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RYANAIR will not moved forward with a planned subscription service saying it was too expensive.

The budget airline launched a trial of the subscription service in March which offered fee-paying passengers discounts on fares.

But it today revealed it was scraping the scheme, revealing that it was costing more money than it was bringing in.

The Ryanair ‘Prime’ membership cost £79 for 12 months, which worked out to £6.60 per month.

Ryanair revealed the program had signed up 55,000 subscribers which had generated £3.8 million in subscription fees, but had doled out £5.3 million in fare discounts.

“This trial has cost more money than it generates,” Ryanair chief marketing officer Dara Brady said in a statement.

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“This level of memberships, or subscription revenue does not justify the time and effort it takes to launch monthly exclusive Prime seat sales.”

While the Prime service ended today, the 55,000 members would be able to continue using their subscription for the 12-month period for which they’d paid.

The scheme allowed members who flew 12 times per year to save hundreds on hidden fees, such as reserved seats and travel insurance.

Members were also be granted access to exclusive seat sales, giving them the best deals on flights throughout the year.

According to the low-cost airline, Prime members who flew 12 times per year saved up to £420, more than five times the subscription fee.

And members who flew three times a year with the airline still saved £105 through the new scheme.

Ryanair is not the only budget airline with a membership scheme.

Wizz Air launched its ‘All You Can Fly’ membership, allowing unlimited flights for a yearly fee last year.

The Wizz Air membership costs £500 for an entire year, with 50 routes across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia included in the scheme.

Wizz Air ‘All You Can Fly’ members still have to pay a £9 booking fee for each flight taken as well as other fees like carry-on luggage and checked baggage.

RAIL passengers travelling on a major route can expect delays as planned engineering work gets underway.

Commuters are being advised to plan ahead of the partial line closure, which will affect a busy UK airport.

Essential engineering work is due to be carried out on the Brighton Main Line south of Gatwick Airport on Sunday, November 30.

The scheduled maintenance means no trains will be running between Gatwick, Brighton, Hove, Lewes or Horsham.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead, with buses set to replace services on the closed part of the route.

Planned works

All four tracks in this section are due to be closed as major work gets underway.

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Among Network Rail’s major package of works is the replacement of sections of the track.

This will take place at Tinsley Green Junction near Crawley, at Three Bridges, and between Copyhold Junction and the Ouse Valley viaduct.

Meanwhile, drainage systems at Wivelsfield station will also be renewed and maintenance will also take place at Keymer level crossing and other locations.

According to Network Rail, these improvements are vital to keep services safe and reliable.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex route director spoke to Sussex Express about the planned works.

“We know closing the railway is frustrating, and we are sorry for the disruption this causes,” she said.

“This work is essential for us as we try and prevent speed restrictions or emergency closures occurring in the future, which would cause even bigger delays at these locations and on the wider rail network.”

She went on to thank passengers for their understanding, and advised them to “plan ahead and check before you travel if you are travelling on Sunday, November 30, as your journey will take longer”.

Alternative routes

As well as replacement buses, a diverted Southern train service will run between Brighton and London Victoria calling at Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, Angmering, Littlehampton, Horsham, and Clapham Junction.

Anyone travelling between Brighton and London on the affected date is strongly advised to use this train service rather than the limited replacement bus service.

Passengers are also reminded that travelling by replacement buses on routes between Brighton, Lewes, Haywards Heath, or and Gatwick Airport, they will require a transfer.

Commuters will need to change buses at Three Bridges for a separate shuttle bus service between Three Bridges and Gatwick Airport.

This is due to insufficient space at Gatwick Airport for the required temporary queuing systems.

The Three Bridges station car park will be converted into a temporary bus hub with different queues for buses serving various destinations.

To facilitate this bus hub, the station car park at Three Bridges will be closed from the evening of Saturday, November 29 until early morning Monday, December 1.

Jenny Saunders, customer services director for Govia Thameslink Railway, advised passengers to plan ahead.

“Any of our customers travelling between the coast and Gatwick this Sunday should please take note that this essential work is going to extend their journeys considerably,” she said.

“Please plan ahead at nationalrail.co.uk and check live running information online before you leave for the station.”

Further major works will also take place on the Brighton Main Line over three weekends in January, between Gatwick Airport and Purley and East Croydon.

Branch lines between Reigate and Redhill and Redhill to Tonbridge will also be affected by this work.

And there will be a closure between Three Bridges and Brighton on Sunday, February 1.

Replacement buses will run where trains are not operating, and detailed travel advice about those closures will be shared in December.

More on travel disruptions

Meanwhile, Christmas chaos is expected as train workers announce wave of strikes on four key dates.

British Airways and Ryanair have been forced to cancel flights to two major airports.

And Ryanair is also set to axe all flights to European islands often compared to Hawaii.

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A massive UK train station is shutting for nine days as part of an £8 million “once-in-a-generation” overhaul.

Plus, the UK’s busiest train station will shut for a week over Christmas causing chaos for millions.

AS winter sets in, many Brits are already looking ahead to their next holiday.

But travel experts have revealed the destinations that shouldn’t be on your 2026 bucket list, including a sunny favourite for UK residents.

From overtourism to negative environmental impacts, there are a variety of reasons to avoid this stunning locations.

Fodor’s Travel has revealed its No 2026 List, explaining: “Its purpose is to highlight destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities.”

While the round-up of locations is “not a call for boycott”, it aims to highlight the issues facing each area, urging tourists to “ease up on a spot for now–not forever”.

“Give a rest to any location that clearly needs a breather,” the travel pros encouraged readers.

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The list includes a popular tourist destination for Brits as well as a city set to host next year’s World Cup.

Antarctica

Unlike most destinations, Antarctica doesn’t need marketing campaigns to lure visitors to fuel its existent economy.

In fact, it doesn’t have an economy at all, and therefore doesn’t need tourists.

Despite this, the remote region welcomed 120,000 visitors from 2023 to 2024, a number which is projected to double by 2033.

Mike Gunter, professor of political science and chair at Rollins College in Florida, who studies ecotourism and environmental policy, spoke about the recent shift in tourism for Antarctica.

“Unfortunately, in the last quarter century, Antarctica has been moving more toward mass tourism instead of the traditional ecotourism world,” he explained.

Expedition ships offer visitors a chance to set foot on the driest land on the planet and witness calving glaciers.

Elizabeth Leane, professor of Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania, pointed out that a major draw of Antarctica is that it “still has that mystique of being the last place, the last wilderness”.

However, Jessica O’Reilly, associate professor of anthropology at Indiana University and an advisor to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, explained: “The environment is fragile, and it’s a rare environment”.

“That’s why people want to go there, but it’s also why it can’t really sustain high numbers of tourism,” she said.

With no caps on visitation in Antarctica, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has only been able to set out voluntarily regulations for visitors.

