rivals

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is in popular UK city will be back this weekend and will run for just over seven weeks, offering amazing shopping, twinkling lights and Christmas trees

A UK Christmas market rivalling Germany’s festive celebrations is set to make a comeback this weekend, running for just over seven weeks. Kicking off this Saturday, November 1, Birmingham’s yuletide market promises fantastic shopping, sparkling lights and Christmas trees, along with mouth-watering Frankfurt-style meats.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, held in the city’s Victoria Square, will feature over 100 stalls for visitors to explore as the entire area buzzes with “something for everyone”. A hit with locals and tourists alike, the festive market will “tempt your tastebuds” with schnitzels, bratwursts, pretzels, and roasted almonds.

Live music and fabulous Christmas shopping opportunities, with stalls spilling from the square into New Street, are guaranteed to get anyone visiting into the holiday spirit this winter, reports the Express.

The Visit Birmingham website painted a vivid picture of the festive event : “Birmingham comes alive every winter with the arrival of the market, a clear sign that Christmas is just around the corner. The stalls on Victoria Square and along New Street offer something for everyone.

“The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a wide range of traditional goods and gifts and a selection of tempting food and drink.”

“Pretzels, schnitzels, bratwursts, and roasted almonds will tempt your tastebuds, all of which can be washed down with gluhwein, weissbier (wheat beer), or tasty hot chocolate.”

Visit Birmingham described the Frankfurt Christmas Market as the ideal spot to gather with loved ones and “enjoy the live music programme on Victoria Square”.

Shoppers are bound to find “presents for your family and friends” in a festive winter setting, with stalls offering “everything from handcrafted wooden decorations and delicate glass baubles to in the form of the ever-favourite crystal lamps, Sounds of Nature, hand-crafted leatherwork, toys, jewellery” and more besides.

During 2024, guests hailed the market as a “joyful winter wonderland” that turns Birmingham into a hub of “festive magic”.

A couple who visited in December 2024 shared their experience on TripAdvisor, noting: “From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the cosy scent of bratwurst, roasted nuts, and mulled wine. The market stalls are full of festive charm, offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional treats that make for perfect stocking fillers or souvenirs.”

They continued: “The food and drink options are a real highlight – expect hearty German fare, rich hot chocolate, sweet churros, and of course, classic glühwein served in collectable mugs.

“Whether you’re visiting with friends, on a romantic winter date, or enjoying a family day out, there’s a warm, communal atmosphere that makes it all the more special.

“The lights, music, and joyful energy throughout the city centre make this more than just a market – it’s a full festive experience. While it can get very busy at peak times, it’s well worth braving the crowds for the atmosphere alone.”

The Frankfurt Birmingham Christmas Market is renowned for its enchanting ambience – and as the “largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria”, previous visitors describe it as a “must-visit” destination.

The venue buzzes with festive cheer and a traditional magical atmosphere that’s “not to be missed”, bringing the “spirit of Christmas to life in the heart of the Midlands”.

The Dutch capital has started to say ‘nee dank je’ to British holidaymakers, but Utrecht is a city that’s just as good for a night out and is just as easy to get to

The Netherlands’ fourth city, Utrecht, has emerged as a must-visit destination and an ideal spot for a night out.

In recent years, Amsterdam has started to say ‘no thank you’ to British holidaymakers, along with tourists from other countries.

Fed up with its labyrinthine streets being congested by non-clog-wearing visitors, Amsterdam’s authorities have begun cracking down on unruly tourists.

Despite being home to only about 800,000 people, the Dutch capital attracts up to 20 million tourists a year. In response, it has banned alcohol-fuelled tours, prohibited cannabis in the Red Light District, and initiated a digital “stay away” campaign targeting young British men.

For those who’ve received the message loud and clear but still crave a stroopwafel and a taste of Dutch nightlife, Utrecht is the place to be.

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Located right in the heart of the country, this city of 400,000 has been named one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel destinations for 2026, reports the Express. It’s easy to understand why Utrecht made the list for 2025, given its central location and the fascinating layout of its waterways.

“Easily accessible from Amsterdam by train, Utrecht is a brilliant destination for a weekend break. You’ve got a compact medieval centre, gabled houses that belong in a Vermeer painting and a bounty of bookshops, restaurants and museums to dig into,” says Lonely Planet.

“One of the most charming aspects of Utrecht is its canals. Canals are a common sight in the Netherlands, but Utrecht’s stand out due to their two-tier design, creating an almost subterranean world beneath the bustling streets above. While bikes clatter over the cobblestones at street level, descend the stone steps to tranquil walkways at water level, flanked by trees and 13th-century vaulted cellars.”

Utrecht is steeped in history, with the iconic Domtoren, a 14th-century bell tower, standing tall opposite the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin in the central Domplein square.

The city also pays homage to its most famous offspring, Miffy. The creator of the cartoon rabbit, Dick Bruna, was born and died in the city, which now boasts the Miffy Museum, Miffy Square, and a special Miffy walk that allows pedestrians to discover more about the globally renowned character.

While this side of the city is delightful and family-friendly, those seeking an alternative to Amsterdam are likely after something a bit more raucous. Fortunately, Utrecht has a thriving nightlife scene that’s as edgy and European as you’d expect.

The area around Nijverheidsweg, west of Juliana Park and behind the Zuilen train station, is Utrecht’s newest party hotspot.

A number of entrepreneurs have launched nightlife venues in the area, also known as Werkspoorkwartier, named after a former train equipment factory that once stood there.

DUB magazine reveals how entrepreneurs have cleverly utilised the industrial charm of the buildings, with Club WAS offering a unique dancing experience in the former washing rooms of the Werkspoor Cathedral, where the old bathroom tiles and faucets are still visible.

The creative hub De Nijverheid offers a festival-like atmosphere with an art studio, creative spaces, a café, and a mini museum, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. The newly opened nightclub Kabul à GoGo also capitalises on its raw warehouse setting, boasting high ceilings and oriental rugs adorning the walls.

Student Lennart, 22, shared his fondness for the area with the publication, stating: “When I feel like a spontaneous night out or singing along to some music, the city centre is more accessible, it’s close by. You just show your ID and you’re in. But the Werkspoor area is much more fun than the pubs in the centre. It feels like going to a festival.”

Just like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Utrecht is easily accessible from the UK, being only around 30 minutes away from Schiphol Airport, with connections approximately every 15 minutes. Utrecht Central Station is the busiest in the Netherlands, providing easy links to the rest of the country and Europe.

Rough Guides suggests that the best way to explore Utrecht is by hiring a bike, with boating the historic canals coming a close second. You can even combine the two with a pedalo and tour the waterways that encircle the city centre.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 – The Full Rundown

1. Barbados
2. Botswana
3. British Columbia, Canada
4. Cádiz, Spain
5. Cartagena, Colombia
6. Finland
7. Ikara-Flinders Ranges & Outback, South Australia
8. Jaffna, Sri Lanka
9. Jeju-do, South Korea
10. Liberdade, São Paulo, Brazil
11. Maine, USA
12. Mexico City, Mexico
13. North Island, New Zealand/Aotearoa
14. Peru
15. Phuket, Thailand
16. Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala
17. Quy Nhon, Vietnam
18. Réunion
19. Sardinia, Italy
20. Siem Reap, Cambodia
21. Solomon Islands
22. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, USA
23. Tipperary, Ireland
24. Tunisia
25. Utrecht, Netherlands

ATLANTA — Vice President George Bush and Sen. Bob Dole, chief rivals for the Republican presidential nomination, clashed over trade policy and derided each other’s plans for reduction of the federal deficit at a presidential campaign debate here Sunday.

“I don’t think we should go down the protectionist road,” Bush declared in warning against tougher trade measures now pending in Congress at the debate staged here in Georgia to focus attention on the candidates’ views in advance of the March 8 Super Tuesday Southern primaries.

