A POPULAR holiday chain has ditched plans to open a new Wetherspoons pub at one of its sites.
Haven had planned to invest more than £3million to build a new Wetherspoons pub at a North Wales site.
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Plans for a Wetherspoons pub at Presthaven holiday park have been scrappedCredit: Presthaven holiday park
According to a number of sources, the pub – which was set to be the largest of a number of pubs Haven is building at its parks – fell victim to the incoming tourism tax in Wales.
Plans for the JD Wetherspoon pub at the Presthaven holiday park were approved earlier this year by Flintshire County Council.
However, according to North Wales Live, a source stated that Haven is concerned that the tourism tax in Wales will cause more families to head to England than Wales.
Whilst Haven did not discuss the impact of the tourism tax, they did confirm they will not be moving ahead with the plans for Presthaven this winter.
A Haven spokesman said: “Haven is always exploring potential opportunities to further develop our offering with a range of factors influencing which projects go ahead.
“This weekend we were excited to be able to announce that four new JD Wetherspoon pubs will be built this winter at our Hopton, Lakeland, Cala Gran and Riviere Sands parks.”
The Welsh tourist tax, which is also known as the Visitor Levy, is a local charge on overnight visitors.
And it is set to be introduced in April 2027.
Essentially, local councils will decide if they wish to add the tax to their area.
Currently, the proposed rates sit at £1.30 per person per night for accommodation like hotels and 75p for campsites and hostels.
Money raised from the Visitor Levy is set to be used for tourism-related improvements and local projects.
The Welsh Government finance secretary Mark Drakeford said: “The visitor levy represents a small contribution that will make a big difference by helping to maintain and enhance the very attractions that make Wales such a wonderful place to visit and to live.
“This historic legislation gives Wales the same tools used so successfully by destinations all over the world to balance the benefits and pressures of tourism between visitors and residents.”
Earlier in November, the holiday park brand announced that it would be opening four new JD Wetherspoon pubs in the UK in spring 2026.
It comes as a Visitor Levy is likely to be introduced across WalesCredit: Presthaven holiday park
Currently, there aren’t many details about the new pubs but Haven said that they will be “linked to the proud heritage of the local area our parks are located in”.
In addition, the new £9million pub project is part of a bigger £14million investment plan in Haven’s food and drink options across the parks.
And Haven is also splashing out £10million on a new water park at their Kent Coast site.
There will be a number of events going on at Yuletide Yard too, including karaoke and a Michael Bublé tribute act.
There is even a Santa Speed Dating Quiz on November 25 and December 2, which costs £2.20 per person.
The pub though is free to visit.
Yuletide Yard will also have a dedicated cocktail bar and of course, there will be all the regular food vendors found at Flat Iron Square as well – many of which have limited edition specials for the festive season.
For example, you could grab Flock’s southern fried chicken tenders with cranberry sauce, potato rosti and pickled red cabbage.
If you are wanting to visit other small pubs, The Signal Box in Cleethorpes claims to be the smallest in the UK measuring just 2.4 metres by 2.4 metres.
Though, it does have a beer garden that holds up to 200 people.
Inside, the pub can only host up to four guests and two members of staff.
Yet, it still serves a range of ales, lagers and ciders.
The pub used to be a former train station signal box and was moved from Scunthorpe Steelworks to Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway in 1995 before being converted into a pub in 2006.
The pub is even hosting events over the festive periodCredit: instagram/@flatironsquareuk
The Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk also claims to be the smallest pub in the UK and has the backing of a Guinness World Record.
The pub measures 4.57 metres by 1.5 metres. which actually makes it bigger than the signal box though.
The Dove, Hammersmith then holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest bar in Britain, measuring also 4.57 metres by 1.5 metres.
It once used to be a coffee house but now is owned by Fuller’s.
I’M a Travel Editor who also happens to be a London mum of a six-year -old – and while we spend plenty of time travelling the world, one of my favourite places to explore is my home city.
