Section: Travel:News Travel

New £24million holiday resort to open in the Cotswolds with outdoor swimming pool, bars and scandi lodges 

A HUGE new holiday resort is set to open in the Cotswolds – and it will be the third of its kind in the UK.

It will have beautiful luxury cabins, a relaxing nature spa as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

The new eco-friendly resort will have 51 cabins with up to three bedroomsCredit: CABÜ
The new eco-friendly resort will have 51 cabins with up to three bedroomsCredit: CABÜ

Cabu, which designs eco-cabins, is set to open its third site in the Cotswolds after it secured a £24million loan to build the resort.

The site will have 51 self-catered cabins with either one, two or three bedrooms.

The new range of “ultra cool timber cabins” have been revealed in the renders to have wooden panels and green window detail. 

On the map render, the 51 cabins surround the main building which will have additional amenities inside.

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Guests will be able to use all of them, which include a nature spa, hot tubs, saunas and plunge bucket.

There will be an indoor swimming pool too, which looks like a calming space surrounded by loungers and huge windows letting in plenty of natural light.

There will be an outdoor pool too as well as a shop, restaurant, two bars and a studio events space.

On its website Cabu said it “will offer their high quality short-term stays all year round.  We are aiming to provide guests with 2, 3 or 4 night stays.”

It will also have “low adrenalin activities and provide an excellent base to discover all the Cotswolds have to offer.”

The resort will open in Langley on the site of a former Marconi radio site which is a short distance from popular villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford.

Cabu already has two sites in operation – Cabu Sea in Kent and Cabu by the Lakes in County Cavan, Ireland.

Cabu by the Sea lies on a stretch of privately owned grassland next to the seafront between Romney Marsh and the English Channel.

The one in Kent is described as an intimate retreat with easy access to the coastline.

A variety of luxury accommodations are available, ranging from a Writers Studio cabin for couples to a three-bed Boat House perfect for families.

Inside the main building will be a swimming pool and spa areaCredit: CABÜ

The price for a cabin in Cabu by the Sea starts from £395 for two people (based on a two-night stay in March).

Meanwhile, Cabu by the Lakes is found deep within the woods of Killykeen Forest Park in Co. Cavan.

This unique hideaway has log cabins and lake houses – it also has a nature spa with a forest bathing area and a Japanese Bath.

The price for a cabin in Cabu by the Lakes starts from £544.18 for two people (based on a two-night stay in March).

Plus, here’s the tiny Cotswolds villages where you might bump into a celebrity with quaint pubs and famous farm shops.

And hear from one Sun Writer who grew up in the Cotswolds and reveals their favourite village with old-school sweet shops and riverside games.

Cabu is set to open its third site in the CotswoldsCredit: CABÜ

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UK’s busiest train station with 100million passengers FINALLY gets go ahead for controversial £1.2billion expansion

A MASSIVE expansion of the UK’s biggest train station has finally been given the green light after years of controversy.

London Liverpool Street Station welcomes nearly as many as 100million passengers a year.

The UK’s busiest train station has been given the green light to expandCredit: City of London
The plans were first announced back in 2023Credit: City of London
London Liverpool Street will be transformed over the next ten yearsCredit: City of London

However, for years there have been plans to upgrade some of the station’s dated features as well as make it larger after record passenger numbers.

And the City of London Corporation has now approved plans for the redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station.

It confirmed that it would “improve central London’s connectivity to the rest of the country [and] make the local area a much more enjoyable place to visit, work in and travel through.”

The new plans – predicted to cost £1.2billion – include more shops and cafes, as well as better pedestrian and cycle paths and parks.

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More office spaces will be part of a new 318ft tower block being built over the main concourse.

Upgraded facilities such as more ticket barriers, lifts, escalators and toilets, and wider train platforms, are also part of the plans.

It hopes it will eventually double in capacity, with up to 200million passengers.

It won’t be anytime soon, however – works could start by 2029, and be finished by 2036.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, Tom Sleigh, said: “Everyone likes an upgrade, and this astonishing improvement to Britain’s busiest train station is just that; a major improvement by every measure.

“The soaring Brick arches and bold architecture will cement Liverpool Street’s status as a modern temple to transport.”

Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, added: “This redevelopment of Liverpool Street station is a major step forward for the Square Mile.”

If the proposals go ahead, work would start at the beginning of 2029 and last seven years, with the new station completed by mid-2036.

The long-discussed plans have caused controversy in the past, with previous plans even including a rooftop pool although this has now been scrapped.

And there are fears that the upgrade works could cause a “decade of chaos” due to closed platforms.

New cafes and shops are also part of the plansCredit: City of London
There are fears there will be years of chaos with closed platformsCredit: City of London

This would affect passengers travelling to airports like London Stansted, as well as those using the Elizabeth Line.

London Liverpool Street Station is the UK’s busiest, recording a record 98million passengers from 2024/25.

In second is London Waterloo, which has nearly 28million fewer passengers.

It’s not the only huge train station expanding – London St Pancras plans to double passenger numbers to 60million.

The station is home to the Eurostar, and will eventually welcome Virgin’s European trains when they launch as well.

And here’s a large train station in the UK that was inspired by Italy – and has been named one of the best.

The plans have changed over the years, with elements such as a rooftop pool scrappedCredit: City of London
Works might not be able to start until 2029Credit: City of London
Until then, the train station remains fully openCredit: City of London

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Spain closes another 86,000 holiday rentals amid major crackdown

Houses of various colors line the Triana banks of the Guadalquivir River in Seville, Spain, with a rower in the water.

MORE than 86,000 holiday rentals have been removed from a region in Spain as the crackdown continues.

Last year, the Spanish government said they would suspending licenses for accommodation that breaches regulation rules.

Cafes and restaurants on Calle Joaquin Guichot near the Plaza Nueva, Seville, Andalucia, Spain.
More than 86,000 holiday rentals have been removed across SpainCredit: Alamy

This includes not having an official license number, or no information on the owner.

The region of Andalucia has since taken down 13,037 holiday listings following these new rules, local media reports.

Nearly 5,000 of these affect the province of Malaga, which saw the highest number of removals.

The region of Valencia has removed another 14,387, followed by the Canaries (13,726) and Catalonia (13,350)

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Last year, Catalonia removed more than 9,000 Airbnbs from being listed.

This affected cities such as Barcelona, Reus and Tarragona.

And Madrid said that another 5,000 rentals also breached the regulations and were removed.

Despite this, it is thought there are still thousands of properties that are breaking the rules.

Another 53,000 properties could be removed from private property companies, and go back on the rental market.

Until then, Brits are still able to book a holiday rental but should check if they follow the guidelines.

Otherwise hotels and resorts are unaffected by the rules.

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explained it could have a “big impact on Brits looking to book a holiday rental this summer“.

She added: “If you have booked a short term rental via Airbnb or any other booking service like Booking.com this summer, then the first thing you should do is check the rental has been registered correctly. It should be clearly displayed on the listing.”

It’s also not the only tourist crackdown in Spain.

Malaga is banning any new holiday rentals for the next three years.

Barcelona announced a full ban in holiday apartments by November 2028.

And Seville now only allows 10 per cent of homes in each neighbourhood to be Airbnbs.

Houses of various colors line the Triana banks of the Guadalquivir River in Seville, Spain, with a rower in the water.
Thousands more are expected to be removed across SpainCredit: Alamy

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Is this the UK’s fanciest Premier Inn? New hotel opens inside former Victorian police station

PREMIER Inn has opened a new hotel in London – although you wouldn’t know from the outside.

The hub by Premier Inn London Farringdon (Old Bailey) has turned an old Victorian police station into the famous hotel.

City Of London Book To Be Published By Thames And HudsonCredit: Alamy
Some of the old features are alongside the new buildingCredit: Chris Dalton
The rooms look just like the standard ones in Premier Inn hotelsCredit: premierinn.com

Dating back to the 1870s, Snow Hill Police Station is a Garde II listed building.

Whitbread – the owner of Premier Inn, bought the building back in 2020, with it now open to the public as a hotel.

Many of the original features such as the historic entrance way, as well as a grand atrium combining the new and old buildings.

A mix of “heritage bedrooms” as well as the classic hub rooms are part of the hotel too, with 212 rooms across eight stories.