“The best answer (to the nation’s trade problems) is open markets,” Bush said, adding that he was concerned about “the inevitability of retaliation” against the United States by foreign trading partners.

But Dole, who is supporting stronger trade measures on Capitol Hill, disagreed sharply. “Every time I hear the word retaliation I am reminded that Japan and South Korea and Taiwan already block Florida oranges and Georgia peaches and Alabama melons.” Dole contended that an Alabama melon would cost about $55 in Japan because of that country’s restrictive trade practices.

‘Talking About Jobs’

“Let’s be realistic,” the Kansas lawmaker said. “We’re talking about American jobs, not protectionism.”

On the issue of the budget deficit, Dole dismissed a four-year budget spending freeze advocated by Bush as a “four-year cop-out” because the plan limits only overall spending rather than specific programs.

“He’s just going to freeze bad programs for four years and not do anything about it,” said Dole, who favors a one-year across-the-board ceiling on all spending programs, except aid for the needy. Dole contended that in four years Bush’s plan would leave the nation with a deficit of $153 billion.

But Bush disputed Dole’s figures and argued that the senator’s proposal “would cut into the muscle of defense.”

“How does your plan work?” Bush demanded of Dole.

“How does your plan work?” Dole shot back.

A Spirited Argument

Bush made his most spirited argument for his deficit plan in an exchange with New York Rep. Jack Kemp, who is vying with Pat Robertson, former religious broadcaster, to become the conservative alternative to either of the two front-runners.

Responding to Kemp’s charge that the budget freeze proposals meant that national security would be sacrificed “on the altar of mindless budgeting,” Bush said: “The freeze I’m talking about provides the President with flexibility.”

“The point is, Jack, you don’t care about deficits, you never have. You don’t think they’re important. And they are public enemy No. 1.”

“George Bush is now making my speech,” grumbled Dole, who has sought to depict himself in the campaign as the chief Republican foe of budget deficits.

Although Kemp and Bush argued about budget policy, the two were by and large in agreement in opposing changes in trade policy in contrast with Dole and Robertson. Trade has become a hot issue in the Super Tuesday Republican presidential campaign in large measure because of the impact of textile imports on the economies of South Carolina and other textile-producing states in this region.

Dole and Robertson both support trade legislation, which Bush and Kemp oppose.

‘Sounds Like Gephardt’

“Your trade talk sounds like Dick Gephardt,” Kemp told Dole at one point, referring to Missouri Rep. Richard A. Gephardt, who has based much of his drive for the Democratic presidential nomination on a controversial proposal to give the United States the power to retaliate against unfair foreign trade practices.

Earlier in the debate, Robertson introduced the trade issue into the discussion. “People that I’ve talked to can’t abide the thought that America is going to be No. 2 in the world in the 21st Century,” Robertson said. Decrying the rise of textile imports from China and the Soviet Union, the former broadcaster said: “I don’t believe we can continue to permit the deindustrialization of America.

“I’m for free trade in this country but it’s got to be fair. And I think if those people don’t deal fairly with us, it’s high time we started getting tough with them. I don’t want to preside over Uncle Sucker, I want to preside over Uncle Sam.”

But Kemp promptly took issue with that argument in impassioned terms.

‘Barriers to Imports’

“If we’re going to go to Iowa, Pat and Bob,” he said, addressing Robertson and Dole, “and tell the folks in Iowa we want to boost exports of grain and corn and soybeans and then go to South Carolina, as you both have done, and tell them you’re going to put up barriers to imports, we will be making a mistake under your leadership.”

Kemp charged that such a shift in trade policy would be like “the mistake that was made in 1929 and 1930 when a Republican Congress caused the worst trade war in the history of this world with the Smoot-Hawley tariff act.”

Calling for lower tax rates on labor and capital and stable exchange rates to spur economic growth, the New York congressman warned that putting up trade barriers “is not just protectionist, it is mindless with regard to the fact that we have to compete in an export war.

“So let’s not make the mistake we made in the 1930s.”

Sunday’s debate, like the debate staged here Saturday for Democratic presidential candidates, was sponsored by the Atlanta Constitution-Journal. It brought together all of the 1988 GOP presidential contenders for the first time since the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 16.

Republican Survivors

A prior effort to assemble all the Republican survivors on one platform failed 10 days ago in Dallas when Dole and Robertson refused to participate, charging that the arrangements in Bush’s home state unfairly favored the vice president.

Since winning the New Hampshire primary, Bush has seemed relaxed and confident on the stump, bolstered not only by his victory in the Granite State but also by his financial resources and his reputedly powerful organization in most of the 14 Southern and border Super Tuesday states.

The vice president’s chief rival, Dole, won the South Dakota primary and the Minnesota caucuses last week. But Dole’s satisfaction with those successes was dimmed by evidence of discord within his campaign organization, signaled most notably by the firing of two key advisers, David Keene and Donald Devine, by campaign Chairman William Brock.

Meanwhile Robertson campaign strategists have been concerned about the potential impact on his candidacy of the disclosures of the sexual misadventures of television evangelist Jimmy Swaggart.

For his part, Kemp, short on money and lacking the sort of Southern base Robertson can rely on among evangelical Christians, must win the backing of hard-core conservatives to stay in the race. His first objective is to finish ahead of either Bush or Robertson in the South Carolina Republican primary next Saturday, the results of which are expected to have considerable symbolic impact on the March 8 vote.

A MAJOR supermarket has slashed the cost of hundreds of grocery staples in a bid to help shoppers save money.

Morrisons has reduced the prices of 650 everyday items, with savings averaging 18%.

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Essentials such as chicken breast fillets, fresh vegetables, olive oil, laundry pods, and enchilada kits are all included in the price cuts.

These reductions take effect today, both in-store and online, and will remain in place for at least four to eight weeks.

The supermarket says the move is aimed at helping households manage rising costs, especially with Christmas just around the corner.

Family meal staples such as rice, pasta, and chicken have been discounted, alongside basics like toilet rolls, kitchen rolls, and mayonnaise.

Seasonal items such as soups and cold and flu tablets are also included in the reductions.

Alex Paver, pricing and customer director at Morrisons, said: “At Morrisons we believe great quality should be affordable for everyone, and we know that the cost of everyday products really matter to our customers right now.

“That’s why we’re cutting the prices of over 650 items, from fresh favourites to cupboard staples, so our customers can trust they’re getting real value every time they shop with us.

“These price cuts mean customers can spend less on the essentials and still enjoy the great quality Morrisons is known for.”

In addition to the price reductions, Morrisons has also launched a number of weekly deals.

These include discounts on popular items like wine, coffee, and tea.

What else is happening at Morrisons?

Morrisons slashed over 3,600 jobs and closed 17 stores as part of a major shake-up to its operations.

The supermarket’s workforce dropped from 104,819 to 101,144 in the year leading up to October 27, 2024.

Thousands of jobs were axed across Morrisons’ stores, head office, as well as its manufacturing and distribution operations.

The latest job losses come after the Morrisons shut 17 of its stores around the UK earlier this year, with the final store in Haxby, North Yorkshire, closing on May 14.

The 16 other stores were all axed in April.

As part of a cost-cutting overhaul, the grocer also shut more than 50 of its in-store cafés, 35 meat and fish counters, and 18 Market Kitchen food courts earlier this year.

It cited the need to cut costs amid rising financial pressure.

It is instead investing in tech, rolling out new “Tally” robots to help customers find items on the shelves and improve stock management.

However, the business has returned to profit for the first time since 2021, when the chain was bought by US private equity investor Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R).

Morrisons posted a pre-tax profit of £2.1billion for the year ending October 27 2024, reversing losses of £919million in 2023 and £1.3billion in 2022, according to new filings on Companies House.

Underdog conservative channel Newsmax is challenging Rupert Murdoch’s dominant Fox News in court.

Newsmax sued Fox News parent firm Fox Corp. Wednesday, accusing Murdoch’s television company of anti-competitive behavior designed to squeeze rivals to maintain its “unlawful monopolization of the Right-leaning Pay TV News Market.”

