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Sleepy Welsh village which was once a busy port has beautiful coastal paths and cosy pubs

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We explored the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales

SINKING into the snug sofa in our cottage, Welsh tea in hand, I let out a satisfied sigh after a weekend of coastal walks, delicious food, and the best company.

My partner Emily, our sausage dog Forrest and I had spent the past couple of days exploring the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline, sampling local delicacies, and uncovering the charms of the village of Solva.

We explored the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales

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We explored the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast in WalesCredit: Getty
Pastel painted buildings in Solva's Main Street

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Pastel painted buildings in Solva’s Main StreetCredit: Alamy

We stayed in the dog-friendly Alma Cottage, one of the many luxury retreats offered by Coastal Cottages, which has more than 500 properties across Wales.

Set in a quiet no-through lane, the beautifully converted old fishing house combined traditional stone charm with modern comforts.

The spacious living room was perfect for unwinding after our adventures, with a sprawling sofa and two armchairs that were hard to get up from due to their outrageous comfort.

Upstairs, two big bedrooms offered stunning views of the coast, while the functional shower room completed the perfect cottage experience.

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Plus, we were welcomed with a thoughtful touch: a dog bowl for Forrest that made us feel right at home.

On arrival, we were delighted by a Welsh hamper worth £40, filled with local treats including Welsh cakes from Tan Y Castell Bakery, Pembrokeshire black forest jam, and lemon sherbet white chocolate.

Solva itself is a picture-postcard coastal village with a fascinating history.

Formed in a “drowned valley” by a meltwater channel, the village was once a bustling port in the 1800s, with capacity for 30 vessels.

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Though the industry has faded, reminders of Solva’s past remain, such as the stone lime kilns still visible at the head of the beach.

Today, the village has a relaxed, almost sleepy feel, with as many dogs as people, making it a perfect spot for Forrest to explore.

Underrated towns you need to visit

From the Cambrian Inn, where we had a hearty lunch of fish and chips washed down with Welsh beer Butty Bach, to the Print House Café, where we enjoyed a coffee, nearly every shop, pub, and restaurant welcomed Forrest with open arms.

A bracing two-and-a-half hour walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path took us to St Davids, the smallest city in the UK.

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You wouldn’t know it was a city until you go round a corner and find the magnificent St Davids Cathedral, home to the shrine of St David, Wales’ patron saint.

We also visited Chapel Chocolates for some indulgent award-winning treats.

The convenient £1.60 T11 bus delivered us back to Solva in just ten minutes.

Back in the village, we stopped for a couple of London Prides at The Ship, a pub where we learned about the old dividing line that once separated sailors from their captains — still seen in the notch at the bar.

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Cold-water swim

Later, a burger dinner at The Hats & Barrels, paired with Welsh Double Dragon beer, was the perfect way to round off the evening, followed by a rich raspberry cheesecake.

Solva also has a touch of class, evident in its quaint shops such as Window On Wales, a three-floor treasure trove of Welsh goods.

Art lovers should not miss the Raul Speek Gallery, located in a converted chapel, showcasing vibrant paintings by the Cuban-born artist who has called Solva home since the Nineties.

If you’re after history, a visit to the Solva Woollen Mill, just a ten-minute drive away, is a must.

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It’s the oldest working woollen mill in Pembrokeshire and the only one in Wales specialising in flat woven carpets, rugs, and runners.

A week’s stay with up to three guests at Alma Cottage in Solva is from £490

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A week’s stay with up to three guests at Alma Cottage in Solva is from £490Credit: Supplied

The restored waterwheel is a charming attraction, with King Charles and Queen Camilla choosing the mill to create carpets for their Welsh home.

In the early mornings, when the tide is in, a cold-water swim in the bay is a great way to kick off the day.

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Solva’s charm is at its peak during the crisp, quiet mornings when the village feels almost untouched.

We ended our weekend with a memorable lunch at Crug Glas Country House, a 12th-century farmhouse just a short drive from Solva.

The beautifully decorated hotel made us feel as though we had stepped back in time.

I indulged in a squid starter, followed by an extraordinary roast duck main course, all rounded off with a sticky toffee pudding that was the perfect sweet ending to our trip.

