Sun Club

A NIGHT away in the UK can get expensive surprisingly quickly, once you’ve factored in fuel, dinner, drinks and expensive hotels.

So, I’ve been looking at what happens if you stick a flight on either end and head somewhere with a bit more va-va-voom – and found it could actually be CHEAPER.

One night away isn’t just a crazy idea – our booking figures at On The Beach show people are already choosing to head away for just one night, spending an average of around £200pp on flights and a hotel.

A quick change of scenery, dinner somewhere different and a night away from the usual routine – there’s a lot to like about that!

But you can actually do it for considerably less than that average; I’ve found seven one-night getaways from £75pp, including Dublin, Paris and the Algarve, but as you’d expect, the secret is in the flight times.

Leave in the morning and fly back the following evening, and one night away can give you a decent chunk of two days to explore – here’s how I’d do it.

1. Dublin one-nighter from £100pp

Dublin makes a very convincing case for the one-night holiday: good pubs, plenty to wander around and an evening that can start with “just the one” and develop its own itinerary from there.

The one-night wonder-deal I found is at easyHotel Dublin City Centre in Smithfield, a simple base for a trip where the city is the main attraction.

And at £100pp for flights and a night away, I can happily live without a pillow menu.

You leave Stansted at 6:35am on November 30, landing at 7:55am, then the flight home leaves Dublin at 8:35pm the following day.

I’d start day one with breakfast, then have a walk along the Liffey and across the Ha’penny Bridge.

Spend the afternoon exploring the centre, with a look around Grafton Street and a coffee stop whenever the early start catches up with you.

That evening, book somewhere for dinner, then find a pub with live music or wander through Temple Bar if you fancy it, but don’t feel obliged to spend the entire evening there.

After a night’s sleep, get a proper breakfast and take your time over the bits you missed with some more shops and a lazy lunch – before getting back in time for own bed.

2. Belfast one-nighter from £75pp

Seventy-five quid each for flights and a hotel – that’s just £150 for two people to have an actual night away, which is a very pleasing place to start before you’ve even chosen where to eat.

The deal I found is at The 1852, which has an on-site restaurant and two bars – handy if the plan for the first drink is simply “as soon as we’ve put our bags down”.

You fly from Manchester at 6:15am on November 18, arriving at 7:15am, then the return leaves Belfast at 5:20pm the next day.

I’d spend the first day getting a feel for the city centre, taking in City Hall and stopping for lunch before having a look around the Cathedral Quarter.

Come back here for dinner and drinks too.

The next morning, have breakfast and head towards Queen’s University for a wander around the university area.

Or, if you fancy something indoors, make the Ulster Museum your main stop.

Finish with lunch and one last Guinness before it’s time to head home.

3. Albufeira one-nighter from £80pp

This is the one that made me check the price twice.

A night in the Algarve, including flights, for £80pp – just £160 for two of you to go and have dinner and a night out in Portugal. Very, very tempting.

The deal I found is at Paladim & Alagoamar on a Self Catering basis, giving you the option to sort breakfast yourself.

The flight leaves London Stansted at 9:35am on November 29 and lands in Faro at 12:25pm, before you fly home at 7:15pm on November 30.

I’d keep the first afternoon simple: have a wander around Albufeira’s old town, make your way down towards the beach and stop for a late lunch or a drink with a view, before getting ready for dinner out together.

The following morning, have breakfast and head out for another seaside walk before finding somewhere for lunch.

It’s late November, so I’d make the trip about the coast, the food and the change of scenery – any sunbathing weather is a bonus rather than the thing the entire holiday depends on.

But Albufeira is still busy, with a decent amount of sunshine and looks gorgeous around this time of year.

4. Paris one-nighter from £125pp

“I’ve booked us a night in Paris” is a fairly efficient way of making a date night sound like you’ve put some serious effort in – but this deal is just £125 each, so won’t break the bank.

The deal I found is at hotelF1 Paris Porte de Montreuil, a straightforward budget base.

You leave Birmingham at 5:55am on November 15 and land at Paris Beauvais at 08:05am, with the return departing at 4:45pm the next day, getting you back for teatime.

I’d build the first day around a walk along the Seine, a look at the sights and a good lunch.

Choose one landmark you really want to see, rather than trying to collect the entire city before dinner.

Then spend the evening over a meal and a wander through Paris after dark – that’s plenty of romance for one day.

After a night’s sleep, find a café for coffee and breakfast, then have a final look around before heading home.

I’d keep the second morning nice and easy – there’s no need to make the last memory of your romantic break a furious speed-walk.

5. Amsterdam one-nighter from £135pp

Amsterdam is a good choice for a break where you don’t need to book something every hour, because this is the perfect place for wandering the streets and accidentally finding something unexpected to do.

The deal I found is at New West Inn in Nieuw-West – it’s a little out from the centre but has an on-site pizza corner, handy for a first or last meal in the city.

The flights give you plenty to work with: leave London Gatwick at 6am on November 30 and land at 8:25am, then fly home at 9:25pm the next day, getting back before 10pm.

One hotel night, with room to enjoy both days.

I’d spend day one exploring the canals, browsing the independent shops around the Nine Streets and stopping for lunch.

In the afternoon, carry on into the Jordaan, then find somewhere for dinner and settle into the evening – a couple of good food stops and a few miles of canal-side strolling make a very lovely first day.

The next morning, choose one bigger activity: a canal cruise or a museum you’ve been wanting to visit.

Book ahead where needed, then leave yourself time for a late lunch and another wander before the flight home.

6. Benidorm one-nighter from £120pp

A one-night Benidorm trip sounds like the kind of suggestion someone makes three pints into a Friday (speaking from experience).

But at £120pp including flights and a hotel, it actually deserves a sober second look.

The deal I found is at Benidorm City Olympia in the Old Town, with two beaches within walking distance and, for a short trip, having things you want to do close to your hotel is a big plus.

You leave Manchester at 7am on November 26 and arrive in Alicante at 10:50am, with the flight home leaving at 11pm the next day (landing around 1am on November 28) so loads of time to explore on your second day.

Worth remembering when you’re deciding what time to set the alarm the following morning.

I’d spend the first afternoon exploring the Old Town, stopping for tapas and taking a walk along the seafront.

Then get ready for the evening and take your pick of somewhere lively or a longer, quieter dinner – if you’ve ever been, you’ll know that Benidorm can accommodate both with ease.

After breakfast the next day, head out for another promenade walk, a coffee and a leisurely lunch or, if the weather‘s kind, have some time by the beach.

7. Copenhagen one-nighter from £145pp

Copenhagen sounds pretty far away, right? Well, with a flight time under two hours it’s one of the most logical one-nighters on this list.

The deal I found is at a&o Copenhagen Norrebro, a decent base with a bar on site and room upgrades available if you wanted to splash out a little more.

You leave Stansted at 8:15am on November 22 and land at 11am, then the return departs Copenhagen at 8:40pm the following day, giving you plenty of the second day to enjoy.

I’d start with lunch and an afternoon exploring the centre, including a wander around Nyhavn’s waterfront.

Have a look around the shops, stop for coffee and make dinner your main evening plan – you don’t need to fit a second city break in after dessert.

The next morning, find a bakery and give breakfast the attention it deserves.

Then spend some time around Norrebro’s independent shops and cafés, or take a walk through the King’s Garden by Rosenborg Castle.

I’d then finish up with lunch and one final coffee before heading home.

YAZMIN Oukhellou has sparked fury from the family and friends of her late ex Jake McLean – and it’s all because of a new reality show.

The former Towie star was recently confirmed as part of the celebrity line-up for Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over.

The series will see the Strictly winner spending an overnight with various stars and, according to the programme’s announcement, getting to know “who they are behind the headlines”.

But sources close to Jake’s loved ones tell The Sun that his nearest and dearest are very concerned she’ll talk about him on the show, and potentially not in a flattering way.

My source said: “Jake’s family and friends are really worried about what Yazmin will say about him.

“There is no love lost between Yaz and his family – they aren’t fans of hers at all, and didn’t invite her to his funeral. They don’t like her talking about their son.”

Yazmin, 32, and Jake had an on-off relationship, first dating in 2019 before splitting.

Then they got back together in May 2021 until July 2022, when Jake was tragically killed in a car accident in Bodrum, Turkey.

Yazmin was in the car with Jake when it veered off a cliff, but managed to survive the horror ordeal.

My source added: “Obviously it is a big part of Yazmin’s life story and a trauma she has been through, so it will definitely come up on the show.

“But Jake’s family hate when she speaks about him – they just don’t like Yaz and didn’t think she was good for Jake.

“Their relationship was volatile at times, and there was speculation she and Jake had rowed in the moments leading up to the car accident, but Yazmin has always firmly denied that.

“Either way though, they didn’t like her when Jake was alive and they don’t like her since he has died.

“They don’t think it’s fair to discuss that when Jake isn’t here to give his side of the story.”

Not helping matters is the fact that, when Yaz was announced as part of the show line-up, the official synopsis for the series mentioned Jake.

Yaz’s bio on the show’s website read: “Yazmin left The Only Way Is Essex following the tragic death of her partner, Jake McLean, and embarked on a new life as an influencer.

“Yazmin has faced criticism for publicising her cosmetic surgery procedures, and Stacey discovers the challenges she faces as she reinvents herself.”

And in a quote from Stacey, she promises some “very honest conversations”, something that has only made the McLean family more anxious.

The source added: “They don’t want Jake’s story told by Yaz.

“They feel like she shouldn’t talk about him out of respect, especially if she is going to paint him in a light that they don’t recognise.”

Jake first became known when he started dating Lauren Goodger in 2012.

The pair were on-and-off for four years, but in 2019 he was linked romantically to Towie’s Yazmin.

Yazmin later left Essex and moved to Dubai to be with Jake and they confirmed their relationship with loved-up snaps from a romantic night out in Dubai.

But sadly their love story was cut short by the car crash in Turkey.

Jake was behind the wheel of the Mercedes E-Class when it left the road and plunged down a ravine.

Emergency crews were scrambled to the scene but sadly Jake couldn’t be saved.

Passenger Yazmin was badly hurt in the smash, but managed to crawl from the wreckage.

It later found that Jake was nearly three times the drink-drive limit and on cocaine when he died in the horror crash.

A post mortem in Turkey after the 4.30am accident in Bodrum last July showed the booze and drugs in Jake’s system.

Coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe told the inquest in Walthamstow, East London, last week: “The post ­mortem found no natural disease, as you would expect in a young man of 33. The cause of death was skull fractures and brain damage.”

Lauren Goodger, who dated Jake for four years, attended his funeral in 2023.

But Yamzin was banned by his family over allegations that a row between the pair had played a part in the crash.

Yazmin’s representatives have been contacted for comment.

TV PRESENTER Eamonn Holmes’s lover received death threats and felt ­suicidal after enduring two-and-a-half years of hell for “simply falling in love”, she has revealed.

Katie Alexander sobbed to a friend about her misery — ­saying she feels that the stress in her life, including Eamonn’s illness, has led to her suffering a breakdown.

Police are investigating malicious emails and letters delivered to her, including a threat sent to her home saying she would be decapitated.

Katie, 45, who has been in a ­relationship with the breakfast TV presenter, 66, since his split from Ruth Langsford in 2024, spoke to pals about her ongoing ordeal.

She told a friend: “I fell in love with a man who made me feel safe, who encouraged me to be myself, and who loved and accepted me for me.

“I was thrust into the limelight and suddenly blamed for everything that went wrong with Eamonn.

“I became the accused — and a talking point for the nation.

“I was advised to say nothing, even though I wanted to defend myself, to tell my truth. I decided to protect others before putting myself first. I was being judged simply for falling in love.

“I had death threats sent to my work email, and letters to my home address threatening to decapitate me. Not only was I trying to protect myself, I had to protect my children from online abuse, and from being picked on at school.

“It has been two-and-a-half years of pure hell. It became too much to endure. I reached the point where I thought the quickest way out of it all was to kill myself.

“I had a breakdown. It’s my ­children who have kept me alive.”

Katie, a trained counsellor from West Yorkshire, added to her pal: “I hold people’s emotions for a living.

“Knowing what was the truth in my own life — so different to what was being ­portrayed publicly — was torture. The attacks were very personal.

“People can’t fathom I like older men. I have a history of relationships with men older than me.

“People thought, ‘she must be with Eamonn for his money’. That’s such an untrue, one-dimensional reaction.

“I had a happy life before Eamonn, but suddenly being with him made me happy and content. I never asked for a penny, but he wanted to make sure that I was comfortable financially. He made sure I didn’t have to worry about money. It was his choice, his doing.

“I refused his generosity so many times. It even got to the point where I’d stop him paying £15.99 for a film on TV, making him wait until it became free to watch.

“Despite being so far apart geographically, we lived together half of the week. We made it work. He was — and still is — my partner. And when we were together we did everything together.

“I gave him a sense of worth. He became softer after years of antagonism. He spoke of his feelings in more depth. I told him that if he can’t communicate with me we can’t be together. It seemed alien to him to be able to have a conversation and not an argument, or shouting match, even if we disagreed.”

The Sun on Sunday previously told how Katie had to move her belongings out of Eamonn’s flat in Surrey. He has been in hospital since suffering a stroke in April.

Financial help has dried up, including repayments on a Mercedes car bought by Eamonn so Katie could travel to visit him.

A close friend of Katie added: “She’s had a breakdown with all the stress that has come with trying to keep a family together and juggling work, while trying to care for Eamonn in hospital 230 miles away. There is so much that has gone on which will come out one day, and everyone will learn the truth.

“It suits a lot of people that Katie be painted as the ‘Wicked Witch’. But the reality is so different.”

The pair started dating in May 2024 and within a few months Katie moved into Eamonn’s home.

Eamonn wed fellow former ITV This Morning host Ruth in 2010 but the pair have been going through a divorce since they split in 2024.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed a probe into “offensive” letters, but said “no suspect has been identified”. Katie was asked for comment.

WHEN the temperature drops and the nights get darker, booking a holiday in to look forward to feels all the more important.

Luckily, if you know where to look, Britain is packed with brilliant holiday parks that actually get better in the winter months.

We’re talking massive, 30C indoor water worlds for warming up from the frost, to luxury log cabins and magical woodland light trails.

Plus, avoiding the peak summer rush means you can bag incredible deals for a fraction of the usual price, so here’s our winter holiday park favourites from a tiny £3.06pp per night.

Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset

This cosy woodland holiday park in Dorset is made up of timber lodges only, with lakeside, hot tub and pet-friendly options sleeping up to eight people.

But don’t let the tranquil woodland setting fool you: Warmwell is packed with adrenaline. The park actually has its own 110m all-weather ski slope where you can ski, snowboard, or hurtle down in a rubber ring.

If you’d rather stay inside, the massive heated indoor pool has a thrilling, twisting water flume and a mini wave pool for little ones.

We found a three-night break in a superior lodge sleeping eight for £263, working out to £10.96pp per night.

Tattershall Lakes Country Park, Lincolnshire

While this action-packed holiday park is famous for its summer watersports, you’ll get a completely different experience in the winter.

This park puts on its very own ‘Winterfest‘, where from November 20 – December 20 you’ll find special events like candlelight concerts, kids house party events and the ‘Winterfest Spiegletent’ full of festive live entertainment.

There’s also the massive indoor pool and kids splash zone with slides for the kids, plus a luxurious spa and the cosy Tattershall Park Pub for Mum and Dad.

You can bag a four-night midweek break in a superior caravan sleeping eight from £168, or £5.25pp per night.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, Hampshire

For a dose of woodland magic this winter, book in for a lodge retreat at Sandy Balls Holiday Village in Hampshire.

With The New Forest on your doorstep, you’ll have plenty of time for family bike rides, woodland alpaca walks or even strolling through the ‘Forest of Light’ festive display which arrives at the park in November.

Kids can head indoors to warm up with pottery painting or slime factory sessions, while grown-ups might prefer the evening’s Boombox Bingo, quiz or karaoke sessions.

We found a deal for a four night break in a luxury caravan sleeping six for £264, working out to £11pp per night.

Bluestone Wales, Pembrokeshire

Head to Pembrokeshire in Wales this winter to escape the cold and drizzle for a site with a giant, subtropical temperature waterpark.

Spend rainy afternoons in the Blue Lagoon Water Park, which is totally free for guests. There’s a wave machine, four waterslides, plus a relaxing lazy river and bubbling pools.

There’s plenty more weather-proof activities like an indoor zipline, climbing wall and a bear-making boutique.

We found a deal for a four-night break in a spacious wooden lodge for four for £540, working out to £33.75pp per night. Or if you want to book ahead for Jan or Feb, there’s an early bird offer on where you can save 10-20 per cent on 2027 breaks.

Seashore Holiday Park, Norfolk

If you love a winter beach break away from the crowds of the summer, you’ll love Great Yarmouth‘s only beachfront park: Seashore Holiday Park.

The flat, golden sands of Yarmouth are perfect for a winter stroll, before coming back to warm up in the heated indoor waterpark with two 11 metre flumes.

Once you’re done making a splash, you can retreat to a double-glazed, toasty heated caravan for a movie night.

We found a deal for a four night break in a saver caravan sleeping four for £49, working out to £3.06pp per night.