Because London is one of the best cities in the world for families, with stacks of free attractions, great parks, child-friendly restaurants and pubs.
London is one of the best cities in the world for families, with stacks of free attractions, great parks, child-friendly restaurants and pubsCredit: GettyThe Sun’s Head Of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire and her son in their home city of LondonCredit: Caroline McGuire
In fact, I have spent whole days out with my son in London at museums, galleries and theatre shows, without spending more than £50.
Inside the bags are a number of items and activities, including hieroglyphs, toy animals, amulets and even fancy dress.
Be sure not to miss the mummies in the Ancient Egyptian section, hugely popular with anyone aged 6 to 96. Although it does get very busy.
The Science Museum in South Kensington is perfect for kids of all ages, I’ve been taking my child there since he was a one-year-old, as the interactive ‘Garden’ in the basement is perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
There are plenty of excellent free exhibitions around the museum – one of our favourites being the Space section – but the most popular (and deservedly so) is the Wonderlab, an interactive gallery featuring numerous experiments that will fascinate children aged 3-14. Tickets cost from £15 for this area.
Theneighbouring Natural History Museum is another one with some excellent paying exhibits, but the dinosaur gallery is free and perfect for kids, as is the creepy crawlies gallery and the Earth Hall.
For more of an arty trip, try the Tate Modern – my son loves the Pop Art and the huge installations in the Turbine Hall.
But his favourite is Tate Draw, where kids can make their own creations on a bank of screens, an activity that kept him busy for over an hour.
Further down the South Bank is the Southbank centre, which offers some of my favourite free activities on weekends and in school holidays.
My son has been to Lego-building, screen printing and even helped to build a Moomin House with real saws, wood and hammers at the venue, all completely free.
The Outernet – the huge multi-screened space on Tottenham Court Road that claims to be the most visited cultural attraction in the UKCredit: Caroline McGuire
It’s worth checking if you need to book in advance though, as tickets for the free events go very fast.
For an event they’re sure to remember forever – I still have a hazy recollection of my first Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace when I was just seven years old, and my son went last year and loved it too.
The ceremony takes place at 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and it’s worth getting there early for a good spot.
For something considerably more modern, try the Outernet – the huge multi-screened space on Tottenham Court Road that claims to be the most visited cultural attraction in the UK.
The space shows a series of artist-made short films, some of which invite audience participation, and it’s so entertaining that my son and I are happy to sit there for an hour.
Pubs And Restaurants
Taking a child to a pub or restaurant can strike fear into the heart of any parent – will they sit still? Will they eat? It’s a culinary minefield.
Here are some of my favourite places that welcome children.
It has an indoor slide, a duckpin bowling alley, scavenger hunts and face painting during school holidays, an ice cream van, ping pong tables and an extensive kids’ menu.
It gets quite busy after 5pm with post-work drinkers, but any time before that and you feel like it’s perfectly acceptable that your kid is doing their 20th lap of the pub to reach the two-storey slide.
Brewdog Waterloo is easily one of the best pubs in London for familiesCredit: Linkedin
Much like Brewdog, Sixes cricket bars have excellent activities for kids – their high-tech batting cages mean children can burn off some serious energy while you sip on a pint
They also have tasty food to suit everyone – my personal favourite is the flaming candy floss pudding in the giant martini glass.
As a Travel Editor who has taken my child to many restaurants over the years, I’ve recently hit upon a surprising winner – ramen.
Introduce a child to chopsticks and noodles in a bowl, and they’ll stay entertained for at least half an hour.
Tonkotsu has a chain of ramen restaurants across London, with both bento boxes for kids and non-spicy ramen bowls.
Particularly adventurous child who doesn’t mind a queue? Try Borough Market on a Monday or Tuesday, when it’s less crowded.
They’ll love the bowls of free bite-sized food the traders leave out to tempt you and the hot stations round the back really do have something for everyone.
You can indulge your love of Thai or Indian, while they chow down on pizza or fish and chips.
