travel

We’ve all got used to packing tiny shampoos and shower gels into our hand luggage when we fly, but new technology means some major airports are scrapping the 100ml rule making going through security so much easier

It’s hard to believe that the airline liquid rules have been in place for nearly two decades. Since a terror plot was foiled in 2006, air passengers in the UK have been limited to taking containers of under 100ml on planes, and made to keep them in a clear, resealable 20cm x 20cm plastic bag.

Over the years, technology has improved, meaning restrictions have slowly been eased. In many airports, you no longer need to use a clear plastic bag for your liquids and can simply leave them in your hand luggage. However, in the majority of airports, the 100ml rule still stands all these years later.

A small number of airports have now scrapped the 100ml rule – allowing Brits to fly out with liquids in containers of up to two litres in volume. This means most standard-sized bottles of water, creams, gels, sprays, and aerosols can be taken through as hand luggage.

Whatever the allowed liquid size at your departure airport, holidaymakers should make sure they avoid using metal or double-walled bottles, such as a Thermos flask, when they carry liquids on board, as the scanners cannot penetrate the insulated layers.

Another thing travellers should keep in mind is that the rules at their return airport might be different. The vast majority of European airports still enforce the 100ml rule. So while you may be able to take a big bottle of suncream in your hand luggage going out, you may need to put it in your checked luggage coming back.

The GOV.UK website has a list of items considered liquids. Many travellers still get caught out by the 100ml rule as they don’t realise items such as semi-liquid foods such as soup, jam, honey, or syrups need to be within the restricted size.

Nut butters and soft cheeses also come under the category of liquids. In the USA, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) use a rule that: if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, it counts as a liquid. While this isn’t an official rule in the UK, it’s a good way to determine whether an item you’re taking onboard is going to need to follow liquid size rules.

Liquid rules at airports can be updated with little notice, so always check your departure airport’s official website before you fly.

Full list of airports still enforcing the 100ml rule

• Manchester Airport (MAN)
• London Stansted (STN)
• London Luton (LTN)
• Glasgow Airport (GLA)
• Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK)
• Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
• Newcastle International Airport (NCL)
• Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
• East Midlands Airport (EMA)
• London City Airport (LCY)
• Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ)
• Jersey Airport (JER)
• Cardiff International Airport (CWL)
• Southampton Airport (SOU)
• Inverness Airport (INV)
• Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY)

Full list of airports that have scrapped 100ml rule

• London Heathrow (LHR)
• London Gatwick (LGW)
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
• Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• Bristol Airport (BRS)
• Belfast International Airport (BFS)
• George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
• Bournemouth Airport (BOH)

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BEAUTIFUL Britain is packed with postcard towns and villages that look like they’ve been plucked straight from the pages of a storybook.

From chocolate-box cottages tucked away in the Cotswolds to hidden Highland havens and medieval bridges – you don’t need to board a flight to find a little bit of magic.

Even better, a fairytale escape doesn’t have to come with a royal price tag.

Whether you fancy sipping craft ales by a roaring log fire in Scotland, playing a game of Poohsticks in the Peak District, or exploring a village dedicated to cheese, you can also do it on a budget.

Our travel team has rounded up the most enchanting UK villages to visit this summer – with stays starting from £20 per night.

The Scottish Highlands

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

It’s a little slice of Highland heaven. A picture-perfect scene of a babbling brook and ancient bridge surrounded by pine forests – but it is one with a slightly darker past.

The village of Carrbridge in the Cairngorms National Park is known for its famous Packhorse Bridge.

First built in 1717, it was used to transport coffins across the raging River Dulnain when waters rose.

Over time, what is now the oldest stone bridge in the Highlands has fallen into disrepair but looks all the prettier for its decrepit state.

The village itself, set in the grand, wild majesty of the Cairngorms, has other claims to fame including the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship.

Every October, chefs from around the world descend on the village hall to battle over oatmeal concoctions.

For travellers looking to refresh after a hike through the surrounding mountains, The Cairn is a lively pub in the heart of the village with a roaring open fire, huge selection of single malt whiskies and craft ale and lots of local game on the menu.

There’s also plenty of artisan treasures to pick up at the Carrbridge Artists Studio.

And keep your eyes peeled when you wander the village and surrounding Ellan Wood.

Massive wooden sculptures of red squirrels, owls and folklore figures abound, created in the annual chainsaw carving championships that are hosted in the village every year.

Ashford in the Water, Peak District

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Set in the picturesque Peak District National Park, Ashford in the Water is a pretty village that looks like something from a children’s picture book.

At the heart of the village is Sheepwash Bridge, a medieval stone bridge that stretches over the River Wye. As the name suggests, the river was once used by farmers to wash their sheep before shearing.

Take a stroll over the hump of historic cobbles to watch the ducks drift past. Visit England even named this spot the best place in the country to play a classic game of Poohsticks.

Head further into the village to find charming limestone cottages with manicured gardens, as well as the Holy Trinity Church, which dates back to the 12th century.

The village hosts several unique events throughout the summer, too. The Well Dressing & Flower Festival in June sees the villages’ wells adorned with flower displays, while the Ashford Sheepwash lets you watch the farmers guide their ewes through the river.

Head to the Riverside House Hotel and sit down to a tasty breakfast starting from £8. The hotel dates back to 1620, and its stone exterior is covered with a blanket of climbing ivy.

Five minutes down the road you’ll find the market town of Bakewell, where it would be rude not to try a famous cherry-topped tart.

Rye, East Sussex

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

When the town’s own main road is called Mermaid Street, it’s no wonder Rye is often compared to the storybooks.

It is steep and cobbled so leave the princess heels at home. 

But let down your hair at the aptly named Mermaid Inn, at over 800 years of age, it’s one of the oldest in the UK – even visited by some British queens too.

(Live out your princess dreams up Ypres Tower too, for some of the best port views).

There’s souvenir shopping galore so pick-up some artwork, books, or homeware.

Don’t forget a decadent hot chocolate at Knoops – this was the original shop before its rollout across the UK and worth the price.

Cheddar, Somerset

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

A village named after one of Britain’s favourite foods – what could be better?

Cheddar takes its name seriously and the main road that cuts through the village centre, leading up to the famous Cheddar Gorge, is littered with themed pubs, cafes and shops dedicated to the dairy product.

It’s all a little cheesy, but you’ve just got to embrace it.

In need of a new frock? Gorge-ous Boutique is the place to head. Feeling peckish? I’m still dreaming of the cheese rarebit that I devoured at Cafe Gorge a few months back.

Although very little cheddar is actually produced in the village nowadays, you can still get your hands on some local stuff at The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company – the only place to still sell it.

I’d recommend opting for the cave-aged variety which is left to mature in Gough’s Caves for a year or so, giving it a deep and rich flavour.

Pop into the caves while you’re here, too. It’s pretty cool to be able to take in such an ancient structure – the stalactites in here are a staggering 500,000 years old.

Westmill, Hertfordshire

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

If you didn’t know it was there, you’d miss it. But just next to the larger town of Buntingford is the charming village of Westmill.

To get to it, you’ve got to head down a bumpy track, or walk across rolling fields.

There’s no noisy traffic, in fact, it’s so incredibly quiet you’re likely just to hear the bleating of sheep.

Westmill has thatched-roof cottages, a village green, a charming tea room and a pub loved by locals called The Sword Inn Hand.

In fact, it’s been rated among the Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in the UK for 2026 by OpenTable.

And it was also named the ‘Best Pub’ in Hertfordshire by The Telegraph thanks to its “cheerful crackling log fires in winter, a pretty garden with country views in summer, generous portions of good locally sourced food, local ales and superb service”.

Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Knaresborough might technically be a town, but to me it gives big village vibes.

Not only does it feel small, but its postcard-perfect viaduct feels like something from a storybook, especially when a train runs along the top at the same time as errant row boats underneath.

Even its main attraction Mother Shipton’s Cave sounds like it’s make-believe.

One of England’s oldest tourist attractions, it is the “birthplace of a famous prophetess” with magic seemingly woven throughout…

Otherwise the historic market town is perfect for a souvenir or two followed by afternoon tea.

Cockington, Devon

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

YOU wouldn’t believe that this stunning, quaint village is just a short walk from the beach and bustling towns on the English Riviera…

Cockington is a small village set back from Torquay seafront, where you will find thatched cottages, open meadows, a manor house and a thatched pub with a sprawling garden.

It is the ideal day out or retreat from the busy seaside.

Head to The Drum Inn for a tipple or if you prefer to keep it Devonshire, make sure to visit The Weavers Cottage Tea Garden for a traditional cream tea including freshly made scones.

At the top end of the village you’ll find Cockington Court, with stables home to a number of independent makers including glassblowers and blacksmiths.

Ballygally, Northern Ireland

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Picture a 17th century castle facing the sea, backed by rolling green hills of farmland – that’s the storybook village of Ballygally in County Antrim.

Right on the castle’s doorstep lies a golden crescent of beach, watching the morning mist roll over the Irish Sea.

Head in the opposite direction of the sea and you’ll find bright green hills dotted with grazing sheep that look, from a distance, like cotton wool balls with legs – the kind you’d draw as as child.

