Cheap holidays

Christmas markets are not exactly known for being a budget day out. However, research has pinpointed the cheapest Christmas market in Europe, and it’s in a little-known city not many tourists visit

A day at a Christmas market in the UK can be a pricey undertaking. With reports coming out of traders charging £9.50 for hot chocolate and £8 for bratwurst at Manchester Christmas market, it’s no surprise that people are looking to the continent for more affordable alternatives.

Card terminal provider SumUp has put together a list of Europe’s cheapest Christmas markets, and taking the number one slot is a little-known city in Poland which doesn’t tend to be on most tourist’s radar.

Poznan, the fifth-largest city in Poland, is often overlooked by visitors who flock to Warsaw or Krakow, but its beautiful Renaissance-era old town is the perfect backdrop for a Christmas market, and in the winter it has serious cosy, festive vibes.

Best of all, flights to Poznan take just over two hours from London, and just a few minutes more from regional airports, so you can choose to fly from Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Flights in December cost as little as £30 each way from London Stansted on Ryanair, and budget airlines such as Wizz Air also cover this route.

According to the data, a one-night stay in Poznan will set you back as little as £30.40, while enjoying a beer at the Christmas market will cost as little as £2.50.

The market, known locally as Betlejem Poznańskie, takes place in Stary Rynek – the Old Town Square, famous for its ornate Renaissance and Baroque-era buildings. It’s particularly beautiful when lit with thousands of Christmas lights, with cosy wooden stalls selling Christmas gifts dotted along the square. There’s also a twinkling Ferris wheel and ice rink to add to the festive atmosphere.

It runs from November 15 to January 6, and in addition to the market stalls and rides, there’s a program of entertainment, including carolers, Christmas shows, silent discos, and opportunities to meet Santa.

From December 12 to 14, the city hosts its annual ice festival, featuring numerous ice sculptures throughout the square. There are also ice carving events, and even workshops where kids can give it a try themselves.

While visiting the city, take a trip to the 10th-century Poznan Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Poland. This grand cathedral has a unique underground crypt you can visit, which is the resting place of many of the country’s earliest leaders. An unusual attraction in Poznan is the Croissant Museum, which offers interactive shows and exhibitions about the history and process of making St Marin Croissants. Filled with nuts and fruit, these Polish pastries are different to the French delicacies. And don’t worry, there’s a tasting at the end.

It’s also worth visiting the Muzeum Narodowe w Poznaniu, a national museum which includes works from European and Polish artists including Monet and Delaroche.

Poznan has many unique and boutique hotels to choose from. Perhaps the most unusual is Blow Up Hall 5050, a mixture of an art project, stylish hotel, and sci-fi movie. This design hotel has an impressive array of art on display, and If you wander into the public spaces, your face may end up in one of its video installations. The rooms have no numbers or keys, you use an interactive screen to get into your room. But if you enjoy an unconventional hotel experience, it’s a place you might enjoy.

For a more traditional experience, stay at the Hotel Palazzo Rosso Old Town, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the market. This boutique hotel is situated in a historic tenement building and features an on-site cafe and bar, an Italian restaurant, and comfortable rooms with rustic, exposed brickwork that adds to the cosy feel.

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Hoseasons has launched its Black Friday sale, which includes discounts on thousands of breaks, and there’s one near The Tolkien Trail.

Hoseasons, who operate 750 holiday parks across the UK, has launched a huge Black Friday sale, with discounts on a number of its family-friendly staycations.

The holiday park operator will be offering up to 30% off over 10,000 of its breaks, and 40,000 with discounts of up to £250. The sale will include self-catering accommodation at holiday parks, lodges, and even their boat holidays.

Best of all, parents on a budget will be able to find some bargains even during school holiday weeks, with a range of inexpensive breaks available, including some that work out at just over £50 a night during the summer holidays.

A family of four could book a seven-night break at Beacon Fell View in the Ribble Valley of Lancashire for just £295, with accommodation in a silver three-bedroom caravan.

