Emily Malia

Pleasure Island Family Theme Park in Cleethorpes, which opened in 1993 and closed permanently in 2016, has been left abandoned after its rides were largely dismantled and other structures deteriorated. The former attraction once featured nearly 50 rides and drew tens of thousands of visitors. Plans first unveiled in 2022 propose a roughly £65 million redevelopment including hotels, log cabins, a casino, restaurants, retail units and leisure facilities, but the future remains uncertain because the Environment Agency has raised flooding and watercourse-access concerns and Natural England has warned of potential impacts on the Humber Estuary ecosystem.

Coxwold in North Yorkshire is highlighted as an ideal base for walkers and dog owners, with The Fauconberg pub ranked the second most dog‑friendly in England according to Dog Friendly Retreats. The pub is praised for its location near open countryside, dog‑friendly amenities, and strong customer reviews. Visitors can also explore local attractions including Shandy Hall, Byland Abbey, and Newburgh Priory, along with several scenic walking routes.

Rod Chayko recounts surviving the 1986 Mindbender rollercoaster crash in Alberta that killed his best friend and an engaged couple, leaving him with lifelong physical pain and survivor’s guilt. The accident was caused by a wheel assembly failure that led to the lap bar restraints giving way and ejecting all four riders. Chayko later received a settlement from West Edmonton Mall and continued visiting the mall but refused to ride the attraction, which remained open until 2023. He has requested a memorial bench to honour the victims, though only a plaque has been proposed.

Fraisthorpe Beach in Yorkshire is highlighted as a dog‑friendly destination that allows pets year‑round and offers a quieter alternative to nearby seaside towns. Its wide, flat sands make it suitable for dogs, families, horse riding and water sports such as kitesurfing. Visitors praise its peaceful atmosphere and cleanliness, though some report issues with parking charges and note that access can be difficult for those with limited mobility. The beach is located near Bridlington and Hornsea, with private parking available for around 100 cars.

A 29-year-old Australian skydiver, Melissa Porter, died during a high-risk swooping landing manoeuvre at a Texas skydiving facility where she worked as an instructor. Her parachute deployed, but she struck shallow water and later died in hospital. Investigators found no signs of blunt force trauma and were unsure whether a medical issue occurred mid-dive. Porter, a gold medallist at the Australian Skydiving Championships, was remembered by family and colleagues as a talented athlete who was passionate about skydiving.

Saltaire Village near Bradford is highlighted as the top British village considered largely untouched by mass tourism, according to the Telegraph’s ranking. Founded by Sir Titus Salt and centred around the historic Salts Mill, the UNESCO World Heritage Site features Italianate architecture, galleries showcasing David Hockney’s work, independent shops, and eateries. Visitors can also explore Roberts Park and nearby canal landmarks, with easy rail access via Saltaire station.

High-wire artist Karl Wallenda died at age 73 after falling 121 feet during a tightrope walk between two towers of the Condado Plaza Hotel in Puerto Rico, where strong winds and an improperly secured cable caused him to lose his balance. The fall was captured by a local WAPA-TV crew though most broadcasters declined to air it. Wallenda, founder of The Flying Wallendas, had a long career marked by daring stunts and family tragedies, and his legacy continues through his great‑grandson Nick Wallenda, who still performs high‑wire acts with added safety precautions.

Leeds is highlighted as one of the UK’s most underrated city breaks, praised for its nightlife, independent bars and cafés, shopping, and cultural attractions. Time Out’s list of overlooked destinations features Leeds for its lively pub scene, standout venues such as The Highland Laddie and The Domino Club, scenic canal walks and diverse museums including the Royal Armouries Museum and Leeds Art Gallery. Victorian shopping arcades and a vibrant mix of food, music and nightlife contribute to the city’s appeal for weekend visitors.