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PLANS for a mega new city centre leisure facility costing £36million have been unveiled.

The first designs include two swimming pools, a cafe, a family play area, health and wellbeing rooms, a fitness suite, and a number of studios.

Peterborough City Council said plans have been finalised after consultation with residents, with further details set to go on public display at a drop-in session on Tuesday, May 19.

A planning application is due to be submitted in July, with construction at the Embankment site set to begin early next year.

The sports hub will then open in 2028, housing the city’s only public indoor swimming pool after Peterborough’s Regional Pool was demolished last year due to structural issues.

It is set to have a 25-metre eight-lane pool, as well as another 20-metre activity pool with a movable floor, among a range of other facilities.

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Unique Victorian lido with outdoor lazy river is reopening in UK this month

Members of the public will have an opportunity to talk to the design team at the drop-in session later this month, with further information provided on sustainability, floor plans, timelines, and transport options.

Jamie Fenton, culture, sports and leisure partnership manager at the council, said: “We know that residents are still feeling the loss of the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre and that is why we are moving as quickly as we can to deliver a new, modern facility for the city.

“We had a fantastic response to the initial engagement activity earlier in the year and we have used what people told us to develop the next phase of planning and designs.”

He added: “It is really exciting to be at a stage where we can show these to people and start having conversations around what a new leisure development will offer our residents.”

According to the council, £20million of the site’s funding has come from the government’s Growth Mission Fund, while £16million has been committed by the authority.

The development is still looking for private funding and grants “to assist with the costs”.

WITH warm weather on the way, many Brits are looking for the best places to take a dip.

If sea swimming isn’t for you, don’t worry, there are a variety of heated lidos open all summer long.

Whether you’re swimming laps or soaking up the sun with friends, nothing says a British summer like an outdoor pool.

With on-site cafes and splash parks for younger children, there’s plenty on offer at these lidos.

And even if you’re not the strongest swimmer, all these locations offer Swim For All sessions throughout the summer.

These seven lidos even offer heated waters so you don’t have to worry about taking a chilly dip.

SPLASH OUT

UK lido that’s ‘like being on holiday’ with pool and slides reopens this month

SPLASH OUT

Gorgeous Art Deco lido with ‘lagoon’ pool and slides is reopening this weekend

Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club

This 50-metre South London pool offers warm water temperatures of 22 to 28 degrees, depending on the sun.

Fitness swimmers and families alike are welcome at this lido, with dedicated lanes open from June to September, plus a state-of-the-art gym, exercise studio, tennis courts, and an on-site cafe.

London Fields Lido

Open year-round, this Hackney pool is also Olympic-sized and is at its busiest during the warm summer months.

Swimmers of all experience levels can enjoy 50-minute slots, while sunbathing sessions last for two hours, and the on-site cafe is open all day.

Oasis Sports Centre

Measuring 27.5 metres, this Camden pool offers a consistent temperature of 25 degrees all summer long, and is described as one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Swim sessions are available for all levels, lasting 50 minutes at a time until 5pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends, with other facilities also available, including a gym, sports studios, squash courts, and a sauna.

Pools On The Park

Also located in London, this 33-metre pool also maintains a comfortable temperature of 25 degrees.

It features easy step access and floodlighting so you can swim early in the morning and into the evening during the off-season too.

Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool

Located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool measures 25 metres and there’s even a free splash pad next door.

A kiosk offering light refreshments is also available on-site, from 9am until 6pm.

Riverside Park and Pools

This 23-metre outdoor pool is also heated, making it the ideal spot for a family day out in Wallingford, South Oxfordshire.

There’s even a splash park for your little ones, as well as an on-site cafe and a nearby campsite.

Woodstock Open Air Pool

Measuring 25 metres, Woodstock Open Air Pool, also in Oxfordshire, features four lanes for swimming as well as a diving board.

This pool is open from May 24 until July 20, with changing facilities, hot showers, a cafe, and picnic area all on site.

TWO retired RAF rescue helicopters have been transformed into luxury glamping pods.

The old aircraft have been given a new life after decades spent carrying out dramatic search-and-rescue missions across Britain.

The bright yellow Sea King helicopters are now parked at North Yorkshire Water Park, at Wykeham Lakes, near Scarborough.

