Staycation tips and ideas

WRAP up warm and embrace the winter at Gulliver’s World.

Its fantastic Land Of Lights experience at its parks in Milton Keynes, Warrington and Rotherham is perfect for families looking to enjoy some fun after dark.

Fairytale characters welcomed us to Gulliver’s World in Milton Keynes, and I’m soon struggling to catch up with Finn, nine, and Isobel, seven, as they burst through the gates.

We’ve visited Gulliver’s World before during the day, and loved it.

The park is ideal for younger children, with gentle rollercoasters, log flumes and fairground fun, as well as rides for adrenalin-seekers, like Dragon Siege.

But this time, we’re here to enjoy the separately ticketed Land Of Lights — a joyful trail through illuminated lands, complete with giant light installations, larger-than-life lanterns and cute photo opportunities.

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We start in Dinosaur Land, where the park’s life-size Jurassic monsters are joined by dazzling new residents, including a luminous T-Rex.

Alongside the brightly coloured beasts are some entertaining special effects.

Following the path through a fairy garden and animal farm, we wander, enchanted, open-mouthed through the Under The Sea exhibit.

Halfway through, we stop to toast marshmallows on a bonfire.

There is an extra cost of £5 for this, but my kids really enjoy it and it’s a great way to warm up.

There’s also a little food court, if you’re feeling peckish.

Bolstered by our marshmallow feast, we arrive at the Christmas-themed kingdom, complete with Santa and his elves.

And I’m just as captivated by it all as the kids, skipping along the sparkly path of lights.

To extend the fun, you can even stay overnight in one of the park’s themed cabins, which include a Wild West Saloon.

The next morning, we head into the park for some thrills.

The Land Of Lights may have been more relaxing, but Isobel is thrilled to finally be tall enough to take on Dragon Siege, and as we step off the ride, our cheeks have a different kind of glow.

It’s such a great way to keep everyone entertained — a weekend with something for everyone is a winter win.

WE MIGHT barely be in November but with the mornings chillier and the evenings darker it won’t be long before we press play on the festive films.

And one in particular – The Holiday (2006) – has one of the cosiest of cottages we all dream of staying in over the winter period.

While Rosehill Cottage might be fictional, the UK isn’t short of similarly beautiful cottages by any means.

So here are six that will give you the same feel as being in the movie’s cottage itself:

Philham Water Cottage, Devon

Nestled in the Devonshire countryside is Philham Water Cottage with a double bedroom and a lounge with a sofa bed.

Like The Holiday itself, you will find a roaring wood stove inside an open fireplace.

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There’s WiFi, a TV and a DVD player too.

The cottage also has a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom, with a bath tub.

The website says it can host two individuals or a couple, however the cottage does sleep up to four people.

It costs from £95 per night, so £42.50 per person per night if two people were sharing or £21.25 per person per night if four people did stay.

Lew Quarry Cottage, Devon

Set in the grassy green fields, Lew Quarry Cottage, also in Devon, has two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, and free WiFi.

If you fancy enjoying a cuppa in the fresh air, there is also a garden with a cosy seating area.

And of course, the cottage has a grand fireplace.

Nearby guests can head to Lydford Castle and Launceston Castle.

A seven-night stay for two adults and two children costs £465, working out at £16.61 per person, per night.

Old Blacksmith’s Cottage, Lincolnshire

Old Blacksmiths Cottage in Market Rasen has one bedroom, alongside a shower room and fully equipped kitchen.

The cottage also has a private garden and parking.

Nearby attractions include Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace and Lincoln Cathedral of St. Mary.

It costs from £320 for a seven-night stay for two people, working out at £22.86 per person, per night.

The Green House, Somerset

The Green House in the village of Nunney, Frome, is a quaint Grade II listed cottage that can sleep up to four people (though children under the age of nine are not allowed).

In the lounge there is a cosy fire, which guests can snuggle up by and admire the period features of the cottage.

In the chilly mornings make sure to head outside to the secluded terrace that overlooks the stream.

In the village – which is often dubbed one of the prettiest in Somerset – there’s also a pub and a small shop.

Nearby attractions include Nunney Castle and Cranborne Chase – an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Stays cost from £571 for seven-nights for four people, working out at £20.40 per person, per night.

The Cottage at The Feathered Nest, Cotswolds

Now if you really want to stay in a cottage that looks almost identical to Rosehill Cottage in The Holiday, book into The Feathered Nest’s cottage in the Cotswolds.

Known as ‘Little House’ it is part of The Feathered Nest’s pub site and dates back to the 15th century.

The cottage found in the village of Chipping Norton, has a double bedroom as well as a lounge area with a sofa bed.

There is a grand open fireplace and a sleek kitchenette too.

Your four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out on this one either as it is dog friendly.

Stays are a bit steeper costing from £800 for two nights for four people, but if you stay from a Sunday to a Monday you get a discount making it £760 – or £95 per person per night… Maybe a good one for a friend group.

Blackbird Cottage, Dorset

Blackbird Cottage in Beaminster is dog-friendly and sleeps up to five guests.

This restored Grade II listed cottage boasts its original features across its three bedrooms and walled garden.

The ground floor of the cottage also features historic stone floors as well as a wood-burning stove to keep you warm.

You’d be a short walk from shops and pubs as well as a short drive to the famous Jurassic Coast.

If you stay for three nights, you can get a £50 discount working out at £526 total or £35.07 per person per night.

A HOLIDAY park left abandoned for two decades on the Isle of Wight is set to be transformed into the ultimate luxury coastal escape.

Previously known as Atherfield Bay Holiday Camp and abandoned since 2007, the site is now being redeveloped by Evergreen Escapes as the Isle of Wight Resort.

Overlooking Atherfield Bay, the new multi-million holiday park is set to open in April 2027.

According to the resort’s website, it will be a “peaceful haven, where sweeping sea views and star-filled skies go hand-in-hand with exceptional accommodation and five-star facilities”.

The multi-million pound project includes building 63 luxury lodges with sea views.

There will be two options – Elite and Signature.

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Elite lodges will feature either two or three bedrooms sleeping up to six people, with an open plan living and dining space, as well as a private outdoor decking.

On the other hand, Signature lodges will be slightly more luxury, sleeping up to eight people across four bedrooms.

The living and dining space will be open plan like the Elite lodges, but guests can also expect pops of colour or feature walls.

All the lodges are dog friendly and if you do bring you beloved pooch, they will get their very own welcome pack.

There will be a welcome pack for the humans too though, with Isle of Wight goodies.

Each lodge will have Rituals smellies and luxury robes and slippers too.

All of the lodges will be be self-catered accommodation.

Also on-site will be an indoor swimming pool, – perfect for the colder winters months – as well as a sauna, steam room and a gym.

At the centre of the resort, The Wight Isle Lounge will serve hot drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks and fresh pizzas.

Local residents will also be able to use the entire holiday park.

And discounted ferry tickets will be available to staying guests.

Bookings are currently open for stays from April 2027, with 38 out of the 63 lodges available to rent (the rest will be for sale).

Geoff Cowley, CEO of Evergreen Escapes Group, said: “The Isle of Wight Resort will be a fantastic addition to the Island’s already thriving hospitality scene when it opens.

“Not just because we’re investing in high-end accommodation and facilities, but also because we’ll be investing in the resort team.

“We’ve already filled a number of senior roles but are actively looking for others to join us and showcase the best the Island has to offer for guests and owners alike.”

Evergreen Escapes also has plans for another 15 to 20 resorts over the next five years.

The Isle of Wight Resort will follow Evergreen Escapes acquiring Manor and Ashbury Resorts in Devon and Doublebois Lodge Escape and St Mabyn Lodge Escape, in Cornwall.

