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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I tried the new Squid Game experience in the UK – it felt like being in the TV show but there is a downside for families
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) K-POP chimes loudly as posters are plastered across the walls advertising typical South Korean treats and fictional businesses. Presented like a Seoul high street, Squid Game: The Experience immediately transports you to South Korea. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Presented like a Seoul high street, the Squid Game experience immediately transports you to South Korea Credit: Cyann Fielding Then the anticipation builds as 'pink guards' lurk around the dark corners, and this is all before you have even been handed your bib. London's Squid Game experience opened last month at ImmerseLDN on the waterfront at the ExCeL and welcomes players into the world of the hit Netflix show... but without actual violence and death. Over the course of five challenges, players can get competitive - playing for points to ultimately win. From the moment I received my numbered bib, I was no longer 'Cyann - travel reporter', I was player '008'. Then after having my mugshot taken, I entered the game. The first room is set out like the sleeping quarters from the show, with bunk beds uniformly lined next to each other. Your host then introduces you to the experience ahead, as you prepare to enter the first challenge. As the doors open and you move into the next room, in front of you lies four rows of glass, next to each other. Mimicking the 'glass stepping stones' from the show, four players simultaneously step in accordance with a pattern memorised a few moments earlier. The glass lights up green as you go if you get it correct. You have 2020 vision and a high IQ if you can spot all five guards with triangle masks in Squid Game brainteaser If you don't, it turns red and you are forced to stay where you are. Players are then awarded different amounts of points depending on how far they reached across their 'bridge'. Whilst the game is one of the most iconic moments from the TV show, in the experience itself there is a lot of waiting around. I was in a group of about 30 people and as one of the first four people to do the challenge, myself and my friend found ourselves waiting around for all the other players to complete the challenge. Whilst watching a few groups attempt the game with some messing it up is entertaining, it wears off quickly and you are left waiting with nothing else in the room to occupy your time. Once everyone is finished crossing the 'glass stepping stones', you enter the next challenge. 8 Then the anticipation builds as 'pink guards' lurk around the dark corners Credit: Cyann Fielding Arguably the best game for those who are super competitive, in groups of four you stand around a small table, each with a bucket of 10 marbles. The aim of the game is to throw the marbles in the middle of the circle. Those who achieve this, then get to take all the marbles from the table into their hoard. If you run out of marbles, you lose. The game lasts about five minutes or so and it's a great way to meet other people that are in the experience or have some family/group fun. Once this game is complete, again you scan your wristbands depending on whether you won, lost or drew. 8 Over the course of five challenges, players can get competitive - playing for points to ultimately win Credit: Cyann Fielding Then on into a dark room, lit by flickering street lamps, with a singular rope running along the ceiling and dropping down to the floor. For this challenge, you play as a team - with another group of people on the other side of a glass door, doing the same challenge. Essentially a version of tug-of-war, each player has five seconds to pull as hard and fast as they can. Whichever team brings the marker on the ceiling closer to them by the end of the game, wins. For me, this had to be the least thrilling challenge of the experience. Whilst my team had no children, the team we played against had several - giving us a slightly unfair advantage. 8 Some challenges you play to get points as a team Credit: Cyann Fielding Whilst families on the other team may have had fun together, there were also groups of friends on the team who may have felt a little disappointed with the inevitable lose. However, the next challenge is where the experience thrives - an icon of the whole Squid Game franchise - 'Red Light, Green Light'. Standing on a red line, with dozens of people either side of me, I keenly wait for the giant girl at the end of the room to close her eyes. On green light, you go. On red light, you do not flinch under any condition. Guards lurk over your shoulder, waiting for you to scratch the itch on your head or even blink. 