Staycation tips and ideas

From gorgeous Getxo to the City of Love, you won’t want to come home from these mint mini-breaks

SPAIN – Palacio Arriluce Hotel, Getxo

Commissioning Editor Martha Cliff and fiancée Lauren found foodie heaven near Bilbao.

THE PAD

Perched on a striking cliffside overlooking the Bay of Abra in Getxo and with a beauty of an outdoor pool, this 18th-century boutique gem sits in a palatial setting and offers the perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary elegance.

Craving vistas of the rolling Basque mountains? You’ve got it. Want to gaze at boats bobbing in the harbour? No problem. A city view more your vibe? It’s got that, too.

Be sure to eat breakfast – think other-worldly Spanish tortilla and Iberico ham – on the terrace to take full advantage.

Meanwhile, come dinner at Delaunay, try local specialities such as grilled kokotxas (hake chin) on stewed spider crab, £35, and Iberian pork shoulder with passionfruit, £31.

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Eye-squintingly-rich chocolate mousse and pumpkin ice cream, £15, will seal the deal.

Return to your room – one of just 49 – and find home-made chocolates and lavender spray to aid a sublime slumber.

EXPLORE

The bustling city of Bilbao is a 20-minute metro ride away.

Join a three-hour walking tour with guide Saioa to learn about the history and architecture, £21 per person (Smartinbilbao.com).

Before you leave, head to Gran Vía, Bilbao’s shopping hub, and sample the famous butter buns, £2.75, at Pastelería Arrese.

Back in Getxo, stop by Bizkaia Bridge – the oldest transporter bridge in the world – and enjoy views of Bilbao from the 45-metre-high walkway.

Entry costs £9 per person (Puente-colgante.com).

REFUEL

Make sure you’re there on a Thursday to join locals in Getxo for “pintxo pote”, a foodie’s dream bar crawl and Basque country tradition.

Restaurante Ixta Bide offers four pintxos (small savoury snacks) – our fave was pintxo de txaka, akin to a mini crab sandwich – and two vinos for a mere £9.

Just don’t expect to bag a seat! Wind your way up the steps of Algorta to reach Arrantzale and finish on its perfectly salted pork belly (Arrantzale.com).

While day-tripping, step into one of Bilbao’s oldest bars, Café Iruña, just a hop from Arbando metro station.

Dating back to 1903, the beautiful tiling is reason enough to visit, but coffee for just £1.75, is a big pull, too.

Or opt for a glass of the local txakoli white wine, £2.70, instead (Cafeirunabilbao.com).

DON’T MISS

The works inside Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum are, of course, breathtaking, but the building itself and its surrounding sculptures – including Puppy, a massive dog made of flowers by American artist Jeff Koons – are worth the trip alone.

Entry costs £13 (Guggenheim-bilbao.eus).

BOOK IT

Double rooms at Palacio Arriluce Hotel cost from £249 B&B (Palacioarrilucehotel.com).

Fly to Bilbao from London Gatwick and Heathrow with Vueling from £56 return (Vueling.com).

FRANCE – Hôtel Dame des Arts, Paris

Creative Director Mark Hayman and wife Margaret fell for cocktails and culture in the French capital.

THE PAD

This sleek bolt-hole in the city’s Latin Quarter has shaken off its Holiday Inn past to channel full Hollywood glamour.

Think rich woods, bamboo accents and pretty palms, with rooms that feel like film sets, thanks to glass dividers, velvet finishes and luxe bathrooms made for long soaks.

Downstairs, Pimpan serves up bold Franco-Mexican fusions on a leafy terrace – highlights include beef tartare with piquillos, £12.50, lamb shoulder with harissa, £25, and hibiscus-poached pear, £11.

But the real scene-stealer is the rooftop bar, where 360-degree skyline views stretch from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré Cœur – even locals come here for the vistas.

Order a Spritz del Arte (Aperol, mango liqueur, rum and prosecco), £17, or the punchy Uno Mas margarita, £14, pop on your biggest sunglasses and watch the city turn blush at sunset.

There’s also a sauna and a gym kitted out with sculptural wooden equipment for those partial to a designer workout.

EXPLORE

First time in Paris? Glide down the Seine aboard the Batobus – this hop-on-hop-off riverboat is a relaxing (and photogenic) way to tick off major sights like the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre.

A day pass costs £17.50 (Batobus.com).

Once on dry land, seek out legendary bookshop Shakespeare And Company – get lost in the maze of tomes and grab an iconic tote, £13 (Shakespeareandcompany.com).

For more treasure-hunting, swing by the flea market off Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine – a weekend haven of vintage mirrors, mid-century ceramics and nostalgic postcards.

There’s no entry fee, just bring cash and your best haggling game.

Then head to the Panthéon, a neoclassical gem where Voltaire, Rousseau and Marie Curie lie in dramatic crypts beneath a rooftop dome offering jaw-dropping views.

Entry costs £10 per person (Paris-pantheon.fr).

REFUEL

Lively, retro-chic Brasserie Dubillot’s espresso martinis, £10.50, are a must, but equally good is the sausage and mash with truffle sauce, £16, steak-frites, £21, and the perfect crème brûlée, £8 (Lanouvellegarde.com/brasserie-dubillot).

Craving something casual? PNY serves next-level burgers with aged beef, brioche buns and toppings like smoked cheddar and pickled jalapeños, from £11.50 (Pnyburger.com).

Or just nab a pavement perch at Café Saint-André for a croque monsieur, £10.50, a glass of sancerre, £7, and some world-class people-watching.

DON’T MISS

Notre-Dame cathedral is one of Paris’ most iconic buildings for good reason.

Step inside to take in its Gothic arches, stained glass, and newly restored grandeur.

Entry is free, but book a time slot (Notredamedeparis.fr).

BOOK IT

Double rooms at Hôtel Dame des Arts cost from £226 per night (Damedesarts.com).

Psst…

Fancy something a little more party? Rixos Premium Dubai JBR sits in one of the UAE city’s buzziest neighbourhoods, with captivating views of Ain Dubai, the world’s biggest ferris wheel.

Suave rooms come with huge tubs, rain showers and espresso machines, from £304 per night (Rixos.com).

Downstairs is Azure Beach Club with its large pool, pumping soundtrack, outdoor gym and private beach (Azure-beach.com/dubai).

The breakfast buffet is, in true Dubai style, eye-poppingly big – you can even blend your own fresh peanut butter.

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Plus, you’re half an hour’s cab ride from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, for that classic Dubai selfie – viewing platform visits cost from £37 per person (Burjkhalifa.ae).

When you’re craving a chilled day, head to Aussie beach club Byron Bathers for lobster linguine, £37, and burrata pizza, £17, with excellent Whitsunday spritzes – an exquisite blend of grapefruit bitters, strawberry shrub, pink grapefruit, citrus vodka, Aperol and prosecco, £14 (Byronbathers.com).

WE all love a city break, but heading to the main European capitals can give your bank balance a battering.

The Serbian capital of Belgrade offers all the history and grandeur for a fraction of the price.

With beers or coffees in local cafes from £1.50, meals with wine in a decent restaurant for £15 and hotels from £40 a night, it’s perfect for those tourists looking to expand their city-break horizons without spending a fortune.

WHY SHOULD I GO? One of Europe’s oldest cities, its architecture tells its history from Roman and Ottoman to Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav.

Catch up on its recent history at the Museum of Yugoslavia, home to the tomb of Josip Broz Tito, founder of socialist Yugoslavia. The Belgrade Fortress is free to enter and offers panoramic views of the Danube and Sava rivers.

Elsewhere, the Sava Lake offers water sports, tennis and cycling, with restaurants and bars perched on the shore.

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STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? Public transport in Belgrade is free, making it easy to hop on and off the buses and trams. However, walking around the city means you can stop and rest at the traditional kafanas (coffee houses).

The main cobbled street in the city — Skadarlija — is regarded as the city’s “bohemian quarter” and is a great spot to enjoy a drink.

A walking tour of the Red Star Belgrade football stadium is not to be missed, even for those not familiar with the club. Take a walk through the famous tunnel which at 787ft is the longest pre-match walk in Europe.

Fans can get a taste of what the players go through as they are transformed into gladiators with the thumping chants from the stands.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? Tara National Park is a four-hour drive from the city for those wanting to escape the hustle.

Lake Perucac offers floating houses that allow guests to wake up on the water and look over to the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The national park has the largest population of brown bears in Serbia.

Also worth a hike is the path up to the viewpoint known as Banjska Stena, soaring above the Drina River.

Kayaking down the river also gives the best views of the worldfamous Drina River House.

The hut, first built by swimmers wanting to rest, is perched on a rock in the middle of the water and has been rebuilt multiple times. It’s definitely an Insta-worthy picture.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT? Belgrade is without doubt a city for meat eaters. For an authentic lunch, head to Drama Cevapi in the heart of Belgrade’s Dorcol district for grilled meat and fresh flatbreads.

The cevapi — minced sausages with a mix of beef, lamb or pork — come in generous portions of five from £3, and flatbreads just 45p. If you fancy a smarter dinner, Iva New Balkan Cuisine shows off traditional Balkan recipes with a stylish twist.

