The website Travelsupermarket has looked at where families can save hundreds of pounds on their week in the sun this summer
Research has found big price differences between popular summer destinations for Brits (Image: Kennedy News/Svetlana Zlbrova)
Bulgaria has emerged as the top spot for a bargain summer getaway this year, families have been advised.
With January’s peak booking season in full swing, website TravelSupermarket revealed what it says are the most affordable countries for those planning an all-inclusive sunshine holiday in 2026. Bulgaria claimed the top spot, with an average of £760 per person for a week-long stay. In second place was Morocco, at an average £852 per person for seven nights, then Malta at £862.
The data was based on analysing family holiday searches conducted between October 5 last year and last week, for travel between May and September 2026. It found big price differences across popular destinations.
Looking across 13 popular destinations, the average price of a week in Bulgaria has fallen by £54 per person – or 7% – since last summer. At the other extreme, Cyprus was found to be the most expensive in the selection, at £1,186 per person.
Spain, ever popular with Brits, and including the Balearic and Canary Islands, ranked fourth in this year’s list, at £888 per person, with prices remaining virtually unchanged from 2025. Turkey was in 11th place, costing an average £1,057, with Greece in 12th position at £1,096.
Croatia is 10th cheapest for this summer, at an average £1,046 person. But the cost of typical break to the country has tumbled by 12% since last year, making it £136 cheaper this summer.
Travelsupermarket also looked at where families looking to head long-haul could get the most bang for their buck. It found Cape Verde offered the best value, at £1,247 per person, followed by the United Arab Emirates (£1,297), then the Dominican Republic (£1,664), and Mexico (£1,694).
Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket said: “Bulgaria looks set to reclaim its crown as the go-to bargain all-inclusive destination.
“Despite the increases, Tunisia and Morocco remain firmly in the top five cheapest countries, so families can still find excellent value there. Croatia had been starting to get a reputation as a pricey destination, especially since adopting the Euro in January 2023, so this 12% price drop is really good news for families who were beginning to feel priced out of this beautiful destination.”
Cheapest short-haul summer holiday destinations for 2026
The family-friendly holiday park operator is offering the package to visitors who want to avoid cooking and washing up during their stay, with three meals a day included in the price
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
A family of four can enjoy an all-inclusive break for under £400(Image: Publicity Picture)
Holiday park operator Parkdean Resorts is launching an all-inclusive package at 42 of its UK-based parks during selected dates in 2026 with prices from just £25 a day for adults.
The package will include three meals a day, unlimited soft drinks, and all-you-can-drink Costa Coffee. After trialling the package at ten parks in 2025, the option to book an all-inclusive break will be extended to over 40 of its parks during spring and early summer.
The upgrade will be available for those booking four-night breaks between Monday and Friday on dates between February 16 and March 23, April 20 and May 18, or June 1 to July 13. The price starts at £25 per adult and £10 for children, while a four-night caravan holiday costs from £89, meaning a family of four could enjoy a midweek break that includes all meals and accommodation for under £400.
To book an all-inclusive break, all holidaymakers need to do is add the option when checking out on the Parkdean website. There’s also an option to add all-inclusive dining to your break once you arrive at the park, if you’re not quite sure about upgrading.
Parkdean have revealed the list of parks that’ll offer the all-inclusive package, and it includes family-friendly destinations such as Cornwall, Dorset, the Isle of Wight, and the Lake District, giving plenty of choices of places to stay.
Andy Edge, Chief Marketing Officer at Parkdean Resorts, said: “Following the huge success of our trial at ten parks in 2025, we are rolling out our all-inclusive offer to a total of 42 holiday parks this year – making us one of the largest providers of all-inclusive UK holiday park breaks.
“Families of four can save over £300 by going all-inclusive, making this an extremely cost-effective option for families seeking action-packed breaks in some of the UK’s most scenic and sought-after locations.”
List of Parkdean Resorts parks offering all-inclusive breaks:
Our writer Ben Whisson visited Haven’s Devon Cliffs Holiday Park in November and discovered that off-season breaks offer brilliant family fun
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
We discovered the joys of an off-season caravan holiday(Image: Haven)
As I embarked on a three-night getaway to Haven’s Devon Cliffs site in November, I was slightly apprehensive about what an off-season UK holiday park might have in store. However, as my wife, young son and I pulled up to the park’s entrance, any worries were quickly laid to rest.
Upon check-in, we navigated through the expansive grounds to find our lodge, which would serve as our base for a weekend packed with thrilling activities and lively entertainment.
The handy Haven app allowed us to manage our booking and plan activities before even setting foot in the park. Despite visiting during the quieter season, there was no shortage of things to do – from a ‘Make A Bear’ party and an Aerial Adventure to their Football Fun Factory and Ranger Activities.
With a mix of complimentary and paid activities, there’s truly something for everyone. Moreover, a Haven PlayPass grants you 14 sessions at the site’s indoor pool throughout your stay, reports OK!. We specifically chose this site for its swimming facilities, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Entertainment at Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park
Given the timing of our visit, I expected the entertainment offerings to be somewhat limited – but I couldn’t have been more mistaken. The park boasted two entertainment venues, each offering a plethora of options from morning till night. With full-scale pantomimes, karaoke, and a host of fun and games for both children and adults, I was thoroughly impressed by the variety on offer.
Our caravan was well kitted out for whipping up home-cooked meals (which we did) – but we also had the opportunity to try the broad range of food options at the park. With Slim Chickens, Chopstix and Papa Johns among the outlets on site, we were spoilt for choice. The entertainment venues boast bars, plus there’s a sports bar and even a Wetherspoons.
