Section: Travel:News Travel

One of Europe’s oldest cities to get first ever underground train network

ONE of Europe’s most underrated cities will soon get a metro system after decades of planning.

Belgrade in Serbia – one of the oldest city’s is Europe – is also Europe‘s biggest capital city without a subway, but soon that will change.

Belgrade in Serbia is set to get its first metro networkCredit: Studio OBE
It is set to cost around £3.8billionCredit: Studio OBE

As part of a contract between Chinese and French construction companies, Belgrade’s first subway line is expected to open in 2030 costing around €4.4billion (£3.8billion).

A second line will follow in the early 2030s and a third line has also been planned.

Designs for the new metro network in the city could include driverless trains that would be operated from a single hub and doors separating the platforms from the track.

Digging of the tunnels will start next spring, with each tunnel set to be around 100 metres long and cost around €20million (£17.5million).

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According to Bloomberg, Andreja Mladenovic, who runs JKP Belgrade Metro and Train, who is overseeing the project, said: “Belgrade has grown far too big not to have a subway.

“It’s an absolute game changer.”

He added: “It costs more at first when you build it, but cuts costs later.

“It’ll be state-of-the-art, and worth it.”

Plans for a subway network in the city were first considered in the 1930s when the capital was growing in population.

However, World War II stopped these plans going ahead.

In the 1960s, Belgrade’s economy was expanding again and new plans were drawn up in the 70s, however these went nowhere.

In the early 80s, a debt crisis meant all hopes were lost for a metro network, and over the following decade, Yugoslavia disintegrated.

It wasn’t until 1999 that Belgrade could rebuild itself.

Today, the often-overlooked city is home to floating nightclubs and secluded beaches.

As a result of sitting on two rivers, Belgrade has a number of floating restaurants, bars and nightclubs referred to as ‘Splavs’.

And it will open in the early 2030sCredit: Studio OBE

Along the Sava River, Splavs often play pop music, whereas the Splavs that are found on the banks of the Danube River have more of a rock vibe.

And drinks onboard are super cheap, with a beer setting you back around £3.40 or a cocktail setting you back around £4.75.

But Belgrade doesn’t just have floating bars and restaurants, there are also a number of historical locations to explore.

For example, you could head to the Belgrade Fortress, which was built back in the third century to protect the city from invaders.

The fortress, of course, has a number of panoramic viewpoints, but visitors can also participate in a number of activities and attractions, as well as explore museums.

You could also visit the Church of Saint Sava, which is a large Orthodox church.

Or explore the Nikola Tesla Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous inventor.

The museum contains many of his personal belongings as well as his inventions.

Return flights from London Luton Airport to Belgrade cost around £36 in January and the flight takes around three hours.

What’s Belgrade like to visit?

THE Sun’s Emily Webber recently headed to the city and here are her thoughts…

The Serbian capital of Belgrade offers all the history and grandeur for a fraction of the price.

With beers or coffees in local cafes from £1.50, meals with wine in a decent restaurant for £15 and hotels from £40 a night, it’s perfect for those tourists looking to expand their city-break horizons without spending a fortune.

One of Europe’s oldest cities, its architecture tells its history from Roman and Ottoman to Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav.

Elsewhere, the Sava Lake offers water sports, tennis and cycling, with restaurants and bars perched on the shore.

Public transport in Belgrade is free, making it easy to hop on and off the buses and trams.

However, walking around the city means you can stop and rest at the traditional kafanas (coffee houses).

The main cobbled street in the city — Skadarlija — is regarded as the city’s “bohemian quarter” and is a great spot to enjoy a drink.

Belgrade is without doubt a city for meat eaters.

For an authentic lunch, head to Drama Cevapi in the heart of Belgrade’s Dorcol district for grilled meat and fresh flatbreads.

If you fancy a smarter dinner, Iva New Balkan Cuisine shows off traditional Balkan recipes with a stylish twist.

In other rail news, a world-famous English city is getting a new train station in huge £6.7billion plans.

Plus, a brand new crime-themed train experience is coming to UK city… but you don’t actually go anywhere.

Belgrade is often overlooked as a city destination, but the spot is full of places to explore including floating bars a restaurantsCredit: Getty

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New tourist tax to introduce £76 entry fee at 11 National Parks

ICONIC spots like Yellowstone and The Grand Canyon are about to get much more expensive for Brits.