ZE369 and XZ589 have had their specialist rescue interiors ripped out and replaced with cosy living spaces complete with a double bed, bunk beds and a mini kitchen with a microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge.

However, the aircraft hasn’t lost all of its original charm with some parts still preserved.

Parts of the cockpit, including the switches and controls, have been kept intact and reworked into a dining area.

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Guests enter through the original sliding helicopter door, which opens onto a gravel landing pad complete with a picnic bench.

The water park says the unusual stays are designed to offer couples and families a “unique” and “memorable” experience.

The pods only became available to book from May 1 with prices starting from around £130 a night.

The demand has already gone through the roof with the first four weeks sold out on Airbnb.

Guests will have plenty to do nearby too as the 250-acre waterpark offers inflatable aqua parks, kayaking, paddleboarding and open-water swimming.

James Whitehead, Operations Manager at North Yorkshire Water Park, said: “Both helicopters have an extraordinary history, having spent decades carrying out life-saving search and rescue missions across the UK.

“It was important to us that the original character and charm is preserved as much as possible while making them a cosy place to relax after a day of fun.”

THERE’S nothing worse than getting caught out by dreaded overweight baggage fees at the airport.

Thankfully this nifty gadget can help you avoid forking out up to hundreds in extra luggage charges.

MYCarbon Portable Luggage Scale, £6.98 (was £10.99)

The luggage scale is currently on sale at 36% off. It originally sold at £10.99 and it costs only £6.98 today.

Even if you’ve made sure your bag or suitcase fits within your airline’s sizing limits, that doesn’t mean it won’t become too heavy.

Airlines can charge extortionate fees for overweight luggage.

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British Airways, for example, charges you a heavy bag charge of £65 even if your luggage is just 1kg over the 23kg weight limit.

This applies to both the way there and the way home, so this expensive mistake could cost you £130.

Jet2 and easyJet charge a fee of £12 per kilo you are over the weight limit.

This means that if you overpack to the 32kg limit for a standard 15kg bag, you would be charged a stinging £204.

That’s twice the cost of some city breaks just to bring your suitcase with you.

MYCarbon Portable Luggage Scale, £6.98 (was £10.99)

Avoid getting caught out and having to fork out a fee by using this nifty at-home luggage scale.

The gadget has nearly 27,000 reviews, the large majority of which are 5-star and praise how easy it is to use.

One happy shopper shared: “I can confidently say it is a must-have for anyone looking to avoid those dreaded “overweight” fees at the airport.

“It’s rare to find a gadget that is both simple and incredibly effective, but this hits the mark.”

He continued to write: “​If you want a scale that is sturdy, comfortable to hold, and accurate, look no further. It does exactly what it promises with zero hassle”.

Another delighted reviewer said: “Before discovering this scale, I often faced the stress and uncertainty of whether my luggage would meet airline weight restrictions.”

“With the MYCARBON scale, those worries are a thing of the past”.

While there are luggage scales at some airports, it’s much easier to weigh your bags at home then take out what you don’t need, rather than find out at the airport that it’s already too late.

Plus nobody wants to be stuck buying a new suitcase at the airport, where prices are often hiked for passengers in a pinch left with no choice.

And who wants to essentially pay for their holiday twice just because you forgot to weigh your luggage at home?

It’s even been reported that some airline staff are rewarded with ‘bonuses‘ for catching out passengers with oversized baggage.

Avoid those pesky fees by using this scale – you can even pack it and bring it with you on holiday to make sure that your bags aren’t over the weight limit from any shopping you do abroad.

MYCarbon Portable Luggage Scale, £6.98 (was £10.99)

Prices correct at time of publication.

ONE of England’s largest aquaparks has reopened, but its glamping overnight stays now come with a twist.

Camping enthusiasts can now enjoy an overnight stay in a converted helicopter, as well as tonnes of new activities.

North Yorkshire Water Park has undergone a massive makeover, and it is a hit with thrillseekers.

Based in Wykeham, near Scarborough, the park showed off its fresh new look back in March, welcoming visitors throughout the Easter holidays.

Now, families can get stuck in to the great outdoors, with archery, axe throwing, outdoor laser tag, climbing and a 250-metre zip line all on offer.

For a mental retreat, visitors can also tackle an array of brain teasers in its escape and puzzle rooms.

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This revamp also marked the grand reopening of the upgraded Wipeout Aqua Park in April.

