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The free-to-enter English parklands that mums say are better than a theme park – with more than 25 rides and attractions

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Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse's son enjoys one of the rides at Wicksteed Park

WITH half term on the horizon, my family and I will be heading to a free parkland, packed with rides and attractions which lots its visitors reckon is better than some of the top theme parks. 

Wicksteed Park near Kettering is perfect for an awesome autumn day out as it’s got rides for all ages, 147 acres of green space and lots of spooky stuff as we head towards Halloween.

Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse's son enjoys one of the rides at Wicksteed Park

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Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse’s son enjoys one of the rides at Wicksteed ParkCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
If you just want to go on one or two attractions, you can buy individual ride tickets for £3

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If you just want to go on one or two attractions, you can buy individual ride tickets for £3Credit: Supplied
Wicksteed Park near Kettering also has 147 acres of green space

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Wicksteed Park near Kettering also has 147 acres of green spaceCredit: Alamy

One of the best bits about a day trip here is that it’s free for all to access.

You just pay for parking and for rides, so families can have a day out together without everyone paying an entry fee.

It makes a nice change from needing a ticket per person, even if half your party has no intention of going on any rides.

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If you just want to go on one or two attractions, you can buy individual ride tickets for £3.

If you want to try out everything the park has to offer, you can get a wristband that covers as many rides as you like, all day long.

There’s also a huge free playground full of Wicksteed wonders, including heritage equipment, as a nod back to the early days of play when Charles Wicksteed first created the parkland in 1921.

So if you bring a picnic and stick to the freebie fun, you can have a low-cost day out without spending much at all. Perfect for all pockets!

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I’ve been visiting this Midlands must-do for four decades and it’s just as much fun as when I was a child, with lots of the old family favourites still on site and plenty of new attractions to boot.

It wouldn’t really be a proper trip to Wicksteed without a ride on the little train that takes you around the lake.

So many people have enjoyed the railway that the park recently celebrated its 20 millionth passenger, with the lucky rider being granted free turns around the track for the rest of her life. 

I’ve been visiting the hot new staycation destination for 40 years – and I can see why it will be big in 2024

Also much-loved is the UK’s oldest water chute, still in operation after almost 100 years, although there is also a more modern log flume if water rides are your thing. 

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One new attraction I’m really looking forward to this time around is the Halloween Haunt, which is only in operation this month.

This fright fest has been installed by Steve and Kat Richardson, known as Mr and Mrs Halloween, whose hoard of 2,000 collectibles, props, and animatronics, amassed over 10 years, is believed to be the largest in the UK.

After decorating their garden at Cemetery House in Rushden every year for charity, the increasing number of people attending meant they had to look for somewhere bigger.

If you want to try out everything the park has to offer, you can get a wristband that covers as many rides as you like

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If you want to try out everything the park has to offer, you can get a wristband that covers as many rides as you likeCredit: Alamy
So many people have enjoyed the railway that the park recently celebrated its 20 millionth passenger

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So many people have enjoyed the railway that the park recently celebrated its 20 millionth passengerCredit: Wicksteed

They have spent four months building the 200ft long interactive experience from scratch, providing a junior walkthrough of Halloween inflatables with an I-spy game for those who don’t want to brave the full haunted house.

You have to book a time slot online to guarantee entry and the Halloween Haunt will only run up to October 31.

The spooky fun is included in the £15 ride wristband, as are the railway, carousel, Swayrider, the Garden Wheel, Wicky’s Farmyard, Meerkat Manor, crazy golf, Lighthouse, cups and saucers, roundabout, Clown Coaster, astroslide and the treetop walk.

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One thing to be aware of is that this huge park doesn’t open all its zones in quieter months, so this time around, the splash and thrill areas are closed.

Four of the weirdest theme parks you can visit in the UK

  1. The Ice Cream Farm, Chester
    This Tattenhall attraction boasts the world’s largest ice cream parlour and Europe’s biggest indoor sand and water play area.
    Enjoy a giant ice cream tree, mini JCB digger, crazy golf, and over 50 ice cream flavours.
  2. Diggerland
    Perfect for digger enthusiasts, Diggerland offers real JCBs and excavators, indoor and outdoor play areas, and unique rides.
    Highlights include a digger merry-go-round, dodgems, go-karts, and the Sky Shuttle for park views.
  3. Critter Creek at Paulton’s Park, Romsey
    Critter Creek features a caterpillar rollercoaster, Professor Blast’s train ride, and areas to meet bugs and birds.
    Paulton’s Park also offers 70 more rides and attractions, including the famous Peppa Pig World.
  4. Milky Way Adventure Park, Devon
    Space-themed fun with rides like the Cosmic Typhoon rollercoaster and Time Warp death slide.
    New Ninja Arena, Clone

That means you can’t try out most of the rollercoasters and water rides at the moment.

