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BRISTOL Airport has revealed it’s masterplan to 2040, with dramatic passenger number increases and new destinations..

The airport’s plans suggest that it aims to transform travel into and out of the region over the next five to 15 years.

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Bristol Airport has revealed it’s masterplan to 2040[/caption]

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The airport hopes to increase passengers by 5million, by the late 2030s[/caption]

Current proposals include serving more connections and destinations including new long-haul flights such as the east coast of America and the Middle East.

In addition, the airport also wants to increase annual passenger numbers from 10million to 15million, by the late 2030s.

If the plans go ahead, Bristol Airport will reduce the number of journeys taken to London airports from the south west and south Wales

Currently, 10million passengers undertake journeys to London airports each year from these regions.

Proposals also including rising the number of flights from 85,990 per year to 100,000.

On a busy day in peak season, this would mean an additional 35 flights.

Night restrictions are planned to be kept at the airport but the airport is also proposing to increase night flights by 1,000 flights a year.

This would mean on average, four per night on a busy nigh in the peak season.

In the shorter term – over the next five years – the airport’s terminal buildings will be extended to include a larger immigration area for arriving flights, more space for baggage reclaim, more shops and a new lounge.

The airport is also working to introduce an upgraded entrance with more car parking and a walkway so that passengers no longer have to get a bus out to planes.

Over £60million will also be spent on improving bus and coach services in the region.

There will also be a new drop-off and pick-up location, as well as e-charging points.

Then – as part of the larger masterplan – by 2040, the airport plans to have new bus lanes, improved public transport links, highway improvements, a rapid EV charging hub, new buildings, over 8,000 more car parking spaces, additional hotel accommodation, an expanded car rental area and an extended runway.

It is also even considering having a ‘vertiport’ for electric vertical, take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft services.

The report states: “These zero-emissions aircraft are sometimes called ‘flying taxis’, and in future could play a role comparable
to helicopters today.

“While the technology is in the early stages of development, it is unlikely to be a major passenger service, but over time it could become viable to carry greater volumes of people between UK regions.”

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Other proposals include increasing the number of night flights[/caption]

A planning application for the appropriate infrastructure for all of the plans, will be submitted later this year.

There are currently 14 airlines operating from Bristol Airport to 115 destinations including Alicante, Majorca, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Tenerife and Barcelona.

In 2024, Amsterdam was the most popular destination, followed by Alicante and Majorca.

According to the report, the airport is primarily used for leisure (41.9 per cent), followed by visiting family and friends (26.9 per cent) and package holidays (15.9 per cent).

Business customers make up the smallest portion of passengers using the airport (15.3 per cent).

In total, the airport contributes around £2billion to the south west and South Wales regions each year.

By 2040, the airport hopes to grow this to £3billion.

And by 2050, the airport also hopes to become net-zero.

Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport, said: “We’re continuing to see strong demand to travel to and from our region, with business travel surprisingly holding up since the pandemic and people wanting to connect with friends and family across Europe.

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Bus services and terminal buildings will also be upgraded[/caption]

“More than 10 million people from our catchment continue to travel to fly from Heathrow and London airports every year.

“We’re confident we can capture a section of that demand and boost the economy of our region by providing direct connections to North America and the Middle East.”

Bristol Airport previously did fly to America via Continental Airlines – which is now defunct.

There was a direct service between Bristol and Newark Liberty International Airport – which launched in 2005 and marked the airport’s first ever non-stop transatlantic service from the southwest of England.

The flights were popular with more than 400,000 passengers using the route.

However, in 2010, the route was scrapped after the airline stopped operations at both airports.

Bristol Airport does already serve the Middle East though, including destinations such as Turkey, Egypt and Cyprus.

Another UK airport also has major plans for millions more passengers ahead of £1.1bn expansion – with new flights to Europe this year.

Plus, London Heathrow has revealed plans to expand two of its terminals as part of multi-billion renovation.

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The airport also hopes to be net-zero by 2050[/caption]

WATCH the hilarious moment e-scooter riders get instant karma after speeding on the pavement as they crash into one another.

