A BAN has been placed on tobacco on a popular island to stop people of a certain age from ever buying it.
Called a ‘generational ban’ it means that anyone born after January 1, 2007 is prohibited from buying or using tobacco.
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The Maldives is attempting to stamp out smoking for good by implementing a generational banCredit: AlamyThe Maldives is hugely popular and full of luxury hotelsCredit: Alamy
The destination that’s implemented the new rules is the Maldives, and it’s the only place in the world to have done so.
The measure makes it the only country with a generation-wide tobacco prohibition in an effort to promote a ‘tobacco-free generation’.
The ministry said: “Under the new provision, individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives.
“The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale.”
The health ministry called the measure a “historic milestone in the nation’s efforts to protect public health”.
It added that the prohibition “reflects the government’s strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco”.
The measure is not just for locals, it applies to any tourists visiting the islands.
So for Brits heading to the Maldives, you might find yourself being asked for ID in shops if buying tobacco.
Selling cigarettes to minors will carry a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (£2,470) for the sellers.
Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of the archipelago’s tobacco control board, told the BBC that he didn’t expect bookings to reduce due to the ban.
Shop owners will face a huge fine if caught selling cigarettes to minorsCredit: Alamy
He said: “People don’t come to the Maldives because they’re able to smoke.
“They come for the beaches, they come for the sea, they come for the sun, and they come for the fresh air”.
And then added that the Maldives was projecting more than two million tourists in the next year making it one of the world’s most popular destinations.
The banning of tobacco is a new rule, but the Maldives also banned the import, possession and use of vapes last year.
Electronic cigarettes and vapes are completely banned no matter what age you are – and you aren’t allowed to bring them into the country.
You won’t be denied entry if caught bringing one into the country, but it will be confiscated at the border and a customs officer will provide you with a receipt which you must present when you depart the country to have your items returned to you.
Anyone caught vaping in the Maldives will face a 5,000-rufiyaa fine (£247).
These measures apply to all of coral islands in the Maldives, of which there are over a thousand.
ONE of the UK’s prettiest seaside villages is losing one of it’s Christmas events for good.
Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire is holding its traditional Victorian Weekend event later this year – and it’s a very important one.
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The Christmas event in Robin Hood’s Bay will end this yearCredit: FacebookThe event sees locals and visitors dress up in Victorian outfitsCredit: Facebook
For over 30 years, locals and visitors have flocked to the seaside village in their period costumes to celebrate what’s known as Victorian Weekend.
Robin Hood’s Bay completely transforms to look as if it’s in the Victorian era – and it’s free to enter.
It’s a Christmas event too, so expect big festive trees, brass bands playing Christmas tunes, and stalls selling handmade gifts, mince pies and mulled wine.
There will also be games and plenty of mini-events will take place around the village.
Everyone gets into the spirit of it and you’ll feel like you’re in a Dickens novel seeing people dressed up as Victorian noblemen and women, to chimney sweeps.
There’s a best-dressed competition, so looks do matter on this occasion.
If you’re interested, then you need to visit this year, as unfortunately, the event will not be held again.
Over December 6-7, Robin Hood’s Bay will hold the final ever Victorian Weekend due to current organisers stepping down and there being no one to replace them.
The news was announced in October 2025 with a lengthy Facebook post that read: “After more than 30 years of tradition, fundraising, and community spirit, Victorian Weekend 2025 will mark the end of an era for Robin Hood’s Bay.”
It continued to add: “We hope you will join us to make the last Victorian Weekend truly memorable. Expect all your favourite traditions, plus some exciting new additions.”
The event is completely free and you can pop into local pubs and visit the gift stallsCredit: Facebook
The news was a sad shock to locals and visitors. In the comments, one wrote: “We’ll be deeply saddened to see it go after visiting it for 10 years or so. It’s become its own little self-contained Christmas in its own way.”
Another added: “This is such sad news. My husband and I have stayed at the Bay Inn every year for the past few years and the first time, purely by chance, it was the Victorian weekend.
“Since then we have come every year. Such huge amount of work. We love it. See you in December for the last one.”
Robin Hood’s Bay is a well-known fishing village known for being very beautiful as it sits on the edge of the water.
It has cobbled streets, that are car-free, and little stone cottages and shops.
The village has an interesting history too as during the 18th century, it was home to the busiest smuggling community on the Yorkshire coast.
There’s music and carol singing around the Christmas treeCredit: Facebook
Ships would stop there in the night to pass tobacco, tea and rum through secret tunnels underneath the cottages – some of which still exist today.
If you want to carry on exploring, you can head up to Whitby which is just 13 minutes away by car – and according to a UK seaside expert, is even better in winter.
“There are lots of great restaurants and lovely warm cafes in Whitby, and there’s also lots to see when you’re not battling with the crowds around the harbour.
“From long bracing walks along the beach to warm cafes and indoor attractions, there’s plenty to do in Whitby even in the winter.”
Set in Yorkshire, Whitby is known for its beaches and historical sites – although they can be quite busy during the warmer months.
The Spanish city is a popular short break destination as well as being popular with groups who want to enjoy the lively atmosphere, but a new ban could see their parties cut short
Stag parties will no longer be able to book boozy pub crawls(Image: Getty Images)
A Spanish city which is a major tourist destination for Brits, including stag and hen parties, is introducing a brand new rule in an effort to curb antisocial behaviour linked to drinking.
Barcelona, which sees over 500,000 Brits visiting each year, has banned pub crawls citywide at all hours of the day. Previously, pub crawls were only banned in the area of Ciutat Vella and L’Eixample, which had restrictions between 7PM and 7AM.
On the official website for Barcelona City Council, a statement explained how it defines a pub crawl: “Pub crawling is a business that takes customers on organised drinking tours to a series of establishments that offer discounted alcoholic drinks.
“It typically involves quickly consuming one or more low-quality drinks before heading to the next stop.”
The statement went on to say: “This activity has been identified as a risk factor that causes disturbances in neighbourhoods, puts extra strain on public spaces and potentially leads to criminal behaviour or road safety violations.”
It also confirmed: “The new decree introduces a permanent ban that applies 24 hours a day, year-round, rather than being only seasonal. ” It stated that the new ban will be in place for four years. The change came into force yesterday (October 29).
Organisers who ignore the ban and plan an event could find themselves hit with fines of up to €3,000. While participants in an organised pub crawl wouldn’t face charges, authorities could potentially give them fines for public drinking or other disturbances, which range from €100 to €3,000.
The move is the latest in a long-line of measures brought in by authorities to ease the impact of tourism on Barcelona, and other Spanish destinations could follow suit.
In May, it was announced that Spain was cracking down on holiday rentals, with authorities ordering Airbnb to remove 65,000 properties from their website. Reasons such as lack of licence numbers and unclear ownership records were cited for the mass removal. Many of the delisted properties were in popular areas such as Barcelona and Malaga.
