Section: Travel:News Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It will now begin on December 1, 2025 instead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE south of England has some incredibly popular beaches, and one is getting even bigger in time for next summer.

From next month, work is starting on the beach in Brighton and Hove to protect it from erosion and that’s great news for holidaymakers – because let’s face it… size matters.

Brighton and Hove is a one of the busiest spots in the UK with 11 million people visiting every year.

Worries about flooding and erosion across the busy Brighton and Hove seafront have led to new plans involving adding new groynes and extending the shingle beach.

Starting in late November or early December, a new groyne field will be built on the beach between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Second Avenue in Hove.

The new timber groynes will be supported by filling the bays between each one with thousands of tonnes of shingle – which has been dredged from a site in the English Channel.

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Effectively, this will slow the movement of shingle along the coastline, helping to protect the area from flooding and erosion.

It will also reduce the amount of shingle which washes up onto the promenade during storms and high tides.

What’s probably more interesting for tourists is that the plans will see the beach extended by approximately 25 metres out to sea.

Not only does this mean the beach will be better protected, but it will create more room for tourists during busy seasons.

There’s a public engagement event taking place today (23 October) so locals can learn more about this phase of the scheme.

The work is scheduled to finish next year so by summer.

Following that, the next phase of the plan is the rebuilding of sea defences on Southwick beach which is set to be complete in 2027.

Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and public realm, said: “This scheme is vital for the city, to safeguard homes and businesses from coastal flooding and protect our local economy for decades to come. By taking action now, we will help make our city more climate resilient and able to adapt to increasing storms, extreme rainfall and rising sea levels.

“We are committed to value for money to deliver the best for our city. £4.5 million is a substantial sum but our local visitor economy alone is worth £5 billion.”

That’s not the only work that has been taking place in Hove – the Kingsway to the Sea project, also known as Hove Beach Park has been underway since around 2023.

The project has seen the construction of a skate and pump track, padel tennis courts, and a new tennis pavilion which opened last year.

The project has focused on creating landscaped gardens and making new pathways at a cost of £13.7million.

There will be an official opening in spring 2025 when the majority of the project will be complete.

Brighton and Hove isn;t just about the beach though.

It’s also famous for shopping in The Lanes, Brighton Palace Pier, beachfront, and the Royal Pavilion.

There’s lots of nightlife, and plenty of pubs – in fact, Brighton & Hove has the most pubs in the UK per person.

Sun Travel‘s favourites include The Station Inn, The Tempest Inn and Hove Place , which has a beautiful Italian-inspired garden.

Brighton is also home to Volk’s Electric Railway, which is the world’s oldest operating electric railway – and it’s right on the front of Brighton Beach.

It’s been operating since 1883 which makes it over 140 years old and is still going today.

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One Sun Writer recommends a visit to this beach club in Hove whatever the weather…

HOVE is the vibey neighbour of the popular Brighton – and my top choice for a weekend break.

It’s more relaxed, still with a pretty pebble coastline and blue waters, but much quieter. On Friday afternoon, just under two hours from my home in Hertfordshire, I hit Brighton.

The seaside town that everyone knows and loves for its sea lanes, pop-up market stalls, quirky creatives and music scene.

It was immediately quieter with a notable absence of Brighton’s squawking seagulls. Hove still retains its beach charm, and in fact, it’s recently been named one of the best seaside towns to live in.

Almost as soon as I hit Hove, I discovered a gem of a beach club called Rockwater.

Rustic-looking on the outside, Rockwater completely blends in with its surroundings with wooden slatted exterior, huge glass windows, and the inside is spectacular.

It has plush chairs, a beautiful bar and a holiday-like atmosphere – imagine the sun shining through open windows, the clinking of glasses and happy tourist chatter.

You might think beach bars are just for summer, but this one has lots of activities all year round from relaxing yoga to book socials, sip and paint – and of course, plenty of Christmas fun.

In Brighton you’ll find one of the UK’s most popular seaside towns has California-like beach bar named one of the best in the country.

Plus, one of the UK’s most popular seaside towns is set to get new train station revamp in huge ‘spruce up’.

A UK train station that lost its direct routes to Europe during the pandemic could soon welcome them back.

Eurostar rival Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) said they were likely to restart train routes from Ashford International Station when they launch.

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The Italian train operator revealed plans earlier this year to take on Eurostar with UK-Europe routes.

And it has since confirmed a £1billion investment into the UK economy which would include reopening the Kent station.

Initial plans include an “Innovation Hub” in Ashford International Station by early 2026, the Times reports.

The first trains to Europe will then launch in 2029 from London to Paris, which includes a stop in Ashford.

Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy also backed the return of European connections at Ashford International.

He said earlier this year: “I firmly believe that competition offers the best prospect of international services returning to Kent stations.”

Eurostar scrapped all trains from Ashford back in 2020, as well as trains at Ebbsfleet International.

Despite a campaign with more than 75,000 signatures for trains to return to Ashford, Eurostar has yet to confirm if they will.

Initial suggestions of reopening it in 2026 have been quashed.

The Eurostar has been the only railway line to use the Channel Tunnel since 1994.

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However, other operators have since revealed plans to take them on.

Virgin has revealed plans to launch trains from the UK to Europe by 2030.

This would include routes from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam – similar destinations to Eurostar.

Another rival is Gemini Trains, who has teamed up with Uber.

The new train operator recently bought 10 high speed trains ahead of plans to launch from both London and Ebbsfleet to Paris and Brussels by 2029.

Evolyn, a new start up, expressed plans for London-Paris trains back in 2023, with initial plans to launch next year.

And Eurostar themselves has revealed huge expansion plans, with potential new European destinations.

When it comes to France, it could relaunch train routes to Marseille and Bordeaux, having previously once stopped there.

And the CCO said they could also one day stop in cities in both Germany and Switzerland.

This could include places like Cologne and and Frankfurt, as well as Geneva and Zurich.

Here are four Eurostar routes that have been scrapped over the years.

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NEW British passport designs with King Charles’ updated Coat of Arms are to be rolled out this year.

From December, the new Coat of Arms will replace the current Queen Elizabeth II version.

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The design features four UNESCO-protected landscapes of each UK region.

This includes Ben Nevis (Scotland), Lake District (England), Three Cliffs Bay (Wales) and Giant’s Causeway (Ireland).

The new passport will also have new technology built into them with improved anti-forgery designs.

This includes upgraded holographs and translucent features within the pages, making them harder to forge or tamper with.

Each page will also have a unique passport number built in using laser marking.

The UK government claim this makes it the “most secure British passport ever made”.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said: “The introduction of His Majesty’s Arms, iconic landscapes, and enhanced security features marks a new era in the history of the British passport.   

