Autumn

It’s not too late to soak up the sun and book a last-minute getaway, with a stunning European country offering 28C weather in September and beaches that compare to the Maldives

A beautiful European destination is emerging as a new holiday hotspot, with balmy temperatures in September. It’s even been hailed as a cheap alternative to the Maldives, thanks to its azure waters and sugar-white sand beaches.

If you’re looking for a September escape at a budget price and without the crowds, Albania should be top of your list. Data from TripAdvisor revealed that Albania saw a 60% increase in interest during the first half of the year, emerging as a fast-rising destination in Europe. And it’s particularly beautiful in September, with sun-soaked rays of up to 28C and an unspoilt collection of beaches.

Albania’s coastline stretches along both the Adriatic and Ionian seas, with some of its stunning shores found along the Albanian Riviera in the south, offering crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoilt white sand. They’ve been celebrated among the finest in Europe, with the Ksamil Islands a standout.

Dhërmi and Jale Beach are another exceptional spot for sun-seekers looking to bask on the beach, complete with lively beach parties and buzzing bars. But it’s not just the southern coast that impresses; the northern shores provide a more peaceful alternative, with pristine beaches tucked away amongst bays and hidden coves.

Aside from its beaches, there’s plenty to explore in Albania, including its vibrant capital, Tiranë (Tirana), where visitors can ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car for breathtaking views, or admire its unique architecture, vibrant street art and sprawling green parks. There are also its famed underground bunkers, Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2, which are now history and art museums, as well as nearby walking trails through the dramatic scenery of the Albanian Alps.

And that’s not all. Albania remains one of Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations, with a three-star hotel stay in the walkable city of Tiranë costing just £41.72 per night, research from Hoppa revealed. Meanwhile, a draft beer in the city can cost just £2.41, and a meal can start from a mere £7.27. What’s more, flights in September start from just £15 one-way, according to Skyscanner.

The European country has even been recommended by the professionals, as Adam Hodge, who has worked as Wizz Air cabin crew for eight years, said it starkly resembles the Maldives. “Albania has similarities to the Maldives, especially with its beachy vibes, lovely sun loungers, and its aquamarine waters,” he previously told the Mirror. “If you want to do a city break, it’s brilliant, or if you want to do a beach getaway along the coast, and towards the top, you have the European destination alternative to the Maldives.”

Adam added: “Albania is definitely one of my favourite destinations, and I’d say that it’s one to watch out for. Plus, it’s good to try somewhere lesser-known. It’s got everything which is great, and it’s very good value for money. Some of the destinations we fly to are not using the euro currency, so actually you do get a little bit more value for money with the destinations out of the euro currency as well, when it comes to eating out, drinks and destination activity trips.”

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As the long, hot summer draws to a close, many of us are looking forward to the shift in seasons. We’d love to hear about your best autumn days out in the UK, whether it’s a favourite forest walk or bike ride, seasonal activities such as foraging, stargazing and wildlife spotting, or a garden or arboretum that puts on a spectacular display of fiery colours.

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I wasn’t sure what to expect from an autumn trip to Finland, my first ever to the country, but spending an afternoon sprawled on a deck chair beneath blazing blue skies certainly wasn’t part of it. After a morning walking beneath the leafy canopy at the Mustila Arboretum – the oldest, most extensive botanical garden in the country – and a lunchtime wine-tasting (more of which later), my friend Sara and I pitched up at the Sahanlahti resort, deep in the Finnish Lakeland, only to find sun-drenched scenery that felt far more Mediterranean than Nordic.

Sahanlahti was the second stop on a mid-September road trip from Helsinki to the shores of Lake Saimaa; a journey in search of ruska, the spectacular autumn colours that blaze for a few short weeks before the long Finnish winter sets in. However, on our opening drive east from the airport to the Radalla resort, set on Lake Urajärvi, most of the thousands of trees we drove past were resolutely green, with just the very tips of the leaves tinged with auburn, like a foliage balayage.

