summer

WE’RE spoilt for choice when it comes to seaside towns here in England – from retro to cool, there’s something for everyone.

But some of our favourites are the ones that feel like you’re stepping back in time to a different era – less penny slot machines and more stone fishermans’ cottages.

The Sun Travel team reveals our favourite old fashioned seaside spots…

Sandgate, Kent

“Sandgate is often forgotten about as a day trip destination, being just outside of Folkestone with no train station of its own.

“But it’s one of my favourites to visit with far fewer crowds, and has retained its old-worldy feel.

“It doesn’t have attractions, only Sandgate Castle which was built by Henry VIII but is now a private residence. So instead it’s a great spot for relaxing by the beach, as well as an up-and-coming food and drink scene.

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“There’s The Ship Inn overlooking the beach which, on a windy day, is the cosiest spot for a local beer and pie. But the high street itself is just as beautiful, lined with vintage antique stores, coffee shops and bars.

“Start your day with a coffee at Orchard Lane Coffee House, and get tempted by one of their rotating pastry options, or opt for brunch at Loaf just down the road.

“Then go for a long walk on the promenade lining the beach, watching the wind surfers and even canoers (or go for a sea swim yourself in the summer).

“Or if visiting in the evening, John Dory is the best place for some wine tasting with the owners really knowing their stuff.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Brixham, Devon 

“The English Riviera in Devon – formed of the three towns of Paignton, Torquay and Brixham – is a great holiday spot, but Torquay and Paignton can often be busy with tourists.

“If you fancy a quieter spot but still want a taste of the English Riviera, then head to Brixham, which remains today one of the busiest fishing ports in the UK.

“The harbour is great for spotting pretty boats and gazing at the swans. And definitely head to the Breakwater as this is where you are most likely to see the town’s resident seals.

“This is also where you’ll find the main beach, Breakwater Beach, which is a Blue Flag spot.

“If dipping into the sea is too daunting, check out the 53-metre saltwater tidal pool, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach.” Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire

“This Victorian seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast harks back to a different age with its grand architecture and pier jutting out from the long, sandy beach.

“The arrival of the railway in 1861 saw the picturesque town embrace leisurely pursuits with its pier and promenade still remarkably similar to its earliest days.

“Also still delighting tourists is its cliff tramway, a water-powered funicular that connects the town at the top of the lift to the seafront and pier below.

“With the Valley Gardens and Italian Gardens to stroll through and the Saltburn Miniature Railway to hop aboard, the town offers a delightful throwback to simpler holidays.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Watergate Bay, Cornwall 

“A little north of the popular surfing shores in Newquay’s city centre, Watergate Bay is a peaceful and rugged two-mile stretch of sand overlooking foaming, choppy waters.

“The swell ensures it remains a preferred bay for surfers, but outside of the busy summer months you’ll find it’s rather quiet, with just a few dog walkers scattered about.

“Views are breathtaking from pretty much every angle, but especially so from the coastal path that flanks it, winding high above sea level along grassy cliffs. 

“Down on shore are craggy caves that kids will be desperate to explore as well as patches of windswept rocks carpeted in mussels that cling to the wet surface.

“A beautiful restaurant, The Beach Hut, overlooks the sands and it’s a great spot for a proper bite to eat, with specials of crab linguine often featuring on its typically Cornish menu.

“For something more casual, WAX serves up pints and burgers in a fuss-free setting.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Old Hunstanton, Norfolk

“Old Hunstanton is the quieter, prettier sister of mega Norfolk seaside resort Hunstanton.

“Whilst Hunstanton has a massive arcade and bowling alley practically smack-bang on the promenade, a 15-minute walk along the clifftops will lead you to a beautiful and less busy alternative.

“The walk there overlooks the town’s famous striped limestone cliffs, plus you’ll pass a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins on your way, too.

“The beach boasts soft, golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. It makes for a great bucket-and-spade spot for families, with loos, a cafe and plenty of car parking spots all close by.

“I recommend trying a fry-up at the Old Hunstanton Beach Cafe, a dog-friendly spot that serves up a fantastic breakfast, as well as homemade cakes and an entire library of loose-leaf teas.

“Plus the Old Hunstanton RNLI station opposite is often open to let visitors see its impressive hovercraft up close.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Seahouses, Northumberland

“The many working fishing boats bobbing in its compact harbour are the reason why this historic village on the Northumberland coast offers an authentic, classic British seaside break.

“The catch still lands daily – guaranteeing some of the freshest and best fish and chips in the region and the place has no modern distractions like flashing arcades.

“A stroll along the beach and a poke about in the rockpools on land and the chance to take to a boat for a trip over to the Farne Islands.

“It’s home to one of the UK’s largest colonies of Atlantic grey seals – it’s simple classic British coastal charm.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Salcombe, Devon

“Tucked away on the South Devon coast, Salcombe is well-known for its golden sands beaches.

“The town is often dubbed ‘Chelsea on Sea’ because of its picturesque houses and pretty harbour. Head to North Sands if you want a family-friendly spot.

“Or venture to South Sands, which is accessible by a sea tractor. The town has lots of independent businesses and cost-effective restaurants as well.

“And if you happen to be there in April, make sure to spend time at the Salcombe Crabfest.

“One of the best things to do in the coastal town – no matter the time of year – is to try Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream, which is simply heavenly, especially the honeycomb.” Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Frinton-on-Sea, Essex

“I consider Frinton-on-Sea to be the more chilled out sister of Clacton – it’s so much quieter, and very peaceful, but still just as fun for a beach break.

“The Essex town of Frinton has a huge sweeping beach lined with the classic brightly coloured beach huts – a mark of any beach day trip – along with a retro ice cream parlour.

“You can pop into The Lock and Barrel which is minutes away from the beach, and when it opened was the town’s very first pub.

“When the weather is a little breezy and it’s not warm enough to sit on the beach, take a stroll along the many walking paths.

“If you head slightly up the coast, you should try to spot some seals in nearby Harwich.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Broadstairs, Kent

“So while Broadstairs technically has a small arcade, it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it one tucked away from the beach.

“Put on the map by Charles Dickens who raved about its beauty, you can even go back in time by visiting the Dickens House Museum.

“But the seaside town is threatening to become a trendy new Kent destination thanks to some new openings.

“There is the new Smith’s Townhouse, a beautiful boutique hotel, as well as the small plates restaurant Bar Ingo, recently named in the top 100 UK restaurants by OpenTable.

“You’re spoilt for choice for trendy cafes, from Giant Coffee and Salt to Forts and Kope + Loke. But it has kept its Victorian seaside charm, with traditional chippy The Mermaid as well as the best ice cream sundaes at Morelli.

“And while the beach certainly welcomes the tourists in droves, you can rent a deckchair and watch the yachts come in for some old-fashioned charm, while listening to live music from the bandstand above.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

“Any picture you take in Robin Hood’s Bay could immediately become a postcard.

“A visit to the North Yorkshire fishing village feels like stepping back in time, with winding narrow streets snaking through a maze of red-roofed cottages.

“On the steep but scenic walk down to the shore, you’ll pass unique miniature pubs with room for only a bar and a couple of bar stools.

“If you manage to bag yourself a seat in one, you’re lucky – make sure to soak up the ambience of hundreds of years of maritime history.

“The village used to be the smuggling capital of the North coast, and today you can see the same narrow ginnels and cellars where tea, tobacco and gin were once hidden.

“Once you’ve made it down to the beach, you’ll find smooth sands and calm waters equally enjoyed by families and dog walkers.

“Both little ones and four-legged members of the family will enjoy racing across the flat, sprawling sands.

“Plus, at low-tide, there are always fascinating finds and fossils collected in the shallow rockpools.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Sidmouth, Devon

“One of my favourite spots on the Jurassic Coast is Sidmouth.

“It’s famous for its Grade-II listed steps called Jacob’s Ladder which lead down to the shingle beach.

“Or if you don’t fancy them – because they are very steep – you can still get to the beach by walking down the hill instead.

“As the beach is shingle rather than sand, I’d suggest taking something to lie on if you plan on sunbathing.

“Later on, make sure to explore the town, walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Make sure to pop into Ice Cream Paradise for a frozen treat later on.

