Longtail

WHAT could be better than spending the day sightseeing in a new city, only to come home to your comfy bed that very same evening?

Extreme day-tripping blew up as a trend in 2025, and if you’ve never given it a go – now’s the time.

Day trips abroad from the UK have never been more doable, with more and more European routes becoming available with budget airlines.

And with flights starting from £14.99 one-way, it can cost less to hop over to another country for the day than it can to go out for dinner.

Here’s our Sun Travel team’s top picks for 24-hour day trips, and the best things to see and do there to make the most of your time.

Paris

If there’s ever an opportunity to travel by Eurostar, I’ll take it.

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That’s partly why Paris is one of my favourite day trips.

If you live within an hour’s train ride of London, the Eurostar is certainly the most convenient way of travel.

Plus, there’s something rather glamorous about starting your day sipping tea in the calm of a train carriage before arriving into the beating heart of Paris just 2.5 hours later.

I never tire of the bucket-list landmarks, but there’s one I’d recommend above the others – and that’s the Basilica du Sacré-Cœur, perched on the city’s highest hill, in Montmartre .

If you’re tight for cash, don’t worry about going inside. It’s worth venturing here just for the free view, which I’d argue beats the one from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

You can catch a funicular to the hill’s peak, or challenge yourself to take the stairs.

Just avoid the main set and look for the ones on the far left, to avoid the crowds and street sellers trying to flog overpriced souvenirs.

Once you’ve taken a snap, the rest of this typically French district is well worth exploring.

Dart down one of the many narrow alleyways. The further you wander from the church, the more local it gets – think proper bistros, and cafes selling good, strong coffee.

– Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Milan

Just two hours from the UK and one that nearly always has the cheap £14.99 Ryanair flights, Milan is an easy one to do for the day. 

However, remember that Ryanair flies to Milan Malepenisa, not Milane Linate (which takes around 50 minutes to the city centre rather than 10 minutes.).

Instead, hop on the 6:45am easyJet flight from London Gatwick that gets you in at around 9:45am, just in time for brunch.

Get a pastry to go from Marchesi 1824, one of the city’s oldest bakeries for a classic breakfast of a cappuccino and croissant.

Take it with you before a shopping spree at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the historic shopping centre now home to beautiful designer boutiques.

While Milan is famous for its saffron risotto, a stop at a pizza bar is a must.

I recommend Pizza AM where you even get free mini starters and prosecco.

Squeeze in a quick visit of the famous Duomo di Milano as well as the Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to the famous Last Supper artwork, and it will be time to head back to the airport.

Although if you have time, you could always squeeze in a quick TikTok-famous Negroni Sbagliato at Bar Basso.

One of the latest flights you can get back is with ITA Airways, so you can leave at 9pm and be back in the UK just before 10pm.

– Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Copenhagen

My recent trip to the Danish capital city of Copenhagen was a dream with such short flights and a vibrant city – it got me thinking, you could definitely head there and back in a day if you wanted to.

Ryanair offers morning flights leaving the UK at 7.15am on Saturday mornings from London Stansted meaning you get into the city at 10.10am. 

From the airport to the city is a short drive, so jump into a taxi and head straight to the city.

Head to Strøget for a bite to eat at Holms Bakery, and then gander around the shops.

From there you’ll be able to see the pretty canals and the huge palaces, or head to Tivoli Gardens to have a go on some of the rides.

You can’t leave without seeing Nyhavn. It’s the district famous for having huge colourful buildings – and it’s on the back of most Copenhagen postcards.

The houses sit right on the waterfront where there are plenty of bars which is the perfect spot to stop for a cocktail before heading back to the airport.

You can catch a flight with Ryanair at 8.40pm and land back in the UK at 9.35pm.

– Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Dublin

Hopping over to Dublin for a day has got to be as easy as it gets when it comes to booking a cheeky 24-hour day trip.

Flights are super cheap and frequent with Ryanair, as little as £15 one-way from Stansted or £16 from Manchester.

The 1hr25 minute flight from London goes so fast that cabin crew barely have time to push the trolley down the aisle before you’ve landed.

Once you’re there and ready to begin sightseeing, the city is bursting with things to see and do – a lot of which are free.

Stroll through Trinity College to admire its historic campus, which is also home to the Book of Kells – the famous 9th century manuscript.

If you’ve never done Temple Bar, you’ve got to make a pit stop to grab a pint in the iconic Dublin pub (just one though – drinks are much cheaper if you walk a few blocks away!)

And to get away from the touristy spots, hop on a DART train to Dublin’s seaside spots, like Howth or Sandycove, for beautiful rugged coastlines with breath-taking walks and popular swimming spots.

But my absolute favourite thing to do in Dublin is grab a cheap bag of oats from Dunnes, and head to Stephen’s Green to feed the friendly swans and ducks that roam the winding river.

And if you’re on the first flight out and last one back of the day – there’s no reason why you couldn’t tick all of these off in one go!

– Travel Writer, Jenna Stevens

Wimereux

I first travelled to Wimereux, a seaside town 30 minutes drive from Calais on the Opal Coast when I was 20 years old with my mum. 

She travels on the Channel Tunnel to France every year to stock up on her favourite items from French supermarkets, then heads over to Wimereux for some beach time and a delicious dinner. 

Two decades on, it is still one of my favourite places to visit in France. 

The promenade along the seafront is quaint and distinctly French – we sun ourselves and have a glass of wine before hopping back in the car home.

– Head of Travel – Digital, Caroline McGuire

Tirana

The capital of Albania, Tirana, is a destination to watch.

With super cheap flights and everything being affordable once you get there, it is a great option for an extreme day trip.

It takes just under three hours to get there, so I opted to get an early morning flight to maximise my day in the city.

Once you arrive at the airport, there are coaches outside that cost a couple of quid and take you direct to the city, which is about half an hour away. 

After hopping off of the coach, you will be in the middle of the city and all the top things to see and do are within walking distance. 

In Skanderbeg Square, the main plaza of the city, you are able to see some fascinating architecture.

Tirana has a real mix of buildings, including mosques, Soviet buildings and traditional villas.

– Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

WITH so much choice out there, booking an affordable holiday can feel like a mammoth task.

When is the cheapest time to fly? How do you avoid paying for hand luggage? Is there a way to eat on the cheap? So we’ve spoken to our team of travel experts, with thousands of miles racked up between them each year, for their top tips.

We’ve covered it all, from flights and hotels, to cruise trips and package holidays.

Here are the 50 best tips, according to the Sun’s award-winning Travel team.

Booking your holidays

1. Book as a package instead of separately

While it may be tempting to go for those budget flights and cheap hotel, it might still end up costing you more than a package holiday.

Not only can they often offer insane bargains – Loveholidays regularly have seven-night stays in Europe for under £150 each – but many include free transfers and luggage too.

2. Fly midweek

With so many options for flights these days, looking beyond the traditional weekend to weekend departures will often garner savings.

Instead of heading off on a Friday or Saturday, compare with the pricing for a mid-week flight – very often you’ll spend less on Tuesday or Wednesday departures.

3. Check holiday price matchers

A number of the big travel companies offer holiday price matching, like EasyJet Holidays, Thomas Cook and On The Beach.

For example, EasyJet Holidays guarantee to beat the price if you find the same holiday cheaper after booking with them.

Check the terms and conditions before booking, to make sure you understand exactly when they’ll shell out.

4. Turn on flight price checkers

Setting alerts is the key to this one.

If you’ve got a dream destination where the price of flights is way too high, then make sure to turn on notifications for price change on the likes of Google Flights or Skyscanner.

You can set it up so that you’ll get a message when the fares come down, and you can race to book them. 

5. Book your flights in incognito mode

Have you ever been browsing flights, gone back a few days later to look again – and the price has skyrocketed?

If so, then next time you open your browser to book your flights, you may want to hit ctrl+shift+N.

Browsing in incognito mode means that your browser can’t keep track of your cookies, so you’ll avoid those pesky last-minute price raises when you’re desperate to book.

6. Sign up for newsletters

Newsletter sign ups to companies like Which? VoucherCloud are great for saving money, as they flag a range of current restaurants and attractions offering money off.

You can also sign up to chains to get vouchers – Prezzo, Zizzi’s,and Pizza Express all offer deals to subscribers, like a free drink or money off the bill.

The app EatClub (free to download) is also excellent for getting money off the bill – restaurants and bars offer discounts to members for early bird and late slots, to get people through the door.

7. Book attractions online

It’s no secret that attractions cost more on the door. For example, if booked in advance, a day pass for Alton Towers is from £34pp, but the walk-up price is double that.

In some cases, the further in advance, the bigger the savings, so it pays to be organised.

Hotel and accommodation tips

8. Email your hotels for upgrades…

If you don’t ask, you don’t get! It’s always worth emailing your hotel to ask if they have a specific room upgrade.

Or even email the hotel saying you have found a deal online, and they will often either match it or throw in some freebies.

9 …Or remind them if its a special occasion

Don’t forget to tell hotels if it is a birthday or anniversary too, as they often provide small welcome gifts if they are made aware in advance.

Just don’t lie, as you don’t want to risk being caught out.

10. Skip the breakfast

If they’re not already included in the price, breakfast buffets are rarely worth shelling out on.

Instead, pack some cereal bars – they’re often just enough to carry you through until lunch and save you money on added breakfast charges.

11. Find new hotels for soft launches

If you want a luxury hotel stay without the price, look for ones that have just opened as they often offer discounts during their “soft launch”.

Keep an eye on lists of new hotels opening on sites like Hotel News Resource, and be proactive by contacting the reservation desk to ask for an introductory offer.

While this can mean they are not fully operational – for example, the spa may not be open yet – you can still enjoy a five-star on a budget.

12. Work for your board

Sign up to a site like Trusted Housesitters and look after someone’s pet in exchange for free board at their home while they are away.

The website lets people find house and pet sitters for when they are away from home and has listings all over the world, from the Caribbean to Costa Rica, New York and London.

13. Try a hostel with private rooms

Hostels are one of the best and easiest ways to feel like you are clawing your money back.

And don’t worry – these days, they aren’t just for backpackers, with brands like Generator Hostels offering a very boutique feel in city centre locations.

Many have private rooms, which cost far less than a hotel as you may have to share a bathroom.

14. Consider house swapping

If your home is fit to be seen by strangers, and you’re not too OCD about your possessions, then consider listing your property on a house-swapping site.

Website HomeExchange, where you swap homes with someone else around the world, has seen a boom in UK properties signing up – members have to verify their identity and address and build profiles including reviews for security purposes.

You could find yourself in Paris, New York or even Hawaii without having to splash the cash on a hotel or Airbnb.

15. Check the hotel freebies…

Depending on where you are staying, there will usually be some freebies for you to use – and not just shampoo and conditioner.

Some will go even further with a toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, shower cap, earbuds, makeup remover pads and so on.

To find out what is in your room, check the website of where you are staying and look at the reviews, by searching for key words like ‘razor’ or ‘shower cap’.

Quite often reception will also have a selection of items that they will provide if you have forgotten something, too.

16. Check for free hotel perks

Before you choose you hotel, check if they have any additional perks.

For example, some will operate a free shuttle service to popular tourist destinations, while others might hold a daily cheese and wine service in the later afternoon that is complimentary for guests.

17. Sign up for hotel loyalty programmes

With some hotel chains like Ibis and Hilton, if you have a member account – which is usually free to set up – you will get exclusive offers and discounts.

