Families can even visit Mrs Claus’ Bakery to participate in a workshop.
In the surrounding area, there are even more Christmas events to explore including an ice rink at the Life Sciences Centre, from £15.50 per person.
Or head to Leazes Park to explore the Northern Lights light trail, from £15 per person.
Stephen Patterson, chief executive of NE1 Ltd said: “It has long been our aim to put Newcastle on the festive map, enhancing its offer and making it a must-visit destination for festive fun seekers from near and far.
“Festive markets and seasonal activities are more than just celebrations, they’re powerful tools to increase visitor numbers and footfall into the city centre, boosting business over the crucial Christmas period.”
Newcastle’s Christmas markets will run from November 15 to December 23.
HAVING visited the market last year, travel reporter Cyann Fielding shares her thoughts…
Newcastle Christmas market sprawls across the entire city centre and is actually formed of several markets – with each offering something different from the previous.
For example, based near Grey’s Monument, you will find a number of igloos to enjoy a drink in, whilst watching visitors peruse the stalls.
The stalls then sell a variety of things, including cheeses, alcohol, cakes, and crafted gifts.
In this area you will also find the Moosenwirt Bar, where prices aren’t too bad for a festive market.
You can grab a mulled wine or cider for £6.50, for example.
And when it comes to food, you won’t be short for choice.
I opted for the viral hit that I had seen plastered across my TikTok feed – a Yorkshire pudding wrap.
Whilst it set me back £14, it was well worth it – the portion was huge, and it was full of everything you’d expect to eat on Christmas Day, including the gravy and stuffing.
For kids, there is a lot to do as well, including a family area with some rides, such as a carousel and Christmas-themed shows.
If you are looking for more Christmas markets across the UK to visit, then here are the prettiest Christmas markets in Britain – with hotel stays from £37.
Looking for things to do in L.A.? Ask us your questions and our expert guides will share highly specific recommendations in our new series, L.A. Times Concierge.
Where can I host a big birthday party on a restaurant patio or rent out a bar during the day? That’s not outrageously expensive? — Kristen Silva
Here’s what we suggest:
First and foremost, I respect — and deeply relate to — your desire to celebrate your birthday on a budget. It’s tough right now. The good news, though, is that L.A. is brimming with delicious restaurants and aesthetic bars that go easy on the pockets — both for you and your guests. And some even allow you to bring your own birthday cake.
For a laid-back spot where you and your friends can sit at picnic tables and enjoy juicy pastrami sandwiches, loaded French fries and refreshing cocktails, check out Johnny’s in West Adams. Senior food editor Danielle Dorsey recommends the spot in a guide to West Adams, calling the umbrella-dotted parking lot patio “the perfect al fresco setting.” Because Johnny’s has a walk-up service counter, its easy for your guests to come and go as they please. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the headache of trying to split the bill at the end of the night. Reservations are only necessary if you’re looking to rent out the space, but there is a $35 cake fee.
If you don’t mind being indoors, my colleague Deborah Vankin suggests Far Bar in Little Tokyo, where she celebrated her birthday on the mezzanine with about 50 friends. “It was a cozy, but still roomy space that felt festive and provided the best people watching below,” she says. “The price was beyond reasonable and, afterwards, a group of us walked down the street for dessert and karaoke.” If you’re open to hosting your party on a slower night (not Friday or Saturday), a manager told me you can avoid rental fees. (FYI: There’s also a narrow outdoor seating area here, but Vankin says it’s not great for parties.)
Music lovers will appreciate Zizou, a vibey French-Moroccan restaurant nestled in Lincoln Heights. Owned by two lifelong friends from France, Zizou features a stunning vintage sound system, where DJs can be found spinning jazz, French hip-hop, South African rhythms and other global sounds on the weekends. My friend Tori Johnson hosted her birthday party on the starlit patio earlier this year. “We were able to invite friends post-dinner to come and have wine with us until the restaurant closed,” she tells me. “It felt intimate and just what I was looking for for my 31st birthday.” For parties of eight or more, there’s a $75 minimum per person for seated dining, but no minimum if you’re planning to just chill at the bar or near the sound system. You can either bring your own cake at no additional cost or order Zizou’s house-made French apple tart for dessert. And don’t worry, the servers won’t look at you with disdain if you ask for separate checks — at least from my experience.
Another worthy option is Everson Royce, which deputy food editor Betty Hallock calls “one of the best bars in the city (with great food),” and I can’t agree more. This spot is popular because of its happy hour and its breezy outdoor patio. “It’s like being in a friend’s backyard, with picnic tables, string lights and a vine-wrapped tree, except you’re in the middle of downtown,” Hallock reports in a guide to the most picturesque restaurant patios in L.A. An Everson Royce staffer told me that you can book a normal reservation for up to 100 people — yes, you read that correctly — and that the restaurant doesn’t charge extra fees or require any deposits. Staff will even split the checks for each of your guests.
In the mood for dancing? Start your night with focaccia-style pan pizzas at De La Nonna, then head next door to the Let’s Go! Disco & Cocktail Club. I DJed a wedding here last year and it was a seamless transition, sweating out the delectable pizza at the Italian-inspired nightclub where 1970s disco hits (and related genres) are the soundscape. Reservations are highly recommended. For 20 guests, De La Nonna requires its prix fixe menu with optional drink packages, but 30 or more guests are considered a “partial buyout,” so both are required. There’s also a room fee. If you’re still in the mood for partying once the cocktail den closes at 1 a.m., then walk across the street to EightyTwo, an arcade bar with dozens of pinball machines and classic video games. (Note: De La Nonna charges a $20 cake fee.)
If these spots don’t satisfy your needs, some of my food colleagues also suggested Le Great Outdoor in Santa Monica, Mr. T in Hollywood, Good Neighbor Bar in Altadena and Benny Boy Brewing in Lincoln Heights — all of which have a patio.
As you can see, there are loads of options depending on what type of food, vibe and part of L.A. you prefer. Wherever you end up, I hope you have a wonderful time and, most importantly, that you have a great birthday and year ahead.
It’s hard to believe this stunning town is within the UK, and it’s the perfect place for Brits to get away
The area boasts incredible views of the sea(Image: Getty)
Tucked away in North Devon, this charming town offers a seaside escape with views so breathtaking it’s been likened to Switzerland.
Lynton & Lynmouth is famed for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, attracting Brits who are keen to experience its unique environment, which feels worlds away from the rest of England. Indeed, its spectacular waterfalls and expansive landscapes could easily be mistaken for those found in a mountainous European town, rather than a British coastal resort.
These vistas can be admired from the famous Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, offering families the opportunity to ascend high into the mountains. This isn’t your average railway – it’s multi-award-winning, having first opened its doors in 1890 as the steepest and highest entirely water-powered railway in the world.
The cliff railway itself is a major draw for tourists, nestled in the heart of Exmoor National Park. It seamlessly connects the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, providing unforgettable coastal views that will stay etched in your memory forever.
Its iconic structure is one of only three of its kind globally and remains a grade II listed building. With regular services throughout the day, waiting times are typically short, and prices are reasonable at just £3.75 for adults and £2.25 for children, reports the Express.
One holidaymaker took to TripAdvisor to share their delightful experience, writing: “Had an amazing time here, Lynton is a town with shops and beautiful scenery. You have the cliff railway to Lynmouth village that took my breath away. It was an overwhelmingly little village that definitely had little Switzerland feel.”
Another traveller added: “Excellent village and fantastic view; you can feel like you’re in a small village in Switzerland, and the village is absolutely free compared with Clovelly, where you have to pay to see the village.
“When you get to Lynton, you have to go by Cliff Railway, which will cost you around 11 pounds for a family of four but is absolutely worth it.”
The charming twin villages are nestled within Exmoor National Park, a haven of tranquillity and serenity. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views of babbling brooks and deep valleys or yearning for a sense of adventure, the national park caters to all.
Tucked away within the park are several stunning waterfalls, reminiscent of those found across the picturesque landscapes in Switzerland. Two particularly renowned ones are Watersmeet, nestled quietly within woodland and coastal trails.
However, to witness them in their full splendour, it’s best to visit after a heavy downpour.
A visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “A walk down steeply wooded paths, with many seats along the way to stop and admire the place, to a magical meeting of two rivers and waterfalls. A charming house, now a cafe, offers delicious food, and there are many trails to explore.”
The Pride of Cumbria train carried me out of Piccadilly station and, eventually, beyond built-up Manchester. After Marple, everything turned green as the valleys narrowed. It was a classic northern autumn day: the clouds were low, the mizzle and mist were closing in and the world was grey-filtered but for the glow of dead leaves all around.
