reveals

There are some overlooked UK seaside destinations that offer a serene escape with golden sand beaches and dramatic scenery that are set to rival those in Cornwall

A travel expert has outlined some underrated UK seaside escapes that are a far cry from the crowds in Cornwall.

Cornwall is one of the most popular UK seaside destinations, with its sprawling golden-sand beaches, surfing waves, culinary scene, and charming towns like St Ives and Falmouth. Every year, it’s thought to welcome around 4million overnight visitors and a whopping 14million day trippers.

Its busiest time is notoriously during the school holidays and summer months, as thousands of Brits flock down to the coast to soak up the rays on the picturesque coastline. According to ONS figures, a staggering 710,860 short-time holiday let nights were recorded in August alone.

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Not only can a break to the Cornish coast become overrun by tourists, but it can also come with a hefty price tag for the privilege, as demand soars. But all is not lost for that desirable escape to the British coast, as there are some underrated UK destinations that are just as beautiful, and far quieter.

“Cornwall is magnificent, and the popularity is completely understandable,” Mark Hutchins, founder of Beach Stays, said. “But there are stretches of coastline in this country that are just as stunning, far less crowded, and meaningfully cheaper. Most people never consider them simply because they’re less familiar. That’s their loss, and the gain of anyone willing to look a little further.”

Mark argues that some lesser-known locations are not a compromise and still offer picturesque coastal vistas alongside stunning beaches. The travel expert recommends West Wales and Northumberland for a seaside escape, and they’ll be a fraction of the price you’d pay for the same time in Cornwall.

West Wales is characterised by its dramatic cliffs, stretches of pristine beaches, secluded coves, and charming seaside towns, such as Cardigan and Aberaeron. Some of the most well-known beaches in the area include Barafundle Bay, Pendine Sands, and Whitesands Bay, which have miles of golden sand shores against the blue waters.

One visitor to Pendine Sands shared on TripAdvisor: “What a beautiful beach, miles of beach, beautiful views, plenty of parking, loads of shops to visit, there is also a museum of speed there, lots of food options to choose from, I would highly recommend.”

Following a trip to their favourite spot in West Wales, another holidaymaker said: “We have been coming to Whitsand Bay for our holiday almost every year. Beautiful, gorgeous, sandy beaches, still unspoiled, hardly anyone around. So peaceful.”

The region of Wales is also home to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only one of its kind in the UK, which stretches 186 miles along the scenic coastline. It offers ample hiking opportunities and some of the most breathtaking views of winding estuaries, enormous beaches, and rugged cliffs.

Northumberland is also home to some of the most spectacular scenery, with unspoilt sand beaches lined by dunes, rolling hills, and heather moorlands. One of its most famous beaches is the dramatic Bamburgh, with golden sand that stretches for around three miles, backed by the majestic Bamburgh Castle, and offering panoramic views of the Farne Islands.

It’s an uncrowded paradise and a haven for dog walkers, much like the beaches in Northumberland, which are often open to dogs year-round. Following a visit to Bamburgh beach this year, one holidaymaker noted: “A fantastic beach with breathtaking views of the Farne Islands and Holy Island with Lindisfarne castle.

“It was a lovely walk where you could easily spend hours with family, and it’s great to tire the dogs out! Overlooked by Bamburgh castle, it also offers great photo opportunities, and is near a few local cafes for after your walk.”

Other notable beaches in Northumberland include the sweeping coast of Budle Bay, the horseshoe-shaped Beadnell Bay, and Embleton Bay, which is overlooked by the ancient ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Known as the ‘castle county’, there’s also the famed Alnwick Castle that has been used as a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

There are also plenty of charming towns to explore, including the historic Alnwick and Hexham, which has been named as one of the happiest places to live in the UK. There’s also the village of Corbridge, offering scenic riverside walks, along with the coastal towns of Bamburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed, with their mix of English and Scottish heritage.

With West Wales and Northumberland offering a catalogue of pristine beaches, delightful towns and picture-postcard coastal vistas, it might just be the time to switch it up from the Cornish coast.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

ONE of the UK’s most popular seaside towns is undergoing a £750,000 revamp to its historic promenade.

Brighton has long been a popular destination for holidaymakers but its famous Victorian promenade has been partially closed to the public since 2012 following safety concerns.

Now, the promenade is expected to reopen this winter after an extensive restoration project.

Known as the Madeira Terrace, the historic promenade structure stretches 865metres-long with 151 large arches and was built between 1890 and 1897.

Parts of the cast iron railing decorations depict Poseidon – the Greek god of the sea – and Aphrodite – the goddess of love – as well.

The structure is also Grade II listed and thought to be the longest continuous cast-iron structure in the UK.

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The first phase of the project includes restoring 28 of the arches between the Royal Crescent steps and Concorde 2, as well as installing a new lift.

The new lift will create step-free access to and from Madeira Drive.

Work on the lift has already begun with the next stage involving 20,000 bricks being placed around a frame that has been built.

Parts of the cast iron structure of Madeira Terrace have already been returned to the promenade after being sent to a specialist foundry for repairs.

The structure was originally built to create a sheltered promenade for Victorian tourists and was designed by Philip Lockwood – the same man behind the Bandstand, also known as the Birdcage, on Brighton seafront.

As wealthy visitors arrived by train, the terrace would allow them to promenade along the beach no matter the weather.

Over the decades it has become a key part of Brighton’s image as well as appearing in a number of productions such as films Wimbledon (2004) and TV series Dr Who.

Councillor Julie Cattell said: “We’re moving forward with very visible and eye-catching elements of the restoration, and I know residents and visitors are enjoying seeing the structure take shape.

“There has been huge interest in the work being done to create the lift and residents will continue to see real progress being made over the coming months.

“It is great that so many people are really captivated and engaged in this project – and have such goodwill towards the work being done.

“We know Madeira Terrace is a vital part of our city’s architectural heritage and is something people really care about.

“That is partly why we are taking a firm, heritage-led approach.

“Restoring the existing structure does take more time than simply replacing it – particularly with the testing required – but it is the correct approach.

“We’re determined to get this restoration right – and see Madeira Terrace once again become a thriving and important part of our iconic seafront.”

The renovations to the terrace are also part of a wider multi-million-pound project that will develop the area around the Brighton Centre – a conference and exhibition space where previously The Who, Queen and Bob Marley have performed.

Dubbed the Waterfront Project, work will expand Churchill Square shopping centre as well as establish a new conference centre and entertainment venue.

In 2024, plans were also submitted to widen the beach in Brighton’s neighbour – Hove.

The plans were later approved for the coastal defense works, which includes widening and adding new pebbles and groynes to the beach.

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Plus, our favourite beautiful British seaside towns with holiday parks you can book with £9.50 Hols.

OUR Queen of the £9.50 Holiday is back to answer your burning questions – ahead of the launch of THOUSANDS more cheap breaks going on sale.

This time, she’s giving her tips for holidaying with teenagers, top things to do, and how to go away for cheap during the school holidays.

Tracy Kennedy is an expert on Hols from £9.50, having taken Sun holidays for the past 30 years.

This week, Sun reader Julie Dale has been awarded best question of the week, which means she’s been selected to win a £100 Amazon voucher. Congratulations, Julie!

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 to thesun.co.uk/club and join for £1.99 a month or £12 for a year.

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Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers hub and 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.

What are some great UK parks that can even keep teenagers entertained?

Glenn Jones

Going away with teenagers, you’ll want something with plenty of activities to keep them entertained.

I’d say Billing Aquadrome is perfect for families of all ages, there’s especially loads to do for the older kids, too.

There’s outside entertainment in the evenings, and they have outdoor cinema screenings.

There’s also a giant inflatable course on the water that teens love to jump off to burn off some energy, and pool and snooker tables to hang out around.

Plus you can take the younger ones to the ball pit or slime making when the teenagers are busy exploring.

Seal Bay is another great choice, there’s loads there for the older teenagers.

They’ve got a really cool machine called a Wave Rider, which is like a surf simulator. It looks like a big bouncy slide with water gushing down it, very good for teenagers!

But if your teenagers are anything like mine, they won’t always want loads of sporty things to do.

My teenage daughter has had enough of arcades these days, she really likes going out on walks and exploring – she’s getting a bit like me now!

We love visiting castles and cathedrals, Hastings is great for that.

Teenagers do like dining out, though! So make sure to research the food options.

