Staycation tips and ideas

A MUCH-LOVED playground is set to reopen TOMORROW after a multi-million refurb.

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens in London, will reopen on August 5 with a new 17metre by 12metre Galleon on a sandy beach.

The Galleon also has two crow’s nests to climb, a large tunnel slide and a play telescope.

Inside the ship, there is a kitchen and lots of nooks and crannies ideal for a game of hide and seek.

Other parts of the £3million playground upgrade include a “treehouse of dreams”, which has three different climbing towers and a four metre tunnel slide.

The free-to-visit park also now has an accessible walkway, talk tubes, musical instruments and games such as tic-tac-toe.

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Ideal for the hot and sunny weather, there’s a new waterplay area as well with a crocodile sculpture.

Little kids aren’t left out either, as there is an area with timber houses, play ships and a large sandpit for toddlers.

Andy Williams, Park Manager for Kensington Gardens said: “We know that children across London, the UK and the world have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this playground, and we can’t wait to see their reactions when they visit. We know they will absolutely love it.

“This playground has been thoughtfully designed so that children of all abilities and interests can find something that appeals to them.

“Children can once again splash, swing, climb and hide in this almost two-acre playground set amongst sub-tropical planting.”

He added: “This incredibly popular playground has a capacity of 450 people and with UK schools now on summer break, we are expecting more people to visit than usual.

“Therefore, there may be lengthy queues across the week, but especially at weekends.”

SHOREDITCH has never been short on style – and this hotel in its centre captures the vibe perfectly.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Hart Shoreditch.

Where is Hart Shoreditch?

This hotel is in London’s Shoreditch – the creative heart of the city that blends the best of fashion, street art and nightlife into one gritty, industrial setting.

Hart Shoreditch sits on Great Eastern Street, just a fifteen minute walk from must-see spots Brick Lane and Columbia Road Flower Market.

Liverpool Street, Old Street and Shoreditch High Street stations are all about half a mile away, giving you access further into the city.

What is the hotel like?

This swanky hotel leans into Shoreditch’s industrial, cabinetmaker heritage – the interior mixes exposed metal and wood details with soft warm lighting, warm orange and red tones, plus plenty of bookcases packed with carefully-chosen items that nod to the area’s history.

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If you’re into your interiors, you should check out the huge wrought iron spiral staircase, illuminated by moon-shaped chandeliers.

In fact, the hotel regularly puts on immersive art exhibitions that use this staircase to stage the artist’s works – it is currently displaying the works of artist Mali Mowcka.

What are the rooms like?

The hotel’s 126 rooms follow the theme – inside you’ll find crisp, white beds topped with orange throw pillows, plus copper details and familiar wooden flooring.

You’ll also find a Marshall Acton III on your bedside table – possibly the coolest Bluetooth speaker that looks like a mini vintage guitar amp.

Your tea and coffee making station is actually done properly here, too. You’ll find great-quality mugs and espresso cups, plus a Nespresso machine and tea from Brighton-based blenders, Hoogly.

Rooms start from £207 per night on a room-only basis. See hartshoreditch.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

If you’re visiting for the weekend, don’t bother researching somewhere to go out for lunch.

Walk just next door to the hotel’s Asian restaurant, UBA, and sit down to enjoy one of the best bottomless brunches out there.

The new Weekend Brunch offering is far from your typical dry toast, cheap Prosecco and mushy avocado with eggs.

Here, you’ll feast on dishes like Korean crispy fried chicken, rock shrimp tempura, kimchi loaded fries, buttermilk chicken katsu buns, seafood dumplings and more.

The bottomless offer costs £68pp, and includes two small plates, one bun or dim sum, two sides, dessert plus unlimited drinks – including a selection of cocktails.

Considering one cocktail in London can set you back £20 nowadays, you’re getting your money’s worth on drinks alone.

And trust me, the small plates were far from small – and I could have easily eaten just one side as my main meal.

Pair that with bottomless, high-end cocktails like the Blushing Geisha, infused with Asian flavours, and you’ve truly got yourself one of the best-value bottomless brunches out there.

What else is there to do there?

This hotel offers much more than just a place to sleep.

There’s a 24-hour gym with plenty of cardio machines like treadmills, an elliptical and exercise bike, plus strength machines, free weights and benches.

Plus there’s quirky wellness sessions like infrared sound healing, plus guests can claim 20% off on massage at a nearby wellness centre.

You can get involved in making art yourself, too, with oil painting classes, collage and sculpting workshops.

Check out the What’s On page to see upcoming events.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel offers queen-sized, interconnecting rooms which are ideal for families.

There’s even summer screenings of kid-friendly shows and films in the Byrd Lounge on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the school holidays.

And when it comes to food and drink in UBA, children can enjoy a kids’ bento box.

Is the hotel accessible?

The hotel is fully accessible, with wheelchair-friendly rooms and a step-free entrance.

Make sure to mention any specific requirements you may have when booking.

HALF of holidaymakers have changed their travel plans due to rising costs and global uncertainty – booking later and staying closer to home.

A poll of 2,000 adults who go on holiday found 22 per cent are arranging their getaways closer to departure and 32 per cent would rather stay somewhere closer to the UK.

Almost seven in 10 (67 per cent) are eager to avoid the strain of busy airports while 16 per cent have delayed getaways due to worldwide instability.

And 54 per cent have already committed to a staycation over the warmer months this year – having booked their UK getaway.

Further to this, more travellers will be heading to the South West of England this summer than making the traditional jaunt to Spain.

Ryan Johnson, senior vice president at Enterprise Mobility in the UK and Ireland, which commissioned the research, said: “This summer’s travel trends paint a clear picture of how UK holidaymakers are approaching their summer holidays, with domestic travel, and road trips in particular, firmly at the forefront.

“Cost, convenience and a desire for more flexibility are all shaping those decisions in meaningful ways.”

It also emerged cost was another key factor in the emergence of ‘stay-trippers’, people swapping overseas holidays for road trips and short breaks across the UK.

More than a third (37 per cent) would choose a domestic road trip over travelling overseas on price, according to the OnePoll.com data.

A third (35 per cent) also saw easier planning as a benefit of staying closer to home, while 33 per cent cited the added bonus of being able to be more flexible with their plans.

For those planning a road trip specifically, the Scottish Highlands (42 per cent), Lake District (40 per cent) and Cornwall (37 per cent) ranked as the most sought-after stops.

When it comes to driving specifically, reliability was the top priority when selecting a car up to the task (46 per cent), ahead of comfort and passenger space (39 per cent) and fuel efficiency (33 per cent).

Traffic, meanwhile, was the most cited concern for those taking to the road this summer (54 per cent).

Ryan Johnson from Enterprise Mobility added: “We see the results reflected in the way our customers choose their travel.

“Having the right vehicle in the right place at the right time is fundamental, and customers need a vehicle that is reliable, comfortable and well suited to the journey ahead, qualities that are essential to creating a great road trip experience.”

DEVON is the only county with two coastlines – and it certainly has the impressive beaches to show for it.

Growing up in South Devon, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time enjoying its spectacular seaside – in particular along the English Riviera.

The Riviera spans 22 miles of pretty coastline along the South West Coast Path.

It has been hugely popular among holidaymakers ever since the Victorian era, thanks to its micro-climate.

The unusually warm weather means it is home to plenty of tropical plants and palm trees, giving it a Mediterranean feel.

In my 20 years living in the area, I’ve experienced all 25 stunning beaches across the three towns that feature on the Riviera – Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

Each spot is different, with some being better for families while others are better for confident explorers.

As a local who has been to all of them, here’s my verdict on each…

25. Saltern Cove

Saltern Cove is a rocky, shingle beach that is my least favourite of all 25.