Then you can share some of those ludicrous strawberries in chocolate or a giant brownie for afters.
If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant, I can’t speak highly enough of the Rosewood Hotel’s Holborn Dining Room.
They have the most beautiful Rosewood-themed activity books for kids to fill in and the huge bowl of sausage and mash went down a treat, as did the chance to pet the very cute Labradors who stand on duty at the entrance.
Parks
London’s parks are second to none – I’ve never been to a city in the world that has so many, with such a variation.
Perfect if you’re paying a visit to Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park playground is excellent for many reasons.
Firstly, it has a Go Ape next door, so you can easily kill at least four hours in a 100-metre radius.
Secondly, the playground itself is excellent with two different areas for older and younger kids that feature huge slides, trapezes, massive climbing frames and plenty more.
Battersea Park playground also has a Go Ape next door, so you can kill at least four hours in the parkCredit: Alamy
It is particularly great for parents because the park cafe serves beer and pizzas, and you can grab a table with a perfect view of the playground – great for keeping an eye on your kid AND people watching, as I’ve never visited this playground without spotting a celebrity.
One of my favourite parks if you’re in the centre of town isCoram’s Fields, a seven-acre walled playground in the heart of Bloomsbury.
It feels particularly safe in the centre of busy London because they have a rule that ‘no adult can enter without a child.’
If you’re exploring the many attractions the South Bank has to offer, then it’s well worth stopping by the Jubilee Gardens playground, next to the London Eye.
Smaller than the others I’ve mentioned, it’s very well designed and perfect for those kids who need to run off some steam in between organised fun.
A little bit further out, Greenwich Park playground is possibly my favourite in London (while the Princess Diana Memorial Playground is closed for renovations).
It has all the usual suspects, as well as an excellent sand and water play area – so remember to bring some plastic cups and spades.
Plus afterwards, you can walk to the top of the hill in the park, for great views of the capital.
Paid for attractions
OK, there are many that I could have shared here, but these are some of the paid-for attractions that have been the biggest hits with my child from the ages of 3-6.
As every parent knows, attractions with lots of ‘look don’t touch’ rules are a nightmare for those with inquisitive kids which is why HMS Belfastis such a winner (adult tickets £26.35 and kids £13.15).
Built to last at sea in wartime, this Royal Navy ship moored on the Thames near London Bridge is not in the least bothered about curious little hands.
They have audioguides for older kids and activity packs for younger children.
My son spent three hours exploring every level of this battle ship and would easily have stayed for a further three.
One of our most memorable days out has been a ride on the Thames Rockets – the speedboat tours of the River ThamesCredit: Getty
Speaking of ships, the Golden Hinde further along the South Bank near the Globe Theatre is another hit.
A seaworthy reconstruction of the ship captained byFrancis Drake when he sailed around the world in the 16th century, the attraction has particularly great value activities on during school holidays.
For just £8, my son took part in a 1.5-hour session onboard where they went on a scavenger hunt, learnt how to fire cannons, had a tour of the ship and practised (foam) sword fighting.
When it comes to the pricier attractions, one of our most memorable days out has been a ride on theThames Rockets– the speedboat tours of the River Thames.
We went on their new 26-seater boat The Rocket Rebel, for a hair-raising trip accompanied by some of London’s best pop and rock music.
Then on the way back, the hilarious tour guide filled us in on some very interesting titbits about the capital as we passed the many famous landmarks.
With adults from £59.95 and kids from £49.95 it’s not cheap, but it is an absolutely brilliant way to sight see the city that guarantees the kids won’t moan about being bored.
Theatre Shows and Culture
This is a tricky one, because if you’re aiming for theatre that young kids will love then shows tend to be limited to school holidays.
But of the big budget ones that I’ve seen which will not disappoint –The Lion Kingand Starlight Expressare perfect for all ages from 6 to 96.
Other than that, take a gamble by signing up to discount ticket websites like Show Film First and The Audience Club several weeks ahead of your visit.
They operate as seatfiller sites and I have found Band A and B tickets for £15 to huge shows on both websites.