South-east of Manchester is a bit of an unknown for me. Between the city and the Derbyshire borough of High Peak, you don’t quite enter national park territory, but it’s nonetheless a charming and eye-calming landscape. The Mancunian Kinder Scout trespassers of 1932 probably came this way, as do Pennine Way-farers bound for Edale. But the region is also post-industrial and close to conurbations. The Steel Cotton Rail Trail, which officially launched earlier this month after several years of planning, hopes to bring together elements of the land and the heritage while also drawing walkers and cyclists to areas of the Peak District perhaps ignored by those who rush for the main spine of the Pennines.
The 62-mile (100km) trail has been split into 14 day-friendly sections between the rail termini at Manchester and Sheffield, with stops along the Hope Valley Line marking the start and end points. There’s something for everyone. Urban explorers will enjoy the metropolitan mooches at either end, summit fiends will love the middle hill and moor sections, while those with young families or old dogs can opt for canal and riverside walks.
I was the only passenger to alight at Chinley, a small, smartish-looking village in the Blackbrook valley. I soon found a sticker to show that I was on the right track; way marking is now complete along the route. I also had printouts of the handy pdf maps posted on the website. GPX files are available, but I didn’t want to spend the day looking phone-ward.
Edale to Chinley on the Steel Cotton Rail Trail.
The route, sloping downward, took me past a cafe and on to the Peak Forest Tramway Trail. As anyone who has been out on a recent country walk will know, 2025 has been a mast year, with an abundance of fruit and nuts falling from trees. I could hear the loud crunch of dry acorns and beech nuts as I began my walk towards the west.
The tramway – serviced by horse and gravity-powered vehicles – opened in 1796 and carried on operating right up till the 1920s. Limestone, quarried all around the area, was taken out along these tracks. While much of the primary and heavy industrial plant has gone, I passed a polymer factory close to Chinley and I was rarely far from traffic (the mighty A6, England’s longest road once upon a time, was just beyond the curtain of trees) or light industrial units. Some people probably prefer the illusion of “real nature” but I like ambling through parts of the countryside where work and wilderness rub along. Anyway, I was always able to look down and let the golds, reds and ochres of leaf litter blur my ruminations.
Soon I came to Bugsworth Basin on the Peak Forest canal – once the largest and busiest inland port on the canal system and the only one to survive intact. An information sign alluded to “canal mania”, the period between 1790 and the 1810s when dozens of cuts were made across England and Wales by speculators banking on “faster” logistics. In 1808, workers shifted sufficient limestone to fill 2,000 canal boats. A vital raw material, it was used in buildings, chemical manufacturing and agriculture. Limestone historians will probably challenge the steel and cotton of the trail’s name – cities edging out town and country, as ever – but you could also make a case for calling it the Millstone Grit Trail or the Coal Trail; this part of the world produced so much for Victorian Britain.
I swerved right, joining the River Goyt. Despite its guttural name, the Goyt is a lovely river. It threads a pastoral squiggle from soggy moorland just west of Macclesfield all the way to Stockport, where it runs into the Mersey. As well as the new trail, I was also walking on sections of the Goyt Way and a long-distance path called the Midshires Way. The path passed close to Furness Vale station on the Manchester-Buxton line – an alternative railway option to get to this section of the trail.
The Torrs Millennium walkway along the river Goyt in New Mills, Derbyshire. Photograph: Washington Imaging/Alamy
It was a mellow, easy walk all the way to New Mills, a town I only knew hitherto as the home town of punk/Oi! band Blitz, but which is a very dramatic constellation of magnificent bridges and stone viaducts, vertiginous gorges, fast-flowing water, the oldest community-owned hydro scheme in the land, some lovely llamas in a bosky paddock, and the sweeping steel Millennium Walkway. I’d passed a couple of rural pubs already, but New Mills has plenty of food and drink for those stopping or pausing here.
I continued along the canyon – past Torr Vale Mill, the UK’s longest-running textile mill till its closure in 2000 – and used the Goyt Way to enter Mousley Bottom nature reserve, a pretty patch of woodland occupying an area previously used as a landfill site, gasworks and sewage works.
I left the river behind at Hague Bar, and headed for Strines, to complete my two-stage, 6.5-mile walk, where I knew the train was hourly (it’s half-hourly from the larger stations). As fate would have it, just when I needed to speed up, the path went up too – quite sharply, in fact, as it ascended a green lane. After all the level walking, the views were suddenly much bigger, and the mist had burned off too. I was half-tempted by the Fox Inn, a Robinsons’ pub in the tiny hamlet of Brookbottom, but given my now terrible thirst, bursting lungs and the one-hour wait, I knew the rest stop could easily morph into a three-pint siesta-inducer. So, I struggled on and actually jogged down to Strines to make the train for Piccadilly with three minutes to spare.
The Fox Inn in Brookbottom near New Mills. Photograph: John Fryer/Alamy
This new rail-pegged walking (and, along many sections, cycling) trail will be welcome in Manchester, where it links up nicely with the also quite new 200-mile orbital GM Ringway. It may also tempt Sheffielders to look beyond the obvious Edale-Kinder Scout hikes – though Edale is a start/finish point for a nice 7.5-mile leg of the Steel Cotton Rail Trail. More frequent, reliable trains would make these walking trails really attractive. But for an autumn amble, the 14 new walks are almost perfect. Choose your challenge and altitude, decide whether you want trees or moors, towns or fields, and you will catch several of the moods of this magical season.
A UK train station close to a major attraction has been returned to its former glory, which dates back nearly 100 years.
Over the past two years, Richmond Station in London has undergone a massive £325,000 restoration project.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Many of the features have been restored such as original signageCredit: South Western Railway
Main features such as the facade have been reinstated to what they would have looked like in the 1930s and the bronze and mahogany entrance doors have also been repaired and polished.
New flagpoles have been added to where they would have been originally, with each flying the National Rail Double Arrow.
There is also a transformed entrance canopy and ticket hall.
Inside the ticket hall bronze panels that have been handmade to original designs have replaced cladding.
When some of the cladding was removed, a number of original timber frieze and green glass signs was also found, most of which was intact.
Since, missing sections have been replaced so the signage can be enjoyed once again.
A number of new roof-lights that recreate 1930s ‘Glasscrete’ have also been implemented.
At night, there is a softer lighting to highlight the entrance and canopy and SWR installed a chandelier with features inspired by original Art Deco light fittings.
The shops also have new oak fronts and retro poster frames hold 1930s artwork.
In the booking hall, signs such as enquiries for left luggage are back on display and an old WH Smith sign has been preserved.
One of the original metal signs from outside the station, now appears in the booking hall as well.
The Art Deco station first opened back in 1937 and was designed by Southern Railway, led by chief architect James Robb Scott.
Chris Gregory, asset enhancement manager for South Western Railway, said: “We are very proud of what has been achieved, bringing the station back to its original heritage condition and providing a fantastic gateway to Richmond.”
For those heading to the station, Richmond is full of things to explore including a large sprawling park with over 630 red and fallow deer, which have roamed freely in the park for nearly 400 years.
In fact, it is the largest of London’s Royal Parks sprawling across 2,500 acres.
One popular spot is the The White Cross, which is known for flooding often thanks to its riverside location.
The station also has retro posters from the 1930sCredit: South Western RailwayThe station is located close to a major UK attraction – Kew GardensCredit: South Western Railway
Don’t worry though – the pub often hands out wellies for customers to use if they want to get into, or out of, the pub.
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew – or more commonly referred to as Kew Gardens – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans over 300 acres and features a vast array of plants.
Inside the gardens, visitors can head to the Palm House, which is a large Victorian-era glasshouse with iron features home to a large collection of tropical rainforest plants.
To get to Kew Gardens from Richmond, the fastest route is to hop on the District Line or the Overground, which takes about three minutes to reach Kew Gardens Station.
Alternatively, you could walk from Richmond along the River Thamestowpath, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Paying for the extra fees on a flight is a big no-no, but former check-in agent Ashley Bautista revealed this one travel hack that will guarantee a seat charge at no extra cost
This airport travel hack will save you a few quid(Image: Getty Images)
When it comes to travelling for long hours, especially on a plane, comfort is the number one priority to start the holiday on the right foot.
The first challenge comes whilst booking your ticket. Airlines charge for almost everything, including seat selection – and there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the middle seat, or at the back of the plane away from your family and friends, especially on a long-haul flight.
As a former check-in agent at one of the world’s busiest airports, Ashley Bautista revealed what you can do instead to get your seat changed at no extra cost – and it works almost every time.
