round 33C temperatures as well as pools and slides.

David Russell, CEO of Therme UK said: “There won’t be anywhere in this country that has the facilities we have.”

Other sides include Therme Bucharest in Romania and Therme Erdin in Germany.

The Singapore resort is set to cost £586million – more than the one in the UK Credit: Therme Singapore

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All of the UK’s outdoor pools and lidos mapped as temperatures set to hit 30C

With another heatwave on the way, which could see temperatures hit 30C, Brits can find their nearest outdoor pool or lido using our interactive map

While the weather is looking pretty damp and miserable across the UK right now, the Met Office has predicted a return to summer very soon.

By the end of this week, it’s forecast that parts of the country will be seeing 30C temperatures again, and the UK is set to be hotter than Ibiza on Father’s Day. So, you might be wondering where you can go to enjoy a cooling dip in a safe environment, and luckily, there are lots of incredible outdoor pools and lidos that’ll give you holiday vibes right on your doorstep.

Our interactive map, based on data from the swimming enthusiasts from allthelidos.co.uk, shows a huge variety of places where you can get some lane swimming in, or just go for a splash around with the kids.

Before you set off, make sure you check the official website of the pool facility you’re visiting. While most outdoor pools are now open for the summer, some have reduced opening hours until the peak times of July and August.

Included on the map are lidos such as the Sea Lanes in Brighton, an outdoor pool opened in 2023 which offers views of the seaside town’s shingle beaches while you swim. The complex also includes a wellness hub and a selection of food and drink outlets.

If you’re in the south east, an option that’ll make you feel like you’re on holiday is the Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent. It has drawn comparisons with pools in the Mediterranean thanks to its bright white colour scheme and fun waterslides.

Over in Cornwall, the Jubilee Pool in Penzance makes for an unforgettable swim. This classic Art Deco-style lido first opened in 1935, and it’s the UK’s largest seawater pool. Naturally heated by the ocean, it’s usually a couple of degrees warmer than taking a dip on the beach, and there’s also a Geothermal Pool that can reach 28 to 30C.

Inverclyde Leisure Gourock Outdoor Pool has the distinction of being Scotland’s oldest outdoor heated pool, and indie music fans may recognise it from the cover of Blur’s 2023 album The Ballad of Darren. The pool uses heated water from the Firth of Clyde, which is filtered and kept at a temperature of around 29C. The facility also has a kids’ pool and gym.

Many UK lidos have fallen into disrepair in the past few years, only to be brought back to life with investments from local councils that have turned them into major community hubs.

One such success story is Hilsea Lido near Portsmouth, which closed its doors to swimmers in 2022 before getting a £7.75 million renovation. In addition to its pool., the centre built a new sauna for post-swim sessions, new changing rooms and toilets, plus an ice cream parlour and food van. The pool’s operator told the BBC: “We want it to feel like a holiday at home for the local community.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

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Europe’s biggest indoor waterpark with 18 pools, swim up bars and very exotic spas now MUCH easier to travel to

WATER slides, themed saunas, pool bars and a spa – could somewhere be more fun?

Suntago Water Park in Poland is the biggest indoor waterpark in Europe, offering enough fun for a multi-day visit.

The waterpark has 18 pools in total Credit: Suntago: Indoor Water Park
Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.

And now, it is even easier for tourists to head to the park as a new bus service runs directly from Warsaw Chopin Airport to the park.

Having launched on June 1, the bus service will run until the end of the season on August 31.

The service from the airport takes around 45 minutes, runs a few times a day in each direction and costs around £13.20 return.

Visitors can also hop on a bus from Warsaw taking about 55 minutes and running each hour for £9.14 return.

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Or catch one from Żyrardów taking about 20 minutes and running several times a day for £4.06 return.

Inside, the park really is huge with 18 pools, 35 slides and numerous saunas.

When it comes to the pools there are several featuring different minerals or chemical elements that have different health benefits.

For example, you could take a dip in the magnesium pool (34C), which is rumoured to help skin disorders as well as relax muscles.

A number of the pools feature mineral benefits Credit: Suntago: Indoor Water Park

On the other hand, if you want to soothe dry skin then head to the calcium pool (34C).

Other mineral pools include a lithium pool to reduce stress, a potassium pool which can help with reducing blood pressure and a sulphur pool ideal for visitors who suffer with joint issues.

If you’re not into mineral pools though and would rather go for a swim, then you can head to the outdoor pool instead, with a swim-up bar for a tipple.

Another outdoor pool even has a hot tub and – instead of a lazy river – a ‘crazy river’.

Back inside, there’s a bubbling spring pool (32C) and a wave pool, both ideal for relaxing and having a splash.

Though for a bit more fun, make sure to head on the Mamba Adventure River that’s a 130-metre long pool through a cave-like area with glowing green lights.

Little ones aren’t left out either as there is a baby pool right next to a Pirates’ Playground.

And for those want it a bit of fun there are 35 different waterslides Credit: Suntago: Indoor Water Park

But there is more fun for kids than this, with 35 different waterslides across five floors.

These include three snake-themed rides where you even come out of a snake’s mouth.

On Anaconda, for example, you’ll be launched nearly 20 metres before racing through a number of twists and bends.

If you are brave enough there is another waterslide called Teleport, which features a fast and unexpected drop.

Families wanting to stick together can try out Toucan and Arara in four-person rafts or get competitive on racing waterslides.

If all those pools and slides weren’t enough, there’s also more than 13 different heated rooms, including saunas and a frigidarium.

There are more than 10 saunas at the waterpark too Credit: Suntago: Indoor Water Park

There’s a classic wooden sauna with a viking-themed twist, heated to a near-boiling 95C and an Egyptian Village where there are five saunas themed around different areas of Egypt including the Sahara Desert.

If you like the idea of a sauna but don’t want it too hot, head to the Korean Sauna, that is 38C and also plays calming music.

Or for something more exciting, head into the Aquarium Sauna with a number of fish tanks to watch.

You could also be transported to the Maldives in the Paradise Beach sauna or to Mont Blanc in the chilly frigidarium which is -7C.