It’s rough underfoot, so I’d recommend taking beach shoes if you go in the water, and it’s best reached by kayak or paddle board.

The cove is a Special Site of Scientific Interest and as a result, is also a local nature reserve.

Near Goodrington Beach, you can head to the cove via Goodrington Sands or the South West Coast Path, and dogs are allowed all year-round.

24. Churston Cove

North of Brixham, Churston Cove is a quiet, shingle beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

This cove is popular among locals because it’s less well-known among tourists.

The water is particularly clear and calm compared to many of the other beaches.

I would say only venture to this spot if you are a keen hiker as the path is steep and uneven, but it does make for a scenic walk.

23. Watcombe Beach

If you want to see a beach with dramatic scenery, head to Watcombe Beach.

This secluded, quiet cove is surrounded by dramatic red cliffs scattered with towering trees.

The beach itself is a mixture of sand, shingle, and pebbles.

To get to the beach, your best bet is to park in the car park off Moor Lane and you will need to walk down a 500-metre, steep path.

22. Maidencombe Beach

For another dog-friendly spot, head to Maidencombe Beach in Torquay.

The beach is another place that features the county’s famous red sandstone cliffs, but is also a great spot to go rock pooling.

To get to the beach, you will need to head down a steep path and quite a few steps – so that is worth bearing in mind.

There is also a family-run cafe at the beach, where you can rent a paddleboard or kayak.

21. Oyster Cove

For another quiet spot, visit Oyster Cove in Paignton.

Popular with locals, to get to the beach you will have to head down a number of steps from the South West Coast Path above.

When the tide is low, loads of rockpools emerge to explore.

Your four-legged friend is allowed all year-round too.

20. Shoalstone Beach

Shoalstone Beach is another shingle beach that’s a 15-minute walk from Brixham’s main harbour.

The sea is quite rough here, but that’s no problem because Shoalstone seawater swimming pool is right next to the beach – the 53-metre tidal pool recently reopened following repairs.

There is a promenade to walk along and dogs are allowed year-round.

The Berry Head Hotel is a short walk away and perfect for a weekend stay, with rooms from £176.

19. Livermead Sands

Along the seafront from Torre Abbey Sands, heading towards Preston and Paignton, you willl find Livermead Sands.

It sits below a hotel by the same name and is a small red sand beach that completely disappears at high tide.

If you are staying at the hotel, there is direct access to the beach.

In the summer, make sure to catch the Red Arrows who fly over the beach.

18. Hollicombe Beach

Hollicombe Beach sits between the towns of Paignton and Torquay and is backed by red sandstone cliffs.

The quiet, sheltered beach features the famous red Devon sand and it’s quite long and thin, so you have to time your visit right to get the most of the space.

Wait until the tide washes out and suddenly a ton of rock pools will emerge, making it the best spot to go hunting for sea creatures.

Accessed by a steep, narrow slope, it’s good for older kids as it’s shallow water extends quite far out.

17. Man Sands

If you want to go to a secluded spot, head to Man Sands when on a hike from Sharkham Point.

The beach isn’t the most accessible, but the view is worth it when you get there.

And when the tide heads out, you will be able to explore a number of coves and rockpools.

It is a great spot for wildlife lovers as well, as behind the beach is a green area where birds live, and it is managed by the National Trust.

16. Beacon Cove

Growing up, I used to visit this beach a lot, tied in with a trip to the now- abandoned Living Coasts.

The beach sits between two cliffs and features a mix of pebbles and shingle.

The water is always very clear.

This spot even has the stamp of approval from a local celeb – Agatha Christie – who used to bathe here when it was a Ladies’ Bathing Cove.

15. Corbyn Beach

If Torre Abbey Sands is too busy for you, head to Corbyn Head Beach.

It is only a few minutes’ walk away from Torre Abbey Sands, but is much quieter and less busy.

Corbyn Head sits at the end of the beach, which is even believed to have inspired Baldy’s Head in Agatha Christie’s novel, Postern of Fate.

There’s a slipway from the road to the beach, making it super accessible, and you can grab a light bite from the cafe there too.

14. Fairy Cove

Located just behind Paignton Harbour, this quiet red-sand and pebble cove is a great spot for a peaceful escape.

The beach isn’t huge, but thanks to being tucked behind the harbour, you will only find locals there.

The sea here always tends to be a bit calmer as well, and has a nice gradual entry without getting deep quickly.

Not too far from the high street, it is the ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle.

13. Meadfoot Beach

A short drive from Torquay town harbour, you’ll reach Meadfoot Beach, which boasts a mix of shingle and pebble.

This beach has very clean water, but is known for being a little rockier underfoot when paddling.

It is also quieter, and thanks to a small car park and parking along the road, it is the perfect place to head wild swimming or kayaking, as crowds don’t get in the way.

There are also some seasonal beach huts and a cafe.

Make sure to look out for Thatcher Rock as well, and if you have binoculars you will be able to spot local birdlife on the towering sea rock.

If you want to extend your stay in this slightly quieter area of the English Riviera, you can book into The Osbourne Hotel, which looks right out to sea and costs from only £68 per night.

12. Anstey’s Cove

Anstey’s Cove was once used as a smugglers’ hideout thanks to being so secluded.

And today that secluded nature remains, with a shingle beach that is dog-friendly year-round.

The beach itself is surrounded by towering cliffs and woodland, making it a nice sheltered spot, hidden from the main tourist beaches.

It is a great stop when hiking along the South West Coast Path and to see dramatic rock formations.

11. Oddicombe Beach

Tucked under towering cliffs near Babbacombe, just outside of Torquay, you’ll find Oddicombe Beach.

The beach is another great family spot and you can have the added fun of getting there via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

At the beach, there are beach huts to rent, as well as a shop and cafe.

It is worth noting parking is a distance away, so I would say this is not a suitable beach for families with pushchairs.

10. Breakwater Beach

Another one of my fave spots is Breakwater Beach in Brixham.

Known as one of the cleanest beaches on the English Riviera, you will always spot brave wild swimmers and scuba divers in training.

The seabed here is actually home to a rare seagrass as well as seahorses.

If you walk along the beach and breakwater, you almost certainly will spot some of the town’s resident seals.

I am yet to visit and not see them, and I have been well over 20 times.

The Grade II historic site spot also holds a lot of history, as it was used as an embarkation point for the D-Day landings, where 30,000 troops with ammunition were loaded onto vessels.

9. Fishcombe Cove

On the edge of Brixham, you will find Fishcombe Cove, which is a dog-friendly beach with a mix of sand and shingle.

It sits right on the South West Coast Path, so is a good point to stop and enjoy the views of the bay.

It is also popular with wild swimmers and paddleboarders.

It used to be an important site for the lime kiln industry, with workers burning limestone to make lime for building.

8. Paignton Sands

When people think of traditional seaside towns, the image they see is pretty much Paignton Sands.

The long-stretching red sand beach features shallow water ideal for kids, a pier with arcades, crazy golf, a cinema, and spots to grab a bite to eat.

There always tends to be sand here, so it is ideal for a long day in the sun.

And thanks to being a short walk away from Paignton high street and train station, there’s a whole host of other things to do, including a huge playpark – making it the best spot on the coast for entertainment.

7. Preston Sands

If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Paignton Sands, head to Preston Sands instead.

The beach actually connects up with Paignton Sands, but is much quieter.

Backed by a green, it is a great spot for an early evening walk with an ice cream in hand or an afternoon picnic.

In fact, the green was used during World War I to house seaplanes that used to operate day trips around Torbay.

