Latest news with #Scandi-style
Scottish Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I stayed at the English beach holiday park following its £15million makeover with a massive waterpark and soft-play
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 'WOW, this is the best house ever,' scream my two kids. While their reactions slightly rile me — having just decorated both their bedrooms back home — I can see where they are coming from. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Enjoying a stroll along the beach Credit: Supplied 4 We had buckets of fun at Splash Waterpark, only 50 yards or so from our lodge Credit: Supplied For starters, our eight-man Platinum lodge at Unity Beach in Somerset has a hot tub — and it comes complete with undisturbed views of Brean's windswept coastline and a clear sky at night. Everything inside is sleek and stylish, with a statement electric fireplace in the centre and Scandi-style wooden furniture that makes the place look more like a fancy prize draw house than a holiday park lodge. I was staying there with my partner Bianca and two little ones, Frank, six, and Pearl, four. The fun-packed resort has recently been redeveloped as part of a £15million 'Comes Alive in 25' campaign and was reopened only last month, backed by The One Show host Alex Jones. The presenter said: 'There's a misconception that British seaside parks are outdated. Unity Beach proves that's no longer true.' I can't argue with her. Even though there was so much to do at the 240-acre resort, we could easily have spent a few hours relaxing in our new home. As well as a decking area with hot tub, it included a spacious lounge with a giant TV (as well as televisions in every bedroom), a fully-fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, plus two more twin rooms. The lodges are really close to most of the activities and restaurants, too. These include the new Wonky Donkey, which serves brekkie and pub grub such as scampi, lasagne and burgers, and the Sports Cafe, where kids can play arcade favourites and cutting-edge VR games in between bites of pizza, while adults watch live sport on the large screens. Top Seashore Holiday Parks for Family Fun There's also the revamped Pavilion Theatre, where guests can tuck into wings, loaded fries and kid-sized lighter bites all while watching live game shows and tribute acts. And with a proper kitchen in our lodge, we could always mix it up with a takeaway from the on-site chippy or Chinese. Then there's the retro-decorated RJ's, which offers American diner-style classics such as pizzas, wings and build-your-own burgers. And with a proper kitchen in our lodge, we could always mix it up with a takeaway from the on-site chippy or Chinese. When we weren't sampling all the food, we had buckets of fun at Splash Waterpark, only 50 yards or so from our lodge. It costs extra to visit (from £3.25pp) but it's well worth it, with a kids' pool, play areas and plenty of slides. Ninja Zone The pre-booked 90-minute pool sessions were just enough for our two, although bigger kids, who can go on all the flumes, might want to stay longer. Despite tearing around the pool for an hour and a half, Frank and Pearl couldn't wait to go straight to Brean Play indoor soft play afterwards. If one thing's guaranteed to tire them out, it's soft play. The area includes the Ninja Zone, with a challenging obstacle course for older kids, and a state-of-the-art ball court with an interactive screen that lets kids play all manner of games. If that's not enough, there's also the Brean Theme Park, which was again just yards from our lodge. And I could see why our kids were so desperate to go. The park has a great mix of rides for kids of all ages as well as adults. Thankfully, Bianca was happy to take Frank on the scarier rollercoasters while I made sure Pearl was OK on the carousels. You'll have to pay extra for entry, but Unity guests get discounted wristbands meaning it won't end up costing a fortune. Unity is not all about the kids, though. Adults can have their fair share of fun at the 18-hole golf course. Whatever you end up doing, there's a good chance you'll finish your day in the hot tub, soaking up all the memories. Or they might want to try their hand at new must-play sport padel, with Unity being home to Somerset's only two courts. We barely had enough time to try everything within the resort, let alone to venture out. 4 The fun-packed resort has recently been redeveloped as part of a £15million 'Comes Alive in 25' campaign backed by The One Show host Alex Jones, above at Unity Beach Credit: Supplied 4 The nearby Bream Theme Park was is winner for kids Credit: Supplied But for those keen to explore the area, Weston-super-Mare, Burnham pier and Cheddar Gorge are all nearby. However, try to make it back in time for the evening entertainment, which includes discos and parties for the little ones, games shows and entertainers. Whatever you end up doing, there's a good chance you'll finish your day in the hot tub, soaking up all the memories. And you'll certainly be grateful for those comfy beds, too.
