travel

The airport is expected to welcome passenger flights again in 2028

A UK airport that shut down three-and-a-half years ago is set to reopen following the resolution of a funding dispute this week. Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) near Finningley in Doncaster was once a key regional flight hub known as Robin Hood Airport, operating from 2005 with flights to holiday destinations including Alicante, Majorca, Paris, and various other locations.

However, the airport was compelled to close in 2022 after its owners, Peel Group, declared it financially “unviable”. The closure left South Yorkshire without an international airport.

Yet, in September 2025, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) officially approved a £160million funding package based on previous commitments to reopen the airport as DSA in a significant boost for the region. Its resurrection followed campaigning by residents and local politicians, and received backing from the British Government.

Nevertheless, the scheme had been thrown into doubt in recent weeks during a deadlock over a £57million loan from Doncaster City Council to support the reopening plans, after Reform UK councillors expressed concerns about whether taxpayers would receive a return on investment.

The airport scheme was championed by the local authority’s Labour mayor, Ros Jones, who is believed to have been re-elected by a narrow margin largely owing to her commitment to delivering the potentially transformational scheme, despite a surge in support for Reform.

The structure of local Government in Doncaster means she retains executive authority as Mayor despite Reform securing a majority on the council at the last election, and now controlling the budget.

Nigel Farage’s party originally backed the airport scheme, but in April indicated they would contemplate voting to withdraw approval, as they requested additional details about how the funds would be allocated and benefit local people, reports the Express.

At the end of last month, Mr Farage attacked the terms of the lease agreement being negotiated with the current site owners, The Peel Group, arguing the council needed to secure the freehold to prevent it becoming a “massive drain” on taxpayers.

Ms Jones told the BBC News at the time: “Last week Reform said DSA should be privately funded and today they’re saying it should be acquired by the council or government, even if that means through a compulsory purchase order (CPO).

“It is important to remember we offered to buy the freehold back in 2022 and Peel refused, the offer of a lease effectively killed off any chance of a successful CPO.”

She added that a CPO application could take between five to seven years with minimal chance of succeeding. The standoff sparked concerns that the scheme would have to be scrapped, despite significant progress in attempts to prepare it for commercial air traffic once more.

However, at an extraordinary meeting of the council last week, Reform dropped its opposition to the loan on the condition that they are able to review copies of the new lease before it is approved, according to ITV News.

Ms Jones said she was “delighted to see Reform’s done the U-turn”, dismissing the threat from the hard-right party as a “political stunt”.

Freight services at the flight hub could get under way as early as next year, with passenger flights expected to launch in 2028, according to reports.

FlyDoncaster, a council-owned company established to reopen and run the airport, has teamed up with German operator Munich Airport International (MAI) on the venture.

In an update last month regarding preparatory work at the site, Christian Foster, Director of council-owned operator FlyDoncaster, said: “Over recent months we’ve been building the right team to take on this task. That has included individuals with experience at major airports such as Manchester, Gatwick and East Midlands, taking up roles like Head of Security, Head of Airfield Operations and Head of Health & Fire Safety.

“We’re also going through a critical Airspace Change Process, a regulatory hurdle that means we’ll have our own area of airspace around the airport to manage. This is critical to our plans.

“We’re due to hear the result of stages one and two imminently, and we’ll be asking the public for their views in the summer, with a view to being re-certified in spring 2027.”

He says preparations for reopening and welcoming passengers back have been well underway, which has involved acquiring “vital equipment such as a new radar and fire appliances, completely refurbishing the fire station and control tower, and making plans for renovating the terminal building”.

The terminal building is set for a “full makeover, giving passengers somewhere that feels really special at the start of their holidays”, alongside improvements to the site’s infrastructure “to make this one of the most accessible airports in the UK for those with a disability”.

On top of this, talks are ongoing with airlines and partner organisations.

Mr Foster says the airport is already equipped to handle hundreds of thousands of tonnes of freight, and is also in dialogue with firms at the forefront of aviation innovation – including sky taxis, vertiports, and alternative fuel technologies – about how these could be incorporated into the site.

A striking UK destination used as a movie set, with 27,000 acres of ancient woodland and a meandering river passing through, has been named one of the ‘best places in the world’

Some of the world’s most spectacular places are right on our doorstep, and there’s one in the heart of an enchanting UK woodland.

Nestled between the Rivers Wye and Severn in Gloucestershire, straddling the Welsh border, lies the ancient Forest of Dean, with 27,000 acres of towering, majestic trees. It’s one of England’s largest ancient woodlands and stands as a celebrated haven of outstanding natural beauty.

It attracts visitors from far and wide to admire and explore its otherworldly woodland, rustic bridges, snowdrops, and spiralling rivers. But there’s one particular spot in the Forest of Dean that has been deemed the ‘best place in the world’.

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Speaking to the Mirror, forest ranger for Forest Holidays, Gerry O’Brien, said: “I love the Forest of Dean, it’s obviously an area very close to my heart, it’s rich in history, heritage and wildlife. I know it really well, inside out, I guess, now. There are a lot of hidden gems around the forest that I love to go and explore, but Symonds Yat Rock is one of my favourite places in the world. It’s an incredible place to go, and I love it.”

