AS the car turned, there it was – a towering island next to an isolated and ruined castle, emerging from the water – it truly was a real-life Neverland.
Located in the Inner Hebrides in Scotland is a tiny island with a population of just nine people.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The Inner Hebrides in Scotland is home to a car-free island that inspired Neverland in Peter PanCredit: Cyann FieldingIt is a tidal island, so to reach it you have to hop on a boatCredit: Cyann FieldingThe island then has a number of houses and cabins, including a main manor house (above)Credit: Cyann Fielding
Known as Eilean Shona, this tidal island is completely car-free and was the inspiration behind J.M Barrie’s creation of Neverland in Peter Pan.
As my boat approached the shores of the island, it was obvious why.
Towering green trees and serene still waters were both welcoming and peaceful.
Once I reached the island, the soft soil, earthy smells, chimes of birds and light breaking through the trees made it feel magical.
The island is littered with a number of houses and cabins for visitors to stay in – for my stay, I was in the main manor house.
Stepping inside, I found myself in a Traitors-like castle, decked out with tartan features, roaring fireplaces and cosy corners with well-read books.
The feeling of being somewhere else continued when I found my room – a plush bed stood proud in the centre, and old-style windows looked out onto fresh green grass just as if I was in my own magical bubble.
The main house sleeps up to 18 people and inside has a number of spaces including nine bedrooms, six bathrooms, a dining room, library with a full-size billiards table, a drawing room, and a large kitchen.
Guests can either book the house as catered or self-catered, and for prices, you will need to contact the island (though split between 18 people it wouldn’t work out too expensive per night).
Whilst there isn’t much to do on the island, it is the perfect retreat away from the modern world and the stresses of day to day life.
Thanks to there being no shops, no restaurants and patchy phone signal, it really helps you disconnect from your mobile (and consequently social media).
This particularly hit me when I ran a bath, and the water ran yellow-brown.
Initially, I was disgusted, thinking it was dirt, and reached for my phone to do a quick Google search.
But I stopped myself.
Instead, I embraced it and later asked one of my hosts why it was that colour.
Turns out the water is in fact so clean – cleaner than most places in the UK – and the colour comes from the peat found in the surrounding landscape.
Inside the manor house, there are nine bedroom and it feels like The Traitors castleCredit: Cyann FieldingAs for things to do on the island, there are limitless numbers of hikes to go onCredit: Cyann Fielding
I was told it is perfectly safe to drink and bathe in, and in fact carries minerals that are good for you.
One of the activities to do on the island that is well worth experiencing, though, is taking a cold water plunge or swim – the scenery is stunning and the water is serenely calm.
Heading off the pier, I floated for a few minutes in the water, taking in the smell of the fresh, earthy air and noting the silence around me.
For those who aren’t too fond of a cold dip or want to warm up quickly afterwards, there is also a sauna near the water’s edge.
During the evening, I headed to the Village Hall, which is the island’s social hub.
Here you can enjoy a weekly pub night, table tennis, wildlife books and board games.
You can also take a cold water plunge, and then jump into the saunaCredit: @goodcompany.group @konrad.j.borkowskiThe island also has lots of beaches, including Shoe BayCredit: @goodcompany.group @konrad.j.borkowskiThe beach has white sand and crystal clear watersCredit: Cyann Fielding
After enjoying my dinner, I snuggled up to the fire cocktail made from a Sapling Spirits – a climate-positive vodka brand that first started on the island.
For each bottle sold, the brand plants a tree, something I even got to do with my own tree sapling – perhaps it will be used by the Lost Boys to find their way home.
Obviously, the island has an endless amount of walks you can take, and a couple of mine included heading to the summit and to the opposite side of the island where I found Shoe Bay, with a white sand beach and crystal clear waters.
For guests who want to venture around the island’s shores, there are kayaks, canoes and paddleboards available for hire.
And whilst exploring the island, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as birds of prey often circle overhead.
In less than 24 hours I had completely fallen in love with the island.
It really did feel like Neverland for adults wanting to escape the modern world and I cannot wait to go back.
There are a few ways to get to the island, including via the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William.
From there, Eilean Shona is about an hour’s drive or in a taxi.
Alternatively, you could fly to Glasgow Airport, then hire a car and make the three-hour trip to Eilean Shona.
Sherry Martin Peters, a flight attendant and founder of Atlas + Wild, has shared a list of her favourite supermarket buys she makes sure to put in her shopping basket when abroad
Sherry Peters has shared her list of top foreign supermarket buys(Image: Supplied)
Is there a sensation that etches itself more deeply and immediately into the British brain than the first time you enter a French supermarket?
I doubt I will ever forget the thrilling aroma of different chilled meats, walking down an aisle of completely unfamiliar cereals, or realising that you can buy small fireworks and about 400 varieties of drink syrup in a single shop.
Supermarket shopping abroad is a serious phenomenon on social media, with more than 50 million posts related to ‘grocery store travel’ on TikTok. It is packed full of travellers showing off their finds and remarking at how different everyday things are abroad.
Last year, travel giant Expedia identified “supermarket tourism” or “Goods Getaways” as a major trend for 2025. The firm predicted that more travelers, particularly Gen Z, would visit foreign supermarkets to find unique products that have gone viral on social media.
Sherry Martin Peters, a flight attendant and founder of Atlas + Wild, has avidly visited different supermarkets throughout her long career of jet-setting across the world.
“Tourists seek landmarks and magnets for souvenirs. Flight attendants seek out grocery stores. We know which Lisbon supermarkets stock sangria worthy of wrapping inside a shoe, which Korean store to stock up on collagen face masks, which French markets sell lavender honey that doubles as a sleep remedy, and which South African shelves hold rooibos tea rich enough to taste like rest,” she told the Mirror.
“Fresh Italian pasta. Salted butter from France. Brazilian mate packed between uniforms. Lisbon sardines in artful tins. These aren’t novelty purchases — they are edible memories, our way of claiming a place as lived, not just passed through. If you ever were to peek inside a flight attendants pantry, it’d look like an international grocery store. And that gives us comfort.”
Sherry has shared her favourite foreign supermarkets when travelling abroad, and what she buys in them. “Some of this may be found in specialty stores in the U.S. but we are buying the same at dirt cheap prices,” she notes.
Do you have any foreign supermarket staples or any tips for shopping abroad? We’d love to hear from you. Please email [email protected]
Italy: Carrefour, Coop, and Esselunga
One litre bottle of “rustic unfiltered” olive oil by Carapelli
Any Italian red wine that’s about 7-10 euros – they are all fantastic
Fresh hand-cut pasta from Maffei or from a local pasta shop
Tomato paste by Tuscanini or Mutti
Canned tomatoes and tomato sauce by Cento, La Fiammante, Divella and Mutti
Fresh chunks of Parmesan for grating
France: Monoprix
Bordier Butter, or Grand Fermage Sel de Mer (sea salt butter) is a cult product
Lulu Barquettes boat cookies
St Michel Original Madeleines
Fleur de Sel gray sea salt
Duck Confit Reflets De France (duck in a can)
Torres Truffle potato chips
Pringles (taste better than in the US)
Portugal: El Corte Inglés and Continente
Dom Simon sangria (actually from Spain) and cinnamon sticks to marinate it in
Local wines like Vino Verde, but use the Vivino app to look for ratings to try new ones
Fresh pastéis de nata (custard tarts Portugal is famous for) from the bakery
The On The Beach worker shared five destinations he is convinced will go viral next year
13:17, 29 Oct 2025Updated 17:05, 29 Oct 2025
Seville could be one of 2026’s most popular destinations (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
With 2026 rapidly approaching, many families are already planning next year’s holiday. For those in need of inspiration, a travel blogger and On The Beach specialist has revealed five destinations he expects to explode in popularity next year – and which you could book now to avoid the rush.
Rob Brooks, a travel enthusiast and influencer with the travel company On The Beach. He is well-known online for providing budget-friendly travel advice, hotel reviews, and holiday tips, which has helped him amass a significant following on social media, especially on TikTok where he goes by the username @Robonthebeach.
In a new post, Rob shared a video titled: “Five destinations I think are about to go viral, my 2026 holiday destination predictions.” His caption said: “Trust me, these 5 holiday destinations will be all over your ‘for you’ page next year.” Rob told viewers: “There are five destinations that I think are about to go viral in 2026.
“I spent a lot of time recently looking through the holiday data from this year, and I think these places are gonna be huge next year. These are places rising fast in 2025 that I think are about to hit the next level next year.”
