spent

Dodgers fans Aiden Mashaka and his dad, Akida Mashaka.

(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)

How long have you been a Dodgers fan?

Akida: What are you talking about? Kirk Gibson! I’m Tommy Lasorda, baby!

How much did you pay for your ticket?

Akida: $900. We bought our tickets from a third party. I’ve been asking my brother-in-law how much I owe him, but he’s such an amazing human being. He’s like “Don’t worry. I got this!”

Was it worth it?

Akida: Of course it’s worth it. We’re seeing the Dodgers World Series. The flight costs more than $900. If you have it, it’s worth it. If you don’t have it, it’s not worth it — you can watch it on TV. If I was still in school, I would be watching on TV. But I am a 53-year-old man, after many years of life, so I can spend $900 to watch the Dodgers.

Aiden: This is maybe my second or third game that I’ve been to for the Dodgers. Being at the World Series, like the grand finale, I feel like it’s a great time to be here. I’m really proud of my dad, my auntie and my uncle for bringing me here. I want to thank them.

Akida: Can we get a crying emoji?

IN the middle of London is a new hotel that claims to be the largest of it’s kind in the world – and rooms are the cheapest in the capital.

Zedwell is one of the city’s newest hotels to open, right in the middle of Piccadilly Circus.

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Being so central, you can normally expect hotels to have high prices – the nearby Ritz and the W Hotel can command nightly rates of £500 or more.

Not Zedwell – the new hotel claims to be the world’s biggest capsule hotel, and with that, comes the small price of just £30 a night.

That definitely makes it the cheapest hotel room in the city (unless you want to bunk up in an 18-bed dorm).

Having opened last month, it sits directly above Piccadilly Circus Underground Station, so tourists would walk by without knowing this ultra trendy hotel was there. 

With the door currently hidden under scaffolding, I almost missed it too. 

But what is it really like to stay there?

Inside, decked out with a modern concrete and timber design, there are nearly 1,000 individual sleep capsules over five floors. 

Guests use an iPad to self-check in, before being directed to one of the correct floor and room.

Each dorm needs a key card to access, too, so you can only enter the dorm you are assigned, which definitely makes it feel secure. 

It’s a twist on the traditional ‘dorm style’ hostel set up as each guest gets privacy and security of being tucked up in your capsule, with the ability to lock it from the inside. 

Choosing a female-only room (there are also male-only and mixed), each of the square pods were stacked with a top and bottom pod.

On first glance, the dorm rooms, which are minimalist and dimly-lit looked a bit like a car park or a storage locker.

It’s nothing like you’d expect a hotel room to look, so it takes some getting used to.

I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to sleep in a multi-story car park.

However, inside, I was surprised to find a cute little space, with mood lighting and welcoming interiors.

Each capsule is made from oak and come with a single Hypnos mattress, Egyptian cotton bedding, individual mini aircon or heat, smart climate control, noise reduction, and ambient lighting.

There is also a plug socket inside, two USB plugs and a mirror. 

However, being a private pod ‘room’ means there isn’t much storage space – there are no room for suitcases inside.

I felt like a Sylvanian Family creature shutting themselves in my room

You have to leave them outside your capsule, so be sure to put your valuables in the pod when you lock it or take them with you.

If you want to leave your case at the hotel after you checkout, the hotel charges £15 to store them securely with them.

Make sure to bring your own padlock too, so you can lock your pod if you plan on going out (although reception let you buy them on-site as well).

There are clean common areas too, which felt more adult then teen-backpacker, which includes a lounge and co-working space.

I was impressed with how clean the communal bathroom and toilet area as well, with light jazz music playing overhead.

But the big question – how did I sleep?

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More used to a double bed than being boxed in by four walls, pulling the door down behind me feeling a little bit like a Sylvanian Family creature shutting themselves in a mini garage. 

Surprisingly, it didn’t feel as claustrophobic as I thought it would – as a 5″5 woman, I was able to sit up and easily stretch my legs.

Even more surprisingly, I had a great night sleep, with no rowdy drunken people or loud talkers disturbing the peace.

I did get woken up once by someone opening up their dorm door at 4am.

With each pod door made from plastic and metal, it means they don’t open and close too quietly.

Aside from that, I couldn’t fault my stay. In fact, it was so quiet and dark, I actually slept in an hour later than I usually wake up. 

The hotel itself felt very safe too, with a security guard on the door and someone in reception 24-hours a day, as well as CCTV on each floor.

And even outside, the central location means everything you need is on your doorstep, from the London’s West End to Chinatown.

It’s great for friendship groups or solo travellers or if you have a big night out in Soho planned and don’t want to get the tube home. 

Halima Aziz, Head of Hotels at Criterion Hospitality said, “We are taking the capsule hotel concept to the next level, one that combines an exceptional location with a focus on simplicity, thoughtful design that balances accessibility with privacy and quality rest, right in the centre of the city.”

I hope the capsule concept takes off in London.

The city is crying out for affordable places to stay and for £30? It can’t be beaten.

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Bianca Adler, who is aiming to become the youngest female to conquer the world’s highest peak, has admitted her devastation at having to turn around when so close to the summit

A girl who is in the process of attempting to climb Mount Everest has been praised on social media after her latest update revealed the toll four days in the mountain’s ‘Death Zone‘ had had on her – before things took an even worse turn. Climbing Everest is a complicated process, which typically requires mountaineers to spend months training both physically and mentally, as well as acclimatising to such high altitudes.

Bianca Adler, 17, is already the youngest female to reach the summit of Manaslu [the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres] and Ama Dablam [6812 metres], and now she has her sights set on the world’s highest peak too. The teenager is documenting her progress, with her clip on TikTok going viral, with a staggering 26million views in just 24 hours.

In it, Bianca shared footage of herself struggling to catch her breath after returning to her camp. Climbers are required to complete their ascent in stages, working their upwards via several camps along the treacherous route.

‘Death Zone’ sits at the ridge of Everest’s summit, some 8,000 metres above sea level and close to its peak of 8,849 metres. It is so-called as the pressure of oxygen is insufficient to sustain human life for an extended time span.

Camp 2, meanwhile, which is located on the expedition’s more popular South Route, sits at approximately 6,553 metres high – and it is the trek there from Base Camp (5,364 meters) that Bianca is currently working on.

Barely able to speak, she muttered under her breath: “I just got back from Camp 2 and I’m at Base Camp and I feel horrible.”

Coughing and gasping for air, she continued: “My throat and my lungs… I’m so out of breath even though yesterday I was at 8,000 metres. I’m feeling the worst I have ever felt.”

In a follow-up video shared on Tuesday (September 23), a dejected Bianca explained that she later made it as high as Camp 4 (7,925 metres) but was “devastated” after being forced to turn around for her own safety.

“It’s so hard. I was feeling so good and so strong but I had to turn around due to something out of my control,” she explained, with the aid of an oxygen mask. “I can’t do anything about that and it would have been stupid to carry on.”

She elaborated on Instagram: “I had to turn around on Mt Everest at 8450m (400m below the summit). The winds were way too strong for what I believed was right for my own safety. I could feel my hands and toes going numb, the first step of frostbite.

“I couldn’t see anything, there was snow blowing everywhere. It was an extremely tough decision, but I always want to choose life over a potential summit. I felt strong, like I could summit, and was devastated.”

Bianca continued: “The next night, my Sherpa guides and I tried again from Camp 4, but I was too exhausted from the 10-hour effort the previous night, and turned around. After three nights, and almost four days in the Death Zone at 8,000m or above, we descended back down to Camp 2.”

She concluded: “On the summit push, dad got sick and stayed at Camp 2 whilst I went up. On the way down, he was still sick and I was exhausted. We both got diagnosed with HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema) and dehydration (which is normal for mountaineering). I still feel quite sick and extremely exhausted so taking time to recover.”

Scores of mountaineers were quick to praise Bianca’s efforts, however, offering words of comfort and encouragement. “I’m more impressed by how you handled this situation than if you would have pushed yourself to the top… now you can live another day,” one responded on Instagram. “That is what’s important. A true warrior.”

A second person noted: “Such a great effort and the summit isn’t what matters the most, sounds like it was extremely hard and you had to push yourself far but still had to make a tough, but correct decision, which is one of the most valuable and fulfilling experiences you can have in the mountains. So proud!”

Whilst a third individual confessed: “I can’t even imagine how thought that decision was, but safety is always number 1 and you made the right choice. The mountains will always be there girl, well done and huge congratulations on everything you achieved this season.”

AFTER a lifetime spent trying to keep her curly locks in check, Hilary Freeman, 53, from London, sees if the new Airwrap makes styling them fuss-free.

When I was 12 and puberty kicked in, my previously smooth curls turned, almost overnight, into an uncontrollable mop of frizz.