One of the largest aqua courses in England, this course has brand new inflatables, slides, swings and extra challenging obstacles.

This joins the current Warrior Aqua Park and toddler-oriented Splash Kingdom, with the Warrior and Wipeout parks combining for an extra long course in the summer months.

A more peaceful retreat can also be enjoyed with kayaking, wakeboarding, paddleboarding and pedalos on offer.

Most excitingly, for those wishing to book an overnight stay after a long day of the great outdoors, there are new glamping experiences available.

In addition to the existing accommodation, adventurers can also stay in two helicopter glamping pods.

Originally built for RAF Search and Rescue, the Sea King helicopter glamping experience offers guests the chance to sleep in a converted aircraft.

Both helicopters are fitted out for the whole family, with double beds and bunk beds inside both.

Guests will also have access to the cockpit area, which has been transformed into a dining area, equipped with a microwave, toaster, kettle and fridge.

The winch operator’s sliding door also works, leading onto a gravel landing pad with a picnic bench.

Prices to stay start from £130 per night to experience this one-in-a-lifetime stay.

A UK seaside town is set to receive a new direct train service to London.

The “underrated” seafront spot is often overlooked by tourists for more popular Welsh beaches.

Welsh Labour has pledged to create a direct rail service that will link Milford Haven, in Pembrokeshire, to London.

Passengers will be able to travel straight from the seaside town to the capital with the new route, which promises to bolster economic and tourism growth in the surrounding area.

Alongside the speedy service to London, the upgrade would also include an hourly service and safety improvements to the station’s level crossing.

The new route will build upon the current £50 million investment into Milford Haven’s transport links.

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Refurbishments on the town’s railway service are already underway, aiming to develop Milford Haven into a modern transport hub.

Plans for the renovation include new modern facilities, a relocated train platform, improved walking and cycling routes, a new taxi rank and better parking.

The investment is being delivered in partnership by the Welsh Labour Government and Pembrokeshire County Council.

The First Minister of Wales and leader of Welsh Labour, Eluned Morgan, said: “This pledge sits alongside a record commitment to rail in Wales – up to £14 billion of investment, new stations and a transformed Metro.”

“But this is about more than just a rail line.

“It’s about opening Pembrokeshire up – bringing more people to one of the most beautiful parts of Wales, strengthening our tourism sector, and creating new opportunities for local businesses to grow.

“This is how we build a stronger future for west Wales – with better connections, more opportunity and an economy that works with our environment, not against it.”

Milford Haven, located on the Pembrokeshire coast, is an “underrated” seafront town, according to Wales Online, often overlooked for the more popular seaside spot of Tenby.

Less crowded than its competitor, visitors to Milford Haven will find charming shops, restaurants and sandy beaches.

The harbour town is also home to Wales’s largest fishing port.

The proposed direct rail service will aim to develop tourism in the town and surrounding Pembrokeshire area, and support the local economy.

Marc Tierney, Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said: “A direct train to London from Milford would be a game changer for our communities – boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to live and work here.

“The work underway to transform Milford Haven station into a modern transport hub, alongside plans for an hourly service, shows what Welsh Labour can deliver when we work in partnership with local authorities – investing in the infrastructure our communities deserve.

“With new funding from the UK Labour Government and a strong partnership in place, we can now go further.”

HOLIDAYMAKERS planning a trip to Europe this summer will now be able to tick two cities off their list in one train journey

Uncertainties surrounding the jet fuel crisis mean its the perfect time to take advantage of Europe’s train network.

A new train line between Prague and Copenhagen has officially opened to passengers, creating a direct link between two of Europe’s most popular cities.

Launched on May 1, travellers can commute between these unique locations for as little as £53 per ticket.

Starting from Prague’s main train station, Hlavní Nádraží, the train link will also stop at German stations, including Dresden and Berlin.

Two services will now run on a daily basis, with one making a return journey from Hamburg to Prague, and the other travelling to Copenhagen.

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For those wanting to commit to the ultimate European journey, the service will begin in Prague at 6.30am, then arrive in Copenhagen for 7.38pm.

This 13-hour journey is considerably longer than flying between destinations, which takes just over an hour.

Between the Danish and Czech capitals, travellers will also be able to stop off in Dresden, Berlin and Hamburg.

For those exclusively wanting to travel from Prague to Germany, the total journey to Hamburg takes just over six hours.

