Section: Travel:News Travel

WITH the summer holidays here, you might be regretting not booking a holiday yet.

Well, luckily for you, there are a whole host of places you can travel to for cheap under £210 per person.

And what’s even better is that you don’t have to use any of your annual leave as all the following weekend breaks are for between July 24 and 26.

They even take off in the afternoon or evening so you can go after work on Friday.

Turiquintas, The Algarve in Portugal

You could head to Turiquintas Hotel in The Algarve in Portugal for a weekend – the hotel has breakfast in the morning, and lunch anddinners are included.

There are 80 apartments in total across the site, as well as a pool, children’s pool, games room, supermarket, cafe and a bar.

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Even better, the beach is just 800 metres away.

You would fly from East Midlands Airport on the Friday at 7:10pm to Faro, and return on the Sunday at 7:10am.

A two night stay costs £165 per person.

a&o Prague Rhea, Czech Republic

If you fancy being in the middle of a bustling and vibrant city, you could head to a&o Prague Rhea for two nights.

All the rooms have their own bathrooms as well as free Wi-Fi.

Downstairs in the lobby, you’ll also find a 24-hour bar.

And in the morning you can head to the breakfast buffet.

To get to the town centre, it is just 20 minutes on public transport where you can explore fairytale-like architecture including Prague Castle.

You would fly from Bristol Airport on the Friday at 9:55pm to Prague, and return on the Sunday at 3:45pm.

A two night stay costs £168 per person.

PortAventura Hotel El Paso & Theme Park, Spain

Want a theme park and a hotel for the price of one? You can head over to PortAventura Hotel El Paso with Woody Woodpecker-themed rooms and unlimited access to PortAventura Park just down the road.

And the beach is also only seven minutes away.

As for the hotel itself, there are two pools including one with a pirate ship, day and evening entertainment, a hot tub as well as a selection of bars and restaurants.

You would fly from Liverpool Airport on the Friday at 9:45pm to Reus, and return on the Sunday to Manchester at 12pm.

A two night stay costs £185 per person.

Granada Palace Affiliated by Melia, Spain

If you want to feel like a king or queen, then head to Granada Palace Affiliated by Melia, in Spain.

The hotel has rooms and suites, as well as a spa with sauna and steam rooms and an indoor heated pool and an outdoor freshwater pool.

It is great for those who just want a relaxing weekend away, where you can explore Monachil, which is a great spot for hiking including a 63-metre-long bridge across a gorge.

You’ll also be an 18 minute drive from Granada city centre.

The hotel has a restaurant, cafe and bar if you want to grab a bite to eat. And of course, there is a huge buffet breakfast.

You would fly from Manchester Airport on the Friday at 9:30pm to Malaga, and return on the Sunday at 6:40am.

A two night stay costs £175 per person.

ITC Colón by Soho Boutique, Andalucia in Spain

In Córdoba, you’ll find Hotel ITC Colón with 40 rooms, each with a private bathroom. There’s also an onsite restaurant, breakfast room and a bar.

When it comes to things to do around the hotel, just a 10-minute drive away is the Mosque-Cathedral – which features 850 columns and towering arches.

Though for something closer you could head to Palacio de la Merced convent, which are both within a five-minute walk.

You would fly from Manchester Airport on the Friday at 9:30pm to Malaga, and return on the Sunday at 6:40am.

A two night stay costs £169 per person.

Studio 17 by Atlantic Hotels, Algarve in Portugal

The Studio 17 by Atlantic Hotels sits in Portimao resort in Algarve, Portugal, just a short drive from the coast. The accommodation features Mediterranean-style apartments with kitchenettes and either a balcony or a terrace.

There’s an outdoor swimming pool for adults as well, including a sun terrace with sun loungers and parasols ideal for soaking up the sunshine.

The coast is just a six-minute drive away and the town centre is less than a 20-minute walk from the hotel.

You would fly from Leeds Bradford Airport on the Friday at 6:30pm to Faro, and return on the Sunday at 6:10am.

A two night stay costs £179 per person.

HAVE you ever wanted to be in a real-life storybook? Well, these destinations might be the answer.

From castles fit for a princess to enchanting forests and Disney-like villages – these are the top fairytale destinations in Europe.

Eltz Castle, Germany

At the very top of the list created by European Best Destinations is the magical Eltz Castle which is nestled in the hills and forest above the Moselle River.

With its eight soaring towers, and dramatic valley setting, it very much looks like a storybook castle.

Eltz Castle is one of the few castles in Europe that has never been destroyed and has belonged to the same family for over 800 years.

One-way flights to Frankfurt from the UK are as little as £17 in August.

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Mont-Saint-Michel, France

Mont-Saint-Michel has been called a ‘real fairytale destination’ and was said to have inspired a Disney movie.

It’s a small tidal island off the coast of Normandy with museums, shops, restaurants and hotels.

The stand-out spot though is the abbey which is said to have been the inspiration for the castle from Tangled.

The quickest way to get there from the UK is on the ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo – from there it’s an hour’s drive.

Tossa de Mar, Spain

Tossa de Mar along Spain‘s Costa Brava coastline is famous for its beautiful picturesque Old Town.

Inside is a huge 12th-century fortress which is surrounded by stone walls and sits right on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

European Best Destinations described it has having a “forest very near the sea and its medieval walls are a magical setting for a perfect fairytale holiday in Europe.”

From the UK, fly into Barcelona Airport and then head an hour north along the coast to reach the town.

Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland

Dark Hedges is more of a natural fairytale destination created by an avenue of beech trees planted in the 18th century.

Dark Hedges became very popular after the series “Game of Thrones” was filmed there – for fans of the show it depicted the Kingsroad.

It’s also one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland.

The closest airport to Dark Hedges is Derry – but it’s also possible to get there from Dublin and Belfast.

Riga, Latvia

European Best Destinations described Riga as having a “beautifully preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colourful facades, cobbled streets, hidden courtyards.

“With centuries-old churches it seems to emerge directly from the pages of a storybook.”

It sits on the banks of the Daugava River which only adds to its fairytale-look.

From the UK, you can fly to Riga in just two and a half hours – and it’s just a 20-minute drive into the Old Town.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Another beautiful castle in Germany is Neuschwanstein which is described as a jewel of Bavaria.

King Ludwig II of Bavaria built Neuschwanstein Castle as a private residence to get away from political life.

It’s been open to the public since 1886 and over one million visitors visit the beautiful site every year.

Brits can fly into Munich Airport in under two hours and then drive south for two hours to see the incredible castle.

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany

This small village in Bavaria is considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

From the 14th century, the village has half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and looks postcard-perfect.

The village is part of Bavaria’s Romantic Road which links beautiful medieval towns, villages and castles.

The nearest airport is Nuremburg which can be as little as £20 with Ryanair – from there it’s an hour’s drive to Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber.

Bled, Slovenia

Bled is a small town that sits in the Julian Alps, on a glacial lake and has a medieval clifftop castle – so it’s no surprise it has made the list.

Visitors like to explore the area on a wooden boat called ‘pletna’, or a rowboat, which only adds to its magical feel.

Another activity is to climb the 99 steps to ring the famous wishing bell in the church.

The quickest way to get there is to fly into Ljubljana Airport, then drive 40-minutes north to Bled.