HAVING a cosy weekend away to look forward to makes winter all the more exciting.

But it’s especially fantastic when you can save an extra 15 per cent on your stay with The Inn Collection Group.

Claim an extra 15% off (+ dogs stay free) with code ICG_WOOF15

Whether you’re after a coastal escape to a seaside castle, a Snowdonia staycation with waterfalls on your doorstep, or an Edwardian manor with manicured gardens – we’ve got you covered.

We’ve hand-picked these UK breaks in spots like Yorkshire, Wales and the Lakes because they make for fantastic winter escapes, plus all of them are dog-friendly, too.

If you do bring the pooch along, they can even have a bite to eat from Sir Woofchester’s dog menu, where they can have their own mini roast dinner, fish and chips or even a Paw Star dog martini.

Here’s the winter staycations you can book today and bag an extra 15 per cent off – plus bring the dog along for free.

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The Wateredge Inn, The Lake District

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly base to explore the Lake District, The Wateredge Inn in Ambleside is a great pick.

This waterside pub with rooms sits right on the shoreline of Lake Windermere, with a waterfront dining terrace perfect for a pint with a view.

In the restaurant, dine on everything from hot honey chicken burgers (£18.95) to ‘our famous lasagne’ (£17.50) – just make sure to save room for the sticky toffee brownie sundae for dessert (£8.50).

Rooms start from £80.10 per night on a B&B basis.

Claim an extra 15% off (+ dogs stay free) with code ICG_WOOF15

The Swallow Falls Inn, Snowdonia

Sitting steps away from a waterfall in Snowdonia National Park, The Swallow Falls Inn is worlds away from the everyday grind.

The charming inn provides your pick of 39 cosy rooms to return to after a day’s exploring the outdoors, plus a pub with a popular Thursday steak and wine night (£25pp).

The hotel is only two miles away from Betws-y-Coed, a gorgeous village with dense forests and lakes sitting on the Conwy Valley railway line.

Rooms start from £85.50 per night on a B&B basis.

Claim an extra 15% off (+ dogs stay free) with code ICG_WOOF15

The Tynemouth Castle Inn

This sprawling Castle Inn has stood overlooking the the shore of Tynemouth‘s Longsands Beach for over 80 years.

There’s 72 plush bedrooms here, with the option to stay in a sea-view rooms, offering you a front-row view to glorious seaside sunsets.

Whether you’re up for a breezy winter beach walk, or prefer dipping into the shops and cafes in the charming local village, it’s a great spot for a calming weekend away.

Rooms start from £89 per night on a B&B basis.

Claim an extra 15% off (+ dogs stay free) with code ICG_WOOF15

The Ripon Inn, North Yorkshire

Stay in a restored Edwardian hotel in the North Yorkshire countryside, just steps from the charming city of Ripon and its impressive cathedral.

The property sits on six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, giving making it feel like a country manor retreat. Inside is all grand staircases and original fireplaces, as well as a stylish, botanical-themed bar.

This hotel prides itself on its hearty Sunday roasts, which are served carvery-style with a selection of tender meats and giant Yorkies.

Rooms start from £89 per night on a B&B basis.

Claim an extra 15% off (+ dogs stay free) with code ICG_WOOF15

The Stables, Whitby

Visit the scenic North York Moors with a stay at this 17th century farmhouse-turned cosy countryside inn.

Stay in a courtyard room with far-reaching field views, and enjoy traditional meals in The Stables, the warm and friendly on-site Yorkshire pub.

You’ll be based in Whitby, with its picturesque seaside harbour, Gothic abbey ruins and dramatic coastal paths on your doorstep.

Rooms start from £84 per night on a B&B basis.

Claim an extra 15% off (+ dogs stay free) with code ICG_WOOF15

Discount code: ICG_WOOF15 expires on 30/11/2026 11:59pm (BST)
Terms and Conditions:
Valid for stays from 11/09/2026-03/10/2026 for stays arriving before 17/03/2027. Special rate includes: 15% off our flexible Bed & Breakfast rate and up to two dogs per room, per night free of charge. Subject to availability and choice, excludes black out dates.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

ASK most kids if they fancy a trip to an art exhibition and you’re unlikely to get an overly-enthusiastic answer. 

But what if that art exhibition included a ball pit, an enormous bouncy castle and flying balloons? You might suddenly have a mini art critic on your hands. 

Step in the Balloon Museum, which last graced the UK in 2023 with its EmotionAir: Art you can feel exhibition at Old Billingsgate in 2023. 

It’s now back, this time at Immerse London on Excel Waterfront with its latest offering EUPHOЯIA – Art is in the Air. 

The concept of the Balloon Museum is that it’s a new way to experience contemporary art, with large-scale installations created by international artists including Turner Prize winner Martin Creed. 

EUPHOЯIA in particular, invites those artists to use air and inflatable materials “as a contemporary artistic language” that “invites visitors to explore, interact and see the familiar in unexpected ways.” 

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It’s fair to say all of this went entirely over my seven year old’s head on our visit, both literally and figuratively speaking. 

Because while it might be about art, it’s also A LOT of fun. 

Our first stop was a giant glass-walled room filled with enormous balloons that you have to push your way through to reach the end. 

There was also a room filled with large inflatable cubes that we used to build an enormous fort, one with an enormous bed that could fit 20 people and a giant Covid virus-style inflatable, among others. 

But our favourites were the huge ball pit bigger than a ballroom, the most enormous bouncy castle I’ve ever seen – at least 25m in length and filled with inflatables, a balloon whirlwind and a very clever mechanical tree that dropped bubbles filled with smoke. 

Of course, all of this also made for some incredible photo opportunities too. 

We’ve got about a gazillion grinning selfies from our visit – the hallmark of every great Millennial day out.  

So will my son now be requesting a membership to the Tate Modern on his Santa List? Probably not. 

But he will definitely be far more open to my next suggestion of a trip to a gallery… how to explain there won’t be any inflatables to play with once there is another matter altogether. 

Tickets for EUPHOЯIA – Art is in the Air at ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, from £20 for children and £26 for adults, with family tickets from £59.

A UK travel company that sells holidays to Turkey, Greece and Portugal has entered administration after nearly four decades.

Wroxham Travel first opened in 1987 as an independent travel agency selling holidays to numerous destinations including UK staycations, short-haul trips and long-haul holidays.

The company also sold ocean and river cruise trips.

However, the Norwich-based company officially closed on October 30.

The company had two high street stores – one in Hoveton and one in Aylsham.

While the impact of the company’s closure isn’t clear, it is expected to primarily affect holidaymakers in the Norfolk and Greater Norwich areas.

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The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said in a statement: “We are sorry to inform you that Wroxham Travel has ceased trading with effect from 30 October 2026.

“We are now treating this as a financial failure.

“If you booked a holiday through Wroxham Travel, the tour operator or principal business with whom Wroxham Travel booked your holiday will be named on your paperwork (or ATOL certificate if it was a flight inclusive holiday; this would be stated on your ATOL certificate under “Who is protecting your trip”).

“To ensure your holiday can continue as planned, you will need to contact the credit control department of your tour operator or other principal travel business with whom you have a contract.

“Your booking should continue as normal, and they will be your direct point of contact.

“Please ensure that you have all your documentation with you, as they may require information from it to assist you.”

WHILE Guy Fawkes prepared to blow up King James I and his government with a deadly haul of explosives under the Houses of Parliament, a sprawling country estate 100 miles away was poised to become a crucial yet little-known part of the Gunpowder Plot.

James’ nine-year-old daughter Elizabeth lived at magnificent Coombe Abbey near Coventry and Fawkes’s co-conspirators had planned to kidnap her and install her on the throne as a puppet queen.

