Staycation tips and ideas

UNDISTURBED views of hazy mountains are all around.

My focus, however, is on the plate in front of me, piled high with cheeses including sulguni, a sour and briney variety famous in this part of the world.

I take a glug of red wine and notice everyone at my table, like me, has been rendered speechless by the sumptuous spread.

You may think I’m in the South of France or Italy — but no, I’m in Georgian capital Tbilisi, and the place is stunning.

In April this year easyJet launched a direct route to this former Soviet republic from Luton — and with the city’s magnificent wine scene and travel prices that won’t break the bank, it’s not hard to see why it is soaring in popularity.

Now is an ideal time to visit, when temperatures are in the low twenties — perfect for exploring and, more importantly, eating until you’re fit to burst.

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Georgians take great pride in their culinary excellence and there are several dishes which simply have to be tried while you’re here.

Khachapuri, a national delicacy, is top of my list and can be picked up from most cafes and restaurants in the city.

Made of gooey cheese melted into a thick, hollowed-out, loaf-like bread, and often served with runny-yolked egg, this traditional staple is as heavy as it is tasty.

Luckily, virtually every meal in Tbilisi comes with a Georgian salad, consisting of tomatoes and cucumbers, so don’t worry about getting towards your five-a-day.

It’s amazing how much flavour the city’s chefs can add to the simplest of ingredients — and beans are no exception.

I tried them in a dish loved by locals, lobiani. Mashed kidney beans are cooked in onions and spices and stuffed into a flatbread.

Sofiko restaurant does an excellent version and what’s better is that its dishes are served alongside mesmerising city views.

When you are able to eat no more, Tbilisi’s cobbled streets are ideal for walking off all the food.

The city’s architecture reflects a fascinating blend of Persian, Arabic and Soviet styles, due to its occupations by all of these empires over the years.

Just make sure you pack comfy shoes. I’d booked a tour with a local guide, Nik, who told me: “Georgia would be the biggest country in the world . . . if it was flat”.

Bearing this in mind, I opted for the cable car up to the Narikala Fortress —an ancient stronghold built by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali in the fourth century, which looks over Tbilisi.

Up there you can see the imperious Mother of Georgia statue, a 20-metre figure built in 1958 to mark the city’s 1,500th anniversary.

In one hand she carries a sword — and in the other wine, to reflect the area’s fine vineyards.

Some of the world’s most celebrated grapes are grown in Georgia’s Kakheti region and no restaurant or bar is short of a good local white or red.

Kiketi Farm, a natural wine cellar around 45 minutes from Tbilisi, is the place to head if you want to sample some of the best tipples.

For such quality, I expect a steep bill for my tasting session. But the 30 lari I am charged works out at a very affordable £8.50.

Don’t guzzle too much, though, as you’ll also want to take advantage of everything else on offer at the farm — which includes horse riding.
Staff are so friendly that they even attempted to give me a culinary masterclass.

It’s safe to say that despite their efforts to teach me how to make khinkali — a type of dumpling crammed with meat or veg — I reckon this job is best left to the local chefs.

If you’re after even more rural delights, an hour or so from Tbilisi is the Kass Land attraction park and its spectacular Diamond Bridge.

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Bestriding the Dashbashi canyon 300 metres below, this transparent glass walkway is no more than two metres wide but 240 metres long — and features a colossal diamond- shaped structure at its centre, housing an all-glass sky bar with panoramic views.

Some find the experience rather daunting but I found it truly spectacular — especially when you can sip wine while drinking in the knockout views.

OUR Spotlight On column rounds up the best things to see and do in top holiday destinations – and shines a light on some lesser-known spots too.

This week we’re spotlighting Belfast – the Northern Irish capital bursting with charm, heritage and plenty of good craic!

Travel Writer Jenna Stevens recently spent a weekend in the city centre, and is wondering why she didn’t visit sooner.

She said: “Belfast wasn’t on my bucket list, but after going I can’t believe I overlooked it. I’m convinced it’ll be the next go-to city for weekend breaks.

“Flights only cost £15 with Ryanair, and they’re so quick you barely have time to have a drink and stretch your legs before you’re landing again.

“The city’s got some amazing architecture, like the grand city hall and cathedral that watches over the city with its signature spire poking out.

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“The food scene in Belfast is criminally underrated too – local pubs served up some of the best seafood I’ve ever had.

“The Afternoon Tea at the Grand Central Hotel was miles better than The Shard.

“It had loads of unique tea flavours such as lemon smoothie, and plenty of well-stuffed sandwiches to go round.

“Plus, the Causeway Coast is breath-taking and under an hour’s drive from Belfast.

“It’s worth extending your trip, hiring a car and driving up the entire coast to see dramatic cliffs and Game of Thrones filming locations – not just a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway.

Must see and do

Head to McConnell’s Whiskey Distillery for a tour that blends history, culture and some fantastic local flavours.

Housed in the former Crumlin Road Gaol, the £25 experience begins with a welcome drink and a guided tasting of three spirits.

You’ll get to walk over the eerie markings of old prison cells, whilst seeing how whiskey is crafted from grain to glass.

The most memorable part of my visit, however, was the black cab tour.

Our cab driver, Billy, gave us a comprehensive overview of the city’s history, and drove us through a series of murals and past the Peace Walls.

It’s an excellent way to learn more about the city through the eyes of a local.

Else, take a stroll through the Cathedral Quarter, where cobbled streets buzz with street art and live music.

Hidden gem

Belfast lies partly in County Antrim, home to the stunning Causeway Coast.

In an hour’s drive you can discover the breath-taking coastline: from the dramatic rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede to the sweeping sands of White Park Bay.

Head to Glenariff Forest Park for panoramic landscapes and an enchanting waterfall walk.

You can even book a tour with a forest guide, who will tell you all about the area and its wildlife.

And if hiking’s not your thing, you can simply sit in the park’s cafe with a cup of tea to soak up the emerald green landscape.

Best view

For a striking view that makes you think, visit Titanic Belfast.

From here, you can look out over the historic slipways and docks where the liner was built and launched – a backdrop that transports you back in time.

After taking in the sheer scale of the ship from the slipway markings, the attraction itself becomes even more meaningful.

Here you can even step aboard the SS Nomadic – the White Star Line ship that ferried passengers to the Titanic itself.

The walk through takes a couple of hours, and is fascinating, immersive and deeply moving.

Rated restaurant

Mourne Seafood Bar is renowned for its ultra-fresh, locally sourced fish.

From seafood casserole to creamy mussels with crusty bread, the menu champions seasonal flavours.

Casual, welcoming and full of maritime charm, it’s the go-to spot for seafood lovers in Belfast.

If seafood’s not your thing, I recommend heading to Amelia Hall for delicious and generous portions of creamy pasta and freshly made pizza.

Best bar

Ask anyone in Belfast and they’ll say it’s hard to find a bad pint – and they’re right.

But the name that continually crops up the most amongst locals is Kelly’s Cellars.

One of the oldest pubs in Belfast, the low-beamed interior is warm and welcoming, alive with chatter and perfectly-poured pints.

Hotel pick

The Grand Central is Belfast’s showstopper hotel.

Once hosting icons from Churchill to the Beatles, today it continues to impress the modern guest with sleek rooms and city views.

Head to The Observatory, Ireland’s tallest bar, for cocktails or afternoon tea with the skyline shimmering below.

Classic Rooms at the Grand Central start from £220 per night, including breakfast. See www.hastingshotels.com/grand-central.

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Northern Ireland is part of the common travel area, meaning there are no travel restrictions for British travellers.

For more information visit: Ireland.com/northernireland.

THERE’S a county in England that’s been my secret holiday hotspot since I was a child – and now it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.

I love a trip to Lincolnshire, which has something for everyone, whether you love castles, coastline, charming cobbled streets or grand country houses.

So it came as no surprise when Lincoln Castle was given gold for its overall visitor experience by VisitEngland, while Lincoln Guildhall won acclamation in the best told story and tour categories.

My first visit to Lincoln was when my grandma took me to the famous Christmas market in the 1990s.

It was lovely wandering the cobbles near the cathedral, browsing the stalls.

More recently, the market became a victim of its own success and hasn’t run for a couple of years now, because the city became overwhelmed by the number of visitors thronging its historic streets.

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But there’s still loads to do in the county town over the festive season, with carol concerts galore at the cathedral, an illuminated light trail at the castle and hand-carved ice sculptures throughout the city centre on the first weekend in December.

Thirty miles away, on the border between Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, is Belvoir Castle, near Grantham, which was recognised by VisitEngland in the best told story category.

And Mrs Smith’s Cottage in Navenby, halfway between Lincoln and Grantham, was named a hidden gem.

It must have been quite difficult to single out just a few attractions for recognition, as Lincolnshire has a lot to offer when it comes to affordable days out and holidays.

It’s always been a popular destination for Midlands folk heading to the coast, but seems to have slipped below the radar for much of the rest of the country.

I’ve been visiting Sutton on Sea, Mablethorpe and Skegness for as long as I can remember and I love to head back to that stretch of coast with my family, as it feels like a little slice of childhood nostalgia.

We used to stay in a chalet owned by a family friend, with a path down to the nearby beach.

Nowadays, we’re more likely to be found at Butlin’s in Skegness or Haven Golden Sands near Mablethorpe as we love the pools and family entertainment at both.

And more recently, I’ve discovered lots of great days out further inland.

If you want to give Lincolnshire a look, the area around Grantham is easily accessible and has lots to do.

Belton House has one of the biggest outdoor adventure playgrounds in the National Trust.

We often visit in the summer, when the gardens have extra family activities and the miniature train is usually running.

But lots of visitors head there in the winter for its award-winning light trail.

If you prefer smaller sites, I loved Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Isaac Newton where he is reputed to have discovered gravity when he watched an apple falling from a tree in the garden.

There’s a small hands-on science centre if you’ve got little ones who are keen to follow in Newton’s footsteps.

If you’re after somewhere to stay to explore everything the county has to offer, I really rate Away Resorts Tattershall Lakes, which is about 45 minutes from the coast, Lincoln and Grantham.

It’s a great base for days out, no matter which direction you drive.

It has lovely hot tub lodges, an indoor splash pad for little ones with a view out over the lake, a lakeside lido for summer swimming and an atmospheric spiegeltent for shows, which really comes into its own at Christmas time.

And just nearby is the Kinema in the Woods, which has been running in a converted sports pavilion for more than a century, making it one of the oldest cinemas in the country.

This quirky little spot is just one local that reflects the laid-back Lincolnshire way of life.

It’s lovely to see this much-loved Midlands mecca finally getting a bit of the limelight.

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For more recommended spots by VisitEngland, here are the 20 most-visited attractions in England that are completely free to enter.

Plus, Britain’s best hidden gems have been named from free museums to brewery tours.

WHEN it comes to camping we usually think of it as a summer activity, but camping in the winter can be equally as fun.

Think countryside walks with scenic views and sites close to seaside resorts.

Sun Travel spoke to the Caravan and Motorhome Club about its best campsites for winter stays across the UK.

Membership costs from just £66 per year and allows members access to the largest network of campsites across the UK and Europe.

York Beechwood Grange Club Campsite

Located in York, North Yorkshire, the York Beechwood Grange Club Campsite features 109 touring spots and 10 tent pitches.

And the campsite is open to non-members as well as members.

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The campsite is surrounded by trees, making it super peaceful, but it is also perfectly located to easily explore the city of York.

The site is good for families too, as there is plenty of space to run around and play, as well as a playground.