Symonds Yat Rock offers breathtaking views across the winding River Wye, which is towered over by limestone cliffs and sprawling acres of ancient woodland. It’s a haven for birdwatching, with goshawks, buzzards, and sparrowhawks sweeping over the viewpoint, and it has ample walking trails to soak up the picturesque vistas and explore the nearby forest.

Gerry further shared about Symonds Yat Rock: “It’s incredible, it’s an old Iron Age Hill Fort, it’s almost right on the Hertfordshire border, looking out over the countryside. You could imagine, like 2,500 years ago, people were living on that rock, which is hard to believe.

“There are peregrine falcons that nest in the cliff face along the edge, so you can often see them coming up. There’s also a woodland, and if you’re looking down from Symonds Yat Rock, with the River Wye below you, you can look out over Copper Hill and on the other side, it’s the woodland where Harry Potter was filmed.”

Sharing a closer insight into the area and its renowned connections, Gerry added: “If you go to Symonds Yat East, it’s a little hamlet by the river, it’s beautiful and really picturesque. But you walk right past the house that was used in the Netflix series, Sex Education.

“It’s the red house, so all of that was filmed in and along the Wye Valley. There are a lot of hidden gems around the Forest of Dean. They’ve done alot of movies and TV work around the forest.”

Another highlight in the Forest of Dean’s otherworldly scenes is the beautiful Puzzlewood with 14 acres of twisted, moss-draped trees, ancient wooden bridges and snowdrops scattered across the rugged terrain. Alongside Gerry’s favourite place in the world, Puzzlewood is frequently hailed as one of the region’s most picturesque locations.

It even secured a place on Big 7 Travel’s ’50 Most Beautiful Places in the UK’ list for 2025 and again this year. This fantastical atmosphere has also attracted Hollywood attention, serving as a backdrop for productions such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Secret Garden, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Doctor Who, Merlin, Netflix’s Our Planet and BBC’s Atlantis.

Elsewhere in the Forest of Dean, Gerry recommended King Arthur’s Cave and the nearby Little Doward Hill Fort, an Iron Age fort situated in the Wye Valley. But one lesser-known landmark he applauded is the Darkhill Ironworks.

“It’s an old industrial ruin, and it’s really atmospheric where nature has reclaimed around it”, Gerry shared. “You can do a little walk around the Ironworks, which is a nice nature walk, and you can see the ruins.”

To explore some of Gerry’s recommendations in the Forest of Dean, you can book a stay with Forest Holidays, which offers a collection of lodges, cabins and treehouses, some with outdoor hot tubs to soak under the towering trees. Meanwhile, the likes of Sykes Holiday Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk also offer a range of stays in the region.

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

IT’S THAT time of year again when, as the weather warms up, the UK’s Blue Flag beaches have been announced.

In total 61 sites, including beaches, a marina and an inland water bathing area have been awarded the Blue Flag for 2026 across the UK.

The Blue Flag award recognises beaches that are clean, safe, and well managed, including whether they haves services like lifeguards, first aid, educational activities and so on.

Several Devon beaches have not been included on the list, after Torbay – where previously five Blue Flag beaches were located – decided to create their own awards system.

North East

Five beaches in the North East were awarded a Blue Flag status, including:

• Whitley Bay South
• Tynemouth Longsands South
• King Edwards Bay
• Blyth South Beach
• Roker Beach

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North West

In the North West one spot was given a Blue Flag status – Liverpool’s Albert and Salthouse docks, which is even the only Blue Flag marina in the UK.

Yorkshire and Humber

In Yorkshire and Humber, three Blue Flag beaches have been named, including one visited by Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski:

She said: “If you’re after that typical northern charm, but in a seaside setting, look no further than Whitby.

“From the shoreline, you can admire the lighthouse in the distance, or grab a pew on one of the benches by the marina to watch the boats sailing in and out to sea.

“Don’t leave without swinging by Magpie Cafe for its famous fish and chips (with curry sauce, of course) – it’s widely known for being the best chippy in the area so get there bang on opening time to avoid the queues.”

The other two Blue Flag beaches in Yorkshire and Humber are:

East Midlands

Three beaches in the East Midlands were awarded the Blue Flag status and include:

• Central Beach, Mablethorpe
• Central Beach, Skegness
• Central Beach, Sutton on Sea

East of England

In the East Of England, a total of 15 beaches were awarded a Blue Flag status.

Having explored the area several times, Travel Reporter Alice Penwill said: “After visiting Cromer back in 2024 – my family and I have been back multiple times to enjoy its cute cafes and beautiful beach.

“When the sun is out, Cromer beach is a great place for laying about in the sun, or going for a dip in the sea.

“And for anyone bringing along a furry friend, dogs aren’t allowed on certain sections of the beach, specifically by the pier, but can frolic on the sand further up, just look for the signs.

“Make sure to step off the sand for a few minutes and head to Windows Ice Cream where you can get an enormous soft serve treat from £2.”

Another Blue Flag beach she has visited in the area is Frinton on Sea.

She said: “Not only is Frinton a very pretty spot on the coast, it’s one of the sunniest.

“Along the Essex coastline, Frinton-on-Sea is known for having no noisy arcades, like its more popular neighbour of Clacton.

“I love it for the fact that it has no frills, on the front is just a sweeping sandy beach, the sea and some pretty beach huts too.

“But if you want a bit more excitement, head back to Connaught Avenue for independent shops and boutiques.”

