THE Easter weekend is nearly here and whether or not you have kids, you are probably wanting to make the most of the four-day weekend.
Whether you want to escape crowds of families or just discover something new away from your hometown, the Sun Travel team has recommendations for every generation and every type of person.
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Gen Z Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens recommends heading to the city of Norwich, which was recently voted the best place to liveCredit: Alamy
Gen Z
Gen Z Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens is used to jet-setting off around Europe and further afield, but when it comes to doing things in the UK for Easter, her first recommendation is to head to Norwich.
She said: “The artsy city of Norwich in Norfolk was just voted the best place to live in the UK, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best spots for a city break, too.
“This city moves at a slower pace, split up by the River Wensum’s scenic canals, gardens, Tudor buildings and bookshops that give it a quaint feel.
“Norwich is full of easy-going creatives and young people who prefer a chill pint by a waterside pub than a groggy night out clubbing.
“My top spots are the Red Lion Bishopgate, which juts out over the water, and the Playhouse Bar with a colourful beer garden and affordable pints.”
And instead of just heading shopping, Jenna recommends strolling the city’s cobbled streets to “dip into vintage shops and grab a new jacket or pair of shoes”.
She added: “Visiting during Easter means flowers at the Plantation Garden will be in full bloom, plus it’s the perfect time for literature and history walks (yes – that’s what Gen-Z are into nowadays).”
Alternatively, Jenna recommends heading to Cornwall for a dip in the sea.
She said: “Cornwall really is a crowd-pleaser UK destination for all ages.
“My dad loves a coastal walk and a pint of local ale in a pub steeped in history, whilst I seek out cider and beer festivals and the best beaches for watersports.
“April is the prime time to shake off the cold and make use of the increasingly sunny days to grab a wetsuit and head out into the water.
“Newquay is the surf capital of the UK, so there’s no better place to try it – whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.
“Fistral beach has prime waves that reach 6-8ft, but don’t worry if you’re a beginner like me; there’s plenty of classes for first-timers.
Jenna also recommends heading surfing, and Cornwall makes the ideal spot for thisCredit: Alamy
“Escape Surf School have been teaching beginner classes for over 20 years, and they start at £43pp for a group lesson.
“There’s also Hibiscus Surf School, which was Europe’s first women-only school, where sessions start at £35pp.”
Millennial
Having travelled to more than 50 countries, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has had her fair share of memorable travel experiences.
But when it comes to Easter, the UK holds some real gems for her.
She said: “Living in Kent, I love the trail along the White Cliffs of Dover, which if you can brave the blustering winds, has some of the most beautiful views in the UK.
“The circular National Trust route is just over three miles, so you can easily do it in less than two hours.
“Then end with a cuppa and cake at Mrs Knotts Tearoom or grab a pint at The Coastguard Pub which has a great pub garden at the front.”
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey says the White Cliffs of Dover have some of the most beautiful views in the UKCredit: Alamy
But coastal country walks aren’t for everyone, so if you prefer something a bit more bustling, Kara suggests to head to Manchester.
She said: “Manchester is one of my favourite cities – and one you will always have a good time at.
“And by this, I mean embracing your inner child with a day of games and experiences.
“Start at Chaos Karts, an indoor race track (£30pp) where you can pretend you are in Mario Kart, before grabbing some Barbie-esque skates to whizz around Archie’s Atomic (£8.50).
“End the evening at NQ64, a gaming bar with all the old classic machines and some very fun themed cocktails, before a stint at K2, a karaoke bar open until 4am (£10pp).
“Followed by some chips and gravy of course…”
For some competitive fun, head to Chaos Karts in ManchesterCredit: google maps
Families
Having a seven-year-old son, Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire knows exactly what makes a good family day out.
Having tried and tested tons of spots across the UK, Caroline recommends dropping by The Outernet in central London.
She said: “When it comes to free attractions, few are as popular in my house as The Outernet next to London’s Tottenham Court Road station.
“Now, my son and I will make a 25-minute detour to spend even 20 minutes there, whenever we’re in central London.
“The huge, multi-screened space screens artist-made short films throughout the day, and you can walk in from the street and spend as little or as much time there as you want.
“With screens covering the sides and ceiling, you really do feel like you are inside the films.
“Yes, you wouldn’t spend the whole day there, but the British Museum is a short walk away, as is the walled playground Coram’s Fields.”
But if you are looking for a getaway and don’t want to head into the city, Caroline suggests booking into Haven Hopton Holiday Park in Norfolk.
Haven Hopton Holiday Park in Norfolk is often named the best Haven site in the country by visitorsCredit: haven.com
She said: “[It] is routinely named the best Haven site in the country by visitors, with 4/5 star rating on TripAdvisor.
“It was the first holiday park I ever went to, and it still ranks as my No.1.
“The park has direct access to a lovely sandy beach, which is one of its more best-loved features, but it also has stacks of indoor activities in case the weather forgets to play ball.
“There are two indoor pools, arcades, a climbing wall and a good-sized soft play, as well as some excellent evening entertainment.
“If you fancy going off-site, then it is a short drive away from Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park and the Norfolk Broads.”
Or if you are just looking for a day full of fun, head to Paultons Theme Park in Hampshire.
At Paultons Theme Park all of the rides have been designed for younger childrenCredit: Alamy
Caroline said: “With a child under eight, Paultons Theme Park is easily my favourite theme park in the UK.
“Specifically because nearly all of the rides have been designed for younger children – so he can go on everything.
“It is best-known for Peppa Pig World, but there is so much more to the park than that.
“With several different lands, including a £12million new Viking land opening in May this year.
“At last year’s UK Theme Park awards, Paultons bagged ten gongs including the coveted Theme Park Of The Year.
“I’d have to agree with that gong, thanks to many key factors.
“Incredibly short queues for rides, incredible customer service (employees all cheerful), the cleanliness (bathrooms spotless), and the attention to detail.
“For example, the fact that they don’t charge for parking, unlike several other big theme parks, and that they have leaflets at the entrance telling you all of the events that are on that day.
“It’s a family-run business and that really shows.”
In London, you could head to St Katharine’s Dock to see jazz bands perform from a floating dockCredit: Getty
Empty Nest
Head of Travel at The Sun, Lisa Minot, is an expert in all things travel having been travelling both the UK and the world for decades.
And when it comes to spend Easter in the UK, she recommends “enjoying the mellow sounds of jazz from a floating platform in London’s St Katharine’s Dock while sipping a free glass of English sparkling wine“.
She said: “Sessions on Saturday evening of the Easter weekend (April 4) catch the golden hour when the yacht lights twinkle across the Marina and Sunday afternoon will be a relaxed affair with performances Olivia Swann, Jamie Safir and Flo Moore.
“Tickets are from £27.50 and include a glass of fizz and light bites, as well as blankets to snuggle under if the weather turns.”
Our favourite UK holiday parks
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Park Holidays UK Sand le Mere, Yorkshire
This holiday park in Yorkshire is a thriving family resort, just steps from Tunstall Beach. Entertainment is what this resort does best, with costume character performances, Link-up Bingo and cabaret shows. Accommodation ranges from fully-equipped Gold Caravans to Platinum Lodges with sun decks and luxury bedding.
This beachfront resort in St Ives, Cornwall is a true beach bum’s paradise – whether you want to laze out on the sand, or take to the waves for some surfing. Activities include disc golf, a Nerf challenge and an outdoor cinema, as well as indoor activities for the colder months like karaoke, bingo and DJ sets.
This holiday park has loads of unique activities on offer, including TikTok dance classes, alpaca feeding, a pump track for BMX riding, and taking a ride on the resort’s very own miniature railway. Throw in bug hotel and den building, pond dipping, survival skills workshops and a lake for paddleboard and pedalo hire, and you’ve got yourself an action-packed park.
Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex This beachfront resort is a classic family favourite. If you’re not up to swimming in the sea, there’s four fantastic pools here, as well as water flumes, underwater jets, inflatable jet skis and kayak races. Plus if you’ve got any little fans of Paw Patrol or Milkshake!, you’ll be glad to know there’s Milkshake! Mornings and Paw Patrol Mighty Missions to keep your tots entertained.
Alternatively, Lisa suggests “making the most of the spring delights of Herefordshire with their new Roasts and Rambles guide that teams up great walks with excellent country pubs along the route”.
She added: “There are more than 60 curated trails to choose from that can see you discover everything from wild mountain ponies to romantic castle ruins, ancient caves and tranquil rivers – all with cosy country pubs along the way for a well-earned pint and classic pub grub.”
HOT cross buns; sticky, sweet, delicious and a sign that Easter is on its way – but where did the original bun come from?
Ironically, the origins are in my stomping ground of St Albans, so I went to see where it all began – and you can still buy a classic bun now.
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The hot cross bun originates in St Albans – and you can still buy them todayCredit: Ricky Barnett PhotographyYou can enjoy an old school hot cross bun outside the historic St Albans AbbeyCredit: Sophie Swietochowski
In trying times, nothing quite provides comfort like a freshly-baked bun.
That was certainly Brother Thomas Rocliffe’s thinking when he handed out his humble creation to the poor and disgruntled townspeople of St. Albans back in 1361, a couple of decades before the Peasant Revolt.
The 14th century monk had just invented a treat that would become a symbol of Easter for hundreds of years to come: the hot cross bun.
The original recipe relied on a traditional bread dough, laced with exotic spices and dried fruit, which was then rolled into balls and scored with a cross symbol ahead of baking.
Today, the buns we see in supermarkets feature a piped cross, not scored, and they are a little more sweet and cake-like in flavour, relying primarily on cinnamon for spice.