Finlake Resort & Spa, Devon

Finlake feels like a glamorous forest retreat with A-frame timber lodges with hot tubs, a woodland spa and sauna offering hot stone massages, and a glimmering fishing lake.

Kids will love the on-site waterpark Finlake Falls, which is heated to around 30C and packed with waterslides, fun sea scooters and a beach-like area with gentle waves for little ones.

Compared to somewhere like Center Parcs, where the cheapest seven-night lodge break we found this winter was £1,548 you’re getting much better value for money here.

At Finlake, you can bag a seven-night stay in a traditional, two-storey wooden lodge from £239 for the week.

Craig Tara, Ayrshire, Scotland

From the snow-dusted peaks of the Isle of Arran to the rugged clifftops of the Ayrshire coast, Scotland is beautiful in winter.

But it’s even better when you can retreat back to a cosy, centrally heated caravan or luxury lodge to thaw out.

Haven’s Craig Tara offers not only luxurious lodges and warm, affordable caravans, but one of the biggest heated indoor waterparks in Scotland, Splashaway Bay.

As for indoor activities, there’s also a giant indoor Airspace facility loaded with interactive darts, shuffleboard, and a climbing wall to wear the kids out.

You don’t even need to head out and brave the cold for dinner with an on-site Burger King, Papa Johns, and a sea-view restaurant just steps away.

We found a deal for a four night break in a saver caravan sleeping four for £49, working out to £3.06pp per night.

ARE you racking your brain for new ways to entertain the kids this half term, especially given the unpredictable weather?

Do not fear – here we’ve collated a full list of some of England’s best attractions in EVERY county in the UK, from walks in the rolling countryside, to electrifying museum exhibitions, donkey sanctuaries and even a tour of an enormous board game collection.

Bedfordshire

Stockford Discovery Centre, Luton

Discover charming gardens, engaging interactive exhibitions and one of Europe’s largest carriage collections.

Dunstable Downs, Dunstable

Soak in the stunning views of the Dunstable Downs, lovingly sculpted by nature over hundreds of years. Miles of circular walks and beautiful nature make it the spot for an afternoon amble.

Berkshire

Reading Museum, Reading

Learn all about Reading’s fascinating history by exploring an assortment of exhibitions, with everything from biscuit tins to beetles, Romans and Rodin. The museum also boasts it’s very own version of the Bayeux Tapestry – painstakingly recreated in full by Victorian embroiderers, and a great option if you’ve not been able to get tickets for the sell-out British Museum exhibition.

The Museum of English Rural Life, Reading

With nine distinct themed galleries, the museum walks you around the most comprehensive collection of rural artefacts ranging from huge steam trains to ancient farming tools.

Bristol

Banksy free walking tour, Bristol

Bristol is the hometown of the street artist Banksy. Take a self-guided tour through the artist’s very own stomping ground and admire some of his most famous works.

M Shed Museum, Bristol

The 1950s transit shed, originally called M Shed offers visitors a whistlestop tour of the city’s history.

Buckinghamshire

Wycombe Museum (the chair museum), High Wycombe

Quaint grounds holding a collection of local art and furniture from the 17th to the 21st centuries.

Coombe Hill, Dunsmore

Walk from the town base up to the prominent monument for panoramic views across the Chiltern Hills.

Cambridgeshire

The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

View huge collections of global antiquities, master paintings, pottery and a sprawling number of historical artefacts.

The Museum of Zoology, Cambridge

Enjoy wandering through the vast array of animal specimens, skeletons, fossils, and taxidermy, as well as several exciting educational displays.

Cheshire

Cheshire Story House, Cheshire

More than just a theatre, this beloved venue on Hunter Street offers free family craft sessions run every weekend.

Walk the city walls, Cheshire

Bring a brolly and good set of waterproofs and set off scaling Cheshire’s historic city walls, which includes two miles of Roman gates, medieval towers and stunning views across the city and Welsh hills.

City of London

The British Museum, Great Russell Street

The UK’s biggest museum, with the world’s largest collection of works – eight million pieces exploring human history, art, and culture. 

The Natural History Museum, South Kensington

One of the UK’s most popular museums with 80 million items, including the famous blue whale skeleton.

Cornwall

Falmouth Art Gallery, Falmouth

View a rotating fine art collection and family exhibitions inside the municipal buildings.

Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, Penhallow

Visitors can access farm animal areas, historic farming equipment, jam kitchens, and even enjoy some free tasting sessions.

Cumbria

Kendal Castle, Kendal

Bring the dog and pack a picnic to enjoy a scenic stroll around Kendal Castle ruins with stunning views of the town.

Cookhouse Gallery, Windermere

A family run gallery with a wide selection of gorgeous paintings inspired by the local natural beauty.

Derbyshire

Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Derby

Home to the world’s largest collection of works by Joseph Wright of Derby, it features a range of historic artefacts and stunning artworks.

Pickford’s House, Derby 

Pickford’s House is located in a Georgian townhouse and features exhibitions of domestic life from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Devon

Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Exeter

Explore free galleries covering local history, natural history, world cultures, and an Egyptian tomb.

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

Enjoy cuddling the 500 donkeys and mules looked after by cheerful charity workers.

Dorset

Tyneham Village, Wareham

Amble through the abandoned village of Tyneham, which was evacuated in December 1943 during WWII and still looks the same as it did 80 years ago.

Gold Hill, Shaftesbury

Walk down the iconic steep cobbled street featured in the Hovis advert. Enjoy incredible views of the sloping countryside, as well as the village’s quaint shops and cafes.

County Durham

Durham University Oriental Museum, Durham

Discover extensive art and archaeology collections from North Africa and Asia.

Locomotion Rail Museum, Shildon

Home to Europe’s largest undercover collection of historic rail vehicles.

East Riding of Yorkshire

Arctic Corsair, Hull 

Dive into Hull’s deep-sea fishing industry at this museum that includes a historic deep-sea trawler built in 1960.

Ferens Art Gallery, Hull 

A fine art collection with everything from Viking swords and Roman mosaics to a full-sized Woolly Mammoth.

East Sussex

The Laines, Brighton

Wander the historic laines of Brighton, with winding cobbled streets that lead to endless jewellers and quaint trinket shops.

Hastings Fishermen’s Museum

A small but mighty museum exploring the history of Hastings‘ fishing industry, featuring boats, videos, and a small shop.

Essex

Clacton Pier, Clacton-on-sea

Europe’s largest pleasure pier has something for all ages, from exhilarating rides to mountains of arcade machines and gorgeous sea views.

Pets Corner, Harlow

Pet, stroke and feed the animals at pets corner, with dozens of farmyard friends and even some exotic extras.

Gloucestershire

The Museum of Board Games, Newent

Explore the unique museum’s 600 collection spanning the 19th century through the mid 20th century, including early linen-printed history boards and 1950s TV-themed games.

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Enjoy a 4.5-mile stroll through beautiful forest, stopping to enjoy the spectacle of woodland sculptures.

Greater London

Myddelton House Gardens, Enfield 

Former home and gardens of the horticulturist, Edward Bowles. 

William Morris Gallery, London 

Step inside the famous textile designer’s former home and learn about his influence on the design industry.

Greater Manchester

Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester

Home to 250 years of innovations across science and technology, as well as UK’s oldest surviving train station.

People’s History Museum, Manchester 

Learn about the history of the working class in the UK, with displays on the Peterloo Massacre and the women’s suffrage movement. 

Hampshire

New Forest National Park

Walk or cycle through the magical New Forest countryside. Pause to watch the friendly free-roaming ponies and spot the cattle and deer munching away in the meadows.

Fort Nelson, Fareham

Explore the huge Victorian fort and view over 700 artillery pieces with free admission via the Royal Armouries.

Herefordshire

The Cat’s Back trail, Craswall

Take a dramatic ridge walk along the border for stunning valley views.

Longtown Castle, Hereford

Explore the overgrown medieval ruins and clamber over rugged stone walls.

Hertfordshire

Natural History Museum of Tring

Enjoy quirky Victorian zoological collections and fossils. The museum houses one of the finest collections of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects in the UK.

North Hertfordshire Museum, Hitchin 

Take in a delightful selection of local history galleries and art, including a woolly mammoth tusk to a pair of Stanley Matthews’s football boots.

Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, Ventnor

Home to rescued donkeys and ponies, a great day out for animal lovers. Visitors can relax afterwards at the cafe or enjoy browsing the gift shop packed with pony-themed trinkets.

The Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum, Ryde

Enjoy free entry and browse and climb aboard vintage buses and coaches. The museum is home to impressive collection of Island buses and coaches dating from 1927 to modern day models.

Kent

Maidstone Museum, Maidstone

Collection of more than 600,000 artefacts and specimens, exploring fine art, human history, and textiles.

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterbury

Housed in a Grade II listed building, the museum is home to some of Canterbury’s best artworks.

Lancashire

Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston 

Discover art, culture, and history, with displays on printed textiles, the remains of an elk, and glassblown scent bottles. 

Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury 

A stately home dating back to 1185 with a cafe, shepherd huts and UK’s first wafflery.

Leicestershire

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, Leicester 

Displays include a 15-metre Rutland Dinosaur and stories about Leicester’s achievements and obstacles.

Newarke Houses Museum, Leicester 

Built in 1511, with exhibits on the Leicestershire Regiment and Tudor objects.

Lincolnshire

Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery, Lincolnshire 

Showcases everything from artefacts from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, to works by Turner, as well as forensic processes of the Anglo Saxons. 

Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincolnshire 

Home to 250,000 items dating back to 1750, including a World War I tank, as well as a museum trail and playground for kids.

Merseyside

Victoria Gallery and Museum, Liverpool 

Uncover artworks across different eras, including archaeological items and oceanography displays. 

Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

National gallery of the North, with paintings and sculptures from Rembrandt, David Hockney and Rodin.

Norfolk

Crabbing in Wells

Grab a pack of bacon and your crabbing gear and set up camp at Wells’s famous crabbing quay.

Norwich Cathedral

Explore the 44-acre close and join free hourly guided tours from Monday to Saturday.

North Yorkshire

Dorman Museum, Middlesbrough

Discover the town’s history with dinosaur installations and a slice of meteorite from space.

Northamptonshire

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Northampton

Tour the quaint museum’s fascinating array of displays, including its shoe collection, fine and decorative art and local heritage artefacts.

Wellingborough Museum, Wellingborough

Traverse through Wellingborough’s local social history. Includes artifacts and rotating family-friendly community exhibits inside a distinctive Victorian building.

Northumberland

The Grace Darling Museum, Bamburgh 

A unique museum that teaches visitors about the life of Victorian Britain’s greatest heroine, Grace Darling, who risked her life to rescue nine survivors from the wrecked SS Forfarshire in 1838.

Hardian’s Wall, Brampton 

Explore one of England’s national treasures, Hadrian’s Wall, the most heavily fortified and best-preserved land frontier of the ancient Roman Empire.

Nottinghamshire

Sherwood Forest, Mansfield

Wander the forest once home to Robin Hood and discover the history of the legend of the archer and his Merry Men who stole from the rich to give to the poor.

Green’s Windmill and Science Centre, Nottingham

Climb a working 19th-century windmill and explore interactive science exhibits dedicated to mathematical physicist George Green.

Oxfordshire

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

The world’s first university museum, featuring vast art and archaeology collections opened in 1683 thanks to gifts from Elias Ashmole.

Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford

Famous for its dense Victorian-style cabinets filled with global anthropological and archaeological artifacts. Connected to Oxford’s Museum of Natural History, which is also free.

Rutland

Rutland County Museum, Rutland

More than just your run-of-the-mill museum, Rutland offers interactive family-friendly exhibits like an AR iSandBox and a Jurassic Sea Dragon virtual reality experience.

Oakham Castle, Oakham

Travel through time as you explore the 12th-century Norman Great Hall in famous for its unique collection of more than 200 ceremonial horseshoes, and plenty more historic gems.

Shropshire

The British Ironwork Museum, Oswestry

Home to a selection of sculptures, awe-inspiring artworks, and stunning trial walks. Offers free entry during off-peak periods, such as Tuesdays to Fridays during September to February.

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Shrewsbury

Set in a Victorian music hall, Shrewsbury museum features local and international artefacts and art.

Somerset

The Museum of Somerset, Taunton 

Explore 400 million years of Taunton’s history across nine galleries, including an 80,000-year-old Banwell Bear Ice Age skull

Visit Cheddar Gorge

Explore the nation’s biggest gorge on foot, enjoying dramatic limestone cliffs and hiking trails.

South Yorkshire

Kelham Island Museum, Sheffield 

Learn about life in Victorian-era Sheffield, with artefacts including a 1760’s chocolate pot and Metrovick milk float.

Millennium Gallery, Sheffield 

All things art and design in Sheffield, including one of the finest collections of metalwork in the world. 

Staffordshire

Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, Lichfield 

Learn about the first lexicographer Samuel Johnson, who created A Dictionary of the English Language.

Stafford Castle, Stafford 

Step back to 1100 AD with archaeological artefacts and learn about the history of the castle.

Suffolk

Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich 

Tudor brick mansion featuring collection of items from the Tudor period including clothing, children’s toys, and musical instruments. 

Nowton Park, Bury St Edmunds

A 200-acre park featuring a maze, a totem pole, wildflower meadows, and a large arboretum.

Surrey

Mercedes-Benz World

See up to 100 rare and exotic cars up close, while also stopping to absorb the electric atmosphere from the track.

Guildford House Gallery

Browse free rotating art displays and local craft exhibitions, including  antique furniture, fine plaster ceilings, a unique painted closet. 

Tyne and Wear

South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, South Shields 

Discover the history of South Tyneside inside this historic building with a Victorian tea room, served by costumed staff.

OuseBurn Farm, Newcastle upon Tyne 

Located in the heart of Newcastle, the working city farm includes animals, gardens, fields for strolls, and a sensory trail.

Warwickshire

St Nicholas’s Park, Warwick

Parked next to Warwick Castle, the iconic park offers large open green spaces, a great children’s playground, and scenic riverside walks.

Rugby Art Gallery and Museum

Explore a mix of local history and contemporary art. The museum and gallery is home to 220 pieces of 20th-century and contemporary British art and interaction displays of Roman artefacts.

West Midlands

National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas 

British site of national remembrance with over 400 memorials and 25,000 trees. 

Aston Hall, Birmingham 

Grade I-listed Jacobean house with a beautiful public park, as well as collections from the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. 

West Sussex

Petworth Park, Petworth

Explore 700 acres of free landscaped parkland and spot its historic herd of fallow deer.

Chichester Cathedral

Step inside the 950-year-old landmark and soak in the history, but don’t forget to look out for the resident peregrine falcons.

West Yorkshire

Royal Armouries, Leeds

Historic weaponry and armour, from Japanese samurai swords to modern warfare including Henry VIII’s armour.

Bolling Hall Museum, Bradford 

Learn about the lives of the families that lived in Bolling Hall over different time periods. 

Wiltshire

Longleat House, Warminster 

Explore an Elizabethan manor house with 900 acres of parkland. It features featuring fine art, period furnishings, and 19th-century Crace interiors.

Avebury Stone Circle, Marlborough

Explore the famous standing stone monument and 17th-century stables housing a museum to the iconic monument.

Worcestershire

Malvern Hills

Wander iconic hills, famous for being home to fresh spring water, and enjoy panoramic views of the sloping countryside.

Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, Worcester

Enjoy local-history displays, fine art and relics in a Victorian-era brick building with gift shop and cafe.

IT was the end of a perfect summer in the South of France, but within days of returning to the UK, Chloe Khan’s world came crashing down.

Almost all of her incredible designer collection of bags and shoes was stolen, in what she believes could have been a targeted attack.

And now two weeks on, the 35-year-old, who first rose to fame on X Factor, is no closer to finding any of her items – despite offering a £10k reward for information.

But Chloe, who believes she lost £400k of designer clothes in the robbery, has vowed to continue shopping and sharing her glam life online.

“I am a materialistic person and I do love beautiful stuff, but at the same time my family’s all healthy and happy,” she said.

“They’ve already taken all my physical items off me, they’re not going to take my personality off me as well.

“That’s what I enjoy posting, that’s my lifestyle post, I’m not going to wear an average outfit.”

Speaking for the first time about the devastating blow, Chloe, who lives in Belgravia with her private businessman boyfriend, said: “I was completely wiped out.

“It was around £400k worth of stuff – it was like my lifelong collection of stuff. I took everything over so that my closet was nice over there.”

The items included a pink Birkin bag, worth £30k, another orange Birkin, a Christian Dior Himalayan Lady Dior worth £26k, as well as numerous luxury items and one- off pieces that have never been worn.

Chloe travelled back to England via train so her beloved pomeranian pooch could be with her  – while her driver was tasked with bringing her belongings back via car.

She loaded up the car with five cases full to the brim with her expensive wardrobe, but three days after she arrived home there was no sign of her items. 

“I presumed it was still in transit. But it turns out after arriving back in the UK our driver parked the vehicle near to where he lives instead of my home. 

“Without me knowing that my items were already back in the UK, he left the car there, the vehicle there for three days in a car park that says ‘do not leave valuable items’ and the car was smashed into and everything was taken.”

Her valuables were later found in a field a mile away from the car park by a dog walker, who managed to track Chloe down.

The police were contacted and CCTV showed a car entering the carpark around the time the robbery was expected to have taken place. No arrests have been made. 