“It also demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service – celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come.”

Blue passports with the current Coat of Arms of Queen Elizabeth II are still valid until the expiry date.

The modern-style of British passport was first introduced in 1915, which were also navy.

The then were changed to burgundy in line with the EU, before the current navy passports were rolled back out in 2020.

Parts of the passport have already been updated, including saying they are authorised by “His Majesty’s Passport Office”.

Despite this, millions of Brits still have the previous burgundy passports.

These are still permitted for use until they expire.

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But there are new rules in place that were introduced when the UK left the EU.

Since Brexit, any additional months on top of the 10 year validity of passports are no longer accepted.

This has resulted in thousands of families being banned from their flights due to new rules since they were first issued.

Families are urged to check that their expiry date matches their start date.

If it does not, then you should disregard the expiry and instead add on 10 years to the start date to find the correct date it expires.

Here are the other passport rules you need to be aware of.

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FROM October 12, 2025, British travellers could be hit with delays thanks to the introduction of the new EU Entry-Exit System.

The use of EES will begin this weekend for the very first time, and holidaymakers believe they’ll be facing longer wait times as a result.

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When you use EES, the first time you travel you’ll need to register at a special machine called a kiosk where you will scan your passport.

The machine will then take your fingerprints and a photo – children under 12 will not need to give fingerprints.

You will also answer four quick questions on the screen about your trip, such as where you are staying and confirming you have enough money for your holiday.

The EES checks will happen when you arrive at your destination airport in the Schengen area – but not all of them.

Madrid will be registering arrivals from a single, early-morning flight on October 12, 2025.

In Germany, Dusseldorf Airport will have EES, but will only a small proportion of travellers will be required to go through the new system.

Meanwhile, Estonia, Luxembourg and now the Czech Republic say they are ready to check every arriving and departing traveller from their airports.

Depending on where British travellers fly into, will depend on whether or not they have an EES check, or continue with a passport stamp.

While EES is ready in certain places now, it’s a gradual process and is being rolled out over the course of 180 days, from October 12, 2025 to April 9, 2026.

But as it’s the first time the EES has been used for travellers, experts have warned there could eb “delays”.

 Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “I reckon there will be delays” while Tom Jenkins, chief executive of European travel association Etoa said it’s “a complete muddle”.

Tom Jenkins added: “If it all goes haywire, they can revert to inspecting passports.

“I don’t think it will be catastrophic because of that, it will just be tiresome.”

However, managers at the Port of Dover have insisted there will not be delays on Sunday, as traffic levels will be “manageable”, as reported by the BBC.

A government spokesperson said: “We are supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for anyone travelling to the Schengen area.”

For the first few weeks, only lorry drivers and coach passengers will have to register with EES at Dover.

Other traffic, including the thousands of car passengers who use the crossings, will be subject to the new system from November 1, 2025.

The same goes for those travelling through the Eurotunnel.

At the Eurostar entrance in St Pancras, EES registration will take place upon departure, overseen by French border officials.

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And from October 12, only passengers travelling in business and premium class will be subject to EES checks – for other passengers, they will begin in January 2026.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.  

“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.” 

For more on EES and ETIAS, one travel expert revealed what to expect.

Meanwhile, Brits face £185 visa fee when visiting the US under new rules.

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AN outdoor pool is the centrepiece of any self-respecting holiday resort.

Sunshine, sunloungers and kids trying to sink each other’s inflatables.

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But this was no ordinary swimming pool. This was a NATURAL pool — nestled in the Shropshire countryside.

No nasty chemicals in this water. It’s split into two zones — one side for swimming and the other filled with reeds and water lilies.

The swimming area has clean edges just like a regular pool, but the water is naturally filtered by sunlight and the plants next to it.

The normal electric-blue hue and chlorine pong we’ve swam in all our lives is gone.

This is just clear water, like swimming in a mountain stream.

Which was appropriate as we were staying at Love2Stay glamping resort, within sight of the River Severn.

It offers 36 glamping units, including safari lodges, and 120 camping pitches, all set on a gently sloping hillside just outside Shrewsbury.

Its Biotop natural pool is one of only a handful open to the public in the UK.

And there’s also a lake with paddleboarding and kayaking, archery lessons, arts and crafts, gym, assault course and a nature trail.

We stayed in one of the site’s glamping barns. Outside, each has a private hot tub, firepit with starter bag of logs, giant hammock and beanbags.

Inside there’s a well-equipped open-plan kitchen, double bedroom and upstairs mezzanine for the kids to sleep on.

We were treated to a luxury food hamper on arrival, which comes with breakfast and dinner included.

Victorian fair

And we’re talking proper full English with fresh local ingredients and giant field mushrooms for the veggies.

There’s no shop on site — Sainsbury’s is a five-minute drive away — but the cafe serves hearty breakfasts and wood-fired pizzas in the evening.

You could spend the whole weekend without leaving the park but that would mean missing out on Shrewsbury’s medieval lanes.

We boarded the Sabrina boat, a charming 45-minute cruise that loops the River Severn. With tea, coffee and a wonderful commentary, it’s the best way to see the town’s historic riverside.

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Bridges swoop overhead as you admire Charles Darwin’s alma mater Shrewsbury School.

While the naturalist is widely seen as Shrewsbury’s most famous son, don’t forget T-Pau’s Carol Decker, who lived above the nearby boathouse.

And the beautiful green spaces surrounding it were transformed by TV gardening legend Percy Thrower.

Just down the road lies the Ironbridge Gorge, which has been transformed into the Valley of Invention and a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Here the Industrial Revolution was forged at the Coalbrookdale furnaces, and the gorge is now home to six museums.

The Iron Bridge, opened in 1781, still stands as a marvel of its time when it became the world’s first bridge made entirely of cast iron.

We took a circular walk up the side of the gorge, which gave us spectacular views of the valley.

Then we headed to Blists Hill Victorian Town. It’s a living film set, a cross between a Western and Great Expectations.

Enormous ironwork and industrial relics from its blast- furnace past sit alongside a lovingly recreated Victorian High Street.

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Staff in period clothing are working as they would have 150 years ago, making candles, baking bread and hammering iron at the blacksmith’s.

If you want your kids to know what life was really like before wifi, you can enrol them in the Victorian school. A stern Miss gives period lessons with a stick and hoop.

There’s a fish-and-chips shop wrapping cod in the village newspaper, and even a traditional Victorian boozer — complete with a sing-song knees-up in the afternoon.

And there’s a full Victorian fairground, with steam-powered rides, coconut shy and swingboats.

If you like your Victoriana with even more Clarkson’s Farm, Acton Scott Heritage Farm has reopened after a five-year break.