8 Players get an wristband which they scan to collect their points on throughout the experience Credit: Cyann Fielding The on green light, you can move freely and as quickly as you can to the other side of the room. This was definitely the most fun game of the experience and makes you feel as if you have stepped into the TV series itself. Again, if you cross the line before the timer ends - you get points added to your player profile. The final game in the last room plays upon the iconic shapes from the series. Stars, umbrellas and squares sit around in a circle and you move clockwise around the circle - kind of like a game of musical chairs. When the music stops, a shape is presented on a screen in the room that you then have to rush to find on the circle. 8 An icon of the whole Squid Game franchise - 'Red Light, Green Light' - is also part of the experience Credit: Cyann Fielding The players that find the shape first, stay in the game. For me this is where my ultimate competitive side came out. I was in this for myself and I'd already not got that many points throughout the other challenges and this was my chance of redemption. As a nimble person, I sprinted to each shape the screen presented and managed to get past the first and second round. With just two players against me, I fell at the third - literally on my face. The final player then goes head to head with the player that has the most points from the experience thus far. 8 Once you leave the experience, there is also a bar and photo opportunities to explore Credit: Cyann Fielding The 'Front Man' in a dark black cloak and mask then emerges, to conduct a game of rock, paper, scissors between the final two players. The winner overall then gets to decide whether they want to share their prize or keep it to themselves. Unfortunately, this is the rather anti-climatic end of the experience, as you then leave the maze of rooms and head back to the faux highstreet. However, you can extend your stay by purchasing Korean drinks and snacks from the bar - which is well worth it - and snapping some pics are some set up photo ops. The experience definitely transports you to the series, but the lengthy waits really prevent this experience from being the best it could be. Whilst it cannot be helped if there are children in your booking, it would perhaps be better if the experience separates adult-only sessions and family-friendly ones. It's great for fans but for competitive friends, not so much. The experience costs from £26 per adult and £18 per child. One woman visited the new Paddington immersive experience in London with 'train rides' and street parties. Plus, the 'world's most immersive experience' to open two new UK sites after huge success.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I tried the new Squid Game experience in the UK – it felt like being in the TV show but there is a downside for families
K-POP chimes loudly as posters are plastered across the walls advertising typical South Korean treats and fictional businesses. Presented like a Seoul high street, Squid Game: The Experience immediately transports you to South Korea. 8 Presented like a Seoul high street, the Squid Game experience immediately transports you to South Korea Credit: Cyann Fielding Then the anticipation builds as ' pink guards' lurk around the dark corners, and this is all before you have even been handed your bib. London's Squid Game experience opened last month at ImmerseLDN on the waterfront at the ExCeL and welcomes players into the world of the hit Netflix show... but without actual violence and death. Over the course of five challenges, players can get competitive - playing for points to ultimately win. From the moment I received my numbered bib, I was no longer 'Cyann - travel reporter', I was player '008'. Read more on experiences Then after having my mugshot taken, I entered the game. The first room is set out like the sleeping quarters from the show, with bunk beds uniformly lined next to each other. Your host then introduces you to the experience ahead, as you prepare to enter the first challenge. As the doors open and you move into the next room, in front of you lies four rows of glass, next to each other. Most read in News Travel Mimicking the 'glass stepping stones' from the show, four players simultaneously step in accordance with a pattern memorised a few moments earlier. The glass lights up green as you go if you get it correct. You have 2020 vision and a high IQ if you can spot all five guards with triangle masks in Squid Game brainteaser If you don't, it turns red and you are forced to stay where you are. Players are then awarded different amounts of points depending on how far they reached across their 'bridge'. Whilst the game is one of the most iconic moments from the TV show, in the I was in a group of about 30 people and as one of the first four people to do the challenge , myself and my friend found ourselves waiting around for all the other players to complete the challenge. Whilst watching a few groups attempt the game with some messing it up is entertaining, it wears off quickly and you are left waiting with nothing else in the room to occupy your time. Once everyone is finished crossing the 'glass stepping stones', you enter the next challenge. 