Parkdean have a good selection of foods, like Papa John’s pizza and fried chicken shacks.

And Seal Bay has a lovely outdoor seating area where you can have Greek gyros, burritos and ice cream. Teenagers love takeaways!

Would you opt for a £9.50 holiday over booking through the company direct?

Jamie Tebboth

You are often going to get your holiday for a cheaper price booking through £9.50 holidays.

Especially if you’re visiting as a family of four, as you can get a family holiday for only £38.

Looking at direct company sites on the same dates, it can be almost twice the price.

If you book through £9.50 holidays, that same holiday can be miles cheaper – even if you add on entertainment passes.

I always check on the actual company website to see how much I’m saving. I’ve saved £51 on a stay at Unity Beach, £112 at Solway and £211 on a trip to Bognor Regis.

For a family of four, the cheapest break you can get is a £38 holiday out of season (£9.50 each). If you add passes on, for say £10 a person, that’s still under £100!

My stay at Riverside in Bognor Regis and Parkdean Ty Mawr were both only £38. We’re not bothered about the extra entertainment passes, and its free linen there as well. If you’re not fussed in adding on the extras, it’s not going to get cheaper than that.

What are your top tips to get the best deals in the school holidays?

Julie Dale

The Midnight Service – be online as soon as that code comes! Just make sure you’ve joined Sun Club to get instant access after midnight. They go like wildfire!

There’s going to be new availability with this holiday restock, so if you haven’t booked yet, you can still get a holiday this year booked.

It can also definitely be cheaper to go away during school holidays and half term breaks that aren’t in the six-week summer holiday.

I’ve been away in the October holidays and it was much cheaper than the prices in the hotter months.

And if you want a really good deal, you should check if the school half term dates are different in the places you want to go to.

Quite a few people I know plan their holidays around the kids breaking up earlier in the destination they want to go to.

You then get a holiday that’s technically in the school holidays, for a really cheap price. I know someone who got a holiday for £14.50 per person during her children’s half term dates, and she had a great time.

What is a town in the UK you think that everybody should visit?

Elisabete Fortes

I’d say Glastonbury. It’s more than just the music festival. In fact, they have lots of other mini festivals and events throughout the year. We visited during the Medieval Fayre.

When I first went to Glastonbury, I was wowed. The streets are like a real life Diagon Alley from Harry Potter.

There’s Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well and loads of other things to do. And Glastonbury has plenty of history, too, with Glastonbury Abbey and the links to King Arthur.

The nearest £9.50 holiday site will be Unity in Brean. It’s actually one of the most popular holiday parks I know of.

It’s got its own fair, a massive swimming pool, indoor and outdoor entertainment, plus a fantastic beach. And it’s close to Brean Down, with nature walks and a historical fort.

Can you pay extra to upgrade your accommodation?

Emma Wright

Yes you can! Sometimes when you book, you can upgrade and choose the grade of your caravan.

The upgrade options tend to have really good amenities. When we stayed at The Lakes in Rookley, we stayed in a three-bedroom cottage with its own back garden and washing line. It was absolutely stunning.

It makes for a really luxurious experience, especially if you’re going as a big group or for a special occassion.

But I’ve never had a bad experience in any of the caravans, even staying in the cheap ones.

BRISTOL Airport has submitted plans to expand with thousands more flights and long-haul journeys.

Along with more passengers the terminal will be larger, there will be new shops, restaurants as well as an extended runway at the cost of £500million.

New plans have been submitted to North Somerset Council for Bristol Airport to extend its runway which will allow for long-haul flights.

The proposal revealed the airport had plans to reach “world cities within Europe and beyond”.

This includes a limited number of new flights to North America, the Middle East and Asia.

By the late 2030s, the expansion is hoping to increase passenger numbers too from 12million to 15million.

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The amount of travellers that pass through Bristol Airport is currently 10.8million.

The increased take-offs and landings mean that there could be up to 100,000 flight movements a year- up from 85,990.

On the busiest days, there could be as many as 35 aircraft movements.

Bristol Airport added: “The plans would see around £500 million invested in improvements at the airport and local infrastructure.

“These include extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and increasing capacity of the terminal that includes a number of improvements to enhance the customer experience, including more space, a wider choice of retail and restaurants and the ability to walk onto aircraft without getting on a bus.”

Along with the extended runway are plans for a larger terminal with more space for a bigger immigration hall, baggage handling facilities, shops and restaurants. 

Other improvements detailed in the plans include travelators, better public transport and the expansion of car hire facilities.

Chief executive Dave Lees said: “Our proposals deliver what customers have told us they want to see at their local airport. 

“We will open up opportunities to visit places further afield and for businesses to expand into new international markets.”

Bristol Airport originally revealed its masterplan to expand last year with the ambitious plans taking it up to 2040.

There are currently 14 airlines operating from Bristol Airport which go to 115 destinations including Alicante, Majorca, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Tenerife and Barcelona.

In 2024, Amsterdam was the most popular destination, followed by Alicante and Majorca.

Bristol Airport once offered flights as far as New York, operated by now-closed Continental Airlines.

However, these were scrapped back in 2010, with the longest route from the airport now just under six hours to Cape Verde.

Plus, another major UK airport launches 12 new routes to popular destinations with eight new airlines.

And this affordable African city to get massive new £960million airport expansion with space for 20million passengers.

KATIE Price has revealed plans for a second wedding to husband Lee Andrews in the UK while hitting back at trolls – despite claims he’s travel-banned. 

There is ongoing speculation that Lee, 43, is unable to leave Dubai after allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend Dina Taji’s signature to secure a £200,000 loan.

But Katie, 47, appeared to deny the claims as she responded to a follower on Instagram who mocked her romance with the businessman. 

After the former glamour model posted a loved-up snap of her and Lee, one troll was quick to reply: “Till the next.”

But Katie soon fired back: “Thank you for the follow. I’ll pass on your follow back request but please look forward to our wedding in the UK. 

“You clearly can’t get d*** and I can see why.”

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But some concerned fans suggested it was actually Lee commenting back on Katie’s account. 

When Lee suddenly appeared in the comments to have a pop at the troll, someone replied: “That was you responding wasn’t it on Katie’s page LOL. Katie doesn’t engage with people like that.”

It’s not the first time Lee has been accused of hijacking Katie’s social media. 

In February the couple sent fans and Katie’s family into a spin when they appeared to confirm she was pregnant just weeks after their wedding. 

While Katie later confirmed she was not carrying their child, sources close to her family to The Sun at the time said there were concerns she’d not written the apparent pregnancy announcement. 

An insider said: “That post doesn’t appear to have been written by Katie.

“She often makes spelling errors and this is word-perfect.“She also doesn’t know how to use Instagram Stories so we think Lee has done this.”

Last month Lee took to Instagram to deny ongoing speculation he is unable to leave Dubai – despite having never met his wife’s family or her five children.

Instagram to address the rumours, sharing a grab allegedly from an app which shows if someone has any travel bans in Dubai. 

He said: “Oh guys, I’ve never really been one to explain myself but there’s a lot of fake news going around so I better say something. 

“I’m going to share on the next story, after this one, that there is no travel ban, directly from the police UAE application. 

“It’s my profile. You can check those statuses, you can check any fines you’ve got, relating to traffic, and also if you’re allowed to travel.

“Allow me to share that. It’s not fabricated, I’m going on my honeymoon in a few days guys so definitely not on a travel ban.”

JANE Fallon has revealed she has undergone surgery following her shock breast cancer diagnosis.

The author, who is the partner of Ricky Gervais, told fans earlier this month that she was suffering with breast cancer, despite having no symptoms before the diagnosis.

Now, Jane has confirmed that her operation is over and assured fans she is feeling in high spirits after the procedure.

Sharing some snaps of herself from hospital, Jane wrote to X: “So… I had my op today.

“I’m feeling remarkably fine, which is possibly the drugs & that might also explain why I’m cross eyed in pic 4).

“I had quite a lovely couple of hours drinking tea & reading the brilliant @CatSteadman ‘s new one (more on that later).”

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Jane also shared an update on when she will get the all clear, explaining that it will be at least a further week.

She said: “The popsox have to stay on for 48 hours so that’s nice.

“Then 8-10 days wait for confirmation that they’ve got it all & the margins are clear (small % chance of more surgery if not).”

She is now resting up at home with the support of cat Pickles.

