Butlins

MY family of five spends December flitting between holiday parks and comparing all the festive fun they have on offer.

You might think it comes at a high cost because of the time of year – but I found a seasonal staycay in Christmas week for less than £50.

Over the last decade, we’ve checked out Center Parcs, Butlin’s, Parkdean, Away Resorts and independent Ribby Hall over the festive season – but Haven has pipped them to the post.

This year, it has an incredible offer that allows a family of four to stay in Dorset for £50 at the start of the school Christmas holidays.

There are nine Haven sites staying open for the festivities this year and they all seem to have brought in a bargain break for two nights from December 21-23.

It’s an absolute solstice steal – the best price I found was at Rockley Park near Poole where a two-bed caravan cost just £49.

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My family of five head to Norfolk to stay near relatives every winter and this year a bronze caravan over the winter solstice at Haven Seashore near Great Yarmouth is just £155, half the price we paid for the same accommodation at Twixmas two years ago.

That’s partly down to the Haven price promise, where you can get money back if the cost of your break drops after you book it.

It was incredibly straightforward to get our holiday price adjusted when I saw that our break was now £15 less – it was all done through live chat and took only a few minutes for the bot to find the new price for our break and change the amount we still had to pay to reflect that.

I’ll keep checking between now and the start of our break as it’s possible I might get even more off if the price drops again. 

We absolutely loved the festive vibes at Seashore two years ago, with twinkling lights around the park, a Christmas tree provided in each caravan and a panto (Jack and Beanstalk this time around) on the entertainment schedule.

The waterpark has a couple of flumes and a splashpad to keep our boys busy and we had a delicious Sunday roast in the pub restaurant for about £120 for 12 people, thanks to the amazing food and drink deals like two main meals for £20 plus kids eat for £1. We can’t wait to go back this year.

My top tip for making the most of any festive break is to book any activities you want to do as soon as you can.

A trip to Santa’s grotto or Christmas crafts can be booked on the Haven app 12 weeks in advance, while swimming pool slots are released four weeks before your holiday.

If you have some festive must-dos, you don’t want to leave it to the last minute and then discover everything is fully booked.

What’s great about Haven is that you just pay for the bits you actually use, like adding in a dishwasher for £10 – it’s the opposite of a package deal where you pay a set price for everyone on your booking, even if none of you want to go in the pool or visit the entertainment venues.

There’s an option called Haven Hideaway for people who just want to book a caravan and not use any of the on-site facilities.

That can save you a fair amount on your holiday and it’s perfect if you’re visiting family or friends for the festive season and just want to use your accommodation as a base. 

You can pay extra to choose your check-in time or where you want to be on the park.

And now you can even fork out for extra amenities in your accommodation like a washing machine or dishwasher if you love a few mod cons and your caravan doesn’t automatically come with them.

It’s tricky when Christmas falls on a Friday as most resorts have that as a changeover day, so all the normal midweek and weekend breaks need to be adjusted to start and finish on a different day. 

Haven has used that to sneak in an extra winter solstice school holiday break for next to nothing.

Some of the other UK holiday parks have introduced a similar two-nighter, but at a premium because it’s during the school holidays.

The cheapest break in a three-bed lodge over the same period at Center Parcs is £879 at Woburn Forest.

Cottages at Ribby Hall near Blackpool start at £438 for the two nights.

If you’re not a Haven fan, your best bet for a cheap pre-Christmas getaway is at Away Resorts, where you can start your break on any day of the week.

A stay for December 21-23 starts at £110 for a value two-bed caravan at Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight or a three-bed chalet at St Ives Bay in Cornwall.

Butlin’s doesn’t offer a two-night break over the festive period.

For a seasonal solstice staycay at a sensational price, you can’t beat a happy Haven-mas this year.

WE LOVE being by the seaside and the UK truly has some amazing coastal destinations to explore.

And now, the best seaside spots in the country have been revealed.

The Seaside Heritage Network has revealed its Bucket and Spade List of the Top Ten favourite seaside places and experiences, voted for by the public.

Here are the top 10 spots:

#10 Blackpool Colonnades (Lancashire)

Securing 10th place is the tiered structure in Blackpool known as the Blackpool Colonnades.

The Grade II-listed structure stretches 500 metres, with many locals saying it is the best spot for the sunset.

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The historic seaside structure was built between 1910 and 1925 to protect the seafront.

Even better news is that they are currently being restored, with a completion date set for 2030.

#9 Aberystwyth Cliff Railway (Ceredigion)

The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway in Wales is the longest electric cliff railway in Britain.

The lift opened back in 1896 and has a 237 metre track.

Later in November 1987, the lift received a Grade II-listed status.

At the top of Constitution Hill, there are more attractions to explore including The Camera Obscura.

#8 Harbour Bar, Scarborough (North Yorkshire)

The Harbour Bar in Scarborough, North Yorkshire is a family owned ice cream and milk bar which has stood on the seafront since 1945.

Inside the bar has a white-and-yellow 1950s/60s decor with neon lighting and even vintage counter service.

All ice cream is made on site using traditional recipes.

The joint has won awards for its sundaes such as Knickerbocker Glory.