Of the big budget theatre shows which will not disappoint – The Lion King is perfect for all ages from 6 to 96Credit: PA:Press Association
Also, check out what theSouthbank Centrehas on offer. They have so many free cultural events aimed at families, from art to dancing, building and live music.
Plus, in the summertime your kid can play in the Jeppe Hein Appearing Rooms fountains, with views of the Thames.
Sir Tim told The Sun: “We are looking at it. There are probably 100 to 200 franchise partnerships in the UK.
“Now it’s a question of going abroad and it’s a possibility.”
He admitted the pubs would be in popular Spanish spots like Benidorm, Majorca and Alicante, but didn’t rule out opening in winter sun destinations as well.
It comes after Wetherspoons recently announced plans for four more pubs at a number of Haven holiday parks across the country.
Heading inside the arcade, you’re immediately greeted by a buzzy atmosphere, laughter, and of course, plenty of competitive jibes.
It’s slightly overwhelming at first because of the sheer amount of games – and the sound effects that go with them.
There’s air hockey, golf putting, Mario Kart, pool tables, virtual darts, basketball, and classic games like Pacman, Space Invaders, Tetris and Mortal Kombat.
Crazy Light was another favourite, buttons light up and you have to press them – the faster the better, obviously.
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The main event though is the TRBO Raceway, previously called Moonshine Raceway, where players sit in gaming chairs and literally racecars around the track.
It might remind some of old Scalextric games – there’s even an MC hyping up drivers and if it’s possible, making everyone even more competitive.
The TRBO Raceway is the main event of the pubCredit: SuppliedCompetitors race cars around the track – and there’s an MC tooCredit: Four Thieves
It’s not easy either as I found out when coming last.
To play the games you need to add credit to your TRBO card which starts at £10 for 500 coins and you can top up throughout the night.
Downstairs in the basement is where you can sing your heart out inside the karaoke room.
If you fancy, you can book out a Singpod to privately belt out some ballads with your mates.
Not being much of a singer myself, this is one that I decided not to take on.
There are plenty of classic arcade games – like Pacman and Martial CombatCredit: SuppliedDownstairs are live performances, dance parties and cabaret showsCredit: The Thieves
When you’re done with the games, head back down to the bar area where there are a host of live performances.
It’s not just a guy singing with a guitar either, I’m talking mega party vibes.
There will ABBA parties, Taylor Swift socials, cabaret shows, and themed brunches all under spinning disco balls and and flashing lights.
Coming up on the calendar are 70s dance parties to ‘Twisted Time Machine’ with tunes from the party eras, comedy nights, quizzes.
For guaranteed entry, time at the arcades, or a table for eating – make sure to book before you go.
We got to experience the delights of Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell, having recently opened its doors, boasting a traditional British pub dubbed an ‘icon’ and a gorgeous 1930s themed bar
The hotel is the perfect haven in central London
Finding a hotel in London, be it for business or leisure, can feel like a daunting task. There’s a catalogue of establishments promising a restful night to rest our heads after a busy day in the capital. However, there’s one that stands out.
Nestled in the heart of London’s design district and just a short distance from some of the city’s hotspots is the newly opened Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell by IHG. The four-star boutique hotel sits in a welcoming neighbourhood, dubbed “one of London’s most creative postcodes”, which allowed us to comfortably slot into the lifestyle of locals during a weekend stay.
It’s perfectly positioned to explore central London, including Barbican Centre, Little Italy and St. Paul’s Cathedral, being just a short walk away. If we needed to venture further into the city, Barbican underground tube station is just a five-minute walk from the hotel – that’s if we could tear ourselves away from our room.
Before we even reached our twin bedroom, we were impressed by the glowing clocks that were fixed outside every bedroom door, displaying the room number in time, and decorating the hotel halls. Once we stepped inside our room, we were welcomed into a chic retreat designed with sleek interiors, smart features, and a refined aesthetic that was as stylish as it was comfortable.