This is based on a break starting August 21, 2026 and works out at just £52.14 per night. The park is close to the Lake District and Blackpool, meaning there’s plenty for families to do nearby.

It also has an indoor swimming pool, so kids can enjoy the water even if the British summer doesn’t bring warm weather, plus lots of entertainment facilities.

The Ribble Valley

The Ribble Valley is a beautiful place to explore with lots of open countryside and lush green hills. Bring the kids bikes along and try the family friendly cycling trail at Gisburn Forest.

At just over 5.5 miles long, the route has plenty to see along the way from a horse farm to the calm waters of Stocks Reservoir.

Just down the road is the The Tolkien Trail where you can follow in the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien, and see the sights that inspired the author to write books such as Lord of the Rings.

Take a day trip to Blackpool for traditional seaside vibes and lots of family fun. Visit the SEA LIFE Centre where the new Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse is bound to thrill the younger members of your group.

Kids will love climbing and crawling through the deep, dark woods and finding their favourite characters in this immersive experience.

Another option for families is a seven-night break available at North Shore Holiday Park, just a short walk from Skegness, starting July 22, 2026.

This is priced at just £285 for four people. This is a one-bedroom apartment, but it has additional sleeping space in the lounge for two.

The site has its own pub and restaurant, playground, and amusements, plus Skegness’s North Beach is just a 15-minute walk away with golden sands and a seal sanctuary.

Skegness Beach was recently voted the best in East England by The Times, who rated the water quality as excellent, and said of the beach: “It’s big, soft and golden, with views across the Wash to the Norfolk coast.”

Skegness also has the Pleasure Beach, a seafront theme park with rollercoasters and lots of family fun. There’s also Skegness Aquarium which has lots of colourful and exotic sea life to spot.

It also has Jurassic Falls, a dinosaur-themed area where you can meet life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that bring the past to life.

If you can’t wait until summer to get away, how about an Easter break? You can book four nights for four sharing at Hemsby Beach Holiday Park for March 30, 2026, which is in most schools’ Easter break dates, for just £135.

This bargain price includes accommodation in a two-bedroom chalet, and includes access to an indoor pool and the show bar with daytime and evening entertainment for all ages.

The park is located in a lively part of Norfolk, with lots of amusements, classic seaside fun, plus long sandy beaches for spring walks.

Great Yarmouth is just a 20-minute drive away with its sandy beach, historic pier, and Joyland, an old-school amusement park that has classic rides the kids will love.

Yarmouth is also home of the Hippodrome Circus, a unique venue from the early 20th century which has huge events and water shows, with the summer months bringing a popular circus to the town.

For May half term week, you can book a four-night break arriving May 25, 2026 near the Yorkshire Dales for just £249 for four people.

Stay in the highly-rated Badgers Retreat Holiday Park, with accommodation in a cosy two-bedroom traditional lodge that has everything you need for a family holiday.

The lodge is set in 26 acres of grounds with plenty of space for the kids to play, and the market town of Richmond is nearby with historic sites to explore.

Visitors can explore the local Swaledale Museum, a quaint local spot that focuses on preserving the history of the lead mining community who used to live in the area.

You’re also close to the 14th century Bolton Castle, a well-preserved medieval building that has vast gardens including a maze. Eagle-eyed TV viewers may recognise it as a filming location for shows including Heartbeat and All Creatures Great and Small.

All these deals are subject to availability, with popular dates and parks likely to sell out quickly. The Hoseasons Black Friday sale ends on December 4. Find out more and book breaks here.

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The family-friendly holiday park operator will be offering accommodation at two new Spanish parks, which both feature direct beach access, pools, and plenty to keep the kids entertained

If you’re already dreaming of soaking up the sunshine in 2026 on a summer holiday, Eurocamp is adding two new parks in a sunny Spanish hotspot that are perfect for families.

