Sun lounger vigilantes RUINED my holiday, says disabled Brit OAP after fuming tourists were filmed snatching pool towels
A BRIT tourist was left fuming after TikTokers swiped bed towels from a sun lounger she had been given permission to reserve due to her disability.
Wheelchair user Elaine Simpson, 77, from Manchester, was staying at the Aquasol Aparthotel near Magaluf with her family to mark her 51st wedding anniversary.
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But her plans to enjoy the special day by the poolside were ruined after a group of friends nabbed the towels they had used to save their spaces at the permission of hotel staff.
Elaine was joined for the trip by her husband and teenage grandkids for a week's break in the sun.
But when they arrived, she was put into a hotel room that was five floors up and as far from the pool as they could have been.
Because she suffers from chronic arthritis and is in a wheelchair, this made it a challenge to claim a hotel sun bed at opening time.
She told the Sun: "We could never have made it down for 9am to get a sunbed.
"So we went out to the beach and paid for sunbeds for the whole week."
Her anniversary came towards the end of their trip - and she wanted to have one day of being able to enjoy the poolside at the hotel.
So she asked reception if they could make an exception to hotel rules and let her reserve a sun bed for that day.
"I went to the man on reception and explained the situation," she said.
"And he said 'you have my approval to reserve some sunbeds around the pool'."
Her teenage grandsons dutifully laid out fresh towels on the sun beds that night so they could save spots for the whole family.
But when they arrived in the morning, the towels had been taken and they were once again left without a space - spoiling the relaxing poolside day they had planned.
"The only thing that was available apart from that was white plastic chairs, she added. "They were too hard. And I can't lie down on the grass, I've got chronic arthritis."
To start with, they were told it had likely been a lifeguard who removed the towels in error.
But it later transpired that a group of friends, who were unaware an exception was made for the family, had taken the towels.
They had shared a video on TikTok of the lads putting down the towels - who the friends had assumed were tourists attempting to get ahead of the morning rush.
The TikTok shows them sneaking down in the dead of night to swipe the towels in what was painted as an act of justice against queue jumpers.
Comments on the video lambasted the family for what was perceived as an inconsiderate act of breaking the hotel rules.
Elaine told the Sun: "It was vile. My grandsons are 13 and 15, they had no right to post any pictures of them.
"They were just trying to look out for me.
"They've not right to do that without checking the facts.
"What somebody saw, and the truth, are completely different."
Elaine said her daughter has since made contact with the TikToker who posted the original video, who apologised profusely for the confusion and took the clip down.
But she added that the experience hasn't entirely soured their trip.
They plan to go back to the same hotel next August, and hope to arrange a more wheelchair friendly room with staff.
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Telegraph
13 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The best fire pits of 2025 for summer nights in the garden, tried and tested
There's no better way to cap off a fine summer's day than cosying up with family and friends around a fire pit. From the earthy aroma of the fire to the crackling sound of burning wood and the drift of the smoke, the best fire pits engage all the senses and provide a relaxing focal point for evenings in the garden. Although they have been around for a while, their popularity is now rocketing along with that of solar garden lights and garden chairs as we spend more time outdoors, notes Martyn Wilson, an award-winning garden design expert. 'Perhaps it is something deep within us and the primeval need to create fire,' he says. 'It can be relaxing staring into the flames and just zoning out for a short while. Fire pits can extend the use of the garden later into the evening and offer a more ambient feel than patio heaters. They are also great for socialising – and you can cook marshmallows with the children.' Many people take small fire pits with them when they go camping, especially ones designed not to scorch the ground. I've tested this year's best designs in my own garden and you can read my reviews below, followed by some advice on how to use and care for fire pits. But if you're in a hurry, here's a quick look at our top five: The best fire pits: At a glance How to choose the best fire pit The first thing to consider when buying a fire pit is size. Larger fire pits can usually deliver heat to a wider area, which is ideal for larger groups, whereas smaller models require less fuel. Portable models should be lightweight and easy to disassemble, so they can be taken with you on your travels. If a firepit is heavy or can't be taken apart quickly, it's probably supposed to stay in pride of place at home. Also consider which extra features you might like. Some fire pits come with a grill accessory for barbecuing, and certain models reduce smoke via a secondary combustion design. How we test fire pits I judged the fire pits from the moment they arrived on my doorstep. How heavy were the boxes? How easy were they to unpack and assemble? Were the fire pits stylish? Did they have extra capabilities like grilling? I tested a variety of sizes and styles. Once I lit them, I noted how much heat and smoke they gave off and how quickly they cooled down. Other factors included how much wood they needed, how safe they were, how energy efficient and how easy they were to clean: you should never leave ashes in the bottom of a fire pit to get wet. If you want to spend more time enjoying your garden, you might also be interested in our guides to the best rattan furniture and inflatable hot tubs. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best fire pits of 2025 1. Best Buy Fire Pit: Recycled Kadai Score: 9/10 We like: Family-made from recycled oil drums in India A kadai is a traditional Indian cooking vessel designed for curries, with curved sides and a deep, flat base. The company Kadai has taken inspiration from the silhouette and transformed it into an authentic fire bowl. This one is made from recycled oil drums by family workshops in India. The result is a rustic-looking fire pit made from metal plates welded together, with drop handles at the side. The handles don't get hot, so you can move the fire bowl without burning yourself. The kit also comes with Kadai beads, which makes it unique. They're tiny clay beads which lie at the bottom of the bowl to help with rainwater drainage and to stop any ash falling through to the ground. My only complaint is that the tiny drainage hole does frequently get clogged. The fire bowl comes with a removable grill so you can barbecue on top. I grilled some thick pork chops, which cooked through within half an hour. You also get some tongs and a wire brush to help with upkeep and fire-building. I'd recommend using kiln-dried logs with this excellent fire pit; otherwise you risk smoking out your companions. Key specifications 2. Best Value Fire Pit: BillyOh Astral 2-in-1 Fire Pit with BBQ Garden design firm BillyOh, possibly better known for their sheds and log cabins, have excelled with this 2-in-1 BBQ model, complete with laser cut moon and stars. It comes with a removable cooking grill, so you can easily cook over firewood or charcoal. There are drawbacks. The log capacity is not huge and there's no easy way to remove the ashes, except by waiting until they're cold and scooping them out. As a barbecue, there's no form of ventilation control, so you are basically cooking caveman-style over the embers. But the price is reasonable, the build quality is decent and you can bolt it together in 20 minutes. The perfect family fire pit on a bargain budget. Key specifications 3. Best Smokeless Firepit: Winnerwell Secondary Combustion Portable Grill Minimal smoke and convenient heating are top priorities for a firepit at home or on the campsite. This portable model from Winnerwell delivers on both. Its legs fold out, bringing the top up to camping chair height. You can also purchase some extension legs (£65.98, Amazon). All of the components feel robust and nicely finished. Speaking as someone who's not much good at lighting fires, this makes it easy work. The tall walls provide good protection against strong breezes, while the bottom vents let helpful airflow feed the fire. It burns brilliantly, providing plenty of warmth at a distance of several meters. I cooked a classic: Flump Minis, which toasted quickly over the flames. This model burns cleaner than most and produced relatively little smoke, even when I used scrap wood with a high moisture content (although performance was best when I burned seasoned firewood). This is all thanks to its secondary combustion. The effect, common to most 'smokeless' fire pits, is produced by a two-walled design which directs airflow to both the bottom and the top of the firepit. So, it burns your wood fuel inside the firepit and also combusts escaping smoke and ashes. It kicks in when the firepit gets hot, after around 10 to 20 minutes of heating. The extra flames are visible around the top edge of the firepit. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with this firepit. It's highly convenient, lights easily and looks great on the paving. As with other firepits, it's important to wear heat-resistant gloves during use. Save the toasting for your marshmallows (or Flumps). Key specifications 4. Best Fire Pit and BBQ: BioLite FirePit+ Score: 7/10 We like: The excellent hibachi grill function We don't like: The noise of the fan £187.93, Amazon The BioLite is a compact and portable fire-pit-and-cooking grill combination that can burn either firewood or charcoal. It arrived beautifully packaged and was simple to assemble – just two handles to screw in. The instructions on how to get it working are detailed, but very user friendly. It's small, so you wouldn't want many more than two or three people sitting around it. It would be ideal for small spaces like an urban back yard or a balcony. It's not as pretty as some others, but it has a unique selling point: a rechargeable battery that powers 51 air jets inside the chamber. These jets create a more uniform temperature and improve combustion. That means more reliable heat, but also less smoke – a common issue with fire pits – so your neighbours might be pleased if you choose this one. The fan is fairly noisy, so this model is better for a lively urban environment, rather than quiet spots. It really comes into its own if you fill the unit with charcoal instead of wood and use it as a hibachi-style grill. It cooks well and it was fun to bring grub to the fire pit experience. By combining the