IF you haven’t heard, Eurostar has got a massive sale on with one-way tickets for as little as £35 across five destinations.
If you fancy a trip over to France, Belgium or the Netherlands, Sun Travel has got some great ways for you to spend a day in each city from food tours to top bars and more.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Eurostar is offering seats from £35 for a city break in JanuaryHelen visited the city of AmsterdamCredit: Helen Wright
First up is the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam and Travel Writer Helen Wright revealed how she would spend a day in the city.
She said: “Amsterdam is known for its cycling culture, but if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, it’s such a walkable city, which is why I love it so much.
“Start in Runstraat, known as the ‘9 Streets’. As well as picturesque canals and bridges, there are lots of cute boutiques and shops to browse. I could spend all day here just grabbing coffee and nipping in and out of the stores, soaking up the laid-back Ditch vibe. If you want a beer, there are lots of fun pubs too.
“It’s here you will find the viral Fabel Friet chip shop – chucky fries topped with truffle and garlic mayo. There is usually a big queue – thanks to TikTok – and unless you’re desperate to try them, I probably wouldn’t wait. Instead, get an outside table at Screaming Beans coffee across the road and enjoy a delicious brew while people watching.
“My best tip is to nip into Banketbakkerij Het Koekemannetje biscuit shop opposite and pick up a hazelnut-filled cookie to have with your coffee. Probably my favourite area is the De Pijp neighborhood.
“It’s very local, with a lot of classic Amsterdam atmosphere. I stay at the Hotel Avani in the Museum Quarter, and it’s a short and easy walk to De Pijp from here.”
Helen continued: “Think quirky bookstores, colourful gardens and lots of traditional Dutch architecture.
“There are two great restaurants in this area too. Arie, a neighbourhood bistro which has all-day drinking and snacking – a nod to the old-fashioned Amsterdam bar scene from the 40s.
“Just around the corner is Cafe Caron, a much-loved local joint that gets booked quickly and has a great menu and arty interior, ideal for lunch or dinner.
“Finally, I love a cheesy ride on a canal bar boat. The tours lack substance but you can’t beat floating on the water in the sun with an Aperol in-hand.”
The Grand Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting BrusselsCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Brussels
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey added: “When it comes to breakfast, Brussels has an amazing coffee scene. My favourite is Wide Awake, serving delicious flat whites in pink marbled mugs, alongside huge chocolate and walnut babkas.
“It gets busy, so you might have to take it to go, or squeeze onto a table with the other locals. Everyone’s first place to explore has to be the Grand Place, the UNESCO-listed central square with both Gothic and Baroque buildings lining the outside.
“It’s where you will find both the Christmas light show in winter, as well as the famous Flower carpet in mid-August, taking place every two years. Of course, Belgium is known for two things – chips and waffles.
“So for lunch, the best places to head are Fritland, which only serves cones of chips but with a range of unique sauces. Then head to one of the Maison Dandoy chains for the fluffiest and light waffles (a classic being the Biscoff).
“To walk it all off, one of the coolest places in the city to explore is Rue de Flandre, named one of Time Out’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Here you’ll find photobooths on the street, independent shops and more cafes and restaurants to explore.
“It’s also a great stop for some of the famous street art littering the city, of which there are hundreds to spot. For dinner, Wolf is a great spot especially if in a group. The indoor food hall has 17 restaurants to choose from, as well as a huge bar in the middle.
“Choose from everything including Italian and Mexican to Ethiopian and Vietnamese. Stay late into the night, with the €2.90 (£2.51) beers some of the best in town and from the on-site microbrewery.”
Caroline has a great spot with views over the Eiffel TowerCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Paris
Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire loves the city, and here’s what she would do in a day. Caroline said: “Paris was the first city (apart from London) that I fell in love with, and in recent years I’d argue that it has got even better.
“My perfect day out would start with a takeaway croissant and coffee from any number of excellent boulangeries, that I’d enjoy while taking a stroll through the many antiques shops in the Marais – or if it’s a Sunday, at the flea market ‘Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen’.
“If you’re travelling back on the Eurostar. it’s easy to fill up an extra bag with second hand jewellery, clothing and other bric a brac. For lunch, I’d go somewhere like Brasserie Lipp and sit at one of the tables in the window to watch the locals go by, as I dined on old-fashioned Parisian bistro food.
“Then in the afternoon, I’d take a stroll by the Seine, hopefully picking up a couple of secondhand books in the ‘bouquinistes’ stalls that operate on the banks, and grabbing a beer at one of the ‘Paris Plage’ river beaches if it’s the summertime.
