UKs

RAIL passengers commuting over the Easter period can expect major disruptions to services.

The UK’s biggest intercity line will be closed for six consecutive days early next month.

Engineering work has been planned for the busy route, which carries over 75 million passengers a year, from Good Friday (April 3) to Wednesday, April 8.

There will be no west coast mainline services between London Euston and Milton Keynes on these dates, with services between Preston and Lancaster halted on Easter weekend (Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5).

The upgrade works are part of a wider £400 million project, which will see improvements to the line’s reliability as well as repairs to tracks.

Jake Kelly, Network Rail’s regional director for the north-west and central region spoke to the Guardian about the latest upgrade.

TRACKING CHANGE

Images of ‘bullet train’ cutting LA to San Francisco trip in half revealed

TO YOUR BENEFIT

Full list of 14 conditions & benefits eligible for £126 rail discount

“The four-day period at Easter gives us a valuable opportunity to complete projects that simply can’t be delivered during a normal weekend,” he said.

“This ensures we maximise the time our teams are out working on the tracks.”

While the north London neighbourhood of Willesden, north London will see new tracks laid, there will also be repairs and upgrades at Harrow and Wealdstone station.

And a historic bridge in Ledburn, Buckinghamshire, which gained international notriety in the Great Train Robbery, is also scheduled for upgrades over Easter.

Kelly added that Network Rail is working hard “to keep as much of the network open as possible while carrying out these vital upgrades”.

Avanti West Coast will run services between Preston and Carlisle via the Settle-Carlisle line over the Easter period, while Anglo-Scottish services will be diverted via Dumfries and Kilmarnock between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Network Rail has advised passengers to check before they travel on these dates.

Over 270 other upgrade projects are planned for various rail routes over the Easter period this year.

As we inch closer to spring, the best UK destinations for a day out have been revealed, thanks to their sprawling gardens, historic landmarks and charming riverside walks

The UK boasts stunning cities that provide a perfect day out, especially as we edge closer to spring, with the prospect of brighter days and milder weather.

Organising a day out, whether it’s with your partner, family, or on your own, can occasionally feel daunting. Some destinations are just around the corner, others require a road trip, and many can be reached by train, which only enhances their appeal as we get to relax before arriving.

In an effort to help Brits make the most of the sunnier weather and the magnificent locations the UK has to offer, LNER has revealed the ‘UK’s best spring days out’ that can be reached by train, reports the Express.

To identify the best UK destination for a day out during spring, the train operator examined historical weather data, the proportion of green and blue spaces, land and woodland, and the number of walking trails available in each area. From Norwich, Colchester and Plymouth, here are the UK destinations that could be the ideal getaway during spring.

READ MORE: ‘I moved from London to Liverpool and 1 city is far superior to live in’READ MORE: ‘I sold everything and moved to Spain – it halved my bills’

Dundee

Recognised as one of the sunniest cities in Scotland, Dundee tops the LNER list. One of its standout attractions is the University of Dundee Botanic Garden, featuring beautiful gardens that flourish in spring, along with water gardens and glasshouses brimming with tropical plants.

There’s also the Dundee Law landmark that offers a steady climb where you’ll be rewarded with views across Dundee and the River Tay, and the over 400-acre park, Camperdown Country Park – perfect for a picnic! Or perhaps a trip to the V&A Dundee is more your cup of tea to explore Scotland’s design museum.

Maidstone

Kent’s largest town, Maidstone, is, somewhat surprisingly, among the destinations LNER suggests visiting. This is largely thanks to its Mote Park, which boasts expansive green spaces and a peaceful lake. It provides waterside walks, pedal boat hire, plus climbing walls and high ropes – perfect for keeping youngsters occupied.

Telford

This delightful Shropshire town truly comes into its own during springtime when over 170,000 daffodils burst into bloom at Telford Town Park, which also features 450 acres of green space, gardens, and lakes. LNER highlighted that guests can pick up a coffee and enjoy a leisurely walk whilst taking in the vibrant colours that transform the park.

Aberdeen

This Scottish port city has plenty to discover on a day trip, from its seaside panoramas and period architecture to the Cruickshank Botanic Garden in Old Aberdeen. The park covers 4.5 hectares and includes rose gardens, water features, and tree-lined pathways.

There’s also one of Scotland’s most cherished gardens, Duthie Park, to explore, alongside the impressive St Machar’s Cathedral. However, a visit to Aberdeen wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its breathtaking coastlines at Greyhope Bay, where bottlenose dolphins can occasionally be seen.

Edinburgh

It comes as no shock that the beloved capital of Edinburgh has secured its place on the LNER list, given its wealth of attractions and beautiful landscapes that come alive with colour throughout spring. There’s the famous Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat offering sweeping views across the city, the Royal Botanic Garden and Princes Street Gardens.

For those wanting to delve deeper into its past, there are the Georgian House and Lauriston Castle. The Union Canal is also an ideal location to discover the tucked-away corners of the city, whether strolling along the waterfront or cycling along the dedicated path.

Lincoln

The East Midlands city boasts plenty to discover during a spring day out, from Lincoln Castle and Hartsholme Country Park to the Whisby Nature Park. However, Lincoln Arboretum is unquestionably a highlight, with its refurbished gardens, fountains, duck pond and play area, all paying tribute to its Victorian heritage.

Norwich

The vibrant city of Norwich is another destination absolutely worth visiting, whether for a day trip or weekend getaway. The Cathedral Close has been praised as ‘one of the best places to spend your spring day out’ with its magnolia trees, daffodils and verdant lawns coming into bloom beneath the city’s medieval skyline.

There’s also the opportunity to take in panoramic views across the city and explore the hilltop landscapes surrounding the Norman keep.

Colchester

The UK city is distinctive for its Roman Walls, described as the ‘longest and best-preserved town walls in Britain’. There is a circular route stretching back almost 2,000 years, providing a picturesque spring walk amongst the ancient stonework, with Castle Park the ideal spot to stop for a picnic.

Ipswich

Characterised by LNER as ‘slow and scenic’, the Suffolk town boasts low rainfall and the ‘highest spring sunshine hours’. It’s home to a waterfront that sparkles in the sunshine, where there are cafés and bars to savour a drink or lunch outdoors, or to simply observe the activity of the harbour.

Plymouth

Last but not least is the Devon port city, with The Hoe overlooking Plymouth Sound as its most recognisable landmark. This makes an excellent starting point for a day in Plymouth, with its expansive lawns and seafront promenade providing the ideal spring walk, before treating yourself to an ice cream or scaling Smeaton’s Tower.

For further information or to book your spring day trip, you can visit the LNER website.

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

A hidden gem on the UK’s coast boasts sparkling waters, golden sands and a breathtaking landscape, as well as a section popular with naturists

A beautiful beach with glistening waters that wouldn’t look out of place on a travel brochure for the Mediterranean has been named the best in the country.

As the warmer months draw near, there’s no better moment to pencil in a ‘beach day’ in your diary. And if you are, one magnificent location that is well worth a visit is Botany Bay.

The Kent beach consistently receives Blue Flag status, which is a recognised national mark of cleanliness and upkeep. But it’s not just a tidy, sewage-free spot. Botany Bay was recently crowned the best beach in the UK by Conde Nast

“Kent’s beaches make for a perfect day trip for down-from-Londoners, but many sunseekers opt for the likes of Margate’s Main Sands and Broadstairs’ Viking Bay as they’re close to lots of family-friendly amenities. Stray off the beaten track slightly and be rewarded with Botany Bay’s gorgeous sands and clear, shallow waters. Head down the main path and take a right to the buzzier side where in-the-know families set up base with cooler boxes and chunky picnic blankets, or stroll left for a more peaceful afternoon—things take a nudist turn at the far end,” the travel publication wrote.

When the tide retreats, Botany Bay unveils vast stretches of sand and offers the chance to explore its fascinating rock pools. The landscape is utterly captivating, with the bay bordered by iconic white cliffs and chalk formations.

The wide beach and amazing scenery have made it a favourite with casting directors. In recent years, it has been used by productions such as BBC’s D-Day: The Last Heroes, Tamil action drama Thaandavam, Sky Atlantic comedy Hunderby, BBC drama True Love, as well as music videos for Bat for Lashes, Bebe Black and Shawn Mendes.

Land Rover, Sainsbury’s and NatWest have also borrowed its good looks for adverts.

Another group with many big fans of the beach is the naturist community. The Foreness area at the western end of the beach is popular with those who enjoy getting their kit off, although the area does not have an official designation as a naturist beach. Thanet District Council has considered putting up signs to inform or warn non-nudists of the possibility of encountering naturists, but that hasn’t happened yet.

Those keen to take a dip should know that there’s lifeguard supervision between May 24 and September 7, from 10am until 6pm. And pet owners will be delighted to learn their four-legged companions are welcome on the beach beyond these hours, from May 1 through to September 30.

Getting to the bay, which was crowned the UK’s most photographed beach last February, is straightforward, thanks to the well-established route from the cliff top, or the concrete walkway near the water station at the seaward end.

The bay’s water quality has received an ‘excellent’ rating for swimming in 2024, maintaining the impressive standards recorded in recent years.

