travel

Brits travelling abroad are being urged to plan ahead and allow plenty of time.

Holidaymakers have been warned about a new charge coming into force this week. The government is introducing new fees for passport applications on April 8, pushing the cost of online applications beyond £100 for the very first time for adults.

This follows a previous price rise for passport applications earlier in 2025. The latest hike stands at 8%, with a statement on the government website confirming the new fees will help the Home Office move further towards a system that covers its own costs through users rather than relying on general taxation funding.

Under the new proposals, adult online applications will climb from £94.50 to £102, while child applications will go up from £61.50 to £66.50. Postal applications will also see increases, reaching £115.50 for adults and £80 for children.

Premium one-day applications from within the UK will set you back £239.50, up from £222, and standard online applications made from abroad will rise to £116.50 for adults and £75.50 for children. Overseas paper applications will increase to £130 for adults and £89 for children.

Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, says the rise is particularly significant for Brits applying from overseas, where charges are already higher, reports the Express.

He said: “For expats, long-term travellers or those in the process of relocating, these additional costs can quickly add up, especially if passports are needed for visas, work permits or international moves. Getting your application in before the deadline can help avoid unnecessary extra spend.”

With busy travel periods such as summer on the horizon, demand for passport applications is expected to surge. Delaying too long could mean not only paying more, but also facing hold-ups.

Mike added: “If you know your passport needs renewing, acting now is the safest option, putting you ahead of both the upcoming price increase and the seasonal rush.

“While renewals typically take up to three weeks when completed correctly, any errors can cause delays, so it’s important to check all documents carefully before submitting. Early applications are a simple step that could save both time and money.”

How long does it take to get a new passport?

According to the Home Office, the majority of standard applications from the UK were processed within that three-week timeframe.

However, it can take longer if additional information is required or you need to attend an interview. A sensible approach is to always apply for a passport renewal with as much advance notice before travelling as possible.

For first-time applicants, or those applying on behalf of a child, the process may take a little longer. The government also strongly advises against booking any travel until the new passport has been received, as the number will differ from the previous one.

The island town is known for its vibrant town centre, long history and stunning waterside setting nestled between the two sides of a glistening freshwater lake

“It’s a heavenly place to live,” says Barry Flanagan as we bob along on the sparkling water.

Barry is a water taxi tour guide in Enskillen, where he spends his days enthusing about the town. He combines his unique talent for talking, honed during ten years on local radio, with boating skills learned on the waterways of his hometown.

“Enniskillen is Ireland’s only island town. It is completely surrounded by water. We’re so lucky we live here,” he adds in a borderlands brogue.

If you’re from the centre of Ireland, then you’ll have heard of the town of 14,000. Enniskillen is known for its vibrant town centre, long history and stunning waterside setting nestled between Upper and Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh.

Yet despite all these winning features, Enniskillen is little enough known that it was recently voted Ireland’s most underrated town.

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OPINION

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And, as I discovered, underrated it certainly is.

The first place to start when discovering its delights is on the water. Lough Erne is the third largest freshwater lake in the UK and stretches across the south-western border. There is a brightness and cleanliness about the place. Flooded drumlin landscape stretches away from the loch past reedswamps, islets, and devilish-looking cormorants drying their wings in the sunshine.

With the water taxis chugging by, it’s easy to mistake its waterways for rural Netherlands or the Croatian delta of Vid. At least, in the brief moments when sleet showers are replaced by sunshine.

It’s also got a lot of history.

A short boat ride out of town takes you to Devenish Island. “There are 254 islands on Lough Erne, and Devenish Island is the jewel. It is a 6th-century monastic sight,” Barry explains.

Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries cleared Devenish of its once bustling 1,000-person population, but the remains of the buildings have stayed, including a perfectly preserved tower.

Rising up on a nearby hill is the imposing Enneskillen Royal Grammar School, where Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett were pupils at a similar time as two truanting young lads who managed to blow up the nearby 1613 Portora Castle using explosive skills honed in the chemistry lab.

Made of sturdier stuff is the 600-year-old Enskillen Castle. Guarding one of the few passes into Ulster, it has remained strategically important since the charmingly named Hugh the Hospitable swung open its drawbridge.

The British took it over in the 17th century, turning it into a plantation stronghold for English and Scottish settler ‘undertakers’ tasked with controlling confiscated Gaelic land.

Despite such dicey moves, it remains remarkably intact today and serves as an enjoyable low-key museum.

“Fermanagh is a small county, but it packs a huge punch,” Barry enthuses as our tour comes to a close with a quick sail past Erne Water Taxi’s newest vessel, a completely solar-powered party boat.

“Would you believe in Fermanagh we have 14 plantation castles, three National Trust properties, a geopark that runs across the border, the Stairway to Heaven, and the Marble Arch Caves. It’s a heavenly place to live and we’re so lucky we live here.”

Any local who has spent an evening in Blakes of the Hollow will certainly agree. The Victorian pub is one of the most famous in Ireland and was packed to the rafters when I visited. The vibe inside is excellent and oiled by £5 pints of Guinness and live music on the weekends.

Wander several flights down from the pub, and you’ll get to 28 at the Hollow, an award-winning restaurant run by husband and wife team, Glen Wheeler and Zara McHugh. The food and service is as exceptional as I had expected, given no fewer than three people at my hotel had suggested I check it out.

The hotel in question is the Lough Erne Resort, a curious place that’s part 5* hotel, part timeshare estate made up of crenelated mansions that run along the lakefront. OAP bellboys greet you at the door as you walk into the grand foyer, where wood fires crackle in the grates. The rooms are enormous and comfortable, designed as they are for golfers to relax after a hard day’s thwacking on the 36-hole course.

Once you’re up and at them the next day, a coffee and a croissant at FOLK will fuel you up enough for a proper rummage at Lougherne Vintage.

Sitting in the quaint Butter Market part of town, the shop is packed full of goodies plundered by Katie Murphy and her husband from bootfairs across Europe. Unlike most vintage shop proprietors, Katie does not get her goods from eBay and Vintage, instead putting in the hard yards early on Sunday mornings. The result is a shop brimming with genuine treasures, including a Vivienne Westwood dress for a very reasonable price.

Like Enniskillen as a whole, drop by and you’re sure to unearth a hidden gem or two.

Book it

Rooms at Lough Erne Resort cost from £131.

Inneskillen is a two-hour bus ride from Belfast, costing £36.

OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in popular holiday spots and off-the-beaten-track destinations.

This week we’re taking a look at Ocho Rios, a serene resort town on Jamaica’s north coast that’s home to gushing waterfalls and turquoise waters.

According to Jamaica Tourism, its a “true gem in the heart of Jamaica” and the island itself ha seen a boom in demand.