#7 Shell Grotto, Margate (Kent)

In Margate, explore Shell Grotto which is an underground chamber full of, well, shells.

The chamber was discovered completely randomly in the 19th century and boasts 21 metres of winding passages covered in 4.6million shells.

Having recently visited, Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey said: “Discovered in 1835, the mystery of the Shell Grotto is what gives it its charm – even now, we don’t know who created it, when, or why.

“But the bizarre underground chambers are well-worth exploring and it certainly makes for an interesting visit (if you don’t mind leaving with more questions than answers…).”

#6 Volks Electric Railway, Brighton (East Sussex)

Volk’s Electric Railway in Brighton, East Sussex, is the oldest operating electric railway in the world.

Having opened in 1883, the railway stretches just over a mile along Brighton seafront.

The railway operates seasonally with a round trip taking around half an hour.

You don’t need to pre-book – you can just turn up, buy tickets at the station and then head for a ride.

#5 Weymouth Deckchairs (Dorset)

Weymouth’s Deckchairs are loved for their charming, traditional feel and came in as the fifth best seaside spot in the country.

The chairs are available each day from April through the end of September, weather permitting, and make for the ideal photo op.

Hiring a deckchair costs around £3.70 per day.

Though, if you are over 60 and live in the area you can get a free pass.

#4 Tinside Lido, Plymouth (Devon)

Fancy a dip? In fourth place is the only lido on the list – Grade II-listed Art Deco Tinside Lido in Plymouth.

After opening in 1935, the pool quickly became a popular spot and today is often ranked among the top outdoor pools in Europe.

The semi-circular pool screams of classic seaside memories and is unheated.

The pool costs £10.50 for both adults and children.

#3 Wemyss Bay Railway Station (Inverclyde)

Wemyss Bay Railway Station is a Category A-listed Edwardian railway found in the village of Wemyss Bay in Inverclyde, Scotland.

It is often dubbed one of the most beautiful train stations in the UK.

It also marks the final stop on the Inverclyde Line which connects the region to Glasgow Central.

One visitor said: “A fascinating and beautifully preserved reminder of the heyday of mass travel to the seaside – now an integral part of its local community.”

#2 North & South Marine Parks, South Shields (Tyne & Wear)

North Marine Park and South Marine Park are interconnected Victorian parks located on South Shields seafront in Tyne & Wear.

The parks sit alongside Ocean Beach Pleasure Park and boast a mixture of attractions including green spaces and even a miniature railway.

One person said: “It has everything! Miniature train, lake with boats, play area, cafe, beautiful gardens.

“The beach is over the road as well as a traditional fairground. Lots of events, music, fun and family friendly.”

#1 Herne Bay Pier (Kent)

And securing the top spot for the best seaside destination is Herne Bay Pier in Kent.

The traditional seaside attraction has loads to do from family entertainment including arcades to beach hut shops.

One person said: “I love the pier as there are so many places to eat and drink. If you have children with you there are plenty of things for them to do. Always see people crabbing off the side.

“They have dog shows too and music shows through the summer weekends. It’s so versatile and just a really enjoyable place to be.

“Fantastic variety of activities for all ages. The Pier Volunteers are a credit to the community.”

YOU don’t need to spend a fortune to treat the family to a magical winter getaway this year, with breaks from as little as £2.44pp a night.

So instead of stressing over hosting at home during the festive season, you could be kicking back in a cosy lodge.

We’ve found breaks where there’s loads to do for the whole family, including free pantomimes, Christmas lights trails and magical visits to Santa’s Grotto.

Whether you’ re after a pre-decorated cabin with a private hot tub, or a full Christmas dinner cooked for you, here’s our pick of budget-friendly Christmas breaks to get booked in now.

Away Resorts Winterfest

November 20 – December 20, 2026

Away Resorts go all-out on Christmas, with action-packed Winterfest celebrations across Tattershall Lakes, Sandy Balls, Retallack Resort, St Ives Bay and Mill Rythe resorts.

Festive activities on offer include writing letters to Father Christmas, stuffing a Christmas teddy and creating your very own snow globes (these activities are at an additional cost).

There’s also spectacular free Christmas entertainment shows.

This includes festive candlelight concerts, the ‘bonkers’ Elves Misbehaving show, and the Forest of Light illuminations walk in the New Forest location.

Breaks start from £112 for three nights, based on a three night break for eight people in a luxury sea view caravan at St Ives Bay.

That works out to £7.46pp per night.

Parkdean Resorts Winter Wonderland

November 27 – December 30, 2026

Parkdean Resorts’ Winter Wonderland celebrations are made with families of all ages in mind, with extra toddler-specific activities added new for this year.

Spend your days as a family making baubles or training for Christmas at the Elf Academy (at an extra cost) or settle down to watch this year’s family pantomime, Aladdin.

Little ones will love the free Festive Tots activities like The Big Christmas Party 4 Tots or the Festive Tots & Tunes sing-a-long sessions.

Plus you can meet Father Christmas himself, as well as Mrs Claus and the elves – or even book in to have breakfast with them at an additional cost.

Breaks start from £129 for four nights in a bronze caravan sleeping six, working out to £5.38pp per night. Go all inclusive from an extra £100 per adult or £40 per child add-on per break.

