Winter

FOR anyone travelling to Poland, you can ditch the classic Warsaw and Kraków for this even cheaper alternative.

Ryanair has started up a new winter route between Edinburgh and a city in Poland where you can get beers for £3 and coffee for as little as £2.18.

Ryanair has added a new winter route to its roster between Edinburgh and Rzeszow.

Rzeszow is a city in southeastern Poland and sits on both sides of the Wisłok River.

Flights between Edinburgh and Rzeszow operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays with one-way fares starting at £24.99.

It’s a quick journey too with the journey taking just under three hours.

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There you can explore shops and cafes on the pretty Market Square, see the Rzeszów Multimedia Fountain, the Town Hall building and Zamek Lubomirskich castle.

And there’s even more lurking underground, one of its most popular attractions is the 396m-long route linking 25 old cellars beneath the central market square.

The circuit took 17 years to complete and restore, and the cellars date from the 14th to 18th centuries.

Brits can take a 45-minute guided tour with around three operating daily throughout the week.

It’s an affordable city, with the average cost of beers being £3 and a coffee around £2.18.

A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages at £31.17 – without drinks.

On average, restaurant prices in Rzeszow are 20.1 per cent lower than in Warsaw – which is also considered an affordable holiday destination for Brits.

During the winter months, Rzeszow will be lit up with Christmas markets where you can pick up specialities deer sausage, local honey, mulled wine, hot cider, and hot beer.

Flights will continue through to to the summer season where visitors can enjoy water activities at the Zwirownia lagoon or the Rosia open-air pools – which is essentially an enormous splash park.

With temperatures reaching highs of 25C in July and August, it’s a great time to relax at the riverside cafes.

Another Polish city to consider taking a break in is Poznan which is the country’s fifth largest city.

It’s another cheap spot with beer costing around £2.87 a pint for a local brew while coffee is less than £2.80.

Head to Dom Piwa to grab a beer – it is a cosy pub nestled on a cobbled street and serving craft beers on tap.

One of the beers you can get is the Penerskie, a local beer made from potatoes.

You can fly to Poznan from many airports in the UK; Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and London Luton and Stansted.

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Read more from one writer who went to Poland’s Wroclaw who discovered colourful market squares and hidden courtyards buzzing with cafes.

Plus, this European city is nicknamed the ‘jewel of the Baltics’.

These UK staycations could be an excellent choice for family get-togethers and getting into the Christmas spirit, offering everything from Santa visits to festive food

Trying to cram all your festive activities into December can be a challenge. From the big Santa visit to seeing a panto and Christmas markets, not to mention spending family time together, it sometimes feels like the month just isn’t long enough.

If you’re looking for an alternative that’s a little more relaxed, many holiday parks are now offering breaks in the run up to the big day. While you may associate caravan and lodge holidays with summer, these parks are opening in November and December for festive-themed breaks.

What’s on offer varies from park to park, but generally includes extras from Christmas-themed shows to Santa’s grottos, and even a Christmas tree in your accommodation. These breaks could be a great way to escape the pre-Christmas chaos, or to spend time with extended family without needing to host at home.

So, which holiday parks will be opening their doors for festive fun, and what’s on offer?

Haven – ‘sleigh-cations’

Four nights from £115

Haven will open the doors at nine of its locations in the run-up to Christmas: Craig Tara, Seton Sands, Devon Cliffs, Kent Coast, Cala Gran, Hafan y Môr, Primrose Valley, Seashore, and Rockley Park.

Staying at Haven means you can choose between accommodation from caravans to lodges, each with its own Christmas tree. The parks will also be adorned with decorations and lights, and Haven says there will be festive entertainment during the day and in the evening. Bookable activities will include pottery making, festive make-a-bear, and much more. Of course, there’s Santa’s Grotto, which will be an additional cost.

Haven will also be staging a Jack and the Beanstalk panto and promising “plenty of opportunities for a festive boogie.” Their on-site restaurants will serve festive food, including a three-course menu for Christmas day, while some Haven parks have their own Wetherspoons, which will offer the chain’s Christmas menu.

Find out more and book online.

Parkdean Resorts – Winter Wonderland breaks

From £145 for four nights

Parkdean Resorts will offer what it describes as the “full Winter Wonderland experience” at six parks in December: Camber Sands in Sussex, Warmwell in Dorset, Trecco Bay and Ty Mawr in Wales, Cayton Bay in North Yorkshire, and Cherry Tree in Norfolk. They’re also opening two parks in the Lake District with a “more relaxed festive atmosphere,” White Cross Bay and Fallbarrow.

Parkdean has a busy entertainment program for younger kids, promising Festive Milkshake! Mornings and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree with the PAW Patrol puppies. Families can enjoy breakfast with Santa or a trip to his grotto, watch a family pantomime, or even explore a festive market. Visit Warmwell and you can also enjoy their dry ski slope for skiing and snowboarding.

If you opt for a midweek break starting on a Monday, Parkdean also offers an all-inclusive option. This includes three meals a day, plus soft drinks and hot drinks, so you won’t need to worry about feeding the kids during your stay. Some parks will also have the option to book lunch on Christmas Day, so you can skip the washing up.

Bookings and more information can be found at the Parkdean website.

Center Parcs –Winter Wonderland breaks

Prices vary

Center Parcs arguably already has a festive vibe, thanks to its wooden lodges with open fireplaces. But during the festive season, they’ll be going all out to create a Winter Wonderland. Guests will be able to explore Enchanted Light Garden trails, watch the Santa’s Greeting Parade, or take a family photo in the Snow Zone.

They’ll also have Christmas shops stocking decorations and festive food, plus Tipis serving hot chocolates, Bratwurst and waffles, perfect for a stop after a chilly winter walk. Plus, the restaurants in each park’s village will have their own Christmas-themed food offerings.

There are also loads of extras that can be booked at a cost, including an elf pyjama party, a visit to Santa’s Workshop, or Christmas crafts. For an extra fee, you can also book a freshly cut Christmas tree for your accommodation, with a range of bows and baubles that you can take home with you for the perfect festive atmosphere.

Find out more and book on the Center Parcs website.

Butlin’s – Family Christmas Breaks

Prices from £39 per night

Butlin’s is offering a budget-friendly option for a Christmas break that’s all about family fun. Unlike most of the holiday parks on this list, the cost of meeting Santa is included for all families taking a festive break. Kids can enjoy Father Christmas’ Express Delivery, an immersive experience where they write their Christmas letter and deliver it to the man in red himself.

Also included in the cost of Butlin’s Christmas breaks is festive entertainment, including a panto, Snow White and her Magnificent Friends. Other themed shows include the Skyline Snowstorm party and Christmas Goes Pop, and there will be Christmas movie screenings for the family to enjoy together. The pools will be open, with Butlin’s offering a Festive Pool Party on each break. Visitors also get unlimited fairground rides and can enjoy activities such as making their own Christmas decorations.

The parks are set to be decorated for Christmas, with lights and decorations throughout, giving them a festive feel. There’s also Christmas-themed dining, so if you order a dining plan, you can tuck into popular dishes, from roasts to festive puddings, depending on the day.

The cheapest option at Butlin’s is to book one of their standard rooms, but they also have hotel rooms, apartments, and other upgraded accommodation if you want to splash out.

Find out more and book on the Butlin’s website.

ONE winter sun destination that sees hundreds of thousands of Brits visit each year has entered a period of mourning after the loss of its former Queen.

As a result, there will be some new rules in play for visitors that will affect everything from clothing to events.

Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand‘s King Vajiralongkorn, passed away on October 25, 2025.

Sirikit was the Queen of Thailand from 28 April 1950 to 13 October 2016 as the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), well-known for her charity work, and being a style icon.

As a result of Queen Sirikit’s passing, the Royal Thai Government has announced a period of national mourning for 90 days.

Despite the mourning period, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is reassuring travellers that Thailand remains open and is welcoming tourists as usual.

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However, it has added that visitors during this period should behave respectfully, especially when going to temples, royal sites, or government offices.

Tourism services like transportation, hotels, attractions, hospitality venues across Thailand continue to be open and operate as normal.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced new measures for locals, which will also affect tourists.

For anyone going on holiday in the next two months, you will see members of the public dressed in mourning clothes, as a sign of respect.

Locals are likely to be wearing black, and while holidaymakers don’t have to, they are encouraged to wear clothing that isn’t brightly coloured.

Events might change slightly too as organisers have been asked to “exercise discretion and adjust event formats appropriately to reflect the national atmosphere of mourning”.

Some places will be closed, like The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) which from October 26 to November 8, 2025 won’t be open.

This is for the Royal Merit-Making Ceremony in honour of the Royal Funeral.

The Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 event in Bangkok, which was scheduled from November 1 to December 15, 2025, has been postponed in observance of the mourning period.

It will now begin on December 1, 2025 instead.