But there’s still loads to do and see, including the popular annual fireworks on November 2 at 5pm.

Wicksteed is always one of our halfterm highlights and we can’t wait to take a trip.

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With so much on offer, it’s no wonder that Wicksteed’s now known as the home of children’s play.

The park also has a lake for boating - and a quieter one for carp fishing

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The park also has a lake for boating – and a quieter one for carp fishingCredit: Alamy
The park has more than 25 rides and attractions

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The park has more than 25 rides and attractionsCredit: Alamy
Many of the attractions tend to be quaint, nostalgic theme park fun

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Many of the attractions tend to be quaint, nostalgic theme park funCredit: Alamy

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Budget airline launches mega cheap fares with £8 flights to Turkey

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Turkish airline Pegasus has launched £8 flights to Turkey

YOU could fly to Turkey for less than a tenner – but you have to book in the next two days.

Low-cost Turkish airline Pegasus has launched €9 (£7.40) tickets for Brits flying from the UK.

Turkish airline Pegasus has launched £8 flights to Turkey

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Turkish airline Pegasus has launched £8 flights to TurkeyCredit: Getty
Some of the routes include Istanbul and Izmir (pictured)

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Some of the routes include Istanbul and Izmir (pictured)Credit: Getty

The cheap flights can be found when departing from London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

The routes included are:

  • London to and from Ankara
  • London to and from Istanbul
  • London to and from Izmir
  • Manchester to and from Istanbul
  • Edinburgh to and from Istanbul
  • Birmingham to and from Istanbul

And the destinations you can fly to from there are the coastal resorts of Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya, when changing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

To take advantage of the cheap flights, Brits have to sign up to the airline’s loyalty programme BolBol, although this is free.

The flights don’t include taxes and have to be booked either today or tomorrow.

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However, travel can take place anytime between March 30 and October 2025 next year.

The cheapest fares are likely to sell out quickly, with 200,000 seats on offer.

The tickets are part of the airline’s Light package which only includes an underseat bag.

But you can easily add checked luggage for just €5 (£4.20), as part of the deal.

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Inside the ‘amazing’ Turkish hotel with on-site waterpark, seven pools & bowling alley

Last year, Pegasus airline launched flights from Birmingham Airport to Istanubl.

These fares usually start from £39.99.

If you’re tempted by the super cheap flights, here is everything you need to know about the holiday destinations you can go to.

Bodrum

Also dubbed Turkey’s St Tropez, Bodrum is loved by celebs from Kate Moss to Mick Jagger.

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It has 65 beaches to choose from, although you should also visit Halicarnassus, which once held the Mausoleum — a Wonder of the Ancient World.

Jet2 also launched more flights to Bodrum this year, extending into the winter season.

Antalya

Antalya welcomes more than one million Brits a year.

Beaches follow the city’s crescent-shaped bay, with a pebble beach and crystal-clear water along the flank bordering the new city and a long expanse of sand stretching away from the picturesque old port.

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It is home to the the Land of Legends theme park — visible for miles around thanks to its towering Disney-style castle.

Dalaman

Dalaman’s famous attraction is the rock tombs of Fethiye, built into the huge cliff faces.

But there is also a huge beautiful coastline of beach hotels to choose from, including the 4H Holiday Village AQI Turkiye and Sunway Hotel.

Next year, Sun Express will start flying from Newcastle to
Dalaman.

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You can then fly onto Bodrum and Dalaman afterwards

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You can then fly onto Bodrum and Dalaman afterwardsCredit: Getty

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Luxury at Acqualina Resort & Spa

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Acqualina Resort & Spa

Acqualina Resort & Spa is more than just a place to stay, it’s a destination in and of itself. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to an unforgettable staycation, the opulent retreat offers a luxe beachside experience designed to meet your every desire.

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Acqualina Resort & Spa

Nestled on 4.5 acres of stunning beachfront along the shores of Sunny Isles Beach, this award-winning property in Florida’s Rivera blends elegance, personalized service and relaxation in your own backyard. From the moment you arrive, the grand Mediterranean-style architecture and marble-clad lobby with bespoke finishes (and Fendi furniture) make it clear that you’re in for a luxurious stay. The resort’s 98 impeccably appointed guest rooms and suites showcase floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious balconies with panoramic views of the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway.