Or stay over the big day itself to tuck into a Christmas dinner as a family – minus the washing up. A three-course meal on Christmas starts from £49.99 per adult and £29.99 per child.

Butlin’s Festive Wonderland Breaks

November 23 – December 30, 2026

Butlin’s are putting on the ultimate sleigh-cation during December, with extra, festive-themed shows and activities added to an already action-packed programme.

Themed experiences include a festive movie night, a silent disco and the interactive Christmas Chaos games showdown, all part of your break.

Stay over on Christmas itself and you’ll get extra perks, like a special fireworks display and a four-course Christmas dinner (£58 per adult, £38 per child).

Meeting Father Christmas is a free activity that is part of every Christmas break.

The 30-minute Express Delivery experience includes an opportunity for kids to write a letter, before posting it and wandering through a fully decked-out Christmas zone to meet the main man himself.

Festive Breaks start from £39 for four nights across their locations, based on a family of four. This works out to £2.44pp per night.

Festive breaks at Haven

November 28 – December 30, 2026

Escape to a cosy seaside caravan with its own pre-built, pre-lit Christmas tree on a Haven festive break.

This year, parks are putting on Jack and the Beanstalk for their festive panto, and the Seaside Squad are teaming up with Santa’s elves for free Christmassy live entertainment shows.

There’s plenty to do during the day, too, including themed pottery workshops, stocking workshops and the opportunity to meet Santa in his Grotto. These pre-bookable activities come at an additional cost.

Food menus get a makeover for the festive season too, with takeaway stands offering festive smash burgers, on-site pubs cooking up hearty roasts, plus the option for a three-course meal with a welcome drink on Christmas day (adults £59.99, kids £14.99).

Participating parks include Craig Tara in Scotland, Primrose Valley in Yorkshire and Cala Gran in Blackpool. Click here for a full list.

Festive breaks start from £49 for four nights in November or December, working out to £3.06pp per night. Or you can stay from £335 for four nights over Christmas week.

Hoseasons Christmas Lodge Getaways

November – December 2026

Whether you fancy a holiday lodge, a cosy cottage or a full-on family holiday park break, Hoseasons have collected them all neatly on their Christmas getaways page.

You can sort the holidays by pre-decorated stays, places with an open fire or woodburner, lodges with hot tubs as well as dog-friendly options.

Some of our favourite options include this cosy lodge with a hot tub in Cargill, as well as this pre-decorated farmhouse in Lincolnshire.

Seven night breaks over Christmas start from £249. Split a six-berth caravan between a group, and that works out to £5.93pp per night.

Park Holidays Cosy Winter Breaks

November 2, 2026 – March 4, 2027

If you want an affordable winter break in a quiet corner of the UK, look no further than a Park Holidays cosy winter break.

During this period, most of these holiday parks are open for accommodation only – meaning that you can bag yourself a seriously cheap stay. Just pack your Christmas snacks and games to bring along with you for a seriously cosy escape.

And if you want to make use of a heated pool, spa facilities and on-site bars and restaurants that do stay open, look at breaks for Brynteg in Wales or Rye Harbour in Sussex.

A three night winter break at Brynteg in Wales in a gold caravan sleeping six starts from £179, working out to £9.94pp per night.

Shorefield Christmas Cracker Weekends

4-7 & 11-14 December, 2026

Retreat to a glamorous woodland lodge this winter, where days are filled with festive live music, shows and plenty of family activities.

Shorefield’s Christmas Cracker weekends see all the Christmas classics such as festive quizzes, pantomimes, carolling and more.

If you’re bringing the kids along, there’s craft workshops plus a Father Christmas meet and greet, plus the park’s restaurants sees a festive menu takeover.

Click here to see all the activities you can book, with free options as well as workshops at an additional cost.

Christmas Cracker Weekendsstart from £224. For three nights in a flexifleet caravan sleeping four, that works out to £18.67pp per night.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

FROM festive discos to free Santa meets – there are lots of reasons to book a Butlin’s break this Christmas.

And the holiday park has just announced two new shows this year as well.

Santa himself will be in his festive grotto at all three Butlin’s resorts as the Father Christmas Express Delivery returns for 2026 – and it’s included in the price.

During the 30-minute experience, families will take a magical journey in a lift to Santa’s grotto where they’ll write their Christmas Day wish list.

Of course, children will get to meet, chat and have a photo with Father Christmas too.

New for this year at all three resorts are two festive shows, the first being a live band playing classic Christmas tunes with a rock twist.

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The second will be the Robbie Williams tribute show Rock DJ who will play his biggest hits.

Across the parks will also be two weekly pantomime performances of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Also included in all breaks are festive arts and crafts sessions, Christmas-themed pool parties, discos, Christmas film showings and character photoshoots.

Not to mention all the usual perks too like access to the Splash Waterworld pools, the rides at the fairground, SKYPARK playgrounds in Minehead and Skegness, and the Skyline Gang Soft Play centre in Bognor Regis.

The year-round Butlin’s entertainment will continue like Peppa Pig-Nic Celebration featuring Evie Pig and Animals and Mythical Beasts.   

Four-night Christmas Festive Wonderland breaks start from £39 which works out to just £10 per person.

