Weekend Content

PASSENGERS heading abroad this summer may want to double-check their liquid allowance or risk having their items confiscated.

Despite restrictions relaxing in certain locations, 17 major UK airports still enforce the old 100ml luggage rules after a huge U-turn.

A number of UK airports have recently introduced new rules when it comes to airport security.

Some travellers can now bring containers of up to two litres on their flight, meaning no more last minute scrambles for a clear plastic bag or the fear of having your favourite fragrance confiscated.

The changes have come with the introduction of new CT scanners that have begun to be rolled out at major airports.

However, despite rules relaxing at certain locations, many others still enforce the old rules around liquid limits.

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A number of UK airports still require containers to be 100ml or less for liquids, gels, pastes, sprays and aerosols.

The rules apply to the liquid limit of the container, meaning a 200ml bottle that is half-empty would not be allowed.

It’s still worth double-checking the liquid regulations from the airport you’re travelling from.

The list has changed multiple times over the past few years, with some airports temporarily relaxing the limits at points.

Passengers heading out from a certain group of airports can carry two-litre containers through security.

These include Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast International and Belfast City.

However, anyone planning on bringing large containers back from their holiday should double- check with regulations at their return airport.

Many holiday destinations will still enforce the 100ml rule, so while you may have been able to bring a full-size bottle in hand luggage on the way out, you’ll need to make sure it’s in checked luggage for the return.

When referring to liquid limits, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t just apply to toiletries.

According to the government website, liquids include “drinks, soup, jam, honey, syrups, creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, sprays, aerosols, gels, pastes, toothpaste and contact lens solution”.

HEADING abroad can be stressful, from packing all the essentials to leaving for the airport at the crack of dawn.

To make it as easy as possible, take a look at all of the new rules for a smooth-sailing holiday this summer.

EES

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new system that has been implemented across 29 European countries in the Schengen Area.

These include holiday hotspots like Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Germany.

EES tracks when you enter and leave European countries by using biometrics and eventually it will replace passport stamping.

Essentially Brits will have to register at a machine and scan their passport – the good news is that you then you don’t have to do it again for another three years.

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If you want to find out more on the step-by-step process – head here.

Something else to be aware of about EES is that it has resulted in long queues, so it’s wise to leave extra time when heading abroad.

There have been reports of up to six- hour delays outside of peak travel time at border control at multiple airports.

During the summer, you might experience queues in the arrivals hall, but there have also been travellers who have missed flights on their way home too.

eGates

There are new rules at UK airports for children which is actually good news for families.

Now, children aged eight and over can now use eGates when accompanied by an adult – they also need to be at least 120cm tall.

The height restriction is in place as kids need to be able to see and be captured by the biometric screens at the eGates.

The rule change impacts 13 airports across the UK that currently use eGates, including:

• London Heathrow
• London Gatwick
• London City
• London Luton
• London Stansted
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• East Midlands
• Newcastle
• Cardiff
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow

Passports

Brits heading on holiday are STILL being caught out by passport rules, so it’s worth reminding yourself beforehand.

Passports must be only be valid for 10 years, with any months rolled over from previous passports no longer allowed.

Figures have shown up to 100,000 holidaymakers a year face being turned away at airports if their passport is more than a decade old.

Before you travel, check the start date, not the expiry.

For example, if a passport has June 2016 start date but a November 2026 expiry, it has technically expired.

Alongside the requirement to have between three to six months left on it, enforced by a number of countries, it is still causing confusion for travellers.

Most places in Europe only want three months left on a passport, but places like the UAE, Egypt, and Chile require six months in total.

Another passport rule to be aware of only affects those with dual nationality.

A rule that came into effect at the beginning of 2026 means that you can no longer use your foreign passport to enter the UK.

Instead, you have to use a valid British passport.

If you don’t have this, you can apply for a certificate of entitlement, which costs £589.

Visas and travel requirements

Luckily for Brits, citizens can visit more than 170 countries in the world without a visa.

When heading on holiday, families can enter with just their passport to the Schengen Area and most European countries.

In most destinations, you can travel for up to 90 days within any 180-day period – so if you’re going to the likes of Spain for a two-week break, you’re covered.

But there are certain countries where an additional entry requirement is needed.

Be sure to check the entry requirements in advance as some take a few weeks to come through – although most holiday visas are approved quicker.

For example, if you’re headed to Florida for a theme park getaway to Orlando, then you’ll need to apply for an ESTA.

It costs around £30 per application and can be approved in as little as 72 hours.

Countries where you’ll need a visa or other travel requirement include India, Australia and parts of Egypt.

Until December 31, 2026, UK passport holders can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa.

This year, Sri Lanka has scrapped visa fees – but you will need to still apply for an ETA in advance.

ETIAS is a new system being brought in for Brits, but it won’t be in use until 2027 – so you won’t need one to travel this summer.

Power banks

While power banks are handy for travellers, they have caused several issues across a number of flights.

As the school summer holidays approach, holidaymakers must remember to adhere to strict rule.

When an incident regarding a lithium battery occurs in the cabin, cabin crew can handle it more easily.

However, if the issue is in the hold, then it’s a trickier problem to solve quickly and can cause delays or even the cancellation of flights.

The rules on carrying power banks vary from airline to airline.

Most airlines allow two power banks onboard per passenger as long as they are in hand luggage and cannot be used during the flight – these include:

• Asiana Airlime
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• China Airlines
• easyJet
• EVA Air
• Jet2
• Lufthansa
• Korean Air
• Loganair
• Qantas
• Ryanair
• Singapore Airlines
• Starlux Airlines
• TUI Airways
• United
• Vietnam Airlines
• Wizz Air

Emirates allows passengers to carry just one power bank onboard and it cannot be used during the flight.

However, Virgin Atlantic allows up to five power banks or spare batteries per passenger depending on their watt-hour rating.

Again, these cannot be used inflight and must be in hand luggage.

If you want to read more on power bank rules by the individual airline, head here.

ACROSS the globe are lots of beautiful islands with incredible beaches, jungles, even mountains – and I’ve been lucky enough to visit the world’s best.

Off the coast of Thailand, Koh Samui is a tropical paradise with inexpensive luxury hotels along with cheap restaurants and cocktails for a few quid.

It was recently crowned the ‘Best Island in the World’ by Travel + Leisure.

Hundreds of thousands of readers voted for their top island destination to form the list of the 25 best.

Koh Samui took the crown and was praised for its “array of elevated accommodations, luscious jungles, and roaring waterfalls—has become a leading destination for self-care.”

While I can’t say I went to Koh Samui for self-care per se, I did feel incredibly relaxed when checking into one of its many gorgeous resorts.

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During my stay last August, I checked into the beautiful the Anantara Lawana on the northeastern side of the island.

It did give serious White Lotus vibes, and with good reason as the cast of series three actually filmed bar scenes in its Singing Bird Lounge.

The five-star hotel is reasonably priced as well considering just how beautiful it is.

A seven-night stay for two at the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort with Expedia starts from £1,131.24 or £95pppn.

This is in a Deluxe Lawana room with breakfast included, a garden view and a beautiful outdoor balcony.

However, you can actually book an Anantara Pool Suite – which has its own private plunge pool and an outdoor rain shower for an extra £160.

The resort itself has its own beach which, while it’s not private, was incredibly quiet with sunloungers dotted about.

I found it to be perfect for a paddle after a long day in the sun as the sandbank made it incredibly shallow.

The hotel also has a spa and daily activities like sunrise yoga – there’s plenty to choose from at the buffet breakfast too which comes with an impressive ocean view.

When it comes to dinner, the on-site restaurants have lots of tasty meals like pineapple fried rice – which is served in an actual pineapple and Mai Tai cocktails.

While Koh Samui does have elements of luxury, I would say that venturing outside of these hotels is a whole other adventure.

It’s not the peaceful retreat you see in The White Lotus – instead, it’s scruffy and a tad chaotic with locals darting along the road in mopeds, hectic food markets and late night beach parties.

But having the best of both worlds is what makes it so brilliant.

Tucked away along the bustling streets are tiny restaurants with sticky tables and handmade menus serving up Pad Thai and spicy tom yum soup, with cocktails for £2.

Bars are constantly advertising happy hour too – so quite often I could even bag two drinks for this price.

