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The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The 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 8 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 TimeOut, to being dubbed the new Brighton (being both arty and less than an hour from London - 54 minutes to be exact) there has never been a better time to visit. 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. It has its own Banksy, hidden sandy beaches and trendy hotels to stay the night - what more could you want? 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… - Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor Brighton, East Sussex When people think of beach day trips from London, Brighton comes to their mind immediately for good reason. 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 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 Georgia does in Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging, whilst listening to waves crash, with a classic Mr Whippy in hand with a 99 flake as seagulls circle overhead - a quintessentially British experience that feels like a day out set in the 60s. 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 Broadstairs, Kent You're spoilt for choice when it comes to a beach sunbathe in the historic Kent coastal gem, Broadstairs - which is an hour and 20 minutes away from London by train. 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 Rye, East Sussex The medieval town of Rye in East Sussex isn't strictly seaside, but you can see the sea from its cobble streets and it has a harbour where boats sail out to the English Channel. 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 Kings Cross St Pancras. If you fancy a morning on the beach, a bus runs from the town to the stunning Camber Sands beach - a three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes. Or you can for a six-mile circular walk from Rye to Winchelsea beach. 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 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 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. For more days out, have a look at the best value attractions around the UK. And here, the National Trust reveals their best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks. 8
The Irish Sun
3 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
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London with Banksy art and award-winning beaches
One has a 1930s ice-cream parlour and another is home to the first every Knoops chocolate shop DAYCATION Our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London with Banksy art and award-winning beaches Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 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 TimeOut, to being dubbed the new Brighton (being both arty and less than an hour from London - 54 minutes to be exact) there has never been a better time to visit. 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. It has its own Banksy, hidden sandy beaches and trendy hotels to stay the night - what more could you want? 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… - Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor Brighton, East Sussex When people think of beach day trips from London, Brighton comes to their mind immediately for good reason. 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 Georgia does in Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging, whilst listening to waves crash, with a classic Mr Whippy in hand with a 99 flake as seagulls circle overhead - a quintessentially British experience that feels like a day out set in the 60s. 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, Broadstairs - which is an hour and 20 minutes away from London by train. 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 Rye in East Sussex isn't strictly seaside, but you can see the sea from its cobble streets and it has a harbour where boats sail out to the English Channel. 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 Kings Cross St Pancras. If you fancy a morning on the beach, a bus runs from the town to the stunning Camber Sands beach - a three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes. Or you can for a six-mile circular walk from Rye to Winchelsea beach. 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, have a look at the best value attractions around the UK. And here, the National Trust reveals their best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks.
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Three cheap holiday destinations getting new TUI flights from the UK next year
One even is home to Egypt's biggest water park SUN RAYS Three cheap holiday destinations getting new TUI flights from the UK next year TUI is launching three new routes to very affordable holiday destinations for next summer. Added to the roster for 2026 are routes to Faro, Fuerteventura and a brand-new flight from Cardiff Airport to Hurghada. 4 Fuerteventura is one of the affordable destinations TUI will fly to in 2026 Credit: Getty 4 Some beaches in Faro, Portugal, will make you feel like you're the only tourist there Credit: Alamy The routes from Cardiff Airport to Hurghada will start on May 2, 2026 so holidaymakers can soak up Egyptian sunshine. The beach resort town stretches along Egypt's Red Sea coast and is known for being one of the best spots for scuba diving. One Sun Travel writer took a trip to Hurghada where they discovered the country's largest waterpark - Hurghada's Makadi Water World. TUI is also launching a brand-new route from Cardiff to Faro on May 21, 2026. In the Portuguese city is a charming Old Town, the Cathedral of Faro, and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. There are lots of beaches near Faro too, near Quarteira and Vilamoura as well as on the sandbar islands of Ilha de Faro and Ilha Deserta. Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited Faro and decided to visit the islands herself. She said: "There are some fantastic islands just off the coast where you will see barely any tourists. "Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, takes just 20 minutes by boat, with tickets a few euros. "Some call it the Caribbean of Portugal - something I agree with thanks to its golden sandy beaches." Family fun at Jaz Aquaviva, Hurghada 4 The famous 'popcorn' beach is in Fuerteventura Credit: Alamy Fuerteventura is the second largest of Spain's Canary Islands and another route that TUI is starting for summer 2026. It will continue on from the winter season which launches on December 20, 2025 - when the weather is an average of 20 degrees. These flights will also be available from Cardiff Airport - and it's only a four hour flight. This volcanic island off the coast of north-west Africa is considered an unspoiled alternative to tourist hotspots Tenerife and Lanzarote. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited Fuerteventura and described it as the perfect half-term destination. The island has around 80 beaches but one memorable stretch of coast is called the Popcorn Beach. The "sand" is made up of small white algae fossils, it looks like the whole beach is lined with popcorn. Another flight that's been launched by TUI is is from the UK to Ibiza - which is in time for summer 2025. Exeter Airport in Devon now has two TUI aircrafts, with a new weekly route to Ibiza now available. Plus, TUI reveals the cheaper holiday destinations Brits are flocking to for a bargain as Spain is 'full' this summer.
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Three cheap holiday destinations getting new TUI flights from the UK next year
TUI is launching three new routes to very affordable holiday destinations for next summer. Added to the roster for 2026 are routes to Faro, Fuerteventura and a brand-new flight from Cardiff Airport to Hurghada. 4 The routes from Cardiff Airport to Hurghada will start on May 2, 2026 so holidaymakers can soak up Egyptian sunshine. The beach resort town stretches along Egypt's Red Sea coast and is known for being one of the best spots for scuba diving. One Sun Travel writer took a trip to Hurghada where they discovered the country's largest waterpark - Hurghada's Makadi Water World. TUI is also launching a brand-new route from Cardiff to Faro on May 21, 2026. In the Portuguese city is a charming Old Town, the Cathedral of Faro, and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. There are lots of beaches near Faro too, near Quarteira and Vilamoura as well as on the sandbar islands of Ilha de Faro and Ilha Deserta. Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited Faro and decided to visit the islands herself. She said: " There are some fantastic islands just off the coast where you will see barely any tourists. "Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, takes just 20 minutes by boat, with tickets a few euros. Family fun at Jaz Aquaviva, Hurghada 4 Fuerteventura is the second largest of Spain's Canary Islands and another route that TUI is starting for summer 2026. It will continue on from the winter season which launches on December 20, 2025 - when the weather is an average of 20 degrees. These flights will also be available from Cardiff Airport - and it's only a four hour flight. This volcanic island off the coast of north-west Africa is considered an unspoiled alternative to tourist hotspots Tenerife and Lanzarote. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited Fuerteventura and described it as the perfect half-term destination. The island has around 80 beaches but one memorable stretch of coast is called the Popcorn Beach. The "sand" is made up of small white algae fossils, it looks like the whole beach is lined with popcorn. Another flight that's been launched by TUI is is from the UK to Ibiza - which is in time for summer 2025. Exeter Airport in Devon now has two TUI aircrafts, with a new weekly route to Ibiza now available. Plus, TUI reveals the cheaper holiday destinations Brits are flocking to for a bargain as Spain is 'full' this summer.
