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ONE of the UK’s most popular Christmas markets is getting some new additions for families this year.

Newcastle Christmas Market welcomed 1.7million tourists last year, and spreads across the city centre, including Old Eldon Square.

Throughout the streets, visitors can usually find a number of stalls with local traders selling food, drinks and gifts.

And for this year, the festive event will be getting three new attractions.

The first is Marshmallow Land – where visitors will be able to toast marshmallows over an open fire.

Then the second is a Festive Flix Area, where visitors can enjoy a cinema experience.

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There will be multiple screenings across from November 28 to December 23 with films such as Elf, Home Alone and Love Actually.

And finally, there will be a new Ferris wheel at Old Eldon Square, from November 15 to December 31.

The market will also extend onto Nelson Street this year, creating even more space for stalls, with a focus on fresh and festive produce.

The Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square – which launched last year – will return, with a family area and a number of festive activities for kids.

This area will also be where visitors can find the Rockin’ Reindeer stage with shows and Santa Stories inside a tipi, with Santa himself.

Other attractions at the market returning for 2025 include the North Pole Terrace, where visitors can book igloos that surround Monument.

Alternatively, you could head to Moosenwirt – an alpine Christmas pop-up bar.

Families can even visit Mrs Claus’ Bakery to participate in a workshop.

In the surrounding area, there are even more Christmas events to explore including an ice rink at the Life Sciences Centre, from £15.50 per person.

Or head to Leazes Park to explore the Northern Lights light trail, from £15 per person.

Stephen Patterson, chief executive of NE1 Ltd said: “It has long been our aim to put Newcastle on the festive map, enhancing its offer and making it a must-visit destination for festive fun seekers from near and far.

“Festive markets and seasonal activities are more than just celebrations, they’re powerful tools to increase visitor numbers and footfall into the city centre, boosting business over the crucial Christmas period.”

Newcastle’s Christmas markets will run from November 15 to December 23.

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If you are looking for more Christmas markets across the UK to visit, then here are the prettiest Christmas markets in Britain – with hotel stays from £37.

Plus, there’s a one-of-a-kind tropical Christmas market in England with 35C temps – and it doesn’t matter if it rains.

BRITS could be set to welcome a new mega zipline after the world’s biggest tunnel flopped.

The Olympic Park’s iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit was crowned the world’s longest tunnel after it was built in 2012.

But, despite all its glory, the site never attracted enough visitors to operate a sustainable business.

In a bid to save the location from ruin, Zip World took over in September and vowed to install a huge zipwire.

The company has submitted a planning application which, if accepted, would see a switchback zipwire made.

Tourists would be strapped into a chair that takes them from the top of the Orbit and back up again.

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The wire would measure a whopping 440m and stretch over to London Stadium.

Plans need to be approved by Tower Hamlets and Newham council officials.

If they are given the greenlight, it is estimated the attraction would fetch 60,000 visitors each year.

Designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond for London 2012, the ArcelorMittal Orbit delighted visitors during the games before reopening to the public in 2014.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit isn’t just a huge sculpture, it’s also home to the world’s biggest tunnel slide, the Helix.

Standing at 76m and stretching for 178m, brave visitors can reach speeds of up to 15mph on the slide.

The huge tunnel slide also features 12 turns, which twist and snake around the Olympic Park sculpture, making for a dizzying journey.

If this sounds too stomach-churning, then visitors can also take in panoramic views over London from the ArcelorMittal Orbit 360 viewing deck.

Located at the top of the sculpture, the viewing platform boasts views for as far as 20 miles on a clear day.

Roughly, 1.2million have visited the London-based attraction since it opened to the public.

Visitors have praised the attraction in their reviews on TripAdvisor, with one person writing: “The views across London are spectacular, and you get great views across the park, the stadium, and the city”.

ZipWorld boss, Andrew Hudson, said earlier this year: “We are excited to announce the re-opening date for the ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, ready for half term.

“This is just the start for Zip World in London, and we can’t wait to welcome both locals and thrill-seekers from around the world. 

“We’ve got many more epic adventures lined up that will redefine urban excitement in the heart of the city.

“We’ll continue working closely with LLDC as we expand our off world-class experiences to bring something truly unique to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.”

Entry tickets to the ArcelorMittal Orbit 360 viewing deck start from £7, with tickets for Helix starting from £14.

Adventure giant Zip World has a host of other attractions in the UK, including the UK’s first zipline rollercoaster at Penrhyn Quarry in Snowdonia.

The Aero Explorer ride opened in 2023 and offers thrill-seekers a “high-speed journey across the quarry” like no other.

An overhead track is connected to a harness on the rider, which enables them to glide around as if they’re on a rollercoaster.

The track is found high above the quarry, offering views of the landscape as people fly around connected to the circuit above.

This comes as The Sun revealed London’s best free indoor attractions for families – perfect for rainy days.