Riquewihr, France

Riquewihr is an Alsatian village with colourful timber houses and a huge clock tower that looks like something from Beauty and the Beast.

Scattered around the village are quaint restaurants, cafes, and shops selling traditional Alsatian pottery, linens, and souvenirs.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Picturesque would be an understatement. It’s a fairy tale village that doesn’t seem real.”

Brits can travel to either Strasbourg or Basel Airports which are the closest to Riquewihr.

Craiova, Romania

Craiova in Romania is found in the southwest and is known for having towering Neoclassical buildings

It also has one of the largest urban natural parks in Europe.

The Romanian city transforms multiple times through the year to celebrate Easter and Christmas which the publication said “creates a joyful storybook atmosphere.”

From the UK, Brits can fly directly to Craiova in around three hours.

Here’s the full list of the ‘best fairytale destinations in Europe’…

Here are the top 17 best fairytale destinations in Europe according to European Best Destinations…

1. Eltz Castle, Germany
2. Mont-Saint-Michel, France
3. Tossa de Mar, Spain
4. Dark Hedges, Ireland
5. Riga, Latvia
6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
7. Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany
8. Bled, Slovenia
9. Riquewihr, France
10. Craiova, Romania
11. Orcus Mouth, Italy
12. Popeye Village, Malta
13. Prague, Czech Republic
14. Kaysersberg, France
15. Alcazar Castle, Spain
16. Isola Bella, Italy
17. Sintra, Portugal

A HUGE new multi-million-pound attraction is set to transform one of London’s trending destinations.

Stratford Junction will become a major events hub when the development is complete.

Over a decade on from the transformation of Stratford for the 2012 Olympics, another transformation is on the cards.

The proposed development will be called Stratford Junction, and will be on the site of a former coach park, which was used during the Olympics.

It is enclosed, surrounded by railway tracks and now, new designs have been revealed by Hallmark Property Group.

The development has taken inspiration from areas like The Barbican and Spitalfields Market in London.

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If approved, Stratford Junction will have 1,700sqm of new public space, including green areas and a bustling piazza.

It is set to be home to outdoor exhibitions, art trails, and over 100 public art installations.

Some artists involved include Tamp Two, Captain Kris and Tom Blackford.

On the site will be two performance venues that could accommodate as many as 4,300 people.

There will also be 20,000sqm of space for immersive experiences.

With so much going on and so many visitors, there will also be a hotel with as many as 1,600 rooms.

Like most places in London, the site will also be getting taller with three towering skyscrapers set to be built.

These will range between 31 to 47 storeys high.

When it comes to visiting, Stratford Junction will have plenty of transport links thanks to being so close to Stratford and Stratford International Station.

Stratford Junction is still in the development stage, with the public being asked to reveal their opinion in drop-in sessions.

ONE rail operator is banning a popular item onboard all its trains to ensure passenger safety.

Merseyrail has announced that e-bikes will be banned onboard from January 1, 2027.

The ban has been announced after a safety review as e-bikes pose a fire risk.

E-bikes run on lithium batteries, which can be flammable and there have been cases where they’ve caught fire before.

The ban won’t just apply on trains – it will apply at all stations on the Merseyrail network.

This will also include station buildings, car parks, and cycle storage facilities.

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Anyone travelling with a banned item on or after January 1 may be refused access to Merseyrail trains or stations.

From the commencement of the ban, the following items will not be allowed anywhere on the Merseyrail network:

• Non-folding e-bikes
• Modified or adapted e-bikes
• E-bike conversion kits
• Lithium-ion e-bike batteries that have been detached and are being carried separately

Pedal bikes, folding e-bikes, certain mobility scooters, and powered wheelchairs will still be allowed.

The move follows the ban on e-scooters which was announced on Merseyrail services in 2023.

Non-folding e-bikes are already banned across London transport, which includes the Tube, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR.

E-scooters are banned on all TFL services will all ebikes are banned on the cable car.

A NEW lift that’s part of a major beach transformation is taking shape on Brighton’s seafront.

It forms part of the Madeira Terrace restoration project costing £750,000.

For those who aren’t Brighton regulars, Madeira Terrace is the historic structure that stretches along the promenade.

Built in the 1890s, it’s 865 metres-long and has 151 large arches – but due to safety concerns, part of it has been closed since 2012.

Over time its condition has deteriorated because of erosion thanks to its proximity to the sea.

Now, it’s undergoing a £750,000 makeover – and it’s taking shape already with its new lift being recently unveiled.

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The towering lift will provide step-free access to and from Madeira Drive along the promenade, all the way up to the road.

It’s still under construction, but the scaffolding has been taken away revealing its 20,000 red bricks.

Work on the lift first began in February 2026.

However, construction on the Madeira Drive site began two years prior in November 2024.

It was described by the council as one of its “most ambitious and technical engineering projects” – and there’s plenty more to do.

The project will see 28 arches between the Royal Crescent steps and Concorde 2 restored and there will be a full replacement of the upper deck.

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

Running to a length of nearly three thousand feet, Madeira Terrace is the longest continuous cast iron structure in the UK – and possibly in the world.

Madeira Terrace was originally built to create a sheltered promenade for Victorian tourists.

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

It is anticipated the first restored section will open in 2026.

NEW rules being introduced will make it much easier and more affordable to visit a European country.

In a new deal between the UK and Switzerland, the country is set to introduce automated passport eGates for Brits.

The scheme will allow much faster travel for Brits, and joins a number of other countries in Europe that allow the eGate passage for UK travellers.

The use of eGates is expected to start later this year at Zurich Airport, and then expand to Basel and Geneva airports next year.

UK travellers will still have to follow the new EES rules when visiting Switzerland, which require biometric checks when entering an EU country.

Another major change for Brits will be scrapping of mobile roaming charges between the UK and Switzerland.

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Any Brit heading to Switzerland will be able to use their mobiles without paying additional mobile fees.

This often catches holidaymakers out who assume the country follows the same rules as other countries in Europe.

A start date for this has not been announced yet.

The changes were made in a £5.2billion agreement between the Minister of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin, Peter Kyle and Keir Starmer.

Around 800,000 UK citizens visit Switzerland each year whether that be for its ski resorts, or to see its incredible lake scenery in the summer.

The new deal also means that UK ‘service’ professionals’ can travel to Switzerland visa-free for up to 90 days per year for work.

A CITY with 3,000 sunshine hours a year that is barely visited by Brits is getting its first UK flights in more than a decade.

Launching later this month, Air Zimbabwe will connect the UK to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.

The first route takes of on July 22 from London Gatwick, with three flights a week.

It will be the first direct flights to the capital in 14 years, amid plans to open up travel between the UK and Africa.

The route was scrapped back in 2011 due to a financial difficulties at the time.

Fights start from £490 each way, or £675 return.

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While Zimbabwe welcomed 1.78million tourists in 2025, 76 per cent of this was from Africa.

Despite this, the UK is the biggest market for the city when it comes to European arrivals.

Harare is known as the City of Sunshine for its sunny weather all year round thanks to it high altitude.

It is also much better to visit in the autumn and winter, as this is where highs of 30C can be found (compared to the cooler summers of 20C).