6. Torre Abbey Sands

Not too far from Torquay town centre, Torre Abbey Sands sits next to a road where you’ll find a lot of parking.

The long, red sandy beach is ideal for families as it’s sheltered and close to a number of facilities including toilets, an ice cream shop, a chippy and even a Lounges restaurant.

At low tide, the beach is huge as well, meaning there is plenty of space for families.

If lucky, you might catch ‘The Sandyman’ – artist Geoffrey Ward – who creates large patterns on the beach using a rake.

5. Broadsands Beach

While you can park at the south end of the beach, I would recommend walking to the beach from Broadsands.

There, you will pass under a towering viaduct designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Then it takes about five minutes along a lane to reach the beach, which has golden soft sand and isn’t as busy as other spots on the coast.

At either end of the beach, you’ll find rock pools, and then in the middle of the beach is a lifeguard, where you can also hire kayaks and paddleboards, and a cafe.

4. St Mary’s Bay

If you are looking for a spot that really transports you elsewhere, then head to St Mary’s Bay.

Here you will find soft sand, surrounded by cliffs covered in forest, making you feel as if you were somewhere more tropical.

The water itself is usually calm and clear as well.

You can head to the beach along the South West Coast Path too.

3. Babbacombe Beach

Next door to Oddicombe Beach, connected by a wooden coastal walkway, you will find Babbacombe Beach.

The beach is mostly pebbles, but is also sheltered, often making it a preferred spot for snorkelling and diving.

You might be able to see grey seals floating in the water too.

The serene spot even has its very own ‘inn on the beach’, with a pub.

Called the Cary Arms, the hotel sits right above the water and features a spa with an indoor pool that looks out to sea.

Rooms cost from £232 per night.

2. Goodrington Sands

No other beach in the UK can say it sits right by the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark.

But that isn’t all Goodrington Sands boasts.

With a Premier Inn right by the beach to extend your stay, there are plenty of things to do.

The beach is split into two – north and south beach.

With steam trains running along the north beach, this tends to be the more family-friendly spot.

It is also where you will find watersports activities, ice cream shops, chippies, and the waterpark.

The south end tends to be the dog-friendly walkers’ spot, backed by a huge green where you will also find a small lake with pedalos, karts and crazy golf.

For a bite to eat, head to Brewers Fayre Inn On The Quay.

1. Elberry Cove

Elberry Cove is just a short walk from Broadsands Beach and is my top pick.

A stunning pebble beach with clear waters that look like the Med and are always so inviting.

Every time I have visited, that moment where the beach comes into view makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and as if I have been picked up and dumped on some remote Greek island.

At the far end of the beach is a small bathhouse ruin that dates back to the 18th century.

It used to let Lord Churston, who built it, swim directly into the sea and even had an early version of the hot tub, which used to be heated by fire.

The cove is even believed to have connections to Agatha Christie, who grew up in the area and used it as a setting in her novel The ABC Murders.

It is also a great spot for watching nearby jet skis bounce over the sea.

HUGE headliners. Gorgeous Suffolk countryside. Woodland spas. Entire fairgrounds, theatre and comedy tents. Oh, and fluffy pink sheep.

If you’re looking for the UK’s best family festival, you’ve found it at Latitude.

I visited the festival this year to celebrate its 20th birthday, and as a first-timer, it truly surprised me.

This year I sang my heart out to sets from Tom Odell and Lewis Capaldi, but over the years, the festival has hosted artists like The 1975, Liam Gallagher and Florence + The Machine.

Pair those headline sets with DJ sets from Dermot O’Leary and Gok Wan, and you’ve got yourself a pretty interesting line-up across the festival’s six music stages.

The thing that struck me the most about this festival was just how family-friendly it is.

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At the very front of the main stage, you’ve got dedicated superfans stood against the barrier.

Zoom to the outer edges of the crowd, and you’ve got multi-generational families sat on camping chairs and picnic blankets, with pully trolleys packed with snacks, toys and games.

And when I say this is an all ages festival, I mean ALL ages.

I saw pairs of grandparents slow-dancing together as well as tiny toddlers grooving on the grass.

Those who wanted to stay out late or head to over 18’s zones could do just that, whilst those who want to peel off early to put the kids to bed can easily do so, too.

It was refreshing to find a festival where you can enjoy huge headline acts such as Lewis Capaldi and David Byrne, and not get caught up in the pushing, shoving and moshing that comes with other UK festivals.

Although – if you are wanting that vibe – head to the Trailer Park late at night, where alternative and up-and-coming acts like Grooveline put on incredible, high-energy sets.

This is also the area of the woods that’s best for exploring, where you’ll find everything from a redneck oracle offering life advice, to a rat-themed caravan hosting a rat-themed rave.

I won’t lie, this exploration was done during the early hours of the morning and I was starting to question my own eyes. But I can assure you that the Trailer Park, in all of its randomness, is real.

There’s even a secret, apres-ski themed stage that plays dance music and blasts fake snow over the crowd – accessible only by crawling through an unsuspecting ski shed.

Forgetting the chaos of the nighttime escapades, this festival experience can also be as relaxed as you want it to be.

Maybe it’s the chilled Suffolk countryside that puts everyone at ease, but this festival has an incredibly relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

There’s even free punting trips along the river, where you’ll cruise by a floating stage that puts on experimental art performances and classical music from a live orchestra.

And if you really want to unwind, there’s an entire wellness area dedicated to just that.

Slip through sparkling streamers into the zen zone and find food trucks serving nourishing smoothies, massage tents, saunas and daytime yoga sessions.

My favourite part of this zone was the “peace tree”, draped in flowers and colourful hangings, with soft cushions scattered across the grass beneath it.

It’s the ideal spot for a quick moment of meditation (or, let’s be honest, to retreat to when you’ve had one too many drinks).

Here, you can simply lie back on the earth, rest your head on a cushion, and breathe – and don’t worry, no one will judge if your quick lie-down turns into a full afternoon snooze.

To the left of the zen zone you’ll find the comedy tent, where you can catch a stand-up show from both budding talent and big names.

I managed to catch a set from the hilarious Sue Perkins, which started with all things Bake Off and ended on embarrassing, behind-the-scenes moments from her Netflix travel show.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the comedy tent will take you to the massive dedicated kids area, which is packed with free workshops, theatre shows and more from 10am – 6pm daily.

The baby and toddler tent offers a sheltered soft play plus areas to feed, change and even bathe the little ones.

For older kids, there’s a fairground with a giant helter skelter, plus a kids theatre tent with song and dance workshops, arts and crafts activities and pop-up Punch and Judy shows.

Over in the forest, you’ll find bushcraft skills, pop-up museums and interactive space and science stations. All in all, it’s pretty impossible for kids to get bored here.

When it comes to camping, there’s plenty of options.

There’s general weekend camping, plus dedicated family camping zones, ideal if you have children aged 16 and under in your group.

The family camping zone has its own ‘Enchanted Garden’ area with extra activities, plus it’s only a short walk from here into the main arena, which is ideal for those with little legs.

I stayed in the Pink Moon glamping area, which is well worth it if you’re looking to treat yourself.

Here there’s plenty of sparklingly-clean loos and showers, plus lounge zones with sofas and a dedicated pamper tent, complete with mirrors, hairdryers and straighteners that are yours to use.

As for food and drink, you’re pretty spoilt for choice here.

Stonebaked pizzas, macaroni cheese bowls, loaded jacket potatoes, coconut curries, duck wraps, fluffy Biscoff pancakes…my mouth is watering just thinking back to the meals I had.

