Staycation tips and ideas

I KNEW Efteling theme park had a fairytale garden, but I didn’t realise a stay there would give me such a royal welcome, too.

The lobby of the newly opened Efteling Grand Hotel at this Netherlands attraction feels like its straight out of the classic storybooks my nan used to read me when I was a child.

A sweeping staircase circles an intricate, ­cascading chandelier made from tiny gold keys, candles flicker in the alcove and a 1920s bellhop — a mime-artist in full character — performs a slapstick routine pretending to dust off everyone’s suitcases.

It’s a welcome distraction for the kids, who were itching to bust through the back door and on to the rides. And even as a grown adult, I’m mesmerised.

Efteling first opened in 1952 and its mix of traditional fairground attractions, modern thrill rides and whimsical storytelling now attracts more than five million visitors every year.

Perched dominantly on the edge of the theme park, the Grand Hotel is a a castle-esque chateau that began welcoming guests last summer.

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It’s the first time in Efteling’s ­history that visitors have been able to stay the night within the park gates.

Unlike its other accommodation options — Efteling Wonder Hotel and the holiday villages Bosrijk and Loonsche Land — the Grand Hotel is slightly more premium for those who want some proper R&R — that’s rest and rollercoasters.

It doesn’t feel like a twee theme- park hotel, though.

The arty design was inspired by the park’s history and leans in to the visual style of film director Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel.

The 140 plush, modern, yet cosy rooms and suites look more like they belong in a stylish boutique hotel, although there are subtle nods to a princess theme.

Delicate vintage-style decor has been paired with ice-blue walls and brushed gold fittings. Elsewhere, there’s a great swimming pool, spa facilities and two fantastic restaurants.

Guests are also given unlimited, free access to the theme park throughout their stay, including on arrival and departure days and free private parking.

For those who don’t fancy driving, it’s incredibly easy to travel by train.
Eurostar operates direct services from London to Amsterdam, then it’s an easy change on to a local train that will have you at Efteling in less than an hour.

After a very early start, the fluffy linens in my room could have easily tempted me to have a duvet day, but the views of the park from my window were too much to resist.

Within minutes, I was out of the door and approaching my first ride of the day — the quirky and family- friendly Symbolica.

Revered as one of the best attractions at the park, it’s an absolute must-do.

The immersive experience sees visitors sit in floating cars on a modern, magnetic track, journeying through a Gothic palace that features some curious inhabitants.

It’s packed with optical illusions and special effects, perfectly pairing Efteling’s reputation for storytelling with enough excitement to appease the TikTok generation.

There’s plenty for adrenaline junkies too, and for children of all ages.

If you’re travelling with kids, keep your eyes peeled for Hooghmoed.

Set to open on May 1, it features three drop towers and is aimed at younger guests who don’t yet want to take on the white-knuckle rides.

And if you’re not a fan of rides full stop, there’s plenty more to enjoy at Efteling.

The theme park is set around stunning gardens and enchanting woodland, which is used to full effect to play out the fairytale theme.

Granted, parents don’t tend to leave a theme park feeling well rested, but somehow the Efteling Grand Hotel changes that.

The atmosphere feels serene, despite being literally next-door to six roaring rollercoasters and a donkey that poops gold coins (one of the park’s quirkier attractions).

At the end of each tiring day, I was made to feel like a sleeping beauty snuggled in that ridiculously comfy bed.

Although having endured upside-down loops, sudden drops and water rides, I’m not convinced I looked like one.

A COASTAL town near London is becoming the trendy new place to be – and not just because of all the celebs you might spot there.

Leigh-on-Sea, in Essex, is now a popular commuting town due to being as quick as 41 minutes to the capital.

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And locals have said you can easily spot some very famous celebs and politicians visiting too.

Local Karen, who works at Osborne Cafe and Seafood merchant on the seafront, previously told The Sun: “We’ve had Boris Johnson, Priti Patel, Prime minister Rishi – oh and Bridget Jones’ dad – Jim Broadbent.

“Jedward were down with Gemma Collins, The Hairy Bikers, Denise Welch.

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“And we’ve had so many, and obviously, TOWIE.”

Another local said he’d seen comedian Jack Whitehall, along with Jamie Oliver, Bradley Walsh and Michel Roux Jr.

The town was once the stomping ground of one of Britain’s most-famous actresses Helen Mirren, who moved their as a child.

Speaking to Culture Essex, she said: “I was raised in Leigh-on-Sea and am proud of my Essex roots.

“I gained my love of acting during my early performances on the stages of Essex.”