Alannia Els Prats and Alannia Costa Dorada are both set on long stretches of sandy beach on the sunny Costa Dorada region of Spain, which roughly translates to ‘Golden Coast’. About 90 minutes south of Barcelona, these parks both have direct beach access and a whole host of activities to enjoy, so you can choose whether you want to fit in lots of fun adventures or simply relax on the beach.

Both parks are located conveniently close to Reus Airport, which is served by budget airlines including easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair, with plenty of flights from across the UK in the summer months, so you can often pick up a cheap flight.

Alannia Els Prats offers a pool complex with a lagoon-style pool, waterslides and a splash zone for little ones. There’s also a free kids club for children aged 4-12, with plenty of activities to keep them entertained. Families can enjoy a game of padel, tennis, or mini-golf, while adults can relax in the spa with a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room.

You’re also just a 15-minute drive from PortAventura World, Spain’s largest theme park, which includes Ferrariland, Caribe Aquatic Park and much more. Or from nearby Tarragona, you can take a train to Barcelona for a day trip, which takes about an hour and 15 minutes.

Prices for a week’s stay can be from £531 for a party of up to four guests in May half term, or from £1405.95 for the summer holidays.

Meanwhile Alannia Costa Dorada has three pools, including a jacuzzi and a splash zone for little kids. Its spa area includes a fitness centre and jacuzzi, and there’s a soft play area, badminton, mini golf and more. The park’s kids club is free for 5-12 year olds, and is a great way to keep them entertained while you relax.

Prices for a week’s stay start from £416.36 per party of up to six guests in May half term, or from £1261.12 for the summer holidays.

As with most Eurocamp resorts, you’ll find restaurants and bars at both camps, with family-friendly dining options. Alannia Els Prats has a snack bar with sea views, so you can enjoy a beer as you watch the sun go down.

But the fun doesn’t stop at night, both parks also offer evening entertainment suitable for all ages. This can include live music, themed shows, and of course, the ever-popular minidiscos where kids can make new friends.

Accommodation is in two or three bedroom holiday homes, meaning you aren’t stuck sharing a hotel room with the kids. Depending on the accommodation you choose, there are often facilities such as air conditioning, private decking areas, and BBQs, so you can make it a home away from home. Many camps also offer free hire on baby essentials such as cots, high chairs, and bed rails, making it easier to pack light.

You can find out more on eurocamp.co.uk.

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Butlin’s are currently running a Black Friday deal which allows you to pick up a short break for the family for just a few pounds each, and best of all, lots of activities are included

Butlin’s have launched their Black Friday sale, with up to 40% off UK breaks at their three parks, meaning a family of four can get away in 2026 for just a few pounds each.

Breaks at their holiday parks start at just £38 for a family of four for a four-night midweek holiday. This works out at just £2.38 per person per night – less than a coffee in most big chains. This is based on a family sharing a comfort room, with sleeping areas for the kids and adults, or for £49 there’s a comfort apartment which comes with a kitchen and lounge area. Perfect for those who want to save money by bringing their own food.

For those who prefer not to cook, there’s also 10% off Butlin’s dining plans, and 10% off all inclusive drink packages, which come with unlimited soft drinks, a range of alcoholic drinks including cocktails, and Costa Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

While the breaks may be cheap, there’s a lot included in the price. You can choose midweek or weekend breaks with themes such as The Dinosaur That Pooped, Fireman Sam, or Peppa Pig.

The entertainment varies depending on the date you book, but the shows are described as ‘west-end quality’. During term-time, there are shows aimed at the under fives, including a brand new Peppa Pig show. Here, you’ll get the first look at her new baby sister Evie, and even get a photoshoot with the brand new piglet.

February Half Term will also see the launch of the new Maximum Pro Wrestling experience, where kids and adults can enjoy the thrill of watching wrestling live, and even meet some of their favourite wrestlers after the show.

The cost of your holiday also includes access to the Splash Waterworld pools, which have features such as slides, and unlimited fairground rides. There are also impressive playgrounds, such as the SKYPARK in Minehead and Skegness, while in Bognor Regis, you’ll find the four storey Skyline Gang Soft Play, with plenty of space for kids to play.