Jane has been with comedian Ricky for over 40 years, with the couple meeting back in 1982.

She is known for career as an author, having penned books such as Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Queen Bee, Worst Idea Ever, and Faking Friends. 

Revealing her breast cancer diagnosis earlier this month, Jane assured fans not to “panic” and said her prognosis was “excellent”.

She said on Instagram: “About a month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer – very early stage thankfully & the prognosis is excellent.

“I had a routine mammogram a week before Christmas. I had no symptoms but the brilliant radiographer spotted something iffy & sent me for further tests & eventually a biopsy.

“Since then I’ve had more mammograms, more biopsies and an MRI so they can pinpoint the problem area precisely. It’s been a lot, I’m not going to lie.”

The star added that she has been under “incredible” care.

PREGNANT Sophie Kasaei revealed every day feels like a living nightmare as boyfriend Jordan Brook battles viral meningitis.

The Towie star, 31, has been in hospital for two weeks and has swelling on the brain after falling ill with the serious condition.

Worried Sophie, 36, was only able to see Jordan for the first time two days ago following his admission and admits she’s never felt so much fear as he goes through treatment.

Alongside loved-up photos of them together, she wrote on Instagram: “Life can come at you really fast. Literally in the blink of an eye.

“One minute you’re dreaming about your future together… and the next, you’re sitting in a hospital room, holding onto hope with everything you have.

“Watching the person I love in pain and fear, something I can’t fight for them is the hardest thing I’ve ever known. And through all this I’m carrying the tiniest piece of us, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, life is still growing, still holding on.”

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Sophie continued: “I never imagined I’d feel this much fear and this much love all at once. Life really can change in the blink of an eye. Please don’t take a single moment, a single person, for granted.

“Everyday I fall in love with you more and more @jordanbrook11 this whole thing feels like I’m living in a nightmare waiting to be woke up by you next to me in bed but I’m just grateful your here and fighting for your family.

“Our little baby boy is what is keeping this family going. I love you @jordanbrook11.”

Jordan replied in the comments and vowed he would give everything to recover.

“My darling girl,” he wrote. “I can’t thank you enough for the strength to help me battle this. I will not give up on us.

“I love you more and more every single day.

“‘This too Shal pass’ – we will smile again with our special boy and family.”

The devastating diagnosis came months after the couple revealed they were expecting their first baby after two years of IVF treatment.

They were supported by friends and fans in the comments, who were moved by their situation.

Love Island‘s Shaughna Phillips said: “So beautifully written Soph, thinking of you both and wishing Jordan a super speedy recovery xxxx.”

Geordie Shore‘s Chloe Ferry left loveheart emojis, while Scarlett Moffatt said: “Sending love and strength.”

Jordan was rushed to hospital earlier this month after falling seriously ill with a mystery illness now known to be viral meningitis and encephalitis.

The conditions are potentially life threatening, causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord lining.

In a video posted from his hospital bed, Jordan said: “This is the first time I’ve really been able to speak strong enough about what’s going on.

“I’ve been diagnosed with not one but two joining viruses that are attacking a similar part of my body. I have got viral meningitis and encephalitis together.

“That’s the inflammation of the brain and the lining around it. So this isn’t something small or minor.”

He has had CT scans, MRI lumbar scans, and lumbar punctures — the extraction of cerebrospinal fluid from the lower vertebrae — to find out what is wrong.

Jordan continued: “I’m on IV drips, everything antiviral, pain management, physio, seizure monitoring, to minimise seizure risk at the minute.”

The star added: “But unfortunately the swelling on my brain is getting worse. Really, really tough, even with the simple day-to-day activities and normal things that aren’t easy right now. 

“So this is what I’m dealing with day-today.”

If you’re looking for destinations for a May half-term break that are perfect for families and not too far away, then this island often compared to the Caribbean could be one for your shortlist

Finding the perfect family holiday destination can be tricky. You want somewhere with amazing beaches and natural beauty, but at the same time, you need to be practical and ensure you pick somewhere easy to travel to and in your budget.

Recently, easyJet released a new Family Holiday Index, its way of ranking the top holiday destinations for people travelling with children based on a number of factors. These include the logistics of travelling to the destination, beach and water access, cost, and the number of family activities on offer.

Using this information, it was able to compile a top ten ranking of family holiday destinations, and unsurprisingly, Spanish destinations took six out of the ten spots. However, ranking at number six was an Italian island that has been dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Europe’ thanks to its spectacular beaches and unspoilt scenery.

Sardinia scored highly as a family destination thanks to its huge selection of beaches, family activities, and easy accessibility from the UK. The island has two main air hubs: Cagliari Elmas Airport in the south which is the largest and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in the north which is popular in the summer. EasyJet offers seasonal services to Olbia from Bristol, Edinburgh, London-Gatwick, and London-Luton. If you’re planning to fly to Cagliari from the UK, there are routes available on Ryanair and British Airways.

Sardinia flights on easyJet start from just £35.60 one way in May, and flights to the island take from two-and-a-half to three hours, making them bearable for most kids. You can also book Sardinia holidays with easyJet Holidays, with a package for four staying in a quadruple room in Borgo di Campagna, departing May 8, coming in at £340 per person. You can also save another £100 off the total package cost by using code SPRINGSALE at checkout.

Spiaggia La Pelosa is considered one of the island’s best beaches and it’s perfect for families. Its shores are covered in soft white sand, although some of the scenery is a little rocky, and the sea is a vibrant shade of turquoise and usually has only gentle waves. You can walk far from shore and still only be up to your knees in the clear blue waters, so it’s perfect for kids who like to paddle and splash around.

Unlike many overcrowded beaches, access to La Pelosa is tightly controlled during the summer from June 1 and October 1. Visitors need to book a spot in advance, and there’s an entry fee of €3.50 per person for over 12s (just over £3). However, this ensures you aren’t fighting the crowds to find a spot.

The Costa Smeralda offers a choice of beaches along a 35-mile stretch of coast in the north-east of the island. It’s a glamorous spot where you’ll often see superyachts coming into dock, and here you’ll find lots of upscale resorts with fine dining and designer shops.

Kids who love to swim will enjoy a boat trip to La Maddalena Archipelago, a National Park made up of seven tiny islands that can only be reached via boat. Many tour operators offer full-day boat tours where you can visit multiple islands, as well as stopping in the middle of the turquoise Med so you can dive straight into the ocean for a swim or snorkel.

If you have a kid who’s a budding history buff then Sardinia is full of interesting ancient sites to explore. Su Nuraxi di Barumini is the remains of a Bronze Age defensive complex, and has structures dating back thousands of years. Cagliari’s Castello sits on top of a hill and is full of ancient buildings, museums, and historic sites.

Kids who are studying the Roman Empire in school will particularly love a tour of the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari, where they can hear gory tales of fights to the death between gladiators or men vs wild beasts. It was also where many public executions were carried out and became the most important buildings in ancient Cagliari.

Sardinian food is also generally kid-friendly and even picky eaters are likely to find something they like. During the day, look out for street food vendors selling Spianadina, traditional flatbreads often filled with cheese and ham for a simple lunch. In the evening, there are plenty of cosy, authentic restaurants to choose from where kids can enjoy wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta.

EasyJet and easyJet Holidays Family Holiday Index – Full rankings

1. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
2. Algarve (Faro), Portugal
3. Costa del Sol (Málaga), Spain
4. Costa Blanca (Alicante), Spain
5. Lanzarote, Spain
6. Sardinia, Italy
7. Crete, Greece
8. Ibiza, Spain
9. Barcelona Coast, Spain
10. Dubrovnik Coast, Croatia

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

ALFIE Boe – one of the nation’s favourite tenors – will be unleashing his inner rock god on new album Face Myself.

The record, out on April 10, is inspired by his love of the Madchester era and was produced by Myriot, who previously worked with Primal Scream.

In an exclusive chat, Alfie revealed the album’s title track pays tribute to late Stone Roses bass player Gary “Mani” Mounfield.

The classical singer said he spent his weekends travelling up to Manchester as a teenager to immerse himself in the music scene, where the Stone Roses launched hits such as I Wanna Be Adored. Alfie said: “At the time I was writing that song, Mani passed away.

“So I had to put a tribute in the song. I changed the lyrics to say, ‘For good old Mani, he played it right’.”

