IT might seem too early to think about the New Year, but if you want to ring in 2027 with style, you’ll need to act fast.
Tickets for the spectacular London firework display go on sale today – and they’re bound to sell out quickly.
See in the New Year at one of the most spectacular firework displays in the worldCredit: PATickets go on sale today priced between £20 and £55Credit: EPA
Tickets for the show will be released in two batches with the first on sale midday today.
Tickets are priced between £20 to £55 (excluding the booking fee) and one person can buy up to four tickets.
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The price of tickets depends on the viewing area which is split into different categories.
The category A viewing area includes places like Waterloo Bridge and Westminster Bridge – these tickets are priced at £55.
Meanwhile, Category B is priced at £40, with spots like behind the London Eye and the stretch of Victoria Embankment from Golden Jubilee Footbridge to Temple Avenue.
It also includes accessible areas which is on Albert Embankment.
Anyone who has a London postcode is in luck as locals get a £20 discount.
Last year around 100,000 ticketholders attended the event and around 10million people watched on TV.
If you miss out on the first batch of tickets, a second lot will be released later on.
However a date for this hasn’t been announced yet.
For more information and to buy tickets, head here.
What’s it like to go to London’s NYE fireworks?
Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding reveals that the evening has in store…
“Get your group chat organised now – you can buy up to four tickets each, so if you want more you’ll need a few people online.
“And whatever you do, do not refresh the page – you will lose your place in the queue.
“The NYE fireworks for 2023 were my first and I can’t deny I was impressed.
“There were also no queues and no crowds once in the zone, allowing us to secure a great spot to watch the breathtaking 12-minute display.
“If going, definitely opt for one of the Category A zones – these have the best views of the fireworks, whereas the Category B zones are often interrupted by skyscrapers.
“Make sure you do head there for 8pm as it isn’t the only New Year’s event on, which means the tube is often packed.
“And bear in mind, the station closest to your gate may be closed to manage the flows of people better.
“As for what to wear, you will get warm but do make sure you have layers as the breeze from the river is chilling.
“Don’t worry about taking a chair – you’ll dance as you wait.
“To save some money though, do take some tinnys – small cocktail cans are great as they don’t weigh much or take up too much room in a bag.
“If you get hungry, there are plenty of food stalls around.”
THE best hotels and resorts in Europe have been revealed and two in the UK have made the cut.
The annual World Travel Awards has named everything from beach resorts to city stays.
The Chancery Rosewood in London has been named Europe’s Leading New Hotel 2026Credit: Booking.comIt opened in September last year and has an underground swimming poolCredit: Booking.com
The good news for us Brits is that there are two in the UK – one in London and the second is a floating hotel in Edinburgh.
The Chancery Rosewood in London which opened its doors in September last year has been named Europe’s Leading New Hotel 2026.
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The Grade II listed building is on Grosvenor Square and is considered one of the most expensive hotels in the country.
It has 144 suites, some of which even have steam rooms and two-person bathtubs.
On the roof are the two penthouses named Elizabeth and Charles which are 350sqm in size, and even come with private butler.
Start saving – they can cost £20,000 a night.
Otherwise the hotel has a whopping eight restaurants and bars, 24-hour in-room dining and a spa with a 25metre long swimmingpool and fitness studio.
The other hotel mentioned on the list is Fingal Hotel in Scotland which was named Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel.
It’s unlike most others as the hotel is inside the Northern Lighthouse Board ship that is permanently docked in the Port of Leith.
It has 23 custom- designed cabins onboard with super-king beds, tartan textiles,and Art Deco styling with a sun terrace, restaurant and bar.
The Fingal Hotel in Scotland is onboard the Northern Lighthouse Board shipCredit: Booking.com
A one-night stay for two adults starts from £279.
When it comes to hotels abroad, Ikos Odisia in Greece is one to talk about – it’s won Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort at the World Travel Awards for three years in a row.
The hotel in Corfu sits on the edge of Dasia Bay – it has Mediterranean-style rooms, 10 swimming pools and a private beach.
With its ‘All Inclusive Plus’ package, guests have unlimited access to all restaurants and bars, as well as beach and pool food and beverage service with drinks, cocktails and snacks.
There’s 24-hour complimentary room service, guests can also use the Local Discovery programme which includes the use of a Tesla for one full day during the stay.
It also includes free museum tickets (one museum ticket per person, per stay) and 30-minute complimentary beachside childcare for children four and up.
The Cullinan Belek in Turkey is the Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort this yearCredit: Booking.comIkos Osidia has a generous all-inclusive package including use of a TeslaCredit: Booking.com
Named as Europe’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort is Cullinan Belek in Turkey.
It’s been described as having true ‘glitz and glamour’ with 600 rooms in total some of which are private family villas or rooftop suites with Jacuzzis.
When one Sun Writer checked into the Cullinan Belek, she found her room came with its own pillow menu.
Her Superior Duplex room also had “top-of-the-range tech to control lights, curtains and air, plus divine Bvlgari toiletries in the two bathrooms.”
She added: “But the real treat is the swim-up infinity pool which lapped my second-floor terrace, overlooking the main resort.”
There’s a gym with a Pilates reformer stand, yoga room, Hyrox zone and the hotel has its own golf course.
Almar Lido Jesolo in Italy is right on the beach with incredible views from the roomsCredit: Booking.com Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas has won Europe’s Leading Beach ResortCredit: Unknown
Meanwhile, Almar Lido Jesolo in Italy has been named Europe’s Leading Beach Hotel.
Fifty minutes away from Venice, the hotel has 184 rooms as well as a 70metre pool heated to three different temperatures.
Even the gym overlooks the sea, otherwise head to the ocean as there is a path down to the private beach.
Another beach hotel that made it onto the award winners list is Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas which won Europe’s Leading Beach Resort.
It’s considered one of the most luxurious in Crete – the five-star resort has everything from five tenniscourts and a scuba diving centre, to a swimming pool and two private beaches.
There are lots of rooms to choose from but one of the most impressive is the Island Bungalow Waterfront which has direct access to the water.
When it comes to Europe’s Leading New Boutique Hotel, the Avali by Mar-Bella Collection in Corfu has been named the best.
