Family Holiday Deals

IT’S easy to spend a crazy amount of money on holidays. But it doesn’t have to be that way – you just have to know where to look.

Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you. Forget paying hundreds of pounds just to fight over sunbeds in overpriced resorts like Ibiza and Mykonos – THIS is where to go instead.

We’ve found holiday destinations that give you the same glorious sunshine, golden sand beaches and gorgeous hotels for much, much less.

Think 86p beers, £3 cocktails, flights under 15 quid and entire holidays for the cost of a family meal out.

From dirt-cheap Portugal holidays to five-star Turkish getaways, here’s the foreign holiday destinations where your cash stretches the furthest.

The Algarve, Portugal

Brits looking for maximum bang for their buck this summer should set their sights on The Algarve.

This golden section of Portuguese coastline was crowned Europe’s best-value beach destination in the 2026 Post Office Family Holiday report.

The report compared a list of common holiday costs in 22 European destinations, looking at the price of things like meals out, drinks and everyday holiday items – and The Algarve came out on top.

This cheap holiday hotspot boasts affordable family-friendly hotels plus plenty of cheap flights from airports across the UK.

You can book a flight to Faro for only £14.99 each way with Ryanair, from airports such as Liverpool, Edinburgh and London Stansted.

And according to Wise’s Cost of Living report, a meal out for two here can cost as little as £8.55, while a beer can cost you as little as 86p.

The destination boasts dramatic cliff-backed beaches perfect for exploring by kayak or paddle-board, such as Praia da Marinha with its famous limestone arches, and Benagil Beach with a circular ‘hole in the roof’ cave.

Whether you’re planning to hit the strip in bustling Albufeira or sip cheap coffees in charming coastal towns, your spending money will stretch miles further in this Portuguese region.

Book a holiday: The Algarve

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Golden Club Cabanas in Tavira has a giant outdoor pool lined by palm trees that looks like a tropical oasis.

Here you’re close to the Ria Formosa natural park, where you can go kayaking, bird-watching over the salt marshes, or simply find a beach bar to enjoy a cocktail with a view.

We found a seven night self-catering stay from September 19, with return flights from London Stansted, for £195pp.

BOOK HERE

Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

Holidays to Turkey are looking remarkably cheap this summer, hitting rock-bottom prices that almost look too good to be true.

The good news is, they’re not – and there’s good reason as to why holidays to Turkey are currently so cheap.

The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, said: “There’s never been a better time to grab a bargain break to Turkey.

“With uncertainty over the Middle East conflict, holidaymakers have been looking at the Western Med over the Eastern Mediterranean destinations like Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt.

“But everything is operating normally in all three countries – Foreign Office travel advice has not changed and it is perfectly safe to visit.

“But the reticence of some has led to a fall in demand and with that, prices have started tumbling too.

“On the ground, everything remains the same – only the prices you’ll pay are very attractive as hoteliers and tour operators tempt us to travel.

“With beautiful Mediterranean coastal resorts offering great value, now is the time to grab yourself a sunshine bargain.”

Key spots on the Turkish Riviera that balance bargain prices with beautiful views include Marmaris, with its long seafront promenade, and Bodrum, often dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey.

Book a holiday: Turkey

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The Solivia Hotel is a sprawling five-star property in Antalya, with a Blue Flag private beach and four swimming pools.

The food and drink is all inclusive done right. There’s an extensive buffet in the main restaurant, plus a beach snack bar, pool bar, unlimited ice cream hour and Turkish coffee on tap.

Book a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at the five-star Solivia Hotel, with return flights from London Luton, from £555pp.

BOOK HERE

Bulgaria

89p beers, £279 all inclusive holidays and flights under £15 – how could you go wrong?

Bulgaria is one of the most budget-friendly holiday options out there for Brits, and the Bourgas Area was even named the cheapest all inclusive holiday destination in 2026 by Travel Supermarket.

Furthermore, the country continues to appear year after year as a top affordable destination for families in the Post Office Family Holiday Report.

Plus, according to data from Wise, a meal out at an inexpensive restaurant averages £8.82, a cappuccino just 88p, and a beer as little as 89p.

You can even find cheap flights to spots like Plovdiv, Sofia and Burgas from £18 each way on Skyscanner.

Now you know just how cheap this holiday hotspot is – where abouts should you actually stay?

Sunny Beach continues to reign as one of the most affordable spots, with bargain waterparks and hotels, plus a nightlife scene where prices have barely budged.

But there’s a lot more to Bulgaria than Sunny Beach.

If you want a quieter beach break, Sozopol’s golden sands and wooden townhouses offer a far more relaxed feel than Sunny Beach – without bumping up the price tag.

Just 15 minutes outside of Sunny Beach, Nessebar boasts a UNESCO-protected old town with cobbled streets and ancient ruins, plus romantic cliffside dining where meals cost a fraction of Mediterranean prices.

Prefer a city break? Sofia and Plovdiv are excellent choices. Sofia boasts dirt-cheap metro rides, grand architecture, and bargain nightlife, while Plovdiv’s trendy Kapana district lets you sip 88p coffees surrounded by ancient Roman ruins.

Book a holiday: Bulgaria

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The Sunny Day Club hotel is an ideal spot for families, sitting in a quieter, northern patch of Sunny Beach.

The buzzy bars, shops and restaurants of Sunny Beach are just a short bus ride away, with a convenient bus stop directly outside the hotel.

Book a seven-night, room-only stay at Sunny Day Club from September 17, with return flights from London Luton, from £179pp.

BOOK HERE

Albanian Riviera

If you’re craving vibey beach clubs, cheap cocktails, white sands and glimmering turquoise waters – Albania‘s your best bet.

This underrated holiday destination has jaw-dropping coastlines, dirt-cheap drinks, and a five-star feel without the price tag.

And it’s worth booking yourself a holiday here before too many people catch on, too.

Ksamil has even been called the “Maldives of Europe” thanks to its powdery white sands, crystal-clear lagoons, and plush beach clubs.

Another affordable spot is Durres, which is packed with boujee beach clubs and bars.

Head to Sunset Bar for front-row seats to the Adriatic coast and cocktails for a dirt-cheap 300 LEK (£2.75).

Here you can kick back on plush striped sofas, sip a cocktail, and soak in the legendary local sunsets.

Another cheap cocktail bar that actually feels high-end is Illyrian Garden, which has a 360-degree rooftop garden serving drinks from 500 LEK (£4.60).

Book a holiday: Albania

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The 5-star Royal G Max hotel has a private stretch of soft sand beach, a large spa with a sauna and hot tub, plus several swimming pools.

If you like a sun lounger holiday where you can lazily drift between the pool and the sea in a glamorous setting, this is it.

Book a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at Royal G Max from October 13, with return flights from London Luton, from £449pp.

BOOK HERE

Agadir, Morocco

Agadir bagged the top spot as the cheapest destination for a seven-night summer holiday in 2026, according to research from Loveholidays.

The holiday booking site analysed package deals running between June 1 and August 31, with the Moroccan hotspot coming out on top.

According to their booking data, week-long holidays here averaged just £230 per person for a week away.

Agadir is a sunshine-drenched resort guaranteeing year-round heat, plus a six-mile stretch of beach and a vibrant old town bustling with colourful souks.

It’ s an extraordinarily cheap option thanks to plenty of budget airline routes and affordable package holiday deals from sites like Loveholidays and On the Beach.

Plus you can book a flight to Agadir from as little as £20.99 each way with Ryanair.

On top of wallet-friendly flights and accommodation, Morocco’s low local cost of living means dining out, watersports, and day trips can cost a fraction of the price compared to traditional European hotspots.

The average price of a meal out at an inexpensive restaurant here, according to Wise, is only £3.99.

Book a holiday: Agadir

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For a stress-free family getaway, stay in an apartment at the Appart Hotel Igoudar.

Enjoy a spacious apartment with a well-stocked kitchenette and private terrace, and spend days soaking up the sun on a lounger and taking dips in the outdoor pool.

The building is a beautiful example of Moorish architecture and makes for both a relaxing and authentic Moroccan stay.

Loveholidays offer a five-night, room-only stay at the Appart Hotel Igoudar from September 27, including return flights from London Stansted, for £129pp.

BOOK HERE

Costa Blanca, Spain

Spain‘s Costa Blanca remains a reliably cheap option for a sunny holiday abroad – plus the quick and easy 2.5 hour flight goes by in a flash.

Spots like Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura are traditional Spanish towns where costs stay low.

Guardamar has a 6.8 mile-long, white sand beach, while Torrevieja is home to bubblegum-pink salt lakes like the Laguna Rosa and Blue Flag beaches like the palm-lined stretch of Los Naufragos.

But it wouldn’t be the Costa Blanca without Benidorm, which continues to reign as the final boss of budget breaks.

Holiday Expert Rob Brooks ranks Benidorm among the top destinations for Brits to bag a cheap holiday – and a cheap beer, too.

He said: “If there’s one destination refusing to let the £1 pint disappear quietly, it’s Benidorm.

“People love to moan that the strip isn’t as cheap as it used to be, and to be fair, they’re almost right.

“But every time I go looking for a proper value holiday, Benidorm still cleans up – and there’s one legendary venue everyone mentions: Uncle Ron’s.

“They’re famously flying the flag for the €1 pint long after everyone else moved on, making it the ultimate first pitstop to prove the old-school Benidorm spirit is alive and kicking.”

Book a holiday: Costa Blanca

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What kid would say no to a pirate island-themed mega resort in sunny Spain?

The Magic Pirates Island Resort in Benidorm has a mega kids pool called Battleship Lagoon, with play boats and jets, plus more relaxed pools for grown-ups with hot tubs and Balinese beds.

Best of all, a stay here gives you free unlimited entry to the Aqua Natura waterpark right next door, as well as free access to Terra Natura Zoo.

Book a five night stay with breakfast from October 10, including return flights from London Luton, for £287pp. (Kids stay free – restrictions apply).

BOOK HERE

YOU don’t need a celebrity budget to jet off to Europe’s most stunning beach destinations.

We’ve scoured Wowcher‘s holiday deals to find the best beach breaks with return flights included, slashing prices by up to 56%.

Whether you fancy living the high life at a five-star resort in Mykonos, floating in a rooftop infinity pool in Malta, or soaking up the sun on Turkey‘s Turquoise Coast, we’ve got you.

Here are the top sunny stays you can book right now from £99pp – before they sell out.

Malta – £99

With this gem of a deal, you can soak up the Malta sunshine from this four-star hotel’s rooftop infinity pool for under £100pp – saving up to 46% off full-price.

This stylish spot has sweeping views over the Mediterranean, plus a spa to unwind in and multiple bars and restaurants to pick from.

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The hotel sits in the charming hilltop village of Mellieha, which is home to Malta’s longest sandy beach and historical landmarks like the 17th-century St. Agatha’s Red Tower.

The deal also comes with return flights from your pick of London Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, Southend, London City & Manchester airports, plus you can pick the number of nights you stay.

Book a 4* holiday to Malta with return flights included from £99pp

5* Algarve holiday – £99

Bag a beachfront break to Portugal with this £99 stay at a luxurious 5* hotel in The Algarve, saving up to 56% off full-price breaks.

The glamorous resort, named Wine & Books by the Sea, boasts a huge, glimmering outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and bright white parasols.

Indoors, the Library Spa has a heated indoor pool and offers treatments like aromatherapy massages and soothing facials.

When you fancy exploring the local area, this resort sits in Portugal‘s Reserva Natural dos Salgados, where wildlife like flamingos wander the wetlands.

Book a 5* holiday to The Algarve with return flights included from £99pp

Antalya – £159

Antalya’s Citrus Park Hotel has everything you’d want in a Turkey holiday – comfy sea view rooms, a huge hotel breakfast spread, and the golden sands of Konyaalti Beach a short walk away.

This hotel comes with some pretty amazing views, sitting on the beachfront and framed by dramatic mountains.

Just a short walk away you’ll find a promenade lined with bars, cafes, souvenir shops and water sports stations.

You can save 30% on the holiday with this Wowcher offer, which also includes breakfast during your stay and return flights from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh or Manchester.

Book a holiday to Antalya with return flights included from £159pp

Fuerteventura – £179

This 4* Fuerteventura hotel places you right in the heart of the action.

There’s white sands just steps away and a plethora of beachfront bars and restaurants.

There’s a huge swimming pool here with a dedicated kids section, plenty of loungers, plus a poolside bar serving up fruity cocktails.

The hotel is a short stroll from Corralejo Harbour, where you can hop on a ferry to the island of Lobos, or even take a day-trip to Lanzarote.

Book a 4* holiday to Fuerteventura with return flights included from £179pp

Mykonos 5* – £299

A 5* holiday to Mykonos sounds like something only celebs can afford. But this Wowcher offer means you can book one for under £300.

The offer includes a stay at Saint John Hotel Villas & Spa, home to its own private beach, gourmet restaurants and infinity pool facing the sea.

Here you’re also perfectly positioned to explore the best of Mykonos – with its white windmills, Mykonos Town and Little Venice all nearby.

This offer can save you up to 22% off full price, giving you some extra cash in your pocket to hit the island’s stylish bars and clubs.

Book a 5* holiday to Mykonos with return flights included from £299pp

Menorca – £179

Majorca’s quieter sister island Menorca offers all the same stunning beaches and scenery – but in a more relaxed, peaceful setting,

This Wowcher bargain includes flights plus a stay in the beachfront Aparthotel Sol Parc, surrounded by scenic pine woodlands.

Here you’ll get a spacious apartment plus access to multiple swimming pools and sports facilities like beach volleyball, mini golf, basketball and a tennis court.

Even better, you can walk directly out of the building onto the beach where there’s clear waters to paddle in and a restaurant overlooking the sea.