To make your visit all the more magical, venture out by car to Glenariff Forest Park. Here there are waterfall walks and gorges connected by old wooden bridges, where deer and red squirrels wander.

The beachfront castle of Ballygally is now a Hastings Hotel, and is the only 17th century castle in Northern Ireland in which you can stay overnight.

It’s famously haunted by resident ghost Lady Isabella Shaw. Brave guests can even peek inside her untouched ‘Ghost Room’ in one of the castle’s turrets.

If that’s not enough whimsy for you, then you can sit down to a Game of Thrones-themed afternoon tea for £36pp, or explore the property’s enchanting gardens hidden behind its weathered stone walls.

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

The charming Corfe Castle, named after the old fortress ruins that are tucked away at the edge of the village, has a cutesy, old-world feel to it.

Sat a little way back from the coast in Dorset, this place is filled with artsy tea shops selling homebaked cakes piled high with buttercream and boutiques flogging antiques and second-hand goods.

I visited in peak autumn which made the village come alive with colour – fiery red ivy was dripping from the stone cottages and crunchy leaves were littering the winding paths.

Pop into the wonky Castle Inn for a pint in the cosiest setting. It’s all stone interiors and timber beams smothered in multi-coloured fairy lights.

The castle is a National Trust site and well worth a visit.

Its crumbling ruins are perched high on a hill and great fun for little kids with a wooden pillory for posing in and giant catapult.

For a properly good cuppa and wedge of cake, head to By the Castle.

Burford, Cotswolds

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

You can’t get much more of a quintessential Cotswolds town than Burford.

The cobbled high street is littered with old school sweet shops and quaint cafes (Huffkins and Hunters are popular with the locals).

At the end of the road is a tiny bridge running over the River Windrush – perfect for taking the kids to feed the ducks.

Its reluctance for any big chains has kept it feeling like stepping back in time, instead the town is mainly taken up with whimsical honeysuckle-lined cottages and churches.

The Prince of Burford is one of the classier hotels, with four poster beds in the pub rooms if you need somewhere to stay.

Make sure to pop into Burford Garden Centre too – it’s one of the fanciest in the country and you might even spot a celeb or two.

Totnes, Devon

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

OVER the years Totnes in Devon has earned many nicknames as the hippy capital of the UK.

But this unique town is like no other I’ve ever visited, with a high street clear of major brands – instead you’ll find independent coffee shops and lots of local artists selling their work.

At the bottom end of the high street, you’ll also find the River Dart, which makes for a nice walk to watch the boats bob up and down.

Half-way up the high street, you can visit Totnes Castle too, which is a motte-and-bailey castle.

Make sure to peruse the bookstores too – there are many of them, each with their own specialism.

Grantchester, Cambridgeshire

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Having watched episodes of Grantchester growing up, I was looking forward to visiting and seeing whether it had that charming old England feel to it. And it did.

The village just south of Cambridge is filled with old-fashioned pubs like The Green Man where lots of the residents enjoy a tipple.

I’ve never seen anything like the Orchard Tea Garden which is set literally in an apple orchard surrounded by trees and filled with fold out deckchairs and picnic tables.

If you’re a fan of the countryside like I am, take a stroll through the meadows by the River Cam.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

Growing up in suburban Detroit, there was deep-dish square pizza and there was round pizza. The round style was the kind of pizza you’d find at your local bowling alley, roller rink, arcade or neighborhood sports bar. It was thin, super crispy and you could pick it up and eat it with just a napkin.

I wasn’t aware that any of my hometown pizzas were considered trendy until 2016 when Detroit-style pies exploded in NYC and then, during the pandemic, in Los Angeles. But much like the square pizza, the thin, crispy, round pies have an identity as well: Tavern-style pizza has many names (party cut, bar pie, etc.) but it’s the slightly lesser known, thin-crust style of pizza born in the Midwest. And lately, it’s been having a moment in Los Angeles.

“It was the kind of pizza they served you at whatever bar you were at,” says fellow Michigan native Aaron Lindell of Echo Park’s Quarter Sheets. “I wasn’t aware then that it was its own style,” he says.

What makes it a Midwest-style tavern pie exactly? Essentially it’s a lower-moisture, higher-fat dough resulting in a thin, crackery, flaky pizza crust. Typically bar pies go lighter on tomato sauce and caramelize the mozzarella significantly, resulting in a molten matrix of cheese and sauce that takes me back to my childhood with each bite.

Despite its prevalence in Michigan and other parts of the Midwest, tavern-style is most commonly associated with the Chicagoland area, thanks to places like Vito & Nick’s. Lindell developed his own recipe for bar pie in 2023 that combines Midwest tavern style with those of the northeast to bump up business on slower nights. Now, the nights that Quarter Sheets has bar pies on the menu are some of the busiest of the week.

However, Lindell was far from the first to offer a take on tavern-style pizzas here in L.A. Eagle Rock’s Casa Bianca Pizza Pie opened in 1955 with the intention to bring Chicago thin-crust to Los Angeles. Fresh Brothers Pizza opened in 2008 in Manhattan Beach specializing in tavern-style pies and wings and the chain quickly expanded to 20 locations in the SoCal area. In 2013, Rance’s Chicago Pizza opened in Costa Mesa offering both Chicago deep dish and tavern-style (and eventually expanded to Long Beach in 2017). Midwest icon Gino’s East of Chicago even opened in Sherman Oaks in 2019, also offering their take.

And since the pandemic, newer spots have been doing their own versions much like Quarter Sheets.

Here are nine places to try tavern-style pizza around L.A. right now.

SOMETIMES, one day at a theme park just isn’t enough.

So Alton Towers is offering a second ticket free this summer – and there are two ways you can redeem it.

This year is a great year to go, with new Bluey rollercoaster opening earlier this year.

Or if you want to go full throttle, hop onto Wicker Man, Nemesis Reborn, the Toxicator and The Smiler – so here is how to claim the deal.

Second Day-Ticket

Let’s start with claiming a second-day ticket with the Twice the Fun offer.

Families who book an Alton Towers Resort theme park ticket between June 25 and July 27 will receive a free second-day ticket.

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You can use it to return to Alton Towers, or check out one of the other three Merlin attractions; Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.

The offer is valid on visits between June 25 and September 30.

Overnight Stays

The other way to get a second-day ticket is if you book consecutive-night stays on dates between June 25 to October 22 2026.

This includes stays during the school holidays too.

To claim the offer, you have to book an overnight stay at one of the on-site hotels between June 25 and July 29.

You’ll get an overnight stay at the resort, full entry to the theme park plus a completely free second day.

You can choose from four hotels. There’s the Alton Towers Hotel which has the Secret Garden Restaurant and Dragons Bar.

It has themed rooms so you can even choose to sleep in a bed that is like a bathtub, a hot air balloon or even a princess carriage.

A weekend stay between July 11 and July 12 in the Explorer Room for a family of four starts from £363 – or £90.75pppn.

Little ones will love the CBeebies Land Hotel which has live shows, games and exciting meet and greets with CBeebies characters.

A two-night stay in the Bugbies Room at the CBeebies Land Hotel from August 10 to August 12 for a family of four is £735 – or £91.87pppn.

The Caribbean-inspired Splash Landings Hotel is a tropical retreat with themed exotic family-friendly restaurants and entertainment.

There are the luxurious Enchanted Village Woodland Lodges which have come with private outdoor decking and a play area for children.

If you want to really indulge, check out the Luxury Treehouses which sleep up to eight people and have private hot tubs.

Or there are even Star Gazing pods which come with telescopes for admiring the night sky.

A three-night stay in a Star Gazing pod for July 10 to July 13 for a family of four works out at £458 – or £38.17pppn.

At the hotels are plenty of evening entertainment, 9 holes of crazy golf, free parking and breakfast is included too.

LONDON is undoubtedly home to numerous hidden gems, but I bet you didn’t know it has a secret island slap bang in the middle of the Thames.

Oh, and two times a year you can even visit it – including next weekend.

Eel Pie Island sits in the middle of the River Thames in Twickenham, around 20 minutes from Waterloo.

The rather exclusive island has a very famous past as well.

The destination used to host live music events with top acts including The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, The Who and Pink Floyd.

In the 19th century, it was even a popular resort with steamboats and the famous Eel Pie Island Hotel, which sadly closed in 1967 after its dancefloor collapsed.

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After the hotel’s closure, the island became a hippie commune – and this is where the island’s creative haven that you see today started to emerge.

On the island today, there are over 26 artists across cottages and studios which are littered around the island.

Twice a year, the island opens its bridge to visitors, where you can explore the intricate network of paths and venture through what feels like a jungle to discover the different artists’ huts.

The island spans no more than nine acres and you can easily walk around it within an hour.

With small jetties off the end of gardens and plants that look way too tropical to be surviving in the Big Smoke, the island does feel more like Little Venice in Los Angeles than an urban jungle.

Roughly 120 people live on the island across 50 houses and houseboats and as you meander the paths you’ll see quirky enamel signs and American-style post boxes.

These all just add to the Californian vibe, with different spots on the island named ‘Palm Beach’, ‘Copper Beach’ and ‘Love Shack’.