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Along with free WiFi and accessible rooms, there is also a restaurant onsite for breakfast and dinner.

Jonathan Langdon, Senior Acquisition Manager for Whitbread, said it showed how “affordable hotels like hub by Premier Inn can breathe fresh life into vacant historic buildings in Central London”

Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, added: “The transformation of the former Snow Hill Police Station into a modern, affordable hotel shows how heritage and planning innovation can work hand in hand, an excellent example of how thoughtful, high-quality design can bring new life to one of the City’s historic buildings.”

Some of the cheapest rooms on the website can be found for around £105 a night.

The hotel is also in the hear of the city, bring right by Farringdon train station.

Nearby is St Paul’s Cathedral as well as the London Museum.

Premier Inn is currently offering free unlimited breakfast to guests, as long as you book before February 13.

Guests must also book a ‘Non-Flex’ room for a stay between February 20 and May 14.

Wetherspoons is another budget brand known for restoring old buildings.

Many of the UK pubs are built into old cinemas, banks and town halls, with original features often restored.

Of course, some of them are newer, purpose bult buildings – including their newest which is in Spain.

We went down to the first foreign Wetherspoons – here’s what we thought.

The hotel is now open with rooms for around £100 a nightCredit: premierinn.com

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The ‘Venice of the desert’ with Italian-style canals and boat rides

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

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

The Pearl in Doha, Qatar is a artificial island that now features homes and tourist destinationsCredit: Alamy
But in one neighbourhood, it looks just like Venice in ItalyCredit: Alamy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are a number of canals with bridges and pastel-coloured housesCredit: Alamy

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

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

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

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

“A must visit when in Qatar.”

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

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

“Great for paddle boarding or canoeing.”

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

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

The Pearl is home to a number of other neighbourhoods too, including one with a long promenade by the waterCredit: Alamy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plus, there is an unusual UK attraction people say is like being in Venice following £19million transformation.

And nearby there is another island with a walkway featuring crystalsCredit: Alamy

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Is this the most fun spa resort ever? English retreat with neon cocktail bars, disco balls and giant hot tubs

FORGET everything you thought you knew about spas, this one is unlike any other – it doesn’t have white walls and you don’t have to silently tiptoe from the sauna to the hot tub.

At Ffolkes you can natter as much as you like, indulge in cocktails from the comfort of a giant hot tub all under the glow of neon lights and a disco ball.

Ffolkes spa in Norfolk has a huge hot tub with neon lights and a barCredit: FFOLKES
You can sip on cocktails in a giant hot tub at this spaCredit: FFOLKES

Inside the Norfolk spa are 12 thermal spa experiences across four zones called Ibiza, Sauna, Steam and Cold – and Ffolkes suggests visitors start in ‘Ibiza‘.

The party island-themed zone has a giant hot tub with a bar right beside it, so you can order drinks without leaving the water.

It has everything you could want from beer to wine, bubbles, margaritas, mojitos, winter sangria and non-alcoholic options.

On the outskirts of the tub are heated loungers and foot spas.

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For those who want the quieter spa experience – head to Soft Play which has double loungers, bean bags, a swing and infrared heaters.

When you want to heat up, check out the three saunas – each with its own mood and scent.

The Global Sauna is the spa’s biggest and is where visitors can try a ritual and guided sessions.

The Salt Sauna is filled with the scent of sea fennel, lavender and lemon. 

And the Herbal Sauna infuses heat with botanical smells.

There’s one Aroma steam room which is infused with essential oils and the other is Eucalyptus, a calming spot where you can really clear your head.

To cool off, head to the cold plunge pool which sits between 10-12C.

Visitors can then chill off even more in the mist shower and the ice fountain.

It has 12 thermal spa experiences, three saunas and two steam roomsCredit: Unknown

A visit to the spa wouldn’t be complete without a treatment and here, there are many options from Indian Head Massage to facials and scrubs.

All that relaxing is hungry work – and Ffolkes offers lots of food from brunch to quirky afternoon tea.

In the mornings, tuck into full English breakfasts, pancakes, fruit salads and cinnamon rolls.