There are also a range of activities you can book at an extra cost, which vary from park to park. These include archery, mini golf, pool, and bowling. It’s safe to say, you won’t be sitting around bored.

If you’d rather enjoy a child-free break, Butlin’s has you covered with their iconic Big Weekenders. These breaks also have 40% off this weekend, and there are a range of themes from EDM to Mod culture, with breaks starting at £59 per person. This includes access to all music venues to see the acts and DJ sets, as well as daytime activities such as line dancing and pool parties.

There are three Butlin’s parks in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, all of which are classic seaside towns with lots to do nearby. All the parks are right on the seafront, with Minehead and Skegness offering sandy beaches, while Bognor Regis is on a pretty shingle beach with a long promenade.

Butlin’s Black Friday offers are available to book until December 2 with dates available throughout 2026.

It’s that time of year when many people think about booking a European winter getaway to hit the snowy slopes on their skis or boards, and there’s one picturesque location that comes with a discounted price tag

Taking to the snow-covered slopes for skiing or snowboarding is a notoriously expensive getaway for anyone, particularly when you factor in equipment hire, lessons, accommodation and flights. However, one savvy savings expert has revealed the European skiing hotspot that costs just £200 per person – and that’s with everything included!

Travel expert, Chelsea, who has accumulated more than 180K followers on TikTok thanks to her holiday-saving hacks, appeared on This Morning to reveal a nifty hack that helps save hundreds of pounds when booking a desirable skiing holiday. Speaking to Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, Chelsea explained she had just booked a three-night ski getaway to Zakopane in Poland for a mere £200.

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During the ski season, Zakopane offers miles of powdery white snow within the Tatras Mountains for a truly magnificent backdrop. The town has often been described as a “hidden gem” with inviting thermal pools after a day on the slopes and a thriving food scene.

With a budget of £200 for the “whole thing”, Chelsea said this would include a three-night trip, with flights, transfers, lessons and ski hire. Sharing further details, she said travellers can fly into Kraków and “take a two-hour bus for £7.50” to get to the resort.

Chelsea added that this particular ski resort is “fantastic for beginners and perfect for learning”, as the ski lessons and ski hire cost around £30 each per day. At various ski resorts across Europe, some lessons can cost anything from £50 to £110 a day.

Revealing how she secured this nifty deal, Chelsea explained that there’s a relatively new website called Heidi, which allows travellers to search for their desired skiing package holiday with any dates or locations they prefer. She added that users can also select certain filters, such as beginners, advanced, families, big ski area, apres-ski or opt for a short transfer.

After making the preferred selections, a list of bargain holiday packages will appear, allowing travellers to book, with many offering an incredible saving. This discounted cost is in stark contrast to other European ski resorts, where visitors can spend anywhere from £2,000 to £5,000 per person for a week.

Following her appearance on This Morning, Chelsea shared the clip on her TikTok account (@cheapholidayexpert) and divulged that she had shared details of the bargain ski trip after a caller had rang into the show. Chelsea wrote in the video caption: “Here, Jayne had asked where I could recommend for a cheap solo ski trip for under £500.”

She then went on to outline further details to help other holidaymakers cut costs this winter. Chelsea revealed: “Have a look on @Heidi Holidays, they’re a new ski website that lets you search ‘anywhere’ which is great when you’re on a budget, as then you can just go where the price is right!

“They do let you search for solo travellers too, but I think if you’re on your own, the best deals can come from booking it yourself, as then you can piece together exactly what you need without paying any double occupancy fees.

“I’ve done a DIY cheap ski trip before – I went to Borovets in Bulgaria last year and managed to get my flights, hotel, car hire, petrol, ski hire, lift pass, ski lessons, food and drink for £410 in total for a 3-night trip. I’ve got a full breakdown on cheapholidayexpert.com – just search for ‘Borovets’ on there and it will come up!”