These Festive Wonderland Breaks can be booked between November 23 and December 30.

For those who fancy a break over December 25, there’s an option to book the Christmas Day Breaks.

These can be booked between December 23 and December 27 and start from £184 or £46pp.

It doesn’t stop there either with New Year Breaks available to book too.

These will take place between December 30 to January 2 with prices from £313 or £79pp.

Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, said: “As we wrap up an incredible year of celebrating our 90th birthday, we’re ending it on a festive high.

“The most wonderful time of the year is made extra special at Butlin’s, with non-stop festive shows and activities, all included in the price of breaks. 

“While most families will be heading to the sofas after their Christmas lunch, our guests can whizz down the slides at Splash Waterworld. Where else can you swap your Christmas jumper for a swimsuit on Christmas Day?

“There’s no better place for a well-earned festive getaway, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of guests across our three resorts.” 

For those who want to guarantee no extra costs, Butlin’s also offers all-inclusive packages.

Dining plans with unlimited breakfast and dinner start from £25.95 per adult, per day, £15.50 per child (6-14), per day and £7.25 per child (2-5), per day.

All Inclusive drinks packages with a range of unlimited Costa Coffee, alcoholic and soft drinks start from £25.95 per adult, per day, £10.50 per child (6-14), per day and free for under 5’s.

Wondering if it’s worth the cost? One Travel Writer tested out the drinks package to see what she could get in one day from Prosecco to beer and Costa Coffee.

SOMETIMES you just want a break from the hum-drum of daily life, without having to spend too much money.

After all, what’s better than a beautiful hotel room where you can wake up at your leisure, or a cosy cottage with all your family?

So as the team of travel experts at the Sun, we’ve looked at all of our favourite places across the UK where we’ve stayed which DON’T break the bank.

And you certainly don’t have to splash the cash on expensive five star stays to enjoy a luxurious and restful break.

Not only have we searched the entire UK, from Edinburgh and the Lake District to Oxford and Kent, but all of these stays are less than £100, so £50 each an night.

Some are even a bargain £3 each, per night. You’re welcome.

Searles Hunstanton, Norfolk

A cheap and cheerful holiday park break can really jazz up an otherwise boring and drizzly November.

Growing up in north Norfolk, I spent my fair share of days at Searles Leisure Resort. I even worked on the mini golf course, so I have plenty of recommendations!

Visiting in the autumn is super affordable. Use of the pool, sauna, jacuzzi and £1m kids splash zone is completely free (as long as you book direct) – so no need to buy an expensive add-on swim pass.

If visiting over a weekend, make sure to tuck into their impressive Sunday carvery. While the main restaurant can get busy, I recommend eating in the Sports Bar which overlooks the golf course.

While on-site entertainment is limited in autumn, there’s plenty of indoor, kid-friendly attractions nearby such as Farmer Fred’s soft play in Heacham and shows at Hunstanton Princess Theatre.

The site practically backs onto Hunstanton promenade, so you can be on the seafront in only a few steps. On dry days, make sure to walk all the way along to Old Hunstanton’s stripey chalk cliffs for a stunning view.

Grab a pack of hot, sugary cinnamon doughnuts from Kay’s, then head to Hunstanton Pier amusements to spend your spare 2ps. You won’t miss the massive building right on the green with a bowling alley overlooking the sea.

With a November Super Savers break, you can bag a four-night stay for £119. If you stay as a group of six, that works out to £4.96pp per night. – Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Maldron Hotel, Newcastle

If you’re looking for a fantastically central hotel to enjoy a night out in the party city of Newcastle while still getting a good night’s sleep, you can’t go wrong with the Maldron Hotel on Newgate Street.

This modern, fresh hotel delivers 4* quality at great prices.

There’s free wifi, smart TVs, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities and a choice of deluxe rooms, executive suites and family rooms.

There’s hearty breakfasts and all-day dining at the Grain and Grill bar and restaurant as well as options that can be delivered to your room.

But its main attraction is its central location. Opposite the Eldon Square shopping centre and close to The Gate leisure complex, it’s just a three-minute walk from Newcastle’s Central Station and close to local metro stations.

Footie fans will love the fact they can walk to St James’ Park and the Quayside is with its famous bridges, modern art galleries, lively bars and famous Sunday market is also just a 10minute stroll away.

Rooms from from just £68 a night for a double room, or £34 each. See maldronhotels.com. – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Cefn Nannau, Wales

An off-grid cottage staycation, deep in rural countryside just can’t be beaten – especially at this time of year when the autumn chill is finally starting to hit.

There’s room for the whole family (and more) in the gorgeous 12-person Cefn Nannau, buried among rolling fields in Corwen, North Wales.

It features two cosy living rooms with roaring log burners and board games so you can hunker down on those dark evenings, plus there’s an outdoor hot tub overlooking farming fields where sheep graze freely.

Rooms are cosy and come with glorious green views (and many feature en suite bathrooms, too) while the spacious kitchen, with a rugged Aga, is great for whipping up group feasts.

The property’s charm comes from its history as a former barn and character comes in the form of wonky beams and traditional terracotta floor tiles.

Its location is second to none, too.

