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The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London with Banksy art and award-winning beaches
BORED of the concrete jungle views over London when the sun is out? Well, here are our favourite destinations for a day trip, and they are all less than two hours away from the capital. 8 Sun Travel reveal our best day trip destinations from London Credit: Kara Godfrey 8 All of these towns you can get to in an hour and a half, or less Credit: Alamy Folkestone, Kent I could hardly talk about amazing seaside towns without mentioning my hometown of Folkestone. From being named a trending place to live by New restaurants and bars are popping up, including the new Med restaurant Cavella on the popular Harbour Arms, as well as the upcoming small-plate restaurant Pomus after success in Margate. Two new playgrounds including the huge adventure park Lower Leas Coastal Park are being renovated, with the town's unique funicular set to reopen next year. Read More on UK Beaches It has its own If you need entertaining, there is The Board Room for shuffleboard and darts, or the Harbour Screen with live shows and films (and some nearby live music). My top tips? Head to Burrito Buoy for a frozen margarita, grab a delicious pizza over at Brewing Brothers, and end your night at The Old Buoy pub. You'll be well fed and watered, and make a few local mates along the way… - Brighton, East Sussex When people think of beach day trips from London, Brighton comes to their mind immediately for good reason. Most read in Beach holidays Only an hour on the train, the seaside city has often been associated with YouTubers over the years. Yet the destination is loved for many reasons. From the narrow alleys with quaint shops, great ice cream spots and the iconic i360 with breathtaking panoramic views - Brighton really does provide something for everyone. Top 5 Beaches in the UK 8 Kara can't get enough of Folkestone in Kent Credit: Kara Godfrey The history is there too, with the iconic pier still open today and full of classic arcade games and the old pier - of which remains only still stand. The beach itself has pretty pebbles, a long-stretching promenade and pretty townhouses. Sit next to the pier just as And if that wasn't enough to draw you there - Brighton is super dog friendly, so is a great day away from the city for your four-legged friend - Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter 8 Broadstairs is known for being a classic seaside resort Credit: Alamy Broadstairs, Kent You're spoilt for choice when it comes to a beach sunbathe in the historic Kent coastal gem, There's seven sandy coves to explore, all linked by clifftop paths that offer spectacular views across the English Channel. Among the most popular is the main beach at Viking Bay, but Stone Bay is a good alternative if you're looking to escape the crowds. It's as traditional a British seaside resort as they come with imposing Victorian buildings sitting alongside fisherman's cottages. Author Charles Dickens had a summer home at Broadstairs for more than 20 years in the middle of the 19th century and it had a significant influence on his writing, particularly the novel David Copperfield. The Dickens House Museum offers an illuminating insight into his life and works. But this is very much still a bustling, seaside resort with lots of family-friendly fun including arcades and rides. And it's becoming a bit of a foodie mecca too. Twenty Seven Harbour Street has stunning views and tasty treats cooked over fire. And a must-visit is Morelli's - it's been serving up traditional gelato since 1932. The fabulous Art Deco interior is beaten only just by the stunning sundaes - Lisa Minot, Head of Travel 8 Lisa recommends popping into Morelli's ice-cream shop Credit: Alamy Rye, East Sussex The medieval town of Plus, if you go back as far as the 15th century, the sea came much closer to the foot of the hill the town is built on. It's the perfect place to spend a day out - taking an hour and six minutes on the train from If you fancy a morning on the beach, a bus runs from the town to the stunning Or you can for a six-mile circular walk from Rye to Back in the town after lunch, there are plenty of fantastic pubs to choose from, my favourites being the 12th century Mermaid Inn and the George In Rye, as well as the Globe Inn Marsh on the outskirts of the town. Equally, you could book a taxi and check out Tillingham vineyard in nearby Peasmarsh, with its Michelin Green Star wine tours and excellent pizzas. Make sure to save some time to rummage through the many, many antiques shops, as well as Knoops hot chocolate shop and the wonderfully old fashioned Britcher and Rivers sweet shop - Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital) 8 Rye is one of the prettiest towns in the country and was home to the first