A HUGE open-air museum has been named one of the UK’s top Christmas breaks for 2024.

Visit England named Beamish as one of eight “uber-festive” places Brits should visit this year.

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According to Visit England, the eight attractions each offer something different from “festive light trails with your mates, Christmas afternoon tea with your mum, romantic evenings at German Christmas markets and December days out with the kids to meet Santa”.

And one of the places in Visit England‘s top picks is the “living museum” of Beamish in County Durham.

The huge open-air museum allows visitors to see what life would have been like in the UK between the 1820s and 1950s.

From November 23 until December 24, its replica homes, pubs, shops and businesses will be transformed into a huge festive attraction.

The sprawling 300-acre estate will be decked out with golden fairy lights, pine garlands and a huge Christmas tree

Some of the replica homes will be set for Christmas too with traditional grub on display.

Visitors can sample some retro sweets at the 1990s town sweet shop and listen to festive music in the countdown to Christmas.

The northern attraction will also be serving a range of “yuletide treats”.

Even though there aren’t any specifics on its website, its onsite team rooms will most likely be serving traditional mince pies and other baked goods.

For younger visitors, Beamish will also play host to the big man himself with a Christmas Grotto.

Father Christmas will be meeting kids inside his grotto at Rowley Station Goods Yards. Grotto visits cost an additional £8 per child.

The Visit England website reads: “Experience wonderful festivities and enjoy a wintery stroll around the open-air museum grounds, made extra special by the unique surroundings.

“Afterwards, see the traditional decorations, enjoy festive treats and find that perfect present for someone special.”

Beamish will also be open for evening visits on set days throughout December for visitors who want to experience the open-air attraction after dark.

Previous visitors have been impressed by the festive offering at Beamish, with one writing on TripAdvisor: “Beamish is a yearly festive visit for us of which this year we were truly blessed to waddle around the day after a sprinkling of snow.

“It was truly magical and added to the Christmas spirit.”

Another added: “We have been to visit at Christmas and I have to say it is one of the best Santa experiences our kids have been to.”

One of the main reasons it remains so popular is that its tickets are all annual passes.

From £17.35 for kids, £27.95 for adults, or £71 for a family of four, ticket holders can visit the museum as many times as they like for a year following the day of their first visit.

One of the best Santa experiences our kids have been to

Visit England named seven other places in its list of top festive days out, including Winchester, Chester, Norwich and York.

The four cities were praised for their Christmas Markets, with wooden stalls and chalets descending on each destination every year.

The chocolate-box villages of the Cotswolds like Broadway, Chipping Camden and Bourton-on-the-Water were also named as top places for a festive day out by Visit England.

Bourton-on-the-Water celebrates the festive season by putting a Christmas tree in its river.

The tiny Cornish village of Mousehole also made the cut thanks to its sea light show.

Also on the list was Mompesson House in Salisbury, with its Dickensian-style rooms hosting festive activities.

Meanwhile, this travel writer thinks their hometown has the best Christmas attraction in the UK.

A city in Germany has been dubbed “Christmas city” because it has one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets.

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A MAN who has visited all 76 cities in the UK has called Wrexham a “city of the future” for tourists thanks to its A-list glow-up.

Travel guide creator Peter Naldrett, who lives in Sheffield, believes Wrexham will be an upcoming tourist destination in the next few years.

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Wrexham – home to just under 45,000 people – was given city status in 2022 after winning the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours.

Peter, who visited every UK city while researching his book, Bright Lights, Big Cities, wouldn’t be surprised if Wrexham became a tourist magnet in the next few years.

Talking exclusively to the Sun Newspaper, he said: “The city of the future is Wrexham and quite unusually it’s all about football.

“Wrexham AFC had a Hollywood buyout and the football is actually going brilliantly well with promotions for the Welsh side.

“This, coupled with the TV show, means more people are coming to every game, selling out stadiums.

“The knock-on effect for hotels and restaurants will be an upward spiral for maybe the next five or 10 years.

“If everything goes well, I think visitors could see a museum opening, like the Wrexham Story, or some activities for the kids.”

Surrounded by beautiful mountains and Welsh valleys, Wrexham has already been rising in popularity among holidaymakers.

The interest in Wrexham as a holiday destination has a lot to do with its football team and its celebrity owners, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Since the buyout from the Hollywood stars, the Red Dragons have been promoted back to the football league for the first time in 15 years.

They filmed the whole thing for a popular Disney+ series called Welcome to Wrexham, bringing wider appeal to the town, attracting people from beyond the UK.

And some of their celeb pals like Paul Rudd and Hugh Jackman have been spotted watching games in the Welsh football stadium.

Until these potential attractions open, there are plenty of other places for visitors to enjoy, including amazing walks, water sports and crucially, some very cheap pints.