The town still draws in film stars to this day as it’s often used as a film set.

In February of this year, it was used for filming the new ITV drama The Lady, starring BAFTA-winning Mia McKenna‑Bruce.

Aside from spotting celebrities, Leigh-on-Sea has lots to explore like its high street filled with pubs, tearooms and cafes.

Some of the most popular spots include Ye Olde Smack, which overlooks the Thames Estuary, as well as the neighbouring The Boatyard.

Head up to Broadway for independent shops, antique stores and plenty of boutiques like Just Fox, Heatherbie of Leigh and The Magic Wardrobe.

After splashing the cash, relax on the shore of Bell Wharf Beach which is shingle and shell with calm waters that are popular with swimmers in the summertime.

Bell Wharf Beach is part of Leigh-on-Sea’s Old Town, which was once a thriving fishing hub.

It’s near to where you’ll find little fishermen’s cottages, pubs and its famous cockle sheds.

Once the centre of the fishing industry during the 19th century, theyhave since been modernised since then with some even being turned into seafood restaurants.

1 Cockle Shed is a popular spot along the front with a huge outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the likes of fish and chips, and of course, Leigh cockles.

Leigh-on-Sea isn’t the only spot in Southend that draws in a celebrity crowd.

Thorpe Bay is also a popular spot – especially at the Roslin Beach Hotel which has welcomed the likes of Gary Barlow, Tyson Fury, Denise van Outen, and other TOWIE stars like Frankie Essex.

The hotel recently underwent a £10million makeover adding more rooms, a new spa and outdoor restaurant.

For another seaside stay – check out one of our favourites in nearby Norfolk…

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Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

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For more on Essex, here’s Britain’s smallest town which was named one of the coolest spots in the country with cosy pubs and coastal walks.

And further inland, check out this Essex market town that’s an alternative to the Cotswolds.

FOR those waterpark fans amongst you, there are some exciting plans in the works with five more potentially coming to the UK.

From massive indoor resorts with beaches, to surfing lagoons, here’s everything you need to know.

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Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Chessington is known for its rides, zoo and aquarium, but is hoping to add waterpark fun to its offerings.

Back in 2024, the theme park submitted plans to build an African-themed waterpark with six water slides, two lazy rivers and rapids.

If given the go-ahead, it will have a kids wave pool, splash pad, spa pool, a safari beach, cafe and outdoor restaurants.

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The plans are for it to be built opposite the Safari Hotel.

First-look images reveal a huge indoor waterpark with outdoor waterfalls and greenery surrounding the pool areas.

Little else is known about it right now, with the last update back in 2024.

Therme Manchester

When Therme Manchester opens, it will be the “largest water-based wellbeing destination in Europe“.

It’s set to cost £500million, and could welcome three million people a year to its indoor resort.

It will be every waterpark’s fan dream with spa and wellness facilities that will be split into three distinct zones – Play, Relax and Restore.

The Play zone will focus on ‘next-generation’ water slides, along with a wave pool, warm water pool, steam rooms, saunas and lounging and family dining experiences.

This zone will have an outdoor beach too.

The Relax zone will be adults-only and there will be a “focus on premium wellbeing experiences”, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, waterfall showers, mineral baths, steam rooms, saunas and dining.

The last area is the Restore Zone and is also adults-only.

Here will be “industry leading health, nutrition and wellbeing therapies”, “sauna rituals”, experience showers, wellbeing consultations and dining.

Therme is due to open next to the Trafford Centre in late 2028.

Check out our favourite holidays to Greece – two have waterparks…

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Blue Bay Beach Resort, Rhodes

The four-star Blue Bay Beach Resort sits a stone’s throw away from this beach, and has its own pools, splash park and water slides. Here you’re only a 15-minute drive away from Rhodes Old Town, where UNESCO-listed medieval streets wind through castle-like architecture. Make sure to check out the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.

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Gouves Bay Hotel, Crete

Gouves Bay Hotel keeps things simple on a sunny Greek island location right by the sea. This hotel has a relaxed, family-friendly feel with two pools, a kids’ club and easy all-inclusive dining. And if you fancy a change of atmosphere, Gouves’ bars and tavernas are just a short walk away for your choice of evening drinks with a view.

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Aegean View Aqua Resort, Kos

The picturesque hotel is perched up high and surrounded by lush greenery in the historic harbour town of Kos. Here you’ll find a huge swimming pool and a waterpark, as well as activities like darts, tennis, football and more. There’s evening entertainment six days a week, and an on-site spa with a hot tub and sauna to unwind.

