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The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Dreamy free lido is opening in UK with sweeping city views, sandpits & even its own sauna
WITH the hot weather set to return this weekend, Londoners can enjoy a brand new free swimming location. City dwellers can cool off from the scorching temperatures in a stunning new lido. 2 A new free lido will open in London tomorrow Credit: Royal docks/Instagram Whether you're looking for a sauna sesh or a cool dip, or both, this perfect summery spot in the heart of the capital has got you covered. Located at the Royal Docks, the latest in London's long list of lidos is part of the summer programme At The Docks. However, unlike most of London's other outdoor pools, Summer Splash will be entirely free to visit. Read More On Lidos But you'll want to hurry to enjoy this scenic swimming spot as it won't be around for long. Limited time The unheated pool will only be open f rom Friday, July 25 until Sunday, August 17 . And the outdoor pool isn't the only thing on offer to visitors during these dates. There will also be sandpits to play in, deckchairs to lounge in, and a sauna for those random chillier days. Most read in News Travel And At The Docks has a vibrant schedule of evening events to enjoy so you can enjoy an full day out. The wider At The Docks programme will also offer Londoners the chance to try their hand at a variety of water activities. New £4million lido to open in UK next year Dock-side fun This includes wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and open water swimming. Meanwhile, dock-side lido will offer a pretty unique backdrop, with sweeping city views. And you don't even need to worry if you or your friends aren't the strongest swimmers. The lido will be manned by lifeguards and even features a shallow end. So with school just wrapping up, what better way to spend a summer's day? Swimming safety advice Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer : How to stay safe at the beach Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: "If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety. "If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard." How to stay safe at the swimming pool "It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life". An Auqabliss spokesperson added: 'Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool. 'Children may try to grab these from the pool's edge and fall in." How to stay safe at a waterpark Ali Beckman, "And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently. ' Summer Splash is set to be a pretty perfect place for the entire family. More on lidos We've mapped out all the lidos across the UK for you to enjoy this summer. And the Plus, an Meanwhile, a And a 2 The lido will open on July 25 and stay open until August 17 Credit: Royal docks/Instagram
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I visited the UK's new immersive Titanic attraction – I gasped as the iceberg hit but there was another ‘wow' moment
AS I stepped 'on board' the SS Titanic, a shiver rippled down my spine. I wasn't on the actual ill-fated liner - of course - but instead had stepped into the UK's latest immersive experience called The Legend of the Titanic: The Exhibition. Advertisement 8 The Sun's Cyann Fielding headed to the new Titanic immersive experience in London Credit: The SUN - Cyann Fielding 8 The exhibition takes visitors on a journey of the story of the Titanic from when it was built to when it sank Credit: The SUN - Cyann Fielding 8 Throughout there are many breathtaking VR experiences Credit: The SUN - Cyann Fielding The exhibition immediately transported me back in time, unveiling the gripping story of the iconic ocean liner before its tragic demise. I began by exploring a room full of fascinating artefacts before venturing into one of the exhibition's cutting-edge VR experiences. In front of me stood a grand hall, full of projections on each wall and across the floor; I had been dropped straight into the scene of the Titanic's final hours. For 30 minutes, I witnessed the tragic story of the Titanic unfold. Advertisement Read more on travel inspo Personally, I found the story of the experience - which follows a daughter and father on the ship - a little gimmicky and it took away from the overall impact the projections had. However, when the ship collided with the iceberg, I found it gut-wrenching. The entire room 'shattered' as the ice tore through the ship's metal hull and waves lapped onboard. The room plunged into darkness and the ship's decks quickly disappeared beneath the ice water. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Even the iconic Grand Staircase turned from a once vibrant focal point to a grave at the bottom of the ocean. As the ship sank to the ocean floor, I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief, knowing I remained on dry land. First-of-its-kind Titanic exhibition coming to England And I was then hit with a second 'wow' moment when I headed into another In reality, I was navigating around a large empty room. Advertisement But for me with my headset on, I was in a virtual world exploring the Titanic's various decks and cabins. Glowing red squares marked real-life walls to avoid, and other participants appeared as green figures. But for 10 to 15 minutes I got a real taste of what every corner of the Titanic was like, including the wreck that sits today. Crossing a number of virtual gantries hovering above the ship's engines felt as if a single misstep could lead me to falling into the machinery below. Advertisement Finally standing beside the Titanic's captain, I removed my headset to reveal a slightly comical room of people wandering around like ghosts . Other parts of the exhibition include information boards detailing the background of the Titanic and how it was built. And there is also a room full of fascinating artefacts and personal stories for the ship. 8 Each VR experience offers an insight into what life was like onboard the ship Credit: The SUN - Cyann Fielding Advertisement 8 There is also the terrifying moment when the ship hits the iceberg Credit: The SUN - Cyann Fielding The multitude of perspectives from first, second and third-class passengers was striking - highlighting how each passenger had a different experience onboard the ill-fated ocean liner. While all the items on display are from the Olympic - the Titanic's sister ship - the collection showcases how everyday life operated onboard. There are items from the 1997 film too, sharing how impactful the story of the Titanic has been throughout history . Advertisement One of the shorter VR experiences in the exhibition involves chairs that pivot 360-degrees. Donning a The music throughout the VR experience and exhibition as a whole has been meticulously crafted by 50 musicians and offers an eerie reminder of the Following the VR experience, even more information is shared about the behind-the-scenes of the Titanic and the cold waters that claimed so many lives. Advertisement I was surprised to learn that if it wasn't for the efforts of men battling a fire in the belly of the ship, the Titanic would have sunk an hour earlier. 8 Projections show what it looked like as the ocean liner disappeared under the waves Credit: The SUN - Cyann Fielding 8 The exhibition also has extensive information about the ship and passengers throughout Credit: The SUN - Cyann Fielding There were a couple of let-downs for me, though. Advertisement Notably, there are few elements of the exhibition that cater to children, but instead, it felt like they were a tad insensitive. Think: a pool-like table with a screen, where you play a game to break up an iceberg before a ship hits it. However, looking at the exhibition as a whole - many elements are a testament to how technology can bridge the gap between us and historical events. It was as if I was mere centimetres away from the reality experienced by the 2,224 passengers onboard the Titanic's maiden voyage - and not many people can say today they have experienced something like that. Advertisement The Legend of the Titanic: The Exhibition opens July 25 at Dock X in Canada Water Tickets cost from £24 for adults and £16 for children. 8 Tickets cost from £24 per adult and £16 per child Credit: The SUN - Cyann Fielding
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The two UK towns getting new train stations for the first time in over 60 years for £45million
YOU'LL soon be able to visit two idyllic Westcountry towns by rail thanks to a £45million plan to bring back their train stations. Both Cullompton in Devon and Wellington in Somerset lost their stations in the 1960s, but they are set to reopen as early as next year. Advertisement 5 Cullompton is a town in Devon that is set to be connected to Exeter via train once again Credit: Alamy 5 Wellington in Somerset is another town that will be connected by rail Credit: Alamy The two countryside towns in south west England did once have train stations that were built in the 1880s. But as a result of the Beeching cuts, which saw huge changes to train services as a result of the nationalisation of the railway, they were both closed in 1964. However, there are now fresh plans to revive both stations with services expected to start running as early as 2026. Both will reopen at an estimated cost of £45million. Advertisement Read More on UK Breaks The stations will connect to Exeter, a major transport hub with direct services to London Paddington, Plymouth, Bristol and the Cornish mainline too. Details are yet to be confirmed, but it's likely that when the railway stations reopen, they will join the Great Western Main Line that runs from London Paddington to Cullompton sits on the doorstep of the For any families heading south, the town is right next to Advertisement Most read in News Travel You'll also find local farm shops and many pubs like The Weary Traveller, Merry Harriers, The Ashill Inn and Half Moon Inn. Over the border in Somerset is the town of Wellington. Visit Diggerland UK to enjoy an exciting staycation in the beautiful Devonshire countryside 5 Cullompton is very close to Devon's Diggerland Credit: Alamy 5 Both are en route to the coast where you'll find towns like Sidmouth Credit: Alamy Advertisement Wellington has become known as a "food town" thanks to its reputation for quality food and drink. Top restaurants and pubs on Tripadvisor include The Martlet Inn which specialises in game and fish dishes. Another popular food spot is Valla Verde Italian Restaurant where you can sample delightful pasta dishes and antipasti. For keen explorers, it's a route to the Quantock Hills and Advertisement From there, it's a short trip up to the larger town of Taunton known for cider production and having its own Cullompton and Wellington are just a 24 minute drive away from one another. But using public transport, the neighbouring towns can only reach each other by bus. Here's another Advertisement And the 5 Two countryside towns will get new railway stations next year