Passengers will be travelling on Czech Railways (ČD), with their premium ComfortJet trains including onboard restaurants, WiFi, bike storage and a children’s cinema.

Onboard entertainment, air conditioning and quiet carriages will also be available.

Those wishing to travel will also be able to book on an extra summer service, departing from Prague at 4.30pm and travelling to Copenhagen.

The new Prague to Copenhagen route is one of ten new routes supported by the European Commission to improve cross-border rail travel.

Budding travellers can expect a Munich-Milan-Rome connected journey as soon as December 2026.

A HISTORIC railway station is set to open soon after being reconstructed brick by brick – nine miles from its original location.

The Victorian station was originally built in 1867, but fell into disuse over the last century.

Wansford Road station, near Peterborough, had been facing demolition to make room for the proposed A47 dual carriageway.

However, in 2022 an agreement was reached between Nene Valley Railway (NVR) and National Highways for the building to be dismantled and re-built.

National Highways also granted nearly £200,000 in funding towards the project.

Having been dismantled in April 2024, the limestone station has almost completed its re-location to Peterborough, now under the new name of ‘Woodstone Wharf Station’.

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The historic building will serve as a gateway to both Railworld Wildlife Haven and the NVR, and features a booking office, waiting room and administration office.

Stan Bell, who led the project at The Wansford Road CIO, said: “It’s clear that the building will have a huge rejuvenating impact on this often-forgotten part of Peterborough.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky to have the support of National Highways.”

The original railway served passengers from Stamford to Wansford, although it closed by 1929.

The building was then converted into a private residence, before falling into disrepair.

The £100 million proposal to create a dual carriageway for the A47 was also scrapped in July last year, due to planning complications and rising costs.

A MUCH-LOVED lido nestled in the UK countryside is reopening this weekend. 

The Art Deco attraction, which features a “lagoon” pool and slides, first opened in 1935 as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations for King George V.

At the height of summer, Ilkley Lido, which was threatened with closure in 2024, attracts up to 5,000 people a day and is now Grade II listed.

Inside is a large swimming pool, with a shallow end for kids as well as a slide. It is surrounded by a grassy area and has views across Ilkley Moor.

An Art Deco cafe remains unchanged at the site, which also includes changing rooms, tennis courts and a picnic area.

It will reopen on Saturday, May 9, from 10am to 4pm. 

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From Monday to Friday it will be open from 7.30am to 8.30am and 2pm to 6pm, and open from 10am to 2pm every Sunday.

A full summer programme, with extended opening times, will come into effect on May 23.

Adult tickets cost £7.25 and £3.75 for children.

The lido has hosted the Ilkley Triathlon since the early 1990s – one of the longest running sprint events in the country.

There are, however, no plans as yet for open air events at the attraction this year.

As previously reported, the Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group said the attraction runs at a £280,000 loss every year.

A BELOVED British museum has been forced to shut permanently after the building was deemed unsafe.

The museum is dedicated to preserving over 50 historic trams – an integral part of the town’s transport heritage.

Electrical faults in the building have made Blackpool‘s Tramtown museum uninhabitable to the public, a structural engineer’s survey said.

The former working tram depot dates back over 100 years, becoming a dedicated museum in 2021 following seven years of heritage tours.

The museum had previously been given a £50,000 lifeline from the Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund to fix the major electrical faults in the building.

Blackpool Council suggested these repairs would allow the museum to reopen for a short term period.

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However, a video from April 28 on the Tramtown YouTube channel revealed the building could not be used, leaving volunteers concerned how they were previously allowed into the building given how unsafe it was.

This unique museum gave a rare insight into the history of Blackpool’s trams and illuminations, welcoming over 500 visitors in its opening week.

Affordably priced at £5 per ticket, or £2.50 for children, the museum included a small, donation-based cafe, built for visitors less than a year before its closure.

Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams said: “While the work was ongoing fixing the electrics at Tramtown, an independent structural engineer carried out a survey of the building.

“That independent report has come back saying the building is unsafe.

“The only public entrance is unsafe and we can’t gamble with the safety of volunteers and visitors by opening an unsafe building.”

Blackpool council leaders now hope to submit a joint funding bid and steering group to maintain a long-term future for the museum.