Demonstrations against overtourism have also taken place over the last couple of years, with hundreds of protesters taking to the streets of Barcelona waving banners with slogans such as “tourists go home”.
A trade union in the Balearic Islands has even proposed a €15 a day tourist tax during high season to work as a “deterrent” for tourists. The union’s general secretary said: “”This is not an increase aimed at raising revenue, but rather a deterrent, so that the Balearic Islands send a clear message to the world that there’s no room for more people here during the high season.”
Some resorts have also dealt a blow to Brits who were hoping to enjoy copious amounts of booze. Those visiting certain areas of Majorca and Ibiza may find themselves limited to six drinks a day, even if they’ve paid for all-inclusive.
CENTER Parcs has revealed a multi-million pound Christmas experience at one of their parks this year.
The site in Suffolk has invested £2million to transform its Winter Wonderland, and its opening next month.
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Santa and the elves will be inside the workshop at Center ParcsCredit: Center ParcsThere will be a Tipi where guests can enjoy hot food and drinksCredit: Center Parcs
Elveden Forest has upgraded certain areas of the park for Christmas, and has added its Woodland Workshop.
From November 7, families will get the chance to meet Santa and his elves who are hard at work before the big day.
You can also get a glimpse of Santa while enjoying brunch at Huck’s, or join the team for a festive dance along to Christmas tunes at Santa’s Greetings.
The wooden chalet will have a snow-capped roof and be wrapped in pine decorations next to a huge Christmas tree.
There’s a new Christmas Shop too, filled with festive gifts, bespoke decorations, souvenirs and hand-painted baubles.
When the weather gets chilly, guests can warm up in the Tipi, enjoy a hot chocolate, mince pies, traditional sausage rolls, Bratwurst, and Christmas tree-shaped waffles.
Santa’s Woodland Village has been refreshed and visitors can enjoy the new seasonal displays.
It’s there where guests will find the new Snow Zone, a giant snow globe where families can step inside for a festive photo.
Other attractions include the Enchanted Light Garden which is essentially a festive light trail which is open from 4PM-9PM every day.
There are also activities like the Elf Pyjama Party, and festive craft workshops throughout the day.
Lots of activities are included in the price of a break over the festive period – and you can even pre-order decorations to dress up the lodge too.
Of course there aren’t just festive activites, at Elveden Forest you can also check out the Subtropical Swimming Paradise which is head to 29.5C.
Lodges can be dressed up with Christmas decorationsCredit: Center Parcs
So you won’t have to worry about being cold while swimming in a number of pools, heading down flumes or the a ‘Tropical Cyclone’ slide and checking out the water rapids.
The site recently announced that it will refurbish Venture Cove in The Subtropical Swimming Paradise, with the site expecting to reopen the attraction on December 19.
The Aqua Sana Spa on-site also underwent refurbishment in 2023, with a new £6.5million Forest Spa opening with steam rooms, saunas, a heated outdoor pool, an ice cave and a number of relaxation rooms.
Other activities include golf, archery, dance classes, inflatable football, glow-in-the-dark badminton and table tennis, to winter workshops.
Riders will have to take a leap of faith from a treehouse nestled in the woods, to then glide along a 180-metre track.
Along the route there will be twists and turns, as well as views of the Suffolk countryside and Elveden’s lake.
To go on the ride, guests must be between 1.1metres and 1.87metres tall and each rider will get two laps of the course, per booking.
The experience opened on September 2, 2025.
Set within the Breckland, an area of national importance, there are a number of othertreetop adventuresat Elveden Forest, including Aerial Adventure, where guests are secured to a harness and get to swing through the trees.
The aerial rope course gets gradually higher, before it finishes with azip wire experience.
VIRGIN will soon be flying to a Thai destination for the first time ever.
From October 18, 2026, Virgin Atlantic will launch flights to Phuket in Thailand three times a week.
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Virgin Atlantic is launching new flights to Phuket in ThailandCredit: GettyThe flights will launch on October 18, 2026Credit: AlamyThe flights will operate three times a week from London Heathrow AirportCredit: Getty
The flight will be the only direct service between London Heathrow and Thailand‘s largest island.
The flights will operate seasonally in the winter, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from London Heathrow and Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays from Phuket.
Tickets for the flights will go on sale on November 26.
The aircraft used will be a Boeing 787-9 and onboard passengers will get complimentary food and drink, entertainment including movies and TV series and WiFi available for purchase.
There will be 31 Upper Class seats, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy.
If you can’t wait until November 26 to book flights, then package holidays will be available to book from today, with prices starting from £999 per person.
For example, you could spend seven nights at the four-star Sugar Marina Hotel Fashion – Kata Beach in a deluxe double room on a bed and breakfast basis, with return economy flights from Heathrow for £999 per person.
If you fancied something a little more luxurious, then you could stay at the five-star The Sands Khao Lak by Katatthani in a ‘Sands’ double room on an all inclusive basis for £1,599 per person.
Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers more than 230 accommodation options in Phuket, and over 80 throughout Thailand.
In addition, through the airline’s partnership with Bangkok Airways, travellers can head to a number of other destinations such as Koh Samui.
Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer for Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce our new direct service to Phuket, giving our customers a flavour of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations.
“As well as making the trip more convenient, they can enjoy exploring Thailand’s unique heritage, natural beauty and delicious cuisine.
“We can’t wait for our customers to experience our trademark hospitality on their next unforgettable journey.”
In 2024, Bounce – a luggage storage company – announced that Phuket was the world’s most popular island holiday destination.
Phuket is known for having stunning beaches and a rich food scene.
For example, there is Patong Beach which is known for having a vibrant nightlife.
For families, Karon and Kata Beaches are then popular spots, with white sand and crystal clear waters.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is known for its sprawling beachesCredit: Alamy
Cultural attractions include the Big Buddha perched at the top of Nakkerd Hill – it is 45 metres tall and at the site, visitors can get 360-degree panoramic views of the landscape.
Phuket’s old town is also a famous spot to explore, with lots of history and pretty architecture.
For Phuket, island hopping is great day out as well, with the famous Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) nearby.
Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is then home to the island’s only remaining evergreenrainforest.
There are numerous walking trails through the rainforest, and on some, hikers can see waterfalls such as Bang Pae Waterfall.
Phuket benefits from warm temperatures year round, with the lowest temperature being around 25C and the highest 35C.
September is the wettest month to visit and February is the driest, with around two days of rainfall.
The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski also visited Phuket in 2023, exploring different parts of the island.
Sophie Swietochowski said: “With white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and everything you need at the click of a finger, staying here feels as if you’ve stepped straight on to a movie set, even more so, now that TV hit The White Lotus is heading to Thailand for its third series.