Chelsea continued: “And yeah, I may have revealed that I’m attempting cheap ski again as I want to see if I can do it for even cheaper this year by heading to Zakopane in Poland!“Both Zakopane and Borovets (Bankso too!) are great for beginner skiers who don’t want to spend a fortune, but want to get a few lessons under their belt to get them on their ski journey!”

While the New Year is a peak time for booking summer holidays, especially for families looking to jet away outside of term time, here’s why I tend to be an early bird booker in November

The promise of a summer holiday is often the thing that gets you through the post-Christmas slump. And holiday companies certainly know this. While you’re finishing your turkey sandwich and fighting festive hangovers, there are two adverts you’ll see a lot of; sofa sales and holidays.

As a travel journalist, I take a lot of last-minute breaks, but as a busy mum when it comes to booking my own holidays, I like to be organised. This means that before I’ve put the tree up I’ve often got my summer holiday booked, and November can be an excellent time to start browsing travel sites.

Here are some of the reasons why I’m already thinking about my summer holidays this month and will likely be booking in the next couple of weeks.

1. Yes, there are some great deals

While travel companies do offer sales in January and February, November is a quiet month for bookings for travel companies, which means there are often flash sales and deals going on that aren’t as heavily promoted, but can still save you a lot of money.

Of course, the big one in November is Black Friday. At the time of writing, many of the major operators were still keeping their deals under wraps, although Jet2 currently have 20% off flights and £100 per person off all holidays.

Black Friday is officially on November 28, but in my experience, most travel companies will launch their offerings before then. If there’s a particular tour operator, airline, or cruise provider you’re interested in, sign up for their newsletter now. Some of them will give early access to deals, and you can always unsubscribe later.

2. Availability is better

Most airlines and accommodation providers will have released their 2026 summer availability by now for early bird bookers. If you’re looking for a very specific destination or holiday type, for example a certain cabin type on a cruise or a sea view apartment in your favourite resort, then you’ve got a better chance of nabbing it now before the New Year rush.

As someone who once endured an overnight ferry to France in a reclining seat because I booked too late and there were no cabins left, I always try to get bookings locked in as soon as I know the dates I want. Car hire is another one that tends to be better booked in advance, especially if you’re visiting a small Spanish or Greek island, as they’ll often have limited vehicles available.

3. It’s easier to budget

As a parent whose family holiday dates are restricted to half terms and those dreaded six weeks of summer, I’m well aware how expensive it can be to even get a few nights in a caravan during peak times. That’s why I like to take advantage of interest-free options for spreading the cost, so I can budget monthly and get the holiday paid off before I go.

TUI, for example, offer zero deposit options, with the cost of the holiday paid in instalments via direct debit. The last payment is made eight weeks before your holiday, so if you book earlier, you can spread it in smaller instalments which I find much less painful than paying in one go.

Some UK holiday providers offer the same such Haven offer low deposits of £30 and a variety of payment options to help you budget.

Always make sure you can afford the monthly payments, as missing one could mean your holiday ends up getting cancelled with any payments lost. Read any terms and conditions carefully. Make sure there’s no interest being added and avoid options like credit cards and pay later providers who can add massive fees.

4. You can lock down popular annual leave dates

If you’ve ever worked in a team with other parents, you’ll know there can be a battle to get weeks off at certain times of year. Even if you aren’t booking your holiday yet, it’s worth getting those annual leave requests in. Of course, never book a holiday before you’ve had your annual leave approved.

5. Enjoy the holiday excitement for longer

Christmas can be a stressful time, so it’s nice to have something to look forward to. I appreciate it’s not the same for everyone, but I really love the countdown to my big holiday. It gives me plenty of time to look for local attractions I want to visit, and even start shopping for holiday clothes.

Admittedly, early booking isn’t for everyone, some people love to be spontaneous. But if you’re already dreaming of jetting off in summer it may be a good time to see what the tour operators have to offer.