Barbecues are allowed at the site, as are your four-legged furry friends.

The site costs from £32 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Brighton Club Campsite

Located just two miles from Brighton, the Brighton Club Campsite sits within the South Downs and is not too far from the Marina.

The campsite itself features 153 touring spots, 23 tent pitches and two pods and is open to both members and non-members.

There is also a playground on site, and barbecues are allowed as well.

With the beach close by, as well as the countryside, it is the ideal spot for nice walks, as well as a mooch in Brighton through the historic lanes.

The site costs from £35.50 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Meathop Fell Club Campsite

Found in Grange-over-Sands, Meathop Fell Club Campsite features 113 touring pitches, which is open to both members and non-members.

And it isn’t too far from the Southern Lake District.

There is also the option to stay in one of the two two-bedroom cottages on site or four apartments.

The site is good for families too, with a playground and barbecues also allowed.

Nearby, guests can head to Brockhole, the National Park Visitor Centre, which sells a range of books about the lakes.

It is also a great spot to head off on a scenic walk or participate in some water-based activities like sailing at the nearby Lake Windermere.

Then there is the seaside resort of Grange-over-Sands too, with a long, stretching promenade.

The site costs from £32 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Bridlington Club Campsite

Set in 30 acres of East Yorkshire countryside, Bridlington Club Campsite has 149 touring spots and six tent pitches, open to both members and non-members.

From the campsite, visitors can take a 30-minute walk through a golf course and woodland to reach the beach.

And fresh produce can be picked up from the farm shop, which is a 10-minute walk from the campsite.

As for facilities, the site boasts a play area, as well as a playground, and even has a golf course.

Barbecues are allowed too, as are dogs – and if they get mucky, there is a pooch washing area.

Two miles away, visitors can also head to Sewerby Hall, which is a Grade I listed country house, sitting on the top of a cliff and surrounded by landscaped gardens.

The site costs from £32 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite

Found in Wareham, Dorset, Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite has 122 touring spots and 11 tent pitches – but be aware that it is mostly for members only; however, campers are welcome.

The campsite sits on the edge of Wareham Forest – an area of famous heaths and miles of woodland paths.

The campsite also has a play area and plenty of space to walk your dog.

Visitors are also allowed to have barbecues, and there are laundry facilities on site.

As for the surrounding area, it is known for being loved by famous author Thomas Hardy, and the cottage he was born in is located a short distance away in Higher Bockhampton.

The site costs from £33.20 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Ashridge Farm Club Campsite

Located in Baldock, Hertfordshire, Ashridge Farm Club Campsite has 39 touring pitches – though it is only open to club members.

The site is dog-friendly and great for family stays as the site is peaceful but also easy to access, being only a few miles from the A1.

The village of Ashwell is also only a short walk from the campsite and is home to a 14th-century church and a handful of 15th-century cottages.

Many of the lanes around the site are ideal for keen cyclists too.

And if you wanted to head further afield, Cambridge is only a short drive away.

Barbecues are allowed at the site, and there are laundry facilities as well.

The site costs from £31.50 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Southport Club Campsite

Just a short walk from the Victorian seaside town of Southport, you will find Southport Club Campsite with 172 touring pitches.

Though this is another site just for members.

This spot is particularly great for dog owners, as there are numerous walking trails in the local area, as well as beaches to explore, such as Formby Beach.

And if you don’t mind a drive, nearby are other popular spots, including Blackpool, Liverpool, and even the Lake District.

The site costs from £34.80 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Strathclyde Country Park Club Campsite

Found just a 20-minute drive from Glasgow is Strathclyde Country Park Club Campsite with 107 touring spots and 45 tent pitches.

With non-members and members welcome, the spot is ideal for those who either want to escape the city or those who want to experience both Scotland‘s city life and countryside beauty.

But there is also plenty to do on and around the site as well, such as woodland walks and a play area for young children.

In the country park, visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, and if they want to, head off on a bike ride on one of the many routes.

Barbecues and dogs are allowed at the campsite too.

The site costs from £30 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite

Located in Derbyshire, Lickpenny Matlock Club Campsite has 122 touring pitches and is open to both members and non-members.

Sat above the village of Tansley, the 16-acre campsite is found on the site of an old nursery.

Every pitch features a 16-amp electric supply, and there are a couple of electric car charging points.

And in the centre of the site, there is a children’s play area.

A 20-minute walk from the campsite and visitors will find themselves in Matlock, which has a number of cosy pubs to grab a tipple in, such as The Thorn Tree Inn and The Newsroom.

For a family day out, Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock Bath is just a 14-minute drive away as well.

Dogs are allowed at the campsite too.

The site costs from £32 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

Hawes Club Campsite

Located in North Yorkshire, Hawes Club Campsite has 119 touring pitches that are only available to members.

The campsite has the Dales right on its doorstep, making it the ideal spot for pretty walks.

And of course, the market town of Hawes is close too.

In fact, it is one of the highest market towns in England, sitting at 850 feet above sea level.

The campsite has its own games room; barbecues and dogs are allowed, and there are laundry facilities as well.

The site costs from £36 for two adults, on a hardstanding pitch, per night.

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In other camping news, the UK’s best campsite has been named, with adult-only zones and £24 pitches.

Plus, here are the best European campsites for winter sun – with stays from £23 a night and 20C highs.

THE UK isn’t short of light trails when it comes to the winter period, but high street favourite, John Lewis, is now joining the club.

This year John Lewis is bringing its 2025 Christmas advert – ‘Where Love Lies’ – to life as part of the Northern Lights Manchester at Heaton Park.

This year’s John Lewis Christmas tells the story of a teenage boy and his father who struggle to communicate, yet when it comes to Christmas the boy gives him a music record that helps them to reconnect.

Running from November 20 to December 31, the event will mark the first time the retailer has brought its annual Christmas advert off the screen.

According to the Northern Lights Manchester website, John Lewis will join this year’s “brand new large-scale winter light trail”.

The website adds that the high street brand will join “Northern Lights to firmly establish Manchester’s newest seasonal tradition from year one”.

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Visitors can expect an in-person experience with music that is designed to connect visitors to the story of John Lewis’ Christmas advert – think feelings of joy, nostalgia and festive cheer.

The Northern Lights trail at Heaton Park is brand new for this year and in total stretches a mile long.

Venturing around the trail visitors will find 14 illumination zones and there will also be a number of food spots along the way.

The illumination zones include the Frosted Forest, Laser Garden and Runway to the Sky.

In addition, there will be a Christmas Village with local food, drinks and more music.

The village will have eight foodie destinations in total including God Save the Toasties, The Sausage Factory and the Super Sweet Fry Guys – who serve Terry’s Chocolate Orange churros, battered mince pies with boozy cream and hot chocolate with a dash of Salford Rum and topped with a Tunnock’s Marshmallow Snowball.

There is also the Bees Knees Tavern, a heated alpine-themed bar, where visitors can grab a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, including mulled wine.

Hotel Chocolat will even have its own van selling velvety, hot chocolate.

There are four types of ticket prices in total.

For super off-peak tickets, it costs £15 per adult and £5 per child.

For off-peak tickets, it costs £19.50 per adult and £13.95 per child.

For a standard entry ticket, it costs £21.50 per adult and £14.95 per child.

And finally, for a peak entry ticket, it costs £23.95 per adult and £16.50 per child.

Rosie Hanley, brand director, added: “At John Lewis, we love bringing people together to create shared experiences and magical Christmas memories.

“This spectacular light trail is a brilliant way for us to share the spirit of the season with Manchester and its communities, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

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For other festive experiences in the UK, here are 27 free festive experiences across the UK for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.

Plus, the top Christmas train experiences around the UK – including a festive ‘theatre on rails’ and ‘journey of lights’.

THERE have been worrying mutterings in my six-year-old son’s school
playground that Father Christmas isn’t actually the real deal.

But it took a simple sentence from a Lapland UK Santa to make Alex
firmly believe again.

He told him: “I hear you’ve been line leader at school Alex. How fantastic is that!”

His jaw dropped with amazement that the big man knew this – while my
eyes filled up with tears at the magical moment.

We were at Lapland Manchester which opened this year after the success
of its first site Lapland Ascot.

When tickets launched in March, more than 750,000 people joined a virtual queue for tickets ranging from £65 up to £155 per person, depending on the date, with both kids and adults paying the same.

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As we arrived at the grand Capesthorne Hall, near Macclesfield in
Cheshire, excitement was high.

We were guided through the first of many sparkly walkways and
transported into a fairytale magical world where for the next four and
a half hours each and every member of staff constantly remained in
character.

At the woodland check in, porter Buzz wished us a “cheery-hi” and
put his thumb on his nose and wiggled his fingers.

It was the Lapland gesture we were all doing in return by the end of the day!

He gave Alex and my goddaughter Maia an “Elvn Passport” so they could
pass through an enchanted forest to meet Father Christmas and his
elves.

Tickets suggest arriving here 45 minutes before your allotted time –
I would double that so you can get a coffee and exchange your money
for Jingles, the Lapland currency.

We, together with about 200 people, were led to a woodland area where
a theatrical show explained there’s strictly no “grump-a-Lumps”
allowed in Lapland.

Then another walkway led to a performance where we had to wiggle our fingers, squash our noses, blink three times and curl our toes so a huge door could open for the next stage to the Toy Factory.

Alex finally started to understand what was really going on.

After booking your Lapland tickets you receive an invite “from Santa”
explaining he is so busy this year he needs “kind” kids to help him
save Christmas.

Alex was put to task making a soft toy polar bear.

He silently went to work and then put the polar bear on a conveyor belt to Santa.

He was proud as punch with a job well done.

Next was The Lapland Bakery with another show from Mother Christmas but Alex only really cared about decorating a gingerbread house – and eating it.

Then my favourite part of the experience.

The Elven Village – a magical world with a starry ceiling and snow covered trees.

You have 90 minutes there to send a letter to Father Christmas from
the Post Office, visit the library or buy sweets, toys or decorations
in the shops.

I was gutted we had booked Lapland in the middle of the day because
Alex was starving.

The food was great and he loved the £10 kids meal deal of sourdough pizza, chunky chips and juice.

But it meant we had to rush around – and didn’t have time to wait in the queue for the ice skating rink.

I placated my tearful child with a chocolate coated giant marshmallow
on a stick, and winced at the £6 price tag.

Next came the Reindeer Lodge before entering a grand waiting room to see Santa.

This was organised beautifully.

Staff quietly confirmed details from your booking confirmation that Alex had been “line leader” before an elf took us down a long forest pathway.

Finally we arrived at a little wooden house… and Santa himself.

This was no garden centre Santa.

He was a wide girthed, full bearded jolly version (with a very strong west midland accent!), and a bit of cheeky banter about him, too.

Santa thanked the kids for making the polar bears, made them honorary elves, gave them a soft toy gift and discussed their achievements.

It was perfectly done, we didn’t feel rushed for a second and after
saying goodbye Alex said he now knew Santa was “real”.

When he wakes on Christmas morning that will be confirmed because,
before leaving, I was discreetly handed a replica toy polar bear
together with a thank you note from Santa for December 25.

That is guaranteed to keep his – and my – Christmas dreams alive so we
can return to the magic of Lapland UK next year.

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For other Christmas experiences in the UK, you could also head to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London.

Or perhaps head on one of these 27 free festive experiences across the UK for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.

THERE is nothing better than realising you are cool before it was actually cool, after my old road was named one of the world’s trendiest.

My learning I was a trendsetter comes from the latest revealing of the World’s Coolest Streets by Time Out.