Knoops Credit: Alamy Frinton-on-Sea, Essex I, like many others believe Frinton-on-Sea to be the more chilled out and luxe sister of Clacton. Slightly further up the coast Frinton in Essex has a huge sweeping beach that is lined with the classic brightly coloured beach huts - a mark of any beach day trip. The best part is that on the Greater Anglia route, you can get from London to Frinton in an hour and a half. The beach at Frinton is award-winning, having scooped up a Blue Flag award and Tripadvisor's Travellers Choice Award in 2024. You can easily walk from from Frinton to Walton-on-the-Naze too, it's an easy walk along the promenade and you get to see the clock tower on the way over. All-in-all, it takes around 40 minutes to get there. 8 Frinton is lined with beach huts along the promenade Credit: Alamy After such a walk, you might need to quench your thirst after a day of building sand castles and paddling in the sea, there is a pub called the Lock & Barrel. Down Connaught Avenue surrounded by independent shops, art studios and boutiques is the first and only pub in Frinton. For anyone wanting an ice cream, you don't find them along the beach front because they're not allowed. But there is a retro ice cream parlour called Pop-pins down the road - Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter For more days out, And here, 8 Sun Travel reveal our favourite beach day trip destinations
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Top Haven holiday park with a seaside bar that ‘feels like Ibiza' is on one of UK's best beaches
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CAFE overlooking one of the UK's best beaches has been compared to being in Ibiza. In a review, one visitor dubbed the South Beach Cafe on Sandy Bay Beach in Devon as having the "feel of an Ibiza chill out bar", sat overlooking the beach. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 South Beach Cafe overlooks Sandy Bay Beach Credit: Facebook/South Beach Cafe 5 The cafe sits on the top of the cliffs, at a Haven site Credit: Facebook/South Beach Cafe 5 Sandy Bay Beach has previously won Blue Flag awards Credit: Facebook/South Beach Cafe The cafe itself is located at Haven's Devon Cliffs site. There is a cliff top terrace that plays a "pleasant mix of music" according to one visitor. The same visitor also noted how they "could not fault the food". Another visitor added: "You'd be mistaken for thinking this could be in Ibiza. "[There is a] sanded play area right outside for the kids too which is handy." The venue has an extensive menu, with a lot of different seafood dishes and sharing plates, including a seafood platter. The cafe also serves breakfast, for those who are out for an early morning stroll. The privately owned Exmouth beach has previously won Blue Flag awards and been recognised for its beauty, safety and amenities. The long stretch of sand is a preferred spot for water sports enthusiasts, as well as people who enjoy rock pooling. Visitors can also fossil hunt and sunbath at the beach. Scotland's number one secret beach revealed For those who like to go for a walk or hike, the beach is also conveniently located on the South West Coast Path - which provides stunning views of the bay, its rugged cliffs and sealife. Lucky visitors may even get the chance to spot seabirds or seals. In the summer months, the beach is the ideal spot for families as the RNLI provides lifeguards to the beach. Amenities at the beach also include places to grab refreshments, such as the South Beach Cafe. Away from the beach itself, Devon is home to dozens of charming villages and rolling countryside. The Sun's reporter, Cyann Fielding, grew up on the Devon coast with the most Blue Flag beaches in the UK – she shared the ones which she rates and the places to avoid. Plus, a huge beach named 'best in England' by Sun readers will get new £2.6m tourist centre in time for summer. 5 The beach is popular with families Credit: Graham Oliver
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Top Haven holiday park with a seaside bar that ‘feels like Ibiza' is on one of UK's best beaches
A CAFE overlooking one of the UK's best beaches has been compared to being in Ibiza. In a review , one visitor dubbed the South Beach Cafe on Sandy Bay Beach in Devon as having the "feel of an Ibiza chill out bar", sat overlooking the beach. Advertisement 5 South Beach Cafe overlooks Sandy Bay Beach Credit: Facebook/South Beach Cafe 5 The cafe sits on the top of the cliffs, at a Haven site Credit: Facebook/South Beach Cafe 5 Sandy Bay Beach has previously won Blue Flag awards Credit: Facebook/South Beach Cafe The cafe itself is located at There is a cliff top terrace that plays a "pleasant mix of music" according to one visitor. The same visitor also noted how they "could not fault the food". Another visitor added: "You'd be mistaken for thinking this