rides

FAR away from the Venice of Europe, is the ‘Venice of the desert’ with highs of 25C in February.

The Pearl Doha in Qatar is an artificial island that boasts homes, tourist spots and sandy beaches.

Construction started way back in 2004, with the first residents being welcomed in 2009 and today, the island features a variety of different neighbourhoods, each with their own identity.

The island, which has just under 20 miles of coastline. features 10 districts including the Qanat Quartier, which is often dubbed as the ‘Venice of the desert’ thanks to its canals and pastel-coloured buildings.

Visitors can head on boat rides to discover the pretty canals and a number of arched bridges, like the replica of the Rialto Bridge.

Another tourist-favourite is the Piano Stairs, where you can jump on different stairs to make musical notes.

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Or for some proper fun and games head to Megapolis, where you will find virtual reality games, karaoke, bowling and racing simulators.

One recent visitor said: “Qanat Quartier is one of the most beautiful and unique places I’ve visited in Qatar.

“The colorful buildings, quiet canals, and charming bridges give you the feeling of walking through a mini Venice right in the heart of Doha.

“The area is peaceful and perfect for a relaxing walk, especially in the evening when the lights reflect on the water.”

equally popular is the Abraj Quartier, which is known as the gateway to The Pearl Island.

This neighbourhood is home to two towers offering panoramic sea views.

In the Porto Arabia neighbourhood, there is an open-air shopping area that has a French Riviera lifestyle feel.

The shopping area also overlooks Qatar‘s largest and award-winning marina, which is the ideal place to catch a glimpse of the many luxury yachts moored up.

Along the colourful waterfront, known as La Croisette (just like in Cannes), there is a two-mile promenade where more shops and restaurants can be found.

It is also in Porto Arabia where you will find the Four Seasons Resort and Residences.

The resort features a spa, private beach, two outdoor infinity pools, an indoor lap pool and a kid’s area.

There are plenty of beaches to chose from on The Pearl, with one popular option being Bahriya Beach.

One recent visitor said: “[It] has pristine sandy shores, perfect for lounging and swimming.

“A must visit when in Qatar.”

Another visitor added: “Soft sand that is raked every day to make sure it is well kept and flat.

“The water is also Lovely and no jet ski’s or boat allowed close by so very safe for swimmers and children.

“Great for paddle boarding or canoeing.”

On the beach is also Plt Cafe, where you can grab a flat white for 21 Qatari Riyal (£4.23).

The cafe also serves an array of sandwiches for around 30 Qatari Riyal (£6.04).

The cafe is noted by visitors as having a “wonderful atmosphere” perfect for “short, cosy visits” with views across the beach.

Right next to The Pearl, is Gewan Island, where visitors can explore the Crystal Walk, which is Qatar’s longest climatised outdoor walkway with a temperature of around 22C year-round.

As you walk along the 450-metre walkway, 45 crystal structures light-up.

When you are out and about looking for a bite to eat, you can expect to pay around 300 Qatari Riyal (£60.36) for a mid-range three-course meal for two.

You may have to stick to soft drinks though, as alcohol is only allowed for non-Muslims at licensed hotel bars and restaurants.

Hotel prices vary in Doha depending on the area of the city you stay but, for example, you can find a Premier Inn for £31 a night or stay at the five-star Andaz Doha by Hyatt for £66 a night.

Return flights from London to Doha in April cost from £468, alternatively you could fly from Birmingham from £531, Edinburgh from £608 or Manchester from £615.

If you want to head to the real Venice in Italy, one reporter who recently visited said that the Italian city is better in winter with wine bar tours and Miami-like hotels.

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I WAKE up to what sounds like thunder shaking the walls of my hotel room.

As I open a porthole-style window, a rollercoaster roars past, just yards from my face.

Not your average wake-up call.

But nothing about this place is average – I’m in Rookburgh, a gritty, smoke-filled steampunk world inside Phantasialand, which is one of Germany‘s most impressive theme parks.

