worlds

A village named the world’s prettiest by Forbes in 2025 is introducing new bans and restrictions to stop visitors from frustrating locals and overwhelming the place

A UK village named the most beautiful in the world is considering new ways to keep visitors away after strict rules were introduced this summer.

Bibury, in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, is an undeniably picturesque location. It features honey-coloured stone cottages, a gently meandering river, and a historic, fairytale ambience. Its appeal prompted Forbes to crown it the world’s prettiest village for 2025, roughly 150 years after poet William Morris dubbed Bibury “the most beautiful village in England.”

The cottages of Arlington Row are frequently described as the most photographed and stunning cottages in Britain. Constructed in 1380 as a monastic wool store, it was subsequently transformed into a row of weavers’ cottages in the 17th century.

It’s not difficult to understand why Bibury receives such high praise, with lodging choices including the Swan Hotel and The Catherine Wheel pub both inviting inside and adorned with climbing plants outside. The village’s appeal has placed Bibury firmly on the tourist map. And now, some residents say, things are becoming unmanageable.

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Chairman of the local parking action group, Mark Honeyball, who has lived in Bibury for 10 years, has endured very unpleasant encounters with visitors. He told the Express that he asked a coach driver to move on from some double yellow lines before the unthinkable happened.

He said: “I’ve been physically attacked four times now, but once really quite badly two weeks ago, I was kicked in the chest and stomach and kneed and punched in the face full force by a driver that I’d just asked simply to move on from double yellows at the top of the village.

“The coach drivers themselves are being pushed here by their coach companies, they don’t really want to be here, they find it really difficult to park. The tour operators are the key behind this, the coach operators are doing what the tour operators ask them to do, primarily with people from China, India, and South Korea at the moment.”

As many as 20,000 visitors descended on Bibury in a weekend, with up to 50 coaches parking there daily. That’s an enormous figure for a village with just 600 inhabitants. Now, following a trial during the summer months, Gloucestershire County Council is planning to introduce permanent restrictions on coaches entering the village.

Councillor Lisa Spivey, leader of the council, told the BBC: “Bibury is one of the Cotswolds’ most iconic destinations, but its popularity has created real challenges. These proposals aim to safeguard the village, curb congestion, and preserve its unique charm.

Additional proposals have been put forward to control the chaos. These include:

• Banning coaches from driving through the centre, except at specified drop-off/pick-up points.
• Extending yellow lines to prevent illegal parking and congestion.Introducing pay-and-display parking for visitors, with exemptions for residents.
• Improving short-term parking access, particularly near the village school and church.
• Adding raised kerbs and seating to further pedestrianise parts of the centre and enhance safety.

Restrictions on coaches entering the village were introduced in May. At that time, parking bays in the centre of the village were closed and new public bus stop clearways were installed. The aim was to halt “unsafe coach manoeuvres.

Plans to make these changes permanent are backed by a group called Bibury One, which includes representatives from the local community, parish councillors, coach and tour operators, the county council, as well as Gloucestershire Constabulary.

If approved, the measures could be implemented by early summer 2026.

The picturesque village is home to a 16th-century bridge now buckling under the strain of a staggering 40,000 vehicles rumbling through each month during busy periods.

The Transoceânica bus provides a direct link between Peru’s capital Lima and Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, but despite the luxury destinations, the bus’s journey is far from glam

Taking a long bus journey while travelling the globe may not be too uncommon – a brief watch of BBC’s hit Race Across the World shows that.

But nothing comes close to attempting the longest direct route in the world. The journey spans across the width of an entire continent, with passengers travelling as many as 3,900 miles and passing through 30 different cities.

The Transoceânica bus has been described as “brutal” by those who have braved the entire five-day journey between Lima, Peru and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But while the two nations are famed for their natural beauty and amazing landscapes, the Transoceânica does little to actually show this.

According to testimonies, the journey is a long slog, as passengers battle for comfort while passing through rather dismal looking areas of both Peru and Brazil. However, to reach the final destination, many travellers say, is entirely worth it.