The video, taken on a dash cam, shows two teenagers recklessly riding e-scooters on the pavement of a quiet road in Bedfordshire.

Kennedy News and Media

Kennedy News and Media

Kennedy News and Media

As the footage begins, a rider wearing a light-coloured tracksuit can be seen speeding along the pavement.

Suddenly, another rider appears in the corner of the video as he races down a side road.

He then mounts the same pavement the driver has already occupied, unaware of the impending collision.

Both riders appear to be moving at speed, as neither slows down in time to avoid the head-on crash.

The rider wearing black tracksuit looks like he’s trying to swerve out of the way – but it’s already far too late.

As the pair collide at the corner of the road, the force pushes them both off their vehicles.

The first e-scooter rider comes out worse for wear, as he is knocked backwards into the air.

He is quickly knocked to the ground, landing on his wrist as he falls off the pavement.

Meanwhile, the other rider appears to have been knocked backwards, although he does at least seem to mostly land in the grass.

As the driver passes by, the grey-tracksuit teenager can be seen lying on his back on the road.

Both of their e-scooters lie tangled together on the pavement as the video cuts out.

It’s not the first time that motorists have faced immediate consequences for their reckless driving.

Dashcam footage captured the moment a driver faced instant karma when he tried to brake check a lorry.

Driving on the motorway, the idiotic driver cuts in front of the lorry, forcing him to quickly slam on his breaks.

However, the dangerous manoeuvre caught the attention of nearby police, as two motorbikes quickly flank the car and get him to pull over.

The risky move is also sometimes called a “cash for crash” scam, as the drivers hope to claim on their insurance if it ends badly.

After making some hand gestures at the police bikes, the driver is seen compliantly pulling off at an exit road.

Another driver faced similar consequences for his behaviour after undertaking a fellow motorist.

Captured on dashcam footage, video shows a black car attempting to get ahead of traffic on a busy motorway, by cutting in from the bus lane at the last second.

The manoeuvre forces the silver car to brake sharply, as the driver then pulls across a solid white line to mimic the same technique as his rival.

However, he probably wasn’t too pleased when the black SUV turned on its blue lights, revealing itself to be an unmarked police car.

Kennedy News and Media

Kennedy News and Media

LIVERPOOL claim they now rival Manchester United with one billion fans worldwide while becoming the most watched club in the Premier League.

Old Trafford part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe boasted that the Red Devils were followed by that staggering global number as he launched plans to build a new £2billion stadium in March.

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Thousands turned up for Liverpool’s trophy parade after their Premier League triumph[/caption]

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Liverpool historically are one of the most followed clubs in the world[/caption]

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Liverpool’s ownership of John Henry, left, and Tom Werner led the team to Premier League success[/caption]

But Anfield chairman Tom Werner has the figures to prove that his “relentless” club not only finished top in the title race last season but also left their bitter rivals for dead in the TV viewing stakes as well.

He insisted: “We are very aware of the global power of Liverpool. The club’s reach around the world is by far the strongest in the Premier League.

“We’re the only Premier League club to surpass 500million views on television [by March 2025 from August last season].

“Last season on social media we generated 1.7 billion engagements. That’s not unique engagements, but it’s still a huge number.

“Many Americans still don’t appreciate the global power of football but over the next ten years I think the Premier League is going to be huge in the US.

“We think there could now be as many as a billion people around the world who follow Liverpool.

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“There is a special connection with the fans. You feel it at the games at Anfield, when they start to sing You’ll Never Walk Alone. It’s deep and emotional.”

Werner puts Liverpool’s growing global popularity down to the way Slot’s predecessor Jurgen Klopp helped the club plan for the future without him – and how the Dutchman seamlessly replaced him last summer.

As he oversees Slot’s summer spend on a re-build that has already cost £170m including £116m Florian Wirtz, Werner explained: “At the LFC Foundation Gala Ball, Jurgen was talking about how relentless the job is.