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Solva's harbour once had a capacity of 30 ships

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Solva’s harbour once had a capacity of 30 shipsCredit: Getty

GO: Pembrokeshire

STAYING THERE: Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire has hundreds of properties sleeping two to 30 guests and a concierge team offering experiences from chefs to yoga.

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A week’s stay with up to three guests at Alma Cottage in Solva is from £490.

Two pets allowed at £15 per pet per week.

Visit coastalcottages.co.uk or call 01437 765 765.

OUT & ABOUT: visitpembrokeshire.com

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Top 4 getaways for couples that won’t break the bank – you’ll even get a chance to spot the Northern Lights

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Those after a romantic break should set their sights on Lanzarote for winter sun

WHETHER it’s sun-drenched beaches you’re after or an adventure across some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, easyJet Holidays has some cracking packages for couples seeking a speedy getaway.

And the below breaks are proof that a romantic escape doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag.

Those after a romantic break should set their sights on Lanzarote for winter sun

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Those after a romantic break should set their sights on Lanzarote for winter sunCredit: Getty

All of the following deals come in at less than £450 per person, so you’ll have more cash to splash on a bottle of bubbly or a few fancy dinners.

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What’s more, if you book a package holiday with easyJet Holidays, you’ll be protected through the ABTA and ATOL scheme, offering peace of mind.

REYKHOLT, ICELAND

The Lava Waterfalls (Hraunfossar) are a result of a volcanic eruption from many years back

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The Lava Waterfalls (Hraunfossar) are a result of a volcanic eruption from many years backCredit: Getty

If adventure is your thing, couples can’t go wrong with Iceland, a country covered in volcanoes (around 130, to be precise).

Plus, if you haven’t managed to spot the Northern Lights in the UK yet, then your chances are much greater here in winter.

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November is one of the best months to see the colourful phenomenon light up the skies.

Wrap up warm and head straight to the 3* Fosshotel in Reykholt, about an hour and a half north of Reykjavik in the car.

The cosy and contemporary property offers respite from the snow outside with a spa that’s home to a Finnish sauna and outdoor wooden hot tubs (there are also cold tubs for those who dare).

The cosy and contemporary Fosshotel offers respite from the snow outside

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The cosy and contemporary Fosshotel offers respite from the snow outsideCredit: Supplied

Head to the hotel bar to sample a pint of locally-brewed lager, Gull, then venture out of the village towards the Lava Waterfalls (Hraunfossar). 

The falls are a result of a volcanic eruption from many years back. The hot flowing lava created tubes under the earth that water now flows through.

Three nights room-only at the 3* Fosshotel Reykholt is from £197pp with easyJet Holidays, including flights from Manchester on November 25.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO 

Head to Morocco if you are a culture vulture

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Head to Morocco if you are a culture vultureCredit: Getty

It could be the smell of mint tea wafting through the alleyways or it might be the tightly packed souks, laden with pots of amber spices that match the colour of the sunsets.

Either way, Morocco is the perfect escape for culture vultures.

And at the 5* JAAL Riad Resort at the southern edge of Marrakech you’ll have your fill of culture at your very fingertips.

Couples can participate in leather workshops where they’ll create their own accessories inspired by those they’ve seen in the nearby markets or join an embroidery class where they’ll learn some professional techniques

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JAAL Riad Resort has a three-storey wellness area with a pool, Hammam rooms and a gym

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JAAL Riad Resort has a three-storey wellness area with a pool, Hammam rooms and a gymCredit: EasyJet

Moroccan culture extends throughout the hotel and in the decor which includes bathrooms embellished in mosaic tiles and bedrooms with terracotta terraces.

There are three restaurants, including one serving modern oriental dishes, plus a three-storey wellness area with a pool, Hammam rooms and a gym.

EasyJet holidays offers four nights’ B&B at the 5* JAAL Riad Resort in Marrakech from a bargain £399pp including 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Luton on March 11 next year.

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LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS

With highs of around 22C in winter, Lanzarote is the optimal winter sun destination

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With highs of around 22C in winter, Lanzarote is the optimal winter sun destinationCredit: Getty

Seeking a sizzling retreat before Christmas?

Lanzarote is just the place for you. And easyJet holidays has a seven-night self-catering getaway at the 3* Bitacora Lanzarote Club from just £326pp.

With highs of around 22C in winter, this Canary Island is the optimal winter sun destination for those wanting some heat without flying long haul.

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The Bitcora Lanzarote Club certainly knows that, too.