In its barns and yards, you can meet the wool-spinners and press Shropshire apples. The schoolroom is now a cafe serving local produce.

Back at Love2Stay, we cranked the firepit to industrial temperatures for marshmallows and mapped out our expeditions into the Shropshire Hills to see the ponies on Long Mynd.

It’s perfect for families who like a touch of luxury when they’re in the great outdoors.

JUST hearing the name Courchevel conjures up images in my head of ­gold-trimmed ski jackets, sheepskin-draped lodges and food prices that would frighten even Jeff Bezos.

That’s because when I first skied in the area, nearly 20 years ago, a round of drinks in the part known as Courchevel 1850 would set you back the price of a small flat.

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But these days you don’t need to be a Silicon Valley tech bro or ­Russian oligarch to ski the resort’s 150km stunning pistes.

I was staying in the small resort of La Tania, the perfect gateway to the French alpine jewel of Courchevel, where celebs and royalty from Kate and Wills to the Beckhams have skied.

La Tania is — in French ski resorts terms — a tiddler of a place and has only been an official part of the Courchevel region since 2018.

Since then this purpose-built ­modern village, which only came to life for the 1992 Winter Olympics, has become a fixture for families and those looking for a cheaper and quieter place close to the action.

That action being Les Trois Vallées — aka the “world’s largest interconnected ski area” — where from €69 (£60) a day you can access 600km of runs, which is the equivalent of skiing from Paris to Geneva.

A key selling point of Les Trois Valées is that unlike many of the French resorts that have been affected by warmer weather, snow is guaranteed.

A whopping 85 per cent of all runs are at an altitude of over 1,800m — and half of them are green or blue. Some peaks on the region’s SIX ­glaciers are even above 2,500m — great for when the season has been a particularly snowless one.

I was staying at the beautiful Chalet Jonquille, a snowball’s throw from the town and the bottom of the main lift and run by the ever professional tour operator, Ski Beat.

From the outside it looks like a traditional A-frame chalet but inside it was all open plan and modern with a hot tub on the balcony and a cosy cinema room downstairs.

I always judge a chalet on the food — if it’s not up to scratch it can ruin a ski trip. And I was not disappointed.

After a full day on the mountains every cell in my body is crying out for a scalding hot fix of tartiflette or some other heavy French cuisine — and a few large glasses of red. I got that in spades.

BIKINI-CLAD DANCERS

Helpfully Ski Beat prides itself on offering top-notch cuisine and red and white wine on tap in its catered chalets.

The homemade cakes served for afternoon tea were so good you might be tempted to cut short your time on the slopes, just so you don’t miss out on a slice.

La Tania may be small but it is by no means a sleepy backwater.

There are many bars and restaurants in the village where you can do everything from chowing down on local delicacies like fondue to dancing to a band until the wee hours.

The imaginatively named Pub Le Ski Lodge is exactly that — a charming ski lodge with a decent selection of beers.

Half a litre of Pélican blonde (7.5%) will put hairs on your chest and knock out any aches and pains in your legs, as I found to my pleasure.

It also serves snacks like French tacos (try them!), which at ten euros a pop, won’t break the bank. Dining piste side, it can make a cheap and cheerful lunch spot.

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Courchevel also has its own La Folie Douce (a famous party bar) up at Meribel, where you can watch bikini-clad dancers pirouette on table tops as EDM beats pound your ears.

It’s a fairly show-off crowd but utterly fascinating to watch as they guzzle Veuve Clicquot out of the ­bottle in their Balenciaga salopettes.

The Bouc Blanc, also at Meribel, is a cheaper option where plats du jours are a more reasonable 21 euros

Views here are superb and when the sun is out there are few greater ways to spend a day — beer in hand, watching the world ski by.

And if you’ve still got the legs, you can ski all the way back to La Tania.

IN one of the most beautiful places in the country is a holiday cottage owned by the Fletchers.

The family, headed up by Emmerdale star Kelvin and his wife Liz Fletcher, renovated the home on Fletchers’ Family Farm, and you can stay there yourself.

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Called Stag Cottage, the house is found in the village of Wincle – on the site of the Fletcher farm, and you can book it on Sykes Holiday Cottages.

Inside, the cottage has been renovated into a cosy rental that sleeps up to six, there’s a sitting room with a woodburning log fire with squishy sofa and chairs.

The kitchen has a central island and is fully-equipped with everything visitors need to make home-cooked meals.

Upstairs are three bedrooms all with king-size beds with plush bedding, and one has an en-suite.

For any musical guests, there’s even a grand piano to tinker on; there’s also a snug and conservatory.

Outside is a garden with lawn, patio area, decking, furniture and hot tub.

The cottage is getting lots of bookings and has been getting five star reviews from visitors.

One visitor wrote: “The cottage was cosy, peaceful, and full of charm—just what our family needed to unwind from city life. The hosts were truly fantastic – so welcoming and easy to chat with, like catching up with old friends.”

Another added: “The cottage is more than just somewhere to stay, it’s the most relaxing place ever. The decor makes it so relaxing we had to force ourselves to go out. Kelvin, Liz and family are a pleasure to meet.”

Sun Travel found a seven night stay in May 2026 for £1546 which works out as £220.86 per person.

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However it can be more expensive with a one night stay in November 2025 being £1015 which works out at £169.16 per person.

Wincle is found just outside of Sutton near Macclesfield, where visitors can easily explore the Peak District – one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

The Peak District is well-known for being one of the prettiest places in the UK with huge hills, moors, valleys, and chocolate box villages.

For anyone planning a visit to the Peak District, writer Jennifer Sizeland, who is also a local, reveals the spots where you should go to, rather than the busy tourist places.

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For views, Jennifer said: “Head to Hen Cloud in Leek, Staffordshire, where you can see the rock formations of The Roaches — including the pretty Lud’s Church chasm and Doxey Pool, where a strange mermaid is said to live.

“You can go there for sunrise or sunset, and park for free in the bays on Roach Road. Or visit Tittesworth Reservoir, £5.50 for two to four hours of parking, and walk from there.

“This lake is a wonderful place for spotting birds and wildlife and it has a play park for children.”

Other suggestions include Coombes Valley, Padley Gorge, and ditch Matlock Bath for the quirky village of Bonsall.

For fans of Emmerdale, read more from one Sun Writer who toured the TV set in the Dales.

And the hotel named the best in the UK has Peak District views and guests say is ‘worth every penny’.

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A UK airport is reportedly in talks to increase its number of flights, with hopes to become a “major hub” for holidaymaker around Europe.

Huge upgrades are included in the plans which hopes to have the airport better connected to more destinations.

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East Midlands Airport is having talks “already underway” with airlines about plans for more cargo and passenger flights.