One of the restaurants I popped into was a five-minute walk from the hotel, and while it didn’t look like much – in fact it still had Christmas decorations up in August, the food was delicious.

Mango sticky rice is a Thai staple and could be picked up all over the island for as little as £1.65.

Food wasn’t the only cheap thing I found on the island – for anyone wanting an authentic Thai massage, these were as little as £6 for an hour.

The island is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches too with either golden or powdery white sand and bright blue waters.

Chaweng is one of the most popular — but there are many pockets of coast where you’ll find secret sandy spots and likely be the only people around.

Other popular spots include Lamai Beach, Choeng Mon Beach and Thongtakian Beach.

From Koh Samui, it’s easy to visit other beautiful spots too like Koh Nangyuan, Koh Tao and the Instagram-worthy Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Here’s the full list of the ‘best islands in the world’…

Here are Travel + Leisure’s best islands in the world – and their scores out of 100…

1. Koh Samui – 95.64
2. Maldives – 95.38
3. Galapagos Islands – 94.99
4. Bali – 93.20
5. Phuket – 93.18
6. Seychelles – 92.95
7. Fiji – 92.71
8. Sri Lanka – 92.67
9. Dominica – 91.87
10. Zanzibar – 91.83
11. Golden Isles – 91.59
12. Sardinia – 91.57
13. Skye and the Hebrides – 91.17
14. Malta – 91.00
15. Grenada – 90.36
16. Madeira – 90.33
17. Azores – 90.18
18. Maui – 89.70
19. Sicily – 89.53
20. Milos – 89.50
21. Virgin Gorda – 89.43
22. Crete – 89.39
23. Vieques – 89.38
24. Paros – 89.33
25. Kauai – 89.16

A BRAND new aquapark is coming to a UK town just in time for the summer holidays.

The attraction spans 150 acres and will be open until the autumn.

The massive new attraction features everything from slides and climbing walls to balance beams and splash zones.

Opening from today (Saturday, July 18), the inflatable waterpark will be running until autumn.

It is located at Hinchingbrooke Country Park in Cambridgeshire and is set to open daily for the rest of the summer.

Visitors aged six and over can pre-book online, with tickets costing £19 per person.

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This price includes entry, as well as a buoyancy aid, helmet, and wetsuit hire.

Helmets and wetsuits are optional, however, participants must wear a buoyancy aid regardless of swimming ability.

Ticket-holders can visit the park anytime 10am to 5pm, with each session lasting an hour.

The new inflatable is part of a larger ongoing investment into Hinchingbrooke Country Park, improving its leisure activities and encouraging more visitors to the park’s large natural surroundings.

Executive member for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Cllr Julie Kerr, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing this exciting new attraction to Hinchingbrooke Country Park.

“It’s a fantastic addition for residents and visitors alike, and part of our ongoing commitment to improving and evolving the park to enhance leisure and outdoor opportunities for users now and in the future.”

A VERY famous boy band star has been spotted casually shopping at duty free in the airport — but would you have spotted him?

The Irish hunk, 32, was standing at the counter purchasing his goods when he turned around and caught the fan filming him on their phone.

Taking to TikTok, a fan shared a video of Niall Horan and captioned it: “I thought I saw Niall Horan at the airport but I didn’t know if it was actually him or not.

“So I took a video to confirm and he caught me and the saxophone’s got louder.”

In the clip, a casually dressed Niall rocks sport shorts and a sweatshirt paired with trainers and a cap ahead of his flight.

He’s seen at the Duty Free counter buying his goods before turning and staring at the fan and their phone camera.

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Fans flocked to the comment section confirming his identity, with one penning: “Yeah that’s definitely Niall.”

A second added: “I get literally second hand embarrassment here Help.”

“This is definitely Niall,” a third wrote, as Another commented: “HAHAHAHAHA oh my God I would hide anywhere.”

“The boys are very good at noticing cameras!!!” noted a fifth.

Niall recently spoke about the pain he’s living with after Liam Payne’s early death.

The singers met as contestants on The X Factor where they were formed into world-famous boyband One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson.

Liam passed away in October 2024 after falling from a balcony in Buenos Aires – with Niall managing to see his friend in Argentina shortly before his untimely death.

“I’m glad of that, it means my last memory of him was happy,” he told The Times.

“It still feels surreal. On day one I was, like, ‘Nah, it didn’t happen.’ Our friendship was a bond that was there for ever even if we hadn’t seen each other for a while and it’s wild that one day, like the flick of a switch, he’s gone.”

Niall also said he has stayed in contact with Liam’s family.

On a lighter note, Niall also opened up on the possibility of an One Direction reunion.

“God knows. I mean look at Harry there, look at Louis, the boys are flying, so God knows, but everyone still asks about it, it’s exciting.”

WHILE Hertfordshire might not have beaches or be as famous as the Cotswolds, it has some fantastic hidden spots that are worth a visit.

So we’ve pooled all our expert knowledge – from three of the Sun’s Travel team who have lived there all their lives – for our favourite spots, from the best pubs to award-winning attractions.

Best pubs

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans

“On a hot day in St Albans, this is undoubtedly the place to head.

“The garden of this pub – which claims to be the oldest in Britain – backs onto the leafy Verulamium Park.

“On a quiet day you can hear the flowing water of the River Ver, one of few remaining chalk streams left in the UK.

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“Legend has it that there’s a hidden network of old tunnels that sit beneath this pub leading up to the cathedral on the hill – supposedly the monks of yesteryear would use them to sneak through.” Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

The Sword Inn Hand, Westmill

“I’m lucky enough to have this pub right on my doorstep and I tend to stop in for a refreshing drink after a very long dog walk around the rolling fields that surround Westmill.

“The Sword Inn Hand has been a pub for over 200 years – and last year it was awarded the title of ‘Best pub’ in Hertfordshire by The Telegraph.

“Outside is a pretty patio area with wisteria that blooms in late spring and a grape vine canopy, as well a grassy area with picnic tables that look over the neighbouring farm.

“I struggle to find anywhere better to enjoy a glass of rosé.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

The Boot, St Albans

“This Grade-II listed boozer is small, wonky and wonderfully charming. Sat at the edge of the cobblestone high street, next to the clock tower, pints flow all weekend and picnic tables spill out into the streets on sunny days.

“It’s slap bang in the city centre and hosts a mix of locals as well as passersby who have wandered in after browsing the Saturday market stalls.

“Make sure to stay for food – the Mexican themed menu of beef shin tacos and salsa tots keeps the regulars coming back week after week.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

The Plough, Elstree

“The Plough in Elstree has just reopened after a multi-million pound refit. The pub has a huge garden with views over the countryside and offers all-day dining and drinking.

“There’s all the classics on the menu for the bar and beer garden from beef and ale pie to smashed burgers.

“The newly-created Stables restaurant is coming soon – offering elevated classics and seasonal specialities.

“There’s also a newly-renamed bar area paying tribute to one of its most famous customers.

“Alfred Hitchcock declared it his favourite watering hole while filming at the nearby British International Pictures studios in the 1930s and the newly refurbished space has lots of film compromises.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

The Silver Cup, Harpenden

“Foodies will want to make a beeline for the Silver Cup, voted one of the best gastropubs in the country and with a place in the Michelin guide for its hearty British grub.

“This family-run joint has a friendly atmosphere and serves a mighty fine roast dinner.

“Sunday dishes include lamb merguez scotch eggs served with sriracha yoghurt and impossibly juicy meats piled next to salt baked carrots, Yorkshire puds and duck fat potatoes.

“The head chef has spent his time in some of the UK’s top kitchens like Auberge du Lac.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

The Waterside Inn, Ware

“I love the High Street in Ware, it’s peppered with independent shops and coffee spots.

“And the best bit is that when you get to the end of it, you’ve reached The Waterside Inn.

“The pretty pub sits on the river and has a huge outdoor seating area with plenty of tables and fairy lights to add ambience in the summer evenings.

“You might even see a swan or two bob past while enjoying a pint or glass of wine.

“They don’t scrimp on food either, you can pick up a full English breakfast for less than a tenner (which isn’t bad in this day and age).

“There’s also lots of lunch options, Sunday roasts, simple options for the kids. And don’t forget to bring the pooch along as it’s a dog-friendly spot too.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Best Hotels

Hanbury Manor, Ware

“Live your best Bridgerton life with a stay at the classic country house hotel, Hanbury Manor.

