The 394-room property will form part of a wider development in St George’s Bay which will offer 12 restaurants and bars, a shopping mall and a beach lido
PORTUGAL has introduced a brand new monthly rail pass which gives tourists and locals unlimited train travel for just €20.
The Green Rail Pass is Portugal‘s latest attempt at getting more people onboard public transport to explore the best the European hot spot has to offer – here’s all we know about the new railcard.
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Portugal has introduced a brand new monthly rail pass which gives tourists and locals unlimited train travel for just €20Credit: Getty
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The Green Rail Pass is hoping to attract more people to travel across PortugalCredit: Getty
Government officials in Portugal have started a huge push for affordable and enjoyable travel options for citizens in recent years.
They already offered a similar rail pass which allowed for unlimited travel across the national train services but it set back travellers a whopping €49.
But with many seeing the high price as simply too much officials started to look into the Green Rail Pass which is more than half the price.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro first spoke on his intent to launch the pass back in August.
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He said: “This is an investment in people, it is an investment in the environment, it is an investment in the future.
“This is strategically and structurally managing the future of Portugal.”
The pass was finally approved by the country’s Council of Ministers on Friday.
Anyone travelling with the cheap card will be able to seamlessly hop onboard nearly all urban, regional, inter-regional and inter-city services operated by the state-owned rail company Comboios de Portugal.
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But it won’t be valid on urban trains in the Lisbon and Porto Metropolitan Areas due to the popularity of those regions.
Christmas-themed steam train to return to UK city this year – and kids can meet Santa onboard (Steam Dreams Rail Co. London Santa Express)
Premium high speed trains ran by Alfa Pendular are also not included.
It only applies to train services so can’t be used on the country’s metro or light rail systems either.
Exact details on how the pass will work or when it can first be used are yet to be announced.
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Further information is expected in the coming weeks from the government.
Plans were originally in place for it to launch by the end of September.
With officials being quoted as saying it will be introduced before the end of the year.
Negotiations with Comboios de Portugal are ongoing as to how the scheme will work.
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Everyone involved is aiming to ensure an effective and safe roll-out of the railcard which aligns with the current quality of the service.
How it compares to the rest of Europe
Portugal’s unlimited travel pass is set to be one of the most value-for-money cards in the whole of the continent.
Germany introduced a €49 Deutschlandticket in April last year allowing for unlimited rail travel on regional services for a month.
At the time it was dubbed the “biggest public transport reform in German history” after the first two months saw a huge surge in travellers.
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Despite the success the price is set to increase by €9 next year.
France also has a monthly card called the France Pass but it is only available to French residents aged 27 and under.
Austria offers a year-long €1,095 Klimaticket which lets people use all forms of public transport throughout the country.
With Hungary offering €25 railcards for unlimited travel in any one of its 19 counties.
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Or a €49 monthly national travel card to use on every bus and train line in Hungary operated by the main three railway companies and top bus providers.
In comparison, the UK offers a BritRail Pass which allows people not from the UK to travel across Britain by train for a number of consecutive days.
The cheapest available pass costs £96 and allows for two days of nationwide travel on accepted services.
For an entire month worth of unlimited travel Brits have to fork out an eye watering £568, according to Trainline.
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The most beautiful train journeys in Europe
HERE are the top 20 train journeys in Europe, according to Rustic Pathways:
Katie Smith will regularly go “Rightmove stalking” of the houses she has seen for sale
Katie Smith has had an addiction for as long as she can remember. Something she feels compelled to dozens of times a day.
The 30-year-old finds herself repeatedly opening the Rightmove app, despite the fact she has no intention of moving house anytime soon.
“Rightmove is my porn,” laughs Katie, from Stone, Staffordshire. “It’s like being a modern day peeping Tom,” she says, referring to the number of homes she looks inside, all from the comfort of her smartphone.
Last week, after a day trip to Knutsford, Cheshire, she spent the evening looking at all the houses for sale there – regardless of price. And during a recent weekend in London, she loved looking at “how expensive houses in Richmond are”, which was close to her hotel.
