worlds

No asset manager had ever crossed the $15 trillion (€13tn) threshold before BlackRock confirmed the milestone in results published on Wednesday.

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The rise was driven by market gains and new client money.

Clients handed the New York-based giant a net $192 billion (€167bn) in the second quarter of 2026, capping a record first half in which inflows reached $321 billion (€280bn), more than double the same period a year earlier.

To illustrate the sheer scale of BlackRock’s assets under management, the firm manages more money than the projected nominal annual economic output of every country except the US and China, and nearly three times that of Germany.

However, assets under management represent a stock of investments, while GDP measures economic output over a year.

The surge in assets came during a quarter that was lucrative too.

According to BlackRock’s second-quarter earnings release, revenue climbed 31% year on year to $7.1 billion (€6.2bn), while adjusted earnings per share reached $13.91, comfortably beating expectations.

BlackRock shares jumped about 7% on the day of the release.

“Market fundamentals are strong and well supported, with higher margins and earnings momentum catalysed by new technology,” CEO Larry Fink said in a statement.

“Our momentum is accelerating, and I’ve never been more optimistic about the growth ahead,” Fink added.

Where the trillions actually sit

The first thing to understand is that this is not BlackRock’s money.

It is the pooled savings of pension funds, insurers, governments and ordinary investors, which the firm manages for a fee. Most of the money is invested in shares.

Equities account for $8.9 trillion (€7.7tn), or 58% of the total.

Bonds and other fixed-income investments make up a further $3.4 trillion (€2.9tn), or 22%. Multi-asset strategies that combine different investments hold $1.3 trillion (€1.1tn), or 9%, while cash-management products, such as Treasury bills, account for another $1.1 trillion (€960bn), or 7%of the total.

The headline-grabbing alternative investments, including infrastructure, private credit, private equity and property remain a sliver at $449 billion, roughly 3% of assets, but they generate about 15% of BlackRock’s base fees.

Commodity and currency products hold $152 billion (€132bn), while crypto-linked funds, launched in 2024, manage about $49 billion (€42bn).

The way the money is invested matters as much as the asset mix.

Some 41% of the total sits in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Fink noted that the iShares ETF range crossed $6 trillion during the quarter, roughly double its size three years ago.

Ports, pensions and politics

BlackRock’s scale has increasingly brought it into deals with geopolitical implications. The dispute over ports at either end of the Panama Canal is one of the clearest recent examples.

After US President Donald Trump claimed China was effectively running the waterway, Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison agreed in March 2025 to sell 43 ports, including terminals at either end of the canal, to a consortium led by BlackRock. The proposed deal was valued at $22.8 billion (€19.9bn) and welcomed by Washington as a step towards restoring US influence over the ports.

Beijing objected and pressed for state-owned Cosco to be included. The sale has yet to be completed.

Panama meanwhile annulled Hutchison’s canal concessions in February, handing interim operations to Maersk and MSC, whose terminals arm counts BlackRock’s infrastructure unit GIP among its shareholders, while talks on the wider portfolio continue.

Meanwhile, Panama’s Supreme Court annulled Hutchison’s concessions to operate container terminals at either end of the Panama Canal in January. The government transferred interim control of the ports to Maersk and MSC in February, while talks over the wider portfolio continued. BlackRock’s infrastructure business, Global Infrastructure Partners, is a shareholder in MSC’s ports division.

Larry Fink’s proximity to the White House was on display again in May, when he travelled to Beijing as part of the corporate delegation accompanying Trump during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Fink joined chief executives including Tesla’s Elon Musk and Apple’s Tim Cook on a visit dominated by trade and technology.

The firm’s reach extends into American retirement policy as well.

An executive order signed by Trump last year directed regulators to broaden access to private-market assets through the country’s 401(k) pension plans. BlackRock had championed the shift and stands to benefit as it develops private-market products for retirement savers, which typically carry higher fees than index funds.

DID you know that premium economy seats were invented in 1992? And by a Taiwanese airline?

I had no idea either – so had to test out the OG airline class for myself.

Eva Air was the first to invent the new class of plane seat that was between economy and business class more than 30 years ago.

Called Evergreen Deluxe, it quickly inspired other airlines like Virgin Atlantic to follow suit.

And with the airline recently named the World’s Best Airline by Travel + Leisure, I had to check it all out for myself.

At first glance, the premium economy legroom feels very impressive – I had no problems stretching my legs and my knees (as a 5”5 lass) were miles aware from the seat in front of me.

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Another perk I loved were the addition of slippers. Usually reserved for business class passengers, I had barely sat down myself before I realised all the cabin had already put theirs on.

They’re especially great if you’re someone who dares go to the plane bathrooms barefoot…

Along with complimentary water bottles, blankets and pillows, premium economy passengers get complimentary toiletries made by British brand Hunters.

Inside it were the usual – lip balm, cream, ear plugs, socks, eye mask and toothbrush kit – but it was the bag itself I was a huge fan of.

Coming in both red and black, the cord strap makes it the perfect dog walking bag to take back home.

Settling in for the flight, I was also impressed that we were all given free WiFi on the plane.

While somewhat patchy at times, I still managed to check my work emails during the 11 hour flight without too many problems.

That’s not to say the experience was 100 per cent perfect.

I was slightly let down by the film choices, having just 144 available. This is compared to Emirates which has more than 2,000.

It didn’t pass my test of having my favourite inflight film – Crazy Rich Asians – onboard, with fewer than 10 romance films.

I would also say food was fine, but nothing crazy to write home about. I loved the metal cutlery, which felt like a nice step up from economy.

They also had herbal teas, something which many airlines struggle with unless you are a business class passenger.

I opted for the chicken and potatoes as well as a breakfast frittata.

(Although the chocolate mousse was nearly licked clean, it was so delicious).

Having a pull out tray from the arm rather than the back of the seats was also preferable as well, as it gave the feeling of more room too.

When it came to getting sleep, the seats are exceptionally comfortable.

I usually struggle to drop off, but the seat itself was soft so no bad backs, and the insanely deep recline meant it almost felt like a bed.

So is it worth it? I would say it is definitely one of the best premium economy seats I have tried, from the little extras to the reclining options.

And in even better news, they will be rolling out their new, upgraded premium economy soon that is even more high class.

It will 42 inches of pitch – making it the world’s most spacious premium economy.

I guess I’ll have to just try them again…?

Return flights from London to Bangkok from £1,871 in premium economy with Eva Air.

A MASSIVE inflatable obstacle course is set to open at a popular UK shopping centre this weekend.

Dubbed The Monster, the attraction has been described as “one of the world’s biggest inflatable obstacle courses”, with tickets previously selling out across the US, Canada, Mexico, and Abu Dhabi.

Now, the popular course is set to take up residence at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe, Kent for the rest of the summer.