Sharing fifth place on his list, Rob said: “Porto in Portugal. Lisbon had its moment, and Porto’s next. It’s cheaper. People say it’s trendier, and it’s got that perfect mix of Old Town charm and ocean views.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
“It’s becoming the new city break with sunshine favourite, and we’ve seen bookings here shoot up already this year. The fact that it still flies under the radar against Lisbon and the Algarve makes it feel like the next big thing for travellers, and I found three nights in Porto next year with flights from £213 per person. Not bad.”
Moving onto the fourth spot, he said: “Seville in Spain. Seville is the Spanish city that’s finally getting the love it deserves. It’s got the architecture of Madrid, the atmosphere of Barcelona, but it’s half the price and the food’s better. 2025 was its breakout year, and we can see that in the booking numbers. But 2026 is when it’ll go properly big time. And at these prices, I’m not surprised. I found three nights in Seville with flights for just £182 per person.”
In third, Rob said: “Bulgaria. This one’s a bit of a dark horse. Bulgaria is becoming the go-to for affordable beach holidays. But it’s not just about being cheap anymore. The hotels are improving, the beaches are spotless, and Sunny Beach is growing up a little bit. It’s still dead fun. There’s just less chaos. If value stays king next summer, which I think it will, Bulgaria will be massive.
“We’ve seen more bookings this year, and the data shows more searches for lower-cost Eastern European holidays. And when I did a search myself, I found seven nights in Sunny Beach with flights for a family of four for £214 per person, and that’s all-inclusive.”
Revealing second place, the blogger said: “Agadir in Morocco. It’s a four-hour flight from the UK, the weather is about 25 degrees all year, and the resorts have gone up a notch in the last few years. All-inclusive holidays here tend to be cheaper than the Canaries, and people are realising that it’s an exotic destination, but without a long-haul flight. In recent years, we’ve seen Agadir popping up as a real contender to the usual winter sun destinations. This year it’s gone up again. You can expect to see more deals like this one in 2026. Seven nights in Agadir, all-inclusive package with flights, just 370 quid per person. It’s a no-brainer.
Rob’s top spot goes to Egypt, reports the Express. He said: “I feel like I bang on about Egypt, but it’s had one of the biggest glow-ups in years. Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada genuinely have world-class hotels now, proper five-star resorts with stunning views of the Red Sea, and unbeatable weather all year round. The beaches and the diving and the all-inclusives are unmatched at its price. And I think 2026 is the year that Egypt becomes the luxury destination without the long-haul flight. And here’s why. Five-star all-inclusive in June 2026 for seven nights is just £412 per person.
“So that’s my five to watch for 2026. Porto, Seville, Bulgaria, Agadir and Egypt. Each one of them has seen a big surge already, and each one of them offers something different to people.”
The video racked up over 300k views and thousands of likes. One viewer replied: “Agadir in November was gorgeous! Just chilly on evenings.”
Another commenter thought: “Seville is so beautiful and underrated. Great food spots and amazing things to do. Just don’t go in June you will be cooked in the heat.”
If you’re thinking of visiting a European Christmas market, this one isn’t well-known, but is packed with festive activities. Thanks to a special themed train, even the journey there is fun
Arezzo’s Christmas market will have a cosy traditional vibe(Image: Arezzo Intour Foundation)
While there are loads of incredible Christmas markets in the UK, visiting one in Europe is a whole other experience. Many European Christmas markets are bigger, and they often have unique features that make for a memorable festive outing.
One market that’s bound to appeal to Christmas-enthusiasts is in Arezzo, Italy, a historic city that’s surrounded by Tuscan hills and can be found just over an hour’s train ride from Rome.
While this train ride is already a picturesque journey, in the run up to Christmas the train company La Ferroviaria Italiana (LFI) will run their Espresso Assisi service with trains decked out in festive decorations. There will also be Christmas music playing, and a “small gift” for each passenger, getting you into the spirit of the season.
Once you arrive, you can browse a vast Christmas market in the heart of this charming medieval city. Arezzo’s Piazza Grande will host the Tyrolean Village market from November 15 to December 28, which is based on the traditional markets of the northern region of Tyrol, as well as having German and Austrian influences. Browse the small wooden huts and find hand-crafted items from handblown baubles to nativity figurines.
Visit between November 15 and January 6 and there’s also an additional Art Market, which will be full of artisanal crafts, as well as offering local speciality food stalls. The market opens until 9pm on some dates, which means you can see the streets lit-up after dark.
Arezzo will also have an ice rink, again with late opening hours, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere at night. After sunset, visit La Luna di Natale (Christmas moon), a giant model of the moon that lights up. You can also take a stroll through Il Bosco delle Emozioni (the forest of emotions), a Christmas light trail surrounded by pine trees with free entry. Or hop on the Ferris wheel for amazing views of the city.
The Arezzo Christmas Bus Tour is also a good way to explore the city. This small electric bus takes you through the narrow streets and squares, with the tour taking 40-minutes and costing 12 euros (approx. £10.57).
If you’re planning to stay in the picturesque spot for a little longer, you can also visit Arezzo Cathedral, which sits on a hilltop and has spectacular frescoes and stained glass. There’s also the Basilica di San Francesco, which is home of the famous Legends of the True Cross frescoes, which date back to early Renaissance times.
Casa Vasari is also a great place to see Renaissance artworks, sculptures, and more. Set in a historic home that once belonged to artist Giorgio Vasari, this collection includes his own works from the 16th-century, as well as artists he collaborated with.
Ryanair offer flights to Rome from London Stansted from just £18 one way, with flight times of two hours 45 minutes. You can also fly with airlines including Jet2, whose Manchester to Rome flights clock in at three hours and start at £35 each way.
NEW rules have come into which will ban ALL pub crawls in a major Spanish city.
The classic activity popular with locals and tourists alike is now totally banned, whatever the time of day or night.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The organising of pub crawls has been banned in one popular Spanish cityCredit: GettyFrom today, organisers will face fines if they plan the eventsCredit: Getty
The ban on promoting, organising or running pub crawls has been extended to cover the entire area of Barcelona at all hours of the day, and comes into force on October 29, 2025.
The move aims to “ensure peaceful coexistence, safeguard residents’ right to rest and protect public health“.
The new rule, which also prohibits advertising related activities in any form, has been agreed following a public consultation.
A spokesman for Barcelona city council. “Pub crawling is a business that takes customers on organised drinking tours to a series of establishments that offer discounted alcoholic drinks.
“It typically involves quickly consuming one or more low-quality drinks before heading to the next stop.
“This activity has been identified as a risk factor that causes disturbances in neighbourhoods, puts extra strain on public spaces and potentially leads to criminal behaviour or road safety violations.”
Organisers face fines ranging up to €3,000 (£2,641), while participants are exempt from fines, they could face them for other infractions like drinking in the streets or causing disruptions.
Until now, pub crawls were only banned in the districts of Ciutat Vella, since 2012, and L’Eixample, since June 1, 2025.
The restrictions here were mainly focused on nighttime hours, from 7pm to 7am.
The new rules that have been introduced are for a permanent ban that applies 24 hours a day, all year-round, rather than being only seasonal.
Other rules include no drinking in public places that aren’t pubs, bars or restaurantsCredit: Alamy
This has been approved and will be in force for four years.
According to the city council, data provided by the police indicates that the ban on alcohol routes in Ciutat Vella and L’Eixample has worked.
They say it has “contributed to significantly reducing the number of activities detected and has facilitated their prevention, thanks to the early detection of the offer through social networks”.
The city council says the ban has been well-received in the Ciutat Vella district, with only three fines issued last year, and authorities believe it will have a similar impact citywide.
Pub crawls have been hugely popular in Barcelona and have been widely promoted on the internet.
The city of Barcelona will no longer tolerate pub crawls no matter what time of day it isCredit: Alamy
These have attracted hundreds of thousands of people every year and bringing in a huge income.
Most pub crawls lasted for at least six hours and others up to 24 hours, but now organisers have started to post “now unavailable” messages on their websites.
These aren’t the only rules that have been introduced, across Spain there are been lots of new sanctions put in place to stop bad behaviour.
THE UK’s biggest indoor tropical waterpark is about to get even better.