NINTCHDBPICT000948582831

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NINTCHDBPICT000948582831Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk

As well as a large swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers, many of the modern apartments have balconies or terraces from which you can soak up the heat.

The beach is around a ten-minute walk away if you prefer to sunbathe by the ocean on soft sands backed by swaying palm trees.

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It’s also the place to head for seafront dining and tipples, with rows of pubs, lively cocktail bars and restaurants lining the promenade.

The above package price includes 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Luton on December 11.

PAPHOS, CYPRUS

Cyprus is home to sprawling sandy beaches and clear waters teeming with tropical fish

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Cyprus is home to sprawling sandy beaches and clear waters teeming with tropical fishCredit: Getty

There’s a reason Cyprus has become such a popular holiday spot for honeymooners.

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It’s home to sprawling sandy beaches and clear waters teeming with tropical fish as well as ancient heritage sites that tell tales of the country’s rich history.

Whether you want to flop onto a sun bed and sip pina coladas all day or hike the craggy cliffs, the 4* Avilda Hotel in Paphos has a lot to offer.

The hotel sits right next to The Tombs of the Kings, a fascinating Unesco World Heritage Site featuring sunken graves and underground chambers.

The Avilda Hotel sits right next to The Tombs of the Kings

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The Avilda Hotel sits right next to The Tombs of the KingsCredit: Avlida Hotel

The beach is just a 10-minute stroll away, crammed with local cafes serving fresh seafood.

And you’ll also have access to a pool, gym, sauna and restaurant on site.

EasyJet Holidays offer three nights’ B&B at the 4* Avilda Hotel from £404pp including flights from Luton on March 9 as well as transfers and 23kg of luggage per person.

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Pretty English region to be the ‘next Cotswolds’ named one of the world’s top 2025 destinations to visit

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Sussex - home to placed like Brighton - has been named a top 2025 desintation

A REGION in the UK has been named one of the best places to visit in the world.

Sussex was named one of Conde Nast Traveller’s 25 Best Places to Go.

Sussex - home to placed like Brighton - has been named a top 2025 desintation

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Sussex – home to placed like Brighton – has been named a top 2025 desintationCredit: Alamy

The region joined other stunning places including Cuba, Marseille, Greenland and Uganda in the hot list.

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Trying to decide on the list, they said: “Twenty-five places that, no questions asked, our editors would jump at the opportunity to visit next year [and] places we want you to know about, before your TikTok feed is swimming in them.

“[They are] places that speak to our values as travellers in 2025, be it innovation in conservation, astounding creativity, or a profound sense of human connection.”

But the website raved about both East and West Sussex, with some hotels “set to be as fashionable in 2025 as it was in its 19th-century heyday when Turner and Constable were regulars”.

Brighton was named its “seaside star” with new hotels including 124 Brighton and even a new lido last year.

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An insider told them: “The area is a hotbed of creatives, with designer Martin Brudnizki, florist Millie Proust, and Mumford & Sons’ Ted Dwane all living nearby.”

When asked if it could become the new Cotswolds they said: “You never know – we’ve certainly got plenty more vineyards.”

You can explore the Sussex coastline along the recently opened King Charles III England Coast Path.

This runs all the way from Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne.

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Here are some of the best places you can visit across Sussex, according to Sun writers…

Goring-by-Sea

“Goring-by-sea is a small and relatively suburban neighbourhood with quality brunch spots, charming seafront walks and a restful atmosphere.

It is far less busy than the better-known Sussex coastal towns of Littlehampton, Worthing and Bognor Regis so don’t expect packed beaches and busy restaurants.

Unlike other traditional seasides, you won’t find arcades or roller coaster-filled piers here either.

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The Blue Flag-winning stretch of sand has a fish kiosk selling seafood caught that morning as well as cute fishing boats.

– Caroline Iggulden

Camber Sands

Camber Sands is famous for its beautiful sand dunes and seven miles of beach

Fans of films The Monuments Men and The Theory Of Everything will recognise the beach, used to film parts of them.

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A few tiny wooden houses dot the flat shoreline (protected as an RSPB nature reserve) with a lighthouse you can also visit.

– Nick Jones

Camber Sands, Brighton and Rye are all some of the top spots in Sussex loved by tourists

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Camber Sands, Brighton and Rye are all some of the top spots in Sussex loved by touristsCredit: Alamy

Brighton

Brighton’s cobbles are lined with colourful shops and misshapen signs swinging from old doorways, with many dating back to the 16th century.

