Pubs

OUR Spotlight On column takes an indepth look at the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as shining a light on the lesser-known spots.

This week, we look at the historic Hertfordshire city of St Alban’s, home to more pubs per square mile than any other UK destination.

The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski is a local, and knows all the best spots.

She said: “Despite being an action-packed city, just a 20-minute train ride from the UK’s capital, St Albans has managed to maintain a village-y feel with cosy cafes run by locals and tiny boutiques selling hand-painted homeware.

“It’s absolutely crawling with fascinating history and claims to be home to the oldest pub in Britain, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks – a local rumour claims that a set of old tunnels, dug by monks, lurk beneath the pub leading all the way up the hill to the cathedral.

“Every Saturday and Wednesday, the streets are full of traders flogging from tiny market stalls.

“First established in 860, it is said to be the second oldest market in the UK.”

Here are some other top tips including where to stay.

MUST SEE/DO

Hertfordshire’s only city has a fascinating history dating back more than 2,000 years.

St Albans was a huge hub in the Roman era and you can still see the remains of an ancient wall when you stroll around the 100-acre Verulamium Park.

The striking cathedral is one of the city’s main attractions, and daily tours are free.

Be sure to swing by the cafe there for some seriously tasty sausage rolls.

HIDDEN GEM

Not many people know that you can watch a play in an actual Roman theatre. Upcoming plays at the Roman Theatre include Sherlock Holmes, The Importance Of Being Earnest and Twelfth Night.

The venue is entirely outdoors so bring your own blanket, or you can rent one on site. There’s also a bar. BEST VIEW: The Clock Tower, dating back to 1405, stands in pride of place at the foot of the city’s cobbled high street.

It opens to the public every weekend and bank holiday from 10.30am until 5pm and visitors can climb to the top for great views of the town and surrounding countryside.

An action-packed market runs every Saturday from behind the tower, so you can use the Clock Tower as a vantage point from which to plot out which stalls you want to visit.

RATED RESTAURANT

The Silver Palate, a local deli just behind the Clock Tower, serves knock-out sandwiches and smoothies.

For something a little fancier, French restaurant Hazels puts some of London’s classiest dining spots to shame with its cracking sharing menu that changes weekly.

Expect dishes like smoked ham hock and Parmesan croquettes, as well as spiced lamb-ragu hummus.

Also drop into Glaze bakery for a pastry or dessert. You may recognise owner Oli from his witty videos on social media.

BEST BAR

The Boot, housed in a dinky Grade II-listed building, is slap-bang in the city centre.

But if the sun is shining, head to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, which has an excellent pub garden that borders the park.

For something a little classier, Suckerpunch does sophisticated cocktails.

HOTEL PICK

McFly‘s Tom Fletcher and singer Rochelle Humes are among the stars who have stayed at swanky 5H hotel Sopwell House and enjoyed its lush spa.

Rooms there start from a hefty £329 per night, but for something a little less eyewatering, head to the Samuel Ryder Hotel.

This centrally located joint is part of the Hilton brand and has rooms from £149 per night. See hilton.com.

Police have criticised the timing of the government’s decision to let pubs stay open until 05:00 BST on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said the “late announcement” meant officers would have to be taken away from other duties and work longer hours, even though the team’s likely route through the tournament “has been known for a considerable time”.

It asked fans to be “considerate” and “drink within sensible limits” while watching the crucial last-16 match in which the losing team will be eliminated.

The government has said a previous relaxing of licensing laws for the tournament had not covered the eventuality of England playing so late.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said that after England’s progression was confirmed on Wednesday evening, the government “announced plans as quickly as possible following this”.

The spokeswoman added: “And more broadly, we have engaged with policing partners throughout preparations for the World Cup and we are grateful for their flexibility and professionalism throughout.”

Kick-off for the knock-out game is not until 01:00 in the UK and the match is not expected to end until at least 03:00. It could finish even later if it goes to penalties.

Knock-out games in previous tournaments have led to an increase in violent incidents and domestic abuse, the policing body said.

“This is directly linked to alcohol consumption,” the NPCC’s football and alcohol policing leads said in a joint statement.

“We will continue to work with partners and venues to support a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.”

Licensing hours had already been extended for the international football tournament and the government had initially said it would not relax the laws further.

But late on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said pubs could remain open until the end of the game.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed told broadcasters the previous measures “hadn’t covered the eventuality of England playing so late in the night”, adding it was “one of the fastest changes in the law that we’ve seen”.

England was not guaranteed to play in Monday’s match, only earning a place in the round of 16 after beating DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.

The hospitality sector welcomed the government’s decision. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.”

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said it was “fantastic news” that would be “hugely welcomed by operators”.

Pub chain Greene King has said more than 600 pubs across England will be staying open late to show the match, while Marston’s has said more than 400 of its pubs will also be open.

Priyesh Bathia, who runs the Elephant and Barrel pub in Stockwell, south London, and said he is “so thankful” for the late licensing on Monday.

“I’m really excited,” he added, and said so far they have had between 100-150 people book tables for the game.

Pubs in England and Wales will now be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday, allowing football fans to watch the Three Lions’ World Cup clash with Mexico to the final whistle.

The round-of-16 match in Mexico City kicks off at 1am UK time.

The government had initially said it would not relax licensing laws further than they already have been for the World Cup.

But Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday afternoon that pubs could stay open until the final whistle.

Monday’s match is not expected to finish until after 3am.

The government had initially decided not to extend licencing hours further, but u-turned on Thursday evening.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the decision was good news for both supporters and pubs.

“Football might be coming home but we’re making sure fans don’t have to,” he said.

Publicans and businesses welcomed the change. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We all know the best place to watch the match is down the local.”

Licensing hours had already been extended for the World Cup from 11pm to 1am for games with kick-offs from 5pm up to 9pm and up until 2am for kick-offs after 9pm.

Individual pubs normally have to apply to their local council for extended opening hours, at least five working days in advance.

WITH its pretty timber-framed walls and stained-glass windows, even from the outside you can instantly tell The Old Inn is something special.

It’s been welcoming guests since 1614, but that doesn’t mean the hotel in the village of Crawfords-burn, Co Down, is stuck in a time warp.

Inside, it has been transformed into an oasis of modern luxury, and it has proved such a hit since it was bought by the Galgorm hotel group in 2021 that it was recently crowned the AA’s Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland.

Now, with its stunning Treetop spa, it promises the ultimate romantic retreat – apt, because Narnia author CS Lewis chose it for his honeymoon in July 1958.

We stayed in one of the spacious junior suites, with a super-king bed and a stand-alone copper bath by the ornate bay window.

Antique furnishings maintain the 17th-century character, while the bathrooms are new and luxurious, with a marble sink and a vast rainfall shower.

The attention to detail really makes it stand out from other 4* hotels, with lavish toiletries, fluffy robes and slippers, a GHD hairdryer, and free soft drinks in the fridge as well as a Nespresso coffee machine and minibar.

We spent most of our stay unwinding in the Treetop spa, which is without doubt the star of the show.

Hotel guests get access from noon on the day of check-in until check-out.

Overlooking the Crawfordsburn Country Park and surrounded by greenery, this outdoor haven features a heated hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

Or you can also relax by a wood-fire stove in the cosy conservatory, taking in the forest views below, or indulge in a treatment such as a facial or massage.

But the best part is that you can order cocktails straight to the pool or your lounger.

On a Sunday morning, I was able to sweat out my multiple cocktails in the hotel’s new gym, which also offers various classes, including yoga.

As for food, the hotel’s charming 1614 Bar offers pub grub such as fish and chips and burgers.

For dinner, we headed into The Restaurant to try the a-la-carte menu.

It’s not cheap, but is excellent if you fancy splashing out.

To start, I had the white asparagus with shaved mushrooms, Irish coppa and truffled honey (£15), and for my main I had the monkfish with spring brassicas, mussels and buttermilk (£33) with a great bottle of white wine.

After dinner, we returned to the 1614 Bar for a nightcap or two with live music.

Breakfast is a continental buffet spread and guests can also order a la carte.

The hotel prides itself on its fresh food, so everything from fish to yoghurt at breakfast was local.

We then strolled through the park to Crawfordsburn beach.

A winding path takes you through woods, then the trees clear and you are on to the sweeping, sandy beach looking out over Belfast Lough.

You can see why CS Lewis chose this spot for his honeymoon – with stunning scenery on your doorstep and a warm welcome, it’s couples heaven.

A night on the beers could start in a jail cell in this unique pub, but it’s just one of the unusual buildings that has seen new life after being turned into a ‘Spoons – here’s a roundup of some unique places you can enjoy Curry Club or just a quiet pint

Love or hate Wetherspoons, you have to admit that the giant pub chain has a knack for turning some unique venues into places to grab a pint and enjoy a cheap lunch.

Across the UK, many abandoned buildings are being turned into drinking venues, and while the settings are unique, all the places have the same classic ‘Spoons menu and deals, so you know what you’re getting when you visit.

Here are some of the weirdest venues snapped up by Wetherspoons, from an old bank where you can sit in the vault, to a dramatic opera house that has kept its opulent vibes for a classy start to your night on the town.

1. The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas – a courthouse with jail cells

Built around 1901 in the Lake District town of Keswick, The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas was originally a magistrates’ court and a police station, where unlucky criminals would often be caught and thrown in one of its cells for the night before trial. No doubt many a drinker ended up here after a few too many beers.

Nowadays, the sturdy brick cells have been turned into booths where you can enjoy a drink with friends, and while there’s a much cheerier atmosphere, you can still see the remains of the building’s old life. There are heavy metal doors with locks and high windows covered with bars that once kept people securely inside. However, punters are free to roam outside for a drink in the beer garden, surrounded by the classic Lake District stone buildings of this charming market town.

