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Dec. 20 (UPI) — Most tourists visiting Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain will have to pay a modest fee starting Feb. 1, but locals and some tourists will not.

It will cost €2, equivalent to $2.34, to get a close-up view of the fountain that features Baroque artwork and statues, according to the BBC.

Tourists still can toss coins into the fountain, which legend says ensures they go back to the Eternal City, once they have paid the entry fee.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri announced the new fee on Friday, which he called a “paltry” sum and said it will help local officials to better control traffic while visiting one of the ancient city’s most popular sites.

It also reduces the size of crowds at the 18th century fountain, which is located in a relatively confined space that easily becomes crowded. The space is limited to no more than 400 people at a time.

Local officials said the fountain drew 9 million visitors over the past year and anticipate the new fee will reduce the number of annual visitors, although the fee is expected to draw roughly €6 million — more than $7 million — in annual revenues.

Only tourists will pay and not Rome’s residents. Neither will children under 5 years of age, nor people who have disabilities and those who accompany them.

Tourists won’t have to pay a fee to view the Trevi Fountain from a distance, though.

Local officials remove coins and other items tossed into the fountain and donate them to the Caritas Catholic charity.

Fees also will be charged to visit other sites around Rome, so tourists are advised to plan ahead and ensure they have the pocket change to cover admission costs at various sites.

IF you want to make 2026 the year of family-friendly days out from theme parks to aquariums, castles and waxwork museums – take advantage of the Merlin Black Friday Sale.

You can save up to £60 on an annual pass that will allow you entry to around 20 attractions across the country – but the offer ends very soon.

Until December 21, you can get £60 off a Merlin Essential yearly pass, costing just £79 rather than £139.

With this, you can enter over 20 top attractions for 339 days out of the year.

Some of the attractions include Alton Towers which is perfect for families who love rollercoasters, or those wanting to try out the Bluey ride in its CBeebies Land.

The pass also allows entry to Chessington World of Adventures, which has a new PAW-Patrol themed land, and Legoland Windsor Resort.

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Over at Thorpe Park, thrill-seekers can try out the UK’s tallest rollercoaster Hyperia which is 236ft high and 81mph.

It’s not all rollercoasters and rides though, as those who want a more relaxed day can delve into history at Warwick Castle.

In London, step onto the red carpet at Madame Tussauds or go back in time to explore the capital’s scary past in London Dungeon.

For foodies, in Birmingham there’s Cadbury World families can uncover the story of Cadbury chocolate – and get to taste some too.

Jordan Middleton, Head of Merlin Annual Pass, commented on the sale: “Just in time for the festive season, our Black Friday Magic Sale has great savings of up to £60.

“With offers starting at just £79 – which is equal to just £1.52 per week – Merlin Annual Pass is the gift for those who you have no idea what to buy.”

There are two other pass options.

One is the Gold Pass which is also in the Black Friday sale for £199 rather than £239 – a saving of £40.

This has extra benefits including free parking, up to 20 per cent discount on food, drinks and retail, up to 20 per cent off short breaks at themed Resort hotels.

And there’s discounted entry for family and friends and less restricted access to the attractions.

The Platinum annual pass remains at £299 per person per year with all the perks of the Gold Pass, along with guaranteed entry all year round with no restrictions.

Platinum Passholders will also receive free Fastrack Resort Theme Parks and free tickets for family and friends, with no restrictions throughout the year.

All attractions included in the Merlin yearly passes…

Alton Towers Resort

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Legoland Windsor Resort

London Eye

Thorpe Park

Sea LIFE – London, Birmingham, Manchester, Blackpool, Brighton, Weymouth, Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, Scarborough, Loch Lomond

Warwick Castle

Madame Tussauds, London

Shrek’s Adventure! London

Legoland Discovery Centre, Birmingham & Manchester

London Dungeon

York Dungeon

Edinburgh Dungeon

Cadbury World

Plus, check out inside the Alton Towers’ new Bluey-themed hotel room – where the theme tune plays as you enter.

And here’s more on the UK’s ‘best’ castle with live jousting tournaments, Zog playground and brand-new medieval-themed hotel.

GINGERBREAD has become a staple of Christmas – and there is a town in the UK that is considered the home of it.

Ormskirk is a market town in Lancashire sitting around 13 miles from Liverpool.

The town has its very own gingerbread history which dates back to the early 1700s when “Gingerbread Ladies” would sell their homemade spiced goods from baskets.

