A town that was once home to one of the UK’s largest Butlin’s resorts has now transformed into an ultra-luxury holiday village. Following the Second World War, the trend for staycations was at its peak, with millions of Brits flocking to the seaside each summer.

Filey, tucked between Scarborough and Bridlington in North Yorkshire, was a popular choice for holidaymakers. Here, visitors could indulge in long stretches of sandy beaches, numerous fish and chip shops, Victorian-style fairground rides, and a vast holiday complex.

Previously a military base, Billy Butlin’s Filey campsite drew over 150,000 guests annually, perfectly encapsulating the post-war holiday spirit. Holidaymakers would delight in nights of cabaret, dancing, swimming, and amusement arcades, all under the watchful eye of the iconic Red Coats.

However, the advent of cheap flights to sun-soaked destinations like Spain and Greece (known as the Benidorm boom) quickly eclipsed Butlin’s success. Indeed, the site fell out of favour rather rapidly, eventually shutting its doors in September 1983.

For years, the deserted site remained abandoned, attracting urban explorers and aspiring graffiti artists. It was a stark contrast to the 50s, with decades of family fun replaced by empty swimming pools filled with rubbish and half-demolished buildings left in an almost apocalyptic state, according, reports Bristol Live.

Richard Bailey, a retired lecturer and former Butlin’s enthusiast, shared his fond memories of the site with Chronicle Live in 2021. “When I visited in 2001 there was still plenty of evidence of what had once been a holiday camp, including the chalets, fountains and remains of the outdoor and indoor pools,” he recalled.

However, in 2007, an ambitious project costing around £25million was launched to completely overhaul the site. The Bay, which describes itself as a “purpose-built holiday village on the clifftops”, cleared the debris and began constructing apartments and cottages.

The first beach house was erected in 2012, and the site expanded even further in 2021 with the addition of a new ‘Meadows development’. Today, the complex boasts around 500 properties, many of which are rented out by private owners.

Filey Bay Direct says on its website: “The developers paid great attention to the look and feel of The Bay, including boules courts, courtyards, grassed areas all around the development to make it a lovely setting.

“Gardens are not enclosed partly to make it easier for our gardeners but also makes it a lovely communal holiday village.

“In the [village] centre, you will find a 20 metre pool with baby splash pool, poolside sauna and steam room. There’s also a fitness suite and a beauty room where you can book treatments.

“The John Paul Jones pub serves food and drink all day, with inside and outside seating.

“In the internal courtyard you will also find an arcade, also known as the Family Entertainment Centre, a shop selling groceries, household items, alcohol, beach items, souvenirs, and more.”

Other facilities in the swanky complex include a pharmacy, tennis court, and an ‘adventure’ playground for children under the age of 12.

There’s a wide variety of accommodation in Filey Bay, making it ideal for those on a budget – as well as travellers wanting to really splash out.

For instance, a two-night stay (Friday, June 6-8) in a two-bedroom flat will cost you £380, at the time of writing.

Filey is around an hour away from the nearest city of York, with the town accessible by train.

Brits looking to travel abroad are reminded that their passport photo needs to pass several criteria or it could be rejected. Providing a photo is a vital step in the process of applying for a passport.

Without it you would not be able to carry on with the application. However, it is not just as simple as taking a photograph of yourself.

It must follow several rules or face a delayed or rejected application. The photo can be digital if you are applying online, but must be printed if you are filling out a paper application.

You must also get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed. And your photo must have been taken in the last month.

GOV.UK warns: “Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules.”

Digital photos

You can get a digital photo either:

• From a photo booth or shop before applying for your passport
• By taking one using your own device during your passport application.

However, GOV.UK says: “Photos from a booth or shop are more likely to be approved than a photo taken using your own device.” If you opt to get the photo taken from a booth or shop you must hoose the option to get a code with your photos.

You’ll be asked to enter the photo code during your passport application and your digital photo will be added to your application.

But if you’re choosing to take your own photo you’ll need someone to help you take a photo during your application.

This photo must be:

• Clear and in focus
• In colour
• Unaltered by computer software
• At least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall
• At least 50KB and no more than 10MB.

“If you’re using a photo taken on your own device, include your head, shoulders and upper body,” the Government website adds. “Do not crop your photo – it will be done for you.”

Printed photos

If you are filling out a paper application for a passport you will need two identical printed photos. These must be a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders.

The image of you – from the crown of your head to your chin – must be between 29mm and 34mm high.

The photos must:

• Measure 45 millimetres (mm) high by 35mm wide (the standard size used in photo booths in the UK)
• Not be a cut down version of a larger picture.

GOV.UK says: “If you use a photo booth outside the UK, check it can give you photos that measure 45mm high by 35mm wide.”

Your photos must be:

• Printed to a professional standard
• Clear and in focus
• In colour on plain white photographic paper with no border
• Without any creases or tears
• Unmarked on both sides (unless a photo needs to be countersigned)
• Unaltered by computer software.

What both photos must show

Whether your picture is printed or digital they must:

• Contain no other objects or people
• Be taken against a plain light-coloured background
• Be in clear contrast to the background
• Not have “red eye”.

In your photo you must:

• Be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
• Have a plain expression and your mouth closed
• Have your eyes open and visible
• Not have hair in front of your eyes
• Not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
• Not have anything covering your face
• Not have any shadows on your face or behind you.

For more information, visit gov.uk/photos-for-passports.

Jet2 has added extra flights and breaks to Rome in a potential boost to Six Nations rugby fans. After publication of the 2026 Six Nations fixtures on Monday (May 19), the budget carrier is offering supporters extra flights to make it to England and Scotland’s matches at the Italian capital’s Stadio Olympico.

Extra capacity is being laid on from five UK airports: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Stansted and Manchester. Steve Heapy, Chief Exec of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said in a statement: “The Six Nations is a highlight in the sporting calendar, so our flights to Rome for next year’s fixtures are proving to be incredibly popular.

“We have already seen demand from customers looking to enjoy the sporting action in one of the world’s most unforgettable cities, following the publication of the 2026 fixtures this week.”

Mr Heapy said the company has responded quickly and put on sale extra capacity to the city in order to provide customers and independent travel agents with even more choice.

He added: “Rugby fans will want to experience the Six Nations live, and we are offering them the chance to do just that through either a flight with Jet2.com or a city break with Jet2CityBreaks.”

For Italy v Scotland on February 7, 2026, there are two additional services to Rome on February 5 and 8 from Edinburgh Airport.

Glasgow Airport will see two additional services to Rome on the same dates, which Jet2 said adds more choice to its existing schedule of departures on Monday and Friday.

For the Italy v England match on March 7, 2026, Birmingham Airport will see two extra services to Rome on March 6 and 9.

It means there will be two daily departures to choose from on both of those days, according to Jet2.

On the same two days, Manchester Airport add two more services to Rome, meaning two daily flights on both days to the Italian city.

London Stansted Airport will see two additional services to Rome on March 6 and 9 as well, according to Jet2.

Next year’s Six Nations is due to kick off on a Thursday night for the first time in the competition’s history. Defending champions, France, will host Ireland for the first match of the competition, which will take place over six weeks.

It is understood the unprecedented decision to start on Thursday, February 5 was taken after input from broadcasters. The 2026 Winter Olympics ceremony takes place in Milan the next day.

The decision has also been made with the agreement of all six unions, according to The Guardian.