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The AA has named the UK’s Holiday Park of the Year, and it’s in a beautiful coastal location with a sandy beach, plenty of entertainment, and lots to do in the area

The UK’s Holiday Park of the Year has been announced, and it’s nestled on a stunning stretch of Norfolk coast, sandwiched between two popular seaside resorts.

Haven’s Hopton Holiday Village, located between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth and near the Suffolk border, has been awarded a five-star rating by the AA, with the inspector praising its: “Excellent leisure and entertainment facilities for all ages.”

The AA Caravan and Camping Awards 2025-26 judged parks across the UK, covering a variety of award categories, from Small Campsite of the Year to Glamping Site of the Year. Hopton scooped up the coveted AA Holiday Park of the Year award, with inspectors praising its picturesque coastal location, natural countryside setting, and superb range of on-site amenities.

Home to 775 static caravans, the park is situated in the village of Hopton, known for its long sandy beach that becomes a hotspot during the summer months. Visitors can take advantage of direct beach access, allowing them to spend their days lounging on the golden sands or strolling along the low grassy cliffs.

Hopton village itself has classic seaside charm, complete with fish and chip shops, amusements, and a handful of convenient stores. There’s also plenty to do in Great Yarmouth, just a ten-minute drive away, offering family-friendly rides at the Pleasure Beach, the chance to discover marine life at the SEA LIFE Centre, or enjoy traditional seaside fun on the pier.

A mere 40-minute drive north from Hopton, you’ll find Horsey Gap, a beach known for its large grey seal colony. The best time to see them is during the pupping season, which runs from late October to February, reports the Express.

Visitors can use the viewing platforms to spot these adorable creatures without disturbing them.

Another fantastic day out is Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, situated about 15 miles from the park. This popular attraction has something for everyone, from a Kiddie Zone for the little ones to thrilling rollercoasters for the adrenaline junkies.

There are also wildlife areas where you can spot colourful birds and sea lions, and a soft play area is included in the ticket price.

If you’d rather stay close to home, there’s plenty to do on site at Hopton Holiday Village. It boasts an indoor pool with flumes, as well as a covered outdoor pool that opens during the warmer months.

Families can enjoy a round of 6-hole golf or a game of tennis, hire bikes or karts, or have fun in the inflatable arena during the summer months.

As a Haven park, there are also loads of bookable activities such as a climbing wall, archery, and arts and crafts.

The park features a large entertainment complex, complete with a family-friendly restaurant, fish and chip shop, amusements, fast food takeaways, and The Marina Bar and Stage where Haven’s entertainment team put on shows. Evening entertainment kicks off with The Seaside Squad with games that keep the kids entertained, followed by activities such as bingo and all-ages shows.

You can nab a three-night stay at Hopton Holiday Village for as little as £59, based on a family of four sharing a saver caravan. Discover more and make your booking here.

A sleek, modern hostel has opened, offering affordable rooms with unlimited access to its on-site spa and a kid-friendly water park. Is this the way to enjoy a spa break without breaking the bank?

Think of spa breaks and you will likely picture country hotels, plush white robes, and copious amounts of Champagne. It’s safe to say, they’re not exactly associated with travelling on a budget.

But a hostel in the popular European city break destination of Tallinn in Estonia now offers a way to enjoy a spa break for less than the price of a cheap hotel room. From just £70 a night for two adults sharing a double or twin, guests enjoy unlimited access to the on-site spa and saunas, which are open seven days a week from 11am until 10.30 PM. The rate even includes a light breakfast in the café.

The Ring SPA Hostel is about as far away from the average hostel experience as you can get. There are no rickety beds or random roommates turning up in the middle of the night. Guests can book a private room for one or two people with a private bathroom, or they can opt for a quadruple room, which offers excellent value for money if four of you are travelling together.

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Rooms are basic, with neutral décor, a TV, and modern bathrooms. One reviewer said: “We booked a double room for one night. The price/quality ratio was excellent. The room was spacious, clean, and everything was new. Towels and linens were provided. There was a kettle and a mini fridge. The bathroom had a great shower.”