Book a holiday to Menorca with return flights included from £179pp

Prices correct at the time of publication.

THERE’S last-minute, and then there’s “I could be sitting on a sun lounger by next Wednesday” last-minute.

Well, we’re at that exact point in late summer when airline and hotel booking engines do some very interesting things.

Flights with remaining empty seats need filling, hotels want their final unoccupied rooms gone, and package prices are suddenly sitting far below where they were just a few weeks ago.

So, I’ve been digging through our live booking data to track down the destinations offering the absolute cheapest last-minute summer holidays on the board.

These aren’t bottom-of-the-barrel options either, by the way.

Every deal below includes return flights, accommodation, food and drinks, with these particular all-inclusive holidays starting from just £315 per person.

Here’s the breakdown from number eight down to the single cheapest steal on the map.

You’ll need to move fast though, because these departures are all within the next two weeks.

8. Skanes, Tunisia (from £430pp)

If you want guaranteed August heat and a fully-loaded hotel setup without paying top dollar, Skanes is the place to look.

This purpose-built coastal strip sits directly between Monastir and Sousse, meaning the resorts come with massive swimming pools, palm gardens, and access to sandy beaches.

It’s quieter than the major Tunisian city hubs, but our recent booking data shows holidaymakers have been landing stays here for an average of £82.86 per person, per night – in the school holidays!

You can lock in a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the four-star Hotel Liberty Resort from 22 August, with return flights from Cardiff, for just £430pp.

The property is a brilliant family base with a massive outdoor pool network, but the real insider win here is the hotel’s private, free return shuttle down to their dedicated beach plot.

It means you can swap the poolside lounger for the sea in under three minutes without doing a hot, dusty trek in the August heat.

7. Marmaris, Turkey (from £408pp)

Marmaris came in as the second-cheapest resort overall, averaging just £75.43 per person, per night for extreme last-minute bookings this summer.

It remains one of Turkey’s best all-rounders because it caters to every type of traveller – whether your sightseeing limit is walking from your lounger to the snack bar, or you want a buzzing marina, waterfront seafood spots, and boat trips around the pine-clad bay.

I tracked down a five-night, all-inclusive package at the four-star Hawaii Hotel, flying from Birmingham on 21 August, for just £408pp.

The hotel sits right on its own section of shingle beach, but the standout feature here is easily the location.

Because it sits right on the border of the main seafront promenade, you can enjoy a quiet, self-contained resort atmosphere during the day and walk straight out into the bustling town centre after dinner without ever needing a taxi.

6. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria (from £378pp)

Sunny Beach has built its entire reputation on being dirt cheap, and the latest figures show it still thoroughly earns that crown.

Recent breaks have been averaging just £76.90 per person, per night, making it the third-cheapest resort in my research.

And in Sunny Beach, its broad, sandy beach stretches for miles, packed with waterparks, family attractions, and beachfront bars.

You can bag a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the three-star Yunona from 20 August, flying direct from Manchester, for just £378pp.

Getting five full days of accommodation, food, and drinks – plus flights included – for under £400 in peak August is nuts.

And at Yunona, I love the sheltered design – because despite sitting right in the heart of the resort near the main attractions, the pool area is entirely enclosed by the hotel block, creating a surprisingly quiet and relaxed sanctuary away from the main strip’s noise.

5. Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria (from £373pp)

Playa del Ingles serves up reliable sunshine all year-round, but summer is when I think it’s at its best.

It’s one of Gran Canaria’s liveliest spots, boasting a huge beach, sprawling shopping centres, and the famous Maspalomas sand dunes right on your doorstep.

While my data shows the resort averaging as little as £83.43 per person, per night, live deals offer a way to beat that average significantly.

I found a five-night, all-inclusive deal at the Green Field aparthotel, flying from Bristol on 19 August, for £373pp.

That works out to £74.60 per person, per night – nearly £9 below the resort average.

What makes this three-star property a standout for me is the apartments – every unit comes with its own kitchenette and a wide private balcony, giving you a proper, spacious living area to retreat to rather than feeling crammed into a standard hotel room.

4. Icmeler, Turkey (from £370pp)

Icmeler is the calmer, considerably greener neighbor to Marmaris.

The resort wraps around a sheltered bay, surrounded by mountains, with a beach, canal, and quiet seafront tavernas.

While our booking data shows travellers currently paying an average of £79.43 per person, per night here, live availability drops well below that baseline – even when you’re looking at the very last-minute.

I clocked a five-night, all-inclusive break at the four-star Club Munamar Beach Resort, flying from Bristol on 19 August, for £370pp – bringing the nightly cost down to just £74 per person.

The hotel features three separate pool zones, an excellent entertainment team, and its own private beach section.

They even provide reserved sunbeds and shades exclusively for guests, saving you from paying daily commercial beach fees down on the main shore.

3. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria (from £340pp)

Maspalomas actually registered as the most expensive of these eight resorts in the recent booking data, averaging £89.43 per person, per night.

However, hunting through live availability reveals a massive price loophole that completely flips that narrative.

You can lock in a five-night, all-inclusive package at the Maspalomas Oasis Club, departing Bristol on 19 August, for £340pp.

That slashes the daily price down to just £68 per person, per night – more than £21 below the resort average.

The property itself is a low-rise, bungalow-style complex in the quiet Campo Internacional area. 

And the apartments even have a duplex layout – instead of sharing corridors in a noisy multi-story block, you get your own self-contained bungalow with a private ground-floor terrace surrounding the pool.

2. Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote (from £338pp)

Puerto del Carmen came in as the absolute cheapest overall resort for super-last-minute holidays, with guests paying an average of just £73.15 per person, per night, according to the data.

That’s remarkable value given that Lanzarote is one of the most reliable options for guaranteed weather in Europe.

I even spotted a five-night, all-inclusive holiday at the three-star BLUESEA Los Fiscos, flying direct from Manchester on 22 August, for £338pp – coming out at just £67.60 per person, per night.

And this place is an apartment-style hotel tucked into the hillside above the old town.

The absolute best feature here is the elevated panoramic terrace, Because it sits above the main harbour, the pool bar serves up sweeping, uninterrupted views across the Atlantic Ocean while you grab an evening drink. Beauty.

1. Laganas, Zante (from £315pp)

Laganas takes the number one spot on our board for the absolute cheapest complete holiday package.

While it’s famous for its nightlife strip, move away from the main strip and you’ll find the protected Zakynthos Marine Park, traditional tavernas, and excellent boat trips out to spot loggerhead turtles.

While average bookings sit at £87.62 per person, per night, the live deals reveal a massive price drop that you can take advantage of.

You can secure a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the four-star Majestic Hotel and Spa, flying from Bristol on 19 August, for just £315pp.

That works out to a rock-bottom £63 per person, per night for return flights, accommodation, and all your food and drinks in peak August.

The hotel sits right in the heart of the action, featuring a massive central pool deck and an on-site spa, making it the ultimate budget launchpad for anyone wanting to be right in the center of the resort energy.

WITH temperatures soaring towards 38C this week, a holiday close to home can feel like being abroad.

And when there’s UK holiday parks with plenty of last-minute summer availability, there’s no better time to set off on a cheeky spontaneous staycation.

If you bag one of these last-minute offers, you could be cooling off in giant waterparks, floating down lazy rivers, or feeling the sand between your toes on the beach.

And with prices tumbling to entice holidaymakers, you can bag an action-packed family break from as little as £7.71 per person a night so here’s our pick of the best last-minute bargain holidays you can book right now – before they all sell out.

Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire

If you’re looking for a last-minute getaway with loads to do for the kids, this park has plenty of excitement on-site. It’s also ideal for a dip in the sea, thanks to its direct beach access.

Sunny days are best spent cooling off at the outdoor splash park, dropping a line in the peaceful fishing lake, or tackling pedal go-karts and mini golf outdoors.

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For bigger thrills, kids can scale the giant climbing wall or battle it out in the NERF training camp.

Feeding the family is easy too, thanks to Slim Chickens, Papa Johns, Burger King, and even its very own on-site Wetherspoons pub.

Last-minute three night break in a Bronze caravan sleeping eight for £185 total, working out to just £7.71pp per night.

Todber Valley Holiday Park, Lancashire

Fancy a last-minute getaway to a relaxing holiday resort with two national parks on your doorstep?

Todber Valley sits in Clitheroe, where caravans are surrounded by nothing but rolling hills and greenery.

But if you do fancy a slice of history, you’ve got Clitheroe Castle and Museum just under 20 minutes’ drive away.

For kids, there’s an outdoor adventure playground and sports courts to burn off energy, and for grown-ups there’s a pub with a pretty beer garden that’s perfect for enjoying the sunshine.

Three night break for six people in a Bronze caravan for £313, working out to £17.39pp per night.

Combe Haven, Sussex

Set in sunny St Leonards-on-Sea, this Sussex park centers around an epic waterpark complex with a lazy river and a giant Space Bowl flume

Out of the water, you can test your aim with archery coaching, tackle Footgolf, or scale the massive climbing wall.

For dinner, tuck into a proper chippy tea at Cook’s Fish and Chips, then head to The Saxon Bar for evening drinks with sea views.

Plus historic Hastings is just 15 minutes away – ideal for exploring its famous castle and delving into the underground caves at Smuggler’s Adventure.

Three night break for four people in a Saver caravan for £279 total, working out to £23.25pp per night.

Craig Tara, Scotland

Perched on the dramatic Ayrshire coast, Craig Tara is one of the biggest Haven holiday parks in the UK.

This seaside spot delivers non-stop action no matter what the weather is doing. The star attraction is Splashaway Bay – one of Scotland’s largest indoor waterparks – with multi-lane slides, thrill flumes, a lazy river, and a toddler splash zone.

Indoors, the massive Airspace sports hall keeps the momentum going with climbing walls, soft play, a golf simulator, and electronic target walls.

Outdoors, at the Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village, you can brave an aerial ropes course or take the plunge on the six metre-high ‘The Jump’.

Last-minute three night break in a saver caravan sleeping six people for £339 total, working out to £18.83pp per night.

Butlin’s

Butlin’s have a selection of last-minute breaks for the remainder of the summer holidays that can cost you as little as £22.50pp per night.

There are three and four night breaks available across all three locations – Skegness, Minehead and Bognor Regis.

Included in the price you’ll get waterpark and fairground access, as well as daytime activities like soft play, football and arts and crafts.

Plus you’ll be able to catch one of this summer’s exclusive shows before they end for the season, including performances from Diversity, The Masked Singer and Maximum Pro Wrestling shows.

We found one three night break at Minehead, including access to Diversity and The Masked Singer shows, for £269 total, or £22.42pp per night.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

FORGET boring B&B stays – weekend getaways just got a lot more exciting.

Best Western have put together loads of unique “GEM packages“, which include not just your hotel stay – but food, drinks and quirky activities and attractions, too.

These value-packed package deals that bundle everything from private hot tubs with free-flowing Prosecco to psychic readings into one price.

Whether you’re wanting the ultimate girls’ night in or a couples’ Peak District hiking break, these staycation deals do all the planning for you.

Peak District adventure stay

Explore the great outdoors in comfort with this GEM stay at Mosborough Hall Hotel.

Here all your meals will be taken care of, including breakfast, a two-course dinner, plus a packed lunch to take out with you on your adventures.

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You’ll also be given a hiking map packed with trails to explore, plus free flask refills of hot drinks to keep you energised and hydrated.

With everything taken care of, all that’s left for you to do is get out into nature and soak up the beautiful sights around you.

Some of the top walking trails nearby include Mosborough and Eckington Woods, as well as the bluebell-dotted Moss Valley Trails.

Return back to Darcy’s restaurant and grab a well-deserved drink from the hotel’s cocktail bar, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful weekend away.

Book the Peak District stay at the Mosborough Hall Hotel from £113.80 per night

The “Ultimate Girls’ Night In’ staycation

You and your best mates, a hot tub lodge, flowing Prosecco and takeaway for dinner – what’s not to love?

The Ultimate Girls’ Night In Package at Brackenborough Lakes does what it says on the tin, and provides the perfect recipe for a girly staycation.

Brackenborough Lakes & Resort is a peaceful hideaway close to the historic market town of Louth. On-site there’s a bar and restaurant, plus evening entertainment like music tribute acts.

This package includes an overnight stay in a modern lodge with a stylish interior, plus decking and an outdoor hot tub overlooking the serene lake.

That’s not all – you’ll get THREE chilled bottles of Prosecco upon arrival, £15 takeaway credit per person, and a continental breakfast of bacon baps, fruit, pastries, juice and more delivered right to your door.

Book the Ultimate Girls Night In package in Louth from £89pp

Indulgent Yorkshire Cream Tea break

Two nights in a Victorian countryside hotel, Cream Tea, two-course dinners, wine, breakfast and even a packed lunch? This Yorkshire break is truly indulgent.

Upon arrival to The Craiglands Hotel, you’ll be treated to Cream Tea with scones and your choice of tea or coffee in the hotel Brasserie.

Then it’s time to explore the grounds or simply rest up in the room before sitting down to a two-course dinner with a seasonal, locally-sourced menu. Plus you’ll get to celebrate your getaway with a free bottle of wine or Prosecco.

Enjoy a Full English in the morning and grab your packed lunch to go, ready for a day of exploring Ilkley Moor or the Yorkshire Dales.

Then it’s back in time for dinner again, before lazily rolling out of bed with included late check-out in the morning. Dreamy.

Book the Indulgent Yorkshire Break package from £150 per night

Mind-blowing Clairvoyant stay in Bradford

If you’re into all things psychics and mediums, you’ll want to book onto this unique Evening with a Clairvoyant stay in Bradford.

Enjoy a two-course meal and free tickets to an event with Steven Holbrook, one of the UK’s top clairvoyants with thousands of Facebook followers.

