Tiny gestures, coded photos and a confession we all missed: The subtle signs Mary and Frederik are reconciled after a breach of trust rocked the Danish royal marriage: SHARON HUNT
But a recent visit by Queen Mary and King Frederik X of Denmark to the picturesque
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Five money-saving mums share their cheap UK city break secrets – they spend less than £10 a DAY
FANCY a city break with the kids but don't want to break the bank? We've spoken to thrifty mums from some of the UK's top cities to find their secret spots for saving cash on a day out with the family. 11 If you're savvy, a day exploring one of the UK's exciting cities can come in at less than £10 for the whole family - and that's just for pizza at the end of the day. From Manchester, London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Leeds, they revealed some top money-saving tourist tips for their cities and why they believe it can be cheaper than a day at the beach. 'It's time for people to start paying attention to Brum – especially parents' 11 Jo Kingsley lives just outside Birmingham with her husband, Blair and two children, Seth, 10, and Evan, 8. She told Sun Travel: "It's time for people to start paying attention to Brum – especially parents. "Everyone knows about the Sea Life Centre and Lego Discovery Centre, and we've spent our fair share of time in both, but they can be pretty pricey. "Like most people, these days, we're all looking for cheaper family days out, and the city itself is a fascinating place for kids. "Birmingham actually has more miles of canals than Venice, and they're worth exploring. "Companies run boat trips from around Brindley Place (prices from £26 for a family of four for an hour's trip), but my tip is to walk. "There are so many interesting things to spot, and you always stumble across a cosy cafe or hidden pub, with gorgeous waterside views, that you might not have discovered otherwise. "After a wander down the canal, we like to visit IKON (also on Brindley Place). It's a fairly small modern art gallery, so it's a great way to introduce children to art without being overwhelmed. 6 cities in the UK you NEED to visit "It's free to get in and often runs kids' activities and crafts alongside the exhibitions. "The whole of the Brindley Place area is bustling and home to plenty of familiar names from Las Iguanas to Turtle Bay, which often run ' Kids Eat Free ' or other promos during school holidays. "Then we head up Broad Street towards the middle of the city. This is a real hub for buses and trams that go all around the city, as well as to the station. "Up Broad Street at Centenary Square is Birmingham Library, with its distinct pattern and gold hat on top. Also free to enter, there's a large children's section, good if you have younger kids or just need a bit of time out. "If you're interested in Shakespeare, the library houses a memorial room originally built in 1882, a fascinating glimpse into the past. "Perhaps more kid-friendly is the library's Secret Garden on the 7th floor, the perfect place to get a moment of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 11 "Turning left out of the library, it's another short walk to the Birmingham Museum, on Chamberlain Square. "Recently reopened, it's also free to get in. There's a mixture of exhibitions, including interactive elements for kids, and a large tearoom onsite with a children's menu and Babychinos for only £1. "On the other side of the city centre, you'll find Think Tank, Birmingham' s interactive science museum. "Prices vary, depending on what day you visit and whether it's a school holiday, but entry is about £50 for a family of four. "It's more pricey, but you could spend a whole day here, so it's decent value overall. "There are four floors to discover, with everything from old steam engines to dinosaurs, as well as a planetarium and 'MiniBrum,' a child-sized play city perfect for under-8s. "There's also a science garden outside, packed with fun hands-on experiments. "Their on-site café offers a kid's lunchbox for £5.50, and there's a morning deal, a coffee and Danish Pastry for £4.00, for the adults. "For us, Birmingham is all about exploration, taking time to wander and discover. "There's street art on the walls, sculptures in unexpected places (look out for the man with a big red heart for a head outside The Cube), and incredible architecture, with futuristic creations like the Selfridges building sitting happily next to traditional Gothic styles. "If you want to get kids away from screens and interested in the world around them – without breaking the bank! – Birmingham is the perfect place". 