One of the pools is set in a cave-like area as well Credit: Suntago: Indoor Water Park

Last but not least, there is a salt grotto which has a “seaside-like microclimate” and blocks upon blocks of salt ideal for helping your nervous system.

If you want to level up your wellness experience, there is a spa onsite too.

After all the splashing about and relaxing, if you want a bite to eat there are a number of restaurants and cafes onsite.

You can make even it a whole weekend event by staying at the Suntago Village, just five minutes from the park.

Kids can only access the Jamango zone where you’ll find pools and the slides, costing from £20.10 a day.

On the other hand adults can access the Jamango zones, as well as the Relax and Saunaria zones from £33.30 a day.



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I stayed at the beachfront TUI resort that feels more like Olympic Village with aquapark, 8 pools & loads of activities

Collage of a modern hotel and pool, an ancient amphitheater, and outdoor dining and lounge areas.

THE premise was sound, I still insist. Whisking sociable teens Reggie and Stanley away from distractions in the run-up to their A-levels and GCSEs for a week of intense relaxation and revision.

And so we headed to Tui’s Magic Life Jacaranda beach-front complex in Antalya, the jewel of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

The pool at Tui Magic Life Jacaranda Credit: Supplied
The stunning Roman amphitheatre Credit: Alamy

I realised my “no distractions” argument was a mistake as soon as the boys’ jaws dropped when we rolled up outside the stunning, marble-floored hotel and glimpsed our new home for the week.

We might as well have checked into Alton Towers, or Chessington World of Adventures.

Only those popular family theme parks don’t boast 5H opulence, eight swimming pools, a thrilling aqua park, sandy beach, huge buffet diner and six à la carte restaurants.

And for sports-mad youngsters, the complex — the size of 18 football pitches — boasts a gobsmacking array of facilities which makes it feel like you’re living in an Olympic Village.

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From tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, badminton and table tennis, to football, archery, darts and cycling, there’s something for everyone.

The hotel puts on daily group sessions and courses, with expert coaches on hand if guests want to pay for extra tuition.

There’s also canoeing or windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water-skiing or wakeboarding off the “Turquoise Coast”, aptly named for its stunning blue waters.

A well-equipped gym is open for more than 12 hours a day — a dream for an 18-year-old and 15-year-old needing to let off steam between hitting the books.

There’s a big indoor pool and spa offering treatments, while classes can also be booked for zumba, Pilates, yoga, aqua aerobics, spin cycling, shuffleboard and trampolining.

And dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs leave parents free to soak up the sun.

With the boys finding a window between the fun activities to do some revision, I tried out the “abs-blast workout”.

Despite the language barrier between the different nationalities, we were united in grunting and groaning as we were put through our paces in an outdoor fitness hut overlooking the sea.

Meanwhile, the Nordic walking class had a dozen intrepid guests gripping poles and striding off down the beach for a 45-minute cardio-busting thrashing.

Teenagers love their food — and with so many activities going on it’s easy to work up an appetite.

The main buffet was a dream for Reggie and Stan, with chefs rotating special cuisine nights including Turkish, Italian or Tex-Mex.

The fresh salads were incredible and cooks prepared pasta, grilled meats and flatbreads while we waited, mouths salivating.

Easy does it by the sea Credit: Supplied
Make a splash and enjoy windsurf fun Credit: Supplied

With breakfast from 7am till 11am, lunch from 12.30 till 4pm, and dinner stretching from 6.30pm till 9pm, it’s hard to imagine ever feeling hungry.

But a coffee house, beach and pool bars offer snacks all day, and the dedicated Wunderbar opens 24 hours, providing drinks and food to insomniac guests.

It’s tempting not to leave the complex. But for guests choosing a break from the idyllic swimming pools, there are day trips offering a chance to learn some of Turkey’s incredible history.

I chose a half-day trip to the nearby ancient port city of Side and its 1,400-year-old ruins.

There’s a huge Roman amphitheatre which used to seat 20,000 locals cheering on gladiators, while the 2nd-century seafront shrines, the Temples of Apollo and Athena, were simply awesome.

Strolling through the modern-day Side, stopping to browse the bazaars selling sizzling kebabs and chunks of delicious Turkish Delight, we stepped on glass walkways, revealing the ancient Roman streets below.

Back at the hotel, the rooms are airy, bright and comfortable.

The vast, five-floor main building offers beds close to the buffet and gym, and glorious views across the sprawling complex.

The main buffet was a dream for Reggie and Stan, with chefs rotating special cuisine nights including Turkish, Italian or Tex-Mex Credit: Supplied
Reggie and Stanley by the pool Credit: Supplied

Smaller, quieter rooms are available, spread throughout the gardens and closer to the gorgeous beach.

Some lucky guests can even opt for “swim-up” apartments, with a balcony stepping into one of the many shared pools.

The staff are friendly and happy to help.

A huge amphitheatre hosts professional shows at night, as well as movie nights and live music.

There are also themed parties and discos on site, and an indoor nightclub for guests wanting to boogie into the early hours.

Magic Life Jacaranda offers a classic “something for everyone” heavenly holiday — even for youngsters preparing for exams.

What the boys missed out on study hours, they more than made up for in memories that will last a lifetime.

Like most guests who have been lucky enough to experience this perfect holiday destination in southern Turkey — boasting blazing sun for more than 300 days a year — we’ll be returning as soon as possible.

GO: ANTALYA, TURKEY

GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4T+ Tui Magic Life Jacaranda is from £714pp based on two adults and two children sharing a Lake House double room with pool view and balcony.

Price includes flights from Gatwick on September 17, 20kg luggage and transfers.

See tui.co.uk, head to your local TUI holiday store or download our app.

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New multi-million pound indoor swimming pools to open in the UK

A NEW pool is set to open in Warwickshire – and it is on the site of some medieval ruins.

Located at Abbey Fields in Kenilworth, the new multi-million attraction will feature two indoor pools, a changing area and a “conservatory-style” cafe.

The new pools will open on July 11 Credit: Warwick District Council
Inside, it features two pools – the main pool and a family pool Credit: http://www.everyoneactive.com

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

One pool will be the main training pool, measuring 25-metres-long and will host most of the swimming lessons, lane swimming, family swimming sessions and aqua fitness classes.