She also recommend visiting Southwold in East Suffolk, commenting on how it takes her back to her childhood family holidays where she’d spend hours running about on the sand and in and out of the sea.

She added: “Its pier is 623 feet long and is dotted with shops, cafes and everyone has to head into the arcade.

“As much as I love the beach, you can’t miss a stroll into town either for its great shops and the Adnams brewery.

“At the other end of town by the harbour is my favourite chippy, the Sole Bay Fish Company.”

Other Blue Flag beaches in the East of England include:

• Albion Walton On The Naze
• Brightlingsea
• Dovercourt Bay
• East Runton
• Felixstowe
• Mundesley
• Sea Palling
• Sheringham
• Shoebury Common
• Thorpe Bay Beach
• Three Shells Beach
• West Runton

South East

A total of 11 beaches were awarded the Blue Flag in the South East this year.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey said: “Kent is hardly short of beautiful beaches – and Botany Bay is one of my favourites.

“It can get busy, but being between Margate and Ramsgate means you can easily get to it by a short walk.

“Yet Ramsgate is a great beach to visit as a family due to its size, so you will never be fighting for space.

“It’s also helped by being right in from of the UK’s biggest Wetherspoons (complete with a rooftop beer garden…).”

Other Blue Flag beaches in the South East include:

• Hove Lawns
• Joss Bay
• Marina Beach Hastings
• Minnis Bay
• Rottingdean
• Saltdean
• Sheerness
• Tankerton
• West Wittering Beach

South West

Across the South West, a staggering 24 beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag.

Born in the South West, Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding said: “The South West is bursting with beautiful beaches so it is no surprise that many have been awarded a Blue Flag.

“In Dartmouth in Devon, Blackpool Sands has been awarded a Blue Flag for the third year in a row.

“The privately-owned shingle beach stretches across two-thirds of a mile and is often quite wide, making it a great day out even when busy.

“From the beach you can head kayaking or paddleboarding too.”

Also in Devon, one of Cyann’s more local beaches was awarded a Blue Flag for its 27th year.

She said: “Dawlish Warren is the ultimate beach for families.

“Found on Devon’s south coast, the beach is backed by rolling dunes and fascinating wildlife habitats.

“The 1.5-mile stretch is a safer, more sheltered spot for families, compared to a lot of other beaches in the are, a and you’ll even find -go karts, golf and arcades to have fun in too.”

Sophie added: “Stretching for around three kilometres, you’ll never struggle to find a sunbathing patch at Westward Ho!.

“The main beach starts at the busy end of town, where you’ll have no trouble finding a bucket and spade, before blending into the much quieter Northam Burrows Beach, backed by a national park and an excellent links golf course.

“Keep wandering towards the northern tip to find Pebbleridge Kitchen, a tiny cafe that sells fresh crab sandwiches.”

Sophie has also been to Porthminster in St Ives, Cornwall.

She said: “On a sunny day, the white sands and gloriously blue seas of Porthminster could be mistaken for the shores of a Caribbean island.

“It’s not the largest of beaches, but it’s at the quieter end of town, away from the main hustle and bustle of St Ives.

“Pedn Olva, an excellent pub with rooms, is just a short walk away.

“Try the local ales and “crabby fries”, smothered in white and brown meat and drenched in a thermidor sauce.”

She added: “I visited Widemouth Bay with my family and the dogs several years back, on a sunny April afternoon, and we had the entire sands to ourselves.

“The sunset was absolutely spectacular – take advantage of the tall grassy dunes behind the beach for the best viewpoint.

“There are some lovely walks along here, too.”

And another Blue Flag spot is one of her all-time favourite beaches in Cornwall.

She said: “Polzeath is a glorious stretch of golden sands backed by fuss-free restaurants serving hearty toasties and proper Mr Whippy ice cream.

“Make sure to swing by Surfside Polzeath, a rum bar that spills out onto the beach and serves some punchy cocktails – it stays open until 11pm, with people dancing on the sands once the sun sets.”

Other Blue Flag Beaches in the South West include:

• Canford Cliffs
• Croyde Bay
• Exmouth Beach
• Sidmouth Town
• Carbis Bay
• Challaborough Bay
• Crooklets
• Durley Chine
• Fisherman’s Walk
• Gyllyngvase
• Highcliffe
• Porthmeor
• Porthtowan
• Sandbanks
• Shore Road
• Summerleaze
• Swanage Central Beach
• Trevone Bay

SCORES of drivers face a new charge at a major Scottish airport as a price increase begins today.

New drop-off charges have been rolled out at Edinburgh Airport, Scotland‘s busiest air hub which was used by 17 million passengers last year.

It will now cost £8.50 for a ten-minute slot to either drop-off or pick someone up near the main terminal.

The fees have been hiked by £2.50 and were rolled out today.

Bosses have also scrapped a 50 per cent discount for people driving electric vehicles to the airport.

Instead, more spaces have been added to the free drop-off area – where motorists can park for free for 30 minutes.

The price hike has been blamed on a surge in business rates.

Airport chiefs claim they have been hit by a hit by a 142 per cent rise – an £8million increase – which was branded “simply unacceptable”.

Edinburgh Airport’s chief executive Gordon Dewar said: “This decision to impose an unplanned and wholly disproportionate £8million rates increase has an immediate and negative impact on our business.