The new Time Out list named the top 31 streets that they deem the coolest in the world.

Taking the top spot was much further afield, with Rio’s Rua do Senado in no.1.

But just squeezing into the top 31 (at no.31) was Northdown Road in Margate.

Calling it the “one-time fashionable hotel quarter,” its credited with making a comeback that is “not unlike a street you’d find in East London“.

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I left the big city of London during the pandemic to move to the seaside, choosing the town of Margate.

It has since been named one of the UK’s trendiest seaside towns, having seen a surge in popularity with ex-Londoners.

And one of the areas where this was most noticeable was said Northdown Road – a road I lived on.

Part of the Cliftonville area (named a cool neighbourhood back in 2022) the main high street is forever seeing new shops and bars crop up.

While the road is slightly out of the main Old Town which attracts most of the tourists, I rarely ventured into the centre – because I didn’t need to.

One of my favourite stops for coffee was Cliffs, a coffee-co-working-hair-dress-vinyl shop.

I would often grab a flat white in the morning to go, or spend a few hours in the quieter upstairs with a book or my laptop.

New coffee shops are always cropping up too – there is Lowlife, which feels like a grown up teenage boy decorated it with graffiti art, skateboards and oversized tees for sale.

Or there is High Tide, more popular with families thanks to their kid-friendly menu and small play area, and the fun Doubloons for more unusual tasting lattes.

If you want the best pastries, you must go to Batchelor’s Pattisserie – open since 1967, its here you’ll find the best traditional sweet treats

It’s so easy to spend the entire day on Northdown – for dinner there is the Japanese Mori Mori; Picnic Deli, a wine bar that has live music and small menu options, or some casual pizza at Casa.

Even for shopping, you can grab a vinyl at Ghost Papa, or some handmade earrings at Reo Jewels, as well as some amazing vintage interiors at Lost Property and plants at The Potting Shed.

And then into the night, the award-winning wine bar Sete is cosy but friendly, along with the newly opened The Last Light pub.

You’ll always spot a fun crowd outside LGBTQ+ bar CAMP which is a great night out too.

See what I mean? For such a small road that is barely a mile long, it ticks all the boxes.

Of course it isn’t without its problems – while Margate is often named an up-and-coming area, there are still issues with fly tipping and antisocialism.

And with the current climate, many of my favourite spots have already been forced to close in recent years, meaning many businesses struggle to stay open (I’ll forever miss the huge bagels of The Skinny Dip).

It’s also missing any good hotels, despite its claim to once be a hotel quarter.

There are a few good B&B options, including Doghouse Margate and Cliftonville Townhouse.

Instead, a short walk away are some of the more popular in town such as Fort Road Hotel and No.42 Guesthouse (or the Premier Inn by the station if you’re on a budget).

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But even the road itself is right by the pretty Old Town as well as Walpole Bay, home to Europe‘s biggest lido.

I can finally say – I knew it all before it was cool.

DID you think festivals were all music main stages? Well, you’d be wrong because a new one is launching in the UK next year – based on farming.

The event called The Great British Farm-Fest will arrive at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire for May 22-24, 2026.

It claims it will still maintain that festival vibe though with food trucks, activities, celebrity faces and you’ll probably still need your wellies.

It’s been described as combining the traditional attractions of a large country fair with the excitement and energy of a modern music festival. 

While it does celebrate farmers, you don’t have to be one to go. I

Across three unforgettable days there will be live music, working displays, livestock, machinery and mouth-watering food.  

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As for those celebrity faces, headlining the weekend are the stars of Clarkson’s Farm – Jeremy Clarkson himself, Lisa Hogan, Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland.

Farmer Adam Henson and British chef Matt Tebbutt will also make an appearance along with dozens of other farmers, musicians, and chefs from across the UK.   

During the day, visitors can explore activities across the 300-acre country park.

There will be eight show arenas with livestock competitions, traditional skills, working animals, field-to-fork experiences and even a full-scale British Food Festival.   

During the day, Tractorama will show tractors old and new doing what they do driven by the experts who will partake in challenges, parades, drag strips and stunts.

During the evening, the All-Star Tractor Parade will light up and from 6PM each evening there will be live music and entertainment in the Hawkstone Music Arena.

Acts taking to the stage include Alex James’ Britpop Classical and DJ Chris Moyles – and there’s another 20 acts still yet to be announced.

For fans of Clarkson’s Farm, you’ll get the chance to visit The Diddly Squat Farm Shop Pop Up – The Piddly Diddly.

Inside will be everything from sweet and savoury treats to homeware and clothing.

One day admission tickets for adults aged 18+ start at £60, or £48 if you nab an early bird one.

For teens aged 13-17 it’s £30 (£24 early bird), children between 6-12 are £15 (£12 early bird). Children between 0-5 can enter for free.

Other tickets include the full three days without camping for £150 per adult (£120 early bird) and with camping tickets for adults are £200 (£160 early bird).

Tickets go on pre-sale on November 26, 2025 – here.

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How to visit the Diddly Squat Farm Shop…

Diddly Squat Farm Shop and the Farmer’s Dog are both open to visitors. The exact location of the Farm Shop is 5-12 Chipping Norton Road, Chadlington, Chipping Norton, OX7 3PE.

Once there, fans will be able to experience some of the key locations featured on the Clarkson-fronted show.

While visiting the site, many will hope to catch a glimpse of the rising stars of the show, including fan favourite Kaleb Cooper, straight-man and farm management consultant Charlie Ireland, the humorous Gerald Cooper, plus farm shop front-woman and Jezza’s partner, Lisa Hogan.

The iconic shop has become a public attraction since it opened, with thousands flocking to it each year, much to the dislike of some of the community.

For visitors coming from outside the Cotswolds, the trip can take two hours from central London by car, or two and a half hours by public transport.

If fans are staying nearby there is the X9 bus from The Bell Hotel in Charlbury that will take them straight past the 1000 acres site and near the Farm Shop.

Check out the European city named an up-and-coming place to travel in 2026 with hotel saunas and air guitar festivals.

And check out the best places in the Cotswolds once you’ve seen the Diddly Squat Farm Shop.

THE UK is pretty good at creating food markets – think Camden Market and Borough Market in London or Bury Market in Greater Manchester – but now there’s a new kid on the block and it is technically already a viral hit.

Enter Tod’s Festive Feast – a new festive food market with viral food, created by influencer Eating With Tod.

Located next to The Outernet just steps away from Tottenham Court Road Station in central London, you will find the influencer’s – who is followed by 2.1million people – latest venture.

Known for trying some of the craziest and most viral dishes in the UK, Tod’s festive food market has gathered some of his favourites all together in the same place.

The influencer said: “I got bored of seeing the same food year after year at every Xmas market up and down the country, so it’s time we reinvented the wheel.

“Proper food, proper chefs with unmatched quality.”

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There are many viral hits across the market including the famous Roll Boys cinnamon rolls – which were sadly closed on my visit.

Other sweet options include Bread Ahead doughnuts, with their much-loved creme brulee doughnut.

Visitors won’t be short for choice when it comes to savory options either with top hits like Truffle London and Ruben’s Reubens.

Jumi Cheese was a literal feast for both the eyes and the people eating it with giant Raclette with different flavours like rosemary and smoked bacon.

For example, you could have ‘Alpinist’ with crispy pancetta, rosemary roast potatoes and rocket for £13.90.

The classic ‘Herbivore’ features a cheese of your choosing, as well as rosemary roast potatoes, kimchi, mustard and caramelised red onion chutney.

One thing I want to try next time I visit is from The Ashes‘ Christmas Del Piero Doughnut which features smoked whole hog, cranberry sauce, stuffing crumb, all served in a sugar doughnut for £10.50.

The best thing about the market? There wasn’t a single, over-grilled Bratwurst sausage for £12 to be seen (here’s looking at you Winter Wonderland).

If you do like your sausages though, Ruben’s Reubens Ballpark features a double smoked pork sausage, caramelised onions, mustard, ketchup and crispy shallots for just a tenner.

Still expect standard London prices for food, but compared to other Christmas markets it isn’t too over inflated.

The Duck Shed

For my main meal, I tried out The Duck Shed, which features a simple concept.

First you choose if you want a burger, wrap or salad box and then you decide on the filling.

Options included vegan duck for £12.50 and French duck with grilled Raclette cheese and onion chutney for £13.95.

But I of course had to try The British Christmas Quacker with slow roasted pulled duck, cranberry and bacon jam, smashed pigs in blankets, brie and spinach for £13.50.

I had it as a burger, and not going to lie, was a little disappointed.

Admittedly, I had big hopes but thinking about it logically, duck is usually better as a wrap, instead the bread was dry.

The filling is good and I really like the twist on a classic Christmas sandwich, though it could have done with a teaspoon more of sauce.

The portion is super generous though and it is cooked right in front of you.

Chin Chin

For my sweet treat, I bee-lined for Chin Chin.

We have all seen videos on social media of their decadent hot chocolate with ooey-gooey marshmallow on top, that is then burnt in front of you.

Considering the cold turn in the weather, I don’t think anything would be quite as satisfying as this hot chocolate.

It costs £5.95 a cup and it isn’t the biggest, but it really does fill you up with the generous amount of marshmallow.

As a big fan of hot chocolates, making sure to try one in every country I visit, I was impressed that the drink itself was actually super smooth, not too bitter or rich, but lovely and creamy.

It was an instant win, and helps warm up your insides.

Whilst you there…

With the market being located right next door to Tottenham Court Road Tube Station, there are a lot of others things you can do and explore nearby.

For example, you could head onto Oxford Street for a spot of Christmas shopping.

Or perhaps catch one of the nearby shows.

But even closer to the market is Outernet – a free attraction with Europe‘s largest and most advanced digital screens that often broadcast magical worlds, making it an immersive experience for the viewer.

And the attraction is now showing some festive features, including Nature Relaxation: Cozy Christmas Fireplace which lasts one minute.

Though, the real showstopper was the Ice Palace feature, which lasts seven minutes.

All walls of the Outernet become frosty and reveal an ice castle, that looks like it is straight out of Disney‘s Frozen.

The palace then awakens with life and music, with icy fireworks travelling across the ceiling.

And there is even snow, which feels oddly realistic, as if it is falling on you.

Tod’s Festive Feast is open everyday from 11am until December 28.

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For other Christmas markets, here’s what we thought of this year’s Winter Wonderland.

Plus, UK’s largest one-day Christmas market to return after being cancelled last year – exact date to hit 120 festive stalls.

SOME like to jet off when the weather gets chilly here in the UK – but what about those who like to feel Christmassy in November?

Sun Travel has revealed our favourite destinations across both Britain and the world that make us feel the most festive, with cosy fireside pubs, snowy scenes, Christmas markets and Santa’s actual home.

Cotswolds, UK

Sometimes you just can’t beat a festive staycation – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey said: “One of my favourite things to do at Christmas is drive through pretty country villages and go on a free light show.

“And having grown up in the Cotswolds, I wasn’t short of huge beautiful manor houses and pubs wanting to show off their Christmas lights.

“I recommend driving from Burford to Broadway, with stops in Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh where you will see them a mile away because of the sheer volume of lights.

“Then if you need a cosy pub to warm up in, head over to the town of Witney where you have a huge amount of choice on the high street.

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“My favourites are the Holly Bush, with low ceiling and delicious mulled cider, or The Plough, the town’s oldest pub dating back to the 17th century.”

Copenhagen, Denmark

After a recent trip to the Danish capital of Copenhagen, Travel Reporter Alice Penwill recommends heading there to embrace the cold.