It also offers a unique afternoon tea with chocolate chip scones and homemade chocolate spread, cheeseburger sausage rolls, Korean BBQ bao buns (from £30pp).

There’s a choice of Indian food every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday evening from butter curries to coconut dahl and flatbreads.

If there’s room for dessert, tuck into a s’mores dip sharer, apple pie or even a cookie dough baked cheesecake.

The spa even has a 9-hole crazy golf course with loop-de-loops and a golf ball vortex – all inside shipping containers.

You can book an overnight stay in the luxe is the Spa CabinCredit: FFOLKES

The spa with a difference in King’s Lynn opened in September 2025 and you can book in for a relaxation session.

Spa sessions start from £65 with the three-hour Twilight experience where guests have access to 12 thermal spa experiences.

It includes unlimited tea and coffee and pick ‘n’ Mix nibbles whilst in the spa.

Half-day sessions either in the morning or afternoon start from £95 which has additional post-spa food in the pub.

This is either Afternoon Street Tea (Monday–Saturday) or Pie FEAST (Sundays).

Morning or afternoon half-day spa with treatment start from £150pp which includes a 45-minute treatment.

The spa offers overnight stays for those who want to relax for more than one day which starts from £300 per night.

The brightly decorated rooms have huge beds and some even have outdoor baths in the courtyard.

The most luxe is the Spa Cabin which has a private hot tub, wood burner, sauna and outdoor shower.

For more on spas, this Bridgerton-like countryside hotel has a beautiful spa, gardens and restaurant.

And this dreamy English staycation with infinity pools, pic ‘n’ mix pantries and new spa gardens.

Forget all the white walls and staying quiet at the Ffolkes spa in NorfolkCredit: FFOLKES

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UK railway line to launch new trains with free water refill stations and reclining seats

LNER has revealed its new fleet of trains in first-look images – and they’ve got perks for every customer.

The upgraded carriages will have water refill stations throughout the trains and in First Class even mood lighting and reclining seats.

LNER’s first-look images of its new Class 897 trains – First Class will have reclining seatsCredit: LNER
Throughout all its carriages will be water refill stationsCredit: LNER

LNER, which operates trains across the East Coast Main Line, has revealed what its new fleet of Class 897 trains will look like.

The latest upgrades include “improved seating” across all classes with enhanced seat pads, side bolsters and wider head cushions .

One huge perk for all customers, especially those on a long journey, is that they’ll will be able to stay hydrated for free, thanks to the introduction of five water bottle refill stations throughout the train.

Travellers won’t have to pop to the cafe to buy a bottle of water – instead, just top up as you go.

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The only other train line that offers complimentary water with refill stations is Avanti West Coast on its Pendolino and Evero trains.

Also onboard the new LNER trains will be new digital screens in each carriage so customers can keep an eye on their journey and the upcoming stops.

Each seat will have its own plug socket and USB-C ports too for phone charging.

For Standard Class customers, there will be a new and improved Café Bar.

Here, you can pick up snacks and drinks and can see what’s available in real-time on digital menu screens.

Those sitting in First Class can fully relax in seats that actually recline.

There will also be softer lighting, including mood and table lighting in First Class – so the lights won’t be too bright for those travelling during early mornings and evenings.

Other changes include the redesign of bike storage areas and toilets.

A digital menu will be outside the cafe so customers can see what’s actually availableCredit: LNER
There will be larger spaces for suitcases and bikesCredit: LNER

For wheelchair users, tables have been redesigned to make more room with seat legs moved and additional space created for assistance dogs.

The 10-carriage trains called ‘Serenza’, will each have a total of 569 seats across Standard and First Class, alongside wheelchair spaces.

No date for introduction of the Class 897s has been announced yet.

But the new fleet is set to replace LNER’s InterCity 225 fleet, which focuses on services between London King’s Cross and destinations like Leeds, York, Bradford Forster Square, and Skipton.

For more on rail upgrades, UK’s busiest train station faces ‘decade of chaos’ ahead of multi-million pound renovation.

And here’s the UK’s ‘best rural train station’ – next to the seaside-themed town that is MILES from the coast.