“To be fair and complimentary to Jurgen, he wanted to transition in a very orderly way and he left the club in very good shape and Arne didn’t feel as though he needed to bring in three or four new players.

“What’s was so special about Arne is that he’s very authentic and he is not trying to be the next Jurgen Klopp, the next Pep Guardiola.

“He is his own man and he is going to approach the club in his own sincere and thoughtful way.

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Arne Slot led the team to Premier League victory last season[/caption]

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Both Salah and Van Dijk have signed new deals to stay at the club[/caption]

“It is an exciting time right now but we wake up every day and I keep using the word relentless.

“We want to win more trophies, we don’t want to just appreciate what we have done.

“We are hungry to be more successful and what is exciting is that the league is tremendously competitive and we think it will be a challenging season.”

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ALEX DUNNE shared a tender moment with his family after living “a little boy’s dream” on his Formula 1 debut with McLaren.

The Offaly teenager, 19, filled in for Lando Norris for the first free practice session at the Austrian GP.

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He more than lived up to the billing, driving fourth fastest in the session.

Dunne’s finished less than a tenth of a second behind teammate and F1 Championship leader Oscar Piastri.

After crossing the finish line at the Red Bull Ring, he sent an emotional message of thanks to the McLaren garage.

He said: ““A little boy’s dream came true, and this is definitely the best day of my life.

“Thank you everyone for letting me do this, and thanks to Lando as well for trusting me with his car.”

When he got back to the garage, the Irishman was greeted by his family, with hugs aplenty, while he was congratulated by his brother who was wearing an Offaly GAA jersey.

By driving in Austria, Dunne was the first Irishman to take part in an F1 weekend since Ralph Firman in 2003.

English-born Firman raced under an Irish licence for Jaguar.

Dunne is also the first driver born on the island of Ireland to take part since Eddie Irvine, who was born in Co Down, left the grid after ten seasons in 2002.

And he is the first born in the Republic since Tommy Byrne, who took part in two grands prix with backmarker Theodore in 1982.

Lando Norris retook the seat from Dunne for FP2 and FP3.

Commenting after the session, Dunne said: “I don’t even know where to start.

“Super, super happy. i think it is safe to say it went pretty well.

“We knew going through the session that the goal wasn’t necessarily performance, it was more to help out with the car, help Lando, and just help the team improve as much as they can for FP2, FP3 and then onwards into the weekend.

“To have the pace and show what I am capable of on the F1 stage is something pretty special.”

Dunne’s star has been rising since making his F2 debut under the McLaren banner in March.

He made a dream start to the 2025 season by becoming the first Irish driver to win an F2 race with victory at Bahrain in April.

And after being involved in a dramatic 11-car crash in Monaco last month, he bounced back by climbing 17 places in Barcelona’s sprint race to finish second.

That podium finish alongside winner Richard Verschoor and third-placed Rafael Villagomez saw Dunne take the outright lead in the F2 standings, further growing his reputation within McLaren.

He will also take part in F2 in Austria, with qualifying starting just over two hours after stepping out of Lando’s car.

Dunne then has the F2 sprint race on Saturday and Sunday’s feature race.

THERE is a beautiful beach in Europe where you might bump into a royal couple.

Galé Fontainhas Beach, called one of the most beautiful in Europe, is in the Alentejo region and is just minutes away is the house of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

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Galé Fontainhas Beach has a huge beach and towering orange cliffs[/caption]

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Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack split time between London and Portugal[/caption]

Galé Fontainhas Beach is a lesser-known spot on the coast with ancient fossil cliffs that are approximately five million years old and has been called one the most beautiful by Europe Best Destinations.

The cliffs Portugal are orange due to the rock formation, which is primarily sandstone and clay.

The materials contain iron oxide, which gives them their distinctive reddish-orange colour.

The beach cliffs, reaching over 50 metres in height, and the waters are often clear.

One visitor wrote on a Tripadvisor review: “A real hidden gem. Beautiful clean beach, crystal clear water, just about right waves to have fun in the water, magnificent views from the top of the rocks.”

