Winter

FANTASY lovers can take a step down the hobbit hole this winter, as a new location invites guests inside to escape the icy winter weather.

A Tolkien-inspired holiday spot has opened for business north-west of Cambridge, with pods and lodges available for keen glampers.

Just outside of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, West Stow Pods offers a peaceful stay for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Emulating world-famous Hobbiton, the pods and lodges are equipped to service groups between two and six people.

Pods are fitted out with a kitchenette and appliances, as well as an en-suite, TV and bedroom area, and are slightly smaller than the lodges.

The lodges are bigger, with full kitchens and separate bedrooms, as well as living room space.

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West Stow Pods is also pet friendly, allowing families to include their furry family members in holiday plans.

The glamping spot has been recognised as one of the best forest getaway spots in the UK.

Located next to King Forest, the options for hikes, bike rides and time in nature are endless.

Guests can also choose to spend the day in the local town, which is jam-packed with restaurants and shops to explore.

West Stow has priced rooms between £170 and £458 for two nights, depending on whether you choose a pod or a lodge.

Future guests can secure a spot by booking on the company’s website.

For holiday makers who are more keen of the seaside than the forest, the pretty seaside town of Saundersfoot has cosy pubs and award winning hotels.

The town sits between Tenby and Amroth in Pembrokeshire.

It’s home to around 3,000 residents and has a Blue Flag sandy beach, a picturesque harbour with cafes and shops, plenty of walking paths – but absolutely no rides.

And according to WalesOnline its “craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round, especially in autumn”.

Someone on Tripadvisor described the village as a “winter wonderland” when the Christmas lights are up.

It’s a popular place for Atlantic grey seals and you can see them on boat trips – and you can see them all year round

Saundersfoot has previously been named one of the ‘best places to live by the sea in the UK 2024’ by The Sunday Times.

The family-run restaurant serves up meals from curries to pastas, surf and turf, steak, and burgers.

SNOW-DUSTED fir trees line the streets, shiny red baubles dangle over shopfronts and enormous Nutcrackers stand to attention by the doors of cafes.

The city of Vilnius in Lithuania has been named this year’s Christmas Capital of Europe — and I couldn’t wait to unwrap it.

There’s festive fodder in every direction I turn and, unlike many European cities at Christmas, there are no obnoxiously loud rides or tacky grottos.

Instead, the capital of Lithuania celebrates the festive period with pure charm, transforming into a glittery wonderland as soon as it is acceptable to do so (generally in late-November).

Vilnius’s main attraction, an enormous decked-out Christmas tree, stands tall in Cathedral Square, accompanied by a traditional carousel and market stalls dishing out warm apple punch and pots of doughnuts drizzled in chocolate.

This tree has some competition, though. In early November each year, The Senator’s Passage, just up the road from Cathedral Square, receives its own grand tree.

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The owner tells me with a grin that it usually takes around 15 workers to drag the tree through the narrow passageway and dress it for the season.

It seemed worth the hassle though, with seven metres of green branches dripping in twinkling lights.

If you plan your travel dates well, you can visit for “Christmas Before Christmas”, where seasonal events take place throughout the city prior to the main event.

This year, the festivities took place on December 13 with performances from carol singers, festive tours and even a holiday-themed train and bus.

Your euros won’t be accepted on this day, though.

Christmas Before Christmas relies on a special currency — a red pine cone which visitors can swap for a warming cherry tea or a sweet treat.

There’s so much to keep you entertained during the day, from ice skating to strolls through wintry gardens, but the magic of Vilnius doesn’t truly comes to life until the sun goes down.

This is especially true for Konstantinas Sirvydas Square, which this year has an impressive 144 Christmas trees.

Delicious grub

Or, for a truly epic festive display, a must-see is the Poniuų Laimė in the Old Town’s Jewish Quarter.

The cafe selling delicate cakes and cookies decorates its front for each season, and this December it became the Orient Express, embellished with huge red velvet bows and suitcases.

If you’re looking for something a little different, however, you may want to swing by the Lukiskiu Kalejimas Christmas market set up in a former prison.

Eagle-eyed Stranger Things fans will recognise this as the filming location of the Russian prison where Hopper was held in the fourth series.

It looks a little different at this time of year, though, with locally-made drinks, teas and gifts being flogged from a once gloomy building that housed prisoners until as recently as 2019.

Of course, a festive getaway isn’t complete with some delicious grub.

I had never considered Lithuania to be a place for foodies — but in fact, Vilnius has four Michelin-star restaurants.

It was one simple snack that took the biscuit for me — kepta duona, which is essentially fried bread in garlic.

The crunchy, delicious treat is a bit like a meat-free pork scratching, but much tastier.

If you’re a fan of bagels, then stop by Baleboste, where I felt more like I was being welcomed into someone’s dining room than a Jewish cafe.

Here, the ring-shaped bread is served warm with just the right amount of sweetness and a sprinkling of poppy seeds.

I had mine with a pulled beef filling which comes with mustard and plenty of pickles.

This isn’t something locals will be enjoying at this time of year as traditionally in Lithuania, it’s common to fast in the run-up to December 24, and most families don’t eat meat in this period — even on Christmas Eve.

Instead, they get together for a 12-course evening dinner called Kucios where they feast on beetroot, dumplings, lots of fish, berries and nuts.

You can enjoy a taster of this feast at Ertlio Namas, a Michelin-Guide restaurant in the Old Town.

After that delicious spread, I practically rolled back to the Hotel Pacai which has spacious rooms with enormous bathtubs for when you need to warm up after wandering around the chilly city.

If you’re lucky, like I was, there might even be a sprinkling of snow outside the window come morning.

If you’re looking for some winter sun to soak up the rays on a golden sand beach engulfed with crystal-clear turquoise waters, there’s an idyllic destination just five hours from the UK

Amid the chaos of Christmas and chilly weather conditions, many of us are dreaming of jetting off to a warmer climate for some winter sun. One destination that has long been praised for its luxurious resorts and blistering 25-degree winter heat is just five hours away from the UK.

To help travellers uncover some of the best holiday getaways during the colder UK months, easyJet has released its ‘Winter Sun Index’. The airline compared factors such as flight and package prices, temperature, hours of sunlight per day, monthly precipitation levels, time difference, and the average cost of a beer and a meal for two, to highlight their top holiday destinations for some winter sun.

One desirable holiday hotspot, within easy reach of the UK, was Hurghada on the east coast of Egypt. The sun-soaked beach town is brimming with luxury resorts scattered along the shoreline, providing direct access to the crystal-clear waters where marine life thrives.

The turquoise sea is one of Hurghada’s most appealing factors, with scuba diving and snorkelling being undoubtedly popular pastimes here. Most resorts offer private areas along the golden sands for ultimate relaxation and convenience, but for those seeking more adventure, stunning desert landscapes are nearby, offering activities such as quad biking or Jeep safaris.

Located along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, easyJet found that Hurghada typically offers temperatures between 21C and 25C during the winter months, a stark contrast to the brisk highs of 6C we experience in the UK. Another factor making this destination rather desirable is easyJet’s findings that, on average, a pint costs just £1.75, while two people can enjoy a meal out for an estimated £26 – bargain!

Elsewhere, Hurghada basks in around 9-10 hours of sunshine every day, and there’s just a two-hour time difference compared to the UK, pretty much avoiding any signs of jet lag. Direct flights from London airports to Hurghada are just over five hours, with return flights starting from £154 with easyJet.

There are plenty of package deals available, making a spontaneous getaway even more effortless if you’re seeking that vitamin D fix. The Red Sea is renowned for its winter sun destinations, with Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt also remaining a popular choice for holidaymakers, thanks to its pristine sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters.

easyJet’s top 10 destinations for winter sun

1. Sal – Cape Verde
2. Hurghada – Egypt
3. Gran Canaria – Canary Islands, Spain
4. Lanzarote – Canary Islands, Spain
5. Agadir – Morocco
6. Fuerteventura – Canary Islands, Spain
7. Tenerife South – Canary Islands, Spain
8. Djerba – Tunisia
9. Seville – Spain
10. Paphos – Cyprus

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “As temperatures at home begin to drop and the days get darker, now is the perfect time to book an escape to warmer climes. easyJet’s unrivalled network and package holidays, offer a broad range of winter sun destinations across Europe and beyond, from Sub-Saharan islands to Spanish peninsula cities that are all easily accessible and affordable, for those looking to chase the sun on a budget this winter.”

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

A UK city has been hailed as home to ‘one of the world’s most scenic winter train journeys’

A city in the UK has been hailed as the backdrop for “one of the world’s most scenic winter train journeys“. National Geographic experts have lauded the route as “breathtaking,” promising travellers an eyeful of unforgettable vistas. In their roundup of Europe’s top 10, they said: “The holiday season may be the best time to ride the rails on these iconic routes through Germany’s enchanted Black Forest, and Norway’s frozen waterfalls.”

But it’s Scotland that truly steals the show with its mist-shrouded hills, serpentine lochs, and stark winter landscapes. For those hunting for a festive or winter escape, this rail journey delivers an unrivalled experience.

So, where in Scotland can you find this picturesque railway journey?

Stretching around 180 miles from Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William, the West Highland Line is your ticket to awe-inspiring scenery.

As the National Geographic expert elaborated: “Route: Glasgow to Mallaig. Often cited as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, the West Highland Line serves up raw, haunting beauty.

“It slices through Rannoch Moor, a sprawling peat bog, skirts Loch Lomond, and soars over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, (a spectacle long before the Hogwarts Express catapulted it to Hollywood fame).”