The high-energy track, which is released today, also name checks Liam and Noel Gallagher’s childhood home on Cranwell Drive and celebrates the Madchester spirit.

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On the track he sings: “Dreams are grown in Burnage sky, a golden past that made us cry.

“The prom is glorified with lights, for good old Mani, he played it right. Those Cranwell boys, they sang along.”

As a teen, Alfie, who has clocked up 12 Top Ten albums including four No1s, joined an indie band and later found himself exploring classical music.

“I was in an indie band called The English Roses,” Alfie said with a laugh. We were going to go on tour and I was going to be the drummer. But there was school to attend, which was fine, but then I joined lots of other little bands.”

Alfie’s new album is made up of mostly original material and he was inspired to start writing by his pal, The Who’s Pete Townshend.

And the Les Miserables stage fave says the record is all about facing his past, adding: “I thought, what is it about me I have to face?

“It was my childhood, my teenage years, and what got me to where I am today. It’s been a wonderful journey.”

Dua’s full of beans

Dua Lipa has a hefty cheque coming her way, plus a lifetime’s supply of coffee I imagine.

She’s signed up to be global ambassador for Nespresso and posed in blue co-ords to promote the new tie-in. Dua also had a snap with George Clooney, long-time face of the brand.

Greg heading to £2m…but pleads for Wills’ help again

Greg James continues his mammoth 1,000km cycle ride for Comic Relief after getting the royal seal of approval from Prince William.

He was given a boost on Tuesday, when the Prince of Wales hopped on the back of the Radio 1 DJ’s tandem.

As I caught up with Greg yesterday from the Yorkshire Moors, he said he wished William had stuck around.

Greg, resting up on a wall, below, said with a laugh: “I could’ve done with his legs today. Wills, if you’re reading this, help.”

He has remained incredibly upbeat despite the physical and mental toll the challenge is taking.

And he has been buoyed by the incredible donations from the public, which last night was creeping towards the £2million mark. Greg, who set off from Dorset last Friday and is pedalling all the way to Edinburgh, said: “The hills are very, very difficult today.

“But there was a really nice crowd of people shouting at me at the top.

“The good news is we’ve raised over £1.5million, which is an absurd amount. I’d be happy with that if it was the final total but we’ve got three days left.”

He starts his ride from Sunderland this morning with two full days to go.

Tomorrow he will begin his final push, cycling from Galashiels in the Borders to Edinburgh, where he is set to arrive in time for Comic Relief to start on BBC One at 7pm. You can do this, Greg!

Go to comicrelief.com/ride to make a donation.

Placebo are making a comeback for the 30th anniversary of their debut album, which they have reworked into a new version.

Placebo re:created will be out on June 19.

They will then kick off a European tour this September playing songs from their first two albums, with dates in Nottingham, Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester, London and Cardiff in November and December.

Big cat in Africa

Doja Cat showed her wild side in clashing animal prints while on stage in Rwanda.

The Say So rapper, who wore a blue wig with a tiger-striped bodysuit, was performing at Global Citizen’s Move Afrika concert.

She sounded great, despite her carefree lifestyle.

In a new interview with Vogue yesterday, Doja admitted she’s had to curb bad habits for the sake of her live shows.

She said: “I love trash – I’m Oscar the Grouch. I love to eat garbage, and I love to drink, and I love to party.

“Not too hard, obviously. I don’t do any drugs.”

Doja, who had a romance with actor Joseph Quinn in 2024, went on to reveal she is a serial dater, adding: “I’m 30, so I’m ovulating and horny.”

At least she tells it how it is.

Mosh-pit memories with trust

The Teenage Cancer Trust is staging a photo exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall to mark the joys of mosh pits.

Musicians including Yungblud, Wolf Alice, Fontaines DC and The Sex Pistols ft Frank Carter are featured in the show, called Good Energy.

It highlights “good energy”, which is the code used by fans to look after each other in the crowd. Frank said of his pic: “It was taken in the Royal Albert Hall.

“To play there with the Sex Pistols was a dream come true. Seeing a mosh pit inside such a venue felt like the definition of Good Punk Energy.

The exhibition runs until April 9. Buy signed copies of the prints at teenagecancer trust.org/good.

One direction’s Louis Tomlinson confessed the band’s debut No1 single, What Makes You Beautiful, was his least favourite track. He told Scott Mills’s Radio 2 show: “Performing it was always really eggy.”

Louis also took aim at the handling of 1D’s split, adding: “Hiatus, what a horrible word. It’s cringey, screams management.”

Princess is really made up

Harper Beckham has competition from another nepo baby when it comes to her upcoming beauty brand – Katie Price and Peter Andre’s daughter Princess.

The Sun told last week that Harper had taken part in a photoshoot for beauty brand Hiku by Harper, which is expected to launch in the coming months. Now Princess is following suit.

She said on the Not My Bagg podcast: “I’ve been working on it for ages. I was in Liverpool three days ago.

“I went up for a photoshoot for my beauty brand, which is so good. It’s being released this year.

I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to be involved in some sort of business. Make-up, I love, so it had to be that.”

ABSOLUTE Radio DJ Andy Bush has revealed heartless scammers have stolen his elderly parents’ life savings.

In total, the devastated couple, both 78, were swindled out of £16,000 in an elaborate scheme that used Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis‘s trusted name to entice them.

A ‘broker’ going by the name of ‘John’ gained Andy’s dad’s trust after he clicked into an online link promising to maximise his savings. In reality, Good Morning Britain star Martin had no affiliation with the advert at all.

Andy, who hosts Hometime with Bush & Richie, told The Sun: “They’re really humiliated.

“My dad’s an ex-computer programmer, systems analyst. So he feels someone like him, who’s had a job like that, shouldn’t be falling for a scam like this. So they feel very, very humiliated.

“I feel like a lot of their kind of plans and dreams have kind of gone up in smoke a little bit because that little nest egg that they had to go and do nice retirement stuff is now suddenly completely gone.”

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Andy’s dad has memory issues, which his son believes made him more susceptible to the scam. Neither Andy, nor his brother, had any idea his parents were moving around large sums of money, and he believes they were coerced by ‘John’ not to tell anyone.

Once his dad had clicked the dodgy link, a portal opened to ‘John’ who was then on the phone to them “non-stop”.

Andy likened it to a romance scam and said his parents told him they would speak to ‘John’ on the phone two or three times a day.

“Even when it all came to light that it was a scam, my mum still wouldn’t believe that John, lovely John, would do this to them. So, they really bought into him as a person,” said Andy.

‘John’ set up a Revolut account on Andy’s parents behalf and began transferring large chunks of money from their TSB savings account.

He coached them on what to say to TSB agents when they queried the transfers — though Andy is upset that the bank didn’t do more to clamp down on the out of character money movements.

“Every time they transferred a chunk of £5,000, £6,000 or whatever, TSB would phone up and go, ‘just making sure you’re not transferring this to whatever’. And they would say, ‘no, no, it’s for this, that or whatever’,” he said.

‘John’ then instructed them to put an app on each of their phones, which allowed him to have full access to all their details and to see what they were doing on their devices.

He also installed a fake crypto exchange that showed their money rising at an impressive rate when in reality it had all but disappeared.

Eventually, Andy found out something was amiss when his mum asked if she could borrow £4,000 in order to deposit it into her account to pass an ‘anti-money laundering check’.

Alarm bells immediately rang and Andy asked her to show him the email from ‘John’. Upon seeing it, he said he knew “straight away” that it was fraudulent.

In the meantime, ‘John’ had arranged a £4,000 loan with M&S Bank, which led to Andy’s parents having to cancel their cards after multiple payments began to be made on them.

Andy’s intervention didn’t immediately put an end to the scamming.

Two days later, his parents received an email from a fake cryptocurrency loss recovery company that claimed it could recover their stolen money.

The fresh scam asked for forms to be submitted and a £3,000 payment paid. Andy said he believed the original scammers were behind it.

Even though, his parents’ phones have been wiped, he said there are still concerns the scammers have access.

Andy and his parents have now instructed CEL Solicitors who specialise in recouping money lost to fraud and have contacted the police.

CEL told him that they deal with 500 such cases a month and some £500m is stolen from people each year in total.

He said: “I’ve had so many messages from people who have not just had their parents scammed like this, but a woman in her 30s was scammed out of money when her baby was seven days old because she wasn’t concentrating properly and just pressed the button. You know, young people, old people.

