PLANNING a Sun £9.50 holiday this year?
Our UK holiday parks are packed full of things to do, from live entertainment and comedy acts to climbing walls and waterparks.
But when you’re heading away on holiday, you often want to get out and explore what the local area has to offer.
Luckily, we’ve found loads of cheap things to do for the whole family – all for under £5.
From seaside classics and scenic strolls to quirky museums, here’s our top picks of fun for under £5 across every £9.50 UK destination.
Devon
The jagged coastlines of Devon are littered with famous landmarks.
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From Dartmoor National Park to the mighty Exeter Cathedral, there’s plenty to see and do.
England’s Haldon Forest park is just one example of how this county works so well for an off-grid getaway.
Here ,there’s various nature-rich walking trails that offer pure escapism.
The popular Stick Man trail will keep little ones thoroughly amused on their ramble.
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A short drive from Exeter, Sidmouth Museum is a great place for kids in summer.
There’s special activities during the school holidays that will challenge little one’s brains and keep them intrigued.
Think picture quizzes and guessing games that will have them whizzing around the historical displays and hunting out artefacts.
The museum reopens in March this year and entry is £2.50 per adult, while those under 16 go free.
And for a bargain beach day, grab your kite and head to Saunton Sands.
This beachside spot is known for its blustery winds that will keep little ones happy for hours as they battle to keep their kite soaring high.
On the opposite side of Devon’s sprawling coast, Dawlish Warren has buckets of family fun.
It’s home to one and a half miles of sandy shores, with go-kart rides, mini golf and amusements.
Nature-loving little ones, on the other hand, will enjoy searching for marine life in the rockpools at Jennycliff Beach in Plymouth.
There’s free parking nearby and affordable cafes.
Crabbing is a tradition in these parts. The gear is super-cheap and once you’ve shelled out for it one year, you won’t need to the next.
Head to Teignmouth, Brixham Breakwater or Lee Bay.
We’d also recommend fossil hunting on the Jurassic coast or spotting the wildlife in Dartmoor National Park.
Kent and Sussex
The coastlines of Kent have surged in popularity recently, with the likes of Margate and Folkestone receiving huge cash injections to bring a new lease of life to the areas.
Meanwhile, Sussex boasts an excellent arts scene and is home to some fascinating historic sites, including where the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066.
If you’re up for a subterranean adventure, the Margate Caves are guaranteed to wow.
Clambering into a damp chalk mine may not sound like a conventional family day out, but it is sure to have you captivated.
And with admission costing just £12 for a family of four (£3pp), it’s a bargain experience for all ages.
The mines were originally dug in the 18th century before being reopened as a tourist attraction during the Victorian era, receiving a makeover in 2019.
During the summer months, kids can normally join a “cave quest”, where they’re tasked with finding animals such as elephants, crocodiles and deer, illustrated on the cavernous walls.
In West Sussex, Pulborough Brooks Nature Reserve offers a great introduction to birdwatching, with warblers and lapwings to be spotted.
Entry costs just £2.50 per child and a fiver for adults.
Venture into the woodlands during autumn and you’ll spot all manner of colourful mushrooms.
Over in Brighton, it would be mad not to visit the Palace Pier, which has modern arcade games that teens will love.
And if you’re in Margate, pick up a bucket and spade and spend the day unwinding at Main Sands.
There’s an abundance of classic arcades nearby and vintage fairground Dreamland has free entry.
Whitstable is one of the most charming towns on the Kent shores, with cute cafes and pastel-coloured delis lining the streets.
Alternatively, if you’ve got buckets of energy to burn, visit Cyclopark in Gravesend.
Here, young and old can explore varying trails on two wheels.
There’s an easy-to-ride area for toddlers (£4.50 per family of five) with tunnels, bridges and even mini traffic lights, as well as BMX trails, road circuits and a play area.
It’s fair to say both of these counties have an abundance of things to do, but you don’t always have to part with your cash to enjoy what’s on offer.
It’s free to visit Preston Park — Brighton’s largest — with water fountains that kids will love in summer.
And it won’t cost a penny to explore the White Cliffs of Dover.
