WE all love going on a summer holiday, but travelling during the school break can have its downsides.
Airports and stations are busy, prices skyrocket and temperatures across Europe can soar to uncomfortable highs.
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Mexico is a luxury destination but in October you can get affordable deals and save hundredsCredit: Getty
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Playa del Carmen in Mexico has a plenty to do outside its beautiful beachesCredit: Getty
The last thing you want to do is book a sunny beach break, only to find yourself hiding in the shade or escaping indoors for some much-needed air-con.
This year, both Spain and Portugal saw scorching 46C temperatures and the heat in Turkey rose to a record-breaking 50.5C, which for many Brits was a bit too hot.
Nowadays, some of the most popular summer destinations are actually better in the October half term than they are in peak time – with highs of 30C and fewer crowds.
Plus, with less demand for flights and resorts, with some hot deals, you could actually save hundreds on your holiday.
Here are our top picks for an bargain autumn jaunt:
Paphos, Cyprus for £205pp
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September and October are the best months to go to Cyprus for better weather and less crowdsCredit: Getty
October is a sweet spot in Cyprus, with autumn months near-perfect weather-wise.
In the Cyprus off-season, it’s sunny almost every day with temperatures around 26C.
Even the sea temperature stays a pleasant 24C and beaches are far less crowded and more serene than in the height of summer.
While some beach resorts lose their vibrancy and buzz in the low season, Paphos is in full swing.
Even the super-summer outlets, like beach cafes and food stands remain open until at least the first week of November.
5 of the best cheap family holiday destinations in Europe
Paphos, especially, is a top spot in the low season. Resorts that were packed out all summer offer the same stunning pools, sea views and entertainment, but with no sunbed scrum or going elbow-to-elbow at the buffet.
History buffs and those who want to sight-see can take a stroll around the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings, one of the largest collections of ancient mosaics in the world.
In October, there is no need to book and no long lines to get in.
The Dalaman Coast features beautiful beaches, lush forests and crystal-clear waterCredit: Getty
You might say there is no such thing as winter in the Aegean.
Whilst the temperature does dip at the end of the year, October still has stunning weather in Turkey.
The Dalaman Coast, with its beautiful beaches, lush forests and crystal-clear water is ideal for a post-summer escape.
Not to mention the prices are as impressive as the scenery.
Named the Turquoise Coast by locals – who all take full advantage of the lingering summer, heading to the beach from Turkey’s busy cities – the location is stunning.
The Blue Lagoon is the most beautiful spot on the coast. With incredibly clear water, white sand banks, excellent snorkelling and hidden beaches and coves.
October and November sometimes threaten a rain shower, but that’s when you head to one of the canopy-covered coastal bars for plates of traditional Manti (Turkish dumplings), Börek pastries and a glass of local budget beer for £3 a pint.
If you’ve got sea legs, take a boat trip out onto the water.
As well as a panoramic view of Turkey’s forest-lined coastline, you can spend the day snorkelling, swimming, or just lounging around on deck, like an off-duty A-lister who knows when and where to go to avoid the crowds.
With less demand, excursions and boat trips are a fraction of the price you’ll pay in summer.
However, the real savings are the jaw-dropping deals on offer for Turkey at this time of year.
A seven-night room-only stay at Club Sun Smile in Marmaris is only £129 per person, including flights on easyJet from London Gatwick. This is less than half the price of the same holiday in summer, which was £429 per person.
Crete is one of Greece’s most charming islands and an end-of-year trip will save you a lot of money, compared with summerCredit: Getty
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Better weather and no overcrowded beaches, yet all the same beauty and charm is on offer in CreteCredit: Getty
The whitewashed Greek islands, like Santorini, Mykonos and Naxos, are swamped with tourists in the summer.
But on many islands, once autumn is in full swing and the hedonistic summer days have relaxed, lots of businesses close up for the season.
A big reason for this is that the number of big-spending cruise ship passengers drops dramatically, with the ocean liners sailing further south for the warmer weather and less choppy waters.
However, one of the best Greek Islands will still be in full swing and is ideal for a pre-winter visit.
It’s time to set your sights on Crete and the charming resorts that are dotted across the island.
Coastal towns like Chania and Rethymnon are hives of activity, with resorts that offer fantastic value for money, especially at family resorts.
There are cute, little beach towns all along the coast, but you may find the sea itself a bit chilly at this time of year.
Chania is an excellent city to explore or go for a wander, popping into local shops, gelato stands and grabbing an outdoor table at one of the cafes that line the harbour.
Watch the super yachts go in and out while you snack on tasty mezze spreads, £10 bottles of wine and some of the cheapest beer in the Med.
It doesn’t have the white and blue aesthetic commonly associated with Greece, and feels more like a romantic Italian town.
Much of Chania is pedestrianised, so it’s ideal for visiting with kids.
There is a cheap bus that runs from the city to all the major beach towns, so you can save even more money by not renting a car or taking costly taxis.
The chilled out Valentina Apartments have an excellent customer rating and a picturesque location, surrounded by olive trees.
The self-catering apartment means you can make this a home-away-from-home for the week and all for just £169, including flights from London Gatwick.
Dubai can be very expensive but there are deals to be had, especially at this time of yearCredit: Getty
Dubai’s almost too-hot-to-handle summer heat finally becomes more comfortable for us Brits in October, making it one of the best times to visit as a family.
The Arab Emirates hotspot (literally) is more of a luxury break than the bargains you can book in Europe.
But if you’ve always wanted to see it for yourself, this is the time to pick up a great deal.
Toward the end of the year, airfares to Dubai begin to increase again, as people flee to the swanky desert for some almost-guaranteed winter sun.
Squeezing in a trip between summer and Christmas is the best time to get a cracking deal, saving hundreds on a cheeky escape.
There is so much to do as a family here, including desert safaris, the aquarium and water parks like Aquaventure at Atlantis the Palm.
Downtown is a good place to stay with families, since it’s in the middle of everything.
The MD Hotel by Gewan is next to the famous Mall of the Emirates and a short drive to the tourist hub and beach area, Palm Jumeirah.
Plus, it has a rooftop pool with views of the city.