Passing through some of the most well known cities in Brazil, including Rio and São Paulo, the bus stops at 30 different locations where cleaners hop on board to clean the bus while people stretch their legs. There are various amenities passengers can use while on the bus, including Wi-Fi, filtered water, USB ports and toilets, according to Diario do Comercio.

Costing around 1,300 Brazilian reals (£187) one way, the company claims that the bus — known as a “semi-sleeper” — has soft and comfortable seats. But voyagers who have taken on the challenge themselves have had different things to say about their experience.

YouTuber Noel Philips said his experience was subpar, describing his time on the bus as “absolute hell”. He added that on the bus, it appears that personal space is a virtually non-existent concept.

In a video documenting the trip, Noel said: “Nobody has [headphones]; everyone just plays everything on full blast. And when they can’t hear it above everybody else’s, they just turn theirs up so in the end you just have 15 phones playing different things at 55,000 decibels.”

He added that the journey through Peru was filled with interesting landscapes and phenomenal and breathtaking views. But once they cleared border control and entered Brazil, things became rather repetitive, admitting the route does not exactly show the full breadth of either country’s natural beauty.

As well as this, poor Neil was seen complaining about the constant delays the bus faced as they journeyed through the mountains, complaining at the lack of heating on the bus. They were also beset by delays, as roadworks and slow tankers hampered their progress and risked turning a five-day journey into six.

Meanwhile, one Brazilian traveller documented his own experience on the bus as it passed through the Andes mountains and into the Amazon. He explained that with not much to do, many passengers end up chatting about deep and important topics.

While going through the southwest of Brazil, he spoke with the other passengers, after a debate was struck up about which was the best version of ceviche, one of Peru’s national dishes. Many of the passengers joked their own homemade versions of the dish were better, as the morale between those who were travelling seemed high.

But despite the hefty journey that people undertake to get from one side of South America to the other, the bus does not appear to run all year round. Operated by Brazilian bus company Trans Acreana, a timetable for the bus for the rest of the year or into 2026 seems to not exist.

THE UK village that was recently named the world’s most beautiful could soon introduce a new ban that would impact tourists.

Bibury in the Cotswolds managed to beat other pretty destinations around the globe to be named the most beautiful village in the world.

However, the quaint village has been struggling with a major issue with tourists for a while now, and soon it could introduce a ban on coaches visiting to help curb this.

A new proposal has been introduced to permanently reduce traffic to the popular village.

This comes after 20,000 people visited Bibury during one weekend this year.

As a result, residents started to campaign for a ban on coaches from driving through the centre.

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Then in May, a trial where coach bays were temporarily shut and buses were only allowed to use designated drop-off and pick-up zones was implemented.

Gloucestershire Council is now suggesting to make this permanent.

Under the new ban, there are also plans to extend yellow lines to prevent parking issues, introduce a new pay-and-display system and improve access near a school and church, with short-term parking.

There would also be a number of new seating areas and raised kerbs.

If approved, the new measures will be introduced by early summer next year.

One resident previously told The Sun that the village had gone from “10 to 90 coaches a day”.

Councillor Lisa Spivey, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Bibury is one of the Cotswolds’ most iconic destinations, but its popularity has created real challenges for residents and visitors alike.

“These proposals aim to make the village safer, reduce congestion, and protect its unique character, while supporting a sustainable visitor economy.

“We want to hear from everyone affected by these changes, so please take part in the consultation and help us deliver a solution that works for the whole community.”

Many locals blame social media for the rise in visitor numbers and over the years pictures have circulated of visitors climbing over walls into private property and cars parking illegally.

Tourists flock to Bibury for a number of reasons including seeing the famous Arlington Row which is said to have inspired Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

The village was also used as a filming location for Bridget Jones’s Diary and Stardust.

And William Morris even called it the “most beautiful village in England“.

The village is also home to St Mary’s Church, which dates back to 899 and is Grade I listed.

Inside the Anglo-Saxon church, visitors can see Norman doorway arches, a 13th century font, and 17th century table tombs.

You can also visit Bibury Trout Farm, which is one of the oldest in the country dating back to 1902.

Visitors can see the trout as they are fed and there are a number of other animals to spot at the farm, like ducks, swans and even kingfishers.

