Staycation tips and ideas

STEPPING through the floo network into the Ministry Of Magic, I feel like I’ve been transported straight on to the Harry Potter film set.

The attention to detail is next-level, even down to the sheer size of the building I’m standing in.

Surrounded by green subway tiles, ginormous gold ornate statues of magical creatures and hanging banners featuring some of Azkaban’s Most Wanted, the magic really has come alive.

So much so that, as a huge Potter fan, I find myself choking back tears.

Feeling Epic

My friends and I are at Epic Universe, which opened in Orlando last year.

After exploring 1920s Paris, Fantastic-Beasts-style, we head to Nintendo World to ride on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, where VR really does make me feel like I’ve been dropped into the game.

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Later, in the How To Train Your Dragon zone, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a super-fun coaster I want to ride again and again.

However, nothing quite hits the adrenalin high of Stardust Racers – a mega coaster in the park’s centre that reaches speeds of 62mph and heights of up to 133 feet, with spins and turns aplenty.

All this excitement leaves us needing a tipple, and the best place to take in the view of the park at night with a glass of pale rosé, £13, in hand, is Bar Helios at the top of the Helios Grand Hotel.

We’re staying a five-minute shuttle ride away at Terra Luna Resort, which also opened last year.

Designed in the colours of the solar system, my room features a spaceship-style window looking out on to Epic Universe.

Double rooms at Terra Luna start from £119 per night (Universalorlando.com).

Walt a ride

Orlando is, of course, also home to Walt Disney World, where each park brings its own adventure.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, its new Zootopia: Better Zoogether! 4D film inside the Tree Of Life theatre entertains, and at EPCOT, I adore the thrills of “omnicoaster” Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, before sipping champers, £16, in the recreation of Paris and tucking into fish and chips, £10.75, in the park’s nod to England.

No trip would be complete without visiting Magic Kingdom, home to the Cinderella Castle, and we’re soon flying around on motorbike rollercoaster Tron Lightcycle.

The new night-time parade, Disney Starlight: Dream The Night Away, makes the already dazzling performance even more breathtaking, too (Disneyworld.co.uk).

Meanwhile, stepping into our villa at Villatel Orlando Resort brings back MTV Cribs vibes.

Located on International Drive, these sleek, modern, self-catering pads can sleep up to 26, and all have private pools – many even have cinema rooms.

There’s a large resort swimming pool, too, with water slides and a lazy river, which I sit beside, sipping frozen margaritas, £12.60, as I dive into a good book.

Stays at Villatel Orlando Resort cost from £48 per person per night (Villatel.com/villatel-orlando-resort).

That’s mall, folks!

One evening, we visit nearby entertainment complex Activate Orlando at Pointe Orlando, where teams face physical and mental challenges using interactive technology.

My favourite is one which involves dipping and dodging a network of lasers.

Hour-long sessions cost £22 per person (Playactivate.com/pointe-orlando).

It proves great fun and leaves us ravenous.

Luckily, Palm Tree Club Orlando close by offers a party atmosphere alongside delicious Lavender Hugo Spritzes, £12, rigatoni smothered in a vodka sauce, £14.80, and sides of charred broccolini, £9.60, which are a fitting reward for our energetic endeavours (@Palmtreecluborlando).

Orlando’s huge shopping malls are almost as famous as the theme parks, and as Fabulous’ Fashion Editor, it would be remiss of me not to visit one.

I pick The Mall At Millenia, home to designer boutiques and US faves Pottery Barn, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s (Mallatmillenia.com).

Yet I still end up buying a pair of boots from H&M for £35!

The real souvenir of my trip, however, is the magic feeling this city gave me, theme parks and all.

AS I strolled through the vineyards with a glass of bubbles in my hand, I imagined myself in the South of France.

Yet I was just a one-hour train ride from my home in Kent – one of the most established regions for producing English sparkling wine.

While it may not boast the same sunshine levels as France’s Bordeaux, the soil here is very similar to the Champagne region, offering optimal growing conditions.

And it produces some excellent wines.

I’d been touring one of Kent’s most famous vineyards – Chapel Down, in the village of Small Hythe, near Tenterden.

Visitors can book a three-hour Wine And Dine experience, starting in the vines on the beautiful 22-acre estate, which was founded in 1977.

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It has immaculate rows of grape varieties that include Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.

Following a stroll among the vines, we were taken into the barn to learn about the art of riddling. The process was made famous by France’s Grand Dame of Champagne – Madame Clicquot, who invented the first riddling table in 1816.

It sees each bottle periodically turned to loosen the sediment and achieve a crystal-clear wine.

Sitting among oak barrels in the barn, it gave us a taste of the generations of wine wisdom in every glass.

But it’s not all about wine. Guests can enjoy a taste of Shakespeare, too from £18pp. Sussex-based company This Is My Theatre will bring William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Chapel Down, and visitors can bring a blanket and pick up a bottle of English sparkling wine to toast a night of magical comedy among the vines on June 12.

If you are not a Shakespeare fan, Chapel Down will also host a summer series of music including the Bacchus Wind Orchestra and an evening of jazz playing on July 5. Tickets are from £20pp.

Instead of the gym, why not book a spot for sunset yoga at the vineyard followed by a one-hour tasting of five wines?

These sessions will take place among the vines (weather permitting) on selected dates in May, June and August for £35pp.

Following my history lesson, it was time to put my knowledge to the test with a tasting session.

The best-selling bottle here is the £30 Brut, which has notes of fresh citrus and strawberry. But my favourite was the Chapel Down Grand Reserve 2019, which matures for five years to create a rich, toasted taste.

Then it was time for lunch at The Swan restaurant. Dishes included beetroot and vodka cured trout, which pairs well with a crisp glass of Chapel Down Bacchus.

Those visiting on a Sunday should try the roasted pork loin served with a tart apple sauce.

Then grab a tipple to take home from the on-site shop. I picked up a bottle of the Grand Reserve for £45.

After all, every day should be toasted with the best.

A FREE-to-visit wine festival is set to return to the UK this summer.

Battersea Power Station in London has confirmed The Wine Circuit will return from June 12 to 14 with everything from a markets to street food and bar pop ups.

Wine Merchant Stalls at the festival will be open from 11am to 8pm on June 13 and between 11am and 6pm on June 14 and include popular brands such as Vagabond Wines.

There’s also an Artisan Market on June 12 and 13 between 10am and 8pm and again on June 14 between 11am and 6pm where you can shop handmade wine glass and wine-themed gifts.

Alternatively, you could buy a ticket to one of the panel talks at the festival, or The Wine Cup, where you can try different tasters of wine.

The Wine Cup allows visitors to enjoy up to 10 wines from around the world and then vote for the ‘Best in Show’, as well as ‘Highly Commended’.

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Tickets are split into the different types of wine including red, white, rose and sparkling and range from £37.90 to £41.10 per person – and even includes a tote bag and cup.

Events already confirmed for this year include Drag Wine Tasting on June 13 between 7pm and 9pm.

While little details have been released about the wine festival this year, last year the festival hosted sessions about wine making, drinking trends and insider tips from experts.

There were also live music, talks on topics such as natural wine and alcohol-free wine, and for pub quiz lovers, even a wine quiz with blind tastings

As for the wine market, stalls sold wine-related gifts such as bottle stoppers and decanters while food pop-ups included Ashes BBQ and Masa Tacos.

The Power Station already has a number of wine destinations for visitors to explore including Vagabond Wines and Searcys Champagne Bar.