A stay here is £512.50 for seven nights, bed and breakfast and flights on TUI from Stansted, including checked and carry-on luggage.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is beautiful but long-haul trips usually cost a lot moreCredit: Getty
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Street food in Mexico is an easy and cheap way to eat – ideal if you are staying on a bed-and-breakfast only basisCredit: Getty
Long-haul trips will always be more of a commitment both time-wise and budget-wise, but if you’ve always wanted to jet off to a tropical paradise, this is your booking window.
Riviera Maya is also a great place to visit if you want to see the historic, cultural side of Mexico.
In Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you can tour the famous Mayan Ruins of Coba, a preserved ancient Maya city, which is a fascinating part of Mexico’s history.
The HM Playa del Carmen is offering a seven-night bed and breakfast deal with return flights from Manchester to Cancun on TUI, including baggage and transfers, for £618.24 per person.
This is also 50% cheaper than the same trip in peak time, which for Mexico is December to March.
WITH summer in full swing, holidaymakers are flocking to the beaches to make the most of the sun.
Airbnb has revealed the trending beach destinations around the world, with the Northumberland coastline making the cut.
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Beaches along Northumberland have long stretches of golden sandCredit: Alamy
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It’s a popular spot for swimming with great views of the North SeaCredit: Alamy
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The northern county of Northumberland has been getting lots of attention over the summer, with plenty of pretty beaches that are usually less busy than those in the south.
Airbnb said: “Northumberland is drawing more summer visitors, with searches up over 50 per cent this summer, thanks to its pristine North Atlantic beaches.”
One beach that’s been highlighted as a must-see is Embleton Bay. It sits on the edge of the North Sea to the east of the village of Embleton.
The bay has a long stretch of golden sands, cool water and it’s overlooked by the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.
Lots of visitors stumble across the bay and are stunned by it’s beauty, one wrote on Tripadvisor: “We thought we had seen all the best beaches in Northumberland but Embleton Bay wowed us the most!
“Crystal clear waters, fabulous views of Dunstanburgh Castle and acres of perfect sand and even though weather was fantastic we had the beach practically to ourselves.”
Another said the bay was one of Northumberland’s “best kept secrets”.
Near Embleton Bay is a pub that has previously held the title of ‘best beach bar in the UK’ – it’s called the Ship Inn in Low Newton-by-the-Sea.
It once claimed top spot in a list of the best beach pubs in the country put together by Conde Nast Traveller.
Exploring the UK’s Hidden Coastal Gems
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The Ship Inn pub has previously been called the best place to grab a pint by the coastCredit: Alamy
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Other European hotspots include Hossegor in FranceCredit: Alamy
The publication said: “Low Newton-by-the-Sea is one of the prettiest spots on the Northumberland coast.
“The tiny pub sits in the middle of a horseshoe of whitewashed cottages set around a village green where a cluster of trestle tables face the sea.”
Other favourites spots along the Northumberland coastline include Alnmouth,Beadnell Bay,andDruridge Bay.
Here are some of our own favourite spots across Northumberland…
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
Sun writer Kevin Donald took a trip to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea – one of Britain’s most budget-friendly seaside resorts.
He discovered bargain places to grab a bite too like The Coble pub and Caffe Bertorelli where you can pick up a cheap ice cream.
During his trip, one local said he wasn’t surprised more people were visiting, he added: “The beach is stunning and there are loads of nice shops and pubs and cafes to visit but for me, the best thing about the place is the people.
“They are so friendly and welcoming here that you can’t help but fall for the place, it has a lovely community atmosphere.”
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One writer took a trip to Newbiggin-by-the-SeaCredit: Alamy
Lindisfarne
Sun writer Matt Dathan visited the town of Lindisfarne also know as Holy Island.
The tidal island is a two square mile island and can only be accessed for around five hours a day.
It looks so other-worldly that Matt said he felt as if he were leaving England.
There he discovered ruins of a monastery and Lindisfarne Castle which he said has incredible views — and even includes a toilet that claims to be the “best loo with a view”.
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There’s 30 miles of beaches to explore along NorthumberlandCredit: Alamy
Spittal
Sun writer Jenny Green took a trip up to Northumberland‘s Berwick-upon-Tweed, three miles from the Scottish border.
She was spoiled for choice for doggy beach walks, as there’s 30 miles of beaches in Northumberland and lots are dog-friendly all year round.
Her favourites spots were Alnmouth Bay where if you’re lucky, you can see dolphins and whales swimming just off the coast and Bamburgh Beach which she described as looking like “something out of Game of Thrones”.
She also recommended checking out the quirky shops around the market towns, including one called Barter Books in Alnwick, which is a second-hand store housed in an old railway station.
One of the underrated luxuries of living in Los Angeles is how easy it is to make a quick escape. With nothing more than a full tank of gas and an overnight bag in the trunk, you’re only a few hours from pine-scented trails, fog-wrapped coastlines and sun-soaked desert hideaways. If you’re traveling with a dog, even better: California is dotted with towns that don’t just allow pets — they basically roll out the red carpet for them.
Los Angeles is a dog town, no bones about it. In this weeklong series, we dig into the obsession.
My dog Charlie has been my steadfast companion since I brought him home in 2021: a calming presence when I’m racing to meet a deadline, and a blur of excitement the moment he senses we’re heading out the door. Traveling with him now isn’t just routine — it’s part of the joy.
We’ve taken more than a dozen weekend getaways together: some mapped out with military precision, others sketched out over coffee. Along the way, Charlie has darted into waves, waddled down wooded trails and stretched out like a tiny emperor beneath cafe tables, soaking up the scene.
Over time, I’ve picked up a few practical tips that help make the journey of traveling with a dog smoother:
• Call ahead to confirm pet policies. Just because a spot was dog-friendly once doesn’t mean it still is. (My favorite bookstore in Ojai, for instance, no longer allows pups due to overcrowding.) It’s worth checking on weight limits, extra fees and room restrictions — details that may not be listed online.
• Pack a few familiar comforts. Charlie never travels without a half-dozen of his favorite squeaky toys. A cozy bed, treats and even a dog-approved playlist (he’s partial to ‘90s teen pop) can go a long way in making your pup feel at home.
• Plan for pit stops. Every dog has their limit on the road; Charlie’s is about two hours. That’s when he starts getting antsy and throwing side-eye that clearly says, “Stretch time!” Before you head out, map a few good stops: scenic rest areas, cafes with outdoor seating or quick walking trails to help burn off some energy.
