themed

WEARING protective suits, masks, hats and gloves, we approach the buzzing hive in front of us.

The Canarian black bee, our guide tells us, is a hardy species adapted perfectly to the high heat and dry lands that make up Lanzarote’s volcanic climate.

My mum Rhona and I seem to have adapted pretty well ourselves, as we soak up the last of the afternoon sun.

The fourth-largest Canary Island, Lanzarote was the ideal destination for a pre-Mother’s Day trip, with its year-round “eternal spring” climate, lunar-like landscapes and white-sand beaches.

While a fly-and-flop holiday is always tempting, particularly when it’s 21C, I was determined to include some bonding experiences during our visit.

And our beekeeping tour was just that. Ahead of reaching the hive, our guide taught us all about the insects that live there.

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Then, after shedding our protective suits, we were treated to samples of the organic honey, taking note of the sightly different flavours depending on which plants the bees had visited.

We felt fully connected to the surrounding nature.

When we weren’t off exploring, we could relax at the 4H Seaside Los Jameos, in Puerto del Carmen, one of the island’s most popular resorts.

With its beachfront location, palm tree-lined pools, gym, spa and cactus gardens, the recently renovated hotel is an oasis within the town, with plenty of activities on site.

I’m lucky enough to have a mother who can run rings around me, so we started each day with a jog on the beach.

I picked up pace as the week progressed, but never quite managed to catch up with my mum.

It was the perfect way to work up an appetite for the plentiful buffet breakfast.

My highlights were the mimosa station, with crisp cava and freshly squeezed orange juice, and the DIY waffle machines.

In the evenings, guests can expect live entertainment from acts such as an ABBA tribute band, as well as magic shows and children’s discos.

Outside of the hotel, nearby restaurants included beachfront tapas joint Restaurante El Molino, which was within walking distance, and Sebastyan’s Atlantico Lounge on the water (be sure to arrive in time for the stunning sunset).

Lanzarote also has a thriving plonk scene, with wineries dotted all around the island.

Our final First Choice excursion took us on a tasting and museum tour at Bodega Finca Mota, a charming family-run winery surrounded by Lanzarote’s distinctive volcanic landscape, where grapes grow in the black sand.

We started our visit with an introduction to vintage winemaking tools in the museum, before sitting down for some sipping.

We tasted three different wines accompanied by locally-produced cheese and traditionally-cured tuna, and enjoyed it so much we bought a bottle each to take home.

On our final day, we decided to explore the picturesque village of Yaiza, famed for its beautifully maintained whitewashed houses and palm-lined streets.

Mum and I both love to shop, so we enjoyed a potter around the boutiques selling jewellery and ceramics and found a delightful cafe to have coffee and baked goods.

Literally the cherry on top of the cake to end a dreamy Mother’s Day getaway.

NESTLED in the Yorkshire Dales, you will find a camping and glamping site with a twist.

Instead of your usual glamping pods, at Catgill Farm, you can stay in Moroccan and Alpine-themed pods.

For example, the Alpine-themed pod has a converted ski lift cart outside that is now a booth to sit and eat in.

The Moroccan-themed pod features sleek styling, with bold pinks and oranges and sleeps up to four people via a bunk bed and a double bed.

If you are travelling with your four-legged best friend, then there are options for you as well such as The Duck glamping pod, which has an enclosed outdoor area for your pooch to roam in.

Each of the glamping pods comes with its own private, log-fired hot tub as well.

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And for the evenings, you can set light to the fire pit for warmth and barbeques.

Fancy something a little more like camping but still a little refined? Then opt for one of the two luxury bell tents that sleep up to four people.

And of course, they all have views of the rolling Yorkshire Dales.

At night, guests can also make the most of stargazing as the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a designated dark skies area of the UK.

If you do have your own tent, then there is a campsite open between April and October as well, which features 34 electrical hookup pitches.

On-site there are also alpacas known to join morning yoga sessions and a playing field for letting off some steam.

As for facilities, there is everything you could need including modern shower blocks, a washing up area and even a small shop selling essentials such as air beds, coffee, milk and kindling.

If you don’t fancy cooking for yourself, you can grab some food from Cat’s Kitchen which is onsite, serving up hot drinks and wood-fired pizzas.

When it comes to the local area, you’ll be surrounded by amazing walking and cycling routes (even the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire routes).

Just a short walk from the campsite itself, you will reach Bolton Abbey Station on the Embsay and Bolton Steam Railway line.