THE Scottish capital is the perfect spot for a weekend break – and we’ve found an affordable but central hotel.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Novotel Edinburgh.

Where is the Novotel Edinburgh hotel ?

A beautifully-appointed city hotel, the Novotel Edinburgh Centre is extremely well-located, about a ten-minute stroll from the mighty castle and around 20-minutes from Waverley station (although it’s a very hilly walk).

What is the hotel like?

The property is made to feel like a home from home, with plenty of little nooks in the foyer to tuck yourself away in.

Hotel staff are attentive and everything is easy to find.

What are the rooms like?

Guests are well looked after here.

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We were greeted by refreshing fruit kebabs in our room, as well as cold water in the mini fridge, and a tea/coffee station.

There was ample room around our twin beds which meant we weren’t tripping over our luggage.

A shower in a separate room from the toilet made getting ready in the morning easy.

Classic family rooms cost from £168, sleeping up to two adults and two children.

Pets are allowed at an additional charge of £10 per day. See all.accor.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

The on site restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.

The buffet breakfast will keep any adventurer well fuelled with everything from a full Scottish fry up, continental options and a waffle station to cereal, fresh fruit and pastries — there are options for those who are lactose intolerance, too.

There’s ample choice for dinner, too.

I chose a light meal option, the Superfood Salad Bowl (£16) which was packed with paprika roasted chickpea, quinoa, asparagus, beetroot, avocado and feta while my pal opted for a heartier meal of grilled lamb chops (£25).

What else is there to do at the hotel?

Guests have use of a pool, sauna, steam room and gym on site.

Whisky fans will have their pick of tours.

Although choose carefully; a well-established distillery is a better investment if you are fussy about your tipples, although these tend to be a little more costly.

But if you only want to learn briefly about the distilling process and get a few drinks in you, the cheaper options should have you covered.

Otherwise the city’s stunning architecture, modern shops and restaurants are all within easy walking distance

If is family friendly?

Kids aged under 15 stay for free at the hotel, and get free breakfast with every paying adult.

Is it accessible?

The hotel has nine accessible rooms and there is a ramp to the entrance of the hotel, along with handicap parking.

AROUND the country are some incredible Airbnbs, but this one on the Isle of Wight has been dubbed one of the best in the UK for families.

The pretty glamping site sits on the edge of Tapnell Farm Park so it’s the perfect base to explore its aqua park and activity centre.

The Times named these domes as one of the ’15 of the best family-friendly Airbnbs in the UK’.

The publication said: “The domes are great for the fun factor, as they feel like camping but come with proper showers, beds and kitchenettes.

“There are five domes in their own meadow, so you could book out more depending on the size of your party.

“Some have outdoor hot tubs, and all come with a barbecue and firepit. Although the Cow restaurant comes in handy when you don’t fancy doing the cooking.”

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Guests staying at one of the five domes enter through an extension where there’s an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette.

Further inside the domes is an open living space and sleeping areas with a dividing wall for the bunk room.

The domes are insulated too, and each bed has an electric blanket so it’s cosy during winter too.

Outside, the domes have their own barbecue, firepit, communal pizza oven too and picnic tables to enjoy al fresco dining.

Two of the domes also have outdoor hot tubs.

Dome 5 (which comes with a hot tub) sleeps up to six and can be booked for £1,191 – this works out at £39.70pppn.

The domes are found in a secluded meadow – but it’s just a five-minute walk to Tapnell Farm Park.

Tapnell Farm is a family-friendly attraction with its own farm, aqua park as well as go-karting and bike hire.

Inside the Straw Adventure are trampolines, pedal go-karts and straw bale play zones, with bridges and tunnels.

There’s an indoor soft play barn across three-storeys and a coffee house for the grown-ups.

On sunny days, head outside for jumping pillows, sledge slides, outdoor playground and mini golf.

Wallaby Walkabout is a spot where visitors can meet the resident wallabies and feed them.

Tapnell Farm is also home to Isle of Wight’s only outdoor Aqua Park.

The giant inflatable opens for the season on May 8, and has lots of slides, ladders and obstacle courses.

Other activities include clay pigeon shooting, football, frisbee, padel and pickleball.

Entry to Tapnell Farm start from £14 for adults and £16 for children (between 2-16).

For those wanting to splash about in the aqua park, tickets are £22per person.

Away from Tapnell Farm, nearby is the pretty Freshwater Bay which is a quiet, single beach with dramatic white cliffs.

Compton Beach is also a ten-minute drive away with golden sand and is popular for fossil hunting and swimming.

A STAYCATION can often be the ultimate way to relax, but what if you could make it better by having your own private lock-ins…

A former village pub in the Peak District has been transformed into the ultimate group retreat.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Called The Crewe & Harpur, the pub which is in the village of Longnor, sleeps up to 34 people across 17 bedrooms in four buildings – the main building (which is the converted pub), Abbey Cottage, Calke Cottage and Etwell Cottage.

But what makes this spot truly special is that in the main building, there is still the original bar, where you can pour yourself a pint.

If guests want to do this, they just have to ask their hosts to put in a keg of local ale.

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The oak bar boasts typical boozer stools, shelves of glasses, fridges to keep beverages cool and an ice machine at your disposal.

One of the best things about cosy pubs is the mismatched furniture, which you’ll also find inside the converted pub, such as corner benches and different chairs.

Of course, a boozer isn’t complete without some form of entertainment, so guests can get competitive with a round of darts.

But if that wasn’t enough entertainment, there is also a smaller games room with table tennis and table football.

There’s a comfortable living area as well as a fully equipped kitchen too.

Most of the features you see inside are original as well, such as the beams and fireplaces, as the pub is Grade II listed.

And ideal for the sunny weather, outside you’ll find three different areas including a courtyard with picnic benches and a brick barbeque, a paved patio with views of the valley and a grass garden.

Even where the pub is located is special as it sits in the middle of the old market square of the village, where at the edges you’ll find a fish and chip shop, village shop, local pub and a tea room.

The main building dates back two centuries and used to be a coaching inn for people travelling between Manchester and London.

A three-night stay between Friday and Monday costs from £4,000 which works out around £41 per person per night.

In the surrounding area you can visit the spa town of Buxton (also the home of the famous bottled water brand), with independent shops and weekly markets.

In the town you can head to Pavilion Gardens, which is a Victorian event venue surrounded by 23 acres of landscaped gardens.

The attraction has a number of play areas for kids as well, and over the year has around 100 events and festivals including Comic Con, antique fairs and toy fairs.

In the town centre, don’t miss out on filling up your bottle with fresh mineral water from St Ann’s Well.

If you are with the kids, Buxton has a Go Ape adventure attraction too with a treetop challenge and swing drop.

The market town of Bakewell – where the jam and almond-filled pastry Bakewell Pudding was created – is also not too far away.

And for those who love a thrill, Alton Towers theme park is less than a half hour drive away.

YOU can still go abroad May half term with these fantastic last-minute holiday deals

We’ve scoured the web to find some of the cheapest package holidays you can still book, so you can whisk your family off somewhere hot and sunny this May.

We’ve found great deals in Italy, Greece, Spain, Morocco and Portugal.

Whether you’re after a family-friendly hotel with a big pool and lots of entertainment, or a European holiday park in the pinewoods by the beach, we’ve got you covered.

Tuscany, Italy

Head to the pretty, pine forest-backed beaches of Tuscany’s Maremma Coast with this bargain holiday deal.

