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The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I visited the UK seaside town that looks like it belongs in Italy – with multicoloured houses and open air pool
TUCKED away in rural Wales is a place that's been hailed as 'picture postcard perfect' for almost 100 years. In fact, Portmeirion Village could even lay claim to pioneering the set-jetting trend. 6 6 I took my boys to see why the North Wales holiday resort has been on the must-visit list for decades. With visitors likening it to 'a slice of Italy on the British coast', I had high hopes, but I wasn't sure what my boys would make of it considering it's quite far removed from our usual holiday haunt. I needn't have worried though, as the Portmeirion magic seems to cast a spell over young and old. Made up of colourful houses and vibrant gardens set around a bay, the charming hotel-cum-holiday-park features two four-star hotels, one of which is set inside a castle, plus a motor-home park and several self-catering cottages. There are accommodation options to suit everyone and it really has got the wow factor that makes you think you're a million miles away from Wales. There's no playground or family-friendly features, just an old-world charm that suits quiet, meandering rather than rambunctious roaming and boisterous boys. On arrival, we spent a happy few hours on the giant chess set in the garden while my littlest paddled in the shallow pool nearby. One of the big travel trends over the past few years is set-jetting - fans of film and TV using their holidays to take them to the sights they've seen on screen. Think Death in Paradise viewers heading to the Caribbean island of Guadaloupe or Harry Potter fans taking a train trip on the tracks of the Hogwarts Express. But that's been happening here at Portmeirion for 50 years now, after the site shot to fame when it was used to film TV show The Prisoner. Its unique look was the perfect backdrop for this cult classic, in which a government agent is abducted and held captive in an idyllic seaside village which turns out to be a prison. I've never seen the show as it was a bit before my time, but heading down a shady path through rhondendron bushes and trees towards the shoreline put me in mind of Rebecca, the famous Daphne du Maurier novel set on a Cornish coastal estate. And maybe that's the secret to this special spot - you feel like you're stepping onto a film set or into the pages of your favourite novel, but it's entirely your choice which fantasy world that might be. Saundersfoot - The little-known UK seaside resort town with one of the cleanest beaches in the country 6 6 To be honest, I wouldn't fancy spending thousands of pounds set-jetting, only to find the scenery from your favourite film or series is something of a letdown once you're there. But there's no chance of that happening here as there's something new to marvel at around every corner and so many little nooks and crannies to explore as you wind your way around the site and come across buildings, grottos and pools around every corner, framing the bay beyond. There's even an open air swimming pool for the use of holidaymakers staying in the cottages dotted around the village, the main hotel at its entrance or the motorhome park nearby. It's a century since architect Clough Williams-Ellis first started designing and building Portmeirion and it took 50 years to complete. His vision feels just as vibrant today as it ever did. A mile away is Minffordd station, where passengers can catch a train on the famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands line, the world's oldest narrow gauge railway. 6 So you could make a bit of a day of it and tick off two unique Welsh experiences that should be on every Brit's bucket list. You don't have to be spending the night to enjoy the wealth of facilities, either. Day passes to Portmeirion cost £37 for one adult and two children, with lots of different family tickets up to two adults and five children for £79. If you're touring Wales in a motorhome, there are pitches here which start at £55 per night and include complimentary access to the site out of hours and use of the outdoor pool. That's an option to consider if you want to see for yourself why this Welsh wonder and OG set-jetting site is still going strong after a century in situ. Plus, the Sun Travel team reveals our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London. And where you can find the best value summer holiday resort in Europe 2025.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE How a solo trip to India changed everything for me - and it was much cheaper than a holiday to Spain
