Children parenting and family life

ASK most kids if they fancy a trip to an art exhibition and you’re unlikely to get an overly-enthusiastic answer. 

But what if that art exhibition included a ball pit, an enormous bouncy castle and flying balloons? You might suddenly have a mini art critic on your hands. 

Step in the Balloon Museum, which last graced the UK in 2023 with its EmotionAir: Art you can feel exhibition at Old Billingsgate in 2023. 

It’s now back, this time at Immerse London on Excel Waterfront with its latest offering EUPHOЯIA – Art is in the Air. 

The concept of the Balloon Museum is that it’s a new way to experience contemporary art, with large-scale installations created by international artists including Turner Prize winner Martin Creed. 

EUPHOЯIA in particular, invites those artists to use air and inflatable materials “as a contemporary artistic language” that “invites visitors to explore, interact and see the familiar in unexpected ways.” 

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It’s fair to say all of this went entirely over my seven year old’s head on our visit, both literally and figuratively speaking. 

Because while it might be about art, it’s also A LOT of fun. 

Our first stop was a giant glass-walled room filled with enormous balloons that you have to push your way through to reach the end. 

There was also a room filled with large inflatable cubes that we used to build an enormous fort, one with an enormous bed that could fit 20 people and a giant Covid virus-style inflatable, among others. 

But our favourites were the huge ball pit bigger than a ballroom, the most enormous bouncy castle I’ve ever seen – at least 25m in length and filled with inflatables, a balloon whirlwind and a very clever mechanical tree that dropped bubbles filled with smoke. 

Of course, all of this also made for some incredible photo opportunities too. 

We’ve got about a gazillion grinning selfies from our visit – the hallmark of every great Millennial day out.  

So will my son now be requesting a membership to the Tate Modern on his Santa List? Probably not. 

But he will definitely be far more open to my next suggestion of a trip to a gallery… how to explain there won’t be any inflatables to play with once there is another matter altogether. 

Tickets for EUPHOЯIA – Art is in the Air at ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, from £20 for children and £26 for adults, with family tickets from £59.

AS the air gets chillier and the days get darker, there’s nothing better than cosying up in a warm cinema to watch a brand new movie.

And it’s even better when you get your cinema tickets for free…

Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.

We’ve teamed up with Cineworld to give away 20,000 FREE tickets, so you can go and catch the latest films on us.

Click here to sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month to redeem this exclusive offer and many more.

Let’s be honest – is there any better feeling than sinking into a plush cinema chair, armed with a bucket of popcorn and a fresh fizzy drink, ready to watch the latest Hollywood blockbuster?

If you’re looking for something to do to break up the boring, drizzly November nights, a trip to the pictures can make this time of year all the more exciting.

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Sun Club members can redeem two free Cineworld tickets each, so you can enjoy a night at the movies with a friend or partner for zero cost.

With 87 cinemas across the UK to choose from, it’s as simple as redeeming your tickets, finding a Cineworld near you, and booking in whichever film you’d like to see.

Joining Sun Club will give you instant access to the Offers Hub, where you can claim your free Cineworld tickets.

But be quick, as they’re sure to go fast.

The best part is that these tickets can be used on any film showing from November 2 to November 17.

Here’s all the films you can go and see at Cineworld with your two free Sun Club tickets:

How To Rob A Bank

Nicholas Hoult and Zoë Kravitz lead an all-star cast in this action-packed thriller about a gang of bank robbers whose viral heists soon attract the attention of the FBI.

Clayface

Tom Rhys Harries stars in DC Studios’ dark and chilling horror-thriller about a rising Hollywood star whose search for fame takes a terrifying turn as he begins to lose both his identity and humanity.

Primetime

Robert Pattinson plays NBC journalist Chris Hansen in this high-stakes psychological thriller about the 2000’s reality television series, To Catch A Predator.

Wild Horse Nine

John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell play CIA partners whose mission to a remote island becomes increasingly complicated by secrets, politics and unexpected encounters.

Godzilla Minus Zero

As Japan rebuilds after the Second World War, a new threat emerges when the legendary Godzilla appears. Packed with action, drama and spectacular visual effects, this is one movie you will not want to miss.

Ebenezer

A fresh take on Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story, starring Johnny Depp as Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Full of festive cheer, heartwarming moments and family fun, it’s the perfect film to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Prima Facie

Starring Jodie Comer and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, Prima Facie is a powerful and thought-provoking drama that explores justice, truth and the challenges faced by women within the legal system.

Wildwood

Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay and Mahershala Ali star in this enchanting animated adventure about a brave young girl who enters a mysterious forest to rescue her baby brother.

Join Sun Club now — don’t miss out.

Plus Cineworld is the place to do so, as their cinemas boast the latest film technology with IMAX, 4DX, SCREENX and Superscreen options.

You can also book onto accessible screenings, including viewings with subtitles and audio descriptions, ensuring everyone can enjoy a trip to the movies.

How to get this offer

1. Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month here.
2. From Saturday, October 31 click the ‘Book’ button on the Cineworld page of the Sun Club Offers Hub.
3. You will receive an email containing a unique code and steps on how to book your two free tickets.

   You must claim and book your tickets by Sunday, November 15 when the booking code will expire.