LNER have revealed what its new fleet of trains will look likeCredit: LNER

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Is this the UK’s cheapest cruise? Two-night mini break to top European holiday destinations costs £65 per person

FANCY a mini-break but don’t want to spend too much money? Well, how about a short cruise to Europe for the same price as a meal at Pizza Express for a family of four.

Travellers can head off on a two-night cruise between Hull and the Netherlands.

A P&O Ferries Mini Cruise costs from just £65 per person from the UK to the NetherlandsCredit: Alamy
Included in the price you get a two bunk cabin with an ensuiteCredit: P&O

The P&O Ferries mini cruise allows you to travel overnight, usually leaving Hull at around 8:30pm and arriving in the Netherlands around 8:45am.

You can opt between heading to Rotterdam or Amsterdam on a return sailing from Hull to Europoort, with two nights in an en suite cabin, return coach transfers into the city centres and the live entertainment on board.

In between you will also get to explore either Rotterdam or Amsterdam – all for just £65 per person.

For example, one £65pp sailing heads off on March 3 and returns on March 5.

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Included in the price you pay is a two-bunk cabin with an en suite shower room with a WC.

Towels and bed linen are included too.

There are of course add-ons, if you wish to include them – such as the kitchen dinner for £25 per person, which is a buffet of international dishes.

If you fancy breakfast on board, that will set you back £13.50 each too.

Or you could get a package for both dinner and breakfast for £35.95 per person.

Though it is worth baring in mind, these prices are all per way.

Coach transfers from the port to either Rotterdam or Amsterdam are listed as £12 per person, per way – though they are included in the £65 per person price.

The cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam in the Netherlands are both great to explore for a day.

In Rotterdam, you can head to one of the maritime museums to learn about its history as a port city.

Then, you could swing by the Cube Houses, known for their unusual architecture.

In Rotterdam you can visit Markthal, which has around 96 food vendorsCredit: Alamy

Opposite the Cube Houses you will find Markthal, which is a large market hall home to around 96 food stalls.

Alternatively, if you choose to head to Amsterdam you can explore the intricate network of canals that sprawl across the city.

One of the most popular tourist spots in the city is the Anne Frank House, which is a museum inside the actual house where Anne Frank hid during World War II.

To explore the canals further, you can also hop on a canal tour via boat.

If you fancy an even more memorable sailing you can head on a Mini Cruise Live.

These cruises have different entertainment onboard, often including celebrities.

For example, you could head on a Noughties Takeover cruise from February 27 to March 1.

On board, the entertainment includes JLS star Marvin Humes and Blazin’ Squad star and former Love Islander, Marcel Somerville.

This sailing costs from £139 per person.

With the family? Then head on the Family Cruise from April 8 to 10, with K-Pop Live and Cirque: The Greatest Show – a circus-musical experience with songs from The Greatest Showman, La La Land, Rocketman and Moulin Rouge.

There will also be face painters on board, and tickets to this sailing also cost from £139 per person.

Fancy something a little different? Head on the Murder Mystery Mini Cruise from March 4 to 6.

On board, passengers will get to enjoy two murder mystery experiences with Cheeky Blinders on night one and 1925-based mystery The Maiden Voyage on night two.

This sailing costs from £99 per person.

In other cruise news, the ‘affordable luxury’ Nordic cruise where temperatures hit 28C.

Plus, our pick of the eight best cruises for both hot and cold weather – from Caribbean sailings to Icelandic glacier tours.

Alternatively, you could head to Amsterdam and explore the canalsCredit: Alamy

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The world’s loneliest train station that has no entrance or exit

IF you’re sick of waiting on busy railway station platforms, then you might want to head to one of the world’s quietest.

Seiryu Miharashi Station in Japan is often called the world’s loneliest train stations, being completely secluded from nearby towns and villages.

One of the loneliest train stations in the world gets just one special train a monthCredit: Nishikigawa Railway
The station is only used as a viewpointCredit: Nishikigawa Railway
Trains stop for around 15 minutes to look over the riverCredit: Nishikigawa Railway

Built in 2019, it cost around 112 million yen (£533,000) at the time.

The station has no entrances or exits, so the only way to get to the station is by train.

But don’t expect any scheduled services, or even any commuter trains.