Meanwhile, the Sussex coast is known for its fossil-rich landscapes and Cuckmere Haven is one of the best spots to go hunting for them.
Cornwall
For a tranquil afternoon of wildlife spotting, check out Tanglewood Wild Garden in Penzance.
The rugged forest and its small ponds attract a huge number of birds including mallards, Canadian geese and kingfishers.
You may even spot dragonflies and damselflies hovering around the water, while squirrels and rabbits run in among the trees.
Entry costs £3 per child and £6 for adults, but that can still work out at under a fiver per person for a family.
Elsewhere, near Falmouth, Cornwall Gold is a free-entry, family-friendly attraction focused on Cornish heritage.
It offers gold-panning, pottery-painting, a jewellery showroom with local designs, and an interactive tin-mining exhibition.
Those travelling with youngsters should head to Porth Beach in Newquay.
With a large patch of sand sheltered by tall cliffs, the shallow surf is great for kids to paddle in, and for adults who are less confident swimmers.
The sands are flanked by lots of small cafes selling affordable coffee, ice cream and snacks and there are public toilets near the car park.
Nearby Porth Joke Beach is more secluded, if you prefer.
Those venturing to Bude instead should pay a visit to Summerleaze Beach.
The Blue Flag sands are dog-friendly outside busy summer months and are backed by colourful beach huts.
There are plenty of lifeguards on duty during summer to keep an eye on youngsters, as well as adults.
Another top attraction here is the sea pool carved out at the water’s edge.
It is free to use and just the thing for parents wanting to be able to keep an eye on their kids as they splash about.
Fortified tidal island St Michael’s Mount, now a National Trust site, is linked to the mainland by a cobbled causeway that is walkable at low tide.
There is no charge for walking the causeway, although you must pay to explore the castle.
Art lovers, meanwhile, will love the gallery at Falmouth. It’s free to enter and hosts various exhibitions throughout the year.
Cornwall’s Camel Trail is also a must for ramblers, runners and cyclists alike.
The free 18-mile route stretches all the way from Bodmin to Padstow — although you may like to skip the Bodmin stretch and start at Wadebridge where the views become prettier.
Reward yourself for your exertion with a delicious home-made cake from Padstow’s Cherry Trees Coffee House.
Norfolk
Time your getaway right and you could be sharing the beach with not just the whole family, but some sweet, baby seal pups.
Norfolk is famous for its long sandy beaches, and the surrounding marine life loves them just as much as we do.
Pupping season is this month for grey seals, while you’re more likely to spot common seals from June to August.
And where’s the best place to see them?
Horsey Beach, close to the action-packed resort town of Great Yarmouth, plus Blakeney Point are the best spots.
And even if you don’t catch a glimpse, you won’t regret visiting these gorgeous shores.
Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach has been entertaining families since 1909, so it sure knows a thing or two about seaside fun.
Pick up a Fun Card for £5 per person, which allows entry for the whole of 2026.
Every pound uploaded can be used as a credit to go towards the many rides and attractions, which include mini rollercoasters and classic dodgems.
Essex
If you’re keen to show the kids some culture then whisk them off to the Southend Central Museum.
Here there’s loads of local history, as well as a giant planetarium.
Over in Clacton-on-Sea, there’ s loads of family-friendly options.
Harbour ferry boat rides are a fun choice, offering a 15-minute trip to Landguard beach or a quick 5 minute-trip to ride to Shotley Marina.
The boat trips cost just £4.40 for adults (17+), £3.30 for kids and ages 0-1 go free.
Clacton Pier is a classic fun-filled and affordable place to spend an afternoon.
For £5 you can get 5 credits to use on a range of games and rides – plus there’s a bowling alley and aquarium there to explore, too.
And those after a cracking night out should look no further than this glamorous county where the nightlife scene will blow your socks off.
As will the pints at The Last Post, a Wetherspoons pub located in Southend’s former head post office that dates back to 1896.
Essex also has its fair share of picturesque shores.
Southend On Sea, for example, is home to the world’s longest pleasure pier promising 1.33 miles of non-stop thrills.