The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will go ahead as scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2025 at Sukhothai Historical Park.

The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will also proceed as planned, with celebrations adjusted in tone.

Ms. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of Travel to Thailand UK & Ireland said: “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was deeply revered as a mother figure to the Thai people.

“During this time of remembrance, we thank visiting travellers for their understanding and sensitivity toward the feelings of the Thai nation.

“Thailand remains as welcoming as ever, and we encourage travellers to continue with their current and future plans to visit.

“Hotels, hospitality venues, attractions and experiences across the country continue to operate with the warmth and hospitality for which Thailand is known.”

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Here’s more on the best time to visit Thailand…

The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April, as temperatures average between 32 and 36C, and there are up to nine hours of sunshine every day.

To make it even more appealing, some of Asia‘s most stunning beaches are in Thailand.

There’s accommodation for every budget in Thailand, from luxury spa resorts to thatched beach huts and hotels.

If you’d like to stay close to the lively capital of Bangkok, Pattaya and Ko Chang are relatively near the city and feature incredible white sands and resorts.

Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and is full of hotels, miles of sandy beaches, restaurants and nightlife.

In the southern Gulf of Thailand, you’ll find luxurious beach resorts on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao islands.

One writer visited the world’s ‘most popular’ holiday island in Thailand, where beers are just £2 and there are 40 beaches to explore.

Plus, the overlooked Asian country with quiet beaches and cheap attractions gets first TUI hotel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HERE comes the sun – even in winter. As it gets chillier in the UK, it’s time to book a break to escape to warmer climes.

And you don’t just have to lie on a sun bed.

How about biking on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts, walking through the Provence countryside or cruising around the Canary Islands?

Trisha Harbord has selected ten winter sun holidays for all budgets.

TENERIFE 24°C 

Daily sunshine hours : 7 

NEARLY three million holidaymakers from the UK head to the Canary Isle of Tenerife every year.

And it is no wonder — the place has so much to offer as well as year-round sunshine.

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Puerto de la Cruz in the north was the first place to attract tourists and still has its fishing port and historic quarter, with the old customs house and La Pena de Francia church.

Cobbled streets have art galleries, shops and restaurants.

Take a trip to Mount Teide and a cable car to the peak.

You can see Teide from the new adults-only luxury hotel Tui Blue Atlantic Hills, which is near the beach and has a spa.

GO: Seven nights’ half-board costs from £624pp including flights from Manchester on November 26 and based on two sharing. See tui.co.uk. 

OMAN 26°C 

Daily sunshine hours : 10 

A wellness break before Christmas would set you up nicely for the festive chaos.

Laze in a luxurious spa with pools, steam rooms, sauna and fitness centre at the 5H Sheraton Oman Hotel in Muscat.

There’s plenty of adventure, too. The Arabian Peninsular coastline is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding or diving.

And the desert offers dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding and camel rides. Watch the sun set from the hotel or explore the nearby Mutrah Corniche and natural parks.

GO: Five nights’ B&B is from £579pp including flights from Stansted on December 9. See loveholidays.com and experience-oman.om. 

TUNISIA 22°C 

Daily sunshine hours : 7 

Party peeps wanting sunshine and shots will be happy in lively Albufeira.

Known as the party capital of the Algarve, the neon-lit strip is packed with bars, open-air discos and clubs.

But the one-time fishing village also has 25 glorious Blue Flag sandy beaches, cliffs and coves which are perfect for friends and families.

There are dolphin-watching trips, waterparks, restaurants galore and world-class golf courses.

The 3H Clube Albufeira Garden Village is in lush Mediterranean gardens, has four pools, dining options and accommodation, including lovely, white-washed apartments and villas with fully-equipped kitchens.

GO: Seven nights’ room-only in a one-bedroom apartment with flights from Stansted on November 24 is from £193 per person, based on two sharing. See first choice.co.uk.

ALGARVE 20°C 

Daily sunshine hours : 6 

Party peeps wanting sunshine and shots will be happy in lively Albufeira. 

Known as the party capital of the Algarve, the neon-lit strip is packed with bars, open-air discos and clubs. 

But the one-time fishing village also has 25 glorious Blue Flag sandy beaches, cliffs and coves which are perfect for friends and families. 

There are dolphin-watching trips, waterparks, restaurants galore and world-class golf courses. 

The 3* Clube Albufeira Garden Village is in lush Mediterranean gardens, has four pools, dining options and accommodation, including lovely, white-washed apartments and villas with fully-equipped kitchens. 

GO: Seven nights’ room-only in a one-bedroom apartment with flights from Stansted on November 24 is from £193 per person, based on two sharing. See firstchoice.co.uk. 

ST KITTS 29°C 

Daily sunshine hours : 8 

GET on yer bike in gorgeous Saint Kitts and you’re in for a treat.

Take an easy ride along the edge of the Caribbean Sea, through lush rainforests and cane fields, or tackle tracks up the mountains and dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano.

The island is only 23 miles long and five wide, but is packed with activities including ziplining, golf, parasailing, watersports and boat trips.

Or just chill out on a beautiful beach — even the sea temperature will be 27C in winter. The family-run 4H Royal St Kitts Hotel is a short walk from the beach, has a private lagoon, pool, restaurants and spacious rooms.

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering is from £1,039pp including flights from Gatwick in January. Book by October 31. See ba.com and visitstkitts.com.

TURKEY 20°C 

Daily sunshine hours : 6 

THE city of Side, on the southern Mediterranean coast, dates from the 8th century BC and has some beautiful and unique structures.

They include the huge amphitheatre, which often hosts concerts, and the Roman Temple of Apollo — five white stone columns at the entry to the harbour.

Many traditional houses in the Old City have been converted into restaurants and shops selling Turkish fare.

The 5H family-friendly Numa Club Side, inset, has a private beach alongside the turquoise waters, plus a spa and children’s pools and play areas.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £378pp including flights from Liverpool on November 28. See jet2holidays.com.

CANARIES 22°C 

Daily sunshine hours : 8 

INSTEAD of ordering a turkey this year, hop aboard a cruise for Christmas winter sun, sailing around the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Board MSC Musica, following a quick flight from the UK, and enjoy fabulous festive food, West End-style shows, pools, a gym, casino and kids’ play areas and clubs.

You may never wish to leave the 2,500-guest ship but Musica, which does a round trip from Tenerife, calls at Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Gran Canaria and Funchal, the capital city of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago.

So there are plenty of chances to explore the islands before returning for evenings of fun.

GO: Seven nights’ full-board is from £1,339pp including flights from a UK airport on December 21. Check out msccruises.co.uk.

MEXICO 30°C 

Daily sunshine hours : 7 

IF you like a room with a view, try the AVA Resort Cancun, inset. The hotel’s modern wave design means that wherever you are, you’ll be looking out at the beautiful ocean.

Water babes will be in their element as an eco-lagoon offers sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking. The 5H hotel also has six pools and, of course, the Caribbean is almost on its doorstep.

There’s a spa, fine-dining restaurants and casual options. Excursions range from visiting Tulum’s Mayan ruins and Chichen Itza to going scuba-diving.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,704pp including flights from Gatwick on November 26. See ba.com and avaresort cancun.com.

CYPRUS 22°C 

Daily sunshine hours : 7 

SUPER Cyprus is worth a visit just to enjoy the freshest, healthiest food.

Family-owned tavernas are expert at serving up delicious salads, kebabs and fasolada, a bean-and-veg soup.

Stay at Limassol’s 5H Royal Apollonia, a beachfront hotel with a trio of gorgeous pools. Go B&B so you can try out the local restaurant fare.

Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart married and crowned his bride, Princess Berengaria of Navarre, in 1191.

The old harbour has been transformed into a tourist hub and the palm-tree Promenade is lined with fantastic sandy beaches and has numerous bars and restaurants.

Then watch the sun set with a cocktail in hand.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B is from £564pp including flights from Gatwick on November 27. See easyjet.com.

FRANCE 16°C 

Daily sunshine hours : 6 

THE South of France has a mild winter climate and regular blue skies — perfect for a walking holiday.

Wander through olive and almond groves as you explore Provence’s two main mountain regions, Le Luberon and Les Alpilles, and see many of the landscapes painted by Van Gogh.

You’ll start the self-guided, moderate walk in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its canal and antique shops, moving on to towns including St Remy and Gordes, before finishing in Arles.

Your luggage is transported between overnight stays in hotels and guest houses.

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GO: Provence Winter Sun & Walking includes five nights’ B&B from £850pp, bookable from now until December 15 and after January 5.

See walkersbritain.co.uk. Return ferry for a car, two passengers and cabin from Portsmouth to Caen costs from £280. See brittany-ferries.co.uk.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The Trump administration is telling Colorado to stop importing gray wolves from Canada as part of the state’s efforts to restore the predators, a shift that could hinder plans for more reintroductions this winter.