National Parks in the US are making entry fees more expensive for tourists in an effort to “put American families first”.

National Parks like Yellowstone will become more expensive for Brits to visitCredit: Alamy
Visitors to The Grand Canyon will pay an additional $100 on top of the standard entry feeCredit: Alamy

The US government has announced that beginning January 1, 2026, non-residents will have to pay an additional fee to enter its National Parks.

Non-residents will have to choose between buying a $250 (£189.23) annual pass or paying $100 (£75.69) per person “to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee”.

The current entry cost for Yellowstone is $20 (£15.14) for anyone on foot – so in this case, the new fee would cost $120 (£90.82) under the new bill.

Passes can be bought online and downloaded onto mobile phone – or linked to physical cards for convenience.

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President Trump signed an order back in July to raise entrance fees at national parks for overseas tourists.

The additional fees will go into funding for conservation and maintenance at each site.

The Annual Pass cost for residents of the US will be $80 (£60.55) and throughout the year there will be ‘resident-only patriotic fee-free days’.

These include Memorial Day (May 25, 2026), Independence Day weekend (July 3-5, 2026), and Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2026).

In 2024, National Parks around America saw a record number of tourists with more than 330 million visiting its sites.

The country’s most visited parks are the Everglades in Florida, Yosemite in California and Colorado‘s Rocky Mountains.

Yosemite Valley in California is one of the most popular sitesCredit: Alamy

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said: “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first.

“These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.” 

Along with the price hike for National Parks, visitors heading to America now face a ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ under new rules.

The new fee falls under President Donald Trump‘s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and has seen Brits paying substantially more to visit America.

The fee applies to anyone who needs a ‘non-immigrant visa’ – which includes people travelling for business, study and temporary work for more than three months.

It will cost around $250 (£189.22) and was introduced on October 1, 2025

The cost is on top of all existing visa application fees.

Individuals will pay the fee once a visa is issued and if an application is denied, then you aren’t charged the fee.

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For more on America, hear from one Travel Reporter who ditched New York City for upstate and found hundreds of vineyards, NASCAR racing experiences & world famous waterfalls.

And another writer who visits New York on a budget – from the best times to book cheap flights and where to find the tastiest pizza.

Brits will pay an extra $100 to get into the US National Parks starting on January 1, 2026Credit: Alamy

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The Spanish beach city with 300 days of sunshine and £2.50 beers named one of the best places for British expats to live

IF the life of Spain is calling you and you’re tempted to ditch the UK, then there is one city that has been named one of the best for expats.

it might be tempting to try out the larger cities of Barcelona and Madrid.

The Spanish city of Valencia is named one of the top Spanish spot for Brits ditching the UKCredit: Alamy
Valencia often beats Barcelona and Madrid as an expat spotCredit: Alamy

But an alternative city that often comes out on top for happy expats is Valencia.

Not only does it have 300 days of sunshine, but it has been raved about by other expats.

According to couple Alastair and Alison, who moved to Spain themselves and give their advice online, it is one of the best ones.

They said: “Valencia City is significantly cheaper than Madrid and Barcelona in terms of rent and daily expenses.”

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Not only is there a big English speaking community, but they also said it is “big enough to have urban amenities but small enough to be manageable”.

Another 2024 Expat City Ranking also ranked Valencia as the no.1 Spanish city for expats, praising it for its good quality of life.

And a Reddit forum of expats talking about where they moved – Valencia was often praised.

One wrote: “I’d recommend Valencia, I’ve lived in 8 different countries and it has the best quality of life. Security, beautiful park and beach.

“Sunny all year around, mild winter and long summer. Not as hot as the rest of Southern Spain thanks for the sea close by. It’s also a very multicultural city.”

Another said: “I can’t recommend Valencia enough. If you are retiring Valencia is great.”

According to figures from Numbeo, when it comes to renting, an average one bedroom flat can range from €840 to €1100 (£741-£970) depending on location.

For living costs, things like a monthly gym membership are on average €36 (£32) while bills can be around €127 (£112).

Bottles of beer can be around €3 (£2.50).

Last year, Valencia was named the best city in Europe by Conde Nast Traveler.

However, we spoke to some Brits who left the UK for Spain on some of the big no-nos when it comes to trying to blend in.

