Brits have shared the top 30 things they love most about staycations as more and more choose to stay at home instead of going abroad
Families are choosing to stay in the UK and embrace holidays only a short drive away(Image: Matt Howell)
Brits’ favourite things about a staycation include shorter travel times, avoiding the airport – and proper pub lunches. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed over a third of Brits would prefer to holiday on home turf than go abroad. In addition, rising travel costs have made 50% of Brits more likely to holiday at home.
Nevertheless, many enjoy the opportunity to visit the countryside and take in scenic drives. For 28%, the stunning coastlines are the best thing about staying in the UK, with 62% saying the best type of staycation is a ’coastal getaway’. This was followed by 50% who love a city break and 28% who enjoy camping or glamping.
Eurig Druce, managing director of Vauxhall, which commissioned the research, said: “The UK is such a wonderful place to holiday, and it’s been great finding out why people love it so much.
“Everyone has memories of holidaying in the UK from their childhood, and more than ever, Brits are choosing ‘staycations’ over going abroad, whether that be because of the beautiful scenery on our doorstep or the comfort of travelling in your own car.”
The south west of England was considered the best place to get away for 21%, followed by Scotland (15%) and Wales (11%).
It emerged those polled, via OnePoll.com, are willing to spend an average of £391.11 per trip. And the only potential downside was that 78% felt the weather could make or break a holiday in the UK.
The car is the most common mode of transport (80%) with the average person travelling just under 206 miles. Of the electric vehicle drivers polled, 77% said having charging points at their accommodation is important.
The research found 15% have been asked by their children to be more environmentally friendly when planning their trips, and one in 10 said sustainability is a priority for them when booking.
Eurig Druce from Vauxhall added: “The Grandland Electric has been designed with families in mind, with a spacious interior, large boot and an electric range of over 300 miles, making it the ideal vehicle for a ‘staycation.’
“Whether it is stunning coastlines, rural escapes or bustling city centres, the home nations have some fantastic places on offer for people to enjoy.”
If kids were in charge on holiday they would eat dessert before mains, go treasure hunting – and have a giant water fight. A poll of 1,000 children aged 6-12 revealed their ideal getaway, which would include eating three ice creams a day, using bikes or scooters as their go-to form of transport and playing board games every night.
One in five would play hide and seek with their family, 14% would indulge in a pyjama day and 40% would spend all day in the pool. When it comes to locations, 93% of youngsters want to stay at a holiday park, with 72% of them saying they are fun places with lots of activities to keep them entertained.
The study was commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, which has unveiled a competition to appoint two youngsters as its resident Directors of Fun, created to place kids at the centre of holiday planning.
The playful job ad specifies entrants must be spontaneous, have a big imagination and bring enthusiasm to every day, and applicants can share their perfect holiday itineraries until 30th April 2026 to win the chance to make them come true.
James Shaw, spokesperson for the staycation specialist said: “It’s always interesting to see what kids would do if they were in charge of the whole holiday – and it turns out it would be pretty fun for everyone else too.
“While there’s plenty of excitement around things like unlimited ice cream and activities, what really stands out is how much they value simply spending time together.
“That’s why we wanted to bring children back into the heart of holiday planning with this competition, recognising that their ideas of a great break are often less about packed schedules and more about being with the people around them.”
Over half (51%) of the youngsters surveyed said their favourite aspect of being on holiday was spending time with family and for over a third (35%) it’s meeting other kids their age.
Eight out of ten confessed they’d like to take control of a family holiday, with leading the way in order to do the activities they want (63%), instructing their relatives what to do (41%) and feeling like an adult (40%) the top three reasons.
The research via OnePoll.com also discovered 19% feel like holiday parks are a home away from home, with popular forms of entertainment such as swimming, adventure playgrounds and arcade games making it ideal accommodation.
James Shaw added: “Holidays should give families the chance to properly switch off, reconnect and enjoy shared experiences all in one place.
“What’s striking is how much children value the freedom to shape their own days – whether that’s choosing activities, exploring, or just having unstructured time to play.
“That’s where settings like holiday parks come into their own, offering a mix of flexibility and variety that lets every family member make the most of their time away.”
THE TOP 10 THINGS KIDS WOULD DO ON HOLIDAY IF THEY WERE IN CHARGE:
Holiday makers have been urged to think carefully about what they share online(Image: Getty)
Families have been warned to be careful to avoid a costly mistake when heading away on holiday. The word of warning comes as key changes to the passport system are coming in soon.
Your holiday photos could cost you a lot of money and could invalidate your home insurance. Karishma Darji, from storage group Ready Steady Store, said: “Posting holiday selfies while you’re away might seem harmless, but it tells the world your home is empty. Insurers could view that as poor security.”
She said this mistake could land you a large bill if the worst happens.
Ms Darji said: ” If your property is burgled and investigators find public posts showing you were away, they may argue you didn’t take ‘reasonable care’ to protect your home.”
If your insurance is invalidated due to you posting a holiday snap while you are away from home and you are burgled, you will be responsible for covering the costs of any loss and damages yourself. Ms Darji said this could mean you end up with a four-figure bill to pay.
She explained: “The annual Crime Survey for England and Wales, published by the ONS in April 2025 shows that the average loss from burglary equates to £4,269. The average value of stolen items sits around £2,800, whereas damage from forced entry averages at £1,400.
“However, every house differs based on the value of possessions they own, so the total cost to replace items could be significantly higher.” In light of this danger, her simple word of advice is: “Save the snaps until you’re back to avoid invalidating your claim.”
Passport changes
This update comes as the cost of applying for a passport is soon to increase. Application fees are increasing by 8 per cent, with the new fees coming in from April 8.