“We made this clear in correspondence with the Lothians Assessor, who set the increase, and in discussions with the Scottish Government, which has endorsed it.

“A 142% increase reduces our ability to invest, grow and compete. In practical terms, it equates to funding around 200 jobs, two aircraft stands, or five new security lanes. It is not a cost that can be absorbed; it must be covered, and trade-offs like this are unfortunately unavoidable.

“Like many across the hospitality and tourism sectors who have seen business rates soar, we have no choice but to pass part of this cost on to passengers.

“We had not planned to raise fees this year, but the absence of a transitional relief scheme – equivalent to that available in England and Wales – leaves us with no alternative.

“We have always accepted that, given our size, we should pay more, but the scale of this increase is simply unacceptable.”

Bosses previously wrote to the Convenor of the Lothian Valuation Joint Board, which sets non-domestic rates, as well as the First Minister and the Public Finance Minister, to outline their concerns.

Mr Dewar added: “We have made clear to both the Assessor and the Scottish Government that a system which produces such markedly different outcomes for comparable assets operating within the same national economy cannot credibly be described as fair, proportionate or fit for a modern Scotland. This systemic inconsistency lies at the heart of our concern.”

It comes just months after Glasgow and Aberdeen airports – both owned by AGS – increased their drop off fees.

It costs £7 for people to park for up to 15 minutes at both of the sites.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The valuation of all non-domestic property is a matter for the Scottish Assessors who are independent of central and local government.
 
“The Scottish Government estimates Edinburgh Airport will, with Transitional Relief,  have a net non-domestic rates bill of around £8.1 million for 2026-27, compared to £5.4 million before revaluation.
 
“The Scottish Government’s Revaluation Transitional Relief protects those most affected at revaluation – including airports – and will cap increases in gross liabilities up to the next revaluation in 2029.”

A POPULAR attraction in the UK is set to reopen it’s US-themed land – after being forced to close two years ago.

Bluestone National Park Resort, a holiday park in Pembrokeshire, is reopening its American-themed Steep Ravine later this week.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Often said to be ‘better value than Center Parcs‘, Steep Ravine was forced to close in 2024 due to damage caused by a storm.

But on May 23, guests will not only be able to step back into the USA, but also experience two new rides.

Returning to the attraction is Camp Smokey, an open-air ‘dining experience’ at the foot of the ravine.

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Here, kids can have a barbecue feast, roast marshmallows around the campfire and enjoy a brand-new lunch menu in the great outdoors.

The other returning favourite, Smokey Joe’s Shindig, is back with live entertainment, dancing, music and games as well as barbecue food.

New this year at Steep Ravine are two new high-speed ziplines.

The Summit Flight is an exciting 279metre long zipline suitable for all ages.

But if Summit Flight is a little too daunting then the Double Glide is a good way to ease children in as it has shorter zips designed to build confidence.

Another activity at the Steep Ravine is Wellies in the Wild: Mud Mission where children can dig and take on some mud play.

The guided adventure has hands-on activities, marshmallow toasting, and guests get a tasty Welsh cake to finish.

Camp Smokey and Smokey Joe’s Shindig will reopen from May 23, with the new zip line experiences rolling out initially for guests staying before July 16.

Summer breaks start from £400, based on a four-night stay at a Caldey Lodge arriving on June 8.

The Welsh resort had to close Steep Ravine at the end of 2024 following severe storm damage, since then work has been ongoing to restore the site.

James McNamara, Director of Product and Programme Development at Bluestone said: “Steep Ravine has always been about bringing people together outdoors – whether that’s around the campfire at Camp Smokey or experiencing the adventure of the Ravine itself.

“We’re excited to welcome guests back this month and reopen a place that means so much to so many people.”

British travellers heading to Portugal have been warned that they could face major delays

Ryanair is cautioning Brits heading to Portugal that they could face waits of up to 2.5 hours at the airport. The budget airline has been an outspoken opponent of the new Entry/Exit System (EES).

EES is a digital biometric scheme that is taking over from traditional passport stamps. It requires travellers to have their fingerprints recorded and photographs captured when entering the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries, predominantly within the European Union. For British travellers, this typically takes place at foreign airports.

Ryanair has been a fierce critic of the scheme after reports emerged of lengthy delays lasting several hours at destinations including Milan, Porto, and Lisbon. Greece has announced that it will postpone the full rollout of EES for British tourists until after the busy summer period has passed.

In a social media post titled Lisbon Airport Trivia Quiz, the airline offered a string of responses to tongue-in-cheek questions. These included asking what was slower between a tortoise, a snail, or Lisbon border control queues. Ryanair also issued a warning that travellers could be held up for as long as 2.5 hours.

It stated: “If you haven’t noticed the trend, Lisbon border control wait times are up to 2,5 hours. It’s time for the Portuguese Government to suspend the new Entry/Exit System (EES) until after the peak summer season and ensure adequate staffing at Lisbon border control and all Portuguese airports.”

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EES was initially launched in October last year, with its implementation stepped up on April 10. Under current EU regulations, the checks can be temporarily suspended to prevent queues during busy periods, reports Glasgow Live.