“During my visit I stayed in the incredible Harbour Hotel & Spa which has an outdoor pool, beautiful gardens with sunloungers.

“It’s elevated position means it has unbeatable views across the coastline.” – Travel Reporter Alice Penwill

For more on beaches, here’s the where to find the best in the UK – and it gets the least amount of rain in the country.

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

A BUDGET rail operator is launching a new route that will travel 400 miles across the UK – and tickets cost less than £30.

Lumo, which operates fully electric trains, will connect London Euston to the Scottish city of Stirling this summer.

Rail travel across the UK can be very expensive but Lumo, which is part of FirstGroup, is known for its affordability.

Starting July 10, Lumo will start its new route from London Euston to Stirling for as little as £29.90.

When the service launches it will have four daily return trains between the two cities.

Between the two cities, trains will call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert.

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For those travelling between London and Preston, tickets start from £23.90.

And between Preston and Stirling, tickets can be booked from £14.90.

Stirling sits north of both Glasgow and Edinburgh and it’s known for its huge historic castle and even has an interactive Old Town Jail attraction.

Visitors often head to The National Wallace Monument which is a 220ft tower in the countryside.

The city also has a high concentration of pubs for its size – the oldest alehouse is The Settle Inn which has been serving ale since the 1700s.

Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, which runs Lumo said: “These fares are about putting customers first.

“By offering simple, low-cost tickets and direct services between Scotland, the north west of England and London, we’re making it easier and more affordable for people to travel for work, leisure and family visits.”

Onboard a Lumo train, there are no first class seat options – but wherever passengers sit, there’s access to USB sockets and tray tables.

Lighting can be personalised by using the button on the back of the seat in front of them.

Passengers can also use the free Wi-Fi, and each seat has a winged headrest for comfort and a coat hanger.

Lumo offers other routes too like London King’s Cross to Edinburgh.

But its latest started in December 2025 from London to Glasgow.

The company announced the news on social media, it said: “Our new timetable starts on 14th December 2025!

“Our new Glasgow service will start in December and we’re also adding an additional service from Newcastle to London King’s Cross every weekday.”

Lumo runs two northbound and one southbound service on weekdays and one service in each direction on Sundays between London King’s Cross and Glasgow.

On the way it also stops at Falkirk High and Newcastle.

For more on Scotland, here’s the most popular Scottish city to visit in 2026 with Traitors castles and epic road trip route.

And here’s a mythical Scottish waterfall with ‘magical properties’ where the water flows red.

WORK is set to restart on a disused lido in Cumbria – two years after it was originally set to reopen.

The Grade-II listed lido in Grange-over-Sands has been closed since 1993, but could welcome back locals as soon as this summer.

The pool on the promenade in Grange-over-Sands first opened in 1932 and is the only surviving seaside lido in the north of England.

In 1993 the lido closed because of low usage and rising repair costs.

Work then began in 2023 with £6.8million worth of funding to restore the site with an initial opening timeframe of just 14 months.

The opening date was delayed but work continued – during this time there was an upgrade to the pavilion building and an accessible entrance from the promenade was created.

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The changing rooms have been upgraded, and work to the roof and terraces has been completed, so have security upgrades, cleaning, and decoration.

A new play area on-site has already been built and work to the diving board has been completed.

However, work was paused in May 2025 after problems with concrete at the site were discovered.

Now, it’s set to restart in April 2026, with Westmorland and Furness Council saying it hopes the site will be open at the end of this summer.

In its initial opening, it won’t be used as a lido.

There is a temporary infill of the pool and the site will be used as a public space before phase two of the restoration begins.

On the Save Grange Lido website, it explains: “There’s to be a 25m 6 lane pool with a depth of 1.35m which can be used for County Level competition and training, a smaller, shallower 13m pool (0.9m deep) and a paddling pool or splash pad.”

Locals have been vocal in wanting the outdoor lido to reopen for swimming.

In 2011, the lido was granted Grade-II listed status and in the same year, the Save Grange Lido group was formed.

18,000 people signed a petition calling on the council to include the reopening of the pool in any plans to restore the lido site.

Here’s another English seaside town’s beachfront lido that is set to reopen this summer despite fears of closure.

And this popular English seaside town reveals plans for huge £4.5million makeover.

A SURGE in fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict has resulted in a major airline axing five per cent of its flights.

Air New Zealand announced that it will be cutting back on flights over the next two months.

Chief Executive of Air New Zealand Nikhil Ravishankar said the airline would see roughly a five per cent reduction in its services.

And that this would continue until the beginning of May 2026.

This reduction equates to around 1,100 flights which in turn will affect 44,000 passengers out of its 1.9million.

Talking to 1News Nikhil Ravishankar explained: “We’re focused on consolidating flights that are off-peak flying hours, for example, or where there is an alternative that we can re-accommodate customers.”

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He later added that the, “interventions we’re putting in place are not only reasonable, but are what all airlines around the world are doing”.

Air New Zealand said that most of the passengers affected would be moved onto other flights.

The airline has not provided a list of affected flights, but some officials in New Zealand have revealed domestic routes have been altered.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said that Air New Zealand intends to reduce its routes from Marlborough to Wellington, with Auckland and Christchurch flights also affected

The airline detailed that fewer long-haul flights would be cut.

MR Ravishankar said: “People want to get to Europe still, and ​over the US airspace we can get them into Europe, and that’s what we’re focused on doing.”

The announcement comes shortly after Air New Zealand increased its prices in response to the rising cost of fuel.

Domestic flights were going up by $10 (£4.37) one way, short haul by $20 (£8.74), and long haul $90 (£39.35).

Due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, the cost of jet fuel has risen significantly.

Before the conflict, prices were around $90 (£67) per barrel and have since increased to as much as $200 (£149) per barrel.

As a result, it’s not just Air New Zealand that has increased its ticket prices – other airlines like Qantas and Scandinavia’s SAS have done the same.

However, some airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, are less affected because they have secured some of their fuel at fixed prices for a set amount of time.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said the rise in jet fuel “won’t affect our costs and it won’t affect ​our low fares”.

It’s not just flights that are affected. Places like the Balearic and Canary Islands are warning of a rise in the cost of food and drink.

And here’s why you should book a holiday now, as Iran crisis makes it more expensive.

LOOKING for a city that has it all with vibrant restaurants and shops as well as beautiful beaches? Check out Valencia.

What’s even better for Brits is that flights to the Spanish city are as little as £15, it’s just over two hours away – and travel experts at A Place in the Sun love it too.

When it comes to exploring cities looking for properties as well as a general vibe, A Place in the Sun presenters can get a real feel for a place.

And when Sun Travel spoke to two of the stars asking where in Spain their go-to city is, both had the same answer – Valencia.

Craig Rowe told us: “What I love about Valencia is that it has it all – it’s a city, and the beach is there as well.

“It has amazing coasts and beautiful architecture, it’s got everything you need from a city.

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“It’s great for a weekend break, and it’s the third largest city in Spain with around 800,000 people – but it doesn’t feel too busy like Madrid or London, it’s a relaxing place to go.”

In fact, Craig loves the city so much so that he’s planning on buying a property there himself one day.

He added: “My partner Paul and I are hoping to buy a property in Spain, we’re not in a position to do it yet, but hopefully we’ll be able to in the next couple of years.

“I love Valencia as a city, whereas my partner loves Barcelona – but I think he’s coming round to my idea.”

Talking to Jean Johansson, who has been presenting A Place in the Sun since 2018, she also was full of love for Valencia.

She said: “I’m a massive fan of Spain, and Valencia especially; it’s got that beach and city vibe.

“As soon as you get out of the city centre, there are big properties there too.

“But it has great food, nice people, and it’s not as talked about as some of Spain’s other cities, but I think that will change in the next few years.”

“Personally, I much prefer it to Barcelona, which can get very busy in the summer – Valencia has more of a laid-back vibe to me.

“I only really discovered the city while working on A Place in the Sun, I’d never been to Valencia before – it’s a great place for a girls weekend, or a romantic weekend away.”

Brits can fly to Valencia from London Stansted in April from just £15 with Ryanair.

From there, you can get into the city by car in around 15 minutes.