The station is in the style of the original Midland Railway from the 1800s and a ticket to travel to the half way station and back costs £17 per adult.

Not much further from the campsite, you will find the remains of Bolton Abbey which you can explore.

The site often hosts events as well like an Easter trail.

If you walk for 15 minutes from the glamping and campsite, you will reach the Devonshire Arms brasserie-style pub serving dishes such as sirloin steak and roast beef.

When you stay at Catgill Farm, you can also get 10 per cent off of Shipton Canal Boat Trips and also 10 per cent off of entry to Stump Cross Caverns.

Stays cost from £179.99 per night for one of the glamping pods or from £14 a night for a grass tent pitch.

For more inspiration on glamping sites in the UK, here’s the tiny UK glamping site named best in the UK by AA with cosy pods, treehouse and hot tubs.

Plus, UK glamping hotspot where you can enjoy breathtaking views from a vintage cheese vat turned hot tub.

THE WORLD’S first Hey Duggee themed hotel rooms are launching at a UK theme park next month.

The beloved BBC preschool series, which features a friendly dog and his Squirrel Club, will soon have its own themed rooms at Alton Towers theme park.

Launching March 14, fans of Hey Duggee will be able to stay in rooms that bring the Duggee Clubhouse to life.

There will be one standard room and one suite, with each able to sleep up to five guests.

Each room will feature a double bed with a bespoke headboard, themed TV and furniture and even a dedicated children’s area with bunk beds inspired by the Squirrel Club.

Each space will also be full of familiar faces from the show including Betty, Happy, Norrie, Tag and Roly.

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Kids will even be able to play a sensory game with elements from the series in the room.

For those with beady eyes, you’ll be able to spot characters hidden in corners too.

A one-night stay in March or April, in the Hey Duggee standard room costs from £343 a night and in the Hey Duggee suite, from £450.

Included in the room are tea and coffee making facilities, a bottle warmer, cot, iron and ironing board and toiletries.

You will also get a full-English breakfast, free parking and access to nine-hole golf.

And throughout the day and evening, the hotel hosts activities as well, such as a tots disco, stargazing and live shows.

It is worth noting though, that theme park tickets are not included in this price.

If you want to head into the theme park, standard entry which includes access to CBeebies Land costs £34 when booked in advance online.

You can also grab a £29 toddler and parent pass, with children under 90cm tall visiting for free.

Alton Towers is already home to a Hey Duggee themed interactive sensory play area in CBeebies Land, where kids can meet Duggee and collect a Big Adventure Badge.

There’s also Hey Duggee Live, where fans can help Duggee, Roly, Betty and Happy discover the mystery DJ in Big Fun Showtime.

The CBeebies Land Hotel is designed for young families at Alton Towers and features a number of other themed rooms, such as Bluey, Bing, In the Night Garden, Octonauts and Something Special.

Guests staying in the hotel also get to meet some of their favourite CBeebies characters.

Natasha Spence, Events Director – Live Entertainment at BBC Studios, said: “These world-first Hey Duggee themed hotel rooms bring the Duggee Clubhouse to life in a truly immersive way.

“It’s a wonderful extension of the show that allows fans and families to continue the fun, imagination and adventure beyond the screen and we’re delighted to be working with Alton Towers Resort again to create something so special.”

Howard Ebison, Vice President of Alton Towers Resort said: “What better way for fans to relax and continue the adventures after a fun-filled day at CBeebies Land than with a stay in our world-first Hey Duggee themed rooms.

“We have an exciting year ahead in 2026 at Alton Towers Resort for families and this themed addition to CBeebies Land Hotel is the latest example of our commitment to unforgettable memories and immersive experiences for families.”

The new Hey Duggee-themed rooms follow the announcement of the world’s first Bluey-themed rollercoaster which will open in CBeebies Land on March 28.

Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! will be based on the episode where Bluey and Bingo dress up as grannies called Janet and Rita, with the two characters causing chaos on the ride.

Ebison said: “Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! is all about celebrating energy, play and those everyday moments families love about the show.

“It’s playful, unexpected and unmistakably Bluey – and we can’t wait to welcome families from March 28 to experience the world’s first Bluey coaster right here at Alton Towers Resort.”

In other theme park news, you can get a year’s free entry to 20 of UK’s top theme parks and attractions for less than cost of one chocolate bar a week.

Plus, there’s a European theme park that feels like the ‘Eden Project meets Disney’ and it is getting two new rides this summer.