The city is also known for its beautiful green spaces, such as Mukuvisi Woodlands where you can everything from zebras and giraffes to wildebeast and impalas.

It also a great jumping off point for going on safari, or visiting Victoria Falls.

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WORK will start in September on a new mega airport which will take on major hubs like London Heathrow and Dubai.

When fully operational, it’s expected to have as many as 60million passengers every year.

The airport called Port Polska, formerly Centralny Port Komunikacyjny, will be one one of the biggest in Europe once fully built.

Designs for the Polish terminal by Foster + Partners (behind projects such as Crossrail Place Canary Wharf and other major airports) and and Buro Happold were accepted in late-2025.

Now, Budimex has been contracted to start the work on its foundations which will start in September of this year.

This initial work is expected to be completed in 2027 at the cost of £28.6million.

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The entire project is expected to be built for £27billion.

It’s been said that the ‘infrastructure will make it the most modern airport in Central Europe‘.

Port Polska is scheduled to open in 2032 with two runways and capacity for more than 300,000 flights each year.

It will have just one passenger terminal which will cover 450,000m².

This means it will be almost three times the size of nearby Warsaw Chopin Airport’s passenger terminal.

The terminal at Port Polska will be across three levels.

Level two will be where travellers will find the ticket and baggage check-in, security control, arrivals and departures for the Schengen zone.

Level one will be where most of the arrivals and departures for the Non-Schengen zone, transfer centres and passport control.

Level zero will have coach gates for both Schengen and non-Schengen zones, baggage reclaim and an arrivals hall.

Initially, it will have two runways, but there are plans to expand with a third runway in the future, and even a fourth.

The project includes plans for over a thousand miles of new high-speed railway.

According to the schedule, the airport’s railway station will be completed by 2029.

In its first stage, Port Polska Airport is expected to handle up to 11,000 passengers per hour, and up to 34million per year.

By 2040, the airport could see over 60million passengers per year.

In comparison, 84.5million passengers travel through London Heathrow Airport each year.

Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled a record-breaking 95.2 million passengers last year.

The airport was initially set to be called Centralny Port Komunikacyjny, or CPK.

In December last year, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the name had been changed: “We won’t be using a name that our predecessors discredited.

“Everyone who lands there, everyone who uses this airport, everyone who shops there should know: yes—this is the heart of Europe, yes—this is Port Polska.”

IF YOU are looking for your next European city break, then look no further as the best spots on the continent have been announced.

From popular Spanish spots to Italian hidden gems, the best 15 cities in Europe have been named – though it is bad news for the UK that didn’t feature on the list at all.

Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are decided by readers’ votes and this year over 661,000 people took part.

Coming out on top is Florence in Italy, scoring 89.48 out of 100.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who has previously visited the city, said: “There is no better place to go for art lovers, with Florence being home to famous works from Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci.

“You can also dine like a king, with slices of pizza for €1.50 (£1.29) and pasta dishes from €5 (£4.29).

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“All of the major attractions are a short walk from each other although if you really need a break, you can book an electric golf-buggy eco-tour that traverses the narrow roads.

“Something unusual to keep an eye out for is Florence’s wine windows – ordering a glass of vino through a tiny hole in the wall was created as a way to socially distance during the plague in the 17th century.”

Then in second place is Prague, in the Czech Republic – nicknamed ‘jewel in the crown of Europe’ – scoring 88.89 out of 100.

One Sun reporter who previously visited the city said: “Prague may be best known for its beer, but hillside winery Vini ní Altan is a great option.

“There are great views from inside the intricately carved wooden gazebo, and children can burn off some energy in the vine-strewn park below.

“Prague boasts the largest castle in the world — effectively a small town on top of a hill.

Rounding out the top three is Salzburg in Austria, scoring 88.31 out of 100.

The Sun’s Laura Purkess said: “Salzburg, the home of Mozart and The Sound of Music, sits in Austria’s beautiful Eastern Alps.

“While most of us associate the Alps with snow- caps and skiing, this city makes an ideal summer holiday destination — and it’s affordable.

“If you’re a keen hiker, it’s relatively easy to get from the city centre into the mountains which are filled with stunning, tree-lined trails that take anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours to complete.

“Hardcore fans of The Sound of Music should swap the free walking tour for a proper guided one of the film sets that takes you to locations beyond the city centre, including Church Mondsee, where Maria wed the Baron.”

Porto, Portugal and Ljubljana, Slovenia – nicknamed the ‘green jewel of Europe’ – then followed to round out the top five.

Two spots in Spain featured on the list with Seville in 10th and Madrid in 13th.

Seville is the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region and is known for its Moorish architecture as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

As for the Spanish capital, Madrid, you can head to a number of museums and Royal Palaces.

Two spots in Italy also featured on this list with Rome in seventh, and for a lesser-known Italian spot, head to Siena which featured in 14th.

The medieval city found in Tuscany, boasts a UNESCO-listed historic centre, where you can head to Piazza del Campo – the main square – and Duomo di Siena – a cathedral with black-and-white marble.

And places like Funchal – nicknamed the Hawaii of Europe – snuck into the top 20.

A POPULAR destination in Europe is cracking down on tourists – with fines dished out to rule-breakers.

The small village of Varenna, near Lake Como, is banning anyone from walking around its historic streets either bare-chested or wearing swimwear.

The new rules come as the village, which is home to only 650 people, is experiencing high levels of tourism each summer.

Tourists heading to the town will still be able to have a bare chest or wear their swimwear if they are at one of the lake’s beaches or if they are enjoying a boat trip on the lake itself.

However, if they are caught in the wrong place in the swimwear or with no shirt on, they could be fined between €50 (£42.74) and €200 (£170).

Varenna isn’t the only Italian spot to ban being shirtless and wearing swimwear in the town centre.

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It is also banned to walk shirtless, barefoot or in a bikini in the town centres of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, with fines ranging from €25 (£21.37) to €500 (£427.48).

Varenna has also introduced a number of other rules impacting tourists.

There’s also a clampdown on crowds, as tour groups are now capped at 25 people.

The aim of this is so that the village’s lanes will not be blocked.

Guides have been banned from using speakers as well.

According to The Guardian, Mauro Manzoni, Varenna’s mayor, said: “Varenna is a wonderful village, and we are proud to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

“However, our residents’ quality of life cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mass tourism.”

ALL over the planet are incredible islands – but these ones have been declared the best in the world.

Travel + Leisure has found the very top destinations from Asia to Africa and Australia – not to mention one spot went to the UK.

The best islands were declared from reader votes of which there were hundreds of thousands.

In top spot was the Thai island of Koh Samui which got a top score of 95.64 out of 100.

The publication said: “This first-time winner in the Gulf of Thailand—with an array of elevated accommodations, luscious jungles, and roaring waterfalls—has become a leading destination for self-care.”

It was also praised for its beaches, vibrant culture and waterfalls.

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The island is south of Bangkok, known for its pretty beaches, not to mention bargain cocktails and tasty street food.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill who went last year said: “The island has luxury resorts and picture-perfect beaches

“But the real Thailand is in the busy beach bars flogging happy-hour deals, tiny restaurants with garish tablecloths, and the constant thump of Thai boxing promotions from crackling loudspeakers.“

In second place was the beautiful Maldives followed by the Galapagos Islands and Bali.