Trains only stop there on request, as there is nothing else nearby such as houses or roads.

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In fact, the station was only built to be a viewing platform stop, as it overlooks the Nishiki River.

Despite predictions of up nearly 5,000 passengers a year, as few as 1,000 make the visit there – work out to fewer than three a day.

If you want to see it for yourself, there is a special sightseeing train that runs once a month.

This has to be reserved in advance, with a minimum of 15 passengers for the service to run.

Tickets cost 5,000 yen (£24) for adults and 4,000 yen (£20) for kids, and includes round trip train tickets and a bento lunch box.

Pay an extra 1,000 yen (£4.80) for an upgraded snack box which includes sake or specially made sweets.

Otherwise other regular trains on the Nishikigawa Seiryū Line run through the station, but do not stop.

When it comes to lonely stations in the UK, there is one that has jut 68 passengers a day.

Elton and Orston station, Lincolnshire, on the East Midlands Railway, network was named one of the least used stations in the UK in 2024.

Otherwise there is also Denton in Greater Manchester, which has just one train service a week on Saturday morning called the Denton Flyer.

Here are the world’s most beautiful train stations.

And a new train station is set to be the world’s biggest – costing £5.82billion with 16,000 passengers every hour.

Other trains pass through but do not stopCredit: Nishikigawa Railway
Tickets for the monthly scenic train are around £25ppCredit: Nishikigawa Railway

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Shock as top UK beach turns from pebbles to sand OVERNIGHT

Aerial view of the white cliffs of Birling Gap with a narrow sandy beach and foamy ocean waves, with green hills and a lighthouse in the background.

IF you prefer the soft sand under your feet on a beach then you’re in luck as there is a new one in the UK.

Birling Gap beach, near Eastbourne, has turned from a pebble beach into a sandy beach overnight.

Birling Gap has changed from a pebble to a sandy beachCredit: Alamy
The beach is now full of sand after the UK stormsCredit: EDDIE MITCHELL.

The extreme weather caused by the winter storms sweeping the UK is thought to be behind the unusual change.

Along with sand being pulled in my the storms, it was believed the rocks on the beach were then pulled out to sea.

The National Trust explained: “The action of strong waves during storms and high tides can reveal sandy patches on the beach, which are usually covered by flint pebbles at other times of the year.

“This year has seen a higher than usual amount of sand appearing.

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Locals have raved about their ‘new’ beach.

Local Mary Sievwright told the BBC the beach was now “beautiful”.

She added: “It would have been great fun when I was a kid because we all had to scramble over pebbles the whole time.

“Whereas 1769660425 you’ve got loads of nice places to put your towel down and sit with your family.”

Another local said; “I’ve never seen sand there – and I have lived here for nearly 29 years!”

However, don’t expect it to be for good as it was “not a regular occurrence”.

A National Trust spokesperson said which the beach was “known for seasonal changes,” this is unlikely to last so people should “enjoy it while they can”.

Beachgoers are currently advised to stay away from the beach after two families were rescued, following access steps were damage to the steps caused by a cliff gall.

The National Trust currently states: “There is no beach access until further notice.”

A number of beaches in the UK face being lost for good due to erosion.

Blackpool is investing £30milllion across their coastline in beach defences in a bid to preserve the sands.

Holderness Coast in East Riding of Yorkshire, is currently reporting some of the highest rates of erosion in Europe, losing up to 12 metres a year.

And here is a secluded beach in the UK you can now only get to by boat.

The beach is temporarily closed due to damage to the stepsCredit: Alamy

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Are these the caravans of the future? New ‘capsules’ that are more like a luxury hotel could launch across the UK

FORGET everything you know about holiday parks – as a new age of caravans could change them entirely.

Caravan holidays have been a popular, and low cost, alternative to holidays abroad, for the last 100 years.

The new caravan designs last decades longer than standard designsCredit: WNS
He said they feel more like luxury hotel roomsCredit: WNS
They are also more insulated so can be stayed in all year roundCredit: WNS

Yet new designs could change the design of them, with many having not changed in decades.

Welsh designer Craig Ledwards has revealed his own creations, likening to them a luxury hotel room instead.

He told local media: “Caravans haven’t changed over the past 70 years.