'London is so cheap, it's almost a free day out!' Helen Wright has two children under eight and says far from being expensive, London's her go-to cheap day out. "When my children, Finn, 8, and Isobel, 5, are on school holidays, London is my go-to if I want to keep them entertained without spending any money. "Kids go free on the London Underground, so we take the Tube into town and usually get off at St Paul's. "We bring their micro scooters, which are allowed on the Tube (bikes are not). "Even if you are visiting London from out of town, you can buy foldable scooters that you can pop in the car, take on the train and even on a plane. 11 "We cross the Millennium Bridge that runs between St Paul's and the Tate Modern, it's very wide and flat, and the kids love scooting over the River Thames. "The Tate Modern is free to enter, and they usually have an immersive art or play exhibition on for kids during the holidays that is also free. "Keep an eye on Uniqlo Tate Play to see what's on. "Even when there is nothing special happening, the huge wind turbine hall is a vast space with room for kids to burn off some energy. "Outside, there is a grass area with a small cafe/bar, but we bring our own packed lunch and find a shady spot on the grass to eat our sandwiches. "Bring a bag with a few 50p coins in, as there is always a street performer outside who makes giant bubbles and he keeps the kids entertained for ages while the parents relax on the grass. "After this, we scoot along the river to the Southbank to watch the skateboarders at the skate park under the Royal Festival Hall. "During the summer, go up to the second level to see Jeppe Hein's Appearing Rooms, an art installation that uses water jets to create outdoor rooms (on until 25th August 9am - 6pm). "Bring a change of clothes, though, as kids will deliberately get themselves wet, especially when it's hot. "Everyone knows there is a choice of free and excellent museums in London, such as the Natural History Museum, the Young V&A and the Science Museum, but the city has so many areas to explore outdoors too. "Follow the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, a 7-mile circular walking route in London that connects four Royal Parks, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James's Park. "The walk is free and easy. Follow 90 plaques marking locations associated with Princess Diana's life, which also happen to be beautiful London sights along the way. "Finish at the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens - but again, be sure to pack a change of clothes. The fountain is designed for kids to paddle and splash, so they will likely get wet. "Before heading home, dinner is always at Bill's in Victoria. Kids eat free in the school holidays, and the menu has more varied options than the usual chicken nuggets and chips. "Do make a reservation, though, as it's a popular spot with the pre-theatre crowd. "It's crazy to think you can spend a whole day in the capital city and hardly spend any money. An afternoon at our local farm costs us double". 'Leeds has so many free attractions, it's brilliant for budget-conscious parents' 11 Cora Harrison is a mum to two boys under three and says Leeds is a great city to explore with kids. She says: "As a mum of two young boys, Patrick, 1, and Oliver, 3, I'm always on the lookout for fun days out - and living on the outskirts of Leeds City Centre means we're spoilt for choice. "It's no secret that the cost of days out as a family can add up quickly, but I've found some great ways to enjoy the best of Leeds without breaking the bank. " Leeds City Museum is a fantastic free option right in the heart of the city. "First established in 1819, the museum spans four floors with exhibitions that are really engaging for kids, including Life on Earth, The Leeds Story, and Ancient Worlds. " Leeds City Museum has an on-site café. However, being in the city centre, there are plenty of other family-friendly places to eat nearby. "Some of our favourites include: Trinity Kitchen Food Hall, Pizza Punks and Bill's, which have 'kids eat free' offers on in the school holidays. "Another great, free choice on the outskirts of the city is the Royal Armouries. This national museum is home to a curated collection of arms, armour, and historical artefacts like medieval swords, knights' armour and samurai gear. "There are also regular live demonstrations and special themed events that my boys love. " Tropical World is another family favourite and a bargain too. "Set within Rounday Park on the outskirts of the city, this indoor zoo boasts more than 120 different animal species and offers affordable tickets, with adults paying just £9 and children aged between 3 and 15 paying £4.50. " Rounday Park is also the perfect spot for a picnic on a nice day. Covering more than 700 acres, in addition to Tropical World, this park features lakes, woodlands, formal gardens and playgrounds, meaning there's plenty to explore. "For older kids, another fantastic park to visit in Leeds is Temple Newsam. This 1,500-acre estate features a