Being a bustling Spanish city there are plenty of restaurants to grab a bite to eat.

Some of the top on Tripadvisor include Esquinita Mía, one visitor said: “The tapas dishes were fabulous – very tasty and great value. The empanadas were so good we re-ordered.”

Other top spots include Osteria da Gianni, El Garaje Foodie and Arrocería El Rek.

There’s plenty of things to see too and one popular activity is biking through the Turia Gardens and exploring the market which is one of the biggest in Europe.

In peak season the market has around 900 stalls with lots of baked foods, fresh seafood as well as perfumeries, and souvenir spots.

When Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the city two years ago, she went to the City of Arts and Science museum.

The huge complex cost a huge £760million to build across 10 years and film fans will recognise it as it appeared in Westworld and Doctor Who.

But it was when she visited the trendy district of El Cabanyal, she found her favourite place.

Kara said: “It’s here I fell into a warehouse-cum-greenhouse that had both a bar and jazz being played live on stage.

“The cheapest eat I found was La Finestra back in the city, where not only are the beers cheap, but you can get mini pizzas for just £2.”

Of course there are beaches too like La Malvarrosa which is the most famous and popular in the city – it has golden sand and a long promenade.

Other popular coastal spots include El Cabanyal (Las Arenas), and La Patacona.

For more on Spain, here’s a European city with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year named best destination to visit in 2026.

And this Spanish city that’s closest to the UK and is quieter than Barcelona is getting new TUI holidays.

The HM Passport Office has issued a warning to Brits about passport checks they must carry out well in advance of any impending holidays over spring and summer

HM Passport Office has issued a warning to Brits ahead of the peak travel season.

With the Easter half-term just weeks away and plans already made for a summer getaway, thousands of holidaymakers will be jetting off abroad during one of the busiest travel periods. To ensure their journey gets off to a flying start, Brits are being urged to check their passports; otherwise, they risk being turned away at the airport.

In a stark reminder, the HM Passport Office advised Brits to “check your passport now” in a post shared on X, ahead of any spring or summer trips. A link in the post directed travellers to the government website, where they can apply online to renew, replace, or update their passports.

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There are two key dates you should check on your document; the expiry date, and the issue date, especially if you’re planning to head to a European hotspot such as France, Spain or Greece. This is because of a post-Brexit regulation on travel to the European Union or Schengen countries, which stipulates that UK passports must have been issued less than 10 years before your departure and must be valid for at least 3 months after your return.

Meanwhile countries such as Australia, China, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and India require at least 6 months of passport validity from the date of arrival. It’s vital to check any entry requirements and passport validity before making any travel plans.

You must also ensure your passport has not been physically damaged, as this may render it invalid. This could include ripped pages, water damage, separated covers, or anything else that might make the personal information difficult to read.

Travel expert Jamie Fraser at Wild Packs warned that the general wear and tear of a passport can also be problematic when passing through automated scanners or at airport border control points. So it’s vital to check that your passport is in good condition, or if you need to apply for a replacement.

There must also be a blank page at the back of the passport for any necessary stamps or visas. If the passport is crammed with stamps from past trips, it could create problems at the border if there aren’t enough blank pages, leaving you unable to travel.

If your passport has expired or needs to be replaced, you can apply for a new one through the government website. However, it’s crucial to do it well in advance, as it can take around three weeks and sometimes longer.

There are fast-track passport services available, but Jamie cautioned that these are not “always guaranteed and appointments can be limited during peak travel periods”. HM Passport Office also advised: “Do not book travel until you have a valid passport – your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.”

To renew or replace your standard passport online, it will cost £94.50, or £107 if you opt for a paper application. Meanwhile, a child’s passport will cost £61.50 online or £74 by post.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Iran’s sports minister said his nation will not participate in this summer’s World Cup following the attacks on the country by the U.S., one of the tournament’s hosts.

The U.S. bombing campaign against Iran, which began two weeks ago, has triggered a region-wide conflict and killed more than 1,300 Iranians including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader, according to Iran’s U.N. ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani.

“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said on state television Wednesday.

“Our players do not have security, and fundamentally the conditions for participation do not exist.”

Donyamali’s statement came just hours after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he had received assurances from President Trump that Iran would be allowed to participate in the tournament, which will be played in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino wrote in an Instagram post. “We need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support.”

Last year President Trump signed an executive order suspending visa issurance to nationals of 19 countries, including Iran, although the State Department can make exceptions for “participants in certain major sporting events” such as the World Cup.

Iran, which has played in the last three World Cups, earned its place in this summer’s tournament by dominating its group in the Asian confederation tournament. However it did not send a representation to a World Cup planning summit last week in Atlanta.

Iran was drawn into Group G for the World Cup and is scheduled to begin play June 15 against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Iran’s second group-stage game, against Belgium, is also scheduled for SoFi Stadium before the team finishes the first stage of the tournament against Egypt in Seattle.

According to The Athletic, no country has withdrawn from a World Cup after qualifying since the 1950 tournament in Brazil, when India, Scotland, France and Turkey pulled out, mostly over costs and logistical issues.

Donyamali did not say whether he has begun the formal process or withdrawing Iran from the World Cup but FIFA could be facing a time crunch if it had to replace Iran in the 48-team field. Article 6.7 of FIFA’s 2026 World Cup regulations states: ‘If any Participating Member Association withdraws and/or is excluded from the FIFA World Cup 26, FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary. FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”

The most likely replacement scenario would have Iraq, the top non-qualifier from the Asian confederation, taking Iran’s place. Iraq is scheduled to play the winner of a Suriname-Bolivia playoff in Mexico later this month for a final World Cup berth but with airspace over the Middle East closed because of the war, the Iraqis are unsure how they will get to Mexico. Giving them Iran’s berth would solve that problem but it would create another; who would replace Iraq in the playoff against the Suriname-Bolivia winner? Based on the Asian qualifying tournament, the UAE would be the most likely candidate but it, too, would face travel concerns in getting to Mexico.

FIFA could leave those playoffs untouched and give Iran’s spot to Italy, which is ranked 13^th in the world but must win a four-team UEFA playoff later this month to qualify for the World Cup. Basically FIFA can do whatever it wants.

FIFA regulations say that any team that withdraws from the tournament “no later than 30 days before the first match” will be fined and could face other “disciplinary sanctions” including expulsion from subsequent FIFA competitions. This summer’s World Cup kicked off June 11 in Mexico City and Toronto. The U.S. opener is scheduled for June 12 in Inglewood.

Earlier this week six members of Iran’s delegation to the Women’s Asian Cup were granted humanitarian visas and allowed to remain in Australia rather than return to Iran where they feared persecution for not singing the national anthem during the tournament.

THERE’S still time to book a cheap Easter break for all the family from just £6.20 per person per night.

Unity Holidays has a new offer for families across all three of its sites in Somerset, the Skirlington Coast in Yorkshire and Seven Lakes in Lincolnshire.

Unity Holidays which has three parks across the country is offering families a three or four-night break during the school holidays at Easter time from £149.

The price of £149 is based upon a family of up to six people staying in a Bronze caravan across four-nights which works out as £6.20pppn.

A Bronze caravan has two to four bedrooms and is open plan with a large living area.

It has central heating, Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchen for self-catering and free parking.

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There is also a space for tourers and campers with three-night weekend breaks for a family of four starting at £150.

At Unity Beach in Brean, Somerset, there’s plenty to do like exploring the Splash Waterpark, soft play, it also has a 9-hole golf course.

The site even has its own theme park with over 40 rides including rollercoasters, dodgems, a carousel and ghost train.

There are lots of places to eat on-site like the recently renovated Wonky Donkey pub and restaurant, with a new pavilion, sports bar and arcade.

At the Wonky Donkey, visitors can expect traditional pub food like mac n’ cheese and scampi and chips.

It’s also minutes from the coastline so guests can also enjoy paddling in the sea and making sandcastles on the beach.

Skirlington Coast in East Yorkshire also has a Wonky Donkey pub along with a traditional chippy which can be enjoyed with a seaside view.

It has a heated indoor swimming pool with new activities for 2026, which include Bumper Boats, mini jets and pool party.

It has an arcade with plenty of games, fishing lakes and plenty of countryside to explore.

