Family holidays

Whether you’re looking to book your next summer getaway at a beach resort or a city weekend break, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have released some major deals with up to £400 off

While we might be engrossed in the festivities, with less than a month until Christmas, it’s never too early to start planning for that holiday next year. And this week might be the best time, as Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have released some remarkable deals with savings of up to £400 for a family of four travelling to European hotspots.

Today (28 November) marks Black Friday, with a catalogue of airlines, hotels, and travel booking websites offering significant savings to mark the occasion. This includes Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, which have released huge deals available on all flights and holidays from today.

The leading leisure airline and the UK’s largest tour operator is offering holidaymakers £100 off per person on all holidays on sale across Winter 25/26, Summer 26, Winter 26/27 and Summer 27. This means a family of four can save a whopping £400 for a holiday in Spain or Portugal, and still travel during the school holidays.

This doesn’t just apply to families, but also to couples who book a getaway with Jet2holidays during the Black Friday sale, which could result in a £200 discount. There are also millions of hotels and resorts that offer free accommodations for children, providing even further savings.

The Black Friday deals are applicable to all new bookings made with Jet2holidays, Jet2Villas, Jet2CityBreaks, VIBE by Jet2holidays or Indulgent Escapes by Jet2holidays. This provides even more flexibility to travellers with the option to stay at an all-inclusive beach resort or opt for a quieter getaway in a villa situated in the hills.

But that’s not all. Holidaymakers can also enjoy a 20% discount off all Jet2.com flights on sale. After all, as we’ve all heard amid the tunes of Jess Glynne, “nothing beats a Jet2 holiday”.

Steve Heapy, CEO at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “There is nothing better than knowing you have a holiday booked and something to look forward to. The savings we are offering during our biggest, boldest and best Black Friday event ever means that customers can enjoy the feeling of knowing their holiday is in the diary whilst getting a fantastic deal on a discounted getaway or fare at the same time.

“Whether it is a family holiday, a break with the other half, or a group get together, we know everyone really needs that well-deserved holiday. With deals this good, there is no better time to book, so make sure you do not miss out on our Black Friday sale and get that sunshine boxed up with the nation’s favourite and most trusted holiday provider.”

For more information or to book your next getaway, you can visit the Jet2.com and Jet2holidays websites.

The picturesque European destination only has a population of around nine million people – but it welcomes around 32 million international visitors on an annual basis

A European country has been named the world’s most overcrowded tourist destination – and it might come as a bit of a surprise.

Rather than places like Spain or Greece, which attract holiday-makers in their throngs, there is a landlocked location which welcomes the most visitors per local – Austria. Research carried out by MoneyTransfers.com in 2024 found that for every resident in Austria, there are almost four times the number of tourists, at a ratio of one resident to 3.6 tourists.

The country only has a population of around nine million; however, Austria accepts around 32 million international visitors yearly. Most of the tourists are concentrated in Austria’s capital, Vienna.

READ MORE: Lesser-known ‘eighth continent’ with incredible beaches and crystal watersREAD MORE: Record numbers of Brits flock to Spanish hotspot despite protests

The capital city is the country’s top tourist draw. Known as the ‘City of Dreams’, it’s no wonder so many people are eager to explore it. Top attractions include the Schonbrunn Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and the Museum of Natural History. It is packed with beautiful baroque architecture, historic landmarks and a great nightlife thanks to the bustling bars and restaurants.

But while Vienna is used to catering for huge numbers of visitors, other areas of the country are becoming increasingly popular – but they are not equipped to take on the influx of tourists.

One example is Hallstatt, a small town known for its picturesque Alpine houses, waterfalls and salt lakes, all backed by a beautiful snowy mountain range.

The town, the rumoured inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle in Disney’s Frozen, was previously caught up in a battle with overtourism.

Wooden fences were constructed to obstruct the view of the lake, which had become a famous selfie backdrop, amid attempts to scale back the number of visitors to the area.

But they were later dismantled following backlash on social media. In a statement to local website Upper Austrian News in 2023, Mayor Scheutz said: “The only thing that would help is if the photo point is no longer a photo point.”