“Heading into the evening, I’d head to the 18th arrondissement – a less touristy area of the city that’s got a hipster feel, starting out with half a dozen oysters and a glass of white wine for just €14 (£12.13) at La Trincante, followed by a meal at Pantobaguette – a hip little eatery that fuses French and Japanese cuisine.
“Across town in the equally hip 11th arrondissement, I’d have pudding at Folderol, a little store selling only gelato and natural wine, where locals sip their evening aperitif while lounging on the kerb.
“Then, if I’m still standing, I’d finish the night at Bambino, a chic cocktail bar where records line the walls and you can enjoy a terrace view of the Eiffel Tower.”
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill popped into Musée d’Orsay during a trip to Paris
Travel Reporter Alice Penwill ventured to Paris for an extreme daytrip on the Eurostar – and yes you can do all these things in 12 hours.
Alice said: “To start the morning off right, it would be a crime not to pop into one of Paris’ many bakeries, or boulangeries, for a croissant and a coffee.
“Take one to go and stroll along the Seine before heading into the Musée d’Orsay where you can see work by artists like Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.
Notre Dame will be busy, but it’s well worth seeing during your trip
Alice continued: “Afterwards, head back along the Seine to see the beautiful Notre Dame which will be incredibly busy, but that’s not a surprise. And if you’re a fan of books, pop across to the famous bookshop, Shakespeare And Company.
“A great way to explore Paris’ food scene is on the City Experience’s Ultimate Food Tour. We walked through the Marais neighbourhood, tasting award-winning chocolate, macarons, classic French cheeses and onion soup, all while learning interesting tidbits along the way.
“In the Jewish Quarter tuck into a pastrami sandwich, before heading onto a French-Syrian bakery for sweet treats and to top it off, I sampled two French wines, including delicious Chablis – a perfect way to round off the day.”
You can be in Lille in under an hour and a half from St PancrasCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Lille
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “Make sure to start your day with the famous Lille waffle, found at Meert. Said to be a favourite of Charles de Gaulle, the oval shaped pastries are classically filled with vanilla cream and great for an on-the-go snack.
“But to get the lay of the land, a unique way to get around is by vintage car, with tour in Convertable Citreon 2CV car. The guides take you around the beautiful buildings and landmarks, while happily answering questions or stopping for photos.
“End the tour at the local-loved lunch spot Babe Lille, where you will find office workers all taking a break here at midday.
“If you manage to grab a seat, settle in with huge glass of wine and the duck and chestnut poutine which will sustain you throughout the day.
“Just outside the city is La Piscine, a former bathhouse which has been turned into an art museum and is well worth a visit. The central Art Deco stained glass window has since been restored, with the walls now lined with sculptures and artwork.
“To end the day, head to Lille’s only rooftop bar Nu for views over the city. Start with the snails (garlicky and rich, and will convert even first-timers) and end with the rich prawn Milanese risotto.”
Rotterdam is filled with coffee shops and a market with over 100 food stopsCredit: Alamy
Rotterdam
Last but not least is the city of Rotterdam, Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding told us more, she said: “When people think of the Eurostar, they don’t immediately think of heading to Rotterdam, but you could be there in as little as three hours and 16 minutes.
“Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has plenty to explore. In the morning I would start with a walk around Europe‘s largest port, which serves as the ‘Gateway to Europe’.
“Around the port you will find numerous cosy coffee shops, serving great coffee and doughy pastries. Harvest and The Villy are top spots, with a coffee setting you back a few euros.
Cyann recommends seeing the Cube Houses – also known as Kijk-Kubus Museum-house
Cyann continued: “Before lunch make sure to head to the Cube Houses – also known as Kijk-Kubus Museum-house – which costs a few quid to enter. The yellow cube-shaped houses were designed by architect Piet Blom and their main aim is to optimise space on the inside.
“For lunch or dinner, then head to Markthal. This grand building is amazing to experience from inside and out. It was the first covered market in the Netherlands and inside, you will find over 100 different food spots.
“When inside, look at the ceiling – it was creating by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam and has been nicknamed the ‘Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam’.
“Before heading back onto your Eurostar, explore Rotterdam Centraal Station (which is where the Eurostar goes from) which has a modern and futuristic design.”
WEDDING row couple Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay gifted 200 guests a £190-a-pop engraved bottle of tequila and commemorative t-shirt.