It’s been incredibly difficult for Chloe to deal with and has left her questioning her driver.

She said: “I’ve been really suspicious of the driver, but he’s worked for my boyfriend for 23 years, they’ve got a really close relationship.

“The whole family all really trusted him, but the day after it happened, the driver resigned the same day. There was no apology, not even an ‘oh my God, are you okay?’  

“So obviously at the time I thought I had clearly been set up here.

“But now after speaking with my boyfriend and his family – we think he’s mentioned to someone he’s bringing all this stuff over and I think they’ve targeted it.

“The information has got to the wrong person. So I think it’s more of a loose lips, stupid situation. Regardless, it’s just such a neglectful thing to do and it was so avoidable by him.”

Chloe has been dating her boyfriend for the past year but is yet to reveal his identity. 

She decided to share news of her robbery on social media in the hope she could retrieve some of the items.

But Chloe came under fire from trolls who told her “you deserve it for sharing all your stuff online”.

It didn’t deter the star though and the next day she headed to Harrods to try and build up her collection once again. 

Unfortunately she didn’t have the right insurance, which means she’s been unable to claim any money back.

Speaking to me as they holidayed in the Serengeti – in the same villa Jeff Bezos stayed in the week before – she said: “I don’t think this has happened because of what I share online although I do know obviously it can make you a big target to share stuff like that online.

“What it has done is give me a trauma about suitcases to be honest because just a few days before this my daughter was in France travelling with my Louis Vuitton suitcase and it was stolen. 

“I just never want to see a suitcase again and I also don’t want to transport my stuff from place to place.”

Despite everything she has been through, Chloe isn’t letting it put a damper on her incredible life. 

“I’ve actually surprised myself how I’ve dealt with it because I’ve not cried once, I’ve not actually let it get me down,” she said.

Chloe has come a long way from when she first appeared on TV back in 2009 on the BBC Three show Snog, Marry, Avoid. 

But it was the following year that the star – who went by the name Chloe Mafia – really became a household name.

In 2010, she auditioned for the X Factor and warbled her way through Summertime and a Shakira song – and got through to boot camp.

But she was kicked off the show after admitting she’d stayed up all night partying.

A few other reality TV shows followed and Chloe – who had her daughter Destiny when she was just 16 – went on to earn millions through a webcam business.

During lockdown she was earning $700k a month on OnlyFans, which she gave up last year when she met her man.

Reflecting on her success, she said: “It just feels like a completely different life.

“It doesn’t feel like two chapters of one book, it feels like two separate books.”

Now Chloe and her daughter, who is now 18, spend their days travelling the world in luxury.

She describes her little girl as a ‘stay at home daughter’, while she is a ‘spoilt girlfriend’ and is enjoying every second of it.

It’s also meant she has been able to move on from the robbery – with a very positive outlook.

“I thought to myself the other day – there are people in life that have struggles, some people might struggle with mental health or some people with actual physical health conditions or some people might have financial difficulties,” she said.

“For me, for some reason, mine is that I always get robbed. And I think if that’s my worst thing in life then my life’s actually quite good then, because it could be so much worse.

“When I got the news that all my stuff had been robbed I thought, do you know what, at this exact same minute someone’s got the news that they’ve got a month to live. Being robbed is not the worst thing in the world yet, it’s s**t. But it’s happened before and I’ll start again.”

IN the last six months of her short life, there was one person Amy Jade Winehouse could turn to unreservedly.

Dale Davis, her band leader and confidante, provided her with a shoulder to cry on and a reason for her to break into the infectious laughter that came with her wicked sense of humour.

He was there to give Amy “a cuddle” during her final public outing, and three days later — on the night before she died aged 27 in 2011 — he spent 15 minutes on the phone to her, telling her she was “the best”.

“We were always chatting in those final months,” he says today to mark the 20th anniversary of Amy’s stellar Back To Black album.

“I remember her saying to me, ‘Dale, I’ve just realised that I’ve spent my whole adult life with you’.

“I was with her from when she was 19 to 27. The things I miss about her most are her big grin and that glint in her eyes.”

Dale joined Amy’s band in 2003 as bassist because the original choice was “too expensive” and, as he self-deprecatingly admits, he was “the uglier, cheaper” alternative.

A year later, he became her musical director and remains the keeper of her flame by leading The Amy Winehouse Band on its regular tours of the UK and abroad.

Though he was 17 years her senior, they bonded over a shared love of “hip-hop, soul and Nineties R&B”.

He adds: “We were also the only members of the band who drank Jack Daniel’s — so there was a lot of affinity there. If Amy loved you, no matter who it was, she loved you hard. She always had my back and I always had hers.”

Reaching the 20th anniversary of Back To Black, released on October 27, 2006, is a milestone Dale finds “surreal”.

Amy’s second album, the follow-up to her debut Frank, catapulted the vivacious, naturally talented singer on to the world stage and has sold more than 20million copies (and counting).

It contained raw, personal songs loaded with pathos and humour, such as Rehab, Me & Mr Jones, Tears Dry On Their Own and Love Is A Losing Game, all delivered in deliciously smoky, jazzy tones.

It charted in graphic detail Amy’s turbulent relationship with the love of her life, Blake Fielder-Civil, as well as her battles with drug and alcohol addiction.

“I believe she was the first star of this millennium, of the broadband generation,” maintains Dale.

“She was a most courageous performer and human being. Amy had a massive heart, but it left her open to the highs and the lows.”

To give an example of her inner conflict, Dale vividly recalls being with her on February 10, 2008, when she scooped five Grammy awards in the wake of Back To Black.

“Life was never dull and that night I saw an indication of what she was going through,” he says.

Amy could not attend the ceremony in Los Angeles because she’d been denied a visa amid drug and legal issues, but she was hooked up remotely to perform from London’s Riverside Studios.

“When she won her third Grammy, it was just me and her on stage,” continues Dale.

“Everyone else had walked off. I said, ‘Well done, Amy’. And she just said, ‘No, this is s*** because Blake’s not here’.

“While she was winning all those awards, her heart was going through the extreme pain of not being with him. There was no middle ground with Amy, and things like that are so destabilising to your mental health.”

When he considers the Back To Black songs, he says Wake Up Alone was Amy’s favourite, but he singles out a sad track, Love Is A Losing Game, and a funny one, Me & Mr Jones.

There’s an exquisite demo rendition of Love Is A Losing Game on the new, expanded anniversary editions, just Amy’s sublime, soulful voice and the strums of an acoustic guitar.

Dale says: “She was equally comfortable with an orchestra or on her own.

“The great thing about that version is that she delivers the most beautiful performance and then, at the end, she goes, ‘Is that all right?’. That really sums her up.

“Amy was so bright and so intelligent, but because she spoke so normally, it fooled people.”

Of Me & Mr Jones, with its old-school jazz vibe and jaw-dropping line, ‘What kind of f***ery is this?’, Dale says: “That’s my favourite song on the album. It’s right up my street. It’s got doo-wop. It’s got swing.

“I can imagine the mischievous grin as she’s thinking, ‘Right, I’m going to turn this into a funny old song’.

Also, you can’t play it on the radio. That’s the great thing about Amy — she knew no boundaries.”

Yet Dale senses that the star who burned bright for a fleeting moment “sold herself short in the end”.

“Amy was the most rebellious person I’ve ever come across,” he decides.

In 2004, the year Frank came out, Dale remembers “having breakfast with Nick (Shymansky, her first manager), who said, ‘We’ve got some issues with Amy’. I said, ‘Just leave her be, she’s a punk’.

“She had that spirit which could be destructive. However, the only harm she ever did was to herself.

“At the same time, she was so funny — her observational humour was ridiculous.

“I could always tell something funny was coming when I saw that glint in her eyes.

“Had she lived, Amy would have been like Barbra Streisand or Bette Midler — an all-round entertainer.

“I can imagine her having her own TV programme or being a great actress. She even talked about wanting to do some acting.”

When I caught up with Dale this week, he was preparing for last night’s Back To Black 20 show, directed by the album’s producers, Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, at The Roundhouse in Amy’s London stomping ground of Camden.

Among the singers due to step into her ballet flats at the gig were Baby Rose, Corinne Bailey Rae, FLO, Jessie Reyez, Jorja Smith and Lianne La Havas.

Mention of the venue prompts Dale to cast his mind back to Amy’s final public outing, which took place there on July 20, 2011 — three days before she left us too soon.

Dale was by her side for a showcase by her goddaughter, the singer Dionne Bromfield.

Amy bravely appeared on stage — “dancing and being a good sport” — to support Dionne, but declined to take the mic.

“She was wearing a vest and jacket and looking as well as when I first met her,” says Dale.

“After the show, Amy said, ‘Let’s hang out’. So I spent two hours with her and we chatted so much. Before we left, we went outside and she said, ‘Cuddle me because I’m cold’.

“I spent the last ten minutes holding her. When I look back on that moment, I’m thinking it wasn’t like her because she was never cold.”

Dale believes Amy’s “eating disorder got her in the end”, a subject of great sadness to him.

He says: “She was never ever big — curvy at most. But I know a comment was made one year and then suddenly all the weight came off. I felt sorry for her.

“It has taken me a long time to realise what eating disorders are.

“I wish I’d had more knowledge so I could have helped.

“Towards the end, her nervous system was getting more and more shocked with the lack of eating.

“And when Blake went to prison, she also stopped sleeping. That had a massive impact on her physical state.”

This brings us to Dale’s phone call with Amy, which started at 11.15pm on July 22, 2011, hours before she died.

He says: “Purely by chance, I had the longest conversation with her that night.

“Even at her funeral service, I ended up right next to the coffin because there was no room for me elsewhere. All those weird things draw me in to make sure that I protect her legacy.”

Dale describes their final conversation: “Amy said, ‘Dale, I’ve had a little bit to drink’. And I said, ‘Well, you don’t sound at all drunk’.

“Then she said, ‘I’ve been watching some old clips of me on YouTube. I CAN sing, can’t I?’. And I just said, ‘Of course you can. You’re the best’.

“I’m so glad that, on her last evening, she could turn round and say that because she was the least arrogant person about her abilities.”

In the wake of Amy’s tragic death, there have been blame games involving various parties — Blake, management, the music industry, the media, her parents.

Mention of this prompts Dale to launch a staunch defence of Amy’s divorced mum and dad, Janis and Mitch.

He says: “I feel so sorry for Janis because when Amy started to get famous, Janis had her own health problems.

“Amy always said her mother was so serene — and then she had to go through her struggles and watch the demise of her daughter.”

Turning to her London cabbie dad, who left the family home when Amy was about ten but became more involved in her life as her career took off, Dale says: “People point the finger at Mitch.

“Me and my dad don’t really get on, but we love each other and are there for each other.

“It was very difficult for someone like Mitch coming back into Amy’s life when she’d become a self-made multimillionaire. It must have been quite hard to try to direct someone when they’ve made it themselves.”

On a more general note, Dale adds: “The industry and everyone else can take steps to do everything they can — but there’s always going to be someone who slips through the net.”

Next up for him is a UK tour with his Amy Winehouse Band, a chance to hear some of that beautiful, rebellious spirit.

“They tried to make me go to rehab but I said no, no, no.”

• UK tour details at theamywinehouseband.com. The Back To Black 20 ­Concert is on BBC Two on Saturday, 9.35pm, and Radio 2, Monday, 7pm. Expanded editions of Back To Black, with unheard demos and a 2007 live show, are out on Friday.

THERE were plenty of skeptics when former Love Islander Zara McDermott struck up an unlikely romance with One Direction heartthrob Louis Tomlinson early last year.

But as Zara gives The Sun a rare insight into life with superstar Louis, it appears the couple have proved the naysayers wrong.

Zara and Louis were first spotted together in early March 2025, just two months after she split from partner of five years Sam Thompson.

At the time, the reality star and documentary-maker was subject to cruel trolling over the romance from Louis’ hardcore fanbase.

But sticking it out, not only is Zara seemingly stronger than ever with the musician, she’s ultra close to his famous sisters.

Walking the red carpet at last night’s Pride Of Britain Awards, Zara was arm in arm with Louis’ influencer younger sister Daisy.

“We’re going to have a big family Christmas this year, it’s rare that you get everyone in the same room, so it’ll be nice,” the duo tell me.

After confirming she’s looking forward to spending it with her other half and his clan, Zara admits: “I’ve had to try to figure out how to split my time between my family and Louis’ this year, it’s so difficult!”

As the pair discuss shopping for Louis – which Daisy assures is an easy task – Zara says in a rare gush: “He’s just a very happy person, he’s always happy. And he’s just always grateful.”

Despite being often seen at Louis’ California home, Zara – who noted how Louis’ siblings are her ‘sisters’ now – says the pair’s main residence is his North London home.

“It’s mostly London! I travel all over, but mostly London because that’s where all of my family and friends are.”

Zara and Louis keep their union famously private, with the pair only ever sharing a few snaps together online and rarely discussing one another.

However, she has dubbed the singer her “prince charming” – recently admitting: “I genuinely can’t even say one [irritating habit]. He’s like my Prince Charming. He’s like my fairytale.

“He is genuinely the most amazing person I’ve ever met in my life, he’s an inspiration to me in so many ways.

“He is the most empathetic, considerate, kind person. He will always think about every single other person before himself, and I think that is such a rare quality to find in someone.”

There are even rumours that the loved-up pair could soon announce they are engaged, but the presenter remains stubbornly tight-lipped about wedding bells.

That doesn’t mean the relationship has been without its challenges, with Zara widely trolled by Louis’ fans who, at the beginning of their relationship, accused her of “following” the popstar around.

When Zara posted snaps of herself in Italy, where Louis was performing at a sold-out concert in Milan, earlier this year – she was subjected to vile backlash.

At the time, a source told The Sun: “Zara can’t win with the trolls.

“She’s either accused of ‘following’ Louis around the world or is slated for not being a supportive enough girlfriend.

“It’s like she’s damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”

But keeping a dignified silence appears to have done the trick for Zara, who is proving to his fans that she certainly doesn’t seem to be going anywhere – and the whole Tomlinson clan are behind her.

BIG Brother’s Omar El Mayer will remain in the spy house despite being accused of “coercive and abusive” behaviour towards Rhianna Collins – but I’ve heard of events that have happened in the shared bedroom that feel even more worrying.

The Sun’s mole on the show has shared details of one strange action the jewellery salesman has performed before bed and how it has raised eyebrows on set amid fan outcry.

It comes as Women’s Aid have spoken out over Omar’s behaviour as viewers rush to complain to Ofcom.

Omar, 21, scolded Rhianna, also 21, for speaking about their argument to her co-stars before using “red-flag” language including “don’t talk about me”, “don’t cry”, “don’t look away from me”, “sort yourself out” and “fix up”.

Now unaired scenes can be revealed and it all hangs on Big Brother’s thorough duty of care measures.

Our source said: “If there are people sharing a bed, Big Brother has a rule that every night they individually have to show the camera a thumbs up or thumbs down to show that they consent to that situation.

“If there is no sign, or a thumbs down, Big Brother intervenes and calls them to the diary room.

“Over the last few nights Omar has been putting thumbs DOWN and so has been called into the diary room.

“When he’s in there he doesn’t really seem to explain much.”

The revelation shocked me, as a Big Brother fan as well as someone who closely reports on the show, because surely it seems more likely Rhianna would be the one flagging concern to bosses.

Our source added: “It’s raised eyebrows – if he’d done it once, fair enough, but the fact he’s done a thumbs down over a few nights suggests it’s a pattern of behaviour to control the narrative.

“There’s clearly complex emotions at play but it’s troubling.”

The revelation comes amid a rising storm around Omar remaining on the show.

As yet, bosses have not moved to remove him from the house.

A Big Brother spokesman said: “All Housemates receive Respect and Inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother Senior team to prepare them for living in the House and to set out Big Brother’s expectations for appropriate behaviour and language.

“Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and any instances of inappropriate behaviour are responded to appropriately.

“Welfare and safeguarding are prioritised throughout the production, with a dedicated welfare team available to support Housemates before, during and after their time in the House.”

Yesterday Women’s Aid spoke out following complaints over last night’s “worrying” scenes between Omar and Rhianna.

Spokesman Veronica Oakeshott told The Sun: “The nature of abuse means that it often begins with ‘red flag’ coercive and controlling behaviours like isolating you from friends or repeatedly putting you down, before escalating into other forms of abuse.

“Coercive control creates invisible chains and a sense of fear that impacts every element of a survivor‘s life.

“It’s worrying to see behaviours like this being given a platform in popular media like Big Brother.”

Women’s Aid has been contacted by “many viewers who have expressed concern”, added Veronica.

We also told how fans, ex-Housemates and celebrities have all demanded Omar is axed over his behaviour – with viewers in their droves contacting TV regulator, Ofcom.

She added: “We continue to urge television companies such as ITV to engage with experts like Women’s Aid to understand the nature of abuse and how they can do better to protect contestants. We would welcome a discussion with the Big Brother team.”

Scenes between Omar and Rhianna have seen her telling Omar “I don’t want to argue with you”, to which he replied “Well, then, don’t say mad things that you don’t mean. It’s not fair. You need to sort it out, get it together.”

Rhianna then whispered “I’m sorry” and he accepted her apology saying “it’s OK” before they spent the night together in bed.