During the event, Steven shares messages and connections with audience members in a goosebumps-inducing experience.

Then simply retire to your comfy room in the Bradford Guide Post Hotel, before waking up to a cooked breakfast to start your day.

Book the Clairvoyant Stay package from £111.48 per night

Click here to browse even more GEM package deals including tennis, golf and 80’s disco weekend breaks.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

WOULD you rather spend £15 on a takeaway pizza, or use that money to go on a mega family holiday?

Your next family getaway in the UK doesn’t have to involve saving up for months and months.

Not when we’ve found entire family holidays for less than the price of a pizza.

Order a large pizza from Domino’s and you can expect to pay at least £14.

A six-piece tenders bargain bucket from KFC costs £15.99, and a chicken sharebox from McDonald’s on its own will set you back £13.69. And that’s all before you add drinks and delivery on top.

We’ve found 10 UK family holidays that cost less than all of the above – priced at £12.50pp or under.

So put down the delivery apps, and start packing your bags. Here’s the best family holidays you can book right now for less per person than a Friday night takeaway.

1. Devon Cliffs, Exmouth

Backed by dramatic red cliffs and perched above its own, award-winning private beach, Devon Cliffs is one of Haven’s top coastal resorts.

This holiday park is ideal for kids who love to make a splash, with a massive, four-lane indoor waterslide that plunges you straight into the indoor pool – plus a rubber ring tube slide outside.

Out on the beach, you can take part in sea kayaking and paddle-boarding lessons.

Back on land, there’s adrenaline-pumping activities like high-ropes courses and mini 4×4 off-roading.

Keeping costs down for meals is a breeze thanks to the resort’s own Wetherspoons pub, The Red Rocks, where you can eat familiar favourites like curries and pizzas and enjoy cheap pints.

Another dining option is the South Beach Cafe, which serves up seaside cocktails with sunset views.

When night falls, two live entertainment venues keep the whole family entertained with everything from classic bingo to 90’s tribute acts.

2. Marton Mere, Blackpool

Just a ten-minute drive from Blackpool’s famous seafront, Haven’s AA five-star rated Marton Mere holiday park has so much to do that you’ll barely want to leave site.

Family days here are spent braving free-fall airbag drops on ‘The Jump’, conquering the huge climbing wall, and getting competitive at the NERF Training Camp.

For something a little more relaxing, you can float down the outdoor lazy river or take a gentle swim in the heated indoor pool.

Feeding the family is hassle-free too, with on-site options including Papa Johns, Burger King, and Cook’s classic seaside fish and chips.

Evenings centre around the newly-upgraded Showbar, packed with exciting entertainment like interactive game shows.

Best of all, you’re just moments from the iconic Blackpool Tower, the world-famous Illuminations, and Pleasure Beach’s newest thrill rides such as Aviktas, which opened earlier this summer.

3. Billing Aquadrome, Northampton

Sprawling across 235 acres of lakes and countryside in Northamptonshire, Billing Aquadrome is designed to keep even hard-to-please teenagers off their phones.

Where else can kids feed alpacas, ride on a BMX pump track, learn TikTok dances, and ride a miniature railway all in one afternoon?

Kids can go full Total Wipeout on the lake’s massive inflatable obstacle course, while younger ones get stuck into slime-making and outdoor survival workshops.

When the sun goes down, the outdoor cinema becomes a popular spot with its open-air cinema screenings, plus there’s also silent discos and live shows in a giant outdoor amphitheatre.

Refuelling the family is easy thanks to loaded burgers at Smash’d Town and sweet snacks from the Bak’D & Swirls dessert shop.

To top it all off, you can fall asleep right on the water’s edge by booking a stay in a cosy lakeside pod.

4. Littlesea, Weymouth

Overlooking Dorset’s tranquil Fleet Lagoon, Haven’s AA 5 Gold Star-rated Littlesea Holiday Park puts natural wonders like Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast right on your doorstep.

When you’re not out on a nature hike, there’s unique activities like pottery classes, an inflatable arena and games of beach bingo on-site.

Plus there’s plenty of Haven holiday classics too, like a crazy golf course, archery and football sessions.

Keen swimmers get the best of both worlds with heated indoor and sunny outdoor pool – plus it wouldn’t be a proper seaside holiday without getting in the sea.

The park is also only a 10-minute drive from the town centre of Weymouth and the historic Nothe Fort.

5. Orchards Holiday Village, Clacton-on-Sea

Active families are spoilt for choice at Essex’s AA four-star Orchards Holiday Village.

The park packs in a nine-hole golf course, mini Segway hire, Footgolf, and pop-up Football Fun Factory sessions into one site.

Soak up the countryside views by cycling around the large fishing lake, or if the weather plays up, spend those spare two pence coins winning prizes in the amusements.

A stay here isn’t complete without a visit to Clacton Pier and Pavilion, which is 17 minutes’ drive from the park.

This well-loved seaside spot has over 20 exciting rides that you can take on with a £12.99 unlimited ride wristband.

6. Butlin’s

What’s better than a family weekend away at Butlin’s?

There’s an abundance of activities across the popular Bognor Regis, Skegness, and Minehead resorts.

On rainy days, kids can spend hours conquering the massive Splash Waterworld waterpark, loaded with high-speed flumes, raft rides, and wave pools.

The action centres around the Skyline Pavilion, where the stage hosts West End-quality live productions, pantomimes, and character meet-and-greets with TV favourites.

Add in high-ropes courses, archery, soft play arenas, and direct beach access – and your schedule is packed from morning to night.

Plus, make sure to make use of the traditional fairground for unlimited spins on the dodgems and carousels.

7. Parkdean Looe Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall

From crabbing off Banjo Pier to exploring the giant biomes of the Eden Project, Parkdean Looe Bay puts proper Cornish adventures front and centre.

On-site, kids can splash around in the heated pool, tackle wildlife trails, or join in with action-packed tots’ activity sessions.

Nighttime brings live family entertainment alongside quality park dining, with all inclusive food and drink options up for grabs on selected midweek breaks.

Off-park, you’re just minutes from West Looe’s sandy coves, quiet rockpools, and Nelson, the town’s legendary bronze seal statue.

Historic harbour pubs like The Jolly Sailor serve up hearty home-cooked meals and fresh local catches straight off the boat.

Plus, with the Monkey Sanctuary and Polperro‘s ancient fishing village right around the corner, you’ll never run out of day trips.

8. Hopton Holiday Village, Great Yarmouth

Haven’s Hopton Holiday Village isn’t just another bog-standard holiday park – it’s the reigning AA Holiday Park of the Year.

Sitting in Norfolk’s Hopton-on-Sea, here you’ll get direct beach access to signature flat, golden sands and gentle waves.

Fresh from a massive makeover, parents can even grab a cheap pint and family meal at the park’s brand-new, on-site Wetherspoons, The White Clover.

Kids won’t get bored either, thanks to a newly upgraded pool complex that has doubled in size and comes stacked with high-speed flumes and an inflatable arena.

On dry land, little thrill-seekers can tackle everything from a Mini Aerial Adventure and climbing wall to Segway tours and go-karting.

When night falls, pull up a seat at the buzzing lounge bar for a drink while the kids go wild for the Seaside Squad live shows.

You’re also only 12 minutes from Great Yarmouth’s legendary Golden Mile, where you can tackle giant seafront rides.

And if you don’t visiting outside of peak travel seasons (which – let’s be honest – makes for a much more peaceful break anyway) you can bag a serious bargain.

9. Unity Beach, Somerset

Unity Beach in Somerset is an absolute powerhouse of a holiday park. And lucky for you, it’s available with The Sun’s £9.50 holidays.

What really sets this park apart is that it has its very own theme park and waterpark right on site.

Thrill-seekers can tackle over 40 attractions at Brean Theme Park, from spinning rollercoasters to classic log flumes.

Then head over to the newly-upgraded Unity Splash waterpark or fast slides, rubber-ring rides, and heated indoor and outdoor pools.

Throw in an 18-hole golf course, plenty of sports, and direct beach access, and you’ve got a non-stop holiday where boredom simply isn’t an option.

10. Seal Bay, West Sussex

Perched on a private mile of coastline in Selsey, Seal Bay delivers a classic seaside family holiday, but with a thoroughly modern upgrade.

When you’re not out enjoying the beach, there’s a massive, tropical water complex with plenty of slides and splash pads, plus a sunny outdoor lido surrounded by cabanas.

This holiday park also boasts its own on-site funfair, plus activities like ten-pin bowling, pottery painting, and high-ropes climbing courses.

When day turns to night, the resort comes alive across its multi-million-pound entertainment venues.

You’ll get to see some all-singing, all-dancing theatre productions with everything from acrobatics to pyrotechnics on stage.

BOTTOMLESS wine at a London hotel, £1 happy hour oysters in Manchester and a £9.50 beachfront resort in Cornwall…

That might look like a misprint – but these are just a handful of the hidden bargains sitting right on our doorsteps, proving you don’t have to go abroad to get a sensational deal on a holiday.

If you know where to look, you can get beautiful countryside cottages, free-flowing drinks and more on your UK staycation – some of which come with change from a tenner.

Here’s our pick of the top budget-friendly UK stays our Sun Travel team swears by right now…

The Alan – Manchester

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

If you want a bargain stay that feels like you’re getting much more for your money, then head up north.

One of my favourite hotels in Manchester is The Alan, a stunning design-led boutique venue that wouldn’t be out of place in an interiors magazine.

Think plaster-coloured walls, brass shower features and stone coffee tables.

It’s built into a Grade-II listed warehouse, and entering the lobby you’re met with a gorgeous airy space and a boujie restaurant (try the £1 oysters during their happy hour).

My room was so beautifully designed with a contrast of chrome metal chairs to warm green bedspreads, that I came away with new ideas for my own bedroom back home…

It is also leaning into tech with a Google Nest “smart concierge” on hand to help with reception queries, as well as Bluetooth speakers and smart TVs with Chromecast.

And it’s right in the middle of the city, so you can’t get much more central.

The best part? Rooms start from £58 a night.

Book a stay

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Rooms at The Alan start from £58 per night, working out to £29 per person, per night.

BOOK HERE

Z Hotels Gloucester Place – London

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

When you think of an all-inclusive, you might think of a glamorous resort on the shores of Tenerife – but I recently discovered a chic all-inclusive in the heart of London.

With hotels in the capital often overpriced, a trip can easily empty your wallet.

Z Hotels Gloucester Place is a great budget option, with spacious en suite rooms available at a snip of the cost of pricier venues.

The best part though is definitely the food and drink offering – if you book a “Z Club room”, exclusively at the Gloucester Place hotel, each feature a king-size bed with all drinks and food included.

In a small kitchen-dining area, you can grab hot drinks 24/7 as well as a range of snacks such as macaroons, brownies, flapjacks, and pots of tiramisu.

You can help yourself to soft drinks including Fanta and ask the host for wine – which is bottomless.

There’s also a menu you can order from, which featured wide choice of sandwiches and salads.

The food was simple, but it was all tasty and reminded me of the sandwiches and cakes I usually pick up in one of London’s many hipster coffee shops.

Book your stay – Z Hotels Gloucester Place, London

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Z Club rooms at The Z Hotel Gloucester Place cost from £110 per night – which is £55 per person per night.

BOOK HERE

Norfolk Hideaways – North Norfolk coast

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

One of my favourite ways to score serious savings on a staycation is by renting a holiday cottage and splitting the cost between a group of mates.

There’s nothing better than kicking back at a gorgeous house in a stunning seaside town for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room – plus you’ll have way more space.

Hailing from Norfolk I may be biased here – but I think the best place to rent out a holiday cottage is along the North Norfolk coast.

Norfolk Hideaways have cottages in pretty seaside towns like Wells-next-the-Sea, Old Hunstanton and Brancaster, to name but a few.

There are stays of all sizes, ideal for family holidays, couples’ staycations, big friend group getaways plus dog-friendly options.

You can even filter your search by walking holidays, fishing holidays, or places with cosy log burners, pools or hot tubs.

Plus there’s often offers on, such as four nights for the price of three or last-minute deals.

I found an offer for a stay in Thornham – one of North Norfolk’s most underrated seaside villages with a gorgeous, pinewood-backed beach – which worked out to be just £11pp.

Book your stay – Norfolk Hideaways

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Eaton Cottage in Thornham sleeps up to seven, and has a gorgeous sun terrace, large garden dotted with fruit trees plus a bright and airy sitting room and rustic countryside kitchen.

Book a week away from £510, working out to £11 per person, per night with a full house.

BOOK HERE

Mollie’s Motel – Oxford

Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

A motel would probably be the last place you’d think of for a luxury break – especially if you’ve ever watched an American horror film.

Mollie’s is most definitely the exception, though. This sophisticated chain opened its first motel in Oxfordshire in 2019, promising an America-inspired roadside experience, but with a lot more glamour.

And while the classy Scandi decor may scream luxury (the brand was once operated by chic members club Soho House), the £70 per night price tag does not.

Rooms are homely, with ultra-comfy beds and sleek furnishings, plus there’s an onsite diner offering hearty burgers, hot dogs and hard shakes loaded with vodka, bourbon or rum and topped with whipped cream.

Smart TVs and junk food make the place perfect for a cosy movie night – just no American horror films!

Book your stay – Mollie’s Motel, Oxford

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Stays at Mollie’s Motel start from £81 per night, working out to £40.50 per person, per night.

BOOK HERE

London & Paris Hotel – Folkestone

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

What better way is there than to wake up to the sounds of sea waves crashing, with the beach right around the corner.

In the uber-trendy seaside town of Folkestone is the boutique London & Paris Hotel.

With just 11 rooms, every single one has a sea view room overlooking the boats in the harbour.