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Ever since, I’ve spent thousands on styling products and tools, for a daily battle to tame my locks.

My hair is like candy floss: fine in texture, soft and big. Humidity and rain are its mortal enemies.

Yes, I am that woman you see with an umbrella in the slightest drizzle.

That’s because the merest hint of moisture turns me into Art Garfunkel. Or worse, Phil Spector.

Like them, I have what some affectionately call a “Jewfro”.

As a teen, I begged my mother to allow me to have my hair chemically straightened.

The foul-smelling treatment, in effect a reverse perm — this was well before the days of Brazilian blow dries — didn’t work, and just damaged my locks, making them even more frizzy.

In the Nineties, when poker-straight locks became almost compulsory, I bought hair straighteners.

But I didn’t have the patience or expertise to use them properly.

I ended up with a half-straight, half-curly do — and a second- degree burn on my neck.

Since then, I’ve avoided trying new gadgets, partly out of fear of damaging my hair and partly because, as a mum with a busy job as a writer, I simply don’t have the time.

Instead, I’ve resigned myself to wearing my hair long and curly.

I tend to half diffuse it and half air-dry it, depending on the time I have.

Over the years, hair dye to stem the ever-increasing tide of grey has conspired with my changing hormones to alter my curl pattern from tight curls to looser ones.

But the frizz has remained.

Bushy mess

Mousses and gels keep my hair defined for a day or so, but the curls quickly drop out and become lank and fluffy.

On a good day, it falls into ringlets; on a bad one, it’s a bushy mess.

Curly hair has a mind of its own, you see.

So, I was keen to test the brand new Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x.

The latest version of this heated styler, the Curly and Coily model (there’s also a Straight/Wavy one), promises effortless, long-lasting, sleek waves.

Like all Dyson products, it looks and feels a quality, luxury item.

But, at £579, I’ll admit, I am expecting some sort of miracle.

Could it work for me, or is it just a lot of hot air?

According to Dyson, the Co-anda 2x has twice as many attachments as its predecessor and can be used to dry, curl, wave, straighten, smooth and volumise your hair.

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These attachments, they say, are “intelligent” — I wonder if they can help with Wordle.

The Airwrap claims to provide “supercharged styling with a stronger Coanda airflow”.

It is 30 per cent more powerful than the previous model, has two times the air pressure and — most intriguingly — senses movement, automatically wrapping your hair and adapting heat, airflow and timings to your hair type, via the MyDyson app.

Faced with a box of attachments, I have no idea where to start.

Setting up the app is simple, after answering some questions on it my device is tailored to my hair type.

However, as a novice, I find navigating the app confusing.

Its video guides — I counted 37 ways to style your curly hair — are helpful but I can’t figure out how to watch tutorials while holding my switched-on Airwrap.

It doesn’t help that the Bluetooth keeps disconnecting.

The power cord is also surprisingly short, meaning I have to sit right next to the plug socket.

On the plus side, the motor is extremely powerful.

I’m impressed with how the barrel curl attachment intuitively collects the right amount of hair — as if slurping noodles.

‘Friends say I look glam’

And I’m reassured that once the Airwrap reaches a certain heat, it starts to cool, so it dries my hair but doesn’t burn it.

I also like the fact there’s a diffuser attachment among the options, so I can choose whether I want to dry my hair curly, wavy or straight with just one device.

But I do find the Airwrap heavier than my usual hairdryer.

Holding it in one position for any length of time made my arm ache.

But it’s much easier than holding both a brush and a dryer.

The results speak for themselves. My hair feels so smooth and light that I can’t help swishing it around. The colour also looks more refined and glossy.

While people usually compliment my hair, now they’re commenting on my overall look.

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Everyone says I look “glamorous” and “airbrushed” — not words they’ve used before. I can see I appear more tidy and professional, and less boho. However, I do think my usual curly style makes me look more youthful.

The night after my trial, I barely sleep for worrying I’ll ruin my new do.

But I wake to find it almost as smooth as before.

By the end of the day, my hair is starting to frizz at the edges and some rogue curls are appearing.

I decide to wash it again, and try the diffuser option, so I can compare it with my own high street dryer.

When I link the Airwrap up to the app, it automatically sets it to the right heat and speed settings for the diffuser attachment.

It dries quickly and efficiently, creating nice curls and achieving better root volume than my own model. It’s a good diffuser.

But I can’t say the result is £600 better.

The Airwrap Co-anda 2x is not for novices. If I’m honest, I would probably only use the diffuser option unless I have a special event, and a day off.

It is a big investment and not a must-have.

But as an alternative to professional blowouts, it’s a great option.

CUTTING THE HAIR COSTS

LILY ENGLAND DELUXE HOT BRUSH, £32.99

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WHILE it can’t dry and style simultaneously like the Airwrap, it is perfect for giving your hair a quick zhuzh, and its simple design is easy to get the hang of.

The large barrel is ideal for adding volume and lifting hair.

BELLISSIMA ITALIA AIR WONDER 8-IN-1 HAIR STYLER, £129.99

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WITH eight attachment heads, this budget styler curls, volumises and waves.

Hit its coolshot button after styling to lock in your look for longer.

Also doubles up as a traditional hairdryer.

REVLON ONE-STEP BLOW-DRY MULTI STYLER 3-IN-1 TOOL, £80

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HAILED as the ultimate Dyson dupe, this takes hair from wet to perfectly styled.

Has a curling wand, an oval brush for volumised locks and a concentrator head for drying your roots.

Warren Buffett turned Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A 0.66%) (BRK.B 0.63%) into a trillion-dollar company primarily by investing in stocks. “That preference won’t change,” Buffett wrote in his most recent letter to shareholders.

But Buffett has been challenged by the current market to find great value in equities. He’s sold more stocks from Berkshire’s publicly traded portfolio than he bought every quarter for nearly three straight years. As valuations continue to climb higher, there’s more reason to sell Berkshire’s biggest holdings, and fewer reasons to buy new positions with the proceeds and the company’s operating cash flow. As a result, Buffett’s seen his company’s cash position balloon to $344 billion as of the end of June.

Despite the difficult market, Buffett did find a few opportunities last quarter. Berkshire bought $3.9 billion worth of equities, including 10 publicly traded stocks disclosed in its quarterly 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Here are all 10 of Buffett’s recent buys, including the one that looks like the best opportunity for investors right now.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

Buffett’s buy list

Berkshire Hathaway filed form 13F with the SEC on Aug. 14, revealing all of the moves Buffett and his fellow portfolio managers made during the second quarter. The filing also included an amendment to the company’s first-quarter 13F, which detailed previously undisclosed purchases.

All told, Berkshire established or added to 10 of its positions last quarter:

• UnitedHealth (UNH 2.48%)
• Nucor (NUE -0.71%)
• Lennar (LEN 0.01%) (LEN.B)
• Constellation Brands (STZ 1.79%)
• Pool Corp
• Lamar Advertising
• Allegion
• Heico
• Chevron
• Dominos Pizza

The amended filing also disclosed that Berkshire established a new position in homebuilder D.R. Horton (NYSE: DHI) in the first quarter, but trimmed back shares slightly in the second quarter.

There are a lot of great investment candidates among the new purchases in Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio.

The new position in UnitedHealth comes at a time when the stock has been beaten down by a series of poor financial results and declining consumer sentiment. It’s facing an investigation into potential Medicare Advantage fraud, which could result in billions in revenue clawbacks and penalties. At the same time, medical costs and utilization have increased, weighing on its profitability. The stock looks like a classic “be greedy when others are fearful” purchase from Buffett.

Nucor is another interesting investment, as many see it as a stealth artificial intelligence stock. As a leading U.S. steel supplier, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on new data center construction across the country. And with President Donald Trump imposing a 50% tariff on steel imports, it could benefit Nucor’s pricing. Costs have weighed on Nucor recently, but less competition from foreign suppliers could open the door for bigger profits going forward, especially as demand increases with data center buildouts.

Homebuilders Lennar and D.R. Horton have been pressured by the current market. High home prices combined with high interest rates have led to a drop in buying activity, forcing them to offer incentives to buyers like buying down their mortgage rates. That’s weighed on both revenue and profit margins, which in turn has weighed on their stock prices. But the housing shortage isn’t going away, and that could make right now an opportunity to buy one of the homebuilders.

But another stock on Buffett’s buy list looks like an even better value than the rest, and it’s no wonder he’s been buying shares for three straight quarters.

The best of the bunch

Warren Buffett loves a company with a wide moat. And one of the companies with extremely strong competitive advantages on Buffett’s buy list is Constellation Brands.

The company owns the exclusive distribution rights to many of the most popular Mexican beer brands, including Modelo and Corona. It’s worked to expand its portfolio and build strong distribution relations that have led it to gain market share over the last decade. It’s now the second biggest beer vendor in the United States, dominating the premium import category.