This package includes a stay at Gitavillage Le Marze, an Italian holiday park with kids adventure activities, exciting entertainment, and its own beach bar.

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Nearby you can walk or cycle through Maremma Nature Park, or go island-hopping and visit sunny Elba and Giglio.

On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 23 May, including return flights from Edinburgh, for £280pp.

Calpe, Spain

Calpe is a stylish Spanish resort on Spain‘s Costa Blanca with gorgeous beaches, a colourful Old Town and unique nature.

Whether you’re sunbathing on the massive Playa del Arenal-Bol beach, or spotting wild flamingos at saltwater lagoon Las Salinas, Calpe makes for a Spanish holiday unlike any other.

This deal comes with a stay at Sunsea Village, a complex with a swimming pool, tennis courts and spacious apartments to stay in.

On the Beach offer a 7-night stay from 23 May, including return flights from Edinburgh, for £275pp.

Salou, Spain

Salou sits on Spain’s sunny Costa Dorada, where you can expect to find temps hovering at a toasty 25C in May.

This popular family destination has plenty to see and do, including water slides and rollercoasters at PortAventura World, and theme park Ferrari Land – home to the fastest and tallest hypercoaster in Europe, Red Force.

Bag a stay at the Rentalmar Apolo Suites, where you’ll have a modern apartment as your base with the beach just a few steps away, and PortAventura World just a few minutes down the road.

On the Beach offer a 5-night stay from 23 May, including return flights from London Luton, for £235pp.

Rhodes, Greece

Head to Rhodes in Greece this May for a slice of sun with plenty of history and charming streets lined with tavernas and souvenir shops to explore.

Faliraki is an energetic seaside resort with lots of watersports activities, nightlife and is home to Faliraki Water Park, one of Europe’s largest.

A stay at the Anseli Apartments comes with access to a shimmering swimming pool surrounded by loungers, plus a games area and TV lounge for somewhere to relax.

On the Beach offer a 4-night stay from 25 May, including return flights from Birmingham, for £365pp.

Agadir, Morocco

Agadir has a six mile stretch of sandy beach, colourful souks to explore – plus it reaches highs of up to 26C in May.

Whether you want to try new water sports, drive a beach buggy, or simply laze back on the sands and relax, this coastal resort has something for everyone.

The Bahia City Hotel is in an ideal location, just five minutes’ walk from Agadir beach with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay, including return flights from Leeds Bradford, for £369pp.

Manilva, Spain

Manilva sits on the Costa del Sol, and offers plenty to see and do for families.

The coastal town has a lively marina lined with bars and restaurants, your pick of unspoilt beaches, plus lots of wildlife such as dolphins and whales which you can spot from boat tours.

The Village Terrazas Costa del Sol is a picturesque holiday village with modern apartments, two outdoor pools, a kids club and regular live entertainment.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 25 May, including return flights from East Midlands Airport, for £329pp.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Puerto de la Cruz on the stunning Northern coast of Tenerife is a sunny coastal town with plenty of attractions and unique landscapes to explore.

Stroll through centuries of exotic plant collections at Jardín Botánico, or take a tour up to the volcanic peak of Mount Teide, or head to the beach at Playa Jardín with its unique black sand backed by palms, while Lago Martiánez has mineral-rich saltwater pools.

Be Smart Florida Plaza is an affordable base just a short walk from Playa Jardin and the Old Town, and it offers 132 spacious rooms plus a sizeable outdoor swimming pool.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 25 May, including return flights from Belfast, for £309pp.

Alvor, The Algarve, Portugal

Alvor is a pretty Portuguese fishing village, which is a fantastic option for those who want the coastal views without the crowds.

Here you can set off in boats or kayaks to discover the Bengali caves, cycle the Alvor boardwalk, or simply stretch out under the sun on Alvor’s two-and-a-half-mile Blue Flag beach.

The Clube Alvorferias is a modern, whitewashed hotel with a large circular swimming pool surrounded by palms. It has comfortable apartments with air con, balconies and kitchenettes, plus you’re only a 10-minute walk into the vibrant town centre.

Loveholidays offer a 5-night stay from 25 May, including return flights from Norwich, for £299pp.

ONE of the oldest lidos in the UK is set to undergo a huge expansion with a new spa and children’s water play area.

Droitwich Spa Lido near Birmingham originally opened in 1935 and is one of the few remaining open-air, saltwater pools in the UK and now, it will get a £12.5million facelift.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

There will be several new features at the lido including a spa experience, a new brine pool, a new reception and a new water play area for little ones.

Other parts of the attraction will be updated, including reintroducing Art Deco features, enhancing the cafe and refurbishing the changing rooms.

Councillor Richard Morris said: “The Droitwich Lido is seen as one of the best in the country and when the public were consulted about the Town Prospectus the residents in Droitwich rated it the area they were most proud of after fighting for it to be reopened in 2007.”

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He added that the final design might evolve, but that the lido is expected to open in the first half of 2028.

Currently, the destination already includes a heated saltwater pool, children’s wet play area, sun terrace and a cafe.

The 40metre lido also sits on vast deposits of salt, which have been extracted from the ground for centuries.

In fact, the natural brine in the town is 10 times stronger than sea water and when the lido first opened, diluted brine was pumped from the local streams into the pool to keep it aseptic.

It was then heated to the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea and marketed as the ‘seaside of Droitwich Spa’, without actually being on the seaside.

The lido previously closed in 2000, but remained a popular attraction with many travelling to just see the once busy open air pool.

Then in 2007, the lido reopened having been completely refurbished, with the water still using a natural brine feed.

Previously, the pool was even named the fifth best in the country by The Times.

The pool is already open for the 2026 season and is heated to between 22C and 26C.

General swim sessions costing from £7.20 per adult for an hour or £9.40 for two hours and £7.20 per child per session.

IF you fancy a stay right by the beach but with a bit of style, you’ll want to head to Suffolk.

Here is everything you need to know about staying at Brudenell Hotel.

Where is the Brudenell Hotel?

The hotel is perched right on the beach and promenade of the sophisticated seaside town of Aldeburgh.

And the four-star boutique hotel – a local Victorian landmark – has had a makeover bringing it right into the 21st Century.

What are the rooms like?

The 44 rooms vary from standard double rooms overlooking the town through to superior deluxe seaview rooms with unparalleled views across the long pebble beach.

The beds are super comfortable and everywhere is decorated in soft, neutral tones with the occasional nautical and coastal reference here and there – like pieces of driftwood or porthole shaped windows.

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There is nothing more restorative and relaxing than sitting in your room watching, and listening, to the waves crash on the beach and seagulls crying overhead.

The illuminated seafoam washing up out of the darkness of the North Sea is a hypnotic experience.

Double rooms from £164 per night, including breakfast. See here.

What is there to eat and drink?

The hotel has a terrific seafood & grill restaurant with views over the beach and offers all-day dining with a two course lunch from £20.

There are plenty of other options in Aldeburgh from the best fish and chips imaginable to pizzas and even a terrific Indian, Sea Spice, at the nearby White Lion Hotel.

What else is there to do nearby?

You have to walk the length of the beach and take in the stunning Suffolk countryside flanking the nearby winding and sprawling River Alde.

But also check out the town centre with its myriad of shops, galleries and museums. Aldeburgh is a real gem of a coastal destination.

Is the hotel family friendly?

Some of the Superior rooms and Deluxe rooms can sleep two kids, and cots are available on request.

is it accessible?

There is lift access as well as two accessible rooms.

Blue bay parking is available.