An anonymous letter rumbled the London end of the plan while, in Warwickshire, the plotters – led by Robert Catesby – abandoned the kidnapping on hearing about the failure.

To this day, the foiled plot is commemorated with fireworks and bonfires on November 5.

And Coombe Abbey is now a magnificent hotel worthy of its regal connections.

Built by Cistercian monks in 1150, it became the biggest abbey in Warwickshire before being seized during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.

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Later it was sold to nobleman John Harington, who agreed to act as Elizabeth’s guardian, raising and educating her at his home.

In a rather peculiar twist four centuries later, Game Of Thrones star Kit Harington, a descendant of Catesby, played his ancestor in BBC One drama Gunpowder.

Guests arriving at the hotel nowadays pass over its ancient moat then enter through the original stone cloisters, where a pulpit still stands.

You can take a pew on an ornately carved throne-like chair, admire the hanging wall tapestries and marble busts or examine the tomb of murdered monk Abbot Geoffrey, whose cloaked figure is said to still roam.

Fittingly, our room for our night’s stay was The Princess Elizabeth, decked out in deep mulberries and glimmering golds and with an oak four-poster bed set upon a plinth.

Luxurious floor-to-ceiling curtains embossed with the same heraldic design as the wallpaper enhance the royal feel, while the bathroom with roll-top bath and golden taps also adds to the drama.

The hotel lies in 500 acres of parkland, set to host a mile-long light festive trail throughout December.

Little ones will love the Hermit’s Hollow play area and families can enjoy Go Ape adventures.

Nearby Coventry is full of medieval buildings and cobbled lanes.

The ruins of its 14th-century cathedral – bombed during World War Two – are preserved alongside a modern replacement, as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

Coventry Transport Museum is brimming with bikes and vehicles that have helped shape the world including ThrustSSC, the fastest-ever car.

Lesser known but eye-wateringly beautiful is St Mary’s Guildhall.

Built in the 1340s for traders and crafts people, it’s re-opened after a £6.2million refurbishment.

The Great Hall has hosted monarchs and its intricate stained glass windows and painted wood carvings in the roof are breathtaking.

There’s also a rare nine-metre tapestry from the early 1500s depicting Henry VI, who moved his royal court to Coventry, effectively making it England’s capital.

Uncovering another secret gem was the perfect end to a historic stay.

IF my algorithm is anything to go by, Gen Z love nothing more than a bit of #selfcare because #selfcareisntselfish and #metime matters.

And as a semi-perennial singleton (and geriatric millennial), I don’t really have much say in the matter.

So it came to pass that, after booking a last-minute week off work, I went on my first ever romantic mini break for two — the “two” being me and my miniature Dachshund, Dora.

After scouring Instagram for options, my non-negotiables — as Gen Z like to say — were: Dog-friendly, remote, not a hotel and, ideally, with an outdoor roll-top bath.

The plan was also to have a digital detox after my screen time had crept up to an abhorrent ten hours a day.

Enter HappenOak Treehouse. Yep, an actual treehouse in rural Cambridgeshire.

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If I couldn’t shut off the world from a giant oak tree in the middle of nowhere, there really was no hope for me.

On a quiet Wednesday afternoon, I made the drive to the pretty village of Balsham for my unique stay for the next 48 hours.

It took two and a half minutes of strolling through beautiful, signposted woodland for Dora and me to spot our arboreal home-from-home.

Tucked away in the delightful Le Creuset-stocked kitchen was a huge loaf and some homemade banana bread. A nice touch.

The highlight, though, was the location. I quickly decided to ditch my iPhone and go for a sunset stroll.

As a tractor ploughed its patch, and birds tweeted, I felt my shoulders drop.

That evening I did some yoga on the decking, and then ran a piping hot bath. It’s hard to explain just how magical this bath felt.

But soaking in bubbles, as fairy lights twinkled and the branches swayed above, I could have stayed in there forever. Well, an hour or so.

Instead, draping myself in one of the fluffy white robes provided, I opted for the outdoor, Finnish-style sauna, managing to last about six minutes before, dripping in sweat, I came out again to cool down.

It is the kind of treat I steadfastly ignore at my gym, insisting I never have time. Here, however, I had all the time.

After, Dora and I decided the best move was to cuddle up in the giant swing chair, watching the world (and the hard-working farmer still on his tractor) go by. No phones, no TikTok, no WhatsApp, no Spotify, no nothing. It was bliss.

That night, I slept like a well-rested baby, waking beneath two skylights showing gently falling leaves.

After breakfasting on homemade muesli provided by the owners — supplies like coffee, milk, olive oil, free-range eggs and seasoning are all included, and there is a farm shop a few miles away for anything else — it was time for a hike.

A gorgeous 12km round trip took me via gastropub The Black Bull, where we nipped in for a replenishing pint and a bowl of water.

Then it was off to the local shop for some pasta and cheese for an easy dinner.

I’d been so bowled over by my stay that by the evening I found myself hunting for homes in rural Cambridgeshire online, with grand visions of handing in my notice and starting a new life off-grid, in a tree.

My sleep on the second night was slightly restless, which I put down to slightly “flat” pillows. Literally my only complaint of the entire stay.

Otherwise, HappenOak is the perfect getaway for those who need to, well, get away.

In a world that runs at 100mph, it is a place to simply switch off. Who knew? #selfcare isn’t actually selfish.

“IS there anybody there?” I whisper into the darkness, silently praying I don’t hear a response.

It’s a Friday night and I’m sitting in the dark in Cornwall’s Bodmin Jail in a bid to make contact with the spirits that apparently roam this former prison.

My husband Paul and I are sampling a thrilling experience, My Haunted Jail — Paranormal Investigation, which runs twice a week.

Upon arrival, visitors are split into pairs and taken to separate parts of the prison before being left to their own devices to see if they can conjure up any ghouls from the past.

Folklore is etched into the facility’s walls.

Built by prisoners of war in 1779, it became Cornwall’s county prison for more than 150 years and 55 public executions took place here.

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No wonder people think it’s haunted . . . 

One of the most infamous inmates, I learn, was Matthew Weeks, hanged in 1844 for the murder of Charlotte Dymond.

Both spirits have supposedly been spotted on different occasions, with Matthew wandering around pleading his innocence.

Another notable figure is Selina Wadge, who was hanged for the murder of her disabled son in 1878 and whose spirit preys on youngsters visiting the jail.

The only prisoner ever to escape Bodmin was an inmate named Henry.

He allegedly vanished into thin air in 1897 and some believe his spirit still walks the corridors today, trying to find a way out.

We begin our paranormal experience in the naval wing, home to a museum that highlights the original cells and stories of those caged here.

There was a definite ghoulish atmosphere — no surprise when in a cold prison after dark.

While we didn’t experience any chills or things that go bump in the night, many people have reported feeling their clothes being tugged, or claimed to hear children screaming and keys rattling, as well as heavy footsteps.

Every part of the jail has been fitted out with cameras, so any paranormal activity can be caught on film and potentially used on the next My Haunted Project TV show.

Paul was the first to try the Bloody Mary challenge — a trend that’s been doing the rounds for a few years now.

It involves participants trying to summon the ghostly spirit of Bloody Mary by speaking her name three times into a mirror in a dark room.

There have been reports of a shadow appearing or people being pushed and hearing whispers, but much to my relief, nothing materialised. May­be the ghouls sensed my apprehension?

After trying and failing to summon Bloody Mary, each pair of visitors were given 40 minutes in each section of the jail before being moved on by walkie-talkie in the dark.

Silently, we made our way through the jail, creeping into the administration block and then the courtroom.