The exciting attraction boasts 1,000 feet of fun, with 40 obstacles, including the 18-metre “Mega Slide”, the mind-blowing “Exterminator” and the terrifying “House of Hell”.

It is set to launch on Saturday (July 18) and will be open daily from 10am to 9pm, with guests able to complete as many laps as they’d like during a 60-minute time slot.

The Monster will be at Bluewater Shopping Centre until Monday, August 31.

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During this time, there will be daily quiet sessions for people of all-ages, as well as adults-only slots.

There will also be foam parties with DJs and karaoke on select Saturdays during this time.

The area surrounding the obstacle course will also offer street food and drink vendors, as well as giant games such as Jenga and Connect 4, and Monster Ping-Pong.

Centre Director at Bluewater James Waugh described The Monster as “an incredible attraction”.

“We can’t wait to welcome guests throughout the summer to experience everything it has to offer — from the 300‑metre inflatable obstacle course to the full line‑up of entertainment in the event arena,” he said.

“Tickets are already selling fast, so we are urging people to book their visits sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.”

Admission costs £18 each, while spectator tickets will set you back just £3, with more information available here.

Participants must be at least five years old and one metre tall, while children under four can watch for free.

A MAJOR pier is marking 170 years this year and with it, a number of new attractions.

Bournemouth Pier opened back in 1856 as a shorter jetty and in 2014, the pier launched the world’s first pier-to-shore zipline.

And the pier is planning to launch a number of new attractions such as Christmas events, live shows and immersive dining experiences.

A few days ago a new pop-up venue also opened right next to the pier – Palm Beach Club.

The beach club has been designed to feel like Ibiza, with striped deck chairs and parasols, overlooking the beach.

You can grab food including pizzas as well as drinks and in the evenings there will be DJ sessions and weekend entertainment.

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It comes as plans were also announced earlier this year that the pier would undergo a £9.6million restoration.

When the pier first opened it was just 30 metres long and was used for passenger boats.

The in 1861 it was replaced by a 304metre pier as more tourists started to visit the area.

Storm damage later destroyed the pier but it was then rebuilt and reopened in 1880.

PierZip then opened in 2014 and stretches fro 250metres and you can also head climbing at RockReef indoor climbing walls.

A recent visitor said: “Traditional English seaside pier at it’s best!

“A Lovely walk around on a sunny day with a nice cafe at the top.

“There are also attractions for families with kids such as a climbing wall and zip wire.”

A FAMOUS UK pier that is loved by families has had to close one of its popular attractions.

Southend Pier in Southend-on-Sea is known for being the world’s longest pier, stretching over 1.3 miles long.

And on the pier is a unique railway attraction that runs up and down the pier.

However, over the weekend the train had to be suspended due to technical difficulties.

Everything else on the pier, including the museum and gift shop, is still open, but to get to them tourists will have to walk along the pier.

The pier’s website states: “The Pier train is currently out of service and is expected to remain unavailable until at least later this week.

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​”The pier remains open as normal, and visitors are still very welcome to enjoy a walk along the world’s longest pleasure pier and visit the Pier Head.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

The railway is less than a metre wide, and runs for 1.25miles of the pier.

Services take place every half hour, from 10:30am each day.

The first transport on the pier was a horse tramway, which opened in 1872.

The horse tramway was then replaced by a single electric railway in 1890, marking the first pier railway in the country.

The following year, the pier railway was running the full length of the pier.

Later in the 1930s, the railway was expanded with four trains, each made up of seven carriages.

Today, the current carriages have been running since 2021.

Designed by British architect Norman Foster, it features clever engineering secrets to keep drivers safe

When we consider enormous infrastructure projects, we typically picture major superpower economies like China and America, which are home to some of the planet’s largest factories, tallest skyscrapers, and sprawling cities. Yet, when it comes to bridges, it isn’t China or America that holds the crown. Rather, France claims the title of the world’s tallest bridge.

The Millau Bridge, located in the Aveyron district, forms part of the motorway linking Paris to the Mediterranean. Designed by British architect Norman Foster, it opened in the early-2000s to widespread acclaim.

Standing at 1,104ft high, it remains the world’s undisputed tallest bridge with a roadway positioned so high that a skyscraper could fit beneath it.

Beyond building and bridge comparisons, there is more to the Millau Bridge than initially apparent. According to Enjoy Travel, it features several design secrets to ensure driver safety, reports the Express.

One of these is the fact that the bridge is neither straight nor flat, with a 3% incline and a gentle curve incorporated into its design.

Enjoy Travel explained: “It has two lanes in each direction and interestingly, the bridge is not straight as this could induce a sensation of floating for drivers.

“To remedy this, the architects designed the bridge to have a slight curve, which is 20km in range. Another design feature that improves safety, is the road’s slight incline of 3%, which improves visibility and reassures the driver.

“The bridge is exposed to high winds of up to 151km/h. So, the designers placed side screens on the bridge that reduce the effects of the wind by 50%.”

Thanks to its striking design, the bridge has become an essential destination for motoring enthusiasts and tourists from across the globe.

On TripAdvisor, numerous visitors have marvelled at the bridge’s construction and appearance. Simon N said: “An amazing piece of engineering and architecture spanning an even more beautiful gorge. If you’re an engineering/architecture enthusiast, this is a must-see, but you don’t have to be one to be blown away by this marvel of a bridge.”

Bluebellplasnewydd added: “This bridge is spectacular and you should plan your car journey to go over it. There are observation posts and a visitor centre but it doesn’t matter if you miss these. The experience is in the approach and transit across.”

Fellow user boruthedog exclaimed: “It is a beautiful and extraordinary piece of engineering, and the visitors centre (accessible also from the south) has an exhibition, a good cafeteria and a viewing platform from which you can get an idea of the enormity of the project. After this, get back in the car and drive over it.

“The bridge is cleverly curved so that you get a good feel for its length and can clearly see its pylons and supporting cables.”

It even has special features to ensure drivers don’t feel like they’re ‘floating’

The world’s tallest bridge is so high that an entire skyscraper could fit underneath it. While many would expect the highest bridge to be in the likes of China or the US, it is actually in France.

The Millau Viaduct is part of a motorway that connects Paris to the Mediterranean. It was designed by British architect Norman Foster and is in Southern France.

Work completed in 2004 and the cost of construction was approximately €394 million (£345 million). It has an impressive height of height of 343 metres (1,125 ft), which is higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower.

The Paris skyscraper stands at 330 metres (1,083 feet). Millau Viaduct is 2460 metres long and touches the bottom of the Tarn valley just nine times along its length.

Le Shuttle said: “Plans for a road crossing to alleviate the traffic through the town of Millau date from the 1980s.