The new owners of the enormous attraction in Staffordshire have promised ‘upgrades’ and ‘grand plans’ coming as soon as next month.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Waterworld Aqua Park has indoor pools, slides and river rapidsCredit: Waterworld Leisure ResortThe indoor waterpark is tropical and always around 30C, even in the colder months
Earlier this year, Waterworld Leisure Limited and Waterworld Leisure Group Limited was bought in a multi-million pound sale by a European company, Looping Group.
Waterworld’s managing director Wayne Goodall said: “Recent years have seen big changes at the resort, and we are all excited about this new phase. With the new owners, we will bring experience, quality and security to the next level.
“Waterworld itself has already had a total overhaul of its Water’s Edge Restaurant, focusing on a new, high-quality menu and a reorganised, speed-of-service system to give our guests more time in the pool and less time queuing for their lunch.
“There are significant upgrade plans for the pool hall installations this November too and guests will start to see lots of improvements for themselves, very quickly, and grander plans are also in the pipeline.”
Waterworld has 30 different rides and attractions including Thunderbolt, the UK’s first trap door drop waterslide, of course there’s a main pool and river rapids too.
The Space Bowl is another popular one, where visitors are thrown around a “UFO” before ending up in the splash pool beneath.
Other rides include Nucleus – a water rollercoaster – as well as Stormchaser and Cyclone.
It’s not all about pools though as The Waterworld Leisure Resort also has Adventure MiniGolf with two 18-hole, tiki-themed mini golf courses, and M Club Spa and gym.
In 2024, £13million was spent on behind-the-scenes upgrades to the waterpark.
The year before in 2023, one of the new additions was the £250,000 immersive play village.
Inside the Adventure Mini Village is its own mini Staffordshire Barge, The Old Vic Theatre and kids can even create their own pottery in the Kiln.
There’s also a post office, vets, doctors, farm shop, construction site and ice cream van.
A restaurant, cafe and gift shop are also of course on-site, and an outdoor pool which will reopen in spring.
The Waterworld site isn’t the only one owned by Looping Group – it acquired Drayton Manor in August 2020 and West Midlands Safari Park in 2018.
Currently, Waterworld is offering tickets to the water park for £19.99 (up until November 3, 2025).
There are 30 different rides and attractions within the waterparkCredit: Waterworld Leisure ResortAlso on-site is a play village for kidsCredit: Adventure Mini Village
To make the most of your visit, you can get one visit to Waterworld Aqua Park and one visit to West Midlands Safari Park for £35pp.
The offer is called the Splash ‘N’ Safari Ticket and is available to buy up until February 1, 2026.
Other combination tickets include the Waterworld and Adventure Mini Golf Combo ticket.
This is valid for a one single admission to Waterworld and one round of 18 holes at Adventure Mini Golf for £30pp.
FOR anyone travelling to Poland, you can ditch the classic Warsaw and Kraków for this even cheaper alternative.
Ryanair has started up a new winter route between Edinburgh and a city in Poland where you can get beers for £3 and coffee for as little as £2.18.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
New flights link up Edinburgh with a city in PolandCredit: AlamyRzeszow has a pretty market square, riverside cafes and in the winter, Christmas marketsCredit: Alamy
Ryanair has added a new winter route to its roster between Edinburgh and Rzeszow.
Rzeszow is a city in southeastern Poland and sits on both sides of the Wisłok River.
Flights between Edinburgh and Rzeszow operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays with one-way fares starting at £24.99.
It’s a quick journey too with the journey taking just under three hours.
There you can explore shops and cafes on the pretty Market Square, see the Rzeszów Multimedia Fountain, the Town Hall building and Zamek Lubomirskich castle.
And there’s even more lurking underground, one of its most popular attractions is the 396m-long route linking 25 old cellars beneath the central market square.
The circuit took 17 years to complete and restore, and the cellars date from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Brits can take a 45-minute guided tour with around three operating daily throughout the week.
It’s an affordable city, with the average cost of beers being £3 and a coffee around £2.18.
A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages at £31.17 – without drinks.
The huge castle called Zamek Lubomirskich is near the city centreCredit: AlamyThe price of an average beer in Rzeszow is just £3Credit: Getty
On average, restaurant prices in Rzeszow are 20.1 per cent lower than in Warsaw – which is also considered an affordable holiday destination for Brits.
During the winter months, Rzeszow will be lit up with Christmas markets where you can pick up specialities deer sausage, local honey, mulled wine, hot cider, and hot beer.
Flights will continue through to to the summer season where visitors can enjoy water activities at the Zwirownia lagoon or the Rosia open-air pools – which is essentially an enormous splash park.
With temperatures reaching highs of 25C in July and August, it’s a great time to relax at the riverside cafes.
AMBITIOUS plans to turn a region into “Europe’s Silicon Valley” are on track with architects releasing the first images of an “essential” new railway station.
The station is a huge £120m boost to a world-famous city – and central to an American billionaire‘s massive £10 billion investment in the area.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Conceptual view of the approach to the future Littlemore StationCredit: Unknown
This week, architects Foster + Partners released the first images of Littlemore Station, one of two new stations in Oxford set to be delivered with the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line.
The line has been out of service to passengers since 1963.
It is currently used by cargo trains going to and from the BMW mini plant but as previously reported is set to reopen.
The Government has pledged £120m in funding for the project to reopen the line.
It is part of a £500m investment in infrastructureto link up Oxford and Cambridgeand turn the region into the “European Silicon Valley”.
Anneliese Dodds, MP for East Oxford, said the Cowley Branch Line was “finally going to become a reality”.
She said it would make a “massive difference to local residents, slashing travel times and reducing congestion”.
The update has also been welcomed by the Ellison Institute, funded by American billionaire Larry Ellison, which is investing £10 billion in the region.
“It’s a great example of what can happen if Government and the private sector join forces and both contribute to a common goal.
“It will help us attract world-class talent to EIT by linking up key innovation hubs with Central London via direct train services.
“It will also facilitate a closer alliance between EIT and Oxford University with faster journey times.”
A second station will be built at Oxford Cowley, and the reopened line will connect Littlemore, Cowley, Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys to central Oxford in under 10 minutes.
An artist’s impression of the platform at Littlemore StationCredit: Foster and Partners
Services will then go directly twice-hourly to London Marylebone.
The Government has said that reopening the line will create up to 10,000 new jobs.
Cowley is an industrial area home to Plant Oxford, which is owned by BMW and is the largest industrial employer in Oxford, employing more than 4,300 people.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said that the Government has huge plans for the “Oxford-Cambridge corridor”.
Sometimes, the best place you can go is a dead end. Especially when that dead end is surrounded by crashing surf on empty beaches, dramatic cliffs and lonely trails through forests thick with redwoods.
That’s the situation along Big Sur’s South Coast right now.
A chunk of the cliff-clinging highway has been closed for a series of landslide repairs since January 2023, making the classic, coast-hugging, 98-mile San Simeon-Big Sur-Carmel drive impossible. Caltrans has said it aims to reopen the route by the end of March 2026, if weather permits.
That means the 44-mile stretch from San Simeon to Lucia will likely be lonely for at least six more months. Travelers from the near north (Carmel, for instance) will need to detour inland on U.S. 101. Meanwhile, many Canadian travelers (usually eager explorers of California) are boycotting the U.S. altogether over President Trump’s tariff policies and quips about taking over their country.
And so, for those of us in Southern California, the coming months are a chance to drive, hike or cycle in near solitude among tall trees, steep slopes and sea stacks. The weather is cooler and wetter. But over the three October days I spent up there, the highway was quieter than I’ve seen in 40-plus years of driving the coast.
Moreover, those who make the trip will be supporting embattled local businesses, which remain open, some with reduced prices. Fall rates at the Ragged Point Inn, 15 miles north of Hearst Castle, for example, start at about $149 nightly — $100 less than when the road was open.
“It’s kind of perfect,” said Claudia Tyler of Santa Barbara, on her way from Salmon Creek Falls to two nights of camping at Plaskett Creek in Los Padres National Forest.
“I am sorry for the businesses…,” Tyler said, “but it’s good for the traveler.”
Further north, David Sirgany, 64, of Morro Bay, was getting ready to surf at Sand Dollar Beach, thinking about coastal erosion, climate change and this moment in history.
“To me,” he said, “it feels like the end of a time that will never be again.”
The Ragged Point Inn stands at the southern end of Big Sur.
The closed area, known as Regent’s Slide, begins about 26 miles north of Ragged Point, toward the south end of Big Sur, and covers 6.8 miles. Thus, you’d need to detour inland via U.S. 101 to reach most of Big Sur’s best-known attractions, including the Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, Nepenthe restaurant, Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, McWay Falls and Esalen Institute.