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We also shared the 15 attractions in the UK that have £1 per person tickets from huge castles to kid-friendly museums.

Plus, how London’s newest tourist town in a “forgotten” district is a £1.3billion attraction with hotels, theatre and a rooftop bar.

Visitors to Japan are leaving behind their suitcases behind at hotels and airports, causing significant cost, hassle and even security concerns, Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of Luggage Forward, told the Mirror

Japan has a rather unusual tourist problem.

Holidaymakers in the Asian country are leaving behind their suitcases. It’s not an isolated phenomenon. Hundreds of bags are being dumped, cluttering up airports and hotels.

At the root of the problem are souvenirs. The recent weakness of the yen in comparison to the dollar and pound means tourists can load up on cute gifts in Japanese gift shops in a way they have never done before.

Weighed down with a hotel room full of Pikachu dolls, unusual flavours of KitKats and yukata, tourists are buying large bags to take everything home with them. They then dump the bag they brought rather than paying to take two home.

A survey by the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau found that more than 80 percent of the hotels surveyed complain about abandoned suitcases. This can prove tricky for hotels, which end up storing the bags while they attempt to make contact with the departed guest.

The Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi reports about three or four suitcases left in rooms on some days. Disposal cost the hotel more than £1,400 last year.

While the issue is one of inconvenience and financial cost in hotels, it is a security matter in airports. Narita International Airport near Tokyo reported more than 1,000 abandoned suitcases last year alone, some of them prompting police responses to ensure that they aren’t a security threat.

Audrey Kohout, Co-CEO of Luggage Forward, told the Mirror: “A few things in Japan have led to this trend there as opposed to other surging places. Japan is a wonderful place for souvenir shopping. People are purchasing a huge amount and are upgrading to a bigger suitcase, as they didn’t plan ahead.

“You combine that with checking a bag on an airline, and it leaves people a bit squeezed and not wanting multiple bags. The dollar is strong there. You merge that with Japan having a lot of high-quality, affordable options and fun knick-knacks. It lends it to be a strong souvenir destination.

“Also, it is not an easy place to throw something away. It is built for residents. I remember walking around with a coffee cup for miles. You’re supposed to bring things home and dispose of them at home. Abandoning it can be easier than throwing it away.

“There is also often a language barrier. Japan is a pretty easy place to get around, but not a lot of people speak English. Just getting support on something that’s not wildly obvious is not the easiest thing to do there.”

Japan has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in the world for a holiday, and it’s having a bumper year. The weak state of the yen is encouraging visitors to book holidays in record numbers.

From the UK alone, just shy of 70,000 Brits travelled there in April, a 43% increase compared to the same month in 2024. Overall, Japan set a new visitor record with 21.5 million tourists in the first half of 2025, a 21% increase from last year.

Tourist taxes are being massively hiked up in a new bid to combat the effects of overtourism as locals have had it with the crowds of visitors coming for photos

Visitors heading to a beautiful city renowned for its gorgeous views and rich culture are about to face a 900% increase in tourist taxes.

Kyoto in Japan has long been a firm favourite with tourists from all over the world, thanks to its beautiful cobbled streets, traditional tea houses and countryside views. However, the city’s popularity means that it’s been fighting against overtourism for years, in a bid to manage the crowds.

Now, the city is taking new steps in a bid to help mitigate the effects of overtourism; last year alone the iconic destination saw over 10 million tourists visiting, marking a 53% increase on the previous year.

Kyoto has already had a tourist tax in place costing approximately £5 a night per tourist, but it’s set to increase this up to nearly £50 (£48.92) per person, per night. This will apply to visitors staying at the city’s more luxurious hotels, and is expected to come into force from early 2026. It marks a jump of approximately 900% cost for tourists.

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It’s not the first steps that Kyoto has taken when facing the crowds of holidaymakers that flock to its picturesque districts.

Since 2019, the city has had a ban on tourists taking photos in its historic Gion district. Although some popular areas such as Hanamikoji Main Street are deemed acceptable, locals complained that tourists were heading to private streets and properties in the area, and taking photos without the owner’s permission. As a result, local authorities introduced a ban on photos, with fines for rule-breakers of 10,000 Japanese Yen (approximately £49).

The ban on entering private alleyways and taking photos was reinforced last year. Isokazu Ota, Gion Southside District councillor, said at the time that livelihoods were being “threatened”, not to mention the narrow alleys were becoming overcrowded and therefore posing a danger to both residents and tourists.

Signs have also been placed around private areas to warn off visitors, with requests for tourists not to sit down on people’s properties to eat and drink.

Visitors have also been warned not to take photos of the city’s geishas without requesting their permission first. Nicknamed the ‘maiko paparazzi’, tourists follow local maiko and geisha and wait outside teahouses where they work. Maiko and geisha live and work on these roads and apprentice geisha are often 16 to 17 years of age, with concerns for their safety amplifying after incidents which included them being hounded by strangers for a photo.