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TUI Blue Lagoon Queen, Halkidiki

This mega resort with six pools and its own waterpark is rated five stars by TUI. In the main restaurant, you’ll see show cooking displays as you take your pick from an extensive international buffet. Plus, Kalives beach is on the doorstep of this hotel, with its strikingly blue water and soft golden sands.

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Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge might not mean much to Brits, but it has 23 resorts across North America and Canada, and wants to to open its very first UK site.

The company has submitted plans to built on the current site of Basingstoke Golf Centre on Worting Road in Hampshire.

The plans are for it to be transformed into a 50,000m² complex.

It will consist of three interconnected buildings – one will be a hotel, another an adventure park and the last, an indoor waterpark.

It will be lots of family-friendly pools, slides, rides and splash pads.

Planned activities inside the adventure park will be a children’s haven with a rope course, mini bowling, mini golf and a games arcade.

Seahive

While not a waterpark per se, Seahive is set to be a huge new water attraction near Deal in Kent.

If it gets the go-ahead, Seahive would be the world’s first surfing wellness resort with a dedicated surf lagoon for every skill level with waves ranging in size from 50cm to 2m.

The site will also have a relaxing wellness area, spa and gym.

There’s room for on-land activities too like a skate park for skateboards, bikes and scooters.

Also proposed for the site are 15 holiday lodges and a clubhouse with restaurants.

The Cove Resort

Similar to Seahive, in Southport there will soon be Cove Resort which is a £75million new attraction with incredible views across the Irish Sea.

Visitors will be able to experience leisure activities like an outdoor lagoon with opportunities for surfing.

Other proposed facilities include a thermal spa – the resort will focus primarily on health and wellbeing.

The plans include the building of large 4-star hotel on site too.

For more on waterparks, here are all the ones in the UK mapped – with lazy rivers and wave pools.

And here’s where you will find the waterpark capital of the UK.

IF you’re looking for some of the most beautiful beachfront holiday homes, head to Camber Sands.

Two that sit right on the famous beach have been named as being some of the most ‘idyllic’ in the country from cosy cottages to A-shaped beach houses.

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

Camber Sands sits on the south-east corner of England and its location makes it one of the warmest beaches in the country.

The spot also heats up quickly thanks to its sand dunes that absorb heat from the sun – and the spot is sheltered by the dunes too.

In spring, it can have highs of 19C, which is roughly 1C warmer than other popular UK spots like Dungeness and Studland Bay.

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Camber Sands has an average of 195.19 hours of sunshine logged per month too.

The beach is often called the Hamptons of the UK, and it’s a favourite of Caroline McGuire’s (Head of Sun Digital).

She said: “Sussex lays claim to Camber Sands, but according to Wikipedia a small fraction of this seven-mile-long beach reaches over the Kent border. 

“Which helpfully means we can use it as part of this round-up, as it is easily the best beach in the area.

“Backed by large sand dunes, Camber is so large that you can always find a spot – even on the hottest of summer days – if you are willing to walk. 

“After an afternoon lazing in the sun, drive 10 minutes down the road to the medieval town of Rye for a pub dinner.“

There are some beautiful places to stay in Camber Sands – and two made it onto Country Living’s list of ’14 idyllic Airbnb beach houses in the UK’.

The first house is called ‘Coastguards Beach House‘ which is right at the edge of the beach perched high up on the shoreline.

Guests can rent out the entirety of the 1875 cottage which has a cosy log burner inside the comfortable lounge.

In the kitchen is a long table for hearty breakfasts and family dinners.

The cottage can sleep up to five guests and it has direct beach access with steps down to the sands.

Lots of guests described it as ‘cosy’, ‘remote’ and ‘peaceful’ thanks to its location away from the main beach hustle and bustle.

You can book a five-night stay in May for five guests from £771 – or £30.84pppn.

For more spots by the beach, check out these seaside towns…

Sidmouth, Devon
Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.

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Whitby, North Yorkshire
With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.

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Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

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Seahouses, Northumberland
This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.

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The second Camber Sands Airbnb on the list is an A-framed beach house called ‘Barefoot‘.

This is the perfect spot for anyone who wants to beach right on their doorstep as it lies just behind the wooden deck of the house.

Inside is bright and modern, with huge windows that let in all the natural light.

The main bedroom is where you’ll find the best views thanks to the A-shaped of the house.

During the evenings, light up the wood burner and toast marshmallows while watching the sunset.

It has four bedrooms and can sleep up to eight people.

For those with pets, you can bring up to two dogs for an extra £35 per stay.

