Swimming

AIRPORTS are a gateway to travel – but some of them are so much more than that with swimming pools, indoor rainforests and panoramic sky decks.

Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s Best Awards’ named the top 10 airports – and sadly none are in the UK.

The airports were declared the best by readers who voted in their thousands for their favourites in multiple categories for the publication.

At the very top of the ‘Best International Airports’ is Singapore Changi Airport which got a score of 95.19 out of 100.

Travel + Leisure said about Singapore Changi Airport: “Back on top after a two-year hiatus, this legendary hub has efficient operations, excellent hospitality, and eye-catching amenities like a butterfly garden and a swimming pool.”

It stretches across five square miles and no one could ever say it’s an ordinary airport.

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Inside is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, a tropical rainforest, butterfly garden and even a hedge maze which is the largest in the country.

It also has a swimming pool and hot tub up on the roof at the airside Aerotel Singapore, which is even open to non-guests to watch the planes take off.

In second place is Doha’s Hamad International Airport which is the home base of Qatar Airways.

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski who visited called it the “ultimate layover destination“.

She said: “Within a few hours I’d strolled through a tropical rainforest, tucked into traditional sweets in a souq and had a sumptuous massage in a tranquil spa where airport stresses melt into distant memories.”

“The Orchard is the airport’s indoor tropical garden, constructed in 2022 – tall leafy palms and lush, green banana plants flourishing in the sunlight under a glass dome.

“All of the shrubs are real. The birds hiding within them are not, although the chirping sounds floating from hidden speakers nearly had me fooled.

“I wasn’t surprised to catch passengers reading a book on the artificial grass, or cosying down in one of the wooden tipis – with the noise of the nearby waterfall muffling out the chaos of a busy airport, this is surely the most peaceful spot in Hamad International.”

Coming in third spot is Istanbul Airport followed closely by Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai International Airport also made it onto the list even though, surprisingly, the hub will eventually close in around 10 years time.

The airport which has a wellness spa, luxury boutiques and sleepover lounges will close to make way for Al Maktoum International Airport.

Hong Kong International Airport on the list has incredible surroundings from mountains on Lantau Island to the South China Sea.

Visitors can take it in on the Sky Bridge which is the world’s longest airside pedestrian bridge – and there’s a Sky Deck with 360-degree views.

Other winners include Tokyo Haneda Airport and Adelaide Airport in Australia.

Here are the Best International Airports…

Each airport got a score out of 100 by Travel + Leisure…

1. Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore – 95.19
2. Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar – 93.96
3. Istanbul Airport, Istanbul, Turkey – 92.13
4. Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE – 91.24
5. Dubai International Airport, Dubai, UAE – 91.06
6. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong, China – 86.52
7. Incheon International Airport, Incheon, South Korea – 85.90
8. Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan – 85.29
9. Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai, China – 84.83
10. Adelaide Airport, Adelaide, Australia – 83.73

SOMETIMES all you want is a great nights sleep – enter The Akyra Bangkok 11.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at the new Bangkok hotel (and rooms are as little as £40 a night).

Where is the hotel?

The hotel is in the Nana district of Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 11. It is a short drive to the city centre by taxi.

There is also a complimentary shuttle to the BTS Skytrain.

What is the hotel like?

Having only opened earlier this year, it feels extremely fresh and new. It’s simple in design, but still feels like a boutique hotel.

From the outside, it is unassuming – on the inside it is clean designs with a touch of warmth.

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Akaryn Hotel Group founder Anchalika Kijkanakorn said: “We designed it as a place where people can connect with each other and with themselves while still enjoying the pulse and possibilities of Bangkok.”

What are the rooms like?

The hotel’s ethos is to offer the best night sleep – with loads of features within the 100 rooms.

This means blackout curtain and even a “sleep butler” night time ritual.

My Deluxe room had a very comfortable king size bed, as well as a Smart TV, hair dryers, dressing gowns and a coffee making station.

Even in the muggy heat of Bangkok, I slept so well thanks to the easy-to-use air conditioning and the quiet location of the hotel.

Rooms start from THB 1870 (£41). See aleenta.com/akyra-bangkok.

Upgrade to Club and get early check in, late check out and a free evening drink and snacks.

What is there to eat and drink there?

The hotel restaurant E/R/N is where you will find everything from breakfast to dinner.

The extensive breakfast menu ranged from unique fantastic coffees to smoothies, as well as acai bowls and egg Florentine.

Dinner is Med inspired – I was seriously impressed by the massive juicy scallops, as well as my fruity house cocktail.

What else can you do there?

Wellness experiences can be booked for in your room, including massages and relaxing evening rituals.

You can also book experiences with the hotel from street food tours to canal boat trips.

Deals include free IV drips when staying two nights or more, or free signature experiences when staying three nights or more.

Make sure you save time for a dip in the swimming pool too.

Is it family friendly?

The hotel has 18, two-bedroom family rooms with interconnected access.

Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, there is lift access and accessible rooms with more spacious layouts.

A beach has been praised for its golden sands and tranquil blue waters that are reminiscent of Mediterranean destinations and holidays abroad – only it’s right here in the UK

A stunning British beach is turning heads for its golden sands and crystal-clear blue waters that wouldn’t look out of place on the Mediterranean coastline – but the best part is, it’s here in the UK.

It’s not always a case of flocking to Europe or the Caribbean for a lavish holiday, because Britain has plenty to offer. From charming towns to villages, locals and tourists can enjoy a diverse array of attractions here. Now if you’re in need of inspiration when it comes to booking your next staycation or day trip, we have you covered. According to Beach Guide UK, a whopping 1,500 beaches can be found across the country.

While the UK is hardly renowned for its reliable sunshine, Cornwall’s spectacular coastline more than compensates. There truly is something for everyone – from stunning stretches of powdery golden sand and unique shingle beaches, to hidden coves, world-class surf spots, and brooding atmospheric shores that could easily double as a backdrop for a BBC crime thriller.

Yet one particular beach is causing quite a stir thanks to its breathtaking Mediterranean-esque charm. Step forward Carbis Bay.

Discover Carbis Bay: Cornwall’s Mediterranean-Style Hidden Gem

This much-loved seaside village and resort sits approximately one mile southeast of the iconic St Ives, nestled on the western shores of St Ives Bay along the Atlantic coast.

Nature enthusiasts and walkers will find themselves equally captivated by Carbis Bay, as the South West Coast Path – England’s renowned 630-mile long-distance trail winding around the south west peninsula’s coastline – runs above the shore.

TikTok user Suzanne posted footage of Carbis Bay on the popular social media site.

Overlaid on the video, which sweeps across the golden sand and brilliant blue waters, she penned: “Okay… this might be the prettiest beach in the UK.”

Alongside the clip, Suzanne added the caption: “Carbis Bay, Cornwall, looking like the Mediterranean.”

Best Things to Do at Carbis Bay Beach: Swimming and Water Sports

The spot has also received recognition from Visit Cornwall, which notes: “Just a mile out of St Ives, Carbis Bay Beach is the perfect destination for a relaxing day at the beach. The bay’s lush cliffsides and position on the Atlantic Coast assure tranquil waters, making it the ideal spot for swimming.

“Tucked away into its own corner of St Ives Bay, Carbis Bay enjoys a perfect, natural shelter from the worst of the Atlantic swell, making its waters a tranquil paradise ideal for swimmers of all ages.”

Visit Cornwall continues: “The golden beach itself is perfect for soaking up the sun on warm summer days, or constructing elegant castles in the sand.

“While surfers might wish to look elsewhere for a swell, any with an interest in stand up paddle boarding or kayaking may just find that Carbis Bay ticks every box.”

Planning Your Visit: Travel Times and Carbis Bay Hotels

The travel to Carbis Bay can vary but if you’re coming from London, a car journey will roughly take 5 hours. Alternatively, a train journey is about 4 hours and 41 minutes. From Bristol, this is slightly closer and about 3 hours in the car.

Meanwhile it’s around 4 hours if you’re leaving from the Midlands.