Think quintessential beachy vibes but upgraded – chic striped headboards and rich green and blue interiors.

You can also upgrade to a breakfast hamper, although save some space in your stomach for the award-winning chippie around the corner.

Or head into town for some of the best tapas at El Cortador Tapas Bar.

Who needs Spain when you have the Kent Riviera?

Rooms start from £128. See londonandparishotel.co.uk

Book your stay – London & Paris Hotel

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Stays at London & Paris Hotel in Folkestone start at £128 per night, which is £61 per person, per night.

BOOK HERE

Ashworth House – near Chipping Norton

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

A value stay in the Cotswolds might be pretty hard to come by, but Ashworth House near Chipping Norton costs as little as £39 per person, per night.

The beautiful bolthole retreat sleeps up to 12 people, including one bedroom on the ground floor – ideal for those with accessibility needs.

Tucked in the village of Leafield near Burford, it truly is a hidden Cotswolds gem.

The huge house and garden are backed by fields, forming stunning views of the rolling countryside and giving lots of opportunities for walks with furry friends (who are welcome in the house).

The kitchen is the real hub of the house – it is light and airy and makes the ultimate hosting space with a large dining table as well as a breakfast bar.

The house is also just a short drive from top attractions like Blenheim Palace should you want to explore the area.

Book your stay – Ashworth House

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Stays at Ashworth House start from as little as £39 per person, per night.

BOOK HERE

St Ives Bay Beach Resort – Cornwall

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Overlooking a three-mile stretch of golden sand, St Ives Bay Beach Resort in Cornwall is a dreamy destination for a glam beach holiday on a budget.

Here you can stay in glass-roofed Stargazer caravan, a cosy luxury pod, or a spacious sea-view lodge perfect for families.

The beach is just steps away, and even has its own surf school if you want to fully dive into the Cornish lifestyle.

There’s also plenty of action-packed activities for kids, ranging from disc golf and Nerf wars to snuggling up for an evening movie at the open-air cinema.

Rainy days are equally well catered for thanks to an indoor pool, a classic amusement arcade, and indoor entertainment like bingo, karaoke, and live DJ sets.

Beyond the resort grounds, a day trip into St Ives is an absolute must-do.

The town has a postcard-perfect harbour and charming, artsy streets to stroll lined with quirky independent shops.

Book your holiday – St Ives Bay Beach Resort

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St Ives Bay Beach Resort is just one of hundreds of holiday parks available with The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50.

These holidays start from as little as £9.50pp, but prices vary if you choose to upgrade your accommodation type.

BOOK HERE

Yotel – London

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Did you know the budget hotel chain Yotel was inspired by first class airline travel?

One of my favourite cheap hotel brands, offers guests the chance to be first class passengers on an economy budget…

I love their hotels not just for their central location but clever compact rooms.

Reclining beds mean you have more space until you hunker down for the night, and small compartments tucked away in every corner create plenty of room for your stuff.

Yotel London City has some fantastic skyline views but if you want a cheaper option, Yotelpad has rooms under £90 a night.

If you choose not to get your rooms refreshed by housekeeping, you can also save money off at the restaurant and bar.

And if you’d like to try a room with a spaceship feel, try Yotelair at London Gatwick Airport.. you won’t be disappointed.

Book your holiday – Yotel, London

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Rooms at Yotelpad start from £87 a night, or £43.50 per person, per night.

BOOK HERE

AFTER spending years working in travel, I’ve realised some of Europe’s best purpose-built family resorts are the ones you’ve probably never even heard of.

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the classics, I’ve found stacks of alternative resorts that deliver everything families love about those hot spots – but they are a lot quieter, and a fraction of the price.

Think wide beaches, shallow water, proper family hotels, and massive waterparks – just without the overwhelming crowds or the inflated peak-summer price tag.

So, I’ve narrowed it down to eight resorts that hit all the non-negotiables for parents: short UK flights, quick airport transfers, walkable beaches, and stress-free dining with toddlers in tow.

8. Petrovac, Montenegro

If you want to try something genuinely different without sacrificing convenience, Petrovac is a proper hidden gem.

Tucked along Montenegro’s coast, it’s practically built for families with young kids.

The whole resort centres around a calm, horseshoe-shaped bay protected by small offshore islands that keep the sea remarkably still and safe for paddling.

There’s a completely pedestrianised, traffic-free promenade where kids can run around freely while you finish dinner, lined with casual, welcoming tavernas where children are treated like royalty.

Tivat Airport sits just 40 minutes down the coast, meaning you aren’t subjecting tired kids to a massive transfer coach journey after landing.

I found seven nights at the four-star Hotel Rivijera from £568pp, based on a family of four flying direct from London Gatwick on August 22 on a bed and breakfast basis.

Montenegro deal

Hotel Rivijera, Petrovac

• Seven nights
• Gatwick flights
• Bed and breakfast

From £568pp. BOOK HERE

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7. Cala’n Bosch, Menorca

Menorca is the undisputed king of low-stress family travel, but Cala’n Bosch is the specific resort I recommend time and time again.

Everything revolves around a central marina packed with seafood spots and ice cream parlours, where children can watch the boats coming and going while you enjoy a relaxed meal.

The beaches are sheltered, slope very gently, and stay shallow for ages, making them ideal for little swimmers.

Plus, the whole resort is exceptionally compact and flat, so you can easily walk everywhere without ever needing a hire car or bus.

You’ve got Aquarock Waterpark right in the centre of the resort for a change of scenery, and Mahón Airport is under 45 minutes away.

A family of four can bag seven nights at Club Ciudadela from £493pp, with flights from Manchester on August 25 on a self-catering basis.

Menorca deal

Club Ciudadela, Cala’n Bosch

• Seven nights
• Manchester flights
• Self catered

From £493pp. BOOK HERE

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6. Nessebar, Bulgaria

Most people looking at Bulgaria default straight to Sunny Beach.

But just ten minutes down the coast sits Nessebar – a historic, UNESCO-listed town that delivers the exact same value with a much calmer atmosphere for parents.

It serves up the best of both worlds: a charming, stone-paved old town packed with ice cream parlours and bakeries, flanked by long, wide stretches of soft, golden sand that slopes gently into the sea.

It gives families that proper, classic beach holiday feeling, but with dirt-cheap dining and a far less chaotic night-time vibe than its noisy neighbor.

Burgas Airport is a breeze at just 25 minutes away, and Aqua Paradise – one of Eastern Europe’s biggest waterparks – is right on your doorstep too.

There were plenty of hotels to choose from, but in terms of value, I couldn’t get away from this one: seven nights all-inclusive at the Sol Nessebar Resort from just £675pp, based on a family of four flying from Manchester on August 25.

Bulgaria deal

Sol Nessebar Resort, Nessebar

• Seven nights
• Manchester flights
• All inclusive

From £675pp. BOOK HERE

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5. Gouves, Crete

Gouves is one of those places families stumble across by accident and then end up booking for five years straight.

Sitting just 15 minutes from Heraklion Airport, it delivers one of the shortest transfers anywhere in the Greek islands – a total lifesaver after a four-hour flight with young kids.

Trust me, I know this one from experience.

The resort layout is super-relaxed, with flat, quiet roads lined with family-run tavernas and mini-marts, alongside sheltered sea walls that break up the waves and create pancake-flat, shallow swimming lagoons.

For easy day trips, you’ve got Dinosauria Park and Watercity Waterpark all sitting less than a 10-minute drive down the road.

And the best part is the price, because I managed to find seven nights with breakfast at the Despo Hotel from £398pp, with direct flights for a family of four from London Gatwick on August 25.

Crete deal

Despo Hotel, Gouves

• Seven nights
• Gatwick flights
• Bed and Breakfast

From £398pp. BOOK HERE

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4. Tigaki, Kos

Kos often gets overshadowed by Crete and Rhodes, but Tigaki deserves way more attention for families with buggies and toddlers.

The sand beach stretches uninterrupted for miles and the water stays waist-deep forever.

The entire resort is completely flat making it an absolute dream for pushchairs, scooters, and little legs that get tired quickly.

It has that quintessential, laid-back Greek island charm where parents can relax while the kids play safely on the sand right in front of the taverna tables.

Kos Airport is barely 20 minutes away, and the massive Lido Water Park is right down the road when you want a break from the ocean.

For just £580pp, I found seven nights all-inclusive for a family of four at Hotel K Ilios and Farming, flying direct from London Gatwick on August 19.

Kos deal

Hitel K Ilios and Farming, Tigaki

• Seven nights
• Gatwick flights
• All inclusive

From £580pp. BOOK HERE

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3. Cala Millor, Majorca

Cala Millor on Majorca’s east coast is the ultimate substitute for a stress-free Spanish break.

It’s home to an enormous, Blue Flag sandy bay with crystal-clear, shallow water, backed by a massive, palm-shaded pedestrian promenade lined with wooden playgrounds, shaded cafes, and flat cycling paths.

It’s made for effortless family days out, giving you all the incredible facilities, beach games, and amenities of the island’s famous mega-resorts, but with a much more relaxed, authentic island feel.

Palma Airport is also around an hour’s transfer.

It’s a little further than other resorts, but all via the main highway, making it a stress-free, fairly straight drive.

And I’ve picked out seven nights at the four-star Garbi Cala Millor from £548pp, based on a family of four flying direct from Gatwick on August 20 and staying half board.

Majorca deal

Hotel Garbi Cala Millor

• Seven nights
• Gatwick flights
• Half board

From £548pp. BOOK HERE

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2. Porec, Croatia

If you fancy trading standard package resorts for quaint old towns, Porec in Croatia is easily one of the best family bets in Europe.

The centre is completely pedestrianised and packed with waterfront pizzerias and street performers that keep kids mesmerised.

Instead of scorched, open sand, the coastline here is lined with lush, fragrant pine forests that run right down to the clear swimming bays.

This means tons of natural shade so young kids can swim and play all day without getting overheated.

Pula Airport is less than 45 minutes away, and Aquacolors Porec – one of Croatia’s biggest waterparks – is sitting right outside town.

And I found a deal for a family of four, spending seven nights at Hotel Istra Plava Laguna from £513pp, with flights direct from London Luton on August 25 on a half board basis.

Croatia deal

Hotel Istra Plava Laguna, Porec

• Seven nights
• Luton flights
• Half board

From £513pp. BOOK HERE

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1. La Pineda, Spain

If Salou has always appealed for the theme parks and beaches, but you wish the town itself was quieter and easier to navigate with children, La Pineda is an absolute cheat code.

Sitting just five minutes down the Costa Dorada coast, it boasts a massive beach with super-shallow water, backed by a flat, green promenade that’s ideal for pushchairs and evening strolls.

It’s ideal for families who want a chilled base, but still want easy access to world-class attractions.

Reus Airport is an absolute dream at just 15 minutes away, and you’ve got Aquopolis waterpark right inside the resort itself.

There is also PortAventura World theme park that’s a quick 10-minute taxi ride down the road (named one of the best in the world).

I clocked seven nights at Hotel Best Sol D’Or from £473pp, for a family of four departing Birmingham on August 25 on a room-only basis.

Spain deal

Hotel Best Sol D’or, La Pineda

• Seven nights
• Birmingham flights
• Room only

From £473pp. BOOK HERE

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WHEN booking a holiday there are three specific factors you must consider that can completely change the cost.

Get one of them wrong and you could pay hundreds more for an almost-identical week away… however if you get all three RIGHT you’ve found what I like to call the holiday “magic equation”.

The three key ‘ingredients’ to getting the best deal are where you go, when you fly and how long you stay.

I’ve been digging through thousands of On the Beach holidays to find the best-value combination of departure date, destination and duration for every remaining holiday window before November.

I didn’t just pick whichever holiday had the lowest price, though.

My analysis also compared each option against similar holidays, prices from last year, hotel ratings, customer reviews and the number of hotels still available – and what I’ve been left with is four very specific recommendations.

There’s one for families escaping before the end of the school holidays, two for couples and families with toddlers who can travel outside term time, and one for the October half-term scramble.

So here are the four magic holiday combinations I’ve uncovered – plus a deal you can book right now for each one.

Fly to Tunisia on… August 20

If you’re still hoping to get away with school-age children this summer, August 20 is the date I’d be circling, especially for trips to Tunisia.

The best-value August combination in our analysis was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Mahdia, departing on August 20 and returning on August 27.

The average price was just £698 per person – 22.6% cheaper than similar holidays and 9.2% less than people paid last year.

That’s particularly impressive because it gets you back before the end of August too, so no breaking the school holiday rules.

Mahdia itself is a bit of an under-the-radar alternative to Tunisia’s better-known resorts.

It’s a historic coastal town with a beautiful old medina and long stretches of pale sandy beach.

The sea here is often wonderfully clear and shallow, while hotels tend to be large, all-inclusive and built around keeping children occupied.

In other words: much of what families book Turkey for, but frequently at a lower price.

I found a particularly good deal at the four-star Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park from £623pp (and it’s all-inclusive).

It’s a huge beachfront resort with several pools, waterslides, and children’s activities, as well as a high Tripadvisor score – more than 1,900 gave it 4.2 out of five.

Tunisia deal

Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park, Mahdia

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Liverpool flights

From £623pp. BOOK HERE

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Fly to Egypt on… September 23

September is where holiday prices start to calm down from the summer surge.

For couples and parents with children below school age, the best-value combination was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Nabq Bay in Sharm El Sheikh, departing on September 23.

The average holiday cost £709 per person, which was 12.3% below the price of a comparable break.

More importantly, it was a massive 22.2% cheaper than last year – the biggest year-on-year drop of any winning combination in the data.

Nabq Bay is one of my favourite recommendations for anybody wanting a proper fly-and-flop holiday in September.

