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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather
Some of them have record-breaking lidos and historical hotels to stay at too KENT WAIT Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE UK is set to welcome weather up to 26C this week - so there has never been a better time to visit the beach. One of the easiest beach spots to get to is the Kent coastline, with some being less than an hour from London. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Along with some more popular beaches, The Sun Travel team have rounded up some of their lesser-known favourites, where you are more likely to bump into a local than a tourist. Here are 10 of the best to choose from to make the most of the sun this weekend. Dungeness Beach, Romney Marsh Not your average parasol and sun lounger beach, Dungeness on the south Kent coast used to be known as Britain's only desert, thanks to its barren landscape. It's part nature reserve, part nuclear power station and part cod-fishing mecca, and also possibly the bleakest-looking stretch of coast in the whole of the UK. This is also its draw for many like me, who love how desolate it looks. The late artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman felt the same way, and visitors still visit to see his quaint old seaside cottage and quirky garden. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire Stone Bay, Broadstairs While Broadstairs has seven sandy coves to explore, all linked by clifftop paths that offer spectacular views across the English Channel. But Stone Bay is a good alternative if you're looking to escape the crowds, with the traditional a British seaside resort alongside imposing Victorian buildings sitting alongside fisherman's cottages. With lots of family-friendly fun including arcades and rides, it's becoming a bit of a foodie mecca too. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' Twenty Seven Harbour Street has stunning views and tasty treats cooked over fire. And must-visit is Morelli's - it's been serving up traditional gelato since 1932 with the fabulous Art Deco interior only beaten only just by the stunning sundaes. Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 Stone Bay in Broadstairs is slightly quieter but Credit: Alamy 9 Make sure to head back to Morelli's in town for ice cream Credit: Alamy Mermaid Beach, Folkestone Folkestone has it's all - a hidden sandy beach that comes with the tide and the main pebble beach lined with bars and restaurants. But the pretty Mermaid Beach- named from the rock shape formation looking like a tail - is where to go to avoid the crowds. You are more likely to be joined by local families with a BBQ than hoards of tourists, and it is right under the Leas Cliff Hall which has a new bar open this summer and live music. Mermaid Cafe has some great food and drink nearby too for when you need a snack, as well as the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is free to visit and undergoing renovation. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 You can tell why it is called Mermaid Beach Credit: Alamy Whitstable Beach, Whitstable Whitstable has long been the most fashionable of Kent's seaside towns, despite the surge in popularity of places like Margate and Folkestone with 'down from Londoners'. I love the town's beach, not for its soft yellow sand (it's instead full of grey pebbles) but for the awesome attractions, pubs and restaurants that line it. Sea Scrub sauna is a lovely experience, the Whitstable Oyster Company is a perfect place for lunch, The Forge oyster shack serves excellent no-frills seafood and The Old Neptune Pub is a great spot for a pint. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire 9 Whitstable is still a great destination despite it's popularity Credit: Alamy 9 The Old Neptune Pub is right on the beach Credit: Alamy Palm Bay, Margate One of Margate's big draws is the sandy Main Sands which you can see as soon as you leave the train station - but the nearby Palm Bay is my favourite. Having lived in Margate for a number of years, Palm Bay is where you will spot the locals. Tucked under the cliffs, it is much quieter than the main area and is round the corner from Walpole Bay lido - the largest of it's kind in Europe. Make sure to find the pop up sauna as well, and visit on the last Sunday of every month for Cliftonville Farmers' Market, with fresh food and drinks. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 Palm Bay is quieter in Margate and near the famous lido Credit: Alamy Kingsgate Bay Beach, Broadstairs The walk from Margate to Broadstairs has some amazing hidden coves, one of which being Kingsgate Bay. With white cliffs on one side and Kingsgate Castle on another, you can even walk through the natural archway depending on the tide (reminiscent of Durdle Door). The sandy beach is often overlooked, as it is only accessed by a steep set of steps and there is very limited parking so it is mainly for walkers to visit. Make sure to grab a pint from the authentic Captain Digby pub above too. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 Kingsgate Bay is hidden thanks to having steep steps and limited car parking Credit: Alamy Deal Beach, Deal While the broad sweep of pebbles on Deal's seafront may not be great for kiddie sandcastles, this is a very grown-up place for adult fun. With its upmarket bistros and historic buildings, it is picture postcard pretty and its high street behind has won awards for its range of independent shops. The Royal Hotel is the perfect place to admire the beach and sea views, you'll be in good company as Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton were once frequent visitors. For somewhere great to stay, The Clarendon Hotel is an elegant 18th century building right on the seafront with great views across to Deal Pier where you can stroll by day to the restaurant at the end or watch anglers try their luck along its length. Trying to choose somewhere to eat? The Frog & Scot is a great small plates restaurant, while The Pelican is one for fish-lovers. Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 EWBEXG the beach at Deal in Kent, England Credit: Alamy Camber Sands Beach, Camber East Sussex lays claim to Camber Sands, but according to Wikipedia a small fraction of this seven-mile-long beach reaches over the Kent border. Which helpfully means we can use it as part of this round-up, as it is easily the best beach in the area. Backed by large sand dunes, Camber is so large that you can always find a spot - even on the hottest of summer days - if you are willing to walk. After an afternoon lazing in the sun, drive 10 minutes down the road to the medieval town of Rye for a pub dinner. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather
THE UK is set to welcome weather up to 26C this week - so there has never been a better time to visit the beach. One of the easiest beach spots to get to is the Advertisement Along with some more popular beaches, The Sun Travel team have rounded up some of their lesser-known favourites, where you are more likely to bump into a local than a tourist. Here are 10 of the best to choose from to make the most of the sun this weekend. Dungeness Beach, Romney Marsh Not your average parasol and sun lounger beach, It's part nature reserve, part nuclear power station and part cod-fishing mecca, and also possibly the bleakest-looking stretch of coast in the whole of the UK. Advertisement Read more on beaches This is also its draw for many like me, who love how desolate it looks. The late artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman felt the same way, and visitors still visit to see his quaint old seaside cottage and quirky garden. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire Stone Bay, Broadstairs While Broadstairs has seven sandy coves to explore, all linked by clifftop paths that offer spectacular views across the English Channel. Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays Exclusive But With lots of family-friendly fun including arcades and rides, it's becoming a bit of a foodie mecca too. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' Twenty Seven Harbour Street has stunning views and tasty treats cooked over fire. And must-visit is Morelli's - it's been serving up traditional gelato since 1932 with the fabulous Art Deco interior only beaten only just by the stunning sundaes. Advertisement Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 Stone Bay in Broadstairs is slightly quieter but Credit: Alamy 9 Make sure to head back to Morelli's in town for ice cream Credit: Alamy Mermaid Beach, Folkestone Advertisement But the pretty Mermaid Beach- named from the rock shape formation looking like a tail - is where to go to avoid the crowds. You are more likely to be joined by local families with a BBQ than hoards of tourists, and it is right under the Leas Cliff Hall which has a new bar open this summer and live music. Mermaid Cafe has some great food and drink nearby too for when you need a snack, as well as the Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey Advertisement 9 You can tell why it is called Mermaid Beach Credit: Alamy Whitstable Beach, Whitstable Whitstable has long been the most fashionable of Kent's seaside towns, despite the surge in popularity of places like Margate and Folkestone with 'down from Londoners'. I love the town's beach, not for its soft yellow sand (it's instead full of grey pebbles) but for the awesome attractions, pubs and restaurants that line it. Sea Scrub sauna is a lovely experience, the Whitstable Oyster Company is a perfect place for lunch, The Forge oyster shack serves excellent no-frills seafood and The Old Neptune Pub is a great spot for a pint. Advertisement Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire 9 Whitstable is still a great destination despite it's popularity Credit: Alamy 9 The Old Neptune Pub is right on the beach Credit: Alamy Palm Bay, Margate One of Margate's big draws is the sandy Main Sands which you can see as soon as you leave the train station - but the nearby Advertisement Having Tucked under the cliffs, it is much quieter than the main area and is round the corner Make sure to find the pop up sauna as well, and visit on the last Sunday of every month for Cliftonville Farmers' Market, with fresh food and drinks. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey Advertisement 9 Palm Bay is quieter in Margate and near the famous lido Credit: Alamy Kingsgate Bay Beach, Broadstairs The walk from Margate to With white cliffs on one side and Kingsgate Castle on another, you can even walk through the natural archway depending on the tide (reminiscent of The sandy beach is often overlooked, as it is only accessed by a steep set of steps and there is very limited parking so it is mainly for walkers to visit. Advertisement Make sure to grab a pint from the authentic Captain Digby pub above too. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 Kingsgate Bay is hidden thanks to having steep steps and limited car parking Credit: Alamy Deal Beach, Deal While the broad sweep of pebbles on Advertisement With its upmarket bistros and historic buildings, it is picture postcard pretty and its high street behind has won awards for its range of independent shops. The Royal Hotel is the perfect place to admire the beach and sea views, you'll be in good company as Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton were once frequent visitors. For somewhere great to stay, The Clarendon Hotel is an elegant 18th century building right on the seafront with great views across to Deal Pier where you can stroll by day to the restaurant at the end or watch anglers try their luck along its length. Trying to Advertisement Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 EWBEXG the beach at Deal in Kent, England Credit: Alamy Camber Sands Beach, Camber East Sussex lays claim to Which helpfully means we can use it as part of this round-up, as it is easily the best beach in the area. Advertisement Backed by large sand dunes, Camber is so large that you can always find a spot - even on the hottest of summer days - if you are willing to walk. After an afternoon lazing in the sun, drive 10 minutes down the road to the medieval town of Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire 9 Camber is so large that you can always find a spot Credit: Alamy Advertisement
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Budget airline to launch more flights to one of the world's cheapest holiday destinations
And what it is like flying with the airline according to the Sun's Head of Travel for Digital TAKING OFF Budget airline to launch more flights to one of the world's cheapest holiday destinations Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BUDGET airline is increasing flights to an affordable holiday destination - less than a year after they first launched. Norse Atlantic Airways started the new route from London Gatwick to Cape Town in October 2024. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Norse Atlantic Airways is adding even more flights to Cape Town Credit: Getty 3 Cape Town is often named a top affordable winter sun destination Credit: Alamy And the huge demand for the South African route has since seen them extend the flight season as well as add more flights. Previously offering three flights a week, this was increased to four earlier this year. And the airline has now increased it even further, with six flights a week being launched. And the seasonal route previously only operated until the end of April. Read more on airlines LONDON CALLING Little-known airline to launch first ever flights from London airport However the new season will operate from October 2, 2025 until May 2026. Bård Nordhagen, Norse Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Following the success of our inaugural season we see great opportunity in the South African market. 'By expanding services, we wish to show to the trade and consumer markets we are committed to this route.' Andrew Fish, Head of UK & South African Sales at Norse Atlantic Airways added: 'We are seeing exceptional momentum on this route, and this frequency increase reflects both customer confidence and Norse Atlantic Airlines' long-term growth strategy." Cape Town was named the best value long-haul holiday destination in Post Office Travel Money's Long Haul Holiday Report last year. Not only is it affordable, but don't expect any jet lag either with no time difference. Best Value Winter Sun Long Haul Destinations And it is a great winter sun hotspot, with highs of 27C in November and January. The Sun's Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently visited Cape Town with her family. She said: "Everything in Cape Town is so accessible that we landed at 8.30am, got our hire car, checked into the hotel and were on the glorious Camps Bay beach in swimsuits by 11.30am. "Camps Bay suburb feels like a cross between Cannes and a fancy California town, with its white sandy beach, backdrop of Table Mountain and smart restaurants lining