The proposed increases, which need to be approved by Parliament, will include the following:
The standard online application submitted from within the UK will rise from £94.50 to £102 for adults
This will go up from £61.50 to £66.50 for children under 16
Postal applications will increase from £107 to £115.50 for adults and £74 to £80 for children under 16
The charge for a Premium Service (one-day) application submitted from within the UK will rise from £222 to £239.50
The charge for a standard online application for a UK adult passport when applying from overseas will rise from £108 to £116.50
This will also increase from £70 to £75.50 for children under 16
Standard paper applications for overseas passports will see a rise from £120.50 to £130 for adults, and from £82.50 to £89 for children under 16.
A sprawling all-inclusive resort along the scenic coast has often been ranked as the ‘best in the UK’, with remarkable facilities that will keep everyone of all ages entertained
13:41, 24 Mar 2026Updated 13:41, 24 Mar 2026
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The all-inclusive resort has often been ranked among the ‘best in the UK’(Image: Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea)
You don’t need to travel far to lap up the benefits of an all-inclusive resort, as one of the ‘best in the UK’ offers incredible facilities, ‘West End’ shows and unlimited drinks.
When we think of an all-inclusive resort, it’s easy to turn our minds to those in Europe, sipping cocktails around the pool by day, and watching lively entertainment by night. But why not ditch the cost of a flight for an all-inclusive escape in the UK, perfect for families during the school holidays or adults looking for a serene escape?
Situated between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft on the Norfolk coast is the luxurious five-star, all-inclusive holiday resort, Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea, set across 65 acres.
Just a stone’s throw away from the golden sands of Hopton Beach, the resort has “something for everyone, and it’s all included”, and they mean everything, from its accommodation, drinks, meals, to entertainment, activities and facilities.
It’s been so highly praised and loved by visitors that Which? named it among the ‘best UK holiday parks & resorts’, while it was also highlighted as a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice. It’s not surprising, given the impressive facilities on offer.
The resort not only boasts two heated indoor swimming pools, a sauna, a steam room, and a whirlpool, but there’s also a spa where guests can pamper themselves with a massage or beauty treatment for an additional cost, but there’s so much more included in the price.
There are a bundle of fun activities, from their climbing wall and virtual reality experience, to pilates, yoga, nordic walking and dance classes. For those into sports, there’s certainly enough to keep you busy with badminton, tennis, pickleball, table tennis, air rifle shooting and archery all accessible.
Additionally, there’s a fully equipped gym, adventure golf, and bowls on the lawn of the World Indoor Bowls Championship. And if that wasn’t enough, there are traditional pub games and classic board games for those quieter afternoons, alongside snooker, pool, shuffleboard and darts, whatever your niche might be!
Sykes Cottages offers a wide range of handpicked holiday homes across the UK and Ireland, from cosy countryside retreats to stunning coastal escapes. Prices start from £27 per night
While the resort is predominantly for adults, it welcomes families and people of all ages during the school holidays, offering a host of fun-packed activities for kids, alongside its standard facilities. From KMX bikes and bungee trampolines to the inflatable assault course, football skills, and last man standing, the kids are bound to be entertained.
During the evenings, there is a packed programme of live music, dance, comedy, quizzes and cabaret, along with “West End-quality shows”.
Like any good all-inclusive, there’s plenty on offer food wise, with four meals a day for guests, as well as all-inclusive drinks covering teas and coffees, soft drinks, and a vast selection of beers, wines, and spirits.
For accommodation, the resort offers everything from a bungalow near the sea to hotel rooms near the main facilities, and penthouses with panoramic views of the scenic Norfolk coast. And when visitors can tear themselves away from the resort, there’s the sprawling Hopton Beach to explore, alongside the nearby town of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.
Following a visit in March this year, one visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Just returned home from Potters, this was our 3rd visit in 8 months, and as always it was first class all the way. Food and entertainment were superb, our accommodation was a bungalow plus, which was very comfortable, tried various activities which we haven’t done on our previous visits, absolutely loved Mark Brewer and his team, they are all so funny and friendly, can’t wait to return again, which I’m sure will be very soon.”
“First time for myself, daughter, granddaughter & two great granddaughters aged 5 & 3, half term week, loved every minute, plenty to do for all ages, food varied & so plentiful! Will definitely be back!” another shared.
The brand also has Potter’s Resorts Five Lakes in Essex, offering a similar experience set among a whopping 333 acres in the heart of the countryside. For more information on Potters Resorts, or to book your break, you can visit their website. Of course it’s not the only offering in the region. Holiday firms including Haven and Parkdean Resorts also offer a plethora of stays in the area, complete with plenty of entertainment options.
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This seaside town has been named the best in the country and has a resort pedigree that stretches back well over 150 years, but it also has plenty of modern day challenges
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Blackpool in winter: grey skies, bright spirit
Everyone has a story to tell about Blackpool. Usually a bad one.
Whether it’s tales of optimistic family holidays that turned into washouts, hotels mysteriously burning down, or stag-dos that bump into far-right protests, it’s the kind of place that people enjoy dunking on.
“What’s going on around here?” I asked the bartender of one town centre pub on my first evening in town.
“F*** all!” he said joyfully, before handing over my £3 pint.
In one, quite literal way, he was onto something. Blackpool has a big problem with emptiness. Specifically, empty shops. Wander five minutes down the road from the Tower, and there are rows of crumbling units with boarded-up windows, clearly long vacated. Others seem occupied but shuttered against the winter winds and lack tourists. It’s a jarring experience, walking from the flashing lights and boinging sounds of the mega-arcades into a deserted lot piled with rubble.
