Take your pic! Sony world photography open award winners
Attracted by the smell of flesh, polar bears feast on the carcass of a whale in east Greenland. More than 60 bears were recorded in the area and their behaviour was almost benevolent, possibly due to the abundant food. These winners from the 10 different categories will be among the images on display at Somerset House, London, from 17 April until 5 May
A tender, intimate portrait of two people in a bedroom. The subjects had wanted to capture this moment for posterity
Elaborate handmade kites at the international kite fliers meeting on the Danish island of Fanø. It is one of the world's largest kite-flying events
This portrait was shot in a studio and subsequently transformed into a modern, Renaissance-style image using collage
Many photographs taken during a traditional Moroccan tbourida , an equestrian performance, depict the riders firing their rifles. Here, Unia wanted to show how dangerous it can be when a rider is thrown from their mount
A meticulously composed image of a street vendor selling electronic parts in Akihabara, Tokyo. The district is nicknamed Akihabara Electric Town for its plethora of electrical and electronics shops, which sprang up after the second world war as street vendors sold parts for radios. Nowadays, it is famous for the otaku culture of anime, cosplay, manga and retro video games as well as electronics
A group of shamans in La Paz, Bolivia, shot against the brightly painted local architecture. Shamans play a major role in Indigenous Bolivian culture
New York's Times Square from above, using a very wide angle lens
Residents celebrate the victory of the Persib Bandung football club by lighting flares in West Java, Indonesia
During a solo hike in Wenhai, China, the photographer came across this a narrow stream meandering through grasslands towards a vast, still lake. The image was edited to evoke the look of a pencil sketch
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Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Top European theme park that mums say is better than Disneyland shows off new Wes Anderson-style hotel
Plus, a huge new Premier Inn will open near major airport and will be the largest of its kind in the north of UK SUITE DREAMS Top European theme park that mums say is better than Disneyland shows off new Wes Anderson-style hotel Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TOP European theme park is welcoming a new premium hotel that looks like it's out of Wes Anderson's world. Dutch theme park Efteling will be opening a new hotel this summer called the Efteling Grand Hotel. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Dutch theme park Efteling will be opening a new hotel this summer Credit: 6 It will follow the fairytale-theme of the park Credit: 6 In total, it will have 140 rooms and suites complete with themed decor Credit: The theme park is already well known for its fairytale theme, with one TikToker - The Travel Mum - dubbing it "better and cheaper than Disneyland". The new addition to the attraction will be the first hotel located within the theme park itself and will open on August 1. The hotel will be themed around a traditional grand dame hotel with stories woven into the design throughout, appearing like a Wes Anderson story. There will be digital check-in, valet parking and luggage handling, upon arrival. A bellhop and Efteling's two princesses will guests in the lobby, where the air will also be infused with the hotel's signature fragrance. The hotel will be spread across seven floors offering 140 rooms and suites, with a total of 644 beds. The biggest room will be able to host six people. The hotel rooms will also overlook the park with different views of the Aquanura water show the House of the Dive Senses entrance, the Fairytale Forest or the Pardoes Promenade Lane. All of the rooms include breakfast at Brasserie 7 and half an hour of early access to the park before it opens to the public. Other features of the rooms include each one having an Efteling Grand Hotel fairytale book. Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food The lower ground floor of the hotel will have a swimming pool - availabel only to hotel guests - with spa facilities including a steam room, sauna and massage room. There will also be a multifunctional serenity room where guests can unwind, pray or meditate. The hotel will have two restaurants with Brasserie 7 located on the ground floor and Restaurant-Bar Mystique on the first floor. While Brasserie 7 will serve up a range of classic dishes - which include seven 'magical' ingredients such as princess tears and snow from Mother Holle - Restaurant-Bar Mystique will offer a more premium dining experience. 6 There will also be two restaurants at the site and one cafe Credit: 6 There will also be a swimming pool at the hotel, and spa facilities Credit: Each table will be decorated with edible decorations and the restaurant will be open to the public, as well as park and hotel guests. Café Biscuit will also be a part of the hotel, where baristas will serve coffee and the signature Grand Hotel biscuit. Plans have also been revealed for incredible new 240-room hotel with huge swimming lake, golf and spa near to iconic racetrack. Plus, a huge new Premier Inn will open near major airport and will be the largest of its kind in the north of UK.