“This late-Victorian country house was built in grand Jacobean style and sits within 200 acres of Hertfordshire countryside.

“Inside, it’s period drama heaven with towering wood-panelled libraries, open fireplaces and stone archways.

“Guests prefer rooms in the main house over the modern wings, with high ceilings, four- poster beds and views of the Jack Nicklaus championship 18-hole golf course.

“The full-English buffet breakfast is a crowd pleaser, served in the manor’s formal, sun-drenched ground floor rooms.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Tewinbury Farm Hotel, Tewin

“Tucked away in the leafy village of Tewin, this sprawling hotel feels a very much like a countryside members club.

“It’s spread across a staggering 700 acres with a number of rooms in the converted farm buildings at the main hub, while a short drive away you’ll find a set of lakeside lodges with individual jetties that lead out onto the water.

“There’s also a huge house that can be hired for weekends or weddings.

“Tewinbury is so much more than just a bed for the night, though. The whole hotel is a hive of activity: movie nights in one of the barns, pop-up dinner parties at the on-site allotment where a chef whips up a barbecue feast of freshly plucked veggies and local meat.

“Make sure to check out the on-site farm shop too, selling homemade local treats and titbits.

“And don’t forget to pick up a map from reception highlighting all the great walking routes on your doorstep.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Sopwell House, St Albans

“The spas are undeniably the highlight of this glamorous hotel, buried in St Albans countryside.

“There are two in total: Cottonmill Spa, which anyone staying at the hotel can access, and The Club at Cottonmill, which is for members-only or hotel guests staying in Corner, Mansion House, or Mews Suites as well as those on special spa breaks.

“Order a cocktail to your outside pool lounger or sweat it out in the panoramic sauna which has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking trees.

“As for the hotel, it’s a rather fancy spot – so rooms come with a premium price tag.

“That doesn’t mean they’re not worth it, though. All have an elevated countryside feel to them with crisp white linens and glossy tiles in the bathroom.

“There’s an on-site brasserie, a few bars and a pan-Asian restaurant – try the miso-glazed black cod.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Best walks

Buntingford

“Hertfordshire is a county that lends itself to countryside walks – they are anywhere and everywhere.

“Spending my teen years and early 20s living in Buntingford, I spent a lot of my time trudging over fields walking the dog.

“One of my favourite routes is across the rolling fields between Buntingford, Aspenden and Westmill.

“It’s a long trek, but worth it for its incredible views – not to mention the tearooms and pubs you find along the way.

“Some of the best time of year to take it on is spring when the fields are filled with sweet little lambs.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Tring

“There are some stunning loops around the charming market town of Tring and up into the Chiltern Hills.

“Make your way from the main hub or train station, past the rows of old Tudor houses in the village of Aldbury, and across the fields leading up to Ivinghoe Beacon.

“The view from up here is pretty spectacular and if you’ve already ticked off Warner Bros Studio Tour here’s another Harry Potter string to add to your bow.

“This grassy hill was used as a filming location in the Goblet of Fire movie – eagle-eyed fans will recognise it as the location of the portkey (a boot) for the Quidditch World Cup.

“There are plenty of interconnecting trails so you can adjust your hike to your ability level.

“Make sure to reward your efforts with a slap up pub dinner in town – The Greyhound Inn does an excellent roast.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Therfield Heath, Royston

“Growing up in the area, Royston is ideal for a long walk with its grassy hills (which are wicked to slide down in the sledge when it snows).

“There are woodlands too and a lots of pathways which guide walkers around the area and more importantly, around the golf course.

“At the end, head to The Heath Cafe Bar for a drink, snack or even a tasty lunch.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Best tiny villages

Letchmore Heath, Watford

“The picture-perfect village of Letchmore Heath is a great spot for a lovely lunch after a walk around nearby Aldenham Country Park with its walking trails and petting farm featuring cows, goats, sheep and alpacas.

“The village green with its traditional duck pond surrounded by timber-framed cottages may look familiar to film fans.

“With Elstree Studios not far away, it was used as a set in many a film including the 1960 sci-fi horror classic Village of the Damned and as a backdrop to the classic BBC romantic comedy As Time Goes By, starring Dame Judi Dench.

“And that isn’t the village’s only celebrity link. On the edge of the village sits Bhaktivedanta Manor, a spectacular 78-acre estate with mock-Tudor manor house that was bought by Beatle George Harrison and gifted to the Hare Krishna movement.

“Today, it’s one of the most prominent Hindu temples in the UK and welcomes tourists to admire the beautiful gardens, organic farm and peaceful George Harrison Memorial Garden.

“Don’t miss a meal at the one village pub, the Three Horseshoes. It’s recently had a huge revamp and serves elevated modern British pub food right on the village green.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

St Pauls Walden, Hitchin

“So tiny and unassuming, not many locals know about St Paul’s Walden unless they accidentally stumble upon it.

“The village has just one pub – luckily it’s a really good one – serving typical British pub fare in a fuss-free setting, overlooking some fields. Make sure to try the beers on tap as this spot currently holds the Eric Watson Award for Services to Real Ale.

“The crown jewel of the village, however, is undoubtedly St Paul’s Walden Bury, a grand stately home nestled among flowering shrubs and ancient trees.

“This grand 18th century property was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and features the most pristine gardens which sre open to the public on certain days of the week (£8 entry).

“Sprawling across 50 acres, with woodland walking trails aplenty, the grounds could easily be the setting for a whimsical fairytale thanks to the vine draped pergolas and rustic statues dotted about the place” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Panshanger Park, Hertford

“This 1,000 acre green space is ideal for those who want to walk on the quiet side. There are tranquil river walks along the Mimram – one of Hertfordshire’s rare chalk rivers.

“Stroll under  ancient oak trees- keep an eye out for the Panshanger Great Oak, believed to be the oldest oak tree in England.

“There are a variety of wildlife trails and interpretation boards along the way that tell you more about the local habitat.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Graveley, Hitchin

“Most visitors will likely drive through the quaint village of Graveley if they’re going between Hitchin and Stevenage.

“But it’s important to stop and take a walkabout because it really is beautiful.

“Tucked behind the Waggon & Horses pub – which serve up a mean roast dinner and tasty lunches, is the village pond.

“It’s quiet and the pond is surrounded by pretty stone houses and cosy cottages with pretty flower gardens.

“There’s not much to do here other than enjoy the scenery and take a stroll, but isn’t that what village life is all about?” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Knebworth, Stevenage

“The ancestral home of the Lytton family, Knebworth has been known in more modern times for its A-lister concerts and Hollywood filming.

“The relatively modest red-brick Tudor manor which welcomed Queen Elizabeth I as a guest was transformed in the 1840s by Edward Bulwer-Lytton into a spectacular Gothic fantasy castle bristling with spires, dorms and stone gargoyles.

“Thanks to its dramatic architecture, it has featured in many blockbuster movies including Batman, Beauty & The Beast, The King’s Speech and The Mummy Returns.

“And of course, the sprawling grounds have hosted some legendary pop gigs, including Led Zeppelin’s final UK show, Queen’s final live concert with Freddie Mercury and Robbie Williams playing to a record-breaking 375,000 fans over one weekend.

“For day trippers, there’s so much to see and do. Families can brave the Dinosaur Trail deep within the Wilderness Gardeen with its 72 life-siuze prehistoric creatures.

“Right next door is Fort Knebworth, a gargantuan adventure playground with slides, zip wires and splash zones.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Ashwell

“Being right on the cusp of Cambridgeshire, I often forget that the village of Ashwell is actually in North Hertfordshire.

“It’s the perfect spot for a family day trip, thanks to the springs, old-school bakery, pretty pastel cottages, half-timbered houses and enormous church in the middle of town.

“The springs are one of the most popular spots in the summer months where you’ll see kids in their wellies hopping in and out of the freshwater.

“There are stepping stones across the banks if you don’t want to get your feet wet, but lots fall victim to slipping on the algae and tumbling in – something I have had first-hand experience of.

“A trip to the village isn’t complete without stopping into the local bakery, the Days of Ashwell – founded in 1741 it’s where you can pick up pastries, cakes, sausages rolls and freshly made sandwiches.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Biggest Attractions

Hitchin & Letchworth Lido

“When the weather heats up – like it did in June of this year – we all need a place to cool down. And where better than the local lido?