British tourists heading to Spain spend an average of £913 on a week-long summer holiday, according to recent travel data. But my five-day solo trip to Amritsar, in northern India, cost less than that - including flights - and gave me luxury accommodation, unforgettable cultural experiences and a personal connection to my heritage that no beach break could rival. Like many British Asians, I grew up hearing the phrase 'back home' thrown around by older relatives. But, after spending decades travelling to India, especially with my children in tow, I found India overwhelming. Amritsar, in particular, felt dusty, disorganised and frankly disappointing. With over a billion people calling the country home, its major cities are often congested and chaotic, especially if you stick to the main tourist routes. Throw a couple of overtired kids into the mix and it becomes less spiritual awakening, more stress overload. On one visit, I remember stepping off the plane and being hit by a wall of heat, noise and movement. From the moment we left the airport, it felt like total sensory overload. The roads were packed, rickshaws darting between cars, endless honking and motorbikes carrying entire families with no helmets in sight. I vividly remember watching a cow meander through the middle of a roundabout while two buses hurtled past on either side, barely missing each other. The air felt dusty, the pavements were crowded and the power kept cutting out in our hotel. I was constantly on edge, worrying about crossing the street, where to find clean toilets and it felt like I was in survival mode the whole time. The hotel was far from everything, the power cut out almost daily and we were constantly warned about scams, pickpockets, or drinking the wrong water. I couldn't hear myself think and just wanted five minutes of calm. By the end of it, I wasn't just tired, I was totally put off. What was supposed to be an enjoyable trip back 'home' felt like stress in 40-degree heat. I didn't swear I'd never go back, but I definitely didn't plan to. As much as I loved India and being with my family, it did get a sense of dread for the inevitable chaos. So when I found myself booking a spontaneous solo trip to Amritsar, I had one aim: to reconnect with my Punjabi roots on my own terms. No expectations. Just me and a direct flight from Gatwick. I didn't anticipate that five days in northern India without a big itinerary, or blowing the budget, would completely reshape how I saw my heritage. And I certainly didn't expect it to cost less than a holiday in Spain. Let's get the long-haul elephant out of the room. Flying to India isn't quick. But my return flight with Air India from Gatwick to Amritsar cost £560 and was direct, which made all the difference. The airline is no-frills, but it got the job done and now there are direct options from Birmingham, or you can fly via Delhi or Mumbai if you're hunting for deals. When I was guided to my room, I was amazed. I knew it would be nice, but I didn't expect a stunning suite with a four-poster bed, my own cinema room and a dining area Once you're there, it's another story: the exchange rate works in your favour and you'll be amazed how far your money goes. I didn't once feel like I was scrimping and still came in under that all-important average of £913. This time, I avoided the big hotel chains and booked a boutique guesthouse called Victorian Elegance and the name didn't disappoint. For just £41 per night, I arrived to a welcoming committee, who greeted me with a tilak, a mark on the forehead. When I was guided to my room, I was amazed. I knew it would be nice, but I didn't expect a stunning suite with a four-poster bed, my own cinema room and a dining area. Outside, there was a courtyard where breakfast was served each morning. The décor was regal, the food was fresh and local and the hosts treated me like royalty. Every morning, they laid out a a traditional Amritsari breakfast banquet in the courtyard, under the rising Punjab sun. What made it special, though, wasn't just the luxury touches. It was the fact I felt safe. As a woman travelling solo, I was cautious, but never afraid. The hosts helped arrange transport, gave recommendations and made sure I had everything I needed. It was like having my own little support team, but without the group tour vibe. It was a world away from my many decades of trips to India. This time, I wasn't rushed or overwhelmed. I was in control and I loved it. As a side note, Apps like Uber and Ola (India's version of Uber) work seamlessly, and most drivers speak a little English, enough to get you on your way. Hotels and