cost of living

IF you’re ready to look ahead to 2026 and start planning your family trips for spring and summer, you might be looking at big names like Butlin’s, Haven and Eurocamp.

My family of five has had some great breaks at all three, but prices can quickly add up – especially if you need to travel during the school holidays. So how can you bag a bargain and get away for less?

Here’s my top tips for shaving some money off your booking, so you’ll have more cash to splash when you’re on your break. 

Before you book

There’s a few tricks of the trade that work across all three brands, whether you are sucker for a staycay or fancy a foreign foray.

The first thing to do is to check out any discount schemes available to you, to to see what savings they offer. 

A Blue Light Card, which is available to teachers, emergency services and military personnel, offers money off holidays at Butlin’s, Haven and Eurocamp.

Costing £5 for two years, I usually save about £20 to £30 per break, which all adds up if you’re going on a few getaways over the course of the year. 

If you have roadside cover with the AA or are in a scheme like Kids Pass, they often have holiday discounts – including £50 off at Haven currently.

Cashback sites like Quidco or Topcashback are also a great way to claw back a bit of holiday cash.

By signing up to one of these websites, you get a percentage of your spend back by clicking through a link to book at Butlin’s, Haven or Eurocamp.

You can also sometimes get an added bonus on top, especially during sales periods like Black Friday or the January sales.

I’ve had a payout of almost £50 on a Butlin’s booking before, although it can take several months for cashback to be tracked and appear in your account, so this method isn’t instant as an upfront discount.

Supermarket loyalty schemes partner with some holiday chains and are a good way of making money you spend on your food shop work harder for you.

If you’ve saved a stash of Tesco Clubcard points, these can be converted into vouchers to use at either Eurocamp or Butlin’s and are worth double what they would be if spent in store.

So if you’ve got £10 of points, you’ll get a voucher worth £20 to spend.

Bear in mind that using Clubcard vouchers can tie you in to paying the list price for your holiday, so you do need to be a bit savvy and work out if a discount code would save you more than your Clubcard points are worth.

If you don’t shop at Tesco, you could collect Nectar points when you’re booking with Eurocamp and those points can then be spent on Eurostar or British Airways to travel abroad at a later date.

Price promises and spreading the cost

There’s lots to be said for booking early and spreading the cost of your holidays, whichever of the big names you’re using.

I’m currently paying a bit each month towards holidays at both Haven and Butlin’s in 2026, because both of them have a price promise that means you’ll get money back if your holiday costs less at a later date.

You do need to keep checking to see if you’ve bagged the best price, but if you’ve booked direct and find your holiday cheaper on either Haven or Butlin’s websites, they will refund you the difference.

I’ve seen some people enjoy payouts of hundreds of pounds using the price promise, so it is worth keeping an eye out in the run-up to your break.

If you’re booking Eurocamp, you can also pay in instalments.

If you book for 2026 before the end of January, you’ll put down a 15 per cent deposit when booking, then pay 10 per cent when you reach 150 days before your departure.

The remainder is then split in two payments at three months before your break and 56 days before departure.

Return guests can get a discount, particularly if you’re booking more than one break in the same season, so that’s worth a look before you book.

Saving big bucks at Butlin’s

There’s lots of ways to save at Butlin’s, so you just need to give yourself time to look at all the options and pick which one is right for you.

With three sites (at Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness) and lots of different types of accommodation, including room-only and self-catering, there can be a huge disparity in prices for the same week, depending on your destination.

I also find it’s worth checking out the last-minute deals at Butlin’s, as the prices do drop as you get closer to the departure date. 

But if you like to get a booking in your diary sooner rather than later, you can make the most of the repeat booking discount while on site or within 30 days of a recent stay at Butlin’s.

My Haven holiday hacks

Once you’ve booked a break, it does pay to keep checking the offers section of the website to see what comes up, particularly before the Haven holiday season starts up in March. 

There’s been great deals by bulk-buying activities or food and drink in recent years, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Haven introduces this year. 

My favourite from recent trips was a bulk-buy bundle where you got the cheapest session free if you spent £45 or more on activities in one go. 

That meant that if you booked three spaces on a £20 activity, you would actually only end up paying £40, as one of the spaces would be free. 

