Ask any parent what they sort first when a holiday goes in the diary and you'll hear the same two things – flights and hotel. Both locked in early, both paid for, both ticked off months before you pack a bag. Then there's everything else. The days out, the boat trips, the shows, the bits the kids actually remember.

I’d worked with Leanne for several years when she lived in the UK so, when she said ‘we’ll hang out together’ when you visit me and Gorm in Denmark’s Roskilde, I hadn’t expected to be proving myself on the battlefield with sword and shield in hand!

Rich in culture and diversity, Croatia’s abundant beauty spans coastlines, historic towns, over 1,000 islands - and eight national s parks. Boasting ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, Croatia overtook Spain as the ‘Best Country to visit in Europe’ by European Best Destinations in 2025.

Soundi, aged 10, and Boula, aged 19, two female western lowland gorillas, arrived safely at Pairi Daiza from the United Kingdom on Tuesday, 25 August. Their arrival marks the first step in the formation of a new group of four gorillas at the park, created as part of the Ex situ Programme (EEP), coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

With the summer holidays now well underway, families will be prepping to jet out of the UK for their annual trip. Experts predicted 2.2 million British holidaymakers were heading overseas in late-July, with high travel volumes likely to continue throughout August. Despite an upcoming holiday being something to look forward to, time away from home can elicit feelings of anxiety for some.

Andrew Palmer checks into London's answer to the Japanese capsule hotel — and discovers it isn't just for gap-year backpackers with more energy than sense. Ever since I saw these advertised for Japan on a travel programme many years ago, I've always wanted to try one. I wasn't disappointed — although there are a few things worth knowing before you book.