guesthouses are used to catering to solo and foreign travellers, especially in cities like Amritsar. No trip to Amritsar is complete without visiting the Sri Harmandir Sahib, better known as the Golden Temple. For me, as a devout Sikh, it's a spiritual pilgrimage. But you don't need to be religious to be moved. The gold-plated architecture shimmers under the sun, surrounded by holy water you can bathe in and a community kitchen, the Langar, who make and serve over 100,000 free meals every single day. The meals are for everyone, with fresh, hand rolled baked bread, dhal cooked in huge pots, which you can help make with them. I cry every time I go. And going alone gave me the space to soak in the experience without distraction. It's dubbed by many as the 'most peaceful place on Earth' and I have to say I agree. It's humbling, healing and powerful. Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith, gender or background. Both men and women are expected to cover their heads, as with any Sikh temple, but they provide clean coverings for you, if you don't have one or if you're unsure. You remove your shoes and wash your feet and hands, before entering. You then walk through the rest of the Temple barefoot, while your shoes are left at the entrance and are cleaned for you. The Temple is immaculate, thanks to the dedicated volunteers who work around the clock to maintain and keep it clean. Visitors are also welcome to chip in and help out. I've seen many young travellers on TikTok, with brushes and brooms, helping out. If you want a crash course in Punjabi culture, head straight to Sadda Pind. It's a recreated village experience that immerses you in the old-world charm of rural Punjab. For just 850 rupees (about £7), I spent the day making roti on clay ovens, watching folk dancers perform Bhangra and gidda and trying my hand at weaving, pottery and even traditional wedding rituals. You can meet the village blacksmith, spin thread at the charkha and sip on sweet lassi made the old-fashioned way. It's Instagram gold, but also deeply educational and interactive. And, unlike the sanitised tourist traps elsewhere, this feels authentic and alive. When it comes to food, I'm a stickler for variety, and Amritsar didn't disappoint. Yes, the Punjabi dishes are rich and flavoursome, but you're not stuck eating curry every night (unless you want to, in which case, you're in heaven.) I find everything from wood-fired pizza for £2 to steaming bowls of momos and Indo-Chinese dishes that cost less than a Pret sandwich. In local restaurants, a family of four can easily eat a full three-course meal. drinks included, for around £12 total. Even in the more upmarket spots, dinner rarely costs more than £25 for four with drinks, and that's if you're splashing out. I know there's often fear-mongering around food hygiene in India, which is understandable because sometimes social media wants to highlight the very worst, but honestly, the restaurants I ate at were spotless. I stuck to well-reviewed places and drank bottled water, the same way I would anywhere unfamiliar and had zero issues. If anything, it was the best food I've had all year, and I didn't even need to queue for a table. One of the most common questions I get, especially from women is: 'But is it safe?' And the truth is, I didn't feel any less safe in Amritsar than I do in London, Paris or Rome. Of course, as women, we're always making little safety calculations, but that's true anywhere. And, what did make a huge difference was staying at Victorian Elegance, where I had a network of local hosts who genuinely looked out for me. While I'd be out, they would call or text to check in and I knew I could call them at any time if I felt unsure or needed help. That kind of personal support goes a long way, especially when travelling solo. Unlike my past visits, where everything felt hectic and family led, this time, I actually saw the city. I wandered around, exploring street art, browsed sari shops and haggled at local markets. And while it's not a beach break, it's an incredible city escape. It's got all the adventure of a far-flung destination with none of the pretense and at a fraction of the price. If you've ever thought India was 'too much', I get it. That's how I felt too. India isn't always easy. It can be loud, it can intense and yes, it can feel chaotic. But go smart, off the beaten path and you'll find something truly magical. I thought I knew what India was. But this time, it showed me something completely different. Amritsar surprised me, soothed me and reminded me that home isn't always where you expect it to be. And honestly? I'd pick it over Barcelona any day.