“You’re too early,” the waitress told us, cheerfully, after we had checked in to our chic waterfront cabins, and were tucking into hefty plates of crispy garlic chicken, scattered with freshly picked chanterelles, in Radalla’s quiet dining room. “But you might get some sun tomorrow.” Later, walking back to our cabins through thick drizzle, we agreed she was most probably just being kind.

The Radalla resort is just one of dozens of lakeside hotels scattered across southern Finland – many with self-catering cabins, sauna complexes and gleaming metal steps that lead from wooden piers down into the chilly waters of the lake. The grey drizzle we awoke to made a dip less than appealing, and instead we decided to set off for our next stop, taking in the arboretum en route before finding a place for lunch.

Driving in southern Finland turned out to be quite different from other countries. Most settlements fringe the lakesides, so they tend to be tucked away down side roads leading off from the main highway. Instead, trees – those resolutely green trees – rolled past us for mile after mile, until slowly the fields began to melt into lakes, one after another, the road snaking alongside the blue-grey waters, or stitching together small islets that lay scattered between them.

Googling somewhere for lunch, Sara came across the Ollinmäki winery, an unexpected find in a country that grows absolutely no grapes. Instead, berry wines are hugely popular, and once settled in at our table, we were persuaded to try a flight of six, accompanied by a bowl of hearty elk soup (which tasted considerably better than it looked) and a leaf salad with local cheese. One wine, the white currant and berry Myllärin Matti was particularly delicious, with the tang of a crisp sauvignon – although I wouldn’t want to find out what a Finnish hangover feels like.

From the winery it was an easy drive to Sahanlahti, by which time the weather had cleared and pin-sharp blue skies gleamed above the shores of Lake Saimaa. The main house – painted butterscotch-yellow and dating back to the mid-18th century, when the owners presided over the local sawmill – had a languidly old-fashioned air, but dinner at the Koskivahti restaurant was anything but: rich mushroom soup, slivers of goose confit with lingonberry sauce, wafer-thin beetroot carpaccio with tangy goat’s cheese.

It might have been too early for the leaves to turn, but we had arrived right in the middle of harvest season, when heading out into the fields and islands to pick wild mushrooms and berries (of which there are 35 different varieties) is practically a national sport. We had barely set down our bags at our final stop, Järvisydän resort, before we were whizzing out across Saimaa on a small motor boat, baskets tucked between our feet, to hunt for chanterelles and look for rare ringed seals and ospreys.

The sky was flawlessly blue as we whipped across the water, disembarking first to pick the mushrooms – slashes of bright yellow among the green undergrowth. We were guided in our harvesting by Sebastian, the 12th generation of the Heiskanen family to be running Järvisydän. “Back in 1654,” he told us, “my family were given a portion of land by the Russian tsar, to build a tavern on the route between St Petersburg and Helsinki.” More than 350 years later, the tavern has morphed into a 100-room resort, offering everything from starkly modern glass-walled cabins, high in the forest, to hexagonal log houses with bedrooms set off a central, fire-lit atrium, and camping pods.

It’s an extraordinary place: everything – from the vast reception, dwarfed by a replica Viking longship hull hung above reception, to the restaurants, bar and the Hobbit-like spa – is built entirely from local stone and timber. A visit to the spa seemed the perfect way to warm up after our chilly boat trip, with six different saunas to dip into – although the “sunken log” sauna, where the temperature reached 70C, gave me some sense of how an ice-cream might feel if left out in the sun.

Of the three resorts we visited, Järvisydän was the standout – for its history, for the spectacular scenery of Lake Saimaa that surrounds it, for the delicious mushroom soup and for the long, sunlit walk we took on our final afternoon, through the dense pine forest, where red squirrels skittered around in the branches above. It was a wrench to leave on our last morning, but as we sped back along quiet roads to Helsinki, we agreed Finland had – in spite of our foliage fail – outstripped our expectations. It was more beautiful, more peaceful, more sunkissed than we could ever have imagined.

Ruska (the vibrant colours of autumn foliage) begins in the north of the country in early to mid-September, reaching the Lake Saimaa region in the south by early October.