These were especially popular with travellers at coaching inns and later railway passengers.

Ormskirk gingerbread was even rumored to be enjoyed by King Edward VII.

While the gingerbread we buy in shops usually has a distinct taste and snap, Ormskirk Gingerbread is very different.

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In texture, it’s dense, chewy and cakey, and has a speckled appearance because it’s made from treacle and candied peel.

If you fancy a taste, the gingerbread is still sold in Ormskirk today in places like Mr Thompsons Bakery which is at the bi-weekly food market.

Every year, the town even holds its very own gingerbread festival to celebrate the biscuit history of Ormskirk.

Usually it takes place in summer with the last being held on July 13, 2025.

There are lots of free family activities, and stalls selling handmade treats and gifts – all of which is themed around gingerbread.

Of course having a bite of gingerbread isn’t the only reason to visit Ormskirk in the wintertime, there’s plenty of other places to see.

If wrapping up for country walks is what you prefer to do in winter, then head to Rufford Old Hall.

The National Trust Tudor and Jacobean house that’s around 500 years old sits on the outskirts of Ormskirk.

Here are period rooms to explore along with a cosy Victorian tearoom which serves afternoon tea, cakes, scones and tray bakes.

There’s also a secondhand bookshop, garden and woodland, and the site has a two mile circular walk too from the hall along the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Ormskirk holds a market every Thursday and Saturday that’s one of the oldest in the country.

It’s one of the UK’s oldest and most traditional markets having been open for almost 700 years.

There you’ll find around 100 stalls selling baked goods to clothing and gifts.

When it comes to cosy pubs, there are plenty in Ormskirk like The Kicking Donkey which is another great winter spot as it has an open fire and hearty meals.

On Sundays the classic country pub serves up roast dinners from beef brisket to gammon and turkey, to pork belly and chicken from £16.75.

One visitor said: “Lovely traditional pub, real fires and candles, amazing food and service and fabulous negroni.”

Other popular spots include Tiny Tavern Ormskirk, The Cricketers, Lost and Found and The Buck I’th Vine.

Here’s UK’s longest seaside village that’s surrounded by countryside & is the best for winter walks…

Sat on Devon‘s Jurassic Coast, Branscombe stretches around 3.5 miles long and is known for its pebble beach, thatched cottages and historic buildings.

The village features a mile-long high street running through its centre and it is surrounded by rolling hills with grazing sheep.

Alex Gwillim, local travel expert at Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, said: “Branscombe is one of Devon’s most picturesque villages, and its cosy aesthetic paired with wellness-inspired activities makes it ideal for those looking for a staycation that prioritises self-care.”

And she isn’t wrong; Branscombe boasts amazing coastal walks like the South West Coast Path.

“Situated along the South West Coast Path, Branscombe makes the perfect starting point for a winter walk through woodland, beaches, and clifftops.

“From here, you can explore the Beer head loop or venture further along the coast to Sidmouth.”

And of course, Branscombe’s beach is a top spot to explore, with pebbles and often quieter during the autumn and winter months.

Alex added: “The mile long beach is ideal for a dog walk or simply clearing your head.”

Visitors can also get a glimpse of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast at the beach, with dramatic cliffs.

For little ones, there are plenty of rock pools to explore and fossils to find, including early reptiles, plants and marine life.

After exploring the beach, make sure to visit The Old Bakery and The Forge, both of which are National Trust sites.

For more on staycation breaks during winter, check out one Sun writer’s favourite seaside town in winter which is overlooked by a famous neighbour.

Plus, here’s one of the UK’s best seaside destinations to visit in winter – with beachfront pubs and stargazing nights.

FROM snowy countrysides to festive city spots, Christmas movies have taken inspiration from a variety of UK locations.

And while the North Pole may be far out of the way, you can get into the spirit by visiting these iconic film spots a little closer to home.

Before you snuggle up to watch your go-to Christmas classics, why not go one step further and visit the exact spot where it was filmed this festive season?

A variety of festive favourites were shot on-site here in the UK, from the star-studded Love Actually to Christmas comedy Nativity!

If you find yourself near any of these famous film locations, celebrate the Christmas season by stepping into the shoes of your favourite festive characters.

Shere, Surrey

This picturesque village hit the big screen when it was featured in The Holiday back in 2006.

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The quaint area consists of historic timber-framed buildings and medieval charm, nestled in the idyllic Tillingbourne Valley.