Swimmers have reported deep waters and potential strong currents.

Just minutes away from the beach is the luxury golf and ocean club that Princess Eugenie and her family call home.

The royal couple split their time between Portugal and London because of Jack’s job.

He works in marketing and sales at a private resort near the village on the Alentejo coast.

Jack works for the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club which is found between the villages of Comporta and Melides.

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The area is often called the “Hamptons of Western Europe” because it’s a luxurious and exclusive destination – like the Hamptons in the US.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are said to have stayed at the resort and visited Eugenie after the Invictus Games in 2023.

It was then reported a year later that they had bought their own place on the resort.

When one Sun Writer visited herself, she discovered a flamingo-filled lagoon, picturesque rice fields and vineyards.

There are also harming village streets without a single tourist and, perhaps best of all, stunning secret beaches only the locals knew about

Melides has been in existence for more than 500 years and for much of that time it has been a quiet hamlet with a white-cobbled central square.

From Lisbon, the beach is an hour and a half’s drive south of the country.

Speaking of Portugal, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey discovered ‘Caribbean-like islands with no crowds’ in Portugal.

Plus, the stunning but affordable beach towns just two hours from UK – with beers from £2.

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The unique beach has orange cliffs and big waves[/caption]

LIDL Ireland is set to launch a huge sale on a range of garden and travel items this weekend – with discounts of up to €50.

The bargain supermarket has everything you need this summer in its Saturday sale for Lidl Plus members.

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Lidl Ireland is set to have a major sale for its Lidl plus members[/caption]

Lidl Ireland

A range of garden items will see their prices reduced[/caption]

Lidl Ireland

There is also major reductions on travel goods[/caption]

To start, the 20V Smart Robot Lawnmower has dropped from €349.99 to €329.99, saving you €20.

It covers lawns up to 1,000 square metres and can be programmed through the PARKSIDE app on your phone.

It also comes with a rechargeable battery, charging station and handles slopes up to 25 degrees without any fuss.

Up next, the 4 Burner Gas Barbecue is now €249.99 instead of €299.99 – giving buyers €50 off.

It has four burners, a warming rack and an infrared side burner for perfectly seared steaks.

What’s more, the Folding Gazebo has been reduced for Lidl Plus members by €20, down to €69.99 from €89.99.

Two attachable side panels let you create privacy or extra shade whenever you need it.

This bargain item is UV-resistant, water-repellent and the legs can be adjusted to different heights in seconds.

For those heading abroad over summer, the kids’ ride-on suitcase is now just €19.99, saving €5 off the original €24.99 price.

Children can sit, pull, ride or play with it on holidays and day trips.

The suitcase also comes with a lockable closure and an adjustable strap for carrying.

Another garden bargain is the 2-Seater Swing which has dropped from €79.99 to €74.99 – knocking €5 off for shoppers.

It has comfy cushions and a canopy with UV protection factor 30 to keep you shaded.

Made of weather-resistant frames, the item is built to last through Irish summers.

MAJOR REDUCTIONS FOR SHOPPERS

Pet owners can pick up the Collapsible Dog Bed or Dog Bed with Sun Shade for €12.99 instead of the original price at €17.99.

They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and fold away when you need extra space – and there’s even a sun shade version that helps keep pets cool on summer days.

And the 20V Cordless Grass Trimmer is now only €14.99 for Lidl Plus members, reduced from €19.99.

It weighs just 1.4kg, making it easy to handle for longer jobs while the 24cm cutting circle and ergonomic handle help you tidy up the garden fast.

Up next, the Robot Lawnmower Garage has dropped from €39.99 to €34.99 for Lidl Plus members.

It shields your mower from rain, snow and harsh sun while it charges.

The bargain buy also features a hinged sloping roof makes it easy to access the controls and keeps rainwater draining away.

Lastly, the 20V Cordless Grass Trimmer is now €14.99 instead of €19.99, saving you €5.

It’s lightweight at just 1.4kg with an ergonomic handle and a 24cm cutting circle with a fully automatic line system that makes tidying up edges hassle-free.