The trip was provided by Discover the World. A four-night bespoke self-drive trip staying at Radalla, Sahanlahti and Järvisydän resorts starts at £794pp, including B&B and car hire, but not flights.

IF you fancy a UK staycation or day out but want to avoid the crowds, then autumn is the best time to do it.

Here are seven of our favourite spots for a seasonal break from quiet seaside towns to the remote Scottish highlands and world-famous cities.

Norfolk

“There’s nothing better than visiting north-west Norfolk in the autumn. Hailing from Norfolk I might be a bit biased here, but I know the area inside and out.

“Taking a walk through Sandringham is my favourite thing to do at this time of year. Ancient trees shelter woodland paths lined with animal sculptures and dotted with tiny pine cones.

“Squirrels rush up tree trunks, children make friends at the giant wooden adventure playground, and dog walkers smile and nod to one another on forest walks.

“Just down the road from here you’ll find Snettisham Park, where you can head out on a deer safari and hand-feed stags on a 329 acre Norfolk farm.

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“A short walk from Snettisham Park, past its magnificent 14th-century church, will lead you to the Rose and Crown.

“This is a traditional village pub with a low-ceiling bar that used to house those who built the church in the 1300’s. Inside now you’ll find roaring fires, pints of local ale, fantastic roast dinners and the friendliest staff around.

“Heacham makes for the perfect base for your north-west Norfolk visit. It’s around 10 minutes’ drive from each of these spots, while staying tucked out of the way with its own beach that is a lot more peaceful than its busy neighbour Hunstanton.

“You can book a stay at Parkdean’s Heacham Beach Holiday Park from £99 for four nights this autumn.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Scottish Highlands

“The leaves may be turning on the trees but the Cairngorms was a vision of blue skies and sparkling lakes on my visit to the jewel of the Scottish Highlands in September.

“We made the most of exploring the lochs, forests, mountains and rivers with a quad bike adventure through the Alvie Estate in Aviemore with Cairngorms Quad Treks.

“While it may be snow-covered in winter, our September break saw endless clear blue skies as we weaved through dense forest paths, over open moorland and even through rushing streams.

“Also worth a wander in the sunshine are the paths around Loch An Eilein in Rothiemurchus Forest.

“Fringed by mountains and forest, it features a 14th century castle ruin on an island in its centre.

“Whisky lovers can take to the Malt Whisky Trail to discover the distilleries of the Cairngorms and Speyside region with guided tours and tastings on offer.

“Our base for our autumn break was the cosy Bynack wooden lodge at Pine Bank Chalets in the heart of Aviemore.

“The self-catering cabin featured two bedrooms, a compact kitchen, lounge-diner with a wood-fired stove and a lovely terrace to just sit and take in those gorgeous views – stay from £140per night.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Cambridge

“Cambridge is a popular city that’s well-known for its beautiful and prestigious university, as well as for punting along the river.

“Summer might spring to mind as the best time to visit but generally it’s so busy with tourists that it can be hard to walk on the pavement or even get into the shops.

“As a work around, I much prefer autumn as a time to visit – just wrap up warm.

“When it comes to punting along the River Cam, there are always boats available later in the year – whether or not you want to give it a go yourself or head on a guided tour.

“Speaking of, if you fancy a tour of the colleges, or the whole city itself – these run throughout the year.

“Otherwise, there are lots of pubs, museums, markets, shopping and the famous Fitzbillies bakery which is home to the sticky Chelsea bun. But one of my favourite seasonal activities is walking the route from Cambridge to the pretty village of Grantchester.

“It’s a great sight-seeing spot for any fan of the Grantchester TV series that was actually filmed there. My one essential is a pit stop at the Orchard Tea Garden for a homemade scone, which you get with a pot of jam and clotted cream for £5.40.

“There’s also a selection of sandwiches, toasties, seasonal hot food like the Orchard Benedict and rarebit, as well as other homemade treats like coffee and pistachio cake.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Cornwall

“The South West on a whole tends to be swamped with tourists in the summer months, although Padstow surely takes the biscuit for the most crowded destination in Cornwall.

