Theme Parks

Mirapolis was created to rival Disneyland Paris when it opened in 1987, but within four years, the ambitious project became one of the country’s most infamous failures as it now lies abandoned

Once heralded as France’s answer to Disneyland Paris, designed to bring French literature to life, Mirapolis now stands as a ghostly and desolate landmark.

Initially celebrated as “France’s first large amusement park,” the site is now eerily deserted. Strategically located less than an hour from Disneyland Paris, Mirapolis opened its doors in 1987 with high hopes of immersing visitors in the wonders of French literary classics.

However, the lofty dreams were short-lived, as within a mere four years, this bold venture turned into one of France’s most notorious flops.

Created by architect Anne Fourcade, Mirapolis was intended as a cultural foil to Disneyland, marrying historical literature with thrill-seeking. Backed financially by Saudi businessman Ghaith Pharaon, the whopping construction cost was $600 million – a figure that would translate to around £1.3 billion today considering inflation, the Express reports.

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Even Jacques Chirac, then Prime Minister of France, graced the park’s opening and kicked off the excitement surrounding its 29 attractions. According to AD magazine, the new amusement park had high hopes of welcoming as many as 600,000 tourists a year.

Yet despite the buzz, problems loomed from day one – relentless rainfall marred its debut season, leading to frequent closures of its open-air rides.

Mirapolis did find a silver lining in its theatre, which hosted a popular children’s musical with grand puppetry, but insufficient foot traffic persisted. Seemingly lacklustre market research and overzealous financial predictions meant that the park was destined for closure, sealing its fate in 1991 without ever turning a profit.

It is said to have been sensationally labelled one of the biggest financial failures in France.

By 1993, the demolition process had started, with most of its structures being removed or sold off. The park’s iconic centrepiece, a towering statue of Gargantua from French folklore, stood firm against dismantling until 1995, when its head was finally destroyed with dynamite.

Nowadays, all that’s left of Mirapolis is some entrance fences, pathways leading to former attractions and a park featuring a small lake. Over time, various plans to breathe new life into the site have been proposed and then abandoned.

Many residents of France still remember the amusement park today, with various comments emerging on X, formerly Twitter, over the years. One former visitor wrote: “This is the France we love”, while a second added: “With Gargantua as the figurehead. I went there once with my school. It was pretty awesome. And the ruins remained for years.”

A third noted: “I remember this park offering wins on TV shows like The Price Is Right and others. It was a dream come true…” Another penned: “Apparently the characters scared children and that’s understandable.”

In response, someone added: “It was awesome, I went mainly for the ‘gravitron.’ I don’t remember being scared of the characters, but they probably terrified others.”

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While the secret island doesn’t show up on maps, hundred of adventurous Brits escape there every summer where connections are anything but conventional

“You’re on an island where anything goes, but it feels incredibly safe nothing happens without consent. It’s like Disneyland for swingers” – so says one of the holidaymakers to the so-called ‘Spicy Island’, where Brits indulge in their wildest fantasies.

Amanda Leigh, a 38-year-old dancer, found unexpected freedom in a hidden swingers‘ haven off Croatia’s coast. She anticipated a “hot girl summer” but ended up meeting her now-partner Alex, during a skinny-dipping adventure amid strangers.

Her journey into the swinging lifestyle began over a decade ago at an adult-only resort in Mexico. Now, she’s a seasoned participant, with Spicy Island being her destination of choice.

“Last year I met Alex and this year we’re ready to open our relationship up,” Amanda shares. “I want to fulfil the ‘hot wife’ fantasy and I’m looking forward to exploring this further.”

The exclusive two-week getaway, now in its third edition, is run by Spicy Match, who take over the entire island for as many as 600 guests. The secret location is revealed only once attendees board on the boat from the mainland.

The ticket prices range from £1,000 for a simple bell tent to £2,500 for a luxurious two-bedroom sun lodge, complete with meals, fire-eaters and educational sex seminars.

“You only find out where it is when you get on the boat,” reveals Amanda. It was on this mysterious hour-long boat ride that she encountered Alex, a spa technician.

“I couldn’t get over how hot Alex was,” she confesses. “We started flirting right then and there, and by the third night we were together while skinny-dipping in the pool.”

The pair didn’t end up swinging with anyone else, instead spending the trip getting to know one another. Amanda says the sex was “incredible” and finds the freedom of being intimate on the beach or in front of others “very liberating”.

