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A stunning view on the Isle of Skye

At Camasunary bay on the Strathaird peninsula of the Isle of Skye, we watched an otter at low tide lifting seaweed to find crabs. Boots off, we crossed one of Skye’s shortest (and coldest) rivers, before slogging upwards through unforgiving heather to the col beneath the pathless hill Sgùrr na Strì. The mountain view from the summit’s glaciated slabs is perhaps the finest in Scotland – or even Europe. Below is landlocked Loch Coruisk, girdled by the black teeth of the entire Cuillin ridge. Extraordinary. An hour passed, maybe two, before we headed back. The otter was by then long gone, hopefully just as replete and satisfied as we were.

Hugh Jones

Winter walking on the Cape Wrath trail

I did a long-distance winter walk on part of the Cape Wrath trail, heading south from the hamlet of Strathcarron to Fort William. Initially, the weather was perfect, with temperatures of about -4C, but then a full-on named storm blew in. I camped a couple of nights, but all my water froze. I then stayed in some great bothies. After five days, the only other person I had seen was at a gift shop in Morvich.

Tim

Pristine beaches on the Isle of Lewis

My girlfriend and I pitched our tent at Ardroil Sands, dropping a fiver into the campsite honesty box and putting aside pound coins for the hot showers later. The weather was unusually warm and there really was a tropical feel to the place. After firing up our barbecue, the glassy Atlantic beckoned. With dry bags strapped to our paddleboards, we launched into the turquoise waters of Uig. As we skirted rugged headlands and the water beneath us shifted to deep sapphire, we glided into the hidden sanctuary of Carnish Beach, claiming our own untouched white-sand paradise at the edge of the world.

Jason

Rewilding in Glen Affric

Last September, I spent a week in Athnamulloch Bothy in Glen Affric with 10 other like-minded people of different ages and backgrounds, planting trees, removing old deer fencing, climbing hills and viewing beaver lodges from canoes. We were volunteering for Trees for Life, which manages a range of rewilding projects in the north-west Highlands from their tree nursery base at Dundreggan (which also hosts volunteers). I found wonderful company and fulfilling activities all in an utterly beautiful location. The cost (£690) includes accommodation and food, with all profits going to the charity.

Debbie Carr

Blissful isolation on Iona

The tiny island of Iona might be best known for its medieval abbey and nunnery, but the whole southern part of the island is uninhabited and wild – you can explore all day and not see another soul. There’s an abandoned marble quarry, several idyllic bays and stunning views everywhere you look. And when you get tired of exploring and isolation, you can quickly head back into the village for food and drink.

Roddy

The beauty of Kintyre

I visited the remote Kintyre peninsula in a very wet January and was still blown away by its beauty. The world-class whisky distilleries and log fires helped, as did the sandy beaches and historic sites. The quality of the seafood rivalled that of Oban. I loved it so much I visited again in summer, and also went to the Isle of Gigha, another incredible place. This time the sun was shining and we got that Caribbean feeling. Can’t wait to go back again.

Michelle

An adventure in Knoydart

It was an adventure to get into and out of remote Knoydart. There are no roads, so the choice is between a multiday hike from Kinloch Hourn or Glenfinnan, or the 40-minute ferry from Mallaig. We took the latter, which proved an adventure in itself. Magnificent Munros rise sharply above shimmering sea lochs, while ancient woodlands and quiet shores offer plenty of red deer and dolphin sightings. Our hike up Ladhar Bheinn offered dramatic views over the area, and on another day we followed some locals on part of the Cape Wrath trail. We stayed in the village of Inverie and visited the UK’s most remote pub, the Old Forge. Inverie sits on beautiful Loch Nevis – often called the Loch of Heaven because of its idyllic calm waters and spacious open setting.

Joe

Sea kayaking on the west coast

A multiday sea kayaking journey in the Moidart and Arisaig region on the west coast fully immersed us in a remote wilderness. Unzipping our tents each morning above a glorious white beach with our kayaks there ready was unreal. We would paddle past seals, lunch on another beach or island, and enjoy the ever-changing vistas of distant islands and a delightful new camping spot every evening. Dinner cooked after a day’s paddling tasted fabulous, and the sunsets over the sea, which few others got to see, were sublime. The trip was through Arisaig Sea Kayak Centre and cost £595.