The generous duo spent around £40,000 on the presents to thank invitees for their “love and support”.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Newly married Holly Ramsay beams as she carries bags in LondonCredit: Darren FletcherAdam Peaty was also seen hauling bagsCredit: Darren FletcherAdam and Holly are all smiles after tying the knot on their big dayCredit: Splash
They felt indebted to those who attended their nuptials for sustaining them amid the bitter feud which led to most of the Olympian’s family being banned.
The Sun can also reveal the touching service details at Bath Abbey, where they tied the knot on December 27.
Hymns included Come Down O Love Divine and one of the readings was Psalm 127, which tells of the blessings of children – a hint that the couple are keen to start their own family.
‘Incredibly generous’
A source told The Sun: “Holly and Adam were incredibly generous to their guests, lavishing them all with a bottle of tequila embossed their own initials.
Gordon stunned guests when he addressed the furore head on, and slated his son-in-law’s parents.
He said his missus Tana is an “amazing Mum” – adding he can’t say the same about Adam’s parents.
But he said of the happy couple: “Tana will be a good mum to them both.”
In an emotional speech to 200 guests at the celebrity couple’s wedding feast, Gordon had another sly dig at Adam’s estranged folks.
Gordon gushed how “beautiful” his daughter and wife Tana looked – pointing out to Adam he was a “lucky man”.
He addressed his son-in-law: “Look at Tana and that’s what you have to look forward to.”
Then the chef turned to bride Holly and added: “Shame you don’t have the same.”
He lovingly mocked his daughter’s expensive tastes – calling her easily the “most expensive” of his four kids.
Gord had the crowd in hysterics as he revealed how at a young age Holly worked out how to attach his credit card to her Apple pay.
Holly has always wanted to do Vogue, so this is a coup for her.
Source
And the guests roared as he joked how his three other children will have to get married in a registry office due to the extortionate cost of the wedding flowers alone.
Gordon teased his daughter about their Bath Abbey wedding ceremony, laughing at how, “only Holly could pick the most beautiful church and choose to cover its stunning windows in white roses”.
The Sun revealed how stunning Holly – who wore a bridal cape over her wedding dress as she arrived and left the ceremony at Bath Abbey – will be showing the dress off in Vogue magazine, published on New Year’s Day.
A source added: “Holly has always wanted to do Vogue, so this is a coup for her.”
In his own speech at the glittering reception, thrilled groom Adam subtly acknowledged the pain caused by the bitter bust-up with his own family.
He poignantly turned to Mel Marshall, 43, his ex-swimming coach who has acted as his surrogate parent during his dazzling career.
Tearful Adam gushed how Mel has been “everything” to him – “grounding” him and “inspiring” him in recent years. And after an emotional pause the sportsman added she was, “like a Mum”.
Gordon teased his daughter about their Bath Abbey wedding ceremonyCredit: GettyHolly was seen in London on New Year’s EveCredit: Darren FletcherThe generous duo spent around £40,000 on presents to thank wedding guestsCredit: Darren Fletcher
Tellingly Adam thanked everyone for their “support”, adding how it has been a “difficult time”.
The bride had guests dabbing their eyes in emotion after wearing two outfits at their extravagant reception at plush Kin House in Kington Langley, Wilts.
One was her mother’s wedding gown when Tana tied the knot with Gordon in 1996.
A DJ announced the special tribute, sparking a spontaneous round of applause from thrilled onlookers.
Among the guests were David and Victoria Beckham – close pals of the Ramsays – and the A-lister couple danced the night away with all the other guests.
Mobile phones were banned throughout, with guests forced to put them in pouches.
Everyone invited to the nuptials was forced to wear a wristband, embossed with the bride and groom’s initials, to ensure security staff knew they were not interlopers.
I hope you never suffer the depth of pain you have put your mother through and despite it all she loves you still.
Adam’s aunt Louise
And a wedding gift list included a £1,450 green egg outdoor cooker.
The couple also invited guests to buy them a £995 mahogany table, £800 chair and footstool, and £450 log storage bin.
Adam, who turned 31 yesterday, and Holly, 25, banned his loved ones, including his mum Caroline, dad Mark and brothers James and Richard.
The family were left even more distraught amid claims Mark was told by the swimmer’s sister Beth before Christmas he could attend, but had to sit at the back of the church.
Beth was the only member of his family in attendance. She was a maid of honour alongside Holly’s sisters.
Adam had disinvited his great-aunt Janet and her husband Eddie just days before the wedding.