There have also been some fantastic food and drink offers, including a preloaded card that you could use in the bars and restaurants, which was topped up by an extra 10 per cent if you bought it before your break. 

I’ll be keeping an eye out in the next month or so to see if either of those offers return this year in time for my summer staycay.

Saving your euros at Eurocamp

We’ve had some lovely trips abroad to holiday parks in the Netherlands, Spain and France, but Eurocamp is just one way of booking these sites. 

It’s worth considering whether you can get a better deal by booking direct with the individual park or if you’d prefer to pay a bit extra for some of the perks that come with a Eurocamp booking.

This includes extras such as a holiday rep who speaks English or the ability to change your dates, destination or accommodation once you’ve booked.

We enjoyed an October half-term stay at Duinrell in the Netherlands a few years ago and only paid £80 for the week.

But we did discover that you had to pay extra to get into the swimming pool on site.

So it may have been better to book direct with Duinrell, as then entry to the waterpark would have been included and we could have chosen from tents, caravans and lodges for our accommodation. 

Another top tip is to check out the Sun £9.50 holidays abroad, which we made the most of when we had younger children and were still travelling a lot in term time.

While we booked through the Sun, the actual booking is then passed to a holiday provider like Eurocamp if you’re going abroad or Parkdean if you’re staying in the UK.

So you can sometimes get the same accommodation and facilities as you would for a Eurocamp holiday but for a fraction of the price, if you pick a break where you only pay £9.50 per person without any added extras. 

Bear in mind that you sometimes need to pay extra to add bed linen or towels to your booking abroad.

You can bring your own if you don’t want to pay, but that’s only really an option if you’re traveling by car and not by plane, when you’re trying to keep luggage to a minimum.

So whether you off to the summer sun abroad or you’re on a Brit bucket-and-spade break, now could be the perfect time to get your family getaway booked for 2026, whatever your budget.

WITH Christmas this week, you more than likely already have a few things in the diary – but for those odd days around the big day itself, here’s some inspiration for when you need to get the kids out the house.

Whilst a lot of places are closed on the big day itself and Boxing Day, many attractions, destinations and events are still open the rest of the week.

And some even on Christmas Eve.

So here’s a round up of some of the best free things to do across the UK between December 22 and 28.

Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry, Reading Museum

Located at Reading Museum, just two minutes from Reading train station, visitors can see Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry – a full-size replica of Normandy’s Bayeux Tapestry.

This is ideal to see ahead of the Norman Bayeux Tapestry coming to the British Museum in autumn next year – though, this will be a paid-for experience.

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Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry is a full-size replica of the Norman one and is permanently located at Reading Museum, which is free to visit.

The tapestry measures 70 metres long and depicts the Norman conquest of England.

In the late 19th century, Britain decided it should have its own tapestry and so a group of Victorian embroiderers recreated the tapestry in full.

There are two main differences between the British tapestry and the Norman one – the Victorian embroidered underwear on the naked people in the British one and the ladies who embroidered the British one added their names to the end of the tapestry.

Head to the museum between December 22 and 24 to catch a glimpse of the tapestry before the museum closes for Christmas.

Paul Vanstone x David Aaron – Carrara Triceratops Skull

From now until December 31, you can see a marble life-sized skull of a Triceratops in Mayfair, London.

Created by British artist Paul Vanstone, the sculpture has been created in collaboration with the David Aaron gallery.

The sculpture can be found in Berkeley Square, Mayfair.

Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum Exhibition, Preston

At The Harris in Preston, visitors can explore a hands-on exhibition of Aardman’s Wallace and Gromit.

Named A Case at the Museum, the exhibition marks the reopening of The Harris and showcases 35 years of Wallace and Gromit.

The exhibition explores the life of the creator of Wallace and Gromit – Nick Park – from growing up in Lancashire to the influence the region had on his characters and films.

Through the exhibition, visitors get to see original sets and models, storyboards, concept art, early sketches and even strike a pose in Wallace’s living room.

The museum and exhibition are both free to visit, with the museum only closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Though on Christmas Eve, The Harris is only open until midday.

Christmas Bauble Trail, St Albans

Until December 28, families can venture on a Christmas bauble trail around St Albans.

