worth

Is Amazon Prime worth it? We reveal how to get a discount and whether you should pay for it

MILLIONS of us subscribe to Amazon Prime – but is it worth it?
We take a look at what you get and how many deliveries you need to justify the fee – and how to get a discount.

You can sign up to Amazon Prime for free for 30-days or an annual membership costs £95 a year or £8.99 a month.

Photo illustration of the Amazon Prime logo on a smartphone screen.

1

We weigh up the pros and cons of the popular subscriptionCredit: Getty

Its most famous perk is free and fast deliveries and access to Prime Video – but there are lots of extra such as discounts on cinema trips.

You can pay for Prime Video-only for £5.99 a month – but this doesn’t include any of the other extras. 

Exact amount of orders you need to make Prime worth it

To justify the £95 annual fee for Prime, you need to save at least that amount on delivery costs and other benefits.

How easy that will be depends on what services you use.

For instance, Prime Video only costs £71.88 a year, so you only need to save £23.12 in delivery fees all year, to make the upgrade to Prime worth it.

But if you’re just signing up for the free delivery, then it’s harder.

For non-members, Amazon charges different rates depending on your basket value and delivery speed. 

Here’s what it really costs without Prime, and how often you’d need to order to break even.

Standard Delivery (3–5 days):

Amazon ‘hiking’ prices ahead of Prime Day after shoppers claim company ‘great savings’ aren’t real
  • Free if you spend £35 or more (or £10+ on books). If you spend less, charges are £4.99 for most items, but just £3.99 for book-only orders under £10.

To break even:

  • 19 smaller orders per year at £4.99
  • 24 book-only orders at £3.99

One-Day or Premium Delivery

  • Costs £4.99 per order for non-members

To break even: 

Same-Day or Overnight Delivery

  • Costs £5.99 per order for non-members. Prime members get it free on orders over £20, or pay £1.99 for smaller baskets.

To break even:

  • 16 orders per year at £5.99

Pickup Location (Locker or Amazon Hub)

  • Costs £2.99 per order for non-members, but free for Prime members.

To break even:

  • 32 pickup deliveries per year

How to get a discount

Almost anyone can start with a 30-day free trial, which gives access to every Prime benefit.

If your last trial was over a year ago, you can usually sign up again. 

To get the freebie, click “Try Prime” and follow the steps outlined. You’ll need to add a payment method, but you won’t be charged unless you stay on past the trial period.

Each adult in your household can do this separately, meaning couples can effectively get two months free between them as long as they use separate email accounts.

If you’re a student or aged 18 to 22, you can get a six-month free trial, followed by half-price Prime for up to four years or until you turn 23.

To claim, visit amazon.co.uk/joinstudent or amazon.co.uk/18-22 and upload proof of eligibility, such as a university email or government-issued ID.

However, students that cancel during the trial and come back later, don’t get another freebie, only the discounted rate.

What benefits are included on Prime?

Amazon Prime now includes over a dozen benefits. Here’s what you get, how to access each one, and what it’s worth.

1. Free one-day and same-day delivery

Prime gives unlimited One-Day Delivery on millions of items, and Same-Day or Overnight Delivery in eligible postcodes.

Orders under £20 for same-day cost £1.99, but are free if you meet the threshold.

To use it, just make sure you’re signed in as a Prime member when placing your order.

Qualifying items will be marked with the Prime logo.

  • Value: around £4.99 to £5.99 per order saved, based on the equivalent delivery charges for non-members

2. Prime Video

Watch thousands of shows and films, including Amazon Originals like Clarkson’s Farm, The Boys, and new dramas like The Girlfriend.

Ads were introduced in 2024, so if you want to watch ad-free, you’ll need to pay an extra £2.99 per month. You can also get Prime Video alone for £5.99 a month.

3. Amazon Music

This allows you to access 100 million songs and top podcasts, but it’s worth noting that most albums only play on shuffle unless they’re part of Amazon’s All-Access Playlists.

For full on-demand access, upgrade to Music Unlimited for £10.99/month, or £9.99 if you’re a Prime member.

To use it, download the Amazon Music app and sign in.

  • Value: If you got rid of a separate music service and replaced it with Amazon Prime, you could save hundreds each year.

4. Prime Reading

Download and borrow thousands of rotating e-books, comics and magazines.

You can read them on Kindle devices or on the free Kindle app for iOS and Android.

To access, go to amazon.co.uk/primereading and browse the titles.

  • Value: up to £100/year saved based on two to four books or magazines per month at typical Kindle or newsstand prices

5. Amazon First Reads

Choose one free pre-release Kindle book each month from a selection of new titles. Go to amazon.co.uk/firstreads to claim.

  • Value: £3–£5/month saved, based on average Kindle ebook pricing

6. Prime Gaming

Get a selection of free PC games each month, plus one free Twitch channel subscription (normally £4.99), but only if you link your Amazon and Twitch accounts.

To activate, go to gaming.amazon.com and click “Link Account”.

  • Value: £60+ per year based on 12 months of free Twitch subscriptions or typical game costs

7. Deliveroo Plus Silver

Get a full year of Deliveroo Plus Silver, usually £3.49/month. It gives you free delivery on restaurant orders over £15 and groceries over £25.

To activate, visit amazon.co.uk/deliveroo and log in to both accounts.

  • Value: £41.88/year saved if you would otherwise subscribe directly to Deliveroo Plus Silver

8. Odeon tickets for £10

Each month, get two cinema tickets for £10 Monday to Thursday (or £15 at Odeon Luxe). Go to amazon.co.uk/odeon to redeem.

  • Value: up to £10/month saved compared with standard Odeon ticket prices of around £10 each

9. Amazon Photos

Store unlimited photos securely in the cloud, plus 5GB for videos and other files.

You can share albums with up to five family members via Family Vault, and display images on Echo devices or Fire TV.

To use, download the Amazon Photos app and sign in.

  • Value: £7–£10/month saved compared with similar plans from other providers

10. Amazon Fresh and grocery delivery

Order groceries from Amazon Fresh, Morrisons, Iceland and Co-op. Same-day delivery is free over £60, £2 for £40–£59.99, and £4 for smaller baskets.

Availability depends on postcode. To shop, go to amazon.co.uk/fresh and enter your postcode.

11. Amazon Day Delivery

You can choose a weekly delivery day to group your orders into fewer packages, which is a great way to reduce packaging and plan ahead.

Enable at checkout by selecting “Amazon Day” or set it as your default under “Your Account > Amazon Day”.

12. Prime-exclusive deals and early access

Get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals, and exclusive savings during Prime Day, Black Friday and other events.

No setup needed, just make sure you’re signed in to your Prime account.

COMMON PRIME DAY MISTAKES

Katy Phillips, senior brand and communication manager at idealo shares with Sun readers three common Prime Day mistakes


1. Buying something just because its discounted

An obvious rule that is often forgotten about is only buying something you actually need. Over half (59%) of those polled by idealo admitted that they ended up with a product they didn’t want after Prime Day last year.

Just because things are on sale, doesn’t mean you need to buy it! Keep a strict list if there are things you need. Nearly everything on the website will be marked as a ‘prime day deal’ regardless of whether the price has changed.

2. Not doing your research

A whopping 80% of Brits say they never price compare when shopping sale events but experts are urging everyone to spend more researching products before making a purchase.

Before you buy anything on Prime Day, make sure you compare prices elsewhere. Look on price comparison websites to see if it’s cheaper elsewhere and utilise price alerts where possible. These will send you notifications each time a product reaches its lowest price.

3. Not recognising scams

Each year a new scam will arrive just in time for Prime Day, ready to catch shoppers out. A common one includes hoax emails from the Amazon ‘Support Team’ were a new tactic used by criminals to steal people’s personal information.

