Staycation tips and ideas

CATCHING fish has never been top of my holiday to-do list.

But from the moment my six-year-old son Alex spotted a boat offering fishing trips in the Cretan harbour of Panormos, he pleaded to go on one.

And when he offered to pay with his pocket money, I knew he was serious.

With three-hour excursions starting at 50 euros a head, I buckled under the pressure and am so glad I did.

Panormos is a village in the Rethymno area of the Greek island, 45 minutes from Heraklion Airport in the north and where Eva’s Fishing is based.

The owner, unsurprisingly called Eva, spent years fishing for a living before welcoming tourists.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

ISLE GO

One of Greece’s most beautiful islands with £2.60 wine & Caribbean-like beaches

After taking us through stunning caves, with crystal-clear water, she put bait on to our poles and insisted: “You will find it the most relaxing thing you ever do.”

She wasn’t wrong. And now, pardon the pun, I am hooked. We caught fish after fish and it was relaxing, but also exciting and fun.

Back on land, Eva has an agreement with a lovely restaurant, Agkyra, to grill her customers’ catch and they served ours with roasted vegetables and lemon butter.

Although Alex had seen her gut and descale the fish, my husband Chris and I watched in amazement as he tucked in enthusiastically — even picking his way through the bones and asking for more.

I opted for tzatziki and a Greek salad.

With wine, complimentary orange cake and a shot of raki, it cost less than 25 euros for all three of us.

The boat fun was the highlight of our holiday —  but not the first exciting trip.

On our flight from Manchester, with Tui, Alex got to visit the cockpit — then the fancy ceiling lights of our airport taxi made us feel like we were in a limo.

Our hotel, The Royal Senses Resort & Spa, which is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, was also pretty fancy — and not least its reception, with floor-to-ceiling gleaming glass doors and the smartest- looking staff you have ever seen.

By the way, those staff were also the kindest of teams, ensuring each guest felt like a VIP.

Like Yorgos, who ushered us into a golf buggy to whisk us to our room — and let Alex help with the driving.

Along the way, Yorgos pointed out the kids’ club, as well as the main pool, a waterslides zone, adult pool, gym, spa, bar and four restaurants.

There are 178 rooms, ranging from doubles to villas, and spread out up a hill so that each has a sea view.

A cable car-style glass lift travels up and down the hill, lest you have to work too hard.

We were upgraded to a room with, joy of joy, a private plunge pool.

Our room had a kingsize bed plus sofa-bed for Alex, plenty of storage, a coffee machine, free bottled water, fluffy white towels and locally made toiletries crafted from olive oil and mandarin.

But we didn’t get to relax in our room for long.

At 5am, Alex was up, trunks on, goggles ready and raring to go. And breakfast only added to his giddiness.

Although he tucked into fresh pineapple and watermelon, I struggled to divert him from the temptaion of fresh cookies, pancakes, cakes and waffles.

I loved the Cretan breakfast with rusks, fresh tomato, olive oil and feta cheese while Chris struggled to resist the free- flowing fizz.

The hotel isn’t bang on the beach but its sister, The Royal Blue, is and guests share facilities.

There is a free shuttle bus but we walked.

It took five minutes and there’s a supermarket en route.

Although the city of Rethymno, with an old Venetian harbour, is just 30 minutes and 25 euros away in a taxi, we loved the relaxed vibe in Panormos.

It is six minutes from the hotel by taxi, £7 each way.

Or the green and yellow Magic Train travels by road to and from the village several times a day. It’s £2.60 for kids over five and £4.35 for adults.

It felt like an easy funfair ride and Alex loved it.

Panormos has a sandy beach, church, bakery, supermarket, taxi office and a few tourist shops.

We bought olive oil from a man whose family have farmed locally for hundreds of years.

There are several restaurants, too.

Our No1 was the Locus Deli, on a cobbled pedestrian street where local musicians played Greek music and Alex ran around, danced and played with the local cats.

It served Greek food with a modern twist.

We had chicken with pistachios and a fava-bean dip with fresh basil oil.

Even the child pasta was made with chopped local tomatoes.

With drinks, our bill came to less than £50.

The hotel also offered great dining options.

The evening buffet had amazing variety, plus homemade pizzas that could have come from Italy.

Other treats included a restaurant with Michelin-starred chef — which welcomed kids and offered adult mains from £30 — as well as wine-tasting evenings.

Musicians played of an evening, and the hotel even invited loom weavers to demonstrate their art — we crammed a new bath mat into our suitcase, which was already bulging with pottery after a Tui trip to Margarites.

The mountain town stands on rich clay, and pottery has been made there since 3000BC, during the Minoan period.

But my best trip was to the hotel spa. It’s the largest on Crete, with therapeutic thalassotherapy seawater pool.

I celebrated my birthday on holiday so also had some pocket money.

And during an hour-long massage for £58, chiropractor Costos rid me of longstanding shoulder knots.

We spent our last night at Geropotamos Beach’s Old River taverna, 1km from the hotel.

As Alex played on the beach and the sun set, we had some very drinkable local wine and reminisced.

We agreed few places could beat Crete, for its warm hospitality, fab food, glorious beauty — and modes of transport.

TORONTO has long been a place of discovery and invention.

Insulin, for example, was discovered at the city’s university in 1921.

While the CN Tower was the world’s tallest building until 2009, when it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

Decades on, the city continues to impress with its newness.

It is gearing up to stage the country’s first World Cup match as Canada co-hosts the tournament alongside Mexico and the US.

There will be six games in Toronto — including Canada’s opening Group B match against Bosnia Herzegovina — and the region is prepared for an influx of visitors thanks to its Fan Festival with huge screens, music, art and food.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

WHY SHOULD I GO?

Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities and you can experience a flavour of that at the Royal Ontario Museum.

If you are a sports fan but didn’t manage to bag World Cup tickets, head to the Rogers Centre to watch the Toronto Blue Jays.

Canada’s only Major League Baseball team, play in the shadow of the CN Tower.

Adrenaline junkies can walk the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk, 1,168ft in the air.

It’s not for the faint-hearted though, so if you have a fear of heights you may want to head to the observation deck instead.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

Absolutely — make sure your footwear is sturdy.

But also pack your flip flops for a visit to the car-free Toronto Islands, home to gorgeous beaches and waters you can paddle in.

Ward’s Island Beach is the place to head for spectacular sunsets, while in the opposite direction is Hanlan’s Point, a nudist beach where shoes — and everything else — are optional.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST?

Niagara Falls hardly needs an introduction and it’s absolutely worth a visit.

The huge waterfall is jaw- droppingly magnificent and you can sail directly into its base on the Maid Of The Mist boat tour (adult tickets start from £22).

You will be provided with a poncho for the trip but it’s rather flimsy, so I’d recommend bringing your own waterproofs too.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

The 206-year-old St Lawrence Market is the best choice for those who can’t decide as it is home to 120 vendors flogging an abundance of seafood, meats and artisanal cheeses.

The peameal bacon sandwiches from Carousel Bakery are legendary.

If you are after dinner with a view — and motion sickness isn’t an issue for you — try the 360 Restaurant inside the CN Tower.

True to its name, the restaurant slowly revolves to give you a full panoramic view of Toronto.

It takes 72 minutes to complete the rotation so, unless you’re a speed-eater, you’ll get the full cityscape with your meal.

I FANCY A DRINK . . . 

King Street West in downtown Toronto is known for its thumping nightlife.

You may even spot a few A-listers, as Toronto International Film Festival holds its red carpets and premieres there.

For something a little less raucous, the Harbourfront area is lined with cool bars, many of which offer a skyline view of the Toronto Islands.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

The Chelsea Hotel is very well located.

From the airport, you can take the UP Express to Union Station, then jump on the subway and you arrive at the hotel in under ten minutes.

Moments from Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square and Toronto’s answer to Piccadilly Circus) the hotel is in the heart of the action.

It’s Canada’s largest, with nearly 1,600 rooms spread across 26 floors.

Of course, Canada’s largest hotel isn’t short on entertainment, either.

The highlights include a rooftop terrace, two restaurants and a 130ft water slide in its family-friendly pool area.

DONNA Smiley discovered the Canary Islands.

While Sinead McIntyre and her family found bliss on the Turkish Riviera.

Tenerife

Senior Writer Donna Smiley discovered foodie heaven in the Canary Islands.

As three pilot whales playfully leap in and out of the sea, everybody on our boat is grinning.

We’re only 30 minutes into our two-hour boat trip from Puerto Colón, so there’s still plenty of time to have a dip in the crystal waters ourselves, before we sip wine and eat tropical fruit as the sun sets on our journey back to shore.

A two-hour boat trip costs £51 per person for up to nine people (Bluejacksail.com).

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

We’re staying at Joia El Mirador by Iberostar in Costa Adeje, 10 minutes’ drive away, where all rooms are suites with four-poster beds.

With its lagoon-style pool dotted with palm trees and setting right on one of Tenerife’s best golden-sand beaches, this five-star adults-only hotel makes quite the impression.

So too does the family-run artisanal goat’s cheese farm, Quesería Montesdeoca in Adeje, 15 minutes’ drive away.

With lush green fields and a glimpse of neighbouring islands La Palma and La Gomera from its rooftop, we learn all about the cheese-making process, which is done by hand, and meet the goats and sheep who love being stroked, before the all-important tasting.

Hour-long tours cost from £17 per adult (Quesosmontesdeoca.com).

Back at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant El Cenador, we tuck into a 10-course tasting menu, £72 per person.

Every course is delicious and crafted with local produce, and it ends in style with a passion fruit cake served under a cloud of candy floss, which dramatically dissolves when the sauce is poured over.

Come morning, cooked-to-order eggs benedict, pastries and cappuccinos made with coffee beans from a local farm don’t disappoint, either.

The bus to the island’s capital of Santa Cruz takes 50 minutes, where we find a branch of Zara with prices cheaper than at home, plus more foodie gems.

We wander the charming streets of the old town and grab a barraquito – a local-speciality coffee of condensed milk, Licor 43 (a Spanish vanilla liqueur), espresso and frothed milk, at rooftop cafe La Escala (@Laescala tenerife).

Then we make our way to Colmado 1917, a tiny Michelin-flagged restaurant offering delights such as salted fish with black potatoes and anchovies, £6, and beef tartare, hand-chopped before each serving, £11, with a red from northern Tenerife, £5 a glass (Colmado1917.com).

Finishing our getaway in style, we hit Japanese restaurant Kensei, a short stroll along the beach from our beds (Kenseijapanesetenerife.com).

Its low-temperature wagyu with teriyaki sauce, celeriac purée and lotus root chips, £40, is a delicious end to an equally delicious mini-break.

Turkey

Editor-in-Chief Sinead McIntyre, husband Alistair and twins Riley and Harris found bliss on the Turkish Riviera.

Diving into the clear-blue sea, my 14-year-old twins are in holiday heaven.