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There are plenty of other places to explore in the Cotswolds including a village with its own sandy beach and lagoon – miles from the English seaside.

Plus, ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ is one of UK’s most romantic villages – thanks to riverside restaurants and stargazing hotspot.

Speaking at this year’s COP30 in Brazil, UN chief Antonio Guterres called the inability to limit global warming to 1.5C (2.7F) a “deadly moral failure”.

But does the same apply when it comes to protecting the environment in conflict?

Israel’s two-year war on Gaza has created 61 million tonnes of rubble, with nearly a quarter contaminated with asbestos and other hazardous materials.

And scientists warn that Israel’s use of water, food and energy as weapons of war in Gaza has left farmland and ecosystems facing irreversible collapse.

In Syria, President Ahmed al-Sharaa has cited his country’s worst drought in more than six decades as evidence of accelerating climate change and warned that it could hinder Syria’s post-war recovery.

So, why isn’t conflict seen as a climate issue? And why is the environmental toll of war so often ignored?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan

Guests: Kate Mackintosh – deputy chair of the Independent Expert Panel for the Legal Definition of Ecocide

Elaine Donderer – disaster risk specialist

Farai Maguwu – director of the Zimbabwe-based Centre for Natural Resource Governance

IF THERE is one thing the world’s biggest YouTuber loves more than giving away money, it is taking on a challenge. And now Mr Beast is doing exactly that.

The YouTube giant, who has a staggering 450million subscribers on YouTube, is entering the attraction world by opening a theme park based on the challenges and games seen on his channel.

Named Beast Land, the new theme park will open on November 13, in Saudi Arabia.

Jimmy Donaldson (Mr Beast’s real name) said via X: “We built custom games modelled after our videos that don’t exist ANYWHERE else and will have the world’s largest prize wall.”

At one of the games called ‘Tower Siege’, visitors must load balls into catapults, which then have to land in giant 18 metre tubes for points.

In an attraction called ‘Drop Zone’, six people stand on trap doors – a button then lights up in front of all the players, but the person who presses it last gets dropped. The last player remaining gets the most points.

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Another of the main game-style attractions is ‘Airmail’, where visitors head off on a zip line with a weighted bag, which they must then drop on target below.

Little information has been revealed about the other attractions available at the theme park, but when visitors book tickets, others mentioned include Endeavour, Energize, Sling Shot and Coco Beach Coaster.

Mr Beast, 27 said: “I didn’t want this to be like a typical theme park.

“Thought of things from first principles and created games I would love to play.

“Tons of original games created plus of course we have rollercoasters and rides.”

When asked why he chose Saudi Arabia, the YouTuber responded that it is because the majority of his audience is outside of America and that he has a big Middle Eastern fan base.

He added: “Wanted to give them a chance to participate.”

There are four different ticket types including admission only for £5.12 per person – that’s just 3p more than the price of a Big Mac – and includes zone entry but none of the rides, experiences or games.

Junior entry, which is for kids aged between six and eight, then costs £10.03 per visitor and includes the challenges, experiences, games and access up to two rides.

A Beast Mode ticket costing £20.27 is for kids over eight-years-old, and allows visitors to have access to all the same elements as the Junior entry ticket, but with up to three rides.

Finally, Beast Mode + tickets allows all the same as the Beast Mode entry ticket, but includes all of the rides.

This ticket costs £50.99 per person.

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In other theme park news, plans for the world’s first retro theme park have been revealed with lands that take you back to the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Plus, one travel writer shares how she has been visiting the UK’s best value theme park since she was a kid – here are her six tips for doing it on a budget.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China has been officially opened and is now the highest bridge in the world – reducing the journey time for locals from two hours to just two minutes

China has unveiled a stunning new record-breaker after officially opening the world’s highest bridge in Guizhou province in the southwest of the country. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge has slashed journey times from two hours down to just two minutes, according to local state media.

The remarkable structure boasts a deck-to-surface measurement of 625 metres – more than half a kilometre – making it tower above the previous record holder. It beats the Beipanjiang Bridge (Duge Bridge), also in China, which stands at 565.4 metres, by nearly 60 metres.