In another sinister moment from last night’s hard-to-watch episode, Omar interrupted Rhianna’s conversation with Rochelle and Phillip to whisper in her ear.

Bending down to Rhianna in bed to conceal his warning, Omar said: “Do me a favour, I know you’re upset, but don’t talk about me. Thank you.”

One viewer commented: “The fact Omar’s comfortable doing this on national TV scares me for what he does behind closed doors.”

Another added: “This has become dangerous now. Omar needs removing from the house.

“He has been gaslighting and emotionally abusing Rhianna for weeks.

“You don’t have to be a genius to know what would be happening if the cameras and other housemates weren’t there.”

NOVEMBER in Britain: dark before you’ve left work, washing draped over every available radiator and a coat that hasn’t had a dry week since August.

Meanwhile, somewhere else in the world it’s 30C with someone cooking and every drink on the house for you… I know where I’d rather be.

So, I dug through the November holiday data and picked out ten resorts that are up to 34 per cent cheaper than the average price of a hotel stay that month.

Not only that, but I’ve found a fantastic deal for each at some underrated resorts, overlooked by bigger names nearby.

Some are familiar spots, while others you typically might scroll straight past if you’re not in the know.

But they all deserve a look before you write off a week away – here’s where I’d be booking this November.

1. Naama Bay, Egypt (34% below average)

Naama Bay is my pick for anyone who wants to enjoy Egypt beyond the hotel resorts.

You’ve got a big beach, plenty of restaurants and somewhere to head after dinner, so there’s no need to spend seven days orbiting the buffet.

With November temperatures typically around 27C, you can spend the afternoon on the beach and head out for a slap-up meal in the evening.

This is where I rate bed & breakfast: your morning food is sorted, then lunch and dinner are yours to choose.

Falcon Naama Star gives you a cheap base around ten minutes’ walk from the beach.

I found seven nights with breakfast and direct return flights from Belfast for £280pp – that leaves more of your budget for enjoying the place you’ve flown all that way to see.

2. Om El Sid, Egypt (29% below average)

Another Egypt find, Om El Sid suits a week of beach days and evenings spent having a wander and finding somewhere good for dinner.

You’re on Sharm’s southern side, with the Old Market to explore when you’ve had enough of lying horizontal.

November daytime temperatures typically reach around 27C.

That’s proper beach weather, with the added pleasure of knowing someone at home is scraping the car windscreen, so try to be modest with the photos… or don’t.

My hotel pick is Old Vic Sharm Resort & Spa.

It’s inland, but there’s a free beach shuttle, so you can get your beach fix without paying for a beachfront stay.

I found seven nights all inclusive with direct return flights from Liverpool for £350pp.

And because your meals are covered, you can still get out for a nosey around Sharm without having to spend much extra.

3. Patong, Thailand (28% below average)

Thailand can spend years on the “maybe one day” list.

But this Patong deal is a decent reason to move it along: seven nights at Club Bamboo Boutique Resort & Spa for £765pp, with connecting return flights from Manchester and checked luggage included.

Patong gives you Phuket’s tropical heat, a busy beach and plenty going on after dark.

November daytime temperatures are around 31C as the island heads towards its drier season, and this is somewhere I’d opt for room only.

With so much food to try outside the hotel, picking a different place for dinner is part of the holiday.

Club Bamboo’s greener hillside setting gives you somewhere quieter to retreat to after Patong’s bustle.

There are hills and steps to factor in, so it won’t suit everyone.

But for someone who wants to get out and enjoy Phuket, I’d put the money towards the trip rather than a flashier hotel.

4. Agadir, Morocco (19% below average)

Seven nights, breakfast and direct return flights from Manchester for £230pp?

Safe to say Agadir is doing a very convincing job of getting me out of Britain this November.

Typical daytime highs are around 25C, with a big beachfront for lazy afternoons and the souk for a proper browse when you fancy moving.

You can spend a morning exploring, stop for proper Moroccan food and still have time to spend the rest of your day by the sea.

Tulip Inn Oasis is my pick for a handy bed & breakfast base near the beach and within reach of the marina.

You’re paying for somewhere to sleep and something to eat first-thing, with plenty of holiday budget left for getting out and about.

Agadir was even named one of the most affordable holiday destinations earlier this year, so it’s a great bargain option.

5. Nabq Bay, Egypt (18% below average)

Some holidays need a plan, while others just need a sun lounger, a cold drink and your hardest choice of the day being how many plates to get at the buffet for dinner.

Nabq Bay suits the second kind.

This part of Sharm is spread out and centred around the hotels, so the hotel itself matters here.

Typical November daytime temperatures are around 27C so it is another great hot winter destination.

Parrotel Aqua Park Resort gives you all inclusive ease with waterslides thrown in.

And I found seven nights all inclusive with return flights from London Luton for £395pp.

Meals covered, drinks included and no nightly negotiation over where everyone wants to eat.

That’s a week with considerably fewer decisions. My kind of week.

6. Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura (14% below average)

Caleta de Fuste makes an easy week away feel exactly that.

There’s a sheltered beach, a flat waterfront for a wander and plenty of places to stop for lunch.

So you can arrive, unpack and get on with enjoying yourself.

Fuerteventura’s November daytime highs average around 24C and a long beach walk here definitely beats standing outside a soft-play centre in sideways rain.

Fuertesol’s bungalow accommodation is my pick for a simple self catering base, so you can sort breakfast in your own time, then head out for the day.

I found seven nights with direct return flights from London Stansted for £235pp.

And if you get restless after a few beach days, Caleta’s position makes exploring north and south really easy.

Just hire a car for a day or two and spend some of the money you’ve saved on seeing the island.

7. Bahia Feliz, Gran Canaria (14% below average)

A separate living area is an underrated holiday luxury – somewhere in your hotel room to sit that isn’t the bed, with space to spread out and breakfast without getting dressed for a buffet.

That’s what I like about the apartments at BlueBay Beach Club.

Its quieter beach-side setting in Bahia Feliz suits people who want room to relax in Gran Canaria, with the busier south-coast resorts there when they fancy a change.

This is one to book for the space and the setting rather than nightlife outside reception.

November temperatures around this part of the island are typically about 24C.

This means plenty of opportunity for a long lunch outside and another chapter in the sun.

I found seven nights self catering with direct return flights from Newcastle for £445pp.

This is my pick for someone who really values a bit of breathing room on holiday.

8. Costa del Silencio, Tenerife (13% below average)

Costa del Silencio gives regular Tenerife holidaymakers a change of scene from Playa de las Americas.

You’ve got volcanic coastline to explore and nearby Las Galletas for a wander around a town.

Southern Tenerife’s November daytime highs average roughly 25C.

That’s still warm for a long day by the pool working on your tan.

Hotel Palia Don Pedro keeps the stay simple, with studios and apartments spread across small two-storey buildings.

I found seven nights all inclusive with return flights from London Stansted for £350pp.

That covers your meals and drinks while you spend a week enjoying a different corner of Tenerife.

9. Nuevo Horizonte, Fuerteventura (13% below average)

A free beach shuttle can make a cheaper hotel location a much better deal.

And that’s the exact detail I love at Elba Lucía Sport & Suite Hotel in Nuevo Horizonte.

The resort sits just north of Caleta de Fuste, but here you get an even quieter base to come back to.

Fuerteventura’s November highs average around 24C, so there’s still plenty of reason to pack the sunglasses.

You won’t have the beach and all of Caleta’s restaurants immediately outside the door here.

BUT the hotel’s free shuttle heads directly to Caleta and the beach area, which can save you paying for taxis every day.

I found seven nights self catering with direct flights from London Stansted for £295pp.

A good fit for someone happy to trade a central location for a quieter stay, with an easy way to reach the beach.

10. Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife (12% below average)

Puerto de la Cruz is my pick for a Tenerife holiday with a proper town to get stuck into.

An old harbour, loads of restaurants and greener scenery give you plenty to enjoy in between cheap beers.

November’s nice and warm in Tenerife, and for a trip built around sunbathing, exploring, tapas and lunch outside when the sun appears, Puerto’s well worth a look.

Coral Teide Mar sits in the residential La Paz area, with shops and restaurants all around you.

That makes self catering a good money-saving choice: breakfast supplies nearby and somewhere different to head for dinner every night.

I found seven nights with direct return flights from Liverpool for £310pp, giving you a cheap week of sunshine and getting out to enjoy the town.

DO you love the theatre, gigs and stand-up but the prices make you wince?

You don’t need to spend a fortune though – as there are bags of secret loopholes and clever hacks to experience all sorts of culture, from Shakespearean plays to comedy gigs and arena concerts for virtually nothing.

Before you know it, you could be gushing to your mates about the “must-see” West End musical or cool band you saw – and you don’t even have to bankrupt yourself. Here’s how to get the best deals…

TodayTix

This app lets people book highly discounted last-minute tickets to West End and off-West End shows.

It operates worldwide, so if you are on holiday in New York you could pick up a Broadway bargain, too.

Our reporter saw the hit play The Book of Mormon for a knockdown price in the Big Apple, booking in the morning, and it was problem-free. But we’ve also taken advantage of their “rush tickets” and “digital lotteries”.

Rush tickets go on sale inside the app on the day, usually at 10am, and get you seats for a fraction of the price – typically £25 to £30.

Shows including The Devil Wears Prada and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are included among the options.

Lottery tickets are picked from a pool – the most famous example is Hamilton, which usually sells out months in advance. People can “win” them for as little as £10.

Our reporter won £10 lottery tickets to see Orlando Bloom get his kit off in Killer Joe in the West End in 2018 via TodayTix – so it really works!

SeatFillers UK

This connects slow-filling productions and gigs with eager audience members… it’s win-win.

Called ‘papering’, it’s a technique theatre producers use to fill empty seats and create buzz.

However, while the app is free and used nationwide – you submit your county and where else you might like to watch things – we can’t actually tell you what could come up for grabs.

Because some audience members will have paid full price for tickets, you’re strictly forbidden from shouting out: “I’ve got a freebie!” so discretion is a must.

Central Tickets

If you can be discreet, then Central Tickets will be perfect for you. Like SeatFillers UK, it’s free to join and it works on the same principle.

You get tickets to gigs, the opera, dance, shows and comedy shows for between £4 and £15. It’s got a 4.9 out of 5 Trustpilot rating with more than 3,000 reviews.

The cash goes towards an admin fee – but they also raise money for NHS Charities Together.

The Audience Club

This costs £5 a year – or is free if you’re a Blue Light Card or Defence Privilege Card holder.

It’s largely London-based, but is perfect if you live in or near the capital or regularly visit and love the arts.

You can browse hundreds of shows, including West End ones. But it also offers quirky, niche plays – great if you love branching out a bit!

ShowFilmFirst

Founded in 2001, don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t just a movie seat-filler platform; they also offer theatre, comedy, music and days out.

Happily, it’s free to join and it’s not just London. You can find offers as far afield as Manchester, Birmingham, Bath, Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leeds, Bristol, Belfast, Nottingham, Brighton, Southampton and even more.

There’s only one catch – afterwards you have to fill out a quick survey… but that’s nothing for a free experience!

My Box Office

You can either choose a lifetime membership for £12.99 or an annual membership for £5. Once signed up, you’re offered seats through papering – usually paying an admin fee of around £1 to £5 per show.

They deliver access to more than 42,000 events, from burlesque to cabaret and even sports.

Tickets For Good

This initiative requires a small booking fee but gives free tickets to major events for NHS staff, contractors, students, teachers, education staff and charity staff.

It also gives tickets to volunteers and people associated with The Ticket Bank – those who might face barriers that make it trickier to access live events, for example, unpaid carers.

It operates across the UK, so people might see anything from West End musicals to stand-up comedy, and UK music festivals to live sporting events.

National Theatre Concessions

London’s National Theatre offers £10 tickets to 16–25-year-olds – and you don’t have to live in the capital. You can book online.

Additionally, every Friday the theatre issues a limited number of “friday rush” tickets for the subsequent week – even for sold-out shows!

With actors like Jodie Comer, Andrew Garfield, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jonny Lee Miller, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Andrew Scott and Hugh Jackman having trod the boards there, bargain tickets are a win.

Royal Shakespeare Company

If you’re Midlands-based, then a trip to Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, might be in order.

The RSC offers £10 tickets for 14–25-year-olds for shows performed there.

The discount is available on its website here. Not Bard going!

Festival ballots and free tickets

Live near a major UK festival? Then check if they run residents’ lotteries for free shows or heavily discounted tickets.

Our reporter snagged free tickets to see Skepta and The Streets thanks to a lotto win in Crystal Palace, London, and bagged cheap tickets to see Blondie, Iggy Pop and Noel Gallagher for the same reason.

But similar schemes exist if you live close in other parts of London, Sheffield, Winchester, Oxon, Dorset and Bucks.

You can similarly volunteer at many festivals and receive free tickets.

Occasionally this offer is emailed directly to local residents, as with above, but bigger charities also offer it for events like Glastonbury.

Writer Becky Pemberton told how her friend watched Glastonbury in 2022 for free, having volunteered.

Meanwhile, she enjoyed the event too as she helped out at a toasted cheese sandwich stand which she found out about through “word of mouth”.

She said: “I worked on a cheese toasty stand and got a free ticket for Glastonbury in 2022 (plus fed during shifts!).

“I did it by Pyramid Stage and saw Billie Eilish and Diana Ross. My friend also volunteered for the charity WaterAid and got in for free too. We’d meet up after our shifts and danced the night away into the early hours without having paid a penny!”

Visit WaterAid here and Oxfam here.

Sit in the audience at massive BBC shows like Strictly

This is all done by a random draw – but you might get lucky!

From Strictly to Bookclub, there are loads on offer and they come up all the time. Crucially, they take place all over the UK, with shows being filmed in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Leeds, London and Margate.

If you fancy your luck visit the Beeb’s site here.

CHRISTMAS will soon be upon us, so it’s time to get those festive dates lined up in your calendar.

You don’t need to shell out a fortune for lifetime memories though – we’ve rounded up plenty of activities full of festive cheer that won’t break the bank. From free ice skating to festive illuminations – here are the top memory-making days out for you and your family…

Ice skating

Nothing says winter and Christmas quite like a festive ice skating rink.

Blackpool has a synthetic ice rink that stretches 20m long and is FREE to use, including free skate hire – all you have to do is show up and hand over your shoes for some boots.

Meanwhile, Caerphilly On Ice at Caerphilly Castle is selling early bird skate tickets from just £9. 

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – the UK’s largest open-air ice rink is built around Hyde Park’s Victoria bandstand and has tickets from £9.35 for kids and £12.95 for adults, off-peak.

Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire has a festive ice rink set within its adventure park from November to February, with tickets from £14.

Boxpark Liverpool is bringing back its popular ice rink, with adult tickets from £10 and kids tickets from £8.

Dalkeith Country park has a Winterfest Skating Rink, with £11 tickets for adults and £9 tickets for children.

 Aviemore Ice Rink at Macdonald Highland Resort has adult ice skating tickets for £14 and kids tickets for £12.

Cardiff’s Winter Wonderland has ice skating tickets from £15 for adults and £12.50 for kids.

Ice Skate Birmingham at Centenary Square has early bird adult tickets from £9.50 and kids from £8.50, rising to £14 for adults in peak times and £12 for kids.

Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland has ice rink and sky skate tickets from £13.60 for adults and £9.60 for kids.

Bath on Ice has tickets from £16.50 for adults and £14 for kids, with an outdoor rink beneath the Christmas lights in Royal Victoria Park.

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland – York’s original and largest open-air ice rink – returns for its 21st year, with adults tickets from £18.09 and kids from £16.99.

Skate Manchester in the city’s Cathedral Gardens has adult tickets from £16.80 and kids tickets from £15.40.

Light trails

Light trails such as RHS Glow Light Trails at Wisley cost as little as £7.50 per adult and £6 per child when booked for an off peak session in advance.

RHS Bridgewater’s celebration of light in Salford runs from 26 November to 30 December new Super Off Peak tickets starting at £9.25 for adults or £6 for RHS members, and £5.50 for kids.

Gulliver’s Theme Parks has their annual Land Of Lights running from October 24 to January 30, with early bird tickets from £12.50 for both adults and kids.

The Bay of Lights Illumination Trail returns from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with its biggest and brightest trail yet, on Torquay’s seafront.

The Winter light Trail through Trentham Gardens at Trentham Estate near Stoke On Trent is very affordable, with adult tickets from £17 and kids tickets from £12.50.

Lightwaves Salford is running from 23 November to 13 December 2026 and is free to enter, with  illuminated artworks along a 2km trail around MediaCity and Salford Quays.

Alnwick Garden light trail in Northumberland runs from 20 November to 3 January and has off-peak tickets from £18.15 for adults and £11 for kids.

The Christmas Light Trail at National Trust’s Dunham Massey in the North West costs from £19.50 for adults and £13 for kids.

For a rainproof option, try Noel – a Christmas light show at Liverpool Cathedral from 27 November to 5 December, priced from £10.50 for adults and £8.50 for kids.

For that post-Christmas lull, The Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival returns from 19-30 January, 2027. It’s free with no booking required.

The Bristol Light Festival will return for its seventh edition from 18 February to 27 February 2027. It is free to attend, with no booking or ticket required.

Lantern parades

For the ultimate wholesome activity, why not take part in a local lantern trail with the kids.