And there’s no need to worry that the spa will be cheap or basic. The pool features hydromassage options, and you’ll also find jacuzzis to ease tired muscles. Hostel guests can also enjoy a choice of ten modern saunas of varying temperatures, and there’s a kids’ area with a splash park for those who are bringing the whole family along.

The spa also offers a range of massages, including sports massage and treatments with hot stones, which can be booked for an additional fee. A classic 40-minute massage costs €48 (about £42.46).

Chelsea, who is well-known on TikTok as @cheapholidayexpert, recently visited the spa and shared her experience. Checking into her room, she was surprised at how nice it was for the price, quipping, “This is not a hostel!” She noted that the room included features like a kettle and fridge, which aren’t typically found in budget rooms.

Heading to the spa area, she said: “So the spa is made up of one big pool which has fountains, a hydro massage bed, and this circular rapid style area which I had far too much fun in. There’s also this warm pool which is like a big bath and a couple of jacuzzies plus lots of space to sit out and chill.”

After enjoying the water, Chelsea also tried the on-site café, reporting that a beer had set her back £3.52, while a pizza cost her £7.05, which she described as “b****y good”.

One slight downside to the hotel, as reported in some reviews, is its location, which is outside the centre of Tallinn. In her video, Chelsea said the bus had only cost her £1.74 for a single ticket, but some visitors may prefer to stay closer to the city.

A comment on her TikTok revealed more about the location: “As the creator said, around 20-25 mins [from the centre], but there’s a zoo in the neighbourhood, a decent mall and behind the mall there’s a scenic promenade by the sea that leads to one of the popular city beaches if you’re thinking of coming summer. The hotel itself is in a residential area, so there won’t be that much noise either!”

If you can tear yourself away from the spa, there’s plenty to explore in Tallinn. Famous for its gothic architecture, some popular places to visit include the Tallinn Town Hall in the medieval old town square. St. Olaf’s Church features a 124-metre spire, which is visible in the city’s skyline. During the summer, you can climb the tower and enjoy spectacular views.

There’s also Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a colourful, Eastern Orthodox cathedral with onion domes. You can visit the amusingly named Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum, which is probably better known for its name than its 15th-century tower. For those who are curious, Kiek in de Kök was a German nickname for towers that didn’t translate well.

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If you’re looking to save money on a UK hotel stay, there’s one day of the week you should always book on

Whilst holidaymakers frequently look to secure a staycation during this period, it might seem logical to book over the weekend whilst enjoying a relaxing brew. Nevertheless, this approach could result in higher costs.

Rather, you should hold off until the surge of weekend reservations subsides and corporate travel arrangements are finalised. This puts Tuesday as the optimal day for holiday booking, given increased availability and booking platforms seeking to fill remaining accommodation swiftly.

Consequently, being adaptable proves beneficial if you can tolerate the uncertainty.

Hotels generally maintain a cancellation period of 24 to 48 hours, prompting them to market any cancelled accommodations – occasionally at discounted rates, reports the Express.

Whilst extremely risky and spontaneous, some excellent hotel bargains can emerge after 6pm – provided you happen to be nearby.

Nevertheless, these guidelines are reversed regarding major chains such as Premier Inn and Travelodge.

Travel specialist Linda Reynolds, from Personal Travel Agents, informed The Guardian that she advises travellers to reserve early for optimal deals.

For instance, Travelodge promotes “rooms from £35 or less” when secured in advance; and particular travel platforms prove valuable additions to your toolkit.

Google Hotels, Kayak and Trivago, for example, will alert subscribers when rates drop, ensuring you’re informed about fantastic holiday bargains.

When to book a holiday

When it comes to choosing your actual hotel dates, Sunday through to Thursday typically offers the best value, helping you dodge those weekend price surges targeting short-break travellers.

