South West tourism gearing up for bumper year as hopes rise
"Bookings are looking good for the summer," said Roger Sell, who manages the park. "Devon is looking great, and the site is ready. It's definitely gearing up for what could be a bumper year."Official figures support this optimism. Devon is estimated to welcome 868,000 visitors in the Whitsun week of 2025 - the week following Whit Sunday or Pentecost, which is on 8 June this year - a slight increase from 867,000 over the same week in 2024.
"Compared to last year, we're up on numbers, which is great," said Keith Southwell, who runs the heritage railway Lappa Valley Railway, near Newquay."The weather certainly hasn't hurt either."A strong Easter period and extended spells of warm, dry weather have helped drive interest and bookings, particularly for the peak holiday months said tourism chiefs.Sally Everton, from Visit Devon, said there had been a surge in overseas visitors, especially from Canada."Rather than heading to the US, many are looking at Europe, and we're targeting them to come here," she said. "We're also seeing a return of European tourists, and growing interest from India and Japan."
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Daily Mail
14 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
London resident shares the biggest mistake American tourists make that all Brits hate
If you're an American trying to blend in while taking a trip across the pond, it may be best to forgo one particular habit. A fed-up Londoner shared a cautionary tale to traveling Americans, after noticing a particular quirk of visitors - taking to Reddit to share their constructive criticism. The keen observer said they were getting a coffee with a friend and were approached on three different occasions by Americans asking for directions. But when the tourists abbreviated the names of various locations, it left the Brit outraged. 'PSA to Americans visiting this summer: we do not shorten place names here,' the Reddit user titled the post. 'First [person asked] how to get to "Green" (Green Park), and that they'd come via "Edgware" (Edgware Road - obviously a totally different part of the city to Edgware itself),' the irate user complained. 'The next wanted to find their hotel in "Holland" (Holland Park, obviously not the country region),' they added. Their grievances didn't stop there, with the London resident writing they had noticed it happening a lot in another thread about life in the British city. 'As people who live here we got the gist of what they were saying yesterday, but it's such an unnecessary layer of friction,' they pointed out. The user went on by declaring it could potentially end up 'catastrophic' in some situations. 'If you're googling the wrong thing, asking for directions, researching somewhere (Gloucester instead of Gloucester Road, Liverpool instead of Liverpool Street, Leicester instead of Leicester Square etc.),' they wrote, before urging Americans to: 'Help yourselves out while visiting.' 'We did discuss reporting "Green" as a hate crime afterwards but let it slide to be polite,' they joked in a comment. Frustrated Londoners piled on in the comments, sharing other location abbreviations or mishaps that have annoyed - or impacted - them the most. '"Green" as an abbreviation is absolutely insane,' agreed a user. 'This does genuinely cause problems. Some are easy to spot - if you ask for Leicester instead of Leicester Square people are going to ask for clarification rather than direct you to the East Midlands,' they continued. 'But if you want Tottenham Court Road but you ask for Tottenham you may well be sent the wrong way!' 'Someone once asked me how to get to Oxford and I told them to go to the end of the street, turn right and walk 60 miles. I thought this was hilarious, but they did not see this as funny. They were looking for Oxford Circus,' shared another user. Someone else noted that tourists often have trouble finding their way to Abbey Road, which was made famous by The Beatles' album of the same name. The iconic zebra crossing is actually located at the St John's Wood area. And to make matters more confusing, there's a train stop called Abbey Road that is not where the iconic album cover was shot at all. 'I had to go to Stratford a few years ago and used the DLR. There is one station on the way called Abbey Road,' one Redditer shared on the thread. They jokingly observed along with a snap of a sign directing tourists: 'They have obviously had problems with tourists looking for the other Abbey Road as they put this sign up.' Someone else assured the annoyed user it happens with travelers to the US too. 'You joke, but in the hotel business this occasionally happens in America too,' someone chimed in. 'I had a guy run out in a hurry after he realized that he didn't feed the entire city name in to his GPS and instead ended up where I was, which was the same thing but shorter. They continued with their cautionary tale: 'I'm guessing he probably had to drive through the night to get to where he was going, since it was 400 miles away. He was a business traveler, so most likely his job was on the line.'
