UKs

Tucked away in the English countryside is a village of record-breaking proportions. Milo Boyd went to check out if the rumours were true and if he could make it to the other end

“Is it true what they say about Meopham?” I asked the friendly landlady of the Railway Tavern.

“Of course it is,” she winked, before warning me that I better get going if I was going to make it before the sun went down.

Tucked away just over the Greater London boundary in Kent is a village of record-breaking proportions. It’s not the kind of record that can be found in the Guinness annuals, or is even known by some locals. “No mate,” the man in the kebab shop said when I asked if he knew. “I’ve not heard that one,” a dog walker told me.

Meopham is, according to some sources (including the publican), the longest village in the UK, maybe even in Europe, and possibly the World. From its northernmost tip over the railway tracks to the southernmost end by Wrotham, Meopham stretches seven miles. By way of comparison, Sunderland’s longest side is just under five miles. If you were running the London Marathon, you’d have a Meopham’s length between you and Buckingham Palace as you staggered through Canary Wharf.

READ MORE: I found a pretty UK village ‘taken over by tourists’ as locals say they’ve been forced outREAD MORE: I stayed at the UK’s best hotel – one thing makes it really stand out

On a cold Thursday in November, I set off south from the train station to see if I could take on this mammoth road trip from one end of Meopham to the other.

Straight away, I was met with a row of shops to my left, including the Railway Tavern (the first of four pubs) and a newsagent. A few hundred metres further along, a kebab shop, estate agents, and mechanics appear, followed by a school. Things really get going roughly two miles from the beginning of the village, when the tree-lined A-road opens up into a large green surrounded by two pleasant-looking pubs and crested with a well-poppied war memorial.

With the sun coming down and the temperature falling with it, I cycled on, up the hill, past mile three, four and five, clusters of houses, shops and stables popping up along the way. A little bit further and I had reached maximum altitude – 150 m above sea level – and with it, the end of the village.

There isn’t much to mark the transition from Meopham to whatever lies beyond. Merely a national speed limit road sign and a plastic skeleton hung in a bush, presumably left over from Halloween. But I had made it.

As I stood at the top of the village, gazing down at the countryside beyond, I was left with two prevailing thoughts. The first is that the majority of the UK’s villages are far less quaint than the bucolic image that comes to mind. Certainly, Meopham’s green is pleasant and its pubs look cosy, but the houses are gated whoppers and the road running down its centre delivers a constant smoggy roar that rips through any sense of tranquillity. Most of the British villages I’ve visited have the same problem: namely, too many cars.

The second is that maybe Meopham isn’t actually a single village, but four – Meopham Green, Culverstone, Dodmore and Hook Green – fused together at some point long ago by someone keen for it to be properly on the map.

It’s up to a parish council to officially denote its settlement as a village or not, and at some point in its past, that’s what happened in Meopham. It also happened in Brinkworth in Wiltshire, which makes the same lengthy claim. Although at 4.2 miles, I think we’re safe to ignore that.

All of this leads to a very obvious question: what makes a village a village, and a town a town?

In the settlement hierarchy, the humble hamlet sits at the bottom. It is fairly well established that a hamlet is a small, rural settlement, typically lacking a central church or a village hall. Once it gets a church, it becomes a village.

The progression from town to city is equally uncontroversial. After acquiring a cathedral, a university, and an array of other significant public buildings, large towns may be granted city status by the monarch through a royal charter. That honour was recently bestowed on Doncaster, Wrexham, Milton Keynes, and a few other hefty former towns.

However, what separates a village from a town is not as clear. While you might think the UK would have a solid definition by now, neither the National Planning Policy Framework nor the national planning practice guidance provides one. “Instead, we’re left with a delightful mix of historical interpretations, local authority classifications, and the occasional dictionary reference,” notes planning organisation Land Tech.

The House of Commons Library’s research briefing City & Town Classification of Constituencies & Local Authorities (2018) attempted to shed some light on the different classifications with the following population guides:

• Villages and small communities: Under 7,500 residents
• Small towns: 7,500 to 24,999 residents
• Medium towns: 25,000 to 59,999 residents
• Large towns: 60,000 to 174,999 residents
• Cities: 175,000+ residents

However, this isn’t a hard and fast system, as many cities have tiny populations – such as the famously svelte St Davids in Wales – and the fact that recent Green Belt guidance from the Government carves out loads of exceptions for planning.

With all of this in mind, we have to wonder if we should hear the uncertainty in Meopham Parish Council’s voice when it reports that the village is “said to be the longest in England.” Would the cottage-dwelling Hook Green-ites in the very north of Meopham really count themselves the same as the mid-century modernists way down in Culverstone Green? I’m not so sure.

A family-friendly UK holiday can be had for just £6.60 per person per night – but there are a few things you’ll need to know before booking this Kent caravan park

An online travel expert has discovered what he claims to be the UK’s most affordable holiday, costing a mere £6 per person per night. Haven, who runs the site, assures guests of “the warmest welcome possible” at their coastal holiday parks scattered across the UK.

YouTuber Steven decided to put this promise to the test by visiting their Kent Coast Caravan Park, just an hour’s drive from London.

On his Beachlife and Beyond channel, Steven meticulously outlined what you receive for your money, expressing overall high levels of satisfaction. However, there were a couple of unpleasant surprises that made Haven’s welcome slightly less warm than Steven had anticipated.

Upon arrival at the park for his off-peak getaway, Steven noted that the weather was “absolutely awful”. Despite this, he remained optimistic, and an initial inspection of the accommodation left a positive first impression.

Steven reported that everything was immaculately clean, but he wasn’t convinced by the comfort of the sofa-bed that unfolded from the large corner sofa. He advised: “I recommend, if you’re going to come to one of these caravans, bring your own duvet cover and sleep on top of that. Otherwise the poor sod who ends up lying on this is going to have a really bad back.”

Despite that initial hiccup, Haven staff were quick to provide extra bedding when Steven raised the issue. The caravan was equipped with a decent-sized telly, which was likely to be in high demand given the dismal weather that week.

Steven advised: “We’ve brought our own laptop and HDMI cable, that’s another top tip for you. Haven sites don’t tend to have very good internet…so download some films, stick them on a laptop, bring an HDMI cable and you’re grand.”

In a surprising twist, the caravan boasted not one but two microwaves. Steven also noted: “This is a first for us, a dishwasher in a Bronze caravan.”

The bedroom came complete with sheets and pillowcases – a rarity at similar sites, according to Steven. He was further impressed by the addition of a second TV in the main bedroom.

“I am beyond impressed,” he said.

For those looking for entertainment outside the caravan, there’s a Wetherspoons on site, along with bingo and other activities. However, guests will need to purchase one of Haven’s “Play Passes” to access these facilities.

