world News

A CENTER Parcs holiday is a bucket list break for most British families, thanks to its secluded lodges, wide-ranging activities, onsite restaurants and subtropical waterparks.

While it’s the ideal spot for a half-term break, the price of a family holiday can triple in the school holidays leaving some Brits priced out.

Jenna Maxwell

Jenna Maxwell

However, there is another way to experience the popular family resort without paying inflated prices or being fined for removing children from school during term-time.

A seven-night stay during the February half term at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest in Cumbria cost a staggering £2,578 for a basic lodge for my family of four.

The same trip at Center Parcs Les Villages Nature near Paris costs £1,237, working out at £1,341 cheaper.

A European trip to Center Parcs is still cheaper even when the cost of flights is factored into the equation.

For example, direct flights from Edinburgh (where I live) to Paris came in at £216 for my family of four.

It means by choosing Center Parcs Les Villages Nature, we would save £1,125. 

My family visited Les Villages Nature last year, and it has all the trappings of a traditional Center Parcs break, including the much-loved subtropical water park, countless activities, soft play and play parks.

This resort is also one of the newer parks and we found it bigger and better than its UK counterpart.

Compared to Whinfell Forest, there were more water slides and activities, such as the poolside climbing wall.

And on our last trip, our booking came with a couple of free activity passes, which our daughter used on a pony ride and a chocolate-making class – both of which would have cost an extra €20 (£16.63) each.

We found the food options to be much better in Paris too.

There is something quite magical about going for a morning walk and grabbing some fresh bread and pastries in France.

As well as the amazing bakeries, there was also a pizzeria and grocery store that had lots of fresh cheese and hot food selections.

Everything was just fresher and tastier and all quite affordable.

Center Parcs escapes are known for their seclusion, with most holidaymakers at UK resorts opting to stay within the resort for their whole stay.

We felt Les Villages Nature gave families more options.

For instance, on our week-long trip, we visited Disneyland Paris, which was a short 20-minute drive away, and Park Asterix – around 40 minutes away.

With 26 Center Parcs locations in Europe, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to go, and most of them will offer more affordable trips than the UK versions.

Some of the other bargain breaks we found during half term were Center Parcs Park Nordseeküste in Butjadingen, Germany, which cost only £515 for the same week in February.

There’s also Center Parcs Port Zélande in Ouddorp in the Netherlands which only costs £779.

Of course families do have to factor in the cost of travelling to Europe.

But even when flights are factored in, breaks were still cheaper, so it seems like a no-brainer to jump on a plane.

And here are the UK holiday parks ‘like Center Parcs without the crowds’.

Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse has tried several Center Parcs-alternative holiday parks in the UK, here’s what she thought.

Jenna Maxwell

Disneyland

Les Villages Nature has all the trappings of a traditional Center Parcs break[/caption]

Disneyland

WRESTLING legend The Great Muta has given his brutal opinion on British cuisine.

The WWE Hall of Famer paid a visit to Old Trafford Wetherspoon’s in Manchester over the weekend.

X/ muto_keiji

WWE Hall-of-Famer The Great Muta joined a host of wrestling stars at a Spoons this weekend[/caption]

X/ muto_keiji

The Japanese star ordered a katsu curry and ramen noodles[/caption]

X/ muto_keiji

But the noodles didn’t go down well with the former nine-time world champion[/caption]

Muta, 62, flew to the North West to attend a fan convention at the BEC Arena.

He met supporters and gave a talk at For the Love of Wrestling – but was less than taken with his food options.

Muta – real name Keiji Muto – popped into the Bishop Blaize by Manchester United‘s Old Trafford stadium.

He was joined by fellow wrestlers including Mark Henry and Debra McMichael.

But after ordering some ramen noodles, the Japanese legend was far from impressed.

Uploading a picture of his dish and a disgusted face to X, Muta spluttered: “As for ramen…what the heck is this?!”

The wrestler also tackled a chicken katsu curry, which he declared was simply: “Okay.”