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Some items will have €50 off their original price[/caption]

ROBBIE Williams has fuelled speculation he’s returning to Glastonbury to do a secret set.

The pop star sent the rumour mill wild with a cryptic instagram post – 30 years after his infamous appearance at the festival.

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Robbie Williams has dropped hints about a return to Worthy Farm[/caption]

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He shared a snap of this plaque on instagram[/caption]

Robbie posted a pic of a plaque, which read: “1995. Robbie Williams entered this area without accreditation, authorisation or alignment with prevailing taste.

“His presence was uninvited, unofficial and ultimately inevitable.”

Robbie then simply captioned it: “30 years!!!!!!!”

He spent the festival partying with Oasis singers Liam and Noel Gallagher soon after leaving Take That.

With the band reuniting next week, fans are hopeful the coincidence is actually another clue about Robbie making a return to Worthy Farm.

In another hint at reliving his glory Glastonbury days, Robbie’s cover of his upcoming album Britpop is of a photo of him at the festival in 1995 wearing his iconic red tracksuit.

He said on the Robbie Williams Rewind podcast in 2023: “It’s one of those times and places, and a reimagination of what Robbie Williams is.

“When you do Glastonbury, perception changes more than any other festival.”

He credits his wild nights with Oasis at Glastonbury for being the “start of his new life” after leaving Take That.

Williams said: “I started getting ideas about writing my own songs. One thing led to another and I made the cardinal mistake of breaking the rules. They couldn’t contain me anymore.

“I set off with [a] flute full of champagne and a pocket full of cocaine, ready to get insane in the membrane and I went to Glastonbury to begin what I didn’t know was to be the start of my new life.

“…Take That became a painful, distant memory. Until they came back and were much bigger than they were back then!

“They came back and they were bigger than they were!

“And I was happy for them, and I thought, ‘F*** it, if you can beat them join them.’”

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Robbie credits the Gallagher brothers in marking the start of his new life[/caption]

The Range drop rattan garden furniture for dogs – and here’s how you can order them

With The Range’s new budget buy, your dog will stay comfortable and entertained in the hot weather.

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The large retailer re-stocked their most popular pet friendly item[/caption]

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If your dog enjoys lying out in the sun but you don’t want them to overheat The Range has the perfect pooch item.

This Rattan Pet Bed with Canopy from the Clever Paws Luxury Collection.

The canopy is adjustable so you can keep them sheltered, and the cushion is removable for your convenience. 

It is a must-have this summer for pets who love a life of luxury as they’re sure to love resting here after a day of exploring and playing.

And better still, you can order it and have your pet lounging in style within just an hour.

Or get free delivery and have your dog relaxing by as early as July 3.

Get this must-have new online or in stores now but shoppers will have to be quick as it is set to sell out.

Get this summer item online or go to one of the many stores located across the country.

With locations included all over in Carlow, Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Maynooth, Sligo and Limerick.

Meanwhile, other Irish shoppers were loving the new must-have garden item – that’s perfect for soaking up the sun.

The Range has dropped a double garden rocking chair in stores across the country.

The new Carmen Double Rocker is the perfect way for sunseekers to enjoy the warmer weather this year.

Lie under the stars with your loved one this season as the seat fits two adults at a time.

The Unique zero-gravity design features a sturdy and rust-proof frame.

It also has a UV-resistant cover to protect you from the high summer rays.

The retailer said: “It’s spacious enough for two adults to enjoy together and can be used both indoors and outdoors. 

“You can place it in your living room, patio, deck, garden, yard, porch, sunroom, or near a pool.

“The chair has a sturdy and rust-proof frame made of powder-coated steel, which provides sturdy support.”

Get this garden staple for €210 in select stores across the country.

A TOP Brit singer has announced a secret set at Glastonbury today – after a huge hit with Sam Fender.

The famous festival kicked off on Wednesday with a whole host of names on the bill including Rod Stewart, Olivia Rodrigo and Charli XCX.