Several spots across the island also feel like treasure troves of antique junk, from headless mannequins to hanging bird cages.

You can explore the island and workshops for as long as you like on the day you have a ticket for – which are free.

There are even a couple of spots where you can stay on the island.

One is a flat in a converted boatyard – it has one bedroom, along with a sofa bed and a living area.

Alternatively, you could stay in a converted boat house.

The Open Studios weekends take place on July 4 to 5 and July 11 to 12 between 11am and 5pm.

Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite.

A LESSER-VISITED airport is about to get a massive upgrade – its biggest in its 96-year history.

Hollywood in Los Angeles, USA, is known for being one of the most famous tourist spots in the world.

And most people will get there via LAX Airport – but don’t realise there is also Hollywood Burbank Airport.

The airport is not only closer to Hollywood, but also closer to Universal Studios Hollywood and Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

This October the airport will be opening its £1billion new terminal – called The Icon – which will replace the former historic terminal which opened back in 1930.

The new terminal will be bigger than the former one and have floor-to-ceiling glass windows, filling the terminal with natural light.

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When arriving at the airport, travellers will be greeted by a large canopy and plaza themed around ‘old Hollywood’.

Also inside will be a number of art installations, as well as a sleek bar with views of planes parked up.

To get to the 14 gates, passengers will head through an eight-lane TSA security area with modern screening technology.

There will be a central food court with restaurants and shops for travellers, with plenty of seating outside each gate.

The airport is often used by celebs due to being close to Hollywood.

Recent celeb sightings include actress Jennifer Garner and actor Neal McDonough.

The airport itself has even appeared on the big screen as a filming location, including in Ocean’s Eleven and The Office.

The US Federal Aviation Administration recorded 644 lithium battery fires onboard flights in the past 20 years, with the global figure stretching into the thousands

A pilot has urged passengers not to pack an electrical item in their luggage, to avoid potentially disastrous consequences.

Eleven days ago, passengers aboard a British Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flying from London Heathrow Airport to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas noticed an acrid smell.

A blaze had broken out in the cabin, triggered – it would later become clear – by a lithium battery. The fire scorched the inside of the jet before crew could extinguish it. Clark County Fire Department responders rushed to meet the singed plane on the tarmac.

The fire was one of 644 such incidents on planes recorded by the US Federal Aviation Administration in the past 20 years, with the global figure stretching into the thousands.

Other incidents are much scarier.

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

OPINION

On January 28 last year, 176 passengers were evacuated from Air Busan Flight 391 when a battery blaze completely destroyed the plane as it taxied for take-off at Gimhae International Airport. Three were injured.

Lithium batteries are used six times more now than in 2020, raising the risk of fire with them. They can ignite due to a process called thermal runaway, where a damaged or short-circuited cell rapidly generates heat. This creates a chain reaction that releases extreme heat, and can be triggered by being crushed and overcharged.

Many of us know of the dangers of lithium batteries on flights and that items containing them such as phones, power banks and vapes must only be stored in hand luggage. However, it’s easy to let less obvious gadgets slip into hold luggage, according to easyJet pilot and head of flight operations at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Glenn Bradley.

“The batteries are in everything, including portable fans. Lithium batteries in the hold are the most dangerous thing,” Glenn explained.

While flight attendants are trained to put out cabin fires, accessing luggage in the hold is impossible during a flight, which is why the prospect of a lithium battery fire is taken extremely seriously.

“We all carry about four of these batteries when we fly, so on a plane there could be a thousand. The fact is, they don’t explode on a daily basis, but if they do, we want to be able to manage them,” he added.

If a passenger realises they’ve left a battery-containing item in their hold luggage, they should immediately tell crew.

When that happened on a UK-bound easyJet flight in May, it was diverted to Rome. The captain judged the power bank charging in a passenger’s luggage to be too dangerous to ignore.

Glenn spoke with the Mirror as part of a CAA safety campaign. Passengers are urged to “pack right for a safe flight” by taking their batteries in the cabin with them.

Passengers should:

• Take items like mobile phones, vapes and power banks on board with you.
• Never charge a power bank on a flight.
• Turn off laptops completely if they’re going to be put in check-in bags.

Getting it wrong could lead to your bags being removed from the flight, causing significant delays or, even worse, result in a fire that may be impossible to contain.

Giancarlo Buono, director of aviation safety at the CAA, said: “Flying is by far the safest way to travel and we want to keep it that way. Pack right for a safe flight, and that means don’t put your batteries in your checked bag. Take them into the cabin with you. This simple tip will make your flight safer for you, and the other passengers you’re flying with.”

CAA figures show reports of overheating or malfunctioning passenger devices nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025, following a 98% year-on-year increase. Cases of lithium battery-powered devices being incorrectly packed in checked baggage also rose by 91% in 2025.

Holidaymakers have been warned not to pack the items in their bags

As countless Brits start to head off on their summer holidays soon, London Luton Airport issued a warning on social media for when travellers make their way back into Great Britain as some might be unknowingly bringing souvenirs and holiday gifts that are actually ‘illegal’ to have in their luggage.

The alert specifically warned against bringing four types of meat and meat-related products. These are restricted for travellers because of the risk that the products could hold contagious animal diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease which can survive in the meat and bones of deceased animals for long periods of time.

According to the official Government rules, travellers coming back from the EU cannot bring:

• cheese, milk and dairy products like butter and yoghurt
• pork
• beef
• lamb
• mutton
• goat
• venison
• other products made from these meats, for example sausages

When travelling back from the EU, you can bring some fish, poultry or other animal products like eggs or honey if it is for personal use. Powdered milk and special foods required for medical reasons may be allowed but under certain conditions, like being in unopened and branded packaging.

Travellers that break these rules and bring back banned food products can declare it to Border Force officers at customs who will take the items away to be destroyed.

If you don’t declare the banned food products, you could be fined up to £5,000 in England or even potentially be prosecuted according to Government guidance.

Border Force officers are also allowed to take away your products if they believe:

• You’ve brought it into the country illegally
• You have too much of a restricted product
• It’s been cross-contaminated

The guidance adds: “If you’re not sure about any of the products you’re bringing in, speak to a Border Force officer in the ‘red channel’ at customs or on the red point phone.”

If you’re travelling to Great Britain from a country outside of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, or if you are landing in Northern Ireland, different rules apply.

However, you can bring any of the following items into Great Britain without restrictions:

• bread, but not sandwiches filled with meat or dairy products
• cakes without fresh cream
• biscuits
• chocolate and confectionery, but not those made with a lot of unprocessed dairy ingredients
• pasta and noodles, but not if mixed or filled with meat or meat products
• packaged soup, stocks and flavourings
• processed and packaged plant products, such as packaged salads and frozen plant material
• food supplements containing small amounts of an animal product, such as fish oil capsules

A full list of other restricted and banned items stemming from different countries can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Walk with the gods above Amalfi, Italy

If you have a head for heights, then you can “walk with the gods” on the Sentiero degli Dei. It’s cut into the vertiginous hillside high above the Amalfi coast, offering heavenly views all the way to Capri and beyond. Ten breathtaking kilometres later, you’ll rejoin the earthly hordes of Instagrammers in the undeniably beautiful but crowded Positano. A super-convenient combined bus and ferry ticket from Travelmar takes you from any of the coastal towns to the start of the walk, in the lovely hamlet of Bomerano, in Agerola, and from Positano back to your base.
Brian

A stunning hike to Poland’s Eye of the Sea

The Five Lakes hike in the Tatras is the most beautiful in Poland. Starting from the parking lot at Palenica Białczańska, you gain elevation as you head south along a tumbling stream. After two hours, you arrive at the first of five glittering lakes surrounded by an amphitheatre that forms the border with Slovakia. Stop at Dolinie Pięciu Stawów hut to enjoy a hearty żurek (sour rye soup) as you contemplate the lake-pocked landscape. Fortified, climb southeast until, cresting the ridge, Morskie Oko (“Eye of the Sea”), the most storied lake in Poland, comes into view, glittering far below and engulfed by sheer mountain walls, including Poland’s highest peak. At the lakeside hut, you’ll have earned a Żywiec lager. Now, whether to follow the gentle trail back to the car park or push on to Rysy, 1,100m above …
Ryan

Cold dips and butterflies in Georgia

The Svaneti region of Georgia is a hiker’s dream. The Ushguli to Mestia route on the Transcaucasian Trail passes through some of the most dramatic and beautiful mountain landscapes I’ve ever encountered. Ancient stone towers, glacial pools perfect for a cold dip, meadows thick with wildflowers and butterflies, and the occasional wild horse made it feel like a film set. The villages are genuinely welcoming, the food is hearty and the biodiversity stopped me in my tracks. No photograph comes close to capturing it. If you haven’t considered Georgia for hiking, move it to the top of your list immediately.
Aoife

Saunas and reindeer in Swedish Lapland

Over seven days last summer we walked a section of the Kungsleden Trail from Abisko to Nikkaluokta in Swedish Lapland, in the Arctic Circle – and it was a magical experience. It was surprising even to us that we managed to find a holiday that suited a group of four teenagers and two adults. By the end, we all agreed that the lack of internet was a bonus not a bug. The walking was testing enough to be a challenge but also left enough time for card games and enjoying the saunas along the way. The huts we stayed in were great and allowed our packs to be kept light. A highlight was spotting reindeer on the last day.
Paul