“British architect Sir Norman Foster was among the team that designed the viaduct, which was considered the most viable solution to cross the valley and river, with the least ecological impact on the area. Construction of the viaduct began in 2001.”

There is no pedestrian access to the viaduct as it is a high-speed motorway. However, it does attract tourism and there are guided informational tours.

Tours include taking a designated nature path to a viewing platform below the bridge and even inside one of the tallest pylons. A marathon takes place every year over the viaduct, and the Tour de France has passed under the viaduct a number of times.

The viaduct features a slight curve that extends up to 20km on the road on either side. It helps drivers settle the feeling of “floating” when driving on a long, straight bridge.

Enjoy Travel explained: “It has two lanes in each direction and interestingly, the bridge is not straight as this could induce a sensation of floating for drivers.

“To remedy this, the architects designed the bridge to have a slight curve, which is 20km in range. Another design feature that improves safety, is the road’s slight incline of 3%, which improves visibility and reassures the driver.

“The bridge is exposed to strong gusts of up to 151km/h, so designers installed side screens that cut the wind’s impact by 50 per cent.”

Visitors have left positive reviews about their experience of the viaduct on TripAdvisor. One said: “Love bridges. This is one not to be missed. Be sure to take a look at it from below to get a real sense of it. Real engineering feat.”

Another added: “An absolutely superb place! The viaduct and the surrounding landscape are so beautiful that you feel like you are part of a painting or drawing! It is truly a work of engineering of the highest level.”

Someone else commented: “Visited today after it been on my bucket list. Great visitors centre, cafe and toilets. Parking is free and you can walk up a 470m path to an awesome view point. You can see the viaduct and surrounding areas. Drove over the bridge with stunning views.”

AS the train rumbles out of the station, our heads turn to admire the stunning views from the dining car’s windows.

When the conductor announces each new destination, a feast of flavours is served up while we admire the changing landscapes.

But what’s even more incredible is the fact I am currently on board the largest cruise ship in the world — and sailing the calm blue waters of the Mediterranean.

The Royal Railway is the latest immersive dining experience to be savoured on board Legend Of The Seas.

You’ll begin your journey at the station — with the chance to pick up a cocktail or two from the bar — before entering an authentic train carriage and sitting down to a five-course feast as the train travels along Marco Polo’s ancient Silk Route including China, India, Turkey and Italy.

With some culinary corkers on the menu such as butter chicken, grilled lamb chops and Silk Road Shrimp, plus to-die-for Italian desserts, it’s a world away from a soggy sarnie on platform three at Clapham Junction.

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Like everything on this gargantuan ship — the third Icon-class vessel from Royal Caribbean — the attention to detail is staggering.

With 28 restaurants, eight neighbourhoods, six waterslides and room for 5,610 passengers, the multi-billion-dollar floating city certainly made an entrance in Malaga earlier this month. And I was one of the first on board the largest cruise ship in the world.

Billed as the ultimate family vacation, this next-generation newcomer is a riot of colour and energy from dawn to dusk, and there is something to float everyone’s boat, from lazy beach retreats to thrilling theme parks.

Holidaymakers of all ages will easily keep hunger pangs at bay grazing on food from 28 venues — the most you’ll find at sea — with every neighbourhood bringing something to the table.

Other new eateries include Hollywoodland Supper Club. Inspired by old Hollywood, this multi-course dinner is accompanied by live jazz and craft cocktails, giving guests the chance to get glam.

While this and the Royal Railway come at quite a hefty extra cost — around £144pp — there are a staggering 13 complimentary eateries included in the price of your cruise.

In the AquaDome Market you can take another global foodie tour with stalls serving up everything from Korean rice bowls to tapas bites and crepes, plus a new juice and smoothie bar for health-conscious sailors.

I also worked my way around some of the bars including 1400 Lobby Bar, which is inspired by the history of shipbuilding, and Lou’s, which evokes moody New Orleans and New York jazz bars with live performances and cocktails.

Those wanting a livelier tipple should head to the brilliant Dueling Pianos, which buzzes well into the early hours.

Outside, the mega resort facilities are designed for non-stop family fun — minigolf, rock-climbing and a surf simulator can all be found on decks 16 and 17 — and thrillseekers can dangle daringly over the water on Crown’s Edge, a part skywalk, part zipline experience 154ft above the ocean.

This playful ship is certainly making a splash, with Category 6 holding the crown as the largest waterpark at sea, while Royal Bay is the largest pool on the waves.

Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay are nestled in the purpose-built Surfside family neighbourhood, while it’s strictly adults-only at The Hideaway with its suspended infinity pool and DJ, and Swim & Tonic swim-up bar.

Early nights are out — the last thing you’ll want to do is sleep for fear of serious FOMO.

The ship’s entertainment offering is next level and I was captivated by everything I watched. This included Roald Dahl’s West End-worthy Charlie And The Chocolate Factory complete with a 15-strong live orchestra, AquaTheater’s Shockwave, where synchronised swimmers, high divers and aerialists highlight the power of water, and the ice-skating spectacle with drones at Absolute Zero’s show, Fusion.

Alongside live music and tribute bands, there are themed parties including a Y2K dance party, karaoke sessions, live trivia and silent discos.

Those familiar with Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships will be pleased to see the return of well loved spaces including Royal Promenade with its floor-to-ceiling ocean views.

There’s also the Pearl — the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture — weighing as much as a Boeing 747 — and the open-air Central Park, with over 30,500 lush plants as well as restaurants, live music, and pick-up windows for sushi and champagne.

With 29 types of accommodation, when it comes to hitting the sack, you and your tribe will slumber in style. On Legend Of The Seas, there are more rooms with ocean views and for groups of three, four, five and more.

The Surfside Family Suites are ideal for two adults and two kids, with the Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabins accommodating six, and Surfside Family View Balcony cabins sleeping three or four.

To really push the boat out, check into the exclusive four-deck Suite Neighbourhood or the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three- storey pad that can sleep up to eight people.

Inside there’s a slide, dedicated entertainment spaces, and three balconies — lucky residents even get a money-can’t-buy experience with Royal Caribbean’s second Chief Dog Officer, a playful golden retriever pup named Skipper.

This showstopper of a ship is truly the stuff of Legends.

I AM admiring green rolling hills as the sun beats down on Italian ­terracotta roofs.

There’s just one twist. I’m not IN Italy.

I’m in San Marino — the tiny, landlocked microstate completely surrounded by its famous neighbour, and officially the fifth-smallest country on the planet.

Set atop Mount Titano, 700 metres above sea level, San Marino is the oldest republic in the world but is still relatively undiscovered by British tourists who remain in the surrounding regions of its bigger neighbour instead.

One of the easiest ways to reach the centre is via cable car and once you step out you’re welcomed by centuries-old streets, the Basilica of Saint Marinus and the incredible Three Towers of Mount Titano.