8 Then the anticipation builds as 'pink guards' lurk around the dark corners Credit: Cyann Fielding Arguably the best game for those who are super competitive, in groups of four you stand around a small table, each with a bucket of 10 marbles. The aim of the game is to throw the marbles in the middle of the circle. Those who achieve this, then get to take all the marbles from the table into their hoard. If you run out of marbles, you lose. The game lasts about five minutes or so and it's a great way to meet other people that are in the experience or have some family/group fun. Once this game is complete, again you scan your wristbands depending on whether you won, lost or drew. 8 Over the course of five challenges, players can get competitive - playing for points to ultimately win Credit: Cyann Fielding Then on into a dark room, lit by flickering street lamps, with a singular rope running along the ceiling and dropping down to the floor. For this challenge, you play as a team - with another group of people on the other side of a glass door, doing the same challenge. Essentially a version of tug-of-war, each player has five seconds to pull as hard and fast as they can. Whichever team brings the marker on the ceiling closer to them by the end of the game, wins. For me, this had to be the least thrilling challenge of the experience. Whilst my team had no children, the team we played against had several - giving us a slightly unfair advantage. 8 Some challenges you play to get points as a team Credit: Cyann Fielding Whilst families on the other team may have had fun together, there were also groups of friends on the team who may have felt a little disappointed with the inevitable lose. However, the next challenge is where the experience thrives - an icon of the whole Squid Game franchise - 'Red Light, Green Light'. Standing on a red line, with dozens of people either side of me, I keenly wait for the giant girl at the end of the room to close her eyes. On green light, you go. On red light, you do not flinch under any condition. Guards lurk over your shoulder, waiting for you to scratch the itch on your head or even blink. 8 Players get an wristband which they scan to collect their points on throughout the experience Credit: Cyann Fielding The on green light, you can move freely and as quickly as you can to the other side of the room. This was definitely the most fun game of the experience and makes you feel as if you have stepped into the Again, if you cross the line before the timer ends - you get points added to your player profile. The final game in the last room plays upon the iconic shapes from the series. Stars, umbrellas and squares sit around in a circle and you move clockwise around the circle - kind of like a game of musical chairs. When the music stops, a shape is presented on a screen in the room that you then have to rush to find on the circle. 8 An icon of the whole Squid Game franchise - 'Red Light, Green Light' - is also part of the experience Credit: Cyann Fielding The players that find the shape first, stay in the game. For me this is where my ultimate competitive side came out. I was in this for myself and I'd already not got that many points throughout the other challenges and this was my chance of redemption. As a nimble person, I sprinted to each shape the screen presented and managed to get past the first and second round. With just two players against me, I fell at the third - literally on my face. The final player then goes head to head with the player that has the most points from the experience thus far. 8 Once you leave the experience, there is also a bar and photo opportunities to explore Credit: Cyann Fielding The 'Front Man' in a dark black cloak and mask then emerges, to conduct a game of rock, paper, scissors between the final two players. The winner overall then gets to decide whether they want to share their prize or keep it to themselves. Unfortunately, this is the rather anti-climatic end of the experience, as you then leave the maze of rooms and head back to the faux highstreet. However, you can extend your stay by purchasing The experience definitely transports you to the series, but the lengthy waits really prevent this experience from being the best it could be. Whilst it cannot be helped if there are children in your booking, it would perhaps be better if the experience separates adult-only sessions and family-friendly ones. It's great for fans but for competitive friends, not so much. One woman visited the Plus, the 'world's most immersive experience' to open two new UK sites after huge success. 8 London's Squid Game experience opened last month at ImmerseLDN on the waterfront at the ExCeL Credit: Cyann Fielding
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm a Devon local who's walked the South West Coast Path numerous times – my best spots The Salt Path movie doesn't show