“Of course when you venture to this exotic area of the world, some exploring is a must, and at the Wang Kiang Ku river, you can book in for a bamboo rafting experience that will get you up close with nature.
“Each raft, cleverly crafted by locals, will transport you through winding waters where wildlife flourishes — we spotted snakes hiding in trees and a baby turtle perched on a rock.”
ONE winter sun destination that sees hundreds of thousands of Brits visit each year has entered a period of mourning after the loss of its former Queen.
As a result, there will be some new rules in play for visitors that will affect everything from clothing to events.
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Thailand is a holiday favourite for Brits – especially during the colder months in the UKCredit: AlamyNew rules have been put in place as Queen Sirikit of Thailand passed away in October 2025Credit: Alamy
Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand‘s King Vajiralongkorn, passed away on October 25, 2025.
Sirikit was the Queen of Thailandfrom 28 April 1950 to 13 October 2016 as the wife ofKing Bhumibol Adulyadej(Rama IX), well-known for her charity work, and being a style icon.
As a result of Queen Sirikit’s passing, the Royal Thai Government has announced a period of national mourning for 90 days.
Despite the mourning period, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is reassuring travellers that Thailand remains open and is welcoming tourists as usual.
However, it has added that visitors during this period should behave respectfully, especially when going to temples, royal sites, or government offices.
Tourism services like transportation, hotels, attractions, hospitality venues across Thailand continue to be open and operate as normal.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced new measures for locals, which will also affect tourists.
For anyone going on holiday in the next two months, you will see members of the public dressed in mourning clothes, as a sign of respect.
Locals are likely to be wearing black, and while holidaymakers don’t have to, they are encouraged to wear clothing that isn’t brightly coloured.
Events might change slightly too as organisers have been asked to “exercise discretion and adjust event formats appropriately to reflect the national atmosphere of mourning”.
Queen Sirikit was the Queen of Thailand from 1950 to 2016Credit: AFP/Getty Images
Some places will be closed, like The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) which from October 26 to November 8, 2025 won’t be open.
This is for the Royal Merit-Making Ceremony in honour of the Royal Funeral.
The Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 event in Bangkok, which was scheduled from November 1 to December 15, 2025, has been postponed in observance of the mourning period.
It will now begin on December 1, 2025 instead.
The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will go ahead as scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2025 at Sukhothai Historical Park.
The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will also proceed as planned, with celebrations adjusted in tone.
The Grand Palace will be closed until November 8, 2025Credit: Alamy
Ms. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of Travel to Thailand UK & Ireland said: “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was deeply revered as a mother figure to the Thai people.
“During this time of remembrance, we thank visiting travellers for their understanding and sensitivity toward the feelings of the Thai nation.
“Thailand remains as welcoming as ever, and we encourage travellers to continue with their current and future plans to visit.
“Hotels, hospitality venues, attractions and experiences across the country continue to operate with the warmth and hospitality for which Thailand is known.”
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April, as temperatures average between 32 and 36C, and there are up to nine hours of sunshine every day.
To make it even more appealing, some of Asia‘s most stunning beaches are in Thailand.
There’s accommodation for every budget in Thailand, from luxury spa resorts to thatched beach huts and hotels.
If you’d like to stay close to the lively capital of Bangkok, Pattaya and Ko Chang are relatively near the city and feature incredible white sands and resorts.
Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and is full of hotels, miles of sandy beaches, restaurants and nightlife.
In the southern Gulf of Thailand, you’ll find luxurious beach resorts on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao islands.
SUN, sea and a hint of Vienna, that’s what you get when you visit this coastal town in Croatia.
The pretty town of Opatija sits by the Adriatic Sea and has beautiful colourful buildings with terracotta roofs set around the water, which has earned it a comparison to the Austrian capital.
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This beautiful coastal town in Croatia has been compared to ViennaCredit: AlamyIt’s has a similar look to the Austrian capital city (pictured) because of its colourful buildingsCredit: Alamy
The publication added that the city “boasts a number of grand cafes, well-maintained public gardens, tidy beaches, fine hotels, and excellent restaurants“.
It’s a great location for exploring other destinations in Croatia too like Istria, the green mountains of Risnjak National Park, or the Island of Krk.
The town was a favourite winter escape for royal families from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.
In 1889 the Habsburgs, a German-Austrian family that ruled a vast European empire for centuries, even declared Opatija an official climatic health resort.
Most activities around Opatija as you can imagine are on or around the water.
From walking the Lungomare promenade to visiting the statue called ‘Girl with the Seagull’ which was made in 1956 by sculptor Zvonko Car.
Another popular spot is Villa Angiolina, a summer residence turned museum and gardens – on the grounds are exotic plants from all over the world.
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Then of course there are the beaches, and some of the most popular beaches are Slatina Beach, Medveja Beach and St. Ivan Beach – but don’t be expecting sand as these are mostly rocky.
Exploring outside of the main town, you’ll reach the charming fishing village of Ika, which has art nouveau architecture and a pebble beach.
The ‘Girl with the Seagull’ is one of the well-known sites along the waterfrontCredit: Alamy
From the UK, the fastest way to get to Opatija is to fly into Pula which is just over an hour away by car.
Brits can fly directly from London Stansted, Luton, Gatwick and Bristol to Pula in two hours and 15 minutes.
Heart-shaped Istria has been compared to the Italian capital, Rome, thanks to the number of Roman buildings.
Pula’s Roman amphitheatre is the sixth largest in the world, drawing further comparisons between Istria and Italy.
There’s also the Triumphal Arch, the Door of Hercules, the Temple of the Emperor Augustus and a second small Roman theatre dotted about throughout the city for visitors to explore.
However, it’s the giant amphitheatre that people flock to visit, with gladiator reconstructions performed there in the summer.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Like the Colosseum in Rome, the amphitheatre dominates the landscape. It’s a must-see destination.”
IT’S all change for tour operator TUI, which will operate flights for certain package holidays through a third-party rather than its own airline.
Nextsummer, TUI will fly holidaymakers to its destinations using other airlines like easyJet and Sun Express.
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Passengers flying with TUI for a package holiday might not be on one of its aircraftCredit: AlamyOne of the routes that will change is from Manchester to FaroCredit: Alamy
According to reports, TUI is dropping its direct flights from Manchester to Portugal‘s Faro and Bodrum in Turkey.
On TUI’s website, Sun Travel found that direct flights between Manchester and Faro can’t be booked after April 19, 2026 – with only four other flights available between now and then.
The routes won’t be scrapped entirely though as these are routes are available with a package holiday deal and will be operated through a third-party airline.
On its website, TUI is offering packages from Manchester to Portugal throughout the year and into 2026 with direct flights from easyJet.