But there’s plenty to explore on the stretch from San Simeon north to the roadblock at Lucia (milepost 25.3). Just be careful of the $8.79-per-gallon gas at the Gorda Springs Resort. (At $6.99, the Ragged Point gas station isn’t quite so high.)
San Simeon Bay Pier at William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach.
Here, from south to north, are several spots to explore from San Simeon to Lucia. Be sure to double-check the weather and highway status before you head out.
See Hearst’s castle. Or just one of his zebras.
I’ve been hoping to see some of the Hearst zebras in the hills of San Simeon for years, and this time I finally did — a single zebra, surrounded by cows in a pasture beneath distant Hearst Castle.
That was enough to make my brief stop at the castle visitor center (which has a restaurant, historical displays and shop) well worth it. Other travelers, however, might want to actually take a tour ($35 per adult and up) of the 165-room Hearst compound (which is officially known as Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument).
The state park system’s visitor tallies from June through August show that 2025 was slightly slower than 2024, which was slightly slower than 2023.
Perhaps with that in mind, the castle last fall added “Art Under the Moonlight” tours, which continue this autumn on select Friday and Saturday nights through Nov. 16. The castle also decorates for the holidays.
If you’re spending the night, the Cavalier Oceanfront Resort has 90 rooms (for as little as $169) and firepits overlooking the sea.
A zebra, part of the Hearst Castle animal collection, is seen from the visitor center off Highway 1 in San Simeon.
San Simeon Bay Pier or hike San Simeon Point Trail
My southernmost hike was at the San Simeon Bay Pier. From the parking lot there, walk north on the beach and follow a path up into a eucalyptus grove. That puts you on the 2.5-mile round-trip San Simeon Point Trail (owned by Hearst Corp. but open to the public.)
At first, the route is uneventful and surrounded by imported eucalyptus (now being thinned) and pines. But there’s a payoff waiting at the point, where tides lap on a little sand beach, waves crash on dramatic black rocks and pelicans perch on sea stacks. Look back and you see the beach, the pier and the hills of the central coast sprawling beyond them.
Then, if you’re as hungry as I was, you rapidly retrace steps and head to the Seaside Foods deli counter in Sebastian’s General Store, a block from the pier. (I recommend the Coastal Cowboy tri-tip sandwich, $21. But you could also take your meal across the street to the Hearst Ranch Winery tasting room.)
Find the Piedras Blancas elephant seal viewing area, then go beyond it
California’s coast is a catalog of uncertainties, from rising tides and crumbling cliffs to private landowners discouraging public access. But we can count on the elephant seals of Piedras Blancas.
Elephant seals gather at Piedras Blancas, north of San Simeon.
Once you pull off Highway 1 into the observation area parking lot, no matter the time of year, you’re likely to see at least a few hulking sea creatures flopped on the sand and skirmishing for position.
Because it’s a great spectacle and it’s free, there are usually dozens of spectators along the shore. But most of those spectactors don’t bother to follow the boardwalk north and continue on the Boucher Trail, a 1.9-mile path along the bluff tops and across a meadow, leading to striking views of sea stacks and Piedras Blancas Light Station.
Along Boucher Trail, just north of the elephant seal viewing area at Piedras Blancas.
(BTW: Visitors need an advance reservation to tour the Piedras Blancas Light Station. At press time, all tours were canceled because of the federal government shutdown.)
At Ragged Point, that Big Sur vibe kicks in
About 10 miles beyond the elephant seals, the raw, horizontal coastal landscape morphs into a more vertical scene and the highway begins to climb and twist.
Right about here, just after San Carpoforo Creek, is where you find the Ragged Point Inn, a handy place to stop for an hour or an evening. It has 39 rooms, flat space for kids to run around, cliff-top views, a restaurant, gift shop, gas station and a snack bar that’s been closed since the highway has been blocked.
Right now, this stretch of the highway “is a great place to cycle,” said Diane Ramey, whose family owns the inn. “I wouldn’t do it at a normal time. But now the roads are uncrowded enough.”
To recover from the “frightening” drop in business when the road first closed, the inn has put more emphasis on Sunday brunch, the gift shop and live music on summer weekends, Ramey said.
At Salmon Creek Falls, roaring water meets tumbled rocks
At the Salmon Falls trailhead, 3.6 miles north of Ragged Point, there’s room for about 10 cars in the parking area on the shoulder of the highway.
When the highway is open, those spots are often all full. Not now. And it’s only about 0.3 of a mile to the base of the 120-foot falls, where there’s plenty of shade for the weary and boulder-scrambling for those who are bold. In the hour I spent scrambling and resting, I encountered just two couples and one family, all enjoying the uncrowded scene.
If you want a longer, more challenging hike, the falls trailhead also leads to the Salmon Creek Trail, a 6.6-mile out-and-back journey through pines, oaks and laurels that includes — gulp — 1,896 feet of elevation gain.
The yurts and quirks of Treebones Resort
Treebones, about 14 miles north of Ragged Point and 2 miles north of the rustic, sleepy Gorda Springs Resort, is an exercise in style and sustainability, producing its own power and drawing water from its own aquifer.
Treebones Resort, just off Highway 1 in the South Coast area of Big Sur.
Born as a family business in 2004, Treebones has 19 off-the-grid units, mostly yurts, whose rounded interiors are surprisingly spacious. Its Lodge restaurant offers chef’s-choice four-course dinners ($95 each) and a sushi bar.
If you book a yurt (they begin at $385), you’ll find your headboard is a felted wood rug from Kyrgyzstan (where yurts go back at least 2,500 years). The resort also has five campsites ($135 nightly, advance reservation required) that come with breakfast, hot showers and pool access.
A deck at Treebones Resort.
“For the last 20 years, we were basically 100% occupied from April through October,” assistant general manager Megan Handy said, leading me on a tour. Since the closure, “we’ve stayed booked on the weekends, but we’ve seen at least a 40% decline midweek.”
Once you’re north of Treebones, beach and trail possibilities seem to multiply.
Stand by the edge (but not too close) on the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail
Several people told me I shouldn’t miss the Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, a flat route that begins just north of Sand Dollar Beach. It runs about 1.6 miles between the roadside and the bluffs over the Pacific. Here you’ll see sea stacks in every shape, along with a dramatic, solitary tree to the north. In about 45 minutes of walking amid a land’s end panorama, I never saw another soul. Plenty of cow patties, though, and a few patches of poison oak, which turns up often near Big Sur trails.
A little farther north, I did run into four people walking the beach at Mill Creek Picnic Area. I found even more at Kirk Creek Campground, which was booked solid because it has some of the best ocean-view campsites in the area and it’s on the ocean side of the highway.
Waves crash near Sand Dollar Beach.
Big trees and a meandering creek at Limekiln State Park
Limekiln State Park is one California’s youngest state parks, having been set aside in the 1990s. But its occupants, especially the redwoods, have been around much longer.
And now, after park closures over storm damage and infrastructure issues and a reopening early this year, we have a chance to enjoy the place again. Or at least part of it. The park’s campground, Hare Creek Trail and Falls Trail remain closed.
But there’s still plenty of opportunity to check out the rare overlap of species from northern and southern California. As the Save the Redwoods League notes, “You can’t find both yucca and coast redwoods in very many parks.”
The park is about 4.4 miles south of the Highway 1 closure. Entrance is $10 per vehicle. I savored the 1.5-mile out-and-back Limekiln Trail, which is one of the best ways to see redwoods in the area. And once again, no fellow hikers.
Highway still too busy for you? How about an isolated lodge or a silent monastery?
Just south of the highway closure, the rustic, isolated Lucia Lodge and the New Camaldoli Hermitage, a Benedictine monastery, remain open for overnight guests.
But not everyone knows this. Unless somebody at Google HQ has just made a fix, Google Maps will tell you incorrectly that the hermitage and lodge are beyond the road closure. Nope. They’re both on the south side of the road closure, accessible to northbound traffic. And they’re both really quiet.
“People come here for silent, self-guided retreats,” said Katee Armstrong, guest ministry specialist at New Camaldoli Hermitage. Its accommodations, high on the slopes above the highway, include nine single-occupancy rooms and five cottages with kitchenettes ($145 nightly and up).
Meanwhile, on the ocean side of the highway, the Lucia Lodge’s 10 very basic units are visible from the road. Four of them are cabins that go back to the 1930s, when Highway 1 was new.