Accommodation at Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park
We lodged in a spotless Emerald grade lodge, which was beautifully presented, featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a cosy lounge/kitchen area. It had parking for two cars and was just a short stroll from the centre of activity on the site. The icing on the cake was the outdoor decking that encircled the lodge, which – during the fleeting moments of sunshine – allowed us to fully appreciate the view of the Devon coast.
With a beach accessible from the park, a snug lodge and everything you could need for an action-packed break – whenever you decide to visit – Haven’s Devon Cliffs park surpassed our expectations. Despite a typically rainy November weekend, the multi-skilled entertainment team and staff brought the sunshine for us and our little lad – and we’ll definitely be returning for more.
How much does it cost to stay at Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park?
Four-night breaks off-peak in March and April at Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park start from £99 staying in a Saver grade caravan. The park reopens in March 2026.
Lauren Burnison’s life has changed significantly since she quit drinking in 2016. Now the Perthshire, Scotland mum runs alcohol-free travel company We Love Lucid
10:36, 05 Jan 2026Updated 10:37, 05 Jan 2026
Lauren Burnison runs the UK’s first alcohol free travel company
While many of us will be feeling the excesses of Christmas and New Year’s, fewer will have taken things as far as Lauren Burnison did back when she was drinking.
After growing up in Belfast in the grips of the Troubles, where a “blanket of fear” hung over everything, Lauren “bounded headlong into a void of self-loathing and addiction”. She left home and moved to Edinburgh and Buenos Aires during her years of “chaos”.
On New Year’s Eve 2002, things came to a heady, violent peak when her “testosterone-fuelled gang of twenty-something-year-old” pals clashed with some strangers on a booze-fueled bender on the streets of Argentina.
Today, things could not be more different for Lauren.
Having long left Argentina behind, the 41-year-old quit alcohol in 2016 and embarked on an epic world trip. “I’d done a lot of travelling in the past, but this time it was different. This time, I was seeing life through the clear lens of lucidity,” she explained.
“Towards the end of my trip, I stumbled across a quaint little Andalusian town called Ronda, in southern Spain. It was there that I was inspired to create alcohol-free travel experiences.”
Over the past decade, Lauren has been channelling this newfound lust for life into We Love Lucid – a company that organises teetotal group trips, which claims to be the UK’s first alcohol-free travel company.
“Our trips are geared towards sober solo travellers who are looking for a new challenge and who want to connect with others like them. The focus is on connection and creating new and unforgettable experiences that don’t revolve around booze,” she explains.
Going booze-free has also changed Lauren’s family holidays.
“I recently embarked on a two-month road trip in Spain and Portugal with my four-year-old daughter. My motivation for the trip was partly to escape the dark Scottish winter, but it’s also an opportunity to expand our horizons and do something that challenges us,” the Perthshire woman explained.
“What I’m enjoying most about the trip is spending the majority of our time outdoors. It’s a brilliant tonic for mental health, and something I want to do more of when we get back to the UK. We prepare our meals outside and we eat outside under the stars. My daughter spends her days playing with other children and animals while I get on with the basic chores of cooking and washing, along with writing and making driftwood art. Sometimes, we head out to explore the local surroundings. Last week we visited the remains of an ancient Roman city in Extremadura, Spain. It was fascinating!
“The best days are the ones we haven’t planned, like an impromptu trip to the beach. We’re especially looking forward to the Big Wave surfing competition in Nazaré, where surfers tackle waves up to 100ft high.”
Had the single mum still been drinking, such a trip would “be almost impossible”, in part due to the hangovers, Lauren says. Not drinking has also freed up cash to spend exploring the world.
“There’s so much to do. We meet a lot of different people on the trip, and many ask why I don’t drink, so the topic comes up quite a lot. In fact, it has led to some interesting conversations and friendships. This year, I will celebrate ten years of sobriety, which is hard to believe sometimes. My sobriety is my biggest priority in life. Without it I wouldn’t be doing any of this.”
While plans for the coming year aren’t yet finalised, 2026 promises to be a big one for We Love Lucid. They will likely include a group climb up Mount Toubkal in Morocco, and a women’s-only journey along the Portuguese section of the Camino de Santiago, to raise funds for the She Recovers Foundation.
You can follow Lauren’s travels on her Substack and find out more about We Love Lucid on her website.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
If you’re planning a family holiday, the chances are a place like Venice won’t be at the top of your list. The city is known for history and heritage, drama and adventure, romance and mystery – but it probably isn’t the kind of place you would think of taking a young family for a week or two.
There is one way to fix that: Eurocamp. Eurocamp is a holiday company that arranges self-catering camping holidays in Europe, providing pre-sited homes in partner campsites, offering a mix of outdoor relaxation and on-site activities like pools, kids’ clubs, and sport. Think Spain, France, Portugal – in fact, more than 400 locations, including Croatia, Switzerland and Germany.
Effectively, a Eurocamp turns any holiday into a family-friendly adventure, and the same goes for our two-week adventure in Lido, just across the lagoon from Venice. Eurocamp has eight sites near Venice, primarily on the Cavallino-Treporti peninsula. The parks offer direct access to the Venetian Lagoon, with popular options including Marina di Venezia and Union Lido, featuring extensive pool complexes and family-friendly activities.