If you’re keen to sample the traditional version, though, Brother Thomas’ original recipe is still being baked today within the same centuries-old walls of St Albans Cathedral, where it was first concocted.
The ingredients are a secret, of course, but those heading down this Easter may be lucky enough to uncover them with the help of one of the cathedral’s expertly knowledgeable guides.
“How much did Rocliffe charge?” my guide asks me. “One a penny? Two a penny?”
The answer is still unknown – but just shy of a fiver seems more apt in these times, I tell him.
These buns weren’t just for Easter in Rocliffe’s era. In fact, in the mid-1500s they became an emblem of protection and soared in popularity.
Everyday folk would buy them year round and nail them to their doors under the belief that it would stop their houses from burning down.
Queen Elizabeth I was not amused by such superstitions, though, so banned the sale of the hot cross bun (it’s colloquial name by this point) on all dates except for Christmas, funerals and, of course, Good Friday.
Traditions change over time and now most of the local bakeries in St Albans sell the treat at Easter only, including the cathedral’s Abbot’s Kitchen.
You can still try the original hot cross recipe in St AlbansHead baker Graca at Abbots Kitchen makes 120 buns everyday at Easter timeOther local bakeries sell the sweet treats too – like ProtoCredit: Sophie Swietochowski
Head baker Graca whips up a whopping 120 of these buns a day at this time of year and locals will order in batches – a sign that they’re still adored in these parts.
Round, fluffy and fresh out of the oven, the original Alban Bun is definitely a massive step above the supermarket variations.
I love its breadlike flavour and whack of cardamom. The fact that it’s not overly sweet means you can eat three in a row – what a win.
After tucking into them, make sure to explore the rest of the cathedral.
Daily tours are thoroughly fascinating – and completely free, although donations are heavily relied upon, so don’t forget to pop some cash in the box on your way out.
If you’re looking for even more historic fun to sink your teeth into, the city’s Verulamium Park is brimming with Roman history and the remains of old, slightly battered walls can still be seen as you wander among the greenery.
Make sure to detour for a stroll along the River Ver, too, one of few remaining chalk rivers in the UK.
Then you can reward your efforts with a pint at one of the many cute and quirky pubs.
St Albans is reportedly home to more pubs per square mile than any other city in the UK, so it would be rude not to sample its tipples.
The Boot, in the city centre serves proper ales alongside its Mexican themed food menu, meanwhile Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, at the foot of the cathedral’s hill, claims to be one of the oldest boozers in the country and has a lovely pub terrace.
I wonder if Brother Thomas ever sunk a few in here.
It’s definitely worth trying some of the other bakeries too
Here’s where you’ll find the best buns in St Albans…
St. Albans is not short of excellent bakeries and in the name of good journalism I made sure to try them all.
Here’s two of my other picks.
Proto Artisan Bakery Sticky on the outside, with a glossy glaze, and fluffy on the inside, these buns look more akin to the ones you see in the shops, but are ten times more flavourful.
Baked fresh everyday, they are crammed with a great amount and variety of dried fruit and soft and light in texture, it needs nothing more than a slab of butter.
Glaze Bakery A minutes’ walk from the cathedral’s entrance, this bun is as delicious as the above.
The cross is not piped, but made from laminated dough that puffs up in the oven. The shiny crust is sprinkled with sugar crystals. Owner Oli recommends toasting it and eating with Marmite. BLOB: See enjoystalbans.com or visit @enjoystalbans on social media.
CORNWALL isn’t short of cracking coastal escapes, but the newly-renovated Pedn Olva is a step above the rest, not just because of its rooms but its excellent pub grub, too,
Here’s everything you need to know.
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Pedn Olva is a cosy pub with 27 roomsCredit: Pedn OlvaThe hotel sits on a craggy cliff several metres above the choppy St Ives seaCredit: Pedn Olva
Where is Pedn Olva?
Its name translates to Lookout on the Headland in old Cornish – a rather accurate description of its perch, a craggy cliff several metres above the choppy St Ives sea in Cornwall.
Guests can park for free in a nearby car park above the hotel – they will need to collect a slip to display in their car window from the hotel reception.
What’s it like?
Inspired by the windswept patch of coast it sits on, Pedn Olva in Cornwall has buckets of coastal character.
It’s first and foremost a cosy St Austell Brewery pub, but the 27 boutique rooms mean you can hunker down for the night.
Each of them looks as if they have been carved into the rockface, all with views of the ocean and the flickering lights of the town centre a short distance across the water.
What are the rooms like?
Extremely well thought out.
A property can look sleek and stylish but if the basics haven’t been mastered then everything else becomes redundant – that’s certainly not the case here.
There’s every tea imaginable from camomile to berry and decaf, while USB ports have been conveniently placed next to the bed and hooks on the walls make efficient use of the cosy space.
Next time I’ll be bringing my dog who can stay in selected rooms for an extra £15 per night.
The restaurant is a popular dining spot in its own rightCredit: Pedn OlvaClassic by-the-sea dishes star on the menuCredit: Supplied
What is there to eat and drink?
The restaurant is a popular dining spot in its own right.
Classic by-the-sea dishes star on the menu such as golden ale and chilli pickled cockles and grilled buttery scallops, served in their shells.
I jazzed up my classic fish and chips by swapping out the chunky fries for Pedn Olva’s famous crabby fries, which come with hunks of white crab meat and a thermidor sauce.
Wash it down with a local ale and make sure to try the chocolate and stout cheesecake – subtly bitter and indulgently creamy.
What else is there to do?
Superb, friendly service is what takes this place a notch above the rest.
All rooms come with a large and sturdy tote bag that guests can take with them for the day, while an in-room mini telescope meant that I could take advantage of our seafront position and gaze up at the stars.
Most of the rooms sleep just two, but there is a family room that sleeps four.
The hotel’s great locations makes it ideal for a family break and there’s a fair distance between the restaurant area and rooms meaning you’re unlikely to get disturbed at night.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
Due to Pedn Olva’s cliffside perch, mobility issues are likely to struggle.
The car park is only reachable via a set of stairs and the higgledy piggledy nature of the building means guests may find it challenging getting into and out of some rooms.
Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspirationclick here.
Rooms are extremely well thought outCredit: Pedn Olva
THERE’S no better way to make the most of the sun coming out than heading off on a beach holiday.
2026 is shaping up to be a record year for staycations, with Brits keen to stay close to home and explore the coastal gems across the UK.
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You could stay at Sandaway Beach or Combe Martin Beach resort with Hols from £9.50Credit: Alamy
Plus with thousands more breaks being added to the Hols from £9.50 website, including dates in the spring and summer, its not too late to bag that last-minute holiday.
Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked this Tuesday, with thousands of new holidays AND new holiday parks – and you can get priority access with Sun Club.
If you fancy signing up to Sun Club to access the £9.50 Hols deals early, head tothesun.co.uk/club and join for £1.99 a monthor £12 for a year.
Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers huband find the Hols From £9.50 page.
Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, March 31.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on where to book, here’s some of our favourite beach resorts across the UK, plus our pick of £9.50 holiday parks nearby…
Combe Martin, Devon
Combe Martin is a small seaside resort in North Devon, home to Combe Martin Bay.
Combe Martin Bay is split into two main beaches: the sandy beach by the harbour, and the stony Newberry beach. Both are beautiful, with calm shallow waters protected by the cove.
As an Access for All beach, Combe Martin Bay is fully accessible. There’s plenty of parking, loos and even beach wheelchairs to rent with easy access down to the shore if needed.
This village also sits on the edge of Exmoor National Park, where wild horses roam the rolling hills and moorland.
Bring your bikes and cycle one of the many paths, go fishing in the rivers, or rent a canoe at Wimbleball Lake.
In the village itself, take your pick of cosy pubs like The Dolphin and The Pack O’Cards – pub culture is very big here, and you’ll be welcomed in to enjoy a local pint.
The coastal town of Looe is a working fishing port split into two halvesCredit: Getty
Looe, Cornwall
If you’re looking for a classic Cornish escape, Looe is the ultimate catch.
This traditional fishing town is split into two by a large arched bridge. The east side full of shops and pubs, and the west has a quieter feel with rockpools and beach walks.
Over in East Looe you can walk the Banjo Pier (named after its shape) and laze out on East Looe Beach, the main and largest beach in the area.
Or for somewhere quieter, head towards Hannafore Point in West Looe.
On the way you will come across a small stretch of sand which is also home to Nelson, the bronze seal statue that overlooks the village.
Popular pubs include The Jolly Sailor Inn and The Fishermans Arms, both of which serve local pints and food with a home-cooked feel.
The pink, thatched-roof cottage in Shanklin Old Village is the Old Thatch TeashopCredit: GettyThe beach at Shanklin in the Isle of Wight is accessible via a giant lift down from the townCredit: Getty
Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Shanklin in the Isle of Wight is popular for its pretty Old Village with thatched roof houses, as well as picturesque beach with dramatic cliffs.
Shanklin Beach sits on the south east coast of the Isle of Wight, and has a bustling seafront with arcades, fish and chip shops and an ice cream parlour.
Here you can have a go at the colourful Caddyshack 18-hole mini golf, which costs £8.50 per adult, £7.50 per child or £30 for a family of four.
The beach is just as colourful as the village behind it, lined with colourful beach huts and blooming flowers.
You can get up to the Old Village from the beach via a giant lift. Here you can wander its famous old-fashioned streets – plus the famous pink thatched-roof cottage which you’ll see on postcards.
The pink cottage is a tearoom called the Old Thatch Teashop, where inside you can sit down to traditional afternoon tea or cream tea starting at £7.95. Plus there’s even a fairy garden inside.
Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales is a coastal gem that offers boat trips to a nearby islandCredit: Getty
Tenby, South Wales
Tenby is a walled Welsh seaside town, famous for its rows of pastel-coloured houses and three soft sand beaches.
There’s several beaches to pick from at Tenby, from the two-mile long golden stretch of the South Beach to the smaller Castle Beach, which is popular for watersports.
There’s lots of family attractions here too, like the Folly Farm Adventure Park with its vintage fairground, and go-karting or bumper boating at Heatherton World of Activities.
For something more relaxing, you can wander the historic harbour, which runs regular boat trips to Caldey Island from April through to October.
It’s well worth taking a day trip to the island, where you’ll find forests with red squirrels and the magnificent Caldey Abbey.
Food and drink in Tenby is both budget-friendly and tasty. Tuck into a Neopolitan pie at Top Joe’s Pizza, or listen to live music with sea views at Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant.
Dumfries is a coastal resort with plenty to do for both adults and childrenCredit: Alamy
Dumfries, Scotland
In south west Scotland, Dumfries is a Scottish seaside town with plenty of activities for kids and fascinating history for grown-ups.
Southerness beach is a vast stretch of sand overlooked by a striking white lighthouse, which is one of the oldest in Scotland.
The shallow waters are ideal for paddling or swimming, and at low tide plenty of rockpools are revealed, which make for fun family explorations.
Another option in Sandyhills Bay, a quiet, sheltered cove surrounded by greenery. The giant rock arch here, called the Needle’s Eye, makes for a great photo spot.
For families, Dumfries is a total playground.
Dalscone Farm Fun (admission £10) and (£12) offer soft play and animal feeding, while the nearby Dino Park (adults £6, kids £12) lets kids hunt for fossils among life-sized dinosaurs.
If you want to take in the history of the town, you can wander down the River Nith past the 15th-century Devorgilla Bridge, or explore the Robert Burns House to see where the famous writer penned his last works.
Whitley Bay has a long sandy stretch of beach overlooked by St Mary’s lighthouseCredit: Alamy
Whitley Bay, North Tyneside
Whitley Bay is a traditional North East seaside town, with an unspoilt Blue Flag beach where you can paddle, swim or surf.
The beach is the star of the show here, and runs from the main promenade north to St Mary’s Lighthouse, which sits on a tiny island.
You can visit the lighthouse by walking across a causeway – just make sure to check the tide times so you don’t get stranded!
For a bit of local history, head into Spanish City. Once a fairground, it’s now a beautiful building full of restaurants and tea rooms.
Inside you can grab try award-winning fish and chips at Trenchers, or enjoy an ice cream looking out over the sea.
Families will love the dinosaur-themed Lost World Adventure Golf, which is £5 per adult and £6 for children. There are also plenty of traditional arcades along the seafront to dip into.
If you like a coastal walk, follow the coastal path south to the trendy coastal village of Tynemouth to see the historic Priory and Castle.
Book online: Simply collectcodewords printed in The Sun paper up until Wednesday, April 1. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking from April 1.
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1.99 per month or £12 for the year. Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and click through to the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens for Sun Club members onTuesday, March 31.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect TWO Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper up until April 1. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking.
Book by post: Collect TWO of the codewords printed in The Sun each day up until Wednesday, April 1. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper onApril 1 or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens onApril 1.
The Victorian Pavilion in West Sussex has a huge arching glass roofCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
The Winter Gardens, Harrogate
The Winter Gardens began its life as part of the Royal Baths in Harrogate where people went to unwind.
The baths had first opened in 1897 and even though it later turned into a Wetherspoons, it still has lots of its original features.
There’s two grand staircases leading up to the bar and it has a huge glass ceiling which lets the light in.
The Corn Exchange, Bury St Edmunds
One of the most stunning Wetherspoons in the UK can be found in West Suffolk inside a building that was originally a place for Victorian merchants and farmers to trade in the 1800s.
It has a grand interior features an arching glass roof and elegant wooden panelling.
Unlike lots of other pubs, this one is found on the first floor as there are shops underneath.
The Royal Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate
Not only is the Royal Victoria Pavilion one of the prettiest pubs, it’s also the biggest ever Wetherspoons.
As its name suggests, the pub is inside a former Grade II listed pavilion that dates back to the Victorian period.
To make it ever better, it’s just a short walk from the beach.
For those who want to make the most of being at the seaside, step out onto the balcony where you can see the sweeping beach in all its glory.
Samuel Peto, Folkestone
Right by the beach, Samuel Peto is inside an old church that has painted cloud ceilings and the organ still sits at the back of the pub.
It has pretty chandeliers with huge stained glass windows letting in most of the light.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey called it “certainly one of my favourites I’ve ever been to.”
You can still see the old organ in Kent’s Samuel Peto WetherspoonsCredit: Alamy Stock PhotoThe Corn Exchange in Bury St Edmunds is one of the most beautiful WetherspoonsCredit: AlamyOn a summer’s day the balcony is the perfect place to enjoy a drink in RamsgateCredit: Alamy
The Caley Picture House, Edinburgh
The former art-deco cinema is now a unique Wetherspoons that looks like it could be in the backdrop if a 1920s movie.
It still has original features including a large screen area and balcony – and you can enjoy a pint up on the mezzanine level which has views over the bar.
The building used to be part of a hotel before it was transformed into a cinema.
Hamilton Hall, London Liverpool Street
Outside of Liverpool Street Station is a Hamilton Hall – the Wetherspoons is inside what was once the Great Eastern Hotel.
It might not look like much from the outside, but the pub is actually inside an old ballroom.
It has a huge circular bar, enormous windows and a hanging chandelier.
The Caley Picture House is a former art-deco cinema in EdinburghCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdLondon Liverpool Street’s Hamilton Hall is inside what was once the Great Eastern HotelCredit: AlamyAt the opera house in Royal Tunbridge Wells, you can sit in the old theatre seatsCredit: Alamy
As its name suggests, the Opera House, is inside a former opera house that welcomed the public through its doors for performances back in 1902.
Later on, it was used as a cinema and a bingo hall.
It has original features from its hey-day as a theatre like its colourful booths and stalls – and of course it has Wetherspoons touches too, like the bar and classic patterned carpet.
The North Western, Liverpool
Inside the 330-room North Western Hotel that once was a stopping point for Liverpool Lime Street Station passengers is this pretty Wetherspoons.
The hotel first opened in 1871 but later fell vacant until 1996 when it became university student accommodation.
Eventually it opened as a Wetherspoons pub in 2015 and is very popular with commuters thanks to it being right next to Liverpool Lime Street.
Inside this historic hotel in Liverpool is the North Western WetherspoonsCredit: AlamyThe Palladium in Llandudno was built in the 1920sCredit: JD WETHERSPOONSThe Counting House in Glasgow has an impressive glass dome above the barCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
The Palladium, Llandudno
Another Wetherspoons pub that used to be a cinema is in north Wales – and it’s a showstopper.
It first opened to the public in the 1920s, has eye-catching decor with a ceiling with gold detailing and red carpet.
The pub stretches across three floors thanks to its remaining stalls, dress circle and balcony.
The Counting House, Glasgow
Another Scottish Wetherspoons is The Counting House which is inside a former bank.
It’s an Italian Renaissance style building and inside has high ceilings with pretty detailing including a glass dome over the bar.
You can even have a drink in the old underground banking vaults.
Waterend Barn, St Albans
St Albans is known as having lots of places to enjoy a drink, and it’s home to a pretty Wetherspoons too next to the River Lea.
It’s formed of two listed barn buildings and inside has high ceilings lined with beams and an outside area with picnic tables.
The Velvet Coaster, Blackpool
One pub that has incredible beach is The Velvet Coaster which is right next to Blackpool’s South Pier and metres from Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
It’s been described by punters as a Wetherspoons with “beautiful views”.
The pub opened in 2015, it’s set across three floors including a bar on each level and there’s a beer garden on the ground floor.
There’s also a balcony on the first floor, and a roof garden on the top level.
The interior is inspired by elements from Blackpool’s surroundings like the sea and nearby rollercoasters.
St Albans’ Wetherspoons has high ceilings with beamsCredit: UnknownThe Velvet Coaster has a modern decor and is close to Blackpool Pleasure BeachCredit: Google mapsThe beautiful Winter Gardens is inside a former Royal Baths in HarrogateCredit: Unknown
Wetherspoon’s is opening two new Spanish pubs after the success of one in Alicante last month (pictured)Credit: WetherspoonThe two new Wetherspoons pubs will be at Barcelona AirportCredit: Alamy
Following this, two more pubs will now open at Barcelona-El Prat Airport in the capital city.
The first one will be at Terminal 1, set to open by September 2026.
This will be followed by a second at Terminal 2 by January 2027.
Passengers will have to go through security to drink at them as they are both airside rather than landside.
Little else is known about the pubs, including what they will be called, but they will have space for almost 600 passengers.
You can get an early drink too – they’ll be open every day from 5am to 11pm, including real ale.
The menu is likely to be similar to the Alicante menu, which is mainly the British classics with a few Spanish dishes as well.
Drink prices haven’t been confirmed, although the also similar to the Spanish pub, beers are around £3.50.
Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin said: ” We are delighted to have secured two fantastic sites at Barcelona airport.
“In the short time since opening our pub at Alicante airport has proven popular with travellers and we are confident we can replicate that at our two new pubs in Barcelona.”
He added that they aim to open more pubs in mainland Europe in the next few years, particularly at airports.
The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowskiwas one of the first to try the new Wetherspoons in Alicante, called Castell de Santa Barbara.
She explained: “The pub has pitched close to the gates for UK flights to draw in the near 650,000 Brits that pass through this airport monthly.
“Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the small space with light, while candy floss, glossy tiles give it a warm atmosphere.
