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A TRAIN station said to be one of the prettiest in the country is in the midst of a huge makeover.

Huddersfield Railway Station in West Yorkshire is used by more than 3.1million passengers a year.

And it is undergoing a £70million transformation which will include reconstructing the inside of the Grade-I listed station as well as extending three platforms.

The station – which was named last year by Lonely Planet as the third best in the country – opened in 1850 and was praised as being “the most splendid in England” by the former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman.

Inside, historical features such as the station’s historic tearoom are being renovated.

In fact, all 8,000 pieces of the tearoom are being restored and then brought back to the station to rebuild the tearoom in time for the station’s reopening next year.

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The station will get a new footbridge too and rail infrastructure to help boost power for the rail lines – with the 70mile stretch between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York expected to be fully electric by 2030.

Work on the station started back in November 2023, with an opening date set for February 2 next year.

Before then, the station will close a couple of times to allow works to be completed.

The station is currently closed until June 27 impacting services between Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Leeds and then a second closure will take place between Christmas Eve and February 1, 2027.

In addition to recognising the station’s period features and modern amenities, Lonely Planet stated: “Huddersfield also does something most towns don’t: it puts a great pub right inside the station.

“The Head of Steam serves Yorkshire ales in surroundings full of character.

“The station has some equally beautiful neighbors, including the Grade II-listed Britannia Buildings, designed by Sir William Tite.”

The station was even famously home to a cat, Felix, who even had a Sunday Times bestselling biography before passing away in 2023.

The airline may now have to walk back its recently revised policy after significant backlash from some customers – it has been a point of contention for passengers online

An airline that faced significant backlash for its controversial “customers of size” policy may now be forced to walk back on recent changes regarding plus-sized passengers.American commercial carrier Southwest Airlines changed its Customer of Size policy in January, when the airline moved to assigned seating. The updated guidelines require travellers who were unable to fit between lowered armrests to buy a second seat ahead of their journey. Passengers arriving without a prior reservation for an extra seat faced being rebooked if the flight reached capacity, or they were compelled to pay high same-day prices for the additional space.

But on Tuesday (May 26), one TikTok user reported to have been told “the best news ever” by a Southwest gate agent.

In the short social media clip, the traveller claimed Southwest is “rescinding at least part of their new customer of size policy” that went into effect at the start of year. January. “They will be changing back to the original policy, at least in some form, where you can come into the airport and get an additional seat booked for you at no cost,” the woman in the video claimed. “You will no longer have to pre-purchase the seat.”But, as per a statement shared with Newsweek, the airline recently said: “On flights where seats are available, our agents at the airport are empowered to provide an additional seat at no extra cost to customers who require one.”

The statement added: “If another seat is not available., we will work to accommodate the customer on a later flight. We continue to encourage customers who need an additional seat to book it in advance to help alleviate any last-minute inconvenience at the airport.” The statement to Newsweek left several questions unanswered, specifically regarding the timeline for these implementations and whether passengers who choose to pre-purchase an additional seat would remain eligible for refunds.

A tidal island off Ynys Môn (Anglesey)

With an impressive mix of mountain and sea views, the 130-mile Anglesey Coastal Path is a must-do for those who love a good walk. But like most locals, my perennial favourite is the offshoot trail out to the tidal island Ynys Llanddwyn. Having grown up on Ynys Môn but now living in London, for me it has become something of an annual pilgrimage in the summer months. The mile-long walk along the main beach to the island is manageable and fun for grandparents and grandkids alike – with the white-washed lighthouses offering a rewarding end viewpoint. Pack a picnic, swim in the clear waters and relax – just make sure you’ve checked the tide times!
Lavinia Brydon

Castles, beaches and forest bathing in Dumfries and Galloway

We’ve totally fallen for the pretty coastal village of Portpatrick on the west coast of the Rhins of Galloway, where the 212-mile Southern Upland Way starts and ends. Turn right or left at the port and you’ll hit awe-inspiring stretches of coastal path with dramatic rocky cliffs, which in spring are carpeted with stunningly bright wildflowers and nesting birds. See the sun set behind the ruins of Dunskey Castle and dip your toes into the water at one of the little sandy beaches. On a clear, sunny day, the water is the bluest of blue, leading the eye to the coastline and mountains of Ireland. And if a bit of forest bathing is in order, it’s oh-so-easy to return on the enchanted bluebell-scented forest path through Dunskey Glen.
David

Birds and seals in East Yorkshire

The circular Hornsea walk is a superb, accessible route. It’s been really well thought out with ramps and wheelchair-easy pathways on all levels, from the clifftops to the promenade and beach. There are fantastic viewpoints to see the seals or the many species of birds that inhabit the coastline, and the view across to Flamborough Head is magnificent. The blue-flag beach has a gentle slope, allowing full participation in seaside activities for all ages and abilities. There are accessible toilets, changing facilities, plenty of seats along the route, and a free car park.
Elizabeth

Industrial horizons on Teesside

From Redcar (seven miles east of Middlesbrough) wander through Coatham Marsh nature reserve then head to the grassy dunes that lead to the South Gare breakwater. Enjoy the undulating paths and stand atop higher mounds to see wind turbines out at sea and the former industrial landscape before you. Pass the fishers’ huts and walk the last stretch to witness this enigmatic coast at work and play. After refreshment at the South Gare Marine Club, return to Redcar via Coatham Sands. Watch the nimble wading birds work the shoreline and reward your arrival with a tangy lemon top ice-cream.
Leigh

Cliff and cave drama on the Isle of Man

The southern coastal walk is a beauty. Start in Port St Mary and climb to the top of dramatic cliffs atop beautiful secluded beaches. Gigantic sea caves surrounded by huge fissures in the rocks – known as the Chasms – are a highlight. At the far end of the peninsula, look across to the bird sanctuary, on the small island the Calf of Man. Then wend your way up very different cliffs on the west coast and finish at Port Erin, all the while seeing glimpses of Northern Ireland on the horizon. The Sound Cafe at the midway point really is the icing on this particular cake.
Ben

Coast path bliss in Pembrokeshire

I like to walk short sections of coastal paths so I can appreciate every beautiful and inspiring footstep. This spring I did a 9-mile section of the Pembrokeshire coastal path from Manorbier to Tenby – a moderate four-hour walk. I started at the medieval Manorbier Castle, heading slowly past the dramatic Church Doors Cove and sandy Skrinkle Haven, then enjoyed sweeping views of Caldey Island from Giltar Point. By halting for a sip of water or fruit and a chat to fellow walkers, I could appreciate the walk more as I took in views of stunning sandstone cliffs, dramatic crashing waves and vibrant wildflowers while sharing travel tips with other hikers. I ended with a beautiful entry into Tenby via South beach and rewarded myself with a pint and fish and chips at the Lifeboat Tavern, in the maze of streets in the old town.
Nicoletta

The Bristol Channel, from Portishead to Clevedon

One of my favourite paths begins inconspicuously in Portishead, then winds and bobs for 7 miles to Clevedon’s weathered and elegant Victorian pier. Time and again the luscious undergrowth swallowed me up while the trail narrowed to single file, then deposited me into open meadows. Even on a balmy July day, the tranquillity was amazing – I passed exactly one person walking their dog. The Bristol Channel on my right was a constant if moody companion: steely pewter when cloudy, then suddenly shimmering and alive in the sun. Bring water and snacks as there is nothing until Clevedon’s beach-facing cafes.
Anna

Southend’s shellfish and salty air

When people think of Southend-on-Sea, they usually picture the pier and the amusements. Start instead at the Old Town, Leigh-on-Sea, where wooden cockle sheds line the waterfront and the air smells of salt and shellfish. Walk east through Chalkwell and Westcliff, and note how the walk keeps reinventing itself: mudflats and fishing boats give way to a wide Victorian prom. The Thames estuary is vast and surprisingly beautiful here, with Kent shimmering on the horizon. Two hours (if you make it all the way to Shoebury Common beach), a pot of cockles from Osborne’s at the start, and a complete change of perspective.
Rebecca

Life’s a breeze in south Devon

Friends and I are slowly walking the South West Coast Path. Hope Cove to Torcross in south Devon (about 22 miles) is the current favourite section – a two-day walk that can be happily extended. It offers fabulous views, lunch and a ferry in Salcombe, tucked-away beaches including the sometimes-bright-blue waters of Moor Sands for a welcome swim stop, and the bonus of a glorious campsite at East Prawle to break the journey. A short detour provides a perfect post-walk dinner at the wonderful Pig’s Nose. Day two brings seal-spotting at Start Point, finishing at history-making (and geographically interesting) Slapton Sands, with perfect chips from Start Bay Inn.
Amy

Winning tip: dolphin spotting in the Highlands

Starting from the village of Cromarty (20 miles north of Inverness), home to a tiny volunteer-run cinema and community sauna, follow the coast around the headland known as the Cromarty Sutor for a brilliant 5-mile stroll. The path climbs through woodland and passes second world war pillboxes. Views across to Easter Ross are spectacular, and the area is a prime spot for bottlenose dolphins. Eventually, the route descends from the clifftops to MacFarquhar’s Bed, a sea arch where smugglers supposedly tied their ships. The circuit completes back in Cromarty, where you can head for a pizza at Sutor Creek.
Tomos

With families growing faster than bedroom numbers, an intriguing trends in staycations sees friends meet in the middle with their families instead of having each other to stay

“I’d love to get together, but we just have no room for you all.” Sound familiar? It’s certainly true for me. And I’m by no means alone. As longtime friends grow their families, leading to limited space for guests in their own homes, a rising staycation trend is emerging that sees both parties meet in the middle at a holiday rental. Dubbed “nesting holidays”, the idea is simple. No space? No problem. Families avoid the squeeze by booking somewhere big enough for everyone at an equidistance from both homes.