And that's not to mention the stunning views too WALK IT OUT I'm a Devon local who's walked the South West Coast Path numerous times – my best spots The Salt Path movie doesn't show Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STANDING at the top of a cliff, with serene waters lapping onto the rocks below with beaches either side of me, this place feels as if I am on the coast of Italy - not Devon. The South West Coast Path - also known as The Salt Path - stretches over 630miles in its entirety. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The South West Coast Path - also known as The Salt Path - stretches over 630miles in its entirety Credit: Cyann Fielding 8 Part of that route includes The English Riviera in Devon - with numerous beaches and coves Credit: Cyann Fielding And one 'small' (around 13 miles to be precise) section of it, I've walked year after year thanks to the fact that I grew up in Devon. The South West Coast Path has been famous for decades for providing some of the most stunning views of the UK's coasts. Yet, with the recent release of The Salt Path film based on Raynor Winn's 2018 book, the trail has been launched back into the limelight. Starting at Brixham at around 9am, I would set off to reach my secondary school based in Torquay - several cliff-edge walks, beach crossings and town excursions away. This section of the path runs along the coasts of the English Riviera - including the historic fishing town of Brixham, the traditional seaside town of Paignton and then finally, the home of Agatha Christie - Torquay. And along this section of Devon's coast are several stunning spots and unique places to explore - hence, doing this walk each year was a real treat. Brixham Heading across from Torquay on the ferry, I would join the coastal path in Brixham. Home to a bustling harbour with a long history of fishing, Brixham is a quaint town at one end of the English Riviera. For those wanting to do the walk more leisurely, it is well worth exploring the town for its myriad of independent shops and the Golden Hind – a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's ship that he used to explore the globe in the 16th century. Heading around the harbour and past the fish market, you will then pass Brixham Laboratory - which is home to a cutting-edge marine research facility - before heading off into a wood area. Scotland's Cheapest & Most Expensive Coastal Towns On the headland you will get your first amazing views of the harbour and English Riviera ahead of you – full of colourful bobbing boats and - if you're lucky - some seals in sight. The headland itself is also a historic spot - home to Brixham Battery - the little buildings scattered across the headland are actually disused bunkers that used to house guns in World War II. You'll then come to the first of many coves on the route - Fishcombe Cove. It features a little pebble beach and a cafe, in case you want to stop for a bite. Heading through another small woodland, you then reach Churston Cove - another small pebble beach. 8 On this part of the path, you 'll head past major seaside towns like Paignton and Torquay Credit: Cyann Fielding 8 You'll head across sandy beaches including Goodrington and Broadsands in Paignton Credit: Alamy This section of the walk is particularly up-and-down though, with many steep inclines - so not for the faint-hearted. Just before you start the Paignton section of the path, you will cross Elberry Cove - a stunning pebble beach, often with turquoise waters and a historic bath house ruin. Paignton Across another headland with dramatic cliff edges, walkers will then reach the first sandy beach on this part of the path. Broadsands Beach is a long, family-friendly beach with a range of facilities including cafes, beach huts, toilets, car parking and kayak and paddleboard hire. Many of my weekends as a child would be spent on this beach rock pooling and building sandcastles. 8 There are a number of quieter pebble coves on the path too Credit: Alamy 8 Other sights include a full-size replica of the Golden Hind in Brixham Credit: Alamy And the beach has lifeguards too, so even when I got too much sand in my eyes there was someone to help. Following the path, you will then head inland a bit to Broadsands Viaduct, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Over another headland, with a narrow sandy path right at the cliff edge, you then reach Goodrington Beach - another long sandy beach popular with families. There is also a whole host of venues and activities here to explore, including crazy golf, a boating lake and Splashdown Quaywest - the largest outdoor waterpark in the UK. Following the path along the beach and over another headland, you then reach Paignton harbour, beach and town. Take some time here to refresh in one of the many cafes and restaurant and have some fun with the slot machines on the pier before heading off towards Torquay. 8 And a viaduct designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in Paignton Credit: Alamy Torquay For the final part of this section of the South West Coast Path, you will venture onto some roads before reaching Livermead sand, just ahead of Torquay beach and town. Whilst I used to then venture off to the quaint village of Cockington to then head back to my school, Torquay boasts a number of other family-friendly beaches. And Torquay town also has so much to explore including a pretty harbour – which is always great for some expensive boat spotting – and a bustling high street. Make sure to grab some fish and chips, pasties or even a cream tea (with cream first!) as this town really does Devon delicacies well. And then if you are feeling extra ambitious, you can continue along the path onto Babbacombe and Teignmouth. These are the 10 stunning UK beaches starring in the new Hollywood movie – from little-known coves to underground tunnels. Plus, the UK's best seaside walks have been revealed including a secret celeb-loved island.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm a Devon local who's walked the South West Coast Path numerous times – my best spots The Salt Path movie doesn't show