She said: “Copenhagen thrives during autumn and winter – and another plus point is that the city is dressed up for Christmas from early November.

“Festive markets pop up with new stalls – they sell everything from Christmas decorations to tasty treats and my favourite, hot chocolate or spiced Gløgg.

“Make sure to grab a Danish pastry from one of the many bakeries in the city and then take a mooch around Strøget – the famous shopping street. Or head down to the famous colourful Nyhavn with plenty of outside bars underneath outdoor heaters so you won’t feel too chilly.

“For a bit of peace and quiet, head to the Botanical Gardens where the trees have bright yellow and orange leaves.”

Lapland, Finland

Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire suggests heading to Finland: “This is an obvious one, but I took my child to Lapland with TUI last
year and nothing can compare to being in Santa’s ACTUAL homeland at
Christmas.

“Yes, it’s exhausting getting up before the crack of dawn to catch a
flight, but the airline staff were a joy from check-in onwards, where
they greeted travellers with festive headgear.

“On the plane, we enjoyed a cooked breakfast and sang Xmas songs,
before landing and being immediately sized up for our Arctic snow
gear.

“A coach transfer complete with its own elf guide takes you to the snow
village, for a day of gingerbread decorating, snowmobiling, husky
sleigh riding, ice hotel exploration and a visit to the big man
himself.

“Then you’re flying home with a plane Christmas dinner.
it’s a full-on itinerary, but having done 4 nights in Lapland before,
the one-day trip makes sure to tick off all the big hitters every
family dreams of.”

Edinburgh, Scotland

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding said: “Harry Potter fans and festive fanatics must head to Edinburgh around the Christmas period.

“The Scottish capital is special all-year round, but at Christmas it comes alive with decorated shop fronts, dazzling lights and a vast market.

“For a refreshing hike with the wind in your hair and spectacular views, head up Arthur‘s Seat. If you prefer to wander, then head to W Bow – a 17th century cobbled street with endless independent businesses set behind the colourful facades of buildings.

“If you do like Harry Potter, make sure to nip into Museum Context, which sells wizardy merch. And for a hot drink make sure to head into Black Medicine Coffee Co, which is super cosy – so much so I didn’t want to leave.

“The Christmas Market transforms the city centre into a festive village and has a great mix of everything including traditional markets, rides and food and drink stalls.”

Scottish Sun’s Travel Editor Heather Lowrie also recommends Edinburgh for a festive visit.

She said: “The city’s historic Princes Street Gardens are awash with festive lights which brighten any gloomy night sky and you’ll find there are merry-go-rounds, a big wheel and other funfair rides for youngsters.

“There’s also the ‘try if you dare’ Around the World Starflyer – an 80m tall tower with swings that spin you around for views of the city  which probably rival those Santa gets from his sleigh as he flies through the sky.

“In George Street (just behind iconic Princess Street) you’ll find an ice-rink,  so grab some skates and go gliding  and dancing (and falling if you’re anything  like me!).

“And new for this year is glittering frozen world of The Ice Queen’s Castle, complete with ice carvings and intricate wall etchings – the perfect winter wonderland.”

New York, USA

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski suggests heading to the Big Apple for festive cheer.

She said: “This may sound cliché, but there really is no better time to visit New York City than during the festive period. Perhaps I’ve attached some sentimental value to the city at Christmas as it was around this time of year that I visited for the first time ever.

“Woozy from jet-lag, I gazed in awe at neon lights beaming from the mighty skyscrapers of Times Square, while city-goers dashed past, wrapped in their woollen scarves, shielding from the bitter chill.

“The Rockefeller Tree, one of the city’s most prized festive traditions, dazzled in a blur of tiny, multi-coloured lights, while a queue formed outside Macy’s department store, whose windows were drenched in holly and splashes of red and white paint.

“It was everything I’d expected, my very own Big Apple rom-com.
I’ve returned to the city around Christmas three times since – and it gets no less magical.

“My routine rarely changes: a visit to Bryant Park’s markets, laden with wooden stalls – grab a hot choccie while you’re here and watch the skaters twirl on an ice rink.

“I’ll always visit Bloomingdale’s, too, on Fifth Avenue to buy a tacky tree decoration, making sure to stroll past Saks, which puts on a Christmas light show every year.

“The bars of Manhattan often feel packed, but the atmosphere is electric as people pass back mulled wine through the crowd, full of festive enthusiasm.”

Reykjavik, Iceland

As its name suggests Iceland is a great spot for anyone seeking cooler weather, which is rare for Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey: “As someone who hates the cold, you will normally find me in warmer climates during Christmas, having spent Decembers in Morocco, St Kitts and Dubai.

“But one place I didn’t mind braving the cold for was Iceland – after all, the point is to feel the chill!

“There’s nothing better than wrapping up in all the layers before heading out to see stunning geysers, dramatic waterfalls and icy landscapes, ending by warming up in the famous Blue Lagoon.

“I highly recommend staying at the Grandi by Center Hotel in Reykjavik. I spent the evenings with glasses of wine and board games in the lobby, overlooked by twinkling Christmas tree lights and a roaring fire.”

Pitlochry, Scotland

Lynn Kernan, Features Editor at The Scottish Sun said: “To me there is nothing more festive than being curled up in front of a roaring fire with a twinkling tree and a warming dram.

“And that’s exactly what you get in Pitlochry’s Port-Na-Craig inn.

“The little guest house, right on the River Tummel and in the shadow of Perthshire’s snow-capped mountains, dates back to the 1600s and knows how to do an old school Christmas in style.

“Its dining room is transformed into a winter wonderland at this time of year, with glittering baubles hanging from the ceiling and festive trinkets adorning every surface.

“Inside, it’s breathtaking for a festive fan – while outside, the beer garden is an illuminated sanctuary.

“The inn is in Pitlochry, one of Scotland’s prettiest towns with cute cafes, independent shops and top notch restaurants which all make an effort at this time of year.

“It’s also where the Enchanted Forest is held in the run up to the festive season. The nearby Faskally Wood is brought to life with stunning light shows in October and November.

“If you’re looking for me in December I’ll be at the inn, with a single malt, marvelling at the decadent decorations and singing Jingle Bells.”

Luxembourg

Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire added: “Luxembourg isn’t exactly must-visit destination among European
capitals, but the city comes into its own at Christmas time.

“Best explored on foot (which allows for extra mulled wine), the old
town of Luxembourg city is both grand and quaint – and perfect for
exploring in chilly weather, when you can nip into the bars and
bakeries for a warming drink.

“There are also Christmas markets spread throughout the city as part of
the annual Winterlights festival, which also features festive
concerts, exhibitions, performances and crafts for kids.

“Given how quick the flight is to Luxembourg (1 hour and 15 minutes)
and the time it takes to get from the airport to the city centre (20
minutes by tram), this is a really easy trip to do in just 24 hours.”

Lisbon, Portugal

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill suggests a short trip over the one popular European spot. She said: “Yes, Portugal is beautiful in the summer, but the city of Lisbon is easy to explore at any time of year.

“I went to the city two years ago and weather-wise it was actually fairly mild but still very festive, especially as the shops had the lights on display.

“Major attractions include Wonderland Lisboa and Rossio Christmas Market plus you still have to take a ride on the tram and of course, take a walk on the famous Pink Street.“

Cairngorms, Scotland

Scottish Sun’s Travel Editor Heather Lowrie said: “Situated in historic Royal Deeside – just a few miles from the Royal family’s private Balmoral Castle  – the beautiful Cairngorms destination almost guarantees snow, transforming it into a  true winter wonderland.

“The village celebrates Christmas with a traditional Christmas lights switch on, with carols and mulled wine and there’s even a reindeer parade on Christmas Eve.

“The Cranford Guesthouse is famed for its delicious home baking and will be adorned with decorations and lights to turn up that festive feeling.

“If money is no object then book into the award-winning Fife Arms Hotel, where they even put on a Fondue Hut from November where you can indulge in all things melted cheese or if you’d rather get back to nature then go glamping at the dog friendly Braemar Glamping Pods and go star-gazing.

“Skiers will be in Christmas heaven too, as the Glenshee & Lecht Ski Centres are nearby where Christmas on the slopes is a real thing.

“Head out at night with Mountain Skies Braemar where, if you’re lucky, you  might catch a glimpse of the Northern lights!”

Tallinn, Estonia

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding has got some pending Christmas plans to Eastern Europe. She said: “Next week, I will be heading off to Tallinn – the capital of Estonia – which is often dubbed a fairytale city.

“I’m super excited to head to the Christmas market in the medieval Old Town’s Town Hall Square, with a huge decorated tree – the first tree to ever be displayed in Europe – and carol performances.

“The market has also previously been named one of the best in Europe so I am keen to see whether it lives up to the title. For food and drink, the gingerbread cookies are meant to be a hit, as well as the hot mulled wine, known as glogi.

“Temperatures in November sit around zero degrees, so I am hoping there will be snow to make it feel even more Christmassy.”

St Albans, UK

Some like to head to the city for Christmas, but Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski said she prefers to stick to the countryside.

She said: “What can beat a proper British pub at Christmas time? Several worn armchairs scattered around a crackling fire, a pile of board games on the shelf in the corner, and a heated vat of mulled wine propped on the bar.

“The city of St Albans is home to the kind of stereotypical cottage-style boozers you see in festive rom-coms like The Holiday. It’s also the pub capital of the UK, claiming to have more pubs per square mile than any other region in the country.

“Many of these drinking holes are listed properties, so they have that higgledy-piggledy feel to them with timber beams and low ceilings that enhance the cosy factor.

“Talking of cosy, the recently opened Cosy Club restaurant-cum-bar is a great spot for those looking to amp up the party, The menu features jam-packed burgers and pasta dishes, alongside heady cocktails, all of which are cracking value.

“During the festive season The Odyssey, a restored Art Deco cinema, shows classic Christmas movies, like It’s A Wonderful Life – book one of the table seats in the downstairs section and order yourself a glass of wine and cheese platter from the bar.

“Pop into one of the many local bakeries for a festive treat – Brad and Dills, a coffee and bagel joint founded by a local duo, does a cracking brew and often has fun spins on classic festive flavours crammed into their moreish bagels.”

London, UK

Of course, how could you leave the country’s capital off the list? Head of Sun Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire said: “Brits spend a fortune travelling to festive destinations abroad when we have one of the best places for celebrating Christmas on our doorstep – London.

“In my opinion, there are few places in the world that are more
festive, starting with the traditional London pub.

“Paper hat on your head, pint in hand, everyone packed in like sardines as with condensation mists the drafty Victorian window panes and they sing
along to Fairytale of New York – there’s nothing that signals December
has arrived more.

“But of course, there is plenty to do other than pubs too. It has
plenty of haters, but Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest
Christmas attractions in the world and you can choose everything from
market shopping to fancy grub, beer halls, fair grounds, Santa’s
grotto and ice bars.

“Don’t fancy that one? How about the ice skating at Somerset House with
the fancy Virgin Clubhouse for a drink afterwards, or Glide at
Battersea – or even the new rink in Leicester Square.

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“And then there’s all the Christmas theatre shows – The Snowman, Elf,
The Nutcracker, Santa Needs a Wee, Jack And The Beanstalk… there are
enough shows on and off London’s West End to see one every day now
until December 25.

“The restaurants are all decked out in their festive best, the shops
are the best in the country… so unless you’re looking for some peace
and quiet, there’s no better place get in the festive mood.”