Beef ribs with a celery and apple cream, honey and mustard seed glaze or pork belly with kohlrabi salad, pickled beetroot and crackling will set you back just over £10.

The main cobbled street in the city — Skadarlija — is regarded as the city’s ‘bohemian quarter’ and is a great spot to enjoy a drink

Meanwhile, Restoran Uzelac is a short taxi ride from the city centre where spit-roasted lamb is served by the kilo.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? There’s a bed for every budget.

The Stari Grad district is best for a central location and the five-star Square Nine is great for those with deep pockets.

The gold-fronted building gives a cool oasis from the busy streets and features a wellness spa with a 59ft swimming pool.

Expect luxury linen and cashmere throws, with rooms from £300 a night. But there are also some fantastic budget options.

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Boatel Charlie is set on the Danube. It is a chic barge with contemporary interiors that has rooms from £43 a night.

The neighbourhood of Dorcol is the place to stay to meet the locals, with multiple coffee shops and markets.

MY early summer holiday a distant memory, the Costa del Sol seemed just the ticket for some autumn sunshine.

Leaving behind rainy Blighty, I was soon lying by the pool in Spain lapping up the rays — and throughout our stay in the first week of October temperatures ranged from 26C to 28C.

We were in the Ramada Hotel and Suites resort near Fuengirola, next to the beach and just half an hour from both Malaga airport and party town Marbella.

It comprises beautiful self-catering apartments spread over five areas — and TEN pools.

The main pool is adjacent to the resort’s most popular cafe and bar, Zac’s, and has a lively vibe.

But I found the one closest to our apartment, in the Sierra Marina area of the resort, was an oasis of calm, with a lovely sea view and a quiet, respectful group of holidaymakers.

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Another bigger pool, served by a bar and restaurant, is on sister site the Wyndham Grand which shares its facilities, including a gym and spa, with the Ramada.

I indulged in an hour-long facial which was a wonderful way to kick off a relaxing holiday. My daughter enjoyed a circulation-boosting massage, and there were numerous other tempting treatments to try.

The massage with bamboo sticks, which sounded more painful than it was, came recommended by a fellow guest.

While there are plenty of places to eat out, I prefer a little independence on holiday and our apartment offered everything we needed to get the best of both worlds. As well as its two comfy bedrooms and bathrooms, there was a roomy lounge and kitchen, with dining table, cooker and large fridge.

But its finest feature, given the glorious weather, was the large balcony overlooking the Mediterranean — big enough for a table with six chairs, two comfy armchairs and a parasol, so we could enjoy casual lunches of fresh bread, meats and cheeses bought from the on-site store.

There were also plenty of options for eating out, from budget-friendly Zac’s to Restaurant El Tajo — not owned by the resort despite being on site, and serving authentic Spanish food including a lip-smacking paella which has to be ordered 24 hours in advance.

We particularly enjoyed the Wyndham site’s Safari restaurant which offers a huge array of gorgeous tapas — I thoroughly recommend the baked provolone cheese — as well as dishes to suit all tastes, from pasta to fish and steak.

There is also a lounge bar for late-night drinks, hosting singers most nights, as well as other live entertainment including the popular Flamenco night at the poolside bar.

The sprawling, hilly nature of the resort means a lot of walking — I easily hit my 10,000-step target every day.

But for those less able or willing to get about there is a handy road train you can hop on and off at various points across the complex.

Away from the resort, the town of Fuengirola is a 30-minute walk or €9 taxi ride and its pretty squares are teeming with bars and restaurants.

Perfect off-peak getaway

Half an hour away is also Puerto Banus, a stunning marina lined with designer stores and restaurants and packed with yachts worth millions.

It is a hangout for the glam Marbella crowd and well worth a visit — although prices here are sky high.

But I recommend leaving the main marina by taking the stairs to the coastal path, where restaurants line the clifftop and you can watch the spectacular sunset over the sea while enjoying a meal of locally caught fish and seafood.

The stunning old town of Marbella is a far cry from its infamously full-on beach clubs and nightlife

The stunning old town of Marbella is a far cry from its infamously full-on beach clubs and nightlife.

Its narrow, picturesque cobblestone streets are lined with unique boutiques and jewellery stores and lead to the stunning Plaza de los Naranjos (Square of Oranges) which, good to its name, is lined with fruit trees as well as beautiful flowerbeds.

But closer to our resort, nestled in the mountains above Fuengirola, was the biggest treat of the holiday — the village of Mijas Pueblo.

One of the “white villages” typical of this southern Spanish region of Andalucia, it welcomes visitors into a main square overlooked by the beautiful town hall.

Behind the square are quaint narrow streets of white buildings, with picturesque blue flowerpots adding a splash of colour.

Brightly painted crockery and leather bags are sold in tiny stores and upstairs terraces in many of the eateries offer a view over the main square, mountains and sea.

Another highlight for me was the La Ermita de la Virgen de la Pena (Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock), a tiny but beautiful church carved into the natural stone of the mountain by friars in 1548.

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Along with its warm weather, the Costa del Sol has an average of just 35 days of rain a year, most of which falls between November and January.

It’s also a golfer’s paradise, with 70 courses, and with year-round sun is the perfect off-peak getaway.

THE UK is full of pretty towns and villages – but this one is home to one of the best pubs in the country.

According to the Good Food Guide this restaurant is a place where you’ll get some of the tastiest food in the country – and the village has lots to see too.

Dedham is in Essex, right on the border with Suffolk and it sits on the River Stour which passes through the north tip of the village.

It’s filled with tearooms, restaurants and a pub called The Sun Inn which has an award-winning wine list and two AA rosette awards.

Speaking about The Sun Inn, the Good Food Guide said: “As slices of English heritage go, Piers Baker’s 15th-century yellow-washed coaching inn right in the heart of Dedham is nigh-on perfect.

“There’s a sense of seasonality too in menus that offer a winning mix of updated pub classics and more inventive, Italian-accented dishes built around prime seasonal ingredients.

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“White the Sun is an emphatically laid-back place, there’s no corner-cutting.”

On Sundays the pub serves roast dinners including beef, port and celeriac all with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables Yorkshire puddings and gravy.

They also serve up breakfast, kids meals as well as a Christmas menu.

You can stay at the pub too in one of the seven rooms – which for bed and breakfast starts at £185 (based on two people sharing).

Some of the rooms are dog-friendly, and all have big beds and ensuite bathrooms.

The River Stour, which begins west of Great Bradley in Cambridgeshire, and ends in the North Sea at Harwich passes through the village.

It’s often used for canoeing and kayaking with picnickers setting up along the bank during the summer months.

Dedham is a village on the outskirts of Colchester, which was once the country’s ‘oldest town’.

Colchester was given city status just two years ago as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

It was one of the very first Roman cities, and it’s history stretches back thousands of years.

Here’s more from on Sun Writer who swapped the Cotswolds for a less-crowded but equally quaint weekend in Essex’s most perfect market town.

Plus, here’s England’s smallest town which has riverfront pubs, man-made beach and its own train station.

Quaint British villages with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs – handpicked by our travel writers

Harrogate, North Yorkshire – Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter
For the last few years, my annual trip to Harrogate has been an immovable fixture in my calendar. The Victorian spa town is the perfect place for a little bit of R&R thanks to its history of spa tourism, which is very much alive. Head to The Harrogate Spa at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel if you’d like a pamper, which is a personal favourite of mine. Make sure to overindulge at Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms where a glass of pink champagne and a huge scone are almost compulsory.

Lavenham, Suffolk – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
One of my favourite villages I’ve ever visited in England is Lavenham, which is beautiful in autumn. Said to be the best preserved medieval village in the UK, it is known for two buildings – the 600-year-old Crooked House and the De Vere House, which featured in the Harry Potter films. Warm up at The Swan Hotel, which has its cosy Weavers Spa onsite.

Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Perched atop a craggy cliff, overlooking a dinky shore, Robin Hood’s Bay seems like something from a fiction tale or a North Yorkshire postcard. In summer, you’ll find dogs sprinting along the sands, while owners tuck into fresh crab sandwiches from the beachside hut and little ones fish for treasures in the rock pools. I prefer the village in winter, though, when the weather takes a turn and nature comes alive with the grassy dunes dancing in the wind and moody waves thrashing on the rocks.

Hay On Wye, Wales – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel – Digital
When I first set foot in Hay-On-Wye, I couldn’t believe I’d left it until my late thirties to visit – what a waste of a few decades. The small town on the Welsh borders that sits on the River Wye is probably best known for hosting the annual Hay literary festival, and it’s definitely a book-lovers paradise – with more than 20 book stores to explore. They sit among the many antiques shops, which sell everything from fabulous Welsh rugs to toy soldiers, trinkets and beautiful furniture.  There are so many things to browse that I could probably waste a whole week on second-hand shopping alone. 

Letchmore Heath, Hertfordshire – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
This quintessential little village may seem very familiar to some. It’s tiny – with just 150 houses, a village green, a pond and a lovely pub, The Three Horseshoes. But with Elstree Studios just up the road, it has been used as a set in countless films, in particular the 1960s British horror movie, Village of the Damned. Its close proximity to London – just half an hour away on a train from nearby Radlett or Elstree and Borehamwood station – means it’s easy to get to.

WHEN Corfe Castle was besieged during the English Civil War, little else surrounded it bar rolling countryside and a narrow river below.