AS the mercury finally hits 24C, the UK’s lidos are reopening for visitors.

Whether you want to soak up the sun by the side of the pool or have a refreshing dip, there are five lidos reopening across the UK this weekend.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Hilsea Lido, Portsmouth

Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth has been closed since 2022 but will reopen after a £7.75million refurb on May 2.

The 67-metre lido, which first opened in 1935, now has new toilets, changing rooms and even a sauna.

Another new addition is an ice cream parlour and food van.

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The lido will be open Monday to Thursday, 6am to 9pm, Fridays 6am to 8pm and between 7am and 7pm at the weekends.

A swim session costs £8 per person, as does a sauna session, though if you want to do both it will cost £12.

A family swim visit (one adult and two children) costs £15.

Afterwards, take a walk along the Hilsea Shore Path, a 3.9-mile coastal path that takes under an hour to complete.

Ashby Leisure Centre Lido, Leicestershire

Ashby Leisure Centre in Leicestershire has its own outdoor lido that reopens for the summer season on May 2.

The lido first opened in 1929, stretches 30 metres and also boasts a sandpit play area and cafe.

The lido is open Monday to Friday 6am to 9pm and between 7:30am and 4pm at the weekends.

Sessions cost from £6 per adult and £3.70 per child.

Greenbank Pool, Somerset

Located close to the Clarks Village outlet shopping centre, Greenbank Pool lido will reopen on May 2.

The pool stretches 30metres and is heated to 30C but also has a separate children’s pool heated to 32C.

Around the pool, visitors can also sunbathe on a grassy area and kids can enjoy the wet play area with water jets and fountains.

The lido is generally open each day between 12pm and 6:30pm and costs £9 per adult, £7 per child between eight and 17 years old, and £6.50 per child between two and seven years old.

Tooting Bec Lido, London

Tooting Bec Lido is the biggest outdoor swimming pool in the UK spanning 90 metres and will reopen on May 1.

The lido which first opened back in 1906 can be found in south London and accommodates up to 1,400 swimmers at a time.

Last year, the lido also underwent a £4million refurb, so now boasts new water and filtration systems.

If you do visit the lido, you will need to register for a free membership and booking ahead is recommended.

The lido will be open from 6am to 8pm each day until August, with two swimming sessions per day. A session costs £9.40 per adult and £5.20 per child.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has visited the lido and said: “When I used to live in South London, this was the best place to spend the mornings.

“Not only was it the best brisk wake up, but there was a form of comradery amongst other swimmers, all supporting each other when the cold got a bit too much.

“In the summer, it has the best vibes, especially after ending with a coffee to relax on Tooting Common to warm up.”

Blackpill Lido, Swansea

Blackpill Lido in Swansea, Wales, is completely free to visit and will reopen on May 2.

No booking is required and there is also a children’s paddling pool, play area and a climbing rock.

There is also a cafe in case you want a bite to eat, as well as the Woodman Pub nearby.

Visitors can hire deckchairs for £3 a day as well.

A POPULAR lido is set to offer all day sessions this weekend – where kids will be able to swim for free.

The Grade II listed venue also offers a number of adult-friendly swim sessions and an adventure course.

The National Lido of Wales, in Pontypridd, is hosting all-day sessions from May 2 to 4, ahead of the pool’s official summer season on June 1.

Kids under 16 will be able to enjoy the lido for free all weekend, while adult entry is priced at just £4.

The pool currently offers weekday and weekend sessions from 6.30am until 8.45am for early-morning swimmers.

Family fun sessions are also hosted only on weekends and bank holidays until the start of June.

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UK’s biggest freshwater lido to reopen this week as temperatures to hit 26C

For an additional £3, visitors can purchase tickets for the inflatable obstacle course, Aqua Peddlerz and Water Walker, which includes floating zorbs – inflatable plastic balls that allow people to run on the water.

The area also contains an outdoor play section – a dedicated playpark with slides, seesaws, climbing and balancing equipment.

The historic venue, also known as Lido Ponty, has been nestled within Ynysangharad War Memorial Park since 1927.

Following its closure in 1991, the pool spent the intervening 24 years in a state of disrepair until its official re-opening in 2015.

Now it features a renovated main pool, an activity pool and a splash pool, which are all heated to 28 degrees.

The site is also considered the “earliest and best preserved lido” in South Wales.

WE ARE just six weeks away from the start of the World Cup and the UK’s capital is getting THREE fan attractions for watching the matches.

Launching across three London venues, Kick Off Club will open three new World Cup fanzones.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

One will be at the Outernet on Tottenham Court Road, another will be at Electric Brixton in South London and the third will be at Colour Factory in Hackney Wick.

Each fanzone won’t have food for sale, but you will be able to get drinks, including drinks packages.

Outernet fanzone

At the Outernet fanzone, fans will find London’s largest indoor screen.

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But the experience won’t just be your standard football screening, as there will be a surround sound system fully immersing visitors in each match.

Matches being shown at the Outernet include:

• June 16: France v Senegal – 8pm Kick off (access from 6.30pm)
• June 17: England v Croatia – 9pm Kick off (access from 7pm)
• June 19: USA v Australia – 8pm Kick off (access from 6.30pm)
• June 23: England v Ghana – 9pm Kick off (access from 7pm)
• June 24: Scotland v Brazil – 11pm Kick off (access from 9pm)
• June 27: England v Panama – 10pm (access from 8.30pm)

Electric Brixton

At the Electric Brixton fanzone, guests can expect Britpop-inspired football screenings with Indie music and a 90s theme.

Expect music by Oasis, Blur and Pulp booming through the speakers.

Matches being shown at Electric Brixton include:

• June 17: England v Croatia – 9pm Kick off (access from 7pm)
• June 19: USA v Australia – 8pm Kick off (access from 6.30pm)
• June 19: Scotland v Morocco – 11pm Kick off (access from 9pm)
• June 23: England v Ghana – 9pm Kick off (access from 7pm)
• June 24: Scotland v Brazil – 11pm Kick off (access from 9pm)
• June 27: England v Panama – 10pm (access from 8.30pm)

Colour Factory

As for Colour Factory, there will be a ‘Rave Energy‘ theme with lasers, smoke and a underground vibe.

There will be club lighting and DJ sets too, making it feel like the ultimate 90s laser rave.

Matches being shown at Colour Factory include:

• June 17: England v Croatia – 9pm Kick off (access from 7pm)
• June 23: England v Ghana – 9pm Kick off (access from 7pm)
• June 24: Scotland v Brazil – 11pm Kick off (access from 9pm)
• June 27: England v Panama – 10pm (access from 8.30pm)

All fanzones will then show the following:

• July 1: England (potential knock-out date) – 5pm Kick off (access from 4pm)
• July 5: England (potential knock-out date) – 9pm Kick off (access from 7pm)
• July 11: England (potential quarter-final date) – 9pm Kick off (access from 8pm)
• July 15: England (potential semi-final date) – 8pm Kick off (access from 6pm)
• July 9: (quarter final date, team tbc) – 9pm Kick off (access from 7pm)
• July 10: (quarter final date, team tbc) – 8pm Kick off (access from 6pm)
• July 14: (semi final date, team tbc) – 8pm Kick off (access from 6pm)
• July 19: (final date, team tbc) – 8pm Kick off (access from 6pm)

Tickets will be between £5 and £20 for groups.

Fans can pre-register for tickets, which then go on sale on May 5.

ONE of my favourite summer days out is on the south coast of Devon, where you’ll find the UK’s biggest waterpark.

Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark on Goodrington Sands beach in Paignton, Devon boasts several slides and pools and will reopen on May 2.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

In total, the park has 11 main waterslides and one of the latest additions to the park is a pirate-themed water playground, ideal for kids under 12-years-old.

Dubbed Shipwreck Island, visitors will find seven smaller slides, tipping buckets and interactive water features such as spray arms.

As a born-and-bred Devonian, Splashdown Quaywest was on my doorstep growing up and it still hold a huge draw nowadays, when the sun is shining.

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The park’s provision for younger kids has grown significantly in recent years, but they’ve always been known for their bigger rides – making it a fail safe day out for families.

When it comes to those bigger rides, visitors can head on Devil’s Drop – a black hole ride, with a 19.8metre vertical drop, making it the highest and fastest flume in the UK.

Alternatively, you can head on The Screamer – a high-speed steep waterslide.

And there’s Corkscrew – a waterslide where across 98 metres you’ll spin 360 degrees several times over.

And there’s a normal swimming pool area, if you just fancy a swim.

Tickets cost from £20 per person aged over nine years old or from £16 for those aged under nine years old.

Alternatively you can get a combined adult and child under five years old ticket, which costs from £24.

But what makes the waterpark an even better place to visit than most, is that it sits right next to Goodrington Beach, which is a long beach split into North Sands and South Sands.

Along the South Sands you’ll find lots of different spots to eat from kiosks to restaurants including Brewers Fayre Inn On The Quay – which has a large garden and great views of the sea.

In between the two beaches is a Premier Inn which also has incredible views of the coastline and is a great option if you want to extend your stay in the area.

Behind the Premier Inn you’ll also find Reach Outdoors, so if waterslides weren’t enough for you, you can head on a kayaking adventure or try out paddleboarding.

On North Sands, the beach is backed by Young’s Park with a boating lake where I have spent many days during summer holidays on giant swan pedalos.

And if that wasn’t enough, in the park there is also crazy golf and go karting.

On this side of the beach you can drop by Cantina for some food, which also has a huge garden to soak up the sunshine, while you dine on £5 cheesy chips (or even crabby or steaky chips).

Rather conveniently, it is also next to a play park if kids want to let off some steam.

After eating there, I would always venture back to the beach via Devon‘s Ice Cream Shop for a cone of locally made ice cream costing a few quid – the cappuccino crunch and clotted cream vanilla flavours are a must.

And if parents need a caffeine fix, coffee will set you back between just £2 and £3.

This end of the beach also has a number of B&Bs costing from around £79 a night – and you couldn’t be closer to the beach.

If you fancy a walk, Goodrington also sits on the South West Coast Path, which you can walk along to reach Paignton in as little as 20 minutes.

Paignton town centre has even more things to see and do for families as well, such as a huge play park, pier, arcades, cinema and often a sprawling funfair.

A NEW £11million attraction is opening in the UK next month, designed for every type of person.

Brits can expect all sorts of fun at the new Mega City, which will open in Slough on May 30.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Across three floors, visitors can have a go at different games and tech-based activities.

For those who love arcades, there will be over 130 machines to explore.

And ideal for families, there will be 10 bowling lanes to get competitive on.

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Don’t mind building up a sweat? The venue will also have a huge laser tag arena, where up to 24 players can play at one time.

It isn’t the only laser activity at the attraction though, as there will also be a laser raid and laser maze challenges.

Visitors wanting to try out their different sport skills will be able to have a go in batting cages as well as try augmented reality (AR) clay pigeon shooting and AR darts.

Gamers will be happy to hear there are also going to be virtual reality arenas.

If you prefer a traditional night out, the attraction has you covered with private party rooms, karaoke and pool tables.

In addition to all of this, there will be Flashpads – colourful interactive tiles on the floor where you carry out a number of games or challenges.

There will also be the Total Football video game and a Digital Box Room for immersive gaming experiences.

The best thing is that the entire venue is indoors, so you won’t have to worry about the UK’s unpredictable weather.

Of course, the interior design matches the excitement of the activities, with neon lighting and a central atrium which connects each floor.

And after all the fun running around and getting competitive, visitors can eat in the restaurant, where the main focus is on comfort food – think loaded fries and huge chicken burgers.

Adults can also enjoy a tipple from the bar, which will serve everything from classic cocktails and beers to shakes and soft drinks.

The entire experience is cashless too, so visitors will either need to purchase credit at the site which is loaded onto a card that you then scan each time you go on a machine or into a laser experience.

The card will track your points from the games and challenges, which can then be redeemed for prizes – kind of like the tokens at traditional seaside piers.

Alternatively, visitors can book experiences and group games such as the bowling, laser tag, VR and AR activities online, where they will get a QR code that they scan when at the venue to activate their session.

Jeet, co-founder of Mega City said: “At its heart, Mega City is about bringing people together.

“We wanted to create a place where different generations can enjoy shared experiences, feel welcome and make real memories.”

The new attraction will be just an eight-minute walk from Slough Station which sits on the Elizabeth Line and is only 40 minutes from central London.

IT’S not too late to book yourself a family holiday in the UK this May half term

Whether you’re a family of adrenaline junkies looking for a stay near a theme park, or after something more relaxing in a beachfront lodge, there’s something for you.

Here’s our pick of UK family holiday deals you can STILL book for this May half term.

Haven Marton Mere, Blackpool – £269

Haven offer a 3-night stay for a family of 4 in a saver caravan for £269 from 22 May

Haven Marton Mere is a holiday village just 10 minutes’ drive from Blackpool‘s famous seafront.

New for this year, the resort has refurbished its snazzy Showbar, plus introduced the Tiger Club Show – a live entertainment game show led by Rory the Tiger.

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Plus, just ten minutes’ drive from the resort will land you at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, who are revealing a brand new ride this year.

Aviktas is set to open on 21 May 2026, so there’s plenty of updates that make May the perfect time to book a family holiday to Blackpool.

Combe Haven, Sussex – £239

Haven offer a 3-night stay for a family of 4 in a saver caravan for £239 from 22 May

Combe Haven is an action-packed holiday park in St Leonard’s-on-Sea in East Sussex.

With a great seaside location on the English Channel coast just outside Hastings.

The true gem is the park’s swimming pool, with a lazy river, splash zone and Space Bowl flume.

Take a 10-minute drive to Hastings for some of the UK’s top historical sites, including Hastings Castle and the family-friendly attraction, Smuggler’s Adventure.

You can book a stay for this May half term in a caravan which sleeps up to four, meaning your last-minute holiday will only cost £60pp.

Stay in a quirky cow shed in Suffolk – £300

Sykes cottages offer a 3-night stay for 4 for £300 from 29 May

This unique stay in Campsea Ashe, Suffolk offers a selection of quirky, colourful cow sheds to stay in.

Pick between Bluebelle, Buttercup, Betsy, Dozy Dotty or Daisy for a unique staycation that the kids will love.

Each cow shed sleeps up to four and has bunk beds, a kitchenette, heating and all of your linen and towels included.

You also get access to a shared garden where you can have a family barbecue.

The site is a short drive from Aldeburgh, one of Suffolk’s most picturesque seaside towns.

Parkdean Wemyss Bay, Scotland – £256

Parkdean Resorts offer a 4-night stay from 25 May in a bronze caravan which sleeps up to 6 for £256

Perched on Scotland‘s stunning west coast, Parkdean Wemyss Bay offers an affordable coastal stay with loads to do on your doorstep.