Expect food festival prices, but my top recommendations would be to grab a salted maple iced latte from Pantha Coffee (£5), and indulge in home comforts with a full-on roast dinner from Roasthost (£18).

You can even just grab a side of roasties with gravy and cauli-cheese for a cheeky snack (£10).

Or head to The Local Larder by the kids zone to pack your own picnic, where you can put together a lunch of scotch eggs, sausage rolls, cheese twists, salads, pastries and more.

Ultimately, Latitude Festival can be whatever you make it.

Want a wholesome family camping weekend where the kids have a fairground and woodland workshops on their doorstep? Sorted.

Or days of drinking at waterfront wine bars, going punting, catching a few DJ and comedy sets thne ending the night by dancing to drum and bass? That’s easily done, too.

All of this in a fantastical woodland setting dotted with pink sheep, hidden forest raves and floating river stages – I’d say that’s a recipe for a pretty magical weekend.

Latitude 2027 Early Bird tickets go on sale on August 13 at 10am.

Day tickets start from £110 for adults and £18 for children.

General weekend camping tickets start at £308 for adults and £28 for kids, which covers four nights of camping plus entry to all free performances, workshops and activities.

Pink Moon camping starts from £285 per adult for the weekend, excluding a festival entry ticket.

See latitudefestival.com.

Booking Latitude? Try Klarna

Klarna lets you split up the payments for your festival tickets, plus their debit card is packed with travel benefits.

Spread out your festival ticket payments by using Klarna, which offers flexible payment options such as splitting the cost of your ticket into three payments.

You can purchase Latitude tickets directly through the Klarna app, or choose Pay with Klarna at checkout.

For even more travel benefits, check out the Klarna Card.

The Klarna Card charges no foreign exchange fees, so you can tap abroad without worrying about any extra charges.

The card is accepted in over 200 countries, wherever Visa payments are accepted.

Pair it with a Klarna membership and you’ll also get travel insurance, cancel for any reason cover plus airport lounge access.

See klarna.com/uk/.

FOR quieter destinations and cheaper prices, a late summer holiday – when kids have gone back to school – is ideal.

And now is the perfect time to book one, whether you want to relax on a beach, sail the ocean, tour wineries or experience some Disney magic.

Trisha Harbord selects ten top trips to enjoy in the UK or abroad, with or without the little ones . . . 

NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISING

SAY goodbye to chores and ride the waves aboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia.

The round-trip from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords, stops at Haugesund, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger, and takes in the Viking region, breathtaking glaciers, lush forests and stunning lakes.

In Olden, try the Loen Skylift, one of the steepest in the world, for an amazing view.

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Britannia is an entertainment centre, with comedy, musical shows, bars, speciality restaurants, sports, a cookery club, kids’ clubs, play areas and a night nursery.

GO: Seven nights’ full-board from £785pp departing Southampton on September 11. See iglucruise.com.

BULGARIAN BLACK SEA ACTION

IF you like an active holiday, Bulgaria’s Black Sea is for you.

Along Sunny Beach, there are watersports galore, catamaran cruises, a theme park, Jeep safaris and biking.

The nearby Tui Blue Nevis hotel offers a multi-sports court for tennis, football and volleyball, pool games, guided walks, arts and crafts, and cooking classes.

Evening entertainment includes singers, acrobats, outdoor cinema and silent disco.

Don’t miss the ancient city of Nessebar, a Unesco World Heritage site.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £579pp including Manchester flights on September 10. See tui.co.uk.

LUXURY GREEK ODYSSEY

WHAT could be more enticing than fabulous food and cool cocktails in a gorgeous Greek island boutique hotel?

The 3* adults-only Nathalie Hotel in Ixia, Rhodes, is small and friendly with rooms that sleep up to four guests.

Or push the boat out and book a Jacuzzi room and Rooftop suite with views over the ocean and spectacular sunsets.

Ixia has a buzzing nightlife, with bars, tavernas and cafes, and is a surfer’s paradise.

Take a bus or taxi to explore the cobbled streets of Rhodes old town.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B from £579pp including flights from Stansted on September 27. See jet2holidays.com.

AND RELAX… WITH THE BELFRY BREAK

TREAT yourself to a relaxing break at one of the UK’s finest country resorts – The Belfry, set in 550 acres of countryside.

The spa has pools, sauna, steam rooms, A Fire & Ice Experience and aroma caves.

The resort has three golf courses, a driving range, restaurants and a cinema room.

A highlight this summer has been surfing simulator WaveSurfer, which will run at weekends during September.

GO: The Pamper or Putt offer is from £259 a night, including dinner, overnight stay, breakfast and your choice of a round of golf on The Derby or a 25-minute spa treatment.

Family two-night B&B weekend offer from £404. thebelfry.com.

LIFE’S A BEACH ON TURKEY’S RIVIERA

THE sun shines 300 days a year on the stunning beaches of Turkey’s riviera.

And the Prime Beach Hotel, in popular Marmaris, has its own private beach.

The 5* resort also offers an aqua park, pools, restaurants and snack bars.

Adults will love the wellness and spa centre, featuring a traditional hammam.

If you can travel for up to three hours, take a day trip to the thermal pools of Pamukkale or ruins of Ephesus, both Unesco World Heritage sites.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £757pp including flights from Luton on September 30. Price includes a free child’s place. See easyjet.com.

BEAT THE QUEUES AT DISNEYLAND PARIS

SEPTEMBER is a fantastic time of year to visit Disneyland Paris, especially if you avoid the weekend for shorter queues.

This year is a big one for the attraction.

The new World Of Frozen has opened in Adventure World, along with Cascade Of Lights, a fireworks, water and drone spectacular.

New for summer are Princess Cavalcade Mickey And The Magician show. Grown-ups will love thrill rides, such as The Twilight Zone: Tower Of Terror  and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the Hotel Santa Fe and three-day park tickets from £831pp, for arrival on September 28. See disneylandparis.com.

CATCH A SEAFOOD FEAST IN DEVON

DIVE down to Devon for two-week festival England’s Seafood Feast, which showcases the county’s culinary qualities and begins on September 21.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham create exclusive tasting experiences, including seven courses over seven hours in seven restaurants by seven local chefs, with seven award-winning drinks.

Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat in Brixham has lodges, caravans and chalets.

GO: Three nights’ self-catering in a two-bedroom lodge is from £369. See landscovecoastalretreats.co.uk and englishriviera.co.uk.

ESSEX HAS A TOUCH OF GLASS

WINE tourism in Essex is booming and the county is now home to 58 vineyards.

Treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the beautiful grounds of Bardfield Vineyard near Braintree and you won’t need to book a taxi home after tasting their rosé, Bacchus or sparkling brut wines.

A tasting tour with ploughman’s lunch costs £40 per person.

Bed down in a rustic cart lodge, with two double en-suite bedrooms and kitchen.

Head to Saffron Grange for sparkling wines, or try the award-winning Tuffon Hall vineyard.

Both tours cost £25 per head.

GO: A cart lodge at Bardfield from £140 a night. See visitessex.com.

YORKSHIRE GOES BARKING MAD

CHEF James Martin will join pooch lovers at DogFest On The Farm at Harewood House, Yorkshire, on September 12-13.

James, who says his cocker spaniel Cooper is his best mate, will be giving cooking demos and dog nutrition advice.

Your four-legged friends can play in the giant ball pit and splash around at a pool party.

Trainers are on hand and there are sheepdog trials and breed meet-ups.

Tickets from £24.50. See dogfest.co.uk.

A perfect base for the festival is the Old Barn, near Harrogate.

GO: Three nights’ self-catering is from £525 for arrival on September 12. See caninecottages.co.uk.