“There are only four in Hertfordshire, but I’m lucky that two are very close to me, and 10-minutes from each other.

“Both Hitchin and Letchworth Lido are huge outdoor swimming pools with both lane and fun sessions throughout the day.

“Around the pools are sunloungers too and Letchworth has a grassy area where lots pack a picnic for their session and sunbathe too.

“Tickets aren’t overly expensive either at around £8 each and £4 for children.”

“While these are my local lidos, there are two others in Hertfordshire, Ware Priory and another in Hemel Hempstead.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Warner Bros Studio Tour, Watford 

“The Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden gets bigger and better every year.

“The attraction is currently celebrating a staggering 25 years since the first Harry Potter movie was released and it’s the BEST place in the UK for fans of the wizarding franchise to soak up some early Hogwarts nostalgia.

“Even if you’re not into the books or films, it’s hard not to be blown away by some behind-the-scenes magic.

“On top of admiring the old sets, visitors can jump on a broomstick in front of a green screen to capture a video of them soaring through the skies just like Potter himself.

“And they can wander through the Hogwarts Express, stop by the canteen for a foam-topped butterbeer or even step on board the knight bus.

“The gift shop is every kid’s dream with actual Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Botts Every-flavour Beans for sale as well as wizarding cloaks and wands.” Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Hitchin Lavender, Hitchin

“In the springtime, there’s one field on the outskirts of Hitchin that turns a vibrant purple.

“I’m lucky enough to see the vibrant violet colours from the train window on my commute home throughout the week.

“The attraction is so beautiful that it’s even been compared to looking like Provence in France.

“It’s popular with Instagrammers of course, and while I am a tad judgey, I don’t think there’s a single person that walks through the flowers without taking advantage of the photo-perfect spot.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Free things to do

Splashlands, Welwyn Garden City

“Part of the award-winning Stanborough Park, this fabulous free attraction is perfect for those sun-soaked days in the school holidays.

“With wet and dry play areas, it’s the water fun that scores highly. A paddling river meanders through a splash pad and water play area with 67 jets that shoot up to 1.5metres in the air with pads that activate water sprays when they are jumped on.

“For non-water fun there’s a nautical-themed adventure playground with a large pirate ship and play equipment for children of all ages.

“There’s a small kiosk serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams as well as changing facilities.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

St Albans Cathedral Tour

“St Albans Cathedral is a truly remarkable piece of architecture that doesn’t cost a penny to visit.

“You can also book onto a free guided tour where you’ll learn about its fascinating history in depth and its strong links to the Roman era.

“Did you know that it is the only cathedral tower in England to be built using Roman bricks? Or that it was the home of Britain’s first ever saint (whose shrine can still be seen today)?

“Make sure to pop by the on site cafe too, where head chef Graca is continually baking up a storm.

“Visit around Easter time to get your hands on the first ever hot cross bun – the modern day chefs whip up batches in their hundreds using the original recipe founded by a monk in this very cathedral.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Quirky things

Royston Cave, Royston

“Royston Cave isn’t a place that you just stumble upon, but growing up there every local knows about it.

“It’s a place most people my age went on a school trip in primary school and is worth a visit if you’re into history.

“The cave was discovered by accident in the 1700s during the instillation of a bench, when locals explore it they later found lots of markings and drawings etched into the walls – which are still there today.

“You can book a tour or learn more about it at the Royston Museum which is a short walk up the road.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

BattleKart London, Saint Albans

“For any amateur racers, BattleKart in St Albans really puts driving skills to the test.

“It beats heading to the pub with your mates as you can actually get into a go-kart and race them around the track.

“There are six courses to choose from too so you can go back time and time again for something new.

“They have different themes too from Saturday night fever to jungle – and you can even play virtual pool and football from the go-kart too.

“Games start from £20 during the week and £25 during the weekend each lasting 15-minutes.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Elstree Aerodrome Cafe, Elstree

“This unique spot is perfect for those who love a bit of plane-spotting.

“The Elstree Aerodrome Cafe as it suggests in the name, sits right next to Elstree Aerodrome.

“It’s open seven days a week serving up breakfasts, lunches and snacks all with an epic view of the airfield so you can watch planes take off and land over a full English.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Scott’s Grotto, Ware

“You might expect to find shell-covered grottos near the sea – that would make sense.

“But the largest is actually in Ware – it’s described as an ’18th century chamber’ and is covered in thousands of shells, flints and coloured glass.

“It’s cheap to enter too – adults for £2 and children go free.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Local Loves & Hidden Gems

The Glasshouse at the Grove, Watford

“This swish five-star hotel is home to the UK’s fanciest buffet – so come with an appetite and wear your stretchy pants.

“Within its Glasshouse restaurant you’ll find an almighty spread that has to be seen to be believed. This is no ordinary assortment of  delights, however.

“There’s caviar, lobsters, and a mighty carvery section of juicy meats as well as wood fired pizza and salads that you’ll actually want to eat as opposed to piles of limp lettuce leaves.

“None of the food is average or tastes mass produced either – delicate sushi is hand-rolled in the kitchen, while the homemade pasta is as fresh as it gets.

“There’s plenty for those with dietary requirements, too, and don’t get us started on the dessert section. Let’s just say, you should make sure to save room for the chocolate fountain and scoops of ice cream.

“The buffet costs from £74 mid week and from £94 at the weekend.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

The Eastern Brasserie, Borehamwood 

“The Eastern Brasserie has been serving up authentic Indian cuisine in Elstree village since the mid-1980s.

“While the interior may not have changed since – think booths with pink velvet upholstery and old school chintzy tableware – the food has kept locals returning for decades.

“It’s my go-to for a takeaway as the food is always hot, fresh and well-flavoured without the processed ingredients you get in other Indian takeaways.

“But look past the decor and eat in and the food is taken to another level, arriving at your table on sizzling hot platters. My favourites are the King Prawn Puri – fresh, plump seafood in a flavourful tomato sauce accompanied by the fluffiest of puri (£4.65).

“And for mains, the Vegetable Thali (£12.95) is enough to feed two. I go for that or the Peshwari Chicken in a flavourful, fresh sauce (£9.95).

“We always get orange slices and aniseed sweets complimentary with your bill and the friendly owner has kept us going back for decades.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

The Waffle House, St Albans

“This gorgeous little spot in St Albans sits within an old grade-II listed building with a set of outdoor tables overlooking a stream. It’s not just the pretty setting that attracts a hefty crowd, though.

“The menu revolves entirely around waffles (hence its name) and is open for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner on the weekends.

“Savoury options include red lentil and coconut dal, served with a waffle for dipping, and buttermilk fried chicken (on top of a waffle) with homemade slaw and an array of sauces.

“Try to save room for a dessert waffle, or just order one to share for the table – you won’t regret it.

“To avoid the queues, visit early in the morning for breakfast or later in the afternoon, after the peak lunch rush.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

TUCKED away in the English countryside is a town that sounds like it should belong in France.

Ashby-de-la-Zouch isn’t somewhere you’d find in Normandy or the Provence region – it’s actually in Leicestershire.

But the town actually does have connections to France.

Originally, it was just called Ashby, until the noble French family de la Zouch moved there in the 12th century.

After the Norman Conquest of England, the family took ownership of the area and named it after themselves too.

The de la Zouches built their own manor house home there and generations of the family lived there for hundreds of years.

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Later on, the manor was transformed into a castle by William, Lord Hastings who made it his home.

The site is now in ruins and is run by English Heritage, with tickets from £8.50.

One visitor called it a “lovely hidden gem” and added that it was “well worth a visit.”

In its history, Ashby was known as a fashionable Regency health resort after the discovery of spa waters.

With lots of wealthy visitors, Ashby built the Ivanhoe Baths in 1822 which made it a must-visit destination in the Georgian era.

The grand bathhouse ended up closing in 1884 due to a drop in visitor numbers and was demolished in 1962.

The grounds are still open to the public and are completely free to roam about.

The castle is famous too after featuring in Sir Walter Scott’s 1819 book Ivanhoe.

The romantic novel has a grand tournament scene at the estate.

The town has its own outdoor swimming pool too – in fact it’s the only lido in Leicestershire.