It is a beach city so you have the best of both worldsCredit: Alamy

Johnny, who left the UK with his wife Sarah in 2003, told Sun Online Travel: “Brits tend to underdress in Spain.

“Spanish people dress quite smartly, while Brits can sometimes show too much flesh.”

She also added the Brits need to expect things to move a bit slower, such as supermarkets.

She explained: “You might be in a short queue at the supermarket, but the person who is being served is more interested in having a conversation with the cashier than packing their shopping away and paying.”

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Rent, bills and even beer are cheaper than the UKCredit: Alamy

What is it like to visit Valencia?

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited Valencia and gave her top tips.

My favourite attraction that I think is unmissable is the City of Arts and Science.

The huge complex took a decade to build and cost £760million.

Film fans will recognise it from both Westworld and Doctor Who.

Make sure to visit the Science Museum, with enough interactive experiences for kids to enjoy.

There is El Cabanyal, a trendy district named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Europe by The Guardian.

It’s here I fell into a warehouse-cum-greenhouse that had both a bar and jazz being played live on stage.

But the cheapest eat I found was La Finestra back in the city, where not only are the beers cheap, but you can get mini pizzas for just £2.

Flights to Valencia are as little as £16.99 with Ryanair from Birmingham or £20.99 with easyJet from London Gatwick.

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The new mega £1billion neighbourhood that will be the ‘UK’s answer to Hollywood’

THE UK is set to get a brand new neighbourhood with film studios, play spaces and outdoor film screenings.

Plans have been revealed for a new £1billion creative neighbourhood, called the Camden Film Quarter, located in London, which is set to bring film and TV studios into the city centre.

Plans have been revealed for a new neighbourhood with film and tv studios in the capitalCredit: Yoo Capital
The Camden Film Quarter would feature several destinations for tourists as well as studios for film and TV companiesCredit: Yoo Capital

According to Time Out, the new studios and overall site will be the “UK’s answer to Hollywood“.

Developed by the same people behind London‘s Olympia – Yoo Capital – the new neighbourhood would create space for British creative industries to grow.

What makes the project even better is that, rather unusually, the studios building set for the site would be open to visitors to explore, with a studio tour, cafes, restaurants, events and a roof garden.

The planned area for redevelopment sits west of Kentish Town and, once built, would be home to a number of film, creative and cultural industries.

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In the neighbourhood, there would be several film and TV studios, eight sound stages, galleries, shops, restaurants and bars, a gym, community spaces and public spaces.

In addition, there will be an Education Hub for people interested in entering film, TV and digital careers and The London Screen Academy for 16-19-year-olds to learn about production.

The National Film and Television School, which is one of the most respected screen schools in the world, is also set to open a campus in the Camden Film Quarter.

According to Yoo Capital, “the architecture [of Camden Film Quarter] references the area’s industrial heritage through robust materials such as brick and metal”.

Away from the buildings, in sunny weather the public will also be able to enjoy six new play spaces, two or more parks and 400sqm of rain gardens – all set to feature sculptures, murals and interactive pieces as well.

The play spaces will include areas inspired by the journey of water, with a large seasonal dry river bed and natural stone play.

In the area known as Western Park, visitors will be able to explore local markets, art installations and outdoor film screenings.

Then, in the area known as Eastern Park, there would be smaller green spaces and playgrounds.

There would also be a pedestrian high-line route (a walking route above roads and railway lines) around the buildings and around 1,000 new homes.

Plans were submitted to Camden Council last month, who will decide whether to approve the project or not and it is currently unclear when the project would open if it is approved by the council.

A report detailing the project states: “Camden Film Quarter will establish Kentish Town as a new centre for the creative industries, bringing film and media jobs right into the neighbourhood.

“The development will include inner London’s first significant film studio campus – state-of-the-art sound stages and studios that meet the booming film and TV sector’s need for production space.”

Plans to create the Camden Film Quarter were first unveiled in 2023.

In addition to bars, cafes, restaurants, outdoor screenings, parks and shops, there would also be an education hubCredit: Yoo Capital
The National Film and Television School would also open a campus at the siteCredit: Yoo Capital

At the time, Lloyd Lee, managing partner at Yoo Capital, said: “We are looking forward to working with the London Borough of Camden and the local community to bring forward the ambitions for a Camden Film Quarter.

“This project will be a shot in the arm for the UK’s creative industries as we look to fuel its exponential growth by attracting the best talent in TV and film to the area.”