It was very hard not to be moved by the stories of the people who were once housed in the prison as we wandered the eerie corridors.

It wasn’t just evil murderers who were locked up there, though — many people were jailed for petty crimes such as theft, as well as for being mentally ill.

In times gone by, there was no segregation, with men and women being caged together — and sometimes kids even accompanied their imprisoned mothers.

Our evening finished at 2.30am and although we didn’t experience any ghostly jumps, I was relieved to escape the damp cells and head to the comfort of a warm hotel room.

Following a £50million makeover in 2021, Bodmin Jail opened 70 lavish bedrooms — all of which are significantly more glamorous than the damp and dingy rooms we’d just been exploring.

Created from three former cells, each room retains original features but has modern-day upgrades and homely touches — thank goodness.

The next day, I learned that our now lovely looking room once housed 17-year-old apprentice, James Grenfell Trewhella.

He was jailed in 1848 for ­setting fire to a workshop and a carriage owned by his wealthy boss, Penzance coachbuilder John James.

At least he wasn’t convicted of murder, I suppose . . . 

IF YOU are looking for your next countryside escape then look no further than this holiday park set to open next year.

A new Landal holiday park in Malvern Hills is set to open in spring next year.

Landal Malvern Hills will be set in a woodland with 40 timber lodges complete with terrace hot tubs.

The lodges can each host between two and six people.

Inside, the interiors will have a modern design, with light woods throughout.

The entire park will be dog friendly too so your four-legged friend doesn’t need to be left behind.

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There’s parking on site, as well as electric car charging points and WiFi across the entire park.

The park sits on the edge of Malvern Hills National Landscape AONB where you can head off on hikes.

A four-night stay for up to four people costs from £516 in March 2027, working out at £32.25 per person, per night.

Or a four-night stay for up to six people costs from £716 in March 2027, working out at £29.83 per person, per night.

As for things to do in the local area, you aren’t far from the pretty town of Broadway as well as attractions such as the 19th-century Eastnor Castle.

The city of Worcester is also only a short drive away where you can visit the historic cathedral and discover the ruins of Witley Court.

WHEN it comes to value for money, not much beats Premier Inn for a cheap stay.

And now it is even better value for money with a free breakfast offer for EVERYONE in your group.

The budget hotel chain has launched a new offer that lets even adults have everything from Full English to cereal without having to pay for it.

All you need to do is book a standard rate stay by November 9 and use the code ‘FREEBREAKFAST’.

Your stay will need to be between November 13 and February 28, 2027.

Then enter the code into the ‘Promo code’ box before paying.

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Premier Inn breakfasts usually cost between £10 and £14 per person, depending on the location you are staying at.

Up to two children aged 15-years-old and under eat for free per paying adult guest.

Breakfast items typically include full cooked items such as bacon, sausages, eggs, hash browns and baked beans as well as a continental section with pastries and cereals.

There is also unlimited Costa coffee and juices.

The breakfast usually runs at each Premier Inn hotel between 6:30am and 10:30am on weekdays and then between 7am and 11am at weekends.

A standard Premier Inn room can cost as little as £35 per night.

You don’t even have to be a staying guest to enjoy a Premier Inn breakfast – all you need to do is book in advance.

However, you will have to pay for it, if you are a non-guest.

THE UK’s best holiday park has been revealed and it is the ultimate peaceful retreat.

Named Best Holiday Park at the Sykes Gem Awards 2026, Stonerush Lakes in Lanreath, South Cornwall is spread across 28 acres and is home to numerous different lodges.

Lodges vary in size between one and three bedrooms, are all detached and timber clad.

Many also have views of the lake or hillside and you can book one with its own hot tub too.

And if you really want something special, there are lodges with cinema rooms and spa facilities available.

There’s an onsite Old Mill Bar and Restaurant right by the lake, ideal for grabbing a bite to eat with meals made using local produce.

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If the weather is nice and sunny, you can sit on the outside terrace.

The inside is just as nice though, with a roaring fire to cosy up next to on cold winter days.

And what’s better is that your four-legged best friend doesn’t have to miss out as the site is dog-friendly.

For a day out, you can also head to the villages of Looe or Polperro, which are both around eight miles away.

There are several hidden beaches nearby as well, such as Lansallos Cove, Lantic Bay and Talland Bay – which are all within a 15 to 25 minute drive.

Silvano Geranio, owner said: “We are absolutely delighted to be named Holiday Park of the Year in the Sykes Gems Awards.

“Personally, I feel incredibly proud to own a park that has received this recognition, but more than anything, I’m delighted for the team.”

Many visitors note how peaceful the park is, with one person commenting: “My idea of paradise.”

Another guest said: “We over looked the lakes which has an abundance of wildlife so quiet and peaceful and relaxing.”

A third person added: “It’s the ultimate relax.”

You could book into a lodge that sleeps up to four people for £477 for seven nights – working out at just £17 per person, per night.

LONDON’S legendary Christmas lights will be here before we know it, so now’s the time to get planning your big festive day out.

But instead of battling the crowds out in the cold to watch a Christmas lights switch-on, why not see Britain’s best from higher up?

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

Float right underneath the magical displays on an open-top bus, ideal for taking amazing pictures and completely dodging the shopping crowds.

And this winter, The Original Tour has slashed 20 per cent off their popular Christmas Lights Tour tickets.

By clicking here and entering the code FESTIVELONDON at checkout, adult tickets drop from £36 down to just £28.80, while kids’ tickets drop from £22 to £17.60. Infants under two travel free.

Hop aboard a classic double-decker bus and head straight for the rooftop, where you’ll have a reserved seat.

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You’ll glide right under the spectacular, sweeping golden angels of Regent Street, as well as the massive glittering canopy across Oxford Street.

You’ll also weave past the ridiculously luxurious shopfronts of Bond Street, take in the buzz of Piccadilly Circus, and spot the famous giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.

And instead of a pre-recorded tape, a live local expert rides along with you, bringing the journey to life with London secrets, history, and festive stories.

With plenty of fun facts to entertain the kids, perfect selfie points and all of this taken in while being sat down, is there any better way to soak up the spectacle?

Extra freebies

Your Christmas Tour ticket also grants you a completely free daytime River Thames cruise, so you can make a proper festive trip out of it.

Plan it all for the same day, and you can spend the afternoon ticking off Big Ben and the London Eye from the water, before hopping on the bus to see the city by night.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

To top it off, you’ll also get free access to six self-guided walking tours via The Original Tour’s partner app.

These detailed audio tours include popular destinations like Kensington Gardens as well as all the famous parks and palaces of the city.

The coolest part about the walking tours is that once you have downloaded them on the app, your phone will activate when you walk past a landmark that is part of the tour.

Tie it all into the same weekend, and your entire itinerary is sorted – ticking off all the major sights in London – for under £30!

The FESTIVELONDON code is valid to use right now through to 3 January 2027, so now’s the time to lock in your dates before slots sell out.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

FESTIVELONDON expires on 03/01/2027 11:59pm (BST).

Terms and Conditions:
The offer is available from 12 October 2026 until 3 January 2027, with tours running daily from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The discount applies to adult and child tickets only, excludes family tickets and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates apply and are from 21 December 2026 to 30 December 2026. Blackout dates are dates in which promotional offers cannot be used. More information can be found on the website at theoriginaltour.com.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

A MAJOR London road and tourist destination will be permanently pedestrianised.

Camden High Street will be fully pedestrianised following a year-and-a-half trial.

The high street is a well-known tourist destination in the capital, being home to the historic Camden Market – which around 250,000 people visit every week.

Camden High Street has been temporarily pedestrianised since last May from outside the tube station up to The Elephant’s Head pub.