Fox has “engaged in an exclusionary scheme to increase and maintain its dominance in the market … resulting in suppression of competition in that market that harms consumers, competition and Newsmax Broadcasting,” the Boca Raton, Fla., firm said in its federal lawsuit filed in Miami.

Politically conservative news is big business, and Murdoch has mined that lucrative niche since launching Fox News in 1996 with network architect Roger Ailes. Newsmax launched as an alternative nearly two decades later, in 2014. By that time, Fox News was well established as the go-to outlet for Republicans and other political conservatives.

In its 31-page complaint, Newsmax accused Fox of using its market clout to discourage pay-TV distributors from carrying or promoting Newsmax and other rival conservative news outlets. Fox allegedly imposed “financial penalties on distributors if they carry Newsmax” in basic cable packages, and other obstacles, including charging higher fees or requiring carriage of “little-watched channels like Fox Business,” according to the lawsuit.

“But for Fox’s anticompetitive behavior, Newsmax would have achieved greater pay TV distribution, seen its audience and ratings grow sooner, gained earlier ‘critical mass’ for major advertisers and become, overall, a more valuable media property,” Newsmax said in its lawsuit.

Newsmax became a publicly traded company earlier this year. It raised $75 million through its initial public offering, but its stock, which entered the market at about $83 a share, closed Wednesday down nearly 1% to $13.86.

Fox News scoffed at the lawsuit.

“Newsmax cannot sue their way out of their own competitive failures in the marketplace to chase headlines simply because they can’t attract viewers,” the network said in a statement.

Newsmax, in its complaint, argued that Fox throws its weight around when striking deals with digital media platforms, including Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV+, Sling TV and YouTube TV, which now make up about 30% of the pay-TV market. As a result, some pay-TV providers have little incentive to carry or promote Newsmax, the lawsuit alleges.

Fox’s commanding position has allowed the company to extract “supra-competitive carriage fees,” according to Newsmax. Fox charges pay-TV distributors nearly $2.20 per subscriber per month to carry Fox News. That’s double CNN’s fees and about six times MSNBC’s carriage fee, Newsmax said.

“These inflated costs have been or likely will be passed on to consumers,” Newsmax said in a statement.

Fox News consistently beats CNN and MSNBC in the Nielsen ratings. It was the No. 1 traditional TV network overall in July, beating ABC, NBC and CBS, according to Nielsen.

Newsmax also alleged Fox News resorts to intimidation campaigns, including pressuring guests not to appear on Newsmax. “It also hired private investigators targeting Newsmax executives to damage the company’s credibility,” according to a Newsmax statement.

Newsmax, in its lawsuit, contends the market is not the universe of cable news channels, including CNN and MSNBC. Instead, it contends the politically conservative news space is a market unto itself, controlled almost entirely by Fox.

“Right-leaning pay TV news has been a cornerstone of American television, drawing tens of millions of viewers who identify with, or prefer, right-leaning perspectives on politics, current events, and cultural debates,” the Newsmax lawsuit said.

“A large segment of consumers of political news and media seeks news, commentary, and analysis that aligns with or speaks to their political viewpoints,” the lawsuit said. “These right-leaning viewers treat other right-leaning news channels as their next best substitute — and do not consider left-leaning news outlets as adequate substitutes for right-leaning news channels.”

Newsmax is seeking a jury trial and unspecified financial damages. It also wants a judge to declare Fox’s conduct unlawful under the Sherman Act and Florida’s anti-competition laws and prevent Fox from striking exclusionary contracts.

“This lawsuit is about restoring fairness to the market and ensuring that Americans have real choice in the news they watch,” Newsmax Chief Executive Christopher Ruddy said in a statement.

The UK has its own version of the Greek islands – and it’s just as beautiful

Every year, Greece attracts millions of tourists from around the globe who are drawn to its crystal clear seas, ancient ruins and charming villages. However, the soaring temperatures and bustling crowds can turn a tranquil holiday into a stress-filled nightmare.

If you’re not a fan of massive crowds and scorching weather but still crave the natural beauty and rich culture that Greece offers, there’s an alternative right here in the UK.

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Scotland’s Hebrides, a paradise for island-hopping, offers everything Greece does, but with refreshing Atlantic breezes instead of baking Mediterranean heat – and far fewer crowds.

While Greece boasts ancient ruins and blue seas, the Hebrides offer mythical 5000 year old standing stones and crystal-clear turquoise waters where waves lap against wide, sandy beaches, reports the Express.

Santorini may have its famous white-washed buildings, but the Hebrides has Tobermory – one of the most colourful villages in the world, where brightly coloured homes line the quaint harbour.

The wildlife alone is reason enough to visit this Scottish archipelago. Atlantic puffins nest on the soaring cliffs above the waves, dolphins skitter across the wake of your boat and majestic eagles soar overhead.

With over 100 islands in the Hebrides, choosing which to visit can be tricky – luckily, they all offer something different and wonderful.

Islay, dubbed the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’, is a must-visit spot. The island is renowned for its unique peaty single malts and is home to over 200 bird species.

From its coastline, you can catch sight of sharks and dolphins, and there’s also the legendary distilleries of Laphroaig and Ardbeg – perfect for a cosy tipple on a chilly autumn day.

For those with a passion for history and culture, make a pit stop at the Isle of Lewis where you can explore the Gothic-style Lews Castle and marvel at ‘Scotland’s Stonehenge’ – the ancient Callanish Standing Stones.

If you’re spoilt for choice or finding it tough to decide, Cruising Holidays is offering a 10-night Scottish Isles expedition that delves deep into this ‘picture perfect’ archipelago.

The journey will take you to visit hidden gems most tourists never see. With a maximum of 220 passengers, this cruise offers a more personal way to experience the islands.

The Scottish Isles expedition starts from £4,171 per person for 10 nights, including all meals and drinks, as well as experiences.

Europe’s most beautiful cities have a strong contender in the form of one underrated spot that has epic coastal views and yet doesn’t have tourist crowds like other hotspots

You’d be forgiven for thinking that a beautiful European city rivalling Santorini with whitewashed buildings and postcard-worthy sea views would also be crammed with tourists.

However there’s one breathtaking spot in Italy which offers just that, but it’s often overlooked by tourists who flock to hotspots such as Amalfi, Positano and Rome when it comes to Italian getaways.

Ostuni isn’t necessarily a hidden gem, but it’s not a classic spot for city breaks despite offering some incredible restaurants and hotels, charming beaches and a hilltop location that means you can get unrivalled views of those crystal-clear waters in the Mediterranean Sea.

Of course there’s more to Ostuni than just gorgeous views. The city is packed with antique shops, hidden eateries serving up that world-famous Italian cuisine, quirky shops and hotels to suit a wide array of budgets. It’s also a great base for exploring the rest of Puglia as it’s within driving distance of plenty of spots such as the likes of Valle d’Itria. (If you are going to drive, take note that the city’s historic centre has strict rules around which cars are allowed in, and often it’s not those available to tourists).

Ostuni boasts balmy weather all through summer, but you can enjoy temperatures of approximately 26C well into September if you do want to avoid peak holiday season crowds in the rest of the region.

As for the beaches, expect pebbled and rocky shores rather than pristine sandy beaches (although you can find a few such as Lido Onda Blu), but they all boast picture-perfect clear waters. Top-rated beaches on Tripadvisor including Spiaggia di Torre Pozzelle and Spiaggia Costa Merlata are popular with locals thanks to those unrivalled views.

The lack of overtourism has seen Ostuni named Europe’s ‘most peaceful’ destination, in a recent study conducted by the travel insiders at Omio. They analysed over 500 destinations to identify the top 100 least crowded spots, and then examined the likes of top-rated Tripadvisor attractions in each location. According to the data, Ostuni ranked as the best overseas destination in Europe. Nancy in France took the second spot, closely followed by the Greek island of Santorini.

