Your Mother's Day plans might need an umbrella
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, the monsoon trough is strengthening and will stretch across the North and Northeast, while the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is also picking up speed. All of this means more rain across the country, with some areas in the East and along the South's west coast seeing very heavy downpours.
In Bangkok, expect isolated thundershowers – those quick bursts of rain that can turn the streets glossy in minutes. Temperatures will ease down to a comfortable 25-27C at night and climb to a toasty 34-37C during the day.
So what's the plan for the long holiday? You could stay in, brew a pot of tea and watch the raindrops race down your window with Mum. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, pop out and explore – we've got a list of the best things to do with Mum on Mother's Day. Just make sure your umbrella is your plus-one and your shoes can handle a few puddles.
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Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Telegraph
‘I religiously avoid narrow Cornish roads in my Land Rover, but are they really as bad as I fear?'
As I nervously wind my way along Cornish coastal roads towards beautiful Harlyn Bay, I spot a huge red double-decker bus coming towards us on a small humpback bridge. I freeze. 'How on earth is that going to get past us, Mum?' my 11-year-old daughter says, echoing my thoughts. We close our eyes in terror as the bus gradually edges its way past and heave a sigh of relief as we see it drive away. It's just one of many hair-raising moments I experienced while driving an SUV around Cornwall this summer. That sort of nail-biting encounter is one of the reasons I have been so reluctant to come here in recent years, ever since we bought a second-hand Land Rover in 2023. I never used to be a nervous driver and have fond memories of whizzing along the coastal lanes on my way back from Polzeath in my battered old Renault, Marlboro Light in one hand, during my student days at Exeter. Ever since I hit the perimenopause and bought an SUV a few years ago, however, I have become quite anxious about tackling narrow coastal roads. But when I hear that Watergate Bay Hotel in Newquay, which I've heard great things about, has teamed up with Land Rover to offer guests a complimentary five-seat Discovery Sport hybrid in which to explore the coast, it's the perfect opportunity to overcome my fears. Also perfect, I decide, is that our one-year-old Labrador, Mabel, can make her first trip to the seaside. If she loves it as much as her mum, five-year-old Luna, it's bound to be a hit. Everyday traffic hazards The trip to Cornwall starts reasonably well as the hotel is on quite a wide road, but as we wind our way along the coast through Mawgan Porth towards Padstow, the roads seem to get more treacherous. I get stuck behind a cyclist for what feels like miles and then a car towing a caravan pulls out in front. At one point I find myself driving head on towards one of those cool-looking VW campervans which is bombing along without so much as a care in the world. I pull in towards the side of the road but find the steep banks on either side quite nerve-wracking. And then the situation I've been dreading: a steep hill culminating in a tiny, exceptionally narrow bridge – with a massive bus coming the other way. Accident statistics Are, I wonder, the roads in Devon and Cornwall more dangerous than the ones where we live in the Cotswolds? When I look at the statistics, it seems my fears are not entirely unjustified. Devon and Cornwall police reported a total of 741 road accidents in July 2024, compared with 380 in Feb 2025. The report also showed that there were six fatal accidents in Aug 2024 alone, and a total of 8,752 accidents between Jan 2024 to Feb 2025. By comparison, in London there were 3,696 road casualties in 2024, according to data from Transport for London. In my home county of Oxfordshire, there were 1,064 last year. Influx of 'Chelsea tractors' Is it any wonder, then, that locals get a bit fed up with reverse-shy tourists like me clogging their roads with our Chelsea tractors (because you can almost guarantee that's what they are driving) during the summer holidays? One Cornish resident, who didn't wish to be named, said that they are sick of 'terrified tourists' causing tailbacks on their infamously narrow roads. 'In Cornwall, we say you can spot a tourist car easily… it still has its door mirrors intact,' she noted. Maria McCarthy, motoring journalist and Devon resident, who is also the author of Driving Test Confidence, says tourists often have problems with rural roads, especially if they are driving SUVs. 'They are not used to narrow lanes where they have to reverse for tractors, for example. Also, many have expensive cars on leases and know they will have to pay for every scratch and dent when they move it on, so they are hyper-cautious when it comes to pulling in or letting another vehicle pass.' McCarthy points out, however, that many rural drivers can feel overwhelmed in cities. I have a flashback to one recent nightmarish theatre trip to Birmingham with my teenage son where we ended up driving around Five Ways roundabout at least, well, five times. 'I think the root of this problem can be traced back to the driving test, which doesn't fully prepare people for driving in a range of urban and rural environments,' McCarthy continues. 