Once the essentials are covered, the only thing left is choosing your backdrop. Here’s a short list of destinations around the state that strike the right balance: beautiful, accessible and dog-loving. Whether you’re chasing salty breezes, crisp mountain air or just a patio brunch with water bowls on standby, these eight California getaways are sure to charm you and your furry friend.
Turkey’s Marmaris has been named the cheapest short-haul holiday destination for UK families, according to Post Office Travel Money, which ranked Sunny Beach in Bulgaria in the second spot
Milo Boyd Digital Travel Reporter and Neil Lancefield PA Transport Correspondent
10:50, 21 Jul 2025
Marmaris has been named the cheapest short-haul destination
Turkey’s Marmaris has been crowned the most affordable short-haul holiday destination for UK families.
The coastal resort boasts the lowest costs among 16 popular locations for a selection of 10 tourist essentials, according to Post Office Travel Money. This featured merely £67.67 for a three-course meal for two adults and two children with wine and soft drinks.
Additional bargain prices included 16p for a 1.5-litre bottle of mineral water from a supermarket, £1.81 for a bottle or can of cola at a cafe or bar, and £2.61 for insect repellent. Post Office Travel Money explained the bargain rates for UK holidaymakers are partially attributed to a dramatic decline in the Turkish lira’s value.
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, emerged as the second most economical destination, whilst Portugal’s Algarve claimed third place.
The Turkish resort has long been a budget favourite (Image: Getty Images)
Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at Post Office, said: “The collapse of the lira makes Turkish resorts like Marmaris a natural choice for families. However, visitors should be aware that while sterling is worth a third more than last July, local prices have increased dramatically because of the currency’s collapse.
“Thankfully, once the positive exchange rate is applied to those local prices, British visitors will only have to pay around 10% more than a year ago, and this increase is much lower than in many other destinations.”
The complete cost for the selection of items at Marmaris (£128.99) stood at nearly half the expense when compared with the priciest destination examined, Spain’s Ibiza (£242.79). Costs for British holidaymakers have increased in 13 out of the 16 destinations surveyed.
Ms Plunkett explained: “We found big price variations in the destinations surveyed, particularly comparing those in the eurozone. For example, prices in the Algarve are almost £100 lower for the same 10 items surveyed than in Ibiza.
“This makes it vitally important for holidaymakers to do their homework and take enough travel money to cover costs in the resort they are visiting.”
The Mirror’s data team recently put together an interactive map showing the most bargain and biggest rip-off destinations in the world. Click here to check it out.
Former flight attendant Kristina Galvydyte has lifted the lid on some of the shocking things she’s witnessed on planes and the holiday destinations that are “horrendous” for flight attendants
14:03, 10 Jul 2025Updated 14:04, 10 Jul 2025
A former flight attendant named three holiday destinations that are “horrendous” to fly to (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
A former flight attendant has exposed three top holiday destinations favoured by British tourists as “horrendous” to fly to. In an eye-opening discussion about the less glamorous side of commercial travel, ex-air hostess Kristina Galvydyte, 32, opened up about some of the most appalling incidents she’s encountered 30,000ft in the skies.
The ex-flight attendant shared hair-raising tales either experienced personally or recounted by colleagues during her stint in the industry. Incidents involving intoxicated passengers “screaming”, possible drug activity in lavatories, verbal assaults, overdoses and cases of sickness were among the alarming stories mentioned.
Talking to the Telegraph, Kristina, who was described as “no-nonsense” and ultimately decided to hang up her wings at a British airline, pinpointed certain hotspots as exceptionally troublesome.
She singled out Ibiza, Turkey, and the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife, for having particularly challenging flights – dubbing them “horrendous” to travel to.
Kristina highlighted the popular holiday spots of Ibiza (pictured), Turkey and the Canary Islands (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
In the year leading to September 30, 2024, it was found that one in five summer visitors to Ibiza were from the UK, with a hefty 833,259 Britons landing on the party isle.
Statistics coming out of the Canary Islands show British nationals represented 40% of all overseas tourists in 2024. This translated into a whopping 6.3 million individuals picking the Canaries for their break, showing an increase of half a million compared to the year before.
In February, Turkey saw a 16.6 per cent surge in UK holidaymakers in 2024 compared to the previous year, with over 4.4 million Brits soaking up the sun. Meanwhile, last year, Spanish residents were reportedly fuming over “boozy British tourists” wreaking havoc on flights.
A flight from Manchester to Ibiza was forced to divert after a drunken Brit downed a bottle of vodka, assaulted crew members, and even spat at fellow passengers.
Ryanair, the low-cost carrier caught up in the chaos, has since announced measures to curb such antics. CEO Michael O’Leary has called for a two-drink limit per passenger, stating: “It’s not that easy for airlines to identify people who are inebriated. As long as they can stand up, they’ll get through. Then, when the plane takes off, we see the misbehaviour.”
Kristina ultimately decided to leave her job at a British-based airline (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
Last month, Ryanair announced it would fine passengers removed from flights due to their behaviour a minimum of £500 and will continue to pursue civil damages.
In April, Brits jetting off to Spain were alerted to a law that could land them with fines up to £25,000. This regulation targets noisy parties in tourist accommodations across the Balearic Islands, which includes Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.
The law could mean people would be hit with fines of £1,283 to £2,567 for any parties in tourist homes that generate a nuisance for neighbours between 11pm and 8am.
Indeed, as per Diario de Mallorca, repeat offenders could be slapped with a fine of up to £25,000. At the time of the report, Josep Castells, a deputy from Més per Menorca, anticipated the bill to be put forward for a vote in the first half of 2025.
At least 77% of UK travellers said at least sometimes revisit the same place they’ve been before. And seven in 10 of those who have ever gone back to a familiar location have also chosen to book the exact same accommodation at some point
09:00, 08 Jul 2025Updated 16:01, 08 Jul 2025
Four in 10 staycationers return to the same destination because they want to ‘play it safe’. (Image: SWNS)
A recent survey of 1,200 UK holidaymakers revealed that a whopping 77% tend to return to familiar destinations at least occasionally. Moreover, seven out of 10 (71%) of those who have revisited a place have even booked the same accommodation again.
The main reasons for this trend include the desire to experience a beautiful location once more (37%), relive joyful memories (31%), and enjoy the comfort of a second home (20%).
Nostalgia plays a big role in travel plans, with many intending to revisit specific beaches (48%), eateries (37%), or picturesque viewpoints (32%) this year.