The other pool will be more family-friendly and accessible measuring 15metres by eight metres and will also have a movable floor that reaches a depth of 1.8metres.

For some added family fun, this pool will also have interactive spray and splash features.

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And for disabled swimmers, there will be a ‘pool-pod’ lift to get into the pool as well.

Work at the site was set back six months after medieval ruins were discovered in 2023.

At the family pool there are a number of spray features Credit: http://www.everyoneactive.com
And a chair as well that helps disabled users access the pool Credit: http://www.everyoneactive.com

In total, at least five buildings were discovered as well as ceramics, both dating back to the 13th century.

The new pool will open to the public on July 11 and be open each Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm, and 7am to 5pm at weekends.

As for the cafe, visitors will be able to grab a range of drinks, snacks and light meals as well as sit outdoors looking over the parkland.

According to the BBC, Councillor Jim Sinnott said: “Having recently been shown round the new building and having seen the fantastic features and spec, I really can’t wait to see the new pools finally open for all in our community to enjoy.”



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The UK’s FREE lidos, sea pools and splash pads

SUNSHINE and hot weather in the UK has felt like a long time coming and finally this weekend it will reach highs of 30C – ideal for spending time at a lido.

And you are not short for choice when it comes to picking a lido – with over 100 across the country.

There are a number of lidos across the UK that are completely free to enter including Mount Wise Pools, in Plymouth Credit: Google maps
Another free spot is Summer Splash in Royal Docks, London Credit: Royal docks/Instagram

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Even though most charge admission fees (unless you’re a toddler), there are some gems that are free and others that have ways to get around paying.

Free to all

Whether it be a tidal pool or open-air lido, there are a number of venues around the UK that are completely free for everyone to visit.

For example, Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall is a semi-natural tidal pool, found right on the beach.

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In Margate, Kent, you could head to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool for free – it is Grade II listed and is the UK’s largest tidal pool.

Over in Wales, you could visit Blackpill Lido in Swansea, which also has a children’s play area and climbing rock.

Embedded in the rock, Pittenweem Tidal Pool in Fife, Scotland is another free tidal pool.

Also in Fife, you can head to St Monans Tidal Pool, which is next to a historic windmill.

Another great option down in Devon is Mount Wise Pools, which is free for everyone and boasts three pools – a 25-metre main pool, a fun pool with fountains, a whirlpool and a bubble pool and a paddling pool for kids.

As for paddling pools, you could head to Stoke Park paddling pool in Guildford.

There are a number of free splash pads too across the country, such as Great Hollands in Wokingham – which has 13 water soakers, two bucket drenchers, fountain jets and water tunnels.

Pittenweem pool on the Fife Coastal Path in Fife, Scotland, is in the rock Credit: Alamy

Free for certain age groups

Depending on your age, there might be some offers available to you at a lido or swimming spot near you.

For example, if you are under 16-years-old or over 60, you could head to Hamstead Heath Ponds in London, for free before 9:30am.

The same applies to Parliament Hill Lido in London.

It is worth checking whether any pools or lidos have age-related offers, with the most common being free entry for under 16s or 18s and for over 60s.

Free for local residents

There are some other lidos that offer free passes to certain groups such as Tooting Bec Lido Credit: Alamy

Your local council might give out free swim passes or access to lidos near you.

For example, if you are a Wandsworth resident in London, under 18-years-old, a student or from a low income household – you can swim for free at Tooting Bec Lido.

Often you will need to bring proof of address and age to get free access, but it is worth looking into if your area offers such a scheme.

Other offers

There are some other lido offers across the UK that can get you free access.

For example, there are many pop-up lidos across the UK, which are usually free to visit.

You could also head to Hamstead Heath Ponds for free if you are in a certain age group Credit: Alamy

For example, Summer Splash in East London is an outdoor lido that sits over the water at Royal Victoria Dock and will return between July 25 and August 17.

Another chance to get free entry is on open days, usually in September.

Across the UK, thousands of venues usually open their doors for free as part of England‘s largest festival of history and culture.

You will often find historic, Art Deco lidos participating.

Keep an eye out for lidos offering taster sessions too, which are usually free.



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Swimming pools, fabulous views and radical architecture: 30 UK holiday cottages with the wow factor | Cottages

Tourism experts are predicting a bumper year for “staycations” with more of us choosing to holiday in the UK due to continuing uncertainty around jet fuel prices and possible flight cancellations. Holidaymakers are spoilt for choice with more than 350,000 UK self-catering listings on booking platforms, from rustic barn conversions to seaside villas with all mod cons for large family gatherings.

We’ve done some of the leg work and whittled down a selection of cottages which all offer something special, whether it’s a stunning location, a breathtaking view or a level of comfort and style that wouldn’t be out of place in a boutique hotel.

ENGLAND

Standout design in Norfolk

As the Instagrammification of interiors makes holiday cottages increasingly difficult to tell apart, one place stands out: Riverbank in Hunworth. Opened last year by the family behind pocket-sized sister cottage Spinks Nest, this brick-and-flint workers’ cottage in the village of Hunworth, near Holt, deftly weaves together richly textured fabrics, pretty wallpapers, earthy heritage paints and carefully chosen vintage finds. Beneath its rustic cosiness, an exacting attention to detail extends to high-spec mattresses and some seriously whizzy kitchen appliances. Sit and read beside the chalk stream that winds through the garden, or head out for a stroll around North Norfolk’s bird-rich marshes and unspoilt beaches (Holkham is 30 minutes’ drive away).
Sleeps four adults (three beds can be added for children), from £1,940 a week, riverbanknorfolk.com

Fairytale seclusion in Bedfordshire

Photograph: John Miller

If you were looking for filming locations for Hansel and Gretel, Keeper’s Cottage would be a shoo-in as the gingerbread cottage. Deep within the Shuttleworth estate and surrounded by Scots pines, this former gamekeeper’s cottage was built in 1878 as part of a project to create a model estate. Rescued from dereliction and opened as a holiday cottage with refreshed interiors in 2007, it makes a romantic secluded base for exploring the estate’s vintage aircraft and Regency gardens. Alternatively, walk over to neighbouring Old Warden to peer at more model houses before stopping for a pint or a steak and stout pie at the Hare & Hounds.
Sleeps four, from £1,694 a week, landmarktrust.org.uk