TUI’s UK&I Managing Director Neil Swanson said: “We’re seeing particularly strong demand for our direct long-haul flights to the Caribbean – especially the Dominican Republic and Jamaica – where point‑to‑point routes give customers added confidence and help them keep their holiday plans on track.”

Here are some of our top tips for visiting the resort town on the island of Jamaica.

MUST SEE/DO

Dunn’s River Falls is Jamaica’s most popular waterfall, cascading 600ft down a craggy rock.

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The best way to view it in all its glory is with a Dunn’s River Falls Experience by Island Routes.

Guests are guided to the landmark, passing natural pools leading to the Caribbean Sea.

A two-hour experience costs from $62.73pp including transfer.

Guests staying at the Sandals resorts can add this onto their booking as part of their stay.

HIDDEN GEM

For a relaxed day, soaking up the delights of Jamaica away from the crowds, you can’t go wrong with Mahogany Beach.

It’s less popular than other nearby shores, but no less beautiful.

The laid back atmosphere, calm, clear waters and soft, white sands make this spot ideal for a fly-and-flop day.

Listen to chilled, live music while you paddle and don’t forget to check out the food stalls selling classic Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken and barbecued seafood.

BEST VIEW

It may feel like somewhat of a mission to reach the peak of Mystic Mountain, but once you do you’ll be rewarded with wondrous views of the resort town below.

Those who are up for a walk will be able to take advantage of beautiful flaura and fauna en route, but if you’re not able to or keen on a trek then catch the Sky Explorer chairlift which will carry you 700 feet above sea level.

Adrenaline junkies can take advantage of a zipline course through the treetops which offers equally impressive views.

RATED RESTAURANT

For a proper, home-cooked Jamaican meal Miss T’s Kitchen, in the heart of Ocho Rios, is where to head.

The outdoor restaurant offers a laidback atmosphere with slap-up dinners that celebrate the island culture through classic flavours.

Dishes such as oxtail, curried goat and jerk chicken are paired with veggies, rice and peas (just as they should be).

Wash them back with a rum punch – the only cocktail you’ll want to drink out here.

BEST BAR

Within Sandals Dunn’s River resort, Ocarina Rooftop bar serves its tipples with a cracking view – best enjoyed at sunset when the sky is painted in hazy hues of pink and orange.

Sip on well-muddled cocktails or stick to beer and wine while you relax in the cool sea breeze. With the sound of the lapping ocean in front of you, it’s hear not to unwind here.

HOTEL PICK

The adults-only Sandals Dunn’s River has successfully injected Jamaican touches into the luxury space.

Water is sourced from the natural reserves of the nearby Dunn’s River Falls, hence the name of the resort. Lazy days will never get boring with a whopping 12 restaurants on site, including a swim-up bar.

There’s also complimentary water sports for all-inclusive guests, including up to two scuba dives per day for certified divers, as well as land sports and complimentary green fees at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club and access to the neighboring Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.

Hull — once crowned Britain’s biggest dump in the book Crap Towns — is suddenly being talked about as one of the world’s hottest holiday spots.

National Geographic has stuck the northern port city on its list of top 20 global places to visit in 2026, right up there with Manila, Beijing and even Route 66.

So, on a soggy halfterm, I grabbed my eleven-year-old son and headed north for 48 hours to see whether Hull’s new swagger stacks up — or whether the UK’s former “snoring capital” is still a total snooze.

It might look out on a limb on the map, but Hull’s a breeze to reach — direct trains from London take just two and a half hours. And once you’re there, it’s all ridiculously walkable, with every major sight just a short stroll away.

We checked into the Hideout Hotel, a slick set of self-catered apartments in the city centre, then dashed across the road to the mighty Hull Minster.

The 13th century church — and the cobbled Old Town around it — somehow survived the Blitz while 95 per cent of Hull’s homes were flattened.

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Locals say Luftwaffe pilots used the Minster’s spire as a handy marker as they crossed the North Sea – so didn’t destroy it.

Hull’s Old Town is a proper gem: narrow lanes and alleyways filled with cosy pubs like WM Hawkes, The Lion & Key and The Sailmakers Arms, and The George Hotel — the city’s oldest boozer — which proudly shows off England’s smallest window. Well worth looking into.

While grownups can tackle the famous Ale Trail, we went for the family-friendly Fish Trail — a quirky hunt for 41 bits of fish art hidden around the city. It’s free, fun and worth doing… just for the halibut.

For the real thing, we headed to “The Deep”.

Hull’s futuristic aquarium sits on the estuary and houses more than 5,000 sea creatures, underwater tunnels, a glass lift shooting up through a giant ocean tank, rays, turtles, jellyfish and sawfish that look like hedge trimmers with fins — plus a colony of adorable Gentoo penguins.

It’s immersive, educational and perfect for a rainy day.

A five-minute wander takes you to the Fruit Market, once a derelict warehouse district and now a buzzing hub of indie shops, bars and cool cafés.

We tucked into topnotch tapas at Ambiente — prawns and anchovies included, despite having just admired their cousins at The Deep — washed down with a crisp, bone-dry sherry.

Next morning we returned for a hearty breakfast at Thieving Harry’s, a hipster hangout with great coffee, brunch and the odd DJ night.

Then it was on to the Museum Quarter — three brilliant, totally free museums in one neat cluster.

The Hull and East Riding Museum whisks you through 235 million years of history, complete with a lifesize woolly mammoth.

The Streetlife Museum dives into Hull’s transport past with vintage trams, retro arcades and a wartime high street.

Both are cracking fun.

Then came Wilberforce House, birthplace of Hull’s most famous son, William Wilberforce — the MP who led the charge to abolish slavery.

The museum tackles the transatlantic slave trade, the fight to end it and its legacy today.

It’s incredibly powerful, thoughtful and handled with real care — not just
suitable for kids, but essential.

Culture continued at the Ferens Art Gallery, one of Britain’s top regional galleries, before some light relief at Dinsdales Joke Shop — a gloriously chaotic treasure trove of whoopee cushions, itching powder and fake poo.

It’s been going since the 1930s, making it the oldest joke shop in the country.

“People in Hull are a unique bunch,” owner Angela Dinsdale told us.

“There’s loads of culture and history — it’s quirky, friendly and there’s plenty for tourists to do.”

And there’s more coming.

A £70m Maritime Project is about to drop anchor: the docks have been revamped, the Maritime Museum reopens later this year, and both the Arctic Corsair trawler — “Hull’s Cutty Sark” — and the Spurn Lightship have been restored to their former glory.

And Hull’s star power doesn’t stop at penguins, ports and pubs.

The city can now brag about producing one of Britain’s hottest acting talents — Robert Aramayo, who is Hull born-and-bred and enrolled at Hull’s Truck Youth Theatre at the age of 11.