Canary Islands

With warm temperatures for most of the year, the Canary Islands have established themselves as a long-time favourite destination for Brits.

From cheap prices and direct flights to world-class waterparks and stunning scenery, there are many draws to the destination.

However, a whopping 7.8 million visitors in 2025 alone has left locals concerned over how much their islands can take.

Thousands even marched through the streets of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote in May under the banner, “Canarias tiene un límite” (“The Canaries have a limit”).

The booming tourism is causing soaring housing costs and mounting environmental strain, threatening the foundations of island life.

While tourism contributes more than a third of the Canary Islands’ GDP and employs roughly 40% of its population, it has come at a price.

“Residents have started protesting because they’re genuinely fed up,” says John Dale Beckley, founder of the sustainability platform CanaryGreen.org.

“The government previously changed regulations that allowed residents to rent out their properties on Airbnb and Booking.com.

“This has driven up both rental prices and property values. Many young people now find it almost impossible to rent or buy a home.”

Meanwhile, there have also been “alarming losses in biodiversity” due to overcrowding.

And water scarcity and infrastructure strain are predicted to be the next looming crises.

Glacier National Park, Montana

First opened in 1910 with the displacement of the Blackfeet tribe, Glacier National Park (GNP) in Montana struggles to live up to its name.

GNP is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, leaving just 27 of the estimated 150 glaciers from early 20th century.

And these too, are expected to disappear by 2030. 

While Michael Jamison, Northern Rockies campaign director for the National Parks Conservation Association, cited climate change as a main factor, with more frequent and expansive wildfires and milder winters.

“For a lot of these species, climate change is what they call a ‘threat multiplier,’” Jamison explains. “

It magnifies existing threats and intensifies them … We’re seeing changes to migration routes, to seasonal habitats and winter range, and to entire populations.”

For some travelers, the last-chance draw of the rapidly melting glaciers has motivated visits to the park.

Already one of the most visited national parks in the US, Glacier saw around 300,000 more visitors in 2024 than 2023.

These large and growing numbers have various impacts on the park, from traffic congestion on Glacier’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road to the faster accumulation of garbage, and a greater risk of wildlife disturbance.

Glacier National Park has implemented policies to mitigate some of the effects, with visitors required to have timed reservations to enter during peak summer months and hours since 2020.

However, the damage may already have been done.

“The challenges absolutely are unprecedented,” says Jamison. “At no point in the history of Glacier Park have so many existential threats intersected all at once.”

Isola Sacra, Italy

This small community near Rome has been given the green light for a new port, where some of the world’s largest cruise ships will dock.

These plans have caused backlash from residents and environmental campaigners.

Despite the devastating impact of the cruise industry on other Italian areas such as Venice and Santorini, the quiet coastal district of Isola Sacra in Fiumicino is set to become the next cruise destination.

Located just 20 miles from Rome, the stunning area will become home to a pier for mega cruise ships, each over 230 feet high, over 1,150 feet long, and capable of carrying up to 6,000 passengers. 

Authorities say the project will bring an employment boom, however various local and national associations have been fighting against these development plans since 2010.

Long-time residents of Isola Sacra have formed Tavoli del Porto, a committee working to safeguard the area. 

“Only together can we stop these projects that threaten to destroy a delicate ecosystem of dunes, wetlands, agricultural land, unique vegetation, and terrestrial and marine animal species,” the activists told local press ahead of a protest planned in November. 

The project includes measures for the protection of marine biodiversity, with Fiumicino’s seabed so shallow it will require 105 million cubic feet of sand would to be extracted to create a deep channel allowing access for ships.

The Jungfrau Region, Switzerland

Located in the Bernese Oberland of central Switzerland, the Jungfrau Region stretches from the valleys of Interlaken to the imposing summits of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

The area is most famous for its Alpine villages of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, and Mürren. 

However despite its stunning scenery, the Jungfrau Region faces the challenge of balancing a booming tourism with the preservation of its environment and local quality of life.

The popularity of the area strains natural resources and the daily lives of residents, making now a critical moment to address sustainability.

According to Jungfrau Railways’ corporate announcements, both visitor numbers and profits have never been higher.

More thana million people visited the Jungfraujoch, the ridge that joins two of the Bernese Alps’ towering 13,000-foot peaks dubbed “the Top of Europe”, in 2024, up 5.1% from the previous year.

Meanwhile, the Eiger Express gondola transported more than 2.1 million passengers, while the Harderbahn, Firstbahn, and Lauterbrunnen-Mürren cableways also broke attendance records.

In the first half of 2025, transport income has generated record profits, offering tourists the chance to reach the high Alps.

But this booming industry has had a visible impact on the surrounding countryside.

“Where there was ice, there are now trees,” explained climate and science reporter Mark Poynting of the Great Aletsch.

Mexico City

Set to host the opener of the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, this city

On July 4, large protests erupted in Mexico City against gentrification, short-term rentals, and rising rents.

Signs reading “Mexico for Mexicans” and “gringos out” were spotted across the city.

Similar to the Canary Islands, the proliferation of Airbnb and other short-stay listings are contributing to housing displacement and rental inflation in the city.

“Simply put, Airbnb should be banned from Mexico City,” says Natalia de la Rosa, the Mexico City-born and bred operations leader of Club Tengo Hambre.

“It’s a platform that incentivizes evictions and tears at the social fabric of communities in neighbourhoods.”

“Deep-pocketed elites and large corporate and international portfolios purchasing entire apartment buildings to convert them into short-term rentals are negatively impacting our city,” she added.

Inside Airbnb, an advocacy group that analyzes the company’s footprint on residential areas through data-driven research, estimates that there are over 25,000 short-term rentals in the city.

Airbnb listings in the city have shot up by 35% since 2020.

Mombasa, Kenya

With a record 2.4 million international arrivals last year, Kenya’s tourism industry has been booming, making travel the third-largest industry in the country for amassing foreign currency.

Cruise travel is one of the sector’s new tourism products, bringing a 164% rise in port traffic in coastal cities Mombasa and Lamu in 2024.

However, despite the country’s vigorous campaign to attract more travelers, Kenyan officials do not have a clear understanding of how many tourists it can accommodate without harming ecological health.

Mombasa, the country’s oldest coastal city, renowned as “the white and blue city,” now hosts 70% of tourists visiting the coast.

And now overtourism has left the city grappling with depleting resources, overcrowding, poor and congested roads, poor waste management–littered beaches and polluted oceans.

Officials have continuously prioritized tourism over local needs, going so far as to establish a Tourists’ Inspectorate Unit, a special security team safeguarding tourist centres, despite worries about crime outside these areas.

Montmartre, Paris

Paris’ hilltop village of Montmartre has long drawn tourists to its picturesque cobbled streets, from Van Gogh lovers to John Wick fans alike.

Montmartre, once a village on the outskirts of the city, has remained untouched, maintaining the narrow cobbled streets of yore.