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Property portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and On the Market are goldmines of user data about both homebuyers and sellers.
Zoopla told the BBC that 1,860 properties are viewed every minute on its website and app, while the figure is even higher for Rightmove – nearly 10,000 properties viewed per minute.
Rightmove recently rejected a fourth takeover bid by Rupert Murdoch’s REA Group, saying the latest £6.2bn offer undervalued the company and its future prospects, showing just how valuable the data it holds is.
The websites themselves acknowledge that not all their users may actually be looking to move home, so what is it that keeps people scrolling?
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Katie, who previously worked in interior design, says she loves to check how quickly properties might sell and has a list of favourite homes she has looked at.
“I love character properties, things with features like beautiful Georgian homes,” she says.
While she and her partner are planning to move out of her rented accommodation in about six months, there is no immediate or urgent need to search.
“He thinks I am looking at more houses because of this, but it’s not – it’s just because I love it!”
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‘I love a floorplan’
Sam Kennedy Christian, who lives in Herne Bay in Kent with her husband and two children, uses Zoopla to look at her dream purchases.
“I love imagining what I’d get if we won the lottery… specifically in the Isle of Man where I grew up and my family still live,” she says.
Jessica Whitcher
Sam Kennedy Christian uses Zoopla to look at houses both in her local market and in the area where she grew up
They moved closer to the seaside during the pandemic as many people looked for more outdoor space.
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Sam says she enjoys refreshing the Zoopla app as part of her “bedtime scrolling” routine, or while waiting for the baby to drop off to sleep.
She also keeps an eye on similar properties in the local market, although they are not intending to sell anytime soon.
“I especially love a floorplan – you can get a real handle on a house, and how you might use the space.”
Dopamine trigger
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When we browse property websites, we’re engaging in “a form of escapism that taps into the brain’s reward systems,” says Louisa Dunbar, the founder of OrangeGrove, a research agency that uses behavioural science to improve business websites.
“Visualising ourselves in these desirable homes triggers the dopamine system, giving us a sense of pleasure, even if we’re not planning to buy. It’s a chance to mentally step into a better life.”
She says that certain features of property portals can play a big role on what we might click on.
High-quality photos may encourage viewers to picture themselves living in a property, while the use of badging listings with terms like “Highlight” or “Just added” fuels the fear of missing out.
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These psychological triggers can keep us engaged as we nose around the neighbour’s living room, or imagine a better future, she says.
Idly browsing online property listings is a favourite pastime for many people
Users may love these property sites, but are they worth it to estate agents, given most online viewings will not turn into actual enquiries?
Some agents have expressed unease at the high cost to advertise, particularly on Rightmove as the market leader. They say they provide all the photos and listings information about the houses for sale and are then having to pay to do it. It means these high costs can limit their ability to advertise in local newspapers or other places.
One estate agent, who did not wish to be named, told the BBC: “Right now, it’s a case of not being able to live without the likes of Rightmove. The prices [for estate agents] are going up faster than I’d like and I worry about the stranglehold they have on the market.
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“But, even if many users are just idly browsing without any real intention of moving, it is still worth it to have properties on there.”
Rightmove responded, saying it has “a variety of different packages to suit businesses of different sizes and needs and the average [agent] spends £1,497 per month”.
Both Rightmove and Zoopla are bullish about the future, saying that confidence in the market is recovering as mortgage rates fall. On Thursday, Zoopla said the number of homes for sale on its platform is growing.
And for now they seem to be attracting everyone whether you’re an idle browser just nosing around, fantasising perhaps about castles you can never afford, a homeowner checking on how the value of your home compares with your neighbours’, or even an actual genuine buyer.
TAKE the kids to explore a city for an October half-term treat. You don’t have to go to London for a choice of fantastic attractions and experiences.