TIRED of visiting the same old spots? Finding new places for a day out in your area can be difficult but now the UK’s best hidden gems have been revealed, great for discovering destinations.

Visit England recently announced the UK’s best hidden gems as part of its Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2024-2025.

And there is something for everyone from museums to brewery tours – here are their best 15 across Britain, per region.

East Midlands

The first hidden gem can be found in Donington le Heath in the East Midlands – the 1620s House & Garden.

Formerly known as the Donington le Heath Manor House, visitors can explore the 13th century building which inside is decked out with 17th century furnishings.

There are also gardens to explore at the attraction, laid out in early 17th century style.

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Also make sure to head to The Old Barn Tearoom for a quick drink, cake or warm bowl of soup.

A second site in the East Midlands that has been named a hidden gem is Melton Carnegie Museum at Melton Mowbray.

The museum is located inside Melton Mowbray’s former Carnegie Library, which was built back in 1905.

Inside, visitors can discover the local history of Melton from the Bronze Age right to the present day.

It is also free to visit.

And finally, Mrs Smith’s Cottage in Navenby was also named a hidden gem.

The heritage house belonged to Hilda Craven, who lived there throughout the 20th century.

Now as a museum and learning centre, visitors can explore the home and daily diaries kept by Hilda.

Admission costs £3.50 per adult and £2 per child.

East of England

Heading to the East of England and the Bushey Museum & Art Gallery in Hertfordshire was named a hidden gem.

The museum and gallery is entirely run by volunteers and inside visitors can explore the local history and heritage of Bushey.

It is free to visit.

Also recognised in the East of England was a hidden gem activity called the Celtic Harmony Camp, which can be found in Brickendon.

The camp is set in around 13 acres of ancient woodland and features life-sized, reconstructed Iron Age roundhouses, a Palaeolithic Cave and a Prehistory Centre.

The experience is also free to visit.

Then, the final one in the East of England is a tour of Ipswich Town Football Club, in Suffolk.

The guided tour allows fans to explore key and iconic areas within the stadium such as the Directors Box or the Boardroom.

North West

In the North West, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House in Manchester was named a hidden gem.

The attraction celebrates the life of Elizabeth Gaskell, one of the UK’s most important Victorian writers.

Visitors can explore the lavish interiors as well as pretty gardens.

Another spot in the North West made its way onto the list – moviESCAPE in Stockport.

This escape room has a movie theme and there are different rooms including the Haunted House II: Demon’s Curse and SAWtopsy.

For a more family-friendly option there is Merlin’s Magic Academy, where players solve puzzles and challenges.

Prices vary but the more players you have the cheaper it works out per player.

South East

In the South East, Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre tour in Faversham has been named a hidden gem.

Located at Shepherd Neame Brewery, visitors can head on a tour to learn more about their beers and brewing process.

Next up is St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery in Lymington – a historic coastal market town.

Inside, visitors can explore the history of Lymington and the New Forest Coast.

Another hidden gem in the South East is a tour of The Hook Norton Brewery Co Ltd.

Costing £20 per person, on the tour you will wander around the five-storey Victorian Tower Brewery for an hour and a half.

The tour then ends in the cellar bar, where you of course get to try the beer.

The brewery rather unusually is also home to three shire horses.

If beer isn’t to your taste, then you can head on a tour of the Wildshark Vineyard in Harrietsham.

For £20 per person, you can head on a self-guided tour of the vineyard, thanks to a handy map that shows different walking routes.

Alternatively, for £28 per person you could head on an hour and a half guided tour with a tasting.

South West

In the South West, one spot was named as a hidden gem – Sherborne Museum in Sherborne.

The local museum in Dorset features local history exhibits and a large archive of local records and photos.

It also is free to enter.

West Midlands

Over in the West Midlands, Stourbridge Glass Museum in Wordsley, visitors can explore the region’s history in glassmaking through interactive galleries.

There is even a live hot glass studio.

Last but not least, a tour of the Cotswolds Distillery in Stourton is also a hidden gem.

The tour costs £25 per person and includes tasting the spirits and liqueurs.

Alternatively for £37, you could do a tour and tasting with lunch included.

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For other things to do in the UK, a popular family attraction to return to UK capital – eight years after it was scrapped.

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IT’S never too early to book a holiday for next year – and with Butlin’s launching its Black Sale Friday, you might want to look now.

The holiday park is offering bargain breaks for families to adults-only weekends with up to 40 per cent off.

Butlin’s Black Friday sale, or as they like to call it, the Red Friday Event, hasplenty of great offers for breaks next year, including family-friendly holidays across its three resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness.

You can book now for up to 40 per cent off – and that includes getting to see their new headline acts for 2026 if you book before December 2, 2025.

From Maximum Pro Wrestling to The Masked Singer Live and Diversity, which will perform their brand-new, exclusive show ‘Time Capsule’.

Peppa Pig and her baby sister Evie Pig will trot into the spotlight in a brand-new live show for 2026 during school holidays and Showtime breaks.

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Another new addition is The Dinosaur that Pooped, a Rock Show that’s a high-energy live musical and will be at all resorts.

And Fireman Sam will be solving clues and saving the day in The Lost Pirate Treasure show.  

February Half Term breaks start from £67 based on a family of four staying in a two bedroom Comfort Room on February 23, 2026 in Bognor Regis for four nights.

The Showtime midweek breaks start from £39 which across four nights works out at just £2.44pppn.

It’s not just for kids though – adults can also book themselves onto a Big Weekender for 2026.

Big Weekenders, which are exclusively for adults, and also has savings of up to 40 per cent.

These start from £54 per person which includes three-nights’ accommodation, access to all music venues and plenty of daytime and evening activities. 

Performers include the likes of Peter Andre, Cascada and B*Witched; these are all included in the price.

During the day guests can check out the Saddle Up Line Dancing, Soul Stroll and pool parties to Club Classic Nights and silent discos in the evening.  

Next year, four brand-new Big Weekenders will begin across all three resorts.

My Generation Weekender, devoted to Mod culture, will kick off in Minehead in early 2026.

Meanwhile, Skegness resort will be immersed in the ‘neo-soul’ era at the Soul Power Weekender.

Bognor Regis will host the Don’t Tell Mama LGBTQ Weekender and Bugged Out! will return after 10 years with the biggest names in the EDM space.    

Soul Power Big Weekender starts from £54pp based on a two bedroom Comfort Room that sleeps four on January 16, 2026 in Skegness.

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One writer checked into Butlin’s for a Big Weekender…

“Clutching my bottle of Smirnoff Ice in the middle of a packed dancefloor wearing silver combat trousers and a bum bag, I felt like I had been transported back to my youth.

“And for a fleeting moment, I forgot I was a mother of three with a job, a mortgage and a pile of laundry to tackle when I got home.

“This is part of the joy of a Butlin’s ’90s Reloaded Weekender where garage legends DJ Luck and MC Neat were belting out the floor fillers from my teen disco days.

“Held across Butlin’s resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, each “weekender” break celebrates a different era or genre, from the Ultimate ’80s to I Love Ibiza.

“I was at the Bognor Regis Resort with three old school friends, which only enhanced the nostalgia of the Nineties-themed weekend.

“The fancy dress aspect alone provided plenty of entertainment. Luckily, the Nineties are enjoying something of a fashion revival, which means it was easy to source some party gear.

“And the trends of the decade were out in force — from bucket hats and Kappa tracksuits to cycling shorts and, of course, shell suits.

“There were plenty of hilarious costumes celebrating Nineties icons, too. The winner had to be one ingenious reveller who dressed head-to-toe as a bottle of Nineties alcopop Hooch, an outfit she ran up on her own sewing machine.

“In true Nineties style, midnight felt too early to go to bed so we hit the silent disco at the resort’s sports bar venue Hotshots where we could flick between channels on our light-up headphones, blasting everything from Whigfield to Warren G.

“The brilliant thing about a Butlin’s Weekender break is you know exactly what you’ll be spending. All entertainment and accommodation is included in the price of your visit so it’s great value for groups like ours.

“If you do have a little extra cash to splash, you can book additional activities like the ’90s Bottomless Brunch in Butlin’s restaurant The Diner.

“The bottomless prosecco and cocktails, accompanied by a live DJ, were a great way to kick off our Saturday, and my delicious build-your-own burger perfectly set me up for another day of drinking and dancing.

“In the afternoon, Butlin’s huge swimming complex opens for pool parties, also complete with DJ.”

Hear from one reporter who tried out the Butlin’s new all-inclusive holidays where food and drink is free and said “it was better value than a Spanish resort”.

And Travel Reporter Helen Wright tested the Butlin’s all-inclusive drinks package to its limit – here’s everything she drank in one day for £30.

WHILE the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful places in the UK, that also comes with expensive trips and lots of crowds.

But there are some villages in the north of the county that are rising in popularity thanks to their charming chocolate-box look and celebrity visitors.

One coastal spot in particular that’s been dubbed an ‘alternative Cotswolds’ is Blakeney.

The village has pretty grey flint cottages that sit on the seafront and quaint colourful homes in the streets behind the quayside.

There are small bakeries, a delicatessen, little cafes, craft shops and like with the Cotswolds there are plenty of opportunities for pictures.

The Cotswolds is known for having celebrity residents like the Beckhams who own a home in Chipping Norton.

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Jeremy Clarkson and American presenter Ellen DeGeneres have also set up camp there.

However Norfolk has its own powerhouse, specifically, the Royal Family.

For many years the Royal Family have been seen on Holkham Beach which is close to the family’s Sandringham estate.

Last spring, Prince William and Princess Kate paid a visit to the Bakers & Larners food hall in Holt – which is just 12 minutes away from Blakeney by car.

The Cotswolds has award-winning hotels too like Lords of the Manor and The Slaughters Manor House. Well, Blakeney also has its own one.

Earlier this year, The Manor Coastal Hotel & Inn picked up a Travellers’ Choice Award on Tripadvisor for being one of the ‘Best of the Best Hotels’ in the country.

It was also the only one in Norfolk to make the top 25 – on Tripadvisor it has a rating of 4.7 out of five and 466 reviews.

One visitor wrote: “This was our first time at the Manor and it certainly won’t be our last. We felt so relaxed staying at the Manor. We stayed in a garden room, perfect!”

Another simply wrote “truly coastal. A very relaxing stay.”

The luxury boutique hotel has relaxing bedrooms with calming coastal colours ranging from a Deluxe Suite to a Classic Single Room.

It also offers food from brunch and lunch to afternoon tea and cocktails – including a Blakeney Collins.

Another similarity between the two locations, while it won’t affect your holiday is the house prices.

The Cotswolds are known for having big price tags on properties – but north Norfolk isn’t too far behind with homes selling on average around £365,000 in the last year.

There is one glaringly obvious difference between the Cotswolds and Norfolk which is the location.

One is in the rolling countryside hills and the other is by the coast.

But one thing you’ll get in Blakeney, and not in the Cotswolds is the chance to do some seal spotting.

Blakeney Point is home to England‘s largest grey seal colony. If you want to see a sweet Grey Seal pup then you’re best chance is to visit between late October and mid-January.

Travel Writer Jenna Stevens who was born and raised in Wells-next-the-Sea reveals some more great Norfolk spots.

For quiet havens that have less crowds than Sheringham and Cromer, visit Holme and the nearby Thornham Beach.

She added: “If you’re looking for a solid pub with great food where you can bring your pet along, the Rose and Crown in Snettisham has a dog-friendly bar and restaurant, as well as a cosy, walled beer garden.

“But perhaps my favourite corner of the coast is Old Hunstanton Beach Café.”