Tickets are valid for screenings between Monday, November 2 and Tuesday, November 17,

18+ UK only (exc. NI & IoM & CI). Sun Savers multiple code collect 31/10/26–04/11/26 or digital subscription required. Online access required. Booking opens from 01/11/26. 10,000 pairs of tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Valid for cinema bookings 02/11/26 – 17/11/26. Redeem by 15/11/26. Non-transferable & non refundable. T&Cs apply, see sunsavers.co.uk or club.thesun.co.uk/sun-club. New customer offer: £1.99 per month or £12 for your first year, then £19.99 a year thereafter. Full T&Cs apply, visit thesun.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.

See full Terms and Conditions for the Cineworld offer here.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

LONDON’S legendary Christmas lights will be here before we know it, so now’s the time to get planning your big festive day out.

But instead of battling the crowds out in the cold to watch a Christmas lights switch-on, why not see Britain’s best from higher up?

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

Float right underneath the magical displays on an open-top bus, ideal for taking amazing pictures and completely dodging the shopping crowds.

And this winter, The Original Tour has slashed 20 per cent off their popular Christmas Lights Tour tickets.

By clicking here and entering the code FESTIVELONDON at checkout, adult tickets drop from £36 down to just £28.80, while kids’ tickets drop from £22 to £17.60. Infants under two travel free.

Hop aboard a classic double-decker bus and head straight for the rooftop, where you’ll have a reserved seat.

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You’ll glide right under the spectacular, sweeping golden angels of Regent Street, as well as the massive glittering canopy across Oxford Street.

You’ll also weave past the ridiculously luxurious shopfronts of Bond Street, take in the buzz of Piccadilly Circus, and spot the famous giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.

And instead of a pre-recorded tape, a live local expert rides along with you, bringing the journey to life with London secrets, history, and festive stories.

With plenty of fun facts to entertain the kids, perfect selfie points and all of this taken in while being sat down, is there any better way to soak up the spectacle?

Extra freebies

Your Christmas Tour ticket also grants you a completely free daytime River Thames cruise, so you can make a proper festive trip out of it.

Plan it all for the same day, and you can spend the afternoon ticking off Big Ben and the London Eye from the water, before hopping on the bus to see the city by night.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

To top it off, you’ll also get free access to six self-guided walking tours via The Original Tour’s partner app.

These detailed audio tours include popular destinations like Kensington Gardens as well as all the famous parks and palaces of the city.

The coolest part about the walking tours is that once you have downloaded them on the app, your phone will activate when you walk past a landmark that is part of the tour.

Tie it all into the same weekend, and your entire itinerary is sorted – ticking off all the major sights in London – for under £30!

The FESTIVELONDON code is valid to use right now through to 3 January 2027, so now’s the time to lock in your dates before slots sell out.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

FESTIVELONDON expires on 03/01/2027 11:59pm (BST).

Terms and Conditions:
The offer is available from 12 October 2026 until 3 January 2027, with tours running daily from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The discount applies to adult and child tickets only, excludes family tickets and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates apply and are from 21 December 2026 to 30 December 2026. Blackout dates are dates in which promotional offers cannot be used. More information can be found on the website at theoriginaltour.com.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

PETER Andre has revealed he refused to let his adult son Junior share a bedroom with girlfriend Jasmine at the family home — and even banned them from closing the door.

The Mysterious Girl singer admitted he enforced the strict rules when Junior, now 21, first started dating Jasmine, despite his son already being around 18 or 19.

Speaking on his new podcast, At Home With The Andres, alongside wife Dr Emily Andre, Peter explained that he wanted to set an example for his younger children.

He said: “Junior, even now he’s with his partner, yeah, that’s different. He’s with Jasmine and they’re really happy. They live together, it’s different.”

The dad-of-five continued: “When they come over together, they stay together. But when they got together, with Jasmine, it was like, no, you’re not sharing a room. And he’s an adult, he’s like 19 or 18, and I’m like, no, no, you guys can sit up there and watch TV, doors open. They must’ve thought we were…”

Emily backed her husband, saying: “I actually think a lot of parents would relate to that.”

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Explaining his reasoning, Peter added: “And it was because I didn’t want Millie and Theo to be thinking that it’s just normal for someone to just have someone in their room with the door shut. And then what happens if that relationship doesn’t work out?”

He continued: “Well then the next person, and then where does it stop? So I’m glad that we put those rules in.”

Emily agreed, saying: “As a parent, you can only do what feels like the right thing at the time.”

She added: “I do think that was the right thing at the time, especially with the younger kids in the house. But, you know, everyone’s got different rules, but I think a lot of parents will relate to that. Definitely.”

The couple’s new podcast offers listeners a glimpse behind the scenes of their family life, with the pair discussing everything from parenting dilemmas to marriage and their very different careers.

Peter and Emily tied the knot in 2015 and share children Amelia, Theo and Arabella, while the singer is also dad to Junior and Princess from his previous marriage to Katie Price.

THE thespians who frequent the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End are more used to seeing the likes of Richard E. Grant and Christine Baranski tread the boards than a dwarf bouncing around inside a giant balloon. 

That’s their loss though, because the families packing the venue off Leicester Square were hooting with laughter at the launch of Cirque Bererk last week – a theatre-circus spectacular with more than 30 performers that is running throughout October half term. 

And Sun Club members can get an extra 10 per cent off if they book their tickets through London Theatre Direct, when booking via our Sun Club Promo page. 

To get your tickets, sign up to Sun Club for for £1.99 a month then head to the Sun Club Offers hub and London Theatre Direct page or click here.

It was quite something to see a group of acts usually found in big tops showcasing their talents in a old-fashioned London theatre. 