Suffolk
If history and the great outdoors hold great appeal, then be sure to make your way to Suffolk, where the free fun lasts for weeks on end.
Christchurch Park is an excellent place to while away the hours, with sprawling lawns that make the perfect picnic spot.
The Abbey Gardens, on the other hand, will pique a history lover’s interest.
It’s home to the ruins of a Benedictine monastery, as well as a beautiful rose garden made up of more than 400 bushes.
Suffolk’s got its fair share of beaches to explore, too.
Southwold Beach is a hit with its colourful beach huts, whilst Aldeburgh Beach is great for rock pooling and spotting pretty fishing boats come in with the day’s catch.
And there’s plenty to see and do with kids of all ages.
Barnville in Stowmarket is an adorable indoor play where kids can role play as chefs, builders and more in themed zones.
Tickets cost £5 per child (ages 0-5) with parents going free.
Ipswich Museum offers free admission, and takes families on a journey through the Iron Age, Ancient Egypt and more.
Scotland
With its otherworldly landscapes, it is no surprise that Scotland has played host to many blockbuster movies.
From barren, grass-topped mountains to large, tranquil lochs, it is everything the British countryside should be — and more.
The hilly city of Edinburgh frequently steals the show — and for good reason.
There’s buckets of action-packed activity for families, yet the leafy countryside is just a hop, skip and jump away.
The Royal Commonwealth Pool, at the edge of Holyrood Park, is one of the country’s most famous leisure centres.
It was built to host the Commonwealth Games in 1970.
Today it is an excellent spot to take the kids for a dip, with swimming sessions starting at £4.25.
The Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum will be a highlight for little ones fascinated by ancient history.
Entry costs from £4.50 per child, or £15 for a family of one adult and two kids.
Once inside, you’ll marvel at 26 carvings of animals, birds and horsemen, with works of art dating from around the 800s.
You’ll want to head further north of the main cities for properly picturesque beaches.
Some of the Scottish shores are so quiet, you will likely get the whole of the sands to yourself.
West Sands in St Andrews is simply gorgeous, known for its two miles of uninterrupted white sands, flanked by windswept, grassy dunes.
It was even used to film the opening scenes of 1982 Oscar-winner Chariots Of Fire.
The other brilliant thing about Scotland is that many of its beaches overlook peaceful lochs instead of the sea.
Take Loch Morlich, in the Cairngorms, for example.
This fresh water loch is a watersports haven, with kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing all available.
What’s truly great about this captivating country is that you really don’t need to spend money to make the most of what’s on offer here.
Unspoilt nature is what many come to this region for and much of that is free.
The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is a great place to de-stress.
There’s no admission fee to access the gardens, which cover 70 acres and sit just a mile from the city centre.
While you’re there, it’s well worth making the stroll to Arthur’s Seat.
There are various routes to choose from, depending on your walking ability, with some kid-friendly options.
Either way, the peak of the hill promises exceptional, panoramic views of the capital below.
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
Nothing quite says beach holiday like a classic British pier – and the one at Skegness promises lots of fun, from the clip and climb wall and ten-pin bowling to the mind-boggling escape rooms.
Rand Farm Park, eight miles from the city of Lincoln is home to the most adorable family of Highland cows.
Crumpet the goat will be there, too, along with his pals Charlie the donkey and Alice the alpaca.
When the sun shines, there’s no better place to head than Hubbards Hills in Louth, home to chalk‑streams that are perfect for paddling in.
And on the grassy banks you can set up camp with a picnic blanket and basket of takeaway goodies.
The woodland keeps the area cool, offering plenty of shade in the height of summer.
Eager to spot some wildlife? Head to Donna Nook salt marsh in the north of the county for a chance to see seals.
What does Yorkshire do better than anywhere else? Tea, of course.
And you’ll be spoilt for choice with excellent coffee houses and cafes dotted all over the county, many offering views of rolling hills.
It would be a sin not to venture to a Bettys tea room.
There are two in Harrogate, two in York and one in Ilkley and they all serve its famous Fat Rascal, a scone-like biscuit packed with glace cherries and decorated with almonds to form a smiley face.