If you see any emails or offers boasting £50 free to spend on Prime Day – they won’t be real. Make sure you’re on the real Amazon website also, as there may be links that take you to a site that looks similar to Amazon but isn’t the real thing.

13. Amazon Family sharing

Share Prime with one other adult and up to four children. You’ll each have your own account, but share perks like Prime Video, Reading, and Photos.

To set it up, go to “Accounts & Lists > Your Amazon Family” and add adult or child members.

  • Value: £95/year saved if splitting the cost of one full membership between two adults

14. Parental controls

Set up profiles for each child, limit screen time, and manage what they can access through the Amazon Kids Parent Dashboard. Works across Fire tablets and Kindle devices.

To access, go to parents.amazon.co.uk.

15. Buy Now with Prime

Use Prime benefits with the “Buy Now” button by setting your default delivery address, payment method, and delivery speed in your purchase preferences.

Useful for quick checkouts, though not available to PO Boxes or some business addresses.

HOW TO CANCEL YOUR PRIME SUBSCRIPTION

To cancel, go to “Your Prime Membership”, select “Manage”, then “Update, Cancel and More”.

If you haven’t used any benefits, you’ll get a full refund. If you’ve only used delivery, you may be eligible for a partial refund.

If you signed up via the Android Amazon app, you’ll need to cancel through Google Subscriptions.

Source link

Dango Ouattara: Brentford agree deal worth £42.5m for Bournemouth forward

Brentford have agreed a club record deal worth up to £42.5m for Bournemouth forward Dango Ouattara.

The 23-year-old is set to travel to London on Friday to undergo a medical.

Sources close to Ouattara told BBC Sport he wanted to leave, having not had a prominent role at Vitality Stadium.

The Burkina Faso international scored nine goals in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Cherries last season.

Nottingham Forest previously held an interest in Ouattara, but they have agreed a £37.5m deal with Ipswich for England Under-21 winger Omari Hutchinson.

Brentford themselves had a £35m bid rejected by Ipswich for Hutchinson last month.

Source link

Dragons’ Den judges called my idea ‘a disaster’ & ‘delusional’ – now it’s worth £40m & I’m opening 100 new restaurants

AN ENTREPRENEUR whose restaurant idea was rejected as “a disaster” on Dragons’ Den is set to open 100 new outlets of his popular chain.

Alessandro Savelli, who co-founded Pasta Evangelists and currently serves as its CEO, says the chain is aiming to become the UK’s “fastest-growing, casual dining hot spot”.

Pasta Evangelists on Dragons' Den.

5

Pasta Evangelists was panned by business experts on Dragons’ Den in 2018Credit: BBC
Finn Lagun from Pasta Evangelists. He was branded a 'disaster' and 'delusional' on Dragons' Den and didn't get offers from the Dragons. Now their company is stocked in Harrods and they are on set to bring in £40m in revenue.

5

Now, the company is worth millions of pounds and is aiming to open 100 new restaurants across the UKCredit: Pasta Evangelists – Supplied
Man eating pasta on Dragons Den.

5

The co-founders had asked for a £75,000 investment for a 2.5 per cent stake in the company during their appearance on the BBC showCredit: BBC

Now worth around £40 million, Pasta Evangelists was rejected on Dragons’ Den by business experts in 2018 when Savelli and co-founder Finn Lagun asked for a £75,000 investment for a 2.5 per cent cut of the company.

Dragon Jenny Campbell even called Finn “delusional” and “a disaster” during their pitch.

However, the entrepreneurs have no doubt had the last laugh as their business is now set for major expansion.

Pasta Evangelists says it will invest £30 million into new restaurants, creating up to 1,500 jobs.

It hopes to open 100 new restaurants across the UK in the next five years, including in the south of England, the Midlands, and Scotland.

The company is also aiming to develop a “Pasta Apprenticeship” scheme to attract new staff and help the current workforce develop new skills and knowledge, reports The Grocer.

Savelli said: “The demand for our fresh, beautifully cooked artisan pasta is growing.

“Our intention is to become the UK’s fastest-growing, casual dining hot spot and the hottest place to eat for pasta lovers of all ages.

“Sustainable growth has always been our plan.

“The hospitality industry is going through tough times at the moment, but we are confident that our business model is robust and dynamic, and the proof of this is we have already bucked the trend with the confirmed opening of five more restaurants in the space of three months, and more to come.”

Pasta Evangelists enter Dragons Den

The chain opened a restaurant in Farringdon, central London, this summer as well as its first outside of the capital in Guildford in July.

Three new London locations are set to open in the coming weeks, helping carry the total number of outlets to 11 as we head into autumn.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the plans were “great news” and highlighted the “dynamism and resilience of British businesses”.

The restaurant has had a remarkable success story since its Dragons’ Den miss.

Recalling their appearance on the BBC show, Finn said he was “shaking life a leaf” before walking out to pitch his business.

He added that he was left devastated by the business experts’ “vicious” comments.

Speaking to The Sun in 2023, he said: “I never would have expected to be called a ‘disaster’ or ‘delusional‘ on national TV – they were vicious things to say to a young entrepreneur.

“To use that kind of language against a young, passionate person was dismaying. I would never talk to any young entrepreneur like that.”

Despite their lack of faith in the business, the Dragons are no doubt feeling red in the face now as Pasta Evangelists is one of the UK’s biggest fresh pasta companies.

It has also earned the highest praise from many voices, including chef Gordon Ramsay.

SCARRED BY EXPERIENCE ON DRAGONS’ DEN

While Pasta Evangelists has gone on to huge success, Finn says he’s still scarred by his experience in the Den.

“We received an extremely strong, negative, visceral reaction,” he says.

“I was 24 years old when I went on Dragons’ Den, so for a seasoned entrepreneur like Jenny Campbell to call me ‘delusional’ and a ‘disaster’ was so vicious… Jenny was savage.

“At one point she said, ‘I like it’ and I replied, ‘Thank you’, only for her to say, ‘I like it because it’s a brilliant business lesson in how not to set up and run a business’.

“I was mortified, I felt like an idiot having grinned at her and thanked her. She was deliberately trying to take me for a ride for entertainment.”

Finn adds: “I don’t want to sound like the Virgin Mary but if the tables were turned and I was Jenny Campbell, I would have apologised.

“If I saw the business had turned into the UK’s biggest pasta company in a few years I’d say, ‘Well done, you defied expectations’ and maybe even offer a little contrition or an apology.”

Two chefs from Pasta Evangelists on Dragons' Den.

5

Finn Lagun said he was left scarred by his experience on the showCredit: BBC
Interior view of Pasta Evangelists restaurant, showing the open kitchen and dining area.

5

Pasta Evangelists will operate 11 stores across southern England by the end of summerCredit: Pasta Evangelists

Source link

Dozens of supercars worth more than £7m seized by cops in sting after one owner had ‘only been in UK for 2 hours’

DOZENS of supercars worth around £7 million were seized by police in a major sting operation this weekend.

More than 70 luxury motors were nabbed in the crackdown – including one from an owner who had been in the UK for just two hours.

Two purple Lamborghinis seized by police.

6

Two identical purple Lamborghinis were seized – with their owner having only entered the UK just two hours priorCredit: SWNS
Seized luxury cars, including two purple Lamborghinis, impounded by police.

6

Cops were seen plastering stickers on vehicles which did not have valid insuranceCredit: SWNS
Yellow Porsche seized by police for lack of insurance.

6

Several motors were found to be uninsured or had invalid insurance policies for the UKCredit: SWNS
Police officers standing near a tow truck in front of an archway.

6

A major police sting operation over the weekend led to the seizure of more than 70 supercars in LondonCredit: SWNS

The collaborative operation saw forces from the Metropolitan Police join with those from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to respond to the rise in anti-social and dangerous driving in London.