The statistics don’t make for good reading. The town of 144,000 has the third-highest rate of empty shops in the country, according to the Centre for Cities, with 17.6% closed. In some areas, like Central Drive, the figure is 30%. Blackpool also has the second-most abandoned buildings, with one for every 45 people.
Some, such as the £7.6m easyJet Hotel on the prom that never materialised, or the vast, long-empty Odeon, are particularly annoying for residents. And for the newly elected Labour MP for Blackpool North, Chris Webb, who beat Tory Scott Benton partly by promising to tackle the problem.
“I am greatly concerned about it. There are far too many empty properties in the town,” he told the Mirror.
“Once you go past South Pier, you get to Bloomfield. It is the most deprived place in the county. The boarded-up shops there have an impact on whether people travel further out to great places like Waterlow Road and Bond Street.”
While a lot needs to be done, progress is being made. When I visited, builders were hammering away inside the Odeon building, which was adorned with a ‘Coming Soon – June 2026’ banner promising a family entertainment megaplex. An ‘Empty Properties Task Force’ was launched last month to target landlords of long-term vacant properties with Compulsory Purchase Orders, while cash is being splashed on modern retail units and green spaces in Central Drive. Under the new ‘High Street Rental Auctions’ initiative, the council can now sell off five-year leases for shops that have remained empty for over a year, which should help to inject a bit of life into the harder-hit areas.
As much as a lick of paint and Pride of Place funding won’t fix all of Blackpool’s deeply rooted deprivation issues or significantly lower its crime rate, it could help to bring the two versions of the town closer together.
In the summer, Blackpool is the same buzzing pleasure resort that has been enthralling millions of beach-dwelling, rock-chomping Brits since the Victorian age.
In the winter, however, it is a different story.
As soon as I stepped off the train on a dark February afternoon, a frosty gust of wind doused me in the famous North West precipitation. Somehow, I’d arrived in the only part of the country that wasn’t enjoying the first sunny shoots of Spring.
The combination of crumbling properties and miserable weather creates a stark vibe, utterly different from the sandcastle-and-donkey-rich summer months.
“It’s dead quiet out,” the Holiday Inn hotel receptionist remarked as we watched a few hunched raincoated figures push through the wind. For a town that relies on tourism to bring in £2 billion a year and support 30% of its jobs, becoming a relative winter wasteland is a big problem. And one that Blackpool might finally be answering.
Trainline data show that Blackpool is at the beginning of an off-season popularity boom.
Sajjad Motamed, the firm’s UK country manager, explained: “We’ve seen winter rail trips to Blackpool rise by more than 90% compared to last year, with particularly strong demand for weekend breaks. What’s striking is that the growth isn’t just coming from the North West – we’re seeing demand from right across the UK, for example, bookings from Edinburgh have more than tripled year-on-year. It suggests people nationwide are rediscovering classic seaside destinations outside of the traditional summer season, whether for a short getaway or to explore somewhere they may not have previously considered.”
Although the particular Thursday afternoon I’d turned up on was grim to the point that everyone sensible decided to stay inside, the spike in train bookings to a town recently named the country’s best by the Telegraph is borne out by official council figures. In 2023, Blackpool welcomed a record 21.5million visitors, a 5.3% rise in just a year. There are high hopes that 2024 and 2025 will increase the numbers further, once the stats are in.
So why are people coming in the winter?
One reason is cost. Blackpool was recently crowned the UK’s cheapest seaside resort, thanks to delights such as £1 burgers at Higgitt’s Las Vegas Arcade, £3.90 fish and chips at Bentley’s on Bond Street, and £6 breakfasts at Peekaboos. Come winter, room rates are slashed as hotels fight to fill the thousands of rooms in a town with the third cheapest property prices in England and Wales, according to Land Registry data.
Another is the growing selection of off-season activities.
I dropped into the 2024 opened Showtown Museum, which tells the story of Blackpool’s entertainment history through highly interactive exhibits and tapdancing staff members. Until April, a fascinating exhibition is telling the story of little people in the entertainment industry. It is difficult to imagine today, but the Blackpool Tower’s skygardens were once converted into a miniature village “populated” by little people.
Now visitors to the town can stop off at Showtown before heading up the Tower and down into the dungeons on the same Blackpool BIG Ticket that delivers 50% savings and costs £31
Throughout the year, there are plenty of free exhibitions on show at the listed Central Library, home to the Grundy Art Gallery.
After soaking up a bit of culture, you can head to the town’s iconic, year-round Coral Island. I’d bet a tub of 2ps that there is no bigger, more impressive or absurd arcade in the country. Stretching across a good number of football pitches’ worth of lurid carpeting, Coral Island is packed with one-armed bandits, coin droppers, the latest VR tech, and an indoor rollercoaster that wheels over the heads of the gamblers below.
Who cares if the Pleasure Beach is shut for the winter when you’ve got that?
As much as Mr Webb insists the town’s “reputation for stag and hen dos is greatly diminished”, it’s hard to argue that Blackpool isn’t a booze town. Whatever the season, across its 166 bars and pubs, you’ll find dozens of drinks deals cheap enough to make any Up From Londoner swoon. For a quiet but affordable pint, the Churchill is a good bet. For something a bit more late-night and rowdy, the Galleon delivers live music and a great atmosphere most nights.
For Mr Webb, the “missing piece” to the winter tourism slump puzzle would be an all-purpose indoor arena, designed for expos and eSports. Its arrival is uncertain and some way off yet, but talks with the owners of a Premier League football club are promising, the MP says.
This seems like a natural step for a town with a deep-rooted entertainment pedigree. From Strictly to George Formby, people have long come to Blackpool for a show. When I visited, Derren Brown was at the Grand as part of his Only Human tour. At the start of the performance, he uncorked several big cannisters of laughing gas into the auditorium to lull the crowd into a pliable state before having his mystifying, merry way with us.