Wildflowers and strudel in Austria

The beautiful Wildschönau valley in Austria offers amazing hiking options accessible for the whole family. We hiked between 10 and 15 miles every day exploring this amazing landscape. The meadows of wildflowers were breathtaking. The cable cars in Niederau and Auffac allow you to explore higher routes offering 360-degree panoramas with a little less effort. The signposting of routes was incredible and the free buses allowed us to travel throughout the area easily. The climb to the top of Joelspitze was our highlight, spotting beautiful gentian flowers on the way there, and finishing with an apple strudel as reward at the end.
Barbara

A canyon walk in northern Spain

The Ruta del Cares in Spain’s Picos de Europa is the most incredible hike my daughter and I have ever undertaken. The first 45 minutes from Poncebos take you steeply uphill into the canyon, past abandoned shacks and along spectacular, well-trodden tracks, which plateau out. As a vertigo sufferer myself, I found the track is always just wide enough. The canyon narrows and the path takes you through a series of tunnels before reaching the idyllic hamlet, Caín, and waterfalls where you can dip your feet. You can grab a drink and snacks before returning back to Poncebos.
Joe

Bathing and beauty in Germany’s Black Forest

Hike through the beautiful Black Forest from Kniebis to Baiersbronn (about 7 miles). Take the bus from Freudenstadt to Kniebis, then follow trails via the stunning Ellbachseeblick viewpoint and Sankenbach waterfall before descending into Baiersbronn. After the hike, enjoy an outdoor swim at Baiersbronn’s lido or relax with a meal in town, before taking the train back to Freudenstadt. Public transport is included with the Konus card if staying in Freudenstadt (or other participating Black Forest locations).
George

Family-friendly highs in Switzerland

Last year, my family and I took the cable car up Männlichen, in Switzerland and walked the Panoramaweg at its top. At 3 miles to Kleine Scheidegg, where you can take a train down, this is manageable for little legs and gives glorious views of the Eiger and the Bernese Oberland. Wild and unspoiled it is not, but it boasts the most incredible alpine playground, and if you stop in Wengen on your way up, there is a trail of marble runs that enchanted my children for hours.
Frances

Watching dolphins in the Algarve, Portugal

My most memorable European hike was the coastal path from Ponta da Piedade to Praia da Luz in Portugal’s Algarve. While most visitors crowd the famous beaches, the 7-mile trail threads between honey-coloured cliffs, hidden coves and wildflowers, with Atlantic views almost every step of the way. My tip is to start at sunrise and pack a lightweight breakfast. The early light turns the limestone cliffs gold, the temperature is perfect for walking, and you’ll often have long stretches of path entirely to yourself. We stopped on a clifftop ledge to watch dolphins offshore – a simple moment that made the whole day unforgettable.
Steven

Winning tip: cliffside views of Lake Garda, Italy

The highlight of our recent holiday was the stunning 6-mile walk along the Ponale Path, stretching from Riva at the top of Lake Garda to the Ledro valley. This beautiful cliffside trail takes you through old tunnels carved into the rock and treats you to the most spectacular views of the lake below. Along the route, we encountered lush green fields, picturesque little farmhouses nestled among vineyards and even a cascading waterfall. To top it all off, we enjoyed a refreshing pint and lasagne in the sunny beer garden at Bar sul Ponale before beginning the walk back.
Bev

I was explaining the location of my broken-down car in Angeles National Forest to the tow truck dispatcher when I suddenly found myself shouting.

“Bear!” I yelled.

A black bear ambled across the road and into Red Box Picnic Area. I hollered at the bear, as did another person in the lot.

The bear ignored us both, focused on where it would find its dinner that night: a bear-proof trash can.

In this edition of The Wild, our weekly outdoors newsletter, I will share the three bear encounters I had last week with black bears in Angeles National Forest. They were my first, second and third times to experience bruins in the San Gabriels. The third time, when a bear slapped my backpacking tent, was the most memorable moment. We’ll get to that later.

For anyone feeling rusty on the best course of action when you see a black bear in our local mountains, here’s a quick refresher on the tips I got previously from a conservation biologist.

• 🙅🏃Don’t run. You will look like prey.
• 🗣️ Let bears know you’re there. Say something loudly and calmly — don’t shriek! — like “Hey, bear!” in a deep voice.
• 💪 Make yourself big. Put your hands up and out — don’t shake them around — and try to get the bear’s attention without indicating that you’re scared or that you’re a threat to that bear.
• 👀👀👀 Keep your eye on the bear. But don’t look it in the eye. That can be perceived as threatening or like you’re trying to be dominant.
• 🤔 Observe its behavior and react accordingly. To learn more about this portion of my tips, check out No. 4 on my list.
• 🏔️ Carry bear spray. Bear spray is legal to carry in Angeles National Forest and generally on national forest land unless otherwise posted. It is prohibited in Yosemite National Park and other California national parks.

A black bear wanders along Canyon Road in March 2020 in Arcadia.

(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Anyone who hikes in Angeles National Forest is likely familiar with Red Box Picnic Area. It’s where adventurers park to hike up to Strawberry Peak or other nearby trails, like the Gabrielino Trail, which I wrote about last week. That’s how I found myself briefly stranded in the forest.

I had spent the day hiking past gorgeous wildflowers and splashing around in the Arroyo Seco. I got back to my car around 7:30 p.m., discovered my car’s battery was dead and, after realizing I had cellphone reception, called for help.

As I waited, I chatted with a good Samaritan, an outdoors woman reading a book in her car who decided she’d wait with me until a service technician arrived.

The bear arrived in the lot around 8:30 p.m. As the sun dipped lower into the horizon, we watched the hungry fluffball knock over the brown metal trash can that was specifically designed to keep its species out.

A bear with its head inside a bear-proof trash can.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

After knocking the trash can down, the bear easily shoved its arms inside. Over the next several minutes, it repeatedly shook the can toward its (adorable) face. It was kind of like watching a human shake a potato chip bag toward their mouth to get the very last bits of delicious fried starch.

My new friend and I agreed, in all our travels throughout California, we hadn’t seen anything like this. I contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to ask them: How normal is it for a bear to deftly navigate the mechanisms of a trash can built to resist it?

“It’s pretty uncommon that the bears actually break in,” agency spokesman Cort Klopping said. “When I was talking to our biologist about it yesterday and a couple people in the office, the reactions were all kind of like, ‘Wow.’ Either somebody didn’t secure that thing or that bear was an absolute hulk of a bear to get into a bear-proof or bear-resistant trash can. … I was joking with the biologist that I think I’ve actually had trouble opening those.

“You were witness to what I would refer to as a pretty rare sight,” Klopping added.

I’d known there was a bear in the area when I started my hike earlier that day. At Switzer Picnic Area, I read signs posted around the picnic tables warning visitors, “Active Bear Area: Do not feed bears or leave food unattended.” The flier featured an image of a bear standing on a picnic table, eating through some family’s meal.

A sign posted at the Switzer Picnic Area in Angeles National Forest.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Angeles National Forest spokesperson Keila Vizcarra said in an email that since last August, forest officials have received at least four reports from the public and staff about two bears active in the Switzer area.

Earlier this month, recreation staff spotted two bears at the Switzer Picnic Area eating food left unattended at a picnic table. They notified state wildlife officials.

“The animals may be the same bears seen last year, but it is difficult to confirm because tag numbers are not always visible or provided; in this case, one of the bears did not appear to be tagged,” Vizcarra said.

Forest staff use various hazing methods to discourage bears and other wildlife from eating human food, like making loud noises, securing or repairing trash cans and educating visitors about how to keep their food safe from animals, she said.

“A major contributing factor continues to be unsecured or unattended food, which attracts bears from long distances,” Vizcarra said.

The bear at Red Box finished its trash-inspired tasting menu and then walked past our cars. We both honked, but it was so unfazed, I wondered aloud whether it was deaf. (It wasn’t.)

It then headed south from the parking lot, and we didn’t see it again. I had already planned to write this week’s newsletter about that experience.

Then I went backpacking as a little treat to myself.

On Friday afternoon, my dog, Maggie May, and I headed out from near Pasadena down the Gabrielino Trail with a plan to camp overnight at the Gould Mesa Trail Camp. Despite loving the outdoors, I’d never been backpacking, but after my parents bought me a tent and sleep pad for my birthday in late May, I was itching to go. Gould Mesa is close to a city. It’s next to the Arroyo Seco with water to filter and reachable by a short two-mile mostly flat hike. It felt like the perfect first trip.

About a mile in, a mountain biker warned us of a “big bear, really big bear” at the campground before he sped off. A female hiker told me the bear was average, probably 5 feet on its haunches. Others hadn’t seen it.

I was talking to another mountain biker, who was telling me the bear had been active in the area for about a month, when a man came racing down the trail, shouting about how the bear was aggressive and dangerous. The man said he’d lunged at the bear, trying to protect his food, and proceeded to make several choices that would likely be found on a “What not to do when you encounter a bear” list. Maggie and I continued onward.