The state has been releasing wolves west of the Continental Divide since 2023 after Colorado voters narrowly approved wolf reintroduction in 2020. About 30 wolves now roam mountainous regions of the state, and its management plan envisions potentially 200 or more wolves in the long term.

The program has been unpopular in rural areas, where some wolves have attacked livestock. Now, after two winters of releases during the Biden administration, wolf opponents appear to have found support from federal officials under President Trump.

Colorado wolves must come from Northern Rockies states, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik told Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis in a recent letter.

Colorado must “immediately cease and desist any and all efforts related to the capture, transport and/or release of gray wolves not obtained” from northern Rocky Mountain states, Nesvik wrote.

Most of those states — including the Yellowstone region states of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, where wolves from Canada were reintroduced in the 1990s — have said they don’t want to be part of Colorado’s reintroduction.

That could leave Colorado in a bind this winter. The state plans to relocate 10 to 15 wolves under an agreement with the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship in Canada, a statement by Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Luke Perkins said Friday.

The agreement was signed before the state got the Oct. 10 letter from Nesvik, according to Perkins. He said the state “continues to evaluate all options to support this year’s gray wolf releases” after getting “recent guidance” from the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Though some of Colorado’s reintroduced wolves have come from Oregon, wolves released most recently have come from British Columbia.

The issue now is whether the federal agency required that wolves must only come from northern U.S. Rocky Mountain states when it designated Colorado’s “experimental” population of reintroduced wolves.

A federal notice announcing the designation in 2023 referred to the northern Rockies region as merely the “preferred” source of wolves, not the required one.

Defenders of Wildlife attorney Lisa Saltzburg said in a statement that the Fish and Wildlife Service was “twisting language” by saying wolves can’t come from Canada or Alaska.

People in Colorado “should be proud of their state’s leadership in conservation and coexistence, and the wolf reintroduction program illustrates those values,” Saltzburg said.

The Colorado governor’s office and Colorado Parks and Wildlife are in touch with the U.S. Interior Department about the letter and evaluating “all options” to allow wolf releases this year, Gov. Jared Polis spokesperson Shelby Wieman said by email.

Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson Garrett Peterson, whose voicemail said he wouldn’t be available until after the government shutdown ends, didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.

Gruver writes for the Associated Press.

IF you miss the 1990s, then there is a place in Europe where you can feel like you are back there.

Sitting on the shores of Lake Altausseer in Austria is a small village of Altaussee that’s home to less than 2,000 people.

While it might be small, the village is mighty and there’s plenty still to do there, including a big annual festival.

The village hosts an annual beer festival called Altausseer Bierzelt where you can expect traditional Austrian food, beer, and music.

Each year the Oktoberfest-style experience appears in a tent with locals wearing Lederhosen and Dirndl and brass bands play.

One visitor said: “Altausseer Bierzelt feels like stepping back in time; it’s basically Oktoberfest as it was 30 years ago.

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“Smaller crowds, authentic traditions, and a truly breathtaking backdrop.”

Outside of this, visitors can explore the lake with hikes having incredible views of the towering Loser mountain.

Brown and white alpine-style houses as well as churches and waterfalls can be spotted along the way.

One of the other things to do in the village is head on a salt mine tour where you also get to see the former Nazi Stolen Art Repository, with deep tunnels and even slides in the mine.

If you are visiting during the winter season, there is the ski resort of Loser, which boasts around 29km of slopes with all levels of difficulty.

The village has a few restaurants to choose from including Schneiderwirt, which features an ornate wooden facade and serves comfort dishes.

As for where to stay, accommodation ranges from boutique alpine hotels to guesthouses and family-run inns, many within easy walking distance of the festival.

The easiest way to get to the village is by flying to Salzburg and then hopping on a train for just under two hours.

Flights to Salzburg cost as little as £30 return and from the UK takes an hour and 55 minutes.

Discover more on Salzburg from Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley who visited the city and discovered mountain top fortresses.

To entertain children, one spot you have to see is the Toy Museum where kids can construct palaces, test marble runs and draw in the chalkboard caves.

And hear more about the places where she found tasty Austrian dishes and sweet treats like Salzburger Nockerl.

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Also in Austria is the terrifying European tourist attraction that people say they ‘wouldn’t try for millions of pounds’.

AS the Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor, I’ve racked up the air miles over the years – travelling to over 55 countries and more than 100 cities.

So when it comes to winter sun, I can of course wax lyrical about the beauty of Hawaii or the stunning beaches of St Kitts. But I’ve also found some of the biggest winter sun bargains, where you needn’t go too far.

By that, I mean nothing more than seven hours, which edges the flight into the long-haul category, although some are less than three hours away.

So I’ve done the hard work for you, and found seven places under seven hours away, where you can find everything from cheap hotels and affordable wine to bargain packages and beautiful beaches.

Faro, Portugal

Flight time to Faro – 2hr35

The Algarve is one of the most popular destinations to visit when seeking some European sun in winter.

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And while most Brits fly into Faro and then leave for the coastal resorts, I think the city is worth a cheap winter break on its own.

It’s around 16C in December, so you can get away with a t-shirt.

And there are a group of tiny islands that barely any tourists know about, that are a quick boat trip from the mainland.

You can get to the ‘Caribbean of Portugal’ called Ilha Deserta in just 20 minutes.

Not only are the beaches empty on the island, but it has just one restaurant, Estamine, where you can get a fresh fish tasting menu for €25 (£21.77) for two.

And Portugal is known for its extremely affordable restaurants and bars.

Adega Amável is where you’ll find the locals, and it’s a bit of a squeeze but worth it when beers and glasses of wine are less than €3 (£2.61).

Budget hotels can be found for £30, although I loved 3HB, Faro’s first five-star hotel (starting from £415pp, for four nights with flights with easyJet holidays in November).

Loveholidays has seven-night stays in Faro in November for £199pp with return flights.

Seville, Spain

Flight time to Seville – 2hr45

One of the closest places for some winter sun from the UK is Seville, which is one of the warmest places on the Spanish mainland.

It’s one of my favourite Spanish cities to visit and you can expect temperatures around 17C in December – so definitely t-shirt weather.

If you want to eat where the locals go, try and squeeze into Bar Alfalfa.

You can get an authentic tostada con tomate (toast with tomatoes) and a coffee for just €2.60 (£2.26), or a tinto de verano (red wine and lemonade) for €1.50 (£1.31).

If you don’t want to splash out for an expensive flamenco show, you can catch some live performances in many of Seville’s parks as well.

El Rinconcillo is Seville’s oldest bar, and you can get a large glass of wine for just €3.20 (£2.80).

There are ways to get free tickets for some of the city’s top attractions, too.

The Royal Alcazar Palace has free tickets on Mondays for the last hour, which can be found on the website.

And the Cathedral de Sevilla – the world’s biggest Gothic cathedral – also has free tickets from 2pm to 3pm on Mondays.

EasyJet has package holidays for £166pp, when staying three nights on January 5 at the Illunion Alcora Sevilla.

Or you can do three nights at the Hotel Vertice Alijarafe on January 21 with Loveholidays for £139pp, with return flights.

Agadir, Morocco

Flight time to Agadir – 3hr50

Morocco is one of the nearest places to the UK for reliable winter sun.

While I love Marrakech and Casablanca, one of my favourites is Agadir, which was also named the cheapest package holiday destination by Which? last year.

The coastal town is often twinned with Taghazout, a surfer village with a huge beach.

Not only is it warm, but it is a great place to stock up on Christmas presents for a bargain.

You can head to Souk El Had, the biggest souk in Morocco, which is pretty chaotic, and you can find literally everything.

But I loved the Complexe Artisanal, a more manageable market, with wicker lights, hand-painted vases and authentic wooden sculptures, all for a bargain.

I managed to buy candles for under £5, where I picked my own essential oil to go in them, which looked identical to the ones in Oliver Bonas that cost £20.

A hand-glazed sugar jar set me back just £12, and looked just like ones from the trendy brand HK Living, which retail at £35.

TUI has seven-night holidays to Agadir from £310 each when travelling in November.

El Gouna, Egypt

Flight time to El Gouna – 5hr25

Just outside of Hurghada, El Gouna is a lesser-known area of Egypt that has some amazingly affordable holiday resorts.

The gated manmade island feels extremely safe, and it’s still 24C in December, so you can make the most of the pools and beaches.

It’s a place for luxury on a budget – I stayed at the Cooks Club Hotel, which was a four-star hotel for around £80 a night, but felt like a five-star.

But if you want a real five-star, you can find stays at ones like Movenpick for as little as £130 a night.

You can head to Downtown Abu Tig Marina for some cheap eats and beach clubs, as well as happy hours where you get a second cocktail free.

Most of the time, you will spend your time relaxing at the hotel pool, as it is more of a fly and flop destination.