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“Make sure to stay at The Southern Belle, a great boutique hotel further west along the seafront.

The best spots to eat are the Rockwater Hove – the place to go for unbeatable views of the ocean fresh seafood – The Salt Room, another seafront restaurant.

Sophie Swietochowski

Rye

Despite having a harbour, Rye isn’t a seaside town – but it still has cute cobbled streets, quaint antique shops and cosy pubs.

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The best one is the Mermaid Inn, with parts of the pub dating back to 1156, although Giant’s Fireplace Bar also makes you feel like you are stepping back in time.

Don’t forget to head to Knoops which serves up some of the best hot chocolate around the UK, but was founded in Rye by a ‘chocolate sommelier’.

Caroline McGuire

Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Places to Go in 2025

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  • Ahr Valley, Germany
  • Alaska, US
  • Cuba
  • Djerba, Tunisia
  • Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
  • El Impenetrable National Park, Argentina
  • Emerald Coast, Nicaragua
  • Faroe Islands
  • Greenland
  • Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
  • Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
  • La Paz, Bolivia
  • Marseille, France
  • Muscat, Oman
  • Ngongoro Crater, Tanzania
  • Palau
  • Peruvian Amazon
  • Prayagraj (Allahabad), India
  • Queensland’s Tropical Coast
  • Southwestern Nigeria
  • Space Coast, Florida
  • Subantarctic Islands, Australia & New Zealand
  • The Top End, Australia
  • Uganda
  • Sussex, UK

Lonely Planet recently revealed their top 2025 holiday destinations, with Toulouse coming in number one.

And here are the trending 2025 destinations according to SKyscanner.

Rye is loved by the Sun's Head of Travel

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Rye is loved by the Sun’s Head of TravelCredit: Alamy

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Air Canada to reinstate Ottowa-London flights in March 2025

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Air Canada to reinstate Ottowa-London flights in March 2025

The service saw a four-year hiatus due to Covid, but is now returning on 31 March 2025, operating on a seasonal basis from then on

Continue reading Air Canada to reinstate Ottowa-London flights in March 2025 at Business Traveller.

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World’s first Disney Music Festival to launch at its Paris theme park – with live singers performing classic hits

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A new immersive and innovative show called Disney Tales of Magic will launch on January 10, 2025

DISNEYLAND Paris will host the first-ever Disney Music Festival next year – here’s everything we know so far.

Set to launch in spring 2025, Disney Music Festival will feature Disney’s greatest hits.

A new immersive and innovative show called Disney Tales of Magic will launch on January 10, 2025

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A new immersive and innovative show called Disney Tales of Magic will launch on January 10, 2025Credit: Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris will host the first-ever Disney Music Festival next year, with live performances set to take place through the French theme park

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Disneyland Paris will host the first-ever Disney Music Festival next year, with live performances set to take place through the French theme parkCredit: Disneyland Paris

Visitors to the French theme park will watch live singers perform beloved classics and contemporary hits from Disney Animation and Pixar animated films.

A wide range of songs will be performed from “a pop/rock concert featuring Disney’s greatest hits to Minnie Mouse’s parade with her marching band, and the sunny melodies of Moana“.

The new music festival will take place “all across the park” – with exact locations yet to be announced.

Disney Music Festival is set to launch on April 19, 2025 and will run until September 7, 2025, with further details to follow.

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Theme park fans won’t have to wait until next spring for a new attraction though, with another new offering launching in January.

Disney Tales of Magic has been described as a “new innovative and immersive nighttime spectacular”.

Debuting on January 10, 2025, the 20-minute show will immerse guests in a unique sensory journey through some of Disney Animation and Pixar’s most beloved stories.

Famous Disney characters and scenes will be projected onto Main Street USA and the Disney Castle or the first time ever.

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Cutting-edge technology, including drones, projections, laser technology, pyrotechnics and fountain displays, have been used to create the new nighttime show.

A new soundscape has been recorded for Disney Tales of Magic.

New Disney Adventure cruise ship reveals huge central garden

Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris, commented: “At Disneyland Paris, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of what’s possible in nighttime entertainment, and Disney Tales of Magic takes that vision even further.