Like Brean, the Skirlington Coast park has a beach which is ideal for sunbathing in the warm weather, and even fossil hunting.

Seven Lakes is set amongst 200 acres of lakes and woodland in Lincolnshire.

Here, the Head to The Dog & Duck is where guests can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Each park has plenty of daytime activities, swimming and live evening entertainment.

Guests can get out on the water too on paddleboards, rowing boats, kayaks and even its huge aqua park with inflatables.

It’s an ideal spot for fishing too whether that be newcomers or experienced anglers.

Later on in the year and there will be even more to do at Unity Beach in Brean as part of its £10.2million expansion.

In time for the summer holidays, will be a new lido surrounded by private cabanas and outdoor dining area.

The existing flumes and water rides will remain, and the outdoor pool is expected to open in July 2026.

For more on holiday parks, here are 14 of the best in the UK from £19 a night – including beach resorts and huge waterparks.

And here are 10 of our favourite £9.50 holiday parks in the UK.

ARE you looking for a cheap Spanish holiday to soak up the sun this summer?

The most affordable coastlines in mainland Spain have been uncovered – and some are £200 cheaper than holidaying on the Costa del Sol.

TravelSupermarket has found the eight most affordable coastlines on mainland Spain with the top being Costa Calida.

It’s nicknamed the ‘Warm Coast’ thanks to its micro-climate which means it has temperatures around 5C warmer than the surrounding Mediterranean.

Daytime temperatures between in the summer can range between 30C and 35C.

Costa Calida also has over 315 sunny days every year.

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According to TravelSupermarket, the average price of a holiday per person is £457 per person.

The coastline has a huge 150 miles of beaches and is generally quieter than its neighbours like the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava.

That said, it still has popular spots along the coastline including La Manga which has a sandy strait often compared to Florida.

La Manga is a 13 mile long strip of sand which is known for its shallow, popular swimming waters and its salt water lagoon.

Visitors have compared it to looking like Florida‘s West Palm Beach and even Miami.

Rooms at the AluaSun Doblemar hotel on La Manga cost as little as £46 per night.

It’s the biggest resort and sits on the beachfront – it daily activities to keep guests entertained, outdoor pools, all-inclusive dining, and a kids’ club.

Another spot holidaymakers might want to consider is Cartagena.

It’s the second largest city in the Region of Murcia and is well-known for its 2,000-year-old Roman theater.

It also has a busy port, seafood restaurants, and Calle Mayor is the busy shopping street with independent shops and boutiques.

There are plenty of beaches too like Playa de Calblanque tucked away in a National Park south of La Manga and the Blue Flag Playa de Calnegre.

A Place in the Sun presenter Jean Johansson says that for those looking to buy abroad, Cartagena is a great and affordable option.

She said: “There are also places around it like Cartagena which, when I started on the show, wasn’t a desirable place, but now it comes up more and more.

“In the Murcia region and Almería, you could get a two-bedroom apartment with a pool in a complex for £100-£120k, and that’s good in this day and age.

“We still have people that can make £80k stretch in the south of Spain, so Murcia is a place to buy in before it gets too expensive.”

To get to the Costa Calida is simple too because Brits can fly into Murcia Airport and head south.

One-way flights from Bournemouth to Murcia start from just £15 with Ryanair in April.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket said: “Spain remains one of the most reliable destinations for British holidaymakers seeking value, and with budgets still under pressure, it pays to be a little flexible about where you go.

“Costa Calida in particular stands out – it consistently delivers on beaches, weather and facilities, but tends to fly under the radar compared to the likes of Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, and that’s reflected in the price.”

For more on Spain, here are the top five of the best destinations to visit in spring with Caribbean-like beaches and free festival trains.

And here’s more on the ‘desert coast’ of Spain that is £290 cheaper than a holiday on the Costa del Sol – with less rain and £3 beers.

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A LIDO that was set to close for good has backtracked and confirmed that it will reopen for the 2026 summer season.

The outdoor pool in Teignmouth was marked for closure earlier this year, but the decision has since been overturned.

In February of this year, Teignbridge Council announced plans to close its beachfront lido in order to save money.

Officials said that not reopening Teignmouth Lido could save £74,000 in 2026.

Now, the decision has been reversed by the executive committee of Teignbridge Council.

The council announced the news on social media and said: “Our Executive Committee has today (Tuesday 10 March) voted to open Teignmouth Lido this summer.

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“Teignbridge District Council will operate the pool this summer and will work with community groups interested in taking on the Lido to ensure a safe handover.

“Councillors acknowledged the difficulties of balancing the books but agreed that opening the Lido would deliver value over price and enable the community to keep using the pool while Teignbridge works with groups to secure the asset’s long-term future.”

Since the news of the lido’s potential closure broke last month, the local community has been campaigning to reopen the lido.

Over 2,500 people having signed a petition to stop the lido’s closure, according to the Teignmouth Community Lido Trust.

After the executive committee meeting campaigner Catherine Brown said: “This is a brilliant outcome.

“It’s unbelievable that the council has gone from a unanimous decision to close it to a unanimous decision to keep it open!”

The 25-metre outdoor pool first opened in the 1970s and opens seasonally, usually having its debut in May half-term.

It has partial opening hours in June and July and then opens full time during the summer holidays.

The pool is heated and holds various swim sessions, from public to fun sessions, as well as activities like aqua fit and aqua circuits.

Four years ago, the pool underwent a refurbishment of £800,000 and then a further £30,000 was spent on repairs, according to Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Teignmouth Community Lido Trust has expressed its hope to take over the lido site and keep it open for years to come.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding who grew up in the area is also a fan of the lido. She said: “Teignmouth Lido is more than just a gem on the South West coast; for me, it’s the backdrop of my childhood.

“For over a decade, my school summer holidays were defined by afternoons spent there with my family – so to hear that the lido could close is heartbreaking.

“With ample patio and sun-drenched patches of grass surrounding the 25-metre crystal clear pool, it was the rare kind of place where parents could relax while kids felt a bit of freedom.”

For more on swimming, here are all the lidos in the UK mapped – with water slides, cocktail bars and some are even FREE to enter.

Plus this new ‘floating park’ with sauna and lido is set to open in popular a London district as part of a huge £5billion upgrade.

BRITISH holidaymakers have been caught up in the Iran crisis, with thousands stranded abroad and even more fearing for their upcoming trips.

But if you haven’t booked your holiday yet, should you be doing it now to avoid any price hikes?

Due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, the cost of jet fuel has spiked, with airline fares already spiking in response.

Before the attack, prices were around $90 (£67) per barrel.

However, this has now jumped to as much as $200 (£149) per barrel – the highest prices since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Jet fuel makes up about a quarter of the cost of airline operations, according to the IATA.

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In response, airlines such as Qantas, Scandinavia’s SAS and Air New Zealand have all raised flight prices already.

Some airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, are less affected as they have secured some of their fuel at fixed prices for a set amount of time – called hedging.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said the rise in jet fuel “won’t affect our costs and it won’t affect ​our low fares,” something easyJet also echoed.

But flights elsewhere are likely to go up in the next year or so, as the conflict continues.

Most airlines in America do not protect themselves against jet fuel price increases, meaning Brits are likely to see more expensive transatlantic fares.

According to research from Skift this could cost US airlines as much as $24billion in extra fuel costs – working out to 11 per cent increases on flights.

Not only that, but the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most important shipping routes – is also having a knock-on affect and could lead to shortages.

James Noel-Beswick, head of commodities at market intelligence firm Sparta Commodities, told the BBC that it was very likely” that prices will increase this summer.

He added: “I think we’re weeks away from maybe flight cancellations or delays due to lack of jet fuel, rather than months.”

So, what can Brit holidaymakers do?

If you were planning on booking a package holiday, many tour operators allow you to lock in a cheap price, and simply pay a deposit, with the full balance coming later.

Jet2 allows you to book a holiday with a £60pp deposit while TUI has a number of £0 deposit schemes.

Loveholidays has deposits from £19pp, as well as a “Best Price Promise” that refunds the difference if your holiday is cheaper within seven days of booking, plus an extra £5 per person.

Destinations like Spain – already one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits – are likely to see even more demand this year along with Greece due to being seen as ‘safer’ holiday destinations.

