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From beaches to nature reserves: Here's 10 free things to do in Essex this summer
From beaches to nature reserves: Here's 10 free things to do in Essex this summer

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

From beaches to nature reserves: Here's 10 free things to do in Essex this summer

With summer in full swing and budgets feeling the squeeze, there's never been a better time to make the most of what Essex has to offer. Whether you've just caned the credit card or are simply saving up for that much-needed holiday, Muddy Stilettos has got you covered. Thanks to recommendations from Muddy Stilettos, we've shared their ten budget-friendly activities across the county. 1. Hang out at the beach: As the weather continues to warm up, a day at the beach is a perfect and cost-free option. The Essex coastline offers a number of sandy beaches where families can relax and enjoy the sea air. For those who prefer walking, there are also coastal paths from Frinton to Shoebury. 2. Take in cool exhibits: The award-winning Firstsite gallery in Colchester offers a number of free exhibitions throughout the year. The current exhibition, "Tim Noble & Sue Webster: Love and Hate", is open to the public. The gallery also runs a variety of free courses, clubs, and classes for those interested in getting more involved. 3. Scoff afternoon tea: While the Tiptree Afternoon Tea is not free, a visit to the Tiptree Jam Museum is. Visitors can learn about the history of jam-making in the area and enjoy the tea rooms. 4. Get 'lost' in a maze: The turf maze in Saffron Walden is the largest of its kind in the world, according to the town council. It is located on the common and offers a unique way to spend an afternoon. 5. Enjoy nature: The Essex Wildlife Trust manages more than 100 nature reserves and parks, many of which are free to enter. These reserves offer a chance to see a variety of wildlife and enjoy a peaceful walk, including Abberton, Belfairs and Chigborough Lakes. 6. Drink Prosecco: On the first Saturday of each month, The Gallery Maldon offers a free glass of Prosecco to each visitor. The gallery features a selection of contemporary paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, with each piece reflecting the vision of the artist behind it. 7. Up the exercise: For those looking to keep fit, Parkrun offers free weekly 5K community events in various locations across Essex. The events are open to all, regardless of fitness level. It's more about just willing to have a go and meet lots of nice people along the way. 8. Browse designer shop: While shopping at Braintree Village may not be free, it can be a great place to browse. The outlet is home to more than 70 premium brands with many at discounted prices. You've got to have willpower to keep this free. 9. Head to an Island: Cudmore Grove Country Park on Mersea Island offers a free day out for families. The park features three separate play areas and a nature reserve. Also on the radar is Great Notley Country Park and Maldon's Promenade Park. 10. Visit the past: Colchester, known for its historical sites, offers a number of free attractions. Visitors can stroll around and see a variety of listed buildings or visit St Botolph's Priory, where it is free to wander among the archways and giant pillars. From exploring the great outdoors to soaking in culture and history, these activities provide a range of options for those looking to enjoy what Essex has to offer without breaking the bank. For more details, visit Muddy Stilettos website.

Download GetYourGuide (free) for Android, APK, iOS and Web App
Download GetYourGuide (free) for Android, APK, iOS and Web App