We arrived at the campground around 4:30 p.m. and didn’t see anything. I asked a mother and son set up at the site next to mine about the bear, and they pointed to a large coast live oak where a small, young bear laid over a thick branch, its small feet dangling down, right above the trail. One reason hikers hadn’t seen the bear was that they’d walked right under it.

A young bear lies on the branch of a large coast live oak above the Gabrielino Trail near Pasadena.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

The bear had entered the campground from near the river, and without the mother-son duo realizing that the bear was approaching them, it grabbed their food right off their picnic table. The mom told me that she considered trying to pull the food back, but the bear made noises suggesting that it preferred she didn’t. It then left the campground, and presumably after eating the meal that her son told me had “a lot of protein” in it, the bear climbed into the tree and took a nap.

I’d camped in areas with bears before, including in Kings Canyon National Park where bears came into the campground every night. This bear wasn’t being aggressive. Instead, it seemed young and like it was testing out how easy it was to get food from these weird animals — we humans — in its backyard.

I decided to stay, especially after the bear left around 7:30 p.m., and none of us saw it again. The campground was full, and two of us, myself included, had bear spray.

Maggie and I got into the tent around 9 p.m. and soon fell asleep to the sweet serenade of frogs and toads singing their nightly songs.

Then, at 2:39 a.m., I woke up to the sound of something slapping the corner of my tent next to my head.

“What the f—?” I screamed.

I lay there, heart racing, listening.

I had put my tent’s rain fly on, so I couldn’t see outside, but I could hear the bear as it left. A large whoosh-whoosh sound headed away from my tent.

For the next 20 minutes, I listened intently to every single sound the forest made. Then, after checking that my bear spray and satellite communicator were close by, I fell back asleep. In the morning, I found a small cut in my rain fly that the bear’s paw had left. My dad later suggested that I date the hole with a marker.

A small cut left after a bear swiped the rain fly of Wild writer Jaclyn Cosgrove’s backpacking tent.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Maggie and I left around 10:30 a.m. to beat the day’s heat. Once at my car and with strong cellphone reception, I must admit that I opened ChatGPT. I don’t have a bear biologist on speed dial — yet! — and I wanted to talk to someone about why the bear hit my tent.

I explained that there wasn’t any food or toiletries in my tent. I had packed everything inside a bear canister that I then placed inside the bear vault in the campground. The chatbot and I soon agreed: This bear was likely making its rounds for a late-night snack, hoping someone had dropped a marshmallow or hot dog, when it encountered my tent. Maybe my tent was in its way. Maybe it looked weird.

Later, I called Klopping with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife again.

When we’d spoke earlier in the week about the trash-can bear, I’d asked him whether that bruin was at risk of euthanasia.

I told him that Goldie, a mama bear euthanized by the state earlier this year after swiping at and injuring two people, was top of mind for me, along with Victor, a beloved bear in Mammoth who was euthanized in 2024.

Goldie was the first California black bear to be euthanized in 2026, Times staff writer Clara Harter reported. “There were two bears euthanized in 2025, three bears in 2024 and five  bears in 2023, according to Fish and Wildlife,” Harter wrote.

Klopping said the trash-can bear was just out for an easy meal and would be classified as a “no harm, no foul bear,” defined by the agency as “a bear that has strayed into an area where an incident could occur, has not engaged in nuisance activity or caused property damage, and may require assistance to return to nearby suitable habitat.”

He said it was unlikely, based on what I reported, that the bear would be moved since it was already in a forest far from any neighborhood. Instead, the only action would probably be that someone secure the bear-proof trash can so it actually functions properly. (Sorry, bear.)

“As much as I don’t want to say it, this bear is doing bear things,” Klopping said. “This is a natural thing for a bear to do. It’s searching out calories to sustain itself — they’re there, readily available. This bear knows how to get to them.”

When I called Klopping back to talk about the bear (or bears) at the campground, I was more worried. I reported the incident through the agency’s website because I know its biologists use the data for several reasons, including discerning when to implement bear-resistant measures in an area or relocate a bear. But again, I worried about what would happen to the bear or bears.

A black bear peeks its head around the vault toilets in the Red Box Picnic Area in Angeles National Forest.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Klopping had told me it was rare for the agency to euthanize a bear: California Department of Fish and Wildlife received 2,735 calls and reports regarding black bears in 2025, including some duplicates where multiple people were reporting the same incident, compared with the two bear euthanizations that same year.

During our second call, he told me that a biologist would review the report I made and might call me to get additional information, but again, this wasn’t “aggressive” behavior, he said.

When bear yearlings separate from their mothers at around 18 months old — which often happens in June — Klopping said the agency will get reports of these adolescent bears wandering closer to populated areas.

“You would use the term ‘testing boundaries’ — that may have been exactly what happened here,” he said. “Odds are pretty good you probably scared it just as much as it scared you.”

I hope the bears I encountered soon return to foraging for forest delicacies that don’t come in fast-food wrappers.

As interesting as last week was, I really hope the only bears I see the rest of the summer are at the pride festivals I attend. They’re absolutely welcome to go camping with me!

3 things to do

Cyclists ride down an open street at a previous CicLAvia event.

(CicLAvia Los Angeles)

1. Frolic through the streets in South L.A.
CicLAvia will host a free car-free open streets event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through the Leimert and Exposition Park neighborhoods. The 3.6-mile pop-up park includes a short segment of Crenshaw Boulevard and mostly stretches along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from Crenshaw to Figueroa Street. Visitors are welcome to walk, skate, bike, play and explore along the route. For more details, visit ciclavia.org.

2. Celebrate Pride along the river in Long Beach
Friends of the L.A. River will co-host an LGBTQ Pride nature walk from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday through the Dominguez Gap Wetlands with the California Native Plant Society South Coast Chapter. Plant enthusiast Tory Jaimez will guide the walk, teaching participants about local ecology. Register at support.folar.org.

3. Listen to the birds in Huntington Beach
We Explore Earth, a local outdoors community group, will co-host with Save Orange Hills and Friends of Shipley Nature Center a peaceful bird walk from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach. Guides will help participants learn about local bird species and ecosystems. Register at eventbrite.com.

The must-read

Perched atop a tall pine tree, resident bald eagles Jackie, left, and Shadow protect their latest offspring in their 5-foot-wide nest. The nest is viewable via a live feed from the nest cam.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit behind a popular eagle nest camera, is rushing to raise $10 million by July 31 to buy land that could become a lakeside gated community, leading to the destruction of crucial habitat that celebrity birds Jackie and Shadow use for foraging, along with other wildlife who call it home. Times staff writer Lila Seidman wrote that if the nonprofit can raise the money, then the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust would conserve the roughly 63 acres and might transfer it to the U.S. Forest Service (a common practice of land conservancies). That’s if they meet the July deadline. “Failure is not an option,” said Jenny Voisard, media and website manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley. “We’re not going to let them build on it.”

Happy adventuring,

P.S.

After Goldie the bear was euthanized, lawmakers listened to the public’s demand for a more transparent process of when the California Department of Fish and Wildlife plans to kill a bear that the agency has deemed a threat to public safety. That includes Senate Bill 1135 by state Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas) that would “create the Wildlife Coexistence Program, which would provide public education, offer technical assistance and maintain a statewide incident reporting system. It would help communities deploy nonlethal devices to deter predators, like barriers or noise and light machines,” former Times staff writer Katie King wrote. The bill is set to have a hearing before the state Assembly’s Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife on Tuesday at the state Capitol. Although the deadline to submit a letter to the committee has passed, residents can still attend the hearing, where they’re allowed to give their name, organization (if with one) and their position on the bill. You can still also contact your Assembly member or the committee.

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.

A haven for the rich and famous, the Cotswolds reportedly welcomes more than 35 million visitors each year, but one writer suggests it’s on something of a “downturn”

A plush hotel group has passed over the picturesque Cotswolds for its newest venture, instead setting its sights on a county renowned for its “chocolate box” villages. Nobu Hotels, co-founded by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro, boasts properties in some of the world’s most chic destinations, including Malibu, Ibiza, Las Vegas and Dubai.

Casting its eye across the UK for a potential location, there is no shortage of contenders — perhaps the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands — though many would argue the Cotswolds would be the most obvious fit.

A haven for the rich and famous, including Simon Cowell, Michael McIntyre and Jeremy Clarkson (whose Diddly Squat Farm sits near Chipping Norton), the Cotswolds reportedly attracts more than 35 million visitors each year.

Yet it appears Nobu has opted for somewhere even more exclusive: Britain’s smallest county, Rutland in the East Midlands. Indeed, one writer suggests the Cotswolds are experiencing something of a “downturn”.

The Mail’s Claudia Connell writes: “The East Midlands may seem an unlikely venue for such a venture, but for those watching the quiet rise of Rutland it makes perfect sense.”

“While other places — most notably the Cotswolds — are experiencing a downturn, Rutland and surrounding areas are riding high thanks to a combination of beautiful countryside, historic towns, chocolate box villages and excellent schools.”

