A POPULAR beach has been partially closed for the remainder of the summer holidays.
Sea dredgers will pump thousands of tonnes of shingle onto the beach to extend part of it by 25m and protect the coastline.
Aerial view of Hove beach and seafront in East SussexCredit: AlamyHove Beach is near to a long esplanade and a cycle laneCredit: AFP via Getty Images
A groyne is also being added at Hove beach, located near Brighton, East Sussex.
Hove was described by The Times as one of the best seaside towns in the UK and “far less crowded and chaotic than Brighton with its relentless stream of boozy day-trippers”.
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The partial closure, which begins today, forms part of a wider project that started earlier in the year, to add nine new groynes – known as a groyne field – to the beach, which is scheduled to reopen at the end of August.
A spokesperson for Brighton and Hove City Council (B&HCC) said: “The new shingle will extend the beach between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Second Avenue by around 25 metres out to sea.
“Helping to protect the area from flooding and coastal erosion, the larger beach will also reduce the amount of shingle washing up onto the promenade, like we see during storms and windy conditions.”
The spokesperson added that the work is scheduled to take around four weeks and needs to be done around high tide.
“During the work, this section of the beach will need to be closed to keep everyone safe,” they added.
Hove Beach is backed by a long esplanade with a cycle lane as well as a grassy area where visitors can find cafes, an amusement arcade, crazy golf and the King Alfred leisure centre.
As previously reported in The Sun, the leisure centre is set to be demolished to make way for a £65 million “entertainment zone”.
The red-brick building has dominated the seafront of one of the UK’s most popular resorts since the outbreak of the Second World War.
Campaigners vying to save the centre were hoping for a last-minute reprieve from Historic England but B&HCC has now approved the plans.
The coastal spot has been ranked the worst seaside town in the UK by Which? magazine for the second year in a row – but one YouTuber made the 250-mile trip to see if the verdict was really justified
James Burton visited Bognor Regis after it was voted the UK’s worst seaside town(Image: YOUTUBE/BY THE CURB)
A popular coastal spot has made headlines once more – and not in a positive light. Which? Magazine has just ranked Bognor Regis bottom of its yearly list of Britain’s best and worst coastal spots for the second consecutive year.
The magazine polled more than 5,300 individuals about their experiences visiting UK coastal destinations over the past year, canvassing their opinions across a range of factors including beach quality, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, shopping and value for money.
The Mirror’s own Levi Winchester, who grew up in the town, has witnessed its gradual decline over the years. “I remember many happy summers playing down the beach in Bognor Regis. At low tide, you could see sand for miles, as the smell of fish and chips wafted through the air,” Levi recalled when asked for her thoughts on a town that once served as a home to George V for three months.
“The town was always buzzing with families enjoying their trip to Butlin’s-and while the seaside resort still attracts large crowds every year, the town itself has lost its heart. The promenade lacks love and is in need of a serious revamp.
“Even under the lights of the pier, it still just feels grey and miserable. Like many other UK high streets, the main town centre is empty now with hardly any shops left. I barely recognised it when I last visited.”
One YouTuber decided to visit the spot last year after its first dismal ranking to see if it truly matches up to the title of being the UK’s worst. James Burton documented his trip on By The Curb channel and kicked it off by paying a visit to Butlin’s.
Butlin’s Bognor Regis Resort is one of the UK’s most iconic holiday destinations and one of only three remaining Butlin’s resorts, alongside Minehead and Skegness.
Over the years, it has undergone significant redevelopment, transforming from a traditional chalet-style camp into a modern family resort while retaining its much-loved heritage.
And after visiting, James believed it showed Bognor has a lot to offer. “Worst seaside town in the UK?” before continuing: “Absolute waffle. It’s lovely. I’m not going to say it’s the best. But it is nice. Yet again, I’ve proved them all wrong, I just come here, walked around and proved them wrong.”
James then enjoyed a beer, remarking: “It was just £4.90, which is not bad value really with that spectacular view.”
Butlin’s Resort Bognor Regis still welcomes over 385,000 visitors each year, with 300,000 staying as overnight guests and 85,000 popping in for a day visit.
James turned up just in time to catch one of the company’s iconic redcoats leading a crowd of delighted youngsters through an energetic rendition of “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” and declared: “I’d have loved this as an eight-year-old.”
Living “life on the edge,” James also ventured into one of the resort’s numerous restaurants: “To be honest it looked a nice restaurant.
“I’ve never seen so many chicken nuggets though, they must go through thousands of chicken nuggets.”
Despite struggling to find his way out of the resort, James left with a positive impression: “I liked it. It looked good.
“I’m going to bring my daughter to a Butlin’s…it’s gone up in my estimation.”
Overall, James concluded that Bognor didn’t deserve its poor reputation: “It’s tidy. The people are friendly.
“It’s got a lovely beach. I know it’s a pebbly beach, but that don’t matter. You’ve got Butlin’s. Butlin’s was great.”
CHRISTMAS is months away for most of us – in the town of Bridlington, they’re already brushing off their Santa hats.
The seaside town in East Yorkshire will celebrate the festive season four months early with Santa’s Grotto and carol singing on the beach.
Christmas will arrive early in Yorkshire with festive train rides and eventsCredit: East Riding Culture and LeisureThere will be festive carols on the beach and Santa will make an appearanceCredit: East Riding Council
Between 10am and 4pm on August 5, Bridlington will transform into a winter wonderland – kind of.
Called Bridmas, the day is filled with events, lots of which are completely free.
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On the beach is where it’s at with the local choir performing Christmas carols throughout the day.
There will be a festive face painter, an elf and bubble show and Christmas craft sessions.
From royal romances and golfing greats to medieval ruins and legendary fudge doughnuts, this coastal town is one of the most captivating towns in Britain
The town is the perfect place for a weekend trip(Image: Nicola Roy)
There are few places in Britain that carry quite as much history, charm and quiet prestige as St Andrews. Perched on the rugged Fife coastline of Scotland’s east coast, this small seaside town has been drawing in royalty, scholars, golfing legends and curious travellers for centuries – and once you’ve visited, it’s very easy to understand why.
Home to one of Britain’s oldest universities, St Andrews on Scotland’s east coast is genuinely special.
It’s a place I’ve visited countless times, but each trip reveals something fresh to discover. During a weekend escape to Lower Largo, a small village in Fife, we dropped into St Andrews for the afternoon. From Edinburgh it’s around an hour and a half’s drive, while from Glasgow it’s an hour and three quarters.
A town steeped in history
The town’s story stretches back well over a thousand years. St Andrews became a major centre of Christianity in Scotland during the medieval period, largely thanks to the legend that the relics of Saint Andrew – Scotland’s patron saint – were brought here by a monk named St Regulus in the 4th century.
It’s also a town that has never been far from the corridors of power. Mary Queen of Scots was a frequent visitor, and the town played a key role during the Scottish Reformation of the 16th century.
Where William met Catherine
Fast forward a few centuries and the town’s most famous modern love story unfolded here. It’s where King Charles III’s eldest son, now known as Prince William, first crossed paths with Catherine Middleton while both were studying at the University of St Andrews in the early 2000s. The pair went on to marry in 2011.
The university itself, founded in 1413, is the third oldest in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland. Its ancient cobbled streets and honey-stoned buildings give the whole town an air of class.
The home of golf
Whether you’re passionate about it or not, most people are probably aware that St Andrews is also famous for its golfing heritage. The Old Course, one of the world’s most famous, features an iconic landmark that calls for a photograph regardless of how often you’ve visited. Our first stop on this trip was the Swilcan Bridge, built over 700 years ago and situated on the course’s 18th hole.
The list of golfing greats who have walked across that modest stone bridge reads like a who’s who of the sport – Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and Seve Ballesteros among them. Setting foot on the green yourself feels bizarre, and the bridge provides the perfect photo opportunity. You’re bound to encounter other tourists, so you might have to wait a moment for your snap, but it’s well worth it.
It’s also popular with non-golfers, as country superstar Luke Combs was even spotted hitting a few balls there recently.