News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
‘A literal oasis for parents and kids': Bali hotel you need to book now
If the thought of hopping on an international flight with small children makes you want to bury those passports in the backyard for the next three to five years, then let's just say you're part of a very big club. But if there's any inclination to dust off the travel documents and go deep in the wardrobe searching for everyone's cozzies – call it sheer desperation for some form of getaway to break up the chaos of home life – then hear me out. The biggest questions for any parent with little ones while contemplating the pros and cons of a trip away with the family are always – is it even worth it? Will it be at all relaxing? Will we get a break from the kids? Will we enjoy ourselves? Will everyone get sick? What if the weather sucks and we're all trapped inside? Basically, will it inevitably just be a 'same sh*tshow, but with a better view and stronger cocktails' scenario? All signs point to yes. I've always been a big believer in holding off until the kids are a little older. Until nobody needs a daytime nap, everyone can swim confidently, and most importantly, once every child can skip off to Kids Club without a care in the world. I've braved enough holidays in recent years that turned into an exhausting game of tag team with my husband – one of us watches the sleeping child in the hotel room, while the other wears out the two older kids in the pool or at the beach – to know better. To some, this may sound like a perfectly acceptable break, but not if you want to actually spend any time with the other family member splitting the bill with you. Enter Movenpick Resort & Spa in Bali. At first glance, this five-star resort located walking distance to Jimbaran Beach on the wildly popular Indonesian island ticks a lot of boxes for families with youngsters. Kids Club? Tick. Kid friendly pools and activities? Tick. Kid focused menu? Tick. Interconnecting rooms perfect for larger families? Tick. Babysitters on standby for really little ones? Tick. Amenities for babies such as cots, high chairs and prams? Tick. A not-so-scary flight time to reach said amenities? Tick. A 24-hour fitness centre, rooftop bar, Balinese spa and strong cocktails? TICK. I'd seen this resort on Instagram, with fellow parents singing its praises and sharing idyllic photos of not one, but four outdoor swimming pools, a water slide, jacuzzi, artificial beach, swim-up bars, even a giant inflatable obstacle course floating in one of the pools. Knowing what we know about the Instagram Vs reality of holidays on social media, I turned to my other trusted source - Google reviews. A quick scan of the five-star resort's some 7,000 reviews confirmed all I hoped to read. Endless comments from guests, many of them parents, all raving about their experiences. 'This is one of those rare places where you can completely relax, knowing you (and your children) are in good hands,' was one such review that stuck with me. So, we packed the mountain of sh*t you need for a week away as a family of five, braved the 6.5 hour flight with our five, three and one-year-old daughters, and arrived – after what seemed like an eternity – to a literal oasis for parents and kids. The hotel room We were lucky enough to stay in a Family Prestige Room, which is two connecting rooms over 76 sqm and the perfect option for travellers with children. Our two older daughters were able to sleep in king single beds in one room, with my husband and I in the connecting room, along with our baby in a cot beside our king bed. Not only were there bathrooms in each room, with a shower and bathtub in each, there was also a (lockable) balcony for each room with spectacular views of the pools. The resort also offers a variety of other rooms, including a Classic King, Classic Twin, a Junior Suite, Family Duplex and a Premium Suite, depending on your needs. It's all in the details In terms of cute, kid-friend touches, the staff had thought of everything in our suite. Toddler sized table and chairs, plush toys on the beds for each of the girls to keep, night lights, a step stool and toilet training seat in the bathrooms, non-stick mats in the tubs, and a sweet welcome note with each of their names, along with a fruit and sweets platter upon arrival. Beyond the hotel room, every day at 4pm in the lobby, the resort hosts Chocolate Hour, which is exactly as it sounds (picture stepping into Wonka's Chocolate Factory for a quick sugar fix) and not to be missed. The kid-friendly features It would be a crime to not mention hands down my favourite feature, the Meera Kids Club, which is certain to have become the best friend of every parent who has ever stayed at Movenpick Resort. The picturesque facility is pirate-themed and caters to kids from 4 – 12 years old. Children under 4 years can also attend with full supervision from parents or legal guardians – or for a small additional fee, an on-site babysitter. My bigger kids were besotted with the kids club, and most days raced to the front door straight from the breakfast buffet, ready to be the first ones inside. This meant Mum and Dad got some one-on-one time with our littlest in the splash pool, and occasionally booked her in for an hour or two with the babysitter to enjoy a few mojitos in peace. Activities at kids club include everything from tie-dye T-shirt design, to ice cream treasure hunts, mermaid hair braiding, jewellery and kite making, dance parties and an indoor playground with a trampoline and ball pit. All super fun options that also mean the kids get to escape the heat for a few hours each day. The resort is also home to a gorgeous trio of pet dogs (two Golden Retrievers and a Labrador), as well as a family of fluffy rabbits and a stingless bee house sanctuary. Children are always welcome to play with the dogs, and even feed the rabbits throughout the day. All in all, the kids club was a 12/10 experience. The dining experience Admittedly, we didn't venture beyond the resort much during our stay. Parents with older kids would easily be able to book a car and explore Jimbaran in more detail, or even see different parts of the island. The beach itself is only 100 metres away and boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in Bali. But after a full day in the water or running around with new-found friends at kids club, my three were always cooked and ready for a quick and easy feast by about 5pm. The Movenpick has four options for dining; Anarasa Restaurant, which is the resort's main restaurant for breakfast lunch and dinner; Jejala Pool Bar, offering quick bites, Western options and frozen margaritas by the pool; the Movenpick Cafe, for coffee and tea, baked goods, and of course ice cream. Our package included access to the breakfast buffet each morning, and while I know this isn't everyone's speed on holidays, I'll just say this - I am STILL thinking about that buffet, weeks later. Quite simply, it was the buffet of anyone's dreams - coffee brewed to perfection as you take your seat, fresh food options from around the world, and - most importantly - a mini breakfast buffet for the kids in their own corner. Meaning you can actually enjoy your meal without a toddler on your lap, while they do laps around their own tailored buffet and catch a quick episode of Bluey or Peppa Pig at the same time. I'm telling you, when it comes to fuss-free, kid-friendly dining, these guys have thought of everything. Finally, the resort's newest dining experience is the Adriana Cucina rooftop bar, located on level 7 and with a view of the gorgeous Jimbaran Bay that rivals any other in Bali. The urban-style restaurant boasts a fusion of Mexican cuisine with traditional Balinese flavours. Fresh seafood, hot grills, guacamole made by the chef at your table, and a killer tequila line-up. It was so good, and the staff were so accommodating of our three weary little travellers, we ate there three times! My husband even got the T-shirt. If you're keen on exploring a little, but not jumping in a car, next door to the resort is the Samasta Lifestyle Village, with a handful of shops and restaurants. My kids loved watching the evening Kecak Dance performance in the main square. One of the things we loved about the Jimbaran area in general is that it's a slower, more peaceful pace than the likes of Kuta and Seminyak, and not as trendy as Canggu. For those hoping to see more of the island, from Jimbaran you've got easy access to places like Uluwatu, Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur. The details Movenpick Resort and Spa is approximately 15 to 30 minutes by car from Denpasar International Airport, which is Bali's main international airport. Prices start at around $210 per night, for a classic room accomodating up to three people. Suites and family rooms start at around $350 per night.
The Sun
17-07-2025
- The Sun
Travel influencers reveal their best UK holidays – cheap caravan parks, secret beaches… and overhyped places to avoid
When the sun comes out, there is no better place to cool off than on a stripy deckchair with a Mr Whippy and a sea breeze. However, chances are, half the country will think so, too. So how do you avoid being packed cheek-to-jowl on heaving beaches? 