It’s received rave reviews and has a rating of 4.89 stars out of five on Airbnb.

One guest wrote: “Beautiful house in beautiful surroundings! Absolutely stunning setting, right on the beach and next to the dunes.”

A four-night stay in May for eight guests costs £3,274 – of £102.31pppn.

For more on beaches, here are our 26 must-visit UK beaches for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.

Plus, here’s where you can find the best UK beach – AND it gets the least amount of rain in the country.

THE UK’s ‘Golden Mile’ is getting a major revamp and now it has been named as the home of the country’s best pier.

Great Yarmouth’s Britannia Pier has been named the Pier of the Year.

In the annual National Piers Society’s (NPS) competition, the pier beat 62 other seaside piers around the UK.

According to the BBC, NPS chairman Tim Wardley said: “Huge congratulations to the worthiest of winners who have shown that in challenging economic times, investment is still the way forward to success.”

The pier’s co-owner Joseph Abbott also added: “We feel this is a huge testament to us as new owners for the work, time and investment we have put in since our takeover in December 2022.”

The pier, which recently underwent a £2.2million revamp, was originally built in 1858 as one of the original Victorian timber-framed piers in the UK.

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Over the years, the Britannia Pier on the Norfolk coast has undergone a number of transformations including being destroyed and rebuilt after a fire in 1958.

Thanks to the recent £2.2million revamp the pier has several new features including an upgraded amusement arcade, entrance and the end-of-pier Britannia Pier Theatre – which is one of only five remaining in the UK.

And there are new food stalls and rides too.

Current owners, who bought the pier back in 2022, are keen to make the pier “a must-visit attraction for holidaymakers and the community to enjoy year-round – with a strong line-up of acts, events, shows and family-friendly activities”.

The pier isn’t the only destination in the seaside town to see a change.

Over the coming years, Great Yarmouth will undergo an extensive £40million glow-up.

There will be several projects taking place including opening the 19th century Maritime House and the Iron Duke art deco pub.

The Maritime House, which can be found on the seafront, has been abandoned for five years now.

It was originally a safe house for sailors who became shipwrecked nearby but has seen a number of different uses over the years including being a museum and a tourist information centre.

When it finally reopens, which is expected to be this spring, it will house a cafe and a number of flats.

The Iron Duke pub which closed back in 2007, will also reopen this year following a £2.4million renovation.

The Victorian Winter Gardens will get a major makeover as well, set to cost £18million.

The Grade-II listed landmark is the UK’s last surviving Victorian seaside cast iron and glass winter gardens and will reopen next year as the ‘People’s Palace’ and include indoor gardens, cafes and entertainment venues.

The final project will involve a £20million transformation of the North Quay, which is expected to take a few years.

Eventually the area will include shops, homes and leisure venues, such as a ‘Leisure Box’ which will include a multi-screen cinema and 120-room hotel.

If you are visiting the seaside town, make sure to visit the beach which is often dubbed ‘the Golden Mile’.

One recent visitor said in a review on Google: “First time at Great Yarmouth and we loved it!

“Really clean, lots of places to eat from, lots of attractions for the kids.

“Will definitely be coming again.”

Another visitor said in a review on Google: “Place looks like Miami and is perfect for beach and casinos.”

For somewhere to stay, you could head to Parkdean Resorts Vauxhall Holiday Park that has a number of new attractions and family activities.

And you can stay there with The Sun’s Hols from £9.50, as there’s still breaks available for this year.

In other seaside news, here are Britain’s hidden seaside holiday towns where you can dodge sky-high prices and book stunning breaks from just £49.

Plus, here are seven great UK seaside towns with beachfront theme parks – and you can stay with Hols from £9.50.

STAYCATIONS are on the rise once again, as nervous Brits look for a holiday closer to home.

Yet a trip exploring the beauty of the UK doesn’t have to be expensive – if you know where to look.

According to Hotels.com, searches for stays across Britain that are under £100 are up 21 per cent compared to last year.

Expedia Group expert Melanie Fish shared some of her top tips on how to find the cheapest hotel room stays, such as booking business hotels on weekends for lower rates.

She also said: “One of the simplest ways to save is checking in on a Sunday night, which is often the cheapest day of the week, helping travellers stretch their budgets further while racking up rewards.”

Here are ten of the best hotels across the country where all the stays are under £100 (so less than £50 each a night), ranging from city centre stays to rural vineyard retreats.

Malmaison Manchester – £94 a night (£47 each)

One of the fanciest on the list, the four-star Malmaison in Manchester, is still an affordable option.