A flurry of expensive cars were seized across Hyde Park, Kensington, and Chelsea in the capital, including from luxury brands Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz.

Two identical purple Lamborghinis – which were uninsured and had been flown into Britain for their owner’s summer trip – were also impounded.

One of the two drivers had been in the UK for just two hours, and behind the wheel for just 15 minutes, before being caught.

The MIB explained that several of the seized vehicles had been brought into Britain from abroad.

Many of these vehicles’ drivers were relying on motor insurance from their home countries, failing to verify if those police provided valid coverage in the UK.

In total, the operation led to the impounding of 72 motors, many of which were uninsured or inadequately covered.

Officers also detected a range of other criminal activity in their investigation.

This included individuals wanted for actual bodily harm and criminal damage, for drug offences, for stolen vehicles, for immigration offences and for fraudulent insurance policies, known as “ghost broking“.

Cops also issued countless tickets for a range of other offences, including driving without a valid licence, using a mobile phone while driving, and failing to have a valid MOT.

Chilling moment burglars take £500k of gold jewellery from home in sacks

Tickets were also doled out to those who had illegally tinted windows, who were not wearing a seatbelt, and those who were operating vehicles in a dangerous condition.

Officers also identified individuals who had made often-innocent mistakes, such as updating DVLA about the use of a personalised number plate but failing to notify their insurance provider.

The operation provided an opportunity for the motorists to rectify their errors whilst demonstrating just how vigilant the police are to these issues.

Seventy-five officers from the Met’s Special Constabulary and Vehicle Enforcement Team took part, using several methods to identify uninsured drivers.

White Lamborghini seized by police for lack of insurance.

6

A number of luxury branded cars were impounded in the stingCredit: SWNS
Police officer placing a "no insurance" notice on a Mercedes-Benz.

6

The combined value of the vehicles was around £7 millionCredit: SWNS

Special Chief Officer James Deller from the Metropolitan Police, who attended the operation, said: “The Met is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour.

“This operation was set up to respond to resident, business and visitors’ concerns about high-value vehicles causing a nuisance in known hotspot areas in central and west London.

“Already the Met has reduced neighbourhood crime by 19 per cent compared to the same time last year and we’re addressing anti-social behaviour caused by uninsured drivers.

“This has been a great opportunity to work with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau and for officers to speak with members of the public about the work we do, educate drivers and enforce the law.

“We’ve had some real success – thank you to Special Constable colleagues who volunteer their time to help drive down crime across London.”

Martin Saunders, Head of Uninsured Driving Prevention at MIB, reinforced the dual goals of enforcement and awareness: “We urge all motorists to check their insurance policy is in place, is appropriate for their needs and to reach out to their insurer if they are unsure on any part of their policy.

“While many offenders knowingly violated the law, others fell victim to simple mistakes such as bounced payments, failed renewals or incorrect details.

“With growing concern over seasonal hotspots and tourist-linked offences, the Met and MIB plan to continue enforcement and education efforts throughout the year.

“We don’t want any driver to become uninsured in the first place.

“These rules apply to all motorists, regardless of the value of vehicle they choose to drive.”

Source link

Beautiful village hidden in the middle of a UK city that’s ‘so worth a visit’

Tucked away in a picturesque enclave, the village is an oasis in the middle of a city and a hit with tourists who stumble upon it

The scenic Dean Village, Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s scenic Dean Village(Image: ewg3D via Getty Images)

Dean Village, a peaceful and enchanting oasis in Edinburgh beside the Water of Leith, merely moments from the vibrant Princes Street.

Originally the centre of grain processing during the 12th century, it has evolved into a residential area rich in heritage and charm, with traces of its manufacturing past still evident through scattered millstones and commemorative plaques featuring images of baked produce.

This picturesque village in Scotland proves popular amongst visitors who make the effort to discover it. The UK Tour Guide, a travel content creator on Instagram, holds special affection for this corner of Edinburgh, reports the Express.

Content cannot be displayed without consent

In a social media video, he declared: “Next time you visit Edinburgh, you have to take a 15 minute walk to the quiet, hidden village inside the city. Dean Village with its wonderful flowing water, cobbled streets and picturesque buildings, it’s a must to add to any bucket list. I know I have posted about Dean Village before, I just really like it there!”

The famous Dean Bridge, an architectural triumph by Thomas Telford finished in 1831, links the settlement to the city centre through its magnificent sandstone spans rising 39 metres from the valley floor.

Beautiful Dean Village of Edinburgh, Scotland with reflections in the Water of Leith
The Water of Leith runs through Dean Village(Image: jenifoto via Getty Images)

Upon arrival you’ll discover Well Court, a significant Victorian structure at the village’s core. Built in 1886 as exemplary accommodation for labourers, it was crafted by Sidney Mitchell featuring striking red sandstone design, towers and a delightful central yard.

After undergoing restoration work during the 2000s, Well Court remains a residential building today, perfectly marrying its fascinating heritage with modern-day living.

The property serves as a major draw in Dean Village, providing guests with a glimpse into Edinburgh’s industrial heritage alongside breathtaking scenery.

Boasting magnificent architecture and peaceful cobblestone lanes, this charming settlement sits along the waterfront within a quiet stretch of The Water of Leith Walkway.

Dean Village in Edinburgh on a beautiful rainy day.
Dean Village is an oasis in the middle of Edinburgh(Image: Mytruestory Photography via Getty Images)

The impressive 12.75-mile route runs from Balerno through to Leith Docks, featuring numerous landmarks such as St. Bernard’s Well and the Royal Botanic Garden.

Dean Village has received glowing reviews on Tripadvisor, with one visitor describing the location as a “Hidden gem in the middle of the city”, whilst another remarked, “Absolutely gorgeous little spot and easily walkable from the centre of town.”

A third visitor noted: “We discovered this village as it was only a short walk from our hotel. It really is so worth a visit, you can’t believe that you are so close to the city centre.”

Source link

Benjamin Sesko: Manchester United sign striker in five-year deal worth £73.7m

Manchester United have completed the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal worth £73.7m.

The five-year contract includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3m, with the remainder in add-ons.

The Slovenia international is United’s third major signing in attack following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m and Bryan Mbeumo for £65m with £6m in add-ons.

Sesko, 22, was also a target for Newcastle United but has chosen to join Ruben Amorim’s side.

“The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” said Sesko.

“When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.

“From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.

“I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”

Source link

Kings and Alex Laferriere agree to three-year deal worth $12.3 million

Forward Alex Laferriere has agreed to a three-year, $12.3-million deal to stay with the Kings.

The Kings announced the deal Saturday for Laferriere, who was a restricted free agent this summer after playing out his entry-level contract.

The 23-year-old Laferriere had 19 goals and 23 assists last year for the Kings, emerging as a dependable scorer in only his second NHL season. He largely played on the right wing alongside center Quinton Byfield, another key member of Los Angeles’ young core, and high-scoring Kevin Fiala.

A third-round pick in the 2020 draft, Laferriere has 31 goals and 34 assists in 158 games for the Kings.

New general manager Ken Holland has taken care of his most pressing summer contract issues after the signing of Laferriere, but Holland said last month that he would be eager to sign Adrian Kempe to a long-term deal as the Swedish forward heads into the final season of his current contract.

Source link

‘World’s biggest’ XXL Labubu doll worth £100,000 is found by cops during raid on infamous crime gang

AN XXL Labubu doll worth more than £100,000 was uncovered by Hong Kong police during a major raid on Tuesday morning.

The gang, suspected of laundering £4 billion, had been under surveillance for two and a half years – but police never expected to find a giant plush toy among their illicit haul.