Whether the gas was real or not, what wasn’t fake was the uproarious laughter of the audience throughout his two-hour set. Lancastrians are a friendly bunch. Whether it’s the charming staff in Stefani’s Pizza joint, a smily mum who stopped her pram for an impromptu chat, or the jovial reaction of an audience member publicly outed as a thief by Brown, there’s a good chance Blackpool will offer you a warm welcome, however miserable the weather.
Experts have urged holidaymakers to make this check before jetting off
12:57, 21 Mar 2026Updated 12:57, 21 Mar 2026
If you fail to check this before your holiday, your travel insurance could be invalidated(Image: Getty)
Brits planning a getaway have been warned to check one crucial detail beforehand or risk potentially losing hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Neglecting to do so could leave your travel insurance worthless, meaning you’d be left out of pocket should anything go wrong.
The team at Travel Health Pro stressed that travellers must always keep abreast of guidance regarding their destination from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). You should “keep checking” during the “days and weeks leading up to your trip” to ensure you don’t miss anything.
This guidance will inform you whether there are any present dangers associated with your chosen location. These could stem from severe weather conditions, criminal activity, political instability, conflict, or terrorism threats.
Occasionally, the advice may be severe enough to recommend not travelling altogether, whilst in other instances it might suggest steering clear of particular regions or remaining vigilant about certain circumstances. Travel Health Pro stated: “Planning to travel abroad?
“Before you book your trip, check Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) foreign travel advice for information on safety and security at your destination. Remember to keep checking FCDO advice in the days or weeks leading up to your trip too, as circumstances can change very quickly.” The guidance elaborated on the meaning of these warnings: “If the FCDO think the risk of travel is unacceptably high, they will formally advise British people against ‘all but essential travel’ or ‘all travel’ to a particular country or region.
“The ‘warnings and insurance’ section of each FCDO country advice page lists all the areas (if appropriate) to which this applies. You can also receive FCDO email alerts about specific countries by signing up through a link on the FCDO country page for your destination.”
Neglecting to carry out this verification and venturing to a high-risk destination could result in your insurance policy becoming void. This could mean you’re left out of pocket for hundreds or even thousands of pounds if something goes wrong and your trip is cancelled or cut short.
Travel Health Pro warned: “Remember – your foreign travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. If you travel, remember to check FCDO travel advice regularly, as situations can change quickly.”
Nations with an FCDO warning currently active
At the time of publication, numerous countries are currently subject to an FCDO travel warning. These include:
Afghanistan
Belarus
Burkina Faso
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Mali
Niger
Russia
South Sudan
Syria
Ukraine
Yemen
The complete list of foreign travel advice for countries can be viewed online here.
A pretty UK town packed with independent shops, cosy tearooms and acres of green space, has been named as the ‘most welcoming’ destination, and after a visit, you might never want to leave
This pretty UK town has been named as the ‘most welcoming’(Image: Getty Images)
There’s a list of beautiful UK towns that offer an idyllic day out, whether that’s taking a stroll along their meandering rivers or exploring their cobbled streets lined with medieval architecture.
Yet there’s one that’s been named the ‘most welcoming town’ of them all, thanks to warm charm you’ll struggle to find anywhere else.
Harrogate, in North Yorkshire, is a Victorian spa town known for its mineral springs, 200 acres of green space at The Stray park, cosy tearooms, independent boutiques, and, famously, the home of Yorkshire Tea. It has often been hailed as one of the happiest places to live and has once again secured the title of the most welcoming town in the UK.
Thanks to its warm and friendly atmosphere, hospitality, and repeat visitors, Harrogate was named the UK’s most welcoming destination in Booking.com’s 2026 Traveller Review Awards. It’s even thought that its tea heritage and charming tearooms could have something to do with its ranking, as a quarter of Brits associated a visit to the Yorkshire town with a cosy cup of brew.
Whether it’s a warming cuppa in one of their tearooms, cafés, hotels, or even pubs, the town’s history can’t be ignored, as it’s where the black tea blend of Yorkshire Tea has been produced by the Bettys & Taylors Group since 1977. It’s also home to the delightful Bettys Café Tea Room, offering afternoon tea in the imperial room of freshly baked scones and, of course, their signature tea.
But that’s not the only tearoom in this town. There’s also Jenny’s Tea Shop, Mama Doreen’s Emporium, and another Bettys Café Tea Room, just on the outskirts of the town.
Yet, away from its brews, streets are lined with boutiques, with Montpellier Quarter boasting more than 50 independent shops, bars, restaurants, antique shops, and art galleries. There’s also Cold Bath Road, which offers more eateries and shops, all while paying homage to the town’s spa heritage.
Harrogate is known as the ‘English Spa’ thanks to its mineral springs, which were discovered in the 16th century. It quickly became known as a wellness destination, thanks to its open green spaces, spa treatments, fresh air, and famed waters.
Today, there are original Turkish Baths for a relaxing treatment and the Royal Pump Room Museum for a closer look into the town’s spa heritage. Harrogate has remained known as a spa town and continues to attract visitors seeking to unwind from the stress of everyday life.
The town is characterised by Victorian and Georgian buildings, some of which make up its collection of hotels, and there are plenty of B&Bs available in the area. That’s when you can tear yourself away from the ample green spaces, with its position on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a haven for avid walkers.
With acres of pristine landscapes, Harrogate is home to beautiful parks and tranquil gardens that offer scenic strolls during the warmer months. One of its most popular attractions, which welcomes around three million visitors a year, is the Grade II-listed Valley Gardens, featuring various areas to admire.