The hotel is on the smaller side with 76 rooms and suites, some of which have private rooftop pools.
There’s an option to go all-inclusive (which comes with unlimited ice cream) as well as 30-minutes free use of a canoe and pedalo.
It’s not all about relaxing though, the awards even highlighted the best Theme Park Hotel in Europe which went to The Land Of Legends Kingdom Hotel in Turkey.
Avali by Mar-Bella Collection in Corfu is Europe’s Leading New Boutique HotelCredit: TUI Guests at the Kingdom Hotel get unlimited access to the Land of Legends theme parkCredit: Unknown
For any fan of the theme park its ideal as guests of the hotel get included and unlimited access to the attraction.
This includes its rollercoasters and Aqua Land waterpark, and a complimentary shuttle bus and access to the private beachfront.
Next door is the newly opened Nickelodeon Hotel which opened just last year – it has character meet-and-greets throughout the day with free gaming stations and a kids’ club.
Here are all the hotels and resorts in the Winners 2026 list…
Europe’s Leading Airport Hotel 2026 – NH Lyon Airport, France
Europe’s Leading All-Suite Hotel 2026 – THE VIEW Lugano, Switzerland
Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2026 – Ikos Odisia, Greece
Europe’s Leading Beach Hotel 2026 – Almar Lido Jesolo, Italy
Europe’s Leading Beach Resort 2026 – Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, Greece
Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2026 – Fingal Hotel, Scotland
Europe’s Leading Boutique Resort 2026 – Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection, Italy
Europe’s Leading Casino Resort 2026 – City of Dreams Mediterranean, Cyprus
Europe’s Leading City Hotel 2026 – Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, Türkiye
Europe’s Leading Design Hotel 2026 – 1908 Lisboa Hotel, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Entertainment Hotel 2026 – Seven Visions Resort & Places, The Dvin, Armenia
Europe’s Leading Family Resort 2026 – Sani Resort, Greece
Europe’s Leading Heritage Hotel 2026 – Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest
Europe’s Leading Hotel 2026 – Estoril Vintage Hotel, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Hotel & Spa 2026 – Almar Timi Ama Villasimius, Italy
Europe’s Leading Island Resort 2026 – Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Ireland
Europe’s Leading Landmark Hotel 2026 – The Phoenicia Malta
Europe’s Leading Leisure Resort 2026 – Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Greece
Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2026 – Hyatt Regency Vilamoura Algarve, Portugal
BRITS could face hefty fines if caught smoking, or playing loud music at one popular holiday spot.
In some cases, the penalty could be as much as £2,500.
In areas of Tenerife it’s now it’s been banned to smoke on the beachCredit: Getty It’s also been banned to be disruptive around natural swimming poolsCredit: Getty
The area of La Laguna in Tenerife, has approved new rules banning smoking, camping, overnight stays and disruptive music on its beaches and natural swimming pools.
The announcement was made on October 7 and has been put in place to protect the coastline.
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Under the new rules, beaches within the areas and natural pools are now smoke-free.
It also stops visitors from leaving rubbish behind including soap and shampoo in public showers.
THE biggest tropical waterpark in the UK will close at the end of October – and won’t reopen until 2027.
Waterworld in Staffordshire is a year-round attraction for families, thanks to its 30C temperatures.
The UK’s biggest tropical indoor waterpark will close on November 2Credit: Facebook/Waterworld Aqua ParkIt will undergo upgrades and is expected to open in early 2027Credit: Facebook/Waterworld Aqua Park
But after the end of October half-term, Waterworld will temporarily close for upgrades to its waterpark.
It is expected to reopen early next year, although no date has been confirmed.
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Visitors can enjoy the last day of thrills on Waterworld’s 30 rides and attractions on November 1 along with a live DJ.
Wayne Goodall, managing director of Waterworld Leisure Resort, said: “Our closing party is the perfect chance for visitors to make a last splash with us before we close for a short time to make exciting changes across the Aqua Park.
“At its heart, Waterworld offers families a place to spend time together, escape from everyday life and enjoy that holiday feeling, whatever the weather.
“The upgrades we have planned are set to build on that sense of fun and enhance the way we tell our story, creating a more immersive experience for our guests. We can’t wait to reveal more about the upcoming investment soon.”
He added that the Adventure Mini Golf and Adventure Mini Village will remain open.
The tropical waterpark sits at 30C even in the winter along with slides like the Space Bowl which is shaped like a UFO.
Nucleus is a popular water rollercoaster, there’s also Stormchaser and Cyclone.
The waterpark is also home to Thunderbolt, which is the UK’s first trap door drop slide.
On November 1 will be the ‘Last Splash’ partyCredit: Waterworld
As well as the main wave pool, there are river rapids and the Jungle House is suitable for youngsters with water cannons and the monsoon monster splash.
The bubble pools are a more relaxing spot away from the high-speed watercoasters thrills.
During the summertime, there’s an outdoor pool open to visitors too.
Of course, the waterpark is still available to book now with tickets available for £17.50 – for children under three-years-old tickets start from £7.
Away from the waterpark, there are two mini golf courses inside the resort, each with 18-holes as well as a mini Adventure Village with everything from doctors to libraries.
Both of these attractions will remain open throughout the rest of the year.
At Waterworld Resort is also two mini golf coursesCredit: Refer to sourceThe play village opened three years ago in 2023Credit: Refer to source
There’s also a restaurant, cafe and gift shop on-site which are also expected to remain open.
In recent years, the attraction has undergone a number of renovations.
One of the newest additions to the waterpark as well is the M Club Spa and Fitness.
In 2023, it opened its new £250,000 immersive play village, then in 2024, £13million was spent on behind-the-scenes upgrades to the waterpark.
IF you’re planning your 2027 holiday already, then you can get ahead of the curve with these 10 destinations.
A new report released by Expedia has revealed the trending hotspots for next year, which have seen a boom in searches.
Along with the soon-to-be-popular destinations, it also looked at other trends, such as set-jetting (destinations popular after being featured in films or TV shows) as well as ‘trip snacking’ which are shorter, sometimes only 24-hour, trips.
Called the Unpack ’27, Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin explained: “In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.