Despite his disastrous dinner, the wrestler wasn’t put off entirely and returned to the same pub later in the weekend.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

This time he played things a little safer – ordering a steak and chips.

One of the first wrestlers out of Japan, Muta is considered among the greatest and most influential of all time.

He spent 39 years in the ring and was a nine-time world champion.

In total, he held 32 championships and also went by the names The Black Ninja, Kokushi and Bach Mutoh.

Despite never appearing in the WWE, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame following his retirement in 2023.

ABC’s syndicated daytime series Tamron Hall will be back for Season 7, according to a Monday report from our sister site Variety. “Tamron’s distinctive, thoughtful ability to tap into the meaningful issues of the day continues to resonate with her devoted ‘Tam Fam’ across ABC Owned Television Stations and the Hearst Television markets,” president of […]

CELTIC face an incredibly difficult task to overcome a first leg deficit when they travel to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Betfred are offering brand new customers a wonderful £50 in free bets when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the European contest.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

• Bayern Munich vs Celtic: Get £50 free bets HERE*

• Bayern Munich vs Celtic: Get £50 free bets HERE*

New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.

Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50

Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.

When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;

• 3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets
• 2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)

Bayern Munich vs Celtic: Get £50 free bets HERE*

---

*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk

CELTIC have a monumental task on their hands to overcome a deficit when traveling to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

Last week’s 2-1 home defeat at least keeps the Hoops in the tie heading to Germany but have to defy the odds to move into the Champions League round of 16.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the game and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

Bayern Munich vs Celtic preview

The bookmakers price Celtic up at 28/1 to progress beyond this play-off round. That just about tells the story.

Daizen Maeda’s late goal last week keeps them in it heading to Munich but even a slender lead might’ve been too difficult to hold onto.

It’ll take the performance of a lifetime to progress and also breaking a long-term record.

Celtic haven’t won any of their previous 15 visits to Germany and NO Scottish side has beaten Bayern on German soil.

But they might well take heart from Bayern’s toothless weekend display at Leverkusen.

They failed to register any shot in the first half and NO shots on target at all during the 90 minutes.

Celtic were comfortable 3-0 winners over Dundee United and had the luxury of resting a couple of key players too.

---

Bayern Munich vs Celtic odds

• Bayern Munich at 2/13 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

• Draw 15/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

• Celtic at 14/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

---

---

Bayern Munich vs Celtic predictions

Tough to keep out

Celtic defended superbly for the majority of last week’s first leg and struggled to create anything of note going the other way.

But Bayern have the ability to blow any side away with a quick start and there may well be a point to prove after their sluggish showing on Saturday.

Will be backs to the wall stuff early doors.

• Bayern over 1.5 first half goals at 23/20 – CLAIM HERE

---

Happy Daiz

However Celtic will carry a threat on the counter attack and Daizen Maeda will lead that.

He scored the goal that has kept the tie alive and was rested from the start on Saturday so comes here reasonably fresh.

Has been to go-to man in Europe and probably Celtic’s best player this season. Pace will cause this Bayern back four issues and no surprises to see him add to this season’s tally.

• Daizen Maeda to score at 11/2 – CLAIM HERE

---

*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.

*BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.

*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk

THERE’S nothing more annoying than finishing off your make-up, looking in the mirror an hour later and your lippy’s disappeared.

But there’s a new product on the market that’s got beauty fans racing to the high street – and it “lasts all day”.

tiktok@emilymclarkx/

tiktok@emilymclarkx/

She used it as a lipliner, before adding a thicker line for a bit more coverage[/caption]

tiktok@emilymclarkx/

She then topped it with some lip gloss – in a pale pink shade[/caption]

It’s the Rimmel Lip Ink lip pen, which Emily tested out in a video on her TikTok page.

She began by applying the £9.99 pen – in the shade Felted Flush – like a liner, before filling in her pout slightly.

Once she was happy with the look, she applied some of Rimmel’s Butter Me Up gloss in the Bubblegum on the top.