Right in front of the city’s main train station, the hotel is built in a converted Victorian warehouse.

It makes you want to never leave, from the fancy Brasserie serving a British-French menu, to the stylish Mal Bar.

Of course, it’s right by all of the city’s top attractions too, from the Arndale Centre to Old Trafford.

Maldron Hotel, Liverpool – £83 a night (£41.50 each)

Despite also being a four-star hotel, the Maldron Hotel is the cheapest on the list.

The Liverpool hotel is no frills, but central – rooms have everything you need from hairdryers to coffee machines.

There’s an on-site barista-coffee cafe, as well as an all-day dining restaurant.

It’s in a great location too – you can easily get to attractions such as the M&S Bank Arena or Royal Albert Docks.

Lumley Castle, Durham – £92 a night (£46 each)

The 14th-century Lumley Castle is now a hotel and venue space, and is a bargain to stay at.

The hotel has 72 rooms, many of which will transport you back to Ye Olde times with spiral staircases and grand four-poster beds

Settle in for a spot of brunch at the Library Bar, or experience a full classic menu at the Knight’s Restaurant.

You can even try out themed murder mystery nights or medieval knight dinners.

Aldwick Estate, Bristol – £95 a night (£47.50 each)

Still a working farm and vineyard, Aldwick Estate is set across 300 acres.

Guests can not only stay on-site at a number of apartment options, but they can also book some wine tastings.

The 90-minute tours include the history of the estate, as well, of course, some tastings of the award-winning sparkling wines.

It’s less than 10 minutes from Bristol Airport, too.

Rodway Hill Eco Pod, Gloucester – £96 a night (£48 each)

If you want to get back to basics, you can go glamping at the end of a golf course for under £50 each.

Rodway Hill Eco Pod is ideal for keen golfers as you step out right onto the grass from the front of the room.

They’re no frills – you need to take your own towels, and there are shared ensuite facilities.

But with breakfast also included (expect all the classic hot and cold options) – you can be first to put on the day.

Ty Milford Waterfront, Pembrokeshire – £96 a night (£48 each)

Right by Milford beach is Ty Milford Waterfront, with all the hotel rooms kitted out with everything you need

Try Dulse, the on-site restaurant for some of the freshest seafood (and a unique rhubarb and custard profiterole), or work it off at the hotel gym overlooking the water too.

Kids even stay free this half term, and there is often both live music and pub quizzes on.

Want to splash out? Try the ‘floatels’ – four cabins that float on the water to be rocked to sleep by the tide.

The Grosvenor Arms, Salisbury – £94 a night (£47 each)

The Grosvenor Arms, built in a 17th-century former coaching inn, has all the best parts of a British pub, but a little bit fancier.

There’s just nine cosy rooms for both couples and families, which they say has more of the “charm of an inn than a hotel room”.

Eating at the pub itself is a must, if you love a menu of British food with a flair – or pop in on a Friday for freshly cooked pizzas.

Nearby attractions include the unusual hexagonal Wardour Castle, which was used to film the 1991 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves film.

The Westbridge, London – £97 a night (£48.50)

The chic Westbridge hotel says it is a “home from home,” being in the London district of Stratford.

Dating back to 1740, many of the rooms are named after themed royal family members.

The lounge bar is limited – serving just pizza, some snacks and desserts – so you might want to head out for dinner.

Thankfully is right by all of the popular London attractions too, including the Olympic Park and ABBA Voyage.

The all-inclusive hotel in the middle of London – that’s £55 each a night

The Sun’s Travel Reporter recently tried out London’s ‘all-inclusive’ hotel which comes in at just over £100 a night.

Z Hotels, Gloucester Place, offers a room package that is all-inclusive – soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, lunch, dinner… You name it.

This sounded too good to be true, so, of course, I had to put it to the test.

I arrived to check in at 3pm – this is when they were offering an afternoon tea selection, which included ham and cheese croissants and a cake stand featuring macaroons, brownies, flapjacks, and pots of tiramisu.

I picked up a handful of sweet treats, including one of the croissants and helped myself to my second can of Fanta.

There was also a made-to-order selection on a dinner menu, which featured a wide choice of sandwiches and salads.

I ordered the salmon and sauerkraut ciabatta – it was simple but tasty and reminded me of the sandwiches and cakes I usually pick up in one of London’s many hipster coffee shops.

However, this would usually set me back £18 for a coffee, pastry or cake and sandwich.

Just an hour later, a selection of cheeses and crackers, with grapes, chutney, houmous and olives appeared.