After trying to outdo each other holding their breath underwater, they emerge to slump in our cabana and have their fill of the nuts and fresh fruit on offer.

As I have learned over the past year or so, keeping two teenagers happy on holiday can be a challenge.

But Corendon Playa Kemer on the Turkish Riviera, close to Antalya, has risen to the challenge – and then some.

We arrive at our five-star hotel, a 45-minute drive from Antalya airport, in the early hours of the morning after flight delays, so don’t really take in our surroundings as we wearily check in.

It’s only when we wake and head to breakfast at the main Zephyranthes restaurant that we marvel at the view – outside is a terrace with two sparkling swimming pools and, just beyond, the pristine sandy beach.

The hotel is all-inclusive and the food is excellent.

For breakfast, we feast on eggs, pastries, yoghurt and mountains of fruit, while lunch and dinner consist of grilled fish and meat, salads and desserts, including melt-in-the-mouth chocolate mousse and sticky-sweet baklava.

Playa Kemer beach has a series of wooden jetties jutting out to the sea, lined with luxe four-poster sunloungers and cabanas.

We decide to splash out and book a cabana, from £18 per day, and it proves a winner with Riley and Harris.

They especially enjoy taking selfies with the view behind them to send to friends, as well as seeing who can jump the furthest into the sea off the jetty.

Every afternoon, chilled music plays and there are also live performances, all contributing to a feeling of total relaxation.

As does the on-site spa, where I have a Turkish hammam massage, leaving me feeling completely rejuvenated.

Treatments cost from £61 for 90 minutes.

One evening, we indulge in fresh prawns, mussels and calamari, with Turkish bread, dips and salads at the alfresco Pier Seafood A La Carte restaurant, surrounded by twinkling lights.

The day after is spent parasailing around the bay, £157 for two people.

Riley and I head high into the air on a tandem pulled behind a speedboat and can see for miles – a scary, but exhilarating experience.

And no trip to Antalya is complete without a visit to 40m-high Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall, where the Düden River plunges over a cliff into the Mediterranean.

We look in awe at the men fishing far below on the rocks as the spray from the waterfall covers them.

From there, we head to the old town and browse the bustling bazaar for amazing spices and Turkish Delight, before heading back to our hotel with two delighted teens in tow.

THE SUN’S £9.50 Hols Agony Aunt, Tracey Kennedy has tried and tested holiday parks across the UK for over 30 years.

Over her decades of staycations, Tracy’s ticked off popular holiday spots from the Isle of Wight, to North Wales, down to Land’s End in Cornwall.

It’s fair to say that Tracy knows her stuff when it comes to UK holiday parks – whether it’s how to bag a bargain break, or find the best free and cheap family attractions whilst you’re away.

Over three decades of staying at holiday parks up and down the UK, Tracy has ranked her top five holiday parks based on accommodation, entertainment and location.

Plus she’s sharing all of the hacks she uses to save while she’s away.

We’ve paired each park with the cheapest deal available online, including three-night breaks for two for under £50.

5. Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village

“This holiday park is in a lovely seaside town in Somerset, and I like it so much that I’ve been back several times.

“My tip for booking a Haven holiday would be to book a Haven Hideaway package.

“These are the cheapest breaks possible, and can cost just £49pp. I paid just £120 for a full week away on a Haven Hideaway.

“However it’s worth noting that Hideaway holidays don’t come with a Play Pass as the standard breaks do, so make sure to check which activities are included at each Haven park, and which you would have to pay extra for”.

Entertainment and activities

“There’s plenty to do here without paying extra for the add-on activities. This site has a lovely arcade, which is cashless apart from the classic 2p machines.

“I wasn’t too keen on it being cashless at first, but once you’ve got your card and have topped it up with as much or little as you want, it’s easy to use.

“As for the evening entertainment, I went last year and it was really quite good. The comedy is especially great.

“With Haven parks, if you make sure to download the app, about 2 weeks before it’ll tell you which activities you can book if you have the Play Passes.

“But you dont need passes for the arcade or evening entertainment, it’s just for swimming and paid activities. They can be nice to have, but you don’t have to get them”.

Accommodation

“I stayed in a saver caravan, which is the lowest grade, but it still has heating and everything you need.

“I always go for the cheapest I can but that is still nice, and the saver option here is great if you’re looking to stay on a budget“.

Local area

“Burnham is a quiet town, so it can be quite a peaceful place to stay. There’s also a lovely beach and lighthouse in walking distance from the park, as well as a cinema. But mainly this is a great base for exploring.

“Brean is about a 10-minute drive away, and there’s loads to do there. Brean Beach is gorgeous, plus there’s a splash park, Brean Theme Park and an animal farm, so there’s loads to do.

“You’ve also got Cheddar Gorge a half-hour drive away. You can of course try loads of cheese, but there’s really fascinating caves and clifftop walks there, too.

“If you’re willing to drive a bit further, about 40 minutes, you can also visit Wells. There’s loads of medieval historic sites there, like Wells Cathedral as well as the Palace and gardens”.

Bag a cheap stay

You can book a four-night stay in a saver caravan with a Haven Hideaways deal from £49, based on two adults sharing. This deal also comes with a low-deposit option from £30.

4. Riverside Holiday Village, Bleadon, Weston-super-Mare

“I went to this holiday park last year for my 50th, and had such a fantastic time. I have lots of memories coming here with parents, and now I get to bring my kids!

“One of the best things about this park is where it’s located. It’s less than 10 minutes from Weston-super-Mare‘s seafront”.

Entertainment and activities

“This is quite a small site, but it does have a good arcade, restaurant, and entertainment performances.

“There’s no costume characters for the kids, but if you visit in peak season, there’s a pretty packed activity schedule that keeps them busy.

“It’s a very relaxing site if you prefer a peaceful holiday. There’s a beautiful lake to walk around, and you can pop out into Weston whenever you’d like”.

Accommodation

“We stayed in a large Gold caravan, which doesn’t work out to be too expensive once you split the cost between a group of people.

“We paid £650 total, and the Gold caravans can sleep up to six people, so that works out at around £109pp – which isn’t bad at all for a full seven days during the summer holidays.

“We had wrap-around decking which is lovely to sit on and enjoy your coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening.

“I recommend going as a large group and splitting costs so you can try out the nicer accommodation. This is one of the parks where I’d say it’s worth it”.

Local area

“The surrounding area, Bleadon, is very quiet. There’s just a couple of cosy pubs.

“But if you want a proper day out, then you should drive or catch the bus into Weston-super-Mare itself.

“There’s loads of things to do in Weston. If you want to stick to free things to do, Weston Museum is a great one and has activities for kids.

“Visiting the Grand Pier is a full day out itself – there is a small charge of £2, which is the same for both adults and kids.

“There’s lots of cost-friendly places to eat on the pier, like chip shops, a Costa and a Tiffany’s.

“My favourite though is Revo Kitchen. It’s inside the old Sea Life centre and it has 360-degree views of the sea. It’s dog-friendly, and does amazing, family-friendly food.

“It’s easy to spend the whole day at just the pier. There’s a ball pit, arcade games, fun house, ghost train – loads to do.

“Obviously it can be costly, but there are great-value wristbands available for kids to go on unlimited rides.”

“The Little Kids wristband, with unlimited rides suitable for younger children, costs £15 and lasts all day. The Big Kids wristband costs £20.

“There is also an Ultimate wristband available for £30, which includes unlimited rounds of golf and go-kart races.

“You don’t have to pay the entry fee cost of £2 for those with wristbands. You can buy the wristbands for the Grand Pier ahead of time online“.

Bag a cheap stay

You can book a three-night stay at Riverside Holiday Village in a Purn Gold WF caravan from £169, based on two adults sharing. This deal also offers a low deposit option of £25.

3. Martin Mere Holiday Village, Blackpool

“This park is around 10 minutes’ drive into Blackpool, and there is so much to do there for families.

“They have also just had a major upgrade, with a brand-new restaurant, a refreshed Show Bar, and an expanded arcade added”.

Entertainment and activities

“It’s all about the entertainment with Haven. And the best part is that most of it is free.

“There’s an outdoor pool and lazy river, and you can book inflatables for your little ones to use.

“They’ve got plenty of fun things for families with kids like a climbing wall and a giant football dartboard.

“You’ve also got Linked Bingo at 5:15pm every evening, which sometimes has massive cash prizes.

“They’re also adding four new kids shows ready for summer this year”.

Accommodation

“The caravans are spacious, clean and have everything you need. Even the saver caravans are tremendous value for what you get.

“What I like about the accommodation here is that most caravans are only a short walk to the entertainment, which is great if you stay up late”.

Local area

“There is absolutely loads to do in Blackpool. You can even see the tower flashing its lights at night from the park.

“Blackpool can be as cheap or expensive as you like, but I’ve been going for years and found some good ways to save money.

“One of the best-value places to go is Coral Island Arcade, which has a restaurant where kids eat free.

“Once you’re at Coral Island, make sure to pick up any free leaflets that are there. They often have vouchers inside for discounted attractions.

“We picked one up and got a free go on the camel derby – so always look out for leaflets before you book something!

“Some of my other favourite things to do are going up into the tower, where there’s an arcade, the dungeons and a circus inside the tower itself.

“Then of course you’ve got Pleasure Beach – but if you know you want to go, book ahead of time online.

“That way you can pay £30 for entry rather than £60 on the day.

“If you’re wanting to save money on ticking off the paid attractions, there’s a new card where you can do them all for a fixed price called The Blackpool Pass.”

“The Blackpool Pass starts from £35 and includes unlimited entry to eight Blackpool attractions: Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE, Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Blackpool Tower Eye, Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Blackpool Tower Circus, Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse and Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play.

“You can expect to save up to 70 per cent on attractions compared to booking individually.”

Bag a cheap stay

You can book a four-night stay in a saver caravan with a Haven Hideaways deal from £49, based on two adults sharing.

This deal also comes with a low-deposit option of £30.

2. Lyons Robin Hood, Rhyl, North Wales

“This site is really up-to-date. It’s recently undergone a £1.5m makeover, with all the new developments set to be fully done in May 2026, ready for your summer holiday!

“Some of my favourite things about this park are the enthusiastic entertainment staff, as well as the food – I always really look forward to the food when holidaying here!”

Entertainment and activities

“The pool here is so good that my youngest went swimming every single day. It has a brand-new splash zone, three super slides and even a spa for the adults.

“It’s just had activities like go-karting added to the list of things to do, and there’s new sports courts and trampolines.

“I last went at Halloween and it was just absolutely fantastic, but the entertainment is great year-round too.

“The costume characters come out to meet the kids – all the info on who is coming out when is listed on the wall, so you can meet the characters, comedians and singers.”

Accommodation

“The standard caravans here are slightly different to other holiday parks, for example like at a Haven resort.

“Their highest-ranking option is a platinum. We’ve stayed in platinum and it’s lovely. We had a little bit of a balcony that we had our coffee and drinks on.

