Katie Smith

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Jessica Whitcher

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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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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.

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.

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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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.

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.

GO: A family room at the Parkgate Hotel is from £173 a night. See the parkgatehotel.wales and visitwales.com.

Newcastle/Gateshead

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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.

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.

GO: Family room at easyHotel from £55 a night. See easyhotel.com and newcastlegateshead.com.

Birmingham

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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.

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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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.

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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HALF-TERM falls over Halloween and Manchester Monsters are out in force, with free events from October 25, and a spectacular procession.

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

Brighton

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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.

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

Bristol

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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.

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.

GO: Family room at Moxy from £123 a night. See marriott.com and visitbristol.co.uk.

CHOCOLATE fans are racing to fill their baskets with a brand new Oreo flavour scanning for just £1.

Iceland shoppers were delighted to see an exciting edition hit the shelves – and they could become a festive favourite.

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The budget supermarket rolled out Gingerbread Oreo sweet treats just in time to welcome in the Autumn season.

And, the tasty bikkie could also be the perfect fit for Christmas.

A helpful customer shared the information in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains Facebook group.

“Oreo Gingerbread Biscuits Spotted In Iceland,” they wrote.

One fan penned: “Already had some from them!”

Another bargain hunter added: “Right that’s it, I know where I’m going tomorrow.”

“We have to try these,” wrote a third.

Other glowing reviews read: “These are amazing!”

However, some claimed the goodies boasted more of a cinnamon taste, rather than gingerbread.

“Very strong cinnamon taste. They’re ok but you have to love cinnamon and be in the mood for them. Wish they were more like gingerbread,” said one.

This isn’t the first time chocolate fans were overjoyed to discover a different flavour of Oreo.

A picture of Vanilla Latte flavoured Oreos was posted in the popular Facebook group ‘New Foods UK’.

The post read: “Brand new Vanilla Latte Oreo, these are really good!

“The creamy vanilla flavour works so well with the coffee flavour, we are stocking up on these, Now available at Co-op.”

If this doesn’t take your fancy, Oreo also one-upped their iconic peanut butter flavour.

They’ve now blended it with a rich milk chocolate to create a mouth-watering taste.

Hitting the shelves alongside it came a fresh new flavour, blueberry ice cream.

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.

It comes as shoppers also can’t get enough of a new festive McVitie’s biscuit.

The iconic biscuit maker also launched a new gingerbread variety of milk chocolate digestives in the run up to Christmas.

And, the company rolled a new “indulgent” product earlier this year that will make your tastebuds excited.

The flavours include Caramel Chocolate Rounds, Chocolate Cream Swirls, and Chocolate Caramel.

Meanwhile, more sweet-tooth shoppers raved about Quality Street bringing back a favourite flavour.

And it’s set to return in time for the festive season.

The coffee creme flavour chocolate was last seen in Quality Street tubs over 20 years ago, until the chocolatier reintroduced it last year.

Nestle has confirmed that the sweet treat will be available once again this Christmas.

SHOPPERS have been left in despair after one of the UK’s biggest supermarket chains announced they are closing down a beloved store.

Locals have described the shock decision to shut the doors of the popular branch as “a huge loss” for the town centre.

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The local Co-op store in the Meadows, Nottingham is set to finally close its doors in November after being a mainstay in the Bridgeway Shopping Centre for over 50 years.

Co-op haven’t given a reason for the closure but said it was a “difficult decision”.

The final day of trading will be Saturday, November 16.

A spokesperson for Co-op confirmed the closure saying: “Co-op regularly reviews its stores. In addition to opening new stores we sometimes, and only after careful consideration, have to take the difficult decision to close a store.

“With the expiry of the lease our store in the Bridgeway Centre will close.

“Colleagues, who have been informed, are being fully supported with every effort being taken to offer alternative positions in the area.

“We would like to thank the community for its support of this store.”

Local David Cooksy was left “disappointed” when he heard the store was closing down.

David, 85, and his wife Heidi, 82, have been regular Co-op customers since the 50s in the Meadows.

He told the BBC: “It’s convenient. It’s a convenience store, that’s what it’s called and now it’s not going to be here.

“It’s always been here. I go back to the 50s in the Meadows and there’s always been a Co-op.”

You see so many people come here in the morning – it’s a loss to the community

Aparna ValsalaMeadows resident

Laney Neilson, 24, said the branch was a favourite for older locals including her grandparents due to its prime location in the town centre.

She said the closure has made many pensioners “quite upset” with the nearest store no longer being in walking distance.

The next closest Co-op stores for shoppers in the area are on Station Street and Trent Bridge in Nottingham or Trent Boulevard in West Bridgford.

Meadows resident Aparna Valsala, 33, added: “You see so many people come here in the morning – it’s a loss to the community.”

It comes as another supermarket store rolled down its shutters for good at the end of September.

East of England Co-op in Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich ended trading on August 31 – leaving shoppers upset by the closure.

A Waitrose store in Hall Green, Birmingham, has also announced it will close its doors for the final time on January 14 after welcoming customers for more than 50 years.

HIGH STREET CLOSURES

Several high-street retailers have been struggling to get by over the past few years.

The pandemic was a tough blow as many stores had to close during lockdown.

Since then energy costs have risen and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online rather than head into stores.

This has left some remaining retailers grappling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.

For the most part, supermarkets have braved the storm as they provide essential items like food and drink.

But other retailers have been less fortunate The Body Shop is currently going through administration and announced plans to close half of its 198 stores.

Boots announced it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.

M&S has also confirmed store closure and openings with plans to ensure it has the best store locations.