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“We’re making it easier to discover, plan, and book the right trip, so travellers can spend less time managing the details and more time enjoying the moments that matter.”
Here are the 10 destinations set to be big next year.
South Lake Tahoe has seen the biggest rise in searchesCredit: Alamy
The destination that has seen the biggest jump in searches is South Lake Tahoe, up 195%.
This is one for the outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its beautiful mountain ranges and huge lake.
It is a year-round resort, meaning it is great for hiking in the summerskiing in the winter.
Brits will need to fly to the main Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Nevada, which requires a layover at another US airport.
Hyogo, Japan
Hyogo is a great alternative destination in JapanCredit: Alamy
Japan is on everyone’s lips right now, but ditch Tokyo and Kyoto for Hyogo.
The prefecture in the Kansai region has seen searches increase by 95%.
It’s main attraction is Himeji Castle, as well as its hot springs too and world-famous Kobe beef.
To get there, Brits can fly to Tokyo or Osaka, then hop on a domestic flight or high speed train.
Punta del Este, Uruguay
Punta del Este is loved by celebsCredit: Alamy
Nicknamed the St Tropez or Monaco of South America, searches to Uruguay‘s Punta del Este are up 65%.
This is where the rich and the famous often visit, with luxury beach resorts lining the beach visited by celebs such as Shakira and Naomi Campbell.
While it is mainly known for its resort like, with yacht clubs, casinos and nightclubs, make sure to visit the unusual La Mano, a huge human hand sculpture from the 1980s.
Flights here from the UK will require a stopover, most likely in Madrid or Brazil.
Sedona, US
The landscape of Sedona is popular with hikersCredit: Alamy
The desert city of Sedona in Arizona is also booming in popularity.
With searches up 55%, the destination is most known for its huge red rock formations, which have hundreds of walking and hiking trails.
It’s unique landscape means it was also used to film a number of movies (mainly Westerns between 1940 and 1960), leading to it’s nickname of Arizona’s Little Hollywood.
Brits wanting to visit should fly to Phoenix Airport, then rent a car to drive there.
Busan, South Korea
Busan is Korea’s second city and has an amazing beachCredit: Alamy
KPop Demon Hunters, KBeauty and new Virgin Atlantic flights from the UK – it’s safe to say Korea is having a moment.
But outside of Seoul, the city of Busan has seen searches up by 50 per cent.
The second-largest city in the country, it is known for its huge sandy beach (best seen from the Busan X the Sky observation deck on floor 100) and the huge Lotte World Adventure theme park.
To get there, fly to Seoul from the UK then take the high speed train to Busan.
Holbox, Mexico
Holbox is a tiny island with no cars, and it getting popular with touristsCredit: Alamy
The tiny, car-free island of Holbox has been a popular destination with backpackers wanting to get off the beaten track.
But the Mexican island has since seen a jump in searches, up 45%.
Beautiful soft sand beaches, clean blue waters and colorful streets of graffiti and cheap tacos – what more could you want?
Fly to Cancun Airport, then take a bus and a ferry to get to the island.
Perugia, Italy
The historic hilltop city of Perugia in the Umbria region of Italy is a must for chocolate fansCredit: Alamy
The only mainland European destination to make the list, Perugia has seen searches increase by 35%.
Found on the hilltop, the Umbria capital is one for the foodies, being famous for its chocolate (and annual chocolate festival).
There is also Jazz festivals, historic fortresses and beautiful architecture to explore as well.
It is super easy to get to as well – Ryanair have direct flights from London Stansted from £20.
The Tweed, Australia
The Tweed is still barely known by BritsCredit: Alamy
Most people won’t have heard of The Tweed in Australia,
But searches for the New South Wales region have gone up by 35%, according to Expedia.
It is known for its river trails and national parks, sharing a border with Queensland.
This makes it easier to get to, with Brits needing to fly to Sydney of Melbourne followed by an internal flight.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada has an unusual British historyCredit: Alamy
The Ontario town, Niagara-on-the-Lake, has seen searches 35% up.
It is often said to be one of the region’s prettiest towns, and is where Niagara River meets Lake Ontario.
Expect Victorian architecture – it was built by Brits as a military defence – and unique ice wines.
Brits need to fly to Toronto Pearson Airport, followed by a drive to get there.
Chichester, UK
The small city of Chichester weirdly has seen a boom in searchesCredit: Alamy
Bizarrely, the English city of Chichester made the list as well.
With searches up 30, the city is known for its 1,000 year old cathedral as well as its even older 2,000 year old Roman history.
It is also the only city in West Sussex, although remains one of the UK’s smallest with just 29,000 locals.
OUR new Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see, do and enjoy in your favourite holiday hotspots.
This week we are discovering the delights of Scotland‘s Isle of Arran with recommendations from Graham Omand, manager at the Lagg Distillery.
MUST SEE/DO
Graham says: “I have to mention a visit to Lagg Distillery, a place I’ve been calling home for the past six years. Not only is it a modern architectural masterpiece, it is the home of Lagg Single Malt.
“Along with multiple tours and tastings options, there’s also a shop full of bespoke items and gifts, and a cafe with views that stretch from Ailsa Craig to Northern Ireland.
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“There’s no better place to fall in love with peated whisky and learn about the local rich distilling history.”
HIDDEN GEM
“It is impossible to visit the island without admiring its picturesque coastal villages,” says Graham.
“Enjoy a drink in Corrie while looking at seals or sunbathing on the beach.
“Or grab a bite to eat in Lamlash while staring at the majestic Holy Isle at sunset. Or go for a wander around Lochranza Castle spotting otters playing on the rocks and deer roaming the hills. Magical.”
BEST VIEW
Graham says: “Arran is a walker’s paradise. You could choose the classic Goatfell, the highest mountain we have on the island, or other famous walks like the one to King’s Cave, to Machrie Moor standing stones, the many Glens and more.
“Expect breathtaking panoramic views, wildlife encounters and unforgettable memories.”
The Arran hills are beautiful from afarCredit: AlamyThe beaches are worth a visit even in winterCredit: Alamy
RATED RESTAURANT
“There are so many restaurants, pop-up cafes, food vans and more that offer modern and classic dishes with local produce such as venison or seafood,” says Graham.