Councillor Danny Beales, cabinet member for New Homes, Jobs and Community Investment, said: “We know there is huge creative potential in the people who live and work in Camden.

“We want to unlock the Kentish Town industrial area to transform this cut-off, unwelcoming site, into one that becomes a greener, welcoming space, connecting Gospel Oak with Kentish Town.

“A new thriving neighbourhood, which is a beacon for creativity, providing more desperately needed affordable homes for local people, good jobs and opportunities for existing communities.”

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Yoo Capital is also behind London’s newest tourist town in a ‘forgotten’ district, which will be a £1.3 billion attraction with hotels, a theatre and a rooftop bar.

Plus, a new Pixar attraction is set to open in UK – with film sets you can step into including Toy Story, Monsters Inc and Up.

Yoo Capital, the company behind the plan, has submitted the project to the council and they are awaiting a decisionCredit: Yoo Capital

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The popular holiday hotspot set to become a ‘super destination’ with more cheap flights and new TUI hotels

A POPULAR holiday choice for Brits has revealed plans to become a ‘super destination’.

With more cheap flights coming from the UK, it’s about to be even easier to get to.

Turkey is set to become a “super destination”Credit: Alamy
Cappadocia is well known for its hot air balloonsCredit: Alamy

Turkey as a holiday destination isn’t anything new to Brits, who have been fleeing to the affordable resorts there for decades.

However, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has now teamed up with Trip.com to relaunch the country as a “Super Destination” for travellers.

The new plans will push locations such as the cities of Istanbul and Izmir.

Other highlights spots include Cappadocia – known for its hot air balloons – and the much-loved beaches of Antalya.

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TGA’s general manager Sinan Seha Türkseven said they were wanting to offer “distinctive, exceptional experiences”.

This was backed by Trip.com’s Amanda Wang, who added: “Türkiye is one of those destinations that truly has everything: beauty, culture, history, and an incredible story to tell.

“This partnership with TGA is about turning that story into meaningful travel experiences.

“To pursue this vision, we are curating high-end journeys that blend cultural authenticity with digital innovation.”

More flights are already being added to Turkey from the UK.

Turkish airline Corredon is launching more flights to Antalya from London Stansted, Manchester, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle.

Istabul was named a top city this year and is set to remain popular with BritsCredit: Alamy

SunExpress, a budget airline, is launching flights from the East Midlands to Antalya.

Last year, Ryanair launched its first ever flights to Turkey, with routes from London Stansted to Bodrum and Dalaman.

And TUI is opening two new hotels in Turkey next year.

TUI Blue Maviss in Belek and Akra Didim Resort & Spa in Mugla will both open in April 2026.

A number of places around Turkey have even been named top places to visit in 2026 too.

The Black Sea Coast was highlighted in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026.

Citing it as a “less traveled alternative to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts,” cities such as Samsun and Bartin were named as having “sandy strands on blue coves”.

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And İstanbul was named “Europe’s Most Desirable City at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.

The Scottish Sun’s Travel Editor revealed what its like to visit a new hotel in Antalya.

Local insider tips for visiting Turkey

We spoke to Selda Bayhan, a senior cabin crew member at SunExpress.

A lot of UK travellers still see Türkiye mainly as a sun-and-sea holiday spot, and while the coastline is stunning, there’s so much more to the country than just beaches.

“You can visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus near Izmir, take in the cave dwellings and rock formations of Cappadocia, or see the impressive Roman theatre at Aspendos in Antalya.

“A place that really deserves more attention is Kayseri.

“You’ve got the fairy chimneys, cave hotels, hot air balloons at sunrise… and much fewer crowds if you fly straight into Kayseri.

“It’s often skipped in favour of nearby Cappadocia, but actually offers a lot of the same incredible experiences — just with fewer crowds.”

More flights and hotels will make Turkey even bigger next yearCredit: Alamy

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The huge new £584million water resort set to open that’s just like one coming to the UK

A NEW multi-million water wellness resort is set to open – and it might look familiar to Brits.

Therme has revealed its latest plans to open an attraction in Singapore.

A new multi-million pound Therme resort is set to openCredit: Therme Singapore
It is similar to Therme Manchester opening in the UKCredit: supplied

The S$1billion (£584million) Therme Singapore will be a “state-of-the-art” facility.