Without these passes, Steven warned, you’re “effectively banned from the rest of the site”. He added: “They’ve got ‘Gandalf’ on the door stopping you getting into anything.”

While there’s a supermarket on site, prices can be steep, so Steven made the half-hour journey to an Aldi in nearby Rochester for his weekly shop. For those preferring not to drive, supermarket deliveries are available direct to caravans.

The park also boasts a fish and chip restaurant, a Papa John’s pizza franchise, and a Burger King offering caravan delivery.

With the miserable weather, the caravan grew rather cold by afternoon. He grabbed a quick evening meal before venturing out to experience the park’s entertainment.

“Microwave curry in a caravan,” he remarked. “Don’t tell me I’m not a man of culture.”

Despite being low season for British holidays, the bingo hall was surprisingly packed. “Everyone who’s a seasoned holiday park-goer will know that they take bingo very seriously,” he noted. “They are hardcore.”

There’s absolutely no mercy for anyone getting overexcited and calling “House” prematurely, with the entire room of holidaymakers chanting “Shame on you”.

Even when British weather disappoints, several indoor alternatives keep restless children occupied, including two sizeable amusement arcades.

However, disaster struck upon Steven’s return to his caravan when he discovered the shower’s temperature dial was jammed on the coldest setting. He resorted to boiling kettle water for washing.

Despite the shower malfunctioning, Haven responded swiftly by sending a security guard and arranging for a plumber to visit the next day. However, it became apparent that the shower issue couldn’t be resolved immediately.

On the third day, things took a turn for the worse when the site experienced a power outage. A representative from Haven was contacted, who expressed their pleasure that Steven had enjoyed his stay, whilst also apologising for the power disruption.

Regardless of these hiccups, Steven was thrilled with the value he got from his holiday: “We paid a total of £99 for five people for three nights.

“That’s the equivalent of £20 each for the stay, which makes it £6.60 a night.”

He further noted that without the entertainment passes, the cost would have been around £4 per person per night.

IF you cross the Tamar Bridge from Devon, there is a pretty riverside town that is often dubbed the Gateway to Cornwall.

And the destination that sits on the waterfront has lots to see from historical cottages to a cosy award-winning pub.

Saltash is found on the western banks of the River Tamar right on the county’s natural border with Devon.

Thanks to its location, it’s known as the ‘Gateway to Cornwall‘.

Saltash is the very first town in Cornwall anyone will come to if they cross the border over the Tamar Bridge.

It’s also accessible by the Royal Albert Railway Bridge which is known as one of the UK’s Brunel Bridges – as it was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

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Anyone stopping to explore the town will find plenty of restaurants, cafes and independent shops.

Saltash even has an award-winning pub called The Two Bridges Inn.

It was voted Pub of the Year for 2025 by CornwallLive.

The pub sits on a hill with a view of the Royal Albert Bridge if you sit in the large beer garden.

It was selected by a public vote where Cornwall’s pub lovers voted for their favourite place to drink and eat.

Throughout the year, the pub hosts events like Murder Mystery evenings, Music Bingo, discos, quizzes and lots of live music.

Of course there are ale and cider festivals throughout the year too.

Visitors can explore the town on The Saltash Heritage Walk which is a series of trails exploring the town’s history.

It focuses on the area near the river and its connection to Elizabethan times, the Norman church, and Tudor architecture.

Someone who took on the walk wrote on Tripadvisor: “There is plenty of history to see in such a small town, lots of old-worldy buildings if you venture down most nooks or crannies.”

One historical attraction in Saltash is Mary Newman’s Cottage.

The a grade two listed cottage was built around 1480 and is even said to be the home/birthplace of Sir Francis Drake’s first wife.

Inside it’s authentically furnished and visitors can look at traditional Tudor tools, costumes and games.

Other areas to explore nearby are Whitsand Bay and Bodmin Moor.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Cornwall then one writer says to visit her seaside county instead with less rain, and earlier sunrises.

Plus, find out more on the UK’s most popular holiday destination has world-class beaches, great pubs and TV-famous attractions.

These pretty twin beach villages are in the ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall…

Down the coast from Saltash are the twin beach villages Kingsand and Cawsand.

Kingsand and Cawsand sit side by side on the south east of the county.

They are often described as being in the ‘forgotten corner’ due to their secluded location on the Rame Peninsula.

The adjoining villages aren’t visited by tourists as much as the likes of St Ives, Port Isaac, Mevagissey, and Mousehole.

But both villages have beautiful shingle beaches and cosy looking cottages.

The banks of Cawsand have plenty of rockpools to explore, and when the sea is calm, boats can be hired for another adventure.

During the summer season, a vintage ice cream called Cawsand Bay Vintage Scoops on the promenade next to Cawsand beach to serve iced treats.

The village of Kingsand has another of the area’s favourite beaches.

The bay is well sheltered so it’s perfect for swimming, and it’s dog-friendly all year round.

The two village were historically separated by a stream, with Kingsand in Devon and Cawsand in Cornwall.

This division continued until 1844, when the boundary was adjusted, and Kingsand officially became part of Cornwall as well.

Both have a rich history of smuggling and fishing, you can even see remains of old pilchard cellars from the late 16th century on the shoreline beyond Kingsand.

A Which? survey of thousands of customers judged Coaching Inn Group to be the best in the UK. Fresh from a trip to the Wetherspoons hotel, Milo Boyd went to see what all of the fuss is about

A lesser-known hotel chain has just been named the best in the country.

Earlier this month, a panel of 4,631 customers judged Coaching Inn Group to be the best in the UK. The chain has 36 individual hotels across the country, so I decided to hop on a train to Sheringham and then cycle across the beautiful North Norfolk countryside to the Manor Coastal Hotel and Inn in Blakeney to see what all the fuss is about.

During my first evening at the hotel, the lights cut out, prompting a quick fix from the staff. Minutes later – darkness. Off and on they went until defeat was conceded, prompting the arrival of candles. If anything, the effect was cosier, especially with a howling wind hammering against the windows throughout the night. Such unexpected acts are liable to happen, particularly at a rural hotel deep in the Norfolk countryside.

In 2013, the Manor suffered a far more serious misfortune. On 5 December, thousands across Norfolk and Suffolk were ordered to leave their homes as a great storm surge caused riverbanks to burst, sending houses toppling into the water. The cost of the damage was estimated at £1bn.

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READ MORE: I found a pretty UK village ‘taken over by tourists’ as locals say they’ve been forced out

OPINION

Milo Boyd

“It happened so quickly,” Sophie, one of half a dozen of the Hill family who work in the Manor, told me, before showing how high the water rose as it rushed through the bar. “We weren’t fully open again until the following summer.”

The hotel bounced back from the flood then, and has seemingly gone from strength to strength ever since. Today, it sprawls across a large section of land replete with a trickling fountain and stone arches that tempt you to walk through the maze of walled gardens and ancient mulberry trees.