“It’s become so popular that I now refuse to visit during the school holidays – who wants to be sandwiched like sardines in a shop or queue hours for a pasty?

“In autumn, however, the calm streets paint a wildly different picture.

Harbour life is slower, cafe owners are less frazzled and you can potter past the pastel-toned houses at leisure, without the sense of being herded like cattle.

“Padstow’s charm really shines through at this time of year, too.

The seas look even more spectacular under a somewhat moody sky, while the blustery winds will ensure you have the coastal paths to yourself.

“I could spend hours plonked on a bench with a coffee taking in the views of weathered boats bobbing on the water while sea gulls squark overhead.

“Check out Cherry Trees Coffee House for a proper home-cooked breakfast, or Prawn on the Lawn for the freshest seafood dishes – make sure to book in advance, though, the restaurant is tiny.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Glasgow

“For me, what makes the perfect autumn are trees bursting with colour, crunchy leaves underfoot and those sunny yet chilly days.

“This is when Glasgow comes into its element, making it the perfect post-summer weekend break.

“Too cold for me to brave in winter, there is no better time to wander the city’s cobbled streets and Victorian architecture.

“I had no idea until my visit that the city had even coined its own Scottish version of Art Nouveau, aptly called Glasgow Style (with the best example of this being the Glasgow School of Art).

“Wander around the University of Glasgow’s arched cloisters for free, along with the huge gardens coated in brown leaves in September and October. 

“For that sugar hit, don’t miss out on a doughnut from Tantrum, a Glaswegian owned franchise.

“I’m still thinking of their blueberry and white chocolate one, although their classic Birthday Cake was tempting. 

“And with the new bouquet Arthouse Hotel opening there (with rooms from £99), I’m already planning my return.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Whitby

“Spooky Dracula connections, historic abbey ruins, a dramatic coastline and the UK’s best fish and chips? Whitby is truly perfect for an autumn staycation.

“Stroll along the Yorkshire seaside town’s picture-perfect harbour to find traditional amusements, a fascinating Captain Cook museum, and to take in dramatic views of the hilltop Whitby Abbey from across the water.

“For more spooky vibes, walk the famous Whitby 199 steps – the very same which a sinister black dog dashes up to announce Dracula’s arrival in Whitby in the classic novel.

“In fact, Bram Stoker was first inspired to write Dracula when he visited Whitby in 1890, as he was immediately struck by the dramatic Gothic ruins that loom over the pretty coastal town.

“The steps lead you to the 12th century St Mary’s Church, which is well worth a visit for its panoramic views over the bay – particularly at sunset.

“Follow the Cleveland Way coastal path from here and you’ll reach Robin Hood’s Bay – a former smuggler’s village where red-roofed cottages tumble down a steep cliff straight to the sea.

“Stop for lunch by Trenchers, which won Restaurant of the Year at the National Fish and Chips Awards 2026 – which is basically the Oscar‘s for chippies!

“Here you can grab a takeaway cod and chips, haddock and chips or scampi and chips all for £13.50 each. Enjoy them out on the harbour for the perfect way to end your day.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

IF YOU are heading away this autumn, you might want to check if there are any attraction closures before you travel.

The autumn brings a number of seasonal closures but this year there will also be a number of permanent closures at popular attractions.

Other attractions will be coming back, but you’ll need to wait a while.

So here are all the closures – temporary or permanent – you need to be aware of:

Disneyland Paris

On September 7, Crush’s Coaster will close at Disneyland Paris through to summer 2027 for its biggest modernisation in two decades.

Across the nine- month closure, all track sensors will be replaced and other parts of the ride will be refurbished.

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The inside dark visuals will also be upgraded.

Peter Pan’s flight is also currently closed until September 19.

Pirate’s Beach is currently closed and will be until October 23 for a safety inspection as well as replacement of the ground padding.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups will be closed between September 21 and October 2 to repaint the floor.