Currently, passengers can fly to and from 70 destinations through East Midlands Airport.

These include countries in Europe and North Africa.

But new commerical director, Adam Andrews, revealed the airport wants to provide more one-stop connections for passengers.

He said: “We will build relationships with key decision makers and businesses from our region and its large three big cities to understand how we can work together to maximise the airports potential what they want from their local airport.

“This includes looking to increase the mix of leisure destinations, introduce business routes and enable year-round connectivity to the world.”

Increasing flight options during peak seasons, such as summer holidays, is in the works.

And plans for more flights during the traditional off-peak seasons are also being considered.

This would mean travellers are able to just go to their local airport for their flights rather than having to get across the country first.

Andrews hopes to draw on the airport’s success as the UK’s “number one express air freight hub” due to being central to both the country and world.

East Midlands Airport is strategically located between Africa, Europe and the US.

It has been a hub for low-budget airlines like Jet2, Ryanair and TUI Airways.

The airfield was originally built as a Royal Air Force station in 1943, before it was redeveloped as a civilian airport in 1965.

Busiest routes from East Midlands Aiport have been Alicante, Tenerife, and Mallorca.

But it has no direct access via a passenger rail network, with the nearest being East Midlands Parkway about four miles away.

Proposals have been made in the past for a dedicated railway station to be installed at the airport, but is unlikely to be completed for another decade or so.

Plans for East Midlands Airport come after it was announced over the weekend the Gatwick Airport would be getting a new full runway.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander signed off on the plan that involves a £2.2billion expansion.

The project will shift Gatwick’s emergency runway 12 metres north so it can be used alongside the main strip.

This will pave way for 100,000 extra flights a year from the second busiest airport in the UK.

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PLANE passengers need to be aware of this one boarding pass code which could land you the worst seat on the entire plane.

Although these tickets are small, they hold a wealth of information about flight details – some of which could impact where you are sat.

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At the bottom of a typical boarding pass there is often a SEQ number, according to Simple Flying.

This is also known as the “sequence number”.

It refers to the passenger boarding order for the flight.

For example, if your ticket reads SEQ08, it would mean you are the eighth person to check in.

With this information, you may be able to determine what seat you have been allocated.

Some airlines reportedly assign seats in the order of how travellers have checked in.

This means that people who were last to show up may be given a less desirable seat, reports say.

The SEQ code could also cause issues if the passenger is one of the last people to check in and the flight is full. 

In Groups

Other codes on boarding passes include the group number, with airlines like Air Canada and Finnair using these.

This code is designed to help make boarding easier.

It usually reads as something like “Group 1” or “Group 2”, which staff then call out at the gate.

These groups are often assigned based on things like families, passengers with disabilities and seating class. 

Enhanced Screening

Another common code on a boarding pass is “SSSS”.

This stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection – and works as an thorough security check.

It was created by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US.

Passengers who notice it on their boarding ticket should expect an “enhanced” screening.

This can take longer than normal security checks.

And it can sometimes cause delays for travellers who don’t anticipate this factor.

Overbooking

Some airlines can also overbook planes.

When everyone turns up without anyone pulling out of the flight, those who check in last are at risk of being transferred to a different flight. 

Another code that appears on boarding passes is the booking reference or reservation number.

The Passenger Name Record (PNR) is a six-digit alphanumeric code that appears on each and every boarding pass. 

This randomly-generated sequence labels you as a unique passenger.

It can help distinguish you in case you share an exact first and last name with another person on your plane. 

Every passenger’s PNR is essentially a detailed travel itinerary which includes a trove of data.

This includes things like flight details to meal preferences and even frequent flyer status.

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AN ancient town that was once the largest behind London is found in the Cotswolds.

Cirencester is often nicknamed the Capital of the Cotswolds, being its largest town.

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It was founded by the Romans, and was even the second largest town behind London at the time.

Now, it remains a popular market town and a commuter spot, being less than an hour from the capital.

There is the central Cirencester Market Place, with a market every Monday and Friday, as well as seasonal ones on Saturdays.

Don’t expect to find many chain shops in town either, with the majority being independent stores.

Make sure to head to Malt and Anchor, named one of the best fish and chip shops in the UK.

The town even has its own Cirencester Castle, which dates back to the 1107.

The town is is home to its own lido as well, which opened back in 1870.

Cirencester Open Air Pool is open until next week, before closing for the season.

There are two pools, a four-lane adult pool which is always at 26C as well as a kids pool.

Our pool’s serenely beautiful setting is just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town so come and enjoy the sessions that run from May to September.

The main pool is 27m long, has 4 lanes and is kept at an inviting 26 degrees. Originally built as a 30 yard pool, a 1 mile swim is 59 lengths.

We also have a children’s pool that’s 0.5m deep.

One of the popular places to stay is the Kings Head Hotel, which was named as the best hotel breakfast in the UK last year.

Along with that, it also has 66 rooms, as well as an underground spa and on-site deli.

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Otherwise we stayed at The Fleece hotel in in Cirencester – here is what we thought.

There is also the Corinium Museum, named after Cirencester’s original name.

Otherwise there is the modern Barn Theatre if you want to catch a show.

Cirencester has its own train station with direct trains to London taking less than 50 minutes.

Here is a Cotswolds village with its own sandy beach and lagoon.

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ACCIDENTS can always happen when you are travelling – but did you know there are secret codes for different emergency situations?

Whether travelling across the globe on a flight or setting sail on a cruise to the Med, staff have several codes for different situations that need to be addressed.

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Whilst many are to alert something less serious, there are some codes that signify something more horrifying is happening.

Here’s a run down of the codes you might hear at the airport or on planes, cruise ships and trains – and what they really mean.

Planes

For most passengers, their worst nightmare is hearing there is a problem whilst flying.

And by using codes, cabin crew often are able to communicate with each other without alerting passengers.

For example, ‘Code 300’ or ‘Angel’ means that a passenger has died on board the plane.

If this happens, passengers will hear ‘Angel’ being used by flight staff, where they will then communicate on what to do including potentially moving the body away from other passengers.

Another code, ‘Squawk 7500’ or ‘Hotel’ rather scarily signals a hijacking.

Pilots will send the transponder code ‘Squawk 7500’ to air traffic control to alert them that the plane is in danger without actually explaining the situation or alerting passengers.

However, passengers may hear ‘Hotel 7500’ to indicate the emergency.

If you hear ‘Pan-Pan’, then it means there is a serious, but non-life-threatening incident on board – this could be mechanical or medical.

There are codes for less serious situations too including ‘Code Yellow’ which alerts staff to a minor medical situation, such as a passenger feeling sick.