Oceanfront Suite

The property offers endless options to relax or stay active, showcasing a private beach with iconic red umbrellas and beach loungers—plus three oceanfront pools reserved exclusively for guests, including a kid’s pool and adults-only pool. You can play beach basketball or king-sized chess while attendants are on standby to cater to your every need, from food and drinks to sunscreen and towels. There’s no shortage of ways to indulge, from beachfront yoga and water sports to curated cultural experiences, private yacht cruises and shopping excursions at nearby Bal Harbour Shops. For families, the AcquaMarine Children’s Program is designed to educate and entertain young guests with marine-themed activities. There are also “Acqua Experiences” like mermaid lessons, scuba diving, painting classes, or family photo shoots.

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AcquaMarine Kids Club

For those who want to just kick back and relax, the impressive two-story Aqualina Spa spans across 20,000 square-feet and is a sanctuary of wellness. The space features separate and co-ed relaxation lounges with Himalayan salt walls and amenities including dry heat saunas, crystal steam rooms and a pool terrace with heated jet pool and Roman waterfall spa. The skilled team of therapists creates tailored treatments to completely customize each experience with range of wellness and signature treatments, massages, and facials.

Acqualina Spa

The dining options on property are also next level, with gourmet options for every palate preference. Indulge in the finest Italian cuisine at Il Mulino New York, enjoy fresh Mediterranean dishes at Costa Grill, Japanese fusion at Ke-uH, fresh Greek dishes at Avra Estiatorio Miami,or hand-crafted cocktails at the resort’s stunning oceanfront bar.

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Avra Estiatorio Miami

At Acqualina Resort & Spa, every moment feels like a personalized escape into luxury, offering the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and unforgettable staycation.

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Bonfire night 2024 — The Guy Fawkes fireworks displays across England under £15

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Treat the family to a fireworks display this Bonfire Night

IT’S that time of year again, when we need to remember, remember, the fifth of November.

Britain’s annual Bonfire Night celebration goes back centuries. Here we have an essential guide to all the best fireworks displays for under £15.

Treat the family to a fireworks display this Bonfire Night

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Treat the family to a fireworks display this Bonfire NightCredit: GETTY

Every year Brits like nothing more than standing round a warm bonfire and watching a spectacular fireworks display go off.

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Steeped in history, Bonfire Night has been an annual occasion since the 1600s.

Big events are going on up and down the country, and many of them don’t break the bank to attend.

Some fireworks displays can cost no more than £15 a ticket, while others are completely free.

Read more on seasonal events

Battersea Park Fireworks, London

November 2 from 6pm and November 3 from 4.30pm

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Running over two days, this incredible event is brought to you by the same people who do London‘s New Year Eve display.

This family outing is filled with entertainment, a bonfire and of course fireworks.

Wrap up warm for this event in South London, where there will also be plenty of food and drink on offer.

Cost: Adult £13.10, child £8.80, under 5s free

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Fireworks Extravaganza, Mayfield Park, Manchester

November 1 to 3 from 5.30pm (each night)

Revellers gather to celebrate the Lewes Bonfire festival

If you live in the north why not bundle up and head out to Manchester‘s Mayfield Park for their Fireworks Extravaganza.

Happening over three nights, this display always gets rave reviews, and sees thousands of revellers attend.

Another perk is all children get a free sparkler to enjoy.

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There will also be mulled wine for the adults to buy, as well as hot chocolate and candy floss.

Cost: Adult £10, child £6, under 3s free

Bonfire Night is always a family favourite

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Bonfire Night is always a family favouriteCredit: Alamy

Midsummer Common Bonfire Night, Cambridge

November 5 from 7pm

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Brought to you by Cambridge City Council, this much-loved event has been running for years and is always a big hit.

It is known for being one of the largest free displays in the local area and takes place on Midsummer Common.

Around 20,000 people are predicted to attend, so expect it to be busy.

Cost: Donations of at least £3 per person are encouraged.

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Fireworks displays are happening all of the country

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Fireworks displays are happening all of the countryCredit: Alamy

Low Noise Fireworks at Old Down Country Park, Bristol

November 4 from 5pm and November 5 from 5pm

This event is aimed at families, especially ones with young children.

The display uses special bang-free fireworks, hence the name.

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There will also be fairground rides, food stalls and live music for the whole family to enjoy.

Cost: Adult £13, child £9, under 2s free

The Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary, Devon

November 5 from 7pm

This iconic event kicks off with a parade of flaming tar barrels carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary in Devon.

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The barrels are lit outside local pubs and put onto the shoulders of the historical “barrel rollers”.

Please be aware, this event has a bonfire but no fireworks display.

Cost: Free

London is the perfect backdrop for fireworks

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London is the perfect backdrop for fireworksCredit: Alamy

Lewes Bonfire Night, Lewes, East Sussex

November 5 from 5pm

This fireworks event has been running for over 300 years, and attracts around 80,000 spectators every year.