could be in Advertisement Read more on beaches "[There is a] The venue has an extensive menu, with a lot of different seafood dishes and sharing plates, including a seafood platter. The cafe also serves breakfast, for those who are out for an early morning stroll. The privately owned Exmouth beach has previously won Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive The long stretch of sand is a preferred spot for Visitors can also Scotland's number one secret beach revealed For those who like to go for a walk or hike, the beach is also conveniently located on the Lucky visitors may even get the chance to spot seabirds or seals. Advertisement In the summer months, the beach is the ideal spot for families as the RNLI provides lifeguards to the beach. Amenities at the beach also include places to grab refreshments, such as the South Beach Cafe. Away from the beach itself, Devon is home to dozens of charming villages and The Sun's reporter, Cyann Fielding, grew up on the Advertisement Plus, a 5 The beach is popular with families Credit: Graham Oliver 5 Many visitors head to the beach for sunbathing, water sports and fossil hunting Credit: Facebook/South Beach Cafe
The Sun
01-05-2025
- The Sun
Week of travel chaos continues as European airline cancels over 100 flights tomorrow – impacting thousands of passengers
Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter Published: Invalid Date, THE week of travel chaos continues in Europe as a major airline is cancelling over 100 flights, impacting thousands of travellers. Finnair has cancelled 140 flights due to take off tomorrow, as part of planned strike action. 2 The disruption is estimated to impact over 12,000 passengers across Europe. The strike action, which is being carried out by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU), is expected top impact six flights to London Heathrow, two to Manchester and one to Edinburgh. The industrial action will last four hours but is due to take place in "different shifts" and is not tied to a specific time, according to the IAU. In addition to flight cancellations, delays and disruptions are expected across baggage handling and catering services. Finnair has warned that some short-haul flights may be operated without baggage and meals loaded onto the aircraft. Though, long-haul flights will not be impacted by the catering limitations. In addition, the IAU announced that similar industrial action is scheduled for May 5. Finnair said it is 'still assessing the exact effects' on traffic, but that it is likely to cause additional disruption. Helsinki Airport has also warned travellers to expect flight delays and "occasional queues" on both May 2 and May 5. In a statement on Facebook, Finnair said: "If your flight is cancelled, we will contact you personally via e-mail or text message as soon as the cancellation has taken place. "You will be offered a new route, which will also be visible in Finnair's 'Manage booking' service and mobile application. "Due to the high number of cancellations, rerouting all customers may take time, and customers might have to wait for a while for their new route." The action is expected to affect "many functions" related to Finnair's flight operations and ground services at Helsinki Airport, too. Darina Kovacheva, head of legal at airline compensation specialists SkyRefund, said: "According to EU Regulation 261/2004, the eligibility for compensation for a flight disrupted by strike action depends largely on who calls the strike and how much control the airline has over it. "As this strike will involve Finnair employees, if you present yourself on time for check-in with a valid flight reservation and travel documents, and you are denied boarding you might be entitled to €250 (£212.55) if the distance you are travelling is 1,500 km or less. "[Or] €400 (£340.08) for flights of more than 1,500 km within the European Common Aviation Area and all others between 1,500 and 3,500 km, with all other flights of more than 3,500 km eligible for €600 (£510.13) compensation." Flight compensation rules A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed? Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight. You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet. So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded. But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline. When am I not entitled to compensation? The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather. Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled? If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you. Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer. Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof. If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance. Timing also matters, as passengers are eligible for support after a two hour delay on short-haul flights, three hours on medium-haul flights and four hours on long-hauil flights. Darina added: "But keep in mind, if the airline you are travelling on is not Finnair, and therefore not striking, and you are still affected, you will not be eligible for financial compensation. "[This is because] the delay or cancellation has been caused by 'extraordinary circumstances', for example a strike by airport workers, who don't work for the airline on which you are travelling. "Still, it's sensible to hang on to your receipts for any expenses you rack up during the delay." Flights across Europe recently suffered disruptions after Spain lost power. Plus, this week, a UK airport suddenly shut with flights cancelled after a plane 'collapsed' during landing. 2
The Sun
30-04-2025
- The Sun
I grew up in one of the South West's prettiest market towns – but tourists always overlook it for flashier neighbours
Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter Published: Invalid Date, FRESHLY-ROASTED coffee, a vibrant second-hand market and a medieval castle - I can't believe tourists miss this Devonshire gem. Tucked away in the Devonshire countryside is Totnes, a medieval market town that is full of treasure. 6 6 6 While most visitors heading to the south county beeline for the coast - and in particular the popular English Riviera - they are missing out on a town full of history and independent businesses to explore. Sat on the River Dart, the medieval market town of Totnes is located a short drive away from its more popular seaside neighbours of Torquay and Paignton. But this little town has a lot to boast about. With a central high street running up a long, gradual hill, Totnes is home to some of my favourite places to escape to, when I leave the capital. Starting at the bottom of the town, there is a medieval bridge crossing the river directly to the high street. Pretty pastel boats line the river, next to eateries such as the Riverside Cafe and the Waterside Bistro. On one side of the river is also an expansive green area, which is ideal for picnics or dog playtime. Back up on the street and looking up the hill, visitors are greeted with an impressive high street full of misshapen buildings and slate-grey roofs. It won't take you long to realise why the town was formerly dubbed 'the independent capital of the UK,' as both sides of the street are lined with independent shops, bakeries and sellers. From organic green grocers to a crystal shop, there is something for everyone. The Trelawney Hotel in Torquay, Devon is among the chepeates places to stay in the UK, as rated by Tripadvisor One shop, Stag + Seer, sells different kinds of incense and skin care products that "inspire healing and wellbeing in this fast paced modern world and encourage the 'Ceremony of Healing' in our day to day lives." And at Leftfield, a Neal's Yard Remedies heritage partner, there are health and wellbeing products inspired by the countryside and coast. A final shop favourite of mine is Penelopetom - a go-to for grabbing special gifts, lifestyle items or even a souvenir. Up and down the highstreet are also a number of independent bookshops, vintage and charity shops full of hidden treasures. Key to town's history, is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle which looks over the River Dart. Visitors can learn about the history of the market town as well as enjoy panoramic views across the valley. The famous market runs on Fridays and Saturdays and comes alive with stalls with one-of-a-kind finds - like the phrenology head, vintage maps and faux fur coasts I have accumulated over my visits. Part of the market also features food stalls - be sure to check out the brownie stall and the Lebanese stall for a giant flatbread stuffed with salad items, hummus and meat or falafel. 6 6 Talking of food and drink, just a bit further up from the market and around the corner is The Hairy Barista. With a brightly painted orange front, this coffee joint is hard to miss. This pretty and cosy coffee shop chooses a different speciality roastery. It is also great for vegans — which is a big thing in Totnes — as all the food at The Hairy Barista is plant-based, and uses mostly organic, seasonal, local, fresh and unprocessed ingredients. Whilst it doesn't look like much from the outside, back on the main highstreet the Anne of Cleves tea room serves up delicious freshly baked cakes and of course, scones. Nearby is also Roly's Fudge - which whilst now boasts 47 branches across the country - all started in a thatched cottage in Devon. The family recipe which was passed down the generations, celebrates the making of fudge, with a variety of flavours and no oils or additives. Also in Devon, is the ultimate staycation destination with two beach-fringed coasts, stargazing parks and picturesque seaside villages. Plus, how to have a cheap holiday in Devon this summer. 6