The pool first opened in 1929, more recently underwent a £1.2million redevelopment and after a 20-month closure, it reopened in 2021.

New additions included a sandpit and climbing frame, refreshment spots and upgraded changing rooms.

The 30 metre heated lido is seasonal and usually open between May to September for general swims and lane sessions.

Swims cost £6.10 for adults and £4.05 for juniors.

Like most UK towns Ashby has a high street filled with independent shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants.

It hosts a street market on Thursdays and Saturdays too.

The town itself is in the National Forest in the Midlands that spans 200 square miles across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire.

Being surrounded by greenery means it’s an ideal spot for keen walkers and cyclists.

COMMUTERS were left stunned when they realised they were sharing a train platform with A-list acting royalty.

One eagle-eyed passenger spotted a Hollywood star casually waiting at the station before boarding a train – but would you recognise her?

With no security team in sight and not even a friend with her, Margot Robbie was seen alone at a Paris train station.

Disguised beneath a huge floppy hat, the actress blended into the commuters going through the station as she patiently waited for her train to arrive.

The 35-year-old stood scrolling on her phone, seemingly oblivious to both the video being recorded and the excited fans around her.

An onlooker later shared the clip online, soundtracked by a song from Barbie, the blockbuster film in which Margot famously starred.

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In the short video, the fan appeared unable to believe their luck after spotting the Australian-born actress.

Fans quickly took to the comments to speculate about why Margot might be in the French capital, with one suggesting she is likely gearing up for filming of the new Ocean’s 11 prequel.

Production on the prequel is expected to begin in Paris in July before moving to the south of France, 

The movie is set at the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix and filming is set to take place in Nice and Monaco from August to October.

The film, which Margot is producing and which stars and is directed by Bradley Cooper, is due for release next summer.

Another commenter said the fan should have introduced themselves, before sharing their own story about meeting the actress.

They wrote: “In 2022, I met her and her husband in a small pub in the Lake District, of all places.

“I had just got engaged 10 minutes earlier, so everything already felt surreal. I went over to her table and told her about the engagement. She was the first person I told and the first person to congratulate me.

“She introduced herself and was just so, so lovely. I love telling that story.”

A NOUGHTIES pop star looks unrecognisable 23 years after his controversial hit, as he braved the rain at a UK festival.

This US singer, now 54, shot to fame in a quirky Detroit rock band – but can you guess who he is?

The star in question is Dick Valentine, who is known for the band Electric Six, which he founded with friends from high school.

The band launched into the spotlight in the early noughties, and were known for their controversial song Gay Bar.

The tune was released in June 2003, and lead singer Dick, who’s real name is Tyler Spencer, has now revealed how he came up with the song.

Speaking in the rain at Download Festival, he told the Academy Music Group: “The real story, I was in a rock and roll bar. Okay, and so there’s ambient noise, there are people talking, there are drinks clinking.

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“In the background, on the jukebox, right, you’re hearing the song that they’re playing in the jukebox, but you can’t quite make out the lyrics.

“The song on the jukebox was Girl You Want by Devo, where the lyrics are, ‘She’s just a girl, just a girl, girl you want.’

“Those are the lyrics, those are the actual lyrics.”

Continuing with his story, Dick said: “But I thought he was saying, ‘She’s just a girl, just a girl in a gay bar.’

“And so I started singing that, and my friend was like, ‘No, no, no, what are you singing?’

“So then I’ve got this lyric now about a girl in a gay bar, right, I’ve got this, and it hasn’t been used, so now this is mine.

“So that was the genesis of it. It was just a misheard lyric in a pub, and it worked out really well for me!”

When Gay Bar was released over twenty years ago, the track certainly caused a stir.

While the song and music video got a lot of airplay the lyrics mentioning the Iraq war, which was ongoing at the time, were edited because they were perceived to have been offensive at the time.

Meanwhile, Electric Six shot to fame with their first single, Danger! High Voltage, which soared to No. 2 in the UK charts.

Along with Dick, the original line-up included Cory Martin on drums, Anthony Selph on lead guitar, Joe Frezza on rhythm guitar, and Steve Nawara on bass.

Over the years the band has experienced various changes in members, but Dick has always remained at the helm.

Electric Six continue to perform, and are currently on tour right now in the UK.

IT’S been five years since Britney Spears was released from her conservatorship following the Free Britney campaign, but insiders say the pop superstar is more lost than ever. 

In recent months alone Britney, 44, has been arrested for a DUI and faced accusations of bizarre behaviour including making barking sounds at a restaurant and brandishing a knife. 

It’s a far cry from the 16-year-old who took over the world in 1998 with her debut single Baby One More Time, which catapulted her to instant worldwide fame. 

She should be living life on her own terms after 14 years under the heavy surveillance of her dad Jamie Spears. But The Sun understands that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

An insider said: “Some people close to Britney can’t help wondering whether she’s actually happier now than she was then.

“The sad reality is that she seems incredibly isolated. She spends most of her time at home and her world has become smaller and smaller over the years. 

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“Those around her would love to see her thriving, but instead they worry she’s become increasingly detached from everyone else.”

In 2023, Britney split from her third husband Sam Asghari – less than a year after tying the knot – and we’re told the break-up had a huge impact on the mum-of-two.

She shares Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19, with ex-husband Kevin  Federline and has struggled with a strained relationship with her sons for years. 

Our source said: “The divorce hit her hard and she hasn’t appeared to find the stability or companionship she craves and desperately needs. 

“Her relationship with her sons has also been a source of sadness over the years, and those closest to her know how much that weighs on her.

“People are worried rather than reassured, especially when they see her on social media. The videos and posts leave people concerned and scratching their heads, it looks like we’re seeing someone who is still struggling.”

Despite being one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Britney left fans gutted in 2022 when she insisted she’ll “probably never perform again”. 

She said on social media at the time: “I’m pretty traumatized for life and yes I’m p****d as f**k and no I probably won’t perform again just because I’m stubborn and I will make my point.”

And it’s the lack of ambition for performing – something she once thrived on – that has pals seriously concerned and wondering what she’ll do with her life if she doesn’t return to the stage. 

“The overwhelming feeling among those who care about her is sadness,” our insider said. “Nobody is questioning her right to live life on her own terms, but there are fears that she’s still searching for happiness and hasn’t found the peace that everyone hoped freedom would bring. 

“They look at Britney and see a woman who appears deeply lonely, increasingly disconnected and still trying to find her place in the world all these years later.”

THE start of summer will officially begin tomorrow with the longest day of the year – where one UK town won’t see nightfall.

Summer solstice celebrations are set to take place across the Northern Hemisphere.

Lerwick, the main town of the Shetland islands, will see almost 19 hours of daylight tomorrow (June 21) as the Northern Hemisphere celebrates the summer solstice.

Located closer to the Arctic Circle than London, night will fall for just five hours on the UK’s most northerly town.

Residents will not experience complete dark either, as the sun will remain just below the horizon, creating an effect which residents have named “da simmer dim”.

This summer twilight means that light lingers well beyond midnight, with a light blue hue visible across the sky throughout the night.

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Lerwick, translating to “Bay of Clay”, is a busy fishing town with just 7,000 residents year-round.

Despite the summer twilight, the island only sees around 1,158 hours of sunshine – around 13 per cent – a year and August remains its warmest month with an average temperature of 14° C.

On the day of the winter solstice (December 21), the town will receive just five hours and 49 minutes of daylight.

Packed with narrow winding streets, stone cottages and prehistoric settlements, the remote location can be typically reached via ferries from Aberdeen.

The summer solstice marks the Northern Hemisphere’s longest day of the year as well as the official start of astronomical summer.

It occurs when the earth’s axis is tilted at its closest point from the sun, with many countries marking the occasion with midsummer celebrations.

A FREE UK beach festival dubbed a “giant family playground” returns this weekend to an iconic seaside town.

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the beachfront to enjoy a programme of live music and workshops.

A huge, free beach festival is set to return this weekend (June 20 to June 21) with tens of thousands of visitors expected to attend.

The First Light Festival takes place annually in Lowestoft, Suffolk, and features more than 200 performances across 24 stages.

The creative festival also offers visitors a wide-ranging programme of workshops, wellbeing sessions, crafting, dance, science, storytelling and family adventures for a fun-filled weekend.