Everyone has a preferred seat, whether it’s the window to take pictures of the sky, the emergency exit row for extra legroom, or the back of the plane to be close to the toilet. For that reason, airlines then began to implement charges for passengers to reserve their seats. The other option is to deal with your allocated seat, which is given based on the weight and balance of the aircraft.
According to MSE, a few airlines allow passengers to select their seats free of charge as soon as they book their flight. For example, Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways do this, with some exceptions. Virgin Atlantic also allows passengers to choose their own seat once check-in opens, and British Airways allows those with checked luggage.
If you’re travelling with a big group, the seat allocation system will always try to seat groups on the same booking together. However, if the bookings are, that’s a whole different story. But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world.
Ashley’s advice is to head to the airport check-in counter as soon as it opens, and politely ask the agent if there are any seats together available. Unless the flight is completely full, most of the time, the agent will put you together with the person you’re travelling with.
Another secret is that even if the flight appears to be full, airlines often don’t manage to sell their pricier extra-legroom seats or emergency rows. In fact, some airlines keep them empty and assign them to random passengers. So, it never hurts to ask for a seat upgrade.
Of course, there are no guarantees and on some occasions, you will have to wait until check-in closes or all passengers are seated. Then, you can move around as you wish, as long as you’re not causing a disturbance to other passengers on board.
BRILLIANT sunlight flickered against a blue, cloudless sky. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for my 10km hike around Derwentwater, the third largest lake in the Lake District.
Trundling along the grassy trail with a flask of coffee in hand, every direction I turned in offered impressive sights of sweeping mountaintops and the motionless body of water below.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Breathtaking mountaintops and glassy waters make for a hiker’s havenCredit: UnknownThe newly refurbished Royal Oak is right in the middle of Keswick town centreCredit: chrisdorney
The views are simply spectacular and should have been reward enough for my valiant hiking efforts.
But I was already thinking about the pint waiting for me back at the newly refurbished Royal Oak.
Slap bang in the middle of Keswick, this pub with rooms re-opened only a few months ago following a £1million facelift by its owner, Thwaites. And what a good job they’ve done.
Downstairs, the bar area is full of cosy nooks with huge armchairs to relax in, while the dining area is awash with indoor plants and countryside- inspired touches that make it feel more like a home than a pub.
Add a roaring fireplace and dog-friendly bedrooms to the mix and you’ve got a proper ramblers’ paradise.
I was staying in one of the upper-floor bedrooms, where the piping-hot showers are a soothing antidote to aching muscles after tackling the surrounding hilly landscape.
Each of the 18 rooms reflects a similar ambience to the main pub, with rustic wooden headboards backing plump beds and autumnal coloured curtains that give the space a woodland feel.
Modern bathrooms feature fancy toiletries from Lake District company Bath House, while flat-screen smart TVs make it all too easy to enjoy a lazy lie-in.
Most read in Best of British
Make sure you don’t sleep too late, though, as you wouldn’t want to miss out on breakfast.
The kitchen dishes up cracking homemade grub, most of which is sourced locally. Think loaded fry-ups with fat, juicy sausages and pub classics like fish and chips with mushy peas.
I kept things simple at dinner with a 10oz rib-eye steak which came with a roasted vine tomato, mushroom, rocket and chunky chips that were very moreish – all washed down with a bottle of red.
If the food and decor aren’t enough of a selling point, then the location of the Royal Oak sure will be.
At the centre of a charming high street, the pub is within walking distance of quaint wine shops, boutique clothing stores and excellent bakeries, including the newly opened Snack Shack.
I’ve never seen more sausage rolls stacked in a window before! That was all the persuading I needed to buy one. A great idea – the pastry was buttery and flakey and the caramelised onion filling was a delicious touch.
The kitchen serves loaded fry-ups with fat, juicy sausagesCredit: Unknown
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, take a wander to Keswick market, where you’ll find stalls selling all sorts of local food, products – and more flat caps than you’d see in an old folks’ home.
If you prefer to carry on rambling, I’d recommend making the journey to Cat Bells fell.
But only if you’re up for a challenge, as the summit is equivalent in height to ten Big Bens stacked on top of one another. I reckon I was about seven high when I decided to give up.
People in the Lakes are made of sturdier stuff than I – it’s probably those sausage rolls.
The budget airline is making a big change to tickets at most airports
Ryanair said the change will help eliminate check-in charges(Image: rparys via Getty Images)
Ryanair is set to make a significant change to its ticketing system, effective from November 12. Starting from this date, the airline will only issue ‘100% Digital Boarding Passes’ (DBP), and physical tickets will no longer be accepted at most airports.
This scheme, initially scheduled for May 2025, seeks to help eliminate certain charges and save around 300 tonnes of paper each year, while allowing travellers to receive direct flight updates. But if you’re concerned about the practical aspects, don’t worry.
The Mirror has summarised three main questions and answers regarding the upcoming change, using official information from Ryanair. You can also learn more about the boarding pass change on the airline’s website here
1. How can I get a digital boarding pass?
Ryanair passengers can check in online at Ryanair.com or via the Ryanair App, which is available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. The Express reports that passengers should complete this process before arriving at the airport to avoid extra charges.
After check-in, a DBP will automatically appear in the Ryanair App. You should present this at airport security and the boarding gate before your flight. The budget airline stated that this method is ‘quicker, easier,’ and results in ‘less stress’ compared to using paper tickets.
2. What happens if my phone dies or I lose it before boarding?
Losing your mobile phone can be a stressful experience, but according to Ryanair’s boss Michael O’Leary, it won’t stop you from catching your flight.
In a conversation on The Independent’s daily travel podcast, he explained: “The big concern that people have is: ‘What happens if I lose my battery or what if I lose my phone?’
“…If you lose your phone, no issue. As long as you’ve checked in before you got to the airport, we’ll reissue a paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge.”
Even if your mobile runs out of juice, O’Leary pointed out that staff will have each passenger’s ‘sequence number’ at the departure gate. This means you should still be able to board without it, so ‘nobody should worry’.
Guidance on Ryanair’s website echoes this, adding: “If you have already checked in online and you lose your smartphone or tablet (or it dies), your details are already on our system and you will be assisted at the gate.”
3. What if the airport Wi-Fi is poor, or I have no mobile data?
Ryanair has reassured passengers that once they’ve completed online check-in, their DBP will be accessible offline within the Ryanair App. However, its website guidance emphasises: “All Ryanair passengers will still receive email reminders to check-in online 48 and 24hrs predeparture.
“If any passenger arrives at airport but hasn’t checked in online (having ignored these reminders), they will still be required to pay the airport check-in fee.”
Currently, the fee is set at £55/€55 per passenger for most flights. However, passengers flying out of Spain are obliged to pay £30/€30, while those departing from Austria will be hit with a £40/€40 charge.
SUN, sea and a hint of Vienna, that’s what you get when you visit this coastal town in Croatia.
The pretty town of Opatija sits by the Adriatic Sea and has beautiful colourful buildings with terracotta roofs set around the water, which has earned it a comparison to the Austrian capital.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
This beautiful coastal town in Croatia has been compared to ViennaCredit: AlamyIt’s has a similar look to the Austrian capital city (pictured) because of its colourful buildingsCredit: Alamy
The publication added that the city “boasts a number of grand cafes, well-maintained public gardens, tidy beaches, fine hotels, and excellent restaurants“.
It’s a great location for exploring other destinations in Croatia too like Istria, the green mountains of Risnjak National Park, or the Island of Krk.
The town was a favourite winter escape for royal families from the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.
In 1889 the Habsburgs, a German-Austrian family that ruled a vast European empire for centuries, even declared Opatija an official climatic health resort.
Most activities around Opatija as you can imagine are on or around the water.
From walking the Lungomare promenade to visiting the statue called ‘Girl with the Seagull’ which was made in 1956 by sculptor Zvonko Car.
Another popular spot is Villa Angiolina, a summer residence turned museum and gardens – on the grounds are exotic plants from all over the world.
Most read in Beach holidays
Then of course there are the beaches, and some of the most popular beaches are Slatina Beach, Medveja Beach and St. Ivan Beach – but don’t be expecting sand as these are mostly rocky.
Exploring outside of the main town, you’ll reach the charming fishing village of Ika, which has art nouveau architecture and a pebble beach.
The ‘Girl with the Seagull’ is one of the well-known sites along the waterfrontCredit: Alamy
From the UK, the fastest way to get to Opatija is to fly into Pula which is just over an hour away by car.