2. The Rawson Spring – former swimming pool

Kids who grew up in the 70s and 80s around Sheffield may well have taken their first dip in the former Hillsborough Baths, which are now a ‘Spoons called The Rawson Spring. These vast council-run baths opened in 1926 and closed in 1991, hosting many decades of swimming lessons and summer fun.

The cavernous space has since been turned into a giant Wetherspoons, and many of the original features may still be recognised by eagle-eyed former customers. The balcony around the top where spectators once stood is still intact, and you can still see the old poolside changing rooms where tables are now set up.

3. Opera House

If you’re looking for a classy and cultural setting in which to enjoy your chicken basket, then head to the Opera House in Tunbridge Wells. The name pretty much sums it up. This ornate Grade II listed building was designed by famous architect John Priestley Briggs and completed in 1902, becoming a bingo hall in the 60s before Wetherspoons snapped it up in 1996.

Its red interiors with gold accents and chandeliers still make it feel much like a space for a grand performance, and occasionally the local opera group will put on a show worthy of this beautifully preserved building.

4. The Counting House – former bank with vault

Wetherspoon has converted plenty of old banks over the years, but one of the most notable is The Counting House in Glasgow, where you can drink inside a former vault.

Once a major branch of the Bank of Scotland, this Italian Renaissance-style building was constructed between 1867 and 1870, with a high domed ceiling, marble fireplaces, Corinthian columns, and stone statues. Nowadays, the main bar sits under the dome, and punters can also sit behind bars in the old vault. Although luckily, with Wetherspoons prices, you won’t need to rob a bank to get a round in.

5. Piccadilly Hall – former amusement park loved by 90s kids

If you were a 90s kid on a day out to the capital, odds were you’d beg your parents to take you to London Trocadero. This iconic building set at 30 Shaftesbury Avenue was once the ultimate indoor amusement park, with several floors of arcade machines and even an indoor drop ride at its centre. It’s perhaps best remembered as the home of SegaWorld, which was reached by a giant rocket escalator.

When Trocadero closed, parts of it became a pod hotel, and now there are plans to turn some of the building into one of London’s largest ‘Spoons in the heart of Theatreland. Reportedly set to open in late 2026, Piccadilly Hall will span over 3,600 square feet, offer a massive 280 covers, and open from 7am until midnight, seven days a week.

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

STEP into your own David Attenborough show on a dreamy family staycay.

From a gorgeous country estate on the England/Wales border, to seal-spotting and wild swimming while kipping in sleepy Harleston

Marrington Escapes, Shropshire

Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley and her gang found a gorgeous country estate brimming with nature on the England/Wales border.

A grazing pony, strutting pheasants and hopping hares are just a few of our neighbours on the glorious, family-owned Marrington Estate.

And we’ve spied them all before we even embark on an hour’s walk down through the stunning Dingle Valley, where the babbling River Camlad is home to crayfish, otters and kingfishers.

We’re kipping in one of the estate’s biggest properties, Marrington Farmhouse, which sleeps 10 under cloud-like duvets – although the dining room is better-suited to eight – and which comes with a kitchen proper cooks will love.

A large hot tub, The Traitors board game complete with cloak, a verdant lawn and an apple orchard brimming with harvest make it an idyllic spot and, come evening, we toast marshmallows on the firepit and stargaze.

Our welcome hamper includes pistachio sablés from What A Pickle! in the county’s foodie capital Ludlow and a bottle of zingy Shropshire Lady white wine using Solaris grapes from Kerryvale Vineyard, 10 minutes’ drive away.

But with little ones in tow, we resist a vineyard tour and tasting, £25 per person (Kerryvalevineyard.co.uk), and instead take a trip across the border to Wales on board a steam train.

The nearby Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway trundles us through the rolling hills and, once we arrive in Llanfair, Poppy, seven, and Raffy, four, are thrilled when the friendly driver spots them looking on wide-eyed in awe and invites them into his cabin to pull the steam whistle.

Return tickets cost £27 per adult, £10 per child (Wllr.org.uk). We’re also close to several castles, from which we pick the striking 13th-century Powis Castle, a 20-minute drive away.

Its baroque terraces are a spectacular display of colour, and feasting on a cream tea, £7.50, among the blooms before a stroll through the woodlands is heavenly.

Adult tickets cost £18, over-fives are £9 (Nationaltrust.org.uk).

On our way back, we make a pitstop at The Nags Head Inn in Garthmyl for the Sunday roast of dreams, tucking into a delicate crab salad with watermelon and pineapple salsa, before tackling ginormous three-meat platters with all the trimmings in the lively dining space (Nagsheadgarthmyl.co.uk).

Two courses cost from £24.45, and we haven’t had a roast that good since!

Stays at Marrington Farmhouse, sleeping 10, cost from £30 per person, per night (Marringtonescapes.com).

Mendham Mill, Suffolk

Writer Ellie O’Mahoney and her family spotted seals and tried wild swimming while kipping in sleepy Harleston.

Paddling in canoes up the River Waveney, it feels like we are in the middle of a painting.

We’re staying at Mendham Mill Holiday Cottages on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, and canoes here are free to borrow, from which we spot newly hatched goslings, grazing cows and a hovering kestrel.

We’re bedding down in wheelchair-friendly North Meadow Cottage, which sleeps six, and our children, Elliot, 11, and Molly, nine, whoop for joy when they find the games room with table tennis and a pool table.

Later, we take a bracing swim in the river at the bottom of the garden, then warm up under the outdoor shower.

Norfolk is famous for its seal colonies, so we make the hour’s drive to one of the UK’s largest, Horsey Gap, to spot them (Horseygap.co.uk).

Close by is wooden marvel BeWILDerwood, where the kids burn off their energy exploring the treehouses, zip wires, mazes and slides.

Tickets cost from £20.95 for those over 92cm (Bewilderwood.co.uk).
Another day, Framlingham Castle, inspo for Ed Sheeran’s Castle On The Hill, proves the perfect spot for playing warring knights.

Entry costs from £8.10 (English-heritage.org.uk).

Later, we get a Michelin-recommended taste of old-school Suffolk at The Peacock Inn in Chelsworth, a 14th-century Grade-II-listed pub in the prettiest of villages.

Battered haddock with koji tartar sauce, £18, is standout, while the mousse, £11, made with 85% chocolate from local chocolatier Pump Street is to die for (Thepeacockchelsworth.com).

Stays at Mendham Mill Holiday Cottages, sleeping six, cost from £35 per person, per night (Premiercottages.co.uk).

 OR GO REALLY WILD…

The Reserve, Cheshire

Wake up to giraffes as campmates at Chester Zoo, says Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley.

Stuffing play balls with lucerne hay, my kids are thoroughly enjoying preparing teatime treats for giraffes with zookeeper Sophie, while learning about their surprisingly small poos and why their long tongues are black (to protect them from the sun, FYI).

The excitement continues when later we join an after-hours tour to catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals waking, including aardvarks, and learn about the incredible cancer-fighting superpower of naked mole rats.

By sleeping over, guests are helping the conservation efforts here and The Reserve’s reception, restaurant and bar ooze sophistication.

Welcome cocktails of sapling vodka, lime and honey – and juices for the kids – are quickly slurped, and the 51 lodges are swishly furnished, although our lakeside pad is without much of an actual lake view and comes with the buzz of traffic that leaves us feeling very much still in England when on our veranda.

Pricier lodges overlook the giraffe enclosure and, on our stroll to the plentiful breakfast, we spot the majestic creatures through gaps in the foliage.

As well as exclusive animal tours and fireside stories in the lounge, overnight guests also get to step into the zoo early, and it is undoubtedly one of the UK’s best – home to more than 500 species, including orangutans, elephants, leopards and lions.

All in all, our little ones think this is a roar-some mini-break.

Family stays for four at The Reserve cost from £306 B&B, including two-day zoo access (Chesterzoo.org).

With more than a dozen locations across the United Kingdom and its first stateside location landing in Manhattan next year, Dishoom is hardly a secret. But each outpost offers a distinct vibe and set of influences, with the location in Shoreditch recalling an eccentric Iranian cafe by way of Bombay with mismatched furniture, bamboo blinds and gently frayed rugs. For breakfast, there are stuffed naan rolls, date and banana porridge or a Bombay-inflected take on a full English breakfast with akuri, bacon, peppery Shropshire pork sausages, masala beans, grilled field mushrooms, grilled tomato and buttered buns, best paired with fresh juice, chai or a sesame espresso martini. The all-day menu features well-established hits such as chicken ruby, lamb and veggie samosas and the famous black daal that’s slow-cooked for 24 hours, with a range of lassi yogurt drinks, Indian beers and cocktails that put a spin on the classics, such as the thandai mai tai with rum, almond milk, black pepper, cardamom bitters and house thandai syrup. The restaurant doesn’t accept dinner reservations, and lines can get notoriously long, but hospitable servers help pass the time with free chai and sherry samples.

7 Boundary St., London E2 7JE

THE most beautiful pubs in the UK have been revealed – ranging from historic inns to more modern upgrades.

The winners were named in Camra’s Pub Design Awards, across a number of different categories.

The Historic England Conservation Award was given to the pub which “carefully preserved the pub’s historical architectural features“.

Coming out on top is Woodman in Birmingham, which dates back to 1897 when it was a public house for Ansells Brewery,

Since then, it has undergone a £300k renovation back in 2024, which saw the restoration of the Victorian tile walls as well as the woodwork throughout.

It is also right by Old Curzon Street Station, part of the new HS2 line which will open in 2030.