It’s best advised that if you are visiting St Ives, booking yourself accommodation might be the less exhausting option. Hotels in Carbis Bay average about £350 to £470 per night during summer.

However rates can vary drastically and drop around £100 at any other time of the year. Meanwhile, luxury 5-star estates (like the Carbis Bay Estate) can range from £475 to £1,000+ per night depending on seasonal demand.

STRANGER Things star Millie Bobby Brown has had a swimming pool built — just for her dogs.

The 22-year-old British actress runs an animal rescue organisation called Joey’s Friends on her farm in Atlanta, Georgia, and wants to train pooches to swim.

Millie also admitted her most expensive purchases are related to her animals.

Quizzed over the most unnecessary thing she has spent money on this year, she said: “Maybe a goat shed.

“Like I didn’t need the shed, did I? But the goats love it. I just thought it was cute. Also, a new chicken coop. That or I just built a swimming pool for my foster dogs.”

Millie then recalled the chat she had with her husband, 24-year-old model Jake Bongiovi, who she wed in 2024.

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She told the On Purpose With Jay Shetty podcast: “He’s like, ‘Why?’

“And I’m like, ‘Because it gets hot in the summer, and I want them to learn how to swim so that when they get adopted, they can swim’.”

Last year she said she had 62 pets including 25 farm animals, 23 foster dogs, ten of her own dogs and four cats.

She is believed to have rescued and rehomed more than 230 dogs.

Millie, who has an estimated net worth of £24million, has several goats named after rappers including Eminem, Cardi B, Slick Rick and Biggie Smalls, as well as chickens.

She said: “I have a lot of animals on the farm that were bullied out of their own farm.

“So the herds just kind of chose, ‘We hate that donkey’. Then that donkey comes to me. I have a lot of outcasts. That’s exactly where I belong.”

Millie hit the big time playing Eleven in the Netflix sensation — at the age of 12.

She made her movie debut in 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters before starring in The Enola Holmes Mysteries.

She has since launched her own fashion range.

JUMP into river swimming, bear-watching and space simulators on a family road trip to Belgium, says Acting Senior Designer Sasha Cunningham.

Sunlight bursts through the tree canopy as enormous furry paws pad silently across the forest floor.

Elevated safely on a viewing platform, my family and I quietly watch as two Eurasian brown bears climb trees, paddle in the stream and stalk through the lush landscape.

We’re at Forestia in Theux, Belgium, which has 44 hectares dedicated to the conservation of animals originally found wild in the area.

Later the kids get to hand-feed deer, too.

Tickets cost from £22 for adults, and £16 for children (Forestia.be).

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Lush Lodgings

This is just one of the highlights we find in our week spent in the wilds of Belgium’s Ardennes region.

We’re staying about four hours from Calais – a drive that takes us along winding roads and through luscious pine forests – kipping in a stylish six-person self-catering lodge at Landal Hillview Resort Grandvoir, near the town of Neufchâteau.

Nestled among wildflower meadows teaming with butterflies, our lodge feels super-private, with just the sound of the birds and the occasional cricket for company.

It’s decked out with hygge decor in earthy shades, plus has its own cosy infrared sauna.

My sons Oscar, eight, and Ben, five, splash around in the ankle-deep stream running alongside our pad, and there’s plenty of wildlife to spot.

Wild boar, deer, raccoons and beavers all frequent the site, and I’m excited to spy a badger scampering across the field as husband Grant and I settle down on our large deck for a sundowner.

Later, we try a game of boules by the resort’s Bois Des Bois restaurant, which serves up regional dishes for dinner and a buffet of delicious pastries, yoghurts, eggs, meats and cheeses if you’re feeling lazy one morning.

Breakfast costs £19 for adults, £16.50 for children.

There’s also a playground, on-site shop and bike hire, plus a boutique hotel if you want to splash out.

Water Find

Just 25 minutes’ drive away is L’Antrogne, a wild swimming spot popular with locals.

The river La Semois glistens in the sun, and after a pebble-skimming contest we paddle in the crystal-clear shallows, baby trout weaving around our legs.

The boys also delight in floating down the gentle rapids as dragonflies hover around them.

Another day, we hire top-of-the-range Bosch ebikes, £32 each per day, plus £13 for a kids’ trailer, to tackle the hilly terrain to Lake Neufchâteau.

Whizzing through the quaint village of Grandvoir and beautiful tree-lined tunnels is great fun, and we make it to the man-made reservoir in 40 minutes to find both a lido and sandy beach.

We jump into the water to cool off, as the boys eye up kayaks and pedal boats, from £7 for 30 minutes’ hire, before we picnic on cheese-filled croissants by the water’s edge.

Meanwhile, a worthy detour on our way back from bear-watching at Forestia proves to be Cascades de Coo, the highest natural waterfall in Belgium.

With a 15-metre drop down to the Amblève River, the thundering rapids are a must-see – but without doubt the kids’ favourite bit is Brasserie Au Vieux Moulin’s chocolate crêpes served with Nutella and fresh cream, £8.25, which we devour with a glorious view of the falls from the terrace (@Brasserieauvieuxmoulin).

Blast off

On our last day, a 25-minute drive transports us from our tranquil forest camp to the surface of Mars and the fascinating astronaut training camp at Euro Space Center.

We don orange spacesuits and test our minds and agility to see if we have what it takes to be astronauts.

As we are taken through computer logic tests, physical balance trials and even try on space pants to check whether we’d be able to correctly use a spaceship toilet, our family competitiveness is properly revealed.

Tickets cost from £30 for adults, £26 for children (Eurospacecenter.be).

We also get to wander through the Mars village to operate our very own rover, but the best bit is finding out what it feels like to walk on the moon and experiencing take-off in the space shuttle simulator.

The G force of the space rotor leaves our legs feeling pretty wobbly and, if I’m honest, I’m not sure any of us would cut it as real astronauts.

Still, the kids certainly think our trip across the channel was an out-of-this-world adventure.

Veurne rules

The medieval town of Veurne makes for an excellent pit stop when driving back to the UK, with its Flemish language and Dutch-style architecture reminiscent of Amsterdam.

Nestled between St Walburga and St Nicholas churches is De Soetasse Brasserie, where you can tuck into rich croque monsieurs, £8, and croûte aux champignons with a curry twist, £10.50 (@Desoetasse).

IT’S no secret that the UK is becoming a nation of outdoor swimmers – especially when the weather heats up.

Now, the AA has revealed the very best of Britain’s lidos and outdoor pools from across the country.

161 outdoor pools, lidos and tidal pools were ranked on factors like Google search popularity, review scores, social media engagement, local sunshine and temperature data for July.

Taking the number one spot was Brockwell Lido found in Herne Hill which earlier this year was saved from closure.

The lido which has an on-site gym and café received a score of 72.58 out of 100.

The AA said: “Taking the number one spot for another year, Brockwell Lido remains one of the country’s most beloved swimming destinations.

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“The iconic Art Deco pool, set within Brockwell Park, combines heritage charm with modern facilities and a lively atmosphere.

“Popular with families, fitness enthusiasts and sunseekers alike, it continues to stand out for its strong reviews, huge social media presence and year-round appeal.”

Coming in second place with a score of 67.18 is Stoney Cove in Leicestershire.

Rather than being your average outdoor swimming pool, Stoney Cove is a flooded quarry – it’s a popular spot for scuba diving and open-water swimming.

The AA added: “Stoney Cove has jumped from seventh place last year to second place and is one of Britain’s most distinctive outdoor swimming destinations.

“Best known as a world-class inland diving and watersports venue, the former quarry is spring-fed and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

“Its crystal-clear waters spanning 13 acres, excellent facilities and picturesque setting make it one of the UK‘s standout locations for adventurous swimmers.”

In third place was another London lido – Tooting Bec.

It’s the UK’s largest freshwater outdoor pool, lined by colourful changing rooms and it has a café and picnic area too.

Other London pools that made the list were London Fields Lido, Greenland Dock, Hampton Pool and Hampstead Mixed Pond.

Further south, two swim spots in Cornwall made the list – the Bude Sea Pool which is a semi-natural tidal pool and Jubilee Pool which is the largest seawater pool.