I helped myself to the black bomber cheddar, with a dollop of caramelised onion chutney and some crackers.

For second helping I went for some olives, camembert and crackers.

Over the course of another hour, I went back and forth, helping myself to the selection.

As I enjoyed my plates of food, I also sipped on a glass of sauvignon blanc – one of three white wines on offer.

If I wanted to, I could have also opted for red wine, cider or beer as well.

When morning arrived, a breakfast spread included toast, flatbreads with omelette and bacon, fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt, and pastries.

I opted for some cold apple juice and helped myself to a coffee, plus a tomato and cheese flatbread, some fruit compote and yoghurt.

Before leaving, I even grabbed a banana and coffee in a takeaway cup for the road.

My verdict? This hotel is a genuine find.

Totting up all the food I had, using the average prices usually found for each item in London, I spent way more than my £55-a-head price tag.

In comparison to other budget hotels, I would say the room itself is on par with Travelodge and Premier Inn, yet a fraction of the price.

Nunsmere Hall, Northwich – £95 a night (£47.50 each)

Inside the Edwardian country house in Northwich is Nunsmere Hall, surrounded by a 60-acre lake.

Usually used as a wedding venue, there are 36 hotel rooms, which are simple but affordable.

But you want to come here for dinner – voted ‘County Restaurant of the Year’ by The Good Food Guide, the ever-changing menu includes dishes such as steak and pasta.

Otherwise, grab a drink at The Captain’s Bar, some afternoon tea or have a wander around Northwich itself, a beautiful riverside town.

The Met Hotel, Leeds – £97 a night (£48.50 each)

One of Leeds‘ most beautiful buildings, The Met Hotel is built into the Victorian listed landmark dating back to the 1890s yet underwent a huge renovation last year.

There are 120 rooms, which have recently been refurbished, with classy interiors that make it feel much more expensive than it is.

Gott’s Bar & Kitchen feels like stepping back in time, with a mix of small plates, mains and grills.

Pop your head into the Met Ballroom too – it’s a beauty.

IF HOGWARTS was a real place, it would be rammed with selfie-stick-wielding tourists – but one quiet spot in a Devonshire city is the ultimate hidden gem for Potterheads.

It’s no secret that J.K. Rowling studied at Exeter University, but for years Harry Potter fans have been convinced that part of the city actually inspired a major feature of the movies (though she did debunk this herself).

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

Tucked away at a right angle off the bustling high street, you’ll find Gandy Street – a crooked, cobbled lane that looks remarkably like Diagon Alley.

To find it, you’ll have to venture down an opening between Urban Outfitters and Costa – and many visiting the city actually miss this.

The lane then opens up into a magical world of bunting, twinkling lights and higgidy-piggidy shops.

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While the film‘s Diagon Alley is actually a film set, the resemblance is clear.

According to Warner Brothers Studio Tour, the design of Diagon Alley was inspired by Charles Dickens’ descriptions of London.

However, director Chris Columbus realised that not many places look like 19th century London anymore, so a set for Diagon Alley was built specifically for filming.

Misshapen buildings tower over the lane and there is a flea market vibe similar to that of the bird cages and antique-style signs hanging from Diagon Alley’s shopfronts.

The entire street has dark-stone architecture, just like the gloominess of Diagon Alley.

Though the colourful shopfronts brighten the street in the same way Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes does for Diagon Alley.

While Diagon Alley boasts Flourish and Blotts, Mr Mulpepper’s Apothecary, Gringotts Wizard Bank and OIlivanders wand shop, Gandy Street has its own destinations worth visiting.

You might not be able to gobble a Chocolate Frog, but you can dive into Chococo for a hot chocolate.

At the Makers Market, you will find magical trinkets created by local sellers such as handmade handbags and quirky prints.

For pretty and unique jewellery head to Silver Lion and for gifts drop by Moko.

Even The Vaults nightclub looks a bit like Gringotts Bank, though don’t expect to find a dragon – just good cocktails.

If you are hungry there are a couple of spots on the street to grab a bite to eat including Red Panda, where you can grab a bao bun and salad for under a tenner.

For another interesting spot nearby, venture to Parliament Street which is thought to be the narrowest street in the UK and one of the narrowest in Europe.

It dates back to the 14th century and at its narrowest point measures only 63.5cm.

And your adventure around the city doesn’t have to end there…

Make sure to head to the Cathedral Quarter, where – in my opinion – you’ll find one of the most breathtaking cathedrals in the UK.