Eventually, the pedestrianisation could be extended up to Camden Lock Bridge.

Following a consultation, 57 per cent of respondents said that they wanted the street to be pedestrianised permanently.

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Councillor James Slater said: “Camden Town is an important shopping and transport hub for local residents as well as being an internationally recognised destination that draws people in from across London, the rest of the UK, and the world.

“After 18 months, we asked this summer whether you wanted to see the pedestrianisation become permanent.

“Based on our consultation and the positive outcomes we have seen, we have made the decision to make it permanent.”

He added: “Better bus journeys around Camden Town are very important to us – that’s why we will be introducing a trial bus lane on Kentish Town Road with the aim of speeding up northbound bus journeys.

“We will also be introducing additional new community safety patrols as part of a £1 million investment in Community Safety Officer patrols around Camden’s town centres.

“We also heard that many of you are open to the idea of the pedestrianisation being extended over Camden Lock Bridge towards the junction with Chalk Farm Road.

“We will therefore be developing and testing a design for a potential extension over the next few months, and we will publish further information next spring to seek your views on it.”

It comes after the UK’s busiest street – Oxford Street – was pedestrianised yesterday.

The pedestrianised section stretches over half a mile.

Future plans will see more trees added to the street, as well as seating areas and two public squares.

ONE of the UK’s largest indoor waterparks is set to close next week until next year.

Despite usually remaining open year-round, Aqua Park in Stoke-on-Trent will close for renovations next week.

The park is part of Waterworld and will be closed from November 2 until early next year.

The park is hosting a ‘Last Splash’ party on November 1 before the closure with a DJ between 12pm and 4pm.

Few details have been revealed about the renovation, but the park currently has 30 rides and attractions.

The website simply states that it cannot wait to welcome back visitors with “exciting upgrades”.

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Wayne Goodall, Managing Director of Waterworld Leisure Resort, said: “Our closing party is the perfect chance for visitors to make a last splash with us before we close for a short time to make exciting changes across the Aqua Park.

“At its heart, Waterworld offers families a place to spend time together, escape from everyday life and enjoy that holiday feeling, whatever the weather.

“The upgrades we have planned are set to build on that sense of fun and enhance the way we tell our story, creating a more immersive experience for our guests.

“We can’t wait to reveal more about the upcoming investment soon.”

Adventure Mini Golf and Adventure Mini Village will remain open while the Aqua Park undergoes renovation.

Waterworld first opened in 1989 and is heated to a toasty 30C year-round, with numerous different slides such as Cyclone, Hurricane and Stormchaser.

There are racing slides as well and even a water rollercoaster.

If thrill rides aren’t your thing though, you can relax in the wave pool or bubble pools.

There’s also a rapids area, hot tubs and a children’s splash area.

IS there anything that sparks joy in the hearts of children more than the zoo?

Combine it with one of the most popular kids’ books, Room On The Broom, along with some Halloween-themed activities, and you have the perfect potion for family fun.

That’s exactly what you can expect from Twycross Zoo this half-term.

Until November 1, the attraction has introduced a new magical corn maze based on Julia Donaldson’s much-loved book, to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Bringing the fantastical tale — about a witch and the menagerie of animals she picks up on her broomstick — to life, it’s an experience that swept my children away.

Based in the middle of the Leicestershire zoo’s Gruffalo Discovery Land, the excitement started building as soon as my five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter were handed a tote bag filled with goodies.

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The best way to any child’s heart.

There was a passport to get stamped and, more importantly, sweets to power them through.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without some sugar, of course.

With a promise of more treats to discover along the way in the corn maze, we took off at a speedy pace — although with timed entry slots, it never felt like we were being rushed.

Greeted by a wall of hay bales, pumpkins and pictures of the famous characters, we began to make our way through the warren of narrow paths in search of surprises.

Magical clues guided our path through the tall corn crops to several clearings where we found quotes from the book and a cute stamping station where the kids could mark their findings in their passports.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for sweets hidden in pumpkins along the way.

Waiting for us at the end was a giant broomstick photo opportunity and a chance to meet the witch — perfect for souvenir snaps.

There’s no time-limit on the maze but my eager kids managed to whizz through in 15 minutes, which gave us plenty of time to explore the rest of the Gruffalo Discovery Land — and that was before we even made our way round the zoo.

Named after another one of Julia Donaldson’s best-sellers, The Gruffalo Discovery Land is home to a treetop play area as well as interactive character trails and meet-and-greet opportunities.

It’s ideal for younger kids. But the real fun sits within the main zoo.

Twycross is home to more than 500 animals and it’s the only zoo in the UK to house all four species of great apes — gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and bonobos.

The latter were a particular favourite during our visit as we watched them loudly play and squabble from both an outside platform and an inside viewing window, giving us a full 360-degree experience.

It made a welcome change from watching my own children wrestle each other.

We all loved watching the penguins in action, too, timing it perfectly when we caught them at lunchtime indulging in a fish supper.

It wasn’t difficult to spot the UK’s only herd of kordofan giraffes either, who weren’t at all fazed by us staring up at them.

In fact, one even came over for a closer inspection, extending his long neck towards the ground in fascination.

The zoo is easy enough to walk around with kids, although be warned that work is currently going on in some areas, with boards blocking off certain enclosures as the zoo undergoes a £25million transformation.

We’ll have to wait until next year to see what’s in store for those areas, but the closures certainly didn’t ruin the experience.

After a packed day on foot, we were ready for some downtime — and that is exactly what we got at Hampton by Hilton in Nuneaton.

For those travelling from afar, the hotel is an easy 20-minute drive away and the perfect overnight stay for families.

The Hub restaurant here features a menu guaranteed to keep little mouths satisfied, including burgers, paninis and pizzas.

But if none of that takes your fancy then a short walk down the road is a gorgeous Nepalese restaurant, Crossed Khukris Gurkha.

A set meal for four costs £66 and comes with poppadums, dumplings, a number of curries and loads of extras.

We were so well fed and at less than £17 a head, the price is scarily good.

I suppose it is Halloween after all . . .                                  

GOBBLING up sandy scraps of seaweed from the beach floor certainly isn’t the norm for me on a coastal stroll.

But it was for the residents of Guernsey between the 12th and 16th Centuries. And it’s a tradition that’s now coming back into fashion.

Nutrient-packed seaweed, abounding all over Guernsey, is free for the picking and just one of the many ways the island benefits from being surrounded by super-clean waters in the Channel.

I joined Guernsey Seaweed on one of its foraging tours of Havelet Bay and learned the marine plants here are in big demand at the island’s fanciest restaurants.

The slippery green stuff features heavily on a sophisticated menu at Michelin-starred Vraic, woven into cocktails and also adding a punch to rich broths.

After feasting on some pepper dulse, dubbed the truffle of the sea, I can completely see why chefs love it so much. There’s nothing of the fishy taste you would expect.

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Instead, I’m hit with a garlicky umami flavour.

The earthy and delicious taste, I’m told, is down to the warm temperature of the sea around the island, just 27 miles off France’s Normandy coast.

The Gulf Stream ensures the water here rarely dips below 8C in winter — which is why you’ll spot locals swimming year round.

Admittedly, even 13C felt like too much of a chill for me. But if you plan your trip well, you can ensure you combine a swim with a post-dip sauna session to warm up.

There are two mobile saunas on the island, Hot Haus and Rock Box, which can be booked online and are just a stone’s throw from the sea.

Rock Box, a converted, eucalyptus-infused horsebox, overlooks the Cobo Slipway in summer and features a huge window allowing those inside to soak up soothing coastal views while they sweat.