“Our teams have crafted something truly magical, an experience that will captivate and inspire guests for years to come.

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“Building on our legacy of innovation, creativity, and storytelling, we’re excited for this show to become a lasting part of the story of Disneyland Park.”

Earlier this year, Disneyland Paris revealed a brand-new named for its second park – as well as a new ride and an immersive world.

The new additions are part of a multi-billion-pound investment at the theme park that will see Walt Disney Studio Parks being renamed Disney Adventure World.

Part of the rebranding includes a transformed new entrance area, with an “open-air movie studio” where guests will be taken to a “a glamorous film premiere in the heart of Hollywood on a starry night”.

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The new entrance, named World Premier, will open spring 2025 and will let guests enter the World Premiere Plaza,

Also new will be Adventure Way, a garden inspired promenade with The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge.

Last year, an English-themed pub opened at Disneyland Paris, called The Royal Pub.

Other Disney parks are getting new attractions too, with a new €2billion land set to open at Disneyland in California.

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What is the new Disneyland Hotel like?

THE Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot was one of the first to visit the new Disneyland Paris resort.

“When the hotel closed in April 2021, the fairy-tale building that spans the entrance to Disneyland Paris was taken back to bare concrete and rebuilt from the bottom up.

“The result is the only 5-star hotel in the world dedicated to Disney royalty.

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“It’s a palatial celebration of all Disney Princesses – and their Princes – from Frozen’s Queen Elsa to Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and more.

“The ultimate treat for all wannabe Disney Princesses and Princes is the My Royal Dream makeover, where little ones can become their heroines or heroes.

“And the 487 rooms and suites are all designed to immerse you in the classic Disney characters.

“There’s even a Disneyland Hotel Cuvée champagne, produced especially for the hotel by the Maison Pierre Mignon.”

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If you fancy a quick trip, one woman reveals how she flew to Disneyland Paris just for the day, spending less than £300 in total.

Otherwise, Disneyland Paris has launched £99pp holiday deals – here’s how to find them.

Disney Tales of Magic - the new nighttime spectacular - will be brought to life with cutting-edge technology like drones and pyrotechnics

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Disney Tales of Magic – the new nighttime spectacular – will be brought to life with cutting-edge technology like drones and pyrotechnicsCredit: Disneyland Paris
Both of the new attractions will launch at Disneyland Paris next year (stock image)

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Both of the new attractions will launch at Disneyland Paris next year (stock image)Credit: Alamy

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This charming medieval town has Europe’s best Christmas market – with cobbled streets and ancient gifts

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Esslingen's Christmas Market has been named the best in Europe using data from TripAdvisor

EVERY year, a charming medieval town in southern Germany hosts the best Christmas market in Europe.

The commuter town of Esslingen, also known as Esslingen am Neckar, is known for its half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets and its festive outdoor market.

Esslingen's Christmas Market has been named the best in Europe using data from TripAdvisor

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Esslingen’s Christmas Market has been named the best in Europe using data from TripAdvisorCredit: Alamy
The German Christmas market is home to 280 stalls where craftspeople sell an array of handmade goods

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The German Christmas market is home to 280 stalls where craftspeople sell an array of handmade goodsCredit: Alamy

Located just 10 miles from Stuttgart, the Christmas market in Esslingen has been named as the best in Europe thanks to data from TripAdvisor.

Independent travel agency Iglu used TripAdvisor data to reveal the highest-rated Christmas markets in Europe.

The research analysed five star customer reviews from the biggest Christmas markets in Europe, with Esslingen coming out as the highest-rated.

The travel agency found the German Christmas market to have the highest “excellent” rating on TripAdvisor, making it Europe’s best.

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Read More on Christmas Travel

Located 10 miles south of Stuttgart, ‘Esslingen Medieval Market And Christmas Market’ has over 280 stalls.

At the Medieval Market, a range of craftspeople like jewellers, blacksmiths and glass blowers will sell handmade gifts, with demonstrations from some vendors also taking place.

Other goods like incense, leather-bound books, berry wines, spices and fragrances.

Traditional food and drink like Swabian cheese spätzle and a Swabian ravioli called ‘Maultaschen’ will also be sold at the market.

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Visitors can also expect to find waffles, crepes, grilled sausages, crispy potato chips, stews and mulled wine.