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Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a welcome bag containing condoms and wristbands to tell them apart from staff. Video recording guests is banned, but stripping down is encouraged.

The resort designates “play area” zones for various interests – couples, singles, and those into BDSM.

Amanda wants to set the record straight on swinging, noting: “People think swingers are gross or glorified cheaters. But it’s about consent and communication. You’re free from unwanted advances – it’s nothing like a standard nightclub.”

The island attracts people of all ages, including James and Katherine Gordon, 55-year-old sweethearts from Kent who have been swinging since their teens.

Katherine shares with confidence: “We’ve been to swingers events all over the world; the island ranks at the top. We’ll literally say, we’re into full swapping and single men.”

Before arriving, they’d already connected with others online and planned to meet for dinner in the port town. “Last year, 40 of us had dinner together the night before we left,” Katherine recounts. “It’s easy to build connections before you’ve even arrived.”

She admits her preference for younger men often takes the lead when it comes to flirting. James humorously remarks that he is content to “outsource” these days, admitting he can’t keep up.

“The meals on the island are communal, so we sit next to people we think we’ll vibe with,” she continues. “You flirt like you would in any bar or club.”

Katherine reveals that while she may be reserved in day-to-day life, this lifestyle unveils a more audacious side of her. They reserve a two-bed lodge, dedicating one room for rest and the other for enjoyment.

“It just suits us better,” she confides. “And after 30 years, we’ve made a lot of friends here.”

She describes the atmosphere as inviting: “You might see people having sex on verandas or making out on shared beds or you might find someone quietly reading a book.”

Meanwhile, Katie Jones, 38, and husband Simon, 49, from Hertfordshire, gear up for their second jaunt to the island, having stumbled upon it during a trip to the French naturist resort Cap d’Agde.

Embracing the liberty to be nude, unwind or participate, Katie shares, “You can find a quiet spot or join the pool parties – there’s an amazing energy.”

Despite the anything-goes atmosphere, she notes that the retreat doesn’t rely on booze to get the party started. “People don’t get too drunk because it’s about sex and alcohol doesn’t help with that.”

She describes the event as liberating and relaxed. “If you’re curious, you can come and see what you find. You don’t have to swing but it’s all there if you want it.”

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A TOP European theme park is welcoming a new premium hotel that looks like it’s out of Wes Anderson’s world.

Dutch theme park Efteling will be opening a new hotel this summer called the Efteling Grand Hotel.

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The theme park is already well known for its fairytale theme, with one TikToker – The Travel Mum – dubbing it “better and cheaper than Disneyland”.

The new addition to the attraction will be the first hotel located within the theme park itself and will open on August 1.

The hotel will be themed around a traditional grand dame hotel with stories woven into the design throughout, appearing like a Wes Anderson story.

There will be digital check-in, valet parking and luggage handling, upon arrival.

A bellhop and Efteling’s two princesses will guests in the lobby, where the air will also be infused with the hotel’s signature fragrance.

The hotel will be spread across seven floors offering 140 rooms and suites, with a total of 644 beds.

The biggest room will be able to host six people.

The hotel rooms will also overlook the park with different views of the Aquanura water show the House of the Dive Senses entrance, the Fairytale Forest or the Pardoes Promenade Lane.

All of the rooms include breakfast at Brasserie 7 and half an hour of early access to the park before it opens to the public.

Other features of the rooms include each one having an Efteling Grand Hotel fairytale book.

The lower ground floor of the hotel will have a swimming pool – availabel only to hotel guests – with spa facilities including a steam room, sauna and massage room.

There will also be a multifunctional serenity room where guests can unwind, pray or meditate.

The hotel will have two restaurants with Brasserie 7 located on the ground floor and Restaurant-Bar Mystique on the first floor.

While Brasserie 7 will serve up a range of classic dishes – which include seven ‘magical’ ingredients such as princess tears and snow from Mother Holle – Restaurant-Bar Mystique will offer a more premium dining experience.

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Each table will be decorated with edible decorations and the restaurant will be open to the public, as well as park and hotel guests.

Café Biscuit will also be a part of the hotel, where baristas will serve coffee and the signature Grand Hotel biscuit.

Plans have also been revealed for incredible new 240-room hotel with huge swimming lake, golf and spa near to iconic racetrack.