We stayed at the 60-hectare beach resort Union Lido, founded in 1955 and named the first five-star campsite in Italy. The park is effectively a whole gated town – with two huge water parks inside as well as a fully-equipped spa with an indoor/outdoor infinity pool looking out across the lagoon. There are around two dozen shops on the site – including two supermarkets – and a dozen cafes, bars and restaurants. There are outdoor pools and play areas and multiple entertainment venues – including an outdoor theatre and activity spaces.
In short, you could easily spend three weeks inside the resort and never run out of things to do, or you can use it as a base to explore the area – including Venice.
We flew into Marco Polo Airport and from there, there are a number of options to get to Union Lido – as well as regular buses you can get a taxi, and of course water taxis will run you into Venice. You can hire a car, and many Eurocamp sites are made much better if you have access to your own transport. But Union Lido is well connected by public transport. We were at the resort in about 50 minutes. Our accommodation was similar to that we’ve found at other Eurocamp resorts, a clean, well-equipped modern lodge with a lounge/kitchen/dining space, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large outdoor area perfect for eating or just resting after a busy day. Some of my favourite memories of the holiday are the family meals we ate at the outdoor table before playing cards with a few drinks and waiting for the sun to go down.
The cabin also had air conditioning, a blessing when almost every day for our break was glorious sunshine and nudging 30C.
While the resort is large, you can easily get around on foot with very little traffic on site – and if you like, you can use the landtrain, or hire bikes. One tip, you can hire bikes from the camping store across the road from the main entrance, and it will work out a little cheaper. The same goes for all the facilities on the site. If you’ve stayed at any holiday site like this before you will know there is always a little premium to be paid for food, drink etc. If you want to save some money there are discount supermarkets near the park – which you can reach by bus or car. But the prices on site really aren’t over-inflated.
We made up a lot of our meals with bread from the on-site bakery, fresh fruit and vegetables from the grocery and meats and cheeses from one of the shops. There are few things more fulfilling than walking down to one of the cafes in the early morning and grabbing a hot, fresh Italian coffee or two for a couple of Euros. And if you happen to fall into the bakery for a fresh pastry on the way back, accidents happen.
For lunch or in the evenings, there is a place that will make you authentic pizzas to grab and take away just next to one of the big pool complexes. It’s hard not to spend all your time at the resort – we tried all the pools, including the massive new water slides and lazy river, hot tubs, wave pools and water fitness activities. We tried several restaurants and cafes – from a full meal overlooking the Atlantic to light bites in the evening while live music was playing. And we caught a lot of shows and parties – including two right on the beach with more live music, light shows, tribute acts and a festival atmosphere.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The pools can get busy, so if you want a chair, you will need to head down early, but you can also just take your own towels and sit in the shade of trees on the grass or artificial beaches. And don’t forget the real beaches – planet of space for sunbathing as well as sports and games, or hire a pedalo to go out to sea.
There are also events every day, from children’s shows and activities to markets and entertainment. But as incredible and immersive as the resort is, we really came to see Venice – and as mentioned, the resort is ideally located as a base to explore.
You can buy tickets at the resort and a bus will pick you up from the main entrance. It’s a short run to Punta Sabbionio, where a ferry will take you across the lagoon into St Mark’s Square in the heart of Venice. We spent days exploring the ancient city – pre-booked tickets mean you can skip the queues and take a look inside the Basilica, or climb the belltower. You can also just wander the streets, follow the crowds towards the Rialto Bridge and its huge market, and of course the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge’s Palace and a dozen other world-famous sights.
Don’t be afraid to just wander the back streets and explore. The further you get from the main tourist areas, the cheaper (and more authentic) the food, drink and experience will be. We spent hours travelling across the city, stopping at little cafes for a drink or snack, or grabbing food from a little trattoria. We’d been to Venice twice before – years ago – and we were apprehensive about the crowds, but despite our trip being in the middle of August, it was surprisingly quiet.
The last time we were there, we had to queue to walk through St Mark’s Square, and a lot of streets were crowded. This time it was nowhere close to that. There are tourist taxes to pay now, a few Euros a day, and that combined with a ban on cruise shops in the city seems to have cut the numbers down. The Rialto Bridge was the only place it seemed really busy – with tourists stopping to get the perfect picture. And we noticed that many more of the shops now are tourist traps – selling the same imported Chinese glass ornaments.
But as mentioned, get off the main drag and within a few steps you will find authentic Venice. We didn’t opt for a 90 Euro gondola ride. Inside, we picked up a traghetto – a traditional gondola and gondolier, that took us across the canals for two Euros each. The taxis are in place to carry people across the water where there are no nearby bridges, and offer the same gondola experience – but actually take you somewhere useful rather than just going in a loop. So we took a traghetto across to the Dorsoduro district – home to the Guggenheim collection and the Gallerie dell’Accademia. It is even less crowded and more ‘authentic’ with a lively atmosphere and beautiful waterfront locations to sit and watch.
We also used the vaporetti to get around, the water buses that glide from island to island and along the Grand Canal – the best way to get to places like Murano and Burano. Murano should not be missed, the traditional glassmaking hub of Venice you can watch the traditional craft in action and find plenty of genuine, unique pieces to buy. A walk along the canal here will leave you feeling renewed.
We went into the heart of Venice a couple of times during our stay – visiting some of the main sites, including the DaVinci museum, and digging out TikTok-famous must-sees like the Acqua Alta bookshop and the Despar supermarket built inside a church in the Cannaregio district. If it does all get too much, keep walking along the canal from St Mark’s and you will find the Royal Gardens. Lush greenery in the heart of the city that offer a quiet sanctuary and shade.