Today the rocky ruins of the 11th century fortress, perched high on a hill, watch over a jumble of wonky brick buildings housing antique stores crammed with dainty ornaments and cafes selling cakes piled high with whipped cream.

With such a chocolate-box look to it, I’m not surprised that this teeny Dorset gem, just a 25-minute drive south of Poole, is so frequently-named the prettiest village in the UK.

Autumn is a spectacular time to visit Corfe Castle village. In the coming months, the ivy that clings to the thatched cottages will have turned a fiery shade of red and the beginnings of the wintry chill can be soothed with a pint in front of a roaring log burner at the local pub.

Aptly named after the old fortress itself, this village is one of the many highlights of a post-summer visit to this area.

I return to this neck of the woods every autumn, in part because of the unspoilt beaches, which look just as beautiful in blustery season as they do in pure sunshine, and also for the cliff-top hiking trails that give way to jaw-dropping views over the rolling ocean.

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SANDS NICE

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From the top of the South West Coast Path with nothing but ocean on the horizon, it can feel like you’re standing at the very edge of earth.

This time I am staying at a Dorset Hideaways property, the rather grand Grove Lodge in Osmington, close to Ringstead Bay.

Sleeping up to 11, this holiday home is completely geared up for large groups and families, with five contemporary country-style bedrooms.

As well as a spacious sitting room with a cosy fireplace, there’s a smart country kitchen, dining room, snug and a small annex, which comes with its own double bed and a mini kitchenette.

The standout feature of the property, however, has to be its cracking location, less than a 20-minute drive from family-friendly Weymouth beach and half an hour from Corfe Castle.

In summertime, Weymouth comes alive with holidaymakers chomping on candy floss, pushing pennies through the arcade’s slot machines and settling on the sands for a Punch and Judy puppet show.

But some may say it’s even better in autumn when beaches are empty and dogs almost outnumber humans, splashing about in the frothing waves (pooches are banned from the main section of the beach in summer months).

Staggering views

Those visiting without kids, on the other hand, should head to Lulworth Cove, just a 20-minute drive in the opposite direction from Grove Lodge, where the deep blue sea is framed by a horseshoe of pebbles.

The walk from here to the famous Durdle Door — named after a natural limestone arch protruding from the ocean — is a popular one, mainly because of the staggering views.

Just come prepared for a steep climb, and make sure you’re well-fuelled for it. In my opinion, there’s no better way to do that than with a top-notch Sunday roast.

One of the best portions of fish and chips you’ll ever eat will set you back £20, while a fresh crab brioche roll served with chips costs £16

Head to the nearby Weld Arms, where plates of pillowy Yorkshire puddings accompany slices of rare roast beef doused in meaty gravy. Or for a lighter bite, the Boat Shed Cafe, right on Lulworth Cove, dishes up fish finger sandwiches, jacket spuds and home-made soups, all for around a tenner.

If you’re after something really special, nothing beats The Anchor Inn in Seatown, which sits at the edge of a relatively isolated pebble beach, further west of Lulworth.

Fresh and local is the order of the day here and the fish-focused menu is one that keeps foodies coming back. I devoured a big bowl of bouillabaisse (French fish stew) which was packed with prawns the size of my fists and flaky salmon, served with a hunk of sourdough.

One of the best portions of fish and chips you’ll ever eat will set you back £20, while a fresh crab brioche roll served with chips costs £16.

And for dessert? Tea and cake is best consumed in Corfe Castle. The cafe serves generous wedges of raspberry cake and caramel shortbread coated in a thick layer of chocolate.

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This is the place to pick up holiday souvenirs, too. Trinkets are aplenty in the little shops that line the main street, from home-made soaps to coffee table books, detailing the best UK surfing spots, many of which are in the surrounding areas.

Well . . .  when in Rome.

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

This week, for our Halloween special, we look at Chester, which claims to be one of the UK’s spookiest destinations.

MUST SEE/DO

Whether you’re visiting around Halloween or not, you’ll still be able to learn about this city’s haunted history thanks to a year-round programme of nighttime tours with Chester Ghost Tours.

A local guide will steer you around some of Chester’s most eerie haunts as they recount spine-chilling tales of ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night.

The tours last 90 minutes and cost £10 per adult, or £30 for a family of four.

HIDDEN GEMS

Liquor & Co may look like your ordinary, if rather sleek, bar but within this venue is another secret – an even more excellent bar. It’s only open to those in the know, however.

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Tell the bar staff that you’d like to “see the caretaker” and you’ll be taken to a plush seating area that serves scarily good cocktails.

For something unusual, Sick To Death tells the gory story of medicine through time.

Visitors can explore pestilence-ridden Diagnosis Alley, perform an autopsy and may even encounter the Grim Reaper.

The experience costs £8 for adults and £4.50 for kids.

BEST VIEW

The city walls offer an excellent vantage point to take in the main hub of Chester below.

The complete circuit stretches for about two miles.

Keep your eyes peeled for the ghost of a Roman legionnaire, which has been spotted between the amphitheatre and Newgate.

According to folklore, he fell in love with a local girl and frequently left his post to meet up with her. One night, her angry parents killed the soldiers left on guard.

The lovestruck soldier still haunts his post today.

RATED RESTAURANT

Keeping in line with the spooky theme, try Death By Tacos on Watergate Street.

The birria taco comes crammed full of slow-cooked beef that has been stewed in stout and is topped with grilled cheese, pink pickled onions and salsa verde.

The wings aren’t bad either, smothered in the restaurant’s spice blend

BEST BAR

The 1920s-themed Prohibition bar is a spectacular speakeasy, also on Watergate Street.

Inside are dark wooden bookshelves, red velvet curtains and sultry tones to accompany cocktails.

Try the Peanut Butter Old Fashioned, made from peanut butter-infused bourbon, maple syrup and aromatic bitters.

HOTEL PICK

The Pied Bull, a historic pub with rooms, is apparently home to a ghost that haunts its cellar.

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The rooms are far more appealing, however, with a cottage-like feel to them and cosy beds backed by floral wallpaper.

Double rooms cost from £133 with breakfast.

WHEN Bobby Bolton packed up his life to travel the world two years ago, he didn’t expect to still be on the move – or to have found the places he has.

So far he’s travelled through 41 countries, and there’s one in particular that he encourages tourists to explore, and it’s well off the beaten track.

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia with huge mountain ranges and crystal clear lakes.

It isn’t your classic holiday spot, but for anyone wanting a bit more than lazing about on a sun lounger, it might just be the perfect destination.

Talking to Sun Travel about his adventure, Bobby told us: “I would describe Kyrgyzstan as being Switzerland 200 years ago, there’s not a lot of development there but the scenery is fantastic.

“You can hike up the mountains, swim in the alpine lakes – it’s the best place and it’s really not touristy because there’s no infrastructure.

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“It’s raw beauty, and it’s really cheap. It’s a third of the price in the UK in terms of food and fuel, which is what we spend our money on.”

Bobby and his fiancée Marie ventured in the mountains where they were invited to eat with local horseman who lived off the land.

They make their own honey and milk, eat beef from the cattle, and grow their own vegetables.

For anyone travelling like Bobby, by truck or car, he also added that it’s very easy to park as you can do it “almost anywhere, by beautiful lake, or at the foot of mountains”.

Bobby, who is from Wigan, travels around the world in his huge truck – and manages to do it on around £35 a day spending their cash mostly on food and fuel.

You can read more about Bobby’s travels in his book, Truck It!: The Drive Around the World That Saved My Life – and keep up with his travels at one.life.truck.it.

It isn’t just Bobby talking about Kyrgyzstan.

Original Travel reveals that there’s a growing interest in the country for “savvy travellers looking for unspoilt, off the beaten track destinations”.

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia bordering Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan,

It’s surrounded by mountains as it’s part of the Tian Shan range which has some of the tallest peaks in the world – as high as 24,400 feet.

Other natural wonders include its alpine lakes, grassy plains and hot springs.

Amongst the landscapes are plenty of wildlife like snow leopards and Siberian ibex which are in the high mountains, and Tian Shan brown bears in forests. 

The country also supports many bird species like the Himalayan griffin vulture and golden eagles.

One popular spot is Fairytale Canyon, or to use its official name, Skazka Canyon, a desert-like landscape made from red sandstone.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “An amazing place to visit in Kyrgyzstan. Mesmerizing scenery.”

Another added: “One of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan. If you want unforgettable photos, then you definitely need to come here, not far from the main highway. Everything was great and a lot of emotions.”

As for alpine lakes, Kyrgyzstan has over 2,000 of them – one of the more impressive ones is Issyk-Kul.

It’s the second-largest high-altitude lake in the world and is known as the ‘warm lake’ because it never fully freezes due to its high salt concentration.

The hot springs at Altyn Arashan have both paid and free options when it comes to taking a dip.

These are in a mountain valley so you have to get there on horseback or via a 4×4.

It’s not all wilderness, mountains and lakes, the capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek in the north of the country.

Other bigger cities include Osh, Jalal-Abad, Karakol, Tokmok, and Kara-Balta, and these spots are where you’ll find hotels, restaurants and cafes.

And again, this will not break the bank, checking prices on Wise, a meal for two at a restaurants will set you back 1,500сом which in British pounds is £13.07.

