trips

Winning tip: cycle the greenways of Annecy

Saint-Jorioz in Haute-Savoie will provide a springtime lift for your spirits. On the shore of Lake Annecy, it’s a short bus ride from the city of Annecy, but less busy and with superior lake and mountain views. Hike to the surrounding peaks, towards the lesser-known Col de l’Arpettaz, or cycle on the excellent greenways. Relax by the cool blue alpine water. Behind you lies the underrated Les Bauges Unesco Geopark. The department only joined France in 1860, and has its own Italian-influenced regional cuisine.
Brian Lowry

Naples is best in early spring

Although not the most traditionally beautiful city in Italy, Naples offers a glimpse of warmth in early spring. A world apart from Florence or Turin, Naples is a fascinating, lived-in city with a long history and a rich culinary tradition. The Spaccanapoli, which runs right through the core of the city, is a bustling place to walk along and experience Neapolitan life. The world-class sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum are nearby, as are Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento and the wonderful islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida. You can get to Naples by train from London via Paris and Turin or Milan in about 15 hours.
Michael Kuipers

Take the ferry to Corsica

Eurostar from London via an easy connection at Lille or a change in Paris takes between six and eight hours to arrive in Marseille. After a shower at the station, refresh in Vieux Port before arriving for breakfast in Bastia, Corsica, via a comfortable night-ferry. From Bastia, catch the scenic mountain railway into this remarkably unspoiled island to explore its wild interior and coastal regions. Mid to late spring is best for southern Europe, when snow-melt replenishes streams and waterfalls that dry up in summer. The weather is sunny yet exceedingly pleasant, hillsides blanketed with wildflowers, wild animals nurturing their young and locals refreshed in mood.
Jake

Germany’s greenest, sunniest city

Take the Eurostar to Paris and continue east via Strasbourg by high-speed train through the rolling hills and vineyards of Alsace to Freiburg – Germany’s warmest, sunniest and greenest city. (Some routes go via Brussels and Cologne.) Feast on Swabian classics such as käsespätzle (cheesy egg noodles with caramelised onion), enjoy tacos at YepaYepa or drop into Hausbrauerei Feierling’s lively beer garden for a drink. From Freiburg, explore the Black Forest’s highlights, from Triberg’s cuckoo clocks and waterfalls to the treetop walk in Bad Wildbad. Opt to stay at a participating town and you’ll receive a Konus guest card, giving you free transport around the region for your entire stay.
George

Tiny beaches near Nice

I’ve spent many happy spring breaks in Villefranche-sur-Mer, just a few miles east of Nice. The charm of its historic heart, the beauty of its deepwater bay, the proximity to spectacular coast and mountains, plus excellent cafes and restaurants make it hard to beat. Take the TGV to Nice, then it’s just a few minutes on the local train (easy for day trips to Cannes and Menton, too). It should be warm enough for a dip at the tiny, secluded Plage de la Darse, or Plage de la Fosse on swanky Cap Ferrat …
Gill R

Lemons and light on the Côte d’Azur

My sister and I spent a beautiful sunny few days in Menton on the Côte d’Azur in early April. We spent our time meandering the cobbled streets with their pastel-coloured buildings, eating a mix of French and Italian meals (it’s the last French town before the Italian border) and paddling in the calm blue bay. We trekked in the hills north of the town, past stunning houses, pine trees and spring flowers to explore Maison Gannac, a citrus farm that grows the Menton lemon, which is renowned for its flavour and aroma.
Katie

A boat trip along the Moselle in Germany

The Moselle valley in April was stunning. Starting in the old Roman city of Trier, with its amazing Porta Nigra gate, we followed the river 30 miles north-west to enjoy the panoramic views from Burg Landshut. We took boat trips, including to Cochem, to take the chairlift opposite the castle up to the Pinnerkreuz viewpoint. Early April means wildflower-strewn meadows and fewer visitors. Castles, boats and cable cars kept the children entertained; the fresh Moselle valley rieslings kept the adults happy. We finished our trip in Koblenz, with its selection of traditional breweries where späzle and schnitzel pair well with any beer.
Kirsten Lowery

Coastal paths near Perpignan

Go south by train and resist the rush. Take the Eurostar to Paris, then a fast TGV to Perpignan in six hours, before a final 25-minute local train to Port-Vendres – about nine hours from London, end to end. Early spring suits this working harbour: many places are shut, the fish market is not. Lunch at its no-nonsense restaurant, then walk the coastal paths to Collioure, brighter and busier by comparison. The Pyréneés-Orientales coast is one of France’s sunniest areas, and even out of season the light does much of the work.
Becky

The hazily golden city of Avignon

En route to Sicily via ferry from Genoa, we stopped in Avignon. We got off the train in the early evening to find a hazily golden city with winding medieval streets full of small independent shops, the amazing Palais des Papes (Popes’ Palace), a beautiful shining Rhône river – and we explored the remaining four arches and gatehouse of the 12th-century Pont Saint-Bénézet. Everywhere was walkable, from the very comfortable and reasonably- priced Bristol Hotel. Warm in the evening, plenty of traditional restaurants, no crowds. In the off-season, Avignon relaxed us, warmed our bones and fed our souls.
Hilary

WHEN people ask me about city breaks, the question they ask has changed over the years.