“I’ve stayed in three levels of accommodation here, and I liked all of them. Each caravan was clean and spacious, with multiple big bedrooms, so you can’t go wrong here no matter what your budget is.

“I usually like to bring my own food to save money, however the food here is just lovely and definitely worth the money!

“We had cod and chips (£6.95) from the on-site chip shop here and really enjoyed it – in fact, we had it twice because it was that good! Food here is also really good value for money”.

Local area

“There’s a beautiful beach just across the road from the park, just remember to bring some snacks, as there’s no cafe or shop to buy food.

“You might see seals here – we saw some on my last visit and I was so excited.

“You can see them bobbing around in the sea, it’s nice to see them out in the open compared to an aquarium.

“Rhyl is just 5 minutes away, and there’s loads to do there. Shops, a massive marine lake, and my favourite – a little train that takes you around.

“Lots of people go crabbing, too…we caught some massive ones!

“A trip into Rhyl could be a free day out if you planned for it. Pack a picnic, wander through its streets, plus there’s even a free attraction: Rhyl Museum and Arts Centre.

“The only thing you would have to pay extra for if you wanted to would be the train, which costs £4 per adult and £3 per child.”

Bag a cheap stay

You can book a three-night stay at Lyons Robin Hood in a Bronze three-bedroom caravan from £111.30, based on two adults sharing.

Lyons Robin Hood is also available at Sun Hols from £9.50, where a break for four people can cost as little as £38.

1. Lower Hyde, Isle of Wight

“The best holiday park I’ve ever been to is Lower Hyde on the Isle of Wight – that is my firm favourite.

“I’ve returned several times because my family and I really liked it. I like everything about the park.

“There’s loads to do on site itself, it’s actually one of the only sites where we didn’t mind spending the entire day there.

“There’s plenty of nature trails around the park, and there’s also an adventure park on site.

“Lower Hyde also have a restaurant with really good pub-style food called The Barnhouse, plus they also have little food huts such as the Thunderbird Chicken shack and an ice cream parlour.

“They’ve just had a new outdoor bar open up, too.”

Entertainment and activities

“The entertainment teams are top-quality at Lower Hyde and plenty is free compared to other parks.

“I like the archery in the daytime, plus there’s a great pool to make use of, too.

“I watched some brilliant entertainment there last year.

“In the evenings, the entertainment starts off with discos and character meet and greets for the younger kids, with their own show.

“Then there’s some great bingo, followed by an adult game show.

“Later in the evening there’s more acts from visiting acts such as comedians or magicians, or a performance from the entertainment team.

“There’s then a disco until midnight, so you can stay there all night, if you fancy it.”

Accommodation

“I’ve stayed in both chalets and caravans, and the caravans are top-notch, very cosy and warm.

“The accommodation is in a really nice quiet area. There is a little bit of a hill walking down, so do let the site know if that’s an issue if you plan to visit”.

Local area

“The must-visit spot nearby is Shanklin. There’s lots of little artisan shops, and it’s not a far walk, about a 10-minute walk into the centre.

“If you walk further, it takes you into Shanklin Old Village. There’s a lovely little restaurant there called The Crab, with beautiful seafood.

“There is also the famous old thatched cottage from all the postcards. Not only is it lovely to look at, but it does afternoon tea inside (from £7.95).

“There’s also Shanklin Chine, a wooded coastal ravine that is the oldest attraction on the island.

“If you wanted to visit, then you can loop right down to the beach afterwards and make your way back up – that’s the perfect day out.

“Some of my favourite things to do in the area are keep an eye out for red squirrels on nature walks, and go stargazing at night – the Isle of Wight has clear skies where you can see the stars”.

Bag a cheap stay

You can book a three-night stay at Parkdean Lower Hyde in a Bronze three-bedroom caravan from £99, based on two adults sharing.

Parkdean Lower Hyde is also available at Sun Hols from £9.50, where a break for four people can cost as little as £38.

How Tracy saves extra on her holidays

As ouur Hols From £9.50 Agony Aunt, Tracy Kennedy has several tips and tricks up her sleeve when it comes to saving money on your staycations.

Here is exactly what Tracy does to prepare ahead of time and save on her holidays, as well as her top tips for saving whilst you’re away.

She told us: “One of the most cost effective things you can do is cook your own meals.

“I’d make a note of some easy, cost-effective meals that are quick to make so you can get it done and get out and enjoy your holiday.

“I like to pack an essentials box of non-perishable food bits with me, like packets of rice, pasta, and tinned food – just make sure you don’t forget to bring a tin opener, too.

“I also bring a small amount of washing up liquid and cleaning products in little travel bottles so we don’t have to buy full-sized ones. This really helps with the shopping, especially if you’re on a budget.

“Then when you do go shopping, all you have to do is buy the fresh stuff like bread, milk and butter.

“I like to slowly buy bits to add to my box in the months before my holiday, as it spreads the cost out and saves you spending too much in the expensive on-site supermarkets when you arrive.

“Once you’re prepared with food and cleaning supplies, it’s time to start thinking ahead on how to save on attractions.

“Before I go anywhere, I make sure to Google everything there is to do nearby. Especially for days out. See if there are any two for one ticket offers at local attractions, or even places that are free to visit.

“Especially during holidays like Easter, as nearby attractions will often have free events for kids like Easter egg hunts.

“When I visited Prestatyn in North Wales, I did my research ahead of time and found free pottery classes for kids, so we spent an afternoon doing that.

“Also check the National Trust website as well as English Heritage, because sometimes they offer free days out, too. Also check Sun Superdays and Sun Club offers, too!

“If you’re staying at a seaside resort, you can easily spend an entire day out on the coast for free. Check which dates you are there have good weather, and plan to pack a picnic, walk along the promenade, go for a swim.

“Sometimes there will be free children’s Punch and Judy shows, or local festivals – always Google the area and search on local Facebook groups in case there are events whilst you’re there.

“If you’re going as a couple or friends, it can be nice to explore local towns with cheap public transport.

My friend and I visited Lyons Robin Hood last year, and planned to go to Llandudno.

“We bought a £6.50 day saver ticket, jumped on a bus with Llandudno as the final stop and sat on the top deck at the front, and the views we had were absolutely amazing.”

“You can get family saver tickets too if there are more of you, then you can go out for the day, get a great view of the local towns and all you have to buy is the bus ticket. It’s a nice, cheap day out for all of the family.

“Similarly, I planned a cheap day out at the coast a few years ago in Newquay, Cornwall.

“We visited all the local beaches, walked to Lands End, and I planned a walk past the hotel where the Roald Dahl film The Witches was made.

“We also drove out to Port Isaac, and walked around where Doc Martin was filmed. All you have to do in these places is pay for is parking and bring your own food.

Then you can just walk around and see all of these really cool filming locations, and that costs you nothing!

“Definitely research the area before you go to see if any movies or TV shows were filmed there”.

WE are rethinking travel plans amid uncertainty in the Middle East.

Price comparison site TravelSupermarket has found British holidaymakers are returning to reliable European favourites but also looking further afield.

In the first 25 days of March, interest surged for the Italian island of Sardinia, with searches up 236 per cent.

Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “What’s striking about this data is the range of destinations seeing a boost.

“On the one hand, you have Majorca and Bodrum, places that Brits know and love, seeing huge jumps, which tells you a lot of people just want the certainty of a tried-and-trusted destination.

“But then you have California in the top ten, which is a sign some travellers are using this moment to think differently about where they want to go.”

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We’ve found great deals for some of the destinations seeing the big increases in online searches. 

1. SARDINIA – Searches up 236%

THIS Italian island is the ultimate beach destination and promises pristine white sands with turquoise waters.

From the granite coves and glitzy resorts on the Costa Smeralda, to the dramatic cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei, there is huge choice.

The 4* Sentido Orosei Beach sits on wide, soft white sands and has a huge pool to laze alongside.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £766pp including flights from Stansted on May 20, 22kg luggage and transfers.

For details see jet2holidays.com.

2. MAJORCA – Searches up 168%

IT has been our go-to since the very start of package-holiday travel and its enduring popularity is no surprise.

From family-friendly resorts such as Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona, to the laidback delights of Sa Coma for couples, there is something for everyone.

The Tui Blue Levante sits in one of Cala Bona’s smartest spots and has indoor and outdoor pools, as well as direct beach access.

Seven nights’ half-board is from £442pp including flights from Gatwick on April 17, 25kg luggage and transfers.

See tui.co.uk.

3. BODRUM – Searches up 138%

WITH its perfect mix of affordable luxury, stunning Aegean coastline and rich history, the coastline on this Turkish delight is dotted with beautiful beaches and lively coastal spots.

A standout is the 5* Bodrum Holiday Resort, set directly on the shores of a crystal- clear bay.

There is lots to keep little ones entertained, including a water park with five slides.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £279pp including flights from Gatwick on April 19.

See loveholidays.com.

4. MONTENEGRO – Searches up 122%

SMALLER than Wales, this tiny Balkan country on the shores of the Adriatic has so much to offer, from beautiful beaches to sleepy medieval villages and dramatic mountain scenery.

The 4* Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort sits alongside the beautiful Bay of Kotor, and has stunning views over the surrounding hills and mountains from the outdoor pool.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,110 including flights from Birmingham on May 7, 22kg luggage and transfers.

For details see jet2holidays.com.

5. TUSCANY – Searches up 122%

THERE’S no better place to start exploring the idyllic Tuscan way of life than with a city break to its capital, Florence.

Breathtaking Renaissance art, architectural masterpieces and restaurants for hearty food are all within easy walking distance of the Italian gem.

The 4* Hotel Embassy with cosy interiors sits in an elegant 19th-century building close to the city centre.

Three nights’ room-only is from £468pp including flights from Luton on May 4.

Check out easyjet.com/en/holidays.

6. SOUSSE – Searches up 102%

YOU are guaranteed a sunshine break with a difference on the shores of the Mediterranean here in Tunisia.

The historic city and its 3,000 years of history sit alongside Bou Jaafar Beach with 10km of sugar-soft sands.

The 3* Marhaba Salem Hotel has palm tree-filled gardens right beside a sandy beach, as well as five pools.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £396pp, which includes flights from Birmingham on April 20.

Head to tui.co.uk for more details.

7. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Searches up 95%

THERE are more and more travellers looking towards the Caribbean for their long-haul sunshine breaks.

So it’s no wonder this holiday favourite is increasing in popularity with its idyllic white-sand beaches and lush, green national parks.

The 3.5* Sunscape Dominicus La Romana hotel is next to the soft sands of Playa Dominicus and has 13 restaurants, as well as plenty of activities on water and land.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,081pp including British Airways flights from Gatwick on October 25.

See britishairways.com.

8. CROATIA Searches up 91%

KNOWN as the Land of a Thousand Islands, the crystal-clear waters of this Adriatic wonder are the big attraction.

The 2,700 hours of annual sunshine definitely help, combined with the fascinating history in Dubrovnik.