Nobu Woolfox will be situated near the town of Stamford on 185 acres and will include a hotel, restaurants, gym, spa and private residences, combining what its website describes as luxury hospitality, dining and “refined living with a slower, more restorative pace”.

Nobu Hospitality CEO Trevor Horwell said: “This is a truly special location in the heart of England. For the first time within our portfolio, we have the opportunity to create a countryside retreat experience in a setting defined by nature, tranquillity and a sense of escape.”

To understand why the Cotswolds was off the menu for the plush hotel group, Claudia pointed to Rutland’s comparative lack of celebrities.

It was also noted that the county offers all the joys of the English countryside while remaining within reach of the capital (around 2 hours and 32 minutes by car).

House prices in the Cotswolds are said to have fallen by 12 per cent, with reported complaints of overcrowding, escalating prices and claims of being “Disney-fied”. Locals have also reportedly pointed to an influx of “trendy” coffee shops.

Adding to the apparent dissatisfaction is the rise of so-called “TikTok tourists” — influencers who visit the area largely to film content and take selfies for social media.

Meanwhile, Rutland is viewed as a quieter alternative, with the county’s schools proving to be a key pull factor.

A WHOLE load of UK holiday parks will be cheaper this summer thanks to the new Government initiative.

From today until September 1, there will be the Great British Summer Savings tax cut across UK attractions.

In addition to days out and meals, holiday parks will also be cheaper this summer.

The scheme means there will be between a five and 20 per cent tax cut on days out across the UK .

All 39 Haven holiday parks will be participating in the scheme, as well as three Butlin’s resorts.

For Haven, it doesn’t matter whether you have already booked a holiday or book it in the coming weeks – you will still make savings.

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Across the parks, kids’ meals will be cheaper and those who purchase a Play Pass as a part of their booking will also get a £7.50 voucher per child which can be use for any of the activities at Haven’s parks.

Simon Palethorpe, CEO of Haven, said: “Summer is a time for making memories, and that’s why we’re giving back up to £5 million to our guests and owners as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative.

“We know household budgets remain under pressure, and we want to help our holidaymakers enjoy more of what matters – whether that’s a hole-in-one on the Crazy Golf, a leap of faith off The Jump tower or another shot to hit the bullseye in the Archery.”

In the summer holidays you could head to Haggerston Castle between August 24 and 28 for £435, working out at £27.19 per person per night, based on a family of four.

The holiday park is located near Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland and is on a historic estate.

At the park you can head to a large indoor swimming pool with its own waterslide, or outside try out Aerial Adventure.

There’s also a Wetherspoons onsite for cheap tipples.

If you want to head away sooner than this, you could visit Haven Caister-on-Sea Holiday Park, which is Britain’s oldest holiday park.

Not too far from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, the holiday park has direct access to the beach.

You can also head to the family activity hub onsite with off-road 4×4 mini karts.

There’s also both indoor and outdoor pools.

A four-night stay between July 6 and 10 costs from £169 – which equals just £10.57 per person, based on a family of four.

Butlin’s Minehead, Skegness and Bognor Regis will also participate in the scheme.

A Butlin’s spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to support the Great British Summer Savings initiative by passing on the temporary VAT reduction where eligible.

“Families visiting our resorts will enjoy savings on Day Visits and children’s meals across a range of our dining venues during the campaign period.”

Away Resorts has also confirmed to Sun Travel that it will be participating in the scheme – all children’s food at Away Resorts will be reduced, even including kids eat for £1 for now less than £1.

The resorts are also discounting show tickets.

Away Resorts still has lots of availability for the coming weeks as well as the summer holidays.

For example, you could stay at Tattershall Lakes in the Lincolnshire countryside.

The holiday park has both indoor and outdoor pools and is a great place to cool down in the head as you can head paddleboarding or jet skiing.

There’s also adventure golf, a high ropes course, zip-lining and even axe throwing.

A three-night stay between July 3 and 6 costs from £291 – which works out at £24.25 per person per night, based on a family of four.

Alternatively, if you wanted a holiday park break during the school summer holidays, you could head to Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire.

The holiday park is surrounded by forest and rolling hills and even has hot tubs.

As for things to do at the site, you can hire bikes and head off on a cycle.

And nearby, you could try out a round of golf at Worksop Golf Club & Clumber Park Lodges.

A three-night stay between August 13 and 16 costs from £420 – which works out at £35 per person per night, based on a family of four.

Center Parcs told Sun Travel: “While we welcome measures to support the hospitality and leisure sector, the majority of the VAT reductions announced are targeted at day attractions and therefore don’t apply to us here at Center Parcs.

“However, throughout the summer we have introduced our ‘Kids eat for £2’ promotion across our village restaurants during the summer holidays, which provides an even greater saving for guests.”

Over the period, Park Holidays are reducing their kids’ menus cost from £7.95 to £7.45.

Parkdean Resorts declined to comment.

Families will also be able to save money on children’s meals, cinema tickets, theatre shows, soft play centres, theme parks, museums and zoos.

There will also be free bus travel for children in England across August.

Sun Travel has contacted Park Holidays UK and Bluestone National Park Resort to see if they are participating.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

A LONDON museum filled with vintage tube carriages, trains and buses is getting a multi-million makeover.

The London Transport Museum opened almost 50 years ago and will be getting an extensive facelift and will be getting additional exhibition space too.

Designs have been revealed for the Covent Garden attraction showing off its new and colourful entranceway.

It will also get an extra 500 square metres of space for galleries, and there will be environmental upgrades too.

The attraction that’s found inside a Victorian flower market will remain open throughout the works, so visitors won’t miss out.

Inside is a huge collection of historic vehicles, including buses, trains, and early tube carriages.

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There are also exhibits on the 200 year history of London’s public transport, like original maps and posters.

The London Transport Museum also organises trips for the public down to the abandoned stations of Aldwych and Down Street.

The attraction is next to Covent Garden market and last year welcomed 450,000 visitors.

The entire project is predicted to cost £26million and is set to be complete before 2030.

Elizabeth McKay, LTM’s director and CEO told the Museum Association: “The capital project is £26m, but the good news is we are more than halfway there.”

Funders for the £26m project include Transport for London (TfL) and Arts Council England.

London Transport Museum Friends charity, is donating £300,000 between now and 2030 to support the redevelopment.

TfL commissioner Andy Lord said: “For more than 200 years, London’s public transport has shaped the capital and improved people’s lives in so many ways, from the world’s first underground railway to the iconic red bus, Oyster card and the Elizabeth line.

“I’m thrilled to support the new plans that showcase our transport heritage and the future of transport in the heart of Covent Garden.”

Visitors need an Annual Pass and a timed entry ticket to visit London Transport Museum in Covent Garden – these start from £22.50.

Data experts have analysed UK airport punctuality figures for the first half of 2025, ranking airports by the lowest number of flights recorded as on time

Plenty of us will be filling up our suitcases this summer ahead of a well-deserved holiday. Whether you’re a spontaneous booker or someone who organises trips months in advance, there’s always a thrill about heading to an airport.

Yet, not every journey runs as seamlessly as we’d hope. Data specialists at SEO Backlinks examined UK airport punctuality statistics for the first six months of 2025 and ranked airports according to the lowest proportion of flights departing on schedule.

The results serve as a useful reminder to factor in potential disruption when preparing to leave home.

Daniel Weston, spokesperson for SEO Backlinks, said: “Flight time and ticket price are usually the first things people compare, but punctuality can make a huge difference to the start of a holiday.

“If you are booking a tight connection, travelling with children or paying for airport parking by the hour, a lower on-time score can quickly become expensive and stressful.

“Passengers should check the latest airport and airline status before leaving home, keep screenshots of disruption notices, and know when they may be entitled to support or compensation if a delay is within the airline’s control.”

So which UK airport suffers the worst delays?

Manchester Airport is where British travellers are most likely to experience a departure that doesn’t stick to the timetable.

The airport ranked bottom of the table, with merely 71.5% of flights departing on time. That indicates 28.5%, or roughly one in four passengers, failed to leave within the punctuality standard.

Birmingham International came in as the second worst performer, with Stansted and Bournemouth joint third, both recording just 73.5% of flights departing on schedule.

While London airports didn’t monopolise the bottom 10, both Stansted and Gatwick featured in the rankings, highlighting that the problem isn’t confined to regional airports alone.

The top 10 UK airports most likely to delay your holiday are:

• Manchester, 71.5% of flights on time, 28.5% not recorded as on time
• Birmingham International, 72.5% of flights on time, 27.5% not recorded as on time
• Stansted, 73.5% of flights on time, 26.5% not recorded as on time
• Bournemouth, 73.5% of flights on time, 26.5% not recorded as on time
• Bristol, 74.5% of flights on time, 25.5% not recorded as on time
• Teesside, 75% of flights on time, 25% not recorded as on time
• Newcastle, 75.5% of flights on time, 24.5% not recorded as on time
• Gatwick, 75.5% of flights on time, 24.5% not recorded as on time
• Jersey, 75.5% of flights on time, 24.5% not recorded as on time
• Exeter, 76% of flights on time, 24% not recorded as on time

A Manchester Airport spokesperson told the Express: “This analysis of the Civil Aviation Authority’s data is misleading as it ignores important context – context which is directly referenced by the CAA in the notes accompanying the research and in the research itself. Punctuality is affected by factors that are outside of an airport’s control.