The Independent
16 minutes ago
- The Independent
Forget Disney: 24 real-life fairytale castles in the UK and Europe you can stay in
Disney theme park castles not quite enchanting enough for you? If you're craving a more intense storybook vibe, then check into one of these real-life fairytale European castles. They're steeped in history and some are former homes of kings, queens and knights. And you can spend the night in them all. There's one in France that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty, an English castle that King Henry VI stayed in and a 13th-century Tuscany tower that Dante called home. They're all unique, but with one thing in common — pinch-me-I'm-dreaming fantasyland looks. Château de Rouffillac, Sarlat-la-canéda, Dordogne Valley, France Even in the Dordogne, the "Valley of 1001 Castles", swoonworthy Château de Rouffillac is a standout structure. The 12th-century hilltop castle, remodeled in the 19th century, evokes storybook scenes with its fantasyland facade and majestic interiors. The pick of the rooms is a royal suite featuring its own turret, a sitting area "with magnificent views" and stained-glass windows. From $17,000 for up to 20 people. Visit Chateau de Menthon, Annecy, France Chateau de Menthon is said to have been the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty, and while you can't stay in the castle itself, you can spend the night in a cottage within the grounds. The 12th-century castle has belonged to the same family, the Menthons, for 23 known generations. What was once an austere fortress was transformed at the end of the 19th century by the great-grandfather of the current owners, René de Menthon. The cottage offers views of Lake Annecy and four suites. Rooms from $530. Visit This former 13th-century Knights Templar military fortress, nestled amid vineyards in a part of the Occitanie region of France known as "Little Tuscany", is now an exceptional place to stay, with guestrooms furnished in 17th-century style. Visit Occitanie remarks that a "meticulous restoration" of the property was carried out in the 1960s by the painter Bernard Bistes that "transformed the castle into a true work of art". This 13th-century chateau, located in the Malbec wine growing area between Bordeaux and Toulouse, is described by Visit Occitanie as a "sacred jewel". Hyperbole? The pictures suggest it would be the crowning glory of any European vacation with a fairytale angle. The château overlooks the river Lot from a vertiginous cliff, with Visit Occitanie adding: "It is the perfect destination for a timeless break in the heart of nature. 'A majestic site steeped in history, Château de Mercuès invites you on a unique journey to the heart of France's great Malbec wines." Château d'Ouchy, Lausanne, Switzerland Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, watches and mountains, but is also home to a few eye-catching historical chateaux, such as this one, which is about as striking as they come. Standing proud on the banks of Lake Geneva like a pop-up storybook castle, 49-room neo-Gothic Chateau d'Ouchy is festooned with luxurious touches and amenities, including a tree-shaded outdoor pool and sauna. And it's rich in history, beginning life as a single tower in 1177. It was built by Bishop Landri de Durnes, explains Small Luxury Hotels, and a century later, the structure was transformed and fortifications added to provide safe housing for the bishops of Lausanne. Today, it's safe housing for travelers who like the finer things in life. With an Alpine view. Rooms from $340. Visit Cap Rocat, Mallorca, Spain What was once a 19th-century fortress built to defend the Bay of Palma, is now a romantic small hotel. Though the building's past is very much interwoven with its present-day purpose as a luxurious bolthole. There's a drawbridge, suites in former shooting buttresses and while there's no dungeon, there is a spa that's been dug 40 feet underground in the fortress's protected rock. Castle Elvira, Trepuzzi, Italy No, you're not dreaming. This fantasy-like Italian castle is perfectly real. Small Luxury Hotels boasts that it's "both rustic and luxurious, magical but equipped with discreet modern technology". It's not cheap, but they say you get what you pay for, and here, it's seemingly a slice of heaven (with hand-carved Carrara marble bathtubs and a pool). The hotel, which dates to the late 1800s, is located just 10 minutes away from the picturesque city of Lecce, sometimes referred to as "the Florence of the south". Al Jafar, Paceco, Sicily, Italy This property would please any self-respecting royal. It comes with views of the sea, the Aegadian