Some nights, there are only one or two guests, and those guests typically see no hotel employees, because there’s no lobby and the staff is down to a skeleton crew. (The lodge’s restaurant and lobby burned down in 2021.) The nearest restaurant is at Treebones, about 10 miles south.
“We have to have a conversation with every guest who books with us,” said Jessie McKnight, the lodge reservationist. Many “end up canceling once they understand the situation,” she said. “You’re kind of on your own.”
Ad yet, she added, “it’s so rare to experience Big Sur like this. Once the road opens, I think it’s going to be right back to being a zoo.”
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is scaring the life out of punters with Terrifier. Kelly Williams decided to give it a go and left with goose bumps and utterly horrified
Kelly Williams Assistant News Editor (Live)
09:51, 29 Oct 2025Updated 09:53, 29 Oct 2025
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Despite having never been to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights before, I knew the Terrifier was going to be bad, but I didn’t expect it to feel like my stomach – and nerves – were being tested with every step.
The smell hit me before anything else – putrid rot, bleach, coppery blood, even the stench of faeces. It stuck to the back of my throat so thick I nearly gagged. The house started deceptively dry, as if lulling me into thinking I’d make it through clean. That didn’t last.
Within minutes, I was in the middle of a full-on blood bath. Red splattered walls, dripping ceilings, and warm droplets spraying across my arms. They say it uses six gallons of blood and 35 bodies – the most ever – and I believe it. Every corner I turned was another slaughter.
And then there was Art the Clown. Not just once, he appeared everywhere, each guise worse than the last. He came at me dressed as a sick parody of Santa, revving a chainsaw and plunging it gleefully into a victim’s back with that same, mocking grin.
A few rooms later, I caught him mid-kill, snapping someone’s jaw with a crunch that echoed through the hall. The squelch of him disembodying someone else was another gruesome scene that still haunts me.
In another chamber of hell, he stood behind a screaming man, dragging a blade across his throat as blood sprayed into the air, and I had to turn my face away. The worst was the bathroom scene. It stank of mold and sewage, and the sinks were clogged with guts.
There were bodies piled in the bathtub and a mirror streaked with gore. I wanted to close my eyes, but Art was there too, standing so still it made me wonder if he was waiting for me specifically. Then came the familiar warped jingle of the Clown Café, cheerful and wrong, like a lullaby for nightmares as Art danced nonchalantly along.
By the finale, I was lightheaded from the smell and the sights, practically stumbling toward the exits where I was faced with a choice – dry path or blood bath (of course, I went for the latter). My stomach lurched with every step, I came so close to throwing up. But I made a run for it, and when the warm spray of blood (water really) finally hit me in the last corridor, I felt it on my skin long after I’d escaped.
I staggered out laughing, but it was the kind of shaky laugh you let out when you’re not sure if you survived or just got broken. Terrifier wasn’t just a haunted house. It was being dragged into Art the Clown’s world – unrated, unrelenting, and almost too much for me to handle.
Book the holiday
Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers seven nights on a room-only basis at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, starting at £1,719pp, including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow and a ticket to Halloween Horror Nights. Find out more and book at virginholidays.co.uk.
GUINNESS fans will soon be able to ‘split the G’ at a new brewery in London.
The opening date for The Guinness Open Gate Brewery has finally been announced as December 11, with visitors able to enjoy exclusive brews, different dining options and event spaces.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Guinness will be opening its new brewery in Covent Garden on December 11Credit: GUINNESSThe new space will span across 5,00sqmCredit: GuinnessInside, visitors will be able to go on a tour of the brewery as well as visit two restaurantsCredit: Guinness
Located in London‘s Covent Garden, the venue spans more than 5,000sqm and is located on the site of the historic Old Brewer’s Yard.
Inside will be a world-leading microbrewing facility with limited edition brews and seasonal specials.
There will also be non-stout varieties and low-alcohol options as well as Premium Lager, Session IPA, Pale Ale and Porter.
There will be two restaurants – Gilroy’s Loft and Porter’s Table – in addition to casual courtyard dining, with pies available from chef Calum Franklin.
At Gilroy’s Loft – which is named after John Gilroy who created some of Guinness‘ top campaigns – there will be a horseshoe bar centrepiece, with dishes including freshly shucked, native oysters.
The restaurant will be located on the rooftop, with skyline views across the capital.
Alternatively, at The Porter’s Table – which pays tribute to the porters of Covent Garden – guests will get to enjoy a sharing menu.
On the ground-level courtyard space there will be the main bar, with outdoor seating and it will also be the space used for pop-up events, concerts and cultural occasions.
As a part of the tour experience, visitors will be able to “step into the pint” in a 360-degree immersive experience that tells the story of Guinness’s heritage within Covent Garden.
On the guided tour, visitors will also get the chance to see the brand’s working brewery.
Then there is the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive tasting session curated by the Master Brewer.
Fans can pour their own pint as well at the 232 Bar.
Fans will even be able to grab exclusive merch to do with the dark stout brand.
There will be two shops – Guinness Good Things and The Store.
Guinness Good Things will be located on Covent Garden’s Neal Street and sell a range of exclusive collaborations across fashion, art, and lifestyle.
Then The Store will be accessed via the brewery building, which will be home to Guinness merchandise, apparel and fan favourites.
For mega fans, there is the opportunity to visit an exclusive private dining room.
There will also be an events space, which the brewery plans to use for music and cultural events beginning in 2026Credit: GuinnessThe venue will also have a number of limited edition and seasonal poursCredit: Guinness
Then at The Guinness Vaults located on Langley Street, visitors can head underground to an event space, which will host community and consumer events from 2026 – think music performances and entertainment.
The first release of tickets will take place in November, and this will also include restaurant reservations.
Deb Caldow, Guinness GB marketing director, said: “The Guinness Open Gate Brewery London has been years in the making, and we’re thrilled that the moment has almost arrived.
“We can’t wait to welcome Londoners and visitors from around the UK and the world.
“We consider this Guinness’ home in the UK, hosted in the country’s dynamic capital city.
“It will be a place to celebrate heritage, embrace innovation, and invite visitors to discover new flavours, experiences, and stories.”
With its dramatic, rugged mountain skyline, winding roads and ever-changing weather, the Isle of Skye has long appealed to lovers of the wild. Over the last decade, however, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides has been drawing visitors for other reasons – its dynamic food and drink scene. Leading the way are young Sgitheanach (people from Skye) with a global outlook but a commitment to local, sustainable ingredients. It’s also the result of an engaged community keen to create good, year-round jobs that keep young people on the island.
Calum Montgomery is Skye born and bred, and he’s passionate about showcasing the island’s larder on his menus at Edinbane Lodge. “If someone is coming to Skye I want them to appreciate the landscape, but also the quality of our produce,” he says. “Our mussels, lobster, scallops and crab are second to none.” Montgomery is mindful of the past: “It means everything to me to use the same produce as my ancestors. My grandpa was a lobster fisherman and we’re enjoying shellfish from the same stretch of water, with the same respect for ingredients.”
Loch Fada near Portree, Skye. Photograph: Denis Chapman/Alamy
Montgomery’s A Taste of Skye menu lists the distances his produce has travelled. I eat fat scallops hand-dived in Loch Greshornish (zero miles), and creel-caught lobster from Portree (12 miles) with vegetables, foraged herbs and edible flowers from the kitchen garden and seashore (zero miles). That connection to produce and producers is key. “Last week I took a young chef out with a scallop diver so he could learn what they do. We shucked scallops straight from the water and ate them raw with a squeeze of lemon. ‘That’s the best scallop I’ve ever eaten,’ he said. That’s what we want to bring to the restaurant.”
Driving south, in the shadow of the mighty Cuillin mountains, I meet another culinary ambassador for Skye, Clare Coghill, at Café Cùil. This year Coghill represented Scotland at Tartan Week in New York, serving lobster rolls with whisky butter, and haggis quesadillas from a Manhattan food truck. She initially launched Café Cùil in Hackney, London. Returning home to Skye during the pandemic, a series of pop-ups proved there was a market here too.