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The 26-year-old has released an album and five EPs[/caption]

Music fans have been eagerly awaiting which surprise acts will take to one of the many stages at Worthy Farm.

Earlier on Friday, Lorde was revealed to be doing a surprise set, but it descended into chaos as organisers were forced to shut down part of the site while she performed.

Meanwhile on Instagram, singer Olivia Dean revealed she was back at the festival and would be performing at 3pm at the Strummerville area.

Olivia, 26, posed on a classic white car at the top of the hill with the sprawling site behind her.

She wore a flowing black dress and tan knee-high boots and a pair of stylish sunglasses.

She then shared a snap of crowd around a piano in one of the tents.

Olivia will be bringing her neo soul sound to Worthy Farm, having release her first album – Messy – in 2023.

She has also produced five EPs and was selected as BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year.

Olivia also won a legion of fans after teaming up with Sam Fender on track Rein Me In earlier this year.

Meanwhile, fans reckon a top dance DJ has ‘given away’ he’s playing a secret set at Glastonbury – thanks to a cryptic post.

Writing online, fans have suggested Northern Irish DJ Calibre could be performing a secret set.

It comes as the star- real name Dominick Martin – shared a cryptic post on Instagram.

Calibre posted a short reel, which had the text: “Glastonbury Sets – Thursday – 9.30pm to 11pm Glade Dome.

“Friday – 1.45am to 3am – Silver Hayes Level. Saturday – 9pm to 10.30pm”, accompanying the last one with a “shush” emoji.

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She teamed up with Sam Fender on a track this year[/caption]

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Olivia is known for her neo soul sound[/caption]

Glastonbury will be airing on BBC One, BBC Two and iPlayer across the weekend.

SUN’S out, funs out – it’s time to make that dream of a convertible car a reality. 

While car experts will tell you spring is the perfect time to bag a convertible car bargain, you can still find great deals in summer.

Sellers in a crowded market are still itching for the cash and can often reduce costs to make a deal. 

No cash? No worries. Buyers can get a boost with Sun Motors Finance, an affordable and accessible way to access cash to buy a new car. We’re working with some of the UK’s best lenders to provide every driver with access to the low-cost credit they need to pick up a dream car. 

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There’s no waiting, either. You’ll get an instant decision on eligibility and affordability in just 60 seconds.

Whatever the season, when you’re buying a convertible, you’ll want to do some research to find the right make, model, and specification before parting with your pounds.

In this guide, we’re going to explain why spring and summer are the best time to buy a convertible car.

Sun Motors experts have also selected their top 5 used convertibles for sale today, including two-seater and four-seater convertibles and super sporty models.

It’s top-down and shades on for our round-up of the best used convertible cars in the UK today for you to ponder ahead of the heatwave.

Why is spring and summer a good time to buy a used car?

March (and spring in general) is the best time to buy a used convertible car. Why? The age-old rules of supply and demand.

The market for convertible cars hibernates during the winter, as drivers and dealers forget the sun and focus on surviving wind, rain, ice, and snow.

Convertibles are designed for fair weather. By March, we’ve banished the winter blues, and things are beginning to heat up – including the market for convertibles. 

As we head into summer, market forces take over. As demand for convertible cars increases (reaching a peak during the summer), dealers can respond by putting up their prices. 

2025 is breaking records for car sales, with more buyers, sellers, and motors on the market.

That’s good because competition encourages sellers to price competitively and provides buyers with the power to bag a bargain.

Sellers don’t want stock hanging around, and convertibles are harder to sell than a standard saloon, for example, as the market is smaller.

Basically, while spring is probably the best time to buy a convertible, competition in the market and the pressure to make a profit mean you’ll still be able to strike a good deal on a used convertible in summer. 

Stuck for cash? Spread the payments for your summer convertible

Convertible cars, as you’ll see from the list below, aren’t exactly cheap, but there is a way you can get your dream car.

Sun Motors offers car buyers a straightforward and simple way to finance a new car. The easy-to-use affordability calculator provides a guideline on the amount you can borrow, including interest rates and monthly repayments. 