The town, a protected Unesco World Heritage site, has seen over a million tourists a year since it was rumoured to be the muse for Frozen.

Before the pandemic, foot traffic in the small town rose to around 10,000 visitors a day, causing Hallstatt’s mayor, Alexander Scheutz, to introduce a cap on the number of tour buses and cars allowed to enter the area.

The town itself only has around 800 residents, leading Scheutz to declare at the time that he’d like to slash tourist numbers by a third.

Looking for the perfect cosy UK countryside getaway this winter? This charming Cotswolds hotel ticks all the boxes, we discovered

Visit Calcot & Spa around this time of year and the first thing you’ll notice upon pulling up is the fragrant smell of log fires. Just outside the honey-coloured town of Tetbury – the Cotswolds’ second largest, and where you’ll find Highgrove House, the private home of King Charles and Queen Camilla – Calcot is the ultimate countryside retreat.

The main house was built in the 17th and 18th century, but records show that one barn dates back to 1311, with dwellings here even as far back as Roman times. Now it’s a luxury spa hotel filled with cosy corners and a keen focus on sustainability; they burn logs made from coffee grounds and old newspapers, a tree is planted every time towels are reused, and they’ve eliminated single-use plastics.

Rooms are comfy and spacious – the tray of complimentary drinks and snacks is a nice touch (including the butteriest homemade shortbread), and I had one of the best night’s sleep in ages in the giant squishy bed.

Dinner can be taken in the elegant Brasserie restaurant (be sure to save room for one of the delicious desserts) or in The Hive, a pub-like space serving more casual bites, and which is better for kids.

In fact, the whole hotel is incredibly family-friendly, while still being a relaxing retreat for those travelling without children (a tricky balance to get right). There are dedicated hours for families in the pool and at The Hive, baby monitors are available to hire, and kids get four hours of free childcare in the nanny-run Playbarn when staying between Sunday and Thursday.

The spa at Calcot

A huge barn-style building a few steps from the main building, Calcot Spa features a light and airy café, indoor pool for lengths, sauna, steam room and snooze-inducing relaxation rooms.

The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the outdoor hydropool by yet another aromatic log fire, which somehow never feels overcrowded. Try to pay it a visit at the end of the day (the spa’s open until 9pm), as it becomes even more magical in the dark.

Top treatment at Calcot & Spa

Six months pregnant at the time, I went for the spa’s New Life New Mum Massage, which started with a back massage lying on each side (I appreciated the long sausage-shaped pregnancy pillow to hug), before turning over onto my back to work on my feet, legs and arms. While the lower back needs to be treated gently when pregnant, I was thrilled to still feel the knots in my neck being expertly loosened. The combination of vanilla-y scent of macadamia nut oil and my therapist’s soothing voice had me nearly nodding off.

What else is there to do at Calcot & Spa?

Calcot is, quite rightly, very proud of its rewilding programme across its 220-acre grounds, which includes wildflower meadows, beehives and a herd of fluffy Belted Galloway cows to graze the fields. Explore it all on the 3km nature trail; comfy Le Chameau wellies are available to borrow by the back door if it’s muddy underfoot.

How much does it cost to stay at Calcot & Spa?

Rooms at Calcot & Spa start from £344 per night.

The resort in Turkey’s Antalya region covers 639,000 square meters and includes a royal-themed hotel with 401 rooms, a theme park right on your doorstep, and even an impressive shopping mall

All-inclusive hotels can be a convenient way to enjoy a family holiday. You don’t need to bring any spending money along, and there’s no need to cook or wash a single plate for the entire stay.

But one drawback can be a lack of things to do. Not everyone enjoys spending every day by the pool or beach, and there’s only so many games you can play with the animation team. But there’s one giant resort in Turkey where you’re almost guaranteed not to run out of activities, as you’ve got a theme park just steps away from your sun lounger.

Land of Legends is located near the city of Antalya, one of the most popular Turkish destinations for British tourists. It’s just minutes away from beautiful sandy beaches and the lively town of Kadriye. It’s possible to get a day pass for Land of Legends, but it’s best explored when staying in the hotel, as there’s just so much to see.

