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.

3

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

– Nick Jones

3

Brighton

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

“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.

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

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.

3

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.

4

4

Advertisement

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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”.

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.

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.

4

4

Advertisement

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.

5

5

Advertisement

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

5

5

Advertisement

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.

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.

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.

5

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.

10

Advertisement

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.

10

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.

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.

10

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

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.

10

Advertisement

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.

Wayanad Ghat Road, India

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

10

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.

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.

10

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

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.

10

Advertisement

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.

10

Advertisement

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.

10

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.

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.

10

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

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

A LONDON street once said to be the gateway to the city has revealed plans to regenerate the area.

St John Street runs to Charterhouse Street in Isliington.

3

3

Advertisement

It has been called the “once gateway to London” by local authorities, with people heading into the main city using the roads.

It remains a busy area with the nearby Farringdon Station having 1.2million monthly travellers.

However, the area is set to be revamped.

This includes more greenery and seating, with trees, rain gardens and plants as well as benches.

It also hopes to make the busy area quieter for a peaceful spot in the city.

Larger pavements, new cycle lanes and “historical details” will also be added.

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality, and Transport told local media: “We’re committed to working closely with the local community to create vibrant, people-friendly streets.

“These improvements to St John Street will help to create attractive, accessible space for all, making it safer for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

“St John’s Street has a historical significance to this area, and we want to ensure that it is a well-used space today as it was way back when, and this project aims to pay homage to that.”

The plans are open to the public to comment until December 15.

The London area also has a secret English woodland barely anyone knows about.

Barnsbury Woods is a tiny nature reserve in Islington open to the public.

It’s only open two hours a week so you will have to plan ahead.

And a new floating lido could open near Islington.

Swim City Basin has revealed plans for an outdoor swimming pool on top of Regents Canal.

It would be between Angel and Old Street, with a sauna and cafe too.

The website states: “Islington is one of the only London boroughs without an outdoor public swim facility or lido.”

Elsewhere in London, the busiest train station – London Liverpool Street – has revealed its latest renovation plans.

And we went down to the newest immersive attraction in the city – here’s what we thought.

3