In total, the Manor has 36 rooms, the cheapest of which can be booked for £99 next week. It is classic budget hotel fare, albeit of the quality end of the spectrum. A comfortable double bed, a medium-sized TV, and a well-decorated bathroom. Everything is solid and clean.

The most expensive room – The Mulberry Suite – is the size of a small flat and features not just a living room, kitchenette, and two bathrooms, but a twin room as well as a master bedroom.

As pleasant as the rooms are, they’re not the main reasons why a visit to the Manor is a good idea, nor why it won the Which? award. Those reasons are the location and the charming staff.

The location

Blakeney is a lovely place. Just metres from the hotel’s front is the River Glaven, which winds its way through the National Nature Reserve. If you do decide to follow it along to the North Sea, make sure you pick up a pair of wellie boots from the front desk, or else suffer the same waterlogged shoe and muddy-trousered fate as I did.

Blakeney Point is renowned for its seal colonies, with Beans Boat offering guided tours throughout the year. Now is a particularly good time to go, as the pupping season is in full swing. A slightly more unusual day out can be had at Langham Dome over by the RAF base. During WWII, moving images projected onto the inside of the Dome taught trainees how to shoot down enemy aircraft. Today, a group of veterans is on hand to explain how it worked.

Dozens of times throughout my stay, the tranquility of village life was disrupted, for a moment, by the sound of training jet fighters flying over the North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For me, that’s a big bonus.

In the 19th century, the coastal village was much closer to the sea than it is today. The estuary has silted up over the past 100 years, coinciding with the decline of the fishing industry in the area, which has prevented all but the smallest boats from reaching the quay. What was once a fishing village is now a tourism village. In the summer, Blakeney’s two pubs and three hotels are packed full.

The staff

For me, this is the real reason why the Manor scored so well, and why people keep coming back. Many of the staff have been there for well over ten years. About half of them seem to be members of the Hill clan, including Tore, Karen, Sophie and Wayne. They were all on hand at various points during my stay to ensure everything was in its right place and to offer insights into the local area. For me, and the chatty returning customers who knew staff by name, such warmth is a major plus. It transforms the hotel from a place to stay and eat for the night, to somewhere homely that you want to be.

The verdict

The average cost of a room at the Manor is £128. While that isn’t very cheap, in the Which? survey, the hotel was one of only two to score four out of five stars for value for money. The other was Wetherspoons. I visited the Spoons Hotel in Canterbury last week, where a room for the night can be yours for just £55 and the average price is £70.

What Spoons offers that the Manor doesn’t is energy and vibes. The downstairs area was packed with thirsty customers from across the age spectrum. Everything in the room was solid enough, especially given the price.

However, what the Manor serves up – and where it stands apart from the competition – is its ability to deliver a stay that feels premium for a (sort of) budget price. From the tastefully decorated interiors to the warm, spacious rooms; and the natural surroundings to the lovely staff; everything about the hotel feels extremely well done. It very much lives up to the hype.

The British Army has suspended the use of its controversial new Ajax armored fighting vehicles after dozens of soldiers became ill after riding in them. The U.K. Ministry of Defense confirmed that “around 30 personnel presented noise and vibration symptoms” following an exercise involving the tracked vehicles.

The Ministry of Defense said that the Army immediately put a two-week pause on using Ajax, following Exercise Iron Fist conducted on Salisbury Plain over the weekend. The ministry added that the “vast majority” of the soldiers affected “have now been medically cleared and are continuing on duty.” Others, however, “continue to receive expert medical care.” The statements were provided to Sky News by a Ministry of Defense spokesperson. Reportedly, the affected soldiers spent between 10 and 15 hours in the vehicles.

The decision was made by Luke Pollard, the defense procurement minister, and will now see a safety investigation carried out on the armored fighting vehicles. In the meantime, the Ministry of Defense said that “a small amount of testing of the vehicle will continue, in order to ensure that any issues can be identified and resolved.”

Speaking at Rusi, Luke Pollard said that safety was a “top priority” for the MoD and that’s why he ordered training be paused on Ajax until the military can establish the cause of the issues. He said he declared the vehicles safe earlier this month based on written evidence…

— Larisa Brown (@larisamlbrown) November 25, 2025

Perhaps most troubling is the fact that these kinds of issues are by no means new for the vehicle.

In the summer, soldiers were hospitalized after suffering hearing and other injuries caused by loud noise and vibrations inside the vehicles.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that a “small number” of soldiers had reported noise and vibration issues after trials that involved three variants of the tracked vehicle.

#1 Another wave of Ajax noise & vibration (N&V) chatter has followed IOC. I’m not going to weigh in on either side, but here’s how we might spot if N&V issues are real or rumour – an off-the-cuff thread. pic.twitter.com/OIqEy22Vkt

— Jon Hawkes (@JonHawkes275) November 26, 2025

However, a ministry spokesperson also told Deborah Haynes of Sky News that, following an investigation, “no systemic issues were found.”

Also in November, defense procurement minister Pollard said that “After all the problems [Ajax] may have had in the past, we have put those to bed now.”

Pollard was speaking as the Ministry of Defense announced the initial operating capability (IOC) for Ajax. This milestone required a squadron of 27 vehicles ready to deploy on operations from a pool of 50. By this point, 165 of the vehicles had been delivered from a total of 589 on order, in six different versions (Atlas armored recovery vehicle, Apollo armored repair vehicle, Ares armored personnel carrier, Ajax reconnaissance vehicle, Athena command post vehicle, and Argus engineering vehicle).

Ajax is a disaster.

It’s incredible that the platform was signed off for Initial Operating Capability given the ongoing issues with injuries to vehicle crews.

Coupled with the lack of clarity about how Ares and Athena will be used by the Infantry, our armoured capability is in… pic.twitter.com/7jJYr6bYiT

— Ben Obese-Jecty MP (@BenObeseJecty) November 25, 2025

The nature of the noise and vibration problem was already well known by that point.

In 2021, the Ministry of Defense published a review that revealed that, for almost two years, senior officers and ministry officials were aware of problems with the vehicles that put troops at risk.

The same review noted that, although the potential for hearing damage had been identified in December 2018, it wasn’t until November 2020 that trials were suspended for the first time. A year later, more than 300 soldiers had been offered hearing tests, and 17 of them were still receiving specialist treatment.

As well as these problems, the Ajax program has seen serious delays.

At one point, IOC was expected in 2017. In June 2021, the Ministry of Defense said that, although IOC had been delayed by another year, it had “90 percent confidence” that it would be declared in September 2021. Ultimately, the Army would have to wait until November 2025 for that milestone.

The summer of 2021 also saw a damning report into Ajax from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a British defense and security think tank.