But there are some great, affordable day trips if you do want a day out, including quad biking in the desert for under £10 with Get Your Guide.

Loveholidays has seven-night holidays in December for £399pp at a number of four-star hotels, which include your breakfast and flights.

Boa Vista, Cape Verde

Flight time to Cape Verde – 6hr15

One of the closest African islands to get to, Cape Verde, is now easier to reach thanks to new easyJet flights from the UK.

Most people head to the busier Sal, but I recommend going to the quieter Boa Vista.

It has 27C highs in winter, there is just one hour’s time difference, and you won’t see many crowds even in the busy season.

The quiet beaches – in particular Santa Monica – felt more like a private island in the Maldives, with soft white sands and barely a soul in sight.

One of my fave shops was Olaria di Rabli, a tiny ceramic store where you can pick up some souvenirs for just a few pounds.

Morabeza Beach Bar had more Bali vibes, with Reggae nights and sunset parties with DJs.

It’s also where you can find a cheap beer, with a local bottle of Strella around €2 (£1.74), or a glass of wine for €3 (£2.61). Even a cocktail of a mojito or an Aperol spritz was just €5 (£4.35).

Otherwise, it is a great, affordable fly and flop destination where you can while away the days making the most of the all-inclusive buffet, without spending a penny extra.

Loveholidays has seven-night holidays in Boa Vista from £459pp in November.

Or, TUI has all-inclusive seven-night holidays from £686pp.

Pointe Sarene, Senegal

Flight time to Senegal – 6hr15

If you want the feel of the Caribbean on a budget, then a Senegal holiday resort is where you will want to head.

Not only is there no jet lag with just one hour’s time difference, but Senegal remains above 26C all year round, with highs of 30C in winter.

It has seen a boom in popularity since 2022, when TUI launched the only direct flights from the UK.

Pointe Serene is where you will find most of the beach resorts, and most are fairly affordable when it comes to all-inclusive packages.

I stayed at the Riu Baobab, which had it all – swimming pool, bars, all your food and drink included and an on-site water slide complex.

You can also book day trips, including Goree Island or half-day safaris for less than £60 each.

TUI has seven-night all-inclusive Senegal holidays from £901pp when travelling in November.

Doha, Qatar

Flight time to Doha – 6hr50

If you want the glamour of Dubai on a bit of a budget, I’d recommend heading to Doha.

I flew there as a stopover when heading to Sri Lanka, but was left stunned by the affordable glitz.

I stayed at five-star The Ned, an incredibly fancy outpost of the Soho House-owned hotel, housed in the Ministry of Interior building.

Giving celebrity member clubs vibes, rooms start from £170 a night – it might sound expensive, but it’s much cheaper than the Ned London, where prices soar past £300.

Stay for three nights and you get 20 per cent off the price as well.

But if you want even more of a budget, there are basic hotels for just £25, such as the Plaza Inn hotel or the Palm Inn Hotel.

Want some beach time? Doha Beach Club is free to visit on Tuesdays for women, or you can pay £6 off-peak peak which gets you a towel and umbrella.

If you don’t want to spend a whole trip in Doha, Qatar Airways has its Qatar Stopover if you are connecting in the city.

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Say you are heading to somewhere like Thailand or Australia via Doha with the airline, you can stay in the city for up to 96 hours, and pay as little as £11 a night at a hotel before hopping on your connecting flight.

British Airways has seven-night holidays from £663pp when travelling in February.

EACH Christmas, one major activity fires up the magic spirit for families – festive train fun.

With November just one week away, family members are most likely going to begin nudging you for things to do together over the festive period – and what is a more perfect way to spend time with the family than a Christmas train experience!

From trains wrapped in lights to journeys to see Santa, the UK isn’t short of Christmas rail experiences.

Here are some of the top Christmas train experiences across the UK.

The Polar Express

Perhaps one of the most iconic Christmas train experiences is The Polar Express, which runs in a number of locations across the country including Birmingham, London and south Devon.

Inspired by the iconic film, passengers get to head on board with a Golden Ticket to meet Santa, whilst enjoying entertainment, music and even dancing chefs.

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Trips depart from across the country and tickets prices vary depending on date and location, but can usually be found as low as £27 per person.

Santa Steam Express

The Santa Steam Express heads off from London Victoria Station and features an interactive storytelling theatre experience whilst on the journey.

Passengers will also get to meet Santa and his elves.

The experience runs on December 20 and December 22, with four departures each day.

The experience then lasts around 90 minutes, taking passengers through London’s suburbs.

All children get to meet Santa, who will deliver them a traditional gift and they will also receive a snack and drink.

Parents aren’t left out though, as they will be able to have tea or coffee and a mince pie.

There are a range of different classes on board the train that vary in price.

For example, Coach Class costs from £55 per person, Club Class from £75 per person and Private Compartments available from £600 each, for up to six guests.

Christmas North Yorkshire Pullman

On board the North Yorkshire Pullman, passengers get to journey through the North York Moors National Park.

Each guest will enjoy a three-course meal, with tea and coffee, as well as a mince pie.

Trips take place from November 25 to January 4, departing and returning to Grosmont Station.

Seats cost from £99 per person.

Christmas Afternoon Tea on the Great Western Saloon

For an afternoon treat, opt for the Great Western Saloon, which departs from Grosmont in North Yorkshire.

The train travels along the heritage line and as it does, passengers get to enjoy a range of sandwiches, other savoury nibbles and sweet treats.

The experience will be running on November 27 and December 4, 11 and 18.

Tickets cost £85 per person and the experience is for those aged 16 and over.

All Aboard for Festive Dining

Down in Devon, the South Devon Railway is running the ‘All Aboard for Festive Dining’ experience.

Dubbed to be “one of Britain’s most nostalgic rail journeys”, passengers will be able to see the stunning Dart Valley scenery as well as hear the chugs of the steam engine.

Passengers can choose from four different experiences.

In the 1950s Restaurant Car, guests can enjoy a Festive Ploughman’s Lunch with local cheeses, chutneys and bread, or opt for Festive Afternoon Tea instead.

Alternatively, head to the 1925 Pullman Car ‘Lydia’ for a spot of luxury dining in Winston Churchill‘s former dining carriage.

In this carriage, guests can have a Pullman Festive Afternoon Tea or the Pullman Christmas Lunch.

The festive dining experiences run throughout December, costing from £69.95 per person.

Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) Santa Specials

The Kent & East Sussex Railway will feature Santa Specials this festive period.

The experience lasts 75 minutes, and passengers get to have gifts hand delivered by Santa.

On board, there are also a number of family photo opportunities and complimentary hot drinks (which includes mulled wine for adults).

You also get entry to the Winter Wonderland marquee and unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers at Tenterden Town Station.

With the Bronze package, passengers get a complimentary refreshment pack, containing a mince pie for each adult and a chocolate bar for each child.

Passengers in Silver and Gold class carriages then get to meet Jingle and Sparkle, Santa’s Head Elves.

There are Silver first class and Gold premium class packages as well.

The 2025 Santa Specials run every weekend from November 29 until December 21, plus December 23 and Christmas Eve.

Tickets cost from £30 per person (based on booking a table of four for £120).

Elf Express

The Strathspey Railway travels through the Cairngorms National Park on a heritage steam train, and for the festive season there will be elves onboard with the passengers.

Kids even get the chance to meet Santa.

A trolley will also operate on board with seasonal treats, like the Festive Steam Tea with sandwiches and cakes, hot chocolate and prosecco.

The train is running on selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from December 6.

A table for four on board the train costs from £95.

Steam Illuminations

Along the Watercress Line in Hampshire you could hop on board the Steam Illuminations train – a train wrapped in LED lights.

Travelling from Alresford or Alton, the heritage steam train dates back to between the 20s and the 30s.

The journey lasts one hour and 45 minutes, and passengers will see illuminations along the way.

There are even ‘singing’ Christmas trees at Alresford.

The train is operating on various dates from November 28 to January 4 and it costs from £34 for adults and children.

Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials

Families heading on the Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials start their journey before they reach the station.

As they can hop on a vintage London bus at Epping Underground station or in Ongar, to get to North Weald Station – and you’ll spot different festive characters will be walking around.

Then once on board, the train will head off on a return journey via Epping Forest.

The Santa Specials trains will be running on November 29 and 30 and on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Tickets start at £65 per two people.

Bluebell Railway SteamLights

The Bluebell Railway SteamLights train heads off through the Sussex countryside, with passengers able to spot festive-themed scenes along the way.

Then the train arrives at Horsted Keynes Station, with passengers able to get off and take pictures of the train which is entirely covered in lights for 30 minutes.

The train then heads back to Sheffield Park, with the experience lasting around two hours in total.

The experience is running from November 22 to December 28 and tickets start from £35 per person.