The Irish Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I stayed at the English beach holiday park following its £15million makeover with a massive waterpark and soft-play
'WOW, this is the best house ever,' scream my two kids. While their reactions slightly rile me — having just decorated both their bedrooms back home — I can see where they are coming from. 4 Enjoying a stroll along the beach Credit: Supplied 4 We had buckets of fun at Splash Waterpark, only 50 yards or so from our lodge Credit: Supplied For starters, our eight-man Platinum lodge at Unity Beach in Somerset has a hot tub — and it comes complete with undisturbed views of Brean's windswept coastline and a clear sky at night. Everything inside is sleek and stylish, with a statement electric fireplace in the centre and Scandi-style wooden furniture that makes the place look more like a fancy prize draw house than a holiday park lodge. I was staying there with my partner Bianca and two little ones, Frank, six, and Pearl, four. The fun-packed resort has recently been redeveloped as part of a READ MORE ON FAMILY HOLIDAYS The presenter said: 'There's a misconception that British seaside parks are outdated. Unity Beach proves that's no longer true.' I can't argue with her. Even though there was so much to do at the 240-acre resort, we could easily have spent a few hours relaxing in our new home. As well as a decking area with hot tub, it included a spacious lounge with a giant TV (as well as televisions in every bedroom), a fully-fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, plus two more twin rooms. Most read in News Travel The lodges are really close to most of the activities and restaurants, too. These include the new Wonky Donkey, which serves brekkie and pub grub such as scampi, lasagne and burgers, and the Sports Cafe, where kids can play arcade favourites and cutting-edge VR games in between bites of pizza, while adults watch live sport on the large screens. Top Seashore Holiday Parks for Family Fun There's also the revamped Pavilion Theatre, where guests can tuck into wings, loaded fries and kid-sized lighter bites all while watching live game shows and tribute acts. And with a proper kitchen in our lodge, we could always mix it up with a takeaway from the on-site chippy or Chinese. Then there's the retro-decorated RJ's, which offers American diner-style classics such as pizzas, wings and build-your-own burgers. And with a proper kitchen in our lodge, we could always mix it up with a takeaway from the on-site chippy or Chinese. When we weren't sampling all the food, we had buckets of fun at Splash Waterpark, only 50 yards or so from our lodge. It costs extra to visit (from £3.25pp) but it's well worth it, with a kids' pool, play areas and plenty of slides. Ninja Zone The pre-booked 90-minute pool sessions were just enough for our two, although bigger kids, who can go on all the flumes, might want to stay longer. Despite tearing around the pool for an hour and a half, Frank and Pearl couldn't wait to go straight to Brean Play indoor soft play afterwards. If one thing's guaranteed to tire them out, it's soft play. The area includes the Ninja Zone, with a challenging obstacle course for older kids, and a state-of-the-art ball court with an interactive screen that lets kids play all manner of games. If that's not enough, there's also the Brean Theme Park, which was again just yards from our lodge. And I could see why our kids were so desperate to go. The park has a great mix of rides for kids of all ages as well as adults. Thankfully, Bianca was happy to take Frank on the scarier rollercoasters while I made sure Pearl was OK on the carousels. You'll have to pay extra for entry, but Unity guests get discounted wristbands meaning it won't end up costing a fortune. Unity is not all about the kids, though. Adults can have their fair share of fun at the 18-hole golf course. Whatever you end up doing, there's a good chance you'll finish your day in the hot tub, soaking up all the memories. Or they might want to try their hand at new must-play sport padel, with Unity being home to Somerset's only two courts. We barely had enough time to try everything within the resort, let alone to venture out. 4 The fun-packed resort has recently been redeveloped as part of a £15million 'Comes Alive in 25' campaign backed by The One Show host Alex Jones, above at Unity Beach Credit: Supplied 4 The nearby Bream Theme Park was is winner for kids Credit: Supplied But for those keen to explore the area, Weston-super-Mare, Burnham pier and Cheddar Gorge are all nearby. However, try to make it back in time for the evening entertainment, which includes discos and parties for the little ones, games shows and entertainers. Whatever you end up doing, there's a good chance you'll finish your day in the hot tub, soaking up all the memories. And you'll certainly be grateful for those comfy beds, too. GO: UNITY SOMERSET STAYING THERE: Four nights in a two-bedroom caravan is from £199 in July. Three nights in a Platinum hot-tub lodge is from £1,200. See
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Climate
- IOL News
Do Scandinavian babies really nap outdoors in the cold? Immune system hack or parental myth?
In countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, it's totally normal to spot prams parked outside cafes or homes with babies bundled up and fast asleep in freezing temperatures. Image: King kid/TikTok When you hear the phrase "cold exposure" your mind might instinctively recoil at the thought of plunging into icy waters or bundling up for a winter run. After all, South Africans are more accustomed to basking in the sun than braving the cold. While South Africans are known for bundling up babies at the first sign of a cold front, a growing global parenting trend suggests otherwise. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Scandi-style parenting, which encourages babies to nap outdoors in the cold, is making waves on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Parents in Nordic countries such as Denmark, Finland, and Norway have long embraced this practice, believing that fresh air improves sleep quality and strengthens the immune system. Cold exposure has long been linked to a wide range of health benefits. Research shows that immersing yourself in cold temperatures can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and even improve mental health. According to the Vhdehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, inhaling crisp, cold air triggers vasoconstriction - a process where blood vessels narrow, reducing swelling and clearing mucus from the nasal passages and lungs. Parents in Scandinavia swear by this practice for one big reason: babies sleep longer and more deeply outside. Image: King Kid/TikTok This natural response not only helps the body fight off infections but also creates a powerful immune system boost. In a time when many are seeking ways to ward off illness, could a bracing dip or a cold-weather jog be part of the solution? The origins of this tradition date back to the early 20th century, when Iceland was grappling with a tuberculosis epidemic. Poorly ventilated homes were linked to the spread of the disease, prompting Icelandic Dr David Thorsteinsson to advocate for letting children nap outside in strollers. His theory was simple: cold, fresh air would help keep children healthy. Today, this practice is so ingrained in Nordic culture that it's common to see prams parked outside homes, cafes, and even businesses with sleeping babies bundled up against the chill. A Finnish study in 2008 backed up this belief, finding that babies who napped outdoors slept longer than those who napped indoors. In a Daily Mail post, Pediatrician Dr Jennifer Shu, however, warns that babies' temperatures can drop four times faster than adults, making hypothermia a real risk. Napping outside helps babies develop a healthy circadian rhythm. Image: King Kid/TikTok Nordic parents mitigate this by bundling their children in layers of wool and windproof clothing while keeping a close eye on baby monitors. In many Nguni cultures, newborns and their mothers are kept indoors for extended periods to safeguard their health. Visitors are often discouraged for six months, ensuring the baby's delicate immune system is not overwhelmed. Historically, various cultures have prioritised nutrition, natural remedies, and practices aimed at ensuring both the physical and emotional wellbeing of mothers and babies. #paediatricpt #paediatricot #strongbaby #babyexercises #babyhack #newborn #babyexercise #nappychange #sensoryintegration #babysleepingoutside #babyplay #motordevelopment #montessoriparenting #montessori #outsidebabysleep #babytips #babydevelopment ♬ original sound - Develobaby @develobaby 🎈IN DENMARK BABIES SLEEP OUTSIDE🎈 I know this might seem a bit controversial to some of you, while it is completely normal to others of you. My home country, Denmark, is very safe, so almost everyone leaves their baby to sleep outside for naps during the day. People who live in the cities often leave their babies in the backyard of their apartment building even if they live on the fourth floor, and it's not at all frowned upon. On the contrary. You would more likely see frowning if someone was to claim that their baby never sleeps outside. Sleeping outside in all weather is considered very