The price of a beer is 100сом which is just 87p and a cappuccino is 175.24сом which is £1.53.

When it comes to getting there, Bishkek is where the main airport is, but you can’t fly directly there from the UK.

To get there, the easiest journey for Brits is to head to Istanbul in Turkey and take a connecting flight from there.

One of the quickest journeys is with Pegasus, who fly from London Stansted to Istanbul Sabiha, and an onward flight to Bishkek taking a total of 10 hours.

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Here are five lesser-visted coastal resorts that are crowd-free alternatives for 2026…

Black Sea Coast, Turkey

First up is the Black Sea Coast in Turkey, essentially the opposite side of the country to where you’ll find the likes of Antalya and Bodrum.

When it comes to attractions, some of the most popular sites are the Sumela Monastery which was built into a cliffside, and the Yedigoller National Park for natural beauty and lakes.

Northumberland, UK

The county was named by Airbnb as being one of the ‘trending’ beach destinations around the world.

The northern county of Northumberland has been getting lots of attention during summer 2025, with plenty of pretty beaches that are usually less busy than those in the south.

Trends suggest people are looking more towards the north in towns like Bamburgh and Embleton Bay. And an overnight stay in Northumberland can be as little as £45 per night.

Albanian Riviera, Albania

Albania is becoming more popular every year with some even calling it the affordable dupe of Italy‘s Amalfi coast. It’s cheaper, with incredible beaches, pretty towns and bustling cities.

In terms of affordability, in Albania, meals cost under £10 and accommodation averages £40 a night.

Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria

Just around the corner from Turkey is the Black Sea Coastline in Bulgaria where you’ll find cities like Varna in the north, and Burgas in the south.

In-between are popular resorts like Sunny Beach and Albena – which are known for their affordability. You don’t have to stick to the big resort towns though, there are other, quieter places like Nessebar, which is also one of the cheapest destinations in Europe.

Silver Coast, Portugal

There are plenty of beautiful places in Portugal and most of them are very well known like the Algarve which has golden beaches, and cities like Lisbon and Porto.

Just between those two cities is the Silver Coast which is more overlooked despite it being more affordable than other destinations. Here you’ll find the Aveiro, also called the ‘Venice of Portugal‘ because of its canals and gondola-style boats.

For more travel and money saving tips, Race Across the World winner Alfie Watts gives Sun Travel his best advice.

And check out the holiday destinations Sun Travel predicts will be HUGE in 2026 thanks to cheap hotels, flights and pints.

A BRAND new visitor attraction is coming to a UK city – and it is opening tomorrow.

Zip World – a UK outdoor adventure giant – is opening its first ever city-centre site in Wales.

The new destination will be located on top of the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The attraction will open tomorrow and will have three experiences.

The first experience is a Stadium Walk, where visitors can step across the rooftop of the Principality Stadium and gain panoramic views of the city.

At Stadium Drop, visitors can abseil down the side of the stadium.

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Finally, at Stadium Flyer, visitors can head on a zip line across a 60 metre high canopy.

Unlike other Zip World attractions, the Cardiff site will sell tickets to each experience individually – so visitors can chose one experience, two or all three.

Tickets will start from £25 per person.

The opening of Zip World Cardiff at Principality Stadium will be Zip World’s second city-centric location, following the opening of Helix and ArcelorMittal Orbit 360 in London last year.

The attraction is opening in partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

The attraction was previously branded under the name Scale and was operated by Wire & Sky.

Zip World will now be the new operator of the Principality Stadium roof top attraction after securing a deal with the WRU.

Andrew Hudson, CEO of Zip World, commented: “Bringing Zip World to Cardiff is a proud moment for us.

“It’s our first stadium location and our first city-centre location in Wales.

“It’s chance to bring something new to the capital, in a place that means a lot to our team and to the wider Welsh public.

“Taking on the rooftop operations at Principality Stadium marks the start of an exciting new chapter – one where Zip World will act as a strategic partner to help shape the stadium’s next phase.

“This is just the beginning.

“Our team is working hard behind the scenes, and we can’t wait to introduce even more adventures to the stadium and bring a bit of Zip World magic to Cardiff – watch this space!”

Sean Taylor, founder and president of Zip World added: “As a lifelong rugby fan, I’ve got fond memories of watching Wales play as a young lad.

“The atmosphere was electric and the Andy Haden dive in 1978 is something I’ll never forget.

“To now be taking on the rooftop adventures at Principality Stadium marks a significant step forward for Zip World.”

Zip World also recently announced a new adventure attraction in one of the UK’s best loved beauty spots – with a huge underground zip wire.

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Plus, the new Guinness brewery attraction FINALLY announces opening date for the UK.

THE UK must be home to hundreds, if not thousands, of Christmas markets – but having explored many across the UK, the South West is home to the best.

Devon comes alive in the winter months – the moors become snowy, small villages have pubs with glowing fires and towns become decked out with huge light installations.

Having lived in London for five years now, I have been to a fair few in the capital and even further afield, such as Newcastle.

But each time I visit a new Christmas market I am reminded of the ones in Devon – and honestly none compare.

Totnes Christmas Market

Totnes is the Devon Christmas Market that takes the top spot in my heart – nothing really compares to it.

Set all along the medieval town’s high street, it really does feel like stepping into the middle ages.

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And what makes it even more fun, is it takes place solely in the late afternoon to evening.

This year the market will take place on December 2, 9 and 16 from 3pm to 9pm.

Despite Totnes only being a small town, the market features over 70 stalls.

And thanks to being located on the high street (the road is closed for the event), all the shops stay open late as well with lots of festive activities inside too.

I often think Totnes is the best town in the UK for independent shops, so it is usually the Christmas market where I find the most gifts (including some for myself).

The market then also has two food court areas, one in the Civic Hall carpark and one at The Mansion.

If you head there on the final date, you will get to see the beautiful Totnes Carnival Lantern Parade as well.

Starting at 4:30pm, the parade works its way through the town.

Carols are performed in St Mary’s Church as well, and Totnes Elizabethan Museum will be open too.

Listen to your favourite carols with performances from local schools and community choirs outside St Mary’s Church.

Exeter Christmas Market

Based around the city’s historic cathedral, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market will take place from November 20 to December 19.

This market really feels magical because as you peruse around, you’ll be in the shadow of the breathtaking cathedral.

It is Devon’s biggest Christmas market with over a hundred festive chalets, but isn’t so large that it makes it overwhelming – so it’s perfect to get comfortably into the Christmas spirit.

There are a number of stalls selling seasonal gifts and food, as well as mulled wine.

The market is full of local traders which makes it really special, including South Devon Chilli Farm – well-known for its chilli chocolate.

Devon is also a top spot for cider producers, and at this year’s market there will be Ventons Devon Cyder, made with vintage cyder apples.

Christmas Shopping Fayre

If you are panicking about what to get people or have a lot of people to buy for, then head to the Christmas Shopping Fayre at Westpoint in Exeter.

Across December 5, 6 and 7, visitors can head to this giant Christmas market – which is inside!

There are lots of stalls selling a range of items, and there is even a free Santa’s grotto.

It costs £5 per adult to enter and children under 16-years-old are free.

Michaelmas Fair

‍The Michaelmas Fair is another one located in an amazing setting – but this time it is at a castle.

Found at Powderham Castle in Exeter, The Michaelmas Fair will take place on November 6, between 10am and 3pm.

There are a number of stalls selling crafted items and gifts you can’t find on the high street and of course, food and drink is available as well.

The setting is also a big draw to this market as it is located in the courtyard of the castle.

Unusually, if you have an antique or collectible, bring it along and you can have it valued for free.

It costs £3.50 per person, if you book in advance, or £5 per person on the door.

Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre

Located at Newton Abbot Racecourse on November 29, you will find the Christmas Fayre.

The event will take place between 10am and 4pm and there will be a number of family activities to enjoy.

The best thing about Newton Abbot Racecourse is that it is super accessible via public transport, thanks to being close to Newton Abbot town centre.

In addition to 70 local stallholders with handmade jewellery and decorations, there will also be a Christmas Village with 60 stables featuring craftsmen.

There’s a cafe as well, with mulled wine, hot drinks and lunch options available.

This event though, is definitely a top spot for kids as there is a face painter, Dartmoor ponies and even a snow globe that you can step inside.

Families can also take part in a pottery painting workshop or adults can opt to make a wreath.

Tickets cost £3 per adult and children are free.

Christmas Artisan Market and ‘Dino-roars’ Christmas storytelling

Last but not least is a Christmas market in a hidden spot.

The small village of Cockington is just set back from the Torbay seafront, but feels like a completely different world from the surrounding area.

Think thatched cottages and little streams.

Taking place on December 14 between 10:30am and 4pm, Cockington Court will host an artisan market with handmade products from local businesses and artists, such as glassblowers, jewellers and florists.

Entry is free.

The Seven Dials cafe will be open for hot drinks, lunch options, cream teas and sweet treats.

For kids, there will also be ‘Dino-roars’ Christmas storytelling, where families can listen to Christmas tales including ‘The Christmasaurus and the night before Christmas’ by Tom Fletcher and ‘The Dinosaur Who Pooped a Reindeer’ by Tom Fletcher and Dougie.