The 5* Hotel Croatia Cavtat is a 30-minute drive or boat ride from the famous city but also offers the chance to switch off and relax in style overlooking the waters of Cavtat Bay.

There’s a spa with indoor pool and rooftop pool to soak up the rays.

Seven nights’ B&B is from £576pp including flights from Bristol on April 12.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

9. CALIFORNIA – Searches up 90%

WITH the World Cup arriving this summer, the West Coast of the US was always going to be of added interest.

The state is hosting 14 matches, in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

But there’s also the long-awaited reopening of Highway 1 through Big Sur after years of reconstruction.

Take a road trip to experience it all. Virgin Holidays has flights from Heathrow to Los Angeles plus seven nights’ car hire from £782pp in May.

See virginatlantic.com/holidays.

10. ST LUCIA – Searches up 86%

THE Caribbean paradise is an-eight hour direct flight from the UK and promises rainforest adventures, volcanic mud baths and, of course, endless beaches.

The small but perfectly formed Bay Gardens Inn is in lively Rodney Bay, a short walk from Reduit Beach.

There’s also a complimentary shuttle to sister hotel Bay Gardens Beach Resort where you can enjoy the beach and water park.

Seven nights’ room-only is from £1,004pp including flights from Gatwick on September 15.

To book, see britishairways.com.

FANCY a day at the theme park over Easter? Well, how about two days out for the price of one?

Drayton Manor has launched a brand-new offer for the month of April where visitors can buy one ticket and return again at no extra cost.

Fans of the theme park in Tamworth won’t want to miss its newly launched free return deal.

If you buy a standard day ticket between now and April 19, 2026, you can return for no extra cost on or before April 30, 2026.

From just £29.50, guests can go on more than 50 rides and attractions at the park – and then do it all again before the end of April for free.

Drayton Manor has plenty of thrilling rollercoasters, as well as family-friendly rides, and a zoo with over 500 animals like red pandas, bears, reptiles and birds of prey.

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The theme park is the only one in Europe with a dedicated area for Thomas the Tank Engine.

Thomas Land has lots of attractions including a rollercoaster, water ride, drop tower and of course train rides with Thomas, Percy and Rosie.

Throughout the Easter holidays, until April 19, is a Care Bear takeover with character meet-and-greets.

At the end of the day, there’s even a Care Bears end-of-day show on the lake.

In 2024, Drayton Manor opened its Wild West themed world called Frontier Falls.

Inside is a new rollercoaster called Gold Rush where visitors are whisked away in a runaway mining cart.

It’s the first of its kind in the UK to have a backward launch into an outdoor gravity track.

The rollercoaster has a two-minute ride time, with Drayton Manor claiming it to be the longest track length for a family coaster in the country.

This Spanish hotel is right next to a huge theme park with over 40 attractions…

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Hotel Best Punta Dorada, Salou

The Spanish resort is a popular destination near PortAventura World, a theme park with over 40 attractions and huge rollercoasters. It’s also close to sandy beaches like Platja de Llevant, and the scenic Camí de Ronda coastal walk. The hotel itself has an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, as well as two bars along with evening entertainment and shows.

BOOK HERE

Last year, Drayton Manor was voted the ‘UK’s best value theme park‘ .

The awards were organised by ThemeParks-UK.com, and winners were announced after a series of votes made by 330,000 members of British public along with scores from expert judges.

Drayton Manor scooped up the award for Best Value Theme Park.

It also came in second place for Best (Large) Theme Park for Families, and for Best Theme Park for Toddlers.

Drayton Manor came in first place for Best New Accessibility Initiative, and third for Best Use of IP in an Attraction.

For more on theme parks, here are seven great UK seaside towns with beachfront theme parks – and you can stay with Hols from £9.50.

And here are the top six UK theme parks you can easily reach by train – and how to find the cheapest family fares.

THERE’S no place like London’s neighbourhood of Chelsea, or is there?

With a plethora of high-end shops and cafés, one destination in Norfolk has earned itself the nickname of ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, and it’s one of the poshest spots in the area.

The destination in question is Burnham Market, a beautiful 17th-century village in the north of the county.

It’s considered the ‘Chelsea‘ of the area because of how posh it is – in fact, Burnham Market even made it onto the list of Britain’s poshest villages by The Telegraph in 2024.

While doesn’t have the King’s Road, or the Saatchi Gallery, Burnham Market does have over 30 independent shops and boutiques around the green.

It’s also got small galleries and top restaurants.

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Burnham Market also got its nickname because a lot of properties are second homes owned by Londoners.

Some celebrities have even been reported to have homes there, like Stephen Fry, Amanda Holden and Anneka Rice.

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens, who hails from Norfolk, gives us more of an insight into the posh town.

She said: “I grew up just a few villages away from Burnham Market, the fancy seaside destination dubbed Chelsea-on-Sea.

“Everything here centres around the village high street, lined with premium pubs, shops and boutiques on either side.

“Here you’ll find the famous Gurneys Fish Shop, where it’s well worth picking up some homemade fishcakes to take home. You’ll also find posh coastal-themed clothing and interior decor shops like Barefoot Living, Joules and Jack Wills.

“And when you’re done shopping, you can stop for a coffee and a toastie in the trendy Scandi Coffee Co.

“You’ve also got your pick of fancy restaurants here. Michelin star-rated restaurant Socius is the kind of fine-dining spot you’d book to celebrate a special occasion.

“Or, The Hoste Arms is a posh pub with rooms, where you can slink off to a cosy bed after dining on moules marinière or local venison.

“Approaching spring and summer, head a couple minutes down the road to Burnham Overy Staithe, where you’ll find the best secret spot for paddle-boarding along the coast.

“Wander through wild marshland down to the shore, and you’ll see some of the calmest and shallowest waters, perfect for a paddle. And here you’ll see some incredible sunsets.”

For more places to stay in Norfolk, check out Old Hunstanton…

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Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

BOOK A STAY

For anyone who wants to visit, there are lots of beautiful hotels and B&B’s to hunker down in.

But one of note is The Railway Hotel which, as you might have guessed, has railway links.

It was originally the Old Station Master’s House, but has been beautifully refurbished into an eight room hotel.

For train fans, the most impressive room is The Carriage which was used as a train carriage up until 1952, and sits on the former station platform.

The Carriage has been restored and still maintains its look from its train days – it even has its original copper sink.

However, it’s got all the mod cons, from a rainfall shower to a drinks cabinet, Nespresso machine and a Smart TV.

It can be booked from £145 per night.

While Burnham Market isn’t a seaside town, it really isn’t far from the coastline.

Just a 15-minute drive away is Holkham which has a beach that’s considered one of the best in the country.

The seaside spot has great reviews on Tripadvisor with a rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Holkham Beach, often called the jewel of the north coast due to its long stretch of golden sand, is also dog-friendly, has lifeguard services and a beach car park.

It’s café, The Lookout, even has binoculars for its customers so they can look at the local wildlife while enjoying snacks and drinks.

For more on Norfolk, check out Travel Reporter Alice Penwill’s favourite town with an award-winning fish and chip shop.

And here’s the pretty English market town home to one of the weirdest hotels in the UK.

FAMILIES have been left gutted after Center Parcs confirmed they were scrapping a popular service at the resorts.

The company previously offered a creche service for kids between three months and three years, for up to three hours.

Costing around £30 a session, it has since confirmed that this will no longer be offered at any of the resorts by the end of next month.

Customers with upcoming bookings have discovered they can no longer book their kids in if their holiday is after the end of May, with the option removed across all of Center Parcs’ UK sites.

One frustrated parent said on a Facebook Center Parcs group: “I had planned to book a much needed child free trip to the spa with my husband and planned to put the children in the kids clubs and our 2 year old in the crèche so we could go together. 

“However the crèche is unavailable for booking? I could cry.”

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Others explained why they had found the creche so helpful.

One said: “We used the crèche for my youngest who wasn’t old enough for any activities so us parents and the older two could do the treetop adventure together.”

Another added: ” We used the crèche whilst my husband and I did a couples hour in the spa.

“If we have the money for the holiday, we can choose to spend it on the crèche and have an hour to ourselves.”

A third said: “It’s only three hours and provides the adults of the holiday with maybe just a lunch of hot uninterrupted food together as it’s their holiday too. 

“We all need a break sometimes.”

The creche was the only activity where parents could leave children aged under three, although they had to stay on-site.

Activities for older children that do not require a parent to accompany them are still on offer, such as Wizard Academy (3+) and Chocolate Chef’s Academy (3+).

Center Parcs said it is developing new activities for children of all ages to be enjoyed by families together.

A spokesperson told The Sun: “At Center Parcs, we’re always looking to review and evolve the guest experience. 

“We have made the decision to remove the crèche activity from our breaks, to reflect guest feedback and limited demand for this particular activity. 

“Crèche sessions are one of more than 20 activities available within our Activity Den and our other activities will continue to run as normal. 

“We’re developing new activities for children of all ages, with the aim of creating even more engaging experiences for families to enjoy together at Center Parcs.”

It’s not the only changes at the parks in recent years.

Last summer, changes to the pools revealed opening times were 9am instead of 10am, as well as new Quiet hours on select days.

However, it also confirmed that the pools would be closing at 8pm rather than 10pm.

And in September 2025, they introduced new staggered check in times.

Treehouse access guests can check in from 1pm, while Forest Lodges, Hotels and Apartments check in is from 3pm.

Exclusive Lodges check in times stay at 2pm, as well as Woodland Lodges from 4pm.

And here is everything to know about the new £450million Center Parcs resort opening in the UK.

THERE are thousands of beaches in the UK but Cuckmere Haven has been named the best to visit in spring.

With beautiful views across the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and some of the mildest temperatures in the country, it’s the perfect spot for your next trip to the seaside.

The experts at GO Outdoors analysed average spring temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours and Google reviews to reveal the best spring beaches across England.

Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex came in top spot, scoring highly when it comes to mild temperatures as it’s an average of 9.5C during the spring months.

It averages 52mm of rainfall across the month, and 7.8 hours of sunshine each day.

The beach had a Google review score of 4.8 out of 5 and received an overall score of 9.60 out of 10 by Go Outdoors.

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It beat other popular spots like Camber Sands, Southwold and Porthcurno Beach.

The shingle shoreline itself is unique as it’s the only spot in Sussex where a river flows through the beach to meet the sea.

It’s isolated too, but it’s worth the walk for the incredible views of the huge white cliffs.

One visitor said: “Absolutely stunning scenery. Long walks and perfect for the family I loved every second of walking his beautiful beautiful cliffs.”

Another added: “Wow – this iconic sight takes your breath away! The cliffs are blindingly white and the beach and surrounding countryside is so pretty. Everyone should see this once in their lifetime.”

While it has no shops or cafes around, there are four cottages up on the hilltop.

These are former homes of the coastguard and their families built in the 1820s, and are now used as residential homes.

Cuckmere Haven has also been called a ‘wild beach’ thanks to the amount of wildlife here, ranging from oystercatchers and skylarks to rabbits, seahorses and butterflies.