There are 12 baubles in total to spot, and you could even win a prize.

Boxing Day Swims, Various

A number of locations across the country host a Boxing Day Swim each year, where brave souls run into the chilly water for a dip.

A lot you have to either pay for or pre-book, but there are still a number that are free to participate in.

Though, most swims are for charity so donations are encouraged.

For example, you could head to Ventnor Bay on the Isle of Wight, where swimmers often wear pyjamas before running into the water.

The swim takes place on Boxing Day at 12pm.

Or head to North Norfolk Beach for the Runners’ Boxing Day Dip, where there is both a run starting at 11:30am and a splash in the sea at 12:30pm.

To find out if there is a Boxing Day Swim near you, just search your location and ‘Boxing Day Swim’.

Alternatively, some places host a New Year’s Day dip.

Christmas Lights, Various

Before they disappear for another year, make sure to check out the Christmas lights near you.

Whether that be Regent Street‘s iconic angels or the houses decked out in your nearby village, spotting Christmas lights makes the ideal festive walk.

Snoopy in the City, London

Until January 16, if you live in London you can still explore the Snoopy in the City sculpture trail.

Dotted around London’s Fleet Street Quarter, there are 12 Snoopy sculptures, all decorated by different artists, to find.

The trail celebrates 75 years of the Peanuts comic strip, created by Charles M Schulz.

Those trying to follow the trail can download a map on Wild in Art’s website.

Ikea events, various

In the lead up to Christmas, Ikea is still running its events including free ‘present hunts’ at Ikea Cardiff until December 23.

Or at Ikea Lakeside, visitors can make Christmas cards with the last session taking place on December 23.

Also tomorrow, from 10am to 11am, head to Ikea Southampton to have breakfast with Santa.

Justin Carter’s Liquid Light at the BottleWorks, Newcastle

Artist Justin Carter, who has showcased his work in Europe, Japan, China, Australia and America, has an exhibition at the BottleWorks in Newcastle.

The exhibition ‘Liquid Light’ showcases how important location can be to Justin and features a number of watercolour artworks.

You can visit on December 23 from 10am.

Ice skating, Blackpool

Ice skating at Christmas usually costs you an arm and a leg for just one person.

And then by the time you calculate how much it will cost for a family of four, you are nearing the £100 mark.

Up until January 4, you can head to the outdoor skating rink in Blackpool at the Christmas by the Sea village.

It sits below the iconic Blackpool Tower and is free to visit, with free skate hire as well.

The ice rink measures 20 metres in total and is open each day between 12pm and 9pm (apart from Christmas Day).

You don’t need to book, just turn up.

Christmas Rave, London

On Christmas Eve in the capital you can head to a free rave.

Located at Club Makossa in East London, ravers can head underground for some techno before the big day.

Whilst entry is free, there is a £1 donation to New Horizons Youth Centre in King’s Cross.

You can also enter a raffle at the rave and could win numerous prices from a £30 bar tab to event tickets.

The rave starts at 5pm and ends at midnight.

For more inspiration on what to do during the Twixmas period, here are 50 things to do between Christmas and New Year across the UK – including free activities and immersive experiences.

Plus, all the UK rides and attractions that we lost in 2025 and the exciting ones coming in 2026.

AN ISLAND dubbed the “Caribbean without the jetlag” – where pints cost just £2.20 – could be the perfect escape from the moody British weather.

An index tracking the best winter sun spots, ranking temperature, hours of sunshine, pint and meal for two prices, time difference, and precipitation, revealed its winner.

Sal in Cape Verde was the top spot of the unique index taking into account all things Brits love.

The Atlantic island offers white sandy beaches, subtropical temperatures and just a one-hour time difference with the UK, despite flights taking six hours.

Winter highs average between 24°C and 25°C throughout January to March.

Visitors can enjoy around 10 hours of sunshine each day, according to easyJet’s Winter Sun Index.

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The island also boasts dishes inspired by Portuguese, African and Brazilian cuisines, with a meal for two costing roughly £30.

Close behind in the rankings is Egypt’s Red Sea gem, Hurghada, with winter temperatures sitting between 21°C and 25°C.

Unbelievably pints of beer on average cost under £2.