STANDING at the top of a cliff, with serene waters lapping onto the rocks below with beaches either side of me, this place feels as if I am on the coast of Italy - not Devon. The Advertisement 8 The South West Coast Path - also known as The Salt Path - stretches over 630miles in its entirety Credit: Cyann Fielding 8 Part of that route includes The English Riviera in Devon - with numerous beaches and coves Credit: Cyann Fielding And one 'small' (around 13 miles to be precise) section of it, I've walked year after year thanks to the fact that I grew up in Devon. The South West Coast Path has been famous for decades for providing some of the most stunning views of the Yet, with the recent release of The Salt Path film based on Starting at Advertisement Read more on travel inspo This section of the path runs along the coasts of the And along this section of Devon's coast are several stunning spots and unique places to explore - hence, doing this walk each year was a real treat. Brixham Heading across from Home to a bustling harbour with a long history of fishing, Brixham is a quaint town at one end of the English Riviera. Advertisement Most read in Travel Exclusive For those wanting to do the walk more leisurely, it is well worth exploring the town for its myriad of independent shops and the Golden Hind – a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's ship that he used to explore the globe in the 16th century. Heading around the harbour and past the fish market, you will then pass Brixham Laboratory - which is home to a cutting-edge marine research facility - before heading off into a wood area. Scotland's Cheapest & Most Expensive Coastal Towns On the headland you will get your first amazing views of the harbour and English Riviera ahead of you – full of colourful bobbing boats and - if you're lucky - some seals in sight. The headland itself is also a historic spot - home to Brixham Battery - the little buildings scattered across the headland are actually disused bunkers that used to house guns in World War II. Advertisement You'll then come to the first of many coves on the route - Fishcombe Cove. It features a little pebble beach and a cafe, in case you want to stop for a bite. Heading through another small woodland, you then reach Churston Cove - another small 8 On this part of the path, you 'll head past major seaside towns like Paignton and Torquay Credit: Cyann Fielding Advertisement 8 You'll head across sandy beaches including Goodrington and Broadsands in Paignton Credit: Alamy This section of the walk is particularly up-and-down though, with many steep inclines - so not for the faint-hearted. Just before you start the Paignton section of the path, you will cross Elberry Cove - a stunning pebble beach, often with turquoise waters and a Paignton Across another headland with dramatic cliff edges, walkers will then reach the first sandy beach on this part of the path. Advertisement Broadsands Beach is a long, Many of my weekends as a child would be spent on this beach rock pooling and building sandcastles. 8 There are a number of quieter pebble coves on the path too Credit: Alamy 8 Other sights include a full-size replica of the Golden Hind in Brixham Credit: Alamy Advertisement And the beach has lifeguards too, so even when I got too much sand in my eyes there was someone to help. Following the path, you will then head inland a bit to Broadsands Viaduct, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Over another headland, with a narrow sandy path right at the cliff edge, you then reach Goodrington Beach - another long sandy beach popular with families. There is also a whole host of venues and activities here to explore, including crazy golf, a boating lake and Advertisement Following the path along the beach and over another headland, you then reach Paignton harbour, beach and town. Take some time here to refresh in one of the many cafes and restaurant and have some fun with the slot machines on the pier before heading off towards Torquay. 8 And a viaduct designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in Paignton Credit: Alamy Torquay For the final part of this section of the South West Coast Path, you will venture onto some roads before reaching Livermead sand, just ahead of Torquay beach and town. Advertisement Whilst I used to then venture off to the quaint village of Cockington to then head back to my school, Torquay boasts a number of other family-friendly beaches. And Torquay town also has so much to explore including a pretty harbour – which is always great for some expensive boat spotting – and a bustling high street. Make sure to grab some fish and chips, pasties or even a cream tea (with cream first!) as this town really does Devon delicacies well. And then if you are feeling extra ambitious, you can continue along the path onto Babbacombe and Teignmouth. Advertisement These are the Plus, the 8 This portion of the 630mile path is well worth exploring as a day trip Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