The latter may come as a surprise considering this year has seen tourists needing to queue up to get to some of the best viewpoints, restaurants being crowded and prices being hiked up as peak holiday season hit. However, it’s worth noting that these are in concentrated areas on the island, such as the village of Oia. There is actually a quieter side to Santorini including hidden hot springs, and black sand beaches such as Mesa Pigadia and White Beach.

The island is also taking steps to combat the large numbers of tourists that come to its shores. This has included recently upping tourist fees for cruise passengers. Visitors who arrive on cruises between June to September face costs of €20 per night, which will need to be paid at the port.

Meanwhile on the mainland, tourists can expect to pay a tourist tax of €8.00 per night between April and October, or €2.00 per night outside of this peak season. This is compared to the previous charge of €0.50, making for a huge jump. The new charges have been brought in to reportedly help fund efforts against climate change, as well as improving infrastructure and disaster prevention.

Do you have a travel story you’d like to share with us? Email us at [email protected].

Walmart’s second-quarter results are showing that United States consumers across the spectrum are still flocking to the retailer’s stores despite economic headwinds, but its shares have dipped as the company’s margins ebbed and inventory costs rose.

The world’s largest retailer has scooped up market share from rivals as wealthier consumers frequent the store more often, worried about the effects of tariffs on prices, the company’s results on Thursday showed.

That has fueled an 85 percent surge in the stock over the last year-and-a-half that some analysts say has made its valuation too lofty.

Shares were down 4 percent in midday trading in New York, as its second-quarter profit was lower than expected, registering Walmart’s first earnings miss in more than three years.

Investors also focused on Walmart’s gross margins for the quarter, which fell short of their expectations, even though the company raised its fiscal year sales and profit forecasts.

Overall gross margins were about flat at 24.5 percent versus 24.4 percent last quarter, missing consensus estimates of 24.9 percent, according to brokerage DA Davidson.

“Expectations were high for a margin beat and we didn’t get that, so we’re getting a little bit of a pullback on the stock,” said Steven Shemesh, RBC Capital Markets analyst.

Still, the Bentonville, Arkansas-based chain’s results showed it has continued to benefit from growing price sensitivity among Americans, earning revenue of $177.4bn in the second quarter. Analysts on average were expecting $176.16bn, according to LSEG data. Adjusted earnings per share of 68 cents in the second quarter fell short of analyst expectations of 74 cents.

Consumer sentiment has weakened due to fears of tariffs fueling higher inflation, hitting the bottom lines of some retail chains, but Walmart’s sales have remained resilient. Companies have been able to withstand paying those import levies through front-running of inventories, but as those products are sold, the next shipments are pricier, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said.

“As we replenish inventory at post-tariff price levels, we’ve continued to see our cost increase each week,” he said on a call with analysts, noting those costs will continue rising in the second half of the year. The effects of tariffs have so been gradual enough for consumer habits to change only modestly.

Walmart had warned it would increase prices this summer to offset tariff-related costs on certain goods imported to the US, a move that drew criticism from President Donald Trump. Consumer-level inflation is increasing modestly, while wholesale inflation spiked in July to its fastest rate in more than three years.

According to an S&P Global survey released on Thursday, input prices paid by businesses hit a three-month high in July, with companies citing tariffs as the key driver. Prices charged by businesses for goods and services hit a three-year high, as companies passed along costs to consumers. A day earlier, rival Target warned of tariff-induced cost pressures.

Walmart got a boost from a sharper online strategy as more customers relied on home deliveries. Its global e-commerce sales jumped 25 percent during the second quarter, and Walmart said one-third of deliveries from stores took three hours or less.

Shoppers adjust to higher prices

McMillon expects current shopping habits to persist through the third and fourth quarters. He noted middle- and lower-income households are making noticeable adjustments in response to rising prices, either by reducing the number of items in their baskets or by opting for private-label brands. This shift has not been seen among higher-income households, which Walmart defines as those earning over $100,000 annually.

Walmart expects annual sales to grow in the range of 3.75 percent to 4.75 percent, compared to its prior forecast of a 3 percent to 4 percent increase. Adjusted earnings per share are expected in the range of $2.52 to $2.62, compared to its previous range of $2.50 to $2.60.

Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey said the company is looking at more possible financial outcomes than before because of trade policy talks, uncertain demand, and the need to stay flexible for future growth. Based on what it saw in the second quarter, Walmart expects the impact on margins and earnings from the higher cost of goods to be smaller in the current quarter than it previously thought, Rainey said.

“Broad consumer and macro trends remain favourable to Walmart, especially in the shape of consumers wanting to maximise bang for their buck,” said Neil Saunders, managing director of retail consultancy GlobalData.

Walmart’s total US comparable sales rose 4.6 percent, beating analysts’ estimates of a 3.8 percent increase. The company noted strong customer response to over 7,400 “rollbacks,” its term for discounted prices, with 30 percent more rollbacks on grocery items.

Average spending at the till rose 3.1 percent from an increase of 0.6 percent last year, but growth in customer visits fell to 1.5 percent from 3.6 percent in the year-earlier period. Walmart logged 40 percent growth in marketplace sales, including electronics, automotive, toys, and media and gaming.

Two-thirds of what Walmart sells in the US is domestically sourced, executives had said last quarter, which gave it some insulation from tariffs compared to competitors.

Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett join the cast as Emily Atack says she loved playing sexy Sarah Stratton: ‘I am her. I’m a flawed woman’

When the adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s bonkbuster Rivals hit screens last year, it quickly became Disney’s best performing TV drama. Now Rupert Everett and Hayley Attwell are to join the cast for the much-anticipated second series, playing lead character Rupert Campbell Black’s former showjumping boss and his bitter ex-wife – who are now married to each other.

Atwell, best known for her roles in the Marvel and Mission Impossible films, will be playing Helen Gordon, mother of Rupert’s two children, Marcus and Tabitha – who will also appear this time around.

Everett, who starred alongside Julia Roberts in My Best Friend’s Wedding, takes on the role of her husband Malise Gordon, Campbell Black’s former show-jumping coach and mentor.

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In Cooper’s original story Helen was treated badly by her ex-husband and remains very bitter towards him after their divorce. She is now married to the former chef d’équipe of the British showjumping team, Malise.

Speaking in a session at the Edinburgh TV Festival yesterday where the castings were announced, Emily Atack joked that her character Sarah Stratton, the regularly unfaithful wife of an MP, had not been much of a stretch. “I had to dig real deep,” she quipped.

But the actress, who found fame with hit series The Inbetweeners, said she had no qualms about playing a flawed temptress.. “I’ve been typecast my whole life and I’ve loved every minute,” she declared. ” I’ll carry on playing these sexy women for as long as I can.”

Emily said that shooting the infamous naked tennis scene alongside Alex Hassell as Rupert had been great fun. Alex said that many discussions had taken place over whether or not he should wear a prosthetic over his privates for the scene, but in the end he’d decided to go without.

Emily declared that she had had a bit of help for that particular scene. “I had a stick on muff,” she laughed. “A murkin, it’s called. A proper 80s bush – I felt like I had furry knickers on. It’s so jarring seeing yourself like that.”

But the actress said she’d soon got used to it. “I didn’t want to put my clothes back on! I did a couple of cartwheels.”

Emily, 35, said part of the appeal of playing Sarah, was that while she is flawed, she also also has vulnerabilities that were recognised. “These types of women are never written with nuance,” she said. “I am her, I am a flawed woman, I’ve made terrible decisions in my love life – so I wasn’t scared to identify with her. Her bad behaviour isn’t being celebrated, but it’s being understood.”

Bella McClean, whose character Taggie O’Hara found love with Rupert in the final episode of series one, revealed she was so pleased with her audition as Taggie – and chemistry with Alex – that she walked straight into a wall afterwards.