Similarly, if you hear ‘Mermaid’ there isn’t anything to worry about – flight crew just used the term to refer to a passenger who is spreading themselves out across more than one seat.

Airports

You won’t just hear codes on the plane, but you might also hear them being announced in the airport.

For example, ‘Code Adam’ means a child has gone missing and is announced to begin a search for the child, including securing exits in case of a potential child abduction.

According to The Telegraph, ‘Code Bravo‘ alerts a general security issue.

There are also a number of codes you might not necessarily hear at the airport, but are used behind the scenes to communicate different issues.

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For example, according to The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the code ‘DF’ means that the aircraft has experienced damage, due to incidents such as a bird strike or lightning.

Alternatively, the code ‘DG’ means that an aircraft has damage from ground operations, such as a collision.

Code ‘FS’ signifies there is a flight crew shortage and code ‘FC’ suggests there is a cabin crew shortage.

And code ‘FB’ means that the captain of a flight has requested a security check.

Cruise ships

According to The Telegraph, passengers won’t want to hear ‘Operation Rising Star’on a cruise ship, which means a passenger has passed away.

Alternatively, ‘Operation Bright Star’ or ‘Blue Star’, means there is a medical emergency onboard.

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‘Code Alpha’ can also mean there is a medical emergency onboard.

If someone has fallen overboard, you’ll hear ‘Code Oscar‘ and rather scarily, ‘Code Echo’ means the ship is at risk of colliding with another ship.

Alternatively, if you hear ‘Code Charlie’, there is a security threat on the ship.

There are some less serious codes as well that you could hear including ‘PVI’, which stands for ‘public vomiting incident’.

And ‘Code Zulu’ flags that a fight has broken out onboard.

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Trains

For commuters or people heading to different destinations in the UK on the train, you could also hear some secret codes.

For example, you might hear someone asking for ‘Inspector Sands’ which means there is a fire.

Depending where you are, the code you hear for fire could also be ‘Mr Sands’.

Different numbered codes between one and seven are also used to signify different cleaning tasks that are needed including blood, urine and vomit.

Experts have also shared five ways to escape a plane crash.

Plus, there is also a common parent trick used on flights that experts say should be banned for safety.

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ONE of the busiest train stations in the world is set to receive a huge £5billion facelift – with the glow-up finally coming after decades of delays.

Construction for the long-awaited overhaul will begin in two years – transforming the iconic station into a more passenger-friendly hub with an eye-catching interior.

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America’s busiest railway station maekover will get rid of the maze-like design that has confused commuters for years – replacing it with a much simpler layout.

Penn Station will be fitted with a 250,000 square-foot single-level facility – which will boast brighter concourses, actual amenities, new retailers and even built-in housing above.

The iconic New York transport hub which welcomes over 650,000 riders daily will be given a dazzling new design – scrapping its outdated and confusing interior.

Penn Station Mark II has already kicked off – a £1.2billion renovation restored the Farley Building which sits opposite the station.

It came with a central atrium featuring a glass roof, as well as shopper-friendly retail space and a huge 320-seat waiting area.

The Penn Station revamp is also set to tear up the old low ceilings and labyrinth-like corridors.

The station’s current design seriously lacks enough coffee stands, retail space or commuter-friendly walkways.

Amtrak is leading the charge for the ambitious megaproject – with a £32million federal grant to kick-start permitting, design and the hunt for a developer.

Penn Station is in an ‘unacceptable’ state

US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said: “Crumbling infrastructure, bleak and dirty architecture, unnavigable hallways, and no inviting spaces for families with kids – the current state of Penn Station is unacceptable.

“Under President Trump’s direction, we will transform Penn Station into a world-class transit hub that is beautiful, safe, and clean.

“The aggressive schedule we’ve outlined will ensure we are back on track to deliver a gleaming monument worthy of New York City.”

Meanwhile, an Amtrak spokesperson said: “The transformation of New York Penn Station is underway, and USDOT and Amtrak are strongly committed to beginning construction by the end of 2027.”

The firm’s spokesperson thanked Trump for “bringing urgency and clarity” to the station’s renovation which has long been plagued by delays and cancellations.

Disruption expected…

The project is being billed as a long-overdue transformation of one of New York’s busiest transport hubs – but the construction will not come without disruption.

Travellers should expect re-routed journeys, temporary closures and fresh signage across the station.

While officials insist the impact will be “minimal,” many commuters remain sceptical.

Delays, cancellations and sudden changes to train schedules are likely during the works.

The overhaul is expected to take two years to complete, with major construction beginning in 2027.

For now, passengers will still have to contend with the crowded, outdated station until the long-awaited facelift finally arrives.

Penn Station revamp timeline

THE US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Amtrak have revealed next steps for the long-awaited transformation of New York’s iconic Penn Station.

Here is the scheduled timeline the project is aiming to deliver by the end of 2027:

August 2025: Master developer solicitation advance notice

Fall 2025: Contracting industry stakeholder engagement

Late 2025: Master developer solicitation release

May 2026: Master developer selection

Summer 2026 to End of 2027: Preliminary design and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) activities

End of 2027: Construction initiation

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MAJOR budget airline Ryanair could be returning to a European airport that it recently axed flights to after 20 years.

Ryanair recently scrapped all of itswinter flights to Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport in France following rising airline taxes in the country.

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The small town in the southwest of France is known for its historic charm, with an old town full of half-timbered buildings.

Ryanair made the announcement back in June, where it also scrapped winter flights to other French destinations including Brive and Strasbourg.

Since the announcement, the president of the Dordogne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), who represent the airport, has shared with The Connexion that the airline is likely to return to the airport in summer 2026.

Following the news, French media began to speculate that it could result in the closing of Bergerac Airport.

President of the CCI, Christophe Fauvel, told the publication that this could not be the case.

He explained: “We have to understand that Ryanair only announced the suspension of its London Stansted service during the winter months.

“Our traffic is very seasonal, with the majority of our passengers flying between April and October.”

He added that the route’s winter suspension would only impact around 18,000 passengers and that the airport is planning to carry out works on the runway between January and February at the airport anyway.

He then confirmed that “at the present moment, everything suggests that Ryanair will be at Bergerac for the summer of 2026″.

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The president continued to explain how it is the economic sector that is concerned about the airport’s future, particularly because Bergerac Airport generates between €60million (£51.8million) and €100million (£86.3million) each year for the region.

As a consequence, if the airport was forced to close, some of the surrounding areas such as Dordogne, south of Gironde, some of Lot-et-Garonne and also Lot, would be impacted.

In addition, the French region has a long-standing relationship with the UK, with many Brits choosing to live in the area as well as having direct flights since 2003.