“My mum and dad don’t know who to trust now.

“It’s brought up some really horrible conversations. My mum and dad have always been very outgoing and doing different things, and they’ve always got plans and all that kind of stuff. Now they have to run pretty much everything past me and my brother just to double-check that they’re not being scammed again.”

JUNIOR Andre has joked that his mum Katie Price “crushed his dreams” of becoming a professional footballer, after he was scouted as a child.

The 20-year-old, whose dad is Mysterious Girl singer Peter Andre, is now carving out a career for himself as a musician and actor.

But once upon a time, Junior had high hopes of becoming a footballer.

And he was even scouted by professional club Millwall, before trialing for premiere league side Chelsea, Junior has revealed.

Appearing on the Not My Bagg podcast, Junior said that glamour model mum Katie informed him he didn’t have the skills to make it big time in the sport.

“My mum crushed my dreams,” said Junior.

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“She watched me play once and she says, ‘Junior, let’s be real, you’re not gonna be a footballer. You’re not good enough. Don’t worry, you’re gonna be an entertainer’.”

“But, also, equally, I wanted to be a musician and actor,” assured Junior.

Continuing that he would play Saturday league, he said: “I used to play every week and I loved it.

“When I was young I got scouted at Millwall, and I had a trial and Brighton and Chelsea and I was loving it.

“But I was never actually really that good, I was just above average.”

Just this month, Junior made his acting debut as he is starring in a new coming-of-age drama called Finding My Voice.

He stars alongside his dad Peter and EastEnders star Michelle Ryan in the flick.

Alongside acting, Junior has been in the studio working on new music, with the budding star seen recording in a recent episode of his sister’s reality show, The Princess Diaries.

Despite his famous parents, it’s not all been glamorous for Junior, who revealed in the TV show that he had also been working full time for TFL while his music was on hold.

Junior revealed he worked through the nights, full time, while he sorted out “differences” with his record label.

Speaking on his secret TFL job, Junior said: “It’s been a long time coming, it’s been hard, you know I’ve obviously had to do nine-to-five, Monday to Friday.

“I found a night job basically just working on the London underground, grafting, lifting heavy metals, cutting, filing, painting. I got them jobs so I could do my music career, so I could fund it.”

Princess, 18, gushed over her brother for following his dreams self- sufficiently.

The reality TV star said: “So proud of Junior, his last two singles went in at number one , but while he was sorting differences out with his label he went to work through the nights and work a full time job so he was fully self sufficient. Which I’m super proud of.”

KATIE Price’s husband Lee Andrews has shown off his plethora of birthday gifts from his wife ahead of their Dubai reunion.

Lee celebrated his special day without Katie by his side as she was in England but she has jetted off to the Middle East, despite the ongoing concerns, today to join him.

However, Lee has taken to social media to reveal that Katie did indeed send him some birthday gifts ahead of her arrival.

On social media, he showed off a custom-made card from Katie that featured pictures of them both.

The card also contained the message: “Husband, you complete me.”

Katie also appeared to have got him a matching mug.

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A Louis Vuitton gift bag could also be seen in the background as Lee added the caption: “Wife is just the best.”

It appears to be the first time that Katie has splashed out on her husband with the star previously telling The Sun that she has never paid for anything during their marriage.

She insisted Lee had always paid for everything they did, including her flights out to see him.

Lee then shared a snap of another sentimental gift from his wife.

It was a small pin which featured the design of a man and woman embracing with the names Katie and Lee emblazoned on it.

Lee said of the gift: “The smallest thoughts mean the most.”

He went on to share a look at the words Katie had written for him in his card, which said: “To my forever husband!

“Happy Birthday! I will share your whole life celebrating with you!

“I love you to infinity love from your wife Katie x.”

Katie has been spotted at the airport heading to see Lee after a few weeks back in the UK.

Her decision to travel to the UAE comes amid growing concern over troubles in the Middle East.

The ongoing Iran crisis is still causing chaos for travellers following more drone attacks in Dubai, including a missile dropping on the airport.

But Katie was spotted at Gatwick airport late last night with her luggage and passport in hand.

Katie was dressed in a polka-dot tracksuit top and leggings, which showed off her tiny legs.

Katie was seen smiling and was in good spirits, despite boarding a plane to an at-risk country.

The star was seen chatting to the airline staff as she checked in her huge suitcase for her trip.

Despite Katie flying off to Dubai, the ongoing crisis in Iran has continued to affect travel with British Airways cancelling all flights there until June.

The airline took this decision due to the “uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East”.

Other companies are running limited flights whilst the fighting continues.

While the UK has plenty of unique places for a staycation, there’s one city that people go back to again and again. With so much to do for travellers of all ages it’s easy to see why it remains at number one.

It can be great fun to explore an exotic location several hours away and experience a new culture and scenery, but many of us don’t have the time or budget to take long-haul holidays.

That’s why it’s worth considering locations closer to home. Even if they are on your doorstep, visiting them as a tourist can give you a whole new perspective on a place.

That’s why Expedia has put together a list of the top UK holiday destinations for 2026. Although the city grabbing the number one spot may not come as a great surprise, there are some interesting locations in the top ten.

London topped the list for domestic destinations, and even if you already visit the capital a lot, it’s worth considering as a city break. While many visitors stay in the centre of London, it’s a huge, sprawling city full of colourful neighbourhoods, so simply staying a little further out can completely change your perspective.

Avoid the hotels in tourist central and consider staying in an area such as Hackney Wick or Ladbroke Grove, both of which made it onto The Telegraph’s list of London’s 10 coolest neighbourhoods. Not only will you save money on hotels, but you can also live like a Londoner while still enjoying easy transport links to tourist attractions.

A trip to London also doesn’t need to mean the usual visits to Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. If you enjoy those things, that’s great, but new attractions are being opened all the time. In late 2026, the London Museum in Smithfield will open in a former Victorian market, making the most of the grand building. It’ll include underground exhibition spaces and performance venues.

V&A East opens April 18 in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, just a short walk from the popular V&A East Storehouse. It will include two free galleries showcasing “contemporary global culture” as well as temporary exhibition spaces. Its first temporary exhibition will be The Music Is Black: A British Story and the café will serve dishes inspired by East London’s diverse communities.

Even well-established landmarks such as the British Museum are always offering new exhibitions and things to do. In September, the much-anticipated Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition will arrive at the museum, allowing visitors to see the incredible 68-metre-long medieval masterpiece up close.

If you prefer attractions that are a little livelier, then the new Gameshow LIVE! might be one for you. Opening in spring, it bills itself as the “world’s first interactive gameshow”. Up to 200 players can join in, and the attraction will include all the elements you expect from a classic game show, from buzzers to dramatic lighting. It’ll certainly outshine your local pub quiz.

On Expedia’s list at second place was the classic tourist destination Edinburgh, while third and fourth place went to Manchester and Liverpool. Birmingham was perhaps a surprise addition at number five, and the West Midlands city managed to beat York and the Lake District in the rankings.

Expedia’s top ten UK destinations for 2026 – full list

1. London
2. Edinburgh
3. Manchester
4. Liverpool
5. Birmingham
6. York
7. Glasgow
8. Lake District
9. Devon
10. Cardiff

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

Travelling with kids can be expensive, even if you stay within the UK, but changing your travel dates could potentially save you hundreds of pounds – according to Expedia some dates could be the key to nabbing bargains

When you have kids, it feels like the days of cheap holidays are over, especially once they hit school age. Holidays can take a lot more planning and careful budgeting.

However, travel booking site Expedia has given parents a hand, putting together data that shows the cheapest exact dates to travel as a family, as well as the peak travel dates to avoid. Melanie Fish, spokesperson for Expedia Group Brands said: “Using the right dates to dodge peak travel times is a great money‑saving hack, especially when paired with booking everything you need for your trip on Expedia for a hassle‑free holiday.”

It also revealed some up and coming destinations for spring that are seeing a surge in searches, potentially making them popular places for a spring break. These include Conwy, Tenby, and the Cotswolds, all classic family holiday staycation spots.

As you may expect, late-March and early-April are expensive times to travel as parents try to get some time away for the Easter holidays. For domestic travel, the most expensive dates are between May 23 and 31, which is half-term in most schools across the UK. The most expensive dates for international travel were revealed as April 5 and May 23, again both coinciding with school holidays.