Industry body Airports Council International recently revealed that EES was leading to hold-ups of up to three hours, with airports across Spain, Portugal, France and Italy among those hit hardest. More than 100 easyJet passengers missed a flight from Milan Linate to Manchester last month due to hold-ups at passport control caused by the intensified rollout of EES.

A VICTORIAN train station has reopened to the public after four years of construction.

The project has faced major delays throughout, with the station initially scheduled to open in 2025.

Darlington Station has reopened after receiving a £140million makeover, with first-time travelers enjoying the revamped facilities this weekend.

Darlington is considered to be the home of the modern railway, but the Victorian station needed a redesign.

Redevelopment for this historic Grade II listed station has been in the works for years, with the project starting in August 2022.

At the time, concerns were raised about whether the modern design would be in keeping with its Victorian history.

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After major building work, such as cutting a hole in the roof to install a new footbridge, the project was pushed back due to “additional design requirements”, surpassing the initial completion date in 2025.

Now, after these delays, visitors in this northern town can enjoy a modern new copper-coloured concourse, an elevated walkway connecting two new platforms, and a 650-space multi-storey carpark.

The design of the station also means that it is now fully accessible, with step-free access across the whole station.

Completion of the station was celebrated on May 15, with conductors whistling in the famous steam locomotive Tornado to mark the occasion.

An LNER Azuma train also took passengers on a special inaugural journey to York, with live music, entertainment and refreshments on board.

On May 17, with the station fully working, locals got to try out the new facilities, funded by £43million from Tees Valley Combined Authority and £96million from Network Rail and the Department for Transport.

Visitors praised the new station, reports The Northern Echo, with one hailing the new station as “like a palace to the railway“, and others saying it was “modern and unbelievable”.

One particularly happy visitor also told the Echo: “If you said something like this would be in Dubai, you would think oh my goodness.

“This is in Darlington – and there’s not a railway station on the East Coast Mainline as good as this.” 

Lola McEvoy, MP for Darlington, has praised the redevelopment of the station: “This absolutely cements it with the connectivity that we need, £160 million, and so many hours and hours of work.

“I just want to pay tribute to everybody who has put so much graft into this.

“I think it’s really important because for visitors and for investors, this is going to mark us out as a place to come and visit and enjoy and build.

“But for residents, what it’s going to do is unlock new adventures and make sure that we get the economic opportunities and the growth that we so desperately need and absolutely deserve.”

When you go abroad, there are all sorts of travel rules people need to follow but a certain guideline is considered crucial. It’s vital to know if you want to avoid delays at airport security

All travellers have been urged to take note of a crucial airport rule, as ignoring it could lead to significant hold-ups at security. It’s well worth bearing in mind as the travel season is already well under way, with scores of Brits eager to head off on their holidays for some hard-earned sunshine and relaxation.

The rule was recently highlighted on TikTok by a travel agent named Jake, who regularly shares straight-talking tips online, and it’s something you may never have previously considered. It’s well worth familiarising yourself with this particular rule, as it could have a real impact on how long you end up waiting in the security queue.

It’s not the first travel tip of this nature to do the rounds recently, either. Previously, holidaymakers were warned to brace themselves for “hell” owing to mounting queues at a popular airport.

Jake said: “This is the number one reason for delays at airport security in the UK right now, and almost everyone has one in their bag. But, there’s one thing that’s catching everybody out.

“It’s these. Reusable, stainless steel water bottles because, while the 100ml rule has been scrapped, and for some airports you can take up to two litres of liquids with you, these still need to be emptied.

“That’s purely because the machines can’t check the liquid that’s in these bottles. So, if you do have one in your bag and it’s got liquid in, then you’re going to have your bag pulled aside.

“You’re going to have that embarrassing moment on the belt where you see your bag go down a different aisle. So, as you’re heading to security, make sure you empty these.

“The good news is though, if you do forget and you have your water bottle in there with liquid in, they’re not going to make you throw your expensive water bottle away. They’re just going to pour out the liquid that’s in there.

“So this is just going to cause further delays for you getting through duty-free and being able to relax before you get on your flight.”

It might seem like a straightforward tip, but it’s certainly one worth bearing in mind. Sticking to the rule could help you sidestep a major headache that’s easily avoidable.

What you need to know

What you might not realise is that you must fully empty your reusable water bottle before passing through airport security. While the 100ml liquid limit may not apply to the container itself, any liquid left inside is banned and could lead to your bottle being seized.

Even if your local airport permits larger liquid containers or doesn’t require you to remove electronics from your bag, metal or insulated bottles (such as Hydro Flasks or Yetis) typically need to be drained. The sophisticated scanners are unable to “see” through double-wall insulation, so it pays to stay one step ahead.

As Jake highlighted, certain airports now permit passengers to carry containers holding up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage. However, this is entirely dependent on the specific airport you’re departing from, as it requires state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology.

For this reason, it’s always wise to check the regulations for your particular airport ahead of your journey. At major hubs including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham and Edinburgh, you’re allowed to take containers holding up to two litres each.

That said, this rule only applies at select airports. If you’re in any doubt, always confirm with your airport before you travel.

THE UK isn’t short of lidos but a new ‘floating’ swimming pool is opening right by the River Thames next month.

Sea Lanes in Canary Wharf’s Eden Dock will be opening on June 19 and will be a year-round swimming attraction.