But in 13th place is the first and only UK island to make the list – Skye and the Hebrides.

The wild Scottish archipelago is known for mountainous landscapes, rugged coastlines and rare white-sand beaches.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding, who visited Eilean Shona – part of the Inner Hebrides – described it as a “real-life Neverland”.

She said: “Whilst there isn’t much to do on the island, it is the perfect retreat away from the modern world and the stresses of day to day life.

“The island has an endless amount of walks you can take, and a couple of mine included heading to the summit and to the opposite side of the island where I found Shoe Bay, with a white sand beach and crystal clear waters.

“And whilst exploring the island, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as birds of prey often circle overhead.

“In less than 24 hours I had completely fallen in love with the island.”

Other top islands close to the UK include Malta which is dubbed one of the ‘jewels of the Mediterranean’.

Its capital, Valletta, is one of the sunniest cities in all of Europe – it gets on average 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.

The Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily which are a short flight away for Brits also got high marks.

In Greece, Milos and Crete placed in the top 25 – as did Paros, which was last year’s winner, some of which are set to be the next big Greek island holiday destinations.

One writer visited Paros last year and loved the island for its “beautiful beaches, traditional villages and a buzzing nightlife.”

She added: “One thing I loved about the island is that it has everything you want out of a holiday.

“Whether that’s a quiet spot on a sandy beach to relax, head off on a wild boat party, or eat authentic Greek food on a candlelit table.”

Here’s the full list of the ‘best islands in the world’…

Here are Travel + Leisure’s best islands in the world – and their scores out of 100…

1. Koh Samui – 95.64
2. Maldives – 95.38
3. Galapagos Islands – 94.99
4. Bali – 93.20
5. Phuket – 93.18
6. Seychelles – 92.95
7. Fiji – 92.71
8. Sri Lanka – 92.67
9. Dominica – 91.87
10. Zanzibar – 91.83
11. Golden Isles – 91.59
12. Sardinia – 91.57
13. Skye and the Hebrides – 91.17
14. Malta – 91.00
15. Grenada – 90.36
16. Madeira – 90.33
17. Azores – 90.18
18. Maui – 89.70
19. Sicily – 89.53
20. Milos – 89.50
21. Virgin Gorda – 89.43
22. Crete – 89.39
23. Vieques – 89.38
24. Paros – 89.33
25. Kauai – 89.16

THERE’S nothing quite like a day at the seaside – and just in time for the school summer holidays the best beaches across the UK have been named.

The UK’s 50 best beaches by The Times for 2026 have been revealed, including lesser known spots and family favourites – here’s the lowdown of the best spots in each region.

Summerleaze Beach, Cornwall

Not only did Summerleaze Beach in Bude, Cornwall win for the South West region but it was also named the best beach overall.

The Blue Flag-awarded beach is a popular spot for surfing but is also home to lots of facilities that make for a great family day out.

There’s the Bude Sea Pool for example, which is an outdoor swimming pool and you can also head to the harbour with boats bobbing up and down on the water.

Direct from the beach you can also rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards.

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Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Shanklin Beach on the Isle of Wight won the title for the south.

Just an hour on the ferry from Southampton, the beach is in an old fishing village and still has the charm, with striped deckchairs sitting on the sand.

The golden sand beach stretches for over a mile and is loved by families for its calm waters.

Surrounding the beach are also a number of sandstone cliffs and you can also head along the Esplanade, where you will find ice cream parlours, cosy cafes and gift shops.

In addition to the deckchairs available for hire, you can have a go at paddleboarding and kayaking as well.

Cromer, Norfolk

Cromer in Norfolk won the title for the east of England.

The white sand beach is backed by cliffs dotted with Victorian buildings and is a great spot for a beach day or even having a surfing session.

Make sure to head to one of the nearby cafes too to have a taste of local, fresh seafood.

Along the beach you will also find Cromer Pier which is over a century old and is Grade II listed.

The pier will soon undergo a £2.4million revamp too, which could include refurbishing the theatre.

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens, who has visited the town said: “Cromer mixes old-school seaside town tradition with trendy places to eat and shop, meaning this is a staycation spot that will please the whole family.”

“Perched at the end of the pier is the Pavilion Theatre, which puts on shows from Beatles tribute acts to Mamma Mia-themed parties.

“Plus it’s well worth a visit to catch the Cromer Pier Show with dazzling guests with high-production singing, dancing and comedy.

“And in the lanes behind the seafront, Cromer has recently seen a wave of new vintage shops, cool cafes and quirky art galleries arrive.

“Pop into Grey Seal Coffee for a smooth flat white in a beachy, boho setting, or have a nosey in Cromer Artspace to admire local artists’ landscapes.”

Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Northumberland

In the north of England, Low Newton-by-the-Sea won.

Low Newton-by-the-Sea is a small fishing village that is almost entirely owned by the National Trust and is home to quaint cottages as well as its curving beach.

The beach is a popular spot for walks and investigating rock pools.

Though, it is also a great place for windsurfing if you are feeling a little more adventurous.

And don’t forget to check out the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, which sit at the end of the beach.

When exploring the ruins, you’ll see amazing panoramic views of the coast as well.

Horgabost, Outer Hebrides

The winner in Scotland is Horgabost Beach, which stretches for two miles across Losgaintir Bay.

And if you want to enjoy the beach for longer, you can stay at Horgabost Campsite which is at the far end of the beach, sitting right above the beach.

The beach itself also boasts fine white sand, making it the perfect spot for a walk.

One recent visitor said: “Horgabost Beach is a serene slice of paradise on the Isle of Harris.

“The beach is just a short walk from the nearby campsite, making it super easy to reach.

“Once you arrive, you’re greeted by soft sands, clear waters, and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding.

“Whether you’re strolling along the shore or just soaking in the views, it’s a beautiful spot that feels wonderfully remote yet welcoming.”

Others have described it as looking like the Maldives, thanks to the white sand.

Tyrella, Co Down

When it comes to Northern Ireland, Tyrella Beach in Co Down won.

The beach is a dune conservation area, meaning its natural beauty remains largely untouched.

Stretching more than a mile long, the Blue Flag spot has clean waters as well as a flat beach ideal for picnics.

You can stay nearby as well, with a number of B&Bs and caravans looking straight onto the beach.

One recent visitor said: “One of the best beaches in the country.

“And there are nice walks through the dunes.

“The sea is great especially if it’s a bit windy. Then you get big waves coming in… great for jumping or diving through.”

Broad Haven South Beach, Pembrokeshire

And finally in Wales, Broad Haven South was named the best beach.

At the beach you can expect clear water as well as rock pools full of sea life ideal for little ones to explore.

On most sunny days you’ll also see an ice cream van parked at the top of the cliff.

The low tide also makes it the ideal spot for little ones who like to paddle in the water.

At the western end of the beach you’ll also be able to discover caves and even an ‘island’.

One recent visitor said: “Lovely beach, National Trust car park costs £4 for three hours or £8 for all day and for National Trust members, it is free.

“Nice flat beach with rocks at either end.”

HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Spain this summer have been warned to avoid 14 popular beaches.

Environmental organisation Ecologistas en Acción has published its annual report highlighting the areas of Spain‘s coast with the biggest issues.