This holiday park has plenty of activities for kids like its own amusement arcade, adventure playground and climbing wall.

There’s also an indoor pool with a paddling area, as well as steam and sauna rooms for the adults.

And if you fancy a day trip out, you can hop on a ferry to Rothesay to see its castle and gardens.

The resort also has sweeping views over the Firth, so there’s no need to leave site if you’d rather stay put and enjoy the views.

Parkdean St Margaret’s Bay – £409

Parkdean Resorts offer a 4-night stay from 25 May in a bronze caravan which sleeps up to 4 for £409

This peaceful holiday park in St Margaret’s Bay is only around a mile away from the White Cliffs of Dover, so you can tick off a famous sight with a stay here.

Plus this beautiful stretch of Kent coastline also has gems like Dover Castle and Canterbury to visit.

The resort itself is relaxed and all about the coastal views as opposed to bright and colourful entertainments and arcades.

It also has a heated indoor pool, gym and sauna to make that your trip all the more relaxing.

Park Holidays Burghead, Scotland – £409

Park Holidays offer a 7-night stay from 22 May in a gold caravan from which sleeps up to 6 for £409

This resort on the Moray Firth sits practically on the beach, plus you can even go dolphin spotting.

Burghead is a picturesque fishing town that feels much more remote and rugged than your typical busy seaside resort.

On site there’s plenty of amazing entertainment like live music and dancing, karaoke and bingo.

If you visit as a group of six, this bargain break over the May half term will cost you just £43pp!

Park Holidays Ribble Valley, Lancashire – £309

Park Holidays offer a 4-night stay from 25 May in a caravan which sleeps up to 6 for £309

For a relaxed family holiday in Lancashire this May, book a stay at Ribble Valley holiday park.

This peaceful countryside resort sits between the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill, both of which offer walks with wonderful views.

This Lancashire holiday park is much more about getting away from the park and out into nature, rather than offering loads of action-packed activities on site.

But it does have landscaped gardens, a children’s play area, a gym and free access to The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa.

There’s also loads of family attractions nearby like Clitheroe Castle Museum and Bowland Boar Wildlife Park.

AN adventure aquapark is set to reopen this weekend – just in time to cool off Brits this bank holiday.

The park also marks the first of its kind in Europe.

Aztec Adventure near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, will be open throughout the summer season, from May 2 to September 20.

The park boasts a number of obstacles, including trampolines, ropes, stepping stones, climbing walls and a balance plank.

It will also feature Europe‘s first Aquaglide Splash Squad Junior Aqua Park, a smaller splash park for young swimmers aged four to seven.

The main aquapark will be suitable for all ages from six and up, given they meet the minimum height requirement of 122cm (4ft).

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The park promises “an adventure for everyone”, with tickets costing just under £100 for a family of four.

It will also be open from 11am to 3.30pm on weekends, bank holidays and daily during the May and summer school holidays, ensuring plenty of time for family fun.

For those concerned about safety – both parks are fully accredited by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) as gold industry approved aqua parks.

From May 6, there will even be an opportunity for open water swimming.

Visitors can also hire a kayak or paddleboard to explore the surrounding lake area.

The park is just off Junction 5 of the M5 motorway between Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa.

THE BIGGEST outdoor swimming pool in the UK is reopening this week for the season.

Tooting Bec Lido, which first opened in 1906, is one of the most popular freshwater lidos in London.

Measuring twice the length of an Olympic pool, it can welcome up to 1,400 swimmers at once.

And despite being unheated, you can expect it to be busy when it reopens on May 1, with temperatures expecting to hit 26C.

Anyone wanting to visit will have to register for a free membership and, while tickets are sometimes available on arrival, it is recommended to book ahead – especially on hot days.

From May to August, it will be open from 6am to 8pm, with two swimming sessions a day. In September it closes earlier at 5pm.

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The lido underwent a £40million upgrade last year, which will “safeguard it for the next 50 years” and includes new water systems and filtration systems to keep the pool cleaner.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey raved about the lido, saying: “When I used to live in South London, this was the best place to spend the mornings.

“Not only was it the best brisk wake up, but there was a form of comradery amongst other swimmers, all supporting each other when the cold got a bit too much.

“In the summer, it has the best vibes, especially after ending with a coffee to relax on Tooting Common to warm up.”

Hillsea Lido is also reopening this week, after a £7million makeover.

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HAVING ditched London for the Kent coastline, my evenings are now spent walking along the beach. But it comes with a downside – the dreaded pricey commute.

A standard peak-time ticket on the high speed line costs me a whopping £105.60, despite it taking less than an hour.

Yet on that 52-minute commute, going from green countryside to dreary grey city buildings, I’m often dreaming of my next holiday.

And you’ll be surprised to know that there are a hell of a lot of holidays that are actually cheaper than that day ticket – both in the UK and abroad.

I’ve crunched the numbers to find return flights or cruises, as well as hotels, when going abroad, although you might need to factor in your own costs such as parking and bus transfers.

Some are day trips, so you can even save on the hotel and spend elsewhere, be it on culture or boozing.

So here are some of the 20 best holidays that are less than £105 each (and where I’d much rather be than in the office).

Three nights in Venice

A huge bargain deal lets you spend three nights in Venice for just £79, and it includes return London flights.

It comes with breakfast, so have a big one to get you through the day.

Skip the very expensive gondola rides and hop on a local one that costs just €2 (£1.74) and goes across the river.

Some restaurants have set menus that start from around €15 (£13) for two courses, and expect to pay as little as 86p for a glass of wine.

If you want a bit of extra cash to spend, reduce the trip to just two nights, which takes it down to £49pp.

= £95.48pp

Weekend trip to Margate

You can get a Travelodge right by Margate station for just £33 a night – working out to £16.50 each – and return tickets from London are around £12 each way, if you book in advance.

That’s just over £40, which can get you some fish and chips from Beach Bouys (£14.50), AND you can squeeze a drink at The Mechanical Elephant (£5 pint), the Wetherspoons in town.

Dreamland is free to visit, as well as the very bizarre crab museum and the Turner Contemporary gallery.

= £60pp

One night Amsterdam cruise

Did you know you can spend the day in Amsterdam without having to sort flights or a hotel?

DFDS has some two-night mini cruises from Newcastle to Amsterdam for as little as £54.50 each (or £39.75 is sharing as a four, not two people). This includes a private overnight cabin as well as bus transfers to the city centre.

This leaves you with £50, best spent on a ticket to Anne Frank’s House (£14.35).

A cone of frites is around €4 (£3.50) and for a cheap drink, Backstage Bar has pints for under €5 (£4.35).

Free things to do include the boat to Amsterdam Noord, as well as Vondelpark and Rijksmuseum (or Van Gogh Museum on Friday evenings).

= £76.70pp

Two nights all-inclusive in Turkey

A two-night all-inclusive holiday in Turkey comes in just under budget too.

The £99 deal each with Wowcher includes two nights at a five-star hotel, as well as access to the pools, all your food and drink AND return flights.

Be quick, as there are only a few days left in May.

= £99pp

Day trip to Oxford

Trains from London to Oxford take less than an hour, and can be found for as little as £5.40 each way.

Visit the Ashmolean Museum without spending a penny or spend your money on a university tour (£27). Harry Potter tours are also similarly priced.

The rest of your budget can go on a three-course menu at No.1 Ship Street (£26pp) named one of the best restaurants in the city, before heading home for the evening.

= £63.80pp

One night in Milan 

Loveholidays has one-night stays for £79 each, which includes return flights as well as an overnight stay.