This means you might see a jump in price more than usual as well.

Other popular destinations like Cyprus is already seeing some booking cancellations after a drone attack on an RAF base on the island.

Hoteliers have said cancellations are affecting holidays in March and April – this is despite Cyprus remaining on the safe travel list.

Dubai is still on the “only essential travel” list so holidays to the UAE city are currently suspended, along with Jordan also on the travel ban list.

Even destinations like Egypt and Turkey are being affected, with a number of Sun readers concerned about holidays to both.

The Sun’s Head of Travel on which holiday destinations to go to instead this year

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot, explains: “There’s no doubt the current crisis in the Middle East is going to have a seismic impact on our holiday habits.

“Reports of travellers stranded in the UAE and across the globe will certainly prompt those looking to travel long haul to look at alternative ways to fly – with direct flights to places like Thailand, the Maldives and Japan sure to be very popular.

“Closer to home, the situation will sadly likely impact destinations like Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and possibly even Greece.

“And with soaring fuel costs, tour operators will be looking to price alternative destinations competitively. 

“But there are other options – our traditional resorts in places like Spain and Portugal are good, safe bets.

“Comparison giant TravelSupermarket has crunched the numbers for this summer and declared Spain’s Costa Calida one of the best-value destinations for this summer. 

“Dubbed the ‘warm coast’, this region stretching along the south eastern region of Murcia is one of Spain’s most underrated coastlines with 150miles of beaches, crystal clear waters and the unique Mar Menor lagoon, Europe’s largest saltwater lake.

“Also worth exploring arethe likes of Montenegro, Albania and even North Macedonia for cheaper hotel and restaurant costs as well as traditional favourite Bulgaria.

Both countries have not been affected by the Iran crisis and the tourist resorts remain safe to travel to.

Long haul holiday destinations are likely to see a spike in prices too, as Brits try to avoid booking connecting flights that go via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Some popular countries include Thailand, Vietnam, the Maldives and Bali, all of which usually fly via the Middle East.

There are alternative stopover destinations, usually via Turkey, Singapore or Hong Kong – but the soaring demand is likely to see these cost more this year too.

And with longer flight times? More jet fuel, so even more costs being passed on.

Here are five lesser visited coastal resorts to visit this year.

And here is another lesser known European city that is a bargain weekend trip.

BULLDOZERS have moved in on one of Britain’s most iconic seaside amusement parks, but thrillseekers have been thrown a lifeline.

Generations of holidaymakers have flocked to the legendary amusement park for more than a century of candyfloss and white-knuckle rides.

But Coney Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl, South Wales, is now being reduced to rubble after bosses padlocked the famous gates for the very last time in October.

The park hosted a farewell fireworks display as it bowed out of the UK holiday scene for good.

The beloved attraction first opened way back in 1918 to entertain returning American WW1 troops, taking its legendary name from the iconic pleasure beach in New York.

Now, the massive plot is being completely flattened to make way for a mega-money waterfront regeneration project backed by the Welsh Government.

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This sweeping revamp will see the vintage arcades and dodgems replaced by up to 980 new homes, alongside a string of modern cafes and restaurants.

While gutted locals have mourned the loss of a true seaside legend, council chiefs insist the drastic facelift is the only way to secure the resort’s booming economic future.

However, devastated fans of traditional fairground magic won’t be left high and dry when the summer holidays roll around.

A new seasonal funfair is set to pitch up at the nearby Salt Lake site to ensure Porthcawl keeps its crown as a top tourist magnet.

Launching just in time for the Easter break, the brand-new family attraction will boast an epic big wheel, classic rides, and mouth-watering food stalls.

Run by the veteran showmen at Studt’s Events, the fully-stewarded site will even share its prime waterfront spot with the dazzling NoFit State circus this April.

It means that while the historic Coney Beach might be gone forever, the brilliant British tradition of seaside thrills is very much here to stay.

WARMER weather is on the horizon, so why wait until summer to visit your favourite holiday hot spots?

Spain is still top of Brits’ holiday lists and the coming months are a great time to visit this beautiful country, with mild temperatures just right for exploring when it’s not too crowded.

Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of springtime destinations in Spain and its islands with tips from experts who know the area.

THIS northern port city may not attract as many fly-and-flop holidaymakers as the southern costas, but its coastlines are no less beautiful.

Temperatures can reach the low 20Cs during spring in Bilbao, so Sara Di Lenardo, Destination Manager at British Airways Holidays, recommends hitting the shores.

She says: “There are several wild beaches in the Basque Country. The rocky shores are dramatic and incredibly photogenic.

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“Walk along stunning coastal paths with the Pyrenees as the backdrop — they might possibly still have snowy peaks in spring.”

The month of May is a great time to visit for music fans, thanks to several big concerts and events.

Sara advises to keep your eyes peeled for the Trikitixa, a traditional basque instrument that’s a bit like an accordion.

STAY: Two nights’ room-only at the 5H Melia Bilbao is from £349pp including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Price includes 10 per cent discount. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/content/holidays/spain/bilbao.

THE White Isle only starts awakening for its big party season in spring, after a slow winter hibernation — and for travel expert David Mason, this is one of the best times to visit the party isle.

He reveals: “You have all the optimism of a new season commencing, cheap accommodation and flights, plus lots of local food festivals.”

Throughout this month, up until early April, you’ll be able to experience the Pintxa Run food festival in San Antonio, close to the ocean, David says.

Every Thursday throughout the month, dozens of small bars and restaurants dish up tapas and a drink for just three euros with everything from steakhouses to pizzerias participating.

David adds: “The festival includes a free novelty train that takes you from stop to stop — perfect if you’ve had a few too many cervezas on the route.”

STAY: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Invisa Figueral Resort Hotel Cala Blanca is from £562pp including flights from Manchester on April 7.

See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

IF you’re a foodie, San Sebastian won’t disappoint.

Sara di Lenardo says this is the top place to sample pintxos in the traditional way (small bites served on a mini slice of bread).

Wash it down with a local beverage for a truly authentic experience.

Sara adds: “Spring is cider season. Try the local drink txakoli — it can be found in most bars in town, but if you have time, make sure to visit Getaria where it’s produced.”

For those seeking seaside relaxation, Sara recommends La Concha, a horseshoe-shaped beach right in the city, offering gorgeous views of the blue Med.

STAY: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Bancal Hotel & Spa is from £599pp including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/tenerife.

THIS vibrant student city, which sits a little south of Alicante, is fascinating for history lovers, with its 14th-century cathedral taking pride of place in the city centre.

Tom Wilkinson, product manager at Explore Worldwide, says: “This lesser-known southern gem enjoys 320 days of sunshine each year, with mild winters and a semi-arid climate.”

The sights are best explored on two wheels, says Tom — on a cycle tour you’ll pass through white-washed villages and historic Moorish towns, pausing to watch the sun set.

Fruit and veg are at the forefront of cuisine here and you can expect rich stews as well as freshly baked cakes.

Try Keki, not far from the cathedral, which serves up a Murcian cheesecake to die for.

STAY: A seven-day Cycle Southern Spain tour costs from £970pp including six breakfasts, all accommodation, cycle gear and flights from selected airports on May 10.

See explore.co.uk.

HOLIDAYMAKERS jetting off to Menorca in spring can expect rugged landscapes backed by chalky white cliffs and sandy bays overlooking vibrant blue seas.

“The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, offering Caribbean-style scenes without the time difference,” says Kate Bigger, destination manager at British Airways Holidays.

She suggests strolling the impressive Cami de Cavalls, adding: “This is a walk that goes through the length of the island, with spring being the perfect time to do this.”

Vineyards are scattered across the island and many of them invite visitors to meander among the vines, sampling wines as part of a tasting lunch or dinner.

STAY: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Melia Cala Galdana is from £1,099pp (includes €28pp tourism tax, payable locally) including flights from Gatwick on selected dates in May. Book by March 31.

See britishairways.com/menorca.

CYPRUS has been drawn into the Iran conflict – which has had a knock on effect on holidays.

The European country was hit by an Iranian drone earlier this month, after landing on RAF Akrotiri base on the island.

This led to a temporary closure of the airport, cancelled flights and a number of British schools.