Built in the 11th century, the towers formed the medieval defences and while the steep incline to get to them is not for the faint-hearted, it’s worth it.

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You can visit the two main towers — Guaita and Cesta — linked by a 13th century stone walkway the locals nicknamed The Witches Path.

But there’s another reason to visit.

San Marino is virtually a duty-free haven with taxes around five percentage points lower than in Italy.

I had to be dragged away from all the beautiful handbags and shoes in the cute boutiques dotted throughout the city.

San Marino also produces an array of products including olive oil and wine, which I had a chance to sample over lunch at Ristorante Titano.

Alongside the light and fresh local wine, I devoured a bowl of cappellacci; the traditional stuffed pasta with a distinctive “big hat” shape originating from the Emilia-Romagna region that San Marino sits within.

While San Marino is landlocked, it is only 30 minutes drive from Rimini’s wide, 15km-long beaches, so close it is visible from the top of the city on a clear day.

Rimini has been a popular seaside destination for decades and I could see why as I gazed out of my balcony room at the 4* Hotel Savoia across the golden sandy beach and the newly redeveloped waterfront.

The hotel itself has the celeb factor — it featured in Italian classic La Dolce Vita and the film’s director Federico Fellini was born in Rimini.

But the hotel isn’t the only place where the famous director has left his mark.

There is a museum dedicated to his work split across three spaces, one of which is housed in Castel Sismondo, a medieval castle.

He and his most famous characters are also immortalised in a mural in Borgo San Giuliano, an ancient fisherman district full of pastel-coloured little houses.

And it was history that had me star-struck when I moved on to an­other Italian city, ravishing ­Ravenna.

Stunning mosaics from the early Christian and Byzantine periods can be found in Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

Ravenna is also home to Dante’s Tomb, the resting place of Dante Alighieri, the famous poet known for Dante’s Inferno and as the father of the Italian language.

Another bard with links to the city is Lord Byron, and the Byron Museum is housed in Palazzo Guiccioli, where he pursued an intense love affair with the wife of aristocrat Alessandro Guiccioli in 1819.

After exploring the brilliant interactive displays, I enjoyed an incredible alfresco lunch of lasagne at Taverna Byron at the Palazzo.

All these attractions were just a short walk from my cosy, family-run hotel, Villa Noctis, which has its own peaceful courtyard overlooked by the traditional-style breakfast room.

Ravenna has its own glorious stretch of golden sand and selection of beach clubs to enjoy.

I settled on Singita Marina Beach and I have to say, a cocktail, sun lounger and a delicious plate of tuna tartare on potato croquettes — they don’t scrimp on the portions either — was the perfect way to end the day.

Now that’s La Dolce Vita.

The nation has an excellent publicly funded healthcare system

The world’s most liveable city for 2026 has been revealed in The Economist Intelligence Unit’s latest Global Liveability Index. The research examined education, stability, healthcare, infrastructure, and culture across 173 cities around the globe.

Copenhagen, the Danish capital, claimed the top spot as this year’s most liveable city, retaining the title for the second consecutive year. The European city was awarded “perfect” scores across the stability, infrastructure and education categories.

The Economist Intelligence Unit said: “In our 2026 survey, Copenhagen ( Denmark ) retained pole position for the second year running, scoring a perfect 100 out of 100 in three categories and above 95 in the other two, with Vienna ( Austria ) and Melbourne ( Australia ) close behind.”

Copenhagen has also been ranked among the world’s most walkable cities in 2026, according to a recent study by Time Out magazine.

The Danish capital is “compact and mostly flat” with “clearly marked pedestrian zones and elevated pavements”. Copenhagen is also home to Europe’s first and longest pedestrian-only street, Strøget.

Healthcare in Copenhagen is widely regarded as “excellent”. The nation boasts an exceptional publicly funded healthcare system offering free medical treatment, superb infrastructure and highly qualified doctors.

Most liveable cities in the world

1. Copenhagen, Denmark
2. Vienna, Austria
3. Melbourne, Australia
4. Sydney, Australia
5. Zurich, Switzerland
6. Geneva, Switzerland
7. Osaka, Japan
8. Adelaide, Australia
9. Vancouver, Canada
10. Tokyo, Japan

When you think of beautiful bridges, it’s probably the world-famous ones that spring to mind. Marvels of engineering like San Francisco’s Golden Gate, or the rich history of London Bridge. However, according to Time Out magazine, the ‘most beautiful’ bridge in the world is a small stone arch tucked away in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Stari Most, which translates to ‘Old Bridge’, is located in Mostar, a city that lies on the banks of the Neretva River.

Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557 and completed in 1566, the bridge is made of local limestone and spans the river without using any central pillars.

In 1993, the original bridge was destroyed by shelling in the Bosnian War.

However, UNESCO aided its reconstruction, with divers recovering the original stones from the river and masons using the same 16th-century tools to re-create the structure as closely as possible.

It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has recently been named as the ‘most beautiful’ bridge in the world by Time Out.

UNESCO describes Stari Most as “a symbol of reconciliation, international co-operation and of the coexistence of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious communities.”

The bridge is visually stunning, standing 27 metres above the emerald green river below.

There is also a long history of daredevils and athletes jumping from the bridge into the water.

The first recorded leap dates back to 1664, according to Bosnian Voyager.

By the 19th century, it was a tourist attraction, with people from all over the continent flocking to the bridge to watch adrenaline seekers hurl themselves into the river.

Since 2016, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has transformed Mostar’s bridge into an elite global sporting stage that keeps the tradition alive.

The competition takes place in late July, and spectators line the river to watch world-class divers jump from the bridge.

The East Sussex walk has been ranked among the world’s most beautiful hiking trails according to a new eye-tracking study – but be warned, it’s a strenuous 12-mile route that’ll take up to seven hours to complete

New research has revealed one of the world’s most breathtaking hikes can be found right here on our doorstep in the UK, rewarding walkers with unrivalled coastal views.

An eye-tracking study has identified the most stunning hiking trails across the globe, with running shoe retailer SportsShoes.com employing cutting-edge technology to monitor the eye movements of participants as they were shown some of the most iconic routes from around the world.

The findings assigned each location an ‘eye-catching’ score, establishing which trails were the most visually striking. As a result, the UK’s very own Seven Sisters Cliff Walk, nestled along the English coastline in East Sussex, made it into the top rankings.

It will come as little surprise to those who live nearby or have tackled the trail that it would be regarded as a top 10 hike, with its tranquil sands and azure waters framed by the most stunningly white cliff tops imaginable.

The Seven Sisters are so magnificent they have featured in some of Britain’s most beloved blockbuster films, including Atonement and Harry Potter. The iconic cliffs form a demanding route that can take anywhere between four to seven hours to complete, yet tourists appear to agree it is worth every single step.