Seized assets including luxury goods and a large doll displayed at a Hong Kong police station.

4

The assets seized by police include a giant Labubu dollCredit: Hong Kong Police / X
Seized assets from a Hong Kong anti-triad operation, including cash, luxury goods, and documents.

4

Hong Kong police have been monitoring the gang for the past two and a half yearsCredit: Hong Kong Police / X
Hong Kong police arresting suspects in a nightclub.

4

Hong Kong police have arrested 82 people in a citywide anti-triad raidCredit: Hong Kong Police / X

According to the South Morning China Post, the seized goods belonged to the Triad syndicate – one of the oldest and most notorious criminal organisations in China.

Hong Kong police launched a large-scale raid on Tuesday, writing in a post on X: “When the time was ripe – the HKPF mounted the territory-wide anti-triad ‘Operation HIDDENARROW’ on July 29, 2025.”

The force seized €780,000 in cash, 11,000 bottles of wine, luxury watches, gold and a 5ft2 Labubu doll.

The figure is said to be rare – one of fifteen of its kind in the world.

A similar piece went under the hammer in Beijing in June for around £113,000.

As many as 82 suspects were reportedly arrested during the operation – 55 men and 27 women, ranging in age from 19 to 78.

Among them was the alleged 44-year-old ringleader.

He is suspected of running the operation and involving friends and family in the money laundering scheme.

Police added on X: “The ringleader manipulated his family & friends as well as the members of his gang into laundering the crime proceeds via calculated means.”

They listed this means as “continuously laundering the illicit funds via a trust company” and “committing #LoanFraud – using some seemingly lawful import trades as fronts.”

Dramatic moment crowds join massive queue to grab viral Labubu dolls as latest doll craze sweeps across the world

The gang’s funds came from prostitution, drug trafficking and illegal gambling, according to police.

Police said they froze assets worth around £115 million.

It’s still unclear whether Triad was banking on a rise in the Labubu doll’s value, were fans of the character or whether the toy might be a fake.

Labubus have taken the internet by storm – with Chinese toymaker Pop Mart’s valuation skyrocketing to £31.6bn.

The cult collectable dolls have been spotted dangling from the designer bags of Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham.

What is the Labubu doll craze?

LABUBU is a brand of plushies designed by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung.

The brand made its debut in 2015, but skyrocketed in global popularity after hitting Pop Mart shelves in 2019.

Pop Mart is a Chinese toy retailer, known for its collectable designer models that are often sold in a blind box format.

The company has a stock market value of over £31.6bn.

After mammoth success overseas, the Labubu craze has made its way to the UK.

The first three months of 2025 were wildly successful for the brand, with Brits searching high and low to nab one of the quirky figurines.

In June, Labubu sales in the US went up by 5,000% compared to the year before, according to estimates from equity research firm M Science.

But Labubu’s popularity has led to a rise in counterfeits – sometimes referred to as Lafufu dolls.

Hong Kong police officers displaying seized assets from a citywide anti-triad operation.

4

Hong Kong police have arrested 82 people in a citywide anti-triad operationCredit: Hong Kong Police / X

Source link

Fake Or Fortune guest speechless as ‘painting by Sir Winston Churchill’ worth huge sum

A man who paid a fraction of that could make a life-changing amount if the picture of Clemintine Churchill is proved to have been painted by the revered wartime Prime Minister

Fake or Fortune?
Amateur collector Barry James can’t believe he might have unearthed a genuine painting by Winston Churchill(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios)

An amateur art collector who claims he has found a lost painting by Sir Winston Churchill is told it could be worth more than £600,000.

Barry James appears on the BBC1 show Fake Or Fortune tonight (MON) with his intriguing picture. He tells presenter Fiona Bruce and international art dealer Phil Mould that he picked it up for just £140 in an antiques market in Ardingly near Gatwick, three years ago because he liked ‘the colours and composition’.

But it was only later when it took it out of the frame that he found a mysterious inscription on the back which read: “This painting of Mrs Winston Churchill on wall of sunken garden at Hurstmonceux (CORR) Castle, Sussex, by The Right Hon. Winston S Churchill. June 1916.”

READ MORE: Rob Brydon wants to channel Claudia Winkleman on huge new BBC1 adventure show

Barry James on Fake or Fortune
Angelina Jolie sold her genuine picture by Sir Winston for an eye-watering £7million(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios)

It shows what is thought to be Sir Winston’s wife Clementine perched on a wall reading a book in the pink flowered gardens of the castle. Barry, from West Sussex, hopes the BBC series, returning for its 13th run, can validate it.

In the BBC show, shocked Barry is told that paintings by Churchill – who was British PM from 1940-45 and 1951-55 – can fetch millions of pounds. In 2021 Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie sold one – The Tower Of The Koutoubia Mosque, painted in Marrakesh during WWII – for a record £7million.

And Barry is informed that if his picture is found to be an original then at auction it could make more than £600,000. The TV duo embark on a search to find out if the artist really was war leader Churchill. Records show how he took up painting in 1915 – in water colours to begin with and later in oils – after he had completed his military service during WW1 and narrowly escaped death.

Fake or Fortune
Barry James said he bought the painting simply because he liked it, and only discovered who might have painted it when he took the back off afterwards(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios)

He looked on his new hobby as something that took him away from the stress of his high powered life and it became a source of relaxation. Fiona, 61, delves into a book written by his friend Violet Bonham Carter called Winston Churchill As I Knew Him, in which she mentions that the politician stayed at the castle with his paints and brushes.

The author even writes that he was there as a guest in 1916 – but she mentions August rather than June. Undeterred, Fiona visits the castle to locate the exact spot where Clementine would have sat on the wall in the garden to be painted.

Meanwhile art dealer Phil does some digging to check that it is not stolen – and gets the all clear. A further mystery is uncovered when the artwork is x-rayed and another painting is discovered underneath. Experts believe it looks like a painting of a castle – possibly the very one where Winston and his wife stayed.

This news is not unwelcome as the statesman was well-known for re-using canvases. But some doubt is thrown into the mix when it is discovered that the handwriting on the back is not Churchill’s but that of Conservative politician Colonel Claude Lowther, who bought Herstmonceux and restored it – and invited his friend to stay there in 1916.

Barry James and Philip Lould
Barry chats with expert Philip Mould at Ardingly Antiques Fair about the chances of the painting being real – and worth a fortune(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios)

Barry, who is married and is a carer with a disabled son, admits: “If the painting is real, I’d probably end up reluctantly selling it, obviously for the family. We have always wanted to go to Niagara Falls. Our son is disabled and I think he’d enjoy something like that.” Viewers can find out if the painting is real on the new series of Fake Or Fortune, tonight at 9pm.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .



Source link

Supermarket vouchers worth up to £180 landing on doormats NOW for summer – are you getting one?

THOUSANDS of households need to look out for supermarket vouchers landing on doormats worth up to £180.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figures for June confirmed food prices have soared in the last 12 months.

Woman carrying a shopping basket filled with groceries in a supermarket.

1

Cropped shot of a woman holding a basket while shopping at a grocery storeCredit: Getty

But there are ways to drive down the cost of your weekly shop, starting with help through the Household Support Fund (HSF).

The £742million fund has been shared between councils in England who then decide how to allocate their share.

Some are directing cash payments to residents in need while others are distributing supermarket vouchers to cover the summer holidays.

We’ve rounded up what some local authorities are offering below.

We won’t have covered all the councils offering help, so if your local authority isn’t included it’s worth checking with it to see what you are eligible for.

Most councils have pages on their websites dedicated to the Household Support Fund where you’ll find details on who is eligible and what you’re in line for.

You can find what local council area you fall under by visiting www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

That said, below are some of the councils offering qualifying households supermarket vouchers.