They added: ” Edinburgh and Glasgow both boast unique Christmas festivities worth checking out. Edinburgh’s markets spill across Princes Street Gardens under the watchful eye of the castle, while Glasgow is set to light up with a Christmas lights trail this year.”

Glasgow’s Christmas market

The Winter Wonderland Christmas market at St Enoch Square is set to run from 6 November to 24 December, boasting family rides, an ice rink, local vendors, and live music. As reported by Secret Glasgow, the event will feature the world’s first solar-powered observation wheel and a fully licensed festive bar.

Glasgow is also set to host its largest beer hall yet, accommodating up to 700 guests with pub quizzes, live music, and festive beverages on offer. The venue will be adorned with fairy lights and fire pits, serving mulled wine and winter cocktails in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

In lieu of the traditional Christmas Lights Switch-On, which has been cancelled due to redevelopment works at George Square, the city will instead showcase a festive light trail.

Key attractions include dazzling art installations along Sauchiehall, Buchanan, and Argyle Streets, as well as a grand Christmas tree and crib at the Cathedral Precinct, providing a perfect backdrop for festive photos.

Top 10 scenic train routes in Europe, according to National Geographic

1. The Glacier Express (Switzerland)
2. Romantic Rhine Route (Germany)
3. Harz Narrow Gauge Railways (Germany)
4. The Bernina Express (Switzerland to Italy)
5. The West Highland Line (Scotland)
6. The Rauma Line (Norway)
7. The Semmering Railway (Austria)
8. The Schwarzwaldbahn (Germany)
9. The Arlberg Line (Switzerland–Austria)
10. Munich to Salzburg (Germany to Austria)

WHEN it comes to Christmas, you probably have a lot of family plans and then for the New Year, you might be seeing friends – but that time in between can be tricky to plan things to do.

Known as Twixmas, the period between Christmas and New Year – usually December 27, 28, 29 and 30 – always feels like you’re in a bit of a limbo.

You don’t know what day of the week it is, whether things are open or closed and you’re living off of leftovers from the big day.

So, instead of stressing about what you can and can’t do, here are 50 things across the UK that you can enjoy during Twixmas.

The Traitors Live Experience, London

Traitors fans can fully immerse themselves in the show at the live experience in Covent Garden, London.

You can opt to not be chosen as a traitor, but if you don’t mind then you might spend a couple of hours deceiving people…

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It costs from £29.50 per person.

Ice skating, various

There are a ton of ice skating rinks across the UK at the moment, most of which will be disappearing across January.

Ice skating is a fun winter activity and isn’t necessarily Christmassy so it is worth checking out the rink close to you and when it closes for the season.

One great site to visit is Somerset House in London, where you can go for a spin on the ice before grabbing a drink at The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia and looking out at the scenic setting.

It costs from £14 for adults and £12 for kids,

The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, London

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy experience is running in London until February 15.

During the experience, visitors can join characters including Arthur Dent, Zaphod Beeblebrox, and Fenchurch on a galactic adventure.

This is a new production and costs from £42.

The Legend of the Titanic, London

For those who want something immersive to do but are also interested in history, head to Dock X in Canada Water to The Legend of the Titanic.

The experience allows visitors to learn about the 1914 tragedy, as well as get a feel for what the ship would have looked like via AR.

It costs from £24 for adults and £16 for children.

Enchanted Tree Trail, Wentworth Castle Gardens, Barnsley, South Yorkshire

At Wentworth Castle Gardens in South Yorkshire, visitors can head on an enchanted tree trail.

Across the trail, visitors will see small creatures in their secret world.

It is running throughout the Twixmas period and costs from £6.50 per adult and £3.25 per child.

Cinema, various

What better time to head to a cosy film screening than when you have time off and are feeling lazy?

Between Christmas and New Year’s, a lot of cinemas are open and operating as normal.

It is the perfect time to feel like you’re getting out but also kicking up your feet at the same time.

And there are a number of great movies in the cinemas at the moment including the second part of Wicked, comedy Fackham Hall, and from December 19, the new Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Sunflowers Needle Felting Workshop, Lyveden near Oundle, Northamptonshire

Looking for something to do solo? Then why not head to Lyveden in Northamptonshire for a needle felting workshop.

Over two sessions, guests will learn how to transform wool into a small piece of art.

The workshop is designed for beginners, and by the end of the two sessions, guests will have created their own sunflower scene, inspired by Vincent van Gogh.

The workshops take place on Friday, January 30, from 10:30am to 3pm and cost £47.50 per person.

West End Shows, London

If you aren’t a fan of pantos, then why not opt for a London West End show instead?

Sites like TodayTix often offer deals and flash tickets at discounted prices for shows including Wicked and Moulin Rouge.

Twixmas swims, Ware Lido

Those who love a bit of an adrenaline rush can head to Ware Lido, which is open for festive swims.

Sessions for December 27 to 31 are still available… though they do advise wearing a wetsuit.

Adult swim sessions cost £6.75 and child sessions cost £3.75.

Fanhams Hall, Ware

The Jacobean mansion, Fanhams Hall, in Ware is hosting afternoon tea in the Drawing Room between Christmas and New Year.

The room overlooks the gardens at the house and visitors can enjoy a tiered offering of finger sandwiches, scones and sweet treats.

It costs from £40 per adult and there is a children’s tea available for £22.50 as well.

The afternoon tea is being hosted from December 27 to 30.

Afternoon tea, Petersham

Enjoy some classic British treats at Petersham, near Richmond from £54.00.

The menu includes roast turkey sandwiches and orange and cranberry scones.

You can even upgrade to have prosecco or champagne as well.

Eden Project, Cornwall

Eden Project is is opening to the public on Boxing Day for the first time since 2019, this year.

And over Twixmas there will be three, free running events on December 28, January 1 and January 4.

Eden Project also has an ice rink, which will be open until February.

And the Eden Project’s festive lights and soundscape experience will also take place each day between 5pm and 8pm, December 27 to 30.

Adult tickets cost £38 each and child tickets cost £12 each.

Helios, St Albans Museum + Gallery

If you love space or your kids do, then head to the solar show known as Helios at St Albans Museum + Gallery.

Here visitors can discover a six metre sculpture of the moon created by UK artist Luke Jerram.

The event runs from December 27 to January 25 and is free to visit.

Jurassic World Experience, London

It is your last chance to see Jurassic World Experience in London before it ends on January 4.

The experience features 10 immersive zones which bring the film to life.

It costs from £35.95 per adult and £28.95 per child.

Drayton Manor, Tamworth

Drayton Manor is the only UK theme park that will have all its major rides open throughout the festive period.

These rides include Gold Rush, The Wave and Maelstrom.

If visiting, your ticket will also include access to a new end-of-day show called ‘Drayton Manor’s Christmas Miracle’.

Tickets to the theme park cost £25 per person.

Edinburgh day trip

Head on a day trip to Edinburgh, which was recently named the most festive city in the UK by London Northwestern Railway (LNR).

It is either a short flight or a train journey, with both costing from around £34 per way.

Winchester Science Centre

Another one for aspiring astronauts is the Winchester Science Centre, which reopens on December 27 after being closed for Christmas.

Inside, visitors can explore many interactive exhibits as well as watch the live planetarium show – Solar System Adventure.

The Science Centre costs from £14 per person to visit.

Lights of Abraham, Peak District

Head to Lights of Abraham in the Peak District before they close for the year.

Visitors can go on a moon-lit cable car ride over a valley, which is full of lights.

Then, once they reach the summit, they can set off on a trail that has interactive stepping stones, a neon forest, and giant creatures.

The light trail is open from December 27 to 30 and costs from £22 per adult and £16 per child.

Stonehenge, Salisbury

For a refreshing walk with a bit of history, head to Stonehenge, in Wiltshire.

The world-famous prehistoric monument was built over 5,000 years ago, and visitors can walk around the stones as well as explore a museum about their history.

Stonehenge is only closed on Christmas Day, but has reduced hours on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

It costs from £25 per person to visit.

National Stone Centre, Matlock

Found just 30 minutes from Derby, on the edge of the Peak District, is the National Stone Centre.

Spread across 40 acres, it is free to visit all year round.

There are a number of activities for families, including geo-trails to find fossils.

There is also gem-panning which costs £3 per person.

There is also a playground as well.

Bounce Below, Llechwedd

Bounce Below features six netted areas with different chambers and bouncy nets for guests to play on.

And it is all set within caves under the ground, which is twice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Tickets cost from £25 per person.

Sun Travel recently visited Bounce Below, finding it to be like a ‘theme park’ in caves.

Silent Pool Gin Festive Distillery Tour, Guildford

Silent Pool Gin Distillery in Guildford are running festive tours and tasting experience.

On each tour, a guide will explain how and why the distillery was created, and visitors will get to see the copper gin stills.

To make it a touch more festive, guests will also get to have a ‘Rare Citrus Hot Toddy’.

The tour will take place at various times across December 27 and 28 and it costs £30 per person.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

There’s nothing quite like visiting a palace and between Christmas and the New Year you could head to all three of the festive attractions at Blenheim Palace, as they remain open until January 3.

These include the Palace of Oz where the State Rooms have been transformed, The Great Skate ice rink and the Illuminated Light Trail.

Entry costs from £41 per adult and £24 per child.

Forest Bathing, Wrest Park

At Wrest Park, you could kick start 2026 with some pre-New Year wellbeing with forest bathing.

During the 90-minute experience, visitors will get to go on a slow walk through the woodland with a number of stops to explore nature.

The walk also includes a tea ceremony.

The event takes place on December 28 from 10:30am to 12pm and costs £22 per person.

Glow in the Dark, Mini Golf, Bath

Until January 4, you can head to a glow in the dark mini golf experience in Bath.

Found at Glow Golf, each player will have a glowing ball and the course is decked out with lights.