The Jigger Inn
Just a two-minute stroll away lies the fantastic Jigger Inn pub, which was our next destination for something to eat. Dating back to the 1850s, the Jigger Inn is a warm, inviting pub with crackling fires that looks out over the golf course.
There’s an excellent range of drinks at the bar, or you can settle down and order from the menu, which is precisely what we decided to do. No one will persuade me there’s a finer pairing than a Caesar salad, chips and wine, and the Jigger Inn served up all three superbly.
Exploring the town
Properly fed and watered, it was time to explore the town itself. It’s not the biggest, with most shops and attractions scattered across roughly three main streets, but you could easily wander for hours without getting bored. The medieval history is clearly evident as you walk through its streets – in fact, St Andrews retains much of its original medieval street plan, with the three main thoroughfares of North Street, South Street and Market Street dating back to the 12th century.
One of the town’s standout attractions is the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, situated near the waterfront. Built in 1158, it was once the largest church in Scotland and a truly awe-inspiring structure.
There’s so much to take in around St Andrews that you could almost forget the sea is right on your doorstep. Just beyond the Old Course lies the renowned West Sands Beach, which famously featured in the iconic opening scene of the 1981 film Chariots of Fire. Had the weather been a bit better, it would have made for a perfect seaside stroll, but with the wind battering us from all sides, we decided to continue exploring the town.
Shopping in St Andrews
St Andrews is packed with fantastic shops, ranging from well-known high street names such as H&M and Jo Malone to independent boutiques and one-of-a-kind retailers you won’t find anywhere else.
As an avid bookworm, I was particularly eager to visit Topping and Company, a beloved family-run bookseller with a small number of stores dotted across the UK.
A whole table of signed first editions greeted visitors at the entrance, while the shelves seemed to stretch endlessly upwards and deep into the shop. It’s the sort of place where you could effortlessly lose hours browsing.
Just one final destination remained, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll want to pay attention. No visit to St Andrews would be complete without popping into Fisher and Donaldson.
Founded in Fife in 1919, this beloved family-run bakery is known for one thing above all else: its fudge doughnuts. Widely considered the best in Scotland, these gloriously indulgent treats are packed with fresh custard and finished with an irresistible fudge icing. We picked up a few to enjoy with a coffee later, and predictably, they vanished in no time.
St Andrews is just a wonderful destination for a day trip or even a weekend break if you fancy a more leisurely pace. It’s charming whatever the weather, but on a bright summer’s day, it’s unbeatable.
This popular tourist town started as a small fishing village and is now an iconic British location
03:34, 30 Jul 2026Updated 07:32, 30 Jul 2026
This seaside town had a lot to offer – but the beach wasn’t one of them(Image: Getty Images)
Summer is here and the temperature is rising. If you’re like me and live in a city with no easy access to the beach, fleeing the urban sprawl for a seaside town is a very tempting idea. It was this idea that struck my boyfriend and I a few weeks ago when we decided to get out of London for the day and head to the coastal city of Brighton for some fresh air and sunshine.
I had visited before, but never as an adult. On the weekend we decided to take our trip, temperatures in London were forecast to soar above 30°C, and it felt like the perfect excuse to escape the capital and breathe in some fresh sea air.
Brighton may now be one of the UK’s best-known seaside destinations, where millions flock every summer but it didn’t always feel that way.
From fishing village to tourism hotspot
In the 18th century this once small fishing settlement began to become a tourist destination for Britain’s wealthy. At the time, there was a belief that sea air, bathing in the ocean and even drinking seawater could have health benefits – and so Brighton became one of the UK’s first wellness retreats.
It was also a favourite of King George IV who created the Royal Pavilion – one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
He’s not the only member of the elite who loved Brighton.
The city’s mix of history, creativity and seaside charm continues to draw artists and performers and it is easy to see why.
The city of Brighton has long since been a haven for famous creatives. From DJ Fatboy Slim to Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, Brighton has been home to all sorts of famous people.
When the railway arrived in the 19th century, it became more accessible for people from London (like my boyfriend and myself) which helped Brighton become even more popular now.
Today, Brighton is still an incredibly popular place to visit – and the railway is still letting Londoners flock to the sea in droves, as we found out.
Joining the crowds
The moment my boyfriend and I arrived at London Bridge to catch our train,it became abundantly clear we had no chance of getting a seat. It seemed almost everyone in London had decided to spend the day by the seaside.
The carriages were so rammed that the train bypassed several stops and took us directly to Brighton. As we travelled towards the coast alongside droves of heat-weary Londoners, I quickly realised that spending the day on the beach was not at the top of my agenda.
For one thing, I hadn’t brought a swimming costume. For another, I’m from New Zealand, where beaches are often made up of pristine white sand and, even at the height of summer, can be blissfully quiet.
The prospect of squeezing onto Brighton’s pebbles alongside thousands of strangers held absolutely no appeal.
Instead, we hopped off our train and headed for North Laine.
And escaping them
Tucked away in the heart of Brighton, North Laine is a vibrant maze of colourful streets and winding lanes packed with independent shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
While much of the bank holiday crowd had gravitated towards the seafront, North Laine felt noticeably calmer.
We wandered through the lively streets, dipping in and out of shops as we went. There was everything from jewellery and homeware to driftwood art and vintage clothing, with something to suit almost every taste.
For me, it was the perfect way to while away an afternoon — and a far more appealing alternative to fighting for a patch of pebbles.
After a few hours of browsing, we had worked up an appetite and began the hunt for somewhere to eat.
We settled on Mange Tout, an independent French restaurant tucked away in North Laine.
Having travelled from London during a bank holiday heatwave, we had prepared ourselves for a scramble to find a table or the prospect of being added to a lengthy waiting list.
Instead, we had our pick of tables.
We sat outside in the glorious sunshine, watching the world drift by. It felt worlds away from the mayhem we knew was unfolding on the seafront.
For lunch, my boyfriend ordered a breakfast bun while I tucked into moules marinière. We washed it all down with a couple of drinks — we were on holiday, after all.
Seeing the sea – and the surprise cost
After lunch, we decided we couldn’t visit Brighton without at least catching a glimpse of the sea.
We made our way back through North Laine towards the coast, stopping in several shops we had overlooked during our first walk.
Eventually, the ocean came into view.
I had expected the beach to be busy, but the sheer number of people sprawled across it had to be seen to be believed.
As far as the eye could see in both directions, the pebbled shore was packed with sunbathers, paddlers and groups sheltering beneath umbrellas.
Out at sea, jet skis darted back and forth while one particularly intrepid snorkeller ventured further and further from the shore.
In the distance, the outline of a wind farm stretched across the horizon. Curious to get a closer look, we decided to head down the pier.
Entry to the pier cost £1 each — another surprise — and as we made our way along it, we passed through an enormous arcade roughly halfway down. It was one of two arcades on the pier and, much like the beach, it was absolutely heaving.
The space was dark, deafening and so stifling that I felt as though I had tumbled straight off the pier and into the water below. Horrified, I quietly turned to my boyfriend and asked: “Why does this even exist? Who comes to the beach just to be inside?”
He immediately replied: “How often do you think the weather is actually good here?”
He had a point.
The pier was certainly an experience — although not one I would particularly rush to repeat. That said, if I were seven years old, I imagine it would feel utterly magical.
There were fairground rides, candy floss and doughnuts, all accompanied by the sound of waves lapping beneath your feet. Sadly, I’m 31, and the thrill of a fairground ride is well and truly lost on me.
Will I ever return?
Once we reached the end of the pier, we agreed it was time to make our way back to London.
But not before making one final stop in North Laine for a well-earned end-of-day pint.
Brighton’s beach may be its biggest draw, particularly when temperatures climb above 30°C, but for me, the city’s real charm was found away from the packed pebbles.
And while I may not have been tempted to join the crowds on the beach, I’ll happily return to explore more of Brighton’s vibrant streets.
In a small mountain town you may stumble across hundreds of half-built., abandoned homes that resemble castles. While this development had big dreams, the plans never came into fruition
Row after row of castles lie abandoned(Image: Adem ALTAN / AFP)ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Imagine living in your very own miniature château, a three-storey villa that had gothic-inspired architecture with turrets and balustrades that made it resemble Cinderella’s castle at Disney World.