The hike

Most walkers opt to begin the challenging trek in Seaford and finish in Eastbourne, allowing them to soak up the celebrated views of the Seven Sisters as they reach the summit. Across the 12-mile route, hikers can expect to conquer seven hills, some considerably steeper than others.

The ideal vantage point for capturing all seven cliffs in a single shot is at Hope Gap, though for the finest views from the clifftop, you’ll want to hold on until you reach the iconic Belle Tout and Beachy Head lighthouses.

Fortunately for walkers, there’s a charming little pit stop along the way where you can take a breather and enjoy a range of food and drinks at the Bearling Gap Cafe. Here you’ll also find a handy centre complete with toilet facilities, so you needn’t worry about being caught short during the journey.

Having tackled the walk themselves, one visitor wrote on Tripadvisor : “The cliffs are breathtaking from a distance, and the view from the edge, facing the open sea, is unforgettable. Heading down to the pebble beach gives you a completely different, striking perspective.”

According to the full findings, topping the list as the ultimate hike boasting the most jaw-dropping scenery is France’s Calanques de Marseille. Tucked within the Calanques National Park, nestled between Marseille and Cassis, the route is truly spectacular, featuring a stunning backdrop of white limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise coves, with a variety of trails to suit different timeframes and fitness levels.

The Top 10 list includes:

1. Calanques de Marseille, Marseille, France
2. Plitvice Lakes Trail, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
3. Lauterbrunnen Valley, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
4. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru
5. Bastei Rock Formation, Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
6. The Narrows, Zion National Park, USA
7. Étretat Cliff Walk, Étretat, France
8. The Loop, Kalbarri, Australia
9. Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk, East Sussex, England
10. Causeway Coast Way, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

One UK city narrowly missed out on the top ranking.

Summer is here, and whilst many people flock to the beach for their holidays there’s just as much joy in a city break. City breaks are buzzing with excitement, and there’s so much to explore – especially if the city is walkable. According to Time Out’s 2026 global survey, Seoul in South Korea has topped the list as the world’s most walkable city.

Despite it being a huge city, Seoul has excellent infrastructure for pedestrians with almost 3,000 kilometres of pavements, wide pedestrian walkways and efficient crosswalk systems. According to Time Out’s survey, 93% of Seoul residents rated its walkability as “good” or “amazing” – the highest in the survey.

The city has some truly amazing walking paths, including the Cheonggyecheon Stream. This is a 10 km restored urban stream lined with a well-maintained walking path that links multiple metro stations and major attractions, making it the perfect place to wander and explore the city.

One visitor described the walk as an “oasis in the city” on Tripadvisor.

They wrote: “You can walk along its banks, which are below the main street, watch the ducks in the water and relax. When you get tired, you can also eat at the cafes.”

Another person said: “A stroll along the stream starting at Gwanghwamun where the stream emerges is a must do activity in Seoul.

“It is particularly vibrant in the early evening when locals take their evening exercise or simply sit alongside the steam, perhaps reading a book or talking with friends accompanied by the sound of moving water. Located below street level, sounds of the city become quickly muted.”

There’s also Seoullo 7017, a 1,074-metre elevated park converted from a former highway, that you can wander above the city. The walkway is best at night when the city lights are on, according to visitors.

One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “A pleasant walk over the hustle of the city. Markets are sometimes held at the weekend. It has a nice view of Seoul station, especially if you want to watch the sunset over the city.

“It’s also nicely lit after dark. Usually, a few people walking about and taking photos, but it never feels too busy.“

Although Seoul took the top spot, another UK city was a very close second on the ranking.

The Scottish capital of Edinburgh was ranked as the second-most walkable city in the world, with the almost same percentage of people rating the city’s walkability as “good” or excellent.

Edinburgh lost the top spot by only 0.08 percentile points.

Despite its hills and cobbled, winding streets, a lot of tourists visit Edinburgh specifically for its walks. Famous walks like Arthur’s Seat or Carlton Hill are popular choices, but the city is equally as enjoyable to walk through and dip into the many pubs and cafes on every corner.

ALL over the planet are incredible islands – but these ones have been declared the best in the world.

Travel + Leisure has found the very top destinations from Asia to Africa and Australia – not to mention one spot went to the UK.

The best islands were declared from reader votes of which there were hundreds of thousands.

In top spot was the Thai island of Koh Samui which got a top score of 95.64 out of 100.

The publication said: “This first-time winner in the Gulf of Thailand—with an array of elevated accommodations, luscious jungles, and roaring waterfalls—has become a leading destination for self-care.”

It was also praised for its beaches, vibrant culture and waterfalls.

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The island is south of Bangkok, known for its pretty beaches, not to mention bargain cocktails and tasty street food.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill who went last year said: “The island has luxury resorts and picture-perfect beaches

“But the real Thailand is in the busy beach bars flogging happy-hour deals, tiny restaurants with garish tablecloths, and the constant thump of Thai boxing promotions from crackling loudspeakers.“

In second place was the beautiful Maldives followed by the Galapagos Islands and Bali.

But in 13th place is the first and only UK island to make the list – Skye and the Hebrides.

The wild Scottish archipelago is known for mountainous landscapes, rugged coastlines and rare white-sand beaches.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding, who visited Eilean Shona – part of the Inner Hebrides – described it as a “real-life Neverland”.

She said: “Whilst there isn’t much to do on the island, it is the perfect retreat away from the modern world and the stresses of day to day life.

“The island has an endless amount of walks you can take, and a couple of mine included heading to the summit and to the opposite side of the island where I found Shoe Bay, with a white sand beach and crystal clear waters.

“And whilst exploring the island, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as birds of prey often circle overhead.

“In less than 24 hours I had completely fallen in love with the island.”

Other top islands close to the UK include Malta which is dubbed one of the ‘jewels of the Mediterranean’.

Its capital, Valletta, is one of the sunniest cities in all of Europe – it gets on average 3,000 hours of sunshine each year.

The Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily which are a short flight away for Brits also got high marks.

In Greece, Milos and Crete placed in the top 25 – as did Paros, which was last year’s winner, some of which are set to be the next big Greek island holiday destinations.

One writer visited Paros last year and loved the island for its “beautiful beaches, traditional villages and a buzzing nightlife.”

She added: “One thing I loved about the island is that it has everything you want out of a holiday.

“Whether that’s a quiet spot on a sandy beach to relax, head off on a wild boat party, or eat authentic Greek food on a candlelit table.”

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

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

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

Many popular holiday spots are struggling with overtourism

Holidays are a chance to get away and immerse yourself in new culture, see world-famous landmarks and experience new foods. However, it can be less than enjoyable if there are hundreds of other tourists there as well.