It costs £11.50 per adult and £9.75 per child.

Twilight Tobogganing, Mendip Activity Centre, Somerset

At Mendip Activity Centre in Somerset, families can explore a toboggan run until January 4.

Each session lasts 60 minutes, and visitors can discover an illuminated area where they can toast marshmallows and have a hot chocolate around a campfire.

It costs around £34 per person.

Beyond the Bonnets: Working Women in Jane Austen’s Novels, Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery

At the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery visitors can explore the exhibition ‘Beyond the Bonnets: Working Women in Jane Austen’s Novels’.

The exhibition celebrates 250 years of the author and explores a number of true stories of working women from Hampshire, where Austen was from.

An adult ticket costs £5.45 and a child ticket costs £4.50.

Christmas break with Warner Hotels

Warner Hotels have a number of properties across the UK – and many of which have great deals on breaks during Twixmas.

Twixmas breaks start from £249 per person for a three-night stay (based on two people sharing), and include bed, breakfast and three-course dinners, entertainment, access to leisure facilities and activities.

There are also a number of day experiences available, starting from £25 per person.

Bongo’s Bingo: Bingo All The Way, Newcastle

Bongo’s Bingo is in Newcastle at the Boiler Shop over the festive period.

The event features a mix of traditional bingo, dance-offs, raves, and audience participation.

The bingo will be taking place on December 27, 28 and 31 and it costs from £23.

Christmas Rocks, O2 City Hall, Newcastle

Over four days, a festival with rock tribute bands will be performing at O2 City Hall in Newcastle.

There will be AC/DC GB, Fleeting Rumours, Green Days and Paramore UK performing.

The event runs from December 27 to 30 and costs from £29.90 per person.

Twist Museum, London

Head to Twist Museum in London to explore a number of rooms with different illusions that are fun for both kids and adults.

There is also a new Lapland Infinity Forest at the museum, for a little bit of a festive twist.

Prices start from £20 per child and £24.50 per adult.

Exhibition on Screen: Caravaggio, Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle

A special screening at Tyneside Cinema will show the latest edition of Exhibition on Screen – a documentary series that explores the history behind different artworks.

This time, the event will focus on artist Caravaggio, and it is believed to be the most extensive film made about the artist.

It takes place on Monday, December 29 and costs around £10 for standard tickets.

Christmas Stick Man Trail, Haldon Forest near Exeter

Fans of Julia Donaldson should head to Haldon Forest near Exeter, in Devon for a day of exploring the Stick Man trail.

The trail follows Stick Man as he helps Santa deliver the final present.

The trail runs until January 4 and is free to visit.

Bubblicious family raves with the Soapbox Theatre, Plymouth

The Soapbox Theatre in Plymouth is hosting a family-friendly dance party, to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

It will include sessions for families with babies and one for older kids as well.

A DJ will play dance music, with glow sticks, UV face painting, and performers present too.

There is also a bar for adults too.

It takes place on December 31 and costs from £10 per person.

Museums, various

Up and down the UK there are many museums that will be open over the period between Christmas and New Year, including the Natural History Museum.

Museums are great spots for a day out especially when it is raining and cold.

And to add to that, a lot are free to visit as well.

Meet Paddington at Wookey Hole

At Wookey Hole Caves, visitors will be able to meet Paddington as well as explore ancient caves.

The caves are currently decked out with 100,000 lights and there is also an on-site circus show.

It costs from £19 per person.

Big Fat Quiz of the Year, Hampshire

The Wellington Arms in Hampshire is hosting a ‘Big Fat Quiz of the Year’.

Teams can be no bigger than six people, and it costs £2 per person to enter.

And of course there are prizes.

It takes place on December 29 at 6pm to 10pm.

Treasure hunt, Leeds

Treasure Hunt Leeds allows visitors to explore the city and solve clues in the process.

You can see the sights of the city, such as Victorian arcades and the Corn Exchange.

What’s best about this experience, is you can take it at your own pace.

It costs £15 per person.

Hawkchurch Resort and Spa, Axminster, South Devon

What about just having a mini-break?

For example, you could stay at Hawkchurch Resort and Spa for three nights from December 27 from £375.

Each lodge sleeps between two and eight people, and pets are also welcome.

The site itself has amazing views of the Axe Valley, and you can even opt for a lodge with a private hot tub.

Escape rooms, various

Escape rooms are a great family-friendly activity to do, and there are different venues across the UK.

For example, you could even go to Butlin’s Bognor Regis Playxperience where there are a few different options including Escape the Seven Seas Escape Room, which is suitable for children over the age of five.

The majority of escape rooms are more suitable for older kids though.

And prices tend to vary greatly, but you can expect to pay at least £30 per player.

Butlin’s break, across all three sites

Butlin’s is hosting festive breaks from £129 per person at Skegness, Bognor Regis, and Minehead.

These are great for small kids with lots of activities and shows to explore at each site.

Sun Travel has visited Butlin’s on numerous occasions, including trying the £1.8 million indoor soft play attraction at one of the sites.

A spa day, various

Why not treat yourself to a pamper session?

For example, Bannatyne Spas offer pamper days from £104 for two people.

There is nothing like a refreshing facial or revitalising massage before the New Year…

Pantomimes, UK wide

Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean the pantos are!

Most pantomimes run on until the New Year, and some even beyond.

And they aren’t necessarily Christmas-themed – for example, Jack and the Beanstalk or Dick Wittington.

So why not have a laugh with a pantomime Dame?

Hook Norton Brewery, Banbury

For beer fans or just those who want to get a tipple in before dry January, head to Hook Norton Brewery.

Over the Twixmas period, you can book a brewery tour and also grab a bite to eat at Malthouse Kitchen.

Each tour costs £20 per person.

Wake the Tiger, Bristol

Wake the Tiger in Bristol is the UK’s largest immersive art experience and the world’s first amazement park.

Inside, visitors will head on a self-guided journey of “kaleidoscopic realms”, with over 40 immersive spaces.

It costs from £16.50 per adult and £13.50 per child.

Silverstone Lap of Lights, Northamptonshire

Formula 1 fans can catch a festive twist on the motorsport at the Silverstone circuit with a two-mile light trail.

There is also an ice rink at the track too.

It costs from £50 per person.

Shell Grotto, Margate

Hidden beneath Margate in Kent is the Shell Grotto, which has over 2,000 sq ft of walls and ceilings completely covered in mosaics made of seashells.

In fact, there are over 4.6million seashells in total.

Entry costs £4.50 for adults, £2 for kids and £4 for concessions (over 60s, students registered disabled, armed forces).

Race Across the World: The Experience, Manchester

For fans of the TV show Race Across the World, there is now a brand new experience in Manchester.

The experience is designed for teams of two to eight players and lasts about three hours.

Participants head around the city, solving puzzles as they go.

It costs from £25 per person.

Travel reporter Alice Penwill tried out the Race Across the World experience in London, and here is what she thought.

Dreamery Gardens, York

Head to the folklore-filled woodland known as Dreamery Gardens, located just outside of York.

Filled with over 100 fairy doors, there is a 1.5km trail to discover.

Tickets start at £14.95 per person.

Chaos Karts, Manchester

Chaos Karts is a go-karting experience mixed with video games that makes it feel as if you are in Mario Kart.

The virtual tracks come alive around you as you race your rivals.

It costs from £30 per person.

In other attraction news, the unofficial ‘eighth Wonder of the World’ could be getting a new theme park – with five-star hotel and casino.

Plus, UK’s Universal theme park gets go ahead to start works next year – here’s when it plans to open to visitors.

A Spirograph of starlings in Cambridgeshire

Arrive at Fowlmere RSPB reserve, 10 miles south-west of Cambridge, an hour before nightfall to allow yourself time to find a good vantage point to enjoy the spectacle of the murmuration. Starlings gather and swirl in fluid Spirograph shapes, framed by shadowy trees against sunset reds until the sky darkens and the birds take their last dip into the reed beds. It really is a spectacular display, available most winter evenings here.
Helena

Rowing the canals of Bristol in all weathers

Our Bristol Channel Social Rowers club goes out in all weather. Frosty and clear, intense blue skies add pleasure to our early morning session. We soon warm up, for as it says on the side of our gig, Rowing Keeps You Going. It’s quiet except for the rhythm of the long oars and the ripple of water under us. We skim past Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Then round St Mary Redcliffe church with its 84-metre spire. Hearing the bells during a Sunday row is magical.
David Innes-Wilkin

Marvellous Malvern Hills, Worcestershire

You can’t beat a wintry walk on the Malvern Hills on a crisp, bright day. One of my favourite routes is up the Herefordshire Beacon, on top of which is British Camp, an iron age hill fort. I always pass the tiny Giant’s cave (also called Clutters cave) and loop back above the reservoir. My inner child recommends taking cardboard for dry-sledging down the ditches (or a normal sledge, if we’re lucky enough for snow), but a post-ramble hot chocolate from either the Sally’s Place cafe or Malvern Hills hotel, both across the road from the car park, is a must.
Jemma Saunders

Untamed route in north Cornwall

Few corners of the UK feel wilder than Cornwall’s north coast during low season. Here, the untamed Atlantic meets the spectacular sheer cliffs between Tintagel and Port Isaac, with the South West Coast Path snaking its way precariously along the top. After a walk with the elements, settle down for some wave-watching at the Port William inn perched above Trebarwith Strand. Spectacular sunsets and family-run surf clubs are on offer, all in the imposing shadow of legendary Gull Rock. The best part? There is no phone signal in this former smuggling inlet, affording undivided attention to this dramatic land/ocean double act.
Adam McCormack