Two winners were named for the Conversion to Pub Use award, which is for buildings that were not originally built as pubs.

One of the winners is Blue Stoops in London, which used to be a wine bar.

Found near Notting Hill Gate Station, it has been turned into a pub by Allsopp’s Brewery and since its opening, people have raved about the food menu as well as the atmosphere.

The pub is a joint winner with St Peter’s Tavern in Liverpool, which is a converted Roman Catholic Church.

Much of the grand interiors remain, including the Lady Chapel and original alter.

The Leyton Engineer pub in London won the Refurbishment Award.

It originally opened in 2012 as a pop up pub for the Olympics, taking over Leyton Town Hall, and reopened in 2024 after a huge revamp.

And the Community Local Award went to Lord Southampton in London, which was praised for being a space for local groups.

Pub Design Awards judging panel chair Andrew Davison said: “In these troubled times, the pub still has a key role to play in our communities, and those who are working to conserve, repair and renovate them should rightfully be applauded.

“The Pub Design Awards recognise the extraordinary amount of effort, the imagination and design, plus high-quality craftsmanship which have gone into all of these projects”

Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire, co-CEOs of Historic England, added: “Pubs continue to be cherished historic spaces for people across the country.

“Each pub is distinct, telling the story of the community they stand within and continue to serve.”

WITH temperatures hitting 38C across the UK this week, you’ll want to know about the top spots to soak up the sun with a refreshing tipple.

So why not head to a pub right by the beach with a beer garden looking out at the sea? We’ve rounded up 15 of the best.

Fortune of War, Brighton

Found in the popular seaside city of Brighton is the Fortune of War with a large outdoor terrace right on the beach promenade.

The boozer often has late night entertainment including live music events and it’s easy to get to as well – it’s also only 12 minutes from Brighton Train Station.

Founder’s Arms, London

Thought a London pub couldn’t be on a beach? You’re wrong. The Founder’s Arms, between the Tate and Blackfriars Station, sat on the Thames has its own small beach.

While technically not a beachfront, if you catch the tide at the right time, a smallsliverr of golden sand appears next to the pub.

The Old Neptune, Whitstable

Punters who have visited The Old Neptune in Whitstable often note how it feels like you are abroad thanks to its sprawling pub garden looking out to sea.

What makes this spot even better? It often hosts events, including live music sessions.

Zetland Arms, Kingsdown

Also in Kent you’ll find the Zetland Arms, which sits on Kingsdown Beach.

Visitors can sit in the garden with their feet in the shingle and on a clear day might even be lucky enough to see the White Cliffs of Dover or even France.

The Bluff Inn, Cornwall

Run by Haven and found in one of their holiday parks, you can visit the Wetherspoons pub, The Bluff Inn, which overlooks Bluff Beach.

The pub garden has views across the sea and is just a short walk from the sand itself.

The Royal Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate

You can’t really go wrong with a Spoons pub, and when it has a rooftop right next to the beach, what are you waiting for?

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey has visited and said: “The Royal Victoria Pavilion, now a Grade-II listed building, was originally a concert hall and was said to have been inspired by the Little Theatre in Versailles.”

Brewers Fayre Inn on the Quay, Devon

Slap- bang in the middle of two beaches, The Inn on The Quay is a great family-friendly pub right next to the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark.

If you want a pub with plenty to do, then this is definitely the spot – one of the beaches is dog-friendly too in case you have your furry friend with you.

Velvet Coaster, Blackpool

Another Spoons spot is the Velvet Coaster in Blackpool, with just a road between it and the beach and is even often named one of the most beautiful Spoons in the country.

In addition to the beach, you will also find Blackpool’s South Pier next door and Pleasure Beach just a short walk away.

Port William, Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall

Sitting right above Trebarwith Beach in Cornwall, you’ll find Port William.

The site is home to a restaurant and hotel as well as the pub, but it is the perfect place to sit with a pint overlooking the beach.

The Gloucester, Weymouth

With Weymouth Beach just across the road, there could not be a more ideal spot for a pint after a sunbathing session on the sand.

Outside, you will find a large outdoor patio and garden area, right on the Esplanade.

Bridport Arms, Bridport

With sand surrounding the pub, Bridport Arms is a great spot to enjoy a tipple before or after heading to the beach.

The garden overlooks the harbour and beach and dogs are allowed too.

The Anchor Inn, Seatown

Found in the hamlet of Seatown in Dorset, The Anchor Inn has accumulated many awards over the past years including in 2021 for the Best Destination Pub in Dorset & Somerset.

Head down to the beaches for some fossil hunting too, as the area is known for being on the Jurassic Coastline.

Ty Coch Inn, Wales

Over in Wales, you could head to the Tŷ Coch Inn in the village of Porthdinllaen.

Boasting views across the Irish Sea, the watering hole has the beach on its doorstep.

The Coble Inn, Newbiggin-by-the-sea

The Coble Inn sits right by the sea with views of the stretching coast and the entire pub is dog-friendly (you might even spot the resident dog).

As for outside, you can grab a tipple and sit on a terrace which overlooks the harbour and beach.

The Ship Inn, Elie and Earlsferry, Scotland

Around an hour from Edinburgh, you can head to one of Scotland‘s most famous seaside pubs.

The Ship Inn overlooks Elie Bay and is also known for hosting cricket matches right on the sand when the tide is out.

The next match takes place on July 5.

LOOKING forward to a seaside staycation with the family this summer?

It can be hard to know where to book your next UK seaside holiday. With many Brits picking the same overcrowded spots, you can soon feel like you’re fighting for every square inch of sand on the beach.

Luckily, there are plenty of off-the-radar stunning seaside towns and villages where you can enjoy a summer holiday without the crowds.

We’ve gathered travel insiders from Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk and Kent to share their favourite lesser-known holiday spots – with cheap pints, quiet beaches and stays from £30 a night.

Norfolk

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

I grew up on the North West Norfolk coast, going quay jumping and crabbing after school with my friends.

Over the years, I’ve seen tourists flock to the same overcrowded spots time and again, while some of the prettiest towns and villages stay pretty much deserted.

While Cromer and Great Yarmouth make for great cheap and cheerful holidays, there are much prettier and less crowded options further west along the coast.

Wells-next-the-Sea is the picture-perfect seaside town. Walking down the high street, Staithe Street, feels like stepping back in time.

You’ll wander past an old-fashioned butcher’s, bakery and greengrocers on your downhill stroll towards the sea – plus plenty of trinket shops selling seashell earrings or buckets and spades.

The high street leads to the picturesque quay, where the Victorian Granary gantry jets out over the water, and you can watch fishermen haul in fresh catches throughout the day.

Here you’ll find the old-fashioned Pop Inn Amusements, a sweet shop selling giant lollies and classic sticks of rock, plus my favourite surfer dude-feel coffee shop, Wills of Wells.

Not to mention the fact that there’s a massive, golden, award-winning beach lined with colourful beach huts backed by a sprawling pine forest.

There’s a large beachside cafe too, plus you can stay by the sea at the Pinewoods Holiday Park, with camping and touring pitches from £30 per night.

While Wells is absolutely worth visiting, tourists have certainly caught on to its charm.

Further into West Norfolk, there are small towns and villages that offer true peace and quiet – where your only neighbours are grazing sheep.

Some of these best-kept secrets are Fring, Shernborne, Wolferton and Anmer.

They’re the kind of remote, rural villages perfect for a countryside walk where you won’t pass anyone but horse riders out on a hack.

Stay at nearby Bircham Windmill, where there are camping pitches for £36 a night.

In fact, this site makes for a fantastic family day out, where you can bake your own bread from scratch for £3.95 and climb up to the top of the mill for stunning views of the surrounding villages and fields.

Although it’s quiet, there’s plenty more to do nearby. Bottle feed lambs and hand feed deer at Snettisham Park, tour the royal grounds of Sandringham Estate, or sit down for a pint of local ale in the gloriously British pub The Rose and Crown.

Devon

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Devon or Cornwall? I’m here to tell you don’t need to look further than Devon – with fewer crowds, heaps of beaches and the quaintest of villages, nothing quite beats it.

As a born and bred Devonian, one spot I will always shout about is the English Riviera.

Formed of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the coastal towns boast an unusual micro-climate for the UK that has allowed palm trees to thrive.

Named after the French Riviera, you can expect a similar vibe but for a fraction of the price.

Stay at the newly opened £20 million seafront Hotel Indigo by IHG in Torquay from £74 per night (and there are dog-friendly rooms) – you can’t get closer to the sea with only a road separating you from the beach.

From the hotel, stroll down to Abbey Sands Beach, where you will find red-pink sand backed by a green area and the famous Torre Abbey, which you can visit for £11pp.

On the other side of Abbey Sands, walk around the harbour, which is currently under development to make it into a swish seaside hub of restaurants and cafes.

Drop by Pier Point for some fish and chips on the way – which are often voted best in the country.

For more traditional and quieter seaside towns, head to Dawlish or Teignmouth, where you will find seaside arcades and cheap cafes selling freshly made Devonshire delicacies such as pasties and cream teas.

It’s not all about the seaside in Devon, though – Dartmoor National Park sprawls over 368-square-miles with over 160 rocky tors, ideal for lengthy country walks with dramatic views.

One of the most accessible spots is Haytor, where you can head up to the tor from a car park – and don’t worry, it isn’t too steep a climb – and then nearby check out Haytor Quarry, which appears frozen in time with disused machinery still present.

Keep an eye out for wild ponies too, of which there are about 1,500.

For a historic spot – head to Exeter – a university city with a sandstone cathedral and bustling high street.