Today, these picturesque ruelles are considered an undeniable tourist draw in the city.

However in recent years, it’s become more than the 30,000 residents can bear. 

Some 11 million visitors now throng the area each year, topping the numbers seen by the Eiffel Tower.

Rémy Knafou, professor at Paris 1–Panthéon Sorbonne and author of several books on overtourism has noticed that even previously quieter spots, notably the northern flank of the hill, now teem with tourist shops.

“At night, the Place du Tertre is completely invaded by café and restaurant terraces,” Knafou told Fodor’s.

“Some of the population living in the area is protesting–discretely, politely, but firmly–its discontent. It is therefore possible to speak of overtourism.”

Local government officials claim that they are working to reduce the impact of tourism on residents.

However, if trends continue in this way, experts warn Montmartre may be “progressively emptied of its population.”

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This could contribute to “a loss of ‘authenticity,’ or, at any rate, a modification of the local identity”.

“We’ll need to ask ourselves: whether tourists will be satisfied to come and only encounter other tourists.”

IT’S the most wonderful time of the year, as Brits flock to Christmas markets to browse festive gifts and sip piping hot mulled wine.

Now, the country’s best eight spots for top-notch Christmas markets have been revealed, but notably missing one major city.

A survey of 4,000 people by consumer champion Which has revealed Brits’ favourite Christmas market destinations all over the country.

The top eight cities were: Bath, Chester, Durham, Winchester, Wells, Liverpool, Edinburgh, York and Belfast.

This means that Manchester was a glaring exception to the list, despite its markets offering 200 stalls across nine locations this year in the popular northern city.

The selection offers something for everyone, from quaint cobbled lanes to grand squares and gothic cathedrals.

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Bath is already a tourist hotspot, a Regency gem which was voted the UK’s best medium-sized city this year.

It’s market offers 200 chalets where punters can peruse a massive selection of goods, with many of the stallholders based in the South West.

Expect everything from foraged jam to pet gifts.

In Northern Ireland, Belfast plays host to a market ideal for foodies, from crocodile burgers to local produce every weekend.

It also includes a funfair, and takes place at the steps of the grand Victorian City Hall building.

If you are looking to spot some WAGs doing a spot of Christmas browsing, Chester would be the city to head to.

With its 80 stalls spiralling out from it’s gothic town hall, customers will be delighted with the range of indie options like artisan liqueurs available in this footballer-favourite city.

It is also one of the better cities for accessibility like parking and lack of crowds.

Another historic northern city, Durham’s festive market is a handmade affair, with optional tickets to gain admission to the crafts and gift marquee of 120 stalls costing £4.50.

The free section of the market only has 30 stalls, so more minimalist than some of the others.

It lasts two days, between 5 and 7 December, so worth bearing in mind it could be extremely popular.

Scotland’s offering is found on the iconic East Princes Street in Edinburgh, where revellers can enjoy typical festive options like stocking fillers and gluhwein in the shadow of the city’s imposing castle.

The fair also has a Ferris wheel, and the market lasts into early January, offering the perfect place to celebrate Hogmanay.

Liverpool was crowned the best big city, and it’s Christmas market looks set to live up to the city’s top-rated culture and shopping.

St George’s Hall, with its statuesque columns and strings of twinkling lights, offers a beautiful backdrop to the festivities.

Down in Somerset, Wells has long been a hidden gem, with it’s 850 year old cathedral and moat filled with swans which was immortalised in the 2007 film Hot Fuzz.

Voted best small city this year, its market will last for one day, and one day only, on 6 December.

This is very much a market by and for locals, offering gifts crafted in the community, and some regional fare.

Another city most well-known for its stunning cathedral, Winchester is a classy pick for a refined market-goer.

The stalls are set out in front of the ancient landmark, and punters will peruse hand-painted buttons and horsehair brushes.

At the York Christmas Festival, traders operate out of alpine chalets decked with tinsel and wreaths.

Known for its winding lanes and generous Yorkshire hospitality, the city’s market is a staple, as it has been going for over 30 years.

It is a fantastic place to browse for gifts- anything from food and drink to art prints.

The list was created from Which’s best UK cities survey, which means every spot also boasts good-quality food and cultural activities as well as their markets.

Other cities which nearly made the cut included Newcastle, for its top-scoring food and drink offering, Glasgow for its cultural sites, and London, which boasts a plethora of markets.

Which also recommended the UK’s prettiest villages which might be worth a trip or stay this Christmas for their chocolate-box scenery.

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These included Avebury in Wiltshire, with its thatched cottages and prehistoric circles.

Another good option would be Llangollen, a picturesque Welsh town with stunning views over the River Dee.

A MAJOR UK airport has officially closed part of a terminal after 60 years of operation.

Large sections of the departures and arrivals halls have shut, with only one airline remaining in the terminal.

Manchester Airport’s Terminal 1 has now closed to all passengers, except those travelling with Ryanair.

The terminal was opened by Prince Philip in 1962 and entered its final phase of closure last week.

Airport transformation

Meanwhile, Terminal 2 has undergone a 10-year, £1.3 billion transformation which has more than doubled its size.

After an extension to the terminal opened in 2021, the airport is now in the final stages of overhauling the original Terminal 2.

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In the meantime, Terminals 1 and 3 will operate as a temporary hybrid hub for Ryanair until the full closure of Terminal 1 in early 2026.

Airline passengers have described the Terminal closure as the “end of an era”.

Fond farewell

A spokesperson for the airport told the BBC staff have been “really touched by all the lovely comments and by people sharing their memories”.

“Since the 1960s, T1 has been the starting point for millions of journeys,” Manchester Airport said in an official post.

The airport, which ranks as the UK’s busiest outside of London, has become well-known for the unique chandeliers in Terminal 1.

These iconic Venetian glass chandeliers were removed in 2003 and were placed on display in various museums.

However, these iconic features will now be on display in Terminal 2, where they are being resurrected to form a new piece of art.

“Even though we love Terminal 1, we weren’t really prepared for just how many other people share our affection for it,” said an airport spokesperson.

“It may be the end of an era for Terminal 1 as we know it, but we wanted to take some time to really celebrate it because it’s truly a part of the history of the North and plays a key part in lots of people’s memories of international travel.”

The airport rep added that passengers will not need to worry about extra traffic in Terminal 2 as a result of the closure.

“There is absolutely nothing that anybody needs to worry about, we have invested in the terminal facility and the road network as well,” they said.

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One of Europe’s busiest airports is also set to get a £8.7 billion renovation, including a brand new terminal.

And TUI is set to launch more hotels in very affordable exotic countries, including locations with white sand beaches and £1 beers. 

Meanwhile, a major airport has cancelled all flights tomorrow affecting hundreds of British passengers.