9 To find out, we asked seven top family travel influencers for their favourite off-the-beaten-track beach or the place they go to handle the heat, combat the crowds, and avoid the rush... Swap Lime Regis for Charmouth Lifestyle Influencer Chantelle Champs loves popular Lyme Regis in Dorset, but she takes her three girls to nearby Charmouth to go fossil hunting. She says: "We love finding new places to explore and a few years ago we booked a last minute break to Lyme Regis in Dorset. We had never been before but the trip was a hit and everyone loved it. We've ended up going back every year since. Dorset has a great coastline and there are so many different beaches to explore, you are not restricted to one area. This is great because in the school holidays, Lyme Regis is really popular, so you can easily go a bit further along the coast and find a quieter spot. Our favourite place is Charmouth Beach. It's beautiful and looks so much more natural and undiscovered than Lyme Regis itself. I love the beach, but I am not much of a sunbather and with three girls under 12, we like interesting places that keep us all occupied. Our favourite activity as a family is searching for fossils, which is really fun and costs absolutely nothing. It kept us all entertained all day. We usually find a few different pieces which we collect and take home as souvenirs. In between Lyme Regis and Charmouth is also the area of East Cliff. This is an old Victorian dump site. You can still find fossils here, but we also found the base of a ceramic pot from the Ritz London, which we all got very excited about. You can also see a statue of Mary Anning, who was one of the first female palaeontologists in the UK. She found her first fossils at the age of 12, so my girls know her story well. It's the most easy-going, laid back place to go in summer and we hardly spend any money. You can rent a little cottage close to the beach for less than £100 a night. It's one of our favourite UK holidays." 9 'Pay what you can' attractions Howey Ejegi, a digital creator at @howeydon and and dad from Dundee in Scotland, saves the beach for cooler days and heads to the Scottish Deer Centre with son, Jaivon (both pictured above) instead. He says: "Living on the Fife coast, we have some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland a short drive from us. However, in summer, everyone has the same idea and they get really packed, with traffic jams and car parks all full. Aberdour Silver Sands is probably the most popular beach but we prefer to go in spring or autumn. It's not as hot, but sometimes we get the place almost to ourselves, so it feels like a secret beach. When it starts to get busy with locals and tourists, Jaivon and I prefer to head inland to the Scottish Deer Centre near Cupar. This wildlife park spans 55 acres and has 12 species of deer, wolves, otters, elk and bears. What's great about this place is that they have a 'pay as you please' admission, so guests pay what they can afford. It's a great incentive to encourage visitors from lower-income areas to experience the park without worrying about the admittance price. We love it. It's really educational and you can easily spend the whole day there, staying for lunch or bringing your own picnic. I know people head to the beach for a cheap day out in the school holidays, but this is our favourite local spot when the coast gets too crowded." 9 Quiet Cornwall in peak summer Lifestyle vlogger Kerry Whelpdale and her two energetic sons love to surf, but instead of hauling their boards to Newquay's busy Fistral Beach, they ride waves a bit further along the coast . She says: "We love surfing and there is no better place to do that than in Cornwall. However, everyone knows that Newquay is far too busy, especially in summer. Even if you are able to find a decent place to stay, it likely won't be cheap. We found a solution to this and not only is it a bargain, but we also often get the beach to ourselves first thing in the morning - and it never gets overcrowded. We stay at the Park Dean Newquay Holiday P a rk. It's just up the coast from the busy town of Newquay and ideally located to explore the whole area. Better still, Watergate Bay beach is walking distance from your accommodation - extra handy when you are carrying your own surf board! We booked a Glamping Pod for £100 a night for all four of us in the school holidays. The pods are so cute and we had our own kitchen to make lunch and dinner, which was so nice after an active day surfing. The resort itself has evening entertainment for families but we didn't even indulge last time. Everyone was so tired, we had pizza on the deck and chilled out in our pod until the next morning. If you have younger kids, it's absolutely ideal. There are three outdoor pools and a splash park with waterslides. For those who want to surf, the beach closest to the park is really quiet if you get up early to catch the first waves and I highly recommend it. It's definitely busier after lunch, but nowhere near the crowds that fill up the main beach in Newquay. It's a family favourite for us, but get in quick as the pods get booked up fast in the Easter and summer holidays." 