Christmas Train of Lights

Located along Dartmouth Steam Railway in Devon is the Christmas Train of Lights – supposedly the UK’s first ever steam train of lights, according to the operator’s website.

Both a spectacle from the inside and the outside, passengers will get to experience lineside displays and a number of festive surprises throughout the journey.

They will run from November 28 to December 30.

Tickets cost £29.95 per adult and £21.95 per child.

East Somerset Railway Santa Paws

One for families with a much-loved pooch is the East Somerset Railway Santa Paws experience.

Four-legged friends aren’t left out of the fun on this one as you can bring them along to meet Santa.

There are lots of photo opportunities and your pooch even gets a special gift.

The experience will run on December 6 and 7.

Tickets cost £15 per adult and £10 per child.

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If you’re looking for a warm holiday destination in January but don’t want to travel too far, then these European hotspots could be just what you’re looking for

January can be a tough month to get through. The post-Christmas slump is no fun, and there’s not much to look forward to in the gloomy months until spring.

However, it can be the perfect time for a getaway. January is often the cheapest month to visit many European destinations, and it’s usually the quietest month too, so you can enjoy days out without the crowds.

If you don’t fancy a long-haul flight, there are holiday hotspots that are closer to home, but still offer plenty of sunshine and warm days. While you won’t be enjoying scorching summer weather, these destinations will give you some respite from frosty days in the UK and have flight times clocking in around four hours.

Tenerife

Daytime highs: 21C

Flight time: from 4 hours 5 minutes

Tenerife tends to be the warmest Canary Island in January, especially in the sunnier south. It’s little surprise that it has been among the most popular winter sun destinations for years, with the sunny, mild days occasionally broken up by light rain showers. Many people visit in January to hike the lush green landscapes of Anaga Rural Park or explore the desert-like Teide National Park, while the weather is mild. Or you could simply enjoy the island’s sandy beaches and sea temperatures of around 20C.

The only downside to jetting off to Tenerife in January is that it’s the peak season for the island. The resorts are still busy and lively during the winter months. If you’re after a more tranquil getaway, consider hopping on a ferry to nearby La Gomera, which takes roughly an hour. This lesser-known Canary Island is far less developed and sees only a fraction of the visitors compared to Tenerife.

Madeira

Daytime highs: 18C

Flight time: from 3 hours 50 minutes

Just north of the Canary Islands off the coast of Morocco lies the Portuguese island of Madeira, boasting a slightly cooler, wetter climate. However, in January, you can still generally expect warm days around 18-19C and rain usually comes in brief spells.

The mild days make it the perfect time to explore the lush Madeira Botanical Garden, which remains verdant even in winter, or trek Pico do Arieiro, a three-and-a-half-hour hike offering breathtaking views of the island. Sea temperatures hover around 18-19C in January, which might be a bit chilly for some, so opt for a hotel with an outdoor heated pool if you fancy a swim.

Cyprus

Daytime highs: 18C

Flight time: from 4 hours 35 minutes

Cyprus may be a slightly longer flight, but with most UK routes clocking in at under five hours, it’s still considered a short haul. In January, the weather is typically mild and warm, boasting around six hours of sunshine daily.

The month sees about seven days of rain, usually in short bursts. The warmest part of the island is Limassol in the south, where you can bask on long stretches of sand such as St. Raphael Beach with its stunning turquoise waters.

On rainy days, visit Lemesos Castle, home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum, which displays treasures from the Byzantine period.

Malta

Daytime highs: 16C

Flight time: from 3 hours

Malta has been gaining popularity for winter sun holidays, and January is a fantastic time to wander the narrow, cobbled streets of Valletta or Mdina without having to jostle through crowds. The island has always been a favourite destination for hikers, and if you’re not fond of hiking in the heat, a visit in January offers milder days.

Give the Victoria Lines Trail a go. It takes around eight hours and runs along a former defensive wall, offering spectacular views of Malta’s north.

Algarve, Portugal

Daytime highs: 15C

Flight time: from 2 hours 55 minutes

The Algarve, nestled in the southern region of Portugal, is renowned for its sandy beaches. Although January might be a bit chilly for a dip in the sea unless you’re particularly daring, the sun-kissed coast is still worth a visit.

Expect around five to six hours of sunshine daily, with occasional brief rain showers. Take advantage of the mild weather with clifftop walks, dolphin-spotting boat trips, or wine tasting tours.

Malaga, Spain

Daytime highs: 17C

Flight time: from 2 hours 45 minutes

Boasting the shortest flight time on our list, Malaga is perfect for a long weekend getaway to escape the January blues. While most of southern Spain is a great choice for January, Malaga earns its spot as it offers both city and beach break options.

On sunny days, soak up the atmosphere at the bustling La Malagueta beach, featuring a lengthy stretch of sand and a promenade brimming with bars and restaurants. If the weather turns bad, head to the Picasso museum or find a cosy tapas bar in the stunning Mercado de Atarazanas, a historic market adorned with ornate stained glass windows.

Broadway has been dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ thanks to its charming architecture and uncrowded streets. Here’s everything you need to know

The ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds ‘, a village in Worcestershire, has been lauded for its “beautiful” and “unspoilt” charm.

Broadway, particularly popular during the summer, is being promoted as an ideal spot to visit during the colder months, offering a unique winter allure. In fact, BBC’s Countryfile named it one of the top winter holiday destinations in the UK.

Situated beneath Fish Hill and just a two-hour drive from central London, Broadway invites visitors to leisurely stroll along its high street, taking in the local pubs, shops and cafes before venturing into the Cotswold hills.

Tourists can appreciate the historic buildings lining the high street before exploring some of the village’s attractions. The Design Museum, housed in Gordon Russell’s original grade-listed workshop, showcases the work of the renowned furniture designer.

According to the village’s official website, other notable creatives linked to the area include William Morris, John Singer Sargent, and Mary Anderson, reports Gloucestershire Live.

A key attraction is the Broadway Tower, nestled within a 50-acre parkland estate. It provides stunning views over the landscape, and on a clear day, visitors can see across 16 counties.

Additionally, the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery, situated in a charming 17th-century building, offers guests the opportunity to delve into the village’s intriguing history.

Animal enthusiasts will find the Cotswold Farm Park just a 20-minute drive away from Broadway.

Visitors can get up close with over 50 rare breeds, cuddle chicks or pet rabbits, providing an excellent family outing.

Holiday-makers have showered the village with glowing reviews, praising its picturesque architecture and range of attractions.

One guest shared on TripAdvisor: “Just beautiful, lots of shops and places to eat and drink. Best visited out of season so you can appreciate the buildings and old world charm.”

Another said: “The Broadway High Street just oozes Cotswold charm. It has a village green and is lined with historic buildings and honey-coloured houses with thatched roofs. Many of the houses were built in the 17th century, and some of the buildings, like the Abbot’s Grange and the Prior’s Manse, date back to medieval times.”

A third described Broadway as a “beautiful village”, noting: “Other Villages around aren’t a patch on this place. Plenty of shops to visit, pubs, restaurants, tea rooms.”

Meanwhile, another said: “Amazing Village in the Cotswolds. Been coming here for years when nearby. There is something for everyone and a very dog friendly place. Lovely food places and never struggled with parking.”

Russian and Belarusian para-athletes will not be at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, despite the International Paralympic Committee lifting its ban on them.

Although the IPC oversees the Games, there are four separate governing bodies in charge of the six sports taking place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Three of the governing bodies have decided to keep their bans on athletes from the two countries, and although Russia and Belarus are now allowed to compete in ice hockey, the decision came too late for them to take part in qualifying.

Both countries were suspended from Paralympic competition after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Belarus a close ally of Russia.

A partial ban – allowing athletes to compete as neutrals – was introduced in 2023.

IPC members then voted to lift the suspensions on the two countries at a meeting last month, allowing para-athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own flags.

However, the four international federations have now told the IPC “that, in practice, no athletes from the two nations are likely to qualify for March’s Games”.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), International Biathlon Union (IBU) and World Curling have not lifted their bans, while World Para Ice Hockey has already decided which countries will enter the qualifying tournament for the two remaining places at the Games.

“In the same way that the IPC fully respects the decision of the IPC General Assembly not to maintain the partial suspensions of NPC Belarus and NPC Russia, we also fully respect the decisions of each international federation regarding the sports they govern,” said IPC president Andrew Parsons.

“The positions of FIS, IBU and World Curling currently mean that athletes and teams from Belarus and Russia cannot compete in their events, making it impossible for them to qualify for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

“While Belarus and Russia can now compete in Para ice hockey competitions, at this late stage of the qualification cycle, the six teams for November’s Paralympic Games qualification tournament have already been determined.

“I hope the focus will now be very much on the outstanding athletes and NPCs that will compete at Milano Cortina 2026 next March, as well as the tremendous transformational legacies the Paralympic Winter Games will create.”