That means you can have complete confidence that you can afford a car before falling in love with it.

Even better, you don’t need to worry about any searches damaging your credit rating. Our finance partner will only do a soft check. 

It’s worth checking even if you’ve been previously denied credit. We work with a specialist lender who may consider applications from those with a bad credit rating. Give it a try, you’ve got nothing to lose.

What is a convertible car?

A convertible car is a car that can be driven without a roof. Most convertibles will have a roof that can be secured in place, converting it back into a car with a roof. (Hence the name.)

On the market, you’ll find two types of convertibles: soft tops and hard tops.

What is the difference between soft-top and hard-top convertibles?

Soft tops have a roof (made from canvas, cloth, vinyl, or another material) that can fold up or down. Hard-top convertibles have a solid roof that folds down. 

Model: Audi TT

There are advantages and disadvantages of each. Soft top convertibles can be cheaper to buy and often easier to maintain.

On the other hand, soft roofs are more likely to degrade over time, are easier to damage, and won’t be as warm as a hard top.

Hard tops are more durable, warmer (because of greater insulation), and more secure. However, they can be more expensive to buy, maintain, and fix if they break.

Benefits of a convertible car 

There’s really only one reason you’d buy a convertible car, and that’s because you want to experience the fun and freedom of driving without a roof. If you haven’t tried it before, you should. 

Convertible cars are often sportier and more stylish than their hard-top cousins.

Drive a convertible, and you’re making a statement. (Especially if you forget to put the roof up and it rains.)

Convertible cars are more expensive, but they can hold their value better, too.

Top 5 used convertible cars for sale

Here is Sun Motors’ choice of the five best used-convertibles for sale in the UK today.

Mazda MX-5

Model: Mazda MX-5

Affordable, reliable and the world’s best-selling roadster. You knew it would be the Mazda MX-5, didn’t you?

Since its launch in 1989, the MX-5 has become a firm favourite, with the latest model still getting rave reviews.

An abundance of MX-5s on the market keeps prices low. Insurance and maintenance costs won’t break the bank – especially when compared to some of the other brands on our list (we’re looking at you, Mercedes).

Check out the WhatCar? guide on potential problems for your Mazda MX-5. (And always check the roof!)

Shop around for the best deals, like this low-mileage 2016 SKYACTIV-G Sportmodel at less than £275 per month.

Audi TT Convertible 

Model: Audi TT

Another best-selling classic, the Audi TT convertible, is no longer in production, which makes us sad. It’s slightly bigger than the Mazda MX-5 and is highly reliable, says WhatCar?.

Common problems include water leaks, faulty roof mechanisms, and issues with the interior trim.

Sporty models like S and RS could have been driven hard, and damage to panels, paintwork, and alloys could all be expensive to fix. 

Find a good Audi TT convertible and you’ll get years of stress-free motoring in a modern classic.

Check out this almost spotless 10-year-old AUDI TT Coupe 2.0 TDI ultra Sport in impressive (and easy to keep clean) gun metal grey.

MINI convertible 

Model: Mini Cooper S Class

The MINI convertible is small but strangely spacious, with enough room for four people, says Autoexpress.

While you’re not going to be running around with a rugby team, the MINI convertible is a practical, fun and attractive car.

We like the 2016 model with its bullet-proof, BMW-approved, 3-cylinder 1.5-litre engine. It’s fast enough for country lanes and forgiving for stop-start city driving.

You’ll often pay a premium for the MINI badge, but they retain value well, so buy with confidence.

Our choice? The market for MINIs is vibrant, so it’s hard to select one, but we like this box-fresh 2025 Mini Cooper S Class.

Mercedes SLK

Model: Mercedes SLK

The Mercedes SLK is sharper, faster, and more comfortable than many of the other convertibles here.

It’s a great grand tourer, capable of taking you, a passenger and a few small cases pretty much anywhere you want to go. Pick up an SLK55, and you’ll reach 60mph in 4.6 seconds. Ouch.

The hardtop roof goes up and down with German precision. Check everything is working, as replacements can be very costly.