The most favoured spots for a repeat visit are coastal areas (46%), rural retreats (37%), and camping sites (14%). Despite these preferences, over one-third (36%) believe that discovering new experiences is the highlight of a staycation.
Darren Whittington from The Camping and Caravanning Club, which conducted the study and developed a tool to help find your ideal staycation style along with a list of thrilling activities for your next holiday, commented: “We can be creatures of habit when it comes to our holidays, but there’s so much to see in the UK.
“Trying a new activity or taking up a hobby can elevate a holiday to one you’ll never forget. With UK holidays now making up 59% of all the trips we take, there’s a lot of opportunity to discover new places and things to do, creating memories that will last a lifetime along the way.
“And with the rising popularity of staycations, more and more people are realising how much the UK has to offer, whether you prioritise excitement or relaxation.”
More than eight in 10 (86%) agreed they enjoy trying new things when they go away. (Image: SWNS)
More than eight in 10 (86%) agreed they enjoy trying new things when they go away. And according to them, the best things about broadening their horizons include the opportunity to discover something new (62%), grow as a person (29%), and learn new skills (23%).
The research by OnePoll found new experiences also provide 47% time to bond with their family and 15% relish the chance to pick up a new hobby.
Respondents were excited to embark on adventures such as going on a cross-country road trip (24%), discovering a hidden gem (41%), and visiting sets from their favourite films or TV shows (23%). With activities they’re keen to try ranging from wild swimming (14%) and paddleboarding (13%) to mountain climbing and biking (12%).
Specific regions holidaymakers are most interested to explore are the Scottish Highlands (36%), Cornwall (36%), and the Lake District (35%). Where they aspire to uncover a variety of fresh attractions, including coastlines for leisurely walks (44%), heritage locations to expand their understanding (41%), and nature reserves to forge a deeper bond with the environment (26%).
Among those still hesitant about embracing novelty during their upcoming getaway, potential encouragements featured local pursuits they wished to experience (34%) and the opportunity to develop a new outlook on life (27%).
Darren continued: “There’s such a range of things out there to try – and it’s fantastic to see so many are already open to adventure. But for the one in 10 people who don’t enjoy trying new things while on holiday, we believe that the campsite is the perfect base to launch yourself into the incredible outdoors, try something new, and make this your summer of why not.
“Whether you’re drawn to the seaside, the mountains, the woods, or anything in between – there’s something out there for you to discover. It’s about time we break out of our routines and experience the full array of beautiful places and opportunities the UK has to offer.”
Swap surfing in California for Santa Cruz in Portugal
Sprawled on a towel, observing silhouetted surfers chasing the ocean-plunging carmine sun, I don’t need to squint to imagine I’m in the Golden State. But my sandy toes and salty hair are products of the Atlantic, not the Pacific. And this Santa Cruz belongs to Portugal’s Costa de Prata, not California.
Mutual monikers are not the only parallels: this coast has 300 sunny days a year, top-notch surf (after Malibu, nearby Ericeira was the second place to be designated a World Surfing Reserve), and blond sands stretching towards wave-carved coastal bluffs and ocean arches.
In this former fishing village, just an hour’s drive north-west of Lisbon, tranquillity flows like the tides. A soul-healing clutch of low-slung, whitewashed streets waymarked by an out-of-place beachside crenellated turret – the sole remnant of a palace plan thwarted by the 1929 Wall Street crash – it’s the kind of delightfully textbook Portuguese place you stumble upon serendipitously. And once you do, you won’t want to leave. Japanese poet Kazuo Dan visited in 1971 to have a “conversation between Heaven and Earth” – a chat he continued for 16 months.
If you’re a surfer, you’ll instantly agree. If not, lessons will leave you convinced. Check-in at chic Noah Surf House (room sleeping four from €320 B&B), complete with an ocean-view infinity pool and skate park, and arranging all-age surf classes is effortless. Flawlessly renovated Villa Galega (doubles from €115 B&B) affords a more homely escape.
Santa Cruz and surrounding Torres Vedras boasts 11 beaches certified as pollution-free – more than any other Portuguese municipality. Tread the dune-crossing boardwalk to river-wrapped Praia Azul to flop on the finest sweep.
Back in town, beachside feasts don’t come better than breezy Bronzear. Split a steaming pot of arroz de peixe, a seafood-stacked rice stew, or take plump, signature crabs as your table’s centrepiece during September’s Festival da Sapateira. California cravings? Noah’s grilled cheese and portobello burgers hit the spot. Pair with a local Touriga Nacional red wine – a robust stand-in for a Cali Cab Sav – or slip away to the family-run winery Quinta da Almiara for a vine-hemmed, in situ tasting.
Evenings usually end ringing the doorbell of Manel, the town’s oldest bar, for jazz-accompanied candlelit cocktails and Lisbon-brewed IPAs. Out front, an engraved stone shares Kazuo’s words contemplating chasing the setting sun to the end of the sea – the haiku that Santa Cruz’s surfers now scrupulously honour. Daniel James Clarke
Swap a cabin in New England for a mökki in Finland
Traditional mökki cottages in rural Finland. Photograph: Wmaster 890/Getty Images
Almost two centuries after it was written, Walden; or, Life in the Woods, Henry David Thoreau’s book about the two years he spent living in a self-built cabin on a lake in Massachusetts, still inspires generations of Americans to go in search of what he called the “tonic of wildness”. It’s an American dream of simplicity and self-sufficiency that was also beautifully captured in the 1981 film On Golden Pond, in which Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn fish, paddle and ponder life for one last summer in Maine (though it was filmed in New Hampshire).
But North America doesn’t have a monopoly on this kind of bucolic escape. The Nordic countries know all about the appeal of cabin life – and Finland, with 19 hours of sunlight in midsummer and sublime wild landscapes, is an idyllic alternative.
Mökki, or Finnish summer cottages, sit on lake shores or on rocks by the seashore and are often passed down through families. With about 20% of Finns living within the Helsinki metropolitan area, these cabins are a sanctuary for spending time in nature: fishing and messing about on the water in summer; skiing, ice-swimming and snowshoeing in winter. Many are off-grid, so part of the ritual includes splitting wood, gathering water, warming up in the wood-fired sauna … and letting your phone battery die. You’re free to roam the coast or forage in the surrounding forest too – the Jokaisenoikeudet or “everyman’s rights” law gives everyone the freedom to wander and collect wild food.