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1. Aosta, Italy / Marché Vert Noël: – Mulled wine from £2.55, sausage from £4.25, flights from £23.99, holidays from £219, high chance of snow

2. Innsbruck, Austria / Old Town – Mulled wine from £3.80, sausage from £4.25 flights from £35.99 holidays from £279, high chance of snow

3. Lübeck, Germany / Hanseatic Markets – Mulled wine from £3.40, sausage from £3.40, flights from £47.99, holidays from £219, moderate–high chance of snow

4. Salzburg, Austria – Christkindlmarkt – Mulled wine from £3.40, sausage from £4.25, flights from £31.99, holidays from £239, high chance of snow

5. Grenoble, France / Place Victor Hugo Market – Mulled wine from £2.55, sausage from £3.40, flights from £29.99, holidays from £209 in Lyon, moderate–high chance of snow

6. Naples, Italy / Pietrarsa Railway Museum – Mulled wine from £2.50, sausage from £3.00, flights from £20.99, holidays from £229, low chance of snow

7. Ljubljana, Slovenia / Festive December – Mulled wine from £3.00, sausage from £5.50, flights from £54.99, holidays from £229, low–moderate chance of snow

8. Toulouse, France / Capitole Market – Mulled wine from £2.55, sausage from £4.25, flights from £26.99, holidays from £219, low chance of snow

9. Verona, Italy / Piazza Bra – Mulled wine from £2.55, sausage from £4.25, flights from £23.99, holidays from £249, low–moderate chance of snow

10. Basel, Switzerland / Barfüsserplatz – Mulled wine from £3.75, sausage from £5.25, flights from £38.99, holidays from £249, moderate chance of snow

THE first flight linking two of the UK’s top holiday spots has officially taken off, restoring a vital travel link just weeks after the collapse of its former operator.

The route between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick had been left in limbo earlier this month when Eastern Airways revealed it was on the brink of administration.

The regional carrier, which had operated the connection seven times a week, suspended services as the company folded.

But on Sunday afternoon, November 23, Skybus officially stepped in – with its inaugural flight marking the return of the essential link used by holidaymakers, commuters and the region’s tourism industry.

The daily service is being supported by both the Government and Cornwall Council.

Only twelve passengers were on board the Boeing 737 for the first take-off, leaving plenty of space on the 180-seater aircraft as the replacement route got underway.

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Cornwall Airport Newquay’s managing director Amy Smith said the launch marked “an important milestone” for the region.

She added that the reinstated London link would strengthen Cornwall’s “resilience” and support the economy year-round, welcoming Skybus as a partner for “a dependable service for residents, businesses and visitors alike”.

Cornwall Council also hailed the restart as a major boost.

Cllr Tim Dwelly, portfolio holder for economic regeneration, said the return of the connection would play a key role in supporting local business and tourism confidence.

How much does it cost?

Fares on the new Skybus service begin at £79.99 one-way, including a 15kg checked bag.

Travellers can pay extra for additional luggage or a FlyFlexi add-on, which offers increased baggage allowance, ticket flexibility and security fast-track from £22.50 each way.

Skybus confirmed it expects to switch to a smaller 78-seat Q400 turboprop aircraft next month, with services increasing to twice daily from mid-February.

Managing director Jonathan Hinkles said the launch was “a proud moment” for the airline and a major step forward for Cornwall’s connectivity, describing the route as crucial for keeping communities and businesses linked to the capital all year.

Airline collapse

The reinstated service comes after weeks of uncertainty for travellers. Eastern Airways, one of the UK’s remaining regional carriers, collapsed earlier in November after years of financial struggle.

The airline reported a £19.7million net loss for the year to March 2024 – almost £5million worse than the previous year.

Cornwall Council moved quickly to secure a temporary agreement with Skybus, ensuring the connection wasn’t lost for long.

Leader of the council Leigh Frost said the route was essential, particularly with the county’s unreliable rail links, adding that Cornwall “needs that secure route so it can access the rest of the world”.

Skybus will continue to operate the service until at least mid-2026, while the council works to find a long-term airline to take on a four-year contract.

Previously, the route has been operated by FlyBe and after that, British Airways.

Eastern Airways took over operations in 2020 until its collapse earlier this month.

While stepping in on the Newquay–Gatwick route is new territory for Skybus, the airline is no stranger to Cornwall.

It has flown between Newquay and the Isles of Scilly for more than 30 years, with flights also running from Land’s End and Exeter.

Its parent company, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, also operates boats to the islands.

With the reinstated air link now back in action, Cornwall’s gateway to the capital is once again open, offering welcome stability after a turbulent month for regional travel.

Plus, here are the pretty twin beach villages in the ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall.

And another Cornish village compared to Greece with seafront Roman attraction and one of the UK’s warmest beaches.

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Plus an English village that’s the ‘quiet side of Cornwall’ has A-list holidaymakers and no cars.

For alternatives to Cornwall, one travel writer would encourage Brits to head to her county instead.

TRAIN passengers hoping to travel across Britain as Christmas closes in are facing uncertainty after a trade union announced strike action on four consecutive Saturdays.

Workers at rail operator CrossCountry will stage a slew of strikes in December in a dispute over pay.

Rail, Maritime and Transport union [RMT] members will walk out on December 6, 13, 20 and 27 – sparking chaos for Brits.

The move is likely affect thousands of Brits who are heading home to family and relatives for Christmas and New Year.

Engineering works on the West Coast Main Line on December 27 mean some passengers would have been hoping to use CrossCountry trains as an alternative.

CrossCountry operates a nationwide network centred on Birmingham New Street, running long-distance services that link Scotland, the North East and North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands, Wales, the South West, the South Coast and the East of England – including through-services such as the Cardiff–Edinburgh “Three Nations” route.

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“We are disappointed for our customers that the RMT has announced further industrial action,” Shiona Rolfe, Managing Director at CrossCountry told The Sun.

“We’ve worked hard to make a fair and reasonable offer that addresses the key points raised in this dispute, and we’ve made meaningful progress in negotiations.

“Our priority remains reaching an agreement that avoids disruption for passengers in the busy Christmas period, and we are ready to continue talks at any time.”

CrossCountry has not yet confirmed how the strike will impact services, but it is likely that most will be cancelled and they will only operate a  limited timetable at best.  

Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT – Britain’s biggest rail workers’ union – said today: “CrossCountry has not dealt with the core issues in this dispute and has come back with a proposal that is worse than what was already on the table.

“Our members are still facing unresolved staffing shortages, unfair pay outcomes and broken commitments. RMT members have been left with no choice but to take strike action.

“The company must return with a serious offer that meets the commitments it has already made and treats our members with the fairness and respect they deserve.”

The Sun Online has reached out to CrossCountry for comment.

It comes as Network Rail warned passengers to expect delays around Christmas and the New Year ahead of major £130 million works.

The disruption is set to last for a total of a month over Christmas, while crucial work is carried out.