Kids can even meet some of the dino characters and make dinosaur Christmas trees.

The storytelling sessions cost £4.50 per person.

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In other Christmas market news, one of the UK’s most popular holiday parks to get £2million winter wonderland.

Plus, the UK Christmas market that attracts nearly two million visitors is getting three new attractions.

CENTER Parcs has revealed a multi-million pound Christmas experience at one of their parks this year.

The site in Suffolk has invested £2million to transform its Winter Wonderland, and its opening next month.

Elveden Forest has upgraded certain areas of the park for Christmas, and has added its Woodland Workshop.

From November 7, families will get the chance to meet Santa and his elves who are hard at work before the big day.

You can also get a glimpse of Santa while enjoying brunch at Huck’s, or join the team for a festive dance along to Christmas tunes at Santa’s Greetings.

The wooden chalet will have a snow-capped roof and be wrapped in pine decorations next to a huge Christmas tree.

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There’s a new Christmas Shop too, filled with festive gifts, bespoke decorations, souvenirs and hand-painted baubles.

When the weather gets chilly, guests can warm up in the Tipi, enjoy a hot chocolate, mince pies, traditional sausage rolls, Bratwurst, and Christmas tree-shaped waffles.

Santa’s Woodland Village has been refreshed and visitors can enjoy the new seasonal displays.

It’s there where guests will find the new Snow Zone, a giant snow globe where families can step inside for a festive photo.

Other attractions include the Enchanted Light Garden which is essentially a festive light trail which is open from 4PM-9PM every day.

There are also activities like the Elf Pyjama Party, and festive craft workshops throughout the day.

Lots of activities are included in the price of a break over the festive period – and you can even pre-order decorations to dress up the lodge too.

You can book to stay in Center Parcs’ hotels or apartment, to treehouses, and the newly introduced premium lodges.

If you still want to book, Sun Travel found that a family of four can book a Woodland Lodge for four nights in Elveden Forest from November 17 to November 21 for £629 – which works out at £39.31pppn.

Of course there aren’t just festive activites, at Elveden Forest you can also check out the Subtropical Swimming Paradise which is head to 29.5C.

So you won’t have to worry about being cold while swimming in a number of pools, heading down flumes or the a ‘Tropical Cyclone’ slide and checking out the water rapids.

The site recently announced that it will refurbish Venture Cove in The Subtropical Swimming Paradise, with the site expecting to reopen the attraction on December 19.

The Aqua Sana Spa on-site also underwent refurbishment in 2023, with a new £6.5million Forest Spa opening with steam rooms, saunas, a heated outdoor pool, an ice cave and a number of relaxation rooms.

Other activities include golf, archery, dance classes, inflatable football, glow-in-the-dark badminton and table tennis, to winter workshops.

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This new attraction opened at Elveden in summer 2025…

Center Parcs’ new Treetop Glider experience allows guests to glide above the forest canopy, passing views of its lake and the surrounding countryside.

Riders will have to take a leap of faith from a treehouse nestled in the woods, to then glide along a 180-metre track.

Along the route there will be twists and turns, as well as views of the Suffolk countryside and Elveden’s lake.

To go on the ride, guests must be between 1.1metres and 1.87metres tall and each rider will get two laps of the course, per booking.

The experience opened on September 2, 2025.

Set within the Breckland, an area of national importance, there are a number of other treetop adventures at Elveden Forest, including Aerial Adventure, where guests are secured to a harness and get to swing through the trees.

The aerial rope course gets gradually higher, before it finishes with a zip wire experience.

For more Center Parcs upgrades, check out the first pictures of the holiday park coming soon to Scotland.

And for anyone heading to the holiday park soon, Center Parcs has introduced a huge change to check in times.

PAULTONS Park has finally revealed the opening date for its much anticipated Viking Valgard land.

Valgard: Realm of the Vikings will be a “fully immersive Viking world bursting with all new adventures, epic discovery, and legendary rides”.

And the new £12million development is set to open on May 16, 2026.

Visitors will be able to head on Drakon – Paultons’ most thrilling rollercoaster yet with two inversions and a “beyond-vertical drop”.

There will also be Raven, which is the park’s Gerstlauer Bobsled ride reimagined and Vild Swing, which swings 12 metres high and is a first of its kind in the UK.

There will also be a themed playground.

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After exploring the attractions, visitors can head to the Feasting Hall where they can chose from a range of hearty dishes.

Valgard: Real of the Vikings will be located next to Lost Kingdom.

According to Paultons’ website, the land will be suitable for parents, older children and teenagers, with the new rides not for the faint-hearted.

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, previously said: “We’ve opened two brand-new rides in the last two years and with the build of Valgard firmly underway, we’re excited to open a further three, bigger-and-better-than-ever-before rides, between now and summer 2027.

“Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans.

“The introduction of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon certainly up the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, but staying true to our roots, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones and there is something for all of the family in our new Viking village.”

Once Valgard: Realm of the Vikings opens, the theme park will boast over 80 rides and attractions across six themed worlds.

In March of this year, the park also submitted plans to build a new holiday village with a resort offering.

It would be located next to Valgard: Realm of the Vikings and would feature between 85 and 95 lodges, parking and its own entrance.

In May, the park then also released a 26-second trailer on YouTube for 2027.

The video doesn’t show much other than a wave washing over a giant ‘2027’ sign standing on a rock, but many fans have speculated that the park will be getting a new water ride.

One person commented: “It’s gonna be the long rumoured water coaster.”

Another said: “Judging by the clue being water, I think that the new investment for 2027 will be a Mack Rides Water Coaster.”

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Paultons Park was also named the best theme park in the UK – scooping up 10 awards recently.

Plus, it is the UK’s best value theme park also has the shortest queue times in the country.

THE UK’s biggest indoor tropical waterpark is about to get even better.

The new owners of the enormous attraction in Staffordshire have promised ‘upgrades’ and ‘grand plans’ coming as soon as next month.

Waterworld Aqua Park in Stoke-on-Trent is known for its thrilling slides, pools, and best of all, being 30C even in winter.

Earlier this year, Waterworld Leisure Limited and Waterworld Leisure Group Limited was bought in a multi-million pound sale by a European company, Looping Group.

Waterworld’s managing director Wayne Goodall said: “Recent years have seen big changes at the resort, and we are all excited about this new phase. With the new owners, we will bring experience, quality and security to the next level.

“Waterworld itself has already had a total overhaul of its Water’s Edge Restaurant, focusing on a new, high-quality menu and a reorganised, speed-of-service system to give our guests more time in the pool and less time queuing for their lunch.

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“There are significant upgrade plans for the pool hall installations this November too and guests will start to see lots of improvements for themselves, very quickly, and grander plans are also in the pipeline.”

Waterworld has 30 different rides and attractions including Thunderbolt, the UK’s first trap door drop waterslide, of course there’s a main pool and river rapids too.

The Space Bowl is another popular one, where visitors are thrown around a “UFO” before ending up in the splash pool beneath.

Other rides include Nucleus – a water rollercoaster – as well as Stormchaser and Cyclone.

It’s not all about pools though as The Waterworld Leisure Resort also has Adventure Mini Golf with two 18-hole, tiki-themed mini golf courses, and M Club Spa and gym.

In 2024, £13million was spent on behind-the-scenes upgrades to the waterpark.

The year before in 2023, one of the new additions was the £250,000 immersive play village.

Inside the Adventure Mini Village is its own mini Staffordshire Barge, The Old Vic Theatre and kids can even create their own pottery in the Kiln.

There’s also a post office, vets, doctors, farm shop, construction site and ice cream van.

A restaurant, cafe and gift shop are also of course on-site, and an outdoor pool which will reopen in spring.

The Waterworld site isn’t the only one owned by Looping Group – it acquired Drayton Manor in August 2020 and West Midlands Safari Park in 2018.

Currently, Waterworld is offering tickets to the water park for £19.99 (up until November 3, 2025).

To make the most of your visit, you can get one visit to Waterworld Aqua Park and one visit to West Midlands Safari Park for £35pp.

The offer is called the Splash ‘N’ Safari Ticket and is available to buy up until February 1, 2026.

Other combination tickets include the Waterworld and Adventure Mini Golf Combo ticket.

This is valid for a one single admission to Waterworld and one round of 18 holes at Adventure Mini Golf for £30pp.

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One writer visited the ‘world’s best waterpark’ just three hours from the UK and it’s like being on another planet.

Plus, here are three of the UK’s biggest indoor waterparks with tropical climates and heated infinity pools.

WHEN it comes to booking a holiday, Brits are starting to look at destinations off the radar – and slightly cheaper too.

Rather than heading to the Algarve, the Costa del Sol, or even the French Riviera – here are some alternative, but still beautiful coastlines where you can get everything you want from a holiday, at a fraction of the price.

Black Sea Coast, Turkey

First up is the Black Sea Coast in Turkey, essentially the opposite side of the country to where you’ll find the likes of Antalya and Bodrum.

National Geographic even named the Black Sea Coast in Turkey as one of its “best places in the world to travel to in 2026”.

As for why, the publication added the coastline is “an adventurous, less travelled alternative to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts”.