Sora News, a Japanese publication, stated last year: “One area struggling more than most is Gion, which, despite being a place of work and residence for many locals, has been treated like something of a theme park by tourists, who have been known to chase and photograph geisha and maiko (trainee geisha) in the area.”

A few years ago the city’s authorities also temporarily released an ‘etiquette guide’ for visitors to help them navigate the local customs and behave in a way that would be deemed appropriate.

Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected].

Disney World visitors have been left stunned after discovering prices at the holiday resort. While parents raised concern, some children were said to be “in tears”

Disney World may be a magical place, but it seems the prices are enough to break the spell, and recent reports have also suggested the theme park has been quiet lately. One man, known as i_dad_so_hard on TikTok, recently took a trip to the Florida theme park and was gobsmacked by the cost of basic items.

In a video shared on the social media platform, he documented his journey around the theme park, highlighting the “ridiculous” prices he encountered. His trip wasn’t exactly a bargain, as he revealed just how pricey some things were. As he strolled around Disney World, he pointed out that a blueberry vodka lemonade was going for $15.50 (£12.00), while a Canadian apple slushy was a steep $16.50 (£12.50). Although he conceded the prices “could be worse”, he declared he’d “never” fork out for them.

Elsewhere in the park, a pair of Crocs were priced at a hefty $64.99 (£48.00), and a jumper was over $80.00. He also showcased a phone case with a price tag of $39.00 (£29.00), and it’s not the first time someone has alerted people to the cost at a Disney resort.

As he continued his tour, he came across a Minnie Mouse handbag. Over the video, he wrote: “A meltdown was had over this backpack.”

After showing the bag to the camera, he disclosed it was a whopping $100.00 (£75.00), adding: “Not my child, but a child went full send tantrum.”

As he strolled about, he remarked: “Whatever price you think it’s going to be inflated to, and then add 50% to that. Are we thinking on the candle? $35.00 (£26.00).

“Yeah, you just want to get some Disney ears for your kids. $35.00 there. It’s $100.00 in Disney ears for three kids. So, the next time you see someone with a Disney hat on, it’s basically like Gucci.”

Since the clip was posted, it’s racked up more than 20,000 views, with viewers flocking to share their reactions.

One viewer commented: “We took our son to Disney. After much crying (two days), we had to buy the bubble wand. I felt ashamed for buying it.”

Another chimed in with: “Everything is ridiculously high. I paid $60.00 for two three-piece chicken dinners.” A third also responded: “This is why Disney will never see me.”

Others think punters are happy to fork out the hefty prices though, with a fourth writing: “If one pays it, it’s their problem. I’ve never been there and don’t have any plans to.”

Someone else also weighed in with: “Idiots keep paying it, so why not?” One more penned: “As long as people pay it, they will ask it.”

Typically, products at Disney World, including food, merchandise and keepsakes fluctuate dramatically in cost; nevertheless, guests can anticipate fast-food meals beginning at approximately $15.00 (£11.00) for adults, whilst sit-down dining starts from roughly $22.00 (£16.37). Merchandise is reported to range from between $25.00 (£18.60) to $100.00 (£74.39) for shirts and hoodies, with other items like ears costing around $25.00. However, these prices can fluctuate.

Recently, it’s been suggested that Disney World has been attempting to make holidays more affordable for visitors. The attraction has offered discount promotions for resort guests in some cases, while also maintaining premium-priced experiences and large-scale investments in new attractions.

The company asserts it offers various price points to try and accommodate different budgets. There are also a wide range of ticket and hotel options for visitors to choose from. Disney World has been contacted for further information.

The charming northern village is a hidden gem with “magical” scenery, according to visitors

A charming village has been crowned the “prettiest little village of the north” thanks to its captivating and “magical” surroundings. Close to the Tabular Hills within the stunning North York Moors National Park, this peaceful haven is famous for its classic stone-brick homes and the legendary walnut tree standing proudly at its centre.

Despite having only 200 locals calling it home, the village boasts an impressive heritage with an extraordinary 29 listed structures. Hutton-le-Hole earned its place on CNN Traveller’s coveted list of Britain’s “most beautiful villages” and was lauded for its charm whatever the climate.

Their glowing review says: “Plant yourself on the grass in the centre of the village with a picnic and paddle in the stream, and when the heavens open, hibernate in one of its tea shops for a hearty slice of cake.”

This scenic village is both visually stunning and packed with things to do, featuring lovely tea rooms, wonderful gift shops, and fascinating historical landmarks, reports the Express.

Most notably, it’s home to the Ryedale Folk Museum which explores Yorkshire’s rich past in remarkable detail. The museum houses an incredible collection of more than 40,000 items spanning from the Iron Age through to the swinging 1950s.