A treasure chest in the North York Moors

Tucked amid the steep cobbled lanes and red-roofed cottages that totter down to the sea at Robin Hood’s Bay, Burnharbour is a two-bedroom hideaway painted in moody blue-green and ruby. With textile and design lecturers as owners, it’s like a live-in treasure chest, with shell-barnacled lampshades, a Zellige-tiled bathroom and a little library of carefully chosen books. Go rockpooling down at the shore, dillydally over coffee or lunch with a view at neighbouring cafe the Cove, follow one of the footpaths along the coast, or take a day trip to Whitby to explore the abbey, and eat chocolate “japs” at Botham’s or lemon-top ice-creams at the Sandside Bar.
Sleeps four, from £560 a week, baytownholidaycottages.co.uk

Artful upcycling in Cornwall

Among a hamlet of holiday cottages and shepherds’ huts a few miles inland from the beaches, rockpools and fish restaurants of Looe, Gamekeeper’s Cottage is a colourful and cosy two-bedroom retreat that has been artfully upcycled from a more dated predecessor. Kitchen cupboards have been painted apple green, a rainforest shower has been installed (along with glossy tiles) over the bath, and a wood burner now sits in the sitting room’s stone fireplace, surrounded by pretty floral wallpaper. That’s only half the story, though; as with all Cottage Orné’s properties, guests get access to an outdoor pool, sauna, meditation and yoga studio, and a crafting workshop.
Sleeps four, from £2,325 a week, cottageorne.com

A Georgian townhouse in Kent

In the centre of Deal, steps from the beach and handy for Sunday roasts at the Rose, or ramen at the Blue Pelican, Rogue’s Cottage stands out from a glut of pretty holiday properties in this cool Kent town. A dainty Georgian townhouse, it has been transformed by interior designer Ashley Ferry with a winning pairing of seaweed, saltwater and coral paintwork with furnishings that would please even the most grizzled of sea dogs – among them a deep copper bathtub, antique headboards and a dinky wood-burning stove. Better still, there’s a tiny courtyard terrace for dining away from the surrounding hubbub.
Sleeps four, from £1,055 a week, keeperscottages.co.uk

A mill in the Yorkshire Dales

Overlooking Lake Semerwater in Raydale, a quiet dale off Wensleydale, the 18th-century Silk Mill is one of three self-catering properties threaded across the Wood End estate (the other two are contemporary one-bedroom timber cottages). Elegantly refurbished by its owner, interior designer Jonathan Reed, the mill is well placed for hay meadow picnics, swims in the lake or hikes over to Hawes and beyond (go an extra mile or so for lunch at Simonstone Hall). Sit on the terrace listening for curlews, or enjoy some in-house art appreciation, admiring co-owner Graeme Black’s paintings of the surrounding trees. You can see more of them, plus works by other artists, at Thorns Gallery, also on the estate.
Sleeps four, from £2,392 a week, thorns.gallery/accommodation

A historic lookout, Devon

Sea views don’t get more full-frontal than those at Brandy Head Observation Post near Budleigh Salterton. It was built in 1940 for the RAF’s top-secret Gunnery Research Unit and restored from dereliction six years ago. On the South West Coast Path and accessible only on foot, its terrace makes a perfect vantage point for hikers and birders. With one double bed, two twin bunks, a shower room and an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, it’s a practical little base camp for forays to local beaches, along the paths that loop through the River Otter Estuary nature reserve, or to Otterton Mill for farm shop foraging and live folk music.
Sleeps six, £900 a week, stantyway.com

A hideaway in the Peak District

In the former lead-mining village of Bonsall, Bert’s Cottage is a model of pale-rendered restraint on the outside, but inside it’s awash with colour, texture and pattern. Refurbished by antique jewellery expert Matt Gerrish and his ballerina wife, Lauren Cuthbertson, this four-bedroom hideaway is exactly the marriage of heritage, theatre and grace you might expect. Antique chests rest against walls busy with paintings, prints and botanical wallpapers, the traditional elements loosened up by bright pops of colour. The location is hard to beat, too; it’s handy for rugged Peak District walks, the historic mills and bookish pleasures of Cromford, days out at Chatsworth and Haddon Hall, and the kiss-me-quick pleasures of Matlock.
Sleeps eight, from £1,473 for five nights, bertscottage.co.uk

Coniston views in the Lake District

It’s all about the view at this studio apartment on the shores of Coniston Water. The Coachman’s Quarters is the smallest of three self-catering cottages at Brantwood, John Ruskin’s final home. If the accommodation is rather minibus in scale, the prospect that unfurls through its picture window is more doubledecker. Sit and watch the light fade over the Old Man of Coniston, or steal outside to explore Brantwood’s 100 hectares (250 acres) of gardens and woodland in peace after the day visitors have left. Run by a charitable trust, the site is now home to a museum dedicated to the Victorian polymath, and its grounds are a popular RHS partner garden.
Sleeps two, from £955 a week, brantwood.org.uk

Futuristic pods in Somerset

Photograph: Joseph Horton

In Somerset’s quieter western reaches, East Quay is quietly stealing a march on the county’s better-known artistic enclaves. Overlooking Watchet’s pretty harbour, this cafe, gallery and community arts space looks like it’s been beamed down from Bilbao or Hamburg, with the ambition to match. Run as a social enterprise, it’s a buzzy place for brunch, cocktails, a gig, a craft workshop or an exhibition. But those in the know book one of its five basic self-catering pods and explore the wider region while they’re there. Walk the spectacular Quantocks, visit Greencombe Gardens, or head to Dunster to tour its castle and have pizza or drinks with the best view for miles in the Luttrell Arms’ secret garden.
Pods sleep between two and six, from £810 a week, eastquaywatchet.co.uk

