AN UNUSUAL water attraction in the UK has been likened to a theme park ride by visitors – and it’s the only one of its kind in the world.

The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift that carries barges and boats between the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal.

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Located in Falkirk, Scotland, it is the only one of its kind in the world, making it a tourist attraction in its own right.

After first opening in 2002, it has become one of Scotland’s busiest tourist attractions, with 500,000 visitors every year.

Travel website Secret Scotland described it as an “exceptional” example of engineering, writing: “The Falkirk Wheel boat lift is an exceptional feat of modern engineering that connects the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals.”

Meanwhile, Scottish Canals described the Union Canal as “a route to remember” on their website.

They added: “From the iconic Falkirk Wheel to the historic heart of Scotland‘s capital city, discover boat trips, inspiring trails and amazing heritage.”

The rotating wheel takes around five minutes to lift boats from one canal onto the other.

Barges can be hired and taken down both canals, with Edinburgh at the end of one and Glasgow at the end of the other.

Although visitors won’t need to hire a barge to give the Falkirk Wheel a go, with tours onboard two boats from the Scottish Canals Trust are also in operation.

The Original Tour lasts 50 minutes and includes two turns on the Falkirk Wheel.

Visitors will depart from the Falkirk Wheel Basin where they’ll enter the lower gondola of the wheel before sailing through the sky to join the Union Canal 35 metres above the basin.

Boat tours will then continue along the aqueduct, heading through Roughcastle Tunnel before reaching the mouth of the Union Canal where boats will turn back to the start.

Tours last 50 minutes, with tickets costing £17.40 for a full-paying adult and £9.60 for children.

The Falkirk Wheel has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with a 4.5/5 star rating from over 4,000 reviews.

One person wrote: “The area has been turned into a children’s theme park ride”.

While a third person wrote: “It’s more like a theme park attraction than a boat lift”.

There are plenty of other attractions at the Falkirk Wheel, including a splash zone with a huge stone map and mini canal lock gates.

A fleet of little paddle boats lets younger visitors experience the water in the boating pond.

Older children can take to the water on bumper boats, each of which come equipped with a squirt gun.

Other activities include paddle boarding and water zorbing and canoeing on the water trail.

Nearby, there’s also Helix Park where a huge set of two Kelpie statues can be found.

Kelpies are mythical shape-shifting horse spirits that were said to drag humans to their deaths in the water.

The statues were designed by Andy Scott, and they’re the largest equine statues in the world.

Spanning more than 350 hectares, there are plenty of other features inside the huge park, including an adventure zone and splash play area for kids, with fountains spraying from the ground and huge climbing structures.

Meanwhile walking and cycling routes “meander through lush greenery and enchanting woodlands” according to the park’s website.

The paths in and around the park connect 16 communities via 26 kilometres worth of trail, all of which can be explored.

Entry to Helix Park is free, making it ideal for families.

Five new water attractions opening in the UK

1. Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
2. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
3. Chessington World of Adventures Waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
4. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
5. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.

Meanwhile, Dundee has been named Scotland’s most underrated city thanks to its ties to the Beano and the Dandy.

And we’ve recently revealed our favourite spots for a September break.

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BRIT holidaymakers probably won’t have heard of Sivota, a tiny harbour village in Greece.

Sivota is often overshadowed by its more well-known neighbour Corfu; however, it has all the trappings of a seaside holiday.

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Located in Epirus Region in Greece, Sivota sits near other well-established beach towns like Praga.

While the tiny village isn’t on the main tourist trail in Greece, it is a popular stop on sailing holidays in Ionian.

This is largely thanks to its pretty beaches, lush coastline and crystal-clear waters.

Travel blog Travels & Wandering described Sivota as a “hidden gem” in northwestern Greece.

The fishing village is surrounded by several small islets, including Mavro Oros and Agios Nikolaos.

There are plenty of beaches within walking distance of Sivota, including Bella Vraka Beach.

Beach-goers will need to walk through shallow waters to reach the tiny beach, which is actually on the tiny island of Mourtemeno.

Other beaches in the area include Mega Ammos Beach, which is known for its snorkeling, Zavia Beach and Gallikos Molos Beach.