And sweat, I sure did. Conveniently, there are several watering cans, filled with icy water, positioned by the sauna door for guests to use in between ten to 15-minute stints in the heat.

The sauna was a treat that my limbs most definitely appreciated after a strenuous Pilates class earlier that morning.

Pilates instructor Lydia Cherry runs both Reformer and mat sessions at the Forme studio in St Andrews, for locals and holidaymakers alike.

Despite the moves seeming gentle, my abs were quivering within a matter of seconds as I was put through my paces.

If you prefer something a little more gentle, though, beachfront or paddleboard yoga are both popular choices for holidaymakers seeking a wellness fix.

That’s if you have enough strength left after tackling the island’s scenic coastal paths, though.

Guernsey is so small — around 24 square miles — that you can walk its coast in just a few days.

One of the more manageable treks — and beautiful — is the short 45-minute route from St Peter Port to Fermain Bay, combining fabulous coastal views with dense woodland that’s carpeted in bluebells during spring.

Reward your efforts afterwards with a tasty pint of local Rocquette cider — which uses some of that famed seaweed — at the Beach Cafe.

From my picnic table, perched just above the water, I could watch the foamy waves while listening to the birds overhead.

Make sure to order yourself a super-fresh crab sarnie, too, which comes loaded to the max and smothered in mayo. Delicious.

And that word can be used to describe the fare at many of the island’s restaurants.

Michelin-recommended Alba, in St Peter Port, in particular, strives to keep dishes local and serves up elegant sharing plates.

Its homemade tagliolini with Shetland mussels in a white wine and lemongrass sauce is an absolute steal at £15.

Wash it down with an Alba Tomatini, a classic martini with tomato twist (£11.50), and you’re in for a good night.

For a more casual bite, the Fleur du Jardin does classic pub grub, from fish-and-chips to bangers and mash.

It also has 14 boutique bedrooms upstairs that are as charming as the old-fashioned, stone-wall pub itself with its sea-themed decor.

The only thing that’s missing is a bit of seaweed.

WHEN the temperature drops and the nights get darker, booking a holiday in to look forward to feels all the more important.

Luckily, if you know where to look, Britain is packed with brilliant holiday parks that actually get better in the winter months.

We’re talking massive, 30C indoor water worlds for warming up from the frost, to luxury log cabins and magical woodland light trails.

Plus, avoiding the peak summer rush means you can bag incredible deals for a fraction of the usual price, so here’s our winter holiday park favourites from a tiny £3.06pp per night.

Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset

This cosy woodland holiday park in Dorset is made up of timber lodges only, with lakeside, hot tub and pet-friendly options sleeping up to eight people.

But don’t let the tranquil woodland setting fool you: Warmwell is packed with adrenaline. The park actually has its own 110m all-weather ski slope where you can ski, snowboard, or hurtle down in a rubber ring.

If you’d rather stay inside, the massive heated indoor pool has a thrilling, twisting water flume and a mini wave pool for little ones.

We found a three-night break in a superior lodge sleeping eight for £263, working out to £10.96pp per night.

Tattershall Lakes Country Park, Lincolnshire

While this action-packed holiday park is famous for its summer watersports, you’ll get a completely different experience in the winter.

This park puts on its very own ‘Winterfest‘, where from November 20 – December 20 you’ll find special events like candlelight concerts, kids house party events and the ‘Winterfest Spiegletent’ full of festive live entertainment.

There’s also the massive indoor pool and kids splash zone with slides for the kids, plus a luxurious spa and the cosy Tattershall Park Pub for Mum and Dad.

You can bag a four-night midweek break in a superior caravan sleeping eight from £168, or £5.25pp per night.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, Hampshire

For a dose of woodland magic this winter, book in for a lodge retreat at Sandy Balls Holiday Village in Hampshire.

With The New Forest on your doorstep, you’ll have plenty of time for family bike rides, woodland alpaca walks or even strolling through the ‘Forest of Light’ festive display which arrives at the park in November.

Kids can head indoors to warm up with pottery painting or slime factory sessions, while grown-ups might prefer the evening’s Boombox Bingo, quiz or karaoke sessions.

We found a deal for a four night break in a luxury caravan sleeping six for £264, working out to £11pp per night.

Bluestone Wales, Pembrokeshire

Head to Pembrokeshire in Wales this winter to escape the cold and drizzle for a site with a giant, subtropical temperature waterpark.

Spend rainy afternoons in the Blue Lagoon Water Park, which is totally free for guests. There’s a wave machine, four waterslides, plus a relaxing lazy river and bubbling pools.

There’s plenty more weather-proof activities like an indoor zipline, climbing wall and a bear-making boutique.

We found a deal for a four-night break in a spacious wooden lodge for four for £540, working out to £33.75pp per night. Or if you want to book ahead for Jan or Feb, there’s an early bird offer on where you can save 10-20 per cent on 2027 breaks.

Seashore Holiday Park, Norfolk

If you love a winter beach break away from the crowds of the summer, you’ll love Great Yarmouth‘s only beachfront park: Seashore Holiday Park.

The flat, golden sands of Yarmouth are perfect for a winter stroll, before coming back to warm up in the heated indoor waterpark with two 11 metre flumes.

Once you’re done making a splash, you can retreat to a double-glazed, toasty heated caravan for a movie night.

We found a deal for a four night break in a saver caravan sleeping four for £49, working out to £3.06pp per night.

Finlake Resort & Spa, Devon

Finlake feels like a glamorous forest retreat with A-frame timber lodges with hot tubs, a woodland spa and sauna offering hot stone massages, and a glimmering fishing lake.

Kids will love the on-site waterpark Finlake Falls, which is heated to around 30C and packed with waterslides, fun sea scooters and a beach-like area with gentle waves for little ones.

Compared to somewhere like Center Parcs, where the cheapest seven-night lodge break we found this winter was £1,548 you’re getting much better value for money here.

At Finlake, you can bag a seven-night stay in a traditional, two-storey wooden lodge from £239 for the week.

Craig Tara, Ayrshire, Scotland

From the snow-dusted peaks of the Isle of Arran to the rugged clifftops of the Ayrshire coast, Scotland is beautiful in winter.

But it’s even better when you can retreat back to a cosy, centrally heated caravan or luxury lodge to thaw out.

Haven’s Craig Tara offers not only luxurious lodges and warm, affordable caravans, but one of the biggest heated indoor waterparks in Scotland, Splashaway Bay.

As for indoor activities, there’s also a giant indoor Airspace facility loaded with interactive darts, shuffleboard, and a climbing wall to wear the kids out.

You don’t even need to head out and brave the cold for dinner with an on-site Burger King, Papa Johns, and a sea-view restaurant just steps away.

We found a deal for a four night break in a saver caravan sleeping four for £49, working out to £3.06pp per night.

IF you love the countryside but prefer something glam over actually getting mucky, this one’s for you.

Silchester Farm in Hampshire delivers all the charm of a country escape without you ever having to ruin your shoes.

This rustic retreat was even featured on Made in Chelsea, which tells you something about who you’ll be rubbing shoulders with here.

From where to eat to local history, here’s everything you need to know about staying at Silchester Farm in Hampshire.

Where is Silchester Farm?

This stay is in Silchester, a small village close to Basingstoke in Hampshire. The farm is less than an hour’s train journey away from London.

If travelling by car, the farm is well-signposted through a series of pleasant country lanes, crossing over wooden bridges and past old-fashioned country pubs and pretty churches.

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What’s it like?

A popular wedding venue, Silchester Farm is a stylish rural retreat set among fields of quietly grazing sheep and calm countryside.

The site centres around a series of manicured flower and vegetable patches, vine-draped arbours and an outdoor barn kitchen.