“I want to make very clear that this is not the end of heritage trams in Blackpool. The news will double our resolve to set up a joint steering group to create a better future for Tramtown and our historic trams,” Williams continued.

Blackpool Transport’s new managing director, Lea Harrison, said: “Blackpool is as famous for its historic trams as it is for its tower and the Pleasure Beach and we are fully committed to preserving the town’s rich tramway heritage for future generations to enjoy.”

A POPULAR English lido is re-opening just in time for summer – and it’s had a total makeover.

The outdoor splash park featuring fun elephant slides and a lazy river will welcome back families later this month, following a refresh.

An opening date for The Strand Lido and Leisure Park in Gillingham has been confirmed.

The refurbished Kent lido, which has the UK’s only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool, will begin bringing the summer fun from Saturday May 23.

It will first be open for weekends, before offering its facilities seven days a week in the school summer holidays.

Two pool sessions are set to run every day the lido is open. The first from 10.30am to 1.30pm and the second from 2.30pm to 5.30pm.

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Entry to sessions must be booked online. While children under three go free, adult tickets are £8.15, with junior and senior tickets priced at £5.35.

The spruced up lido was revived last year, funded by contributions from housing developments to Medway Council.

The Strand, which first opened in 1896, now features a new splash pad for children aged three to 11.

There’s also a beach-themed play area with 30 sensor-activated water jets alongside the large outdoor pool, elephant-shaped water slides and a 300 metre lazy river.

Those who love a long swim can make use of the open-air pool’s six 25 metre lanes.

After a day of water play, families can relax with a refreshment at the Victorian lido’s cafe, enjoy a hit on the refurbished tennis courts or take on a round of mini golf.

There’s even a miniature train for little ones to ride.

A HISTORIC UK lido is reopening today after undergoing a major £7.6million revamp.

Swimmers in the seaside town will be able to take a dip in the outdoor pool for the first time in four years.

Closed since 2022, Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth, has been renovated for public use by local council, with funding from the government.

The refurbishment, which started in 2024, was prompted by health and safety risks of the 90-year-old structure.

The grand reopening will take place today (Saturday, May 2), with an ice cream parlour and food van now based on site.

Works also include the reinforcement of its base and walls, the replacement of old pool equipment, and the restoration of the original shallow lagoons.

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New showers and toilets, including a Changing Places toilet, and a sauna were added as part of the upgrades.

Formerly a saltwater pool, the 220-foot lido will now feature unheated chlorinated fresh water.

A long-term sustainable heating solution is part of future plans for the lido.

Hilsea Lido will be run by Sea Lanes Brighton, a group of local businesses and open-water swimming enthusiasts, alongside South Downs Leisure.

The multi-million pound development was further financed by a Levelling Up fund, meaning any outdated equipment and facilities have been replaced, such as the pool base and walls.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Judit Kollat, the lido’s general manager, told the BBC: “As Hilsea Lido celebrates its 90th birthday, we are proud to be leading the next chapter in its history.

“It is more than a pool, it’s a place with history and heart.

“We aim to create a vibrant hub for the local community, a centre for both mental and physical wellbeing. The lido will offer something for everyone.”

Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes, the new operators of the lido, said: “We’re excited to open the doors, welcome everyone back, and start a brand‑new chapter for Hilsea Lido.”

Duncan Anderson, CEO of South Downs Leisure, which assisted the project, added: “It’s hugely exciting and a new chapter for the whole of the Portsmouth. 

“When you talk to people in the local area, they’ve all got memories of Hilsea Lido and I think they can’t wait to get back and splash in this pool again.”

The lido served as a training centre for the Team GB diving team ahead of the 1936 and 1952 Olympics, and it also featured as a filming location for The Who’s 1975 film Tommy.

A HISTORIC railway station will finally receive a long-awaited upgrade that’s been six years in the making.

Plans were first announced in 2020 but construction is only expected to go ahead in the coming months.

East London‘s Lea Bridge station is set to get a major upgrade to its ticket hall and entrance, following a campaign by locals.

The historic building was originally constructed in 1840 but closed in 1985 following the closure of the railway route.

It was re-built and re-opened in 2016, however despite being along a busy commuter route, the station features only a small un-gated side street entrance with no ticket office.

After calls from residents to upgrade the facilities, the station will now receive a modernised ticket hall.

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This includes a fully staffed ticket office and automatic entrance gates.