Whether you’re looking for a day out away from the city or a weekend escape, you might just feel at home in Harrogate. Plus, it’s nestled just over a 20-minute train journey from Leeds and half an hour from York, making it even more convenient.
Ryan Pearson, regional manager for UK and Ireland at Booking.com, said: “Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards celebrate destinations that consistently deliver exceptional hospitality, and Harrogate has earned recognition as one of the UK’s most welcoming towns for this specific reason.
“Guests frequently praise the town’s friendly, attentive hosts and genuinely warm atmosphere, which makes visitors feel instantly at home. While Harrogate charms with its historic spa buildings, elegant streets, and beautiful surrounding countryside, it’s the town’s authentic, personable hospitality that inspires repeat visits and rave recommendations from travellers.”
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The Norfolk holiday park has won the coveted AA award, with sandy beach access and an indoor pool among the many reasons to check out this charming and affordable place
08:44, 19 Mar 2026Updated 08:44, 19 Mar 2026
Hopton clinched the prestigious AA Holiday Park of the Year award(Image: Pristine_Images via Getty Images)
The country’s top holiday park for 2026 has been revealed, and it sits along a breathtaking stretch of the Norfolk coast near two beloved seaside destinations.
Haven’s Hopton Holiday Village is situated between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth, just shy of the Suffolk border. The AA granted it five stars within its rating framework, with inspectors highlighting it provided: “Excellent leisure and entertainment facilities for all ages.”
The AA Caravan and Camping Awards for 2025-26 examined parks across the UK, spanning multiple award categories, from Small Campsite of the Year to Glamping Site of the Year. Hopton clinched the prestigious AA Holiday Park of the Year award, with inspectors commending its magnificent seaside setting, attractive countryside backdrop, and outstanding range of on-site facilities.
The park, which features 775 static caravans, is located in the village of Hopton, renowned for its sweeping sandy beach, which becomes especially busy during the summer season. Visitors enjoy direct beach access, enabling them to relax on the golden sands or wander along the tranquil grassy clifftops.
The village itself boasts a traditional seaside character, with fish-and-chip shops, lively amusements, and numerous handy shops. It’s merely a ten-minute journey to the more bustling and vibrant Great Yarmouth, where families can enjoy the rides at the Pleasure Beach, explore the SEA LIFE Centre, or sample seaside entertainment on the pier, reports the Express.
Further north, roughly a 40-minute journey from Hopton, travellers can discover Horsey Gap, a beach famous for its substantial grey seal colony. Pupping season, which runs from late October through to February, is the ideal time to witness them, and visitors can use the viewing platforms to catch a glimpse of the delightful seals without disturbing them.
Another classic day out is Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, approximately 15 miles from the park. This beloved theme park features attractions for all ages, from a Kiddie Zone for younger visitors to thrilling rollercoasters. In 2026, the park has plans to expand and add four new rides.
It also has wildlife areas where visitors can observe colourful birds and sea lions, plus a soft play area included in the admission price. If you’d prefer not to venture too far, there’s plenty to do on Hopton Holiday Village’s site. There’s an indoor pool with flumes, alongside a covered outdoor pool that opens during the warmer months.
Families can enjoy a round of six-hole golf or play tennis, hire bikes or karts, or enjoy the inflatable arena during the summer months. At a Haven park, many activities are available for booking, such as a climbing wall, archery, and arts and crafts.
The park boasts a substantial entertainment complex, housing a fish and chip shop, amusements, fast food outlets, and The Marina Bar and Stage, where Haven’s entertainment team perform shows. Evening entertainment kicks off with The Seaside Squad, featuring games to keep youngsters amused, followed by attractions such as bingo and family-friendly performances.
Early April will also introduce a fresh food and drink option to the park. It’ll become the latest Haven park to welcome its own JD Wetherspoon pub, meaning families can savour their ‘Spoons favourites even whilst on holiday.
Breaks at Hopton Holiday Village start from £49 for a three-night family of four sharing a saver caravan. View prices and book your getaway on the Haven website.
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If you’re looking for destinations for a May half-term break that are perfect for families and not too far away, then this island often compared to the Caribbean could be one for your shortlist
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The island has been nicknamed the ‘Caribbean of Europe’(Image: Getty Images)
Finding the perfect family holiday destination can be tricky. You want somewhere with amazing beaches and natural beauty, but at the same time, you need to be practical and ensure you pick somewhere easy to travel to and in your budget.
Recently, easyJet released a new Family Holiday Index, its way of ranking the top holiday destinations for people travelling with children based on a number of factors. These include the logistics of travelling to the destination, beach and water access, cost, and the number of family activities on offer.
Using this information, it was able to compile a top ten ranking of family holiday destinations, and unsurprisingly, Spanish destinations took six out of the ten spots. However, ranking at number six was an Italian island that has been dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Europe’ thanks to its spectacular beaches and unspoilt scenery.
Sardinia scored highly as a family destination thanks to its huge selection of beaches, family activities, and easy accessibility from the UK. The island has two main air hubs: Cagliari Elmas Airport in the south which is the largest and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in the north which is popular in the summer. EasyJet offers seasonal services to Olbia from Bristol, Edinburgh, London-Gatwick, and London-Luton. If you’re planning to fly to Cagliari from the UK, there are routes available on Ryanair and British Airways.
Sardinia flights on easyJet start from just £35.60 one way in May, and flights to the island take from two-and-a-half to three hours, making them bearable for most kids. You can also book Sardinia holidays with easyJet Holidays, with a package for four staying in a quadruple room in Borgo di Campagna, departing May 8, coming in at £340 per person. You can also save another £100 off the total package cost by using code SPRINGSALE at checkout.