This place, in Bruhl near Cologne, is famous for its attention to detail, next-level rides and the kind of immersive lands that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into another world.

And that doesn’t stop at the rides – even the accommodation is part of the show.

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I’m staying in the Charles Lindbergh Hotel, a retro-futuristic airship terminal.

Wrapped around the hotel like a giant steel snake is F.L.Y. – the world’s only launched flying rollercoaster.

What really makes it unique is the way in which you board.

You are strapped in while the track is on its side, almost like a sideways train.

Then, as you roll out of the station, the seats slowly rotate and the track shifts above you, flipping you into a face-down ‘flying’ position.

There’s no slow climb, just a powerful launch that catapults you face-first through tunnels, over rooftops and past steamy vents and water features that feel just inches away from your feet.

As you step out of Rookburgh, you’re greeted by the park’s entrance zone, named Berlin and it couldn’t feel more different, with quaint streets, fancy facades and a classic carousel.

You’ll find ice-cream parlours, food carts and flower-lined walkways, with plenty of seating if you need a breather.

Once you’re feeling ready for some more adrenaline-inducing rides, head over to the adjoining Mexico zone.

Mariachi music drifts through the air and the main attraction here is Chiapas – a log flume that is themed on a lost Mayan world.

It looks like a family ride but don’t be fooled.

There’s a 53-degree drop, which is one of the steepest of its kind in the world and then there’s a mix of tunnels, waterfalls, twists and turns so you never know what’s coming next.

Next door is the Talocan ride, which is even more intense.

It’s a Top Spin ride set in a Mayan temple, with fire blasts and water bursts all around you.

Just a short walk from the Mexico zone is the land of Klugheim, a village carved from rock.

It’s dark and moody, and home to what is considered to be one of the world’s best rollercoasters, called Taron.

With two powerful launches, it throws me straight into high-speed twists and tight turns, hugging the ground and darting along at speeds of up to 73mph.

Just around the corner from the jagged rocks of Klugheim is the Mystery zone – a medieval fantasy world with stone towers and crumbling castle walls designed around a forest theme.

The main draw here is Mystery Castle, an indoor drop-ride built into an ancient fortress.

It’s dark inside, with flickering lights and echoing sounds.

Once I’m strapped in, I’m launched upward with serious force and then suddenly dropped without warning.

It’s intense and over quickly, but terrifying while it lasts.

I jump on the neighbouring River Quest ride next, which features wild rapids with a twist.

Instead of you slowly bobbing around, an elevator platform takes your raft high up into a tower before plunging you downwards into dizzying drops gushing with water.

I dry off while exploring the nearby Wuze Town, which is part of the mystical Fantasy area and filled with rides for all ages.

The standout attractions here are Winja’s Fear and Winja’s Force, which are two spinning coasters running side by side but with different layouts.

They twist, turn, tilt and spin at random with sections of the track that suddenly drop mid-ride.

Before leaving the park, swing by Deep in Africa, which has a jungle theme set to a drumming soundtrack with dusty terrains and exotic plants.

This area is home to Hotel Matamba.

Built more for families, this lodge has tribal decor and views over Black Mamba – an inverted coaster hidden among foliage that hugs the scenery so tightly it feels as if you might hit it.

If you’re after a more upmarket stay, consider Hotel Ling Bao – an impressive Chinese temple-styled hotel with sit-down restaurants serving authentic noodle dishes.

It borders the gorgeous China Town, my favourite area of the park.

With red temples, koi ponds and hanging lanterns, it offers a lovely, calming break away from the crowds.

Because of the amazing theming throughout Phantasialand, you don’t just travel around the world, you travel through time.

One minute I’m flying around a steampunk airfield, the next I’m spinning through a medieval fantasy world or diving into a jungle temple.

In just one day, it felt like I’d done six holidays‘ worth of exploring and all without ever leaving the park.