The local lad stunned Hollywood this year by beating Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan to scoop Best Actor at this year’s BAFTAs.

Nearly a decade after being crowned UK City of Culture, there’s never been a better time to go to Hull and back.

THE Sun Travel team have holidayed all over the world, from cheap trips to UK seaside towns to no-expense-spared jaunts to far-flung tropical islands.

But there are a few special, and surprisingly affordable, places that really stand out – including life-changing holidays right here in Britain, and even bucket list trips abroad where you can get PAID to go there.

From interrailing across Europe to backpacking down Australia’s East Coast, here are our top holiday destinations, and how you can recreate them…

Disneyland Paris

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

I’ll always remember the giddy look of excitement on my mum’s face when she said: “We’re almost there” on our trip to France in 2002, when I was 10 years old. 

“We can’t be”, I’d thought, rubbing my eyes. But there it was – Mickey Mouse’s face plastered on a sign at the edge of the road. 

My childhood dream of visiting Disneyland Paris was about to come true and Cinderella’s Castle looked even more spectacular than it had in friends’ pictures.

As we approached the main park’s entrance, a stall selling character backpacks caught my attention – Mum bought me one shaped like Eeyore from Disney’s Winnie the Pooh series.

I soared high above visitors on the Dumbo ride, bounced on the rope bridge near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and devoured ice cream while waiting for my brother and step dad to return from the “scary rides”.

I still feel that same sense of magic and nostalgia when I return to the park today, as an adult. It’s a magic that other theme parks can’t quite capture.

And it’s affordable. Disneyland Paris offer hotel and ticket packages for a three-night stay from £88pp, based on a family of two adults and two children.

Then Eurostar tickets from London direct to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy (which is just a two minute walk to Disneyland Paris) start from around £62 each way.

Camp America: Santa Rosa, California

Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

My sister Emma-Rose and I are both massive fans of US pop culture – from its punk rock bands to its sitcoms… as well as its yellow school buses, fire hydrants, picket fences and mailboxes.

So it was only right that our first solo US adventure as young adults was the ultimate in Americana – 10 weeks at a summer camp and horse ranch in Santa Rosa, California.

Cloverleaf Ranch is a magical place. Think vast, green sports fields where we sprinted through sprinklers, breakfasts of pancakes with syrup, and bunk beds set up in colourful, old-fashioned trailers.

As Camp Counsellors, we taught groups of kids activities like archery, football and animal care. I soon bonded with my groups of four to five year-olds, herding them around camp like a mother duck, and collecting heartfelt drawings and letters which I still have today.

Evenings were spent singing songs and making s’mores by the campfire, taking sunset horse-riding trails, or playing camp-wide games like hide and seek.

My Camp America experience was the all-American adventure of a lifetime – and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to take a gap year or travel their twenties.

Simply set up an account at www.campamerica.co.uk, and once it’s approved, they’ll guide you through sponsorship, visas and camp placement.

Placements typically last between eight to 10 weeks, with camps looking to hire young people who have previously worked with kids or have specialist skills.

Signing up with Camp America costs £489. You also get paid for working at the summer camp, with rates varying between $1,000 – $2,150 (£745 – £1,600) based on your placement.

San Francisco, USA

Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

I’d dreamt of visiting San Francisco for many years but the cost always held me back, until I managed to find a way of doing it all for under £1,000.

I stayed at the Green Tortoise Hostel, which is centrally located in Downtown, as for four nights in a four-bed female dorm in June it costs just £138.88 per person – less than a hotel for one night.

And if you want privacy, hostels are a great compromise—a room with two bunk beds or a double bed costs £324.30 for four nights in June.

When it comes to things to see and do in the city, many activities are free—like visiting the Golden Gate Bridge and its visitor centre, walking down the winding Lombard Street, and wandering the vibrant Haight-Ashbury district with its vintage shops.

If you do spend money on a couple of things, make sure it is SFMOMA (£22.51) the modern art museum and heading to Alcatraz Island (£35.98).

The city often hosts free days too, so check these before heading there.

You can bag a cheap return flight to San Francisco from as little as on £437 on KAYAK.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Denmark’s Copenhagen is the world’s happiest city that embraces an al fresco lifestyle with outdoor dining – even in winter.

It has outdoor lamps with heated blankets on seats, and warm drinks aplenty from spiced Gløgg – a type of mulled wine – to hot chocolate and tasty baked goods. Honestly, I was surprised at how much I loved it.

The city is so easily walkable and easy to navigate, it also has great shops and even its own theme park – Tivoli Gardens.

I loved the Botanical Gardens too which are completely free and beautiful whichever season you visit.

Nyhavn is a must-see, the bright district with tall colourful houses sits right on the waterfront where boat bars bob on the water.

Flights to Copenhagen can be as little as £14.99 each way with Ryanair, or if you want it all sorted for you, book a city break to Copenhagen with TUI.

A three-night stay at the stylish four-star Scandic Sydhavnen (with return flights included) starts from just £234pp.

Tour of India

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

India has long been on my bucket list as a holiday destination, but was wary to explore it as a young woman by myself.

So one of the safest ways to do it is on a guided tour, and not only do Intrepid have a number of them, but they have a Women’s Expedition where you have a local female guide the entire way as well.

We ticked off all of the famous stops such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, as well a exploring the pink city of Jaipur.

But we also managed to explore local places you wouldn’t just stumble upon without knowing someone.

We stayed in Chandelao Garh, a tiny boutique hotel in a small village where we learned about the art of henna and rangoli, between dips in the pool.

We even managed to enjoy some delicious street food without getting sick, thanks to our amazing guide knowing all the safe spots.

Being able to see a country I had wanted to in years, with a mix of tourist attractions and little known areas, while staying safe? It’s one I’ll be talking about for years to come.

Intrepid’s 13-day Women’s Expedition of India starts from £904pp. You can also lock in a trip with just a £1 deposit!

The trip starts and ends in Delhi. Skyscanner offers return fares from just £270.

The Devon and Cornwall coast

Caroline McGuire, Head Of Travel (Digital)

I love Cornwall and try to visit every summer, and one of my favourite holidays of all time was when I toured the coastline from Ilfracombe to Salcombe in a VW campervan.

My guide for the week was travel writer Daniel Start, in the form of his West Country ‘Wild Guide’ book – which details all of the hidden beaches, rural gems and pubs that are worth visiting in that corner of Britain. 

I visited more than 20 beaches in a week and was stunned at the beauty of the English coast, which can be just as exotic as Ibiza or the Maldives and just as rugged as northern Scotland.

Of course, Cornwall and Devon isn’t just about the coast. They also have fantastic local cuisine and we dined on Cornish pasties, local cider, clotted cream ice cream, huge portions of fish and chips, and crab sandwiches. 