Package holidays from Manchester to Bodrum with TUI can be booked from May 2026 with flights from Sun Express.
Flights from regional airport Birmingham and Gatwick to Faro for next summer will also be operated by third-party airlines.
As a result TUI said it will be putting more capacity into destinations including Balearics, Italy, Greece and Croatia, with TUI Airlines.
Sun Travel has contacted TUI for comment.
In March, TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel said in an interview with the Financial Times that the it planned to sell more seats on other airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet in order to “generate growth”.
Earlier this year, the tour operator completely scrapped its flights from the UK to Costa Rica, St Lucia and Orlando.
You can still book a package holiday with TUI and fly from Manchester to BodrumCredit: Alamy
A union secretary said they wanted to send the message that “there’s no room for more people here during the high season” and that the tax was intended as a deterrent for potential visitors
More than two million Brits visit Majorca each year(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Brits planning a break in the Balearic Islands next summer have been warned they could face a tourist tax hike.
The CCOO, a major trade union on the Spanish islands, have proposed hiking the current tourist tax to €15 a day (approximately £13.08). This would affect Brits visiting holiday hotspots such as Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca. The proposed tax would apply for stays during July and August, the busiest months on the Mediterranean islands.
The Balearic Islands already have a tourist tax in place, which is between €0.5 and €4 a day (approximately £0.44 and £3.49). The amount of tax paid depends on whether tourists visit during the peak or low season, and the type of accommodation they stay in.
Children under 16 are exempt from paying the current tourist tax, and there’s a 50% discount for longer stays, which is applied after the eighth night. According to the government of the islands, this tax is used for purposes such as sustainable tourism initiatives and preserving cultural heritage.
The proposed increase would mean a seven night break in peak season would see each adult charged approximately £91.52 in tourist taxes.
The CCOO made clear that the higher tax being proposed wasn’t for the benefit of the islands, but rather to keep people away. According to Majorca Daily News, General Secretary José Luis García said: “This is not an increase aimed at raising revenue, but rather a deterrent, so that the Balearic Islands send a clear message to the world that there’s no room for more people here during the high season.”
He added: “To reduce summer overcrowding, it’s not enough to curb demand; we must also act on supply.”
The news outlet also reported that the CCOO is asking the government to put a hold on new tourist accommodation places, aiming to cut visitor numbers but attract higher-value tourists. Due to the housing crisis in the Balearics, they also want the island declared a “stressed area” and for 40,000 public housing properties to be created.
The move is the latest in a long line of proposals aimed at reducing the pressure of tourism on the popular Balearic Islands. Over the summer, Majorca was named the most unwelcoming spot for British tourists in Europe, with anti-tourism protests cited among the reasons for the dubious honour.
Summer 2024 and 2025 were marked with protests across the islands, but especially in Majorca, where protestors occupied beaches while waving anti-tourist banners. A number of Mirror readers revealed they’d be ditching Spain due to the protests and what they dubbed “anti-British sentiment”.
Speaking to the Mirror over the summer, Kevin Durkin who visited various Spanish destinations over 30 years said: “Over the last few years, the anti-British sentiment has just grown. Some bar owners have put up signs telling the British to keep away and some hotel owners don’t want us either.
“I do not need Spain, they can keep their latest charges and hatred of the British. I will not be back, neither will my friends or family. Adios.”
While Linda Munro revealed that overcrowding at border control at the airport had made her summer trip to Majorca stressful: “My husband and I got through the scanners, no problem. However, the rest of the family had to queue for an hour and a half.
“On the way back, it was worse, as people were worried they might miss their flights home. Our family just made it on time. They all said they wouldn’t be back abroad anytime soon.”
A woman recently visited a popular Spanish holiday spot but was left gutted by the experience. According to her, it was “smelly and awful”, and left her rather disappointed
10:10, 22 Oct 2025Updated 10:11, 22 Oct 2025
The holiday spot left her stunned (stock image)(Image: RDphotos via Getty Images)
According to her, people advised her to visit the area, but she was left underwhelmed. The vlogger, known as girl_in_barcelona, ventured to Alicante, in Spain, to explore somewhere different and new, but she said it was nothing other than “smelly” and “awful”, and she didn’t understand what all the fuss was about.
Even though she thought the port was nice, and admitted there are some “cute” plazas, she said it was a “disappointment.” Though she confessed the coast around Alicante is “beautiful”,” she just couldn’t get over what the city looked like.
Since she shared the video, it’s been viewed thousands of times, and hundreds of people have commented. They were quick to share their thoughts on the matter.
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One agreed, writing: “Hated Alicante. Never again. Waste of money.” Another replied: “I live here and, yes, Alicante is worse each year.”
A third made a joke, adding: “It’s awful there. The whole coast from Barcelona down and around Magaluf is awful. Best stay at home and let us who live here just suffer. We’ll be brave though and not complain.”
Meanwhile, a fourth was quick to praise the city, saying: “Alicante is so beautiful. Any city has horrible parts.” Someone else also chimed in with: “Alicante is beautiful. Every city has ugly places.”
If you’ve never been to Alicante before, it’s a very popular tourist destination. It draws in millions of visitors annually due to its beaches, historical sites like Santa Barbara Castle and vibrant nightlife.
As well as this, it’s a major gateway to the Costa Blanca region and is also popular with international property buyers. Even though the video implies the city is a little run-down, not everyone thinks this is the case.
While some areas may show signs of underdevelopment or older architecture, its city centre, especially the Old Town, is normally vibrant and visually appealing. Here you’ll find well-maintained promenades and tourist areas.
The city offers both historic charm and modern amenities, though opinions vary on its overall vibrancy. This was made clear in comments posted underneath the video following the content creator’s trip in September.
Based on the comments, it’s clear everyone has different views when it comes to visiting the holiday spot. When someone told the woman she must have worked “hard” to create such a negative video, she replied: “Not at all. I would have made a video to show how beautiful it was, if it was the case.”
She also noted that everyone has different opnions, and this was reflected in the comments too. One person said: “You’re joking, I loved it there. You can find badness anywhere.”
Someone else also chimed in with: “Why are people so upset about this video? Some people like it, some others not, and that’s it. We can’t all like the same things.”
I’d come for the sunrise but I quickly discovered three things that can ruin even the most beautiful moment
There’s nearly always a queue for a selfie at this remarkable beauty spot(Image: Portia Jones )
It was just gone 5am when I arrived very tired and ready to tackle a scenic sunrise hike at one of the UK’s most popular peaks. But looking around, it appeared I wasn’t the only one who had this marvellous idea — despite the time, the car park was starting to fill up.
I could make out the faint glow of iPhones as early risers emerged from cars, clutching coffee and camera tripods, shivering in the dark. From here, the route to the summit of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in south Wales, is one of the most straightforward ways to the summit and is often described by locals as a “motorway”, so it shouldn’t have been a huge surprise to find myself surrounded by other keen walkers.