Spiaggia La Pelosa is considered one of the island’s best beaches and it’s perfect for families. Its shores are covered in soft white sand, although some of the scenery is a little rocky, and the sea is a vibrant shade of turquoise and usually has only gentle waves. You can walk far from shore and still only be up to your knees in the clear blue waters, so it’s perfect for kids who like to paddle and splash around.
Unlike many overcrowded beaches, access to La Pelosa is tightly controlled during the summer from June 1 and October 1. Visitors need to book a spot in advance, and there’s an entry fee of €3.50 per person for over 12s (just over £3). However, this ensures you aren’t fighting the crowds to find a spot.
The Costa Smeralda offers a choice of beaches along a 35-mile stretch of coast in the north-east of the island. It’s a glamorous spot where you’ll often see superyachts coming into dock, and here you’ll find lots of upscale resorts with fine dining and designer shops.
Kids who love to swim will enjoy a boat trip to La Maddalena Archipelago, a National Park made up of seven tiny islands that can only be reached via boat. Many tour operators offer full-day boat tours where you can visit multiple islands, as well as stopping in the middle of the turquoise Med so you can dive straight into the ocean for a swim or snorkel.
If you have a kid who’s a budding history buff then Sardinia is full of interesting ancient sites to explore. Su Nuraxi di Barumini is the remains of a Bronze Age defensive complex, and has structures dating back thousands of years. Cagliari’s Castello sits on top of a hill and is full of ancient buildings, museums, and historic sites.
Kids who are studying the Roman Empire in school will particularly love a tour of the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari, where they can hear gory tales of fights to the death between gladiators or men vs wild beasts. It was also where many public executions were carried out and became the most important buildings in ancient Cagliari.
Sardinian food is also generally kid-friendly and even picky eaters are likely to find something they like. During the day, look out for street food vendors selling Spianadina, traditional flatbreads often filled with cheese and ham for a simple lunch. In the evening, there are plenty of cosy, authentic restaurants to choose from where kids can enjoy wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta.
EasyJet and easyJet Holidays Family Holiday Index – Full rankings
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Algarve (Faro), Portugal
Costa del Sol (Málaga), Spain
Costa Blanca (Alicante), Spain
Lanzarote, Spain
Sardinia, Italy
Crete, Greece
Ibiza, Spain
Barcelona Coast, Spain
Dubrovnik Coast, Croatia
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Travelling with kids can be expensive, even if you stay within the UK, but changing your travel dates could potentially save you hundreds of pounds – according to Expedia some dates could be the key to nabbing bargains
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Here’s what you need to know ahead of the summer holidays(Image: Jacob Wackerhausen via Getty Images)
When you have kids, it feels like the days of cheap holidays are over, especially once they hit school age. Holidays can take a lot more planning and careful budgeting.
However, travel booking site Expedia has given parents a hand, putting together data that shows the cheapest exact dates to travel as a family, as well as the peak travel dates to avoid. Melanie Fish, spokesperson for Expedia Group Brands said: “Using the right dates to dodge peak travel times is a great money‑saving hack, especially when paired with booking everything you need for your trip on Expedia for a hassle‑free holiday.”
It also revealed some up and coming destinations for spring that are seeing a surge in searches, potentially making them popular places for a spring break. These include Conwy, Tenby, and the Cotswolds, all classic family holiday staycation spots.
As you may expect, late-March and early-April are expensive times to travel as parents try to get some time away for the Easter holidays. For domestic travel, the most expensive dates are between May 23 and 31, which is half-term in most schools across the UK. The most expensive dates for international travel were revealed as April 5 and May 23, again both coinciding with school holidays.
The busiest dates for staycations were found to be March 6 and 27, while for international travel, you can expect packed airports and ferry ports on April 2 and 3. If you’re someone who prefers to avoid the crowds and traffic, it’s best to rethink booking a departure on these dates.
When it comes to the cheapest dates, for domestic travel these fall on March 1 and 2, early in the spring, as it’s before the main tourist season kicks off in most staycation spots.
For international travel, the cheapest departure dates include March 2 and April 27. Unfortunately, these do fall outside of school holiday dates, but some parents may be tempted to book a break anyway. However, it’s worth making sure you research school holiday fines before you pull the kids out of school, as a family of four could rack up a £320 bill even for a first offence.
The quietest times to travel also fall outside of school holidays: April 28 and May 31. However, if your school has a later May half-term or inset days tacked onto the holiday, then going slightly later could cut the cost of a break later in the month. Choose flexible dates when searching for flights or holidays to see how much you could save by departing a few days later.
If you’re in a particularly strict area for school holiday fines, don’t worry, shifting your dates within the school holidays can also cut costs. For example, the cheapest dates to book in the six week summer holidays tend to be closer to the end of the holiday, as most people want to go away as soon as school finishes. By opting for a late-August rather than mid-July break you could save hundreds and still be back in time for school.
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From bike hire to spa escapes and lodge stays, this Center Parcs review shares everything families need to know about the popular UK break
Pool time for the kids, while the grown-ups loved the tree-top spa(Image: Centre Parcs)
Center Parcs had been on our radar for some time; a getaway promising relaxation without the hassle of airports. However, I hadn’t anticipated just how much the experience would focus on unwinding and quality family time.
The absolute highlight for the children was cycling everywhere. We collected our bikes on site (though, if you have room you can also bring your own) and it quickly became our primary mode of transport – and some of the most unforgettable moments of our stay.
Not a mobile phone or tablet in sight. Without even trying, we slipped into a slower pace, chatting as we pedalled, pausing for snacks and savouring our time together.
Center Parcs is designed with families in mind, but it’s easy to carve out some adult time. I managed to escape to the Aqua Sana Forest Spa, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the village.
The treetop sauna was my standout spot, and a full body massage was the reset I didn’t realise I needed.
