Section: Travel:Best of British

NEW UK passports are being introduced in the UK – with a very different front cover and inside look.

From this month, all new passports issued will have King Charles‘ coat of arms.

This replaces the Queen Elizabeth II coat of arms, which has been on the front for decades.

It is thought as many as 300 have already been issued in the country already.

The pages inside the passport are also getting a new look.

Four of the UK’s most famous landscapes will feature on the pages, from each of the four UK nations.

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Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay and the Giant’s Causeway are all illustrated in watercolour across the inside pages.

But inside the passport will also be a range of new features which will make it the ‘most secure passport in history’.

Each page has a unique passport number using laser marking, while new translucent designs and holographs have also been added.

Migration and citizenship minister Mike Tapp said the redesign is “a new era in the history of the British passport”.

He added: “It also demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service – celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come.”

The biggest change to the UK passport came back in 2020 when it reverted back to navy, from burgundy.

This was due to the UK leaving the EU, with the European Union wording also removed from the front.

Burgundy passports are still able to be used until they expire, although there are some rules still catching people out.

Before, up to 10 months could be rolled over from old passports to new ones, making some have as much as 10 years, 10 months on them.

However, new rules no longer allow those extra months, meaning your expiry date may be incorrect.

Thousands of Brits are thought to have been caught out by the confusing rules.

To avoid this, make sure to look at the start date and add on 10 years, to get your real expiry date.

And check the rules of the country you are visiting too – some require as many as six months left to be allowed to enter.

And here is why you should avoid certain stamps in your passport.

AN expert has revealed how you can plan a Cotswolds staycation without breaking the bank.

More than 23million tourists visit the Cotswolds every year, so its no surprise that includes a few celebrities along the way.

Beyonce, Kourtney Kardashian and even Kamala Harris have all been spotted in recent months, while the Beckhams are known for having a house there.

But despite this, there is still a way to do it on a budget as well as away from the crowds.

Local Amanda Stecker, who founded Unique Cotswold Cottages, explained: “There’s a perception that the Cotswolds is reserved for the wealthy.

“But you can stay in charming self-catering cottages or friendly B&Bs for a fraction of the cost of high-end hotels, and still enjoy the villages, countryside, and experiences that make the area so special.

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“Even smaller towns and lesser-known attractions have a charm all of their own, and often a story you’ll remember far longer than the postcard-perfect spots.”

Here are some of her top tips.

Stay in less well-known villages

She explained that while Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water are the popular spots, there are nearby villages that are just as beautiful but far more affordable.

Amanda said: “Look at towns such as Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, or Chipping Campden.

“These locations still offer charm and convenience but at much lower rates.”

Not only did she say this could save as much as £300 for a three-night stay, but cottages mean you can head to the nearby deli for some groceries and cook yourself, saving you even more.

Visit during shoulder season

If you try and visit the Cotswolds during the summer holidays, expect huge crowds.

The same is during school half terms as well, especially in the spring and autumn.

But the villages are just as beautiful off season, usually November, January and February.

Not only is accommodation cheaper but you won’t be stuck in queues at the car park or the cafe.

Make the most of the free attractions

Just walking through many of the villages and towns feel like they are from a postcard, which is a great free activity.

Not only that, but heritage trails and even attractions like Broadway Tower are free to visit.

The Oxford Museum, Witney Museum and Swinford Museum are just some that are free too.

Amanda advises checking some of the local stately homes which can be affordable especially with a National Trust or English Heritage membership.

Otherwise there are often farmers markets or fairs which you can explore without spending a penny.

According to Amanda, this could save as much as £50 per person during a long weekend.

Check the local transport

Many of the small villages have train stations so you can hop between many of them.

For example, try the Cotswolds Line, which runs from Oxford to Kingham, with stops in Hanborough, Finstock, Charlbury and Shipton along the way.

Otherwise bus routes connect many of them as well, saving you on expensive car parking.

Amanda suggests this could save as much a £30 a day.

Here are some of the Cotswolds pubs where you might bump into a celebrity.

And here are some other places to go away from the crowds.