Old meets new in Herefordshire

Photograph: Kate Darby

More tumbleup than tumbledown, Croft Lodge Studio is a real one-off. Within a new, fully insulated corrugated iron shell sit the ruins of a listed 18th-century home, including ancient oak beams, ivy and birds’ nests (hence its no under-10s rule). This radical preservation project near Croft won a Royal Institute of British Architects award. Modern amenities include a wet room, underfloor heating and an EV charger. There’s a bluebell wood on the doorstep, and the surrounding parkland leads to the National Trust’s Croft Castle estate. Wander over to Aymestrey for damson negronis and plates of rhubarb-cured trout at the Riverside inn.
Sleeps four, from £817 a week, cottages.com

History and nature in Nottinghamshire

Outside the village of Misterton, the Pump House Art Studio, a cathedral-like holiday let, was originally built in 1828 to drain excess water from the fens into the River Idle. It’s one of two identical houses separated by a glass walkway (the owner lives in the other half) and blends industrial high ceilings, vast windows and steel beams with a restful natural setting. Beyond the property’s private garden lies a site of special scientific interest inhabited by kingfishers, owls and herons. There’s a mid-century vibe to the interiors, which stretch to a kitchen, mezzanine lounge, library nook and two double bedrooms, and walls decorated with local art. Walk along quiet river and canalside paths, or drive 15 minutes to explore the 15th-century mansion Gainsborough Old Hall.
Sleeps four, from £1,052 a week, handpickedcottages.co.uk

Exacting style in Suffolk

Photograph: Safia Shakarchi

Restaries may be a collection of six holiday rentals set on a farm, but the vibe is more Guy Ritchie than Old MacDonald. With backgrounds at Soho House and in fashion consulting, owners Gem and Thom Bon-Scherdel have brought exacting style and a nous for hospitality to their 16th-century farmhouse and outbuildings near Westhall. The three-bed Cider Store is decorated with local art, bespoke furniture and a pink, peach and ochre colour palette designed to reflect local sunsets. It’s near the coast, but there’s plenty to do in situ, with a playground, a swimming pool and add-on activities for adults from massages and cooking classes to horse riding.
Sleeps six, from £3,000 a week, restaries.com

Harbour views in Hampshire

Right on the water’s edge at Priddy’s Hard, a former naval ammunition facility in Gosport, Adventure Prospect is a two-bedroom cottage built in 1899 as a place for the workers to change. Renovated by the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust a few years ago, it’s now a smart holiday rental. Decorated in soothing seaweed shades, with a walk-in shower and a lofty open-plan kitchen and sitting room, it also has a private landscaped terrace with wide-angle views across Portsmouth harbour. The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower sits on one side; on the other, the Powder Monkey taphouse serves pub classics such as sausage and mash alongside its own craft beers.
Sleeps four, from £1,272 a week, airbnb.co.uk

A quirky conversion in Northumberland

Photograph: Tracey Bloxham

You’ll need to spend a bit more than a penny to visit Berwick-upon-Tweed’s former ladies’ toilets these days, but so you should given the upgrade to facilities. They have been converted into a studio apartment by the property’s current owner, and the renovation puts the Victorian building’s original glazed bricks and match boarding centre stage, while adding such modern comforts as a double bed, kitchenette and wet room. In a quiet corner of the town, just beside its ancient walls and within easy reach of cafes, shops, galleries and coastal paths, the Loovre also has a private courtyard for drinks or dinner outside, and high-level windows for light. Berwick’s railway station is less than 10 minutes’ walk away for day trips.
Sleeps two, from £716.50 a week, crabtreeandcrabtree.com

SCOTLAND

A gothic bolthole in Perthshire

Photograph: Tracey Bloxham

Off-grid cottages are rarely as elegant as the 19th-century Gatehouse, one of five rental options dotted across the Monzie estate. Powered by the estate’s own 1950s hydro plant, this turreted gothic bolthole has a spiral staircase and a gorse-coloured slipper bath. Spot red squirrels, owls, hares and deer from the windows, roam across 1,600 hectares of rolling Perthshire countryside, or sign up for a free private tour of Monzie Castle – one of the guest perks. Three miles away is Crieff, with its distillery tours, gardens and adventure parks, as well as bakeries, galleries and a gorgeous old whisky shop.
Sleeps four, from £1,768 a week, monzieestate.com

An island escape in the Highlands

Look away if you like your rentals with the hum of traffic, coffee shops on every corner and the reassuring roll of an Ocado van over asphalt. On an island in Loch Sunart, Carna House is more suited to castaways. One of only three houses on Carna, two of which are available to rent, the property’s rates include a return boat crossing from Laga Bay, an hour’s drive from Fort William. Cars are left in a private car park and, with limited wifi, screens might as well be, too. No one’s going to be Instagramming the interiors here, but who cares about mismatched fabrics when you have your binoculars fixed on the seals, otters or sea eagles? Scale the island’s 170-metre summit or head out on the water in the boat provided.
Sleeps eight, from £2,500 a week, isleofcarna.co.uk

Scandi design in Midlothian

The sauna at Eastside, near Penicuik

In a quiet glen near Penicuik in the Pentland Hills south-west of Edinburgh, Eastside is a collection of cottages on a working farm. One is more traditional, but four are an ode to clean-lined, light-soaked Scandinavian design. The Wash House is one of these, a serene, one-bedroom hideaway with a wood-burner and sculptural slatted ash screening. Rental comes with access to Eastside’s woodland spa, a fern-dappled dell with a steam-sauna yurt and spring-water plunge pool. Don’t miss a trip to Little Sparta, Ian Hamilton Finlay’s sculpture garden 30 minutes’ drive away.
Sleeps two, from £1,260 a week, thisiseastside.com

Simple but stylish in Dumfries & Galloway

The nearby village of Rockcliffe. Photograph: John James/Alamy

Steps from the water in the cute coastal village of Kippford, this affordable three-bedroom retreat is all about the reflective views. Simple but stylish, with a butter-coloured bathroom, wood-burning stove, vintage furniture and a small terrace, 1 Ford View has one double bedroom and two singles. Stroll to the beach, listen to the jingling of yacht masts or sit in the window seat upstairs and watch the sun set over the estuary. It’s a 1.5-mile ramble over to pretty Rockcliffe for homemade cake at the Garden Room cafe. Or drive 20 minutes to Castle Douglas to browse the shops and visit Threave Garden.
Sleeps four, from £708 a week, gonetothebeach.co.uk