That report described it as a program in crisis, highlighting the vehicle’s excessive noise and vibration and asking what it said were the two fundamental questions about Ajax: “Whether the vehicle can be fixed, and whether it is worth saving.”

The RUSI report also provided more details on how the noise and vibration issues manifest themselves.

Taking noise first, RUSI reported that the main problem was due to the integration of the Bowman headsets for the crew radios. These headsets picked up the engine noise from what “has long been recognized as a noisy vehicle” and put the sound directly into the crews’ ears. While that problem can clearly be fixed with different headsets, it does raise alarming questions about how these noise tests were carried out.

Second and more worrying is the vibration issue, which is at least partly derived from problems with quality control in the fabrication of the vehicle hulls by General Dynamics Land Systems UK (GDLUK). The vibration not only leads to significant crew discomfort but also has other effects: “Preventing the main armament from stabilizing on the move, damaging the electronic systems that make Ajax a step-change in capability, and leading to a high rate of component failure, with the idler and rear road wheels shearing off with concerning regularity.”

If the future of the Ajax program was questionable in 2021, it is even more precarious now.

What is clear is that the British Army badly needs modern armored fighting vehicles.

The Ajax is the first new tracked armored fighting vehicle for the Army in almost 30 years. Some of the equipment it’s replacing, like the FV432 armored personnel carrier dates back to the 1960s.

Armed with a 40mm main gun, the Ajax is based on the ASCOD 2 armored fighting vehicles used by Spain and Austria and was selected by the United Kingdom in 2010 as the winner of the Future Rapid Effect System contract.

Ajax was never based on a “proven design” – it was based on Pizarro II which had been cancelled in Spain a couple of years before UK selection as a result of the Global Finacial Crisis. In effect, it wasn’t even based on a paper design. And then saw over 1400 design changes… https://t.co/RzmGQmdZ9K

— Francis Tusa (@FTusa284) November 26, 2025

The GDLUK proposal fought off competition from the rival CV90 offered by BAE Systems.

That saddest thing about this is that in a sane world the CV90 in UK service would be getting its major mid-life upgrade about now and we’d be planning for its replacement. https://t.co/wMlEF42WkM

— Defence With A ‘C’ (@defencewithac) November 26, 2025

The service’s most modern tracked infantry fighting vehicle, the Warrior, entered service in 1988. In 2021, the Ministry of Defense announced its intention to replace the Warrior with the Boxer, an 8×8 wheeled armored personnel carrier, which would appear to make the introduction of a new tracked IFV all the more urgent.

On the other hand, the decision to give up the Warrior shows that armored infantry is no longer a core capability within the British Army.

As the RUSI report states:

“If grouped within the Heavy Brigade Combat Teams alongside Challenger 3, Ajax cannot deliver infantry to the objective and cannot perform the divisional reconnaissance function. Alternatively, if made part of the Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team, Ajax will struggle to be sustained operating independently. Ajax’s inability to peer-to-peer recover also makes it a poor independent unit, while its weight, complexity, and size make it hard to deploy with lighter forces, despite the British Army seeking to operate further afield with greater frequency.”

With a total program cost of £5.5 billion (around $7.3 billion), this is a huge investment for a vehicle the importance of which within the British Army is somewhat unclear, and which still has unresolved issues that can threaten the health of soldiers. That price tag also doesn’t consider the costs of any future technical fixes to the vehicle.

As it stands, the British Army will use Ajax primarily as a reconnaissance vehicle, a mission that it doesn’t appear immediately suited to, based on its considerable size and weight. The situation would have been different if the Army had planned to retain the Warrior IFV. After all, when Ajax was first drafted, it was expected to work in support of Warrior.

Since the Ajax program was launched, drones have also significantly reshaped the battlefield. Not only do drones offer a cheaper, more survivable, and more flexible way of conducting reconnaissance, including from standoff distances, but the presence of attack drones adds a new dimension of threat to vehicles like Ajax.

⚙️ There will be a huge amount of pressure to move from Ajax to a raft of pet-favourite IFV’s for Armoured Infantry.

We must resist knee-jerk reactions. A series of entirely sensible short term decision making is part of the reason the Army is where it is. We need a longer term,… https://t.co/f596X0A4qS pic.twitter.com/WX8F8yc8S3

— The Other Chris (@TotherChris) November 26, 2025

Although the Ministry of Defense says that Ajax’s armor is designed to protect against at least some kinds of kamikaze drones, it also admits that the vehicles have yet to be fitted with electronic countermeasures to defeat such threats.

This would seem to be a prerequisite for any kind of operational capability, which makes it all the more puzzling that the Ministry of Defense is already talking about deploying Ajax as part of a future British Army presence in Ukraine, provided there is a ceasefire and an agreement covering such a force.

“When we have the ability to deploy incredibly capable platforms like Ajax and the brilliant men and women trained to use it to its fullest effect,” Pollard told Sky News, “there’s a clear opportunity for us to be able to enhance NATO’s capabilities on the eastern flank and any coalition of the willing deployment potentially in the future.”

Before that happens, the longstanding problems related to vehicle noise and vibration will have to be resolved, and a comprehensive counter-drone system will need to be installed. But with the latest pause on its use, it’s increasingly questionable if the Ajax program will survive long enough for that to happen.

Contact the author: [email protected]

British Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the latest budget on Wednesday, setting out sweeping tax hikes which are projected to raise 26.1 billion pounds ($34.4bn) for the public purse by 2030.

The budget had been highly anticipated as a “make or break” moment for the UK’s governing Labour party, which has grappled with poor polling over the past year. Earlier this year, an opinion poll by YouGov found that if an election were to be held now, the far-right Reform UK Party, which takes a hard line on immigration, would come to power.

In an embarrassing turn, the country’s Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) published its economic outlook as a result of the budget on its website two hours before the announcement – something it never normally does until afterwards. Reeves called the blunder “deeply disappointing” and a “serious error”.

Reeves acknowledged that the tax rises – to be paid in large part by freezing existing income tax thresholds, meaning more people will pay higher tax as their incomes rise with inflation – would adversely affect working people. This breaks a key pledge Labour made in its manifesto before last year’s general election.

“We are asking everyone to make a contribution,” Reeves told parliament.

However, she said the tax rises would help pay for nearly 22 billion pounds ($28.9bn) in fiscal headroom within five years. Reeves also said government borrowing would fall each year. Borrowing in 2025-26 is expected to be 138.3bn pounds ($183bn), falling to 112.1 billion pounds ($148.3bn) the year after and to 67.2 billion pounds ($88.9bn) by 2031.

While the UK’s budget deficit is forecast at 28.8 billion pounds for the financial year 2026/2027, Reeves said this would move to surplus in 2028 and forecast a 24.6 billion pound ($32.55) surplus for 2030/2031.

That will pay for welfare spending and means there “will be no return to austerity measures”, Reeves said.