It’s also worth keeping school holidays, bank holidays and local festivities in mind, as these will inevitably push costs up and are worth swerving if possible.

Reynolds said: “Sunday nights in cities are usually cheaper than Friday or Saturday nights because leisure demand dips after the weekend.

“In rural locations, including coastal areas, midweek (Monday to Thursday) is often cheaper than weekends, when leisure travellers arrive.”

If you’re plotting a London getaway, think about booking accommodation outside the city centre in zones two to three.

These areas offer better value, excellent transport links and still provide an authentic taste of the capital.

The same principle works for other major cities including Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol.

Meanwhile, money coach Maddy Alexander-Grout suggests checking out Plans Change marketplace, which lets holidaymakers flog their trips at reduced rates – with discounts starting at 25% off.

“In my job, I travel around the country a lot, and I regularly use the site, saving about 20% on a hotel booking direct,” she said.

Perhaps best-known for its association with Dracula and an annual goth festival, this cosy seaside town has been named the UK’s best value seaside town, and there’s plenty to do during the colder months

Winter can be an excellent time to explore the UK’s seaside towns. There’s nothing quite like windswept coastal walks, cosy pubs, and uncrowded destinations for the perfect cold weather weekend.

In a recent study by Which? one seaside town in Yorkshire was crowned the UK’s best value seaside break. Whitby, which sits on a long stretch of cliffs where the River Esk flows to the North Sea, scored five stars for food and accommodation in a survey of Which? readers, as well as four stars for tourist attractions and its seafront area.

Whitby has long been a popular destination for those with a fascination with the dark and macabre. Bram Stoker researched some of the novel Dracula while on holiday in Whitby. In the book it’s where the creature first arrives in England, climbing the steps to the graveyard of St Mary’s Church, which is next to the ruins of Whitby Abbey. Needless to say, this has become a popular tourist attraction for fans of gothic literature. Visitors can climb the 199 steps from the harbour, just as Dracula did in the novel, and enjoy views across Whitby and out to sea.

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The abbey, which dates back to the 7th century, was also home to one of the first English poets, Cædmon, and today it’s an English Heritage site. You can wander around the well-preserved ruins before visiting the museum, which has treasures such as medieval manuscripts and even a rare signed copy of Dracula.

One of the town’s biggest events is Whitby Goth Weekend, a twice-yearly event that tends to take place once in spring and once at Halloween. There’s a huge number of events going on, from live music to alternative markets, and you’ll spot hundreds of attendees decked out in gothic gear.

Explorer Captain James Cook also had a connection to Whitby, moving to the port town in the 18th-century and beginning his life as a merchant navy apprentice. At the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, you can learn about his life and his famous voyages to the South Pacific, and the exhibits are set in his former home, where he lived when not at sea.

Whitby Beach has a traditional seaside vibe, with colourful beach huts along the promenade, waterfront tearooms, and fish and chip shops. Along the River Esk you’ll find amusements, family-friendly attractions such as the Whitby Marine Discovery Centre, and shops selling souvenirs and sticks of rock. There are also several places offering a variety of boat trips, ranging from sunset cruises to whale-watching tours.

There’s a wide range of accommodation to choose from in and around Whitby, depending on whether you want a rural retreat or want to stay close to the sea. The White House Inn sits on the edge of North Yorkshire Moors National Park, while also offering sea views across the coast. This cosy inn features a pub with a changing seasonal menu and 11 rooms, with a standard room stay in November costing from £90 per night.

In the harbour area, The Marine Hotel is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy the town’s seaside charms. It features a seafood restaurant serving up Whitby lobster, crab, and other freshly caught delicacies, as well as seven cosy rooms with rates starting from £165 per night in November. You can even pick a room with a balcony to enjoy the fresh sea air and spectacular views.

And for the perfect way to round off a day at the seaside, grab fish and chips at The Fisherman’s Wife on the beachfront. You can either dine in, with the restaurant offering sea views, or brave the cold and enjoy chips from the takeaway while sitting on the beach.

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