Announcing a raft of festive network upgrades, Network Rail boss Helen Hamlin said: “The period between Christmas and New Year is the quietest on the railway and it’s the best time for us to do the major projects that will take longer than a night or a weekend to complete.

“That’s especially the case this year as we have some very big plans for improving the railway that will mean people may have to travel home on different routes after Christmas than the way they travelled out. 

“Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding and for planning ahead.”

A MAJOR train company has unveiled its plans for a new station, taking passengers from one world-famous city to another.

It comes as the rail company decided a far bigger station would be needed, with more than 80 alterations being made to the original idea so far.

East West Rail’s Oxford-Cambridge route is set to take passengers from one popular city to another, with stops in places including Bedford, Milton Keynes, and Winslow in between.

The nearly £7bn scheme is aiming to construct fresh stations, new entrances and a completely reworked service pattern.

It’s no small overhaul – it’s an incredible challenge to all involved, both strategically as well as in terms of design.

In preparation for the new train line, Cambridge will be getting a revamp, with a brand-new Cambridge East station near the city airport.

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The stunning city already has two prominent stations – Cambridge North and Cambridge Central located in the CB1 area.

The central station will also be receiving a long-awaited eastern entrance to ease foot traffic during rush hour.

All of these plans for Cambridge have been written into the scope of the plan, though elements of it are dependent on whether external funding is received.

Whereas in Oxford one of its old running lines – the Cowley Branch Line – will be reinstated to better suit the travel timetable once Oxford-Cambridge becomes available for travellers.

According to a press release by East West Rail, “millions of people across the Oxford to Cambridge corridor are set to benefit” from the project.

David Hughes, CEO of EWR, said: “These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities while designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for the region.

“Our latest proposals better reflect what matters most to people and will deliver better outcomes for passengers, local communities and the environment.”

Though one of the biggest challenges the construction team are going to be facing during construction is rethinking what to do with the Marston Vale Line that transverses central Bedfordshire.

The current plan is to switch out the nine existing rather tired-looking stations on its line for four larger contemporary ones.

RYANAIR has been banned from landing some flight routes at a European airport at certain times of the week.

The Airport Coordination Netherlands [ACNL], which apportions landings Eindhoven Airport, made the decision following a slew of late arrivals on Monday and Thursday evenings.

Flights hitting the runway from Sofia, Bulgaria and Pisa in Italy both consistently arrived an average of an hour late.

The official body have since cracked the whip, removing the budget airline’s slots.

“Ryanair is the most punctual airline in Europe. We have appealed this unprecedented, irrational and disproportionate decision by ACNL to the European Commission and the Dutch courts, where we expect it will be overturned,” a Ryanair spokesperson said.

The airline have pushed back against the decision and questioned the claims made by the ACNL.

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“ACNL are penalising airlines for ATC [air-traffic control] delays that push flights just 15 minutes over their scheduled arrival time which is completely out of whack with the vast majority of European airports where the threshold is much higher and more reasonable,’ the spokesperson added.

“Ryanair has long campaigned for ATC [air-traffic control] reform, but EU Commission President, Ursula von ‘Derlayed-Again’, has failed to take action.”

The Sun Online has reached out to Ryanair for comment.

GROUNDED

It comes just days after Ryanair announced they were set to scrap even more flights across Europe in 2026, and months following their decision to scratch two million seats across Spain.

Earlier this year, the budget airline said they would be cancelling all flights to three French airports –  Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg.

However, more are set to be axed, they have confirmed, affecting passengers in summer 2026.

Chief Commercial Officer Jason McGuinness told local media: “We will be leaving several regional airports in France this summer. 

“When you increase taxes by 180 per cent, it makes these airports unviable for us.”

The new taxes will see an extra €4.77 per flight ticket when it comes to short haul flights.

However, long haul flights will increase by €120 (£105). 

Which airports in France will be affected is yet to be confirmed.

Ryanair added that two million seats across Spain would be being scrapped.

This affects all flights to and from Tenerife North, Vigo, Santiago Valladolid and Jerez.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said at the time: “If the costs in regional Spain are too high, I will fly elsewhere.

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“We are better off flying at the same cost to places such as Palma [on the island of Mallorca] than flying to Jerez.”

The airport worst affected is Vigo, as the cancellations mean there are no longer any direct UK flights.

A BRAND new indoor water park is set to come to the UK – complete with a sauna, slides and a splash zone.

The venue will replace the Waterfront Leisure Centre in Woolwich which has been a pillar of the community since it was erected in 1988.

The latter has seen better days, with some locals alleging black mould has been seen while some water slides have been closed to the public indefinitely.

However, residents will be happy to hear that a fresh alternative will soon be available to visit.

Woolwich Waves, situated opposite General Gordon Square, will boast two pools, slides, a two-floor gym, sports halls, squash courts, soft play and a sauna and will wave in punters next month.

The leisure centre has costed a whopping £115million to build.

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As for the future of the crumbling Waterfront Leisure Centre, a decision is expected to be made on November 19 during a penned council meeting.

Berkeley Homes, which already built flats on water park’s old car park, has been earmarked to inhabit the space after the centre has been razed to the ground.

Greenwich Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, said: “The regeneration of Woolwich remains a key priority for the council and Woolwich Waves sits at the heart of that.

Cllr Rahman added: “The closure of the existing Waterfront Leisure Centre has always been part of the long-term plan of the delivery of Woolwich Waves.

“Subject to approval by Cabinet, it is recommended that the old Waterfront Leisure Centre building is demolished, when it becomes vacant, to avoid anti-social behaviour and associated security costs – challenges that come with a building sitting vacant. 

“Then steps would be taken to repurpose the site for future sale that would be subject to a transparent and competitive process, ensuring best value for the borough. 

“The repurposing of the Waterfront site would pave the way for more much-needed housing and contribute to the council’s and the Mayor of London’s affordable housing targets.”

Earlier this year, two popular public leisure centres in the UK suddenly closed down.

The City of Lincolnshire Council confirmed that their Yarborough and Birchwood leisure centres would close effective immediately on Wednesday night.

The Yarborough Leisure Centre provided a gym, swimming pool, running track and studios for classes, while the Birchwood facility included a gym, spin studio and 3G pitches.

Active Nation’s statement referenced “the ongoing utility crisis and challenges it has created” as the reason for the sudden closures.

It claims to have tried to find another company to take over the services whilst working with the council, but to no success.

A Yarborough Leisure Centre instructor, Carla, told the BBC: “We didn’t know anything about it, the place was buzzing and it was busy but then we got the news”, after just having taught a class in the morning.

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A number of staff expressed their concerns employment, and cited the tough trading conditions they worked through to try keep the venues running.

Customers of the leisure centres, Mauva Jessel, Nina Hill and Elise Rothwell, have also shared with the BBC they are worried about the fees already paid to be made members.

RYANAIR is axing 15 destinations across Europe in 2026, amid plans to scale back its operations.