CHRISTMAS markets sound fun and cosy, walking around cobbled streets with a cup of mulled wine and gazing up at twinkling light – but no one enjoys doing that in the pouring rain.

But there’s one place in the UK that has an incredible light trail, plenty of food, ice skating and it’s all inside.

During the day, the Eden Project in Cornwall is home to beautiful famous tropical gardens showing off exotic plants and flowers.

But come 4pm from the end of November, it turns into a winter wonderland where kids can meet Father Christmas and families can skate across the indoor ice rink.

The Biomes look like huge baubles from the outside lit up on reds and greens, and this year, there’s a new Christmas Light Experience inside the Mediterranean Biome.

The Rainforest dome will be lit up with rainbow lights behind the palm trees and waterfall.

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Father Christmas will be there too along with his elves, and families can meet them during a 45-minute experience.

It’s completely immersive, with ‘theatrical surprises’ and children get a gift too.

The ice rink is back as well and is also under cover so there’s no chance of bad weather ruining the experience, and there’s plenty of opportunity to munch on festive food too.

The cafes and restaurants will serve up winter warming snacks and drinks on Christmas Lights evenings – most will close at 7.15pm.

There will be everything from hearty family meals to mince pies and mulled wine.

Also available is the chance to book a luxury three-course Christmas lunch which will be served on the Med Terrace Restaurant.

Bookings for the festive lunch, include free entry to the Eden Project.

For most Christmas experiences you’ll have to wrap up, but make sure to be prepared for warmth if you visit.

During the Christmas events, the domes maintain their usual warm temperatures – especially in the humid Rainforest Biome which can reach up to 35C.

There are some areas that are outside still so it’s advisable to bring a coat too.

This year the Cornwall Christmas Market will return to the Eden Project for two days only, November 19-20, 2025.

There will be 70 stalls set up so you can get Christmas treats and stocking fillers.

Christmas at the Eden Project runs from Friday November 21, 2025 to Sunday January 4, 2026.

Entry to the domes for the Christmas lights between 4-8PM requires two tickets – the standard entry at £38 (for adults if bought in advance) and the specific Christmas experience which is £5.50pp.

Visiting Father Christmas also requires standard entry along with the experience ticket which is £32 – entry for one adult and one child.

The ice rink is open from now until February 2026, visitors can book a general skate session which is 40-minutes long and costs £13 for adults and £10 for children.

There are also family-fun session on selected mornings, parent & toddler ice play and even ice skating lessons.

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Here are five cheap Christmas markets in Europe…

Bratislava, Slovakia

The Christmas Market in Bratislava is found between the Main Square and Hviezdoslavovo Square, with an ice skating rink as well.

Last year, it was even named the cheapest Christmas Market break by the Post Office.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is another cheap Christmas Market destination and even the European Christmas Capital this year.

The biggest market is at Cathedral Square, where you will find the huge central Christmas Tree, with a smaller one at Town Hall Square.

Riga, Latvia

Riga is also often named one of Europe‘s cheapest Christmas Market destinations.

There are live DJs as well as a Santa House alongside the usual market stalls.

Gdansk, Poland

For Gdansk’s Christmas Markets, you need to head to Targ Węglow where there is a fairground and light installations.

It even won the Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2025 award.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christmas Market is a popular one, as well as one of Europe’s largest.

It has 150 stalls, a small theme park and welcomed three million people last year.

Here’s another underrated European town with a pretty Christmas market and festive train that costs less to visit than a UK staycation.

Plus, the prettiest Christmas markets in Britain – with hotel stays from £37.

TUNISIA has been named both the cheapest winter sun destination and a top spot for 2026 holidays.

Known for its stunning blue coasts, vibrant souks and fascinating architecture, Tunisia in Africa boasts temperatures of up to 18C during the winter months.

According to Thomas Cook’s list of best-value winter sun destinations, alongside its warm weather, Tunisia boasts top resorts and value for money as well.

For example, 15 nights with Thomas Cook at the 4* Hotel Riviera in Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia on an all-inclusive basis costs from just £370 per person.

And this includes flights, heading out from London Southend on December 6.

Tunisia has also been named one of the top 25 destinations for 2026 by Lonely Planet with it particularly being best for desert and coast adventures.

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Lonely Planet stated: “It’s interesting times in Tunisia, a country that feels suspended between an old world of romantic Roman ruins and vintage beach resorts and a new world of possibilities birthed by the Arab Spring in 2011.”

It added that the country has a “laid-back atmosphere”.

Despite being small, Tunisia has a lot to boast about.

With around 40 per cent of the country being covered by the Sahara desert – the largest hot desert in the world – visitors can do many desert-based activities such as going on camel rides or quad bike journeys.

You could even grab a sandboard and surf down the dunes.

Or simply go for a walk and take in the landscape, especially in places like Matmata – a number of cave dwellings carved into the rock – which is where some of Star Wars was filmed.

The capital of the country is Tunis and can be found in the north.

The city sits along Lake Tunis and is home to a centuries-old medina, which is a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of alleys making up the city’s historic quarter.

Here you will find a number of artisan shops, souks and traditional cafes.

You can also see the world’s largest and finest collection of Roman mosaics at the Bardo Museum, which is inside a 15th century palace.

Hammams – traditional spa experiences – are also popular across the country.

Away from the capital, Tunisia also has many quaint villages to explore.

For example, Sidi Bou Said is a clifftop village that overlooks the Mediterranean sea and is famous for its white-and-blue buildings.

Just off of the mainland is also an island called Djerba, that recently got new flights from the UK.

EasyJet is launching flights from both London Luton and Manchester for as little as £81 return.

On the island, travellers can head to Houmt Souk, home to Bazaar Houmt Souk, which sells lots of fresh food and cute souvenirs.

The island also boasts a number of olive groves, including some that date back to the Roman Empire.

When looking for a place to eat, make sure to keep an eye out for traditional Tunisian dishes.

These include brik – a type of crispy fried pastry – and chorba – a tomato-based soup.

Food won’t set you back much either, with a mid-range three-course restaurant meal for two people usually costing around £15.33.

And to enjoy a beer with your meal, you are likely to spend between £1.28 and £1.72.

Hotel prices range in Tunisia, depending on where you are and what kind of place you are looking to stay at.

For example, Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa costs from around £55 per night.

The hotel features 222 guest rooms and suites, a wide range of restaurants and bars and a number of outdoor pools.

Alternatively, in Tunis, you could stay at El Mouradi Gammarth from around £76 per night.

The hotel sits on the beach and boasts a five-star rating.

And of course, it has indoor and outdoor pools.

You can fly to various destinations across the country – for example, return flights to Enfidha cost from £38 per person in December.

Also in December, return flights from the UK to Djerba cost from £39 per person and return flights to Tunis cost from £89 per person.

Flight times vary from two hours and 50 minutes for Tunis and Enfidha, to around three hours and 20 minutes for Djerba.

Lonely Planet has also named the ‘Cuba of Europe’ as one of the top trending destinations for 2026.

And in the UK, there is a city that is home to one of the best experiences to do in 2026.

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If you are looking for more winter sun destination inspiration, one Sun reporter visited the hidden winter sun island that feels like stepping back to the 1990s – with £1 beers and free moped rides.

And here are the best winter sun destinations that are less than six hours from the UK.

ONE European spot with 17C winter temperatures has been named among the top 25 places to visit in 2026.

The ancient port city of Cadiz, in Spain, is surrounded by the sea on three sides and is full of history dating back to the 16th century when the city was used as a base for exploration and trade.

Today visitors can still see more than 100 watchtowers across the city, which were used for spotting ships.

Naming the city one of the top 25 places to visit across the globe in 2026, Lonely Planet revealed that Cadiz is best for Carnaval, fine food and flamenco.

It stated: “Cádiz’s Carnaval is Spain’s biggest annual party, bringing extravagantly costumed revelers to its streets for 10 days of parades, fireworks, singing and dancing in February or March, to the accompaniment of more than 300 local murgas (bands).

“Pack a costume and book your accommodations months in advance or commute from nearby El Puerto de Santa María.”

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As for the city’s food scene, visitors will often find fresh seafood dishes and many restaurants serving traditional Andalusian tapas.

Typical dishes include tortillitas de camarones – crispy fritters made with tiny local shrimp.

One top restaurant in the city is Fogón De Mariana, which serves dishes that “tell stories of their orchards, fields, and pastures, bringing you slow-cooked moments”.

Alternatively, head to Mercado Central de Abastos which is Spain‘s oldest covered market.

Inside, you can grab some fresh produce or something to eat in the gourmet food court – Rincón Gastronómico.

As for things to do in the city, there is something for everyone.

If you venture to the waterfront, you will find the domed, 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral.

The cathedral is known for its mix of baroque and neoclassical architecture and it took more than a century to build.