Funded by the Singapore Tourism Board it will be on the Marina South Coast, near Marina Bay Sands.

Inside will be “wellness, culture and nature” mixed throughout the four-hectare site.

This includes thermal pool and botanical gardens, as well as art installations and huge spa facilities.

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While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, it hopes to welcome tourists by 2030.

As many two million tourists a year are expected to visit.

Therme Group CEO Dr. Robert Hanea said: “Backed by decades of science and innovation, Therme Singapore will be a state-of-the-art facility that transforms urban life by making holistic health enjoyable and accessible to all.”

This was backed by the Singapore Tourism Board who said it would make Singapore a “leading urban wellness haven”.

They added: “In line with our pursuit of quality tourism, this attraction will draw travellers seeking wellness experiences, potentially increasing length of stay and spend, whilst providing locals with best-in-class wellness experiences.”

The Therme Singapore might look familiar because of a similar one opening in the UK.

Therme Singapore will be open by 2030Credit: Therme Singapore

Therme Manchester was first announced back in 2020 and now hopes to open in 2028, after a number of delays.

Costing £450million, it will be the UK’s largest wellbeing resort.

This includes 25 swimming pools and 20 slides as well as bars, gardens and spa areas.

Set to be 33C year-round, it will even have the UK’s first indoor beach.

It also isn’t the only new Therme attraction opening in the world.

The £100million Therme Glasgow hopes to open, although an official date is yet to be confirmed.

And Therme Dubai – Islands in the Sky will be a £439million resort and the tallest of its kind in the world.

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It is being designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro who also created the High Line in New York, and will have themed areas, spas and pools.

Can’t wait for all these new openings? Here’s how to find the already-opened Therme Bucharest.

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Historic British Isles lido to ‘feel more like Benidorm’ in huge new makeover

LIDOS are experiencing a resurgence of popularity across the UK and this one has been open since the 1800s.

For locals it’s been a peaceful spot for a morning swim, or a Full Moon dip, but now there’s talk of it becoming more like the busy resort town of Benidorm.

Havre des Pas is a tidal pool on the edge of St Helier in JerseyCredit: Visit Jersey
With a change of operator, it could become a lot different in the coming yearsCredit: Alamy

Havre des Pas Lido is open year-round for swimming and you’ll find it in Jersey, in the capital of St Helier.

The historic pool is tidal, meaning it fills with seawater at high tide and empties at low tide.

Currently, the lido also has a waterside beach kiosk and bar along with a rooftop bar, but it could all be about to change.

From 2026 First Point will take over as the lido’s operator, and one Constable Marcus Troy, senior partner at First Point, revealed he wants to make the bathing pool and surrounding area “a resort like Benidorm.”

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Talking to the BBC, he said: “So, we are going to be talking to all the catering and hospitality businesses in the area and creating our own map as if it’s a destination in its own right, like West Park and St Brelades. A resort like you would call Benidorm, for example.

“We aren’t the size of Benidorm, but we want more activity in general – whatever it is – volleyball, swimming competitions, galas, night time events, family amusements; we might like to put bouncy castles in the pool.”

First Point will take on the lease for nine years.

Plans to open the lido in St Helier began in 1860s when The Jersey Swimming Club was established and the group sought a safe swimming space on the British Isle.

Years later and the lido at Havre De Pas opened in May 1895 with a large pool and a circular tower, which had the changing rooms and club room.

It was very popular, especially between the 1920s and 30s which is why it saw lots more improvements and additions in the years that followed.

Havre Des Pas also has a bar, Kiosk cafe and rooftop areaCredit: Alamy
The pretty lido is on the edge of Jersey’s capitalCredit: Alamy

29 new cabins were built on the tower, and there was an extension to the club built called the Blue Terrace.

Now, inside the tower is a bar with an open kitchen, dance floor and stage as well as a balcony that overlooks the pool.

There’s a dining area too which has indoor tables or the choice to eat al fresco, plus there’s the rooftop which has live music and is an ideal location for a cocktail.

The venue at the lido can stay open until 1AM and has dubbed itself the ‘ultimate Private Party Island’.

Through the summer months, the Kiosk is open with lots of light bites, as well as pizzas, burgers, tacos, fish and chips and full English breakfast offerings.

The lido is just on the coast outside of the island’s capital of St Helier – and it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors too.