Café Cùil’s blood orange and beetroot-cured trout on sourdough and creme fraiche. Photograph: Lynne Kennedy Photography
Over a machair matcha (topped with dried machair flowers) and delicious blood orange-cured trout, Coghill tells me: “I’m really proud I opened in London, but I couldn’t do what I can do here. Getting fresh ingredients was a huge mission, but here the scallops come straight from the sea to my door. My creel fisherman only speaks to me in Gaelic.” Her love of Skye’s produce, people and landscape is clear across her colourful, creative dishes, all imbued with local flavours, with a twist of Gaelic. “My connection to Gaelic culture and language is so important,” she says. Visitors can use little lesson cards on the tables to learn a few words while they eat.
Skye’s more longstanding food destinations are not resting on their laurels. Kinloch Lodge, a boutique hotel run by Isabella Macdonald in her family’s ancestral home, has long been a foodie destination. Isabella’s mother, Claire, Lady Macdonald OBE, writes well-loved books on Scottish cookery.
The kitchen continues to innovate, with a dynamic young team led by head chef David Cameron. When they’re not in the kitchen the chefs grow herbs and spices in the hotel greenhouse, and forage for wild greens in the gardens and sea herbs like sea aster and scurvygrass from the shoreline of Loch na Dal. In autumn they follow deer trails to find mushrooms in the woods.
Hogget with asparagus and spinach, at Edinbane Lodge Photograph: Lynne Kennedy
I feast on Skye scallops, pak choi and peanuts in a delicious dashi; Shetland cod with Scottish asparagus, and house-smoked lobster. Kinloch’s ghillie, Mitchell Partridge, takes guests out for activities including foraging and fishing “There’s a huge appetite for experiences from our guests,” says Macdonald. “People want to come and really get to know the island and the landscape.”
The whisky industry is also helping to keep young people on Skye, in jobs that last beyond the peak tourism months. Dougie Stewart, operations manager at Torabhaig distillery, tells me: “The fish farm was a big employer in the past, but now most of the jobs are automated. House prices have gone up so much it’s harder for young people to stay. The whisky industry has become a really important employer.”
Iona Fraser at Torabhaig distillery. Photograph: Erik McRitchie
“Distillers wanted, no experience necessary” was the notice that a then 21-year-old Iona Fraser spotted in her local paper, landing her a job at Torabhaig. “I just took a punt,” she says, “I never thought I’d get a production job, but it was a dream of mine.” Fraser had an interest in whisky, but no relevant qualifications. “To be able to train onsite and learn online was amazing.” Today she is a senior distiller, helping to train new distillers, and has recently created her own whisky using a chocolate malt, which is maturing in barrels when I visit. In other distilleries, that’s an honour usually reserved for retiring distillers. The visitor centre and cafe employ many people from around the Sleat peninsula. “We meld into the community because we brought the community here,” says tour guide manager Anne O’lone.
To pick up supplies for my journey home I stop by Birch, a speciality coffee roaster and bakery serving gleaming pastries and colourful brunch dishes. It’s owned by Niall Munro, who also founded the hugely successful Skye Live music festival. His brother Calum Munro is chef-owner at fine-dining restaurant Scorrybreac in Portree, somewhere I’m desperate to try, but I’ve sadly run out of mealtimes. More local success stories, and incredible food.
“We’re all deeply rooted in Skye,” says Calum Montgomery. “A lot of us left and worked elsewhere. We’d be seeing the produce we knew arrive miles from where it was landed, and it’s just not as good as what we grew up eating. I’m so proud of the whole place now.”
Journeying across Skye, I’m constantly asked where I’ve been and where I’m eating next. It’s a real testament to this food community that everyone is keen to champion other island businesses. It’s collaborative, not competitive, and the quality? Skye-high.
Accommodation was provided by Perle Hotels. Luxury pods at Bracken Hide in Portree from £145 B&B, double rooms at the Marmalade Hotelfrom £125 B&B
The village was once a rival to London and an important medieval hub. But a series of unfortunate storms meant much of it was lost to the sea and now lies under the water
The village of Dunwich was once the capital of East Anglia but was lost to storms and floods(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A tiny village that was once a medieval port and considered the capital of East Anglia is the perfect day out for history buffs or those who love quiet, windswept beaches.
In Anglo-Saxon times, Dunwich on the Suffolk coast was the heart of what was then called the Kingdom of the East Angles. Its international port was considered a rival to London, and the Domesday Book of 1086 revealed it had a population of over 3,000 people. This was a time when London’s population was just 18,000.
However, the town’s fortunes changed in 1286 when a storm surge hit the area, followed by two large weather fronts the next year. This caused major coastal erosion, which led to large parts of the town being submerged underwater. In 1347, it’s thought that 400 homes were swept into the sea, with most of the remains of the town destroyed in 1362 in Saint Marcellus’s flood. Around 25,000 people across Europe lost their lives in the tragic event.
Because of its unique past, Dunwich is often dubbed the ‘lost city of England’ and draws comparisons to the legendary island of Atlantis, which, according to myths, sank under the sea.
Dunwich Museum is a great way to learn about life before the floods. Researchers have mapped out where the old homes and buildings used to stand before they were lost to the sea, and you can see these maps at the museum. There are also many interesting displays about medieval life and artefacts from the time.
Only a few ruins remain from medieval times. One of the most complete buildings is the Greyfriars monastery. This was built around half a mile inland, after the original monastery closer to the coast was lost. The ruins include the grand entrance to the monastery and part of the refectory where the monks would eat.
National Trust’s Dunwich Heath and Beach is an unspoilt spot with some beautiful walking trails. The Heath is full of rare wildlife and birds, and you may be able to spot red deer and otters on your stroll. Dunwich’s wide shingle beach is a popular spot for fishing and paddling in the sea.
Not all ships en route to Dunwich made it safely, and researchers have worked to uncover a large number of shipwrecks off the coast. According to the East Anglian Daily Times, there could be as many as hundreds of ships in a shipwreck graveyard off the coast, many of which sank during World War I when shipping routes were attacked.
Once you’re finished exploring, visit Flora Tea Rooms, a traditional fish and chip restaurant on the beach that also serves British classics such as afternoon tea. The village has one pub, The Ship at Dunwich, a cosy spot with a beer garden and beautiful countryside views. It also has 16 rooms if you decide to stay and enjoy this peaceful village for longer.
Dunwich is also close to the RSPB Minsmere, a coastal nature reserve that includes areas of woodland, reedbeds, grassland, and heathland. Among the unspoilt landscape, you can spot wildlife, from a vast array of coastal birds to Water Voles.
These UK staycations could be an excellent choice for family get-togethers and getting into the Christmas spirit, offering everything from Santa visits to festive food
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
UK holiday parks will be transformed into winter wonderlands this December(Image: Parkdean)
Trying to cram all your festive activities into December can be a challenge. From the big Santa visit to seeing a panto and Christmas markets, not to mention spending family time together, it sometimes feels like the month just isn’t long enough.
If you’re looking for an alternative that’s a little more relaxed, many holiday parks are now offering breaks in the run up to the big day. While you may associate caravan and lodge holidays with summer, these parks are opening in November and December for festive-themed breaks.
What’s on offer varies from park to park, but generally includes extras from Christmas-themed shows to Santa’s grottos, and even a Christmas tree in your accommodation. These breaks could be a great way to escape the pre-Christmas chaos, or to spend time with extended family without needing to host at home.
So, which holiday parks will be opening their doors for festive fun, and what’s on offer?
Haven – ‘sleigh-cations’
Four nights from £115
Haven will open the doors at nine of its locations in the run-up to Christmas: Craig Tara, Seton Sands, Devon Cliffs, Kent Coast, Cala Gran, Hafan y Môr, Primrose Valley, Seashore, and Rockley Park.
Staying at Haven means you can choose between accommodation from caravans to lodges, each with its own Christmas tree. The parks will also be adorned with decorations and lights, and Haven says there will be festive entertainment during the day and in the evening. Bookable activities will include pottery making, festive make-a-bear, and much more. Of course, there’s Santa’s Grotto, which will be an additional cost.
Haven will also be staging a Jack and the Beanstalk panto and promising “plenty of opportunities for a festive boogie.” Their on-site restaurants will serve festive food, including a three-course menu for Christmas day, while some Haven parks have their own Wetherspoons, which will offer the chain’s Christmas menu.
Parkdean Resorts will offer what it describes as the “full Winter Wonderland experience” at six parks in December: Camber Sands in Sussex, Warmwell in Dorset, Trecco Bay and Ty Mawr in Wales, Cayton Bay in North Yorkshire, and Cherry Tree in Norfolk. They’re also opening two parks in the Lake District with a “more relaxed festive atmosphere,” White Cross Bay and Fallbarrow.