Glynis Davies

Winter wonders on Mull

The Ardmeanach peninsula in February offers a broody atmosphere and wonderful wildlife. Thin red sunrises illuminated the wake of an otter swimming past our lochside cottage window; the shortened days featured thunderous clouds, snow and rainbows. Atop a wizened Scots pine in Tiroran forest, a majestic sea eagle perched in sunlit splendour. A noble stag held our enraptured gaze in a stunning roadside encounter. Shoreside walks, through volcanic rocks erupted a mere 60 million years ago, led to basalt columns and, for the brave (the paths are narrow and vertiginous), MacCulloch’s Fossil Tree, trapped in lava for ever.

Barbara Maher

Winning tip: forest and corries on a long Cairngorms hike

One of the most incredible multiday hikes is into the heart of the Cairngorms. Start at Glenmore (there’s a campsite on the beach of Loch Morlich, or great rooms and a bar at the Lodge) and walk an hour or so on a good path up to Ryvoan bothy, through woodland alive with crested tits, red squirrels and capercaillie. Walk past Bynack More and round to Lairig an Laoigh, where you might feel like the only people in the world. You can wild camp on the route below pure dark skies, but it’s a walk up the Fords of Avon that is the real highlight. A rough path takes you past Beinn Mheadhoin (worth diverting up for the huge rock formations on the summit) until Loch Avon opens up in front of you – one of the most stunning corries in Scotland and a beautiful place for a swim, a climb or just to lie back and watch the world.

Hannah

If Michael Carrick’s departure as head coach of Manchester United is confirmed, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly the man tasked with turning the fortunes of the Old Trafford club around.

United lie in the Premier League’s relegation zone, one point off the bottom in 18th, after winning just one of their opening 10 matches, that coming against Ipswich in August.

It’s the club’s worst start to a season in 30 years, and the expectations will be high for whoever takes the role, with their first league game coming away at bitter rivals Liverpool on November 22.

Pochettino – whose release from the contract extension he signed as USA head coach has reportedly been arranged while Carrick officially remains in position – would become the eighth permanent man in charge at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in May 2013 after more than 26 years in the job.

Who is Mauricio Pochettino?

The 54-year-old Argentinian was known during his playing career as a no-nonsense central defender, but as a manager he has evolved into one known for attractive, attacking football, with a focus on developing young talent.

He began playing in 1989 with Newell’s Old Boys before a switch to Spain in 1994, joining La Liga side Espanyol, where he played more than 200 league games across a seven-year career and broke into the Argentina squad, winning 20 caps and starting every game in the 2002 World Cup.

He had spells with Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux in France’s Ligue 1 before ending his career with Espanyol, for whom he passed 300 appearances in all competitions.

His first job in management came in January 2009, when he became Espanyol’s third coach of the season and successfully guided the Barcelona-based club away from the threat of relegation and beat city rivals Barcelona at Camp Nou for the first time in 27 years along the way.

He left the club by mutual consent in November 2012 and landed his first job in the Premier League at Southampton two months later, earning plaudits as Saints climbed the table before leading them to an eighth-placed finish in his first full season and the club’s highest points tally since the Premier League’s formation in 1992.

He moved to Tottenham in 2014 and oversaw the most successful run in the club’s recent history, reaching the League Cup final in his first season and finishing in fifth. He also allowed young prospects like Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric Dier the chance to shine – something which has been a focus for the Argentinian during his coaching career, often watching youth games and allowing young prospects to train with first-team set-ups to help their progress.

Spurs recorded their highest league finish since 1990 in 2016 and in 2017 finished second with a club-record 86 points, their highest finish since 1963.

Pochettino guided Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019, overcoming Man City and Ajax in dramatic style along the way before losing 2-0 to Liverpool in the final in Madrid.

He was, however, sacked five months later after a poor start to the Premier League season before becoming head coach of Paris Saint-Germain from January 2021 to July 2022, departing after winning his first league title.

He spent the 2023-24 season in charge of Chelsea but departed two days after guiding the Blues to a sixth-place finish and took over the USA national team in September 2024, guiding the cohosts to the last-16 exit at the hands of Belgium at the 2026 World Cup before extending his contract in August.