Both Cornwall and Devon are famous for their big-name beaches, but my favourites were dotted among the more remote areas, like Porthcurno beach near Lands’ End.

There are scores of campsites along their coast, and Pitch Up has some of the coolest ones. For example, you could camp at Trevella Holiday Park in Newquay from just £12pn.

To find out more about Daniel Start’s Wild Guide books, click here. 

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

An African safari holiday has been on my bucket list ever since I first watched The Lion King (disclaimer: the film was actually inspired by the landscapes of Kenya in East Africa).

This year, I was finally able to tick it off with an adventure through Kruger National Park.

I’d been heavily researching all the dos and don’ts and was fully prepared to see nothing more exciting than a few fascinating birds and maybe the odd elephant (they’re easy to spot in these parts). 

We saw the Big Five in less than 24 hours, however – even the elusive leopard, skulking through the long grass.

This was mainly due to the expertise of our guides, which emphasises the importance of picking the right lodge or accommodation for your trip. 

Skukuza is a wildlife rich area within the park, so staying in and around this region increases your chances.

Two guides are better than one on game drives, I quickly learned, so pick your lodge accordingly.

I wrote down all of my top safari tips here that are well worth a read before you head off.

British Airways flies from Heathrow to Johannesburg from £598pp return.

Two-person tents at Rhino Walking Safaris Plains Camp start from about £422pp per night, with a minimum stay of two nights, including all meals, walking safaris and game drives.

Orlando, Florida

Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

My kids have been lucky enough to visit Orlando’s theme parks as youngsters, falling in love with Disney characters and Universal’s thrill rides.

But it was the holiday we took to the Sunshine State when they’d all grown up that stands out as one of the best of my life.

With my youngest son Ben turning 21, we booked a mega villa in Kissimmee complete with outdoor pool, games room and cinema snug for a very different look at the family-friendly destination.

Of course, we couldn’t miss out on the theme park fun but with everyone older, it was the terrifying chills of Universal’s Halloween Horror Night that had them screaming.

Eldest Sophie is a horror movie fan and loved every one of the haunted houses.

But with the kids having very different priorities now, there were just as many amazing memories made as middle child and family shopaholic Abbi insisted we fit in some retail therapy at the many malls.

And as well as the park fun, we took time as a family to explore the other side of Orlando, heading to Winter Park, the historic heart of the area on the shores of Lake Osceola for a scenic boat tour followed by a slap up lunch with lashings of craft beers at The Ravenous Pig gastro pub.

We flew out with Virgin Atlantic, who fly daily from Heathrow and Manchester to Orlando. But a top tip for saving is to look at fares to Tampa, around an hour from the theme park capital and often cheaper, with return deals from £516.

Jeeves Florida Rentals has a huge range of villas in Kissimmee with prices from £112 per night.

Australia’s East Coast

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

In 2015, the year I graduated from university, I hatched a plan with my best friends Jade and Megan to backpack along Australia’s east coast.

We kicked things off in Melbourne with a festival on the beach before hiring a car to travel a patch of the Great Ocean Road, eyes peeled to spot koalas in the trees above.

We then travelled along the coast via the Greyhound bus, stopping at Sydney, Byron Bay and the city of Brisbane, where we drank in hostels, our hair windswept and salty from long days on the beach.

Then it was onto the Whitsundays, a stunning archipelago of 74 islands with the brightest white sands and bluest waters I’ve ever seen (they beat the Caribbean, hands down), then on to Magnetic Island to skydive over the Great Barrier Reef and driving around in Barbie-style cars.

Sydney was our hub and I returned here to do a stint of work as a receptionist (thanks to the Working Holiday visa) before our final adventure in Bali.

I returned home after six incredible months, but Jade fell so in love with the climate and lazy, wine-fuelled beach afternoons that she’s been there ever since, now married to an Aussie.

Qantas flies from Heathrow to Sydney from £1,130pp return. East coast passes for the Greyhound bus start from $319pp (£168pp) for seven days to $519pp (£276pp) for 60 days.

Those aged 18-35 can apply for a Working Holiday visa that allows them to travel and work for up to 12 months on the Australian Government website.

Road tripping through the Deep South

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel – Digital

I’ve visited everywhere from Vegas to Texas and Florida to California… but my favourite US holiday has to be a family road trip I took with my mum and sister through the Deep South.

We started out in New Orleans, then headed to Memphis and ended up in Nashville.

In New Orleans, we dined on beignets, Po-boys (a traditional Louisiana sandwich) and the best Bloody Marys I’ve ever drunk, then soaked up the architecture and fascinating history during the day.

At night, we made our way between New Orleans best-know jazz clubs – from Fritzel’s to Preservation Hall.

From there, we drove to Memphis – home of the blues and the birthplace of rock n’roll.

We dined on famous Memphis barbeque food and then went out every evening to listen to live blue music.

Last stop on our journey was Nashville – home of country music.

We spent our daylight hours visiting some of the famous Nashville institutions, like the Country Music Hall Of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium.

After fuelling up on hot chicken, we then spent our nights watching live country – both at the famous Bluebird Cafe and then at a small venue on the outskirts of town, where we paid $8 to see a bluegrass band perform at their album launch.

Ten years and many, many work adventures later, the road trip remains in my top three holidays of all time.

If you’re looking to do similar, I highly recommend booking through Dial A Flight – they sorted out our flights, car hire and much of the accommodation, getting us a big discount on each.

On their website you can find offers like the Southern Belle Fly Drive for 12 nights from £1,825pp.

Eilean Shona, Scotland

Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

For a bucketlist trip without the ned for a passport, try Eilean Shona in the Inner Hebrides which inspired J.M. Barrie’s Neverland in Peter Pan.

You can make your journey to the island part of your experience and holiday as well, by hopping on the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston costing from £50 for a seat or £190 for a room, one way.

Once you reach Fort William, your best bet is to hire a car, which costs about £30 a day.

Eilean Shona is then an hour and 20-minute drive away. You can park in a small car park there before catching the small passenger ferry across to the island.

Because the island is privately owned (by Sir Richard Branson‘s sister) you must stay on the island to visit.

A range of cottages and huts are available, costing from £53.58 per person, per night. There are plenty of cheap cottage options available on airbnb.

A low-key and cosy eatery in a market town has been crowned Best Pasta Restaurant at the Italian Awards 2026, putting the Derbyshire hidden gem on the culinary map

Italian cuisine is always a firm favourite when it comes to dining out but what you might not realise is that some of the finest examples can be found right on your doorstep.

In what has essentially become the Oscars of the Italian hospitality world, the Italian Awards 2026 took place recently, celebrating the very best pizza, pasta, restaurants and cafés across the UK.