The Christmas market also has a living nativity scene with sheep, newborn lambs, a donkey and figures of Mary and Joseph.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market was crowned 8th place in Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2024 by European Best Destinations

Other attractions at the Christmas market include a vintage carousel and a candle workshop.

Travel blogger Happy to Wander praised last year’s market, writing: “I’m no stranger to the magical wonders of German Christmas markets, but if I were to pick a single city last year that really wowed me and spun me into borderline obsession, it would be the Esslingen Christmas Market & Medieval Market, located near Stuttgart.”

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Other holidaymakers have also raved about Esslingen Christmas market on TripAdvisor, with one simply writing: “the most amazing Christmas market”.

Another wrote: “After a week of touring western Germany and Strasbourg, so seeing lots of Christmas markets, this one is our favourite.

“The beautiful setting in the old town, and easy to reach from central Stuttgart”.

Esslingen Medieval Market and Christmas Market will open on November 23 and will run until December 21.

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There are plenty of other attractions and activities in the German town to keep holidaymakers entertained, including Esslingen Castle.

The 700-year-old castle was once part of the city’s defensive fortifications.

Food and drink, including German sausages, waffles and crepes, will be sold at the Christmas market

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Food and drink, including German sausages, waffles and crepes, will be sold at the Christmas marketCredit: Alamy
Skilled craftspeople like blacksmiths and glass blowers will give demonstrations of their art

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Skilled craftspeople like blacksmiths and glass blowers will give demonstrations of their artCredit: Alamy

Nowadays, the medieval castle acts as a tourist attraction, with its picturesque courtyard and tower.

Other attractions in the German town include St. Dionys Church with its twin towers and stained glass windows.

The town is also home to Kessler – the oldest sparkling wine producer in Germany, so a glass of fizz is a must.

Hotels in Esslingen remain relatively affordable with Sun Online Travel finding one-night stays from £108 per night per room.

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Direct flights operate from both Manchester and London to Stuttgart, with return fares from £92 in December.

Flights take just under two hours from the UK.

From Stuttgart Airport, it’s a 23-minute drive to Esslingen.

TripAdvisor’s Highest-rated Christmas markets

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  1. Esslingen, Germany – 72.2%
  2. Krakow, Poland – 71.4%
  3. Cologne, Germany – 70.5%
  4. Prague, Czech Republic – 70%
  5. Vienna, Austria – 62.7%
  6. Nuremberg, Germany – 62.4%
  7. Frankfurt, Germany – 58.4%
  8. Munich, Germany – 55.9%
  9. Salzburg, Austria – 52.4%
  10. Brussels, Belgium – 50.7%

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.

Esslingen am Neckar is located in southern Germany and is just 10 miles south from Stuttgart

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Esslingen am Neckar is located in southern Germany and is just 10 miles south from StuttgartCredit: Alamy

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10 best road trips in WORLD send drivers on stomach-churning drops and winding cliff edges – all for spectacular views

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Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina in the Unted States

THE 10 best road trips across the world have been revealed, through rocky mountains, wild forests, and harsh coastlines.

Some of the most breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime routes around the globe have been complied by Condé Nast Traveller.

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

The first road trip spans 469 miles and takes explorers from Afton to Cherokee, in the USA.

Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina in the Unted States

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Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina in the Unted StatesCredit: Alamy

Drivers can enjoy taking the scenic route which winds through the rocky wilderness and forests of Virginia and North Carolina.

The journey was named after the blueish hue of the mountains, which were themselves christened Blue Ridge.

While the route is breathtaking at any time of year, the autumn is particularly special as the foliage transforms.

Great St Bernard Pass, Italy

Moving across the pond to Europe, travellers also hail the 143 mile road trip from Turin to Montreux.

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The Great St Bernard Lake at the Great St Bernard pass

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The Great St Bernard Lake at the Great St Bernard passCredit: AFP

It takes holidaymakers from Italy to Switzerland and is dreamed about by movie buffs.

The opening scene of the Italian Job features the picturesque route, with a shot of a Lamborghini driving over the Great St Bernard’s Pass.

Navigating the largely untouched route may be as daunting as it is stunning for some motorists.

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There are sheer drops, winding roads with sharp bends and narrow tunnels along the way.

The Carretera Austral, Chile

Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, adventurers could make their way through the pre-historic landscape from Puerto Montt, in Patagonia, to Villa O’Higgins.

