Natalie King

Bluestone Wales ranked among the top UK holiday parks with a 77% satisfaction score, outperforming major operators such as Center Parcs and Haven. The Which? survey placed Potters Resorts first and Forest Holidays third, with strong feedback on service and facilities. Bluestone received praise for its natural setting, high-quality accommodation, and positive visitor reviews. Pontins finished at the bottom of the rankings due to poor cleanliness, outdated facilities, and low value for money, despite a few positive guest comments.

Roasting broccoli instead of boiling preserves nutrients, enhances sweetness and flavour, and produces a crisp texture. Health expert Elizabeth Rider recommends high‑heat roasting or air‑frying, using olive oil, lemon juice, and optional garlic to elevate the dish. Clear cooking instructions outline how to achieve better taste and nutritional value.

Some UK airports provide dedicated family or assisted travel lanes that allow parents with young children to move through security more quickly without paying for express lane access. Manchester, Heathrow and Gatwick offer specific family lanes, while Birmingham waives express lane fees for young children. Policies vary by airport, making it useful for families to check guidance before travelling. Guidance on handling items such as milk, wet wipes and pushchairs is also provided to help streamline the security process.

Low cabin humidity during flights increases the risk of dehydration, and travellers are advised to drink about 250ml of water per hour in the air while avoiding excessive caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods. Hydrating in the 24 to 48 hours before travel can reduce fatigue and discomfort, and electrolyte sachets may help maintain fluid balance. Large volumes of water should not be consumed rapidly to avoid diluting sodium levels. Signs of dehydration and when to seek further advice are outlined by the NHS.

Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan is highlighted as a peaceful alternative to the Cotswolds, praised for its historic buildings, independent shops, rural surroundings and Welsh identity. Features include the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge South Gate, Llanblethian Castle, local markets, and nearby Monknash Beach. A spokesperson from Welligogs describes rising interest in lesser‑known destinations that offer charm without heavy tourism.

A Which? survey of more than 3,600 car hire customers found that one in eight paid more than their quoted price due to hidden fees such as insurance and age surcharges. Goldcar ranked worst for unexpected costs and long queues, followed by Dollar and Avis, both criticised for slow collection and poor cost transparency. Autoreisen topped the rankings with five-star ratings across all categories and the lowest average price, while Arnold Clark and Alamo were named recommended providers. Which? urged travellers to use reputable firms or trusted brokers to avoid unexpected charges and poor service.

Major UK airlines outline differing rules for digital and printed boarding passes. Ryanair now requires all passengers to use its app for digital passes, with fees for airport check‑in and printed passes still required at some Moroccan airports. Jet2 supports both digital and printed options and allows multiple passes on one device. TUI Airways accepts either format, but passengers on non‑TUI flights must follow the operating airline’s rules. EasyJet advises using its app except at airports that do not allow mobile passes, where printed versions remain necessary.

A travel writer outlines five types of clothing to avoid wearing on flights, citing practical issues such as difficulty using airplane bathrooms, security delays caused by long dresses, discomfort from shorts on hot vinyl seats, the inconvenience of jumpsuits, and the risk of temperature changes or accidental exposure with strappy tops. Light-colored clothing is discouraged due to the likelihood of spills during travel. The guidance emphasizes comfort, ease of movement, and preparedness for varying cabin conditions.

Research from credit card provider Zable identifies Porthmadog in Gwynedd as the most expensive place in the UK to buy an ice cream, with single-scoop cones averaging £3.85. Prices across UK seaside towns vary significantly, with Barton-on-Sea listed as the cheapest at £1.95 per cone. Additional Welsh towns, including Aberystwyth and Tenby, also appear among the top ten most expensive locations. Rising ice cream prices reflect broader increases in seaside costs, from parking to food and entertainment.

Eurocamp is opening a major new resort, Hu Eraclea Mare, on Italy’s Adriatic coast in May 2027, offering extensive facilities including six pools, a large water park, 30 dining options, beach access and family-friendly entertainment, with prices for a family lodge starting from £319. The development is positioned as a lower‑cost alternative to UK holiday destinations such as Center Parcs, even when travel costs are included. Its location near Venice provides easy access to city sightseeing and outdoor activities in the surrounding region. Existing Eurocamp sites receive strong guest reviews noting family appeal, wide facilities and good value, though some feedback highlights occasional issues such as cold pools or unhelpful staff. The new resort is expected to become a flagship destination within the Eurocamp network.

Passengers travelling to or from the United States may find the code SSSS on their boarding pass, indicating they have been selected for enhanced security screening. The designation, used by the TSA and sometimes represented differently by individual airlines, can result from factors such as travel patterns, one‑way bookings, cash purchases, or having a name similar to someone on a security watch list. Travellers consistently flagged can apply for the DHS TRIP redress program to ease future checks. Extra screening typically involves pat‑downs and hand inspection of carry‑on items, and passengers are advised to allow additional time at the airport.

A survey by Saga Travel Insurance found widespread confusion among Britons about passport validity rules, including post‑Brexit requirements for EU travel. Many respondents did not know that validity rules vary by destination, and some had previously been denied entry due to insufficient passport validity. Holidaymakers are urged to check issue dates, expiry dates, and blank pages, with specific guidance noting that EU destinations require passports to be less than 10 years old and valid for at least three months beyond departure. Other countries such as Turkey and Australia have different validity requirements, prompting calls for travellers to confirm rules before booking to avoid costly disruptions.