Swimming pools and lidos on the Channel Islands also made the top 20 – these are Havre des Pas Bathing Pool and La Vallette Bathing Pools.

Other popular spots included Sale Water Park in Greater Manchester, Tollesbury Woodup Pool in Essex and Lido Ponty in Wales.

Here’s the full list of the AA’s lovesliest lidos and pools…

1. Brockwell Lido, London – 72.58
2. Stoney Cove, Leicestershire – 67.18
3. Tooting Bec, London – 65.55
4. London Fields Lido – 64.77
5. Clevedon Marine Lake, Somerset – 64.61
6. Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall – 63.59
7. Sale Water Park, Greater Manchester – 62.70
8. Dancing Ledge, Dorset – 59.81
9. Greenland Dock, London – 57.66
10. Tollesbury Woodup Pool, Essex – 56.70
11. Hampton Pool, Greater London – 56.50
12. Havre des Pas Bathing Pool, Jersey – 56.15
13. Cheltenham Lido, Gloucestershire – 56.06
14. Hampstead Mixed Pond, London – 55.86
15. Viking Bay Tidal Pool, Kent – 55.61
16. Guildford Lido, Surrey – 55.60
17. Jubilee Pool, Cornwall – 55.45
18. La Vallette Bathing Pools, Guernsey – 54.73
19. Saltdean Lido, East Sussex – 54.49
20. Lido Ponty, Wales – 54.45

A UK city that is often overlooked and at the centre of brutal jokes could welcome back a beloved lido following concerns over open-water deaths amid the balmy heatwaves

A UK city that has often been ridiculed is planning to restore its mega lido after it was demolished almost 40 years ago.

For countless years, Hull has been the subject of mockery, partly due to its previous reputation as one of the ‘UK’s worst places to live’ and its sharp industrial decline in the fishing and shipping industries. Even those who have never visited the East Yorkshire city find themselves going along with the unfair narrative, despite its significant progress.

Today, the city, officially called Kingston upon Hull, boasts lively independent bars, restaurants, art galleries, and hidden gems dotted along the waterside, as well as the mega amphitheatre Stage@TheDock. It’s also home to one of the ‘UK’s best wildlife attractions’, The Deep, a colossal aquarium with more than 3,500 marine animals. It has ahistoric quarter, the Old Town, with cobbled lanes, medieval architecture and museums.

Proving just how far it’s come as a city, Hull was named as one of the ‘best places in the world to travel to in 2026’ by National Geographic, and was the only UK destination to make the acclaimed list. And there’s much more to come from the city, with proposed plans to welcome back its once thriving lido.

During the summer months, the open-air swimming pool in East Park, which opened in 1964, was a haven for locals looking for a refreshing dip. But after 24 years, the lido closed in 1985 and was demolished in 1988.

While East Park maintains a children’s water play area, an Animal Education Centre, the Pavilion Cafe, a boat house, play areas and an outdoor gym today, its former lido is still yearned for. Even more so now, in the hope of providing another safe, outdoor swimming environment after tragic events unfolded during the UK’s recent hot weather, which has seen at least 18 people die in open water.

Now, the local council in Hull has agreed to look into the prospect of restoring the former lido in East Park. According to the BBC, Councillor Jessica Smith said: “As the weather gets warmer, we see the same tragic stories repeated year after year. Open water is unforgiving; it doesn’t matter how confident you are, it doesn’t matter how fit you are.”

The proposal, put forward by Jessica during Drowning Prevention Week, has been supported by Councillor Kalvin Neal, who noted that it might need to be relocated. “Although it is something that could be looked at, potentially that isn’t the best place, it could be somewhere else that might be better,” he commented.

It would undoubtedly be a welcome addition back to Hull, with the city’s only council-run lido located at Albert Avenue Pools and Fitness. This outdoor heated swimming pool, which was opened in 2023 after a £10.5 million refurbishment, is available to use from May to September, and has proven to be a huge success in the city.

On swimming safety, Cllr Jessica previously commented: “As local councillors we have a duty to do our best to provide safe swimming facilities and adequate education to our young people,” as reported by Hull Live.

“In a city surrounded by water and home to many lakes, drains and other bodies of water, this is a crucial issue for our communities this summer.” Councillor George Grozav is seconding the proposal. “Every death in open water is a tragedy, and far too many of these incidents involve children and young people.”

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

The lido is a beloved outdoor swimming pool for families, and with its Mediterranean-inspired design and 300-metre lazy river, it’s reminiscent of a luxury hotel pool abroad

A lido that is often likened to pools found in Greece and across the Mediterranean has opened its doors for the summer season, just in time for the third expected heatwave to hit the UK.

The pool has been loved by local families ever since it first welcomed visitors in 1896, and nowadays draws tourists from far and wide too. It’s not difficult to understand why.

One glance at the lido, with its strikingly blue waters, splashpad and 300 metre-long lazy river, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were lounging at an overseas hotel pool.

Yet this dazzling blue pool is actually tucked away in Kent, just over an hour from London. The Strand Lido in Gillingham also holds the unique distinction of being the only riverside saltwater pool in the entire UK.

Fed directly from the River Medway, the water is filtered and chlorinated to ensure it’s perfectly safe for swimmers of all ages. The Lido Guide wrote about the Strand: “Nothing about the exterior gives away what lies within. What lies within is a riot of Mediterranean-resort-style colour and fun. Any children in the party will be completely unable to contain their excitement.

“The whole thing is a freeform riot of bright white painted concrete, edged in royal blue, that gives the treated river water that fills the pool a hue that is more reminiscent of Greece than Kent.”

There are six 25-metre long lanes for swimming, alongside a paddling pool for toddlers and enjoyable extras such as water fountains. As the pool is unheated, it operates on a seasonal basis only, and it reopened for 2026 on May 23.

The pool then opens at weekends until the school summer holidays, when it operates daily before closing at some point in September. Tickets must be booked online through the Medway Council website to secure your spot at this much-loved pool.

During opening days, the pool offers two sessions: the first from 10.30am to 1.30pm and the second from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. There’s also a free to use Splash Pad in the park that has the same opening hours as the lido.

Alongside the pool itself, the complex boasts sunbathing and relaxation areas, a café serving food — though you’re more than welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy it in one of the park’s shaded spots — as well as play areas. There are changing rooms, poolside showers and a shop stocking inflatables, though you can also bring your own rubber ring.

The Strand Leisure Park is also home to a miniature railway that operates seasonally, trundling around the park on sunny days, along with plenty of riverside walks to explore.

One glowing review read: “We travelled from Suffolk and booked the afternoon session. Stopped for some lunch on the way. Lovely day out. Pool has a lazy river, kids pool and adult pool, changing rooms, toilets, café. Lots of space to set up camp for the afternoon but not a lot of shade.”

Another visitor commented: “Very good few hours. Looks like we are on holiday. Lazy river all around the outside (take a rubber ring). “

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

THE UK is home to over 160 lidos and soon there will be more with a number of new pools set to open.

Following other new openings this year – including Canary Wharf Sea Lanes – here are the latest new spots to keep your eye on.

Valentines Park Lido, London

Years in the making, Valentines Park Lido will be in Valentines Park in Ilford, East London with a pool that stretches 25 metres and boast six lanes.

There will also be a spa pool, steam room, plunge pool and treatment rooms.

And kids won’t be left out either, as there will be a splash pad too.

After having fun in the pool, you can head to the onsite cafe for a bite to eat.

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The site will also be home to a gym, dance and exercise studio, meeting room and an outdoor picnic area ideal for soaking up the sunshine.

The lido was meant to open this summer, but this has been pushed back with no new opening date announced yet.

Holt Town, Manchester

As part of a project to transform Holt Town into a ‘woodland neighbourhood’, there will be a new lido.

It will be the first open-air pool in the city for 40 years and would be on Cyrus Street, which is currently an overgrown backroad.

The wider project will include rejuvenating 15 acres of green space and launching a new cultural hub.

No opening date has been announced yet.