'Someone can pass their test in rural Cornwall and be navigating Bristol city centre the next day. Or pass in Camden, then drive down to Cornwall for a holiday.' Local writer Rachael Rowe, who grew up in north Cornwall, says she never goes to Newquay in summer. 'There are lots more people and houses in Cornwall now and, although we have the new A30, once you get on the narrow lanes [you realise that] many of the roads have not been improved at all for decades.' So, what would Rowe recommend for nervous visitors like me? Top tips for visitors 'Firstly, slow down. We have blind bends, narrow bridges, blind summits, cows crossing, horses and cyclists, so you never know what will be around the corner. If I'm on a narrow winding bit I always make a mental note of where the passing places are so I know where I'll need to reverse if I meet a tractor, convoy or bus. You really need to have good reversing skills as well, but drivers should have these anyway,' she says. 'It's always worth checking a map for choices of route too, not simply trusting a navigation system to take you down a really narrow lane just because it's allegedly faster when there is probably a better, wider alternative.' Finally, Rowe says, don't park on beaches, slipways or in farm gateways. I realise I may have stopped near a slipway after the close encounter with the bus and make a mental note to brush up my reversing skills before my next visit. And since our dogs and my kids love Cornwall, it won't be too long before I brave these roads again. But, having gained confidence during this brief trip, I'll do it in my own Land Rover.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
I've found a Center Parcs alternative that's cheaper at just £40 a night – it has a farm & looks like a Robin Hood set
A SAVVY mum has claimed to have found a 'beautiful' Center Parcs alternative that's "less than half the price." So if you want to get away with your little darlings this summer but can't afford to splash too much cash, then you'll need to check this out. 6 6 6 6 While the cost of a Center Parcs break can vary massively depending on the location, time of year and the type of accommodation, during the school summer holidays, families can expect to pay upwards of £899 for a summer break. But according to this bargain hunter, she has found a much cheaper location that is just £40 per person per night. Not only is the more affordable alternative set in a gorgeous forest in Nottinghamshire, but there's plenty for kids to do - there's a large swimming pool, a petting zoo and of course hot tubs too. Posting on social media, a content creator who posts under the username 'Bored With Kids' gave her followers a close-up look at her recent trip to Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest. The mother and her sons had 'a lovely break' whilst staying at the 'little woodland lodges,' which are said to 'offer visitors a chance to step into a world where history and fantasy intertwine.' The lodges are set amidst the whispering trees of the ancient forest, ensuring guests wake up to the serene sounds of nature. Thrilled with her recent stay, the mother said: 'If you're looking for a cheap Center Parcs alternative, then this could be right up your street - we spent three nights here for just under £500 or £40 per person per night. 'It is heavily influenced by its location near Sherwood Forest and by the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves - there are loads of original props from the movie here, including the actual reception.' Thrilled with the accommodation, the mother continued: 'The woodland lodges have hot tubs and are pretty similar to the Center Parcs ones with the layout - we even had a log burner here, which was lovely at night. 'Plus you have tennis, bowling and swimming available before 5pm - you can actually book out the whole pool for yourselves if you wanted.' This holiday park is like Center Parcs, Haven and Butlin's in one Not only this, but there's also a petting zoo, a mini golf course and a large playground too. According to the holiday forest's website, this resort will enable kids to 'release their energy,' whilst ensuring 'every member of the family is catered to.' How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.' As well as being affordable, thanks to the extensive range of family-friendly amenities and activities, it's said to be 'the ideal destination for a memorable getaway.' Clearly overjoyed with the fantastic, fun staycation destination, the mother concluded: 'It is less than half the price of the cheapest Center Parcs lodge, it's in a beautiful location and there are loads of lovely places to visit nearby.' Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ bored_with_kids, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 163,600 views, 1,235 likes and 58 comments. Social media users were left open-mouthed by the 'great' holiday destination, which is great for those looking to cut costs on flights and spend time in the UK this summer. One person said: 'Looks great.' Another added: 'This place looks great and brilliant price.' Top Hacks for Holidaying with Kids IF you've got plans to go on holiday with your little ones this summer, here's some advice to take on board. Plan Ahead: Book accommodations with family-friendly amenities. Research kid-friendly attractions and activities. Make travel arrangements that accommodate your children's schedules. Pack Smart: Create a packing checklist to ensure you don't forget essentials. Pack a mix of familiar and new toys to keep kids entertained. Bring snacks, extra clothes, and emergency supplies in your carry-on. Travel Comfort: Use neck pillows and blankets for a more comfortable journey. Download movies, games, and music on tablets or phones. Schedule travel during nap times or overnight to maximise sleep. Stay Organized: Use packing cubes to keep clothes and items sorted. Keep important documents, like passports and tickets, in a dedicated folder. Utilise apps for itinerary management and navigation. Engage and Entertain: Plan interactive activities like scavenger hunts or travel journals. Explore local parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums. Involve kids in trip planning to get them excited and engaged. Maintain Routine: Stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible. Bring along comfort items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals. Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust plans based on your children's needs and moods. Embrace the unexpected and make the most of impromptu moments. Keep a positive attitude to set the tone for a fun and memorable trip. These hacks can help make your holiday with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and will ensure that you return home with wonderful memories! Meanwhile, a third asked: 'Is it dog friendly?' In response, the savvy influencer responded and shared: 'It is.' Meanwhile, one user snapped: 'That's not cheap.' To this, the content creator wrote back and shared: 'It's cheaper than Centre Parcs.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 6 6
Metro
4 days ago
- Metro
Kate Middleton releases new video celebrating the beauty of British summer
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Princess of Wales has shared a new message with a professional video of the UK's beautiful landscapes that helped inspire her through her cancer journey. For 2025, Kate Middleton spoke of how she has been comforted by nature over the past year, during which she received treatment for cancer. Spreading a message of love, she has now released a second video through the Kensington Palace social media accounts highlighting the natural beauty of British summertime. She wrote a post on X, signed off with her initial: 'Our lives flourish when we cherish the bonds of love and friendship. It has never been more important to appreciate the value of one another, and of Mother Nature. Here's to Summer. C' Her voiceover is played over video shot by Will Warr, from TopJaw fame, depicting an idyllic vision of British summertime without the raging wildfires. It does include awe-inspiring moments from the UK's landscape, a pollinating bee, huge trees, crashing waves, towering cliffs and children playing in sand dunes. Catherine says: 'Summer is a season for abundance. Just as the flowers bloom and the fruits ripen, we too are reminded of our own potential for growth. It is the time to ignite our inner fire and explore our own creativity, passions, and dreams. 'As we bask in the sunlit hours, friends and families come together; playing, connecting, being present. Embracing the joy to be found in even the most fleeting of moments and shared experiences. 'Our lives flourish when we cherish the bonds of love and friendship. 'So open your hearts; sing, dance, play. 'The days are still long, so simply love, and be loved.' The glossy production includes shots from Sheffield, Bradford, North Wales and Anglesey and the south coast of England. It comes after a furore over her message, which led to her picture being pulled from news agencies, in a row over manipulation which dragged on for weeks and led to a public apology. She told how discrepancies seen in the family photo were not part of some big conspiracy, but her 'amateur' attempts at picture editing. The princess came under scrutiny following her Mother's Day message last year, which included a photo of her and her children said to have been taken by William in Windsor earlier in the week. Questions were raised that the image – the first of the princess to have been released after she underwent abdominal surgery a few weeks earlier – may have been manipulated before it was posted on social media. It was withdrawn by international picture agencies later the same day. Kate publicly took the blame for the manipulated photograph and issued a personal apology for the 'confusion'. She said: 'Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. 'I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. 'I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C.' The princess underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy after her cancer diagnosis and announced in September last year that she had completed her treatment. More Trending In January, Kate confirmed she is 'now in remission' from cancer following a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she received her treatment. A message on social media, also signed 'C', said: 'I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year. 'My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. 'We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. MORE: Fees for A&E: Could charging patients reduce 'time-wasters' and shorten waits? MORE: The Metro daily cartoon by Guy Venables MORE: Pet smell even after cleaning? This 'super powerful' vacuum removes odours to leave your home smelling fresh