The city even has links to Harry Potter as J.K. Rowling once studied there, and it is thought that she based Diagon Alley on Gandy Street in the city centre.

For another unique spot, pop to Totnes – a town that has often been noted for its hippie lifestyle, free of big brands and chains.

Drop by on a Friday or Saturday to catch the antiques and food market, for bargain finds and huge Lebanese wraps setting you back a tenner (but big enough for two!).

In the North of the county, head to Woolacombe for the perfect holiday park break.

You could head to Golden Coast Holiday Park, for example, which costs from £219 for a seven-night break for a family of four – so just £7.83 per person per night.

The beach stretches over three miles, and there is an abundance of holiday parks around the town, many of which have evening entertainment, hot tubs on chalet decks and indoor and outdoor pools.

Kent

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Kent has seen a huge resurgence in recent years, aided by the pandemic, which saw thousands of people leave the Big Smoke for sunnier and sandier climes.

As one of the many who did so, I’ve since lived in both Folkestone and Margate, which are both on the rise as trendy destinations.

(I have a soft spot for both Whitstable and Deal as well, although both are much more established seaside towns).

When it comes to Margate, there are two new boutique hotels, Fort Road Hotel and No.42 Guesthouse, which have opened in recent years, the latter of which has a fantastic rooftop bar in the summer.

I love heading to the George & Heart pub just outside of the Old Town, or Rose In June for a cosy pub pint.

If you want a bit of weird and wonderful, make sure to hit up the Shell Grotto – whose origin remains a mystery – or the Crab Museum, free to visit and the largest crab museum in Europe.

Both the Turner Museum and Dreamland are free too, so you can easily visit on a budget.

The tidal lido is worth the trek, and you’ll be joined more by locals than tourists, but hop in before warming up with a coffee and sauna session.

But to me, Folkestone is winning on all sides.

It’s 52 minutes by train from London; you’ll never have to fight for space on the massive beach; it has the UK’s biggest beach sauna; it has so much art, including a Banksy – the hooks are endless.

Live music takes place at the Harbour Arms most weekends, and I highly recommend the Sunset Sessions at The Tasting Rooms for three courses and live jazz for £35.

Chase it with some oysters and a glass of champagne in The Lighthouse Champagne Bar – and you can even see France on a clear day.

Perhaps controversial, but even the touristy Good Yard food market is well worth a visit. No tourist traps here!

For an affordable place to stay, The View Hotel Folkstone has rooms from £67 per night.

Cornwall

Travel Writer, Katy Bright

Growing up in Cornwall, I’ve always had plenty of pretty places to explore. If I had to plan the perfect day in my home county, here are some places I would not miss.

Start the day off right with one of the best breakfasts around. Bude cafe The Coffee Pot offers £5 breakfasts with bacon, eggs, sausages and a hash brown, which cannot be faulted.

I may be biased, but I think Boscastle truly is one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

It’s a peaceful seaside sanctuary with a fascinating witchy history and beautiful walks, such as the one to Willapark Lookout.

Plus, it offers some of the best pub grub around – you’ve got to try the Cobweb Inn’s steak and ale pie (£13.95). Wash it down with a traditional Cornish ale.

Many tourists, of course, flock here, so it is important to learn to avoid the tourist traps.

Newquay, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Cornwall, is just way too busy during school breaks.

If you’d like to visit, I would definitely recommend going outside of the school summer holidays, when it is quieter, and the queues are much less manic.

If you are a coffee or matcha fanatic, Blend makes some of the best drinks I’ve ever tasted. Their banana bread iced matcha is a personal favourite of mine.

Something we all look for in a holiday to Cornwall is the best spots with a pint and a view – and my top pick for this is Trebarwith Strand’s, Port William.

A pub perched over the sea, it even offers cosy rooms for guests to stay in.

If you visit between mid-April and early May, you’ll be in my home county for one of my favourite events of the year.

Although it sits right on the border of Cornwall and Devon (so some may be a bit offended by me putting it in this list!) Strawberry Field Lifton’s ‘Tulip Fest’ makes for a very wholesome day out.

Picture a field full of half a million multicoloured tulip bulbs. There is something about walking around a field of endless tulips that just feels so whimsical.

An underrated place to stay is Whitsand Bay Fort holiday park. It’s very highly rated in online reviews, and it’s no surprise to me as a local – this is one of the best places to stay around.

Open all year, it offers both rooms and tent pitches with amazing views of Whitsand Bay. Pitches start at £15 a night, making it a super affordable and proper Cornish alternative to other popular places to stay.

THE sun is officially back out and nothing beats a cold beer on a hot day – especially a cheap one and that’s where Wetherspoons come in.

Dotted around the country are plenty of beautiful pubs with huge gardens, courtyard patios, even rooftop terraces, and these ones are the best with pints from £1.49.

Wetherspoons have shared exclusively with Sun Travel their ten best pubs in Britain where you can enjoy some glorious rays with your drink.

We’ve got boozers right on the beach, pubs with lawns as big as a field right in the middle of cities and stunning rooftop bars with fantastic views.

All of them are family-friendly too, with kids menus from just £4.99 that include a meal, a drink, a piece of fruit, that are designed to include at least two of their 5-a-day.

So if you’re looking for a place to spend a sunny day without spending too much of your hard-earned cash then read on…

The Imperial, Exeter

Often dubbed the ‘fanciest’ Wetherspoons in the country, Exeter’s Wetherspoons called The Imperial boasts a vaulted orangery and a huge pub garden.

The grounds on the former hotel turned pub are scattered with picnic tables with a wrap-around patio area shaded by draping wisteria in the springtime.

The Jolie Brise, Teignmouth

In the Devonshire seaside town, and just two-minutes from the beach is The Jolie Brise.

On the pretty rooftop garden you still get a beachy-feel thanks to its wooden slatted exterior, palm trees and seagulls gliding overhead.

The Dockle Farmhouse, Swindon

This pub in Swindon actually has two outdoor areas, one with a children’s play area and the other, an adult beer garden with picnic tables and parasols.

You can pick up a glass of Cold Creek rosé for as little as £2.10 and pints from £1.49.

The Old Manor, Bracknell

Bracknell’s Wetherspoons is inside is one of the oldest-surviving buildings in the town.

It has Tudor-style windows and dark brick which can all be admired from its beer garden and grassy area to the side.

With plenty of greenery, some visitors even say it’s the ‘prettiest’ Wetherspoons gardens they’ve been to.

The Royal Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate

It’s hard to beat the views across Ramsgate Beach from the rooftop of the UK’s largest Wetherspoons .

The outdoor rooftop terrace wraps around the entire building, with enough tables and chairs to fit hundreds.

The best views are found at the very back, with the pub backing onto Ramsgate’s artificial sandy beach.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey said: “It’s definitely huge so you don’t have to worry about being crammed in even on a busy Saturday.

“The pub boasts 11,000 square feet of drinking space – including a huge terrace over the beach – and holds 1,500 punters.

“There are more than 400 seats inside, with another 200 out the back too.

“The downstairs has tables, bar seats and Victorian-style wooden booths, as well a very long bar, so getting around is easy.

“But the best spot is the massive terrace, with incredible views over the sandy beach.”

The Mossy Well, Muswell Hill, London

The Mossy Well is one of those Wetherspoons that pays great homage to its roots, especially in its garden.

Formerly an Original Express Diary, visitors will find a wooden cow tucked under one of the tables – and it’s even turned an old milk float into a bar.

The patio area is covered, so you can sit ‘outside’ even in the rain – not that you’ll need to worry about that this weekend.

The Fox on the Hill, Camberwell, London

Thanks to the pub being inside an old hotel, The Fox on the Hill pub garden has oodles of room to enjoy a pint in the sunshine.

Each table is spread out so you won’t feel too close to other pubgoers either.

This garden is in Zone 2 London, which is incredible because the front lawn is as big as a country field.

The Sun’s Head Of Travel – Digital, Caroline McGuire said: “The Fox On The Hill is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends and family.

“The picture above doesn’t even do this pub garden justice, it is absolutely massive so the kids can run around and play far from any punters enjoying their drinks.

“There’s also a covered garden out back, in case it starts to rain.”

Cooper Rose, Sunderland

The rooftop beer garden at the Cooper Rose opened four years ago and is a whopping 3,000 square feet fitting around 200 punters.

The pretty patio is filled with greenery, flowers, fairy lights – there is a bar upstairs too so you don’t have to leave the sunshine for another drink.

The Kingfisher, Poynton

Tucked away in Cheshire is the Kingfisher Wetherspoons where customers say you’ll find ‘sun trap tables’ and ‘cheap ale’.

You can pick up a Shipyard Pale Ale for £1.99.

Livery Rooms, Keighley

While it’s not strictly quite the classic beer ‘garden’, the Livery Rooms has a pretty outdoor courtyard split over two levels.

It’s filled with plenty of tables, and when the sun goes down during the evening, it’s just as lovely as the area is lit up with string lights.

Mile Castle, Newcastle

Dubbed a ‘super Spoons’, the Mile Castle became home to the first Wetherspoons hotel back in 2024 and had a major facelift.

Outside is a 200-cover beer garden set across two floors – and you can enjoy a pint of Ruddles Best from £1.79.

A small all-day brunch, which includes sausage bacon, fried egg, beans and chips is just £7.49 

The Navigation Inn, Birmingham

The Navigation Wetherspoons is found inside a historic inn near the old village green in Kings Norton.

It not only has a conservatory with a peaked roof, but a large patio garden with lines of tables and gazebos offer shade for when it gets a little too hot.

Scarsdale Hundred, Beighton, Sheffield

The Scarsdale Hundred Wetherspoons is found inside a distinctive round building in Beighton and can seat 600 punters outside.