The Ryedale Folk Museum’s website beckons visitors: “Don’t miss the medieval Manor House or Iron-Age Roundhouse. Call by the farming area, or find the perfect picnic site in our pretty heritage orchard. We’re also a dog-friendly day trip so don’t forget your canine friends too.”

A must-see attraction is The Chocolate Factory, founded by enterprising brothers Gareth and Chris East over two decades ago.

At this location, skilled craftspeople painstakingly create beautiful chocolates by hand using only the finest ingredients including fresh double cream, real alcohol, and genuine Belgian chocolate, all within their cosy micro-factory tucked away in Hutton-le-Hole’s picturesque surroundings.

Beyond this charming village stretches a network of walking trails that guide adventurous souls onto the magnificent Yorkshire Moors, where the spectacular purple heather creates a dreamlike landscape for those trekking or rambling across this national gem.

Emma, a travel enthusiast who focuses on pet-friendly locations through her blog ‘Paws Explore North’, shared her astonishment at the village’s tranquillity given its remarkable absence of tourists.

She revealed her shock in a recent post, saying: “The heather was out in full bloom and was absolutely lovely I was shocked that we didn’t see more people out enjoying it, especially as the weather was fantastic too.”

The charm of the picturesque village has been amplified by social media users who have dubbed it a “hidden gem”.

One visitor shared their experience: “Went for a hike and then had a picnic down by the river…it’s one of the most magical places I’ve ever been.”

Another expressed their admiration: “One of the prettiest little villages in the north.”

Meanwhile, another user heaped praise on the local museum: “Loved the museum. Been there a few times it’s brilliant well worth a visit.”

Bath: Woods; Emens, Hennessey, Butt, Offiah; Linegar, Carr-Smith; Kirk, Spandler, Verden; Cuckson, Richards (C), Staddon, Cowan, Green.

Replacements: Pearce, Summerfield, A.Griffin, Jeanes, Ridgway, le Roux, C.Griffin, Timmins.

Yellow Card: Summerfield, Kirk.

Exeter Chiefs: Hodge; Brown-Bampoe, Hammersley, Slade, John; Skinner, Varney; Blose, Yeandle (C), Tchumbadze; Tuima, Pearson, Roots, Tshiunza, Vintcent.

Replacements: Dweba, Goodrick-Clarke, Iosefa-Scott, Zambonin, James, Chapman, Coen, Lilley.

Yellow Card: Tuima.

Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys

It’s sits on a beautiful 22-mile coastline and has one of the most unique natural environments in the country – but it’s not to everyone’s taste

Most Britons consider Spain and Greece when deciding where to head for a seaside getaway.

The reliable sunshine and balmy temperatures make these two nations a favoured choice for those tired of drizzle and overcast, grey skies as the autumn weather draws in.

Nevertheless, the UK boasts a stunning array of beaches that are perfect for a day trip or even an extended break.

According to The Beach Guide, there are 1,500 beaches scattered across the UK and Ireland.

The guide has assembled a list of Britain’s finest beaches, but one location is notably missing from the rankings, reports the Express.

Southport Beach forms the northernmost section of Sefton’s spectacular 22-mile shoreline and boasts one of the nation’s most distinctive natural habitats.

It provides sanctuary for thousands of migrating wading birds from their northern nesting areas and is renowned for staging the Southport Air Show.

Regrettably, numerous beach visitors have been far from satisfied, based on feedback posted on Tripadvisor.

One frustrated holidaymaker named Jessica raged: “Horrible, walked miles without seeing any sea, shells everywhere, it’s just sand and there are no cubicles to get changed.”

Another visitor, Suzie, agreed, posting: “Absolutely disgusting! One of my worst experiences ever.

“Walked miles on end for the sea just to realise that it was not clean and full of jellyfish.

“There were shells everywhere and my feet got cut with shells and sharp objects in the sand. Do not go to this beach for the sea because you will never find it!”

Which? magazine has named the beach as one of the worst seaside towns in the UK for two years running.

Yet, Southport beach isn’t all doom and gloom, scoring a respectable 6.7 on beaches-searcher.com..

Indeed, some holidaymakers have sung its praises, awarding it a perfect 10 out of 10.

One such visitor, Rajdwip Tapadar, commented: “A good place to hang out but if you are expecting some sea then you might need to walk more. Take a beer and relax in the lap of nature.”

A recent Which? survey has thrown a wet blanket over the UK’s seaside towns, with one ‘traditional bucket-and-spade resort’ being relegated to the bottom of the list

A Which? evaluation has thrown doubt over the British summertime ritual of coastal excursions, ranking one “classic bucket-and-spade destination” amongst the nation’s most disappointing seaside locations.

Clacton-on-Sea, situated along the Essex coastline, offers all the essentials for a budget-friendly coastal getaway with its entertainment pier, gaming arcades and golden sands.