Brits can fly directly from London Stansted, Luton, Gatwick and Bristol to Pula in two hours and 15 minutes.
Heart-shaped Istria has been compared to the Italian capital, Rome, thanks to the number of Roman buildings.
Pula’s Roman amphitheatre is the sixth largest in the world, drawing further comparisons between Istria and Italy.
There’s also the Triumphal Arch, the Door of Hercules, the Temple of the Emperor Augustus and a second small Roman theatre dotted about throughout the city for visitors to explore.
However, it’s the giant amphitheatre that people flock to visit, with gladiator reconstructions performed there in the summer.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Like the Colosseum in Rome, the amphitheatre dominates the landscape. It’s a must-see destination.”
Applause and cheers from crowds greet train arriving this morning at first new station on the part of the network since 1920s
Train arrives at the new Beaulieu Park train station – first in 100 years
Railway fanatics flocked to a town in Essex today to be part of history as the first new train station opened on the Eastern main line for 100 years. Beaulieu Park was the first station to open its doors on this part of the UK rail network network since way back in the 1920s. There was great excitement as the 7.20am train pulled in from Colchester for the historic stop. Crowds of people clapped and cheered as the train arrived. Rail chiefs were particularly pleased because the £175m station is opening four months early. Excited passengers were onboard the train which then headed to London Liverpool St. Andy Cross, 47, said: “I just wanted to be part of history. It was a special moment.”
Dozens of passengers were on the platform watching the train arrive. Many took photos and video and some live streamed the event. An hour earlier many were waiting to purchase their tickets.
The station is part of a new super green initiative project near Chelmsford, Essex. Martin Beable, Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, said: “We have been really looking forward to the opening of Beaulieu Park station, the first new station on the Great Eastern Main Line in over 100 years.
“Beaulieu Park station will benefit from a regular and reliable service of up to four trains per hour during peak times and two trains per hour during off peak periods, making rail travel simple and convenient for passengers.”
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader at Essex County Council, said: “Essex is pioneering the type of infrastructure-supported growth that’s on the national agenda, being bold and ambitious in our commitment to future-proofing the county and putting investment where it’s most needed.
“The new Beaulieu Park station is testament to this, and the role it will play in transforming travel in this part of Chelmsford and surrounding areas will have a positive impact for years to come.
“I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work to get the project to this stage. I’m very much looking forward to the station opening.”
The new station will transform travel north of Chelmsford as it will eases pressure on the existing busy Chelmsford train station and reduces car journeys into the city centre.
The station is a significant addition to the Beaulieu and Channels neighbourhoods in the north of the city, which form the first phases of the new Chelmsford Garden Community.
4,350 homes already have planning permission as part of the Garden Community. This includes 1,989 new homes which have already been built, along with the Beaulieu Square Neighbourhood Centre providing local shops, community and health services.
This is in addition to the Beaulieu Park School – the first all-through primary and secondary school in Essex.
Another 6,250 homes, a second all-through school campus, up to three primary schools with early years and childcare provision, up to four standalone early-years facilities, more than nine hectares of employment space and walking and cycling routes will also be delivered as part of the Garden Community in the coming years.
Beaulieu Park Station will provide easier and quicker access to jobs, helping the economic development of the area and encouraging further investment.
Beable added: “We expect the new station to be a very attractive and popular option for travellers from that part of Essex.”
Puerto de la Cruz in the north was the first place to attract tourists and still has its fishing port and historic quarter, with the old customs house and La Pena de Francia church.
Cobbled streets have art galleries, shops and restaurants.
Take a trip to Mount Teide and a cable car to the peak.
You can see Teide from the new adults-only luxury hotel Tui Blue Atlantic Hills, which is near the beach and has a spa.
GO: Seven nights’ half-board costs from £624pp including flights from Manchester on November 26 and based on two sharing. See tui.co.uk.
OMAN 26°C
Daily sunshine hours : 10
Laze in a luxurious spa with pools, steam rooms, sauna and fitness centre at the 5* Sheraton Oman Hotel in MuscatCredit: Supplied
A wellness break before Christmas would set you up nicely for the festive chaos.
Laze in a luxurious spa with pools, steam rooms, sauna and fitness centre at the 5H Sheraton Oman Hotel in Muscat.
There’s plenty of adventure, too. The Arabian Peninsular coastline is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding or diving.
And the desert offers dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding and camel rides. Watch the sun set from the hotel or explore the nearby Mutrah Corniche and natural parks.
GO: Five nights’ B&B is from £579pp including flights from Stansted on December 9. See loveholidays.com and experience-oman.om.
TUNISIA 22°C
Daily sunshine hours : 7
Party peeps wanting sunshine and shots will be happy in lively Albufeira.
Known as the party capital of the Algarve, the neon-lit strip is packed with bars, open-air discos and clubs.
But the one-time fishing village also has 25 glorious Blue Flag sandy beaches, cliffs and coves which are perfect for friends and families.
There are dolphin-watching trips, waterparks, restaurants galore and world-class golf courses.
The 3H Clube Albufeira Garden Village is in lush Mediterranean gardens, has four pools, dining options and accommodation, including lovely, white-washed apartments and villas with fully-equipped kitchens.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only in a one-bedroom apartment with flights from Stansted on November 24 is from £193 per person, based on two sharing. See first choice.co.uk.
ALGARVE 20°C
Daily sunshine hours : 6
Party peeps wanting sunshine and shots will be happy in lively Albufeira.
Known as the party capital of the Algarve, the neon-lit strip is packed with bars, open-air discos and clubs.
But the one-time fishing village also has 25 glorious Blue Flag sandy beaches, cliffs and coves which are perfect for friends and families.
There are dolphin-watching trips, waterparks, restaurants galore and world-class golf courses.
The 3* Clube Albufeira Garden Village is in lush Mediterranean gardens, has four pools, dining options and accommodation, including lovely, white-washed apartments and villas with fully-equipped kitchens.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only in a one-bedroom apartment with flights from Stansted on November 24 is from £193 per person, based on two sharing. See firstchoice.co.uk.
GET on yer bike in gorgeous Saint Kitts and you’re in for a treat.
Take an easy ride along the edge of the Caribbean Sea, through lush rainforests and cane fields, or tackle tracks up the mountains and dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano.
The island is only 23 miles long and five wide, but is packed with activities including ziplining, golf, parasailing, watersports and boat trips.
Or just chill out on a beautiful beach — even the sea temperature will be 27C in winter. The family-run 4H Royal St Kitts Hotel is a short walk from the beach, has a private lagoon, pool, restaurants and spacious rooms.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering is from £1,039pp including flights from Gatwick in January. Book by October 31. See ba.com and visitstkitts.com.
TURKEY 20°C
Daily sunshine hours : 6
The 5* family-friendly Numa Club Side has a private beach alongside the turquoise waters, plus a spa and children’s pools and play areasCredit: Supplied
THE city of Side, on the southern Mediterranean coast, dates from the 8th century BC and has some beautiful and unique structures.
They include the huge amphitheatre, which often hosts concerts, and the Roman Temple of Apollo — five white stone columns at the entry to the harbour.
Many traditional houses in the Old City have been converted into restaurants and shops selling Turkish fare.
The 5H family-friendly Numa Club Side, inset, has a private beach alongside the turquoise waters, plus a spa and children’s pools and play areas.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £378pp including flights from Liverpool on November 28. See jet2holidays.com.
CANARIES 22°C
Daily sunshine hours : 8
INSTEAD of ordering a turkey this year, hop aboard a cruise for Christmas winter sun, sailing around the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Board MSC Musica, following a quick flight from the UK, and enjoy fabulous festive food, West End-style shows, pools, a gym, casino and kids’ play areas and clubs.
You may never wish to leave the 2,500-guest ship but Musica, which does a round trip from Tenerife, calls at Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Gran Canaria and Funchal, the capital city of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago.
So there are plenty of chances to explore the islands before returning for evenings of fun.
GO: Seven nights’ full-board is from £1,339pp including flights from a UK airport on December 21. Check out msccruises.co.uk.
MEXICO 30°C
Daily sunshine hours : 7
Enjoy ocean views from every corner at Cancun’s stunning AVA Resort, designed in a sleek wave shapeCredit: Supplied
IF you like a room with a view, try the AVA Resort Cancun, inset. The hotel’s modern wave design means that wherever you are, you’ll be looking out at the beautiful ocean.
Water babes will be in their element as an eco-lagoon offers sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking. The 5H hotel also has six pools and, of course, the Caribbean is almost on its doorstep.