Bracknell Forest Council

Schools in Bracknell are automatically distributing supermarket vouchers to children registered for free school meals.

These vouchers have been paid for through Bracknell Forest Council’s allotment of the Household Support Fund.

Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids’ beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now

The council has not confirmed how much the vouchers are worth.

Wakefield Metropolitan District Counci

Wakefield Metropolitan District Council is issuing supermarket vouchers worth £50 to families receiving council tax support.

The vouchers are being issued via letters on July 21 and take up to seven days to arrive.

Full instructions on how to redeem the vouchers will be included in the letters.

Once the voucher has been redeemed, it doesn’t have to be used all at once and can be used several times until it is spent.

Nottingham City Council

Nottingham City Council is distributing £75 supermarket vouchers to households each month until March 2026.

There is a limit on the number of vouchers being shared each month meaning you have to act fast to claim one.

Applications for this month’s vouchers opened on July 7 so may all have been allocated for July.

Nottingham City Council has said the dates applications for vouchers will open between August and next March will be confirmed “later in July”.

Ealing Council

Ealing Council is giving supermarket vouchers worth £90 to families with children on benefits-related free school meals this month.

The vouchers are worth £90 per child meaning you could get £180 if you have two kids.

You don’t need to apply for the vouchers as they are being sent automatically to emails or as letters.

The council’s partner, Blackhawk, is issuing a 16-digit personalised code and instructions on how to redeem the vouchers on the Blackhawk website – ealingcouncil.select-your-reward.co.uk.

Devon County Council

Devon County Council has issued supermarket vouchers worth more than £90 to 22,000 families with children on free school meals.

The £90 is equivalent to £15 per week for the six week school holiday.

The council has said the vouchers can be redeemed in major supermarkets but hasn’t said which ones.

Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is issuing £50 supermarket vouchers to children on benefits-related free school meals.

You might also be eligible if your child is not on free school meals and you’re on a low income, and can apply for the vouchers from the end of the school term.

You can also forward your email address to the council and will be contacted when the application window opens.

More details can be found via www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-money-advice/help-and-support/money-advice/household-support-fund.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council

Families on free school meals are eligible for supermarket food vouchers being distributed by schools in the area.

You do not need to apply as they are being issued automatically.

Food vouchers may also be available for children under five years if certain criteria is met.

To receive a voucher, children must be living in Bournemouth, Christchurch, or Poole and meet one of the following criteria:

  • currently claiming 2 year old early education funding at an early years setting in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole during the term
  • currently claiming Early Years Pupil Premium funding for 3 and 4 year olds at an early years setting in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole during the term (this is different to the early education funding available to all 3 and 4 year olds)
  • currently have an open case with a social worker or Early Help family support worker and are of pre-school age

Food vouchers for this group of families have to be applied for, with more details on the BCP Council website.

Household Support Fund explained

Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.

Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.

If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.

The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.

Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.

Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.

In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.

Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.

Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.

The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.

The last round ran until the end of March 2025, but was extended.

The most current round is running between April 2025 and March 2026.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Source link

Antiques Roadshow guest speechless as items he saved from skip worth £250,000

Antiques Roadshow fans were left amazed as one guest was told his collection of items he saved from a skip were worth an eye-watering amount of money

A guest discovered the astonishing value of a collection he rescued from a skip
A guest discovered the astonishing value of a collection he rescued from a skip(Image: BBC)

Antiques Roadshow fans were left in awe during Sunday’s episode at Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, as a savvy guest discovered the astonishing value of a collection he rescued from a skip.

The episode featured a remarkable find when a man brought in an archive belonging to renowned designer Althea McNish, who emigrated from Trinidad in the 1950s and became a titan of fashion and textile design.

Expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan was visibly impressed by the “treasure trove” of McNish’s work that the guest had salvaged, which included pieces designed for prestigious clients like Liberty, Christian Dior, and even the Royal Family.

Recounting his lucky encounter with the items in December 2020, the guest said: “2020, December, builders were throwing stuff away. I was a cheeky chappie, asked them if I could have a look, buy some bits and bobs, done a deal.”

Antiques Roadshow
The Antiques Roadshow audience were left gasping on Sunday’s show as one guest learnt the true value(Image: BBC)

Expert Ronnie then highlighted McNish’s significant impact on British post-war textile design, noting her vibrant contributions that brightened up Britain’s shores with the essence of Trinidadian colour during a dreary post-war period, reports the Express.

Ronnie from Antiques Roadshow then left the guest utterly gobsmacked after valuing their collection at a staggering sum. “I’d like to try and value this, I know that half a square metre of certain of her designs can be £2,500 or a textile design itself can be that sort of money.

“From what you’ve told me and what you’ve described and what I know, I think this archive that you’ve brought to us here is worth in excess of £250,000… in excess of and it needs to be calculated.”

The owner was visibly shocked, expressing their amazement: “That’s blown me away! It’s just been an incredible journey of learning and knowledge, I’ve loved every minute.”

Antiques Roadshow
One guest managed to save an archive of famous designer Althea McNish’s items(Image: BBC)

They gratefully added: “Thank you, you’ve made my day, honestly!” to which Ronnie responded with equal enthusiasm: “Well, you’ve made mine too!”

Social media buzzed with excitement over the episode, with one Twitter, now X, user exclaiming: “First time I’ve heard of Althea McNish, but this collection seems amazing, #AntiquesRoadshow” and another chiming in: “Hope it can be properly archived/ displayed.”

Another tweet read: “Incredible valuation of £250000 for the Althea McNish archive on the #AntiquesRoadshow.”

Catch more surprising discoveries on Antiques Roadshow, airing Sundays at 8pm on BBC One.

Source link

Grand Designs reject house now worth £3m after cancelling Kevin McCloud visit

Channel 4’s Grand Designs rejected a country mansion worth £3 million after they refused to send host Kevin McCloud to visit the property as it was going ‘too well’

Kevin McCloud on Grand Designs
Channel 4 turned down a Yorkshire project(Image: Channel 4)

For a quarter of a century, Kevin McCloud has been the face of Channel 4’s much-loved renovation series, Grand Designs. The programme showcases the trials and triumphs of individuals as they strive to build their dream homes, documenting every step from design to completion.

However, it appears that not all projects make the cut for the show, particularly if they’re going too smoothly. The owner of a Yorkshire property has spoken out, claiming that Channel 4 cancelled the show’s visit after deciding against featuring the home. According to the Yorkshire Post, the production company behind Grand Designs had identified the construction of Hawksworth’s Moor Reservoir in Yorkshire as an ideal project.

Grand Design's Kevin McCloud
Kevin McCloud has hosted Grand Design for 25 years(Image: Channel 4)

Despite its breathtaking location and daring architecture, Channel 4 decided against filming the project because “there wasn’t enough drama”. The former owner of Hawksworth Moor Reservoir, Jonathan, shared his disappointment about Channel 4’s decision with the publication, reports the Express.

He revealed: “We thought it would go ahead and had even briefed about booking in ‘Kevin days’ but then got an email saying Channel 4 didn’t want to go with the project because they thought it would run too smoothly and wouldn’t provide enough drama.

“It was definitely a compliment, in a way,” he shared, adding, “I spent a number of years restoring a 16th-century farmhouse in Haworth and I liked living there, but I wanted another project and I wanted something different, a bigger challenge.

“I’ve always moved up a level each time I renovated, and this is definitely the pinnacle.”

The Grand Design's light house project
The Grand Design’s light house project was dubbed “the saddest episode”(Image: Channel 4)

Describing the grand estate, the country mansion sprawls across 12 acres and features four en-suite bedrooms, a home cinema, a games room complete with comfy seating and an expansive open-plan kitchen that proudly houses a boardroom-style dining table that seats 14.