It used to be about nightlife, food scenes or ticking off landmarks.

Now, more often than not, it’s parents asking a much more practical version of the same thing. Where is a good place to go with kids?

I’m Rob. I work in travel, I look at holiday pricing and trends every day, and I’ve stayed in more hotels than I can count.

I’m also 32, with a two-year-old and an eight-month-old. That combination has completely reshaped how I think about city breaks.

For me, the right family city break is about timing as much as place.

Sensible weather. Walkable centres. Enough going on without it feeling overwhelming. Somewhere forgiving if the day doesn’t go to plan.

This is my month-by-month guide to where I’d go on a city break with kids, based on value, weather, popularity and what’s actually on.

They’re all places I’d genuinely feel comfortable taking my own family.

January – Budapest, Hungary

January is a month where calm matters. After Christmas, families tend to want somewhere affordable, predictable and easy to manage, and Budapest fits that bill perfectly.

It is cold, usually around 3 to 5C, but that brings real advantages.

The city is quiet, hotel prices drop significantly, and the city moves at a slower pace. That makes it far less stressful with buggies and tired legs.

Budapest is compact, flat and well-connected by trams, which makes getting around simple.

Indoor attractions like cafés and historic bathhouses give you plenty of warm places to dip into throughout the day.

I’ve found January breaks from around £114pp for a family of four, which is exceptional value for a European capital.

February – Venice, Italy

February works for families because it offers spectacle without the chaos you get later in the year.

Venice Carnival brings colour, parades and street performers, particularly during the daytime when it feels surprisingly family-friendly.

Children get the magic of masks and costumes, while parents avoid the summer (and summer prices).

Temperatures hover around 7 to 9C, which keeps days comfortable for walking.

Vaporetto boats also turn everyday transport into part of the experience, which is always a win with younger travellers.

I’ve found February stays from around £130pp for a family of four, especially when staying just outside the historic centre.

March – Amsterdam, Netherlands

March is one of the most reliable months for a family city break, and Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities to do with children.

The weather sits around 10 to 12C, the city starts to feel brighter, and peak tourism is still a few weeks away.

It is flat, organised and designed for everyday life, which makes navigating it with kids feel intuitive rather than stressful.

March is also when parks, canal walks and museums like NEMO Science Museum really come into their own, giving you options that work whether the day is high energy or low key.

I’ve found March breaks from around £140pp for a family of four, before spring demand pushes prices up.

April – Athens, Greece

April is a sweet spot for Athens, especially for families who want warmth without exhaustion.

Temperatures typically range between 18 and 22C, which makes sightseeing genuinely enjoyable.

You can explore historic sites without battling summer heat or shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and there is more space to take things at a slower pace.

Easter often falls in April, bringing local celebrations, food and atmosphere that make the city feel lived in rather than purely touristic.

It is a good month for mixing big sights with relaxed neighbourhood wandering.

I’ve found April city breaks from around £140pp for a family of four, which is strong value for such a bucket list destination.

May – Istanbul, Turkey

May works brilliantly for families because Istanbul becomes warm and lively without tipping into intense heat.

Temperatures sit around 22C to 25C, which is comfortable for walking, ferry rides and outdoor meals.

The city naturally breaks days into short, varied experiences, which is ideal with children. A boat ride, a park stop, some street food, then a rest.

Public transport is efficient, parks like Gülhane provide breathing space, and the sheer variety of sights keeps everyone engaged without needing a rigid plan.

I’ve found May breaks from around £130pp for a family of four, making it one of the best-value big cities in Europe at that time of year.

June – Stockholm, Sweden

June is when Stockholm really makes sense for families.

Long daylight hours, mild temperatures around 18 to 22C, and a strong outdoor culture mean days feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Parks, islands and waterfront walks are everywhere, and ferries turn getting around into part of the fun.

The city feels calm, clean and safe, with lots of space to pause when needed. Museums are interactive, and many attractions are designed with families in mind.

I’ve found June breaks from around £147pp for a family of four, which is good value considering how expensive Stockholm can be later in the summer.

July – Krakow, Poland

July is peak summer, but Krakow works for families because it combines warmth with value and a very manageable city layout.