The venue is billing itself as “London’s leading destination for open water swimming, health and wellbeing”.

Visitors will be able to dive into a 50-metre-long and 1.3-metre-deep floating swimming pool, with six lanes and then – for after a refreshing dip – there will also be two saunas.

The attraction will feature a clubhouse as well, with year-round wellness events such as talks and members’ socials and a place to grab food and drink.

The first event will be on June 25 and will be an Open Water Masterclass with Olympian Katy Sexton, who will coach swimmers and share pro tips.

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

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

Visitors can opt for different memberships including the Founder Membership for the first 500 members which costs £75 a month and includes swim and sauna access.

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

The pool hopes to be able to help swimmers transition from pools to open water.

Joe McNulty, director at Sea Lanes previously said: “Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will be more than just a swimming pool – it will be an urban oasis for health and wellbeing all set within the green and biodiverse waterfront of Eden Dock.”

From California Rock, 1,100 feet above Yosemite Valley, the crown jewel of America’s beloved national parks spreads out beneath you.

The jaw-dropping north face of 8,800-foot Half Dome towers to the east. The silky green ribbon of the Merced River meanders through the valley floor below, astonishingly lush during the spring snow melt. Even cars in the parking lots look fabulous, their roofs and windshields sparkling in the golden sunshine like so many tiny gems.

And then you realize those gems are everywhere — as far as the eye can see — because every single parking space in the valley is full.

On the way down from that vantage point, Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, which was practically empty at 9 a.m., had turned into a human conveyor belt by 11 a.m. Hundreds of people trudged up the steep switchbacks in single file.

People hike the Upper Yosemite Falls trail in Yosemite National Park on Saturday.

(Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times)

That’s what’s giving parks enthusiasts heartburn this spring.

Even before the summer rush, which begins in earnest in a few days with Memorial Day weekend, California’s most visited national park is seeing enormous crowds. There have been more than 836,000 visits so far in 2026, according to National Park System data — about 100,000 more than this time last year.

The reason, according to parks advocates, is the Trump administration’s decision to abandon a reservation system implemented in 2020 to limit crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The system has been used on and off since then to help control the number of visitors and preserve a sense of natural tranquility.

On Saturday, there seemed to be an uneasy balance: The crowds were large but well-managed, with some visitors worried about the months ahead.

On the valley floor, as hundreds of people pressed together to gaze in awe at Lower Yosemite Falls, Jeff Wilson of Folsom said he was having flashbacks to 2023, the last time the park allowed entry without permits.

“It was just absolute bumper-to-bumper traffic all the way around the loop. Zero places to park, cars just circling all day, and people pulling off into just random spots,” Wilson said. “It was an absolute mess.”

People walk to the bottom of Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park on Saturday.

(Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times)

There were echoes of that everywhere on Saturday. Parking lots filled up fast — the lot at Curry Village was full by 8 a.m. — and cars were stashed in every unmarked flat spot their owners thought they could get away with.

Once people found somewhere to leave their cars, they didn’t dare move them. Most relied on the free shuttle that circles the valley floor. The big white buses were jammed to capacity by midday, as were the bus stops, where people often had to wait for several shuttles to pass before one arrived with room.

Still, the lines were reasonable to enter the park and pay the fee — $35 per car for U.S. residents and President Trump’s new $100 per person extra charge for foreigners. That means a family of four from abroad would have to pay $435.

People who arrived very early breezed through the toll booths, and even those who showed up after 9 a.m. said they waited only about 15 to 30 minutes. That was a dramatic improvement over recent weekends, when social media lit up with complaints of hour-and-a-half ordeals.

Traffic flowed slowly but smoothly on the main paved roads around the valley floor. There was the occasional outburst as angry drivers leaned heavily on their horns, filling the peaceful meadow with a sudden blast of urban agita, but in general, things remained calm.

“We thought it would be more crowded,” said Laura Yuen, from the Bay Area. “But it’s actually manageable. We’re on bikes, and people are making room and are courteous.”

Arriving early and stashing the car was key for Yuen and her companion.

“A couple of sights have been crowded — those were the really touristy spots. But other than that, it has been beautiful,” she said. “This is a great time of year to come.”

Whether the good times will last once the high season begins is the question.

People board a shuttle in Yosemite National Park on Saturday.

(Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times)

Since Trump returned to office in 2025 and unleashed Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency on the federal work force, the National Park System has lost nearly a quarter of its employees to layoffs and buyouts, according to the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Assn.

And the Trump administration has proposed about 3,000 more job cuts — roughly another 25% — in the coming year. Trump has also proposed slashing nearly $800 million from the park system’s roughly $3-billion operating budget.

All of which risks tipping the delicate balance into chaos and gridlock, critics warn.

By 2 p.m., a flashing sign at the entrance to Curry Village advised that the parking lot was full and directed people to try their luck elsewhere.

Still, dozens of drivers crept around the lot, hoping to pounce if someone pulled out. It looked like an especially depressing way to spend an afternoon surrounded by some of the most celebrated natural wonders on Earth.

Kunal Khandwala of San José was among those searching for a spot until he gave up and pulled over, blocking a few cars but ready to move if their owners returned and needed to leave.

His friends had hopped out and joined the line at the Curry Village Pizza Deck, waiting to grab some food and go find a quiet spot for a picnic — far from the village.