historic mansion, a home farm, gardens and lakes as well as a Go Ape! and an 18-hole golf course. "Visiting Temple Newsam Park is free of charge. However, some experiences within the park are available at an additional cost. "For example, entry into Temple Newsome House currently costs £10 for adults and £4.40 for children aged 3 to 15. However, family tickets and combo tickets, which include entry into both the house and the home farm, are available at a discounted rate. "Be sure to book online in advance to get the best prices. "The historic house is beautiful, but the kids prefer it outdoors - the reason? Temple Newsam is home to some of the rarest farm animals in Europe, including the Vaynol cow, White-faced Woodland Sheep, and Middle White pigs." 'Cardiff is officially a child-friendly city' 11 Michelle Morgan Davies, 36, lives in Barry with her husband and their two sons, Greg, 7, and Finn, 4. "Cardiff is a short drive or a 25-minute train journey from the famous seaside town of Barry, where we just moved to after over ten years of renting in Cardiff. "My two boys are transport-obsessed, so taking the train into the city adds to the adventure as well as being a budget-friendly option because children under 11 travel free with a paying adult on Transport for Wales trains. "This means the three of us can travel into the city for only £6.60 return. "We usually head straight to the National Museum Cardiff. At the front and back of the building, there are free parks which are the perfect place for the kids to blow off any steam before needing to be semi-sensible around the exhibits. " Parc McKenzie has wood sculptures to capture the children's imagination, including giant snails and an assault course all set under towering trees. "I like to grab a £3 Brodies coffee on the way past and usually give the kids their packed lunch on a bench here before we head into the museum to prevent any hangry meltdowns. "With everyone fed or caffeinated, we head inside - and back in time - to the formation of Wales by tectonic plates, through the dinosaur era and out into a celebration of the natural world and all its creatures. "We all love it and it's a quick, free, family favourite. To support the museum there are donation buckets and QR codes if you can spare any cash. "We are spoilt for choice in Cardiff with another fantastic museum that is free to visit just a short bus ride away from the city centre. " St Fagans National Museum of History has play parks, historic replica homes you can walk inside, gorgeous nature trails and a striking stately home to explore. "If you arrive by car and park, it is £7, or you can walk in for free. 11 "When we visit St Fagans, we tend to spend the whole day there as there is so much to do. "Other fab and free spots to take a picnic and let your kids go free and play include Forest Fawr sculpture trail, which has free parking and panoramic views. For this, you would need a car, though, as it is a drive out of the city. " Cardiff Bay Barrage is easily accessible on foot or by train and is another place to spend the day exploring. "There are bars and restaurants at the waterfront and a safe route for scooting and cycling alongside the water. "It's paradise for active kids, with a play park, skating ramps and a sculpture of The Enormous Crocodile, a character created by the beloved Children's author Roald Dahl, who was born in Llandaff, Cardiff. "To save money on a lunch out, I use sites like to find 'kids eat free' vouchers and rewards that might be available if I download an app to visit one of the chains like Bills, Pizza Express and Nando's. "It may sound funny, but Wetherspoons is another favourite of mine if I'm out alone with the children. "Children are welcome, and it's budget-friendly. Plus, everything comes to the table if I order on the app, so I don't have to drag the boys to the till and back. "Three small plates to share are only £14.99 and a squash is just 40p. "Better still, Cardiff Bay's Wetherspoon has a balcony with stunning views over the water, which is a nice bonus as we can watch the boats and the world go by together. "Both Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan councils often have play initiatives that are free to attend, with announcements shared on their social media pages. "All year, they put on events from Disney character meet and greets to festive light shows and family fun days. "In 2023, Cardiff was named the UK's first 'c hild-friendly city ' by Unicef UK. "The global award celebrates cities where children's rights are a big part of decisions made by local government, and it is something that is felt and so appreciated by local families like mine. "A small budget is no limitation to the fun you can have in a city like Cardiff". 