The two most significant factors contributing to delays in the last year have been industrial action affecting air traffic control in Europe, and the weather. These were exacerbated by airspace restrictions above conflict zones meaning airports with significant long-haul networks, like Manchester, were more significantly affected than others.

“As an industry we are working collectively to achieve the best possible on-time departure rates, while protecting flight schedules and avoiding the need for cancellations.”

Millions of Brits are planning to go to Spain this summer

As the summer peak draws near, Brits travelling to Spain are facing a frustrating double blow.

Not only are there long border queues caused by the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), but data has uncovered a huge a dramatic surge in flight delays. New research from AirAdvisor shows that Spanish routes are currently the worst affected for UK travellers, with two popular holiday destinations experiencing a sharp decline in reliability compared to last year. Overall delay rates have more than doubled at Palma in Mallorca, leaping from 3.66% to 7.60%.

Meanwhile, at Alicante Elche airport, delays have nearly tripled, rocketing from 4.39% to 11.73%. This means approximately one in nine departures is running at least an hour late, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

For passengers stuck in the Alicante backlog, the average wait for an already-delayed flight stands at a punishing 124 minutes. This frequently pushes arrival times beyond the crucial three-hour threshold, automatically entitling passengers to claim UK261 compensation.

The travel disruption comes amid a sharp rise in short-haul cancellations across 18 European airports, predominantly affecting budget routes under pressure from climbing oil prices. However, airlines attempting to use market volatility as an excuse to avoid compensation payouts have just been firmly shut down.

The European Commission has made clear that fluctuations in fuel prices are a standard commercial risk, rather than an “extraordinary circumstance.” Should an airline cancel or delay a flight purely because operating costs have become too high, they remain fully liable for passenger compensation.

OFF THE coast of Northumberland is a “pint-sized island” where you’re more likely to spot a cute seal than a local.

Holy Island, also called Lindisfarne, is often overlooked as a holiday destination.

However, we spoke to tour guide Patrick Norris who has visited hundreds of times, and raved about the nature of the island.

In fact there’s so much wildlife that it has even 6,000 seals to its 150 permanent residents.

Patrick, who hosts guided tours across the Pilgrim’s Walk to the island, told us: “The Atlantic grey seals haul out on the sandbars during the summer and sit and shout – they can be really noisy.

“Bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen too, and there’s the occasional minke whale that passes through the harbour.

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“Porpoises are regular visitors to the offshore areas around Holy Island too.

“For birds, the Farne Islands are the best place to visit as they are home to around 200,000 summer seabirds.

“The puffins and pretty much all the seabirds nesting on the Farnes are only there really from mid-April to mid-August.”

You can see the Farne Islands from Holy Island, and the best way to see them is on a boat trip from Seahouses Harbour.

Northumberland is also known for its beautiful coastline and has some of the best beaches in the country, like Bamburgh, and Patrick tells us that Holy Island is no exception.

He said: “The white sandy beaches are well hidden on the eastern and northern shoreline.”

Patrick added: “To get to them you’ve got to go beyond the castle, walk to Emmanuel Head and head down.

“They’re small, hidden beaches and not many people go to them either so they’re usually quiet.”

While it was once a religious place, hence the name, Holy Island has recently become all the more popular – along with its huge castle, it has pubs, cafes and even a distillery.

Patrick told us: “I’m a regular at all of them, there are three pubs, The Ship Inn, The Manor House and The Crown and Anchor – all are lovely.

“There are three cafes, Chare Ends, 1st Class Food which is also a post office, and then there’s one of my favourites, Pilgrims Coffee.

“I love it there because they roast their own coffee in the garden and serve it in the cafe, the food and atmosphere there are great too.

“There’s a new one that’s just opened as well called Causeway Cafe, it’s inside the former Coastguard station – I’m yet to visit it.

“There’s a distillery too, and winery where you can buy locally made mead.”

Holy Island is tidal and so is only accessible at certain times of the day, so Patrick advise visitors to take precautions when visiting.

He said: “I’d seriously consider going with a guide for those who want to walk Pilgrim’s Way.

“It’s a path across the bay, which dates back 1,400 years or so and is marked by a line of poles.

“But if you have a young family and a car full stuff then you can just drive over – there is a car park on the island.”

“As it’s a tidal island you must look at the safe crossing times before you go – one of my bugbears is there people talk about tide times but these vary.

“Visitors have to follow the safe crossing times.”

You can check the safe crossing times here.

Both the path and causeway will flood with water twice a day – cars have even been stranded in the water, but Patrick assures us that this is very rare.

He added “the hardest conversation will be with your insurance company.”

When it comes to the best time to visit, Patrick says you’ll see all sorts year-round.

He told us: “In the summertime the pubs, cafes and shops are full. Just be prepared in July and August for it to be busy – it won’t be a peaceful retreat.

“But between September and October it is, it’s fantastic.

“You can see the sites in four hours, see the old buildings, head to the castle, grab a good coffee, and the wildlife is amazing. Right now the meadows are overflowing with wildflowers.

“Don’t miss Emmanuel Head either, it’s a huge white pyramid which is a daymark and the first on the English coast.

“There’s a nice walk out to it, and you might even spot dolphins along the way.”

EasyJet has announced 13 new routes, including new city breaks for UK tourists

EasyJet has today revealed 13 brand-new UK routes set to launch this winter. Among them are flights and package holidays to a never-before-served destination in Germany.

This festive season, EasyJet will launch flights and packages to Nuremberg. Services will be departing from Manchester from 2 November on Mondays and Fridays, London Gatwick from 19 November on Thursdays and Sundays and London Luton from 23 November on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Nuremberg is home to one of Europe’s oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets. The iconic Christkindlesmarkt, which dates back to the 16th century, draws visitors from across the globe to soak up the festive atmosphere of one of Germany’s most beloved seasonal destinations.

EasyJet will also be expanding its offering from its London airports, with fresh routes launching to Morocco, France and Egypt. Flights from London Luton to Rabat get under way on 5 November, followed by London Southend to Lyon from 3 December, running on Thursdays and Sundays.

Completing the new additions, flights from London Southend to Sharm El Sheikh will kick off on 4 January, departing on Mondays and Fridays. The airline is also expanding its connections to Hungary, with fresh flights and package holidays to Budapest taking off from three UK airports.

Services from Bristol and Belfast International will commence on 17 November, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while flights from Liverpool will get under way on 19 November, running twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays – perfect for a festive weekend getaway.

In Scotland, a brand new service from Edinburgh to Tromsø in Norway will launch on 30 November, operating twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays and providing passengers with the only direct route to the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’. Meanwhile, in time for the festive period, flights from Glasgow to Krakow in Poland will commence on 13 November, with departures twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

EasyJet will enhance its Manchester network with a fresh service to Vienna in Austria, launching on 19 November with departures up to twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. Additionally, EasyJet is introducing its first international route from the Isle of Man, with a new weekly service to Geneva starting on 19 December, operating on Saturdays. The route will offer the only direct link between the Isle of Man and Switzerland.

The new routes take the airline’s total number of winter services introduced over the past fortnight to 26. Last week’s announcement featured a new direct service from Manchester to Sphinx Airport, alongside the carrier’s first ever international route from Cornwall Airport Newquay to Geneva. The airline says that package holidays can be booked through EasyJet holidays on all new routes with the exception of Luton to Rabat. All packages include flights and hotel, plus 23kg luggage and transfers on beach destinations such as Sharm El Sheikh, they say.

Holidaymakers can reserve their winter getaway with a deposit of £60 per person and until 1 July 2026, can save money on new bookings using the code FOOTBALL26.

Kevin Doyle, EasyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be announcing a further 13 new routes this winter, bringing the number of new routes on sale over the past two weeks to a total of 26. A real statement of our commitment to giving customers across the UK more choice from their local airport.. From winter sun escapes to magical Christmas market breaks, there’s never been a better time to book a flight or package holiday with EasyJet. We look forward to welcoming even more customers on board for their winter holidays.”

EasyJet and EasyJet Holidays say they have introduced their Book with Confidence Promise to reassure customers on their travel plans. The airline says that the pledge guarantees that flight and package prices will not increase in price once booked and confirms that EasyJet intends to operate a full schedule across its network, despite competitors cutting routes, as EasyJet prepares to fly over 50 million passengers this summer.

Full list of new EasyJet routes and dates

• London Gatwick to Nuremberg – 19 November
• London Luton to Nuremberg – 23 November
• London Luton to Rabat – 5 November
• London Southend to Lyon – 3 December
• London Southend to Sharm El Sheikh – 4 January
• Bristol to Budapest – 17 November
• Liverpool to Budapest – 19 November
• Manchester to Nuremberg – 2 November
• Manchester to Vienna – 19 November
• Edinburgh to Tromso – 30 November
• Glasgow to Krakow – 13 November
• Belfast to Budapest – 17 November
• Isle of Man to Geneva – 19 December

The prettiest village in the UK draws visitors from around the world with its stunning stone cottages and river bridge

The Cotswolds stand as one of England’s most celebrated regions, spanning multiple counties across the south-west. I’m absolutely smitten with the Cotswolds and have explored every village, returning to some while others remain a one-time visit.