9 Swap Brighton for Portsmouth Vicky Philpott from avoids busy Brighton and heads to the island city of Portsmouth with her family. She says: "When it's sunny, people flock to Brighton in East Sussex for a beach day, and I am always baffled why they don't think a little bit outside the box. We skip the crowds of Brighton Beach on a sunny day and head to Southsea Beach instead. It's just 1 hour and 30 minutes from London on the fast train and has such a chilled vibe. There's plenty of cool coffee shops and the charming Albert Road has lots of independent shops, too. It's just like Brighton, but quite a bit cheaper, you can get a coffee there for £2, whereas the going rate in Brighton is double that! On the beach there's always enough space to spread out without hordes of day-trippers. My toddler, Reggie, loves playing with stones on the big pebbly stretch and there's a little splash park on the seafront, as well as a park, zip line, golf and pedalo boats at Canoe Lake boating pond just over the road. The pier has rides and arcades and,, of course a great fish and chip shop too - although you'll pay a bit more to eat here (£13 for haddock and chips), considering the prime location. If you want to stretch out the afternoon, get an alfresco bistro table at Greek Cuisine Tony and you can enjoy £7.50 gyros on the pier - easily enough for two to share - while watching the paddleboarders and swimmers do their thing." 9 Secret beaches in picture-perfect nature reserves She says: "We live just outside of Reading, but rather than battle the crowds on the south coast during the summer months, we head to Norfolk instead. This is a very underrated coastline and home to some wonderful, endless beaches. Our best-kept secret is the Holme Dunes Nature Reserve. This stunning stretch is a little bit further off the beaten track than busy seaside towns like Sheringham and Cromer but it's perfectly unspoilt and a paradise for nature lovers. As well as thick fluffy sand, you can watch out for rare sightings of black-tailed godwit and ring ouzel. You won't have to battle for a place to pop down a towel, but do bring a cooler and snacks for everyone as there are no facilities on the beach. However, there is a fascinating visitor centre and cafe near the entrance, so if you have little ones, you're not too far from the real world. Parking is cheap and easy, too. Whilst not exactly a secret, we usually end the day at Wells-next-the-Sea. It's less busy at teatime and you can walk along the beach past the colourful beach huts. The beachfront cafe serves a big sourdough pizza for £12 and a tub of ice cream for £4.50. Enjoy both with your legs dangling over the sea wall." 9 Private paradise in hidden sandy coves Victoria Watts Kennedy from travel blog is known for exploring lesser-known places around the world. Here in the UK is no exception. She says: "Devon is beautiful but in the summer, the beaches and villages along the coast are some of the busiest in the UK. Instead of heading to popular Salcombe, we have a secret spot that we go to every year. Soar Mill Cove is a beautiful, isolated little bay, hidden along the rugged coast, just 15 minutes from Salcombe. It's the effort to get there that makes Soar Mill Cove so special. It's beautiful when viewed from the cliff, but take the mile-long path that winds down the headland and you'll find a golden, sandy beach. The tiny, sandy inlet, backed by magnificent cliffs, feels like your own personal paradise – and the journey to get there is all part of the fun, especially with kids. It's easy to park the car at the Soar Mill Cove Hotel at the top of the hill. Parking is only £5 for the day. If you want to splash the cash, the hotel is in a top location, but rooms start at £180. For a budget option, you can stay three nights at the Challaborough Bay Holiday Park for only £249. It's a 35-minute drive from Soar Mill Cove." 9 Ditch the busy south coast for the wild North East Macca Sherifi, from travel blog An Adventurous World, says the south coast gets all the hype but when he wants to escape with wife, Chloe, and two-year-old Cooper, they head north. He says: "When it comes to beach destinations, people always flock to the south coast, but the north of England has beautiful beaches too. I am firmly flying the flag for Durham and Northumberland in the north east. Take Seaham Beach, which on a bright and sunny day is absolutely gorgeous, with mile after mile of golden sands and craggy rock pools just waiting to be explored. My two-year-old loves searching for colourful sea glass, as well as the odd pebble. Seaham Beach is known for being one of the most colourful beaches in the UK for these colourful gems. It's an activity that is great for any age and I must admit, I enjoy the challenge too! We can be there for hours and spend next to nothing all day. If you venture a bit further down the coast, you can also see the Seaham Beach caves, which is ideal for teenagers or older kids. It really is a beautiful spot, and very close to Durham, which has very affordable hotels to base yourself in, meaning it's really good for anyone on a budget too."
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
The simple mistake many people make with travel insurance can end up costing you thousands of pounds… but would you know how to avoid it?