TRY WALES FOR WALKING

WALKING tour company Ramble Worldwide is 80 years old this year.

It offers guided holidays in the UK and abroad for all levels of fitness, including along the beautiful Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coasts.

Ramblers who choose Wales will find clifftop paths, coves and fishing villages, with the chance to see seals, dolphins and porpoises, and Cilgerran Castle.

Groups of ten to 12 are based at the 3* Gwbert Hotel, on the River Teifi, for walks of around ten miles a day.

GO: Five nights’ half board from £699pp for arrival on September 28. See rambleworldwide.co.uk.

AS the mum of a seven-year- old boy, I think the two most-used words in my household are Pokemon and Lego.

So excitement was off the scale on a trip to Legoland Windsor’s second annual Lego Festival, featuring their new Pokemon Trainer attraction.

The festival, billed as the “ultimate celebration of play’’ — has five zones across the park, where you complete activities to earn stamps on a card.

Get three of the five stamps and earn a prize at the end of the day.

We created our own race car in the new F1 Brick Stop Challenge and added our own flower to the new garden in the Chill Zone.

But our favourite task was the Pokemon Play Zone — a 15-minute attraction where kids get their own interactive Lego Pokemon character to feed and take into battle.

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At the end, you can also make your own Poke Ball out of Lego to take home.

The festival showcases live performances, including headline act Battle Of The Bands, featuring rock and pop stars.

I’m a big fan of the seasonal offerings that Legoland puts on throughout the year and the Brick Or Treat Halloween attraction is unmissable in October.

We always fit so much in that we are too knackered to fully appreciate Miniland on the way out to the car, so I’ve resolved to make the miniature towns and cities our first stop during our next visit.

The theme park’s rides are also awesome. Flying theatre ride Flight Of The Sky Lion is my favourite, and Driving School is still a must for kids, despite dating from 1996.

But what makes Legoland stand out is the attention to detail in every corner of the park.

From the moment you start up Legoland Drive, where the Lego figurines spell out a scrambled version of “Welcome’’, to the excellent Miniland countries (which a team of five maintain full-time), there is something everywhere to marvel at.

I also love the permanent creative zones around the park, designed to let kids build when they need a break from rollercoasters.

While most theme parks focus on the biggest and best rides, Legoland manages to prioritise both entertaining kids and encouraging them to entertain themselves.

That said, these are my favourite five rides for ages five to ten . . . 

As I’ve said, Flight Of The Sky Lion is mindblowingly good.

If you are going to use a fast pass on anything, make it this. It is also not scary — any child aged four and over should be fine.

Minifigure Speedway is a duelling rollercoaster — with two separate tracks where cars race forward and backward past each other — that is one of the park’s newest rides and aimed at pleasing tweens.

My seven-year-old still won’t go near it.

Driving School is an oldie but a goodie — kids love being given the freedom to drive themselves solo around their own road circuit.

Coastguard HQ is right next to Driving School and perfect if your child is too young to handle their own car, as this lets them drive a boat around a lake while you accompany them.

The Dragon is an excellent starter rollercoaster for kids, with some decent drops and a few twists and turns, but it is easy enough not to terrify anyone while scary enough to make young ’uns feel they have braved something big.

Of course, most of these rides also have the biggest queues.

Fortunately, on our visit we were staying at the on-site Legoland Resort Hotel, which gave us early access to the park.

Guests can go on a number of rides, including Flight Of The Sky Lion and Coastguard HQ, from 9.30am — 30 minutes before the public opening.

The hotel lays on plenty of added extras for guests, from the Lego in the lobby to character meet-and-greets at breakfast, and evening dance parties.

Our room got full marks for fun, too, with a treasure hunt and Lego prize, along with a Lego build zone.

In fact, it is a miracle I got my son out in time for our 9.30am start.

But the lure of becoming a Pokemon Trainer was too strong.

If only I could use that trick every morning once school restarts.

THERE’S a leisure centre in the UK that has so many attractions, it feels more like a waterpark – and its just had a multi-million upgrade.

The Leisure Pool at Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex has reopened after a major £10million refurb.

Over the past few months, upgrades and maintenance works have been carried out at the pool.

And there are a number of new features too including a splash pad for little ones, with different interactive features.

The Super Slide and The Surf – multi-lane slides – have both had a makeover as well.

The pool also operates a wave machine, with one visitor commenting that it “actually feels like you are in the sea”.

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Many visitors have also noted how the pool feels more like a waterpark, with “amazing” slides.

Another feature introduced this year is an inflatable obstacle course.

The course features balance sections as well as slides, and you can race people on it too.

Each session on the course lasts an hour and costs £9.45 per person.

Tickets to the Leisure Pool then cost £13.13 per adult and £10.50 per child.

Alternatively, you could get a family of four ticket for £40.

The project forms part of a wider £10million project to upgrade the entire leisure complex.

Other new features include interactive mini golf, which is already open, and replacing the soft play area, with a more modern soft play and cafe bar experience.

NAME a better spot to camp than right by the beach?

Well, at an award-winning holiday park, you can now pitch up your tent just a few metres from the sand, this summer.

Aber Bay Holiday Park near Aberystwyth in Wales will be launching beachside pitches from August 1, costing just £30 per night – which works out at £7.50 per person, per night.

You’d be right by Clarach Bay Beach, which is a sheltered, sand and shingle cove that stretches a mile long.

The beach is a great spot for kids with rock pools to explore and there is also a walking trail that heads over the cliffs.

One recent visitor said: “The beach is located right at the front of the park, it’s a sandy/stone beach with a stream running through the middle ideal for the younger children to explore/build dams etc! Beach is beautiful and always very clean.”

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Another person added: “The bay itself has a beautiful gorgeous beach and facilities for children, the dogs loved it!”

A third person commented: “A lovely little beach front which is safe for children. The beach front also has a nice cafe which serves a good breakfast and tasty fish and chips.”

Guests also get to use all the facilities at the holiday park including an indoor heated pool, a games room, outdoor play area, restaurant, bar, shop and entertainment.

The park also recently opened a rooftop terrace which overlooks the coastline.

The holiday park was named the best in Wales last year by the Welsh Hospitality Awards, making it one of the best holiday parks in the UK.

If you didn’t fancy camping, you could stay in one of the park’s caravans, lodges or glamping pods with their own hot tubs, instead.

A four-night break in September costs as little as £215 in a caravan sleeping up to eight people – that’s £6.72 per person, per night.

One recent visitor said: “Absolutely lovely location,right on the beach and so peaceful, loved waking up to the noise of the sea and will definitely be coming back for another stay.”

A MULTI-MILLION pound attraction is set to open in the UK – taking over an abandoned ski resort.

Around a mile from the city centre, Sheffield Ski Village closed over a decade ago and has been left abandoned since.

Now, under new plans the ski village will be transformed into a £20million attraction with a luge ride, a family playground and future plans for a zip line and surfing experience.

Located at Parkwood Springs, the first phase would include building a gravity-fed downhill karting attraction, also known as a luge.

This phase would also include a playground, a spot to grab a drink or bite to eat and an indoor attraction called ‘Beat the Storm’ – though details about what this is are yet to be revealed.

Later phases would then focus on opening a zipline and a surfing experience, as well as potentially reopening the dry slopes.

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Skyline Enterprises – the New Zealand-based adventure tourism company behind the attraction – state on a website dedicated to the project that it would be “one of the city’s most exciting new leisure destinations”.

It adds: “Whether you want to ride down the hillside, explore the trails, grab a bite to eat, or simply see your city from a brand-new angle, Skyline Sheffield will have something for everyone.”

The ski village opened back in 1998 and used to be a training base for British Winter Olympians.