The garden is curved around the pub and has a central canopy and can be enjoyed well into the summer evenings permission has just been approved to enjoy pints until 1.30am in 2026.

The Velvet Coaster, Blackpool

Consistently called one of the most beautiful Wetherspoons, The Velvet Coaster sits next to Blackpool’s South Pier within walking distance from its Pleasure Beach.

Named after one of the most-loved rollercoasters in the early 1900s, the pub has impressive views across the promenade, especially from its rooftop garden.

It has plenty of seating in comfy bucket chairs and a glass balcony so you won’t miss any action at the beachfront. 

The Wouldhave, South Shields 

It might not be one of the prettiest Wetherspoons in the country, but The Wouldhave in South Shields has a pub garden to shout about.

Sitting in one of Wetherspoons’ signature orange chairs, you can order a refreshing lager from £1.99.

The 2026 National Pub and Bar Awards has celebrated some of Britain’s best boozers, and winners range from city gastropubs, pubs that embrace their arty heritage, and cosy country pubs found on islands

The UK’s best drinking establishments have been named at the 2026 National Pub & Bar Awards and a wide variety of pubs across the country took home accolades.

Our interactive map shows the winners that took home Pub & Bar of the Year for their region, as well as the overall winner of the prestigious National Pub and Bar of the Year, which went to the Gunton Arms near Cromer in Norfolk.

The Gunton Arms describes itself as “a traditional pub with bedrooms, set within an extensive historic 18th-century estate”, and it offers 16-bedrooms, a luxury four-bedroom thatched cottage, plus a restaurant with a focus on local ingredients. So local, in fact, that the venison cooked over the fire grill is sourced from the deer park that surrounds the pub.

The pub also has an impressive selection of art on the walls from contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, which complements the rustic, cosy décor.

Regional winners included The George in Fitzrovia, which took home the regional award for London. This 18th-century, grade II listed pub has a warm, welcoming feel thanks to the jewel-coloured interiors and gold accents, and in addition to serving “great Guinness”, it has a menu centred around Irish cuisine with international touches.

The Ferry Inn, found on the fishing village of Uig on the Isle of Skye, won the North Scotland Pub & Bar of the Year. This 19th-century island inn has three boutique rooms you can stay in, an impressive selection of gins from Scotland and around the world, plus a curated whisky shelf for a wee dram.

Other winners included Caledonian Heritable, who took the award for Pub Group of the Year, while Bar Group of the Year went to Albert’s Schloss, a chain of German-themed pubs offering live entertainment, Bavarian dining and a wide selection of European beers.

The Tyrrells Tyrrellbly Good Taste Award went to The Welldiggers Arms in Petworth, West Sussex, which describes itself as a “traditional country pub” and has views across the South Down National Park.

The pub has a focus on fresh, locally sourced British cuisine, and it offers a daily menu of pub classics, as well as brunches and traditional Sunday roasts.

The 2026 National Pub & Bar Awards winners by region

• East Midlands Pub & Bar of the Year: The Tollemache Arms
• East of England Pub & Bar of the Year: The Gunton Arms
• London Pub & Bar of the Year: The George, Fitzrovia
• North East Pub & Bar of the Year: The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest
• North West Pub & Bar of the Year: Church Inn, Mobberley
• Northern Ireland Pub & Bar of the Year: Guildhall Taphouse
• North Scotland Pub & Bar of the Year: The Ferry Inn, Isle of Skye
• South Scotland Pub & Bar of the Year: The Noble, Glasgow
• South East Pub & Bar of the Year: The Mason’s Arms, Clanfield
• South West Pub & Bar of the Year: The Bath Arms, Warminster
• Wales Pub & Bar of the Year: George III, Dolgellau
• West Midlands Pub & Bar of the Year: The Bull’s Head, Craswall
• Yorkshire and the Humber Pub & Bar of the Year: The Woolly Sheep Inn, Skipton
• National Pub & Bar of the Year: The Gunton Arms

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There’s nothing better than heading to a pub garden during the balmy UK weather, and the top nine have been named – and they’re the purrfect spots for you and your beloved dog

The UK’s best dog-friendly pubs with beer gardens have been named, and it comes at the perfect time ahead of a period of intense rays.

The UK is set to bask in balmy weather this week, with temperatures reaching a blistering 30C in some regions as we edge closer to the official start of summer. Set to be a scorcher, sitting in a beautiful pub garden under shade with your pooch and a refreshing pint in hand might just be the perfect way to enjoy the sun-soaked weather.

In a bid to help Brits find that sought-after beer garden, CAMRA, the UK’s Campaign for Real Ale, has revealed the top nine dog-friendly pubs with beer gardens across the UK, all of which serve up that desirable cask beer. From their Pub of the Year winners and Good Beer Guide participants, these are undoubtedly some of the best pubs to visit during the summer months, and they’re dotted across the nation.

First on their list is Tamworth Tap in the market town of Tamworth, Staffordshire, just 30 minutes from Birmingham. It boasts an historic courtyard beer terrace with sweeping views of Tamworth Castle and additional seating at the front, so you’ll rarely be short of a seat.

It’s dog-friendly until 7pm on Friday and Saturday, providing more than enough time to enjoy it’s pictursque views over a pint from the Tamworth Brewing Company. It was named Pub of the Year in 2022, 2023 and 2025, and was also featured in the Good Beer Guide this year.

The Bailey Head in the market town of Oswestry in Shropshire, named after the nearby remains of Oswestry Castle, also featured among the top nine. It offers a pavement garden at the front of the pub, proving to be the perfect people-watching spot, and has ever-changing beers to suit every punter’s taste.

It was named Pub of the Year in 2024 and featured in the Good Beer Guide for 2026, earning well-deserved recognition and a reputation as a beloved public house in the area.

Nestled in the small village of Aldworth is the Bell Inn, and while it was named Pub of the Year back in 1990 and again in 2019, it has still earned a position on CAMRA’s list. In a Grade-II listed building, it has traditional pub interiors and a sprawling back garden with picnic benches and further seating situated at the front.

The Travellers Rest in the village of Skeeby is another pub worth noting during the summer months. Featured in the Good Beer Guide 2026 and Highly Commended in the Pub Saving Awards 2023, the pub was brought back to life after being closed for 15 years, and offers a serene garden room and spacious garden with a selection of local cask beers.

For those living in London, the Antwerp Arms in Tottenham might be your next best pub, thanks to its Georgian building and charming beer garden that is a favourite among locals. It’s another featured in the Good Beer Guide this year, and serves up local beers from Redemption Brewery.

But with nine charming pubs to choose from on CAMRA’s list, there are plenty of choices, whatever your preference, and of course, your furry friend can tag along too.

Top 10 dog-friendly pubs with beer gardens

1. Tamworth Tap, Tamworth
2. Bailey Head, Oswestry
3. Bell Inn, Aldworth
4. The Travellers Rest, Skeeby
5. Antwerp Arms, Tottenham
6. Miner’s Arms, Hundall
7. Village Inn, Arrochar
8. The Volunteer Arms (Staggs), Musselburgh
9. Rhos yr Hafod Inn, Cross Inn (Llanon)

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OUR Spotlight ON column takes an in-depth look at the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as shining a light on some lesser-known spots.

This week we’re focusing on Folkestone, the newly-revived Kentish coastal town.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who lives there, has shared some of her best kept secrets.

She said: “Being just 52 minutes from London, Folkestone is one of the easiest beach towns to get to by train in the country.

“It hopes to reopen the funicular again this summer after years, and you can find live music most weekends at the harbour too.

“My favourite spot? Gaia Studios for a huge cocktail list (and they’re branching out into brunch too).”

MUST SEE / DO

Who says art only belongs in a gallery? The UK’s largest outdoor art trail winds through Folkestone and is completely free.

There are contributions from 46 artists including Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin and Yoko Ono. See if you can spot the Banksy too!

HIDDEN GEM

A picturesque zig zag path from the clifftops leads down to the Lower Leas Coastal Park.

The linear coastal gardens feel tucked away under the cliffs and are well-maintained with impressive planting and a prime spot right alongside the beach.

If that wasn’t enough there’s also the South East’s largest free adventure playground which is being rebuilt and will open in the summer.

BEST VIEW

There’s nothing like enjoying the view of the sea, particularly at the end of the Harbour Arm sipping a glass of something bubbly at the Lighthouse Champagne bar.

Pick up a bite to eat from the many food stalls and restaurants on the arm or indulge in some independent shopping.

The Harbour Arm also boasts the UK’s largest beach spa so the best view might just be from the sauna, hot tub or a cold plunge barrel!

RATED RESTAURANT

The award-winning Rocksalt, a two-rosette restaurant overlooking the harbour, is where you will find the best seafood in town.

Make sure to try the seared Folkestone scallops, alongside a chunky piece of fresh bread made by Docker brewery just down the road.

A short drive away in Saltwood the only two star Michelin restaurant in the whole of Kent.

Hide & Fox serves modern British cuisine in an intimate and relaxed environment.

BEST BAR

The Radnor Arms came fifth in the Good Food Guide’s list of 100 best pubs in Britain.

It’s a cosy, renovated Victorian pub in the Bouverie district  serving a locally-sourced menu with roasts, brunches and  themed evenings including flatbreads, Asian night and steak night.

Prohibition-inspired speakeasy The Potting Shed only opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Obtain the password to slip into the backroom and be rewarded with a carefully crafted cocktail menu inspired by the underground culture of the speakeasy bars of the 1920s.

HOTEL PICK

Voco The Clifton is a traditional Victorian hotel with rooms decorated by local artists and views of the Channel, as well as Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. 