The busiest dates for staycations were found to be March 6 and 27, while for international travel, you can expect packed airports and ferry ports on April 2 and 3. If you’re someone who prefers to avoid the crowds and traffic, it’s best to rethink booking a departure on these dates.

When it comes to the cheapest dates, for domestic travel these fall on March 1 and 2, early in the spring, as it’s before the main tourist season kicks off in most staycation spots.

For international travel, the cheapest departure dates include March 2 and April 27. Unfortunately, these do fall outside of school holiday dates, but some parents may be tempted to book a break anyway. However, it’s worth making sure you research school holiday fines before you pull the kids out of school, as a family of four could rack up a £320 bill even for a first offence.

The quietest times to travel also fall outside of school holidays: April 28 and May 31. However, if your school has a later May half-term or inset days tacked onto the holiday, then going slightly later could cut the cost of a break later in the month. Choose flexible dates when searching for flights or holidays to see how much you could save by departing a few days later.

If you’re in a particularly strict area for school holiday fines, don’t worry, shifting your dates within the school holidays can also cut costs. For example, the cheapest dates to book in the six week summer holidays tend to be closer to the end of the holiday, as most people want to go away as soon as school finishes. By opting for a late-August rather than mid-July break you could save hundreds and still be back in time for school.

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

BRIDESMAIDS star Wendi McClendon-Covey has revealed why she was missing from the cast reunion at the Oscars saying “I look like a melted candle.”

Fifteen years after its debut, the film‘s main stars gathered onstage at the 2026 awards ceremony for a hilarious reunion.

Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, and Ellie Kemper reunited at the Oscars much to fans delight.

However, some of them wondered why Wendy, who played Rita in Bridesmaids, hadn’t joined them.

After the show, Wendy posted on Instagram to clear up the confusion.

She said: “I had a neck lift last week because I’m tired of looking like a melting candle.

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“So I had to skip the Academy Awards. No drama. Everything is fine.”

A snap showed her lying down with a bandage wrapped around her head.

Fans flocked to comment and one wrote: “Sending some healing energy your way!”

Another added: “Gorgeous before and after.”

A third said: “Love your transparency. F-yeah! Some people can embrace that candle look but others…h*** no. Either way is right as long as it makes you happy. Big healing love!”

While a fourth wrote: “You’re such a sweet, kind, hilarious legend, shine on my friend.”

During the Oscars reunion Kirsten joked: “I cannot believe that it’s been 15 years. Now we are not good with numbers, but we figured out backstage that means we shot this movie in 1883.”

Each of them was then handed a note and claimed it was signed by A-list audience members like Leonardo DiCaprio or Stellan Skarsgard, who spoke about their good looks.

Maya opened hers and said: “Oh, this is strange. Well, mine says, ‘First of all, you ladies look extremely beautiful tonight.’ Thank you. ‘You’re aging well.’ Signed, Stellan Skarsgård.”

Kirsten read a fake note from Benicio Del Toro which said “You guys have been talking for a long time. This bit could have been a lot shorter.

Who won on Hollywood’s biggest night?

One Battle After Another ran away with the night with six Oscars, while Sinners, which was nominated for a record-breaking 16 awards, came away with four. See the full winners list below:

Best Picture: One Battle After Another

Best Actress: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet

Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan, Sinners

Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan, Weapons

Supporting Actor: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another

Directing: One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson

Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson

Original Screenplay: Sinners, Ryan Coogler

Documentary Feature: Mr. Nobody Against Putin

Documentary Short: All the Empty Rooms

Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters

Animated Short: The Girl Who Cried Pearls

Cinematography: Sinners, Autumn Durald Arkapaw

Costume Design: Frankenstein, Kate Hawley

Film Editing: One Battle After Another, Andy Jurgensen

International Feature: Sentimental Value – Norway

Life Action Short: 

The Singers (TIED)

Two People Exchanging Saliva (TIED)

Makeup and Hairstyling: Frankenstein, Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey

Original Score: Sinners, Ludwig Goransson

Original Song: Golden, KPop Demon Hunters

Production Design: Frankenstein, Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau

Sound: F1, Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo and Juan Peralta

Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash, Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett

Casting: One Battle After Another, Cassandra Kulukundis

“This is really going on and on. You aren’t even talking about score. That’s all. Love ya lots, Benicio Del Toro. Or for those of you who refuse to learn Spanish, it’s Benedict of the Bull.”

Directed by Paul Feig, Bridesmaids was written by Kirsten Wiig and Annie Mumolo, who were nominated for Best Original Screenplay when the film was released in 2011.

Melissa also earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

The film gained cult status and went on to gross over $300 million worldwide.

Many European destinations and warming up, and spring is definitely on the way. But which short-haul spot is most likely to give you sunshine and dry days over Easter? Here’s the destination with the best odds.

It feels like winter has dragged on forever this year, and many parts of the country are only just emerging from months of endless rain and grey skies to see a little bit of sunshine. With Easter on the way, which can be an unpredictable time for UK weather, many people will be looking to get away to the sunniest spot they can find for a few days.

Luckily, TUI has put together a list of the Easter getaways that are most likely to give you the ideal weather conditions, analysing historic data on the average rainfall, wind speed, and temperature in early-April to work out a Good Weather Score. Brits will be pleased to hear that topping the rankings is a destination just over four hours away from the UK that’s expected to see highs of 19C over the next couple of weeks.

According to TUI’s rankings, Turkey historically has the “most ideal weather conditions” during the Easter holidays, usually offering holidaymakers average temperatures of 18C. It’s also the destination where you’re least likely to be caught in an April shower. In the Easter holiday months, the amount of rainfall is just 0.01mm on average.

When the data was broken down into individual destinations, Marmaris in Turkey was the place most likely to give holidaymakers the best Easter weather conditions. It often reaches highs of 19C around Easter, and is usually dry with only light winds. Marmaris is in southwest Turkey in an area dubbed the Turkish Riviera. This lively port town has a marina, bustling grand bazaar, and historic sites such as the 16th-century Marmaris Castle.

Marmaris also has an amazing selection of sandy beaches that sit alongside its turquoise seas. Marmaris Long Beach (Uzunyali), is around six miles long, starting at the city centre, and has a lively promenade full of hotels, restaurants, and bars. A quieter alternative can be found at İçmeler Beach, just south of the city, where you’ll find sandy coves and incredible mountain views.

Second on the list for good weather was Greece, and this time of year brings mean temperatures of around 16C and long sunny days. Meanwhile, Bulgaria ranked third for its “pleasant and balanced climate”. Like Turkey it offers light winds and low rainfall, and Easter can be a good time to explore as tourist don’t have to contend with the intense summer heat. Bulgaria is becoming a major hiking destination, especially around the Rila and Pirin mountain ranges which combine gentle trails with more intense, steep climbs.

Bulgaria is also known for its stunning beaches. The Black Sea coast has 200 beaches to choose from and resorts to suit all sorts of holidaymakers. Sunny Beach is known for its lively nightlife and cheap drink deals, while Varna is a historic and cultural hub that has soft golden sand beaches and clear blue seas.

Anyone planning an Easter break can also check TUI’s holiday weather guide, which gives a breakdown of weather by month for popular tourist spots.

Europe’s top 10 destinations for good Easter weather

1. Turkey
2. Greece
3. Bulgaria
4. Spain
5. Croatia
6. Italy
7. Hungary
8. Portugal
9. Montenegro
10. Gibraltar

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

LORNA Luxe has been seen out for the first time since her husband John’s death – joining race-goers at Cheltenham Festival this week.

The fashion influencer, 43, was seen out on Friday for the Gold Cup and was quids in after backing a horse in John’s memory.

John, 64, died in February following a lengthy illness, but sent a “sign” to Lorna who won £250 after backing a horse with long odds.

Johnny’s Jury was priced between 25/1 to 33/1 with bookmakers like Betfair before jockey Gavin Sheehan took him from last to first to win the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Lorna said in a video message to fans: “It’s been raining all week, but the weather was perfect with blue skies.

“I started betting on the horses but didn’t get any winners at all.

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“I bumped into Amanda Wakely, whose dress I wore for my wedding to John, and we went to the betting box.

“She said ‘look, one of the horses is called Johnny’s Jury, shall we have a go?’

“It was a bit of an outsider but I put £20 each way – and it won.

“It flipping won. I’m absolutely buzzing. I had all this cash.

“It was just, so John.”

Lorna’s voice cracked as her eyes filled with tears.