But there are plenty of other places to visit, other than Venice, that are just as easy to get to – and not as challenging on your wallet.
If you take the bus from the Union Lido in the other direction, you will end up in Jesolo. The town is home to miles of golden beaches and is the place where people from Venice, and across Italy, come to spend their holidays. It is home to the longest shopping street in Europe, and we walked a good chunk of it – stopping in cafes for cooling drinks and refreshments.
The town is also famous for its sand art, huge sand-built sculptures in the centre that form a unique and impressive trail worth following. And there are tourist attractions. We visited the Tropicarium – part indoor zoo, part aquarium and hugely impressive. It is well worth the entrance fee and will keep any family entertained for hours with everything from sharks and huge lizards to butterflies and penguins. There are more than 400 species at the site, including monkeys, turtles and geckos. And there is a family-friendly science museum directly opposite, as well as an observation wheel.
Between there and Union Lido you will find several towns, with ancient churches and traditional markets. And the lagoon and peninsula are havens of unique wildlife with green spaces and places packed with interest and adventure. If you have a car, or have hired bikes, it is a great region to explore – and the buses will drop you off at a lot of interesting places.
In short, Union Lido with Eurocamp is the epitome of a family holiday. The resort is massive and so well equipped you could spend your entire break there, or you can – with or without a car – explore the local area and visit Venice, finding more than enough to keep people of all ages and interests satisfied. If you want something a little different, offering everything from luxurious relaxation to thrilling adventure, from children’s entertainment to authentic heritage, this is the holiday for you. This is a holiday that will give you a lifetime of family memories.
Union Lido price example:
Seven nights from Saturday 23 May 2026 (May half term) staying in a Comfort three bedroom holiday home that sleeps up to six guests, from £1725.71 per party.
Seven nights from Saturday 25 July 2026 (summer holidays) staying in a Comfort two bedroom holiday home that sleeps up to four guests, from £2522.24 per party.
Key features:
● 10,000m two water parks with eleven twisty waterslides, a wave pool, jacuzzi and a shallow children’s pool with a sprayground.
● Newly refurbished second water park “Speedy Island” with new pools, waterslides and a lazy river.
● Private sandy beach accessible from the parc with watersports and pedalo hire.
● Sports and activities including mini golf, archery and horse riding, plus a mini fun fair.
● Spa and wellness facilities.
● Restaurants and a pizzeria on park, including Al Mara which serves fresh seafood.
● Take a 30 minute boat ride from nearby Punta Sabbioni (8km away) to Venice.
● Nearest airport: Venice Marco Polo Airport – 42.6km away.
About Eurocamp:
● Eurocamp is the UK’s leading European outdoor holiday specialist with over 400 parcs across 11 countries, providing family holidays.
● Eurocamp has a wide range of holiday homes to choose from, with parks set in a variety of locations from beachside to mountainside.
● There are no restrictions on arrival and departure days, and you can stay for as many nights as you choose – from a 3 night family getaway to a 16 night super-stay with extended family or friends.
● Eurocamp holidays are an affordable option for families. With one price per accommodation and the ability to travel via sea or air
Even with seven of her nearest and dearest with her, there was never a shortage of space.
Just 30 seconds from the back door, they could dip their toes in the sandy estuary bed or pump up a paddleboard (also provided) and brave the waters.
The surrounding nature is not the only luxury this stay has to offer – the pad comes with a lush garden complete with its own hot tub and barbecue.
Embellished with coastal-inspired interiors, families will be fully equipped with a kitchen, dining area, Smart TVs, Sonos speakers and child safety gates on each of the three floors.
The holiday home is not as remote as its views suggest – visitors can reach Newquay’s high street with just a five-minute drive or walk for 20 minutes.
GO: 8 Woodlands
STAYING THERE: A week’s stay ranges from £1428 – £4200 depending on the season. See Aspect Holidays.co.uk
Best holiday park for families with dogs
Parbola Holiday Park, Hayle
Parbola Holiday Park is the perfect place for a peaceful staycationCredit: Irfan Cemal
There’s no more authentic family stay in Cornwall than at Parbola Holiday Park.
Hugged by 16 acres of woodland and located just a ten-minute drive from Hayle Town, this stay gives holidaymakers the best of both worlds – a peaceful rural haven and a plethora of activities.
Writing for The Sun, Kate Jackson and Irfan Cemal described Parbola Holiday Park as perfect for families.
Highlights for their children included the heated outdoor swimming pool, a box of balls and bats to borrow and the Safari Tent, a place equipped with board games and books.
Meanwhile, the adults enjoyed the small but appreciated touches such as a package of tea, milk and delicious Cornish biscuits as they arrived or the wood-fired pizza fan that visits every Monday.
And to add to the list of this holiday park‘s many charms, Parbola is also dog-friendly.
Speaking about her stay Kate said: “The Parbola holiday park in Cornwall caters for people like us.”
Parbola offers the best of both worlds. Away from the usual hotspots, five miles inland from the north coast, it provides a haven that, despite its obvious popularity, was always peaceful.”
GO: PARBOLA HOLIDAY PARK
STAYING THERE: A week’s stay in a Standard 2-bedroom holiday home starts from £1,188 for a family of four. See LovatHolidayParks.com
Best hotel for food
St Tudy Inn, St Tudy
The St Tudy Inn serves seafood such as hake and steamed musslesCredit: St Tudy Inn
After an action-packed day on your feet, The St Tudy Inn is the perfect spot to sit back by a roaring fire and enjoy some heart-warming grub.