Rooms from  £100 per night.

Or try the Burlington Best Western, a Victorian 4* hotel overlooking the famous Leas Promenade and the English Channel. 

Rooms from £75 per room per night.

Looking for a staycation spot, pub for Sunday lunch, or just a day out? The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 have picked some of the best of English hospitality up and down the country – see who won awards near you

A new interactive map will let you search for some of England’s best pubs and days out near you – as well as those in different parts of the country and the best hotels in the regions if you’re planning a staycation.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026 took place earlier this month, showcasing the best of what England has to offer whether that’s family-friendly attractions, brilliant days out, or even just the best restaurants and pubs not to be missed.

We’ve put together an interactive map showcasing the big winners, so you can discover some of the best of English hospitality on your own doorstep. Simply use the map and zoom in on your local region to find the best of the best.

England’s tourism industry is worth around £127 billion a year, and employs around two million people in a huge variety of jobs. At VisitEngland’s awards, winners included both small and large hotels, B&Bs, glamping operators, tourist attractions, restaurants, and pubs.

Among the winners of the awards were MonkBridge House in York, who scooped Gold in the coveted BandB and Guest House of the Year. This property has just eight individually designed rooms, some with four-poster beds, and is full of historic elegance.

Larger properties that won awards included Bovey Castle in Devon, which is set on 275 acres of countryside including a golf course, spa, and restaurant. While those who enjoy the great outdoors may want to head to nearby Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa which won Gold in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category.

Visit England’s Large Visitor Attraction of the Year went to Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk. The wildlife park is owned by TV star and conservationist Jimmy Doherty, who has presented programmes on both Channel 4 and the BBC.

Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, came in second place, where visitors can learn about the code-breaking geniuses who were instrumental in helping the Allied Forces win WWII.

The Morgan Experience Centre in Worcestershire won Small Visitor Attraction of the Year. Set on the historic site of Morgan Motor Company, you can see the extraordinary skill put into making these classic cars with a factory tour. The Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery won Silver in this category, promising an “immersive journey into Northumbria’s Golden Age”. It has a fascinating interactive museum where you can see how the Anglo-Saxons really lived.

Other businesses who won awards include Butlin’s. The holiday park operator, that just celebrated its 90th anniversary, picked up an Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “The awards are a celebration of England’s outstanding tourism industry and an opportunity to highlight the excellence that makes it world leading.

“From a hands-on, traditional blacksmith’s visitor experience in the Midlands and a castle hotel and spa set in one of our national parks to accessible and inclusive holidays, these awards showcase the exceptional quality, unparalleled customer service and innovation that drive our industry.”

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THE Isle of Wight is known for its Mediterranean-looking beaches, ‘back in time’ towns and being one of the sunniest spots in Britain.

If you fancy a visit – and we suggest you do – here’s everything you need to know, from the best hotels to the quieter beaches, as well as how to get discounts on the ferry and where to find the island-made sparkling blue wine.

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

To find out all the best bits about the British island, Sun Travel sought out the help of an insider who has been there almost 100 times.

Darragh Gray, who hails from Northern Ireland, has been holidaying on the Isle of Wight since he was just three years old.

When family school holidays came to an end, Darragh was so taken with the place that he continued to visit and has already planned four trips this year.

Talking to Sun Travel, Darragh describes the isle as “magical” and, at the right time of year, even comparable to the Mediterranean.

Best beaches

As the Isle of Wight is only 22.5 miles long, you’re never too far from a beach. For some bucket and spade fun, Darragh knows exactly where you should visit.

He says: “If you’re looking for a beach with all the fun of the traditional seaside, you can’t beat Sandown. It has miles of sand that run from a pier at one end to the cliffs at the other.

“Another great spot is a beach resort called Ventnor, which has striking red and gold sand and shingle; that’s a lovely one to visit.”

For more of a rural coastline escape, Darragh suggests heading to West Wight, which has dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches.

He says: “Compton Bay is a lovely spot that feels remote, and you can go fossil hunting on the beach.

“Freshwater Bay is interesting because on a stormy day it looks wild with huge waves on the edge of the Atlantic.

“But on a calm summer’s day, you can feel like you’re on a Greek island.”

Other secluded spots include Bembridge on the East Coast and the quiet beach found on Totland Bay.

Local gems

The town of Cowes in the west is famous for yachting and well known, but what tourists don’t know about is the secret spot around the corner.

Darragh says: “About 30-minutes walk around the coast, there’s a little village called Gurnard.

“It has a lovely little beach and beautiful sunsets.”

It’s bordered by green beach huts, and there’s a traditional pub called The Woodvale found beyond the green where you can watch boats bob along the water.

Another secret spot is Seaview – the small Edwardian resort is just beyond Ryde.

Darragh says visitors will love it for its “lovely coastline”, which is much quieter as it’s away from the main resorts.

He also named Steephill Cove near Ventnor as a “lovely hidden place” that can only be reached on foot.

The fishing cove is known for its safe sandy beach, perfect for swimming, with plenty of rock pools for exploring.

Pubs

Who can stay away from a pub on holiday, whether it’s a refreshing pint you’re after or a glass of wine in a sunny garden?

Well, there are lots of lovely ones on the Isle of Wight, with sea views or overlooking the countryside.

When it comes to his favourites, Darragh told us about one in Shanklin.

He says: “Tucked under the cliffs is the Fisherman’s Cottage; it’s a lovely pub away from the main beach – sitting on the patio is one of my favourite places to be.

“Or the south side of the island, in Ventnor, is The Buddle Inn, which dates back to the 16th century and used to be a spot for smugglers back in its day.

“It’s lovely to sit by the fire in the winter, or in the garden in the summer.”

Another favourite is The Culver Haven Inn, thanks to its outdoor terrace that has sea views in “three different directions”.

It’s isolated up on the cliffs, but there are plenty of walking routes around it.

When it comes to country pubs, Darragh says: “The Blacksmiths is a country inn near Halsbrook, which I think is one of the most tranquil locations on the island.

“You can eat, drink and take in the views all the way down to the Solent.”

Another is The Crown Inn in Shorwell, which Darragh describes as quiet and historic with a “great gastropub menu”. On Sundays, they serve up pub lunches, as well as dishes like steak and chips, and of course, plenty of fish dishes.

Number 3, that’s tucked away at the top of the high street in Cowes, is a restaurant that Darragh says offers good value.

He also recommends the Basque Kitchen, which has “outstanding tapas”.

A higher-end restaurant is the RT Cafe Grill in Ryde, which is right by the sea, and has an à la carte menu, grill specials and Sunday roasts too.

The True Food Kitchen in Ventnor cooks up Asian-inspired food made from local ingredients.

Darragh says: “They’ve just opened up a second restaurant in Castlehaven where you can sit outside and look over the cliffs – it’s very magical.”

Seaside favourites

No trip to the seaside is complete without going to the chippy.

Darragh has two that are his standouts.

He tells us: “The first is the Happy Haddock in Shanklin, and Stotesburys in Newport, which is the oldest fish and chip shop on the island, and both are great value for money.”

When it comes to soft serve treats and gelato, head to Ventnor.

“There’s a fantastic Victorian ice cream parlour in Ventnor called Crave, which makes a whole range of ice cream on site every day.”

It has rotating flavours from Dubai chocolate pistachio to Cabana (coconut, caramel, cherries and chocolate) and salted butter and ginger cake.

If you happen to be in Newport, pop into Minghella.

It’s called an ‘institution’ serving ice cream for over 75 years, and a must-try, according to Darragh, is their unique ginger ice cream.

Local food and blue wine

When it comes to food, the Isle of Wight harvests a lot of its own produce, from tasty tomatoes to fresh seafood, and in one case, blue wine.

“There’s one commercial vineyard on the island called Adgestone, and what you can buy from there is sparkling wine: white, red, and blue. I once took the wine to a barbecue, and everyone was fascinated by it.

“The colour blue comes from the skin of the grapes, and I don’t know how they do it, but it’s an incredible turquoise-blue colour, and very tasty.”

Mermaid Gin, which is sold around the country, is also made on the island, and you can even visit the distillery. At the Mermaid Bar, you can sample cocktails made with their distilled gins and rum made from island botanicals. Think a ‘Ginacolada’ and Mermaid Margarita.

Free activities

For animal lovers, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, which has 109 donkeys, is a great spot – it’s open seven days a week, and is completely free.

Another free activity is at the RNLI Lifeboat Station in Bembridge, which opens a few days a week to the public.

There are some quirky museums too, like the Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum in Ryde, which is full of historic vehicles and completely free.

On display are around 20 vehicles, transport artefacts and photographs as well as a cafe and shop.

Festivals

During the spring and summer seasons, the Isle of Wight comes alive with festivals across the island.

Darragh has some suggestions, one of which is slightly unconventional.

He says: “The garlic festival is one of my favourites, I went for the first time last summer and can’t wait to go back this year.

“It’s a mix between a food festival and a country fair with lots of food stalls and dog shows.”

This year, the Garlic Festival is taking place between August 15-16, with tickets still on sale.

For keen hikers, the Isle of Wight is full of trails, and there are even organised Walking Festivals – some are free of charge. You can ride the Isle of Wight Steam Railway throughout the year, but they also hold festivals.

One is the Real Ale Festival, where local brewers offer a selection of beers and ciders – it was last held in May so anyone wanting to attend will have to keep an eye out for next year’s event.

Of course, one of the most famous events on the island is the Isle of Wight Music Festival. This year it’s between June 18 and June 21 with Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris, and The Cure all headlining.

Hotels

There are plenty of places to stay scattered across the island, from large hotels to tiny guesthouses.