Temperatures can reach 25 to 30°C, but the city centre is compact and full of shaded squares where you can slow things down when needed.

Summer festivals and outdoor cafés give the city energy without it feeling overwhelming, and everything is close enough that you are never committing to long days out.

Food prices are low, accommodation is good value, and it is an easy city to dip in and out of at your own pace.

I’ve found July breaks from around £144pp for a family of four, which is strong value for a European city in the heart of the school holidays.

August – Edinburgh, UK

August is Edinburgh at full tilt, but it is one of the rare cities where busyness actually works for families.

The Fringe Festival fills the city with daytime street performers, pop-up shows and family-friendly entertainment that you can stumble across without planning ahead.

That makes it ideal if you want flexibility rather than rigid itineraries.

Temperatures usually sit between 18 and 21C, which is perfect for walking without fatigue, and green spaces are never far away if you need a break.

I’ve found August flight and hotel breaks from around £217pp for a family of four. You could do it cheaper with hotel-only and driving or getting the train, but flights are often so reasonably priced that it still makes sense to fly.

September – Munich, Germany

September is a great time to visit Munich with kids.

Early autumn brings warm but comfortable days around 18 to 22C, and the city feels open and easy to navigate.

Oktoberfest adds colour and atmosphere during the day, with fairground rides and music that children enjoy, while the rest of the city remains calm and spacious.

It is easy to sample the buzz without being consumed by it, which is exactly what families need.

I’ve found September breaks from around £180pp for a family of four, particularly when travelling outside the busiest Oktoberfest weekends.

October – Seville

October is the month Seville really starts to shine for families.

The extreme summer heat has gone, leaving warm, comfortable days that suit walking and exploring.

Crowds thin out significantly, which makes the city feel calmer and easier to enjoy with children.

Public squares, parks and shaded streets give you natural places to pause, and the pace of life slows after peak season.

I’ve found October breaks from around £204pp for a family of four, which is good value for southern Spain at its most comfortable.

November – Naples, Italy

November is ideal for families who want a more relaxed, authentic city break.

Temperatures stay mild, usually between 15 and 18C, and tourist numbers drop sharply. That brings better prices and a much more local feel, with everyday life taking centre stage.

Naples is lively and unapologetically real, which many children find fascinating.

Simple pleasures like waterfront walks and excellent, inexpensive food carry the experience.

I’ve found November breaks from around £140pp for a family of four, making it one of the best-value Italian city breaks of the year.

December – Cologne, Germany

December works for families because everything is concentrated and atmospheric.

Christmas markets cluster around the cathedral and surrounding squares, making the city easy to explore on foot.

Lights, music, hot chocolate and gentle fairground rides deliver festive payoff without long days or complicated planning.

Short days actually suit the experience, as you do not need to do much to feel like you have seen plenty.

I’ve found December breaks from around £180pp for a family of four, outside the busiest Christmas market weekends.

City breaks with kids are not about doing more – they’re about choosing the right place at the right time.

Get the month right, and suddenly the weather cooperates, prices feel fair, crowds ease off, and cities become enjoyable rather than exhausting.

These are the places I would confidently take my own family. Thought-through, well-timed choices that work in real life.

Winning tip: Out-of-body experience in Sorrento

We had our wedding reception at the Grand Hotel Royal in Sorrento, south of Naples. We danced to two guitarists playing Justin Bieber’s Despacito with our 50 guests singing and dancing along with us. We watched as the sun began to melt into the Mediterranean Sea from this time-capsule hotel balancing on the edge of a cliff. I floated out of my body and felt a rush of euphoria – perhaps it was the limoncello spritzers. We’ve returned many times and I get the same rush – the gelato, the pizza, the people, it feels as if I’m in a Richard Curtis film.
Charlotte Sahami

A cosy whisky bar amid the majesty of Skye

Skye’s dramatic landscape and stunning viewpoints make the perfect romantic getaway. It’s steeped in history and captivating walks, such as the otherworldly Fairy Pools and the isolated Neist Point. We stayed at the Cuillin Hills Hotel where there’s a cosy drawing room with a fireplace and a great whisky bar. The rooms are comfortable, stylish and each one has a super-king-sized bed. However, the highlight is the Michelin-recommended restaurant which offers exquisite food with expansive views out over Loch Portree and the pretty harbour.
Nic

The silence of Slovenia’s Lake Bled

My girlfriend rowed us across the glassy water of Lake Bled in a wooden pletna, the only sound the creak of oars and the occasional splash of a swan settling nearby. The place is famously picturesque, but the island in the middle of the lake itself felt like a secret; quieter, stiller. It felt like ours for the evening. We climbed up the 99 steps to the Church of the Assumption, then sat on the worn stone as the sun dropped behind the Julian Alps, turning the lake amber and rose. Neither of us spoke. We didn’t need to.
Tom Cowie