I’m a mum to two girls, and I came across the idea of a nesting holiday by chance when trying to book in my best friend Emily to stay with us. She’d recently had twins, adding to her brood to take her tally up to three children. Along with her husband Mike, they were a family of five – too many for our small spare room. And with them in the middle of a house renovation, there was no room at the inn for our family of four there either.

Just what were a pair of Millennial mums to do? “Why don’t we meet in the middle?” I offered. “Somewhere wipe clean…” And, reader, I found the perfect place. Browsing Sykes Cottages, I came across Bears Court in Little Rissington in the Cotswolds. On first glance, I’ll admit looks a bit soulless. A plant wouldn’t go amiss…

It’s a newly built complex of holiday houses, each one identical to the next. There’s nothing traditionally “Cotswolds” about them. But – and it’s a BIG but – boy oh boy is there method in their madness. Where Bears Court lacked in country charm it made up for it in spades with space and amenities. And for parents looking for a wipe-clean “nesting holiday” they are nigh on perfect.

Set overlooking the stunning Cotswold countryside, albeit with fences too high to see any of it from the garden, they are slap bang in the middle of the action. It’s close enough to all the bustle of local villages, like Stow-on-the-Wold, for easy exploration, but remote enough for complete and utter peace. Five minutes in the car will take you into Bouton-on-the-Water to paddle in the low river, and feast on local ice cream.

15 minutes in the car will take you to The Plough Inn at Ford, a brilliant pub with an even more brilliant pub garden with kids menu and adventure playground. And right out of the front door are public footpaths to take you through the fields and meadows that surround the complex. Within seconds you are in nature. The Cotswolds Way is yours for the taking if you fancy a scenic hike.

The house itself (we had number five Bears Court) is minimal to say the least, but has everything you need for a relaxing weekend away as a group: big table, large lounge area, four bedrooms, multiple toilets, a ping pong table, dart board and – everyone’s highlight – a hot tub in the yard. The cavernous downstairs area was big enough for all five children to run around in, and the yard area was nice and secure with a bolted gate. There was nothing for the children to break or destroy, yet everything we needed from plentiful towels and a washing machine, to a fully equipped kitchen and picnic-style bench outside.

“Dare I say it, I feel relaxed,” said Emily as we sat in the sun with a cold beer and had our first face-to-face conversation in months. I couldn’t help but agree. Wipe clean and wonderful. As two tired parents in need of a natter, we couldn’t have asked for more.

*Seven nights at Bears Court starts from £1,722.

I felt frustrated as I hiked through the canyon.

Seemingly at every single turn, a hiker blazed past me, ignoring any semblance of trail etiquette.

A house party near the mouth of the canyon blared music that reverberated throughout the hillsides, blocking any chance to hear birdsong. Although I’m nonbinary, I felt my gender rapidly evolving into grumpy old man.

“The privilege of living here,” I grumbled to myself. “Never hiking on Memorial Day ever again.”

Then, I realized just how much my own attitude was ruining what could otherwise be a beautiful day outdoors. I paused, took a few deep breaths and made myself look at the flowers, take in the smile of a passing hiker, and say a few things I felt grateful for. This gentle reframing saved the day.

It was my first time hiking around Santa Ynez Canyon, and I laughed at myself for expecting serenity on Memorial Day, when seemingly half of L.A. heads to the beach and mountains for a quick escape. I had high expectations for the canyon’s Los Leones Trail. Several friends and colleagues had told me how beautiful it was. But those expectations were what put me in such a bad head space at the start of my hike.

I share this experience because I want to remind us all how lucky we are to live in a place where we can hike near the Pacific Ocean and then go swim and bounce in its waves.

In this edition of The Wild, our weekly outdoors newsletter, I will share three great hikes near some of the best (and cleanest!) beaches in Los Angeles County.

I chose trails near beaches that made our “15 best beaches in L.A. County” list this year, including two that feature tide pools. (Don’t know what a tide pool is? Check out my guide on how to explore them!)

A few quick things to remember:

• Plan for hotter temperatures as summer creeps up: 🥵 Make sure to pack more water than you typically need, especially on hikes with minimal shade.
• Bring your sun protection: Lately, I’ve been using my hiking umbrella that I reviewed for last year’s holiday gift guide. Its silver top deflects heat while its black underside traps harmful UV rays.
• Leave no trace: Please refresh your memory of the seven “Leave No Trace” principles, including being mindful of how loud you’re talking and not playing music audibly from your phone or a speaker.
• Tell someone where you’re going: Complete this form (or something like it) and leave a copy with a friend or family member, and another on your car’s dash. This will better ensure rescuers can find you, should an emergency occur.

OK, now that we’ve covered some essential safety measures, let’s dive into this week’s hikes. Soon, you could gaze upon a stretch of coastline from one of these hikes, only to go swimming later in the day at the same spot!

A popular lookout spot near the Los Leones Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

1. Los Leones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook

Distance: About 7.4 miles out and back
Elevation gain: About 1,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Dogs allowed? No
Accessible alternative: Will Rogers State Park’s Inspiration Loop Trail
Beach to visit nearby: Will Rogers State Beach at Temescal Canyon

This 7.4-mile out-and-back journey in the Santa Monica Mountains starts with taking the Los Leones Trail about 1.3 miles up before joining with East Topanga Fire Road for a steep 2.4-mile trek to the Parker Mesa Overlook.

To begin your hike, you’ll park in or around the Los Leones trailhead near Topanga State Park. Hopefully, you’ll snag a spot in the small lot near the trailhead. This reporter did not get that lucky, but I did find there was plenty of street parking, although it adds a little mileage to the trip.

There are flush toilets and water fountains near the trailhead, which always feels like a luxury. And even just from the restrooms, you can already see the deep blue ocean, a visual hint of what’s to come.

A large swath of the L.A. County coastline is visible from the East Topanga Fire Road.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

You’ll find the trailhead marked by a wood and rock archway with a “Los Leones Canyon” sign. From here, you’ll hike north along steep rocky stretches. Poles and shoes with good traction are essential. I saw multiple hikers fall without them.

Immediately upon entering, it’s easy to see where last year’s Palisades fire charred several trees along the hillside. There is a little bit of mustard popping up, but it’s not overtaking the California sagebrush and other native plants just yet. I was pleased to see wildflowers still blooming in this canyon, including bush monkey flower, cardinal catchfly and just a bit of canyon sunflower. There were also several sumac and Southern California black walnut trees.

Watch out for roots and rocks along the Los Leones Trail, as I noticed several that could easily catch the feet of tired hikers headed down.

From left: Douglas nightshade, bush monkey flower, and canyon sunflower.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

As mentioned, there was a loud house party at one of the houses down the canyon. Once I turned a corner about half a mile in, I could finally hear nature’s music over the All-American Rejects.

At just under 1.3 miles, you’ll find the Los Leones Trail meeting with East Topanga Fire Road (called the Paseo Miramar Trail on some maps). There’s an optional side quest here where you can take the fire road south to an overlook spot with a tree prominent on its bare hilltop.

Otherwise, you’ll take the East Topanga Fire Road northwest for about 1.8 miles before turning south to walk just over half a mile to the Parker Mesa Overlook. Along the way, you’ll find several spots to pause and take in the views.

To the east, you will see the wood frames of dozens of houses being rebuilt after the Palisades fire. It offers a sobering perspective on the long journey to getting one’s house back after wildfire.

I could also see downtown L.A., the Santa Monica Pier, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, sailboats and maybe some dolphins. (If you want to learn how to spot whales and dolphins from the trail, check out my tips on how to do just that!)

As hikers ascend the East Topanga Fire Road, the views of the Pacific Ocean grow only more expansive and panoramic.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

As I left the trail, I noticed the house party had ended, as had my bad mood.

The short trails around White Point Preserve meander through coastal prairie and coast sage scrub.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

2. Vista Trail & Grasslands Loop Trail

Distance: From 1.6 to 2.2 miles
Elevation gain: About 250 feet
Difficulty: Easy, but does include hills
Dogs allowed? Yes, but not on beach
Accessible alternative: Paths around the White Point Nature Education Center and some portions of the Grassland Loop
Beach to visit nearby: White Point/Royal Palms Beach

This gentle 1.6-mile trek through White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro combines two trails: Grasslands Loop Trail (0.8 miles) and the Vista Trail (0.8 miles). You’ll experience a coastal prairie, a rare habitat that used to cover an estimated 36 square miles, “extending north-south from the crest of the Ballona Bluffs to Palos Verdes and inland from the lee of the El Segundo sand dunes for three to six miles,” according to research compiled by the Urban Wildlands Group.