However, it has been closed since 2012 after a fire destroyed most of the village.

And over the years there have been plans to transform it into an outdoor activity centre.

However, this never materialised and the current plans to open it as an attraction have been discussed over the past decade.

A planning application is expected to be submitted later this year.

Geoff McDonald, CEO of Skyline Enterprises, said: “We know that Parkwood Springs has been a challenging site to bring forward over the years, but with strong support from Sheffield City Council and an experienced project team on board, the pieces are now in place to deliver something truly special for the city.”

Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Our plans to transform Parkwood Springs into a vibrant and thriving area of the city are continuing to move forward, and Skyline’s plans for the old Ski Village site remain a focal point of the work we are doing.

“The site has had many false starts over the years, but I am now delighted to see the latest proposed details for their facility.”

SOMETIMES all you need is to get away from the stresses of life and book in a spa break.

And good news – if you’re overdue some relaxation, a spa session or overnight break doesn’t have to destroy your budget.

Whether you want a countryside spa weekend with afternoon tea, a Bristol break with breakfast and bubbly, or even to try your luck on a mystery spa voucher – we’ve got you covered.

Here’s our pick of the best spa day and overnight stays across the UK, which are all on sale or up for a very cheap price on Wowcher.

Bannatyne Spa Day – pick from 35 locations – £32.99

Book yourself in for some me-time at Bannatyne Spa, where this Wowcher offer gets you spa time, a treatment plus some goodies to take home.

Choose a 30-minute treatment from the following: a Swedish back, neck & shoulder massage, manicure, seasonal body scrub, or a tailored facial.

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Then switch off from the world and enjoy a relaxing dip in the pool.

Plus there’s 35 locations to choose from in spots like London, Norwich, Cardiff, York, Durham and more.

Save up to 66% on a spa day at Bannatyne Spa – from £32.99

Somerset spa break with breakfast and bubbly – £84

Set in the Somerset countryside, the four-star DoubleTree Cadbury House hotel makes for a stunning staycation.

The hotel has its own spa with an indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, gym, thermal suite plus plenty of spots to lay back and relax.

Pick between a one or two-night stay and enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival, as well as a freshly-cooked breakfast each morning.

You can also choose to upgrate for an extra £20 each to enjoy dinner in the on-site Marco Pierrre White Steakhouse.

Book a spa break at the 4* DoubleTree Cadbury House from £84

Mystery spa break – £9.99

This is the ultimate lucky dip – go for a £9.99 mystery deal and you could land a spa break at over 500 luxurious locations.

You could enjoy packages such as lunch, a treatment and a smoothie at Elan Spa, plus overnight breaks for two or a fancy spa day at Shangri-La The Shard in London.

You could even land a glamorous mini spa holiday abroad, winning a city break in Paris at a five-star spa hotel for two.

Once you’ve bought the mystery voucher, you’ll be sent a link to redeem it where will you see which prize you have won.

Bag a mystery spa voucher for £9.99

Four-star Essex Spa Day with Lunch included – £69

Bag a spa day with lunch at the four-star Greenwoods Spa in Essex for £69, saving up to 51% off full price.

The deal includes a spa day experience with full access to all the facilities, as well as a two-course lunch.

Meal options include a pan-roasted chicken supreme, pork loin or fish of the day for main, as well as a mango cheesecake or warm chocolate brownie for dessert.

After lunch, settle down for the afternoon in the Greenwoods Spa, where you can have a gentle swim in the pool or a detox in the sauna.

Save up to 51% on a spa day with lunch at Greenwoods Spa – from £69

Overnight spa break in Northamptonshire countryside – £154

This countryside spa retreat in Northamptonshire is the ideal place to go to clear your mind.

Stay in the rustic York Cottage Spa in a spacious king-sized suite, and make use of the spa with its swimming pool, sauna, and relaxation zones.

This deal is for two people, and also includes a traditional afternoon tea and cosy, fluffy robes to borrow.

Outside of your vibrant green countryside surroundings, you could head into the market town of Wellingborough to soak up its history.

Book an overnight spa break for two at York Cottage Spa for £154 (£77pp)

YOU don’t need to spend a small fortune to treat the family to a stay at a top holiday park.

These award-winning parks are packed with indoor waterparks, loads of kids activities, coastal views and top quality entertainment.

Plus we found deals for families of up to six for as little as £2.88pp per night.

So whether you’re looking for a staycation in Scotland, an escape to Essex, or a beach break in North Wales, these top-rated resorts deliver non-stop family fun.

Orchards Holiday Village, Clacton-on-Sea

This AA four-star rated Clacton-on-Sea park has an indoor and outdoor pool, mini Segways, a nine-hole golf course, and a summer Football Fun Factory – and that’s just the start.

Put your spare 2p coins to good use in the arcade, or head off on a bike trail for quiet afternoon cycling along the fishing lake.

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Then settle down by grabbing some familiar eats from Papa Johns, Burger King, or the park’s own pub, The Mash and Barrel.

Just 17 minutes away, Clacton Pavilion adds extra thrills with exciting live shows and more than 20 rides. You can grab an unlimited ride wristband for £12.99.

The cheapest deal we found was for a four-night break for four people in November for £49 total, working out to just £3.06pp per night.

Click the button below to browse last-minute summer breaks or to book ahead for quieter seasons.

Book a stay at Orchards Holiday Village from £49

Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire

East Yorkshire’s Thornwick Bay holiday park is ideal for outdoors-y families, with its very own private lake where you can hire pedalos, go kayaking, or try stand-up paddleboarding.

Indoors you’ll find a spacious swimming pool with a multi-lane waterslide, plus an action-packed Activity Barn with climbing walls, archery coaching, and slime workshops.

On sunny mornings, little explorers can hunt for fossils and explore the sea caves down at the bay.

When it’s time to refuel, there’s takeaway favourites like Chopstix noodles, plus sit-down dining options like the Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant. Just make sure to save room for dessert from Bertie’s Ice Cream.

With the dramatic Flamborough Headland’s moss-topped cliffs and breathtaking beaches on your doorstep, there’s endless options for things to do at this coastal holiday park.

It even won the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award last summer, and is rated a five-star holiday park by AA.

We found a four-night stay for four people in September for £49 total, which works out to £3.06pp per night.

Check holiday dates and caravan options by clicking the button below.

Book a stay at Thornwick Bay from £49

Craig Tara, Ayrshire, Scotland

Race down neon-lit slides and flumes at Splashaway Bay – one of Scotland’s largest indoor waterparks – which sits inside Craig Tara holiday park.

Outside of the amazing waterpark, kids can burn off energy at the Adventure Village, where there are aerial ropes courses and a giant six-metre high platform called ‘The Jump’.

Plus with dedicated sensory rooms for toddlers and a huge soft play hall, every single age group is catered to.

With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, Craig Tara delivers the ultimate weather-proof staycation where a bout of rain could never dampen your holiday.

The cheapest deal we found was for a four-night stay for six people in September for £69 total, which is just £2.88pp per night.

Click below to browse holiday dates and caravan options.

Book a stay at Craig Tara holiday park from £69

Golden Sands, Rhyl

Set right in the pretty seaside town of Rhyl, Golden Sands Holiday Park makes a brilliant base for exploring North Wales, and has collected awards from sites such as Hoseasons.

You can easily reach spots like Dyserth Waterfall and historic Gwrych Castle in just a short drive, plus Rhyl itself has its own miniature railway and golden beach.

Back on site, kids can burn off energy with NERF gun battles, an outdoor adventure playground and soft play, or splash around in the indoor pool.

This park also has fantastic evening entertainment, with family-friendly live shows, glow parties, bingo nights and mini discos.