But what I adored was the balance. There’s an endless array of activities to keep children entertained – including the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, with indoor and outdoor pools, and rapids.
But there are also tranquil spaces to unwind without missing out on family time. In the Sports Cafe, for example, we could sneak in the Arsenal game, whilst the kids amused themselves on arcades.
Where we stayed
The lodge played a significant role in how relaxed the break felt. Luxuriating in one of the newly refurbished Grand Forest lodges, it’s clear they’re designed with families in mind.
In the kitchen, everything was designed to make cooking a breeze, with ample worktop space and storage. I realise it’s not everyone’s cup of tea (and there are plenty of other options on site if you’d rather not cook at all) but we relish cooking as a family, so having a clear, user-friendly space to do it in made a world of difference – instead of one of us being cooped up in the kitchen whilst the rest of the clan were enjoying themselves.
After action-packed days, it was lovely to cook together and settle down for an evening of board games or a film, whilst ducks would come and tap on the patio doors, much to my daughter’s sheer joy.
All the best things to eat
We stayed for three nights and cooked twice in the lodge, keeping evenings chilled and costs low (Stock up on supermarket essentials before you arrive; there’s a shop on site for extras, but it’s a bit steep).
For our dining out experience, we booked The Dozing Duck – an absolute treat. It boasts shuffleboard tables so the four of us divided into teams for some friendly rivalry.
Book ahead on the app where you plan your stay.
How to book a Centre Parcs break
Two-bedroom Grand Forest Lodge from £799 for a Mon-to-Fri stay. Three-bedroom Woodland Premium Lodge also from £799 – ideal for larger families who need a bit more space.
Hannah Britt and her family fell in love with Scotland while on a road trip through the highlands in a Skoda Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 – here’s how you can do the same
10:07, 12 Mar 2026Updated 16:09, 12 Mar 2026
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Hannah, John, Molly and Poppy loved their road trip through Scotland
When you think of a Scottish road trip, what comes to mind? The NC500 probably. Two children aged six and one… probably not so much. And yet I’m here to tell you that it can be done, all it takes is the right car – and lots of snacks. A frequent yet fearful flyer last summer I became a convert to the good old family road trip when we borrowed a Skoda Kodiaq vRS and drove from our home in Manchester to France. Being able to get there under our own steam and haul 35 tonnes of equipment for the children was a gamechanger. I was chomping at the bit to do it again. So you can imagine my delight when my pals at Skoda got in touch again, offering to lend us a Superb Estate SportLine 2.0 this time – if we drove it to Scotland. My partner John’s bags were packed before I’d finished asking if he wanted to go.
The Superb is a long and spacious family car. You won’t get into a small parking space, but boy can you cram it full of stuff. It’s quite low to the ground, meaning those of us over 30 will make an oof noise getting in and out, but it feels how I imagine Lewis Hamilton must in his F1 car. I loved it right away.
As we set off from our home in Manchester, the four of us settled in – me, John, six year old Molly and one year old Poppy. Our route would take us to Langbank near Glasgow, where we would stay the night at Gleddoch Golf and Spa Resort, before continuing on the next day to Cameron House on Loch Lomond. From there we would loop up through Glencoe to Oban, before driving back home via Loch Lomond once more.
As was now customary, John did most of the driving with me the passenger princess and queen on snacks, handing out Pringles and Haribo on demand and restarting Golden from the K Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack each time it dared to stop. The Skoda’s big sat nav screen made it easy to work out where to go, and its built in black out screens allowed Molly and Poppy to doze off.
Four hours later, with just one stop to walk off a tantrum (not mine, promise), we arrived at Gleddoch, on the banks of the Clyde. I was impressed with this golf hotel, which welcomed children with open arms. Our room, a Residence Four Poster, was newly renovated, with a sleek bathroom, view out over the water, sofa bed for Molly and – as the name suggests – a gargantuan four poster for her parents. Arriving with fussy kids, we ate in the room, and the food was lovely, with a good kids menu and an excellent wine list.
But the jewel in Gleddoch’s crown is the Imperia spa, a newly opened, multimillion pound delight. It recently won the accolade of “best new spa” and, once I tore myself away from my family, I had a sublime old time checking it out. The space boasts the UK’s largest outdoor sauna with panoramic views over the estuary and rolling Renfrewshire hills to Ben Lomond.
Children are not allowed in the pool at all, which was a shame for me – but a bonus for the other guests who didn’t have to endure their spa time with a side of my little ones’ splashing. In the morning, I sat down in Gleddoch’s cosy Dram whisky and gin bar to do some work, before packing our rabble back into the Skoda to head to our second stop, 30 minutes away – Cameron House on Loch Lomond.
Now, Cameron House is a Scottish institution. Barack Obama has stayed here. Guests don’t really get cooler than that. And the moment you arrive it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved. Sweeping the Skoda up to the hotel, which sits right on the water, we were immediately greeted by a valet, who whisked the car off to park it and brought in our bags. Good lord, the crumbs, I thought to myself as the chic valet sat himself down on two days worth of digestive biscuits.
Inside, Cameron House is stylish, cosy and unmistakably Scottish, with nods to its rich heritage in everything from the pictures on the walls to the tartan prints of the cushions. Staff remember names, coffee orders and chatted to the children as if they were long lost friends. It’s a home from home – albeit an incredibly luxurious one.
The food is delicious, whether you choose to eat in the Michelin-starred Loma by Greme Cheevers, the Tavern, the Great Scots Bar, or anywhere in between. The room service is good too, and the chefs are happy to rustle up anything your little one desires off menu. Our room, a family suite, was spacious, sparklingly clean and modern, with an undisturbed view of the Loch.