Parkdean has a busy entertainment program for younger kids, promising Festive Milkshake! Mornings and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree with the PAW Patrol puppies. Families can enjoy breakfast with Santa or a trip to his grotto, watch a family pantomime, or even explore a festive market. Visit Warmwell and you can also enjoy their dry ski slope for skiing and snowboarding.
If you opt for a midweek break starting on a Monday, Parkdean also offers an all-inclusive option. This includes three meals a day, plus soft drinks and hot drinks, so you won’t need to worry about feeding the kids during your stay. Some parks will also have the option to book lunch on Christmas Day, so you can skip the washing up.
Center Parcs arguably already has a festive vibe, thanks to its wooden lodges with open fireplaces. But during the festive season, they’ll be going all out to create a Winter Wonderland. Guests will be able to explore Enchanted Light Garden trails, watch the Santa’s Greeting Parade, or take a family photo in the Snow Zone.
They’ll also have Christmas shops stocking decorations and festive food, plus Tipis serving hot chocolates, Bratwurst and waffles, perfect for a stop after a chilly winter walk. Plus, the restaurants in each park’s village will have their own Christmas-themed food offerings.
There are also loads of extras that can be booked at a cost, including an elf pyjama party, a visit to Santa’s Workshop, or Christmas crafts. For an extra fee, you can also book a freshly cut Christmas tree for your accommodation, with a range of bows and baubles that you can take home with you for the perfect festive atmosphere.
Butlin’s is offering a budget-friendly option for a Christmas break that’s all about family fun. Unlike most of the holiday parks on this list, the cost of meeting Santa is included for all families taking a festive break. Kids can enjoy Father Christmas’ Express Delivery, an immersive experience where they write their Christmas letter and deliver it to the man in red himself.
Also included in the cost of Butlin’s Christmas breaks is festive entertainment, including a panto, Snow White and her Magnificent Friends. Other themed shows include the Skyline Snowstorm party and Christmas Goes Pop, and there will be Christmas movie screenings for the family to enjoy together. The pools will be open, with Butlin’s offering a Festive Pool Party on each break. Visitors also get unlimited fairground rides and can enjoy activities such as making their own Christmas decorations.
The parks are set to be decorated for Christmas, with lights and decorations throughout, giving them a festive feel. There’s also Christmas-themed dining, so if you order a dining plan, you can tuck into popular dishes, from roasts to festive puddings, depending on the day.
The cheapest option at Butlin’s is to book one of their standard rooms, but they also have hotel rooms, apartments, and other upgraded accommodation if you want to splash out.
One overlooked Italian city with a “unique spirit” stood out as a favourite to a seasoned travel writer who’s been to Florence, Venice, Rome and several more cities in Italy.
Gorgeous Italian city has “the best food” and an exceptional atmosphere(Image: Michele Lapini/Getty Images)
A traveller who’s visited nine Italian cities has proclaimed one in particular is his favourite – and it’s not such a well-known destination. Being less touristy is all part of the appeal of this continental city and the “unique spirit” of the place was what made it really special, along with the exceptional Italian food.
Journalist Adam Miller detailed his visit to this stunning city, describing the experience as being “worlds away” from a stay in Rome or Venice.
The writer had already been to “Florence, Rome, Venice, Milan, Verona, Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and Bergamo” which he loved, but then he discovered a new city that’s become a firm favourite.
Travelling to the city of Bologna in Italy for the first time (in August 2025), Adam was enchanted by the liveliness, the terracotta buildings and “the best food” he’d “ever eaten”.
Writing for the Metro Travel Hot Takes, Adam described Bologna: “The real magic of Bologna is in its simplicity. Everything feels so calm and easy. Eating, drinking, exploring – it all feels effortless compared to Florence, Venice, or Rome.
“I can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Italy for a city break now, especially when the Italian train service is so cheap and efficient. Florence is close, Venice is only 70 minutes away, and tickets can be as cheap as £13, so it also makes a great detour destination.”
Adam describes the bustling city, but explained it was miles apart from the atmosphere of a weekend night out in the UK; he said the energy of Bologna was “unique” and that it had become his “favourite” Italian city.
TripAdvisor reviewers who have also visited the city of Bologna rate the church, Santuario di Madonna di San Luca as a must-visit, describing it as a “unique experience” and having fantastic views from the site.
One visitor reviewing the church on TripAdvisor wrote: “Very suggestive place on the hills of Bologna, which can be reached through a not too strenuous walk under long porches, possibly starting from the monumental cemetery of the Certosa (equally suggestive place, which I absolutely recommend to visit).
“The arcades are well maintained and the same applies to the area in front of the sanctuary; the view, once arrived, is magnificent.”
Another visitor to the Santuario di Madonna di San Luca wrote: “It is a beautiful Baroque basilica perfectly maintained both inside and outside. It is located in the hills which allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding hills.
“You can reach it by taxi, with the train that leaves from Piazza Maggiore but the most exciting experience is to do it on foot by climbing for about 4km, about 500 steps, under the longest porch in the world that starts from the city centre – not to be missed.”
Other top-rated Bologna visitor experiences according to TripAdvisor include the square in the heart of the city, Piazza Maggiore and observation deck, Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinelli for its far-reaching views.
The Porticoes of Bologna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also described as unforgettable for its stunning Bolognese architecture of red-stone columns and magnificent arches.
This village in the Cotswolds was named the most beautiful village in the world, but locals are growing tired of the thousands of tourists who flock to the area
On Facebook, one user shared how they had only been using the pass for six months and had already saved €200 (£175.75).
One TikTok user called ‘adventurewithells’, who subscribes to the pass, shared a video on TikTok sharing how over the course of a year, she travelled on 28 flights to 14 countries.
This included some of her dream destinations that are usually more expensive to travel to, such as the Maldives (which has since been scrapped by Wizz Air), Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Tromso, Chisinau and Athens.
She did mention that there was some cons to the pass though, including that it is hard to coordinate with family or friends if they don’t have the pass themselves.
There is also no guarantee that certain routes will be available and travellers need to be very flexible and happy to visit anywhere.
She said: “If you live near a big Wizz hub such as London and are happy to have a bit of fun and see where you end up, then go for it.
“If you want to be able to plan in advance and only visit specific locations then skip.”
She also added that she will be renewing, as it is “more than worth it”.
In another video, the creator revealed that travellers can only book between 72 hours and three hours before the departure of the flight.
Sometimes this can be risky, as if you are returning to the UK more than 72 hours from the time of booking your flight out to a destination, you won’t be able to book it.
She advised: “Say you want to go on a weekend flight, you can book the outbound for Friday, on Tuesday, but the Sunday return flight you wouldn’t be able to book until the Thursday.
“So you either have to hedge your bets on the return becoming available or what I would do is wait until the Thursday, so I can book both legs at the same time and that way I know I am guaranteed a return.”
If there are multiple routes, then it is a little easier as there is more choice for booking flights.
Those who subscribe to the pass can fly to a number of different destinationsCredit: AFP
Senior chief commercial and operations officer, Michael Delehant said: “Despite a challenging economic environment where most prices are rising, we’ve continued to provide affordable travel options, offering customers the opportunity to travel for the cost of a pair of sneakers.
“This reflects our ambition to redefine the meaning of low-cost travel.
“We believe affordable prices should be matched with high quality operations and customer service – and we’re delivering.
The airline also confirmed that this summer was its best on record, with improvements across on-time performance, flight completion and turnaround times – with 1,000 flights a day.
He added: “We’re not only making improvements; we’re going further and expanding our offering for customers.
“In the past six months we’ve introduced 250 new routes and launched a range of exciting new products which are already revolutionising the customer experience.”
FOR quiet medinas, pretty beaches and winter highs of 20C, this African capital is set to be a popular spot next year.
National Geographic named the destination one of its best place to visit in 2026 – and luckily for Brits, it’s just three hours away from the UK.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Kasbah of Udayas fortress in Rabat sits across from the Bouregreg RiverCredit: AlamyDespite being the capital, Rabat is less busy than other Morrocan citiesCredit: Alamy
The publication added the capital of Morocco to its must-visit spots for next year, calling it the country’s “relaxed Atlantic-coast capital”.
When you visit, you’ll find winding blue-and-white painted streets, the historic Kasbah Mosque, and the Oudaias Museum, which is inside a former royal pavilion.
There’s also the Hassan Tower, which dates back to the 12th century and is a symbol of the city.