“I said there would be no return to austerity, and I meant it. This budget will maintain our investment in our economy and our National Health Service. I said I would cut the cost of living, and I meant it. This budget will bring down inflation and provide immediate relief for families. I said that I would cut debt and borrowing, and I meant it,” Reeves said.

Here are five key takeaways from this budget.

1. Labour broke its promise not to raise taxes for working people

Reeves raised taxes by about 40 billion pounds ($52.6bn) in last year’s budget – the biggest hike in revenue-raising measures in decades – in what she said would be a one-off needed to put the government’s finances on an even keel.

This time around, while she did not increase income tax or National Insurance Contributions for working people, she did extend a freeze on the income thresholds at which tax must be paid.

This means that more people will be dragged into higher tax brackets as their income rises with inflation. The move will pull 780,000 more people into paying basic-rate income tax for the first time by the 2029-2030 fiscal year along with 920,000 more higher-rate taxpayers and 4,000 additional-rate payers.

“This ‘fiscal drag’ means that hundreds of thousands will start paying income tax for the first time, and all existing taxpayers will face higher liabilities,” Irem Guceri, associate professor of economics and public policy at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government, said.

The previous Conservative government had already frozen these thresholds until 2028. Reeves, who was highly critical of that action at the time – saying it hurt working people – now plans to extend that to 2031.

“I know that maintaining these thresholds is a decision that will affect working people,” she said. “I said that last year, and I won’t pretend otherwise now.”

“I can confirm that I will not be increasing National Insurance, the basic, higher or additional rates of income tax or VAT [value added tax]”, the chancellor added.

Reeves said she will also target wealthier people via a “mansion tax” on those who own property worth more than 2 million pounds ($2.65m) and is reducing the amount of tax relief some higher earners can obtain on pension contributions. She also announced a 2 percentage point increase in tax rates on rental income, dividends and capital gains.

Nigel Green, chief executive of the financial advice firm DeVere, said these moves will have wider “behavioural impacts”. “People make long-term decisions about where to work, where to build wealth and where to retire,” he said.

“When rules around pensions tighten sharply, it undermines confidence in the broader system. Wealth moves where governments show stability over decades, not sudden extractions,” he added.

Following the announcement, Kemi Badenoch, leader of the opposition Conservative party, described Reeves decision to raise taxes, despite promising not to do so again, as “a total humiliation”.

2. Labour will spend money on welfare

One of the highly anticipated announcements of the budget was the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap from April 2026. Currently, parents can only claim special tax credits worth about 3,455 pounds ($4,571) per child for their first two children. The cap was imposed by the previous Conservative government. Reeves said this would lift thousands of children out of poverty.

“The removal of the two-child limit in child benefit is likely to provide significant support to families currently living in poverty,” Guceri said.

Experts said the move would appeal strongly to Labour Party backbenchers. “The two-child benefit cap is widely despised among rebellious Labour MPs as a major contributor to child poverty,” said Colm Murphy, senior lecturer in British politics at Queen Mary University, London. “Repeal was critical for Reeves to have any chance of political survival.”

Gregory Thwaites, research director at Resolution Foundation (RF), a British think tank that focuses on improving living standards, also said the move was a positive step towards reducing child poverty in the UK.

“That’s something that we’ve been campaigning for RF for some time, and we’re very pleased to see that. And then there are some welcome reforms to the tax system, as well. So, for example, charging the people who own very expensive properties a bit more money that will, that’s very welcome, as well,” Thwaites told Al Jazeera.

“Ultimately, budgetary responsibility should not just be seen in terms of fiscal balance but also measures of broader wellbeing,” said professor Jasper Kenter, professorial research fellow at Aberystwyth Business School. “Lifting the two-child benefit cap is important in this regard.”

GMB workers’ union General Secretary Gary Smith welcomed Reeves’s decision to tax wealth and to increase welfare spending, calling this budget the “final nail in the coffin for the Conservatives’ failed austerity project”.

“Key public services, essential national infrastructure, and communities across the UK suffered deep wounds because the Tories made the wrong economic choices – we must never go back to those dark days,” a statement from Smith read.

“The challenge for Labour is to grip the task of rebuilding our economy and country, lock in essential investment to create growth, and start bringing a bit of hope to people,” the statement added.

3. UK’s hated ‘rape clause’ will be scrapped

Reeves said she would scrap the so-called “rape clause”, which exempts women from the two-child benefit cap policy if they can prove their child was conceived non-consensually.

She described the exemption requirement as “vile, grotesque, dehumanising, cruel”.

“I’m proud to be Britain’s first female chancellor,” Reeves told parliament. “I take the responsibilities that come with that seriously. I will not tolerate the grotesque indignity to women of the rape clause any longer.”

4. Slower-than-expected economic growth forecast

In response to the budget, the OBR upgraded its forecast for economic growth for this year from 1 percent to 1.5 percent.

However, it downgraded economic growth for the following four years. GDP growth in 2026 is now expected to be 1.4 percent (down from 1.9 percent), while the OBR has downgraded its forecast for each of 2027, 2028 and 2029 to 1.5 percent (down from approximately 1.8 percent).

Much of the downgrade stems from lower expectations for productivity growth. Reeves insisted the sluggish outlook was the legacy of the previous Conservative government, however.

Reeves also announced a freeze on fuel duty and rail fares, as well as support with energy bills, causing the OBR to revise inflation down by 0.4 percentage points for next year, Guceri said. However, the OBR revised up its forecast for this year to 3.5 percent, “reflecting stronger real wage growth and persistent food price pressures”, she added.

5. The pound and financial markets responded positively

Sterling rose by 0.3 percent against the dollar to $1.3213 just in advance of the budget announcement, before settling back to roughly where it started by the end of it.

London’s blue-chip FTSE index and the FTSE 250 index rose by about 0.6 percent each in the wake of the budget.

“So far, markets showed little reaction to the Budget – something the Chancellor will view as a success,” Guceri said.

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

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

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

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

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

Planned works

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternative routes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on travel disruptions

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

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

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

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

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

Fans of this popular theme park, which includes the kid-friendly Peppa Pig World, will be able to enjoy their favourite rides for longer thanks to plans to construct a holiday park for overnight stays.

Paultons Park, known as the home of Peppa Pig World, has unveiled plans to add 122 self-catering holiday homes to its site, meaning theme park fans will be able to enjoy overnight stays.

The family-friendly attraction recently beat competition from the likes of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park to win Theme Park of the Year at the UK Theme Park Awards. Now, with plans to open on-site accommodation, this family-owned and run park is set to offer even more to guests.

At the moment, visitors to Paultons can book a short break through their website with hotel and ticket packages available. However, the accommodation on offer is for hotels close to the park rather than on site, although free parking is included in the cost of the break.