Pen y Fan rises 886 metres (2,907 ft) above a landscape of rolling high hills. It’s one of several flat-topped summits in the area, and the dramatic peak was once a mountain for the committed: avid hikers, the British Army on training exercises and reluctant school kids dragged up for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. These days, it attracts anyone with a phone and a sunrise, with viral social media clips turning the picturesque summit into a must-visit backdrop for selfies.
Interest in the UK’s beauty spots has surged since Covid-19 restrictions began in 2020, when an hour’s exercise was a brief escape from lockdown life. In recent years, reports of national parks, beaches, and hiking trails being overrun with crowds, litter, and queues have become almost routine as more people head for the hills, clutching their smartphones.
We set off from the car park in the dark, joining the steady stream of hikers snaking up the trail. The ‘motorway’ path was well-trodden and wide enough in parts to accommodate the crowd without too much jostling. My companions, seasoned hikers with well-worn gear, moved with practised efficiency, while I kept pace, observing the scene unfolding around us.
The trail was a mix of gravel and uneven stone, occasionally slick with dew, and the dawn light had not yet hit the high, rolling green hills, verdant valleys, and grassy mountain plateaus.
Headlamps and iPhone lights dotted the landscape like fireflies, and it was hard not to slow down and take in the absurdity of what felt like hundreds of us all crawling up the same path, multiple dogs running loose, phones flickering, and me, trying not to become part of someone’s Instagram Live.
As we crested the final rise, the line of hikers slowed to a crawl, everyone funnelling toward the summit marker. The Pen y Fan cairn, a large pile of stones that has stood since the Bronze Age, marked with a National Trust plaque and topped by a trig point, was already commanding attention. People had formed an orderly queue, patiently waiting for their turn to stand beside it for a photo.
Even in the soft pre-dawn light, it looked like a scene from a theme park: polite shuffling, polite muttering, everyone clutching phones and cameras, some even doing little TikTok dances.
Watching the strange scene, it was hard not to think about the meteoric rise of ‘TikTok travel’, the phenomenon of visiting somewhere not to discover it, but to make the place a backdrop for your own carefully choreographed content.
Don’t get me wrong: I love a good selfie. But queuing for a picture, or orchestrating an hour-long photoshoot solely for social media, is not something I have patience for.
And yet, despite the absurdity of it all, the sunrise we had come to see was spectacular. The first golden rays of light struck the ridges, catching the Llyn Cwm Llwch lake in a soft, golden glow and providing expansive 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside, including the Black Mountains, Carmarthenshire Fans, and the Cambrian Mountains to the north and west.
A thin mist lingered in the valleys below, and a “dragon’s breath” cloud inversion spread across the landscape, curling around the peaks like smoke and catching the sun’s pink-and-gold light. Even the most devoted TikTokkers paused for a moment just long enough to gape at the extraordinary panorama.
The way the glacier-carved peaks glowed, the soft light spilling over the valleys, and the atmospheric ‘Dragon’s breath’ are why Pen y Fan draws so many, why we brave the crowds, and why, inevitably, you find yourself taking a quick selfie, trying to preserve the moment without letting it slip away.
I’d come for the sunrise, but I quickly discovered three things that can ruin even the most epic mountain moment: crowds, dogs running wild off lead, and litter. None of them is enough to spoil Pen y Fan entirely, but together, they’re a reminder that our growing love for the outdoors can have unintended consequences.
I’m also self-aware enough to know I’m part of the problem. I came for the same thing as everyone else, a photogenic sunrise shared with my hiking pals.
I could have chosen one of the many quieter peaks or valleys scattered across Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) — there’s no shortage of them. But here I am, trudging up the most popular route with everyone else. The lure of dawn light is hard to resist, even when you know exactly how crowded it’s going to be.
As I sipped my coffee and surveyed the summit, it was impossible to ignore the consequences of Pen y Fan’s popularity. The cairn, once a quiet marker of the highest point in south Wales, had become a pivot point for human activity.
Every so often, discarded rubbish or a stray dog poo bag would catch your eye, small but persistent reminders of the mountain’s rising footfall.
Even the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team has had to intervene, “downing tools” during training sessions in the National Park to clear up litter, including disposable barbecues, something they described on social media as increasingly common and, heartbreakingly, unnecessary.
Another complication was dogs off-lead. Bounding freely, they sometimes disappeared from view entirely, prompting panicked calls from their owners and, presumably, even more posts in local hiking Facebook groups about missing pets.
On a slope like Pen y Fan, it’s a worry: not just for the dogs (which I love to be clear) but also for wildlife and the growing problem of erosion and mess along the most popular paths.
For all the talk of crowds and chaos and poor pet management, though, I know most people who come here care deeply about the mountains.
I’m a member of enough hiking groups to see how much affection there is for these astonishing landscapes. Most walkers are respectful; they don’t drop litter, keep dogs close, and tread carefully. A small minority spoil it with blaring music, buzzing drones, or abandoned dog poo bags. Perhaps that’s why this behaviour feels so jarring; it isn’t the norm.
What’s needed isn’t less enthusiasm, but more awareness. Simple, consistent reminders of how to “leave no trace,” and a bit of encouragement to explore beyond the same three or four photogenic peaks, might go further than any warning sign ever could.
Of course, awareness is easier to preach than practise when the sunrise forecast looks promising, and so, here I am. It turns out that it’s easy to grumble about the crowds until you realise that you’re one of them. And maybe that’s the paradox of places like Pen y Fan, they’re loved to the point of being over-loved.
A divided Los Angeles school board has voted to shut down a popular charter school to make more space for its own program on the same Echo Park campus, pushing the boundaries of state law and school district authority over charters.
The 4-3 vote late Tuesday denied a renewal authorization for Gabriella Charter School, which means the 400-student school specializing in dance instruction, can’t operate beyond the end of the current school year.
Although county education officials could act independently to renew the charter, the L.A. school board decision still means Gabriella would be essentially evicted from the campus and the dance studios built for its use.
Board member Rocio Rivas, whose district includes the school, said the move was necessary to protect the interests of the district-operated school and the nation’s second-largest school system.
“This multiuse agreement has not worked,” Rivas said. “It meets the needs of Gabriella, but it’s not meeting the needs of the district. So as far as I’m concerned, this multiuse agreement should be nullified.”
A spokesperson for Gabriella said Wednesday morning that the school was considering its legal options.
The California Charter Schools Assn. spoke strongly in defense of Gabriella.
“This decision is a backhanded strategy to push Gabriella out of its longtime home on an LAUSD campus — a site the District itself invited Gabriella to share with a district-run school back in 2009,” said Keith Dell’Aquila, who leads advocacy work for the association in the L.A. area. “For 16 years, Gabriella has served countless students at that location with excellence and stability.”