Temperatures are normally still well above 30C, so the weather stays beautifully warm and the resort is full of enormous all-inclusive hotels with private beaches, waterparks and enough swimming pools to require a map.

And Nabq Bay is especially well suited to families with toddlers.

Most of the holiday happens inside the resort, so you’re not repeatedly folding a buggy into taxis or attempting a cultural walking tour at precisely the moment somebody decides they need a nap.

My deal is at the Parrotel Aqua Park Resort is all-inclusive for £450pp when flying on September 23.

As the name rather usefully suggests, the main attraction is its enormous waterpark, but there are also several pools, restaurants, children’s facilities and a private beach area.

Egypt deal

Parrotel Aqua Park Resort, Nabq Bay

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Stansted flights

From £450pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Fly to Turkey on… October 13

October delivered the strongest overall value score from all the data I sifted through, especially when flying to Turkey.

The winning combination, by far, was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Marmaris, flying on October 13 and returning on October 20.

This is just before the half term holidays so is suited for couples or families with little kids not yet in school.

The average price was just £537 per person – that’s 21.4% cheaper than similar holidays and 11.6% below last year’s price.

Marmaris works brilliantly in October because you get the best bits without quite so much of the summer chaos.

The resort wraps around a huge bay backed by pine-covered mountains, with a long waterfront, beaches, boat trips and a seemingly endless supply of restaurants.

Daytime temperatures are typically still warm enough for the pool and beach, although evenings are cooler and there’s a greater chance of rain than during summer.

It’s also a great month for exploring. You can walk the marina without melting, take a boat along the coast or visit Marmaris Old Town without needing to stop for emergency air conditioning every ten minutes.

The deal I found is at the three-star Supreme Hotel, a simple but well-reviewed base with a pool, restaurant and a useful location for reaching the centre of Marmaris.

The best deal I found was an all-inclusive week at the Supreme Hotel from £235pp when flying October 13. At £33.57 per person, per night  – including your flights, hotel, food and drinks – that’s my standout bargain of the lot.

Turkey deal

Supreme Hotel, Marmaris

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Gatwick flights

From £235pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Fly to Greece on… October 25

If you’ve got kids, you’ll know that October half-term is always difficult.

Once every family in Britain needs roughly the same handful of departure dates, the chances of finding a bargain tend to disappear faster than the good flight times.

But the data did uncover one combination that stood above the rest: seven nights all-inclusive in Kardamena, Kos, departing on October 25.

The average price for a deal here was £740 per person – 13.4% cheaper than comparable half-term holidays and 13.2% below last year.

Kardamena is one of the livelier resorts on the Greek island during summer, but by late October it becomes considerably calmer.

You still have its long beach, waterfront and marina, while Kos Airport is only around a 15-minute drive away.

That short transfer here is a serious half-term advantage too – nobody wants to follow a four-hour flight with a two-hour coach tour of every other family’s hotel.

The weather is the slight gamble, as late October brings warm sunny days, but you might see some businesses closing for the season.

So, this is one where I’d choose a hotel with plenty happening on site.

Lucky for you, the deal I found does exactly that, which is an all-inclusive seven-night stay at Canvas by Mitsis Family Village, for £558pp when travelling on October 25.

It’s built on a hillside overlooking the coast, with pools, waterslides, family entertainment and access to a beach below, and it scores a very impressive 4.4 out of five from almost 2,500 Tripadvisor reviews.

That’s £181.60pp below the average price uncovered by the half-term analysis, and proof that the school-holiday premium can still be beaten if you get the date, duration and destination exactly right.

Greece deal

Canvas by Mitsis Family Villas, Kos

• Seven nights
• All inclusive
• Return Bristol flights

From £235pp. BOOK HERE

If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

WHAT’S better than a day out at your favourite theme park? Not having to drive home afterwards.

We’ve rounded up the top UK staycation deals across theme parks where you can stay on-site as a family from just £34.13pp.

That means waking up just steps away from your favourite coasters – and in some cases – some free fast passes and gifts bundled in, too.

Here’s our top short break deals for attractions like Thorpe Park and Alton Towers.

Alton Towers

Alton Towers are running a Kids Swim Free summer sale across their short breaks.

Choose between a stay at the CBeebies Land Hotel, Alton Towers Hotel, Woodland Lodges, Luxury Treehouses, Stargazing Pods or Splash Landings – the last of which is attached to the waterpark.

DIG IT

2-4-1 tickets to unique theme park where kids drive huge diggers & real police cars

RIDE ON

European theme park that inspired Disneyland to open new Japan land

With your stay you’ll enjoy one day’s theme park entry, and with the summer sale, you’ll also bag free waterpark entry for kids.

In one weekend you’ll be able to tick off the new Bluey children’s coaster and take on the high-speed flumes of the huge indoor waterpark.

Book the Kids Swim Free waterpark offer with an Alton Towers short break – from £87pp

Gulliver’s Theme Park

Head to Wowcher to save up to 57% on tickets to Gulliver’s Theme Park.

The offer is valid across their locations in Milton Keynes, Rother Valley, Matlock Bath and Warrington.

Across the parks you can take on the dizzying Gyrosaur, ride the Rocky Ridge Railway, or drop by the farm park to meet the animals.

At £12.50 per person, this Wowcher offer slashes the standard £25 ticket price in half.

Add in free parking and free admission for toddlers under 90cm, and it makes for a budget-friendly school holiday day out.

The theme park are also currently offering a save up to 40% deal on short breaks – check their website for more.

Book a day out at Gulliver’s World from £12.50pp

Chessington World of Adventures

Book in for an affordable theme park staycation at Chessington World of Adventures this summer.

Short breaks at Chessington include an overnight stay in a themed resort hotel plus one day’s theme park and zoo entry, early ride time, hotel entertainment, a buffet breakfast plus free parking.

Older kids will love thrill coasters like Vampire, while little ones can tackle rides like Chase’s Mountain Mission at the newly-opened World of Paw Patrol.

Plus with the Summer Savings scheme underway until September 1, you’ll benefit from reduced VAT prices whilst you’re away.

Book a short break at Chessington from £88.13pp

Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park are also offering affordable short breaks this summer, bundling an overnight stay, breakfast, two-day theme park entry, free parking and one hour’s fast-track into one price.

Stay in the theme park’s cabins to be right in the heart of the action, or choose to stay at a nearby hotel.

Plus if you choose to stay in a themed cabin on-site, you’ll get an extra fast-track pass for one coaster per guest. You can use it five times on coasters like Colossus, Nemesis Inferno and The Swarm.

Whether you’re visiting to have a go on Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, or to to race down multi-lane rubber ring waterslides as a family, you’ll tick it all off with a staycation.

Book a short break at Thorpe Park from £34.13pp

Merlin multi-attraction tickets

Heading to London? Plan ahead by booking a multi-attraction pass and bag some savings.

You can combine a mix of Merlin attractions like the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, the London Dungeon, Sea Life and more to spread across your visit to cut costs.

There’s loads of combo packages available – one example is a trip to the London Eye, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life bundled at £56 per adult (down from £64) and kids’ tickets at £50.31 instead of £57.50.

If you’re visiting London from elsewhere in the UK, you’ll want to make sure you tick off several of the big attractions in one go – and these multi-attraction passes are one of the most cost-efficient ways to do so.

Browse Merlin multi-attraction passes from £51.63pp

Legoland

Immerse yourself fully in the world of Lego with a themed stay at Legoland Windsor Resort.

Short breaks include an overnight stay with hot breakfast and one day’s entry into the theme park.

Pick between an off-site hotel or a Legoland Resort Hotel – stays at the latter include a Lego-themed room, early park access, Legoland character meet and greets, a free gift for kids and free parking.

Guests also get discounts on Legoland Adventure Golf, which makes for the perfect rainy day activity if the weather decides to play up.

In the park, scan race on the Minifigure Speedway coaster, soar on the Flight of the Sky Lion, and get creative themselves in the massive playroom.

Book a short break at Legoland from £102pp

Prices correct at the time of publication.

IF you’re still sitting on the fence about booking a late summer holiday, there’s no need to panic… just yet.

I’ve pulled the data on thousands of package holiday bookings to see exactly where still has availability this summer and, more importantly, where the biggest savings are.

And despite all the headlines about holiday prices skyrocketing, there are still massive pockets of value sitting up for grabs.

So I’ve rounded up the top ten spots where holidaymakers are consistently paying hundreds of pounds less than the summer holiday average – which, for a standard seven-night family package, comes in at £3,487.

If you want to maximise your sunshine per pound, these are the resorts that should be top of your search list – starting from £268 per person for a five-night holiday.

Albufeira, Portugal

The Algarve rarely screams cheap these days, but Albufeira continues to be a major exception to the rule, with booking data currently coming in around seven per cent cheaper than the summer average.

And despite that, you still get the stunning golden cliffs and old town character without the premium price tags found further down the coast.

This complex has three (yes, three) pool bars, and they serve up proper Portuguese piri-piri chicken baskets right to your sunbed – also saving you from paying inflated tourist rates on the main strip for lunch.

Marmaris, Turkey

Turkey is a reliable workhorse for summer value, and Marmaris is averaging 18 per cent below the overall summer booking price.

It packs in long seafront promenades, cheap dining, and mountain backdrops pretty effortlessly.

The Grand Villa Sol Apart is a property highly-rated by return guests, and my favourite feature here is the hotel’s huge pool and waterslide.

It’s just the right size to keep the kids entertained for hours, but because the pool bar is set up right beside it, you can keep a direct eye on them with a cold drink in hand without having to constantly stand up or chase them around a massive, chaotic waterpark.

Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria

Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria is a brilliant shout for late summer because the resort is entirely built into a steep, horseshoe valley.

It completely shelters the beaches from the high-summer Atlantic winds, guaranteeing hot, calm weather every single day.

And the best bit: the data has this one sitting at 19 per cent cheaper than the summer average.

The Roslara Apartments are an absolute steal, with a clever layout featuring a stepped, hillside design, meaning that every single apartment gets a massive, private sun balcony that isn’t overlooked by your neighbours.

It essentially gives you your own premium sunbathing deck, looking down over the central pool area, for a basic budget price.

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife

While most people looking at Tenerife automatically head for the crowded beaches down south.

Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast is where the real value sits, with bookings coming in 34 per cent below average for summer holidays.

You get an authentic Canarian city feel, volcanic black sand beaches, and much lusher, tropical scenery.

The four-star BLUESEA Costa Jardin & Spa is a certified winner in my book, with beautiful subtropical gardens that completely surround the pool.

Plus, the slides that drop right into the main outdoor pool give you a proper, family resort experience for an absolute steal during peak August.

Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a safe bet all year round, but Puerto del Carmen is currently throwing a massive curveball in the data, with average costs sitting 36% below the summer 2026 average.

It’s an established, reliable favourite that simply refuses to hike its rates like other resorts in the Canaries.

The Apartamentos LIVVO Oasis is a tranquil spot to stay, and is just a short stroll from the picturesque old town.

The bungalows here wrap directly around a beautifully quiet, palm-shaded courtyard, meaning you can step straight out of your patio doors and into the water without navigating sterile hotel corridors or busy lifts.

Benidorm, Costa Blanca

People love to turn their noses up at Benidorm, which is a massive mistake if you love a bargain summer holiday.

The intense competition between the hundreds of hotels here keeps the rates ruthlessly competitive, driving bookings 35 per cent below the average summer holiday price.

The Milord’s Suites are an absolute gem, sitting right on the border of the Old Town and Levante beach.

I absolutely love their rooftop sun terrace – it’s a completely quiet, adult-friendly escape from the busy streets below, and serves up panoramic views of the castle lookout point.

Calella, Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is easily one of Spain‘s most scenic, rugged coastlines, and Calella is the ultimate value gateway if you want wide, sandy beaches and a relaxed Spanish atmosphere for 41 per cent less than the summer average.

The GHT Balmes Hotel is a massive family favourite, with a specialised bike hire and outdoor adventure station.

They even provide secure storage and free local trail maps, making it incredibly easy to explore the hidden, pine-backed coves of the surrounding national park that standard tourists never manage to find.

San Antonio, Ibiza

Ibiza usually makes people think of VIP beach clubs and losing your life savings on a round of drinks, but San Antonio operates as a brilliant value loophole if you time it right.

Bookings here are looking at 43% below the seasonal average.

The Vibra San Marino Aparthotel has a beautifully sleek, minimalist look, but the standout feature is its partnership with the local sunset water taxis.

You can catch a cheap boat shuttle directly from the hotel’s private jetty straight across the bay to the iconic sunset strip, entirely cutting out expensive island taxi fares.

Fuengirola, Costa del Sol

Fuengirola is a brilliant all-rounder with huge beaches and cheap, direct train links straight from Malaga Airport.

And right now, it’s cleaning up on summer holidays – averaging an incredible 45 per cent cheaper than the average summer holiday.

I spotted a bargain room-only deal for the BLUESEA Miramar Fuengirola, which is within walking distance of buzzing bars, restaurants and seafront shops.

And room-only here is fine, because you’ll want to eat out in the local tapas bars anyway.

But the secret weapon at this hotel is the massive indoor heated pool and wellness zone – if you want a quick break from the intense August sun, you can retreat into a chilled, high-spec indoor spa for zero extra charge.

Cabo Blanco, Majorca

While the masses fight for sunbeds in Alcudia or Magaluf, Cabo Blanco is where the smart money lands in Majorca.

This quieter stretch of southern Majorca serves up rugged cliffs and dramatic sea views for a whopping 55 per cent less than the overall summer average.

I even managed to dig out a five-night all inclusive holiday for £353pp, at the Sun Club El Dorado.

Landing a full all-Inclusive package in Majorca during peak August for that money is borderline ridiculous.