One housing developer had this dream, and it was set to build 732 of these unusual homes in a small town not far from Istanbul. But sadly, despite many homebuyers looking to buy into this unique community, it now lies abandoned 12 years after construction began.
While the houses looked straight out of a Disney film, they were actually inspired by Istanbul landmarks including the medieval Galata Tower and the Maiden’s Tower from Istanbul. The name of the development, Burj Al Babas, translates as ‘tower of Babas’ in Arabic, and came from the nearby Babas thermal springs. Each castle was set to have its own pipeline to the waters to create luxurious indoor swimming pools.
But the plans didn’t stop at rows and rows of castles. If completed, lucky residents would have had access to a huge domed complex with a shopping centre, mosque, cinema, and hammam, creating an entire community in the mountains. The relatively cool weather in the area was also seen as a selling point, allowing people from nearby Middle East countries to escape the worst of the summer heat.
The castles were listed in a glossy brochure, with prices ranging from $370,000 to $530,000, about £278,500 and £400,000, a modest sum to live in your own château. But despite half the castles being sold in advance, mostly to buyers from the Gulf states, not a single moving van made it to the complex.
As soon as construction began in 2014, with the aim of finishing in four years, it started to hit several snags. Firstly, contractors complained that the disposal of rubble had breached environmental laws, and a year later, workers protested that they hadn’t been paid. Contractors soon pulled out and started the long legal process of trying to reclaim their lost wages.
Add a failed military coup and bad luck with weather, and the construction soon fell behind schedule. Sales stalled too, due to the country’s instability at the time, and the lack of cash flow soon put the developer into bankruptcy.
Not a single castle was completed as of 2022, and there are 587 half-built castles on the plot, with the exposure to the elements likely causing water damage in many of them as time goes on.
As recently as 2024, there was renewed interest in the development with the Emir of Kuwait visiting President Erdoğan, and it was reported that Burj Al Babas was discussed. The Guardian were also given a tour of the site in the same year by Adem Tekgöz, a representative of developers the Sarot Group, who claimed: “It gets cold in the winter, so we stopped construction. We’re preparing to restart next summer”.
However, as of 2026 there appears to be no trace of the Sarot Group online and still no word as to whether the project will ever be restarted, leaving a ghost town rather than a fairytale village.
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The picturesque town is dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Weald’ and boasts award-winning wineries
Not far from the high street is the 1792 Town Hall(Image: Getty)
If you’re after a UK destination to visit that’s away from the usual tourist trail, look no further than this underrated town. Like many British market towns, this spot has seen businesses come and go, but it has generally remained resilient thanks to tourism and its emphasis on independent retailers.
New cafés, salons and professional services have continued to open in recent years, helping maintain a lively town centre despite the wider challenges facing UK high streets. Its high street is often described as one of the most attractive market-town high streets in Kent.
Rather than being dominated by chain stores, it has retained a strong independent character, with a broad, tree-lined layout that makes it feel more like a promenade than a conventional shopping street.
When it comes to independent shopping you’ll find boutiques, gift shops, bookshops, galleries, jewellers, delicatessens, cafés and specialist retailers alongside a handful of familiar national brands. This mix has helped the town remain a shopping destination for both locals and visitors.
Walking along the high street today, you’ll pass several historic landmarks, including St Mildred’s Church, whose origins date back to the 12th century and the 1792 Town Hall, an elegant Georgian building.
Kent town
Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Weald” by locals, the picturesque town of Tenterden in Kent is easily accessible and boasts arts and folk festivals, restaurants and award-winning wineries and historic architecture.
Although the population is only around 8,200, Tenterden serves a much wider rural area. People from dozens of surrounding villages come into town for shopping, healthcare, banking and cafés, so it often feels busier than its size would suggest.
For a relatively small place, Tenterden has a busy calendar. Annual events include:
May Fair
Folk Festival
Christmas Market
Classic car gatherings
Steam railway events
Food and drink festivals
Many of these take place on or around the high street, making it the perfect spot for locals and visitors to get together.
History
One of Tenterden’s most fascinating stories is its unexpected maritime past. Although the town now lies several miles inland, it was once closely connected to the sea.
During the Middle Ages, ships could sail up the River Rother to the nearby port of Small Hythe, which became an important centre for shipbuilding.
Over time, the river silted up and the coastline gradually shifted, leaving Tenterden inland.
The Kent & East Sussex Railway is one of Britain’s best-loved heritage railways and an integral part of Tenterden’s character.
Stretching 17 km between Tenterden Town and Bodiam, the line takes passengers for “a nostalgic journey” through the scenic Rother Valley to view a 14th-century structure, Bodiam Castle, which is regarded as “one of the best loved and best known castles in England”.
Combining rich railway history with some of the finest countryside in Kent and East Sussex, it remains one of the region’s most popular visitor attractions.
The town is home to Chapel Down Winery, which provides tours and tastings of its award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits, according to WorldAtlas. The town also regularly plays host to arts and crafts fairs and folk festivals, amongst them a free-entry community festival taking place this summer.
Tenterden is a popular base for exploring both Kent and East Sussex, and within 20 minutes, you can also reach:
A NEW ferry linking a quirky English seaside town with France is setting sail in just a few weeks.
The crossing will take around eight hours with each sailing limited to 12 passengers.
Fécamp is renowned for its striking chalk cliffs and Benedictine liqueurCredit: guy-ozenneThe sailings will start from Shoreham, West SussexCredit: Nickos
SailLink has teamed up with award-winning sailor Michel Desjoyeaux, who will personally skipper each journey from Shoreham to Fécamp, Normandy.
Mr Desjoyeaux, the only sailor in history to have won the Vendée Globe, a round-the-world sailing race, twice, built the wind-powered catamran from parts of other race boats that had already sailed round the world.
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He hopes to prove that regular, wind–powered crossings can become a practical alternative to traditional cross-Channel ferries.
Billed as a fishing port and religious pilgrimage site, Fécamp is renowned for its striking chalk cliffs and Benedictine liqueur.
The sailing itself retraces the historic voyage of Charles II, who reached Fécamp from Shoreham in 1651.
Ticket prices start from £220 for a one-way trip, with return journeys starting from £440.
Tom Willis, chief executive at Shoreham Port, said: “We are delighted to see Shoreham Port working with SailLink and the Port of Fécamp to offer this unique cross-Channel crossing experience.
“As global warming challenges the way we travel, wind propulsion offers a compelling alternative.”
Tickets for the pilot project go on sale on August 1.
DEVON has lots of beautiful seaside towns, but when it comes to finding one that is more peaceful than most, it can feel tricky.
Sidmouth in East Devon is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and, surprisingly, has no arcades or rides.
Sidmouth in Devon is set to get a £21million glow-upCredit: AlamyThe project would focus on upgrading the seafrontCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
And soon the spot will be getting a £21million glow-up.
The multi-million pound project will focus on protecting Sidmouth’s seafront.
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There will be new offshore breakwaters, a 120 metre beach groyne, flood gates and a number of repairs to existing sea walls.
Ultimately, the upgrades will help to not only protect the seafront, but homes and businesses in the area too.
When visiting the Victorian seaside town, make sure to head to the Blue Flag-awarded beach, which is known for being one of the cleanest beaches in the UK.
As for the town, instead of amusement arcades, loud sports bars and dodgy street food vendors, you’ll find galleries, antiques shops, independent boutiques and tearooms.
Travel reporter Cyann Fielding has previously visited the town and said: “Growing up, I always associated Sidmouth with ‘that place that had donkeys’.
When visiting Sidmouth, make sure to explore the town as well as the beach, where you’ll find no arcades or loud sports barsCredit: Alamy
“This is due to Sidmouth being home to the free-to-visit Donkey Sanctuary that has over 100 donkeys that they have improved the lives of.
“Away from the sanctuary, I also visited the beach on occasions growing up.
“Sidmouth is pretty, but I often think people also forget how impressive it is with the dramatic cliffs dating back 200million years.
“They are part of the Jurassic Coast – which is made of vibrant reed sandstone cliffs from the Triassic period.
“They are a wonder to see and within the area, there are many places to go and things to do where families can learn more about the Jurassic Coast.”
Sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds but not quite in it, Bradford-on-Avon currently has direct links to Bristol and Bath, which is only 10 minutes away.
You’ll find lots of quaint cottages as well as picturesque countryside walks.
In the heart of the town, you can head to the Bradford-on-Avon Museum, where you can explore the local history.
There are also a number of pubs you can visit
To enjoy the architecture of the town, make sure to stop by the Saxon Church, which dates back to the early eleventh century.
Make sure to also visit the 14th- century Tithe Barn, which is an English Heritage site measuring 51.2 metres long.
For a fun activity, make sure to hop on a canal trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal and Avoncliff Aqueduct.
There are multiple different boat trips you can head on, including afternoon tea ones, with tickets starting from as little as £10 per person.
After exploring, if you fancy a bite to eat, head to The Bridge Tea Rooms, where you’ll be served afternoon tea for £13.95 per perso, by people in Victorian costumes.
Or if you want a pint, you won’t be short on pubs with options including The Dandy Lion and Timbrell’s Yard – which you can stay at as well, from £167 per night.
Or you could head to The Hall Estate, which is a 400-year-old Grade-I listed Jacobean mansion, costing from £160 a night.
The town beat well-known destinations like Bamburgh, Brighton, St Ives and Whitstable to be crowned the winner
Tynemouth Castle and Priory’s ruins date back to the 7th century(Image: TraceyAPhotos via Getty Images)
A coastal town with a population of 60,000 has dethroned other popular destinations as the most charming the UK has to offer.
Bamburgh and Seahouses have seen their days of glory and renown, but now it’s time to give some love to another spot in the North East, which was recently named the most charming seaside destination by Lonely Planet magazine, just nine miles from Newcastle.
Tynemouth is an easy and accessible weekend day-trip destination, recognised for its sandy beaches, scenic walks, lively independent-shop scene, food, and attractions.
For the ultimate day out in Tynemouth, go on a Saturday or Sunday and pay a visit to Tynemouth Market, held inside the old Victorian metro station beneath a striking glass roof. There, stalls sell everything from vintage clothing to antiques.
From there, it’s a short walk to the main attraction – Tynemouth Priory and Castle, a headland ruin dating back to the 7th century that towers over the North Sea.
The place is Tynemouth’s most famous postcard, giving visitors a great view of the sea.
After looking around and learning some of the town’s history, it’s time to head downstairs to King Edward’s Bay, a sheltered cove where you’ll find some of the best seafood in the area, and get to lounge around if you manage to find a spot – it tends to get pretty busy during the summer months.
But for a proper swim, the place locals recommend is Longsands Beach, a mile-long stretch that regularly pulls top marks from visitors.
But if you’re not the sitting-down-and relaxing-by-the-sea kind, you’ll find some more active fun in Hadrian’s Cycleway – a 174-mile coast-to-coast route that begins right here in Tynemouth.
Nearby, the Lord Collingwood Monument offers one of the best free viewpoints in town, described by a visitor on TripAdvisor as having privileged views of “the docks at North Shields, the priory, and the castle.”
Families and people of all ages can also enjoy Tynemouth Park, home to an unexpectedly popular attraction. One online reviewer said they’d “had an enjoyable time playing the 18-hole dinosaur-themed crazy golf courses”.
Then, in July, Tynemouth gets ready for its big event. Every year, almost 100,000 visitors come to town for the Mouth of Tyne Festival, a free event that culminates in an open-air concert staged right at the Priory ruins.
Over the years, iconic headliners have included Sam Fender, Bryan Ferry, Elbow, and Paloma Faith.
You can reach Tynemouth from London in 3 hours and 20 minutes by train, or 5 to 6 hours by car. From Manchester, the journey takes under three hours by either mode. From Edinburgh, it’s about two hours by train or car.
A MUCH-LOVED family ride has been forced to close after it appears it derailed and the track split.
The Big Dipper at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the oldest operating rollercoasters in the world.
Videos on social media appear to show a split trackCredit: TiktokCarriages also seemed to derailCredit: Tiktok
Yesterday afternoon, the wooden rollercoaster was forced to close and is still closed today, following some of the carriages of the ride derailing, with a video shared on social media also showing the track split down the middle.
Several videos shared on social media show the ride at a halt on a low part of the track.
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The track in front, which rises before a drop, appears to be broken in several places – though, reportedly, no one was hurt.
One rider, Reanna Harrison-Berry, 20, who was riding with her boyfriend, said they heard a “crunch” sound as they went uphill.
This small seaside town has had to install a park and ride due to the sheer number of visitors, and its narrow, winding streets are a difficult place to find a parking spot in the summer holidays
Tourists flock to this seaside town year round but the school holidays see it packed(Image: Getty Images)
If you’ve ever taken the kids to a seaside town or popular attraction during the six week summer holidays, you’ll know the pain of driving around in circles looking for a spot.
A lot of tourist hotspots, such as beach towns, have old, narrow roads, and often, car parking is expensive and a long walk away from any attractions. It’s one of the most annoying things about trying to enjoy a day out in the summer.
A new study, which looked at parking across the UK’s seaside towns and tourist hotspots during the summer break claims it has found the worst place to find a parking space during this time.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the worst place to park is in Cornwall, which, as a county, welcomes around four million overnight visitors and 14 million day trippers a year. The pretty fishing town of St Ives took the top spot, with a huge number of visitors heading to its beach or art galleries finding it tough to grab a parking spot.
The study, carried out by Indigo Car Hire, looked at average parking costs, the number of parking spots per 1,000 visitors, and the number of car parks within a mile of the town centre. It also looked at the number of Google reviews that mentioned tourists facing parking problems.
These factors were then scored out of 100, with St Ives easily topping the list with 92 out of 100. A recent TripAdvisor review said: “Felt we should visit as we’re in Cornwall for a week, but having failed to find any parking anywhere we were glad to get out.”
Another claimed: “We had to re-attempt visiting St Ives due to a lack of parking. In order to park we had to come between 8am-9am, just FYI. Locals are very friendly and try to help.” While one said it was a “Very nice place with lots of restaurants and shops, but totally crowded with tourists in July. You can hardly find a parking space which are very expensive!”
But the small town is tackling its parking issues. Visit St Ives has tips on where to park when visiting, and recommends either using a park and ride car park just outside the town, or parking at nearby St Erth station and taking the St Ives Bay Line, a 15-minute train ride that gives you incredible coastal views as you arrive at the town.
St Ives wasn’t the only Cornish spot to make the list. Padstow came in fourth, while Newquay came in tenth. In second place the seaside town of Whitby in North Yorkshire scored 89 out of 100 for poor parking, with some visitors parking at the neighbouring village of Sandsend and braving the 45-minute walk into town.
A recent review said: “We saw car parks, but they were totally full no matter what time of day it was, same with the on-street parking near the front.” While another claimed there was “plenty of parking. However very expensive. £2.60 for an hour.”
Cherie Carter, managing director at Indigo Car Hire, said: “According to an RAC survey earlier this year, a third of drivers struggle with parking anxiety. The aim from this study is not to discourage drivers from visiting hotspots like St Ives or Whitby, but to help travellers enjoy their summer break with fewer unexpected frustrations when they arrive.”
Top 10 worst places for parking in the six-week holidays
St Ives, Cornwall – 92/100
Whitby, North Yorkshire – 89/100
Tenby, Wales – 87/100
Padstow, Cornwall – 85/100
Salcombe, Devon – 82/100
Southwold, Suffolk – 80/100
Bournemouth, Dorset – 79/100
Brighton, East Sussex – 77/100
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire – 76/100
Newquay, Cornwall – 75/100
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
FAMILIES were left disappointed as the main attraction at a seaside town was forced to close significantly sooner than expected.
A lengthy farewell message was issued to the community, thanking locals for their support.
The Sky Club Wheel had only opened in 2025 last yearCredit: Visit Eastbourne
Eastbourne beach has said goodbye to the popular Sky Club Wheel following the announcement it was closing for good.
The attraction was only opened to the public in April 2025 and following the announcement of its closure, it was intended to be operational until September 6.