A second honeymoon in San Sebastían

San Sebastián always does it whatever your romantic life stage! Amazing food (of course); two iconic, beautiful, sweeping beaches; views to die for; hotels to fit all budgets. My partner and I went first in 2001, pre-kids and marriage. We enjoyed the cheap wine and clubbing till 4am. We went back in 2013 – a second honeymoon – Hotel Monte Igueldo on the cliff top (reached by funicular) still has the best view of any hotel we’ve ever been to. We went back in 2023, with our late-teens kids renting an apartment – they did their own thing (loved it), and we recreated those bar crawls and walks on the beach – wonderful.
James

Chilling on the Seine in Paris

The best place for a romantic weekend? Off Paris Seine is a floating hotel and bar, permanently docked on the Seine River near the Gare d’Austerlitz, with an infinity swimming pool. It does brilliant breakfasts that are worth every euro. Walk it off by heading out to stroll along the quays to Île Saint-Louis. Hopefully, you’ll work up an appetite in time for wonderful Bouillon de l’île, a vegetarian restaurant only open to 3pm. So delicious. Carry on strolling Le Marais and then chill with the Monet water lilies at Musée de l’Orangerie. The city centre is a lot more pedestrian and cycle-friendly these days. Paris has been transformed.
Sarah Ackroyd

Fairytale gardens near Stuttgart

The Ludwigsburg Palace Gardens close to Stuttgart has an area called the Fairytale Garden where fairytales have been recreated in beautiful surroundings. You can ask Rapunzel to let down her hair and see Hansel and Gretel’s house. This may sound childish, but it is actually a very nice outing, including for couples who can be childish together (and are perhaps inspired about future sons and daughters!).
Asa

A roof terrace sunset in Venice

Two bedraggled tourists; after hours spent tramping the streets of Venice in the rain, we had one mission remaining. Arriving at the Danieli Hotel in soaked kagouls but sporting our most charming smiles, we pleaded with the concierge to be allowed up to the hotel’s renowned roof terrace. Our reward? As the clouds finally parted, a glorious sunset and unrivalled panoramic views over tiny gondolas in San Marco basin, the Grand Canal, and the Venetian lagoon beyond. With a couple of gins, we celebrated 30 years of love, life, and the thrill of romance.
Kate Harris

The love language of Seville

The gardens of the Real Alcázar in Seville are exquisite with their orange tree-lined avenues and pristinely kept paths – perfect for an afternoon walking hand-in-hand in the Seville sunshine. It’s easy to find a quiet corner of the enormous grounds to sit and contemplate life together or while away an afternoon at the easygoing cafe enjoying the warm air and each other’s company. The palace is also a maze of fabulous courtyards and if your love language involves visiting scenes from Game of Thrones together, then this also ticks the boxes (the Real Alcázar was the setting for the Martell family’s gardens and palace in Dorne).
Layla Astley

WHEN it comes to day trips some places leave you disappointed – but one place that has never let me down whatever the weather is Cambridge.

From tucking into sticky Chelsea buns to exploring the famous colleges and free museums, you can easily spend a day here – so here are my top tips for a half-term staycation.

Out & About

Depending on whether you want a day bracing the outdoors, or tucked up inside, there’s so much you can do Cambridge.

And one thing the city is so famous for is punting – which you can do year-round.

So if you want to head out on the water, you can opt to go with a guide (which I’d recommend), or have a go yourself.

Lots of different companies offer tours, but if you book through Cambridge Punt Company you can join a shared tour which takes you along the Cambridge Backs.

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Experts talk about the colleges, share stories and it only lasts around 50-minutes.

Prices for shared tours start at around £15 per adult – if you book online you can save 15 per cent on morning tours.

If you want to go it on your own at your own pace then you can go for a self-hire punt which with Punting in Cambridge are priced at £32 per hour.

Just a warning for the self-conscious, a favourite pastime of tourists and locals is to watch first-timers attempt punting and get stuck – so you might spot some giggling onlookers.

If you’re around the punting area, then you may as well take a look around the colleges.

Cambridge is well-known for its prestigious university, and it does no harm that it looks like a set from Harry Potter either.

You can book an official tour with college alumni – although it might not be the most interesting for small children.

If you want to poke your head in, lots of the colleges offer free entry to the public like Pembroke, Christ’s, Magdalene, and Peterhouse.

While you’re there, have a look at the very strange-looking Corpus Clock with a grasshopper on the top.

From there, head into the centre for a walk around the market which is open everyday with stalls selling street food, clothes, jewellery and books.

For some shopping, head into the Grand Arcade or walk across the park to the Grafton Centre.

Free Activities

There are some great places in the city where you don’t have to spend any money at all.