The route travels through Santa Lucia, Coyhaique and Tortel before finishing in Villa O'Higgins

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The route travels through Santa Lucia, Coyhaique and Tortel before finishing in Villa O’HigginsCredit: Getty

The 770 mile trip features Chile’s Southern Highway, Route 7, which has been dubbed the Carretera Austral.

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Holidaymakers are urged to experience the South American wilderness in the months between October and April for the best views.

The route travels through Santa Lucia, Coyhaique and Tortel before finishing in Villa O’Higgins.

The North Coast 500, Scotland

Equally spectacular views can be enjoyed back in Britain, on the North Coast 500 road trip across Scotland.

Kylesku Bridge along the NC500 in Northern Scotland

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Kylesku Bridge along the NC500 in Northern ScotlandCredit: Getty

It takes travellers from Inverness, in the Highlands, on a 516 mile journey across Scotland’s coastline.

Drivers and their passengers get to see rugged mountains, sandy beaches and quaint remote villages.

They will pass through the Black Isle, Easter Ross, Caithness, and the most northerly point, John O’Groats.

Then, the route goes back down the western coast and south through Sutherland, Wester Ross and back to Inverness.

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Wayanad Ghat Road, India

The 53 mile road trip from Kozhikode to Wayanad in India is not for the fainthearted.

Winding road on the western ghat mountain range in Wayanad district, Kerala, India

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Winding road on the western ghat mountain range in Wayanad district, Kerala, IndiaCredit: Getty

There are nail-biting twists and turns through mountainous terrain, and routes through the forest of Western Ghats.

Holidaymakers can drive the Thamarassery Churam mountain pass, which sits 800m above sea level.

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They can stop off along the way to take a dip in the scenic waterfalls and go hiking on some breathtaking trials.

The Japanese Alps

Another life-changing road trip ranked in the top 10 is the long way around from Kyoto to Tokyo.

The Kamikochi Japanese park, along the Kyoto to Tokyo route

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The Kamikochi Japanese park, along the Kyoto to Tokyo routeCredit: Getty

This 460 mile adventure heads across the Japanese Alps, and offers plenty of unmissable tourist hotspot pitstops along the way.

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Those who make the drive can stop off in the Onsen, Japanese hot spring spas in the mountains, and see iconic landmarks.

The Samurai city of Matsumoto is on the way, as well as the historic town of Karuizawa and finally Tokyo itself.

Atlantic Road, Norway

Hailed as one of the best ways to experience Norway, the 69 mile expedition from Molde to the Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge will not disappoint.

An aerial view of Atlantic Road

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An aerial view of Atlantic RoadCredit: Getty

As suggested in the name, drivers will be able to take in magnificent views of the Atlantic.

Experiences will vary a lot depending on what season you decide to travel, as there can be some fierce storms in the winter.

Southern Utah National Park Circuit, USA

The USA is famous for Route 66, but real adventurers know the Southern Utah National Park Circuit is one the their bucket list.

Shafer Trail Viewpoint in Canyonlands National Park, Utah

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Shafer Trail Viewpoint in Canyonlands National Park, UtahCredit: Getty

The trip stretches a whopping 475 miles from Dead Horse Point to Zion National Park.

Those along for the ride can experience the desert landscapes of Southern Utah.

They can take in the Canyonlands National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.

The Panorama Route, South Africa

Meanwhile, in South Africa, The Panorama Route has made it into the top 10.

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'God’s Window' viewpoint near Graskop in South Africa

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‘God’s Window’ viewpoint near Graskop in South AfricaCredit: Getty

The 130 mile trip takes drivers from Hoedspruit to Pilgrim’s Rest and goes over Drakensberg Escarpment.

Explorers will stop off at the Blyde River Canyon, which has been nicknamed “God’s Window”.

They can also see the famous Kruger National Park and the Lebombo Mountains on South Africa’s border with Mozambique.

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The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Finally, all the way down under, The Great Ocean Road in Australia offers the 340 miles trip of a life time.

The route begins at Torquay, and goes along the coastline, finishing just before Port Campbell

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The route begins at Torquay, and goes along the coastline, finishing just before Port CampbellCredit: Getty

It spans from Melbourne to the 12 Apostles and takes drivers back to their start point.

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The route begins at Torquay, and goes along the coastline, finishing just before Port Campbell.

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