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
We swapped cocktails in Ibiza for summer holiday in Afghanistan… why it's become unlikely tourist hotspot for Brit women
STROLLING along a pristine street adorned with shrines glittering in the sunshine and cafes offering tasty local delicacies, Carrie Patsalis snaps a photo for her holiday album. But this isn't a city break in the Advertisement 21 Carrie Patsalis swapped cocktails in Ibiza for a holiday to Afghanistan Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Unlike local women who aren't allowed out of their homes, Carrie was able to soak up the culture and enjoy local delicacies Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie visited cultural monuments and shrines during her trip to the country, which is under strict Taliban rule Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Despite its oppressive regime and appalling human rights record - and an advisory against all travel to the country from the UK government - Carrie is one of a growing number of British women who have swapped cocktails in Ibiza for a holiday in one of the world's top terror hotspots. Only 691 tourists are believed to have visited the country in 2021, but this rose to an estimated 5,200 in 2023 as the government is trying to encourage more tourism. Earlier this month the Taliban launched a warped campaign to lure more visitors, complete with a bizarre video showing spoof hostages and gunmen in the back of pick-up trucks and frolicking in lakes amid stunning mountain scenery. Ever since Afghanistan - which doesn't have a British embassy - was seized by Taliban authorities in 2021, its citizens have experienced Advertisement READ MORE FEATURES In August last year women's voices were banned from being heard outside of the house and they are not allowed to visit public parks, gyms or use transport without a male chaperone. Authorities dictate how they dress, and Afghan women do not have access to education beyond primary school level. Anyone who is critical of the Taliban regime faces being tortured. However, it is slowly becoming an unlikely destination for brave travellers looking for a true culture shock. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Home-stays are not allowed and tourists can only stay in hotels verified by the Taliban. Carrie, a media producer from Wanstead, London, travelled by herself to Afghanistan for 10 days, accompanied by a male tour guide. Taliban launches warped Afghan TOURISM campaign with vid of brutes posing beside 'hostage' in ISIS-style mock execution Just six days after she left, a terrorist attack saw three Spanish tourists killed in the Bamiyan province, the largest in the Central region. A tour guide Carrie met during a trip to neighbouring Pakistan encouraged her to visit Afghanistan, insisting it would 'blow her mind'. Advertisement But it took two years before she even considered it as she didn't want to support the controversial Taliban regime. She eventually decided she wanted to see for herself what local life was like for Afghan people. After extensive research she found a local guide she felt comfortable with who helped her book the trip and answered questions over FaceTime. Carrie told The Sun: "He said, 'You've got to come, it'll blow your mind, it's not what you think.' Advertisement 'I was like, 'No way, absolutely not.' I felt like if I went I was supporting something I don't agree with. The first thing that struck me was how super clean the streets were. Everything was very quiet and calm. You'd imagine it would be carnage and it wasn't Carrie Patsalis 'It took me a lot of time and consideration, and then I just thought, 'Maybe if I go, I can see how local life is and we can talk about it on social media.' "It was a risk but I felt I'd done enough research." Carrie only told her husband and 16-year-old twin sons about the trip to avoid scaring the rest of her family. Advertisement It cost her just over £1,100 for a return flight to Afghanistan, and she stopped off for two days in Dubai to collect her visa which cost around £220. Landing at Kabul International Airport on May 2 last year, she was surprised to be greeted by 'massive smiles'. She recalled: "I was nervous flying in as there is no British embassy. Hospitals are not well-equipped at all. I took my own medical supplies in and I went in very, very steady. "The first thing that struck me was how super clean the streets were. Everything was very quiet and calm. You'd imagine it would be carnage and it wasn't. Advertisement "Afghan people are very kind, sweet and shy. You notice immediately there are no women on the