The president assured that he is confident this key link will continue in the future, despite Ryanair cancelling winter flights.

In regard to other airlines, a few have eyed up creating a route between the UK and the French region including Vueling and Volotea.

Ryanair currently runs flights from several UK airports to Bergerac, including Bournemouth, Bristol, East Midlands, Liverpool, Edinburgh and London Stansted.

British Airways also operates flights to the airport from London City and Southampton and Jet2 has flights from Leeds Bradford Airport and Manchester.

These airlines dominate routes to and from the airport, with the only other routes coming from Rotterdam with airline Transavia and Brussels Charleroi with Ryanair.

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Bergerac is a pretty town to explore, including the Musée de Tabac, which tells the history of tobacco and a popular spot that shows the region’s wines – Maison des Vins.

Narrow cobbled streets and a bustling main square make the town the ideal spot for a quieter French holiday in comparison to popular city spots like Paris.

And there are a number of river cruises in the region too, down the Dordogne river.

The town is also around an hour and 20 minutes from Bordeaux and two and half hours from Toulouse.

Sun Travel has contacted Ryanair for comment.

There is also a little-known French town that’s been likened to Cornwall with riverfront cottages and new UK flights.

Plus, there is a French town that looks more like Italy – with Roman buildings and huge music festival.

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INDEPENDENT travel agency, InteleTravel, is answering questions about their business practices after The Sun’s investigation shined a light on the true cost of joining their organisation to sell travel.

With glamorous celebrities like Strictly’s Vicky Pattison and TOWIE’s Jess Wright promoting the scheme on their huge social platforms, it was revealed they could be earning over £200,000 as fans sign up to the scheme.

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However, our report showed that almost 90 per cent of people don’t make a single penny working as an Independent Travel Agent (ITA) – with many ending up out of pocket.

Those selling travel through the Vicky’s Vacay team will almost certainly have signed up with recruitment firm, PlaNet Marketing, who are a separate company to InteleTravel.

Even though they are different companies, The Sun could find no way of joining InteleTravel without signing up to PlaNet Marketing and paying an initial fee of £140 and then £30 per month thereafter.

Industry experts TTG, have reported that since The Sun called for clarity on how many Brits are affected negatively by joining the scheme, InteleTravel is now reviewing its partnership with the US-headquartered company that recruits agents on its behalf.

In our report, we looked at how likely it is for everyday women and fans of these glamourous celebrities to earn money selling holidays to their friends and family for a small commission.

Social media messaging flaunting a jet-set lifestyle and ability to ‘be your own boss’ is rife on platforms like Instagram.

And it’s not just the celebrities who are at it.

Many ITAs who say they make ‘big money’ from selling travel are, in fact, doing so with an elaborate recreruitment downline.

This means anyone they sign up to their ‘team’ must pay them a commission, as well as the commission to InteleTravel – an ABTA-approved travel agency – on anything they go on to sell.

InteleTravel came under criticism as recruiters for the network, appear to approach people, most-often women and mums, on social media.

Subtle messaging, which some women who spoke to The Sun allege they are trained for, is used to lure new agents in by telling them a glamorous lifestyle can be achieved while on their family holiday.

It’s heavily implied that a huge salary can be achieved while being a full-time mum or working in another job.

A recruiter told our reporter that she earned £27,000 alongside her full time job in a different sector.

Tricia Handley-Hughes, InteleTravel’s UK and Ireland managing director, insisted the agency’s partnership with PlanNet Marketing had “not run its course” but added: “discussions need to take place”.

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Senior industry agents also reacted to the story, calling it “deeply concerning”.

In a article published by trade publication, Travel Weekly, they raised concerns about InteleTravel’s recruitment methods and about the impact of the story on the professional reputation of other agents in the sector.

Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “It’s important to remember the vast majority of travel agents across the UK are highly professional and trustworthy”.

“Being a travel agent is not a hobby. It should never be treated as a casual side hustle to make some extra money”.

While marketing consultant Steve Dunne, chief executive of Digital Drums, said such stories “could push back the reputation of the travel agents a generation”.

A number of InteleTravel agents have reacted to our report in defence of InteleTravel.

They were keen to tell their followers that agents can ‘just sell holidays’ and do not have to sign up to be part of the business responsible for the recruitment of other agents.

James Pirie-Warsop said: “I’ve been with Intele for about two or three years and I’m glad I did [join them]. Yes, there’s a multi-level marketing side, but you don’t have to do it”.

Whilst no-one is forced to recruit a ‘dream team of travel agents’ like Vicky and Jess, official data from the Direct Selling Association reveals that 63 per cent of agents in the sector do go on to build a ‘team’.

InteleTravel’s own figures may differ from the UK wide average, but when asked directlt by The Sun, they declined to comment on the amount their agents earn.

Read our full InteleTravel report here.

Have you been approached to join InteleTravel or asked if you’d like to make money selling travel with a team of like-minded agents? Get in touch with us at

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SMALL details can sometimes lead to the biggest headaches when it comes to air travel.

And when it comes to passenger names on a booking, getting these right is key if you want everything to go smoothly at the airport.

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Airlines have a right to deny boarding to anyone who’s ticket doesn’t match their ID, and some travellers have been denied boarding for failing to correct this ahead of their flight.

So whether you need to correct a typo or transfer a ticket to a different person entirely – here are the name change rules for different airlines, made simple.

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Ryanair

Low-cost airline Ryanair allows changes to names up to 24 hours before a flight’s departure time if processed online, and two hours before if done at the airport desk.

Both of these options will incur a name change fee: £115 on the website and £160 through an agent.

If you notice a minor mistake within 48 hours booking you can correct up to three characters in a name free of charge – but more substantial or later changes will carry a price tag.

Maiden and married names are the exception here.

Ryanair will amend a name at no extra cost if your surname has changed on the document you are using for travel.

Editing a booking to be in someone else’s name is also possible, but not if one of the flights on the booking has already departed (for example, if you are already abroad and trying to make changes for your return flight).

Those name changes that fall within 48 hours of booking and over 24 hours before flying can be made on the Ryanair website or app by clicking ‘Manage this booking’ and selecting ‘Change a name’.

But if you’re already checked in, you’ll need to contact the airline and pay the slightly higher price.

easyJet

easyJet also allows name tweaks, letting passengers correct titles and spelling mistakes of up to three letters without any fee.

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The airline is slightly more lenient than Ryanair with this, as it does not have a time limit of 48 hours after booking.

You can do this on either its website or app under ‘View Bookings’.

Changes of more than three characters or a whole name can also be made, but a fee will be applied per passenger, per flight.

The cost is £60 for online amendments and £65 for going through the customer service team.