Despite headwinds for the beer industry, Constellation continued to gain market share last quarter. Management said the beer business captured 0.6 points of dollar sales share. That growth was supported by expanding distribution and continuing to spend on strategic marketing to expand its customer base to more non-Hispanic drinkers. That positions it well to capitalize when consumer spending turns around.

Constellation’s wine and spirits business has been a drag on its results, though. To that end, management divested its low-end brands in the segment in June, and it now operates a leaner portfolio of premium brands. Still, management expects the segment to weigh on profits for some time as it resizes the operations.

Importantly, Constellation generates significant free cash flow, with expectations for $1.5 billion to $1.6 billion this year. It should be able to consistently generate that level of cash flow every year with steady sales growth and minimal capital expenditure needs. That supports its share repurchase program and quarterly dividend. Management bought back $306 million worth of shares last quarter while returning an additional $182 million through its dividend.

The stock price has dropped since Buffett’s initial purchase at the end of last year. With the pressure on the beer industry, the stock price has remained low, and shares now trade for less than 13 times forward earnings estimates. Despite the slow growth of the business, it’s well-positioned to continue making steady gains and outperforming its peers. Combined with share repurchases, it should be able to generate respectable earnings-per-share growth. That makes its current valuation very attractive, especially for investors who like to follow Buffett’s value investing style.

IT’S 3am at The Red Lion pub in Gatwick Airport and British Gas field engineer Sam Singleton is in a French maid’s outfit, waving a feather duster and clutching a pint of Guinness.

His 17-strong stag group is having the typical pre-flight drinks that have become a rite of passage for Brits jetting off abroad.

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While many pubs are struggling to survive during the cost-of-living crisis, those operating at UK airports are reporting that business is on the up and up.

And it’s not just plentiful food offerings and the sociable atmosphere that are bringing in travellers in droves — terminal pubs remain one of the only places where it is socially acceptable to have a pint at 5am.

Sam, 34, from Crawley, West Sussex, says: “I’m dressed like this because I’m getting married in four weeks to my beautiful fiancee, Erin.

“We’ve had a few drinks and a really good laugh. I couldn’t imagine starting a stag in any other way, to be honest.”

The Sun on Sunday spent 24 hours at JD Wetherspoon’s The Red Lion in Gatwick’s North Terminal to see why Britain’s airside bars are hitting new heights.

This is what we found . . . 

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04:00   

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Nicole Briggs, 29, from    Essex, is heading to the Greek island of Mykonos to celebrate her birthday, wearing a pink cowboy hat and matching sash.

Her pal Danielle Grimes, 30, also from Essex, tells us: “Having drinks at this time is just the law of the airport. It’s the only way to do it.”

On the other side of the pub, siblings Alicia, Adan, 17, and Heart Evanelio, 20, from Medway, Kent, are tucking into an early-morning breakfast before they fly to Basel, Switzerland, with 20 family members.

Alicia, 27, says: “We come here because the food is always good. It’s affordable, comfortable, welcoming and the staff are fantastic.”

05:00   

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 Another stag party has    arrived. Robert, James, Jay, Jimmy and John are in their 30s and from different parts of the UK, but they are all flying to Benidorm.

Robert says: “There will be 28 altogether and we’ve had a fantastic day and night already.”

Jay adds: “We came to Wetherspoons because it’s better value and you know exactly what you are getting.”

06:00   

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 Actor David Green, 58,    from Brighton, and Sam Peters, 52, from Croydon, South London, clink pint glasses, having only just met.

Sam says: “The Red Lion is very different to the average pub where people are scared to strike up a conversation with strangers. No-one bats an eyelid here.”

07:00    

Factory worker Jay Law,    34, and Sasha Cross, 35, from the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, are going to Malta for the weekend.

They eat eggs Benedict and drink coffee with Guinness and a bourbon. Jay says: “It is the rule at airports — have a proper drink with your brew.”

08:00  

 Broker Lorna Stevens, 42,    and special educational needs worker Amanda Sargent, 38, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, met in their local pub 20 years ago.

They are drinking pink gin and tonic before flying to Marrakech, and Amanda says: “We always take a photo of ourselves at The Red Lion — the start of the holiday, the obligatory picture.”

09:00   

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Team   leader and    mum- of-two Megan Gardner, 23, from Crawley, West Sussex, does four seven-hour shifts a week at The Red Lion.

She says: “I haven’t a bad word to say about working here — that’s why I’ve been here seven years.”

10:00  

Tasha Clements, 28, from    Horsham, West Sussex, has been a bar worker at The Red Lion for two years.

She says: “Every day someone makes the same joke — ‘It’s five o’clock somewhere!’. And it is.”

11:00  

 Jhonny Da Corte has  been    the pub’s kitchen chief leader for five years. He is overseeing 13 people today.

Venezuelan Jhonny, 30, from West London, says: “We go through around 20,000 eggs per week.

“Our most popular dish in the morning will be our traditional breakfast and, at lunch, burgers take over as the top sellers.”

12:00 

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  Spandau Ballet star Steve Norman has popped into The Red Lion ahead of a gig in Leipzig, Germany, with his new band, The Sleevz.

Over a pint of Doom Bar, he opens up about his ambition to reunite the band.

Steve, 65, says: “It would be great, before one of us pops our clogs, to be in a room together at the very least — and maybe, who knows, do a last farewell tour.”

13:00  

 Dad Zesh Sadique,    46, and    his wife Sadia are en route to Bodrum, Turkey, for four days with their children, Zidane, eight, and Arya, three.

Tucking into fish and chips, Sadia, 37, from London, says: “We came here because there is a great range of food. We’ll be back.”

14:00   

Electrician John    Penny, 38,    and his wife Lucy, who live near Crowborough, East Sussex, are celebrating their first child-free holiday in 12 years.

They’re off to sunny Palma, Majorca, and John is celebrating with a pint, while community helper Lucy, 35, is content with a Pepsi.

She says: “We always come here with the kids, too. You order on an app, so it’s easy.”

15:00   

Beccie    Simms, 47, and her    nine-year-old neurodivergent twins Poppy and Ethan are having pizza and chips before flying to Crete.

Maternity ward worker Beccie, from Surrey, says: “This suits the twins. It is relaxed and has a great choice of food. The twins are very picky!”

16:00   

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Portsmouth students    Poppy Davinport, Hannah Wilson and Alice Richardson, all 21, together with Millie Parker, 20, are heading to Majorca.

They are drinking Proseccos, gin and tonics and apple juices. Millie says: “The plan is to get tanned, drink and eat lots of paella.”

17:00   

Londoners Olivia Moris-Brown, 19, who works for M&S, and her partner Jason Pham, a 20-year-old insurance broker, are off to Pisa in Italy to celebrate their sixth anniversary.

Tucking into chips and curry sauce, a spicy Korean chicken bowl and fish and chips, Jason says: “We love Spoons, we are fans. The food is always banging.”

18:00   

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Guinness-drinking Leon    Ojukwu, 43, from East London, and his wife Abbie, 40, are primary school teachers.

They’re celebrating their tenth anniversary in Majorca with kids Esme, eight, and Zac, five. Abbie, who has had a Prosecco, says: “We always come here before a flight.

“Everyone has a smile on their face, the drinks come quickly and you don’t need to dress up.”

19:00   

Ian Gordon, 62, is waiting    for the Inverness flight, heading home to Lhanbryde, Moray, after a work trip.

Tucking into a ham and mushroom pizza, the salmon fisherman says: “The Guinness is good at Wetherspoons.

“I just came back from Iceland — you’re paying at least double for a pint there.”

20:00 

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Wearing a sparkly hat,    facilities manager Nicola Sandhu is heading to Vilamoura, Portugal, with nine friends for her 40th.

Nicola, from Bexleyheath, Kent, says: “We’ve got wines, Prosecco and lemon spritzes, nachos, fish and chips and an ultimate burger to set our trip off on the right note.”

21:00   

Five pint-sipping friends    from Selsey, West Sussex, are en route to party capital Prague in the Czech Republic.

Yet NHS service manager Mike Brooks, chef Ryan O’Hara, builder Riley Evans, all 25, carpenter Jenson Holden, 20, and carer Will Jenkinson, 26, insist they are “going to see the local sights”.

Riley says: “We will be in bed by 10pm, reading our Kindles.”

22:00   

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Teaching assistant Millie Horner and HR worker Bella Caesar, both 21, from Hedge End, Hampshire, are eating chicken strips and are on their third round of vodka lemonade and rum and Coke.

They got here early for their Ibiza flight and Millie says: “It’s a debrief before the main event begins.”

23:00   

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The passengers have all  gone, and now The Red Lion worker Holly Taplin, 19, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, is mopping up after a long shift.