The White Point Nature Preserve, a 102-acre expanse, also houses a nature education center that’s open weekends from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The preserve’s trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Maggie May, canine hiking companion of Wild writer Jaclyn Cosgrove, trots along the trail past native plants in the White Point Preserve.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

The preserve was previously owned by the U.S. military and was a Nike missile site, a Cold War-era missile defense system. The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy now manages the L.A. city-owned property, regularly hosting volunteer opportunities to continue the conservancy’s efforts to restore the preserve’s native plant system that was destroyed by human activities.

After your hike, you can head just west of the preserve to White Point/Royal Palms Beach, which Times contributor Jenna Belhumeur wrote in our beach guide offers “some of the most diverse tide pools in Southern California.”

To begin your hike, you’ll park either in a large dirt lot at the preserve or along the street. Then, it’s choose your own adventure. If you’d like to do both loops (see map), you could head west from the parking lot, briefly walking on the Grassland Loop before joining the Vista Trail. Take the Vista Trail clockwise as it wraps around the preserve.

Catalina Island is often visible from White Point Preserve.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

At the top of Vista Trail, the conservancy notes that: “Catalina Island is often visible less than 20 miles away. On the northeast portion of the trail are two gun emplacements built in 1942 as part of the US coastal defense system, each housing a 16-inch gun.” It was a clear enough day when I hiked the trail that I thought I saw a dolphin jump in the nearby water!

You can head from the Vista Trail and join back up with the Grasslands Trail to take its full loop around, too. There is also a nice path around the nature center with several educational signs about the local culture, flora and fauna.

The White Point Nature Education Center in San Pedro.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

I visited the preserve on a weekday and found it to be somewhat meditative, especially when I realized there was a labyrinth near the nature center. The loudest sound was the crunching of my feet as I headed down the path, my trusted hiking dog Maggie May at my side.

The Nicholas Flat Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains, as seen last May.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

3. The Willow Creek Trail to Nicholas Flat Loop

Distance: 1.8 miles (with an option to extend)
Elevation gain: About 575 feet (more if you extend)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed? No
Accessible alternative: Nicholas Flat ADA Trail
Beach to visit nearby: Leo Carrillo State Beach

The Willow Creek Trail to Nicholas Flat Loop is a 1.8-mile jaunt through coastal sage scrub at Leo Carrillo State Park that quickly rewards hikers with breathtaking ocean views.

You start near the park’s campground and take the Willow Creek Trail about 0.7 miles northeast before it jags to the west. There, you will find a sign for an ocean vista lookout point, which I recommend as long as body and spirit allow. It’s steep but does provide panoramic views of the mountains and coastline.

From here, you can either take the Nicholas Flat Trail back down to the parking lot, or you can continue on another section of the Nicholas Flat trail that takes you north and eventually to a quaint stock pond in the Nicholas Flat Natural Preserve.

The hike to the stock pond is about 2.3 miles with about 1,100 feet of elevation gained. Round trip, it will add up to 4.6 miles to your hike, depending on whether you incorporate other trails in the preserve into your hike. I’ve found this stretch of the hike to be uncrowded and serene, albeit challenging on the way up.

What I love about this hike is, it’s a buffet serving up some of the best features of the Santa Monica Mountains hikes: great views of the ocean, gorgeous wildflowers and lots of lizards and birds skirting here and there along the trail.

Over the past two weeks, users on iNaturalist have documented golden yarrow, cliff aster, Blochman’s dudleya, Plummer’s mariposa lily and other native plants still with blooms. You might be able to catch wildflowers, too, if you hike it soon!

3 things to do

Volunteers are needed to help at one of the native plant nurseries that the Santa Monica Mountains Fund manages.

(Christina Jimenez, SAMO Fund)

1. Free plants of weeds in Thousand Oaks
The Santa Monica Mountains Fund needs volunteers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at its Rancho Sierra Vista nursery to process cuttings, transplant seeds and tend to more than 50,000 plants being grown for local restoration. Volunteers who give at least two hours of their time will be thanked with three native plants. Participants should wear outdoor working attire and bring a reusable water bottle and sun protection. Register at eventbrite.com.

2. Learn about mobility justice in L.A.
BikeLA, Los Angeles Walks and the Willowbrook Inclusion Network will host a soft launch gathering of a new community space from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station. Guests can visit local vendors, including artists and small businesses, and see a portrait exhibit honoring mobility justice leaders. Learn more at the groups’ Instagram pages.

3. Celebrate the planet in Santa Ana
OC Habitats, a Santa Ana-based conservation nonprofit, will host the “Earth for Everyone” festival from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at 1505 E. 17th Street in Santa Ana. Several local groups, including Bolsa Chica Conservancy, California Native Plants Society’s Orange County chapter and Orange County Coastkeeper, will be in attendance. Guests can play games, listen to live music, win prizes and more. Register at eventbrite.com.

The must-read

A view of the “Texas Dip” on Borrego Springs Road, near where San Diego Gas and Electric has proposed running miles of high voltage power lines and structures through a long stretch of the Anza-Borrego State Park.

(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

One of my favorite sounds while I’m out hiking is the strange, discomforting buzz that comes from large transmission towers often found in our mountains. Just kidding! That’s one of many reasons that environmentalists are puzzled as to why San Diego Gas & Electric has proposed a 140-mile transmission line that would cut right through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — again. As Times staff writer Hayley Smith reported, experts say the project would disrupt habitat for the park’s 1,500 plant and animal species, including bighorn sheep who already face the U.S. border wall as a migratory barrier. In 2008, a project was proposed along a similar route through the park, “but it was rejected by the California Public Utilities Commission as ‘environmentally unacceptable and infeasible’ because it would result in more than 50 significant and unavoidable impacts to the park,’” Smith wrote. It remains unclear what, if anything, has changed since then.

Happy adventuring,

P.S.

The Santa Rosa Island Fire has been devastating for many of us in the outdoors community to witness. The fire started May 15 and burned more than 18,000 acres of the island’s southeastern end. Santa Rosa is the second largest island in California at about 53,000 acres. It is a special place for many reasons, including its Torrey pines, island foxes, lizards, spotted skunks and several rare birds. Do you have any memories from hiking or camping on Santa Rosa Island that you’d like to share? Please either reply to this newsletter if you received it in your inbox, or if reading from the Times website, email me at jaclyn.cosgrove@latimes.com. We might use your responses in an upcoming article or newsletter. Thank you for sharing what makes this place special!

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.

Universal has finally shared an opening date for its highly-anticipated theme park complete with lands inspired by Shrek, Jurassic World and the Minions

Universal is set to open its huge new theme park later this year, with seven lands including attractions inspired by Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants and the Minions.

Universal Kids Resort will open this summer in Frisco, Texas, and the theme park giant has finally revealed its opening date; July 1, 2026. It’s the brand’s first ever ‘theme park specifically designed for kids’, and will be aimed at families with younger children, although there will likely be plenty that grown-ups can enjoy too.

The new theme park will be divided up into seven themed lands; DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, Jurassic World Adventure Camp, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom, Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, DreamWorks’ TrollsFest, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar and the Isle of Curiosity featuring DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse.

That also includes a brand new Universal Kids Resort Hotel complete with 300 rooms and suites, restaurants, an outdoor pool and “other family-friendly amenities” although the resort is remaining fairly tight-lipped about exactly what will be on offer.

You can already book tickets and hotel packages at universalkidsresort.com. For Brits who want to visit, the nearest airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), with airlines including British Airways and Finnair both offering direct routes from London Heathrow. According to Skyscanner, you can find fares from £393 in July if you’re keen to be among the first to explore the new theme park!

Of course Universal already has some world-famous theme parks in the USA including Universal Studios Hollywood, and its Orlando resort with various theme parks, including the new Epic Universe offering. If you’re looking to visit on a budget, the likes of AttractionTix and FloridaTix both offer a series of deals including combo tickets if you’re also planning to visit Walt Disney World during your Florida getaway. You can also find out more at universalorlando.com.

There’s good news for Brits too, as plans for a UK theme park are on the way. The theme park, which will be located at the site of a former brickworks, is expected to employ around 8,000 people once complete, with around 20,000 construction jobs during the build, and is expected to represent a £50billion boost to the UK economy.

Last year, the UK government gave the go-ahead for the complex to be built in Kempston Hardwick in Bedfordshire. Universal has confirmed that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had approved the plans.

At the time, Universal published a letter saying the update was an important milestone. The company said: “In the months ahead, we are committed to sharing progress as well as what to expect including job opportunities and how local businesses and suppliers can potentially work with us. The interest and support we’ve already seen from both local companies and residents has been incredibly encouraging.”

Over the summer, Universal said the theme park will be “unlike anything that exists in the UK” as it could feature the tallest rides in Europe – with height limits reaching up to 115m.

IF you’re looking for inspiration to entertain your kids during the half term, the UK’s biggest garden centre could be the solution.

The 25-acre site boasts numerous gardens, shops, a cafe and soft play area.