Daniel Start, author of Wild Guide London and South England, says: “This is a wild beach, where the river meets the sea, against a backdrop of the iconic Seven Sisters.

“You can explore the myriad caves carved within them or wander upstream to swim in the lakes made from the meanders of the ancient river.”

Here’s another of our favourite beaches in the south of England – and a hotel to stay at too…

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Sidmouth, Devon
Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.

BOOK A STAY

Even if you haven’t been there, you might recognise the spot as Cuckmere Haven is frequently used in the backdrops of films.

Movie fans will recognise the spot at the top of Cuckmere Haven from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when the characters use the Portkey to get to the Quidditch game.

The beach and surrounding area has also been used to film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Atonement, Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Luther.

It was even used for Cheryl Cole’s music video, The Flood.

The closest train station to Cuckmere Haven beach is Seaford.

From there it’s a 15-minute drive, or there’s a popular walking route from the town across the coastline which takes just over an hour.

Another popular option is to head to Eastbourne and walk from there which is around a 12-mile trek.

Here are the best beaches to visit this spring…

This the full list of the best beaches to go to this spring according to Go Outdoors…

1. Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex
2. Southwold Beach, Suffolk
3. Druridge Bay Beach, Northumberland
4. Pentle Bay, Tresco
5. Thornwick Bay, Flamborough Head
6. Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
7. Camber Sands, East Sussex
8. Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
9. West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
10. Brancaster Beach, Norfolk

For more on beaches, here’s where to find the best UK beach and it gets the least amount of rain in the country.

Our 26 must-visit UK beaches for 2026 including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.

THE Easter holidays are finally here, and for many, it offers a welcome break for children and parents alike.

Whether you’re travelling abroad with the kids, planning a low-key escape, or squeezing in a quick day trip, it’s one of the best opportunities to reset.

The good news is that many destinations are still sitting just outside peak-season prices, so it’s possible to find great value for money if you plan smart (but you can still find some gems if you leave it to the last-minute).

In our checklist guide, we’ve outlined some of the top deals to consider for the Easter school holiday adventures.

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AN ABANDONED department store’s roof is being turned into a huge new attraction – after success in two other UK cities.

Freight Island will open at the abandoned Debenhams in Eldon Square Shopping Centre in Newcastle in June.

Costing £16million, the “island above the city centre” is set to become the largest food, drink, and entertainment venue in a UK city centre.

The venue itself will be on the top floor of the empty Debenhams store and span 5,574-square-metres.

Inside, the main hub called The Plant Room will boast communal areas for guests to dine under a retractable roof.

The Plant Room will feature 12 street food-style restaurants with specific brands including Meat: Stack, I Scream for Pizza, Miso, V.Goode Pies, Fab Bakery, Churros Kingdom, Fuku and Pita.

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When it comes to grabbing a drink, there will be four bars including a specialist Aperitivo cocktail bar with cocktails on tap and Two by Two Brewing beers.

For music lovers, there will also be a 1,200 person venue called the Music Box, where touring acts, theatre shows, festivals and DJ sets will take place.

Reportedly, there will even be raves for kids, as well as multiple screens showing live sporting events.

The venue will be inspired by New York‘s Coney Island and Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens.

When the new destination was announced last year, Co-founder and Managing Director of Freight Island, Dan Morris, said: “This venue has been designed with scale, prominence, and long-term investment in mind.

“We hope to replicate the huge success of Freight Island in Manchester, where it has already contributed over £30million to the local economy.

“This incredible venue in the heart of a very special city offers a truly exciting opportunity to create a cultural space that could become a focal point of Newcastle for years to come.”

Freight Island is already open in Manchester and, back in January, announced that it is opening a new site in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.

Similar to the Newcastle venue, there will be street food-style stalls, bars and live entertainment.

There will also be an outdoor terrace looking over City Square.

Construction of the Leeds site is set to start in late spring.

And next month, Freight Island will open a venue in Brixton, south west London.

The rooftop destination will be able to host around 1,000 people and officially opens on May 7.

It is expected to be the capital’s largest rooftop venue with chef residencies, cocktail bars, live music, DJ sets, food festivals and major sports screenings, amongst other events.

For the upcoming World Cup, the rooftop will even have a dedicated World Cup Fanzone with screenings of the matches.

Other upcoming events include Reggae Brunch and Maggi Brunch.

There will be family-friendly daytime sessions in the summer too.

Similar to the Newcastle venue, Freight Island Brixton will have a number of speciality bars including the Casamigos ‘House of Friends’ and Hotel Milano – themed around much-loved Italian aperitivos.

Freight Island already has a destination in Manchester, located near Piccadilly Station.

It was the brand’s first venue, opening its doors back in July 2020.

In other attraction news, one of the UK’s most popular seaside towns is getting a huge new £3million indoor attraction this summer.

Plus, there’s a new £379million attraction dedicated to chocolate opening in Europe with rides and hotels.

WITH the long weekend just around the corner, a trip to some of England’s most beautiful towns is the perfect way to spend one of the days.

So our team of experts have revealed their favourites, all the way from Yorkshire to Cornwall.

Fowey, Cornwall

Fowey is frequently overlooked for the busier and more famous Padstow, but therein lies its charm.

Crowd free, but with all the magic of a sleepy, typically Cornish town, – great cafes whipping up homebaked treats, locals sharing weekend gossip in the quirky bookstore and, most importantly, those glorious harbour views.

Pick up a coffee and freshly prepped sarnie from Olive Branch Cafe – the oozing eggo mayo and crispy onion one is a crowd pleaser – then wander to Fowey Old Grammar School Garden for a picnic-style lunch among the flowers and overlooking the bobbing sailboats.

For a sitdown meal that you’ll be dreaming of for years to come, North Street Kitchen at the opposite end of the town is where to head.

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This restaurant looks a little like a battered old garage from the outside but it serves up incredible seafood from an ever changing chalkboard menu according to what the local fishermen have caught that day.

– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Witney, Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is always a busy place during bank holidays, but my hometown of Witney is one where you can avoid the crowds but enjoy the beautiful buildings its known for.

There is the amazing Huffkins and Hunters Cake Company for a cuppa and a slice of cake, or hop in the queue at Sandwich de Witney for hugely overfilled baguettes.

Kids will love Cogges Manor Farm where they can feed some of the animals, or you can practise your mug painting at The Pottery Place in town.

Want to stay longer? I recommend the Blue Boar Inn as a cosy place to stay, or splash out on Estelle Manor just out of town – named one of the best hotels in the world.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Chester, Cheshire

This historic Cheshire town is perfect for a Bank Holiday trip – with an intoxicating mix of beautiful architecture, history and great food and drink.

Head to The Rows for shopping that dates back 700 years with the medieval timbered, double level shopping galleries hosting a range of brands.

Shopaholics can get their beauty fixes at the new Harrods H beauty hall that opened in the town last month – the first outpost of the posh brand outside of London.

Or stroll along the two miles of city walls, the most complete Roman and medieval walls in Britain that offer a unique perspective of the town.

A new Ivy Brasserie opens its doors this April and for street food from around the globe, head to the New Chester Market.

– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset

When you think of Weston-Super-Mare in Somerset you probably picture the Grand Pier, and that’s with good reason.

The famous attraction is a great day out and doesn’t have to cost much either. You can swap a couple of quid for pennies and get competitive with your family on the slot machines.

If you do want a bit more of an adrenaline rush though, the pier does have other attractions including a 300-metre indoor Glo Kart track, House of Horross and a freefall ride.

After a fun day on the pier, make sure to walk along the two-mile beach and grab an ice cream. 

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Sheringham, Norfolk

This sprawling Victorian seaside town is a hit with families visiting the North Norfolk coast, and it’s clear to see why.

Entire days can easily be spent on golden stretches of sand backed by beach huts, with bucket and spade in hand.

But it’s worth pulling yourself away from the shores for a ride on the heritage steam railway, where the pretty Poppy Line runs from Sheringham to Holt.

There’s even an Easter Eggspress egg hunt taking place onboard, costing £26 per adult and £18.20 per child with unlimited rides all day.

Plus theatre fans will love a visit to Sheringham Little Theatre, where family-friendly productions, quiz and bingo nights fill the historic theatre with a lively buzz.

Stroll along to Stevenson’s Fish and Chips to grab a takeaway tea and catch the sunset, and you’ve done a visit to this seaside town right.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Worthing, Sussex

For decades this seaside town on the South coast has been loved for its traditional holiday vibes, from fish and chips to buckets and spades.

But recent years have seen the creative crowd arrive. The town is now a haven for artists inspired by the sea and foodies flock here to sample the produce of local artisan producers and chefs.

The converted beach huts that make up East Beach Studios are now home to tiny, vibrant galleries and workshops for local artists and this year the

Dwell initiative will see 30 artists take over vacant or traditional shopfronts turning the high street into a rotating exhibition space.

Enjoy fine dining at the end of the pier at the Tern restaurant, breakfast on the beach at The Perch and a tipple or two from the local producers including Slake Gin, Merakai Brewing and Titch Hill.

– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

Sometimes I like a lazy day in my homecounty over a Bank Holiday weekend, and being in Hertfordshire, Welwyn Garden City is a lovely spot for a daytrip.

While it might be lacking in the shop department, apart from its fab John Lewis store, it certainly is thriving when it comes to cafes and restaurants along Howardsgate like Megan’s to Welwyn Coffee Lab, Postino Lounge and the Two Willows.

One of my favourite spots is slightly out of the town. Called Tewingbury Farm, it’s primarily a hotel and wedding venue, but visitors are welcome to pop in anytime.

I particularly rate the oven-fired pizzas which you can tuck into at the Courtyard which has outdoor fires, and games like pool and table tennis.

In classic Easter fashion, it’s lovely to then take a stroll around the ground and farm where you’ll spot plenty of cows and pigs. 

– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Malton, Yorkshire

This North Yorkshire market town doesn’t feel as if it’s aged a day since its time as an agricultural hub in the 19th century.

Today it’s a proper foodie destination. Very friendly traders – this is Yorkshire, after all – flog their delicious goods from market stalls every Saturday. Think hot and steaming sausage rolls, blue cheese chocolate truffles (they’re delicious, I promise) and cannolis seeping sweet ricotta.

There’s live music taking place all Easter weekend at the Brass Castle Taphouse brewery as well as Easter egg hunts for the little ones at the Abbey.

Make sure to visit the glorious Castle Howard while you’re here, a gorgeous Baroque estate that’s home to one of the most spectacular arboretums.

– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Margate, Kent

Margate remains one of the trendiest seaside towns in the UK and, having lived there for a few years, can vouch for it being the perfect day trip.

There’s nothing better than stepping out the train station and seeing the huge sandy beach, overlooked by the multicoloured bars and restaurants.

Pop into the Turner Art Museum for some culture, or the unusual Crab Museum (the only one of its kind in Europe, bizarrely), followed by some of the rides at the free-to-visit theme park Dreamland.