For example, I recently stayed at Ibis London Luton Hotel and because I am a member, I saved around £10 on my booking.

18. Find hotels with free waterpark entry

Next time you are looking for that all-singing, all-dancing hotel resort abroad, try and find one that includes waterpark entry.

This can quickly rack up if you are paying for entry for all of you, and lots of parks have deals with nearby attractions.

When on holiday

19. Avoid overpriced essentials abroad

Don’t skimp out on packing important toiletries (for example, shampoo and ESPECIALLY suncream), as resort towns know you’ll need them – so often sell the basics for a very ridiculously high prices.

20. Find free tours

Once you’ve chosen your destination, it’s always worth searching online for free tours.

Check sites like Freetour, GuruWalk, Walkative as well as Londonwithalocal.

While there is no upfront cost or booking fee, you are expected to tip your guide at the end based on your satisfaction with the tour.

21. Visit museums on first Sundays of the month…

Most European cities have free entry to museums and art galleries on certain days.

This is commonly on the first Sunday of every month, so time your weekend break then to get some free tickets.

22. … Or book closing-hour tickets

Other attractions may offer free tickets an hour before they close, although these are often booked up quickly.

For example, in Seville, both the Royal Alcazar Palace and Seville Cathedral have limited free tickets for the final hours.

23. Secret boarding pass discounts

Never throw away your boarding pass as it can get you discounts on the ground.

Emirates and Etihad Airways passengers can get discounts at shopping centres and theme parks in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, respectively, while Turkish Airlines has discounts at hotels.

24. Make the most of city passes

If you’re looking to do a lot of sightseeing on a city break, it’s always worth checking out any city passes on offer.

For a set fee, you’ll get entry to all the main attractions, plus many also offer free or subsidised travel and discounts on food and drink.

In some cases you might even get skip-the-line access, which will save time during city exploration too.

In London, the London Pass (from £79) offers up to 50 per cent off attractions, while in Lisbon, the Lisboa Card (from £27) lets you queue jump as your card is actually your ticket.

25. Use food waste apps

We swear by Too Good To Go which is an app that sells leftover food from restaurants and shops, ranging from £3 to £10.

Once our Assistant Travel Editor Sophie was in New York with her sister, and she spent just a few bucks on a bag of food before her flight using the app, with pasta, salad, potatoes, couscous and more from a local deli.

26. Grab an eSIM to avoid roaming charges

There’s nothing worse than using your phone abroad, only to be surprised by a massive phone bill when you arrive home.

Rather than paying for an expensive monthly add-on that you’re not even sure will cover all of your travels, you’re often better of downloading an eSim from an app such as Airalo for the specific country you’re visiting.

27. Always ask for tap water (if it’s safe)

Perhaps the most simple one out there is just to ask for tap water in restaurants.

If you ask for still water, you might end up paying for bottled water.

Just make sure it is safe to drink the tap water of the country you are in.

28. Head to designer dupe markets

If you’re not too fussed about having real designer bags or sunglasses, then you can probably find some great dupes on holiday.

Fair enough, they won’t be of the same high quality – but they also won’t be the same high price either.

Some of the best-known are Laleli Market in Istanbul, Pratunam Market in Bangkok and Costa Adeje Market in Tenerife.

29. Find a local carpool

BlaBlaCar is a carpooling platform that helps travellers across Europe, by connecting their with car drivers.

Drivers offer space in their car in exchange for petrol money – so you’re saving the environment and your cash.

All things money

30. Check the discount sites

Discount sites aren’t just for students… There are loads out there to use with real discounts, not fake voucher codes.

For example, students can use Student Beans or Unidays, but so can graduates. If you work for the NHS, you can use the Blue Light discount. And many employers offer discount sites as a work perk.

These sites often have hundreds of companies giving them discounts, from transport to accommodation and from restaurants to things to do – it is always worth checking them out before booking something.

31. Use cashback sites

Cashback websites are an easy way to get some free money on a holiday you are booking.

Some examples include 3.75 per cent cashback on an easyJet holidays (working out to £11 back on a £300 trip) or hotels.com, which gives you seven per cent back (£14 if you book a hotel for two nights at £200).

32. Buy your travel money before you go

Never, ever buy your travel money at the airport – the fees charged and rates you’ll get are always going to be the worst.

Compare foreign exchange providers before you go and have the money either delivered to your house or pick it up and you could make significant savings.

33. Pay in local currency

When the cash machine asks if you want to pay in local currency or pounds, you always go with local.

This is because the conversion rate is always better than your banks’, so it will save you money.

34. Find no foreign fee cards

Don’t fall victim to foreign card fees, with some credit cards charging as much as £2.99 per transaction.

Many like Starling, Revolut and Monzo all have no fees for using cards abroad, as well as banks like First Direct.

Airport hacks

35. Ditch the pricey plane food

For shorter flights, it makes no sense to shell out on expensive sarnies and snacks.

For both kids and grown-ups, pack a Pot Noodle and ask the flight attendant for hot water – they are nearly always happy to oblige if you ask nicely.

36. Try a different airport

You can often make significant savings by choosing to fly from an airport a little further from your home.

This is particularly the case for those living in the north of the country, who can take advantage of the fact that fares from Scottish airports will be less if you travel in the summer, when Scottish school holidays are much earlier than English ones.

37. Check in before you fly

It sounds super simple, but make sure to check in to your flight before you get to the airport, especially if you are flying with a budget airline.

Wizz Air, for example, will only let you check in 24 hours before your flight, but check in then closes three hours before your flight.

If you check in at the airport, you might pay a premium of over £30. 

38. Avoid paying for luggage at the airport…

One of the biggest costs to your holiday can be buying your luggage at the airport, which can be as much as £80 each way.

Make sure to always check the airline rules, and to weigh your bag before heading there so you aren’t caught out.

39. …Or never check it in at all

If you are a light packer, try to skip the checked luggage entirely.

Most weekend breaks can easily fit into an underseat bag, while a week-long trip can easily be a carry on.

Compression packing cubes are excellent for saving space in a bag, and try to bring items of clothing that will work for multiple activities.

For instance, our Deputy Travel Editor swears by these sandals that only cost £21, and are the only pair of shoes that she needs to take on holiday.

40. Make use of the duty free bag

Let’s just say that sometimes when I grab a bottle of water in a shopping bag post-security at the airport, it’s not because I’m thirsty.

There’s often plenty of extra room in that duty-free bag…that big jacket you’ve been sweating in? It may just find a nice home in a duty-free plastic bag.

41. Walk a block to get cheaper taxis

If you walk straight out of the airport to the taxi rank, just know that you’ll likely be paying some of the highest prices for a transfer possible.

Next time, walk a few blocks away from the airport with your luggage, download the country’s local taxi app, and call yourself a cab from a bit further away.

Car hire and train travel tricks

42. Bring your own carseat

Hiring a basic booster seat for your child can be astronomical at car hire companies on holiday, with some asking for up for £10 a day.

Instead, buy an inflatable one that can fit in your hand luggage, or the clever booster seat backpacks that are now on the market.

You’ll make your money back in just one trip.

43. Book your car hire excess waiver separately

You can buy excess car hire polices in the UK at much cheaper prices.

Should you have an accident, it protects the no claims bonus and means you aren’t faced with a huge bill.

They are accepted by every reputable car hire company; if they try to convince you that you can’t use it and you have to buy theirs, that is wrong. 

There are some very high-pressure selling techniques around so be strong.

It will save you a lot in the long run and annual policies mean if you are going to be hiring cars abroad more than once you’re saving even more.

44. Wait two weeks before your arrive to book cars

Research from TravelSupermarket found that the sweet spot for booking cheap car hire at around two weeks before your holiday.

The worst time to book your car hire is a full year in advance, with average daily prices reaching £93.12 – an extortionate rate compared with the average of £46.75 per day when booked at around the two-week mark.

45. Eurostar snap

Did you know you can get up to half price Eurostar tickets outside of sale season?

Eurostar Snap lets you book last minute tickets just 14 days before travel, where you choose between morning or afternoon slots.

Then 48 hours before, you are told your exact time – and save up to 50 per cent on your ticket.

46. Bid for better train seats

Seatfrog is a useful app that partners with train companies to offer upgrades to first class by auction.

So let’s say you bought a standard class ticket, but decided you want to upgrade, you can bid for a first class seat on your journey and usually secure it for less than a first class ticket in the first place.

You can also swap train times on Seatfrog, and find discounted tickets. 

47. Find the right railcard

There are loads of different railcards out there and you might be eligible.

For example, there are 16-17 saver cards, which get 16 and 17-year-olds 50 per cent off travel, while railcards for 18-25-year-olds and 26-30-year-olds can get a Railcard save up to a third on travel prices, along with a senior railcard does the same.

There is also a Family and Friends Railcard and a clever Two Together Railcard, which allows two adults traveling together to get a third off their joint rail fares.

There are a number of regional options to look out for, too.  

Cruise hacks

48. Don’t book cruise excursions through the ship

You’ll find them for much better prices if you book them independently – check out local sites for the city you’re stopping at, or visit shoreexcusionsgroup.com.

49. Get cheaper spa treatments on cruise port days

Not all cruisers know that spa treatments onboard are cheaper on port days.

This is because most people are off the ship exploring, whereas during an at sea day, there will be higher demand.

For example, when I went on a Virgin Voyage, some spa treatments cost up to £60 less on port days compared to at sea days.

50. Go for the drinks packages

If you are planning on a boozy cruise holiday, a drinks package could save you a hell of a lot.

For example, Princess Cruises offer a drinks package for $64.99 (£50) which includes unlimited wine, cocktails and soft drinks – so you only need a few coffees and cocktails before you have made your money back.

WHILE the idea of white sand beaches and hot weather can be tempting, they can often come with a downside – the jet lag.

But long haul doesn’t have to be stressful, nor expensive.

In fact, you can book a luxurious long haul holiday for much less than you think with these underrated destinations.

We’ve rounded up our top 5 long haul destinations to book for 2026 – with everything from penguin beaches to lavish beach clubs.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

If you’re dreaming of sugar-white beaches, turquoise waters and palm tree-lined sunsets, Zanzibar is your new best friend.

The region in Tanzania makes for a heavenly beach holiday – without the price tag of the Maldives or Mauritius.

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You can laze on luxurious beaches with glass waters like Kendwa or Bwejuu Beach, explore the historic Stone Town, or even meet giant tortoises on Changuu Island.

Direct flights from the UK mean that you can swap British cold drizzly weather for island paradise in under ten hours.

Plus, Zanzibar is only three hours ahead of UK time – meaning that you can enjoy your time away without wasting your days catching up on sleep.

In fact, this tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean makes for one of the most affordable luxury-style holidays.

TUI have some affordable all-inclusive options, with a 7-night stay at the 5-star LUX* Marijani Zanzibar from £1,319 per person.

It’s the kind of exotic escape you’ll want to experience yourself before everyone else catches on.

Cape Verde

If you want long-haul vibes without a hugely long-haul flight, Cape Verde nails it.

It’s a six hour flight from the UK to Cape Verde, and the islands are only one hour ahead of GMT.

Cape Verde is known for its sweeping golden sands and dramatic volcano backdrops.

Days melt away with ocean dips, rum cocktails and beachside barbeques.

And if you’re into something more energetic, there’s plenty of kite surfing, scuba diving and sandboarding spots dotted around the islands.

Spend your days dolphin-spotting, snorkelling, or exploring the Blue Eye of Buracona for neon blue water that doesn’t look real.