streets." Unpleasant encounter 21 Carrie visited 'White Flag Hill', home to a large white flag raised by the Taliban that features the Islamic declaration of faith in black writing Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie was shocked when a local man asked her for a picture, only to be escorted away by Taliban guards Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media During her stay in Kabul, the capital, she visited stunning shrines, reflected on the impact of War at Babur Garden and tasted local delicacies. Advertisement One day she visited 'White Flag Hill', home to a large white flag raised by the Taliban that features the Islamic declaration of faith in black writing. Feeling out of place as the only woman up the hill, she was shocked to witness a local man be punished simply for asking to take a photo with her. Carrie said: "I noticed that the men up there were intrigued [by me] but also backing away from me. "One young guy came up to me and was like, 'It's amazing to see you here' and we had a chat. Taliban guards were floating like sharks. Advertisement 'He said to me, 'Can I take a photo with you?' "The Taliban guard came and pushed him in the back of the head and took him off. I assume he got his photo deleted and we have to hope that nothing more happened. 'It's a real shame because for me in my world, everything he did was normal. White Flag Hill was not pleasant." Days later she took a one-hour flight to Kandahar, a city Advertisement I noticed that the men up there were intrigued [by me] but also backing away from me Carrie Patsalis With Taliban checkpoints and patrols, Carrie was 'nervous' about stepping foot in a place with such strict government control. 'It just felt a lot more serious there,' she said. Sniffer dogs and armed Taliban guards lined the airport and Carrie was struck by the heightened security checks for tourists, which saw her bag checked five times. She feared one of her camera sticks could be mistaken for a weapon, but it wasn't that which generated panic. Advertisement Carrie said: "I remembered the very last thing I'd shoved in my bag was a purple Victoria's Secret bra. "One of the guys managed to pull the bra out by its strap so it dangled lengthways in the air for quite some time. "The remaining four men looked horrified and clearly didn't know what to do with themselves. "The main guy had seemingly frozen and suddenly he dropped the bra as if it was a grenade." Advertisement The incident ended up cutting short what could have been a gruelling search process - as guards accepted Carrie's offer to help repack the offending garment and the rest of her bag. Trailed by Taliban guard s 21 In Kandahar, Carrie's tour guide drove her through the lively city for a day of visiting the beautiful mosques and historic landmarks Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie was trailed the whole day by a man on a motorbike, seemingly a Taliban guard keeping an eye on her Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie captured the man on the bike on her camera Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Local Afghan women are denied an education past primary school age Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media In Kandahar, Carrie's tour guide drove her through the lively city for a day of visiting the beautiful mosques and historic landmarks such as the Friday Mosque, known for housing the cloak of the Prophet Muhammad. During the six-hour trip, the tour guide parked up the car to allow Carrie to admire the historical shrines. Carrie was trailed the whole time by a guy on a motorbike, who she figured was a Taliban member linked to the tourism office, ordered to keep an eye on her. Advertisement Carrie said: "He was always at a bit of a distance but he was always there. Every time we went to a shrine he was there about 10 or 20 feet away. "If I turned my head he'd turn and pretend to be looking at the mosque. He obviously assumed I was oblivious. The guard was always at a bit of a distance but he was always there. Every time we went to a shrine he was there about 10 or 20 feet away Carrie Patsalis 'When we went for lunch he parked down the side of the restaurant and sure enough drove out when we drove off. "He followed us for the rest of the day and then went off." Advertisement Carrie realised she was an 'unusual' site in Afghanistan given the lack of tourists and freedom for women. "Obviously they're wary of me,' she said. 'They've been bombed for years so they're not going to just let anyone in. "If you go in knowing and understanding why they might be frightened of you then you will understand why they are following you. "I'd rather the Taliban know where I am because they can see I'm not doing anything dodgy. Advertisement "It's really easy to wrap up an entire nation with a regime but actually most of the people, even if they work for the Taliban, they work for the Taliban to put food on the table. "It doesn't necessarily mean they support the oppression of women." Foreign privilege 21 Throughout her travels Carrie couldn't forget her 'foreign privilege' as unlike local women, she could visit public places Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Carrie said her trip to Afghanistan was incredibly rewarding and she wants to go back Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Carrie recommends anyone interested in travelling to Afghanistan does their research beforehand Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Throughout her travels Carrie couldn't forget her 'foreign privilege' as unlike local women, she could visit public places, which she admitted 'didn't sit right'. While she encourages others to experience the country's 'beautiful culture', she urges people to be 'completely aware of the risks' before travelling there. Carrie said: "My trip to Afghanistan was incredibly rewarding and I do want to go back. Advertisement 'What I wouldn't do is say, 'Sure, go and book your flight now.' 