The plans also involve a retail unit and a new cycle hub, which will provide secure parking for up to 130 bikes.

A larger entrance on the main road will also be built, intended to make the station bigger, safer and more accessible for travellers.

Construction will begin this summer, and is expected to last into 2027.

This comes as the area undergoes a period of major regeneration, with 387 homes planned for the site around the station.

Lea Bridge operates between Stratford and Tottenham Hale on the Lea Valley Lines, and serves a daily average of 2,500 passengers.

It offers a 20-minute route into London Liverpool Street and a direct line to Stratford and Meridian Water.

A POPULAR lido is set to offer all day sessions this weekend – where kids will be able to swim for free.

The Grade II listed venue also offers a number of adult-friendly swim sessions and an adventure course.

The National Lido of Wales, in Pontypridd, is hosting all-day sessions from May 2 to 4, ahead of the pool’s official summer season on June 1.

Kids under 16 will be able to enjoy the lido for free all weekend, while adult entry is priced at just £4.

The pool currently offers weekday and weekend sessions from 6.30am until 8.45am for early-morning swimmers.

Family fun sessions are also hosted only on weekends and bank holidays until the start of June.

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For an additional £3, visitors can purchase tickets for the inflatable obstacle course, Aqua Peddlerz and Water Walker, which includes floating zorbs – inflatable plastic balls that allow people to run on the water.

The area also contains an outdoor play section – a dedicated playpark with slides, seesaws, climbing and balancing equipment.

The historic venue, also known as Lido Ponty, has been nestled within Ynysangharad War Memorial Park since 1927.

Following its closure in 1991, the pool spent the intervening 24 years in a state of disrepair until its official re-opening in 2015.

Now it features a renovated main pool, an activity pool and a splash pool, which are all heated to 28 degrees.

The site is also considered the “earliest and best preserved lido” in South Wales.

AN adventure aquapark is set to reopen this weekend – just in time to cool off Brits this bank holiday.

The park also marks the first of its kind in Europe.

Aztec Adventure near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, will be open throughout the summer season, from May 2 to September 20.

The park boasts a number of obstacles, including trampolines, ropes, stepping stones, climbing walls and a balance plank.

It will also feature Europe‘s first Aquaglide Splash Squad Junior Aqua Park, a smaller splash park for young swimmers aged four to seven.

The main aquapark will be suitable for all ages from six and up, given they meet the minimum height requirement of 122cm (4ft).

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The park promises “an adventure for everyone”, with tickets costing just under £100 for a family of four.

It will also be open from 11am to 3.30pm on weekends, bank holidays and daily during the May and summer school holidays, ensuring plenty of time for family fun.

For those concerned about safety – both parks are fully accredited by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) as gold industry approved aqua parks.

From May 6, there will even be an opportunity for open water swimming.

Visitors can also hire a kayak or paddleboard to explore the surrounding lake area.

The park is just off Junction 5 of the M5 motorway between Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa.

A NEW Ferris wheel has popped up along a famous seafront – and it’s set to open just in time for summer.

The new feature marks the second wheel in four years to be positioned on Great Yarmouth’s skyline.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council have officially installed the giant wheel on the seaside town’s beachfront, with visitors set to ride the attraction this summer.

The council wrote in a Facebook post: “We’ve secured a brand new Big Wheel for the seafront, opening just in time for the summer season.

“Get ready to experience stunning new views across the coastline and town from above – a fresh perspective you won’t want to miss.”

Locals have reacted to the news positively, with one commenting: “Lovely, I will have to take the grandchildren on it. Looks great.”

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Another said: “This time the views can only be improved!”

The wheel is said to appear to be a similar size and shape to the former one.

The original 50m-tall (164ft) attraction was installed on the Norfolk coastline in May 2022.

The wheel, around one third of the size of the London Eye, was set to remain at the seafront until February 2027.

Last month, the attraction was granted planning permission to move 50m north to South Beach Garden and was subsequently dismantled.

It is uncertain whether this structure will be rebuilt in light of the new wheel being completed.

BRITAIN’S biggest aquapark is reopening just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend – and is getting a new 39ft-high water slide.

The ride is built for “adrenaline junkies” and is the first attraction of its kind in the UK.

Aqualand is reopening this weekend (May 2) in time for the bank holiday, and is back with a new addition that is “not for the faint hearted”.