If you do visit, make sure you plan the time of your arrival well. Low tide exposes fascinating rock pools and enables access to **Kingsgate Bay**. The local authority has shared advice for beachgoers and adventurers: “When the tide is out, Botany Bay is a great location for fossil hunting and exploring rock pools. There is plenty of exposed sand to enjoy when the tide is in, but due to the bay’s shape the ends are cut off at high tide.”

If all of this wasn’t reason enough to visit, then the fact Botany Bay is in one of the best seaside towns in the country: Broadstairs. You can read about our recent visit to the town here.

YouTuber Danny from the Honest Places channel visited different boozers in Rhyl in North Wales — a former tourist hotspot now dubbed one of Britain’s worst seaside resorts

A YouTuber who travelled to one of the so-called worst seaside resorts in Britain claimed he felt completely at ease there, where traditional boozers brimming with character were packed with locals enjoying affordable pints.

Danny, who operates the Honest Places channel, was visiting Llandudno and Rhyl in North Wales, with the latter having earned the nickname “Costa Del Dole”.

The resort is littered with abandoned buildings and establishments which have closed down permanently. Despite once being a magnet for holidaymakers, the pier, funfair and shopping centre have long since faded into memory.

The Telegraph listed it amongst the worst seaside resorts in Britain three years ago and described it as “Blackpool after a neutron bomb”. Danny, however, labelled it “Britain’s saddest seaside town” in his YouTube headline before speaking about it affectionately upon arrival.

He commented: “We have come to Rhyl because I felt a bit too out of place (in Llandudno). I feel actually at home in Rhyl.

“This is the front — it is such a contrast to Llandudno. I know people say British seaside towns have gone to s***. But they have been s*** for ages. This is a real British seaside town. Most of them are s*** and that is a real seaside town.

“So Whitby is a seaside town but it’s not a real British seaside town because the real ones are the ones that are like this, like Blackpool.

“But the main reason I came here, I didn’t want to go to another pub in Llandudno because it is just a bit tepid really.”

He continued: “There are some proper tasty pubs I went into last time where the barman and bar staff were just shouting at the customers and stuff like that.”

The first establishment he and a friend visited was Victory Club on Queen Street which has been welcoming drinkers for more than 70 years.

He wasn’t particularly taken with his pint of Caffrey’s Stout but remarked: “The gaff is alright though isn’t it?” His companion responded: “Yeah, tidy and reasonably cheap.”

Yet, if they considered paying £4 a pint reasonable value, they were in for a pleasant shock at their next destination.

They were drawn to The Bodfor and after hearing the booming music from within, Danny chuckled: “It does look good in there, doesn’t it? It reminds me a bit like Benidorm!”

He continued: “People will watch this back and say you should have went in but I’ve got a better boozer for you.”

Danny then headed towards the Imperial Hotel pub and described it as being like stepping into somebody’s front room.

Whilst at the bar, he announced that he had never sampled a pint of Fosters in his life, before deciding to try one.

And staring at his drink, he commented: “That head is beautiful! I don’t think I’ve had better head.”

After taking a gulp, he then remarked it was “fitting” to have a Fosters in Rhyl, before his friend responded: “Absolutely, for what it is, it’s a good pint. You want a fizzy, cold, tasteless pint. That’s what you get.”

Danny then admitted he was enjoying it more than anticipated before he enquired how cheap it was. After discovering the pint was just £2.70, he enthused: “Granted, it’s Fosters. But at that price, you can’t kick off. That’s got to be a 10/10.”

His friend then suggested that one could have a smashing night out in Rhyl with just a tenner and some loose change.

Stepping outside post-pints, Danny remarked: “We got some nice little tasty pubs, we saw Rhyl, it hasn’t changed. I don’t think it will change.”

Last year, reports suggested that Rhyl, which boasts four beaches, would undergo transformation thanks to £200million invested over the past decade, as per Denbighshire County Council.

The town also benefited from a £20million injection from the government’s Levelling Up fund three years ago.

The market town is one that has had a run of bad luck, but has plenty to be excited about, including cheap houses, an excellent art gallery and a local fish and chip delicacy

There’s a market town in England lined with grand terraced houses that regularly sell for £100,000. In fact, many go for just £50,000.

Head to Rightmove or a local estate agent and you’ll find two and even three-bedroom homes selling for half or even a third of the nation’s average. But it’s a place that’s got a lot more than just cheap houses.

It’s home to one of the UK’s most recognisably-named football clubs, one of the country’s greatest living authors, and one of the world’s finest collections of Tiffany glass.

The dazzling glassware, worth tens of millions, was sent from the US in 1933 by local lad-done-good Joseph Briggs. They then sat gathering dust for four decades before their brilliance was finally recognised.

Accrington — where the collection now shines in the Haworth Art Gallery atop the town’s hill — is much the same: a hidden gem, long overlooked beyond Lancashire, but, I’d argue, ready to dazzle.

It’s about time, because Accrington has had its share of misfortune.

READ MORE: 20 iconic UK film sets you can enter for free for one week only

The town is probably best recognised (at least by those Fifa fans who have needed a willing team to drub) for its amusingly named football club, Accrington Stanley. Back in 1888, the club was one of an elite 12 that helped found the Football League, only to tumble out mid-season 88 years later, bankrupt and in chaos. As miserable fans drifted off to Blackburn and Burnley, the 15,000-seat stadium was binned and replaced with one a third of the size.

Far more tragic is the story of the Accrington Pals. In 1914, 5,000 striking mill workers were locked out by machinists Howard & Bullough amid a big industry downturn. Desperate for wages, many enlisted, making Accrington the smallest town in England to raise a battalion. On the first day of the Somme, 580 of the 720 Accrington Pals were mown down within half an hour.

There’s a cruel irony, too, in the town’s legacy as a brickmaking powerhouse — its super-strong ‘Noris’ bricks underpinning the Empire State Building and Blackpool Tower — and the relative cheapness of its homes. With an average house price of £148,714, and terraces £110,381, Accrington is officially the cheapest place in England or Wales to buy property.

But as advertising whizz and Amazing Accrington chair Murray Dawson tells me on a tour of the town: “Accrington needs to focus on the future, not the past.”

Certainly, the people I met are determined to do just that. Happily, there’s a lot to focus on.

Take Accrington Stanley. A decade ago, the Owd Reds were £1.2 million in debt, playing in a cowshed stadium with a pitch so waterlogged that six consecutive matches were postponed. Then along came Jack Holt, a Burnley lad who grew up on “the Shameless estate”. Since taking over in 2015, he has invested around £9 million of his plastics fortune into the club.

When I turned up, chief executive Warren Eastham paused his work on the club’s merchandise website to show me the gleaming corporate lounge running alongside the new artificial, puddle-free pitch — a set-up befitting a mid-table League Two side now punching above its weight, after years in the doldrums of football’s seventh tier.

After admiring the near-complete Stanley mural made by the paint-splattered Paul Curtis, Murray and I headed to the Haworth Art Gallery to meet curator Gillian Berry, who looks after the town’s Tiffany treasures.

The buzzing gallery looks out across the valley to Pendle Hill, recently climbed by a group of wig-wearing Jeanette Winterson superfans retracing the steps of the Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit author.

In 1960, Winterson was brought to the town by her adoptive, evangelical Christian parents, who only allowed her to read six books and burned her secret literature stash when they discovered it. The town’s cathedral-like public library, funded by Andrew Carneiege and bathed in sunlight filtered through great stained glass windows, provided a refuge and supply of illicit literature for Winterston.

The Whitbread Prize winner is not the town’s only notable daughter. There is also Lydia Becker, the pioneering suffragist who led the movement in the North West. Having spent years overshadowed by the likes of her protege Emmeline Pankhurst, she is now being celebrated at the new Accrington Dome, part of an ambitious town-centre regeneration stretching across several floors and shopfronts.

Soon, traders such as Steve Hatt will move his 150-year-old family fishmongers into the renovated Victorian Market Hall, and temporary market stalls that block off the grand town centre will be cleared away, as part of a £20 town centre revamp.

In an Amazon-dominated world, this seems as good a way as any to breathe life into a dying high street, hollowed out by online shopping and two huge supermarkets on the edge of town.

Another project that has successfully done just that is the Oswaldtwistle Mills. Having clung on as a working mill until the early 1990s, the two-century-old weaving centre was then transformed into a vast and hugely successful shopping complex, packed with everything from plants and dresses to children’s toys and butter pies. It is independently owned by Peter Hargreaves, whose relative, James (somewhat ironically) invented the Spinning Jenny, which mechanised milling and became a symbol of industrialisation for the homespinners it rendered obsolete.

Competing with Ozzie Mills in the size and shiny newsness stakes is the Raza Jamia Masjid Mosque. It is a vast building that regularly attracts 4,500 worshippers from across Lancashire.

It is the £9.5million passion project of Jawid Hussain, another local lad, who made his £110million fortune as the founder of toilet paper giant Accrol Papers. Today, he lives across from the mosque in a sprawling house with a Lamborghini-studded driveway.

I had discovered by that point in the day that the warmth of the welcome I received there, and the enthusiasm of the mosque’s caretaker-turned-impromptu-tour guide Manzoor Hussain, is typical of Accrington. It’s the kind of place where chippy owner Dianne wanders around the square after dealing with the lunch rush, armed with salt and vinegar, to make sure her regulars don’t need an extra shake.

The kind of place where so many random people kept chatting to Murray and me, our half-day tour ran over by hours. It’s also the kind of place that made national headlines back in 2024 when anti-racism protesters marched into the town centre in response to the Southport Riots.