The pretty Old Town is full of shops, ice cream parlours and book shops for some perusing and photo taking.

For the best pizza in town, head to Palm’s Pizzeria for a slice, or go to Bottega Caruso for some fabulous Italian food that was even backed by Madonna, weirdly enough.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Southwold, Suffolk

I’ve been going to Southwold for years, playing games at the arcades on the pier, watching those braver than I go crabbing, and trying to lay down my towel on the beach while the breeze blows against me.

One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is stocking up on food and taking it for a beach picnic.

For drinkers, I’d recommend heading into Adnams Brewery where you can buy some of its locally brewed gin or beer which is an untraditional seaside souvenir, but tasty nonetheless. 

The seaside town has everything you need for a quintessentially British day out, like its line multi-coloured beach huts for pictures and plenty of fish and chip shops.

In my opinion, for the best chippie tea, head to the Sole Bay Fish Company which is out of the town towards the harbour.

– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Totnes, Devon

Historically, Totnes has made the news for feeling like a ‘hippy’ town and more recently, it has been referred to as the ‘New Age capital of the UK’.

This is because the Devonshire town, situated on the River Dart is home to amazing independent shops, a strong eco-conscious spirit and a relaxed lifestyle.

The highstreet is full of cosy coffee shops, quaint bookshops and boutiques ideal for gift hunting.

Do not miss the weekly market on Fridays and Saturdays between 9am and 4pm. You can grab tasty street food and find antique gems.

On one visit I even picked up a phrenology head for a few quid…

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Here are some other beautiful Easter breaks to go on this weekend.

Or here are some all-inclusive weekends that are cheaper than a night out with your mates.

A NEW Wetherspoons pub has opened its doors at a holiday park near Blackpool.

Called The Springfield, the new Wetherspoons watering hole is at Haven Holidays‘ Cala Gran Holiday Park in Fleetwood.

The new pub officially opened on March 31, in time for the Easter weekend.

Between March and June and September and November, the pub will be open from 8am to 10pm each day.

Then during July and August – peak season – the pub will be open each day from 8am to serve hungry holidaymakers breakfast and remain open until midnight.

As you’d expect from a Wetherspoons pub, the bar will serve ales, wines, beers and cocktails and the food menu will boast full English breakfasts, fish and chips, burgers and pizzas.

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The pub gets its name from Springfield House, which used to stand in the 1960s, on what is now the main entrance to the park.

Inside the boozer, you’ll find Wetherspoons classic interior decor with a unique carpet designed specifically for the pub.

The design includes a motif that resembles a glass domed ceiling, resembling the nearby Marine Hall in Fleetwood.

The pub will also be able to host up to 600 people.

According to the Blackpool Gazette, Jayne Mushet, General Manager, Haven Cala Gran said: “This is a fantastic addition to Cala Gran Holiday Park and something we know our guests and owners have been eagerly anticipating.

“We’re thrilled to kick off the season by opening the doors to our brand new pub.”

Cala Gran Holiday Park can be found on the outskirts of Fleetwood on the Fylde Coast – which is around seven miles from Blackpool.

Back in 1960, the holiday park was first a camping site with a paddling pool with Springfield House still standing.

The house was then demolished later in the 1960s.

Today, visitors heading to the holiday park can enjoy a family pool with a water slide, a steam room and a number of activities including Leap of Faith and a vertical assault course.

In the warmer months, guests can also make the most of the outdoor SplashZone, which is open from May half-term until the end of August.

Exclusive to Haven, the park also has a Nerf Training Camp.

Other activities available include crazy golf, footgolf, karts, a climbing wall, a bungee trampoline and junior segways.

Rossall Beach is also a 20-minute walk from the holiday park.

If the weather is playing up though, you can head inside to paint some pottery.

In addition to the new Wetherspoons onsite, there is also a Mini Market and Cook’s Fish & Chips.

The new Wetherspoons at Cala Gran Holiday Park joins three other pubs opening at Haven holiday parks – which will take the total up to nine.

The others include The Alfred Wainwright at Haven’s Lakeland holiday park in Cumbria, named after Alfred Wainwright, the British fellwalker who wrote about the 214 fells in his seven-volume guide to the Lake District.

In Cornwall, Riviere Sands will open up The Bluff – the name refers to the steep cliff edge where the pub is.

And lastly, there will be a new Wetherspoons at Haven’s Hopton in Great Yarmouth.

It will be called The White Clover and is named after the flower grown across the county, which represents good luck.

In other holiday park news, a major UK holiday park reopens after huge £5million makeover and you can stay with Hols from £9.50.

Plus, here are our favourite beautiful British seaside towns with holiday parks you can book with £9.50 Hols.

FAMILIES can bag free tickets to top attractions over the Easter holidays with a quick move that takes just minutes.

The offer includes GoApe, ZSL zoos and top English Heritage sites which can easily set you back around £30 for admission.

The Free Days Out annual pass is offered by comparison site MoneySupermarket to uses who have joined its SuperSaveClub.

As well as the Free Days Out pass, you can get cashback when you shop through the site and other competitions and discounts.

You can join the membership club when you buy or take out a qualifying product through the site such as insurance or a new credit card.

But you can also join without spending any cash at all.

HOLI-YAY!

Freebies to entertain the kids over Easter holidays with games, days out & more

CHA-CHING

Nine freebies to get this week worth £513 including £100 days out and £200 cash

You’ll qualify for membership when you sign up and simply look up your credit score while logged in.

It takes just a few minutes to enter some details such as your address and date of birth to sign up for the credit score check.

Then you automatically become a member of the SuperSaveClub and you can tap through and access the Free Days Out pass.

Through the pass you can look for days out by postcode or location to see what’s on offer close to you.

You can then ‘claim’ an offer such as a free ticket.

Some of the more premium venues are ‘hot picks’ and you can only claim a free ticket once a month.

This includes Whipsnade and London ZSL zoos, as well as GoApe – but it’s worth noting not all GoApe venues are included.

For all other venues you won’t be able to claim more than once in seven days.

Once claimed, vouchers will need to be used withing 14 days.

To cut the cost of days out and top venues, you can also check websites for discounts.

For example, you’ll get 10% off bookings through GoApe when you sign up to its email distribution list.

A Kids Pass can also cut the cost of days out – it costs just £1 to sign up for the first 30 days which can easily be recouped if you are using it to get discounted entry tickets.

Just remember to cancel the subscription if you don’t think you’ll continue using it.

HEADING to a seaside pier during the summer is a staple part of a UK staycation – and one popular pier will have free entry for the next three years.

Bournemouth Pier has announced that it is scrapping its entry fees until at least the end of October 2029.

The announcement is part of a move to encourage people to visit the pier, supporting the local economy and tourism in the region.

In a post on Instagram, the pier commented: “No toll. No barriers. Just the pier, as it should be.

“We’ve teamed up with BCP [Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole] Council to keep Bournemouth Pier open and accessible for everyone, indefinitely.

“After a hugely positive first year, the toll suspension isn’t just staying… it’s becoming part of the future.

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“More visitors, more energy, more reasons to spend time by the sea.”

The post added that there will be “pop-ups landing throughout the year” as well.

The pier can be found on Bournemouth Beach, which features golden sand and stretches for seven miles.

On the pier, there are a number of different attractions including RockReef – an indoor climbing centre at the end of the pier, that has 28 themed walls of different difficulties, costing from £20 per session.

There’s also PierZip – the world’s first pier-to-shore zip line – which costs £27 per person.

These aren’t the only adrenaline-based activities visitors can get stuck into…

Kids can have a go at the aerial course, suspended six metres above the ground, costing £11.50 per person.

And they can venture into the Piercave, which features three tunnels to crawl through and a large ball pit.

It also costs £11.50 per person.

Or they could try the Leap of Faith or drop down the Vertical Slide.

A two-hour session including the climbing, aerial course, Piercave, Vertical Slide and Leap of Faith costs £36 per person.

After burning energy at the different attractions, visitors can grab something to eat at Key West Restaurant where you can pizza costs as little as £14.95 or a cream tea will set you back £9.50.

If you just need a caffeine fix, then you can opt for Coffee Reef, where you can pick up a latte, cappuccino or flat white for £4.50.

There’s also a news and gift shop as well as a beach shop selling seaside essentials such as buckets and spades.

The pier is also a 10 to 15-minute walk from Bournemouth town centre.

Many people have taken to social media to express their excitement for the news.

One person said: “Love this! The right decision.”

The pier previously announced in April last year that it was temporarily suspending the entry fee for 2025, to make it more accessible to the local community.

Since the entry fee was scrapped, the pier has seen more visitors and engagement.

According to the Bournemouth Echo, Sarah Hunter, Managing Director of Adventure Attractions, said: “Increasing accessibility to the pier has always been our ambition, and the response over the past year has been incredibly positive.

“Continuing the toll suspension allows us to build on that momentum and ensure the pier remains a place everyone can enjoy, all year round.”

The entry fee will be suspended until the end of the current pier operator’s term, which includes 2026, 2027, 2028 and up to the end of October 2029.

In other UK seaside news, a popular English city has revealed a £750,000 makeover of its Victorian promenade, which has been closed for over a decade.

Plus, here are our favourite old-fashioned English seaside resorts – with quaint promenades and retro beach huts.

THE Easter weekend is nearly here and whether or not you have kids, you are probably wanting to make the most of the four-day weekend.

Whether you want to escape crowds of families or just discover something new away from your hometown, the Sun Travel team has recommendations for every generation and every type of person.

Gen Z

Gen Z Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens is used to jet-setting off around Europe and further afield, but when it comes to doing things in the UK for Easter, her first recommendation is to head to Norwich.

She said: “The artsy city of Norwich in Norfolk was just voted the best place to live in the UK, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best spots for a city break, too.

“This city moves at a slower pace, split up by the River Wensum’s scenic canals, gardens, Tudor buildings and bookshops that give it a quaint feel.

“Norwich is full of easy-going creatives and young people who prefer a chill pint by a waterside pub than a groggy night out clubbing.

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“My top spots are the Red Lion Bishopgate, which juts out over the water, and the Playhouse Bar with a colourful beer garden and affordable pints.”

And instead of just heading shopping, Jenna recommends strolling the city’s cobbled streets to “dip into vintage shops and grab a new jacket or pair of shoes”.

She added: “Visiting during Easter means flowers at the Plantation Garden will be in full bloom, plus it’s the perfect time for literature and history walks (yes – that’s what Gen-Z are into nowadays).”

Alternatively, Jenna recommends heading to Cornwall for a dip in the sea.

She said: “Cornwall really is a crowd-pleaser UK destination for all ages.

“My dad loves a coastal walk and a pint of local ale in a pub steeped in history, whilst I seek out cider and beer festivals and the best beaches for watersports.

“One of my top Easter holiday activities would be to have a go at surfing.

“April is the prime time to shake off the cold and make use of the increasingly sunny days to grab a wetsuit and head out into the water.