China’s rapid construction capabilities have recently drawn admiration from figures including Reform UK MP Zia Yusuf, who publicly expressed frustration on social media about the lengthy timescales for smaller infrastructure schemes in the United Kingdom.

Work on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge commenced in January 2022 and was finished in under four years. The ambitious scheme resulted in a structure stretching almost 3km across a canyon dubbed the “Earth crack”.

The bridge measures 2,890 metres in total length and underwent rigorous testing before authorities gave the green light for public use.

As reported by ITV, before the bridge could be deemed safe for traffic, a dynamic load test was conducted, reports the Express.

This involved 96 lorries driving onto specific points of the structure in groups.

The new structure has now bagged the Guinness World Record for being the tallest bridge globally.

Now, globetrotters from all corners of the world are keen to witness the magnificent construction that officially opened its doors on 28 September 2025.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge boasts glass walkways for visitors to gaze down at the Beipan River, approximately 580 metres below.

It also features viewing platforms and a glass lift leading to its sky-high café, set to open in November this year.

For those seeking a thrill, they can bungee jump from the bridge.

State media have reported plans for professional BASE jumping events.

THE first look at the plane set to serve the world’s longest flight has been revealed – and it even has a wellbeing area.

Qantas and Airbus have unveiled the first look of the aircraft that is due to travel non-stop between Australia and London and New York.

Nicknamed Project Sunrise, it will be the longest flight available to date -lasting 22 hours – thanks to an additional 20,000 litre fuel tank.

The flight is expected to cut up to four hours off total travel time compared to today’s one-stop services.

Onboard the plane, the cabins have been developed with the help from aviation experts.

Sleep scientists have even helped to combat jetlag on the plane, through features including unique lighting and a timed meal service.

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The cabin will also give passengers more space than usual.

There will be 238 seats, compared to over 300 seats usually found on other A350-1000 operators.

Also onboard the plane, there will be a Wellbeing Zone located between Premium Economy and Economy.

In the Wellbeing Zone, there will be stretch handles, guided on-screen exercise programmes, a hydration station and a range of refreshments.

For First Class, there will be six spacious suites that feature a flat bed and separate reclining arm chair.

Each suite will also have work and dining space for up to two people, a full-length wardrobe and other storage areas.

For entertainment, each suite will have a 32 inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth connection.

There will also be a Business Class, Economy Plus and Economy cabins.

Key features of an Economy seat include 13.1-inch screens, a six-way adjustable headrest, multi-use seatback table, two USB-C outlets and a shelf for personal devices.

And there will be free Wi-Fi across all cabins.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said: “Given Australia’s position in the world, Qantas has a long history of breaking aviation barriers.

“Project Sunrise will not only overcome the tyranny of distance, it will fundamentally change the way our customers travel the world.

“These flights will cut up to four hours off the journey and transform how people experience ultra long-haul travel, through science backed design to minimise jetlag and maximise wellbeing.”

The first of 12 new aircraft will be delivered in late 2026, with the first commercial flight due to take off in the first half of 2027.

The initial flights launched will be from Sydney to London and New York.

The news follows Qantas’ announcement of new Economy Plus seats.

The airline’s new Economy Plus cabin features extra legroom for passengers.

The new cabin will launch in February 2026 on the Airbus A321XLR, A220 and Boeing 737 aircraft.

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Deadly protests followed the 92-year-old president’s re-election, which opponents have called ‘fraudulent’.

Cameroon’s longtime leader, Paul Biya, has been sworn in for a new seven-year term following his victory in last month’s presidential election, which his opposition rival has described as “a constitutional coup”.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, the world’s oldest president promised to stay faithful to the confidence of the Cameroonian people and pledged to work for a “united, stable and prosperous” country.

There were deadly protests in several parts of Cameroon days after the October 19 vote, followed by a three-day lockdown this week after former minister and key contender Issa Tchiroma claimed victory and alleged vote tampering.

The government has confirmed that at least five people were killed during the protests, although the opposition and civil society groups claim the figures are much higher.

The incumbent, Africa’s second-longest serving leader, took the oath of office during a session of Parliament in what residents describe as the heavily militarised and partially deserted capital, Yaounde.