Despite the smaller stage, we witnessed acrobats spinning from their mouths, men doing the limbo under poles of burning fire, motorbikes racing round a metal cage and a mesmerising quad of dancers in LED armour. 

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While there was a lack of a thread between most of the acts that left it feeling slightly disjointed, you can be sure the children in the audience didn’t notice it. 

Despite the age of the kids ranging from around three years old upwards (although age guidance is age five-plus), their concentration was held throughout the show – even though it was long enough to merit an interval. 

Of course they were – who doesn’t want to see performers juggling fire and shooting arrows through objects onstage? 

This was also in no small part thanks to the man from the aforementioned balloon, who took on the role of a modern ringmaster. 

Fans of Zippos Circus, who produce Cirque Beserk, may recognise him from Zippos travelling shows. 

With a grin wide enough to light up any stage, he tied all of the acts together alongside a comedy robot, in a style akin to an entry-level Cirque De Soleil. 

Which is essentially what this show is, a great starter show for families that is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the magic of both the circus and London’s West End.

Cirque Beserk runs every day until October 31, with tickets from £28.

IS there anything that sparks joy in the hearts of children more than the zoo?

Combine it with one of the most popular kids’ books, Room On The Broom, along with some Halloween-themed activities, and you have the perfect potion for family fun.

That’s exactly what you can expect from Twycross Zoo this half-term.

Until November 1, the attraction has introduced a new magical corn maze based on Julia Donaldson’s much-loved book, to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Bringing the fantastical tale — about a witch and the menagerie of animals she picks up on her broomstick — to life, it’s an experience that swept my children away.

Based in the middle of the Leicestershire zoo’s Gruffalo Discovery Land, the excitement started building as soon as my five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter were handed a tote bag filled with goodies.

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There was a passport to get stamped and, more importantly, sweets to power them through.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without some sugar, of course.

With a promise of more treats to discover along the way in the corn maze, we took off at a speedy pace — although with timed entry slots, it never felt like we were being rushed.

Greeted by a wall of hay bales, pumpkins and pictures of the famous characters, we began to make our way through the warren of narrow paths in search of surprises.

Magical clues guided our path through the tall corn crops to several clearings where we found quotes from the book and a cute stamping station where the kids could mark their findings in their passports.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for sweets hidden in pumpkins along the way.

Waiting for us at the end was a giant broomstick photo opportunity and a chance to meet the witch — perfect for souvenir snaps.

There’s no time-limit on the maze but my eager kids managed to whizz through in 15 minutes, which gave us plenty of time to explore the rest of the Gruffalo Discovery Land — and that was before we even made our way round the zoo.

Named after another one of Julia Donaldson’s best-sellers, The Gruffalo Discovery Land is home to a treetop play area as well as interactive character trails and meet-and-greet opportunities.

It’s ideal for younger kids. But the real fun sits within the main zoo.

Twycross is home to more than 500 animals and it’s the only zoo in the UK to house all four species of great apes — gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and bonobos.

The latter were a particular favourite during our visit as we watched them loudly play and squabble from both an outside platform and an inside viewing window, giving us a full 360-degree experience.

It made a welcome change from watching my own children wrestle each other.

We all loved watching the penguins in action, too, timing it perfectly when we caught them at lunchtime indulging in a fish supper.

It wasn’t difficult to spot the UK’s only herd of kordofan giraffes either, who weren’t at all fazed by us staring up at them.

In fact, one even came over for a closer inspection, extending his long neck towards the ground in fascination.

The zoo is easy enough to walk around with kids, although be warned that work is currently going on in some areas, with boards blocking off certain enclosures as the zoo undergoes a £25million transformation.

We’ll have to wait until next year to see what’s in store for those areas, but the closures certainly didn’t ruin the experience.

After a packed day on foot, we were ready for some downtime — and that is exactly what we got at Hampton by Hilton in Nuneaton.

For those travelling from afar, the hotel is an easy 20-minute drive away and the perfect overnight stay for families.

The Hub restaurant here features a menu guaranteed to keep little mouths satisfied, including burgers, paninis and pizzas.

But if none of that takes your fancy then a short walk down the road is a gorgeous Nepalese restaurant, Crossed Khukris Gurkha.

A set meal for four costs £66 and comes with poppadums, dumplings, a number of curries and loads of extras.

We were so well fed and at less than £17 a head, the price is scarily good.

I suppose it is Halloween after all . . .                                  

FIVE minutes into my holiday and the conversation had already turned to poo.  

Animal poo, but poo nonetheless. And lots of it, apparently.  

We had needed a holiday but, with money tight, were forgoing poolside cocktails and fluffy hotel bathrobes for a stay volunteering at Fairfield Community Farm on Ruskington Fen, Lincs.  

I wasn’t sure if my 13-year-old daughter would forgive me for calling this a holiday. 

Kathy, the farm’s founder, was explaining the work to be done before we had even put up our tent.  

“There are goats to groom and pigs waiting for belly scratches,” she said.  

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Run entirely by volunteers, the farm uses animals, nature and getting dirty to support wellbeing and is home to more than 30 animals, including goats, sheep, pigs, ponies, chickens, ducks and geese.  

While she may have been less than enthusiastic at the thought of the trip, within hours my daughter was bottle-feeding The Hooligans – a trio of frisky sheep – and discovering that Milkshake, a 250kg Tamworth-cross pig, has no concept of personal space.  

The day passed in a blur of feeding, grooming, feeding, carrying and more feeding. 