And in a fiercely competitive category, the winner of Best Pasta Restaurant turned out to be a hidden gem nestled in New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire.

A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana, the authentic Italian eatery, claimed the coveted prize – and will no doubt see a wave of curious food lovers descend upon them as a result.

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Derbyshire is known for its dramatic Peak District landscapes, historic market towns and stately country houses. Sykes Cottages has hundreds of places to stay, with prices from £32 per night.

Led by award-winning chef Alessio Muccio, the restaurant takes great pride in producing fresh pasta, gelato and pastries on the premises, using traditional Sicilian ingredients.

Their website states: “Our restaurant is small and cosy and adorned with Sicilian artefacts; it’s a little slice of Sicily here in the High Peak.”

One delighted customer left a glowing review on TripAdvisor, saying: “A Tavola is a colourful, warm, and welcoming trattoria located in the dark, cold, wintery heart of the Peak District.

“Highly recommended for those longing for those rich Sicilian flavours but far from the light and abundance of the Bel Paese. Sicilian sweet and sour flavours are present in many dishes, from pistachio and fennel to sardines with pine nuts and raisins.”

Another reviewer said: “What a wonderful restaurant! A lucky find as we were looking for somewhere to eat before going to hear some live music nearby. Very friendly staff, delicious food and a convivial ambience.

“I only wish it were not over 100 miles from my home. I highly recommend a visit, especially if you are missing being in Italy! You will be transported!”

The Derbyshire eatery bills itself as a ‘labour of love’ from the chef, who has crafted a menu designed to accommodate all dietary needs. What’s more, his specials change with the seasons to guarantee fresh and seasonal ingredients year-round.

These touches haven’t gone unnoticed by diners, with one writing: “Absolutely fantastic food and service. From start to finish totally delicious. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to go back. 5 stars!”

It’s an unexpected location to discover authentic, mouthwatering Italian pasta, nestled in a market town, but it’s definitely worth stopping by while exploring the Peak District.

The restaurant sits on Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, roughly eight miles south-east of Stockport and just 13 miles from Manchester.

While it might seem somewhat off the beaten track, it wasn’t quite concealed enough to escape the notice of the Italian Awards, which bestowed upon it the recognition its patrons believe it richly deserves.

Awards Director Warren Paul, discussing the launch of the Italian Awards for 2026, expressed his delight in celebrating the efforts of “passionate people”. He added: “That’s why we do what we do.

“It’s to make sure the hard-working inspirational people and businesses get the recognition they deserve.

“Everyone jumps to criticise and leave a negative review or complaint over the tiniest thing, but very few rush to praise good service, food and experiences. That’s where we come in. So congratulations to our winners.”

Highly Recommended restaurants in the same category included:

• Italian Touch By Ivano Pizzeria & Ristorante (Bedford)
• Mele e Pere (London)
• Primavista (Bury St Edmunds)
• Shambles Restaurant & Winebar (Teddington)
• The Kettlebridge Inn, Bar & Italian Restaurant (Cupar)
• A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana (New Mills)

A new route to the Italian city means Brits can indulge their love of cheese and even book a factory tour and tasting, as well as enjoying the historic sights in this sun-soaked destination

A new Ryanair route has launched from London-Stansted and it’s the perfect city break for those who love cheese, or Italian food in general.

Booking is now open for London to Parma flights, with the first of the twice-weekly flights taking off on June 4. The service will run on Thursdays and Sundays, making it the perfect route for a long weekend, and the flight time is just under two hours. Fares start from £20.95 one way.

Parma is found in northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region and is a major foodie city thanks to two of its most famous products that are enjoyed around the world. Firstly, the pungent Parmesan cheese comes from this city, and there are a number of factories and tours you can take which end with cheese tastings. You can even visit the Museo del Parmigiano-Reggiano just outside the city and learn about the history of cheesemaking in the area.

Prosciutto di Parma, or Parma ham as Brits tend to call it, also hails from this region. There are a few Prosciuttificio around the city where you can see the giant legs dangling from the ceiling as they go through the curing process for months on end. Some Prosciuttificio have cafes attached where you can enjoy platters of prosciutto and cheese served alongside a glass of Italian wine.

Parma is a walkable city, and many tourists start of at the old town, known as Centro Storico. Down its narrow medieval streets you’ll find impressive Romanesque architecture, colourful terraced houses, and cobbled town squares full of cafés.

At the heart of the old town is Piazza del Duomo, and here you’ll find the 900-year old gothic cathedral and 12th-century Bishop’s Palace which was built with repurposed Roman stone blocks.

Other incredible architectural sites include Teatro Farnese, one of Europe’s largest Baroque theatres, built entirely in timber. This grand auditorium dates back to the 17th century and the elaborate wood carvings are a testament to the craftsmanship of the time. Parma was the birthplace of composer Verdi, so there’s usually a packed schedule of operas and classical concerts across its historic theatres.

Music lovers can also visit the fascinating House of Sound, a museum that is focused on how technology developed for music, from the creation of the gramophone and radio to modern music devices. The museum also features 228 speakers, grouped in 64 audio channels, which allow visitors to experience ‘sound rains’ as they move around.

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Parma has a huge number of restaurants, including two with Michelin stars, making it the perfect destination for foodies. There are endless Trattoria and Osteria found down narrow streets where you can experience authentic, inexpensive Italian cuisine. Osteria dei Servi comes highly recommended, and you can dine in this cosy restaurant among the hanging prosciutto legs while choosing specials from the chalkboard.

Trattoria Corrieri has a similarly rustic Italian feel. One page of the menu is devoted to prosciutto and other cured meats, and local ingredients are the cornerstone of this cosy Italian restaurant, which has been open since the 1800s.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Ride a dragon in Calais

You don’t need to venture too far into France to find its wow factor. Indeed, within minutes of exiting the ferry or Channel Tunnel, you can be staring a fire-breathing dragon in the face. The Dragon de Calais is a 25-metre-long mechanical beast that stomps along the renovated sea front carrying 48 passengers on its back (adult ticket €9.50), emitting jets of fire, steam and water from its nostrils. It was created by the team behind Les Machines de L’île, a collection of steampunk wonders including a 12-metre elephant, in Nantes.

This year, Calais’ dragon is joined by Le Varan, a giant iguana that crawls around the town and the old fishing district with room for 25 passengers (adults €8.50). While you’re there, explore the beaches along the coast at Hardelot-Plage and visit the Chateau d’Hardelot, with its history of Franco-British relations.

Celebrate Monet in Rouen

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet’s death and many galleries and venues in Normandy and Paris have events planned. You don’t need to face the crowds at Giverny or the Musée d’Orsay to appreciate the great artist’s work, though. Instead, visit Rouen, where Monet found the ever-changing, silver-grey light on the intricate and imposing facade of the cathedral so inspiring he painted it more than 30 times (from the window of what was, at the time, a ladies’ undergarment shop opposite).