The school summer holidays are just around the corner, which means many families will be preparing to jet off for some well-earned relaxation. Of course, there's the to-do list to tackle before you go: pack the suncream, do a dozen loads of laundry and locate all the passports (there's always one momentarily missing). And an element that shouldn't be overlooked is travel insurance, which can save you thousands should you or your belongings run into any trouble while abroad. However, while many of us assume once you're covered by a policy you're fine, that's very much not the case. Niraj Mamtora, director at Forum Insurance, has issued a warning to travellers after thousands of claims were rejected for minor mistakes last summer. It's important to read the small print, as these minor, avoidable mistakes can be easily resolved – and if not, may well end up costing you thousands. From tight deadlines for reporting an issue to correctly packing your valuables, keep reading for the surprising ways travellers invalidate their insurance without realising. Leaving your hotel balcony door or window unlocked With balmy temperatures across Europe, it's no surprise many of us leave windows or doors slightly ajar to maximise airflow in our hotel room. But according to Mamtora, while it may make your space more comfortable, it could end up costing you a fortune if your belongings go walkabout. 'If there's no sign of forced entry, many insurers won't pay out,' Mamtora advises. 'It's that simple.' 'We often see claims for stolen items from hotel rooms declined because a door or window was left unlocked. It doesn't matter whether you're in a five-star resort or a budget apartment. Policies usually require evidence that a thief had to break in. If you've left an access point open, the assumption is that you didn't take reasonable care.' Not filing a police report in time When we lose something on holiday, lots of us will try and push the annoyance aside and think: 'I'll deal with it when I'm back.' But failing to alert local police within a one- or two-day timeframe will invalidate your insurance policy with most providers, causing even more of a headache when you get back. 'If something is stolen or lost, you usually have 24 to 48 hours to report it to the local police,' Mamtora explains. 'Some people try to wait until they get home or think a hotel report is enough, but that won't meet the conditions of most policies. You need a formal report from the local authorities, ideally with a case number and location. Missing that step is one of the most common reasons we see valid claims denied.' Packing valuables in checked luggage Many of us are guilty of packing laptops and cameras in our checked suitcase, so we don't have to lug heavy hand luggage around. Unfortunately, if your valuables aren't on your person, you often can't get your money back if they're bashed and broken on arrival. 'Laptops, watches, cameras and other high-value items should never go in the hold,' Mamtora warns. 'Airlines may mishandle luggage, but your insurer is unlikely to cover these items if they weren't with you in the cabin.' 'This is clearly outlined in many travel insurance policies, but it's still a common mistake. Always pack anything you can't afford to lose, or can't replace easily, in your carry-on.' Lending items to friends How many times have you been abroad and had a friend ask to borrow your camera, headphones or phone? How many times have you asked them to carry your belongings for you? Well, it turns out both mean if the item is lost or broken, your insurance company doesn't have to pay up. 'Policies usually cover you alone, not you and your friends or family,' Mamtora explains. 'If a friend borrows your phone, camera or headphones and they break it or lose it, the insurer is unlikely to pay out unless that person is specifically named on the policy. 'You need to think of your cover as personal, not shared. Just because someone is travelling with you doesn't mean they're included in the protection.' Taking a day trip to a non-covered country When you apply for travel insurance and you may well tick the box for where you're going, then you never think about it again. However, you need to be careful – if you're planning any trips that cross to a different territory, you often invalidate your cover. 'This one catches people out all the time,' says Mamtora. 'You might have cover for Europe, but if you take a bus from Croatia to a neighbouring country, such as Montenegro, your insurance can become void the moment you step over the border. 'Even if you're only gone for a few hours, if something happens, you could be completely uncovered. It's vital to check which countries are listed and whether regional trips are included.' Not using the hotel safe for valuables We've all been there: you have no idea how to use the safe, so stick your passport and valuables in the discreet bedside drawer instead. Seems logical, right? It actually means if anyone nabs your stuff, you likely won't get the cash back to replace it. 'Valuables not stored in a locked safe are rarely covered,' Mamtora advises. 'If you leave your passport, jewellery, or expensive tech out on the bedside table or tucked into a suitcase, and they're taken, your insurer may argue you failed to secure them properly.' 'The policy wording often requires that high-value items be locked in a hotel safe when not in use. It's a small effort that makes a big difference to whether you're covered.'