The area is renowned for its undulating countryside, independent retailers and charming villages. A substantial portion has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, drawing tourists from across the globe.

Amongst its idyllic villages sits Castle Combe. It’s consistently labelled and routinely crowned as the prettiest village in the UK.

This accolade stems from its narrow streets, stone bridge spanning the River Bybrook, and rows of classic Cotswold cottages.

I chose to visit Castle Combe during a trip to the region, anticipating a tranquil, serene experience, typical of much of the Cotswolds.

Upon arrival, I found myself parking a considerable distance away, which turned out to be essential considering how restricted and strictly managed parking is in and around the village.

When I finally reached the village, my initial reaction genuinely lived up to its standing. The settlement was unquestionably breathtaking.

The stone structures, the waterway and the tight lanes resembled something plucked from a film set.

However, the visit wasn’t particularly pleasant. It was extremely crowded, considerably more than I’d anticipated.

Tour parties, photography enthusiasts and day visitors were literally everywhere, all attempting to capture identical shots and vistas.

Naturally, I was engaged in exactly what everyone else was doing, but I simply hadn’t bargained on it being quite so heaving. Given how compact Castle Combe is, even a modest crowd can leave it feeling somewhat swamped.

Fortunately, returning early the next morning made a world of difference.

With significantly fewer visitors around, I was able to truly soak it all in and snap some stunning photographs of the village.

The stark contrast between the village’s tranquil charm and the hordes of tourists all jostling for the perfect picture was quite something to witness.

There isn’t an enormous amount to keep you busy there, and it’s very much a place to admire, stroll through and appreciate for its sheer beauty. Once you’ve wandered down the main street, crossed the bridge and taken in the scenery, you’ve essentially seen the best of what it has to offer.

Castle Combe is utterly breathtaking — arguably as close to a quintessential English village as you’re ever likely to find — and that’s precisely what draws visitors from far and wide.

A HUGE UK holiday park is planning for a major new attraction with several other exciting new openings this summer too.

Unity Beach Holiday Park in Brean, Somerset is set to open a 1,100-seat theatre that will be ‘seaside pier-themed’.

The new attraction would be a theatre showbar with 740 seats on the lower level and then a further 360 seats on a first floor balcony level.

The venue would only be open to staying guests with passes and be open until 11pm Sunday through Thursday and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Outside the pier-style theatre, there will be a terrace with a children’s play area too.

The park’s current bowling and arcade attraction – RJ’s – would be demolished and a new modern building would open with bowling, arcades and food spots inside, as well as a gift shop.

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And there will be an entertainment centre in one of the existing buildings.

The council is set to make a decision on the holiday park’s application on July 9.

It comes as the holiday park is set to open a new outdoor lido with cabanas and a dining area in July.

The lido is part of a £10million project at the park, that also includes refurbishing the indoor pool with an updated soft play area, cafe and gym.

The toddler pool is also being transformed into a Splash Pad.

Later phases of the project include opening an outdoor activity centre with axe throwing and archery as well as a trampoline park, landscaped gardens and a dog agility park – which are all expected to open this summer.

Unity Beach Holiday Park is just steps away from Brean Beach – which stretches on for seven miles.

The holiday park is home to around 1,600 caravans and when there guests can enjoy the water attractions which include flumes.

Next to the park, visitors can head to the UK’s biggest free-entry theme park – Brean Theme Park – which is home to more than 40 fairground rides and rollercoasters.

The plane is being specially modified so it can fly the impressive route

A new flight is set to become the longest non-stop journey in the world from next year. The title of the longest nonstop flight is currently held by Singapore Airlines and takes 19 hours to travel from Singapore to New York.

However, it won’t hold the record for long, as Qantas is set to launch a new non-stop route in 2027. It is planning a nonstop flight from Sydney, Australia, to London.

Thanks to a 20,000-litre fuel tank, the plane wouldn’t need to stop to refuel. It will travel 10,573 miles and has been labelled “the final frontier of long-haul travel” by Qantas.

Travel expert Simon Calder has revealed more details of the flight after visiting the home of Airbus, which is making the plane.

He said of the plane: “This is a specially modified Airbus A350 Twin Jet that is being built for Qantas so they can, in October 2027, fly you nonstop from London Heathrow 10, 573 miles to Sydney.

“It is going to take a long time, over 20 hours in the air. But, achieving something no airline has done before.”

Typically, passengers flying to Australia have a stopover in the Middle East, yet there is demand for a long-haul direct flight.

Simon said Qantas believes there is a “premium customer base” that is prepared to pay a 20% surcharge on the one-stop flight to get to Sydney directly.

He added: “On top of that, there’s lots of passengers that do not want the faff of changing planes in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai or Abu Dhabi along the way. They just want to get there, and Qantas believes they will be able to sell those seats.”

Simon explained on his Travel Expert podcast that he asked Qantas if the rise in fuel prices would affect the flight.

But the airline says it has seen increased demand for direct flights to Australia, so it doesn’t need to stop in the Middle East along the way.

Due to the flight’s length, Qantas is making changes to the plane to make it more comfortable for passengers.

There will be a reduced passenger count to 238, which Simon said is almost 100 fewer than British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have on identical flights.

The first record-breaking flight almost took a different route, as it was scheduled to depart from New York rather than London. New York will get its own direct flight, and the route will take slightly less time to fly.

A LOW-COST airline with cheap long-haul flights is returning to the UK after more than a decade.

AirAsia X, a Malaysian airline, used to operate budget long-haul flights from Kuala Lumpur to London but the service stopped in 2012.

However, the airline has confirmed it will relaunch flights from London Gatwick to Kuala Lumpur via Bahrain.

Flights will be on an Airbus A330-300, which with AirAsia X holds between 285 and 377 passengers.

The stopover in Bahrain helps to keep costs low, as does flying from London Gatwick as opposed to London Heathrow.

Travelling from Kuala Lumpur, flights will leave late at night before stopping in Bahrain for two hours and then arriving into London Gatwick at around 7:30am the next morning.

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The route was due to launch tomorrow, however that date has been postponed by two months due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Flights will now launch on August 27, operating four times a week until November 2, where flights will then take place daily, according to Air Traveler Club.

The airline has also confirmed that tickets will be getting cheaper as fuel costs ease.

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive, London Gatwick previously said: “The arrival of AirAsia X and flights to Kuala Lumpur is fantastic news for London Gatwick passengers.

“The new daily service will provide excellent opportunities to visit the city or onward connectivity across the region – ideal for holidaymakers, businesses and the many British‑Malaysian families who will now have even better options for visiting friends and relatives.”

Bo Lingam, Group Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia X added: “Our return to London marks a significant milestone for AirAsia X and we’re excited to commence our operations at London Gatwick this June.”

BIG news for families who travel on Ryanair flights.

The airline has announced that it has changed its policy so that families can sit together free of charge.

In a statement made today, Ryanair said that there will be free parent and child seats available together in the rear of its planes for families.

For adults travelling with children who choose this new seating option, they will be told of their seat allocation after they have checked in for their flight.

This is the case with most other airlines in Europe.

Families who opt for this are likely to be seated towards the back of the plane.

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It’s still an option for families to choose their seats in advance, but this does require a seat reservation fee.

Previously, Ryanair’s Ts&Cs required at least one parent to sit with their children aged 2-11 when they fly.

This was done through what Ryanair calls a “mandatory family seat”, which the parent must pay for in order to secure a seat next to them for their child.

For all other passengers, reserving a seat is optional.

This fee applies to both outbound and return flights and typically costs around £8 each way.

Ryanair’s website refers to “Free reserved seats for kids under 12”, but the parents and guardians had to pay a booking fee to access these seats.

Typically, other airlines offer to seat children with a parent or guardian without the need for a paid-for adult seat reservation, or allocate seats together automatically during booking for free.

The new policy comes in on new bookings made from today.

The airline is facing investigation by the CMA to determine whether the practice is “in line with consumer law”.

On the policy change, a CMA spokesperson said: “Ryanair claims its seating policy now complies with the law, and we’ll test that thoroughly. If true, it’s a win for families – who will no longer have to pay to sit with their children – and it shows the impact our new powers are having.

“But it doesn’t change the fact families have been paying for ‘mandatory family seats’. Our investigation remains ongoing.”

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary commented on the changes…

Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary, said: “Turning a blind eye to the high fares charged by airlines on routes with no Ryanair competition, the CMA has now targeted our family seating policy which has been universally embraced by consumers as the most progressive and transparent in Europe.

“Instead of promoting competitiveness and lower fares for consumers, the CMA is on a mission to force Ryanair to adopt the less transparent and less consumer-friendly family seating policy applied by most other airlines – just because it’s the industry standard.”

He said that the airline will “reluctantly adjust” to the industry standard.

Michael explained that “families may have to wait until after they have checked in to find out their seat allocation”.

And that these seats are likely to be at the “rear of the cabin”