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen has the largest collection of French impressionist works outside Paris, including one of the cathedral paintings and works by Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley. While you’re there, explore the Boucles de la Seine natural regional park, where you can cycle between the loops of the River Seine through orchards and past the ruined Abbaye de Jumièges.

Visit a postman’s palace in Drôme

The Dauphiné region, close to Grenoble, combines breathtaking scenery and curious attractions. Chief among them is the Palais Idéal, a whimsical monument built over 33 years from the late 19th century by Ferdinand Cheval, a postman whose inspiration came from the travel journals and postcards he delivered on his 20-mile round. On the facade of the 10-metre-high palace, you’ll see mythical creatures and mysterious grottoes, Egyptian temples and Swiss chalets, while the small on-site museum recounts the stories of Cheval’s tragic life, and those who fought until the 1960s to have the structure recognised as a listed monument.

Nearby, explore the jaw-dropping Vercors mountains, with precipitous roads such as the Combe Laval route, which was chiselled out of the rock in the 19th century to transport timber. Also visit the fascinating Grotte de Choranche underground caves, with curious, spaghetti-like stalactites, and the town of Pont-en-Royans, where medieval houses hang high over a gorge.

Discover Brittany by bike

Cyclists have always been spoiled by the smooth, car-free cycle paths throughout France, and now the Traversée Bretonne, a new route through the heart of Brittany, offers a fresh challenge. Starting in the city of Nantes, the 14-stage route takes riders past the curious mid-century architecture of Saint-Nazaire (such as the Soucoupe, a sports centre shaped like a flying saucer), then on to the “Atlantic Riviera” at La Baule, with its belle époque villas and vast beach.

Further along, the lively city of Rennes is perfect for rehydrating: Rue Saint-Michel is nicknamed Rue de la Soif (thirsty street) because it has a bar approximately every 7 metres. The route finishes with a nice flat stage at Mont-Saint-Michel.
traversee-bretonne.com

Celebrate figs in the Var

Plan a late-summer sojourn in the Vallée du Gapeau, inland from Toulon, which is renowned for its fig orchards: local people say the trees like their heads in the sunshine and their feet in the water. At the end of August, the start of the harvest is celebrated with the lively Fête de la Figue in the village of Solliès-Pont. As well as the bountiful market, there are tours of the groves and a lively four-course dinner with music in the village’s main square.

While you’re there, hike in the wooded valley and admire the curiously shaped “elephant rock”. Visit the local olive oil mill at Moulin à Huile du Partégal (entry free) to explore its ancient grove and taste its oils; and stroll the unspoiled villages of Solliès-Ville and Solliès-Toucas.
valleegapeau-tourisme.fr

Taste cheese in the Jura mountains

To truly understand the flavours of French cheeses, it pays to visit the landscapes in which they are made. One of the most enchanting areas for a foray in fromage is the Jura mountains, the home of comté cheese. Here, as part of the Routes du Comté, you can visit the so-called cathedral of comté at the Fort Saint-Antoine (tour reservations essential, €11), where Fromageries Marcel Petite ages its 100,000 wheels of comté between the stone arches of a 19th-century military fort. Nearby, next to the Lac de Malbuisson, Restaurant du Fromage offers a comté and savagnin wine fondue in its Swiss-chalet-like surrounds.

An hour west, the town of Poligny is home to La Maison du Comté, a visitor centre dedicated to explaining how the cheese is made and infused with the flavours of the 130 plants from the spectacular landscape on which the cows graze.
montagnes-du-jura.fr

Hunt for bric-a-brac in Normandy

Take a road trip to the bucolic Perche regional natural park in southern Normandy, an area of rolling hills, cider farms and charming villages. It is ideal, too, for those who love hunting for vintage treasures and bric-a-brac. Near the towns of Bellême, Mortagne-au-Perche and along the D923 road between La Ferté-Bernard and Nogent-le-Rotrou, you will find many brocante shops and warehouses with artfully displayed items on offer.

The area is a popular weekend destination for Parisians, hence the abundance of good restaurants. In the village of La Perrière, La Maison d’Horbé B&B and wine bar (rooms from €142.50) is set in an antiques shop, while in Saint-Hilaire-le-Châtel, the Hotel les Prés has its own restaurant (rooms from €142).
perche-tourisme.fr

Relive history in the Vendée

You need never utter the word Disney once you’ve discovered the Puy du Fou, a theme park like no other, in the countryside of the Vendée. With bombastic historical re-enactments of Viking invasions, Roman chariot races, medieval jousting and more than 2,500 actors across the park, many of the shows are big on wow factor.

Yet there are also experiences that evoke a quieter sense of wonder – walk through the cabins and hull of the 18th-century ship La Pérouse and see its myriad flora and fauna gathered from around the world, before it sinks in a storm in the South Pacific. Moving, too, is the Amoureux de Verdun experience, which puts you in the trenches of Verdun in the first world war, where actors play out a love story.
Adult tickets from €47, puydufou.com

Swim in a tidal pool in Brittany

There are several tidal swimming pools along the Emerald Coast in Brittany. At Dinard, the Piscine de Mer overlooks the vast main beach, alongside stately belle époque villas and maritime pines; and from Saint-Malo’s Piscine de Bon Secours, you can walk at low tide to the island of Grand-Bé for a great view back to the walled town.

The Emerald Coast is good for hiking too, so make a point to stroll out to the dramatically perched Fort La Latte on the Cap Fréhel headland.
dinardemeraudetourisme.com

Explore the wild Aubrac plateau

Many holidaymakers speed through the centre of France on the autoroute known as La Méridienne (A75), bound for busy beaches of the Med. Those who prefer more solitude, however, should exit sooner (exit 39 to be precise) and venture west on to the extraordinary, volcanic landscape of the Aubrac plateau. Here, stone-walled meadows abound with wild flowers and the buron huts that once housed cowherds and cheesemakers have been converted into welcoming rustic restaurants, such as the Buron de Born, serving local potato and cheese dishes such as aligot and truffade. At night, the total absence of light pollution makes it ideal for stargazing.
tourisme-en-aubrac.com

Carolyn Boyd is the author of Amuse Bouche: How to Eat Your Way Around France (Profile, £10.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.

The pretty market town is famous for many things, including being the home of former Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith

A pretty market town home to an iconic TV judge blew me away – not least because of its high street. Moreton-in-Marsh in the Cotswolds clearly attracts a remarkable number of visitors, judging by the sheer volume of eateries lining its streets.

A visit to the town’s high street reveals an almost unbroken row of bakeries, cafés, pubs, and artisan bistros – quite the sight for a town with a population of just over 5,000 residents (5,015 according to the 2021 Census).