Soon, we’d clocked up a full day on the farm without checking the time. 

Nightfall at Fairfield didn’t mean sundowners, either.  

There were ponies to settle into their stables and last jobs to finish before we could finally retreat to our tent. Then, the rain started.  

Sloshing our way into Day Two, we realised that volunteering at Fairfield isn’t all cuddling lambs. If a fence needs fixing, a gate needs painting or a stable needs mucking out – did I mention poo? – you roll up your sleeves and get on with it.  

Then came the task of moving The Hooligans from one end of the farm to the other. Simple, it was not. 

We laughed, skipped and side-kicked our way across the field while the bleating Hooligans went in different directions. 

Herding sheep is definitely an acquired skill, but my daughter and I were starting to feel like right Farmer Joes. 

And between the animals, endless cups of tea, a visit from the farrier to tend Quin’s hooves and collecting goose eggs, something else happened. 

We stopped rushing. We forgot about our worries.  

Carol, one of Fairfield’s longest-serving helpers, said her weekly volunteering sessions give her purpose, connection and something to look forward to, adding: “The farm saved my life.” 

I may have been looking for an affordable British break with a difference. 

But after our stay at Fairfield – between poultry pecks, pony pats and poo (did I mention the poo?) – our break became something I didn’t expect.  

Quality time together. Nowhere else to be. And nothing to rush for. 

But next year, I’m putting in a request for a shower. 

EASYJET is allowing parents to claim back the cost of their baby’s first passport from today.

Simply book an easyJet holiday, use the promo code and the £66.60 will come off the price of the break.

The new initiative starts from today after research showed that almost four in five parents said a baby’s first holiday was a landmark family moment.

Usually when Brits apply for a baby passport online, it costs £66.60 – a paper application sent by post increases the price to £80.

But with the airline, this cost will be paid for by easyJet when families book their next holiday.

Use the promo code FIRSTPASSPORT when making the booking to get the extra discount.

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There’s no minimum spend on the holiday and children must be two-years-old or younger at the time of travel.

The offer ends on November 26 at 11pm – for more information, head here.

Stuart Wright, Customer Director at easyJet holidays, said: “Travel has a unique way of bringing families together, and a baby’s very first holiday is often one of those moments parents remember for years to come.

“By covering the cost of a baby’s first passport, we’re helping more families start making those memories that little bit sooner.

“Combined with our great-value packages, family-friendly hotels and thousands of Free Kids Places, it’s another way we’re making family holidays easier and more affordable.”

If you need some inspiration on where to book, easyJet recently announced it would be launching six new routes from UK airports in time for autumn.

One of these flights will be from Newcastle to Fuerteventura which will start on October 25, and operate twice a week – on Thursdays and Sundays.

Easyjet’s Luton-Ljubljana flights start on October 26 three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

There are 18 new routes launching next summer too with a choice of city breaks to island escapes.

Two of these routes will be to Girona which will be a first for easyJet.

One will take off from Liverpool on March 28 and operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Girona will also take off from Gatwick starting on June 3, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

NOTHING says Christmas quite like streets filled with twinkling lights – especially the spectacular displays put up in London.

This year you can score 20% off the magical Christmas Lights London Bus tour AND even get a free Thames cruise.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

The tour usually costs £36 for adults and £22 for kids, but you’ll get tickets for £28.80 and £17.60, respectively, using our discount code.

The tour starts on Coventry Street, where you’ll climb aboard one of London’s famous double-decker buses and get cosy on your guaranteed upper deck seat.

The Christmas-themed bus will then take you through London‘s best-decorated spots, alongside festive facts and jokes from a live tour guide.

Along the route you’ll tick off famous spots such as Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and more.

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Make sure to snap some pictures of the world-famous, glittering Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, gifted to the UK all the way from Norway.

And in a brand new route for 2026, you’ll now also cruise down Regent Street, known for its giant glimmering angels with golden wings spread high overhead.

Oxford Street sees a canopy of sparkling hanging stars, while posh Bond Street goes all out with fancy displays illuminating the high-end shops and hotels.

Picadilly Circus acts like the grand junction of all these fantastic displays, with its giant screens running festive takeovers and the glowing spillover of surrounding streets in the distance.

Whether you’re visiting London with the kids, ticking off the sights with friends or wanting a romantic date beneath the stars, the tour is suitable for all ages and occasions.

The best way to make the most of the tour? Grab a hot chocolate before boarding, wrap up in your cosiest hat and scarf, and make sure to pose for pictures as you cruise right under the impressive displays.

The tour lasts up to 90 minutes, running from November 14 and January 3,.

You have lots of options too with the first bus departing at 4:30pm and the last at 9pm.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

Tots under two travel free, and there’s space on every bus to pop your pram and buggy.

That’s not all, however. If you purchase the Christmas Lights London Bus Tour, you also get a daytime Thames River cruise thrown in completely for free.

That means you can experience a full-on sightseeing day in London, taking in the sights from the water in the daylight on the river cruise, before taking in the city by night on your bus tour.

On the Thames River cruise you’ll tick off top landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye and more, so by the end of your big day in London you’ll have taken in the very best the city has to offer.

Cruises start from Westminster Pier, Tower Pier, Greenwich Pier, or the London Eye Pier, giving you flexibility in how you plan your day.

As well as a free river cruise, you’ll also get SIX free self-guided walking tours thrown in.