The actress she had enjoyed playing a character who was so wholesome and good, it had made her take a look at her own life and decisions. She loved the long, simmering build-up to the romance between Taggie and Rupert, saying: “They see though all the crap and just adore each other for who they are,” she explained. “It’s about their love.”

The show’s creator Dominic Treadwell-Collins said that Jilly Cooper had told him early on how she expected the male heroes of her 1980s books to behave. He said: “She told me ‘my men don’t cry’. My men are macho.”

Dominic added: “We are utterly thrilled to have Hayley and Rupert join us to play Jilly Cooper’s legendary characters Helen and Malise Gordon. Alongside our other new wonderful actors and truly brilliant returning cast, Rivals series two absolutely showcases the best of British and Irish talent. We can’t wait for everyone to see what’s next for the residents of Rutshire.”

Disney boss Lee Mason said he was also thrilled that Everett and Atwell were joining the cast. “They are a perfect match for the world of Rutshire, so lovingly created by Dame Jilly and the team at Happy Prince.”

Rivals is filming in the UK until February and is expected to return, for an extended season of twelve episodes, later in 2026.

Set against the backdrop of the Cotswolds countryside and the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, the second run will see the return of the all-star cast including Danny Dyer, Katherine Parkinson, Aidan Turner and David Tennant.

Next time around viewers will find that many careers, marriages and reputations hang in the balance as personal and professional lives collide in a world where secrets can’t stay hidden for long.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

It might be a two hour flight away, and a five and a half hour drive, but a growing number of Brits believe Efteling is well worth the journey.

Most Brits have a love-hate relationship with theme parks, often finding themselves grumbling about the long queues, exorbitant prices, and less-than-stellar food. We’ve all been there, shelling out a small fortune for a day of standing in line, only to enjoy a few fleeting moments of rollercoaster excitement, while simultaneously trying to keep pesky wasps away from our overpriced fast food.

But fear not, there’s an alternative. If you’re up for a bit of a journey, you can find yourself at Efteling, located near Tilburg in the Netherlands, in just three and a half hours from Calais.

You might be thinking, is it really worth the extra effort and cost?

Well, an increasing number of Brits certainly think so – including Nottinghamshire Live executive editor Sam Dimmer.

Sam recently embarked on a trip to the park to see if it lived up to its growing reputation, reports the Express.

He shared: “My family and I spent three nights at Efteling, travelling from the East Midlands. Our hotel room included park passes for four days. It cost £1,200 in total, but considering park tickets cost around £180 a day for a family of four, I think that represents good value.”

Sam had previously visited the park but only stayed one night, which he felt wasn’t enough. Plus, the park had recently unveiled a new ride he was eager to try.

He added: “We felt that three nights was just about enough this time around, but still very nearly missed an entire section of the park because it wasn’t where all of the main rides were.”

Initially, Sam planned to keep track of how many rides we went on, but that idea was quickly abandoned.

He said: “The theme park is open from 10am until 10pm and the queues rarely go above 30 minutes, so you’re going to be quite busy, particularly late in the evening.

“Also the virtual queuing on two rides, and the app advising you how long queues are, mean you can plan your day to spend as little time as possible queueing.

“When you’ve got younger kids, or kids with additional needs, that’s a lifesaver.”

Efteling is a family-friendly theme park and last year Sam’s eight year old was able to go on all the rides, including the Baron, a vertical drop coaster similar to Oblivion at Alton Towers but with superior theming.

This means that around 7pm, many visitors start heading for the exit and the queues for the bigger thrill rides and the darker new ride, Danse Macabre, only take 10 to 15 minutes.

Those rides? They’re absolutely brilliant.

Sam said: “Yes, it’s a family park, with brilliant playgrounds, a fantasy forest, incredible theming and based around fantastic stories. But my oh my, the rides are good. The aforementioned Baron, wooden race coasters Joris and the Dragon and water coaster the Flying Dutchman are tremendous fun, but the best ride is the newest – Danse Macabre.”

Danse Macabre was Sam’s favourite – in fact, he and his family rode it seven times. He said: “Yes, it broke down on the last day and the queues were long, but this is a special ride. Guests sit in rows of church pews, before the whole room goes dark. Then you’re spun around the room, like you’re dancing, watching an orchestra of ghosts and ghouls perform.We went on it seven times and each time we saw something new. Every time people applauded when the ride ended. It’s that good. It’s beautifully put together, exceptionally clever, and so fun.”

The food is delicious

Typically during Sam’s theme park adventures he packs his own lunch to dodge the pricey and often disappointing food – but at Efteling there were no complaints about the cuisine.

He said: “The park is famous for many things, and the food is definitely one of them. The chimney cakes, pastry cones filled with an assortment of fruit, cream, chocolate, candy floss etc etc are a delight, although I wouldn’t recommend eating one before hitting a big ride, and you can also sample Dutch treats like poffertjes (little pancakes) and kibbeling (deep fried spiced fish with a delicious dip).

“If anything the food is better than last year. Pinnokio’s pizza and pasta restaurant was a hit with my family, as was the meal at Het Eethuys, a hotel on site.

“My favourite though was Polles Keuken, a pancake restaurant that served huge sweet or savoury pancakes against a brilliant backdrop.”

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to reserve these restaurants beforehand as they can become extremely packed.

Allow yourself plenty of time to wander Efteling isn’t a massive park but you’ll definitely miss something if you’re not paying attention.

Sam said: “We only spotted the huge playground because I saw a post on the incredibly helpful Efteling Fans UK Group and decided to go on the monorail at 9.30pm.

“We also spotted the Efteling museum and a great self-serve restaurant in the area that we returned to the next day. This was on day three of four in the park, and we weren’t planning on doing as much on our final day, but decided to stick around because we kept spotting new things to do.”

For visitors who fancy a gentler experience or youngsters not quite prepared for breakneck thrills, the Fairytale Forest provides a charming escape.

This magical zone boasts a collection of breathtaking exhibits, some motionless and others moving, presenting guests with an array of peculiar personalities, including Long Neck, a chap with an remarkably stretched neck.

Efteling is enchanting

Sam was thoroughly taken with the attraction, explaining: “The thing about Efteling is it doesn’t feel like a place designed to suck money out of you. It feels like they genuinely care about you having a great time. The staff, for example, are unbelievable. I clumsily asked one in Dutch if he spoke English and he looked at me and told me he spoke five languages and was learning a sixth.

“It’s clean, the music is wonderful and it smells so good they actually sell Efteling scents in the gift shop. My wife’s salon now smells very much like Efteling. I love Alton Towers, but I don’t think I’d particularly want to bottle the smell of a day out in Staffordshire.”

Anton Pieck, an artist and illustrator, was one of the founders of Efteling and his work continues to inspire the park today. His influence is still felt, making visitors feel as though they are truly walking through a fairytale.

It’s worth considering an overnight stay.

Not many theme parks necessitate an overnight stay, as usually a day is sufficient. Alton Towers in the UK might be an exception, but at Efteling, three nights didn’t seem excessive.

Sam’s hotel was a picturesque ten-minute stroll from the park entrance, passing lakes, playgrounds and a fairytale castle. He said the rooms were “ideal”, offering ample space for a family of four, with comfortable beds, a large bath and a powerful shower.

There’s even a swimming pool, perfect for younger kids.

Be prepared for a good deal of walking

This won’t come as a surprise to seasoned theme-park visitors, but you will certainly clock up the steps.

Sam said: “There’s a beautiful little steam train that takes you around the park, but we didn’t use it as the park itself isn’t huge.

“It’s a decision I regretted at the end of day four as we prepared to drive to Calais, although a decent pair of trainers helped me just about get through. We were averaging between 25,000-30,000 steps a day, which is a good old shift, but we were going from 10am to 10pm.

“We’re a family who enjoys being active, but for those who find walking challenging, this might not be as enjoyable. However, there are measures you can take to make it easier, and we do enjoy a good walk.”