However, holidaymakers who took part in the Which? study found themselves feeling “underwhelmed” by what they encountered, pushing Clacton-on-Sea down to the bottom tier of the league table alongside Bognor Regis, Bangor and Southend, reports Cornwall Live.

The assessment noted that whilst the beaches managed a reasonable three-star score, the waterfront itself struggled to make an impact.

The resort also scored particularly badly for serenity, managing just a one-star rating for peace and quiet, as highlighted by the Express, reports Devon Live.

Supporting these conclusions, Tripadvisor feedback from previous guests characterise Clacton-on-Sea as “underwhelming”.

One British visitor expressed their disappointment, having anticipated more attractions and entertainment options, especially for youngsters, and believed that “everything was just a bit underwhelming”.

Despite such reviews, Clacton-on-Sea does have its positive aspects.

Some respondents in the Which? study commended the resort’s delightful waterfront gardens and the “fantastic” yearly airshow. Clacton-on-Sea’s coastline is earning rave reviews on Tripadvisor, boasting an impressive 4.5-star rating out of five.

The beach’s pristine condition has holidaymakers singing its praises, with some even dubbing it the “jewel” of Essex.

One visitor wrote: “Clacton-on-sea has a lovely clean sandy beach with palm trees, and is a great place to visit while on holiday or just a day out; the kids will love it as there is so much to do.”

Another tourist added: “It’s sunny, has a sandy beach, there are patrol on hand in [an] emergency. People are coming [from] all over the place. Lots of attractions and places to eat… fish and chips and ice cream. The jewel of Essex.”

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Following a significant tourist boom, officials have confirmed overseas tourists will be charged to enter some of the country’s most popular natural sites – with some fees as high as £17

A breathtakingly beautiful country renowned for its rugged mountains and lush landscapes has revealed plans to charge overseas tourists for entering some of its most famous natural attractions. Last year, around 3.31 million international tourists flocked to New Zealand, a significant increase of 357,000 compared to 2023.

Lured in by its glow worm-filled caves, natural springs, incredible hikes and unbeatable coffee culture, the country’s tourist boom has shed light on the strain tourism can have on nature. As a result, conservation minister Tama Potaka and prime minister Christopher Luxon have announced new measures to help protect the areas, as well as create more jobs and boost wages.

The move will see tourists pay between NZ$20 (£8.87) and $40 (£17.75) to enter a handful of attractions that account for around 80 per cent of all visitors. It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

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“Tourists make a massive contribution to our economy, and no one wants that to change,” Mr Potaka said. “But I have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free.”

The politician estimated the move will generate a whopping £28 million in revenue per year, which will be ‘directly re-invested into those same areas’. However, New Zealanders will be exempt from the tourist charge.

“It’s our collective inheritance and Kiwis shouldn’t have to pay to see it,” the PM added, arguing the country’s concessions regime is ‘totally broken’. “If we’re serious about keeping Kiwis at home, creating jobs, and increasing wages for all New Zealanders, we can’t afford to keep saying no to every opportunity that comes our way.”

The first locations to introduce the charges will be Piopiotahi (Milford Sound), a stunning fjord located in the southwest of the south island. Sandwiched within Fiordland National Park, the reserve is highly popular with tourists wanting to explore the dolphin-filled waters and majestic waterfalls on a boat tour. It was also one of the many filming locations for the Lord of the Rings.

The iconic Te Whanganui-a-Hei (Cathedral Cove) will also be included in the shake-up. This stunning marine reserve is arguably the country’s most famous patch of sand, often pictured by its natural archway that perfectly frames the beach. Other sites slated to introduce tourist charges include Tongariro Crossing in the eponymously-named national park and the famous Aoraki Mount Cook – New Zealand’s highest mountain.

It is reported that the fees won’t be introduced until 2027. Much closer to home, sunbed wars see Brits forced to queue for ‘over an hour’ just to get to the pool.

What do you think of New Zealand’s tourist charge? Have your say in the comments section below

This world-famous beach is loved by many for its vibrant atmosphere and rolling waves, but that hasn’t stopped some visitors from branding it thoroughly disappointing

One of the world’s most famous beaches has been named as one of the biggest let-downs. Through examining over 100 internationally celebrated beaches via travel reviews, Ibiza Summer Villas discovered that Bondi Beach leaves many visitors thoroughly underwhelmed.

Each location received ratings based on reviews, Google and TikTok search popularity, plus yearly precipitation levels at the destination. The study showed that Australia’s Bondi Beach tops the charts for disappointment, with holidaymakers branding it “overrated” and “disappointing”.

This stretch of coastline claimed the crown for most underwhelming when comparing poor reviews against search popularity, though the figure remained modest at merely 2.7% of reviews describing it as “disappointing” or “overrated” alongside 447,000 TikTok searches, reports the Express. It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

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Excessive crowds, heavy commercialisation, and visitor exhaustion feature prominently, securing its position at number five on the overhyped rankings.