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Here’s another alternative to going to the Cotswolds..

The county of Bedfordshire isn’t on most people’s travel list just at yet – but with Universal’s arrival in a matter of years, its popularity is set to rise rapidly.

Sun Travel spoke to one local who said tourists should start visiting now to see what Bedfordshire has to offer – including pretty Cotswolds looking villages to it’s own “Little Italy”.

Lydia Pettet has lived in Bedford for almost all of her life, having a brief interlude in London and Leeds, but she promptly returned to her home county.

Bedfordshire is in the East of England, probably known mostly for the towns of Bedford, Luton, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard – and the fact that it’s set to be the home of the UK’s first Universal.

There are a number of villages in Bedfordshire that have even been compared to the Cotswolds.

The Telegraph even said “Bedfordshire has a secret equivalent to the covetable villages of the Cotswolds” – so they’re worth a visit.

Lydia explained: “I am a North Bedfordshire girl at heart and we have plenty of beautiful villages from Harrold to, Carlton and Sharnbrook.”

Not only do they have the classic chocolate-box houses, but also great pubs too – Lydia suggested The Oakley Arms in Harrold.

Lydia added: “You can have a really nice weekend away at one of these villages – the Cotswolds has been a tourist spot forever, so the villages around here don’t have as much going on, but they all still have so much to offer.”

Check out this quaint ‘under the radar’ English town that feels more like the Cotswolds but is much cheaper.

And this alternative Cotswolds town is a ‘jewel in the crown’ with very famous queen buried there.

A TROPICAL garden in Cornwall has been named a top attraction in the UK.

The history of the gardens spans at least 700 years although only opened to the public in the 1980s.

South of Falmouth is Trebah Garden which has won the Large Visitor Attraction category at the 24th Cornwall Tourism Awards.

While Trebah Garden opened to the public in 1987, the earliest records of it dates back to the the early 1300s.

Trebah Garden itself was established by Charles Fox back in 1831 – that’s when he bought the estate and began creating the garden.

Now, the gardens are popular with Brits seeking a day out and inside the garden you’ll find the likes of ‘Bamboozle’ – a maze of paths made from 50 species of black, brown, yellow and green bamboo.

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There’s also the water garden which is built over a natural spring and is surrounded by lush plants and flowers like brightly coloured lilies.

Alice’s Seat is an open-fronted summer house which was built for Alice Hext who owned Trebah Garden with her husband Charles from 1907 to 1939.

Other pretty spaces include the Hydrangea and Rhododendron Valley, Mallard Pond, the Chilean Coomb and the Koi Pool which is home to around 10 koi carp.

One beautiful spot that you can’t see at the entrance is Polgwidden Cove – the hidden beach.

The sheltered pebbled cove is at the bottom of the garden and is a great place to relax in the summertime, or take a brisk walk in winter.

On the shore is the Boathouse beach café which serves hot and cold drinks, snacks and Roskilly’s ice cream, although it’s only open from spring to autumn.

Visitors can take their own picnic too, and take a dip in the sea.

One wrote on Tripadvisor: “Gorgeous views, greenery, a small amphitheatre and blooms on our way down to the beach.

“Small sparkling beach with a cafe which sold the most tasty vegan ice-cream I’ve ever eaten.”

Another called it “the best garden I have EVER visited”.

Trebah Garden is open daily throughout the year and also hosts events, exhibitions, and even festive workshops.

Its next major event is Stories with Santa where, in the lead up to Christmas, families can listen to a festive story, write to Santa, and get a gift.

Otherwise, you can head there to enjoy yoga at Trebah House, go to a Christmas Decoration Casting Workshop and Wooden Wreath Painting.

They also hold musical performances, watercolour painting classes and nature spotting sessions in the gardens.

There’s an amphitheatre in the gardens too which holds live events from theatre to music, comedy, even puppetry and dance shows.

As for food, Trebah Kitchen serves up roast dinners, Fish & Chip Fridays and seasonal Christmas lunch and New Year’s Day Brunch.

Admission prices for entry start from £16.50 for adults, £8.25 for children between 5-15. Children under five go free.

Any especially keen holidaymakers can even stay on site in Trebah Lodge, the pretty stone cottage, and guests can wander through the gardens after hours.

The lodge has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and sleeps up to four – you can bring your pet pooch inside too.

The lodge is almost booked out for the whole of 2026 with a few dates remaining in November and December.

A five-night stay in the lodge from December 14-19 in 2026 starts from £855 – which is £171 per night.

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Ventnor Botanic Garden, Isle of Wight

Overlooked by tall cliffs to the north – and the English channel to the south, thanks to it’s unique microclimate this garden in the Isle of Wight has an average of 5°C higher all year round. It’s a truly mild climate – with only 29 inches of average rainfall. We visited in January and you could actually feel the warmer air once you got into the gardens.

Outdoor Jungle, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

In the Outdoor Jungle you can wander along winding paths through bamboo and banana plantations marvelling at the exotic plants.

Bought back from across the world since Victorian times – it also features one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain, stretching 100 feet above ancient tree ferns.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset

Home to tree frogs, and an unusual rough tree fern, Cyathea australis, exotic plants thrive in Abbotsbury’s sheltered coastal microclimate.

It boasts of brimming with exotic trees and perennials from the Mediterranean, New Zealand, South Africa, the Himalayas, and more. Found on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast – the subtropical gardens boast over 6000 species – and is open seven days a week all year round.

RHS Harlow Carr, Yorkshire

There’s a touch of the exotic in their Sub-Tropicana Garden.

It’s packed full of plants with a tropical nature – like hardy palms, soft tree ferns, and several bamboos providing a permanent framework – plus a heated glasshouse home to the most tender plants. 

Yewbarrow House, Grange over Sands, Cumbria

Its warm microclimate and valley-location allows exotic and rare species to flourish here. Plus, there’s a Japanese-style infinity pool, orangery, restored Victorian kitchen garden, and views over Morecambe Bay.

Overbecks Garden, Salcombe, Devon

A subtropical National Trust garden, it’s bursting with colour and filled with exotic and rare plants. Not to mention, it has beautiful views over Salcombe estuary.

Discover the pretty ‘secret’ garden in England that is more like going to China and Egypt.

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HAVEN is getting ready to open even more of the popular boozers at its sites ready for spring 2026.

The holiday park announced it will have four new JD Wetherspoon pubs, taking its total across the UK up to nine.

The Haven sites that will welcome the new watering holes are Cala Gran in Blackpool, Hopton in Norfolk, Lakeland in the Lake District and Riviere Sands in Cornwall.

Not much has been revealed about the new pubs including their names although Haven has said will be “linked to the proud heritage of the local areas our parks are located in.”

However, first-look images for the Wetherspoons at Lakeland has revealed its new interiors.

It will have brightly coloured patterned carpet with striped chairs, a bar area and pendant lights that hang from the ceiling.

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Another angle shows cosy booth seating with benches, huge windows and skylights.

The holiday park first signed an agreement with the famous pubs last year.

The new £9million pub expansion is part of a bigger £14million investment in Haven’s food and drink across the parks.

Other brands already at certain sites include Burger King, Papa Johns and Millie’s Cookies.

And the company is splashing out £10million on a new water park at their Kent Coast site as well as a renovated show bar at Martin Mere and a new supermarket at Haven Kent Coast.

Haven opened its first Wetherspoons at Haven’s Primrose Valley in Filey in March 2024.

The pub is called The Five Stones, it has the iconic Wetherspoons carpets as well as 250 seats inside.

It opens at 8am; punters can’t order anything alcoholic until 10am (although it stays open until 1am in the summer so you have more than enough time to drink).

One man who was having a drink at Filey during opening day said: “It’s a ten-minute walk to the beach from the Haven site and we’ve made a lot of lovely friends among the other caravan owners on the site. A Wetherspoons is a bonus.”

Wetherspoons CEO John Hutson said: “Our pub at Primrose Valley has proven a great success and we are confident that the four new pubs will be welcomed by guests and owners.”

There are four other Haven sites that also have Wetherspoons pubs; one is in Devon Cliffs which is called The Red Rocks.

Another is The Humber Stone at Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire, and The Sir Thomas Hagiston in Northumberland.

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Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding went for a bite to eat at the world’s smallest Wetherspoons in London…

Some UK airports have Wetherspoons, but I have never come across one in a train station before.

Sat at one end of Cannon Street Station in London, you will find the Sir John Hawkshaw, complete with just 42 tables.

Whilst that might sound a lot, compared to the usual London Spoons, this is considerably less.

And the obscurities about this spot just continue – if you need to use the toilet, well then you’ll need to head to the other end of the station and down a set of stairs.

I tested out the journey myself, and it took me around one minute (no good if you’re desperate!).

For those who love to train spot, sit outside on the terrace, which is essentially like sitting on one of the platforms.

The boozer opened back in 2014 and is named after one of the co-designers of the original station building, which first opened in 1866.

Inside, it does have a more cosy feel than most Wetherspoons pubs I have visited.

Despite its small size, the pub still features Spoons’ extensive menu and the service isn’t impacted either.

To learn more about the pub, look for a blue plaque on the veranda.

It states: “The station had eight platforms under a single span arch roof. Far below the station are the remains of a Roman palace, built in the first century.”

For more on Wetherspoons, one man spend £30k visiting every single one in the UK – and here’s his guide to finding the best ones.

And for more Haven fun, hear from one woman who visits the holiday park every year with her family and discovered secret places guests don’t know about.

MANCHESTER has a well- deserved reputation as one of the UK’s sportiest cities.

It has enjoyed decades of football dominance thanks to Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as giving us the boxing talents of Tyson Fury, Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton.

Then there is the huge Team GB Olympics success from the likes of cyclist Jason Kenny.

Golf hasn’t really featured on the long list of successes yet – but that could be about to change thanks to a new venue in the city centre.

Pitch, an indoor golf venue and sports bar, is the chain’s first venue in the north of England and the fifth in the UK.

Fresh from Europe’s latest Ryder Cup victory in New York against America, I teed up a couple of mates and we spent an enjoyable afternoon whacking a ball around a virtual golf course.

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Buoyed by the success of Rory McIlroy and some premium lager, we took on the New York Bethpage Black course.

Our performance over the next two hours suggested we are unlikely to make the Europe team for 2027.

But we had a great time, and it’s a lot more enjoyable tucking into food and drinks while the computer locates our ball instead of walking around the rough for hours.

Each of the bays start at £30 per hour during off-peak times, can seat up to ten guests and features cutting-edge Trackman technology, which allows golf fans to play pretty much any course in the world.

Each bay has a set of clubs to allow anyone to pitch up and play.

The vibe of the place is relaxing, with a quality Asian-inspired menu along with a good selection of drinks.

Anyone bored of golf can play shuffleboard or watch sports on the big screens.

The body did begin to ache from all the swinging, so afterwards we headed ten minutes down the road to the Good Sauna just off Manchester’s Deansgate, which boasts two cold plunge baths (£15 for a 50-minute session).

I successfully tackled the 8C bath for about 30 seconds before fleeing into the wood sauna to warm up.

But weirdly, I fancied another go – and apparently that is the best way to do it.

So back and forth I went four times, reaching a dizzy one minute and 12 seconds in the 8C bath.

Stripped off

I was proud of myself, until another guy casually wandered in, stripped off and submerged himself up to his ears in the the 4C bath for a couple of minutes.

Despite being freezing, we felt energised and quickly warmed up in Freight Island – a food and drink venue close to our Marriott hotel, a stone’s throw from Manchester’s Piccadilly station.