Cameron House has a brilliant adults-only spa, which I’ve heard is exceedingly relaxing. However during my time at the hotel, I was to be found in the large family pool. With floor to ceiling windows out onto the grounds, areas shallow enough for Poppy to paddle in and areas deep enough for Molly to swim, and with a large and genuinely fun water slide, there was enough to keep everyone entertained for hours. When we finally tempted the children outside, a falconry lesson was equally enthralling. The next day, our be-crumbed valet returned the Skoda to us and waved us on our way to Oban – via Glencoe.
Glencoe is a stunning, historic glen in the Scottish Highlands, renowned for its dramatic, volcanic, and glacial landscape. It is a premier spot for hiking, mountaineering, and – luckily for us – scenic drives, often featured in films like Harry Potter and James Bond. From Loch Lomond to Glencoe takes around 90 minutes, and there’s an excellent visitor centre to greet you once you arrive, with nappy changing facilities, a shop selling various miniature models of highland cow, and a cafe that makes a good flat white.
The Glencoe drive is best done slowly, to ensure one takes in the insanely gorgeous scenery, and to make sure you don’t miss the turning down Glen Etive Road. The “Skyfall” road is the single-track B8074, famous for the scene where Bond (Daniel Craig) and M (Judi Dench) stop with the Aston Martin DB5 against the backdrop of Buachaille Etive Mòr. The spot is roughly halfway along the 12-14 mile road. I didn’t have an Aston Martin, but one better – my Skoda.
Another 50 odd minutes later and we arrived at the furthest point of our road trip – Oban. Or to be precise, Rhunacairn, a little Sykes Cottages house on the banks of Loch Etive, a couple of miles out of the town. Down a tiny road, with just one other house nearby, it was a white washed child’s drawing of a house, set in the most stunning scenery imaginable.
Sat next to a mussel farm, the house had all we needed for the next few days – a swing, a log burner and sea otters in the water outside. It was absolutely idyllic – a real find. And while we did go into Oban to sample the delights of the seafood capital of Scotland – and to buy a bottle of local whisky – I must admit the house had a magic to it that I was loath to leave. Before we left we began plotting our return, wondering which Skoda might fit paddleboards and fishing rods for a summer staycation.
1. Plan Ahead – Time journeys around naps, mealtimes, or toilet breaks to reduce stress and disruption to routines.
2. Leave at Nap Time – If you can, start longer journeys when little ones are most likely to sleep.
3. Entertainment is Key – Mix up old-school games like I Spy with sticker books, reusable window stickers, or magnetic boards.
4. Car-eoke – A family singalong is a fun way to pass the miles (and yes, Disney soundtracks count!).
5. Tech Can Help – Tablets on headrests with headphones make for a peaceful drive when everyone needs downtime – don’t feel bad or guilty for using them, but be clear about the boundaries on using them and use them more as a last resort, rather than the default.
6. The Quiet Game – When things get noisy, challenge the kids to see who can stay quiet the longest.
7. Snacks & Drinks – Pack snack boxes for older children and keep drinks in the front with you to avoid unnecessary stops for the loo when they have necked a whole bottle of water! Be very mindful of giving younger children snacks if an adult is not sitting in the back with them, as it is a choking hazard!
8. Safety First – Use child locks, remind kids about seatbelt safety, and follow The Lullaby Trustadvice on babies sleeping in car seats.
9. Be Prepared – Keep wipes, tissues, and the nappy bag within easy reach. Blankets and comfy clothing are also essential.
10. Break It Up – If traffic hits or the car gets tense, don’t be afraid to stop somewhere safe, stretch legs, and reset before heading off again.
Parents believe everyone in the family can get something out of a holiday when their children reach eight years old.
Eight is the age when everyone in the family gets something out of the holiday(Image: Getty Images)
Family holidays can be stressful but new research has shown that they are considered to be most fun when children reach eight years old. A poll of 2,000 parents found eight is the age when everyone in the family gets the most out of holidays. At this stage, more than half (55%) of parents believe their children start to form lasting holiday memories, while 64% believe their children can start to get genuinely excited about new places.
What’s more, at eight years old 22% of parents say their children can contribute to the planning. This means parents are better able to relax themselves and can enjoy more shared hobbies and activities together with their kids.
Commissioned by Jet2holidaysahead of Mother’s Day, the research found 76% of mums who go on one or more getaways a year consider family holidays to be their highlight.
A spokesperson for the tour operator said: “Family holidays are special at all ages. However, there appears to be something especially great once kids reach eight years old – with the findings suggesting many kids are more curious, more engaged and better able to take in new experiences at this age.”
The study also identified what parents look for in a family getaway – with value for money (29%), a place which suits the whole family (28%) and good weather (28%) coming top.
Activities everyone can enjoy together are also considered key (17%), along with a destination which is easy to get around (15%) and genuinely family friendly accommodation (14%).
To ensure the kids in particular are happy, 30% ‘often’ or ‘always’ get them involved in the planning of a family break. They do so because it makes their little ones feel included and valued (46%), creates shared excitement (37%) and ensures activities suit their interests (34%).
The holiday milestones considered to be the most significant were going abroad as a family for the first time (35%), flying together for the first time (24%), as well visiting a theme park or major attraction for the first time (15%). Staying away from home overnight for the first time as a unit (14%) was also significant.
A spokesperson for Jet2holidays added: “It’s clear involving children in the planning process plays a big part in making a holiday memorable.
“And this is just one of a host of memorable holiday milestones they’ll be part of – whether that’s flying together for the first time or going abroad as a family stay with parents for years.
“This is why considerations like the right destination and accommodation are so important.
“We’re proud to help families make those memories by offering great value, family friendly holidays which cater to everyone, whatever stage of family life they’re in.”