For example, Burning the Clocks in Brighton will return this year with thousands of people making paper lanterns and carrying them through the city before burning them on the beach.

This years theme will be ‘Magicada’ which represents a symbolic rest followed by a noisy awakening – though a date for when it will take place is yet to be revealed.

In Devon, Totnes launches its late night Christmas shopping nights on December 8 with a free Carnival Lantern Parade through the town.

There will be handcrafted lanterns with live music and street performers alongside 70 stalls and 125 independent shops remaining open into the night.

In South London, a light procession takes place through Maritime Greenwich on November 18, ahead of the annual Christmas lights switch-on that evening. 

Winchester Cathedral Lantern Parade takes place on 23 November, with participants carrying recycled or homemade lanterns through the city streets – the theme this year is ‘Angel’s Message.’

Leamington Lantern Parade in Leamington Spa takes place on December 6, with participants carrying homemade lanterns to a backdrop of stilt walkers and carol singers.

Corn Exchange’s Festival of Light in Newbury town centre takes place on December 13, with lantern-making workshops available to the public in the run-up.

Christmas markets

The UK is home to some fabulous Christmas markets and most are free to visit.

Most towns have their own, and here are some of the biggest, oldest and quirkiest around the country.

Manchester’s Christmas Markets feature 200 wooden chalets across ten city centre locations, with a fairground and a huge Ferris wheel, craft stalls, a pop-up pub and an undercover ice skating rink.

Edinburgh’s Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens are easily some of the prettiest, with wooden chalets, fairground rides and a Ferris Wheel alongside a background of Edinburgh Castle.

York’s St Nicholas Fair looks like something from a Hallmark Christmas movie, with plenty of local traders selling local produce and crafts in wooden chalets.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market was named one of the best in Europe in 2024 – is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Austria and Germany, with traditional arts and crafts plus German food and drink.

Oxford Victorian Christmas Market takes place from November 12 – 15, with costumed traders and Victorian-style street performers, alongside 50 stalls selling decorations, food and drink.

Portmeirion Welsh Christmas Market runs from 4-6 December in Portmeirion Village, Gwynedd, North Wales, featuring 120 stalls and live performances around along the village’s unique streets.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland is the biggest Christmas event in the UK.

The attraction returns to London’s Hyde Park on November 19 and will run until January 3, 2027.

Yes, there are plenty of activities and food stands that cost a fortune, but there are also ways to keep costs down and have a fantastic day out.

This year there are tonnes of £1 entry tickets, which are typically for weekday sessions.

Free activities once you’re inside include:

Visiting Santa’s Grotto in Santa Land is free and comes with a small gift.

Free live music at the Market Square and the Explorer’s Rest.

There’s a free Elves’ Workshop too, with interactive experiences and games for little visitors to enjoy.

Christmas day out at the National Railway Museum

In York, you can visit the National Railway Museum for free and its upcoming Christmas event is also free.

Free Christmas activities include writing a letter to Father Christmas, exploring winter science activities and designing a 2027 calendar.

You can upgrade your experience to meet Father Christmas aboard the Guard’s compartment on a train for £15 per child.

The event runs from December 2 to 23 and each child will get a small gift as well as a hot chocolate.

National Trust Santa Visits

The National Trust is an excellent location for the annual family festive day out.

The buildings are already beautiful and look great spruced up with some decorations, they often have winter trails through the large gardens and many of them feature their own Santa’s grotto.

When booking an activity, you actually get a lot of festive fun for the price of your ticket.

For example, Father Christmas at the Farm, at Tatton Park in Cheshire, features a nativity scene, live music, festive entertainers, a grotto, make-your-own reindeer food and a Christmas pop-up cafe. Adult tickets are £12.50 and kids tickets are £14. Runs from November 21 to December 24.

Father Christmas at Sunnycroft in Telford, Shropshire lets visitors step into the world of The Wind in the Willows with a 20-minute journey through the homes of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr Toad, that ends with a visit to Father Christmas.

One child and one accompanying adult costs £25. Runs from December 4-13.

Storytelling with Santa at Kingston Lacy in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, lets kids enjoy a story read by by Father Christmas, plus a gift and a photo opportunity. Tickets cost £15.50 per child and includes one accompanying adult. November 28 – December 23.

Visit Father Christmas at Gibside Stables in Gateshead lets visitors join playful forest elf Happy Holly Berry and Father Christmas for a festive story, then receive a small gift and a photo opportunity. Kids tickets tickets cost £18 and the adult is included in the price. Runs from November 29 to December 23.

Find out more about the National Trust Santa visits here.

Coca-Cola Christmas Truck

The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck tours each festive season, offering free drinks, festive photo opportunities and interactive games.

Admission is free and you don’t need to buy tickets or book in advance.

Coca-Cola usually reveals the tour schedule around mid-November, featuring around 15 stops across the UK.

The stops usually run from around midday to 8pm, between late November and Christmas.

Day Out With The Kids has their own truck tracker, which they’ll update when the 2026 dates come through.

Christmas light switch-ons and parades

Across the UK there are also a number of Christmas light switch-ons and parades that don’t cost a penny to watch.

For example, you could head to Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights switch-on in central London, which will take place on November 4, with the theme ‘Press Play on Christmas’ and neon lights inspired by 1990s nostalgia.

Neighbouring Covent Garden has its Christmas lights switch-on on November 12, featuring more than 300,000 lights and free festive entertainment around the piazza.

Also in the area is Regent Street’s Festive Spirits switch-on on November 5, with a traffic-free event, family entertainment and in-store experiences.

Newcastle Christmas Light Switch-On is on November 12 and features live entertainment, panto stars and festive games.

Darlington Town Centre Christmas switch-on takes place on November 15, hosted by radio DJs and starring pantomime characters, plus a fireworks display after the switch-on.

Rochdale Town Hall hosts Ignite Fire Festival – with a magical trail of fire, lights and sound from November 20-22 that ends with the town’s Christmas light switch-on.

Preston’s Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to the Flag Market on November 21, with East 17 headlining an evening of live music, entertainment, magic, football, pantomime and plenty of festive fun.

The Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On took place on September 4 and the lights will run nightly until january 3 – six miles of illuminations along the Promenade from Starr Gate to Red Bank Road.

AN explosive sexting scandal almost wrecked Christian Horner’s marriage to pop royalty – and a year later, his F1 career was in tatters.

The multi-millionaire racing tycoon, married to ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was sacked by Red Bull with a £76million payoff after sending hundreds of texts to an attractive aide, pestering her for pics and sexy chat.

Geri was left heartbroken and humiliated by the WhatsApp messages, leaked in 2024 — a day after Horner was cleared of inappropriate, and controlling behaviour towards the woman in an independent probe.

Loyal Geri stood by her man, but Red Bull’s track performance took a hit amid the damning claims.

Now Horner, 52, has written an extraordinary new memoir, Drive, out on Thursday, which is essentially a grovelling, 320-page love letter to his wife of 11 years.

In it, he swerves the awkward reason his marriage nearly hit the skids.

Instead, he praises Geri for steering him through the darkest days of his life — while glossing over the aide who complained about his conduct.

The former Red Bull chief executive was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, and his book does not link the embarrassing scandal to his sacking after 20 years in the top Formula One job.

Instead, he blames a series of poor results on the race track, and does not attempt to explain or justify why he sent the flirty messages.

Yet Horner DOES recall his wife heroically mustering every ounce of Girl Power as the crisis erupted.

Initially baffled by the allegations levelled against him, Horner writes: “What was going on?

“The lawyer, presumably aware that a wrecking ball was being aimed at my life, explained the situation as my sense of bewilderment rose.

“Geri knew by my face that something was very wrong.

“She fell silent as she listened. We both understood the implications immediately. She looked at me. ‘Just tell your truth’, she said.

“‘That’s all I can do’, I replied.

“She reassured me that everything would be all right.

“Her resilience was remarkable.

“Our lives had been turned upside down, yet she found the strength and conviction to support me through an immensely difficult period, one that was undoubtedly challenging for her as well.

“Her belief in me gave me the determination to move forward. At a time when my confidence was being tested, Geri provided the perspective and stability that I needed most.

“Without her support, I’m not sure I could have navigated those months in the same way.”

Days after Horner was cleared of behaving inappropriately in 2024, Red Bull suspended his accuser on full pay. The woman, who was not named, then agreed to leave Red Bull for a £3million settlement and dropped her claims.

She signed a non-disclosure agreement that prevents her from talking about the scandal.

Her appeal over the outcome of the probe into Horner was thrown out.

Despite landing another job in motor racing, she was dismissed less than a year later amid “trust issues”.

The other glaring omission in Horner’s carefully-curated life story is the bitter feud with his parents.

Garry and Sara Horner were so horrified when their son hooked up with Geri that they refused to attend the wedding.

Christian and his previous partner, pub landlady Beverley Allen, had a baby daughter, Olivia, who was 19 months at the time of the nuptials.

In Drive, his relationship with Beverley, who died from cancer aged 58, is dispatched in a couple of swift sentences, and he describes falling for Geri like something out of a cheesy romcom.

He says marrying the singer at Woburn Abbey, Beds, in 2015 was the happiest day of his life.

“It was obvious that Beverley and I were drifting apart,” writes Horner.

“Our relationship was now more of a loving friendship than anything else, and it was clear that what had once brought us together was no longer there. We had never married, though we had a daughter, Olivia, and although our relationship had faded, we remained amicable.

“The following year, my relationship with Geri began. She had a natural warmth and confidence, and she treated everyone the same, whether they were royalty or a road sweeper.

“It was clear there was something between us.” Their controversial courtship and Beverley’s heartbreak are skipped entirely, along with him being such a workaholic that he once missed Olivia’s birth.

Months after he began dating Geri, he proposed while hiking up Mount Fuji in Japan, and became a second father to Bluebell, her daughter from a previous relationship with screenwriter Sacha Gervasi.

He says: “Geri was the woman I wanted to marry. I knew it almost from the moment we started going out. Our connection was undeniable; I had never experienced anything like it before. I had totally fallen for her.

“Within twelve months, we were engaged. I wasn’t planning to propose at the ­time — the thought of buying a ring hadn’t even occurred to me — but the occasion seemed too perfect.

“The sun was dipping behind the mountain, the shadows were lengthening, so I grabbed the moment, and Geri, to my relief, said yes.

“With the emotion of the proposal beginning to sink in, we hitched a ride on a passing dustcart and rode to the bottom, laughing.

“Geri and I later married at a beautiful service. Daniel Ricciardo drove us in a vintage Rolls-Royce to the reception; Daniil Kvyat chauffeured the bridesmaids. Geri’s father had sadly passed away when she was in her twenties, so her daughter, Bluebell, walked her down the aisle.

“I knew that when I married Geri, I’d be taking on responsibility for Bluebell, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the arrangement.

“It was one of the happiest days of my life.” Geri slotted into Horner’s life in the Cotswolds and took to wearing prim, all-white outfits as she embarked on her luxurious role as lady of the manor.

She said in 2019 that her plain wardrobe freed up time and brain space: “I was at a moment in my life when I just needed simplicity.

“Also, if you only wear white, everything matches.”

Within a year of marrying, she was pregnant with their son Monty.

And now, following Horner’s astonishing Red Bull payoff, which was revealed this month, they are considering upgrading their £9.2million Oxfordshire mansion.

They recently viewed Edgcote House, Notts, a sprawling, £45million estate with a private racecourse which featured in the BBC’s Pride And Prejudice. Love-struck Horner might still be unemployed, but he insists the marriage has been all smooth sailing, raving: “I couldn’t have imagined anyone better to spend my life with.

“Geri was unswervingly supportive of what our family wanted to do. In a relationship where both parties were exposed to public scrutiny, she was able to deal with the pressure like it was irrelevant.

“Clearly, years spent at the centre of global fame had given her an extraordinary sense of composure.

“In moments of stress, she had the capacity to compartmentalise the negative emotions and focus on the positives.

“I learned so much from her about how to handle the never-ending stress and cutthroat politics of Formula One.” Horner also bats off the backlash that came his way following his appearances on Netflix’s Drive To Survive.

Last year, he was booed by an angry crowd at the O2 Arena. He was previously dubbed a “Karen” for incessantly complaining about Lewis Hamilton and other teams.

He recalls: “Overnight, Formula One’s audience had grown beyond the traditional fanbase, and with it came a level of scrutiny I’d never experienced before.

“Every comment, every expression and every disagreement became part of the story. In creating a bingeable show, Netflix filmed hundreds of hours of footage and naturally presented the juiciest material, which I ­understood.

“But the fact that Red Bull were going up against Lewis, a national treasure in the UK, meant we were sometimes cast as the villains.

“Before long, I had become Drive To Survive  ’s equivalent of Darth Vader.

“Fortunately, Geri understood the fickle nature of public perception better than I ever could. Really, I should have expected it. It wasn’t pleasant, but I accepted it.

“’It doesn’t matter if they boo’, she said. ‘Booing means they care. It’s only a problem when they ignore you’. Fair enough, I thought. To enjoy the rewards of success, I also had to accept the scrutiny that sometimes came with it.”

Horner admits Beverley’s death last summer was tough on their daughter. “As it became obvious that the end was drawing closer, I talked through the situation with Olivia. It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.

“For the past few years, her mum had been in and out of hospital, and she was growing weaker.

“There was no getting away from what was coming. It all seemed so unfair. I had only recently turned fifty and was lucky enough to still have both my mother and father. I felt upset Olivia wouldn’t have the same experience.

“No little girl should have to go through this, I thought. I wanted to do everything that I could to help.

“But I couldn’t do the one thing she needed most of all. I couldn’t save her mum.”

• Drive by Christian Horner is published on Thursday by Penguin Random House.

FORGET Santa in Lapland or skiing in France – when winter rolls around you’ll find me sunning myself abroad, trying to find some last-minute warmth to break up the UK’s long, grey months.

Having visited 58 countries as the Deputy Travel Editor, I’ve found some fantastic places that tick all the boxes of a winter sun break, without costing a fortune.

By that, I mean warm weather, direct flights (keeping them under seven hours, for any long-haul flight haters) and some very big bargains when it comes to hotels and beers.

So here are my favourite winter sun spots, some of which aren’t that far – and with hotels from £35 a night.

Marrakech

One of my favourite spots for winter sun that doesn’t break the bank is Morocco.

I’ve explored the Hassan II Mosque of Casablanca, and visited the beaches of Agadir.

But I think the best bargain is found in Marrakech.

Not only is it perfect for some pre-Christmas shopping – I found fantastic dupes of expensive branded candles and curtains in the souks – but you can still get temperatures just above 20C in winter.

Food is cheap too, as you’ll pay just a few pounds for a freshly-made tagine meal.

For an affordable hotel stay, skip the big name chains and go for a local riad – small traditional Moroccan hotels – which you can find for as little as £35 on websites such as Booking.com and Airbnb.

These are usually fantastic locations, and usually with some free mint tea or breakfast thrown in.

Flights are cheap too – Ryanair fly there from £14.99.

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Aqua Mirage Club from November 26, with return flights from Manchester, for £379pp on Loveholidays.com.

Cape Verde

African island, no jet lag and flights under seven hours – enter Cape Verde.

Where else can you get all-inclusive holidays from £586pp, where you’ll be basking in 27C heat?

While lots of people head to the island of Sal, I much prefer Boa Vista.

Most of the TUI hotels are right on the beach, with swim-up bars and waterparks.

But leaving the resort is worth it too.

I found white sand beaches like Santa Monica with barely anyone on them, making me feel like I was on a Maldives private island instead.

My favourite was Praia Carlota, where you can lose the days in the hippy Morabeza beach hut with fried fish and local Strela beer.

Sand-boarding, kite-surfing, boat trips; visit in February and you can go whale-watching during humpback mating season too.

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Hotel Pontao from November 30, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £430pp at On The Beach.

El Gouna

When it comes to Egypt, one of my favourite destinations for winter sun is El Gouna.

Flights there are around 5hr30 which go to Hurghada, with a short transfer.

The gated community means it is extremely safe as only people staying at the hotels can enter, and its still around 25C in December.

Hop on a boat to explore the man-made lagoons, or go on Sunset Desert Safaris, with hiking and stargazing with El Gouna Mountain Goats.

If you don’t mind going further afield, you can even book day trips to Luxor (just expect a very early start).

When it comes to choosing a place to stay, I highly recommend Cook’s Club.

The four-star resort has it all – fantastic restaurant, lagoon-front pool, live DJs, and rooms are super chic.

And seven night stays are as little as £509 each with your flights and breakfast with loveholidays.

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Doubletree By Hilton Mangroovy El Gouna Resort from December 9, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £379pp at Loveholidays.

Tenerife

If you’re keen not to go much further than Spain for your winter holiday, your best bet is to head to Tenerife which is often considered the warmest of the island (due to its location off the African coastline).

Temperatures are around 22C – not hot but warmer than the UK highs of 9C.

Holidays are a bargain – loveholidays has December seven-night stays for under £200 – but I highly recommend The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife.

The dusty pink building looks like something from a fairytale, complete with beautiful suites and a hidden beach you can get to by funicular.

Seven night holidays here can be found for £797pp with flights and breakfast thrown in.

If you can drag yourself away from the hotel, there are some fantastic outdoor adventures on the island such as whale watching and hiking.