Gallikos Molos Beach is the closest beach to Sivota, it also has the most facilities of any of the neighbouring beaches with a beach bar.

Renting sunloungers and parasols at the beach cost just €5 (£4.20) per person, making it more affordable compared to the likes of Mykonos and Santorini, as reported by the Independent.

Three little-known Greek islands to visit

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THERE are plenty of Greek islands to visit, including several little-known spots that are free from the crowds.

1. Located in the Dodecanese Sea, Symi is a fairytale-like island home to traditional Greek villages and harbour-front bars and cafes. Reaching the tiny island became a lot more accessible after Jet2 announced the launch of a new route from the UK.
2. Despite being twice the size of Mykonos, Tinos is often overlooked by most holidaymakers. But holiday demand for the island is predicted to grow thanks local food and sandy beaches.
3. Meanwhile, the island of Paros has a wave of chic new hotels opening. The island has its own airport – making it much easier to visit than some other smaller islands in Greece that can only be accessed by ferry.

Visitors can also book onto boat trips where they’ll be able to explore some of the smaller islands, hidden coves and the Blue Lagoon.

Because of its coastal location, Sivota is known for its amazing seafood, with several restaurants only serving fish.

Spiridoula taverna has been named as Sivota’s number one seafood restaurant on TripAdvisor.

Other top-rated restaurants include 12 gods, which has views overlooking the harbour, and Odyssey Taverna.

There are a number of affordable hotels in Sivota, including LANGO LUXURY LIVING Sivota, which has £60 stays.

Direct flights operate from the UK to Preveza, the closest airport to Sivota.

EasyJet operates direct flights between London Gatwick and Preveza, with one-way fares from £33 in October.

Preveza Airport is a 90-minute drive from Sivota.

Alternatively, holidaymakers can fly from the UK to Corfu International Airport where they’ll be able to board a ferry from Corfu to Sivota.

If you don’t want to go this far, then a beautiful UK seaside town has been compared to a Greek island.

And another seaside town in the UK is also home to dolphins, whales and puffins, as well as amazing castles.

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LLANDDWYN Beach in Wales has won praise online, with some describing it as where the forest meets the sea.

Located in Anglesey, Traeth Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Beach) is backed by Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest, meaning the tall forest trees line the banks of the beach.

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TikTok user aimee__laurenwilliams recently posted a video about the beach, writing: “One of the only UK places where the forest meets the sea”.

Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest covers a large swathe of land in Anglesey, including Malltraeth Sands, the Cob Pool, Cefni Saltmarsh, Abermenai Point, Llanddwyn Island, Llanddwyn Bay and Penrhos Bay.

The pine trees that line Traeth Llanddwyn were planted between 1947 and 1965 to help stabilise the shifting sand dunes.

Just ten years after the trees were planted, Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest was declared the first coastal nature reserve in 1955.

Because the area covers a large expanse of land, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained.

Traeth Llanddwyn is a Blue Flag that’s home to more than 3.5 miles of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

While there aren’t lifeguards, there are free toilets, as well as BBQ areas, picnic benches and food trucks in the summer.

From the beach, holidaymakers will be able to reach Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn island) at low tide.

The island, which has sweeping views over Snowdonia, is named after Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, making it a popular spot for romantic getaways.

Visitors to Ynys Llanddwyn will find the ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church, a lighthouse (Tŵr Mawr), and Pilot’s Cottages, which have been converted into a small museum and visitor centre.

Meanwhile, Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest is also home to some of the country’s rarest mammals like the red squirrel.

There are several walking routes and trails in the nature reserve, including the Saint, Sand and Sea Trail.

The four-and-a-half-mile walk takes visitors on a three-hour journey through the Welsh nature reserve.

For families with younger children, there’s also the Nature/Animal Puzzle Trail.

The one-hour route starts in the beach car park and continues through the forest path.

Kids will be given a leaflet and tasked with animal spotting on the walk.

OTHER WELSH BEACHES

There are plenty of other “hidden” beaches dotted throughout Wales, including Skrinkle Haven Beach.

Beach-goers can only reach Skrinkle Haven Beach through a narrow tunnel when the tide is low.