Sal is the go-to spot for beach bars, swimming bays and watersports galore.

Whilst laid back Boa Vista and Maio are where you’ll find chilled all-inclusive resorts.

Long-haul flights to Cape Verde are pretty affordable – with easyJet offering return flights from £130.

Doha, Qatar

If you’re looking for 5-star style hospitality without blowing your holiday budget, Qatar is the ultimate choice.

Just over 6 hours from the UK, this Middle Eastern hotspot has skyscraper cityscapes and glam hotels at a price that’ll make you do a double-take.

There’s sleek beach clubs like Bagatelle and Doha Sands if you want to live out your best life on Instagram.

Or there’s desert safaris, quad-biking and camel rides from £17 on sites like Get Your Guide.

Mornings here are best spent wandering the souks for traditional souvenirs, and evenings are for dining under the glittering skyline.

But the best part are the luxury-feel hotels that come with signature Qatari hospitality, for prices that won’t dent your bank account like in Dubai.

Loveholidays stay at Hampton By Hilton Doha Old Town for £499 per person for 7 nights – with flights, hotel and breakfast included.

Cape Town, South Africa

Picture an affordable long-haul getaway and Cape Town might not immediately come to mind – but this iconic city will seriously surprise you.

Once you land from the 11 hour flight, Cape Town is only 2 hours ahead of time from the UK.

And the South African city is packed with affordable things to do.

You can pack your days with activities like hiking Table Mountain or penguin-spotting at Boulders Beach.

Plus the Malay neighbourhood Bo-Kaap is well worth a visit with its cobbled streets, colourful houses and mountain backdrop.

At dinner time, take your pick from fine-dining Waterfront restaurants that won’t break the bank, and sip on world-class wine for the price of a latte in London.

Lastminute.com offer a 6-night stay at Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel in Cape Town from £925pp inc. flights.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Egypt‘s Sharm El Sheikh is one of the greats when it comes to affordable long-haul all inclusives.

Sharm El Sheikh is only 2 hours ahead of GMT, meaning that you’ll get the far-flung holiday feel without the jet lag.

Just over five hours from the UK, this Red Sea resort city offers year-round sun, warm waters and impressive hotels.

Think palm-lined pools, private beaches and spa days that feel 5-star for the price of a short-haul stay.

And if you can drag yourself away from your poolside lounger, there’s reef snorkelling, lantern-lit markets and plenty of boat rides to enjoy.

Naama Bay is lively with bars and waterfront buzz, whilst Habada and Sharks Bay offer calmer stays with powder-soft sands on your doorstep.

On The Beach offers a week’s holiday at the family-friendly, 5-star rated Parrotel Lagoon Resort in Sharm El Sheikh for £460 per person.

ONE little-known holiday park has scooped up two awards for its accommodation and it’s right next to a UK theme park.

Sundown Adventureland is a popular spot for families with over 30 rides and attractions as well as a huge soft play – and the adjoining holiday village is now award-winning.

Wild Acre Village in Retford won two awards at the recent Hoseasons’ Diamond Awards.

The accommodation came first place in the categories ‘Best in Britain – Holiday Park’ and ‘Relax & Explore – Heart of England – Small Park’.

Winners were chosen using reviews and ratings from Hoseasons’ own customers, who share their views after their visits.

Debs Griffin, director at Sundown Adventureland said: “When we opened the lodges, we knew there would be a demand for staying overnight at Sundown Adventureland.

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“But we never could’ve anticipated that three years on, we would be consistently fully booked with so many of our customers returning for repeat visits.

“Offering families a good value, very clean, comfortable and entertaining stay has been central to the success of Wild Acre Village, and our team works extremely hard to ensure every guest has a memorable stay, wants to keep coming back and laps up the magic and exciting nature of Sundown Adventureland.”

While Sundown Adventureland first opened its doors in 1968, Wild Acre Village just three years ago in 2022.

The self-accommodation style village was built after feedback from visitors who said they couldn’t fit all their exploring into one day.

As Sundown Adventureland is catered towards families with children 10 years old and under – the accommodation is too.

There are single cabins which sleep five people with a king-size bed for the adults and triple bunk beds for the kids.

Double cabins can sleep ten people and are ideal for multiple generations holidaying together with interconnecting doors.

Each cabin and lodge has a living and dining area, bathroom and well-equipped kitchen.

There are outdoor patio areas with picnic benches and disposable BBQ stand – some even have hot tubs.

Currently, Wild Acre Village has offers from £299 for a three-night break, which includes free park tickets for guests.

Over at Sundown Adventureland, families can enjoy over 30 rides and attractions that are specially designed for younger children.

It also has a huge soft play area called Crash Landings which is jungle-themed and over four storeys high.

Inside there’s also a newly extended cafe with hot food, snacks and drinks.

Rides include the Giddy Piggies to the Jolly Pirate Boat Ride to Robin Hood’s Merry Adventure.

The Lillipoppet Castle is a huge, sweet-inspired castle with an ice cream centrepiece, and it even smells of liquorice.

Storybook Village is based on popular fairytales like Humpty Dumpty and the Three Little Pigs.

Across the theme park are eight themed play areas like Shotgun City, a wild west town with a traditional saloon and an animatronic sing-song show.

Here’s the English theme park with world-first rides crowned best in the UK…

ThemeParks-UK.com announced the winners of this year’s best parks around the country with this one scooping up awards across 10 categories…

The theme park in question is Paultons Park which has over 70 rides and attractions, as well as Peppa Pig World.

Found in Hampshire just outside of the New Forest, the theme park has nine Peppa-themed rides as well as rollercoasters, splash parks and even an animal park.

At the recent UK Theme Park Awards 2025, Paultons Park was crowned Theme Park of the Year beating the likes of Thorpe Park and Legoland.

Not only that, but it also scooped up nine other awards including Best New Attraction for Ghostly Manor.

It also topped the two categories for Best Theme Park for Families and Best Theme Park for Toddlers.

Next year, the theme park will open a new land called Valgard – Realm of the Vikings.

It will be a viking-themed world with the park’s first inverting rollercoaster, called Drakon.

Drakon will be the park’s most thrilling ride with a vertical lift hill and two twists taking riders upside down.

Also in the Viking world will be the Vild Swing that swirls riders 12 metres in the air, two brand new thrill rides, retheming of Cobra – a famous ride at Paultons Park, into a bobsled adventure.

For more on family fun, here are six UK theme parks that you can easily reach by train – and how to find the cheapest fares.

Plus, hear more from one travel writer who went to one of Europe’s biggest theme parks with more than 40 attractions and record-breaking rollercoasters.

THE Canary Islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits with Tenerife and Gran Canaria being some of the most well-known.

However, there’s one island that most won’t have visited or perhaps even heard of with ragged coastlines, black sand beaches and natural pools.

Unlike its neighbours, the island of El Hierro offers a peaceful, nature-filled break rather than one for parties and cheap bars.

Off the coast of the island are diving reserves, natural pools and further inland, you can hike up volcanic trails.

The island will be much less busy than the other Canary Islands too as it only gets between 20,000 to 30,000 visitors each year.

In comparison, Tenerife attractions around 7million tourists each year, while Gran Canaria welcomes around 4.7million.

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As Brits we often seek out sun, and El Hierro is sunny and warm for most of the year as it sits on the Morocco-Western Sahara border.

Temperatures tend not to dip below 15C and in January it can be as hot as 20C – in comparison it tends to sit between 3-6C in the UK.

Timon van Basten has lived in Spain for the last five years and works as a tour guide in the country and he recommends a trip to El Hierro.

Timon told Euro News: “The tiny, remote island has an end-of-the-world vibe with lava flows, volcanic craters, and lush cliffs plunging into the Atlantic.

“Explore at your own pace, with quaint towns, secluded beaches, and tranquil hiking trails to discover.”

When it comes to popular attractions on the island, a top one is the El Tamaduste Pool.

It’s a natural swimming pool in a sheltered bay in the village of Tamaduste.

Visitors can take a dip in the pool while being protected by the strong sea waves. Aside from swimming, visitors can also enjoy water sports like diving or paddle boarding.

Another natural pool is Charco Azul which is one of the most famous and sits on the north of the island with a huge rock acting as the barrier between the pool and the sea.

Another is the viewpoint called Mirador de la Peña which overlooks a huge landslide valley with views across the sweeping coastline.

Of course there are plenty of beaches, some of the most popular are  Playa de Tacorón, which is ideal for families.

There’s also Playa del Verodal, the largest beach the island which has incredible sunset views, but not so good for swimming due to strong currents.

There aren’t any white or golden sandy beaches on the island because of volcanic activity.

El Hierro’s sands are rich in iron, causing it to turn red, and the black granules are created from volcanic glass.

Cala de Tacorón beach is the hidden gem of the island with soft red sands and as it’s in a cove, has much calmer waves.

If you fancy getting a souvenir, there are stalls and street markets dotted around El Hierro where you can buy jewellery, homemade gifts, as well as locally produced honey, wines and cheeses.

To get to El Hierro from the UK, you’ll need to fly to another Canary Island like Tenerife or Gran Canaria and take a connecting flight.

From Tenerife to the neighbouring island, flights take just 40-minutes, or 55-minutes from Gran Canaria.

Another option is to take a connecting ferry which from Tenerife takes just over two hours.

Here’s why one man loves the Canary Islands from award-winning restaurants to its beautiful beaches…

One man who has visited over 100 countries reveals that the one place he always goes back to is the Canary Islands…

Robin McKelvie said: “Having first visited the Canary Islands in Spain back in 1998, I’ve been back at least once a year on holiday.

“It’s the world’s most varied archipelago – on Tenerife alone you can party at the world’s second biggest carnival, bash around the world’s best waterpark (Siam Park) and climb a mountain almost three times higher than Britain’s Ben Nevis.

“La Graciosa could be on a different planet. There are no tarmac roads, nevermind an airport.

“It’s a brilliant escape from the modern world, hiking and
cycling around rough tracks, up volcanoes and out to windswept beaches.

“You can still tuck into British comfort food across the resorts, but there is far more to savour today. Lanzarote and Gran Canaria boast Michelin star restaurants and foodies flock to Tenerife to dine at eight Michelin star restaurants.

“Tenerife boasts more Michelin stars than Wales and the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort has more stars than any hotel in Spain with four. And Tenerife just keeps winning stars. This year Il Bocconcino snared a star.

“Tenerife is not my favourite island for beaches – I prefer the third largest isle, Fuerteventura.

“The Parque Natural de Corralejo boasts mile upon mile of Sahara-esque dunes and gorgeous beaches.

“It’s just south of Corralejo, a resort popular with Brits and is
easily my favourite Canarian resort.”

For more on the best European islands for winter sun – here are all the best hidden spots on Fuerteventura that only locals know about.

And here are the best secret beaches, cheap bars serving €2 pints and hidden gems in Tenerife – as revealed by locals.

IF you’re off on a £9.50 Holiday with the family to Sussex, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s plenty to keep your whole crew entertained.

Of course, you can easily spend your time on the beaches, which don’t cost a penny to visit.

West Wittering, Brighton Beach and Camber Sands are among the top-rated beaches for families.

But if the weather doesn’t play ball, or if you’ve already had your fill of sandcastle building, then there’s a whole raft of family-friendly activities near your holiday park by the coast.

Maybe the arcades and fun fair rides of Brighton Palace Pier are calling you, or perhaps it’s the animals and all-ages play areas at the top-rated Drusillas Park. 