As the woman behind the Heritage Dome, Hannah Saxton, tells it: “People were coming out of the pubs to shake their hands and hug them.”

Accrington’s challenges are undoubtedly real. It’s a town where its main industry has been hollowed out and has suffered years of underinvestment. But what is also real is its resolve. In its bricks, its glass, its football club and its faith, the town feels less like a relic of industrial Britain and more like a place quietly rewriting its future.

United States President Donald Trump has posted on social media that he does not need the United Kingdom to deploy aircraft carriers to the Middle East, amid the ongoing war with Iran.

Saturday’s post on Truth Social follows a statement from the UK’s Ministry of Defence that one of its two flagship aircraft carriers, the HMS Prince of Wales, has been placed on “high readiness”.

“The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East,” Trump wrote.

“That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!”

The post, with its reference to the UK as a “once great ally”, signals a deepening rift between the two countries that has emerged since Trump returned to office last year.

The divide appears to have deepened over the past week, as the US and Israel continue to hammer Iran as part of a war they launched on February 28.

The conflict has sparked fears across the Middle East, as retaliatory strikes from Tehran target US allies across the region.

Already, an estimated 1,332 people have been killed in Iran, and the US has confirmed the deaths of six of its service members. More deaths have been reported in countries like Lebanon, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq.

The UK government has increased its involvement in the war on Iran, widely considered illegal under international law.

The UK Defence Ministry, for instance, said on Saturday that the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer had allowed the US to use its military bases for what it termed “limited defensive purposes”.

The bases include RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the Diego Garcia site in the Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean. Initially, there had been reports that Starmer had blocked the US use of the bases.

In the immediate aftermath of the initial US-Israeli strike, Starmer appeared to blanche at the prospect of joining the war.

He and the leaders of France and Germany issued a joint statement, underscoring that any actions they might take would be defensive in nature.

“We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source,” the joint statement said.

“We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter.”

But Starmer has had to push back on domestic criticism both for and against joining the war.

On Monday, he told the UK Parliament, “We are not joining the US and Israeli offensive strikes”, citing the need to protect “Britain’s national interest” and “British lives”.

The war in Iran remains largely unpopular in the UK. The polling firm Survation conducted a survey over the last week of 1,045 British adults, in which 43 percent of respondents called the war not justifiable.

When asked if they supported Starmer’s initial decision not to allow the US to use UK bases, 56 percent of respondents approved. Only 27 percent said it was the wrong choice.

Thousands of protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in London on Saturday to call for an end to the ballooning conflict.

The US president, meanwhile, has upped his criticism of Starmer over the past week, further fraying relations with the UK government.

On March 3, for instance, Trump held an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in which he said repeatedly he was “not happy with the UK”.

Of Starmer, Trump said, “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.”

Trump has long admired Churchill, and last year installed a bust of the late UK wartime leader in the Oval Office, just as he had during his first term.

By contrast, Trump has issued a flood of criticism against Starmer, particularly for his 2024 decision to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The transfer came after the International Court of Justice found the UK acted unlawfully in 1965 by separating the islands from Mauritius to create a separate colony.

The deal with Mauritius allows the US and the UK to maintain a military base on Diego Garcia, part of the archipelago.

However, Trump has repeatedly slammed the transfer, writing on social media that “giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY”.

Tensions between the US and UK also rose in January after Trump told Fox News that NATO allies had “stayed a little off the front lines” during the US war in Afghanistan.

Starmer had responded that he found Trump’s comments “to be insulting and frankly appalling”.

The Trump administration has signalled it is pivoting away from its traditional European allies in favour of more politically aligned countries.

At a summit on Saturday with right-wing Latin American leaders, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to praise the attendees while casting shade on other allies.

“At a time when we have learned that, oftentimes, an ally, when you need them, maybe may not be there for you, these are countries that have been there for us,” Rubio told the summit.

LET’S face it, there is a lot of things going on abroad that might be making you apprehensive about travelling right now.

Thankfully, the UK is home to some amazing destinations which can transport you to somewhere further afield.

From the south of England all the way up to Scotland, you can find white sandy beaches and Med-like villages along the way.

So we’ve rounded up five of the best places which are often said to look more like abroad.

Swap Spain for Lusty Glaze, Cornwall

Cornwall‘s Lusty Glaze is often compared to Spain, with its Ibiza-liked beach restaurant.

The aptly named Lusty Glaze Beach Restaurant overlooks the sandy cove and is the best place to watch the sunsets.

SANDS GREAT

Where to find the best UK beach – AND it gets the least amount of rain

SANDS GREAT

Our 26 must-visit UK beaches for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots

The beach even hosts a number of events such as Ibiza Club Classics, as well as Sundowner Sessions.

One person even said on Tripadvisor: “It’s like your own mini Ibiza in Cornwall.”

Swap Italy for Portmeirion, Wales

The village of Portmeirion in Wales doesn’t just look like Italy by chance – but was entirely designed that way.

Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, inspired by Italy as he once said: “How should I not have fallen for Portofino?”

The multicoloured houses certainly resemble the famous Cinque Terre.

It might be a stretch to call it a seaside… but sits on the Dwyryd Estuary, which has its own tidal beaches.

Swap Thailand for Isle of Harris, Scotland

The Scottish isles are often compared to destinations very far away, such as the Carribean.

Yet some of the sandbanks on the Isle of Harris could be something from Thailand.

Luskentyre Beach is a dead ringer for the beach of Nang Yuan island.

The weather, however, might not be as warm so this is definitely a beach to visit in the summer…

Swap France for Durdle Door, Dorset

The famous arch of Durdle Door might soon be one of the few in the world, after Italy’s Lover’s Arch collapsed earlier this year.

Thankfully, one in France remains and looks just like the Dorset beach.

Etretat Beach on the north coast of France is famous for the Porte d’Aval arch.

If you did want to see it, you can get there without hopping on a flight – ferries travel from the UK to Le Havre which is just over half an hour by car

Swap America for Camber Sands, Sussex

Camber Sands is often called the Hamptons of the UK, and even the beaches are alike.

The American comparison to the Essex seaside comes mainly from the The Gallivant hotel, built in the shaker style and also with a “Hamptons air”.

However, the dune-backed beaches of Camber Sands are a spitting image of the ones in Montauk, a hamlet in East Hampton.

Here’s how to find the best UK beach for the least rain.

And here are five beaches that are better to visit in winter.

BBC bosses have taken inspiration from Britpop legends Blur for the UK’s 2026 Eurovision entry.

The Sun can reveal Look Mum No Computer’s song Eins, Zwei, Drei has been inspired by the British music legends.

It features  random lyrics and almost spoken word verses.

Controversially, the chorus is all in German.

Sam Battle, the man behind Look Mum No Computer, says on the track: “If only there was a language that I could count in, that would make me feel better.”

He then launches into a bizarre counting session in German.

The Eurovision track opens with Sam saying: “So sick of doing the whole 9 to 5.

“I pay my dues I’m just staying alive… and I’m so bored, I’m so bored of it. Oh what’s the point of it.”

A source said; “The song is about as far away from last year’s entry as posisble but maybe that’s what the UK needed to do?

“On one hand it’s very Blur inspired.

“On the other there are whole waves of the song that are in German.

“That being said if you had been played it and told it was from another European country you’d think it’s the perfect Eurovision track.”

The song will get its official first play on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast with Scott Mills on Friday morning. 

The music video is also set to drop on Friday as well.

This year’s contest takes place in May in Vienna.

The Sun revealed earlier this month how Australia will be represented by Delta Goodrem after she told Bizarre of her dream of competing in the show in an interview back in May 2025.

The Sun previously revealed how BBC bosses were forced to go back to the drawing board after one of their shortlisted acts was exposed for inappropriate comments online.

Bosses hauled the act – who is a solo artist – into a meeting where they were dramatically told they would no longer be representing the UK.

As well as the performer, the song was also ready to go – with the track being played to a number of industry high-flyers to gauge the reaction.

It meant that during January staff had been desperately trying to find a replacement act in time for the impending submission deadline.

A source previously said: “The BBC can’t take any chances with Eurovision being such a pressure cooker this year.

“Routine checks brought up past behaviour that just didn’t line up.

“It was brutal but they were dragged into a meeting and told they could no longer represent the UK.

“Naturally the person was mortified and devastated.

“It’s been a mess ever since the start of the year trying to find a new act.”

The nostalgia factor is strong

They might appear to be a relic of bygone days, but there’s still a demand for the modest cassette. CDs and digital streaming appeared to spell the end for the mixtape, yet in a corner of Manchester’s Northern Quarter they’re flying off the shelves.

That’s down to Mars Tapes, widely regarded as the last cassette shop in the UK. Operated by Alex Tadros and situated inside Manchester’s independent shopping haven, Afflecks Palace, it’s been hugely successful and is now gearing up for its next phase.

“After seven years of growth, we are entering into our third expansion. This time moving down to a much larger unit on the 1st floor of Afflecks Palace — one of the biggest units in the building,” Alex says.

Mars tapes stocks a selection of classics, a ‘Rewind’ series — official tapes missing their paper inserts — mixtapes and consignments of new music from major labels.