“There’s a tea and coffee station in the corner, while behind the bar there’s not a whiff of scampi fries or Walkers in sight but instead European holiday favourite, Lays.
“This one boasts something that all other airport Wetherspoons do not, however – an outdoor terrace, where you can catch those last glimpses of Spanish sunshine before jetting off home to drizzly England.”
People are raving about a Wetherspoons pub which they say feels like being in a fancy hotelCredit: JD WetherspoonsHamilton Hall is found in London Liverpool Street StationCredit: JD WetherspoonsMany of the original features have been restoredCredit: JD Wetherspoons
Named after Great Eastern Railway Company Lord Claud Hamilton, it became a Wetherspoons in 1991.
It was both the first central London Wetherspoons and the first in a train station.
While the hotel itself is still open – you can stay at what is now the Andaz London Liverpool Street for £260 a night – many of the original features remain in the pub.
This includes the ornate mouldings and frescos, as well as the celling decorations, and artwork.
It is popular with train travellers and football fansCredit: AlamyIt was the first central London Wetherspoons to open more than 20 years agoCredit: JD Wetherspoons
IF you fancy a quiet escape off the coast of the UK, then an island is about to become much easier to get to.
The L-shaped Rathlin Island is six miles off County Antrim in Northern Ireland and is home to just 140 residents.
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Rathlin Island off the coast of Northern Ireland is home to just 140 peopleCredit: AlamyVisitors can stay ad the Manor House is now owned by the National Trust with rooms from £70 per personCredit: the Manor House
It does get busier during tourist season with holidaymakers hopping over on the ferry – which will relaunch for spring.
And there’s even more on offer with new weekend sailings starting up.
Once on the island, the main port and beach is where you’ll arrive.
Called Church Bay, it’s a small harbour with a gravel shoreline where visitors can spot seals and also check out the island’s only pub.
McCuaig’s Bar sits opposite the bay with an adjoining Ebb and Flow Cafe.
The walls of the bar are decorated with name places from ships that have been wrecked around Rathlin.
In total, there have been over 40 shipwrecks off the coast of Rathlin Island.
The island itself has three lighthouses which are needed because of Rathlin’s unique shape.
It’s on the western tip of Rathlin Island where you’ll find the ‘upside down’ lighthouse.
It was built into the cliff face back in 1912 and has been there to guide in boats and ships ever since.
While it’s not actually upside down, the lighthouse has its lantern room at the bottom of the tower rather than the top – which is traditional.
The reason is that when it guides ships in, the light isn’t obscured by fog that usually settles at the top of the cliff.
The island isn’t just popular for tourists seeking a quiet getaway as it’s also a nature reserve for seabirds.
So you’ll be able to spot razorbills, kittiwakes and puffins.
During the spring and summertime, some of the most popular activities include heading to Knockans viewpoint.
On a clear day, from here you can see across to Donegal.
Seals will be sunbathing at Church Bay and Mill Bay – which is on the east side of the island.
The west lighthouse on the island is considered to be upside downCredit: AlamyRathlin Island is where you’ll spot lots of puffinsCredit: PA
For those who don’t just want a day trip to the island, there is a hotel too.
The Manor House is an 18th century guesthouse with 12 rooms, a restaurant, bar and café.
It has a rich history as the house was built in 1756 for the Gage family, who bought the island 10 years earlier.
The last member of the Gage family to live at the Manor House was Brigadier Rex Gage who died in 1973.
Now, the hotel is owned by the National Trust – single rooms start from £80 and doubles from £140.
Come spring, there will be daily crossings from Ballycastle Harbour to Rathlin Island.
The ferries will run from April 3 to September 20, 2026 with an extra return journey every Saturday and Sunday morning.
The additional return crossings will leave Rathlin at 8.30am and Ballycastle at 9.30am.
It has two ferries, one that’s passenger-only and another that can take larger luggage cases and even pre-booked vehicles onto the island if you fancy driving around.
ONE spot in the capital dubs itself ‘London’s quirkiest church’ because inside you’ll find a soft play – and a fully stocked bar for the parents.
Inside St James Church in West Hampstead, London, you will find the Sherriff Centre.
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In West Hampstead, London, there is a church with a soft play insideCredit: Instagram/thesherriffcentreThe soft play even has late sessions where you can go in the eveningCredit: Instagram/thesherriffcentre
Rather unusually, the venue is a blend of different things including a post office, children’s soft play centre, cafe and even a stationery shop.
The soft play area – called Hullabaloo – spans one side of the church and features all you would expect of a soft play centre.
In the section for kids aged between two and 10-years-old, there are three levels featuring two slides, crawl tunnels and hidey holes.
The soft play also has separate sections for babies up to 23 months with a ball pit, puzzles and games and a sensory mirror.
One person commented on social media: “Wow what a unique soft play!”
Another added: “What a fun idea and a great way to start the weekend.”
There are also SEN sessions available, and the venue is available for private party hire.
The Sanctuary Cafe and Bar serves cake, coffee and even wine.
Even though the venue doesn’t serve more than snacks, it has teamed up with Pizza Bun London in Hampstead for an exclusive offer for visitors heading to the soft play.
The soft play is open each day between 9am and 5pm, with the last booking at 4pm.
But there are Play Late sessions too, where kids can play as parents enjoy a glass of wine at the bar.
The next Play Late session is March 20, followed by April 10 and May 22.
Tickets cost £5.50 for babies or £7.50 for juniors and adults go free.
The centre also runs weekly baby and toddler classes such as Petite Performers, with ballet and dancing.
Sometimes there are Sofar Sounds live music events on at the church too.
Memberships are available for the soft play, with a babies membership costing £15 per month for four sessions.
Parents can grab a drink, including wine, at the bar and cafe in the churchCredit: TripAdvisor
A Bronze membership then costs £10 a month for two soft play sessions, Silver costs £20 a month for three sessions, a 10 per cent discount at the cafe and early access to book event tickets.
Finally, a Gold membership costing £40 per month, gets you six soft play sessions, a 10 per cent discount at the café, two Sofar Sounds tickets and early access to book event tickets.
The soft play is just a couple of minutes’ walking from West Hampstead underground and train stations.
It isn’t the only church to have something unusual inside…
In Redbridge, London, a swimming pool described as “magical” can be found in an old hospital church.
It is a Virgin Active gym now with a 24-metre pool as well as showers, hot tub and steam room.
IF there’s ever a time to sink a pint of Guinness, it’s got to be today, which is St Patrick’s Day.
You’ll likely find the best pour in its birthplace of Ireland, but there are plenty of bars all over the world pulling stouts for punters.
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Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of unlikely destinations to pick up a Guinness, along with some holiday deals for those who are tempted.
NEPAL
Namche Bazaar, Nepal, boasts the Irish PubCredit: Getty
THE aptly named Irish Pub is not only in one of the most off-grid locations in this list — being in the small town of Namche Bazaar — it’s also one of the highest boozers in the world.
Many claim it’s the most difficult pub to reach because of its position in the gateway to Mount Everest.
OK, it may be a two-day hike to get there but it’s well worth it for the views — and at least you can reward yourself with a well-deserved pint at the end.
Find the pharmacy-like bar Svanen in OsloCredit: TONO BALAGUER
ON Paddy’s Day, punters sink Guinness like its medicine, so what could be a more fitting setting than a 19th-century pharmacy?
Svanen, in the Norwegian capital Oslo, ranks 32 in the 50 Best Bars in the world list, with its traditional glass medicine cabinets, marble columns and black and white tiled floors still intact.
You’d be hard pushed to find a quirkier joint for sipping the dark stuff.
GO: NORWAY
Seven nights’ B&B at the 3H Scandic Fornebu is from £409pp including flights from Stansted on April 8.
A pint of Guinness will set you back a fiver at Rick’s Cafe in JamaicaCredit: Getty
RICK’S Cafe has to be one of the most spectacular spots to enjoy a pint, with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea that are best enjoyed at sunset.
The bar-cum-restaurant in the town of Negril has become a popular spot for cliff jumpers thanks to its hilltop perch, 35ft above a clear and perfectly blue ocean.
A pint of Guinness will set you back a fiver.
GO: JAMAICA
Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Riu Negril is from £1,264pp including flights from London Gatwick on May 4 with 23kg hold luggage and transfers.
You can enjoy a pint of the black stuff on the Faroe IslandsCredit: Getty
THIS collection of volcanic islands, floating in the sea between the UK, Norway and Iceland, are so unspoilt that it’s hard to picture a bar here being anything more than a few tables and a weathered gent serving only the local poison.
But the Irish Pub (again) is a little more than that.
Located in the capital Torshavn, this charming spot offers lovely views of the harbour.
You may even spot seals, whales and dolphins, too.
GO: THE FAROE ISLANDS
Seven nights’ room-only at the 4H Hotel Foroyar is from £902pp including flights from Heathrow on May 4.
Guinness is even available in IcelandCredit: Getty
IT may be better known for attracting geography enthusiasts than stout-loving stags, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t places serving the black stuff in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Den Danske Kro is a lively spot in capital Reykjavik with Danish-style furnishings and a wide selection of beers on tap — including the Irish favourite for £9.
GO: ICELAND
Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Reykjavik Lights Hotel is from £705pp including flights from Manchester on April 22 with 23kg hold luggage and transfers.
Price also includes two excursions: Hunt For The Northern Lights and Golden Circle tour. See tui.co.uk.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Head for Waxy Malone’s in PragueCredit: Harald Nachtmann
IN capital Prague, pints are poured with a side serving of history.
Its Old Town dates back more than 1,000 years and is dominated by the Baroque Church of St Nicholas and the dramatic Kinsky Palace.