She says: “I am a bar associate, which means I host, clean, serve, make drinks — the whole lot.”

00:00   

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Ollie Wilcox, 29, from    Crawley, West Sussex, is a shift manager at the pub.

He says: “We stay open until the last flight goes, then we get ready for the morning shift.

“Passengers start coming through at 2am, and by 4am, the pub’s chock-a-block — there is a queue all the way down to WHSmith.”

California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta said Monday that his office has spent more than $5 million fighting the Trump administration in court over the last six months, but saved the state nearly $170 billion.

“That means that for every one dollar we’ve been given by the legislature and the governor from special session funding to do this work — and we are very grateful for that funding — we’ve returned $33,600 for the state,” Bonta said during an afternoon news conference alongside Gov. Gavin Newsom. “Just to put it in perspective, if you told a Wall Street investor they’d get a $33,000 return on every one dollar invested, they would trip over themselves to get in on that deal.”

Bonta’s calculations are based on a mountain of litigation his office has filed against the administration since President Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, including 37 lawsuits — many alongside other liberal-led states — and 47 amicus briefs backing other litigants’ lawsuits against the administration.

The vast majority of the savings Bonta claimed were the result of one particular lawsuit, in which California and other states successfully challenged a Trump administration effort to freeze trillions of dollars in federal funding to the states — including what Bonta said was $168 billion for California alone.

“In his first week in office, President Trump went after a full-third of California’s budget — and we went to court less than 24 hours later and stopped him in his tracks,” Bonta said.

Bonta also cited court orders his office has won protecting $7 billion in transportation funding to maintain roads, highways, bridges and other infrastructure; $939 million in education funding for after-school and summer learning and teacher preparation; $972 million in healthcare funding for identifying, tracking and addressing infectious diseases, ensuring immunizations and modernizing public health infrastructure; and $300 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. However, it has previously derided California’s efforts to block Trump’s agenda in the courts. Last month, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told The Times that Newsom was “destroying” the state and that Trump has been trying to “step in and save Californians from Gavin’s incompetence.”

The state legislature during a special session in February allocated Bonta’s office an extra $25 million to staff up and fight Trump in court. As part of that allocation, the legislature required that Bonta provide regular reports on how the money is spent. Bonta and Newsom’s news conference Monday followed the first of those reports being submitted to lawmakers.

Bonta said much of the $5 million his office has spent to date was used to pay for in-house attorneys and paralegals, and that none has been spent on outside counsel. He also said that, given the pace and scope of the work to date, his office will eventually need more funding.

“We’re grateful for the $25 million and the ability to draw down that $5 million so far. We do think we will need more going into the future, and I’m hopeful that through the conversations that we have — talking about what we would use it for, our success so far, what the continuing threats are down the road — that we’ll get to a place that will work for everybody,” Bonta said.

Newsom, citing Bonta’s financially consequential wins in court already, promised he’ll get the funding.

“Let me assure you, he will not be in need of resources to do his job,” Newsom said. “This report only highlights why I feel very confident in his ability to execute and to deliver results for the people of this state.”

Bonta’s report outlined 36 lawsuits his office had brought against the Trump administration through Wednesday. Those lawsuits challenged Trump’s efforts to slash the federal workforce, cut healthcare funding and research, dismantle the Department of Education and reduce education funding. They also challenged Trump administration efforts to end birthright citizenship for the U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants and restrict voting access in California, among other things.

On Friday Bonta’s office filed its 37th lawsuit, challenging the administration’s efforts to effectively ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth nationwide.

Newsom said Bonta’s work to date shows exactly why it was necessary for him and other California leaders to call a special session and allocate the additional funds. California sued the first Trump administration more than 120 times, and they knew it would need to sue the second Trump administration, too.

“We were mindful that past is prologue,” Newsom said, and the added resources they provided Bonta’s office “have come to bear great fruit.”

Bonta said there is no time to slow down now, as the Trump administration continues to violate the law, and that his team is ready to keep fighting.

“We know that this work is just the beginning,” he said, “but we are not backing down.”

It has everything you could possibly need for a perfect UK staycation by the sea. But there’s one thing I’ve not been able to stop thinking about since I left.

The UK has so many wonderful seaside towns and beaches, from the iconic coastal resorts of the north-west and south-east to the postcard-perfect communities of the south-west and Scotland.

But, for me, one stands apart above all others. Its natural and architectural beauty, the quality of what it has to offer visitors, its beaches and its location as a gateway to one of the most beautiful parts of the UK all make it a must-visit destination. It was also recently named the “best” seaside town in the UK.

For a long time, I avoided Tenby, on the south-west coast of Wales, mistakenly thinking it wasn’t worth visiting, perhaps due to the feel of slightly faded seaside grandeur and reputation for stag and hen parties it had in the 1990s. I’ve spoken to lots of people who’ve made the same mistake.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. In 2025, Tenby combines to perfection its outstanding natural characteristics, its historic town centre and the need for high quality pubs, restaurants and other facilities to thrive as a seaside town in the modern era.

It’s a one-of-a-kind town which you can visit again and again and never get bored of — in fact, I go there at least once a year now and would go a lot more often if I could.

Its history goes back centuries, so you’ll find much of the town centre built around narrow streets and surrounded by imposing medieval walls. Some of the streets are linked by narrow alleys centuries old, down which you’ll find pubs, restaurants and a Tudor merchant house that has stood for hundreds of years.

This summer, I took my two young children, rented an apartment in the town and spent three days in this wonderful place. I’m already booked to return in September! But I’m left with a problem: I want to live here for good, so how can I persuade the children’s city-dwelling mum to let us all move here?

How to spend 24 hours in Tenby

Start with breakfast or a coffee and cake in one of the town centre cafes. There are lots to choose from, including No25 Cafe, Caffe Vista or Fuchsia or the Loafley Bakery and Deli. But my favourite is Stowaway, a truly unique spot – it’s tiny and built into an archway under one of Tenby’s famous seafront streets, right above the water. It does coffee and cake and sandwiches. It’s wonderful and so cosy on a blustery day.

After breakfast, the best thing to do in Tenby if the weather permits is hit one of its four (yes, four) beaches. They are all within walking distance of the town centre and each other so if you get bored of one (you won’t) you can just walk to another one. Depending on the tides, some of the beaches break up even more and you can find yourself sitting on what feels like a private beach! Just make sure you watch the tide and can actually get off the beach (there are stone steps leading up to safety in several areas).

For lunch, try fish and chips at one of Tenby’s excellent chippies, like Fecci’s, or grab a lobster roll or crab sandwich from a small stand in the harbour.

After lunch, take a boat trip to Caldey Island, where you can enjoy yet another beautiful (and pretty much empty) beach with near-white sand before exploring the gorgeous, peaceful island on foot. There’s an Italianate-style monastery built in 1906 and a 13th century church, as well as lots of largely unpopulated island to explore.

In the night, hit one of Tenby’s restaurants. Billycan is popular with couples, groups and families and serves food in large portions. Harbwr is a pub run by the brewery of the same name, serving good pub food alongside its own beers. The Hope and Anchor is a gastropub specialising in seafood, or there’s Tap and Tân, half barbecue joint and half craft beer bar, where the meat is cooked on open flames in front of you as you order. There are also plenty of other options, including Indian restaurants.

Tenby’s wonderful beaches

Where else can you can easily access four different beaches on foot from a town centre within minutes? North and South Beach are large beaches with wide open spaces at low tide (and great waves at high tide). North Beach is distinguished by the jagged rock which rises from its heart. Between those two beaches are the smaller Harbour Beach, where you’ll find the town’s fleet of small fishing boats moored, and Castle Beach, which is sandwiched between two rocky outcrops, one of which is home to a distinctive clifftop fort.

The section of beach between South Beach and Castle Beach is conveniently interrupted by rocks, so when the tide comes in, it feels like you’ve found yourself on a whole new private beach cut off from the rest. Just make sure you know how to get off when the water comes in – not all the sections have steps leading up from the beach and you don’t want to be trapped!

Caldey Island

Caldey Island is a truly remarkable place and one of Britain’s “holy islands”. There has been a monastic presence here for centuries, and their current home is a beautiful, white, Italianate-style monastery built in 1906. You’ll also find the 13th century St Illtyd’s Church. But the true joy of Caldey Island is to be found roaming from one end of the island to the other. En route you’ll pass horses grazing in fields and even a functioning chocolate factory, where you can buy a bar.

Once you’ve reached the far end of the island, you can gaze out to sea while enjoying the serenity of this island. You can reach Caldey by boat from Tenby. There are regular departures to and from the island from Tenby’s harbour. In fact, once you reach Caldey, you are dropped off at an empty beach of near-white sand that would not look out of place in the Caribbean. With most of the crowds enjoying the beaches back at Tenby, this could be a perfect place to have a beach to yourself.