You don’t need to have friends or family with a mökki to stay in one – there are an estimated 500,000 of them and only a fifth of Finns own one outright, so many are available for those new to mökkielämä (Finnish cottage life). Lomarengas and Finland Cottage Rentals allow you to rent directly from owners, while on Sviskär in the southern Åland archipelago you get a 28-hectare (69-acre) island all to yourself – perfect for foraging, sea dipping and the “tonic of wildness”. Sian Lewis
Swap the Appalachian Trail for Europe’s even longer E1 path
The E1 trail starts at Norway’s North Cape. Photograph: Achim Thomae/Getty Images
In 1948, Earl Shaffer, a US second world war veteran, set off on a long walk. He had his ex-army rucksack and some old boots, but no tent or cooker. His goal was to be the first person to complete the 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail in one continuous yomp, a thru-hike as it came to be known. When 67-year-old grandmother Emma Gatewood repeated the feat in 1955 (with even simpler kit), the Appalachian Trail was on its way to becoming the world’s first long-distance celebrity footpath.
These days about 3,000 people attempt a thru-hike every year (about a quarter of those succeed) but the experience is now very different, with huts every six to eight miles, water stashes left by “trail angels”, and well-established support logistics.
In Europe it can be harder to find sustained remoteness, but the 2,050-mile Scandinavian section of the E1 long-distance footpath is about as close as you get.
This full 4,420-mile route had its origins in post-second-world-war rapprochement ideals and was devised by a team from the then European Ramblers Association led by the British walker Arthur Howcroft (who died in 2023 aged 96). The path starts at Norway’s North Cape and officially finishes in Palermo, but it is in Scandinavia that it crosses the greatest amount of wilderness.
The early stages are well inside the Arctic Circle and not to be underestimated, with navigation, river crossings and snowfields constant challenges. Long stretches are unmarked. There are some concessions to practicalities: both Norway and Sweden have excellent systems of mountain huts.
Once you reach Halmstad on the Swedish coast, you have almost one Appalachian Trail’s worth of walking under your belt, but there is no need to stop: in E1 terms you are not even halfway. A ferry crosses to the Danish port of Grenaa, and the path begins again, continuing across Germany and the Alps with several long, tough days. Some great stages then cross Tuscany and Umbria, but once in southern Italy the path, by all accounts, can be a bit sketchy and seems to fade away in Campania, though route-marking is improving.
After his failed attempt to complete the Appalachian Trail, author Bill Bryson described the benefits of long-distance trails succinctly: “For a brief, proud period I was slender and fit. I gained a profound respect for wilderness and nature and the benign dark power of woods. I understand now, in a way I never did before, the colossal scale of the world.” Kevin Rushby
Swap New York for Berlin
Berlin, the other city that never sleeps. Photograph: hHanohikirf/Alamy
Buzzy and culturally rich, with extensive museums and galleries, oodles of nightlife and concerts – from classical venues to techno clubs – lush green spaces, family-friendly activities and striking architecture, New York and Berlin have plenty in common. But as someone who knows both cities well, Berlin gets my vote.
While NYC’s nightlife is diverse – and has bounced back since Rudy Giuliani’s ugly, destructive campaign against it in the 1990s – it’s way more commercial than Berlin, whose underground electronic scene, especially techno, is edgier and more experimental. From Berghain to Sisyphos, Berlin’s clubs also stay open longer (sometimes for days; it truly is the city that never sleeps, at least on weekends). They also don’t tend to have dress codes – unless you count skimpy lingerie and kinky harnesses. VIP areas and even mobile phone photography are strictly verboten. Berliners can quaff beers openly on the streets, and indulge in a bit of public nookie at nightclubs – as distinct from official swinger or sex spots such as KitKat.
Berlin gives great gastro, too, excelling at affordable, mid-range restaurants that tick all the trend boxes – small plates, natural wines, plant-based menus found at buzzy neighbourhood spots such as Kreuzberg’s vegan haven Happa, Neukölln’s La Côte and Sorrel, and Prenzlauer Berg’s Estelle. And while it doesn’t have a Chinatown or a Little Italy, you can find every national cuisine on the planet (albeit with less spice, to appease the sensitive German palate).
NYC certainly has fantastic cultural big-hitters, from the Guggenheim and the Met to Moma and the American Museum of Natural History, but Berlin has the Unesco-heritage Museum Island, Mies van der Rohe’s slickly modernist Neue Nationalgalerie and its own natural history and German history museums. It also excels in unusual venues that New York doesn’t have, such as the Hamburger Bahnhof, in a former railway station, the Boros Collection inside a second world war bunker, and Silent Green, an art and concert space in a former crematorium.
As for green space, New York’s Central Park may be one-and-a-half times the size of the Tiergarten, but Berlin has vastly more green recreational spaces overall, with about 2,500 inner-city parks and unique areas such as the sprawling Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport, and the massive Grunewald forest.
One last thing: with much lower population density and fewer tourists (12.7 million people visited Berlin in 2024 versus the 64 million who went to New York), there’s more room on the streets and fewer queues for the major sights. Bis bald (see you soon) … y’all. Paul Sullivan
Swap the Grand Canyon for Montenegro’s Tara River Canyon
White-water rafting on the Tara River Canyon, Montenegro. Photograph: Marketa Novakova/Alamy
Let’s get one thing straight: size wise, the Grand Canyon sprawls for 278 miles along the Colorado River, whereas the Tara River Canyon covers a mere 51. But what the Montenegrin canyon lacks in size it makes up for in depth: as Europe’s deepest gorge, it plunges 1,300 metres (4,300ft), only 300 metres less than the average depth of the Grand Canyon (and just over 500 metres less than its deepest point).
As this Unesco world heritage site slices through northern Montenegro’s Durmitor national park and eventually slides across the border into Bosnia, it adds even more drama to this section of the Dinaric Alps’ forbidding mountains and glacial lakes.
For adventurers who like a challenge, Tara means one thing: white-water rafting. The choice of excursions all around the region is enormous, but you can get a taste of it in a few hours by joining one of the trips from the town of Žabljak, which in winter is one of Montenegro’s ski centres. Eventually, you’ll be rafting under the soaring concrete arches of the awe-inspiring Đurđevića Tara Bridge, whose beauty is best admired from below.