La Tanière du Dragon will close on October 5 until the middle of the month for servicing.

Europa Park

Euro-Mir at Europa Park will be permanently closed towards the end of 2026 to make room for a new coaster.

There are also a number of water coasters at the park which will continue to operate weather permitting but usually close for the season in November.

Efteling

Efteling is open year-round so closes rides for maintenance at different times.

For example, Python will be closed between September 7 and 9 to inspect the track.

Sirocco will be closed between September 14 and 18 for servicing.

Baron 1898 will close between October 5 and 9 for cable tensioning and brake checks.

Danse Macabre will have a slightly longer closure period between October 26 and November 6 to calibrate the ride and work on the audio visuals.

Max & Mortiz will close between October 26 and 30 for vehicle maintenance.

Gondoletta will close across the same dates for cable inspection and canal cleaning.

Droomvlucht will close for a longer period between November 9 and December 4 for an overhaul of the animatronics as well as the lighting and track systems.

Halve Maen will close between November 9 and 11 to work on the braking mechanics.

And finally, Joris en de Draak will close between November 30 and December 18 for structural inspections.

Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park will shut down for the season in early November following Fright Nights until late March 2027, excluding some seasonal events.

Rumba Rapids at the park had already retired earlier this year, after 39 years.

Other UK theme parks

Drayton Manor will close on November 1 for the season, as will Chessington World of Adventures, excluding some seasonal events.

Alton Towers will then follow on November 8, after Scarefest, excluding some seasonal events.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach will then shift to weekend-only openings from November 28.

Waterparks

Caribe Aquatic Park at PortAventura World in Spain will close on September 21 for the season until late May 2027.

The outdoor parts of Rulantica at Europa Park in Germany will close in late September, with the entire indoor water world will then shut for the season in mid-November.

Aquafan in Italy will close in mid-September for the season and Caneva Aquapark also in Italy will then close in late September.

Disney‘s Typhoon Lagoon water park will temporarily close for its annual refurbishment on September 9 but a reopening date has not yet been announced.

From the ancient ruins of Rome to the street food of Iceland or the canals of Amsterdam, here are five ways to spend a memorable mini break this autumn

Summer holiday season may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t have to spell the end of travels until the same time next year. In fact, when temperatures have cooled, crowds have thinned and prices have dropped, autumn is often the perfect time of year to book a city break.

There are plenty of destinations to choose from across Europe, whether it’s history and culture holidaymakers are after, delicious food and drink, or breathtaking natural wonders. And for those squeezing in a quick weekend away this autumn while keeping their annual leave for the festive period, a well-planned trip can make all the difference.

That’s why our travel experts have taken a look at the top-rated tours across Europe on Viator to offer some inspiration to jet-setters already dreaming of their next getaway. Here are five of the most popular choices across the continent that are ideal for mini breaks and are a way to ensure no highlights of a destination are missed.

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Canal cruise in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

With its world-class museums and art galleries, delicious food and drink scene, and vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam is always a popular choice for a mini-break among British holidaymakers. And the number one top-rated tour on Viator offers visitors the chance to explore it in style.

The Amsterdam Classic Saloon Boat Cruise will see travellers board a 19th century wooden saloon boat to cruise along the city’s canals, journeying past iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum while hearing more about them from the onboard guide. Priced from £14.38 per person, this hour-long tour is ideal for those with a busy itinerary or only stopping in Amsterdam for a few hours – and there’s the option to upgrade to a drinks and cheese package too.

With an average rating of 4.8 out of five based on more than 30,000 reviews, fans of this tour have praised it as “a great way to see the city and learn about its history” with guides that were “knowledgeable and entertaining”. However, one person did remark that they “wish it was longer”, while someone else commented that their boat was “a bit crowded”.

Several airlines offer regular flights from UK airports to Amsterdam, including easyJet and KLM. Or for those who want to travel a little differently, the DFDS Amsterdam Mini Cruise is a popular choice that sets sail from Newcastle on a daily basis and is priced from £56 per person, offering the chance to spend the day in Amsterdam without having to worry about accommodation.