Europe is packed with amazing city break destinations but there’s one destination that gets overlooked despite its laidback vibes and spectacular natural beauty

One European destination offers a city break for those looking to seek adventure and reconnect with nature in a way that other cities don’t.

I’ll be honest, while I was desperate to visit Switzerland, Geneva itself was not at the top of my list. Although, with the help of Geneva Tourism’s immersive itinerary, I was able to see it for exactly what it is: a breath of fresh air.

The global city has acted as an international centre for diplomacy for decades and hosts the highest number of international organisations in the world, which is why it is known as the ‘peace capital’. This idea of peace extends beyond the bounds of bureaucracy into the lifestyle of the locals and the kind of getaways it offers to tourists.

Unlike other city breaks, a weekend away in Geneva is spent surrounded by the mountains, with ample opportunity to tuck into Swiss favourites from the local vineyards and that world-famous chocolate. The whole trip felt incredibly wholesome. It’s not necessarily the cheapest of city breaks, but it does offer a quiet luxury that rivals the likes of Monaco or Paris.

To make exploring as seamless as possible, Geneva offers a City Pass, starting at £28, giving you access to over 60 attractions for free or at a discounted price. This one pass works as your key to the city; whether you use it to travel from place to place, unwind with a vineyard tour, go sailing along the lake, or visit a museum, there’s plenty on offer.

I used it to travel around the city on the bus and tram systems, which I found easy to use and locate, and even on a less ordinary mode of transport – the Mont Salève cable carts. Sitting on the outskirts of Geneva, accessible by bus, the cable cars, within minutes, take you to the highest heights, offering panoramic views of the city and the French Alps.

At the heart of the city is Lake Geneva, which has breathtakingly clear water. The city is built around the lake, meaning the best way to explore Geneva is to take to the lake. There are water sports opportunities and boat trips galore. The Geneva Tour cruise is free with a City Pass and allows you to set sail for a one-hour getaway along the water. After leaving the harbour, this boat tour offers unparalleled views of Mont Blanc and surrounding mountains, local monuments and picturesque villas.

I set out to make waves with Genevaboat, on a small but luxurious – and most impressively private – motor that took us far and wide across the vastness of the deep blue. For those wanting to experience the true freshness of its turquoise blue waters, this boating experience offered a wakeboard and skis, or you could simply hop off for a dip on your own in the serene setting.

One highlight not to be missed is the River Rhône. From barbecues to picnics, sunbathing and a quick swim, it’s popular with locals looking to reconnect with nature and soak up the translucent water. My way of enjoying the river was slightly more adventurous and had me hammering down the rapids in a raft.

If you’re a seasoned city breaker, you’ve most likely done your fair share of boat trips. As beautiful as they can be, it can be a slightly predictable way to see a place. Not so with this activity, which was provided by Rafting Loisir. Not only do you get to have some peaceful moments floating along the water with the tip of Mont Blanc as your backdrop, but you also get the adrenaline-fuelled chaos of the dams as you get drenched with water.

That said, if your instructor is half as fun as ours was, they’ll use any excuse to get you into the water, or simply resort to playfully pushing you in. Geneva is a city that lets you embrace the great outdoors, in whichever way you feel most comfortable: quite literally in the deep end, or from your comfort zone.

As for exploring a little further afield? I never considered a biking tour while on a trip, but my god, it was the best way to see the hidden hills of the countryside in Geneva. And to make life even more easy-going, just like the Swiss, Welo bike tours offered electric bikes, so you’re only really doing half of the work.

The quiet life can be found just 20 minutes or so outside of the city, just a stones throw away from the French border in a patch of dream-like countryside. We made a pit stop to one of the local family-run vineyards for a wine tasting session which is an absolute must if you want a real taste of Switzerland, or if you’re just looking for a bit of a buzz.

From a tourist perspective, the Swiss are all about a casual glass (or bottle) of wine with dinner, and less so a rowdy round of beers in a bar. Throughout the three days I spent there, I didn’t spot a single patch that was bustling with punters, despite the plentiful euros and the gorgeous sunshine.

As for foodies, the city offers an impressive selection of spots for real fine dining. It’s knowing where to find them that is the tricky part in a city that feels incredibly compact. Geneva Tourism makes it a lot easier with their numerous food guides which are available online, listing the top spots for whatever vibe you’re after.

The most impressive of the food came when we paid a visit to L‘Auberge D‘Hermance, a quaint restaurant buried in a mediaeval village by the lakeside. I tasted fresh local vegetable dishes, while the others tucked into their famous chicken, and the table was met with plenty of satisfying ‘hmmm’ sounds with each bite.

Alongside that, I can’t help but mention the brand new Ottolenghi that just opened in the city centre, making the perfect work lunch spot for those attending Geneva on business. Hand on heart, I haven’t tasted food that good in years. While the dishes seemed simple, the flavours hidden within were unreal.

What Geneva does so effortlessly is blend a wide range of cultures, whether that’s through its food, wines, languages, or lifestyle, and a visit gives you the chance to experience it all while offering something entirely new.

Book the holiday

• Welo bike tours start from Adult 49 CHF / Child 40 CHF for three hours. Find out more on www.welo.swiss/en/.
• The Geneva CityPass starts from 30 CHF for 24 hours. Find out more on www.geneve.com.
• Genevaboats tours start from 400 CHF for an hour. Find out more on www.genevaboats.com.
• A number of airlines offer direct flights to Geneva from the UK including easyJet, British Airways and Jet2.

Parking at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, is a distinctly different experience than parking at Dodger Stadium.

It’s about to be similar, however, when it comes to price.

City crews installed about 400 signs in downtown San Diego last week to let drivers know about new street parking-meter rates taking effect Sept. 1, calling it a special event zone. The hourly rate will increase from $2.50 to $10 starting two hours before games or concerts at the stadium, and will remain at that rate for six hours.

Getting to the stadium an hour before a three-hour game and perhaps enjoying a drink or meal at one of the establishments in the Gaslamp Quarter a short walk from the stadium can lift the cost of parking from $15 to $60.

And it could get worse. The variable parking rate policy change that the San Diego City Council approved in June allows the city to charge as much as $20 an hour, but officials are starting with $10.

The Padres were taken by surprise by the city’s action and objected to the increase, complaining that it was implemented without significant input from the team.

“We look forward to better understanding the city’s plan,” Padres spokesperson Vanessa Dominguez said.

Watching the kerfuffle must be amusing for Dodgers officials, who long have taken it on the chin for seemingly exorbitant parking fees and an enormous, barren parking lot that has all the charm of, well, an enormous, barren parking lot.

Parking at Chavez Ravine is not nearly as fun as at Petco Park, where the dozens of nearby restaurants, bars, shops and music venues make it akin to attending a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

General admission parking at Dodger Stadium is $35 if prepaid and $40 at the gate, but it’s a long hike to the seats. Preferred parking — translation: a shorter walk — is $60, the same as the six-hour meter charge will be at Petco.

Dodgers fans have their complaints about parking — primarily a postgame snarl to get out of the Stadium that makes navigating the 405 seem like a breeze — and drama too often colors the experience.

A tailgating ban is enforced so diligently that fans can’t even enjoy an El Ruso taco leaning over the trunk of their car without being scolded by a security officer. Safety is difficult to ensure as well: Fans have been beaten senseless walking to or from their cars.

And through no fault of the Dodgers, a procession of vehicles identified as federal agents attempted to enter the stadium on June 19, a day immigration raids capped two weeks of roundups by arresting “30 illegal aliens in Hollywood … and nine illegal aliens in San Fernando and Pacoima,” Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.

Federal officials said the gathering of vehicles was to conduct a briefing, and the Dodgers denied the vehicles entry into the stadium.

Parking near Petco Park is relatively safe, with well-lit lots and streets part of the fabric of a neighborhood packed with revelers. And Padres fans don’t require a metered street spot to park. The team runs several lots a few blocks from the stadium where parking can be reserved ahead of time. Rates range from $10 to $40.