There’s a whole mini industry set up around the bridge, including ziplining and stalls selling souvenirs. As someone at the opposite end of the daredevilry scale – and thanks to speeding cars and a concrete path that’s barely a foot wide – I found it scary enough just walking on the bridge to take in the admittedly extraordinary view.
But there are other ways of enjoying the beauty of Tara without worrying about Montenegrin motorists. Not far from Žabljak is the car park for the Ćurevac mountain peak and viewpoint, which is reached after a 40-minute hike and offers sweeping views of those magnificent gorges. It’s only one of scores of hiking routes that wind above and alongside the river, some of which are part of the 1,200-mile Via Dinarica trail that goes from Slovenia all the way to Albania.
Right by the border with Bosnia and the confluence of the Tara and Piva rivers is another collection of rafting centres as well as campsites offering mellower ways of exploring Tara. Boat trips along gentler stretches of water give you the chance to swim in absurdly clear waters, lunch on organic food and drink cold beer brewed with spring water. And in this land of €3 pints, you’ll find your euro going way further than your dollar ever would.
Stay at Green Top near Žabljak, which has well-equipped one-bedroom self-catering wooden chalets with gardens, barbecues and mountain views from £95 a night. Mary Novakovich
Swap the Mojave desert for Tabernas in Spain
The Tabernas desert in Spain. Photograph: Nachteule/Getty Images
When the Italian film director Sergio Leone chose to shoot his westerns in Europe, there was only one place that could convincingly double for the American west – the Tabernas desert in south-east Spain. With its dry riverbeds snaking through arid mountains and sandstone canyons, it’s easy to imagine yourself in California’s Mojave desert.
Tabernas might not have the Mojave’s famous Joshua trees, but it is home to flora, fauna and a landscape reminiscent of the US desert. Prickly pears, giant aloe and palm trees line the trails, while lizards scuttle among otherworldly rock formations and eagles soar in the vast sky.
Tourism is still low-key here. For decades this barren part of Andalucía was not on the radar of the Spanish tourist board, and large areas are monopolised by swathes of plastic greenhouses. But with a growing appreciation for Tabernas’ unique status as Europe’s only desert, as well as the renaissance of Leone’s movies, its charms are being re-evaluated. You can take a guided horseback ride through the desert with the Malcaminos ranch and pitch your tent at Camping Fort Bravo (€45 a night), one of the original movie sets still in use today. For a little more comfort –and to live out your California homesteading fantasy – you can book into one of their western-styled log cabins (from €80).
It’s an easy sell for me. Bewitched by cowboy lore as a teenager, I rode across the American deserts in search of the mythical west (admittedly on a motorcycle rather than horseback), seduced by the romance of life on the trail – billy cans boiling over campfires and a wide-open wilderness that promised a freedom unimaginable in fenced-off, old-world Europe.
Joshua Tree national park in the Mojave desert became my go-to destination each time I found myself in California. But in recent years, I’ve been exploring Spain, scouting routes for the forthcoming Spaghetti Western Trail, and finding the same magic in the Desierto de Tabernas. The scale is of course smaller than the Mojave, but the silence, the stillness, the hint of sage on the warm air and the sense of exploration are as thrilling as my early US road trips.
Leone was enthralled by American style and myth but always from a distance. “I can’t see the US any other way than with a European’s eyes,” he said. “It’s a country that fascinates me and terrifies me at the same time.”
If you feel the same way right now, but still yearn for a cowboy adventure, you could do worse than follow in his footsteps and head for Tabernas. Lois Pryce
Swap Yellowstone for Carpathia in Romania
A bear in the wilds of Carpathia. Photograph: Istvan Kadar/Getty Images
The jaw-dropping landscapes of the US’s 63 national parks lure millions of visitors to the great outdoors each year. Yellowstone, established in 1872, is the oldest of them all – a sprawling 3,472 square miles of dazzling scenery including canyons and active geysers. Mostly in Wyoming but stretching into Montana and Idaho, it’s home to wildlife from grizzly bears and wolves to bison and antelope, and is crisscrossed by thousands of miles of trails.
Although it can’t compete in size, the rugged, forested Făgăraș mountains in Romania offer a thrilling taste of the wild and exciting wildlife-spotting opportunities closer to home. This area of Transylvania, on the southern edge of the Carpathians, is among the wildest places in Europe, where brown bear, wolves, lynx and – recently reintroduced – bison roam.
It’s where the Foundation Conservation Carpathia is working to create the continent’s largest forest national park, buying land for conservation and reforesting clear-cut areas on its mission to establish a 200,000-hectare wilderness reserve, which has been dubbed a “Yellowstone for Europe”.
As I hike through forests on steep zigzagging paths with my guide Răzvan, the thrill of the wild is real – we see a viper and pass fresh bear prints. Gouge marks on a tree and overturned stones reveal the bear’s hunt for food. I watch with bated breath as a group of bison wander on a hillside close by – thankfully upwind of our scent.
We stay at Bunea hide, a wooden shelter overlooking a lake, with bunks, a double bedroom, a kitchen and huge soundproofed windows that make the most of the views. As night falls, I stare into the dark as if glued to a movie. Something moves in the half-light – and slowly a young female brown bear wanders into view, sniffing the air, rubbing against a tree. It’s not long before a large male appears, just metres away from the hide. I’m mesmerised as I watch him pawing the ground for food before sloping off into the woods.
Unlike the vast lodges in Yellowstone, staying in these tiny cabins mean you’re close to the action, engulfed by the landscape. We hike higher to Comisu hide, at 1,600 metres, with sweeping views over the mountains as a storm rolls in. Owls call out in the moonlit night as I drift off to sleep, dreaming about this vibrant wild world. Jane Dunford Visit Foundation Conservation Carpathiafor more information
Swap seafood in New England for Normandy and Brittany
Freshly shucked oysters for sale in Cancale, Brittany. Photograph: Alan Morris/Alamy
For all our sniffiness about American cuisine, few people dispute the quality of the country’s seafood. Although you can no longer get a lobster roll at McDonald’s in New England, the fast-food joint is one of the few places in the region where they’re not on the menu. Cycling down the Atlantic coast last summer as part of research for a US travelogue, I rejoiced in the casual abundance on offer at the roadside – baskets of fried clams in Connecticut, oysters in Maine, crab benedict in Massachusetts … 3,000 miles and a world away from the grand silver fruits de mer platters of Europe.