Otherwise get ready for a night out on the town of Playa de las Américas, where you will find the best bars and restaurants.

Try Spain’s cheap chain 100 Montaditos, called the Wetherspoons of Spain where sandwiches are €1 (80p) and beers are €1.50 (£1.29).

We found a deal for a six-night stay at BLUESEA Interpalace from November 15, with return flights from London Stansted, from £349pp at Lastminute.com.

Dubai

Forget the idea Dubai has to be expensive – I have the best tips on how to do it affordably (while still having fun and soaking up sun).

The United Arab Emirates is currently on the safe to travel list, with Emirates still offering daily flights from the UK.

First, the hotels – I was blown away by the Premier Inns here, which are just as cheap as the UK at around £30, but some come with rooftop swimming pools. Yes, really.

Beach clubs can also be done on a budget.

Some, like DRIFT, can cost a little as £30 midweek, which can be used against your food and drink (with Ladies Days costing just £20 instead) while others like Lucky Fish are currently free to visit Monday to Thursday.

And lunch deals let you visit some of the famous restaurants without the price, like Ce La Vie offering a three-course meal for £28 rather than their dinner menu which has £30 dishes alone.

But my favourite place to go was the Grand Souk, where you’ll find breads stuffed with cheese or Nutella for £1.22, or Iranian falooda — a sorbet-like dessert made of thin rice noodles and syrup — for £1.

Return flights from the UK can currently be found for around £500.

We found a deal for a six-night stay at Ibis Styles Dubai Jumeira from November 11, with return flights from London Gatwick, from £867pp with TUI.

Doha

Similar to Dubai yet often overlooked, Doha makes for a great winter sun destination without too long of a flight.

Flights from the UK are with Qatar Airways – often being named one of the world’s best airlines – and take around 6hr40 (and around £530 return).

It is a great ‘luxury on a budget’ for some royalty without the riyal.

My favourite hotel to go for is The Ned; while not ‘cheap’ it is much cheaper than the one in the UK and feels much fancier than it costs.

As little as £102 a night (compared to London’s £330), it’s retro glamour with gorgeous interiors and an outdoor swimming pool.

If you just want a base, there are also Premier Inn hotels for around £28 a night.

Taxies are cheap, it feels very safe as a woman travelling around and one of the best attractions is affordable – go to the National Museum of Qatar (currently around £5 entry).

Otherwise head straight to the beach clubs – for example, Doha Beach Club is around £12 each (or ladies visit on Tuesday for free). What more could you want?

We found a deal for a seven-night stay at Steigenberger Hotel Doha from January 17, with return flights from London Stansted, from £705pp with On The Beach.

IT IS two years to the day since Liam Payne’s family – and his millions of fans – had their hearts broken when the pop star plunged to his death from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires.

Now, a bombshell update has ripped through the investigation. Argentinian businessman Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores, 38, once facing the terrifying prospect of prison for negligent homicide, has been officially cleared of all criminal liability. Two hotel workers have also walked free.

Meanwhile, two defendants charged with selling cocaine to Liam await their fate, but case sources now think a full trial over his death will never take place.

For Liam’s grieving family and millions of devoted fans, Roger being cleared does not bring closure.

It simply shines a spotlight on the agonising black holes still in the official narrative as a UK inquest into Liam’s death is still ongoing, despite a series of setbacks. 

Here are the chilling questions that still demand answers:

Who really delivered the fatal dose?

While Nores and two hotel workers, Gilda Martin and Esteban Grassi, have had manslaughter charges dropped, the drug trail hasn’t gone cold. Toxicology reports confirmed a lethal cocktail of “alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant” in Liam’s system.

Two men, Ezequiel Pereya, 22, and Braian Paiz, 26, are currently languishing in an Argentine jail awaiting trial, accused of selling Liam the narcotics. 

Braian Paiz was working at a high end restaurant in Buenos Aires when he first met the One Direction singer on October 2, 2024. 

He has claimed as Liam was leaving he asked the starstruck waiter if he had any cocaine and the pair exchanged Instagram handles. 

Over a week later Liam, who was still in the Argentine capital, contacted him to ask for drugs. 

Braian admitted in his witness statement: “He ended up convincing me to get [drugs] for him. And, in all honesty, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see him again. That’s why I agreed to do it.”

In a later newspaper interview, he said: “I’ve suffered so much psychological damage due to all this and the social condemnation, and of course I’m worried now I might be in prison for many years. But I don’t regret meeting Liam. I was a fan.”

But it has become clear Liam was getting drugs from many sources, so the question remains: how did a global superstar, supposedly in a secure VIP suite, become a target for local dealers? Was there a wider network exploiting vulnerable guests at the Casa Sur?

When will the trial of the two accused take place? 

The two defendants charged with selling cocaine to Liam in the lead up to his death are still awaiting trial. 

Restaurant waiter Braian Nahuel Paiz, 26, and hotel worker Ezequiel David Pereyra, 22, served over one year in police precincts and in a federal prison until they were released in March.

The Sun understands that there have been negotiations for a plea deal for the two young men. 

That could mean that a full trial over Liam’s death never takes place.

The pair are accused of selling drugs to Liam but if the plea deal goes ahead that charge could be reduced to supply of drugs for free, which carries a maximum sentence of six months.  

According to legal experts, given the pair have no prior criminal convictions, the sentence would already be covered by time served. 

Pereyra’s defense attorney, Augusto Maria Cassiau, told The New York Post: “We would be inclined to accept the offer.”

What part will Cheryl play in the ongoing investigation? 

Another heartbreaking chapter involves Cheryl, who shares 9-year-old son, Bear, with Liam.

Since Liam tragically passed away without leaving a will, his entire £25.7 million estate will eventually pass to his young son.

In May 2025, Cheryl was officially named as a co-administrator of his massive estate alongside attorney Richard Mark Bray. 

However, her power is strictly administrative. She and Bray can “manage the money” but cannot distribute it without further legal authority. 

Shortly after Liam’s passing, Cheryl issued a searing statement condemning the “abhorrent reports and media exploitation” surrounding his death, begging for Liam to be given “the little dignity he has left”. 

Cheryl is a plaintiff, on behalf of their son Bear, in the case against the waiter and the hotel worker, who are charged with supplying Liam drugs.

The Sun understands that she could ultimately have the last say over any plea deal agreed with the Argentine authorities – but she, or her lawyers, have so far not objected to the rulings in Roger’s favour. 

Now as the inquest stalls, how much longer will Cheryl and Bear have to wait for the final legal chapter to close?

What happened on the balcony? 

The most haunting mystery of all. We know Liam fell from the third floor of the hotel, where he was staying in Room 10. 

But the moments leading up to that fatal plunge are still shrouded in silence. The UK coroner, Crispin Butler, has been desperately chasing “eyewitness statements” from Argentina since late 2025. 

Following his death, it was reported that Liam jumped off his balcony, perhaps trying to reach the swimming pool below that it was claimed he had been denied access to because of his intoxicated state. 

But it later became clear he had fallen backwards, possibly after falling unconscious, causing unsurvivable injuries to his head and dying instantly.

The toxicology report read: “Due to the position in which the body was found and the injuries from the fall, it is presumed that Payne did not adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself and may have fallen in a state of semi or total unconsciousness.”

After forensic experts studied the singer’s hands, they did not find any defensive injuries, which led them to believe that “the injuries on the body were vital and produced at the same time, and that no injuries were observed that could suggest the intervention of third parties”.

Are there witnesses who saw the build-up? Were there warning signs ignored by hotel management before he stepped onto the balcony? And why did they let him back into his room? 

Why are the Argentine authorities not working more closely with their UK counterparts? 

For Liam’s family, the wait for justice is becoming a cruel joke. 

The UK inquest has been delayed repeatedly, first pushed to May 2026, and now stalled again because British coroners are still waiting on fully translated case files and evidence disclosures from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Coroner Crispin Butler told a pre-inquest hearing there had been no updates since a last review in January 2025, when he said he would seek full reports and eyewitness statements before a final inquest.

He added: “We have had no further disclosure of evidence from Argentina via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.”

It has been 24 months. Why are the Argentine authorities dragging their heels in handing over the final, unredacted timeline?

MOVE over Brad and Angelina – Hollywood has another bitter custody war on its hands, and this one is about to get even messier, with a 13-year-old boy preparing to give evidence against his own parents.

Oscar-winner Halle Berry and her ex-husband Olivier Martinez are locked in an explosive legal battle over their son Maceo after allegations of physical abuse plunged their already turbulent relationship into fresh crisis.

Today Maceo will appear in court to give evidence in a hearing over a restraining order sought by his dad, who has accused 60-year-old Halle of attacking the teenager during an argument at her home in September.

The judge has ruled that Maceo will testify, despite Halle’s objections, although his evidence is limited to the restraining order request and he will appear in a closed courtroom.

It marks a dramatic new chapter in a custody battle that has dragged on for years since the couple’s disastrous marriage collapsed in 2015 after just two years.

And while French actor Olivier insists his son deserves to have his voice heard, Halle claims the boy has been “coached and manipulated”.

The latest showdown erupted after Olivier, who is also 60, obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order against Halle this month, accusing her of physically abusing Maceo on September 26 this year.

In the court filings, he alleged she jumped on their son, put her hands around his neck and choked him.

He claimed the row erupted after Halle called Maceo “stupid” over a game involving virtual reality glasses, and that afterwards a “traumatised” Maceo begged Olivier to pick him up.

Halle has vehemently denied the allegations, insisting the pair were “roughhousing”.

She says the incident arose as she tried to enforce boundaries, claiming Maceo had been ­physically aggressive towards her.

In a statement, she said: “I have never physically, emotionally, or otherwise abused Maceo. I am a victim of domestic violence, and I help ­victims of domestic violence . . . I am not a perpetrator of violence. I would never hurt our child.”

Halle has found a fierce ally in 18-year-old Nahla, her daughter by former partner Gabriel Aubry, who leapt to her mum’s defence in a sworn declaration.

She said: “I have never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab or physically abuse Maceo in any way.

“I have never seen my mom place her hands around Maceo’s neck, put him in a choke hold, restrict his breathing or engage in any conduct remotely resembling the allegations that have been made against her.”

Nahla described Halle as a “loving and devoted parent”.

It is a far cry from how it all began.

Halle and Olivier met in 2010 in South Africa on the set of the horror film Dark Tide, shortly after she had split from French-Canadian model Gabriel.

They got engaged in 2012 and married in France in July 2013, and Halle gave birth to Maceo that October.

For a time they appeared to have found happiness together, with Maceo’s arrival completing the family.

Now Halle’s lawyer Marina Beck has branded the court filing “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading”.

She claimed Olivier had repeatedly violated court orders, “misconduct for which Mr Martinez has already been legally sanctioned”, and alleged he has a ­history of “erratic, possessive and ­violent behaviour”.

Halle also accuses Olivier of ignoring evidence which she says contradicts his version of events, including statements from her now-fiancé Van Hunt, who was present, and what she describes as contemporaneous video evidence.

Her filing reads: “Van Hunt was physically present during the incident and is the only adult third-party eyewitness to the events at issue.”

She argued that Maceo has “a ­personal interest in minimising his own conduct”, claiming he has behaved similarly at school.

Halle told the court that making him testify would place him “directly in the middle of a highly contentious dispute between his parents” and risk harm to his wellbeing.

She added that he has spent the past two weeks mainly in Olivier’s care, discussing the allegations and the litigation.

But Olivier has launched a blistering counter-attack, insisting his son is the real victim.

His lawyer Patrick Baghdaserians said: “We vehemently deny such ­allegations. The child is the primary victim here. Victims of abuse should be able to testify regarding the abuse inflicted upon them.”

He added: “We are not surprised that the opposing party does not want the child Maceo to testify.

“The opposing party is seemingly scared of what the child will say.”

Olivier said Maceo “was concerned that no one will believe him over his mother” and “wants to speak with the court to provide his side of the story”.

He continued in his declaration: “Given that our son is 13 years old, I believe it would certainly be in his best interest for him to address the court.

“I believe that our son’s testimony will be the key to the Court learning the full truth about the events that occurred on September 26.

“I am the parent who wants the truth to come out. I am the parent who does not want to suppress Maceo’s voice.”

Mr Baghdaserians warned that if their son was stopped from speaking, Olivier “fears that [Maceo] would be dissuaded from reporting problems or potential abuse in the future”.

The team also expected Halle “will try to prevent Maceo from addressing the court directly”.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Shelley Kaufman ruled that “the minor child shall not be coached” and reminded both parents that existing orders remain in force, including not discussing custody issues or court papers with him.

But Olivier has hit back by asking the judge to block Nahla from testifying, claiming she is “unquestionably biased” and has “no significant bearing” on the case.

He said it was not appropriate for Halle to “insert her daughter into ­litigation that does not involve her”.

The hearing is set to be an ­agonising showdown for two exes who have been trading blows in court for years over how to raise Maceo.

The marriage was short-lived. The couple’s wedding took place in France on July 13, 2013, but cracks soon began to show.

In January 2015, showbiz news ­service TMZ reported that Olivier had appeared to push a worker at Los Angeles airport with a child car seat as photographers closed in.

He was named a suspect in a battery investigation but no charges followed.

By October 2015 the couple had confirmed their split, saying in a joint statement they were divorcing “with a heavy heart” and wished each other “nothing but happiness in life”.

Yet the bitter legal wrangling ­rumbled on for the best part of a decade, with their divorce not ­finalised until August 2023.

The settlement required Halle to pay £6,000 a month in child support, cover Maceo’s private school tuition and contribute more than £41,500 towards Olivier’s legal fees, with the pair sharing joint custody of Maceo.

But the courtroom clashes did not stop there. In 2024 the pair were back in front of a judge over co- parenting therapy, with Halle accusing Olivier of trying to delay it by taking “the summer off” to travel.

She then sought sole custody, claiming Maceo had “serious behaviour and learning problems” and that Olivier refused to get a tutor because it could interfere with their son’s football schedule.

Olivier disputed the claims. Halle also said she had spent more than £150,000 trying to “work with” her ex, and swiped at him over child support.

“As Olivier has advised this court, he lives off my child ­support,” she wrote.

Now Olivier has filed for sole custody and has been granted primary custody, along with a restraining order barring Halle from coming within 100 yards of him.

She has been given two days a week of court-ordered visitation and every other weekend with Maceo.

She has also completed a court-mandated parenting programme.

For now, the battle lines are firmly drawn, with Halle fighting to protect her reputation and relationship with her son, while Olivier insists Maceo’s account of events must be heard.

And with Maceo due to take the stand today, the latest chapter in one of Hollywood’s most vicious ­custody disputes is set to unfold in a courtroom far removed from the glitz and glamour of the world that the former couple once shared.

The Sun has approached representatives for both Halle and Olivier for comment.

IF Leonardo DiCaprio, a man who seems to have dated half the Victoria’s Secret catalogue, can’t whip his shirt off on a Hawaiian beach without critics likening him to a beached whale, what hope is there for the rest of us blokes?

The recent photos of Leo catching some rays sparked a frenzy of online trolling, with keyboard warriors gleefully pointing out that the actor – shock horror – no longer possesses the boyish physique he sported 30 years ago on the bow of the Titanic.

Apparently, we are now fair game and it’s open season on the male waistline. 

Leo’s holiday flab, the internet decided, was public property, ripe for mockery. 

They disparagingly call it the “Dad Bod” – even though Leo, as far as we know, has yet to produce any sprogs. 

It’s a term delivered with a patronising smirk, conjuring images of a bloke whose primary exercise consists of walking to the fridge between repeats of Top Gear.

But let’s pause for a second and reverse it. Would any sane person ever dream of pointing a camera at a woman on a beach and laughing at her “Mum Bod”?

You’d be cancelled in an instant with feminists queuing up to condemn you. 

Yet, when it comes to blokes, it seems the rules against bodyshaming don’t apply. 

Now, I’ll acknowledge the elephant in the room, women have put up with relentless, toxic body scrutiny for decades. 

But it’s the women in my life who have been most gleeful when scrutinising poor Leo.

It’s only fair they argue, after all 51-year-old Leo isn’t shy at letting his own preferences be known, dating a string of twenty-somethings who look like they’ve never consumed a carb in their short lives.

But underneath the jokes about Leo’s paunch, there is a serious side to all of this.

The pressure to look like a muscle bound Marvel actor is driving ordinary blokes to desperate measures – and contributing to poor male mental health.

Gym memberships are skyrocketing, not just because men suddenly care about their cardiovascular health, but because they are chasing the Hollywood aesthetic.

We are witnessing an epidemic of normal blokes turning to unregulated peptides and sometimes illegal supplements, desperately trying to keep up with the unachievable, steroid-assisted standards plastered across their Instagram feeds.

I’ll hold my hands up and confess I am one of the millions who has tried the fat jabs.

After years of miserable yo-yo dieting, I would always end exactly back where I started, so I finally caved and got on the Mounjaro.

The pharmaceutical quick fix certainly worked, helping me to lose a couple of stone within six months despite the dreaded side effects.

But despite my smaller frame – and annoyingly pricey new wardrobe to match – I still have to contend with the toxic pressure of the perfect body burrowed in my own brain.

And I’m far from the only one. Just look at the male celebs who are supposedly at the top of the food chain. 