Further amenities include a separate annex with three more bedrooms, a private gym, a well-appointed office, a modern shower room, and even a kitchen within the garage.

Jonathan conceded: “The build went very smoothly, we went over budget, but there was a conscious decision to spend more on the heat recovery and ventilation units and the kitchen. There were no sleepless nights.”

The Mirror has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.

Last month, a Grand Designs property that took two decades to renovate went on the market for £1.5 million, with fans calling it the “perfect” home.

Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.



Source link

Canadian tourist slams ‘not worth the trip’ UK city but Brits hit back

A Canadian woman who is travelling around the UK and trying to keep costs down has shared her thoughts on one city in England – and says it’s ‘not worth the trip’

York Minster overlooking Yorkshire streets.
One budget traveller recommended avoiding York(Image: Edwin Remsberg via Getty Images)

Kamilla Szpakowski, a Canadian digital creator, has been exploring the UK on a shoestring budget and documenting her journey on Instagram under @kamilla.travelling. The 23-year-old has spent five months last year dedicated to “low budget travel” and sharing her insights with her followers.

During her travels across the UK, Kamilla encountered one city that she found charming but ultimately wouldn’t recommend to fellow budget travellers. Despite its picturesque architecture, ghostly tales, and amiable residents, York didn’t make the cut for her. In an Instagram video, Kamilla questioned her audience: “Would you believe me if I told you this cute little city was not worth the trip?” She expressed disappointment in the city’s affordability.

READ MORE: Kickers’ ‘durable’ Back to School shoe range that ‘last all year’

Kamilla pointed out that while York may be delightful and photogenic, it doesn’t cater well to those watching their wallets. “Although York is super cute and picture-perfect it is not for the budget traveller,” she remarked, reports the Express.

She shared her frustration about the unexpected costs, saying, “When I was doing my research on things to see [and] do in York I already knew there weren’t going to be many places we could go in and enjoy but I was not expecting for places like the York Art Gallery to be advertised as free to actually cost £7 when I got there.”

Though Kamilla initially believed York Art Gallery was free of charge, a quick check on their official website reveals that entry fees apply: £7 for adults, £4.20 for kids aged five to 16, and a discounted rate of £6.40 for those aged 17 to 24 or with a student card.

However, there are some who can enjoy the gallery at no cost, including local children under 16, Art Fund members, Friends of York Art Gallery, and various other concessions detailed on the gallery’s website.

Kamilla remarked: “The York Minster is beautiful from the outside but unfortunately costs £18 to enter which I think is just way too much. The food was also very expensive. The burger I got was £11 with no fries!”

Despite encountering some pricey attractions, the travel blogger found joy in several complimentary experiences. Among these were visits to the iconic Shambles, said to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and the local market. She also admired the stunning architecture of York Minster and Clifford’s Tower from the exterior.

Kamilla enjoyed a leisurely walk along the historic York City Walls, spanning 3.4km of ancient masonry, and meandered through the scenic Museum Gardens.

Source link

Bryan Mbeumo: Manchester United’s second bid worth £62.5mfor forward rejected by Brentford

Manchester United have had an improved bid worth up to £62.5m for Bryan Mbeumo rejected by Brentford.

United have bid £55m plus £7.5m in add-ons for the 25-year-old.

They had a bid of £45m plus up to £10m in add-ons for the Cameroon forward turned down earlier this month.

United are looking to add goals to their side having already signed forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m.

Sources have suggested Brentford would want at least the same fee as Wolves have received for Cunha up front before they agree to the sale of a player who still has a year left on his contract.

Mbeumo scored a career-best 20 goals for Brentford last season and contributed nine assists.

United may face competition from elsewhere, with new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank keen to be reunited with Mbeumo, while there has also been interest from other Champions League clubs.

An international colleague of United goalkeeper Andre Onana, Mbeumo is likely to miss four weeks of the 2025-26 campaign because of Cameroon’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Cameroon play Gabon in their opening group game on 24 December.

Mbeumo joined Brentford from French club Troyes in 2019, when the Bees were still in the Championship.

He has scored 70 goals in 242 appearances in all competitions, helping the west London club earn promotion to the top flight in 2021.

Source link

Exact detail to spot on rare coins that makes them worth over 400 times their value – do you have one in your pocket?

SPOTTING these exact details on rare coins could make them worth up to 416 times their face value.

A coin is usually regarded as rare if a limited amount of the piece was put into circulation, meaning fewer people will have one lying around at home.

An image collage containing 4 images, Image 1 shows 2009 fifty pence coin depicting a pagoda with vines, Image 2 shows Fifty pence coin featuring a salmon, Image 3 shows London 2012 Olympic Games Blue Peter 50p Winner's Edition coin and card, Image 4 shows Fifty pence coin illustrating offside in soccer

5

Having these rare coins lying around could help you make a small fortune

Sometimes, the coin will have an unusual marking, and other times it can feature a familiar character or cartoon on it.

These features can drive up demand from collectors.

But do bear in mind that coins are only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.

The Sun recently found four rare coins that sold for a combined total of £423.59 this June.

Atlantic Salmon 50p – £70.59

50 pence coin depicting an Atlantic salmon.

5

The Atlantic Salmom 50p sold for over 141 times its face valueCredit: PA

This coin features a portrait of King Charles III on the front, while the back of the coin depicts an Atlantic salmon leaping from the waves.

Research by Change Checker found only 200,000 of these coins have entered circulation, making it one of the rarest coins in the UK.

The group said only around one in 335 people in the UK could have the chance of snagging one.

And it appears collectors are prepared to pay a pretty penny for one of these coins.

On Saturday, June 21 a seller managed to flog an Atlantic Salmon coin for £70.59. That makes it 141 times its face value.

That was after a fierce bidding war with 18 wannabe buyers.

Five 50ps that could earn you thousands

Kew Gardens 50p – £127.08

a silver coin with the year 2009 on it

5

This coin sold for over 200 times its face valueCredit: PA: Press Association

The front of this rare coin has an image of the late Queen Elizabeth II, with the engraver’s initials, Ian Rank-Broadley, below.

But what makes it special is the reverse, which features a leafy vine wrapped around a Chinese pagoda.

It also has the date of the year it was made to commemorate the anniversary.

There are around 210,000 of these coins in circulation making it another rare find.

Recently one of these coins sold for £127.08 on June 22 after 16 people tried to bid for it.

That makes it a whopping 254 times its face value.

But in the past, Kew Gardens coins have sold for up to £700.

Olympic Football 50p – £17.59

a silver coin with the words offside explained on it

5

The football coin is one of rarest and most valuable Olympic 50pCredit: EBay

This coin, also known as the Offside Rule 50p, is one of twenty-nine commemorative 2012 Olympic 50ps issued by The Royal Mint.

The design was created by Neil Wolfson, a sports journalist and features a diagram to show how the Offside Rule works.

Around 1.2million of the Olympic Football 50p’s were put into circulation, so you might have a better chance of finding one lying around your house.

On June 22, one of these coins sold for £17.59 after eight bids.

On this occasion, the coin has sold for over 35 times its face value.

But in the past, it has sold for £24 so there is a chance you get more depending on collectors’ interest at the time.

Blue Peter 50p – £208

2009 London Olympics 50 pence coin featuring an illustration of a gymnast on a bar.

5

The 50p coin was released in 2009 ahead of the Olympic games in 2012Credit: The Britannia Coin Company

This Blue Peter 50p coin was released in 2009 ahead of the London Olympic games in 2012.

It features a cartoon of a high jumper on the back, with the design etched by a nine-year-old girl.

Over 2.2million of the Blue Peter 50p coins were issued, with most minted in 2011.