Taking place over the summer solstice, the festival is a celebration of the first sunrise of midsummer.

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This year, visitors will be able to attend a “special Indian Sunrise raga” at dawn on Sunday, June 21.

The festival covers an expansive area of the South Beach, spreading along the seafront, promenade and nearby Kensington Gardens and East Point Pavilion.

Converting the seafront into a “giant family playground”, festival-goers will enjoy events such as dance parties, science discoveries and circus skills workshops.

There are also camping options for those looking to stay overnight, including a glamping experience in well-equipped campervans.

Visitors are able to enter the First Light Festival for free and without a ticket.

However, after 9.30 pm, any festival-goers looking to attend one of the Sundown Events happening on Saturday night after the free programme of beach events ends will need to purchase a ticket.

The festivities began on Friday, June 19, with a selection of live theatre and music events to kick off the celebrations, and there are many more activities to get involved in as the weekend progresses.

A huge Big Bang Boogie parade takes place on Saturday, June 20, starting at the East Point Pavilion at 11 am and travelling along the seafront towards the main Sunlight Stage.

Other activities include a grounded movement ring, rocketry experience, and a traditional Punch and Judy show.

Visitors can also explore a selection of dance workshops, aerial displays and even get to see objects from the Natural History Museum.

Returning for its sixth year, the festival also has a huge impact on the town itself.

Chairman of Lowestoft Vision business improvement district, Danny Steel, told the BBC that the midsummer festival was “massive” for Lowestoft.

He explained: “We get about 30,000 people come to the First Light Festival over the weekend, and if all of those people spend £35 in Lowestoft, that’s £1m extra into the Lowestoft economy.”

Chief executive officer of the First Light Festival, Genevieve Christie, said the festival is about “coming together” as a community and gives people the chance to “experience things in real life”.

The festival also aims to put Lowestoft on the map as a holiday destination.

She explained: “All of our work is about raising the profile of Lowestoft, actually as a place to come on holiday, to be a tourist.

“We’ll be looking forward to 2028, when we’ll be operating the new cultural centre in Lowestoft, and our whole idea there is to bring the spirit of the festival into the town.”

TUCKED away in the Tuscan countryside is a tiny town called Pienza – and it is about to get a lot more famous.

The small town was the used to film Netflix movie You, Me and Tuscany.

It features in the scene where Anna (Halle Bailey) first meets Michael (Regé-Jean Page).

Anna accuses him of stealing the sandwich which she travelled more than 4,000 miles to eat – and it was filmed outside a shop in Pienza dressed to look like a deli.

It’s apt that a romantic comedy was filmed in Pienza as the town is known for having love-themed street names.

A few are Via dell’Amore which translates into ‘love street’ and Via del Bacio which is ‘kiss street’.

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Pienza sits within the Val d’Orcia valley which is known for its rolling green fields and has been described as “a charming little town” by visitors.

One of the most impressive buildings within the town is Piccolomini Palace which was built in 1459.

The impressive Renaissance building has a beautiful garden with views of Val d’Orcia, later becoming a summer residence for Pope Pius II.

Now, most of the property is open to visitors as it is mostly a museum.

When it comes to food, the town has plenty to offer and is known for having high quality cured meats and fresh truffles.

The town is particularly famous for Cacio di Pienza, or Pecorino cheese – usually grated over pasta or eaten on a cheese board.

To celebrate its cheese, the town even holds a festival dedicated to it on the first Sunday in September that includes a cheese-rolling competition.

For those who want to stay in Pienza, you’ll mainly find holiday rentals over hotels.

One that is popular is Casa Olivieri, with the one-bedroom apartment starting from £90.

The closest airport that has direct UK flights is in Florence – from there it’s a one hour and 40-minute drive.

A NEW multi-million-pound waterfront park is set to open today – and it’s three times larger than London’s Trafalgar Square.

Visitors will be able to walk across a 55-metre bridge from the High Street to the revamped riverside.

Stockton-on-Tees‘ Waterfront Urban Park is set to be unveiled today (June 20), as part of the council’s vision to regenerate the struggling town centre.

The £23million project will bring a “dynamic space for events, leisure and community life” to the area, where residents will be able to enjoy three separate play areas, event spaces and even a skate spot.

The focal feature of the park is a 21,000sq ft amphitheatre designed for live events, which connects the upper and lower sections of the park via 402 granite steps.

Ten-metre play towers, an oval lawn and facilities that can accommodate pop-up food and drink vendors are also key landmarks in the area.

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The history of the town centre has also been integrated into the space, with text, poetry and illustrations featuring Stockton’s heritage carved onto floor and wall surfaces.

Activities for children include a toddler trail, swings, climbing nets, trampolines and “exhilarating” slides connecting the amphitheatre to the riverside.

The waterfront space features sweeping views of the River Tees, and more than 17,000 plants have been installed from over 224 species.

The entire project, completed by contractors Esh Construction, cost more than £41million, which included the demolition Castlegate Shopping Centre and the Swallow Hotel.

Building began in December 2024, and now the opening will take place as part of Armed Forces Celebration Day.

Councillor Paul Rowling, the deputy leader and cabinet member for resources and regeneration, said: “Stockton Waterfront urban park is going to have a transformational effect on the borough, the wider Tees Valley and beyond.

“The Waterfront Park is set to be a catalyst for further investment and drive our ambitions for the future. This is only the beginning of that journey.”

The project has been named “one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in Europe” in a bid to help revitalise the deprived market town.

A LITTLE-known band were left totally gobsmacked after a rock legend turned up in the audience at one of their shows.

The Rolling Stones cover band were playing to a small crowd in a bar when the iconic musician revealed himself as a fan, dancing alone in the bar.

The mystery figure was none other than Noughties nu-metal megastar Fred Durst, frontman of Limp Bizkit.

Fellow punters couldn’t believe their eyes and quickly pulled out their phones to capture the surreal moment as the Rollin’ singer rocked out to their set.

Musician Jenny Teator, who was singing on stage shared the clip on TikTok, writing: “This was unexpected. Get it, Fredddd!! We had so much fun at @GRAYSonMAIN.”

The unlikely scene unfolded at Grays on Main, a bustling music venue and dining room in downtown Franklin, Tennessee – the town Fred now calls home.

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The star looked almost unrecognisable with a full white beard, although he still sported the signature baseball cap fans will remember from the band’s heyday.

Other diners appeared oblivious to the famous face in their midst, continuing with their meals unaware they were in the company of rock royalty.

One viewer commented: “The people sitting there eating, completely unbothered that Fred Durst is getting down right beside them, is killllling me!”

Fred and Limp Bizkit were one of the biggest bands of the late Nineties and early Noughties, with hits including Break Stuff, My Way and Rollin’.

Their album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavoured Water debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold over one million copies in its first week.

The singer was also linked to a string of high-profile romances, including rumoured relationships with pop stars Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne. He has been married four times and has two children.

Despite stepping out of the spotlight in recent years, Fred, now 55, continues to record and perform with Limp Bizkit.

Limp Bizkit’s last official UK tour was last year, with the band appearing at the Reading and Leeds festivals.

Besides continuing to tour and perform with the band, Fred has made his mark as a film director with movies like The Education of Charlie Banks and The Longshots.

He also directed the film The Franatic in 2019 which starred John Travolta.

LONDON isn’t necessarily known for its gardens – but it does have some spectacular green spaces.

In fact Syon Park in Hounslow has just been named the ‘best public garden in London‘.

The gardens at Syon Park were named the best in London by White Stores, experts of outdoor living.

They looked at 240 gardens in total, totting up the best from factors like on-site attractions to Google ratings, reviews – even average amount of rainfall and sunshine.

Topping the table was Syon Park in Hounslow, West London.

The entire estate is one of the Duke of Northumberland‘s homes – its been owned by the family for over 400 years.

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While it is still a family home, the house, along with the award-winning gardens are open to the public on certain days during the week.

Of course the Bath stone manor is impressive, but it’s the grounds that you have to check out this summer.

There’s 100 acres of parkland on the estate with trees, grassland, wildflower meadows and an ornamental lake.

One called it a “hidden gem” which “exceeded expectations.”

While you’re having a stroll around the gardens, it will be hard to miss the enormous glasshouse.