In 2022, according to Wales Online, Wrexham was the cheapest place in the UK to get a beer.

They reported that the average cost of a pint in the town was “just £2.09 – almost £4 cheaper than the nation’s most expensive spot” which, of course, was London.

If you’re not a big drinker, there are plenty of outdoor activities in the surrounding areas.

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One of those is the Llangollen aqueduct, which visitors can kayak over, while sampling the breathtaking surrounding views.

There’s also the Clwydian mountain range and Dee Valley area of outstanding natural beauty, which both have walks to suit every ability.

The Dee Valley website says that the area “is an outstanding place to explore on foot” with some “challenging long-distance routes that are of national importance”.

For the less outdoorsy, there’s plenty to do in the town as well, including National Trust property Erddig.

The Grade-I listed property features a 17th century country house, a restored walled garden and outbuildings.

There are also play areas and places to eat, making it an excellent place for a family day out.

Although Wrexham itself isn’t coastal, it’s not too far from it, with Talacre beach in Flintshire less than an hour’s drive away.

The Kent town of Margate was featured in the new Hollywood blockbuster Empire of Light, starring Olivia Colman.

Meanwhile, a magical beach in the UK where Harry Potter was filmed has been called a “surfer’s paradise” by fans of the franchise.

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AIRLINE passengers could face in-flight food and drink shortages due to strike action by catering staff, a trade union warned.

Unite will ballot workers who provide meals, snacks and refreshments for flights from major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Birmingham.

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The union warned potential walkouts, which would also affect Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow and London City Airport, were scheduled to hit the busy Christmas travel period.

It said travellers faced the prospect of “foodless fights” if its members at service provider dnata voted to down tools in a row over pay and conditions.

A Unite statement said: “Passengers at airports across the country are facing the prospect of having no onboard food or drink during long and short haul flights as dnata catering workers ballot for strike action.

“More than 700 dnata workers, providing food for airlines at Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow, London City, Stansted, Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham airports, are balloting for strike action.

“The production line, warehouse and delivery workers are angry at the company’s attempts to change their terms and conditions without consultation.”

It added: “If strikes go ahead, major airlines including easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, BA, Emirates, American Airlines and Air India will be impacted. “

The union’s general secretary Sharon Graham said: “dnata’s attempts to bypass its workers and force through damaging changes to terms and conditions will not be tolerated.

“Unite’s dnata members have their union’s full and unflinching support in fighting its underhand attempts to impose these plans.”

The statement accused the Dubai-based firm of refusing to consult with union representatives on issues including sick leave, staff holidays and shift rosters.

It added: “The industrial action ballot opened this week and will close on December 5, with strikes potentially being scheduled over the Christmas period.”

Unite national officer for aviation Balvinder Bir said: “Strikes would have a serious impact on major airlines at eight UK airports and will be entirely the fault of dnata.

“There is still time for industrial action to be avoided, but that will require dnata entering into meaningful negotiations with Unite about the changes it’s putting forward.”

A dnata Catering & Retail UK spokesperson said: “Despite our continuous efforts to reach a fair solution, Unite has rejected our reasonable proposals to enhance wages and conditions and initiated a ballot for industrial action.

“We have already implemented and paid a salary increase to our team to address cost-of-living pressures and recognise their contributions to the company. Our current, competitive offer is in line with market conditions, reflecting industry standards and comparable roles in the sector.

“We are surprised and disappointed by the union’s recent statement claiming we are changing terms and conditions without consultation, which is entirely inaccurate.

“We have consistently sought to engage in constructive discussions with the union throughout the negotiation process.

“We remain open to further dialogue and are committed to achieving an agreement that serves the interests of all parties and ensures the sustainability of our organisation.”

Experts always advise passengers to take their own food on planes, in case there is ever a last minute shortage.

Flight attendant Destanie Armstrong explained on her TikTok that she always packs two pots of noodles and asks staff for some hot water.

She said: “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.”

However, plane food has changed since its its hey day.

Typical menus from the time included roast chicken with green salad and peaches with Melba sauce for dessert, along with cheese and a wine list.

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SOMETIMES you just want to be somewhere hotter than the UK without having to hop on a long-haul flight.

Thankfully, there are some great destinations that aren’t too far away, and also won’t cost too much even if booking last minute.

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Using our many years of holiday experience, the Sun Travel Team has revealed their favourite winter sun destinations that are affordable – and all less than six hours from the UK.

Cape Verde – 5hr45 flight time

Cape Verde was my first foreign holiday after the dreaded 2021 winter lockdown. As soon as restrictions lifted, my then three-year-old, boyfriend and I jumped on a TUI plane for some much-needed sunshine.