Bondi Beach enjoys worldwide recognition for its waves, golden sands and naturally, the countless holidaymakers who descend upon this Sydney hotspot annually.

The area boasts tidal pools, a thriving food and drink scene featuring numerous cafés and pubs, plus an array of boutique and chain retailers. Yet for all its splendour, this coastal gem doesn’t appeal to everyone.

Tourists expressed frustration with the masses, with one individual posting on TripAdvisor: “I got the feeling that everyone who comes here comes for ‘been there, done that’ experience only. Crowded and overrated.”

One disgruntled visitor remarked: “Probably the most overrated beach on the planet. Crowded full of arrogant people and feels like everyone is in a bad mood.” Another added: “I can’t see anything attractive about Bondi, except possibly closeness to the city. The place is so heavily overpopulated, with apartments everywhere you look. Concrete is everywhere. Where is the nature?”.

However, not everyone shared this sentiment, with some tourists being completely taken aback by the beach’s beauty.

One such tourist enthused: “It’s a vibrant, busy beach which is perfect for surfing and swimming. There are plenty of places to eat and drink along the beach and different walks that you can take along the coastline.” Another penned: “Bondi Beach is an absolute icon! The golden sand, rolling waves, and buzzing atmosphere make it a must-visit in Sydney.

“The surf is amazing, but it can be dangerous if you don’t follow the flags and listen to the lifeguards-they’re there for a reason!”.

The charge, which has been dubbed the ‘sustainable tourism fee’ by the local government, has been implemented in a bid to curb ‘overtourism’ in certain hotspots

If you’re planning a trip to the Greek islands this summer, you’ll want to take note of a new charge now hitting some visitors to the region. The new rule, which came into force on Monday (July 21), means cruise passengers must cough up a “cruise fee” when disembarking from the ship.

“Cruising the Greek islands became a little more expensive for everyone,” warned Dane from TikTok’s CroatianTravellers account. “Passengers disembarking on Greek islands will pay an extra charge.” But what’s the damage? “The so-called ‘cruise fee’ will be €20 for disembarkation at ports on the islands of Mykonos and Santorini,” Dane revealed. “For others ports it will be €5.”

The levy, branded the “sustainable tourism fee” by Greek officials, has been brought in to tackle “overtourism” at popular destinations.

According to the Hellenic Ports Association, a staggering 768 cruise ships carrying roughly 1.29million holidaymakers visited Mykonos last year.

Dane continued: “During shoulder season in October and from April 1 to May 31, the fee for Mykonos and Santorini the fee drops to €12 for Mykonos and Santorini and €3 for all other ports. And, during the winter months from November 1 to March 31, the fee is just €4 for Mykonos and Santorini and €1 for other ports. The charge will be applied per passenger and per port where they disembark.”

According to Keep Talking Greece, cruise line companies will include these fees in their fares and then manage the payments to the Greek government.

State broadcaster ERT suggests that this change could bolster the local economy by €50million, with a third of the income benefiting the island municipalities themselves.

Holidaymakers appear to be supportive of the extra cost, including one TikTok user who penned in response: “As long as it’s being spent on tourist infrastructure and preservation of local history and nature then I’m all for it.”

Another added: “Greece is a poor country, I think this is fair. I wouldn’t agree if it were a wealthier country like Canada. The economic boom from the cruise ships is enough for us.”

A third person declared: “I’d pay for Santorini, it is well worth it. I spent a month on Santorini and if I had the opportunity to go again I’d be there in a heartbeat.”

While a fourth explained: “Honestly that’s okay to charge it say they are trying to drive people to other ports. People rock up use the facilities and leave. As long as the tourist tax goes into infrastructure it will be there for years for others to enjoy as well as the locals.”

However, one holidaymaker who was less than impressed by the change, vented: “It’s just not worth cruising to these places… by the time you dock, queue for a hour to get on your boat, everything is a rush and spend hours in queues before panicking to get back and queue to get back on the boats to take you to the cruise ship.

“A complete day of stress. I normally just stay onboard and enjoy the weather and a empty ship.”

A 3,800-year-old citadel of the Caral civilisation – one of the world’s oldest – has reopened for visitors in Peru after eight years of comprehensive restoration and research.

Researchers have identified the Penico archaeological site as a vital trading centre that connected early Pacific coastal communities with those in the Andes and Amazon regions.

Located in the Supe Valley, about 180km (110 miles) north of Lima and only 19km (12 miles) from the Pacific Ocean, Penico was an unremarkable hilly landscape until excavations commenced in 2017.

Archaeologists believe the site could provide crucial information about the enigmatic collapse of the Caral civilisation, which flourished between 3,000 and 1,800 BC.