Wales‘ largest freshwater lake, Bala Lake, is a short drive away,stretching 3.5miles in length. There’s also Snowdonia National Park right on your doorstep.

Cefn Nannau cottage costs from around £21 per person per night, based on full occupancy and a stay of seven nights. See sykescottages.co.uk. – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

London & Paris Hotel, Folkestone

Sea views, check. Cosy rooms, check. Fantastic pub grub, check. With all the boxes ticked, the London & Paris Hotel in Folkestone I think is one of Kent‘s best, affordable places to stay.

The seaside town is short of boutique hotels, with the majority of options being B&Bs or pub stays.

But the London & Paris reopened back in 2023 after years of renovations restoring the historic building.

Now, every room has sea views, and each is designed in elevated beach chic, so kooky patterned interiors and blue striped walls.

It no longer has its own restaurant, but the downstairs Harbour Inn pub is one of the finest in town with fantastic fresh seafood and Sunday Roasts.

Even better, Folkestone is less than an hour from London so makes for a great weekend trip from the capital.

Rooms start from £90 a night, so £45 each – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Butlins, UK locations

Earlier this year, I made my first pilgrimage to Butlin’s at their Skegness resort, and was so overwhelmed that I drew up an hour-by-hour activities spreadsheet to make sure that we made the most of every opportunity.

In just three days, we saw six shows, swam in the pool, played mini golf and laser quest, explored the soft play, spent far too many pound coins in the arcade, enjoyed arts and crafts and went to the fun fair.

We didn’t have time for the bowling, go-karting, pottery, climbing and aerial adventure courses.

What’s particularly incredible is that so many of these activities are included in the price of your stay, even if you go for the cheapest accommodation.

Their base rates start from £49 for four nights for a family of four during school holidays, which is an astonishing £12.25pp per holiday (working out to around £3 each a night).

It doesn’t matter where you book – the cheapest or priciest rooms – the activities included in the price are the same.

The quality of the entertainment is top notch too – and much cheaper when you could easily be spending £40 each for tickets to the West End, while Butlin’s shows are included and the same standard.

If we’re conservative, that’s £120pp for three nights of quality shows already. – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Pinewoods Holiday Park, Norfolk

In my mind, holiday parks are rowdy places filled with screeching children and soft play fun barns, so imagine my surprise when I pulled up to the peaceful Pinewoods Holiday Park in Norfolk.

Saltmash Lodge in Wells-next-the-Sea has ample room for six people – and a dog too. 

Inside, the master bedroom is impressively large with a kingsize bed, spacious en-suite and plush dressing area. The other two had twin beds and a separate bathroom.

My favourite part though, is the open-plan dining, kitchen and living area surrounded by large windows and a skylight.

Outside there’s a wraparound deck with a barbecue. But during the autumn, evenings are best spent settled on the sofas in front of the coal-effect fire.

Pinewoods is in a top location too, an equal walk into the town of Wells which has pretty quayside pubs and boutiques. Walk the other way to get to Wells beach with lots of golden sand and backed with brightly decorated beach huts and, beyond that, a pine forest.

Lodge prices start from £747 for a three-night stay, sleeping six people in three bedrooms which works out to £41.50pp per night.– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Mollies Motel, Oxford

Mollie’s opened its first ever motel in Oxfordshire in 2019 – a quirky concept inspired by roadside stays in the US, except more lavish.

And best of all, it’s super cheap.

In fact, I challenge you to find a more chic and handsomely-decorated bedroom for the same low price as this (less than £40pp a night).

The hotel started as the budget-friendly little sister to swanky members club Soho House and although it is now a separate entity, it still maintains a close relationship with the brand.

That means uber stylish furniture from Soho Home and Scandi-style decor. Think wooden panelling, earthy tones and funky lighting.

If you love American grub, then you’ll love the hotel’s diner which sticks to the American theme with huge burgers, dirty fries and hard shakes loaded with whipped cream.

Rooms cost from £37per person per night, on a room-only basis, with other hotels including Mollies Bristol and Mollies Manchester. – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Kickass Grassmarket, Edinburgh

Now hear me out: don’t knock a hostel until you try it. 

Kick Ass Grassmarket sits in the centre of Edinburgh, just a few minutes’ walk from all the major attractions and is a welcoming and secure hostel. 

Now, when you think of a hostel you probably picture dorms full of bunk beds and strangers, but at Kick Ass you can actually get a private room making it a great budget option. 

Plus you’ll get the benefit of social spaces and a fully-equipped kitchen. 

A double or twin room costs from just £70 per night, and has enough space for your luggage. 

Rooms have plenty of sockets, a full-length mirror and reading lights by the bed. And if you are lucky, you might even get a castle view – not bad for £35pp, eh?

Edinburgh is stunning all year and you don’t have to spend much to have a good time in the city, with hiking the famous Arthur‘s Seat is a top free activity. 

The National Museum of Scotland is also well worth exploring; its airy central atrium lets light flood the museum.– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

The Alan, Manchester

One of my favourite cities in the UK is Manchester, as it has all the elements of London – fantastic food scene, beautiful architecture and history – just with friendlier locals.

Oh and much cheaper hotels that are just as beautiful.

