Travel
Huge sale on rail fares announced with more than one million up to half price tickets
The temporary discount has been announced in response to the cost-of-living crisis
Rail fares across the UK are set to be cut by up to half in April and May as part of the government’s response to the cost-of-living crisis.
The Great British Rail Sale will see the cost of more than one million train tickets reduced in a bid to help struggling households afford trips across the UK and to boost domestic tourism.
The first-of-its-kind sale is expected to bring journeys from Manchester to Newcastle down from £20.60 to £10.30, London to Edinburgh services from £44 to £22, and York to Leeds journeys from £5.60 to £2.80.
In a video to advertise the sale, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’ve had two years of living life virtually. It is time to get real and visit our beautiful country.”
In an official statement, Shapps added: “For the first time ever, operators across the rail industry are coming together to help passengers facing rising costs of living by offering up to 50% off more than a million tickets on journeys across Britain.
“There’s no better time to visit friends, family or just explore our great country, so book your tickets today.”
Government officials said half-price rail tickets are just ‘one of the ways’ it is helping to support families with the cost of living crisis, following its announcement of council tax discounts and tax cuts.
However, the temporary sale hasn’t been without criticism, with many noting that rail fares need to be permanently reduced in order to help struggling families with the soaring cost of living.
Labour’s shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said the discounts this spring will be ‘small comfort to passengers’ after years of ‘soaring fares’.
She said: “A decade of brutal Tory fare hikes have priced people off our railways. This temporary respite will be small comfort to passengers who had thousands taken out of their pockets from soaring fares since 2010.
“And the decision to end the sale just before half-term will mean many families face the same punishing costs over the holidays. Labour would help working people – with a fully-funded plan to cut up to £600 off of household bills.”
Discounted tickets will go on sale from today, Tuesday April 19th, with passengers eligible to travel for less on off-peak fares between April 25th and May 27th.
For more information, visit the Gov.uk website.
Travel
This gorgeous Greek island is paying people €500 a month to live there
Fancy packing up your family and moving to a secluded paradise?
The stunning Greek island of Antikythera is welcoming new inhabitants and will pay them €500 a month to live there.
This idyllic 20 sq km paradise has plenty of beautiful empty beaches where you’re sure to find a peaceful spot all to yourself.
There is something a little disconcerting about taking a lone ferry ride to a remote island and stepping foot onto eerily quiet shores as the boat heads back to civilisation, leaving you among just a few dozen residents already living there.
In stark contrast to the bustling and noisy holiday resorts in Greece and its popular islands that fill up especially during the summer holidays, this island is so quiet there’s no continuous droning of traffic and you may even be able hear your own pulse.
If you’re not much of a people person and you’re very happy spending time in your own company, this offer could be the one to entice you.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get away from the hustle and bustle and live life a little slower, in a serene and simple paradise?
Well, you’re in luck because the small remote island of Antikythera is ready to move new families to its gorgeous land and make it their home.
Not only that, you will be paid to make the move. Antikythera will pay families an allowance of €500 a month to live there for three years, as well as receiving housing and land.
While moving your family to a remote Greek island isn’t to everybody’s taste, the cash incentive might help those with a bit of an adventurous streak to take the leap of faith and give it a try.
While it doesn’t have any supermarkets, petrol stations, banks, ATMs or even taxis, the island is currently under development. It does have its own source of water, an autonomous power station and internet connection for those wondering.
Antikythera, a two-hour ferry ride from Crete, only has one coffee shop – a kafeneion – which also serves as a grocery store and meeting place for its current islanders.
The boat which supplies the island with food and gas cannot dock in especially stormy seas – which is, apparently, a fairly common occurrence in winter.
One interesting fact about this island is the discovery site of one of the oldest analogic computers ever found, the Antikythera Mechanism.
Built sometime around 150 and 100 BC, its gear wheels and clockwork mechanism were used to predict astronomical positions, eclipses, orbits, and even mark the four-year period between each Olympic Games.
The selection process for families could take a good while to complete, so you can sit back and relax – once you’ve packed your life up – in the meantime.