The new premises will showcase an enlarged library of cassette tapes, a broader selection of refurbished vintage audio equipment, and the launch of the Mars Tapes Listening Cafe — a designated area where patrons can savour a coffee whilst listening to tapes from the shop’s collection, reports the Manchester Evening News.

To mark the expansion, they’re throwing a weekend party on March 7 and 8.

The venue will feature a Dave Haslam DJ set on the Sunday and a live gig from emerging Glasgow outfit Cowboy Hunters on the Saturday — the latter will be dropping a new EP on cassette through Sour Grapes Records.

The weekend will also welcome Horace Panter (The Specials), who will be showcasing his cassette artwork throughout both days. There will be a range of in-store discounts for various cassette products, with food and drinks specials available as well.

“Our cassette shop launched back in 2019 in perhaps the smallest unit in Afflecks Palace, and we never expected to grow in the way we have,” adds Alex.

“Now in the midst of our third expansion, into one of the biggest spaces in the building we wanted to celebrate with all of the cassette aficionados that made it possible! We’re offering food, drinks and in-store deals, alongside some fantastic live music from Cowboy Hunters, and DJ sets from Dave Haslam and Glue Tape Jockeys (a cassette DJ set).

“We’re also excited to be bringing down Horace Panter of The Specials who will be exhibiting some of his fantastic cassette based artwork. It’s gonna be a tape heads dream weekend and we can’t wait to welcome everyone down to the new store.”

The launch celebration will run on March 7 and 8 at Afflecks Palace, 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW. Complimentary tickets can be secured via Skiddle.

IT cheekily kept the home fires burning during the Blitz, and now Britain’s oldest strip club is set to reopen its doors once more.

The Windmill was one of the most iconic venues in Soho, where showgirls served up cocktails and stripteases while air raid sirens wailed outside.

Its famous motto, “Never closed,” was reworked into “Never clothed” — as the Windmill Girls bared all to keep punters smiling as war waged on.

Now the venue is roaring back to life as the Rhino At The Windmill after being forced to close due to Covid restrictions.

It was the club that made strip clubs the beating heart of Soho – and paved the way for hundreds more around the country.

Beloved by celebs and ordinary punters alike, Britain’s strip clubs have sparked scenes of debauchery and excess, which have gone down in legend.

DARK FANTASIES

The creepy Girlfriend for Hire sites where Incels splash £50k on ‘yes women’

NEWLYWEBS

Secrets of Zendaya & Tom Holland’s low-key relationship as stars ‘tie knot’

Here, we reveal the wildest tales from over the decades.

Rihanna’s head loss

At Stringfellows, pop superstar Rihanna is believed to have got a bit too close and personal with some of the club’s performers.

It was back in 2011 when the S&M songstress booked a private booth at the club – but ended up breaking the rules.

Rihanna – who is no stranger to getting pulses racing herself – is rumoured to have got a bit carried away with the show and ended up sticking her head between one of the women’s legs.

Her exuberance earned her a telling off from one of the burly bouncers who look after the club’s dancers.

It doesn’t seem to have deterred Rihanna though, who has been spotted back in the club on several occasions since.

Footie star’s eye-watering bill

Newcastle star Kieran Trippier was ‘stitched up’ by a group of friends who spent close to £10,000 on a strip club bill – before putting the defender’s name on the tab.

The Newcastle star was not believed to be present at the For Your Eyes Only club – however, his name still appeared on the bill, which included 76 £100 tokens for personal dances.

The bill was a staggering £9,663 and was believed to have been racked up by Trippier’s friends who play for National League side Gateshead.

A source told the The Sun: “Kieran has visited FYEO before but this bill was run up by some of the lads he knows at Gateshead. He wasn’t there.

“This seems to be their idea of a joke on Kieran. Who knows who footed the bill.”

Bieber’s revolting encounter

Notorious London nightclub The Box is infamous for its explicit late night cabaret shows, but Justin Bieber allegedly got more than he bargained for after a night of partying.

Drag queen A’Whora told GK Barry’s podcast Saving Grace that a few years ago, a revolting punter “threw semen at Justin”.

A shocked Grace then asked how he reacted, and A’Whora claimed Bieber joked: “Gotta keep an eye out for Selena!”.

The quip was a reference to lyrics from Justin’s hit song Beauty and Beat.

Whether or not A’Whora’s memory was entirely accurate has never been confirmed, but such an incident certainly wouldn’t be out of place given what else goes on at The Box.

Some of the celeb haunt’s most jaw-dropping shows have included simulated threesomes and a performer named “Laqueefa”, who played well-known tunes with her genitalia.

Corrie star’s dancer wedding

Corrie star Chris Quinten went into the lucrative strip club business after he left the cobbles.

But he faced a mass walk-out at his Secrets club after staff claimed their pay had been cut.

Back in 2019 the girls were said to have gone on a one day strike after he changed the rules on what percentage they got from punters.

At Secrets, a three-minute nude table dance cost £30. Half an hour with a stripper and champagne was £350.

The dancers claimed their earnings from the club in Hammersmith, West London, were halved. But after the strike the club agreed to make changes, with one stripper saying: “Our strike proved a success and we got what we wanted – fair rights and wages.”

Chris, then 61, went on to get engaged to one of his club’s dancers – 21-year-old Robyn Dellabarre, and celebrated with a party at the club.

Bedded five dancers… in a week

Blue star Lee Ryan has never been one to shy away from controversy.

But during his 2014 stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house he confessed to being banned from a strip club for bedding five of its dancers on five consecutive nights.

In a conversation in the house Lee confessed: “I walked into a club once right, I mean this is back in the day, I was a lot younger, I mean I would never do this these days.

“I walked in there right, this is probably one of the worst things I’ve ever done, I got five girls’ numbers when they were all dancing, I got the fittest girls’ numbers that were in there.”

Then he went on to say he slept with them all on consecutive days from Monday to Friday.

But when the girls compared notes and realised what he had done, they weren’t best pleased with him.

Lee then said he was subsequently banned from the club for some reason.

A-lister gets shirty

Back in 2010 Hollywood star Kiefer Sutherland’s night out at Stringfellows came to a rather abrupt end.

The actor was said to have been tossed out of the London club shirtless and drunk after an altercation with the bouncers.

The Emmy and Golden Globe award-winner, best known for his role as Jack Bauer in TV series 24, was described by onlookers as “absolutely screamingly paralytic” and was put in a headlock by security as he lashed out during a drinking bender.

But club owner Peter Stringfellow later played down the incident, writing on his blog: “(Sutherland) had a wonderful time, was incredibly charming to all the staff, very generous to all the girls and made friends with my security people.

“Around about 3.15am he decided it would be very funny to take his shirt off. When it was explained to him very gently that that was the job of the girls and not the customers he burst out laughing. His friend thought that this would be a good time for them to go home.”

Stripper’s undercover mission

Stringfellow was the undisputed king of the strip clubs – until a new rival club started to steal his girls and his crown.

Crowds were flocking to the new Spearmint Rhino club in Camden – leaving Peter and his scantily clad dancers in an empty club.

So he hatched a daring plan to foil the opposition.

Peter sent one of his longest-serving dancers as an undercover spy to get a job at Spearmint Rhino to find out what all the fuss was about and why the girls there were earning so much money.

But the cunning plot failed miserably. The dancer quickly realised she too could earn more money at Spearmint Rhino, where the girls were offered mega money for full nudity, and promptly never returned to Stringfellows.

Early on Monday, a suspected Iranian drone crashed into the runway at the United Kingdom’s RAF Akrotiri base in southern Cyprus. British and Cypriot officials said the damage was limited. There were no casualties.

Hours later, two drones headed for the base were “dealt with in a timely manner”, according to the Cypriot government.

The incidents came as Prime Minister Keir Starmer signalled on Sunday that the UK was prepared to support the United States in its confrontation with Iran – raising the prospect that it could be drawn deeper into a war it did not choose by its closest ally.

In a joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany, Starmer said the European group was ready to take “proportionate defensive action” to destroy threats “at their source”.

Later, in a televised address, he confirmed that Westminster approved a US request to use British bases for the “defensive purpose” of destroying Iranian missiles “at source in their storage depots, or the launches which are used to fire the missiles”.

But his agreement did little to placate US President Donald Trump, who said the decision came too late.

UK-based military analyst Sean Bell cautioned against reading too much into the Akrotiri incident.

“I understand the projectile that hit Cyprus was not armed, it hit a hangar [with] no casualties, and appears to have been fired from Lebanon,” he said, citing sources.

Al Jazeera was not able to independently verify the claim.

The broader context, he argued, is more consequential.

The US has taken the action “and everybody else is having to deal with the fallout”, he said.

Iran’s military strength lies in its extensive ballistic missile programme, he said, adding that while some have the range to threaten the UK, they do not extend far enough to strike the US.

“I don’t think [US] President Trump has yet made the legal case for attacking Iran, and … international law makes no discrimination between a nation carrying out the act of war and a nation supporting that act of war, so you’re both equally complicit,” he said.

Bell said that Washington likely reframed the issue, communicating to London that, whatever triggered the escalation, US forces were now effectively defending British personnel in the region.

That shift, he suggested, provided a legal basis to “not to attack Iran, but to protect our people”, allowing the UK to approve US operations from its bases under a “very, very clear set of instructions” tied strictly to national interest and defence.