Plus, a huge new Premier Inn will open near major airport and will be the largest of its kind in the north of UK.

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A former cast member at a Disney theme park has said there’s one thing she wishes guests would stop doing while visiting, and it can ruin someone’s day if you break the unwritten rule

When you go to a Disney theme park like Disney World or Disneyland, there are some golden rules you should follow. For example, most people know that adults are banned from dressing up as Disney characters because they might confuse children into thinking they’re the real cast members, and there’s also a ban on bringing folding chairs and drones into the parks because of the disruption they might cause.

But did you know there are also rules about how to interact with cast members? Many of these are unspoken, but there are some things you should never do when you meet the actors and actresses who are dressed up as your favourite Disney characters.

Kayla Nicole, a former Disney cast member, shared a video on TikTok in which she highlighted the number one thing she wished people would stop doing when they line up to meet Disney princesses.

During her eight years as a cast member, the woman played a number of roles at the park, including Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Merida from Brave, and Cinderella. She said that if you’re ever meeting two characters at once, you should never ignore one in favour of the other.

She explained: “If you’re in a meet-and-greet location like the hall, where you have one princess on this carpet and a different princess on the other carpet, do not skip one to go to the other.

“Operationally, that tiny little area between princesses is getting clogged up. But beyond the operational aspect, there’s a humanity aspect. How would you feel getting consistently skipped over? With side eyes and smirks and backs turned, not even acknowledging you.

“Per our rules, we’re supposed to average around 70 seconds for each interaction to make it fair for every family. So if you’re skipping a princess, you are saving one minute of your time and potentially causing a world of hurt to that performer.”

Kayla said that despite the cast members doing everything in their power to embody the character they’re playing, they are still real people underneath the costume, and they have real feelings. She also said this can be even more difficult for people of colour playing princesses like Tiana from The Princess and the Frog or Elena from Elena of Avalor.

She added: “Imagine you’re a person of colour playing Elena or Tiana, the two characters that meet in the hall. In real life, you feel looked over, given fewer opportunities, etc, and then you come to your job and people are still looking over you.

“We’ve had to stop loading the rooms so many times throughout my Disney career because my Elena was crying at how she was being treated. I promise you, you’re still going to make that Space Mountain fast pass.

“If you’re a guest, just walk up, smile, and say hey. The performer should, in theory, take the reins and guide the entire interaction from there on. Just ‘yes and’ everything they say and it’ll be over before you know it.”

Several commenters on the video shared their own experiences with seeing Disney princesses skipped over, especially when it comes to lesser-known characters.

One person said: “Elena was my daughter’s favourite princess when we went. People kept skipping her over, and she spent extra time with my little, and we never knew of that princess before.”

Another added: “I never watched Elena’s show, but we had such a great interaction when I met her! I’m glad she took the reins because honestly, I was so nervous about what to say to her. Total sweetheart!”

A ONCE loved family destination has fallen into ruin with mice running around and mould growing on slides.

A TikToker revealed the eerie insides of the now abandoned waterpark in a haunting video.

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Footage shows the park in Northern Ireland fallen into ruin with mice seen running around where children and families once played.

The water slides that the attraction was once known for are now falling apart and covered in mould.

Left to rot when it was closed down in February 2020 the park has remained untouched since.

Haunting footage shows the once bright and vibrant attraction completely abandoned, dark and damp.

The facilities have all been left frozen in time with abandoned building explorers the only recent visitors.

It seems almost as if people left in a hurry with the park being nearly exactly as it was when it was open.

Social media users were left feeling nostalgic by the footage with many recalling fond memories of Waterworld.

The park has never been put on the market after it was suddenly closed more than five years ago.

TikToker Jaimie, who explores abandoned buildings for fun and shares footage with his followers, recently visited the park.

He has also explored several other abandoned sites across Ireland and has built a following from the videos of his explorations.

Unsettling footage of Waterworld shows a mouse darting across the bottom of an empty pool.

Video also shows clips of the sauna which looks eerily identical to how it did when the site was open.

Waterworld was also home to a bowling alley which was also left abandoned and frozen in time.

The lanes are left dim and unlit, abandoned exactly as they were five years ago.

Bowling balls still sit ready to be rolled having been left in the facility when it was emptied.

The entire facility was left dark with only the torches of the TikToker and his pal to light it.

The local council has been urged to focus on the sale of the abandoned site.