And in the event of needing a very last-minute change, easyJet gives you a little more time than Ryanair by allowing requests at the airport desk up to 90 minutes before departure.

Jet2

British airline Jet2 has a more restrictive policy when it comes to name changes.

Only the lead passenger can make edits and absolutely no changes are allowed after check-in.

It does have the same three letter rule as easyJet and Ryanair – allowing minor tweaks for free – but the fee that applies for more major changes can end up being higher.

While amendments made 14 days or more ahead of the flight time only cost £50, changes made after that will cost £150 plus any fare difference since the booking was made.

This means that if the price of your flight has gone up and you request changes just days before your trip, it could be significantly more costly than £150.

Jet2 also does not allow for any name changes within 48 hours of flying, so you have less flexibility.

If you are within the permitted window and wish to go ahead with a change it’s easy to do this through the ‘Manage My Booking’ function on its app or website.

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Vueling

Vueling is fast becoming a popular choice for budget-friendly flights, with many European destinations on its roster.

It also offers different fare options from Basic to Flex.

Name change fees for Vueling are dependent on which you have purchased – if you have a Basic plane ticket, a full name swap will cost you €50 (roughly £43).

And similar to Jet2, you may also be charged the difference if the price of your flight has increased.

However, if you paid for a Flex ticket the total price might be lower as you will only be asked to pay the set change fee, not the fare difference.

Small spelling errors can be corrected at no extra cost up to two hours before flying providing none of the flights in the booking have already been taken.

Adding middle names or second surnames is also free of charge.

This is very important to check as some airlines don’t require middle names for a booking, but Vueling’s policy is that passenger tickets must match their identity documents exactly.

Wizz Air

Passengers can access their Wizz Account and go to ‘Make changes’ if they wish to change a name for their upcoming flight.

Typos of up to three letters are free, while ticket transfers to a new completely name cost €70 (around £61).

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This is allowed up to three hours before departure.

Wizz Air‘s call centre is also on hand for anyone who would prefer to make these changes by phone.

The airline is accommodating when it comes to changing surnames after marriage or divorce and will amend these for free for any passenger that provides the required documentation.

However, its website states that responses to such emails can take up to 30 days, so get in contact as soon as you can if you wish to request this.

British Airways

British Airways differs slightly compared to more budget airlines.

Its tickets are non-transferable, meaning passengers are not able to change an entire name on a booking and will instead need to cancel and re-book the ticket.

This will likely cost significantly more than any flat fee.

However, unlike other carriers, BA has a 24-hour grace period.

Customers have one day to completely cancel their flight free of charge, giving them the option to get a full refund and make a new booking in this time frame.

Free spelling corrections of up to three characters can be made by contacting the BA customer services team.

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A BRAND new vintage fairground-themed playpark has just opened its doors in the UK.

The new Adventure Play Fair in Norfolk is “one of East Anglia’s largest themed play areas,” according to the attraction’s Instagram account.

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Sprawled across the 30,000-square-foot park, wooden huts have been converted into all the things you would expect to find at a funfair.

A towering red and yellow Helter Skelter stands out in the play area and has a small climbing wall and exit to a bridge walkway on the side as well.

Then there is a wooden shed standing as a ‘Popcorn Hut’, with a rope bridge leading it to the ‘Hook a Duck’ hut with a slide and another exit to the ‘Hall of Mirrors’.

Another spot is ‘Tin Can Alley’, where kids can bang on long metal tubes that vary in length to create differently pitched sounds.

The Ferris Wheel, dubbed ‘The Big Wheel’ has a network of tunnels, bridges and different wooden ‘pods’.

While the giant play structure doesn’t move like a Ferris Wheel does, the different cabins have a variety of things to do, including one with a slide out of it.

The carousel also stands stationary, with wooden horses and a long rope bridge coming from its roof and stretching to another part of the park.

And scattered across the park are a number of multicoloured teacups.

Adding to the vintage steam rally theme, there is a train that kids can crawl through, and on hot days, they can have a splash in the UK’s first water fountain organ.

Classic playground elements are in the ‘funfair’ too, such as swings, pedal quadracycles and trampolines in the ground.

For the parents, there are plenty of picnic benches with parasols to perch on and a cafe to grab refreshments or a light bite at.

One visitor, who headed to the open day yesterday, said: “[T]his is outdoor play on a whole new level.”

Tickets cost £4 per adult and £8 per child and the Adventure Play Fair is open Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 5pm.

While there, families can also explore the museum that has the world’s largest collection of steam engines.

For half price adult admission and free tickets for kids under 12, you can show your Adventure Play Fair tickets.

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Thursford is also popular in the festive season for its Christmas Spectacular, which includes a three-hour show with over 130 performers.

There is also Santa’s Magical Journey, which includes a meet-and-greet with Father Christmas.

From November, visitors can head on The Enchanted Journey of Light – an immersive light trail with fairytale characters, lanterns and lit-up seesaws and swings.

And if you are looking for something else to do nearby, head down the road to Pumpkin House which has a maize maze, mini golf, tractor sand pits and pumpkin picking in October.

Or you could discover Hindringham Hall – a moated Tudor manor house with fishponds and historic walled garden.

There are holiday cottages at the house too, if you wanted to extend your stay in the area.

Norfolk was also recently named a must-visit destination for August.

Plus, on the Norfolk coast there is a countryside hotel with an underground spa.

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HOLIDAY experts have revealed the exact time and date Brits should book their tickets ahead of the August bank holiday to save hundreds of pounds.

It’s not too late to book last-minute flight tickets for holiday trips over the August bank holiday weekend.

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Brits can still find ways to get out of the country that won’t blow the budget for the weekend of August 25.

This includes trips to classic European escapes and hotspots like Disneyland Paris.

Ticket experts have analysed pricing data and industry travel trends.

CEO of AttractionTickets, Oliver Brendon, explained: “It’s easy to assume the early bird always gets the deal.

“In reality, travel companies adjust fares repeatedly based on demand, and we see opportunities appear even in the final days before departure.

“There’s still time to save on last-minute August bank holiday travel if you know when to book.”

Brendon reveals the trick to finding value no matter how late the purchase is made.

Through review of historic pricing, as well as industry reports, Sundays have been found to regularly deliver the lowest average booking prices.

This is because airlines adjust seat availability and prices over the weekend.

Therefore, holidaymakers who plan to book on Sundays can more often find a better deal and pay significantly less than those who book on other days.

Furthermore, Fridays have been found to be time to avoid as it is the time when prices tend to spike due to increasing demand.

A clear morning advantage has also been found through analyses.

Around 6am is when the fresh fares tend to show up, so it is good to get in early before search traffic ramps up into the day.

So those looking to book a getaway from the bank holiday this month should set their alarms for Sunday morning.