Rockpooling and dinosaurs in Somerset

Donning woolly hats, jumpers and waterproofs, I set off with my young children to the fossil-strewn beach at Kilve, Somerset. On the way we play Poohsticks, get stuck in mud and paddle in a stream. Once at the beach, every new trip brings fresh delights; devil’s toenails, ammonites, fossilised wood and crabs. We paint pebbles, fall on on our bums on wet rocks and play dinosaurs in rock pools.
Chantelle

Cycling and dark skies in Northumberland

Kielder Water in Northumberland, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, offers walking, wildlife, cycling and water sports. We hired bikes and did the wonderful 26-mile route round the reservoir. There are also a multitude of routes available in the forest for mountain bikers. If clear skies are forecast book an evening at the Kielder Observatory where we were entranced by the dark skies and the amazing telescopes. Hot chocolate was also on offer to warm us up as we gazed into the depths of our universe.
Matthew

Spot heroes of the underworld in UK woods

I love mushroom-spotting in the colder months. Apps such as Seek can help you identify the ones you find (but don’t rely on apps to establish whether a mushroom is edible or not). I also have my little pocket-size mushroom book. It keeps me on the lookout and interested in my surroundings, helping me stay mindful. I especially like the common name of the mushrooms. I am on the lookout for witch’s butter, wood ear and velvet shank. I am combining this with my love of photography and learning how to take pictures of mushrooms to highlight their beauty. They really are the unsung heroes of the underworld.
Ese

Hiking has taught me to embrace the rain

I’m usually the hibernating type in winter, but since joining a local hiking group, I’ve changed my ways. There has been nothing more satisfying than feeling the crisp, fresh wind against my face and forcing myself to be present in the moment. It’s taken me 37 years to acknowledge the beautiful, natural landscapes right on my doorstep. Where once I was afraid of the cold and rain, I now wrap up warm, take it in my stride and beat those winter blues one step at a time. Not to mention the sense of achievement I feel afterwards.
Shema

Boxing Day charity walk in Derry

The Goal Mile is a charity walk (and run) that takes place in many locations across the island of Ireland every Boxing Day to support the charity Goal’s work in the developing world. In Derry the walk follows the River Foyle and crosses the iconic Peace Bridge. It’s a much-needed release valve for those of us suffering cabin fever at this time of the year and a great way of raising money.
Ciaran

Winning tip: a clear day on Cader Idris, Eryri national park

First, pick a dry, clear, cold day and ensure you wear good boots and warm clothes, have told people where you’ll be, and know what the weather forecast holds. Now you’re ready for a rewarding day: a circular, five-hour walk to the summit of Wales’s finest mountain, Cader Idris starting from the Eryri national park’s Dôl Idris car park. Up steep steps through woods to Llyn Cau, a wonderful corrie; next, a tough ascent of Craig Cau and Cader Idris’s summit Penygader (fall asleep there, and wake up mad or a poet, according to legend); then back along Mynydd Moel, where Richard Wilson made one of the first (18th century) and finest mountain portraits in British art. Unforgettable!
Andrew Green

ONE small village around an hour from Nice transforms into an open-air Christmas scene in the wintertime.

It has the most amount of nativity scenes in France with a dedicated trail to see them all – and it draws in thousands of visitors from around the world.

The medieval village is called Lucéram which is just 15 miles from the coast, but sits up on a rocky hilltop in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region – and it has a reputation for Christmas decorations.

Every year the locals set up around 500 nativity scenes, or as they’re known in French, crèches – this is the most of any place in the country.

Across the village are model replicas of the nativity set around the cobbled streets, at churches, schools, barns and even in the village bread oven.

They can range from miniature scenes on window ledges to life-size displays.

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The traditional nativity trail is called Circuit des Crèches, it has been running for nearly two decades and is completely free.

The trail is open every day from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5.30pm, with afternoon-only opening on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

This year Lucéram even has a nighttime candlelit trail on Friday 19 December.

And there are two Christmas markets on two Sundays – December 14 and 21.

If you want a glimpse of the decorations then you’ll want to head out soon as the trail concludes on January 4, 2026.

The village sits on a hilltop and isn’t just pretty thanks to its Christmas scenes.

Lucéram has retained it’s medieval charm with stone houses that have terracotta-tiled roofs and vaulted passageways.

Also in the village are two chapels with impressive wall murals and an old olive oil mill.

Another popular activity is hiking to the nearby Vallée des Merveilles.

Brits can get to Lucéram by flying to Nice, a route which is offered by airlines like British Airways and easyJet.

From there, Lucéram can be reached in under 40 minutes by car or just over an hour on public transport.

This tiny European town is what people describe as a real-life Disney village…

With brightly coloured timber houses and window boxes full of flowers, Riquewihr in France has been compared to villages from Disney films.

Riquewihr is a village in the Alsace region known for having a blend of French and German culture resulting in picture perfect communes.

These have half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and vineyards.

Unlike surrounding towns like Colmar, Riquewihr is much quieter when it comes to high season.

While it doesn’t have the canals that Colmar does, the town of Riquewihr has been called just as beautiful by visitors.

One visitors wrote on Tripadvisor: “This town is so cute you’ll think it was made for a Disney movie. we were here at Christmas and it gets EVEN CUTER with the decorations. you won’t believe it. i think it’s the cutest of all the Alsatian towns.”

Another added: “Picturesque would be an understatement. It’s a fairy tale village that doesn’t seem real.”

You’ll find the town between the Vosges mountains and the Alsatian vineyards, which only adds to its beauty.

For more pretty French villages, this one regularly tops list of France’s most beautiful places thanks to medieval homes, car ban and cute vineyards.

And the world’s most beautiful village is just two hours from the UK – with classic car tours and fairytale lavender fields.

AN ISLAND dubbed the “Caribbean without the jetlag” – where pints cost just £2.20 – could be the perfect escape from the moody British weather.

An index tracking the best winter sun spots, ranking temperature, hours of sunshine, pint and meal for two prices, time difference, and precipitation, revealed its winner.

Sal in Cape Verde was the top spot of the unique index taking into account all things Brits love.

The Atlantic island offers white sandy beaches, subtropical temperatures and just a one-hour time difference with the UK, despite flights taking six hours.

Winter highs average between 24°C and 25°C throughout January to March.

Visitors can enjoy around 10 hours of sunshine each day, according to easyJet’s Winter Sun Index.

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The island also boasts dishes inspired by Portuguese, African and Brazilian cuisines, with a meal for two costing roughly £30.

Close behind in the rankings is Egypt’s Red Sea gem, Hurghada, with winter temperatures sitting between 21°C and 25°C.

Unbelievably pints of beer on average cost under £2.

The resort town offers near-endless sunshine, crystal-clear waters and desert landscapes with activities like quad biking or Jeep safaris.

The Canary Islands also remain firm favourites, with Gran Canaria and Lanzarote claiming third and fourth spots.

Gran Canaria is known for its golden beaches, while Lanzarote stands out with striking black sands and volcanic vistas.

Kevin Doyle, UK country manager for the airline, said: “As temperatures at home begin to drop and the days get darker, now is the perfect time to book an escape to warmer climes.

“Our network and package holidays offer a broad range of winter sun destinations across Europe and beyond – from Sub-Saharan islands to Spanish peninsula cities.”

Other highlights from the index include the likes of Agadir in Morocco, Djerba off Tunisia and Spain’s Seville.

Agadir offers winter highs of 23°C, nearly nine hours of sunshine per day and very little rainfall, while on average, meals for two come in at £26 and a pint just £1.75.

Djerba made the index thanks to a mix of culture and relaxation, with winter temperatures ranging from 16°C to 18°C and up to eight hours of daily sunshine.

The island blends Mediterranean coastline and Saharan influences, plus artisanal market streets, palm trees and sandy beaches, with meals for two costing around £26 and a pint is just £1.30.

Seville, Europe’s warmest city in winter, scores highly for its elegant Moorish architecture and vibrant city life.

Travellers can expect temperatures between 16°C and 22°C, around eight hours of sunshine and a pint for just £2.20.

The city’s plazas, flamenco recitals, and sunny streets make it perfect for those seeking city warmth rather than the sea.

The light is fading fast as I stand inside Tregeseal stone circle near St Just. The granite stones of the circle are luminous in this sombre landscape, like pale, inquisitive ghosts gathered round to see what we’re up to. Above us, a sea of withered bracken and gorse rises to Carn Kenidjack, the sinister rock outcrop that dominates the naked skyline. At night, this moor is said to be frequented by pixies and demons, and sometimes the devil himself rides out in search of lost souls.

Unbothered by any supernatural threat, we are gazing seawards, towards the smudges on the horizon that are the distant Isles of Scilly. The clouds crack open and a flood of golden light falls over the islands. My companion, archaeoastronomer Carolyn Kennett, and I gasp. It is marvellous natural theatre which may have been enjoyed by the people who built this circle 4,000 years ago.

We have met at Tregeseal to talk about the winter solstice. Carolyn’s work focuses on the relationship of Cornwall’s prehistory with the sky, and she describes the whole Land’s End peninsula as an ancient winter solstice landscape. This, she says, is because of the spine of granite that runs south-west along the peninsula, towards the midwinter sunset. If, for example, you stand at winter solstice by Chûn Quoit – the mushroom-shaped burial chamber high on the moors south of Morvah – you will see the sun set over Carn Kenidjack on the south-western horizon. And likely this is exactly as Chûn Quoit’s Neolithic builders intended.

Carolyn suggests that Tregeseal stone circle was deliberately sited to allow people to view the midwinter sun setting behind the Isles of Scilly. “Seen from here, Scilly is a liminal space. On a clear day with high pressure, the isles look close up and just pop. On other days, they’re simply not there. The circle builders could have viewed Scilly as an otherworldly place, perhaps a place of the dead, associated with the winter solstice and the rebirth of the light.”