We’ve chatted to local experts and Sun readers who have already enjoyed a £9.50 Holiday in Sussex to get their top tips on the family attractions that are worth visiting. 

From thrilling water parks to pirate festivals, here’s what they recommend… 

Make a splash

If you have older kids in tow, why not let them burn off steam with something that will really get their adrenaline pumping?

Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park recommends Rye Water Sports.

She said: “It’s an action water park that’s really close to us. They have a variety of water sports, like sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.”

The location will also put parents’ minds at ease – lessons take place on a safe inland lake between Rye and Camber Sands.

The centre runs everything from board hire (from £20) to holiday clubs for children aged eight to 15 (one day from £85 including sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding).

Meanwhile, in West Sussex, Chichester Watersports has an aqua park, complete with inflatable slides and jumps in the water. Suitable from age seven, a 50-minute session costs £20. 

Get on your bike

For something that will burn energy without burning a hole in your pocket, head to one of the brilliant cycle paths in Sussex.

If you have your own bike, they are also completely free to explore, and the traffic-free terrain also works well for families with prams.

The South Coast East route takes you along the seafront – you could start at Worthing and extend it to Shoreham, Lancing or Brighton depending on how far you want to go.

Alternatively, start at Shoreham-by-Sea and head inland past woods, streams and rivers on the Downs Link.

For a quick trip, you can hire a Donkey Bike via the app (from £1.80 for 30 minutes), or try Riverside South Downs who rent bikes from £20 for two hours.

Meet pirates in Hastings 

Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, recommends visiting Hastings during the annual Pirate Festival.

She said: “Hastings is brilliant for live music, with lots of events on the seafront like the pirate festival.

“It’s very popular, and you can pop into one of the nice pubs along the front – the best are located in the Old Town like The Crown and Ye Old Pumphouse.

“Some of the pirate events happen in these pubs like live music and themed roast dinners.”

Hastings Pirate Weekend is packed with family-friendly activities, like a treasure hunt, free kids’ tattoos and craft workshops.

To learn more about pirates, head to The Shipwreck Museum. It’s free to enter and kids will love touching artefacts from many ships wrecked in the English Channel.

Spark their curiosity

Museums don’t have to be boring – especially if they have children’s activities on tap. Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham recommends The Novium Museum for families.

Built on top of the remains of a Roman bathhouse in Chichester, it’s free to enter (though donations are welcome) and has oodles to make learning fun, such as hands-on workshops about everything from the Stone Ages to the Saxons.

Kids can try on costumes, handle real artefacts and even join in organised sleepovers at the museums, complete with torchlit treasure hunts and bedtime stories.

Sue said: “There are also brilliant children’s activities at the Aldingbourne Country Centre and Pallant House Gallery.”

Ride the railways

There’s nothing like a train ride to keep the kids entertained.

And there’s a whole host of options near your £9.50 Holiday in Sussex.

Sue Mercer recommends taking the kids to Hotham Park in Bognor Regis, which has a miniature railway, plus a boating lake, crazy golf and Alice in Wonderland wooden sculptures.

Meanwhile, in East Sussex, take the family for a ride on a railway that’s been in use for over 100 years, the Kent and East Sussex Railway (£53 for a family of four).

WITH its wide open beaches, vibrant seaside towns and cathedral-studded cities, Lincolnshire makes for a perfect UK getaway.

Add to that brilliant food and drink options, incredible natural wonders and family-friendly attractions, and it’s no wonder the East Midlands county is one of the top destinations for 9.50 holidaymakers.

In fact, there are so many great places to explore near your £9.50 Holiday park that the hardest question will be: where to visit first?

The coast is unmissable. Long, sandy beaches ripple for more than 50 miles along the eastern shore of England from the Humber to the Wash.

Seaside towns like Mablethorpe, Skegness, Cleethorpes and Ingoldmells are consistently highly rated and hark back to traditional bucket-and-spade holidays.

Expect quintessentially British promenades, piers and arcades as well as super-clean beaches that have earned Blue Flag Award status.

Here you can find everything from the thrilling rides of Fantasy Island to family-friendly land trains and more.

But you’ll also find secret beaches if you prefer – head somewhere like Anderby Creek for beach fun without the crowds.

If it’s nature you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Lincolnshire.

Again, the coast is a good place to start, with its landscape of sand dunes, open marshland and protected nature reserves like the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park and Gibraltar Point.

You can also spot seals at Donna Nook, one of the UK’s largest grey seal colonies, and learn more about them and other marine life at Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre.

If you prefer your wildlife-watching somewhere cosy with a cuppa, the North Sea Observatory is free to enter and makes for a brilliant wet weather option, too. 

Keen to dabble in history? Then Lincoln Castle, around an hour’s drive from the coast, should be top of your list.

It contains one of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, as well as having medieval walls, dungeons and towers to explore.

While in the city, you can soak up more history at the Cathedral or swing by Louth with its historic market. 

It may be the birthplace of the Lincolnshire sausage, but there’s far more to this county on a culinary level.

Of course, you’ll find a decent carvery like The Beck in Mablethorpe and budget-friendly cafes like Cosy Corner Cafe in Skegness.

But there are also cafes with quirky touches you won’t find elsewhere, like the 1940s-style Blitz Tea Room.

Top chippies are hard to whittle down in this part of the world, but good places to start include Salts Fish & Chip Shop in Skegness and The Marina Fish & Chips in Chapel St Leonards.

Meanwhile, Hardys Fish & Chips and Meggies, both in Cleethorpes, are also highly rated chip shops – with prices that won’t break the bank.

A top tip for a pint on the beach is to make for somewhere like the Admiral Benbow, which has a bar in a boat on the sand at Chapel St Leonards. 

For families seeking a day out, there’s everything from seal sanctuaries and wildlife parks to explore.

Hubbard’s Hills is a good budget option, costing just £1 to park before you access picnic areas, dog walking trails and a cafe with a play area.

Meanwhile, Rand Farm Park not only offers indoor and outdoor play areas and a variety of animals to meet and help feed, it also offers childcare should you need some time to yourself on your holiday (book ahead).

EVERY family hopes for a stress-free holiday and this hotel gives you the best chance of that.

From kids clubs to complimentary baby equipment, a hotel in the Algarve has incredible children’s facilities not to mention beautiful nearby beaches.

The Telegraph named the Martinhal Sagres as being the hotel that’s ‘Best for Families’ in its world’s 50 greatest hotels.

The publication said that one reason is thanks to the staff who “set up colouring stations to allow parents to finish their food peacefully to playing football with junior guests on the beach.”

The hotel states on its website that “everything about Martinhal Sagres is designed with families in mind. Stylish and design-oriented.

“Martinhal Sagres offers families a luxury beach holiday experience with high-class family-friendly accommodation, restaurants and bars, kids’ and leisure services to suit the needs of each family member.”

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The hotel even offers family and baby concierges which give personal assistance for families and their little ones.

With them you can get expert advice on childcare and family-friendly activities.

You can also pre-book complimentary baby equipment – from small items like door protectors, potties, bottle sterilizers and warmers, to cots, baby baths and pushchairs.

The hotel has its own crèche for children between six and 23 months which has activities like hand and foot painting.

Raposinhos is a club for two to five-year-olds with story time, puppet shows as well as arts and crafts – and time outside in the playground and on tricycles.

The Fox Club is for six to eight-year-olds where they can play football and play games outside, as well as explore the small on-site forest.

Other leisure activities that children can join in with include horse riding, tennis or head to the watersport academy for fun on inflatables.

Other facilities include a spa, gym, heated indoor pool, games room with play corners, pool table, Xbox and PlayStation.

Outside of the hotel are plenty of the Algarve’s beaches, the nearest being Praia do Martinhal.

When it comes to food, there’s a family-friendly restaurant called Quinta do Lago which has a special children’s menu and fresh purees for babies.

Accommodation varies from a stay in one of the main hotel rooms, as well as houses with two or three bedrooms all the way up to its luxury villas.

It even has a ‘Baby’s First Holiday package’ which is four nights in a Beach Room or 1-bedroom apartment with breakfast included.

It includes a baby welcome pack upon arrival, a first water experience, one session in the crèche each day, a spa treatment for parents and a dinner where a hotel babysitter will take care of the little one.

This offer is €129 (£112.64) per adult per night for two adults and one baby (from 6 months up to 23 months).

This English hotel was named the best for families with ‘milk butlers’, film screenings and cookies at bedtime…

This plush hotel in the New Forest is every parent’s dream.

With lots of children’s activities and even complimentary daycare, it’s the ideal hotel for both kids and parents.

New Park Manor in Brockenhurst has everything for families to have fun, but also experience a relaxing break altogether.

It was even awarded the title of “best family-friendly hotel” by The Times in its 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK for 2025.

The hotel offers many ways for a family-friendly break including a “milk butler service”.

Front of house staff will prepare little ones a bottle of warm milk whether it’s day or night, and they get a choice of cow’s, soya, and oat milk.

What was described as a “game changer” is the complimentary time at the kids’ club.

The hotel offers all guests a free two hour session per night’s stay.

The Four Bears Den is an Ofsted-registered kids’ club within the hotel and has entertainment for children aged 3 months to 8 years.

Some adults even said they took the time away from their children to “sneak off to the spa” in their Tripadvisor review.

For adults, there’s a heated pool, steam room, spa and adults-only sun terrace with two outdoor hot tubs.

For more on the Algarve, check out what Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski, made of her trip – from where to eat to finding hidden coves.

Plus, discover the countryside spa hotel with outdoor hot tubs overlooking Highland cows.

A city in the UK has seen a rise in demand for holidays – and it is surprisingly affordable.

Despite its nickname the ‘Granite City‘ Aberdeen is filled with pretty shopping streets as well as sandy beaches.

Booking.com revealed it to be the biggest hotspot for UK travellers in 2025 with an increased search of 36 per cent – and it will no doubt continue to be visited next year.

Union Street was once used to connect medieval streets to the Scottish countryside, but now it’s filled with shops and restaurants and is close to the train station.

One writer who visited Aberdeen recommends heading to Thistle Street for boutique and trinket shops.

And you must try a buttery for breakfast – which is a crispy, flat, flaky pastry, rich in salt, and one great spot to pick one up is Ross Bakery on Chapel Street.

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Other impressive spots nearby include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, art gallery, Duthie Park and St Machar’s Cathedral.

Despite it being a big city, Aberdeen actually has very impressive beaches too and they are just 20 minutes away from the city centre if you walk – and even quicker by car.

If you’re lucky enough, there’s a chance of spotting a Bottlenose dolphin which live off the coast in the north east of Scotland.

Aberdeen Beach could soon get a new attraction too with a ‘play factory’ for kids and an outdoor performance area.

As part of a multi-million pound project called the ‘Beach Masterplan’, Aberdeen Beach is set to introduce a huge play area for kids called The Rope Factory, with images showing climbing structures, swings and slides.

There will be interactive displays as well as activities and events taking place at the park.

For places to stay, check out UK’s best value hotel which you’ll also find in Aberdeen.

Earlier this year, The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Scotland was crowned ‘the best ever we’ve ever stayed at’ by Which? thanks to its rock bottom prices.

The luxury Aberdeen hotel opened in 1993 and was given top praise, thanks to its value for money.

Which? sent in an undercover inspector to scope out the hotel, where they anonymously scouted out everything from cleanliness, to room quality, facilities, location, customer service and value for money.

The five-star hotel is found on the outskirts of Aberdeen and is a huge Victorian manor house.