The situation was “testing,” Khandwala said, but not intolerable if you relaxed and remained patient.

And anything was better than subjecting yourself to the shuttle, he joked.

People raft down the Merced River with Yosemite Falls in the background in Yosemite National Park on Saturday.

(Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times)

“The waits are insane,” he said, pitying people who had only a day in the park and were hoping to hit all of the highlights by bus. “There’s no way. You’re not going to see everything you want if you rely on the shuttle.”

Parks officials were unable to provide the number of visitors who arrived on Saturday, or compare that to the crowds on recent weekends.

But with Memorial Day looming, this weekend felt like the calm before the storm.

Which is why Wilson, the frequent visitor from Folsom, said he is “very, very much pro-reservation. It is a hassle — you have to plan ahead — but it just makes it a better experience for everybody.”

He had also brought his bike, which seemed to be the best way to elude the masses.

“This is my favorite place in the world, no matter what the crowds are like,” he said before pedaling off. “As long as you can get in, come, have a good time, you’ll love it.”

Where are the best bakeries to buy celebration cakes? I want to get a cake for one of my college friends — we’ve been friends for 40 years — who is retiring from teaching kindergarten. I’m having a small brunch party for her at a restaurant in Long Beach. It’d be great if the bakery is in Pasadena or on the East Side, but I will travel for awesome cake! She loves chocolate and espresso martinis. — Roberta Tragarz

Looking for things to do in L.A.? Ask us your questions and our expert guides will share highly specific recommendations.

Here’s what we suggest:

Roberta, I think it’s so sweet that you are throwing a retirement party for your longtime friend. In my opinion, no celebration is complete without a good cake and I, too, will drive just about anywhere for one that I think the recipient would love. Here are some bakeshops that might just have “the one.”

With Pasadena being convenient for you, you’re in luck. Times restaurant critic Jenn Harris calls the city a “pastry and dessert destination.” She writes about six stellar new bakeries that have opened within a one-mile radius, including Salted Butter Company, which offers a gorgeous round cake topped with seasonal florals, and Sweet Red Peach, which can create just about any custom cake you can dream up.

Given that your friend loves chocolate, consider buying a cake from Proof Bakery in Atwater Village. The worker-owned cooperative shop used to sell a chocolate espresso cake, which would’ve been perfect because your friend loves espresso martinis. However, they swapped it out for a chocolate blueberry cake with chocolate mascarpone mousse and blueberry compote. Thankfully, it looks just as delicious. And you can still make Proof’s chocolate espresso cake at home.

No L.A. bakeshop has been recommended to me more than SusieCakes. With multiple locations spread across the county including one in Pasadena, the classic bakery makes an array of delightful desserts: old-fashioned chocolate cakes, flourless chocolate cakes, rainbow sprinkle cakes and even a cake flight so you can try all of their signature slices. Former Times food editor Amy Scattergood wrote about SusieCakes, “You can pick the flavor of cake and color of buttercream frosting, get stuff written on top, even order a pretty impressive Barbie cake (they provide the doll; the cake is the dome of her massive skirt).” A “Teacher Barbie” that looks like your friend would be adorable.

Now, this isn’t a traditional cake but hear me out. My good friend Tori Johnson had a cinnamon roll cake at her recent birthday party and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. It was gooey, soft and slathered in a classic tangy cream cheese frosting. Her boyfriend got it from BadAsh Bakes, the viral bakery based in Pasadena best known for its cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies and layer cakes. You can preorder the cinnamon roll cake, which comes in a classic, red velvet or matcha flavor.

For an eye-catching, avant-garde cake that you won’t find at a traditional bakery or grocery store, consider ordering a custom dessert from Celeste Perkins, the L.A.-born baker who makes “cakes with big personalities, for big personalities,” as Times contributor Tasbeeh Herwees writes in Image. Perkins, who works out of her home kitchen, got her start baking cakes for friends and has since made them for an array of celebrity clients including Tunde Adebimpe (frontman for the band TV on the Radio), Japanese American singer Mitski and British singer Suki Waterhouse. Not only are the cakes yummy, they are photo-worthy.

Now for some rapid-fire picks across L.A.: My colleague Jason Lew recommends Phoenix Bakery in Chinatown, specifically the strawberry cake with sliced almonds. Times Features reporter Lisa Boone also suggests Valerie Confections in Glendale. “I’ve ordered cake from Valerie several times for different occasions and they’re always really special, pretty and so good,” she says. Her favorite is the fallen fruit cake, but the bakery also sells a flourless chocolate almond cake and German chocolate cake. There’s also République, the French-inspired bakery and cafe known for its salted caramel chocolate cake. Finally, you can never go wrong with Porto’s, which sells an array of cakes including chocolate raspberry, Parisian chocolate, mango mousse, strawberry cheesecake and more.

Retiring is such a big deal, so I love to hear that you are celebrating it as such. I hope that these recommendations help you find the perfect cake for your friend. Be sure to send us a photo of the one that you choose. Have a wonderful time!

A NEW direct rail service connecting two major UK cities started running again for the first time in over two decades.

The first direct service left the station this morning at 7am.

A new daily rail service between Oxford and Bristol Temple Meads began today, offering a direct service between the two cities for the first time in 23 years.

The new service started this morning after plans were finally given the go-ahead on Friday, May 13, by Network Rail and Great Western Railway.