functions of fire pit and BBQ, the BioLite cuts down on expense and space. Those who love to have technology connected with everything in life will enjoy controlling it remotely from their phones. However, others might find that the design – a bit like a robotic dog – and the technology run against the spirit of the fire pit, which is communing with nature. Key specifications 5. Best Luxury Fire Pit: English Country Fireball (800mm) This is a very pricey fire pit and I was curious to see if it had the x-factor to justify the cost. The makers have hand-crafted beautiful countryside scenes into into a 6mm-walled steel ball, forming silhouettes of foxes, stags and trees that seem to move against the flames. The way the smoke swirled around the art evoked a late summer/early autumn woodland evening, making an enchanting focal point for the garden. In short, it is both of use and an ornament. The first downside you'll discover is that it's very heavy – my lower back was crying out the moment I began to lift it. It also needs a lot of wood, so the expense continues after you've forked out for the pit itself. However, the sculpture is so stunning that you're getting value out of this one even when it's not lit and it would be the perfect centrepiece to a large garden. You can buy an LED lighting kit so that it glows at night. The company also offers comfortable matching stools so you can look the part as you while away the evenings and dozens of other Fireball designs, including bespoke creations. (One wag commissioned a Death Star.) Key specifications Fire pit FAQs Are fire pits legal in the UK? Yes, fire pits are legal in the UK. 'But you do need to be respectful of your neighbours and be sure that you are not causing a nuisance with smoke,' says garden designer Martyn Wilson. He also recommends checking local legislation to see if you are in a smoke free zone. What is the best fuel to use in a fire pit? 'Try to use woods with a low moisture content, such as kiln-dried woods or well seasoned hardwoods,' says Wilson. Bio-ethanols formed from plant-based materials such as fermented sugar and plant based starches are also used for some more contemporary fire pits. 'They will tend to burn with less smoke,' Wilson says. Other units use gas or coal. How should I look after my fire pit? 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Gas-fuelled fire pits also produce little smoke relative to a traditional wood-fuelled fire pit, so they can be considered as an alternative 'smokeless' option. How long will a cast iron or steel fire pit last? The lifespan of a cast iron or steel fire pit can vary depending on the thickness and quality of the material, as well as on your usage habits, storage and maintenance. Retailers' estimates on the longevity of high-quality models range from around seven years to 25 years and longer. Steel and cast iron are both susceptible to oxidation, and the level of rusting often greatly influences the lifespan of a fire pit. The material will be likelier to rust if it is left in wet conditions or filled with moisture, or if the surface is scratched, dented or otherwise damaged. Try to find out the warranty terms via the manufacturer or retailer. This will guarantee a minimum lifespan, although many cast iron and steel fire pits can comfortably outlast the warranty period given proper care. Should I cover my fire pit when I'm not using it? Water and detritus can easily accumulate inside and on top of an uncovered fire pit, leading to rusting and uncleanliness. So, most models will benefit from being covered while not in use. To ensure effective coverage, choose a suitably sized waterproof cover that can be secured tightly over the fire pit. Many fire pit manufacturers offer purpose-made covers as an additional purchase, while generic covers are available via retailers such as Amazon. Allow your fire pit to cool down completely before you handle or cover it.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Mystery over 'heartbreaking' message in a bottle that left people in tears is solved as bereaved daughter reveals her late mother's final wishes
The daughter of a woman who always longed to travel has made her dream come true after her death. Single mum of five Wendy Chadwick always dreamed of seeing the world but could only manage holidays in the UK. Earlier this year, Wendy, 51, had started making plans to travel, but passed away suddenly in February. Now her daughter, Cara, has thrown her mum's ashes into the sea, with an accompanying note: 'This is my mum. Throw her back in, she's travelling the world.' Her posts have now gone viral on social media. Cara, 24, from Oldham, says: 'Mum was the glue that held us all together, she gave everything for her kids. We went on holidays to Devon and Wales, and she was always happiest on a beach. She loved the beach in Devon especially. 'She used to say she dreamed of travelling abroad and this year, she finally started to make plans. She didn't care where she went as long as it was sunny and she had sand in her toes. 'Her death was devastating, but I love the idea that now she's seeing the world, just as she'd always wanted.' Wendy, from Oldham, raised her five children, Rachel, 29, Marshall, 27, Cara, Kai, 22, and Callan, 21, on her own. 'She was also a carer for her mother, Audrey, and brother, Richard, both of whom have now passed away. Cara says: Growing up, we had everything she could give us. 'She went overboard at Christmas and birthdays and we always had parties. 'She never missed a school play or an assembly. 