A brand new mega-slide will form part of the adventure site this summer and is “officially the UK’s first tower of its kind”.

The X Tower – standing at 12 metres tall – is a huge six slide tower and is ideal for racing with its dual lanes.

Opening later this summer, it’s one of two new attractions to join the beloved waterpark this year.

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A spokesperson for Cliff Lakes said: “We’re taking Aqualand to a whole new level…

“Standing at a HUGE 12 metres tall X Tower is officially the UK’s first tower of its kind.

“Six epic slides featuring dual racing lanes, high-speed drop slides with kicker exits and a sliding mat, built for adrenaline junkies aged 12 year or over.

“This is not for the faint-hearted. This is next level!

“Are you brave enough to take it on?”

The latest addition to the adrenaline-packed waterpark will open slightly later in the month than the rest of the Cliff Lakes site.

While the rest of the waterpark will reopen on May 2, thrill-seekers will have to wait until May 23 to try out the X Tower.

The new slide will be open in time for the May half-term holiday and the second bank holiday weekend of the month.

Visitors should note that for a trip down the tower, you’ll need to upgrade a general admission ticket by £5 per person.

Adventure seekers are buzzing with exicitment on social media, and are ready to take on the “epic” looking attraction.

Alongside the X Tower, another new slide will also be on offer this summer season.

The Wibit Wave is a 15 metre long and five metre high slide which has a double-wave for swimmers to enjoy.

Aqualand is located at Cliff Lakes in Tamworth, and is around 25 minutes outside Birmingham.

The park features eight inflatable obstacle courses which visitors can explore for up to 80 minutes.

Visitors must be six years or older and at least 1.10 metres tall, and children aged seven and under must be accompanied by an adult on the course.

As well as families, the park also caters for large group bookings, birthday parties, corporate events and hen and stag dos.

Admission costs include wetsuits and buoyancy aids.

SWIMMERS have taken a dip at a historic south coast lido after renovation work meant it could reopen to the public.

The lido has been closed since 2022 due to the general disrepair of the building, and the sum of money needed to restore it.

Hilsea Lido, located in Portsmouth, has been renovated for public use by Portsmouth City Council.

This major regeneration project was prompted by the health and safety risks posed by the building, which first opened 90 years ago in 1935.

The lido was transformed as part of the £7.75million refurbishment.

Now, budding swimmers have had the chance to test out the refurbished facilities before the grand reopening on May 2.

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Hilsea was formerly an unheated saltwater pool, designed to fit 2,000 visitors.

Serving as a Team GB Olympic diving training venue for the 1936 and 1952 games, it also featured as a filming location for The Who’s 1975 film Tommy.

A combination of neglect, structural decay and poor infrastructure saw its closure four years ago.

Harry Smith, director of Sea Lanes, the new operators of the lido, said: “It’s an honour to be trusted with such an iconic and much-loved local landmark, and we can’t wait to bring the site back to life for the community.

“We’re excited to open the doors, welcome everyone back, and start a brand‑new chapter for Hilsea Lido.”

The multi-million pound development was further financed by a Levelling Up fund, meaning any outdated equipment and facilities have been replaced, such as the pool base and walls.

Fit for purpose, the lido now has brand-new toilets and changing room facilities, with a sauna installed.

For families visiting, there is now also an ice cream parlour and food van based on site.

Duncan Anderson, CEO of South Downs Leisure, which assisted the project said: “It’s hugely exciting and a new chapter for the whole of the Portsmouth. 

“When you talk to people in the local area, they’ve all got memories of Hilsea Lido and I think they can’t wait to get back and splash in this pool again.”

The Hilsea Lido will officially reopen to the public on May 2.

A MAJOR airline has revealed plans to create en-suite bathrooms onboard its planes.

Emirates Airline is was named the best airline in the world this year.

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And now their airline has plans to improve passengers’ experience even more.

According to the airline’s CEO, Tim Clark, in the future Emirates aircraft could have private en-suite bathrooms for each first class passenger.

Clark, who made the announcement at the recent Capa Airline Leader Summit in Berlin, Germany, said: “I’m working on en-suite bathrooms in first-class suites.

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“I want everyone to hear that so everyone rushes out the door to find out how they can get bathrooms in first-class suites,” reports The National.

Little details have emerged about what the en-suites would look like, and currently, no commercial airline has private en-suite bathrooms for every first class passenger.