And just off the square you’ll find Waxy Malone’s.
A pour of Guinness here will set you back around a fiver.
GO: CZECH REPUBLIC
Three nights’ B&B at 4H Plaza Prague Hotel starts at £200pp including flights from Gatwick on May 31 with hand luggage only.
WE’RE spoilt for choice when it comes to seaside towns here in England – from retro to cool, there’s something for everyone.
But some of our favourites are the ones that feel like you’re stepping back in time to a different era – less penny slot machines and more stone fishermans’ cottages.
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Kara says you should visit her local beach in BroadstairsCredit: AlamyHead of Sun Travel Lisa suggests heading north to SeahousesCredit: Alamy
The Sun Travel team reveals our favourite old fashioned seaside spots…
Sandgate, Kent
“Sandgate is often forgotten about as a day trip destination, being just outside of Folkestone with no train station of its own.
“But it’s one of my favourites to visit with far fewer crowds, and has retained its old-worldy feel.
“It doesn’t have attractions, only Sandgate Castle which was built by Henry VIII but is now a private residence. So instead it’s a great spot for relaxing by the beach, as well as an up-and-coming food and drink scene.
“There’s The Ship Inn overlooking the beach which, on a windy day, is the cosiest spot for a local beer and pie. But the high street itself is just as beautiful, lined with vintage antique stores, coffee shops and bars.
“Start your day with a coffee at Orchard Lane Coffee House, and get tempted by one of their rotating pastry options, or opt for brunch at Loaf just down the road.
“Then go for a long walk on the promenade lining the beach, watching the wind surfers and even canoers (or go for a sea swim yourself in the summer).
“Or if visiting in the evening, John Dory is the best place for some wine tasting with the owners really knowing their stuff.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Brixham, Devon
“The English Riviera in Devon – formed of the three towns of Paignton, Torquay and Brixham – is a great holiday spot, but Torquay and Paignton can often be busy with tourists.
“If you fancy a quieter spot but still want a taste of the English Riviera, then head to Brixham, which remains today one of the busiest fishing ports in the UK.
“The harbour is great for spotting pretty boats and gazing at the swans. And definitely head to the Breakwater as this is where you are most likely to see the town’s resident seals.
“This is also where you’ll find the main beach, Breakwater Beach, which is a Blue Flag spot.
“If dipping into the sea is too daunting, check out the 53-metre saltwater tidal pool, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach.” Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
“The arrival of the railway in 1861 saw the picturesque town embrace leisurely pursuits with its pier and promenade still remarkably similar to its earliest days.
“Also still delighting tourists is its cliff tramway, a water-powered funicular that connects the town at the top of the lift to the seafront and pier below.
“With the Valley Gardens and Italian Gardens to stroll through and the Saltburn Miniature Railway to hop aboard, the town offers a delightful throwback to simpler holidays.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot
Watergate Bay, Cornwall
“A little north of the popular surfing shores in Newquay’s city centre, Watergate Bay is a peaceful and rugged two-mile stretch of sand overlooking foaming, choppy waters.
“The swell ensures it remains a preferred bay for surfers, but outside of the busy summer months you’ll find it’s rather quiet, with just a few dog walkers scattered about.
“Views are breathtaking from pretty much every angle, but especially so from the coastal path that flanks it, winding high above sea level along grassy cliffs.
“Down on shore are craggy caves that kids will be desperate to explore as well as patches of windswept rocks carpeted in mussels that cling to the wet surface.
“A beautiful restaurant, The Beach Hut, overlooks the sands and it’s a great spot for a proper bite to eat, with specials of crab linguine often featuring on its typically Cornish menu.
“For something more casual, WAX serves up pints and burgers in a fuss-free setting.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski
Sophie loves exploring on the two-mile stretch of sand at Watergate BayCredit: Sophie SwietochowskiJenna is a fan of Old Hunstanton in her stomping ground of NorfolkCredit: Jenna Stevens
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
“Old Hunstanton is the quieter, prettier sister of mega Norfolk seaside resort Hunstanton.
“Whilst Hunstanton has a massive arcade and bowling alley practically smack-bang on the promenade, a 15-minute walk along the clifftops will lead you to a beautiful and less busy alternative.
“The walk there overlooks the town’s famous striped limestone cliffs, plus you’ll pass a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins on your way, too.
“The beach boasts soft, golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. It makes for a great bucket-and-spade spot for families, with loos, a cafe and plenty of car parking spots all close by.
“I recommend trying a fry-up at the Old Hunstanton Beach Cafe, a dog-friendly spot that serves up a fantastic breakfast, as well as homemade cakes and an entire library of loose-leaf teas.
“Plus the Old Hunstanton RNLI station opposite is often open to let visitors see its impressive hovercraft up close.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
Seahouses, Northumberland
“The many working fishing boats bobbing in its compact harbour are the reason why this historic village on the Northumberland coast offers an authentic, classic British seaside break.
“The catch still lands daily – guaranteeing some of the freshest and best fish and chips in the region and the place has no modern distractions like flashing arcades.
“A stroll along the beach and a poke about in the rockpools on land and the chance to take to a boat for a trip over to the Farne Islands.
“It’s home to one of the UK’s largest colonies of Atlantic grey seals – it’s simple classic British coastal charm.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot
Salcombe, Devon
“Tucked away on the South Devon coast, Salcombe is well-known for its golden sands beaches.
“The town is often dubbed ‘Chelsea on Sea’ because of its picturesque houses and pretty harbour. Head to North Sands if you want a family-friendly spot.
“Or venture to South Sands, which is accessible by a sea tractor. The town has lots of independent businesses and cost-effective restaurants as well.
“And if you happen to be there in April, make sure to spend time at the Salcombe Crabfest.
“One of the best things to do in the coastal town – no matter the time of year – is to try Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream, which is simply heavenly, especially the honeycomb.” Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
Saltburn-by-the-Sea has a cliff lift that’s been operating since 1884Credit: AlamyAlice’s favourite seaside resort is Sidmouth in Devon where you’ll find Jacob’s LadderCredit: Alamy
Frinton-on-Sea, Essex
“I consider Frinton-on-Sea to be the more chilled out sister of Clacton – it’s so much quieter, and very peaceful, but still just as fun for a beach break.
“The Essex town of Frinton has a huge sweeping beach lined with the classic brightly coloured beach huts – a mark of any beach day trip – along with a retro ice cream parlour.
“You can pop into The Lock and Barrel which is minutes away from the beach, and when it opened was the town’s very first pub.
“When the weather is a little breezy and it’s not warm enough to sit on the beach, take a stroll along the many walking paths.
“If you head slightly up the coast, you should try to spot some seals in nearby Harwich.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill
Broadstairs, Kent
“So while Broadstairs technically has a small arcade, it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it one tucked away from the beach.
“Put on the map by Charles Dickens who raved about its beauty, you can even go back in time by visiting the Dickens House Museum.
“But the seaside town is threatening to become a trendy new Kent destination thanks to some new openings.
“There is the new Smith’s Townhouse, a beautiful boutique hotel, as well as the small plates restaurant Bar Ingo, recently named in the top 100 UK restaurants by OpenTable.
“You’re spoilt for choice for trendy cafes, from Giant Coffee and Salt to Forts and Kope + Loke. But it has kept its Victorian seaside charm, with traditional chippy The Mermaid as well as the best ice cream sundaes at Morelli.
“And while the beach certainly welcomes the tourists in droves, you can rent a deckchair and watch the yachts come in for some old-fashioned charm, while listening to live music from the bandstand above.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
“Any picture you take in Robin Hood’s Bay could immediately become a postcard.
“A visit to the North Yorkshire fishing village feels like stepping back in time, with winding narrow streets snaking through a maze of red-roofed cottages.
“On the steep but scenic walk down to the shore, you’ll pass unique miniature pubs with room for only a bar and a couple of bar stools.
“If you manage to bag yourself a seat in one, you’re lucky – make sure to soak up the ambience of hundreds of years of maritime history.
“The village used to be the smuggling capital of the North coast, and today you can see the same narrow ginnels and cellars where tea, tobacco and gin were once hidden.
“Once you’ve made it down to the beach, you’ll find smooth sands and calm waters equally enjoyed by families and dog walkers.
“Both little ones and four-legged members of the family will enjoy racing across the flat, sprawling sands.
“Plus, at low-tide, there are always fascinating finds and fossils collected in the shallow rockpools.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
Sidmouth, Devon
“One of my favourite spots on the Jurassic Coast is Sidmouth.
“It’s famous for its Grade-II listed steps called Jacob’s Ladder which lead down to the shingle beach.
“Or if you don’t fancy them – because they are very steep – you can still get to the beach by walking down the hill instead.
“As the beach is shingle rather than sand, I’d suggest taking something to lie on if you plan on sunbathing.
“Later on, make sure to explore the town, walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Make sure to pop into Ice Cream Paradise for a frozen treat later on.
“During my visit I stayed in the incredible Harbour Hotel & Spa which has an outdoor pool, beautiful gardens with sunloungers.
“It’s elevated position means it has unbeatable views across the coastline.” – Travel Reporter Alice Penwill
THE Netherlands’ best-kept secret is out . . . Utrecht is now stealing the spotlight from Amsterdam.
With historic streets, lively bars and quirky shops, it is quickly becoming Europe’s must-visit city.
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Find out why Utrecht is stealing Amsterdam’s thunderCredit: Getty
Lonely Planet has tipped it as one of 2026’s hottest destinations and people are already flocking to see what all the fuss is about.
With architectural wonders, canal-side restaurants and intriguing after-dark hotspots, it is easy to see why visitors are falling head over heels for the Dutch delight . . .
WHY SHOULD I GO?