Folly Farm

Just 15 minutes from Tenby by car is Folly Farm, another destination that’s evolved with the times to keep families entertained for hours. You can comfortably spend a day here and not see and do everything, which is exactly what I did with my children.

Folly Farm is a perfect mix of animals (ranging from lions, rhinos and penguins to goats, pigs and rabbits) and places for the kids to play. There are several excellent, exciting and well-maintained play areas both indoors and outdoors to keep children entertained for hours (and helpfully tire them out ready for bed time). There are also fair rides (which cost extra) and an indoor soft play and arcade. Folly Farm now has new accommodation, from luxury lodges (one overlooks the rhino compound!) to glamping, cottages and touring pitches. In short, Folly Farm is great.

The joys of Pembrokeshire

Tenby is just one of the many jewels in Pembrokeshire’s crown. There is so much to see and do here (most of it based on the natural world and great outdoors) and the information below doesn’t come close to covering it all but gives you an idea of what to expect.

Firstly, Pembrokeshire is home to an unreasonable amount of beautiful beaches (and that’s not counting the four in Tenby). One of them, Barafundle, has just been named the best in the UK and it’s not hard to see why. Whitesands, Freshwater East and Freshwater West can also all claim to be among the finest beaches in the UK. As well as the vast beaches, you’ll find the “grave” of Dobby from Harry Potter at Freshwater West.

You can walk to Barafundle from Bosherston, walking through gorgeous and peaceful lily ponds en route. Also nearby is the wild and exposed St Govan’s Head, home to one of the most remarkable features you’ll find anywhere on Britain’s coast: St Govan’s chapel, built into the very cliff face in the 13th or 14th century, with thunderous waves crashing below. Also in this corner of Pembrokeshire is the Stackpole nature reserve, while further north you’ll find the sparse beauty of the rolling Preseli Hills.

Pembrokeshire has a fascinating history so it’s dotted with man-made landmarks stretching back centuries. Among them are the Pentre Ifan burial chamber, which dates back to Neolithic (New Stone Age) times, when our ancestors buried their dead in tombs such as this.

Pembrokeshire also has several castles, in part due to the existence of the Landsker Line, which once separated the Welsh in the north of the county from the Norman and Flemish settlers in the south.

Among them is Carew Castle, which stands above the tidal waters where the Carew river meets the waters of the channel. Such is the tidal range here that you can see a vastly different picture depending on the time of day you visit. The castle is great for exploring, the walls around the nearby tidal mill are amazing for crabbing. Just drop in your net and bait and you’re all but guaranteed to pull out a crab. There are two village pubs right next to the castle car park.

Where to eat and drink in Tenby

Tenby has loads to offer in terms of food and drink. For breakfast you can choose from town centre cafes like No25 Cafe, Caffe Vista or Fuchsia or the Loafley Bakery and Deli. Stowaway is a unique spot, a tiny underground cafe serving coffee and cake close to the water’s edge. There are plenty of fish and chip shops, among them Fecci’s, Indian restaurants, a pasty shop and you can even grab a lobster roll or crab sandwich from a small stand in the harbour.

There’s also a wider range of pubs and restaurants serving good food. Billycan is popular with couples, groups and families and serves food in large portions. Harbwr is a pub run by the brewery of the same name, serving good pub food alongside its own beers. The Hope and Anchor is a gastropub specialising in seafood, or there’s Tap and Tân, half barbecue joint and half craft beer bar, where the meat is cooked on open flames in front of you as you order.

Slightly more upmarket and expensive is Plantagenet House, housed in a gorgeous and historic yellow building with a medieval Flemish chimney down an old alley right next to the Tudor merchant house.

Where to stay in Tenby

Tenby has a large number of hotels, B&Bs and AirBnbs, many of which line Tenby’s famous clifftops looking out over the sea. One of the most remarkable in terms of its location is the Imperial Hotel which seems to defy physics in the way it rises from the rocks above the water. It literally could not be closer to the cliff edge. Many other hotels look out to sea from their high vantage point and if you walk along the seafront streets in the morning and look up you’ll see loads of guests staring out to sea from their bedroom, presumably reflecting on how lucky they are to be there.

One of the great things about Tenby is that it is very compact, so even if you’re not lucky enough to bag a place with a sea view, you’ll never be too far away from the water. I rented a small apartment on Booking.com away from the water for £270 for two nights and it took five minutes to walk from the door to the beach.

There are also the standard chain hotels like Premier Inn and Travelodge and there are also incredible houses or converted apartment on the seafront available on Booking.com or on Airbnb. Some of them are literally a handful of steps from the beach. You can also try holidaycottages.co.uk

It’s always worth thinking about the fact that, like many parts of Wales and the UK, Pembrokeshire does have a serious problem with homes being bought and rented out to visitors, instead of being lived in by the local population.

The ‘best’ seaside town in the UK

I don’t really need anyone to tell me that Tenby is one of the UK’s finest seaside towns. But last year it was ranked as the best holiday destination for entertainment. Scoring 7.71 out of 10, it was highlighted for its 13th-century town walls, sandy beaches, and abundance of pubs and restaurants.

Despite being dubbed Britain’s worst seaside town, the town continues to attract millions of visitors every year — here’s what you can do with just a tenner!

Skegness, a renowned coastal town that has faced its fair share of criticism over the years, was recently labelled as Britain’s worst seaside town. Yet, it still draws in millions of visitors each year.

Given the ongoing cost of living crisis impacting families across the UK, many are searching for budget-friendly holiday alternatives for the forthcoming summer. If you’re after an economical yet entertaining escape, look no further than the sunny shores of Lincolnshire – home to the original Butlin’s holiday resort.

Armed with a modest £10 budget on a balmy weekday, I embarked on a journey to discover what Skegness had in store. My first port of call was The Village Church Farm Museum on Church Road South, a genuine hidden gem.

Situated further inland from Skegness’ primary attractions, the museum provides a peaceful environment. It houses an extensive collection of local and agricultural history spanning over 300 years, including Skegness’ oldest house.

Admission to the museum is complimentary, with a donation box at the entrance for those who wish to contribute, according to Lincolnshire Live, reports the Express.

Around midday, I headed towards the seafront, pleased to see crowds of tourists soaking up the sun and queuing at the various fish and chip shops. I strolled along the famous Skegness Beach and wandered onto the pier while contemplating my lunch choices.

When it comes to lunchtime fare in Skegness, the options are abundant.

Eager to keep my spending in check, I hunted for a budget-friendly yet filling lunch and stumbled upon a large battered sausage and chips meal for just £3.80. There’s an unparalleled joy in tucking into fish and chips as the sea breeze caresses your face and seagulls glide over the waves.

Almost two years ago, I set out on a mission to find the cheapest ice cream in Skegness but struggled to find a 99 with a Flake for under £2. Continuing my quest this time around, the lowest price I could dig up was £2.50.

Nonetheless, no trip to the seaside is complete without one, so it’s a cost I’m willing to bear. With £3.70 left in my pocket, I decided to try my luck at the amusements, so I swapped £2 and started playing.

Despite not winning anything, the flashing lights and cheerful noises whisked me back to my childhood.

The nostalgic thrill of interacting with traditional arcade games was absolutely worth it, proving that you’re never too old to enjoy such pleasures.

After a splendid day in Skegness and with my budget nearly depleted, I chose a drink for the journey home. My £10 was well spent and I left with a smile plastered across my face.

The trip served as a reminder that sometimes the simplest outings can be the most memorable, and you don’t need to break the bank to have a good time.

Additional activities in Skegness:

• Natureland Seal Sanctuary (prices starting at £7.20)
• Bottons Pleasure Beach (wristbands from £15)
• Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve (free)
• Skegness Aquarium (prices starting at £12.50)
• Fairy Dell paddling pool (free)
• Hardys Animal Farm in Ingoldmells (prices starting at £12.75)

I lost my heart to this beautiful part of the country and now I can’t wait to return

Tucked away in the undulating hills of Suffolk, The Wilderness Reserve offers a quintessential English summer experience. I recently had the pleasure of spending a weekend there and was utterly charmed by this tranquil corner of the county, bathed in the glow of a June heatwave sun.

The walled garden was a riot of colour as I watched a couple tie the knot, and while enjoying elderflower cocktails, I felt like I’d stepped into a Merchant Ivory film. But it wasn’t just the stunning venue that captivated me to be honest, the entire region truly stole my heart.

Suffolk, with its gently rolling hills, expansive skies, and patchwork of fields, meadows, and ancient woodlands, epitomises rural England. The 8,000-acre private estate near Saxmundham is just one of many highlights in the area, with attractions such as Framlingham Castle, Sutton Hoo, RSPB Minsmere, and Yoxford Antiques Centre and Gardens all within easy reach.