“The Mara Fish Bar & Deli in Corrie does amazing seafood platters with fantastic views to enjoy.
“There is also the Blackwater Bakehouse & The Bread Shed for fresh bread and croissants.
“The Corrie Hotel is also great for lunch and dinner. And don’t miss the chance for a scoop at Arran Ice Cream.”
BEST BAR
Of course, Graham recommends the Lagg Distillery for a tipple or two with tours and tastings from 10.30am to 4.30pm, Tuesdays to Sundays.
Also worth a visit is the Douglas Hotel, which Graham says has some of the best views of Goatfell mountain.
HOTEL PICK
Tucked away on the west coast of the island, the Kinloch Hotel has 22 rooms as well as self-catering apartments, many with stunning sea views.
The family owned property promises a peaceful retreat.
The restaurant offers hearty local cuisine including a seafood platter with local fish, Highland venison sausages as well as island treats such as Arran Dairies ice cream and Wooleys oat cakes.
After a day exploring, go for a relaxing dip in the indoor pool or enjoy a sauna. Rooms cost £135, based on two sharing. See kinloch-arran.com.
A NEW travel requirement for Brits has been pushed back again despite being scheduled for late 2026.
The new system called ETIAS will eventually be required for UK citizens and other non-EU nationals to enter countries within the Schengen Area.
The new ETIAS system has been pushed back with no start dateCredit: GettyThe requirement is different from EES which is already in placeCredit: REUTERS
However ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, has been delayed again.
An ABTA official has now confirmed there is “no official launch date for ETIAS” – although some people are being caught out by scam websites.
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According to Travel Gossip, there are as many as 150 websites claiming to sell ETIAS.
ABTA previously warned: “People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud. There’s a risk of losing money and possibly personal data too.”
ETIAS is essentially a visa waiver that is linked to your passport and says you can visit a country.
This is different from the EES system which is currently in place that tracks you when you eventually visit that country.
Any national who is visa-exempt, including Brits, will have to get ETIAS authorisation.
ETIAS will be valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires – whichever is soonest.
To get ETIAS authorisation, you will need to visit the official ETIAS website and follow the instructions on its portal.
It will be required to pay for ETIAS too, much like with an ESTA for America.
ETIAS is expected to cost €20 (£17) per person, but travellers under 18 and over 70 do not need to pay the fee (though they still have to apply for one).
Brits have been warned to ignore any website ‘selling’ ETIASCredit: Alamy
SEARCHING for sun in November but don’t know where to find it? Here are five great options with temperatures well over 20C.
Whether you’re after short-haul breaks or lengthy holidays, check out these destinations where you’ll certainly get a healthy dose of vitamin D.
Thailand is a popular spot for autumn and winter sun thanks to its high temperaturesCredit: AlamyMorocco has bustling cities and some are on the coast if you fancy a beach breakCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Morocco
For a bit of autumn sun that isn’t far or breaks the bank, Morocco is a solid option.
Brits can get there in less than three hours and the country basks in highs of 24C in November, while the UK average highs of between 10-12C.
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Marrakesh is one of the most popular cities with Brits with vibrant markets, souks, palaces and pretty hotels.
Essaouira on the other hand sits on the Atlantic Coast and has sandy beaches if you fancy heading for a beach break.
Meanwhile, the city’s capital of Rabat is another coastal spot that’s considered an ‘understated seaside gem’ and has enormous royal palaces.
In November, return flights to Essaouira and Rabat can be as little as £28.
Holidays are affordable too for a quick break – two adults can check into Las Palmeras in Marrakesh for four-nights from £279pp or £34.87pppn.
This includes return flights to London Gatwick, a full board stay at the four-star hotel which has an outdoor swimmingpool, on-site restaurant and wellness area with treatments available.
Thailand
Bangkok has just been named the ‘world’s best city’Credit: Alamy
Thailand is a popular autumn and winter destination for Brits seeking some sun and it has highs of 34C in November.
There’s something for everyone from its bustling cities to beautiful coastlines and incredible islands.
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok was recently named the best city in the world by Conde Nast Traveller being praised for its “buzzy markets, glittering palaces and captivating religious sites unite – street food sellers dishing up tasty food between them all, of course.”
If getting out of your city and lazing about on a beautiful island is more your bag, it’s very easy to get from the mainland across to the likes of Phuket, and Koh Samui.
The likes of Eva Air and Thai Airways offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok in November from around £831.
If you opt for a stopover – these can be much cheaper with some dropping to almost half the price.
Air Arabia offers a roundtrip from London Gatwick to Bangkok International Airport from £484 with a two hour layover at Sharjah International Airport.
With Expedia, 10-day package holidays to Bangkok are around £800 – including direct return flights and accommodation, breaks to the neighbouring island of Koh Samui package breaks here with Expedia around £760.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai has luxury hotels, street food markets and enormous waterparksCredit: Alamy
Thanks to its hot desert climate and very little rainfall, Dubai is ideal for autumn sunshine.
From its luxury five-star hotels to beaches, incredible restaurants and shopping scene, Dubai is known for glitz and glamour.
However you can visit on a budget too as Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey and Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski when they visited the city.
They lots of tasty treats at the Grand Souk, like breads stuffed with cheese or Nutella for £1.22, or Iranian falooda — a sorbet-like dessert made of thin rice noodles and syrup — for £1.
When its time to cool off, head to one of Dubai’s many waterparks like Aquaventure World with day passes from £50 – but it is so huge, you’ll have to spent the day there.
With Thomas Cook, a 10-night stay for two starts from £720pp including return flights from London Gatwick departing on November 22.
The hotel has a swimming pool, beach volleyball set up, and bar a grill along with free shuttle buses to the theme parks – so there’s no need to hire a car.
Or if you’d rather a different holiday vibe, head to Boca Raton which Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot called ‘Florida’s secret paradise‘.
THE historic Birnbeck Pier is currently undergoing an enormous renovation and will open next year for the first time since the 90s.
First look images have been revealed to show what it could look like when visitors can finally step foot onto the structure again.