Tradition with a twist, Aberdeenshire

Photograph: Kym Grimshaw

Overlooking the river on the Glen Dye estate near Banchory, Gamekeeper’s Cottage is a model of modern country style. Its traditional sash windows, wooden floorboards and Highland stonework form a homely backdrop to bright artworks, colourful textiles and vintage finds. Cosy as it is, stays here are all about exploring the estate. With 15,000 acres of moorland, woods and riverbanks on hand, there are endless possibilities for hiking, forest bathing and wild swimming, plus food and crafts events. Guests can choose add-on experiences, from sessions in a wood-fired hot tub or woodland sauna to game-cooking masterclasses and natural ink workshops.
Sleeps six, from £1,315 a week, glendyecabinsandcottages.com

A waterside hideaway in the Highlands

You know you’re on the right lines when the website for a property, like this waterside hideaway near Gairloch, has a tab for “adventures” rather than just “things to do”. When you’re done visiting Inverewe Gardens, taking an otter safari or coasteering, Arrowdale makes a luxurious base to retreat to, with its wood-burning stove, high-spec kitchen and panoramic windows. Shieldaig Lodge is less than a mile away for decadent dining or a dram with a view, or you can enjoy scenic picnics in the extensive grounds. One option is a deserted beach that’s just a 30-minute paddle away – two tandem kayaks come with the house.
Sleeps six, from £2,350 a week, sawdays.co.uk

A harbourside haven in the Scottish Borders

There’s magic at every turn at the dinky Blue Cabin by the Sea, perched above Cove harbour like an outcrop of lazurite. Run as a fundraising enterprise to help pay for the harbour’s upkeep, it’s approached on foot via a tunnel. Owned by architect Ben Tindall and sculptor Jill Watson, it has a cornflower-blue sitting room with Orkney chairs, two pea-green bedrooms, one with bunks, and a kitchen with cupboard handles shaped like fronds of seaweed. Swim in the harbour, keeping an eye out for seals, buy crab from local fishers, walk along the coast to the ruins of Fast Castle or visit Dunbar, a 15-minute drive north, to visit conservationist John Muir’s Birthplace.
Sleeps four, from £1,250 a week, bluecabinbythesea.co.uk

WALES

A manor house in Gwynedd

Character seeps from every stone at this seven-bedroom manor house near Porthmadog on the north Wales coast. It’s just the place if you’re dreaming of an Enid Blyton-style group gathering. Though Carregfelen dates from the 14th century, it was extended in the 1920s by the owner’s uncle, Clough Williams-Ellis, and has many of the Portmeirion architect’s signature traits, from the turquoise paintwork to gardens designed to frame spectacular views (in this case, of Moel y Gest mountain). Inglenook fireplaces, a show-stopping dining room and walls lavishly hung with art complete the scene. Book a private session in the estate’s woodland sauna after a day hiking the hills or the craggy ruins of Criccieth Castle.
Sleeps 11, from £3,034 a week, wernholidaycottages.co.uk

Comfort and character in Ynys Môn (Anglesey)

Steps from the beach in pretty Beaumaris, Porth Hir has been looking out over the Menai strait to Eryri (Snowdonia) for 400 years. Pairing beams, antique furniture and decorative plasterwork with a modern range cooker, king-size beds and luxury bedlinen, it’s comfortable as well as characterful. A covered veranda means you can sit outside even on rain-soaked evenings, or gather in the first-floor lounge to watch the light fade over the sea. Visit Beaumaris Castle, go crabbing off the pier or walk along the coast path to the hamlet of Moel y Don, stopping off at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens or Grade I-listed Plas Newydd house.
Sleeps six, from £1,500 a week, porthhiranglesey.co.uk

A cute thatch in Ceredigion

Wake to birdsong and fall asleep to the gentle rush of the river at 300-year-old Glan Yr Afon in Cardigan Bay. Set along what was once a drovers’ road (rumour has it that Owain Glyndŵr and his men once marched along it), this thatched hideaway near Llangrannog balances modern plumbing, electrics and insulation with carefully preserved architectural details. There’s space for four, with a king-size bedroom on the ground floor and a twin upstairs, and if the garden looks pretty as a picture that’s because it’s tended by an artist. Wander through woods to the coast; the Plwmp Tart cafe, above Penbryn beach, makes an excellent end goal.
Sleeps four, from £1,350 a week, thatchedin.wales

Coastal seclusion, Gwynedd

Photograph: Matt Davies

Perched in the hills outside Aberdyfi, with its four-mile ribbon of sand, Glygyrog Wen makes a comfortable lookout on this mesmerising coastline, with its big skies, shifting tides and string of cafes, pubs and shops. It’s also a great base for walks through the moors, woodland and dunes of the Dyfi Biosphere. It’s not just about location, however. A high-spec kitchen, gleaming dining room, light-soaked lounge and four bedrooms provide plenty of space for groups or families to unwind, while a games barn ensures rain needn’t stop play. Downstairs is table tennis and table football, while upstairs is a mezzanine bar.
Sleeps eight, from £1,955 a week, cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk

Stay on a vineyard in Powys

If Highbrook Cottage was a wine it would be crisp and biscuity, with a hint of zest. This pretty hideaway is set on a low-intervention vineyard near Presteigne, and its sorbet-coloured paintwork, tapestry blankets and a welcome pack plump with homemade welshcakes give traditional Welsh hospitality a fresh modern update. For zero-miles sipping, you can order the owners’ wine to be waiting for you on arrival. Head off on walks in the Radnor Forest or drive 15 minutes across the border into Herefordshire to visit the market in Kington, or stroll around the leafy idyll that is Hergest Croft Gardens.
Sleeps four, from £765 a week, whinyardrocks.com