The 12th century Gothic cathedral has the “longest unbroken stretch of Gothic vaulting” remaining in the world, according to Visit Exeter, measuring 91metres – about the same as the height of Big Ben.

One of my favourite things to do here is enjoy the cathedral green and look at the 50-plus statues carved into the Salcombe and volcanic stone the cathedral is built out of.

Make sure to explore the lower part of the high street as well, just a short walk from the cathedral.

Here you’ll find most of the independent businesses in the city including cosy cafes and McCoys Arcade, which is home to a number of shops including a book store and record store.

If you do want to head to some of the bigger brand names, walk to the very top of the high street where you will find the likes of Lush, John Lewis, Next and Waterstones.

The best part to visiting the city? Unlike Harry, you won’t need to tap your wand on the wall to get in… You just need a train ticket to Devon.

If you are wanting to explore more of Devon, here’s the hidden town tourists often skip but locals love, with a coastline of secret coves and historic funicular.

Plus, here’s how to have a cheap Devon holiday this summer.

A landlord fascinated by the space and the sky set up an observatory – in the back garden of his pub.

Alan Boddington, 67, first took interest in the space when looking at the moon with his uncle using a brass telescope on top of a coalbunker.

His fascination was further sparked when watching Neil Armstrong landing on the moon in 1969 during the Apollo 11 mission.

When he took over The Poltimore Inn, he saw an opportunity to build an observatory in back garden of the pub.

Located in the village of North Malton, Devon, the pub is on the edge of Exmoor National Park – Europe’s first ever dark sky reserve.

Minimal light pollution and cloudless nights mean thousands of stars and astronomical sights such as the Milky Way can be spotted.

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He said: “When a cloud comes over it means you can pop into the pub, have a pint and maybe sit by the fire to warm up.

“Once the sky clears you can come out with your pint and appreciate the dark sky.

“Takes a little while for your eyes to adjust but we have got red lighting all the way down to the observatory.

“It’s an unusual thing to have a pub with an observatory but also with our accommodation we can give people the opportunity to look at the Dark Sky.

Mr Boddington bought the Poltimore Inn in October 2012 from a large pub chain.

With his “long term” love for space he saw a potential to create an observatory outside the pub.

Five years ago he set up with observatory and it was funded by himself.

The telescopes costed around £10,500 and the building which was self-built was £27,000.

On a cloudless night it is possible to see the milky way, thousands of stars and astronomical sights from the Exmoor National Park.

He said: “I was introduced to the moon as a 9-year-old when my uncle brought over his telescope and set it up for me to have a look at the moon.

“The moon project Apollo went off and it was one of those things that your parents let you stay up for.

“I still have a lot of the newspaper cuttings.

“When it came to setting up the pub I thought it would be the ideal opportunity for me, with the Exmoor Dark Sky, to take advantage and also enjoy my hobby.”

Within the observatory, there is a permanently Polar and star aligned Meade LX200 12-inch telescope and a new era “smart” telescope in the Unistellar Ev-Scope.

There are also numerous other manual telescopes and Skywatcher Dobsonians for beginners.

It features an electronic roll off roof, a private outdoor decking observation area, as well as private amenities, plus tea and coffee making facilities.

He continued: “This has been a great boost to go from being youngster to seeing the Apollo to seeing this venture Artemis going off and going looping round the moon is amazing.

“Also the technology that is gone with it – we are going to be looking at tremendous pictures for the next six months as they are released.

“The Darkside of the Moon is something that we don’t generally see and I think we will have a lot of surprises from that.

“Also the eclipses will show us different details. We are really pleased to see the astronauts coming back safely and leave safely.

“I hope it really stimulates the whole space idea in Europe, in England and with the scientists in this country.”

The building of the Poltimore Inn Observatory helps him share his passion for astronomy and space exploration.

The Poltimore Inn Observatory holds regular monthly events run by astronomers Jo and Pete Richardson.

The primary school in North Malton also visits the observatory as part of their education.

He hopes his observatory keeps inspiring both young and old about the space and the sky.

To get to know more about The Poltimore Inn visit their website here.

A NEW £15million train station is set to open this summer in a pretty English market town, making it easier than ever to reach a stunning national park.

Excitement is already building ahead of its launch, with a brand new billboard unveiled, teasing a summer opening.

The new Okehampton Interchange station is currently under construction in Okehampton, right on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Posting online, Devon & Cornwall’s Great Scenic Railways said: “Hurrah! Shiny new billboard in Okehampton to promote the town’s second station, which opens this summer.”

They added the sign will be updated once the official opening date is announced.