It’s not all history, there’s modern architecture too, like the Mohammed VI Tower, which is a 250-meter-tall skyscraper in Salé, Morocco, near Rabat, and opened in 2023.
It is the tallest building in Morocco and the third tallest in Africa.
Most read in Beach holidays
As for affordability, you’ll be happy in Rabat, overnight stays can start from as little as £17 per person.
Food and drink is affordable too, with an inexpensive meal costing £3.26 and dinners at a mid-range restaurant starting from around £16 per person.
Inside the city are blue and white painted windy streetsCredit: AlamyYou’ll find Rabat Beach is the main spot for swimming and sunbathingCredit: Alamy
Draft beers cost roughly £3.25, with soft drinks like orange juice coming in at 80p.
One writer visited Rabat who said: “Walking through the monumental kasbah gate, called Bab Oudaia, is like stepping back in time.
“Rather than maze-like alleyways, there is a tranquil labyrinth of wide lanes, with white houses and blue, grated windows that are lit up by pretty vines of purple and pink flowers.”
She added: “Pick up a strong black coffee — Turkish style, I’m told — and an almond pastry at the cooling Udayas botanical gardens is the perfect fuel before a venture into the National Finery Museum.
“Extravagant bejewelled crowns, breast chains, rings and belts once worn by young women, perhaps on their wedding day, sit on faceless models.”
In fact if you want to visit Rabat this month, you can get flights for as little as £17 with Ryanair who fly directly.
From the UK, you can be in the city in three hours and 20 minutes.
“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.
“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”
She added: “It pays to do your research and book restaurants and tours in advance though as even in February and the start of Ramadan, the souks were teeming and lots of places were fully booked.
“We did a three-hour food tour of the Medina with Get Your Guide and while stuffing ourselves on some fantastic street food I probably would never have had the courage to try on my own, our guide revealed the secrets of the city and its fascinating past.”
ONE Brit has shared her top spots in Majorca, after she was due to stay there for just six months… yet is still there 26 years later.
Diana Winskill originally left the UK for Spain back in 1999, for what was supposed to be a short stint as a TUI rep.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Diana Winskill moved to Majorca 26 years ago as a TUI repCredit: Diana Winskill/TUISince then, she has found some amazing spots worth exploringCredit: Getty
Yet, fast forward 26 years, she is still in Majorca.
She said: “I came here when I was 23 for what was supposed to be six months.
“I met my English born husband Chris here, we had two daughters, Imogen and Amelia and I’ve now lived in Majorca longer than I ever lived in the UK.”
“Without fail, we have our loyal customers who love their bingo every evening.
“That’s never changed in my 26 years.”
When it comes to her favourite things to do in Majorca, Diana recommends heading to Sant Elm, which is a quiet coastal village in the south west of the island.
Diana said: “Sant Elm has a very relaxed vibe and beautiful turquoise waters.
“You can relax on the small sandy beach, enjoy lunch and sangria in one of the small restaurants or hop on a boat to Dragonera, a protected uninhabited island where you can find unique wildlife and great hiking routes.”
She said: “You can’t miss the spectacular cathedral, but many people don’t know about the 11th century Arab baths just around the corner.
“It’s well worth the small entrance fee to experience this little piece of history and interesting architectural elements.”
She added that if you happen to visit Palma on the last Saturday of every month, then you can see the changing of the guard at the Almudaina Palace – which is next to the cathedral.
“This is a fantastic sight where soldiers from the Light infantry regiment of Palma recreate the historical guard shift wearing historical 18th century uniforms,” Diana revealed.
The ceremony includes muskets, sabres and drums and it takes place at midday and 7:30pm in July and August.
For another hidden spot, head to Inca, which is known for having the biggest weekly market on the island.
Or you could head to one of the most varied, vibrant and historical markets in Majorca – Sineu market – which takes place each Wednesday.
In Palma, she recommends seeing the changing of the guard at the Almudaina Palace – which is next to the cathedralCredit: Getty
Diana shared: “Dating back almost 700 years you’ll find amazing local fruits and vegetables, farm animals, leather products and much more.”
Finally, Diana recommends going for a ride on the historic wooden train that started operating between Palma and the mountain town of Sóller in 1912.
She said: “Beautifully preserved, this charming train journey takes you through stunning countryside and up into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tramuntana mountains.
“From there you can take the vintage tram to the port area, and then a boat to the breathtaking Sa Calobra bay.
“It is a very spectacular day of sightseeing in the most untouched part of the island.”
She also recommends train journey takes you through stunning countryside and up into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tramuntana mountainsCredit: Getty
Diana works at the adults-only Hotel Globales Santa Lucia, which is located between two sprawling beaches.
The resort is then just a five-minute walk into town and it has an indoor and an outdoor pool, a buffet restaurant and two bars.
She has also noticed how Brits want to do more excursions, such as seeing the markets in Majorca and experiencing the local culture.
She said: “TUI have so many to choose from with local guides who know the island back to front.”
And on the TUI app, travellers can see all their transfer times and can book experiences on their phones.
She added: “Even in winter, the average temperature only drops to 13 degrees, and you still get the most beautiful sunshine even in the colder months.
“My colleagues have become my family, and honestly, working around people on holiday is infectious because everyone’s so positive.”
In 2028, Parc Astérix is opening a new British-themed land called Londinium.
It will feature a major immersive roller coaster, an interactive family dark ride, a vertical playground, a pub and shops.
Some concept art has even revealed it to have a Helter Skelter and a queue themed to the UK’s own Camden Market.
Another themed area which will change is the Egypt area, its Oxygénarium attraction, which will become The Descent of the Nile.
The park will open its fourth hotel called The Odyssée Hotel, a new 300-room hotel that is set to open in 2027.
The addition will mean that the total number of hotels at Parc Astérix will reach 750.
Inside will be lots of rides, a pub and even Camden MarketCredit: Parc AstérixInside will be a pub so Brits will feel right at homeCredit: Parc Astérix
The park’s Les Chaises Volantes attraction will become the Flight of Ibis, and the Le Cirque Restaurant will be redesigned as Le Comptoir d’Epidemaïs.
In 2027, Parc Astérix will open a renovated Greek zone with a two new family attractions, a playground and a restaurant.
The park also revealed that the new development will create 20 per cent more capacity, and two thirds of it will be indoors so it won’t have to rely on good weather.
The theme park is 21 miles north of Paris, and in fact is just an hour’s drive away from Disneyland Paris.
Parc Astérix is significantly smaller than Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris is approximately 140 acres, while Parc Astérix is about 83 acres.
The outside of Londinium will look like a fortCredit: UnknownThe Egypt themed space and has a pyramid-style frontCredit: Parc Astérix
In terms of numbers, Parc Astérix welcomed a record 2.9million visitors in 2024, whereas Disneyland Paris averages 12million – so the French theme park will be much quieter.
It’s award-winning too, earlier this year, it’s attraction Cétautomatix won the ‘Top European New Attraction’ prize at the Parksmania Awards 2025.
Cétautomatix is Europe’s first spinning family roller coaster.
Tickets to Parc Astérix cost €49 (£42.89) per person.
One Sun Writer visited the theme park with her family, and here’s what she thought…
When EuroDisney — now Disneyland — arrived to take on France’s beloved Asterix theme park back in 1992, they had a huge battle on their hands. And, in all honesty, I couldn’t see how the French would win.
But unlike in many other countries, Parc Asterix might just have pipped Mickey Mouse to the post in France.
Disney certainly has the monopoly on world-renowned characters and a blow-out budget to create that real wow factor, all of which seems impossible to compete with — yet somehow Parc Asterix does.
he tickets are cheaper, the food is better, the shows are spectacular and the rides are a total revelation.
Add in a sprawling protected countryside backdrop just 30km outside Paris, with three separate hotels within the grounds at very reasonable prices, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
It’s pure escapism, based all around the cherished world of Asterix — the man who, in famous French comics, protected France from the Romans.
And what better way to embrace your inner Gaul than by screaming your head off on a super-fast ride?
At the last count, there were nine hardcore rides, as well as all the more child-friendly ones.
And with a guarantee that they will launch something new pretty much every year, you can return in the knowledge you will never be bored.
Our favourite rollercoaster here, reaching speeds of 110km per hour, is the fastest in France and apparently holds the record for the most “air time” — the amount of time your bum leaves the seat (a whopping 23 times apparently!).
Parc Astérix will have new themed worlds from Greece to London