the beachfront. What is it like flying on Norse? The Sun's Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently tried the airline's Premium Economy out. Norse doesn't do online check-in - everyone checks in at the airport. And Premium passengers are given their own lane, so we waited about five minutes before dropping off our bags and getting our tickets. Most importantly, the chairs are very roomy. With a very decent recline that allowed my whole family to get a decent night's sleep. My son pretty much slept uninterrupted from 10pm to 7am, while I snatched a manageable 5ish hours, which is far more than I've ever done before in Economy on a long haul flight. Crew hand over ear plugs, eye masks, pillows and blankets at the start of the flight, as well as headphones for the TVs (you have to pay £5 for these in Economy). Two meals are also included - I had a decent tortellini, side salad and cheesecake-type evening meal with complimentary wine, and a hot cooked breakfast, plus a croissant, yogurt and mini fruit salad. To give you an idea of price, return fares for two adults and one child in premium economy cost £3,583 to Cape Town next March, while return fares in Premium Economy on a rival airline cost £5,000. "Better still, the one-hour time difference meant we had no jet lag, so we could get stuck in straight away without the need to sleep it off. "The famous mountain was the first adventure spot on our list. "And it made for a great family day out thanks to the rotating gondolas that slowly spin to offer panoramic views on the ascent to the top. " Norse currently offers six long-haul destinations, including Miami, New York, Bangkok and Cape Town. Here are some of the other new flights that have launched this year.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Budget airline to launch more flights to one of the world's cheapest holiday destinations
A BUDGET airline is increasing flights to an affordable holiday destination - less than a year after they first launched. Norse Atlantic Airways started the new route from London Gatwick to Advertisement 3 Norse Atlantic Airways is adding even more flights to Cape Town Credit: Getty 3 Cape Town is often named a top affordable winter sun destination Credit: Alamy And the huge demand for the South African route has since seen them extend the flight season as well as add more flights. Previously offering three flights a week, And the airline has now increased it even further, with six flights a week being launched. And the seasonal route previously only operated until the end of April. Advertisement Read more on airlines However the new season will operate from October 2, 2025 until May 2026. Bård Nordhagen, Norse Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Following the success of our inaugural season we see great opportunity in the South African market. 'By expanding services, we wish to show to the trade and consumer markets we are committed to this route.' Andrew Fish, Head of UK & South African Sales at Norse Atlantic Airways added: 'We are seeing exceptional momentum on this route, and this frequency increase reflects both customer confidence and Norse Atlantic Airlines' long-term growth strategy." Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive Post Office Travel Money's Long Haul Holiday Report last year. Not only is it affordable, but don't expect any jet lag either with no time difference. Best Value Winter Sun Long Haul Destinations And it is a great winter sun hotspot, with highs of 27C in November and January. The Sun's Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently visited Advertisement She said: "Everything in Cape Town is so accessible that we landed at 8.30am, got our hire car, checked into the hotel and were on the glorious Camps Bay beach in swimsuits by 11.30am. "Camps Bay suburb feels like a cross between Cannes and a fancy California town, with its white sandy beach, backdrop of Table Mountain and smart restaurants lining the beachfront. What is it like flying on Norse? The Sun's Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently tried the airline's Premium Economy out. Norse doesn't do online check-in - everyone checks in at the airport. And Premium passengers are given their own lane, so we waited about five minutes before dropping off our bags and getting our tickets. Most importantly, the chairs are very roomy. With a very decent recline that allowed my whole family to get a decent night's sleep. My son pretty much slept uninterrupted from 10pm to 7am, while I snatched a manageable 5ish hours, which is far more than I've ever done before in Economy on a long haul flight. Crew hand over ear plugs, eye masks, pillows and blankets at the start of the flight, as well as headphones for the TVs (you have to pay £5 for these in Economy). Two meals are also included - I had a decent tortellini, side salad and cheesecake-type evening meal with complimentary wine, and a hot cooked breakfast, plus a croissant, yogurt and mini fruit salad. To give you an idea of price, return fares for two adults and one child in premium economy cost £3,583 to "Better still, the one-hour time difference meant we had no jet lag, so we could get stuck in straight away without the need to sleep it off. "The famous mountain was the first adventure spot on our list. Advertisement "And it made for a great family day out thanks to the rotating gondolas that slowly spin to offer panoramic views on the ascent to the top. " Norse currently offers six long-haul destinations, including New York , Bangkok and Cape Town. Here are some of the other 3 Along with being affordable, there is no jet lag in Cape Town Credit: Alamy Advertisement