“New Rimmel lip stain pen? I’m obsessed!” Emily wrote over the top of the video.

She added in the caption: “The way this actually lasted all day too!”

People were quick to comment on the video, especially when Emily revealed she’d managed to get her hands on one in Superdrug.

“Just ordered the lip combo!! Looks amazing on you,” one wrote.

“OBSESSED with this lip combo,” another said.

“I NEEED TO TRY,” a third raved.

“The colour omg! you look really gorgeous !!!” someone else gushed.

“You have just sold me on the lot!” another giggled.

“Omg this as a lip liner is a NEED,” someone else said.

With Emily replying: “It’s soooo good!”

“I love that lip stains are finally coming back,” another commented.

To which Emily said: “Me too! I’m obsessed with them!”

As an added bonus, the lip pens come in nine different shades – including a bright red and a dark brown.

The positive reviews kept on coming on the Superdrug website too, with one writing: “Easy to put on! Can be used as a liner and then can cover the entire lip.

“Colour is nice. Slightly drying. Lasts for ages.

“Used and it took hours to have to redo! Would definitely buy other colours.”

“Absolute love this pen,” another raved.

“Stays put all day even after eating and drinking.

“Doesn’t leave a residue that dries your lips out like other brands.

“Highly recommend!”

“I’m a huge fan of lip tints, but I never find one with a thin enough applicator/never justify buying a darker shade for lining my lips but this was perfect,” someone else said.

“I apply it as a lip liner along with my usual lip product and it works brilliantly!”

tiktok@emilymclarkx/

Emily revealed the lip product lasted all day – even through eating and drinking[/caption]

Rimmel

The Lip Ink pen comes in nine different shades – Emily wore Felted Flush[/caption]

SHANE Lowry and Rory McIlroy bagged huge payouts despite underwhelming performances at the Genesis Invitational.

Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg took home top prize at the third PGA Tour Signature event of the season at Torrey Pines.

Four-time major winner McIlroy $270,715 with a T17 place finish in San Diego, while Lowry $82,000 for his T39 position.

Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg produced a stunning late charge, sinking four birdies in his final six holes to secure his second PGA Tour victory.

The 25-year-old edged out Maverick McNealy by a single shot after a tense battle in California.

Ryder Cup star Aberg carded a six-under 66 to win on a total of 12 under.

During the third round, Åberg made the first hole-in-one of his professional career at hole-in-one at the 140-yard, par-three third hole.

With the victory, he earned $4 million and moved to the top of the FedEx Cup ladder on the PGA Tour seasonal ranking list.

Speaking after his second tour win, the Swede was over the moon with is victory.

He credited runner-up Maverick McNealy for his fight during the final round.

He said: “It was awesome, it was a great fight.

“I felt like I was in control of the ball flight all day and really proud of the way that I finished, it was really cool.

“The [par] putt on 12 was big because I think at that point the lead was at 12 [under] and it was a putt to stay at eight.

“It was so much fun coming down the last few holes trying to win a tournament, it is a really special feeling.”

The PGA Tour heads to Mexico this week.