Philip, 53, a cellarman at the local brewery, reflected on the changes: “It’s more touristy stuff. You don’t get so much. The old tour shops gone, the old card’s shop gone. Some of the shops have disappeared, definitely got more touristy. It’s got pluses and negatives. Got a supermarket and the market’s still here.”

When asked whether he ever crosses paths with the town’s most celebrated resident – former Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith – Philip was blunt: “I don’t.”

It seemed only fitting to pen this piece from within The Bell Inn. This much-loved establishment was once frequented by J.R.R. Tolkien himself, reportedly inspiring The Prancing Pony Inn featured in The Lord of the Rings.

We won’t Tolkien the micky (apologies…) and claim any resemblance to that literary giant, but there are certainly far worse spots to settle in than a pub crowned winner of The Pub of the Year in the North Cotswold Campaign for Real Ale Pub of the Year competition, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Inside, the atmosphere is wonderfully unpretentious – a lengthy rope allows dogs to wander freely, locals chat about everyday matters, and a map of Middle Earth adorns the wall.

The walls are adorned with vintage cameras, motorsport posters advertising motor oil, and numerous plug sockets for customers to charge their laptops and other devices.

According to two staff members I chatted to, regulations stipulate that no single pub can claim victory two years running, meaning the Bell may miss out on silverware this year.

Nevertheless, the establishment, which I selected after Google reviews highlighted its affordability, delivered a peppermint tea alongside fish and chips for a reasonable £12.50.

This followed a £3.90 cappuccino from Grouch Coffee, a nine-year-old enterprise near the local train station that began life serving coffee from the rear of a Piaggio.

Fresh from a 100-mile journey in my cherished MINI, and despite my reservations about Allpress beans, it was unmistakably a vital fixture in the community.

The proprietor and staff engaged warmly with families, while comedy posters and tea towels were scattered throughout the tastefully furnished cafe; a cafe situated in a town brimming with spring sunshine.

Emerging from New Road onto the fittingly named High Street, a bustling market was trading trinkets, carpets, fruit, vegetables, and antiques. Venture past the market, beneath which lies a sizeable car park, and you’ll find yourself facing an extensive row of shops, seemingly positioned every six feet or so.

Most of them, as Phil mentioned above, are coffee shops and cafes. Choosing where to grab a bite proved tricky, but if anyone’s concerned about the decline of the high street, Moreton’s appears to be thriving – particularly with a large Co-Op and Tesco Express nestled amongst the independent coffee shops and pubs.

Was it attractive? Certainly in the surprisingly mild spring sunshine, it felt like somewhere you could do more than simply pass through. It had the feel of a town worth pausing at during a long journey – a worthwhile and peaceful pit stop.

Regarding the former Bake Off judge, I’d also enquired at Grouch whether Prue was frequently spotted, and the response was no, not particularly; though perhaps she travels through on her way to the station to catch the 1h 31m £32 15:54 service to London Paddington for an evening out.

Prue has opted to make her home here, in a property she constructed with her husband John Playfair, and it seems to be an excellent town. The key question, though, remains: ‘Should I visit?’.

Absolutely. It would be a pru-dent choice.

The woman jumped out of her seat as soon as the plane hit the tarmac and ignored flight crew instructions to return to her seat while the seatbelt sign was still on

A pilot has been praised as a “hero” for ridiculing an entitled woman who rushed down the aisle in an attempt to be the first passenger off the aircraft. A fellow traveller recounted how the woman leapt from her seat the moment the plane touched down and bolted towards the exit.

Despite the seatbelt sign remaining illuminated, she disregarded the cabin crew’s requests to return to her seat until the aircraft had come to a complete stop. Recounting the incident on Reddit, the passenger explained: “The woman in the back unbuckled and darted to the front of the plane to get off first.

“She did not make any eye contact and felt that she was special. I’m talking about going from the very last seat on the plane, down the whole row, and past first class, basically standing at the little kitchen thing in the front.

“The seat belt sign was still on and we were still rolling down the runway. The flight crew had asked her to return to her seat until we reached the gate but she was not even responding.”

The passenger went on to describe how everyone aboard shifted their focus to the woman following the gruelling eight-hour journey. But that’s when the pilot chose to intervene personally.

“Suddenly the captain announced we had a special guest onboard and he would be coming out to greet them after we were settled at the gate,” they continued.

“The woman stood there awkwardly until we did the whole rolling into the gate thing, and whatever planes do when they land, for about 15 to 20 minutes.”

They went on: “Everyone sat there waiting to see what the captain was talking about. Eventually, the captain came out and asked the lady to please move back a little to get to his special guest, then a little more, then a little more.

“He was looking from row to row trying to find a specific person. Everyone is watching and looking around to see who it could be. “

The pilot kept ushering her back one row at a time until she reached the very back of the plane.

Finally, as they approached the rear of the plane he asked her to sit for a second while he grabbed the intercom at the rear of the plane.

The person recalled: “The pilot said: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to announce our special guest sitting in seat 42C. Let’s give her a round of applause’. The whole plane went wild with laughter and applause. I loved every moment of that.”

Responding to the pilot’s power move, one user remarked: “That pilot is a hero to the people.”

Another user added: “I was hoping that the special guest was a federal marshal coming onboard to arrest the woman for refusing to follow safety-related commands given by members of the flight crew.”

One passenger said: “Sometimes when a plane is late getting in there are people that have a connecting flight that will be very tight to make. They need to get off the plane quickly to have any chance at their connection.

“The best way to handle that is to inform the stewardess and they can make a general announcement. Of course, sometimes people ignore that announcement and block the aisle for those people anyway.”

Is it possible to have a luxury staycation with the kids in tow? This hotel offers a range of features to make family holidays more fun, including complimentary childcare for kid-free time

If you’re looking for a family staycation that’s close to the coast, yet also has plenty for the kids to do, and even gives you the chance for some child-free time, then read on.

A hotel in Dorset is offering luxury family-friendly accommodation overlooking spectacular Chesil Beach, with lots of thoughtful touches to make your time away easier. Moonfleet Manor is set in a beautiful Georgian property and is an excellent place to explore the Jurassic Coast.

While we all love spending time with our kids on holiday, one of the main services that’s bound to appeal to worn-out parents is the hotel’s Four Bears Den Kids Club.

This Ofsted-registered onsite club takes care of kids from three months to eight years, and all guests get a complimentary two-hour session per night’s stay, starting at either 9.30am or 2.30pm. This gives you kid-free time to enjoy a romantic stroll, have a spa treatment, or just read a book in peace.

In the evenings, you can also hire a video monitor for free, so while the kids nap in the room, you can enjoy a nightcap. The hotel also offers a babysitting service for an additional fee if you want to explore the local area.