Social media users noted that the centre still looks to be in a semi decent condition.

Local councillors keep an eye on the abandoned leisure centre, asking for updates on the facility.

Jamie’s video received over 180,000 views on TikTok.

Most were left asking if the waterpark would ever open again with the eerie footage sparking a wave of nostalgia.

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Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe in Florida has opened its doors – with five new worlds to explore within – so naturally I went along to sample the magical delights

Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, has changed the face of the landscape and what it means to enjoy a holiday full of thrills and spills.

The £7 billion theme park is an immersive, multisensory experience with storytelling at its core. The resort’s fourth theme park and the first to open in 25 years, it invites guests to “explore vibrant worlds filled with extraordinary adventures that go beyond their wildest imaginations” – and it really is magical.

With 50 awe-inspiring attractions,entertainment, dining and shopping experiences in its new park, the Universal parks make up a 700-acre resort space.

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But it’s not just the stunning scenery, experiences and rides that blew me away – my entire group were wowed by the culinary experiences inside the park. Forget burgers, hotdogs and popcorn – although readily available if you fancy – I dined on exquisite seafood from scallops to King Oysters at Atlantic and freshly made Dim Sum and Ramen noodles at The Blue Dragon, both in Celestial Park.

I also found the best purple pizza called Pizza Lunare in Pizza Moon, complete with an Ube crust – the chunks of roasted garlic were to die for – and melt-in-the-mouth beef brisket at The Oak & Star Tavern.

Let’s explore the worlds a little closer for when you plan your first visit…

Celestial Park

Step through the Chronos – the impressive first portal tower and entrance to the park that when ‘powered’ will align to open up five magical portals for visitors to explore.

I first enjoyed Celestial Park – the cosmic heart of Epic Universe and so much more than just a starting point. Local ‘Celestians’ who inhabit here tend to the lush, tree-lined walkways and I found myself whisked into a whimsical world of greenery, tropical flowers, fountains and ponds.

Everything here is connected heavily to astrology, from the first sight of Luna, goddess of the moon, who oversees the night’s luminescence by her Neptune Pools, to the far side of the park where Apollo, god of the sun, rests. Even the rides are well themed – I enjoyed a gentle sway on the Constellation Carousel and zipped at 62mph on Stardust Racers, a dual racing rollercoaster across 5,000ft of track, which is the park’s top thrill ride for speed and height.

Celestial Park interweaves the other worlds and acts as a calming decompression from the extremities of themes and music in each world. Grab a cocktail at Bar Zenith, watch the fountain show and marvel in the sheer beauty.

MUST DO Visit North Star Wintry Wonders, an all-year Christmas store where it really snows outside – even under the hot Florida sun.

Dark Universe

The storytelling continues as you move through this spooky portal and into monstrous Darkmoor Village. It makes sense – Universal is the pioneer of horror, after all.

Dr Victoria Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein’s great great-granddaughter, is the proud owner of this world’s central focus – Frankenstein Manor – and she has captured all the monsters but she’s having some trouble with Dracula. Ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment as you navigate the catacombs of the manor to “help” Victoria (you won’t help – but you will scream).

The ride’s technology is phenomenal and the animatronics are creative masterpieces. Fear not, it’s suitable for all ages.

Take time to explore the details. Look out for a little girl statue of Maria (a character from the 1931 Frankenstein film, who accidentally drowns), listen to sounds from beneath the vampire well and head to the Blazing Blade Tavern for a fiery sight to behold.

MUST DO Grab a bite to eat at Das Stakehouse. The theming is almost better than the food – and the food is delicious.

Super Nintendo World

Everything moves, spins, jumps and wobbles in Super Nintendo World. It’s a gaming world for everyone – even the big kids who are young at heart.

Providing one of the coolest portals (the walkway into each world), I entered via a Super Mario Warp Pipe and arrived inside Princess Peach’s Castle before exiting into a world of jaw-dropping colour and musical joy. Glistening golden coins, stomping Koombas, sliding 1-Up mushrooms and snapping Piranha Plants were everywhere as I looked across to Bowser’s Castle.

This is where I gave Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge a go and my dismal points were made up for by the fun and laughter I had hurtling turtle shells and banana peels at my friends (virtually, of course – the race car game, where we’re up against all the usual Super Mario bad guys, is played via a headset).