We found a deal for a three-night stay in a comfort chalet sleeping five in September for £157, working out to £10.47pp per night.

Click below to browse dates and book yourself in for a staycation.

Book a stay at Golden Sands from £157

Combe Haven, Sussex

In sunny St Leonards-on-Sea in Sussex, this lively resort is perfect for making a splash, with a huge water complex including a lazy river and a giant Space Bowl flume.

On-site activities range from archery coaching and footgolf to a giant climbing wall.

Head to Cook’s Fish and Chips for a chippy tea, and sea view drinks at The Saxon Bar to unwind in the evenings.

You’re also just 15 minutes from historic Hastings, where you can explore historic Hastings Castle and the underground caves of the Smuggler’s Adventure.

The cheapest deal we found was for a four night stay for six people in September for £69 total, working out at £2.88pp per night.

Click the button below to browse holiday dates, including last-minute summer breaks.

Book a stay at Combe Haven from £69.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

PART of a popular beach will close for the remainder of the summer holidays.

Work will start on extending Hove Beach, near Brighton in East Sussex, as well as protecting the coastline, next week.

From August 3, part of the beach will be closed for a groyne to be added, as well as thousands of tonnes of shingle.

This forms part of a wider project that started earlier in the year, to add nine new groynes – known as a groyne field – to the beach.

The section closed from next week will be between King Alfred Leisure Centre and Second Avenue.

During this time, the old groynes will be replaced with new ones while the part of the beach remains closed to the public.

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Once finished, the beach will be 25 metres longer.

Work on the beach is expected to finish in November.

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: “This is a really exciting phase of the scheme. It’s going to be great to see the barge offshore and the new shingle being pumped onto the beach.

“The completed groyne field is going to ensure the homes and businesses here are better protected from climate change, rising sea levels and storms.

“We’ve seen for many years the impact storms can have, with tonnes of shingle washing up onto the promenade. This will help massively to reduce that and keep the prom accessible for everyone.”

Hove Beach is backed by a long esplanade with a cycle lane as well as a grassy area where visitors can find cafes, an amusement arcade, crazy golf and a leisure centre.

Beach huts for hire can also be found along the promenade.

IS there anything more traditionally British than a big double-decker bus?

The Original London Bus Tour offer tours around the capital in classic, open-top buses – and there are some major savings to be had this summer.

Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour

Families looking for an exciting day out in London can save 25% on children’s tickets for The Original Tour’s guided Kids Tour of London, with kids under 2 going free.

The tour is the only one of its kind, as the only live guided London bus tour that is catered specifically to kids.

Families can learn all about London from an enthusiastic tour guide on a 45 minute-long trip around the city.

The route will help you tick off all the major London sights, without the faff of hopping on and off the busy underground or walking long routes that are tiresome for little legs.

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Cheap & FREE school holiday family days out including fast cars, boats & museums

Simply sit back and relax on the open-top bus, where you are guaranteed a top deck seat.

You’ll cruise past landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street, the London Eye and more.

But it’s not only about ticking off all the sights.

With the child-friendly commentary from the live tour guide, you’ll learn all the hidden secrets of London and fascinating facts that will make your day out all the more interesting.

Come September, the kids will have plenty of new knowledge to impress with at school – along with those fond family memories.

As the tour is catered to families, you can expect all the comforts like room to park your pram downstairs, free Wi-Fi, plus you’re allowed to bring snacks onboard.

Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour

The best part? You can also claim seven other freebies as part of the offer.

Your ticket also includes a Hop-On Hop-Off River Thames cruise, where you can soak up the sights from the water.

Plus you’ll get access to six self-guided walking tours via The Original Tour’s partner app.

That’s three ways to see London for the price of one – all of which are kid-friendly, hassle-free and put together by experts.

That way you can put together the perfect family day out in London during the school summer holidays that won’t break the bank.

Tours depart from Charles II Street, beside His Majesty’s Theatre. It’s recommended to arrive at least 10 minutes early, as seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For added flexibility during the summer holidays, you can amend up to 24 hours before departure.

You can book your ticket online or browse other bus tours by clicking the button below.

The 25% off children’s tickets deal is a limited-time offer, and runs over the school summer holidays.

Claim 25% off kids tickets for the The Original London Kids Tour

A SMALL but much-loved holiday resort in the UK is set to get a load of new attractions.

Ribby Hall Village near Kirkham, Preston, has announced plans for a new high ropes course, netted play area and outdoor activity zone.

The new attractions would be at the Wildlife Discovery area in the five-star holiday park and also feature a go-kart track.

A new entertainment centre is already approved for the holiday resort as well.

Ribby Hall Village has a range of accommodation including self-catering cottages and an adults-only spa hotel.

Guests also get unlimited access to a family pool with waterslides and an adult pool.

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And much like Center Parcs, you can book onto a number of different activities including heading to the indoor soft play as well as an onsite zoo and wildlife centre.

For more entertainment, there are also a number of daytime and evening shows.

Across the village, guests can head into a number of family restaurants, bars and cafes.

Summer breaks cost as little as £32 per person per night.

One recent visitor said: “Not our first visit to Ribby hall but as usual had a fabulous break with the family – we have chosen Ribby hall over our former choice of Center Parcs as Ribby represents so much better value for money.”

Another visitor added: “Loved it here, obvious comparison is with Center Parcs and I would pick Ribby Hall.”

Fylde Council has not yet announced when they will make a decision on the application.

DEVON has lots of beautiful seaside towns, but when it comes to finding one that is more peaceful than most, it can feel tricky.

Sidmouth in East Devon is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and, surprisingly, has no arcades or rides.

And soon the spot will be getting a £21million glow-up.

The multi-million pound project will focus on protecting Sidmouth’s seafront.

There will be new offshore breakwaters, a 120 metre beach groyne, flood gates and a number of repairs to existing sea walls.

Ultimately, the upgrades will help to not only protect the seafront, but homes and businesses in the area too.

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When visiting the Victorian seaside town, make sure to head to the Blue Flag-awarded beach, which is known for being one of the cleanest beaches in the UK.

Have a look at the cliffs as well, which form part of England‘s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As for the town, instead of amusement arcades, loud sports bars and dodgy street food vendors, you’ll find galleries, antiques shops, independent boutiques and tearooms.

Travel reporter Cyann Fielding has previously visited the town and said: “Growing up, I always associated Sidmouth with ‘that place that had donkeys’.

“This is due to Sidmouth being home to the free-to-visit Donkey Sanctuary that has over 100 donkeys that they have improved the lives of.

“Away from the sanctuary, I also visited the beach on occasions growing up.

“Sidmouth is pretty, but I often think people also forget how impressive it is with the dramatic cliffs dating back 200million years.

“They are part of the Jurassic Coast – which is made of vibrant reed sandstone cliffs from the Triassic period.

“They are a wonder to see and within the area, there are many places to go and things to do where families can learn more about the Jurassic Coast.”

A TOWN often compared to the Cotswolds could soon get direct services to the capital.

Locals are calling for a new train service to launch between Bradford-on-Avon and London.

The Wiltshire town used to have a route to London Waterloo, but this was axed in 2021.

Currently, passengers have to change trains at Salisbury or Southampton to get to Bradford-on-Avon.

Locals are also calling for a service between Trowbridge and London as well.

According to Time Out, Wiltshire Council has said it would “strongly welcome” a direct train service between the towns and London.

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South Western Railway (SWR) is now looking into the possibility of launching the service.

Sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds but not quite in it, Bradford-on-Avon currently has direct links to Bristol and Bath, which is only 10 minutes away.