'It is a regime that is not recognised politically by many governments around the world. If you go you must be completely aware of the risks and it must be a risk you are willing to take. "But when we only talk about the Taliban and women we lose the opportunity to celebrate what is a beautiful culture." 'No more dangerous than UK night out' 21 Zoe Stephens has visited Afghanistan three times between August last year and June 2025 Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Zoe travels with a group of up to eight women and with local female tour guides to get a glimpse into the daily lives of women and girls living there Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe sticks to following cultural norms to avoid unwanted attention Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Zoe Stephens, 31, who works for Koryo Tours and lives in Crosby, Liverpool, has visited Afghanistan three times between August 2024 and June 2025. She travels with a group of up to eight women and with local female tour guides to get a glimpse into the daily lives of women and girls living there. Advertisement It took a year of researching and planning, which included a research trip in August 2024, before she was able to safely take her first tour group there. Zoe said: "Everything is a risk in life. For me, the risk of going to Afghanistan is no more dangerous than walking the streets of a bustling city centre on a dark night. "People always think they know better. They always warn you against going to these places. "I'm confident in myself to go to these places because of my ability to handle any tricky situation, and if I didn't then I wouldn't go. Advertisement Everything is a risk in life. For me, the risk of going to Afghanistan is no more dangerous than walking the streets of a bustling city centre on a dark night Zoe Stephens 'I had chatted to other travellers who'd been there and done my research. I wanted to see what it's really like." Zoe doesn't let any of her group walk around alone and sticks to cultural norms to avoid unwanted attention. Recounting her first-hand experiences with the 'morality police' - a law enforcement body which implements strict interpretation of Islamic morality - she said: 'They're the ones you have to watch out for. "It's not allowed for women to go into public parks. There are a couple of instances where they very politely enforce these laws. Advertisement 'If you're a woman and you're there then they may come up to you and politely ask you to leave. "It's a very brief insight into the daily life of what the women there have to deal with. "The biggest rule is how you're dressed. I always go on respecting and trying to blend in rather than sticking out and challenging any cultural norms. 'That would be to wear clothing down to your wrists and ankles and having your hair covered at all times. Advertisement "The main thing is modesty, not just in clothing but in behaviour as well. I wouldn't recommend going around singing and dancing." Pro-tourism 21 Zoe saw first-hand how the Taliban are trying to encourage more tourism Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe says visitors must be wary of the 'morality police' Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe said the Afghan women she came into contact with were ' so similar to us' Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement Zoe and her group took part in traditional embroidery and cooking classes with local women and visited a women's retreat centre. She said it allowed her to see a different side to the lives of Afghan women. "When all we see in the media is Afghan women as shapes behind cloth, that's all we see them as,' she said. 'The Afghan women that I know and have seen and danced with, gossiped with and laughed with, are women who have great ambition and are so similar to us. Advertisement "But the reality for some people is they're not allowed to leave their house. It's about seeing these different dimensions." The traveller says she saw first-hand how the Taliban are trying to encourage more tourism. The Afghan women that I know and have seen and danced with, gossiped with and laughed with, are women who have great ambition and are so similar to us. But the reality for some people is they're not allowed to leave their house Zoe Stephens During her stay in Kandahar, a government minister decided to film her group as part of a 'propaganda video' by the Taliban for its X account. But she wasn't allowed to be part of it