It played home to Kate Winslet’s Iris who famously swaps homes with Los Angeles resident Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz.

Shere provides the romantic backdrop for Diaz as she finds love with Jude Law during her festive getaway.

And the village also featured in the Bridget Jones franchise, which is often considered another Christmas classic for Brits.

Snowshill, Cotswolds

The quintessential Cotswolds village also featured in Bridget Jones Diary, the first installment of the hit series.

In fact, the film and the entire franchise opens with with Bridget turning up at her parent’s house in Snowshill on a wintry New Year’s Day.

And it is in the same town where the quirky protagonist has her first on-screen encounter with her eventual husband Mark Darcy.

Due to the film’s success and the idyllic scenery, many people now stop for a photo outside the village church or one of the quaint houses that appear in the film.

As a result, Snowshill has established itself as one of Britain’s most popular Christmas film locations.

Brighton Pier

While the iconic seaside attraction may be associated with summer fun, it also has ties to the festive season.

Fans of the animated film The Snowman may recognise the historic pier from the famous Walking In The Air scene.

The main characters can be seen flying over the historic pier as they make their way to the North Pole.

While the sequence may be brief, it is perhaps one of the most famous associated with the beloved classic.

Hogwarts Great Hall

Another children’s classic is of course Harry Potter, a film series often associated with and watched around Christmas.

And while witches and wizards may be akin Halloween characters, the cosy grounds of Hogwarts are perhaps the most enticing when they are decked out for the festive season.

Now fans of the film can step into the magic by visiting the Warner Brothers Studio in Watford.

A quick trip from London, this studio tour offers a stunningly detailed look into the making of the movies, and what better time to visit than in the lead up to Christmas when the Great Hall set is adorned with decorations?

Covent Garden

And in the heart of London is of course the famous Covent Garden, which many argue is the home to the city’s best Christmas tree.

While it is already on most tourist lists, the festive season marks the best time to visit this popular spot.

With a famous Christmas market and choir performances, there’s plenty to get you in the spirit at this time of year.

And fans of the 2019 rom-com Last Christmas are sure to spot many filming spots inside this famous square, which feature heavily in the film.

Emilia Clarke’s Kate works as an Elf in a fictional year-round Christmas shop at this location, while the famous karaoke scene was shot at nearby pub The Harp.

St Luke’s Mews, Notting Hill

And if you’re a fan of Christmas rom-coms, you’ll want to pop over to Notting Hill too.

The beautiful cobbled street of St Luke’s Mews plays the backdrop to arguably the most famous scene from the festive flick Love Actually.

Whether you lap up Mark’s (Andrew Lincoln) cue card love confession to his friend’s new wife, played by Kiera Knightly, or cringe at the iconic scene, you’re sure to recognise this famous street.

While this street it located just off Portobello Road, home to the world’s largest antique market, it is still a residential area so remember to be respectful when visiting.

Coventry Cathedral Ruins

Another British Christmas classic is of course Nativity!, which primary school teacher Mr Maddens, played by Martin Freeman, as he attempts to stage a production of the Nativity.

After telling a white lie to impress his ex, Maddens soon finds himself in the midst of a media storm surrounding the school play.

The mayor even allows the class to perform the highly-anticipated show at the historic ruins of Coventry cathedral in an atmospheric climax to the film.

Paddington Station

And who can talk about beloved British festive flicks without mentioning Paddington?

The iconic bear famously made his way from Peru to the Paddington area of London, after which he was named.

Visitors can visit a statue of the bear at his namesake station, which provided the backdrop for one of the most important scenes in the 2014 film.

Elm Hill, Norwich

The picturesque area of Elm Hill in Norwich features heavily in Netflix’s Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.

Snowy scenery provides a backdrop for the adventure of an old toy maker and his granddaughter.

The cobbled streets, multi-coloured houses, and quaint shops of the town provide the perfect setting for movie magic.

And they also ensure the perfect shot on Instagram, whether you’re a fan of the film or not.

Birdsall House

And finally, this Malton mansion plays home to the Christmas family in 2021’s Father Christmas Is Back.

Kelsey Grammer plays James, the father of Joanna, played by Elizabeth Hurley, who he abandoned years ago.

The festive family flick follows them as they attempt to navigate Christmas together, with many scenes set at the stunning Birdsall House.

This beautiful country house is surrounded by glorious Yorkshire countryside and is a popular wedding venue, with private guided tours of the property are available.