We thread through the darkening russet moor past prehistoric burial mounds and heaps of mining slag to a mysterious monument, which may be the UK’s only ancient row of holed stones. Unlike the stone at Mên-an-Tol, their better-known sister a few miles away, it’s impossible to crawl through the Kenidjack holed stones; these holes are barely big enough to fit my hand through and very low to the ground. Archaeologists remain baffled.

Carolyn’s theory is that the row might have worked as a kind of winter solstice countdown calendar, with the rising sun shining through the holes from late October until December and creating varying beams of light in the stones’ shadows. “Feeling the warmth of that golden beam of sunlight in the cold, dark moor gave me a visceral experience of how prehistoric people might have perceived winter solstice,” she says.

Too many ancient sites are aligned to the rising or setting of the sun at midwinter or midsummer for it to be a coincidence. It makes sense that prehistoric farmers, who relied on the sun for light, warmth and the growth of crops, would want to track the sun’s movement. But in the 21st century, the darkness of this time of year still weighs on our spirits, and so we welcome the winter solstice, that darkest day of all before the hours of light begin to grow again. And where better to celebrate the return of the light than on the Land’s End (West Penwith) peninsula, which points towards the setting point of the sun on the year’s shortest day?

A bitter easterly is gusting, and eerie moaning rises from unseen cows as I tramp through soggy clover to pay a visit to the Boscawen-Ros stone, keeping watch as it has done for thousands of years above the peninsula’s south coast. It is just one of scores of prehistoric stones that stand alone or in pairs or circles all over the peninsula; less than a mile away are the famous Merry Maidens, dancers turned to stone for breaking the Sabbath. I think about how long the stone has persisted here, enjoying its view of the Celtic Sea and English Channel: where once Neolithic coracles would have floated, now the container ships and the Scilly ferry pass by.

Christopher Morris’s mesmerising film A Year in a Field, which documents 12 months in the life of this stone, draws attention to the power of its still and silent presence in the ever-changing landscape. “And I deliberately started and ended the film with winter solstice,” he tells me, “because it is a moment of pure hope – the promise of the ending of darkness and a bright new year ahead.”

On 21 December, all over West Penwith, people will be marking midwinter by walking to stone circles and holy wells, to hill forts and ancient beacons. Carolyn Kennett will be leading a guided walk to Chûn Quoit to observe the sun setting over Carn Kenidjack. Morris will walk to the Boscawen-Ros stone, as he does every winter solstice, in a sort of ritual of reflection and renewal. Later he, like thousands of others, will crowd into Penzance for Montol, a midwinter festival that dates only to 2007 but revives the very old Cornish custom of guise dancing, with its elaborate masks and costumes, traditional carolling and music of pipe, drum and fiddle.

Morris calls Montol “a wild night of misrule” – mischief and taboo-breaking are positively encouraged. The sun (in papier-mache form) will be set ablaze, while revellers disguised in animal masks, foliate heads or veils will dance triumphantly around it. There will be a herd of ’obby ’osses (hobby horses, including one called Penglaz and another called Pen Hood), dragons, fire-dancers and riotous merry-making. “A lot of sprout-throwing, too,” Morris adds. At 9.30pm those still standing will parade the Mock (the Yule log), flaming torches in hand, down Chapel Street to the sea. It is a fittingly uproarious and darkly magical celebration to welcome back the light.

In enchanted West Penwith, where rings of dancers were turned to stone and the witches once lit solstice fires in the moorland cromlechs, the tradition of folklore, storytelling and community ritual is still very much alive. And especially now, at midwinter.

Fiona Robertson is the author of Stone Lands, published by Robinson at £25. To support the Guardian buy a copy from guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply

Winter storms are worsening conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza, as aid agencies warn that Israeli restrictions are preventing lifesaving shelter assistance from reaching people across the besieged enclave.

The United Nations has said it has tents, blankets and other essential supplies ready to enter Gaza, but that Israeli authorities continue to block or restrict access through border crossings.

In Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp, the roof of a war-damaged family home collapsed during the storm, rescue workers said on Wednesday. Six Palestinians, including two children, were pulled alive from the rubble.

It comes after Gaza’s Ministry of Health said a two-week-old Palestinian infant froze to death, highlighting the risks faced by young and elderly people living in inadequate shelters.

A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the storms had damaged or destroyed shelters and personal belongings across the territory.

“The disruption has affected approximately 30,000 children across Gaza. Urgent repairs are needed to ensure these activities can resume without delay,” Farhan Haq said.

The Palestinian Civil Defence in Gaza added in a statement that “what we are experiencing now in the Gaza Strip is a true humanitarian catastrophe”.

Ceasefire talks and aid access

The worsening humanitarian situation comes as Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani held talks in Washington, DC, with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on efforts to stabilise the tenuous ceasefire in Gaza.

According to Qatari officials, the talks focused on Qatar’s role as a mediator, the urgent need for aid to enter Gaza, and moving negotiations towards the second stage of a US-backed plan to end Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher, reporting from Washington, said Sheikh Mohammed stressed that humanitarian assistance must be allowed into Gaza “unconditionally”.

“He said aid has to be taken into Gaza unconditionally, clearly making reference to the fact that a number of aid agencies have said that Israel is blocking the access to aid for millions of people in Gaza,” Fisher said.

The Qatari prime minister also discussed the possibility of an international stabilisation force to be deployed in Gaza after the war, saying such a force should act impartially.

“There has been a lot of talk in the US over the past couple of weeks about how this force would work towards the disarmament of Hamas,” Fisher said.

Sheikh Mohammed also called for swift progress towards the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.

“He said that stage two of the ceasefire deal has to be moved to pretty quickly,” Fisher said, adding that US officials were hoping to announce early in the new year which countries would contribute troops to a stabilisation force.

Israeli attacks continue

Meanwhile, violence continued in Gaza despite the ceasefire, with at least 11 Palestinians wounded in Israeli attacks in central Gaza City, according to medical sources.

The Israeli army said it is investigating after a mortar shell fired near Gaza’s so-called yellow line “missed its target”.

Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza reported Israeli artillery shelling east of the southern city of Khan Younis. Medical sources said Israeli gunfire also wounded two people in the Tuffah neighbourhood of eastern Gaza City.

In the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military and settler attacks have escalated in recent days, Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israeli troops shot and wounded a man in his 20s in the foot in Qalqilya. He was taken to hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Since October 2023, at least 70,668 Palestinians have been killed and 171,152 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities. In Israel, 1,139 people were killed during the Hamas-led October 7 attack, and more than 200 others were taken captive.

FASHIONISTA Gwen Stefani has shown her fans how to slay Christmas style. 

Gwen, 56, performed in front of a Disneyland castle in a sneak peek of her Christmas Day TV special in a tiny dress and fur.

She was dressed in head-to-toe winter white, including a cropped fur jacket and sky-high platform boots. 

The chic outfit also included a tiny tiered white skirt which exposed itty bitty lace shorts underneath. 

In the post, the crooner told fans to “tune in Christmas morning,” for the Sleeping Beauty’s Castle for Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.

Fans expressed their excitement for the Christmas concert in the comments on Instagram. 

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“I absolutely can’t wait to watch your performance, Gwen! Also you look like a gorgeous Disney princess,” one commenter wrote. 

“Yay, cannot wait for your performance of my all-time favorite version of “White Christmas!” another fan commented. 

A third fan stated, “You are stunning. How don’t you age!?”

The concert, which will play on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu, is slated for performances by Coco Jones, Bebe Rexha, and Nicole Scherzinger. 

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HAPPY MARRIAGE?

Gwen fans recently suspected relationship challenges with her 49-year-old husband, Blake Shelton.

Their marriage was called into question ever since Blake released a cryptic breakup song entitled Hang On earlier this year.

Rumors ran rampant when they didn’t attend the CMA Awards in 2025, even though Blake received a nomination.

Days later, Gwen posted a photo on her Instagram Story where she received a sweet kiss from Blake – indicating all was well.

A source close to the couple told The U.S. Sun: “They’ve gone through real challenges, nothing manufactured.”  

“There were times when the tension was high enough that people close to them quietly wondered if the relationship could take the strain.

But the source insisted that Gwen and Blake are committed to making their marriage work: “They showed up for each other instead of checking out.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtney Bardell, 25, said the family-of-five faced two-hour waits for rides as well as pushing and shoving in crowds after forking out over £270 to visit London’s Winter Wonderland

A young girl was left in tears after an exhausted Santa “refused her entry” to his Grotto during a “disappointing” visit to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, her mum has claimed.

Mother-of-three Courtney Bardell, 25, claims her children were “upset” following a disastrous outing to the popular London market last Saturday (12). She said the family-of-five endured two-hour queues for rides alongside aggressive jostling in crowds after spending over £270 on travel, attraction passes, and food.

However, the event’s organisers have said that admission to see Father Christmas is paused at ‘peak times’, and that the grotto’s workers also have scheduled breaks.

The stay-at-home mum, who attended with partner Connor, 26, and daughters Harlie-Mae, six, Lucia, four, and Essie, one, insists she won’t be returning to the festive event. Courtney, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, said: “I expected it to be busy but I didn’t expect it to be as busy as it was.”

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“I expected them (the kids) to see Santa and get a gift from Santa. It was advertised that Santa’s Grotto would be open until 6pm but we got there at about 3pm and the staff said ‘Santa’s had enough’. Harlie-Mae started crying because she wanted to see Santa. You could see through the glass that other children were getting to see him.”

Courtney said that her family arrived at 2pm and were instantly taken aback by the sheer volume of visitors.