Priscilla Ayimboh, a 40-year-old seamstress in Yaounde, does not see a new term for Biya as likely to change anything.

“I’m tired of Biya’s rule and I no longer care whatever he does. It’s a pity. I wonder what will become of Cameroon in the next seven years: there are no roads, water, and jobs,” she said.

Munjah Vitalis Fagha, a senior politics lecturer at Cameroon’s University of Buea, told The Associated Press news agency that Biya’s inauguration was “taking place in a tense yet controlled political atmosphere, marked by deep divisions between the ruling elite and a growingly disillusioned populace”.

Fagha added: “The ceremony occurs amid calls for political renewal, ongoing security challenges in the Anglophone regions, and widespread concerns over governance and succession.”

Cameroon’s top court on October 27 declared Biya the winner of the election, with 53.66 percent of the vote, ahead of his ally-turned-challenger, Tchiroma, who secured 35.19 percent.

Tchiroma insists Biya was awarded a “fraudulent” victory in the election.

“The will of the Cameroonian people was trampled that day, our sovereignty stolen in broad daylight,” Tchiroma wrote on Wednesday night. “This is not democracy, it is electoral theft, a constitutional coup as blatant as it is shameful.”

Biya came to power in 1982 following the resignation of Cameroon’s first president and has ruled since, following a 2008 constitutional amendment that abolished term limits. His health has been a topic of speculation as he spends most of his time in Europe, leaving governance to key party officials and family members.

He has led Cameroon longer than most of its citizens have been alive – more than 70 percent of the country’s almost 30 million population is below the age of 35. If he serves his entire term, Biya will leave office nearly 100 years old.

The results of his nearly half-century in power have been mixed; armed rebellions in the north and the west of the country, along with a stagnant economy, have left many young people disillusioned with the leader.

MOST childhoods for Brits were made up of reading books like The BFG, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Next year, you’ll be able to experience some true nostalgia as a new museum showcasing the work of famed illustrators, like Sir Quentin Blake, will open in the UK.

Sir Quentin Blake is well-known for illustrating lots of Roald Dahl’s books, as well as his own like the Mrs Armitage series.

Work is currently underway to open a £12.5 million centre called Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.

It will be the “world’s largest dedicated space for illustration”, and the new attraction will be in Clerkenwell on a former waterworks site.

The buildings were once part of a network that supplied water across the city and was used for 400 years.

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Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open in May 2026, and it’s an attraction that has been 20 years in the making.

On the project, Sir Quentin said: “I have long dreamt of a permanent place with ‘illustration’ above the door, and now the amazing reality is that we have it.

“I am proud to think the centre has my name on it – illustration is a wonderful universal and varied language.

“Here we shall celebrate its traditions and welcome the astonishing diversity of visual language from across the world. Hurrah!”

Once open, the museum will have exhibitions that will feature rarely-seen works from all over the world.

Original illustrations from leading and emerging illustrators, including work loaned from Quentin Blake’s own archive, will be on show.

Also on the site will be free spaces, including public gardens, displays and an illustration library.

You can take a seat at the café which will serve up fresh food and drinks, and there will be a shop stocked with illustration gifts.

There will be illustrator residencies in London‘s oldest surviving windmill which is also on the old waterworks site in Clerkenwell.

Other events at the museum will be illustration workshops and learning programs.

Previously, the House of Illustration was in Granary Square from 2014 to 2020.

Plus, here are the 20 most-visited attractions in England that are completely free to enter.

And for even more activities, check out the top 15 UK attractions for 2025.

The Michelin Guide has unveiled a new way of recognising the best hotels in the world, with three properties in Wales named as must-visit destinations

A picturesque lakeside town in Wales has earned the distinction of housing one of the wordl’s best finest hotels. Nestled on the northern shore of Llyn Tegid, a freshwater glacial lake encircled by towering mountains, Bala is home to Palé Hall Hotel, which has been awarded a prestigious MICHELIN Star key for delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.

This innovative recognition system for the world’s best hotels has seen three Welsh establishments, including Palé Hall, featured in The MICHELIN Guide as essential destinations.