Not much information has been released on the new accommodation plans, although a map reveals the potential layout of the new holiday park. The Sun reports that there will be two, three, and four-bedroom accommodation on offer and that it’ll have a ‘Scandinavian design’. According to their reports, the new accommodation area will include a restaurant and on-site shop offering essentials.

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, said in a statement: “We are still in the very early stages of our accommodation project. We have recently submitted a Scoping Report to the New Forest National Park Authority, which is required prior to a full planning application.

“The report outlines the results of specialist surveys, such as ecology and heritage, as well as revised unit numbers for the scheme following detailed financial and viability modelling. Our vision is to deliver 122 units, designed to comfortably accommodate just under 600 guests at full capacity, 100 guests fewer than previously outlined.

“We anticipate it will be several years before our vision for on-site accommodation is brought to fruition, however we are committed to continually reinvesting into our attraction, providing a world-class experience for our guests, and planning for the long-term.”

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Paultons Park first opened in 1983 and has grown to over 140 acres with more than 80 rides and attractions. The park is made up of several themed areas which include the dinosaur attraction Lost Kingdom, and the popular Tornado Springs, which has an American style.

Popular rides include the Storm Chaser, a rollercoaster that spins and swirls, and the Cyclonator, which rotates as it swings guests to heights of over 25 metres.

One of the most popular parts of the park is Peppa Pig World, which is themed around the iconic kids’ show. In addition to exploring Peppa’s House and diving into the Muddy Puddles splash park, guests can enjoy toddler-friendly attractions such as Daddy Pig’s Car Ride and Grandpa Pig’s Boat Trip.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected].

A HUGE new attraction is set for the UK with water, snow and dry land fun all in one place.

The £300million attraction, set to be in the Welsh Valleys, would feature a water park and the UK’s longest ski slope.

Known as the Rhydycar West Development, the new attraction will be located just off the A470 dual carriageway and 10 minutes from the Brecon Beacons National Park.

According to the Rhydycar West, it will be a world class leisure resort, open all year round.

Last week, the Welsh Government agreed not to call in the planning application following Merthyr Tydfil Council’s decision to back the planning application in March and as a result, have given the application the green light.

Now, the Local Planning Authority will move forward to grant planning permission.

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At the site there will be a number of different features including a waterpark with a tropical theme, set to be one of the largest waterparks in the UK.

Inside the waterpark, guests will find artificial beaches, swimming and bathing areas for all ages and abilities, waterslides and a number of other water-based attractions.

Then the 39,200sqm indoor snow centre would take over Chill Factore in Manchester – which is 180 metres long – to house the longest ski slope in the UK, measuring over 400 metres long.

The centre will also match the standards of the International Ski Federation (FIS).

And it will use special equipment to ensure the slope can remain open all year.

The site will be the home and national training headquarters for the Welsh and UK national, Olympic and Paralympic teams as well.

In addition to the snow centre, there will be an indoor and outdoor adventure centre.

Known as the Adventure Park, there will be a ‘mountain coaster’, clip ‘n’ climb, zip wires and other adrenaline-based activities and attractions.

Of course, the destination is also planning on creating accommodation.

When it comes to the 418-bedroom hotel, there would be three different wings.

The Resort Wing will feature conferencing and co-working spaces, whereas the Luxury Spa Wing will have leisure facilities such as a fully equipped spa.

Finally, in the Sport and Value Wing, visitors will find a more casual and relaxed feel.

But if you’re not a fan of hotels, there will be around 30 Woodland Lodges as well.

These will be in the heart of nature, located in the woodland, with value and premium options available.

Plans for the attraction were first announced back in 2017 and once open, it hopes to create 842 jobs and contribute £38.1million to the local economy.

Details including when the attraction will open are still unclear.

Many people have taken to social media to show their excitement for the project.

One person said: “Awesome news. Most importantly, are you planning an ice climbing wall?”

Another said: “That is awesome news and another milestone reached for what will be an amazing asset to GB Skiers.”

A third person added: “This will be transformational for the town, our economy and as importantly help and change how Merthyr Tydfil is often unfairly talked about!”

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In other attraction news, the UK’s biggest live action show reveals plans for new historical theme park.

Plus, a popular UK theme park reveals new plans for first-ever holiday village with 122 overnight lodges.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cornwall Council also hailed the restart as a major boost.

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

How much does it cost?

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

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

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

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

Airline collapse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A HUGE adventure park right by the beach is finally getting an upgrade – after works were delayed.

The Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, having opened in 2000.

However, much of the current equipment is dated, and needs replacing.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the park would undergo a massive upgrade costing around £750,000.

This has since been delayed due to a landslide above the park back in February 2024.

This means extra stabilisation work is needed, which is yet to take place.

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Previously scheduled to have been finished by this year, it now won’t even start until January 2026.

When this is completed, the park’s makeover can then start which hopes to be by spring 2026.

The upgrades hope to add new equipment as well as changing and accessible facilities, paths and cycle parking.

This means it is unlikely to reopen as a new attraction before next summer.

Local council member Jeremy Speakman said at the time: “This will be a major investment and we’re working on trying to secure extra funding for the project, so we obviously want to get it right.”

Until then, families can still visit the park for free, which is one of the largest of its kind in the south east.

And the park is set to renovate its huge playground, which is the largest free adventure play park in the South East.

There is a huge pirate-themed area with a shipwreck climbing area as well as slides, tunnels and towers.

For smaller kids, there are sand diggers to play on as well.

Otherwise the park is a short walk down to Mermaid Bay, a stoney beach on the Folkestone coastline.

It isn’t the only major upgrade Folkestone is getting.

A massive £20million project is transforming the town that was previously named one of the best places to live in the UK.

This includes turning the current bus terminal into a huge central garden.

This hopes to be open to the public by summer 2026.

And the iconic funicular is also set to reopen after being forced to close back in 2017.

The Leas Lift restoration will connect the clifftop to the lower beach area.

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Costing £6.6million, it also includes a new cafe area, with plans to open next year as well.

Townie boltholes

Drakes, Brighton
Keep an eye out for deals at this glamorous Regency seafront hotel (a November 30% discount won’t be a one-off). A sea-view balcony room, of course, will cost a bit, but even the snuggest, city-facing bedrooms have air conditioning, a king-size bed, wet room, bathtub and Green & Spring toiletries. For somewhere so fun and stylish, Drakes offers real value, including the shorter tasting menus in Dilsk restaurant. Or just treat yourself to a sundowner in the bar, then head out to dine. This is Brighton; the world is your oyster.
Doubles from £143.50 B&B, drakeshotel.com

The Queensberry, Bath

We are taking you back to Roman Britain with one of the country’s most stunning villages

If you’re after a truly special day out this little-known village cannot be beaten.

The jewel in the crown of Corbridge in Northumberland is undoubtedly Corbridge Roman Town, one of the country’s most important archaeological sites. Not only that, this charming village was once the northernmost town of the mighty Roman Empire.