So when you’re not aboard the boat or open-top bus, you’ll have plenty of guidance on which sights are best to see by foot.

The audio tours include the Wizard’s Walk (a Harry Potter-themed tour) as well as a spooky Jack the Ripper tour, and you can listen to them on The Original Tour’s partner app.

With three ways to explore the city bundled into one, it’s hard to find a better value way to experience London at Christmas.

Save 20% on The Original Tour’s Christmas Lights London Bus Tour + claim a FREE Thames sightseeing cruise. Use code: FESTIVELONDON

Terms and Conditions:
Code FESTIVELONDON expires on January 3, 2027 at 11:59pm BST. The offer is available from 12 October 2026 until 3 January 2027, with tours running daily from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The discount applies to adult and child tickets only, excludes family tickets and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates apply and are from 21 December 2026 to 30 December 2026. Blackout dates are dates in which promotional offers cannot be used. Full T&Cs can be found on The Original Tour’s website at  theoriginaltour.com

Prices correct at the time of publication.

SANTA VISITS, festive pantomimes, bauble making and parties every day – these holiday parks offer the ultimate Christmas experience without the price tag.

Parkdean is opening a number of its resorts over the festive season and a whole family can stay for less than £150.

Parkdean Resorts has officially opened its bookings for Christmas with festive getaways available across eight UK holiday parks.

These are:

• Camber Sands Holiday Park, Sussex
• Cayton Bay Holiday Park, Yorkshire
• Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth
• Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Wales
• Ty Mawr Holiday Park, Wales
• Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset
• White Cross Bay Holiday Park, Lake District (limited activities)
• Fallbarrow Holiday Park, Lake District (accommodation only)

Each of the holiday parks will be open throughout December including Christmas and the New Year with a whole host of activities.

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Winter Wonderland which will have over 30 Christmassy activities is available at Camber Sands, Cayton Bay, Trecco Bay, Ty Mawr, Warmwell and Vauxhall.

White Cross Bay and Fallbarrow will be open during the festive period – but these won’t hold the Winter Wonderland programme.

But for the ones that choose to enjoy Winter Wonderland, the events vary from park-to-park and some will have Search for Santa where youngsters are invited to help the elves find Santa with clues and songs.

There will be creative activities too like bauble and Christmas card making as well as festive pot painting.

Family-friendly pantomime performances will take to the stage with some famous faces like Jenny Ryan from The Chase.

There will be ice skating, Christmas parties and sing-alongs – for those there on Christmas Eve, there will be a special show to countdown to the big day.

Along with the Christmas activities, the holiday parks will also have their usual offerings like swimming, adventure activities and live entertainment.

One writer visited the Vauxhall holiday park in Great Yarmouth which recently underwent a £5million makeover.

Here, he watched entertainment like a knife-throwing magician, a Taylor Swift tribute act, karaoke, bingo and stand-up comedy. 

Other activities at Vauxhall include the high and low ropes course, Bear Grylls escape rooms, an inflatable bounce park, a swimming-pool obstacle course, pottery painting, off-road rangers and an adventure playground. 

He added: “We’ve taken our children to Dubai, Turkey, the Netherlands and Disneyland, to name a few — but they feel they’ve hit the jackpot on this quintessential Great British caravan-park holiday here in Norfolk.”

A four-night stay at Vauxhall holiday park from December 7 in a Sandpiper/Buzzard Apartment which sleeps up to six starts from £159 – or £6.62pppn.

If you want to stay for five-nights from December 23 in a Goose Apartment which sleeps four, this starts from £599 or £29.95pppn.

Trecco Bay in Porthcawl is the UK’s largest holiday park which has over 2,000 lodges and caravans.

It has Pirate Crazy Golf, a high ropes course, splash pad, archery, hoover boards and bumper zorbs.

There’s also a bowling alley and the Next Level Gaming Arena which has over 25 consoles including PS5 and Xbox.

Four-night breaks from December 14 in a Bronze Caravan which sleeps up to six starts from £159 – or £6.62pppn.

The six holiday parks with the Winter Wonderland programme have all-inclusive add-ons on certain dates, so there won’t be hidden surprises.

It includes three meals a day which are served directly to the table so there are no queues either – there’s also unlimited drinks and Costa Coffee.

This starts from £100 per adult and £40 per child (under 12) per break.

Anthony Reilly, Marketing Director at Parkdean Resorts, said: “We know that the festive period can be a stressful time for families looking to plan a getaway that’s great value, feel-good and has something for everyone.

“That’s why we’re so excited to bring back festive breaks, bigger and better than ever. Booking early means families can relax knowing they have secured their festive tradition for 2026, leaving the Christmas stress behind – and start unwrapping the excitement now.”

EVERY parent knows that taking a toddler on holiday often feels less relaxing getaway and more like a parenting shift in a different location.

Don’t worry – we’ve found the ultimate cheap holiday for parents with under 5’s where everything’s taken care of for you – plus the kids even eat for free.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Parkdean Resorts are running Tots Breaks packages, four-night stays starting from £99.

If you’re visiting as a family of four, that works out to a tiny £6.19pp per night.

These action-packed breaks are bursting with free activities and entertainment that’s sure to keep the little ones smiling.

However, the best part may just be the food. On a Tots Break, kids eat completely free for the entire duration of your stay.

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That means hot breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are totally sorted, saving a family up to £70 on their holiday dining.

Fussy eaters are well-catered for with the Starland Krew Menu, with kid-friendly classics like tomato pasta, beef burgers, and chicken strips with chips.