The report awards ‘Black Flags’ for either pollution or for poor management.

Of the 48 flags awarded, 14 were awarded to beaches – mostly due to pollution problems.

One beach that was awarded a Black Flag is Playa de Maro for pollution, in Malaga.

The popular 500-metre-long beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and underwater caves and was previously said to be of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol.

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In Granada, Playa de la Charca, Salobreña was awarded a Black Flag for pollution and Playa de Los Berengueles, Almuñécar was awarded a Black Flag for poor management.

Over in Alicante, the coastal neighbourhoods of Albufereta and Cap de l’Horta both gained Black Flags for pollution and La Almadrava beach gained one for poor management.

Valencia also has a number of coastal spots that were called out including its coastline for pollution and the surroundings of the Port of València and Sagunto for poor management.

In the popular city of Barcelona, the Beach of the Sant Adrià del Besòs was awarded a Black Flag for pollution.

The stretch of coastline features golden sand and is often less crowded than the main beaches by Barcelona city.

Over in the Canary Islands, the town of El Puertito de Adeje was awarded a Black Flag for poor management, as was Las Teresitas Beach.

On Gran Canaria, the coastline of Telde was also given a Black Flag, as was the coast of Lanzarote due to cruise tourism.

If you are heading to the Balearics, then avoid the town of Port of Pollenca in Majorca and in Menorca, avoid Torrente de Cala Galdana – which is a ravine with a beach.

Other beach destinations that gained a Black Flag include:

• Playa Central de Isla Cristina in Huelva
• Playa de Quitapellejos, Almeria
• Levante beaches of Punta Entinas-Sabinar, Almeria
• Playa de As Catedrais, Lugo
• La Ribera de Cabanes beach, Castellón
• Surrach beach, Benicarló, Castellón
• Playa de la Paella, Torredembarra, Tarragona
• Basorda Cove, Basque Country

THE UK is home to over 160 lidos and soon there will be more with a number of new pools set to open.

Following other new openings this year – including Canary Wharf Sea Lanes – here are the latest new spots to keep your eye on.

Valentines Park Lido, London

Years in the making, Valentines Park Lido will be in Valentines Park in Ilford, East London with a pool that stretches 25 metres and boast six lanes.

There will also be a spa pool, steam room, plunge pool and treatment rooms.

And kids won’t be left out either, as there will be a splash pad too.

After having fun in the pool, you can head to the onsite cafe for a bite to eat.

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The site will also be home to a gym, dance and exercise studio, meeting room and an outdoor picnic area ideal for soaking up the sunshine.

The lido was meant to open this summer, but this has been pushed back with no new opening date announced yet.

Holt Town, Manchester

As part of a project to transform Holt Town into a ‘woodland neighbourhood’, there will be a new lido.

It will be the first open-air pool in the city for 40 years and would be on Cyrus Street, which is currently an overgrown backroad.

The wider project will include rejuvenating 15 acres of green space and launching a new cultural hub.

No opening date has been announced yet.

Porthcawl, Wales

Porthcawl in Wales could be getting a new outdoor lido.

The lido would be at Salt Lake, opposite to the marina and would also feature a gym, a restaurant, a cafe and other facilities.

The lido would also be part of a wider project to add fairground rides to the area, as well as new shops, cafes and bars.

And if that wasn’t enough there will also be a site for motorhomes and touring caravans as well.

Other plans suggest that a splash pad could also eventually be built at the site, as well as mini golf and a skate park.

The site is set to start being built in 2027.

Swansea saltwater lido, Wales

Also in Wales, a saltwater lido is set for Swansea, at the redeveloped Civic Centre.

In fact, the entire waterfront area could be getting upgraded with a pier as well as the lido as part of a £20million project.

The saltwater lido will be a first for the city too, with other parts of the project include opening an aquarium, rooftop terrace and apartments.

No opening date has been announced yet.

THE MOST liveable cities in the world have been named – but the UK didn’t make the cut.

Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey has been running for nearly 20 years, looking at a number of factors into what makes a city loved by its locals.

This includes everything from safety and connectivity to green spaces and late night openings.

New this year is ” excitement, urban ambition and security,” when it comes to making a city great.

Sadly, none in the UK made the top 20, with the study citing London missing out as it doesn’t have the “security of certain mature markets“.

What did come out on top was the city of Tokyo in Japan.

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It was praised for both its stability and security, citing its “old-fashioned sense of security”.

It explained: “Young children walk to school unaccompanied by their parents, huge events take place every week without major disorder, and crime rates are consistently low.

“Tokyo should celebrate being such a well-mannered metropolis but its exemplary conduct is never taken for granted.”

However, a number of European cities made the top 20 list.

In second place was Copenhagen, citing its “booming restaurant and sauna scene” as well as its low crime rate and urban cycling schemes.

This was followed by Lisbon in third place, for it’s great public transport and local communities.

Lisbon has even become one of the top expat destinations in the world.

Coming in fourth was Vienna, followed by Sydney in 5th.

Other European entries to make the top 10 include Zurich (6th), Madrid (7th), Paris (8th), Munich (9th) and Oslo (10th).

Stockholm, Barcelona, Milan, Amsterdam and Helsinki all snuck into the top 20.

THE WORLD CUP is well underway with some of England’s top stars already breaking football records – but where do these guys get to when they aren’t kicking around a ball?

Prior to the 2026 World Cup, the England head coach told the England team to head off on their post-season holidays to either the US or Caribbean so they could get used to the time zone and heat for the World Cup.

The team jetted off to West Palm Beach in Florida and stayed at the luxury Belgrove Resort and Spa.

But each player has also been to a whole host of other spots across the globe – and you might even be surprised by some.

Harry Kane

Lapland, Finland

Over Christmas last year the England captain headed to Lapland in Finland with his family.

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His wife, Katie Goodland, shared some snaps on her Instagram showing the family enjoyed dog sledding, spotting reindeer in the snow, heading on fairy light-lit walks among the trees etc.

On one night they even saw the Northern Lights and Kane’s kids enjoyed snowmobiling as well.

In addition, while in Lapland you can head off to Santa Claus Village and send postcards home.

Alternatively, families can have a go at making gingerbread.

Flights to Rovaniemi in October from £22 per way.

Jordan Pickford 

Dubai, UAE

Back in January, Jordan Pickford and his wife were spotted flying back from Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates city is well known for its warm climate as well as its architecture such as the Burj Khalifa.

From the city you can also head out to the desert to try sand surfing or dune buggying.

You could fly from the UK to Dubai for £156 per way in July.

Jude Bellingham 

Cannes, France

Four weeks ago, Jude posted some snaps of a lavish holiday in Cannes, France, with his 20-year-old brother, Jobe Bellingham.

The duo, along with other friends, enjoyed time on yachts as well as heading to La Mome – a fine dining restaurant that is famous for its foccacia dipped in olive oil and serving up fresh, local seafood.

One of the images appears to show Hôtel Martinez, which is a five-star Art Deco hotel on the Boulevard de la Croisette.

Inside, the hotel has yacht-inspired rooms and boasts a two-star Michelin restaurant.

Rooms cost from around £1,400 a night.

Flights to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport cost from £23 in July.