Bridgemere Garden Centre, in Nantwich, Cheshire, features more than enough to keep the family entertained the whole day.

Named Britain’s largest garden centre by The Guinness Book of Records, the massive space holds a restaurant and tearoom on site.

Visitors can feast on a range of deli goods and brunch specials, before retiring to the tearoom to indulge in a handmade patisserie – or two.

The area has more than six acres of gardens, including the Cottage Garden and Woodland Walk, where kids will have plenty of space to run around.

CRETE TO SEE

The turquoise blue lake that families say ‘feels more like Greece’

ALL CHANGE

Abandoned WWII torpedo testing site to become massive holiday resort

When you tire out from visiting any of the 13 show gardens, an open-air café is situated right in the centre – ideal for a quick coffee and cake.

The site even has a Hobbycraft, which sells everything from clothing and books to gardening supplies.

For those with younger children, the centre’s soft play area is the perfect place to keep them busy.

The gardens also have a number of rotating events, including an upcoming food festival on June 27 and 28.

General admission is free, meaning a visit won’t be a burden on your budget.

Pets are also welcome, so you don’t need to leave your furry friend at home.

During the summer, the centre operates between 9am and 6pm on Monday to Saturday, and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday.

A HUMPBACK whale was spotted off the coast of a pretty destination in Devon this week.

Brixham is on the southern edge of Tor Bay and can’t be missed when it comes to Devon‘s coast – from its pretty multicoloured cottages to seawater lido and apparently, whales too.

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Local skipper, Tristan who also goes by Mr Fish, revealed that he saw what he believes to be a Humpback whale off the coast of Brixham earlier this week.

He told local press: “It was amazing to see. As far as I know there has never been a humpback seen off Brixham before. What a thrill.

“I’ve seen some unbelievable things at sea over the years, huge dolphin pods, feeding frenzies, rare wildlife, but this honestly tops it all.”

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The mammals are huge at around 15-metres long and weighing around 30-tonnes.

Usually they’re spotted along the west side of Britain when they travel from the chilly seas of Norway to the warmer Cape Verde to breed – but sightings across the UK are on the rise.

It might be a rare sighting of a humpback whale, but around the coast of Brixham, you’re likely to spot grey seals, bottlenose dolphins and porpoises.

If you’re keen to see some for yourself, there are dedicated boat tours to spot marine life from £20pp.

The town itself is very important for the fishing industry and in all the local restaurants, expect to find catch of the day.

You can find these at Rockfish, Beamers, Smugglers Restaurant and Bar, Breakwater Bistro and Crusoe’s Restaurant.

Further inland, Middle Street is known for having independent shops, boutiques and cafes.

Also in Brixham is Shoalstone Seawater Pool, one of the few saltwater tidal lidos – which has even been compared to Australia in the summertime.

The 53-metre pool is built into the rocks and has been used since the Victorian times – it dates back to 1896.

It’s completely free to swim at Shoalstone, but the lido does ask for donations in order to stay open.

About the pool, The Lido Guide said: “Any swimmer who has spent any time at all looking at swimming-related social media feeds will be familiar with the Bondi Icebergs sea pool, even if they have never set foot in Australia.”

Unfortunately, Shoalstone is currently closed to the public as it’s undergoing repairs, but it’s scheduled to reopen for swimming in June.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding, who hails from Devon, revealed the must-do things for those visiting Brixham.

She said: “One of three towns on the English Riviera, Brixham is usually quieter than its busier neighbours – Torquay and Paignton, but the town is a gem to visit.

“Come rain or shine, the harbour always makes a nice walk and if you head out to Brixham Breakwater – around half-mile long – you will almost certainly see some of the local seals twirling in the water and basking in the sunshine.

“The Breakwater Beach is a good spot for a dip as well. Back in the main town, make sure to spend some time around the harbour where you can spot a replica of the Golden Hinde.

“Adults – don’t miss Liberty… Their cocktails all feel like pieces of art and trust me you’ll want to try the entire menu. For food, Rockfish is a staple.

“It can be found in the main harbour building and is the perfect opportunity to try out freshly caught fish.”

Seasoned traveller Helen documented her trip to the quaint Essex seaside town she described as the ‘cutest in the UK’ and it’s packed full of pubs, cafes and independent shops

If you’re hoping to make the most of the sunshine with a trip to the coast, one experienced traveller reckons she’s discovered the most “charming” seaside town in the UK. Helen, who founded travel guide Travel and Squeak with her partner Andy, shared her findings on TikTok, describing what she called the “perfect summer daytrip” – and it’s particularly appealing to those in London as it’s less than an hour away from the capital.

Helen explained she and Andy hopped on a c2c train bound for Leigh-on-Sea. “It’s a charming seaside town full of cafes, pubs, cobbled streets, cute boutiques and cockle sheds,” she revealed in a video.

The couple kicked off their visit with coffee at The Grove bistro, located just a short walk from the station. Once their dog, Plum, grew restless, Helen and Andy ventured into Old Leigh, a village celebrated for its 1,000-year fishing heritage and riverside pubs.

“We chilled by the beach for a little while and, while Plum couldn’t go on the sand, we were able to dangle our legs over the sea and watch the boats bobbing in the water while enjoying breathing in the fresh, salty air,” Helen said. “It’s moments like this that I would love to live by the sea.”

Helen also championed The Peterboat, a Leigh seafood restaurant boasting a “huge sun-soaked patio full of benches overlooking the sea”. Naturally, no seaside excursion would be complete without fish and chips – which is precisely what the pair chose.

“It was good,” Helen said as she tucked into a hearty portion. “Sometimes fish and scampi can leave you feeling quite greasy, but not here. The calamari was also delicious.”

The day was far from over, however, with an ice cream next on the agenda, followed by a visit to the Boatyard pub for a well-earned drink. “This is a proper holiday vibe with music and a fun atmosphere over the water,” Helen continued in her clip.

Before making their way back to the station, the couple picked up some fresh cockles and prawns from Osborne’s. “This cafe is in an 18th century stable that was originally used to house horses and carriages delivering ale to the local public house, The Crooked Billet,” Helen explained.

She wrapped up with a candid verdict: “The prawns were delicious and tasted so fresh, but the cockles were unfortunately very gritty so they hadn’t been cleaned properly.”

Writing in response, one TikTok user offered their own Leigh-on-Sea tip: “We always go to Ye Old Smack pub in Leigh-on-Sea. Lovely food, service, and atmosphere.”

A second declared: “Old Leigh is top tier, if you have dogs it’s the place to go to meet lots of well-behaved dogs.” A third revealed: “On Sundays they have a car boot sale in the car park of the station.”

While a fourth TikTok user remarked: “Been going there for years. Child memories of going after Sunday dinner for a cockle tea. Now I live nearby and still visit and my kids and grandkids go there.”

c2c has shared three top tips online when visiting Leigh-on-Sea. These are:

• There’s a huge tide in Leigh-on-Sea, make sure to check for high or mid tide if you’re planning a swim
• You can walk from Leigh-on-Sea to Southend on the beach or on the coastal path, it takes about 40 minutes
• Lots of fresh fish is caught in the morning and sold at fishmongers on the beach front, why not take some home for dinner!

EVERYBODY seems to flock to the same touristy towns for their seaside holiday, but the county I grew up in is an underrated gem.

You don’t have to brave crowded Cornwall or busy Blackpool for a trip to the seaside this summer.

Born and raised in North-West Norfolk, I’ve gotten to know some of the best hidden beaches and prettiest towns and villages to visit – and it’s time to lift the lid on the county’s best-kept secrets.

Norfolk is full of golden sand beaches, spectacular pink and orange sunsets, and far less crowds.

It’s a more affordable choice too, with the average cost of a night’s accommodation sitting at £27.45 and an alcoholic drink costing £5.10 according to North Norfolk News.

While there is a lot of fun to be had in Great Yarmouth, if you’re over the crowds and – let’s face it – tacky atmosphere, you should head further west along the coast.

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The charming village known as Norfolk’s ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’ with a railway hotel

Coastal villages like Blakeney and Brancaster are underrated spots where you can watch seals play in the water and fishermen haul in fresh mussels to be served in local restaurants the very same day.

Brancaster and neighbouring village Brancaster Staithe are the perfect mix of buzz and relaxation.

For a peaceful day out, spend the day walking the scenic Norfolk coast path, or even trying your hand at sailing or a round of beachside golf at the renowned Royal West Norfolk Golf Club.

The village is also home to Brancaster Boards, where you can rent a stand up paddleboard and float on down the flower-filled saltmarshes.

One of my favourite ways to spend a day here is with Wild Yoga Norfolk, where sessions combine activities like wild swimming, beachside yoga and sauna pod sessions into one blissful day.

When you fancy something more lively, head to The White Horse hotel and restaurant.

The vibe of the Marshside bar and restaurant here is unbeatable: house music blasting, the catch of the day served with a local Lucky Lobster beer, plus ice-cold drinks enjoyed in a buzzy atmosphere.

You can get three fresh oysters for £13, or snack on some delicious crispy squid with garlic mayo for £8.50 – not a bad price given the high-quality food and stunning sea views.