I love The Alan, built into the a former Victorian cotton warehouse.

The rooms feel elevated, so pink plaster rooms, marble tables and orange glass mugs, as well as brass bathroom fittings and fancy toiletries.

They have all the modcons, from flat screen TVs to Bluetooth speakers as well while the bar below is where you should be meeting your mates for a glass of wine and some nibbles.

Rooms start from £62 a night, or £31 each. – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

UK holidays could soon get much more expensive after new overnight tourist tax rules were announced in today’s Budget.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to the ‘tourist tax‘ which will impose an extra charge for families on a staycation – and it could cost families an extra £100.

Set out in the Autumn Budget, Andy Burnham once again spoke about what’s officially called the ‘overnight visitor levy‘ which is set to be in place by 2028.

It would allow local authorities in England to charge visitors an additional fee on overnight stays at hotels, B&Bs, holiday lets and even holiday parks.

The fee would be officially uncapped – however, Labour’s regional mayors in England have pledged to cap a it at five per cent.

According to UK Hospitality, it could still add up to £100 to a two-week family stay based on £2 per person per night.  

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The money gained by the tax would be invested back into local communities and infrastructure.

Talking about the levy, Jon Hendry Pickup, CEO of Butlin’s said: “The Government still hasn’t explained how a Holiday Tax will work in practice or whether it will actually achieve that objective.

“If local areas are going to retain significantly more business rates revenue, alongside a share of income tax, the case for adding another tax on British families taking a holiday in their own country becomes even harder to understand.

“We’ve consistently warned that making UK destinations more expensive risks deterring the very visitors whose spending supports local economies.

“Giving regions the power to invest can have a positive impact, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of UK families booking a holiday.”

However, there are ways to get round the visitor tax, as some places might not implement it at all.

England is split into 14 regions with different mayors looking after each – and the tourist tax will be added at their discretion.

It’s likely that all Labour mayors will add the tax, and some of the places where there is support are Greater London, the West Midlands, Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire and the North East.

Cities within those regions like Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle are likely to introduce the extra charge – as are surrounding towns.

However, where there are Reform UK and Conservative mayors, the levy may not be introduced at all.

For example, Dame Andrea Jenkyns who is the mayor of Greater Lincolnshire has said that she won’t be introducing a tourism tax as it could “drive out” people from visiting the region.

Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley Ben Houchen also ruled out introducing any tourist tax last year.

Paul Bristow, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, wrote on X that “this is not the time to put extra costs on staying overnight in #Cambridgeshire and #Peterborough.”

Meanwhile, there’s a question mark on the places that do not have an elected regional mayor – for example Cornwall which draws in thousands of visitors every summer.

Cornwall does not have a mayor for the whole county, but is looking for a way to set up a foundation strategic authority (FSA) – this could be set up by 2028.

Where the levy is introduced could also change depending on local elections and if the ruling party switches.

BUTLIN’S is continuing its all-inclusive family breaks into summer 2026 and 2027 – and absolutely everything is included.

From food and drink to waterparks and swimming pools to the adventure playgrounds – there are no hidden surprises.

Called the ‘All Inclusive Bundles‘ these include accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and drinks, Splash Waterworld, unlimited fairground rides, live shows, playgrounds and soft play.

The price starts from £125 per person for a family of four – or £41.50pppn.

When it come to the bundle, families have four different dining plans to choose from.

There’s the Food Court Dining & Drinks which has an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast and dinner, DineAround, which offers a choice of restaurants across each resort.

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Premium Buffet Dining Plan which is the best of the buffets including live cooking stations and themed nights, and Hotel Dining Plan which has the variety of the premium plan but at your own hotel restaurant.

Meanwhile, the drinks package includes unlimited soft drinks, spirits, wines, cocktails, draught beers and ciders, as well as non-alcoholic choices and Costa Coffee.    

In 2027, there will be eight brand-new shows to enjoy too including Britain’s Got Talent which will take place during all school holiday breaks.

It will be hosted by a celebrity presenter and performers will take to the stage in an attempt to get the Golden Buzzer.

During February half-term, there will be the new DreamWorks’ Madagascar – A Musical Adventure on stage.

Other new performances include K-Pop Forever! which has hits from groups like BTS and Blackpink.

Animals Magnified by the Animal Guyz which is a family show perfect for anyone who loves animals from hippos to tiny insects.

A Billion Streams will be its new concert-style show where guests can hear some of the world’s biggest hits from the likes of Harry Styles and Dua Lipa.

The Skyline Gang will compete in a Battle of the Bands competition so get ready to hear incredible drum solos and guitar riffs.

The price of an all-inclusive bundle starts from £499 for a family of four – or £41.50pppn.

This is based on two adults and two children in a Comfort Room on an October Half Term three-night break with Food Court buffet breakfast and dinner, and the All Inclusive Drinks Package. 

During the 2027 summer holidays, a three-night break to Skegness from August 13-16 with a Food Court Dining & Drinks bundle costs £739.98 – or £61.66pppn.

Travel Writer Helen Wright checked out the all-inclusive last year where she enjoyed cocktails, including a ‘Butlin’s on the Beach’.

While her kids headed to all the free activities from go karting to the fairground and outdoor playground.