'Manchester has lots of hidden bargains' Cathy Toogood was born and raised in Manchester and now lives there with her husband and two children. "The Manchester that I grew up in 40 years ago has changed massively, with new hotels, places to eat and attractions being added to the city's repertoire all of the time. "In the last five years alone, the city centre has seen the addition of a new park and sky garden and the popular Manchester Museum – whose Egyptian mummies I was fascinated by as a child – has undergone a £15 million transformation. "This makes it an exciting city to explore with my own children, Zac, 8, and May, 11. "A big bonus for parents visiting Manchester is that the majority of its most popular museums, galleries and other family-friendly attractions are completely free to visit. "A favourite for us if the weather is good is Mayfield Park, a new green space a five-minute walk from Piccadilly railway station. The play area here has six super-speedy slides that whizz down from chimney-shaped towers. "One even whooshes right over the River Medlock, which kids are always excited by. "There's a lawn in the park perfect for picnics if we want to save money by bringing our own food or there's the enormous Freight Island food and entertainment hall next door (open Thursday and Fridays from 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from midday), where you can buy giant slices of pizza from £4.80 or lots of other food from varied vendors. "One of the city's coolest neighbourhoods, the Northern Quarter, is around a 15-minute walk away from here, where there's colourful street art to admire and, if you have teens, pose in front of. "Head to central Stevenson Square, where it's repainted regularly. "When my children were younger, they loved visiting the free and relatively unknown Greater Manchester Police Museum. "It's open on Tuesdays and at various dates in the school holidays. Around the corner on Newton Street, you can peek into an old cell, courtroom and look at uniforms and vehicles. "Our favourite haunt is Ginger's Comfort Emporium, an ice-cream parlour on the first floor of Affleck's Palace shopping mall. "The salted caramel and peanut butter is both mine and May's favourite. "When the weather means we'd rather be indoors, we can spend hours in the Manchester Museum – there's free entry and it's just been named European Museum of the year. "There's the skeleton of Stan the T-Rex, a vivarium with frogs to spot and regularly changing exhibitions – such as this summer's free The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years where kids can stroke, cuddle or tickle a 10-metre-long, inflatable robotic cat. "If you want to save money and bring your own food, the indoor picnic area here which has a microwave and a sink, which is so handy. There is a café, too. " Manchester's city centre is compact and walkable so families can get around for free. "But Manchester Museum is around a half-hour stroll away from central St Peter's Square with kids in tow so the promise of a treat on the way back can help us make it without complaints (if this sounds too far, several buses travel up Oxford Road). "A top lunch spot on the way back to the centre is Bundobust for tarka dhal and rice (£7.50) and other inexpensive Indian street food dishes. "If I leave it up to the kids, they pick Rudy's on Peter Street for thin and crispy Neapolitan pizza. A margherita is £9.90 and they can easily share. "If you're also a local, my last trick to keep the kids entertained in Manchester is the National Football Museum which is free, but only to Manchester residents. "Anyone visiting with mini football fans should head to the free Manchester City Kids Fanzone at the Etihad for football skills sessions and activities before weekend home matches (during match season only). "While you don't need match tickets to attend, you'll need to pre-book to guarantee a slot".
The Guardian
a day ago
- The Guardian
‘Who needs the scorching Med?' Readers' tips for cooler European coastal holidays
Spend some time on Rügen, Germany's largest island, on its Baltic coast. White sandy beaches and darker history await. Visit Lauterbach, by the sea. From there, catch the coastal ferry to the tiny fishing village of Baabe, a near three-mile (5km) walk/cycle through rolling countryside and catch the 'Raging Roland' steam train back again. Not far away, you can walk the cliffs that inspired Caspar David Friedrich. For a very different day, visit Prora and its massive beachside concrete apartment blocks, originally planned as a Nazi holiday complex, before becoming a Soviet army barracks, and now a part ruin, part reunification commercial and residential Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - Who needs the scorching Med when you have the Danish Riviera. The water is clean and refreshing. No wetsuits allowed – you'll be laughed off the beach. Danish summer hols are in July so you'll have the beach to yourself in August. Book a