She added: “The kids couldn’t even walk without getting pushed over. My six-year-old was asking me after half an hour ‘when are we going home?’. You also get advertised a meal which we assumed would be in a sit-down restaurant but there weren’t enough tables at all, so you’re getting pushed while you’re trying to eat.”

Courtney has since shelled out £35 to take the children to a local grotto after Harlie-Mae labelled her day at Winter Wonderland as “rubbish”.

“We’ll probably just go somewhere local next time”, she added. “It’ll save the disappointment.”

In a statement from Winter Wonderland, a spokesperson said: “Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s priority is the safety of all our visitors. To manage visitor flow, we operate specific entry times and a ticketing system to help guests enjoy the event comfortably.

“We understand there can be queues during particularly busy periods and work to clear these as quickly as possible. Santa’s Grotto operates with scheduled breaks, and admissions may be paused at peak times.”

Courtney isn’t the only one to be left disappointed by her Winter Wonderland experience this year. A woman who ordered a hot chocolate at the Hyde Park attraction was left floored by the price, and took to TikTok to show how she managed to spend £70 on food and drink during her trip.

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However, there are cheaper alternatives such as Christmas markets in Europe. The cheapest Christmas market in Europe was recently revealed as Poznan in Poland, which is just a two hour flight from the UK. Visitors can book hotel rooms for as little as £30 a night, and pints are about £2 in this underrated city.

Another option closer to home is Newcastle Christmas Market, recently named one of the best in the UK by readers of Which? It was recently praised for having a large number of independent traders, the majority of them being local to Newcastle, and groups can pre-book igloos in the city centre and enjoy food and drink service with somewhere to shelter.

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The top of the tower had disappeared in the mist, but its bells rang clear and true, tolling beyond the abbey gates, over the slopes of frost-fringed trees, down to the town in the valley below. Final call for morning mass. I took a seat at the back of the modern church, built when the Abbey of Saint Maurice and Saint Maurus relocated to this hill in Clervaux, north Luxembourg, in 1910. Then the monks swept in – and swept away 1,000 years. Sung in Latin, their Gregorian chants filled the nave: simple, calming, timeless. I’m not religious and didn’t understand a word, but also, in a way, understood it completely.

Although mass is held here at 10am daily, year-round, the monks’ ethereal incantations seemed to perfectly suit the season. I left the church, picked up a waymarked hiking trail and walked deeper into the forest – and the mood remained. There was no one else around, no wind to dislodge the last, clinging beech leaves or sway the soaring spruce. A jay screeched, and plumes of hair ice feathered fallen logs. As in the church, all was stillness, a little magic.

I’d come to Luxembourg by train, with the notion of finding a frozen fairytale. This tiny grand duchy, about the size of Dorset, has a ridiculous number of castles – as many as 130 (depending on your definition). It’s the legacy of being sited at the heart of western Europe, suffering centuries of incursions. Some of these castles have been restored for visitors; some are places you can stay at (with lower rates off-season). Add in rimy forests, chanting monks and the fact all public transport is free – maybe the most magical thing of all – and my hopes Luxembourg would make an atmospheric winter break were being fulfilled.

My walk ended at Clervaux Castle. It dates from the 12th century, but was destroyed during the second world war’s desperate Battle of the Bulge, which played out in these cold forests in December 1944. The castle has since been rebuilt and now houses the 1950s Unesco-listed photo exhibition The Family of Man. It was almost empty as I moved between the 503 images, taken by the most prestigious photographers of the age, depicting normal people in all life stages, the ordinary rendered extraordinary. There are no captions or locations; each photograph is its own whole story, containing multitudes. It was incredibly uplifting.

You can’t spend the night at Clervaux Castle, but 10 minutes away by (free!) bus is Chateau d’Urspelt, where you can stay. When I arrived, this castle looked Disney-cute, fairy lights dripping from its white-washed turrets. Eighty years ago, it was quite different. The US 1st Battalion 110th Infantry had its HQ here in December 1944, before being overwhelmed by German forces. After the war, Urspelt fell further into ruin, until 2005, when a local entrepreneur decided to restore it and turn it into a smart hotel. I skipped the snazzy spa, and the ice rink sparkling in the courtyard, but relished a fruity Luxembourgish pinot noir in the low-lit bar, which hides like a speakeasy in the castle’s historic cellars.

One of the country’s most impressive castles is Vianden (less than an hour from Clervaux via a free bus), a beast of a bastion, lording over the River Our, on the German border. It was constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries on Roman foundations, altered multiple times, left to rot, then, from the 1970s, painstakingly restored to its medieval pomp. On a pallid winter’s day, it was crowd-free. I rattled around its vast state rooms and marvelled at the layered history visible in the visitor centre, which is built around past excavations.

It’s not just the castle that gives Vianden its fairytale feel. There’s the winding river, the tight-pressed wooded hills and the village itself, with its remnants of 13th-century walls and pretty, cobbled main street. I opted to escape reality entirely in the Ancien Cinéma cafe, a former movie theatre where you can grab a coffee, sit on a couch and watch whatever’s on the big screen, surrounded by film paraphernalia.

My final stop was a castle unlike any other. Chateau de Clémency, close to the Belgian border, is a five-room guesthouse and the 2025 winner of Luxembourg Tourism’s Best Host award. Dating back to 1635, it was only ever a small residential retreat, with no military function. When Pascal Zimmer – former judoka, self-taught tailor and architect, and restorer of historic buildings – bought it 20 years ago, it was a proper mess, in need of either demolition or renovation. He saw the property’s true value and he liked the staircase – “You could say I spent €400,000 on some stairs …” he confessed, pointing out the stone pleasingly worn by 400 years of footfall.

“When you think about castles, you think of Windsor or Versailles. But this is a Luxembourgish castle, not so expansive, not so well done; you can’t restore it in the same way.”

So, to that end, Clémency is Pascal’s own artistic vision. Each room has a different theme, from belle époque “Peggy’s” to the “Roaring 20s”. “Tribute” pays homage to the local steel industry on which Luxembourg’s wealth is built. “My father was a miner,” Pascal said. “He was a humble guy; he’d say all he wanted was a small, clean room. This is a small, clean room.” A patchwork blanket covers the bed, while the bathroom is black polished concrete, a nod to life underground. I stayed in “Sherlock”, a Holmesian fantasy suite; the lounge was a steam-punkish curiosity shop of moody portraits, scientific implements and stuffed cats.

There isn’t much to do in the town of Clémency itself, although that hardly mattered. It was only 40 minutes by public transport (did I mention: all free!) into Luxembourg City, a capital perched on a precipitous rock, like something from a storybook. It was a shorter hop to Bascharage, where I got cosy in D’Braustuff, a gemütlich brewery-brassiere serving Luxembourgish classics – I tucked into a hearty wäinzoossiss (traditional sausage). But when darkness fell, I was also content to stay in my castle with a book – the shelves were full of Agatha Christie and Conan Doyle – and enjoy an alternative winter’s tale.

The trip was provided by Luxembourg tourism board and Byway, which can arrange bespoke itineraries including Eurostar tickets, Interrail passes and accommodation. Château de Clémency has doubles from €99. Château d’Urspelt has doubles from €174

IF YOU love a Christmas market but don’t know which one to visit, I hopped on a £20 mystery day trip to see where I’d end up.

What with buying presents, decorating the house and sorting social plans, December can quickly become synonymous with decision fatigue,so figuring out which festive market you fancy can be a step too far.

So when I saw a local coach company was offering a £20 mystery midweek market trip a fortnight before Christmas, it seemed the perfect solution. 

As I waited to be whisked away from a bus stop round the corner from my house, I was hoping for somewhere like York or Bath.

I’ve never visited either at this time of year, so I quite fancied seeing the historic streets filled with charming wooden stalls and glittering lights as darkness fell.

Most Christmas markets in my neck of the woods only open at the weekends, so going midweek meant fewer options to choose from. 

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It wasn’t long before the guesswork was over and it became apparent we were heading to Birmingham, which boasts the UK’s biggest German market, with stalls running from Victoria Square all the way down New Street to the bullring.

I was at university in the city when the market, inspired by Frankfurt’s festive fayre, first launched, back in 2001.

I’ve only been back to the market once since I graduated and found it too crowded and overpriced, so I was a bit disappointed when I realised where we were going.

But even though Brum’s market wasn’t on my list of festive favourites, going there midweek was actually a really good call.

There were plenty of market-goers milling about to create the right atmosphere, without feeling like you had to fight through hordes of shoppers just to look at the stalls or buy a bratwurst. 

Even better, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has reopened since my last visit, making the perfect place to get a bit of peace when the hustle and bustle of the market got a bit much.

It’s a lovely building, home to the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite artwork in the world, and the perfect backdrop for the wooden stalls and huge Christmas tree in the square outside. 

I thought prices seemed more reasonable this time too.

A stein containing a double pint of beer was £12.50, which was pretty similar to how much a couple of beers would cost in a city centre pub.

A ride on the carousel was £5 a go. 

You must check out the stalls and helter skelter tucked away in the cathedral grounds.

We also really loved the feel of the Gingerbread Christmas Bar at the bottom of the German market down in the Bullring, with its winter woodland of real trees and views out over the church of St Martin.

Would I recommend a mystery midweek market trip?

If you’ve got your heart set on a particular place or vibe, then it’s probably not for you as you need to go with the flow and be able to make the best of wherever you find yourself. 

But if you’re happy to see where you end up and just want to leave the planning to someone else, then this could be a brilliant way to get your festive fix.

It’s also a good way to check out if the infamous £99 mystery holiday deals you sometimes see on Wowcher might work for you.