‘Her soul screams’
Adam’s aunt Louise, who was also not invited to the wedding, sent him a message moments before he walked into the abbey with his five-year-old son George, from a previous relationship.
She wrote: “I hope you never suffer the depth of pain you have put your mother through and despite it all she loves you still. Shame on you both. Shame.
“Remember on this, your happiest day, and on each anniversary of your happiest day, that you hurt your mum so deeply her soul screams.”
MADE In Chelsea star Louise Thompson was forced to spend Christmas Eve in hospital amid her ongoing health battle, she has revealed.
The reality star, 35, has faced several health challenges including ulcerative colitis, lupus, and PTSD after giving birth to her son, Leo.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Louise Thompson was forced to spend Christmas Eve in hospitalCredit: Instagram/louise.thompsonThe reality star got candid in a series of postsCredit: Instagram/louise.thompsonShe thanked the NHS in a sweet messageCredit: Instagram/louise.thompson
She had to previously undergo the removal of her entire large intestine (colon) due to her inflammatory bowel condition, which resulted in her getting her life-saving stoma bag.
But on Christmas Eve, Louise revealed she had spent a large chunk of time in hospital having a procedure.
Louise underwent a proctoscopy, which, according to the NHS, is an examination where an endoscopist looks directly at the anal canal with a small rigid proctoscope.
Taking to her Instagram page to reveal her hospital visit and explain what she had done, Louise shared some snaps in a gown.
“Looks dramatic but it wasn’t. I had a proctoscopy today. It’s like a colonoscopy but not as invasive because I don’t have a colon so there isn’t very far the camera can go,” she penned over the first slide.
“Still bloody awkward and a tiny bit uncomfortable but fentanyl is a wonder drug,” she penned.
She then shared a photo of her with a nasal cannula on her face and inserted into her nostrils.
Louise went on to pen: “These appointments are so important and they managed to fit me in quite urgently so I jumped at the offering of a 24th December date, then when it came around I realised the magnitude of it being Christmas Eve.
“What it REALLY made me think was…
“Despite all the chaos of what I’ve been through, I still think we are incredibly lucky to have the NHS which NEVER clocks off in case of emergencies.”
She then added on the next slide: “The NHS never sleeps.
“I had a proctoscope today.
“A nice little Christmas Eve camera up my bum.
“The NHS was still running in full swing. Well not quite, but you know what I mean.
“It prompted me to say a big thank you to everyone that is working as part of the NHS over the bank holidays.”
She then concluded: “Thanks for keeping the country ticking along and for keeping our loved ones alive.”
Reasons for getting a proctoscopy include bleeding from your anus, pain in the lower abdomen (tummy), persistent diarrhoea or changes to your bowel habits.
Louise has always spoken openly about her health woesCredit: Splash
From slaving away in a steamy kitchen, to entertaining endless family members – it’s fair to say Christmas can be pretty relentless for many parents.
These women, however, say they’ve found the perfect solution: swapping home for a Butlin’s mini-break over the festive period. And it costs A LOT less than you might imagine.
Teacher Kim Heath loves taking her two kids to Butlin’s Festive Wonderland on Christmas DayCredit: Kim HeathKim’s children, Olivia-Belle, nine, and Grayson, four, wrote letters to Father Christmas and met him in personCredit: Kim Heath
‘Going to Butlin’s guarantees Christmas will be extra special for the kids’
TEACHER Kim Heath’s lucky kids have holidayed around the globe, but their favourite place to go is down-to-earth Butlins.
Kim, 36, has enjoyed Christmas Day with a difference at the traditional UK holiday camp for the past few years – and her youngsters wouldn’t have it any other way.
She celebrates the occasion with husband Graham, 38, kids Olivia-Belle, nine, and Grayson, four, and members of their extended families.
Kim told The Sun: “Olivia-Belle has been to places like Dubai, Sydney and the Caribbean and we’ve even been to Lapland.
“But she loves Butlin’s because the family are together and everyone’s going to be having fun.”
Butlins was once a top holiday destination for UK families but it’s fair to say its reputation has ebbed and flowed in more recent years.
Kim added: “A lot of our friends say they can’t believe we go to Butlin’s but if you’ve got kids and want to make sure they have an extra special Christmas, it’s magical.
“You can do as much or as little as you like, you can even go swimming on Christmas Day.
“It’s just a really nice place to be.”
The family from Caerphilly, South Wales, are able to save money on the annual festive break thanks to Kim’s father-in-law, who owns an eight-berth caravan at Butlin’s Minehead, Somerset.