Is Pochettino’s style a good fit?

Man United have long been associated with free-flowing attacking football, and Pochettino’s style was always likely to make him a more appealing option for the club’s hierarchy than the more pragmatic approach of another of the potential frontrunners for the job, Antonio Conte.

The Italian’s style is built more around tactical discipline, high work rate and defensive stability with reliance on quick counter-attacks.

Across his coaching career, Pochettino has become known for his attacking style of play, which relies on pressing high to win the ball back, focuses on keeping possession and usually adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation – which might suit the squad he inherits, as it becomes more of a 3-2-5 when building from the back, employing one inverted full-back and allowing the other to provide width in attack.

The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo would likely thrive in his system, but the lack of a top-class No. 9 will be a hindrance, with Benjamin Sesko sidelined through injury and Joshua Zirkzee having struggled to make an impact.

The defence will come under huge scrutiny too; United have conceded 30 goals in their 15 games in all competitions this season and Pochettino’s defence can be exposed on the counterattack with so many men committed forward.

One of the factors which Pochettino is known for is his willingness to integrate young talent into training and match day squads and help establish a club’s identity, particularly at Southampton, where he previously worked with United’s Luke Shaw, and at Tottenham. That is also something United have traditionally been associated with, with Sir Alex Ferguson taking the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and turning them into global stars. The likes of Shea Lacey might benefit particularly from Pochettino’s tutelage.

Any potential pitfalls?

There might be some. One of Tottenham fans’ main gripes during Pochettino’s largely successful period at the club was that he prioritised league games over cup games, and team selections often reflected that.

United are already out of the League Cup, but a new boss appointed during the international break will face 16 games in 60 days starting with the trip to Anfield, with four Champions League games and an FA Cup third-round tie to fit in around 11 Premier League games which might prove crucial to their season.

Pochettino’s style also places a heavy reliance on fitness, intensity and discipline, something which has been somewhat lacking in large parts of the season so far at the Red Devils.

There were also issues arising from his spell at PSG. He was able to call upon some of the icons of the sport in Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in 2021, but PSG failed to win Ligue 1 for the first time in the past nine seasons, finishing a point behind Lille after losing four games down the stretch. He did win the title the following year, with Lionel Messi added to the ranks, but they failed to make even the quarterfinals of the Champions League or the Coupe de France.

SETTING sail on a cruise doesn’t have to mean hitting pause on your hobbies.

Tour operator Cruise Nation has seen interest in themed voyages rocket by up to 50 per cent this year.

Lisa Minot looks at a host of options to please sports fans, green-fingered gardeners, cyclists and even armchair detectives.

BEST FOR CRICKET LOVERS

PAIR your passion for the Gentleman’s Game with a chance to explore some Christmas markets on Ambassador Cruise Line’s Cricket Legends Festive Getaway.

Sailing from London Tilbury, Ambassador Ambience will welcome players and broadcasters including Garry Richardson, Graham Gooch, Henry Blofeld, Jonathan Agnew, David Lloyd and Angus Fraser.

The five-night cruise will include Audience With sessions, with the VIPs sharing stories, insights and behind-the-scenes moments as well as a lively sports quiz.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

There’s also the chance to shop the Christmas Markets with calls at Bremerhaven, Germany; Ijmuiden, the Netherlands, and Zeebrugge, Belgium, as well as lots of entertainment onboard.

Five nights’ full-board is from £789pp, departing London Tilbury on December 13.

See ambassadorcruiseline.com.

BEST FOR TRUE CRIME FANS

THERE are high stakes on the high seas with Virgin Voyages’ True Crime sailing onboard Scarlet Lady.

The adults-only cruise is perfect for armchair detectives and podcast lovers.

The five-night voyage includes meet-and-greets with podcast favourites including Disgraceland, Buried Bones and Wisecrack as well as crime-based trivia and events, themed dining and calls at Virgin Voyages’ private beach club in Bimini, Bahamas, and Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos.

Cruise Nation has combined the trip with a three-night free hotel stay in Miami and return flights from the UK, departing March 17, 2027.