The resort town offers near-endless sunshine, crystal-clear waters and desert landscapes with activities like quad biking or Jeep safaris.

The Canary Islands also remain firm favourites, with Gran Canaria and Lanzarote claiming third and fourth spots.

Gran Canaria is known for its golden beaches, while Lanzarote stands out with striking black sands and volcanic vistas.

Kevin Doyle, UK country manager for the airline, said: “As temperatures at home begin to drop and the days get darker, now is the perfect time to book an escape to warmer climes.

“Our network and package holidays offer a broad range of winter sun destinations across Europe and beyond – from Sub-Saharan islands to Spanish peninsula cities.”

Other highlights from the index include the likes of Agadir in Morocco, Djerba off Tunisia and Spain’s Seville.

Agadir offers winter highs of 23°C, nearly nine hours of sunshine per day and very little rainfall, while on average, meals for two come in at £26 and a pint just £1.75.

Djerba made the index thanks to a mix of culture and relaxation, with winter temperatures ranging from 16°C to 18°C and up to eight hours of daily sunshine.

The island blends Mediterranean coastline and Saharan influences, plus artisanal market streets, palm trees and sandy beaches, with meals for two costing around £26 and a pint is just £1.30.

Seville, Europe’s warmest city in winter, scores highly for its elegant Moorish architecture and vibrant city life.

Travellers can expect temperatures between 16°C and 22°C, around eight hours of sunshine and a pint for just £2.20.

The city’s plazas, flamenco recitals, and sunny streets make it perfect for those seeking city warmth rather than the sea.

WHEN Helen Flanagan and Scott Sinclair split after 13 years, they vowed to keep things amicable for the sake of their young kids.

But it was not long before the dynamic of the celebrity couple’s co-parenting soon began to show signs of strain.

The former Corrie actress blamed petty squabbles and communication issues, yet still remained tight-lipped about her ex.

But overnight, tensions between the pair appear to have hit DEFCON 1.

Helen, 35, flipped her lid when she spotted photos of Scott, 36, living the high life at the Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, skipping their four-year-old son’s Christmas nativity play.

Lashing out online at the retired Bristol Rovers footballer, she raged: “You really are a piece of s**t,” ­sharing Scott’s Instagram post.

“How dare you not turn up to ­Charlie’s nativity,” she added.

Scott had posted snaps from his VIP weekend in the United Arab Emirates where he watched Lando Norris secure his maiden Drivers’ Championship title.

Standing in front of a huge F1 sign, he posed gleefully, tagging the post “What a weekend — Abu Dhabi F1.” He added: “Happy Days, blurry nights.”

Meanwhile, Helen shared a sweet snap of her cuddling their young son, captioning it: “Loved Charlie’s nativity. My star, my heartbeat.”

But when she spotted Scott’s jet- setting post, her blood boiled.

Now sources have told The Sun that Helen’s ex’s decision to skip ­Charlie’s school performance was just the tip of the iceberg — a culmination of bad behaviour that has left the telly star fuming.

The former couple share daughters Matilda, ten, Delilah, seven, and four-year-old son Charlie.

Yesterday Helen was spotted looking stony-faced while heading to her latest panto performance in Liverpool, where she is starring as The Wicked Queen in a production of Snow White.

A pal told The Sun: “Helen’s livid with Scott’s behaviour. He’s thinking about himself, not his children.

“She said, ‘I’m done letting him treat his family like this’. At the end of the day Helen is the mother of his kids. He needs to show more respect.”

Another pal said: “Helen is working full-time at the moment in panto so was expecting Scott to cover the nativity and go for her, as she has a lot on her plate and he is retired.

“When he didn’t bother, she wasn’t happy and took to her social media to vent her frustration and make a point.

“Their relationship is difficult at times — co-parenting is hard.”

Boys’ trips

Meanwhile another source close to the couple blames newly single Scott for embracing his “Hot Boy Winter” moment, leaving his family to ­suffer.

“Ever since Scott became single again things started to go downhill,” the source said.

“It’s been an incredibly testing few months for Helen, who feels like she is busting a gut and Scott doesn’t seem to get it.

“To make matters worse he is having the children for Christmas this year, which is another blow.”

