Latest news with #Codona
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Surprising top trending travel destination in Scotland – and it's not Edinburgh or Glasgow
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MORE than half of Brits are set to travel more this summer than last, according to stats from travel experts at TripAdvisor. And four in five people are planning a holiday over the next three months with Gen Z and millennials most likely to travel. 4 The waterfront has had a massive revamp 4 There's plenty of culture to enjoy But some of the top trending destinations could come as a surprise. Over a third of Scots are planning to visit a new destination this summer. This year's fastest-growing destinations list is dominated by coastal towns. And coming in top place in Scotland is not popular spots like Glasgow or Edinburgh - but Dundee. The city has undergone an extensive waterfront regeneration and the addition of the V&A Museum to the banks of the River Tay has spruced up the city of discovery considerably. But, according to TripAdvisor, it hasn't gone to Dundonians' heads. They say: "With plenty of wit and character, the locals are some of the friendliest in the UK." There's also loads to do from learning about science to visiting historic ships or enjoying the theatres, arts centres, coffee shops and cool bars, as well as walking routes around the city. Coming in first place across the UK for trending destinations is the village of Seaview, on the Isle of Wight. Known as one of the island's more upmarket communities it is frequented by politicians and celebs during the summer months. It's packed with quirky shops, restaurants and pubs and has a nearby award-winning distillery, its own nature reserve and a fantastic playpark. Scotland's Hidden Gem: Codona's Named Best Family Day Out at Entertainment Awards In second place is Ingoldmells in Lincolnshire which is a paradise for families with plenty of holiday parks and caravan sites to choose from. Around one third of Brits are planning longer-haul travel this summer, with destinations like Thailand, Tanzania and Brazil trending. TOP TRENDING UK SPOTS HERE's the top 10 fastest growing destinations for 2025: Seaview, Isle of Wight Ingoldmells, Lincolnshire Bamburgh, Northumberland Hunstanton, Norfolk Dundee, Scotland Coventry, West Midlands Newby Bridge, Cumbria Lytham St Anne's, Lancashire Bassenthwaite, Cumbria Llangollen, North Wales Guzeloba in Türkiye is the number one fastest growing destination. It's a stunning coastal spot, famous for its sandy beaches, ideal places for swimming and breathtaking sea views. This is followed by Kendwa, on Zanzibar Island, at number two and Kata Beach, in Thailand's Phuket, in third place. 4 Phuket was among the top long-haul destinations Credit: GETTY
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Warwick Castle is a magical family day out and Zog Live show left huge smiles on my kids' face
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 'WHAT a good idea!' said Zog. Then up and off he flew. They are words I have read out loud to my four-year-old daughter at hundreds of bedtimes, from Julia Donaldson's story Zog. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 My family loved the Zog Live show at Warwick Castle 3 My daughter Estella also couldn't wait to see Zog Playland Credit: Supplied So we both had big smiles on our faces as we heard it while watching Warwick Castle's Zog Live show. The charming show, running until September, was a big hit, with smoke, giant dragons and a knight on horseback. My daughter Estella also couldn't wait to see Zog Playland, tugging my hand and urging 'Come on Mummy!' as she raced down a wooden walkway towards the slide which is a kid-friendly gateway to the area. It was difficult to coax her from this bright play area that's designed with younger children in mind, full of inventive swings, tunnels, towers and even a zip line. And my two boys, Henry, 11, and Nicholas, seven, were right in their element at the Horrible Histories maze next door. Based on the bestselling books, the mind-muddling maze takes families on a journey through time, picking up fascinating, funny — and gross — facts along the way. Warwick Castle is a great day out for families with kids of all ages because such a wide variety of attractions, shows and tours are included with your entry ticket. The boys were captivated by The Legend Of The Trebuchet show, awe-struck by the giant wooden siege machine catapulting ammo across the sky in dramatic style. And also gracing those skies, best observed from the beautiful riverside setting, were the stars of The Falconer's Quest show, the UK's largest birds of prey display. And all this adventure came before we had even set foot inside the imposing castle, with its near-1,000-year history. Scotland's Hidden Gem: Codona's Named Best Family Day Out at Entertainment Awards Our guided tour of the Great Hall and State rooms gave the children an insight into what life would have been like within their walls, while The Kingmaker walkthrough exhibit recreated the sounds and the atmosphere of the build-up to a War of the Roses battle. But Estella and I sought a moment's solace from all the bloodthirsty historic tales with a trip up the Princess Tower. It's a delightful interactive storytelling experience aimed at children aged three upwards, where we helped crown Princess Eve the Queen of Warwick. Before we headed home, we scaled the ramparts and towers with the many stone steps of the spiral stairs ensuring we had three worn-out adventurers at the end of the day. In the words of the magical Zog, our day out at Warwick Castle really had been a good idea. 3 My two boys, Henry, 11, and Nicholas, seven, were right in their element at the Horrible Histories maze Credit: Supplied