A SEA of sparkling fairy lights, giant Christmas trees and illuminated archways greeted us as we walked through the hotel doors.

Classic festive tunes drifted across the holiday park, as scores of parents and their excited offspring hurtled around in their Rudolph jumpers, elf hats and Santa suits.

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Christmas had officially arrived.

I was at Butlin’s Bognor Regis which had become a little less “Hi-de-Hi” and more “ho, ho, ho”.

The resort, better known for Redcoats and red sunburnt faces in the summer months, had been transformed into a winter wonderland for a series of special Christmas breaks.

And it’s already preparing to do the same for 2024.

Christmas at Butlin’s is a non-stop round of festive parties, Crimbo films, themed activities and special stage shows including Goldilocks And The Three Bears.

And completely new for this year, a favourite character from Butlin’s Jack And The Beanstalk show, Dotty, will be dishing out presents in her dairy for those who don’t have time to visit Santa himself.

We’d barely finished checking into our room at the Wave Hotel before my children were dragging us to a festive pottery painting session.

My son Harvey, 11, picked out the Nutcracker soldier plaster cast, while daughter Luella, nine, grabbed a sign that read “Family” and got to work bringing their models to life with a splash of colour.

Then it was straight on to the much-anticipated Father Christmas’ Express Delivery, newly launched in 2023 and returning this year.

The children began their immersive grotto experience by scrawling their wish lists and posting them into the “magic letter box”.

When the light on the lift went green, it meant Father Christmas had received the letters and was ready to receive us too.

The jolly red man cheerfully, and meticulously, went through every item on their lists before asking whether they had been naughty or nice — I don’t suspect the answer mattered that much as he handed them a chocolate multipack each.

Real magic happens

There is so much for the kids to do at Butlin’s, that it makes for a dream getaway for adults, too, who needn’t worry about what to do next.

A couple of rounds of Wild-West style laser tag got our children’s blood pumping. And if you have a head for heights, Aerial Adventures with a climbing wall and high ropes course are a must.

Then there’s the Football Academy, for boys and girls, offering an hour-long session on Astroturf, helping kids become the next Harry Kane or Lucy Bronze.

Whatever you do, do not leave Butlin’s without visiting Splash Waterworld.

This seaside-themed water park is a godsend in the winter months when the weather is not good enough for the real beach.

The Adrenaline Flume had us zooming through tunnels in pitch black, and the high-velocity Stick of Rock slides saw me almost lose my shorts.

We couldn’t leave without taking advantage of the on-stage entertainment either, especially as it’s such a huge perk at Butlin’s.

Christmas movies were broadcast in the Skyline Pavilion earlier in the day.

But it’s the evening that the real magic happens with shows like Festival Rock hosting sing-along sessions with Queen’s We Will Rock You and The Killers’ Mr Brightside.

Then, the perfect way to end a festive trip, with a performance from an Elton John tribute act. The encore of Step Into Christmas left us truly in the festive spirit.

I can already guess the first item on my kids’ Christmas list for this year: a return trip to Butlin’s.

A SELECTION of eye-catching themes cruises will be setting sail across Europe next year.

Punters can nab their cabin on a fun fleet of voyages, including one where blokes are banned.

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And they won’t have long to wait either, as all cruises will embark on their respective trips in 2025.

“Travellers have demonstrated an increasing desire for more specialised and unique experiences,” Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld, said.

“We are expanding our portfolio to further cater to a range of interests, passions and communities.”

MUSIC CRUISE

Uniworld’s Music Cruise will offer up exclusive ‘Music of the Danube’ sailings on August 3 and November 2 aboard the ‘Enchanting Danube’ itinerary.

The voyage will come complete with a Sound of Music tour in Salzburg in Austria, a spine-tingling concert at Abbey Durnstein and a yodeling workshop.

Travellers can experience all of these pinch me moments for £2,665.

GOLF PACKAGE

If you’re into your golf as well as your vino, Uniworld’s ‘Premium Golf Package’ is a no-brainer and is available on six summer sailings.

The package is tethered to the ‘Brilliant Bordeaux’ itinerary and comprises 18-hole rounds at Cabot Bordeaux and St. Emilion.

Buyers will also enjoy a shared caddy service and a sumptuous gourmet dining experience after a sapping day on the course.

Nab your spot from £919 per person.

WOMEN’S CRUISE

The first-ever ‘Women’s Only Cruise’ will leave the dock on August 24 as part of the ‘Burgundy and Provence’ itinerary.

Ladies of all ages are invited for a cluster of excursions including truffle hunting and a bike ride to the Chartreuse.

Guests are also invited to partake in lavender weaving, an inviting chocolate and wine tasting experience and burlesque dancing sessions.

Further details are yet to be revealed so keep an eye out for further details.

It’s not cheap though – don’t expect to fork out anything below £4,300 for the privilege.

OCEANS OF FUN

Meanwhile, holidaymakers can also opt to secure their place on the MSC World America.

This voyage is another exciting new cruise ships launching next year and promises to take your breath away, quite literally.

That will be on the water slide that starts with a scary 90-degree drop.

Packing in 6,769 passengers and more than 30 places to eat and drink, World America will be island-hopping in the Caribbean from Miami starting in April, with prices from £779pp for seven nights.

Next up it’s Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Aqua, a lively ship where fun-seekers can ride the first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea.

The ship has lots of places to eat, even more places to drink, with no one telling you what to wear, and a sports complex that becomes a nightclub in the evening.

Aqua holds 3,571 passengers and will be sailing from Port Canaveral in Florida to NCL’s private island in the Caribbean from April, with seven-day prices from £1,041pp.