Birnbeck Pier is currently being restored at the cost of £44millionCredit: Haverstock ArchitectsThe Pier Master’s Cottage will have a cafe and terrace with views of the pierCredit: Haverstock Architects
Birnbeck Pierconnects the mainland to a rocky island in Weston-super-Mare, but has been closed to the public since 1994.
The pier is being restored at a cost of £44million and it has been well-received by locals and visitors who are calling it “excellent news”.
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In recently revealed images, it shows that along with work on the pier structure, surrounding buildings will be restored too like the Pier Master’s Cottage.
This will become a visitor centre and shop which will also be connected to a new modern cafe building and terrace, which will offer impressive views to the pier.
Nearby, the Pier View building which has previously been a café, tea room, dress shop, and even military offices during World War Two, will also be restored.
As for what it will become, that’s yet to be decided, but one option being explored is an ice cream parlour.
The Toll House that’s known locally as the ‘shell shop’, will be restored and has potential to reopen as a concession stand.
As for the island, this will also eventually reopen to the public, but it may not be finished in time for when the pier reopens.
When it is complete, visitors will be able to see the restored clock tower and pavilion.
Also on the island will be the refurbished 1888 Boathouse, which will become a cafe on the top floor and an events space below.
Birnbeck Pier has been closed since the mid-1990sCredit: Alamy
Boats will even be able to dock thanks to the restored North Jetty on the island.
The island used to be very popular thanks to its theme park which had small rides including a miniature railway and water chute.
Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, told the BBC last month that work on restoring the pier is already a quarter of the way through.
He added: “When people will be able to walk on the pier for the first time, I think it will be a magical moment for the many people like me who were born in Weston and have lived here all their lives.
The Boathouse will be restored to become top floor cafe with food and drink and sea viewsCredit: Haverstock ArchitectsBelow will be a community and event spaceCredit: Haverstock Architects
He continued: “People who have seen this crumbling jewel will be delighted to see it restored.
“The North Jetty will enable us to bring in passenger and other ferry services to Weston.”
TORN on where to go on holiday next year? You’re in luck – the cool new places have been revealed.
Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2027 report has looked at which destinations are seeing the biggest year-on-year searches.
This means these are the destinations which are seeing a boom in interest in demand, and much higher than the year before.
Skyscanner boss Bryan Batista said: “Travel is entering a new era.
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“As people become more intentional about how they spend their time and money, they’re making different choices about where they go, how they book and what creates lasting value.”
So here are the top 10 destinations set to be the next big thing for Brits next year.
Yet the beach city of Da Nang has seen searches increase by 68 per cent according to Skyscanner (just after it was named a top 2027 holiday destination by Lonely Planet too).
There’s white sand beaches, but it is also, bizarrely, famous for its two beaches – Golden Beach, which is held between two huge stone hands, or Dragon Bridge which is shaped like the creature itself.
To get there, it is best to fly via places like Singapore or Bangkok, or a short domestic flight from other cities in Vietnam.
8. Sal, Cape Verde
Cape Verde’s Sal is great for no jet lag but hot wintersCredit: Alamy
Cape Verde remains a popular winter sun destination for Brits.
And a 67 per cent increase in searches to Sal means it is getting even more popular.
Hot weather all year round, no jet lag and short direct flights – all you’d need from a warm break from the UK
Flights to the African island are direct, with tour operators like TUI offering affordable package holidays.
9. Kittilä, Finland
Lapland is the best in Christmas, so try KittilaCredit: Alamy
If you want the ideal Christmas break, where better than Lapaland?
With searches up 65 per cent, Kittilä in Finland has it all husky sledding, reindeer safaris and and Northern Lights.
You an even head over to Levi for some fantastic skiing too.
EasyJet fly direct, and they start from £28.99.
10. Guatemala City, Guatemala
Volcanoes and fantastic food is all you need in Guatemala CityCredit: Alamy
The last trending destination on the list is Guatemala City which has seen searches increase 63 per cent.
It is actually the biggest capital in Central America, with everything you could want – fantastic coffee scene and historic museums.
The scenery is pretty stunning two, with a number of volcanoes being the backdrop.
Guatemala’s tourism minister suggested earlier this year that more flights from Europe could connect to the city – but until then, you’ll have to fly via Madrid with Iberia.
TWO HISTORIC Palm Houses that are home to hundreds of rare plants have reopened following an ambitious revamp.
The buildings that are almost 200-years-old are part of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, but were forced to close for five years to repair leaks and rust.
The Palm House in Edinburgh has reopened following a renovationCredit: instagram/@an_italian_in_hortIt’s filled with hundreds of rare plants which were temporarily removedCredit: instagram/@an_italian_in_hort
Plans were first drawn up to upgrade the two Palm Houses in 2017 – but it wasn’t until 2021 when they closed, and then in 2022 the restoration began.
As of October 2, they are now open to the public once again after extensive work costing £23.5million, as reported by The Times.
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During the works, more than five thousand panes of glass were replaced, and the ironwork that had been corroding has been repaired and repainted.
The stone work was renovated and a wall that once separated the two houses has been knocked down.
Around 800 rare plants like palms, conifers, ferns and begonias were temporarily moved during the restoration work – luckily the majority of them survived.
However, one 200-year-old Sabal palm tree had grown too tall for the glass house and couldn’t be saved.
But some of its seedlings have been kept.
The oldest of the two Palm Houses is the Tropical Palm House which was first built in 1834 and was the tallest traditional palm house in the UK at the time.
The second is the Temperate Palm House which was built in 1858 and still remains as one of the tallest traditional palm houses in the world.
Talking to the BBC, David Knott, the director of horticulture at the Botanic Garde, said: “For many people in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland and throughout the world, the palm houses in Edinburgh really are one of the most iconic features of the Botanic Garden here.”
Two structures form the Palm Houses at Royal Botanic Garden in EdinburghCredit: Alamy
NEW passport rules are being rolled out across the UK which will make travelling MUCH quicker.
The government recently announced its new scheme where passengers arriving into the UK will be able to pass through e-gates without scanning their passport.