“Newquay is the surf capital of the UK, so there’s no better place to try it – whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.

“Fistral beach has prime waves that reach 6-8ft, but don’t worry if you’re a beginner like me; there’s plenty of classes for first-timers.

“Escape Surf School have been teaching beginner classes for over 20 years, and they start at £43pp for a group lesson.

“There’s also Hibiscus Surf School, which was Europe’s first women-only school, where sessions start at £35pp.”

Millennial

Having travelled to more than 50 countries, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has had her fair share of memorable travel experiences.

But when it comes to Easter, the UK holds some real gems for her.

She said: “Living in Kent, I love the trail along the White Cliffs of Dover, which if you can brave the blustering winds, has some of the most beautiful views in the UK.

“The circular National Trust route is just over three miles, so you can easily do it in less than two hours.

“Then end with a cuppa and cake at Mrs Knotts Tearoom or grab a pint at The Coastguard Pub which has a great pub garden at the front.”

But coastal country walks aren’t for everyone, so if you prefer something a bit more bustling, Kara suggests to head to Manchester.

She said: “Manchester is one of my favourite cities – and one you will always have a good time at.

“And by this, I mean embracing your inner child with a day of games and experiences.

“Start at Chaos Karts, an indoor race track (£30pp) where you can pretend you are in Mario Kart, before grabbing some Barbie-esque skates to whizz around Archie’s Atomic (£8.50).

“End the evening at NQ64, a gaming bar with all the old classic machines and some very fun themed cocktails, before a stint at K2, a karaoke bar open until 4am (£10pp).

“Followed by some chips and gravy of course…”

Families

Having a seven-year-old son, Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire knows exactly what makes a good family day out.

Having tried and tested tons of spots across the UK, Caroline recommends dropping by The Outernet in central London.

She said: “When it comes to free attractions, few are as popular in my house as The Outernet next to London’s Tottenham Court Road station.

“Now, my son and I will make a 25-minute detour to spend even 20
minutes there, whenever we’re in central London.

“The huge, multi-screened space screens artist-made short films
throughout the day, and you can walk in from the street and spend as
little or as much time there as you want.

“With screens covering the sides and ceiling, you really do feel like
you are inside the films.

“Yes, you wouldn’t spend the whole day there, but the British Museum is
a short walk away, as is the walled playground Coram’s Fields.”

But if you are looking for a getaway and don’t want to head into the city, Caroline suggests booking into Haven Hopton Holiday Park in Norfolk.

She said: “[It] is routinely named the best Haven site in the country by visitors, with 4/5 star rating on TripAdvisor.

“It was the first holiday park I ever went to, and it still ranks as my No.1.

“The park has direct access to a lovely sandy beach, which is one of its more best-loved features, but it also has stacks of indoor activities in case the weather forgets to play ball.

“There are two indoor pools, arcades, a climbing wall and a good-sized soft play, as well as some excellent evening entertainment.

“If you fancy going off-site, then it is a short drive away from Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park and the Norfolk Broads.”

Or if you are just looking for a day full of fun, head to Paultons Theme Park in Hampshire.

Caroline said: “With a child under eight, Paultons Theme Park is easily my favourite theme park in the UK.

“Specifically because nearly all of the rides have been designed for younger children – so he can go on everything.

“It is best-known for Peppa Pig World, but there is so much more to the park than that.

“With several different lands, including a £12million new Viking land opening in May this year.

“At last year’s UK Theme Park awards, Paultons bagged ten gongs
including the coveted Theme Park Of The Year.

“I’d have to agree with that gong, thanks to many key factors.

“Incredibly short queues for rides, incredible customer service (employees all cheerful), the cleanliness (bathrooms spotless), and the attention to detail.

“For example, the fact that they don’t charge for parking, unlike
several other big theme parks, and that they have leaflets at the
entrance telling you all of the events that are on that day.

“It’s a family-run business and that really shows.”

Empty Nest

Head of Travel at The Sun, Lisa Minot, is an expert in all things travel having been travelling both the UK and the world for decades.

And when it comes to spend Easter in the UK, she recommends “enjoying the mellow sounds of jazz from a floating platform in London’s St Katharine’s Dock while sipping a free glass of English sparkling wine“.

She said: “Sessions on Saturday evening of the Easter weekend (April 4) catch the golden hour when the yacht lights twinkle across the Marina and Sunday afternoon will be a relaxed affair with performances Olivia Swann, Jamie Safir and Flo Moore.

“Tickets are from £27.50 and include a glass of fizz and light bites, as well as blankets to snuggle under if the weather turns.”

Alternatively, Lisa suggests “making the most of the spring delights of Herefordshire with their new Roasts and Rambles guide that teams up great walks with excellent country pubs along the route”.

She added: “There are more than 60 curated trails to choose from that can see you discover everything from wild mountain ponies to romantic castle ruins, ancient caves and tranquil rivers – all with cosy country pubs along the way for a well-earned pint and classic pub grub.”

For more ideas on what to do this Easter, here are the best UK family days out from £10 to completely free this the Easter holidays.

Plus, 10 of the most affordable English seaside towns for Easter holidays with £1 rides, £2 pints and mega cheap hotels.

A NEW nature retreat holiday park has got the go-ahead near the seaside town of Deal and could open as soon as 2027.

New Park will have 96 cabins tucked away within a historic park and garden.

Dover District Council has given the green light to having 96 cabins built on a park in Betteshanger, around 15-minutes from Kent’s coastline.

Illustrations of New Park reveal plans to build small wooden and glass-panelled cabins with outdoor seating areas.

Inside are double beds, a small sofa and dining area made from natural materials.

Alongside the lodges, the grounds’ woodland will be extended.

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There will also be two new wildlife ponds built and dark skies compliant lighting so it won’t be too bright.

In its planning report submitted in 2025, it detailed that a “group space building would include indoor and outdoor space for event activities”.

Also planned were spots for picnic tables, log benches and a fire pit area.

The holiday park will form part of the Northbourne Estate which is a historic park and garden dating back to the Jacobean era.

There are even plans for a shuttle service connecting the site to a nearby railway station.

On its website, it states that work is planned to start in summer 2026, with the holiday park hoped to be completed in 2027.

The site sits around a 12-minute drive from Deal’s seafront.

Check out another beautiful seaside spot in Kent…

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Margate House, Kent

This stylish boutique hotel is in a seaside townhouse, a short walk from Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants. Decked out with plush velvet sofas, candles flickering and striking independent art, inside feels like a warm welcome home. Rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.

BOOK HERE

The seaside town between Ramsgate and Dover is known for its long pebble beach and its brutalist pier.

Here, you can pop into Deal Pier Kitchen, which has incredible sea views.

The town also has Deal Castle and Walmer Castle, which are great to explore with families.

In 2022, The Times named it as one of the best places to live in the UK.

For more on Deal, see what one writer got up to on a trip to the seaside from her favourite cafes to spotting fisherman’s cottages.

And here are our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London with Banksy art and award-winning beaches.

A QUAINT English village that feels “like stepping into a postcard” has been named among the most beautiful in the world.

With no new houses since the 1600s, Castle Combe at the southern edge of the Cotswolds is already one of the most stunning in the UK.

And now the southwest Wiltshire village has been named by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the most beautiful small towns in the world, and out of 53 destinations on the list, was the only UK spot to feature.

Conde Nast Traveller stated: “[T]he town is a well-preserved stretch of Cotswold stone cottages and old pubs and churches.”

The village has even played a star role as a set in some films, including Stardust, Steven Spielberg‘s War Horse and the original Dr Doolittle film.

One of the best ways to experience the village is to set off on a walk.

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Key points to stop by include Water Lane, where you can see a good example of the local architecture using Cotswolds stone.

One recent visitor even said it was “like stepping into a postcard”.

In the centre of the town, drop by The Market Cross – a four-column stone structure that used to act as the focal point for the village’s weekly wool markets.

Perhaps the most popular spot in town with tourists is the historic stone bridge that crosses the River Bybrook.

The bridge is Grade II listed and can be found in the lower village.

If you fancy something sweet but don’t want to sit inside, then visit Ellen’s Cottage where you will find a small cake stand in front of a charming brown cottage door.

Visitors can help themselves to cake from the stand and pop payment through the letterbox.

There’s usually a bucket full of cold drinks as well, though if you want a hot drink you can knock the door and ask for one, with a cappuccino costing £2 and a latte costing £2.50.

If you want somewhere where you can sit inside and drink your coffee, then head to The Old Stables Coffee Shop which serves a variety of cakes for £4 a slice.

If you are more in the mood for an alcoholic beverage with a side of pub grub, then you can head to The White Hart or The Castle Inn – both of which are just a few steps from the Market Cross.

You can also stay at The Castle Inn if you want to spend a night in the idyllic village.

Rooms cost from £145 a night and you can expect period features in each room, such as original beams.

For another option of where to stay, Conde Nast Traveller recommends booking into The Manor House.

Dating back to the 14th century, The Manor House boasts quiet gardens, a Michelin restaurant and an 18-hole golf course.

Rooms in The Manor House feature dark, wood panelling and ornate wallpaper and a one-night stay in April costs from £276.

There are a number of things you can do in the surrounding area as well.

For example, you could use the village as a base for a Cotswolds walk, through Bybrook Valley and the North Wiltshire hills.

Just four minutes down the road, you will find Castle Combe Racing Circuit where you can watch karting races for as little as £10 per person.

Like adrenaline? Well, the race circuit also offers a number of experiences where you can drive a car of your choice from movie cars, classics and supercars from £84.

The market town of Chippenham is a 14-minute drive away as well, where you can browse independent shops, have a walk through Monkton Park next to the River Avon and learn about the town’s history at Chippenham Museum.

To include a city in your trip, you could head to Bath, just half-an-hour away.

The UNESCO World Heritage city is famous for its Roman baths and honey-coloured architecture, using the same stone found in Castle Combe.

Chippenham is just over an hour on the train from London, with a single ticket usually costing £25 per person.

To then get to Castle Combe, you can either jump in a taxi for 20 minutes or hop on one of the regular local Faresaver buses that take about 24 minutes to reach the village and cost a maximum of £3 per way.

For more inspiration on pretty spots to visit in the UK, here are five English villages that will make you feel like you’re in The Holiday with cosy pubs and cottages.

Or if you want to keep exploring the Cotswolds, there is a tiny village with a popular garden centre and ‘dinosaur’ tree that welcomed a very famous A-lister this week.

BOOKING opens today for thousands of readers heading off on our Hols From £9.50.

If you’re looking for inspiration, our Hols guru Tracy Kennedy, who has enjoyed Sun getaways for 30 years, has answers to readers’ questions . . . 

GLENN JONES: What are some great uk parks that can even keep teenagers entertained?

I’d recommend Billing Aquadrome.

It has outdoor evening entertainment, a giant inflatable obstacle course and pool and snooker tables.