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However, the ride’s final day has already passed, July 20, almost seven weeks earlier than intended.
Eastbourne Council has previously confirmed the attraction was closing due to “commercial considerations.”
A spokesperson for Sky Club Wheel said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Sky Club Eastbourne has now closed permanently.
“We’d like to sincerely apologise to everyone that was hoping to visit us again before the end of the season. Unfortunately, we had to close earlier than expected.
“To everyone who has visited us over the years – thank you. Whether you rode with family, friends, or simply came to enjoy the incredible views, you’ve helped create so many special memories, and we’re honoured to have been a part of them.
“The support we’ve received from local residents, visitors, businesses and our amazing team has meant more than words can say.
“We are incredibly grateful for every ticket purchased, every recommendation and every smile shared with us.
“Although this chapter has come to an end, the memories we’ve made in Eastbourne will stay with us forever.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all your support over the years. We wish the wonderful town of Eastbourne all the very best for the future.”
My theme park day begins with gunfire. A jailbreak! But shortly after, I‘m attending a wedding. Next I’m on a mission, helping the local postmaster justify his uncontrollable desire to open everyone’s packages, and trying to find a way to do so without telling a lie.
This is just another Sunday morning at Knott’s Berry Farm’s “Ghost Town Alive!,” a now-10-year-old interactive show — live-action role-playing game is more accurate — that has become the best summer offering at any theme park, and not just in SoCal but in America. There’s a daily story, including three editions of a single-page newsletter that are updated every day. There’s also lots of improv. Over the years, I’ve found myself on the prowl for mysterious elixirs, playing matchmaker, collaborating on group stories in a schoolhouse, doing police work, participating in a mustache contest or flashing a press badge.
“Ghost Town Alive!” ultimately is the promise of theme parks fulfilled, that is that we can enter a fantasy world and play as cartoonish, or maybe even idealized, versions of ourselves.
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It’s a rarity, an event with 46 actors — about 30 of whom appear each afternoon — who lead guests through scavenger hunts, puzzles or just conversations about life in Calico, the fictional town of Knott’s Berry Farm’s Ghost Town area. The cast ranges from those just out of college to those in their mid-70s, and no character is ever played by more than one actor. This gives Calico a sense of life, an illusion that it’s actually populated, but also allows actors to fully develop a personality and let their characters evolve.
Before creative director Andy Crocker was working on “Ghost Town Alive!,” she was visiting it as a fan. Crocker, an experiential designer who has worked on projects for companies as wide-ranging as the Los Angeles Public Library and Walt Disney Imagineering, specializes in particular on guest-to-actor interactions.
“Ghost Town Alive!” unfolds like a live-action role-playing game. But expect plenty of silliness.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
“I will never forget the first time I saw it as a guest,” Crocker tells me. “I came with my husband, and we did not bring our kid. We walked in, and I saw a little girl in a pink cowboy hat with a painted-on mustache following an outlaw off to jail. That outlaw was giving a gritty HBO performance. Wasn’t patronizing. Wasn’t talking down. He was giving her a hero moment, and I burst into tears. I didn’t know this was possible to do on this scale with such an institution. The empowerment that performer gave to that guest, I will never forget.”
To make a theme park feel personal is no easy feat. In fact, designers have long been trying to solve this problem, whether by creating interactive attractions that feel responsive to the guest, or short-lived experiments such as the late but great Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, colloquially known as the Star Wars hotel.
Crocker says others have asked for the “secret sauce” to “Ghost Town Alive!” They’ve tried — and are trying — but she’s not so sure the magic can be replicated. One, Knott’s is blessed with a real, 100-year-old Ghost Town. That allowed for the investment to be solely in the cast and performance rather than infrastructure. And yet actors, of course, aren’t cheap.
A single-page newspaper is printed three times a day during “Ghost Town Alive!”
(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)
“The amount of people that we have, that’s tough for a lot of places,” Crocker says. “They try to do it with less, and it doesn’t quite work.”
Speaking on a panel hosted by trade group the Themed Entertainment Assn., Jeff Tucker, Knott’s Berry Farm’s show writer, says one early mistake Knott’s made was thinking everyone who works in Ghost Town could partake. That meant, for instance, taping dialogue cues to cash registers in the saloon in the hopes that bartenders could become a character. The concept failed. “It’s a logistical nightmare,” he says. The lesson: Hire actors to perform. Let bartenders be bartenders and retail staff be retail staff.
Another reason Crocker tells me “Ghost Town Alive!” is so rare, and will remain so: It doesn’t rely on intellectual property, or a known franchise, which has become the lifeblood of modern theme parks. “With things that are heavy IP, it’s very tricky to control your IP and to allow for real play, guest agency, and, honestly, artist agency,” she says.
Evan Battle, center, who plays Deputy Chester Davenport, at Knott’s Berry Farm’s “Ghost Town Alive!” in 2024. The interactive theatrical experience allows guests to mingle with about 30 actors.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
That’s important, as “Ghost Town Alive!” can shift with the whims of the guest. There’s a core storyline this year. A rich, Beverly Hills-like family is revealed to be the true owners of Calico, and how the residents respond is the key narrative of the day. But there are multiple tales to uncover, including hidden factions (check out the Calico Historical Society) and who is taking who to the 4 p.m. hoedown, which ends each daily game of “Ghost Town Alive!”
But Crocker has also seen it get rather heartwarming.
“My mom came to see it,” she says. “She has some health concerns. There was a character who was in a crazy mix-’em-up and said he would not make it to the hoedown and that this would be his last day on Earth. This character and my mom ended up having this conversation about how if you know you don’t have a lot of time left, what would you do with your time? I was surprised by that pivot.”
It helps, Crocker says, that she’s noticed one commonality among the “Ghost Town Alive!” staff. They play — or were weaned on — tabletop role-playing games such as “Dungeons & Dragons,” which at their best allow for an anything-goes approach designed to follow the direction of the players rather than a strict script.
Tucker on the panel said there was one rule the crew lives by that defines the success of “Ghost Town Alive!”: “It’s not real,” he said. “We can do whatever we want.”
This week in SoCal theme parks
Not yet ready for prime time, Knott’s Berry Farm has delayed the opening of Montezooma: The Forbidden Fortress.
(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)
Montezooma is not yet zooming. Knott’s Berry Farm initially intended to launch its reimagined Montezooma’s Revenge, now known as Montezooma: The Forbidden Fortress, this week. Late Thursday, the park delayed its public unveiling, with a spokesperson citing additional fine-tuning that surfaced during its final days of testing. The delay is not expected to be a prolonged one. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding and look forward to welcoming media and guests in the coming days when we can showcase the attraction exactly as intended,” read a statement from the park.
A monthlong Lego celebration. Carlsbad’s Legoland likes to describe its Lego Festival, which started Monday and runs through Aug. 30, as a child’s first fest. Expect lots of characters and an assortment of play-focused areas. One is dedicated to music, another is a free-run creative zone and a third is a Lego garden designed to soothe. New this year is a game-heavy center dedicated to the Pokémon franchise, as well as a challenge-filled F1 installation.
It’s now more expensive to eat at Disneyland. Price hikes, unfortunately, are a yearly-occurrence at the Disneyland Resort, and this summer, like every summer, hundreds of food items have ever-so-slightly increased in cost. Most are in the range of a dollar or so — give or take a quarter or two — but expect to pay $7, up from $6.50, for a scoop of popcorn. I admittedly do not keep a database of Disneyland food prices, but sites like Mickey Visit or Theme Park IQ have tracked the most egregious price bumps. Looking at their data, you may want to think twice about dining at Disneyland’s Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, where prices have been increasing even as portions over the years have been declining.
Where is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift? We’re now in midsummer, and Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift still does not have an official opening date. While sources familiar with the coaster’s operations point to routine mechanical issues that have arisen during its test and adjustment phase, one thing is certain: It’s not delayed due to noise complaints from neighbors, as rumors suggested last week. A Universal spokesperson pushed back on the notion that the coaster is delayed, stating it would still open this summer, which lasts into late September.
The best thing I ate at the parks
The hearty cottage pie from Downtown Disney’s Gordon Ramsay at the Carnaby.
(Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times)
I’ve been eagerly anticipating the opening of Gordon Ramsay at the Carnaby at the Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney, the latest concept in which the celebrity chef has agreed to lend his name. This one is an upscale gastropub, and while I’ll leave the full cuisine analysis to the professional food writers, as a parkgoer I do believe it fills a void in Disneyland’s shopping and entertainment district, bringing the area an adult-focused space with upscale (read: expensive) twists on old favorites like fish and chips ($33) and cottage pie ($38). And after reading breathless press release-like articles and posts from my theme park peers (“utter perfection,” proclaimed one) I couldn’t have been more excited to dine there this weekend.
Let’s start with the vibe, which I found to be rather confused. I was seated in the tiny, uncomfortable indoor bar, a place that felt like an afterthought and leaned airport terminal drinking hole, as it’s situated at the top of a stairwell and serves primarily as a thoroughfare into the dining hall. That a pub, especially one with an extensive cocktail menu (I did love my $22 cotton candy-infused Old Fashioned) would treat its introductory bar as a throwaway rather than a centerpiece of the experience was disappointing (an outdoor bar is significantly more enticing). The core dining space leans contemporary more than a traditional, wood-infused pub, feeling cafe-like with its ‘60s rock posters and framed portraits of those in mod outfits. More theme-ing would have been welcome, as I read it as slightly cold and corporate rather than homey and intimate. Instead of, say Pasadena’s Lucky Baldwins, this felt like a nice break room at a major record label.
But my dish was delightful. I had my heart set on the cottage pie, this one infused with a hearty portion of short rib. I probably should have taken leftovers, because it’s heavy, but in the best way possible. The potato-rich top felt creamy and buttery, while the meat was equally soft. The whole thing felt invitingly plush. I walked away mixed. No complaints on my entrée, and I’m eager to come back and try the fish and chips, and yes, that viral sticky toffee pudding dessert, but longing for a more welcoming atmosphere, especially at this price point.
Tell us your stories. Ask us your questions.
Have a theme park tale to share? Whether it was a good day or less-than-perfect day, I would love to hear about it. Have a question? A tip? A fun photo from the parks to share? Email me at todd.martens@latimes.com. I may feature your note in an upcoming newsletter.
Ride on,
Todd Martens
P.S.
Drowned Out Productions’ “The Shoebox Museum” explores love and loss.
(Drowned Out Productions. )
There’s a show running Saturday and Sunday in Los Angeles that I believe theme park fans should make time for. “The Shoebox Museum,” at North Hollywood’s After Hours theater, is a walk-through immersive experience at its most thoughtful. It’s short, at around 30 minutes, but it stayed with me for hours after it concluded.
“The Shoebox Museum,” from Drowned Out Productions’ Jackson Mancuso, who does theme park design by day, is a mediation on heartbreak, asking what we want to leave behind, and take with us, as we explore our grief. It’s meticulously designed, as we follow light cues through byzantine rooms filled with everyday ephemera — the type of stuff that only holds meaning to those who were in love. It’s a show about how an once broken heart, even mended, still finds ways to haunt us.
PREMIER INN has revealed plans to open a £14million hotel in a seaside town.
The UK’s largest hotel chain is set to to transform an “underutilised” area near to several tourist attractions.
Premier Inn is set to open the 108-bedroom hotel in HunstantonCredit: NurPhoto via Getty ImagesThe site earmarked for development is in Southend Road on the Norfolk coastCredit: King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council
The investment by Whitbread, the company which owns the Premier Inn brand, has been welcomed by residents and businesses in Norfolk.
The site earmarked for development is in Southend Road, Hunstanton.
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Premier Inn has been discussions to create the 108-bedroom hotel “for years”.
Planning permission will now have to be gained before the development can take place, which would be built near Seagate (East) Car Park, the council said.
Simon Ring, deputy leader of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, described the move as a “vote of confidence” in the future of the town.
He said it followed years of discussions between the local authority and the firm.
“This is huge news for Hunstanton,” Ring told the BBC.
“The sheer fact the UK’s largest hotel chain wants to invest in Hunstanton is a vote of confidence in the resort’s future, placing us alongside Norfolk’s other big visitor destinations, and this investment and new facility will hopefully act as a catalyst for further money.”
Whitbread acquisitions manager Paul Smith said the new hotel would provide “visitors with the quality, value and reliability they expect from the UK’s leading hotel brand”.
Premier Inn currently operates nearly 850 hotels in the UK.
If Oxnard to you is just a freeway sign on the way to Santa Barbara or Ojai, you’re missing out on a few things. Like an extensive harbor with none of the traffic or showy affluence of its southern cousins. Miles and miles of white sand where you won’t find another family right next to you as soon as you lay down a towel. A diverse, chilled city with an energetic subculture (Nardcore, anyone?) and some pretty decent tacos.
There are a bunch of ways to spend your time here. Take an architecture tour around Heritage Square, perhaps, or taste your way around September’s Chowderfest at the Maritime Museum. On the water, you can paddleboard ‘til you drop, commune with whales on a boat excursion or skip off to the Channel Islands on a whim.
It’s the only California Cultural District in Ventura County, an honor bestowed by the California Arts Council, which says that “from Guelaguetza and Fiestas Patrias to Juneteenth celebrations, Nardcore punk shows, lowrider cruises, fandangos, and Ballet Folklorico, the district’s cultural life is exuberant and deeply rooted in community.” Rapper/producer and Oxnard native Anderson .Paak named his third album after the city and has hosted the .Paak House music festival in the region.
And Oxnard is a summer home to Netflix darlings the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. For two decades, the Cowboys have held their training camp in the city, and this time around, the cheerleaders will join the scene for Oxnard Fan Night on July 31, the opening ceremony Aug. 1 and toa dance clinic Aug. 2.
Oxnard may not be overly polished, which of course adds to its charm. To get to know the community, you’ll have to veer a few miles off the 101 — but the detour makes for a vibrant SoCal weekend.
During the June heatwave, we took a trip down to the great British seaside, where Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel had something special on offer
08:23, 20 Jul 2026Updated 08:48, 20 Jul 2026
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Inside Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel
Bournemouth vastly expanded in the 1800s as wealthy Victorians came to convalesce among the town’s famous, inflammation-soothing pine trees.
Strolling through the town, I can’t quite catch the scent of those historic pines – but the sea breeze coupled with the olfactory overload of a nearby doughnut stand is equally reviving.
While the trees may no longer soothe my woes, there is a mountain of scientific research proving that being by the water really does boost spirits.
Marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, in his book Blue Mind, wrote how exposure to blue spaces – including the glorious British seaside – can act as medicine for the brain, effectively lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol and boosting overall happiness. For me, it is an undeniable truth: being by the sea brings a sense of calm that I simply cannot replicate anywhere else.
Luckily, I am soaking up all of these benefits from my seaside cottage at Bournemouth’s Highcliff Marriott Hotel, which offers incredible, sweeping views from its hillside perch.
For many of us, 2026 is the year of the staycation. With thousands of holidaymakers enduring airport chaos and the EU’s troublesome new entry/exit system, opting to stay closer to home makes sense.
But while staying in the UK gets rid of most problems, it can still be a gamble: the fickle British weather, the uninspiring reality of holiday rentals that look fabulous online, and the long list of check-out demands by so-called hosts.
If you’re looking for the perfect compromise – which offers the privacy of a private rental, but with four-star luxury and no cleaning demands – the hotel’s new coastal cottages have cracked the code.
Marriott has revamped its 19th century former coastguard cottages into a set of stunning boutique retreats. Designed by Joanna Knight Interiors, they feature a gorgeous coastal aesthetic packed with sandy neutrals, retro Smeg fridges, and beach-hut-coloured front doors.
The service when we arrive after a long, sticky drive during the Juneheatwave is top notch. We arrived at a cottage where staff had already thoughtfully blasted the air conditioning, and were handed a kids’ activity pack at reception.
Best of all, there was no requirement to strip the sheets or empty the bins at the end of our stay, leaving us more time to enjoy the hotel’s perks, including a 24-hour gym and a well-heated outdoor pool.