Pop icon Robbie Williams has been open about his own torturous battle with his weight and his use of fat jabs, telling fans: “I could write a book about self loathing where my body image is concerned, like pure self hatred.

“The struggle is real. The sadness is shocking. I’ve had it all my life. And it won’t abate.”

James Corden has faced abuse from those obsessed with his waistline, even channelling his frustration with the industry into Nessa and Smith’s love story in Gavin & Stacey. 

He once said: “If an alien came back and they had to take a reading on planet Earth by just watching films or TV, they would imagine that if you are chubby or fat or big, you never really fall in love, you never have sex. Certainly no-one really ever finds you attractive.”

Even the supposed “hunks” are miserable. While Jason Momoa has shrugged off “Dad Bod” criticism, Zac Efron has spoken out about the severe dehydration and “pretty bad depression” he suffered to get his Baywatch body.

While Chris Pratt had to ditch his Parks & Rec “dad bod” to break Hollywood as the ripped Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy.

But then found himself criticised for being too thin, forcing him to warn critics to back off: “Just because I am a male doesn’t mean I’m impervious to your whispers. Body shaming hurts.”

So it’s little wonder that the next generation of young men are endlessly preening themselves in the mirror. 

They call it looksmaxxing, a dystopian online cult where young lads obsess over every facet of their appearance to fit a very specific alien-like visage.

We have genuinely reached a point where an influencer known as Clavicular, literally smacks himself in the face with a hammer in a bid to attempt to reshape his jawline, and is watched in this mindboggling process by millions of impressionable youngsters. 

We have created a world where teenage boys are learning that blunt-force facial trauma is preferable to looking like a normal human being.

It’s time to call time on the madness.

If the price of a Hollywood physique is a lifetime of misery, macros counting, and taking a hammer to your own cheekbones, you can count me out.

Let’s leave Leo to enjoy his Hawaiian holiday in peace, and please give us blokes a bloody break too.

MANY parents usually spend years saving up for family holidays abroad.

But one savvy couple has managed to swap life in the UK for a full-time travel adventure – all while saving £36,000.

Back in 2023, Ruth and Steven Rowe made a decision which shocked a lot of people after “selling everything they owned” and buying a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka.

They have been globe-trotting ever since on a budget of just £30 a day, and have turned the world into a classroom for their two children Aurora, five, and Atlas, four.

Ruth, 35, and Steven, 36, said they had always dreamed of travelling full-time and, as the moment approached to put the children into a nursery, they felt the time was right.

Ruth said: “We knew those early years were precious and we wanted more time together as a family before school routines took over.”

They flogged all their belongings on Facebook Marketplace or via car boot sales and set off from the village of Eardisley, Herefordshire, with just two suitcases of clothes and a few toys.

The family has already been to 17 different countries, ticking off bucket-list destinations such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Indonesia.

They stay four weeks at a time in Airbnbs and have also visited the likes of Thailand, Malaysia, Cyprus, the USA, Colombia, and Peru – all while saving around £12,000 a year.

They currently have no plans to return and want to continue world-schooling in exotic locations – while spending around £2,000 a month, compared to £3,000 back in the UK, as a result of their rent and outgoings being less.

Ruth and Steven had been renting a barn conversion and had both children during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They had travelled extensively before having kids but couldn’t shake the feeling that there was still so much of the world they wanted the children to experience.

Ruth added: “We wanted more time with them as we know those early years are precious, so we thought, why not just do it? So we did.

“Selling everything was an exhilarating experience.

“Our car, furniture and most of our possessions all went through Facebook Marketplace and car boot sales.

“We kept only a handful of memory boxes filled with special items from the children’s early years and a few clothes.

“We set off at the start with two big suitcases, a medium and a small one – and a stroller.

“And since then we’ve downsized to just two suitcases – it is really surprising how little you really need.

“Possessions don’t make you happy, life experiences do.”

They arrived in Sri Lanka with no return ticket and no real plan beyond seeing where life took them.

Ruth added: “And we’re still travelling now. We’ve been travelling full-time ever since, slow-exploring the world as a family, while my husband runs his coaching business remotely and we embrace world-schooling on the road.

“It’s been beautiful, chaotic, challenging and incredibly freeing.”

The couple also support themselves financially via Steven’s online coaching business – which he can still run wherever they are in the world.

However, Steven revealed the lifestyle isn’t always glamorous.

He added: “We use Airbnbs mainly but I’ve been working out of little cupboards in some places – it has been challenging at times but we’re in a fortunate position.

“We aim to live off around £30 a day and we stay in places for a month at a time so I can work Monday to Friday.

“But it can vary greatly; a two-bed apartment in one country can be £800 but a smaller one in another country £1,300.”

The couple say their children are now educated through “life experiences” – be it picking up Spanish in Latin America or learning about volcanoes while hiking in Peru.

And they say giving the kids no screen time whatsoever on their travels has helped them to become more patient and creative.

Ruth added: “They are also learning counting through things like paying a tuk-tuk driver in different currencies and the first time Aurora ever wrote her name it was in sand on a beach with a stick.

“We give them no screen time at all – which I think has taught them patience on their travels and to be more creative when they are bored sitting on a bus.

“They thought the TV back home was a radio as we’d only use it for Spotify and we think that’s allowed their imagination to flourish.

“I have just seen their confidence grow so much, and of course there’s no way of really telling how they would have been at home, but they are just so open and talk to anyone – young and old.

“I will sit down and teach them some reading and phonics and writing – but we’re not rigid with it and it’s still very much about learning through playing.

“It wasn’t a case of we hated the UK – we just love the world. But I was never a fan of the cold and rain so that is something I don’t miss.

“Also, we’ve found children aren’t treated like nuisances like you find in some restaurants in the UK.

“They are welcomed in and looked after, lots of places have playgrounds too to keep them entertained; that was a big difference to the UK too.

“Sri Lanka is just the most welcoming place we’ve ever been – people would invite us to eat in their homes and absolutely loved the kids.

“Costa Rica is beautiful with all the wildlife and jungle, Guatemala is underrated – it is also an incredible place and one of our favourites.”

Ruth was also not a fan of the cold and wet British weather – but admits she misses British chocolate.

She added: “The only thing I miss is friends and family – and also British chocolate.”

Steven also believes the lifestyle has been transformational for the children.

He said: “These positive environments have brought such positive developments so far in our children. Atlas was swimming independently at two.

“This way they get one-to-one without being part of the larger school system, which we have no issue with, we just see the benefits from doing it this way.

“We make sure the children are at the centre of what we do, we always research kids’ clubs and activities wherever we stay.

“They are loving learning about all the wildlife too – we had iguanas and sloths outside our doors in Costa Rica.

“Aurora had surf lessons in Bali and will be sandboarding in the Peruvian desert; it’s magical for them.

“The children have most enjoyed all the swimming they’ve been able to do and all the wildlife has been a massive enjoyment for them too.”

Follow the couple’s travels on Instagram.

SCHOOL holidays – two words guaranteed to make any parent’s bank account start sweating.

The moment the school gates close, holiday prices normally launch straight into orbit, leaving us staring at a rainy weekend in Morecambe rather than a gloriously sunny break abroad.

But if you know where to look, you can find some mega October half term breaks without having to remortgage your house.

I’ve dug up eight cracking five-night breaks with direct return flights starting at £295pp – and every single one is in October half-term.

We’re not talking about the bottom of the barrel here either – I’ve found Spanish beach favourites, theme-park thrills, Italian lakes and Croatian coastlines, all coming in under £334 each.

So you can get a proper change of scenery for the family without dipping into your overdraft.

1. Alicante, Costa Blanca – from £295pp

If your main mission this October is keeping the kids from tearing the wallpaper off while keeping costs down, this is a strong contender.

Alannia Costa Blanca is inland near Crevillente, where October daytime highs average around 24C – warm enough for spending time outdoors without the fierce summer heat.

You’re staying in cabin-style accommodation with kitchen facilities, (a lifesaver when the little ones demand a third bowl of Weetabix at 5.30am).

And the resort has tropical pools and slides, playgrounds and an indoor pool, plus an on-site supermarket for when you inevitably run out of snacks.

This is my biggest bargain, as I found five nights self catering and direct return flights from East Midlands from £295pp.

It is a good shout for families who want plenty to do around their accommodation and the flexibility to keep some meals cheap.

2. Salou, Costa Dorada – from £297pp

Salou is a must-stay if you want options beyond staring at the same resort pool for five days.

You’ve got broad seafront promenades for a wander, big family-friendly beaches and PortAventura World nearby if you want to brave the big rides.

October daytime highs average around 22C, making it a good time for mixing exploring with beach afternoons when the sun’s out.

And my pick of hotel, Inter2 Apartments, is simple, affordable and practical.

You get kitchen facilities to keep breakfast costs down, a balcony for a quiet drink once the kids are asleep, and you’re around 500 metres from the beach and coastal path.

At £297pp for five nights self catering, including direct return flights from London Luton, it leaves a bit more in the holiday budget for ice creams and days out.

Just remember to budget separately for theme-park tickets.

(Here’s our thoughts on visiting the theme park).

3. Manilva, Costa del Sol – from £298pp

For southern Spanish warmth without staying in the thick of a busy resort, head west along the coast to Manilva.

It’s a quieter option that suits families who want to slow the pace down.

It sits right on the edge of the Costa del Sol, near Gibraltar, so expect great beaches without huge tourist numbers.

October daytime temperatures typically reach the mid-20s, which is comfortable weather for exploring, coastal walks and long lunches outside.

And Pierre & Vacances Terrazas Costa del Sol gives you spacious apartments with balconies or terraces and overlooking the water.

There are outdoor pools, a playground and a sports court, and plenty of options for transport down to the beach and exploring the surrounding area.

The five-night self-catering stay I spotted comes in at £298pp with direct return flights from East Midlands.

It makes for a super-practical option if you want room to spread out without spending a fortune on accommodation.

4. Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava – from £305pp

Lloret de Mar is an absolute staple for October half-term.

You’ve got beaches, coastal scenery and opportunities for days out, including nearby Tossa de Mar and its old town.

Plus, October daytime highs average around 23C, making this a good choice for getting out and exploring with a light jacket to hand.

Condado Apartments gives you equipped kitchens, living space to spread out and balconies.

There are also two rooftop pools, including one for children, and a sun terrace.

Having a kitchen means you aren’t forced to pay restaurant prices three times a day when the kids decide to eat two bites of dinner and declare themselves full.

With five nights on self catering and direct return flights from London Luton from £305pp.

It’s a straightforward way to keep holiday costs down while still getting a proper break.

5. Fuengirola, Costa del Sol – from £310pp

Fuengirola does the familiar Spanish family holiday incredibly well.

There are loads of beaches, a seafront prom and plenty of places to stop for food or coffee.

So you don’t need a complicated itinerary when a walk, some sand and a decent lunch can comfortably fill the day.

October daytime highs average around 23C, so there’s still a good case for eating every meal outside and enjoying the beach every day.

Las Palmeras Affiliated by FERGUS sits on the seafront promenade opposite the marina, with the beach and plenty of restaurants within easy reach.

But the real win: the hotel also has a pool and rooftop sun terrace overlooking the harbour. And it’s gorgeous.

It’s £310pp for five nights with return flights from East Midlands.

A great price and a decent hotel which I’d treat as a base for getting out and enjoying Spanish town life, rather than spending the whole holiday there.

6. Lake Garda, Italy – from £319pp

Here’s the wildcard: swap the sand for lakeside scenery in Italy.

Peschiera del Garda gives you canals, waterfront walks and plenty of opportunities for pizza and gelato, which tend to work well as encouragement when the kids have decided they’ve finished sightseeing.

Late October is a little cooler here, so you might not be out sunbathing.

But Gardaland theme park is nearby if you fancy a bigger family day out, (just make sure to check opening dates and budget separately for tickets).

Residence Eden has apartment accommodation in green surroundings outside the town centre.

Kitchen facilities make it easy to knock together a quick pasta dinner without taking tired children out to a restaurant at 8pm.

And it leaves plenty of time for trips into town and around the lake.

With five nights and direct return flights from East Midlands from £319pp, it’s a wicked alternative to the usual half-term beach break.

7. Cala Galdana, Menorca – from £315pp

Cala Galdana is a proper postcard setting.

It has a curved sandy bay backed by pine-covered surroundings, with coastal walking routes for when you fancy stretching your legs.

It’s a good choice for families who want a slower few days away.

Menorca’s October daytime highs average around 22-25C, so I’d come for beach walks and exploring, with swimming as an added bonus.

Alta Galdana is a simple budget base with a pool and sun terrace.

The bay and surrounding scenery are the main draw here, rather than a big programme of hotel entertainment.

At £315pp for five nights on room only, including direct return flights from London Luton.

It’s definitely worth a look if you’re happy heading out for meals and letting the destination do most of the entertaining.

8. Seget Donji, Croatia – from £334pp

If you fancy something totally different from the usual Spanish escape, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is well worth a look.

You’ve got Trogir nearby, Split as another option for a day out, and seaside walks around Seget.

October daytime highs around Trogir average roughly 22C, making this more of an exploring-and-long-lunches holiday than a guaranteed week of swimming.

Apartmani Medena is an apartment complex near the beach, around four kilometres from Trogir.

A seaside promenade connects it with Seget’s old fishing village, giving you an easy option for getting out for a walk.

The five-night stay I found comes in from £334pp with direct return flights from London Gatwick.

Food is extra but cheap enough around Seget, and this deal gives you a base for exploring a different stretch of Europe at a very, very reasonable half-term price.

Here are some great all-inclusive half term holidays that we’ve found for you as well.

AUTUMN is the perfect time for a city break holiday abroad.

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and quieter restaurants – there’s something to be said for a long weekend post-summer.

And with hundreds of countries under our belts, as the Travel Team at The Sun, we know which are the best spots to visit after summer but before winter is in full swing.

Here are our favourite cities to visit this autumn, along with our top tips, cheap pints and very affordable flights thrown in.

Warsaw, Poland

Known as the Grinch by friends due to my ambivalence to Christmas, Warsaw is the perfect place to visit in autumn before the festive season takes over.

Not only is it also frequently named one of the cheapest city break destinations, but it was named top city to visit by European Best Destinations 2026.

The architecture of the city is stunning, with historic 17th century buildings compared to the more modern Brutalist blocks.

Start with a wander around the beautiful Old Town which was reconstructed after WWII, when 85 per cent of it was destroyed.

Then head over to the Neon Museum, with hundreds of huge neon signs from the Cold War (one to get your camera out for, definitely).

The food scene is fantastic too – I highly rate Momu which specialises in Polish dishes using a smoke-roasting oven, or huge food hall Hala Koszyki which was the first of its kind in the city.

You can find really cheap hotels – ibis budgets start from as little as £35 (so £17.50 each), while Ryanair flights are £30 return. So a mega cheap holiday!

Or you can find two-night city breaks for just over £100pp with loveholidays. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Lisbon, Portugal

The Portuguese capital comes into its own in autumn, with oodles of sunshine and warm temperatures perfect for exploring its maze of hilly streets, grand squares and spectacular architecture.

I’ve just returned from a perfect weekend break that went beyond the tourist trail with the help of the new Andaz Lisbon hotel (rooms from £242 a night).

Just steps from the grand, riverfront square Praca do Comercio, the hotel in a former grand bank has a spectacular rooftop restaurant and bar.

Their exclusive experiences pair you with locals to delve deeper – like renowned street artist Migeul Brum who not only gave us a whistle-stop tour of some incredible murals and installations but allowed us to get hands on and create our own with a graffiti workshop.

Their Seven Hills by Night revealed some of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods for fun after dark.

We sipped classic cocktails in hidden speakeasy Foxtrot and enjoyed a live performance of traditional Fado music at Bohemia Lx Se.

And for a glimpse of the glorious seafaring history, a tuk tuk tour took us to the arty district of Belem where we explored the Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoveries.

And of course, no visit to the district would be complete without sampling the irresistible custard tarts at the original bakery, Pastels de Belem.

Flights to Lisbon from £14.99 from the UK. Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Tallin, Estonia

The capital of Estonia might not be your first thought for a city break but it should be. 

With a three-hour flight time, the city is far enough away to feel a bit more of an autumn chill but not so far that the flight feels like a strain.

Tallinn is an easy city to walk around; all the main sights are close to each other, especially in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.

Here you’ll find Gothic spires, cobbled alleyways and the Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum which even explores the city’s coffee culture. 

And everything is super cheap – I managed to visit the KGB Prison Cells and then grab lunch afterward for around £15.

A pint will set you back a few euros, as will a PINT of hot chocolate – yes really.

The benefit of go in autumn  is that the freezing weather of winter hasn’t quite kicked in yet and you can enjoy exploring the city crowd-free.

With LastMinute.com, you could head away for three nights to Citybox Tallinn City Center Hotel, which has a modern interior and light airy rooms for £194pp for three nights including flights. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Seville, Spain

Seville is the Spanish city that comes alive in shoulder season – seeing as summer has unbearable highs that approach 40C.

But that drops off in autumn, meaning you can get some post-summer warmth within just a few hours.

And there are some fantastic, must-see attractions, from the Seville Cathedral (the largest gothic cathedral in the world) and the Moorish Royal Alcazar of Seville.

Skip the expensive flamenco shows and watch the many free performances in the parks.