UK officials ‘tying themselves in knots’

However, concerns of complicity had reportedly shaped earlier decisions, according to Tim Ripley, editor of the Defence Eye news service, who said the British government initially concluded that US and Israeli strikes on Iran did not meet the legal definition of self-defence under the United Nations Charter.

When Washington requested the use of bases such as RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK, and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, Starmer is understood to have consulted government lawyers, who advised against participation.

Up until Starmer’s televised address, in which he approved the US request, the UK had not considered the campaign a war of self-defence, said Ripley. While Washington’s legal reasoning has not changed, the war’s trajectory has.

Iranian retaliatory strikes – which have seen drones and missiles targeting Gulf states – have placed British expatriates and treaty partners under direct threat.

“The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies, and protecting British lives. This is in line with international law,” Starmer said.

According to Ripley, several Gulf governments, which maintain defence relationships with the UK, sought protection, allowing London to focus on protecting British personnel and partners rather than endorsing a broader campaign. However, with memories of the Iraq War hanging over Westminster, British ministers have stopped short of explicitly backing the US bombing campaign.

British officials are “tying themselves in knots” trying to describe a position that is neither fully participatory nor detached, he said.

US-UK: A strained relationship

Starmer on Monday told Parliament that the UK does not believe in “regime change from the skies” but supports the idea of defensive action.

But Ripley warned that any arrangement allowing US warplanes to operate from British air bases carries significant risks.

Iran’s missile systems are mobile and launchers mounted on trucks, he said. From RAF Fairford or Diego Garcia, US aircraft face flight times of seven to nine hours to reach Iranian airspace, necessitating patrol-based missions.

Once airborne, pilots may have only minutes to act. The idea that a US crew would pause mid-mission to seek fresh British legal approval is unrealistic, he said.

London must rely on Washington’s assurance that only agreed categories of “defensive” targets will be struck. If an opportunity arose to eliminate a senior Iranian commander in the same operational zone, the temptation could be strong. Yet such a strike might fall outside Britain’s stated defensive mandate. The aircraft would have departed from British soil, and any escalation could implicate the UK, Ripley said.

Bell highlighted another weakness: Britain has no domestic ballistic missile defence system.

If a ballistic missile were fired at London, he said, “We would not be able to shoot it down.”

Intercepting such weapons after launch is notoriously difficult, reinforcing the argument that the only reliable defence is to strike before launch.

The UK, therefore, occupies a grey zone: legally cautious, operationally exposed and strategically dependent on US decisions, it does not fully control.

Beyond the legal and military dilemmas, Starmer must also contend with a sceptical public.

A YouGov poll conducted on February 20 found that 58 percent of Britons oppose allowing the US to launch air strikes on Iran from UK bases, including 38 percent who strongly oppose.

Just 21 percent support such a move, underscoring limited domestic backing for deeper involvement.

The popular theme park has released details of its much-anticipated new Viking-theme land, which will include thrill rides, a restaurant, and a playground, and the official opening date has been revealed

Paultons Park theme park has shared a sneak peek of its new Valgard: Realm of the Vikings land, a £12 million project that’s due to open later this spring.

The Hampshire-based park is perhaps best known as the home of Peppa Pig World, which opened in 2011 and has attracted thousands of young children and their families. (In fact, it’s even been tipped to be the UK’s best theme park in recent rankings, beating out the likes of Thorpe Park and Alton Towers). However, this new land is aimed more at teenagers and adults, cementing the park’s reputation as a destination for thrill rides.

Valgard: Realm of the Vikings is set to open on Saturday, May 16,and one of its most-anticipated rides is Drakon, the park’s first inverting rollercoaster. It will feature a vertical lift hill and two twists where riders will be flung upside-down. An interior shot shows the vehicles used in the ride, and the image features dry ice and dim lighting, teasing an atmospheric ride.

Another new ride will be the Vild Swing, where riders will be thrown 12 metres into the air and spun around. A teaser video showed construction of the new ride, as well as on-ride footage showing the thrilling experience that visitors can enjoy.

Frequent visitors to the park may also notice a former ride has been revamped for the new Viking world. Cobra is being reborn as Raven, a bobsled adventure that’ll be redesigned to fit the viking theme.

Younger visitors can enjoy a Viking-themed playground, and the experience is complete with a new themed Feasting Hall restaurant where you can dine like a Viking.

Lawrence Mancey, marketing and technology director at Paultons Park, said: “Despite weeks of rain and difficult conditions, our team and contractors have made incredible progress on site. We designed Valgard to offer an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families, and it’s amazing to see the vision come together.

“In the last few weeks new pathways have gone in, landscaping has begun, and our Viking statues have been installed. Drakon and Vild Swing have begun testing and the Feasting Hall restaurant is looking incredible. We are so excited to open the gates in May and see Valgard conquered by our guests. It’s great to be able to share the construction journey and anticipation with our fans online too.”

READ MORE: Ryanair, easyJet, TUI, BA and Jet2 updates as Cyprus airport evacuatedREAD MORE: Emirates, British Airways and Wizz Air’s latest updates on UAE flight cancellations

In addition to the new Valgard land, Paultons already boasts six themed worlds. Other lands include Tornado Springs, themed around Midwestern America, which has the Cyclonator and free-spinning Storm Chaser rollercoaster. The park also has a dinosaur-themed world, Lost Kingdom, which is much-loved by all ages.

Paultons Park tickets can be booked online with prices starting at £46.75 per person. However, if you book a short break through the theme park’s official website, you get a second day free, and can stay at a number of nearby hotels for a family break.

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

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

The historic city has been named a better place to live than the likes of Leeds, Cardiff, York and Bath.

Dunfermline, Scotland’s historic former capital, has claimed the top spot in a new league table as Britain’s best value city. Despite only gaining official city status in 2022 ahead of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the ancient Scottish settlement has beaten major competitors including Leeds and Cardiff to secure first place in The Telegraph’s value-for-money rankings.

Analysis by property specialists Savills shows Dunfermline emerges as the most attractive and affordable option for young graduates grappling with today’s cost of living crisis. The league table saw Newcastle, Salford, Leeds and Cardiff round out the top five most economical cities across the country.

Dunfermline’s success lies in its combination of “well-paid jobs, comparatively low house prices, a favourable ratio of property costs to household income and somewhere which is teeming with culture and amenities”.

Whilst Aberdeen boasts marginally lower property prices and a slightly superior house price-to-income ratio, Dunfermline secured the title due to its robust employment market and vibrant cultural offerings.

The research highlights Dunfermline’s advantageous proximity to Edinburgh, with rail connections transporting commuters to Scotland’s capital in just 32 minutes.

Despite sitting merely 30 minutes apart, homes in Dunfermline cost more than £133,000 less than comparable Edinburgh properties on average. Savills’ research reveals that typical properties in the Fife city command £206,900, with average household earnings sitting at £56,225.

By comparison, the average London home cost £723,132 last year, against a Great Britain average of £346,683.

Those making the move to Dunfermline can enjoy the breathtaking woodland surroundings of Pittencrieff Park, whilst a mere five minutes from the city centre lies the exciting Townhill Country Park and Town Loch – the national training centre for waterskiing and wakeboarding.

The area also boasts a wealth of wild swimming spots, including Aberdour Silver Sands Beach, as well as a flourishing community of independent craft artisans.

The former Art Deco fire station has been reinvented as Fire Station Creative, a buzzing arts hub home to artists, printmakers and jewellers. Newcomers can also discover up-and-coming bands through the city’s lively open mic scene.

Steeped in history, this ancient Scottish capital serves as the burial ground for some of Scotland’s most celebrated monarchs – among them Robert the Bruce.

Local campaigner Michelle McWilliams, who took part in the city status bid, said at the time: “We were Europe’s fastest-growing town. Now we’re one of its most creative and historic small cities.”

London failed to make the top ten, with Lucian Cook, head of residential research for Savills, observing: “House prices are as high as eight times household incomes across 75 percent of the capital.”

Separately, jobs platform Adzuna has found that Leeds offers the most lucrative employment prospects of any city outside London.

Brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi’s fish and chip shop has been crowned the UK’s best takeaway at the National Fish & Chip Awards 2026, beating hundreds of chippies across the country

When the two brothers first opened their fish and chip shop, their ambition was to become ‘everyone’s local’ — and now they’re celebrated not just in their hometown, but across the entire country as the very best.

In what the industry hails as the ‘Oscars’ of the seafood world, this modest chip shop in York claimed top honours at The National Fish & Chip Awards 2026. The Scrap Box was crowned the best fish and chip takeaway in the UK — a title the owners are taking in their stride.

To even be considered for the prestigious awards, those shortlisted must demonstrate ‘extensive product knowledge, sustainable business practices, employer integrity, first-rate customer service’ and, naturally, an exceptional talent for cooking mouth-watering fish and chips.

What’s impossible to overlook is that both winners, including The Scrap Box, along with four out of six commended establishments, are all rooted in Yorkshire — cementing the county’s status as the undisputed home of the great British chippy.

The takeaway’s owners, brothers Aman and Gavin Dhesi, stumbled upon the site — formerly a toilet block beside a layby — and immediately saw its potential.

Their vision was to create a chippy that would serve the villages surrounding York and Pocklington, as well as hungry travellers passing through on their way to the seaside.

The two co-owners of the establishment, who are also siblings, are absolutely thrilled with their accomplishment. Gavin said: “There are so many outstanding fish and chip shops across the UK and countless awards, but this is the one every chippy dreams of, the ‘Oscars’ of our industry!”.