Complete with a range of games in the garden for kids, including giant Jenga, while there’s a fully stocked pool-side bar for adults, along with grandstand views of the pier, it is remarkably hard to drag yourself away from the surroundings and into the town itself.
You don’t have to venture far to eat well, with the on-site Brasserie Blanc restaurant serving up an impressive feast for every meal.
For dinner, I followed a wise proverb: cheese is love, and cheese with cream is extra love, meaning I had to order the cheese soufflé (£8.50) – it was delicious, with a beautifully light, airy texture, while my guests opted for a tasty looking Devon crab and avocado with garlic croutons for their starter (£9.95).
The mains include a spectacular sirloin (£29.95) alongside an impressive Chateaubriand (£69.95) for two: succulent, perfectly seasoned, teamed with a punchy pepper sauce, and accompanied by very decent fries. For dessert, the lemon tart (£9.50) went down extremely well, as did the classic crème brûlée (£6.95). The mocktail menu is surprisingly strong – if often feels like an afterthought at most places, but here, I got to enjoy an alcohol-free margarita (£10.95) that left me reeling at how punchy it was.
Even the children’s menu is surprisingly decent, with a welcome absence of standard beige chicken nuggets; instead, it offers a large variety of healthy, delicious dishes including grilled trout and veggie bolognese. Thanks to the temporary summer VAT cut, it is also well-priced at £9.50 for two courses or £12.50 for three.
Dining on the large outside terrace where I could breathe in the sea air, I left the table feeling spiritually lighter despite the three-course meal.
That welcoming atmosphere carried me straight into a buzzy evening, with the hotel bar packed with drinkers ready for a fun night out before the England match.
The next morning, breakfast continued to the same high standard, with a vast range of hot and cold items, including an exceptional cooked-to-order omelette bar, a high-quality full English fry-up and a great Continental spread.
Fuelled up for the day, Bournemouth beach called to us. Helpfully, it is just a three-minute stroll from the hotel, which is a godsend when you’re travelling with kids. Its golden sands are stunning, and at seven miles long, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out.
Bournemouth is a town of brilliant dualities. While parts of the town centre can look slightly worse for wear, looking beyond the high street reveals world-class coastal beauty.
The nearby Hengistbury Head is well worth a visit, a sprawling nature reserve offering great views of the Isle of Wight and gentle walks.
Closer to the hotel, right by Bournemouth Beach, sits the Oceanarium. We found this to be very reasonably priced at £35 for a family and a perfect sanctuary during the heat. It is a great spot for kids to burn off some energy in the shade, while staring down sharks, stingrays, and penguins.
And of course, the iconic pier remains an absolute must for older kids, packed to the brim with traditional arcade, fairground rides and a set of indoor climbing walls.
By combining a private cottage with the luxuries of a landmark hotel, the Highcliff Marriott has set a new standard for the great British staycation.
Book it
A private Coastal Cottage is available from £130/night (based on two sharing). Fine out more here.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly city break this summer, a study has shown some of the cheapest options across Europe, and one country dominates the top ten with a huge selection of inexpensive cities
The city has been nicknamed the Venice of Poland(Image: Getty Images)
Summer is a great time to enjoy a city break. While some people prefer to head to the beach, the sunny weather can be a nice time to see a new city, as you can explore outside and enjoy a more relaxed vibe.
But city breaks can be expensive. If you’re looking for budget options, there’s one country in particular that should be top of your list. It has six out of the ten cheapest city breaks in Europe, and makes up the entirety of the top five named in the study.
The research, carried out by virtual card provider Getsby, looked at data from travel cost site Budget Your Trip and worked out the average cost for two people for a mid-range city break in 100 different European cities. It crunched the numbers on the daily cost for two people for two days, including mid-priced meals, a hotel stay, and using local transport.
Coming in with a daily average cost of £35 per person was Wroclaw in Poland, making it the cheapest option out of all the cities studied. Wroclaw, set in the southwest of the country, was built on 12 islands across the Odra River and its neighbourhoods are connected by over 100 bridges. It’s sometimes called the Venice of Poland thanks to its sprawling network of canals that offer you the chance to go sightseeing by boat.
Ostrów Tumski, or Cathedral Island, is the oldest part of the city, made up of cobblestone streets that are illuminated by 102 gas lamps, each one lit by hand every evening by a man in a cape. Just across the water is Rynek, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, where you’ll find a towering Gothic old town hall and traditional tenement houses painted in soft pastel tones.
Centennial Hall is another of the city’s architectural masterpieces. Built in the 1910s, this vast concrete building was used as a filming location for Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, its distinctive high dome making it perfect for the Capitol Arena.
Eating out is inexpensive in Wroclaw, and you can find plenty of hearty, cheap eats. Fill up on kluski sląskie, soft potato dumplings, or zurek, a tangy soup often served in a bread bowl. The city is also a popular place to visit during the winter months, where the icy weather gives it serious cosy vibes.
Rynek becomes the site of the city’s Christmas market from late-November until early-January, and opens late in to the night. You can try traditional Polish food and enjoy hot mulled wine served in ceramic, boot-shaped mugs that have become a collector’s item.
But Wroclaw isn’t Poland’s only inexpensive destination. The top five cheapest breaks are all in the country: Poznań, Katowice, Gdańsk, and Kraków, making up the list. Warsaw, the country’s capital, also comes in at number ten.
Outside of Poland, four other cities complete the top ten. These are Sofia in Bulgaria, Zagreb in Croatia, Malmö in Sweden, and Budapest in Hungary, putting the majority of cheap destinations in Eastern Europe.
The 10 cheapest European cities for a weekend getaway
Wroclaw, Poland
Poznań, Poland
Katowice, Poland
Gdańsk, Poland
Krakow, Poland
Sofia, Bulgaria
Zagreb, Croatia
Malmö, Sweden
Budapest, Hungary
Warsaw, Poland
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
Sitting atop a hill in the heart of one of the most popular areas in the UK is a charming market town that offers a step back in time along its narrow lanes and medieval backdrop
I visited this charming UK town, brimming with traditional tearooms and independent businesses(Image: Amy Jones)
While it may be compact, this idyllic UK town is brimming with traditional tearooms and one of the best bookshops in the UK, as I discovered on a recent visit.
The Cotswolds are well-known for being home to quaint towns filled with honey-coloured cottages and meandering rivers against rolling countryside hills, so there’s a very good reason why it’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). One settlement that makes up this notoriously beautiful part of the world is Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds.
Perched nearly 800ft above sea level in Gloucestershire, Stow-on-the-Wold is famed for its ancient market square, thriving independent scene, and for being regarded as the ‘antique capital of the Cotswolds’. Positioned just a 10-minute drive from Bourton-on-the-Water and 30 minutes from Cheltenham, it attracts visitors far and wide who come to marvel at its charms.
The renowned market square that characterises this town, dating back to 1107, is surrounded by an abundance of shops, from the gift store, The Honey Pot, sheepskin goods at Lambswold and the Cotswold Sweet Company. But if you wander further into the town, down sloping streets and past medieval stonework and climbing ivy, there’s so much more to discover.
I visited Stow-on-the-Wold for the first time this month and was left in awe of how many shops lined its narrow, honey-hued streets. There weren’t any empty stores in sight, but thriving independent businesses like Ella’s Emporium, Rhubarb Rhubarb Boutique, the florist Allium, kitchen store, The Crock Shop, beer cafe and bottleshop, Off the Square, and a local favourite at lunch, Cotswold Baguettes.
If you don’t take time strolling along its narrow lanes, off the main high street, it’s easy to miss a hidden gem, with some shops tucked a little out of the way. I could have easily missed Talbot Court, where green shopfronts and string lights adorn a courtyard, and the Borzoi Bookshop, which quickly became my favourite find.
Tucked down another courtyard decorated with flags, hanging lights and potted plants, just off Digbeth Street, the independent bookshop has been trading for more than 40 years. Packed with novels for all ages, Borzoi’s is a sanctuary for bibliophiles who are looking to find their next best read in a cosy, secluded store, or to join one of their book clubs, and I could have spent hours inside.