She added: “It really made me smile. It was just a brilliant moment.

“I was really teary to be honest. I’m teary now just thinking about it.

“Even though he wasn’t there with me, it felt like he was there in spirit.”

Lorna was dressed in Holland Cooper, the official luxury fashion partner of The Jockey Club, to enjoy a day at the races.

The brand’s founder – Jade Holland Cooper – described Lorna as “the strongest woman I know”.

Lorna’s late husband John was initially diagnosed with stage three cancer, but it developed to stage four while he was undergoing treatment.

Lorna kept her followers updated throughout his journey, and they supported her when he went into remission in November 2023.

But his cancer returned in May 2024, spreading to his brain.

Tragically, just before Christmas, he was rushed back to hospital with organ failure, following a complication with his chemotherapy treatment.

Lorna was advised to prepare for the worst but John defied the odds and was able to recover and spend Christmas at home, before passing away two months later.

SHE is an Oscar-winner married to a former James Bond, but Rachel Weisz says Hollywood made her feel so ugly she considered having plastic surgery.

When the British beauty first went there in the Nineties, she contemplated a nose job, boob job or liposuction to get noticed and boost her career.

Rachel, now 56 and one of the world’s most sought-after stars, said: “I went into quite a major depression.

“I was watching so many daytime TV shows. And then I would get in my car and drive to these auditions while listening to the radio.

“I feel sick now when I listen to the radio, all these commercials for different car dealers.

“I just felt like the world was so desperate and lonely and sad and people were trying to sell cars and no one wanted to buy them.

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“People are very focused on their own thing. In LA unless you’ve just won an Oscar or you’re ‘Mr Studio Head’, no one talks to you. Even at parties. I was at this big Hollywood party, and no one looked.

“Everyone is blinkered and they just kind of scan the room for ­anyone important. LA makes you feel ugly. Because if you’re an actress, no one pays you any attention.

“And you immediately start thinking, ‘God, I must have a nose job. Or, I must get that boob job, or I must get that lipo’, whatever it is.”

For Rachel, who started her career with bit-parts on Inspector Morse and whose new thriller Vladimir was released on Netflix on March 5, real success and happiness came when she turned her back on the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.

She decided to split her time between London, where she grew up, and New York with her then-partner, director Darren Aronofsky, and their son Henry, now 19.

Rachel, who has been married to 007 actor Daniel Craig since 2011, told Index mag: “There’s not much room for eccentricity in Hollywood, and eccentricity is what’s sexy in people.

“I think London’s sexy because it’s so full of eccentrics.”

The actress’s breakthrough came in 1999 when she landed the role of feisty librarian Evelyn Carnahan in blockbuster The Mummy.

By 2006 her A-list status was cemented when she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for The Constant Gardener.

She went on to star in 2009’s The Lovely Bones and 2015’s Youth, as well as 2021 Marvel film Black Widow.

Now Vladimir sees her as ­married college professor M, whose life spirals into a steamy, all-consuming obsession with her younger colleague, played by One Day and White Lotus star Leo Woodall.

The series is based on the book of the same name by Julia May Jonas, which Rachel describes as a ­brilliant piece of writing.

She added of the character she plays: “I deeply empathise with her and understand her. But I left her when I got home.

“She’s like a projection of what a viewer might want to live out.”

Rachel and Daniel, who ­officially ended his 15-year stint as James Bond with No Time To Die in 2021, were friends for years before falling for each other in 2010 while filming thriller Dream House.

Within months they secretly wed in New York and went on to have daughter Grace, now seven. They split their time between Brooklyn in New York and ­Primrose Hill in North London.

But the couple deliberately choose not to do films together.

Rachel said: “I think we really love our private life as a life, as a family, and then we go to work separately.

“It means we can alternate, so I can stay home with the family while he works. We can swap out. If we’re both doing ­something at the same time, it’s probably less ideal.”

Rachel grew up in ­Hampstead, North London, with dad George, a Hungarian-Jewish mechanical engineer, and mum Edith, who originated from ­Austria and was a teacher-turned-psychotherapist.

The star started modelling at 14 and studied English at ­Cambridge University, with her parents hoping she would choose a more traditional career.

Rachel told the Sunday Sitdown With Willie Geist podcast: “They were just the kind of ­parents who were like, ‘You’ve got to get a degree, like you have to go to ­college’, which in the end I did.

“They wanted me to have a fall-back, so I could be a teacher . . . that would be a really good job.

“My parents would be really happy if I was a teacher. My dad was very sceptical about my career choice. I think he wasn’t very impressed by what I was doing.

“He was my harshest critic for a very long time. I think he only, after a good 15 years, was like, ‘OK, yeah’.

“He was tough — yeah, he was tough, in a good way. He was always honest, he didn’t make it nice. He’d take things apart and say, ‘I didn’t understand what you were doing,’ or, ‘That was a bit wooden’.”

But winning her Oscar changed everything.

Rachel said: “That definitely changed my life. Maybe my dad was like, ‘OK, all right, you were OK’.

“He would never be more over the top than that.”

And that Oscar meant she had the freedom to choose the roles she truly wanted, just like the one in Vladimir.

She said: “In the beginning of my career, I just did whatever job I got so I could pay the rent. I wasn’t picky.

“Now I’m in this luxurious position where I can choose things. It’s really about the character and writing, if it appeals to me or if it seems it would be interesting to ­pretend that story.

“I was never the kind of kid that got on the table and did a tap dance and a song. I wasn’t the star of the school plays or ­anything. I was ­actually really shy.

“I think a lot of actors, when I meet them as grown-ups, they go, ‘I was really shy too’.

“I think I’m just a daydreamer. I think storytelling is, in a way, daydreaming, but ­putting your daydreams into ­writing and getting people to embody them.

“I think my daydreaming skills have just come into it, I get paid for it.”

Despite now being praised for her stylish looks, ranging from velvet trouser suits to Valentino haute ­couture, walking the red carpet still makes Rachel nervous even today.

She said: “I don’t think any actress would say doing the red ­carpet is not terrifying. The way to get through it is to pretend.

“It’s a fantasy, like walking into a fantasy world. These people, they transform you, and that is fun.

“What you see on the red ­carpet is not a character that has anything to say.

“I used to be very shy, and in a way that was what was so great about the idea of ­acting. You can hide the real you behind that character.”

But after years of ­struggling with fame, Rachel says she has finally learned to be ­content with exactly where she is in life.

She said: “Someone once said to me when I was younger, ‘Never think the best party is somewhere else’. You know that feeling of being somewhere and thinking you should go somewhere better?

“You can’t do that. ­Wherever you are is the right place to be.”

TIKTOK sensation DJ AG once earned an entire year’s salary in just one month after going viral on the app.

DJ AG, whose given name is Ashley Gordon, is best known for his live-streamed DJ sets outside London King’s Cross station which have attracted some of the biggest stars in the world.

He now performs all over the country and has been joined by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora, Will Smith, Skepta, Daniel Bedingfield, Craig David and Idris Elba. Even supermodel Naomi Campbell.

Even former British Vogue editor Edward Enninful dropped by for a surprise visit once.

Now, DJ AG has revealed how much he rakes in every month, but also got real about how much work it takes to be a TikTok star.

“What I’m earning now is circa £4,000 a month if I’m lucky,” he explained during a recent appearance on the In My Opinion podcast.

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“Prior to that I was monetising on TikTok and doing very well,” he continued, and confirmed there were some months when he earned more than £40,000.

“People don’t know how TikTok works, it’s not just posting content. You can go live, you can do co-host battles with people and that’s a call to action, people will support you with gifting.”

DJ AG also earns money on TikTok by doing ‘forfeit challenges,’ where two content creators go head-to-head and the loser has to undertake an intense dare.

“I was bantering and people were enjoying the content so people were gifting, and I earned a good amount of money,” he said.

“Maybe in one month, I earned more than a year’s salary.”

He explained he is earning less from TikTok now because he’s only doing the outdoor DJ sets and there’s no “call to action” to encourage people to send monetary gifts.

DJ AG said he was happy to talk about his earnings because he wanted to be honest with up-and-coming content creators, not only about the financial gains, but also the huge amount of work that goes in to being a hip hop star.

“People don’t understand the amount of hours I had to do, like 15 hours a day every day,” he said.

“In my opinion, it’s important to be transparent especially for the youth that are coming through so they understand what the opportunities are.”