With the appearance of a traditional 16th-century stone cottage, many would not assume that some diners travel over 40 minutes to just eathere.
Expect exquisite sea-themed cuisine such as hake, cuttlefish and chorizo stew or steamed mussels.
And food is not the only thing this cosy Cornish pub has to offer – just across the car park, a converted barn holds four charming rooms paired with tartan bedspreads and patterned cushions.
GO: St Tudy Inn
STAYING THERE: A double room starts from £1,155 for a week’s stay. See StTudyInn.com
Best hotel in Newquay
Newquay Beach Hotel, Newquay
Named Beached Front Hotel of the Year in South-West England 2024 by Travel & Hospitality Awards, the boutique stay rests just opposite Newquay‘s main beach – Tolcarne.
With stellar beach views and an art deco interior – this stay is a feast for the eyes, from the designer velvet scallop chairs to the geometric glass.
And if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat, you will not be left hungry.
Newquay Beach Hotels offers numerous classic dishes as well as a fully stocked cocktail bar.
A nice extra is the Abangamba playroom for the kids.
Best holiday cottage for families
Bosinver Farm Cottages, Trelowth
Bosinver Farm Cottages is the winner of Visit England’s Best Family-Friendly Accommodation in 2017Credit: Bosinver Farm Cottages
You might be tempted to stick to Cornwall’s coasts but its inland valleys are just as impressive as its cliffs.
Tucked away between the quaint town of St Austell and the seaside village of Mevagissey is this hidden gem.
Here you’ll find Bosinver’s Farm Cottage – a set of 20 luxury self-catering cottages full of magical Cornish spirit.
The cute accommodation Features Writer Emma Pietras stayed in was made of straw and wood bales and its beams were taken from an old hospital – all of which added to the location’s timeless feel.
Paired with a hot tub and stunning valley views this is the perfect place to kick back and relax.
A particular highlight is the £475 worth of included activities such as a pool, animal feeding, pony rides, and outdoor and indoor play.
It is no surprise that these pads won Visit England’s Best Family-Friendly Accommodation in 2017.
In her review, Pietras had this to say: “As a mum to a toddler, previous holidays have been far from stress-free, but when you’re surrounded by 35 acres of meadows, landscaped gardens and woodland, it’s hard not to feel relaxed.”
It feels as if the owners have thought of every little detail.”
GO: BOSINVER FARM COTTAGES
STAYING THERE: A week’s stay in the Hillside cottage starts from £1700 for a family of 4. See Bosinver.co.uk
Best hotel with a sea view
Polurrian on the Lizard, Mullion
The Polurrian on the Lizard was once home to political and Hollywood eliteCredit: The Polurrian on the lizard
The Polurrian on the Lizard was once the vacation spot of Winston Churchill.
More recently this beautiful piece of history was visited by The Sun writer Ellie Ross who dubbed it as ‘one of Cornwall’s best kept secrets’.
With its glamorous white exterior looming over the lizard peninsula, this enchanting stay boasts a secluded beach and sea views so good you might feel like you are in a movie.
The 1890s hotel also comes along with a tenniscourt clifftop garden, playground and even indoor and outdoor pools.
A great way to watch the sunset over the sea is at its dog-friendly restaurant which serves everything from fish and chips to wood-fired pizza.
And according to Ellie, the cocktails were a standout.
GO: POLURRIAN ON THE LIZARD
STAYING THERE: A double room with a sea view starts from £209 per night. See PolurrianHotel.com
Best spa hotel
Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa, Newquay
Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa offers spectacular sunset viewsCredit: Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa
With views that rival the Maldives or the Caribbean, Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa overlooks one of Newquay’s more private beaches.
Visitors will feel worlds away sipping speciality cocktails at the hotel’s Bay Bar – a spot particularly good for watching the sunset.
And that was in part credit to Fistral Beach Hotel’s luxurious spa that offered rejuvenating treatments he said “wouldn’t be out of place in some Balinese temple”.
All spa day packages included a pool, steam room, hot tub, sauna and refreshments.
Equally as lavish as the spa is the hotel’s beautifully presented food that nods to Cornish cuisine with innovative twists.
GO: FISTRAL BEACH HOTEL AND SPA
Best spot for camping
Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell
Trevornick Holiday Park provides ready made tentsCredit: Trevornick Holiday Park
While Cornwall’s buccaneering pirates and smugglers are long gone, the spirit of adventure can still be found in camping.
Located on Cornwall’s north coast, you can set up a tent not far from Holywell’s pristine sandy beach.
Or if wrestling with a tent is off-putting, Trevornick Holiday Park also offers readymade tents.
These come fully equipped with lights, and even a fridge and TV.
Expect action-packed fun, as this holiday park not only includes a pool and spa but also a golf course, soft play centre, arcade and even a surf school.
As our writer soon realised: “The only problem was there simply wasn’t time to do everything the park had to offer.
“But it’s such a treasure that, like pirate ghosts, we’re sure to return.”
GO: TREVORNICK HOLIDAY PARK
STAYING THERE: A non-serviced grass pitch for a family of 4 starts from £362.18. See Trevornick.co.uk.
Best spot for glamping
Tremeer Farm, Lanteglos-by-fowey
Treemer Farm’s 18th-century Mongolian-style yurts are all uniqueCredit: Instagram
A more unconventional retreat but nevertheless more rewarding, Tremeer Farm is the ideal spot to return to basics.