Porthcawl, Wales

Porthcawl in Wales could be getting a new outdoor lido.

The lido would be at Salt Lake, opposite to the marina and would also feature a gym, a restaurant, a cafe and other facilities.

The lido would also be part of a wider project to add fairground rides to the area, as well as new shops, cafes and bars.

And if that wasn’t enough there will also be a site for motorhomes and touring caravans as well.

Other plans suggest that a splash pad could also eventually be built at the site, as well as mini golf and a skate park.

The site is set to start being built in 2027.

Swansea saltwater lido, Wales

Also in Wales, a saltwater lido is set for Swansea, at the redeveloped Civic Centre.

In fact, the entire waterfront area could be getting upgraded with a pier as well as the lido as part of a £20million project.

The saltwater lido will be a first for the city too, with other parts of the project include opening an aquarium, rooftop terrace and apartments.

No opening date has been announced yet.

(When it closed for upgrades, the kids on our street were so bereft that they set up a lemonade stand, hoping it would help expedite the pool’s reopening.)

The pool is open year-round, but it’s especially popular in the summer, when it offers recreational swimming, swim lessons starting at 6 months old, a junior lifeguard program, lap swimming and other sports.

There’s a fun activity pool for kids ages 4 and under, with waterslides, dumping water buckets, a play area and a shallow wading pool with a beach-style entry. Chaise longues, picnic tables with umbrellas, and multiple lifeguards give the public pool a resort feel.

On a recent Friday, the main Olympic-sized pool was busy with families, but there were still plenty of lanes open for lap swimming. I tried a Monday evening Aquatic NoodleFit class, where you use a pool noodle for low-impact resistance training while standing in the center of the pool. The instructor, Karen Eldridge, was warm and welcoming and gave clear instructions, even working up a sweat herself as we followed her moves on the pool deck. The workout was challenging and fun, but not overwhelming for students of all levels, body types and ages, thanks to the water’s support.

During the week, the activity pool is usually not crowded, but on weekends, staff closely monitor capacity as it can get busy. Burbank residents get priority and can buy presale wristbands online at BurbankParks.com from Monday to Friday between 9 and 10 a.m. If you can’t get into the activity pool, don’t worry. The recreational pool is a fun and easy backup option.

Size: 50 by 18 meters
Temperature: 80 to 82
Swim lanes: 7
Depth: 2.5 feet to 8 feet and a 12-foot diving well
Admission: Lap swimming, $5 to $9. Monthly membership, $41 to $96. Activity pool, $4. Water fitness classes are subscription-based and range from $99 to $110, depending on the class. (My Aquatic NoodleFit class costs $109 as a nonresident for an 11-class series).
Parking: Free.
Hours: Lap swimming, 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Recreational swimming, 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Extras: Activity pool, snack bar, vending machines.

A MUCH-LOVED lido is launching its summer season tomorrow, with the popular swimming site now set to open daily.

The venue boasts multiple water flumes and a diving board, with visitors hailing it as “a fab day out”.

Aldershot Lido in Hampshire is fully reopening for its summer season from tomorrow.

Having welcomed families throughout June, the venue now hopes to attract even more visitors with the summer holidays coming up.

From tomorrow, the lido will open daily between 10am to 6pm, continuing until August 31.

Aldershot Lido welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually to its outdoor pool, boasting a capacity of up to 3,000 swimmers.

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Opening in May 1930, Aldershot Lido was once reputed to be “the largest and finest open-air bathing pool in the country”, playing host to the London Olympics Games in 1948.

Spanning over nine acres, the site offers three water flumes and a diving board, alongside a toddler paddling pool and sandpit for the little ones.

For those wanting a workout, the facilities include a 75-metre pool with plenty of space for lane swimming, as well as a full-sized basketball court.

A wide range of food and drink vendors are on offer for refreshments, with lawn space surrounding the pool reserved for family picnics.

The lido’s popular Doggy Splash sessions will also return in September, giving local pups the chance to play in the outdoor pool before the end of the season.

Swimmers have raved about Aldershot Lido across the years, with one calling it a “fab day out”, and another saying it is “a lovely place for children”.

Karl Miles, Everyone Active regional contract manager, said: “The move to daily opening marks the start of our busiest and most exciting period of the year.

“Aldershot Lido offers a unique outdoor swimming experience and we are pleased to be providing residents and visitors with even more opportunities to enjoy everything the site has to offer this summer.”

Adults can enjoy the open air pool from just £12.50, with children’s tickets priced at £9.50 and those under three swimming for free.

Aldershot Lido will be open daily between 10am and 6pm from July 1 to August 31.

STEP into your own David Attenborough show on a dreamy family staycay.

From a gorgeous country estate on the England/Wales border, to seal-spotting and wild swimming while kipping in sleepy Harleston

Marrington Escapes, Shropshire

Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley and her gang found a gorgeous country estate brimming with nature on the England/Wales border.

A grazing pony, strutting pheasants and hopping hares are just a few of our neighbours on the glorious, family-owned Marrington Estate.

And we’ve spied them all before we even embark on an hour’s walk down through the stunning Dingle Valley, where the babbling River Camlad is home to crayfish, otters and kingfishers.

We’re kipping in one of the estate’s biggest properties, Marrington Farmhouse, which sleeps 10 under cloud-like duvets – although the dining room is better-suited to eight – and which comes with a kitchen proper cooks will love.

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A large hot tub, The Traitors board game complete with cloak, a verdant lawn and an apple orchard brimming with harvest make it an idyllic spot and, come evening, we toast marshmallows on the firepit and stargaze.

Our welcome hamper includes pistachio sablés from What A Pickle! in the county’s foodie capital Ludlow and a bottle of zingy Shropshire Lady white wine using Solaris grapes from Kerryvale Vineyard, 10 minutes’ drive away.

But with little ones in tow, we resist a vineyard tour and tasting, £25 per person (Kerryvalevineyard.co.uk), and instead take a trip across the border to Wales on board a steam train.

The nearby Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway trundles us through the rolling hills and, once we arrive in Llanfair, Poppy, seven, and Raffy, four, are thrilled when the friendly driver spots them looking on wide-eyed in awe and invites them into his cabin to pull the steam whistle.

Return tickets cost £27 per adult, £10 per child (Wllr.org.uk). We’re also close to several castles, from which we pick the striking 13th-century Powis Castle, a 20-minute drive away.

Its baroque terraces are a spectacular display of colour, and feasting on a cream tea, £7.50, among the blooms before a stroll through the woodlands is heavenly.

Adult tickets cost £18, over-fives are £9 (Nationaltrust.org.uk).

On our way back, we make a pitstop at The Nags Head Inn in Garthmyl for the Sunday roast of dreams, tucking into a delicate crab salad with watermelon and pineapple salsa, before tackling ginormous three-meat platters with all the trimmings in the lively dining space (Nagsheadgarthmyl.co.uk).

Two courses cost from £24.45, and we haven’t had a roast that good since!

Stays at Marrington Farmhouse, sleeping 10, cost from £30 per person, per night (Marringtonescapes.com).

Mendham Mill, Suffolk

Writer Ellie O’Mahoney and her family spotted seals and tried wild swimming while kipping in sleepy Harleston.

Paddling in canoes up the River Waveney, it feels like we are in the middle of a painting.

We’re staying at Mendham Mill Holiday Cottages on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, and canoes here are free to borrow, from which we spot newly hatched goslings, grazing cows and a hovering kestrel.

We’re bedding down in wheelchair-friendly North Meadow Cottage, which sleeps six, and our children, Elliot, 11, and Molly, nine, whoop for joy when they find the games room with table tennis and a pool table.

Later, we take a bracing swim in the river at the bottom of the garden, then warm up under the outdoor shower.

Norfolk is famous for its seal colonies, so we make the hour’s drive to one of the UK’s largest, Horsey Gap, to spot them (Horseygap.co.uk).

Close by is wooden marvel BeWILDerwood, where the kids burn off their energy exploring the treehouses, zip wires, mazes and slides.