The character meet and greets here are sweet for youngsters – Toad is a rotund delight for toddlers, Mario and Luigi are cool for pre-teens and even the too-cool-for-school teenagers won’t be able to resist Donkey Kong.

Don’t miss the fabulous rollercoaster Minecart Madness – it’s a bumpy ride but the jumps over “missing” sections of the track are thrilling.

MUST DO Buy a $45 Power-Up wristband. It’s vital for playing the in-world mini games, collecting coins and banking some exclusive park stamps and badges, which connects to an app on your mobile phone and creates family friendly competition.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic

This world makes the Wizarding Worlds at Universal Orlando Resort a trio – also made up of Diagon Alley in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands Of Adventure.

Step inside the magical streets of 1920s Paris, where the likes of Newt Scamander hangs out. Known as Place Cachée, this world is a fan delight, merging the magic of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in Paris, with the wonders of Harry Potter.

I hopped on the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry Of Magic for Dolores Umbridge’s trial for her crimes against magic on the mesmerising dark ride, Battle At The Ministry. Expect magical creatures and spells galore – and make time for the show, Le Cirque Arcanus. The puppetry will leave you speechless.

MUST DO Try a Gigglewater in Le Gobelet Noir – a bar owned by Nicolas Flamel, the alchemist who created the Philosopher’s Stone.

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk

The largest of all the worlds at Epic Universe,the Viking village of Berk is breathtaking. On entry, I was faced with two 40ft carved wooden statues, guarding the village. This world is set after the second film, where there’s peace and harmony between man and dragon.

Look out for The Untrainable Dragon live show, which has the most beautiful score, with singers and actors akin to the talent of a West End show. And be sure to try the mac and cheese cone at Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel – it’s the novelty dish I never knew I needed.

MUST DO Look to the skies. Here you’ll find actual flying dragons – drones to us adults (don’t tell the kids), but they are very realistic.

HOW TO BOOK

Universal Orlando Resort

All Parks tickets are available through British Airways Holidays from £439 per person.

British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at Universal Stella Nova Resort from £829 per person, travelling on selected dates in January 2026. Book by 9 June. For reservations visit britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/orlando/holidays-inorlando

This village in Derbyshire is known as the “seaside town without the sea” but its beloved fish and chip shops, cable car rides and theme park make it a quintessentially British holiday destination

This famous town in Derbyshire has all the makings of a great seaside town, except the sea. Located 94.4 miles away from Skegness, this unique destination still has plenty to offer, including fish and chip shops, cable car rides and an exciting theme park.

The official Visit Peak District & Derbyshire TikTok account posted a video spotlighting the town of Matlock Bath, referred to affectionately as the “seaside town without the sea”. The video documents how visitors can spend a day in the colourful and charming town.

The TikTok video reveals that Matlock Bath is “known for its colourful shops and fish and ships restaurants”. One must stop destination highlighted is Halls of Derbyshire, the traditional ice cream and confectionery shop.

READ MORE: UK fishing town named one of Europe’s ‘hidden gems’ that many don’t know about

Halls is a must-visit stop for anyone passing through the area, easy enough to spot with colourful balloons outside and a window full of cotton candy. Another spot highlighted in the video is Kostas Fish Bar, which happens to be right next door.

Despite not being particularly close to the sea, Kostas’ over 50 years of combined history in the fish and chip industry means that the menu is sufficient to satisfy your seafood craving. According to the video, Matlock Bath has a “seaside vibe despite being landlocked”.

This is most likely due to its position along the River Derwent. The 66-mile long river flows between Matlock Bath and Derby, with Matlock Bath situated in the middle of the river’s path.

Visitors to the area can enjoy a stroll along the river’s path or opt for an elevated view of the town by taking a cable car ride up to the Heights of Abraham. As documented in Visit Peak District’s TikTok video, visitors can take a cable car up to the clifftop country park to enjoy picturesque views.

There are also caverns, trails and playgrounds to explore for those who make it to the hilltop park. Those interested in more family-friendly activities can also check out Gulliver’s Kingdom – a small theme park located on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

Gulliver’s Kingdom is ideal for a short-term break, full of kid-safe rides and attractions. Matlock Bath’s Explorer Package might be a cost-effective option for those planning to visit both the theme park and the hilltop park, as both are included in the cost of some accommodation bookings.