Plus they put on loads of events throughout the summer, like a Lobster & Fizz Fest, Oyster Festival and End of Summer BBQ.

For a less boujee and more family-friendly feel, check out The Jolly Sailors pub.

They do great stonebaked pizzas and tasty rum cocktails, plus there’s a massive beer garden with family fun days and an ice cream shack serving flavours from bubblegum to ‘Unicorn’.

Further along the country roads you’ll find more pretty villages like Thornham, Holme-next-the-Sea and Titchwell.

Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve has amazing wildlife, where you can spot birds of prey dip down into freshwater lagoons – if you can, bring a pair of binoculars and a good camera!

Thornham Beach is one of my favourites, and is often called the most remote beach in North Norfolk.

It’s a quieter option as it takes a 1.5 mile walk to get there, but the views are absolutely worth it – and it will never be as packed as beaches like Sheringham or Cromer.

After a scenic stroll you’ll reach a vast stretch of soft golden sands backed by rolling dunes and shady pine forest.

The beach is dog-friendly and the surrounding marshes are a great spot to pick some fresh samphire if you’re visiting in season (from June – September).

Holme-next-the-Sea is the new place to be, with a gorgeous stretch of beach and a trendy pub and bakery doing the rounds on Instagram.

The White Horse at Holme is a Grade II-listed pub recently done-up with a fabulous beer garden with its own cosy fire pit, plus a charming rustic bakery serving up freshly-baked pastries and delicious coffee.

Inside the pub itself you can order everything from hearty, homemade pies to moules mariniere with homemade crusty ciabatta.

Plus it’s only a short walk from here to Holme Beach, which is much more peaceful than the flashy arcade lights and promenade of overpopulated Hunstanton.

If you’re visiting with kids, head to Holkham Estate where there’s an action-packed high ropes course plus activities like silent discos and outdoor theatre.

Another great spot is Snettisham, where you can go on a deer safari at Snettisham Park, which costs £13.50 per adult, £11.50 per child with under 3’s going free.

Plus I recommend popping into family-friendly pub The Rose and Crown, where there’s a walled beer garden with a kids play area.

Like many North Norfolk pubs, it’s dog-friendly and even has pet-friendly rooms – so feel free to bring your furry friend along on your trip to Norfolk this summer.

ONE MAGICAL spot in Dorset is being compared to a Greek island due to its bright blue water.

The Blue Pool in Wareham, Dorset, is an expansive lake on a 300 acre estate.

Commenting on TripAdvisor, one visitor said: “Utterly peaceful and serene, with that surreal feeling that you’re on holiday somewhere in Greece, we fell in love with the amazing views of the blue pool.”

Dating back to the 17th century, The Blue Pool is over nine metres deep and was originally a hand-quarried clay pit.

Clay extracted from the pool was then used to make ceramics.

However, in the 19th century, the pool was abandoned and subsequent rain filled it.

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Though, this is when the magic of the pool appeared, as the water appeared a bright turquoise colour.

The reason for this was due to light bouncing off of the clay particles in the water.

The pool then reopened to the public in 1925 and since has been a top spot for tourists.

Despite looking like a tropical paradise, there are no fish in the lake and you cannot swim in the pool.

But there is a good trail for families to explore, where you can spot hand-crafted enchanted doors and a play area with bridges and balance beams.

At the edge of The Blue Pool there is also the UK’s longest rope bridge, which stretches 50 metres and is around 10 metres off the ground.

For kids who love animals, the site is home to Iron Age pigs which visitors can feed each day at 1:30pm for just £3 per person.

You might even spot peacocks roaming as well.

During holidays, the park also runs different events such as an illumination trail at Christmas and pumpkin carving at Halloween.

After a day of exploring, visitors can head to the 1930s Art Deco tearooms for afternoon tea from £7.50 per person, a drink or even locally made Purbeck ice cream.

Make sure to pop to the toilet before you leave as well, as they won the Loo of the Year award several years in a row.

The Blue Pool costs £9.75 per person to visit and is dog-friendly too.

And if you want to extend your time in the local area, you can head to Dorset Adventure Park down the road, with an inflatable water park and mud trail obstacle course.

The beach isn’t too far away either, with Worbarrow Bay just a 15-minute drive away.

The long, pebble beach is a quieter spot on the Jurassic Coast, especially compared to its popular neighbours – Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

For somewhere to stay, you could head to East Creech Farm Campsite, which has pitches as well as camping pods, a cottage and a farmhouse.

At the campsite, there’s also an onsite tearoom for some freshly baked cakes.

And thanks to the campsite being on a working farm, you can expect to see sheep, goats, donkeys, rhea, chickens, horses, ponies and ducks around.

A tent pitch costs from £22.50 per night and the camping pods cost from £75 per night.

If you’re heading off on a staycation or a day trip this summer, beware of hidden costs on UK toll roads

Those setting off on a staycation or enjoyable day out should bear in mind that their journey might come with some unexpected expenses. There are multiple toll roads scattered across the UK, with some potentially costing over £15 for a return journey.

Branded the UK’s priciest motorway, the M6 in the Midlands, which stretches over 230 miles, can set drivers back more than £10 for a return trip – while not a massive sum, it could quickly chip away at your lunch money or similar. The M6 Toll, the 27-mile route between Cannock and Coleshill, cost £900million to build.

Northgate Vehicle Hire, a commercial vehicle leasing specialist supporting businesses nationwide, has flagged that the M6 and other toll roads are alerting travellers to these concealed expenses.

Discussing the M6, they note that for a standard family car, a return journey runs to approximately £10.50.

Meanwhile, those behind the wheel of a heavy goods vehicle could face a bill of £20.20 for just a single journey, while a motorhome costs £19.20 one-way.

The M6 connects drivers to major tourist destinations during the summer months, including Drayton Manor Resort, and reportedly saw 45,749 vehicles per day in 2025.

Spencer Davi, Sales and Marketing Director at Northgate Vehicle Hire, offered some insight on toll roads: “Toll charges are a real consideration, especially for those making regular cross-border trips.

“What surprised us most about this research is how much variation there is across roads within the UK.”

However, while the M6 may hold the title of the most expensive motorway and toll road, experts have warned that there is another UK route that will set drivers back considerably more.

Specialists at Northgate Vehicle Hire revealed that the London Congestion Charge is in fact the UK’s most expensive crossing for cars.

Costing drivers £15.00, the crossing is a key route for anyone planning a trip to the capital this summer, with the charge applicable to drivers entering the Congestion Charge Zone between 7am – 6pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.

The UK’s most expensive toll roads for cars

1. London Congestion Charge, London – £15.00
2. M6, Midlands – £10.50
3. Durham Road User Charge Zone, Durham – £5
4. Mersey Tunnels – Queensway: Liverpool – Birkenhead and Mersey Tunnels – Kingsway: Liverpool – Wallasey – £4.60

For those considering a staycation this year, it’s well worth doing your homework on your route beforehand, as some roads can come with a surprisingly hefty price tag.

A HOLIDAY park with glamping pods and lodges could be built on an old torpedo site in Scotland.

The former testing area for missiles has been derelict for 40 years, but could soon be completely transformed and become a go-to staycation spot.

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On the shores of Loch Long in Argyll & Bute is an old Ministry of Defence site that was used been 1912 and 1986.

It was predominantly used during World War Two, and as many as 12,000 torpedoes were fired down Loch Long.

Since its closure 40 years ago, the site in Arrochar has been abandoned and left derelict.

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A planning application to redevelop the area was first submitted in 2023.

Three years on, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority has approved a mixed-use tourism development by Ardnagal Estates.

Former proposals for the site included 14 holiday homes, 34 holiday lodges, and a 34-bedroom budget hotel.

Also included in the initial plans was a cafe, shop, a 40-bed bunkhouse, six motorhome pitches and 20 glamping pods as well as parking, composting toilets and shower block.

Another proposed feature was to revitalise the pier so that the public and community could access the loch.

Leisure on the site would include a play park that will add “family-friendly amenity for residents and visitors”.

Previous plans were to build a 130-bedroom hotel although it isn’t clear if this is part of the current plans.

Claire Chapman, the park authority’s planning and access committee chairwoman, said: “The approval of this long-standing derelict site’s redevelopment is a significant step forward in addressing what has been a blight on both the local community and the environment.

“The site has been identified in both the existing local development plan, which guides new development in the National Park, and in the community’s local place plan.”

A HUGE water attraction launching in the UK for the first time has revealed plans for five more attractions across the country.

Therme Manchester – a giant water attraction with pools, saunas and beaches – is currently under construction and now new plans have been revealed to build more Therme attractions in the UK.

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According to Spa Business, David Russell, CEO of Therme UK explained that new locations under consideration include Glasgow in Scotland; Cardiff in Wales,Bristol; London and possibly Birmingham.

The first of these to open would be Glasgow, where the site would be around the same size as Therme’s attraction in Bucharest, Romania, spanning 2,787sqm.

The site would be between the Kelvin and Clyde rivers, opposite Glasgow’s Transport Museum.

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The site is only in the early stages with Therme currently working on the lease for the location.