“They’re exactly the same style as they’ve always been – no insulation so there’s always condensation in it, smell damp, and the layout is the same.

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“But this is totally different, it’s open-plan living. It feels like you’re entering a luxury hotel room.”

Like hotels, guests can access them using key cards which are then slotted in for the electricity.

Inside are marble bathrooms and projectors in the ceiling, as well as full glass walls.

Small balconies are also part of the outdoor space, as well as a rooftop window for stargazing while inside.

He has already introduced them to north Wales last year.

He added: “It’s as far away from a static caravan as you can get – the only thing that’s the same is the size, we’ve designed it to be the same size so it can replace an old one without having to change the footprint or service connections.”

Each one, costing around £35,000 to build, is fully insulated so they can be stayed in all year round.

Not only that, but he says they have a lifespan of 50 years – much longer than standard caravans which is between 15 and 20 years.

They have been met with some skepticism, however.

Some have said that the all-glass models may not retain heat during the colder months, even if well insulated.

And a National Caravan Council spokesperson said: “New designs such as ones imported from China may appeal to a niche audience, drawn to contemporary styling and different layouts,” they said.

“But widespread appeal will depend on how well they meet the expectations of the UK holiday park market, the access to spare parts, the availability of reliable and timely after-sales service and those who are responsible for licensing their use.”

Here’s what it’s like inside the world’s most expensive caravan.

And here’s another futuristic caravan with self-driving tech.

Some expert have raised concerns over the glass windows and insulationCredit: WNS
They pods could become the new norm of caravan parksCredit: WNS

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The UK city set to get multi-million ‘waterfront beach district’ with saltwater lido and new pier

SWANSEA is getting a massive revamp and new plans for its ‘waterfront district’ have now been revealed.

Renders show off what the Swansea Civic Centre area could look like in a matter of years with plans for a saltwater lido and even a pier.

Ambitious development plans for the Civic Centre site in Swansea have been revealedCredit: Swansea Council
In a matter of years, the waterfront area could completely transformCredit: Alamy

Plans created by Urban Splash, a regeneration company, include the addition of new waterfront cafes, bars, beach sports shops and even what appears to be a new pier.

Other attractions will be an aquarium and a new saltwater lido – which will be a first for the city.

The plans have been developed by Urban Splash which was appointed by Swansea Council as part of a 20‑year regeneration partnership covering key sites around the city.

The company has described the ‘waterfront district’ as being a place “where the city truly meets the beach”.

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Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “These emerging proposals for the Civic Centre mark another important chapter in Swansea’s ongoing regeneration story.

“This site has the potential to become a vibrant new focal point on our waterfront, bringing together homes, leisure, culture and public spaces in a way that complements the huge investment already transforming our city.

“By reimagining how this area can be used, we can support local jobs, boost our economy and create new opportunities for residents and visitors.

The plans are not final and have been released ahead of a public consultation at the end of the month where residents will get a chance to give feedback.

Other areas around the city set to be regenerated by Urban Splash include the Hafod Copperworks and Porth Copr.

Urban Splash initiatives, including the unveiling last autumn, of plans for a riverside site in St Thomas.

In autumn, the company revealed its plans for the riverside site in St Thomas where it plans to build a six-storey building, as well as a central green street, shared gardens and improved river walkways.

The waterfront area of Swansea isn’t the only part of the city getting a new look as revamped Castle Square is expected to be completed by late 2026.

Work began in summer 2025 to transform the square with much more usable public space along with new cafes with shaded areas for families.

Work is currently going ahead to transform Castle SquareCredit: Unknown

There will be new water jets with mini-fountains from the paved area which will take the place of the popular water features.

On another level is a viewing platform across the square, along with a large screen showing live sporting events.

Below will be a bandstand-style stage with a large screen for public events, new seating areas and upgraded paving.

These works form a wider part of the regeneration project in Swansea costing £1billion.

For more upgrades, here are the English seaside towns and cities getting multi-million pound upgrades next year – with new rides and attractions.

Plus, this town in the UK is getting a huge new beachfront attraction costing £100million – and work has finally started.

New renders reveal the plans for a lido and new pier in SwanseaCredit: Swansea Council

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