There’s a spa, fine-dining restaurants and casual options. Excursions range from visiting Tulum’s Mayan ruins and Chichen Itza to going scuba-diving.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,704pp including flights from Gatwick on November 26. See ba.com and avaresort cancun.com.
CYPRUS 22°C
Daily sunshine hours : 7
SUPER Cyprus is worth a visit just to enjoy the freshest, healthiest food.
Family-owned tavernas are expert at serving up delicious salads, kebabs and fasolada, a bean-and-veg soup.
Stay at Limassol’s 5H Royal Apollonia, a beachfront hotel with a trio of gorgeous pools. Go B&B so you can try out the local restaurant fare.
Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart married and crowned his bride, Princess Berengaria of Navarre, in 1191.
The old harbour has been transformed into a tourist hub and the palm-tree Promenade is lined with fantastic sandy beaches and has numerous bars and restaurants.
Then watch the sun set with a cocktail in hand.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B is from £564pp including flights from Gatwick on November 27. See easyjet.com.
FRANCE 16°C
Daily sunshine hours : 6
THE South of France has a mild winter climate and regular blue skies — perfect for a walking holiday.
Wander through olive and almond groves as you explore Provence’s two main mountain regions, Le Luberon and Les Alpilles, and see many of the landscapes painted by Van Gogh.
You’ll start the self-guided, moderate walk in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its canal and antique shops, moving on to towns including St Remy and Gordes, before finishing in Arles.
Your luggage is transported between overnight stays in hotels and guest houses.
TODAY is the day, the clocks have changed and while Brits get an extra hour of sleep, it’s going to get darker in the UK.
The clocks in the UK have gone back by one hour marking the end of British Summer Time – but to ditch the winter blues, head to these destinations in the UK which are some of the sunniest in the country.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
One of the sunniest spots in the UK is the pretty Isle of WightCredit: Getty Thanks to its dramatic coastlines, you’ll get great views during the early sunsets tooCredit: Alamy
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight gets around 42 per cent more sunshine in winter than the rest of the country – and even on the shortest day of the year still gets seven hours and 50 minutes of sun.
So if you want to lap up as much sun as possible, head down to England‘s largest island that one writer said is like ‘going back in time’.
“We visited Shanklin village which has a shop selling rock, foodie spots dishing out doughnuts and slushies and loads of pubs, all perched above miles of beautiful sandy beach.
“When you’re feeling peckish, head to one of my favourite pubs on the island, the Spy Glass Inn. Right on sheltered, sandy Ventnor beach, it’s crammed full of pirates’ nicknacks and often has live music.”
Folkestone, Kent
The town of Folkestone in Kent is another one of the UK’s sunniest spots thanks to its position on the southeast coast.
And it happens to be the seaside town that Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey hails from, so when you head over there, check out her favourite spots.
She said: “Folkestone is having a moment, taking its time but growing in the form of new hotels and cool bars.
“Discover Mermaid Bay, the beach just out of town and named due to the rock formation mimicking a mermaid’s tail.
“The bay is found within the main beach of Folkestone, which ends at the Harbour Arm.
“This is where you will find the huge stretch of bars and cafes, as well as kids playground and crazy golf. Obviously the beaches are the main attractions but the multicoloured Creative Quarter can’t be missed.”
Check out the Folkestone high street during the sunshine hoursBognor is often visited during the summertime but has a lot to offer in winter tooCredit: Alamy
Kara continued: “You won’t see any chain stores here – the cobble-stone hill is lined with quaint cafes, curated vintage shops and locally run stores selling vinyls, kids toys and souvenirs.”
Bognor Regis is another sunny spot with an average of around 1,900 to 1,920 hours of sunshine per year.
Its location is sheltered from northerly winds by the South Downs and from westerly winds by the Isle of Wight and Selsey Bill makes it milder in temperature too.
She said: “There’s a reason why Bognor has been a family favourite for generations and why British holiday institution Butlin’s has had a presence in the town for almost a century, despite closing lots of other locations around the country.
“Maybe the shingle shoreline isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but paddling on pebbles does mean you’re not finding sand in all your nooks and crannies for weeks after your trip to the coast.
“We usually stay at Butlin’s and it’s just a short walk along the prom to get to the town, passing the pier and the greenery of Waterloo Square before heading further on to Marine Park Gardens.
“Or you can catch the little land train that ferries visitors along the shoreline, costing £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. We like to stroll along, admiring the seaside architecture glinting white in the sunlight as we go.”
Weymouth is a beautiful spot to enjoy the winter sunshineCredit: Alamy
Weymouth, Dorset
The seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset is a great place to be not only for its sandy beaches and independent shops, but it’s sunnier than most places in the UK too.
When it’s not beach weather, visitors can visit historic sites like Nothe Fort, see the Abbotsbury Swannery or head into the Sea Life Adventure Park.
But when it’s crisp and dry, head around the corner to the Isle of Portland where you’ll find Chesil Beach, the longest in the UK that has one of the country’s best pubs.
Warm up in the The Cove House Inn is an 18th-century pub which is on the Isle of Portland in Dorset and sits right on the esplanade.
The pub is highly-rated on Tripadvisor and is number one out of the 32 restaurants on the Isle of Portland.
One visitor commented: “And the VIEWS! Amazing – right on Chesil beach with views out to sea. What a gem of a place” – it would be a great spot to watch the sun go down.
One hotel at Southend-on-Sea has been dubbed a ‘slice of Miami in Essex’Credit: AlamyYou can enjoy a sweet treat or hot drink inside Rossi’s
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
This other sunny destination in the UK is the only place in the list not in the south of England, instead it’s in Essex.
Southend-on-Sea is generally sunnier in the winter compared to many other parts of the UK thanks to its micro-climate on the estuary that can lead to more sunshine.
In recent years, the Essextown has seen a surge in popularity, thanks to its colourful beach huts, award-winninghotelsand stunning coastline.
You can take a walk along some of the pretty beaches like Three Shells, but when you head away from the water, there’s still plenty to do – especially when it comes to eating.
Southend-on-Sea has a thriving food scene, the ‘Food in Southend’ restaurant was on the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants in 2024.
Southend also has an award-winning ice cream parlour called Rossi.
Steeped in history, having started making ice cream in Essex since 1932, the Westcliff parlour has recently undergone a makeover.
Rossi is styled to look like an American diner with white washed walls and a striped awning where they serve what people call the “best ice cream in the world”.
Not only that you can get winter warmers like soup, toasties and it has an all day breakfast.
IF you want some ultimate seclusion right on the ocean, there is a holiday cottage you can rent in the UK.
Hallane Mill is in the village of Charlestown in Cornwall, near St Austell Bay.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
An English cottage on a secluded beach is said to “not even look real”Credit: Refer to SourceHallane Mill is on a small rocky beach in CornwallCredit: Refer to SourceThe bedroom has amazing sea views as wellCredit: Refer to Source
And with Cornwall often being overcrowded and busy during the summer, the quaint house is ideal for escaping the bustle.
Sleeping four across two bedrooms, the cottage is down a short driveway so don’t expect to see anyone else around.
But the main attraction is the beach right on the doorstep, with the small rocky patch all to yourself.
Guests have exclusive access to it for everything from wild swimming to paddle boarding
It has an indoor dining area as well as a outdoor alfresco table area with hammock and barbecue overlooking the ocean as well.
Even if the weather turns, most of the rooms have views of the sea including one of the bedrooms and a cosy window seat in the back.
The cottage even has a log burner for when you visit in the colder months.
Previous visitors have raved about their stay with many saying they had already booked to stay again.
Most read in Best of British
One said: “This place is where you have to pitch your self to see if it is real.
“Along with the amazing service amazing location amazing cottage and to top it all of the wildlife owls woodpecker seals hawk bats see you next year.”
Another said: “We have holidayed in Cornwall for many years but have never quite found the accommodation and location that has everything we could ever have dreamed of until now.
“Hallane Mill was everything we could ever want and more. The property was exquisite in every way our little slice of heaven.
Stays start from £987 for a week stay, working out to around £35 each a night.
If you want to explore the nearby area, there is also the nearby Eden Project.
You can also explore the nearby village CharlestownCredit: Alamy
The nearest pub is The Ship Inn, just over a mile away which has a beer garden overlooking the harbour.
Otherwise you can explore the village of Charlestown, which is known for being the filming location of Poldark.
And it is even being currently used to film the newest series of Death in Paradise.
The historic harbour village is even home to the world’s biggest private collection of shipwreck artefacts.
LONDON hotel prices can cost more than a holiday abroad these days, but one very central spot costs just £110 a night for two people – and it is all-inclusive.