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Kids can visit much-loved Diggerland attraction for free this month – here's how
KIDS can get into the UK's only attraction with construction rides for free this June, with one simple trick. By purchasing a 30-day trial to DOWTK - a 'Day Out With The Kids' pass - for £1, kids can go to Advertisement 3 Kids can get into Diggerland for free with a 'Day Out With The Kids' pass Credit: Alamy 3 There are four Diggerland sites across the UK Credit: Alamy Diggerland is the only place in the UK where children can ride on real construction machinery like giant diggers and dumpers. In total, there are four locations across the UK - Kent, Devon, Yorkshire and Durham. After signing up to a DOWTK pass, members will get an instant, unlimited access to discounts. One pass covers an entire family and this isn't just limited to people with kids. Advertisement Read more on UK attractions The offer is valid for weekends throughout June and the offer permits one free child per visit, when accompanied with a full paying adult (£38). All visitors need to do is show they have a DOWTK pass when they arrive at their chosen Diggerland. Children can experience operating their own digger, hunt for buried treasure or head to tenpin-bowling with a twist. Each site also has a 'Dig Inn' cafe, serving up a range of dishes including all-day breakfast, burgers and hot dogs . Advertisement Most read in News Travel There is also a range of hot and cold drinks, as well as a small selection of Diggerland usually costs £25.95 per person when pre-booked online, with children under 100cm allowed to enter for free. Visit Diggerland UK to enjoy an exciting staycation in the beautiful Devonshire countryside Prices then rise to £38 per person when bought at arrival, with children under 100cm still allowed in for free. The pass also allows families discounts to other big attractions, including free entrance for children to Westminster Abbey, The Royal Mint Experience and Bolton Castle. Advertisement The pass also offers selected discounts off entry to certain attractions including 20 per cent off accommodation on short term breaks at Chessington World of Adventures and up to 45 per cent off gate prices at Other categories for offers include theatre shows, museums, dining, waterparks and cinemas. What is Diggerland like? THE Sun's head of travel, Caroline McGuire shares her thoughts on Diggerland. Walt Disney came up with a huge princess castle, rollercoasters and themed attractions. But just off the M2 in Rochester, some genius suggested sticking a bunch of construction vehicles in the mud at an industrial park - and it proved a blinding day out. At Diggerland, you can dig for mud, "gold bricks", stones or toy ducks in proper construction site machinery. Diggerland has to be seen to be believed - and even then it's quite hard to compute. We spent the day riding dumper trucks around a gravel pit, digging stones out of a hole with a full-sized digger and riding around a muddy concourse while seated in an enormous bucket. In fact, there are quite a few variations on each of those themes. You can dig for mud, "gold bricks", stones or toy ducks. You can drive a dumper, take a digger safari, ride backwards in a bucket carousel - somehow, they've made 20 different rides from machinery. If that doesn't suffice, there are also plenty of coin- operated (you've guessed it) car and digger rides dotted around the place. With the exception of a couple of car attractions, everything comes straight off a construction site, and if you know any young kids you'll know there lies the appeal. My son can spot a crane or a dumper truck from a mile off, so even watching others dig while waiting in the queue was mesmerising. Not that the queues were long - in fact, they were surprisingly short. The price is decent, too. Three adults and a child cost £91 in entry fees, so long as you pre-book tickets. Obviously all of the offers aren't just for families with children, several are suitable for adults like discounts off cinema tickets. Many offers are exclusive to the pass and there are also a number of competitions that can be entered like winning £10,000 worth of family holidays. Advertisement There is also a Plus, one mum saved thousands by bagging FREE days out with her two kids – 3 The pass also gets members discounts to other attractions Credit: Alamy