Shell Island in Gwynedd, located on a tidal peninsula within Eryri National Park, offers more than 800 camping pitches, beachfront chalets, and on-site amenities, with access to three beaches including the six‑mile South Beach. The area is noted for sugar-soft sands and exceptional beachcombing, earning recognition from The Times as a top UK beach. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, wildlife watching, and exploring nearby attractions including Llandanwg village, Llanfair Slate Caverns, and Castell Harlech. Day visitors are allowed with restricted hours and a parking fee.

Brexit-related changes have left British travellers facing higher costs and additional restrictions at major European tourist attractions as many sites now offer reduced or free entry only to EU or EEA residents. Key destinations including the Louvre, Versailles, Teide National Park, the Acropolis, the Royal Palace of Madrid, Pompeii and the Colosseum apply lower prices or special concessions exclusively to EU nationals, meaning British visitors pay more and receive fewer discounts. Several locations also reserve free-entry periods for EU or regional residents, reinforcing a two-tier system for UK tourists.

Alan Titchmarsh recounts his decision in 1980 to leave a secure job and go freelance despite a baby on the way, noting that only his mother-in-law supported the move. He describes a fear of complacency that pushed him toward broadcasting and continues to guide his career choices. Titchmarsh reflects on lessons learned from former BBC presenter Frank Bough and emphasises his ongoing commitment to challenging work, including live broadcasting and writing for Gardeners' World magazine. His ITV show Love Your Weekend returns on May 24.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated its travel advice ahead of the May half‑term, listing 15 countries where Brits are urged not to travel due to security risks. Regions within some popular destinations, such as Tunisia, also have restricted zones due to threats like terrorism or regional instability. The guidance highlights heightened risks in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, due to regional escalation linked to Iran. Travelling against FCDO advice may invalidate insurance and limit consular support, and travellers are urged to check the latest updates and register for alerts.

UK airport security rules require all electronic devices to be able to switch on when requested, meaning flat batteries can lead to confiscation or denied boarding. The UK Government advises travellers to ensure devices are charged before reaching security. Airlines including British Airways, TUI, easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair outline varying guidance, with some offering options such as placing items in checked luggage, rebooking flights, or depositing devices with airport services. Restrictions particularly concern depleted or damaged batteries, and passengers are urged to check airline policies and ensure devices remain powered during connections.

A limited‑time Merlin promotion offers a free second‑day entry to major UK theme parks, including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, LEGOLAND Windsor and Chessington World of Adventures, for visitors who purchase a Twice the Fun ticket by April 19 for visits through May 15. The deal allows families to revisit the same park or try another at no additional cost, with ticket prices starting at £32 for visitors over 90cm. The article highlights new and popular attractions across the parks, such as Bluey the Ride at Alton Towers and Hyperia at Thorpe Park, and notes additional discounted theme park options available through third‑party deal sites.

Sardinia ranks sixth in easyJet’s Family Holiday Index due to its beaches, accessibility from the UK and wide range of family activities. Direct flights start at around £35 and the island’s airports in Cagliari and Olbia offer seasonal routes from several UK cities. Attractions include child‑friendly beaches such as Spiaggia La Pelosa, excursions to the La Maddalena Archipelago, historical sites including Su Nuraxi di Barumini and Cagliari’s Roman Amphitheatre, and food options well suited to families. Package holidays through easyJet Holidays are also available, with May pricing cited for family stays.

TUI identifies the European destinations with the most reliable warm and dry weather for Easter based on historical temperature, rainfall, and wind data. Turkey ranks highest, with Marmaris offering the most favorable conditions, including mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. Greece follows with similarly warm and sunny days, while Bulgaria places third thanks to its balanced climate and mix of beaches and mountain landscapes. The top 10 list also includes Spain, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, Portugal, Montenegro, and Gibraltar.

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for South Africa, warning British visitors about rising scams, cybercrime, dating-app related robberies, and drink spiking. The guidance highlights increased violent attacks and muggings at Table Mountain National Park, advising tourists to avoid isolated areas, stay on busy routes, and avoid hiking alone. Additional warnings address driving standards and common fraud schemes, urging travellers to stay vigilant and follow safety recommendations.

Expedia’s 2026 ranking of UK holiday destinations places London in the top spot, with the capital highlighted for its varied neighbourhoods, lower‑cost outer districts and a slate of new cultural attractions including the London Museum’s new Smithfield site and the opening of V&A East. The British Museum will host the Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition, while new entertainment options such as Gameshow LIVE! add to the city’s appeal. Edinburgh ranks second, followed by Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham, ahead of York and the Lake District in the top ten list.

Major UK theme parks are preparing new rides and themed areas for 2026, including Paultons Park’s Viking land, Chessington’s PAW Patrol World, Alton Towers’ Bluey rollercoaster, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s record‑tall Aviktas, and new attractions at Crealy and Pleasurewood Hills. Opening dates vary, with several launches tied to spring and summer holiday periods. Parks are also offering special accommodations, discounts and advance booking options to attract visitors during the new season.

Expedia data identifies the cheapest, busiest and most expensive 2026 travel dates for UK families, highlighting high‑cost periods during Easter and May half‑term. Early March and late April offer the lowest domestic and international fares, though these fall outside school holidays. Travel during late August can reduce summer holiday costs, while peak congestion is expected in early April and late March.