'She loved going on holiday, her favourite place was the beach, but she didn't have time or money to go abroad. 'But we had good times in the UK.' Gran of six Wendy dreamed of travelling the world when her children were grown up and this year had finally started planning a trip. Cara says: 'She said she didn't mind where she went as long as she was on the beach and it was hot. We really thought this could be something for her, at long last, after looking after people her whole life.' But in February this year, Wendy was found passed away in her home, from undiagnosed heart disease. Cara says: 'We were shell-shocked. We didn't know she had heart problems, and neither did she. 'My brother and sister went to check on her, and I was on the phone. I heard them scream and I knew Mum was gone.' Cara now says she hopes that her mother is 'bobbing around somewhere warm, enjoying the sun and the sea, and she can achieve her dream at last' Following Wendy's funeral, Cara had originally planned to scatter her ashes on a beach at Butlins in Skegness, where they had happy childhood memories. 'But she then had the idea of throwing the ashes into the sea, so Wendy could see the world. She says: 'It was very emotional, but I knew she'd love it. I wrote a note asking people to throw her back in. 'Incredibly, I saw a Facebook post that someone had actually found her and thrown her back in already. 'Hopefully she's bobbing around somewhere warm, enjoying the sun and the sea, and she can achieve her dream at last.'
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a travel expert - these are the hotel rooms you should always avoid and how to spot if you've been booked into one
After a long day of travelling, there's no better feeling than arriving at your hotel, tossing your suitcases to one side and falling onto the bed. But what if your peace is suddenly shattered by the sound of constant noise from the corridor - from the slamming of doors, to the deep rumble of the lift, to the clanging of cleaning equipment as staff dash from room to room? According to a travel expert, this common issue is often experienced by guests who have been allocated a specific room - and it can all be avoided with one simple booking strategy. Javier Sobrino, founder of Descubriendo Viajes, a Spanish travel platform specialising in curated accommodations, said: 'After staying in hundreds of hotels, I've learned that a room number on your booking can make or break your entire stay.' He revealed that rooms ending in "01" are located right next to lifts, stairwells, and service areas – essentially the noisiest areas on the floor. While this setup is practical for hotel operations, it creates a less than enjoyable experience for guests hoping for a quiet stay. Sobrino said: 'These rooms catch all the foot traffic from other guests coming and going at all hours. 'You'll also hear the housekeeping staff starting their rounds early in the morning, with carts being rolled past your door first, and supplies being restocked in nearby service areas.' He revealed that rooms ending in "01" are efficiently located right next to lifts, stairwells, and service areas – essentially the noisiest areas on the floor He warned that late-night revellers stumbling back to their rooms, early risers making their way to breakfast, or the constant use of the lift will eventually become 'the soundtrack' to a guests' stay. The reason why hotels rarely advertise this information when guests are making a booking online is because every room ideally needs to be filled. Sobrino added: 'Hotels are in the business of selling all their inventory. They're not going to volunteer information about which rooms might be less desirable unless you specifically ask.' He urged guests to be an 'informed traveller' and be aware of which rooms are located near noisy areas, as this helps to avoid a potentially disruptive stay. Beyond rooms ending in "01," Sobrino warned guests to steer clear of alternatively problematic areas, such as rooms directly above or below hotel restaurant and bars, which can be noisy either early in the morning or well into the late night. He added: 'The same goes for rooms facing busy streets or located near loading docks where deliveries arrive early in the morning.' For families with young children or for those planning an early night, Sobrino also advised booking rooms located a good distance from stairwells, as these tend to have heavy doors that slam when people use them to access or exit corridors. Sobrino urged travellers to 'make smart requests,' when inquiring about a room, to call the hotel directly after booking online, and to 'mention any special occasion, even if it's just that you've been looking forward to this break for months'. He added: 'A simple "I'd prefer a quiet room away from elevators" works wonders. Front desk staff want you to enjoy your stay and will note your reservation. If you're in their loyalty program, mention it – this often improves your room assignment priority.' It comes as a safety expert has issued a warning to guests staying in hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs to watch out for five spots in rooms that contain the most dirt. As millions of Brits plan to stay in hotels this spring, experts caution that even the cleanest-looking rooms may harbor germs. In fact, surfaces in the average hotel room are found to be dirtier than a typical home, an airplane, and even a school - while hotel showerheads contain 25,000 times the bacteria of a toilet seat.