The stay is at the B&B Hotel Milano, in nearby Monza.

But there is lots to do for free in Milan, such as visiting the outside of the Duomo or the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Head to Pizza Am where you can get an entire pizza for just €6 (£5.22) which comes with a free glass of fizz.

Famous for its Negroni Sbagliato, Bar Basso is where to end the evening where a cocktail will set you back a tenner.

= £94.22pp

Four nights camping in Spain

From £99pp, you could spend four nights at Estival Torre De La Mora with return flights.

This is based on a family of four, and the airport is super close to the campsite as well.

You have just £6 leftover, so probably best to pack some cereal and pasta from home.

= £99pp

Day trip to Majorca

Extreme day trips are a thing now, thanks to cheap (and quick) flights to Europe.

Holiday Pirates has done the hard work and found some cheap return flights to Majorca from £34, which leave in the morning and come back in the evening.

This leaves you with around £71 to spend on cocktails and dinner.

Marley’s has cheap pints and cocktails, so get one of each and it will cost you less than a tenner overall.

Sa Fonda has a Majorcan buffet in the week that is just €13.50 (£11.74) leaving more than enough cash for a fridge magnet or two…

= £55.74pp

One night in Fez

It isn’t just Europe on the cards; you could do an overnight stay in Morocco with Loveholidays for £99pp.

Along with flights, the deal includes hotels such as Riad Dar Guennoun (which comes with breakfast) or Hotel Ibis Fez.

Make the most of the free attractions like the Fes el Bali medina, while street food ranges from 40p for fried sfenj (doughnuts). A dinner out will usually cost about £8.

= £97.40pp

Four nights at Haven holiday park

One of the cheapest holidays you can go on in the UK is to a Haven holiday park.

Four nights start from £49 based on a family of four if you travel next month.

This doesn’t include access to the arcades and pools, so I recommend going for a break that does instead which is £69, or £17.25.

That leaves you around £87, so take your own food to save on breakfast.

Instead, treat yourself to a cocktail pitcher on your last night for £11 each, as well as a dinner for £10 each. You can even get a roast for a tenner each with cash to spare.

= £48.25pp

A day in London

So if you are already living in London, there is an easy way to spend under £105 each.

A one-day travelcard for Zone 1-2 is £8.90 per adult, and it will certainly get its use.

First of all, there are a lot of free museums – the V&A, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, National Portrait Gallery, to name a few.

A famous Brick Lane bagel for lunch will set you back just £4.50 for a standard cream cheese option.

A theatre trip is a must, and BuyAGift has tickets for The Devil Wears Prada for £75, or £32.50 each.

Pre-theatre menus are a bargain too – try Gallio, where a two-course pre-show meal is just £20 each.

End the night at Cardinal Bar & Kitchen in Aldgate – where every day you can get pints of house beer for a fiver (and treat yourself to two).

= £75.90pp

Two nights in Lake Garda

Two nights in Lake Garda is as little as £59 each, with dates even after summer. The two-night stay is at a 4* hotel, with return flights from London.

It includes breakfast, so make sure to have a big one. Then enjoy a fresh pizza for around £11 and an Aperol Spritz for £7.

Add in a boat tour too, as Get Your Guide has some to Sirmione for £21 each.

= £98pp

Day trip to Calais

Another no drive option is heading to France via Eurotunnel for the day, which starts from £59 per car, so £14.75 per person.

Entering via Calais, you can explore some of France’s best seaside towns such as Boulogne-sur-Mer and Le Touquet-Paris-Plage.

But one of the closest is Wimereux, where you can grab a croissant and coffee for around £3, before heading to the beach for the day.

Have a dip in the sea pool before getting a ‘plat du jour’ (two-course lunch) for around £20 – and then make the most of cheap duty-free with by bringing 12 bottles of £5 wine home…

= £97.75pp

Two nights Algarve

How about two nights in The Algarve?

The cheapest deals are £99 each for two nights with flights with Loveholidays.

This leaves you with £6 to play with, so you’ll need to bring your own food or head to the supermarket.

But spend your time just chilling on the beautiful beaches, catching some rays to keep costs down.

= £99pp

Four nights at Butlins

A last-minute holiday to Butlin’s is a bargain too, with four-night breaks next month for £49. The Bognor Regis stay is based on four people sharing, so that’s £12.25 each.

Add a dining plan, such as the Food Court Dining plan, which is around £50 each and includes buffet breakfast, dinner, and unlimited soft drinks and desserts.

You can even add on an All Action Pass (£15) for access to go karts, bowling, golf and trampolines, AND a two-hour spa experience and come under budget still.

= £105pp

Two nights in Zagreb

Book your own flights and hotels, and you could spend two nights in the capital of Croatia for just £92pp. According to HolidayPirates, this includes return Ryanair flights from London Stansted and two nights at Zajceva 34.

The Historic Upper Town is free to see, as are walking tours, where you can spot some street art along the way, and the Museum of Contemporary Art on the first Wednesday, and the Archaeological Museum on the first Sunday.

You only have about a tenner for food so you’ll need to go to the supermarket, or you could try a “burek” meat pastry from street food stalls for about £5.

= £97pp

Two-night Santander cruise

A no-flight holiday option is a two-night cruise to Spain, which starts from £99 per person when based on a four-person cabin.

This includes the return cruise and two nights onboard in a cabin.

This does only leave you £6, so pack some food… and save it for a wine in Santander (around £2 a glass).

= £101pp

Two nights in Rome

The Italian city of Rome is both easy and cheap to get to. A two-night Wowcher deal in May has return London lights, a hotel and breakfast included for £79 each.

Tickets to the Colosseum will take you close to the budget, so I recommend seeing it from the outside instead (or go on the first Sunday of the month, where it is free as well) and see the free Pantheon as well.

Try Giano Restaurant for lunch, where a two-course meal and coffee is £19 each, followed by gelato for around £4.

= £102pp

One night in Krakow

How about an overnight in Krakow for £99 each? The Loveholidays deal for May has return London Luton flights and a stay at a three-star hotel.

Kraków is cheap, so get a Zapiekanka (pizza) for around £4.50 that will keep you full all day.

Exploring the Old Town is free, as are some of the museums, such as Schindler’s Factory on Monday or MOCAK on Thursday.

= £103.50

Two nights in Costa Brava

You could spend two nights in Spain for under £100, just.

Two nights in Costa Brava or Costa Dorada come in at £99 each with Loveholidays, although the latter has breakfast (so make sure to nab some rolls and snacks for lunch).

Put the last £6 towards supermarket snacks to take back to the pool where you can relax for the rest of the day.

= £105pp

One night Mystery Holiday to Europe

If you don’t know where you want to go, how about letting Wowcher decide for you?

Their famous European Mystery Holiday starts from £89pp, which includes return flights and two nights’ stay.

Some lucky winners could get seven nights, all-inclusive, so you won’t have to spend a penny.

Even those that don’t, you’ll have £16 left each to grab a cheap dinner and pint either from a restaurant or supermarket.

Make sure to check which museums are free to visit too, as most cities have a few.

= £89pp

IF YOU are wondering where to go for your next beach break, well the world’s best 50 beaches have just been announced.

The best beaches were decided on by over 1,000 travel experts, including some who have visited every country in the world.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

As for the beach taking the top spot, that went to Entalula Beach in the Philippines.

Found in Palawan, the awards say it is “one of those places you have to see to believe” – but to get there you will have to hop on a boat.