Running from Monday to Saturday, the new service will travel via the following stations: Oxford, Swindon, Chippenham, Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads.

Both services began today with the first train leaving Oxford at 7am, arriving into Bristol Temple Meads at 8.20am.

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Going the other way, the first service departing from Bristol left at 7.14am and arrived into Oxford at 8.32am.

The fastest journey times from Oxford will be one hour and eight minutes and from Bristol one hour and 11 minutes.

Until today, there was no direct service between Oxford and Bristol, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The new rail line also means there is now a direct service for passengers travelling between Swindon and Oxford.

Previously travellers needed to change at either Didcot Parkway or Reading.

Great Western Railway’s managing director, Mark Hopwood, said the decision comes after years of campaigning from customers and partners.

“The economic and social benefits are clear, and we are confident that these new services demonstrate the value of rail in driving economic growth, environmental benefits, and creating education and employment opportunities which previously were not possible – as well as directly linking two of the key leisure markets in the UK,” he said.

Swindon South MP and Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said the “weekend trial of direct trains was hugely popular” and the new service will provide travellers with “a fast, convenient alternative to being stuck in a traffic jam on the A420”.

Network Rail Western route director, Marcus Jones, said bringing back the direct service “is a significant step in improving connectivity across the Western route” and the new links “will make it easier for people to travel between key economic centres, opening up new opportunities for work, education and leisure”.

It comes as a passenger claims they were ‘turned away’ on board

P&O Cruises is reminding passengers about a particular item of clothing that is ‘not allowed’ on board under specific circumstances. The cruise line issued the guidance in a recent social media post after a passenger claimed they were ‘turned away’.

On X, a user called Duncan wrote: “@Pandocruises describe ‘formal’. Turned away from one restaurant the other day wearing formal shorts, smart tailored shirt. Dye it showing sine ‘leg’. However, seen plenty of women wearing skirts much shorter than my shorts been welcomed in!”

P&O Cruises responded: “Hi Duncan, smart shorts are not permitted in certain restaurants on board. A suit with jacket and tie is required on formal nights in the main restaurant and other venues.”

On P&O Cruises’ website, there is extensive information regarding the cruise line’s dress code policy, reports the Liverpool Echo. It states: “While we encourage you to relax and enjoy your holiday, we do ask that you adhere to a smart casual dress code in our public areas and restaurants.”

In a key notice to passengers, P&O Cruises confirms that tailored shorts cannot be worn on Black Tie or Celebration Nights, with the exception of the buffet. It adds: “On evening casual nights tailored shorts can be wore in the buffet, The Beach House, and The Glass House, as well as 6th Street Diner, The Olive Grove and The Keel and Cow on Arvia and Iona.” Further guidance states: “Denim, including dark denim, isn’t allowed on Black Tie and Celebration Nights, except in venues with an Evening Casual dress code.”

For daytime wear, P&O Cruises states: “Feel free to wear your favourite holiday attire, such as shorts, T-shirts, and sundresses, or your typical winter clothing on one of our colder holidays. However, please remember to wear shoes when you’re not by the pool. We also ask that there is no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception.”

Regarding evening attire, the cruise operator noted: “Our dress code varies depending on the night. You can find details of each evening’s dress code in your daily Horizon found in your cabin, or on My P&O Cruises under the ‘Your Itinerary’ section before you sail.”

P&O Cruises operates two principal dress codes: ‘Evening Casual’ and ‘Black Tie’. Evening Casual calls for ‘smart casual attire’, encompassing trousers, smart dark denim, polo shirts, dresses, and skirts.

The Black Tie dress code is reserved for more formal occasions, where passengers are encouraged to “dress to impress”. The cruise line elaborates: “Gentlemen, a dinner jacket or tuxedo is ideal, but a dark suit and tie is also acceptable. Ladies, feel free to wear your favourite evening gown or cocktail dress.”

Passengers are also encouraged to adhere to the dress code for celebration nights, which P&O Cruises describes as special evenings on board where guests can enjoy a more formal dining experience and entertainment. “These events involve a higher level of dress code (black tie) and a more elaborate menu. It’s a chance to dress up, savour delicious food, and enjoy the ambience of a special occasion”, it says.

During celebration nights, most venues will operate a dress code, though some will permit a more relaxed attire for those who prefer it. Passengers can discover which venues are exempt from dress codes in their daily Horizon.

When visiting destinations on excursions, P&O Cruises advises comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the climate and culture of the places being visited. “Some cultures have specific dress codes, particularly for places of worship. Please respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites,” it adds.

For religious passengers, the cruise line confirms that customers are welcome to wear national or religious dress on board. “If you wear a headdress, depending on the amount of your face it covers, you may be asked to unveil for a security photo at check-in and when passing through security check points ashore and on board during your holiday”, it says.

However, certain items of national dress, such as ceremonial blades and swords, including Skean Dhus and Kirpans, are not allowed on board. Passengers can consult the list of prohibited items for further details.

P&O Cruises states that fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits featuring any inappropriate or offensive language or imagery are banned on board. “We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed”, the cruise line states. For further details regarding dress codes, click here.

For passengers who already know which ship they will be sailing on, the dress code for each dining venue on board can be found on the ship page by clicking ‘Dining’. View P&O Cruises ships here.