What are the rooms like?

Framing the outskirts of the vegetable patches you’ll find the Pyggies, nine giant, self-contained pig arks.

There’s room on the steps outside to drop off your wellies and brolly from your day at the farm. Once you open the door, you’re met with cosy warm orange lighting, a relaxing wood scent, and a giant bed you’ll immediately want to jump on.

The Pyggies are equipped with kitchenettes, which have lovely touches like glass-bottled milk in the fridge, posh teabags as well as matching cup and saucer sets.

In our Pyggy, Rosemary, a large telly sat above a cosy wood burner, opposite a large sofa to sink into. The bed was piled up with cosy throws, and behind a wooden screen was a roomy bathtub complete with the Silchester Farm’s own soaps and body creams.

A spacious rainfall shower, cosy curved ceiling and giant glass doors letting the sunlight pour through were the cherry on top of this chic countryside accommodation.

Rooms start from £252 per night for two, with great rates on last-minute bookings in particular. See SilchesterFarm.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink?

The Trough Farm Shop on-site is a great spot for brunch, with coffee, sausage rolls, cakes and pastries available, with indoor and outdoor seating.

As for dinner, you’re best off booking in at a nearby pub, as the restaurant here is usually reserved for wedding guests.

The Plough Inn is a pretty, restored 18th century pub serving food and local ales, while The Calvella Arms does a spectacular sticky toffee pudding.

There are, however, food events you can book yourself onto at the farm. The Sunday Club offers fantastic roasts with giant yorkies (from £22) while the Harvest Feast sees the outdoor kitchen come alive with seasonal produce served by a roaring fire. Check dates here.

What else is there?

Silchester is a Roman village, and is a short walk from well-preserved, third century walls as well as amphitheatre ruins. Reception will happily direct you on the walking route.

While there’s no gym at a rustic retreat like this, there are bicycles available to hire, as well as a tennis court facing the pristine country gardens.

Is it family friendly?

Each of the Pyggies sleep up to two people, equipped with king-sized beds fit for two adults.

This retreat is best for couples’ escapes or friends getaways.

Is it accessible?

While there are ramps available for accessing the farm’s buildings and gardens, the site is made up of pebble and grass pathways also.

Silchester Farm recommend disabled visitors are accompanied by a companion where possible. For more information, see their website.

AS a live music lover, I have visited London’s The O2 – the UK’s most popular live entertainment venue – numerous times in my adult life.

But with my primary school aged child? Despite living half an hour from the venue, I’ve never even considered it as a day out. 

Until that is, I took my son to iFly Indoor Skydiving over the summer holidays and we had a whale of a time. 

Swapping my O2 beer goggles for mum goggles, I suddenly became acutely aware of all the other activities the massive dome offered, outside of huge concerts and bar-hopping. 

So we boomeranged back there during a rainy weekend to try out yet another one of their kid-friendly attractions – Activate. 

Activate bills itself as a ‘live-action gaming adventure,’ with nine different interactive game rooms featuring a bunch of activities for all ages and skill levels. 

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In the laser room, we dodged moving laser beams to reach a target, in the hoops room we had to sink a certain number of basketballs in the hoop, in the grid room we pranced across a lit-up dancefloor, and in the strike room we aimed balls to blast asteroids out of the sky. 

The best thing was every activity took max two minutes, so you were never waiting longer to get into your next game. 

During our session, which costs from £22.95pp for 60 minutes, there were families with kids my son’s age, groups of ten year olds, mums with teenagers and twenty-somethings who’d come for an afternoon out, because you can set the level at each room before you enter. 

It was the same when we visited iFly. In our group of seven, there were two tweens, a 16-year-old and a twenty-something couple on a date alongside my seven-year-old son and I. 

And we all had an equally brilliant time. 

While anyone aged 3 to 93 is welcome at iFly, you do need a degree of bravery because you have to get inside a huge, glass wind tunnel that sends air upwards at speeds of 120mph to 165mph, and attempt to do your best flying squirrel impression.

The wind is STRONG. So strong that you simply have to flop forwards as you enter the tunnel.

But I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a big grin on my son’s face as the moment he first flew off the ground, which only got wider when he opted for the special “High Flight” add-on, where the instructor took him on a spinning flight, 40 feet up towards the top of the tunnel.

Each session lasts around a minute, and everyone in our group got four sessions as part of their package (although that might change depending on group size), with the opportunity to add a High Flight to each of their goes in the wind tunnel, which cost £15 a pop.

It’s well worth doing the add-on at least once if you can afford the extra cost, as unless you’re planning on jumping out of a plane anytime soon, this is the closest you’ll ever come to flying high above the ground.

There are plenty more family attractions at the O2 too, especially the famous roof climb – with a special ‘Halloween Up at The O2 climb’ scheduled for on October 31.

But there’s also Oxygen Activeplay trampoline park and Clip N’ Climb, plus later this year they’ve got Guinness World Records London opening – the first permanent entertainment venue from Guinness World Records.

If all that fun makes you hungry, there are stacks of restaurants offering kid-friendly food – from pizza and burgers for the less adventurous eaters, to Mexican, Brazilian street food and Chinese hotpot.

We opted for Maki and Ramen, a chain inspired by the ramen shops of Japan.

As well as an extensive sushi menu, they serve up very good bowls of steaming ramen – we opted for their signature pork tonkatsu with a side of beef (my son) and the tofu hell ramen with a side of kimchi (me).

If you visit during the week, you can also take advantage of their £18 lunch deal that gets you a main, side and drink.

We popped next door to Haute Dolci for pudding, sharing two of their signature gelato sundaes garnished with warm chocolate cake, fondue chocolate and crushed Ferrero Rocher.

Stuffed to the brim with noodles and ice cream, my son was unusually compliant about a trip to the O2’s outlet shops.

The venue has a number of high street brands like Nike, Adidas, Kurt Geiger and Whittards offering up to 70 per cent off RRP, and I managed to pick up a couple of dresses for a significant discount and a pair of Nike trainers for my son for £20.

Great fun, great grub and great shopping in a totally rainproof destination? We’ll definitely be back.

Only problem now is my son’s keen to go to a gig now too…

A HUGE multi-million pound upgrade is set to transform two popular holiday parks in the UK.

The two holiday parks are Parkdean’s Skipsea Sands Holiday Park in East Yorkshire and Thorness Bay Holiday Park on the Isle of Wight.

At Skipsea Sands Holiday Park, there will be number of new activities including an indoor adventure climbing experience, indoor adventure golf and off-road driving experiences for children aged four and over.

The play areas, both indoors and outdoors, will be expanded including the bounce park, sports court and a Bear Grylls themed escape room.

The park will also add a Scoops Ice Cream shop and Joe’s American Grill as well as have a new outdoor entertainment space with seating.

The £5million investment is set to be completed by Easter 2027.

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Steve Richards, CEO at Parkdean Resorts, said: “We’re committed to investing £5million in Skipsea Sands Holiday Park, upgrading our accommodation and further enhancing the holiday experience for guests and owners in East Yorkshire.

“From exciting new activities that include adventure golf and high ropes to an enhanced food and drink offering, there will be even more for families and holidaymakers to enjoy.”

Then, as for Thorness Bay Holiday Park on the Isle of Wight, the £6millon transformation will include a new high ropes, indoor adventure golf and off-road driving experiences for children aged four and over as well.

Just like Skipsea, the indoor and outdoor play areas will be improved too, with a bounce park, sports court and a Bear Grylls themed escape room.

The park will also gain a new two-storey building that will be home to the Hat-Tricks sports bar with interactive darts, pool and shuffleboard.