Expect jaw-dropping nature, animals, playing games, an open fire, and a clear night sky.
And together with the elegant white 18th-century Mongolian-style yurts to sleep in, you might never want to leave.
Tremeer Farm’s owners have thought of everything – from a hot tub to a kitchen equipped with cooking basics, a hammock, BBQ, fire pit and even a cosy wood-burning stove.
As The Sun Online Travel found out there is no better way to immerse yourself in Cornwall’s beauty.
If you have a car, the stay is just a stone’s throw away from the untouched fishing village of Polperro and otherworldly Lantivet Bay
GO: TREMEER FARM
STAYING THERE: yurt that sleeps up to five people starts from £850 a week. See YurtsCornwall.com
Although travelling to Cornwall during its peak season is a no-brainer, we also recommend visiting this gorgeous peninsula in the winter.
Lift the spirits and venture into nature by planning a unique late winter or spring getaway for the family – uncover the delights the stunning UK countryside has to offer from the Lake District to the Jurassic Coast
A swim with a Lake District view
At around this time of year, a relaxing hotel stay with the family could be just the thing to give us a lift amid the winter gloom. Or maybe your thoughts have already turned to spring, when the family will be ready for a break.
There’s nothing better to blow away the cobwebs of the cooler months than getting out into nature and letting the kids run or swim free while the adults in the family can enjoy a relaxing spa or indulge in some fine-dining cuisine.
As the new Good Hotel Guide goes live online, we asked their team to suggest five great family-friendly hotels. There’s something to delight all ages with stays in star-gazing treehouses, sea views of a beach where you can go dolphin-spotting, and even a hotel with a lakeside ice rink. Here are their top picks.
Toddlers up to age three stay for free in their parents’ room at this resort on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate in Cotswold countryside above photogenic Broadway. Centred on a Scandi-style lodge, with accommodation scattered over the hillside, it comprises rooms and suites in a former coach house, stables and other buildings, as well as adults-only shepherds’ huts and three ‘treehouses’ with bunks for kids aged up to 12.
Tiny tots will like the outdoor play area, but this is more a destination to appeal to adventurous older children, with paid-for activities for those aged 12 and upwards, including archery and axe-throwing. Falconry is open to all from age four; wine tastings are for adults only, and duck herding is for large groups.
The rooms are country chic, with a soothing pale palette, all with an espresso machine, smart TV, Temple Spa toiletries. Some have a private terrace with views over the Vale of Evesham, and a few interconnect. A bar/lounge menu provides a casual dining option, with burgers, hot dogs, salads and light bites. For more sophisticated dining, Hook by Martin Burge has a fairly wide-ranging menu, strong on seafood, with such options as haddock schnitzel with smoked anchovies, sauce gribiche and seaweed fries alongside steak bèarnaise with roasties. A children’s menu, vegan dishes and Sunday roast beef should keep everyone happy.
And if raptors, axes and bows, and arrows aren’t your thing, you can borrow maps from the boot room and explore, or, when the sun shines, bag a deckchair beside a small lake.
B&B doubles from £220, family suites from £295, rooms with terrace from £275, extra bed for child 3-16 years £60.
Close to and a world away from Salcombe, lapped by gently rolling National Trust countryside, wildflower bejewelled and ablaze with gorse in summer, this low-built hotel is the perfect child-friendly, dog-friendly bolthole for an outdoorsy break. Formerly the 10-bedroom Sea View Guest House, unofficial officers’ mess for Bolt Head Airfield, and once famed for its meringue afternoon teas, it has been owned, run and cherished by the Makepeace family since 1978.
The 22 smart-contemporary rooms and suites – all but one at ground level – have glass doors to a patio and were designed to optimise the stunning views. The sheltered beach is one of the loveliest in South Hams, perfect for paddling, sandcastle-building, crabbing, dolphin-spotting. Guests have use of the spa and indoor saltwater swimming pool, a lounge with books and board games.
Activities locally include sea safaris and seal-watching trips. You can order a picnic (crab sandwiches!) and walk the Southwest Coast Path, return for a cream tea (no meringues now), dine in the glass-walled, sea-facing restaurant on such dishes as Fowey mussels with sea herbs and mussel velouté, Dexter beer burger, fish and chips, cauliflower steak with sauternes raisins, cauliflower purée, pickled shallots and romesco sauce. There is a short kids’ menu, and the night’s desserts might include the Pavlova that Audrey Hepburn declared ‘divine’ when she visited in 1987. Mobile coverage here is limited, so it’s a detox for screen-addicted teens – no Facetime, just pure quality time.
Family rooms from £211.50 (continental breakfast; cooked breakfast £15).
Kids stay free when sharing with parents at this Jacobean manor house in 14-acre grounds amid the Wiltshire countryside, part of the small Luxury Family Hotels collection. Everything is geared to making families feel welcome and relaxed, with the Ofsted-registered Four Bears Den, where children aged eight and under enjoy arts and crafts, toys, dressing up and outdoor adventures.
There is a spa, indoor pool and, in summer, a heated outdoor pool, a library with pool table, air hockey and table football, the Green Fingers gardening club in the walled garden with its resident ducks and hens. Organised activities include Cooking with Chef, jewellery-making and tropical-animal discovery sessions.
Book a Baby’s First Break package and they’ll provide a Bugaboo cot and giraffe highchair and a baby monitor. With all the family bases covered, the hotel is not short on the promised luxury, with comfy lounges, beautifully presented bedrooms, indulgent spa treatments and adults-only swim times.