This resort even has a private ranch and horse-riding trails integrated into the grounds, which gives the whole complex a rustic, expansive country club feel that you’d easily pay double for anywhere else on the island.

IMAGINE sunbathing on the white sand beaches of Barbados, or watching the sun set with a cocktail in Bali… and you paid less than £100.

The Wowcher £99 Mystery Holiday has long been an exciting way to travel, with a lucky dip of over 100 destinations.

But a mystery trip doesn’t have to only mean a city break or European destination.

You could actually land yourself an incredible long-haul holiday to places like the Caribbean and New York.

There are even hols to far-flung spots like Thailand, Japan, Costa Rica and The Bahamas available, too.

The odds of landing a long-haul holiday have now increased, with Tier 1 holiday odds up by 33% and Tier 2 odds up by 67%.

HOT RIGHT NOW

Wowcher holiday and hotel deals – from UK spa breaks to trips abroad for £99

OH WOW

Wowcher launches £99pp Christmas Market Mystery Holiday – with Disneyland & New York

This means that your chance of landing that once in a lifetime holiday are higher than ever.

So what are these tiers? Wowcher Mystery Holidays are split up into Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations.

You are assigned assigned a holiday from one of these tiers through a randomised draw.

Tier 1 offers luxury and long haul holidays while Tier 2 offers three and four night package and all inclusive holidays. Tier 3 is for two-night city or beach breaks.

Tier 1 odds are now up 33% – meaning you are more likely than ever to land a luxurious, long haul holiday.

Tier 2 odds are up 67% – meaning you are also more likely than before to land a package or all inclusive holiday.

Which holidays could I land in the draw?

Here are all the destinations split up into Tiers 1, 2 and 3.

Tier 1 Holidays (up 33%)

Seven-night, 4* hotel breaks available in:

• The Maldives, Thailand, Bali, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Jamaica, St Lucia, Mauritius, Costa Rica, Cape Town, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Tampa, Chicago, Washington, Calgary, Bermuda, and The Bahamas.

• Three night, 4* breaks in: New York, Toronto and Boston

• Or a five-night, 4* break in Miami.

Tier 2 Holidays (up 67%)

Four-night breaks with breakfast in:

• Venice & Lake Como, Prague & Budapest, Rome & Venice, Lisbon & Barcelona.

Three nights (varying all inclusive or B&B basis) in:

• Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Benidorm, Sicily, The Algarve, Turkey, Zante, Santorini, Rhodes, Halkidiki, Corfu, Crete, Malta.

Plus the following special package breaks:

• 3 Night Disneyland Paris Holiday with park tickets & breakfast

• 3 Night Iceland with Northern Lights & breakfast

• 3 Night Holiday to Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan

• 3 Night Holiday to Geneva Chocolate & Cheese Train Experience

• 3 Night Rome City Break B&B with Vatican Tour & breakfast

• 3 Night Athens City Break B&B with Acropolis Tour & breakfast

Tier 3 Holidays

Two night city or beach breaks available in:

• Madeira, Vienna, Brussels, Zadar, Prague, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Bratislava, Tallinn, Paris, Nice, Monaco, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Bremen, Athens, Budapest, Dublin, Rome, Venice, Naples, Bologna, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Florence, Pisa, Verona, Milan, Trieste, Bari, Riga, Vilnius, Luxembourg, Agadir, Marrakech, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Krakow, Warsaw, Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Bucharest, Barcelona, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa Dorada, Costa Del Sol, Malaga, Alicante, Salou, Palma, Seville, Valencia, Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Sicily, Malta, Katowice, Cinque Terre, Salzburg, Tirana, Rimini, Sorrento, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Belgrade, Kaunas, Wroclaw, Bilbao, Santander, Benidorm, Marseilles, Cannes, Lyon, Nantes, Nuremberg, Gdansk, Helsinki, Geneva, Brindisi, Bergamo, Genoa, Turin, Corfu, Crete, Istanbul, Sofia, Varna, Sunny Beach.

Click here to book yourself a £99 Wowcher holiday.

So how does it work when you actually book one?

When you book your holiday, you get to choose the exact dates that work for you – so no need to worry about not being able to get the time off.

You also get to pick the UK region you would like to fly from, so you won’t have to trek across the country to another airport.

And if you don’t land the holiday you were hoping for? No problem.

You’ll still enjoy a two night break at minimum with return flights included, staying in at least a three-star hotel – which is well worth the money itself!

And when you’re floating along in a gondola in Venice, posing with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or chilling on the beach in Barcelona for only £99…

You can’t complain, even if you do bag somewhere closer to home.

IF I’ve learned one thing working in travel it’s this – you don’t need to drop a month’s wages on a five-star hotel to bag a five-star holiday.

In fact, some of the absolute best properties I’ve tracked down across Europe officially carry just three stars next to their name – despite thousands of guests rating them significantly higher than luxury resorts costing double the money.

The secret is simple: hotel star ratings aren’t customer review scores.

Stars are handed out based on rigid facility checklists – whether a property has a 24-hour concierge, three extra restaurants, a spa, or a lift.

They tell you nothing about whether the rooms are spotless, the breakfast is incredible, or the staff remember your coffee order by day two.

When I’m not lucky enough to be travelling in my day job, I spend my days buried in live price sheets and customer feedback – so here I’ve had a dig through my three-star database to find the absolute hidden gems, most of which I’ve sampled myself.

These aren’t sprawling mega resorts, but each one completely over-delivers for its price point.

Here are nine elite three-star properties where you can bag a week away from as little as £54 pp.

9. Yannis Hotel, Corfu

The Yannis Hotel sits among 15 acres of lush hillside gardens just above Ipsos, placing you a easy five-minute walk from the sand while keeping you away from the beachfront noise.

It officially holds three stars, but the overall footprint feels much higher end, featuring a pool deck that looks out across ancient olive groves toward the Ionian Sea – and guests rate it an impressive 4.2/5 on Tripadvisor.

You can lock in a seven-night stay here for two from £500pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 22 and breakfast each morning – working out at an absurd £71.43pp per night for flights, hotel, and food.

The standout feature for me at this place, weirdly, is their on-site organic vegetable patch. Trust me on this one, though.

The kitchen chef harvests fresh tomatoes, herbs, and figs directly from the hotel gardens every morning to serve up in the poolside Greek taverna, giving you proper, farm-to-table dining on a basic budget package.

8. Osiris Ibiza, Ibiza

If you assume San Antonio is wall-to-wall club noise and zero sleep, the Osiris will completely change your mind.

This family-run, adults-only gem sits quietly in San Antonio Bay right across from Es Pouet Beach.

Its minimalist white architecture and boutique pool terrace look far more high-end than budget, earning it a staggering 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.

I found a seven-night stay here from £525pp, with direct flights from Bristol on September 16 including breakfast. That breaks down to just £75pp per night.

The killer insider feature here though is the hotel’s private rooftop sunset deck.

While thousands of tourists fight for overcrowded, expensive seats at Café Mambo down the road, guests at the Osiris can bring their own drinks up to the hotel’s elevated terrace and watch the iconic Ibiza sunset in complete peace. Bliss.

7. Oykun Hotel, Turkey

The Oykun Hotel on Calis Beach is the exact kind of property people miss out on when they lazily filter their search engines to “four stars and above.”

On paper, it’s a straightforward Turkish hotel with two pools and a traditional hamam, but it boasts a massive 4.6/5 score across 900+ reviews because the family running it treats returning guests like gold.

I tracked down a week here from £435pp, including direct flights from London Gatwick on September 2 and daily breakfast, coming in at £62pp per night.

And at the Oykun you’re incredibly close to the local water taxi jetty – which is a bit of a gamechanger on a holiday here.

Rather than paying for hot, crowded buses into Fethiye, you can step straight out of the hotel gardens onto a wooden riverboat that cruises you across the bay directly into the historic Old Town for pocket change.

6. Zephyros Hotel, Santorini

Santorini is notorious for charging eye-watering prices for cliffside cave suites, but you don’t need an infinity pool to experience the island.

The Zephyros Hotel in Kamari is a gorgeous three-star property built in traditional Cycladic style, with whitewashed walls, blue shutters, and a central pool framed by palm trees – plus it holds a brilliant 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.

You can grab seven nights here from £380pp, with direct flights from London Gatwick on September 30 including breakfast.

At £54pp per night with flights, it really is an unbelievable value loophole.

At this hotel you can spend your days lounging on Kamari’s black-sand beach for pennies, then, to push the savings even further, you can even hop on the local 15-minute express bus straight up to Oia for the famous caldera views, completely bypassing the hotel tax.

5. Alfagar Village, Portugal

Alfagar Village is easily one of the hardest properties on this list to believe is rated three stars.

It sits on the cliffside above the Algarve coast, featuring direct, private steps carved into the red rock that lead straight down onto Santa Eulália Beach.

It holds a 4.3/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews, which is no mean feat in Portugal.

I clocked seven nights here from £505pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 30.

The deal is self-catering, but the apartments come with huge ocean-view balconies and full kitchen setups.

The real trick at this place though is that guests get complete, free access to the entire neighbouring 4-star Alfagar resort complex, meaning you can use their massive sports courts, heated indoor pools, and multi-lane waterpark flumes while paying basic three-star rates.

That’s a proper three-star-price for a four-star-holiday hack.

4. Dom Jose Beach Hotel, Portugal

The Dom Jose Beach Hotel sits directly on Quarteira’s paved seaside promenade, and is home to a sleek, contemporary pool deck that looks straight out over the Atlantic Ocean.

Inside, the rooms feature modern, high-spec design, helping it bag a near-perfect 4.7/5 rating on Tripadvisor. Seriously impressive.

You can lock in a seven-night stay from £655pp, including direct flights from Bristol on September 28 and daily breakfast.

While it sits at the higher end of this list at £94pp per night, it easily outperforms the £150-a-night chain hotels nearby.

Plus, when you see the hotel’s private, wooden deck built directly on the sand – equipped with reserved wind-screened loungers – you’ll see why it’s worth that little bit extra.

You can step straight off your breakfast terrace onto your private sunbed without ever dealing with public beach crowds.

3. Hotel Abrat, Ibiza

Occupying one of the best spots in Ibiza, Hotel Abrat is tucked away on the quieter, scenic northern edge of the resort near Caló des Moro beach.

Recent refurbs have left its sea-view pool deck looking like a gorgeous five-star property, backing up its strong 4.2/5 Tripadvisor score.

I found a seven-night stay here from £470pp, with direct flights from London Southend on September 30 including breakfast.

And the best thing, for me, about staying at the Abrat is the coastal walking path directly behind the gardens.

It runs along the rocky coastline to a series of pristine, hidden swimming coves where the water is crystal clear. A real hidden gem of a find.

2. Hotel Valentina, Malta

If you want a hotel that pulls off a flawless five-star impersonation, Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s is the answer.

This place features boujee, bold contemporary interiors and a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline.

Just take a look yourself and it’s easy to see exactly why it boasts a massive 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating across 2,600+ reviews (one of the highest rating-to-ratings ratios in all of Europe!)

I spotted seven nights here from £510pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 25 on a room-only basis (£73pp per night).

But the secret weapon at the Valentina is its partnership with the high-end Avenue Restaurant next door.

Hotel guests get exclusive priority seating and discounts at one of the best dining spots in St Julian’s, giving you a boutique, luxury lifestyle package without the luxury price tag. Total hack.

1. Velamar Boutique Hotel, Portugal

Located in Olhos de Agua just on the outskirts of Albufeira, Velamar Boutique Hotel focuses on minimum guest numbers and maximum hospitality – which is why it tops the charts on my value scoreboard.

Its gardens, modern rooms, and peaceful outdoor pool create a calm, boutique feel geared toward couples – and it holds a fantastic 4.5/5 Tripadvisor score.

You can grab seven nights here from £425pp, including flights from London on September 22 with breakfast included (less than £61pp per night!)

The hotel even runs a seamless, direct connection down to the quieter Maria Luísa beach, allowing you to spend your days on one of the Algarve’s most beautiful, sheltered coves without ever having to worry about car parking or expensive taxis.

IF you want to live like an A-lister on your next holiday without paying eye-watering French Riviera prices, you’ll want to check out this Turkish hotspot.

Dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey, Bodrum delivers boutique beach clubs, yacht-packed marinas, and turquoise bays on a budget.

The best part? Holidays here can cost you hundreds of pounds less when compared to its French rival.

According to travel experts at First Choice, holidaymakers who swap St Tropez for Bodrum can save an impressive £440 per person on their trip, which is 43% cheaper.

This is based on comparing a seven-night, all inclusive stay at the four-star Bodrum Holiday Resort and Spa with a week-long stay at the four-star Hôtel Brin d’Azur in St Tropez.

While the St Tropez holiday would cost you £951pp, the Bodrum holiday would cost just £590pp.

Read more on Turkey holidays

TURK NOTE

‘Turkish Disneyland’ opens new waterland with 14 slides and stays are VERY cheap

GO ALL IN

Turkey has crazy cheap all-inclusive holidays this summer – 7 nights from £329pp

And if you’re on a tighter budget, you can even bag yourself a break from £313pp with First Choice.

The holiday savings don’t stop when you land, either.

A three-course meal for two in Bodrum sets you back roughly €46 (£39) compared to €68 (£58) in St Tropez.

Local beers are also more than 50% cheaper, making going out for food and drink around one third cheaper overall.

Everything you’d be looking for in St Tropez – a glamorous waterfront, celeb-spotting, fancy bars and beach clubs – can also be found in Bodrum.

Famous figures including Kate Moss and even Royal Family members have been spotted strolling its glamorous streets.

Beyond the glam beach clubs and sunset cocktails, Bodrum packs in world-class history.