All the gross Boomer holiday habits my Gen Z friends and I would never do – especially all-inclusive buffets and bingo
AS a child, I spent my holidays crammed in a campervan while in rainy Wales, or at a budget kids club at a Spanish resort. But as an adult, I've realised that everything my parents loved about holidays, are nothing like my trips now as a grown up Gen Z. Advertisement 8 Kids clubs and pool games made hotel resorts seem exciting as a kid. But now I'm in my twenties, I avoid at all costs Credit: AFP 8 You'll find me at a local restaurant over a buffet hotel Credit: Jenna Stevens That the all-inclusive life is suddenly not so appealing, the buffet food becomes same-y, you're bored out of your mind at bingo, and actually that kids pool looks quite grimy. Now we've gotten old enough to plan our own travels, Gen-Z are choosing holidays nothing like those loved by our parents. Adrenaline over All-Inclusives My Grandad's favourite thing to do is help himself to a buffet-style breakfast in But Gen-Z travellers like me are ditching the plastic wristbands and relaxing resorts for Advertisement Read more on Sun Club I prefer I remember getting strapped into my harness on the edge of a mountain in the Swiss Alps. My heart was hammering, as I waited for the wind to pick up so I could run off the cliff edge. When I texted my Dad a pic of me dangling 6,500 feet in the air, I think he nearly passed out. Advertisement Most read in News Travel But after years of travelling, I've gotten used to lounging by the pool - I need something exhilarating . And it turns out I'm not alone - 78 per cent of I survived flying down a hill on the world's longest zipline 8 Geared up and ready to run off the edge of a cliff! Credit: Jenna Stevens 8 The views over Lake Thun in Switzerland were stunning at 6,500 feet Credit: Jenna Stevens Advertisement 'I remember getting catapulted across a waterfall in Canada ," says fellow Gen-Z Sun Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding. "At first my parents couldn't believe I did stuff like this - but now they've had to get used to it!" Hostels over Hotels One hot, stuffy room. Twenty creaky bunkbeds. One guy snoring so loud it shakes the entire building. I've had my stuff stolen, showered with a frog, and shared a room with a woman in L.A. who smuggled in her Advertisement Sounds like a holiday from hell to my parents - but I'll always pick a hostel bed over a Why? Because always the start of a crazy story. They make unforgettable memories. My Mum still thinks hostels are dirty, dingy and full of weirdos. But you just don't get those One survey showed that 75 per cent of Gen-Z and young millennials have stayed in Advertisement So I know I'm not the only one who thinks it's worth trading comfort for chaos. 8 Samesun Ocean Beach is one of the coolest hostels I've stayed in - they even run beach yoga classes and rent out snorkel gear Credit: Jenna Stevens 8 I'd take a bunk bed over a king-size any day Credit: Jenna Stevens Double beds, Advertisement I've met people from all over the world in hostel kitchens, bonded over instant noodles at 3am, and ended up on spontaneous trips I never planned. And if you haven't brushed your teeth in a bathroom next to a stranger being sick - have you even been travelling? Plus, you can actually get some really My favourite London hostel Clink261 costs me as little as £18 a night, plus I've stayed in the centre of Paris for just £20 with Advertisement TikTok advice over Tours My parents' idea of the perfect holiday is ticking off the sights from a tour bus, and eating at the top-reviewed restaurants on TripAdvisor. I couldn't think of anything worse. Tour buses and tourist traps are a nightmare. I couldn't imagine queuing for hours just to climb the TikTok gives you all the best free spots to admire it from! Advertisement 8 I learned the best spots to view the tower from on TikTok Credit: Jenna Stevens Similarly, I didn't care for the top-rated restaurants in Rome. I paid half the price of the fancy restaurant bill to make my own Why follow an old guidebook when social media is packed with real people sharing their favourite finds? Advertisement That's how I found the pasta class - it was half the price of a meal out for two, and way more fun. In fact, 97 per cent of Gen-Z use So ditch the travel agents and package holidays - try chasing the chaos and culture you can't find in a brochure. 8 Learning to make fettuccine turned dinner into its own activity Credit: Jenna Stevens Advertisement