Earlier this year, travel writer Catherine Lofthouse visited the beach, she wrote: “You’ll need to be fairly sprightly to travel through the tunnel safely, but we managed it with our four-year-old, so it’s possible for little legs.

“There are warning signs about getting cut off and the uneven levels you’ll encounter, so use common sense and research tide times to keep safe.

“Beyond the tunnel, Haven is certainly a good name for it with its sheltered sides and inviting golden sands welcoming us in.

“It really feels like a place that time forgot, but we don’t have the luxury of setting time aside and all too soon, we need to climb back up the tunnel before we’re stranded by the tide.”

Meanwhile, this UK seaside town is almost like visiting a Greek island.

And you can watch dolphins from a music festival at this UK destination.

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A NEW train linking two of Europe’s most popular cities will be up and running in time for Christmas market season.

The high-speed service will run from Berlin to Paris, between Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Paris Gare de L’Est, with stops in Frankfurt, Strasbourg and Karlsruhe.

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Passengers will be able to get from Berlin to Paris in just eight hours using the service, which will be run by German rail operator Deutsche Bahn and France‘s SNCF.

The first departure is scheduled to happen in December.

Michael Peterson, an executive at Deutsche Bahn, said: “This is the first daytime direct connection between the capitals of Germany and France, and it is also a symbol of a growing Europe.”

Alain Krakovitch, from SNCF, added: “This new connection is further proof of the Franco-German friendship and contributes to a shared foal of our two countries: more CO2-free mobility.”

The train journey will depart from Berlin at 11:54 am and arrive at Paris’ Gare de l’Est at 7:55 pm.

In the reverse direction, it will leave Paris at 9:55 am and arrive in Berlin at 6:03 pm.

Stops on the route will include Strasbourg, France, but not Saarbrücken, as initially requested by Deutsche Bahn.

The train will also make stops in the German cities of Frankfurt and Karlsruhe. 

Second-class tickets will be available starting at €60 (around £50), which is slightly more expensive than the cheapest flights between the two capitals.

But with this route, the number of daily connections between France and Germany will increase from 24 to 26.

A long-distance night train service, operated by Austrian Railways, has connected Berlin and Paris previously, although it’s currently suspended due to construction work.

As the new route between the two capital cities only takes eight hours and is set to launch before Christmas, you could technically visit Christmas markets in two cities in one day.

Berlin Christmas Time at the Red Town Hall is usually open from 11am, and from there to the train station it’s a 12 minute taxi ride.

Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market in Paris is open until 11:45pm.

Deutsche Bahn is also planning other new international connections.

Among them are routes from Munich to Milan and Rome, in collaboration with Trenitalia, scheduled for 2026.

According to Peterson, demand for international train travel has grown faster than for domestic routes.

The new service adds to the high-speed rail network between Germany and France, which already includes routes to Marseille and Bordeaux from Frankfurt.

Sun Travel’s favourite train journeys in the world

Sun Travel’s journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences.

Davos to Geneva, Switzerland

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“After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass.” – Caroline McGuire

Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen

“Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you’re whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too – as you’ll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way.” Kara Godfrey

London to Paris by Eurostar

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“Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord.” – Sophie Swietochowski

Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail

“From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond.” – Hope Brotherton

Beijing to Ulaanbatar

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“The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city’s high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I’ve witnessed anywhere.” – Ryan Gray

Brits could one day travel to Spain by train, with new routes planned for 2026.

Eurostar is also launching a new winter route – here’s what you need to know.

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A BURGER shack in Rye has been crowned the best place in the UK to grab a quick bite to eat.

Frankie’s At The Beach and Rye Rugby Club has everything to satisfy every burger and hot dog fan’s needs.

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With a hut just down the road from popular East Sussex attraction Camber Sands, right on the beach, the street experts have been proven to be a popular choice with the people visiting the area.

On its menu you’ll find gourmet beef burgers, with your classic plain and cheese burgers, alongside their ‘special burger’ – a 6oz patty topped with melted cheese, bacon, sausage and egg.

There are also three types of chicken burgers and hot dogs and German sausages that come in different sizes.

This even includes foot longs if you’re feeling especially hungry.

Frankie’s was given the best Quick Bite accolade in the Tripadvisor Travellers‘ Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants 2024.