Visitors can explore the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Or you could wander medieval Bodrum Castle, built using stones salvaged from the ancient tomb itself.

Late summer and early autumn are prime times to visit for prices, temperatures and beating the crowds.

Average temperatures sit around a warm 29°C in September, meaning you can soak up the sunshine long after the peak summer rush has passed.

For the ultimate day trip, you can even tick off two countries in one holiday.

Daily ferries zip across the Aegean to the Greek island of Kos in under an hour for just €35 (£30) return – meaning you could eat your breakfast in Turkey and dinner in Greece.

Alternatively, hop aboard a traditional wooden boat at the harbour to sail around hidden coves and quiet swimming spots, giving you a taste of the glitzy sailing life for a fraction of the cost.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

FOR quieter destinations and cheaper prices, a late summer holiday – when kids have gone back to school – is ideal.

And now is the perfect time to book one, whether you want to relax on a beach, sail the ocean, tour wineries or experience some Disney magic.

Trisha Harbord selects ten top trips to enjoy in the UK or abroad, with or without the little ones . . . 

NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISING

SAY goodbye to chores and ride the waves aboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia.

The round-trip from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords, stops at Haugesund, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger, and takes in the Viking region, breathtaking glaciers, lush forests and stunning lakes.

In Olden, try the Loen Skylift, one of the steepest in the world, for an amazing view.

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Britannia is an entertainment centre, with comedy, musical shows, bars, speciality restaurants, sports, a cookery club, kids’ clubs, play areas and a night nursery.

GO: Seven nights’ full-board from £785pp departing Southampton on September 11. See iglucruise.com.

BULGARIAN BLACK SEA ACTION

IF you like an active holiday, Bulgaria’s Black Sea is for you.

Along Sunny Beach, there are watersports galore, catamaran cruises, a theme park, Jeep safaris and biking.

The nearby Tui Blue Nevis hotel offers a multi-sports court for tennis, football and volleyball, pool games, guided walks, arts and crafts, and cooking classes.

Evening entertainment includes singers, acrobats, outdoor cinema and silent disco.

Don’t miss the ancient city of Nessebar, a Unesco World Heritage site.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £579pp including Manchester flights on September 10. See tui.co.uk.

LUXURY GREEK ODYSSEY

WHAT could be more enticing than fabulous food and cool cocktails in a gorgeous Greek island boutique hotel?

The 3* adults-only Nathalie Hotel in Ixia, Rhodes, is small and friendly with rooms that sleep up to four guests.

Or push the boat out and book a Jacuzzi room and Rooftop suite with views over the ocean and spectacular sunsets.

Ixia has a buzzing nightlife, with bars, tavernas and cafes, and is a surfer’s paradise.

Take a bus or taxi to explore the cobbled streets of Rhodes old town.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B from £579pp including flights from Stansted on September 27. See jet2holidays.com.

AND RELAX… WITH THE BELFRY BREAK

TREAT yourself to a relaxing break at one of the UK’s finest country resorts – The Belfry, set in 550 acres of countryside.

The spa has pools, sauna, steam rooms, A Fire & Ice Experience and aroma caves.

The resort has three golf courses, a driving range, restaurants and a cinema room.

A highlight this summer has been surfing simulator WaveSurfer, which will run at weekends during September.

GO: The Pamper or Putt offer is from £259 a night, including dinner, overnight stay, breakfast and your choice of a round of golf on The Derby or a 25-minute spa treatment.

Family two-night B&B weekend offer from £404. thebelfry.com.

LIFE’S A BEACH ON TURKEY’S RIVIERA

THE sun shines 300 days a year on the stunning beaches of Turkey’s riviera.

And the Prime Beach Hotel, in popular Marmaris, has its own private beach.

The 5* resort also offers an aqua park, pools, restaurants and snack bars.

Adults will love the wellness and spa centre, featuring a traditional hammam.

If you can travel for up to three hours, take a day trip to the thermal pools of Pamukkale or ruins of Ephesus, both Unesco World Heritage sites.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £757pp including flights from Luton on September 30. Price includes a free child’s place. See easyjet.com.

BEAT THE QUEUES AT DISNEYLAND PARIS

SEPTEMBER is a fantastic time of year to visit Disneyland Paris, especially if you avoid the weekend for shorter queues.

This year is a big one for the attraction.

The new World Of Frozen has opened in Adventure World, along with Cascade Of Lights, a fireworks, water and drone spectacular.

New for summer are Princess Cavalcade Mickey And The Magician show. Grown-ups will love thrill rides, such as The Twilight Zone: Tower Of Terror  and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the Hotel Santa Fe and three-day park tickets from £831pp, for arrival on September 28. See disneylandparis.com.

CATCH A SEAFOOD FEAST IN DEVON

DIVE down to Devon for two-week festival England’s Seafood Feast, which showcases the county’s culinary qualities and begins on September 21.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham create exclusive tasting experiences, including seven courses over seven hours in seven restaurants by seven local chefs, with seven award-winning drinks.

Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat in Brixham has lodges, caravans and chalets.

GO: Three nights’ self-catering in a two-bedroom lodge is from £369. See landscovecoastalretreats.co.uk and englishriviera.co.uk.

ESSEX HAS A TOUCH OF GLASS

WINE tourism in Essex is booming and the county is now home to 58 vineyards.

Treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the beautiful grounds of Bardfield Vineyard near Braintree and you won’t need to book a taxi home after tasting their rosé, Bacchus or sparkling brut wines.

A tasting tour with ploughman’s lunch costs £40 per person.

Bed down in a rustic cart lodge, with two double en-suite bedrooms and kitchen.

Head to Saffron Grange for sparkling wines, or try the award-winning Tuffon Hall vineyard.

Both tours cost £25 per head.

GO: A cart lodge at Bardfield from £140 a night. See visitessex.com.

YORKSHIRE GOES BARKING MAD

CHEF James Martin will join pooch lovers at DogFest On The Farm at Harewood House, Yorkshire, on September 12-13.

James, who says his cocker spaniel Cooper is his best mate, will be giving cooking demos and dog nutrition advice.

Your four-legged friends can play in the giant ball pit and splash around at a pool party.

Trainers are on hand and there are sheepdog trials and breed meet-ups.

Tickets from £24.50. See dogfest.co.uk.

A perfect base for the festival is the Old Barn, near Harrogate.

GO: Three nights’ self-catering is from £525 for arrival on September 12. See caninecottages.co.uk.

TRY WALES FOR WALKING

WALKING tour company Ramble Worldwide is 80 years old this year.

It offers guided holidays in the UK and abroad for all levels of fitness, including along the beautiful Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coasts.

Ramblers who choose Wales will find clifftop paths, coves and fishing villages, with the chance to see seals, dolphins and porpoises, and Cilgerran Castle.

Groups of ten to 12 are based at the 3* Gwbert Hotel, on the River Teifi, for walks of around ten miles a day.

GO: Five nights’ half board from £699pp for arrival on September 28. See rambleworldwide.co.uk.

IF you still want to book a family summer holiday there’s still time.

But if you want to take advantage of TUI‘s child-free place breaks, you need to act fast.

Families have just 10 days to get free child places on hundreds of summer holidays – there are some for under £2,000 for a family of four.

If you fancy having an August summer break, check out TUI free child place holidays here – and Sun Travel has picked out some good ones too.

HL Rio Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

In Lanzarote, the village-style bungalow is surrounded by palm trees.

It has two swimming pools, themed restaurants, bars and it’s close to the golden Playa Flamingo Beach.

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There are lots of activities all day and into the evening, including an aerial adventure course for kids.

And the Aqualava Water Park which has water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool is next door.

A family of four can head here from August 20-27 with all-inclusive board and return flights to Glasgow from £1780 (including a free kid’s place).

Ponient Marinada & PortAventura Theme Park, Spain

The Ponient Marinada Hotel is in the heart of Salou and has everything to entertain the whole family.

There’s a games zone and a TUI KIDS’ CLUB, outdoor pools and a splash park – and in Salou, the hotel is within 10 minutes from multiple beaches, restaurants, bars and shops.

Kids will love all the rides and water fun at the PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land – you get a free day pass with the hotel and free daily shuttles.

A family of four can head here from August 18-25 with half board and return flights to Aberdeen from £1927 (including a free kid’s place).

Kefalos Beach Village, Cyprus

This spot in Paphos, Cyprus is described as more of a mini village than a hotel – and might be a tiny bit more expensive, but it’s worth it.

It has a swimming pool, kids pool, two bars, two restaurants with landscaped gardens.

It’s close to the promenade which is lined with shops, bars and restaurants – and it’s a 10-minute walk from the Tombs of the Kings.

A family of four can head here from August 20-28 with bed & breakfast board and return flights to London Gatwick from £2293 (including a free kid’s place).

TUI Managing Director Neil Swanson said: “There are genuinely great last-minute deals still available and thousands of free kid’s places left this August, so this is an exciting time to book for anyone who hasn’t yet snapped up a summer getaway.”

“We’re seeing particularly good value across a range of popular European destinations, including Spain, Greece and Portugal. Travellers who can be flexible on their departure date, airport or destination are likely to find the biggest savings”.

The offer ends on August 11 for departures up until August 31.

Only one free kid’s place is available in each selected hotel room or selected apartment type or villa with a minimum of two full paying adults.

YOU don’t need to spend a small fortune to treat the family to a stay at a top holiday park.

These award-winning parks are packed with indoor waterparks, loads of kids activities, coastal views and top quality entertainment.

Plus we found deals for families of up to six for as little as £2.88pp per night.

So whether you’re looking for a staycation in Scotland, an escape to Essex, or a beach break in North Wales, these top-rated resorts deliver non-stop family fun.

Orchards Holiday Village, Clacton-on-Sea

This AA four-star rated Clacton-on-Sea park has an indoor and outdoor pool, mini Segways, a nine-hole golf course, and a summer Football Fun Factory – and that’s just the start.

Put your spare 2p coins to good use in the arcade, or head off on a bike trail for quiet afternoon cycling along the fishing lake.

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Then settle down by grabbing some familiar eats from Papa Johns, Burger King, or the park’s own pub, The Mash and Barrel.

Just 17 minutes away, Clacton Pavilion adds extra thrills with exciting live shows and more than 20 rides. You can grab an unlimited ride wristband for £12.99.

The cheapest deal we found was for a four-night break for four people in November for £49 total, working out to just £3.06pp per night.

Click the button below to browse last-minute summer breaks or to book ahead for quieter seasons.

Book a stay at Orchards Holiday Village from £49

Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire

East Yorkshire’s Thornwick Bay holiday park is ideal for outdoors-y families, with its very own private lake where you can hire pedalos, go kayaking, or try stand-up paddleboarding.

Indoors you’ll find a spacious swimming pool with a multi-lane waterslide, plus an action-packed Activity Barn with climbing walls, archery coaching, and slime workshops.

On sunny mornings, little explorers can hunt for fossils and explore the sea caves down at the bay.

When it’s time to refuel, there’s takeaway favourites like Chopstix noodles, plus sit-down dining options like the Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant. Just make sure to save room for dessert from Bertie’s Ice Cream.

With the dramatic Flamborough Headland’s moss-topped cliffs and breathtaking beaches on your doorstep, there’s endless options for things to do at this coastal holiday park.

It even won the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award last summer, and is rated a five-star holiday park by AA.

We found a four-night stay for four people in September for £49 total, which works out to £3.06pp per night.

Check holiday dates and caravan options by clicking the button below.

Book a stay at Thornwick Bay from £49

Craig Tara, Ayrshire, Scotland

Race down neon-lit slides and flumes at Splashaway Bay – one of Scotland’s largest indoor waterparks – which sits inside Craig Tara holiday park.

Outside of the amazing waterpark, kids can burn off energy at the Adventure Village, where there are aerial ropes courses and a giant six-metre high platform called ‘The Jump’.

Plus with dedicated sensory rooms for toddlers and a huge soft play hall, every single age group is catered to.

With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, Craig Tara delivers the ultimate weather-proof staycation where a bout of rain could never dampen your holiday.

The cheapest deal we found was for a four-night stay for six people in September for £69 total, which is just £2.88pp per night.

Click below to browse holiday dates and caravan options.

Book a stay at Craig Tara holiday park from £69

Golden Sands, Rhyl

Set right in the pretty seaside town of Rhyl, Golden Sands Holiday Park makes a brilliant base for exploring North Wales, and has collected awards from sites such as Hoseasons.

You can easily reach spots like Dyserth Waterfall and historic Gwrych Castle in just a short drive, plus Rhyl itself has its own miniature railway and golden beach.

Back on site, kids can burn off energy with NERF gun battles, an outdoor adventure playground and soft play, or splash around in the indoor pool.

This park also has fantastic evening entertainment, with family-friendly live shows, glow parties, bingo nights and mini discos.

We found a deal for a three-night stay in a comfort chalet sleeping five in September for £157, working out to £10.47pp per night.

Click below to browse dates and book yourself in for a staycation.

Book a stay at Golden Sands from £157

Combe Haven, Sussex

In sunny St Leonards-on-Sea in Sussex, this lively resort is perfect for making a splash, with a huge water complex including a lazy river and a giant Space Bowl flume.

On-site activities range from archery coaching and footgolf to a giant climbing wall.

Head to Cook’s Fish and Chips for a chippy tea, and sea view drinks at The Saxon Bar to unwind in the evenings.

You’re also just 15 minutes from historic Hastings, where you can explore historic Hastings Castle and the underground caves of the Smuggler’s Adventure.

The cheapest deal we found was for a four night stay for six people in September for £69 total, working out at £2.88pp per night.

Click the button below to browse holiday dates, including last-minute summer breaks.

Book a stay at Combe Haven from £69.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

A SMALL but much-loved holiday resort in the UK is set to get a load of new attractions.