During the school holidays and weekends, the kids club offers a program of activities designed for family fun, from toasting marshmallows to scavenger hunts, so all ages can enjoy quality time together.

Just a short walk from the hotel is an indoor pool available for guests to enjoy throughout their stay, plus there’s a sauna and the option to book spa treatments for the grown-ups, including facials and ocean-inspired rituals.

Kids can enjoy the colourful play barn, where you’ll find an under-5s play area, table tennis, arcade games, and even a hands-on Science Room for young Einsteins to play in.

The problem with some family hotels is that they tend to focus just on practicalities, and they can be quite dull for adults. But Moonfleet Manor has a luxury, design-led style, so rooms are inviting whether you are staying as a couple or with kids.

There are also two-bedroom family rooms available that offer a separate sleeping area for the kids. This means you can tuck them away in bed and enjoy your evening without worrying about keeping them awake.

The hotel overlooks the unspoiled shingle shores of Chesil Beach, an 18-mile stretch of seafront that’s full of incredible fossils and spectacular scenery. Between the beach and the hotel is the Fleet Lagoon, a marine-protected area full of wildlife and seabirds, so you can’t walk directly onto the shingle from Moonfleet. However, you can drive a short distance to Abbotsbury or Portland for a beach walk or fossil hunt.

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Less than 20 minutes away is the seaside town of Weymouth, a family favorite for many generations. Here you’ll find a SEALIFE Center, Sandworld – an impressive collection of sand sculptures and castles, and the sandy Weymouth Beach, which is set in a cove, so kids can paddle and swim on sunny days.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

The team at Money Saving Expert shared simple steps to take to get the best price for a new passport

Brits have been urged to follow some simple steps to ensure they get the best price for an essential travel document. According to experts, “millions” of people could have overpaid for their passports.

A passport is required for travel abroad. In the UK they are valid for 10 years for an adult, or five years for those under 16.

When your passport is due to expire, it is important you apply for a new one ahead of time, to ensure you don’t risk having to cancel a holiday. However, you may not realise that the way in which you apply for a new passport can affect the price.

Addressing this issue, the team at Money Saving Expert (MSE) said on its website : “Millions of Brits applying for a passport last year may have been able to save money by taking their own photo or applying online, MoneySavingExpert.com can reveal. If your passport’s due for renewal, here’s how to get it for less.”

The three main steps to remember are:

• Apply online rather than via post
• Take your own photo
• Renew before fees rise on April 8

Applying online

MSE said: “Currently, it’s £12.50 cheaper to apply for a passport online through GOV.UK instead of using a paper form. Of course, this isn’t an option for those excluded from, or who struggle to use, digital services – though if this is the case, you may want to consider the Post Office’s ‘Check & Send’ service.”

Check & Send is an optional extra that costs £16 on top of the standard passport fee.

Take your own photo

MSE continued: “If it’s been a while since you last applied for a passport, you may be surprised to learn that you can now take your passport photo yourself at home and upload it directly into your online application. This means you don’t need to shell out for photos taken at high-street shops or photo booths, which can typically cost between £5 and £13ish.”

Here are some pointers to help you get your photo right first time:

• You can use your smartphone – just make sure the photo is clear, in focus and in colour
• Take it against a plain, light background. The photo should include your head, shoulders and upper body, with no other people or objects in the frame
• Avoid editing or altering it. It will be cropped for you during the application process, so there’s no need to do that yourself

Renew before fees rise

Passport fees will rise on Wednesday, April 8. This is how much they will rise by:

• Adult: takes up to three weeks to arrive – online cost now – £94.50, online cost from April 8 – £102, postal cost now – £107, postal cost from April 8 – £115.50
• Adult fast-track – arrives one week after appointment – online cost now – £178, online cost after April 8 – £178
• Adult ‘Premium’ – given at the appointment – online cost now – £222, online cost after April 8 – £239.50
• Child – takes up to three weeks to arrive – online cost now – £61.50, online cost after April 8 – £66.50, postal cost now – £74, postal cost after April 8 – £80
• Child fast-track – arrives one week after appointment – online cost now – £145, online cost after April 8 – £145

For full details and to renew online visit GOV.UK here.

The iconic Dorset beach featured in one of the most emotional scenes in Ryan Gosling’s new film, and fans are now visiting the picturesque Jurassic Coast location for spring walks

One of the most iconic coastal spots was recently featured in Ryan Gosling’s latest film, Project Hail Mary, and the good news is it’s located right here in the UK for those who want to visit.

There’s always a thrill when you recognise a familiar location in a film or TV programme, whether it’s a documentary or the backdrop for a fictional tale. While the UK serves as a popular setting for numerous blockbuster films and television series, one of this year’s biggest cinema releases actually filmed one of its most memorable scenes in the UK – and it’s accessible to visit right now as a stunning walking destination.

That’s precisely what one London-based couple decided to do, bringing their dog, Presto, along to the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset to see the Project Hail Mary filming location after recently watching the film at the cinema.

“Cried at the cinema at this beach so we went in real life,” they captioned their video, before sharing footage from their day trip adventure.

Without giving away any spoilers, the beach serves as a significant location for one of the film’s characters, with several of the more poignant scenes captured here, making it particularly meaningful for fans to experience. That said, the breathtaking views alone make the journey worthwhile.

Durdle Door stands as one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. Situated on the Lulworth Estate in south Dorset, it forms part of the stunning Jurassic Coast.

The coastline holds such exceptional geological significance on the world stage that UNESCO designated it as England’s first natural World Heritage Site in 2001, placing it alongside iconic natural treasures such as America’s Grand Canyon and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The stunning natural limestone arch was created when powerful waves eroded the rock and carved a hole through its centre. The name Durdle comes from the old English word ‘thirl’, meaning to pierce, bore or drill.

The film also features the neighbouring Man O’ War Beach, which visitors can normally reach via a footpath. However, the pair revealed that during their late March visit, storm damage had swept away the steps leading down to this beach, rendering it currently inaccessible.

Still, they weren’t bothered, as they were able to take in the spectacular views from the clifftops overlooking the beach.

How do you get to the Jurassic Coast? If you’re travelling by car, you can park at the sizeable car park reached through Durdle Door Holiday Park. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk down a steep path to the steps above the beach.

For those without a car, the iconic landmark is also reachable by bus, with a brief journey from Wool in Dorset taking you straight to the beaches.

The London pair weren’t alone in their admiration for the landmark, as numerous others quickly flooded the comment section to share their own visits.

“Went back in 2022 and loved it, need to go back again now that I saw it in the film,” one person wrote. Someone else added: “I wish I hadn’t seen that this was in the movie before we saw it but it was special seeing it with my boys who I took there in 2022.”