A new contactless passport system is being rolled out in the UKCredit: AlamyBrits returning into the UK will no longer have to scan their passportCredit: AFP
It has now opened up to passengers returning to the UK via East Midlands airport – the first to use the system.
The government has said that in its testing, the new contactless system is up to 25 per cent faster than current e-gates.
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It will work by passengers having their photo taken at the e-gate – it’s checked by the system, verified against immigration, travel and passport information.
Essentially it takes away the need to both have a picture taken and scan the passport.
Once the checks are complete, the e-gates will open automatically.
If there is a need for further checks, then passengers will need to place their passport on the reader – or they could be asked to see a Border Force officer.
Passengers should still keep their passport with them at all times.
At the moment, the contactless system will be for British citizens only, but will eventually be able to be used by other nationalities.
The new passport system has opened at East Midlands AirportCredit: Alamy
It’s set to be in place at all airports across the UK by early 2027.
Phil Douglas, Director General of Border Force, said: “This is a win for travellers coming to our brilliant country.
“By using state-of-the-art technology, we are making journeys smoother and faster, all while fully maintaining the UK’s robust border security.
“Our digital transformation also builds on our work this summer to extend eGates to children aged eight and above, making life a little easier for families.”
Along with its cosy caravans and lodges, there are some very exciting additions coming its way.
The park has announced it is undergoing a huge £4million upgrade with work starting this November.
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One of the largest upgrades will be to its existing indoor swimming pool which will be expanded to become 18-metres long.
It will also add a new toddler splash area, designed specifically for little children – and for adults, there will be a new jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
The pre-existing gym facilities will also be upgraded.
Its entertainment complex is set to be revamped too with new activities and facilities both indoors and outdoors.
Outside will be a new pirate-themed 9-hole adventure golf course, giant chess and lots of things to do like table tennis, curling – and it will install a padel court.
Inside will be a new soft play area with an upgraded games arcade including interactive darts.
The Hunter’s Bar and Restaurant is being refurbished, and will have a brand-new sports bar, as well as a transformed showbar where there will be entertainment for guests.
A new outdoor terrace will be a new spot that guests can enjoy throughout the year with open-air seating through the summer and covered for when the weather doesn’t play ball.
For those wanting sweet treats, there will also be a brand-new ice cream parlour.
When it comes to accommodation, holiday homes and pitches will be added to the site too.
Currently, guests can stay in basic caravans, to luxury lodges including The Hideout and The Hideaway which have outdoor decks and lots of inside space.
Work is due to start in November of this year with a Grand Opening event planned for Easter 2027.
For those who want to book a break that coincides with the new additions, three-night breaks on April 23 start from £219 – or £18.25pppn.
With this break, a family of four can stay in an Essential Clover Caravan which has two bedrooms (one double, one twin), kitchen and living area.
Simon Lane, CEO of Verdant Parks, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Verdant Parks, our employees, our owners and our holidaymakers.
“We’re committing our biggest investment to date to Thurston Manor Holiday Park and completely transforming what guests can see, do and experience when they visit.
“From the extended swimming pool and new toddler splash area to the new padel court, pirate-themed adventure golf and transformed entertainment offering, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re delighted to reveal our plans for the next chapter of Thurston Manor and we can’t wait to share more details and sneak peeks as the transformation takes shape over the next six months.”
IF you want beautifully hot winters without the long, stopover flights, then an island is about to be on your list.
The island of Mauritius, just off the coast of Madagascar in East Africa, has seen a drop in passengers in recent years.
Mauritius is set to be even easier to get toCredit: AlamyThe island has beachfront resorts and 30C wintersCredit: supplied
According to Travel Gossip, visitor numbers fell by 11 per cent, linked to the Middle East conflict due to the majority of flights operating via Dubai.
However, it also rose slightly back in August, with last-minute bookings to the island.
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Airline Air Mauritius – who currently operates flights from London Gatwick – could add even more from the UK.
Dinesh Burrenchobay, Chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said: “Air Mauritius has committed to increase its frequency back to five flights a week, maybe even six or seven.
“It didn’t commit to a timeline, but I think we will get extra flights from the UK by nextsummer.”
The UK is one of the island’s biggest markets, with as many 150,000 visiting a year.
Air Mauritius UK Country Sales Manager Allan Owen added: “We are looking at the tourist board to increase knowledge of Mauritius and what it has to offer and we will increase capacity in line with rising demand.”
Direct flights from the UK to Mauritius take just under 12 hours.
Le Morne Beach is known for being one of the world’s best beachesCredit: Alamy
However, the time difference can be as little as 3-4 hours, so jet lag is minimal.
Not just that, but January is one of its hottest months with highs of 30C, so its the ideal escape from the cold UK.
When it comes to visiting the island, the north is popular with fly-and-floppers with most resorts lining the beaches.
Otherwise the south of the island is more for the nature fans, with waterfalls and tropical jungles.
One of it’s most famous beaches is Le Morne Beach, often named one of the best in the world.
We’ve found some very cheap holiday deals – local B&B breaks start from £739pp (with flights and seven nights) while beachside resorts start from £999pp on loveholidays.
TRAIN stations are no longer just a place to get from A to B, but are now attractions in their own right.
And a new awards has named some of the most beautiful ones in the world.
The world’s most beautiful stations have been namedCredit: Hufton+CrowA European winner was Lyon Part-Dieu StationCredit: Romuald NICOLAS
The World’s Most Beautiful Stations were revealed by Prix Versailles, a prestigious architecture and design award,
Prix Versailles Secretary General Jérôme Gouadain said they “give us proof that 21st-century passenger stations can be the bridges to a more desirable future”.
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While none in the UK made the list, there were three in Europe.
One was Colosseo – Fori Imperiali Station in Rome which only opened last year on the city’s metro line.
It was praised for turning “travel into an archaeological adventure” as well as its “unexpected view of the Colosseum“.
Another Italian train station on the list was Monte Sant’Angelo Station in Naples.
Said to be inspired by city’s Mount Vesuvius, Dante’s Inferno and volcanic terrain, the dark orange doughnut-like structure above ground was called a “sculpture that the public can enter”.
The final European entry was Lyon Part-Dieu Station in France.
Despite having opened in 1983, it recently underwent a huge update last year.