Theme hotel

The Kingdom Hotel has 401 rooms, which have been perfectly designed for family stays. Rooms and suites come with fun features such as TVs with 3D glasses, a PlayStation 4, and a minibar full of soft drinks, which is refilled daily. Each room also features fun, cartoon-style decor and has been designed with thoughtful details, such as rounded edges on the furniture, making it safe for little kids.

You can choose from one-bedroom rooms, interconnected rooms to give you more space and privacy, and a range of different suites. Many rooms also include either a balcony or a terrace where you can soak up some sunshine. There’s even a drying rack for your swimwear when you’re back from the waterpark.

Waterpark and theme park

You’ll likely spend a lot of time in the water if you stay at the Kingdom Hotel. You’ll have access to a range of pools, from the lively to quieter spots. At the activity pool, there’s plenty of space for the kids to splash around, while the infinity pool has warm seawater for a refreshing dip.

Guests have access to Aqua Land, which features a wave pool, rapids, a wild river, and the gigantic Magicone waterslide. Up to four people can ride the Magicone, which leads you through a giant funnel before you drop down below. These rides are open until 7pm in summer, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy them. There’s also the Anjana spa and fitness centre – complete with a sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and whirlpool – so you can relax after a long day at the park.

Of course, if you’re visiting a theme park, you’ll want to know about the rides, especially the rollercoasters. The Hyper Coaster is one of the park’s main attractions, hitting heights of 61 metres and speeds over 70mph. There’s also the Typhoon Coaster, which ends in a drop of 43-metres, straight into the water, so you’ll need to dry off afterwards.

There are also gentler rides, such as the Family Coaster. For little kids, Masha and the Bear: Land of Laughter features rides like the Zippy Zappy Coaster, which even the smallest guests can enjoy. There’s also Bear’s Fun House and kids’ shows in the circus tent.

Food and drink

Depending on who you book with, Land of Legends offers all-in or all-inclusive packages, so make sure you double-check before you confirm your booking. The former includes food, snacks, and soft drinks, but may only cover select local alcoholic drinks, and may be limited to alcohol at meal times. Not all restaurants in the park are included in these packages, so it’s worth checking.

Some popular spots for dining in the park include the Eternia restaurant, a huge buffet with dishes from around the world, and the Nyssa Bar, which is perfect for families with kids, as it has giant screens where they can play Xbox. There are also some 24-hour spots open, such as the Legends Pub.

Shopping Avenue

You won’t even need to leave the resort to buy souvenirs or pick up the essentials. Land of Legends’ Shopping Avenue features over 60 stores, including numerous clothing shops, pharmacies, fast food outlets, cafes, and toy stores. This stylish shopping area also has huge fountains, with colourful fountain shows in the evening, and Venetian-style canals, with regular boat parades. During the summer, many stores open from 10am to midnight, so you can shop at night when it’s cooler.

Find out more about Land of Legends and book a stay or day pass through their official site.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of the best resorts in Wales is arguably one of the most family-oriented, but is it suitable for an adults-only break?

It was recently named the number one holiday park in Wales and third in the entire UK by Which? Magazine for the third year running. But is it suitable for an adults-only break?

The 5-star luxury holiday destination, Bluestone Wales, is set within 500 acres of glorious Welsh countryside in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, and easily rivals Center Parcs for British breaks. It’s hugely popular for summer holidays and weekend breaks, and families arrive in droves to enjoy a wide array of facilities, including a subtropical indoor water park and a pastel-coloured village with a pub, playground, cafes, and a shop.

I’d always wanted to visit, but there was one small issue: I don’t have children. “Who goes to a holiday park without kids?” my bewildered parent friends asked. We came in the off-season, when the unpredictable Welsh weather could go either way, and the question was simple: would Bluestone feel awkward for adults on a child-free break, or could two grown-ups have a perfectly lovely time without a single Jellycat in sight?

Check-in

After a breezy two-hour journey from Cardiff, the drive up check-in was impressively quick and efficient. I was expecting 4-mile tailbacks getting in.