You won’t need to constantly dip into your wallet to keep them entertained, either. These breaks are packed with free activities tailored specifically to young children.

Kids can burn off energy at the Tots Adventure Playground, get stuck into messy play, or enjoy the musical Tots & Tunes sessions.

Plus there’s even adorable ‘Mini Olympics’, mini archery, and mini fencing classes.

And if your kids are completely obsessed with their favourite TV characters, you’re in luck.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Parkdean Resorts host Milkshake! Mornings packed with stories and singing, plus the chance to meet PAW Patrol legends like Chase and Marshall in the flesh (well, in the fur).

The fun is perfectly timed for early bedtimes, too. Early evening entertainment includes toddler discos, ‘kideoke’ sing-alongs, and even a fun ‘Sparkle Like a Princess’ event.

When it’s finally time to crash, the accommodation is set up for families.

The standard Bronze caravans are spacious, featuring stylish cream-coloured interiors, fully equipped modern kitchens, and TVs for a chilled movie once the kids are asleep.

Tots Breaks are available across dozens of Parkdean Resorts locations nationwide throughout the year.

Participating parks include Sandford in Dorset, a peaceful woodland park close to Poole and Bournemouth, and Trecco Bay in Wales, which is one of Europe’s largest holiday parks.

If you have older children, they may enjoy a Parkdean Resorts’ Nickelodeon Weekender instead.

These breaks start at £163 for three nights, working out to £13.58pp per night for a family of four.

Nickelodeon-themed entertainment includes ‘Mighty Missions’ set by PAW Patrol’s Ryder, learning the Pup Pup Boogie dance, and meeting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Families can even enjoy a ‘Movie with the Stars’, where you’ll sit down to a movie night alongside the actual characters from the film.

Book a four-night Tots Break from £6.19pp per night (save £70)

Prices correct at the time of publication.

MANY parents usually spend years saving up for family holidays abroad.

But one savvy couple has managed to swap life in the UK for a full-time travel adventure – all while saving £36,000.

Back in 2023, Ruth and Steven Rowe made a decision which shocked a lot of people after “selling everything they owned” and buying a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka.

They have been globe-trotting ever since on a budget of just £30 a day, and have turned the world into a classroom for their two children Aurora, five, and Atlas, four.

Ruth, 35, and Steven, 36, said they had always dreamed of travelling full-time and, as the moment approached to put the children into a nursery, they felt the time was right.

Ruth said: “We knew those early years were precious and we wanted more time together as a family before school routines took over.”

They flogged all their belongings on Facebook Marketplace or via car boot sales and set off from the village of Eardisley, Herefordshire, with just two suitcases of clothes and a few toys.

The family has already been to 17 different countries, ticking off bucket-list destinations such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Indonesia.

They stay four weeks at a time in Airbnbs and have also visited the likes of Thailand, Malaysia, Cyprus, the USA, Colombia, and Peru – all while saving around £12,000 a year.

They currently have no plans to return and want to continue world-schooling in exotic locations – while spending around £2,000 a month, compared to £3,000 back in the UK, as a result of their rent and outgoings being less.

Ruth and Steven had been renting a barn conversion and had both children during the Covid-19 pandemic.

They had travelled extensively before having kids but couldn’t shake the feeling that there was still so much of the world they wanted the children to experience.

Ruth added: “We wanted more time with them as we know those early years are precious, so we thought, why not just do it? So we did.

“Selling everything was an exhilarating experience.

“Our car, furniture and most of our possessions all went through Facebook Marketplace and car boot sales.

“We kept only a handful of memory boxes filled with special items from the children’s early years and a few clothes.

“We set off at the start with two big suitcases, a medium and a small one – and a stroller.

“And since then we’ve downsized to just two suitcases – it is really surprising how little you really need.

“Possessions don’t make you happy, life experiences do.”

They arrived in Sri Lanka with no return ticket and no real plan beyond seeing where life took them.

Ruth added: “And we’re still travelling now. We’ve been travelling full-time ever since, slow-exploring the world as a family, while my husband runs his coaching business remotely and we embrace world-schooling on the road.

“It’s been beautiful, chaotic, challenging and incredibly freeing.”

The couple also support themselves financially via Steven’s online coaching business – which he can still run wherever they are in the world.

However, Steven revealed the lifestyle isn’t always glamorous.

He added: “We use Airbnbs mainly but I’ve been working out of little cupboards in some places – it has been challenging at times but we’re in a fortunate position.

“We aim to live off around £30 a day and we stay in places for a month at a time so I can work Monday to Friday.

“But it can vary greatly; a two-bed apartment in one country can be £800 but a smaller one in another country £1,300.”

The couple say their children are now educated through “life experiences” – be it picking up Spanish in Latin America or learning about volcanoes while hiking in Peru.

And they say giving the kids no screen time whatsoever on their travels has helped them to become more patient and creative.

Ruth added: “They are also learning counting through things like paying a tuk-tuk driver in different currencies and the first time Aurora ever wrote her name it was in sand on a beach with a stick.

“We give them no screen time at all – which I think has taught them patience on their travels and to be more creative when they are bored sitting on a bus.

“They thought the TV back home was a radio as we’d only use it for Spotify and we think that’s allowed their imagination to flourish.

“I have just seen their confidence grow so much, and of course there’s no way of really telling how they would have been at home, but they are just so open and talk to anyone – young and old.