Last year The Sun told how Scott was dating family friend Lauren Davies, 32, who is from his home city of Bath.

Things were going well up until the start of this year, when they are said to have decided they were better off as friends.

The source said: “Helen really liked Lauren and thought she was really good for Scotty.

You really are a piece of s***. How dare you not turn up to ­Charlie’s nativity

Helen on Instagram

“She has great values and felt it was important that Scott sees his kids and she wanted everyone to get along.

“But since their split, Scott hasn’t been present. He is constantly showing off his wealth online — with his extravagant boys’ trips. It’s a bit of a kick in the teeth.”

According to pals, tensions between Helen and Scott are so bad that the pair have blocked each other on WhatsApp, only communicating through family members.

The Sun also understands Scott wants to sell the £1.5million family home near Bolton and move Helen and the kids into a smaller property.

The eight-bedroom house went on the market in June, but Helen is standing firm. One pal said: “Scott is trying to sell the family home, but Helen has moved six times since Matilda was born.

“And because she is refusing to uproot the children, he’s stopped some of the money he was giving her for the kids. She’s fuming.

“The house is right next to her mum and dad, who take care of the kids while Helen works.

“Scott’s retired so he could have them, but he’s swanning around in Dubai and London and flashing it all over Instagram.

“At the same time he is claiming he can’t afford to give her the money, but he goes and blows £20,000 on the F1.”

Helen’s livid with Scott’s behaviour. He’s thinking about himself, not his children

A pal

The pal said Christmas will be particularly hard for Helen without her kids.

They said: “She is working full-time at the panto and dealing with the kids, with no help from Scott.

“Then he’ll have them at Christmas and post it all over Instagram, claiming to be dad of the year. He’s picking and choosing when he wants to help, but parenting doesn’t work like that.

“Helen has supported him for his whole football career and moved all over the country, but she’s adamant that she doesn’t want to uproot the kids and cause more disruption in their lives.”

This comes after Helen signed up to star in reality TV show Celebrity Ex On The Beach, in which she intends to “cause fireworks”.

Last month we revealed she was abroad filming scenes — and will not be holding back when it comes to getting what she wants.

Number blocked

It is not the first time the couple’s co-parenting relation- ship has been tested, with Helen previously saying Scott had her number blocked on his phone.

In October 2024 she told a podcast: “I’m on block at the moment on Scott’s phone. I really am. I’m on block.” However, she later said that the couple were on speaking terms so that they could co-parent their brood.

To make matters worse he is having the children for Christmas this year, which is another blow

Source

But in recent months things appear to have taken a turn again, as Helen hinted at trouble.

Earlier this month she told The Sun: “He lives in Somerset and I live in Lancashire. So we live so far away from each other, which is really difficult when you’ve got three young children.

“I hate calling it co-parenting because I don’t really feel like a co-parent, to be honest with you.”

Reflecting on their split in 2024, Helen told The Sun: “It was a mutual decision and personally, I felt as a mum that this was the best thing for my children.

“I want them to see healthy relationships and to be in healthy environments. I think if you’re unhappy then that projects on to them.”

She added: “I love Scott and I know that he loves me, but I suppose we just don’t like each other very much at the moment.

“We don’t really speak and there’s no point in pretending that we’re the best of friends when we’re not.”

Both Helen and Scott were approached for comment.

IT’S the final week before Christmas arrives, and with some schools now breaking up and people using up their annual leave, there are plenty of free events to enjoy across England.

Whether you’re looking for something free to do with the kids or want to enjoy a bit of festive cheer yourself, there is something for everyone.

Don’t celebrate Christmas? Not to worry, there are things for you too.

Winter Solstice at Stonehenge

This Sunday, December 21, the Winter Solstice will take place.

On the day, English Heritage provides free access to Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England to see the moment itself.

Parking must be pre-booked or there is a regular bus service from Salisbury city centre.

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Waterstones Christmas events

A number of Waterstones stores across the UK are hosting free Christmas events this week.

On December 17, head to Waterstones Newton Abbot in Devon or Newport on the Isle of Wight for some late night shopping with mulled wine and mince pies.

On December 18, a number of stores are running events including late night shopping at Waterstones Merry Hill, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield and Doncaster.