Metro
7 hours ago
- Metro
‘Enchanting' European city is a hidden gem with £1 pints and new £18 flights
It's barely even summer, but if you're already eyeing up an autumn getaway, Wizz Air has just announced a new route that won't break the bank. The budget airline is launching twice-weekly flights from Birmingham to Sibiu, an 'enchanting' medieval city in central Romania, this October – with fares starting at just £17.99 one-way. The historic city lies in the heart of Transylvania, a region famous for its vampire legends and Count Dracula. The bloodthirsty character, popularised by Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, is based on Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia. The 15th-century prince displayed 20,000 of his enemies impaled on sticks and happens to be a distant relative of King Charles III. With fairytale streets, gothic architecture and an eerie atmosphere, it's essentially the perfect Halloween getaway. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. And if the culture doesn't tempt you, the price of a beer might. Romania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for alcohol, with pints in Sibiu costing as little as £1 in some bars, putting the UK's £5 average to shame. So, what does this hidden gem actually offer? Compared to other Romanian cities, like its capital, Bucharest, Sibiu is relatively small. And, despite attracting plenty of visitors, it is generally considered a hidden gem. The medieval city is divided into two areas: the Upper Town and the Lower Town. The Upper Town is perched on a hill and was once home to aristocrats and the religious elite. You'll find grand squares and palaces, and Saint Mary's Evangelical Cathedral, an imposing Gothic-style cathedral. The Lower Town was home to Craftsmen, Merchants and artists and is known for its colourful houses and cobblestone streets. Transylvania's ties to Dracula often draw people to the region, and you can find links to the tale in Sibiu. The city is said to be the burial place of Dracula's son, 'Cel Rau' (the Evil One). It's a secret that very few people know when visiting, according to Visit Sibiu. It's said he was assassinated outside Sibiu's Evangelical Church in Piata Huet and buried there. Visitors have described Sibiu as both enchanting and eerie, and a large reason for this is its architecture. Across the town, you'll find dozens of houses with small dormers that look like half-open eyelids. The unique feature has earned Sibiu the nickname 'The City with Eyes'. Most were built in the 19th century; however, some date back to the 15th century. Legends say they were built to frighten people, making them believe they are being watched. But they actually just act as a ventilation system for the houses' attics. Either way, they're definitely a little unsettling and Big Brother-esque. After all that exploring, you'll likely want to get off your feet. And there are plenty of bars and traditional restaurants to do so. Eastern Europe is known for having affordable beer prices compared to Western Europe, and Sibiu is no exception. Recent research by Finder ranked Romania as the tenth cheapest place to enjoy a pint in Europe. The price of a glass of beer costs just £1.85, significantly lower than the average London pint at £6.75. If you're after some sunshine, the best time to visit Sibiu is between May and October, when the weather is pleasant. Temperatures can reach up to 30 ° C during the summer months (July and August), however, these are the busiest months. So, if you don't like sweltering crowds, perhaps consider a different time. The shoulder seasons (April and May) and autumn (September and October) can offer tourists some respite from crowds. The weather is still pleasant, but there are typically fewer people visiting. So, maybe bag yourself some Wizz Air flights for October. Sibiu is a great destination for those looking for a cheap city break. You can find accommodation for less than £40 per night. The Ibis Styles is a budget-friendly option for travellers, with prices starting at £35 per night on But, if you're looking for something a bit more luxe, the four-star Continental Forum has rooms for £70 per night, set in a historic building in the centre of Sibiu. There are also plenty of options in the city's old town. The Pension Casa Frieda, an 18th-century building converted into a guesthouse, has rooms for £35 a night, while Hotel Casa Luxemburg, located amongst Sibiu's medieval streets, has rooms for £60 a night. More Trending Sibiu is a great place to tick off when exploring the wider Transylvania region, so many travellers will stay for 24 hours or less before heading on to other destinations. If that's the kind of break you're after, it's a two-hour drive from Brașov, another medieval city located in the Carpathian Mountains, that's known for its Saxon walls and Gothic churches. Sibiu is also close to Bran, the ultimate Dracula destination. The commune is just two hours away and is the home to the gothic Bran Castle – a popular tourist destination famously marketed as 'Dracula's Castle' despite the fact it has no real connection to Bram Stoker's novel. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Major European holiday destination opens e-gates to British travellers just in time for summer MORE: Devastated and broken, I headed to the Himalayas to heal my heartbreak MORE: I was cabin crew for 26 years — here's how we handle emergencies at 30,000 feet
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- Scotsman
Property Expert comments on Edinburgh's Airbnb regulations in 2025