Inside, you can explore a crypt, museum and climb the clock tower to see panoramic views of the city.

For another amazing viewpoint, head to Torre Tavira – one of the city’s watchtowers.

Inside is also a cámara oscura (dark room) which projects live images of some of the city’s top spots.

Then in El Pópulo – Cádiz’s oldest quarter – you will find a maze of narrow alleys and archways, dating back to the medieval period.

Many of the winding alleys boast cosy tapas bars and shops as well.

It is this area that led to the city earning the nickname of ‘Cuba of Europe‘, as the narrow streets look like Little Havana and much of the architecture resembles buildings in the Cuban capital.

The city has many places to stay including Hotel Playa Victoria Cádiz – a beachfront hotel with an outdoor pool and beach sun terrace.

It costs from around £80 per night.

Of course, the city is also home to golden beaches.

La Caleta is one top spot, with a number of bars nearby that come alive at night.

One recent visitor said: “It’s a great spot to grab some food and wine and watch the fisherman’s boats on the water.”

Or you could opt to bathe on Playa de Santa Maria del Mar, which is accessible from the centre of Cadiz.

The beach features two stone piers that give it a shell-like appearance and it also has great views of the city’s old quarter.

It is the ideal spot to enjoy a bottle of wine, costing as little as €1.45 (£1.26) for a bottle from a local supermarket.

Or you could head to one of the local bars, where a glass of wine will set you back around £2.18.

Temperatures during the winter reach highs of 17C and lows of 10C.

Some airlines offer seasonal routes to Jerez Airport, which is just under 27 miles from Cadiz.

Alternatively, there are year-round flights to Seville Airport.

In November, return flights to Seville from London cost £32, from Birmingham they cost £43 and from Edinburgh they cost £46.

Once in Seville, Cadiz is about an hour and 20-minute drive away.

Alternatively, you could jump on a train that takes about an hour and 25 minutes, costing from £15 each way.

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For another Spanish destination, you could head to a quaint Spanish town 30 minutes from Benidorm – it’s still warm in October and has £14 flights in half term.

Plus, Jet2 has launched new holidays to one of Spain’s cheapest cities known as the ‘Garden of Europe’.

ONE of Yorkshire’s prettiest towns is set for superstardom this December, as it stars in a new Christmas film featuring some of Hollywood’s top actors.

Earlier this year, Hollywood stars like Kiefer Sutherland, Rebel Wilson and EastEnders‘ Danny Dyer descended on Knaresborough for the upcoming movie, Tinsel Town.

Between January and February 2025, cast and crew were spotted in the Yorkshire town, in areas like Castlegate, Riverside, and Green Dragon Yard.

Filming of the Sky Original Christmas movie meant that the festive decorations were up for months longer than usual.

The film, set to be released n November 28, will see Kiefer Sutherland play Bradley Mack, a failed Hollywood action star ending up in a small, snow-dusted village to star in the town’s eccentric production of Cinderella.

It’s here that he encounters a number of oddball locals, one of whom is no-nonsense choreographer Jill, played by Rebel Wilson.

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It’s no wonder Knaresborough was picked as a filming location, as The Sun’s Katrina Turrill, who hails from the town, reckons it’s the “most beautiful town in the country” and “picture perfect”.

Knaresborough has pretty waterfront cafes and the opportunity to canoe down the river, while watching steam trains travel over the viaduct.

Katrina said: “If you venture down by the river from either Bond End or walking down the steps at the castle you’ll stand at the foot of the iconic viaduct. 

“Amongst the cafes and houses are two boat hire places – Blenkhorn’s and Marigold Cafe & Boating.  Both are open daily, weather permitting, and are a great way to soak up the stunning scenery.

“No visit to Knaresborough is complete without heading to Knaresborough Castle for the best view of the viaduct. 

“You don’t need to pay to enter the castle grounds, and I recommend seeing the view during the day and at night time, with the viaduct all lit up.”

Katrina also suggested checking out the many pubs in the area from Blind Jack’s in the market square, to Carriages.

As for attractions, there’s Mother Shipton’s Cave which is named after the Yorkshire prophetess who predicted many things, including the great fire of London and the black death.

It’s also the oldest tourist attraction to charge a fee in England, and has been open to visitors since 1630.

The town is also lobbying for cash to buy a tourist land train, which would mean visitors could easily go exploring without having to climb steep hills and steps.

A previous grant to get a land train was rejected due to “concerns over the scheme’s viability”, as reported by the BBC.

Now, the Knaresborough & District Chamber, which submitted the bid, is looking for alternative funding to get the service started.

The hope is that the land train would increase the number of visitors to all of Knaresborough, from the river to the main town.

One of the local council members told the BBC that visitors who visit usually wander around the castle and marketplace but don’t go down to the river because of the steep hill and steps.

If the land train becomes a reality, it would join other UK towns which run services generally during the summer.

Weymouth has its very own land train which runs across the promenade, meanwhile Bridlington has two trains, one which heads north, and the other, south.

Other popular destinations with land trains include Hull, Torquay, Hunstanton and Scarborough – each charges between £2-£6 per journey.

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And another Yorkshire destination to add to your To Do list…

Hutton-Le-Hole is said to be one of the last unspoiled villages in the UK, thanks to its very quaint houses and attractions.

Home to just 400 locals, it has been named one of Yorkshire‘s “best looking villages” by Lonely Planet, as well as one of the UK’s prettiest by Conde Nast Traveller.

Jane Austen fans will recognise it, having featured in the Death Comes To Pemberley BBC drama.

In the summer, locals sit on the village green, with the sloped grass leading into the river to cool off.

But the village is just as beautiful in autumn with the trees turning bright orange.

Most of the sheep are free-roaming, so expect to see a few munching on the grass.

If you fancy some retail therapy, The Chocolate Factory, which opened 20 years ago, is one of the top attractions.

Despite being small, there are a number of places you can stay like The Crown Inn and The Barn Guesthouse or a number of small B&Bs.

Here’s another Yorkshire village that looks like it is from the 18th century – where every front door is the same colour.

Plus, the pretty English town that attracts thousands of tourists a year with iconic shops and cosy barn stays.

I LIVE between four of the biggest Victorian Christmas markets in the UK, and this year they all take place over one weekend – with a brand-new one popping up nearby for the first time.

The Midlands mecca of Christmas Markets are Worcester, Lichfield, Matlock and Stratford-Upon-Avon.

To make the most of the Midlands markets, I would suggest checking out Lichfield on Thursday December 4.

It’s the first year for this four-day event and takes just 10 minutes by train from Tamworth, so you could do a couple of hours in the evening there to kickstart your weekend of wandering the street stalls. 

Tamworth has two Premier Inns, which make a great budget base with double rooms starting at £41.

There’s also a Travelodge within walking distance in the railway station, with double rooms for £57 that weekend.

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Tamworth’s got plenty of other Christmas attractions too if you need a break from shopping. With the chance to enjoy sledging, a mini panto and snow trail at Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the SnowDome indoor ski slope.

Tamworth Castle will also be hosting Father Christmas fun, with tickets costing £17 for children and £12.50 for adults, which includes a gift and a bespoke keepsake.

Plus it has easy rail access to Birmingham’s German market, one of the biggest in the UK, if you just can’t get enough of the festive shopping vibe. 

The next day, head to Worcester, 50 minutes from Tamworth by train.

Established in 1992, this is the longest running of the fairs with more than 200 stalls to peruse.

It has costumed characters including Sherlock Holmes and Scrooge roaming the streets, as well as stilt walkers, live music and a carousel, and after dark it feels like you’ve stepped into the pages of a Christmas Carol.

If you’re after something a little bit different, check out the Gin Lane immersive experience on either the Friday or Saturday evening to see the dark side of Victorian street life.

Then take a drive down to Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 6, with Morris dancers and live entertainment aplenty.

Car parking does get full up quickly, but there’s a park and ride scheme at Bishopton.

You can pop into some of the Shakespeare houses while you’re in town, catch a play or take a stroll along the river to get away from the crowds.

If you’re relying on public transport to get you around, you’d be best to head to Matlock on Sunday December 7, as it takes an hour by rail from Tamworth, which is quicker than the train on other days.

There’s also a grand finale Christmas fireworks display on the Sunday at 5.30pm, which would be the perfect way to celebrate the end of your market marathon if you’ve managed four days of bagging bargains, while tucking into festive treats like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.

You can even arrive in style if you’re taking the car, as you can park free at Rowsley South station and then take a heritage train run by Peak Rail to get to the Victorian market.

Chatsworth House is just half an hour away from Matlock by bus or car and will be dressed to impress as it hosts its own Christmas attractions, including a festive market, throughout November and December.

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So you could even squeeze in an extra outing while you’re in Matlock if you’re in the mood.

If feeling like you’ve stepped into the pages of a Dickens story is your ideal start to the season, get planning your trip to the merry markets in the Midlands to get your festive fix.