Ribby Hall Village near Kirkham, Preston, has announced plans for a new high ropes course, netted play area and outdoor activity zone.

The new attractions would be at the Wildlife Discovery area in the five-star holiday park and also feature a go-kart track.

A new entertainment centre is already approved for the holiday resort as well.

Ribby Hall Village has a range of accommodation including self-catering cottages and an adults-only spa hotel.

Guests also get unlimited access to a family pool with waterslides and an adult pool.

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And much like Center Parcs, you can book onto a number of different activities including heading to the indoor soft play as well as an onsite zoo and wildlife centre.

For more entertainment, there are also a number of daytime and evening shows.

Across the village, guests can head into a number of family restaurants, bars and cafes.

Summer breaks cost as little as £32 per person per night.

One recent visitor said: “Not our first visit to Ribby hall but as usual had a fabulous break with the family – we have chosen Ribby hall over our former choice of Center Parcs as Ribby represents so much better value for money.”

Another visitor added: “Loved it here, obvious comparison is with Center Parcs and I would pick Ribby Hall.”

Fylde Council has not yet announced when they will make a decision on the application.

BUDGET airline easyJet has just released its flights for next summer and you could grab a bargain.

EasyJet‘s Big Seat Release means travellers can now book flights up until September 26, 2027.

Travellers can choose from 140 destinations across Europe and North Africa and can fly from 22 airports.

And package holidays can be booked up to October 31, 2027.

Sun Travel looked at the current cheapest flights available and here are the best offers at the time of publication.

You could head from Newcastle to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, one-way on September 8, 2027, for £26.48.

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Alternatively, from the same airport, you could head to Nice in France for £26.48 one-way.

From Birmingham Airport, you could travel to Paris, France, on June 29 for £29.48 one-way.

Or head to Amsterdam for the same price, on June 15.

If you don’t mind spending a few more quid, there are several flights for £32.48 from the airport, including to Bordeaux on August 26, Berlin on August 30, Prague on June 16 and Geneva on September 8.

There are several flights from Manchester Airport for £32.48 one-way.

These include to Paris on June 22, to Amsterdam on September 7, to Copenhagen on June 15 and to Rennes on June 30.

For a bit of Spanish sun, you can head to Barcelona from Leeds Bradford Airport for £34.98 one-way on June 16.

Or you could head to Porto in Portugal on August 6 from Glasgow for £32.48 one-way.

If you can’t wait for a holiday until then, you can get 15 per cent off selected flights if you book by Friday, for holidays between August 1 and September 30, 2026.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “Whether customers are dreaming of a beach holiday in the Mediterranean, a city break with friends or a family getaway during the school holidays, our Big Seat Release for next summer gives them the chance to get ahead and start planning.”

CAN Butlin’s get any better? Well, apparently so as all three resorts now have new self serve bars for the first time.

Butlin’s at Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness have introduced the new booze bars with beers, ciders, cocktails, spirits and mixers and soft drinks.

There are more than 100 Self-Serve Bars in total.

The introduction makes Butlin’s the first holiday park in Europe to introduce the Boxbar machines.

The bars have been introduced to cut down queues, as well as to get served faster.

In fact, you’d be served in as little as six seconds.

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There are more than 20 drinks options including popular brands, including Madri, Guinness, Smirnoff and even Butlin’s own On The Beach cocktail.

The new bars are available to guests on all family breaks, as well as the adult-only Big Weekenders.

And the drinks are also included on the All Inclusive Drinks package.

Heidi Watson, Head of Innovation at Butlin’s said: “This is an exciting first for Butlin’s.

“Everything we do is about improving the guest experience and our new Boxbar Self-Serve Bars will make a real difference to guests on a family break or a Big Weekender.

“Open in time for the school summer holidays, the bars are designed to reduce wait times and make it quicker and easier for guests to get a drink.

“This means less time queuing and more time enjoying their holiday with family and friends.”

Here’s everything you need to know about a holiday to Butlin’s.

BOOKING a family holiday this summer doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget.

If you’re looking for 30C heat, short flights, and family-friendly resorts all for a cheap price, we’ve got your back.

Despite August being peak school summer holiday season, we’ve managed to find sunny island getaways that are shockingly cheap.

From Canary Island escapes to quiet Greek coastlines, we’ve tracked down five week-long family holidays that all come in at under £290pp.

Gran Canaria – £263pp

Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria is a lively beach resort with golden sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and August temps of up to 30°C.

Perched high on a scenic hilltop, the villa-style Nido del Aguila boasts four swimming pools, including two dedicated kids zones.

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Spacious self-catering apartments come with private terraces, while sizzling poolside BBQs, bike rentals, and evening performances keep everyone entertained.

Best of all, you’re just a five-minute stroll from the Europa Centre’s lively shops, with your pick of two beaches waiting down the hill.

Book a seven-night stay at the Nido del Aguila from August 18 for £263pp

Tenerife – £245pp

Santa Ursula shows off a more relaxed side to Tenerife, with dramatic ocean cliffs and lush green landscapes.

It’s perfect for escaping the mega resort chaos, while still putting you just a 10-minute drive from the beaches of Puerto de la Cruz.

Positioned on a cliffside, Coral La Quinta Park Suites offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Teide and the Atlantic.

Grab local snacks and cheap wine from the supermarket just a minute away for DIY tapas on your private balcony, then spend your days bouncing between the subtropical pool and the on-site mini-golf course.

Book a seven-night stay at the Coral La Quinta Park Suites from August 19 for £245pp

Lanzarote – £255pp

Costa Teguise is one of Lanzarote’s most popular family resorts, pairing year-round sunshine with breezy golden beaches and a laid-back coastal vibe.

It’s ideal for sun-seekers who want easy access to watersports, golf, and oceanfront dining.

Just a two-minute stroll from the sands of Playa Bastian, Molino De Guatiza Apartments is a quiet, 36-room complex made for real relaxation.

You can kick back with a drink from the pool bar or take an easy 10-minute walk into the resort centre for lively bars and tapas.

Book a seven-night stay at the Molino De Guatiza Apartments from August 18 for £255pp

Crete – £289pp

Plakias on Crete’s south coast swaps tacky tourist traps for traditional family-run tavernas, dramatic mountain views, and quiet beaches.

There are plenty of breath-taking landscapes to explore, like sheltered white sand coves and Kourtaliotiko Gorge, which has a waterfall you can swim beneath plus a chapel built into the rock face.

With just 12 rooms on the whole property, Sunrise Hotel & Apartments is about as low-key as a Greek getaway gets.

That means zero fighting for sunbeds by the pool, a handy splash zone for the kids, and a poolside bar for grabbing a cold drink before taking a dip.

Book a seven-night stay at the Sunrise Hotel & Apartments from August 12 for £289pp

Fuerteventura – £249pp

If you like to skip the long transfer coach after landing, Caleta de Fuste sits just ten minutes from the airport around a broad, sheltered bay.

It’s got everything you need for the ideal family holiday: 26C sunshine, relaxex bars and restaurants, and beaches with calm, shallow waters.

The BLUESEA Puerto Caleta is a traditional whitewashed complex centreed around a palm-lined swimming pool.

Here, you’re a five-minute stroll from the nearest beach and only two minutes from the local supermarket – ideal for stocking up your modern apartment’s kitchenette.

Book a seven-night stay at the BLUESEA Puerto Caleta from August 7 for £249pp

Prices correct at the time of publication.

GONE are the days of dingy caravans in the drizzling rain – because the UK’s hottest holiday parks feel more like multi-million pound mega resorts.

Today, the best coastal holiday parks have been transformed into massive, all-action playgrounds that easily rival an overseas holiday.

We’re talking huge parks boasting their own on-site Wetherspoons for cheap family meals, massive indoor waterparks the kids will love and even theme parks right on your doorstep.

Best of all, you don’t need to blow your savings to get in on the action.

We’ve rounded up the ultimate action-packed resorts across the UK, with stays starting from an unbelievable £3.06 per person, per night – which, let’s face it, is probably cheaper than a pint at that on-site Spoons.

Here are the best mega holiday parks to book right now for a budget-friendly family staycation.

Hopton Holiday Village, Norfolk

Haven’s Hopton Holiday Village in Norfolk is hard to beat – especially since it holds the current title for AA’s Holiday Park of the Year.

Fresh from a massive makeover, the park now has its very own Wetherspoons pub – The White Clover – as well as a newly-upgraded pool complex that has literally doubled in size.

This holiday park sits on the golden sands of Hopton-on-Sea, and is just 12 minutes down the road from the legendary Golden Mile of Great Yarmouth.

There you can grab a bag of hot, sugary donuts and stroll the pier, drop spare change into traditional two pence machines, or even tackle Pleasure Beach’s legendary wooden rollercoaster – one of only two in the UK.

When it comes to activities on-site, this site packs in everything from crazy golf and Segway tours, to a heated indoor pool complete with high-speed flumes and slides.

Once the day is done, you can head straight to the buzzing lounge bar to grab a drink and catch the fun-filled Seaside Squad entertainment.

Unity Beach, Somerset

You don’t just get a holiday park stay at Unity Beach in Somerset – you get a holiday park, theme park and a newly-revamped waterpark rolled into one.

Brean Theme Park is the UK’s largest free-entry theme park, and it packs in over 40 attractions – from outdoor rollercoasters and classic dodgems to a splashing log flume.

This summer also sees the reopening of the upgraded Unity Splash waterpark, which included both indoor and outdoor splash zones, waterslides, and rubber ring rides.

Kids can burn energy at the trampoline park, indoor soft play, crossbow shooting, or even axe throwing.

Not the mention you’ve got the epic, seven-mile stretch of Brean Sands beach right on your doorstep.

Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

As the UK’s biggest holiday park – and one of the largest in Europe – Trecco Bay is a colossal coastal playground.

Situated in the seaside town of Porthcawl, here you’ve got a classic promenade, a seaside funfair, and a choice of stunning Blue Flag beaches right on your doorstep.

But there’s no need to leave site when you’ve got a NERF gun battlefield, bumper zorbing, pirate-themed crazy golf, and a Make a Bear station and more to pick from.

Plus the pool complex has high-powered aqua jets that twist you through the water, as well as inflatable jet skis and mini aqua paddler boats for little ones.

Even the pickiest of eaters can find something here, with top-tier high-street brands like Burger King, Papa Johns, Thunderbird Fried Chicken, and Costa Coffee ready to refuel the whole family.

Craig Tara, Ayrshire, Scotland

Haven’s flagship Scottish resort, Craig Tara, is a colossal playground built for non-stop family fun.

This holiday park is home to Splashaway Bay, one of Scotland’s biggest indoor waterparks, which has its own lazy river, multi-lane slides and an enormous tipping bucket.

Kids can race down a speed-tracking flume to see their name on the daily leaderboard, or zip down a twisting waterslide lit up with vibrant neon lights.

Over in the Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village, brave kids can scale the aerial ropes course or take a literal leap of faith from the six metre-high platform ‘The Jump’.

And if that’s not enough, you’ve got the Airspace sports hall, which is loaded with a climbing wall, electronic target zones, and a giant soft play arena.

Toddlers are just as well looked after, with dedicated baby sensory rooms and their own interactive splash zone.

This holiday park makes for the ultimate rainproof staycation, where the unpredictable Scottish weather won’t affect your holiday plans.

Littlesea Holiday Park, Weymouth

If you’re after jaw-dropping sea views and a relaxing, slower-paced park, Haven’s Littlesea Holiday Park is a top choice.

With its own tranquil stretch of sand on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Haven Littlesea overlooks the serene Fleet Lagoon and has natural wonders like the stone arch of Durdle Door right on your doorstep.

On-site, kids can get their hands dirty with guided nature walks and bug hunts, plus there’s also creative pottery classes and lively games of beach bingo.

New additions to the park include the Football Fun Factory and The Tiger Club Show, making its return from the 90’s era of Haven entertainment.

As for food and drink, families can tuck into a pizza at Papa Johns, grab a burger from The Smash Shack, or tuck into some delicious fish and chips from Cook’s.

Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire

Haven’s AA 5 Gold Star-awarded Thornwick Bay sits right on the edge of the dramatic Flamborough Headland, giving you instant access to a breathtaking beach backed by moss-topped cliffs.

This coastal hotspot is a paradise for little explorers, who can spend their mornings rock pooling, hunting for fossils, and poking around hidden sea caves.

You don’t even have to head to the ocean to get out on the water, thanks to a private on-site lake where you can hire pedalos, go kayaking, or try stand-up paddleboarding.

Indoors, the Activity Barn packs in climbing walls, archery coaching, and slime-making workshops, plus there’s an indoor pool complex complete with a multi-lane waterslide.

When it’s time to refuel, you can grab a box of Chopstix noodles or head to the Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant where the kids can play in the garden’s sandpit.

Top it all off with a giant scoop from Bertie’s Ice Cream, and your next summer staycation is completely sorted.

Devon Cliffs, Exmouth

Devon Cliffs is one of Haven’s biggest resorts, sloping right down to its very own award-winning private beach, Sandy Bay, where dramatic red cliffs meet the sea.

This coastal holiday park boasts a massive indoor pool with a speedy four-lane slide, alongside a sea-kayaking and paddle-boarding school right on the shore.

Back up on the cliffs, families can tackle a high ropes course, bounce on bungee trampolines, race mini 4x4s, or hurtle down high-speed rubber ring tube slides.

Eating on a budget is a breeze too, thanks to the park’s on-site Wetherspoons, The Red Rocks.

Parents can also escape for a seaside pint to the beach bar, or grab a bite to eat in the South Beach Cafe for sunsets and sea views.

There’s also two live entertainment venues hosting everything from classic bingo to nostalgic 90’s tribute shows.