At just under six hours, the flight time was probably the longest I’d
do with a pre-schooler but enough to find guaranteed winter sunshine – and Cape Verde pretty much guarantees sunshine.

Even in bleak midwinter, 25C is the average maximum temperature and the sun is strong, although you never get too hot because it’s also windy.

It’s also just one hour behind the UK, so there was no jet lag to contend with.

We stayed at the all-inclusive Riu Palace Santa Maria, on the south
west coast of the island of Sal.

The nearby seaside town of Santa Maria had a strip of lively bars and
cafes and a number of seafood restaurants offering the catch of the
day, as well as a great beach bar where you could enjoy excellent
cocktails with your feet in the sand for just £2.50.

Attractions are fairly sparse on Sal, but there was more than enough
to keep us busy for a week.

We paddled with baby sharks, took a catamaran cruise and explored the island on dune buggies, but there were plenty of watersports for the more adventurous too.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel

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Marrakech – 3hr35 flight time

A place guaranteed to be warm in winter is Marrakech with temperatures above 20C – and it’s one of the most affordable to.

A visit to Marrakech comes with beautiful riad hotels, lined with multicoloured tiles and ornate decor and even pools in the middle – and can be found for just £35 a night.

Sure, the Moroccan coastline might temp you away for a winter beach break.

But the bustling city is the best to go pre-Christmas to stock up one some cheap presents.

Go empty suitcased and you’ll find hand blown glass cups, embroidered cushions and leather handbags often spotted on the UK high street in places like Anthropology and Accessorize but for so much less.

And with £16.49 flights thanks to easyJet, it’s cheaper than a train into London.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

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Lanzarote – 4hr flight time

I on my first winter sun holiday earlier this year and even though I’m late to the party, I’m a total convert after falling in love with Lanzarote.

I stepped off the plane in January and was met by a 20C heat – the ideal January pick me up, especially when flights are as little as £16.

And I was even happier when I went for a dip at the heated infinity pool at my hotel, the newly-opened Barcelo Playa Blanca.

The 180m-long main pool was also heated, which meant I could get my lengths in without getting chilly. 

The temperature was perfect for excursions too with four-hour boat cruises around the island, stopping near Playa de Papagayo, a golden sandy beach before a dip in the dip in the water and fresh paella.

Topped off off with evening drinks on a balcony looking out towards Fuerteventura, I didn’t once have to take out my big winter coat – which was exactly the plan.

– Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter

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LONDONERS were surprised with a delightful twist as the festive season kickstarts – a charming miniature Christmas market featuring gnome-themed stores.

These whimsical stalls, which popped up overnight, were designed to be gnome-height, creating a magical atmosphere.

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Despite their petite size, the stalls are run by regular-sized staff and visitors can explore the tiny market and enjoy complimentary festive treats.

To add to the excitement, lucky passers-by also have the chance to win a special Christmas gnome, as well as a bag full to brim of seasonal goodies.

The market stalls, standing at an adorable 3.5 feet high, will be open to the public on November 7 and 8 along the scenic Southbank.

David Hills, chief customer officer at Asda, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the response to our Christmas campaign.

“We’re thrilled that the nation seems to be falling in love with our gnomes, so what better way to celebrate than to bring some playful Christmas cheer to London with our gnome-sized market.

“Visitors will not only get the chance to be up, close and personal with our pint-sized heroes, they’ll also get to sample some of the incredible products which make up our Christmas range in a really fun and unique way.”

The market featured five mini market stalls, all tailored to match the individual passions and personalities of each gnome – Max, Gnibbles, Gnorma, Gnicky and Gnarla.

Head gnome Max was managing the ‘Magical Mince Pie’ stall and perfectionist party planner Gnorma hosted the ‘Glorious Grazing’ stall.

While surfer dude Gnarla took charge of the ‘Festive Afternoon Sea’ stall, decked out with an assortment of luxurious fish canapes.

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South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage.

On 29 October, an administrative decision by a South Korean government agency triggered international controversy, raising concerns over religious freedom and resulting in considerable financial loss.

The “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organisations, was scheduled to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event was anticipated to attract over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation, a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly cancelled the venue rental without prior notice. This last-minute decision has led to significant financial damage for the international event. Organisers of the event stated that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a particular religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

The hosting organisations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, reported that they had received official confirmation on 23 and 28 October that there was no plan to cancel. They also claimed that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group. They further emphasised that other events scheduled for the same day were unaffected, suggesting that the cancellation was “an administrative decision influenced by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution.”

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was noted that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were allowed within the same designated area.

The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously raised concerns such as the prosecution of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve the construction of a mosque.

The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus are calling on the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and reverse this unjust decision. They urge international organisations to monitor the situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.