Inside, the hotel has 40-rooms and suites, gym, an on-site spa and even a billiard room where guests can try their hand at snooker.

It has two restaurants, the Conservatory and the Drawing Room Bar and Lounge – both of which have over 300 wines and 100 whiskies.

Marcliffe impressed Which? with its “value”, “elegance” and “exceptional staff” as well as  “locally caught” food from langoustines to steak – the start from £25.

A stay in one of Marcliffe’s ‘classic’ rooms costs £180 per night.

For more on Scotland find out one man’s favourite of the 100 Scottish islands – and the ones that rival Skye.

Plus, Scotland’s most unmissable places according to a local – from lesser-known lochs to ‘magical’ islands.

A EUROPEAN city often overlooked as a summer holiday destination has been named a top place to travel in 2026.

Brussels is often visited as a Christmas destination, known for its huge markets across the city.

However, spring and summer are just as good, if not better, thanks to its amazing restaurant and bar scene, as well as as art scene.

CN Traveller named it as one of their Best Places to Go in 2026, alongside places such as Hong Kong and Australia.

They explained: “This often-overlooked European capital is having a cultural moment, signalling a shift from a bureaucratic hub to a creative powerhouse.”

This includes a number of new openings in the city, including the new The Standard hotel this year, as well as the Kanal-Centre Pompudiu next year, a factory turned exhibition space.

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I visited earlier this year, for a quick weekend trip to Europe.

It’s one of the easiest places to get to thanks to the Eurostar – taking under two hours, it is the second stop after Lille.

And it drops you right in the train station just south of the city, making it an easy walk or tram ride into town.

The first thing to do is grab a cup of coffee, and there are some fantastic spots in town.

My favourite was Wide Awake, a trendy stop with their own roasted beans and delicious snacks including kimchi croissants and walnut cookies.

Of course, tourist stops you need to make include Fritland – a chip shop serving up the best in town with a variety of dipping sauces – and Maison Dandoy, famous for their light and fluffy waffles.

A beautiful spot for photos is Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, one of the Europe‘s oldest shopping galleries.

Dating back to 1847, it was inspired by Italian palaces and Parisian gardens, and is now full of luxury shops and chocolatiers.

Yet head slightly out of town to Rue De Flandres, which was also named one of the coolest neighbourhoods by Time Out earlier this year.

They said it was a street that “captures the spirit of Brussels” adding: “It’s got all the charm – cobbled streets, crooked façades and centuries-old houses – but without the clichés.”

There’s photobooths tucked into shops – I grabbed a vintage one from Photomatique for a few euros.

Urban Therapie is where you can get some great shopping done, all selling independent brands.

And for food, I recommend Knees to Chin, a small Brussels chain restaurant selling Asian fusion food.

Or nearby is Nona Pizza and Nona Pasta, right next to each other and serving up Italian classics.

Make sure to have your cameras ready when wandering around town too, as the city is full of street art and murals.

There is even an official Street Art Trail, which you can find here to help you spot all 150.

Want to take some souvenirs home? One that is unique is the Jeanneke-pis boutique.

The ‘sister’ of the famous Mannekin Pis (the peeing boy), the boutique sells some unusual gifts including statues of the peeing girl herself.

But you can’t go wrong with some classic Belgium chocolates, and can barely walk without being tempted into a chocolatier by its smell.

My favourites include Neuhaus – also in the UK – as well as Mary and Elizabeth.

Some of my other recommendation include Wolf Food Market, an indoor food market with 17 restaurants and bars.

And for a glam stay, the Doubletree by Hilton Brussels City is beautiful (and don’t forget the free cookie at check in).

The Eurostar from London to Brussels takes just 1hr53, with tickets from £39 each way.

With two glorious beach-fringed coasts, a pair of national parks, plus quaint villages and vibrant cities, Devon is the ultimate staycation destination. 

This picturesque county – sandwiched between Cornwall to the west and Somerset and Dorset to the east – has everything you need for a fantastic holiday.

Fill your days by building sandcastles, walking the coastal path, trying various watersports, diving into fascinating history or simply embracing nature. 

So the hardest question on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday will be: where to visit first?

If there are keen surfers in your group, you’re in the right place. 

North Devon boasts some of the country’s best surf spots, such as Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton Sands, with companies like Surfing Croyde Bay and Woolacombe Surf Centre offering lessons and equipment hire. 

The more sheltered south coast also has a handful of spots to ride perfect waves, including Bantham, Bigbury-on-Sea and Challaborough Bay, and you can book classes with a provider such as Bantham Surfing Academy. 

If you still want in-water action but prefer something gentler, both North and South Devon are ideal for other water sports, such as bodyboarding, kayaking and canoeing. 

You can even add a splash of history, by hiring a paddleboard with an operator like Discovery Surf and then paddleboarding amidst the shipwrecks of Hope Cove in the south.

Or maybe you’re up for leaping into swirling seas near Baggy Point, a significant World War II site in Croyde, with a coasteering session from the likes of Coastline Sports. 

With over 500 miles of jaw-dropping coastline, you’re sure to find a sandy bay, hidden cove or private pebbly beach during your visit. 

Those looking to escape the crowds could head to Barricane Beach, which is more hidden than its more famous neighbour, Woolacombe.

In South Devon, you’ll get Ayrmer Cove and Wyscombe Beach almost to yourself, so long as you’re prepared to walk to get there.  

Families with prams, and wheelchair users, are able to roll straight onto Challaborough Beach, Bigbury-on-Sea and Saunton Sands – where bucket-and-spade perfection awaits. 

Meanwhile, dog walkers will never have to tread the same path twice, with miles of dog-friendly beaches, coastal paths and country trails to explore.

The Tarka Trail, a 180-mile traffic-free loop in North Devon, is a good place to start – and also works well for a family-friendly cycle ride with staggering sea views. 

When it’s time to refuel, Devon’s mainly rural cuisine will satisfy your taste buds. 

Think hot pasties, fresh fish and cheeses like Curworthy, Sharpham and Vulscombe – yum!

Harbour Light in Paignton, The Blue Hut in Teignmouth and Brixham Fish Restaurant & Takeaway are some of Devon’s best-rated fish and chips providers, while the award-winning Country Cottage Bakery in Bideford specialises in Devon-style pasties. 

No Devon holiday experience would be complete without a traditional cream tea.

Unlike in neighbouring Cornwall, here locals spread cream before jam on their scones, which are known as “Devonshire Splits” – with Someday Something in Sidmouth, Chandlers Cafe in Paignton and Ullacombe Farm in Newton Abbot all rated highly for theirs.

When it comes to natural and historic attractions, Devon is bursting to the seams. 

You could begin a deep dive into history at the 600-year-old Dartmouth Castle, or by meandering through the grounds of Saltram, a Georgian house and gardens in Plympton. 

There are also museums and galleries located near Devon’s holiday parks.

Family-friendly options in Plymouth include the top-rated National Marine Aquarium and The Box, an engaging art gallery that is free to enter. 

And you’ll never be too far from a natural attraction in Devon, with five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and two national parks (Dartmoor and Exmoor) to explore.

Bordering the coast, Exmoor is the UK’s first dark skies conservation area and offers everything from wildlife spotting to stunning walks, like the four-miler through rugged moorland to Speke’s Mill Mouth waterfall. 

Families may prefer to swap hiking for a relaxed steam train ride, with the Dartmouth Steam Railway a sure bet to keep kids happy while adults take in sweeping views of the South Devon coastline. 

To keep costs down, dads can head to free toddler play sessions, or you can simply build sandcastles on the beach.

Another wallet-friendly day out for families is the top-rated Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, where entry and parking are both free. 

IF you have a thirst for history and nature, Sussex is the place for you.

This county, which boasts around 140 miles of coastline, has sunny seaside resorts, the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs, country parks and wildlife-packed nature reserves.

It’s also loaded with history. The name Sussex is from the Saxon period, but its history goes back even further – just take a look at the Iron Age hillfort at Cissbury Ring or Boxgrove where the oldest human remains in Britain were discovered.

To find out which natural and historic attractions are worth visiting on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday, we spoke to Sun readers and local experts, and have suggested some of our own. 

Here’s our pick of the best…

Explore ancient forests 

Daniel Start, author of Wild Guide London and South England, recommends Kingley Vale, just north of Chichester in West Sussex.

It’s a nature reserve that’s home to one of Europe’s most ancient yew forests, with twisted trunks that have stood here for more than 500 years.

Daniel says: “These majestic, gnarled trees create an almost mythical atmosphere, their branches twisting skyward like ancient sentinels.

“Strolling through the groves is a journey through history, with some yews as old as the Norman conquest, sheltering a wealth of wildlife beneath their shade.”

As you explore, look out for various types of orchids on the ground and red kites and buzzards overhead. 

Pedal to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Home to more than 4,355 species of plants and animals, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is one of the country’s most important wildlife sites.

Spend the day watching them from one of five bird hides, before learning more in the Discovery Centre (or sipping a cuppa at the Lime Kiln Cafe).

You can reach it by public transport or car, but Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park, reckons the best way to get there is by electric bike.

She said: “It’s a more unusual way to get there. There’s e-bike hire at Rye Harbour and you can cycle all the way through the nature reserve to the beach. It’s a beautiful ride.”

Seal spotting 

Wildlife lovers can jump in a boat for a seal-watching adventure. Harbour seals are commonly spotted along the East Sussex coastline, while some large colonies of grey seals live off the West Sussex coast.

Chichester Harbour has a colony of more than 40 mixed seals, and you can cruise around the harbour in search of them on an organised trip with Chichester Harbour Water Tours (90 minutes from £25 per adult, £20 per child).

Meanwhile, in East Sussex, a one-hour seal safari boat trip from Rye Harbour costs £37pp.  

Castles and cathedrals

History lovers can get their fill on a whole host of historic attractions within easy reach of coastal holiday parks, including a number of famous castles.

East Sussex is home to Hastings Castle (Britain’s first Norman castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1067) and Camber Castle, a coastal fort built by Henry VIII (tip: it’s only accessible via a one-mile walk from Rye).

In West Sussex, you have Arundel Castle with its Norman Keep, medieval gatehouse and award-winning grounds that have plenty of space for kids to run off steam. 

Sun reader Clare Johnson, 52, from Brighton, recommends Chichester for “a mooch about”.

She said: “It’s got good shops, a theatre and an incredible cathedral.”

The 900-year-old Cathedral is free to enter (although donations are welcome) and should also be top of your list.

Admire its stunning stained glass windows and look out for the Roman mosaic floor, uncovered during renovations 50 years ago.

Tip: to discover more, book a guided tour (£6pp, free for under-12s) – they run at 11.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Saturday and take around 45 minutes.

Step inside Anne of Cleves’ house

Get a glimpse of Tudor and Elizabethan life by stepping inside the Anne of Cleves House in Lewes, not far from the coast in East Sussex.

The 15th-century timber-framed pad was given to Anne of Cleves at the end of her short marriage to Henry VIII – but she never lived there.

Still, there’s plenty to explore here from its Tudor kitchen to the garden with herbs and fruit trees that would have been grown at the time.

Kids will love rifling through the dressing-up box that will bring their surroundings to life. 

Hike along the white cliffs

You can’t miss the South Downs National Park when you’re visiting Sussex – it spans 86 miles through Hampshire and Sussex (both West Sussex and East Sussex).

The park’s crowning glory is arguably the coastal section, particularly the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.