You can order a cream tea in the garden, dine informally in the Orangery, or in either of two dining rooms, one dog friendly, from a menu of steaks, burger, fish and chips, maybe lentil dahl, garden pumpkin, chickpea, smoked onion and coriander, or sea trout with crushed potato and fennel. Literary buffs should check out also, sister properties Fowey Hall, Cornwall, believed to have been Kenneth Graham’s model for Toad Hall, and Moonfleet Manor, Dorset, which inspired John Meade Faulkner’s 1898 novel of shipwrecks and smuggling, Moonfleet.
B&B family rooms for around £246.
‘A very strange stranger it must be who does not see the charms in the immediate environs of Lyme,’ wrote Jane Austen in Persuasion. Like Austen, Kathryn Haskins spent happy family holidays in this historic resort on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. In fact, her parents were so smitten with its charms that, in 1982, they bought Lyme’s landmark hotel. A Georgian house built for the Earl and Countess of Poulett, it is now owned by Kathryn, who brings to it her experience of working in hotels around the world, and who can personally vouch for its appeal to a child.
The ambience is informal, the interiors achieving a kind of unshowy chic without upstaging the glorious sea views. Some larger bedrooms can sleep four, or families might take one of two self-catering apartments, each big enough for six. Apartment guests have access to all hotel facilities, and menu items can be delivered by room service.
In the light-filled Ammonite Restaurant, typical dishes include pan-fried halibut, fried polenta, cauliflower puree, cranberry gel; ribeye steak and chips; gnocchi. ‘It’s like staying in a comfy country-house hotel,’ says Guide readers, all of whom have particularly warm words for the staff. And, since family is not just about children, a word of praise for the ‘personal touches’ that really made the stay for one reader and her parents on their Golden Wedding anniversary. Ask for a packed lunch and spend the day fossil hunting, walking the coastal paths, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and return with an appetite for afternoon tea.
B&B large doubles from £330, cots £8, extra bed for a child £44.
There is a real Swallows and Amazons vibe at this dog-friendly new lifestyle resort, the frumpy old Rampsbeck Hotel reinvented as a cool destination. As well as fabulously stylish bedrooms and suites, some for families, in the original Georgian house and modern wings, there is a two-bedroom treehouse with decking and outdoor bath, and shepherds’ huts, some with an extra bunk room, all with a log burner and star-gazing roof.
This is a place that revels in the landscape and in its lakeside situation, where days might be spent wild swimming, paddleboarding, hiking and fell walking. Right now, too, because it’s winter, there’s even a lakeshore ice rink. Other facilities include a 20metre indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, cardio and treatment rooms. The Ofsted-registered Kids’ Zone encourages learning through play: staff take the youngsters outside as much as possible to follow animal footprints, build campfire and go on nature hunts with ‘bingo’ sheets for outdoor I-Spy.
In the fine-dining Rampsbeck Restaurant, menus feature such locally sourced dishes as roast Cartmel Valley venison haunch, caramelised celeriac puree, savoy cabbage, Anna potato, pickled walnut ketchup, venison samosa, juniper sauce (from the children’s menu maybe garden patch soup, mac and cheese, chocolate brownie). There is more casual dining in the Living Space (steak and fries, rice bowls, wraps and burgers), woodfired pizzas in the Glasshouse by the vegetable garden, and hearty pub grub at sister venture The Brackenrigg.
B&B doubles, Stay and Skate from £240, family room from around £340, extra bed for age 3-plus 25% of double room price.
A leading staycation operator has highlighted a big rise in people opting to use Christmas Day to make their holiday booking
Those putting their feet up on Christmas Day may have other plans on their mind(Image: Getty Images)
There was a time when Christmas Day was all about opening the presents, over doing it on the festive feast, then sleeping it off in the front of the telly.
But times changes, and it seems a growing number of people are using the time off to plan ahead. And one emerging trend identified by holiday park operator Haven has been a big rise in the number of advanced bookings it has taken on December 25.
Historically, Christmas Day was quiet for the firm and other holiday companies ahead of a normal rush just after the new year. But Haven says that in recent years bookings have increased steadily, with a 46% leap on Christmas Day last year. While it did not provide exact numbers, bosses said it equated to hundreds of bookings on the day. Given the success last year, Haven says it is now anticipating a record breaking Christmas Day again.
Others will leave it 24 hours, but Boxing Day has also become ever more popular for families thinking of their holidays to come. Haven says Boxing Day bookings last year were up 28%, and it expects to take thousands of bookings over the two peak festive days this year.
Simon Palethorpe, the company’s chief executive, said: “Once the presents are unwrapped, carols sung and turkey stripped, more families are using their time together to book their Easter and summer holidays. Not only is selecting your family holiday on Christmas Day less likely to lead to a row than a board game – booking early with Haven can result in a great deal and big savings compared to those who book later.”
The coming weeks are when many people turn their attention to next summer’s getaway, with the dark months of winter encouraging many to dream of sunshine breaks to come. Experts certainly say that booking early can mean big savings, with operators traditionally launching early bird deals amid a marketing blitz around this time of year.
A peak of bookings is expected on January 3, or what is dubbed ‘Sunshine Saturday’ given the spike in business. Research released by trade body ABTA ahead of 2025’s big day revealed that 68% of people were planning to go abroad this year, and 45% were looking to explore a new country for their holiday.