People who post on TikTok have the opportunity to join the TikTok Creator Fund, which pays content creators for their views.

To join the program TikTokers must be 18 or older, have a minimum of 10,000 followers, a minimum of 100,000 views within 30 days of uploading the video, and run an account that follows TikTok Community Guidelines.

While it is not a grant or ad revenue program, the Creator Fund provides payment to qualified TikTokers based on a “variety of factors” across their content.

“We want all creators to have the opportunity to earn money doing what they love and turn their passion into a livelihood,” the website continues.

With no limit on the number of qualified TikTokers who can join the fund, payments may increase or decrease at different times throughout one’s run on the platform.

Some factors affecting the funds a qualified TikToker may earn include the number of authentic views per video, the amount of engagement, and whether or not the work falls within the Community Guidelines.

A SEAFRONT attraction has taken a major step closer to being restored to its former glory.

The seaside town of Worthing is looking to save its lido – but it could come at a cost of £4.5million.

Worthing Lido sits right on the front of the town’s beach minutes from its popular art deco pier.

It was once a popular seawater swimming pool between 1957 and 1988.

And it might be making a comeback as the local council has said it will commit £1.29million towards the first step of its redevelopment.

Councillor Sophie Cox, leader of the council, said: “The community has made it clear how much the lido means to them and that they want us to invest in it for the decades to come.

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“We’re determined to make that a reality.

“Using more than £1m from the Community Infrastructure Levy shows our commitment to turning plans into action, but we know that more is needed to cover even the least expensive substructure solution.”

The funding marks the first time ever that a cash sum has been set aside for the former lido.

While the £1.29million will cover initial works, there are predictions that the work will cost at least £4.5 million.

The lido on Worthing Beach was originally built as a bandstand in 1925 and was used as a performing space for 30 years.

In 1957, the space was converted into an unheated swimming pool.

It was a popular spot for swimmers up through into the 1980s.

In 1988, Worthing Lido was even used as a temporary home to dolphins from Brighton Sealife Centre.

The dolphins were relocated to the lido while their permanent enclosure at the Sealife Centre was undergoing renovations.

In 1989 the pool was covered over and the site transformed into an entertainment centre.

It’s now home to a cafe, arcade, and is occasionally used as an event space.

For more on lidos, here are all of the new ones set to open across the UK from seafront pools to city swimming spots.

And here’s one English seaside town’s beachfront lido which will reopen this summer despite fears of closure.

JACK Osbourne has proudly welcomed a baby girl with his wife and revealed her sweet name which is a touching tribute to his dad Ozzy.

The former MTV reality TV star, 40, confirmed the happy news in a post on Instagram.

And Jack revealed her name was Ozzy Matilda Osbourne in a sweet nod to his late father.

The tot was pictured lying peacefully next to what appeared to be a bat plushie and a badge that said ‘Hello World’.

Jack captioned the post: “She’s arrived and she’s perfect.”

Ozzy Matilda was born om March 5 just before 9am according to the duck-themed sticker.

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Rock legend Ozzy, who died in July aged 76, had been told he was going to be a grandfather again before his death.

Jack previously revealed he and Aree’s tot was giving him hope while grieving for his Black Sabbath rock legend dad Ozzy.

The proud dad has three daughters from his previous marriage – while his and Aree’s firstborn is three-year-old Maple.

Fans were quick to congratulate Jack after his latest annoucement.

One said: “Yay, we have another Ozzy Osbourne! The world is right again.”

Another wrote: “Oh my goodness congratulations I love her name I’m sure ozzy is smiling.”

A third said: “The most perfect name she could have ever received!! Congratulations to you all…I am sure her birth is what everyone’s heart needed!!”

Speaking publicly for the first time about the happy pregnancy news back in December, Jack said it has been the joy his family – including his mum Sharon, 73 – have needed after such a tough year.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday he said: “It’s awesome.

“I think it’s been partly a healthy distraction, partly healing – probably in that kind of ‘full cycle’ category, in a weird way.

“It’s very much taken energy out of the grieving side of things and parked in a bit more hopefulness.

“It’s been easy for me – I think it’s been a lot harder for my wife!

“We’re super-excited. It was sort of planned, I should say. It was maybe a little earlier than expected.

“But it’s definitely something that we were wanting to pursue and somehow it happened, miraculously.”

His beloved dad Ozzy played a farewell concert at the Villa Park stadium in his hometown of Birmingham last July.

At the benefit gig, the acclaimed heavy metal star reunited with all of his bandmates, which included Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward.

The band performed some of their greatest hits, ending with a rendition of Paranoid.

During his last interview, heavy metal icon Ozzy said his “final encore” meant “everything”.

Jack then ventured into the I’m A Celebrity jungle to honour bat-biter Ozzy’s legacy and his wish for him not to be “moping about and being sad”. 

He lasted 21 days in camp and proved to be hugely popular among his campmates.

Ozzy’s death, following a six year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, reshaped Jack’s perception of their relationship with him now saying he is “really cherishing moments” – even the difficult ones.

Jack first rose to fame in 2002 after starring in the hit series, The Osbournes.

He received worldwide attention for his television tenure alongside his family, which included sister Kelly, and parents Sharon and Ozzy.

ORE Oduba’s kids are said to be devastated as he puts the family home on the market a year after his split from wife Portia Jett.

The Strictly star, 40, announced that he and Portia, 36, had ended their nine year marriage in October 2024.

The pair share a son, Roman, eight and four-year-old daughter Genie together.

The TV presenter’s new-build family home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, is now up for sale but Portia admitted it has left their kids heartbroken.

She said on social media: “I told the children that we are selling the house.

“It’s hard, especially for Roman, to have these conversations. He’s really upset.

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“I wanted to let the kids know, I tried to explain why.

“It’s gutting, and I’ve known for a while.”

The family have been living in the property since 2022.

Last November, Portia appeared to take a swipe at Ore after he revealed his porn addiction battle.

Portia shared a photo as she posed with her two children either side of her during an autumn day out.

The lyrics talk about a partner who is “young, wayward and lost in the cold” and includes the phrases “you pulled the wrong trigger”.

Appearing on the We Need to Talk podcast with MAFS expert Paul C Brunson, Ore told how his addiction struggles have spanned three decades.

He candidly said: “I was nine when I was introduced to pornography. That’s when my addiction started.”

Ore added: “While I wouldn’t say the addiction set in immediately, the intrigue started immediately and it didn’t take long for that intrigue to start running my mind over.

“It was the thing that was destroying my life from the inside out.

“But it was a thing I was running to from an early age as a response to the trauma.”

He told Paul he was speaking out as he wanted to “guide my own children.”

The London-based TV and radio anchor shares two children with ex wife Portia, son Roman born in 2018 and daughter Genie, born in 2021.

Ore, who admitted he had become a “master masker” during his childhood due to fears his father would send him back to Nigeria, told of the personal “shame” he had been struck by.

He then told how his brave confessions were for his family.

He said: “I’m sharing this to save my kids.

“Shame kept me silent for 30 years. It took me 30 years, two deaths, and a divorce to finally go: here’s what’s happening.”

He added: “The reason I felt like I needed to speak out on this, is because I wanted to guide my own children when it comes to it, when it comes to them seeing stuff that is going to be there.

“They’re going to come across it.”

Ore then confessed: “I never imagine I’d ever share this with anyone but in the last year I’ve spoken to friends and family and some amazing, supporting people in my working world who have all shown so much love and pride in me talking about something that is a problem for so many of us.”

The couple announced they were ending their nine-year marriage in October, with presenter Ore then confirming the news on Instagram. 

The couple’s break-up shocked longtime followers of the pair, who have watched on as they got engaged, married and welcomed two children.

They first met in 2010 when they were studying at Loughborough University. 

Portia was also a prominent support for Ore when he competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, eventually lifting the glitterball alongside pro partner Joanne Clifton. 

Swerving rumours of the long-derided “Strictly curse”, Ore made sure Portia bonded with Joanne throughout their time on the show together. 

Yet he revealed their sad spit in an emotional message to fans.

The statement read: “Hi guys. Portia and I are sad to announce that we separated earlier this year [2024].

“We’re so grateful for all the love you’ve shared with us both over the years.

“And we want to thank you in advance for respecting our privacy as we navigated this difficult transition.

“We will be making no further comment. Be kind, always.”