According to Prix Versailles: “This regional, national and international train station, one of Europe’s top stations in terms of the number of connecting passengers transiting through it, has doubled in size thanks to the architectural teams at AREP and L’AUC, with additional access points and pass-throughs to boot.”
The Colosseo – Fori Imperiali Station is right by the famous ColosseumCredit: Casalgrande PadanaMelbourne’s Town Hall Station was compared to a cathedralCredit: Prix Versailles./Jim StepehensonWestern Station in Riyadh was one of two to win in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Omrania
Outside of Europe, Melbourne‘s Town Hall Station also made the top seven list.
Also a new railway station having opened last year, it was praised for both its “eight imposing columns like trees whose branches hold up the canopy above” as well as its “cathedral-like feel”.
Over in the US, LAX/Metro Transit Center was the only American station to be named one of the world’ most beautiful and one of the most futuristic designs on the list,
Saudi Arabia had two stations in Riyadh to have made the list.
WITH ancient ruins like the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, Athens has long been considered one of the oldest cities in the world – but it’s about to get much more modern.
A new billion-pound seafront regeneration project with a towering skyscraper and luxury shopping has resulted in the city being dubbed the ‘new Dubai‘.
The Ellinikon project which includes the building of a 650 foot tower is underwayCredit: theellinikon.comThe regeneration is taking place on the Athens RivieraCredit: theellinikon.com
A regeneration project called The Ellinikon an estimated €8billion (£6billion) is set to completely transform the area to become its first ‘smart city’.
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At its core is an enormous skyscraper called Riviera Tower – once transformed it will be the tallest building in Greece at over 650 feet high.
Inside will be around 170 luxury apartments including penthouses and each one will have panoramic views over the coastline.
The Ellinikon will also have new additions including ‘Little Athens’, a new neighbourhood right next to the beach with apartments as well as small shops and cafés.
The Riviera Galleria will be a new complex for luxury shopping with 80 new shops covering 10,000 square metres.
At the galleria will also be upscale restaurants, artisan ice-cream parlours, beauty salons and organic markets.
The upscale and luxury aspect mirrors what visitors expect when heading to the seafront neighbourhoods of Dubai.
The ancient city of Athens is considered one of the oldest in the worldCredit: Alamy
In order to entice expats into Greece, the country is also offering tax breaks – much like Dubai which is a playground for the wealthy.
Since its debt crisis in around 2009, Greece has made a ‘remarkable economic recovery’, according to the IMF.
Part of this is thanks to tax breaks aimed at families, young workers and expats.
Under new rules this year, investment professionals who relocate to Greece can pay five per cent on “carried interest” – this is a fraction of the rate in the UK.
The project is being built on the site of the former Ellinikon International AirportCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThere will be new luxury apartments, shopping gallerias and spasCredit: theellinikon.com
Talking to The Times, Henley & Partners, which organises residence and citizenship planning for the rich says interest in moving to Greece has surged.
It’s now the second-most popular destination after St Kitts & Nevis for relocation.
Mario Rafael, a managing director at the firm. said: “Greece is increasingly competing for the attention of the same internationally mobile families considering places such as Milan and Dubai.”
If it does turn into a Dubai-alternative, for Brits it’ll be much easier to get to as the flight is around four hours less.
While it might not be the winter hotspot like the city in the UAE, Athens still has scorching summers too.
IF you are thinking about your next trip but can’t decide where, you don’t have to pick one location…
Instead, you could get an Interrail Pass and travel to multiple destinations across up to 33 countries including Spain, Italy and Greece.
Interrail Passes are currently on saleCredit: Getty
And the good news is that there is currently up to 50 per cent off Interrail Passes.
The sale ends September 30 though, so you’ll need to be quick – though even if you buy today or tomorrow, you’ll have 11 months to use your pass.
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Different passes allow you to travel on trains as many times as you like across a set amount of time.
Instead of £454, you can spend £227 and get a month youth (for 12 to 27-year-olds) rail pass – meaning you can travel on as many trains as you like across the 33 countries for a month.
If you are 28-years-old or above, then it will cost you a little more – £303 instead of £606.
You’ll also have to pay extra if you want to reserve seats on trains or if you want a paper Pass instead of a digital Pass.
There are a number of other Passes available as well, depending on how long you want to travel for.
You can choose between a Flexible Pass or Continuous Pass depending on your travel plans.
The pass allows you to visit 33 countries including Spain and ItalyCredit: Getty
For example, you could get a four days in a month Pass that allows you to travel on as many trains as you like on each of your four travel days, costing £209 per adult.
You can use your four travel days any time within a month of your Pass’ start date.
Other options include five and seven days within a month and 10 days or 15 days within two months.
These passes cost between £235 and £409 per person.
If you know you are travelling continuously across a time period to a number of different destinations, the Continuous Pass might be better.
The different time options for these Passes include 15 days, 22 days, one month, two months or three months in a row.
These passes range between £303 and £433 per adult.
If you suddenly decide you don’t want the Pass, then you can refund or exchange it within seven days as well.
There are flexible and continuous passes to choose fromCredit: Getty
All 33 countries you can visit on an Interrail pass
ANDY Burnham is set to nationalise Avanti West Coast next year as Labour pledges to start “delivering for passengers”.
The Government will take control of the private operator from March 7 as the PM said passengers had been failed “time and time again”.
Avanti West Coast is set to be nationalised from next year, the government has announcedCredit: Getty
An extra £10million is set to be invested in power and signalling maintenance in addition to £840million earmarked for infrastructure on the West Coast Main Line, reports ITV.
The government hopes timetable changes will also improve services for passengers as well as boosted WiFi connectivity.
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It was also announced that Euston station in London will receive a £50million upgrade.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: “For years, we’ve heard stories of Avanti underperforming, with passengers left paying the price. Enough is enough.
“That is why we will bring Avanti into public ownership at the earliest opportunity, in March next year.
“This Labour Government is committed to putting essential services back in public hands, connecting people to opportunity and delivering growth in every postcode and this move reflects that commitment.
“We will also introduce a comprehensive improvement plan, focused on delivering for passengers, not shareholders.”