The opening ceremony featured regional artists playing pututus – traditional shell trumpets – as part of an ancient ritual honouring Pachamama, Mother Earth, with ceremonial offerings of agricultural products, coca leaves, and local beverages.

“Penico was an organised urban centre devoted to agriculture and trade between the coast, the mountains and the forest,” archaeologist Ruth Shady, who leads research at the site, told the AFP news agency. She said the settlement dates to between 1,800 and 1,500 BC.

The site demonstrates sophisticated planning, strategically built on a geological terrace 600 metres (2,000ft) above sea level and parallel to a river to avoid flooding.

Research by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture has uncovered 18 distinct structures, including public buildings and residential complexes. Scholars believe Penico was built during the same period as the earliest civilisations in the Middle East and Asia.

According to Shady, researchers hope the site will shed light on the crisis they believe hastened the Caral civilisation’s decline. This crisis, she explained, was linked to climate change that caused droughts and disrupted agricultural activities throughout the region.

“We want to understand how the Caral civilisation formed and developed over time, and how it came to be in crisis as a result of climate change,” she said.

Argentina: Elizalde; Moroni, Cinti, Piccardo, Mendy; S Carreras, Cruz; Gallo, Montoya (capt), Kodela, Petti Pagadizabal, Rubiolo, S Grondona, Gonzalez, Matera.

Replacements: Bernasconi, Vivas, Delgado, Paulos, Isa, B Grondona, Moyano, Roger.

England: Steward; Roebuck, Northmore, S Atkinson, Muir; Ford (capt), Spencer; Baxter, Dan, Heyes, Ewels, Coles, B Curry, Underhill, T Willis.

Replacements: Langdon, Rodd, Opoku-Fordjour, Cunningham-South, Pepper, Dombrandt, Van Poortvliet, Murley.

Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)

In his ongoing war on “woke,” President Trump has instructed the National Park Service to scrub any language he would deem negative, unpatriotic or smacking of “improper partisan ideology” from signs and presentations visitors encounter at national parks and historic sites.

Instead, his administration has ordered the national parks and hundreds of other monuments and museums supervised by the Department of the Interior to ensure that all of their signage reminds Americans of our “extraordinary heritage, consistent progress toward becoming a more perfect Union, and unmatched record of advancing liberty, prosperity and human flourishing.”

Those marching orders, which went into effect late last week, have left Trump opponents and free speech advocates gasping in disbelief, wondering how park employees are supposed to put a sunny spin on monuments acknowledging slavery and Jim Crow laws. And how they’ll square the story of Japanese Americans shipped off to incarceration camps during World War II with an “unmatched record of advancing liberty.”

At Manzanar National Historic Site, a dusty encampment in the high desert of eastern California, one of 10 camps where more than 120,000 Japanese American civilians were imprisoned during the early 1940s, employees put up a required notice describing the changes last week.

Like all such notices across the country, it includes a QR code visitors can use to report any signs they see that are “negative about either past or living Americans or that fail to emphasize the beauty, grandeur, and abundance of landscapes”.

An identical sign is up at the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument in Kern County, a tribute to the struggle to ensure better wages and safer working conditions for immigrant farm laborers. Such signs are going up across the sprawling system, which includes Fort Sumter National Monument, where Confederates fired the first shots of the Civil War; Ford’s Theater National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated; and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park.

So, nothing negative about John Wilkes Booth or James Earl Ray?

In response to an email requesting comment, a National Park Service spokesperson did not address questions about specific parks or monuments, saying only that changes would be made “where appropriate.”

The whole thing is “flabbergasting,” said Dennis Arguelles, Southern California director for the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Assn. “These stories may not be flattering to American heritage, but they’re an integral part of our history.

“If we lose these stories, then we’re in danger of repeating some of these mistakes,” Arguelles said.

Trump titled his March 27 executive order requiring federal sign writers to look on the bright side “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” He specifically instructed the Interior Department to scrutinize any signs put up since January 2020 — the beginning of the Biden administration — for language that perpetuates “a false reconstruction” of American history.

Trump called out signs that “undermine the remarkable achievements of the United States by casting its founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light.”

He specifically cited the National Historical Park in Philadelphia and the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., as bowing to what he described as the previous administration’s zeal to cast “our Nation’s unparalleled legacy of advancing liberty, individual rights, and human happiness” as “inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed.”

His solution? Order federal employees and historians to rewrite the “revisionist” history with language that exudes patriotism.

“It all seems pretty Orwellian,” said Kimbrough Moore, a rock climber and Yosemite National Park guide book author. After news of the impending changes began circulating in park circles, he posted on Instagram a sign he saw in the toilet at the Porcupine Flat campground in the middle of the park.

Across from the ubiquitous sign in all park bathrooms that says, “Please DO NOT put trash in toilets, it is extremely difficult to remove,” someone added a placard that reads, “Please DO NOT put trash in the White House. It is extremely difficult to remove.”