You’ll find lots of quaint cottages as well as picturesque countryside walks.

In the heart of the town, you can head to the Bradford-on-Avon Museum, where you can explore the local history.

To enjoy the architecture of the town, make sure to stop by the Saxon Church, which dates back to the early eleventh century.

Make sure to also visit the 14th- century Tithe Barn, which is an English Heritage site measuring 51.2 metres long.

For a fun activity, make sure to hop on a canal trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal and Avoncliff Aqueduct.

There are multiple different boat trips you can head on, including afternoon tea ones, with tickets starting from as little as £10 per person.

After exploring, if you fancy a bite to eat, head to The Bridge Tea Rooms, where you’ll be served afternoon tea for £13.95 per perso, by people in Victorian costumes.

Or if you want a pint, you won’t be short on pubs with options including The Dandy Lion and Timbrell’s Yard – which you can stay at as well, from £167 per night.

Or you could head to The Hall Estate, which is a 400-year-old Grade-I listed Jacobean mansion, costing from £160 a night.

YOU will soon be able to stay in luxury cabins right by a 17th century castle.

Crossbasket Castle, around 10 miles from Glasgow, is already home to a luxury castle – but new plans have revealed 12 additional cabins.

The cabins will be right on the banks of the River Calder, which is a short walk from the castle itself.

Each cabin can host up to four people, with a double bed and a sofa bed.

The cabins also have bathrooms found on the enclosed balconies, with freestanding copper bathtubs.

For breakfast, guests need to head to Foveran’s atrium, where they can grab a range of breakfast items including a breakfast grill, charcuterie and pastries.

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When it comes to grabbing something in the evening, guests can head to the hotel’s restaurant, Trocadero’s.

The cabins will welcome guests from the beginning of October, with a one-night stay including breakfast costing from £295.

In addition to the lodges, the hotel will also get a new spa – Four Angels Spa.

Due to open in the autumn, the spa will have four treatment rooms, ‘immersive experience showers’, a sauna, a steam room and heated loungers.

Products used in the spa will also be sourced locally, from the Isle of Harris.

Crossbasket Castle dates back to the 15th century and at one point was even owned by Charles Macintosh, the inventor of the raincoat.

It was then purchased by Alison and Steve Timoney in 2011, who spent £10million on restoring the castle for it to reopen in 2016 as a five-star hotel.

Alison Timoney, owner of Crossbasket Castle, said: “From the outset, our vision has been to create an experience that goes beyond traditional luxury hospitality.

“The introduction of the Four Angels Spa and Crossbasket Cabins further enhances our vision for the overall estate, offering guests a place to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of our surroundings whilst enjoying a moment of calmness and relaxation.”

AN AWARD-WINNING visitor attraction in the UK is at risk of closing.

The Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire – home to the UK’s largest telescope and several attractions for the last 70 years – could soon close.

According to the BBC, the attraction has lost its funding, which could mean that the attraction is forced to close, which scientists describe as “heartbreaking”.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site observatory features a number of telescopes that have been used to study galaxies and to train astronomers.

There are four pavilions in total to explore, including one that features a science exhibition.

Outside, visitors can then also venture around 35 acres of gardens including an arboretum, as well as picnic areas, ponds and a playground.

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The attraction has a number of cafes and a gift shop too.

General tickets cost £15 per adult and £10.50 per child.

In addition to this, there are a number of events that run at the observatory including shows such as The Great Solar System Adventure, where young space explorers can see the journey and life of stars.

Most shows cost from nothing to around £5 per person to watch.

And the site isn’t just used for science – it has also made an appearance in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy as well as Doctor Who.

Unless funding can be found for the attraction, all scientific investigations are expected to stop at the observatory on April 1, 2028.

The observatory was first launched in 1945 and played a key role in the Cold War to monitor Soviet missiles.

The BBC added that the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) agency is expected to make a statement regarding the loss of the observatory’s annual £2.8million budget.

One recent visitor said: “We had a really lovely experience at Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement. It’s a fantastic place to visit with children.

“There is an indoor museum, activity room as well as playgrounds, so it works well even if the weather isn’t great.

“The Dome cinema was a real highlight — the film was excellent and very engaging.”

THE Cotswolds is easily one of the most popular places to holiday in the UK thanks to its pretty limestone villages and scenic countryside, but if you’re with kids and it’s summertime then let’s face it… they’ll be miffed at a lack of sandcastle building opportunities. 

Fear not, because the scenic region is also home to the UK’s inland beach.

I visited Cotswold Country Park And Beach with my son last week, as England entered what felt like its 100th week of sunshine, and it was the perfect way to spend a summer’s day. 

Located on the South lake and North Lake within the Cotswold Water Park, just down the road from Cirencester, it’s about 45-50 miles in a straight line from the nearest coast in the Bristol Channel. 

The park has 140 metres of sandy beach and a large area for paddling and swimming, as well as stacks of water-based activities. 

These include a large overwater, inflatable obstacle course, pedalos, paddleboarding, rowing boats, electric self-drive boats, paddle boats and kayaks. 

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There’s more to do on land too, including pedal carts, a playground and minigolf. 

We paid £18 to enter the park with our car and a further £18 each for the inflatable obstacle course, plus £12 for 30 minutes on the electric boats. 

As it was a Friday during the school summer holidays and a roasting 27C, the beach was packed, with families spilling out onto the grassy banks behind. 

Thanks to the neverending summer, the water was very warm with no need to brace as you enter the water, like you usually do in Britain. 

The Cotswold lakes were initially made out of old limestone gravel pits from the 1900s, which then refilled naturally and were turned into nature reserves.

Several of them now offer activities like paddleboarding but Cotswolds Country Park is the biggest of the bunch. 

The overwater obstacle course was so brilliant that it was the highlight of my entire week’s holiday, with a good 45 minutes on the water, clambering on the Total Wipeout-style attraction.

The electric boats were brilliant too, with my son loving having control of his own vehicle on the water. 

There’s so much to do at the park that you could easily spend two days here and not get bored. 

We spent 6 hours there and barely scratched the surface of what was on offer. 

If you want to make it into a weekend, I highly recommend staying at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, which is an eight-minute drive away on the edge of one of the other 148 lakes in the area and has rooms from £160 a night this August. 

With its own spa, we finished our day with a more relaxing water-based activity and the chance to use their posh products to wash off our time in the lakes, before a waterfront dinner at their Boathouse restaurant and a well-deserved night’s sleep. 

CAN Butlin’s get any better? Well, apparently so as all three resorts now have new self serve bars for the first time.

Butlin’s at Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness have introduced the new booze bars with beers, ciders, cocktails, spirits and mixers and soft drinks.

There are more than 100 Self-Serve Bars in total.

The introduction makes Butlin’s the first holiday park in Europe to introduce the Boxbar machines.

The bars have been introduced to cut down queues, as well as to get served faster.

In fact, you’d be served in as little as six seconds.

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There are more than 20 drinks options including popular brands, including Madri, Guinness, Smirnoff and even Butlin’s own On The Beach cocktail.

The new bars are available to guests on all family breaks, as well as the adult-only Big Weekenders.

And the drinks are also included on the All Inclusive Drinks package.

Heidi Watson, Head of Innovation at Butlin’s said: “This is an exciting first for Butlin’s.

“Everything we do is about improving the guest experience and our new Boxbar Self-Serve Bars will make a real difference to guests on a family break or a Big Weekender.

“Open in time for the school summer holidays, the bars are designed to reduce wait times and make it quicker and easier for guests to get a drink.

“This means less time queuing and more time enjoying their holiday with family and friends.”

Here’s everything you need to know about a holiday to Butlin’s.