Guests can enjoy the site’s facilities from 11am, which breaks up arrivals and is ideal for parents desperate to plonk the kids in the pool after an arduous car journey. We were directed to the ‘arrivals lodge’, where a smiling staff team presented us with our key cards and digital welcome pack and sent us off for our golf cart briefing and collection.

The lodge

We’d been assigned one of the resort’s fancier options, the Solva Lodge, located in a quiet, suburb-like corner of the park dotted with colourful cottages and large cabin-style lodges. The resort’s accommodation offerings really have considered every group size and budget.

Our swish, single-storey lodge frankly surpassed my expectations. It had spacious open-plan living, bi-fold doors, a master bedroom with an en-suite, and a private patio.

It also had a well-equipped kitchen complete with everything one could need for self-catering, from ample plates and cooking utensils to a dishwasher and microwave. I couldn’t wait to assemble a bougie charcuterie board.

Frankly, it was way fancier than I was expecting from a British holiday park. As an elder millennial, most of my holiday park experience came in the form of a bargain, caravan-style ‘Sun Holiday’, paid for in tokens from the paper.

The site

Before we could even unpack, we needed a game plan. Where does one begin in a vast holiday park filled with family-friendly activities?

Do you hit the waterpark first? Or stake out the spa for a soak and a glass of fizz? We compromised, a slow exploratory lap around the resort in the golf buggy, waving at fellow guests, like giddy retirees on a joyride.

You’ll need a buggy to get around the largely car-free site. Bluestone is enormous, with lakes, woodland, an activity ‘hive’, a tropical pool, and a cutesy pastel-coloured village to navigate. Just be sure to follow the one-way system, or you’ll have to reverse up a hill at 5 miles an hour like we had to.

The pool

After unpacking, we decided to brave the pool for our first ‘holiday activity’ and braced ourselves for battling with kids for first dibs on the flumes.

Bluestone’s ‘Subtropical Paradise’ is one of the resort’s main highlights, and it’s easy to see why. Cocooned by a wooden roof shaped like an upturned coracle, it’s a balmy all-weather hub with a large, temperature-controlled pool, a lazy river, flumes, spa pools, and a ‘Nippers Cove’ for the kids.

For families, there are bookable swim classes, including ‘water babies’ for children under three, and there’s a lively ‘pirate takeover’ with music and inflatables that sounds joyous.

Kids who are confident swimmers can also try the popular ‘Merschool’, where they’ll be transformed into mermaids. I was tempted to ask what the age limit was for this.

We arrived at the pool in the late afternoon, peak time for throwing the kids in the waves to burn off energy, so we fully expected a ‘last days of Rome’ situation, but with more rubber rings.

We were pleasantly surprised that several adults appeared to be swimming without kids, and the ambience was very chill. It was really rather calm for a holiday resort pool, another bonus for visiting off-peak.

Admittedly, you can feel self-conscious at first, entering a vast family pool without a couple of kids in tow, but after the first rounds of waves, we were soon bobbing on the lazy river and doing half-assed lengths for ‘fitness’.

Outside, there were warm spa pools, where we sat with several parents who had stolen a few moments to enjoy blissful Cocomelon-free silence.

“I left them with their dad in the waves”, a mother whispered to me. “He’ll cope.” I nodded in solidarity, as if I, too, had a child somewhere being supervised by a bearded hipster dad with a pool noodle.

There were still children, obviously; it’s not suddenly an adults-only lido, but the ratio was in our favour. During our swim session, we witnessed no full-scale shrieking water fights, lifeguards shouting into megaphones, or pool evacuating ‘faecal incidents’, the horror!

There was just a gentle background soundtrack of splashing and kids having a marvellous time on the flumes. Off-peak Bluestone, it turns out, is remarkably chill, and we scheduled more ‘pool time’ into our weekend plans.

The pub

After the swim, it was naturally time for the pub, so we dropped the buggy back at the lodge (Bluestone frowns upon drink-driving golf carts) and walked to The Knights Tafarn, in the heart of the resort’s twee village.