More canal cruises are available to book via Amsterdam Boat Trips, which offers both shared and private tours as well as food and drink themes from craft beer to Dutch pancakes.

Book a tour for your next holiday

Viator offers tours across Europe visiting everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gem spots.

City walking tour of Porto, Portugal

The coastal city of Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a popular destination among sun-seekers, enjoying Mediterranean warmth well into the autumn – the average temperature here in October last year was 18°C, compared to the UK’s 10.4°C. A lesser-visited alternative to the Algarve or the capital of Lisbon, Porto is ideally suited to a long weekend away with its walkable historic centre.

The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Centre comes in at number two on the Viator list of the top-rated tours of Europe, and takes visitors on a two-and-a-half hour walking tour of the city that delves into 2,000 years of history via famous landmarks and hidden gems. Learning all the secrets of Porto from a knowledgeable tour guide, this tour has no set price and simply asks participants to pay what they think it’s worth at the end.

Earning a stellar five-star rating based on more than 32,000 reviews, this tour has been dubbed “a wonderful introduction to Porto” with plenty of “interesting and informative” highlights to look forward to. Although more than 96% of participants have awarded it the full five stars, one reviewer did comment that they felt the tour had “not as much walking to various sites as I would have liked”.

Ryanair offers flights to Porto from £18.99 per person from multiple UK airports, including London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool, with the likes of easyJet and British Airways offering direct flights too. More tours of Porto are available via the likes of GetYourGuide and Living Tours.

Exploring ancient ruins of Rome, Italy

On the travel bucket list of every ancient history lover in the world, Rome is a truly unique place to visit where there are iconic ancient ruins to be found at every turn alongside some of the most spectacular Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Such is the Italian capital’s reputation for being a must-visit that a short trip can feel overwhelming, so booking a walking tour is a top recommendation to make sure none of the landmarks are missed.

Although there are thousands to choose from, the Rome Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour is the top-rated option on Viator. Priced from £29.64 per person, this tour combines three of the most iconic sights in Rome into one trip led by an expert guide, learning about life in Ancient Rome along the way.

With more than 25,000 reviews on Viator and an overall rating of 4.6 out of five stars, those impressed by this tour praised it as a “fantastic experience” with the “amazing” guides that were “very attentive” and knowledgeable about the sites. Despite this, one reviewer felt that their trip to the Colosseum “was a little rushed”, while another complained that it was “overcrowded” at the site.

Several airlines offer direct flights from the UK to Rome’s airports, including British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair. Meanwhile, if holidaymakers want to make their trip to Rome part of a luxury cruise holiday, Fred. Olsen is offering trips sailing from UK shores that include the opportunity to visit the Italian capital, such as the 18-night Culture & Coastline of Italy journey from Southampton next April which is priced from £2,599 per person.

Dublin to Galway via Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

UK holidaymakers don’t have to travel too far for spectacular sights – over in Ireland there are breathtaking natural wonders to see, and a top-rated tour gives travellers the chance to witness them all in a single day. Ideal for anyone planning a few days in Dublin, the Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway is priced from £65.38 per person and ventures from the capital out to the rugged west coast.

Swapping out the walking for an air-conditioned vehicle, passengers on board will learn about Irish history and culture on this 13-hour tour that offers the opportunity to explore the clifftop paths of the Cliffs of Moher before continuing along part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The final stop before heading back to Dublin is Galway, where visitors can choose to embark on a guided walking tour or explore the vibrant harbour city at their own pace.

Racking up an average rating of 4.9 out of five stars based on more than 20,000 reviews, impressed participants said their tour guide went “above and beyond” and that the stops were “a perfect amount of time to enjoy and explore the beautiful places”. Although one person fed back that it was “hard to find a restaurant and enjoy the city in the time provided” in Galway, while someone else echoed that they “wish we had more time to explore Galway”.

It’s possible to travel to Dublin from the UK via flight or a combination of a car, coach or train and ferry, with Stena Line, P&O Ferries and DFDS among those operating crossings. When it comes to exploring Dublin itself, the hop-on, hop-off Do Dublin bus tours are one of the most popular options, with 24, 48 and 72-hour tickets available.