healthy here. Denmark is very cold in the winters, so you might think that we bring our babies in to sleep inside the house during winter. But no, babies sleep outside in all weather! Also, it is very common to see strollers parked outside cafés and restaurants with babies lying inside them. Disclaimers: ❗️Babies of course sleep inside during the nights. ❗️There are specific sleeping bags and woolen clothes designed for this so the babies are never cold. ❗️Newborns sleep inside until they are at least 4 kilograms and 14 days old ❗️The Danish Heath Department advice that babies don't sleep outside if its below 10 °C ❗️There is always a baby monitor next to the baby, so the parents know exactly when their baby is awake and needs attention and cuddles again. ❗️Babies don't get kidnapped from their strollers in Denmark. The last case happened in 1952. What do you think about this? With love, Maria ♥️ . . . . #Babypt
Press and Journal
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Press and Journal
Six-bedroom Aviemore cottage with stunning views of the Cairngorms hits the market
A modern six-bedroom home in the 'ski capital' of Scotland has been listed for sale. The property known as Summer Cottage is outside Aviemore and is the perfect retreat for avid winter sports enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Cairngorms. Its modern exterior blends white walls with dark grey Scandi-style cladding, while inside has many home comforts. Summer Cottage is listed with Strutt & Parker for £700,000. Entering via the covered porch, on the ground floor to the left is a study, while to the right is the living room. The room features inset wall arches which flank and an exposed brick fireplace with wood-burning stove. There are also French doors out to a raised decking area, which is partially sheltered due to the cottage's roof overhang. Also off the hallway is a guest toilet and a ground floor double bedroom with en suite bathroom. At the rear is the kitchen/dining room, with space for a dining table as well as bar seating, and an impressive range. The kitchen also features wood cabinets and sturdy worktops. There is also a small utility room off the kitchen. To the rear is a bright conservatory, with a south-facing aspect. Upstairs are four good-sized bedrooms — one with an en suite bathroom and two with an en suite shower room. There is also a family bathroom with a shower. Also on the first floor, to the rear of the house is the master bedroom, which has an en suite shower room. Summer Cottage also has a large garage at the side connected, to the main house by a covered walkway. The front garden is lined by white picket fencing, with the entrance opening onto the driveway with space for cars. The cottage's rear garden is mostly lawn, lined with mature trees. Summer Cottage benefits from a great location near Aviemore, with easy access to activities, shops and the station.
Scotsman
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Inside ‘picture perfect' Scottish home with stunning country views, a garden office and boat shed
If you're dreaming of living your best life in the country , then this home may be for you. Gauls Of Murthly House is a three bedroom, three bathroom home located near Dunkeld in Perthshire. Current owners have added a stylish extension to form a kitchen dining area, as well as adding a garden room/home office to the outdoor space which also has a workshop that's currently being used as a boat shed . Inside the home is tastefully decorated with a Scandi-style pared back look. Here we take a look around this stunning home, which is o n the market for offers over £445,000 with Savills. 1 . Gauls Of Murthly House The Georgian-style country house is 'picture perfect' | Savills Photo Sales 2 . Gauls Of Murthly House The home has a handy work shop that's being used as a boat shed. | Savills Photo Sales 3 . Gauls Of Murthly House The living room is a cosy space with a wood burning stove. | Savills Photo Sales 4 . Gauls Of Murthly House The large light-filled kitchen has an island and opens out to a dining area. | Savills Photo Sales Related topics: SavillsSpaceScotlandProperty