The plans are part of Therme’s ’90:90′ aim – 90 per cent of the UK public being within 90 minutes of a Therme attraction.

Therme also has a number of other attractions planned for the rest of the world, such as in Toronto, Canada; Washington and Dallas, America; Seoul, Korea; Singapore; Dubai, UAE and Frankfurt, Germany.

It comes as more details have been revealed about Therme Manchester which is currently under construction and is set to open in late 2028.

The £500million attraction is set to host up to 2.8million people each year, with a maximum of 6,500 to 7,000 at the attraction at any one time.

Inside visitors can expect a large-scale waterpark split into three zones (Play, Relax and Restore) heated to 33C, with numerous spa and wellness facilities.

In the Play zone, visitors will find ‘next-generation’ water slides, as well as a wave pool, warm water pool, steam rooms, saunas and lounging and family dining experiences.

This zone will boast an outdoor beach too.

In the Relax zone – which will be adults-only – there will be a “focus on premium wellbeing experiences”, which includes indoor and outdoor pools, waterfall showers, mineral baths, steam rooms, saunas and casual dining.

In the Restore Zone – which is also an adults-only area – there will be “industry leading health, nutrition and wellbeing therapies”, “sauna rituals”, experience showers, wellbeing consultations and dining.

Therme Manchester will also have some of the latest technology including robots that will take guests’ belongings and store them away.

Guests will get a wristband which they scan each time they want paid-for experiences inside Therme, as well as food.

Russell even shared that visitors will be able to get a discount if they arrive at Therme by public transport.

Visiting the new attraction is set to cost £48 per person.

Russell said: “There won’t be anywhere in this country that has the facilities we have in terms of slides, pools, thermal pools, cryotherapy, snow rooms, heat rooms – like 30 saunas.

“We want to do it through volume and that’s brave because it’s a challenge. But it’s a leap of faith.”

THE best beaches in Europe have been revealed and the number one spot is a beautiful escape with super cheap flights.

Dubbed one of Portugal’s ‘Sunset Beaches’, Monte Clérigo sits in the Algarve region, but is much quieter than other crowded resorts.

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The Algarve draws in millions of Brits every year wanting to explore its golden sand beaches and bask in its glorious sunshine.

It’s most popular resorts include Albufeira, Vilamoura and Alvor – but that’s not where you’ll find the best beach.

Tucked away on the western coast is Praia de Monte Clérigo which has just been declared the best beach in all of Europe by European Best Destinations.

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Beaches across Europe are assessed on aspects like natural beauty to water quality, family-friendliness, available activities, accommodation and overall atmosphere.

The 30 highest-rated beaches are then submitted to an international panel of travellers and tourism enthusiasts who vote to find the ‘Best Beaches in Europe 2026′.

Monte Clérigo Beach was described the beach as having ‘golden cliffs’ and ‘wild Atlantic landscapes’.

The ‘wildness’ of the coastal spot comes from the fact that it forms part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park where there’s lots of greenery and plenty of hiking routes.

The beach also has fine sand, low-tide rock pools, is ideal for surfing, and its nearby town of Aljezur is filled with colourful cottages some of which sit up on the cliffside.

Monte Clérigo is considered one of Portugal’s best ‘Sunset Beaches’ too.

Thanks to its position on the western coast, beachgoers have a clear view of the sun as it sets looking like it sinks into the ocean.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Stunning beach on rugged coastline. Visited several times. Away from hectic tourist resorts. This beach is beautiful. It’s well worth waiting for some sunset photos!”

Another added: “I discovered another beautiful beach on the southwest coast of Portugal. Pristine and unspoiled is how I’d describe the place.”

Right on the sands is Restaurant O Sargo which has live music every Friday night and is popular with locals and visitors who enjoy fresh seafood and watch the sunset in the evening.

Faro International Airport is an hour and a half drive away from the beach, so from the UK you could be sunbathing on the beach in under five hours.

One-way flights are as little as £13.99 in June flying from London Luton with Wizz Air.

Other beaches that secured a spot on the list were Voutoumi Beach in Antipaxos which came in second place.

Elafonisi Beach which is a rare pink beach in Crete came in fourth place.

One beach in Norway even made it onto the list, Kvalvika Beach has bright blue waters and is backed by enormous mountains – certainly making it one of the most beautiful.

The ‘Best Beaches in Europe’ for 2026…

These are the ‘best beaches in Europe’ as rated by European Best Destinations…

1. Monte Clerigo – the Algarve, Portugal
2. Voutoumi Beach – Antipaxos, Greece
3. Fteri Beach – Kefalonia, Greece
4. Elafonisi Beach – Crete
5. Bogliasco Beach – Italy
6. Cala Mesquida – Majorca, Spain
7. Kvalvika Beach – Moskenesoy, Norway
8. Rovinia Beach – Corfu, Greece
9. Kaputas Beach – Turkey
10. Paleokastritsa Beach – Corfu, Greece

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits to a number of destinations as a new Ebola outbreak has been declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for a number of countries after an Ebola outbreak earlier this month in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

On May 15, the country’s Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province, while cases have also been confirmed in Uganda. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has since declared Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

As a result, a number of destinations to introduce stricter measures for travellers from health screenings for foreign nationals to quarantine for residents in certain cases.

For example, Kenya has introduced enhanced health screenings for passengers arriving from Uganda, Ethiopia, and DRC, while Tanzania has also introduced increase public health measures for incoming travellers.

Now the Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Uganda, Angola and the Central African Republic, with warnings around new health screenings and entry requirements for anyone travelling to those destinations.

In its Angola advice, it warns: “On 15 May the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo in the North-Eastern Ituri Province. Read more about the Ebola outbreak on TravelHealth Pro and see information on Ebola and similar diseases. World Health Organisation (WHO) have declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Due to the outbreak, you may experience heightened health screening at international borders in the region. Check entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to or transiting.”

The Foreign Office has already been advising “against all travel to parts of Central African Republic” before the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, but has updated its advice due to the country sharing a border with the DRC.

Virginia Messina, Group CEO of African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA), said: “Established protocols are in place within countries bordering the DRC and as a result tourism operations and business trips across the wider African continent continue normally. As of 27 May, no other cases have been detected outside of Uganda and DRC. The risk to travellers on standard itineraries outside affected areas remains very low, and it’s important to highlight that Ebola is not easily transmitted through casual contact.

“However, travel rules and screening measures may change quickly. The WHO (World Health Organisation) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are scaling up efforts to contain the virus but continue to advise against blanket travel restrictions and neither the UK, nor any European country has introduced entry bans.”

MSC Cruises has announced its commitment this summer and offers for UK passengers

MSC Cruises has issued an update today, Thursday, May 28, with bosses announcing a commitment to UK passengers this summer. The cruise line offers various voyages spanning the globe and currently operates a fleet of 23 cruise ships, with plans for further expansion in the coming years.

On Thursday, MSC Cruises said it is inviting guests to experience the ‘best holiday ever’ over the coming months, with the “peace of mind” of no added fuel surcharge for summer 2026 and low deposits until the end of June. Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales at MSC Cruises, said: “MSC Cruises ‘Best Holiday Ever’ commitment reinforces our position as the leading choice for UK and Irish holidaymakers seeking an effortless, all-in-one travel experience.

“Backed by dedicated support every step of the way, guests can book with confidence and peace of mind in today’s changing travel environment and relax knowing that their holiday is taken care of. With our low deposit of just £50, no-fly cruises from Southampton, Fly and Cruise packages with the reassurance of no added fuel surcharge for 2026, and the option to change your cruise date or destination if required, we are making it easier than ever for guests to secure their next holiday.”

Guests can book a trip with MSC Cruises with a low deposit of £50 per person, extended until the end of June. This applies to all cruises (excluding World Cruise and MSC Yacht Club cabins).

Passengers have a wide variety of amenities on board. There is full-board dining across the main restaurants and buffets, evening shows, multiple swimming pools with aquaparks, fitness facilities and family entertainment programmes.

There are many cabin types to choose from, including comfortable and economic inside cabins and connecting cabins for larger groups, which combine inside and balcony cabins together. Ocean View cabins offer sunset views, or for that sea breeze, opt for a balcony cabin.

A spokesperson added: “An MSC Cruise offers so much in one transparent price and, despite recent increases in global fuel prices, the cruise line will not be introducing a fuel surcharge this summer, giving guests extra confidence there are no unexpected added costs. The price guests see at the time of booking is the price they will pay, part of the best holiday ever commitment, just peace of mind and a seamless holiday experience this summer.”

MSC Cruises offers a range of Fly and Cruise packages that combine flights, transfers, and a cruise into one holiday. Designed to ‘simplify the journey from start to finish’, the cruise line says these packages are built in partnership with some of the world’s most renowned airlines.