Gizmodo

time01-08-2025

  • Gizmodo

Download GetYourGuide (free) for Android, APK, iOS and Web App

GetYourGuide is a travel platform where you can discover and book tours, activities, and attractions in various worldwide destinations. It works as a service that connects travelers with local tour operators, museums, and venues so that you can explore a vast selection of options. The listings cover a wide range of attractions, like skip-the-line tickets for iconic places, sightseeing tours, or culinary classes. Using GetYourGuide is really simple. You only need to type in what you're looking for and choose the listing that you find attractive from the results. You can then book it in advance or look for something fun to do when you're already traveling and want to do something spontaneous. GetYourGuide aggregates different travel experiences into one, searchable hub that shows you photos, reviews, descriptions, duration, pricing, and the real-time availability of the listing you're looking at. In the catalog, you can find over 150,000 activities in over 10,000 destinations around the world, and they include VIP and private premium options as well as more accessible attractions. GetYourGuide has extensive support and refund policies, which make it a reliable portal for booking your tours. You can use it through the website or download GetYourGuide on iOS and Android. Any traveler should get acquainted with GetYourGuide, as it simplifies planning trips and exploring the different things you can do at your destination. The platform has a broad and diverse selection of activities in its catalog and also makes it easy for you to access tens of thousands of attractions in over 10,000 destinations worldwide. Pick from options such as a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, or a cooking class in Thailand, to name a few. It also helps with more basic needs, such as booking a transfer to or from the airport, etc. It's a marketplace that saves you time, as you don't need to look on your own for local operator websites online. On GetYourGuide, you can filter listings not only by destination but also by your interests, like history, adventure, food, and art, making it easy to find an option suitable for you and your group. There are also additional filters like duration, group size, mobility accessibility, or language. The platform is known for offering authentic local experiences while at the same time giving you reliable options. For each listing, you get a real-time availability calendar, confirmation from the vendor after booking, online tickets, and even free cancellation up to 24 hours before the event starts (for most places). This makes GetYourGuide a great and safe option to explore the country you're traveling to safely and without a language barrier. For each attraction on GetYourGuide, you can check customer reviews and ratings, see photos from real people, and check for any hidden costs to make an informed decision. Once you book your activity, you'll get all the information regarding what's included in the ticket price, where the meeting points are, how long the activity takes, and if there are additional language options. GetYourGuide handles all payments, so you're sure it's processed safely. Once processed, you get tickets that you can use offline in the app or download as files to your email. GetYourGuide also has a built-in Wishlist feature and a trip planner, so you can save activities you find interesting, plan a day-by-day itinerary, and check if there are any events during your free time. GetYourGuide is free to use, so you only pay for the bookings you make. You can download GetYourGuide on iOS and Android or use it through its website. Yes, using all the features of GetYourGuide, as well as their mobile apps, is completely free of charge. You can browse activities, check reviews, prices, availability, and access your itinerary and tickets without any cost. However, the activities you can find on GetYourGuide are usually paid, and the prices can vary depending on the location and the attraction. However, the platform doesn't add any subscription fees. You just pay for the activities you book, and the prices include taxes. For most listings, you can also cancel for free 24 hours or more in advance. You can access GetYourGuide through its website on any mobile or desktop browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. It also offers mobile apps so that you can download GetYourGuide for iOS 16.0 or newer and Android 10 or higher. The apps can also work offline, so you don't lose access to your tickets and booking details when you don't have an internet connection. Tripomatic is a travel planning tool you can access through its website or iOS/Android mobile apps, where you can build a complete day-by-day itinerary with ease. All you need to do is pick a destination, and the app will generate your travel plan according to your interests and the duration of your trip. You can check restaurants, venues, and activities on a map to check your routes or find something nearby. You can use Tripomatic in a free or paid version, where the latter unlocks offline access to maps and turn-by-turn navigation and removes limits on how many trips you can plan. Tripadvisor is the most popular travel platform in the world, with a massive amount of content generated by users who leave reviews, ratings, and photos of their experiences. You can use it to verify a number of different options, venues, and activities, like hotels, restaurants, attractions, and airlines. Tripadvisor also helps you book your tours, tables, hotels, and other activities. Tripadvisor is a free service, and you can use it on the web or download apps dedicated to mobile devices. Google Maps is still mostly considered a navigation app, but it also offers specific features that help you plan trips and routes, check how to get to a place, and check its opening hours, prices, menus, and user reviews. You can check attractions in your current area or plan ahead. It seamlessly integrates planning and navigation, making it a great hub for travelers, where you can also download maps of entire regions for offline navigation. You can use Google Maps through any web browser, or download it as an app for iOS and Android to get more detailed navigation.

Men's summer skincare: Look good, feel great
Men's summer skincare: Look good, feel great