After years not travelling due to the pandemic, it seems most of us want to get back out there and see as much as we can. Tourists from all over the world have headed to popular destinations, with some now feeling overcrowded.

In the UK, Edinburgh Castle claimed the top spot of the world’s most overcrowded landmark. But, a 2023 study from MoneyTransfers.com revealed the most overcrowded destinations in the world.

According to their research, Phuket in Thailand is the most crowded tourist destination in the world. It has staggering 118 tourists to every local resident.

Phuket is one of the leading beach destinations in Thailand and is home to several of the world’s best. Kata and Karon rank as some of the best beaches in the world.

Due to its stunning scenery and popularity, tourists may find overcrowded beaches particularly during peak season. Thailand’s Pattaya and Krabi also ranked as the second and third most overcrowded spots in the world.

It means Thailand has the most spots on the top 10 list, followed by Greece and Turkey. Heraklion in Greece took the seventh spot on the overcrowded list as it has 22 tourists to every local resident.

Not surprisingly, Venice in Italy also ranked on the list as it has 21 tourists to every resident.

Simone Venturini, the newly appointed mayor of Venice, recently announced plans to significantly raise a contentious tourist charge for visitors entering the historic city.

In 2024, Venice made history as the first tourist destination to impose an entry fee, initially set at €5, on busy days spanning April to July.

Additional days were added to the scheme, with the charge for last-minute visitors later rising to €10, roughly £8.60.

Local politicians hoped levy would help alleviate overcrowding in the ancient city and would deter people from visiting during peak periods. This comes as approximately 30 million people annually are believed to flock to Venice.

Now, Mr Venturini is now pushing to raise the entry fee to as much as €50. Rhodes in Greece also made the list with over 20 tourists for every resident, while Miami in the US has 18 tourists to every local.

The world’s most overcrowded destinations

1. Phuket, Thailand
2. Pattaya, Thailand
3. Krabi, Thailand
4. Mugla, Turkey
5. Hurghada, Turkey
6. Macau, China
7. Heraklion, Greece
8. Venice, Italy
9. Rhodes, Greece
10. Miami, USA

This village in the Cotswolds has been named the world’s most beautiful village in a Forbes-featured ranking, with its honey-slicked cottages and River Coln setting beating Mediterranean destinations

Travel lovers have awarded this charming village with cobbled streets a top spot as the most picturesque village on the planet.

Now a thriving tourist destination, Forbes crowned the Cotswolds settlement as the most beautiful village in the world, giving Mediterranean coastal hotspots a real run for their money.

While England has no shortage of stunning landscapes, from the rugged beauty of the Lake District to the sweeping coastlines of Cornwall, the Cotswolds continues to attract visitors from across the globe with its fairytale villages and quintessentially English charm.

Yet it’s one particular village that has truly made a name for itself. Forbes, in partnership with Unforgettable Travel Company, revealed the 50 most stunning villages in the world — and placed Bibury firmly at the top.

The publication wrote: “Bibury unfurls like a watercolour dream-where honey-slicked cottages line Arlington Row; their mossy roofs whispering tales of 14th-century weavers. The River Coln murmurs gently here-weaving through golden buttercups and forget-me-nots, while plump ducks paddle lazily beneath canopies of willow.”

Visitors travel from all corners of the globe to admire these honey-coloured cottages and sweeping willow trees, located just a 15-minute drive outside of Cirencester. However, locals are increasingly vocal about the issue of overtourism, as thousands descend upon the tiny village during peak season.

Residents are calling for greater action to preserve the peaceful and intimate atmosphere that makes the area so beloved in the first place. Nestled on the banks of the River Coln, Bibury is steeped in history and natural beauty, with the cottages on Arlington Row dating back as far as 1380.

Today, the village’s character is safeguarded by the National Trust, who own most of the properties along the row, except for two that are now operated as holiday lets.

The historic row was subsequently transformed into weavers’ cottages during the 17th century and has remained unchanged ever since. Their characteristics appear to be straight from a storybook, and their location beside the meadow, which is inhabited by water-loving plants and birds, feels like something from a fantasy novel.

One visitor shared their thoughts on Tripadvisor, saying: “Quintessential English rural scene. Okay, we were one of the many tourists doing the same thing in admiring the buildings, but it didn’t spoil our time.

“We managed to park nearby for free, and the walk by the beautiful clear river is all part of the experience. Worth a visit.”

With nature forming the essence of this small village, many choose to visit England’s oldest trout farm, Bibury Trout Farm, where they can wander the grounds and observe vibrant wildlife. Tucked away within the village, this is a destination where you can catch a fish, hire a barbecue, enjoy a round of Crazy Golf, or simply relax in the welcoming onsite cafe.

One visitor who made the trip to the farm wrote: “We had such a fun trip at Bibury Trout Farm! The grounds were beautifully maintained, everything was clean, and the trout fishing and BBQ experience were fantastic.

“The staff were incredibly friendly, and we really appreciated the effort they made to make our visit enjoyable. Highly recommend it!”.

Should you be considering a day out to Bibury, it’s worth planning your parking arrangements ahead of time to avoid causing unnecessary disruption to the village. Where possible, experts advise visiting during the off-peak season and mid-week to ensure a more relaxed experience.

A SPOT that has previously been mocked as the worst place to live in the UK could be getting a sparkling new lido.

Hull has previously had a bad reputation, including being named the worst town in the book Crap Towns: The 50 Worst Places to Live in the UK in 2003.

Though over the past few years it has had a bit of a resurgence with National Geographic naming it one of the “best places in the world to travel to in 2026”.

And soon, there could be even more of a reason to visit the city as it could reopen a historic outdoor lido.

East Park Lido in a park of the same name opened back in 1964 as an unheated swimming pool.

Though, in 1985 it closed and was demolished three years later.

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Councillors are now exploring whether the lido could reopen and how much it would cost to do this.

If plans went ahead at the former site, it would mean redeveloping the free splash pad with 43 jets and animal enclosures that are currently there.

Many people have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the news.

One person said: “Should never have gotten rid of the lido.”

Another added: “About time get the lido open again on a new site.”

East Park itself is Grade II listed and already has some other attractions including a Grade II listed water ride that was built in 1929 called The Splash Boat.

Riders head down a 30.5metre drop into the boating lake below.

The ride is only open at weekends, bank holidays and during school holidays with each ride costing £2.

There are also swan pedalos at the park which cost £2 per person.

Hull currently has only one outdoor lido, which is Albert Avenue Pools and Fitness Lido.

The lido reopened in 2023 after an extensive £10.5million refurbishment.

The pool is heated to 28C throughout the summer season.

While in the city, make sure to head to Hull Minster – the largest parish church in England.

The church is over 700-years-old and is known to have some of the finest medieval brickwork in the country.

You can also climb up 180 steps in the church to see panoramic views of the city.