You don’t have to fly across an ocean to get your shellfish fix, however. While you’re unlikely to find yourself tempted by a lobster surf and turf burger in France, seafood can be surprisingly accessible if you swerve Parisian bistros and go straight to the source.
La Cale, in Blainville-sur-Mer on Normandy’s Cotentin peninsula, an easy drive (or a day’s cycle) from Cherbourg, is typiquement français for its pride in local produce (oysters, whelks, clams etc, as well as galettes and spit-roast meat), but rather less so in its casual feet-in-the-sand ethos and informal service. Remi, the proprietor, is described online as “eccentric” – his van is graffitied with the words “Rosbeefs welcome … frogs too”. Do not pass up the moules frites, or the teurgoule, a traditional Normande spiced rice pudding.
Further down the coast, in Brittany, I’ve earmarked Cancale, in the Bay of Mont Saint Michel, for a return visit, because if you ever wanted proof that the French can let their hair down, look no further than the people sitting on the sea wall with paper platters of oysters and plastic cups of cold sancerre. The oysters come from the seafrontmarché aux huîtres, which offers a bamboozling selection, all shucked to order, and the wine from an enterprising booze van parked nearby. The shells, once you’ve finished, are thrown on to the beach.
One step up, in that there’s table service, but with no more steps between sea and plate, is Maison Quintin, on the Atlantic coast near Saint-Philibert, where you can feast on the family’s own oysters under the pines as the sun sets over the estuary, supplemented with skewers of plump prawns and langoustines, crab, grilled lobster, and their homemade seafood rillettes on toast. Reservations essential – laid-back vibes guaranteed. Felicity Cloake Peach Street to Lobster Lane: Coast to Coast in Search of Real American Cuisine by Felicity Cloake is published by Mudlark (£16.99)
Swap the Florida Everglades for Italy’s Marano Lagoon
Ernest Hemingway called Marano Lagoon ‘piccola Florida’ because it reminded him of the Everglades. Photograph: Nicola Simeoni/Alamy
It was on a slow journey through the extensive wetlands that border Italy’s Adriatic that I first came upon the little-known Laguna di Marano, a carefully preserved eco-paradise, barely touched by tourism. This gossamer web of interlocking lagoons, canals and river deltas stretches from Venice all the way up to Trieste. Local legend has it that Ernest Hemingway called these wetlands and the adjoining sandy beach resort of Lignano “piccola Florida”, because it reminded him of the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
The US author first came to this part of Italy as a volunteer at the end of the first world war. He returned in the 1950s to find inspiration for his book Across the River and Into the Trees while duck hunting and fishing on the Marano Lagoon – though for sea bream and mullet rather than marlin, his favourite quarry in the waters around Florida.
At the bar of the rustic Trattoria Barcaneta in the bustling medieval port of Marano Lagunare, I order a glass of refosco dal peduncolo rosso, a rustic local red wine favoured by the writer. It may not be as glamorous as sipping a Hemingway martini in a Key West cocktail bar, but it was the perfect aperitivo before tasting chef Claudio Moretti’s exquisite cuisine, a delicate carpaccio of sea bass and grilled eel from the nearby Stella River delta, both freshly caught by the port’s many fishers.
Marano Lagunare is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding wetlands. The tourism office can arrange activities from canoeing and kayaking to walking and horse riding. Renting a small boat with a guide is my choice, a retired pescatore (fisher) for the perfect insight into local life on the water. While the vast, open expanse of the lagoon is breathtaking, dotted along the edge of the water is something you will never see in Florida – traditional casoni thatched huts still used today by fishers.
The landscape changes dramatically as we enter the protected reserve of the Stella delta. Here, the freshwater channels become narrower, bordered on both sides by tall golden reeds – definitely a feel of the Everglades – as we catch glimpses of pink flamingos, purple herons, egrets, cormorants swooping down and a neat squadron of geese flying past. It may be smaller than the Everglades (62 square miles as opposed to 2,357), but the one thing truly different from a Florida nature excursion is that there is no need to look out for alligators. John Brunton
Swap California’s Highway 1 for Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
The Dingle peninsula section of the Wild Atlantic Way. Photograph: Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images
My left foot shook on the clutch – not from tiredness, but from something resembling fear. Conor Pass had seemed like a good idea at breakfast. One of Ireland’s highest and narrowest mountain roads? Why not? The car seemed to float as the road narrowed to a one-lane ledge between cliff and sky. No turning back now – just a slow crawl upwards with mist curling over the bonnet from the valley below.
Still, this is the scenery the Wild Atlantic Way promises – and delivers. It’s a 1,600-mile coastal drive from Malin Head, the country’s most northerly point, in County Donegal, to Kinsale in County Cork in the south-west – and Ireland’s answer to California’s Highway 1, the 656-mile Pacific Coast route that skirts sea bluffs, redwood groves and epic coastal views.
Big Sur’s iconic Bixby Bridge resembles the Mizen Head footbridge in West Cork. Highway 1’s “million dollar view” is eclipsed by the Atlantic sweep from Slieve League, or the cliffs that tower above powder-white Keem beach on Achill Island. Connemara’s Sky Road and the Burren’s Atlantic Drive echo Big Sur’s drama, winding between limestone and ocean. However, my favourite stretch – the Dingle peninsula – is hard to match. Its mountain-to-ocean setting is visual theatre dialled to max.
Inch beach, a long curve of sand stretching three miles into Dingle Bay, is a gentle introduction before I turned north to hair-raising Conor Pass (optional and clearly marked) and descended into Dingle town.
The road then turns otherworldly along the Slea Head Drive with Ventry beach’s three miles of bone-white sand perfect for barefoot walking – somewhat like Highway 1’s famous Moonstone beach.
As I drove on I stopped at every layby I could, because there’s always something around the corner; a hidden cove or early Christian monument. At Coumeenoole beach, I stepped out on the headland and watched the surf pound the shore ferociously as if it was punishing it for some ancient grievance.
And then came Dunquin Pier – the lane zigzags down a steep slope like a spiral staircase that plunges into the ocean, which was enough of a reason to ditch the car on the roadside and walk down. This is where the boats leave for the Blaskets, and it feels like the edge of the world.