It comes just months after the budget airline confirmed that two million seats would be scrapped across Spain.

Millions of Brits could be forced to change their plans as routes to major destinations, mainly in Germany and Spain, are scrapped.

Plans to scale back operations in France have also been announced.

Just a few months ago Ryanair cancelled all services to three French destinations.

The cancelled routes come as Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary pushes back against rising air tax costs.

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Here’s the full list of affected routes:

Spain

Back in August, Ryanair said confirmed that two million seats across Spain would be being scrapped.

The destinations is said it would be closing operations and ceasing flights to were:

• Santiago de Compostela
• Vigo
• Valladolid
• Jerez
• Tenerife (North)

Tensions over increased airport charges had affected relations with the state-owned Spanish operator Aena.

Mr O’Leary said at the time: “If the costs in regional Spain are too high, I will fly elsewhere.

“We are better off flying at the same cost to places such as Palma [on the island of Mallorca] than flying to Jerez.”

Germany

In October, Ryanair announced it was dropping 24 routes to and from Germany, cutting nearly 800,000 seats in total.

It was revealed that nine airports would be affected, along with the plans of those wanting a winter break, and including to major cities that are popular with tourists.

These are:

• Berlin
• Hamburg
• Memmingen
• Baden-Württemberg
• Cologne
• Frankfurt-Hahn
• Dortmund
• Dresden
• Leipzig

Ryanair’s CEO Eddie Wilson said back in August: “Germany’s air travel market is broken and needs an urgent fix.

“As a result of these high government taxes/fees (the highest in Europe), and Lufthansa’s high-fare monopoly, German citizens/visitors now pay the highest air fares in Europe.”

France

Ryanair cut services to France in 2025 – with the loss of 25 routes and some 750,000 seats this winter following the decision to drop services to Strasbourg, Brive and Bergerac.

Now though, it has been revealed that further cancellations are possibly looming.

CEO Jason McGuiness has confirmed thar Ryanaire will leave France’s regional airports in the summer of 2026.

However, as yet, no official destinations have been named yet.

The actions of the airline earlier in the year caused a 13 per cent reduction in its capacity in France.

Mr O’Leary told French newspaper Le Parisien: “You have this crazy situation where your government increases the solidarity tax on airline tickets (TSBA), which has gone from 2.63 euros to 7.40 euros per ticket. 180% increase! It’s totally unjustified.”

He added that commercial flying was a “rotten sector that does not bring in a lot of money.”

He also accused the French government of viewing airlines as their personal “tax collectors,” as well as making the claim that “French air traffic control is by far the least effective in Europe.”

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However, five European cities will be getting new Ryanair flights as part of the airline’s winter schedule.

Plus, here is everything you need to know about whether you can use a printed boarding pass, including rules for Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and Jet2 explained.

DUBAI has finally cracked open its £10billion mystery islands to sun-seeking holidaymakers after they lay deserted for more than two decades.

The city has long been recognised for its architectural wonders including the 828m tall Burj Khalifa.

But the glamourous city has revealed its latest gem, known as ‘the world’s islands’, which is now officially open to tourists after years of development.

Rocky beginnings

The £10.6bn fantasy archipelago was supposed to reshape the coastline into a giant world map made from 300 man-made islands.

The mad dream began as a sketch on a cocktail napkin and back then, ambitious tycoons queued up to claim their slice of the fantasy.

There were even plans for a Giant’s Causeway on the ‘Ireland’ island and a fashion paradise overseen by Karl Lagerfeld himself.

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Bit in 2008 the crash hit and money vanished, turning the whole thing into a sandy graveyard.

The pricey stunt had costed enough dredged sand to fill Wembley nearly 100 times over.

Developers soon went bust, investors fled, and by 2011 officials were admitting the project was basically “in a coma.”

For years, the only excitement came from tourists peering out of plane windows, gawping at the ghostly outline of a world that never was.

The only resident for years was Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who quietly bagged ‘Greenland’ for a private palace in 2011.

But in true Dubai fashion, the city has refused to give up and the forgotten islands are back, open for business, and dripping in luxury.

Open for business

The islands are now open to tourists, offering a game-changing new experience.

Travellers can enjoy the World islands, which consist of 300 islands, situated just off the cost of the mainland.

Each island has been designed to mimic different countries or continents, including luxury resorts, fine dining spots and high-end beach villas.

While many are still under construction, a select few are fully accessible to tourists.

‘Heart of Europe’

Austrian developer Josef Kleindienst, snapped up half a dozen islands and nearly two decades later, his sprawling resort, ‘The Heart of Europe‘, is now open.

The islands resemble popular European destinations, including ‘Sweden,’ ‘Switzerland,’ ‘Germany,’ ‘Monaco,’ and ‘St Petersburg’.

Guests can take a trip to the glitzy Voco Monaco hotel, blasting out endless techno, offering visitors a luxury, high end party experience.

The star attraction is the bonkers “raining street,” where sprinklers blast out a fake downpour every 15 minutes.

In 35°C heat, it creates a misty, Paris-in-August atmosphere.

Further along the map, the mood shifts from rave to relaxation.

The Anantara World Islands resort offers a Maldives-on-Sea escape full of private pools, beachfront villas and pampering sessions.

Guests can even have breakfast served in their own pool.

There are also 133 floating seahorse villas, making up a £5billion floating city in the middle of the sea.

This new wave of luxury comes as Dubai doubles down on its quest to be the world’s go-to playground for the rich and restless.

More resorts and mansions are set to come through soon.

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Even a former “dead” island, ‘Chile’, is now hosting parties, while another has been reborn as ‘Zuhha Island’ with luxury villas on sale.

The World Islands were once written off as an embarrassing folly, but the new development is bound to be a game changer for the cities’ already bustling tourist scene.

THOUSANDS of travellers are being warned to brace for major disruption this weekend as engineering works are set to cause significant delays at the UK’s busiest airport.

Heathrow, which is set to handle around 84 million passengers this year, has announced that major rail connections to and from the airport will be closed this weekend while essential maintenance work is carried out.

The disruption will affect travellers using the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line on Saturday November 15 and Sunday November 15, prompting airport officials to advise passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

Heathrow Airport announced the closure on X, formerly Twitter, warning: “Due to planned engineering works, there will be no Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line train services to/from Heathrow on Sat 15 & Sun 16 November 2025.

“Piccadilly Line services to/from #Heathrow will be running as normal. Please plan your journey in advance as other services will be busier than normal.”

The engineering works are taking place between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Airport stations, and according to National Rail, “all lines” on the route will be closed during the two-day period.

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The National Rail website also states: “No trains to / from London Heathrow Airport from Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 November.”

This means that both the Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line will be completely out of service over the weekend, affecting thousands of passengers travelling to or from the airport.

Routes listed as affected include the Elizabeth line between Shenfield and Heathrow Airport and the Heathrow Express between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport.