Located near the kids’ playground, this pub has proper ‘family vibes’, with pub grub classics like burgers, curries, sausage and mash, along with a decent children’s menu.

We sat outside in the rare Welsh sunshine, sipping Bluestone’s own G&Ts (yup, they even make their own gin here) while a live reggae band jammed.

Children bopped along, jovial parents queued patiently for the very affordable hog roast, and the wholesome atmosphere was akin to a modern, middle-class version of Hi-de-Hi! No wonder families enjoy coming here.

Places to eat

There are several eating options at Bluestone, including Oak Tree Restaurant, which serves Italian classics “made with Welsh love,” the family-friendly Farmhouse Grill, and the nutrition-focused NRG Lab Café, located in the Hive.

Over at the Black Pool Mill, you’ll be treated to dishes created from some of Pembrokeshire’s best produce. Located off the Bluestone resort in leafy Minwear Wood, this ‘heritage dining experience’ was once the site of an 18th-century iron furnace and forge.

The Grade II* listed Georgian building was built to use water power to grind wheat for flour. Machinery inside the building was installed in 1901 and has been preserved as part of Pembrokeshire’s industrial heritage.

There is a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and small plates, utilising fresh produce and seasonal ingredients sourced from the local area. The standout, in my opinion, is the upscale Sunday Lunch, which starts at £26 for two courses that we decided to sample, for journalistic purposes.

Starters set the tone: beef cheek croquettes with lasagne mayo (yes, that’s a thing and yes, it works), parmesan crackling and red pepper, or courgette pakoras with lime pickle mayo, coriander and mango gel.

For meat lovers, the headline act is the roasted Welsh topside of beef: perfectly pink, as it should be. In my opinion, well-done beef is a culinary war crime and should lead to kitchen banishment.

My Yorkshire pudding was decently sized and accompanied by maple-glazed root vegetables, roast potatoes, seasonal greens, and swede and sweet potato mash. The gravy-to-meat ratio was also spot on, which, as far as I’m concerned, is the true test of any roast.

My husband opted for roasted Welsh pork loin with sausage and herb stuffing and declared it “the best decision I’ve ever made,” which I’m trying not to take personally.

Having been on many trips with kids present, I think the obvious bonus of an adults-only break is that you can eat when you want (I know, a radical concept).

There are no militant mealtimes dictated by toddlers who must dine at 5:01 sharp lest civilisation collapse. Instead, you can book a table for 8 p.m. and eat at a reasonable hour.

You’ll need to bring your appetite for this lunch. It was so filling that we cancelled our post-lunch swim in favour of a nap, which is possibly the most middle-aged sentence I’ve ever written.

The spa

Between coffee shop visits, walks and lazy mornings, we managed to fit in a few more ‘grown-up’ pursuits at Bluestone, starting with The Well Spa Retreat.

Delivered by an award-winning team of therapists, this swish spa is suitable for individuals 14 years old plus and is an indulgent escape for adults who need some me time. Upon arrival, you’re handed a towel and a plush robe, which immediately elevates you from holiday-goer to spa royalty.

This is where I find myself on a Saturday afternoon. Instead of emerging from under the duvet sporting a raging hangover like I used to in my 20s, I’m in a spa ‘sea salt cave’.

As much as I used to roll my eyes at anything I perceived as woo-woo, I’m now part of a growing cohort concerned with wellness, and instead of slamming sambuca shots, I now book sauna sessions and ice bath dips like a budget Gwyneth Paltrow. Nineteen-year-old me is judging so hard.

As a spa convert, I have to say I’m impressed. The Celtic Thermal Suite is clearly the centrepiece: a series of six interconnected pods that invite you to hop between hot, cold, and steamy experiences with your crew.

One minute you’re inhaling herbal scents in a steaming room, the next you’re rubbing ice over your limbs in the chilly ice Pod, before heading into a brick sauna or the intense Celtic Sauna infused with the subtle scent of Pembrokeshire bracken.

It’s a circuit designed to awaken, detoxify, and recalibrate your body, though, in practice, it mostly feels like gloriously permitted laziness. Mist, heat, ice, repeat, followed by a glass of fizz, for wellness.