One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Lovely quaint book shop with a wide variety of books, cards and wrapping. They had a lovely children’s section with beanbags to sit on, which was inviting for our child. Staff were pleasant, and the shop was fairly busy with customers. They even had signed copies of books on sale. Would definitely recommend.”
Naturally, Stow-on-the-Wold is home to a variety of antique stores, including the White Cottage and Tare Antiques, where visitors are guaranteed to find a vintage treasure, with displays decorating entrances. But what truly makes this town stand out are the collection of traditional tearooms, which really felt as though I had stepped back in time.
Lucy’s tearoom was particularly noteworthy, with elegant seating outside and its curved window frames, while I also found the Old Bakery Tearoom, tucked inside the Fountain Court, offering classic cream tea. Huffkins also appeared to be a favourite among locals, as they sat in the summer sunshine savouring a slice of cake and a cuppa against the town’s medieval backdrop.
But a trip to Stow-on-the-Wold isn’t complete without stopping by The Porch House, which is claimed to be the oldest pub in England. I glimpsed inside the medieval pub, where its historic wooden beams and uneven floors, dating back to the 10th century, made it feel as though a pint should be served in a drinking tankard.
Meanwhile, residents were filling the streets around The Queen’s Head Inn, sipping drinks in the afternoon summer sun, with the pub adorned with hanging baskets. Others opted for a glass of wine outside at Massimo or a cocktail and bite at The Cotswolds Farm shop, before taking a stroll around the market town packed with charm.
The town is also celebrated for the ‘Tolkien Door’, located at the north entrance of St. Edward’s Church, surrounded by towering intertwined yew trees which are believed to have inspired the ‘Doors of Durin’ in J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Twice annually, Stow-on-the-Wold also plays host to the traditional Gypsy horse fair, which stretches back over 500 years and originated as a sheep and wool fair, reflecting the town’s trading heritage.
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Having always loved the idea of running her own bookshop, Mirror writer Julia Banim spent the night at Read and Rabbit in Loftus, which offers guests the opportunity to try their hand at bookselling
15:31, 17 Jul 2026Updated 15:49, 17 Jul 2026
Mirror reporter Julia Banim spent the night at Read and Rabbit in Loftus, Yorkshire(Image: Julia Banim)
It’s always been a bit of a daydream of mine to run a quirky bookshop, ideally in a suitably pretty location.
So imagine my delight when I learned about Read and Rabbit, a sweet pink bookshop nestled in the quaint village of Loftus, on the very edge of the breathtakingly poetic North York Moors National Park.
It’s here where literary-minded holidaymakers can stay above the shop in the cosiest of surroundings. Best of all, in between curling up with a book and exploring the many charms of the local area, guests can try their hand at running the shop themselves, tallying up change, and greeting customers looking for a good read, and indeed, a good rabbit.
If you’ve been waiting around for your romcom moment, then let this be your sign. I simply couldn’t resist.
Read and Rabbit is the baby of Marta Eleniak, a friendly and likeable host with an encyclopedic knowledge of local haunts. She tells the Mirror: “I love creating experiences for people. Of all the things that I’ve done in my life, it’s when I’ve organised holidays for other people and done things that made them smile, that’s kind, where I feel I’m in my element. It’s like my calling, really, creating experiences for others.”
Before clocking on for my bookshop shift, Marta and I stop by the nearby Cattersty Sands beach, a hidden gem offering enough tranquillity to dislodge even the most stubborn writer’s block. Those with pets will also be pleased to know that it’s dog-friendly.
A relative newbie to Loftus, Marta fell for the area while looking for somewhere new to live, ideally in a friendly, affordable community with woods to walk in and plenty of rolling hills.
While chatting about her search on a Facebook group, a fellow member suggested their hometown of Loftus, with its waterfalls and proximity to the sea. Marta was immediately sold.
Having familiarised myself with lovely Loftus, it was onto my shift. The bookshop itself is a real treasure, with creative displays and even a fun ‘Harry Potter experience’ that young bookworms, and perhaps those not so young, will no doubt enjoy.
Marta learned that the centuries-old shop, previously an artist’s pottery studio, was up for sale through the local walking group, and while she initially had no intention of buying, when she saw it in person, it was love at first sight. It was then that things started to come together.
With this new ‘run a bookshop’ experience, guests staying in the self-catering accommodation have free rein to run Read and Rabbit, should they choose to. If they decide to do so, the only rules are that they open on at least one of the core days between 10 am and 2 pm on Saturday and on one midweek day.
That aside, guests are free to do as they wish and can spend time organising the books, changing up the window displays, and even offering workshops. For those looking for a bit more of a transformative stay, Marta offers buddy-up sessions to help people overcome writers’ block.
For Marta, Read and Rabbit is about more than selling books. From spending time online, she’s come across people who don’t necessarily have many friends in the offline world, and feels a brick-and-mortar bookshop offers that all-important sense of physical connection that’s so often missing in today’s society.
Marta says: “When I was researching bookshops, lots of people who had bookshops said the positive is that bookshops are just happy places for so many people. If you’re neurodivergent, it’s often a place where you feel quite happy and at ease.
“I just thought, I want to make it a happy place for people. And I want to have fun, quirky stuff there that makes people laugh. So even if they come in and something just makes them laugh, and they don’t buy anything, that’s good enough for me.”
There’s a comforting feel to the place, and indeed, Marta herself, that seems to prompt people to open up. While peaceful, Read and Rabbit also gets its fair share of eccentric and interesting customers, including those from North Yorkshire’s thriving artistic community. Often, they’ll stop and chat, sharing their stories, a laugh, and any problems that might be troubling them, big or small.
Profits from book sales go towards creating affordable events for people, with Marta noting: “Meditation is great, but not everybody can afford £10 or whatever it is for a meditation session.” I’m soon getting a feel for the place and the wider village, selling everything from adorable children’s books to humorous cards.
Now, I’ve worked in the trenches of retail before and can assure future guests that this is a far more relaxed experience. As Marta herself put it: “It’s a bit like when you’re a kid, and you play shop, but you actually get a whole shop to play with, but it’s real.”
For lunch, I enjoy a delicious takeaway pie and brownie from the award-winning Willow Cake Shop, a much-loved local establishment that looks like a bakery straight out of a fairytale. It’s a sizeable portion, but I don’t leave so much as a crumb.
After we close for the day, Marta and I take a walk in the local woods, of which there are plenty. Outdoorsy readers will be spoiled for choice with ancient woodland to explore, with plenty of Tolkien-esque trees and dramatic waterfalls to fire up the imagination.
Afterwards, we head into nearby Staithes, a wonderfully atmospheric fishing village with labyrinthine cobbled streets, a rugged coastline, and the saltiest sea air.
Those writing novels populated with old-timey smugglers, crashing waves, and secrets shared in lantern-lit taverns will adore Staithes. Do make sure to check out the Cod and Lobster, which offers excellent fresh seafood and unparalleled views over the harbour.
Lungs filled with sea air, I settle into my accommodation at Read and Rabbit, a charmingly unique set of rooms with plenty of literary touches, from typewriters to, of course, plenty of books. With two rooms to choose from, I went for the larger one with the window seat overlooking the street.
The kitchen is well stocked, with Marta kindly leaving out fresh local eggs and oranges to pop in the press for juice. I particularly love the colourful roof garden, the perfect spot for a morning cuppa. I sleep well and spend the first hour or so reading happily by the window, rain tinkling on the pane outside.
When things brighten up a bit, I say a reluctant goodbye to Read and Rabbit, and head over to nearby Saltburn, a Victorian seaside town famed for its historic pier and surfing. Saltburn has a relaxed, youthful feel, while still maintaining its timeless British seaside feel.
Fish and chips are, of course, a must, and so I stop by The Seaview Restaurant, a popular local haunt where there are queues on an ordinary Monday afternoon. The delicious and generous servings are made all the more special by the sparkling ocean views.
With Wuthering Heights fever having gripped the nation earlier this year, it’s clear that Yorkshire’s wild literary culture is having a moment. Should you want to explore beyond the crowds at Whitby and Howarth, then overlooked yet well-positioned Loftus, and in particular Read and Rabbit, offers the perfect opportunity to do so.
You can find out more about staying at Read and Rabbit here.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com