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We headed into its sports bar to watch a Premier League game and enjoyed a couple of pints.

It was either the effects of the cold plunge or the cold pints, but my bed was calling by 10pm and I had a brilliant night’s sleep after a full day of sporting experiences.

THERE are some pretty unusual tourist attractions in the UK, most of which have ended up popular spots by pure accident – including a door in the Cotswolds.

Often thought to be the most photographed door in the UK, it can be found at the north porch of St. Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold.

The wooden door looks like it has been ripped directly from the pages of a fairytale and many believe that it inspired J.R.R Tolkein’s Doors of Durin, west gate of Moria.

It is made from a dark wood and has studded panels, with an old oil lamp hanging above.

The door is relatively small as well, and is bookended by two tree trunks.

Tolkien often visited the area during his time at Oxford University, but the claims that the door inspired him have never been verified.

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The porch where the door is found was built around 300 years ago, and thanks to the rumour it inspired Tolkien and its two yew trees that have essentially become part of the porch, it is one of the most photographed doors in the UK.

But the rest of Stow-on-the-Wold is definitely worth exploring as well, having been named one of the prettiest towns in the country by travel experts SnapTrip.

As you wander around the village, you will see many honey-coloured stone houses and shops that the Cotswolds is famous for.

In the heart of the village is Market Square, which has been hosting markets since 1107.

In fact, when Stow was popular for its wool trade, over 20,000 sheep changed hands here.

If you happen to visit on the second Thursday of the month, you will find the Stow Farmers’ Market here, with fresh produce including breads, meats and cheeses.

The Market Square is then surrounded by a number of independent shops.

For example, you could pick up some new paintbrushes and sketchpads in Cotswold Art Supplies or pick up something to read from Borzoi Bookshop, which has been in Stow for over 40 years.

From the village, visitors can head off on a number of walks into the Cotswolds countryside or to other villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water.

Another option is to head off on the Heart of England Way Stow Circular, which is a 3.7 mile circular walking route that takes around 90 minutes to walk.

Once you’re peckish, head to Lucy’s Tearoom for a Stow afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, cream and jam, cake, and either tea or coffee, costing £18.50 per person.

Or for a pint, head to The Queen‘s Head, which sits in the village square and serves a good range of ales.

There’s also The Porch House, which claims to be England‘s oldest inn and has been authenticated by the Guinness Book of Records.

It dates back to 947 AD and features stones with ‘witch marks’ to protect against evil.

Mains at the inn include mushroom and chestnut pie for £18.95 or wagyu burger for £19.95.

You can also stay in one of 13 bedrooms at The Porch House, costing from £110 per night.

Alternatively, you could head to The Old Stocks Inn, which is located inside a 17th century coaching inn next to the village green.

The inn is formed of three terraced houses which have been combined, and inside the interiors feature a Scandinavian style.

It costs from £150 per night to stay at.

It’s no surprise that this pretty village is also popular with celebrities.

In 2015, the Beckhams planned to buy a house in the area; however, they chose a different property in Great Tew, which is about a 20-minute drive away.

Actress Kate Winslet is also believed to own a cottage near Stow-on-the-Wold.

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For more Cotswolds travel inspiration, there is a stunning Cotswolds village with its own sandy beach and lagoon – miles from the English seaside.

Plus, the pretty English town called the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’ has 918-year-old castle and historic lido.

WE watched from our balcony as the sunset bled into the sky, transforming its blue hues into a vibrant shade of pink.

We weren’t expecting a visitor, but a sudden arrival only made this serene moment more magical.

From the trees above, a fuzzy owl had swooped down, perching on the edge of our balcony just feet away from where we lay. He seemed to be enjoying the views as much as we were.

We weren’t shocked by his arrival — after all, this was just one of many incredible wildlife interactions my partner and I had here on Portugal’s south coast.

As well as spotting dragonflies and lizards roaming between the hotel’s ten swimming pools, we stumbled upon dozens of turtles sheltering in the shady streams while walking down to the beach one day.

The wildlife is certainly a highlight of a visit to the Marriott Residences Salgados Resort, in Portugal’s Algarve.

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But it’s not the main reason holidaymakers head here. The sprawling resort is famous for its 18-hole golf course, one of the most challenging in the country as well as one of the most scenic, sandwiched between a beach and a nature reserve.

We were not here to practise our putting, though. Instead, R&R was at the top of our agenda.

With a state-of-the-art gym, huge spa hub and a health foods cafe which specialises in zero waste food, we couldn’t have picked a more appropriate place for our weekend of wellness.

Better still, at this time of year, flights start at just £42 and the journey only takes two-and-a-half hours.

We’d opted for a garden view room which overlooked the pool and an abundance of tropical greenery.

The suites here, which start at a bargain £116 per night, come decked out with a proper kitchen, including fridge and a washing machine.

There’s also a modern living area and large balcony complete with padded armchairs for soaking up the last of the afternoon rays with a glass of fizz.

With such extensive cooking facilities, you needn’t spend a penny on meals out if you don’t want to. But, with our focus on relaxation, the hotel’s buffet restaurant, In Season, became our go-to.

Ripe goodies

Daily breakfasts here were an exciting affair, with a fresh omelette station stealing the show. The fruit bar piled high with ripe goodies, freshly-pressed juices and a vast bread and pastry selection kept us more than satisfied until lunch.

The dinner options at In Season are limited to a small but excellent spread of buffet foods including a delicious freshly cooked tuna served in a salsa verde sauce and scorched BBQ chicken skewers.

While the options for vegetarians were more limited, the salad bar and cheese plates more than made up for it with every salad topping you could think of plus a variety of dressings.

If you get the chance, make sure to visit the Italian joint in the neighbouring hotel, too — but don’t forget to book in advance.

Elsewhere, within the resort, there’s an Indian restaurant, pizzeria and, my personal favourite, Green Artisan cafe.

Treat yourself to a body scrub, foot bath or facial if you have cash to splash, although the calming atmosphere of the place is enough to soothe away troubles.

This wellness restaurant was our favourite of the bunch, serving made-to-order tropical fruit smoothies, healthy snacks and home-baked cakes, all made with natural and nutritious ingredients.

This isn’t where the wellness ends, though. Complete with hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and ice cold bucket shower, the hotel’s spa is an ideal spot for whiling away the hours in blissful peace.

Entry isn’t automatically included for guests but it is well worth the additional 20 euros, with access from 9am until 7pm.

Treat yourself to a body scrub, foot bath or facial if you have cash to splash, although the calming atmosphere of the place is enough to soothe away troubles.

If you’re travelling with little ones, there’s a small splash pool and outdoor play area, as well as a kids’ club for children aged between four to 12, which costs an extra 45 euros a day.

And for those who are keen to venture further afield, you’ll find plenty to do in the neighbouring town of Albufeira which is just a 15-minute taxi ride away.

While it’s known for its wild party scenes, the old town is a pleasant place to take a stroll with colourful cobbled streets flanked by teeny shops and markets.

We booked a sunset boat cruise via GetYourGuide (£40pp, getyourguide.co.uk) which took us along the coast on a small yacht, watching the sun dip slowly behind the horizon while we bobbed peacefully on the water.

For those with a more adventurous streak, the local tour site has everything from Jeep tours and horse riding to parasailing and day trips to Seville for really decent prices.

We preferred to spend most of our days at the beach by the hotel, though.

During peak season the hotel offers a shuttle service to the sea, but why risk missing out on the wildlife?

The walk only takes about 20 minutes through the hotel’s gardens, following various streams down to the sea.

TRAGIC PLUNGE

Boy, 2, dies in horror 20-storey fall from apartment window

what a WHOPPER 

I gave birth naturally to a ONE STONE baby… he’s set to be shock height

The yellow beaches of the Algarve rarely disappoint, but this one was particularly beautiful.

And with the chance to spot baby turtles, it couldn’t get better.

WHAT do you get if you cross Dragons’ Den with ice swimming? Frozen assets? It was time to find out . . . 

I was in Oulu, on the north-west coast of Finland, which last year welcomed the return of televised event, Polar Bear Pitching.

Visitors pay to watch up-and-coming entrepreneurs pitch ideas to a row of cash-fuelled investors, just like the BBC show.

Except these hopefuls must do it from a frozen lake, their pitch lasting as long as they can withstand the freezing waters.

It gave me goosebumps, and not just because of the -20°C chill.

I may not have had any start-up ideas to pitch but that didn’t stop me plunging into the chilling waters while I was here.

WAIL OF A TIME

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

TEMPTED?

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

The Icebreaker experience is one I’ll never forget.

Dressed in a warm, waterproof bodysuit, I boarded a large boat which slowly made its way across the chilling sea, its hull carving a pathway as it broke through the ice.

We came to a halt and then it was time.

Hurling myself in, I bobbed between huge ice blocks in my floating suit, in awe of my surroundings.

This is an experience that will set you back a fair whack, but it’s absolutely something for the bucket list.

And with so many free things to do in the city, you can save your cash elsewhere.

Oulu is filled with wonderful traditions – so much so it’s been named the European Capital of Culture for 2026.

It’s calmer than Helsinki, with just 215,000 people, but no less fun.

The Frozen People Festival, a drum and bass-filled evening in the Pikisaari district, doesn’t cost a penny.

The event, traditionally held on a frozen lake, will take place on February 28 next year, with DJs, art installations and movies.

Due to climate change, we had to party on firm ground this year, but that didn’t stop me dancing the night away with a local cider in hand as snow fell.

Reindeer stew

Unfortunately, I missed out on the World Air Guitar Championships, a phenomenal spectacle that attracts contestants from all over the globe.

But this free event, held every August in the town’s square, is a fun must-see if you can make it.

With snow on the ground, it seemed only right to celebrate Christmas a little early with a trip to the Arkadia Reindeer Farm where Rudolph and his mates pulled me on a sleigh.

Later, I regressed into a giggling child when feeding them dinner.

Awkwardly, my dinner was a yummy reindeer stew served at the farm’s cosy cabin.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can head to the Arctic Foodlab, home to a collection of cafes, bakeries and breweries.

I sampled salmon soup and rossypottu, a potato, smoked pork and blood sausage stew.

Both are local delicacies and great for warming you through.

If you’re still not warm enough, pay a visit to the sauna — you’ll find one in most hotels in the city.

The Finnish proudly enter naked, but my English propriety won out, and I wore a swimsuit. I was willing to try one tradition, though – running out into the snow afterwards.

As I pelted into the powdery white, wearing just my cossie and Doc Martens, something stopped me in my tracks.

A flash of green flickered in the sky and several colours danced between the trees above.

TRAGIC PLUNGE

Boy, 2, dies in horror 20-storey fall from apartment window

what a WHOPPER 

I gave birth naturally to a ONE STONE baby… he’s set to be shock height

The final item on my bucket list had just been ticked off — seeing the Northern Lights.

Even the air’s bitter bite couldn’t distract me from that magical sight.

AFTER 26 years heading up The Sun’s travel team – while bringing up three children – there’s not a lot I don’t know about family holidays.

After hundreds of trips together, I’m sharing my guaranteed winners – from our favourite campsites to the best foreign cruises.

With three kids, I’ve had the same problems as anyone who doesn’t fit the ‘two adults, two kids’ rule that most traditional travel companies work within.

Finding ways around booking two separate rooms – or being in group rooms where us parents have to go to bed at 7pm with the babies – became a mission.

So here are my top tips for the best family holiday destinations where everyone gets to have a good time.

PORT AVENTURA

This fabulous theme park resort on Spain’s Costa Dorada offers up the best of all worlds for families.

You get the fun and excitement of thrill rides across six distinct worlds, plus great themed hotels and, of course, all that sizzling Mediterranean sunshine to enjoy.

There’s also a separate Ferrari World and a water park with 50,000sq metres of pools, lazy rivers, slides and rides, including King Khajuna, one of Europe’s tallest free-fall body slides.

The six on-site hotels are also themed and have a huge variety of rooms that sleep up to eight, ideal for big families.

And with a host of very well-priced restaurants in the park and at the hotels, it really is possible to have a traditional family summer holiday with the added benefit of all that theme park excitement.

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the Mexican-themed Hotel El Paso, including unlimited access to PortAventura park and a day pass for Ferrari Land, is from £429pp, based on two adults and two children sharing.

Price includes flights from Southend Airport on April 21, 2026. See easyJet.com/en/holidays.

EUROPEAN CAMPING

WITH three kids and a limited budget when they were young, camping specialists like Eurocamp and Siblu were the answer to our prayers. 

With mobile homes, tents and even treehouses sleeping up to eight at campsites across Europe, we loaded the kids and as much luggage as we could squeeze into the car and drove south for guaranteed sunshine.

You can even break up the long journey with overnight camping stays en route.

A roof-box meant I could pack all the essentials from food and drinks, bedding and towels, to inflatables and toys, so we weren’t shelling out on holiday.

When we were young, having our own space was just perfect. We could wear the kids out by day in the park’s pools and on nearby beaches, and when they were tucked up in bed, we could relax with a glass of wine or beer on the verandah.

Favourites included Eurocamp’s La Baume on the French Riviera near Frejus with a huge pool complex and easy access to the glitzy towns of St Tropez and Cannes.

Also, a winner was Siblu’s Le Lac des Reves near Montpellier.

We always preferred heading south for the warmer weather, but other favourites for half-term holidays include Duinrell in South Holland, which comes with its own theme park and water park and La Croix de Vieux Pont, Berny Riviere, just an hour from Disneyland Paris and Park Asterix.

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering for up to six at Eurocamp’s La Baume is from £464 in total, arriving May 23, 2026. See eurocamp.co.uk. Seven nights’ self-catering at Siblu’s Lac des Reves is from £294 in total, arriving May 23, 2026. See siblu.co.uk

ALTON TOWERS

Of course, no list of fabulous family holidays would be complete without the UK’s number one theme park. I love the fact that Alton Towers has something for every age.

The little ones will adore CBeebies land – watch out for the UK’s first Bluey ride coming in 2026. 

All ages will love the fantastic water park between the Alton Towers and Splash Landings hotels, while tweens and teens will go straight for the thrill rides. 

And mum? Well, I just love a stroll through the stunning grounds with quiet, landscaped gardens and tranquil lakes – they make you forget you’re even in a theme park!

For families like mine, the huge variety of accommodation makes stays a breeze.

Rooms at the hotels – including CBeebies Land Hotel – can sleep up to five with a double bed, bunk beds and a pull-out truckle bed. All have great theming that will keep the kids entertained.

The Woodland lodges are also great for larger families or those who want to bring the grandparents or team up with friends. To really push the boat out, the whimsical Treehouses sleep up to eight and come with their own hot tub.

But my favourite probably remains the original Alton Towers Hotel, with its epic Explorers theme that sees a magical balloon ship anchor the bar and restaurant space, giving parents the chance to relax with a drink while the kids are entertained.

GO: Overnight breaks at Alton Towers start from £42pp and include room, breakfast, parking and evening entertainment. See altontowers.com.

DISNEY CRUISE LINES

IT’S fair to say no one does family cruises quite like Disney  – and Sun readers agree, voting them their favourite cruise line in our Sun Travel Awards.

I’ve sailed with my kids on Disney Wonder, one of the line’s original ships, and this was definitely a treat for both adults and children.

I loved the Art Deco vibes and the fact that the ship was first and foremost a beautiful, luxury ship with plenty of places to enjoy adult-only time.

The kids could not get enough of the fabulous kids’ facilities – it was hard to drag them away from the clubs – and endless opportunities to meet their favourite characters.

While cruising with Disney could never be seen as a cheap option, for those who want to experience the magic without the theme park slog, it is definitely worth every penny.

The latest Disney ship to set sail will be the Disney Destiny. As the cruise line has grown ever more popular, it has grown more confident in making its incredible entertainment legacy a bigger part of the ship. 

With Destiny, there’s a fabulous Heroes and Villains theme alongside the chance to enjoy some West End-style entertainment and even a water coaster across the top deck that pays tribute to some of its most feared baddies. 

Combining a three or four-night sailing on any of Disney’s ships with a stay in Orlando must surely be the ultimate family bucket list holiday.

And with the Disney Dream returning for multiple sailings from Southampton next year, there’s the chance to get on board for all the magic without the pricey flights.

GO: Three-night full-board sailings from Southampton from £881pp with iglucruise.com. Or sail from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas with three nights from £1,044pp. See https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/en-gb/

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

ROYAL Caribbean was the first cruise we did as a family when my youngest was just 18 months old, and from then on, we were hooked on life on the open sea.

As my kids have grown, so has Royal’s incredible roster of family-friendly ships. And with the launch of the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, last year, they reached peak family fun. 

The new Surfside neighbourhood is a game-changer for parents with small children, a stay-all-day area with Splashaway Bay aqua park, and Water’s Edge, a kid-friendly infinity pool.

And parents can relax while their kids play with casual family-friendly dining and places to grab a drink.

The area features a beach-themed carousel, arcade and playground and it’s close to the ship’s superb Adventure Ocean kids clubs.

Older kids will love Thrill Island, the largest water park at sea, with a host of slides as well as Crown’s Edge, the hybrid ropes course and thrill ride that dangles you 154ft above the ocean.

And Royal have spent just as much time designing cabins that work for families, including the Surfside Family Suites, with balconies overlooking the neighbourhood and a ‘kids’ nook’ with bunk beds and a split bathroom to make getting ready easier.

Topping it off with multiple family-friendly shows and activities as well as their family-friendly private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Royal is the perfect starting point for family cruises.

GO: Seven nights’ full-board on Icon of the Seas is from £534pp, based on two adults and two children sharing. Departs Miami on September 19, 2026 and calls at St Maarten, St Thomas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

BUTLIN’S MINEHEAD & BOGNOR

I don’t believe there’s a kid in the country who wouldn’t love the heady mix of family fun on offer at Butlin’s.

With live shows, perfect pools and even a traditional fairground, youngsters will find a host of great activities for all ages from tots to teens.

 We loved our stay at the West Lakes chalets at Butlin’s Minehead. Great for multi-gen holidays or for families sharing, the light, bright chalets sleep up to eight.

Working with online parenting forum Mumsnet, they have a nod to the traditional Butlin’s chalet, but with all the modern touches for today’s families.

There’s an open-plan lounge and diner with a high-spec kitchen as well as an outdoor veranda or Juliet balcony.

Also, fantastic value are the term-time midweeks for tots.

Perfect for the pre-schoolers, breaks start from just £39, which works out to £2.50pp a night, and include live shows with Peppa Pig and her new baby sister, Mister Maker and Fireman Sam, splash zones and soft play areas as well as unlimited rides in the Little Stars Fairground.

There’s also another reason to visit in term time, the chance to enjoy all-inclusive breaks that include alcoholic drinks, coffee and three meals a day.

GO: Four-night all-inclusive midweek breaks are from £399 for two adults and two children. See bultins.com

DUBAI

It may be known as a mecca for reality TV stars and influencers, but Dubai is actually a brilliant destination to take the kids.

With theme parks, desert adventures and even a snow slope to keep them busy, you’re guaranteed to find something to delight every age.

 A great option for families is the Centara Mirage Beach Resort with its five restaurants, beachfront pool, water park and kids clubs.

But little ones are also spoiled with their own sweet-themed spa with edible treatments, gaming zone and an outdoor playground.

My kids adored the chance to visit the original Kidzania attraction where kids can role-play 40 different jobs from firefighters and pilots to doctors and dentists.

But most magical was the trip into the desert, where after a thrilling 4×4 dune ride, we watched an amazing falconry display and enjoyed dinner after dark. 

GO: Four nights’ B&B at the Centara Mirage Beach Resort is from £717pp including flights from Heathrow in June 2026. See onthebeach.co.uk

TUI VILLAGE TURKEY

A holiday where you don’t have to set foot outside the hotel – heaven or hell? In the case of  TUI’s flagship Holiday Village AQI hotel in Sarigerme, Turkey – pure bliss.

The huge resort on the country’s west coast has everything from  Stage Academy drama classes, Football Academies and a Go Ape-style high-ropes course, to overwater, inflatable obstacle courses, chocolate parties and archery. 

Then there’s the massive amphitheatre with a packed nighttime itinerary, video arcade, bowling alley and seven pools  – including a mini waterpark. 

Little wonder the hotel’s own sandy beach, with bath-warm sea water was empty most days. 

Breakfast was enormous, with every taste catered for and lunch by the pool was equally impressive, with a huge 40-dish mezze selection.

But the best meal was dinner, with themed nights, when the entire menu was changed — our favourites being the Turkish and Asian evenings. Plus a separate kitchen for kid-friendly (and often healthy) food. 

And finally, the almost guaranteed sun.

With prices from £673pp next May, including all-inclusive board, a family room and flights from London Gatwick. 

BILLUND, DENMARK

An action-packed weekend break just over an hour from the UK, with creativity, wildlife and thrill-seeking all wrapped in sounds like a unicorn of a holiday – but Billund in Denmark truly is the perfect family short break. 

The town Lego built, carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen invented the famous building bricks in the 1940s from his workshop in the town, and many of the global company’s offices are still there.

Yes, the two million annual visitors usually go there for the awesome Legoland and Lego House – easily two full days of building and rollercoaster fun. 

But there’s also Aquadome, Scandinavia’s biggest waterpark, and Wow Park (tickets from £26.50), a huge treetop adventure in woodland spanning the size of 40 football pitches.

The town is so small that almost everything is walkable, it’s super clean and practically designed with families in mind. 

Plus the flights take just 1 hour and 35 minutes currently from London Gatwick, and 1hour and 41minutes from Edinburgh to Billund on the newest flight route launching next year. 

HUNTERS LODGES, CELTIC MANOR

IF it’s good enough for American presidents, it’s good enough for the kids!

My lot thought they had hit the big time when we stayed at the gorgeous Hunters Lodges at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.

This is top-tier self-catering accommodation with each lodge sleeping up to eight in four stylish en-suite bedrooms.

There’s a vast open-plan kitchen, living, and dining room with vaulted ceilings and a wall of glass looking out onto open countryside. The outdoor hot tub was used constantly by both adults and kids.

A great option for kids as they get a bit older, the resort itself has some fantastic outdoor adventure activities, including adventure golf, laser combat, ropes courses and archery as well as a large adventure playground.

Explore the 2,000-acre estate’s family-friendly woodland trails on a free, self-guided treasure hunt.

When rain stops play, there’s swimming in the resort’s two health clubs as well as a games room and indoor play area.

The resort can offer babysitting services and a day nursery as well as kids’ clubs in the peak summer holidays, allowing parents time to enjoy the championship golf courses or spas.

GO: Two-night stays in a Hunters Lodge start from £636per lodge, for up to eight adults plus two additional children, including a round of Adventure Golf and 25per cent off all indoor and outdoor activities. See hunter-lodges.com.