Tripadvisor picked out its winners by looking at the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings for restaurants from travellers over a 12-month period.

As well as having great tasting food, customers have voiced approval over Frankie’s cheap prices.

One customer who visited in June this year wrote on Tripadvisor: “After a lovely walk on Camber beach came across Frankie’s at the far end.

“Frankie’s offer an extensive range of really high end delicious burgers at very reasonable prices.

“Huge choice including one of the best vegetarian burgers we have ever eaten. Highly recommend.”

A plain beef burger will set you back just £5.95.

For £3 more you can get a foot long German sausage.

Customers also enjoy Frankie’s location with views overlooking the sea and Camber Sands beach.

Someone who visited in September this year commented on the review website: “Great views. Lovely location. Would recommend and will be coming back again at some point in the near future.”

The service at Frankie’s also helped earn it its place at the top of Tripadvisor’s list.

One customer who visited in the summer said he received service with a smile.

They wrote: “10/10 service with a smile with Frankie cracking jokes.

“I’m in my 50s and this felt like old school service where the customers matter. Thanks for that as I definitely find that important.”

Owner Frankie’s partner Naomi Ledsham, said they were over the moon to hear the news about winning the award.

She added: “To win this is just testament to the hard work of not only of Frankie but the team that work behind the scenes and of course the guys and girls serving front of house!”

Frankie’s recently introduced venison burgers to the menu, which Naomi said have been a big hit.

But it’s Frankie himself that Naomi said has led to so many good reviews.

She said: “Frankie is a boy out of South London who has been a retailer his whole life from running menswear shops, car showrooms and now food and ice cream.

“A real character whose values in whatever business he turns his hand to are old school values.

Here’s another place that’s been voted one of the best places to eat in the UK – which is a mashed potato restaurant.

And here are Tripadvisor’s top cheap eats this year.

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A FLIGHT attendant has revealed the £1.50 item that is a game-changer when sitting next to smelly passengers.

Enduring a long-haul flight next to a smelly traveller is a nightmare for any passenger.

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Susannah Carr, a flight attendant for a major US airline, advises wearing a mask if you find yourself in that unfortunate situation.

She said: “Throw one of those disposable masks in your bag.

“Even if you’re not afraid of germs, that can be a barrier to one of those smells.”

Travellers can purchase disposable masks for just £1.50 from Nursecall Matts.

Alternatively, Boots is offering a pack of five for £2.99, reduced from its original price of £5.99.

The seasoned flight attendant also suggested that applying a dab of Vicks VapoRub beneath your nose could be another effective solution.

Susannah claimed that this method is a common practice among crew members when they are assigned to collect rubbish.

She added that flight attendants regularly use essential oils such as peppermint to help shield themselves from odours in the cabin.

Vicks Vaporub can be bought on Amazon for just under £5.

Travellers who would prefer to use essential oils can purchase the items from Superdrug starting at just £4.99.

It comes after a savvy flight attendant revealed the £1.20 item she always takes with her whenever she boards a plane.

TikTok star Destanie Armstrong has shared the clever way she avoids having to eat unappetising plane food by packing her own quick and easy snack which can be made onboard almost all planes.

The Philadelphia-based flight attendant has racked up 70,000 followers online for her tips and tricks on how to best prepare for a flight.

With viewers being left amazed at her latest suggestion on how to keep your taste buds happy even when you’re up in the air.

The 25-year-old air stewardess says she would never board a plane hungry just in case you end up fancying food during the long haul journey.

But on the rare occasion where she forgets to fuel up her body or even on extra long flights, Destanie says she will always pack a handy snack.

She told her TikTok followers: “You can’t depend on these flights to have food and even if they do, a lot of the times the options aren’t food.”

The seasoned flyer said she always packs two pots of noodles in her hand luggage.

Almost all planes have hot water onboard, according to Destanie, meaning it is a great option to have.

It is even more useful if you either don’t want to pay the high price for snacks or don’t feel like eating any of the food options available.

Most noodle pots cost around £1 meaning they are a great and cheap option.

Family favourite brand Batchelors Super Noodles can be found in supermarkets for only £1 and come in a whole variety of flavours.