WITH a labyrinth of canals and charming gabled houses, Utrecht’s streets brim with character.
It delivers all the allure of capital Amsterdam, but without the crowds.
Beyond the medieval charm, Utrecht offers far more than fairytale backdrops.
It has a vibrant arts and music scene where Johnny Marr, Ride and Wolf Alice have performed.
For a bird’s-eye view of the city, head to the Dom Tower.
Soaring 112 metres, it is the tallest church spire in the Netherlands and has been a landmark since 1382.
Climb right to the top for your panoramic views.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?
UTRECHT is one of the world’s most walkable cities, with 75 per cent of locals on foot or bike.
Explore the old town, or hop on a 90-minute canal cruise to discover historic wharves and charming houses — all brought to life by tales from a skipper.
Go full Dutch and cycle the streetsCredit: Getty
ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?
GO underground at DOMunder and wander through 2,000 years of history beneath the streets, including Roman ruins and medieval cellars.
Art lovers will swoon at the Rietveld Schroder house, a Unesco-listed modernist gem.
Meanwhile, the Museum Speelklok lets visitors relive history with its whimsical self- playing musical instruments.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
KICKSTART your day at Bunk, a chic spot in a converted church.
The Dutch Breakfast (£16) serves up Eggs Benedict, a cheesy pancake, and a Dutch speciality — a spicy slice of cake for a quirky but delicious way to start your day.
Head to on-trend Café Olivier for refreshmentsCredit: Alamy
For a laid-back lunch, head to Il Pozzo, tucked away on the waterfront. Its wood-fired pizzas are perfect for a lazy meal as you watch the boats drift by.
On the go? Toque Toque sells toasted sandwiches starting at £7.
For an elegant dinner, try Jack Rabbit, with its oversized shimmering rabbit on the walls.
There are small plates of tuna sashimi and sea bass ceviche, crafted cocktails and a buzzing, hip vibe.
If you are after something heartier, Broadway Steakhouse sizzles with a relaxed, stylish setting.
I FANCY A DRINK
CANAL-SIDE sips and cocktail bars set the scene for an evening out.
Kick things off at the on-trend Café Olivier, a converted abbey with vaulted walls serving Belgian beers from £3.90.
Then wander along the Oudegracht to De Rechtbank, a buzzing hotspot with inventive cocktails and a lively terrace.
For a more laid-back vibe, check out Vino Vero, where the expertly chosen wines come at surprisingly great prices.
If you are after something more exotic, duck into the city’s cellars to The Rum Club, where rum cocktails and reggae beats transport you to the Caribbean.
Café DeRat, with a rotating selection of local brews, keeps regulars coming back for more.
And for a touch of glamour, head to Café Lebowski, a speakeasy-style bar where cocktails are expertly crafted in an intimate setting.
WHERE TO STAY
THE Moxy Utrecht is a fun, budget-friendly option in the city centre.
With stylish rooms, a buzzing bar, playful decor, oversized chess sets and complimentary bike hire, it’s the perfect base.
Rooms start from £92 a night.
For those ready to splash out, Grand Hotel Karel V, housed in a former 14th-century monastery, is pure indulgence.
It combines historic charm with modern luxury and also has a Michelin-starred restaurant and a great wellness centre.
GO: UTRECHT
GETTING THERE: Several airlines fly to Amsterdam Schiphol, including easyJet, BA and KLM from London, plus Manchester and Liverpool.
Fares start from £71 return.
From Schiphol, it is less than 30 minutes by train to Utrecht.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at The Moxy Utrecht from £92 per night, Grand Hotel Karel V rooms from £229.
IN CORNWALL is a pretty fishing village that made an appearance on television across 18 years in the hit ITV series Doc Martin.
Now, a pub that starred in the show and overlooks the seafront will reopen after it announced its sudden closure last month.
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Port Isaac was used as the filming location for Doc Martin 18 yearsCredit: AlamyThe Golden Lion that featured as the Crab and Lobster will reopen on Friday 13 MarchCredit: Refer to Source
The postcard-worthy village of Port Isaac sits on the North coast of Cornwall.
It’s full of white-washed cottages and pubs including The Golden Lion which closed in February when the ‘local company running them ran out of money‘, according to Cornwall Live.
Just a few weeks later, the pub announced it was under new ownership of St Austell Brewery and would reopen on Friday 13 March with the same team.
When the news was revealed on Facebook, one local said: “So pleased to hear it will be reopening. It is the hub of the village. Will be in next week for a meal.”
In fact, lots of Port Isaac was used in the TV show as it doubled as the fictional village of Portwenn.
Fans of the series will recognise the pretty harbour, beaches and the Grade-II Listed Fern Cottage which is perched high above the harbour.
The stone cottage once stood in as the doctor’s surgery and now fans of the show can rent it out as a two-bedroom self-catering holiday cottage.
The cosy cottage sleeps four, it also has a sun terrace, garden and a hot tub.
It’s not cheap though as the booking website estimates the cottage at £443 per night.
The village was used as a filming location for Doc Martin for yearsCredit: Neil GenowerStone Fern Cottage sits high above Port Isaac’s harbourCredit: Alamy
Fans of the show can take guided walking tours exploring locations like the cottage as well as Mrs. Tishell’s pharmacy, and the harbour.
One of the spots where Harry Potter has been filming is in Cadgwith Cove, a small fishing village and Kynance Cove, a tidal beach with white sand, turquoise sea and rock stacks.
In 1936, Irish Bostonian entertainment lawyer Tom Bergin founded L.A.’s first Irish pub, the Old Horseshoe Tavern, on Wilshire Boulevard. The bar was later renamed in his honor and relocated to its current Tudor Revival-style building off Fairfax Avenue in 1949.
The tavern claims to have introduced Irish coffee to the U.S. — though some argue that San Francisco’s Buena Vista Cafe holds that title. Either way, Tom Bergin’s is one of the oldest bars in continuous operation in L.A. and boasts the second-oldest liquor license in the city. And its Irish coffee is still one of the best you’ll find.
Today, L.A.’s Irish pub tradition extends to Santa Monica, Long Beach and Woodland Hills, with many founded by Irish immigrants seeking to bring a bit of their homeland to the West Coast in the form of Guinness pints, corned beef and cabbage and traditional Irish folk music.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just looking for somewhere to split the G, here are 13 Irish pubs to check out in L.A. — Danielle Dorsey
IF YOU told me there was a place that had the streets of Paris but in England, I wouldn’t believe you.
But there is, and after years of living in London, New York and Los Angeles, I decided to move back to the storied cosmopolis that is Canterbury.
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Canterbury has been named the best small city in the UK by The TelegraphCredit: Sarah Ivens
Canterbury has just been named the best small city in the UK by The Telegraph, and it isn’t hard to see why.
With a wealth of glorious green spaces, museums, ‘traditional meets trendy’ pubs, inviting restaurants and unique shops, the UNESCO World Heritage Site city in The Garden of England leaves me with a grateful heart.
I first fell in love with its cobbled, meandering streets and willowy riverbank walks as a student at the university here in the 1990s, where I met my husband.
When we finally decided it was time to bring our family home to the UK after two decades living in the US, there was only one place on our list.
And three years after our return, I still get a buzz walking past the hodgepodge of medieval taverns and churches immortalised in the novels of one of the city’s biggest fans, Charles Dickens.
Here’s my insider guide to get the best out of this glorious city, whether you’re coming for the day or a week.
Canterbury technically invented tourism when it started making the most of the martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket, who was murdered in the cathedral in 1170, encouraging people to travel to the site for miracles and blessings, and stay for the fine ale and feasts.
Today, the UK’s oldest cathedral and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican community, is still a beautiful place to spend a peaceful few hours.
You can admire the breathtaking stained-glass windows, gawp at the tombs of The Black Prince and Henry IV, or explore the wildflower gardens that surround the Gothic cloisters.
And with the first female archbishop in the cathedral’s 1400-year history being enthroned this month, there’s never been a more meaningful time to visit.
Tickets start from £18 per person and include exhibitions, mini talks and activity trails.
Under 18s can go free when accompanied by one paying adult (max two children per adult).
Social media had recently been alive with comparisons between Canterbury and Paris, thanks to both cities’ abundance of pavement cafes and tree-lined streets.
The cities are only being 177 miles apart and my car even picks up French radio stations.
“For me, Canterbury feels like a tiny English version of a Paris arrondissement… a storybook full of historic wonders,” agreed my friend Marie, a Parisian who has called Canterbury home for the last five years.
Canterbury feels like a tiny English version of a Paris arrondissementCredit: Sarah Ivens
“I fell in love with its quirky tea rooms, independent boutiques, traditional pubs and cathedral bells.
“Plus, this place has really friendly locals, who are way more welcoming and laid-back than the people you will find in most French cities!”
For the best of France right here in England, wander The King’s Mile and pop to local gourmands for sweet treats, including Madame Oiseau Chocolatiers for handmade truffles.
Or head into Café Turquoise for delicately fragrant macaroons, and there’s A. T. Patisserie as well, which has inventive eclairs that make your mouth scream hallelujah.
There is even a famous haunted Crooked House BookshopCredit: Sarah Ivens
Our shopping definitely compares in originality to the greatest global metropolises.
From the rare gems waiting to be discovered in the infamously wonky and haunted Crooked House Bookshop (where every penny made goes to support a local charity, Catching Lives), to the made-and-glazed-onsite teapots designed by a husband-and-wife team in Canterbury Pottery.
Another spot worth exploring is The Goods Shed – an indoor farmer’s market which boasts farm-fresh soups and stews.
Thanks to Canterbury having the UK’s biggest student-to-resident ratio, the vintage shops are abundant and full of quirky finds.