If you fork out £20 and don’t enjoy your mystery day out, then it’s easier to chalk it up to experience than if you’ve spent £100 for antisocial flight times, horrible hotels and the realisation that you could have booked the same break for less elsewhere.

It depends on your spirit of adventure and whether you love the unknown or like to plan every trip down to the last detail.

My last mystery coach trip was a summer day at the seaside when I ended up in Southend, which boasts the UK’s longest pier.

It can be a great way to visit somewhere new that you’d never even consider as a destination or a place you’ve been before and written off.

So why not add a mystery day trip to your Christmas wishlist and see if Santa pops a ticket in your stocking?

For more festive market trips, here’s what the UK’s best Christmas market is like – and it’s had a glow up.

Plus, England’s cheapest and priciest Christmas markets for a pint are officially revealed – how steep is yours?

WHEN it comes to A Place in the Sun most house hunters are on the lookout for a bargain along the Spanish coast.

But actually, there are plenty of affordable spots to be found outside of Europe – from beautiful Caribbean islands to cities less than an hour to huge theme parks.

Sun Travel got the inside scoop from A Place in the Sun presenters Laura Hamilton, Jean Johansson and Craig Rowe on where Brits should look in 2026 for cheap property outside of Europe.

Jean told us: “If you can stretch to the Caribbean, St Lucia has blown me away – and it’s quite cheap compared to Europe to eat out.

“If you want a paradise lifestyle, you can fly out this time of year and get beautiful weather. It’s so laidback too and everyone slows right down.

“The last time I was there for A Place in the Sun, one couple had a budget of £200,000 and they bought an amazing two-bedroom apartment on a little island that you have to get to via a water taxi – it was just absolutely idyllic.

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“If you’re willing to have that Caribbean way of life and something a bit different, your money can go far.”

Another destination that is becoming more popular with Brits as being an affordable holiday spot is Thailand.

Craig said: “I’ve not done any shows in Thailand yet – I think the show may have gone there a long time ago, but that’s somewhere else I think has great value property.

“It might be far, around 14 hours on a plane, but in terms of investment, and perhaps if you’re retiring and can stay there for months at a time, it’s a great option.”

Property prices can vary in Thailand depending on the destination with Chiang Mai being more affordable than the beachside property in Phuket.

Once you get there, the likes of food are so much cheaper – you can pick up a meal from as cheap as 150baht (£3.55).

But out of all destinations, there was one that every presenter mentioned as being one of the best places to invest – and for a good price next year.

Laura told us: “Florida is a place offering exciting opportunities and it’s always been a place we’ve visited on A Place in the Sun.

“I filmed there just before Christmas and it’s quite interesting. In Florida there are lots of properties that 20 years ago were prime luxury houses along the 192 route which is within 30 minutes to the Disney Parks.

“The location is still amazing, but the houses are a bit tired, so the rental opportunities are incredible. In terms of being able to make properties over and add value to them, I think that’s an exciting market.”

Jean added that she did some Florida shows last year where she headed to Fort Lauderdale.

“I think Florida’s always been popular and it’s nice for us to get away from Orlando and away from the Disney parks.

“Fort Lauderdale is a dream with the classic American lifestyle up there – locals start their day with a coffee on the beautiful promenades and there’s a lovely community feel.”

According to Palm Paradise Realty Group, some of the most affordable areas in Fort Lauderdale include Lake Aire Palm View and Flagler Village where the average property price is $343,000 (£255,543).

New episodes of A Place in the Sun will return from Sunday 21 December, and you can catch up on previous episodes on Channel4.com.

A Place in the Sun experts reveal coastline worth buying on NOW where you can ‘still get bargains’ – and flights are £15…

When we asked Laura Hamilton, Craig Rowe and Jean Johansson where exactly Brits looking for a holiday home should buy right now in Europe – they all had the same answer.

Laura Hamilton, who has been working on the show since 2012, explained: “There are still places in Spain which are great places to invest, especially around Costa Tropical.

“The area has increased in value and is still going up. It’s the opposite side of Málaga to Marbella and Puerto Banús, and it’s much cheaper.

“If you go out to a bar or a restaurant, the prices will be significantly cheaper but still great quality.”

Laura revealed that the Costa Tropical has accessibility to both the mountains and the beach.

She added that it’s marketed so that “you can be on the slopes in the morning and beach in the afternoon”.

To get from the beaches to the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains takes just an hour and a half in the car.

Laura continued: “I love that part of Spain and the scenery around Granada is spectacular. If you love the beach, skiing and hiking then it’s a stunning part of Spain – but prices are on the rise.”

Also in southern Spain is the region that presenter Craig Rowe recommended and like Costa Tropical, the region sits between the coast and Sierra Nevada mountains.

Craig told us: “Costa Almería in Spain is really good, especially for anyone on a lower budget.”

Jean Johansson, who has been working on the show for seven years, the same question, she agreed with her colleagues.

Jean said: “It’s got to be Murcia and the south of Spain because you can still get bargains there.”

“When I started on the show seven years ago the area wasn’t as popular at all, but now people are really understanding the value for money.”

For those jumping in to buy a property abroad, one woman who was on A Place In The Sun and bought her dream Spanish home for £45k – I have one regret and need to warn others of pitfalls.

And another presenter from A Place in the Sun took on her own renovation project on the Costa del Sol.

Authorities in Gaza have warned that stormy weather could spur more war-damaged buildings to collapse and heavy rains are making it more difficult to recover bodies still under the rubble.

Authorities sounded the alarm on Monday, three days after two buildings collapsed in Gaza, killing at least 12 people, during winter rains that have also washed away and flooded the tents of displaced Palestinians and led to deaths from exposure.

A ceasefire has been in effect since October 10 after two years of Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people in Gaza, but humanitarian agencies said Israel is letting very little aid into the enclave, where nearly the entire population has been displaced.

Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abou Azzoum said despite a shortage of equipment and fuel and the weather conditions in the enclave, Palestinian Civil Defence teams retrieved the bodies of 20 people on Monday.

The bodies were recovered from a multistorey building bombed in December 2023 where about 60 people, including 30 children, were believed to be sheltering.

Gaza Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Basal called on the international community to provide mobile homes and caravans for displaced Palestinians rather than tents.

“If people are not protected today, we will witness more victims, more killing of people, children, women, entire families inside these buildings,” he said.

Father mourns children killed in building collapse

Mohammad Nassar and his family were living in a six-storey building that was badly damaged by Israeli strikes earlier in the war and collapsed in heavy rain on Friday.

His family had struggled to find alternative accommodation and had been flooded out while living in a tent during a previous bout of bad weather. Nassar went out to buy some necessities on Friday and returned to a scene of carnage as rescue workers struggled to pull bodies from the rubble.

“I saw my son’s hand sticking out from under the ground. It was the scene that affected me the most. My son under the ground and we are unable to get him out,” Nassar said. His son, 15, died as did a daughter, aged 18.

Exposure warning

The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees warned on Monday that more aid must be allowed into Gaza without delay to prevent putting more displaced families at serious risk.

“With heavy rain and cold brought in by Storm Byron [late last week], people in the Gaza Strip are freezing to death,” UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini posted on X.

“The waterlogged ruins where they are sheltering are collapsing, causing even more exposure to cold,” he added.

Lazzarini said UNRWA has supplies that have waited for months to enter Gaza that he said would cover the needs of hundreds of thousands of Gaza’s more than two million people.

UN and Palestinian officials said at least 300,000 new tents are urgently needed for the roughly 1.5 million people still displaced. Most existing shelters are worn out or made of thin plastic and cloth sheeting.

Gaza authorities, meanwhile, were still digging to recover about 9,000 bodies they estimated remain buried in rubble from Israeli bombing during the war, but the lack of machinery is slowing down the process, spokesman Ismail al-Thawabta said.

Azzoum reported that Civil Defence teams said they require a surge in heavy machinery to expedite the work.

“They are saying that they are still in need, initially, for 40 excavators and bulldozers in order to achieve some slight progress in the whole process on the ground,” Azzoum said, reporting from Gaza City.

Israel’s continuing ban on the entry of heavy machinery into the Gaza Strip is a violation of the ceasefire, he added.

Earlier on Sunday, Hamas said Israel’s continuing violations of the ceasefire risk jeopardising the agreement and progress towards the next stage of United States President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war.

Since the ceasefire began, Israel has continued to strike Gaza on a daily basis, carrying out nearly 800 attacks and killing nearly 400 people, according to authorities in Gaza, while blocking the free flow of humanitarian aid.

“There is no real sense of safety nor protection for families,” Azzoum said of the ongoing violations.

American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey will perform at the opening ceremony of next year’s Winter Olympics.

The five-time Grammy award-winner will be one of the “leading performers” for the event at Milan’s San Siro stadium – the home of football clubs Inter and AC Milan – on Friday, 6 February.

The Games in Milan and Cortina run from 6-22 February.

Athletes will be able to participate in the ceremony from other venues in Milan, Cortina, Valtellina and Val di Fiemme.

Carey, 56, has headlined major sporting events in the past, having sung the USA’s national anthem before the NFL’s Super Bowl in 2002 and at the NBA All-Star game in 2003, and performed her own song at the 2020 US Open women’s tennis final.

She will be following in the footsteps of Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, who both performed at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

TRAVELLING across the country for Christmas? Then there are some delays you need to look out for.

Each year hundreds of thousands of Brits will travel across the UK from A to B, to be somewhere for Christmas, battling busy roads, trains and airports.

Here’s everything you should know about travel over the Christmas period.

Air

According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), data shows that Friday December 19, will be the busiest travel day, with around 460,000 people expected to head off on a flight.