The stunning cathedral has been at the heart of Christianity in the north of the country since the 7th century

From the towering Big Ben to Birmingham’s Mailbox, England boasts a wealth of iconic structures. However, new research from Angi has crowned York Minster as the most beautiful building in England.

York Minster has been a cornerstone of northern Christianity since the 7th century.

Its breathtaking stained glass windows and intricate architecture draw tourists from every corner of the globe.

The Minster’s Rose Window is renowned worldwide, crafted in 1515 by Master Glazier Robert Petty.

The panels showcase alternating Lancaster red roses and Tudor red and white roses, commemorating the union of Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York, reports the Express.

One awestruck tourist penned on Tripadvisor: “Must see cathedral in York, not religious visitors but this building is simply outstanding.”

Another echoed: “Although we aren’t religious, this is a must visit. The splendour and grace cannot fail to be appreciated.

“The majesty of the building alone is worth the entrance fee but there is so much more than that.”

A visitor chimed in: “Spectacular! Truly stunning, never appreciated the history of York before, incredible place to visit!”

In 1984, the renowned Minster was hit by a bolt of lightning, leaving townsfolk stunned as they watched the roof become consumed by flames.

Bob Littlewood, superintendent of the Works, recalled: “We suddenly heard this roar as the roof started to come down and we just had to run as the whole thing collapsed like a pack of chairs.”

The fire caused the glass in the cathedral’s world-renowned Rose Window to crack, but miraculously, the window remained intact.

Following the blaze, children’s TV show Blue Peter organised a competition for youngsters to design new bosses for the cathedral roof.

The victorious designs depicted Neil Armstrong’s inaugural steps on the moon and the 1982 recovery of Henry VIII’s warship, the Mary Rose.

Visitors who arrive before January 5 will have the chance to experience York Minster’s Christmas Tree Festival, which features 40 trees displayed throughout the cathedral.

These magnificent trees are individually themed and adorned by local businesses, schools, and charities.

Youngsters can try their hand at the Christmas Tree Trail, hunting for several intriguing features around the Cathedral.

The study sought out the most beautiful buildings in each country worldwide. The world’s most stunning building was named as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Paris’s iconic Notre Dame secured second place, while Turkey’s Blue Mosque made it into the top 10.

India’s Taj Mahal, Austria’s Schonbrunn Palace, and the Hungarian Parliament Building were among the top 12 structures.

In the USA, the most stunning structure is Biltmore in Asheville, an 8,000-acre estate constructed by George Vanderbilt.

Most beautiful buildings in the world.

1. Sagrada Familia
2. Notre Dame
3. Biltmore
4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center
5. Grand Central Terminal

FORKS at the ready and bosh – Big John is hosting a lavish feast to remember.

The Instagram foodie, who rose to fame for eating Chinese takeaways, is putting new flavours to the test this Christmas by bringing the best of the Spanish and Great British festive food together.

It included the jambon, a traditional part of the Spanish Christmas dinner, which went down a treat with the influencer, whereas he said the British staple of Brussels sprouts can ‘do one’.

The meal was completed with Pastas de España, as well as classic British turkey.

But now, John has claimed he is a changed man and will add a bit of Spanish to his Christmas meal every time.

The spread featuring both nation’s Christmas classics to celebrate the El Gordo Lottery – which is the biggest lottery in the world.

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A spokesperson for Lottoland.co.uk, which commissioned the survey ahead of the £2.4 billion El Gordo Christmas lotto draw, said: “It’s so exciting to bring the Spanish tradition to the UK in the tastiest way possible and who better to work with than Big John…BOSH.

“We are so glad he approves of the traditional Spanish food and has given his stamp of approval.

“Although his feedback wasn’t as glowing for the Brussels sprouts.”

It comes after research of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas found six in 10 would like to mark the event in another country to escape holiday stress at home or avoid a British washout.

And 53 per cent of those would like to make new memories in a totally different setting.

While 45 per cent want to enjoy festive food from another cuisine and 31 per cent would meet up with pals who already live abroad.

With the USA, Australia and Spain among the top international destinations where people would love to spend December 25, along with Canada, Germany and Switzerland.

But 40 per cent would like to try out the Japanese tradition of tucking into mountains of KFC on Christmas Day, rather than a typical roast.

Despite a desire to head overseas to celebrate, 76 per cent of those polled said a British Christmas dinner is still the best thing a person can possibly eat on December 25.

But if they did celebrate the day away from home, 67 per cent would be likely to try a local festive dish.