The quadrupled special-event metered rate changes near Petco were included in a sweeping package of new parking rules throughout San Diego designed to increase revenue.

No more free parking on Sundays. Soon, no more free parking at the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and Mission Bay Park. Free beach parking will be a perk of the past.

The city doubled meter rates to $2.50 an hour in most places. And meter hours around the city will be extended by at least two hours later this summer. The increase is expected to bring in about $4 million through the remainder of the fiscal year, and at least $9.6 million annually starting next fiscal year, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.

“This city is a playground for folks,” San Diego Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera said at a recent meeting. “It is really important to me that San Diegans not be subsidizing the vacations of tourists who have the financial capability of coming here and enjoying this city.”

Most Padres fans are San Diego-area residents, although when the Dodgers visit the city to their south the crowd is noticeably peppered with folks wearing Dodgers gear. As the rivalry between the teams has grown in recent years, Petco has become a favorite destination for Dodgers fans.

Groups like Pantone 294 — the Dodgers official blue-tone color is listed as Pantone 294 — organize “takeovers,” with hundreds of Dodgers fans purchasing tickets in the same section of an opposing ballpark. For the short trip to San Diego, fans can join others on tour buses or drive their own cars.

When it comes to parking those cars, fees will have risen. Savvy fans who don’t mind taking the time can reduce the cost by parking near a San Diego trolley or MTS bus station: The fare remains $2.50.

If you’re looking for something a bit quieter and don’t mind working a little harder to get there, then Milos may be the cup of tea you’re looking for

A Greek island rivals Mykonos in its charm and beauty, but you’ll have to work hard to get there.

Mykonos is one of the Cyclades, sitting in the sparkling Aegean Sea, and offers a bit of something for everyone. Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise have bars that blare thumping music and can set the stage for a big night of clubbing. It also has a gentler side, such as a row of 16th-century windmills perched on a hill above Mykonos Town, and plenty of quieter coves.

It’s a big hit with Brits, in no small part because of the ease of the journey. You can grab direct flights with easyJet from London Gatwick, London Luton, and Manchester.

According to Kathimerini, more than 1.5 million people visit Mykonos each year, with another 1.2 million arriving by cruise ship. This small island has just 11,000 residents and covers only 85 square kilometers, yet hosts more tourists annually than Peru.

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The sheer number and density of visitors mean that Mykonos is not for everyone. If you’re looking for something a bit quieter and don’t mind working a little harder to get there, then Milos may be the cup of tea you’re looking for.

It is one of the most picturesque of the Greek islands; however, it’s only the third most popular holiday destination to reach from the UK, according to Travel Republic.

While Milos’s beaches and ancient history are iconic, it lacks its own airport. For Brits longing to visit, the best option is to fly into Athens and take a ferry to the island.

The ferry ride can vary from 2.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on weather conditions. For the smoothest travel experience, consider visiting between late May and early September, when the seas are typically calmer and ferry services more frequent.

Despite the longer journey, Milos remains one of Greece’s most sought-after destinations, with demand surging by over 500% in the past month as Brits look for sun-soaked escapes. Shaped by a volcanic eruption, the island offers something for everyone, from scenic coastal hikes and a thriving food scene to fascinating ancient artifacts.

Milos is known for its picturesque fishing villages and indigo bays and as the place where one of the world’s most famous artworks was discovered. In 1820, the Venus de Milo statue was found by a peasant named Georgios Kentrotas. As he wasn’t aware of its historical importance, he kept it on his farm. When a French sailor named Jules Dumont d’Urville arrived on the island, he saw the statue and immediately understood the importance of the discovery. The statue is now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The beaches on the island are iconic, with the most famous being the gorgeous Sarakiniko Beach. It boasts a lunar landscape of gleaming white volcanic rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Kleftiko is another popular attraction, albeit one that is only reachable by boat. Boasting towering rock formations and emerald waters, the former pirate hideaway is now a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and boat tours.

Hossoland has opened on the North Coast of Poland. Visitors there can explore four fantastical realms within Hossoland: the Dragon Valley of the Mines, the Land of the Vikings, the Kingdom of Baltambrya, and Mermaid City

Europe’s theme park scene has been transformed with the opening of Hossoland, an awe-inspiring new park that rivals Disneyland Paris.

Hossoland was due to open on May 31, promising a spellbinding experience on Poland’s northern coast. After a four-week delay, the doors have now swung open. The park is centered around a lighthouse, and the fairytale adventure land is inspired by enchanting Baltic folklore and legends.

Visitors can explore four fantastical realms within Hossoland: the Dragon Valley of the Mines, the Land of the Vikings, the Kingdom of Baltambrya, and Mermaid City. Plans for the park were unveiled in 2017, with anticipating growing ahead of its launch since then.

Spanning an impressive 400,000 square metres, Hossoland will boast an array of 50 thrilling rides when it is fully operating. Right now it has 24, including The GhostRider, a stunning steel coaster that towers at 53 metres high, sending riders hurtling at an electrifying speed of 72 mph.

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In a chat with Planet Attractions, Hosso Group’s vice president, Karen Hovsepyan, said: “The location not only makes it a standout attraction within Poland but also a key destination for residents of nearby Berlin, promising to boost regional tourism significantly.”

With 20 food and beverage outlets, Hossoland caters to all taste buds. The Hosso Group has ambitious plans for future expansion, envisioning a waterpark and further themed areas post-launch.

Ahead of that expansion, some have criticised the scope of the theme park. While Poland’s biggest theme park, Energylandia, has 18 rollercoasters, Hossoland currently has four. One critic felt that this was too few, and those on offer too gentle.

“But do you plan something more hardcore for adults? Me and my 15-year-old son are waiting impatiently,” they wrote. Some have suggested that the park is a little pricey. Currently, it costs £34 for adult entry and £30 for children.

On its first day open, a light rain fell on those who visited. Among them was a family of four from Silesia. Marlena, the mum, Szczecin that the park was perfect for families and younger kids. ” The entire park has a seaside feel. There are Vikings, mermaids, water, boats,” she added.

For theme park enthusiasts in the UK keen to explore Hossoland, the closest airport is Szczecin. Direct flights are offered by Ryanair from Liverpool and London, making the park roughly a one-hour drive from the airport or under a three-hour trek from Berlin.

Yet Hossoland is not the sole newcomer aiming to rival Disneyland Paris come 2025. Another upcoming contender is Bommelwerald, an indoor amusement park inspired by the Dutch comic series featuring Tom Poes and Oliver B. Bommel by artist Marten Toonderand.

Set to inaugurate later this year, Bommelwerald promises 18 attractions sprawled over a 9,000 sqm expanse, including a pint-sized flume ride and a tower for climbing. A castle-themed entrance leads into various imaginatively themed zones like the Dark Tree Forest and an area dedicated to inventors.

Located in Rust, southwestern Germany, between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France, Europa Park is the largest theme park in Europe. It is also the second most visited resort in Europe, after Disneyland Paris.

CHEAP Chinese firms could soon be cut out from government contracts under new rules championing British industry, The Sun can reveal.

Ministers want to prioritise UK-based firms in critical sectors like steel, energy, and cyber, putting them at the front of the queue.

The shake-up would allow the public sector to sidestep foreign tender bids, giving homegrown heroes a bigger slice of Whitehall’s £400bn procurement pot.

Currently, foreign suppliers can undercut British businesses with cheap labour and rock-bottom prices.

But in a push to bolster national security and create jobs across the UK, the likes of British Steel would be prioritised.

Under the new blueprint, now up for consultation, Whitehall departments would also favour British Steel for the £725bn of infrastructure spending earmarked for the next decade.

Meanwhile, firms slow to pay small and medium businesses will be kicked out of the procurement race.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, said: “Strong industry is essential to our national security.

“The new rules being considered will give us the power to protect our national industries, ensuring more money goes to them as we buy goods and services in government.