Hull has also been a backdrop more recently for big blockbuster films and TV series’ including The Crown, Victoria and Enola Holmes 2.

And thanks to lots of money being pumped into the city over the past decade, many of its former warehouses are now thriving restaurants, bars and cafes.

“TIKTOK made me do it”, I say to my friend, as I send her a snap of my coffee  made by a robot.

If there was ever a city that embraces technology to celebrate the ridiculous, it’s Tokyo. And ­coffee is just the beginning.

Last time I went to Japan’s capital, around 10 years ago, it was an expensive trip. Back then, the Yen (the country’s currency) was strong against the British pound and everything was twice the price.

This time around, with rates dropping over the years, one of the world’s coolest cities is surprisingly affordable again.

And I was buzzing to begin exploring on a budget.

Starting strong, I’d checked into trendy Yotel, a slick and modern hotel that embodies Japan’s futuristic vibe.

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With 23 properties around the world, the brand is known for its prime locations, without the steep price tag.

The Tokyo one has room rates from £118 per night and is just steps away from one of the city’s coolest areas, the Ginza district.

The well-heeled neighbourhood is packed with stylish restaurants and bars, high-end shopping and elegant department stores.

Shopping is a major activity in Tokyo, with the flagship Uniqlo store just a few minutes from Yotel. This is the biggest Uniqlo in the world, its 12 floors packed with cool clothes and knitwear at a fraction of the UK price.

Then there is possibly the most famous shopping district in Tokyo, Harajuku. This is the place for eccentric outfits, outrageous headwear and funky souvenirs.

There are also cool vintage stores nestled between the tourist tat, but I was more concerned with all the ridiculous things to eat and drink along here.

A toasted sandwich with rainbow cheese, followed by a giant multicoloured candyfloss and a coffee at Café Reissue that had a foamy top in the shape of Hello Kitty.

This is where you will also find the Shibuya crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, where crowds get ready to race across when the traffic stops.

With 3,000 people crossing every two minutes, this interchange has become a tourist attraction in itself, as you run for your life and dodge people making TikTok videos, taking selfies and proposing.

For dinner, we bunked down at Kushiyaki Bistro Fukumimi Ginza, an underground izakaya.

The antidote to Tokyo’s tech-savvy tourist trails, this traditional tavern serves meat skewers and Japanese picky bits, with lots of lively banter.

As well as the great food, we made some new pals at the bar.

The language barrier didn’t seem to matter in the jovial atmosphere.

After a taste of authentic Japanese dining, I wanted to experience the country’s unique culture and try some traditional pastimes.

First stop was a Tea Ceremony at Maikura (£43, mai-ko.com).

Once we’d been decked out in colourful kimonos, we all sat on the floor to enjoy matcha with a special blessing.

Then it was straight on to Ginzabashi to make and carve our own chopsticks at an independently owned cafe (£18, ginzabashi.com).

By this point, we had worked up quite the appetite, so we tried our hand at sushi making at the famous Tsukiji Fish Market.

Covered in rice and with a not-so-artistic display of Nigiri and Maki in front of me, I can confirm it is not as easy as it looks.

But, our patient sushi master was on hand to help us out and the end result was a lot more impressive than I was expecting.

The experience is £52 per person, but the price includes a tour of the market and you get to eat all the sushi you roll and some extras too (japanwondertravel.com).

Simply wandering around the city itself is enough to keep you busy. Street art, historic buildings, quirky characters and buzzing neighbourhoods are all part of Tokyo’s appeal.

That’s how I found myself at the hole-in-the-wall coffee shop in Harajuku being served by a bear.

The name Anakuma Café means “bear in a hole” in Japanese, and this tiny booth is exactly that.

I order my flat white on a tablet and it’s served through a hole in the wall by a comedy furry hand.

By the time I stopped laughing and taking pictures, my coffee had gone cold, but it was all about the experience. Which is as cheap as chopsticks.

THE best islands in the world have been revealed and there is one in the UK that snuck into the top 50.

The 50 Best Islands in the World was revealed by Big 7, having run for seven years.

The study looks at everything from popularity on social media and travel trends to insights from the editorial team.

And coming in no.1 was Sri Lanka which was praised for “having it all”.

It said: “Whiling away blissful days beach-hopping along the 833-mile coastline is part of the charm, but Sri Lanka offers much more beyond the shore.

“Itineraries fill up quickly here, between the timeworn temples, colonial towns, misty mountains, and wildlife safaris in Yala National Park, home to tigers and elephants.”

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The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski recently visited and said: “It was the off-grid excursions that gave me a real sense of what this region was truly about – a half-day cooking experience was just my cup of tea.

“And one night, an elephant stepped out from some undergrowth and plods slowly into the oncoming traffic, where drivers pulled to a casual halt until the lumbering giant disappeared.”

However, the only UK island to make the list was the Isle of Mull in Scotland, coming in 23rd place.

Making the list for its “rugged coastline and unexpectedly white sand,” it added: ” It’s an island of contrasts – where highland cows bathe in the calm, crystal-clear sea, and foamy waters crash into basalt columns.”

The island has everything from the coloured houses of Tobermory, as well as dolphin and seal watching – and even fluffy highlands cows on the beach.

While Mull was the only UK island to make the list, the nearby Achill Island in Ireland came in 8th.

It made the top 10 for its “soft pink sunrises and turquoise seas to moss-green hills and fiery sunsets.”

Europe fared well too, with many in the top 20 including Madeira (4th), Milos (10th), Ischia (15th), Ibiza (17th) and Corsica (18th).

Popular islands Brits will know such as Jamaica was in 19th, while Bali was in 20th and Mauritius was 24th.

Sardinia, Hvar and Key West all just made it into the top 50.

World’s 50 Best Islands

1. Sri Lanka
2. Mo’orea, French Polynesia
3. Socotra, Yemen
4. Madeira
5. The Galapagos, Ecuador
6. Great Exuma, Bahamas
7. Seychelles
8. Achill Island, Ireland
9. Koh Lipe, Thailand
10. Milos, Greece
11. Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
12. Madagascar
13. Ilha Grande, Brazil
14. Kangaroo Island, Australia
15. Ischia, Italy
16. Dominica
17. Ibiza
18. Corsica
19. Jamaica
20. Bali, Indonesia
21. Koh Rong, Cambodia
22. Yasawas, Fiji
23. Mull, Scotland
24. Mauritius
25. Salt Spring Island, Canada
26. Yoron Island, Japan
27. Munroe Island, India
28. Unguja (Zanzibar Island), Tanzania
29. Haida Gwaii, Canada
30. Sal, Cape Verde
31. Cocos Island, Costa Rica
32. Cuba
33. San Juan Islands, USA
34. Sardinia, Italy
35. Jeju Island, South Korea
36. Siargao, Philippines
37. Greenland
38. Caye Caulker, Belize
39. La Gomera, Spain
40. Hvar, Croatia
41. Isla Mujeres, Mexico
42. Waiheke Island, New Zealand
43. Benguerra Island, Mozambique
44. Hydra, Greece
45. Bozcaada, Turkey
46. Key West, Florida, USA
47. Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
48. Barbados
49. Eysturoy Island, Faroe Islands
50. Bissagos Islands, Guinea

A WATERPARK that gets almost two million visitors each year is set to close after summer.