Located just a mile from the village centre, it’s a captivating snapshot of history, with original Roman streets you can stroll along and a museum brimming with finds from the renowned Corbridge Hoard – a trove of 2nd Century armour, tools and personal items unearthed in the area.

A stone’s throw away is Hadrian’s Wall, a testament to Corbridge’s central role in Roman Britain. But Corbridge isn’t stuck in a time warp.

Its marketplace and nearby streets are bustling with independent traders, many nestled within old stone buildings and hidden courtyards, reports Chronicle Live.

You can meander between artisan bakeries, a traditional grocer, florists, fashion boutiques, jewellers and beautifully stocked homeware shops, all within a few hundred metres.

Forum Books, housed in a breathtakingly converted Methodist Chapel complete with an intact pulpit, is worth the journey alone.

If you’re hungry, Corbridge is a foodie’s paradise. With cosy cafés for leisurely lunches, a deli, a wine bar, top-notch gastropubs, and a variety of Italian, Indian and English restaurants, it’s easy to turn a day trip into a night on the town.

Nestled by the breathtaking St Andrew’s Church, you’ll discover The Pele Tower (no connection to the Brazilian footie legend), which has been transformed into a charming pub.

St Andrew’s itself is one of Britain’s oldest churches, boasting Saxon roots that trace back to the 7th century. The bridge over the Tyne, the river’s oldest, offers scenic riverside strolls.

For those keen on a longer walk, Aydon Castle is just a stone’s throw away, while the surrounding moorlands and countryside make Corbridge a prime spot for cycling and hiking.

Despite its tranquil, rural vibe, Corbridge is surprisingly well-connected. The railway station sits on the Tyne Valley Line between Newcastle, Hexham and Carlisle, and the A69 and A68 are conveniently nearby.

WITH rain and snow battering the UK, trying to keep the kids busy can be tricky.

Thankfully there are some amazing indoor play attractions to go to – including one that claims to be one of the biggest in Europe.

The Playhive is found at Stockeld Park in North Yorkshire, which is one of the biggest indoor playgrounds.

Having opened in 2022 after a multi-million pound project, it has since won a number of awards including being named the best in the country.

Earlier this year it has won an Association of Indoor Play award for the second year running.

The website states it is a “journey through four interconnected worlds of space, air, the jungle, and sea”.

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Inside is everything from massive spaceships – with rocket walkways, ladders and nets – to planes and submarines.

Jungle-themed climbing walls and under-the-sea play areas are also part of the attraction.

There are even toddler-friendly areas too although parents must leave buggies outside.

The attraction is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Ticket allow a 90-minute session start from £13.50, or pay £23.50 to allow access to the full Adventure Park.

There is also the Playhive Pizzeria for when kids get hungry, serving hot snacks and drinks.

Previous parents have raved about the attraction.

One said: “Playhive is a magical indoor play area, unlike anywhere we have visited before. Not a usual softplay.”

Another said: “The indoor Playhive is out of this world, and truly outstanding. The outdoor areas and the beautiful Enchanted Forest are a really wonderful and magical experience for little ones.”

And there are loads of other exciting Christmas attractions in the rest of Stockeld Park.

This includes ice skating and light trails, both ticketed events.

Or there is the huge The Christmas Adventure, where kids can meet Santa and watch live theatre shows.

There are also onsite food and drink areas, such as the Woodland Cafe and Gretel’s Cabin.

When the weather is better, there are also mazes and huge outdoor playgrounds to explore.

The nearest cities to Stockeld Park are Leeds and York, both around a 40 minute drive.

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In the mean time, here are some other indoor attractions to explore in the UK.

And here is one of the newest indoor attractions in the UK.

Theme parks may seem like a modern invention. but there is a surprisingly long history behind the attractions. The first theme park in the UK is over 180 years old and still delighting visitors

From thrilling rollercoasters to interactive games, theme parks are always inventing new and more exciting ways to keep people entertained. But the concept of a theme park, or amusement park, actually dates back as far as the Middle Ages, when travelling fairs would bring markets and live entertainment to towns and villages.

In Victorian times, pleasure gardens kept people entertained, with music and theatre, social events, street entertainment, and al fresco dining. At the same time, Victorians were also growing more interested in improving their health. They’d often escape the grimy city streets to enjoy seaside resorts, believing the fresh air and sea water were good for curing any ailments. The Isle of Wight became a particularly desirable destination among well-heeled Victorians, and this gave a local businessman an idea for a new venture.

Blackgang Chine was originally conceived as a kind of pleasure garden by founder Alexander Dabell, opening its doors in 1843. Since then, the park has remarkably not only stayed open, but also stayed within the family, with Alexander’s descendants still running Blackgang Chine to this day.

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The site was initially a general purpose park with some curiosities to amuse Victorian guests, such as a large whale skeleton, which is still on display today. Rumours and legends about smugglers around the island gave the park its theme, and one of its most iconic sights is the giant fibreglass smuggler at the entrance. There are also lots of local stories about the ghosts of smugglers haunting the park at night.

After going through many changes throughout the years, the park has 40-acres of gardens with several themed lands to explore. There are thrill rides such as Extinction, which make the most of the park’s clifftop position to offer an adrenaline fuelled experience. This swing rotates 360-degrees and hangs off the edge of a cliff, with nothing but the sea beneath your feet. There’s also Evolution, a tower drop ride which gives riders amazing views of the Jurassic Coast before plummeting 400 metres in seconds.

There are many pirate and smuggler-themed rides including the Jolly Robin, a pirate ship ride, and the spinning Shipwrecked. The park is also home to Waterforce, the Isle of Wight’s biggest waterslide, and the Crooked House, which is fun for all ages to explore.

There’s also fun stuff for younger kids such as The Blackgang Beach, a giant water pillow you can walk and bounce across, and the classic twirling Pirate Barrels, which both adults and children will love.

Blackgang Chine has many fans, having delighted visitors for decades, and among them is a celebrity. In 2010, former child star Rupert Grint, known for his role in the Harry Potter films, expressed his love for the Isle of Wight and said his favourite attraction was Blackgang Chine.

Find out more about Blackgang Chine on its official website. The park opens from late March to early November with 2026 dates to be confirmed.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected].

WHILE the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful places in the UK, that also comes with expensive trips and lots of crowds.

But there are some villages in the north of the county that are rising in popularity thanks to their charming chocolate-box look and celebrity visitors.

One coastal spot in particular that’s been dubbed an ‘alternative Cotswolds’ is Blakeney.

The village has pretty grey flint cottages that sit on the seafront and quaint colourful homes in the streets behind the quayside.

There are small bakeries, a delicatessen, little cafes, craft shops and like with the Cotswolds there are plenty of opportunities for pictures.

