AN English town is getting a huge makeover – with New York-style gardens and new hotels.

Birkenhead in Wirral has been given £51million as part of a number of developments set to transform the town.

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Also dubbed the ‘capital of Wirral’ the Birkenhead 2040 Framekwork is an ambitious project transforming the town in the next 20 years.

One of the new attractions includes turning an abandoned railway line into a £15million park, similar to one in New York.

The train line is said to be one of the oldest stretches of track in the world despite the fact it closed in the 1990s.

Inspired by High Line in New York, Dock Brand Park would be a “world-class” park with an urban garden village at the end, home to walking routes and wildlife.

Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, Tony Jones, said: “Dock Branch Park is one of the many exciting proposals we have for bringing true regeneration across Wirral’s Left Bank, from Bromborough to New Brighton.

“Dock Branch Park will be one of the centrepieces of the revitalisation of Birkenhead.”

New hotels will also be part of the project, as well as a new event space with live music, cafe and bar.

More food and drink venues, swimming pools and green spaces are part of the plans.

There is also a new £14million Birkenhead Market which will be an indoor-outdoor attraction.

Inside the 33,000sqft venue will be food stores including bakeries, coffee stands and fresh fruit, veg and meat stalls.

There will also be shops selling books, as well as a dining area with food stands and a bar.

Both indoor and outdoor seating is part of the plan too.

Wirral Council Leader Cllr Paul Stuart said: “We will shape the new market in its new location, a space that holds great potential to perfectly meet the current and future needs of our vibrant shopping area,.”

Birkenhead waterfront will also undergo renovations, with new paths and improvements that have the ‘best views’ of the city.

The plans have said it is the “Brooklyn to the New York skyline”.

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The fund also includes building 1,500 new homes well as a school and commercial space.

Also in Wirral is New Brighton, which once rivalled Blackpool.

Once also home to the UK’s tallest tower and biggest lido – both of which have been removed – there are hopes to restore it as a tourist destination.

A new floating lido as well as beach park and 300-room hotel could soon open.

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UK TRAVELLERS risk being stuck on planes after arriving at European airports once enhanced border checks are introduced, the boss of easyJet said.

Chief executive Johan Lundgren said airlines being unable to disembark passengers and others unable to board because of congested terminal buildings is a “worst case” consequence of the Entry/Exit System (EES).

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The new system is meant to be launching around November 10 but the EU has yet to confirm if this will actually happen with a further update is expected to be made on Thursday.

Under EES, travellers from non-EU countries such as the UK will need to have their fingerprints scanned and a biometric image of their eye taken.

This will register them on a database when they enter a member state, with the data stored for three years.

There are fears this will spark queues at EU airports, as well as the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel’s terminal in Folkestone and London’s St Pancras railway station, where French border checks are carried out before people embark on cross-Channel journeys.

In an interview at the annual convention of travel trade organisation Abta in Costa Navarino, Greece, Mr Lundgren said it is possible EES will cause airport terminals to be congested with arriving passengers waiting to be processed, leaving no room for additional travellers.

“In the worst case you actually can’t disembark, you hold people on the plane,” Mr Lundgren warned.

He said: “We have to think about what can actually happen.”

Mr Lundgren predicted “there will be some disruption” from EES as “it is a new procedure”.

He called for the launch to be further delayed unless it is possible for travellers to pre-register before beginning their journeys.

He added:  “We have been clear – if the EU is not ready, change the date.”

A mobile app enabling this to happen is still being developed by the EU.

Neil Swanson, who was appointed UK and Ireland managing director for tour operator Tui last month, predicted there “could be some hiccups” with EES.

He has urged the Government to take more action to ensure holidaymakers are prepared.

He said: “We will absolutely be looking after our customers, we will be making sure they’re aware.

“But I think the Government should be doing a bit more as well to make sure that everyone’s aware of what the situation is.”

Worries about chaos at airports has seen travel association ABTA brief their members.

My view on what this means for your travel

Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in further on what EES will mean for you

SPEAKING to the bosses of easyJet and TUI at the ABTA travel convention this week, it was  obvious to me there is a huge frustration at the chaotic roll-out of the new EU Entry Exit System.

Delayed multiple times, it was meant to be launching on November 10 but even that is not yet confirmed.

In recent weeks, France, Germany and the Netherlands all indicated they were not ready to launch the new system.

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Airports, ferry terminals and the entire travel industry are desperate for clarity. They’ve invested millions in new infrastructure, they want to put plans in place to counter any disruption that could inevitably happen. 