Food and drinks spots will also be expanded at the park with a new Scoops Ice Cream parlour, a Joe’s American Grill and Thunderbird Strip Shack.

And once again similar to Skipsea’s expansion, there will be new outdoor areas for entertainment and dining.

Steve Richards, CEO at Parkdean Resorts, said: “This investment reflects our continued commitment to supporting local jobs, tourism and economic growth in the communities where we operate.

“We look forward to welcoming guests to a new and improved Thorness Bay from Easter 2027.”

A number of other Parkdean Resorts parks have recently undergone upgrades including Highfield Grange Holiday Park in Essex and Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth.

Vauxhall Holiday Park revealed its £5million upgrade earlier this year, with a new sports bar, darts and indoor adventure golf.

The holiday park has also been upgraded to include more kids’ play zones as well as high rope courses.

WE’RE always on the hunt for the next big thing to keep families entertained without breaking the bank – and there is a spot in London often overlooked that has a great line up for 2027.

Home to thousands of events every single year, London’s Southbank Centre is bigger than most people think, spanning 11 acres from one foot of the London Eye all the way to Waterloo Bridge.

Best of all? A whopping 40 per cent of everything on offer is completely FREE.

Speaking exclusively to Sun Travel, Mark Ball, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre has lifted the lid on all the thrilling events and exhibitions set for next year adding that “there’s always something to entertain you here”.

And it seems only locals know the full extent of the hidden gem, with Mark adding that they often see it as their art centre with just under half of visitors coming from the South London area.

So here are his top tips on everything coming up.

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Family-friendly activities, events and attractions

When it comes to 2027, families will have loads to do, including a re-designed ‘V-Play’ space, with soft play for children aged between two and seven years old.

Tickets for this area will cost under a tenner.

For the slightly older kids there will be ‘Small Evolutions’ – a new virtual reality experience launching next September.

The project is inspired by the 50-year-old skatepark at the Southbank Centre and will allow visitors to experience skateboarding tricks in virtual reality.

Another family favourite is the Imagine Children’s Festival which will return in February half-term and span 10 days.

During the festival – which is designed for children aged zero to 11-years-old – there will be theatre, dance, music and drawing workshops.

Events for fans of music and the arts

If it is music you’re into then head to the centre’s famous Meltdown Festival.

Following in the footsteps of pop superstar Harry Styles – who curated the 2026 event – artist FKA Twigs will be curating the event for 2027.

She will be the headline performer as well as the overarching curator of the event and will deliver a multi-sensory experience packed with dance, video, visual arts, and live music.

Reflecting on what it was like working with a global pop icon like Harry Styles for last year’s festival, Mark revealed how dedicated the former One Direction star was to the Southbank festival.

Mark said: “Harry is so passionate about music and he’s got such a range of musical influences.

“People see him through one lens as a big global pop star, but his influences are really diverse – from avant-garde Japanese music to electronic and classical.”

And despite his global status, Harry was as hands-on as it gets.

“Harry’s fingertips were over every decision. Whenever he could on his days off, or even after performing huge stadium shows, he would sneak in from Wembley to sit in the back of the auditorium and support the artists he had booked. He was incredibly present.

“For his own show, he wanted to work with an orchestra for the first time, delivering this stunning orchestral presentation with Harry at the centre on piano and vocals.

“We’re always looking out for who will be the Elton Johns or Paul McCartneys of our generation — and it’s people like Harry Styles,” Mark added.

Looking forward to next year’s event, FKA twigs said: “I am honoured and excited to be curating Meltdown at the Southbank Centre.

“The potent artistic and cultural landscape in London has raised me from Croydon College, to performing in underground cabaret clubs, dancing till sunrise in warehouses on the docks and last year being lucky enough to sing my operatic songs in one of the largest arenas in London.

“The cultural and artistic clash in this city is like no other.

“Where cultures, sounds, stories and traditions from all over the world meet, collide and transform one another. I intend to bring you a slice of all that has raised me and continues to inspire me: celebrating the diversity, freedom and creative energy that I believe makes London one of the world’s great capitals of music and the arts.”

Other celebs included in the line up for 2027 include world-renowned pianist Lang Lang who featured on Channel 4‘s The Piano and will headline a major performance in December.

It also wouldn’t be the Southbank Centre without exhibitions and one exciting one coming in 2027 is a Chris Ofili exhibition at Hayward Gallery, which will mark his return to the capital.

Free events to pop in your calendar

According to Mark, one of the best things about the Southbank Centre is that 40 per cent of all the events are free.

And there are also a heap of ways to get cheaper tickets, with an under 30s scheme, as well as family tickets and local tickets.

The Winter Light programme, which will return soon as well as at the end of 2027 is free to visit, for example.

The trail includes neon installations, outdoor light art and projections, usually running from November through to February.

At the same time visitors will also be able to enjoy the winter food and Christmas market.

As for next summer, the Summer Terrace Stage with free outdoor concerts, classes and performance events will return again.

Hidden gems at the centre

The fun of visiting the Southbank Centre though goes beyond the events.

In fact, the attraction has many hidden gems not many visitors know about.

And they are all free to visit as well.

For example, on Level 5 of Royal Festival Hall visitors can discover The National Poetry Library which houses the world’s largest collection of post-war poetry and spoken word.

It also features a pop-up children’s poetry library.

Mark added: “Two thirds [of the Royal Festival Hall] is public space… It gives that sense that the Royal Festival Hall is a kind of people’s palace.

“It’s for everybody – a really vibrant, kind of village hall type space where there’s lots going on.”

“One of the really lovely things about going into the Royal Festival Hall on the weekend is lots of people self-organise activities.

“At the weekend there are people playing board games, there are dancers rehearsing and they’re all people from the local community using it as a community resource.”

And around the centre there are often free exhibitions or trails to explore including a current Quentin Blake trail.

Mark said: “We’ve got a whole series at the moment of huge illustrations of artists by the designer Quentin Blake, who is 90 this year and has made these kind of archetypes of musicians and skateboarders pasted throughout the building, so you can wander around the building, find these wonderful Quentin Blake stories.”

Talking of skateboarders, visitors can also head to the Southbank Skatepark which is the UK’s longest-running dedicated skatepark.

“People don’t think that the skate park is part of the Southbank Centre, but it is – we absolutely see it as part of the cultural offer here,” added Mark.

How to spend a day in the area

As for Mark’s personal recommendations to make a full day out in the area, there are loads of great food and drink spots nearby.

He said: “If you’re feeling a bit flush and you want a really fancy drink, Skylon is a restaurant that overlooks the river with floor-to-ceiling windows and an amazing drinks bar with gorgeous cocktails.

“It’s a really good way of treating yourself.

“There’s also a great kind of old-school boozer called the Hole in the Wall, at the back of Waterloo Station.

“You have to go through quite a tiny door to get there, so lots of people miss it but it has really nice beer.”

And if coffee is your preferred tipple, “the best coffee in London” according to Mark, can be found at Beany’s – a little van on the left hand side of the bridge.

The best way to find out what is happening at the Southbank Centre – especially as more events are yet to be announced – is by signing up to the newsletter, according to Mark.

What if I’m not local?

If you can’t make it to London, the Southbank Centre actually has programmes across the UK as well.

For example, every five years in partnership with regional galleries the Southbank Centre hosts The British Art Show which tours five UK cities over 18 months.

The next edition will be held in 2028 and travel to Coventry, Swansea, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle and Gateshead.

Meltdown festival also hosts events across the country with artists curating local weekends to support struggling grassroots venues.

Mark said: “Grassroots music venues are the lifeblood of the music industry, where the musicians get their first try out, where they learn how to perform in front of an audience, it’s really important that those places thrive.”