The Cotswolds is known for having celebrity residents like the Beckhams who own a home in Chipping Norton.

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Jeremy Clarkson and American presenter Ellen DeGeneres have also set up camp there.

However Norfolk has its own powerhouse, specifically, the Royal Family.

For many years the Royal Family have been seen on Holkham Beach which is close to the family’s Sandringham estate.

Last spring, Prince William and Princess Kate paid a visit to the Bakers & Larners food hall in Holt – which is just 12 minutes away from Blakeney by car.

The Cotswolds has award-winning hotels too like Lords of the Manor and The Slaughters Manor House. Well, Blakeney also has its own one.

Earlier this year, The Manor Coastal Hotel & Inn picked up a Travellers’ Choice Award on Tripadvisor for being one of the ‘Best of the Best Hotels’ in the country.

It was also the only one in Norfolk to make the top 25 – on Tripadvisor it has a rating of 4.7 out of five and 466 reviews.

One visitor wrote: “This was our first time at the Manor and it certainly won’t be our last. We felt so relaxed staying at the Manor. We stayed in a garden room, perfect!”

Another simply wrote “truly coastal. A very relaxing stay.”

The luxury boutique hotel has relaxing bedrooms with calming coastal colours ranging from a Deluxe Suite to a Classic Single Room.

It also offers food from brunch and lunch to afternoon tea and cocktails – including a Blakeney Collins.

Another similarity between the two locations, while it won’t affect your holiday is the house prices.

The Cotswolds are known for having big price tags on properties – but north Norfolk isn’t too far behind with homes selling on average around £365,000 in the last year.

There is one glaringly obvious difference between the Cotswolds and Norfolk which is the location.

One is in the rolling countryside hills and the other is by the coast.

But one thing you’ll get in Blakeney, and not in the Cotswolds is the chance to do some seal spotting.

Blakeney Point is home to England‘s largest grey seal colony. If you want to see a sweet Grey Seal pup then you’re best chance is to visit between late October and mid-January.

Travel Writer Jenna Stevens who was born and raised in Wells-next-the-Sea reveals some more great Norfolk spots.

For quiet havens that have less crowds than Sheringham and Cromer, visit Holme and the nearby Thornham Beach.

She added: “If you’re looking for a solid pub with great food where you can bring your pet along, the Rose and Crown in Snettisham has a dog-friendly bar and restaurant, as well as a cosy, walled beer garden.

“But perhaps my favourite corner of the coast is Old Hunstanton Beach Café.”

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Here’s another alternative to going to the Cotswolds..

The county of Bedfordshire isn’t on most people’s travel list just at yet – but with Universal’s arrival in a matter of years, its popularity is set to rise rapidly.

Sun Travel spoke to one local who said tourists should start visiting now to see what Bedfordshire has to offer – including pretty Cotswolds looking villages to it’s own “Little Italy”.

Lydia Pettet has lived in Bedford for almost all of her life, having a brief interlude in London and Leeds, but she promptly returned to her home county.

Bedfordshire is in the East of England, probably known mostly for the towns of Bedford, Luton, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard – and the fact that it’s set to be the home of the UK’s first Universal.

There are a number of villages in Bedfordshire that have even been compared to the Cotswolds.

The Telegraph even said “Bedfordshire has a secret equivalent to the covetable villages of the Cotswolds” – so they’re worth a visit.

Lydia explained: “I am a North Bedfordshire girl at heart and we have plenty of beautiful villages from Harrold to, Carlton and Sharnbrook.”

Not only do they have the classic chocolate-box houses, but also great pubs too – Lydia suggested The Oakley Arms in Harrold.

Lydia added: “You can have a really nice weekend away at one of these villages – the Cotswolds has been a tourist spot forever, so the villages around here don’t have as much going on, but they all still have so much to offer.”

Check out this quaint ‘under the radar’ English town that feels more like the Cotswolds but is much cheaper.

And this alternative Cotswolds town is a ‘jewel in the crown’ with very famous queen buried there.

I visited the UK’s most popular Christmas Market to see if it was better than Edinburgh’s – and I was not disappointed

For me, Christmas has always been about beach barbecues as summer kicks off, sun-drenched mornings around the tree and barefoot garden parties. However, since relocating to London from New Zealand last year, I’ve been attempting to embrace the winter Christmas spirit.

Last year, I experienced my first-ever winter Christmas Market in Edinburgh, and it wasn’t quite my cup of tea. I believe in giving everything a second chance, so this year I returned to the markets – but with a twist.

Instead of braving the crowds at Edinburgh’s market, I ventured to Manchester. My visit happened to coincide with Manchester’s market being crowned the best in the UK by both Time Out and holiday gurus at Christmas Tree World – and I can understand why.

The day I visited, the sun was out and the markets were teeming with activity. I opted to visit the market in Albert Square, but if you’re keen to explore Manchester’s markets, they are dotted throughout the city, reports the Express.

The one in Albert Square boasted a helter skelter and a Ferris wheel, but I had a single-minded mission: I was after a Yorkshire pudding wrap.

My boyfriend was busy expressing his doubts that I would find one because it didn’t seem particularly Christmassy, but as we turned a corner, I spotted a sign selling exactly what I was craving.

I opted to have my wrap served in a bowl, selecting pork as my protein. It cost me £11 and the portion was absolutely enormous.

It was precisely what I craved, the meat was beautifully seasoned, all the accompaniments were cooked to perfection, and the gravy was thick, rich and salty – exactly how I like it.

Despite how tasty it was, the serving was so substantial that I genuinely couldn’t manage it all, much to my embarrassment.

Next on my list was another first: mulled wine. At the Edinburgh Market last year I sampled a mulled cider and thoroughly disliked it so this was somewhat nerve-wracking.

I selected an apple and blackberry mulled wine, which I believed was £6.50 but ended up setting me back £10 because I had overlooked the “mug deposit” fee of £3.50.

Fortunately, this was absolutely worth the confusion because, unlike my previous mulled alcoholic drink, this one was completely delicious. It tasted somewhat like hot Ribena, which I adore anyway and warmed me straight through.

It felt like the ideal beverage for enjoying beside the fire as the rain hammered down outside. I was a massive fan; though, I am still awaiting my refund for returning my mug to the stall.

My final experience at the Manchester Christmas Market was a crumble. I spent £8 for an apple and cinnamon crumble with vanilla custard, and whilst it wasn’t the finest I have ever tasted in my life, it was sweet, delicious and satisfied me perfectly.

In my view, the Manchester Market completely outshines Edinburgh. Despite being bustling and lively, I could still navigate through it easily and never had to queue for more than five minutes for anything.

Moreover, the food was superior, and all the stalls were manned by friendly, cheerful staff. I left feeling energised and eager for Christmas – and I strongly suggest anyone in the vicinity give it a visit.