Darragh says: “I’m a big fan of supporting independent businesses – there’s a big choice of private hotels and B&Bs.

“In terms of where you might want to base yourself, Shanklin is great, especially for first-time visitors because it has a village and a beach.”

“Places I’ve stayed in there and I’d be happy to recommend are the Havelock Hotel, and then there’s a slightly larger Channel View Hotel, which has an indoor pool.”

If you fancy a hotel stay in Shanklin, then Darragh suggests The Curraghmore, which is a family-run B&B with rooms from £90per night.

It’s a great spot for anyone wanting to enjoy spring sunshine as it has beachfront access, a sun terrace and a pretty garden.

The Chestnuts first became a B&B in the 1940s, and is still operating as one today – guests can relax in its suntrap patio and get breakfast included.

Rooms here start from £45 per night and range from singles to family suites.

Number 29 is a small adults-only B&B with rates from £42.50 based on two adults sharing a double room.

All three rooms are en-suite with tea and coffee facilities as well as free Wi-Fi, and include a full English breakfast cooked to order in the mornings.

Darragh adds: “Cowes is a great place to stay, it’s got a lovely High Street, lots of good restaurants and independent shops. There are a couple of places I’ve stayed there.

“One boutique hotel is called Onefifty, which I was really impressed with, or if you fancy staying in a pub, then check into The Anchor Inn, which has good value rooms.”

He adds: “If you’re looking for a self-catering stay, my top tip would be to look at Sun Holidays because there are two big holiday park companies on the island, Parkdean and Away Resorts.

“I’ve stayed more times than I can count in one of those resorts – I’m going over next week, later in May, and they really are great value.

“I’m consistently able to find off-peak week-long stays on the island from £41; you can have up to six people stay in some of the modern caravans.”

Ferries

To get to the Isle of Wight, visitors will have to book a ferry across the Solent.

Darragh suggests hopping on board a Wightlink service where fares start from £21.90 if taking the foot passenger ferry.

Prices can increase during peak travel, but Darragh says there are ways to keep the cost down that not everyone knows about.

He tells us: “If you’re travelling on foot, or by car with Wightlink, children under five are always free, and during the school holidays, you can take school-aged children on the ferry for free.

“If you’re travelling by train, you can buy a return train ticket to the Isle of Wight that includes the ferry and often works out cheaper.

“It’s especially handy if you have a railcard as that discount is applied to the whole journey and it saves faffing about with multiple tickets.”

Before booking, also check discounts through membership schemes like Blue Light cards, English Heritage, and if you’re a supermarket shopper, you can even use Tesco Clubcard vouchers.

Darragh adds: “Lots of accommodation on the island offer discounts on ferries as well, so have a look at that before you book.

“For example, I know that with Parkdean, you can get a significant discount on the ferry when you book a holiday.”

VISIT England has announced this year’s Awards For Excellence, highlighting the best accommodation and attractions.

The honours have been handed out annually for 35 years now, celebrating quality, innovation and customer service, so those choosing staycations can ensure they pick a great place for a great time.

Sophie Swietochowski has the lowdown on ten category winners.

ACCOMMODATION

B&B/Guest House Of The Year

Taking home gold in the B&B category, MonkBridge House is slap bang in the centre of York, within walking distance of top attractions including the glorious York Minster cathedral.

The home was built in 1864 and is bursting with character, although all eight of its bedrooms have been given a sophisticated makeover since then.

The award-winning breakfasts are whipped up with locally sourced goods and home-made jams, marmalades and granola are among the morning spread.

Two nights’ B&B costs from £205.

See monkbridgehouseyork.com.

Camping, Glamping And Holiday Park Of The Year

Immersed in 98 acres of glorious, wildlife-rich landscape, Clawford Lakes is glamping done properly.

The campsite is set within a rugged valley close to the Cornish holiday spot of Bude and features stylish floating lodges and lakeside pods, both overlooking the water, as well as luxury apartments, lodges and cocoons with a safari-tent look to them.

The lake is ideal for keen anglers and the site is pet-friendly, too.

Three-night weekend breaks cost from £299 for a family of four.

See clawfordlakes.co.uk.

Large Hotel Of The Year

If countryside charm and rugged hillsides sound like your cup of tea, you may want to swing by this year’s large hotel winner.

The 5* Bovey Castle in Devon is an elegant space filled with plump cushions, grand headboards and dangling chandeliers.

There is a large on-site spa offering massages from £80, as well as an 18-hole golf course, plus activities including archery, tennis, rifle shooting, pottery throwing and deer walks.

Stays cost from £192 per night.

See boveycastle.com.

Self-Catering Accommodation Of The Year

Kids will love the pony rides and the chance to feed the animals at Bosinver, buried deep in rural Cornwall.

With a whole host of cosy cottages on its roster, varying in size from two to six bedrooms and with dog-friendly options, it’s no surprise this spot came out on top for self-catering accommodation.

These are more than just holiday homes — there’s a play barn, sauna, tennis, swimming pool, Gruffalo trail and games room, all on site.

A three-night stay for four people costs from £569.

See bosinver.co.uk.

Small Hotel Of The Year

With 48 stunning and completely unique bedrooms, The Tempus in Northumberland is simply oozing character.

Expect elegant roll-top baths, four-poster beds, terraces and bubbling hot tubs.

There’s also a set of ultra-chic lakeside yurts and cabins.

One night’s B&B costs from £121.50.

See thetempus.co.uk.

OUT AND ABOUT

Experience Of The Year

Ever wanted to venture back to the Iron Age?

This Blacksmith experience at Oldfield Forge in Herefordshire will help you do just that.

Available for anyone aged seven-plus, the attraction teaches punters the tricks of the trade and how to forge practical items and decorative goods such as knives, garden tools and even swords.

The events last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days and cost from £62.

See oldfieldforge.co.uk.

Large Visitor Attraction Of The Year

Forget day trips to the zoo.

Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk gives guests the chance to get properly up close and personal with animals.

Little ones will be keen on the Farmyard Friends Experience, where they’ll get to feed sheep, goats, pigs or cattle, while polar bear fans will be desperate to get stuck in to The Lost Lands of the Tundra, the polar bear enclosure.

Day tickets cost from £25 per adult and £20 per child. Under twos go free.

See jimmysfarm.com.

Pub Of The Year

We love a proper British boozer and VisitEngland has just crowned The Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsman’s Rest the best of the bunch.

The Northumberland inn has a knockout menu that sources meat from nearby farms, with star dishes of pigeon pie and Softley Farm lamb loin on the menu.

Visitors can curl up in a cosy corner next to a roaring fire with a wine or local ale.

You can spend the night in one of the upstairs rooms, too.

See theksi.co.uk.

Small Visitor Attraction Of The Year

Fans of fancy, old-fashioned motors won’t want to miss the Morgan Experience in Worcestershire.

There are guided factory tours where visitors can get a good look at Morgan Motor Company vehicles, plus driving experiences that let you get behind the wheel of a heritage car.

Those that don’t feel confident steering themselves can opt to be a passenger while being driven by a trusty professional.

See experience.morgan-motor.com.

Taste Of England Award

Crowned top dog for fine dining, Carriages in Herefordshire will knock your socks off.

Save this for a special occasion, as it’s fancy — think classic British grub that relies on seasonal and local ingredients.

The tasting menu costs a reasonable £80pp and features classy dishes such as asparagus salad with white crab, wild garlic emulsion and chervil vinaigrette, as well as honey-glazed duck breast.

See carriageshereford.co.uk.

A BELOVED UK holiday park is set to bring Wetherspoon pubs to almost of all its sites.

The popular bargain boozer will team up with the parks to bring affordable food and drinks to Brits enjoying a staycation.

Haven Holidays has 39 seaside parks spanning across the UK and have been welcoming holidaymakers since 1964.

After a successful trial that saw JD Wetherspoon pubs pop up at nine Haven locations, it’s been confirmed that most of the rest will follow suit.

The pub’s first collaboration with Haven came in 2025 with the arrival of The Five Stones pub at Primrose Valley holiday park in Filey, North Yorkshire.

The Humber Stone in Cleethorpes, The London Stone in Rochester, The Red Rocks in Exmouth and The Sir Thomas Haggerston in Haggerston also arrived last year.

Four more launched in early 2026, with Cornwall’s Riviere Sands welcoming The Bluff Inn and Cumbria’s Lakeland Leisure Park opening The Alfred Wainwright.

Hopton Holiday Village in Great Yarmouth also introduced The White Clover and Gala Cran in Blackpool opened The Springfield.

Speaking to the Mirror about the growing partnership, Simon Palethorpe, CEO of Haven Holidays, shared his hopes for all of the Haven parks to have a Spoons.

“I would like to see us growing this concept further across our estate. I definitely think there is an opportunity for the majority of our parks to have a Wetherspoons,” he said.

“I could only have dreamed at that point that it would be this successful with our guests as it has been”

Following the news that one million Wetherspoon pub meals have been sold at Haven over the past two years, Simon added, “We are here celebrating a million, but I expect it to be many millions in a couple of years time.”

The Sun has contacted Haven Holidays for more information.

FIND super spas, a cracking castle and Kendall-Jenner-approved cocktails in the gorgeous Hungarian capital, says writer Margaret Hussey.

From thermal water to drinking unlimited beer, the city is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Soak in hops

Budapest is known as the City of Spas, thanks to its 123 natural hot springs and 50 thermal bathhouses.

The most famous, and busiest, is Széchenyi, where tickets cost from £32 (Szechenyibath.hu).

The Veli Bej baths date back to 1574, a remnant of the Ottoman Empire, with an octagonal thermal pool and several steam rooms.