Dubai, UAE

The pro footballer also recently visited Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

In the city, make sure to visit the Dubai Frame, which is a 150-metre structure with one side framing Old Dubai and the other side framing New Dubai.

You can even walk across a glass bridge on the structure.

You could fly from the UK to Dubai for £156 per way in July.

Jordan Henderson

Lapland UK

Jordan Henderson has previously visited LaplandUK, showing fans you don’t have to travel far to have a magical time.

The midfielder at Brentford enjoyed the experience alongside his family, seeing reindeer and of course visiting Santa.

LaplandUK now has two experiences in the country, with the original in Ascot and a more recently opened site in Manchester.

Tickets to the experience tend to range between £65 and £195 per person, but included in that you get to hang out with the elves and even make your own toy.

Declan Rice

Dubai, UAE

While the pro footballer often visits Dubai for warm-weather training camps, Declan Rice also heads on holiday to the popular spot.

And over the years he has visited the city on many occasions, sometimes even with other pros such as Mason Mount.

While in Dubai, make sure to head to some of the city’s beaches such as Kite Beach which is a great spot for watersports as well as beach volleyball.

Alternatively, head to Sunset Beach, which is known for having a more relaxed vibe and being the ideal stop to watch the sunset.

You could fly from the UK to Dubai for £156 per way in July.

Marcus Rashford 

Barcelona, Spain

Last year, Marcus Rashford shared a few snaps of a holiday in Barcelona.

The holiday pics make sense considering the star plays as a forward for La Liga club Barcelona.

But Barcelona is a great city to visit – you can head down the famous La Ramblas and spot human statues.

And of course, enjoy some of the local restaurants serving tapas.

The Spanish city is also home to many designs by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia – the tallest church in the world, that has been built over the past century.

Flights from the UK to Barcelona cost as little as £15 one-way in July.

Bukayo Saka

Lagos, Nigeria

Saka was born in London to Nigerian parents yet often heads to Nigeria in the summer.

He has previously been seen visiting Lagos and Kwara State.

Lagos is Africa’s largest city and is home to around 24million people.

The coastal city is home to the Nike Art Gallery, which spans across five floors and is home to thousands of contemporary and traditional Nigerian artworks.

Make sure to head to the Lekki Conservation Centre too, where you will find Africa’s longest canopy walkway with wetlands home to monkeys and tropical birds.

And for a beach day, stop by Elegushi Beach where you’ll also find a number of beach clubs and oceanfront restaurants.

One-way flights to Lagos from the UK cost from £263 in July.

Ollie Watkins

Lake Como, Italy

Back in 2024, Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins proposed to Ellie Alderson at the Mandarin Oriental on Lago di Como.

The five-star resort hotel can be found in the village of Blevio, which is on the eastern side of Lake Como.

Across the hotel, you will find nine villas with a total of 75 rooms and suites.

There are also two villas with balconies overlooking the lake and with views of the Alps.

The hotel also has a huge spa with an indoor pool and another infinity pool outside on the edge of the lake.

A room costs from £1,162 per night.

But there are many other nice spots to visit and stay nearby.

For example, just down the road you could stay at Casa Giulietta Caronti, which also boasts views of the lake.

The B&B even has seven new suites with hot tubs inside, costing from just £112 per night.

You’d also be just a few minutes from downtown Como and Cernobbio.

Flights to Milan cost from £15 per way in July.

Estelle Manor, The Cotswolds

Estelle Manor is a Grade II listed country estate and hotel in Oxfordshire – which Watkins recently posted a pic of himself at on Instagram.

The hotel only opened in 2023 but has become well-known for its stylish rooms and Walled Garden.

There are also four restaurants onsite, as well as a kid’s club.

Rooms at the hotel cost from £575 per night.

But if that is outside of your budget, don’t worry as the Cotswolds is home to an abundance of pretty places to stay.

For example, you could head down the road to the Artist’s Residence near South Leigh.

The pretty pub with rooms boasts a thatched roof and dates back to the 16th century.

Inside the rooms feature a whimsical vibe, with minibars and Nespresso coffee machines.

Some rooms even have vaulted ceilings and free-standing bath tubs.

And staying costs a fraction of the price compared to Estelle Manor, with rooms from £153 per night.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is the very spot Watkins got married at.

Built between 1907 and 1912, the villa is home to a massive collection of art as well nine themed gardens.

The villa was even designed to mimic the deck of a cruise ship, with visitors able to see the sea whichever side of the villa they are on.

The villa is open to the public to visit adult tickets costing €18 (£15.51) and children’s tickets costing €12 (£10.34).

Flights to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport cost from £23 per way in July.

Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

In another Instagram post, Ollie Watkins was recently spotted in Positano on the Amalfi Coast.

The town is famous for its pastel-coloured buildings stagger across the cliffs.

When visiting you can head to a number of beach clubs as well.

Make sure to walk along the waterfront and head to the 300-metre beach to soak up the sunshine.

For a quieter spot, drop by Fornillo Beach which is a secluded pebble cove.

Flights to Naples Airport cost from £31 per way in July.

Capri, Italy

The famous footballer was also spotted staying in another luxury Italian hotel – Jumeirah Capri Palace.

Found in Anacapri on the island of Capri, the hotel boasts a unique medical spa as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant.

There are also two pools at the hotel, an outdoor terrace with panoramic views and a fancy wine cellar.

Though, it will set you back around £3,444 per night.

Instead, a short drive away you could stay at Hotel Belvedere e Tre Re, which directly looks over the beach and glistening turquoise water.

And it costs from £216 a night instead of a few grand.

It is also closer to another spot the star was spotted at as well – Da Paolino Lemontrees.

The famous restaurant is known for its tables that sit directly under hundreds of real lemon trees.

Open since the 1970s, the much-loved restaurant often attracts celebs with other notable figures that have dined there including Beyonce and Mariah Carey.

Make sure to visit the dessert room, which has an entire buffet dedicated to all things sweet including traditional Italian desserts and lemon-infused treats.

Flights to Naples Airport cost from £31 per way in July.

GOING on holiday is something we all look forward to, but with rising prices across the board, wouldn’t it be great if you could go somewhere in the UK that looks abroad?

Think white sands and crystal clear waters – the UK is home to some great destinations that will make you feel as if you have jetted off somewhere.

So, let’s put it to the test – can you guess which of the following destinations are abroad and which are in the UK?

One image above shows Tresco Abbey Gardens on Tresco, in the Isles of Scilly and is noted to look more like a thriving tropical jungle than the UK.

The gardens – which first opened in the 1830s – are home to more than 20,000 plants, from 80 countries, sprawling across 17 acres.

Nestled in between the plants, you’ll also find hand-carved figures made from the wood of shipwrecked boats.

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The other image shows one of the forests found on La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain.

The forests are much-loved by tourists that are keen hikers, with multiple trails through them.

More specifically, Los Tilos Forest is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the island and is one of the largest laurel forests in the Canary Islands.

Answer: The first image shows Tresco Abbey Gardens on Tresco, in the Isles of Scilly and the second image shows La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain.

One image shows Dartmouth in Devon, littered with Tudor-style houses that make it look as if it has been plucked from the Netherlands or a quaint German village.