Avanti West Coast’s contract is due to come to an end on March 7, 2027.
That will leave East Midlands Railway and Cross Country as the only train operators yet to be nationalised.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham blasted Avanti, saying they had failed passengers “time and time again”.
In a post on X he said: “We’re putting essential services back in public hands and building a railway that actually works for the people who use it.”
It comes as Avanti West Coast recorded the highest number of cancellations in the UK this summer, according to analysis by The Times.
That is double the national average as they made 1.4million delay repay claims in the year to March – around a million more than in 2019, according to the outlet.
Andy Mellors, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the last six years – from refurbishing our Pendolino fleet and introducing our new Evero trains to running more services than ever before.
“Together, these improvements have given customers greater choice, more capacity and better connectivity, while we’ve continued to innovate to shape the future of the West Coast and wider rail industry.
“Over the coming months, we’ll work closely with the government to ensure a seamless transition into public ownership while remaining focused on delivering for our customers and communities.”
A reduced timetable will also continue between Christmas and the new year due to engineering works, with the scheduled change aiming to “save taxpayers money“.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay on the island, you’ll want to head to Caleta de Sebo as this is where you’ll find most of the accommodation such as guest houses, apartments and campsites.
And thanks to many of the buildings in the towns being whitewash with low roofs, visitors have previously compared La Graciosa to Mykonos.
Despite being just north of Lanzarote and separated from the holiday hotspot by a narrow strait called El Rio, La Graciosa is far less crowded.
The island only has a population of 700 and thanks its small size – 11.2-square-miles to be exact – it doesn’t take too long to explore.
There are two main villages on the island – with no roads or carsCredit: Getty
The most popular way of exploring the island is by bike, with numerous trails heading to different corners of the island.
WHAT makes a city the best in the world? Well, there are lots of factors that go into it, according to Oxford Economics which has just named the top 100.
Looking at subjects like governance and quality of life, it has created the Global Cities Index 2026 and four UK cities have made the cut, with one coming in second place.
London has been revealed as the second best city in the worldCredit: Getty New York City came in first place according to Oxford EconomicsCredit: Getty
It might be a surprise to some, but London was named second best city in the world – only beaten by New York City.
Oxford Economics made their decision on the factors of economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance.
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Talking about the city, Oxford Economics said: “London remains one of the clearest examples of a truly global city.
“Its influence extends across business, science and technology, education, and the arts, giving it a reach that few other cities can equal.”
It named its top strengths with its universities, large GDP size and low emissions.
It’s not the first time London has been named one of the world’s best cities – earlier this year it was named THE best city by Tripadvisor.
Almost as many as 80,000 people visit every day to see its historic landmarks like Big Ben, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge.
Or its more modern ones like the London Eye, The Shard and the Sky Garden.
And if you want some ideas on what to do in the capital for all ages, Sun Travel has some recommendations for you from its attractions to rooftop bars and free things to do.
The next UK city in the top 100 is Edinburgh in Scotland which came 71st on the list.
Edinburgh came in 71st place – it has a huge castle and cobbled streetsCredit: Getty Images
The historic city has cobbled streets – one of which being the Royal Mile which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Edinburgh also has around 385 pubs, plenty of cafes, independent shops and of course it’s hilltop castle.
Another activity that lots of visitors embark on during a trip to Edinburgh is the hike up to Arthur’s Seat.
The extinct volcano is the highest peak in Holyrood Park just east of the city and you can see across the whole city from above.
Coming in at number 90 on the list is the city of Manchester – it was also named one of the world’s up-and-coming cities.
The publication described the city as “booming” thanks to its “productivity growth”.
It was also praised for its “thriving cultural scene” thanks to its two football clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United – as well as Co Op Live and AO Arena which both hold live events.
For more on what to do in Manchester, one local has lots of recommendations like exploring Warehouse Project for seeing live bands or DJs and stopping by the bars on Canal Street.
Dublin, known for its lively nightlife, came in sixth positionCredit: GettyEuropean cities like Stockholm took up 44 positions in the top 100Credit: Getty
Just about making the list is the city of Cambridge which placed in 100th position.
The city in the East of England is most famous for its prestigious university which is often ranked as being one of the best in the world.
Popular activities include exploring the historic colleges, punting along the River Cam and exploring the shops and its many pubs.
One of which, The Eagle, is where Francis Crick and James Watson burst in to announce they discovered the DNA.
Other cities that deserve a mention are Dublin in Ireland which came in at number six.
It’s is largely known around the world for its lively nightlife, but it also has world-class museums, restaurants and historical sites.
Also in the top 10 were Paris and Zurich, as well as Tokyo in Japan and American cities, Seattle, San Francisco and San Jose.
Within the top 100, Europe represents almost half with 44 cities, a lot also belong in North America with its 34 cities making the list.
There are the top 100 cities according to Oxford Economics…
SCARBOROUGH Spa Cliff Lift was closed with immediate effect last month – with fears it might never reopen.
The funicular is the oldest of its kind in the country and has been described as a ‘landmark’ for the town.
Scarborough’s funicular is the oldest of its kind in the UK first opening in the 1800sCredit: AlamyIt was closed last month due to safety concernsCredit: Alamy
Another assessment that examined the tracks and carriages said that the lift operates in a “challenging coastal environment, where salt-laden air, high winds and severe weather can accelerate wear and corrosion”.
The cliff lift is the oldest of its kind in the country, first opening in 1875.
Originally, it was used to transport passengers between the hotels on the Esplanade and the spa.
It was powered by water and gas engines until the 1950s when it was converted to run on electricity.
The funicular has been subject to coastal erosion due to its proximity to the seaCredit: Alamy
Council leader Carl Les, said: “The lift is an important part of Scarborough’s history and identity, and we recognise the affection people have for this landmark attraction.”
Last year when the attraction turned 150-years-old, live performances and exhibitions were held in the town to celebrate its anniversary.
There are roughly 12 funicular’s left in the UK with fewer that still function.
The Saltburn Tramway, which shut back in January 2026, reopened earlier this month.
And another one that’s set to open next year after a 10-year-closure is Folkestone’s Leas Lift which was forced to close in 2017.