Tickets cost from £20.95 for those over 92cm (Bewilderwood.co.uk).
Another day, Framlingham Castle, inspo for Ed Sheeran’s Castle On The Hill, proves the perfect spot for playing warring knights.

Entry costs from £8.10 (English-heritage.org.uk).

Later, we get a Michelin-recommended taste of old-school Suffolk at The Peacock Inn in Chelsworth, a 14th-century Grade-II-listed pub in the prettiest of villages.

Battered haddock with koji tartar sauce, £18, is standout, while the mousse, £11, made with 85% chocolate from local chocolatier Pump Street is to die for (Thepeacockchelsworth.com).

Stays at Mendham Mill Holiday Cottages, sleeping six, cost from £35 per person, per night (Premiercottages.co.uk).

 OR GO REALLY WILD…

The Reserve, Cheshire

Wake up to giraffes as campmates at Chester Zoo, says Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley.

Stuffing play balls with lucerne hay, my kids are thoroughly enjoying preparing teatime treats for giraffes with zookeeper Sophie, while learning about their surprisingly small poos and why their long tongues are black (to protect them from the sun, FYI).

The excitement continues when later we join an after-hours tour to catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals waking, including aardvarks, and learn about the incredible cancer-fighting superpower of naked mole rats.

By sleeping over, guests are helping the conservation efforts here and The Reserve’s reception, restaurant and bar ooze sophistication.

Welcome cocktails of sapling vodka, lime and honey – and juices for the kids – are quickly slurped, and the 51 lodges are swishly furnished, although our lakeside pad is without much of an actual lake view and comes with the buzz of traffic that leaves us feeling very much still in England when on our veranda.

Pricier lodges overlook the giraffe enclosure and, on our stroll to the plentiful breakfast, we spot the majestic creatures through gaps in the foliage.

As well as exclusive animal tours and fireside stories in the lounge, overnight guests also get to step into the zoo early, and it is undoubtedly one of the UK’s best – home to more than 500 species, including orangutans, elephants, leopards and lions.

All in all, our little ones think this is a roar-some mini-break.

Family stays for four at The Reserve cost from £306 B&B, including two-day zoo access (Chesterzoo.org).

A POPULAR swimming spot is set to undergo a major transformation this summer- just three months after being saved from closure.

The historic Art Deco venue will receive a 6-figure makeover.

Brockwell Lido, in south London, is set to undergo a £250,000 renovation following Lambeth Council’s take-over of the pool’s management from July 1.

Previously overseen by Fusion Lifestyle for more than 13 years, the leisure charity entered into administration on April 1 this year.

Now, through its in-house leisure services – Active Lambeth – the council will overhaul the current sports facilities, bringing in new fitness equipment, strength training areas and flooring to the site.

As a result, the gym will be closed from the start of the month, with works set to be completed within two weeks.

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The 89-year-old lido will also receive improvements, including new pool lane ropes, with swimming facilities expected to remain open throughout the upgrade.

Councillor Natalie Kane, the deputy leader and cabinet member for inclusion, democracy and culture, said: “Brockwell Lido is a vital community asset and we’re proud to be bringing it back in-house, as part of the Active Lambeth family.

“This is an iconic building that is cherished by the people who use it. We’re excited to be investing in the Lido so visitors have modern facilities that support health and wellbeing for everyone.”

Lambeth Council’s take-over aims to introduce a “more connected leisure offer for residents”, with new technology and greater benefits for members.

Following the transition, existing memberships will automatically transfer over to Active Lambeth’s site with no action required from members.

Designed in the Art Deco style, the popular south London spot originally opened in 1937 and was even crowned the ‘Best Lido in Britain’ last year.

Flat fields of poppies and ox-eye daisies stretch out to a wide horizon. There are butterflies, vetches, salad burnet. Skylarks sing overhead and a cuckoo calls from the trees near the river. Legend has it that the poet Lord Byron swam here as a Cambridge undergraduate and, 20 years later, Charles Darwin surveyed its beetles. Heading through flowering meadows towards a nature reserve known as Byron’s Pool, I’ve walked a mile from the new £250m Cambridge South station.

Opening to passengers on 28 June, Cambridge South will be the first Great British Railways-branded station. The towering Biomedical Campus next door is Europe’s biggest medical research facility, with about 40,000 visitors a day. The station itself, with its 1,000 cycle-parking spaces, living roof and solar panels, feels like a model for sustainable transport.

Like other scenic medieval cities, Cambridge itself suffers from congestion. Its cobbled alleys are crowded with tourists, its roads gridlocked with cars. But you can reach some wild and peaceful corners without adding to the traffic. There are layers of human and natural history, a newly devised art trail, bat safaris by punt and a peaceful botanic garden near the busy central station.

Cambridge has been my nearest city for the last 15 years. With lots of buses and now three stations, it’s easy to get around without a car. I’ve spent countless days exploring, and published guides to the long-distance Harcamlow Way, a 140-mile (227km) figure-of-eight walking route that loops between Cambridge and Harlow. The best rural bus routes include the busway from Cambridge North station (opened in 2017) to Fen Drayton lakes and bus 1 to Fulbourn for orchid-rich fens and chalk-flowered Saxon Fleam Dyke.

Walking and cycle paths head out in all directions from the new station at Cambridge South, and I am following one of these to Trumpington, stopping for bao buns and peach oolong tea at the Dao cafe. In the village church, I find one of England’s oldest brass monuments. Sir Roger de Trumpington, who died in 1289, is lying in prayer and full chain mail, with a little lion-clawed dog biting his broadsword. Just south of the church, archaeologists unearthed the grave of a young Anglo-Saxon woman, with a delicate gold-and-garnet cross on her chest.

Heading north through Grantchester Meadows, I have a dip in the reedy River Cam, keeping my head above the willow-shaded water. Sun glints off ripples as I swim past waterlilies, moorhens and straggling blue forget-me-nots. Walking on towards the city through Paradise nature reserve, there are birds everywhere: a cetti’s warbler sings loudly from a reedbed and a song thrush from a waterside alder. A mother duck quacks warnings from a nest-topped tree stump as ducklings paddle underneath.

Twenty minutes further on, Cambridge University Botanic Garden (adults from £8.60, children free) is at its fragrant best. Bees are buzzing through sage, lemon balm and lavender in the scented garden; roses sprawl above foxgloves and cranesbill. There are benches in the cow parsley under walnut and cherry trees, where I sit and listen to blackcaps and chiffchaffs. I detour five minutes up the road to buy a slice of apricot tart from Maison Clement bakery and eat it on the train home.

In the last decade or so, several hotels have (re)opened near the central station, from the right-next-door Ibis (doubles from about £80) to the fancy University Arms (from about £175), where Parker’s Tavern brasserie can pack you a gourmet picnic hamper (£45pp) with 24 hours’ notice. Nearby, one of the city’s newest offerings, Hobson by Adina, has studios from about £125.

The next day, I catch bus 13 three stops to the iron age hill fort at Wandlebury, stroll round its wooded ramparts and past flax-blue meadows, sweet with wild marjoram. The grassy track of an old Roman road runs through shady beeches and pink dog roses.

Heading back into the city, I time-travel to Victorian Cambridge, when designers such as William Morris commissioned master painter FR Leach to decorate halls and churches. I thought I’d visited nearly all the city’s 30-odd museums and galleries, but until recently I hadn’t even heard of David Parr House, which is 10 minutes’ stroll from the main station. Parr was a working-class artist, employed by Leach to paint flowers, fruit, foliage and ornate text for Arts and Crafts designers across the country. By 1886, he had saved enough to buy a terrace house on Gwydir Street, which he decorated in the style of the interiors he worked on every day. A visit to the cosy house (from £15) reveals decades of hand-painted decoration and illuminates the city’s social history.

The house is just off Mill Road, now one of Cambridge’s foodie meccas, lined with indie eateries serving noodles, souvlaki, bibimbap, bamya stew or exceptional plant-based tasting menus. Once a rough track to a windmill, Mill Road expanded with the railway into closely packed terraces. Parr’s house stands opposite an old redbrick brewery, now a stylish coffee shop. The house recently produced a new FR Leach walking map, which takes me to All Saints’ church on Jesus Lane, with its red, gold and green decor, and the Michaelhouse Cafe in a converted church, where Leach paintings can even be found in the loo. Down the road, Great St Mary’s has a 360-degree view from the tower (adults £7.50).