Trudging through puddles from Marble Arch, I was on my way to one of the capital’s thousands of hotels – just this one had a big promise.
One hotel in London claims to be all-inclusive from just £110 a night – so I tested it outCredit: Cyann FieldingOne of the bedrooms at the Z hotelCredit: Z HOTEL
Z Hotels Gloucester Place offers a room package that is all-inclusive – soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, lunch, dinner… you name it.
The hotel chain has 12 locations across London and there is a room for each type of budget.
For example, you could stay in a Z Inside Double (which means no window) for as little as £50 in Victoria.
Family rooms at the City site cost from just £100 a night.
And then of course, there is the Z Club room, exclusively at the Gloucester Place hotel – where each room features a king-size bed and all drinks and food are included in the price of the room.
This sounded to good to be true, so, of course, I had to put it to the test.
The evening all-inclusive food and drink experience
Just a 10-minute walk from Marble Arch tube station or five-minutes from Baker Street, Z Hotels Gloucester Place takes up six townhouses.
Guests can check-in at 3pm, which is exactly what I did to make the most of the offering and I kicked it off by immediately helping myself to my first can of Fanta.
After exploring my room (more on this later), I headed down to the kitchen area, that also doubles up as the reception for the building.
Upon arriving, the hotel was serving afternoon tea with different sweet treats and savory croissantsCredit: Cyann FieldingI had a good selection and then was told I could also order from the day’s menuCredit: Cyann FieldingI opted for a salmon and sauerkraut ciabatta and then in the evening had several plates of cheese and crackers, accompanied by some sauvignon blancCredit: Cyann Fielding
With my laptop under one arm and fluffy jumper under the other, I was ready to make myself comfortable and tuck into as many different food and drinks as I could.
At 3pm, they were offering an afternoon tea selection, which included ham and cheese croissants and a cake stand featuring macaroons, brownies, flapjacks, and pots of tiramisu.
I picked up a handful of sweet treats, including one of the croissants and helped myself to my second can of Fanta.
There was also a made to order selection on a dinner menu, which featured wide choice of sandwiches and salads.
I ordered the salmon and sauerkraut ciabatta.
The food was simple, but it was all tasty and reminded me of the sandwiches and cakes I usually pick up in one of London’s many hipster coffee shops.
However, this would usually set me back £18 for a coffee, pastry or cake and sandwich.
Just an hour later a selection of cheeses and crackers, with grapes, chutney, houmous and olives appeared.
I helped myself to the black bomber cheddar, with a dollop of caramelised onion chutney and some crackers.
For second helping I went for some olives, camembert and crackers.
Over the course of another hour, I went back and forth helping myself to the selection.
I was the only one there – though this was unusual according to the host.
As I enjoyed my plates of food, I also sipped on a glass of sauvignon blanc – one of three white wines on offer.
If I wanted to, I could have also opted for red wine, cider or beer as well.
After a couple of glasses, it was time for bed – with a suitably full belly.
The breakfast all-inclusive food and drink experience
When morning arrived, a breakfast spread included toast, flatbreads with omelette and bacon, fresh fruit, Greek yogurt and pastries.
I opted for some cold apple juice, and helped myself to a coffee, plus a tomato and cheese flatbread, some fruit compote and yogurt.
Before leaving I even grabbed a banana and coffee in a takeaway cup for the road.
But what was the room like?
Given the low price tag, wasn’t expecting plush velvet curtains and Egyptian cotton sheets but I was left pleasantly surprised on entering my room.
The ceilings where high, making the space feel bigger – not that the room was small.
Dominating the room, the king-size bed was inviting and the en-suite was also large, with a powerful shower and stacks of white towels.
Tucked around one corner of my room was an extension, where I found a hidden wardrobe equipped with hangers, an iron and ironing board and a hairdryer.
Two large windows looked out onto the pretty Marylebone street below with iconic red London buses occasionally driving past.
One of the bedside tables doubled up as a tea and coffee station, with a small kettle and two bottles of water, plus sachets of oat (and normal) milk – a lovely detail.
The room also had a TV with the Sky channels on and switches by the bed included USB ports, both UK and EU plug sockets and a dimmer switch for the light.
All in all, the room was simplistic, neat and clean – the only thing I would say it was missing was a floor length mirror.
The morning buffet was also impressive, with fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, toast and filled flatbreadsCredit: Cyann FieldingAnd the room wasn’t bad either – it was nice and spacious and felt comparative to a Travelodge or Premier InnCredit: Cyann FieldingThere was even oat milk in my coffee and tea station – something I don’t even get normally in pricier hotelsCredit: Cyann FieldingGuests can dine in a kitchen area that also doubles up as the reception, and help themselves to drinks such as Fanta, Coke and teas and coffeeCredit: Cyann Fielding
Do you get bang for your buck?
This hotel is a genuine find.
Completely switching up the typical London hotel experience, Z Hotels Gloucester Place gives some serious value for money.
Totting up all the food I had going off of the average prices usually found for each item in London, I spent way more than my £55-a-head price tag.
In comparison to other budget hotels, I would say the room itself is on par with Travelodge and Premier Inn.
But these hotels in the same area cost considerably more.
For example, to stay at Travelodge Marylebone during the last couple weeks of October, you’ll likely pay £170.99 – and that is before WiFi (an additional £3.50) and breakfast (an additional £5.95 per person per day).
Hub by Premier Inn in Soho is similar, with a one night stay on October 28 costing £199 for a standard room – you would then need to add £8 each for breakfast.
If heading to London and wanting somewhere central to stay, I wouldn’t look at any other option – Z Hotels Gloucester Place really is the best offer out there – and you definitely won’t regret the gooey and decadent brownies.
With the price technically sitting at £55 per head, I definitely got my money’s worthCredit: Cyann FieldingIt’s a must-book if heading to LondonCredit: Cyann Fielding
A WEEKEND in the home of Lego? Be there and be square, says Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley.
As the jail bars slam shut and the Lego robber dramatically bows his head, the credits roll on my six-year-old daughter’s first-ever stop-motion movie.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Catherine Bennion-Pedley took her family to Legoland in DenmarkCredit: Alamy Stock PhotoBuild memories at Lego HouseCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
It may not win an Oscar anytime soon, but there will surely be a sequel. Probably in about 10 minutes’ time.
We’re in the home of Lego – Billund in Denmark – visiting Lego House, which is home to 25 million bricks and a whole heap of fun.
From sitting in a huge pit of Duplo in the shadow of a giant rainbow-coloured waterfall with my son Raffy, four, to being towered over by a Lego Technic dinosaur and marvelling at the 15m-tall tree made of more than 6 million bricks, we’re amazed time and time again by the power of a toy invented more 70+ years ago.
Plus, it’s seriously hands-on and the staff are super-passionate and helpful. There are four zones – our favourite is Yellow.
Here, we design sea creatures, before releasing scanned versions to splash about in the digital aquarium.
Next, we build characters to reflect our emotions for the dance stage. Poppy and Raffy’s eyes pop as their designs come to life.
Chef’s Table
My husband Andy and I watch the same jaw-dropping reaction from the kids at Lego House’s eatery Mini Chef, where bricks are code for menu items.
We pop our chosen combo into the computer at our table and wait for the ”mini chefs” to cook up a storm.
Once ready, our Lego lunch boxes fly down a chute and characterful robot waiters Roberta and Robert hand them over.
The lemon-and-herb-marinated salmon is the winning dish, although the special-edition chef figure and bag of bonus bricks are the real wins for the children.
Lunch costs £16 for kids, £27 for adults (Legohouse.com).
Of course, we’re not going to fly 500 miles without visiting the original Legoland up the road, too.
It feels quainter and more traditional than its Windsor counterpart back home, but the queues are shorter and there’s so much Lego to play with that a fellow Brit visitor whispers in disbelief: “This stuff would all get nicked back home!”
Driving School
Watching Poppy switch into irate driver mode, gesticulating frantically at the baffled Scandinavian kids as she drives the wrong way around a roundabout, crashes into the police car and makes a sharp U-turn into the car wash at Traffic School is well worth the extra £13 fee.
Get behind the wheel at Traffic SchoolCredit: Alamy Stock PhotoService with a smile from Roberta and RobertCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Even better, it’s a half-hour experience with a photo driving licence lanyard presented at the end – even for those who clearly shouldn’t be allowed on the road!
We kip at the Legoland Hotel, also filled with bricks aplenty, so the kids can escape the dinner table at Panorama restaurant for more Lego play once they’ve had their fill of brick-shaped chips and unlimited DIY ice-cream sundaes from the children’s buffet, £21.