READ MORE: ‘Underrated’ UK seaside spot everyone should visit is ‘cleanest and happiest place’

That said, you can probably enjoy much of the town in an afternoon and staying overnight isn’t necessary given the convenience of its transport options. As shared in the TikTok video, Matlock Bath is easy to get to by bus or train.

If you’re looking to explore more of Derbyshire, another stop to add to your list is Castleton – considered one of the “prettiest” villages in the Peak District. Despite its small population – less than 700 residents – the village draws plenty of tourists each year with its quaint pubs, tea rooms and stunning stone architecture.

Hue Abandoned Water Park, also known as Thuy Tien Lake, sits on the outskirts of the Vietnamese city of Hue and has been attracting urban explorers since it closed 14 years ago

Dried-up waterslides run out of the mouths of crumbling dragon statues in a curious abandoned theme park.

Hue Abandoned Water Park, also known as Thuy Tien Lake, is about four miles outside the city center of Hue, Vietnam. Built a quarter of a century ago, the water park once attracted crowds of thrillseekers who flocked to peer into the aquarium, marvel at the dragon sculptures, and whizz down the rides.

Sadly for the business minds behind the park, it proved to be a commercial failure. A change of ownership and management led to the park’s closure just 11 years after it first opened.

For several years, it remained forgotten and gathering dust until urban explorers began posting about Thuy Tien Lake online. Soon it became a fixture of the backpacker trail, with many drawn to the way its curious buildings and statues appear frozen in time.

READ MORE: Abandoned town left to rot for 40 years after plane crash horror

They were also drawn to rumours of a scarier surprise. Years after the park officially packed up, a group of crocodiles—initially brought in as an attraction—continued to roam Hue unchecked. Thankfully, for the safety of those who rock up and pay 10,000 VND (£0.29) to look around the abandoned park today, the animals were removed and rehomed.

The dragon that emerges from the center of the lake have become a popular hangout spot among Vietnamese teens and backpackers alike.

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“The once-bustling tourist attraction is now covered in colorful graffiti, creating an amazingly dystopian-esque scene,” travel writer Justine wrote of her time at the park.

“The inside of the dragon used to be an aquarium filled with all sorts of creatures, including crocodiles. Now the inside is in complete disrepair. There’s graffiti everywhere and there’s still glass on the ground from people bashing in the glass aquariums. It’s super eerie and would be the perfect setting for a horror film.

“Walk up the stairs and check out the view from the dragon’s mouth. I’m not sure that the platform is all that safe to stand on, but I went for it anyway. The view from there is pretty amazing.”

The park is mostly easily accessed via a short scooter or taxi ride from Hue centre. The staff members guarding the entrance to Hue require visitors sign a waiver to access the park.

If you fancy visiting somewhere abandoned but don’t feel like travelling so far, Crete is a good bet.

The abandoned Dionysos village sits along the coast from Sitia. As you approach the flock of buildings on the hillside you will notice that it “looks different somehow. Something looks wrong, somehow lost,” an explorer for We Travel wrote recently.

Until the mid 2010s, the village was a thriving holiday destination. It has a prime location on the coastline scorched by summer sun. To the untrained eye, there is nothing amiss about the cluster of holiday homes and hotels that sit at the foot of the parched, dusty hillside. Get closer, and you realise it’s all but empty.

Today plants are growing through cracks in the rocks and the streets are untidy. A large central swimming pool is empty of water but increasingly full of dust. Now, just 10 families call Dionysos their fulltime home.

A weekend break in Debrecen, known as Europe’s cheap pint capital, is a fine idea for those seeking a value-packed city break, as well as a thirst for a cheap pint

Europe’s most affordable city for a pint continues to offer beer at five times less than the UK average – and it’s just a short, budget-friendly flight away. Located in Hungary’s Northern Great Plain region, Debrecen isn’t merely known for its inexpensive beverages. It’s an excellent choice for a weekend escape and with careful planning, it could be the best value trip you’ve ever taken.

According to price comparison site Skyscanner, return flights from Luton Airport to the city can cost as little as £23 if you choose the right time of year. The journey is well under three hours, and Debrecen has earned its title as Europe’s cheap pint capital.

READ MORE: ‘I made one change to my meals and lost weight, felt fuller and cut down my caffeine’

Thirsty travellers can enjoy a Soproni lager for a mere 79p, with the average lager costing around 82p. This is a staggering 6.6 times cheaper than the average price of a pint in London, where a drink now costs a hefty £5.90 on average.