If the weather holds out, the parks are lovely places to go and there are some huge ones in Cambridge like Parker’s Piece and Jesus Green.

Christ’s Pieces is a Victorian park and yes, kids can run about in the open space – but they can also try their hand at table tennis.

On the green are three outdoor tables and you can collect bats and balls from the neighbouring coffee kiosk – free of charge.

Lammas Land has a huge adventure playground with lots of swings, slides and climbing frames to play on.

If it’s a bit chilly then parents can warm up with a hot drink at the cafe which is usually open until 6pm in the winter.

If punting isn’t your thing, but you still want to wander by the water, you can easily take a walk along the River Cam.

You can pick how long you walk for but trails go for miles – some good routes are Magdalene Bridge to Silver Street.

Or the riverside trail through Midsummer Common to Jesus Green.

Sadly there won’t be any cows grazing on the commons in February – but if you return later in the year, you’ll be able to spot them usually near Mill Pond.

Usually they’re there from April until October.

If the weather doesn’t play ball, Cambridge has plenty of museums to take a gander around – and most are free entry.

I remember going into the Fitzwilliam Museum on a school trip and it’s filled with all sorts of artefacts that span across three floors.

It’s currently got an exhibit on Ancient Egypt too (although you’ll have to pay from £14.50 to see this).

The Museum of Zoology is also free and a great one for fans of the Natural History Museum.

Here you can see skeletons of a 21-metre long fin whale, an Asian elephant, Komodo dragon, Goblin shark and even a giant clam.

Check the ‘what’s on’ page as they often hold events and workshops through the year.

Food & Drink

The only struggle you’ll have in Cambridge is deciding where to eat because there are so many good cafes and restaurants.

There are lots of your classic chains that are a hit with kids like Las Iguanas, Zizzi, Honest Burger and Bill’s (who I have to say do a great brunch).

Of course, the city is filled with plenty of fab pubs too.

The Eagle is possibly the most famous as it’s where the finding of the DNA was first announced by  Francis Crick and James Watson in 1953.

They serve up food like Chicken Kyiv, mac and cheese, fish and chips, burgers, as well as lighter options like salads and toasted sandwiches.

Head to The Mill for a fishfinger, sausage or brie sandwich.

A little outside of the city centre is the Milton Arms which has special offers on Pie Tuesdays, Pizza Wednesdays, and Burger Thursdays.

If you get peckish and want something sweet, I cannot recommend Fitzbillies enough.

There are three bakeries around Cambridge and they’re known for their enormous and delicious Chelsea Buns.

The original bakery is the one on Trumpington Street opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum with the other two on Bridge Street and King’s Parade.

You can pick up an original Chelsea bun for around £4.

But there are plenty of other flavours to try like blueberry cheesecake, Nutella, and cinnamon buns.

Or even savoury choices like cheese and marmite, or tomato, basil and pesto.

Getting There

When it comes to getting into Cambridge, if you’re heading there by car it can be very busy with car park prices being extortionate.

The worst by far being the Grand Arcade – if you’re there for over five hours it will set you back £36.10.

A great option, and one I used to go all the time as a child is hop on the Park and Ride.

My family would park the car at Trumpington and hop on the bus.

It’s free to park for up to 18 hours and then it’s £4 to the city centre and back for adults.

Up to four children (under 5) go free with each fare-paying adult.

Otherwise, for children aged between 5-15 years it’s just £1 for a return ticket.

The bus will drop you right outside the Grand Arcade shopping centre in the middle of the city too.

There’s also a train station – but for families be warned it’s around a 20-minute walk into the city centre.

But there are buses and taxis you can hop into – or request an Uber.

For more on Cambridge, check out this pretty hotel that’s perfect for city exploring with a beautiful bar and free walking tour.

And here’s a quiet village just 15 minutes from Cambridge that’s the backdrop of an ITV drama.

HALF-TERM is nearly here and while some families are looking to head abroad, Loose Women star Katie Piper says, why not stay closer to home?

For beautiful beaches, plenty of family-friendly hotels and hopefully some sun – head to Kent.

Talking to Sun Travel about her recent ITV series, The Great Escapers, Katie Piper revealed that as a family, she loves heading to the UK coast – and it all started when she was a child.

She told us: “My mum and dad didn’t have a lot of money, so we didn’t really go abroad.

“Instead, we went Kent most years; Margate, Deal, and Broadstairs.

“We’d watch Punch and Judy on the beach, there would be donkey rides and we’d eat big sticks of rock and go to the arcades – we absolutely loved it.

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“I’ve taken my girls back to the very same places, and actually now Margate has had a total makeover – it’s a really nice place to take them back to.”

Here are some of our top tips for each of her favourite spots.