A quarter (25 per cent) would be most curious to try the Feast of Seven Fishes served in Italy, while almost one in 10 (eight per cent) fancy the taste of mantecados – shortbread – served in Spain.

However, 48 per cent would miss the classic meal with all the trimmings, while 31 per cent would feel strange not seeing all the familiar TV specials and festive programming.

And despite moaning about the UK weather, 27 per cent would miss a cold, crisp winter climate if they went somewhere warmer.

As 43 per cent believe Christmas is not ‘complete’ without a cosy festive jumper, according to the OnePoll.com data.

Nearly seven in 10 (69 per cent) would be open to adopting totally new festive traditions if they did go away for the big day.

And they would most want to capture that feeling of togetherness (32 per cent), while 20 per cent would aim for excitement and 16 per cent nostalgia.

Lottoland.co.uk’s spokesperson added: “Spending Christmas abroad offers a fresh perspective on the season.

“Whether it’s swapping snow for sunshine or discovering new festive traditions, there’s something magical about experiencing the holiday through a different cultural lens.

“If you like to spend your Christmas in the UK, it’s not too hard to do a quick online search to find a new tradition from Madrid to Perth and incorporate it into your own festivities.

“But wherever you celebrate, being with the people you love, or at least connected to them, is truly the most important thing.”

Lionel Messi’s tour of India got off to chaotic start in Kolkata as fans vented their anger over the Argentina legend’s brief appearance at a city stadium. Fans paid up to $150 for a ticket to see their football idol – but many barely caught a glimpse of him.

MICHELLE Keegan enjoyed a visit to a £1,260 a night swanky hotel with Mark Wright and their daughter amid the couple’s ‘most lavish Christmas yet’.

The Brassic actress shared a series of snaps from their stay at London‘s Corinthia Hotel in London on her Instagram on Monday.

She captioned the pictures: “A little bit of Christmas magic this weekend” and the first saw her enjoying a glass of wine in the hotel’s bar.

Michelle, 38, wore a beige sleeveless, roll neck jumper and retro style glasses as she posed for the snap, while in others, she had switched into a pair of black satin trousers and a matching top.

The garment had a lace panel down the side, revealing a hint of her bra and trim waist.

The couple also posed for a lift selfie, with Mark, 38, holding their daughter Palma, who looked adorable in a red knitted cardigan – which read Palma Believes – and white tights.

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Michelle also shared snaps of the hotel’s impressive Christmas trees and of their Italian meal.

Their festive trip to the capital is another part of the new parents’ plans to pull out all the stops for their first Christmas with their baby girl.

The couple are well known for their over-the-top Christmases, but this year is extra special because of their daughter.

Sources say the Wrights plan on making this festive season “one to remember”, with “no expense spared” as they go all out, and have already shown off the incredible decorations both inside and outside their Essex mansion.

An insider close to the couple told OK!: “Mark loves Christmas and he’s wanted a family for a long time, so for him it couldn’t get any better.

“He’s like an excited puppy dog and cherishing every minute of it. It means the world to him.

“When it comes to presents, he’ll be spoiling them both – Mark doesn’t know how to reign it in!”

The source added that Michelle – who gave birth in March – can’t wait to spend some quality time with her little family this Christmas.

They said: “She’s been really busy but family is her priority. It’s lovely to have some special time together, especially because at one point she and Mark were practically living separate lives because of work.

“Her family are coming down from Manchester but it’s very much a Wright Christmas – family comes first and it’s very important for them to be all together. It’ll be lovely seeing all the kids together.”

VISITING Lapland UK can be more expensive than flying to the Arctic Circle.

Tickets to the festive experience this Saturday are selling for as much as £180 each.

There are no discounts for children, a £24.75 booking fee and £5.95 postage and packaging.

It means a family of five would have to spend more than £930 for their day out.

But a few days in the real Lapland, in northern Finland, can cost in the region of £600.

Lapland UK has a site in Siddington, Cheshire, and another in Ascot, Berks.

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One dad, who asked not to be identified, said: “When I saw the price I spat my mulled wine out.

“It’s obscene pricing, meaning only rich kids get to have the thrill.”

Danielle Halliday said: “We went to Finland last year with two adults, two children.

“Flights were £250, accommodation was £350 for the four nights and going to see Santa is free, or €10 each for a present.

“You might as well go for the real thing for a cheaper price.”

Lapland UK was asked to comment.