Jon Hendry Pickup, CEO at Butlin’s, said: “The cost of a family holiday doesn’t stop at the booking price.

“Meals and drinks can be harder to budget for in advance, so extending our All-Inclusive bundles to school holiday breaks gives families a much clearer picture of the overall cost before they arrive.”

THE spooks and the ghouls are gathering, and this half-term is gearing up to be spine-chillingly fang-tastic.

Superb Halloween events for all the family are being held across the UK, including in city centres, holiday parks, castles and lots of amazing attractions.

Here, Trisha Harbord shares her selection of 13 of the most magical and monstrous activities taking place in the coming weeks.

MAZE MADNESS

DO you have teenage monsters? They’ll love screaming their way through horror mazes at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

The attraction’s Journey To Hell features three new mazes: Eternal Abyss, a network of tunnels; The Veil, a house steeped in grief; and Deadline, with its nightmarish corridors.

Other frightening encounters include riding ICON: Into The Void blindfolded, and a ghost train.

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Journey To Hell tickets, including mazes, start from £50. See blackpoolpleasurebeach.com.

Screamfest at Staffordshire’s National Forest Adventure Farm is celebrating 15 years with its most terrifying attraction. Cortex 17 is a psychic trial set in a 1960s hospital, featuring 20 weird actors.

It’s among seven chilling experiences with thrill rides and roaming characters until October 31, from £34pp. See screamfest.co.uk.

HOLIDAY PARK HELL

HOLIDAY parks across the UK have cut-price half-term deals. Butlin’s Spooktober is landing at Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, with discounted three-night breaks from £66 per person.

Fairgrounds have become scaregrounds and there are special Halloween shows, eerie silent discos and crafts as well as Splash Waterworld, TV’s The Masked Singer and Maximum Pro Wrestling. See butlins.com.

If you’re in Scotland or the north of England, Verdant Parks has 11 sites in beautiful coastal and countryside locations where Halloween is being celebrated, with three-night family stays from £259.

You could choose Riverside, on the banks of Wooler Water in Northumberland, which has a pool, wellness area, soft play, arcade, entertainment, bar and restaurant.

Kids can get involved in pumpkin carving and zombie battles. See verdantparks.co.uk.

MONSTER MAYHEM

MANCHESTER’s MCR Monsters are back for their tenth anniversary. The giant, inflatable creatures will appear on famous buildings and landmarks such as The Royal Exchange and Corn Exchange from October 24 to 31.

On the first weekend, the free event features real-life characters roaming the streets, plus party games and DJs.

There’s also a new Paul Horror-wood Monster Bake-Off on New Cathedral Street, where you can win a “handshake” and pick up free party bags of sweets. Kids will love the spooky storytelling at the monsters’ library in the Arndale, too.

Dancing puppets, stilt walkers and a brass band will lead a procession to the city centre for a spectacular anniversary party.

All week, the Science And Industry Museum is holding interactive activities about Halloween aliens. See halloweenmcr.com.

PUMPKIN PICKING

GET your wellies on and hitch a ride on a tractor-trailer to pick your own pumpkin. This year, Stockeld Park near Wetherby, Yorkshire, has grown their own to add to their half-term activities from October 24 to November 1.

Enter Halloween fancy dress competitions, complete a forest trail with the help of woodland witches who will share their mischievous skills, explore the Mummy Maze, with a few surprises along the way, and battle it out in the Laser Zombie Experience.

Stockeld also has six playgrounds, a multi-storey playhouse and tree climbing. Tickets from £28pp. See stockeldpark.co.uk.

Still not had enough? There are pumpkins galore – hundreds of thousands to be precise – to be collected at Rougham Estate near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. You’ll also find food trucks, face painting, pedal tractors and ice cream, too! See roughamestate.com.

CHOCCIE HORROR SHOW

HALLOWEEN comes with a sweet twist at Cadbury World. The Birmingham attraction has a new gameshow-style challenge where visitors must guess the characters hiding behind a Trick Or Treat door.

And there’s Freddo’s Spooktacular, with games, songs, magic and chilling surprises, as well as chocolate pumpkins and afternoon tea. Explore 14 zones with activities and a 4D movie. Runs until November 1, tickets from £24. See cadburyworld.co.uk.

Until November 1 at Sea Life Birmingham, sea witch Serafina asks kids to become ocean defenders by following a spellbinding trail. They will tackle challenges, solve puzzles and complete Serafina’s missions to discover life under the sea.

Walk through the UK’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel to see turtles, sharks, rays and hundreds of tropical fish. From £19. See visitsealife.com.

HIGH-SPEED THRILLS

TEENS’ hearts will be racing when they get to ride their favourite rollercoasters after dark at Alton Towers.

And new scare maze Final Exhibit will have visitors running for their lives to avoid becoming part of a creepy display.

Younger thrill-seekers will prefer a visit to Trick O’ Treat Town and Amigos In The Afterlife, where they’ll meet friendlier characters.

Scarefest runs until November 1 on selected dates, and tickets cost from £37 for day entry or £80 including all four scare mazes. See altontowers.com.