Authentic food tasting in Reykjavik, Iceland

And finally, Iceland rounds off the top-rated tours of Europe as a destination that is at its most spectacular when the weather turns colder. The aptly nicknamed ‘land of fire and ice’ is home to awe-inspiring dramatic landscapes, from giant glaciers and cascading waterfalls to active volcanoes and rugged mountains – and there’s yet more to discover its capital Reykjavik.

The Reykjavik Food Walk offers holidaymakers the opportunity to sample some of the city’s best eateries, sampling local favourites from Icelandic cheeses to Arctic char. Priced from £108.94 per person with food included, this three-hour small group tour also passes by many of Reykjavik’s landmarks from the Hallgrimskirkja church to the Harpa concert hall, offering a unique way to see the city.

Earning a five-star rating from more than 20,000 reviews, this tour has been described as ‘such a fun way to experience Icelandic dishes’ with an ‘amazing’ choice of restaurants and foods on offer.

Seasonal flights to Iceland are available from selected UK airports, operated by the likes of Jet2, easyJet and IcelandAir. There are a number of cruise options available from UK ports too, including from Ambassador Cruise Line with the Iceland’s Land of Ice & Fire holiday sailing from London Tilbury on September 10 from £1,399 per person and up to £200 onboard credit available in a last-minute deal.

THE final £9.50 holidays for 2026 are being released this weekend – meaning it’s your last chance to book an amazing autumn break.

Popular parks like Trecco Bay, Vauxhall and Unity Beach are but a few that you will be able to book from this Sunday, with plenty of October and November breaks opening up.

Sign up to Sun Club to get the first pick of £9.50 Hols this Sunday

We’ve rounded up the £9.50 holiday parks that are perfect to book for an autumn break – with Monster Ball Halloween parties, coastal castles, ghost walks and plenty of indoor action for the wet weather.

When it comes to booking, you can completely skip the hassle of collecting daily newspaper codes by joining Sun Club. Plus you can book your holiday from midnight while those collecting codes have to wait until the morning.

For £1.99 a month or £12 a year, Sun Club members unlock instant access to the £9.50 Hols booking from midnight this Sunday, August 23. That means you can bag the most popular parks before dates sell out.

Whether you’re treating the kids to an action-packed Halloween break, or craving a cosy couples’ escape surrounded by crunching orange leaves, here are our top £9.50 Holiday parks for an autumn getaway.

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Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex

Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands boasts not one but four indoor heated swimming pools as well as waterslides, meaning pool time doesn’t have to end when the weather cools down.

There’s loads for adventurous kids here, like the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, an outdoor high-ropes course, a virtual reality gaming suite and laser tag arenas.

Venture outdoors for a brisk coastal walk along the five mile-long beach – it will make heading back for a warming hot chocolate all the more rewarding.

This park is also a 10-minute drive from the medieval hilltop town of Rye, where ghost tours take place along its lantern-lit cobblestone streets and a chilling castle museum overlooks the marshes.

Vauxhall, Great Yarmouth

Parkdean Resorts Vauxhall in Great Yarmouth is built for indoor family fun, perfect for unpredictable British weather.

Kids can spend hours in the Tropical Waterworld – complete with slides and a splash zone – or burn off energy tackling the indoor soft play.

During October half-term, the park hosts Halloween events such as ghost walks, fancy dress contests, arts and crafts sessions and even the Monster Ball party – which takes place across all Parkdean resorts.

Out in Great Yarmouth you can stop by Fairground Frights at Pleasure Beach for a spooky theme park takeover, or even sit down to the Halloween Spooktacular at the Hippodrome Circus.

Sign up to Sun Club to get the first pick of £9.50 Hols this Sunday

Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay, Scarborough

Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay sits on the North Yorkshire coast, just a 30-minute drive from Whitby, the home of Dracula.