An app to allow visitors to pre-register their details before they even get to a border was meant to launch at the same time as the new system.

Yet it seems the app itself will not be ready until next summer.

EasyJet boss Johan told me: “We should have had the ability to do pre-registration from the very start of the new system.”

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And the chaos isn’t helped by the fact that individual EU member states are all interpreting the new system in different ways.

What British travellers – and the industry as a whole – need is a clear indication of when the ESS will start and just how it will work.

 Chief executive Mark Tanzer said:  “It’s frustrating that there will be delays for customers. Nobody wants that.

“Because we haven’t had a clear date for when this is going to commence, we haven’t really been able to start detailed communication yet.”

His views were echoed by ABTA’s director of public affairs, Luke Petherbrige, who felt that the constant delays and changing of dates has led to confusion for holidaymakers.

 He said: “There  is still a fair way to go before the majority of travellers fully understand how the new EU Entry/Exit System will change their passport control experience when travelling to Europe.

“That’s perhaps unsurprising given that we’re waiting for official confirmation of when the scheme will go live. It’s difficult to talk to a customer about a new system without knowing if it will actually be in place for their holiday.

“So, we are urging the EU to provide clarity on when EES will go live, and to make sure the changes are clearly communicated to consumers.

In August, the Department for Transport announced £10.5 million of funding for UK ports where juxtaposed border checks are conducted to support new facilities and technology to deal with EES.

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WINTER sun seekers will soon have another destination to explore, as TUI adds Enfidha to its list of destinations taking off from London Stansted next year.

The picturesque hilltop town, which has views of both the Meditterranean sea and the Djebel Zaghouan mountain, can be reached in just over three hours from the UK.

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Thanks to its location, there is barely ever a cause to wear a coat in the region.

Autumn sees highs of 33C and even in mid-winter temperatures hit 18-19C.

Dubbed the “budget-friendly St Tropez”, Tunisia is an ideal spot for a pocket-friendly getaway, with the country known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, unique cuisine and being easy on the wallet – and Enfidha is certainly no exception.

Located in the north eastern part of the country, the quaint town is home to Enfidha is home to the Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport, which serves as a gateway for travellers visiting the region.

The town is home to traditional architecture, busy markets and local cuisine.

Couscous is a staple in Tunisia as is Brik, a crunchy, flaky, pastry dish served with savoury fillings.

Nearby beaches have also been praised by visitors, including Madfoun Beach, which is home to white sand and crystal-clear waters.

There aren’t many hotels in Enfidha but there are more options in neighbouring Hergla, where rooms at four-star hotels start from £43 per night.

Hergla is a 30-minute drive from Enfidha and is one of the smaller cities on the coastline.

Enfidha is also a good base for exploring other tourist hotspots in the area, including Sousse.

Sousse is a 45-minute drive from Enfidha, and it can also be reached on a local train service that takes just over an hour.

The once-popular tourist hotspot has plenty to keep visitors entertained like the Medina of Sousse, a busy market that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the winding narrow streets, holidaymakers can buy local souvenirs such as crafts, spices and textiles.

Other attractions in Sousse include its Ribat, an impressive fortress that dates back to the 8th century.

There’s also the Great Mosque of Sousse, Sousse Archaeological Museum and Dar Essid Museum.

Sousse has 13 beaches, many of which have white sand and crystal-clear waters like Boujaffar Beach.

Stretching for 10km, Boujaffar Beach is a family-friendly spot thanks to the ice cream vendors and beach shacks that line its shores.

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Also reachable from Enfidha is Port El-Kantaoui, a purpose-built tourist complex with a marina, golf courses, and a variety of shops, restaurants and bars.

For holidaymakers who are after a little bit more of the local culture, El Jem Amphitheatre is a 70-minute drive from Enfidha.

The El Jem Amphitheatre is one of the most impressive Roman ruins in Africa.

As the highest point in eastern Tunisia, Parc National Djebel Zaghouan is another day trip option from Enfidha.

Until TUI launches its flights from London Stansted to Enfidha, several other airlines currently operate flights to the Tunisian town.

Direct services already run from Bristol, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Belfast, Glasgow and Birmingham.

Return fares in December start from £41, with flights taking just over three hours.

Along with the likes of Egypt and Morocco, Tunisia was once one of the most popular winter sun destinations.

However, this changed in 2015 after 38 people, 30 of which were Brits, were killed following a terror attack at the beach resort of Sousse.

Travel to Tunisia was advised against by the UK government.

The ban was subsequently lifted in 2018, with flights and holiday packages resuming.