Flights align with cruise schedules, with transfers between the airport and the ship included. Guests can select their preferred cruise itinerary, choose the Fly and Cruise fare, and confirm flights during the booking process. Fly and Cruise holidays in 2026 depart from:

• Belfast to Palma and Tenerife
• Dublin to Barcelona, Rome, Venice and Tenerife
• Edinburgh to Rome, Naples and Tenerife
• Glasgow to Tenerife
• Newcastle to Tenerife
• Manchester to Rome and Tenerife
• Birmingham to Tenerife
• London Heathrow to Seattle and Barbados

MSC Cruises also offers a selection of no‑fly cruises from Southampton year-round. Some standout destinations include the Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. And on selected dates, well-known TV stars and sports legends are on board, giving guests complimentary classes and talks:

• June 6, 2026 – Southampton to Iceland and the Norwegian Fjords (14 nights), with TV personality Anthea Turner onboard.
• August 8, 2026 – Southampton to the Canary Islands (12 nights), with Rugby Legends Ben Cohen, Neil Back and Ben Kayplus dance star Kristina Rhianoff onboard.
• October 19, 2026 – Southampton to the Netherlands, Belgium and France (5 nights), with Football Legend Gianfranco Zola on board.

Critics of the current system say it doesn’t reflect reality

The Government has issued an update about tax changes affecting UK air travel. The policy update could impact journeys with major airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet. The ministerial response comes after major concerns were raised about the current system, which campaigners branded “completely unfair”.

The Treasury has issued a response to a petition to Parliament that garnered more than 10,000 signatures calling for a review of the scale rate expenses paid to employees who travel outside the UK, such as airline cabin crew. These scale rate payments are where a business provides an employee with a set amount of cash, to cover business expenses such as travel and meals, so the worker does not have to provide receipts for each item. The petition called for ministers to “review and increase” the expenses rates. The campaign said: “We feel the rates are not reflective or the real costs for people whose work takes them abroad, and that the way they are put into blocks of 5/10 or 24 hour blocks is completely unfair.

“We want these rates to be reviewed by HMRC so they are up to date with the current cost of living.” These time blocks refer to the fact there are different rates that apply depending on the length of time the expenses relate to. There are different rates for a period of more than five hours but less than 10 hours, another one for more than 10 hours but less than 24 hours, and still another rate for a period of more than 24 hours.

The petition goes on to make the case why the current system is unfair: “If a flight is delayed by an hour this can mean dropping from the 24 hour payment down to the 10 hour payment so essentially working 12 hours without a payment. This is a common occurrence in air travel, hence crew being penalised for something out of their control.

“We believe the scale rates need to provide a wider range of rates and time blocks so that if you fall between rates you are not penalised.” Just over 11,000 people have pledged their support for the petition at the time of writing. If a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the Government is obliged to pen a response.

You can read the petition in full

Government response

The Treasury has now issued a reply. On the question of whether there could be changes to HMRC’s policies in this area, the group said: “The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process.

“Any decisions on future changes in this area will be taken in the context of the wider public finances.” The group also set out the reasoning behind the current scale rates system.

The Treasury said: “Overseas scale rates (OSR) allow employers to reimburse overseas travel costs without receipts. Where costs exceed rates, receipts can be used. The Government keeps OSR under review. The Government recognises that employees who travel overseas for work, including cabin crew, incur additional costs and that employers need practical ways to reimburse those costs fairly.

“HMRC’s overseas scale rate system is intended to support this by providing a consistent, evidence based framework for tax free subsistence payments where employees are travelling abroad as part of their role.” The Government body went on to explain that the scale rates are not intended to reflect a person’s expenses in every case, but instead provide a “standard set of benchmark amounts” that employers and employees can use.

Bespoke rates

Further explaining the rules, the response set out: “Employers are not required to use HMRC’s published scale rates if they believe these do not reflect their employees’ circumstances. Employers can agree bespoke rates with HMRC based on evidence of actual costs, or they can reimburse the actual costs incurred where receipts are available.

“These alternatives allow employers greater flexibility where working patterns, disruption or sector specific issues mean the standard rates are not appropriate.” You can sign the petition on the website.

WITH the sun shining brightly across the country, many families are itching to get out to a waterpark and cool off from the soaring spring heat.

And there’s no more fun way to cool off than in a waterpark – and the UK is home to plenty of world-class ones, with thrilling slides, rides and even their own spas.

Whether you want to try an adrenaline-fuelling trap-door waterslide, tackle a Total Wipeout-style obstacle course, or let a lazy river do all the work – we’ve got you covered.

From indoor tropical waterparks with adults-only spas, to the UK’S largest wave pool and water rollercoaster, we’ve rounded up the top waterparks for families of all ages.

And to top it all off, the entry prices start from £5.31pp – proving you can have an action-packed summer day out on a budget.

Here are some of the best on offer across the UK…

Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent

Crowned the UK’s number one indoor tropical aqua park, Waterworld is a massive water wonderland packed with over 30 different rides.

The top attraction for adrenaline junkies is Thunderbolt – the UK’s very first trap-door drop waterslide.

You stand inside a capsule, wait for the floor to drop beneath your feet, and plummet straight down a vertical flume at a staggering 25mph.

For more thrills, you can tackle Hurricane, a high-speed slide that hurls you down at 17mph through glow-in-the-dark neon lighting.

For something a little more family-friendly, the newly refurbished Python ride has plenty of slithery twists and turns that are gentle enough for toddlers.

You’ve also got a classic wave pool and fast-flowing rapids that swirl you around the tropical temperature waters.

Plus, if you visit when the weather‘s hot, you can soak up the sunshine outside.

The park has an outdoor pool and sun loungers where parents can relax while kids splash around.

You can also wind down in the calming bubble pools and relaxation areas, or hit the on-site restaurant to refuel the family on fresh pizza, bubble waffles, and thick milkshakes.

Single tickets start at £17.50 online for adults and children, including spectators. Baby tickets cost £7. Make sure to book online in advance, as walk-in tickets will cost you up to £8.50 extra.

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest and home to Britain’s longest indoor water rollercoaster and 18 thrilling rides.

If you want to feel like you’re on holiday abroad, head here for a 29C tropical climate.

The Masterblaster holds the record for the UK’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, with a 200m stretch of water tubing fun.

Meanwhile, the Sidewinder is the world’s first indoor half-pipe waterslide, resembling a giant, slippery skating ramp.

For the little ones, there’s the Treetops Water Chutes, multi-lane slides perfect for racing, and the HMS Thunder Splash – a giant pirate ship packed with water activities.

Another kid-friendly favourite is the Caribbean Storm Treehouse, a massive water climbing frame complete with a giant coconut that dumps 600 gallons of water onto unsuspecting swimmers every few minutes.

If you need a breather from the screaming and splashing, grown-ups can escape to the Sea Breeze Spa.

For an extra £7, adults can spend three hours unwinding in the sauna and steam room while making use of the foot spas and aromatherapy room.

And for the ultimate VIP treatment, you can upgrade to a Tiki Cabana experience.

For £60pp, adults get access to a private oasis with their own hot tub, a flatscreen TV, a fridge packed with cold drinks, and a dining and seating area.

You also get full-day admission to the waterpark and a meal deal included in the price.

Tickets start at £25.50 for ages 8+, £16.50 for children aged 3 -7, with under 3s going free. Make sure to book online in advance, as same-day tickets can cost you £2 extra.

Alton Towers Waterpark, Staffordshire

You don’t need to brave the theme park’s rollercoasters for an action-packed day out at Alton Towers.

The Alton Towers Waterpark at the Splash Landings Hotel is a massive, tropical-themed park with Caribbean-type temperatures in the middle of the Staffordshire countryside.

The Wacky Waterworks Treehouse is a sprawling interactive play area packed with more than 70 interactive features, including water cannons, pull-cords, and buckets.

Thrill-seekers can twist and turn down the Rush ‘N’ Rampage waterslides, or slip down the outdoor Flash Floods slides into a giant pool – perfect for a sunny day.

And if you just want to take it easy, you can drift along the lazy river or laze on a lounger while the kids hit the slides.

When you want something to eat, head to the Calypso Cave for lunches like burgers and chicken tenders, or grab an ice cream float or sundae from the Ice Cream Shack.

Tickets start at £18 online for adults and children, with those under 90cm going free. There are also parent and toddler tickets from £23. Make sure to book online for the best rates.

Dorset Adventure Park

If you prefer muddy knees, fresh air, the sun on your back and giant outdoor obstacles, Dorset Adventure Park is for you.

Set across two massive lakes on the grounds of Corfe Castle, Dorset Adventure Park is home to an action-packed outdoor inflatable course.

The Total Wipeout-style floating playground has huge trampolines, balance beams, wobbly bridges, and high-flying slides that launch you straight into the lake.

Plus, little ones even have their own inflatable, Splash Castle, manned by lifeguards and designed for kids aged 2 to 6.

If that isn’t muddy enough for the kids, the park is also home to a legendary Mud Trail.

On this 2km assault course, you can tackle mud pits, climbing walls, cargo nets, and tyre crawls that guarantee nobody leaves clean.

Back on dry land, the grounds have plenty more to see and do. There’s everything from axe throwing to relaxing woodland sauna pods.

For a bite to eat, the Snack Shack and Watering Hole have hot food, ice-cold drinks and ice creams with views of Corfe Castle.

The park provides wetsuit and buoyancy aid hire too, so you don’t need to worry about bringing anything other than a towel and a change of clothes.