The case highlights the resolve of school board members, aligned with the teachers union, to target a non-union charter school to further the aspirations of a district-operated campus.
Third-grade teacher Karla Balani helps with instruction at Gabriella Charter School.
(Karla Gachet/For The Times)
Why charter schools draw political controversy
Charters are privately operated public schools that compete for students. Charter supporters view their educational offerings as a way to spark innovation and provide needed public school competition — and simply to offer parents more choices.
Some supporters have also wanted a foothold to weaken the influence of teacher unions and build a bridge to more controversial school-choice strategies, including using public-school funds to pay for private school tuition.
Most charters are non-union and have typically been opposed by teacher unions.
Charters have enjoyed a degree of bipartisan support and were long able to shape California laws in their favor, but their political clout in the state has somewhat declined.
L.A. Unified oversees 235 charters, more than any school system in the country, and many of these started when school boards had little authority to reject them. About 1 in 5 L.A. public school students attend charters.
Gabriella has shared a campus with the district-operated Logan Academy for Global Ecology, which includes a dual-language program in Spanish and English. Both schools offer transitional kindergarten through eighth grade.
For the Logan community the charter has long been an unwanted detraction from their efforts. And they saw the renewal process as a chance to act because the board majority has become more strongly anti-charter.
Staff at Logan said Tuesday that they need more space to offer a full middle-school program on a campus that served only elementary grades for most of its 137-year history. The middle grades were added to help sustain the school.
Logan also has become a designated community school, which offers a wider range of support services for students and families, typically including health care, tutoring and counseling. And these services, too, require space.
“The fact that Logan Academy is a community school, is now a span school — circumstances for them have changed, and that is what we need to take into consideration,” Rivas said.
Third-graders practice dance in jazz class.
(Karla Gachet/For The Times)
State protections for charters
California law gives charter schools the right to use public-school facilities that are “reasonably equivalent” to those available to other public-school students.
The L.A. school board majority tested the limits of these state rules when it voted 4-3 in 2024 to give preferences to district-operated schools and ban outright the sharing of hundreds of campuses.
In a June 27 ruling, a judge concluded that the policy unlawfully “prioritizes District schools over charter schools and is too vague … To the maximum extent practicable, the needs of the charter school must be given the same consideration as those of the district-run schools.”
Under that ruling and others, courts have found that charters, such as Gabriella, are entitled to space for similar resources that the district would claim it for.
State law also sets up a process through which charter schools can request and share campuses. The process restarts every year and has resulted in annual uncertainty both for charters and others sharing the campuses.
School districts also have the option of reaching other sorts of agreements with charters. That is what happened at Logan, where the school district agreed to a multiyear lease. That lease has coincided with the full term of the charter renewal.
For Gabriella, the arrangement avoided the instability of having to move from place to place each year — especially because most elementary schools are not outfitted with dance studios.
Logan was specially modified to accommodate Gabriella’s unique program. A benefit to the district was that Gabriella became a feeder program to the district’s new arts-focused high school downtown.
Ending the multiyear lease for Logan was a high priority for Rivas.
“If this — the charter … is not renewed, then that pretty much severs their multiyear agreement,” Rivas said.
Students practice their dance at Gabriella Charter School.
(Karla Gachet/For The Times)
Impact of declining enrollment
Enrollment at Logan Academy has been trending downward, much like in the school system as a whole. Last year’s enrollment totaled 91 students in kindergarten through second grade. Three years earlier that comparable figure was 139 students.
In 2014, the school had 486 students. Last year the number was 362.
The charter school’s enrollment also is down — from a peak of 468 in the 2020-21 school year to 396 last year.
Official figures are not yet available for this year, but enrollment across the school system appears to be lower, per preliminary estimates.
Rivas said Tuesday that Gabriella had been an uncooperative tenant that flouted financially responsibilities and had, therefore, forfeited any inside track to renewal.
At the Tuesday meeting, it was brought up that the charter did not participate in a recent fire drill. It’s leaders have pledged to do so in the future.
More serious is a long-simmering dispute over whether the charter has paid an appropriate amount for use of the campus. As the charter renewal date approached, the charter leaders yielded and made an $800,000 payment to the school system. That issue has yet to be resolved.
One disputed issue is that the school district raised the usage fee retroactively — to cover a period of time that already had ended,
Board staff recommended a five-year renewal, saying the school had met the legally required academic performance standard. A charter school also can be denied renewal if it is fiscally unsound, but district staff concluded that, too, was not grounds for denial.
Board member Nick Melvoin, who voted to renew the charter, wanted to know the legal basis for rejecting it.
The answer from staff was that the decision could be based on the board’s citing of past financial disagreements that have not been entirely settled.
Melvoin strongly disagreed with the outcome.
“Co-locations are tough, and I have a lot of empathy and understanding for Logan,” Melvoin said. “I think that it’s really incumbent upon us, the adults who are the stewards of the children in this situation, to come to creative solutions on behalf of kids.”
“You have two K-8 schools that are pulling almost the same number of kids from that community,” he added, “and I think we owe it to them to try to work something out.”
Opposing the renewal were Rivas, Board President Scott Schmerelson, Karla Griego and Sherlett Hendy Newbill. Favoring renewal were Melvoin, Kelly Gonez and Tanya Ortiz Franklin.
Lesley’s time in the Bake Off tent came to an end after a tough meringue-themed week saw her struggle to impress the judges and become the seventh contestant to leave the competition
22:58, 14 Oct 2025Updated 23:01, 14 Oct 2025
Bake Off fans fume as popular baker becomes seventh contestant to leave show(Image: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
Hairdresser Lesley has become the seventh baker to be eliminated from The Great British Bake Off after struggling during the show’s first-ever meringue-themed week.
In Tuesday night’s episode, the remaining contestants were faced with three demanding challenges designed to test their precision and patience.
For the signature bake, they were asked to create mini meringue tarts, followed by a classic yet notoriously tricky soufflé in the technical round.
Finally, the showstopper challenge required the bakers to produce a visually impressive meringue ice cream cake – a task that pushed even the most confident contestants to their limits.
Despite her best efforts, Lesley’s bakes failed to impress the judges, and she was told by co-host Alison Hammond that her time in the tent had come to an end.
Business development executive Toby, meanwhile, was named star baker by presenter Noel Fielding after delivering consistently strong results across all three challenges.
Lesley, 59, from Kent, admitted she had expected her departure. “Do you know what, I knew it was coming,” she said.
“It’s like ripping the plaster off! Thanks so much for the experience, it has been amazing. I couldn’t get my meringue right and had resigned myself to the fact I’d be going. But I’m proud that I made it to week seven. The other bakers gave me a massive cuddle, which meant the world.”