Rail bosses say the long-awaited addition will make it far easier for visitors to reach the scenic beauty spot and surrounding countryside.

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Thanks to its vicinity to the National Park, the scenic town is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as riding, swimming, fishing and golf.

It’s also home to the second oldest Norman Castle in the county. It lies in ruins now but is still a place to marvel at for any history buffs.

The £15million project forms part of wider upgrades to the Dartmoor Line, linking the town with Exeter and beyond.

Once open, the new station is expected to boost tourism by improving access to Dartmoor’s rolling hills, walking trails and outdoor activities.

It will sit close to the A30 and aims to serve the growing eastern side of the town, while easing traffic in the centre.

The interchange will also help reduce pressure on parking at the existing Okehampton station, which will remain open.

Plans for the site include cycle parking, electric vehicle charging points, and better walking and bus links to encourage greener travel.

Construction is well underway, with a footbridge, lift shaft and platform already taking shape.

THERE’S a town in the UK which is not only beautiful, but is said to have some of the longest living locals in the country.

Lewes, in East Sussex town is known for being a big foodie destination.

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The Telegraph declared Lewes to be the country’s ‘prettiest town‘, and it’s also one of the top 10 places in the UK where Brits ‘live the longest’.

According to the publication, the average life expectancy in Lewes is 85.1 years for women, and 80.9 for men.

This is compared to the UK average which is 83 years for women and 79.1 years for men. (The lowest in the UK is in Blackpool with 78.9 years for women and 73.1 for men).

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Lewes was described as a ‘hip and historic’ market town with access to the South Downs National Park.

The main feature of the town, however, is its medieval castle which sits on a hilltop looking over it.

Visitors can climb up the steep staircase, and if they do so are rewarded with the best views of Lewes and the hills of the South Downs.

Entry tickets into the castle cost £12 per person.

Heading back into the town centre there are top bakeries, breweries and pubs to explore.

The Flint Owl Bakery was recognised in the top 50 UK bakeries by the Good Food Guide 2025.

It’s well-known for its Lewes-baked organic breads and pastries that are freshly baked each morning.

Lewes has its own local brewery called Harvey’s – which should be a spot that every visitor pops into, especially as it runs its own tours around the factory.

If you don’t fancy a tour, Harvey’s Brewery Shop is in the town too so you can pick up a few bottles of beer and ale to enjoy at home.

Something very unique about it is that its drinks are still delivered to the local pubs by dray horses.

For more British charm, here are some of our favourite seaside towns…

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Sidmouth, Devon
Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.

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Whitby, North Yorkshire
With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.

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Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

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Seahouses, Northumberland
This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.

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The Swan Inn on the high street is a popular spot to head into for a pint.

It has a unique pub garden too as it sits on the Greenwich Meridian – an invisible border which divides the world into east and west.

Another pretty spot just outside of the town is Glyndebourne, which is an opera house where Pavarotti once performed.

It sits amongst 12-acres of gardens with flowers, ponds and delicately trimmed hedges.

Every summer, it holds a festival where world-class opera singers perform – during the interval, guests can enjoy a fine dining dinner, or have a picnic on the grounds.

For more pretty gardens, head to Southover Grange Gardens, a former private garden built in 1952, which one visitor describes as a ‘gorgeous floral garden’.

The town is known for its annual bonfire celebration – which is the largest of its kind in the world.

It’s organised by six different societies, they each have a festival on the day with a torch-lit procession and of course huge firework displays all over the town.

For those who can’t get enough of being by the seaside, you can reach Brighton in under half-an-hour by car.

Or if you head to Brighton by train, it takes just 17-minutes from Lewes station.

Check out the other destinations in the UK where people live the longest…

Here is where people live the longest in the UK, according to The Telegraph…

Wokingham

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.6 years. Men 82.8 years

Kensington and Chelsea, London

Average life expectancy; Women – 87.1 years. Men 83.9 years

Windsor

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.1 years. Men 81.3 years

Richmond

Average life expectancy; Women – 86.3 years. Men 82.5 years

Totnes

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.9 years. Men 82 years

Bearsden

Average life expectancy; Women – 83.9 years. Men 80.3 years

Monmouth

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.2 years. Men 80.7 years

Fleet

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.5 years. Men 83.5 years

Lewes

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.1 years. Men 80.9 years

Stroud

Average life expectancy; Women – 84.4 years. Men 80.8 years

For more on the UK, staycations are set for a record high in 2026 – here are our top holiday wish list spots from trendy beach resorts to historic cities.

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