Ryanair has direct flights from the UK to Cologne from £19.99 one-way.

Trains run regularly to Bruhl, with a shuttle bus to the park or a taxi takes under 30 minutes from Cologne Bonn Airport.

One-day tickets start from £27 for adults, £26 for kids aged four to 11 and free for children under four.

On-site hotels include Charles Lindbergh (short-stay cabins), Matamba (family-friendly), and Ling Bao (high-end).

Rooms start from €150 (£130) per night and packages include park entry.

In other theme park news, the UK’s ‘largest free-entry theme park’ at risk of closing forever.

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Chessington World of Adventures is getting ready to open the Pat Patrol area in spring 2026 – and it’s already looking PAW-some. Rides include Chase’s Mountain Mission and Skye’s Helicopter Heroes

PAW Patrol fans have been given an exciting first glimpse at Chessington’s new themed zone.

Chessington World of Adventures is getting ready to open the area in spring 2026 – and it’s already looking PAW-some. First look images unveiled today of the hotly anticipated new attraction – dedicated to the top-rated animated preschool series from Spin Master that airs on Nickelodeon and streams on Paramount+ – follow the installation of the PAW Patrol Lookout Tower, a real-life replica of the tower seen and played with by millions of children across the world.

The Lookout Tower will form part of the new ‘Chase’s Mountain Mission’ ride, the attraction’s entry-level rollercoaster.

The new images show PAW Patrol character, Rubble, who is overseeing the site’s construction, and Sian Hooper – creative director at Merlin Magic Making and the brains behind the new land – masterminding the finishing touches being put to the iconic Lookout Tower. This includes the tower’s pièce de résistance, the legendary PAW Patrol pup tag.

World of PAW Patrol will see PAW Patrol’s Adventure Bay setting represented in a themed area that stretches across 1.4 acres. The £15 million immersive experience will include four rides. Each of the rides is themed around a beloved member of the PAW Patrol pack:

• Chase’s Mountain Mission: A high-speed rescue vehicle and entry-level rollercoaster to help Chase and Everest save the day.
• Skye’s Helicopter Heroes: Riders are invited to climb aboard Skye’s iconic helicopter and take to the skies. Features spinning rotors, panoramic views, and a mission full of teamwork and tail wags.
• Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure: Hop aboard a hovercraft and help navigate the waters from Adventure Bay to Seal Island on the UK’s first ‘Drifter’ ride.
• Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue: Hang on tight to the red firetruck as it rocks and rolls through the streets of Adventure Bay. A high-spirited ride, it’s perfect for junior patrollers ready to spring into action.
• Further details on what guests can expect when visiting World of PAW Patrol will be announced in the coming months.

Sian Hooper said: “Bringing World of PAW Patrol to life is a true labour of love. From the very first sketches to seeing the iconic Lookout Tower rise above Chessington, our goal has been to capture the magic, energy and teamwork that millions of families know and adore from the show. Every ride has been designed to make guests feel like they’re stepping into Adventure Bay — whether they’re skidding and sliding with Zuma or soaring sky-high with Skye. We can’t wait for families to join the patrol this spring and create their own pup-tacular memories.”

Ahead of World of PAW Patrol opening, the pups are also now on the hunt for a pre-schooler to become part of the patrol and take on the role of the ‘PAWject Manager’ this spring. The once in a lifetime opportunity will allow one lucky PAW Patrol fan to give their ‘final approval’ on the new land before fellow patrollers experience what’s on offer.

The role will include being the first to test the rides and meeting their heroes in their new home. The winner will also receive tickets for their family to attend the opening event, a night in one of the five PAW Patrol -themed hotel rooms at Chessington, and other additional PAW Patrol goodies.

To enter, little ones, with the help of their parents, can submit their application online explaining why they would be ‘PAWfect’ for the job. Entries are open until 11.59pm on Wed 4 March.