A former coaching inn in Carmarthenshire

A 17th-century coaching inn near Meidrim, painstakingly restored by a former Landmark Trust and National Trust conservation specialist, Maenllwyd pairs cosy fires and antique Welsh dressers with a smart walk-in shower and modern range cooker. It’s dog-friendly, and canine guests also have the run of an enclosed three-acre field. Human visitors seeking exercise are catered for too, with a full-size pickleball court and outdoor play equipment for younger children. By car, the Carmarthenshire coast is 30 minutes away for beach days. Laugharne, with its medieval castle and Dylan Thomas’s boathouse, is even closer.
Sleeps seven, from £1,669 a week, underthethatch.co.uk

NORTHERN IRELAND

A rural retreat in County Derry

Taking his great-great-uncle Barney’s derelict cottage near Maghera as a starting point, local architect Patrick Bradley added a cantilevered shipping container to create a rural retreat that honours new and old alike. Inside is a plywood-lined kitchen and dining space, bathroom and double bedroom, with sliding doors opening on to a balcony. Outside is a firepit seating area and twin outdoor bathtubs, looking out over the adjacent meadow. The An Croí Coffee House and Bistro, a social enterprise cafe, is three minutes’ drive away for homemade soups or pancakes, and Seamus Heaney HomePlace, an arts centre celebrating the life and work of the great Irish poet, is a 20-minute drive.
Sleeps two, from £810 a week, barneysruins.com

A stylish stable, County Derry

Stable One is the fourth cottage to open at Camus House, a listed Georgian estate outside Coleraine. It’s a stylishly restored outbuilding with an open-plan kitchen, dining room and living room, its restful buttermilk and caramel paintwork brought to life by vintage furniture and fresh flowers. Great for forays to the Causeway Coast beaches, it’s a 20-minutes drive from Portstewart Strand, Whiterocks or Downhill. The fact the owners previously ran a cafe means the welcome pack is a step above the norm. Fuel up on homemade jam, local bread and granola before hitting the leafy riverside walk that starts directly opposite the house.
Sleeps four, from £1,148 a week, airbnb.co.uk

All prices are for late May and June, and were correct at the time of going to press



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UK’s best campsites for families with outdoor pools, on-site bars and pizza ovens

Holiday park’s across the UK have been ranked by the best for child-friendliness and the top 10 showcases sites with incredible facilities from outdoor heated pools to highly rated kids’ club

Fresh rankings have unveiled the top family campsites across the UK, and their locations hidden in the most peaceful corners of the countryside make them a tempting treat.

As more families ditch overseas holidays in favour of budget-friendly breaks closer to home, outdoor getaways have surged in popularity. But with young children in mind, not just any campsite will do — parents often seek out sites with top-notch facilities and plenty of entertainment to make the trip that little bit smoother.

A standout site in Pembrokeshire has been crowned Britain’s finest, according to new data from Pitchup.com, which analysed nearly 200,000 verified customer reviews to compile its top ten list.

The rankings reveal that the highest-scoring site for ‘child-friendliness’ is Trefach Holiday Park in Mynachlog-ddu, Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, which earned an impressive 9.3/10 from guest reviews.

READ MORE: Simon Calder warns holidaymakers to check as new emails being sentREAD MORE: Three ways all-inclusive resorts in Europe are fighting the sunbed wars

One delighted visitor wrote: “I was recommended this site by a friend and we were not disappointed. It has a heated pool which we all thoroughly enjoyed on our stay. Fantastic food there. The whole site was so clean and tidy, and it was a very peaceful site. I would highly recommend it, and we will definitely be returning next year for a stay.”

What sets the park apart as a premier destination is its outdoor heated pool, where parents can unwind on the terrace with a cold drink while watching the kids splash about. For those looking to keep little ones occupied, there is also a highly regarded kids’ club alongside a wealth of entertainment facilities, including a play area and games room.

Also featuring on the list of the UK’s finest family-friendly campsites is Jubilee Camping in Hampshire at number two, and Panoramic Camping and Glamping in Swansea at number three. The Swansea site is a peaceful, rural retreat just a 10-minute stroll from a local pub, offering a back-to-basics camping experience. It also features its own bar and pizza oven on site.

Another standout, on the other end of the UK to the winners, is Riverside Holiday Village in Somerset at number 10, with a score of 8.7 for its child-friendliness.

The campsite is beloved for its tranquil setting along the river’s bend in Bleadon, and its convenient location, set a mere 10 minute drive from the bustling seaside town of Weston-super-Mare. Another being the huge amount of fun and entertainment for children with a games arcade and a heated indoor swimming pool on site.

It’s evident that the UK is brimming with outstanding camping destinations, with family-friendly sites spanning the length and breadth of the country — from Somerset and Devon to Swansea, Cheshire and Wiltshire.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “Camping and glamping holidays continue to be a popular choice for families looking to spend quality time together outdoors, particularly as more people seek flexible and affordable UK breaks. The sites featured in these rankings stood out for creating welcoming, family-friendly experiences that give children the freedom to explore while helping parents relax and unwind.

“We’re seeing families place increasing value on outdoor space, nature and simple shared experiences, whether that’s wildlife watching, campfires or easy access to beaches and walking routes. The variety of sites featured across the UK also shows there’s strong demand for family-friendly stays in every corner of Great Britain.”

The UK’s best family friendly campsites

  • Trefach Holiday Park, Pembrokeshire
  • Jubilee Camping, Hampshire
  • Panoramic Camping and Glamping, Swansea
  • Little Thornham Holidays, Wiltshire
  • Magical Malpas PYO Farm, Cheshire
  • Auchingarrich Wildlife Park, Perthshire
  • Puddleduck Glamping, Lancashire
  • South Ford Farm Camping, Devon
  • Poplar Grove Farm Caravan Park, Lancashire
  • Riverside Holiday Village, Somerset

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The UK beach hotels that make you feel more like you’re abroad with beachfront pools and Miami-like bars

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows An outdoor swimming pool overlooking the ocean at Gara Rock, Devon, Image 2 shows The Nici Pool in Bournemouth with loungers and parasols by the water, Image 3 shows A resort terrace with striped umbrellas and lounge chairs overlooking a calm sea

FANCY holiday abroad vibes without actually leaving the country?