You could explore it on foot by picking up the South Downs Way National Trail, taking in epic views of Cuckmere Haven, Belle Tout and Beachy Head lighthouses.

Tip: the views are better if you start the walk from Seaford Esplanade, potentially finishing with a pint at the Tiger Inn at East Dean.

The pub is a short walk away from a bus stop (with routes to Eastbourne, Brighton or back to Seaford).

WITH its staggeringly beautiful beaches, scenic woodlands and hidden waterfalls, Cornwall has natural attractions galore.

There’s also fascinating history to discover, from legendary King Arthur’s roots, the tin mining heyday and the infamous pirates that terrorised the coastline for hundreds of years.

We’ve spoken to Sun readers who have visited Cornwall on £9.50 Holidays to get their recommendations of the best local natural and historic attractions to visit.

We’ve also asked local experts and holiday park staff for their top tips, with options that are all within easy reach of your £9.50 Holiday. Here’s what they said… 

Waterfall magic 

Dani Fillery, Owner and Guest Experience Manager at White Acres Holiday Park, near Newquay, recommends the beautiful St Nectan’s Glen, on Cornwall’s north coast.

A scenic woodland walk leads you to a spectacular 60ft waterfall with a cafe at the top (tip: wear decent footwear as it can be wet and uneven underfoot).

Kids will be amazed by the sight and sound of the waterfall.

Admission costs £9 per adult and £5 per child (free for under fives), but you can see some of the smaller rapids for free, which are also lovely. Don’t forget to take £3 cash for the car park.

Castle legends 

You could pair St Nectan’s Glen with a trip to Tintagel Castle, just a couple of miles away.

Said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, it has medieval ruins to explore, accessed by a jaw-dropping footbridge.

At low tide, don’t miss Merlin’s Cave – located below the castle, which is believed to be where Merlin lived.

If you’re staying further south, Pendennis Castle offers a glimpse into Tudor Cornwall.

One of Henry VIII’s finest seaside fortresses, it’s ideal for a family day out, with kid-friendly tours, an events programme and even a soft play for little ones. 

Tin mining legacy

For Sun reader Anne Walton, 71, from Newport in Wales, there are lots of historic attractions in Cornwall worth visiting.

She said: “You’ve got the Poldark area and Jamaica Inn, which they filmed near Holywell Bay. We’ve been down on the beach when they’ve been filming it.”

Another highlight that Anne recommends, and which features in Poldark, are the tin mines.

You can walk right next to well-preserved engine houses on the coastal path near St Agnes Head, one of the filming locations for the BBC drama.

Or, delve deeper into the history of Cornish mining and more at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro, which is a wallet-friendly option for families (free for under-18s, £7.50 for adults).

It houses over 300,000 artefacts, with hands-on exhibits to capture kids’ imaginations. 

Escape to an island fortress

Carol Harris, 72, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, stayed at Parkdean Resorts Lizard Point.

She recommends taking the hop on, hop off bus from outside the holiday park to Marazion, to visit St Michael’s Mount, an island fortress that she says is “beautiful”.

And it might look a tad familiar – it has a French counterpart across the Channel, in Normandy.

Located on a tidal island, you need to take a boat to reach the castle and its subtropical gardens at high tide (£2.80 one way for adults, £1.50 for children).

But at low tide, you can get there for free by walking across the granite causeway (it’s open for about four hours each day).

Tip: there is a great cafe on the island, but you can keep costs down by packing a picnic and finding a grassy spot. 

Swim in a natural sea pool

Cornwall is blessed with more than 400 beaches – so you’re never short of sea swimming locations.

But for something more sheltered and a little more unique, head to a natural sea pool.

Cornwall expert and Sun travel writer Ellie Ross recommends Trevone Natural Sea Pool, which you can walk to from Trevone Bay car park in under ten minutes.

She says: “You have to time it for low tide, and clamber across some rocks, but it’s well worth it for the experience of swimming in a sea pool – which is completely free.

“There is also a shallow end nearest the path so supervised children can play here, too.”

Other tidal pools include a man-made rock pool, which is relatively unknown, hidden out of sight at Porthtowan Beach.

GLIDING into the glitzy Grand Atrium and gazing up at three marble-clad floors of bars and boutiques, a thought hit me.

If this is just one small section of the impressive ship Iona, how am I going to experience everything on offer in just one-and-a-half days?

This was my first cruise and, as a total novice, I’d decided to book a short, two-night sailing.

P&O Cruises’ Iona is deemed the perfect ship for first-time British cruisers, partly because — carrying 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew, it is big enough to not feel cramped or overwhelming.

Plus there are plenty of familiar UK favourites on board from roast dinners to Tetley tea.

And with prices starting at £199 per person, including all your food and activities, you can’t go wrong.

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Longer voyages are cracking value, too, with five nights on a European itinerary costing less than £500pp.

You could spend a week on board and not run out of things to do thanks to Iona’s 30 bars and restaurants, ten entertainment venues — including a cinema, theatre and spa — swimming pools and hot tubs along the decks.

I stayed in a Conservatory Suite, where floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views without having to brave the biting wind on the balcony — the only downside of a UK cruise.

Luckily, the SkyDome has a heated indoor pool and this area of the boat has just had a sleek refit.

It’s a great place to kick back with a beer in hand (a pint of Moretti costs £6.25).

Nowhere is quite as relaxing as the spa, though — home to a therapeutic sauna, sensory steam room and rejuvenating hydrotherapy pool.

If that doesn’t float your boat, why not indulge in some retail therapy at the on-board boutiques, where you’ll find designer watches, bags and sunglasses, among other gems.

A particular hit with my husband was the Barbour shop — I’m fairly certain he came home with a whole new wardrobe.

When we weren’t watching aerial acrobatics in the large theatre, or rolling dice at the casino, we were sampling the excellent food.

‘BUFFET OF DREAMS’

The Horizon Restaurant — an all-you-can eat buffet of dreams — has salads and sandwiches, freshly-cut kebabs and full roast dinners.

Meanwhile, The Quays offers a street food style selection of live cooking stations, where I tucked into delicious breakfasts of fresh scrambled eggs and hash browns.

And Ripples ice cream parlour serves treats with edible cups and spoons — a small but fabulous nod to P&O cutting back on waste.

It would be hard to tire of the dining options included in your fare, but if you do fancy treating yourself, the speciality joints are top notch.

We loved Sindhu, the Indian restaurant where you can get three courses for £22, with a £3 supplement for the lobster thermidor.

My husband and I enjoyed Sindhu’s signature cocktail, the East India punch, a muddle of spiced rum, cognac, falernum (a sweet syrup) and tropical juices.

And if you can’t decide what to eat, the Sindhu Signature Plate boasts smaller portions of three of their most popular dishes: the duck tikka malabari, the beef lali mirch masala and the creamy lobster, drenched in thermidor sauce.

Elsewhere, the Glass House in the Grand Atrium offers a heavenly seven-course tasting menu and wine pairing (priced at around £35 a person), by award-winning wine expert Olly Smith and acclaimed Spanish chef Jose Pizarro.

Our highlight was a black tie dinner and show at the adults-only Limelight Club, with a performance from singer Jonathan Wilkes and a nightclub boogie on board.

If that doesn’t convert you to a cruise lover, I’m not sure what will.

IT’S almost January, known by many as the most depressing month of the year.

So why not sack off the UK for one of these seven incredible destinations, all within four hours from the UK with very affordable flights.

Barcelona, Spain

Can you really go wrong with a trip to Barcelona?

A city break blended with beautiful beaches, not to mention it’s very flat and walkable.

There are plenty of cultural and historical attractions and of course the the iconic architecture like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.

Don’t forget to stop by Sant Pau a former hospital turned historical attraction, which is minutes away from the famous cathedral in the city centre, but much lesser-known.

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Our own Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding loves Las Ramblas – the iconic street that’s 1.5km covered in market stalls.

Some of her favourite spots are Casa Beethoven – essentially Harry Potter’s Ollivanders but for sheet music not wands, and La Boqueria market.

You can get to Barcelona for as little as £14.99 with Ryanair if you fly out on January 25, 2026 from London Stansted.

Baden-Baden, Germany

You won’t be getting January sun here, but Baden-Baden in southwest Germany is a great option for a city break.

The spa town is in Germany‘s Black Forest near its French border – and is famous for its thermal baths – and THAT summer in 2006 when England’s WAGS were arguably as famous as their footballer husbands during the World Cup.

Baden-Baden sits on top of a natural mineral-rich hot springs that bubble up from deep underground and you can enjoy them at the likes of the Caracalla Spa or the Friedrichsbad Spa.

At both, you can go swimming, check out the saunas, steam baths and treatment rooms.

For the more active, take a wander through the Lichtentaler Allee park, casino or take Germany’s steepest funicular railway up the Merkur Mountain.

You can fly from London Stansted to Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden for £15 on January 30, 2026, with Ryanair.

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, the fifth largest city in Poland it sits by the Warta River and boasts a pretty colourful Old Town.

When you get there, wrap up warm and take a wander around the city starting at the Old Market Square, also known as Stary Rynek.

At noon, head over to the town hall where mechanical Billy Goats emerge from the clock tower and butt heads.

Ostrów Tumski is a huge cathedral which gives visitors an insight into how the region started in Poznań.

It’s home to some quirky things too, like a croissant museum which one Sun writer visited and even made his own version of the pastry.

While you’re there, have a taste of a Penerskie, which is a local beer made from potatoes.

With Wizz Air you can fly from London Luton to Poznan for £14.97 departing on January 19, 2026.

Sofia, Bulgaria

The capital of Bulgaria is in the west of the country and is filled with incredible landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Rotunda of St. George.

You can take time to sightsee, take a break on Vitosha Boulevard which is filled with shops, cafes and restaurants or head up Vitosha Mountain on a hiking trail.

The city can be as little as three hours and 10 minutes from the UK, so it’s no wonder one man even took an extreme day trip to Sofia after bagging a return flight for £43.

He spent the day exploring the city using a self-guided tour on his phone and picked up local treats like a pastry called a banitsa and stopped for a sit down meal too.

You can fly to Sofia in Bulgaria from London Stansted on January 20, 2026 from £16.99

Carcassonne, France

The city of Carcassonne in France is famous for its citadel and castle

that look like it belongs in the medieval period – it’s even said to be one of the best preserved medieval ensembles in the world.

Inside the old town are winding old streets and grand Château Comtal and Basilique Saint Nazaire.

To learn more about the history of Carcassonne, visitors can take tours during the day and at night.

There’s also the new town to explore called Bastide Saint Louis which has an impressive local wine scene, museums and plenty of shops.

Brits can fly directly Manchester to Carcassonne on January 26, 2026 with Ryanair from £16.99.

Naples, Italy

Naples, the pretty southern city in Italy known for its pretty ruins, vibrant street life and more importantly, pizza.

The city is considered the birthplace of pizza – it evolved from simple flatbreads sold to the working poor in the 18th century to the tasty meal we know today.

When one Sun writer visited the city, she discovered you can buy margarita pizzas for as little as £3.

Naples also has a Spanish quarter where you can see sites like Piazza del Plebiscito and Castel Nuovo and try some different cuisine.

If you fancy a longer trip or heading out to the city, from Naples you can easily reach destinations like the historical Pompeii, Capri, or the Amalfi Coast.

You can fly from London Stansted to Naples on January 10, 2026 from £15 with Ryanair.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava in Slovakia is pretty small for a European capital, but that doesn’t mean there’s any less to do.