To help travellers plan ahead, Heathrow has released the times of the final trains before the closures begin.

The last Heathrow Express service from Terminal 5 will leave at 11.57pm on Friday, while the final train from Terminals 2 and 3 will depart at 12.03am.

From London Paddington, the final Heathrow Express departs at 11.25pm.

As for the Elizabeth line, the final service to central London will depart Terminal 5 at 12.07am, Terminals 2 and 3 at 12.12am, and Terminal 4 at 11.37pm.

The last Elizabeth line train from Paddington will leave at 11.24pm.

Those travelling from Terminals 2 and 3 to Terminal 5 can catch the final Elizabeth line service at 11.37pm, while the last train from Terminal 4 to Terminals 2 and 3 departs at 11.52pm.

Despite the disruption, the Piccadilly line will continue to operate as normal, providing the only direct underground connection to Heathrow throughout the weekend.

Travellers are being urged to consider alternative routes, including TfL Rail replacement buses, coach services, and taxis, which are likely to experience increased demand.

A Heathrow spokesperson reminded passengers: “We encourage everyone travelling on 15 and 16 November to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journey.

“With trains not running, roads and alternative transport will be busier than usual.”

The works form part of ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at maintaining safety and reliability on the network.

However, the timing has sparked frustration among passengers planning half-term holidays and weekend getaways.

Experts have also warned that disruption could spill over into Monday morning as services return to normal and trains are repositioned.

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For up-to-date travel information, passengers are being advised to check the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line, and National Rail websites before setting off.

The Sun has approached Heathrow for comment.

THE LARGEST ice rink in the UK is opening today after receiving an ‘epic’ upgrade.

Skate Bournemouth has returned for the festive season, with the popular attraction receiving some major modifications before it launched for the winter period.

The updated rectangular rink measures up at 70 metres long – almost the same length as a Boeing 777, becoming the largest ice rink in the country.

The popular ice skating park, located in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, returned to business on Wednesday (November 12).

Drone images show the sheer length of the stunning ice rink, which appeared draped in white, after extensive upgrade works took place.

Located in Bournemouth city centre, the skating park will offer student nights, toddler time and sessions for more experienced skaters – as it did in previous years.

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A spokesperson for Skate Bournemouth said: “Skaters and spectators alike are in for a treat, with a separate skate-hire marquee featuring its own toilets and queuing area, meaning gearing up is smooth and stress-free.”

The attraction also features a Moguls Alpine Bar, which offers a “stunning menu of festive cocktails, mulled drinks and hot chocolates”, according to their website.

Skate Bournemouth will remain open for customers until January 4, accommodating skaters through Christmas to the New Year.

Prices range between £13.50 for children and £16 for adults at the huge rink.

But while Bournemouth boasts the longest rink in the UK, punters closer to the capital looking for a similar experience benefit from a stunning ice rink that’s already opened its doors for winter.

Skate at Somerset House, in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, returned to London on Wednesday, taking over the venue’s iconic courtyard.

The rink returned as part of the venue’s 25th birthday – and is one of the capital’s standout attractions during the winter experiences.

The venue offers a range of tasty food, drinks and music from DJ’s as part of the full experience.

Virgin Atlantic, who are the organisers behind the stunning rink, are also operating exclusive sessions and a lounge-inspired Clubhouse with rink-side views

HSBC UK are also running a vintage pop-up store on-site called Shelter Boutique.

The shop will be selling a hand-picked selection of pre-loved items, with all proceeds going to Shelter charity, helping tackle homelessness during the festive period.

Entry to Skate at Somerset House ranges between £15 to £28.50 for adults, and £10 for children, plus a one-off transaction fee of £2.95.

A MASSIVE new £37m waterfront park with a skateboard site and tightrope has been unveiled just minutes from a town centre.

Tourists and residents will be able to walk across a 55-metre bridge from the High Street to the revamped riverside, which will also feature a huge amphitheatre for live events.

In Stockton, the local authority is overseeing one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in Europe as it buys up swathes of land in the struggling town centre. 

The amphitheatre – with 402 granite steps – will gaze down on the River Tees, home to the Teesside Princess pleasure boat, the North-east town’s iconic tourist attraction, which hosts everything from Taylor Swift-themed boat parties to birthday celebrations, weddings and wakes.

The huge site – three times larger than London’s Trafalgar Square – will also include 10m watchtowers, an oval lawn and a land bridge.

“That’s going to mean people can mean people can walk from the High Street to the riverside, which is quite exciting,” councillor Paul Rowling, deputy council leader and cabinet member for resources and transport at Stockton Borough Council, told Teesside Live.

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Activities for children will also include a toddler trail, swings, climbing nets, trampolines and “exhilarating” slides connecting the amphitheatre to the riverside.

On its website, Stockton Council says “significant work has also progressed” on changes to Riverside Road, which will pass under the land bridge, reduced to a single carriageway each way.

Stockton Council says it has worked with members of the Stockton Parent Carers Forum to ensure that the park features meet the needs of as many families as possible. 

The final design has been shaped to incorporate their advice and feedback.

The site is set to open in spring 2026.

It includes tactile and sensory experiences, motion, sounds with musical instruments, social interaction and quiet spaces.

Councillor Richard Eglington, cabinet member for regeneration and housing at Stockton Council, said: “We know how popular our play areas are with families and that’s why we’ve ensured Stockton Waterfront will be a unique space like no other in the region for residents and visitors to spend quality time outdoors.

“The park’s feature elements, two huge play towers, will take children to new heights and we are looking forward to welcoming families when it opens.

“The play areas will complement the numerous exciting additions in the urban park, which is set to transform the town centre. 

“It’s part of our commitment to make the borough a great place to live, work and visit, providing an environment where all generations can thrive.”

The waterfront park is the latest regeneration project for Stockton – which straddles two English counties and six separate towns.

Work to refurbish the Globe Theatre in the town began nearly 15 years ago and was completed in 2021 at a cost of nearly £30m.

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With a capacity of 3,000 it is the largest live entertainment venue between Newcastle and Leeds.

Acts to have played the venue recently include Paloma Faith, The Waterboys and Fontaines DC.

BRITS returning home will face shorter wait times at passport control after a facial recognition trial passed with flying colours.

Border Force conducted a successful trial of the technology that would allow for contactless passage when arriving back at UK airports.

The trial run was held at Manchester Airport in October which would replace the traditional passport checks with facial recognition technology.

Border Force boss, Phil Douglas, said the trial in Manchester “considerably reduced” waiting times.

“So people approach the e-gate, it recognizes them [as] already on our database, and they’re checked through,” Douglas told The Times.

The facial recognition was fitted into existing passport e-gates and reduced waiting time as passengers no longer had to scan their passports.

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“The border has really changed over the last few years and that work is picking up pace. Public expectations have changed and technology has changed,” Douglas added.