Jordan Times

time27-07-2025

  • Health
  • Jordan Times

Men's summer skincare: Look good, feel great

Beauty Consultant Essential skincare routines for men When the sun is out it means outdoor activities and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great weather, as well as many occasions and social gathering. However, the combination of heat and UV rays can take a toll on your skin, leading to sunburn, dehydration and premature ageing. For men who want to maintain healthy, protected and radiant skin throughout the summer months, a simple yet effective skincare routine is essential. Here's your guide to keeping your skin safe, hydrated and nourished all season long. 1. Gentle cleansing Sweat, dirt and excess oil can clog pores, leading to breakouts, irritation and a dull complexion. A proper cleansing routine is your first defense. However, that doesn't mean reaching for the harshest soap in the market. Instead, choose a gentle cleanser that works for your skin type How to Cleanse Properly: - Washing your face twice daily, using a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser to avoid stripping your face of its natural oils. - Exfoliating 2-3 times a week; a mild scrub or chemical exfoliant (like salicylic acid) helps remove dead skin cells and prevents ingrown hairs. - Showering after sweating — particularly postworkout or outdoor activities — helps rinse off sweat and reduce bacterial buildup. 2. Hydrating inside and out Hot weather and increased sweating can dehydrate your skin, leaving it dry and dull. Keeping your skin hydrated is essential to maintaining its elasticity and glow How to Stay Hydrated: - Drinking plenty of water; aim for at least 2-3 litres per day to flush out toxins and keep skin plump, it's simple and so cliché, but it makes all the difference! - Using a lightweight moisturiser because in summer you sweat more and your skin tends to become oily. So, if you use heavy creams in winter swap them for a gel-based or oil-free moisturiser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera to lock in moisture without greasiness. - Applying after-shave balm; as shaving can dry your skin or strip it from its natural oils. So use a soothing, alcohol-free aftershave to calm any irritation right away. 3. Sun protection, everday The most crucial step in skincare is sun protection. Sun rays or heat exposure without proper protection can cause sunburn, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and even increase the risk of skin cancer. How to Protect Your Skin: - Using a broad-spectrum SPF; choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (SPF 50 would be ideal) that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen wears off, especially if you're sweating or swimming. - Keeping a travel-sized bottle with you will help you reapply on the go. - Don't skip days, UV rays penetrate clouds and windows, so apply sunscreen even when it's not sunny, or you are not leaving the house. - Wearing protective clothing and accessories. A cap, sunglasses and maybe lightweight long-sleeved shirts if you need that extra protection and body shield for your skin. 4. Don't dorget your lips and eyes The delicate skin around your lips and eyes is prone to sun damage and dehydration, you need to take care of them just like the rest of you face. How to Protect Them: - Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent chapped, burnt lips with a moisturising balm that contains sun protection. You can apply it before going to bed if you're worried about it showing. - Using an eye cream to reduce puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. - Wearing Sunglasses to protect the sensitive eye area from UV rays and reducing squinting which can cause wrinkles over time. 5. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for healthy skin Skincare isn't just about products, your lifestyle plays a huge role. Skin-friendly summer habits: - Eating antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens and nuts helps fight sun damage. - Getting enough sleep; skin repairs itself overnight, so aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep. - Limiting alcohol and caffeine as both can dehydrate your skin, but you can balance their effect by drinking extra water intake Taking care of your skin in summer doesn't have to be complicated. With simple steps and basic products, you can make a huge difference! So, this summer, make skincare a priority and enjoy the sunshine with confidenc and awareness! Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine

Leisure centres in York step in to keep kids busy this summer for under a tenner
Leisure centres in York step in to keep kids busy this summer for under a tenner

Yahoo

time24-07-2025

  • Lifestyle
  • Yahoo

Leisure centres in York step in to keep kids busy this summer for under a tenner

LEISURE centres in York are offering a range of activities that don't cost the earth to keep children entertained this summer. Better, the charitable social enterprise GLL which runs four leisure centres across the city, has created a timetable of activities of active sports and fun games. Many of the Better leisure centres are offering a range of swimming sessions this summer including a four-week Summer Swimming Skills Clinic for youngsters between 8-16 years who can swim 25m unaided (£8.70 per session). This includes a 45-minute session over four weeks at Yearsley Swimming Pool on July 26 until 16 August from 1pm to 1.45pm. These short courses are ideal for those who want to learn more than just swimming strokes. Meanwhile, Aqua Splash is on at Yearsley Swimming Pool each Wednesday between 1.20 and 3.10pm and Friday from 3pm to 3.50pm (£7.00 per person) with inflatable obstacle course and fun floats. A dedicated SEN session will run each Friday between 2pm to 2.50pm. The 'Swim for all' sessions are available at York Leisure Centre, Yearsley Swimming Pool and Energise Leisure Centre throughout the holidays at varying times, where families can have fun, build confidence and practice strokes in a relaxed environment (£4.75 for children aged three-years plus, £6.50 for accompanying adults). There are also family fun swims with floats and toys each Saturday and Sunday afternoons at York Leisure Centre and Saturday afternoons at Energise Leisure Centre (£4.75 for children aged three-years plus, £6.50 for accompanying adults) Children up to the age of 15 can also swim for £1 at Better Leisure Centres in York in holidays and at weekends throughout the year before 10am. There are also various sessions to help prevent children from feeling restless as well staying fit and healthy, including racquet sports - badminton, pickleball and table tennis are available to book at York Leisure Centre and Burnholme Sports Centre from £5.95. Outdoor tennis courts are also available at Energise Leisure Centre (£8.95 for one hour). Toddler's World soft play sessions help little ones burn off energy and socialise with friends. At Burnholme Sports Centre, the equipment includes soft play, bouncy castle, building blocks and a variety of other elements that will assist with the development of balance, coordination and social skills. Morning sessions are every Tuesday for under 5s and cost from as little as £3.50 per session. York Leisure Centre also offers Toddlers World and Jungle Run for up to 8 years old, at various times throughout the week. There is also Roller Skating at Energise Leisure Centre for children of five years upwards every Sunday between 4pm and 5pm with additional sessions throughout the summer for just £4.80 for non-members. Dedicated junior gym sessions run throughout the year at varying times at Burnholme Sports Centre, Energise Leisure Centre and York Leisure Centre. The sessions, which allow youngsters to get fit, are aimed at 11 to 17-year-olds. Sessions are £5.80 per session and monthly memberships are available. For details, visit your Better leisure centre or visit to find out what's happening in your area and book online. Prices range by activity and leisure centre.

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