Oliver adds 6am on Sunday, August 17 “both sit within the sweet spot before the long weekend and will give you a chance at potentially unlocking better pricing.”

This timing tip comes from expert insights and data-driven research from travel and ticketing platforms.

It also focused on last-minute booking trends by travellers in the UK.

The advise follows suggestions from CEO of Ryanair, Michael O’Leary, who said flights could also be booked cheaper in the first two months of the year.

Winter months are believed to be the best time of the year to find cheap air fares, as well as just before the peak of school holidays.

Another study looked in to the best time to book flights for certain destinations.

For Faro in Portugal, the cheapest flights for the summer holidays were found to be just five weeks before travelling.

And for long-haul flights like to New York, the best time was found to be June to book for an August vacation.

IF YOU fancy a National Trust day out but you’re not a member, there’s some easy-to-overlook sites that won’t cost you a penny to access. 

We all think about the historic houses and great estates that National Trust and English Heritage look after around the country.

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But it’s easy to forget that they both have lots of free locations too, giving access to our coastlines and countryside for the cost of car parking. 

I’m lucky to have two reservoir reserves right on my doorstep, both of which have lovely waterside walks, a playground for the kids and a cafe for those all-important refreshments.

Even better, National Trust members can park free, since the organisation took over looking after Staunton Harold Reservoir and nearby Foremark on the border of Leicestershire and Derbyshire a couple of years ago. 

In the school holidays, there’s often kids’ activities like circus skills or kite-making that anyone can turn up and have a go at. 

Calke Abbey, which is a location you have to pay to access, is in-between the two and has one of the National Trust’s biggest woodland play areas and a huge walled garden full of fun like hobby horses, den building, garden games and craft stations throughout the summer holidays.

There’s enough there for a full day out, but if you’re just after somewhere outdoors to while away a few hours, its free neighbours could be perfect.

To be honest, we very rarely visit the inside spaces when we go to National Trust places anyway as my boys prefer to be in the fresh air.

So it’s great that you have the option of playgrounds and woodland walks without having to pay.

It’s not just hidden countryside spots that are great to explore for free. 

There’s some incredible coastal sites that fall under National Trust and English Heritage ownership too.

If you’re heading to Norfolk for your holidays, there’s the remains of a big Roman fort tucked away behind Parkdean’s Breydon Water caravan site.

Burgh Castle, looked after by English Heritage, is a short stroll away from the caravans if you’re staying there or there’s a small car park for visitors just up the road. 

It’s amazing how much of the fort walls have survived and you can get a sense of how the Romans built their empire.

We’ve been there many times over the years and there’s only ever a handful of visitors about, even in the height of summer.

Just up the Norfolk Coast is the National Trust’s Blakeney Point, home to a colony of seals.

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We stayed nearby for our first wedding anniversary and it really is a very special place.

Just remember to give the wildlife plenty of space if you want to visit it in its natural environment.

When we headed up north last year, we went to several English Heritage sites along Hadrian’s Wall, including Housesteads Fort.

But it’s easy to forget that most of the 73 miles of wall are free to access and looked after by various organisations like National Trust and English Heritage.

My top tip if you’re heading to one of these free sites and aren’t a member is to try to support the location by buying something from the cafe or giving a small donation if you can.

Always follow the countryside code to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but memories so that these wonderful wildlife havens remain unspoilt for future generations.

With 620,000 acres of land and 780 miles of coast belonging to the National Trust, you’re bound to find somewhere to visit not far from your doorstep – and you might not even need to pay a penny to enjoy your local location.

The National Trust has also revealed their best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to ‘city oasis’ parks.

Plus, these are the National Trust’s top family-friendly attractions with fairytale castles and ‘book jungles’.

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A WETHERSPOONS pint always goes down a treat – and even more so at this one venue that has a rooftop garden and sits right by the beach.

Back in 2015, The Admiral Collingwood in Ilfracombe, North Devon, scooped up the prize of best new pub at the National Pub Design Awards.

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And since, the boozer has become an icon of Ilfracombe’s seafront after judges described it as “an uncompromisingly modern building where the glass dome offers urban presence, while the rest of the main elevation is understated yet sophisticated”, according to Harrison Ince Architects.

Inside, new artworks were commissioned for the pub at the time, and a steel sculpture of a wave breaking was installed.

On the roof of the pub, there is a beer garden which is open between March and October and boasts amazing views across the coast.

One recent visitor said: “The view of the sea is amazing; the roof terrace is lovely and the drinks are true spoons quality.

“We love Ilfraspoons!”

Another added: “The view and the amazing prices make the THE place to go”

According to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the pub serves three changing beers which often include ales from Fat Belly, GT Ales, Exmoor, Cotleigh and Bays featuring regularly.

In the summer, this increases to four beers.

And then additionally, there are three regular beers on offer to punters.

Visitors also get to learn a bit of histroy about the purpose built pub when they visit, as the menu states: “Until its very recent closure, the Collingwood Hotel had welcomed visitors to north Devon’s Ilfracombe for over 130 years.

“The imposing five-storey building was named after Admiral, Lord Collingwood, Nelson’s second-in-command at Trafalgar (who fought just off the Spanish coast in 1805).

“Cuthbert Collingwood fired the first shot in the battle (one of British naval history’s most famous and crucial) and took over command of the British fleet after the fatal wounding of his friend Horatio Nelson.”

Just a short walk away from the pub is Wildersmouth Beach, which is sheltered and shingle.

Despite being central to Ilfracombe, the dog-friendly beach is often less crowded than other sandy beaches nearby.

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Ilfracombe is also home to the Landmark Theatre, in Jubilee Gardens.

For art lovers, make sure to follow the coast around to Ilfracombe’s harbour where you will find Damien Hirst’s bonze sculpture called Verity – a half-skinned pregnant woman, who stands 20 metres tall.

The high street is also said to be a “thriving hub of independent shops”, according to Visit Ilfracombe.

There are many craft shops, gift shops and cafes to explore – and even a coffee-cum-craft shop.

Sweet tooths will also enjoy the Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium, which sells handcrafted chocolates and has a chocolate museum – which is free to visit.

And make sure to check out the department story Chas N Pedlar & Son, which has been running for over a century.

The seaside town has a lot of choice for accommodating too, with lots of holiday homes.

How can I save money at Wetherspoons?

FREE refills – Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.

Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.

So if you’re planning a pint at a Spoons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.

Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.

For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.

Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.

Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it. 

Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.

Check the date – Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.

It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.

As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.

A Devon local has walked the South West Coast Path numerous times – these are her best spots The Salt Path movie doesn’t show.

Plus, Devon is also home to the best fish and chips in the UK.

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