On October 8, assessors also unveiled the new “Key” awards, which mirror Michelin Stars for dining establishments by spotlighting the most remarkable hotels across the UK and Ireland. The Great Britain and Ireland collection comprises 14 Three-Key hotels, 43 Two-Key hotels and 82 One-Key hotels, with 19 properties receiving their first awards for 2025.

The esteemed guide recognises three Welsh properties: Palé Hall Hotel in Llandderfel, Penmaenuchaf in Dolgellau, and Grove of Narberth in Narberth. Each has received a One Key distinction.

Palé Hall, a favourite Welsh retreat of mine where I’ve enjoyed several stays, is an 18-room Victorian mansion boasting a rich history and opulent décor. Perfectly situated on the fringes of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), it offers easy access to walking trails, lakes, and thrilling outdoor activities, reports Wales Online.

This luxurious hotel, part of the Relais and Châteaux, Pride of Britain Hotels and Celebrated Experiences collections, is independently owned by Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, who took the reins in 2024.

Arriving at this grand rural hotel is an event in itself. The historic façade, surrounded by gardens, woodland and rolling hills, sets the stage for a memorable stay.

Each spacious room and suite is individually designed with thoughtful touches, and some even boast unique features like a stained-glass roof light, chrome bateaux bath, and antique beds.

Built in 1871 by renowned railway engineer Henry Robertson, the house exudes charm and sophistication. Known for his ambitious railway projects across Wales, Robertson didn’t hold back in creating a home that reflected his accomplishments.

Designed by architect Samuel Pountney Smith, the hall stands as a symbol of elegance and grandeur with its honey-coloured stone and eclectic Jacobean style.

Palé Hall’s place in history isn’t just about its famous guests. During the First World War, it served as a convalescent hospital, offering recovery and respite for wounded soldiers amidst its tranquil surroundings.

Palé Hall has played host to a remarkable roster of guests over the years, including royalty. Queen Victoria was captivated by the house and its picturesque surroundings during her visit in 1889.

The grand bath she used and the ornate bed she slept in are still present in the now aptly named Victorian Room, one of the many opulent suites available for those looking to indulge.

When it comes to food, you’re in excellent hands. For an unforgettable dining experience, a visit to the hotel’s Henry Robertson dining room is essential.

This elegant space, complete with its marble fireplace, ornate plaster ceilings, and chandeliers, provides the perfect backdrop for a fine dining extravaganza.

Palé Hall, an AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star establishment, prides itself on delivering top-notch cuisine that celebrates the best of British and Welsh produce.

Here’s what the MICHELIN Guide has to say about Palé: “Set on 15 acres of riverside parkland in the Dee Valley, at the edge of the vast and wild Snowdonia National Park, Palé Hall is nothing if not secluded – a situation that only heightens the effect of its high Victorian opulence. Over the course of its colourful history, it’s played host to guests no less eminent than Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria herself. And in its current incarnation as a luxury hotel, it’s among the finest in Great Britain.”

The hotel makes for a stunning base in the picturesque lakeside town of Bala, which boasts a rich heritage stretching back centuries. Founded by Roger de Mortimer of Chirk Castle through Royal Charter around 1310, the town witnessed Henry Tudor’s army pass through in 1485 en route to the Battle of Bosworth.

During the 18th century, Bala thrived as a centre for producing flannel, stockings and gloves. Today, it’s transformed into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across Britain and further afield.

The town holds a remarkable religious heritage, celebrated at the Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre, which chronicles the inspiring tale of a devoted Welsh girl.

Back in 1800, 15 year old Mary Jones completed an extraordinary 26-mile trek from Llanfihangel-y-Pennant to Bala, having saved for six years to purchase a coveted Bible. Her remarkable pilgrimage of faith would go on to spark the creation of the British and Foreign Bible Society.

At the Grade II-listed centre, you can embark on Mary’s pilgrimage and delve into the past with interactive displays, exhibits, and activities.

For those who are fond of trains, the Bala Lake Railway is a must-see. This charming narrow-gauge railway line meanders along the southern shores of Llyn Tegid, offering a captivating hour-long journey from Llanuwchllyn to Bala on a vintage train.