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Scattered with picturesque villages, timber-framed cottages, medieval churches, and quiet lanes, much of Suffolk is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Then there is the stunning Suffolk coastline with its mix of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and pretty seaside towns. Southwold is known for its beautiful beaches, iconic lighthouse and Victorian pier, while Aldeburgh Aldeburgh offers a more artistic atmosphere with its historic high street and rich cultural heritage, including the famous Aldeburgh Festival.

Nearby, there lies the 12th-century Framlingham Castle, while the town of Woodbridge is home to the impressive Tide Mill and a charming blend of Georgian buildings and independent shops. While a visit to the Wilderness Reserve was a delicious treat, there are so many other ways to explore the region, along with a multitude of places to stay.

Take Winkle Cottage for instance – a fishermans cottage bathed in Aldeburgh’s seaside charm. This classic fisherman’s cottage offers snug living spaces and can comfortably accommodate five guests. It has been praised by visitors as “a great place to stay.”

The village of Campsea Ash also hosts an ideal spot for larger family reunions, offering a glorious barn conversion on a private estate. Quill Farm Barn is touted as a “delightful” holiday home, nestled away in “the perfect setting.” Then there’s the Sea Tower, a chic apartment boasting sea vistas that has earned accolades as “a special place” or the grand Holly Lodge – a robust five-bedroom countryside house capable of hosting group getaways for up to 10 individuals.

For something completely different, the Pound Farm Mirror Houses in Framlingham offer contemporary dwellings in the heart of the countryside. An upscale alternative to traditional ‘tiny homes’ each house comes with its own hot tub.

Booking.com boasts a diverse array of accommodation options in Suffolk. The Swan Hotel in Southwold, a four-star establishment nestled within a historic building just 200 metres from the seafront, is one such gem. For those seeking a more traditional vibe, The Ship at Dunwich serves up home-cooked fare and real ales in an authentic inn setting.

Adventure-seekers drawn to RSPB Minsmere will find Moonlight Lodge an ideal retreat close by. Available through Holidaycottages.co.uk, it’s set against the backdrop of Dunwich beach and surrounded by woodlands – a nature lover’s dream.

For a touch of grandeur, The Great House in Orford stands as a majestic Grade II-listed holiday home right in the village’s heart. This quintessential country haven sleeps 12 and has been hailed as “a stunning house” and “absolutely perfect for larger parties” by visitors.

The tranquil beauty of Suffolk has garnered thousands of glowing reviews on TripAdvisor from enamoured visitors. One tourist said: “Loved our afternoon in Southwold especially the pier! Such a pleasant surprise to have a clean characterful pier with a brilliant quirky water fuelled clock at the end! The beaches looked amazing, beautiful clean sand and so pretty with the huts behind!”.

Another visitor, charmed by Aldeburgh, shared: “It was a dream in July to swim in the early hours of the morning and have fish and chips looking out to sea.”

Of course, the accommodation is key to any memorable holiday, and Sykes Cottages are dazzling holidaymakers, boasting a 4.6 out of five-star rating. One chuffed guest remarked: “We wanted a quiet weekend getaway and we found exactly that in Suffolk. Perfect for young and old…the cottage we booked we know it’s a fabulous place and beautifully presented.”

Another satisfied customer shared: “Suffolk in the sunshine. This was an important family holiday following my dad being very unwell last year, our holiday with Sykes gave us the quality time we needed and the chance to make some wonderful memories.”

However, not all feedback was glowing. A less impressed guest posted a three-star review: “Sykes offer a vast range of holiday accommodation. From experience so far, the description and photos of accommodation are fairly accurate, however, the cleanliness of the accommodation is another matter. It is difficult to get hold of anyone from Sykes by telephone.”

But praise continued with another beaming five-star critique: “We were looking for pet friendly cottages in Suffolk, Sykes cottages came up with the goods. A nice cottage plenty of details about the cottage giving us all the details we needed. So many thanks looking forward to our holiday.”

Butlin’s Bognor Regis, a holiday resort in West Sussex, is one of the most famous holiday parks in the UK and worldwide. Here’s what happened when Parul Sharma went to Butlin’s without kids.

As a UK resident, I was recently informed that a trip to Butlin’s is somewhat of a British tradition. Being relatively new to the UK, I had no clue what Butlin’s was. So naturally, I decided to spend a weekend at the nearest one post-haste.

For some background – I relocated from India to the UK in June last year and holiday parks were not a common concept back home. In fact, it would be quite a task to locate one, particularly on the same scale and reputation.

So off I went to Butlin’s Bognor Regis for a ‘quintessentially British’ holiday break. To set the record straight, Butlin’s isn’t a holiday park.

It’s a holiday resort brimming with all the bells and whistles to keep oneself amused within its (vast) boundary walls. Despite being a mere stone’s throw away from the beach, that’s not the unique selling point of Butlin’s, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The resort chain prides itself on offering enough activities within its grounds that guests don’t feel compelled to seek excitement at the beach.

Stepping into Butlin’s with my partner during the May Bank Holiday weekend, two things became immediately apparent. Firstly, my partner and I were possibly the only couple without children for miles around.

Secondly, it was shaping up to be a lively weekend.

The accommodation

Butlin’s Bognor Regis boasts three hotels within its grounds – the Shoreline, Ocean, and Wave Hotels – along with the Comfort range of rooms and apartments.

I had the pleasure of staying at the Wave Hotel, conveniently located near all the action and quite frankly, it was delightful. Upon entering the room, we were welcomed by a neon blue glow (as suggested by the name), yellow interiors, and an adorable junior room for children, complete with bunk beds and a quirky porthole on the door.

As a 30-year-old, I was thrilled at the prospect of a lie-in on those bunk beds, each equipped with their own mini-TVs. I could only imagine the excitement a child would feel having that space all to themselves.

Entertainment

Butlin’s iconic white tents are a world unto themselves. They house an arcade, a bowling alley, pool tables, a couple of bars, restaurants, and several stages for entertainment shows – it’s hard to envision anyone getting bored within these tented walls.

I must admit, I was completely taken in by the arcade games, enjoying myself as much as the throngs of delighted children around me. Upon closer observation, I realised I wasn’t the only adult partaking in the fun.

Watching parents in my vicinity revert back to their childhood selves was a joy to behold. After a spirited game of bowling and a few rounds of pool, I found myself reliving the bliss of my 11-year-old self’s childhood paradise.

For families with children, there was a plethora of live shows to enjoy, including The Masked Singer hosted by Mark Rhodes (known for Crackerjack and CBBC’s Junior Bake Off), featuring masked celebrity participants.

Other attractions included Electric Wonderland, Iconic, Snow White and her Magnificent Friends, Animals and Mythical Beasts, and even a chance to meet Gladiators stars Cyclone and Nitro.

These events were always bustling with attendees, and given the vibrant energy they exuded, it’s easy to see why.

The PLAYXPERIENCE

A new addition to Butlin’s Bognor Regis’ already brimming holiday resort is the PLAYXPERIENCE. Having opened its doors in October 2024, the PLAYXPERIENCE was certainly a standout feature of my inaugural Butlin’s weekend.

Spread across two floors and nearly 50,000 square feet, it’sndeniably a sanctuary for gamers and modern tech enthusiasts.

With a VR Cade boasting cutting-edge VR games, laser tag, techputt (mini-golf), digi darts, escape rooms, glow pong, shuffleboard, a batting cage, and neo games – this gamer’s paradise has something for everyone.

Featuring a bar and cafe on-site, I can safely say that me and my passion fruit daiquiri had a fantastic time while partaking in some neon mini golf. Another memorable moment was playing laser tag with playful kids and their equally spirited parents.

It appears that a dose of high-octane, ruthless competition is just the ticket to kick-start the day. As we divided into four teams, it became evident once more that the grown-ups were having as much fun as the youngsters.

That seemed to be the charm of Butlin’s.

Food and drink

The all-inclusive drinks package at Butlin’s seemed like a no-brainer. With an impressive array of cocktails, spirits, beers, ciders, wines, mocktails, Costa coffee, and soft drinks available – it’s almost worth donning a vibrant neon-orange wristband for three days.

The fact that most of the beverages are quite tasty and do the trick adds to the appeal. And with conveniently located bars and eateries scattered across the resort, we never had to wait too long for a drink or snack.

There was a wealth of choices to suit any budget, whether we fancied breakfast or a buffet dinner.

We opted for the premium dining package which covered our breakfast and dinner each day. Breakfast was served from 8am to 10:30am daily, and while the selection was broad and catered to both children and adults, I found the actual taste and quality of the food to be average.

But one can’t have it all, I suppose.

We were taken aback when we arrived at 10am on the first day – it seemed everyone was an early riser, and we certainly felt out of place, with people giving us double-takes!