And while the Foreign Office deems the majority of beach resorts safe to visit, the return to Tunisia holidays has been slow.

In the last few months, a number of UK airlines, including both TUI and easyJet, have relaunched flights to Enfidha.

What else do I need to know about Tunisia?

The local currency is the Tunisian dinar (TND), with £10 equaling about 38 TND, while certain holiday resorts also accept dollars and euros.

Make sure to swap every dinar back before you leave because taking them outside of the country is forbidden.

Although Arabic is Tunisia’s official language, the majority of the staff in the holiday resorts will also speak English.

Tourist numbers plummeted after a terrorist attack in Tunisia in 2015, but now the UK government no longer warns against travel to the holiday resorts.

However, it still advises against travelling to locations near the Chaambi Mountains National Park, Dhehiba, and the Libyan and Algerian border.

The newest easyJet flights were launched earlier this year, from Glasgow to Enfidha in Tunisia.

If you want a package holiday, you can find cheap deals for that too with all-inclusives under £300.

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Nestled within picturesque Indian Wells and surrounded by the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa offers a blend of laid-back luxury and island-inspired charm. The resort is a desert stand-out, not just for its lush surroundings and gracious accommodations, but also for its embodiment of the Tommy Bahama lifestyle—a celebration of relaxation, adventure, and the art of leisure. Whether lounging by one of the resort’s two onsite pools, indulging in delicious cuisine and crafted cocktails at the brand’s varied outlets, or exploring the stunning desert landscape, a Tommy Bahama experience delivers some of the best of the greater Coachella Valley.

The Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa pool features a Santa Rosa Mountain backdrop

DAY ONE:

Check in at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. Immerse yourself in the expansive 11-acre property with a leisurely walking tour of the resort’s garden pathways that are lined with fragrant citrus trees. (You can actually pick what you like and the resort restaurant will juice the fruit for you.) Play a game of bocce or relax amongst the olive tree grove which is especially enchanting at dusk when illuminated by hanging lanterns and outdoor fire pits.

Grab a mid-day bite at poolside Chiki Palm, with its menu of fresh-made dishes including the All-American Burger, Poblano Chicken Quesadilla and Ahi Poke Bowl. Pair your meal with a frozen tiki cocktail (or two) served in a poolside pouch while relaxing at the resort’s saltwater pool. Reserve a cabana for enhanced privacy and comfort.

The Olive Tree Grove at Tommy Bahama Miramonte is enchanting

Explore the Rosa Boutique, featuring a curated selection of luxury goods from local brands and Tommy Bahama merchandise exclusive to the resort. Get your gift shopping done early, and treat yourself with an assortment of dressy linens, swimsuits, coverups and sports equipment like Tommy Bahama-printed pickleball paddles and golf club head covers, along with beautiful jewelry, sunglasses, hats, footwear, towels and more.

Enjoy dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant, Grapefruit Basil, a sophisticatd yet relaxed space spotlighting farm-to-table California-inspired cuisine. Savor dinner selections such as Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut, Seared Ahi Tuna, Mojo Brick Chicken and Santa Carota Cowboy Ribeye. Make sure to start with a seasonally crafted cocktail. Dine inside or out, where a dramatic fire wall provides a sultry glow.  

End the night with drinks under the stars in the olive grove while enjoying nightly, live acoustic music ranging from pop to Latin to classical.

Grapefruit Basil is the resort’s flagship restaurant

DAY TWO: 

Get your body moving with your choice of wellness activities. Try the resort’s complimentary guided desert hike or choose from a rotating schedule of classes like aerial yoga, meditative sound baths ,and wellness workshops.

Drop into Grapefruit Basil for all day brunch and enjoy elevated versions of classics like Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict, Brioche Bananas Foster French Toast and Lobster and Triple Cream Frittata. Or keep it light with a Baby Gem Caesar or Burrata Bruschetta.

Spend the afternoon exploring the shops on El Paseo, Palm Desert’s main street of fabulous retail shops. Visit the Tommy Bahama Home Store to peruse indoor and outdoor home furnishings and unique home décor, and take advantage of a free design consultation.

Walk across the street and continue your shopping adventure at the recently renovated Tommy Bahama retail store where lifestyle offerings embrace the brand’s ethos of casual sophistication. You’ll find men’s and women’s sportswear, swimwear and activewear, accessories, beach gear, and home goods.