There’s some great hotels across the UK that feel like you’re somewhere like the Med or even Miami – so we’ve rounded up some of the best.

There’s some spots in the UK where you can be forgiven for thinking they were abroad Credit: booking.com
Roslin Beach Hotel has been compared to Florida Keys, while the wider area is nicknamed Miami-on-Thames

Roslin Beach Hotel, Southend -on-Sea

Roslin Beach Hotel is on the sandy beach of Thorpe Bay Beach is often compared to places in the US.

One previous guest said: “We could have been staying on the Florida Keys”.

It’s not the first time Southend-on-Sea has been compared to the US either.

In 2023, Tory councillor Daniel Nelson told the Southend Echo that tourism events played an important role “in the reinvigoration of the city and that Southend has the potential to become a Miami-on-Thames.”

PLAY ON

English beach hotel named best for families with huge play barn & free babysitting


SEA YOU THERE

I stayed at the affordable seaside hotel right by the train station

The Gallivant, Sussex

The Hamptons is known for its white wooden buildings and sandy beaches. And The Gallivant in Camber Sands is often said to be similar.

The American comparison to the Essex seaside is because of the shaker style it’s built in – and you can even book a room called the ‘Large Hampton’.

Not only that, but the dune-backed beaches of Camber Sands are a spitting image of the ones in Montauk, a hamlet in East Hampton.

The Times said “think New York’s Hamptons by way of Camber Sands” while House & Garden added it “brings a bit of the Hamptons and Scandi-vibe to Sussex”.

The white washed panels have seen the Gallivant Hotel compared to the Hamptons
Enjoy Miami vibes in Bournemouth at either the pool or the restaurant in The Nici hotel Credit: Supplied by hotel

The Nici, Bournemouth

If you’ve ever wanted a slice of Miami without wanting to leave the country, then why not head to… Bournemouth?

The Nici Hotel, found on the seafront of the seaside town, opened in 2022.

There’s the South Beach Restaurant, which serves “champagne afternoon teas and classics with a Miami twist”.

Otherwise other nods include retro cocktail cabinets in the rooms, faux palm trees throughout and even art of Che Guevara.

Previous guests have raved about it too – one said: “Beautiful setting and very cool decor. Feels like Miami!”

Gara Rock, Devon

A rarity in the UK, Gara Rock has its own private swimming pool overlooking the ocean more comment in the Med.

Grab some pizza and a glass of rose wine and you’ll feel like you’re hundreds of miles away.

It even has a private beach too, if you fancy an ocean dip, or plash out on a “beach butler” and you can get unlimited cocktails delivered straight to you.

Embrace the Italian Riviera at Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall Credit: Hotel Tresanton
The art’otel at Battersea Power Station has a rooftop infinity pool that could rival Dubai Credit: Matthew Shaw

Hotel Tresanton, Cornwall

In St Mawes is Hotel Tresanton and at first glance may not look much like Italy, but head down to the hotel’s own Beach Club which overlooks the cliffs and, with the blue and white striped umbrellas, will transport you straight to the Italian Riviera.

The website states: “The Mediterranean style brings a feel of the Amalfi coast, with blue and white striped umbrellas and semi-tropical planting.”

Or, splash out on the classic Italian sailing yacht–Pinuccia where you can spend the night onboard with dinner and breakfast – and a bottle of champagne.

One person even said:  “It’s like a perfectly decorated small Italian hotel on the Amalfi Coast but further north on the sea in Cornwall.”

Art’otel, London

One of the new hotels to open in the Battersea Power Station, Art’otel has some of the best views from the top.

The rooftop infinity pool could even double for Dubai, with its luxury sunloungers and skyscraper views.

Of course, it is usually only open to hotel guests although they do have some open events to non-guests.

This includes as aqua aerobics, aqua board pilates and yoga, all of which come with breakfast and start from £25.

Other UK hotels we love

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The Queen at Chester Hotel

This historic hotel has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry through its doors. Rooms have richly-patterned carpets with super soft bed linen and premium toiletries in the bathroom. Go for a superior room for extra goodies including bathrobes and snack boxes.

BOOK HERE

The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge

This Cambridge hotel is in the ideal spot, within walking distance to bars, shops and hotspots like the university colleges and Parker’s Piece. The inside couldn’t be prettier, with huge stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and rooms with enormous clawfoot bath tubs.

BOOK HERE

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‘One-of-a-kind’ British lido with 3 heated pools and dragon inflatables is offering free swimming for kids this weekend

A POPULAR lido is set to offer all day sessions this weekend – where kids will be able to swim for free.

The Grade II listed venue also offers a number of adult-friendly swim sessions and an adventure course.

Café building at the outdoor swimming lido in Pontypridd park.
The pool re-opened in 2015 following a multi-million pound renovation Credit: Ceri Breeze
Aerial view of the Lido swimming pool and adjacent playground in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd.
The lido offers three pools, an outdoor play areas and an inflatable course on weekends Credit: Ceri Breeze

The National Lido of Wales, in Pontypridd, is hosting all-day sessions from May 2 to 4, ahead of the pool’s official summer season on June 1.

Kids under 16 will be able to enjoy the lido for free all weekend, while adult entry is priced at just £4.

The pool currently offers weekday and weekend sessions from 6.30am until 8.45am for early-morning swimmers.

Family fun sessions are also hosted only on weekends and bank holidays until the start of June.

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For an additional £3, visitors can purchase tickets for the inflatable obstacle course, Aqua Peddlerz and Water Walker, which includes floating zorbs – inflatable plastic balls that allow people to run on the water.

The area also contains an outdoor play section – a dedicated playpark with slides, seesaws, climbing and balancing equipment.

The historic venue, also known as Lido Ponty, has been nestled within Ynysangharad War Memorial Park since 1927.

Following its closure in 1991, the pool spent the intervening 24 years in a state of disrepair until its official re-opening in 2015.

Now it features a renovated main pool, an activity pool and a splash pool, which are all heated to 28 degrees.

The site is also considered the “earliest and best preserved lido” in South Wales.

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