Plus you can take the younger ones to the ball pit or slime making while the teenagers are busy. Seal bay is another great choice. they’ve got a surf simulator, plus food like greek gyros and ice cream.

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CHRIS FOX: My kids love sunny holidays, while my wife and i love culture and history. How can we blend both in one holiday?

Give Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands in East Sussex a go.

The beach is beautiful and there’s a little amusement park on the seafront.

For grown-ups, it’s a ten-minute drive into the charming town of Rye. Or 35 minutes to Hastings to visit the castle and Battle Abbey, and have a nosy in the shops in the old town.

HENRY McCAFFERY: Any suggestions for parks better suited to the elderly?

Try Parkdean Resorts’ Cherry Tree in East Norfolk.

It’s only a short drive to the beach, plus you’ve got Gorleston-on-Sea a ten-minute drive away and Burgh Castle nearby.

There are also plenty of countryside walks. And Norfolk is very flat so you won’t have to negotiate many hills.

ADAM MEACHAM: Where is ideal for a romantic getaway for couples?

I’d suggest visiting Italy, there are 26 italian parks available and it is such a romantic country.

If you’re wanting to go away in the UK, I’d suggest heading to Scotland to one of the beautiful sites there. There are plenty of beautiful walks and glens to explore.

DORA WHITE: How do we find quieter sites?

Maybe book a holiday just before the kids break up. Plus a good park for some peace and quiet is the Lakes Rookley on the Isle of Wight.

The views are amazing around there, and there’s a lovely calm lake to walk around.

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Book online by collecting FIVE codewords and entering them at thesun.co.uk/holidays.

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WITH the UK’s unpredictable weather, summer always feels far away – but a new weather-proof attraction is soon opening in a popular seaside town.

A multi-activity indoor attraction is set to welcome people in a few months in Blackpool.

Tenpin will feature 24 bowling lanes which can be used for parties, groups and casual play.

But there will also be other activities in the venue, including two karaoke rooms.

For those wanting to burn some steps there will be a laser tag arena too.

And if you like a challenge, there will be three immersive escape rooms to have a go at.

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Families visiting with younger children can also use a soft play area and there will be an area for adult visitors as well, with interactive darts and pool tables.

To extend the fun, there will also be a fully equipped arcade.

While enjoying the different activities in the venue, visitors can enjoy a tipple from the cocktail bar and lounge area where live sport will be shown.

Laura Barlow, Regional Manager from Tenpin said: “This is a significant investment in Blackpool’s leisure offering and, most importantly, in its residents.

“We wanted to create a space that families, friends and local groups can use week in and week out.

“Blackpool deserves high-quality, modern entertainment that is accessible all year round, and this venue has been designed to deliver exactly that.”

Construction on the new venue has already started and the attraction will officially open on June 5.

Another new venue will be opening in Wakefield, also with 24 bowling lanes, two karaoke rooms, a laser tag arena, three escape rooms, an arcade area and pool tables.

Tenpin already has 58 sites across the UK.

A game of bowling usually costs around £9.95, when booked in advance, and often different venues have offers on, including ‘Tenpin Tuesdays’ where you can get 50 per cent off bowling and some drinks, and £10 Thursdays where you can get two games of bowling for a tenner.

If heading to Blackpool before June 5, there are plenty of other things you can do.

For example, you could head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort, where from April 4 you can head to Twilight Thrills, where the park extends its opening hours until 9pm.

The Twilight Thrills evenings will also have live DJ sets, entertainment and roaming characters.

Between April 10 and 12, there will also be a three-day festival at the seaside attraction called Turn It Up Festival with music by Harry Styles and Sabrina Carpenter among others.

Tenpin isn’t the only project going on in Blackpool either.

The UK’s biggest indoor waterpark – Sandcastle Waterpark – has revealed it is getting a £500,000 renovation.

Inside there will be a new changing area, as well as the slides being repainted.

And the new look will be open in time for the Easter holidays.

In total, the waterpark features 18 slides, as well as wave pools and river rapids.

It is also the perfect place to escape the chilly sea breeze as the pool is heated to 30C year-round.

In other attraction news, here are all our experts’ favourite attractions in London that cost nothing.

Plus, the ‘secret’ attraction that lets you step into your favourite movies and TV shows is set for huge permanent venue in UK.

THE Cotswolds are well-known for having celebrity visitors and the tiny village of Batsford even welcomed an unlikely A-Lister this week.

Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively was spotted there earlier this week on a visit to the region.

Blake Lively posted snaps of herself exploring the English countryside, including a tiny spot called Batsford.

She and her family visited the Falconry Centre – which coincidentally is right next to Batsford Arboretum, one of the biggest attractions in the area.

Batsford Arboretum is home to a unique collection of some of the world’s most beautiful and rare trees, shrubs and bamboos all spread across 60 acres.

There are over 1,500 tree species from Japanese maples to pines and oaks.

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One of the rarest is nicknamed the ‘dinosaur tree’.

The species was believed to be extinct for two million years before it was discovered in 1994.

Two of its off-spring were then planted at Batsford Arboretum in 2007 – and you can see them there today.

The arboretum brings in lots of visitors and is open year-round, but lots say one of the best times to go is in autumn when the leaves change colour.

Another added: “The arboretum is interesting whatever the season. From snowdrops through to autumn displays.

“Even in the depth of winter it is a pleasure to appreciate the architectural structure of the mature trees – and somewhere there is always something in flower. The collection of Daphnes is particularly noteworthy.”

However, it’s also one of the best places to see cherry blossom in the UK from late March through and April.

Tickets into Batsford Arboretum for adults start from £10.90 and day tickets for children start from £3.15.

It also has a visitor centre where the café, garden centre and gift shop are – all of which are completely free to enter. 

One visitor even called it “the best I’ve been to in a long time.”

After having a gander around the plants, head to the café which serves lunch, and a range of freshly baked cakes.

The huge Batsford House is on the estate of a Victorian country house built in 1892, but is a private residence and isn’t open to the public.

Blake Lively was in the Cotswolds visiting former Celebrity Bake Off judge, Prue Leith, who lives just 5-minutes from Batsford in Moreton-in-Marsh.

Blake Lively and her family set up shop at Soho Farmhouse in Great Tew which opened 10 years ago.

The hotel is surrounded by 100 acres of countryside, and has 113 bedrooms, cabins along with a health club, spa and gym.

There are indoor and outdoor pools, sunken hot tubs as well as plenty of activities like horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, tennis and padel.

When it comes to celebrities, Blake Lively isn’t the only one that’s been spotted in the Cotswolds.

The ‘golden triangle’ covers the most popular towns in the area; Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford.

Chipping Norton is where a number of celebrities live like the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson and Kate Moss.

It’s also home to Clarkson’s famous farm Diddly Squat.

Stow-on-the-Wold is said to be one of the UK’s prettiest towns and uniquely claims to have the most photographed door.

This was rumoured to have inspired Lord of The Rings author J.R.R Tolkien’s book Doors Of Durin.

Burford is a pretty Cotswolds town dotted with lots of independent shops and a popular garden centre.

Beyonce and Jay Z were rumoured to have been spotted there before.

Here’s more on the stunning Cotswolds village with its own sandy beach and lagoon – miles from the English seaside.

And Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who grew up in the Cotswolds, reveals her favourite town to visit.

IT’S the no.1 children’s show on CBeebies and has been streamed more than 450million times on the BBC iPlayer – so where else to build a world-first Bluey rollercoaster than the UK’s biggest theme park?

Alton Towers know a sensation when they see one this week unveiled Bluey: Here Come The Grannies ride in the heart of CBeebies Land.

Now, toddlers and parents (lets face it, mums and dads love him too), can pay homage to the adventurous, inexhaustible puppy via a fun-filled rollercoaster.

The rollercoaster whisks you up and down over gentle dips, and around turns amid a fun, interactive setting of Bluey’s back garden.

It’s filled with fun references to the various episodes – including as the name suggests when the characters dress up as their Grannies.

The ride is the perfect mix of gentle and exciting and went down a storm on the day of opening.

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Parents and kids were loving it while wee toddlers were genuinely immersed in Bluey’s world; they truly believed they were in his garden.

Alton Towers still remains the king of the theme parks and with CBeebies land, Gansta Granny and the big scary roller coasters – every age group is catered for.

As with all of Alton Towers rides, it is not just about the rides, but the imaginative settings and creative back stories that add to the fun.

As the terrified child will testify while we waited for the Wicker Man to finish his dramatic speech ahead of boarding the ride – they do not hold back.

But that is all part of the fun (sorry scared child).

I visited with two teens and even with fast track passes and their excited insistence on running everywhere we still struggled to do half the park – it is vast.

The glorious spotless grounds are so special too. I had sneakily hoped that I could grab a rest while my teens rushed about but the weather was rudely not accommodating.

On a beautiful day however, it is so worth taking the time to explore the perfectly managed gardens – ideal to regulate and find some peace from the  thrills and spills.

The park looked fantastic, but as ever queues at the rides remain an issue and food and drinks pricey.

Meticulous planning, regularly checking the app and packing a picnic is advised to make the most of your day.

As the season opens Alton Towers are ensuring they are constantly evolving and investing in the park.

And the new Bluey: Here Come The Grannies rollercoaster will no doubt delight the next generation of thrill seekers.

One Sun writer spent their break in one of the Bluey hotel rooms…

Hannah Ferrett, Assistant Digital Editor, revealed what her stay was like in Bluey-themed hotel room that opened in 2024…

The new accommodation is one of 13 rooms and suites designed especially for kids — which also include telly favourites Postman Pat, Bing and Octonauts.

But this isn’t the place for those looking for a chilled stay with calm kids . . . as Jess, my nine-year-old said, the room is just too exciting.

We knew exactly what we were in for the moment we opened the door of the large room — which can sleep up to seven — as the Bluey theme song blasted out from speakers.

This led to roughly 15 renditions of the Bluey-themed musical statues (yes, mum and dad got involved too). The hotel has done a great job.

The kids slept in Bluey and Bingo’s room, complete with bunk beds, the recognisable watermelon rug and the cartoon dogs’ pretty Himalayan rock salt night light — a nice touch for little ones.

There’s also a sofa bed which sleeps two, and a trundle at the bottom of the bunks. The only thing which excited all four kids more than the triple bunk was realising we were the first family to stay in the room.

Murals of the Heeler family cover the walls, with fairy lights and books dotted about. The bathroom had pictures of Bluey and her sister plastered across the walls.

My partner Dan and I were in Bandit and Chilli’s room, which had a king size bed, TV and lots of pictures of Bluey and Bingo as puppies, much to the delight of our kids.

The suite and other Bluey room (which sleeps five) tie in with the launch of Bluey Live at CBeebies Land. The excitable blue pooch and her whole family are part of the fun, with kids able to meet the characters and even have their photo taken with them.

For more on theme parks, here’s one where you ‘travel through time’ and rides roar past the hotel window.

And here are seven great UK seaside towns with beachfront theme parks – and you can stay with Hols from £9.50.