2025 GENESIS INVITATIONAL PAYOUTS

Position	Player	Score	Earnings
1	Ludvig Aberg	-12	$4,000,000
2	Maverick McNealy	-11	$2,200,000
T3	Scottie Scheffler	-9	$1,200,000
T3	Patrick Rodgers	-9	$1,200,000
T5	Tony Finau	-8	$736,500
T5	Patrick Cantlay	-8	$736,500
T5	Tommy Fleetwood	-8	$736,500
T5	Denny McCarthy	-8	$736,500
T9	Akshay Bhatia	-6	$566,667
T9	Nick Taylor	-6	$566,667
T9	Justin Thomas	-6	$566,667
12	Daniel Berger	-5	$472,000
T13	Andrew Novak	-4	$384,250
T13	Hideki Matsuyama	-4	$384,250
T13	Michael Kim	-4	$384,250
T13	Davis Thompson	-4	$384,250
T17	Collin Morikawa	-3	$270,715
T17	Sahith Theegala	-3	$270,715
T17	Brian Harman	-3	$270,715
T17	Kevin Yu	-3	$270,715
T17	Jake Knapp	-3	$270,715
T17	Nick Dunlap	-3	$270,715
T17	Rory McIlroy	-3	$270,715
T24	Corey Conners	-2	$164,858
T24	Will Zalatoris	-2	$164,858
T24	Max Greyserman	-2	$164,858
T24	Sam Burns	-2	$164,858
T24	Si Woo Kim	-2	$164,858
T24	Seamus Power	-2	$164,858
T24	Harris English	-2	$164,858
T31	Lucas Glover	-1	$126,000
T31	Wyndham Clark	-1	$126,000
T31	Sam Stevens	-1	$126,000
T34	Keegan Bradley	E	$109,000
T34	J.J. Spaun	E	$109,000
T34	Nico Echavarria	E	$109,000
T37	Adam Scott	1	$96,500
T37	Aaron Rai	1	$96,500
T39	Shane Lowry	2	$82,000
T39	J.T. Poston	2	$82,000
T39	Russell Henley	2	$82,000
T39	Christiaan Bezuidenhout	2	$82,000
T39	Rickie Fowler	2	$82,000
T44	Matthieu Pavon	3	$64,000
T44	Ben Griffin	3	$64,000
T44	Stephan Jaeger	3	$64,000
T44	Tom Kim	3	$64,000
48	Min Woo Lee	4	$56,000
49	Matt Fitzpatrick	5	$54,000
T50	Taylor Pendrith	6	$51,500
T50	Jason Day	6	$51,500
52	Mackenzie Hughes	8	$50,000
53	Thomas Detry	9	$49,000
54	Tom Hoge	12	$48,000

IT may still be winter with snow falling in parts of the country – but the team at Primark are ‘manifesting summer’.

The fashion brand has dropped an adorable vest top which is sure to be a hit for the warmer seasons.

But despite the chilly conditions, shoppers are already snapping it up.

Staff at the Perth store shared the cute cream, lace trimmed top on social media.

One said: “Manifesting summer to wear this cute number.”

The off-white ribbed vest, which is priced at just £5, also has a pink bow detail.

Fashion fans reckon the top is giving superstar style.

One said: “Madison Beer vibes.”

Meanwhile, others are dashing to buy the garment.

Another said: “Omg, so cute.”

While a third added: “Omg, it’s a need.”

And it’s not the first time the high street favourite has caused a tizzy with its t-shirts recently.

Last week the retailer revealed new bridal tops with a very on-trend bow twist.

The £8 bridal-themed graphic tees come in a selection of styles – with options for both the bride and her friends.

For an understated look, there’s a simple white T-shirt with ‘bride’ embroidered across the front in blue writing.

But there are also cute options that incorporate the continuing bow trend.

For the bride, “I’m tying the knot” with a cute bow image. And pals can snap up a “Bestie’s tying the knot” version with a complementary bow and martini glass graphic.

LUKE LITTLER has given a rare insight into life inside the hectic darts schedule.

The teenage darts sensation has been one of the most impressive players in the sport since his breakthrough in late 2023.

AP

Luke Littler has revealed his favourite destinations on the darts tour[/caption]

Littler, 18, won the World Darts Championship in January to add to his Premier League, Grand Slam of Darts and World Series titles.

However, all the action does take it out of the Warrington thrower as he admitted the late nights can take its toll.

The darts usually end late at night, which can lead Littler to want to spend his free time in bed.

This is the case even when travelling the world to compete in different tournaments.

He told the Daily Star: “The schedule is tight!

“So I just want to be in bed all day, but when we go out, we go and have a look around.”

Littler also revealed that Berlin, Germany, is one of his favourite destinations.

He continued: “I always say the best place is Berlin for the Premier League of Darts. And obviously visiting New York.”

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

The Premier League of darts is heading to Berlin on April 3, but Littler has admitted that he could struggle to see the sights.

He added: “It depends where we stay.