For those who love the great outdoors, Bala is a hub of adventure and offers a variety of activities, such as rafting, fishing, swimming, and sailing.

The National White Water Centre, based in Bala, is a must for adrenaline junkies. Here, water is regularly released from a dam into the River Tryweryn – a steep, fast-flowing mountain river that creates predictable rapids all year round.

Rafting is an adrenaline-fuelled activity where participants tackle fast-flowing rivers in inflatable rafts, typically alongside a small crew and an experienced guide who knows the waterways inside out.

For a safe yet thrilling experience, book a guided rafting session and feel the rush of battling surging rapids alongside your fellow adventurers.

Hiking enthusiasts will find Bala serves as a perfect base for exploring Wales’ most spectacular scenery. Westward lie the imposing peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia), boasting challenging and breathtaking routes, whilst the tranquil Berwyn Mountains eastward deliver a sense of unspoilt wilderness.

Families can enjoy numerous gentle routes, including the Treasure Trail, which accommodates pushchairs and leisurely ambles. Alternatively, follow a designated path for a peaceful lakeside ramble.

History and culture buffs can explore heritage routes such as the Town Trail, the Mary Jones Walk and the Betsi Cadwaladr Trail.

After a day filled with adventure, numerous independent pubs and cafes are on hand for a hearty meal and a pint. The historic Plas Coch Hotel, originally built as a coaching inn around 1780, serves up traditional Welsh dishes using fresh local produce.

A BAN has been placed on tobacco on a popular island to stop people of a certain age from ever buying it.

Called a ‘generational ban’ it means that anyone born after January 1, 2007 is prohibited from buying or using tobacco.

The destination that’s implemented the new rules is the Maldives, and it’s the only place in the world to have done so.

The measure makes it the only country with a generation-wide tobacco prohibition in an effort to promote a ‘tobacco-free generation’.

The ministry said: “Under the new provision, individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives.

“The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale.”

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The health ministry called the measure a “historic milestone in the nation’s efforts to protect public health”.

It added that the prohibition “reflects the government’s strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco”.

The measure is not just for locals, it applies to any tourists visiting the islands.

So for Brits heading to the Maldives, you might find yourself being asked for ID in shops if buying tobacco.

Selling cigarettes to minors will carry a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (£2,470) for the sellers.

Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of the archipelago’s tobacco control board, told the BBC that he didn’t expect bookings to reduce due to the ban.

He said: “People don’t come to the Maldives because they’re able to smoke.

“They come for the beaches, they come for the sea, they come for the sun, and they come for the fresh air”.

And then added that the Maldives was projecting more than two million tourists in the next year making it one of the world’s most popular destinations.

The banning of tobacco is a new rule, but the Maldives also banned the import, possession and use of vapes last year.

Electronic cigarettes and vapes are completely banned no matter what age you are – and you aren’t allowed to bring them into the country.

You won’t be denied entry if caught bringing one into the country, but it will be confiscated at the border and a customs officer will provide you with a receipt which you must present when you depart the country to have your items returned to you.

Anyone caught vaping in the Maldives will face a 5,000-rufiyaa fine (£247).

These measures apply to all of coral islands in the Maldives, of which there are over a thousand.

A similar generational ban proposed in the UK is still going through the legislative process.

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The Maldives isn’t the only place putting a ban on smoking; another country is set to introduce new strict bans at beaches, restaurants and bars.

For anyone interested in heading to the Maldives, Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski took a holiday there for cheaper than a week at Center Parcs.

AROUND the world there are plenty of train stations – but not all of them can be classed as ‘beautiful’.

However, some look less like a place full of commuters and more like a work of art and have been given a prestigious award by Prix Versailles.

Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions, which includes airports, hotels and other buildings.

Now, it’s released the finest train stations that make up the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations List 2025’.

Two of these are in France, and both in the suburbs of Paris, so Brits can visit them in just a few hours.

Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France and its impressive train station opened last year.

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Saint-Denis Pleyel was designed by Japanese studio Kengo Kuma and Associates.

The station is tiered on different levels and decorated with wooden slats and floor to ceiling glass windows, so the inside is flooded with light.

