Searches for Easter activities have increased by 967 per cent over the 90 days in the country.

Car rental company Sixt has now revealed the best scenic routes for this Easter.

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Creating a top 10 list, a popular Cotswolds route has been crowned as the most scenic in the UK.

The route from Cheltenham to Stratford-upon-Avon is perfect for Oxfordshire residents wanting to leave the county for Easter but not travel too far from home.

A statement from the ranking said: “This 50-minute drive within the Cotswolds from Cheltenham to Stratford-upon-Avon has topped the list for the best scenic driving route in the UK.

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“Receiving an impressive 2.9 million tags on Instagram and over 201,000 Google searches in the past year in the UK, this scenic route is earning a great reputation for its countryside scenes, creating the perfect backdrop for quality time.”

Sixt created the new index based on a combination of Google search data, Instagram hashtags, and TikTok activity to reflect the level of public interest in each route.

By analysing how often these drives are searched for, shared, and explored online, the index provides an overview of the routes that are currently attracting the most attention from travellers across the UK.

Santander UK has revealed that nearly £160,000 was stolen between January and March from customers who fell victim to fake pet listings on social media and online marketplaces.

The figure represents a significant increase from the £29,735 reported in the final quarter of 2025.

Scammers typically request upfront payments to cover the delivery of pets or money to cover vet bills, leaving would-be owners out of pocket and without a pet.

How to avoid scams

Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander UK, said: “If 2026 is the year you plan to welcome a furry, feathered or even scaly companion into your home, it’s vital to do your homework.

“Always research the seller carefully and choose reputable sources.

“Taking these steps won’t just protect your finances – it also helps ensure your new pet has come from a safe, and responsible environment.”

Women and customers aged 46 and above appear to be most at risk.

Victims have reported being targeted with listings for a wide variety of animals, including popular dog breeds such as miniature dachshunds and cockapoo puppies, as well as cats, parrots, reptiles, fish and horses.

Overall, more than £3.4 million was lost to purchase scams in the first quarter of 2026, Santander said.

Pet-related fraud was the second-largest source of losses, just behind vehicle scams.

How to prevent being a victim of pet scams

Santander has issued advice to help people avoid falling victim to these scams.

The bank says people should remain cautious of adverts seen on social media, as these platforms are often where fraudulent listings appear.

It recommends conducting background checks on both the seller and the animal.

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A reverse image search of photos can reveal if the same images have been used in other listings.

Santander also urged customers not to pay large deposits or cover costs such as vet bills.

Santander says an in-person visit is the most reliable way to confirm that the animal exists.

Have you got any tips for avoiding scams? Let us know in the comments below.

The A34 dual carriageway will be closed overnight between the Hinksey Hill Interchange for Oxford and Marcham Road Interchange for Abingdon southbound.

This is being done by Highways England to carry out work and will be enforced between 9pm and 6am the following morning.

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Meanwhile, Highways England will also shut the M40 motorway southbound between junction 12 and 11 for Banbury.

Lane closures and slip road closures will be enforced while maintenance work is carried out.

A diversion route via the National Highways network will be in place, motorists have been warned.