The Dutch port-style harbour is home to The Butterwalk, which is a row of overhanging half-timbered Tudor buildings dating back to the 1630s – mimicking the buildings commonly seen in the Netherlands.

The town is home to plenty of independent shops and cafes to explore and to venture around the estuary the town sits on, make sure to hop on a river cruise.

The other image shows the historic houses in Celle, Germany.

The town in northern Germany sits on the banks of the River Aller and is around 25 miles from Hanover.

The town is home to one of the largest and most densely packed collections of half-timbered houses in Europe dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Answer: The first image shows Celle in Germany while the second image shows Dartmouth in Devon.

One image shows Portmeirion in Gwynedd in North Wales, which was built by architect Sir Clough William-Ellis to look like the Italian Riviera.

With pastel-coloured houses and a subtropical micro-climate, it really feels as if you could be in the Med.

The village has a central plaza and other European-style features include classical pillars and ornate domes.

Thanks to the micro-climate, you’ll also find exotic plants including palm trees.

Day tickets to Portmeirion cost around £20 per adult.

The other image shows the popular fishing village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera.

Known for its pastel-coloured houses, the village is cobbled throughout and boasts a number of designer stores and seafood restaurants.

To get to Portofino, jump on a ferry from Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Camogli or Genoa.

Answer: The first image shows Portmeirion in Gwynedd in North Wales, while the second image shows Portofino in Italy.

One image shows Blackpool Sands, which is one of the UK’s most picturesque beaches and when there you’ll find a beach bar that transports you to the Med.

Complete with straw umbrellas, the cafe and bar features natural materials throughout including wood and stone.

If you prefer to be on the sand, then eat outside at one of the tables that sit directly on the golden beach.

The other image shows a beach bar in Crete in Greece.

The Greek island is known to be a haven for holidaymakers with tonnes of resorts to choose from.

Answer: The first image shows a beach bar in Crete, Greece, while the second image shows the beach bar at Blackpool Sands in Devon.

One of these is Luskentyre Beach, which can be found on the Isle of Harris, in Scotland.

Well-known for its massive stretches of white sand and turquoise waters, it is easy to think that you are in the Caribbean instead.

The beach overlooks the island of Taransay and is a great spot to head off on walks.

There is a car park near the beach where you’ll also find toilets.

The other image shows Exuma Point Beach in The Bahamas.

Known for its shifting sandbars, the beach features white sand and crystal clear waters.

During low tide, you can even walk along a mile-long sandbar and spot starfish and conch shells.

If you are really lucky, you’ll spot baby nurse sharks and lemon sharks swimming in the shallow water.

Answer: The first image shows Exuma Point Beach in The Bahamas and the second image shows Luskentyre Beach in Scotland.

One of these images shows St Andrews Lakes in Halling, Kent, which is a huge outdoor attraction with bright turquoise waters found in a former quarry.

Looking like it is from elsewhere, visitors can head to the lakes for the day and enjoy an inland beach, floating lodges and a number of activities including Kent’s largest inflatable obstacle course.

If you really want to get into the holiday mode, there is a Nordic-inspired spa onsite with wood-fired saunas and hot tubs right by the lake.

When the family gets peckish, there is also an onsite pizzeria and cafe.

The other image is of Bercsenyi Beach in Balatonakarattya, Hungary.

The beach is one of the most popular and largest family-friendly beaches around Lake Balaton.

At the edge of the beach you’ll find lots of trees and when on the beach you can even have a go at sand volleyball.

For a bit more of adventure, you can also hire water bikes and kayaks.

Answer: the first image shows St Andrews Lakes in Halling, Kent and the second image shows Bercsenyi Beach in Balatonakarattya, Hungary.

One of these images is actually the newly-opened Nici hotel in Cornwall, which has a huge 20-metre indoor pool overlooking the coastline.

But for the true ‘abroad feeling’, head outside to the clifftop heated pool with views over the ocean and a vibrant poolside bar.

According to the hotel’s website, The Nici is “inspired by the sun-soaked glamour of the Amalfi Coast” and has the “indulgence of a Mediterranean escape”.

There’s even direct lift access from the hotel to the beach below.

Rooms at The Nici Newquay cost from £155 per night.

The other image shows Hotel Imperial Med’s bar in Santorini, Greece.

The hotel is only home to suites and sits on Aghia Paraskevi Beach.

Stays at the hotel cost from as little as £111 per night.

Answer: The first image shows Hotel Imperial Med’s bar in Santorini, Greece and the second shows The Nici, in Cornwall.

One picture shows a beach on Eilean Shona in the Inner Hebrides in Scotland.

Named Shoe Bay, to visit the beach you must be staying on the island – which has a number of different cottages and shepherd’s huts.

Shoe Bay sits at the west end of the island and boasts beautiful white sands and gentle, crystal clear waters.

There isn’t much to do across the island, but you can head on scenic walks and spot the local wildlife.

The other picture shows Fuvahmulah Island’s beach in the Maldives.

The coastline on the island is more rugged than other islands in the Maldives, with volcanic-like soil mixed with pebbles.

The island itself is small measuring only three-quarters of a mile wide by just under three miles long.

Answer: The first image shows Shoe Bay on Eilean Shona in Scotland while the second image shows Fuvahmulah Island’s beach in the Maldives.

ONE of the biggest rollercoasters at Disneyland Paris is set to close until next summer.

Visitors to the theme park won’t be able to ride the East Australian Current for almost a year.

Crush’s Coaster is found in Disney Adventure World, formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park, and will close for renovations on September 7.

The ride first opened in 2007 and over time has become one of the most popular attractions with wait times often exceeding 60–120 minutes on busy days.

The good news is that Crush’s Coaster is closing for upgrades only and is expected to open next summer.

Over 10 months the rollercoaster will go through two phases of works.

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The first is technical, which Disneyland Paris has said is “essential to the attraction’s operation”.

It includes the replacement of certain control systems, sensors, communication equipment and sections of track.

The second phase will involve testing what has been changed in phase one to make sure everything is working before it reopens to the public.

During the closure, the attraction will also get a makeover with a repaint and clean.

Crush’s Coaster previously closed in 2015 when it underwent a six month refurbishment.

But this closure will be the longest since it opened 19 years ago.

Earlier this year, the World of Frozen opened at Disneyland Paris, and there’s more on the way.

Next year, the world’s first ride based on the Disney film Up will open at the park.

The ride will be based on the much-loved 2009 family film that follows pensioner Carl and boy scout Russell on an adventure.

The ride, named Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings is a carousel ride that will have 48 swings.

It will have special ‘duo’ seats too, so a total of 64 people can go on the ride at one time

A CLOSED English pier is set to be knocked down for good – with plans to build an entirely new one instead.

Victoria Pier in Hull has been closed for four years after being deemed ‘structurally unsafe’.

The historical structure, that stands over Humber Estuary, is instead set to be replaced with a new £1million pier.

The pier first opened in 1810, and later was known as Corporation Pier when it was used as a ferry terminal linking Hull and Lincolnshire.

It was renamed ‘Victoria Pier’ after Queen Victoria visited in 1854, but closed in June 2022 after deterioration and rotting, making it unsafe for people to stand on.

Now the plans are to knock it down and build a new one.

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Earlier this year, locals were invited to choose a new look for Victoria Pier from three designs.