Save on the best holiday cottages in Yorkshire

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From £31 per night

Sykes Cottages

See the deals

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

“With the most rigorous judging and the highest calibre of past winners, it’s a true honour to be recognised at this level. To represent the very best of fish and chips for the year ahead is both humbling and hugely meaningful to our team and a testament to the craft, care, and consistency we put into every portion of fish and chips.”

The chippy, located at Trunk Road Services on Hull Road in Dunnington, maintains a strong commitment to sustainability regarding the fish they serve.

Their website reveals the brothers made the business Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified back in 2024, enabling them to trace every piece of cod and haddock they serve right back to where it came from.

The roadside eatery has accumulated more than 200 glowing TripAdvisor reviews, with numerous satisfied customers sharing their experiences.

One recent visitor said: “I’m always wary of places that say ‘award-winning’ and never say what award they won!” However, here the accolades are prominently showcased for everyone to see.

“Attracted by the great exterior mural as we passed by, we promised ourselves to come back later. A lovely, fresh-looking interior, clean. The young chap who served us was extremely pleasant. Top-notch haddock and chips – freshly cooked and not greasy at all. We eat loads of fish and chips and could tell these were excellent.”

Their eye-catching mural is impossible to miss for people driving past, featuring a striking image of a fish gliding through water, set against the city’s distinctive skyline. While it certainly entices people through the door, it’s the delicious food that ensures customers return again and again.

Other contenders in the category included The Fish Works in Largs, Scotland, which secured second spot. Rounding out the top three was another Yorkshire chippy, Shaw’s Fish & Chips of Dodworth, situated in Barnsley.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

A passenger survey has found the short-haul airline that was ranked as the lowest for its overall customer satisfaction, including for the boarding process and value for money

The airline with the worst customer satisfaction in the UK has been revealed, and it’s not Jet2, Wizz Air or easyJet.

In a lot of circumstances, the airline we fly with can depend on the most affordable ticket available at the time of booking, with competition rife among major budget airlines like Jet2, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet for short-haul flights. But depending on the airline we choose for our journey, it can severely impact our overall travel experience, from the booking and boarding processes to the customer service onboard.

Now, an annual customer satisfaction survey of more than 5,500 travellers by Which? found that Ryanair was the worst-performing short-haul airline.

READ MORE: All UK passport renewal fees and three month rule ahead of peak travel seasonREAD MORE: ‘I visited the UK’s happiest place to live, but locals are shaken’

A Ryanair spokesperson told the Mirror: “Neither we nor our 208m passengers pay any attention to these made-up manufactured surveys or their fake results. Every passenger booking a flight has a choice and last year 208m consumers chose Ryanair, while nobody reads or pays any attention to Which? fake surveys.”

In the Which? ratings, Ryanair secured a mere one star for seat comfort, while it scored two out of five stars for its booking process, boarding, customer service and cabin environment.

When it comes to value for money on short-hauls, the airline earned a three-star rating, the same as easyJet and Wizz Air, but fell behind carriers, Jet2, Lufthansa, TUI and Aer Lingus. Overall, Ryanair received a customer satisfaction score of 55 per cent in the short-haul survey and ranked bottom on a list of 24 airlines. Just in front of Ryanair on the customer survey, with a total score of 59 per cent, was Wizz Air.

The budget carrier, which had 259 passengers included in the Which? survey, received two stars for its booking process, boarding, customer service, and cabin environment. However, it was awarded three stars for its value for money.

A Wizz Air spokesperson also shared: “Once again, Which’s survey relies on a tiny sample size. It surveyed 259 people, which is only 0.002% of the 12 million passengers carried on our UK flights in 2025. No credible organisation can claim that such a sample is representative.

“Our strong passenger numbers – which rise every year – clearly show that travellers value WIZZ’s low prices and industry-leading operational performance. We’re continuing to deliver against the commitments outlined in our £12 billion Customer First Compass initiative. From October 2024 to December 2025, customer satisfaction rose by eight percentage points. At the same time, our flight completion rate in the UK was 99.7% – consistently among the best in the industry – while our on-time performance increased by 14% year-on-year.

“This year, we look forward to welcoming even more passengers on board Europe’s youngest and most modern fleet, taking advantage of our low prices on our biggest ever summer leisure network to many new destinations in Spain, Greece, and France.”

In stark contrast, Jet2 topped the list with 76 per cent, receiving a four-star rating for its booking process, customer service and value for money. One customer said: “Compared with other budget airlines, they give you a generous luggage allowance, which makes such a difference.”

Have you had a complaint-worthy flight? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Ensure our latest lifestyle and travel stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

The United Kingdom’s government is investing in spyware developed and tested on Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank despite its public criticism of Israeli action there.

In addition to the Corsight facial recognition technology used to track, trace and detain thousands of Palestinian civilians passing through checkpoints in Gaza and the West Bank, the UK government has disregarded its own public concerns over Israel’s war on Gaza and de facto annexation of the West Bank and has purchased spyware from at least two other Israeli-linked manufacturers: Cellebrite and BriefCam.

Cellebrite

Cellebrite is an Israeli company closely linked to that country’s military. It has developed software that can bypass passwords and security protocols on smartphones and computers and access data from them.

That software has been used extensively by the Israeli military on Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank, including to harvest data from the phones of thousands of detained Palestinians, many of whom have been subjected to systematic torture, a report by the American Friends Service Committee said.

Cellebrite is also reported to have received support from the United States Department of Defense to work on technology designed to map underground tunnels in the Gaza Strip.

Despite its stated public concerns over Israeli action in Gaza and the West Bank, records show the UK has entered into several agreements to take advantage of the technology used by Israel in Palestinian territory.

According to public records, a number of UK police forces have purchased access to Cellebrite software, including the City of London Police, which renewed its one-year contract with the Israeli company for more than 95,000 pounds ($128,600) in June. Leicestershire Police also renewed its contract with the Israeli spyware company in March for 328,688 pounds ($445,300). The British Transport Police, the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, Kent and Essex police, and Northumbria Police have also entered into contracts with Cellebrite.

Inquiries from Al Jazeera to the UK Home Office, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and the UK Police’s commercial agent, Blue Light Services, have all gone unanswered.

However, while declining to comment on “specific customer relationships or contracts”, Victor Cooper, Cellebrite’s senior director of corporate communication, rejected the characterisation of the company’s activities as “hacking”, instead saying, “Cellebrite’s solutions are forensic tools used in legally sanctioned investigations and require physical possession of the device. They do not enable remote access.”

Rights groups have raised concerns over Cellebrite exporting its technology to hardline states worldwide, including Myanmar, Serbia and Belarus, where it has been used to extract information from the phones of opposition figures, journalists and activists.

BriefCam

The Israeli-founded company BriefCam, which was acquired by Canon in 2018 and then by the Danish company Milestone Systems last year, has been providing the UK’s Cumbria Police with surveillance software since at least 2022.

A further disclosure by Police Scotland in June confirms that Scotland’s police service is also considering using the service.

BriefCam was founded in 2007 by Shmuel Peleg, Gideon Ben-Zvi and Yaron Caspi based on technology developed at Israel’s Hebrew University.

The company provides video synopsis programmes to law enforcement agencies, governments and companies. Police forces and private firms can use BriefCam’s Protect & Insights platform to sift through and condense hours of CCTV and home-surveillance footage, making it easily searchable.

The system includes facial-recognition and licence-plate search tools and allows police to build “watch lists” of specific faces or vehicle plates.

The technology has been used in East Jerusalem, Palestinian territory illegally occupied by Israel.

According to undated files accessed by the research centre Who Profits, a tender document published by the Israeli Ministry of Housing and Construction inviting companies to bid for maintenance contracts for 98 security systems within East Jerusalem specified that the successful bidder must be able to maintain BriefCam’s software. Israeli public records also show that in 2021, Israeli police committed to a contract valued at $1m for BriefCam’s video analysis systems.

A May 2023 report by the rights group Amnesty International documented how surveillance technology, such as that provided by BriefCam, was instrumental in maintaining Israel’s subjugation of Palestinians.

According to the report, the use of surveillance software is critical in maintaining the “continued domination and oppression of Palestinians … [w]ith a record of discriminatory and inhuman acts that maintain a system of apartheid”.

While not mentioning BriefCam by name, the report continued: “The Israeli authorities are able to use facial recognition software – in particular at checkpoints – to consolidate existing practices of discriminatory policing, segregation, and curbing freedom of movement, violating Palestinians’ basic rights.”

According to the company, the software can also filter footage by a wide range of characteristics, including gender, age group, clothing, movement patterns and time spent in a given location.

And that, despite the technology’s links to the oppression of Palestinians, is what makes it attractive to UK police forces.

Cumbria Police has said it does not currently use the facial recognition capabilities of BriefCam’s technology.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police also clarified that the force has been using BriefCam for “several years” and, before introducing the technology, it had “consulted Cumbria’s independent Ethics and Integrity Panel and Strategic Independent Advisory Group”.

A request for a copy of those findings went unanswered.

Corsight

As previously reported by Al Jazeera, the Israeli company Corsight, through a subcontract with UK company Digital Barriers, has also been selected by the UK Home Office to play a key role in its expansion of facial recognition vans.