Check out the Cathedral Quarter’s Superstore, Retro Remix and Karma too.
You’ll leave with a head full of history and a bag full of pre-loved treasures for much less than you’d pay in a bigger city.
Every penny the bookshop makes goes to charityCredit: Sarah Ivens
Spring is the perfect time to visit, thanks to its plethora of free parks and gardens.
Toddler’s Cove is an action-packed mecca for the under-eight-year-olds, which is just along from Westgate Gardens, with its award-winning flower displays and views of 12th-century towers – the oldest surviving gateway in the country.
Inside the towers is now a museum, escape room and a kid-friendly restaurant called The Pound (don’t miss the spicy chicken sandwich).
Entrance to the old gaol (jail) museum is free with every meal.
After people-watching on the patio, walk past the controversial new statue of a drowning Ophelia (Shakespeare was inspired to write her character after being transfixed with a similar local scandal).
It is next to The Guildhall – where a young Mozart performed – which houses a great coffee shop.
You can also jump onboard a chauffeured punt for a dreamy historic tour along the River Stour.
Back on dry land, head to local boyOrlando Bloom’s favourite restaurant, Café des Amies, which serves the best Tex-Mex I’ve ever tasted (and I lived in Austin for seven years).
If you’re up for more action, rent your own paddleboard or kayak from Canoe Wild for a sunset paddle along the river to gaze upon the resident beavers (from £40 per person).
You can go on a chauffeured punt for a dreamy historic tour tooCredit: Alamy
The brand-new Canterbury Tales Experience is a state-of-the-art interactive, immersive journey through the stories of Geoffrey Chaucer – with holograms and actors, sounds and smells of the 13th century.
The experience ends up in a pub too, where you can meet the Father of English Literature himself.
A family ticket for two adults, three kids costs £60.
Other cultural must-dos include the Roman Museum, which gives a family friendly insight into life in Roman Britain, built around the remains of an original Roman
Another option is Town House, which is complete with stunning mosaics (Adults, £11; children £5.50) and the free Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, which hosts workshops, art shows and exhibitions for all ages throughout the year.
It is also the home of a few of Canterbury’s most beloved fictional characters, including Rupert the Bear and Bagpuss.
YouTuber Danny from the Honest Places channel visited different boozers in Rhyl in North Wales — a former tourist hotspot now dubbed one of Britain’s worst seaside resorts
Liam McInerney Content Editor
06:30, 09 Mar 2026
Danny and his pal walking through Rhyl(Image: Honest Places/YouTube)
A YouTuber who travelled to one of the so-called worst seaside resorts in Britain claimed he felt completely at ease there, where traditional boozers brimming with character were packed with locals enjoying affordable pints.
Danny, who operates the Honest Places channel, was visiting Llandudno and Rhyl in NorthWales, with the latter having earned the nickname “Costa Del Dole”.
The resort is littered with abandoned buildings and establishments which have closed down permanently. Despite once being a magnet for holidaymakers, the pier, funfair and shopping centre have long since faded into memory.
The Telegraph listed it amongst the worst seaside resorts in Britain three years ago and described it as “Blackpool after a neutron bomb”. Danny, however, labelled it “Britain’s saddest seaside town” in his YouTube headline before speaking about it affectionately upon arrival.
He commented: “We have come to Rhyl because I felt a bit too out of place (in Llandudno). I feel actually at home in Rhyl.
“This is the front — it is such a contrast to Llandudno. I know people say British seaside towns have gone to s***. But they have been s*** for ages. This is a real British seaside town. Most of them are s*** and that is a real seaside town.
“So Whitby is a seaside town but it’s not a real British seaside town because the real ones are the ones that are like this, like Blackpool.
“But the main reason I came here, I didn’t want to go to another pub in Llandudno because it is just a bit tepid really.”
He continued: “There are some proper tasty pubs I went into last time where the barman and bar staff were just shouting at the customers and stuff like that.”
The first establishment he and a friend visited was Victory Club on Queen Street which has been welcoming drinkers for more than 70 years.
He wasn’t particularly taken with his pint of Caffrey’s Stout but remarked: “The gaff is alright though isn’t it?” His companion responded: “Yeah, tidy and reasonably cheap.”
Yet, if they considered paying £4 a pint reasonable value, they were in for a pleasant shock at their next destination.
They were drawn to The Bodfor and after hearing the booming music from within, Danny chuckled: “It does look good in there, doesn’t it? It reminds me a bit like Benidorm!”
He continued: “People will watch this back and say you should have went in but I’ve got a better boozer for you.”
Danny then headed towards the Imperial Hotel pub and described it as being like stepping into somebody’s front room.
Whilst at the bar, he announced that he had never sampled a pint of Fosters in his life, before deciding to try one.
And staring at his drink, he commented: “That head is beautiful! I don’t think I’ve had better head.”
After taking a gulp, he then remarked it was “fitting” to have a Fosters in Rhyl, before his friend responded: “Absolutely, for what it is, it’s a good pint. You want a fizzy, cold, tasteless pint. That’s what you get.”
Danny then admitted he was enjoying it more than anticipated before he enquired how cheap it was. After discovering the pint was just £2.70, he enthused: “Granted, it’s Fosters. But at that price, you can’t kick off. That’s got to be a 10/10.”
His friend then suggested that one could have a smashing night out in Rhyl with just a tenner and some loose change.
Stepping outside post-pints, Danny remarked: “We got some nice little tasty pubs, we saw Rhyl, it hasn’t changed. I don’t think it will change.”
Last year, reports suggested that Rhyl, which boasts four beaches, would undergo transformation thanks to £200million invested over the past decade, as per Denbighshire County Council.
The town also benefited from a £20million injection from the government’s Levelling Up fund three years ago.
OUR Spotlight On column takes an in-depth look at the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as some lesser known spots.
This week we’re shining the spotlight on Boscastle, a small village buried deep in a valley on the north coast of Cornwall.
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Boscastle is a pretty Cornish village – with links to witchcraftCredit: AlamyIt is nicknamed the UK’s SalemCredit: Getty
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor, recently visited and said: “This charming village was labelled the UKs version of Salem, Massachusetts, by an American travel guide.
“And it’s not just the eerily moody scenery where raucous waves collide with the cliffside that makes this place so spooky.
“Boscastle has strong historical links to the art of witchcraft with witches supposedly selling the wind to sailors by tying knots in ropes – you can learn all about that at the Witchcraft Museum (more on that below).
Here are some of the other top tips of things to do and where to stay.
The area may seem pristine and peaceful today, but in 2024 severe flash flooding wreaked havoc on Boscastle, tearing through buildings and causing an estimated £50million worth of damage.
It’s not hard to see how the devastation was caused when you take a short stroll to the harbour wall blowhole, otherwise known as The Devil’s Bellows.
The natural phenomenon is best observed an hour either side of low tide from a walking path along the coast, near Penally Point.
The blowhole effect is created when crashing water from a ferocious sea is forced through a small cavernous tunnel, before being spurted out the other end.
BEST VIEW
Walks are plentiful in this part of the world, with many coastal routes passing straight through Boscastle.
Less than a 30-minute stroll from the village centre, you’ll find Pentargon Waterfall.
Not only is the view of the waterfall impressive on its own, the surrounding fields are spectacular too. The high position gives you a great vantage point.
HIDDEN GEM
Tucked behind the National Trust Cafe sits a diddy museum entirely dedicated to witchcraft – and although its position in the village is hidden, its story is well known across Cornwall.
Crammed full of bizarre artefacts from jarred pigs heads to voodoo dolls of infamous dictators, the attraction is both extremely bizarre and wildly fascinating,
The museum was first opened in 1960, but has dramatically expanded its collection since then. You’ll retrace the tales of olden day witches and their links to tarot, and unearth spells and potions including charms to make a person more fertile.
RATED RESTAURANT
The Rocket Store is reason enough to visit Boscastle on any Cornwall holiday.
Overlooking the flowing River Valency, it stars in the Michelin Guide – although some are hoping it may earn its first Michelin star soon, so you best get down there before it fills out.
The restaurant is tiny and the menu changes every day according to what seafood has been caught that morning.
Oysters feature regularly, dressed in citrus-y sauces (these cost three for £10 last year). Smaller plates and veggies normally cost £15 and under while larger meatier plates of hake or lamb can cost between £25 to £30.
Think local produce served in an unfussy setting.
BEST BAR
On a sunny day, few spots are better for an ice-cold pint than The Wellington, whose raised outdoor decking area is set just back from the river.
If you’re not much of a booze drinker, head to Boscastle farm shop, instead, which does a cracking cuppa, served alongside glorious views.
HOTEL PICK
The Wellington pub has a small number of boutique and handsomely decorated bedrooms which were renovated only last year.
The place has a cosy, rural atmosphere, thanks to large padded armchairs and tartan bedding with plump cushions scattered about the place.
Possibly the best thing about it is knowing that bed lies only a few paces from the bar.
And brunch lovers won’t miss out either as there will be Reggae Brunch and Maggi Brunch.
There will be family-friendly daytime sessions in the summer too.
When it comes to grabbing a tipple at the venue, guests will be able to choose from a number of speciality bars.
One bar will be the Casamigos ‘House of Friends’ and another will be Hotel Milano, centred on the much-loved Italian aperitivo concept.
Hotel Milano will also form part of the new Brixton Cocktail Club.
Each Thursday, the venue will host South of the South as well, which is a collaboration with Cross The Tracks Festival and includes jazz, funk and soul music.
The line-up for the opening of the venue will include reggae musician Davis Rodigan on May 9.
Laurence Guy will then perform house music on May 16 and on May 30, Ghosts of Garage will take over the rooftop.