We find the beef carpaccio and rich bouillabaisse hits the spot nicely, though it is pricey at £35 for two courses.
Our final day at Legoland whizzes by riding the kids’ fave rollercoaster, the Flying Eagle, numerous times and watching Andy doing somersaults at 14m high on Apocalypseburg Sky Battle.
As weekends go, this is pretty fantastic plastic.
Kids can get creativeCredit: Supplied by Catherine Bennion PedleyCatherine with a huge Lego T-RexCredit: Supplied by Catherine Bennion Pedley
FYI
Lego House and Legoland combi tickets cost from £72.50 (Legoland.dk)
UK return flights to Billund cost from £79.
Mini Chef is getting a refurb and re-opens in March 2026.
“HOCUS POCUS!” my son shouts, swirling me around in bubbling water and casting pretend spells as he goes.
He is cackling with delight in his very own bubbling cauldron — OK, it’s a hot tub, but that’s the joy of a child’s imagination.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Have a Halloween theme getaway for all the family at Sandy Balls holiday park in the New ForestCredit: PAThe magical cauldron hot tubs at the parkCredit: PA
We’re at Sandy Balls holiday park in the New Forest, checking out the UK’s first-ever “haunted cauldron” hot-tub experience — as part of Away Resorts’ spooky getaways.
The special cabin-in-the-woods-style Knightwood lodge has been transformed into a Halloween haven, decked out with touches such as cobwebs and creepy crawlies.
Our stay comes as research reveals 63 per cent of Brits love Halloween more than ever, with 55 per cent now preferring it to Guy Fawkes Night.
I, for one, am part of those stats. Me and my kids — Jude, five, and Eva, three — along with my partner’s children, Ronnie, eight, and Hugo, three, absolutely adored our ghostly lodge.
But the scary fun didn’t end there. The haunted hot tub was just the start.
Away Resorts goes all out with its 31 Days of Halloween, offering spooky decorations, arts and crafts, and eerie entertainment for the whole family.
From a Trick or Treat treasure trail to a Franken-SLIME laboratory, the kids were kept busy with all kinds of festive chaos.
Even outside the lodge, the park was decked out with giant pumpkins and a glow-in-the-dark slime machine that the children could operate by pushing a big red “caution” button — naturally, they pressed it a lot.
Most read in Best of British
As night fell, skeletons projected on to huge screens gave us a proper fright while we sipped hot chocolates topped with cream.
Saturday night saw a giant fire pit at the centre of the park, where we bought marshmallows from a food van and toasted them.
A skeleton violinist played spine-chilling tunes as the kids danced under trees twinkling with fairy lights.
It was utterly magical, like stepping straight into a movie scene.
Then DJ Bones took over with a glow-stick rave.
Watching them go wild, I switched my hot chocolate for mulled wine — because let’s face it, parenting is thirsty work.
Food-wise, the on-site farm shop had everything from Halloween treats to the essentials . . . but it wasn’t cheap. I popped in for a few bits and somehow walked out £100 lighter on the very first night.
The kids, of course, were busy shoving Halloween sweets into the basket, while I grabbed necessities like tea bags, milk, bread . . . and booze.
With four youngsters between us, frankly, it was a survival essential.
But, of course, you can always stock up at home and bring essential supplies, like wine, with you.
Our lodge was kitted out with great cooking facilities and equipment, so we mostly prepared food at our lovely holiday home.
But, if you did want to treat yourself, the site has two restaurants: Aubrey’s Forest Kitchen serving pizzas, steaks and pastas, and the Woodside Inn for classic pub grub. Main meals averaged £18, beer £7, and prosecco £10.
There’s plenty for kids too — a free soft play directly across from the bar meant we could grab a drink while they burned off some energy.
Other highlights included ghoul school, pumpkin carving, and Junior Off-Road Land Rover Discoveries (£15 for 30 mins).
Terrifying and thrilling
The older children drove themselves while we sat in with the little ones — terrifying and thrilling in equal measure.
There’s also a great swimming pool, free to use, though it can get quite busy.
Beyond the park, the New Forest is beautiful. On the drive down, the kids loved spotting wild Shetland ponies and horses.
We also found cosy country pubs with fantastic outdoor play areas for the little ones.
Back to our stay, our lodge slept eight with two bathrooms, a king-size room, a bunk room, a cosy lounge with a smart TV, and outdoor seating with heaters.
After a day of spooky chaos, we all fell asleep watching Ghostbusters with hot chocolates.
Our only gripe? Our stay wasn’t long enough.
As we closed the door on our weekend, the kids begged: “When can we come back?”
“Smaller crowds, authentic traditions, and a truly breathtaking backdrop.”
Outside of this, visitors can explore the lake with hikes having incredible views of the towering Loser mountain.
Brown and white alpine-style houses as well as churches and waterfalls can be spotted along the way.
One of the other things to do in the village is head on a salt mine tour where you also get to see the former Nazi Stolen Art Repository, with deep tunnels and even slides in the mine.
If you are visiting during the winter season, there is the ski resort of Loser, which boasts around 29km of slopes with all levels of difficulty.
The village has a few restaurants to choose from including Schneiderwirt, which features an ornate wooden facade and serves comfort dishes.
The salt mine is a popular tourist attraction in the villageCredit: SchmidThe village holds an Oktoberfest type of festival each yearCredit: Alamy
As for where to stay, accommodation ranges from boutique alpine hotels to guesthouses and family-run inns, many within easy walking distance of the festival.
The easiest way to get to the village is by flying to Salzburg and then hopping on a train for just under two hours.
Flights to Salzburg cost as little as £30 return and from the UK takes an hour and 55 minutes.
GHOSTLY figures dressed all in white walked quietly past me on a dark street – hundreds of them, each with a single flame illuminating a skull-painted face.
It felt spooky, even sombre, but then came the crackle of a sound system, the pop of a tequila bottle opening — and raucous laughter.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Merida in Mexico comes alive to celebrate the Day Of The Dead (Dia de los Muertos)Credit: FG Trade LatinI visited Merida as its fiesta kicked off on October 31 with the Parade of the SoulsCredit: AFP
Say hola to Mexican tradition Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), known to Brits through the blistering opening scene of the James Bond movie Spectre, kids’ film Coco or the “sugar skull” make-up craze that became a Halloween trend.
Capital Mexico City draws thousands of tourists annually with its skeleton-themed parades around November 2, but the underrated city of Merida also comes alive for the celebrations.
Set in the western Yucatan peninsula — a region more known for beach resorts such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, plus the Mayan ruins at Tulum — indigenous heritage is strong in this city, and it shows.
Day of the Dead here is called Hanal Pixan (han-al pish-an), meaning “food for the souls” in Mayan, and sees families and friends gather to celebrate departed loved ones, honouring them with a home-made altar often covered in pictures and their favourite foods.
I visited Merida as its fiesta kicked off on October 31 with the Parade of the Souls.
This candlelit procession from the cemetery into town made for an eerie sight, but that soon changed when they cleared the way for a huge street party along Calle 64.
The long avenue was decorated with giant skeleton structures and millions of orange marigolds, while the pavements were lined with family shrines, each blasting reggaeton or ranchera music from speakers.
Shamanic rituals
It’s a great place to tuck into authentic Mexican street food because, as well as leaving the deceased’s favourite meal as an offering, families make it in bulk to sell to passers-by.
Try Yucatan’s specialties, cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), pan de muerto (a sweet bread made for the event) or a marquesita (if you’ve ever wondered whether Nutella and cheese taste good together).
Even beyond the festivities, this city is a foodie’s dream.
Keep things cheap by eating tacos al pastor on virtually every street corner for as little as MX$10 each (40p, take pesos to pay), or lunch at the sensational and great value Taqueria de la Union.
And no trip to Mexico is complete without a plate of chilaquiles (fried tortilla chips) for breakfast or brunch. Merida’s best are at Marmalade 47.
November 2 was the day of the main parade, and people began to line the streets early to get a good spot.
I was glad we did, too, or we would have missed the ever-changing flow of mariachi bands, traditional dancers and even pets in costume.
The Catrinas — people dressed as elegant, sombrero-wearing skeletal women — were the most eye-catching part of the evening, with unique outfits and elaborate face paint.
Merida has colourful colonial buildingsCredit: Getty
Unlike so many Halloween extravaganzas, this event was free of gore and heart- stopping scares, making it very kid-friendly.