Margate

Margate has been a popular spot for Brits since the 1730s thanks to its sprawling beach, Margate’s Main Sands.

But in February can also wander through Old Town, visit the Old Kent Market and check out the beautiful Shell Grotto or Margate Caves.

With Dreamland closed until April, head to The Wonder Works instead which is filled with model railways and Scalextrics – tickets for adults are £5 and children can explore for £2.50.

Or for more entertainment, there’s also Lost Island Adventure Golf to play mini golf or AR darts.

When it comes to where to eat, head to Palms Pizzeria, a New York-style pizzeria in The Centre that serves massive pizza slices for £4.

For more attractions and restaurants check out these recommendations from locals.

When it comes to staying in Margate a family of four can book a night at the Seaside Escape Two-Bed Apartment for £108 (based on a one-night stay on February 16, 2026).

The self-catering apartment has beachfront access and pretty garden views.

Deal

The relaxed seaside town of Deal is an ideal spot if you want a more chill place to explore.

It has a pebble beach with a 1950s pier with a cafe at the very end.

There are lots of sites to visit like Deal Castle, as well as plenty of features family-friendly cafes, ice cream parlours, and several pubs with play areas like The Coach and The Crown Inn.

Head to Betteshanger Country Park for mountain bike trails and adventure playground.

A one-night stay for a family of four at the Royal Hotel in Deal starts from £160 (based on a one-night stay on February 16, 2026).

The 3-star hotel sits on the seafront in Deal – and the stay includes breakfast.

Broadstairs

Down the coast from Margate is the pretty seaside town of Broadstairs.

The main beach is Viking Bay and for fish and chips, head to The Mermaid restaurant.

For games, head to Broadstairs Leisure amusements for arcades or try out some putting at Lillyputt.

If the weather doesn’t play ball, then you can head indoors to the trampoline parks at Elev8.

The seaside town is also home to Morelli’s Gelato which has been serving fresh ice cream since 1932.

In Broadstairs, a family room in The Royal Albion right on the promenade costs £165 per night (based on a one-night stay on February 16, 2026) and includes breakfast.

As for where Katie is off to next – she reveals the stop is still in the UK.

Katie told us: “We’re looking into a trip at the moment that we want to do in the Easter which is to go to Scotland.

“We’re trying to plan to do it on the sleeper train because it’s a bit of an adventure to go on a sleeper train and my kids have never done that.

“We’ve got a dog now. We got a puppy this year if we go on a sleeper train, then we can take her on the train with us.”

To read more on the Caledonian Sleeper, check out Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding’s experience onboard and what to expect from the en-suite Club cabin.

My seaside town is Time Out’s best UK place to visit in 2025.. it used to be a tourist blackspot but now rivals Brighton.

Plus, here’s another Kent village to visit with no arcades or loud rides – it’s never crowded with a great pub on the beach.

A UK travel company known for selling trips to Disneyland has shut down.

The UK travel company based in Glasgow, Simply Florida Travel Ltd, sold bucket list adventures to North America amongst other destinations.

Customers now face their dream holidays to destinations such as Universal Studios, New York City, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Miami being cancelled.

The company was dissolved on January 6 and ceased trading as an ATOL-protected provider on January 20.

This came after the travel agency filed to be removed from the register on October 13 last year, according to Companies House.

 The UK’s financial protection programme for British travellers, ATOL, Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing scheme confirmed that Simply Florida Travel operated under a franchise agreement with The Travel Trust Association (TTA).

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Holiday makers who have had their plans ruined by this news have been advised to contact TTA directly to organise any refunds they may be owed.’

Simply Florida Travel Ltd’s website no longer exists, although their social media channels are still active.

The company joins a growing list of UK travel companies collapsing.

Just last month Regen Central Ltd, founded in 2011 in Hertfordshire went bust too.

The package holiday company ran packages to Italy, Bali, and Thailand, as well as the Middle East, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

It is understood by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that Regen Central Ltd had no outstanding ATOL-protected bookings.

However, it did say that bookings sold as flight only, accommodation only and non-flight packages are not protected by the ATOL scheme.

Customers who booked invalid travel packages were asked to wait patiently until the agency provides information on how to submit refund claims.