Year-round the beach hits a low of 26C, so is a great option for winter sun.

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In second place – and the top beach in Europe – is Fteri Beach on Kefalonia in Greece, that is “tucked away in a secluded cove, surrounded by dramatic white cliffs” – again which you can only get to by boat (or very steep hike).

If you fancy heading around the globe to Australia, then the third best beach is Wharton Beach.

Sat on the south-western coast about an hour from the city of Esperance or eight hours from Perth, Wharton Beach’s “isolation ensures it rarely feels crowded, even on perfect summer days, providing a peaceful escape for those seeking solitude”.

In fourth place was Nosy Iranja in Madagascar – which is actually spread across two smaller islands – Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely – via a sandbar that you can walk across at low tide.

And rounding out the top five is East Beach, Vomo Island in Fiji with towering palm trees and calm water.

Unfortunately the UK didn’t have much luck making it into the top 50 beaches in the world, though it did make a couple appearances on the European list.

Coming in 26th place, Kynance Cove in Cornwall is a tidal beach with white sand, backed by impressive rock formations.

At low tide, visitors can explore a number of caves as well that have “formed into otherworldly shapes” according to Cornwall Beaches.

As for the second UK spot in the top 50 beaches in Europe – that can be found in Scotland.

Coming in 47th place, Achmelvich Beach in Scotland is just over two hours from the city of Inverness.

The beach can only be reached by a small track but it’s worth the trip – you might get to spot porpoises, dolphins or even a minke whale.

When it comes to the best beaches in Europe, Fteri Beach in Greece which came second in the world rankings, came out on top.

Then in second place is Cala Macarella, Spain on the island of Menorca. followed by Cala Dei Gabbiani in Sardinia.

In fourth is Kaputas in southwestern Turkey – a natural cove nestled between two towns, along with Porto Katsiki on the southwest coast of Lefkada in Greece in 5th place.

A NEW Ferris wheel has popped up along a famous seafront – and it’s set to open just in time for summer.

The new feature marks the second wheel in four years to be positioned on Great Yarmouth’s skyline.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council have officially installed the giant wheel on the seaside town’s beachfront, with visitors set to ride the attraction this summer.

The council wrote in a Facebook post: “We’ve secured a brand new Big Wheel for the seafront, opening just in time for the summer season.

“Get ready to experience stunning new views across the coastline and town from above – a fresh perspective you won’t want to miss.”

Locals have reacted to the news positively, with one commenting: “Lovely, I will have to take the grandchildren on it. Looks great.”

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Another said: “This time the views can only be improved!”

The wheel is said to appear to be a similar size and shape to the former one.

The original 50m-tall (164ft) attraction was installed on the Norfolk coastline in May 2022.

The wheel, around one third of the size of the London Eye, was set to remain at the seafront until February 2027.

Last month, the attraction was granted planning permission to move 50m north to South Beach Garden and was subsequently dismantled.

It is uncertain whether this structure will be rebuilt in light of the new wheel being completed.

THINK crystal clear waters, dolphin spotting and independent boutiques – well, the UK’s best seaside destination has all of this.

Less than three miles from its popular and busier neighbour – Tenby – you’ll find Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Named the best seaside spot in the UK by Time Out, it said: “Saundersfoot is one of Pembrokeshire’s most energetic spots” adding that it has a “lively spirit”.

One of the top things to do in the village is of course heading to the beach, which stretches more than half a mile long.

The Blue Flag beach is a popular spot for families as it has shallow water and boasts a lot of fun activities such as canoeing, windsurfing and swimming.

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The beach has also previously been named as one of the cleanest beaches in the world by TripAdvisor.

You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dolphins or a grey seal from the beach.

At one end of the beach you’ll find the harbour, which dates back to 1829 and was built as an industrial port to export coal from local mines.

Today, the harbour is a tourist hub for Saundersfoot, with a number of places to grab a bite to eat as well as a ship you can play crazy golf on.

If you like history, make sure to walk around the entire harbour, as at the end you’ll see Saundersfoot Lighthouse, which was built in 1848 to mark the entrance to the harbour.

From the harbour you can also hop on a boat trip with Saundersfoot Sealife Adventures to see local wildlife and Caldey Island for an hour and a half.

Each trip costs around £25 per adult and £20 per child.

Just steps away from both the beach and the harbour, you’ll find Hwyl Outdoor Sauna where you can enjoy a sauna session from just £9 per person.

Spread across a couple of roads, again just steps from the beach, there’s also the high street with independent boutiques, cafes and art studios.

Back in 2024, The Telegraph even noted how Saundersfoot is a “little-known hip town” that is the “perfect bolthole for those who want to see West Wales’s sights and lively towns but also enjoy quiet, sunset-watching downtime in the evening”.

From the village, you can head on a number of walks as well along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, where you will see amazing views of the coastline.

And just outside of the village, you can visit Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo which is home to a number of animals, rides and a recently updated play area.

The Pirate Adventure has a castle and a number of accessible play areas, including low level options for wheelchair users.

You can also opt to stay at the holiday park onsite, which in November was named one of the best family campsites in South Wales by the Campsites.co.uk awards.

There are other places to stay in and around Saundersfoot though, including Sunnyvale Holiday Park.

The holiday park has 53 caravans ideal for families and is less than a mile from Saundersfoot Beach.

Facilities at the park include a games room, kids play area, hot tubs, pet-friendly options and an indoor pool.

A two-night stay in August costs from £300.

For more ideas on UK staycations, here are some cheap last-minute UK holidays still available for the May bank holiday weekends.

Plus, UK staycations are set for record high in 2026 – here’s our top holiday wish list from trendy beach resorts to historic cities.

A HUGE new “world class new visit destination” is set to open in the UK.

Xanadoo is a new indoor attraction concept that has been designed by some of the people behind the Eden Project.

They claim it will be “unlike any other museum” with massive playgrounds, art areas and food halls, as well as being educational.

When guests arrive, the will be a market hall with food and drink stalls.

The first area is the “Road to Happiness” with a series of art installations along the way.

Then there is “The Gallery of Marvellous Situations” which they say will take people “back in time” using immersive experiences.

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The Playground in the third area, with images showing slides, a huge helter skelter, climbing structures, mazes, and even a life-size snakes and ladders.

Then in the fourth area is “Tomorrow’s World” with futuristic designs showing the world in hundreds of years time.

“Call to Action” is the final area, which has a life-size “game” with levers and dials that show the impact on the current world.

The entire attraction ‘will bring “science and art” together, and be for all ages.

The cost of the project hasn’t been revealed, but it is thought that £840million will be brought to the local economy, they predict.

They hope it will encourage year-round visitors, including families and school trips as well as locals.

Where it will be built is also yet to be revealed, although they are looking at locations across South Wales.

Gaynor Coley, co-founder of the Eden Project, told local media: “We believe Xanadoo can do the same for South Wales as the Eden Project did for Cornwall.

“An economic impact assessment has just been carried out and it has bought £6 billion to Cornwall and the West Country which is more than the whole of European funding and we’d like to do the same for South Wales.

“It will bring sustainable tourism, support hospitality and creativity, storytelling, digital and health and wellbeing.”

Eden Project opened in Cornwall back in 2020, and remains the only one of its kind.

However, a second site – Eden Project Morecambe – is set to open next year.

Other planned Eden Projects include Scotland as well as Costa Rica, China and Australia.

And another huge indoor attraction set to open in the UK is Therme Manchester, a massive water resort with pools, slides and spas.