During my sauna and steam hopping, my mind floated somewhere between a meditative state and a mild panic about whether my mascara was sliding off my face, as I had, of course, forgotten to remove it.

Every pore was open for business. I was sweating from places I didn’t even know had sweat glands. But I felt something like peace, or possibly dehydration, in that moment. Either way, it worked. I was full of zen and really in the market for a glass of prosecco or a very reasonably priced cocktail.

Want further indulgence? Treatments are an optional extra but worth every penny. You can book everything from bamboo massages and deluxe pedicures to signature massages, personalised facials, or the indulgent seaweed bath experience.

We chose the seaweed bath and emerged feeling fully human again, less swamp creature and more vaguely elegant adult. The bath is infused with Welsh sea salt and over eighty-five pure minerals, plus sustainably hand-harvested seaweed from the Pembrokeshire coast by Câr-y-Môr.

The experience detoxifies, improves skin tone, and moisturises like nothing else. It’s anti-ageing, anti-cellulite, and supremely relaxing, all in one steaming, mineral-rich tub. What a lovely treat.

Outside, the hydrotherapy pool is where the real magic happens. It has warm water, gentle jets, and, crucially, no children yelling “I did a wee in the pool.” It’s blissfully serene.

Around us, other adults were clearly unwinding too, even though the hen party was restrained, and no dodgy inflatables or body glitter were in sight.

For a while, the only soundtrack was the faint hum of jets, bubbles, and the occasional sigh of absolute contentment. By the time we left, slightly pruney and fully restored, it was obvious why the spa is a top highlight for Bluestone visitors.

Other activities

Outside of the spa, there are other wholesome wellness activities to enjoy, including scenic woodland trails to stomp along. Clearly, as a holiday resort, most of the activities here are family-oriented. There is archery, laser tag, kayaking, biking and bowling.

Many activities are centred around ‘The Hive’, an indoor play and activity hub that will keep the kids entertained for hours. There’s messy play, soft play, a play tower, an airmaze, and a multi-court arena for ball games.

The Serendome is equally impressive. Housed under a giant transparent dome, this unique indoor-outdoor adventure play area offers high-thrill activities like an aerial ‘sky walk’ consisting of a climbing frame built over seven towers with 24 bespoke climbing stations spread across three levels.

As we passed by, I felt a pang of envy. Back in my day, ‘holiday park entertainment’ meant a patchy lawn, a rusty swing set, and a strong imagination. Serendome would have blown my mind as an eight-year-old.

We decided to try kayaking, as it seemed like the most appropriate activity without children in tow. Obviously, the ‘air maze’ would have been my first choice. It sounds bloody amazing.

Kayaking and SUP sessions take place on the serene waters of Bluestone’s private lake, which is surrounded by beautiful wildlife and woodland.

There was a strong family vibe as we set off from the dock, as endlessly patient parents guided cute and delightfully uncooperative kids around the lake. “No, we mustn’t stoke the ducks, Hugo.”

For experienced paddlers like us, it was a very tame session, but it’s clearly designed for beginners, so we just had a slow lap around, regretting our decision not to bring ‘gin tinnies’ aboard our vessels.

Of course, being near the coast, Blustone is ideally positioned for more high-octane activities like coasteering and sea kayaking. Just a short drive away, you’ll find a mile of coast path, secured bays, and plenty of activity companies offering equipment hire and even guided sessions.

The verdict

As our time drew to a close, it was time for a verdict. I think that the beauty of Bluestone is that you don’t have to leave the site if you don’t want to. Everything is here.

Hop on a buggy, and you’re minutes away from woodland trails, a swimming pool, pubs, restaurants, a swanky spa, and a host of activities. Being car-free means it’s also very safe to let the little ones free-range if you’ve come with the family.

Spacious lodges and cottages also make this a great option for gathering your squad for a grown-up break with everything on site, especially if you’re looking for a spa escape where you can actually all stay together rather than in individual hotel rooms.