Predictably, the post went viral, proving what would-be censors have known for centuries: Policing language is a messy business and can be hard to control in a free society.

“Even the pooper can be a venue for resistance,” Moore wrote.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneaul gave Gilgeous-Alexander, this season’s Most Valuable Player, a break late in the third quarter rather than his usual rest early in the fourth.

The Pacers led 101-97 with less than four minutes remaining, but Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of the Thunder’s final 16 points and ended the game with 10 free-throws from 10 attempts.

Jalen Williams scored 27 points and made seven rebounds for the Thunder, while Alex Caruso added 20 points off the bench.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 20 points and Tyrese Haliburton 18.

“We just didn’t execute at the end of the game,” said Siakam. “We didn’t get easy shots. The easy shots that we got, we missed them. And they made them.”

The Thunder host game five at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City at 19:30 local time on Monday (01:30 BST, Tuesday).

The UK beach has been slammed by holidaymakers in reviews

Despite the UK’s renown for its picturesque coastal retreats, one of its famed beaches has unfortunately found itself on a global list for less than flattering reasons. Bournemouth Beach has been ranked among the world’s most overrated beaches, drawing criticism from both British and international tourists.

Cloudwards experts scrutinised TripAdvisor reviews for 200 of the globe’s most frequented beaches. They explained their methodology: “We used complaint-related keywords like ‘dirty’, ‘overcrowded’, ‘long queues’, ‘noise’, and ‘disruption’ to filter the reviews, then looked at how frequently they were applied to each beach to calculate an overall ‘complaint score.”

Bournemouth Beach, nestled in Dorset, landed in the top five of this less desirable ranking. The beach is known for its seven-mile stretch of sand, crystal clear waters, and striking cliffs. The beach even boasts its own micro-climate, offering some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK.

Whether you’re lounging on the sand, exploring the pier, savouring local cuisine, or engaging in water sports, there’s something for everyone throughout the year. However, this recent study has labelled the beach as “overrated”, reports the Express.

Bournemouth beach received a total complaint score of 65.1/100 (with 100 being the worst). The study revealed that 31.7% of reviews claimed the beach is dirty, 52.5% complained it is overcrowded, 10.2% grumbled about long queues, and 5.6% remarked on high noise levels.

However, Bournemouth Beach fared better than some US beaches, with Waikiki Beach in Hawaii earning a complaint score of 100/100, making it the “most complained-about beach worldwide”.

The expert’s assessment of Waikiki Beach highlighted overcrowding as the main issue (67.3% of complaints), followed by cleanliness concerns (15.9%), and to a lesser extent, long queues and noise.

According to TripAdvisor, Bournemouth beach boasts an average rating of 4.5 bubbles from over 9,000 reviewers. However, a glance at the comments reveals a less rosy picture, with the most recent review (June 2025) being decidedly negative.

The disgruntled visitor wrote: “Dirty rundown, no pride in the area. Also got fined £100 for putting a cigarette on a planter full of buts, no bins, little jobsworth won’t be going again, nothing like it used to be.”

Another reviewer remarked: “Great beach, but some tourists are animals, leaving litter everywhere. I was helping out with beach clean for Marine Conservation for my daughter and as soon as the beach was done, it was covered in beer cans, plastic debris, vapes, and numerous wet wipes, broken glass, Cigarette ends everywhere.”

One visitor expressed their disappointment with Bournemouth’s main beach, noting the overcrowding issue. They commented: “We’ve been to Bournemouth many times and love the area in general but really disappointed with the main beach area on our last visit.

“We’d gone late afternoon, having spent the day at one of the smaller beaches (which was lovely), so I realise the beach and facilities will have taken a hammering over such a busy day, but it was smelly and dirty.”

The top 10 most overrated beaches in the world

Ranking

Beach

Country

Score

Dirty

Crowded

Queues

Noise

1

Waikiki Beach

USA

100

15.9%

67.3%

7.6%

9.2%

2

Venice Beach

USA

89.7

60.6%

20.7%

6.8%

12%

3

Playa Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica

73.5

10.4%

56.2%

26%

7.4%

4

Clearwater Beach

USA

65.5

18.6%

64.6%

8.3%

8.5%

5

Bournemouth Beach

UK

65.1

31.7%

52.5%

10.2%

5.6%

6

La Jolla Cove

USA

64.3

57.9%

30.4%

6.7%

4.9%

7

Elafonissi Beach

Greece

60.3

9.8%

73.4%

14.4%

2.4%

8

Magens Bay Beach

Virgin Islands

58.1

12.4%

62.2%

16.9%

8.5%

9

Bondi Beach

Australia

57.1

13%

75.9%

7.8%

3.4%

10

Maho Beach

Sint Maarten

57

6.8%

43.8%

11.3%

38.2%