The art of women in Cannes

We visited the Female Artists of the Mougins Museum, in Mougins, a small village on a hill near Cannes. Full of exclusively female artists – from Berthe Morisot in the 19th century and Frida Kahlo in the early 20th to contemporary figures such as Tracey Emin – it houses an incredible collection of often overlooked art and artists. We visited on a rainy October day and it was remarkably quiet and calm. I particularly enjoyed the abstract works – well worth a trip up the hill.
James

Secret church in Amsterdam’s red light district

Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder is a bit of a mouthful, but it is the best museum I have ever visited. Our Lord in the Attic is a hidden gem in the centre of Amsterdam and well worth a visit. “Our Lord” is a clandestine church originating after the Reformation when Catholics were no longer allowed to hold public holy masses. It enabled Catholics to worship, but only in private; thus creating an incredibly intimate and secretive experience. The canal house feels like a Tardis as you move from what seems like a labyrinth of rooms, all leading to what appears to be a doll’s house church. A sliver of heaven in the middle of the red light district!
Ryan

Berlin’s pioneering socialist artist

I came across the Käthe-Kollwitz Museum only because I was staying nearby, just off Berlin’s glamorous Ku’damm avenue. This small, intimate building houses probably the best collection of Kollwitz’s prints, drawings, posters, sculptures and woodcuts, inspired by and illustrating her lifelong socialist beliefs with real power and poignancy. Her life and work were profoundly shaped by inseparable personal and political tragedies.
Leslie

Turin’s mountain museum

We visited the Museo Nazionale della Montagna (National Museum of Mountains) in Turin last summer. Having spent the previous four weeks hiking in the Italian Alps, it was the perfect end to our trip. The staff are knowledgable and there are some excellent exhibits exploring the history of our relationship with mountains along with displays of mountaineering gear and derring-do over the past 150 years. There’s also a rooftop terrace with a great view of the city and mountains beyond. A fantastic way to spend a few hours and a must for any lover of mountains.
Samantha McGrady

Captivating artefacts from the far east, Porto

Set in a late 18th-century palace belonging to the Porto bourgeoisie, the Museo Nacional Soares dos Reis, founded in 1833, is considered to be Portugal’s oldest art museum. It features an absorbing collection of Portuguese painting dating from the 16th to 20th centuries, but particularly captivating are the rooms displaying Japanese and Chinese artefacts, which arrived in Portugal off trading ships from the far east. Don’t miss the tranquil garden at the back of the museum.
Peter

Homage to Copernicus in Kraków

The Jagiellonian University Museum has a wonderful collection for those interested in history and science. The university was founded in 1364 and a young Copernicus (who worked out that the sun was at the centre of the known universe rather than the Earth) studied there in the 1490s. Many objects related to its most famous student and his heliocentric theory are showcased, alongside quirky objects related to the history of the university, and the history of Poland. The guides are very knowledgable, the visit is affordable, and it’s conveniently located in Kraków’s beautiful historical city centre.
Aline T Marinho

Quiet contemplation and wonder in Barcelona

In a stunningly restored mattress factory (La Casaramona) designed by Catalan modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafach, you can find the CaixaForum, just up the road from the Plaça d’Espanya in Barcelona. There are some buildings that eclipse the art that’s inside it, but the Caixa specialises in having a revolving display of exhibitions from photography to sculpture to immersive art, in an atmosphere of quiet contemplation and wonder. It is near the Miró Foundation and so many visitors pass it by without realising how great it is. Within its curvy walls there is a cafe for a welcome cold drink.
Liz Owen Hernandez

An airship and Trump toddlers in Prague

I would really recommend DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague. It’s a little way out of the touristy city centre but is an excellent art gallery within a stunning feat of architecture – a steel and wood airship (built in 2016) seemingly floats out of a postwar factory building. In 2018 I saw a brilliant exhibit, which was a white room filled with giant toddlers with Trump faces.
Katherine L

Paris’s ‘most enchanting’ museum

For me, the most enchanting museum in Paris is the Musée National Gustave Moreau, located in the former home of the 19th-century symbolist artist. Stendhal syndrome is surely a real risk in this glorious space, as one staggers among the dizzying, gigantic paintings painted in elaborate, decorative detail. Classical mythology and intimate biblical scenes are presented in vast gilt frames alongside looser drawings and watercolours housed in cabinets with pivoting shutters for ease of browsing. A spiral staircase between studio floors adds to the magic and the fascinating private apartments offer insight into a brilliant mind. Truly inspiring.
Petra Painter

Winning tip: Bronze gods in Piraeus

The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus contains a wonderful collection of artefacts spanning 2,000 years of Greek history and is generally less hectic than bigger museums in Athens. In pride of place are the Piraeus bronzes, a truly staggering collection of statues (including the Piraeus Apollo and bronze statues of Athena and Artemis) that left such an impression on me that I now have tattoos of two of them. It’s only 20 minutes from the centre of Athens by train, and is a wonderful place to explore while you wait for your ferry connection to the islands.
Ben Holmes

Our writer Becky Ward packed in double the fun on a twin-centre break to Dubai and the Maldives, as multi-destination holidays rise in popularity

There are three big advantages to a twin-centre holiday. The first is that instead of one long, tiring flight, you get a midway break. Then there’s the fact that when you come to the end of your ‘first’ holiday, you don’t get that sinking feeling on the way back to the airport, because instead of going home you’re going on ‘another’ holiday. And the third is that it feels like you’re away for longer because you see so many different things.

