Insider tricks to save you a fortune at Center Parcs. The cheapest parks, exact time to go for each one and the hack that can halve the cost exposed
My answer may surprise you. My favourite place – where I've been most often with my family – is Center Parcs Woburn Forest. We go every year.
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The Independent
15 minutes ago
- The Independent
‘I'm an expert gardener – Kew is a world-class attraction, but here's what it needs to change'
Kew Gardens, near London 's Richmond Park, is iconic. And its most emblematic feature is the Palm House, which will be closing from 2027 for a five-year refurbishment – part of an ambitious bid by the Gardens to become climate positive by 2030. The Palm House is the world's largest surviving Victorian glasshouse and a symbol of the gardens' innovative history. But the £50m project, that will include temporarily rehoming around 1,300 plants, is sorely needed. It's difficult to say which is more impressive: the grandiose glasshouse, with its whimsical spiral staircases, or the plants for which it was built. Encountering the glasshouse is rather like wandering through a rainforest and happening upon a crumbling historical monument, the white iron striking against lush greenery. However, while the plants have thrived in the balmy temperatures within, the Palm House has not. The rust and corrosion is a result of the same conditions that keep the plants so healthy, and it's hard to ignore. As part of the makeover, the Grade I-listed building will have each of its 16,000 panes of glass replaced, while the frame will repainted in the exact shade used when it first opened to the public in 1848. Perhaps this decay is symbolic of Kew's place in British culture: at once enrapturing and frustrating. In its current iteration, Kew is certainly impressive, and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the capital. But in order to retain its title of a world-class attraction, Kew needs to continue to innovate. A mecca for botanists Happily, there is plenty for the budding gardener to enjoy at present. The Gardens remain a mecca for botanists, home to numerous plants that are now considered extinct in the wild and many more that are critically endangered. Alongside the Chelsea Flower Show, it remains one of the best places for a green-fingered day out – it is easily one of the best things to do with children during the summer holidays. And while London is full of exciting places to visit, Kew Gardens stands out as one of only four places in the city designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is a living monument to centuries of changing fashions and fancies, told through exquisite horticulture. As an ecologist, you only need to say the words 'rare plant' to me, and I'll be there. But if this sounds too academic, fear not. Kew has a lot more to offer than just its plant collections. Younger visitors have long delighted in splashing and climbing their way through the Children's Garden, while the wheelchair-accessible Treetop Walkway takes visitors high up into the canopy. Guests who are happier keeping their feet on the ground can find numerous walking trails throughout the site (plus picturesque picnic spots). With over 300 acres to explore, it's easy to forget you are still in London, just a stones' throw from the hustle and bustle of Kensington. It's equipped with numerous greenhouses, cafes, restaurants, a library and a gallery, meaning there is plenty to keep you occupied on a rainy day. Cacti and waterlilies One of my favourite things to do while exploring Kew is to visit the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Within, guests can wander through ten different climatic areas, from a wet tropical zone to an arid desert, complete with prickly cacti. The conservatory is also home to a fabulous species of giant waterlily, Victoria boliviana, whose huge pads float like boats on the pond. These are particularly special as the variety was discovered at Kew itself. Visitors used to be able to spot the glasshouse's very own pest control unit here, comprising a burly group of water dragons. These striking lizards were a delight to watch, lazing around or skittering between plants, taking their role of bug patrol very seriously. Sadly, the creatures are no longer resident in the spot – but wildlife, especially butterflies and bees, are in abundance. What Kew needs to do With the refurbishment, Kew is recommitting itself to preserving biodiversity and becoming more sustainable. Still, there's more the Gardens could be doing. I'd love to see more information around the gardens about Kew's global research projects – from seed banks in the Alps to plant conservation in Angola. The Eden Project, in Cornwall, is particularly good at signposting its work in this department, and Kew could learn something here. With approximately 2.45 million visitors a year, Kew's potential for educating the public is vast and I believe this could be better expressed. I'd love to see more interactive displays teaching visitors about environmental issues, or simply more information about how to make their own gardens a force for good in the world. Visiting Kew Gardens is a remarkable, transformative excursion: a chance to explore the world's landscapes for a fraction of the cost of a plane ticket. Once completed, the restoration of the Palm House will be a powerful symbol of a changing British institution. What began as a collection of flowers has now become a frontline in the battle against climate change. The changes to the glasshouse are a clear message that we can create a better environmental future, while continuing to preserve our heritage.