In March 2024, long before the UK government chose to include Corsight within its rollout of facial recognition technology, The New York Times revealed that misgivings over Corsight’s facial-recognition technology in Gaza had led to various members of the Israeli military voicing objections to its use by Unit 8200, Israel’s cyberintelligence branch.

The expansion of systems such as those marketed by Corsight, Cellebrite and BriefCam is part of a global trade in Israeli spyware, developed and refined through prolonged surveillance of Palestinians, that is now being exported worldwide.

Rights groups warned that techniques pioneered in Israel are being used by governments to target activists, journalists and political opponents as concerns deepen over the spread of unregulated cyberwarfare tools.

“The government and police should not be awarding contracts to Israeli spyware firms under any circumstances,” Palestine Solidarity Campaign Deputy Director Ryvka Barnard told Al Jazeera. “These companies develop and test their products through Israel’s regime of military occupation and apartheid against Palestinians. It is unacceptable for public money to be given to these companies, allowing them to profit from and develop new products used to surveil and harm Palestinians.”

This breathtaking train journey is right beside the sea, where you can see black swans, quaint villages, and even see waves crashing into the tracks.

It is often said that the journey matters just as much as the destination – and across the UK, certain train routes are so stunning they become an attraction in themselves. The Riviera Line is a railway route in Devon, England, renowned for its spectacular scenery, as it is one of the few railways in Britain that runs directly alongside the sea.

This train journey covers 28 miles from Exeter city centre to the town of Paignton, taking approximately 50 to 60 minutes. It is one of the most affordable ways to soak up the most picturesque landscapes of the English Riviera, where waves are known to crash across the train tracks.

A single ticket costs around £8 for an adult, with most websites pricing them at £8.40, and returns available at £10.70.

It has also been recognised as one of the “most scenic train journeys” in Britain by National Geographic, which highlights that it showcases “the best views the English Riviera has to offer.”

They said: “South Devon’s Riviera Line connects Exeter with Paignton, threading its way past towering cliffs, numerous estuaries (look out for egrets, one of the UK’s rarest birds), quaint market towns and Powderham Castle, with its deer-filled grounds.”

What can you see on the Riviera Line?

Once you depart Exeter, the train hugs the Exe Estuary, a vast expanse of water where the River Exe meets the English Channel, reports the Express.

Passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the shimmering sea, whilst numerous boats can be spotted making their way along the riverbanks. Have your camera at the ready the moment you arrive at Starcross, a tranquil rural village, as you’ll encounter the renowned sea wall at Dawlish.

Waves frequently crash spectacularly straight over the railway line, creating a stunning sight, and you’ll also witness the iconic sandstone cliffs, celebrated for their vivid rusty red hue.

Dawlish is equally famous for its black swans, though the region serves as a sanctuary for distinctive birdlife as you can regularly observe egrets, herons and waders along the coastline.

The train also passes through Teignmouth, a seaside resort recognised for its vibrant houses and enormous Victorian pier extending into the sea.

You’ll then sweep past the English countryside, where you’ll observe abundant green woodland, agricultural land, tiny hamlets, and you’ll also catch sight of the Dartmoor hills on the horizon

.

As you near Paignton, you’ll begin to notice palm trees as the locale is renowned for having gentler weather than the rest of Britain and enjoys summers warm enough for tropical vegetation.

Be sure to sit on the right-hand side of the train at Exeter for the finest views, and you’ll be able to savour the best of Britain’s coastal landscape without requiring a car or ferry.

A QUAINT village on the outskirts of Oxford has become a town – nearly 40 years after first applying.

Kidlington, which is one of the largest villages in England and sits close to the Cotswolds, first attempted to change into a town in 1988, although this was voted against at the time.

According to the BBC, the recent decision behind the status update comes after the government made changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and National Policing Guarantee last year.

As a result of those changes, towns can get extra protections, especially when it comes to both planning and policing.

Now as a town, Kidlington is also looking to build new houses that could see it rise from 13,600 residents to between 30,00 and 40,000.

The new town weirdly became a tourist attraction back in 2016, when floods of Chinese tourists flocked there.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

FEB-ULOUS TIME

February half term days out for UNDER £10, including free and £1 attractions

Baz Daniels, a resident for more than 20 years, said at the time: “Kidlington is apparently being marketed by Chinese tourist agencies as a beautiful English village on the way to Bicester Village shopping centre.

“Many of the visitors live in cities and love to see things like the hanging baskets and little flowers in people’s gardens.”

When it comes to visiting nowadays, the quaint village-now-town boasts a 13th century church with a 220-foot spire and a number of pubs, such as The Black Horse, The Jolly Boatman and The Turnpike.

In one pub, The Black Bull, you can grab two cocktails for a tenner or head to monthly bingo events.

One visitor said: “The Black Bull is the best pub in Kidlington by far.

“Always such a good atmosphere – if you’ve not visited yet I would highly recommend you do.”

The Oxford Canal, which was completed in 1790, also runs through the village.

From south Kidlington to the canal’s end in Oxford, it runs alongside the River Cherwell making it a scenic walk in the village.

In in the surrounding area, just a nine-minute drive away, you will find Blenheim Palace as well, which is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

The palace is surrounded by 2,000 acres of gardens to explore and inside the palace itself, visitors can explore the State Rooms and a Churchill exhibition.

Tickets cost £43.50 per person to visit Blenheim Palace.

Of course, the picturesque university city of Oxford is just down the road too, where you can explore historic buildings such as the Bodleian Library or head to the thriving Covered Market.

The Parish Council had previously tried to get town status in 1988, but residents voted for it to stay a village.

But this time round, Councillor Melanie Moorhouse asserted the decision “doesn’t mean that anyone has to start calling it a town – people can still say they’re going to the village”.

She added: “Our hope is very much that it will not change our community – it will in fact secure our very much community identity.”

Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council added: “Our proposal aims to better tailor services to meet the needs of local residents, and empowering town and parish councils across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire is an important part of that.”

Despite this, some locals are still not happy about the change.

One person commented on Facebook: “To me as an oldie and lived here all my life it will always be a village.”

Another added: “I will never call it a town!”

In other UK village news, here are five pretty English villages that will make you feel like you’re in The Holiday with cosy pubs and cottages.

Plus, the picturesque UK village named the world’s most beautiful – but locals are not happy.

The offbeat thriller has won six BAFTAs, including best film and best director for Paul Thomas Anderson.

The dark comedy One Battle After Another has swept the United Kingdom’s top film honours, picking up six BAFTA awards, including best film and best director for Paul Thomas Anderson.

The film beat the Shakespearean family tragedy Hamnet, and the vampire thriller Sinners, to take the top prizes at Sunday evening’s ceremony.

The UK prizes, officially called the EE BAFTA Film Awards, often provide hints about who will win at Hollywood’s Academy Awards, held this year on March 15.

One Battle After Another, an explosive film about a group of revolutionaries in chaotic conflict with the state, won awards for directing, adapted screenplay, cinematography, and editing, as well as for Sean Penn’s supporting performance as an obsessed military officer.

“This is very overwhelming and wonderful,” Anderson said as he accepted the directing prize. “We have a line from Nina Simone that we used in our film: ‘I know what freedom is: It’s no fear’,” the director said. “Let’s keep making things without fear. It’s a good idea.”

Sinners, which has a record 16 Oscar nods, won best original screenplay for writer and director Ryan Coogler, best supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku, and best original score.

The gothic horror story Frankenstein won three awards each, while Hamnet won two, including best British film.

The documentary about Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, The Voice of Hind Rajab, was among the top contenders for BAFTA’s best director and non-English language film categories. But the film Sentimental Value won in the non-English language category.

The biggest surprise of the night was Robert Aramayo winning the best actor category for his performance in I Swear, a fact-based British indie drama about a campaigner for people with Tourette syndrome.

The 33-year-old British actor beat Timothee Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B Jordan, Ethan Hawke and Jesse Plemons for the honour.

“I absolutely can’t believe this,” he said. “Everyone in this category blows me away.”

Jessie Buckley won best actress for playing Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, in Hamnet, based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell and directed by previous Oscar winner Chloe Zhao.

The best documentary prize went to Mr Nobody Against Putin, about a Russian teacher who documented the propaganda imposed on Russian schools after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

The film’s American director, David Borenstein, said that teacher Pavel Talankin had shown that “whether it’s in Russia or the streets of Minneapolis, we always face a moral choice”, referring to the protests against US immigration enforcement in Minnesota.

“We need more Mr Nobodies,” he said.

It beat documentaries including Mstyslav Chernov’s harrowing Ukraine war portrait, 2000 Meters to Andriivka, co-produced by The Associated Press and Frontline PBS.

The guests of honour at the awards were Prince William and Princess Kate. The event, hosted by Alan Cumming, was the first joint engagement for the pair since William’s uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on Thursday.

William, the president of the film academy, presented the BAFTA Fellowship to Donna Langley, studio head at NBC Universal.

ONE of the newest hotels to come to Kent, Smith’s Townhouse is a cosy bolthole for a seaside escape.

Here is everything you need to know about staying there.

What is Smith’s Townhouse like?

Originally a coffee house round the corner, Smiths Townhouse is the newest boutique hotel to open in Broadstairs.

The Grade II-listed Georgian building is made up of just six rooms, along with an intimate bar and lounge area.

What are the rooms like?