After a cone of tangy blackcurrant ice-cream at Jack’s Gelato, I wander down the road to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (free) to see the jewelled Trumpington cross of that young Anglo-Saxon woman, alongside a gallery of Cambridge finds, from stone-age axes to eel-catching prongs. Over the road in the Museum of Zoology (also free), I pass through sea stars and rock pythons to find Darwin’s box of neatly labelled beetles.

As the museum closes, it’s time for supper at Jordanian Little Petra: crisp-and-creamy aubergine fatteh, topped with a jewel-like layer of nuts, parsley and pomegranate seeds, and Bedouin tea, brewed with fresh mint and sage. Finally, heading to the river, swifts are whirling and screaming as the sun sinks behind the colleges.

Iain Webb, community conservation officer at the local wildlife trust, dreamed up the bat safari 15 years ago and regularly guides punts full of nature-lovers along the Cam towards Grantchester on summer evenings (£71 for two). “We need nature more than nature needs us,” says Webb. Despite all the pressures on the Cambridgeshire countryside, it’s a rich, idyllic scene.

A kingfisher flashes past, herons fly overhead with huge, slow wingbeats, and the banks are gold with carpets of buttercups. Daubenton’s bats skim low over the water, while pipistrelles swoop between dark willow branches, flickering in and out of visibility, like creatures from some parallel dimension. A few stars are coming out, the darkling air is full of birdsong, and tawny owlets are calling from a nest among the trees.

Transport was provided by Greater Anglia. Find more info at Visit Cambridge

UNLIKE other English lidos, this is one you would completely miss if it you didn’t know it was there.

Burford Bridge Lido is tucked away in the grounds of the Sunday Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel just outside of Dorking.

The peaceful spot is so idyllic that some visitors have said being there makes them feel like they’re “on holiday”.

Stretching 20 metres long, it is heated between 28C-32C.

Between May and September, the pool is open seven days a week to the public who can book morning, afternoon or evening sessions.

Surrounding the lido are plenty of sun loungers, parasols and towel hire which swimmers can take advantage of.

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You can get food and drink there too which is served up from the hotel restaurant.

On offer there are pizzas, salads and burgers, there’s also a children’s menu as well as soft and alcoholic drinks.

As the lido is found on the site of the Sunday Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel, guests get access to the lido included in their stay.

And over the years, it has been one of the prime selling-points of the hotel.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “The gardens are a delight, particularly the heated outdoor swimming pool. That was the icing on the cake!”

Another said: “I love outdoor swimming so the amazing 27’ temperature beautiful pool below Box Hill with fab facilities and lifeguards was a treat!”

A third commented: “An unexpected gem of a hotel in an idyllic location (despite the roundabout location!) with a glorious outdoor lido, perfect for poolside lounging and exploring green Box Hill on a hot bank holiday weekend.”

Sun Travel found rooms that start from £64 per night (or £32 each).

Day pass tickets for those not staying at the hotel vary in price depending on the time.

Early bird swims (between 7-11am) start from £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children.

Mid-day swims (between 11am-3pm) and afternoon swims (3-7pm) start from £20 for adults and £10 for children.

A full day pass starts from £35 for adults and £17.50 for children with a family pass starting from £85.

For those driving, the lido has free parking for up to four hours for those with a day pass.

The outdoor pool is seasonal and will be open this summer until September 27.

A HUGE new lido has opened in the UK with saunas and a wellness space.

Found at Canary Wharf’s Eden Dock in London, Sea Lanes is a new ‘floating’ lido.

The 50-metre long and 1.3-metre deep pool is a year- round attraction and has two saunas.

In total there are six lanes for swimming.

Sea Lanes has dubbed it the city’s “leading destination for open water swimming,health and wellbeing”.

Next to the lido, visitors will also find a clubhouse, where wellness events are hosted.

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The first at the clubhouse is on June 25 and features an Open Water Masterclass with Olympian Katy Sexton.

There’s a spot to grab a bite to eat by the pool as well with breakfast dishes including mushroom and avocado flatbread (£11) and build-your-own-lunch bowls from £11.

The pool will be open from 6am to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 7am to 7pm at the weekends.

Make sure to check the website before you visit as well, for the latest details about the weather and water temp.

With this weekend’s weather expected to hit highs of 30C, the current 16.4C water makes for a refreshing dip.

There are a number of different memberships available including the Swim and Sauna membership, which gives unlimited access to the pool and saunas all year round.

It costs £90 per month.

Alternatively, visitors can pay-per-swim, which will cost £10 for a swim session, £10 for a sauna session or £18 for both.

If visitors want to rent a wetsuit, they can do so at a small store too.

The first visitor at the pool today said: “First one in the water on opening day.

“What a fantastic facility in the middle of Canary Wharf!

“The pool was the perfect temperature for swimming without wetsuit.

“The changing facilities were bright and clean with lovely hot showers, hairdryers and lockers.

“Love the two saunas with whole wall picture windows facing the pool.

“From the chats with other swimmers, I can picture a wonderful community developing here.”

With another heatwave on the way, which could see temperatures hit 30C, Brits can find their nearest outdoor pool or lido using our interactive map

While the weather is looking pretty damp and miserable across the UK right now, the Met Office has predicted a return to summer very soon.

By the end of this week, it’s forecast that parts of the country will be seeing 30C temperatures again, and the UK is set to be hotter than Ibiza on Father’s Day. So, you might be wondering where you can go to enjoy a cooling dip in a safe environment, and luckily, there are lots of incredible outdoor pools and lidos that’ll give you holiday vibes right on your doorstep.

Our interactive map, based on data from the swimming enthusiasts from allthelidos.co.uk, shows a huge variety of places where you can get some lane swimming in, or just go for a splash around with the kids.

Before you set off, make sure you check the official website of the pool facility you’re visiting. While most outdoor pools are now open for the summer, some have reduced opening hours until the peak times of July and August.

Included on the map are lidos such as the Sea Lanes in Brighton, an outdoor pool opened in 2023 which offers views of the seaside town’s shingle beaches while you swim. The complex also includes a wellness hub and a selection of food and drink outlets.

If you’re in the south east, an option that’ll make you feel like you’re on holiday is the Strand Lido in Gillingham, Kent. It has drawn comparisons with pools in the Mediterranean thanks to its bright white colour scheme and fun waterslides.

Over in Cornwall, the Jubilee Pool in Penzance makes for an unforgettable swim. This classic Art Deco-style lido first opened in 1935, and it’s the UK’s largest seawater pool. Naturally heated by the ocean, it’s usually a couple of degrees warmer than taking a dip on the beach, and there’s also a Geothermal Pool that can reach 28 to 30C.

Inverclyde Leisure Gourock Outdoor Pool has the distinction of being Scotland’s oldest outdoor heated pool, and indie music fans may recognise it from the cover of Blur’s 2023 album The Ballad of Darren. The pool uses heated water from the Firth of Clyde, which is filtered and kept at a temperature of around 29C. The facility also has a kids’ pool and gym.

Many UK lidos have fallen into disrepair in the past few years, only to be brought back to life with investments from local councils that have turned them into major community hubs.

One such success story is Hilsea Lido near Portsmouth, which closed its doors to swimmers in 2022 before getting a £7.75 million renovation. In addition to its pool., the centre built a new sauna for post-swim sessions, new changing rooms and toilets, plus an ice cream parlour and food van. The pool’s operator told the BBC: “We want it to feel like a holiday at home for the local community.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

THE UK isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of beautiful beaches or interesting sea creatures.

But Emma and Gordon Taylor who have travelled all over the world diving and snorkelling say that actually, Britain’s waters are some of the very best.

The couple along with their two children have travelled across Britain from the very tip of Scotland all the way down to the Isles of Scilly exploring its beaches and seas for their book Snorkelling Britain.