However, when passengers fly with Emirates on an Airbus A380 there are two shower spas they can use.

If you happen to be one of the 14 first-class passengers on an Emirates A380 flight, you would book a shower spa session with a dedicated shower attendant at the start of the flight.

When it then comes to your session, you get 30 minutes to use the shower spa, which includes five minutes of running hot water.

Though that might not sound long enough, you can stop and start the shower as much as you like to maximise your water time.

In addition to the shower, the shower spa has a toilet, sink, bench, mirror, heated floors, and luxury amenities including Bulgari fragrances.

You, of course, will get towels as well as razors, shaving kits, dental kits, and cotton swabs.

After you are finished in the shower and return to your seat, you’ll be greeted by a fruit platter and green tea to make it really feel like a spa experience.

To make your inflight experience even better, Emirates recently started Starlink Wi-Fi on its A380s as well.

Alternatively, if you fly with Emirates on a Boeing 777, there are individual cabins for first-class passengers with more technology and entertainment.

Even the middle cabins have digital windows.

However, there are no shower spas to use onboard.

Currently, the closest product offered by another airline is The Residence by Etihad.

Created in 2014, The Residence is made up of a living room, bedroom and private bathroom and shower.

In other flight news, a budget airline has warned of more flight cancellations this summer – and says short-haul will be hit hardest.

Plus, Ryanair is axing half its flights from busy European airport – affecting millions of passengers.

THE beloved “Hogwarts Express” steam train could be heading for the buffers thanks to a bitter health and safety row.

The iconic service, made famous by the Harry Potter film series, is under threat after rules forced a major overhaul.

The iconic train, known as The Jacobite steam train, runs through Scotland’s stunning countryside between Fort William and Mallaig, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

But now the popular locomotive – which is enjoyed by around 70,000 passengers a year – is at a crossroads due to a long-running dispute over safety regulations and the resulting financial strain.  

Old-style carriages used in the films have effectively been banned because their doors don’t have central locking.

Operator West Coast Railways says being forced to swap them out has caused huge problems.

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Newer coaches are unpopular with tourists and far more expensive to run. They even require a diesel engine at the back just to power air conditioning.

The train, which should have started running this month, has yet to begin its 2026 season.

Bosses are now begging regulators at the Office of Rail and Road to allow the return of the original carriages.

James Shuttleworth of West Coast told The Telegraph: “I don’t know what we would do. We were losing money working like that and you don’t go into business to lose money.”

Local businesses are already feeling the pain, with trade slumping as visitors stay away.

Fears are now growing that unless a solution is found soon, the world-famous Hogwarts Express could run out of track for good.

EASYJET is adding a host of new routes from six airports to beautiful cities and sun-filled islands.

Holiday goers can travel via nine new stops from autumn time from Luton, Belfast, Birmingham, Southampton and Easyjet’s new base in Newcastle.

Package holidays will be introduced on the services include:

• Birmingham to Agadir
• Belfast International to Rome
• Belfast International to Sharm El Sheikh
• Luton to Ljubljana
• Southend to Budapest
• Newcastle to Fuerteventura
• Newcastle to Reykjavik
• Newcastle to Krakow
• Southampton to Paris.

Flights going from Newcastle to Fuerteventura will start on October 25, and operate twice a week – on Thursdays and Sundays.

On the same day, new routes from Southampton to Paris Charles de Gaulle start twice a week.

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The following day, services to Krakow will begin with departures on Mondays and Fridays every week.

On October 25 and 26, travellers can go from Belfast International Airport to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as to Rome on Mondays and Fridays.

Anyone wanting to visit Reykjavik, Iceland, can travel from Newcastle from October 27 twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Easyjet’s Luton-Ljubljana flights start on October 26 three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The same day, the Southend-Budapest route also starts twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.

In an exciting update for Birmingham, the route to coastal city Agadir, in Morocco, will start on October 27. They will depart twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The new flights, which include fares of £23.99, have significantly expanded the airline’s network from the north of England, and enabled more direct services to popular leisure and city destinations.

The airline’s UK country manager, Kevin Doyle, said: “Whether they’re looking for winter sun, or a weekend away in some of Europe’s most iconic capitals, this new batch of routes further expands the range of exciting destinations available for our customers to choose from at affordable prices.”