It wasn’t all about the parades. Smaller-scale events took place across the city for almost a week surrounding Day of the Dead, from concerts in plazas to shamans performing Mayan rituals on street corners.
Plus, the end of the fiesta didn’t mean the end of the fun; we tracked down a speakeasy called Malahat tucked away behind a plaza, where what looked like a fridge door led to a mezcal cocktail heaven.
Colourful Merida is easily walkable and its array of crumbling colonial buildings are painted pink, yellow or blue.
Footsore? Why not wind through its kaleidoscopic streets in a horse and carriage?
The city is also a great base for discovering the Yucatan, where hundreds of cenotes (natural sinkholes) make magical swimming spots and, for a beach fix, the white sands of Puerto Progreso are 40 minutes away.
An hour more takes you to Chichen Itza, site of some of the planet’s most breath-taking Mayan ruins.
Its New Seven Wonders of the World fame usually eclipses Merida in these parts, and the busloads of visitors are mostly heading back to resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
But if you linger in Merida, you’ll find a soulful city with its own pulse — and this beats strongest around November 2.
Merida is a short trip away from the blissful beach in Progreso, YucatanCredit: GettyVisitors can also check out the Mayan Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen ItzaCredit: Getty
GO: Merida, Mexico
GETTING THERE: American Airlines flies from Heathrow to Cancun (partly operated by British Airways) from £442 return. See aa.com.
STAYING THERE: King-size suites at Che Nomadas Merida start at £26 per night. See hostelche.com.mx.
OUT AND ABOUT: Che Nomadas Merida offers cenote tours for £3 per cenote, per person, plus a driver’s fee.
Entry to Chichen Itza costs £25 per person. For more experiences, see visitmerida.mx.
IN mid-Norfolk is a market town which has classic car shows, a weird hotel and it’s even close to the coast.
Twelve miles away from Norwich and 16 miles from Mundesley Beach is the town of Reepham – and it’s perfect for a staycation.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The town of Reepham is 12 miles away from Norwich city centreCredit: AlamyThe town is filled with antiques shops, cafes and restaurantsCredit: Visit Norfolk
The town is known for its 18th century houses with plenty of pubs, independent shops and restaurants.
One of the most well-known spots is The Dial House which is an early 17th century red brick house and former brewery.
Now it’s a hotel with themed rooms from places around the world like Africa and Paris, and some of the rooms have freestanding baths at the end of the bed.
In 2021, The Dial House was named as being one of the ‘UK’s best quirky hotels’ by The Independent.
The building is also home to a wine bar and pizzeria where visitors can grab a hot honey pepperoni or enjoy a fennel sausage pizza.
It doesn’t stop there, other businesses include a bakery, hair salon, massage parlours and beauty room.
As for other popular eateries in Reepham, one is The Kings Arms, a family-run coaching inn.
It was picked as the Travelers’ Choice 2025 award, and has been acknowledged by CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.
It serves up meals like homemade lasagne, game pie, fish and chips, steak and Sunday roasts at the end of the week.
All roasts are served with roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, honey roasted parsnips and carrots, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding and gluten free gravy.
Reepham’s sign is based on the legend of the sistersCredit: AlamyThe Dial House has quirky themed rooms based on cities or countries around the worldCredit: The Dial House
The town has three churches and there’s a local legend that three sisters built them – which is why you’ll see them illustrated on the town’s sign.
There are plenty of antiques shops too like Butler and Castell, and Rococo Loco.
Earlier this year, Reepham held its annual Classic Car Festival, and it was one of its biggest events to date.
100 vintage cars were parked up in the town throughout the day and there were lots more visitors taking a look around.
It said: “Centred around a pretty market square dotted with 18th century properties to lust after, Reepham has good schools, numerous independent shops and all your daily needs taken care of.
“It’s countryside living in a fantastic, vibrant town that’s ideal for families. Plus, it’s only half an hour to the coast and, in the other direction, the fine city of Norwich.”
One of the beaches closest to Reepham is Mundesley Beach which has a long, sandy shoreline and calm sea make this one of the best spots in Norfolk for swimming.
“It’s known for its golden sandy beach, a town full of pubs and souvenir shops, a Victorian Pier and of course, Cromer crab.
“While seaside towns can be more expensive than towns inland, there are places in Cromer that are a little cheaper, you just have to know where to look.
“For example, rather than heading to a fancy ice cream parlour along the front, dart into the roads behind the beach and you’ll find Windows Ice Cream.
“Another cheap spot is the Kings Head, which is in the town, but still has a sunny beer garden. And my favourite fish and chips spot is on the corner of Garden Street called Mary Janes.”
IT’S that time of year when theme parks go from shouts of joy to screams of terror – and none more so than Universal Studios, where its Halloween Horror Nights return for their 34th year.
I am a big Universal Studios fan — having been to Orlando, Florida three times this year alone, and racked up 12 visits in my lifetime.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
No amount of preparation will have you ready for what Universal has in store for you
But this is the first time I’ve felt brave enough to try the spooky events that take over the parks from the end of August until November 2.
To up the ante, I decide to swap the Sunshine State for Los Angeles and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Here, in the daytime, you’ve got much-loved characters such as Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, and Glinda from Wicked roaming the park.
But as the sun sets and evening descends, to mark the reopening of the park for Halloween Horror Nights, these cute characters vanish.
And in their place come killer clowns such as Art from the film Terrifier, and towering crows who plays tricks on innocent attendees.
The overall experience involves eight haunted houses, four scare zones, two live shows and one terror tram.
My one piece of advice? No amount of preparation will have you ready for what Universal has in store for you.
The creative teams excel at putting you front and centre of some of the biggest movies and shows, including Terrifier, Five Nights At Freddy’s, Fallout, Friday The 13th, WWE: The Wyatt Sicks, Poltergeist — and their own creations, Monstruos 3: The Ghosts Of Latin America, and Scarecrow with music by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
The Poltergeist house returns as a fan favourite, which first appeared in 2018.
Only this time, as you walk through a room that resembles the inside of a brain, your senses become overwhelmed by a strong musky smell.
The haunted houses are packed with more jump scares than ever before and, despite having become slightly desensitised to the frights, I don’t think it’s possible to ever become accustomed to a demonic scarecrow running at you.
Just when I thought it was safe, numerous versions of serial killer Jason Voorhees (from Friday The 13th) leapt out to grab me as I headed for the safety of the exit.
It might not sound like fun, but trust me when I say the laughs come later as you recall your hilarious reactions and those of your pals.
When you’re not being tortured in the haunted houses, you can venture through various scare zones located around the park.
My best tip for those who are most fearful is to act confident, as the actors prey on the weak. If you clock them coming towards you, they will most likely choose another target.
The haunted houses are packed with more jump scares than ever beforeCredit: Supplied
For Horror Nights, The Studio Tour has been overtaken by the Terror Tram, which transports guests to the middle of the sound stages where they’ll be faced with the villains of Blumhouse movies including The Exorcist, The Purge, Happy Death Day, M3GAN and more.
This was a highlight of the event for me, as I felt all-consumed by the smoke, lights, music and actors jumping out from behind hidden doors. After all that horror, you’ll have deserved a well-earned break.
There are plenty of themed drinks and food options to calm your nerves, whether it’s a Jason mask s’more, Art sunflower cookie sunglasses, or Fallout’s RadAway non-alcoholic concoction that’s served in a blood bag.
If the scares become too much, there’s plenty else to keep visitors busy in LA at this time of year.
Take a hike with Bikes and Hikes up to the Hollywood sign and hear the tales of the area while you climb.
Or you can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see landmarks such as the Chinese Theatre, and stop for a spot of lunch or dinner at the Shirley Brasserie situated inside the Roosevelt Hotel.
Just down the road from here is the Hollywood Museum, which is filled with thousands of costumes, props and sets from the golden era of film.
If you want to see some of the movie magic, then take a trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood.
This is a brilliant journey around popular TV show and film sets, from Friends to Gilmore Girls, and you can get close to costumes and props from the likes of Harry Potter and Batman.
Keep your ears tuned in wherever you go though. If you listen hard you may still hear the distant screams from Universal Studios.
GO: Universal Studios
GETTING THERE: Norse Atlantic flies from Gatwick to Los Angeles from around £390 return. See flynorse.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Sheraton Universal Hotel cost from £134 per night. See marriott.com.
TICKETS: Buy a one-day Universal Studios Hollywood ticket and get a second day free.
Prices start from £82 per adult and £78 per child based on autumn/winter 2025 arrivals. The second day can be used any time within a week.
Tickets to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood cost from £62pp with one- night admission. See attractiontickets.com.