Scottish Sun
15 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Alton Towers launches new ‘Disney style' dining plans in UK first with themed meals and snacks
Plus, one writer reveals his experience on the new Toxicator ride at Alton Towers EAT OUT Alton Towers launches new 'Disney style' dining plans in UK first with themed meals and snacks Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALTON Towers has launched new dining plan packages for visitors - the first of its kind in the UK. The theme park in Stoke-on-Trent is offering hotel and lodge guests the chance to buy Disney-style dining packages to include food and drinks and snacks in the park and the on-site hotels on short breaks. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Alton Towers has launched four new dining packages 7 You can choose from standard, deluxe, kids and ultimate plans Credit: Alamy Alton Towers is offering four different dining plans which are available to anyone staying at one of the on-site hotels. This is something that has been done before by Disney, but not UK-based theme parks. The very first Alton Towers dining plan is called 'The Standard Dining Plan'. It costs £50pp and is described as providing all the 'daily dining essentials'. With this package, you get a regular lunch and soft drink from either the Burger Kitchen or Just Chicken outlet in the park. And it also includes five mini doughnuts and a drink while you're enjoying the park delights as well as a two-course evening meal at one of the hotels' themed restaurants. Flambo's Jambo in the Splash Landings Hotel has views over the indoor waterpark. Or you could dine at the Secret Garden Restaurant in the Alton Towers Hotel, which looks like an English garden. Plus there's the colourful, child-friendly Windmill Restaurant in the Cbeebies Land Hotel. Or families can choose to dine at the quirky Crooked Spoon restaurant by the Woodland Lodges and Treehouses. I was the first to ride Alton Towers' newest ride Toxicator - it was a topsy-turvy spinning explosion 7 You'll find The Windmill Restaurant in CBeebies Land 7 It's recommended to book an evening meal with whichever package you choose Children get a unique package called 'The Kids Dining Plan'. This is for children between three and 12, and costs £20pp. This dining plan is only available when bought alongside an adult plan. This includes lunch and a two- or three-course evening meal, which will match the location of the accompanying adult's dining location. Sweet treats and drinks are also included in this plan. For anyone wanting a little more, you can pick 'The Deluxe Dining Plan' for £70pp. This plan includes lunch at either the Burger Kitchen, Just Chicken, Explorer's Pizza Pasta, Generator Refuelling Company and Cbeebies Lunchbox. You can grab a sweet treat from selected snack outlets, and have an evening meal at one of the four accommodation restaurants including a soft or house-brand alcoholic drink. The most indulgent plan is called 'The Ultimate Resort Experience' and is priced at £90pp. With this, you can get lunch at any of the theme park restaurants and enjoy snacks like bubble waffles, doughnuts and signature Freak Shakes. You can get an evening meal at any of the resort restaurants, plus extra drink vouchers and a Costa Coffee. For an extra special touch, you'll also find a bottle of fizz in your hotel room. For anyone on the Ultimate Resort Experience package who is still hungry can get an extra 20 per cent off any other food and drink across the park. 7 You can have lunch at one of the outlets around the park Anyone booking a short break with Alton Towers can choose to have a dining plan if staying throughout summer up to August 30, 2025. On arrival at the restaurant or outlet at Alton Towers, visitors need to let the staff know they're on a dining plan and show their barcode at the point of payment. It's recommended to book an evening meal beforehand to avoid long wait times. Anyone with 'The Ultimate Dining Plan' will be guaranteed a dining time slot. You can buy a dining package when booking a short break online - just add it to your basket. These plans are very similar to those that Disney brought back for its World resort in Florida. Disney Dining Plans are a pre-paid option for guests to enjoy meals and snacks at Walt Disney World. These are only available to guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotels as part of a package. Of course, Alton Towers is not all about the food, but rather the rides. 7 One writer tried out the Toxicator ride when it first opened in March Credit: Vaz Sayed One writer was the first to try out the new Toxicator ride when it opened in March 2025. It's the tallest Top Spin ride of its kind and tips those on it upside down. He described it as being 'stomach-fluttering' and 'dizzying' as it whisks you 80 feet into the air. The ride is in the theme park's Forbidden Valley and is flanked by Nemesis Reborn, which was revamped last year. Dramatic green-lit water fountains on both sides of the ride shoot up around the attraction to represent toxic terror. This new UK roller coaster was crowned best in the world, beating rides at bucket list theme parks in America. In June, Alton Towers closed a popular ride for good after more than a decade in the park.
Daily Mail
16 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
'Sudden' Turkey rule change could catch out millions travelling from the UK
Holidaymakers heading to Turkey this summer should be aware of a new rule that could catch out millions. Hordes of travellers visit the transcontinental country every year for its hot weather, sublime landscapes and beautiful beaches. But those planning to make the trip soon need to make sure they prepare their mobile phone for the holiday. A change in Turkey means some eSIM providers no longer work in the country if they don't meet certain regulations and requirements. Travel expert Juan David Soler, from Holafly, advised travellers to check their eSIM is set up properly before going to Turkey, to avoid experiencing activation issues after arriving. He said: 'Turkey's sudden ban on eSIMs has caught many travellers off guard, and it's vital that UK holidaymakers heading there this summer take action before they fly. 'eSIMs have become the go-to option for Brits wanting affordable mobile data abroad without the hassle of physical sims or costly roaming.' A change in Turkey means some eSIM providers no longer work in the country, if they don't meet certain regulations and requirements The expert added: 'But now, travellers will no longer be able to activate a new eSIM once they arrive in Turkey.' 'To avoid getting caught out, UK travellers should ensure their eSIM is fully downloaded and activated before leaving the UK. 'This means setting up your digital SIM while still on UK networks, and confirming it's working properly before departure. 'Otherwise, you could be left without internet access the moment you land, which can be a serious issue if you rely on your phone for maps, transport, or bookings.' The change means those travelling to Turkey need to buy and activate the eSIM card before they arrive to avoid being impacted by the new rule. While those living in Turkey won't be able to buy eSIMs from networks who don't meet the requirements unless they are outside of the country. Holafy, an eSIM company, emphasises that the change impacts residents more than travellers. They said: 'The eSIM ban is primarily targeted at Turkish residents buying eSIMs for international travel in Turkey.' While they also recommended saving the eSIM QR prior to arrival, to ensure set up is smooth, and even downloading a secure VPN if needed. 'Without a VPN, you will not be able to manage your eSIM solution digitally, check for remaining data usage, or contact customer service,' they added.