Property Expert explores recent 2025 developments in key cities, offering insights into the ongoing short-term rental crisis. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In 2025, cities across the United Kingdom are ramping up regulations on Airbnb-style short-term rentals as they grapple with housing shortages and the lasting impacts of the pandemic on tourism. These developments are important because they reflect the delicate balance policymakers must strike between supporting local economies driven by tourism and protecting the availability and affordability of housing for residents. says the rise in short-term rentals has transformed many neighbourhoods, driving up rents and reducing long-term housing stock, while also generating vital income for hosts and local businesses. This article explores how these UK cities are addressing the crisis. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh introduced a city-wide tourist tax in 2024 on overnight stays, including those in short-term rentals, aimed at funding public services strained by mass tourism. The council expects the tax to generate between £45 million and £50 million per year by 2028 or 2029. Alongside this, the city council launched a crackdown on unlicensed short-term lets in early 2025, with several high-profile prosecutions for operating without appropriate licenses. The measures reflect Edinburgh's dual focus on sustaining tourism income while addressing residents' concerns about housing availability and neighbourhood disruption. Other cities following suit London In 2025, London enforces a strict 90-day annual limit on short-term rentals for entire homes. Hosts exceeding this threshold must obtain formal planning permission, a rule designed to curb the loss of long-term rental stock to the short-term market. Enforcement efforts have ramped up, with local councils issuing fines to hosts who circumvent the rules, signaling a determined effort to protect London's rental market amid soaring housing demand. Brighton Brighton requires hosts to obtain planning permission for short-term rentals and mandates compliance with health and safety standards. In 2025, Brighton City Council increased enforcement actions, targeting unlicensed properties with fines and forced closures. Local community groups have called for further reforms to protect affordable housing. Oxford Oxford has taken a strong stance against unauthorised short-term rentals, culminating in the closure of notable listings such as the controversial 'Shark House' in late 2024. The city council cited breaches of planning permissions and licensing requirements, marking one of the highest-profile enforcement cases in the region. Oxford continues to review its short-term rental policies with a focus on protecting student housing and residential communities from displacement, with consultation processes underway for more comprehensive controls in 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cornwall In Cornwall, local MPs and councils have advocated for stricter regulations on holiday lets, responding to mounting concerns over the impact of second homes and short-term rentals on local affordability. Proposals pushed forward in early 2025 include mandatory planning permission before converting properties into short-term lets and improved data sharing between rental platforms and authorities. Cornwall's tourism-dependent economy complicates the balance between welcoming visitors and maintaining vibrant year-round communities, with ongoing discussions to refine policy frameworks. Why It Matters The regulatory wave sweeping UK cities in 2025 signals a critical shift in how governments are prioritising long-term housing needs over short-term tourism gains. With rents rising sharply in major cities and local communities squeezed out by investors converting homes into holiday lets, the urgency to act has reached a tipping point. According to recent figures from Shelter UK, nearly two-thirds of workers in England struggle to afford private rent, highlighting the broader challenges in the housing market. Short-term rentals have become a flashpoint in wider debates about affordability, sustainability, and the right to housing. As the UK government continues to consult on national reforms, city-led initiatives are setting important precedents that could reshape housing and tourism policy for years to come. Getting the balance right between welcoming visitors and preserving communities is now one of the most urgent challenges in urban planning and property regulation. 'As more UK cities tighten regulations on short-term rentals, the landscape for property owners and renters is rapidly evolving. London's 90-day whole-home rental limit is a landmark policy aimed at preserving long-term housing supply, but enforcement remains complex given the diverse nature of hosts, from retirees supplementing income to investor-backed operators. Similarly, Edinburgh's tourist tax and Brighton's crackdown on unlicensed rentals demonstrate how local governments are balancing the need to fund vital public services while managing the impact of mass tourism on communities. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These efforts highlight a critical tension: while restricting short-term lets can help cool inflated housing markets, overly rigid policies risk pushing out responsible hosts and driving rentals underground. It's essential for cities to implement smart regulations that incorporate clear licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and distinguish between commercial investors and local residents. For example, allowing second-home owners to rent within reasonable limits while cracking down on large-scale operators can protect housing affordability and community character. The ripple effects extend beyond housing. Short-term rentals contribute significantly to local economies. Average guest spending exceeds £250 per night in cities like London and Edinburgh, supporting cafes, cleaning services, and retail businesses. Blanket bans could disrupt these economic benefits, so the goal should be balanced policies that support sustainable tourism alongside housing equity. In short, the future lies in nuanced, data-driven regulation that protects both residents and the economic ecosystems that short-term rentals help sustain,' says Property Expert, Jes Johnson of