Even Derby – deemed the UK’s cheapest place for a pint in one study – can’t compete with these prices, with the average cost in the Midlands city being £3. But Debrecen offers more than just affordable drinks; it’s a captivating city in its own right.

The vibrant university town boasts the grand yellow Reformatus Nagytemplom cathedral, an extensive museum dedicated to Hungarian culture, a zoo, and a theme park.

The inflationary pressures of recent years have significantly impacted the cost of alcoholic beverages in the UK. Data from the Office for National Statistics released last year revealed that the average price of a pint of draught lager in a pub rose by 12.1% between August 2022 and August 2023, from £4.12 to £4.65.

With many people’s wages failing to keep up, an evening at the local might start to feel like an indulgence.

However, there’s good news – Debrecen isn’t the only place in Europe where you can find a bargain pint, and we’ve highlighted a few other destinations here. But if you’re looking to avoid places where you’ll be charged an arm and a leg for a beer, you might want to give Iceland a miss – a pint there now costs an average of £8.33.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife – £1.60 a pint

A tried and true favourite, this Canary Island gem continues to offer excellent value for money. With stunning sea views, a tranquil atmosphere, and incredibly cheap pints, it’s no wonder why.

If you visit in June before the school summer holidays, you’ll find pleasant weather and great value for money on-site, all while avoiding peak season airfares and hotel rates.

Faro, Portugal – £2.18 a pint

The Algarve is known for its crystal-clear waters, sunshine, delicious cuisine, and budget-friendly drinking spots. Consider Faro for your next European getaway for wallet-friendly prices on flights, hotel stays, and in-destination expenses – beers start at just £2.

Zagreb, Croatia – £2.44 a pint

Zagreb conjures images of sun-soaked beaches during the day and lively socialising with mates at night, all made more appealing by a remarkably affordable pint price of just £2.44. To make the most of your savings, steer clear of the school holidays and plan your visit for May-June.

A MASSIVE European waterpark has opened a new year-round outdoor pool – and it comes with a massive swim-up bar.

The outdoor pool Svømmepøl is n the Rulantica water world at Europa-Park Resort in Germany.

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It measures around 660sqm and sits inside a Nordic-style ‘volcanic landscape’.

The 32C heated pool is in the ‘Dynstrønd’ area of the park and is the largest open-air pool in Rulantica to date.

It also has several features including geysers, water mist and an infinity area.

In addition, there is a rock cave with bubbling water loungers and a discovery tour with mascot ‘Snorri’ – perfect for little ones.

There is a swim-up bar called ‘Svømme-Bar’ too – which seats 150 guests.

The pool is then surrounded by sun loungers and Nordic vegetation.

Visitors can also get to the outdoor swimming area from the indoor area.

Europa-Park’s owner, Ronald Mack, said: “With ‘Svømmepøl’, we are expanding Rulantica’s year-round offering with a spacious and fascinatingly designed outdoor pool that promises both relaxation and adventure.

“The numerous details and special features create an impressive bathing experience and once again set new standards in innovative water attractions,” reports EAP Magazine.

The pool even took an entire week to fill.

Rulantica first opened in 2019 and in total spans 32,600sqm with 14 themed zones based on Nordic legends including Rangnakor.

There are 50 slides and attractions in total, as well as a wave pool and two swim up bars.

There are a number of other experiences available at the waterpark including evening DJ sets and private relaxation booths and saunas.

Rulantica is operated by Europa-Park, which sits just next door to the waterpark.

There is even a free shuttle that runs between the two attractions.

Tickets to enter Rulantica cost £38.50 and tickets to enter Europa-Park cost £54.

Back in February, Europa-Park celebrated its 50th anniversary and with it, opened a new ride.

Featuring the park’s mice mascots Ed and Edda, the ride is a train journey with an interactive gaming element.

The ride is based on the upcoming film, ‘Grand Prix of Europe‘ – a cartoon film that stars Ed and Edda voiced by Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Gemma Arterton.

Visitors can ride on ‘Grand Prix EDventure’ with Ed and Edda’s racing crew and take a trip across Europe.

There was also a £75million indoor tropical waterpark that nearly opened in the UK.

Plus, the first look at huge new £200million indoor waterpark opening in the UK with aquadrome and adventure zone.

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