This traditional bonfire night includes all the trimmings and has a whole host of activities to keep the family entertained.

There are also food and drink stalls, to help make the night even better.

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Cost: Adults £10

Fireworks displays for over £15

Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, London

November 2 from 4pm and November 3 from 6pm

If you’re willing to splash out a bit more on Bonfire Night, head to Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival.

This North London event has everything to keep the family entertained.

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Not only will there be fireworks, but there is also ice skating and fairground rides on offer.

There is a beer festival going on plus live music from The Cuban Brothers (Friday) and Artful Dodger (Saturday)

Cost: Adult £18, child 11-15 £12, child under 11 £6.50

Bonfire Night is steeped in history and has been celebrated for centuries

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Bonfire Night is steeped in history and has been celebrated for centuriesCredit: Alamy

Chatsworth House Firework Display, Derbyshire

November 1 to 2 from 6pm (each night)

Taking place over two nights, this family friendly event is promising a huge bonfire as well as an impressive fireworks display.

There will also be food stalls which includes a delicious hog roast.

There is also the option of an adult-only two-course dinner before the firework display, which is served in the Cavendish Restaurant.

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Cost: £22 for adults; £15 for children (aged 4-16).

Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular, Kent

November 9 and 10 from 2pm (each day)

Leeds Castle in Kent is the perfect backdrop for a fireworks display.

Set in the moat of the famous landmark, revellers will be treated to live music and a fairground.

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Anyone arriving early can also enjoy the castle’s maze, as well as its play areas and adventure golf.

Cost: Adult £27, child £18, under 3s free

The history behind Bonfire Night

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Major airline with UK flights reveals new cabins – including swanky upgraded economy seats

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Delta is rolling out upgraded cabins across all classes

A MAJOR airline has upgraded its cabins which includes better seats in economy.

American airline Delta operates a number of flights from the UK including London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Edinburgh.

Delta is rolling out upgraded cabins across all classes

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Delta is rolling out upgraded cabins across all classesCredit: DELTA
New colours and memory foam cushions are being added to economy

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New colours and memory foam cushions are being added to economyCredit: DELTA

These flights operate to US destinations such as New York, Boston and LA.

And the airline has revealed its brand new cabin interiors being rolled out this autumn.

The new designs are to celebrate Delta’s centennial anniversary.

Mauricio Parise, Vice President of Customer Experience Design said: “Delta has a 100-year history of creating a customer experience that feels welcoming and thoughtful with intentional design elements woven into every aspect of a customer’s travel.”

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New materials have been used on the seats, with better lighting and upgraded bathrooms onboard.

Economy seats are more monochrome with blue and grey colours – a colour often used by airlines as studies have found it to be calming.

Memory foam cushions are also being added to all of the seats.

The mood lighting will help passengers adjust to the time zone they are landing in.

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Parise explained they had added “sunset lighting” when sleeping as well as “calming” lights during meals.

The upgrades include the economy cabins, as well as Premium and business class.

Airline with the world’s best business class reveals brand new ‘next gen suite’ – which fits up to four people

Business seats will change from leather covers to wool-nylon blends which are “better at regulating body temperature”.

The new designs will be introduced on the narrowbody Boeing 757 aircraft that has both domestic and short haul international routes.

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It will then be rolled out on longer international flights on the widebody Airbus A350 next year.

The revamp comes after British Airways’ mega £7billion makeover of the entire airline.

Lighting and bathrooms are also getting an update

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Lighting and bathrooms are also getting an updateCredit: DELTA
Upgrades are also changing business seats

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Upgrades are also changing business seatsCredit: DELTA

This includes new seat and cabin designs, made from Scottish leather with adjustable headrests.

The short-haul business Club Europe will get a leather tray between the seats, as well as USB charger ports.

New overhead lockers will also allow more luggage storage, with suitcase packed on their side rather than lying flat.

And a new First Suite is being rolled out on UK-US routes.

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Of the £7billion, £3.5billion is being spent on new aircraft orders.

We try the new United Airlines business cabins

The Scottish Sun’s Travel Editor Heather Lowrie tries it out:

“Flying Polaris business you get all the VIP perks. Fast track security. Tick. Lovely lounge with free food and drink. Tick. Priority boarding. Tick.

“That sets you up nicely for a fabulous onboard experience, with attentive staff and a stunning new limited edition day blanket designed by Claude Kameni in collaboration with Saks, which, along with the duvet, is made from recycled plastic bottles.