In the past, this coin has sold for up to £223.

On Sunday June 22 The Sun spotted one of these coins sold for £208 after an eight-person bidding war.

On this occasion, the Blue Peter coin has sold for 416 times its face value.

What are the most rare and valuable coins?

Source link

‘I’ve gone to every European capital city and three aren’t worth re visiting’

Travel expert Dale Peterson has visited every capital city in Europe, but there are three cities in particular that left him feeling underwhelmed and he wouldn’t rush to get back to

Amsterdam canals
Dale, a full-time travel writer, revealed in an article for Business Insider that three cities left him feeling “underwhelmed”(Image: Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)

With so many stunning European cities just a short flight or train ride from the UK, there’s never been a better time to explore the continent.

While popular destinations like Paris, Lisbon, and Barcelona continue to attract tourists, there are also plenty of underrated gems waiting to be discovered – especially when you can get there for as little as £20. As concerns about overtourism grow, with protests erupting in some of Europe’s major cities, you might want to reconsider your next destination.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and discover somewhere new, one seasoned traveller has shared his expert insights after visiting every European capital city.

Dale Peterson, a full-time travel writer, revealed in an article for Business Insider that three cities left him feeling “underwhelmed” after his visits. With some pre-trip research, you can avoid disappointment and discover hidden treasures instead.

Travelling during peak season can be overwhelming, so considering a trip during the shoulder season can lead to a more relaxing experience.

Despite the incredible range of cities Europe has to offer, from exploring the medieval old town of Prague, taking in the street art on the Berlin Wall, or visiting the ancient ruins of Rome, here are the cities Dale would choose to skip, reports the Express.

An elevated view of the London skyline - looking east to west
Dale believes London is “overhyped and expensive”(Image: Getty)

London

With its iconic landmarks and world-class museums, London attracts approximately 20 million international visitors annually, yet Dale believes the city is “overhyped and expensive”.

The travel writer asserts that there are “so many other worthwhile destinations in the UK”, particularly in the “UK’s picturesque countryside”, such as the Cotswolds or the Lake District.

However, another adventure traveller who runs the blog The Bucket List Mermaid has a vastly different opinion about London, claiming the city is “absolutely” worth the hype.

Amsterdam

Boasting more than 100km of picturesque canals, earning it the nickname “Venice of the North”, and with more bicycles than residents, Amsterdam also features on Dale’s list of cities he wouldn’t revisit.

Despite drawing an estimated 20 million tourists annually, the travel writer remains unconvinced.

“Unfortunately, though, I thought the centre of Amsterdam felt like an overpriced theme park full of souvenir shops and crowds,” he stated.

Rear view of a man looking at Amsterdam canal on a sunny day, Netherlands
Dale described Amsterdam as an “overpriced theme park full of souvenir shops and crowds”(Image: Getty)

However, one traveller on Tripadvisor had a glowing review of Amsterdam, describing it as a “wonderful city” with “helpful citizens”.

They praised its compact size, making it easy to explore on foot, and its efficient public transportation system. They also highlighted the city’s great museums, interesting neighbourhoods, and numerous places to eat and drink.

Helsinki

Located in Finland, the happiest country in the world, Helsinki is an ideal destination for exploring Nordic sauna culture. Last year, it was named the world’s most sustainable travel destination by Condé Nast Traveller.

However, Dale found Helsinki to be lacking in excitement, saying: “There’s no denying Helsinki is a clean city. But in my opinion, it feels a little too sterile, lacking in liveliness and exciting things to do.”

On the other hand, Jessica, who runs the blog Bon Traveller, believes Helsinki is perfect for those looking to slow down and connect with nature.

She highlights the city’s incredible design scene, which makes a trip to Helsinki “an experience to remember”.

Source link

‘Our holiday was ruined by bed bug horror – we had to ditch £800 worth of clothes’

A family of four claimed their holiday to Cape Verde was ‘ruined’ after they allegedly found bedbugs in their hotel room. They said they got ‘itchy bites’ and were left ‘absolutely horrified’

Steven, Natalie, Alfie and Amelia in Cape Verde
The family claimed their holiday had been ‘ruined’ because of bedbugs (Image: Jam Press)

A family of four suffered the ultimate holiday from hell after allegedly finding bedbugs in their hotel room.

The ordeal was such a nightmare that the family said they had to abandon £800 worth of their clothes because of the alleged infestation.

Natalie Slater and her husband, Steven, both 45, were excited for their trip of a lifetime to Cape Verde, Africa, with their two children, Alfie, 13, and Amelia, seven. But on the second day of their family getaway in a five-star hotel, beauty business owner Natalie claimed she and Steven woke up covered in itchy sores.

As with many hot climate locations, they initially thought they had been bitten by pesky mosquitoes. It wasn’t until their children found bites five days later that their concerns grew.

“I could feel biting at night time,” Natalie, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, said. “I sprayed mosquito spray on the bed and had plug-ins.”

READ MORE: Brits call out ‘horrendous’ hotel behaviour but admit ‘we find it funny’

Bites from bedbugs.
Natalie claimed she and Steven woke up covered in itchy sores(Image: Jam Press)

She added: “Amelia started getting bitten on her face, then my son got bitten. My husband said I looked like a pepperoni pizza because I was covered in that many bites.

“They were shockingly painful, itchy and had pus in them. There were more and more every day, so we looked under the mattress and behind the bed.”

Natalie then claimed: “The mattresses were covered in brown blood stains, and there were bed bug shells on the floor. I was absolutely horrified.”

“I stormed to see the rep who was amazing and couldn’t do enough to help. She told the hotel to do an investigation but they never came so me, my husband and two children sat up all night on the settee.

Steven and Natalie in Cape Verde
Natalie said, ‘My husband said I looked like a pepperoni pizza because I was covered in that many bites’(Image: Jam Press)

“Amelia was crying, sat up on the settee. She had 25 bites on her face. I didn’t know what to do. I got my torch out in the pitch black and took photos of the bugs on the bed at 2am.”

The couple claim that they checked underneath the mattresses and were left disgusted when they discovered bloody patches and bed bug shells.

Natalie said she reported the suspected bedbugs to staff and was told that someone would have a look. But she claims that no one arrived at their room, and the family were forced to sleep on a sofa.

TUI maintains that a third-party contractor inspected the room on the same day Natalie lodged the complaint, finding no signs of bed bugs, only mosquitoes.

The company further stated that they relocated the family to a new room and proposed to wash their clothes, insisting there was no proof of bed bugs in the room, and that no other holidaymakers had reported any.

Bites from bedbugs
‘They were shockingly painful, itchy and had pus in them’, she said(Image: Jam Press)

“If they weren’t bedbugs, why did they offer to wash our clothes?” Natalie said.

Despite being moved into a new room, Natalie said that the ordeal had ruined their holiday, which they had been saving for all year. “We couldn’t settle but we had two children and had to try and make the most of it,” she said.

“I cried every day. I wanted to go home but it would have been £400 each and we didn’t have that money.”

With concerns that their clothes could have bedbugs on them, Natalie said she opted to leave £800 worth of clothes behind. However, she made sure to take home £2,000 worth of designer labels, but said she’ll have to replace them.

She said: “We had thousands of pounds of designer clothes that are in a suitcase in the garage. There were Casablanca shirts that are £350 a pop, pairs of crocs for £40, sandals, FCUK tops, Stone Island clothes, Amelia had a Burberry dress and £25 rucksacks. We can’t afford to replace all that.”

The clothes the family left behind at the resort
The clothes that the family claimed they left behind at the resort(Image: Jam Press)

Natalie demanded: “I want a full refund for my holiday being ruined, and what about my clothes?” She claimed that she’s “covered in scars” and her daughter can’t “sleep properly”.