Samuel Smith’s is one of Yorkshire oldest breweries and its boozers are scattered across the county, so be sure to pop in and sink a few pints.
Tadcaster is the original site, dating back to 1758.
Isle of Wight
Hopping on a ferry adds an extra layer of excitement to a staycation.
And the fact that the journey from the mainland to the Isle of Wight can take as little as 22 minutes means you won’t have to deal with whines of “Are we there yet?”.
The island is frequently referred to as the Dinosaur Capital of Britain, thanks to the large number of bones and fossils that have been found on an 11-mile stretch of coastline there.
Dinosaurs are just part of what makes the Isle of Wight’s past fascinating, and you’ll uncover more interesting facts at the Museum of Island History in Newport.
The attraction, which reopens in February and costs £1 for adults and 50p for kids, offers access to hands-on displays, archaeological finds and a variety of exhibitions.
If dinosaurs are your focus, book a guided National Trust Fossil Walk at Compton Bay.
You can hunt for Cretaceous-period fossils, including dinosaur bones.
Walks cost from £3 per child and a fiver for adults and give you a real understanding of the region.
Those after traditional seaside fun can’t go far wrong with Sandown Beach, on the east of the island.
The long stretch of golden sands is ideal for building sandcastles, while a classic pier with arcade games will keep the older kids happy.
The calm waters make it a great spot for little ones to paddle, too.
On the other side of the island sits Compton Bay, a stunning two-mile stretch backed by sandstone cliffs, which make it one of the more beautiful spots.
It’s part of a National Trust site and is littered with tiny rockpools where kids can go hunting for marine life.
You have to pay for parking if you are not a National Trust member.
The Donkey Sanctuary in Wroxall is free to visit, although donations are welcomed.
There’s a playground and if you’re willing to splash a bit of cash you can learn how to care for the animals and get some exclusive time with them.
Appley Park in Ryde consists of a sweet beach-side playground with slides and climbing frames.
There’s also a budget cafe nearby as well as public toilets.
You don’t need to pay to gaze at the mighty Carisbrooke Castle, either.
The English Heritage site looks just as impressive from the outside, with its rickety stone walls and 14th century gatehouse.
Several walking routes will pass the grounds and lead you through the charming village.
Wales
Unspoilt landscapes featuring ancient castle ruins and breath-taking beaches flanked by windswept sand dunes.
And this is only a fraction of what makes Wales a cracking staycation spot.
History buffs can take their picks from Caernarfon Castle, Cardiff Castle, Castell Harlech, Conwy Castle and Kidwelly Castle, each of which has a unique story to tell.
If you decide on Cardiff, swing by the National Museum Cardiff while you’re there, which is free to enter and crammed full of ancient animal skeletons, artwork and historic artefacts.
Some downtime is crucial, too, of course. And one of the best beaches for pure relaxation is Pwll Du Bay.
This secluded patch of sand is tucked away at the bottom of a valley, which means it can be a little challenging to reach, but it’s worth it for the magnificent views of rolling waves, crashing onto the limestone cliffs.
North East
The southern beaches of the UK may steal the limelight in summer, but that’s partly what makes a northern escape that bit better.
You can avoid the heaving crowds of Cornwall and enjoy the quiet and less commercialised coastlines in peace.
Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland is one of the best and most scenic, with views of the mighty Bamburgh Castle.
Its sands are flat and waters relatively calm so it’s great for toddlers and those who can only paddle, as well as keen sandcastle builders and bird-watching.
Watersports fans may want to set their sights on Beadnell Bay instead of Bamburgh.
There tends to be good swell, attracting hordes of surfers year on year.
But if that sounds too challenging, pick up a body board from one of the seaside shops or have a go at stand-up paddle boarding.
If you’re travelling to the North East then you’ll probably want to visit the energetic city of Newcastle, famous for its nightlife and family-friendly attractions.
There’s free attractions like the Discovery Museum and Great North Museum: Hancock, both of which have dedicated kids areas.
There are several National Trust sites, too, in the North East, including Cragside, Wallington and Gibside.