Above the station itself is a rooftop park, and inside, is a huge open space with plenty of multi-level escalators.

Gustave Roussy Station in Villejuif, which is 40-minutes south of Paris opened in January 18, 2025.

The station was designed by the architectural firm Dominique Perrault Architecture.

It’s an underground cylindrical station with an open-air, multi-layered roof and is in the style of an ‘upside down skyscraper’ – it’s one of France‘s deepest passenger stations.

Over in Belgium is the Mons railway station which has a suspended canopy which is a nod to the Galerie de la Reine shopping arcade in Brussels.

The station originally opened in 1841, but went through its most recent transformation in 2025.

The judging panel said: “It’s a streamlined style made up of steel and dazzling white to form a cathedral-like walkway”.

Other stations receiving the award include Gadigal Station in Sydney, Australia.

The name honours the Aboriginal people who were original custodians of the land around that part of Sydney, and inside are bright tiles in colours such as yellow, purple, red and blue.

Baiyun Station in Guangzhou, China has also picked up the award for its recent transformation which has added shops and even an urban park.

It’s dedicated to 24 high-speed train lines, six subway lines and three bus terminals.  

Another is KAFD Station, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, which is very futuristic-looking with a wave-like exterior that is meant to resemble sand dunes.

Also in Riyadh is Qasr Al Hokm Station which has been described as being like a “periscope” as the glass roof reflects light throughout the station.

Bringing the outdoors in, there’s also a “luxuriant garden unexpectedly materialises within the subterranean space”.

Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, underscores the grandeur of the ideals  embodied by these edifices: “Excellence lends itself to recognition and humility, and is a necessary quality in this day and age,  when there is such a need to extend the harmony manifested in these new passenger stations across  entire continents.  

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“The commitment and the technical and aesthetic prowess demanded by these structures are the  highest possible tribute to the building community.  

“Already a part of this century’s heritage, this infrastructure is revitalising the role that we as a society  attribute to mobility. At each site, beauty is given concrete form, like a lung breathing new life into the  city, a shared symbolic territory in the service of its inhabitants.”

The world’s longest flight connects America to Asia, with passengers strapped into their seats for almost 19 hours – and it’s not for the faint-hearted

The world’s longest flight links America to Asia with travellers buckled in for nearly 19 hours. The current record holder for the longest long-haul journey is the Singapore Airlines route from New York’s JFK Airport to Singapore Changi.

The 9,537-mile trip has a scheduled flight time of 18 hours and 50 minutes and was introduced by the carrier in 2018. The service operates using Singapore Airline’s cutting-edge A350-900ULRs, which can remain airborne for more than 20 hours without refuelling.

The aircraft achieves such endurance thanks to a specially adapted fuel system. This enhancement boosts the plane’s total fuel capacity to an enormous 24,000 litres.

Yet the journey isn’t readily available to all, as Singapore Airlines doesn’t provide economy class seating on this route.

Rather, Singapore Airlines provides 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats. Premium Economy travellers can benefit from additional legroom, a footrest, and an adjustable headrest. Passengers can also utilise noise-cancelling headphones and WiFi throughout their journey.

Business class travellers experience ultimate privacy, whilst their seats transform into completely flat beds to ensure a peaceful sleep during travel.

Singapore Airlines assert that the A350-900ULR will provide customers with a “more comfortable travelling experience”. The aircraft boasts a range of additional features including elevated ceilings, expanded windows and specially designed lighting to combat jetlag.

The carrier maintains that the plane’s innovative carbon composite airframe also enables enhanced air quality. Those seeking a ticket are expected to be extremely wealthy, with seats routinely costing well into five figures.

Singapore Airlines’ CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong, previously stated that the new route will be the “fastest way” to travel between the two major cities.

He said: “Singapore Airlines has always taken pride in pushing the boundaries to provide the best possible travel convenience for our customers, and we are pleased to be leading the way with these new non-stop flights using the latest technology, ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900ULR.

“The flights will offer our customers the fastest way to travel between the two cities – in great comfort, together with Singapore Airlines’ legendary service – and will help boost connectivity to and through the Singapore hub.”