One thing to mention is that automatics are standard here, while manual cars are rare. Car reviewers seem to favour the SLK 200, which is a great car. 

Used SLKs are affordable, like this 2016 AMG for a pint under £300 per-month.

BMW Z4

Model: BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 Roadster features a unique long bonnet design with an awesome BMW grill.

Modern models are monsters, but we prefer the older – and more affordable – 2013-2017 Z4s.

Why? They look great, perform well, and feature a reliable metal folding roof. Find one with a full-service history, and it’s a good buy (especially when you see rising prices for older Z3s.)

The BMW Z4 is a classic two-seat, big engine, small boot roadster, and we love it for that. It doesn’t take long to find bargain BMWs out there. We like this 2015 M-Sport model.

Best 4-seater convertible cars 

Need to carry you, your partner and the kids? Get a four-door convertible. Here are a couple of our favourites:

The Mercedes C Class isn’t particularly roomy, but you’ll get four in at a push. And they will all want to get into this superbly-specced 2018 Mercedes C220 AMG Line D Auto.

Model: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Another shout-out for the Germans, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is our second-favourite four-door convertible.

Current models are all well and good, but we love the classic BMW grill on this sub-£10k BMW 4 Series 2.0 420i SE Euro 6.

Best sports car convertibles

Here are a couple of our favourite all-out sports convertibles:

The Porsche Boxster is a fast and cool mid-engine sports car that’s incredible to drive.

Model: Porsche Boxster

Our choice on the market today is this immaculate 2016 Boxster with a high-powered 3.4-litre engine.

Model: Elise Convertible

The Lotus Elise is a small, lightweight, and blisteringly fast British-designed sports car. This canary yellow 2016 Lotus Elise convertible is all kinds of crazy, in a good way.

Convertible car buying FAQs

Here, we answer some common questions convertible car buyers have.

What to look out for when buying a used convertible

When buying a used convertible, you’ll want to ensure that the roof itself is clean, the mechanism functions correctly (basically, that it goes up and down as it should), and there are no splits, tears, or damage.

Ask the seller about the age of the roof (if it’s a soft top) and if the roof has been repaired or replaced. 

If you’re considering buying a soft-top convertible, get on a stool, chair, or stepladder and check over the whole roof of the car. Tears and splits can (and sometimes are) covered with tape, which can be impossible to spot unless you get up close.

If you’re happy that the roof goes up and down as it should and isn’t damaged, then you can check all the other essentials, including condition, damage, service history, MOT records, mileage, etc. 

How to clean a convertible roof

If you have a hardtop roof, you can clean it in the same way you would clean the rest of your car. 

Soft-top convertible roofs should be cleaned using a specialist cleaning product. These will help to remove any first and stains (including corrosive substances like bird poo) but won’t dry out the material, which could cause it to become brittle and split or break. 

Take your time, follow the instructions, and you’ll be fine. Always check for water ingress into the car after washing your convertible. Early warning enables immediate action!

How to look after a convertible

Convertible cars should be serviced and maintained in the same way you would any other car. 

If your car has a soft roof, you should regularly clean it (see above) and apply a protectant. This guide from detailing experts Autoglym is a good place to start. Over time, the soft top covering can wear out or dry out, leaving it susceptible to rips, tears, and other damage. 

You can protect it by storing it in a garage or under a cover, especially during the worst of the winter weather. Any soft-top convertible car left exposed to the elements for too long will become damaged.

How does pre-approved car finance work?

The best thing about Sun Motors’ pre-approved car finance is that you can check how much you can borrow before you fall in love with a new convertible car.

How? The magic of the Sun Motors system is that it runs a soft credit check. The result is a realistic monthly budget with no impact on your credit score. Armed with this, you can start the fun part: finding a new convertible car. 

How long does car finance approval take?

It’s very, very fast. In most cases, you’ll get a pre-approval decision within 60 seconds. When you find a car you like, you can go through the final approvals process on the same day. Decision in 60 seconds, finance in a day, and a new dream car on its way.

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