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“There’s also a new amenity kit with offerings from wellness technology company Therabody, including an amazing eye serum which has taken pride of place on my makeup shelf. It all comes in a recycled, and very handy, bum bag.

“A welcome drink and hot nuts were followed by a very tasty red Thai prawn curry, all served on real porcelain and cutlery.

“And dessert comes from a trolley packed with sweet things, including ice-cream sundaes where you get to choose your topping. Yummy.”

Brussels Airlines has revealed it’s huge expansion plans, which includes a €100million (£85million) revamp of its cabins.

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And airlines are even launching cheaper “business class lite” fares which are thousands of pounds cheaper.

The designs will be rolled out on long-haul international next year

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The designs will be rolled out on long-haul international next yearCredit: Reuters

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New £34million airport revamp to transform pretty Greek island that’s the ‘affordable Santorini’

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Paros' airport is undergoing a multi-million pound renovation

AN airport on an overlooked Greek island is being transformed – making it much easier to get to.

Paros is found between Santorini and Mykonos, although has far fewer tourists visit.

Paros' airport is undergoing a multi-million pound renovation

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Paros’ airport is undergoing a multi-million pound renovationCredit: Getty
A new terminal and longer runway will allow more airlines

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A new terminal and longer runway will allow more airlinesCredit: ebarchitects

Just 200,000 tourists visit a year – compared to Santorini’s two million – with the easiest way to visit via a 40-minute flight from Athens.

But the airport is undergoing a huge €41million (£34million) renovation.

A new terminal is being added, to cope with the increasing popularity of the island.

Inside will be four gate lounges, as well as seven check in counters, duty free shops and food and drink.

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The new Terminal of Paros Airport was planned by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority as a response to the steadily increasing popularity of the Aegean Island.

Hellenic Aviation Service Provider (HASP) Governor George Saounatsos said the new terminal will be “17 times larger” than the current one, according to local media.

He said: “The functional and modern design of the new terminal will position Paros as a leading destination for tourist arrivals through the airport.

“Passengers will benefit from a significantly enhanced travel experience thanks to the upgraded infrastructure.”

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The runway is also being extended with from 1,400m to 1,800m, meaning it can take on larger aircraft, along with the on-site car park.

A new state-of-the-art control tower and new 12,500sqm passenger hall are also being added.

How to do two Greek islands in one holiday – with stunning private-pool rooms

The works, which were first announced in 2020, hoped to be finished by 2023.

This was later delayed, with most of the phases to now be finished by 2026.

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While it hasn’t been confirmed which airlines this could include, there are hopes it will encourage international flights.

The Paros municipality said: “We are certain that the airport’s upgrade – with the necessary staff and equipment – will spur the interest of more airlines”.

If you fancy visiting Paros, it was recently named one of the top trending destinations for 2025 by American Express.

While the easiest way to visit is a flight from Athens, you can also visit on day trips from Mykonos or Santorini by boat.

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Its much more affordable too, with cheaper hotels and typical spends around £100 lower than Santorini.

It’s not the only new airport opening in Greece.

Kastelli International Airport will replace the existing Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Heraklion by 2027.

The current airport has been open since 1937, and can only handle eight million passengers a year.

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The newer airport – estimated to be costing (£422million – will be able to handle 18million passengers per year.

When built in Crete, it will be one of Greece’s biggest airports.

Greenland, the world’s biggest island, is opening three new airports.

And Hong Kong’s airport is undergoing a £13.9billion renovation – with a new runway opening next month.

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Three mega airports opening in Europe

1. Warsaw Solidarity Airport, Poland

One of the largest airports opening in Europe is to be Poland’s £7billion Warsaw Solidarity Airport.

It will replace the current Warsaw Chopin Airport welcoming up to 65million passengers by 2060.

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It hopes to open it’s first stage by 2028.

2. New Bodø Airport, Norway

Norway is replacing it’s current Bodø Airport with the new £546million New Bodø Airport.

The airport hopes to welcome as many as 2.3million passengers a year.

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It aims to open by 2029, and be fully operational by 2030.

3. Luis de Camoes Airport, Portugal

First discussed back in 2008, Lisbon has revealed plans for it’s new Luis de Camoes Airport.

The £7billion airport will replace the current Lisbon Airport which has already reached capacity.

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It hopes to open by 2034, with the current Lisbon Airport then dismantled.

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SWISS adds pre-select dining options for short-haul business class passengers

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SWISS adds pre-select dining options for short-haul business class passengers

Customers on flights over one hour to and from Zurich can choose from six cold dishes, while on longer services there is a choice of seven hot main courses

Continue reading SWISS adds pre-select dining options for short-haul business class passengers at Business Traveller.

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