“I will sit down and teach them some reading and phonics and writing – but we’re not rigid with it and it’s still very much about learning through playing.

“It wasn’t a case of we hated the UK – we just love the world. But I was never a fan of the cold and rain so that is something I don’t miss.

“Also, we’ve found children aren’t treated like nuisances like you find in some restaurants in the UK.

“They are welcomed in and looked after, lots of places have playgrounds too to keep them entertained; that was a big difference to the UK too.

“Sri Lanka is just the most welcoming place we’ve ever been – people would invite us to eat in their homes and absolutely loved the kids.

“Costa Rica is beautiful with all the wildlife and jungle, Guatemala is underrated – it is also an incredible place and one of our favourites.”

Ruth was also not a fan of the cold and wet British weather – but admits she misses British chocolate.

She added: “The only thing I miss is friends and family – and also British chocolate.”

Steven also believes the lifestyle has been transformational for the children.

He said: “These positive environments have brought such positive developments so far in our children. Atlas was swimming independently at two.

“This way they get one-to-one without being part of the larger school system, which we have no issue with, we just see the benefits from doing it this way.

“We make sure the children are at the centre of what we do, we always research kids’ clubs and activities wherever we stay.

“They are loving learning about all the wildlife too – we had iguanas and sloths outside our doors in Costa Rica.

“Aurora had surf lessons in Bali and will be sandboarding in the Peruvian desert; it’s magical for them.

“The children have most enjoyed all the swimming they’ve been able to do and all the wildlife has been a massive enjoyment for them too.”

Follow the couple’s travels on Instagram.

DISNEY Cruise Line has just unveiled its newest ship – and it’s the company’s glitziest yet.

With themed dressing-up parties, glam stage shows and immersive dining experiences featuring much-loved characters, kids will love everything about Disney Believe.

But it’s not just the House of Mouse putting little ones at the forefront.

Many cruise lines are introducing activities, meals and entertainment options to keep youngsters happy – which means more downtime for Mum and Dad.

Here, Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of the most child-friendly cruise ships for 2027.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

LITTLE ones can just Let It Go on board Disney Believe, which is home to a sparkling Frozen-themed dining venue.

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Oaken’s Table: A Frozen Family Feast is more than just a restaurant.

Here, youngsters are surrounded by characters Oaken, Anna and Kristoff as they tuck into dinner with live singalongs and performances throughout.

The kids’ clubs here take things to new heights, and children will love checking out the first ever Encanto musical, too.

But parents are not forgotten about.

While teens are soaring on the ship’s water coaster AquaMouse, unleashing their inner Spider-Man at the Hero Zone or paddling in the Toy Story-themed splash zone, adults can knock back cocktails at Sea Notes — the Little Mermaid-inspired piano bar.

GO: The ship makes its debut in December next year. More info, including cruise packages, will be released on Monday next week. See disneycruise.com or call 0800 171 2317.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES

ROYAL CARIBBEAN is renowned for its family-friendly offering, and has enough high-energy activities to keep rugrats happy for at least two weeks on the trot.

Freedom of the Seas, in particular, ranks highly for its adrenaline-pumping fun.

While tiny tots play with cannons and drench buckets in Splashaway Bay, teens can race each other on the Perfect Storm waterslides or unlock new surf skills on the FlowRider surf simulator.

On top of some excellent kids’ clubs, there’s laser tag, rock climbing, mini golf, an arcade and even an ice rink.

Pizzas, tacos and burgers will ensure they never go hungry, although the ice cream counter is sure to be the biggest hit — and it’s free for all cruisers.

GO: A five-night Northern Europe sailing is from £579.50pp for a family of four, departing from Southampton on August 17 next year. The cruise calls at Hamburg and Zeebrugge (for Bruges). Check out seascanner.co.uk.

P&O CRUISES

BUCKLE in for a thrilling ride on board P&O Cruises’ Arvia.

This ship has a properly immersive escape room that takes you well below sea on a fictional submarine.

Families will rely on interactive consoles, motion simulators and high-tech controls to succeed in their mission and retreat from the submarine safely.

Kids can reward themselves with a sundae from the gelateria afterwards but most of the time they’ll be itching to get to the youth club.

There is also the Altitude Zone with a high-ropes course, mini-golf and splash zone.

Families can also benefit from a Children’s Tea at the buffet.

It’s at 5pm daily so parents can get little ones fed before dropping them at the night nursery.

GO: A 14-night Spain and France sailing is from £1,049pp, based on a family of four sharing and departing Southampton on July 18 next year. Ships calls at Vigo, Malaga, Alicante, Toulon, Barcelona and Cadiz. See pocruises.com.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

AURA is the newest ship to grace Norwegian Cruise Lines’s fleet and definitely one for action-seekers.

Its thrill zone, Ocean Heights, is spread across three decks and features so many spine-tingling activities you won’t know where to start.

Along with rock climbing, a high-ropes course and funfair, there are three waterslides and a main pool deck with sea-view hot tubs.

Best of all, grown-ups with their eyes on the speciality dining can bag free meals for kids under the age of 12.

GO: A seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing is from £907pp departing Miami on August 7 next year. Calls at Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island. See iglucruise.com or call 020 3733 5557.

MSC CRUISES

THE highlight for children on MSC’s World Europa is the dry slide that drops 11 decks, making it the longest slide at sea and sending riders spinning down 240ft in a matter of seconds.

With Lego on board as official sponsor, children will have their fill of building-block games at the kids’ clubs, while teens can get stuck into video games.