summer cottage near Gilleleje, a charming fishing village about an hour from Copenhagen. Denmark is expensive, so self-catering is best. Ice-cream at Hansens. Lunch in Gilleleje harbour. Culture at Louisiana modern art museum and Hamlet's Castle in Helsingør. And day trips to Copenhagen. Christina Hel is a tiny spit of land north of Gdańsk. Guys selling hot smoked fish meet you as you get off the ferry. Getting there is an adventure in itself, as the ferry takes you past the colossal cranes of Gdańsk's shipyards. Long sandy beaches, pine forests and a small picturesque village make Hel a fantastic place to spend a few days. Famous for its seals, as well as its seaside, it really is the opposite of its fiery namesake. Lucy Moore We've just returned from a Scandi road trip and had four fantastic, chilled nights on Björkö. It's only 30 minutes from central Gothenburg by (free!) car ferry and regular buses. Great swimming and beaches; micro breweries and fresh fish; sunsets and sunrises to die for; days out in Gothenburg, including the excellent Liseberg theme park, with no queues for proper scary rides – highly recommended. James Fuelled by our kids' love of flags and a craving for quiet, we chose Åland, thousands of islands scattered between Sweden and Finland like granite gods wept there. We cycled between clouds and old boat sheds, stopping for smoked herring and cardamom pancakes with stewed prunes (sexier than it sounds). By the time Ivar lent us ancient alder oars to row to the next island, knowing they'd be returned by a friend, we'd learned that Åland doesn't welcome visitors – it absorbs them. Eliza Ainley Based in Oviedo (the ideal compact city), in Asturias, we would explore the coast one day, mountains the next, finding unexpected Gaudí buildings, gingerbread houses in Ribadesella, amazing cemeteries on cliff edges, enjoyable easy driving on perfect roads, gorgeous unspoilt beaches and great weather! Few tourists, thousands of Camino pilgrims along the way and (very weak) cider! Cannot wait to return and yes, we'd love to live Hargreaves Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Camping Panorama du Rohou, near Paimpol in northern Brittany, has excellent views over to the beautiful Île de Bréhat. Walk down through the forest behind the campsite to take a short ferry ride to the island. Hire a bike or walk to explore its rocky coves and quaint villages. A lighthouse at the far end of the island has great views and is a good spot for a picnic, or to have a Breton galette or crepe at nearby Paradise Rose. Les Scènes de Bréhat is an annual festival with live music at the beginning of July; late-running ferries get you back to the When we booked a trip to northern Norway's stunning Lofoten Islands and Andøya we didn't expect a beach holiday, but blessed with August temperatures in the high 20s we spent days swimming in the Arctic Ocean. Bleik beach on Andøya is one of the longest in Norway – 'bleik' means 'white' or 'pale' in Norwegian, and the almost empty white sand, coupled with refreshing blue sea and the towering cliffs behind the beach, made for a perfect end to a day's hiking. Puffins abound here, and whale watching trips are available from Andenes, just a few miles to the Hanko, Finland's southernmost seaside gem, sits on a sandy dune that stretches out into the Baltic Sea. The town comes alive in early July during the celebrated Hanko Regatta, a sailing festival that draws about 200 yachts. To reach Hanko from Helsinki, take the VR train from Helsinki Central for about €15. Rent a bike once you arrive to explore the sandy beaches bordered by an ancient pine forest, historic villas and nature reserve. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood with Baltic views and sit down for a pint of Lonkero. Don't miss the spa scene and wild swimming! Liina Aan Noordzee campsite, on the North Holland coast, has a simple, tranquil feel and no entertainment facilities. With separate cycleways everywhere, you can explore the beautiful coastline up to Den Helder and, by ferry, Texel island (sandy beaches, pretty towns and robust Texel sheep). An unspoilt beach walkable from the campsite awaits, with dune footpaths that lead to restaurants built on stilts. The sunsets over the North Sea are stunning. Alkmaar is accessible via a regular bus service. Nicola Hull
The Guardian
a day ago
- The Guardian
‘Who needs the scorching Med?' Readers' tips for cooler European coastal holidays