Despite this, Cyprus remains on the safe to travel list, with no further escalations and flights back to normal.

The only warning on the UK Foreign Office website is in regards to “regional escalation poses […] has led to travel disruption.”

However Cyprus is seeing a drop in tourism, after it became the only European country affected by the conflict.

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Local business owner Vassilis Georgiou told the Guardian that people are “thinking twice” about visiting.

He explained: “It may be early days but I’ve been here since 1992 and suddenly hoteliers are saying bookings are down.”

Nick Aristou, who owns three hotels in Cyprus, said they’d had around 200 cancellations this month.

He told the i: “Most of the cancellations, I would say about 90 per cent, are all for March, about 10 per cent for April.”

And Thanos Hotels’ Panos Kyprianou, with four hotels on the island, said cancellations were coming from Brits with 65 cancellations for April.

Hr added: “Right now, April, is about 10 per cent behind what it was last year.”

But Agia Napa Municipal Sectary Mr Fotos Kikillos said while they were “hearing of cancellations” he reaffirmed that life was still “very safe” on the island.

He added: “People are enjoying themselves – there’s no sense of fear. The last thing we want in Cyprus is to be dragged into this war.”

With the tourist season officially starting in the beginning of April, it is expected that everything will be back to normal on the island, despite fears of summer cancellations.

Last week, Cyprus’ foreign minster Constantinos Kombos told the BBC: “I don’t think that anyone should be in two minds, given the fact that the situation, as I have been describing right now as we speak, has been perfectly normal.

“All activity is normal. Air traffic is going back to 100 per cent what it was before the incident.

“So I don’t think this is something that should be affecting people’s decisions.”

“After all, this is part of the regional situation. It’s not the Republic of Cyprus that has been targeted. It has been the British bases.

“And the security factor in terms of people feeling that everything is being done that is humanly possible to protect both citizens, residents, and visitors to Cyprus. The security apparatus is in place to try to do exactly that.”

Cyprus is one of the more affordable areas of Europe to visit, especially now.

According to Cirium, there are around 125 scheduled flights from the UK to Cyprus over the Easter holidays, working out to 25,000 passengers.

If you were to travel there next month, seven-night holiday packages can be found for as little as £169 each.

Even two-week holidays can be found for under £300 each.

Ryanair currently has flights to Cyprus for around £25 each way next month too.

WITH a mile-long golden beach and an annual film festival bringing in A-list movie stars – you might think this spot was on the French Riviera.

But actually, this destination is miles away on the northern coast of France – and it’s a place called Deauville.

The seaside town is a classic Norman resort with a huge beach, seaside casino and pulls in celebrity visitors every year.

Most of the famous faces will visit during September when it hosts the American Film Festival.

Over the years, tars like Clint Eastwood, George Clooney, Sharon Stone, and Johnny Depp have all been there.

And even when they leave, a piece of them remains as their names are adorned on beach huts called Les Planches – which have become an attraction in themselves.

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Other names you’ll see on the promenade include Gene Kelly, Cate Blanchett and Keanu Reeves.

This year, it will be held between September 4-16.

The town is also known for fashion as designer Coco Chanel opened up her very first boutique there in 1913.

The shop closed in 1939 after the outbreak of World War II but you can still see where it once was at 13 Rue Lucien Barrière.

Another pull to the seaside town is to see its horse racing events.

Deauville has a long history of horse breeding and racing, as it’s home to the Deauville-La Touques Racecourse.

The race track is extremely famous and is considered a world-class venue for horse racing, especially in the summer.

The biggest event which is a held throughout August is the Barrière Deauville Meeting which has Group 1 races.

On the beachfront is the town’s huge Casino Barrière Deauville which has 300 slot machines as well as classic roulette and blackjack tables.

Inside, there’s also a cinema, theatre and a night club.

When the sun shines, a must-do in Deauville is to head to the beach.

Plage de Deauville is around 1.2miles long and is scattered with around 450 multicoloured umbrellas.

While they might look like you’re classic beach parasol, you won’t find these anywhere else as they are actually made in Deauville workshops.

It’s a popular spot amongst tourists and locals with some calling it ‘one of the best beaches in France‘, another called it ‘sensational’.

The beach is also open to horse riders before 10am in the morning and after 7pm in the evening.

There are also 22 beach-front shops and bars, a seawater Olympic swimming pool, riding school and tennis club all within walking distance.

Dotted around Deauville are the tall Norman villas with half-timbered frames and pitched roofs.

And Villa Strassburger is one of the most beautiful properties in the town and was designed by local Caen architect, Georges Pichereau.

It was built for horse racing enthusiast Baron Henri de Rothschild in 1907, later on in 1975, it was declared a national historic monument.

You can go inside the house in the summer months, but only as part of a guided tour.

You can get to Deauville on the train if you take the Eurostar to Paris – tickets start from £39.

Then take a direct train from Paris Saint Lazare (10 minutes by Metro from Gare du Nord) to Trouville-Deauville which station takes just over two hours.

Discover the nearby Trouville-Sur-Mer…

Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited the nearby Trouville-Sur-Mer…

“Trouville-sur-Mer is a quaint seaside town popular with holidaymakers since the 1800s thanks to its huge sandy beach and fabulous cuisine.

“But it has resolutely kept its quaint charm. Yes, there’s a kids’ arcade but it’s tucked into the basement of the glamorous casino.

“Yes, there’s crazy golf but it’s petite, just off the old-fashioned wooden boardwalk surrounded by grand 19th-century mansions.

“As with all parts of France, food and drink are kings.

This particular area is famous for its crepes, so we made it our mission to sample as many as possible — with chocolate, ice cream and seafood.

“The humble lemon-and-sugar will no longer get a look-in at my house on Shrove Tuesday. Given its Channel-front location, the town is also very big on moules — we even spotted a pizza piled high with them.

“Keen to assimilate with the locals, or possibly just excited about using shells as cutlery, even my son tucked into a bowl at one of the town’s best restaurants, Le Central, opposite the fish market.

“I’m also keen to live like a local, so sampled as much of the local wine and Calvados brandy as possible, for shockingly low prices.”

Here’s more on the underrated French city that has a ‘bit of everything’ with picturesque beaches and new cheap hotels.

Plus, the world’s most beautiful village is just two hours from the UK – with classic car tours & fairytale lavender fields.

DOH! Homer – no, not the Simpsons character, I mean the ancient Greek poet – must have got it wrong when he penned his classic Odyssey saga some 3,000 years ago.

For legend has it that the tiny Dodecanese island of Lipsi is his fabled Ogygia, where a saucy siren called Kalypso kept Trojan war hero Odysseus a prisoner for seven years.

Now, according to Homer, Odysseus was desperate to escape from Ogygia and flee home to his wife Penelope in Ithaca, on the other side of Greece.

But after my week-long stay in Lipsi I can’t imagine anyone wanting to leave this lovely, laid-back island, lapped by the clear blue water of the Aegean Sea.

Especially with the cooling Meltemi breeze ensuring that, although the temperature can hover in the 30s in summer, it never feels oppressively hot.

Certainly Sally Vavoulas, from Tenterden, Kent, has not wished to leave.

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She arrived in Lipsi in 2001, fell under its spell ­— and is still there.

These days she helps run the island’s excellent winery with husband Manolis. But more of that later.

Lipsi is not one island but an archipelago.

Only three of its 24 isles are occupied — and one has just two residents — while most of the 800-strong population are clustered in a sprawling village on the main isle.

Ferries chug into the little harbour every day from Kos and Samos, a two-hour cruise away — and twice a week from Athens, a longer nine-hour voyage.

Berthed alongside them are millionaires’ luxury superyachts, which have sailed from faraway spots such as the Caribbean and the United States.

And tied up farther down the jetty are the locals’ tiny but colourful fishing smacks.

Fortunately, though, those huge skyscraper-like cruise ships are banned from Lipsi.

Lining the quay are a cluster of excellent tavernas — such as Pefko, where owner Nikos looks annoyed when I ask which is the best dish on that night’s menu.

“None is best,” he replies sternly, before breaking into a beaming smile and adding: “Everything’s superb.” Hmm, as I soon discover, Nikos isn’t wrong!