Judge Dame Prue Leith praised Lesley for her enthusiasm and warmth throughout the competition. “I’m really sorry to see Lesley go,” she said.
“She’s a remarkable woman and, in a way, she’s my ideal baker – she’s just really having a good time. That’s what Bake Off is all about.”
Following her exit, Lesley reflected on how much she had gained from her time in the famous tent. “I think I’ve grown as a person and feel more confident in myself and my abilities,” she said.
“I’ve learned new skills, trusted my gut feeling, and realised you need to step through fear and take yourself out of your comfort zone, that’s how you grow. I’ve had the time of my life.”
Having baked since the age of ten, Lesley said her highlight on the show was “winning the technical in chocolate week.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to open a small baking school, run a “cake shed” where people can buy homemade treats, and write a cookbook inspired by her late grandmother’s traditional recipes.
Lesley will appear on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice with Jo Brand and Tom Allen on Friday, October 17, at 8pm on Channel 4.
“He’s much more popular today than we he was five days ago.” US President Donald Trump said Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu “should be very popular right now” because of the US-backed ceasefire, but if he is voted out of office, “that’s politics”.
The Foreign Office urged UK tourists them to stay vigilant for a number of issues, including sexual assaults, harassment and groping
13:12, 07 Oct 2025Updated 13:12, 07 Oct 2025
Foreign Office said women had been targeted and said people in Vietnam should take precautions (stock image)(Image: Getty)
British holidaymakers have been issued a stark warning after a spate of sexual assaults and harassment in Vietnam. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, stating that women have been targeted for inappropriate touching and groping while walking alone.
In a fresh alert, officials have urged tourists to be particularly cautious about what they are consuming and take measures to prevent their drinks from being spiked. They also highlighted that many of the offences were committed by unlicensed taxi drivers.
Furthermore, they cautioned that victims would be required to demonstrate that they did not consent to the attack, especially if they had consumed alcohol. Officials stated: “British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in the main tourist areas and places where foreigners live, often committed by or linked to unlicensed taxi drivers. Women have also reported indecent assaults and harassment. These include inappropriate touching and groping, particularly while walking alone.”
Foreign Office advice to reduce risk:
buy your own drinks and keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked
be wary of accepting snacks, beverages and gum from strangers and new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk
use pre-arranged transport or official taxi-hailing apps, such as Grab or XanhSM, which supply licensed cabs. Be wary of scammers who claim to be from these companies and always book your full journey on the app
save the location of your accommodation on a map app (such as Google Maps), so that it is easier to find at the end of the night
set up a WhatsApp group to keep in contact with others in your group
report anything that does not feel right to the management of local bars, restaurants, hotels or hostels
An official added: “In Vietnam there is a higher burden of proof for victims than in the UK. Victims must show they did not consent, particularly if they drank alcohol or knew the alleged attacker.”
“If you are a victim of a sexual assault, you can reach out to the British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Consular staff can assist you in reporting an incident to local authorities, if you would like to do so. Read FCDO’s information pack relating to rape and sexual assaults in Vietnam for more advice.”
The Foreign Office has also issued a fresh warning for vapers planning to visit the country: “Vapes and related products are banned. You cannot buy vapes in Vietnam or bring them into the country.”
More information on rules and safety issues in Vietnam is available on the Foreign Office website.
A HUGE search operation has tragically recovered the body of an 80-year-old man from a popular UK beach.
Police, Coastguard, Lifeboat crews, and South West Ambulance Service responded to Sidmouth beach in Devon yesterday after a person was spotted on the rocks.
A lifeboat was sent to the rocky shore near Jacobs Ladder to save the person and bring them back to the beach.
Sadly, the man was pronounced dead after being recovered by emergency crews.
His family have been informed of the tragedy.
The beach was closed off while emergency services raced to save the man from the rocks.
In a statement, Exmouth Police said: “This morning officers from Exmouth patrol and Rural East Devon patrol supported Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Search & Rescue Teams, Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat, the Coastguard helicopter and South West Ambulance Service, attended an incident at Big Picket Rock under High Peak between Ladram Bay and Jacobs Ladder beach at Sidmouth.
“A person was recovered by Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat’s ‘Speedy Sid’ inshore lifeboat, and was conveyed to Sidmouth beach but unfortunately had passed away.
“The family have been informed and our collective thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“Whilst eventually it finalised in Sidmouth, thank you for your patience and understanding around short closures and emergency vehicle obstructions on Sidmouth seafront as well as the CG helicopter landing on the seafront.”
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The man was recovered by a lifeboat crew but tragically pronounced dead shortly afterCredit: Getty
AN ICONIC Norwegian-style house featured in a TV show watched by millions – but do you recognise it?
Nestled in the picture postcard landscape of the Wye Valley in Hertfordshire, the wooden home appeared in a hit Netflix series.
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This iconic Norwegian house featured in a hit TV show on NetflixCredit: Knight Frank
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It can be found nestled on the slopes of the Wye Valley in HertfordshireCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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The property featured in high school comedy drama Sex Education
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It features prominently throughout the popular series
The Edwardian building features in Netflix’s high school comedy drama, Sex Education, which first aired in 2019.
It features prominently throughout the series and fans may have recognised it as the home of high schooler Otis Milburn and his mum Jean, played by Gillian Anderson.
The Scandinavian inspired property has room for 10 people and is located near the Forest of Dean with cycle trails and a river nearby for canoeing and fishing.
Fans will recognise certain rooms in the house from many of the scenes between Otis and Jean.
Built in 1912, it was initially used as a fishing lodge and also featured in Extraordinary Escapes on Channel 4.
With five bedrooms over three floors, the property has breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.
And the main bedroom can be found at the top of the house, spanning the entire floor.
As you approach the Norwegian-inspired home, you are immediately struck by it’s distinctive exterior.
It’s comprised of red wooden slats and white detailing amidst the expansive greenery on the slopes overlooking the River Wye.
It has a winding drive lined with trees leading up to a garage.
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Viewers had the chance to own it in 2023 where it hit the market for an eye-watering £1.5 million.
It was renovated in 2002 that saw the conservatory dining room extended and a bespoke painted wood kitchen installed alongside a contemporary bathroom and shower rooms.
It was done in such a way that it blends effortlessly into the rest of the house.
Move outside and you’ll notice it’s beautiful gardens where there are steps that lead straight down to the river.
It also has a decked balcony where a Swedish hot back and stone pizza oven can be used as you take in the spectacular views.
The property’s 4.5 acres of land includes two greenhouses, a stone and tile outbuilding and an orchard.
It’s currently a private residence but fans used to be able to rent the whole house for £75 per person a night – but you can still admire its beauty from afar.