The conservatory has an enormous dome-shaped roof and was once used to grow exotic plants from countries like South Africa and Australia.

The building was neglected during World War One, but was restored in the late 1980s.

Fans of Netflix‘s Bridgerton might recognise Syon Park; the glasshouse conservatory was used as a venue for Lady Danbury’s ball in series two.

Kylie Minogue and Little Mix even filmed music videos in there.

If you want to visit the estate, Syon Park is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays between 10.30AM and 3.30PM.

Tickets to the gardens and conservatory start from £7 for adults, £5.50 for concessions and £3.50 for children (between 5-16).

If tickets are bought on the door it’s £1 more expensive.

While it’s a private home, some state rooms at Syon Park are open to explore.

It has a huge Great Hall with patterned tiled floor and Greek-style columns.

The Ante Room (essentially a waiting room) has gold detailing with paintings of Greek and Roman gods on the walls.

Others that visitors can see are the state dining room, drawing room, gallery, print room and Princess Victoria’s bedroom.

You can get a glimpse of the inner courtyard too which has a pretty fountain and neat hedges.

If you want to visit the whole estate, including the house, it’s a little more expensive – with an advance ticket, it costs £16.50 for adults.

For concessions it’s £15, children between 5-16 it’s £9.50 – children under five go free.

Again, entry on the door is an extra £1 on top of the online ticket price.

SUMMER has officially arrived with a sea of fragrant flowers, as the UK’s largest lavender farm opens its gates this week.

Get ready to stroll through 110 acres of picture-perfect purple fields, with an array of summer activities on offer for all the family.

Castle Farm Lavender Fields are opening for the summer season this week, with the public now able to enjoy its purple blooms once again.

Nestled between Eynsford and Shoreham in Kent, this sprawling lavender paradise will welcome visitors from Friday, June 19, remaining open until the end of July.

Opening in 1998, Castle Farm’s enterprise has bloomed into the UK’s largest lavender field, receiving five consecutive gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Visitors wanting to indulge in the delightful flowers can take part in a variety of different activities, including a one-hour stroll though its most famous field, Darenth Valley.

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A whole host of workshops and events are also on offer across the season, including lavender wreath-making and breathwork sessions, and lavender picnics.

Castle Farm also is home to an award-winning farm shop and dedicated Lavender Barn, where visitors can choose a fresh bunch of purple flowers as the ultimate souvenir from the day.

The farm shop also offers an array of Kent-based produce, including apples from the Castle Farm orchard and even lavender-flavoured gin.

This sprawling lavender field is only a short, one-hour drive from London, where citygoers can go relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside scenery.

Previous visitors have raved about their day trips, with one saying: “It’s so beautiful here, it’s well worth a visit”.

Others praised the “stunning views” and “beautiful scent” in the fields.

Tickets for the lavender field walks are priced at £7 for over 16s, and £4.50 for children, with infants under three able to visit for free.

Dogs are welcome for the one hour lavender walk and guided field tours, but not for lavender picnics, wreath workshops or breathwork classes.

Castle Farm is opening to the public again on June 19, with tickets for its various activities on sale now.

COMPLETELY surrounded by Italy, one European country that’s home to the oldest republic in the world makes for a dreamy escape.

With only two million people visiting last year – less than the population of Greater Manchester – San Marino is a great European option if you don’t want the crowds.

Officially a UNESCO World Heritage microstate, San Marino – which is the fifth smallest country in the world – feels like “walking around in a Disney movie” according to one visitor on Instagram.

The Disney-like feel is most likely due to San Marino‘s three towering medieval castles at the top of Monte Titano.

Guaita Tower – which is the First Tower – was built in the 11th century and is the largest of the three.

Visitors can head to the tower and explore the battlements, as well as old prison cells and the Chapel of Santa Barbara.

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Cesta Tower – the Second Tower – is slightly newer, dating back to the 13th century and sits on the highest of Monte Titano’s peaks at around 755 metres above sea level.

The tower is home to the Museum of Ancient Weapons.

And finally, there is the Montale Tower – the Third Tower – which is the smallest and youngest of the three, built in the 14th century.

This tower is not open to the public though.

There’s also Piazza della Libertà, which is the heart of the Old Town.

Here, visitors can explore a number of shops and small museums, as well as stop at the historic parliament building.

And while you don’t get your passport stamped when visiting San Marino, you can head to the tourist centre inside Porta San Francesco, and get a physical stamp in your passport as a souvenir for €5 (£4.33).

To catch an amazing view of San Marino, head up the Cableway which goes from Borgo Maggiore to the city centre and then to the monument of Bartolomeo Borghesi.

The cities of Florence, Rimini and Bologna are all close by as well, making San Marino the ideal day trip if you’re staying in one of them.

Though if you did want to stay in San Marino, there are a few options including the four-star Grand Hotel San Marino costing from £69 per night in June.

The easiest way to get to the microstate is by hopping on a shuttle bus from Rimini, which costs about €7 (£6.06) and takes around an hour.

When it comes to spending money in San Marino, it is typically cheaper than Italy with the average coffee costing €1.57 (£1.36) and the average beer costing €5 (£4.33).

In comparison, in Florence a beer will set you back at least a euro more and a coffee costs from €2.05 (£1.77).

Flights to Rimini in June cost from £37 return and take between two and two-and-a-half hours from the UK.

Alternatively, if you want to go to Bologna, return flights in June cost from £28 and again, take between two and two-and-a-half hours from the UK.

From Bologna, it then takes about an hour and 20 minutes on the bus to reach San Marino.

STAYCATIONS are on the rise, according to the experts – and there is a county that is booming in demand.

In its latest Summer Travel Report, Airbnb revealed that not only are staycations up 11 per cent year on year, but an unlikely trending rural destination is Herefordshire where searches have increased by 76 per cent.

The county bordered by Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Worcestershire is known for its cider and pretty villages that look similar to those found in the nearby Cotswolds.

Earlier this year, Herefordshire was called the ‘quiet corner of England’ by The Independent – but hoped it would be thrust into the spotlight after the release of Hamnet.

Some of the county’s small villages were used for filming and doubled as Shakespeare’s Stratford.

One of the villages is Weobley which is nicknamed a ‘black and white’ village thanks to its half-timbered houses.

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Alongside its pubs, fans of Hamnet should head into The Wobbly Badger Cafe which took centre stage for the exterior of Shakespeare’s family home in the film.

It’s not just Weobley – there are lots of other villages like this one and some are part of that are part of Herefordshire’s ‘black and white villages’ trail which is a 40-minute driving route.

Other villages include Pembridge, or Eardisland, which sits on the banks of the River Arrow (and looks similar to Bourton-on-the-Water).

Even smaller villages include Eardisley, Dilswyn, Leominster and Kingsland.

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Herefordshire gets around six million visitors each year compared to the Cotswolds’ 25million – so for visitors it will make for a much quieter staycation.

For fans of cider, Herefordshire has around 15,000 orchards growing apples and pears, some of which is used to produce the drink.

There are even dedicated cider circuits with cycling routes.

Stops on the South Circuit include Little Pomona Cider & Perry, Gregg’s Pit Cider & Perry, Oliver’s Cider & Perry, Ross on Wye Cider & Perry.

Another famous spot that TV fans will recognise in Herefordshire is Symonds Yat.

The spot on the River Wye is known for its enormous limestone gorge.

It even appeared in the Netflix series of Sex Education – one of the most recognisable places is the red and white chalet that sits high above the valley, which was the exterior of Jean and Otis’ house.

The River Wye within the valley is the fifth longest river in the country.

It’s surrounded by walking paths and tourists are also welcome to take to the water on a kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

Of course, Herefordshire’s centre is the city of Hereford which is home to a large cathedral.

This houses a famous treasure called Mappa Mundi which is a medieval map of the world from 1300.

It also has the unusual 17th century Chained Library – a collection of over 1,500 rare books and manuscripts that are secured to their shelves by iron chains, rods, and locks.

Entry into Hereford Cathedral is free, but to see Mappa Mundi, Chained Library or a Tower Tour there are additional fees.

Another popular spot is the Eastnor Castle which while it looks like one isn’t a medieval fortress, instead, it’s a 19th-century mock castle.

Found in Ledbury, the castle was once home to the Hervey-Bathurst Family who lived at there for over 200 years.