Disney‘s Typhoon Lagoon is the one of the most popular and most visited in the world – but will soon close for refurbishment.

The tropical-themed waterpark in Florida – that averages around 5,000 people a day – will close to all guests on September 9, for routine maintenance.

Every year, the waterpark closes during the less busy months for improvement works.

Inside Typhoon Lagoon is a six-foot wave pool, the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster and a lazy river called Castaway Creek.

It is centered around a beached boat which sits on top of Mount Mayday.

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Dotted around the pool are sunloungers as well as an ice cream stall, another serving cocktails and iced drinks.

Leaning Palms is where swimmers can fuel up on rice bowls, burgers, pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads and wraps.

During the closure, the park’s other waterpark called Blizzard Beach will remain open.

The theme park said: “Starting September 9, 2026, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will temporarily close. During this time, we encourage Guests to enjoy Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park.”

It’s expected that when the refurbishment for Typhoon Lagoon has finished, Blizzard Beach will then close for upgrades.

The waterparks will then both be open in time for the spring 2027 season.

I FEEL like Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story, not something I thought I’d ever say as a 25-year-old British woman.

No, I’m not wearing a spacesuit and nor am I made of plastic – I’m stood playing the world’s largest claw arcade machine, with toys up for grabs that are the size of your average pre-school kid. 

Butlin’s have built the machine at their Bognor Regis resort, at 6.8m long and 3.9m high, they claim it’s the size of a small house and it’s open all summer.

Having stood inside it, I can safely say it’s about the same size as my London flat – the claw is so big that it could fit around my head.

Shortly after they cut the ribbon this morning, it was officially crowned by the Guinness Book Of World Records as the world’s largest claw machine and incredibly, it only costs £1 to play. 

What can you get for a quid these days? A quick scan of the Sainsbury’s website reveals you can get a bar of Dairy Milk  – but here in Butlin’s Bognor, it could get you a 3-foot plushie. 

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And that’s a genuine possibility. This isn’t your average claw machine designed to send your blood pressure rising with the odds stacked against you. 

It’s super easy to play on with one lever and one button like a usual claw machine just ten times the size. Just bash the button above the toy you want and see if you can get it.

While I tried three times to bag a prize and failed, in the first ten minutes of it opening, I watched a redcoat win a massive Simba from the Lion King and a 4-year-old girl land a huge dog (assisted by her dad). 

Everything is super-sized, from the drop button that’s the size of my hand to the giant orb-like joystick. I practically got a neckache from watching the claw up close. 

The huge machine is full of huge stuffed teddies, ranging from Labubu-style dolls, to Minecraft characters and Winnie The Pooh. 

Plus, many of the toys have Butlin’s lanyards around their necks, with envelopes containing vouchers of varying amounts that can redeemed against anything from food to experiences around the resort. 

For a quid, this must pretty much be a lossmaker for Butlin’s, who could easily charge a fiver upwards for an arcade game of this size. 

But that’s not why they’re doing it. The machine will be onsite for the whole summer as part of their 90th anniversary celebrations and a Butlin’s insider told me it’s just part of the experience they like to offer at their resorts. 

They told me: “This is more of a fun thing for guests, we’re the home of entertainment and everything we do ladders up to that. 

“Whether it’s our pools, shows, the fairground… we just found an opportunity to do something really fun and big. It’s not a money driver, it just goes to that value for money proposition we offer. 

“If you’re a four year old and walk past the machine and see the scale of it, you’re going to want to have a go and parents won’t mind dipping into their pocket for a pound for them to have a go. 

“Because the experience is exciting as well – even if you don’t win, you still have the excitement of doing something of that size and scale.” 

As the first person to play, I was also allowed inside the machine for a sneaky pic and felt like a real-life Buzz Lightyear when he landed among the Little Green Men in the claw machine at Alien Planet during Toy Story 1.

The new experience can be found inside the Skyline Pavilion where you’ll of course find a number of other claw machines – albeit much smaller. 

The machine measures 66.31 cubic metres, and the previous record holder for the world’s largest claw machine was in the Philippines and measured 49.9 cubic metres.

A team of seven people assembled the machine over four days and it weighs around 2.3 tonnes in total. 

Joanne Brent, Official Guinness World Records™ adjudicator, said: “Following a full adjudication loop process, we’re delighted to confirm that Butlin’s has officially claimed a new Guinness World Records™ title for the Largest Claw Machine.

“The machine comfortably surpasses the previous record and demonstrates the scale, ambition and creativity required to achieve a Guinness World Records™ title. As Butlin’s marks its 90th anniversary, we’re pleased to officially recognise this achievement and welcome the company as the new record holder.”

For a pound ago, it’s one of the cheapest experiences at a resort too. 

As a Gen Z adult and can safely say I had as much fun as a four year old winning a giant dog. 

THE MOST liveable cities in the world have been named – but the UK didn’t make the cut.

Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey has been running for nearly 20 years, looking at a number of factors into what makes a city loved by its locals.

This includes everything from safety and connectivity to green spaces and late night openings.

New this year is ” excitement, urban ambition and security,” when it comes to making a city great.

Sadly, none in the UK made the top 20, with the study citing London missing out as it doesn’t have the “security of certain mature markets“.

What did come out on top was the city of Tokyo in Japan.

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TAKING OFF

Budget airline to launch more UK flights to one of the world’s best cities

It was praised for both its stability and security, citing its “old-fashioned sense of security”.

It explained: “Young children walk to school unaccompanied by their parents, huge events take place every week without major disorder, and crime rates are consistently low.

“Tokyo should celebrate being such a well-mannered metropolis but its exemplary conduct is never taken for granted.”

However, a number of European cities made the top 20 list.

In second place was Copenhagen, citing its “booming restaurant and sauna scene” as well as its low crime rate and urban cycling schemes.

This was followed by Lisbon in third place, for it’s great public transport and local communities.

Lisbon has even become one of the top expat destinations in the world.

Coming in fourth was Vienna, followed by Sydney in 5th.

Other European entries to make the top 10 include Zurich (6th), Madrid (7th), Paris (8th), Munich (9th) and Oslo (10th).

Stockholm, Barcelona, Milan, Amsterdam and Helsinki all snuck into the top 20.