It has bright pastel coloured buildings along small cobbled roads lined with cafes and restaurants.

One of the most famous buildings to visit in the city is Bratislava castle.

It has four corner towers and stands on an isolated rocky hill of the Little Carpathians, directly above the Danube river.

Tourists can also check out the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, Blue Church, plus enjoying Slovak food like Bryndzové Halušky which are potato dumplings with cheese and bacon.

You can fly to Bratislava on January 11, 2026 from Manchester from £16.99 with Ryanair.

All prices are correct as of December 22, 2025.

Plus here are eight affordable holidays with four times more sun than Britain in January.

And if you fancy fleeing Budget chaos then are are affordable holidays on offer right NOW from £22pppn where you can buy cheap booze & fags.

BANISH the January blues by swapping the grey UK skies for a sunny break that doesn’t break the bank.

One destination in Morocco has been tipped as a must-visit destination for next year, with cheap flights that can get you there in under four hours.

Condé Nast Traveller recently revealed the top places to travel to in 2026 and Morocco’s Fès has made the list.

The publication said: “Fès is Morocco’s cultural capital and intellectual centre, but it still flies beneath the radar. That looks set to change in 2026 with the long-awaited reopening of Palais Jamaï – Fès’s iconic heritage hotel built in 1879 by a grand vizier to the sultan – after a decade-long renovation.

“A sister property to Marrakech’s landmark La Mamounia, Palais Jamaï is one of only a handful of centenarian North African hotels and retains its opulent architectural form, plus an atmosphere thick with history.“

You’ll find Fès in northern Morocco between the Rif Mountains and Middle Atlas – and it’s a great spot for more relaxed break as it’s known to be less busy than other cities like Marrakech.

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Visitors to Fès need to explore Fes es-Bali – the old Medina which is one of the largest in the world – it’s made up of over 9,000 alleys that are separated from the outside world by high walls.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest Medina in North Africa.

Inside visitors can buy handmade goods from food to leather, handwoven rugs and hand-painted ceramics – and be prepared to haggle for them too.

Make sure to stop by the Bab Boujloud which is the pretty mosaic entryway, and the grand Royal Palace of Fès.

January isn’t the hottest month in Fès, but it has average highs of 18C so you can enjoy strolling around in T-shirt.

In January, you can fly directly from London Stansted to Fes-Saïss in three hours and 20 minutes for just £24.99 with Ryanair.

Condé Nast Traveller has predicted that Fès will become more popular thanks to the reopening of the Palais Jamaï Fès – a luxury hotel.

It will reopen in spring 2026, after extensive restoration and will have new dining and wellness facilities, and is likely to be expensive.

However, there are other much more affordable options.

The Riad Verus is close to the Batha Fountain and from the roof terraces you can see all the way to the Merenid Tombs.

It’s hostel aimed at solo or group travellers who can stay in the traditionally decorated dorm rooms, a communal terrace and lobby.

Prices in January start from £12 a night and it includes an authentic Moroccan brunch.

For more privacy, consider the Ibis Fes which is right beside the local train station.

All rooms are air-conditioned, and it has an outdoor swimming pool, gardens and on-site restaurant.

In January, the room rate starts from £37 per night (based on two people sharing) with an option breakfast for an extra £6.

The Ramada By Wyndham Fes is a 5* hotel with an outdoor pool, spa and gym.

Rooms start from £69 for a Superior King Room (based on two people sharing) and includes a buffet breakfast.

The room has a pool view along with free toiletries and a private bathroom, TV and minibar.

It’s not just hotels that are affordable, in Morocco a three-course meal for two people can cost as little as £15, according to Wise.

A pint of beer starts from £2.45 and you can get a coffee from £1.34.

With Ryanair axing flights across Europe this year – Morocco could become even more affordable in the coming years.

Ryanair announced in 2025 that it would be axing particular flights to Spain following Aena, the state-controlled airport operator in the country – increasing its fees for airlines.

With this meaning your trip to Tenerife might be more expensive, you can instead look to Morocco instead.

Cities around the North African country could be set to get cheaper flights as Ryanair has said that the capacity removed from Spanish airports will be reallocated to more competitive European markets, including Morocco.

The bustling city of Marrakech offers plenty of Medinas for exploring as well as activities in the desert, vibrant cafes and spice stalls.

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, went on a trip earlier this year and said: “I’ve spent a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.

“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.

“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”

Another spot is Agadir which has incredible golden beaches, you can check out the capital of Rabat which has been dubbed an ‘understated seaside gem’ by travel experts.

Here’s the full list of Conde Nast Travellers ‘Best Place to Go in 2026’

Arusha, Tanzania

East Coast, Barbados

Brussels, Belgium

Chiriquí Province, Panama

Deer Valley, Utah

Fès, Morocco

Gabon

Upper Carniola (Gorenjska), Slovenia

Guadalajara, Mexico

Hong Kong, China

Margaret River, Australia

Medellín, Colombia

Minas Gerais, Brazil

Naoshima, Japan

Northern Chilean Patagonia

Northern Namibia

Oulu, Finland

The Peloponnese, Greece

Potosí, Bolivia

Prince Edward County, Canada

Route 66, USA

Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France

Udaipur, India

Uluru, Australia

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

From slaving away in a steamy kitchen, to entertaining endless family members – it’s fair to say Christmas can be pretty relentless for many parents. 

These women, however, say they’ve found the perfect solution: swapping home for a Butlin’s mini-break over the festive period. And it costs A LOT less than you might imagine.

‘Going to Butlin’s guarantees Christmas will be extra special for the kids’

TEACHER Kim Heath’s lucky kids have holidayed around the globe, but their favourite place to go is down-to-earth Butlins.

Kim, 36, has enjoyed Christmas Day with a difference at the traditional UK holiday camp for the past few years – and her youngsters wouldn’t have it any other way. 

She celebrates the occasion with husband Graham, 38, kids Olivia-Belle, nine, and Grayson, four, and members of their extended families. 

Kim told The Sun: “Olivia-Belle has been to places like Dubai, Sydney and the Caribbean and we’ve even been to Lapland.

“But she loves Butlin’s because the family are together and everyone’s going to be having fun.”

Butlins was once a top holiday destination for UK families but it’s fair to say its reputation has ebbed and flowed in more recent years. 

Kim added: “A lot of our friends say they can’t believe we go to Butlin’s but if you’ve got kids and want to make sure they have an extra special Christmas, it’s magical.

“You can do as much or as little as you like, you can even go swimming on Christmas Day.

“It’s just a really nice place to be.”

The family from Caerphilly, South Wales, are able to save money on the annual festive break thanks to Kim’s father-in-law, who owns an eight-berth caravan at Butlin’s Minehead, Somerset. 

She said: “Nowadays, just going to the local farm to meet Santa with the kids can cost £70 whereas at Butlins it’s all included in the site fee, and we’re lucky enough to have the caravan to sleep in.

“My house isn’t big enough for everybody, you’d have to try and squeeze everybody in but this way no-one has to be on their own on Christmas night.

“My mum’s friend stayed with us last year and we’ve met up with other family and friends who are staying separately too.”

Last year, Kim and relatives enjoyed a Christmas Eve visit to Santa’s Grotto at the resort and there’s usually a pantomime on offer on the big day itself. 

She said: “On Christmas Day, we open presents and then we dive into the activities.

“Everybody’s in a really good mood and everything is open on Christmas Day so you’ll never hear your children say they’re bored.” 

When it comes to the big Christmas Dinner, that comes in buffet form.

“Nobody’s really expected to cook,” explained the Butlin’s fan, who lives two and a half hours away from her favourite coastal resort. 

“There is no pressure, there’s no one person at home spending the day cooking in the kitchen.

“We’ve travelled around the world, but Butlin’s is so easy – it’s all planned out for you and the children have big smiles on their faces. 

“We’ve always had a really lovely time.” 

Butlin’s Minehead opened in 1962 and is the largest of the holiday park’s resorts, accommodating up to 7,500 guests in its chalets and apartments. 

Facilities on offer include an amusement park and vintage fairground. 

Until earlier this month, four-night stays were still available at Minehead Butlin’s from £199.

“The parks really go to town at Christmas”

The first of the chain’s parks to open in 1936 was Butlin’s Skegness, where mum-of-two Anita Workman, her software engineer husband Dave, and their kids Grant, seven, and Iris, five, have enjoyed Christmas Day. 

The family makes the three-hour journey to Butlins Skegness multiple times a year, with Anita finding the resort has extra sparkle during the festive season. 

“Butlins is our happy place,” said the stay-at-home mum. 

“Your children are only children for a short time, especially when it comes to the magic of Christmas. 

“They have the best time of their lives when we go.”

They first made the decision to spend Christmas Day at Butlin’s a few years ago, after Anita’s mother-in-law sadly passed away.

Unable to face an empty seat at their Christmas Dinner table, the family from Bolton, Lancs, opted for their favourite holiday destination instead.

“We had only ever done home Christmases before and we decided to shake things up because it would have been really obvious Dave’s mum wasn’t there,” she says. 

“Looking back, it provided more than that. 

“The kids loved all the shows. I took them to a local pantomime once, and they were disappointed because it didn’t compare to the Butlins one.

“We loved the fireworks on Christmas Eve too.”

The family enjoyed Christmas Dinner in the site’s main restaurant, which is served buffet style and offers turkey and all the trimmings, plus much more besides.

She said: “If you want to have a traditional dinner on the big day, it’s going to be there but if you fancy something random, that’ll probably be there too.

“Fussy kids can enjoy pizza, chicken nuggets or fish fingers.

“There are crackers on the tables, with Christmas hats to wear. They really go to town.”

Less traditionally, the family’s Christmas Day at Butlin’s was also filled with shows, swimming and fairground rides. 

The Workmans opt for premium dining and accommodation when they stay at the park and Anita appreciates the special effort the famous Butlin’s Redcoats make with her children – particularly with Grant, who has autism. 

Known for their distinctive red jackets, the frontline staff’s main roles are to host families and provide entertainment. 

Magician Stephen Mulhern, the late Des O’Connor and Ian ‘H’ Watkins of Steps fame are among the celebrities who launched their career in showbiz working as a Redcoat. 

She said: “The Redcoats can’t be underestimated, they are awesome.

“We like to get into a venue early for a show and they will come and sit and play card games with the kids to entertain them.

“It sounds like something so minor, but it can mean so much to them.”

Up until earlier this month, four-night deals were still available at Butlin’s Skegness from £195.

A SUPERMODEL was reportedly paid an astonishing amount to appear in one of the world’s most famous Christmas films.

Claudia Schiffer appears in the perennial festive favourite Love Actually for one minute  – and earned the equivalent of the average UK salary in just EIGHT seconds.

Richard Curtis, the film’s director, cast the supermodel in brief – but memorable – scenes alongside Liam Neeson’s character Daniel.

On several occasions in the 2003 film, Daniel, recently widowed, tells his love-sick step-son, Sam, played by Thomas Brodie Sangster, that the path of true love rarely runs smooth.

Daniel tells Sam that he need only look to his step-dad for proof after telling him several times he wants to date supermodel Claudia Schiffer.

The pay-off in the film – when it finally arrives – works a treat.

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In one memorable scene, Daniel hits it off with one of Sam’s classmates – played by the supermodel.

The pair then appear on screen loved-up near the end of the film.

Although her appearance is brief, her paycheck for the role in the film proves it was well worth turning up.