If after-dark thrills are more your thing, Thorpe Park is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Fright Nights with more spine tingles than ever before. Its new scare maze Tenement will have adrenaline junkies looking for the exit in the pitch black. Entry from £39. See thorpepark.com.

SPOOKY WOOKEY

GET your best Halloween togs on and you could win a year of magical adventures.

The show caves at Wookey Hole, near Wells in Somerset, have been transformed into a spellbinding world of pumpkins, monsters, magic and family fun.

Every family in fancy dress who take a photo there will be entered into a draw to win a year’s membership to the attraction, including access to the new Winter Wonderland.

The Halloween event, which runs until November 1, includes a journey through the caves, where immersive projections bring the story of the Witch of Wookey Hall to life.

Vampires and monsters are taking over the circus, there’s a spooky 4D film, a pumpkin trail and surprises. Adult tickets cost from £24.64, child tickets from £19.54. See wookey.co.uk.

CASTLES IN THE SCARE

STAY in a castle and seek out characters from Horrible Histories. Performers will bring the gruesome stories from the kids’ books to life at Leeds Castle near Maidstone, Kent, until November 1.

Follow a ghost-getter’s trail, uncovering tales of royal spirits, witch trials and strange superstitions. Two nights’ B&B for a family of four in a castle bedroom costs £500, including tickets and free evening meals for kids. See leeds-castle.com.

Warwick Castle will also be full of family frights, including haunted hollows and lurking goblins from October 24 to November 1. But on selected nights, the scares are turned up a notch – with spine-tingling sleepovers including three terrifying ghostly experiences, circus acts and a silent disco. B&B and tickets cost from £85pp. See warwick-castle.com.

HOWLS AND OWLS

WANNABE Harry Potters can learn spells and meet some owls at The Welsh School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry.

It can be found at the British Bird Of Prey Centre, in Carmarthenshire, which has been transformed for a week of mischief from October 26.

Kids are encouraged to wear magical costumes for classes including wand-making, creating potions and spells. Then, they can try being a falconer and fly an owl or a red kite.

Tickets cost from £14 per adult and £8.50 per child. Flying sessions are from £10. See british birdofpreycentre.co.uk.

If you’re further south, a wizard school is also being held at Southampton’s Tudor House on October 26 and 27, costing £8. The house has a free Halloween open day on October 30, with crafts, facepainting, haunted tales and guided ghost tours. See visitsouthampton.co.uk.

THE HAUNTED WOODS

THINGS aren’t just going bump in the night down at BeWILDerwood outdoor family adventure parks in Norfolk, Cheshire and the Lake District.

There’s a whole host of spooky events in the daytime, too. The woodland attractions are asking young visitors to don their scariest outfits to enjoy the play trails and whoosh along zipwires.

There’s also a Twig Or Treat trail until November 1 – where youngsters will be tasked with uncovering characters and collecting letters to discover the scrambled word and claim their prize.

Then, stick around until nightfall to see the Glowing Light Trail twinkle. Tickets cost from £26.50 per adult and £24.50 per child over 92cm.
Families can bag 12.5 per cent off when they book online in advance. See bewilderwood.co.uk.

CREEPY CAPITAL

LONDON is crawling with creepies this half-term. Halloween characters, including the stilt-wearing Peculiar Sisters, are trailing around spookily-decorated shops and houses on Kensington High Street from October 23 to 31.

And on the last day, Holland Park will be transformed into The Playful Park Of Peculiar with live entertainment. See highstreetkensington.co.uk.

London Dungeon has the three-part immersive show Curse Of The Mummy until November 1. From £29 per adult and £23.50 per child. See thedungeons.com.

The dungeon is included in National Rail’s discounted entries to attractions, saving a third off the price. Other offers include Ghosts And Legends at the Tower of London and the Haunted Halls Of Hampton Court Palace. See daysoutguide.co.uk.

BRICK OR TREAT

LEGOLAND Discovery Centres in Birmingham and Manchester have been overtaken by minifigure monsters this Halloween.

Until November 1, budding builders can join creative workshops, bringing their own creations to the Brick Or Treat mosaic boards and testing their skills with glow-in-the-dark Lego bricks.

There are also scavenger hunts, pumpkin carving and dance parties. Tickets cost £19pp or £51 per family of four. See legolanddiscoverycentre.com.

And at Legoland Windsor, half-term sees Lord Vampyre’s Creepy Crypt Trail promising treats across the park, as well as new a harbour show, Monster Rocker’s Pumpkin Trail and the Haunted House Halloween Monster Party. Tickets from £39pp at legoland.co.uk.

LORDS OF THE MANOR

GRAB yourselves a bit of luxury. Kids under 13 can stay at the five-star Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales, for free.

It costs from £123 per night for a family of four, Monday to Thursday, until October 31 – and that includes use of the health club and spa. There are free Halloween crafts and games, while other activities, such as pottery painting and cupcake decorating, can be booked.

If you’re not into spooks, kids are still entertained – there’s archery, laser combat, high ropes, adventure golf, axe-throwing and swimming. And there’s lots of space for biking or walking. The resort has 2,000 acres of grounds and woodland trails.

Larger families can book self-catering Hunter Lodges, with hot tubs and saunas, sleeping up to eight adults and two children. See celtic-manor.com.