The ultimate cheap breakfast is at Bar Alfafa, a tiny restaurant squeezed between two roads where you will find coffee and toast for just €2.10 (£1.78), as long as you can find a table between the locals.

The beauty of Spain is that wine is cheap (expect to pay around €2-€3 (£1.69-£2.54) per glass), but head to the local chain 100 Montaditos where you can get beers for under €1.50 (£1.27).

TUI has three-night breaks for as little as £180 each, with your hotel and flights thrown in. 

Cheap booze, quick flights and 28C highs in autumn – what more could you want? Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Vilnius, Lithuania

If you aren’t still longing after lounging about on beaches or sun-searching, but are ready to embrace autumn in all its glory, I’d say a trip to Vilnius is on the cards.

The capital of Lithuania, especially its medieval Old Town is beautiful with cobblestone streets, towering church towers and shops with autumnal window displays.

With its old-school look, I felt almost as if I’d stepped back in time.

It’s quiet too as Lithuania gets far fewer visitors in general than the likes of Spain or Portugal.

When I popped out early on a Sunday morning for a wander around the Old Town, it was practically deserted.

To make it even better, food and drink is cheap too. One cafe called Vynomanai sold coffee for €2 (£1.70) and beer for €3 (£2.55).

The best snack I tried and a must-try is called kepta duona. Essentially it’s fried bread in garlic – which is like the UK’s version of pork scratchings.

Flights start from £19 with Ryanair, or Loveholidays has seven-night breaks from £249pp. Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is big on nature. Canals weave between its Baroque buildings and the cobblestone streets are lined by bushy trees that look even more spectacular in the autumn months, painting the streets in shades of red and orange.

While summer time is all about beer, the coming months focus on hot and cosy tipples like Warme Chocolademelk (Dutch Hot Chocolate) and Gluwhein (similar to mulled wine), both from around €4.

Grab yourself a glass from one of the traditional brown bars which tend to feature large windows from which visitors can watch the world go by, drink in hand.

Make sure to gobble back some Dutch classics. Comfort food is a staple in these parts and autumn is the perfect time of year to sample them.

Keep your eyes peeled for Stamppot, a hearty dish, made of mashed potato, sausages and sauerkraut – Moeders in the Jordaan whips up a truly authentic version.

Make sure to pick up some stroopwafels, too, a classic sweet treat which comprises of sticky caramel sandwiched between two thin, circular waffles.

You can still bag EasyJet flights from around £25 from London airports in November this year. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Tirana, Albania

It takes around three hours to reach the capital of Albania and once you’re there, there is plenty to do over a weekend at a leisurely pace. 

In the centre of the city, visit Skanderbeg Square, the city’s central plaza featuring a towering clock tower. 

Another top spot is the free Pyramid of Tirana – it’s a bit of a work-out to reach the top but the view of the city is well worth it. 

And if there is one thing you shouldn’t miss, make sure to visit Bunk’Art 1 & 2 which are massive underground Cold War bunkers converted into museums, including one all about surveillance.

Street food will cost you a few quid and coffee or a pint is under £2 each. 

What’s even better is that return flights cost as little as £28 per person. Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Paris, France

I can think of no better place than Paris to transition you from summer, seamlessly into the cosy season. For me, it’s the shopping that draws me back year after year.

It is the fashion capital of the world, after all.

So make sure to travel with an empty suitcase so you can pick out your winter wardrobe while you’re here from the many vintage boutiques littered around the Le Marais district in the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements.

Here you’ll find classic kilo shops that sell bargain items priced by weight – you could pick up a whole outfit for €15.

Plus the city is just a hop, skip and a jumper over the Channel, reachable by plane, train or car – take your pick.

The culinary scene is another huge draw in autumn, too. Now is time to trade out the rosé wine for something more wintry and, in my opinion, no where in the world produces better red wine than France.

Le Barav, in the same region as the vintage shops, houses a wine shop on one side and restaurant on the other.

You can go and pick your wine for a supermarket price and then pay a €7 corkage fee to drink it in the restaurant area while tucking into a cracking charcuterie and cheese platter.

Wowcher city breaks with flights included start from £99. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

WHETHER you fancy a bit of R&R or want to head off an exciting adventure, if you’re looking for your next girls’ trip then you needn’t look further than this.

There are tonnes of cheap trips out there, offering everything from relaxing staycations to big party weekenders – and costing from as little as £29 per person per night.

So round up a group of friends, set up a holiday Whasapp group and here are 20 of the best girly weekends away to book now…

Away Resorts weekenders

Away Resorts hosts a number of different themed weekenders across the year, with performances, food and of course, lots of music.

New for 2027, Tattershall Lakes Away Resorts will have a Y2K weekender with pop, R&B and dance.

Book onto a three or four-night escape and you will get to experience the live acts, DJs and performances based around the 90s and 00s.

Dates and prices are yet to be revealed.

Parkdean Resorts Celebrity weekends

Love a bit of nostalgia? Well, book onto a Parkdean Resort Celebrity Weekend where you’ll get themed entertainment, food and drink, tribute acts and loads of activities.

Different weekends include a ’90s vs ’00s weekender, a Parkdean-exclusive Hitman Weekender and an 80s throwback weekend.

The weekenders also have different events as well, including silent discos, bingo GaGa, and fancy dress.

You might spot a celebrity too, as there will be appearances from the likes of Kerry Katona, Liberty X and East 17.

Weekends cost from £179.

Butlins Big Weekenders

Butlins isn’t just for kids – the three Butlins resorts also host adult-only weekenders.

There are multiple Butlins Big Weekenders to choose from including Decade Weekenders with music from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and ’00s.

There’s then also Dance Weekenders including trance, house, D&B, jungle, garage and techno.

And last but not least, Devoted Weekenders with themes including Giants of Country, Giants of Roc, k and Giants of Pop.

Prices vary depending on when you book for, which resort and which weekender you choose, but usually start from £59 per person.

Tribute Party Breaks

Is there a performer you really love but never got the chance to see? Then make sure to book on to a Tribute Party Break with UKBreakaways.

Weekend getaways include top tribute stars celebrating the likes of Robbie Williams, Elvis Presley, Phil Collins, Lionel Richie, Cher, Dolly Parton, and Elton John.

And what makes them even better is that they take place in destinations across the UK including Scarborough, Blackpool, Torquay, and Southport.

Each break includes hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner options and costs from just £59.95 per person.

Each two or three-night Weekend Break is fully inclusive, and guests get to choose between two five-star resorts in the Essex countryside and on the Norfolk coast.

You’ll get crafts, activities and leisure facilities all included in the price you pay, as well as West End-quality entertainment every night.

Prices start from £389 for a two-night weekend break.

Best Western Hotels

Best Western has put together loads of unique ‘GEM packages’, which include not just your hotel stay but also food, drinks, activities and attractions.

These value-packed package deals bundle everything from private hot tubs with free-flowing Prosecco to psychic readings into one price.

There’s all sorts of different packages available including a wellness break at The Kings Arms, WorldHotels Distinctive with breakfast and an hour Saltwater Sauna session on Avon Beach, or a yoga class at Maya & Moon for as little as £140.80 for two people.

Alternatively, you could book an ’80s Party Night! at the Best Western The Hatfield Hotel from £109.35 for two people.

Party Airbnb

Hotel room not big enough for your group? Then book an ENTIRE Airbnb property with its own bowling alley and cinema room.

For example, there is a huge Grade II listed detached house in St Leonards-On-Sea with a bowling alley, arcade games, a lounge area, and a cocktail bar.

There’s also a shuffleboard table, basketball hoops, and a cocktail bar for guests to use.

There is a minimum stay of two nights with prices starting from around £1,640 for 11 guests – which is equal to around £74.55 per person per night.

If that still sounds like a lot though, Airbnb still has plenty of other options…

If there is a huge group of you (23 people), then opt for The Pictureworks Barn in Long Sutton, Somerset, which costs from £2,001 for three nights – which is just £29pp per night.

The barn has plenty to do as well including a hot tub, steam room & sauna, a pool table, table football, table tennis and croquet, pétanque & lawn games.

Spa breaks

Heading to the spa is the ultimate way to relax so why not book yourself onto a spa break?

For example, you could head away for one-ight at East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa with a 20-minute spa treatment and three-course meal per person for £155.

Want to spend even less? You could stay at Mercure Norton Grange Hotel and Spa for a night with a meal and access to the spa (after 3pm) included for just £61.50 per person.

Music breaks

If you love music or even a specific decade of music, there are dedicated breaks out there celebrating everything from soulful song to rock classics.

Each break has live performances and themed entertainment as well.

You’ll get a three-course meal in the evening too, as well as breakfast.

Music breaks cost from £139 per person.

Cosy cabins

Autumn is well and truly settling in in the UK and, of course, being cosy is now more important than ever.

So why not make the most of crisp orange leaves by checking into a cosy cabin?

You could stay in a converted railway carriage at Llanthony Castaway Glamping in the Brecon Beacons.

It is the ultimate break away from the modern world, with no Wi-Fi.

Instead, you will just get views of rolling hills through a side of the carriage that is completely made out of glass.

A stay for two people costs from £125 per night.

Pubs you can rent

If you are looking for something a bit different, then book into a pub – and have the entire place to yourself.

Ideal for bigger groups of people, you could book into the Plas Dolguog in Powys, Wales.

The 16th- century pub sleeps up to 21 people across 10 bedrooms and has views of Snowdonia.

You and your guests can pull your own pints and have coffee in the conservatory in the mornings.

It costs from £2,570 per week, which works out at just £17.49pp a night based on a seven-night stay.

Mystery coach trip weekend

Coach tours aren’t just for the older generations; they take the stress out of travel as you hop onboard and away you go.

And with Just Go! Holidays you can book onto mystery weekend coach trips that could see you heading to a seaside resort or even a Christmas market.

What makes it even better is that there are 400 pick up points across the country.

For £99 per person, you will get an overnight stay at a hotel with dinner and breakfast (both buffet style), and two visits to mystery spots.

Theatre breaks

If you love seeing a West End show then book onto a theatre break.

With Great Little Breaks, you could stay at the President Hotel near Russell Square in London and head to watch The Devil Wears Prada The Musical in the West End.

The package costs from £346.60 for two people, with breakfast also included.

Glamp sites

Glamping can be a great and fun way to spend time with friends and fortunately, the UK isn’t short of glamping sites.

For example, Bradshaw Farm between the villages of Stapleton and Dadlington, has a number of bell tents costing from as little as £22 per night for two people.

If you prefer something a little more solid though, you could book into Exe Valley Safari Tents for a weekend.

Each tent looks out across a meadow which is ideal for stargazing and sleeps up to six people for £114 per night (or £19 per person, per night).

Loveholidays

Did you know that Loveholidays actually arranges the ideal weekend getaways?

There’s luxury spa weekends, shopping trips and activities getaways all on offer.

For example, a girls’ trip to the Canary Islands in Spaincosts from as little as £169 per person, including a stay at the two-star Catalina Park.

Set in the heart of Las Palmas, the hotel is just steps from the beach and also has a number of restaurants, shops, and bars on its doorstep.

City break

A city break doesn’t have to be expensive – in fact, often it will cost you the same as a day out in the UK.

For example, you could head to Fez in Morocco and stay at Riad Meski for two nights, with return flights from London Luton Airport for just £75 per person.

The Riad even has a rooftop terrace with views across the city and a lounge area.

Or perhaps you want to explore more of Italy? Well then, book onto a trip to Verona in November, flying from London Stansted Airport and staying at the Maxim for two nights for just £80 per person.

Cruise

You might think cruises are expensive, but there are actually quite a few out there that can be done on a budget.

You could venture on an Ambassador Cruise on May 28, 2027, for two nights from Portsmouth to Newcastle for just £116 per person.

Or head to Europe on a two-night ‘Christmas Markets of Belgium’ cruise from London Tilbury, stopping at Zeebrugge (Bruges) from £185 per person.

Therme Bucharest spa weekend

With Wowcher, there’s a package trip to Therme Bucharest in Romania with return flights for as little as £109 per person.

You’d stay at either the Rin Central Hotel or Berthelot, both in the heart of the city.

For the price, return flights, two nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, skip-the-line entry, and three hours’ access to the Galaxy + The Palm area at Therme Bucuresti would all be included.

And flights are available from six UK airports including London Stansted Airport, London Luton Airport, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Edinburgh.

Whole riad in Marrakech

If you want to explore Marrakech in Morocco, accommodation is often cheap.

So instead of booking into a hotel, you could rent out an entire riad for you and your friends.

For example, Riad Dar Chalyia sleeps up to six people and costs as little as £151 per night (or £25.17 per person per night).

You’d even get your own outdoor pool.

And flights won’t set you back much either, with return flights from as little as £15 each way in November.

Mystery Wowcher trip

If you don’t mind where you go but just want to get away, then Wowcher’s mystery trip is definitely one for you.

The mystery trip costs from £89 per person, and destinations you could head to include Paris, Prague and Rome.

In fact, there are around 100 possible destinations.

Return flights and accommodation are all part of the package as well.

HE’S Towie’s handsome long-serving lothario who’s charmed a long list of show stunners over the years.

But you can’t break hearts for a decade on a major reality show and not cop any flack for it.

And Dan Edgar has been on the receiving end of some stinging barbs from former show star Olivia Attwood, who once branded him “boring” and a “coward” on account of his love-life drama with Chloe Sims.

The Essex charmer famously cooled things off with Chloe amid cheating allegations in 2019 and he went on to reunite with on-off girlfriend Amber Turner.

Chloe later told us that the way Dan handled the split “bulldozed” her confidence and led to a cruel pile on from trolls.

Despite brushing off Liv’s criticisms publicly, sources say it left Dan bristling and his decision not to follow Olivia on social media is telling.

Now the follicly-blessed 36-year-old is determined to prove Liv wrong with current girlfriend Chloe Lewis, 35, who he hard-launched in August and has appeared in fun, loved-up snaps with ever since.

An insider told The Sun: “Towie fans will remember it was Olivia who told Chloe that Dan had cheated on her with another woman.

“That led to the implosion of her blossoming romance with Dan, and while Liv was sticking up for her mate, Dan just thinks she’s a trouble maker.

“The ‘boring’ jibe has also never been forgotten by Dan. That was a bit of a sore spot for him, he thinks it was a low blow.

“As a result he still doesn’t follow Olivia on social media to this day, and unsurprisingly she doesn’t follow him either.

“It’s been made a bit awkward though since Olivia started dating Pete Wicks as Dan is still mates with Pete.”

Mum-of-one Chloe Lewis left Towie after four years in 2018, just months before the drama that would kickstart the simmering feud.

She doesn’t appear to have taken offence to Olivia’s past comments about Dan as she remains on the documentary-maker’s social media friends list and even shares the same management.

Our insider said: “It’s a bit of an elephant in the room but it’s safe to say the four of them won’t be going on double dates anytime soon.”

When contacted by The Sun, Dan’s rep denied any beef, saying: “Dan is genuinely surprised by these claims as he has never had an issue with Olivia.

“They’ve had very little interaction over the years, and he certainly doesn’t hold any negative feelings towards her. There’s no feud from Dan’s side, and he wishes her nothing but the best.”

As for Olivia, her issues with Dan stem from the way he treated Chloe Sims during their fling in 2019 on a cast trip to Thailand.

ITV golden girl Liv was a member of the cast at the time and ripped into Dan for ghosting Chloe every time the going got tough, a view shared by viewers who likened him to someone going to ground in witness protection.

Olivia’s boyfriend Pete Wicks once had his own close relationship with Chloe Sims and their friendship secretly spilled into romance on a number of occasions.

It was around this time that Dan, fresh from his split with girlfriend Amber, hooked up with Chloe.

The love triangle, and its murky timeline, sparked confusion and saw Dan and Pete clash in heated scenes.

Liv has made past comments about Dan’s penchant for fading out romances rather than having an honest and frank discussion about the issues getting in the way.

There have been digs about his passivity, with it said that if he wasn’t so good-looking his partners wouldn’t tolerate his behaviour.

Olivia’s past assessment that Dan wasn’t mature enough for Chloe Sims led to fans likening him to Peter Pan, the boy that never grew up.

Pete, whose friendship with Dan has been turbulent over the years, has had a few tongue-in-cheek comments too, once joking that laidback Dan is so chilled that his heartrate remains below 40bpm no matter what drama is unfolding.

Last year, Dan experienced another failed relationship when he and Ella Rae Wise ended their 18-month partnership, despite having a “great sex life”, and it looked like Dan was destined for the single life.

That is until former Towie star Chloe Lewis caught his eye at mutual pals Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallett’s Majorca wedding last summer.

Romance rumours began to swirl in the months that followed as the pair dropped crumbs online, before they enjoyed a joint holiday in Marbella this August, sharing kisses and confirming their relationship.

They had their first official engagement as a couple when they attended a Primark event together last month.

The star-studded bash also had Pete on the guestlist and the trio posed together for a picture, suggesting the frosty relations between Dan and Liv hasn’t affected his and Pete’s friendship. Unlike Dan and Liv, the two do follow each other on Instagram.

There have been a number of smitten social media pictures of Chloe and Dan together since, with the latter now willing to be less subtle about his feelings and seemingly keen to prove to the naysayers that he can be serious and is ready to grow up.

The Sun has contacted a representative for Dan for comment.