The waterslides integrate virtual reality and project animations while riders whizz to the bottom.

The high-tech fun does not end there, either.

The ship also has a Formula 1 simulator, 5D interactive cinema and virtual reality arcades.

GO: A seven-night Western Mediterranean sailing is from £574pp based on a family of four sharing and departing from Civitavecchia in Italy on May 1, 2027. It calls at Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa and La Spezia. See msccruises.co.uk.

A PICTURE tells a thousand words. But how about a thousand pictures?

If the camera roll from our trip to Butlin’s is anything to go by, it tells of a jam-packed, non-stop, rip-roaring, grin-inducing, memory-filled festive-as-anything time of it.

My two pre-teen daughters, husband and I hadn’t been to Butlin’s before but we were keen to hurl ourselves stocking-first into the resort’s Christmas spirit.

We decided that whatever the weather (pouring rain was forecast all weekend) we were going to have as much sparkly, festive Santa-filled fun as one still-believing family could in a single weekend.

And boy, did we meet our match at Butlin’s Bognor Regis. Arriving on a Friday after a long day, our Christmas spirits were a little on the low side.

But after the all-inclusive buffet, the magical call of the Bingo Bango hosts at the Reds venue (and a welcome glass of wine) I could feel my shoulders loosening and a smile spreading across my face.

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And once the Silent Disco got going — with a choice of hard house or Christmas hits — I couldn’t stop beaming.

And judging by the hols snaps, it stayed there the whole time.

We quickly discovered you could almost divide the resort into two.

There were the non-Christmassy activities — an incredible VR arcade, escape rooms of various types and the excitement of Laser Quest where we all shot each other repeatedly.

And then everything else.

Christmas arts and crafts? Tick. Puppet Castle’s Christmouse Wonderland? Shockingly blue panto Snow White And Her Magnificent Friends? A skyline ‘snowstorm’ involving singing reindeer? Tick, tick, tick.

And when you’ve raised a couple of true believers — expectations at Christmas events tend to be high.

But Father Christmas’ Express Delivery didn’t disappoint.

The world’s most famous Redcoat was ready to meet and greet our two in a grotto that could’ve been in a high-end department store.

There was a naughty or nice wheel, children’s letters to Santa whirring round the ceiling and elves busily spreading Christmas cheer.

Once the girls’ handwritten letters to Santa had been delivered through suction tubes, we were whizzed up in a lift through the snow to meet the big man himself — who had twinkly eyes and decent bants.

After more festive fun in the North Pool (the huge indoor swimming pool), it was a short walk back to our home, Butlin’s Ocean Hotel. Our family room was a decent size with a balcony. It was clean, comfortable and had a good bed.

We’d opted for the hotel dining plan, giving us breakfast and dinner in the Kaleidoscope restaurant.

It goes without saying my girls were delighted by the beige buffet — hoovering up pizzas, hot dogs and chips.

There were pastas, curries, a roast and themed nights — and a salad bar for something lighter.

For lunch, you’ll find more high street faves from Burger King and Papa Johns to SOHO Coffee.

And there was just as much variety when it came to entertainment.

From gameshow bonanzas to tribute acts and singalongs, it never stopped.

And if you need some fresh air, the fairground stays open with bumper cars, an old fashioned helter skelter, waltzer and a chair-o-plane.

The best part? The fairground is all free. And our take home after the festive weekend?

We went into Butlin’s blind, but now we have seen the twinkling, tinselly light.

OLIVIA Bowen has revealed her four-year-old son came within millimetres of losing his eye after a freak accident at nursery.

An ambulance was called to rush little Abel to hospital after he impaled his eye with a stick while playing outside last year as part of forest school.

Olivia, 32, described the phone call informing her as the “scariest” of her life and she immediately made her way to the school to be by her son’s side.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Olivia said: “It was probably his first big accident, and when we got there, he just had a patch over his eye, there was blood everywhere.

“We didn’t know whether it had gone right into his eye and touched his eyeball, if it had missed it, if it was stuck, we had no clue, because he wouldn’t let us open it.”

Abel needed surgery to fix the wound, which included a sliced tearduct, and had a stent fitted to help with drainage during recovery.

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Love Island runner-up Olivia, who is also mum to Siena, one, said it was a “pure miracle” that Abel could still see and a follow-up eye test found he had 20-20 vision.

“I’ve never really thought about how important eyesight is, it’s something we take for granted every single day, especially with the kids, starting school, learning to read, it’s something I’ve never particularly thought about until that moment,” said Olivia.

The terrifying ordeal was the motivation for the mum-of-two to back a new campaign with The College of Optometrists that encourages parents to take their young children for free eye tests before they start school.

New research has found that just five percent of under-fives had an eye test last year.

Now, in a new drive to diagnose conditions early and achieve the best possible outcomes, The College wants parents to book appointments for their little ones.

In the UK all children under 16 are entitled to free eye tests, and this rises up to 19 for those still in full-time education.

And the research shows under-16s fare better than the preschoolers, with close to half having tested their eyes in 2025.

“The opticians, they’re just so kind,” said Olivia. “This is their job, this is what they do, and they want us to be going, because catching things in kids’ eye health early is so important, especially at that stage, before they start school.

“It’s daunting enough starting school, imagine if your child has got an issue with their eyesight? It’s going to make it even harder, so catching it at that point is probably the biggest piece of advice that they want to get through to everyone, and then follow up appointments, every one to two years.”