She said: “Nowadays, just going to the local farm to meet Santa with the kids can cost £70 whereas at Butlins it’s all included in the site fee, and we’re lucky enough to have the caravan to sleep in.
“My house isn’t big enough for everybody, you’d have to try and squeeze everybody in but this way no-one has to be on their own on Christmas night.
“My mum’s friend stayed with us last year and we’ve met up with other family and friends who are staying separately too.”
Kim’s family have holidayed abroad at luxury destinations – but the kids prefer Butlin’sCredit: Kim HeathGrayson wakes up to a pile of presents in their Butlin’s lodge on Christmas DayCredit: Kim Heath
Last year, Kim and relatives enjoyed a Christmas Eve visit to Santa’s Grotto at the resort and there’s usually a pantomime on offer on the big day itself.
She said: “On Christmas Day, we open presents and then we dive into the activities.
“Everybody’s in a really good mood and everything is open on Christmas Day so you’ll never hear your children say they’re bored.”
When it comes to the big Christmas Dinner, that comes in buffet form.
“Nobody’s really expected to cook,” explained the Butlin’s fan, who lives two and a half hours away from her favourite coastal resort.
Kim’s kids enjoying the wide range of interactive festive activitiesCredit: Kim Heath
“There is no pressure, there’s no one person at home spending the day cooking in the kitchen.
“We’ve travelled around the world, but Butlin’s is so easy – it’s all planned out for you and the children have big smiles on their faces.
“We’ve always had a really lovely time.”
Butlin’s Minehead opened in 1962 and is the largest of the holiday park’s resorts, accommodating up to 7,500 guests in its chalets and apartments.
Facilities on offer include an amusement park and vintage fairground.
Until earlier this month, four-night stays were still available at Minehead Butlin’s from £199.
Anita Workman’s son Grant loves the Christmas shows and panto at Butlin’s at Christmas timeCredit: Anita WorkmanAnita said the resort has extra sparkle during the festive seasonCredit: Anita Workman
“The parks really go to town at Christmas”
The first of the chain’s parks to open in 1936 was Butlin’s Skegness, where mum-of-two Anita Workman, her software engineer husband Dave, and their kids Grant, seven, and Iris, five, have enjoyed Christmas Day.
The family makes the three-hour journey to Butlins Skegness multiple times a year, with Anita finding the resort has extra sparkle during the festive season.
“Butlins is our happy place,” said the stay-at-home mum.
“Your children are only children for a short time, especially when it comes to the magic of Christmas.
“They have the best time of their lives when we go.”
Grant is a big fan of Butlin’s at ChristmasCredit: Anita WorkmanThe fireworks display wows children before an early start to unwrap presentsCredit: Anita WorkmanGrant pictured at one of the Christmas shows, which include the Skyline Snowstorm and Festive movie showingsCredit: Anita WorkmanA redcoat laughs with Grant, seven, and Iris, fiveCredit: Anita Workman
They first made the decision to spend Christmas Day at Butlin’s a few years ago, after Anita’s mother-in-law sadly passed away.
Unable to face an empty seat at their Christmas Dinner table, the family from Bolton, Lancs, opted for their favourite holiday destination instead.
“We had only ever done home Christmases before and we decided to shake things up because it would have been really obvious Dave’s mum wasn’t there,” she says.
“Looking back, it provided more than that.
“The kids loved all the shows. I took them to a local pantomime once, and they were disappointed because it didn’t compare to the Butlins one.
“We loved the fireworks on Christmas Eve too.”
The family enjoyed Christmas Dinner in the site’s main restaurant, which is served buffet style and offers turkey and all the trimmings, plus much more besides.
She said: “If you want to have a traditional dinner on the big day, it’s going to be there but if you fancy something random, that’ll probably be there too.
“Fussy kids can enjoy pizza, chicken nuggets or fish fingers.
“There are crackers on the tables, with Christmas hats to wear. They really go to town.”
Less traditionally, the family’s Christmas Day at Butlin’s was also filled with shows, swimming and fairground rides.
The Workmans opt for premium dining and accommodation when they stay at the park and Anita appreciates the special effort the famous Butlin’s Redcoats make with her children – particularly with Grant, who has autism.
Known for their distinctive red jackets, the frontline staff’s main roles are to host families and provide entertainment.
Magician Stephen Mulhern, the late Des O’Connor and Ian ‘H’ Watkins of Steps fame are among the celebrities who launched their career in showbiz working as a Redcoat.
She said: “The Redcoats can’t be underestimated, they are awesome.
“We like to get into a venue early for a show and they will come and sit and play card games with the kids to entertain them.
“It sounds like something so minor, but it can mean so much to them.”
Up until earlier this month, four-night deals were still available at Butlin’s Skegness from £195.
Grant poses for a picture with special Christmas charactersCredit: ButlinsPJ Masks fans can watch a live show with a festive twist at ChristmasCredit: Anita WorkmanIris enjoys the live entertainment that Butlin’s is famous forCredit: Anita WorkmanThere’s everything from festive pool parties to pottery paintingCredit: Butlins
Benidorm superfans, Roger and Sue Topp, have visited the Spanish beach resort more than 100 times – and this year they’re taking it a step further for their Christmas celebrations
10:48, 16 Dec 2025Updated 10:48, 16 Dec 2025
Roger and Sue Topp, from Leicester, are set to spend Christmas in Benidorm (Image: Handout)
Swapping Turkey for tapas and sprouts for sangria, one UK couple is set to spend Christmas Day in Benidorm – the Spanish seaside resort they’ve visited more than 100 times.
Roger and Sue Topp, from Leicester, have been travelling to Benidorm for more than 35 years and said they practically raised their children there, as it became their “second home.” Roger explained: “We used to do UK holidays, but it was always a gamble with the weather, then we came to Benidorm once, and that was it.
“It’s friendly, clean, safe, and the value is unbelievable. You can get a glass of wine for one to two euros and a full meal for less than you’d spend on a takeaway back home.” In the eyes of the couple, there’s nowhere else that quite compares to Benidorm with its sunshine, entertainment and community.
So much so that they visit the beach town around three times a year, flying from East Midlands Airport, and spend a lengthy period of time during the brisk British winter months. The couple stay at the popular Hotel Rio Park, located just a short 10-minute walk from Benidorm’s lively main strip, and this year it’s where they’ll be spending Christmas.
The couple, who have been married for 55 years, will fly to Benidorm on December 23, which impressively, will be their eighth visit this year alone. Their favourite buffet is already on the agenda, ditching the Brussels sprouts altogether, and they already plan to FaceTime their families at home, before celebrating in the winter sun.
“The first time we tried Christmas over there, we were blown away. The Rio Park Hotel puts on a feast for us, its breakfast, a huge traditional Christmas lunch, entertainment all day, and you can have as much wine and beer as you like. It’s brilliant and takes away so much stress, that’s why we’ve always loved TUI holidays,” they said.
They added: “We just love the Hotel Rio Park, it has everything you need and it is so close to the beach, plus the staff are just amazing and have become lifelong friends”.
When they’re not lapping up the hotel’s facilities, Roger and Sue spend time soaking up the sunshine of one of the sprawling golden sand beaches or wandering around the Old Town. But a Chinese buffet called Puente De Oro, where they can “eat like kings”, is one of their personal highlights.
“We love the Chinese buffet out there, you can get plates piled high and unlimited drinks for 19 euros. The food is fresh, delicious and amazing value. We go there all the time, sometimes there are big groups of 20 of us who are Benidorm regulars,” they revealed.
Not to mention the extensive selection of Tapas they get to devour. “There is a Tapas bar called Zodiac right near the Rio Park Hotel, and it does the most delicious 6 plates of tapas and a bottle of wine for 9 euros. You really can’t beat that. We go back time and time again because the quality is amazing and it’s a great price.”
Having booked their trips to Benidorm with TUI on multiple occasions, they’re well-known at their local store and credit the team for making it so seamless. “We pop in for a chat or a cuppa. They always look after everything for us, and they’ve become like family,” said Roger.
TUI Travel Agent Cameron Morton, who works at the Hinckley store, has been helping the couple book their Benidorm trips for more than a decade. “They’ve been booking with us in-store for around 10 years and usually plan three trips at a time for the year ahead. They love the Rio Park and won’t go anywhere else, they always say it feels like a home from home and that they meet friends there every time,” Cameron shared.
“Benidorm is such a great value destination, with affordable hotels, food and entertainment, which is why it works so well as a destination with TUI.”
Despite visiting the Spanish resort more than 100 times, Roger and Sue have no intention of stopping their yearly trips, and they have nothing but praise for the destination. “Ignore the stereotypes. It’s one of the friendliest, best-value places you can visit, with something for every age and budget. If you don’t enjoy Benidorm, you’ve only yourself to blame,” they shared.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com