As reported by Vogue, in his book ‘How Much?!: The $1000 Omelette … and 1100 Other Astonishing Money Moments’, author Andrew Holmes revealed Schiffer was paid $350,000 for the role.

That works out at £275,000 for the entire screen time – or £4,500 per second.

In contrast, two-time Academy Award winner Emma Thompson, who plays Alan Rickman’s long-suffering wife Karen in the film, has stated she felt she was underpaid for her role.

Thompson’s fee has not been disclosed.

While on Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Tutti Frutti actress said she no longer rewatches Love Actually,

If you’re heading to Scotland on a £9.50 Holiday with your family, you’ll want some ideas up your sleeve to keep the kids entertained.

Of course, there are swimming pools, playgrounds and free entertainment at your holiday park – but if you want to step outside and explore the local area, there’s plenty on offer. 

We’ve asked local experts for their top recommendations on what to do with your family in Scotland, with suggestions that are never too far from our £9.50 Holiday parks.

From child-friendly aquariums to free-to-enter country parks that have brilliant playgrounds, here’s where you should take the kids first. 

Adventure park thrills

For families with kids needing to burn off some energy, a day trip to an adventure park could be a good bet.

Nairn has the fabulous Landmark Forest Adventure Park around 40 minutes away.

Children will enjoy coming face-to-face with more than 22 prehistoric giants in Dinosaur Kingdom and embracing nature on a fun treetop trail (keep eyes peeled for red squirrels). 

If you’re staying closer to Perth, you could instead head for Active Kids Adventure Park.

Recommended by Christopher Hill, Administration Manager at Tummel Valley Holiday Park, it has an indoor soft play and little ones will love feeding the animals.

Christopher added: “We also have magical bluebell woods at Kinclaven and seasonal fruit picking at Gloagburn Farm, which has a play park.” 

Swings and steam engines 

The Scottish Sun Travel Editor Heather Lowrie says: “Sundrum castle is just outside Ayr – you could go into the town and go to Ayr beach for its attractions, big swing park, and Pirate Pete’s adventure play areas for kids.

“Or turn the other way towards Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park and the Doon Valley Railway, which has steam trains and a museum with kids’ stuff.”

If trains are what your brood is into, Strathspey Steam Railway is another great idea for a family day out.

See the magnificent Cairngorm mountains from the comfort of a plush carriage, or stop off at Boat of Garten to spot ospreys at the nearby RSPB reserve.

The railway is located near Aviemore, around an hour’s drive from Tummel Valley Holiday Park.

Free family activities

In Ayrshire, near holiday parks such as Sandylands, Eglinton Country Park is ideal for a family day out without spending a penny.

As well as having 400 acres for your kids to run around in, it has a big swing park and marked routes including a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) trail.

Morvyn Cattanach, General Manager at Sandylands Holiday Park says: “It’s a good option for families on a budget because it’s free to enter and there are lots of picnic areas and barbecue stations.”

Other top-rated free things to do in Scotland include hiking up Arthur’s Seat and visiting the National Museum of Scotland, both in Edinburgh, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

Leaps of faith

Older kids – and parents – can test their mettle with a bungee jump.

Highland Fling is just a short drive from Tummel Valley Holiday Park and offers heart-pounding activities such as bungee jumping, bridge swings and zip lining through the valley of Killiecrankie. 

Meanwhile, around 20 miles south of Ayr on the west coast, Adventure Carrick offers a range of water-based thrills, including three-hour coasteering sessions (from £55pp).

Suitable from age eight, the high-energy sessions will see you climb cliffs and leap into swirling seas near Ballantrae.

For budding scientists

If your kids are scientists in the making, expand their little minds at a family-friendly museum like Glasgow Science Centre.

Its super-engaging exhibits include a Planetarium that transports you through the solar system and a “Perception” room with mind-bending visual illusions.

Other fantastic kids’ exhibits can be found at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh and the Dundee Science Centre.

Wildlife wonders

Wildlife lovers big and small can find their favourite species from all over the globe in Scotland.

You could head to Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore – home to everything from polar bears and snow leopards to rare Scottish wildcats.

Or how about letting your kids be a zookeeper for the day at Camperdown Wildlife Park in Dundee? 

For an aquatic adventure, SEA LIFE Loch Lomond contains a magical underwater world, and you can join turtle tea time and watch the tropical sharks being fed. 

AN unreleased track by rock legends Queen that “no one has ever heard” will be played publicly for the first time today.

Guitarist Sir Brian May, 78, will broadcast Not For Sale (Polar Bear) on radio station Planet Rock.

It was originally recorded during the sessions for the band’s 1974 album, Queen II, but did not make the final cut.

This remastered version will feature in the 2026 re­release of the album.

While a “bootleg” version of the song by May’s pre-Queen band Smile may already have circulated, he says “no one” has heard this version.

It will be played during Sir Brian’s Planet Rock Christmas Special at 6pm — featuring his favourite seasonal tracks.

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He said: “It’s a song that goes back a very long way, but to my knowledge no one has ever heard this version.

“It’s a work in progress and will appear on the forthcoming rebuild of the Queen II album.

“But I’m sneaking this into my Planet Rock special because I’m fascinated to know what people think about it.”     

Formed in the 1970s, Queen was made up of guitarist Sir Brian, drummer Roger Taylor, late frontman Freddie Mercury and bassist John Deacon.

The group has since had six UK number one singles and 10 UK number one albums with some of their best known songs including Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and We Are The Champions.

FANTASY lovers can take a step down the hobbit hole this winter, as a new location invites guests inside to escape the icy winter weather.

A Tolkien-inspired holiday spot has opened for business north-west of Cambridge, with pods and lodges available for keen glampers.

Just outside of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, West Stow Pods offers a peaceful stay for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Emulating world-famous Hobbiton, the pods and lodges are equipped to service groups between two and six people.

Pods are fitted out with a kitchenette and appliances, as well as an en-suite, TV and bedroom area, and are slightly smaller than the lodges.

The lodges are bigger, with full kitchens and separate bedrooms, as well as living room space.

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West Stow Pods is also pet friendly, allowing families to include their furry family members in holiday plans.

The glamping spot has been recognised as one of the best forest getaway spots in the UK.

Located next to King Forest, the options for hikes, bike rides and time in nature are endless.

Guests can also choose to spend the day in the local town, which is jam-packed with restaurants and shops to explore.

West Stow has priced rooms between £170 and £458 for two nights, depending on whether you choose a pod or a lodge.

Future guests can secure a spot by booking on the company’s website.

For holiday makers who are more keen of the seaside than the forest, the pretty seaside town of Saundersfoot has cosy pubs and award winning hotels.

The town sits between Tenby and Amroth in Pembrokeshire.

It’s home to around 3,000 residents and has a Blue Flag sandy beach, a picturesque harbour with cafes and shops, plenty of walking paths – but absolutely no rides.

And according to WalesOnline its “craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and can be enjoyed year-round, especially in autumn”.

Someone on Tripadvisor described the village as a “winter wonderland” when the Christmas lights are up.

It’s a popular place for Atlantic grey seals and you can see them on boat trips – and you can see them all year round

Saundersfoot has previously been named one of the ‘best places to live by the sea in the UK 2024’ by The Sunday Times.

The family-run restaurant serves up meals from curries to pastas, surf and turf, steak, and burgers.

FUELLED by a glass of Moet from the 24-hour champagne bar, I sleepily made my way to the resort’s palm-lined beach club, nibbling on a golden chocolate-covered strawberry as I plodded.  

So far, so Dubai . . .  except I am actually in Turkey at the Cullinan Belek hotel. 

Which means, after a short four-hour flight from the UK, I was swept into the kind of luxury you would expect from one of the 5H properties on The Palm Jumeirah — only without the seven-hour journey, or the jet lag.  

Plus, it meant I was feeling fresh enough to go from the plane to the party in minutes. 

Cullinan Belek’s Galapagos beach bar was pumping as masked dancers beckoned in revellers with their flaming torches and a live DJ played Balearic-style beats. 

Its troupe put on two original shows a night – one more family-friendly piece in the main auditorium and a more progressive, late-night number for the adults, like tonight’s, which took its inspiration from Moroccan belly dancers.  

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A waiter served me a freshly-shaken, personalised cocktail from his cart, and before long, I was dancing barefoot on the beach.  

Cullinan Belek won the Luxury All-Inclusive Resort gong at the World Travel Awards in 2024, but if I needed further proof of its prestige, I found it back at our Superior Duplex room. 

There’s a pillow menu, top-of-the-range tech to control lights, curtains and air, plus divine Bvlgari toiletries in the two bathrooms.  

But the real treat is the swim-up infinity pool which lapped my second-floor terrace, overlooking the main resort.  

A quick plunge shook off last night’s cocktails and a trip to the hotel’s C’Espace spa beckoned. 

Somehow the hotel’s gym even managed to make sweating feel refined as it is among the best I’ve ever used — yes, it even beats those in Dubai. 

As well as the usual equipment there is a Pilates reformer stand, yoga room, decent set-up for weight-lifters, plus even an indoor and outdoor Hyrox zone for those seeking an on-trend workout.  

And if you’re after something more relaxed, I’m told the Cullinan’s golf course is the best in Belek, which has become known as the heartland for the sport with the hotel offering special packages for enthusiasts.

There are 14 sections to browse for breakfast, ranging from your standard pastries and fry-ups to Indian cuisine, Mexican breakfast burritos and a juice bar.  

Instead, I signed up to play sport-of-the-moment padel — as made popular by the Princess of Wales — and was immediately hooked, as it had all the fun of tennis without as much running.  

That felt like more than enough activity for one day, but it turns out another challenge lay ahead.  

The Mare main restaurant is an epic buffet set-up, larger than any I’ve seen before — yes, even larger than those in Dubai.  

There are 14 sections to browse for breakfast, ranging from your standard pastries and fry-ups to Indian cuisine, Mexican breakfast burritos and a juice bar.  

Variety might be the spice of life, but at that hour of the day, the choice was sometimes overwhelming and the crowds and queues tricky to navigate.  

Away from the throng of the buffet, though, is where the Cullinan Belek really excelled. 

The resort has two Italian restaurants as well Greek, Asian, teppanyaki and a steakhouse plus a number of snack bistros, a patisserie and an in-house chocolatier. So I got to work.  

In the evening, some of these carry an additional charge on top of the all-inclusive package but each time it felt worth it. 

Great value 

I particularly enjoyed the beef in hot sauce from Nori Asian, which, for an extra €25 per person, allows you to dine to the sounds of live music as you sit among the petal design of the Azure pool.  

Meanwhile The Beef Grill puts its succulent steaks at the centre of the action, with the cuts displayed in a huge chiller spanning the length of the restaurant, and an open kitchen grill.  

The real jewel in the hotel’s crown, however, is the huge water park which offers an oasis for families, alongside a football pitch, splash pool and tons of beach games…

The €55-per-person surcharge felt great value when the signature starters of Meat Sushi and Onion Blossom were prepared at our table by an intrepid server with a blow torch.  

The real jewel in the hotel’s crown, however, is the huge water park which offers an oasis for families, alongside a football pitch, splash pool and tons of beach games as well as indoor bowling alley and games consoles. 

The offering for children is impressive — but all the more so because these facilities somehow nestle unobtrusively alongside the chic, laidback aspects, just like at the super hotels in Dubai. 

Which was ideal for me, lazing by the adults-only pool as I awaited my next cocktail from the roller-skating waitress. 

If Cullinan Belek is a Dubai dupe, then honestly, who needs the real thing?