When it comes to attractions, some of the most popular sites are the Sumela Monastery which was built into a cliffside, and the Yedigoller National Park for natural beauty and lakes.

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Some of the most popular towns include Amasra which is known for its pretty beaches and traditional culture – it sits peninsula jutting into the sea.

Another is the city of Samsun which while it isn’t known for its beaches, the coastline is a pretty picture.

Atakum Sahili is a popular spot as it has a long promenade full of shops, restaurants and cafes.

Hotels in the Black Sea Region of Turkey can cost as little as £69 for five nights (based on a two person stay) – which works out at £6.90pppn, according to Booking.com.

As it’s lesser visited, to get to the likes of Samsun, Brits will have to take a flight that requires a stopover in the likes of Istanbul.

Northumberland, UK

If you want to stay closer to home, check out the pretty coastline of Northumberland.

The county was named by Airbnb as being one of the ‘trending’ beach destinations around the world.

The northern county of Northumberland has been getting lots of attention during summer 2025, with plenty of pretty beaches that are usually less busy than those in the south.

Airbnb said: “Northumberland is drawing more summer visitors, with searches up over 50 per cent this summer, thanks to its pristine North Atlantic beaches.”

Usually when the hot weather hits, it’s the south of England that tourists – international and national flock to.

But actually, trends say people are looking more towards the north in towns like Bamburgh and Embleton Bay.

An overnight stay in Northumberland can be as little as £45 per night.

In comparison, staying in and around Cornwall‘s St Ives, one of the busiest towns during the summer season tends to be upwards from £150.

Albanian Riviera, Albania

Albania is becoming more popular every year with some even calling it the affordable dupe of Italy‘s Amalfi coast.

It’s cheaper, with incredible beaches, pretty towns and bustling cities.

In terms of affordability, in Albania, meals cost under £10 and accommodation averages £40 a night.

Popular spots along the Albanian coastline include Sarandë, a hub for the Riviera with access to Corfu, there’s also Dhërmi, a scenic town with a long, beautiful beach and Vlorë, which is considered the ‘budget Maldives of Europe‘.

Ksamil is a beautiful destination known for its islands and turquoise waters.

A five-night stay in a hotel in Ksamil for a family of four during the height of summer in August next year can be as little as £275, which works out at £13.75pppn.

You can get direct flights to Tirana from London and Manchester for as little as £15 with Ryanair – and the journey is under three hours.

Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria

Just around the corner from Turkey is the Black Sea Coastline in Bulgaria where you’ll find cities like Varna in the north, and Burgas in the south.

In-between are popular resorts like Sunny Beach and Albena – which are known for their affordability.

You don’t have to stick to the big resort towns though, there are other, quieter places like Nessebar, which is also one of the cheapest destinations in Europe.

The ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’ is where you can get beers for £1.60 and stay in a three star hotel for just £45 per night.

The average price of an ice cream is £1.20, a family meal is priced around £28, and a three course dinner for two cost just £22.

To get to the UK, Brits should fly to either Burgas or Varna along the coast.

Silver Coast, Portugal

There are plenty of beautiful places in Portugal and most of them are very well known like the Algarve which has golden beaches, and cities like Lisbon and Porto.

Just between those two cities is the Silver Coast which is more overlooked despite it being more affordable than other destinations.

Here you’ll find the Aveiro, also called the ‘Venice of Portugal‘ because of its canals and gondola-style boats.

Ericeira is a popular beach spot and where you’ll see lots of surfers as it has some of the biggest waves in the country.

One writer visited Nazare, another spot on the Silver Coast, he said: “Nazare has thankfully retained its charm, despite the rising number of visitors coming to see the waves and daring surfers.

“Its narrow, cobbled streets are home to various family-run restaurants, each serving an array of fresh seafood as well as the omnipresent bacalhau, or salted cod.

“Strolling down from the old town and along the shore, we were greeted by great lines of barcos, the local fishermen’s boats, painted in bright, vibrant colours, their nets hung out to dry in preparation for the following day.”

It’s easy to get to the Silver Coast if you fly to either Lisbon or Porto which you can do with Ryanair and easyJet.

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For more trending holiday destinations for 2026, check out the ones that our travel team predicts will be HUGE thanks to cheap hotels, flights and pints.

Plus, here are five European cities with lesser-known tours that let you explore like a local.

HUNGRY Brits are being led by their stomachs when it comes to booking a holiday – as the UK establishes itself as a nation of foodies.

Research from tour operator TUI has revealed that 41 per cent of us would consider booking a trip that’s all about the nosh.

It’s little wonder as, even at home, 39 per cent said they prioritise eating out in local restaurants.

Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the best short-haul breaks in 2026 for those who love their grub . . . 

AYIA NAPA, CYPRUS

TO get a bit of guidance on your foodie adventure, take a look at TUI’s new Dine & Discover packages, which are designed to send travellers to hotels renowned for their food.

As well as excellent grub and booze within the resorts’ restaurants, visitors will be treated to special extras, such as a complimentary cookery lesson or a cocktail mixology class, as part of the deal.

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The 5H Amanti, MadeForTwo hotel in Ayia Napa, on Cyprus’s south-eastern coast, is marketed as a couples-only resort and is the ideal spot for a romantic escape.

Travellers booked on the TUI package will receive money off a mountain villages tour with lunch and honey tasting.

Or they can opt for a discount on a halloumi-making and bread baking experience.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Amanti, MadeForTwo hotel is from £1,192pp including flights from Manchester on June 1, 2026. See tui.co.uk.

MOROCCO

IF it’s authentically traditional tastings you are after, Intrepid is the holiday company for you.

Their 12-night Morocco Real Food Adventure is undoubtedly something for the bucket list, showcasing everything from camel burgers to traditional family dinners whipped up in local homes – as well as tours of traditional markets.

Cuisine is at the heart of this trip, but you’ll tick off some pretty cool sights, too, as you pass through Casablanca, Meknes, Moulay Idriss, Chefchaouen, Fez and Midelt before moving on to Merzouga, the M’Goun Valley and, of course, Marrakech.

You’ll stay in hotels, guesthouses, gites and a desert camp.

GO: The 12-day trip costs from £984pp including accommodation, breakfasts, most dinners and some lunches.

Price also includes several foodie experiences such as a goats-cheese tasting and cous-cous demonstration. Flights extra. See intrepid.com.

DOLOMITES, ITALY

HAVING your hand held is no bad thing – and because of this, you know you’ll get the best of the best wherever you go when you book one of Saga’s food-and-wine holidays.

Every itinerary on a these getaways has been carefully curated, to include the top spots and activities on offer in that region, whether it be a visit to a local market or a cookery workshop combining culture and grub.

How does la dolce vita in the Italian mountains sound?

This week-long Dolomites tour is lip-smackingly good, with a visit to a working dairy farm, a wine-cellar tour with olive-oil samplings, and demonstrations at an apple orchard.

When you’re not tasting goodies, kick back at your hotel, the Alle Dolomiti over-looking Lake Molvano – enjoy the pool or unwind in the sauna.

GO: A seven-night Food And Wine In The Dolomites trip costs from £1,525pp on a half-board basis, including flights from Gatwick on September 21, 2026. See holiday.saga.co.uk.

BODRUM, TURKEY

HOLIDAY firm Jet2 has a specific section entirely dedicated to foodie escapes.

It is called Perfect For Dining – and these places really are.

The collection of hotels offer gourmet food, with extensive a la carte menus, and have an emphasis on local flavours.

Some of the properties even house Michelin-star restaurants.

Unlike many all-inclusive packages, the all-inclusive-plus deals at the 5H Lujo Art And Joy hotel, in sun-drenched Bodrum, cover everything.

That means not being restricted to the buffet each night, as a la carte dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner is available at most of the 11 onsite restaurants and bars.

You will have to fork out extra for the teppanyaki, steakhouse and Asian joints, though.

Kids will be kept happy with a 24-hour ice cream and frozen yoghurt stand.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive-plus costs from £1,828pp based on a family of four sharing and including flights from Leeds Bradford on April 19, 2026. See jet2holidays.com.

PORTOPETRO, MAJORCA

THE Spanish island of Majorca most certainly pips the other Balearics to the post when it comes to a smashing food and drink scene.

If you’re tempted to visit, it’s worth remembering that customers booking a TUI Dine & Discover package also receive 15 per cent off food and gastronomy experiences with TUI Musement.

And on this gem of an island, that includes a Majorca Winery Visit & Local Food Tasting experience.

You’ll be driven into the heart of the island’s wine country to sample tipples from a small family-run vineyard.

Soak up that booze with homegrown snacks, fresh bread, olive oils and local cheeses.

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A stay at the 5H Ikos Porto Petro also includes a free bottle of cava from the hotel’s private cellar, as well as a cocktail event on site.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Ikos Porto Petro is from £2,240pp including flights from London Gatwick on May 5, 2026. See tui.co.uk.

ONE of Scotland’s Wetherspoon pubs could soon house guests as it has been proposed that it turns into a hotel.

If approved the pub that’s in one of busiest areas in Aberdeen could have 29 hotel rooms an a beer garden.

The boozer called The Archibald Simpson sits on one of the busiest streets in Aberdeen and could well become a place for city explorers to have a good night’s sleep as well as a beer.