North West
Love a beach but not a fan of the sand? Head to the North West, where the Lake District boasts all the benefits of the beach, but without sandy toes.
Windermere is England’s largest natural lake and probably the most well-known too – for good reason.
This is also one of the best parts of the UK to go cycling to soak up the views, so make sure to bring your bikes for a fun free activity – or simply go for a walk.
The Grizedale Forest trail offers breathtaking trail views of lakes and mountains.
It’s a great ramble for children, too, thanks to the artwork and sculptures dotted throughout the woodland.
Central England
If you’ll be staying at Newhaven, Billing Aquadrome or Malvern View Country and Leisure Park, here’s some top activities for the whole family for under a fiver.
The Peaks are right on your doorstep at Newhaven, with its famous hiking trails, woodlands and caverns to explore.
Padley Gorge is a good option for families with its wooded valley and gentle stream paths that kids love to explore.
Derby Arboretum is also nearby, and is known as Britain’s first public park.
Over in Northampton, guests at Billing Aquadrome can head to Sywell Country Park for lakeside walks, wildlife watching and your choice of scenic picnic spots.
Abington is worth a visit for both its park and free museum, which always has great hands-on exhibitions for kids.
A short drive will take you to Stanwick Lakes, where there’s everything from an assault course, adventure park and water play areas to zip lines.
The best part is you only have to pay for parking – and up to 4 hours costs just £4.90.
And for those staying at Malvern in Worcester, Herefordshire, there’s plenty to do both indoors and out.
The Malvern Hills Natural Landscape has endless walking and cycling trails to explore in the warmer weather.
Priory Park, Malvern Common and Belle Vue Island are other scenic options for outdoors-y types.
History fans can head to Malvern Museum or Great Malvern Priory for free, to take part in kids’ trails or admire stained-glass architecture.
There’s also Imagination Street nearby if you’re looking for some indoor play for younger kids, including an inflatable park – just make sure to book your slot in advance.
Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire
With three holiday park locations spread out down South, we’ve collected some of the best cheap or even free things to do if you’ll be staying at Sandford, Unity Beach or Hayling Island.
Those staying at Unity Beach in Brean Sands have plenty to explore on your doorstep.
Brean Beach has miles of golden sands to explore and is just steps away from the park – so make sure to pack your buckets and spades and inflatables to bring on holiday with you.
Brean Down Fort is a slice of history that’s free to explore, and the countryside trails around Brean Down are best explored by foot or bike.
Over in Poole, Dorset, there’s plenty to see and do for guests of Sandford holiday park.
Poole Museum has free entry and is a great rainy day option. There’s often free discovery trails and exhibitions specifically for kids.
The RNLI Poole Lifeboat Museum is another great choice.
Here you can meet Thomas Kirk Wright, a Surf class lifeboat who operated from 1939 to 1962.
And if you want to get out into the outdoors, Upton Country Park is home to huge grassy parklands, nature walks and woods perfect for den-building.
Over in Hayling Island, Hampshire, entrance to the Funland Amusement Parks is free.
Here there’s activities like a clip and climb and a pirate-themed mini golf course.
Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary is also free to visit, though it is open to charity donations.
And entire days can be spent exploring Hayling Island beach and promenade, lined with traditional arcades and ice cream shops.
HOW TO BOOK WITH HOLS FROM £9.50
There are FIVE ways to book our Holidays From £9.50:
- Book with Codewords: Simply collect FIVE codewords printed in The Sun daily from Saturday, January 10 to Thursday, January 29. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking from Wednesday, January 14. Previous hols bookers can book a day early on Tuesday, January 13 by using the bonus codeword sent via email.
- Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club at thesun.co.uk/club for £1 for 3 months. Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens on Tuesday, January 13.
- Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect FIVE Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper from Saturday, January 10 to Thursday, January 29. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking from Wednesday, January 14. Or if you are already a Sun Savers member, use the bonus Sun Savers code we will send you to book from Tuesday, January 13.
- Book by post: Collect FIVE of the codewords printed in The Sun each day from Saturday, January 10 to Thursday, January 29. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on Saturday, January 10 or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
- Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens on Tuesday, January 13.