Tickets start at £22pp for waterpark admission, £11 for the Mud Trail and £5 per child for Splash Castle.

The Wave, Coventry

Home to the largest wave pool in the UK which cycles 20 million litres of water per day, The Wave in Coventry is a high-tech indoor waterworld.

Above the huge pool are six speedy waterslides, including the colourful Cascade with its bright lights and The Rapids water coaster, described by the park as the ‘Big Dipper’ rollercoaster on water.

There’s also The Riptide, a rubber-ring ride that launches you down an exhilarating 90-degree angle.

The Cyclone, on the other hand, hurls you around a massive open bowl before dropping you out of the bottom.

Families with toddlers can head straight to The Reef, a colourful splash zone packed with mini-slides and water jets away from the big flumes.

Adults can slip away to the dedicated lane-swimming pool, work out at the fitness centre, or book into the luxurious Mana Spa to use its steam room, sauna, or enjoy a relaxing massage.

Tickets start at £15 per adult, £13 for ages 11 and under with under 1’s going free.

Time Capsule Water Park, Scotland

The Time Capsule Water Park in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire is an affordable option with plenty of activities for mixed-age families.

Plus this waterpark is attached to an indoor ice rink, making it an ideal spot to visit and cool off on a hot day.

Inside you’ll find a lazy river, splash zones and waterslides, plus water cannons and a giant tipping bucket.

The most unique attraction here is the Tornado Tantrum – a setup of 10m-high Storm Chasers, thunder and lightning effects and twisting water flumes.

For families with young children, the Cove Island area has plenty of splash play zones for toddlers.

There’s also a Tiny Tots Play Zone on site, a soft play area for children aged 5 and under.

Head to the Tsunami Café for poolside burgers or a sit down with a cold drink.

The Time Capsule Water Park is one of the most affordable on the list, costing £6.50 per adult to enter and £4.50 per child. There is also free parking available.

LC Swansea Waterpark, Wales

LC Swansea is Wales‘ biggest water park, packed with exciting rides, relaxing pools and even an indoor surfing machine.

Try out surfing or body-boarding on the Boardrider – a never-ending wave machine built for those who want to learn to ride waves like a pro.

Here you’ll also find the MasterBlaster water coaster, launching rubber ring riders uphill before gravity plummets them back down into the pool.

Younger kids can make a splash at Volcano Bay, an interactive zone with fountains, a smaller slide and tipping buckets.

For a slower pace, you can drift along the peaceful, lazy river or soothe your muscles in the bubbling whirlpool.

There’s a range of sessions to book, including Toddler Splash early mornings, women’s only and evening splash sessions.

To burn off some energy outside of the pool, there’s a water-themed Climb and Play area with four storeys of obstacles plus a 30ft climbing wall.

There’s also a Costa Coffee on site, plus a shop where you can pick up any extras you might need like swim hats and goggles.

Tickets start at £5.31 per adult or child for a General Splash session, with infant tickets for ages 1 to 3 starting at £2.97 and under 1s going free.

A BRAND new aquapark is coming to a UK town just in time for the summer holidays.

Featuring slides, climbing walls and a splash zone, the inflatable waterpark will be open until the autumn.

Located at Hinchingbrooke Country Park in Cambridgeshire, the brand new aquapark will be open to the public from July 18.

The inflatable park promises a day out of full of water-based fun, including slides, balance beams, climbing walls and splash zones.

Aimed at visitors aged six and over, the temporary water attraction will be open in time for the summer holidays and remain in place until September.

Visitors are able to pre-book online now, and the park expects demand to be high throughout the summer.

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Tickets cost £19 per person and include a buoyancy aid, helmet and wetsuit hire.

From mid-July, the aquapark will be open from 10am to 5pm, with each session lasting an hour.

The new inflatable is part of a larger ongoing investment into Hinchingbrooke Country Park, improving its leisure activities and encouraging more visitors to the park’s large natural surroundings.

Executive member for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Cllr Julie Kerr, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing this exciting new attraction to Hinchingbrooke Country Park.

“It’s a fantastic addition for residents and visitors alike, and part of our ongoing commitment to improving and evolving the park to enhance leisure and outdoor opportunities for users now and in the future.”

Hinchingbrooke Country Park even wants the community to get involved in an important aspect of the opening of the park.

In a post on Facebook, the park called upon residents to submit ideas for a new name for the aquapark, with the winner receiving a free visit for the entire family.

“Think adventurous, fun, family-friendly or inspired by Hinchingbrooke and the local area – we can’t wait to see your ideas,” read the post.

Entries for the competition close on Friday, June 5, and the winner will be announced shortly afterwards.

Some concerns were raised on the Hinchingbrooke Facebook post regarding the local wildlife of the area, but the park revealed they had worked “closely with an independent ecologist to understand how this could impact the wider park”.

An Ecological Impact Assessment was conducted and the park confirmed that their project team is now “working closely” with park rangers to “ensure all recommendations and any appropriate ecological mitigation is completed”.

The park will also be designating specific lake zones purely to wildlife and “adding an additional tern raft”.

The nearby car park is also currently undergoing works, but the park has confirmed this is expected to be complete by the time the aquapark opens.

Mel Fielding, who has more than 26,000 followers on Instagram, shared her first solo break on the social media platform and what she had learned from the experience

While going on holiday with your family or best friends can be a lovely experience, sometimes taking a break by yourself can be exactly what you need. One travel influencer took herself on a 24-hour break to one of the most scenic parts of the UK and documented the experience on Instagram.

Mel Fielding, who has more than 26,000 followers on Instagram, shared her first solo break on the social media platform. She said: “Although I’ve done a few solo trips abroad over the years, and love exploring the UK, I’ve never really been on a solo trip in the UK before, so last week I decided to head to Devon for one night on my own.”

First, she visited Hope Cove, five miles west of Salcombe, where she went for a meal, saying she “felt super self-conscious at first”.

“I knew I wanted to watch the sunset but I had two hours to wait, so I headed down to the beach on my own,” she said. “I read my book and felt myself relaxing as I watched the sun go down. I felt so happy that I’d pushed through the awkwardness and stayed until the sun had set.”

Mel was staying in her van overnight, and had booked into nearby Bolberry House Caravan and Camping Park, which she said “felt really peaceful”. She continued: “I survived my first night along in the van and slept surprisingly well!

“It wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be! Isn’t it funny how things usually feel worse in our minds than they actually are.”

The next morning she visited Salcombe, and the Snapes Point viewpoint. “By this point, I felt like I’d relaxed into the trip so I headed on a solo sea swim,” she said.

“No one else was swimming and I did feel a little self-conscious at first, but knew I’d regret not going for a dip on such a beautiful day. I made coffee on the beach afterwards and realised that, although I’d done a few solo trips before, doing stuff solo is a bit like exercising a muscle. You have to keep using it to keep it strong.

“I consider myself a pretty adventurous person, but I also realised it’s okay to feel nervous before doing things you don’t do that often. I ended up having a really wonderful 24 hours and it was a good reminder to feel the fear and do it anyway. Now I’m already planning my next solo overnight adventure.”

Writing in the video description, she added: “I know that to some people this won’t be a big deal, but I also know that to some, it will, so if you’re in the latter group and would also love to go on a solo break in the UK this year, but feel nervous about it, I hope sharing this helps in some way!”

People in the comments left their own experiences of solo travel. One said: “I have been single for seven years, so I decided a while back to do whatever I wanted to, even by myself. My biggest challenge was camping in my tent in Wales last summer… best thing I ever did.

“I was adopted by a lovely family for drinks around the campfire. You’re never truly alone. But the feeling of accomplishment when you do these things alone, immense! Makes you remember you can conquer anything.”

Another said: “I have never done a solo trip ever. If I ever get better I have promised myself a trip to Florence.

“Not having anyone else dictate where I am going. I always put others first. So it would be an amazing dream. Good on you! More of us need to lead by your example.”

A NEW pool is set to open in Warwickshire – and it is on the site of some medieval ruins.

Located at Abbey Fields in Kenilworth, the new multi-million attraction will feature two indoor pools, a changing area and a “conservatory-style” cafe.

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One pool will be the main training pool, measuring 25-metres-long and will host most of the swimming lessons, lane swimming, family swimming sessions and aqua fitness classes.

The other pool will be more family-friendly and accessible measuring 15metres by eight metres and will also have a movable floor that reaches a depth of 1.8metres.

For some added family fun, this pool will also have interactive spray and splash features.

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And for disabled swimmers, there will be a ‘pool-pod’ lift to get into the pool as well.

Work at the site was set back six months after medieval ruins were discovered in 2023.

In total, at least five buildings were discovered as well as ceramics, both dating back to the 13th century.

The new pool will open to the public on July 11 and be open each Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm, and 7am to 5pm at weekends.

As for the cafe, visitors will be able to grab a range of drinks, snacks and light meals as well as sit outdoors looking over the parkland.

According to the BBC, Councillor Jim Sinnott said: “Having recently been shown round the new building and having seen the fantastic features and spec, I really can’t wait to see the new pools finally open for all in our community to enjoy.”