Two of Italy’s biggest unions, the CUB Trasporti and USB unions, are organising walkouts in a dispute over pay and working conditions, this will affect British holidaymakers
There’s potential travel chaos for British holidaymakers(Image: EleSi via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers jetting to or from Italy tomorrow, September 26, face travel chaos due to nationwide strikes. Two of Italy’s largest unions, the CUB Trasporti and USB unions, are orchestrating walkouts over disputes regarding pay and working conditions.
According to EuroNews, the 24-hour industrial action will affect airline crews alongside airport personnel, with Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports expected to bear the brunt of the disruption.
Milano Malpensa Airport warned on its website: “There might be some delays or cancellations affecting your flights. We invite passengers to contact the airline in order to check their flight status before going to the airport”.
Baggage handling workers are also set to down tools, with Assohandlers employees planning to strike from 10am to 2pm, whilst drivers at Milan’s airports will walk out for the entire day.
Meanwhile in Sardinia, security personnel at Cagliari Elmas Airport are also preparing to strike, reports the Manchester Evening News. Budget carriers Volotea and Wizz Air Malta have also announced planned industrial action.
Holidaymakers are being warned to expect flight disruption with “cancellations and delays likely”. However, Italy’s civil aviation authority ENAC has mandated that flights scheduled between 7am and 10am and 6pm and 9pm must continue operating throughout the strike action.
Passengers are urged to contact their airline directly and factor in additional time for their journeys. No matter the reason, any passenger whose flight is cancelled is always entitled to a refund, rerouting or a return flight, according to European Union regulations.
Passengers are entitled to compensation if the strike action is carried out by cabin crew or pilots as it is not classed as an ‘extraordinary circumstance’.
However, industrial action undertaken by staff which are ‘external to the airline’ such as airport staff, can be regarded as an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ which means passengers would not be entitled to compensation. Passengers should contact their airline for more information.
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A woman has shared a ‘hidden gem’ in the Lake District, as she takes her viewers on a tour of the picturesque and stunning trail she found while visiting the area
The cave is a magical sight nestled in the UK(Image: Getty Images)
There are so many hidden gems in the UK, and with the rise of staycations, people are sharing their travels across the country.
Now one woman has taken to TikTok to walk through a ‘heavenly’ cave in the Lake District. Posting under the username @ adventureamore1the TikToker shared her trip, as she took viewers along the scenic route to the cave nestled in Little Langdale in the Lake District.
The cave consists of a network of abandoned tunnels and chambers which all find themselves tucked away amongst the rural beauty of the Little Langdale, which offers a tranquil setting to observe the history and geology.
In the video caption, the TikToker said: “This trail takes you on an epic adventure into one of the lake districts most beautiful spots .. cathedral cave. This otherworldly cave is famous for it’s heavenly light that spills down into the cave from a huge opening above.
“This spot can be viewed from from the opening or from the bottom. I recommend seeing it from the bottom first to get the real sense of wonder. Suitable for dogs and kids, this amazing spot is definitely one to add to your list.”
However she noted that for those wanting to visit, “Parking isn’t the easiest and we ended up having to Google a small car park around a 20 mins walk from this entrance but it was worth it.” She noted how the trail “takes you to somewhere you won’t forget” and called the middle of the cave a true “hidden gem”.
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People were loving the video, and one person who had also visited commented: “been there, amazing place … peaceful beautiful,” while a second chimed: “This was on my list when I visited last year but didn’t have time for it. More reason to return to the Lakes!” A thid said: “That’s a nice hidden gem indeed.”
Also known as Cathedral Quarry, the site was once used to extract green slate. This slate is still used today to build walls and roofs throughout the local area. According to LakeLovers, throughout the nineteenth century, the site provided slate to aid in the boom in house building, drilling the rock and using explosives to source the material.
“In 1929, the quarry was purchased by world-renowned author Beatrix Potter. Beatrix gifted the site to the National Trust, who ensured quarrying continued until the 1950s.
“Nowadays, the site is preserved and maintained by the National Trust as an important place of geological interest and history in the Lake District,” the site added.
The quaint fishing harbour is located in a very famous part of the UK, but is a lot less popular than its surrounding area.
Nicola Roy Spare Time writer and Rebecca Robinson
12:50, 23 Sep 2025
Seaton in Devon is loved by locals (Image: Leon Woods via Getty Images)
If you’re looking for the perfect seaside spot to visit this autumn that isn’t flooded with tourists, then there’s one place that ticks every box. Residents of a UK coastal town that’s frequently overshadowed by its more famous neighbours have celebrated its strong community spirit and passion for independent shops and eateries.
Seaton is a charming fishing harbour situated along East Devon’s Jurassic Coast – a World Heritage Site that draws approximately five million visitors annually. Although boasting year-round attractions including the tramway, museum, and beach, visitors often choose nearby Lyme Regis over Seaton.
One standout feature of the coastal community is its dedication to independent businesses, with local shop owners describing it as “the best place” to establish a company.
Amy Bonser helped launch Seaton Chamber Independent Market last year, which has since expanded to feature products from more than 60 traders, reports the Express.
She explained Seaton was the ideal location to create the market owing to its breathtaking local surroundings and established network of flourishing independent enterprises.
Amy told the Express: “Seaton was the best place to start a market. We have an amazing coastline on the Jurassic Coast, amazing gardens, which we use one for our market, and some amazing shops.
“As we mainly have independent businesses, this makes it an amazing place for local small traders to show off their independent business without the threat of the big companies.”
This view was shared by Carly Dean-Tribble, who runs Pebbles Coffee House and the Hideaway – two beloved cafés in the town. While admitting that running two independent cafes is “super hard work” due to people having less disposable income, she feels “very well supported by the local community and tourists alike”.
Carly confessed she hadn’t heard of Seaton before deciding to open her businesses there, but quickly realised it was the ideal location.
She said: “Seaton has a particular charm to it. I made my mind up that Seaton would be our home before we even viewed the business. It’s full of independent traders, which is a unicorn for sure. No big names here.
“Having independent businesses on our high street is a huge plus point. You simply don’t get that level of service and dedication from bigger corporations. People put their heart and soul into everything they do.”
Angela Mendham, another independent cafe owner who has run Passiflora for four years, echoed Carly’s sentiments. Despite facing challenges as more chain coffee shops emerge, she said Seaton locals have continued to show their support.
She expressed: “I do have a lot of locals who are very loyal, and I’m very grateful for their support. My locals have been as supportive as they can, but I’ve noticed that they are not spending as much so it’s hard, but I am very grateful.”
Looking ahead, Angela believes Seaton could benefit from increased funding that would only help its independent shops to flourish further.
She added: “I think Seaton needs more money from councils. Compared to Sidmouth, we really are the poor relative. But as the community goes, we are right on top.”