Just down the road there’s Kalypso, a restaurant owned by the brother of village mayor Fotis Mangos and named after the aforementioned siren.

Well, if she dished up a delicious sea bass like the one I tucked into, then no wonder Odysseus stayed for seven years.

Fotis, I have been warned, has a habit of suddenly breaking into song.

He doesn’t after joining me for dinner, but plays a YouTube video of him duetting with a Greek rapper on a little ditty called “Come With Me To Lipsi”.

Former PE teacher Fotis is justly proud of his “hidden gem” of an island, and would love to see more British holidaymakers venturing there.
September, he says, is ideal as the kids are back at school yet the sun is still hot and the sea remains comfortably warm.

Not too many tourists, though, because Fotis doesn’t want to turn the place into another overcrowded Santorini or Kos.

Probably unlikely, because there are no discos or nightclubs blaring out raucous music.

Nor will you find any sunbeds, parasols or pedalos on the tiny beaches scattered around its coves.

A couple do boast tavernas where you can sip a cold beer or the local aniseed-based ouzo over lunch. But most are virtually deserted and often you have them to yourself.

Two other restaurants in the village worth visiting are Manolis Tastes, whose chef was once voted Best in the Mediterranean, and Plateia, where Despina makes ice cream that is to die for.

One morning I take a 50-minute ramble along winding dirt tracks, following colourful hand-painted signs through the hills to Monodendri — which means “One tree”. It’s supposed to be a nudist beach, although none of the three sun-worshippers stretched out on towels are baring all when I arrive. And I don’t, either.

But it’s an idyllic, peaceful spot where you hear just the gentle waves.
Grand feast

I’ve hired a little runabout car from George’s Rentals but rarely use it. Lipsi is only some 16 square kilometres and you can walk to most places.

One day, hiking past lemon and fig trees, grapevines and donkeys, I bump into Dimitri, the island’s cheesemaker.

He doesn’t speak much English and only makes goat cheese — not surprising as there are twice as many goats as people on the island — but he offers me some. It’s delicious, at 13 euros a kilo.

The island is dotted with white, blue-domed churches, most just tiny family chapels with barely room to swing a cat (of which there are many on Lipsi).

One local tells me there are 400 churches, another reckons about 150.

So I ask the island’s priest as he sits sipping coffee outside a taverna. He reckons 57. And as from time to time Fr Georgios is called out to preach in all of them, he should know.

The biggest is Panagia Charou, or the Virgin Mary of Death Church, where a revered but rather strange icon shows her clutching a crucified Christ on the cross.

Every year on August 23, it seems that a bunch of withered lilies left there by a schoolgirl in 1943 miraculously bloom back to life.

The occasion is marked by a grand feast “filled with dancing and singing, eating and drinking, drawing believers from all corners”.

Out on another walk, I meet Nikiforos, who makes the island’s honey. He doesn’t speak English but happily shows me round his apiary.

Much of the honey is infused with the taste of thyme, which grows all over Lipsi. But, sadly, time isn’t on my side, and the holiday is almost over.

I manage to squeeze in a visit to Sally’s Lipsi Winery, where I taste four of their locally produced tipples.

One, a sweet red wine called Aposperitis, was served by the Greek President to Charles and Camilla during a state banquet in Athens a few years ago.

Sally wants to know which I prefer. So I umm and aah, before suggesting perhaps I should try a second glass of each.

Which is why, on my last night, I’m afraid I ended up rather tipsy in Lipsi.

Flying with a red, blue or green suitcase could be a bad idea

Planning and setting off on a getaway is among life’s finest pleasures, but sometimes, events outside your control can occur. Flights might get axed, accommodation double-booked, or in the most serious cases, you could become a target for criminals.

Whilst remaining vigilant is crucial, there are several steps you can take prior to departure to guarantee your possessions and personal items stay safe at the airport and during your travels. Shahzad Ali, security specialist and CEO of Get Licensed, revealed his key tips for safeguarding your luggage while on holiday.

He urged passengers to steer clear of brightly coloured luggage at all costs, as it could draw unwanted attention.

The travel specialist cautioned passengers flying with major carriers this summer, including Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet and TUI, and recommended they choose a black suitcase instead.

He said: “Although a new and colourful suitcase may look more fashionable, it won’t only be attractive to you. It’s best to choose a more common-looking suitcase, and if possible, a worn-out one – as to not stand out from the crowd – and with it, a high-quality padlock,” reports the Express.

“This can make a big difference in keeping your items safe. You can add an identifier, such as a ribbon or sticker, to avoid getting your luggage mistaken for someone else’s whilst still remaining subtle.”

He offered another handy security recommendation: “When packing, organise your items in three categories: extremely valuable (such as documents, credit cards, mobile phones and larger sums of cash), valuable (such as jewellery and other expensive items) and less valuable (such as clothes and self-care products).

“The extremely valuable items that don’t need to be used often at the airport should be placed in a money belt that will stay close to your body at all times until you reach your destination.

“The ones that need to be used at the airport should be placed in a small handbag or fanny pack that will stay in front of you at all times. When they’re not needed any longer, these items should be placed in the money belt. Larger valuables, such as laptops or tablets, can be placed in your carry-on luggage.

“Valuables such as jewellery should be strategically hidden among less valuable items, such as clothes, in your checked luggage.”

The State Department has denied visas for members of a Jamaican soccer team scheduled to play the Galaxy on Wednesday in the round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, raising concerns that the Trump administration could bar players from traveling to the U.S. for this summer’s World Cup as well.

A CONCACAF source with knowledge of the issue not authorized to discuss it publicly said the organization was aware of the problem and working with the team to appeal the decision. The Champions Cup is the most prestigious club tournament in CONCACAF, the 41-nation FIFA confederation that governs soccer in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Mount Pleasant FA, champion of last year’s CONCACAF Caribbean Cup and runner-up in the last two Jamaican Premier League tournaments, is playing in the Champions Cup for the first time. The team has six Haitian players on its roster, and Haiti is one of 19 countries whose citizens have been banned from entering the U.S by the Trump administration. Citizens from an additional 20 countries faced partial restrictions.

“This decision raises serious concern about the administration’s willingness to abide by its own agreement and statements regarding the issuance of visas for the World Cup,” said David J. Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute. “The President’s proclamation clearly exempts athletes and necessary support personnel for ‘major sporting events.’ But apparently, this exception is not being applied in all cases.”

The State Department has the ability, under the Presidential Proclamation exception, to grant entry to “athletes, coaches and essential support staff” from any country traveling to the U.S. for “the World Cup, Olympics or other major sporting event as determined by the secretary of state.”

Despite that, eight members of Cuba’s delegation to the World Baseball Classic — among them federation president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo and pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo — had their visa requests denied. Under the Trump administration’s rules, Cuban citizens are subject to the same travel restrictions as Haitians.

However, Haiti and Jamaica were able to play in last summer’s Gold Cup soccer tournament in the U.S. without issue. The State Department did not respond to requests for comment.

The CONCACAF source said the confederation hopes to reach an agreement with the State Department but added that Mount Pleasant’s game with the Galaxy will go forward either way. The club, which is scheduled to depart Sunday, told a Jamaican newspaper that up to 10 players have been denied visas and coming to Los Angeles without them would require it to rely on seven or eight players from the team’s youth academy to fill out the roster.

“We don’t want to just show up for the game, we want to be able to compete, but we are not being given the opportunity to be at our best,” Paul Christie, the team’s sporting director, told the Jamaica Observer.

The teams will meet in the second and deciding leg of the two-game playoff March 19 at National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Mount Pleasant is expected to be at full strength for that game.

The State Department’s approach to the visa requests for the Cuban baseball delegation and Jamaican soccer team raise questions about how the Trump administration will handle visa requests ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Four tournament qualifiers are impacted by the administration’s travel restrictions, with citizens of Iran — a country with which the U.S. is at war — and Haiti facing a total ban, and those from Senegal and Ivory Coast subject to severe restrictions.

Members of Iran’s delegation were refused entry to the U.S. for December’s World Cup draw in Washington, during which FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented President Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize. And last summer, Senegal’s women’s basketball team was forced to cancel a 10-day training camp in the U.S. when visa requests for five players, six staff members and a ministerial delegation were rejected.