Press and Journal
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Codona's in Aberdeen among several north and north-east winners of major industry awards
An Aberdeen attraction has been named as one of the big winners at a major industry awards ceremony. Codona's amusement park at Aberdeen beach was named the Best Day Out at the Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards. It was one of 12 businesses from across the north and north-east to win or be highly commended at the awards. Among the other winners were Aberdeen bars The Craftsman Company and St Machar Bar. The awards are decided by a combination of public nominations and voting, along with visits by judges. Awards director Warren Paul said: 'It is a very tough time for everyone right now, but it does seem the hospitality industry is really feeling the heat – people simply don't have the money to go out as often as they did, or they're scared to spend the money they do have. 'We need to socialise, we need that break and to let off steam, escape all the day-to-day worries – and that's what our friends in hospitality provide. 'With many closures and difficulties, it's important to recognise those who go above and beyond to give the public that chance to zone out, relax and de-stress. 'That's what these awards are for – it's a nod and a thank you from the public to the place and people they appreciate, those who do it better than the rest or just offer something really special.' The full list of businesses from the north and north-east that won or were highly commended at the awards is as follows:
Press and Journal
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Grampian Pride 2025: Parade, pride village and all you need to know
Grampian Pride returns to the Granite City on Saturday June 7, welcoming thousands to Union Street and Duthie Park. The event is organised by LGBT+ charity Four Pillars and its army of volunteers. In 2024, Grampian Pride hit a 10,000 attendance milestone and 2025 is likely to exceed that number. Grampian Pride is split into two main events – the parade and a pride village – so here is all you need to know for the day. Pride tickets are free and available on Eventbrite. This will get you admission into the pride village at Duthie Park. VIP tickets are also available for £10. These grant early wristband exchange, access via their own VIP entrance, a VIP area at the front of the performance stage and a VIP bar. Grampian Pride will be held on Saturday June 7. The parade through the city centre will begin at 11am. And the pride village will be open from 1pm until 8pm. The pride parade will follow the same route as in 2024, due to ongoing roadworks on the central section of Union Street. The parade will line up at Albyn Place and head down Union Street before turning onto Union Terrace. From there, the route turns right onto Schoolhill before heading down Upperkirkgate and finishing outside Marischal College. This year, the parade will be led by the First Bus pride bus, as well as local sports teams including Aberdeen Frontrunners. The pride village is located at Duthie Park and can only be accessed via the main entrance to the south unless you have a VIP ticket. Security, bag checks and wristband exchange will be conducted before entry. The pride village has been upgraded from last year, including the addition of some rides courtesy of Codona's. Last year's offering included a silent disco tent. That has, however, been replaced by the cabaret tent, which will feature local talent performing for crowds. There will also be a family zone with a large bouncy castle. The main stage has an exciting line-up hosted by Aberdeen drag performer Scarlett Diamonte. The main act, Wyldkat, will take to the stage at 5pm. In addition to entertainment, there will be dozens of stalls from companies and organisations across the north-east. These include Police Scotland, Aberdeen Cyrenians, Moray Rape Crisis, Shelter Scotland, The Belmont Cinema and Victim Support Scotland. The pride village has two bars – one serving alcohol located next to the VIP entrance run by Cheerz, and a juice bar located next to the Four Pillars pride shop. Food options include burgers from G & M Whyte, noodles from Salt & Chilli Noodle Bar, Lokma donut balls from Popseys, stuffed cookies from Cookie Cult and ice cream from Shorty's and Little Miss Whippy.