Each room feels modern but cosy – think dark green walls check and stylish in furnishings.

Pick Room Five if you’re it out an Elton John fan as the wardrobe was said to have once been owned by the singer.

Read more on hotel reviews

SUPER SM-ART

Artist Residence, Bristol hotel review

PIT STOP & SHOP

Mollie’s Motel & Diner, Oxfordshire hotel review

Whack on the radio and tuck into the fresh cake on offer along with a cup of tea.

While the bathrooms are small, there is enough space for big walk-in showers and luxury Ren toiletries.

Rooms start from £140 on room-only basis. See smithstownhouse.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink?

The downstairs bar is an ideal spot for a cocktail and nibbles. For something more substantial, nip around the corner to Bar Ingo.

Recently named one of the UK’s best restaurants, it’s a cosy, small-plate place worth trying to squeeze into.

Portuguese wine, braised beef, crispy ham croquettes and juicy octopus are just some of the best dishes to try.

Head back to Smiths for breakfast, though.

Get the spinach and mushroom Garden Breakfast toastie, chased down by one of the best cappuccinos in town.

What else can you do there?

There’s a new Pilates studio with reformer machines as well as late night DJ sessions.

However, you’re right in town, so it’s the perfect place to explore Broadstairs, from the arcades to the beach.

Is it family friendly?

No, each room sleeps just two people.

Are there accessible rooms?

Being in a Grade II listed building, the rooms are not accessible as there is no lift access.

Met Office names Glenshiel Forest the UK’s wettest place below 200m with 3,778mm of rain a year – but the Scottish beauty spot offers red deer, historic battlefields and breathtaking mountain views

Britain’s wettest location also happens to be one of its most stunning destinations.

It has been a truly miserable winter. Cornwall and County Down recorded their wettest January on record, while Northern Ireland saw its wettest January is 149 years. Across the UK, 26 stations set new monthly records for highest January rainfall. Daily records also fell. Plymouth recorded its wettest January day in 104 years. And February has been no better so far. As of February 9, southern England had seen 72% of its monthly average.

In the midst of such sogginess, the prospect of venturing towards a region notorious for precipitation might not sound particularly appealing. However, in my view, the nation’s rainfall champion deserves a visit regardless of the season.

My initial trip to Glenshiel Forest in Ross and Cromarty, Scotland, occurred when I was four years old, during a family getaway to the neighbouring village of Glenelg. Those familiar with Scotland’s western coastline throughout the year will recognise how weather systems shift with astonishing speed compared to elsewhere in Britain.

Sunshine and azure skies can transform into torrential downpours within moments, sending everyone scrambling for waterproofs.

Glenshiel Forest takes this phenomenon to extraordinary heights. Rainfall batters the foliage and trees lining the nine-mile glen with remarkable intensity, only to abruptly cease as clouds disperse above the surrounding peaks, before resuming their assault once more.

Due to their intensity and frequency, the Met Office has designated Glenshiel Forest as Britain’s dampest location below 200m elevation, recording 3,778mm of precipitation annually. This dwarfs London’s approximately 500ml yearly average, making Glenshiel Forest roughly seven times wetter. It’s also roughly four times wetter than the UK as a whole.

But don’t let that deter you from pulling on your wellies, slipping into some galoshes and paying a visit to the Scottish forest. The area has been largely untouched by human activity, giving it a wonderfully remote and pristine feel. Red deer roam freely among native tree species such as common alder, downy birch, sessile oak and rowan.

History buffs will be captivated by the area’s rich past. “There’s a powerful sense of history in Glen Shiel, with steep mountains rushing upwards from an historic battlefield where British government forces and an alliance of Jacobite and Spanish troops fought in 1719,” notes the Woodland Trust.

“You can also access a mountain path to the Five Sisters of Kintail ‘ a classic ridgewalk with three Munros (mountains over 3000 feet / 914 metres).”

For 15 years, I spent my Easter holidays in the nearby village of Glenelg, which is most easily reached by traversing the stunning 339m tall Ratagan Pass – the only route into the sea-loch side settlement for several months of the year when the iconic Glenelg-Skye turntable ferry isn’t in operation.

The vista from the summit of the Ratagan, gazing down upon Glenshiel’s drenched woodlands in one direction and Glenelg in the other, is utterly unforgettable once witnessed. Few thrills can match cresting the hill after navigating the treacherously narrow, serpentine roads and beholding the village’s whitewashed cottages dotted along a loch’s shore, its waters remarkably azure, set against the backdrop of Skye’s mountains and the landscape beyond.

Perhaps the only thing that surpasses it – and another reason my family kept making pilgrimages to this remote corner of Britain year after year until the bungalow we considered our holiday retreat eventually crumbled into complete disrepair – is the panorama from the Glenelg Inn’s garden. Should you ever venture to the area, savour a pint from the local brewery whilst seated at the Inn’s picnic tables, taking in the spectacular scenery – at least until the heavens open.

For those who’d rather not brave the elements and venture into the sodden outdoors, Sykes Cottages has numerous properties available that are perfect for settling in and shutting out the dreary world beyond.

One particularly appealing option is Silver Birch Lodge, a six-person cottage that can be yours for less than £100 a night. Travel a little further north and you’ll get to the spacious Old Distillery Lodge, which sits in the stunning Caingorns National Park.

As rainy as parts of Scotland can be, they pale in comparison to the world’s soggiest area. Mawsynram is a town unlike any other. Nestled amidst the lush green forests of the Khasi Hills in the far east of India above Bangladesh, it is a beautiful area but an absolutely soaking one. Mawsynram receives about 11,873 mm of rainfall annually, which is close to 11 times more than the 1,109mm that falls on famously sodden Glasgow.

Jyotiprasad Oza is a lifelong resident of the town who makes a living leading groups of curious holidaymakers around with TourHQ. People come from far and wide to experience what life is like in the rainiest place on Earth, with visitors regularly making the trip from the US and UK.

“We get about 10,000 tourists a year. During rainy time people like to visit because it’s very heavy rainfall, especially June to September,” Jyotiprasad told the Mirror just as the rain clouds – somewhat predictably – began to open above him.

The rain in Mawsynram is not like the rain in most places. When it starts sometimes it doesn’t stop for days on end. Often residents will dash inside when the heavens open, only to find that there has been no let up for a week straight. And it isn’t just the duration that makes it stand apart.

In one single June day last decade 1,003mm of rain fell on the town – twice as much as London receives in a single year. The impacts on Mawsynram of such intense rainfall can be quite devastating.

“During the time of heavy rainfall, it is impossible to go outside. We can’t do our daily walk. We are not supposed to go outside during the rainy time. Sometimes children can’t go to school during the rain. It is quite dangerous,” Jyotiprasad explained.

Epic train journey starts in London then passes through Paris, leading travellers to a beach in Spain with golden sand and a lively atmosphere

A stunning nine-hour rail journey that begins with the Eurostar in London and concludes on a breathtaking beach in Spain is sure to leave you mesmerised. The thrilling train adventure sets off from St Pancras station in London, whisking you away to the picturesque La Zurriola beach, nestled in the city of San Sebastián (Donostia) in Spain.

This charming beach is famed for its idyllic surroundings, golden shores, and superb surfing conditions, making it a favourite spot for both locals and holidaymakers. To reach this scenic beach in San Sebastián from London by rail, you’ll need to first board the Eurostar train from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord.

This leg of the journey takes roughly two hours and 15 minutes. From Paris, passengers can then jump onto a TGV train bound for Hendaye, which will take around five to six hours, reports the Express.

Upon reaching San Sebastián’s train station, you can opt for a bus or taxi ride to La Zurriola beach.

The beach is situated in the Gros district, which is within strolling distance from the train station, but it might be more practical to take a brief bus or taxi trip, particularly if you’re laden with luggage.

One visitor reviewed the seaside location on TripAdvisor, writing: “Visiting San Sebastián was truly unforgettable, especially with the breath-taking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

“The coastline is stunning, just a short walk from downtown, where you can surf, swim, or simply relax and soak in the soothing sounds of waves crashing on the shore.”

The beach boasts a vibrant ambience with a bustling promenade peppered with bars, eateries, and shops, creating a lively hub of activity.

The official tourism website for the region, San Sebastián Turismoa, described the area on their website: “The promenade running round the beach from Sagüés to the Kursaal ‘cubes’ continues on its way round Monte Urgull and along the Paseo Nuevo to end at the Peine del Viento sculpture on the Concha Bay.

“This spectacular city walk covers around six kilometres and offers spectacular sea views and delightful resting spots along the way.

“From the Zurriola, you can also make your way up to Monte Ulía, a green area only a moment’s walk from the city centre. A former look-out point for whales, Monte Ulía is the city’s best hillwalking option and follows part of the coastal route on the Way of Saint James.”

La Zurriola is renowned for being a top-notch surfing location in Europe. The beach regularly experiences powerful swells from the Bay of Biscay, drawing in surfers ranging from novices to seasoned pros.

Surf schools and hire shops are on hand to accommodate visitors keen to ride the waves or pick up the sport.

Beyond surfing, La Zurriola offers the chance to partake in other water sports such as bodyboarding and paddleboarding. The beach also occasionally plays host to beach volleyball tournaments and other leisure activities.

The most affordable ticket from St Pancras for 29 April currently stands at roughly £67 on Trainline.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.