Talking to Sun Travel, Gordon said: “I don’t particularly aspire to diving anywhere other than Britain – there’s so much to see.

“You’ve all the shipwrecks, all the marine life, it’s as good as anywhere else in the world.”

Here are some of their favourite finds along the way…

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There are plenty of pretty bays and beaches across the country – the UK is even home to two of the best in the world.

But one place in particular took top spot for them. Emma explained: “I was amazed by East Yorkshire – we were blown away.

“We went to Thornwick Bay, it was a beautiful day and it looked like the Mediterranean, it was amazing.

“If you have told me that our trip to the North East of England was going to feel like the Med, I would not have believed you.”

She then revealed her second favourite spot: “It’s the Scillies, which I know is a bit of a cliche, but it’s quiet and the bright white sand is really lovely.

“You can do lots on the beach too, hire snorkel kit and paddle boards so you can go out on a proper adventure.”

Gordon said that there’s a misconception that you’ll find the best beaches, particularly for snorkelling, in the south.

He was impressed by Scotland, particularly in the north west which is known for its spectacular white sand beaches like Achmelvich Bay.

Gordon also added that he was pleasantly surprised by Sheringham in Norfolk.

He said: “That’s where you’ll find the longest chalk reef in the world. It’s just a couple of hundred metres from the shore so you can actually swim out to it.”

Emma continued to say one of her favourite beaches is Kimmeridge Bay on the Jurassic Coast which is backed by high cliffs with fossils, and has lots of rockpools to explore.

It even has an organised snorkelling trail for those who want the best chance of seeing something special.

There are thousands of shipwrecks in British waters, but where should you go if you’re keen to see some of the most impressive.

Immediately, Emma recommends Orkney in Scotland which is made up of 70 islands.

Emma explained: “There’s a body of water there called Scapa Flow where between the islands they sunk a lot of ships so submarines couldn’t get in. So essentially all the gaps are full of shipwrecks.

“One in particular is called the Juniata which is on Inganess Bay and it’s fully intact. It’s not far out so you can walk to it and then swim around it.”

There has been a surge in popularity for wild swimming along with the use of outdoor pools, lidos and tidal pools.

Some of the most popular are Walpole Bay in Kent, Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall and Dancing Ledge in Dorset.

When the tide goes out, the seawater remains in the rocks making it one of the safest places to swim and paddle rather than out in the ocean.

It’s not just for paddling either, when it comes to snorkelling, Emma has spotted some rare marine life.

She told us: “I was at Priests Cove in Penzance with my daughter and we saw a Conger Eel, a sea scorpion – which don’t sting, prawns and anemones.

“All of this was in the tidal pool which was like the side of a toddler’s paddling pool.

“I’d really recommend tidal pools for beginner snorkellers – there are no tides so it’s safe and they’re usually very shallow so any problems and you can just stand-up.”

The UK isn’t the Maldives, so you won’t be seeing tropical fish or sea turtles.

But you might be surprised at just how much you can see in Britain’s waters.

Emma told us: “We regularly see seals, but it’s always on their terms and we don’t go looking for them.

“If a seal wants to play they’ll just come up to you and start chewing on your fins.

“I was followed by a seal when I was in Porthkerris and I’ve seen a lot in Wales too.”

In Rôskilly, Gordon even saw an octopus swimming in the open and you’re more likely to see them in Britain’s waters now then ever before.

Gordon explained: “I’d never seen an octopus in the wild before last year. But in the southwest of the UK, there’s been a big influx.

“We think it’s because of the environmental conditions – they’ve been seen in Ireland and Scotland as well.”

It’s not all about the big creatures either, there are plenty of tiny ones to see too.

Gordon explained: “Seagrass is a really important habitat for lots of creatures.

“It’s a type of grass that lives underwater and it’s almost like a nursery.”

Emma added: “If you find a seagrass meadow you’re likely to see small fry which are like baby fish.

“There are sea slugs which aren’t like normal slugs, they’re beautiful and usually bright orange, or purple and really cute.

The pair revealed that one of the best places for seagrass is Rhoscolyn Bay in Anglesey, St Mawes in Cornwall and Porth Dinllaen in Wales.

Emma added: “I’ve seen a seahorse while snorkelling which was amazing.

“They’re heavily protected though so you can’t go looking for them, but it just popped out in front of us.

“We had a quick look at it and we then carefully moved away to leave it in peace – that’s the beautiful thing about marine life. You just don’t know what you’re going to see.”

If you want to find out more about snorkelling in Britain’s waters and where to go from Emma and Gordon, take a look at their book Snorkelling Britain.

And you can find out more details about taking to the seas including a snorkelling map on their website.

Be in the know when it comes to swim safety and snorkelling…

Emma and Gordon say definitely don’t scrimp on safety if you’re snorkelling out at sea and considered guided sessions…

A TOWN in Hertfordshire that has been compared to southern France has just had an upgrade to its lido.

The outdoor pool in Hitchin has reopened for the summer season with some new upgrades.

The 50 metre heated lido on the outskirts of the town first opened in 1938 and reopened on 23 May this year for the swim season.

It has an art deco design and is surrounded by sunbathing terraces; there’s also a lawned area for picnicking.

Prior to it reopening for this year’s summer season, Hitchin Lido had upgrades to its changing rooms including new cubicles, lockers, sinks, tile flooring and mirrors.

The funding was given to the lido from a former swimmer, Hazel Jacobs, who left money in her will after passing away two years ago.

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Paul Francis, general manager at Hitchin Lido, said: “We are truly grateful to Hazel for this wonderful gift to the Lido.

“The refurbishment has transformed the facilities for our visitors, with new lockers, improved changing rooms and a much fresher environment for everyone to enjoy.”

It’s recommended to book tickets in advance to the lido as it can get very busy during the summer.

Tickets for adults start from £5.80 and children from £2.90.

The Hertfordshire town has been compared to the south of France in recent years thanks to its European-style attraction that’s been called “Little Provence” by visitors.

Hitchin Lavender is just outside of the town and is a pretty lavender field that one visitor said “feels like France rather then Hitchin!”

This year, Hitchin Lavender opens on June 20 and closes on August 7.

Tickets can be booked online from £7.53.

If you visit the main town, you’ll find Hitchin has cobbled streets and is filled with coffee shops.

And while it doesn’t feel like Provence, Travel Reporter Alice Penwill did compare it to another destination.

She said: “When it comes to looking like France, I’d say the market square is one of the only parts that does, however it reminds me more of a town in somewhere northern like Normandy, rather than the south.

“There were food and drink vans pitched up on the sides with a few seats dotted around, a large clock and a corn exchange building with a cupola and weather vane – which I have seen in France.”

She added: “Another hint of France was the tall houses and bars with the classic-looking wooden timber beams and window frames (although this trait is arguably both French and English).

“There are at least five bakeries though, which I’ll grant the TikTokers is a key factor in all French towns.”

Hitchin is known for its bustling food and drink scene from Hermitage, which is a restaurant, cocktail bar, bagel shop, and oyster bar all under one roof.

When it comes to pubs, the Kite at The Red Hart is a popular stop, as is The George and the Wetherspoons called The Angel Vaults Inn.

THE premise was sound, I still insist. Whisking sociable teens Reggie and Stanley away from distractions in the run-up to their A-levels and GCSEs for a week of intense relaxation and revision.

And so we headed to Tui’s Magic Life Jacaranda beach-front complex in Antalya, the jewel of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

I realised my “no distractions” argument was a mistake as soon as the boys’ jaws dropped when we rolled up outside the stunning, marble-floored hotel and glimpsed our new home for the week.

We might as well have checked into Alton Towers, or Chessington World of Adventures.

Only those popular family theme parks don’t boast 5H opulence, eight swimming pools, a thrilling aqua park, sandy beach, huge buffet diner and six à la carte restaurants.

And for sports-mad youngsters, the complex — the size of 18 football pitches — boasts a gobsmacking array of facilities which makes it feel like you’re living in an Olympic Village.

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From tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, badminton and table tennis, to football, archery, darts and cycling, there’s something for everyone.