The Herald Scotland
29-04-2025
- The Herald Scotland
10 of Scotland's best beaches to enjoy this summer
Yet while many of us love nothing more than to see the back of our own country in favour of the warmer climates of Europe and beyond, we should not overlook the attractions of Scotland's coastlines, and the unique beauties that they have for us to explore. Scotland's beaches are renowned the world over for their stunning coastal scenery, water sporting hotspots and colourful promenades. So if you are planning a few days away or perhaps even a family fortnight by the sea, you could do a lot worse than sampling one or more of our own coastal gems. Here is our guide to 10 of the best. Troon Beach Two girls at Troon Beach Troon Beach is perhaps somewhat overlooked in comparison to its bigger, better-known older sister, Ayr Beach, to whose stretch of sands it belongs. A train journey or short car drive from Glasgow will find you in the quaint little town centre, strolling down to the beach and gazing out at spectacular views of the Isle of Arran on a clear day. Dotted with family barbecues in summer and the ideal spot for tucking into a 99 cone, or newsprint-wrapped fish and chips – iconic staples of the British coastal holiday, it's a sandy haven for family with its long beaches, colourful promenade and nearby play parks. Aberdeen Beach Journeying further north and across to the east coast brings you to Aberdeen Beach. An expectedly natural feature in a city centre engulfed by the lure of the lucrative oil industry, it is an ideal family spot away from the hustle and bustle of the town. A short 20-minute walk from the city centre, the beach features a popular esplanade with a range of shops, restaurants and other amenities against its coastal backdrop. The esplanade is designed with children in mind, with Codona's Amusement Park on the beach front along with nearby play parks. The beach is somewhat reflective of Aberdeen City: modern facilities paired with natural landscapes. The beach itself is a colourful sandy stretch with glimpses of some dolphins if you are very lucky. Balmedie Beach Just a few minutes further along the coast from Aberdeen sees you arrive at Balmedie Beach. Here lies one of the best places in Scotland to view bottlenose dolphins off the north east coast – a feature rivalled perhaps only by the sunny climes of the Floridian coast (although despite Aberdeen's dry warm summers, it probably won't be stealing the title of Sunshine State any time soon). A spacious and unspoilt coastline, it is also home to a number of seals, and on clear nights offers visitors breathtaking views of the ever-mysterious Northern Lights. Machrihanish Bay At risk of neglecting the west with Aberdeenshire's offerings, Machrihanish Bay is well known for its water sport facilities, but also for the rare gifts it offers to wildlife enthusiasts. The nearby Sea Bird and Wildlife Observatory has recorded sightings over almost 200 species of bird, with otters and seals making regular appearances in the area, as well as an occasional visitor from the population of wild goats residing on the coastline. Thurso East Scotland's coasts, as well as being loved by locals and tourists alike for their spectacular views, are respected the world over in the watersports community, highly regarded as being home to some of the prime locations for surfing and windsurfing. The predictable image of a surfing competition would predictably conjure up ideas of Hawaiian-esque beaches, palm trees and crystal clear waters. Yet Thurso East, one of the northernmost points of Scotland and about as far away as you can get from tropical islands, is home to some of the best waves in Europe and has hosted a number of international surfing competitions. Its sandy beaches and raucous waters are a must for surfers both in Scotland and beyond. Isle of Tiree The beaches along the Isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, are known to be some of the sunniest places in Scotland. The influence of the Gulf Stream makes the climate warmer and sunnier than the rest of the country. However, the island's beaches prove to be more than just an idyllic spot for a stroll. Despite the mild climate, Tiree has a reputation for its windy weather, which has made it a long-standing favourite with Scottish windsurfers. National Championship competitions find their home in Tiree beach's autumn season, which sees professional windsurfers from around the world compete and benefits from international media coverage. Silver Sands of Morar Scotland coastline has also been recognised for its picturesque appearance. The Silver Sands of Morar were featured in the classic film Local Hero, and are renowned for their beauty. The silvery stretch from Arisaig to Morar offers spectacular views out towards Eigg, Muck, Rum and Skye and its clean white sand and turquoise blue waters are enough to rival any Caribbean island. Popular with many, the stretch of coastline proves a must-see for visitors. the beaches are easily accessible and can be enjoyed via walking tours and routes. Read More St Ninian's Isle St Ninian's Isle, one of the most northerly beaches in Scotland, is located in Shetland, and despite its convoluted access route for anyone on mainland Britain, its spectacular appearance is well worth the effort and travel time. The discovery of buried treasure in the 1950s on the island makes it a site with a fascinating historical background, and its unusual tombolo formation – a sand causeway with water on either side – makes it especially notable to see. Sandwood Bay A common theme among Scotland's beaches appears to be that the harder they are to find, the more they're worth the journey. For those interested in making a trek of it or looking for somewhere a little less tourist-flocked, Sandwood Bay in Sutherland offers just that: a mile-long stretch of blush-coloured sand on a beach relatively untouched by the buzz of the tourist industry. Its remote situation a substantial four-mile, roadless walk away from the hamlet of Blairmore, means a venture to the bay is not for the faint-hearted, but those willing to make the trek are greeted with unspoilt coastline. Who knows, you may even meet the and perhaps meet the legendary, if elusive, residents: a mermaid and the ghost of a dead mariner. Sanna Bay Travelling further round and down along the west coast brings you to Sanna Bay, the most westerly point in the whole of mainland Britain whose nearest north-western neighbour is North America. The 45-minute journey along a single track road means that this trip requires some dedication. Upon arrival, however, walkers are greeted by the bay's stunning white shell sands and clear waters, and have opportunities to spot some of the more unusual wildlife local to the area, such as pine martens and sea eagles. Sanna Bay also provides views of Eigg, Muck and Rum and its rare views, relative remoteness and beautiful surroundings make it a true escape from everyday life.