She added: “It’s awful. I don’t want it to happen again. We saved all year and go to work. I’m fed up and I don’t want other people to go through it.”

The Mirror has contacted TUI and the hotel for comment.

Source link

Inside Tony Bellew’s life from huge net worth to marriage and four sons

Tony Bellew is famed for being an ex-professional boxer and he’s also carved out a career in TV. Take a look into his life away from the cameras…

Tony Bellew is now a regular on our TV screens, with the star having graced shows like I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Gogglebox in recent years.

Originally gaining recognition as a professional boxer, Tony has since become a television personality after hanging up his gloves in 2018.

He’s now set to feature on Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend, where the former boxer will share insights about his personal life, health, and family life with wife Rachael and their four sons.

Before his next telly stint, let’s delve into Tony’s life, from his remarkable career and net worth to his early days…

Tony Bellew
Tony Bellew is a former boxer and TV star(Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Tony’s early days

Tony, born Anthony Lewis Bellew, hails from Toxteth, Liverpool, born in November 1982.

His formative years were spent residing on Mulgrave Street in Toxeth, before the family relocated to Smithdown Road near Wavertree, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Tony took up kickboxing around the age of 10, spurred on by his father, despite harbouring dreams of becoming a footballer. Kickboxing paved the way for boxing for Tony, and he eventually decided to go pro.

Boxing career

Tony stepped into the professional boxing ring in 2007, making his debut with a 2nd-round TKO against Jamie Ambler. He continued to notch up several more victories in 2007 and 2008, and by 2009 had maintained an unbeaten record of 12-0.

He went on to square off against the likes of Nathan Cleverly, Mateusz Masternak, Ilunga Makabu and BJ Flores.

In 2017, Tony stepped into the ring for his first heavyweight bout against David Haye. He later returned to cruiserweight, taking on Oleksandr Usyk in 2018, but was defeated.

From 2010 to 2014, Tony held the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles, as well as the European cruiserweight title from 2015 to 2016. He also held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2016 to 2017.

After his bout with Usyk, Tony announced his retirement. He hung up his gloves with a record of 30 victories from 34 professional fights, with 20 of those wins coming inside the distance. He suffered three defeats and one draw.

Tony Bellew officially entered the jungle in tonight's I'm A Celebrity
Tony Bellew officially entered the jungle in tonight’s I’m A Celebrity(Image: ITV)

Post-retirement, Tony appeared on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2020. The following year, he joined the UK commentary team for DAZN and began regularly contributing to their boxing coverage.

In 2023, he participated in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and reprised his role as ‘Pretty’ Ricky Conlan in Creed III, a character he first played in the original Creed in 2015.

The former boxer also partnered with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for Celebrity Gogglebox, and took part in Soccer Aid this year.

Who is Tony Bellew’s wife?

Tony has been married to Rachael since 2018, but the pair have been together since their teenage years.

The pair first locked eyes as nine year olds living on the same street in Merseyside. Their paths crossed again years later when Tony, working as a bouncer, met Rachael at a nightclub where she was dancing, and their friendship blossomed into romance.

Their love continued to grow, and they are now proud parents to four sons: Corey, Cobey, Carter, and Carson.

In 2018, Tony and Rachael exchanged vows in a grand ceremony at Cheshire’s Peckforton Castle, surrounded by loved ones.

Tony Bellew and Rachael Roberts
Tony with his wife Rachael(Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

The boxer often expresses his admiration for his wife on social media. Last year, he penned a heartfelt tribute to mark their anniversary.

“I’ve been through everything with this girl and couldn’t have done or achieved anything without her! The day we came together was the most important day of my life.. I love ya more than you know @rachael_bellew, oh and I’m looking to play golf twice this week luv.. #Anniversary,” Tony wrote.

Tony’s net worth

According to The Net Worth Portal, Tony’s net worth is estimated to be £9.6 million as of 2023.

His most significant boxing payout came from his first fight with David Haye, reportedly earning him £2.8 million.

Tony’s 2018 bout with Usyk boosted his career earnings to a reported £15 million, largely due to pay-per-view sales and venue gate revenue.

Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend airs on Friday at 8.30pm on BBC One

Source link

Are British Overseas Territories worth visiting? Here are the 5 most tourist friendly gems

The British Overseas Territories are not part of the UK, but are under British dominion and the UK is responsible for their defence, international relations and good governance.

 island Tortola
(Image: Getty)

From the financial allure of the Cayman Islands to the untamed splendour of South Georgia, you’ve likely heard of British Overseas Territories (BOTs), but do you really know what they are? Are these “British” spots just cushy tax havens for the rich or remote refuges for unique wildlife on windswept isles?

The truth is, as reported by the Express, each territory maintains a unique character while being connected to the UK.

What are the British Overseas Territories?

These remnants of the once-mighty British Empire now amount to 14 specks scattered across the globe, from sun-soaked Caribbean islands to barren outposts in Antarctica. They’re not officially part of the United Kingdom but remain under British sovereignty, with the UK responsible for their defence, foreign affairs, and proper governance, reports Devon Live.

READ MORE: Two more countries added to list Brits shouldn’t travel to in new warningsREAD MORE: King’s Birthday Honours list in full including David Beckham, Luke Littler and Tess Daly

Each BOT has its own constitution, local government, and legal system, yet the UK wields the ultimate authority, often through a Governor appointed by the King. These territories are legacies of Britain’s age of discovery and colonial might.

While numerous former colonies chose independence throughout the 20th century, some preferred to keep their ties with Britain for reasons like political stability, economic support, or historical loyalty.

Bermuda (population 64,000).

British passport holders can stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but those wishing to extend their stay or work must obtain a residence permit, which hinges on being sponsored by a local employer. Despite its small size, Bermuda offers a high standard of living shaped by its dual heritage of British governance and North American influence.

Bermuda
Bermuda radiates old-world charm from pastel-coloured homes and rose-inlaid gardens.(Image: Getty)

British Virgin Islands (population 31,000).

A haven for sailors and a popular choice for setting up offshore companies. These Caribbean islands offer tax-free personal and corporate income.

You’ll need local sponsorship to live or work here, but visiting is visa-free for Brits.

Cayman Islands (population 81,500).

Often referred to as the global capital of finance with zero income tax, the Caymans are also a luxury travel hotspot. British visitors don’t need a visa for short stays, but work or residency involves employer sponsorship and approval.

Gibraltar (population 33,700)

The Rock juts from Spain’s southern tip, blending Mediterranean sunshine with British quirks. It’s a financial and gaming hub, with no VAT and tax-friendly schemes for high earners and retirees.

Visiting requires no visa, but working or living there needs permits.

Turks and Caicos, with a population of 59,400.

Turquoise waters, white sands and a booming luxury tourism industry. The lack of income tax makes this Caribbean archipelago appealing to both businesses and tourists.

Brits can visit as tourists, but settling down requires securing employment and a local permit.

Travel and Residency.

In most instances, Brits can visit the inhabited Overseas Territories without needing a visa. However, if you’re planning to live or work there, you’ll typically need to secure employment first and then apply for a work permit via a local employer.

Some territories, like Gibraltar, offer specific residency options for investors, pensioners, or skilled professionals.

From a tax perspective, many BOTs don’t levy income tax, making them appealing to global businesses and individuals. But this doesn’t necessarily equate to an easy or inexpensive lifestyle – these locations often come with high living costs, limited infrastructure, or strict immigration controls.

The British Overseas Territories serve as a testament to Britain’s global history – but they also play a significant role in the present. Whether you’re fantasising about tropical beaches or a rugged wildlife adventure, these remote places provide a glimpse into Britain’s unique global footprint.

Just remember not to pack your bags without double-checking the paperwork.

Source link