One visitor wrote in Tripadvisor: “What a fabulous place The Lido Havre de Pas is! Beautiful views over the bay and to watch the people swimming in the gorgeous Lido.

“Will definitely return when I go back on holiday there next year. Can’t recommend enough.”

Another simply branded it as a “good old fashioned historic Lido”.

Not everyone is happy after the announcement of the new operator.

After the news, LidoJersey took to social media to voice concerns about it and stated that the pool could and end up being a ‘bare shell

It said: “Unless this new entity wishes to negotiate with us, which hasn’t been done to date, the site will revert to a bare shell, just as it was when we took it over in 2015.”

It added that this would mean there would be no licence for alcohol, entertainment, marriage of infrastructure like the kiosk, commercial kitchen and bar area.

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Plus, check out the huge new Olympic-sized lido could open in UK city with sauna pods and ‘clubhouse’.

And here’s the UK’s biggest indoor tropical waterpark where it’s always 30C – and you can stay all day.

Britain’s oldest lido may never reopen despite £9.3million of repairs…

The UK’s oldest lido could never reopen despite years of renovation works, costing millions.

Cleveland Pools in Bath, which was built in 1815 and is the country’s oldest, may never reopen to the public again.

It was open for just four months in 2023 after receiving £9.3 million for a revamp. But it hasn’t reopened since, and it might never do so.

The trustees of the restored lido revealed in a report that it “might not be possible” to reopen the pool, according to the BBC.

The report stated: “The risk that the cost to repair the pools and the plantroom will be substantial and beyond the resources available to the trust.

“There is therefore a risk that the pools cannot be repaired and reopened.

“To mitigate against this risk the trust is exploring all potential avenues that would allow the pools to be repaired and reopened, including but not limited to legal recourse and external funding.”

Cleveland Pools is a Grade II listed lido, and is considered the oldest outdoor swimming pool in the UK.

It opened in the early 1800s and closed in 1984. It then took a huge campaign by the public, and almost £10million to reopen the lido in September 2023.

Havre Des Pas Lido first opened in the 1800sCredit: Alamy



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Spanish island airport reveals £440million upgrade plans and it could mean shorter queues

ONE of Spain‘s most popular airports with Brits is getting a multi-million pound upgrade in time for the next summer holidays.

Palma de Mallorca Airport is undergoing a massive modernisation project.

Palma de Mallorca Airport is getting a multi-million pound upgradeCredit: Getty
New passport gates have been introducedCredit: Palma de Mallorca Airport

Costing €500million (£440million), one of the biggest upgrades is the new security area which has 44 check in lines.

It also has new state-of-the-art equipment so it means you can leave your electronics and liquids in your hand luggage.

Just make sure they are still under 100ml each as those rules are still in place.

Both Module A and Module D have been upgraded, with the former having a new retail area and walkways linking the terminals, as well as more departure gates.

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This also includes 40 new digital passport gates for departing passengers.

Other upcoming changes include upgraded check in counters to allow space for more passengers, as well as more baggage reclaim belts and security checkpoints.

And a new retail area with shops, bars and restaurants is in the works as well, which connects Modules A, B, C and D.

The works are expected to continue until the end of next year, although most of the tourist-facing upgrades will be finished before the summer season.

Aena’s vice-chairman Javier Marín said around 70 per cent of the project is currently complete.

Palma de Mallorca Airport welcomes more than 30million passengers a year, with a record 33.3million last year.

And new flights have launched to the airport this year, including from Glasgow Airport with British Airways and from Leeds with easyJet.

Earlier this year, Ryanair also revealed a huge £1.2billion investment in the airport, with 80 new routes this summer.

The EES system will also be rolled out at Palma Airport this month on November 19.

It’s not the only Spanish airport undergoing a major upgrade as part of a €13bn (£11.3bn) investment plan across the country.

This includes a £2.8billion upgrade for Barcelona Airport, one of Spain’s biggest.

And Malaga Airport’s £1.3billion renovation will see larger terminals and faster security.

Here’s the £1billion Spanish abandoned airport.