“Some places, we go to Germany quite a lot.

“But usually it’s hotel, food, and then you’re off to the venue to play darts… We finish very late.

“And then you can’t just go to a salad place, but most of the time I won’t eat because it’s not a good time to eat at 11pm/12am.

“Most of the time you just want to go to bed!”

Last week, Littler won his first Premier League night of the year as he beat Luke Humphries in Glasgow.

But his joy was short lived as his beloved Manchester United were beaten by Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Matchwinner James Maddison celebrated with his trademark darts celebration.

The Spurs star posted a picture of the moment and tagged Littler in the post with an apology.

THE BBC has an exciting selection of shows for viewers to dive into from next month.

Here is a look at the new and returning programmes on the Beeb during March.

What We Do In The Shadows

BBC

What We Do in the Shadows’s Nadja and Laszlo[/caption]

Created as a spin-off of the 2014 film with the same name written by Clement and Taika Waititi, the series follows the everyday quandaries of a gang of vampire housemates in New York.

Bickering undead housemates, living the vampire life in suburban Staten Island – there’s blood, death and arguing over chores.

The show stars Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak and Natasia Demetriou and fans are eager for its return.

Ten Pound Poms

BBC

Michelle Keegan in Ten Pound Poms season 2[/caption]

Written and created by BAFTA award-winning Danny Brocklehurst, the first successful series followed a group of Brits who migrated to Australia after WW2 in 1957 in the promise of a better life in Australia.

Kate (Michelle Keegan), Terry (Warren Brown) and Annie (Faye Marsay) risked everything for a chance of a new life down under.

The new series follows their adventure on the other side of the world and shows how each of them are determined against all odds to achieve their slice of the Australian dream.

The National Lottery’s Big Night Of Musicals

Getty

Rueben Joseph and the cast of “Hamilton” perform on stage during The National Lottery’s Big Night Of Musicals[/caption]

Returning for its incredible fourth year, The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals will be hosted by Jason Manford and will bring together theatre’s West End shows for a night of celebrations.

This year there will be incredible performances from the likes of Disney’s Hercules, Mean Girls, Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell The Musical, and Here & Now – The Official Steps Musical.

Calamity Jane, Dear Evan Hansen, Cabaret, Mary Poppins and Titanique will also feature, alongside other spectacular performances.

The show serves as a special thank you to National Lottery players who have helped fund more than 20,000 theatre related projects in the UK over the last 30 years.

This City Is Ours

BBC

This City Is Ours tells the story of organised crime and love[/caption]

Set and filmed in Liverpool, it tells the story of Michael, played by James Nelson-Joyce, a man who is working for his friend and gang leader Ronnie, played by Sean Bean.

For years, together with Ronnie, Michael has successfully been bringing cocaine into Liverpool and beyond, directly from Columbia.

But, when a shipment goes missing, he knows they may be under attack.

The series explores what happens when Ronnie’s son Jamie, played by Jack McMullen, decides he wants to inherit their kingdom.

Michael and Jamie battle for control, but his biggest challenge is saving the woman he loves and the child he has always wanted.

Towards Zero 

JAMES PARDON

Towards Zero is based on the Agatha Christie books[/caption]

Based on the classic mystery by the best-selling author of all time, Agatha Christie, the series promises coastal views, heated summer soirees, and a trip to Wimbledon Centre Court.

England, 1936. After a scandalous celebrity divorce, Nevile Strange and his ex-wife Audrey make the unthinkable decision to spend a summer together at Gull’s Point, their childhood home and the coastal estate of Nevile’s aunt, Lady Tressilian.

With unfinished business between the former childhood sweethearts, plus the presence of Nevile’s new wife Kay, tensions are running high.

Add to this an exiled cousin with a grudge, a venerable family lawyer, an inquisitive orphan and a French con man, and soon there will be murder.

A troubled detective must solve the crime before another victim meets their death?

Taking starring roles are Anjelica Huston, Matthew Rhys, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ella Lily Hyland and Mimi Keene.