“We now have AI facial recognition, the use of biometric identifiers in parallel with the more traditional forms of identification, like visas and passports.”

Douglas explained that Border Force wanted to make use of the existing 270 e-gates at airports and ports around the country by fitting them with the new technology.

 “It’s our intention that almost everybody will go through an e-gate of one description or another,” Douglas said.

“The Manchester pilot has shown that we can actually reduce transaction times considerably as well.”

He did warn that while this was a huge leap in technological advancement and would reduce waiting times, there was “something important about the ‘theatre’ of the border.”

Douglas said passengers should still expect to feel a sense of a border and scrutiny when entering the UK and when “they’re stopped it’s a moment they know they’re being checked.”

The UK is not the only country to introduce facial recognition technology at airports with the United Arab Emirates allowing passengers from 50 countries to enter using it.

Australia and the US were also considering trialling the software.

The Sun contacted Border Force for comment.

Facial recognition technology was also being considered at ports which would remove the need to even step out of your car to go through passport control.

The technology will be used at ports to match their faces with passport and car details already logged in government databases.

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The cameras, which are being trialled at four ports since November 2024 – are designed to cut queues that build up during busy holiday periods.

Only “passengers of interest” highlighted as a risk because of intelligence, safeguarding concerns or questions over their identity will have to undergo manual checks by a Border Force officer on arrival.

A POPULAR theme park hailed as the ‘best in the UK’ will unveil an exciting new ride in 2026.

Every year, Paultons Park in Hampshire attracts revellers in their droves with its over 70 rides and attractions.

The attraction even scooped the gong for the Theme Park of the Year at the UK Theme Park Awards 2025.

And now, thrill-seekers have another reason to flock to the beloved spot as a brand new ride will open up in May next year.

Revellers can get a taste of what is to come after Paultons released a POV animation of what the new Drakon ride will offer up punters.

The inverted rollercoaster will be the latest addition to the Valgard, Realm of the Vikings section.

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The Valgard area is aimed at families with older children and teenagers, the theme park previously said. 

Drakon will comes complete with a vertical lift hill and will cost around £12million to build.

There will also be a restaurant for visitors who work up an appetite after a few rounds on the new ride, as well as a themed playground.

Those brave enough to take their seat on the Drakon will need to wait until May 16, 2026 before doing so.

Earlier this year, Paultons Park nabbed an incredible 10 trophies at the at the UK Theme Park Awards this year.

“We are delighted to have been awarded 10 awards this year at the annual UK Theme Park Awards, including the prestigious Theme Park of the Year Award,” Lawrence Mancey, marketing and technology director at Paultons Park, said.

“These accolades are a true reflection of the hard work, creativity and dedication shown by every team member at Paultons Park, many of whom have been part of our family for over twenty years.”

It comes after news that the UK will be getting a brand new theme park in 2026.

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, is the UK’s largest live action outdoor theatre production and next year it will launch Kynren – The Storied Lands, a new daytime historical theme park.

Set to open in summer 2026 in County Durham, the theme park will immerse visitors in multiple live shows and experiences that “span millennia”.

Phase One of Kynren – The Storied Lands will reveal The Lost Feather and four other live-action shows and immersive experiences, including Fina, a Medieval horse show, a viking show and a Victorian Adventure with characters from the past.

In other theme park news, the UK’s best value theme park has been named.

Plus, the UK theme parks with the best Black Friday discounts – from extra park tickets to free waterpark entry.

A MASSIVE UK train station is set to shut for 9 days for a “once-in-a-lifetime overhaul”.

Network Rail are investing £8million in the upgrade in order to reduce future disruptions on train services.

Manchester Piccadilly train station is set to receive track and signalling upgrades in February next year.

The southern approach to station was built in the 1980s and upgrades to its critical stretch of track has been due for some time.

Network Rail explained that issues with its outdated infrastructure can disrupt all trains running in and out of Manchester.

This amounts to around 400,000 trains into the station every year.

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In a prior warning to passengers, they have advised that no trains from the south and east of the city will run into Manchester Piccadilly.

This will last for nine days over February half term (Saturday 14 – Sunday 22).

Some trains from across the north will also be impacted as well as direct connections to Manchester Airport station.

Services normally running to and from Manchester Piccadilly will terminate at other stations, including Stockport.

Platforms 1-12 will be closed but the concourse will remain open to the public.

There will be a limited service westbound from platforms 13 and 14.

More detailed information about alternate travel plans are to follow in due course.

Julien Dehornoy, Network Rail’s North West & Central deputy regional managing director, said: “We’re investing £7.9m in renewing the Piccadilly corridor, a stretch of track critical to the journeys of around 400,000 trains into Manchester every year.

“This work is going to significantly reduce disruption for the many passengers who regularly use this route.

“Once the job is done, we will have a better, more reliable railway. 

“The major overhaul over six railway lines can only take place during a full railway closure and we are working closely with train operators, TfGM and Manchester City Council on alternative travel plans to keep people on the move.

“The full details on which will be published in mid-November.” 

A LONG-LOST rail link could soon return as part of a major rail investment that promises new jobs and better connections across the country.

The service, which runs between Swindon and Birmingham, is expected to be reinstated through the £1.75 billion Midlands Rail Hub project.

The project aims to transform journeys across the Midlands, the South West, and South Wales.

The forgotten train line last operated in the early 2000s, more than 20 years ago.

The town and city, which are located around 80 miles from each other, have been without a direct connection ever since.

Swindon, with a population of over 180,000, is the biggest town in Wiltshire, and is located on the edge of the Cotswolds.

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While Birmingham is an important industrial and cultural centre, and the UK’s second-largest city with a population of around 1.2 million.

The proposed plans are on track to deliver up to 130 extra train services each week, which would provide around two million additional passenger seats a year.

Andy Clark, rail programme lead at Midlands Connect, said: “This would be a real boost for passengers.”

The first phase of the scheme is also expected to create nearly 13,000 jobs nationwide.

Swindon North MP Will Stone welcomed the development, saying it would boost the local economy and reconnect communities that have long relied on slower, indirect services.

Currently, there are no direct services between Swindon and Birmingham, meaning passengers must change at Cheltenham, Gloucester, or Reading stations.

The revived route would re-establish a direct connection between the two cities.

Mr Stone said: “It’s fantastic that Swindon could be benefiting from the Midlands Rail hub expansion.

“We’re a town built on connection via the railways, and so it’s great to see Swindon getting an hourly service between a fellow industrial town like Birmingham.”

Once home to the Great Western Railway works, Swindon has a proud railway heritage that shaped the town’s identity.

The project has secured government backing following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending review and forms part of the government’s 10-year infrastructure strategy.

Mr Stone added: “Innovative projects like the Midlands Rail hub prove that investments in our railways, fully funded by the Chancellor, are transformative for communities, bringing new jobs and skills to areas across the country.”