These range from a T-shaped pier, a rectangle or a square.

The date of the pier’s removal hasn’t been set but the council has said that it will start building its replacement straight after.

There is £1million set aside by the council to spend on the redevelopment of the pier.

The makeover is part of the plan to upgrade lots of Hull’s bridges, statues, monuments and fountains over the next five-years.

The city of Hull was named one of ‘best places in the world to travel to in 2026’ by National Geographic.

This is mostly thanks to its ongoing project to conserve its maritime history – with lots of attractions undergoing revamps.

Since 2020, the Maritime Museum has been undergoing a makeover worth £11million, but it will finally reopen to the public in August.

This has been part of a wider £27.5million project to promote Hull’s maritime history which has gone into restoring the museum and ships.

A CITY said to be an alternative holiday destination to Dubai is getting its only flight route from the UK.

Air Arabia will launch the new flights from London Gatwick to Sharjah in the UAE next month.

The route, starting from July 4, will operate twice a day, with flights from £205 each way.

It will be the first time the airline operates from the UK, and the only direct route to the UAE city.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick, previously said: “Demand for flights to destinations across the Middle East has really taken off this year and we have been delighted to offer passengers across London and the South East an increasingly fantastic range of routes and choice of carriers.”

Sharjah is the third biggest city in the United Arab Emirates behind Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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It is often touted as a more family-friendly destination and said to be the cultural capital of the UAE.

Popular attractions includes the UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab World and the Al Montazah Parks amusement park

However, it does follow stricter rules than Dubai – such as alcohol being banned a cross the entire city.

But holidays to the UAE are back on the cards after the UK Foreign Office lifted the travel ban.

The ban on holidays to the UAE came after a number of attacks across Dubai due to the Iran War, which included to Dubai Airport.

Here are some other new routes launching from London Gatwick this year.

WHEN it comes to beautiful hiking destinations, not many places beat Italy – but there is one top spot with some strict rules.

The Cinque Terre National Park in Italy spans 15sqm in the north of the country.

Home to over 75 miles of hiking trails, it is a popular spot due to its breathtaking landscapes and coastal location.

And while it is open to the public to explore, there is a major rule you need to be aware of.

Nowhere on the park’s marked hiking trails are you allowed to wear flip flops.

This includes backless sandals and shoes with smooth soles.

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In fact, any shoes deemed unsuitable for the trails – along with flip flop and sandals – could score you a fine of between €50 (£43.15) to €2,500 (£2,157.31).

Staff across the park, as well as guards, can carry out checks including stopping visitors to check they have the right footwear.

If you don’t have the right footwear, you could get fined on the spot or not be allowed to use the trails.

One trail where flip flops are banned is the famous Blue Path, which connects all five villages in the park.

The path takes between five and eight hours to walk from end-to-end, or longer if you want to explore the villages.

To do the Blue Path, you will usually need a Cinque Terre Card, which gives you access to the trails as well as local shuttle buses and museum discounts.

Flip flops are allowed in some areas though, including the villages in the park – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

The park isn’t the only spot in Italy where you can’t wear flip flops though.

In Capri, a law that was created back in the 1960s bans people from wearing noisy shoes.

This includes flip flops, as well as squeaky sandals and even wooden clogs.

IT’S NO lie that Brits love a European break but behaving badly could turn your trip into a holiday nightmare.

Across Europe, countries have their own rules relating to tourists – from banned beach items to strict curfews.

And if you want to avoid a hefty fine this summer, you’ll want to know what the rules are for each country.

France

A number of major cities in France and holiday hotspots ban drinking alcohol between 4pm and 8pm, including along the Paris riverbanks and the French Riviera.

When it comes to heading to the beach, make sure to not take any of it home with you as a souvenir.

Taking shells for example, is considered environmental theft and you could be fined €250 (£216.60) for doing this.

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Swimming is always a fun activity, but men heading to the pool need to make sure you leave the swimming shorts at home.

Due to health and hygiene laws in the country, men in France must wear Speedos.

Spain

Most cities in Spain have banned drinking alcohol on the streets, such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

Also don’t jump from your hotel balcony into a pool – you can get kicked out of the hotel and fined.

Across Spain, make sure to not smoke or vape on the terraces of bars or restaurants or at pools.

But in Barcelona and popular Balearic and Canary Islands spots, smoking and vaping are banned across all beaches.

Fines for this range from €30 (£25.99) to €2,000 (£1,732.79).

In Barcelona, Malaga and Majorca, make sure not to walk through the streets in a bikini or swimming trunks. If you do, you could face a fine of up to €300 (£259.92).

Also when you are at the beach in Cullera, Calpe or Tenerife, don’t reserve a spot with a towel as you could have your belongings confiscated and be fined up to €3,000 (£2,599.18)

Portugal

In Portugal, there are some rules to be aware of when visiting.

Portable speakers are not allowed to be loud on beaches or you could be fined or it could be confiscated from you.

Fines vary between €200 (£173.28) and €4,000 (£3,465.58) for this.

Also in Albufeira, a Code of Conduct introduced last year is still in place for tourists this year.

The rules basically reinforce that visitors must act respectfully, with public nudity and drinking alcohol on the street banned.

Italy

There are a number of different rules across Italy you’ll need to follow.

In Florence, there are a number of streets where you can’t sit and eat outdoors.

The rule has been introduced to ease congestion.

Also in Florence, e-scooters are banned in the city centre.

In Liguria, Portofino, over the summer, travellers who walk the cobbled streets either barefoot, in swimwear or topless can be fined.

You could also get fined between €50 (£43.32) to €2,500 (£2,165.99) if you are caught hiking Cinque Terre in flip flops.

Drinking alcohol in the streets is also banned with fines up to £2,568.

And make sure not to sit or lie down on a path, wall or park as this can also get you fined. Fines range from £22 to £433.

Over in Milan, you cannot smoke outdoors unless you are 10 metres away from other people. If caught breaking the rule, you could be fined between €40 (£34.66) to €240 (£207.93).

In Rome, you cannot drink out of a glass bottle on the streets after 10pm and all outdoor drinking is banned after midnight.

While in the city it is also worth being aware that when you visit the famous Spanish Steps, not to sit, eat or drink on them.

This is to protect the 18th century marble from damage and stains and if you are caught doing this, you could get a fine between €250 (£216.60) and €400 (£346.56).

And if you are visiting the Italian island of Sardinia, make sure you don’t dig a hole, build a sandcastle or take sand or shells from the beach as you could be fined up to €3,000 (£2,599.18).

Heading to Venice? Make sure you don’t feed the pigeons – it is illegal and you can be fined between €25 and €500.

Greece

In Greece, there are some different rules compared to other countries.

For example, at archaeological sites like the Acropolis and the Parthenon you cannot wear high heels.

If you are caught with high heels, you could be fined up to £760.

Drinking on the streets is also not allowed.

And if you are caught topless in public you could face a fine of up to £250.

Even though it may be tempting, make sure you don’t take pebbles from Greek beaches either as you could be slapped with a £771 fine.

It is also worth knowing that across Greece, sunbeds and umbrellas have been banned on 251 beaches and the beaches that do have sunbeds allowed, at least 70 per cent of the sand must be without sunbeds.