Islands and the village of Erice, has a swimming pool in an ancient walled garden and "furnishings and fittings of the highest standard", according to which offers stays here. The firm explains that Al Jafar has been in the family of the present owners since 1335, with a 1990 restoration project ensuring that "each stone, parapet and crenelation lives on to tell its story". In 2014, the Sicilian Regional Department of Cultural and Environmental Heritage listed Moorish Al Jafar as a "building of historical, artistic and architectural importance". Al Jafar villa sleeps eight, with stays from $8,000 a week. Visit Castello di Caprarica, Tricase, Puglia, Italy Castello di Caprarica, built in 1524, comes with dramatic 20-foot-high fortified walls, four storybook towers and lashings of luxury. There's a 14-meter pool, "richly appointed" reception rooms and an al fresco dining terrace. The Thinking Traveller says: "The castle's history is reflected in its enduring stone walls and historic interiors, preserved with care to maintain its authentic character while providing every modern amenity." Castello di Caprarica villa sleeps 22, stays from $10,700 a week. Visit Reschio Hotel, Umbria, Italy It's history with a wow factor. This social-media-igniting castle, nestled amid the rolling green hills of Umbria, has a tower dating back to the year 900 AD. And within, the jewel in the crown of Reschio's room offering —a two-bedroom $4,820-a-night suite spread over five floors with its own terrace. The rest of the hotel, with its vintage furniture, original stonework and inviting pool, is also impressive. Porciano Castle, Tuscany, Italy Follow in the footsteps of Dante with a stay in this incredible 12th-century Tuscan castle, a spellbinding feature of the Casentino Valley that oozes history. The Italian poet, writer, and philosopher is said to have stayed in the tower while in exile from his native Florence for failing to pay a fine in 1302. The story goes that guards at the castle saw soldiers coming up the road to arrest him and gave him warning. Dante left the castle and made his way down the road in disguise. He passed the soldiers en route and when asked by them whether Dante was at the castle, he cleverly replied, "He was there when I left!" Inside, guests will discover original fireplaces and exposed beams. Plus a few mod cons. For example, the tower has an elevator and Wi-Fi. Sleeps nine. Rooms from $1,877. Visit Morfae Castle, Fife, Dundee, Scotland Morfae Castle, a short drive from St. Andrews, has been the historic home of the Earls of Dundee since the 18th century. And what a home. Today, guests can enjoy 1,500 acres of private estate land featuring a private beach, a walled and a wild garden, an outdoor pool and a tennis court. And inside, says there are rooms "straight out of Cluedo", from a billiards room to a ballroom. Sleeps up to 36. Three-night breaks from $20,000. Visit Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, Scotland This Scottish castle hotel has it all — a magnificent setting (Ben Nevis is the backdrop and there's a loch out front), a notable restaurant run by Albert and Michel Roux Jr and more luxury than you can shake a jousting lance at. During a trip to Balmoral in 1873, Queen Victoria spent a week at Inverlochy sketching and painting, and she wrote in her diaries: "I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot." Kilmartin Castle, Argyll, Scotland Kilmartin Castle was built in 1550 during the legendary reign of Mary Queen of Scots and in 2025 is one of Scotland's most sought-after castle stays. This is a truly authentic rental, with uneven stone floors and doors chunky enough to withstand a battering ram. But luxury abounds. There are rain showers, standalone copper tubs and sofas so comfy you'll struggle to get up from them (the author speaks from experience). Once you do and you head out, there are breathtaking surrounding landscapes to explore. This 12th-century coastal castle offers a luxurious stay for a prince or princess and their friends in six bedrooms. And there's plenty to explore outside of the cosy interior — 186 miles of National Park coast path, stunning beaches, the wildlife-rich islands of Ramsey, Skomer and Skokholm, and Britain's smallest city, St Davids, which is just seven miles away. Stays from $325. Visit Amberley Castle, West Sussex, England Amberley Castle is so authentic guests might be forgiven for thinking that they really have stepped back in time. The 900-year-old castle is completely enclosed by a 60-foot-high curtain wall, and on the inside are suits of armour, barrel-vaulted ceilings and roaring log fires. Famous guests? Just a few. Amberley Castle has been used exclusively by royalty, politicians and VIPs throughout its history — Henry VIII visited the site in 1526, whilst Queen Elizabeth II visited as a teenager in the 1940s. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England Bamburgh Castle is one of England's best preserved historic sites, with a history dating back over 1,400 years. It was a Norman stronghold and home to a succession of kings from Henry VI to James I. Guests can immerse themselves in the history of the castle with a stay in Neville Tower or The Clock Tower, and enjoy privileged access to the castle grounds once visitors have left. Linking the castle's restored medieval curtain wall to a vast 13th-century tower and turret, The Clock Tower has been transformed into a unique apartment that sleeps five. Neville Tower, meanwhile, set into the cross wall between the East and West Wards, offers views through its mullioned windows of the castle grounds and the North Sea beyond. Peckforton Castle, Cheshire, England Built in 1851 by politician John Tollemache as a palatial fortified home, Peckforton Castle quickly caught the attention of English Heritage, which deemed it a building of exceptional interest and importance. The images show that the organization was spot on. This exquisite castle looks like it's been warped out of a Disney movie. To add to the fantasyland vibe, entrance is through a portcullis and guests can stay in four-poster bedrooms. Rooms from $170. Visit Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden, Austria Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden is a showstopper. The 16th-century castle hotel boasts beautiful gardens, 105 elegant rooms and suites and views of 10-mile-long Lake Wörth. Guests have access to a private beach club with a freshwater pool and private access to said lake. The hotel has its own marina and guided tours in a V8 motorboat with in-house captain Roberto are available. And after a hard day's, er, cruising, guests can relax in a 3,600-square-meter spa, which boasts a whirlpool, gemstone steam bath, Finnish sauna, panoramic garden sauna, infrared cabin and a dedicated spa cinema. Rooms from $444. Visit Schlosshotel Kronberg, near Frankfurt, Germany Imposing Schlosshotel Kronberg was built in 1893 and was home to Empress Victoria Friedrich. Today, says Small Luxury Hotels, which offers the property in its portfolio, "guests [are] surrounded by many of the empress's original antiques and paintings". Stroll the corridors and you'll discover paintings by Rubens, Titian and Gainsborough, along with gilded Venetian mirrors, antique bronzes and stained-glass windows. And you'll fall asleep beneath chandeliers and amid intricate wallpaper. This enchanting 13th-century chateau, once a home for the Knights of Otocec, is situated on an island in Slovenia's Krka River and blends Gothic Renaissance charm with elegant modern luxury. There are 16 rooms, including "Royal Suites" with river views, lush gardens and a restaurant featuring fresh ingredients from its organic garden. Burned down during the Second World War, it has risen from the ashes in style. From $100,000 a week for 32 people. Visit Kronovall Castle, Skane County, Sweden Kronovall Castle, an hour's drive from the city of Malmo, dates back to 1760, but was rebuilt in the French Baroque style in the 19th century. It's hard to disagree that the renovation was an eye-catching one. A stay here is luxurious, but authentic — much of the castle remains as it was in days gone by, so many of the rooms don't have adjacent bathrooms, although you can book other rooms elsewhere on the estate that do. Rooms from $195. Visit Xara Palace, Malta Step back in time and live the life of a 17th-century Mediterranean aristocrat with a stay at Xara Palace. Inside, you'll be in a world of vaulted ceilings, antique stonework and period furnishings. And outside, the fairytale life continues, as the property is the only hotel located in Mdina, Malta's ancient capital and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. Rooms from $260. Visit Château d'Urspelt, Luxembourg This castle in the heart of the Eislek region, about an hour's drive north of Luxembourg city, dates back to the 18th century and was used as a command post and field hospital during the Second World War. It lay abandoned following the liberation of Luxembourg until 2005, when entrepreneur Freddy Lodomez set about restoring it to its former glory. Today, it's a distinguished 57-room hotel with a Nuxe Spa wellness area. Rooms from $200. Visit More about Disney chateau Castle Scotland Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments
The Guardian
28 minutes ago
- The Guardian
‘We ended up in a pay-by-the-hour love motel': travel pros on their holiday disasters (and how to avoid them)
Cat Jones, founder of Byway, flight-free holiday agents This spring, my family and I took the sleeper train from London to Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands for a few nights. It's only accessible by train, is super-remote and there are no roads for 20 miles. One day, we set off to climb a nearby Munro – me, my husband and our six- and nine-year-olds. As we reached the summit, the weather closed in and we realised we might have made an error trekking to a place where no cars could rescue us. We found ourselves in near-whiteout conditions in the snow. To make matters worse, I had recently torn my knee ligament, and while low-impact hiking was good rehab, I was unable to traverse steep terrain, so we had to take the long way round to get back down – all the while the snow was getting deeper and the visibility worse. After several exhausting hours, including miles of carrying the six-year-old and endless shouts of 'Are we nearly there yet?', we finally reached the bottom just as the sun came out. After hours of seeing no human life, we were rewarded by a train full of waving passengers passing along the track through the moor. Never again will I climb a mountain with an injury unless there is a shorter escape route! Do expect unexpected weather for outdoor activities, and pack plenty of layers, a waterproof and food supplies, in case you get caught out. Don't be put off going off-grid with your kids – you'll have experiences you never would if travelling by car. Lydia Swinscoe, travel writer My first long-term backpacking trip was with my ex to South America. We hadn't learned nearly enough Spanish or Portuguese beforehand, which resulted in a series of mini disasters, which were entirely of our own making. After crossing the border from Uruguay into Brazil, we bought bus tickets to Rio Grande, instead of Ilha Grande, near Rio de Janeiro (the two places are 1,200 miles apart). It meant we had to spend the night in the city of Pelotas in order to catch the correct bus the next day. The only place we could find was a pay-by-the-hour love motel with porn on every TV channel, carpeted walls, condoms and lube in the mini bar, and walls that were far too thin! Let's just say we got out of there pretty sharpish the next morning, though we did end up getting to explore the world's longest beach, which happened to be an hour's drive away. Do practise language basics before spending long periods in a country. Google Translate is helpful, but a phrase book will allow you to learn on the go. Don't be too rigid in your plans. Travelling rarely goes without a hitch and is much more enjoyable if you can go with the flow. Tom Cahalan, founder of Dorsia Travel, luxury travel agency My wife and I were staying at a new safari camp in Botswana for a few days as part of a longer tour. On the last day, torrential rain suddenly hit. Our camp was in the vast Okavango Delta, which can be a risk in the rainy season – but this was supposed to be the dry season! Within minutes, water was coming in through the roof of our tent and it started to fill up. The only staff member on hand was a masseuse, who clearly had no experience trying to make a tent water tight. We tried to get hold of someone else by radio – the only mode of communication in most safari camps – but no one came, so we were left rushing around trying to keep our things dry until it finally stopped raining. Thankfully, nothing got too damaged, and we were leaving later that day, so escaped another night in soggy lodgings. Do pay attention to the seasons when going on an adventure holiday. You might be unlucky, but your plans are less likely to be rained off if you opt for the right time of year. Don't forget to check your travel insurance is suited to where you're visiting. If there's a risk of natural disaster or trip disruption due to extreme weather, make sure it's on your policy. Josh Gardener, hotel director at Broadwick Soho When I was head concierge at a famous London hotel, I had a bride flying in from New York ahead of her very elaborate wedding. She arrived in tears. Her luggage had been lost in transit – and it contained her wedding dress! Cue panic, with 48 hours until the ceremony. We called in many favours and had one of London's best bridal stores make space in their schedule for an emergency appointment. Their team worked through the night making adjustments and delivered the dress to the hotel, where our valet team was on standby to steam it. But then, on the morning of the wedding, a man sauntered into the hotel holding her missing suitcase, which contained the original dress. To this day, I have no idea where he came from as we didn't have time to ask. Ultimately, the replacement dress never saw the light of day. Do use AirTags so you have a way to locate lost luggage. Even if it doesn't guarantee you get the bag back in time for your trip, you will be reunited with it eventually. Don't pack any essential or irreplaceable items in your checked luggage, including jewellery and important items of clothing. Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Madeleine Spencer, beauty and wellness editor As a wellness journalist, I'm a dab hand at detox retreats and always heed the aftercare advice, but on one occasion, after spending 10 days at a clinic in Austria, I headed straight on to review a hotel in Italy. At the clinic, I'd been asked to eliminate sugar and caffeine, and advised to stick to simple-to-digest foods for a while afterwards. But on the first night at my new location, a Michelin-star chef served a succession of dishes full of cream and sugar, while the sommelier brought out a different wine to complement each course. Not only would it have been rude to refuse, but my job necessitated trying them, and so the post-detox rules went out the window, and I dutifully ate every plate of pasta and pudding laid before me. Just 15 minutes after finishing the meal, my strappy shoes started to feel tight. Something was wrong. When I looked down, I saw my feet had ballooned so much that my ankles were no longer visible! Shocked, I messaged a doctor friend, who explained it was a reaction to the rich foods after an abstemious period. Belly laughing while trying to get free from my shoes, I realised it was snowing, so I staggered into a drift to soothe my painful feet, before sleeping with them raised on a mountain of pillows. Needless to say, I've never broken the exit rules of a detox since. Do always stick to the guidelines set by doctors if you're doing a health retreat. In the case of a detox: always introduce new foods slowly afterwards. Don't be afraid to ask hotel staff for assistance if you fall ill. They have a duty of care for guests and some have medical services on-call. Lucy Halfhead, travel editor Dreaming of white sands and turquoise water, I thought St Lucia would be the perfect place to relax as new parents. In my excitement, what I failed to factor in was a punchy five-hour time difference. Night one: we get the baby down early and toast our expert parenting with a piña colada. At 3.17am we're woken by the strains of Baa, Baa, Black Sheep and rhythmic clapping. My daughter thinks it's morning. Because according to her body clock, it is morning. And so began our daily routine: waking up before the crickets had even clocked off their night shift, tiptoeing around a silent resort with a wildly energetic toddler and watching the sunrise in a fog of sleep deprivation and insect repellent. On the final day, just as her body clock had adjusted, it was time to fly home – where she then, of course, stayed on St Lucia time for a week. Do ease into time zone changes, shifting your child's naps and bedtimes by 15 to 30 minutes a day in the run-up to your trip. Alternatively, consider far-flung locations that are in the same or a similar time zone, such as Morocco or South Africa if you live in the UK. Don't be put off travelling with kids. It can be hard work sometimes, but you'll create precious memories. Isabella Quinn, account manager at Fox Communications PR I had just wrapped a dreamy press trip in Bali. Everything went to plan – until the final hour. Just as our group was about to board the flight to Doha to catch a connecting flight to London, we got a call from security over the tannoy. One of the journalists' smart suitcases had triggered a full-scale panic: it had a built-in charger pack – a serious no-go at Bali airport, where even devices in checked-in luggage must be switched off and their batteries removed. Cue a mad dash through security and passport control – running, sweating, clutching boarding passes – to locate the suitcase and somehow eject the battery from inside, which was quite a scramble considering the person in question had never removed it before. Not quite the farewell I'd envisioned, but we made the flight, just. Do know the specs on any smart tech you take on holiday, and how to eject and switch on/off any battery packs. Don't forget to check that your luggage complies with local airline regulations on every leg of your flight. These can differ from airport to airport and country to country.