It has a grand entrance with huge columns, and was designed by local architect Archibald Simpson – who also designed St Andrews Cathedral.

Built in the 1800s it was originally home to the Head Office for the North of Scotland Bank.

It later became the headquarters of Clydesdale Bank, before opening as a Wetherspoon pub in 2003, and could soon be a hotel too.

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Earlier this year, the pub submitted proposals for development which would see its unused first and second floors being converted into 29 hotel rooms.

Inside would be comprising 21 double rooms, three family suites, two twin rooms and two singles.

It wouldn’t just be built upon though, as part of the project would require some demolition.

At the back, the pub’s rear extension would be knocked down to make way for a 51-seat beer garden to encourage al fresco dining and drinking during the summer.

On Tripadvisor, most of the reviews go on to compliment the pretty building. One visitor wrote: “Huge building high vaulted ceilings marbled pillars and tiled floors. Lovely bar.”

If the plans go ahead, it will join the other 55 Wetherspoon hotels across the UK.

One Wetherspoon pub that has been converted is The Cabot Court Hotel in the coastal town of Weston-super-Mare

It’s also been listed in CAMRA’s The Good Beer Guide naming the UK’s best pubs.

Along with having a bar, the Cabot Court Hotel also has 21 rooms for visitors to stay in, and lots have views across the beachfront.

All of the rooms are en suite with Freeview TV, tea and coffee making stations, and unlimited free Wi-Fi.

In the morning, visitors can head down to the bar to enjoy a Wetherspoons breakfast and classic pub meals at dinner.

The pub sits right on the waterfront, on Knightstone Road, so it’s in a great spot for anyone heading onto the beach or taking a walk along The Grand Pier.

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Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding visited the smallest Wetherspoons in the world…

Here’s what Cyann had to say when she headed to the tiny pub…

WHO can say no to a Wetherspoons? And what if I told you the smallest one in the world is just as good as the rest, if not better.

Not only is it the smallest Spoons, but it is also in a rather bizarre location – a train station.

Of course, 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.

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

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

For more Wetherspoons, here are the best ones from one man who has spend £30K visiting every one in the UK.

And for Wetherspoons fans, there’s more good news as a new location has opened inside an abandoned UK attraction.

WHEN it comes to daytrips, you should ditch the classic Oxford, Cambridge and London for this city in the West Midlands.

You definitely won’t be bored with artist trails, award-winning museums and a huge waterpark with one of the country’s biggest wave pools to explore.

Often dubbed as an ‘underrated’ city, by the likes of TimeOut, Coventry is putting itself on the map, especially when it comes to weekend breaks.

The city is experiencing a huge boost with tourism reaching record levels; last year, it saw a total of 11.8 million visitors – up 3.6 per cent from 2023.

Overnight stays increased by 14 per cent, and day trips made up 88 per cent of all trips to the city.

To be fair, it’s not really a secret that Coventry is making a name for itself as being a great place to explore, two years ago, Coventry made the list of the 100 best cities in Europe.

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And in 2021, Coventry was also honoured with the title of UK City of Culture.

Coventry has a blend of everything from historical sites, like Coventry Cathedral to St Mary’s Guildhall, known for its connection to Mary Queen of Scots.

But there are plenty of modern touches, like its art trail which heads along the canal for five and a half miles where you’ll find over 30 sculptures, mosaics and murals.

At the local theatre, Belgrade, you can watch a show from Friends! The Musical Parody, to talks by the likes of Sandi Toksvig, there are also screenings and family performances.

The Wave in Coventry is an enormous indoor waterpark with one of the biggest wave pools in the country.

Not only that, but it has six water slides, one being The Crestar, which has two giant spheres with lighting effects.

The Cascade is another ride at the waterpark, as is The Torrent, which is arguably the scariest ride because the floor drops from beneath to plunge riders at speed.

The Rapids, which has been described as the “Big Dipper on water”, is the park’s water coaster, where powerful jets hurl riders uphill before dropping them down through tight corners and tunnels.

Another ride is called The Cyclone, which is one of the fastest slides at the waterpark.

There are other attractions at the waterpark too, including The Reef, which is a splash zone.

Standard tickets during peak times are £18.70 (for adults ages 12 and over), for juniors (ages 11 and under) tickets are £14.

As for some of the other top-rated things to do in Coventry, heading to its two museums, one of which was the UK’s best-rated on Tripadvisor.

This museum in question is The Coventry Music Museum, which earlier this year was the top-rated on Tripadvisor – and it’s the number one thing to do in Coventry.

Found on Walsgrave Road in Coventry, the museum has an art gallery, music records archive and an interactive media studio telling the history of local music.

The museum is also home to the entire output of 2 Tone Records – a record label that opened in Coventry in 1979. They signed the likes of the Selector, Madness and The Beat.

Entry fees are £6 for adults and £3 for concessions – make sure to bring notes and change as it’s cash only.

Another popular museum is the Coventry Transport Museum, which houses the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world.

It has interactive galleries, immersive exhibitions, and of course, lots of vehicles to look at from vintage cars to motorbikes.

Entry to the museum is £15pp.

As for where to eat, Coventry has some great finds, VisitEngland recommends trying East Korean barbecue at Jinseon Korean BBQ where you can grill your own food on a charcoal fire at your table.

Another suggestion is Cogs Bar and Kitchen which offer up tasty breakfasts from eggs benedict to American-style pancakes.

FarGo Village is also worth exploring, it’s an industrial space home to coffee shops and even a microbrewery.

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One writer reveals what his stay at the Coombe Abbey Hotel was like…

Read on to hear what one writer made of this historic hotel…

Where is the Coombe Abbey Hotel?

On 500 acres of renowned beauty, this historic hotel is in Coventry situated in Coombe Abbey’s Country Park, just off the M6.

What is it like?

Next time somebody wants to send you to Coventry, stay at this complex, which dates back to 1150 and has links to royalty, the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII and the Gunpowder plot. Enjoy a view of the moat, the lake and the courtyard to the Capability Brown designed gardens, depending on where you are in the hotel.

What is there to do at the hotel?

The corridors and communal rooms are packed with artefacts, art, history and heritage, that are well worth exploring as you wander from bar to room to restaurant, while the scenic lake, gardens and grounds are perfect for a stroll. 

Enjoy one of the many choices of afternoon tea, from Abbot’s Afternoon Tea to Sparkling Afternoon Tea as a post-walk treat. For kids, you can discover Go Ape in the woodlands.

What is there to eat and drink?

Unless you want to drive, you’d better eat here as it’s about a ten-minute walk to the edge of the grounds and some way beyond that to any restaurants. That being said, you really do want to eat here. The ambience is classy, the food is great, and the breakfast really sets you up for the day.

The dinner menu features meaty dishes of beef shin with fondant potato and confit duck leg with spiced braised cabbage, as well as vegan, vegetarian and fish options.

What are the rooms like?

The minimum standard in basic rooms is real quality and comfort, while the decor and design in the feature heritage rooms are charming and characterful. Rooms start from £149 a night based on two sharing.

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IT’S time to get cozy, with autumn bringing colder weather across the UK.

And one of the best places to escape it is heading straight to the pub for a roast dinner and roaring fire.

We’ve rounded up some of the best across Kent, one of the most popular counties in the UK for a staycation.

From quant historic inns to seafront pubs – here are 17 of the favourites, according to locals.

Rose in June, Margate

Living in Margate for nearly two years, this was where you would find me most Saturday nights.

I rarely left the pub without making new friends, and it was always more locals than tourists, being nearer the quieter end of Margate and the popular Cliftonville area.

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They usually have a rolling change of food being served by a pop up, currently having the delicious Hays Burgers.

Visit in winter and they usually have a delicious mulled cider too.

Old Neptune, Whitstable

Whitstable’s Old Neptune attracts most of the crowds, due to it’s beer garden being on the beach.

But when the weather turns, it still makes for one of the most dramatic views.

Just be ready to squeeze in, as it isn’t the biggest.

Or you can brave the cold and perch on the bench with your pint.

Tiger Inn, Stowting

The Tiger Inn isn’t one you would easily stumble upon, being down some very windy country roads.

And make sure to book ahead – the crammed in tables are cosy but often full and you might not want to brave the pub garden when its cold.

The pub has some of the friendliest staff, as well as a cracking roast dinner.

The Ship Inn, Sandgate

Sandgate is a much quieter option than Folkestone, and one of the best pubs is The Ship Inn.

It looks out over the beach if you manage to grab a table at the back, as well as having an extended area at the top.

Make sure to get the crab roll at lunch although it has a full menu and some delicious local wines on tap.

Or visit on a Thursday for their very fun pub quiz!

The Harbour Inn, Folkestone

If you’re looking for some fresh fish, you can’t get much fresher than The Harbour Inn at Folkestone.

Lots of the dishes are made from anything pulled in by the local trawlers.

It is also connected to the boutique London & Paris hotel, if you need somewhere to stay after one too many.

George & Heart, Margate

The Margate pub has some great history – it’s in a Grade II listed former coaching inn in the Old Town dating back to the 1700s.

The menu is always changing, as they use local produce so it is whatever they have that is fresh.

Along with great pints, it now has a boutique hotel on the top floor.

There is even the ‘Zen Den’ treatment room for some extra wellness.