You’ll find it cheaper to stay and pay for family fun at other favourite cities across the UK. Trisha Harbord brings you a selection of the best things to see and do in these walkable cities.
Edinburgh
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Enjoy Edinburgh’s cobbled Royal Mile or The Museum of ChildhoodCredit: Getty
THE cobbled Royal Mile is one of the UK’s most famous streets. Visit the castle on the hill then start your walk to the Scottish Parliament.
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You’ll pass St Giles’ Cathedral, Parliament Square, cashmere shops, the famous World’s End pub, one-time jail Canongate Tolbooth and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
FREE: The Museum of Childhood with toys and games from across generations. Harry Potter fans can join a free tour around the town with stops including the inspiration behind Diagon Alley and Voldemort’s grave, see pottertrail.com.
THRILL: Re-live Edinburgh’s darkest history in the Dungeon, with special effects, scary actors and a drop ride.
If you have a car, ride the waves at the new Lost Shore surf centre, 25 minutes from the city.
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GO: Two nights’ B&B for two adults and two children at Arrandale Guest House is from £430. See visitscotland.com for details.
Cardiff
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Take the kids to walk the walls of this castle in Cardiff, which was once a Roman fortCredit: Supplied
WALK the walls of the castle. Once a Roman fort, it’s a mix of buildings from all eras and now a Gothic extravaganza.
Visit Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades and stop off at Spillers, the oldest record shop in the world.
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Bute Park is the green heart of the city with natural play features.
FREE: Try a walking tour to learn the city’s 2,000-year history, fogosfreetours .com.
Visit the National Museum or open-air St Fagans to see craftsmen showing traditional skills.
THRILL: The Principality Stadium is the home of Welsh rugby. If you fancy, you can walk along the edge of the 75,000-seat roof, zip wire across the canopy, then abseil down.
Take a Quayside walk from the tilting Gateshead Millennium Bridge over the River TyneCredit: Getty
ENJOY a circular Quayside walk from the tilting Gateshead Millennium Bridge, taking in stunning views from both the Newcastle and Gateshead sides of the River Tyne.
Check out music at Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
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See the Norman castle and the fantastic science attraction Centre for Life.
FREE: Visit the Discovery Museum and the centre for kids’ books, Seven Stories. Stroll through Leazes Park and Victorian Saltwell Park in Gateshead, with a lake, play areas, an animal house, maze and cafe.
THRILL: Newcastle Climbing Centre has walls for all abilities.
Weave through the canals of Birmingham, which has more of them than VeniceCredit: Supplied
THIS city has more canals than Venice, so weave your way through Brindleyplace with its cafes and squares.
It is close to the National Sea Life Centre, with the UK’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel to see the marine life.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the first Cadbury shop in the city, so do visit Cadbury World with its new Chocolate Quest ride.
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FREE: Take a free family trail around the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to see Egyptian mummies, and the Staffordshire Hoard Gallery has the biggest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
THRILL: Try 11 adventure activities including sky diving over at The Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC.
GO: Family room at the Ibis Styles from £94 a night. See all.accor.com and visitbirmingham.com
York
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York has more attractions per square mile than any other UK cityCredit: Supplied
THIS historic hub boasts more attractions per square mile than any other UK city. Step back in time to discover the 10th century at the Jorvik Viking Centre.
Tour the amazing York Minster cathedral, see artefacts at Dig, a hands-on adventure based on real-life digs.
York’s Chocolate Story has interactive exhibits, tastings and make your own lolly.
FREE: Stroll along York’s historic walls that have protected the city for 2,000 years. Visit the National Railway Museum, full of iconic engines.
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THRILL: Visit ghost tours, escape rooms, wizard walks, a dungeon and handling eagles at the Bird of Prey Centre.
GO: Family room at Travelodge York Hull Road is from £148 a night. See travelodge.co.uk and visit york.org.
Manchester
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Visit Manchester’s National Football Museum or head to Sea Life’s underwater worldCredit: Getty
HALF-TERM falls over Halloween and Manchester Monsters are out in force, with free events from October 25, and a spectacular procession.