The CAA also revealed that travel on Christmas Day itself is becoming popular, with 160,000 passengers due to fly – 13 per cent more than last year.

The regulator recommended that travellers check their route to the airport and their flight status before leaving home, as winter weather can cause delays.

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In addition, the CAA commented that it is important for passengers to understand their rights, including for when a flight is delayed or cancelled.

Alvaro Iturmendi, travel expert at Confused.com, said: “With record numbers of people expected to fly this Christmas, passengers should be prepared for a higher chance of disruption.”

“Busy airports combined with winter weather risks mean delays and cancellations are more likely.”

Heathrow, in particular, is expecting the busiest Christmas on record.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “We are fully prepared to deliver an exceptional Christmas experience, ensuring passengers enjoy the festive atmosphere across our terminals.

“Millions of passengers have enjoyed exceptional levels of service across the airport this year and those travelling through Heathrow this December can look forward to the best possible start to their journeys this holiday season.”

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Road

The AA is predicting that this year will be the busiest Christmas on record for Britain’s roads.

According to the AA forecast, Friday December 19, is set to be the busiest with around 24.4 million cars hitting the roads.

Shaun Jones, AA expert patrol, said: “Our advice is simple: plan ahead, check your route and allow extra time.

“The AA Routeplanner will help you avoid the queues.

“Pack essentials, keep your tank or EV charge topped up, and don’t let congestion steal your Christmas sparkle.

“If you’re leaving your car parked over the festive period, start it for a few minutes every couple of days to ensure it’s ready for January.

“The M27 closure adds an extra twist to the seasonal story, so if you’re travelling in Hampshire, think about alternative routes. Our patrols will be out in force to keep Britain moving, but the best way to avoid a Christmas cracker of a breakdown is to prepare before you set off.”

Colin Stevenson, road safety information lead at National Highways, said: “Christmas is all about spending time with family and friends, and the last thing anyone wants is a breakdown getting in the way of festive plans. Spending a few minutes checking tyres, lights, screenwash, fuel and keeping an eye on the weather, can make a real difference.

“With so many people travelling, our teams are working around the clock to keep the country moving.

“We’ve got 530 gritters on standby and over 250,000 tonnes of salt in reserve and ready to use. We also plan to remove as many roadworks as possible, but some work will still need to continue.

“Drivers should check their route before they travel.”

Regarding car hire, Stewart Cahill, assistant vice president, rental, UK and Ireland at Enterprise Mobility, said: “Driving home for Christmas is a key part of the festive season for many – and we’re definitely seeing demand rise across our rental branches.

“Our research shows that the average round trip this Christmas will be more than 500 miles – the equivalent of driving from London to Middlesbrough and back – with nearly half of all holiday journeys happening by road.

“Car hire is especially popular with younger travellers this year, with almost a third of Gen Z and Millennials planning to rent for their Christmas trip.

“If you’re looking to hire a car, we’d recommend booking early to avoid limited availability closer to the holidays, especially for larger vehicles or one-way rentals. Planning ahead can also help lock in the best price and beat the last-minute rush.”

Coach

A spokesperson for National Express told Sun Travel: “The Christmas period is one of our busiest and our customers know they can count on us to get them to where they need to be, with the highest passenger numbers expected on 20th, 23rd, 26th and 27th December.

“Routes from London, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester, as well as major airports such as Stansted and Heathrow, are particularly busy as people travel to see family and friends.

“On Christmas Day itself we are operating the nation’s largest festive coach network, with 355 services from 96 locations.

“Given the planned rail disruption over the festive period we’re expecting our coaches to be busy and have increased capacity to meet demand.

“Customers are strongly advised to book early to guarantee a seat and allow extra time for their journeys, especially when travelling to airports.”

Rail

According to The Independent, December 20 and December 22 will be the busiest days for rail.

Network Rail has listed a number of services that will be disrupted online.

These include no trains running on Christmas Day across the UK and on Boxing Day, there will be a reduced service.

There will be a number of engineering works taking place over the festive period as well.

Works include no trains to or from London Liverpool Street Station from December 27 to January 1.

There will also be no trains to or from London Waterloo Station or Vauxhall on December 27 and 28, with services starting and terminating at Clapham Junction.

A limited service will also run to and from London Waterloo from December 29 to January 2.

Buses will replace trains between Milton Keynes Central and Rugby/Northampton from December 27 to January 4 and journeys on the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and the Midlands/North West England/Scotland will be disrupted.

Buses will replace trains between Carlisle and Lockerbie from January 1 to 7, as well as between Dalmuir and Balloch/Helensburgh from December 27 to 31.

And no trains will run between Cambridge and Cambridge North, Bury St Edmunds and Stansted Airport from December 27 to January 4.

Ferry

For those travelling via ferry from the Port of Dover, there are also some dates where lots of people are expected to be travelling.

Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Port of Dover, said: “The weekend before Christmas is expected to be particularly busy, with peak traffic anticipated between 6am and 1pm from Friday, December 19, to Sunday, December 21.

“To help ensure a smooth departure, we kindly ask all customers travelling with our ferry partners not to arrive any earlier than two hours before their scheduled sailing, just as you would if departing from a UK airport, and greatly appreciate everyone’s patience should there be any additional waiting time due to the high volumes of traffic.”

Irish Ferries, in particular, is expecting lots of traffic from this weekend.

From December 19 onwards, sailings are expected to be busy on both Dover-Calais to the Continent and on Irish Sea routes from Holyhead and Pembroke, Irish Ferries told Sun Travel.

The operator added that there are still some sailings that are dealing with the aftermath of Storm Bram and advised passengers to have confirmed booking, as well as checking the status of their sailing via the Sailing Updates pages online.

In addition, Irish Ferries also suggest that travellers need to make preparations if they intend to travel with their pet, by booking a space in the Pets Den.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A HUGE new waterpark has opened in a very popular winter sun holiday destination.

The Grand Hyatt Dubai Resort opened its massive new water attraction last month.

Working with waterpark experts WhiteWater, the attraction is set across 20,000sqm.

A huge central swimming pool, as well as a wave pool are in the middle of the waterpark.

There are also 16 attractions, including two tower slides.

One, called Boomerang, lets up to six guests slide next to each other with a 90-degree slop and “zero-gravity wall”.

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Or there is Freefall Plus, where riders are launched at speed town the slide, as well as the dual-ride Aqua Twist and Parallel Pursit.

Otherwise you can also rent private luxury cabanas which have their own plunge pools.

The hotel’s managing director Fathi Khogaly said: “The opening of our new waterpark marks a significant milestone for Grand Hyatt Dubai, as it elevates our leisure offerings and transforms the property into a truly unique destination, where large-scale events, exceptional hospitality and unforgettable leisure experiences seamlessly come together.

The waterpark is currently only open to guests of the Grand Hyatt Dubai Resort.

Deals currently include seven nights, with breakfast and return flights, from £990pp via On The Beach, or rooms from £222 a night with Loveholidays.

However, non-guest access to the waterpark is soon to be rolled out.

In the meantime, the world’s biggest waterpark is also in Dubai.

Aquaventure Waterpark is on the edge of Palm Jumeriah and has huge over 105 slides, attractions and even a private beach.

Not only is it named the best thing to do in Dubai on Tripadvisor but it has the world’s largest dedicated kids zone with lagoon, slides, pools and fountains.

It costs 330 UAE (£72.12) to visit for the day, but sign up and you can visit for free if its your birthday (or six days before and after).

We went down to try the waterpark – here’s what to expect.

The world’s tallest wellness resort and waterpark is coming to Dubai too – here’s everything you need to know.

A travel blogger has shared three affordable European cities ideal for winter city breaks, which also stick to tight budgets

Winter has officially arrived and amidst the Christmas chaos, it might be time to consider a short getaway. We’ve still got a fair stretch until summer, which is the prime travel season.

But there’s no need to hold out for the warmer months to enjoy a budget-friendly escape from the UK. If you’re keen on embracing the winter vibes, a travel blogger has revealed her top three European cities that are ideal for a short trip.

Plus, they’re all quite affordable, so your wallet can breathe easy. TikTok travel enthusiast emsbudgettravel has divulged her top three budget-friendly destinations from the UK.

Em sets herself a £200 limit per country she visits, which she assures you’ll be able to adhere to as well. Her first recommendation is Yerevan in Armenia, which she declares as one of her favourites.

Em elaborated: “It is perfect on a budget. You can find really cheap connecting flights here and I recommend combining this city break with an overnight stop over in a city like Milan or Rome.”

“This is an amazing option if you are on a budget. The accommodation is so affordable, we got this apartment overlooking the city’s main tourist attraction for £12 each per night.

“And, the metro costs just 20p per journey. It is also surrounded by beautiful mountains and scenery and is cheap to take a day trip out of the city to visit.”

She also recommended Poznan in Poland, which she claimed rivals more renowned destinations like Krakow. Em continued: “My next destination has a beautiful old town and the food is also delicious and affordable.

“There’s loads to do on a budget like the Palm House or this amazing spa, which is the largest in the country and costs just £16 for a three-hour pass.

“I thought this was such an underrated Polish city, just as good as the more popular city breaks like Krakow and Gdansk. But, I actually found it to be a little bit cheaper.”

Her final winter getaway recommendation is Tallinn, Estonia. Em revealed: “The final recommendation is in the Baltic region of Europe with really affordable flights recently. It probably is one of the most picturesque cities I have visited.

“It is also really affordable for accommodation. We recently paid £21 each to split this Airbnb in the centre of Old Town.

“It’s one of Europe’s best preserved Medieval cities and every street is so photogenic. I’d say this is the perfect destination for a snowy weekend away and I have also heard it’s got a lovely Christmas market.”