Trade experts at consumer group Which? has this advice: “Don’t feel pressured into booking in a hurry. Time-limited deals aren’t always everything they promise so take the time to consider your options, and shop around to make sure you’re getting the right holiday for you, at the right price.
“Holiday booking scams are common at this time of year so if something looks too good to be true, always think twice. There are lots of dodgy ‘deals’ on social media, and fake listings can even make their way onto booking sites. Always avoid listings requesting payments by bank transfer, and consider doing a reverse image search on villas or rentals to check the images haven’t been lifted from elsewhere.”
You can save up to £400 on a holiday in the sale(Image: Getty Images)
It’s never too early to start planning your 2026 getaway and it might be the best time yet as Jet2 has launched a huge sale, offering up to £400 off on all holidays. In a bid to help holidaymakers secure their getaway for next year, Jet2holidays has launched a sale just in time for Christmas. The UK’s biggest tour operator is offering travellers £100 off per person on all holidays, and a generous 20% discount on all Jet2.com flights, including one-way journeys.
This means a family of four could save a hefty £400 on a holiday to Spain or Italy, even during the school holidays. Additionally, hundreds of hotels and resorts offer free stays for children, providing the chance for even further savings.
But it’s not just families who can benefit. Couples booking a getaway with Jet2holidays during the sale can also enjoy a £200 discount on trips to destinations such as Greece or Cyprus.
The sale applies to all holidays, across all seasons booked through Jet2holidays, Jet2CityBreaks, VIBE by Jet2holidays, Indulgent Escapes and Jet2Villas. There are a bundle of holiday options available to suit everyone, from private villas nestled in Majorca near the Mediterranean coast, to an all-inclusive resort in Egypt with excursions to the sprawling desert.
However, there’s more. Holiday-goers can also secure their 2026 summer holiday for a low deposit of £25 per person.
Jet2 flies to more than 75 destinations across Europe from 14 UK airports so there’s a destination to suit everyone. However, if you’re hoping to take advantage of these savings you don’t have long as the sale runs until Monday, January 12, 2026.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Nothing beats the joy of booking a holiday and we are spreading that joy far and wide through the launch of this fantastic sale, making it easier for customers to getaway for less.
“Launched in time for the busy holiday booking season, Jet2 is offering holidaymakers fantastic savings on their holidays and flights, and we know that this, alongside our industry-leading customer service, will be a huge hit.
“With so much value and choice available, we look forward to welcoming even more new and existing customers, whilst showcasing what makes us the UK’s favourite tour operator and airline.”
For more information or to book your next getaway, you can visit the Jet2.com and Jet2holidays websites.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
If you’re bored of theme parks with long queues and greasy food, a new ‘luxury’ theme park will be opening in 2026 that promises a much more upmarket experience including “five-star hospitality”
BON – Beauty of Nature theme park is set to combine thrill rides with luxury holiday experiences(Image: VidantaWorld)
A day out at a theme park is hardly what you’d call a luxury experience. While it’s nice to enjoy a day of family-fun, having to queue for 30-second rides and fight the crowds isn’t exactly relaxing.
However, an upmarket resort chain now aims to elevate the average theme park experience. Billed as “the world’s first-ever luxury theme park”, BON (beauty of nature) is set to open in autumn of 2026 for guests of VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta in Mexico.
There are ambitious plans for this new theme park, which will eventually have multiple lands including 23 attractions, 25 restaurants, lounges, and shops across the site. It’ll feature both thrill rides and family-friendly options, as well as immersive experiences and playgrounds.
Guests of VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta, a resort featuring a 5-star hotel, golf course, and direct beach access, already have access to select attractions within the theme park. The park recently opened Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ, a spectacular water-based show that takes place in a custom-built theater costing $ 200 million (£ 148 million) for an immersive dinner experience. The theatre is surrounded by a wrap-around aquarium for a 360-degree undersea experience.
Two of the theme park’s seven planned lands are also open for guests to preview. There’s Wonder Bay, which includes a lake show and seasonal celebrations. Until January 11, a Christmas theme is in effect, featuring decorations, live performances, and festive meet-and-greets.
Adventure Valley is also open, featuring the serene Carousel of Colors and the family-friendly Time Quest. There’s also Tempest Towers, a ride that takes you to new heights before plunging you down, and Kids Cove playground with plenty for them to explore. Some of the park’s shops and restaurants are also open, offering visitors a glimpse of what the park will be like.
Once fully open, visitors will be able to enjoy rides such as the Tecuani Beast, set to be Latin America’s only double-launch coaster. This will have top speeds of 65mph and more airtime than any other rollercoaster in the region. Another attraction will be the floral-themed Floresta Drop, which will be a family-friendly ride.
There will also be a variety of eateries offering an elevated experience compared to the typical theme park fare. This includes authentic Mexican cuisine offerings, sushi restaurants, and American-style grills.
The park will also feature numerous surprises around every corner, including costumed entertainers, light shows, fireworks, and much more. The company VidantaWorld, who already have two beach resorts in Mexico and a mega yacht, want to create a “multi-generational” experience, with something for all ages.
The news comes as a popular European theme park is set to get a new world based on the Harry Potter series. LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany confirmed the creation of a new Wizarding World based on J.K. Rowling’s popular franchise. Details will be released in the next 12 months and are set to include Harry Potter themed accommodation.
Disneyland Paris is also set to get a brand new attraction, and has confirmed that the World of Frozen, based on the Frozen movies, will open on March 29, 2026. The area is set to include a brand new ride, character meet and greets, new shows, and exclusive food and drink.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