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See the world’s largest football collection at the National Football Museum, visit Legoland Discovery Centre and watch 2,000 creatures at Sea Life’s underwater world.
FREE: Enjoy the city’s museums, including Manchester Museum, which houses 4.5million objects from archaeology to zoology. Young gamers will love the 150 consoles playing from Mario to Minecraft at the Science and Industry Museum.
THRILL: There’s indoor skydiving at iFLY as well as carts on virtual tracks at Chaos Karts.
GO: A family room at the city centre Premier Inn, is from £87 a night. See premier inn.com and visitmanch ester.com
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Brighton
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A must-visit is the magnificent 18th century Brighton Pavilion, the palace of King George IVCredit: Supplied
RENOWNED as the finest ever, Brighton’s 1,722ft pier has attractions for everyone from fairground favourites to thrill coasters.
Tuck into fish and chips, pizza or ice cream while enjoying sea views.
A must-visit is the magnificent 18th century Brighton Pavilion, the palace of King George IV.
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The Toy and Model Museum is an amazing Aladdin’s cave of trains, boats, dolls and puppets.
FREE: See the taxidermy collection and a killer whale skeleton at the Booth Museum of Natural History.
THRILL: Glide 450ft into the air for 360-degree views on British Airways i360.
GO: Family rooms at the beach-front Best Western Princes Marine Hotel, from £99 a night. See booking.com and visit brighton.com
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Bristol
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Bristol has more than 400 parks and green spaces to exploreCredit: PR SUPPLIED
WITH more than 400 parks and green spaces, no wonder Bristol has European Green Capital status.
The streets are adorned with art including the elusive Banksy, who was born here.
Explore the world’s first ocean liner at Brunel’s SS Great Britain and travel through space in the 3D planetarium at We The Curious.
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FREE: Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension bridge over the River Avon. Walk across to the visitor centre to learn about one of engineer Brunel’s masterpieces.
THRILL: Wake The Tiger, an immersive high-tech experience where you walk through a labyrinth of 40 spaces of art and kaleidoscope colours.
The blueberry ice cream edition features a rich, smooth blueberry creme sandwiches between two of the classic crunchy chocolate biscuits that features in an ordinary Oreo.
The coffee chain will be serving up their much-loved Terry’s Chocolate Orange Muffin, while Greggs will be dishing out the Sweet Mince pies.
They are following in the footsteps of supermarkets which have already started stocking shelves with festive food.
The wider Christmas menus will be rolled out later in the year.
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Costa Coffee
The coffee shop is bringing back its own spin on the humble, yet mouthwatering, mince pie.
The Mince Tart is gluten-free and suitable for vegans and looks almost too good to eat.
Adorned with a pastry star and a sprinkle of icing sugar, the slice is the perfect treat to accompany a frothy coffee.
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For those who love a classic, the traditional All Butter Mince Pie has also returned to Costa.
The beloved Terry’s Chocolate Orange Muffin is perfect for chocolate lovers, featuring a rich chocolate and orange muffin filled with sauce in the same flavour.
The sweet treat is topped with a Terry’s segment.
Nishant Bhatia, director of Global Food Strategy and UKI Food at Costa Coffee, said: “We’re excited to bring some Christmas magic to our customers a little earlier this year!
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“Christmas is all about coming together with friends and family, and what better way to catch up than with a delightful festive sweet treat, perfectly paired with a Costa coffee.”
Greggs
The best way to kick off the start of the festive season is undoubtedly with a Greggs Sweet Mince Pie, which fans can indulge in for just 65p per pie.
For those looking to spread the festive cheer with their friends and family, a pack of six Sweet Mince Pies is available for only £2.25.
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Vegan lovers of Greggs can also savour the festive favourite, as the vegan-friendly recipe consists of a crumbly shortcrust pastry, filled with a sweet mincemeat made from vine fruits, Bramley apple, candied orange and lemon peel.
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