Offshore, the Three Sisters – three jagged peaks rising from the ocean floor – remain in focus, their silhouettes a reminder of the sea stacks off Big Sur. About halfway along the Slea Head Drive, the magnificent Blasket Centre delivers staggering island views.
Famed for its pastel pink sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s hard to believe that the world’s best beach is only four hours from the UK – and you can grab return flights in July for just £80
It’s hard to believe this stunning beach isn’t in the Caribbean(Image: Tripadvisor)
You don’t need to jet over to the other side of the world to find sugar-like sand and crystal-clear waters. In fact, the best beach is much closer to the UK than you’d think.
Earlier this year, review site Tripadvisor revealed its Travellers Choice Awards after analysing more than eight million listings over a 12-month period. It found that nothing could quite compare to the idyllic Elafonissi Beach, located on the Greek island of Crete.
Famed for its pastel pink sand (believed to be caused by tiny fragments of seashells) and cobalt waters, Elafonissi Beach outranked dream Caribbean destinations such as Eagle Beach in Aruba and Playa Varadero in Cuba. The stunning beach, which is part of a protected nature reserve, looks like something straight out of a postcard – and makes for the perfect Instagram snap.
Whether you want to spend the day basking under the sun with a good book, or prefer to cool yourself in the shallow lagoon – this beach really does offer something for everyone. Surrounded by a lush forest of cedar trees, the coastline is also a great spot for hikers and nature lovers alike.
The remarkable pink sand is completely natural(Image: PhotoLife94 via Getty Images)
“This place is not overrated!” hailed one traveller who visited the beach back in April. “It’s a short walk to get to this superb beach [from the car park] and it’s quite special because of its many lagoons. A real little jewel! The water is super transparent and turquoise.”
Another person agreed, branding the beach ‘wonderful’. It’s the best beach I have seen,” they wrote. “[The] water is very clean and fantastic for children. I want to come back there every year.” A third added: “I’m in love with this place – it’s one of my favourites. I recommend it to all the people who want to visit… the water was amazing.”
Travellers have branded the beach one of their ‘favourites’(Image: David C Tomlinson via Getty Images)
Of course, even the world’s best beach can’t impress everybody – and Elafonisi has garnered some negative attention, mainly around its €5 car park. “Can’t get anywhere near the beach!” moaned one traveller, who dubbed the high parking fee a ‘tourist scam’.
Another agreed, scathing: “When we went to Elafonisi the water was not crystal clear (it was actually impossible to see the ground), and the sand was not pink. There was a crazy [amount of] people and when we came there all the sun beds and parasols had been occupied.”
Elafonissi Beach (Image: De Agostini via Getty Images)
Kristen Dalton of Tripadvisor hailed its Travellers’ Choice Awards for reflecting the voices of ‘millions of global travellers’ and helping guide people to plan their ‘best trip yet’. “In my family, beaches aren’t just for sunbathing – we like to get out and explore!” she added.
“The diversity of this year’s winners really showcases everything that a beach trip can have to offer. Whether it’s strolling the beautiful pink sand beaches of our world winner, Elafonissi beach, in Greece, experiencing breath-taking vistas in Indonesia, whale watching in Hawaii or diving in magical bioluminescent waters in Thailand – there really is something for everyone.”
If you’re keen to check the beach out this year, you can fly to Crete directly from most major UK airports – including Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol, and Bournemouth. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £80 in July.
Accommodation on the island is equally affordable, with plenty of hostels and no-thrill hotels to meet the tightest of budgets. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, July 7-14) at Studio Peacock will only set you back £215. This is based on two adults sharing a double bed in a one-bedroom apartment.
However, if you’re after something a little more luxurious, you have to check out Naiades Boutique Hotel. Located right on the beachfront, this adults-only resort is the epitome of chic and comes with free breakfast every morning. A Deluxe Suite with your own outdoor jacuzzi costs £1,563 on the exact same dates.
*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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The travel review website has released its summer travel index for 2025, revealing the fastest growing destinations in the UK, with one destination much closer to home making the list
Beach huts and apartments on St Annes beach(Image: Emma Gill/Manchester Evening News)
No British summer is truly fulfilled without a trip to the seaside. For years, families have flocked to the coast for a paddle in the waves, sandcastle building, and indulging in ice creams and fish and chips. Coastal destinations continue to be a hit, as recent data from Tripadvisor indicates that seaside spots are trending this summer.
The travel review platform unveiled its summer travel index for 2025, featuring the UK’s fastest-growing destinations, which are predominantly coastal locations. The top three hotspots are Seaview in the Isle of Wight, Ingoldmells in Lincolnshire, and Bamburgh in Northumberland.
However, also nestled within the top ten is little Lytham St Anne’s on the Lancashire coast, which secured the eighth spot on the list. Tripadvisor compiled the data by analysing responses from its Consumer Sentiment Survey, which polled over 2,800 consumers, and traffic data from the Tripadvisor website.
The research revealed that affordability was a crucial factor for two-thirds of Brits when it comes to travel, with cost outweighing considerations such as work schedules and school holidays.
Given these factors, it’s easy to understand why UK seaside destinations remain so popular – they’re often budget-friendly and more accessible, allowing for day trips instead of splashing out on an overseas holiday.
St Annes Kite Festival is an annual event(Image: Lancs Live/Jude Tolson)
With its grand Victorian pier, expansive sandy beach and charming pastel-hued beach huts, it’s no surprise that Lytham St Annes was listed as one of the top holiday spots this summer, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Comprising two towns, Lytham and St Annes, this coastal gem offers visitors a unique experience compared to neighbouring Blackpool, exuding an old-world seaside charm.
The vast beach is perfect for building sandcastles or enjoying a picnic, while the 600ft Victorian Pier boasts amusements, a café and ice cream stalls.
What distinguishes this resort from others in the vicinity are the delightful beach huts available for daily hire starting from £135. They’re equipped with everything you might need, including mains electricity, a compact kitchen area, chairs and a table.
The pier at sunset(Image: Getty Images)
For families with children, the Splash park is a hit with youngsters – suitable for ages three to 12 – featuring various attractions such as spray loops, water sprays, bucket drops and water domes, priced at £2 for a one-hour session.
Parking at Lytham St Annes is plentiful, with options including the beachside North Promenade (FY8 2NQ) and Fairhaven Road (FY8 1NW), both starting from £1.30 for one hour and up to £4.60 for over four hours.