It’s open throughout the year holding events like family fun days, bird of prey and supercar displays,

The grounds are popular for hiking and to entertain the kids, there’s a playground, tree top walkway, maze and mini zip wire.

IF you fancy visiting to Lake Como but can’t face the long airport queues, how about going in the opposite direction?

In the Finger Lakes region of New York State is the quiet village of Hammondsport – and it has been compared to the famous Italian lake.

Both lakes are a Y-shape, but Keuka Lake is smaller than its Italian alternate – it’s just under 20 miles long with over 60 miles of shoreline.

Meanwhile, Lake Como has a maximum length of 29 miles; however, the shoreline length is a whopping 105 miles.

Keuka Lake is much shallower too at 187 feet at its deepest, while Lake Como has a maximum depth of 1,394 feet.

You can swim in both, as well, but Keuka Lake is considered one of the cleanest and warmest of the Finger Lakes too so it’s ideal if you want to take a dip.

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It might even be a better option as visitors can swim in Lake Como, but the water quality differs depending on where you enter the water.

Keuka Lake is surrounded by vineyards, much like Italy and is so pretty that one visitor called it “one of the most beautiful lakes in upstate New York“.

The Finger Lakes itself has around 140 wineries, and near Keuka Lake there’s Bully Hill Vineyards, Heron Hill Winery and Divided Sky Vineyard.

For those who really want to learn more about the wine scene, there’s even a dedicated Keuka Lake Wine Trail.

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If you head to the official website, you can pay $45 (£33) and redeem tasting flights at six of the included wineries.

At the very south of Keuka Lake is the small and charming village of Hammondsport.

There’s not too much see with it being a village, but visitors have raved about Verns Bakery, Burgers & Beers, Park Inn restaurant, Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company which is also a 50s-style diner.

A 30-minute drive down the road is Watkins Glen, a charming ‘Hallmark-like’ village.

It’s home to the ­Watkins Glen International track, where ­Formula 1 raced for 20 consecutive years from 1961 to 1980 before Nascar took over.

Head to Depot Park for views across the water – and this is the spot if you want to hire out your own boat.

With multiple boats, you can hire them out for the day from $535 (£398) – split between eight (which is the maximum passengers), that’s just under £50per person.

If you want to stay in Hammondsport, check out Park Inn which has just five suites above its restaurant.

Rates start from $150 (£111) per night (with a two-night minimum stay).

Or there’s the Vine Inn & Carriage Houses which is described as a ‘serene retreat’ and is a 10-minute walk from the lake.

If the heat of Italy during the summer is what you’re afraid of missing out on, then rest assured, it will still be just as hot.

In the summertime, the Finger Lakes region can reach temperatures of 28C with it cooling down in the following months.

IF you’ve ever fancied trying a luxury sleeper train but can’t justify the price, how about staying overnight in a revamped train carriage instead?

At Brockford Railways Sidings, guests can choose between five disused train carriages that slightly differ from each other.

The first is Railway Carriage One, which has a living room, kitchen area and two bedrooms.

In Railway Carriage Two – which is a little bigger – guests will find two bedrooms as well as a further sofa bed and an open plan living area with an adjoining kitchen.

The third carriage is The Guard’s Van, which has two bedrooms, a living room, dining rooms and kitchen area.

The fourth option is staying in The Italian Carriage, which sleeps up to four people and boasts open plan seating in the centre of the carriage, as well as an outdoor patio.

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And last but not least is Wilby Halt, which is described as a “quirky and unusual property is split over two restored railway carriages”.

The carriages are linked by a railway platform, with one carriage being home to the living space and kitchen and the other carriage being home to two bedrooms.

All of the train carriages have views across the surrounding countryside.

Around the carriages, guests will find a children’s play area which is shared with other carriages also at the site.

And if you fancy a dip, there’s an indoor glasshouse with a swimming pool, sauna and hot tub.

If you have a bigger group, you can even book out all of the carriages for up to 29 people, as well as the Station House, which sleeps up to six people.

Seven nights in one of the carriages costs from £469.

One recent visitor said: “Peaceful location and quirky accommodation with everything you needed.

“Good pubs near by for food, use of swimming pool a bonus.”

Another added: “We were welcomed with tea and cake and found the guards van to be very cosy and comfortable.

“We loved the quirkiness of it and the surrounding carriages.”

Surrounding the carriages, guests can venture down country lanes ideal for walks or cycle rides.

The closest village is Mendlesham, about 1.5miles away, where guests can find the Kings Head Inn Mendlesham, described as a “nice friendly village pub”.

Attached to the pub is also a post office and elsewhere in the village you can find a fish and chip shop.

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From the village it is also a short walk to the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum, dubbed by locals as ‘The Middy’.

The museum is Suffolk‘s only standard gauge heritage railway and from the museum, visitors can often hop on steam railway ride in vintage carriages.

And for adults there’s The Kitchener Arms, which is a ale bar that sits inside a converted railway carriage.

If you don’t fancy an alcoholic beverage, then you can visit the Tea Room and Gift Shop for some freshly baked goods instead.

The museum costs £15 per adult and £8 per child to visit (and that includes unlimited steam train rides).

A EUROPEAN island often compared to the Caribbean is getting a massive multi-million pound makeover.

When it comes to pretty islands, not many beat Sardinia in Italy.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

And now, 15 villages across the island will be getting upgraded.

The villages include Bosa, Castelsardo, Aggius, Atzara, Carloforte, Galtelli, Gavoi, Laconi, La Maddalena, Lollove, Oliena, Posada, Sadali, Sardara and Tempio Pausania.

Each village will get a €2.5million (£2.2million) makeover to promote tourism and slower living, with experiences including hiking and trying local cuisine.

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The money will be used to restore historic buildings in each village, as well as improve transport links and support local businesses and ease the pressure on coastal areas.

Here are some of the most beautiful villages which will be getting an upgrade.

Bosa

Bosa is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and sits on Sardinia’s western coast.

One spot worth visiting is Malaspina Castle, which was built in 1112, as well as a number of pretty churches including the Cathedral of Bosa, which was built in the 19th century over the remains of a Romanesque church.

Castelsardo

The pretty coastal town of Castelsardo sits on a rock rising from the water, with a 13th-century castle on top.

It is open to the public and in addition to a few rooms, visitors will find the Museum of Mediterranean Interweaving inside. One of the top beaches to visit in the town is Spiaggia La Marina di Castelsardo, which is ideal for snorkelling.

Aggius

The landlocked town of Aggius boasts not one, but three museums to explore. There’s one about criminals from the area, another about Gallura traditions and a third that has contemporary art.

And the landscape is ideal for hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts.

Gavoi

The mountainous village of Gavoi overlooks Lake Gusana and boasts amazing landscapes.

In the centre of the village you can also wander through narrow cobblestone streets. Make sure to visit the main church as well, which features a Gothic style.

Posada

The small village of Posada can be found on top of a limestone hill and is one of the most ancient villages on the island.

On top of the hill in the village is also a castle, which was where aristocracy used to spend their holidays – today most of the castle is in ruins, but the tower still stands and provides the perfect spot to see panoramic views of the village.

La Maddalena

La Maddalena is located off the north of Sardinia on its own island that can be reached by a 15-minute ferry ride.

Visitors can explore the 18th-century town as well as try out local seafood in the many restaurants.

From the island, visitors can also go on a number of boat trips and cross a bridge onto Caprera Island, where there are a number of hiking trails, pretty beaches and even the tomb of the Italian hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Make sure to also stop by Spiaggia di Budelli while on a boat tour – the beach features pink sand but is a protected National Marine Park, so you can only see it from the water.

Recently, Sardinia was named as a Destination of the Year by Expedia Group’s Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report, which gathered data from millions of visitors and revealed that searches for Sardinia holidays have risen by 63 per cent.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding visited the island last year and said: “Sardinia is full of dreamy beaches and a historic, crowd-free city.

“Whilst it is part of Italy, the island is actually located closer to Africa than mainland Italy and as a result, it boasts warm temperatures and exotic fauna and flora.

“Most travellers head to Olbia in the north of the island, but Cagliari in the south – the capital of the island – is also a great destination to explore.

“The south of the island and around Cagliari is full of quaint villages, rocky hills and breathtaking beaches.”