Spend some time on Rügen, Germany's largest island, on its Baltic coast. White sandy beaches and darker history await. Visit Lauterbach, by the sea. From there, catch the coastal ferry to the tiny fishing village of Baabe, a near three-mile (5km) walk/cycle through rolling countryside and catch the 'Raging Roland' steam train back again. Not far away, you can walk the cliffs that inspired Caspar David Friedrich. For a very different day, visit Prora and its massive beachside concrete apartment blocks, originally planned as a Nazi holiday complex, before becoming a Soviet army barracks, and now a part ruin, part reunification commercial and residential Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - Who needs the scorching Med when you have the Danish Riviera. The water is clean and refreshing. No wetsuits allowed – you'll be laughed off the beach. Danish summer hols are in July so you'll have the beach to yourself in August. Book a summer cottage near Gilleleje, a charming fishing village about an hour from Copenhagen. Denmark is expensive, so self-catering is best. Ice-cream at Hansens. Lunch in Gilleleje harbour. Culture at Louisiana modern art museum and Hamlet's Castle in Helsingør. And day trips to Copenhagen. Christina Hel is a tiny spit of land north of Gdańsk. Guys selling hot smoked fish meet you as you get off the ferry. Getting there is an adventure in itself, as the ferry takes you past the colossal cranes of Gdańsk's shipyards. Long sandy beaches, pine forests and a small picturesque village make Hel a fantastic place to spend a few days. Famous for its seals, as well as its seaside, it really is the opposite of its fiery namesake. Lucy Moore We've just returned from a Scandi road trip and had four fantastic, chilled nights on Björkö. It's only 30 minutes from central Gothenburg by (free!) car ferry and regular buses. Great swimming and beaches; micro breweries and fresh fish; sunsets and sunrises to die for; days out in Gothenburg, including the excellent Liseberg theme park, with no queues for proper scary rides – highly recommended. James Fuelled by our kids' love of flags and a craving for quiet, we chose Åland, thousands of islands scattered between Sweden and Finland like granite gods wept there. We cycled between clouds and old boat sheds, stopping for smoked herring and cardamom pancakes with stewed prunes (sexier than it sounds). By the time Ivar lent us ancient alder oars to row to the next island, knowing they'd be returned by a friend, we'd learned that Åland doesn't welcome visitors – it absorbs them. Eliza Ainley Based in Oviedo (the ideal compact city), in Asturias, we would explore the coast one day, mountains the next, finding unexpected Gaudí buildings, gingerbread houses in Ribadesella, amazing cemeteries on cliff edges, enjoyable easy driving on perfect roads, gorgeous unspoilt beaches and great weather! Few tourists, thousands of Camino pilgrims along the way and (very weak) cider! Cannot wait to return and yes, we'd love to live Hargreaves Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Camping Panorama du Rohou, near Paimpol in northern Brittany, has excellent views over to the beautiful Île de Bréhat. Walk down through the forest behind the campsite to take a short ferry ride to the island. Hire a bike or walk to explore its rocky coves and quaint villages. A lighthouse at the far end of the island has great views and is a good spot for a picnic, or to have a Breton galette or crepe at nearby Paradise Rose. Les Scènes de Bréhat is an annual festival with live music at the beginning of July; late-running ferries get you back to the When we booked a trip to northern Norway's stunning Lofoten Islands and Andøya we didn't expect a beach holiday, but blessed with August temperatures in the high 20s we spent days swimming in the Arctic Ocean. Bleik beach on Andøya is one of the longest in Norway – 'bleik' means 'white' or 'pale' in Norwegian, and the almost empty white sand, coupled with refreshing blue sea and the towering cliffs behind the beach, made for a perfect end to a day's hiking. Puffins abound here, and whale watching trips are available from Andenes, just a few miles to the Hanko, Finland's southernmost seaside gem, sits on a sandy dune that stretches out into the Baltic Sea. The town comes alive in early July during the celebrated Hanko Regatta, a sailing festival that draws about 200 yachts. To reach Hanko from Helsinki, take the VR train from Helsinki Central for about €15. Rent a bike once you arrive to explore the sandy beaches bordered by an ancient pine forest, historic villas and nature reserve. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood with Baltic views and sit down for a pint of Lonkero. Don't miss the spa scene and wild swimming! Liina Aan Noordzee campsite, on the North Holland coast, has a simple, tranquil feel and no entertainment facilities. With separate cycleways everywhere, you can explore the beautiful coastline up to Den Helder and, by ferry, Texel island (sandy beaches, pretty towns and robust Texel sheep). An unspoilt beach walkable from the campsite awaits, with dune footpaths that lead to restaurants built on stilts. The sunsets over the North Sea are stunning. Alkmaar is accessible via a regular bus service. Nicola Hull