WHAT’S your check list for a family holiday that keeps everyone happy? Several pools? Water slides? Beach access? Good kids club?

This month, the TUI Holiday Village in Sarigerme, Dalaman, was voted TUI’s best family-friendly hotel in the world.

The Magic Life property on the edge of the Aegean Sea has 253 rooms, five pools and four restaurants… and enough activities to keep guests busy for an entire month.

I visited for a week last summer with my 6 year old and was blown away by the offering. 

As a Travel Editor for nearly a decade, I’ve slept in some of the world’s best places, from five-star resorts to Disney theme park hotels. 

But this flagship Holiday Village property by TUI got a 10 out of 10 for many things, from food and cleanliness to extracurriculars. 

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I’ve been to five-star hotels with far poorer service and fewer food choices.

On my family’s trip our days were so busy I had to schedule everything. 

We filled our days with Go Ape-style aerial adventures, drama classes, inflatable obstacle courses, discos, game show challenges, arcades… 

There truly was something for everyone, including football and swimming lessons, or even chocolate parties.  

Despite scorching temperatures in August hitting 48C, the staff were amazing.

The entertainment team were always on form, the food at breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious, the poolside was immaculate and the rooms were spotless.

Breakfast was enormous, with every taste catered for — Turkish pastries, English favourites, about six types of eggs, continental, and a huge fruit selection.

Lunch by the pool was equally impressive, with a huge mezze selection consisting of about 40 different dishes.

But the best meal was dinner, with an even more expansive mezze selection, soups, salads and several hot food stations serving everything from pizza to gourmet to-order dishes, and a pudding buffet of dreams.

They also had themed nights, when the entire menu was changed — our favourites being the Turkish and Asian evenings.

And they had a separate kitchen for kids’ food at all meals. 

There were three a-la-carte restaurants too, serving American, European and Asian dishes.

At night, most of the hotel decamped to the 500-seat amphitheatre to watch the entertainment.

One evening towards the end of our holiday, my son and ten others put on a half-hour show that was deeply impressive given the minimal six hours of rehearsals that had taken part in the run-up. 

Also part of the evening entertainment schedule were DJs, dance contests, quizzes and a musical. 

Admittedly, you have to be a certain type of person to enjoy this hotel.

“Never a dull moment” extends to all times of the day, with a full-on range of activities taking place by the pool during the afternoon.

But if that’s you, then the TUI Village Sarigerme really does offer everything the whole family could want from a holiday.

Seven night all-inclusive holidays at the hotel start from £655pp, with return UK flights.

A NEW 1,000-plus capacity rooftop destination will open in London this year.

Freight Brixton in South London will open on May 7 as an open-air food, drink and music venue.

And it is set to become the capital’s largest rooftop venue.

There will be chef residencies, cocktail bars, live music, DJ sets, food festivals and major sports screenings, amongst other events.

With the upcoming World Cup, the rooftop will boast a dedicated World Cup Fanzone with screenings of the matches.

Food festivals include Taco Fest and Bite Twice presents Dine Hard.

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And brunch lovers won’t miss out either as there will be Reggae Brunch and Maggi Brunch.

There will be family-friendly daytime sessions in the summer too.

When it comes to grabbing a tipple at the venue, guests will be able to choose from a number of speciality bars.

One bar will be the Casamigos ‘House of Friends’ and another will be Hotel Milano, centred on the much-loved Italian aperitivo concept.

Hotel Milano will also form part of the new Brixton Cocktail Club.

Each Thursday, the venue will host South of the South as well, which is a collaboration with Cross The Tracks Festival and includes jazz, funk and soul music.

The line-up for the opening of the venue will include reggae musician Davis Rodigan on May 9.

Laurence Guy will then perform house music on May 16 and on May 30, Ghosts of Garage will take over the rooftop.

In total, 50 jobs will be created as well and the venue aims to also host grassroots events, youth programmes and charity fundraisers.

Dan Morris, Managing Director of Freight Island, said: “Freight Brixton is an incredible rooftop in the heart of South London and will be a place for locals and the city beyond to come together and enjoy themselves with the best food, drink and music.

“I cannot wait for us to get this open – we have seen what creating these kinds of spaces can do for a community in Manchester, and we are all very excited to build something just as special in Brixton.”

Freight Island already has a destination in Manchester, located near Piccadilly Station.

And another new destination was recently announced for Leeds, inside the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.

In addition to street-style food stalls and independent bars, there will also be an outdoor terrace which will look over City Square.

If you are looking for more rooftop venues to explore in the capital, here’s London’s best rooftop bars including one that feels more like Mykonos.

Plus, Europe’s highest rooftop bar is in the UK and it is like ‘stepping into another world’.

Jenna Carr aka ‘Travel Mum’ has made travelling with her family her full-time job.

On her social pages, she reveals how to find last-minute cheap holiday deals, top travel tips – and now, her most underrated holiday destinations.

For fun family breaks that you might not have considered – Jenna says we should think about our closest neighbour.

Talking to Sun Travel, Jenna said: “France is overlooked a lot and it’s so close to us – you can drive over, which is much easier with a family.

“Of course you’ve got the famous spots like Paris and Disneyland, but there are lots of other places that are just as lovely.

“We went camping in the south of France last summer and flew into Nice, which didn’t take long from the UK – and went to a couple of places along the coast.”

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“It also has so many great holiday parks and campsites too.”

In fact, France has over ten thousand registered campsites across the country – some even have waterparks and beach clubs.

Equally great for a cross-Channel break is the Netherlands, thanks to its award-winning theme park that Jenna reckons is on a par with Disneyland Paris.

She said: “We’ve driven over there from the UK a lot, and there’s loads to do for families.

“The theme park, Efteling, is really cool – I’d call it Disneyland Paris after dark. It’s based on fairytales and is a little creepy.

“But I prefer it to Disneyland. I think it’s a bit more authentic, and it feels more magical.”

Efteling is a popular fairytale-themed attraction in Kaatsheuvel.

Some of the most thrilling rides in the park include Baron 1898 which has a 120ft free-fall drop into a mineshaft at 55mph.

There’s a double-track rollercoaster called Joris en de Draak where riders can speed past a 39ft fire-breathing dragon.

The theme park is also home to the world’s largest swinging ship, a monorail, and an 100-year-old steam carousel.

Day tickets for Efteling for anyone over the age of four range from €40 to €56 depending on the day of visit.

You could tie the theme park into a city break with the kids, as it’s under an hour on the train from Amsterdam – so plenty of culture for the adults and roller coasters for the kids in one trip.

March is one of the most reliable months for a family city break, and Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities to do with children.

The weather sits around 10 to 12C, the city starts to feel brighter, and peak tourism is still a few weeks away.

It is flat, organised and designed for everyday life, which makes navigating it with kids feel intuitive rather than stressful.

March is also when parks, canal walks and museums like NEMO Science Museum really come into their own, giving you options that work whether the day is high energy or low key.

If you’re looking for somewhere with guaranteed sun, head outside of Europe for Agadir in Morocco.

The coastal resort city has plenty of sunshine, sandy beaches with vibrant souks and hotels.

Jenna said: “I know it’s not a place where families would traditionally go – but it’s amazing.

“It’s very cheap, they’ve got lovely hotels and there’s lots of fun activities to do, and it’s culturally interesting.

“It’s not like the Costa del Sol where everything’s made for the Brits. It’s Morocco, so you can go to markets and explore the desert.”

During her holiday, Jenna and her family checked into the Allegro Agadir.

She went on to tell Sun Travel that not only is Agadir family-friendly, it’s also cheap as she paid just £600 for her family of three at the time.

It has plenty of running about space for kids on the grassy areas and children have their own swimming pool, games and club.

There’s also a tennis court, evening entertainment and all rooms either have views across the pool, or over the garden.

The hotel is a short walk from the beach where there are complimentary sunbeds for hotel guests.

Jen’s new book ‘Yes You Can Travel With Kids’ is available now on Amazon.

For more on family holidays, here are the cheapest destinations under three hours from UK that are over 20C this Easter.

And here are eight holiday destinations the Sun Travel team have their eye on for March – with flights from £13.