Ryananair cancelled more fares last week, having already slashed certain Spanish routes. It announced that it’s Germany capacity will be reduced by 800,000 seats this winter, with 24 routes across nine high-cost German airports including Berlin, Hamburg, and Memmingen cut.

Jet2 and Ryanair are axing a combined 1.2 million airline seats this winter, leading to fears that travellers may face significant disruption.

The budget airlines have both announced that they’re cutting back on certain routes.

In September, Jet2 said it would have to cut 200,000 seats, from 5.8m to 5.6m, over the winter season because of “a less certain consumer environment” – this is despite viral success of its advertising campaing featuring Jess Glynn. The seat cut brings Jet2 to 5.6 million fares for the upcoming winter season, although this will still be 9% higher than a year earlier.

Ryanair cancelled more fares last week, having already slashed certain Spanish routes. It announced that it’s Germany capacity will be reduced by 800,000 seats this winter, with 24 routes across nine high-cost German airports including Berlin, Hamburg, and Memmingen cut. As a result, Ryanair’s overall capacity in Germany will fall below winter 2024 levels.

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Among the airports set to be impacted by the 1.2 million airline seat cull are Santiago, Tenerife North, Vitoria, Zaragoza, Asturias, Jerez, Vigo and 36 connections between regional Spain and the Canary Islands.

France has also been hit. Ryanair has dropped capacity at every French airport they operate with four airports essentially being wiped off their network map: Strasbourg, Bergerac, Paris-Vatry and Brive. While others, such as Béziers, have lost over half of their capacity season-on-season.

In light of this, Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, is warning Brits to consider one key thing ahead of the busy holiday season – travel insurance.

“With fewer scheduled flights and limited seat availability, airlines will have much less flexibility to rebook passengers when there are delays or cancellations. As a result, more Brits may need to rely on their travel insurance to cover unexpected costs and disruptions,” she said.

“Flight cancellations are also likely to push seat prices higher due to reduced availability. That’s why having the right travel insurance in place is more important than ever – helping you avoid steep, last-minute expenses and giving you peace of mind from the moment you book.”

According to internal data from MoneySuperMarket, winter travel insurance uptake decreases by a 49%, with purchases dropping significantly during the winter months compared to summer, with only 16.53% of total insurance sales occurring in winter months, compared to 32.38% in summer.

Alicia added: “There are plenty of scenarios during the winter months that can increase the chances of needing to make a travel insurance claim. From weather-related cancellations and seasonal illnesses to overbooked accommodation during peak periods, the risks are higher than usual.

“That’s why it’s always best to secure the right travel insurance as soon as your holiday is confirmed. It gives you protection from the moment you book and helps avoid costly surprises later—so you can enjoy your winter break with confidence and peace of mind.”

Visitors say the village is “warm and inviting” and perfect for winter walks

A charming Yorkshire town famed for its historic architecture and beautiful countryside has been crowned one of Britain’s finest destinations when temperatures drop.

Settle, nestled in the Dales, has earned recognition as one of the nation’s “prettiest winter villages” according to Fine and Country, who described it as a “perfect spot for winter walks and nature exploration”.

The estate agents highlighted how its period cottages, rolling countryside vistas and welcoming pubs create a “warm and inviting atmosphere”.

Much of Settle falls within a designated Conservation Area, boasting numerous buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries – with 76 listed structures dotted throughout the town.

Among the most famous is The Folly, constructed in 1679, which stands as the sole Grade I listed historic residence in the Yorkshire Dales that regularly welcomes visitors, reports the Express.

The Folly is home to the Museum of North Craven life, showcasing tales of the region’s landscape and inhabitants.

One TripAdvisor reviewer hailed it as a “gem of a local museum”, writing: “Wide range of fascinating exhibits on local history. Very strong on the Carlisle-Settle railway.”

Another visitor remarked: “Fascinating and well-presented history and artifacts of everything one might wish to know about Settle and the entire N Craven area. Staff most welcoming and helpful.”

Nearby attractions and trails feature the Trow Gill Gorge, characterised by Visit Settle as a “spectacular, wooded limestone ravine at the head of Clapdale”.

There’s also Castleberg Crag, a towering limestone formation which has been “recognised as a beauty spot for centuries”, alongside the picturesque Settle Riverside Walk offering visitors a chance to discover the River Ribble.

Cascades such as Catrigg Force, Scaleber Force and Stainforth Force await, whilst ramblers can take pleasure in numerous gorges, summits and forest trails.

Those wishing to tackle the Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside can reach them on foot from Settle.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the Settle Station Signal Box – a compact museum devoted to railway signalling.

One visitor said about the attraction: “This is a real experience. It brings to life the important part that the signal man played in the operation of the railways and demonstrates how this very complex system worked. Very worthy of a visit.”

The Settle Station Water Tower represents another captivating piece of heritage, standing as the “only survivor” of eight watering stations for steam locomotives along the Settle-Carlisle railway.

It appeared on Channel 4’s Restoration Man following the 2011 renovation of the structure and its transformation into a private residence. Settle offers a plethora of unique experiences, from mastering the art of cheese-making to learning how to handle birds of prey.

Visitors can also embark on a spooky graveyard tour, join a guided walk along the Settle-Carlisle line, or explore the wonders of the Ingleborough Show Cave.

IF you ski down through the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise.

Especially when you are in Hundfjallet — one of four ski areas in the Swedish mountain resort Salen.

A magical beginner slope winds through a Troll Forest where dozens of wooden statues protrude from the snow, singing and telling folk tales.

My young kids liken this enchanted realm to the lands of Elsa and Anna in Disney movie Frozen.

And there’s even a ski-thru McDonald’s too — see right.

It is the first time I’ve taken my family skiing and the children are spellbound from the get-go.

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Making their way through the mythical woods of Trollskogen, they look in wonder.

The only things that stop them begging to return immediately to the top of the run are a log cabin serving hot chocolate near an open fire — and an open-air theatre with a dance show featuring the resort’s mascot, Snowman Valle.

Aside from it being wonderfully child-friendly, one of the best things about Salen is how quickly you can get there.

The resort, in west-central Sweden, near the Norwegian border, is just a two-hour flight from the UK then a ten-minute transfer.

Within an hour of landing at the airport, we had dumped our bags, got completely kitted out — including with ski pass, part of our deal from operator Sunweb — and were gliding down the pistes.

All of this was made even easier by our 4H “ski in and ski out” SkiStar Lodge apartment hotel, which has everything you could wish for within a short walk, from ski school, ski rental and sledging hill, to luxury spa, restaurants, playroom, creche and supermarket.

Salen is generally suited more to beginner and intermediate skiiers. But with 101 runs, including some nice off-piste, back-country routes, and a 45-degree black run called The Wall, there is enough to keep even the most advanced occupied.

If you are looking for an alternative to downhill skiing or boarding, the area also offers dog-sled rides, Ski-Doo snowmobile trails, and superb cross-country skiing.

After a tiring day on the mountain you can simply slide back to the hotel — which has a vast storage room for all your gear — and head to the bar for authentic Swedish apres ski.

Yes, that means Abba songs, as well as lots of sing-along tunes for the kids — while they energise on their slush puppies with marshmallows, and the adults relax with a beer and bowls of hot, salty chips.

Another great way to unwind after all that exertion on the mountain is the on-site Frost Spa, where you can look at the ski slopes from a steaming outdoor pool, relax in two tingling-hot Jacuzzis, melt away in the sauna and steam rooms, and get a Swedish massage — before a drink at the bar.

Salen also comprises the busier Lindvallen ski area — 20 minutes away on the free bus — where you can grab a burger and chips in the world’s one and only ski-thru McDonald’s.

Lindvallen also has a ten-pin bowling alley, arcade and the SkiStar Experium fun pool with surf simulator and two exciting waterslides for the kids to go wild in.

At day’s end, back at the hotel, the children can also enjoy free table tennis, pool and shuffleboard until they are ready to drop.

And when they are finally tucked up in bed, adults can settle down in front of the apartments’ giant TVs  and watch Frozen or listen to Abba songs.

Just Gimme, gimme, gimme another Swedish ski holiday.

AS I look down into the valley below, I spot the unmistakable outline of the Golden Arches gleaming in the snow.

Peeling off my gloves, I unlock my phone screen and hit the McDonald’s app, ordering two Happy Meals, a Big Mac and a McChicken sandwich.

I’ve never seen my children ski as quickly as they did to the hatch to collect our order.

The world’s only McSki in Sweden’s Lindvallen, is decked out like an Alpine chalet with stone and wood features and can seat up to 170 people.

It offers all the same menu items that can be found in other McDonald’s around the world and the prices are comparable to back home in England – with main meals costing around £7.

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This means you can get a pretty cheap lunch compared to other mountain restaurant options.

Who can say no to that?