The hotel puts on daily group sessions and courses, with expert coaches on hand if guests want to pay for extra tuition.

There’s also canoeing or windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water-skiing or wakeboarding off the “Turquoise Coast”, aptly named for its stunning blue waters.

A well-equipped gym is open for more than 12 hours a day — a dream for an 18-year-old and 15-year-old needing to let off steam between hitting the books.

There’s a big indoor pool and spa offering treatments, while classes can also be booked for zumba, Pilates, yoga, aqua aerobics, spin cycling, shuffleboard and trampolining.

And dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs leave parents free to soak up the sun.

With the boys finding a window between the fun activities to do some revision, I tried out the “abs-blast workout”.

Despite the language barrier between the different nationalities, we were united in grunting and groaning as we were put through our paces in an outdoor fitness hut overlooking the sea.

Meanwhile, the Nordic walking class had a dozen intrepid guests gripping poles and striding off down the beach for a 45-minute cardio-busting thrashing.

Teenagers love their food — and with so many activities going on it’s easy to work up an appetite.

The main buffet was a dream for Reggie and Stan, with chefs rotating special cuisine nights including Turkish, Italian or Tex-Mex.

The fresh salads were incredible and cooks prepared pasta, grilled meats and flatbreads while we waited, mouths salivating.

With breakfast from 7am till 11am, lunch from 12.30 till 4pm, and dinner stretching from 6.30pm till 9pm, it’s hard to imagine ever feeling hungry.

But a coffee house, beach and pool bars offer snacks all day, and the dedicated Wunderbar opens 24 hours, providing drinks and food to insomniac guests.

It’s tempting not to leave the complex. But for guests choosing a break from the idyllic swimming pools, there are day trips offering a chance to learn some of Turkey’s incredible history.

I chose a half-day trip to the nearby ancient port city of Side and its 1,400-year-old ruins.

There’s a huge Roman amphitheatre which used to seat 20,000 locals cheering on gladiators, while the 2nd-century seafront shrines, the Temples of Apollo and Athena, were simply awesome.

Strolling through the modern-day Side, stopping to browse the bazaars selling sizzling kebabs and chunks of delicious Turkish Delight, we stepped on glass walkways, revealing the ancient Roman streets below.

Back at the hotel, the rooms are airy, bright and comfortable.

The vast, five-floor main building offers beds close to the buffet and gym, and glorious views across the sprawling complex.

Smaller, quieter rooms are available, spread throughout the gardens and closer to the gorgeous beach.

Some lucky guests can even opt for “swim-up” apartments, with a balcony stepping into one of the many shared pools.

The staff are friendly and happy to help.

A huge amphitheatre hosts professional shows at night, as well as movie nights and live music.

There are also themed parties and discos on site, and an indoor nightclub for guests wanting to boogie into the early hours.

Magic Life Jacaranda offers a classic “something for everyone” heavenly holiday — even for youngsters preparing for exams.

What the boys missed out on study hours, they more than made up for in memories that will last a lifetime.

Like most guests who have been lucky enough to experience this perfect holiday destination in southern Turkey — boasting blazing sun for more than 300 days a year — we’ll be returning as soon as possible.

IF you fancy visiting to Lake Como but can’t face the long airport queues, how about going in the opposite direction?

In the Finger Lakes region of New York State is the quiet village of Hammondsport – and it has been compared to the famous Italian lake.

Both lakes are a Y-shape, but Keuka Lake is smaller than its Italian alternate – it’s just under 20 miles long with over 60 miles of shoreline.

Meanwhile, Lake Como has a maximum length of 29 miles; however, the shoreline length is a whopping 105 miles.

Keuka Lake is much shallower too at 187 feet at its deepest, while Lake Como has a maximum depth of 1,394 feet.

You can swim in both, as well, but Keuka Lake is considered one of the cleanest and warmest of the Finger Lakes too so it’s ideal if you want to take a dip.

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It might even be a better option as visitors can swim in Lake Como, but the water quality differs depending on where you enter the water.

Keuka Lake is surrounded by vineyards, much like Italy and is so pretty that one visitor called it “one of the most beautiful lakes in upstate New York“.

The Finger Lakes itself has around 140 wineries, and near Keuka Lake there’s Bully Hill Vineyards, Heron Hill Winery and Divided Sky Vineyard.

For those who really want to learn more about the wine scene, there’s even a dedicated Keuka Lake Wine Trail.

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If you head to the official website, you can pay $45 (£33) and redeem tasting flights at six of the included wineries.

At the very south of Keuka Lake is the small and charming village of Hammondsport.

There’s not too much see with it being a village, but visitors have raved about Verns Bakery, Burgers & Beers, Park Inn restaurant, Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company which is also a 50s-style diner.

A 30-minute drive down the road is Watkins Glen, a charming ‘Hallmark-like’ village.

It’s home to the ­Watkins Glen International track, where ­Formula 1 raced for 20 consecutive years from 1961 to 1980 before Nascar took over.

Head to Depot Park for views across the water – and this is the spot if you want to hire out your own boat.

With multiple boats, you can hire them out for the day from $535 (£398) – split between eight (which is the maximum passengers), that’s just under £50per person.

If you want to stay in Hammondsport, check out Park Inn which has just five suites above its restaurant.

Rates start from $150 (£111) per night (with a two-night minimum stay).

Or there’s the Vine Inn & Carriage Houses which is described as a ‘serene retreat’ and is a 10-minute walk from the lake.

If the heat of Italy during the summer is what you’re afraid of missing out on, then rest assured, it will still be just as hot.

In the summertime, the Finger Lakes region can reach temperatures of 28C with it cooling down in the following months.

IF you’ve ever fancied trying a luxury sleeper train but can’t justify the price, how about staying overnight in a revamped train carriage instead?

At Brockford Railways Sidings, guests can choose between five disused train carriages that slightly differ from each other.

The first is Railway Carriage One, which has a living room, kitchen area and two bedrooms.

In Railway Carriage Two – which is a little bigger – guests will find two bedrooms as well as a further sofa bed and an open plan living area with an adjoining kitchen.

The third carriage is The Guard’s Van, which has two bedrooms, a living room, dining rooms and kitchen area.

The fourth option is staying in The Italian Carriage, which sleeps up to four people and boasts open plan seating in the centre of the carriage, as well as an outdoor patio.

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And last but not least is Wilby Halt, which is described as a “quirky and unusual property is split over two restored railway carriages”.

The carriages are linked by a railway platform, with one carriage being home to the living space and kitchen and the other carriage being home to two bedrooms.

All of the train carriages have views across the surrounding countryside.

Around the carriages, guests will find a children’s play area which is shared with other carriages also at the site.

And if you fancy a dip, there’s an indoor glasshouse with a swimming pool, sauna and hot tub.

If you have a bigger group, you can even book out all of the carriages for up to 29 people, as well as the Station House, which sleeps up to six people.

Seven nights in one of the carriages costs from £469.

One recent visitor said: “Peaceful location and quirky accommodation with everything you needed.

“Good pubs near by for food, use of swimming pool a bonus.”

Another added: “We were welcomed with tea and cake and found the guards van to be very cosy and comfortable.

“We loved the quirkiness of it and the surrounding carriages.”

Surrounding the carriages, guests can venture down country lanes ideal for walks or cycle rides.

The closest village is Mendlesham, about 1.5miles away, where guests can find the Kings Head Inn Mendlesham, described as a “nice friendly village pub”.

Attached to the pub is also a post office and elsewhere in the village you can find a fish and chip shop.

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From the village it is also a short walk to the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum, dubbed by locals as ‘The Middy’.

The museum is Suffolk‘s only standard gauge heritage railway and from the museum, visitors can often hop on steam railway ride in vintage carriages.

And for adults there’s The Kitchener Arms, which is a ale bar that sits inside a converted railway carriage.

If you don’t fancy an alcoholic beverage, then you can visit the Tea Room and Gift Shop for some freshly baked goods instead.

The museum costs £15 per adult and £8 per child to visit (and that includes unlimited steam train rides).