I kicked off my two-stop trip in Dubai. It’s just shy of an hour’s drive from the airport to JA Resorts Palm Tree Court and you get to see a few of the sights, such as the iconic Burj Khalifa, on the way. The resort does feel quite a distance from the hustle and bustle of the city, but that only makes it more relaxing when you arrive.

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I was shown straight to my room after a speedy check-in – a bright and airy sea view suite with the biggest bed I’ve ever seen. There’s no danger of kicking your partner in the night here! Then it was off to explore the resort, which has eight temperature-controlled pools (so no shivering at the side for 10 minutes before you get in), a wide sandy beach and an impressive 25 restaurants and bars.

What to do at JA Resorts Palm Tree Court

You will never get bored at this resort – it offers everything from water sports and golf to tennis and beach volleyball. There’s even an equestrian centre, where I signed up for the Swimming With Horses experience.

After wading waist-deep into the sea, my guide helped me onto my horse’s back and we started off with some bareback riding with the pleasantly warm water lapping around my legs. But my new four-legged friend was keen to get swimming so the guide led us further out and advised me to lift my legs and lie flat on her back as we reached deeper water. She whinnied happily as the guide swam alongside us – I’m not sure which of us enjoyed it more.

If you want to explore beyond the resort, there are complimentary shuttles to the nearby shopping malls. You’ll need a taxi if you want to go further afield and visit the gold souk or see the view from the top of the world’s tallest building. As my short visit was all about relaxation, I took myself off to the Calm Spa instead for a wonderful massage that was the perfect way to recover from six hours on a plane.

The food at JA Resorts Palm Tree Court

My favourite meal was at the White Orchid restaurant, which serves Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisine. My sea bass baked in a banana leaf with a lightly spicy papaya salad was delicious, and the experience was elevated by the velvety-voiced singer in the bar next door, who I could see and hear from my table near the entrance.

Over at Kinara, the Indian restaurant with a pretty outdoor courtyard decorated with flaming fire pits and fairy lights, I tried the jumbo prawn masala on my waitress’s recommendation and it was just the right mix of spicy and flavoursome. You can also find Spanish, Italian and Levantine cuisine around the resort.

JA Manafaru Maldives

My trip was off to an excellent start, but it was about to get even better. A four-hour hop to Malé followed by a short domestic flight and 10 minutes in a speedboat and I arrived at JA Manafaru, my home from home in the Maldives.

My sunset villa was breathtaking, with a spa bath in the bathroom, a plunge pool and double-seated swing on the terrace and steps leading straight into the sea. It also had a bike for getting around the island, which has a 1.5km circular shady trail that’s ideal for cycling or walking.

The resort has six fantastic bars and restaurants, a well-equipped fitness centre and a lagoon-style pool complete with waterfall, massage jets and bubble beds. There’s also a deluxe spa, which is so tranquil that my full-body massage almost sent me to sleep. And of course the beaches are stunning, with white sand and palm trees. One thing was certain from the minute I arrived – I was not going to want to leave.

What to do at JA Manafaru Maldives

You can’t visit the Maldives and not go snorkelling or diving – although you can see plenty of fish just looking over the edge of the jetties here as the water is so clear. We had a private tour of the house reef and saw turtles, sharks and hundreds of rainbow-coloured fish. There are also guided group trips throughout the week.

Next up was my paddleboarding lesson and it’s so much nicer falling in when the water is warm and crystal clear. I did eventually manage to find my balance once my legs had stopped feeling like jelly. Other activities on offer include a jet ski snorkel safari and a sunset and dolphin experience.

The food at JA Manafaru Maldives

There’s little that can beat freshly grilled fish served at a table on the beach with your feet in the sand, the moon above you and the sound of the sea as a backing track. Or so I thought when I enjoyed my fantastic first night dinner at Ocean Grill. It certainly set the bar high.

But my second night’s dinner was just as special, served in a private subterranean wine cellar, surrounded by bottles and with heated pebbles to warm my feet. The carefully curated wines were perfectly paired with the exquisite dishes – crab with caviar and mango to start, steak and grilled veg for the main and a chocolate and berry dessert to finish.

I had one last catch-of-the-day lunch at open-air restaurant Kakuni before it was time to head back to Malé. The seaplane transfer was a really fun way to end an altogether unforgettable trip.

How much does it cost?

Rooms at JA Resorts Palm Tree Court start from approx £150 per night in low season. Rooms at JA Manafaru start from approx £445 per night in low season. Emirates return flights from London to Malé with a stopover in Dubai start from approx £749.