A three-hour session costs £13.50 (Irgalmasrend.hu).

Or try the locals’ fave, Lukács Thermal Bath, which has two outdoor pools, thermal pools and a sauna.

Entry costs £16.60, but upgrade to its beer spa, £62, and you can even sink into thermal water with therapeutic hops, while drinking unlimited beer from the taps beside (Lukacsfurdo.hu).

Feast on Ischler

Step back in time at Bambi Cafe – opened in 1961, it still has red vinyl chairs and doily-like tablecloths from its Communist days.

Prices seem frozen too, with traditional Ischler cake of shortbread, jam and chocolate just £1.90, and a cappuccino £2.15 (Facebook.com/bambieszpresszo).

Find delicious sharing mezze, £13, at Türkiz (Turkizrestaurant.com), while in the Jewish quarter, a cocktail at Balagan is a must.

“Balagan” means chaos in Hebrew – this place is anything but – and the Runway Mango, mixed with Kendall Jenner’s tequila, £13, is like sipping an alcoholic Solero (Balagan.hu).

Spy crown jewels

The city’s Castle District is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Buda Castle grounds are free to explore.

For the best views, climb the turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion or the 172 steps of Maria Magdalena Tower, £4.10 (Budacastlebudapest.com).

Admire the country’s crown jewels and more than 100 stained-glass windows at the Hungarian Parliament Building, where 50-minute guided tours cost £34 (Parlament.hu).

Later, check out the work of Budapest-born Robert Capa at the Contemporary Photography Centre, with 130 iconic images, from the D-Day landings to portraits of Picasso and Ingrid Bergman. Entry costs £11.80 (Capacenter.hu).

Meanwhile, the garden of sculptures at Koller Gallery is an unexpected and crowd-free delight, and entry is free (Kollergaleria.hu).

Hit the market

Fall for handmade stationery at Bomo Art – pretty designs include old city maps, fruit and foliage (Bomoart.hu).

You’ll find jewellery and ceramics by Hungarian designers tucked away in a courtyard at Paloma Artspace (Palomaartspace.hu), where Coque’ette has the softest leather purses, from £23 (Cqbrand.hu).

Fény Utca market on Sunday mornings has it all, from knitted animals to Harlequin’s mouth-watering rose-pistachio chocolates – and owner Krisztina happily offers samples (Fenyutcaipiac.hu).

Kip in a mansion

Formerly a 19th-century mansion, the Kimpton Bem hotel has 127 boldly designed rooms inspired by Hungarian culture and folklore.

Expect Nespresso machines, power showers with Balmain toiletries and yoga mats.

Hit the cute spa complete with steam room, hot tub and sauna, then grab a stool to perch on at Bar Huso from 5-6pm for free fizz.

Feast on divine green-pea gnocchi, £15, at Agos restaurant, before heading up to Fennen Skybar for moreish Thirsty Madonnas – vodka, ginger and prosecco, £14 – as you watch the lights twinkle on the Danube.

Double rooms cost from £173 per night (Kimptonbembudapest.com).

IF you’ve ever fancied trying a luxury sleeper train but can’t justify the price, how about staying overnight in a revamped train carriage instead?

At Brockford Railways Sidings, guests can choose between five disused train carriages that slightly differ from each other.

The first is Railway Carriage One, which has a living room, kitchen area and two bedrooms.

In Railway Carriage Two – which is a little bigger – guests will find two bedrooms as well as a further sofa bed and an open plan living area with an adjoining kitchen.

The third carriage is The Guard’s Van, which has two bedrooms, a living room, dining rooms and kitchen area.

The fourth option is staying in The Italian Carriage, which sleeps up to four people and boasts open plan seating in the centre of the carriage, as well as an outdoor patio.

And last but not least is Wilby Halt, which is described as a “quirky and unusual property is split over two restored railway carriages”.

The carriages are linked by a railway platform, with one carriage being home to the living space and kitchen and the other carriage being home to two bedrooms.

All of the train carriages have views across the surrounding countryside.

Around the carriages, guests will find a children’s play area which is shared with other carriages also at the site.

And if you fancy a dip, there’s an indoor glasshouse with a swimming pool, sauna and hot tub.

If you have a bigger group, you can even book out all of the carriages for up to 29 people, as well as the Station House, which sleeps up to six people.

Seven nights in one of the carriages costs from £469.

One recent visitor said: “Peaceful location and quirky accommodation with everything you needed.

“Good pubs near by for food, use of swimming pool a bonus.”

Another added: “We were welcomed with tea and cake and found the guards van to be very cosy and comfortable.

“We loved the quirkiness of it and the surrounding carriages.”

Surrounding the carriages, guests can venture down country lanes ideal for walks or cycle rides.

The closest village is Mendlesham, about 1.5miles away, where guests can find the Kings Head Inn Mendlesham, described as a “nice friendly village pub”.

Attached to the pub is also a post office and elsewhere in the village you can find a fish and chip shop.

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From the village it is also a short walk to the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum, dubbed by locals as ‘The Middy’.

The museum is Suffolk‘s only standard gauge heritage railway and from the museum, visitors can often hop on steam railway ride in vintage carriages.

And for adults there’s The Kitchener Arms, which is a ale bar that sits inside a converted railway carriage.

If you don’t fancy an alcoholic beverage, then you can visit the Tea Room and Gift Shop for some freshly baked goods instead.

The museum costs £15 per adult and £8 per child to visit (and that includes unlimited steam train rides).

A MAJOR UK airport has released a first look at its highly anticipated new Wetherspoons.

Opening in September, the pub will be a budget option for travellers looking for a pre-flight drink.

Manchester Airport is getting its first ever Wetherspoons this September with a design inspired by sporting culture in the North West.

The 3,000 sq ft pub will have more than 300 covers, becoming the final major food and drink venue to open as part of the refurbishment of Terminal 2.

John Hutson, JD Wetherspoon chief executive, said: “We are looking forward to opening at Manchester Airport.

“We believe our new pub will prove popular with travellers of all ages and be an asset to the new terminal.”

Terminal 2 has doubled in size since the refurbishment began a decade ago, costing the airport over £1.3billion.

Manchester Airport’s newest pre-flight pub is called the Belle Vue, commemorating the city’s historic entertainment venue that had a pub, greyhound racing and a speedway track.

Shutting in 2020, the Belle Vue offered a step back in time to explore the Manchester’s culture in the Victorian era.

Now, the sporting elements of the Belle Vue will be transformed into the pub’s new decor, with artistic impressions hinting at a clubhouse-style design.

Inside, the walls are adorned with sporting memorabilia from the North West, and checkered flag floors.

The Belle Vue joins a host in new hospitality venues arriving at Manchester Airport, including a Fever Tree cocktail and champagne bar, and the Great Northern Market street food hall.

Wetherspoons currently operates 10 pubs across airports, including three in Gatwick and two in Heathrow.

Manchester’s Belle Vue joins the over 800 Wetherspoons pubs across the UK, and the over 30 locations in Greater Manchester.

Stephen Turner, chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, said: “We’re very excited to be able to reveal more detail about Terminal 2’s new JD Wetherspoon pub The Belle Vue, which will encapsulate the spirit and traditions of sporting entertainment in Manchester.

“This will be the first JD Wetherspoon pub at Manchester Airport and it is fantastic to have yet another household name taking its place among those opening units in the terminal, as part of its £1.3bn transformation.”

THE release of Rivals series two has thrust the Cotswolds into the spotlight once more.

Brits are seeking out the pretty scenery of Rutshire with its stone cottages, rolling countryside and delightful pubs in beautiful villages like Kemble.

Data from Trainline revealed that since Rivals returned on May 18, passengers to Cotswolds ‘gateway stations’ have risen by an average of 22 per cent.

That includes the tiny town of Kemble which is a 12-minute drive away from Cirencester.

Kemble is considered a ‘rail gateway’ for the southern Cotswolds as it’s one of the smaller spots that actually has a train station and a direct link to London.

With Great Western Railway, visitors can get from London Paddington to Kemble in just over an hour.

The small train station was built in 1882 and is now a listed building.

It’s considered one of the prettiest in the country thanks to retaining its original Victorian features.

It even has its old water tower which was once used to fill steam trains that called by the station.

Outside of the train station and visitors can easily explore Kemble, as it’s pretty tiny.

Kemble has a school, village hall, village shop, Cotswold-stone clad cottages and a pub called The Tavern Inn.

The Tavern Inn is a mere 10-minute walk from the train station and is ideal for a pint pit stop or hearty pub grub.

One visitor to the pub said: “Fantastic Spot. What a lovely place. From the moment you step inside you know you have found a gem.”

Another added: “Food and staff fantastic home from home feel – a lovely beautiful spot.”

A third said it serves up the ‘best’ Sunday roast.

The village is popular with hikers too, many take on the River Thames walk.

From Kemble, this walk takes you to Thames Head which is the official source of the River Thames.

Heading south, the path heads to the Cotswold Country Park & Beach which has the UK’s largest inland beach.

Along with the beach, it has swimming lagoons, snack huts and visitors can get on the water with paddleboards, pedalo swans or rowing boats.

During the summer it also has a huge aqua inflatable.

Right next door to the village is Cotswold Airport which is mostly used for private jets and charters.

But it is open to the public on certain weekend for events.

This year, Cotswold Airport Open Weekend is between July 4-5 with an aircraft, vintage aircraft displays, classic cars, live music and tours.

For those who want a great view of the runway, the airport has its own restaurant called AV8 where visitors sit on the terrace and look out over the airfield.

Other villages in the Cotswolds that have seen an increase in visitors since the release of series two of Rivals are Moreton-in-Marsh and Charlbury.