Also on December 18, you could head to Waterstones Exeter, Roman Gate, for a festive evening with appearances from Kate Lord Brown (author of The Golden Hour) and Alexandra Dawe (author The Stitchwort Curse), alongside the Global Harmony Choir.

Lowry 360, Manchester

Manchester has a new free immersive gallery experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of LS Lowry’s iconic painting, Going to the Match.

You do need to book tickets though, which also gives you access to Modern Life: The LS Lowry Collection and Quentin Blake and Me.

Tudor Christmas – the final Gresham College lecture

Gresham College lectures are free public talks in London, that have been running for over four centuries and cover a vast variety of topics.

The final lecture of the year will be all about how the Tudors celebrated 12 days of feasting, carols, gift giving and mischief under the Lord of Misrule.

If you cannot attend in person, there is also a livestream of the lecture.

It takes place on December 17, from 6pm to 7pm.

Carol Services

With it being the festive season, there are a number of free carol services across the UK.

For example, you could head to Toddler Carols at Bristol Cathedral, which is an informal carol service where “energy, noise, and movement that young children bring” is welcome.

The carol services take place on December 17 at 11am, 2pm and 3:30pm.

At Langham Place, in London, there will also be free All Souls Carols with Christmas punch and mince pies.

There’s no need to book, but it is recommended that if you want a seat, to turn up early.

The event will take place on December 18 at 5.30pm and 7.30pm, December 20 at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and on December 21 at 9.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

If you are looking for a free carol service near you, look at local churches websites and Christmas markets as these places often host a festive sing-song session.

Cotehele: Wassail! in Saltash, Cornwall

At the National Trust‘s Cotehele, there will be an annual Wassail this week, which is supposed to scare away evil spirits from the orchard to ensure a good harvest next year.

The event includes singing songs alongside a band and fancy dress is encouraged.

It takes place on December 20, 11am to 12:30pm.

Birmingham Xmas Reindeer Trail

In Birmingham city centre you can currently discover a Reindeer Trail including Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.

Four of the reindeer have been given a refresh since last year, with new designs.

And there is even a Roy Wood I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day theme.

Visitors can find a trail map online, which can be downloaded and for kids there’s a game to find a hidden word.

On each reindeer there is a letter and when collected all together the letters spell out a word.

The free event runs until January 6, with reindeer spread across the city centre.

The Cosy Christmas Corner at Ikea Bristol

Ikea stores across the UK run a lot of events, most of which are free.

On Sunday, December 21, between 12pm and 4pm, head to Ikea Bristol and enjoy the Cosy Christmas Corner, where there will be storytelling.

You don’t need to book and when there, the Christmas Elf will share festive stories lasting 15 to 20 minutes a time.

The Austen Ball at the Bank of England

Head to the Bank of England in London on Thursday for The Austen Ball, which will be an evening inspired by the world of Jane Austen.

The event will transform the Stock Office into a grand ball, with a free historical dance workshop and silhouette portrait-making.

The event takes place on Thursday 18 December, from 5.15pm to 8pm.

Christmas in Comer Woods

Located at Dudmaston Estate, in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, there is a volunteer-led three mile walk through Sandilands.

Visitors can enjoy the coastal air as well as potentially see some local wildlife.

Volunteer-led walks will run from December 15 to 24, from 9am to 3pm each day.

Harland Miller at the Design Museum

There is a new display at the Design Museum in London showcasing paintings by the artist Harland Miller and it includes brand new work by the artist.

Visitors cam head to the museum between now and January 26 to see the canvases, which reflect on Miller’s time living in Los Angeles.

La Nativité at Bristol Cathedral

In Bristol, head to La Nativité on Monday, which will feature music, the smell of incense and be performed by candlelight.

And, for the first time in 18 months, the cathedral organ will be heard again following restoration.

Messiaen’s 1935 masterpiece will be played through the performance as well.

No charge or booking required and the show takes place on December 15, 7pm to 8:30pm.

For more inspiration on things to do with the kids over the festive period, a huge new waterpark has opened with 16 attractions and lazy river.

Plus, a huge movie and TV studios opening as top UK attraction next year – that lets you walk onto sets like EastEnders.