The upgrades will see fewer queues at the airportCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The works will be complete by the end of next yearCredit: Alamy

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The surprising city named happiest in the world with its own theme park island 

An image collage containing 4 images, Image 1 shows Skyline of Abu Dhabi at the waterfront, Image 2 shows Abu Dhabi skyline from the waterfront with a palm tree in the foreground, Image 3 shows Interior of Ferrari World, an indoor amusement park with a go-kart track, in Abu Dhabi, Image 4 shows Aerial view of Abu Dhabi with turquoise water, a national flag, and skyscrapers

ABU DHABI has been named the happiest city in the world by Time Out.

Scoring a near perfect mark, 99 per cent of locals agreed that Abu Dhabi makes them happy, with 96 per cent saying that people in the city seem positive.

Abu Dhabi has been named the happiest city in the world by Time OutCredit: Getty

In addition, 93 per cent said that they feel happier in the city than anywhere else.

The city was ranked against five statements: My city makes me happy; I feel happier in my city than other places I’ve visited or lived; The people in my city seem happy; I find joy in the everyday experiences my city offers; The sense of happiness in my city has grown a lot recently.

The city gained top marks for walkability as well, and has been named one of the best cities for culture and green space and nature.

If you are heading to the city, then explore Yas Island – a purpose built island with theme parks and a waterworld.

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The island is home to a number of theme parks including Ferrari World Yas Island and Warner Bros World Yas Island.

Ferrari World is the first Ferrari-branded theme park, which is also home to Formula Rossa – the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

Then at Warner Bros. World, visitors can explore one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks, with six immersive lands.

Across each land, visitors will find rides, shows and attractions themed on classic Warner Bros. characters such as Superman.

For those who prefer to splash about in the water, head to Yas Waterworld Yas Island – a massive water park with over 40 rides, slides and attractions.

For something more thrilling, head to Clymb, which boasts the world’s largest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall.

The island also hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Visitors can wander along Yas Bay Waterfront as well, where they can find a number of cafes, restaurants and bars.

Yas Beach is good for relaxing too, with golden sands and crystal waters in addition to different water spots such as kayaking.

And for a bit of retail therapy, make sure to visit Yas Mall, which is one of the city’s biggest shopping centres.

Elsewhere in Abu Dhabi visitors can head to other cultural destinations such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi – a large museum with art from different cultures.

There is also Qasr Al Hosn – the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi.

If you prefer to see nature, then explore the Jubail Mangrove Park via its boardwalks or kayak.

The desert is another place to see, where you can take part in a number of activities such as dune bashing (venturing across the dunes in buggies), camel riding and sandboarding.

The city is home to a purpose-built island which has a number of attractionsCredit: Getty
The attractions include Ferrari WorldCredit: Alamy

When it comes to food, a mid-range three-course meal at a restaurant will set you back £50.91 for two people.

One top spot (but that costs a bit more) is Café del Mar, which is located near the beach and often hosts pool parties and Ladies’ Days.

Options include a truffles wagyu beef burger, with cheese, beef prosciutto, truffle and mushroom sauce and fries for £35.65.

Alternatively you could share a salt-baked sea bass, with tomato vinaigrette and fries for £29.54 per person.

Alcohol in Abu Dhabi isn’t cheap either with a beer costing around £8.15.

When it comes to places to stay you won’t be short for choice, with the city also being home to some famous hotels such as the Emirates Palace, which costs hundreds per night.

Though more affordable options include the Royal M Hotel by Gewan Abu Dhabi for around £130 per night.

Direct flights in November, from London to Abu Dhabi cost from £474 or £513 from Manchester.

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Time Oot’s top 20 happiest cities in the world

THESE are the top 20 happiest cities in the world, according to locals…

  1. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  2. Medellín, Colombia
  3. Cape Town, South Africa
  4. Mexico City, Mexico
  5. Mumbai, India
  6. Beijing, China
  7. Shanghai, China
  8. Chicago, US
  9. Seville, Spain
  10. Melbourne, Australia
  11. Brighton, UK
  12. Porto, Portugal
  13. Sydney, Australia
  14. Chiang Mai, Thailand
  15. Marrakech, Morocco
  16. Dubai, UAE
  17. Hanoi, Vietnam
  18. Jakarta, Indonesia
  19. Valencia, Spain
  20. Glasgow, UK

Abu Dhabi is the ideal alternative to Dubai, with new British Airways flights and affordable holiday packages.

Plus, Disney is also planning to open a brand new theme park and resort on Yas Island.

Visitors can also explore cultural spots like the Louvre Abu DhabiCredit: Getty

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