The following day we managed to get there by 9.45am, but it still appeared that everyone was up bright and early for breakfast – not ideal for a late riser like me who prefers to squeeze in as much sleep as possible.

Fairground and Splash Waterworld

A charming little fairground was the icing on the cake of my Butlin’s weekend. From go-karts and adventure golf to mini-rides and a trampoline, the pre-booked All-Action Pass was a hit.

My inner Lewis Hamilton emerged during an exhilarating go-kart race (in which I triumphed – and no, it doesn’t matter that most of my competitors were children).

Although I didn’t take a dip, the sight of joyful families wandering around with damp hair and broad grins was enough to convince me it would’ve been a delightful experience (provided it wasn’t raining and excessively windy).

So, how did my inaugural Butlin’s trip fare in terms of holidays? Three days packed with fun, games, activities, and children. Lots and lots of children.

Perhaps my next visit will be when I have a little one of my own.

Book the holiday

Butlin’s is offering a three-night Showtime Weekend break, which includes accommodation in a two-bedroom Ocean Hotel room in Bognor Regis, starting from £269 on 11 July 2025. The price is based on two adults sharing and encompasses all live shows and activities, unrestricted access to the pool, unlimited fairground rides, and entry to PLAYXPERIENCE.

Dining packages begin at £24.95 per adult, per day, £14.95 per junior (aged 6-14), per day, and £6.80 per child (aged 2-5). For more information, visit www.butlins.com..

For years we’ve read stories about antidemocratic countries abroad — supreme leaders acting with impunity, masked agents rounding up residents, troops in the streets, crackdowns on peaceful protests, intimidation and arrests of opposition figures, show-of-force military parades and political assassinations.

For a time this month, I was abroad. And the antidemocratic country I was reading about was my own.

Tuning out the news on vacation proved impossible. Every day brought another must-read outrage, reflecting the punitive policies and hateful climate that wannabe strongman Donald Trump has fostered in the United States.

From the vantage of an ocean away, even as a visitor in a developing country with problems of its own, I read about events back home with the clarity of the proverbial 38,000-feet view: The news added up to a picture of a proud nation slipping into the authoritarian ways modeled by the kleptocratic dictators that President Trump so admires.

For perspective, I reread President Reagan’s farewell address: Trump has taken America far from the shining “city upon a hill” that Reagan, yesteryear’s Republican icon, evoked. And far from our self-image as a land of immigrants and a bastion of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. Reagan’s city on a hill was “teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace.” If there had to be walls, he said, “the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here.”

That was then.

As I flew off for my break, the U.S. news was dominated by the tawdry breakup of Trump and “first buddy” Elon Musk. But then that sophomoric saga was overshadowed by more serious stuff — starting with military-style raids throughout Los Angeles by thuggish agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, rounding up migrants, including children, for detention and deportation.

It’s a drama that continues from big-city L.A. to small-town Great Barrington, Mass., in heartland hotels, meatpacking plants and restaurants. Descriptions of the shock troops have become too familiar: Many wear face masks and no badges to identify themselves. They often don’t wear recognizable uniforms. They have no warrants but lots of guns. And migrants are disappearing into their unmarked vehicles. To where, families aren’t told; when they find out, it’s often too late to help their loved ones assert their due process rights.

On Day 2 of my vacation, Trump took the all but unprecedented step of federalizing the California National Guard to act against protesters in L.A., over the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass and despite police assurances that local law enforcement could handle even the most confrontational of demonstrators. Next came the Marines.

That only seemed to exacerbate the unrest, as drama king Trump, who governs as if he were still scripting a reality TV show, surely intended. With Los Angeles as a testing ground, he may be seeking a pretext to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act so he can freely deploy the military nationally against any who oppose him. He toyed with the idea during his first presidency. Back then he was constrained by responsible advisors; now he has surrounded himself with sycophants.

Meanwhile, he’s as unnervingly erratic on his deportation policy as on tariffs. First Trump posted that he’d lighten up on farm, restaurant and hotel raids because those industries complained that they were losing “very good, long time workers.” But days later, he ordered ICE to expand its efforts in L.A. and other big cities where Democrats, he lied, “use Illegal Aliens” to cheat in elections and steal jobs from citizens.

Amid the mayhem, the commander in chief traveled to Fort Bragg, N.C., and disgracefully crossed the line that, since the founding, has kept the military out of politics. He goaded the young troops he addressed — reportedly vetted for their political leanings — to cross it too. He started by boasting about reversing former President Joe Biden’s deletion of Confederate traitors’ names from military bases, and throughout encouraged boos against Biden, Newsom, Bass and Democrats generally, and applause for himself. He wore a MAGA cap. Such merch was on sale.

Days later, he got the military parade he’d long wanted. Or maybe not: It was more historical than martial; instead of goose-stepping through the capital, the troops ambled, smiled and made hand hearts. And it was sparsely attended. The nationwide “No Kings” counterprotests were not.

The toll that Trump’s overreach has taken on America’s reputation, especially in just a few weeks in June, has been heavy. Five Democratic politicians detained or arrested. An uncountable number of workers — not criminals, and many here legally — removed and sometimes disappeared from their families, jobs, communities and even the country. Armed military facing down peaceful protesters and protecting ICE and FBI agents as they snatch people off the street without due process.

On Tuesday, California Sen. Alex Padilla — who five days earlier had been wrestled to the floor and handcuffed by federal agents for interrupting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as she claimed Trump’s actions were liberating L.A. from socialists — delivered an emotional speech in the Senate. In U.S. history, he said, “we’ve had tumult. But we’ve never had a tyrant as a commander in chief.”

Until now.

Reagan ended his farewell with a sentiment that was inarguable 36 years ago: America, he said, “is still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom.” No longer. Even many citizens live in fear for their freedoms; I’ve heard from them. And I’ve felt it myself — no more so than when I was out of the country, looking back from afar.

@Jackiekcalmes @jackiecalmes.bsky.social @jkcalmes

AN iconic Grand Designs house dubbed “perfect” by fans has hit the market for £1.5million after 20 years of “painstaking” renovation.

Green Dragon Barn, in South Hams, Devon, was forged from three connected barns by couple Sue Charman and Martin Whitlock.

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The pair took on the mammoth renovation task in 2001, when the property also featured on Kevin McCloud’s show.

After 20 years the eco-project has been completed, but is now listed for sale.

The decision came after Sue sadly died in 2023, and Martin chose to embark on a new chapter elsewhere.

When Grand Designs host Kevin re-visited the five-bedroom home, after last seeing it in 2001, he said: “This is a home lovingly, painstakingly, time-consumingly transformed.

“Resplendent with 20 years of devoted care.”

Martin explained: “The revisit in 2021 was a delight – we were completely ready and the house was looking at its best.

“A complete absence of drama! Of course things were very different back in 2000. We were racing against the clock and the weather, and the programme makers made the most of that.”

The homeowner told how they chose the house in 2000 because they wanted to near the sea, and Totnes.

“The barn was a complete wreck – actually three barns built together over three centuries, and a bigger project than we were planning, but it allowed us to really go to town and create some stunning rooms,” he added.

The couple enlisted the help of architect Adrian Slocombe, of Earthway Design, to navigate how to build on the sloping landscape.

Despite dedicating two decades to the renovation, Martin said the couple relished in the adventure.

“Although it took 20 years, it wasn’t 20 years of work on the house,” he said.

“We moved into two rooms in 2001 and gradually expanded out from there as we found time to do the work in our busy lives.

“So every so often there would be new rooms or features to enjoy. A real adventure.”

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The property boasts a large kitchen area which connects to an incredible 30-foot reception – kitted out with an oak floor and wood burning stove.

Potential buyers will also be able to enjoy an atrium and grand hall with dramatic pillar features.

As well as a utility room, there’s a stone larder and box room for more storage.

Upstairs, there’s four spacious bedrooms, two of which offer en-suit shower rooms, as well as a shared family bathroom.

And, one of Martin’s favourite areas is a huge vaulted room that lies beneath the thatch roof.

While creating the stunning renovation, the couple wanted to focus on keeping the project environmentally friendly.

Martin said: “Sue was passionate about environmental issues and we were determined to make the house as natural and sustainable as possible.

“It was a matter of principle but also very much in the spirit of the building.

“So the house is eco-conscious in its use of traditional, natural materials such as lime, stone, cob, slate and thatch, but is also highly insulated, has modern double glazing, a reed bed, a heat recovery system and a wood pellet boiler.”

Outside, the property boasts a private driveway which leads to a large parking and turning area in front of the house and garage.

Green Dragon Barn is now listed for sale by Stags at a guide price of £1,500,000.

Grand Designs’ most ‘bizarre’ house ever leaves fans raging

By Caron McKinlay

GRAND Designs’ most ‘bizarre’ house ever has left fans raging – as a pensioner builds a £600k replica of her own house.