The Old Buoy, Folkestone

You’ll have to battle for a seat at The Old Buoy, with a just a few tables inside.

But its where you will spot all the locals in the evening, along with extremely friendly bar staff (make sure to try the pizza while there too).

King’s Head, Deal

The Sunday Roast is one of the most unique with a Caribbean twist, complete with jerk-roasted chicken and spicy mash.

You might find you are joined by the local rugby or football club after their match but that just adds to the atmosphere.

You can also stay at the pub as well – there are 14 en-suite rooms just above.

Tickled Trout, Wye

While the Tickled Trout is best visited in the summer due to its riverfront location, it also makes a great spot in Autumn.

The food menu has enough to keep everyone from your dad to the kids happy as well.

New Flying Horse, Wye

Bundle the kids up if they are getting rowdy and send them to the outdoor garden, with food gardens and play house to explore.

It might look retro inside, but the very friendly staff make up for it.

Woolpack Inn, Warehourne

I stumbled upon this pub during a wine tour of Kent, with Warehorne known for its red and white wines.

Not only is the pub cosy and dog-friendly but you can take the kids to see all the grazing sheep outside.

It even has rooms above the pub in case you need somewhere to crash afterwards.

Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate

You’ be remiss to head to Ramsgate and not visit the Victoria Pavilion, called the world’s largest Wetherspoons.

It has some of the best views in the house, overlooking the beach, and you know you’ll always find a table.

And with Wetherspoons offering some of cheapest pints in the country, it won’t break the bank either.

Fordwich Arms, Canterbury

The Fordwich Arms is one of the fanciest pubs on the list, being Michelin-starred.

But its worth it as a special occasion pub, with five-course tasting menu some of the best food I’ve ever eaten (even down to the fresh bread and whipped butter).

Captain Digby, Broadstairs

You’d be forgiven for not knowing about the Captain Digby, as it’s slightly off the beaten track.

The pub overlooks Kingsgate Bay – a quiet beach loved by locals and away from the crowds, thanks to having no nearby train station.

But when the weather gets too much, walk up the very steep steps for a nice glass of wine at the pub.

Tudor Rose, Sittingbourne

Forget Toby’s – the Tudor Rose pub in Sittingbourne is home to my absolute favourite carveries.

Less than £20 for two courses is a steal – and the roast potatoes are mighty good too.

Three Daws, Gravesend

Old, rickety and quaint are how I’d describe the Three Daws, a cosy spot for a quiet pint in Gravesend which dates back to the 1400s.

It’s right along the River Thames where I’ve spent many an afternoon watching the world pass by along the river.

All while while tucking into one of the best value pub roasts I’ve found in the region.

The Greedy Banker, Rainham

If you’re looking for a decent beer, burger and screens of sport look no further than The Greedy Banker which runs special events throughout the year.

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There’s over a hundred choices of beer and cider to choose from, as well as spirits and wines.

Here are our 35 top pubs in London as well.

IF you enjoy a night out in the pub then you’ll surely enjoy a night in at the pub too.

A cottage-style Airbnb is offering visitors the chance to pull their own pints with a fully-functioning private pub on the premises.

Avoid queues for the loos and overpriced pints with this popular getaway spot in the Irish countryside.

Nellie’s Farmhouse is located just outside of coastal town of Carlingford in County Louth, Ireland.

Conveniently just an hour’s drive from both Belfast and Dublin, visitors can easily access this remote location for a secluded session.

Private pub rental

Nestled at the foot of the stunning Slieve Foy mountain, the property boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

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The traditional farmhouse dates back to the 1800 century, and has been in the hospitality sector since the late 1980s.

This five-star accomodation sleeps up to eight guests across four bedrooms.

It features five beds, three bathrooms, and of course a private on-site pub complete with draught taps and a jukebox.

With prices varying depending on dates, the entire cottage is available to rent for a two-night minimum.

It averages around £960 for two nights, breaking down to just £60 per person each night.

Visitors can contact the host in advance of their stay to order half kegs to pull their own pints during their stay.

Local amenities

And guests can also enjoy a night out in Carlingford Medieval village, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Local activities include hill walking, with one of the Train trails just a minutes walk from the cottage, golf, fishing, sailing, and horse riding.

A Sky Park Adventure Center and Green Way are also located nearby.

And for the ultimate relaxing night-in, the cottage has a five-person hot tub and wood-burning stove.

Suitable for groups of adults, the property is advertised as not suitable for children under the age of 10 years.

The award-winning cottage has received rave reviews from visitors, with one commenting on the “perfect Guinness” they enjoyed at the private pub set-up.

Another guest described the property as “beautifully renovated [and] packed with quirky interesting antiques”.

Meanwhile, others said it was “one of the best places” they’ve ever stayed in.

One visitors encouraged people to visiting, saying “the photos don’t do it justice”.

“This wee cottage oozes of comfort, all mod cons but keeping the cottage feel,” wrote another guest.

“If you want to experience the ole country cottage feel, surrounded by mountains and silence and still be spoilt this is the place to be.”

One person called the cottage “a real hidden gem”, while another visitors said it was “the best little holiday spot”.

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ONE of the UK’s most popular Christmas markets is getting some new additions for families this year.

Newcastle Christmas Market welcomed 1.7million tourists last year, and spreads across the city centre, including Old Eldon Square.

Throughout the streets, visitors can usually find a number of stalls with local traders selling food, drinks and gifts.

And for this year, the festive event will be getting three new attractions.

The first is Marshmallow Land – where visitors will be able to toast marshmallows over an open fire.

Then the second is a Festive Flix Area, where visitors can enjoy a cinema experience.

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There will be multiple screenings across from November 28 to December 23 with films such as Elf, Home Alone and Love Actually.

And finally, there will be a new Ferris wheel at Old Eldon Square, from November 15 to December 31.

The market will also extend onto Nelson Street this year, creating even more space for stalls, with a focus on fresh and festive produce.

The Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square – which launched last year – will return, with a family area and a number of festive activities for kids.

This area will also be where visitors can find the Rockin’ Reindeer stage with shows and Santa Stories inside a tipi, with Santa himself.

Other attractions at the market returning for 2025 include the North Pole Terrace, where visitors can book igloos that surround Monument.

Alternatively, you could head to Moosenwirt – an alpine Christmas pop-up bar.

Families can even visit Mrs Claus’ Bakery to participate in a workshop.

In the surrounding area, there are even more Christmas events to explore including an ice rink at the Life Sciences Centre, from £15.50 per person.

Or head to Leazes Park to explore the Northern Lights light trail, from £15 per person.

Stephen Patterson, chief executive of NE1 Ltd said: “It has long been our aim to put Newcastle on the festive map, enhancing its offer and making it a must-visit destination for festive fun seekers from near and far.

“Festive markets and seasonal activities are more than just celebrations, they’re powerful tools to increase visitor numbers and footfall into the city centre, boosting business over the crucial Christmas period.”

Newcastle’s Christmas markets will run from November 15 to December 23.

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A UK train station close to a major attraction has been returned to its former glory, which dates back nearly 100 years.

Over the past two years, Richmond Station in London has undergone a massive £325,000 restoration project.

Main features such as the facade have been reinstated to what they would have looked like in the 1930s and the bronze and mahogany entrance doors have also been repaired and polished.

New flagpoles have been added to where they would have been originally, with each flying the National Rail Double Arrow.

There is also a transformed entrance canopy and ticket hall.

Inside the ticket hall bronze panels that have been handmade to original designs have replaced cladding.

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When some of the cladding was removed, a number of original timber frieze and green glass signs was also found, most of which was intact.

Since, missing sections have been replaced so the signage can be enjoyed once again.

A number of new roof-lights that recreate 1930s ‘Glasscrete’ have also been implemented.

At night, there is a softer lighting to highlight the entrance and canopy and SWR installed a chandelier with features inspired by original Art Deco light fittings.

The shops also have new oak fronts and retro poster frames hold 1930s artwork.

In the booking hall, signs such as enquiries for left luggage are back on display and an old WH Smith sign has been preserved.

One of the original metal signs from outside the station, now appears in the booking hall as well.

The Art Deco station first opened back in 1937 and was designed by Southern Railway, led by chief architect James Robb Scott.

Chris Gregory, asset enhancement manager for South Western Railway, said: “We are very proud of what has been achieved, bringing the station back to its original heritage condition and providing a fantastic gateway to Richmond.”

For those heading to the station, Richmond is full of things to explore including a large sprawling park with over 630 red and fallow deer, which have roamed freely in the park for nearly 400 years.

In fact, it is the largest of London’s Royal Parks sprawling across 2,500 acres.

One popular spot is the The White Cross, which is known for flooding often thanks to its riverside location.

Don’t worry though – the pub often hands out wellies for customers to use if they want to get into, or out of, the pub.

Just up the road is a major UK attraction too.

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew – or more commonly referred to as Kew Gardens – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans over 300 acres and features a vast array of plants.

Inside the gardens, visitors can head to the Palm House, which is a large Victorian-era glasshouse with iron features home to a large collection of tropical rainforest plants.

To get to Kew Gardens from Richmond, the fastest route is to hop on the District Line or the Overground, which takes about three minutes to reach Kew Gardens Station.

Alternatively, you could walk from Richmond along the River Thames towpath, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

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