Here families can tour the withered ruins of Whitby Abbey, or join Dracula-themed ghost walks.

Whitby is also home to the best fish and chip shop in the UK, so you can sit down to an award-winning chippy tea with pretty harbour views after a full day’s exploring.

If you’re not into the spooky stuff, this action-packed park has a heated indoor pool with water flumes, an indoor high-ropes course, and an on-site arcade.

Park Holidays UK Bowland Fell, Yorkshire

This park sits at the edge of 130 acres of Bowland forest, giving you direct access to endless woodland trails – which burst with beautiful orange leaves in autumn.

The park even sits within an officially designated dark sky reserve, meaning stargazing here is particularly spectacular, making for the perfect October or November break.

As for accommodation, you can pick between classic caravans, modern apartments, spacious lodges and even the cosy Bowland Fell Cottage.

On-site, you can eat at the 17th-century Crowtrees Inn, a refurbished traditional stone pub with open log fires and local pints.

Bowland Fell offers a relaxed break centred around local nature and fantastic walking trails, perfect for couples and outdoors-y families.

Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

As one of Europe’s largest holiday parks, Trecco Bay is certianly equipped with enough activities to handle rainy days.

The resort houses a massive indoor Splashland, a full-sized bowling alley, an arcade, and a soft play area to name but a few things to do here.

Throughout October half term, the entertainment team runs daily Halloween craft sessions, spooky game shows, and pumpkin carving workshops.

There’s over 2,000 caravans and lodges here, ranging from affordable, comfy caravans to luxurious lodges with hot tubs.

Sign up to Sun Club to get the first pick of £9.50 Hols this Sunday

Enjoy a two or three-night break sailing from Plymouth or Portsmouth to Santander with our great 2 for 1 offer

We’ve teamed up with Brittany Ferries to give readers a Spanish mini-cruise this Autumn and save pounds with an exclusive 2-for-1 offer.

We have two great offers with prices starting from as little as £49.50 per person* and both packages include en suite cabin accommodation and all port charges. You can travel from September 15 to November 2 with this great offer.

From Plymouth, sail on Brittany Ferries’ luxurious flagship Pont-Aven for two days and nights, with fine French food and wine served in elegant surroundings, a choice of bars with live entertainment, a large boutique with tempting duty-free prices, and even a spa and swimming pool. From Portsmouth, sail on the stylish and contemporary Salamanca for three nights, with the elegant Restaurant Azul, casual dining at La Taberna, the lively Plaza Mayor bar inspired by Salamanca’s famous city square, and a boutique with a great range of duty-free products.

En route to Spain, you can also spot wildlife. The Bay of Biscay is one of the most remarkable and reliable places to spot whales and dolphins in the world.

On arrival, both ships dock in Santander – the capital of Cantabria – with a little time to explore this vibrant resort city on foot. With tree-lined boulevards, elegant plazas, beautiful parks and a bustling town centre packed with shops, cafes and tapas bars, it offers a wonderful taste of northern Spain. Pont-Aven docks right in the heart of the city, with up to three hours ashore.

From Plymouth, departures operate on Wednesdays and Sundays. From Portsmouth, choose a Friday evening departure returning Monday, or a Monday evening departure returning Thursday.

HOW TO BOOK: Click here to take up this offer. The offer is subject to availability.

Terms and conditions

The 2-for-1 discount applies only during the promotional period.

The promotional offer applies to a round trip as part of one booking i.e. departure and return. Departing and returning to Plymouth or Portsmouth – Santander.

Plymouth departures: The £49.50 per person price is based on 3 or 4 people sharing a 4-berth inside cabin.

Portsmouth departures: The £64.50 per person price is based on 2 people sharing a 4-berth inside cabin.

Single supplement of £94.50 applies

The offer is valid for foot passengers only.

Travel period is September 15 – November 2, 2026.

Full payment is required at the time of booking. It’s non-refundable and no amendments to bookings can be made.

The offer is bookable via the website only.

The offer is subject to availability.

Brittany Ferries terms of business apply to all bookings. For more information, read the terms and conditions here