In the latest episode of the property show 82-year-old Kathryn decided to build a 21st-century mirror image of her Edwardian home with a budget of £607,000 but she soon run into trouble.

The episode centred around Kathryn, who decided to move out of her home in North London following the death of her late husband.

Speaking to host Kevin McCloud, she said that she could no longer look after her home and that she couldn’t cope due to the stairs.

With the help of her son Gordon, Kathryn explained that she wanted to build a mirror image of her house right next door.

Fans of the show couldn’t understand the widow’s decision and slammed her decision as ridiculous.

“That was one ridiculous, overpriced, unnecessary, rip off builds I’ve seen in the history of this show.

“There’s skullduggery at play here, isn’t there Gordon?!” said one viewer.

Another added: “Omg 900k, would love to know the value now?

“Surely they could have updated the original, made the side a plot of land to sell to help with the costs #GrandDesigns.”

A third stated: “Nah that exterior is awful good lord. 900k??? Could have just fired a stair lift in her old place.”

While another fan added: “Oh dear, overpriced disaster imo. Should have just moved. All that money and already owned the land!”

During the show it was revealed that Kathryn had gone over budget by 100k due to a series of misfortunes out of her control.

Presenter Kevin described it as “dire” financially but worse was still to come.

As she was given a £19,000 bill for road cables to connect the house to electricity, and a dumbfounded Kevin was astonished.

The vast increase in costs caused fans to comment further as they couldn’t believe how much she had spent.

“Has she not heard of a stannah stair lift, what a waste of money” exclaimed a viewer.

“900k! And couldn’t even put a stairlift in! What a waste, should have saved the stress and bought a adapted bungalow.

“And it looks like a 1950s community centre” slated another.

One fan went as far as saying: “£900k for a three bed semi? Someone’s taking the p**s.”

The listing reads: “Green Dragon Barn enjoys a peaceful setting near the popular village of Blackawton, which offers a strong community spirit, a highly regarded primary school, a parish church, and a traditional village pub.

“The vibrant market town of Kingsbridge lies approximately 7 miles to the west and provides a wide range of shops, amenities, and a well-respected secondary school, serving nearby coastal villages such as Salcombe and Thurlestone.

“Totnes, around 7 miles to the north, offers an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, and galleries, along with a mainline railway station providing direct services to London in around three hours.

“To the south, the historic town of Dartmouth sits at the mouth of the beautiful River Dart and is renowned for its maritime heritage, excellent sailing facilities, and the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College, also approximately 7 miles away.”

However, Martin said he “wouldn’t blame” new owners if they want to change the style to suit their personal preferences.

He also highlighted the potential their 1.3 acre garden and orchard have to offer.

Looking forward, Martin said: “I can’t imagine living in any house that I didn’t want to make changes to, so I’m open to a new project if I can find one.

“But whatever happens it will be a lot smaller – something on the scale of Green Dragon Barn is really a once-in-a-lifetime project.”

This comes after Grand Designs revealed the “most ambitious project ever” as parents embark on building an allergy-proof home.

Elinor and Born Barikor, from Richmond in south west London, have created the “healthy house” for their three children.

The couple’s two sons, Avery and Pascal, both have potentially life-threatening dairy, wheat, egg, gluten, soya, oat, pulses, fruit, nut, dust, pollen and animal fur allergies.

Elinor and Born bought their property in 2018 with the hopes of forging a “safe haven” for the boys.

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has since revisited the family to see how they got on.

Meanwhile, one local said their life is “completely ruined” by their millionaire neighbour’s “glass MONSTROSITY” Grand Designs-style super home.

Elsewhere, one Grand Designs house has been branded the “biggest pile of s*** in show’s history”.

And, Kevin McCloud has revealed the ONE bit of advice he’d give to anyone embarking on their own building project.

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My two-day trip to Paris – the city of love – was an eye-opener to say the least and made me realise one huge plus to travelling so spontaneously

2025 is the year of spontaneity, at least for me. I told myself that I’d say ‘yes’ to doing things that I usually wouldn’t agree to do – no overthinking and simply just doing it. Six months into the year, I have zero regrets.

When the opportunity for a spontaneous weekend trip to Paris came up, of course, I said yes. For a little context, out of nowhere, my parents decided to go on a weekend jaunt to celebrate Mother’s Day. Paris is known to be ‘the city of love’, and it’s not too far from home, so I decided to join them for a literal 48-hour trip. Leaving on Saturday early in the morning, we drove from London to Paris – yes, drove – and came back on Sunday, just past midnight.

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. So, I thought, if I’m going to spend £100 on a night out, why not go abroad, instead? Plus, the weather in Paris was so much better and warmer than London, so that gave me the ultimate push.

READ MORE: ‘I ditched my phone for an 18-mile hike and learned one surprising thing about myself’

When it comes to holidays, it’s hard to see and do everything in one trip. On average, UK travellers spend over a week on their holidays abroad. Thankfully, I had already been to Paris, so there wasn’t anything in particular that I wanted to see. Just be there and enjoy the moment.

My really good friend joined us on the trip, and funny enough, she had also been to Paris, but didn’t get the chance to see the Eiffel Tower. I mean, who could miss the 1,083ft tall structure the city is so famous for? So, we made it our mission to visit it – and it was probably the thing we ended up seeing the most, if not the only tourist attraction we beelined.

We walked around the city, sat in coffee shops, did some shopping, and even bar-hopped during the night to make the most of the ‘happy hour’. And honestly, excluding the accommodation and the travel expenses, I don’t think I’ve spent more than £100 – which it got me thinking, why am I not doing this more often?

READ MORE: I’m Spanish living in the UK and these key differences blow my mind

We all know that things in 2025 have become much more expensive than they were 10, 20, and even 30 years ago. Going out during the weekend in London has become an occasional treat for many. Let’s be real – the price of drinks, public transport, club entries, taxis, cigarettes… You always end up spending outrageous amounts of money, so is it even worth it?

What a night out would cost you is a plane ticket to a European country, and the expenses are more likely to be less than London prices. Plus, if you want to go abroad without using your annual leave, weekends are the perfect time to do it.

In the end, it wasn’t just about saving a few extra pounds or going on a holiday. It was more about saying yes to things because some of the best memories come from impulsive decisions. Here’s to many more spontaneous last-minute trips that will cost me less than a London night out!

Coronation Street fans have been mistaking Mikey North, who plays Gary Windass, for his former co-star for 15 years – and he’s yet to correct any of them

Gary Windass (Mikey North) has been on the cobbles since 2008, but fans still get him mixed up with another Coronation Street star. Mikey was the latest soap star in Kevin and Liz Fletcher’s Off Script podcast, where he spilled all the tea.

Since he’s been in the show so long, Liz was curious to know what Corrie fans call Gary when they see him on the street. “Is it Gary or Windass?” she asked. However, to Liz’s shock, it was neither.

“It’s Chesney,” he laughed – explaining that he gets mistaken for Chesney actor Sam Aston. “It’s followed me around all these years. It’s funny.

“It’s an in-joke at work that my name is Chesney. I guess people who dip in and out who watched it when Chesney was really young, and then tune in years later and see me, they think that Chesney grew up to be me, if that makes sense?”

Mickey then went on to reveal how himself and Chesney shared a dressing room at the studio for 15 years. “It’s sort of like they were congregating the gingers,” he laughed.

However, Mickey doesn’t bother to correct fans, as he told the hosts he “just goes along with it” when people ask him how Chesney’s late dog Schmeichel is.

Sam Aston first joined the soap in 2003, five years before Mickey. At the time of joining, he was just 10 years old.

Last month, Corrie fans were left stunned when ‘missing’ Gary Windass arrived back on the cobbles after months away from the soap. Prior to this, the character hadn’t been seen on screen since January, leaving fans puzzled by his sudden disappearance.

There had been no mention of where he’d gone, and not a single storyline to explain his absence, leaving fans confused. During his return, Gary told Maria he was planning to sell his shop and buy the builder’s yard in an attempt at a fresh start. However, Maria wasn’t convinced that was a good idea.

Things then became worse for the couple when Maria found out Gary had offered Mick a job at the yard. However, .the position didn’t last long, after Gary discovered that Mick had locked his step-son Liam in a cabinet for hours. Mick was then sacked and the pair ended up having a brawl in broad daylight.

Elsewhere in his podcast episode, Mickey said that he hopes to share the screen with Jeff Hordley‘s character Cain Dingle, when the soaps take part in the historic crossover episode next year.

Asked which Emmerdale characters he wants to be mixing with, the actor replied: “It’s got to be Cain, hasn’t it?” “A Windass and a Dingle, that would be brilliant,” said Kelvin, to which Mikey laughed: “Windass V Dingle.”

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .