Staycation tips and ideas

A PICTURESQUE riverside town in Essex has been named one of the coolest destinations in the country.

Manningtree in Essex is known for being the smallest town in Britain, but this gem of a spot has a lot packed within it.

According to The Sunday Times, Manningtree is best “for the Essex girl 2.0″ with “understated charm, overwhelmingly indie high street and stellar sunsets”.

The town, which is sat on the River Stour, is believed to get its name from ‘many trees’ and is within a short distance of the Dedham Area of Natural Beauty making it an ideal base for walks and cycling.

In the town itself there are lots of Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Matching its tiny size, the town also has a tiny beach – Manningtree Beach.

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One recent visitor said: “Beautiful area for both sunrise and sunsets.

“Plenty of free easy parking right by the river side.

“Walk into town grab some food and then sit on one of the many benches and watch the sun go down.”

The town is also ideal for a coastal walk, and if you want to grab a bite to eat, head to Italian restaurant Lucca, which serves wood-fired pizzas and classic pasta dishes.

Just outside of Manningtree you will find Mistley Towers, which were designed by Robert Adams.

The towers were originally a parish church that was built in the 18th century in a Georgian style, but today only the two towers remain.

The town has a number of independent shops to explore as well.

And then there’s Manningtree’s oldest pub – The Red Lion – which has a cosy atmosphere inside with a roaring fireplace.

Customers can even bring their own food to the pub, whether that be fish and chips, Indian, Chinese or even pizza and then cutlery is provided free of charge.

All you need to do is order a tipple.

Many of the local takeaways will even deliver directly to the pub.

The pub also hosts an array of events including open mic nights, comedy shows, craft sessions and Six Nations nights.

One recent visitor said: “I adore The Red Lion, it’s my go to place if I want a cheeky beer/cider or what have you – with friends or on my own.

“Always a lovely welcoming and friendly atmosphere.”

If you fancy something a little different, Visit Essex has a self-guided tour that you can follow inspired by the 17th century East Anglian witch trials.

During this period, around 300 people were tried for witchcraft and 100 were executed as they were believed to be ‘witches’.

There are a couple of places to stay too including The Crown Pub and Hotel.

Inside, guests will find four rooms, each with its own elegant style.

The rooms are also dog-friendly and cost from around £110 per night.

The city of Colchester is just a 23-minute drive away as well, where you can explore Colchester Castle or head off on a historic walking tour.

For more on places to visit across the UK, here are 17 of the UK’s best hidden gems to visit in 2025, according to our travel experts.

Plus, here are five top hidden gem attractions in the UK according to experts from Venetian palaces to hidden gold mines.

SOMETIMES it is easy to forget just how many stunning seaside destinations we have access to.

For gorgeous stretches of homegrown coastline, North Devon is one of the best places to go.

You’ll find breathtaking countryside plus endless attractions for all ages.

And, of course, the chance to indulge in the county’s famous cream tea (clotted cream first, followed by jam if you don’t want to be chased out of the region).

In fact, whatever the weather does, you’ll never be bored on a break in this corner of the South West.

My base for a weekend was cosy two-bed Rose Cottage, in the welcoming village of High Bickington.

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From the outside, this 18th-century thatched house with its garden full of scented blooms looks like something from the front of a postcard.

And inside, the rural “cottagecore” vibe continues with an inglenook fireplace, stone walls, wooden beams and a stunning slate floor.

Thoughtfully, amid all the higgledy-piggledy charm, there is also an abundance of hi-tech modern luxuries.

You’ll have no issue streaming your devices, and the Sonos surround sound system in the living room takes movie nights up a notch.

Meanwhile, there’s a traditional copper bath in one of the bedrooms — and a decidedly 21st-century hot tub outside.

It’s lovely and romantic, so spot on for cuddling up if you’ve escaped with your significant other, or perfect for channelling Cameron Diaz in The Holiday if, like me, it’s a solo trip.

Once settled, why not hop in the car to feel the golden sand between your toes (or maybe under your trainers if it’s wet) a short drive away at Saunton Sands?

This three-mile stretch of water is a surfing hotspot and great for people-watching if you don’t plan on riding any waves. You can also hire a wetsuit if you are feeling brave.

For a more relaxing day out, RHS Rosemoor should be high on your “must see” list.

With 65 biodiverse acres of themed garden “rooms” to explore, you’ll leave bursting with ideas for your own flower beds — or, in my case, window boxes.

I’m not that green-fingered, but you’re guaranteed to feel your shoulders drop when strolling around this wonderfully perfumed site.

This part of the world is perfect for people who love a potter.

So if your idea of bliss is, like mine, wandering around cute local towns and browsing shops, arty spaces and foodie stalls, you’ll soon find yourself losing track of time.

I spent a lovely few hours mooching around Bideford, which was packed with galleries, ceramics and other artisan treats.

South Molton is ideal for a grey day thanks to its indoor market.

Here, you will find lots of in- teresting crafts, including baskets called panniers, as well as snacks, gifts and other goodies.

Part of Rose Cottage’s appeal is how much you can access right on the doorstep.

A hike (or a gentle walk) across the grounds of the Millbrook Estate blew cobwebs away.

There are two private lakes for wild swimmers or those who fancy fishing. (Separately, of course!)

I’ll admit the alpacas I met slightly took me by surprise but, like all the locals, they seemed very friendly.

You’ll want to stay nearby when it comes to food, too.

Whether you want a traditional roast or a fancier “out-out” night of dining, the choice in North Devon is bountiful — and most restaurants come with a side order of amazing views.

The Pier House in Westward Ho! is perfect for sundowners and nibbles, and gave chic Costa Del Devon vibes on the sunny day I visited.

Or, for something a bit more traditional, The Globe in Beaford has incredible home-cooked pub grub.

You’ll find seafood that’s as fresh as it comes, so I’d suggest you try at least one dish containing the local crab meat, washed down with a glass of wine or two, then a long soak in that hot tub.

After all those country walks, you will be grateful for the bubbles.

A NEW Eden Project attraction is opening in a seaside town – although the latest plans show a much smaller one that previously announced.

Eden Project Morecambe in Lancaster is set to cost £100million and include two shell-shaped domes with gardens inspired by the coast.

In the most recent plans, the proposal for Eden Project Morecambe has been updated and submitted to Lancaster City Council.

The changes to the new attraction came after both residents and councilors raised concerns over the impact it would have on some of the nearby landmarks such as the Midland Hotel and Winter Gardens venue, as well as the rising costs.

Plans originally approved in 2022 included four domes, but now the plan includes only two domes which will be called Realm of the Sun and Realm of the Moon.

The Eden Project previously said that the Realm of the Sun will be “a bright, tropical landscape of the near future where humans have discovered how to heal and re-engage with the broken rhythms of the natural world around them”.

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The Realm of the Sun is planned to adapt to both the hot and cold seasons too.

Plans also revealed that in the Realm of the Sun, there will be vertical plants, hanging mini gardens, a multi-sensory area, a cascading waterfall, a 20-metre Elder Tree sculpture and a ‘Town Square’, but it is unclear how much of this will now go ahead.

As for the Realm of the Moon – it will be a darker space, with a “hyper-real rock pool” that has sped-up cycles of tides.

The two domes will then be connected by an area called Metronome, where visitors will be able to purchase tickets from.

Changes to the plans also mean there will be more outside areas with coastal plants and links to animals and human life.

According to the BBC, the report states: “The proposal continues to be a major new mixed-use attraction in Morecambe.

“It will combine a range of indoor and outdoor experiences, all based on connecting people with Morecambe Bay.

“The applicant has also engaged with other organisations particularly in relation to ecology, cultural heritage and transport.”

The first phase that will be built is a community space spanning 1.5 acres and called Bring Me Sunshine.

The space will be inspired by the landscape and seaside.

In addition, there will be a 750-capacity Tidal Theatre, 300-capacity restaurant and a shop.

To prevent flood damage, the revised plans include a new landscaped garden and sea defence area, that will wrap around the attraction by the beach and feature raised walkways.

The full attraction is expected to open to the public in 2028, after being pushed back from 2026.

Once the attraction does open, visitors will be able to interact with different exhibits including living structures, participate in storytelling sessions and try out workshops.

In total, eight concerts or events are planned for Eden Project Morecambe each summer, set to each attract 6,000 people.

The new attraction will be sat right by the beach on the former site of the Bubbles Leisure complex.

Original plans included three outdoor gardens, named All Seasons Garden, the Bring Me Sunshine Garden and the Rhythm Gardens.

And it isn’t the only new Eden Project site set to open in the UK – there are also plans to open an Eden Project in Dundee.

In the meantime, Morecambe itself is a pretty seaside town to explore and it is often overlooked.

It is known for having a five-mile bay with pretty sunsets over the Lakeland Fells.

If you visit on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, make sure to check out Festival Market – it features over 70 stalls selling local goods, food and gifts.

In other attraction news, inside the new UK Pixar experience that’s the world’s biggest – it felt like being a kid stepping into Toy Story & Monsters Inc.

Plus, there’s a new one-of-kind attraction at UK’s Warner Bros Studio, which is perfect for Harry Potter nerds.

I HAD been shrunk down to the size of Woody, Jessie and Buzz in Andy’s room – suddenly I wasn’t visiting an experience, I was a part of it.

The new Mundo Pixar Experience – the biggest of it’s kind in the world – has landed in the UK for the very first time at Wembley Park in London, after success in Madrid, Barcelona and Brussels.

Spread across 14 rooms, visitors can step into their favourite Pixar stories and meet the characters of each film.

As a 25-year-old who still loves Pixar films, I felt like I could be a big kid again as I ventured into the Monsters Inc Factory and met Sully and Mike before opening the door to glimpse into the bedrooms to see where the ‘scarers’ go to work.

The experience features all the movies you would expect including Toy Story, Up, Cars and Inside Out.

However, there are still a few classics missing such as The Incredibles and Wall.E.

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There are newer Pixar movies featured in the experience too, such as Luca and Elemental.

Before you enter each set, you are greeted by an information board telling you which film you are about to enter.

They also share interesting behind the scenes knowledge.

For example, did you know that the Pizza Planet Truck that Woody and Buzz travel in, in Toy Story, appears in nearly every Pixar film?

Once inside, the attention to detail in each room is impressive.

In Andy’s bedroom there were 3D-printed Green Army Men – though probably at least 100 times the size they normally are.

On the set of Luca you can even hop on the Vespa.

You can even step inside the diver’s goggles in Finding Nemo.

My only disappointment was to see that Anger in Inside Out was essentially a cardboard cutout and Bing Bong was nowhere to be seen.

All of the sets also have handy picture stickers on the floor too, to show you where the best photo moment is in the room.

And there is a crew member in each room to lend a hand in snapping the perfect shot.

A little bit of added fun for the kids and parents is to find Pixar’s iconic yellow and blue ball with a red star on it, in every room.

Trust me, it isn’t as easy as it seems…

The experience is open every day except Tuesday until June with sessions starting at 9am and 10am and running through until 7pm.

Each session approximately lasts 45 to 55 minutes, though if you can, I definitely would spend longer really exploring the sets.

And of course, taking lots of pictures and videos.

When you get to the end of the experience there is a large shop – which, be warned, you will want everything from.

Prices aren’t too bad either, with mugs costing £19.95 and t-shirts costing £29.95.

There are some really nice items as well such as the Adventure Book from Up and you can even own your own Pixar ball for £19.95.

Tickets are a little on the more expensive side considering the experience is mostly a picture and video opportunity, starting from around £20 per child and more for an adult.

Having said that though, it was heaps of fun and the more time you spend there, the more your imagination really immerses you in the sets.

Whilst obviously great for kids and families, as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed a walk down memory lane and allowing myself to be a child once again by running around Andy’s room and ‘swimming‘ with Nemo.

With half-term here and the rain not stopping, it is the perfect indoor escape to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained.

In other experience news, a brand new crime-themed train experience is coming to UK city… but you don’t actually go anywhere.

Plus, a huge new cowboy themed immersive experience will launch this summer – where you step into a real life western.

LONDON’S West End is full of exciting productions, but it can be hard to keep track of them all and there are some you might want to see, finishing this year…

There is nothing worse than saying for ages that you want to see a specific show, finally coming to book it and finding out that it has actually ended.

Well, for a few big productions, that will be the case this year.

Back to the Future

Back to the Future will be leaving the West End on April 12.

You have just two months to catch Back to the Future in the West End if you haven’t seen it already.

The Olivier Award-winning production is currently at London’s Adelphi Theatre and is based on the 1985 film by the same name.

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The show even features high-tech effects, like a flying DeLorean.

And while it is leaving London’s West End, it will be touring the UK from October with stops in Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Sunderland and Southampton.

Meanwhile, Billy Elliot will be replacing it, coming to the Adelphi Theatre from February 12, 2027 to July 31, 2027.

It will mark the production’s first time in the West End in over 10 years and is part of a national tour of the original award-winning production.

If you do want to catch Back to the Future before it leaves London – there are some great offers available.

Direct through the production’s website you can get weekend tickets from just £19.85 (do you see what they did there?).

Or you can get four tickets from £50.

If you have the TodayTix app, you can get £29.50 Rush tickets for same day performances.

And some midweek shows cost £23.

Starlight Express

Starlight Express will be leaving the West End on May 3.

Currently at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, the show has been running since 2024 and is considered to be the longest-running revival of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in London over the past two decades.

The show follows the story of a train set that has come to life.

The Starlight Express will then be heading off on a world tour in 2027.

What show will be at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre next is yet to be announced.

Tickets are still available including discounted tickets for 16-25-year-olds for £25 when booked in advance, directly.

Regular tickets cost from £27.50 per person.

TodayTix has Rush tickets for same day performances for £30.

Hercules

Disney’s Hercules will be leaving the West End on September 5.

The show at Theatre Royal Drury Lane opened last summer and has received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for the anthem ‘Go the Distance’.

A replacement show has not yet been announced for the theatre.

If you book via LW Theatres, tickets cost as little as £29.50 and these are for lightning seats, which means you could pay less for a better seat.

TodayTix also sells Rush tickets for this price, for same day performances and regular tickets from £33.

MJ The Musical

MJ The Musical will perform its last show on February 28.

The show focuses on the creative process behind Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour, with the show set during rehearsals.

Once it finishes in London’s Prince Edward Theatre, the production will go on tour in Asia before launching a UK tour in 2027.

As for the London theatre, Beetlejuice The Musical is set to replace it and open at London’s Prince Edward Theatre in May 2026.

If you still want to catch MJ The Musical before it finishes, you can book via the production’s website with tickets costing from £58.

Though, if you have or download the TodayTix app, you can snap up Rush tickets for same day performances from just £30

And even regular tickets are cheaper via TodayTix, costing from £51.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (two parts)

The two-part version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be leaving the West End on September 20.

The much-loved stage show spin-off arrived at the Palace Theatre a decade ago but now it will be shrunken to just one show instead of two parts.

The theatre will close for a few weeks before reopening on October 6 with a single show which will run for two hours and 55 minutes.

Potterheads and for those who are intrigued by a two-part show have some time to catch it before it finishes – and it might be the best time to as historically, watching both parts has been expensive.

Whilst the best seats in the stalls are still priced at a couple-hundred quid for both parts, you can snap up tickets in the balcony for just £36 for both parts on TodayTix- a bargain!

If you want to try and get a bargain on good seats, then enter TodayTix’s Friday Forty, where you could get tickets in top seats for just £40 for both parts.

A couple of years ago, I managed to secure Friday Forty tickets and ended up in the front row of the Grand Circle – tickets that would have cost me upwards of £300 for both parts.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Live

In just a few days, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Live immersive show at London’s Riverside Studios will end.

The 90-minute show began back in November 2025 in Hammersmith and incorporates a live cast and a puppet of Marvin the Paranoid Android.

If you are desperate to go there are still a few tickets left via TodayTix with 25 per cent off costing £30 per person instead of £53 when you book direct.

If you are looking for inspiration on what to watch on stage near you, then here are the best theatre shows for kids coming to the UK in 2026 – from Dogman to Spongebob and Great Showman.

Plus, here are all the little-known apps and websites offering cheap and even free tickets to top gigs, theatre shows and festivals.

A MUCH-LOVED family theme park has reassured Brits that it will still reopen to the public, despite entering liquidation last week.

Brean Theme Park in Somerset claims to be the ‘biggest free-entry theme park’ in the UK.

However, last week The Gazette – the UK’s official public record – published ‘resolutions for winding up’ for the company, meaning that it must cease trading and in other words, close.

However, in a turn of events, the theme park is now under a new organisational structure and is preparing to open in just weeks.

Peter Mainwaring, general manager, said: “We are working hard behind the scenes and will reopen for the 2026 summer season from Easter.

“Although the group structure has changed, our loyal visitors will still enjoy the same park, the same team, and the same great day out.

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The message also told fans to keep an eye on social media for updates on the park.

He added: “For clarity, Brean Theme Park is not owned by Unity Holidays.

“We operate as a fully independent business and lease land from them.

“We look forward to continuing to work together.

“Preparations are underway and we can’t wait to welcome you back very soon.”

Many excited fans also took to social media to express their happiness at the news.

One said: “This is good news. My children were quite upset to hear it may close.

“I will definitely be coming for our annual visits.”

Another added: “Brilliant news, that’s defo now been added to my list to visit ASAP and support.”

A third commented: “Aw what a relief – my kids look forward to going every summer holidays and other times when we can.

“They were gutted to hear the sad news last week but [are] thrilled now.”

Brean Theme Park originally opened back in 1946 as a campsite and today is home to over 40 rides including indoor and outdoor rollercoasters, carousels, crazy boats and dodgems.

It even has a ghost train, which according to the attraction’s website, is the best in the UK.

The park is usually open seasonally between March and October.

And even though entry is free, each ride costs a certain amount of credits which can be bought when you arrive at the attraction.

In other theme park news, here is the UK’s strangest (and coolest) theme park, which launches a new ‘crazy trikes’ attraction for 2026.

Plus, world’s first Paw Patrol land opens at UK theme park in weeks – here’s what it’ll look like.

PLANS have been revealed to rescue a historic English seaside venue and return it to its former glory.

The Margate Winter Gardens in Kent – where stars such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones have performed – is set to be restored and reopened.

Dating back to 1910, the venue has previously had a number of different areas including the Main Hall, Queen’s Hall, two side wings and an open-air amphitheatre.

As part of the Thanet District Council’s plans, the seafront venue will reopen with a new rooftop bar and restaurant, a drama school and a 100-place nursery.

As part of the plans, the Main Hall and Queen’s Hall will be made fully accessible and reopened.

And the decor and balconies inside will be kept.

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There are also plans to create two mezzanine pods, similar to those found in Peckham Library.

The restaurant will then be located above the Main Hall, with both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace.

As for the nursery, that will be in the upper part of the site and will feature separate areas for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

The new drama school will be held in the smaller Queen’s Hall and have classrooms and dance studio spaces.

In all, the project is expected to cost around £8million to complete.

According to the plans, the vision for Margate Winter Gardens “marries both history and opulence, creating a visually stunning seafront icon with nods to its luxurious past as well as futureproofing the building for years to come”.

The aim is to reopen the Main Hall by late 2026, then other parts of the venue will open in phases from 2027.

Margate Winter Gardens, which closed two years ago, sits on a site known as Fort Crescent and looks over Margate Main Sands and the English Channel.

When the venue opened, it featured a Concert Hall, four entrance halls, two side wings and one open-air amphitheatre.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the Winter Gardens was a much-loved entertainment venue with performances including cabaret and tea dances.

Then, during World War II, the venue was used initially as the Dunkirk evacuee reception before later being turned into an ARP shelter and food depot.

In 1946 the building was partially rebuilt after bomb damage.

After the war, Winter Gardens was once again used as an entertainment venue with performances by Laurel and Hardy, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Dame Vera Lynn.

However, over the decades visitor numbers declined and in 2022, the Winter Gardens closed for a while to assess concerns over the building’s condition.

In other attraction news, here’s how to get into hundreds of the UK’s top attractions for free next month.

Plus, London’s most underrated attraction is the best place for skint families.

A NEW luxury train experience is coming to the UK later this year.

A new carriage will appear on the British Pullman named Celia, after the fictional character created by director Baz Luhrmann and cinematic designer Catherine Martin.

According to the duo, Celia is a West End icon from the 1930s who once played Titania in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Set in an original 1932 Pullman carriage, Celia will boast a cocktail bar, lounge, dining and entertainment area that feels as if you are heading back to the 1930s.

Up to 12 guests at a time can experience the carriage via private and bespoke events.

The carriage is designed to create a luxury private dining experience, as well as showcase the train carriage’s historical charm.

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During the day, Celia will be a reception carriage and then in the evening it will turn into the “most refined venue”.

When guests reserve Celia for an event, a Guest Experience Curator will plan each detail.

Passengers will also get private luxury transfers within Greater London to and from London Victoria.

And there will even be a personal chef, butler and steward.

On the menu, passengers can create their own brunch, lunch and dinner menus.

Welcome drinks, such as a seasonal cocktail or champagne, will also be provided.

And to elevate the experience even more, there will be bespoke activities available to book.

Baz Luhrmann said that Celia is based on a woman who, after a Sunday matinee of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, headed off with her friends to escape the crowds and head on the British Pullman.

Baz said: “From the moment someone receives an invitation, or chooses to board Celia, they should be drawn instantly into her world and be swept into the glamorous, mysterious life of the actress for whom the carriage was named.”

He added: “Celia also has the capacity to transform into a performance space; I have no doubt a musical artist could have great fun staging an unplugged session or making an album announcement there.

“And of course, we’ll be fitting out the carriage with a terrific sound system and speakers to support that.”

On the idea behind the carriage, Catherine Martin revealed that once they had Baz’s character of Celia, the interior design of the carriage was based on Celia’s life story.

Baz added: “We’re both devoted lovers of slow travel as there’s an undeniable magic and romance to these kinds of journeys.

“It’s a form of travel that lends itself to being told in the most evocative and cinematic ways.”

The Belmond British Pullman usually travels day and weekend journeys around Britain.

In other rail news, here’s the UK train journey that feels like the Hogwarts Express with stunning views along the way.

Plus, picturesque English town is getting new £27m train line for first time in 60 years – and it will cut journey times by an hour.

A NEW budget-friendly hotel has opened up in a major tourist destination.

A 532-room Moxy hotel has just opened in London’s Piccadilly Circus within an old office building in the West End.

The hotel is the largest Moxy outside of New York and inside, decor is inspired by Horses of Helios fountain, which can be found on Piccadilly Circus.

Pictures also show purple interiors, with neon lights and vibrant murals.

Rooms nod to the nearby theatre district too, with names such as ‘Showstopper’, ‘Showtime’ and ‘Spotlight’.

There are eight different room types, but each features a comfy bed, speedy WiFi, motion-activated LED guidelights and walk-in showers.

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One room option is the Moxy Loft, where guests climb up a ladder to a loft bed and underneath is a sofa bed.

However, some rooms don’t have a window.

The hotel has two bars, including House of Helios which is a 24/7 bar serving cocktails.

Then there is Snacks 24/7, where snacks and beverages are available at all times.

But it is worth noting that complimentary breakfast is not currently served at the hotel.

Until March 1, you can also book a Be My Moxytine stay, with accommodation, breakfast for two at Masala Zone, two cocktails and late check-out until 4pm.

It costs from just £55 per person to stay, or £110 per night.

Halima Aziz, head of hotels at Criterion, said: “The opening of Moxy London Piccadilly Circus marks an exciting milestone for Criterion.

“With its fun, energetic and contemporary concept, Moxy is the perfect fit for this global district – right in the heart of nightlife, theatreland, retail and the city’s renowned culinary scene.

“It’s a fantastic addition to our growing portfolio of prime hospitality assets, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Marriott International to bring this building to life in a way that prioritises sustainability.”

Paul Thomas, vice-president, international hotel development at Marriott International, added: “By reimagining an existing building, Moxy London Piccadilly Circus showcases our commitment to bold, lifestyle-led hospitality while honouring the heritage and vibrant energy of one of London’s most iconic destinations.

“Set in the heart of the city, Piccadilly Circus perfectly captures the playful spirit of the Moxy brand, offering guests an immersive West End experience.”

Piccadilly Circus is one of the most-visited and busiest spots in the UK.

And around 100million people visit the giant LED screens each year.

The landmark is great base to explore central London from, with Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, Leicester Square and Soho all within walking distance.

The brand behind Moxy – Criterion Capital – also recently opened a Zedwell hotel, which is the largest capsule hotel and can be found in Piccadilly Circus.

Travel writer Helen Wright stayed recently and said: “Inside, decked out with a modern concrete and timber design, there are nearly 1,000 individual sleep capsules over five floors.

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

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

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

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

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

In other hotel news, these are 12 of our favourite UK hotels to visit this year – from cosy farm retreats to £55 all-inclusives in London.

Plus, is this the UK’s fanciest Premier Inn? New hotel opens inside former Victorian police station.

FINALLY the Southbank Centre is getting (some of) the attention it deserves.

This week, the brutalist building on the Thames near the London Eye
has been listed for its brutalist appearance.

But its looks are only part of its appeal.

As a travel writer and mum living in London, I’ve long considered it
to be one of the capital’s greatest attractions for families.

I schlep up to Waterloo every other month with my 7 year old to one of
their many free, or affordable activities for kids.

We’ve done their soft play using recycled materials, seen at least
three of their excellent family theatre shows (where you can get
tickets from around £12 to £20 depending on the show), have built a
Moomin House at a free workshop using saws and hammers and, most
recently, had a free drawing lesson with a well-known doodle artist
and attended a free kids rave.

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So many of the events that Southbank puts on for families on weekends
and in school holidays are completely free, but what makes them even
better in my opinion, is how wonderfully varied they are.

Take next week, for instance, when they are holding an ‘Imagine
Festival’ for half term.

The nine-day roster includes an interactive dance rave for children and
their families with deaf hosts, a live gig by CBBC’s Andy And The Odd
Socks, the theatre production of Mrs Armtiage On Wheels, a wildlife
jamboree and a pop-up Parkour session – and this just scratches the
surface, there are MANY more activities too.

I’m particularly looking forward to taking my son to the musical
version of the Dog Man comic books, which will be shown at the centre
this summer.

Another free event coming to the destination soon is the Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade from February 17.

The famous illustrator and author has made his memories of the 1951 Festival of Britain into an installation across the Southbank Centre.

I could probably go on for another 300 words about how wonderful this
institution is – so if you are planning a trip to London, do make sure
to check out the What’s On section of their website and see if anything appeals.

The 1960s Brutalist landmark has battled for a Grade II listed status for more than three decades, and finally got accepted this week.

Specific buildings at the site that have been given Grade II listed status include the centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Hayward Gallery and terraced walkways and stairs.

The riverside centre opened back in 1967 and at the time it was voted as Britain’s ugliest building by Daily Mail readers.

The building was also the only post-war building on London’s South Bank to remain unlisted.

Twentieth Century Society and Historic England had recommended listing the Southbank Centre on six occasions since 1991, but the recommendation was rejected by the Secretary of State each time, until now.

Historic England argued that the Southbank Centre needed protection due to its “bold geometric formations, clustered to sculptural effect with a correspondingly dramatic silhouette”.

The use of exposed concrete was also praised, saying it had been “executed with exemplary technical skill”.

Twentieth Century Society director Catherine Croft said: “The battle has been won, and Brutalism has finally come of age.

“This is a victory over those who derided so-called ‘concrete monstrosities’ and shows a mature recognition of a style where Britain led the way.

“The lack of listing had become a complete anomaly.

“It is admired as one of the best Brutalist buildings in the world, so this decision is obviously very well deserved and long overdue.

“The arts complex is a highly sophisticated, sculptural masterpiece, with enormous richness of form and detail inside and out.

“The experience it gives concert goers and gallery visitors is unlike any other venue in the country, its virtuoso spaces still unrivalled.”

In other attraction news, how to get into hundreds of the UK’s top attractions for FREE next month.

Plus, new one-of-kind attraction at UK’s Warner Bros Studio is perfect for Harry Potter nerds like me .

FEBRUARY seems to be flying past already, with both Valentine’s Day and the start of the school half-term holidays this week meaning lots of themed and kid-friendly events.

Whether you are in a couple or solo, you can head off to a number for Valentine’s Day-related events.

And as the kids get excited for time off school, there are activities you can take them to for free.

Together Through Art, London

From February 10 to 14, Mall Galleries in London will be hosting Together Through Art.

The exhibition aims to show work that helps keep families together when they need it the most.

Over 100 artists are part of the exhibition, including illustrator Emma Bridgewater.

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The art at the exhibition can also be purchased with any money raised going to Homes from Home, which helps families with critically ill children to stay together.

Fylde Ice Festival in Lytham, Lancashire

This Valentine’s Day, you could head to the Fylde Ice Festival.

Found in Clifton Square, the festival features ice sculptures to marvel at and visitors can test out their own ice-carving skills on the ice carving wall.

There will also be live ice carving demonstrations.

Half-term at The Harris in Preston, Lancashire

This weekend marks the first weekend of half-term for many schools across the UK.

And The Harris in Preston will be hosting a number of activities for free.

There will be chemistry sessions, Lego workshops and visits to Planetariums.

There will also be a museum and gallery trail for children over nine-years-old, which is a “creative mission designed to help them chat and look at artwork in fun new ways”.

Chain of Hope, London

Also in London, at the Saatchi Gallery from February 11 to 15, you can visit the Chain of Hope – Share your Heart exhibition.

The exhibition focuses on the connection between art, humanity and compassion.

In total, the exhibition features over 70-heart-themed artworks that have been donated to support children born with congenital heart disease.

The art is also available for purchase, with pieces by famous figures including Olivia Colman, Alison Hammond, Mel B and Shaggy.

Enchanted Realms Week at Affinity Lancashire, Fleetwood, Lancashire

From Valentine’s Day, visitors can step into an enchanted world to meet the K-pop Demon Hunters with unicorns, a Mystic Hunters Trail and opportunity to create a heart-shaped biscuit at a Cupid’s Cookie Workshop.

You can park at Affinity Lancashire – which has 40 shops and outlets – for free and dogs are welcome too.

There’s also a free indoor soft play centre for the under five-year-olds.

London Card Show

From February 13 to 15, the London Card Show – Europe‘s biggest card event – will be at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher.

The event will have 1,000 tables with around two million cards including sports cards, retro gaming, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh and more.

There will be live interviews too, unboxings, raffles and kids’ activities.

Linlithgow Family Adventure, West Lothian, Scotland

This Wednesday, February 11, between 10am and 12pm visitors can attend a hands-on outdoor session for children five-year-old and over.

During the session, you will explore Linlithgow Loch and Peel as well as learn about the area’s wildlife and history.

Valentines Mingle at Dogs Trust Loughborough

Over in Loughborough, from 10am to 12pm on February 13, you can meet some of the dogs from Dogs Trust Loughborough.

The event will be full of fellow dog lovers too so a great chance to make friends with the same interest.

There will also be tea, cake and a raffle.

You can also head to a coffee morning at Dogs Trust Snetterton in Norwich on the same day between 10am to 12:30pm.

Vintage Valentine’s Day Card Making, Norwich

From 4:30pm to 6pm, on February 14, you can head to the American Library Archive in Norwich to create a 1940s inspired Valentine’s Day card.

Think love letters and vintage-style drawings.

All supplies are included and the activity is for those aged 10 and over.

Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market 2026, Manchester

This Saturday and Sunday, you can head to Manchester’s Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market 2026 which celebrates Hong Kong culture.

The family-friendly event has over 130 stalls and 20 live performances, with handmade decorations and games, short-film screenings and guided tours.

Birmingham Light Festival

From February 12 to 15, you can visit Birmingham Light Festival with different illuminated artworks and a number of special events.

This year marks the second year the festival has run and it will take over streets, squares and a number of public spaces in the city.

Live events include fire performances, music performed by a metal band and a silent disco.

For more things to do, here are the top 15 UK attractions for 2025.

Plus, the best-rated activities in London for families – with rooms from £18.50pp a night.

DUBLIN is known for great Guinness and cracking craic in the music-filled pubs of Temple Bar.

But what can you do if you’re not there for a boozy break with your mates and are instead travelling with your nine-year-old daughter?

It turns out that the Irish capital is also ideal for families to have, as hometown heroes U2 sang, a Beautiful Day.

My daughter Piper and I had made the short hop by plane on a Friday afternoon, checked in at the basic, but clean and friendly, easyHotel Dublin City Centre and headed straight out for shopping time at landmark department store Arnotts, which dates back to 1895.

Refuelling beckoned, so we headed to The Woollen Mills, a renowned restaurant by the pretty Ha’penny Bridge over the River Liffey.

Great coffee, great steak and, according to Piper, great chicken wings.

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

Mains are from £16.50 and I’d go back to try their fry-up brunch.

With a big sightseeing Saturday ahead, we had an early night and were raring to go the next morning.

Our Beautiful Day began at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, a short walk or tram ride east of the city centre.

It might sound a tad dull, but it’s one of the best museums I’ve been to and Piper loved it.

With tickets from £13, it’s a state-of-the-art experience that tells the story of the estimated 70million Irish-heritage people across the world.

It features 20 interactive galleries that bring to life their journeys overseas, past and present.

It turns out that the Irish capital is also ideal for families to have, as hometown heroes U2 sang, a Beautiful Day

Piper particularly loved the sports section, where she got to try out hurling, a fast and furious Gaelic team game similar to hockey.

And there were numerous touchscreen activities and quizzes.

Besides tackling the “passport” treasure hunt, we also loved the Notorious Irish exhibit, where Piper had to jump on to spots on the ground to answer questions about the likes of Wild West gunslinger Billy The Kid, Caribbean pirate Anne Bonny and bank robber and US Prohibition era gangster George “Machine Gun” Kelly.

Emigration history lesson not quite over, we crossed the road to The Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship, which tells the fascinating but dark story of the million-plus Irish people who fled the Great Famine of 1844-52.

Pillaging warriors

The replica ship moored on the Liffey gives an eerie insight into conditions on board and its role in the mass emigration, mostly to the US and Canada.

Next up, Norsemen. You might not associate Dublin with horned helmets and pillaging warriors, but they settled here in the 9th century.

And there’s no better way to find out more than with the Viking Splash Tour on board a World War Two amphibious DUKW vehicle.

You’re handed a Viking helmet as you board, and the guide had us passengers in stitches with a flurry of jokes.

They also encouraged us to shout frequent war cries at pedestrians as we took in Viking history and more modern sights, such as cathedrals and Georgian buildings.

We then plunged into the Grand Canal Basin to pass near the recording studios where U2 began their journey to megastardom. An unmissable tour at £30 per person.

And our discoveries were not over, as we joined excellent guide Gerry McGeough, of Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours of Dublin.

He took us round key sights such as the Oscar Wilde Memorial, the whimsical Giants Garden adventure playground, shopping heaven Grafton Street and the statue of fictional cockles and mussels seller Molly Malone, immortalised in the song that bears her name.

Our Beautiful Day began at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, a short walk or tram ride east of the city centre

After a fun-filled, action-packed day, there was time for a call at the fabled Bewley’s Cafe for the best hot chocolate money can buy, before flopping back at our hotel ahead of a morning flight home.

U2 may have had a global hit with I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, but Piper and I certainly discovered the superb city break we were seeking in dazzling Dublin.

And, yes, I did manage to find time for a quick pint of Guinness.

I HAD negotiated the Giant’s Grave, overcome the Causeway and even conquered the Himalayas – but now Calamity Corner was awaiting me.

Would it live up to its name, as had the other three treacherous golf holes on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland, where I was following in the footsteps of the golfing gods.

Hosting The Open twice since 2019, Royal Portrush needs no introduction to fans of the sport.

And Calamity Corner was just one more challenge on what is one of the world’s finest courses.

The par three offers superb views in all directions across the course.

The only problem is the deep drops surrounding three sides of the green.

WAIL OF A TIME

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

TEMPTED?

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Now it was my chance to play it — and it turned out to be far from a calamity.

Finding the green with my tee shot was a good start, and two putts later, after help from our brilliant caddie Jamie, I had made par.

It was my most memorable par ever and was only topped by a birdie on the beachside fifth.

After such a fantastic afternoon, there was only one way to mark the occasion — with the Calamity Corner cocktail at the hotel bar.

After such a fantastic afternoon, there was only one way to mark the occasion — with the Calamity Corner cocktail at the hotel bar

I was staying at the 5-star Dunluce Lodge, set alongside the fourth fairway and, like the course, it is named after the castle ruins nearby.

Opening in early 2025, the hotel’s 35 rooms are all suites, while there is also a spa and a putting green for practice.

And the hotel can count former world No1 Rory McIlroy among its guests.

Its restaurant highlights Irish produce, with dishes such as Carlingford oysters and seared Thornhill duck.

The lodge also has a great whiskey collection, including the exceedingly rare 46-year-old single malt from nearby Bushmills distillery.

The following morning, fuelled by brilliant memories of Royal Portrush and a full Irish breakfast, I was ready to tackle my next course: Castlerock.

A 25-minute drive from my hotel, the course was another beautiful layout in an area blessed with many, including Portstewart and Bushfoot.

Set alongside the River Bann, which is visible on several holes, the venue held a European Tour event in 2023 and has a second course which can be played for £60.

Three holes of Castlerock’s Mussenden Links run alongside the railway, including the tricky fourth.

Later in the round, the 16th and 17th offer the best views across to Donegal.

Guinness flowed

After the golf, I returned to Portrush to visit the famous Harbour Bar, a pub frequented by some of the world’s best players during The Open.

Set over three floors, the boozer’s food options include burgers for £15 and half rotisserie chickens for £20.

When I went, it had live music playing late into the evening as the Guinness flowed and golfers from across the globe shared stories.

I also enjoyed a pint of the black stuff on the first day of my break, at the Culloden Estate in the suburbs of Belfast.

The Guinness flowed and golfers from across the globe shared stories

The hotel houses a spa and swimming pool alongside three restaurants, while the mocktail on arrival and cupcakes in the room were nice touches.

I chose its Cultra Bar for dinner where mains included daube of Irish beef or pork chop with black pudding, both for £28.

The hotel was ten minutes from my first round at Holywood, Rory McIlroy’s home course and where he learned the game.

Rounds cost £60, with the course set in the hills above Belfast and offering views across the Lough, particularly on the challenging back-nine holes.

Off the course, the clubhouse has an area dedicated to Rory’s Major triumphs, including replica trophies, alongside Ryder Cup memorabilia.

But I had teed off early to allow myself time to visit another of Belfast’s most popular attractions.

The Titanic Experience, yards from where the doomed liner first launched, tells the story of the ship’s construction, sinking and discovery.

Artefacts on display include one of the life jackets — of which only 12 still exist — and the violin played by a member of the band as the ship went down.

The exhibition was a fascinating addition to a break packed with an amazing mix of great golf, Irish hospitality and spectacular food.

It was a trip that was far from a calamity — and well above par.

THE WORLD’S most welcoming cities have been revealed and a UK destination with famous Turkish Baths and vibrant gardens has been named amongst them.

Though technically not a city, Harrogate in North Yorkshire, sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

And according to Booking.com, Harrogate is one of the most welcoming destinations in the world and the only spot in the UK to feature on the list.

Booking.com commented: “Harrogate is an elegant English spa town full of historic charm.

“Quaint boulevards and ornate Victorian façades frame a town filled with modern and contemporary cafés, indie shops and scenic garden paths perfect for leisurely strolls.”

One top spot mentioned by Booking.com is Valley Gardens, formed of 17 acres of English Heritage Grade II listed parkland.

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In the gardens, visitors will find themed areas, different flower species and a number of historic buildings.

There’s also a children’s play area and entry to the entire park is free.

One recent visitor said: “What an absolute gem of a park.

“Very picturesque, serene and pleasant walk through with a beautiful Victoriana style cafe and beautiful views across the park.

“I could spend a day there with a book, flask with hot tea and snacks and relax. It has a very calming aura.”

Harrogate is also well-known for its Turkish Baths – a unique spa experience that dates back to 1897.

The Harrogate Turkish Baths are one of the best-preserved Victorian Baths in the UK and were once used as a luxury and therapeutic experience by wealthy Victorians.

The spa still operates today and has a frigidarium, steam room, different heat rooms and a plunge pool.

Sessions usually cost £37 per person for an hour and a half to two hours access.

And if you find the history of the spa town interesting, then head to the Royal Pump Room Museum, where you will find the strongest sulphur wells in Europe.

You will also learn about Harrogate’s connection to Russian royalty.

It costs just £4.20 per adult and £2.40 per child to visit.

The Montpellier Quarter then dubs itself as “Harrogate’s best-kept secret”.

Here visitors will find over 50 independent shops including cosy cafes.

Across the cobbled streets in the Montpellier Quarter, there are gardens, ornate lamp posts and lots of flowers.

One visitor said: “This is a rabbit warren of individual antiques and curios shops under one roof.

“There is art, jewellery, ornaments – too much to mention but all very interesting and great for provoking memories of things our grandparents had in their time!”

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in the town, then you could head to The Old Swan Hotel – which is the hotel where Agatha Christie was discovered after she had been missing for 11 days in 1926.

The ivy-covered hotel is just a three-minute walk from the Royal Pump Room Museum and features suites with four-poster beds.

Rooms cost from around £68 per night.

For a bite to eat, definitely check out Bettys Café Tea Rooms – a famous spot for afternoon tea and coffee.

You can opt for the Grande Breakfast which includes muesli, pain au chocolat, toasted fruit loaf, tea or coffee and a choice of either poached egg and avocado, scrambled eggs and Yorkshire smoked salmon or poached egg and dry-cured bacon for £22.50 per person.

Booking.com added: “Captivating with its harmonious mix of culture and greenery, Harrogate invites travelers to unwind while discovering the quieter corner of northern England.”

Other cities named among the most welcoming in the world include Montepulciano in Italy.

This hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy, is famous for its red wine.

Due to being on the hilltop, the town has stunning panoramic views.

Other destinations named as welcoming cities include Fredericksburg, Texas, United States and Klaipėda, Lithuania.

In other destination news, the cheeky 48-hour holidays to Europe’s best cities, beach towns and islands this summer from £167.

Plus, five stunning European holidays that are cheaper than a UK train fare – with £2 prosecco and stunning beaches.

WHEN it comes to value for money, Premier Inns are great – and thanks to a new breakfast offer, they are even better.

Guests who book by February 13 will get free breakfast for themselves and everyone who stays with them, for each day of their stay.

To benefit from the offer, guests must book a ‘Non-Flex’ room by February 13, for a stay between February 20 and May 14.

Breakfast at Premier Inn includes sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, yoghurt, granola, toast and ham, fresh fruit, pastries, pancakes and juice.

Oh and the coffee and tea are unlimited.

The offer is also only available via a promotional link, which you will get via email if signed up to Premier Inn’s newsletter.

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A Premier Inn Non-Flex booking means that you pay now and no amendments or refunds are allowed.

It is the hotel chain’s least flexible rate, but often is cheaper than other rates.

Breakfast at a Premier Inn hotel usually costs £10.99 and up to two kids eat for free when an adult purchases a breakfast.

If you don’t want the cooked breakfast though, you could opt for the continental breakfast with fruit, pastries and lighter options, as well as tea and coffee, for £8.99 per person.

In May last year, Premier Inn revealed plans to transform a vacant office block in south east London into a 400-bedroom hub by Premier Inn hotel.

Hub by Premier Inn hotels are designed to be great value stays in central destinations, with a space efficient design and modern amenities.

The planned 400-room Hub by Premier Inn hotel is set to be the first one south of the River Thames.

There are plans to transform a former office building at 35 Red Lion Square in Holborn into a 165-room hub by Premier Inn and Phoenix House in Vauxhall to a 180-bed Premier Inn as well.

There are over 800 Premier Inn hotels across the UK, so there are plenty to choose from.

Rooms can cost as little as £35 per night.

For example, you could head to Premier Inn Bournemouth Central hotel on February 15 for one night for £49.

Alternatively, on the same date, head to Premier Inn Chipping Norton for £59.

In other hotel news, there is an affordable hotel with ‘compact luxury’ rooms in the middle of London – and it has free cheese and wine hours.

Plus, 12 of our favourite UK hotels to visit this year – from cosy farm retreats to £55 all-inclusives in London.

FOR A week in March you can get your hands on discounted and free tickets to hundreds of attractions across the UK.

Between March 7 and 15, National Lottery players can get free tickets, discounted tickets and special offers by purchasing a National lottery ticket, scratchcard or Instant Win Game in store or online.

One top saving is to the Eden Project, which has tropical trees and even a living clay sculpture called Eve that grows out of the landscape.

Entry will be free across the week, which is a saving of around £100 based on a family of four visiting.

Loved old-school, school dinners? Then you might want to head to the UK’s only Food Museum in Suffolk, where visitors can sample different foods and step inside an 18th-century dairy.

Adult entry will be free from March 7 to 8.

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Other spots offering free entry include Audley End House and Gardens (March 7-15); Eltham Palace and Gardens (March 7-8, March 11-15) and BBC Studios tours at Alexandra Palace (March 10).

If you’ve always wanted to visit some of the country’s palaces, then March 7 to 15 might be the time to.

Hampton Court Palace is offering half-price entry from March 7 to 8 and March 13 to 14, which could save families up to £42.

Other destinations with half-price entry include the Tower of London (March 7-14) and Kensington Palace (March 7-8, 11-14).

It’s not just historical destinations included though…

You could get a half price annual membership to the Butterfly Conservation in Winchester if you purchase it between March 7 and 15.

Rugby fans could head to the World Rugby Museum in Twickenham, with two for on entry from March 7 to 8 and 10 to 15.

You can also upgrade to include an Allianz Stadium Twickenham Tour.

It’s not just entry and seeing things, you can also get discounts on workshops, bookstores, cafes and tours.

For example, you could head to Bernard Leach Trust in St Ives for a Kurinuki Pots workshop on March 7 or an introduction to printmaking.

And if you want to keep active, some gyms are even opening their doors for free workout sessions.

Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: “National Lottery Open Week is a chance to get outside and explore the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out, whether you’re looking for a solo adventure, or a fun day out for the family or with friends.

“It is our way of thanking National Lottery players who raise £32million every week for good causes, supporting vital projects in arts, sports, heritage, and communities nationwide.”

To benefit from the offer, you must head to any retail or online National Lottery ticket seller and purchase either Lotto, EuroMillions, Set 4 Life and Thunderball or a National Lottery Scratchcard or an Instant Win Game.

You can see the full list of locations at NationalLotteryOpenWeek.com.

In other attraction news, the UK’s strangest (and coolest) theme park launches new ‘crazy trikes’ attraction for 2026.

Plus, world’s first Paw Patrol land opens at UK theme park in weeks – here’s what it’ll look like.

STRESSED about your half-term family getaway stretching your bank account? Well, many hotels offer free stays for kids.

Whether you are heading out of the country and need a hotel near an airport or are just heading on a staycation, hotels can be expensive when you add on the kids.

But there are a number of hotels all over the UK that offer free kids stays making it more affordable.

Some even offer free meals and other perks too…

Down Hall, Bishop’s Stortford

Named AA Hotel of the Year, Down Hall nestled in the English countryside is just 45 minutes from central London and 15 minutes from Stansted Airport.

The hotel is an Italianate mansion with a history dating back to the 11th century.

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Inside, there are 98 individually designed bedrooms, including ones with views of the garden.

There is also an on-site restaurant called The Garden Room, which uses ingredients from its own vegetable garden.

Visitors can head to the Eden Spa too, a 24-hour gym, tennis courts and 11 acres of woodland.

Kids stay free between February 14 and 22, based on two adults and two children under 12 years old sharing.

It is worth noting though that the spa facilities are not included.

From £212 per room.

Mallory Court, Leamington Spa

Surrounded by gardens, Mallory Court Hotel is pretty to just look at.

Then, once inside, there are 42 individually styled bedrooms with a traditional country house feel.

There is a spa as well with a pool and gym.

For a bite to eat, you can head to The Warwick which is run by MasterChef winner Stu Deeley.

Over February half-term, children under the age of 10 can stay for free when sharing a room with an adult.

And included in the stay is bed and breakfast accommodation and designated family pool times.

To benefit from the offer, you must call to book.

Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish, Devon

Set in 19 acres of woodlands, the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish, Devon boasts spectacular views of the sea.

Nearby there are sandy beaches to explore, which can be reached via a short walk.

There’s lots to do at the hotel as well, including an indoor and an outdoor pool, and both indoor and outdoor play areas for children.

During the half-term break, kids under 10-years-old stay free when sharing with two adults.

Rooms start from around £123 per night.

The Grove, Watford

If you fancy something a little more luxury, The Grove is a great option.

The five-star hotel is just 18 miles from London and used to be the home of the Earls of Clarendon.

In total, there are 214 rooms and suites, an 18-hole golf course, a spa and a number of restaurants.

Over half term, kids stay free when sharing with parents and get breakfast at The Glasshouse, two hours of free childcare for kids aged two to nine, use of the Sequoia Spa and use of Asher’s Woodland Trails.

The offer runs from February 13 to 22 and costs from £550 per room.

The Fish Hotel, Broadway, The Cotswolds

This back-to-nature retreat looks over the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds.

The hotel has 500 acres to explore, as well as a number of activities and well-being classes.

There are a range of rooms to choose from too, such as treehouses, suites and huts.

When it comes to having something to eat there are a couple of options on site, including a bar and lounge and Hook – a seafood-focused restaurant.

Kids stay for free between February 13 and 22 with rooms costing from £340 based on two adults and a child sharing.

Britannia Hotels, various locations

Britannia Hotels has locations across the country and between February 13 and 22, kids under 14-years old stay for free when sharing a room with two adults.

Breakfast is included and so are kids meals.

Though if you stay on a Saturday night at Royal Court Hotel; Prince of Wales Hotel Southport; Britannia Airport Hotel Manchester; Norbreck; Castle Hotel Blackpool; Grand Hotel Scarborough; Grand Hotel Llandudno; Carrington House Hotel Bournemouth or Grand Hotel Blackpool – there will be a £10 supplement.

Otherwise, rooms cost from £59 per night.

The Swan at Lavenham, Sudbury 

Inside a 15th century building, The Swan at Lavenham is a cosy hotel with traditional oak beams and large fireplaces.

There are 46 rooms to choose from, with period features in each.

There is also a spa with an outdoor heated pool, steam room and sauna.

The hotel is dog-friendly too so your beloved furry friend doesn’t have to miss out.

Children stay free between February 15 and 21 and also get breakfast for free.

Rooms cost around £254 per night.

Watergate Bay Hotel, Newquay, North Cornwall

Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall is the ultimate surfers spot on Watergate Beach, which stretches over two miles long.

Just metres from the beach, guests can enjoy relaxing rooms with views of the sea.

Some even have roll-top baths, hanging chairs and seating around a large fire.

For kids, the hotel features a games room with a Lego station and there is a play area as well.

Kids stay for free when sharing an adult double room between February 13 and 21.

Rooms cost from £280 per night during the half-term.

The Alverton, Truro, Cornwall

The Alverton in Truro, Cornwall, is a Grade-II listed hotel with a cosy feel.

Inside, there are classic rooms and executive suites, as well as a bar, restaurant and terrace.

Over the February half-term, kids under 12-years-old stay for free and also get a Cornish breakfast each morning of their stay.

There are two room types in the offer to choose from.

Firstly, the classic room which costs from £110 based on one adult and one child sharing.

Or, secondly, the executive suites, costing from £203 based on two adults and two children sharing.

Holiday Inn, various locations

Holiday Inns are great for budget travel or if you are heading off on holiday but want to stay near the airport before your flight.

Perfect for half-term trips out of the country, kids under the age of 17-years-old stay for free during the school break when sharing a room with up to two adults.

Kids under 12-years-old also get free meals during their stay.

Prices vary depending on Location, but as an example you could stay at Holiday Inn London Bexley for £68 per night.

The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands,

The four-star Belfry Hotel & Resort sits in 550 acres of countryside and is well-known for its world-class golf.

The hotel features over 300 rooms, as well as a Fire and Ice spa with a 12-room thermal journey, restaurants such as Ryder Grill and Sam’s Club House.

If you are heading on holiday from Birmingham Airport, the hotel is ideal to stay at the night before as it is less than 20 minutes away.

To get the offer, you will need to use the promo code ‘FAMILYPROMO’.

Rooms cost from £259 per night and include breakfast, buffet dinner, kids’ activities and access to the leisure club (but not spa).

Carlyon Bay Hotel, Cornwall

With 86 luxury rooms, Carlyon Bay Hotel in Cornwall is a great spot for families as it has a large entertainment programme.

There’s magic shows and an appearance from Chloe the Clown…

For the adults, there is also a golf course and a large spa.

Kids under 15-years-old stay for free between February 14 and 22, with a room and breakfast costing from £85 per night.

Kids under 15-years-old also get to eat for free during their stay.

Included in your stay is access to the supervised Funzone, a complimentary round of golf and use of the spa and leisure facilities which features an indoor pool.

A room and breakfast costs from £85 per person per night (so from £170 per night for two adults and two children).

In other hotel news, here’s 12 of our favourite UK hotels to visit this year – from cosy farm retreats to £55 all-inclusives in London.

Plus, the affordable seaside hotel right by the train station.

IN Arkengarthdale, North Yorkshire is the beautiful Charles Bathurst, the perfect cosy bolthole.

Here is everything you need to know including restaurant menus and room rates.

Where is the Charles Bathurst?

Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, the Charles Bathurst is on the edge of the Pennine Way, so an ideal spot for walkers to stop at.

What is the hotel like?

The “CB” is essentially a village pub with stripped floors, wooden tables, open fires and a wide range of beers.

It gets its name from the 18th-century Lord of the Manor, who operated the local lead mines.

In a stunning location, it is the perfect stop after a long walk it is a great place to relax.

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Bring the pups too – it’s dog friendly.

What are the rooms like?

There are 19 en suite rooms that have been modernised for the thousands of tourists, especially walkers, who visit the area every year.

We took our five-year-old son and had a family room with a king-size bed and a fold-down sofa.

There was a modern bathroom, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, locally made shortbread in a jar and fresh milk in a fridge in the corridor.

Double and twin rooms start at £145 per night and include a full English breakfast. See cbinn.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink there?

There’s not another place to go to for food in the village, but that’s fine.

The pub does hearty Yorkshire food that while not the the cheapest, but faultless.

I had a smoked bacon loin with a fried egg, chips and salad for £15.95 and my husband had beer-battered fish and chips for £16.95.

It’s back to the bar for breakfast and that was a great spread.

You can help yourself to fruit, yoghurt, cereal and toast, plus they served up an amazing full English – the best sausages I’ve had in years.

What else is there to do there?

The small village was the backdrop for vet series All Creatures Great And Small as well as mini-series A Woman Of Substance.

Is it family friendly?

Yes, extra beds are bookable on request, and highchairs are available at the restaurant.

Is it accessible?

There is accessible access as well as five floors on the ground floor.

TRACY Kennedy is the Queen of Holidays from £9.50, having taken 30 of them and with even more booked to come.

In her decades of Sun holiday experience, Tracy has stayed in holiday parks all over the UK – and knows exactly how to make the most out of your £9.50 break.

So whether you’re wondering when is the best time to book, or how to choose a holiday park with plenty to do for both adults and kids – Tracy’s here with all the answers.

Is it best to book super early or wait for the last minute deals?

Lyn Shephard

Definitely book as early as you can, because the popular and cheap accommodation goes quickly. And it’s better to have more choice between the holiday parks.

Not everyone is able to book something in January. Don’t worry if you’ve missed out on booking early – there’s a top-up of £9.50 holidays later in the year.

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Make sure to check all of the promotions that pop up, because sometimes the cheaper options will come back. They’re definitely worth a look, especially if you weren’t able to book on the first release.

Any suggestions for parks better catered to the elderly?

Henry McCaffery

I’d recommend Parkdean Resorts’ Cherry Tree in East Norfolk. It’s in a beautiful countryside setting, and only a short drive to the beach.

It’s very much a relaxing holiday, and there’s plenty to do nearby.

You’ve got Gorelston-on-Sea a 10-minute drive away, and Burgh Castle is only a couple of minutes away. Plus there’s Lowestoft to visit in the opposite direction, if you want a day trip out.

There’s also plenty to do on the park itself, and lots of countryside walks nearby. Norfolk is very flat, so you won’t have to walk up many hills.

Lighthouse Leisure up in Scotland is another good option. It’s a smaller park, with lots of local things to do in the area.

It’s less than an hour’s drive to Gretna Green, or you could visit Sweetheart Abbey, its a really pretty old building. There’s even bird-watching sanctuaries up there, too.

And if you visit at quieter times of year, like during school term times, any park will be quieter. Everything winds down then, and it feels a lot more peaceful.

Where is the best place to go on a walking holiday on a small budget?

Thomas Riley

For the best walks, I’d recommend a site in Wales or a site on the Coastal Path.

One of the best would be Golden Sands in Rhyl. If you use that park as a base, you’ve got loads of walks from there.

The walking route runs all the way from the holiday park to Llandudno – you probably couldn’t do the whole thing in one day, but it depends how fit you are!

Alternatively, stay at a camp near Snowdonia, and drive out there.

If you stay somewhere like Ty Mawr in Conwy, it’s about a 10-minute drive to get into Snowdonia. And there’s not much that beats the nature there!

A good option in England would be to stay in Malvern. You’ve got the Malvern hills, which when I went I thought were absolutely stunning.

Plus, it makes for a nice walking break that’s not coastal.

Can you buy more than one discounted holiday?

Elaine Burns

Oh yes you can! You can use your codes or the Sun Club entry to book as much as you want. You could book 50 holidays if you really wanted to.

I know people in my Facebook group who have booked weeks back-to-back and gone away for a whole month.

They were free to take some time off work, so they booked this way as it was more affordable for them. It was much cheaper than booking direct, so they were very happy!

Is there a curfew at holiday parks?

I. Jones

In my experience there’s been no curfews at holiday parks.

Once you’ve got your keys to your caravan, you can come and go whenever you want.

A lot of holiday parks have entertainment and bars open until midnight and beyond, but even when they shut that doesn’t stop you going out and coming home whenever you want.

Just make sure to double check with your specific park.

My kids love going on sunny holidays while my wife and I love culture and history, how can we blend both into one holiday?

Chris Fox

I’d recommend Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands in East Sussex, it’s an option that’ll please both you and the kids!

The beach is beautiful, and it’s great for kids to run around and play. Plus there’s a little amusement park on the seafront.

It’s also only a 10-minute drive or bus journey into the town of Rye, which is really pretty and old-fashioned.

And if you want a good day out for history, go out further to Hastings. I stayed in Hastings for one of my first ever Sun holidays, and I loved it.

There’s absolutely loads for history lovers in 1066 Country – I went to Hastings Castle and loved it, and there’s Battle Abbey too.

And if you like quaint little old shops, there’s Hastings Old Town, with lots of unique shops to have a nosy in.

PLANNING a UK city break can be a right headache when you’re skint and short on time – but one must-do activity lets you see a lot without spending a penny.

Recently, my family came to visit me in London and even though I live in the city, I don’t often get the chance to be a tourist.

Stumped on ideas of what to do that pleases everyone but didn’t cost much, I took to Google and stumbled across London Walking Tours by Richard Jones.

On the website, there are a number of free, self-guided walking tours – but what makes them even better is that they aren’t to cliche spots, instead you get to uncover hidden pieces of history.

In fact, there are 22 free walking tours on the site to choose from.

I opted for the Soho self-guided walk, taking about two hours starting from Tottenham Court Road Station.

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The walk takes you around the area showing streets and alleyways frequented by famous figures like Charles Dickens and the Beatles.

One of my favourite things about the tour is that it takes you to places you would have otherwise missed.

For example, it took us down this rather normal-looking road to a house with a blue plaque.

The blue plaque simply stated: “John William Polidori, 1795-1821, poet & novelist, author of ‘The Vampyre’, born and died here”.

I had no clue who this person was, but the tour informed me that Polidori was actually a personal physician to the famous poet Lord Byron – whom he idolised.

Upon showing Byron one of his submissions to Byron’s 1816 writing competition – ‘The Vampyre’ – Polidori was dismissed as having little potential.

Not long after, the New Monthly Magazine had published ‘The Vampyre’ but attributed it to Lord Byron – who denied any involvement.

Polidori wrote to the magazine, but was accused of plagiarism and ended up taking his life.

If you aren’t so much of a history fan though, there are other options that are more themed.

For example, you could spend the day on a magical tour that heads all over London showing you locations that have been featured in the Harry Potter movies.

Or perhaps, you want to add in a fun game?

Then head on the Mayfair to St James Quiz Trail, where, as you explore different places, you have to find the answers to a number of questions and complete photo challenges.

But what if you are on a city break elsewhere?

There are plenty of different sites out there offering free walking tours.

For example, if you are exploring Manchester you could opt for The Ultimate Manchester Free Walking Tour, where you can discover history about the famous Britannia Hotel and stop by the bustling Corn Exchange for some food.

In Birmingham, you could go on a self-guided Discovering Britain walking tour which takes you to the popular spots but shares information you may not know about them.

Lots of councils also have guides on their websites, as well as walking maps.

To get the best search result for the city you want to explore, make sure to search the name of your city along with ‘free self-guided walking tour’.

By doing this, you will get results which are free and also aren’t led by anyone, which means you can do the tour at your own pace and even stop along the way for a cuppa or bite to eat.

One thing I learned from the tour I did, was definitely print the tour if you can before heading off on it.

I had the tour open on my phone, but obviously walking around London, or any other large city for that matter, with your phone constantly in your hand isn’t the best idea…

For more things to do in the UK, here are the best free activities for Brits this week for families, couples and mates.

Plus, the top 15 UK attractions for 2025 revealed…including six which are totally FREE for the summer holidays.

A NEW theatre is coming to the UK and it is set to be the largest in England.

Given the green light for London, a new 3,000-seat theatre is set to be built in Greenwich.

The theatre will be on the eastern side of Greenwich Peninsula and will be split into two auditoriums, each with 1,500 seats.

Once complete, the Troubadour Theatre will overtake the London Coliseum with 2,359 seats, as the biggest theatre in the capital, as well as England.

It won’t quite be the biggest in the UK though, as that title will remain with the Edinburgh Playhouse, which has 3,059 seats.

Construction on the new theatre is expected to start this June and take nine months to complete.

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The Troubadour already operates two other theatres in London – one in Wembley Park and the other in Canary Wharf, which opened in October last year and is currently home to The Hunger Games: On Stage.

At Troubadour Wembley Park, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express is currently playing.

The Greenwich theatre wouldn’t be permanent though, as planning permission has only been granted for a decade, after which the land would be used for tower blocks of flats.

These plans form part of the Greenwich Peninsula Masterplan, which will make the area “an expression of the world’s boldest architects”.

The development will span across 195 acres and create 17,500 homes.

There will also be 47 acres of open public space which will include a creative hub.

New shops and office spaces will open too, with a focus on the creative industries.

A large part of this will be a new Design District.

And there will be The Tide – a mile long park for pedestrians and cyclists with access to the riverfront.

The whole development is then set for completion in 2043.

There have been a number of new openings in the area recently as well including The Dial – a three-floor microbrewery.

On the lower floor, visitors will find a tap room home to brewing facilities.

The first floor is then focused on live sports screenings and the top floor is where visitors will find a rooftop bar with a terrace.

In May last year, The Telegraph revealed how Greenwich had become one of London’s “loveliest spots”.

The publication said: “Greenwich’s riverside pubs, bustling market and impressive museums make it the ideal place for a weekend escape (even if you live in London).”

One of the main attractions of Greenwich is its sprawling green park – which if you climb to the top of, you will find the spot where the Prime Meridian line splits the globe in two.

Here you can explore a museum as well as head inside a planetarium.

For a bite to eat, head to Greenwich Market Food Court to pick up some street food.

It is open daily and features a range of cuisines including Indian, Sicilian and Ethiopian.

Near the riverfront, you will also find a ship seemingly suspended in mid air.

The Cutty Sark used to carry tea from China to London, with the first voyage taking place in 1870.

Known as a clipper – which is a fast, three-masted sailing vessel – the ship spent eight years in the tea trade.

Visitors can explore the ship, with tickets costing £22 per adult and £11 per child.

In other theatre news, here are all the best theatre shows for kids coming to the UK in 2026 – from Dogman to Spongebob and Great Showman.

Plus, here’s how to get cheap theatre tickets in London for top West End shows.

IF you love wandering through woodland, spotting wildlife round every corner and then heading back to base to cosy up in a log cabin – this staycay is for you.

There is a hidden network of locations across the country that give Center Parcs vibes but without the price tag.

It’s easy to overlook the amazing forestry centres we have across the UK as only good for a woodland walk and to while away a few hours beneath the trees.

But some offer accommodation options as well, so you can enjoy the forest fun for even longer. 

I was wowed by how much there was to do when I went to visit Rosliston Forestry Centre in the heart of the National Forest on the border of Staffordshire and Derbyshire.

Within moments of setting off down the tree-lined path, I had spotted six different species of birds and a huge cheeky squirrel hanging upside down from a feeder right in front of a hide where you can get up close to nature without the animals being scared off by your presence. 

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On site, there are loads of facilities that wouldn’t be out of place on an upmarket holiday park, like bike hire, a small soft play for under sevens opposite the cafe and lots of fun play equipment, including a striking sparrowhawk play frame installed last year to replace a much-loved earlier version that was known to all as the Owl.

You’ll also find the real thing here as there’s a birds of prey centre on site which is often open to the public. Over Easter, visitors will be able to hold a bird for £5.

You can visit for the day or for a stay, as lodges for up to 12 guests are tucked away down a little lane, so it’s perfect for a secluded staycation.

And a half-term break for a family of four is only £479 for the week, compared to £2500 for the same seven nights at the nearest Center Parcs at Sherwood Forest.

Every school holidays, there are themed trails and extra activities on offer, so for February half-term, kids can take on a space trail to find all the planets hidden in the trees for £3.

One thing you won’t find here is a subtropical swimming dome, but if you want to recreate that element of a Center Parcs break, you’re spoilt for choice in this part of the world as you’ve got four of the UK’s best waterparks less than an hour’s drive away.

The closest and cheapest is Moorways Sports Village in Derby, where 90 minutes in the waterpark costs £10.25 per person or just £2.10 for three to five-year-olds.

As well as flumes, slides and a wave pool, there’s often an aqua inflatable obstacle course at no extra cost in the school holidays and it’s only half an hour from Rosliston.

Further afield, entry to the waterpark at Alton Towers starts at £18 a person, the Wave in Coventry costs £56 for two adults and two children during school holidays or a family ticket for four at Waterworld in Stoke is £92. They are all about an hour away.

Even if you splash out on a waterpark trip or two, you’ll still be quids in if you choose this Center Parcs alternative for your half-term break. 

And Rosliston isn’t the only Forestry England site where you can stay overnight as well as visit for the day. 

Forest Holidays offer hot tub lodges on 13 sites leased from Forestry England, Forestry and Land Scotland and Natural Resources Wales.

You can get a midweek stay for a family of four from £860 over February half-term.

Some sites are near the coast and others have outdoor adventures like archery or zipwires. 

Don’t forget to check cashback sites and membership schemes before you book as you may get an upfront discount code or money back after your stay.

Blue Light Card members can get up to £70 off Forest Holidays.

So why not head to the forest this February and be wowed by the wonders of the woodland all around us?

Plus, check out the 9 most popular Hols From £9.50 holiday parks of last year – as booking opens for 2026.

And travel expert reveal best cheap UK holiday parks with lazy rivers & fairgrounds from £13 a night – and a Center Parcs dupe.