Plush twin beds with crisp white linens and a velvet forest green headboard anchored the room, while smart lighting, including a nifty reading light and an automatic light for the bathroom, along with built-in amenities, made our stay even more effortless. We made use of the espresso machine found in every room and the gorgeous Urban Apothecary London bathroom amenities.
There were subtle notes of baby pink and mustard yellow that complemented the green hues perfectly, while oak wood furnishings with touches of gold added to the room’s sophistication and style. Other delicate touches include the old-fashioned style phone and the ambient circle light above the beds – we felt tucked away from the bustling capital inside our little haven.
When it came to food, we were spoilt for choice and found that there was absolutely no need to dine out anywhere else during our stay, with their restaurant, Wilderness Kitchen, pub, Hat & Feathers and Sabini Bar all under one roof. Because we know, choosing somewhere to dine in London is another minefield to navigate.
We started our evening with a pre-dinner drink in the hotel’s luxurious cocktail bar, Sabini Bar, which is themed around Charles Sabini, a notorious gangster who operated in London’s Clerkenwell during the 1920s and 30s. We opted for a spiced margarita, exquisitely made by cocktail attender Ope, and sat on one of the plush velvet seats in their cosy and elegant nook of the bar.
This area of the bar featured a dramatic red curtain covering half the floor-to-ceiling windows, a large partisan-style rug over wooden floors and a dazzling orange-hued chandelier that hung above. While we can only dream of our own house being this lavish, it offered a sense of relaxed comfort with a boujee edge.
For dinner, we dined in their gorgeous Wilderness Kitchen with table booths decorated in greenery and stylish rattan chairs. Served by the friendly food & beverage supervisor, Amal, we started with the garlic chilli prawns with ginger, before indulging in a 100Z ribeye medium-rare steak served with chunky chips and peppercorn sauce.
After gazing upon the dessert menu, we couldn’t resist the warming and lightly rich chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. It was all washed down with a refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio Rosé.
Another highlight of the hotel’s food and beverage options is the Grade II listed Hat & Feathers pub, which is accessible directly from the hotel or via a main entrance outside. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy classic British pub dishes, local and international beers, in a cosy and traditional London pub, which is marked as “a Clerkenwell icon”.
For breakfast, we returned to the Wilderness Kitchen for a selection of continental options and poached eggs and avocado from their main menu. There were plenty of fresh juices on offer, along with coffees to help kickstart the day!
A COSY trip to the pub is unmatched during the autumn and winter months – but did you know you could head to an unusual spot that doubles as a tourist attraction?
The Highwayman Inn sits on the edge of Dartmoor, in Devon – but it isn’t your average 13th century inn.
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The Highwayman Inn is often dubbed Britain’s ‘most unusual’ pubCredit: TripAdvisorInside, every nook and cranny is full of objects and curiositiesCredit: The Highwayman Inn
Instead, inside is an emporium of artifacts and curiosities.
The inn is often dubbed the ‘most unusual pub’ in Britain thanks to being full of random objects, and even ghostly sightings of “a burly sea captain, the flamboyant cavalier Samuel, and a provocative serving wench in a mop cap”, according to the inn’s website.
From the outside, visitors are greeted by a nod to the ‘old lady who lived in a shoe’ fairytale, as part of the front of the building forms a giant black boot.
Then as you enter inside, the walls, floors and ceilings have been formed of natural wood and stone from the area.
And in every nook and cranny there is something interesting, from animal figurines to an Egyptian-style sarcophagus.
There is even a £150 reward poster for the capture of “two highwaymen known to be causing grief among Travellers in these Parts by Robbery of great violence”.
The poster also states: “Render this countryside free from such fiendish rogues.”
Visitors can venture down a once secret passage way as well, which leads them to the Rita Jone’s Locker Bar – it features a gothic door from an old whaling boat named the Diana, which was built in the mid 18th century.
The bar essentially looks like the boughs of a grand ship with wheels also hanging from the ceiling.