In total, 50 jobs will be created as well and the venue aims to also host grassroots events, youth programmes and charity fundraisers.
Dan Morris, Managing Director of Freight Island, said: “Freight Brixton is an incredible rooftop in the heart of South London and will be a place for locals and the city beyond to come together and enjoy themselves with the best food, drink and music.
“I cannot wait for us to get this open – we have seen what creating these kinds of spaces can do for a community in Manchester, and we are all very excited to build something just as special in Brixton.”
Freight Island already has a destination in Manchester, located near Piccadilly Station.
And another new destination was recently announced for Leeds, inside the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.
In addition to street-style food stalls and independent bars, there will also be an outdoor terrace which will look over City Square.
If you are looking for more rooftop venues to explore in the capital, here’s London’s best rooftop bars including one that feels more like Mykonos.
For example, in London, children aged between two and 15 that are dressed as a book character get a free 30-minute ride on the London Eye, from March 7 to 10.
And over at Battersea Power Station, there is A Station of Stories festival, which will be a year-long celebration.
As part of the event, this World Book Day weekend there will be a number of events.
Visitors can step into the world of Mr Men Little Miss through interactive activities including a treasure hunt, for example.
There will also be other free creative workshops across the weekend and the chance for kids to meet their favourite book characters.
If you are based in or near Manchester, then you can head off on the Manchester Literature Trail which explores multiple venues across the city and informs participants of Manchester’s literary history.
A map for the trail can be downloaded online.
St. Patrick’s Day, various
St Patrick’s Day falls on March 17 this year and across the week there will be events all over the country.
For example, you could head to the parade in Digbeth, where there will be floats, marching bands and of course, a lot of green.
The parade is taking place on March 15 on Digbeth High Street.
St Patrick’s Day parades will be happening up and down the country around the middle of the monthCredit: Alamy
One of the world’s largest celebrations outside of Ireland will take place in London with a parade starting from Hyde Park Corner at 12pm on March 15.
There will be a free event at Trafalgar Square too, with live Irish music, dancing and food stalls.
In Manchester Irish Festival Parade, which is the biggest outside of London, there will be 30 floats and marching bands, and it will take place on March 15.
Earth Hour, London
For something a little different, head into central London on March 28.
For one hour, in the evening, London will switch off its lights for the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour to raise awareness about the impacts of global warming.
Households can take part too, but it might be your only chance for a year to see the famous sights of London go dark.
Southend City Day celebrates the destination getting a city status in 2022Credit: Alamy
Southend City Day
Southend City Day takes place on March 7 and celebrates Southend getting city status in 2022.
The event will involve a number of performances, workshops and family-friendly activities such as face painting and pig races…
For example, there will be a stage at the top of the high street which will host performances by local dancers and youth music groups.
Fancy seeing something sparkle? In the evening make sure to catch Disco City’s light installations that will stretch across Royal Square and Pier Piazza.
For classic car fans, make your way to City Beach where there will be a lineup of parked classic cars over 25 years old between 11am and 4:30pm.
River Race, London
On March 28, you can head down to the Thames to watch the River Race.
Now this isn’t the Oxford versus Cambridge race (that happens in April), but during this River Race you will see up to 400 teams of eight racing down the river.
The Six Nations is still on and honestly, is there a better excuse to go to the pub?Credit: Alamy
Six Nations, various
The rugby isn’t quite over yet which means you still have time to catch a game with your friends.
Lots of pubs up and down the country show the matches on their TVs, or you could head somewhere like The Old Crown in Digbeth, which has large outdoor screens, a heated garden and live DJs.
If you are in the capital, make your way to Walthamstow’s Big Penny Social – which is supposedly the biggest beer hall in the UK spanning across 2,415sqm.
Entry is free, though you will need to pay for a tipple if you want one from one of the 20 taps of beer on offer…
For something a little more unusual, head to Battersea Barge, where each match is being shown on the lower deck via a large projector.
It is free to attend, though if you do pre-purchase a £1 ticket you can grab a free pint of Camden Hells on arrival.
A number of venues show the matches on large screensCredit: Alamy
National Lottery Open Week, various
Between March 7 and 15 – so spanning both this weekend and next – hundreds of attractions that you usually have to pay entrance to across the UK, are opening for free or less than the usual admission fee.
If you are based down in Cornwall, or perhaps visiting for Mother’s Day weekend, then head to the Eden Project which is slashing its entrance fee.
Or perhaps you’re a history fan? Well, then venture to one of the many English Heritage properties across the UK scrapping entrance fees for the week.
Examples of properties include Audley End House and Gardens and Eltham Palace.
Head to the National Lottery Open Week’s website and enter your postcode to see attractions and destinations near you.
Between March 7 and 15, it is also National Lottery Open Week meaning you can get into a lot of attractions across the country for freeCredit: Alamy
St Piran’s Day Lantern Parade, Cornwall
Have you ever wanted to experience a moment like that scene in Tangled where they are on the lake watching hundreds of lanterns venture into the sky?
Then get down to Helston’s St Piran’s Day Lantern Parade on March 7.
The event begins at 5:30pm with live music at Helston Boating Lake and Coronation Park and then the lantern parade will begin at 6:30pm.
Members of the public including school groups show off their handcrafted lanterns, alongside installations by City of Lights.
In Cornwall, there will be a lantern parade with family activities this monthCredit: Gorsedh Kernow
On The Line: 100 Years of Solidarity and Strikes, Manchester
Launching this month at the People’s History Museum in Manchester is a new exhibition which takes visitors on a journey through a century of industrial relations.
The exhibition begins with the 1926 General Strike and then addresses key moments throughout the past century of communities facing poor working conditions.
It also delves into the impact strike action has on society and will start on March 21.
This hidden gem off the Cumbrian coast boasts a medieval castle, The Ship Inn pub, and a landlord crowned in a centuries-old tradition
The tiny island is protected by English Heritage(Image: Simon Ledingham / geograph.org.uk)
Charming and eccentric, this tiny island off the Cumbrian coastline attracts visitors eager to experience its remarkable setting and rich historical heritage.
Resembling something from a storybook, Piel Island boasts a crumbling castle and its own monarch – though not in the traditional sense.
As far as hidden treasures go, this destination epitomises the term, nestled discreetly beyond Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria and accessible only by boat or guided crossing when tidal conditions permit.
Yet the panoramas upon arrival are spectacular, offering vistas across Yorkshire, the Lake District and even as far as Blackpool. It’s possible to spot Blackpool Tower emerging through the waves and, notably, ‘The Big One’ rollercoaster at Pleasure Beach.
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Lancashire is known for its wide open skies, stunning landscapes and lively coastal resorts. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of self catering accommodation across the county from £42 a night.
One visitor described it as a secret “paradise”, saying on TripAdvisor : “We love everything about Piel, from the walk over the sands to the warm welcome at the pub and the always exciting exploration of the castle: we’ve seen it many times – always find something new!”
Historical background
Dominating the landscape stands a 14th-century fortification, referred to by some as Fouldry Castle, constructed by the Abbot of Furness with the purpose of protecting Barrow-in-Furness.
The structure served to defend against marauding pirates or Scottish invaders on the surrounding waters. Notably, it sheltered Lambert Simnel, a challenger to Henry VII’s crown, who arrived on the island in 1487.
Whilst naturally the castle in its complete form couldn’t survive such an extended period, its remains stay remarkably preserved, revealing the principal structure that once stood there.
Guests can observe the keep, both the inner and outer baileys and the towered curtain walls, which possess an unsettling atmosphere.
The Ship Inn
The origins of The Ship Inn are somewhat unclear, though it’s thought to date back more than 300 years. Whilst there is minimal evidence, accounts indicate the location was converted from a former ship chandlery at some point during the 17th century.
Over the years, numerous travellers started using the pub as a boozy refuge, which led to several issues out at sea. Indeed, following a series of boating incidents and suspected fatalities in the 19th century, a coroner is believed to have issued a statement to the pub’s landlord.
The Ship Inn’s website states that it read: “The landlord of the Ship Inn should not supply drink so as to make incapable men who may have to take charge of a boat.”
Today, the pub continues to operate as a traditional community hub from March to September, offering an extensive selection of beers from local breweries, alongside wines, spirits and even better – food. The menu features beloved pub grub favourites including pies, wraps and jacket potatoes.
One Google review states: “Absolute gem of a place. We spent a half day on the island – took the ferry across (seven quid return for adults), had delicious burger and chips from the BARBECUE at the pub before a walk round the entire island, a wander round the castle ruins and time on the beach. Everyone was super friendly. We’d definitely consider going back to camp.”
Further cementing its unique charm, the pub’s landlord, Aaron Sanderson, who has held the role since 2022, was officially – or unofficially – crowned as the king of Piel in a traditional ceremony. This is a title bestowed upon every landlord of the pub, with the inaugural version of this ritual believed to have occurred in 1856.
In an interview with the BBC, Andersen said: “It’s definitely a unique role and difficult to do, but enjoyable at the same time. ” He also proudly declared that his pub boasts “probably one of the best beer gardens in the world.”
Getting there
Adding to the allure and mystery, the island is almost exclusively accessible via a single boat, which can only accommodate up to 12 passengers. The ferry departs from Roa Island in Barrow daily throughout the summer season, running from 11am right up until 4:30pm.
Reviews indicate that the journey costs around £7, and for those not quite ready to depart, camping is available from as little as £5. The cost is per tent and there’s no need for a pre-booking system; simply arrive and pitch up by the pub.
When the tide is low, there’s an opportunity to embark on a guided walk over to the island, but only when it’s safe to do so. As for driving, only three individuals have been granted permission to drive on the land, one of them being the king, naturally, and it’s no simple task.
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