Be sure to do your homework and make sure this is the right move for you and your family if you’re thinking about it.
Travel
Shrek’s ‘moss-covered’ swamp home is now available to rent on Airbnb
Fans now have the opportunity to stay in his humble abode free of charge
Shrek fans can now live out their dream and stay in the huge, green ogre’s swamp home – now listed on Airbnb.
The ‘mud-laden, moss-covered’ real-life recreation of Shrek’s Swamp is located within the grounds of Ardverikie Estate, in the Scottish Highlands.
The idea for the cosy forest hideout is inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek film series, released between 2001 and 2010.
Airbnb released the listing on Tuesday, with Shrek enthusiasts able to book overnight stays from Friday, October 27th to Sunday, October 29th.
The live-in tree stump features a studio layout with two beds and one bathroom, where up to three guests at a time can make a reservation for free.
The short and long-term home stays firm said the offer is ‘a nod to the priceless refuge Shrek’s Swamp has provided fairytale creatures of all kinds’.
The murky den features ‘Danger’, ‘Beware Ogre’ and ‘Stay Out’ signs on the path leading up to the quirky property. But once inside, it is delightfully snug and inviting.
The unusual listing is hosted by Shrek’s animated sidekick, Donkey, who has agreed to ‘swamp-sit’ in his absence.
About the charming mossy refuge, Donkey posted on Airbnb: “Shrek’s Swamp is lovely. Just beautiful. The perfect place to entertain guests.
“You know what I like about it? Everything. The overgrown landscaping, the modest interiors, the nice boulders, all of it.
“I can’t wait for guests to experience this muddy slice of paradise for themselves.”
To coincide with the launch, Airbnb will make a donation to HopScotch Children’s Charity, which provides some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children with respite breaks through nurturing and dynamic holiday trips.
Anyone interested in staying in Shrek’s Swamp can request a reservation from 6pm on Friday, October 13th.
To book a stay, visit the Airbnb website, HERE.
Travel
First look at new Legoland holiday park opening in the UK next year
Young ones can play on climbing frames and rope bridges based on spider’s webs and treehouses
Legoland in Windsor has revealed a first look into its brand-new holiday park, opening in 2024.
The newly built Woodland Village with over 130 lodges and 20 camping barrels will open to the public next May, with overnight stays on sale now. Prices to stay on the 10-acre site start at £295 or a family of four.
While most lodges sleep up to five guests, with 10 premium lodges able to sleep up to seven people.
Features at the Woodland Village include The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, which will serve up campfire-inspired grub in a woodland-themed setting.
Youngsters can explore the several woodland-themed play areas equipped with climbing frames and rope bridges based on spider’s webs and treehouses.
The family attraction will also have brick-building activities, nature trails, an entertainment hub, and colourful new Lego characters.
Helen Bull, Division Director at Legoland Windsor Resort, said: “The LEGOLAND Woodland Village has been a long time coming and we’re incredibly excited to now be taking bookings ahead of the official opening in May 2024.
“This moment marks years of planning and unwavering dedication to providing a magical experience for all our guests.
“The LEGOLAND Woodland Village is part of a significant transformation for the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and we look forward to welcoming families to this new way to stay next year!”
But this isn’t the only exciting new addition to a Legoland-themed attraction, as an adventure golf attraction will be opening this October.
Also next month, the Legoland Discovery Centres in Birmingham and Manchester will be hosting their own Monster Parties, with a series of spooky attractions for Halloween.
Meanwhile, the Legoland theme park is set to close the Viking River Splash – one of its most popular rides – by the end of the month. The park haven’t given a reason as to why, but the ride will become part of Viking history.
Find something to do in Manchester
Powered by 
Manchester’s historic Portico Library awarded huge grant to secure its future
Handwritten note with ‘plan to kill’ Brianna Ghey found in accused girl’s room
Netflix launch first trailer for new Harlan Coben thriller with Michelle Keegan
Hugh Grant and wife Anna donate £20,000 ‘Britain’s kindest plumber’
Fabio and Grooverider are coming to Manchester for a huge night of drum & bass