because she is a woman. Advertisement Zoe said: "At the moment, for a traveller, the authorities are on your side. It's in your favour to cooperate with them. It was a surprise during my first visit. "When you speak to them you realise there are varying levels and not everyone subscribes to certain ideologies. "The minister wanted to get us on camera and make films, literal propaganda videos. They're very pro-tourism.' Zoe would recommend Afghanistan as a travel destination to Brits to better understand the culture and people - but she advises caution. Advertisement 'Afghanistan has quickly become one of my favourite countries. You need to experience it to believe it,' she said. "The amount of things the Afghans have been through compared to their warmth, resilience and friendliness, they're just incredible people. "Do your research beforehand, and if you're not willing to follow the cultural norms and be respectful, then don't go.' 21 Zoe and her group took part in traditional embroidery and cooking classes with local women Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement 21 Zoe says Afghanistan is one of her favourite countries to visit Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 21 Zoe would recommend Afghanistan as a travel destination to Brits to better understand the culture and people - but she advises caution Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
TUI launches ‘extreme day trips' to Lapland from 11 UK airports – including first-time regional base
TUI has launched a new 'extreme day trip' to Lapland for winter 2026. Flying from 11 airports , families can head to Lapland and back with TUI in just a day. Advertisement 4 TUI has launched an 'extreme day trip' to Lapland Credit: Getty 4 Throughout the day, families get to go on sleigh rides and meet Santa Credit: Getty 4 Then on the plane back they even get a Christmas dinner Credit: Getty There will be flights from Cardiff for the first time to Kittila, pandemic . The 'Search for Santa' day trip will see families fly to Kittila, with a traditional cooked English breakfast served to you on the flight. After landing at midday, you'll grab your snowsuit and boots before heading to the Snow Village. At the Snow Village you will be able to see an ice hotel with igloo-inspired rooms, an ice bar, ice chapel and numerous ice sculptures. Advertisement Read more on travel inspo Families will then hop onto a sleigh ride led by Rudolph. After this, you'll head off on another animal-based adventure with a husky-led sleigh ride. And if those rides weren't enough, you'll then be able to explore the snow wonderland more by learning to drive your own snowmobile. Away from the different 'rides', you'll get to meet one of the Lapland locals and listen to stories and legends about the area. Advertisement Most read in News Travel For kids, there are some arts and crafts too. Then the big moment of the day arrives with a magical journey through a snow-covered woodland to meet Santa. My trip to Lapland with TUI Once you have met with Santa and his elves, you'll head back into the snow where you will have some time to build a snowman, ride a sleigh or even start a snowball fight. A little chilly? Well, there is a Advertisement At the end of your 'extreme day trip', you will then be delivered back to the airport by Santa's elves and once airbourne, you will have a Christmas dinner in the sky as you fly home. Flights will run between December 5 and 23, 2026 with departures from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester , Newcastle , Bristol , East Midlands, Glasgow , Birmingham, Bournemouth, Cardiff and Dublin . Tickets to see Mr Christmas himself don't come cheap though, starting at £750 per person. But every child does get a gift and the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime. Advertisement What is LaplandUK like? The Sun's LaplandUK promises to transport children on a magical Christmas adventure without need of a plane or even flying sleigh. Nestled in Whitmoor Forest near Ascot, Berkshire, even the walk through the car park manages to be exciting with lights twinkling in the trees as you approach the cluster of Finnish-style cabins at this magical destination in the woods. It is the fine details that really set this woodland wonderland apart. From the miniature doorways, just for 'small folk' to use, to the beautifully fashioned individualised costumes worn by all the elves- and the big man himself-details are styled to perfection. And the experience of meeting Father Christmas is a far cry from a quick grip and grin at the shopping centre. It was pure joy to watch their jaws drop when Santa started congratulating them on recent achievements and quoting small details about them, thanks to an online form you fill in about each child before you go. Whilst LaplandUK is not a cheap day out, it certainly comprises many activities which would add up considerably for a family of five if you did them separately over the holidays. We enjoyed a top-notch theatre show experience, crafting, skating, a grotto visit and the children came away with two beautiful toys and a lot of amazing memories. There is also a Plus, why you should have a 4 Prices start at £750 per person Credit: Getty