By the end of the weekend, I’d gone from mild sceptic to full Bluestone convert. What I’d assumed would be a glorified kids’ camp turned out to be a low-effort, high-reward getaway I didn’t realise I needed. It also turns out we’re not the only ones who think so.

According to the Bluestone team, so far this year, around 12.5% of all bookings (over 4,000) are adult-only, with no children or infants, which honestly really surprised me. but it seems plenty of adults are living their best holiday park life.

Of course, it’s worth noting that the park is still very much geared towards families. The pools, activities, and the Hive are designed for little humans to run riot, and that’s part of its appeal.

But if you can accept a few shrieks in the distance, it’s quite nice to have a weekend in a lovely lodge, with a pool, spa, and pub all within walking or buggy distance. You can also plan as much or as little as you like, and the logistics that normally plague UK getaways are fairly seamless.

Price-wise, it’s probably on the higher end for a Welsh break, but there are ways to make it more palatable. Midweek breaks often come with good deals, and if you’re going as a group, splitting the cost of a lodge makes it surprisingly affordable. Bonus: without children, you don’t have to factor in the extra cost of activities, so there’s more cash for spa treatments. Win!

Honestly, I’m already plotting a return visit with the girls this time. The plan? Cheese, wine, robes, and absolutely no itinerary. Maybe the odd spa session, though, for wellness.

I think my main takeaway is that Bluestone isn’t just for families corralling small children into armbands and softplay sessions. They can also be for adults craving a low-stress break where the pool is warm, the pub is a short stroll away, and for a few days at least, dreary life admin and emails can be forgotten. I’m sold.

Portia Jones was a guest of Bluestone. For prices and booking, visit bluestonewales.com

A record number of families in England were fined in the last school year for unauthorised holidays

Parents considering taking their children on holiday during term time have been cautioned that it could prove more costly than expected. A record number of families in England were fined during the last academic year for unauthorised absences.

Over the past school year, more than 443,000 fines were handed out to parents who removed their children from school during term time for holidays, marking a 53 per cent rise compared to pre-Covid levels. Many families point to the exceptionally high prices of breaks during official school holidays, especially for trips abroad.

Attitudes towards school attendance are also believed to have relaxed following the Covid-19 pandemic. Before the outbreak, local authorities issued just 288,000 penalty notices in the 2018/19 academic year, reports Bristol Live.

The escalating issue was discussed in Parliament in October this year. However, with some councils increasing penalties for non-attendance, Alvaro Iturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, cautioned that the true cost to parents could exceed initial expectations.

“For many families, taking a term-time holiday can seem like an appealing way to cut costs. Our research found that parents or guardians say they saved £567 on average, especially as prices often surge during peak school breaks.”

“That’s as our research also found that UK parents and guardians were issued £41 million in fines for term-time holidays between 2022 and 2024 by local councils. Fines are typically issued per child, per parent, and what might start as an £80 fine can quickly rise to £160 for a two-parent household in England, with costs multiplying further for families with more than one child.

“Over half (56%) of parents and guardians said the main reason they take the risk and travel during term time is because it’s cheaper outside of school holidays. While a third (33%) of parents believe that travel is just as important as formal education, and 14% admitted they booked before realising the school term dates.

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“However, if term-time travel becomes a regular occurrence, councils have the power to take legal action. That’s why we created a school fines calculator to help parents get clarity on the potential costs and local authority rules before making any decisions. Regardless of when you travel, family holidays can be very expensive, and for families facing fines it’s one more cost added on top of an already pricey getaway.”

Studies indicate families are forking out nearly £400 extra per person on getaways taken during school time. This has led Paul Whiteman – general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers – to conclude that penalties are failing to discourage parents.

“For many families the threat of a fine is not acting as a significant deterrent in the way the government hoped it would. This is largely due to the exorbitant charges for holidays outside of term time,” Whiteman said. “We have long-argued that fines are a blunt tool for tackling this issue and the data appears to bear this out once again.”

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

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

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

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

1. Yes, there are some great deals

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

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

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

2. Availability is better

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

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

3. It’s easier to budget

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

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

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

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

4. You can lock down popular annual leave dates

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

5. Enjoy the holiday excitement for longer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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