“Our reforms will boost growth and ensure British industry is supported to deliver national security and our Plan for Change.”

Gareth Stace, UK Steel boss, hailed the move as a game-changer, saying: “The publication of this guidance for steel procurement and the launch of the consultation are unequivocally positive news for the UK steel industry.

“These changes rightly recognise the strategic importance of steelmaking to national security and the vital role of resilient domestic supply chains.”

1

Cycladic islands like Santorini, Mykonos and Naxos have long been synonymous with Greek holidays, but if you’re looking to discover Greece without the crowds, consider this lesser-known neighbour

Destinations like Santorini and Mykonos are renowned for their iconic beauty – but also for the number of tourists that flock to the islands every year.

Overtourism is a growing problem all across Europe – which is all the more reason to explore some alternatives that are just as exceptional.

Travellers keen on immersing themselves in the Cyclades should consider a trip to Folegandros. One of the westerly Cyclades islands, Folegandros may be on your radar already because of the stone-paved capital of Chora, which has become an increasingly popular holiday destination of the years.

Home to the same whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches that define the Cyclades, Folegandros is a great way to enjoy a classic Greek experience around fewer crowds. It also boasts an incredible natural landscape that sets it apart from its neighbours.

Following the zigzagging road up the dry hill to the Panagia church—the most famous church on the Folegandros islands—travellers can capture exquisite views of the Aegean Sea. But Folegandros has more to offer than can be found within the bounds of the capital.

READ MORE: Europe’s hidden country next to Greece with nowhere near as many tourists

There are two other key villages worth exploring. Just three kilometres from Chora is Folegandros’ only island port and one of only two seaside settlements: Karavostasis. The Karavostasis port functions all year round and is the arrival port for all ferry travellers headed to Chora.

Karavostasis is also home to charming tavernas and mini-markets, as well as a beloved beach. The village’s main beach is only a small strip of pebbles but low-grown trees offer much-needed shade and Vardia – a more expansive beach – is close by.

The second biggest but fairly traditional village of Ano Meria is known as the calmest region of Folegandros, sitting on the northwestern tip of the island. It is 5.5 miles from Karavostasis and 2.4 miles from Chora, with the agricultural village being made up of only a few dispersed neighbourhoods perched on a small hill. Most houses in this village are “themonies” meaning they are dwellings as well as self-contained farming units.

The village is ideal for travellers seeking seclusion and unhurried exploration, offering a more authentic experience of rural Greek life. It is also perfectly carved for hikers, as there are four great hiking routes travellers can take from Ano Meria.

Apart from these three villages, Folegandros is also home to the Agali village—the newest island settlement and predominantly a summer one—and two additional rural settlements of Petousis and Livadi.

Keep in mind, this Cycladic island has no airport or cruise ship terminal, and there’s only one daily hour-long ferry from Santorini. The somewhat inconvenient trek to the island is what has helped it stay in the comfortable shadow of Santorini and Mykonos.

Other small Cycladic islands that should be on your radar if you’re looking for less crowded alternatives are Sifnos, Milos and Tinos. All three are as lovely as Santorini but have maintained an air of serenity and untouched beauty.

I’M a big fan of small and simple cars because I like value for money more than I do screens and gadgets.

This BYD Dolphin Surf is small and simple.

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Just press and go.

It’s value for money at £18,650.

And yet it’s got a rotating touchscreen and all those gadgets thrown in anyway.

Where’s the catch?

I can’t see one.

It knocks a Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03 out of the park because it’s a proper car for not much more and it’s comfortably less than the already brilliant-value Renault 5.

Finance from £269 a month with £269 deposit. Or £199 a month with about £3k deposit.

It’ll cost pennies to run.

I reckon many will be bought as second cars but end up being the one owners use the most.

Dolphin Surf has four seats, three with ISOFIX anchor points for the kiddlywinks, and a surprisingly practical boot that’ll swallow the Friday big shop.

Properly comfy seats by the way. Made of “vegan leather” whatever that means.

Big drink holders. Phone storage tray.

Apple CarPlay. Reversing camera.

Adaptive cruise control for your out-of-town runs.

All things that please and all included in the price.

You can even use your little BYD bud as a mobile power bank – running everything from party lights to a fridge.

Now I should spell out that Dolphin Surf comes in two battery sizes.

The entry-level Active gets you a 137-mile battery by the WLTP test and a big enough e-motor to keep you swimming in quick traffic.

Then there’s the £22k Boost nudging 200 miles from the 43kWh battery.

‘BRIM THE BATTERY’

Both use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry for higher levels of durability and safety.

So you can “brim” the battery every time without depleting it.

Both roll on Hankook tyres. Another positive.

Even the lime green paint job is free.

How safe is it? It’s engineered to attain a four-star safety rating.

The body uses 68 per cent high-strength steel and the car is brimming with anti-crash gear.

The car will be made in Hungary soon – and avoid tariffs.

I told you BYD would quickly chime with UK drivers and the Chinese are already outselling Honda, Citroen, Fiat and more.

There are a load of plug-in hybrids coming next, including a junior SUV and a pick-up truck called Shark.

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A breathtaking UK beach has been named a firm contender for Spain’s sandy shores thanks to its beautiful setting and crystal-clear waters

The UK may not always be able to rival the sun-soaked weather you’ll find in Spain, but our coastline is definitely giving the holiday hotspot a run for its money.

In fact, there’s one breathtaking UK beach that’s been hailed as a competitor to Spanish shores, thanks to its pristine white sands, turquoise waters and picture-perfect surroundings that wouldn’t be out of place on a postcard. Throw in the plethora of nearby hotels, restaurants and bars, and it’s not difficult to see why Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall is such a hit with Brits planning a staycation.

The National Trust site gets its white sands from the soft shells that form its shores, while the crystal-clear waters and freshwater stream make it a must-visit on those hot summer days. Wildlife fans may also want to keep their eyes peeled for the variety of birds that call the region home, not to mention you can even spot basking sharks and dolphins between May and October.

The travel experts at Holidaycottages.co.uk have named it as one of their go-to ‘dupes’ for Spain, explaining: “If you’re looking for a beach in the UK that offers white sand, dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and lush greenery similar to the Costa Brava in north-east Spain, then head to Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall.

“Reminiscent of a tropical paradise, the beach is framed by towering cliffs, providing a peaceful retreat from the wind, and a scenic backdrop that enhances its secluded and calm atmosphere. Lastly, the beach’s clear waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring marine life.”

Over on Tripadvisor, visitors have plenty of positive reviews of the shoreline, although a few have warned that the nearby car park can fill up quickly so you may want to have a few alternatives in your back pocket if you are planning to visit. “What a lovely beach,” wrote one happy holidaymaker. “Fairly small bay with clean sand. It has quite a steep drop off so isn’t great for children playing in the surf. It has toilets, a cafe and car park very close.”

Another added: “A must do on your trip to Cornwall. Parking is difficult so plan ahead. The sea positively sparkles in the sunlight. It’s one of the most picturesque spots on the island.”

For one holidaymaker, even some bad luck with the weather couldn’t affect the beauty of the area. They wrote: “Just stunning. One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. First time at Porthcurno and will definitely be returning. Just hope it doesn’t rain this time.”

Meanwhile, fans of the hit TV show Poldark may also recognise the spectacular coastline, as it served as a filming location. According to the National Trust, it doubled up as Nampara Cove in the first season, as well as the second series where it provided the backdrop for a dream sequence in which Demelza and Ross enjoy a stroll.

There’s plenty to see and do in the area too. One major highlight has to be the iconic Minack Theatre, a unique outdoor theatre that’s built into the cliffs and overlooks sea, making for some seriously Instagram-worthy views. Meanwhile hikers may want to don their sturdy boots and take on one of the countless trails along the cliffs; the South West Coastal Path passes through the region if you’re looking to tick it off the bucket list!

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