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar features the ‘Best Patio in the Desert’

Discover the “Best Patio in the Desert” at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy stunning views of the San Jacinto mountains while dining on fresh, tropical-inspired dishes including Scallop Sliders, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Chilean Sean Bass and Kona Coffee-Crusted Ribeye. Choose from a selection of hand-crafted cocktails to perfectly complement your meal like the Classic Mojito, Mai Tai, or the Pineapple Paradiso.  

DAY THREE:

Before or after breakfast, pamper yourself with a morning treatment at the luxurious and award-winning Spa Rosa at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa. Featuring a menu of desert-inspired treatments and rituals inspired by the local landscape, Spa Rosa’s signature skincare and body treatments include the head-to-toe Island State of Mind with tropical scents of papaya, pineapple and coconut; the 75-minute Marlin Man package with light stretching, steamed-towel deep cleanse and healthy hydration products; and the half-day Daydream to Life, is a wellness journey that includes a luxurious bath soak, exfoliation, facial, custom massage, wellness class and other amenities.

Spa Rosa at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa

Spend the day in Palm Springs, a walkable city that blends kitschy charm with natural beauty. Explore the prime strip of Palm Canyon Drive with its cute boutiques and colorful locals. Take selfies at the famous statue of Marilyn Monroe or visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. Take an incredible ride and view on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; head to the unique beauty of Joshua Tree National Park for hiking and rock climbing; or gain a broader look at the outdoor desert region with Red Jeep Tours.

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

For lunch, a snack, or early dinner, visit the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar on Palm Canyon Drive. With daily Happy Hour from 3-6pm, the outdoor Marlin Bar is a relaxed refuge where you can unwind with a cocktail, light fare, and organic soft-serve ice cream—a perfect way to end the visit before departing this chic desert sanctuary.

Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar

My desert exploration was enhanced by my use of Volvo’s new C40 Recharge, an all-electric compact that combines modern design, sustainability, and advanced technology. The spacious cabin features ergonomic design which was perfect for my drive from Santa Monica, to Indian Wells, to Rancho Palos Verdes. (A large panoramic sunroof adds to the airy feel of the interior.) The C40 is equipped with a large touchscreen infotainment system powered by Google, offering built-in navigation, voice commands, and access to various apps. It also includes a premium sound system for an enhanced audio experience. Volvo is renowned for its safety innovations, and the C40 comes with a suite of advanced safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. With fast-charging capabilities, I was able to recharge the battery to about 80% in about 35 minutes at a DC fast charger. While the range varies, it’s sufficient for many long-distance trips, and the network of fast chargers is continually expanding, easing range anxiety. The overall design and layout contributed to a serene driving experience. I loved it, and I may well become the owner of this beautiful automobile.

Volvo C40 Recharge. Photo by Fran Miller

Photos courtesy of Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, unless otherwise noted

A CITY in Germany is dubbed ‘Christmas city’ because it has one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets – and it’s easy to get to from the UK.

Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria after Munich, is considered one of the best places in the world to visit when it comes to Christmas.

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Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, which takes place during Advent in the Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town, is one of the largest and oldest Christmas markets in the world.

The market features traditional, handmade decorations and treats like gingerbread.

The history of Nuremberg gingerbread dates back to the 14th century when Frankonian monks baked honey cakes. 

The city’s location at the centre of European spice trading routes led to the addition of spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg to the recipe.

You’ll also find bratwurst at the market, another food with a deep rooted history in the city.

The first written record of bratwurst in Germany is from Nuremberg in 1313. 

The market’s location also adds to its Christmassy feel.

Its festively decorated lanes are set against the historic architecture of the Hauptmarkt square.

And if you walk up the steps of the Church of Our Lady you can catch a great view of the market’s stalls and lights.

For children, there’s a children’s Christmas market in the city known as Kinderweihnacht.

Located right next to the Christkindlesmarkt, there’s a two-tiered merry-go-round, a mini Ferris wheel, and a steam railway.

Outside of the markets the city continues to ooze all things Christmas.

The city is decorated with twinkling lights, and, if you’re lucky, you might see snow falling on the roofs of the century-old houses.

Imperial Castle in Nuremberg is a great place to visit during the Christmas season.

It’s perched on a sandstone ridge and offers stunning views of the medieval city below.

The Schoner Brunnen is located in Nuremberg’s main market square is also decorated for Christmas time.

The fountain has a small golden ring on the black grille that people turn three times for good luck. 

Some say that if you turn the ring, you will return to Nuremberg, while others say it will bring you good luck.

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt usually starts on the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent and ends on Christmas Eve.

This year, the market will be open from November 29 to December 24.

Ryanair offers direct flights to Nuremberg from London Stansted Airport, starting from £43 for one way.

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