In another area, visitors will find the Hideaway, which is more intimate.
In the Coach Cabin Lounge, there are several horse-related items such as bridles and harnesses from the days horse-drawn carriages were used.
Then in Witchy Corner, guests will find a wishing bottle and tarot decorations.
Somewhere in the inn is even a 1.8 metre tall Minotaur, named Asterion.
Much of the menu is vegan and vegetarian, but there are some meat and fish options too.
For example, you could grab pie of the day with chips for £18 or a traditional Devonshire pasty and chips for £18 also.
Desserts include apple pie or Devil’s Chocolate Cake for £8.75 each.
Originally built as an inn in 1282, The Highwayman Inn later became an inn and farm with 20 acres of land.
The inn dates back to the 13th centuryCredit: TripAdvisor
Then in the 17th century it was renamed to the Golden Fleece, before Plymouth Breweries then renamed it the New Inn.
According to one visitor, the inn provides “an absolutely surreal experience, like stepping into a tardis whilst dining on an old ship all at once”.
For those wanting to enjoy the quirky pub for longer, you can stay in Cobweb Hall – a cottage just opposite the inn.
Inside, there are two bedrooms with four poster beds and each even has its own spiral staircase and Victorian-style bathroom.
The cottage also then has an open plan dining area and living room, as well as a kitchen.
It costs from £198 per night for both rooms, and there is a minimum stay of three nights.
Opposite the inn, is also a cottage visitors can book to stay inCredit: The Highwayman Inn
It is just a six minute drive or 45 minute walk from Meldon Reservoir, which is a great spot for walking around a giant dam.
You can also see Meldon Viaduct just a short walk from the reservoir as well.
Drive slightly past Meldon and you will reach the town of Okehampton, where there are a number of shops, the Museum of Dartmoor Life and Okehampton Castle.
For other pubs and inns to explore, there is an incredible time-warp pub that’s so hidden it’s not even on the internet – and why you have barely a year left to visit.
Plus, the quaint village that’s home to the best pub in the UK – and it’s just 10 minutes from one of Britain’s best beaches.
The inn is located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in DevonCredit: TripAdvisor
A PUB chain in the UK has been named the best for hotels in the UK – beating some very big names.
A new study conducted by Which? looked at both large and small hotel chains across the UK.
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Coaching Inn Group – who have 35 hotels across the UK – have been named the best by Which?Credit: AlamyThey have a number of beautiful historic hotels across England and WalesCredit: Alamy
The research – which spoke to 1,776 people – looked at eight categories such as customer service and cleanliness as well as breakfast, bed comfort and value for money.
And coming in first place was Coaching Inn Group, which scored 81 per cent.
While you may not have heard of the pub/hotel chain, there are 35 inn-style hotels in the UK.
Dating back to 1996, this includes ones such as The Kings Arms & Royal in Surrey, The Pheasant Hotel in Norfolk and The Swan Hotel in Somerset.
It was also the only hotel chain to be given the Which? Great Value badge, the first time for Wetherspoons.
With 50 hotels to choose from across the UK, rooms start from just £69 – most likely why it was given four stars for value for money.
Breakfast can be found for as little as £2.99 as well, with free tea and coffee refills.
Previous guests raved about it, calling it “clean, comfortable and good value”.
Other winners included Intercontinental, (80 per cent) and Hotel Indigo (79 per cent).
Sofitel followed suit with 78 per cent.
One of the beautiful hotels is The Swan Hotel in Wells, SomersetCredit: The Coaching InnWetherspoons also came in the top five for hotelsCredit: JD Wetherspoon
Premier Inn dropped in the survey with a score of 73 per cent, with one saying “prices are no longer budget level”.
Coming in last place once again was Britannia, which is often named the UK’s worst hotel chain (and the 12th year in a row for Which).
With a score of 44 per cent, it scored one star for bedroom quality.
The study also looked at small hotel chains, with the top going to both Andrew Brownsword and Brend Hotels, scoring 83 per cent.