Prices from £1,569pp including full board on the cruise, wifi and up to $150 in free drinks.

See cruisenation.com.

BEST FOR CYCLISTS

COMBINE a love of cycling with the chance to cruise among spectacular Croatian scenery.

Sail Croatia has regular cruises that feature experienced cycling guides to help you explore from mainland national parks and shimmering lakes to smaller islands off the coast.

This is small-ship sailing where you will be joined by a small group of fellow cyclists and can opt to bring your own bike or hire a traditional or electric one.

Unpack once and then cycle at your ports of call with plenty of daily swim stops.

Seven nights’ full-board on a Premier ship, round-trip from Split, is from £949pp, based on April 2027 departures.

Flights extra. For details, see sail-croatia.com.

BEST FOR ASTRONOMY BUFFS

IF the 2026 partial solar eclipse in the UK unlocked your inner astronomer, don’t miss next year’s total solar eclipse passing over Spain in August.

With a cruise offering one of the best opportunities to capture it thanks to unobstructed 360-views, absence of light pollution, and lack of crowds, how about Celebrity Cruises’ 11-night sailing through Italy and Spain.

Celebrity Ascent departs from Rome on July 24, 2027 and calls at Italy’s Livorno and Portofino, plus Spain’s Barcelona, Cartagena and Malaga before a day at sea for the Solar Eclipse itself then stops in Cagliari and Palermo.

The full-board cruise is from £2,779 including a free two-night stay in Rome and return flights from the UK.

See cruisenation.com.

BEST FOR FLOWER FANS

A TRIP to the incredible Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden covering nearly 80 acres, is a must-do for all horticultural buffs.

Open for eight weeks between late March and mid-May, the historic Dutch estate erupts into vibrant colour as seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and irises bloom.

Explore the festival and the estate’s pavilions, waterways and windmill on a five-day Riviera Travel excursion.

Boarding the 5H MS Emily Bronte in Zaandam, the round-trip river voyage takes in the picturesque countryside and villages of Zaanse Schans and Huizen.

There’s a full day at the Keukenhof before a relaxing morning sailing into Amsterdam for a guided tour.

The full-board cruise starts from £1,339pp including an all-inclusive drinks package, free wifi, six included excursions and return flights or Eurostar from the UK on April 2 with transfers.

Other dates are also available. See rivieratravel.co.uk.

There are almost 500 national parks in Europe, offering some of the continent’s most pristine scenery and best wildlife viewing opportunities. We’d love to hear about your favourite experiences in Europe’s national parks (excluding the UK) – it could be snowshoeing across the frozen lakes and wild taiga forests of Finland’s Hossa, kayaking the wild wetlands of Estonia’s Soomaa or wolf tracking in the Mercantour in southern France.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 16 November at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

Amy Dowden MBE on Instagram: “A year ago today, I had just made it home from hospital in time for Strictly, after undergoing another mastectomy. 🎀 The start of November over the last three years hasn’t been easy. It’s been a time of year I’ve dreaded, bringing back so many emotions, memories and challenges. But fast forward a year, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far I’ve come , of my body and my incredible Strictly family, who have supported me every step of the way.💖 What an incredible show after such an amazing week I’ve had! Feeling truly grateful for everything! 🙏🎀 Life really is precious. Never take a moment for granted. Remember to get out there and LIVE life! 💖💖”

19K likes, 176 comments – amy_dowden on November 7, 2026: “A year ago today, I had just made it home from hospital in time for Strictly, after undergoing another mastectomy. 🎀 The start of November over the last three years hasn’t been easy. It’s been a time of year I’ve dreaded, bringing back so many emotions, memories and challenges. But fast forward a year, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far I’ve come , of my body and my incredible Strictly family, who have supported me every step of the way.💖 What an incredible show after such an amazing week I’ve had! Feeling truly grateful for everything! 🙏🎀 Life really is precious. Never take a moment for granted. Remember to get out there and LIVE life! 💖💖”.

instagram.com

JOHN Leeson – best known for voicing the beloved robodog K9 in Dr Who – has died aged 83.

The actor, born John Ducker, passed away after a “summer of illness” his family revealed earlier today.

Leeson was the iconic voice behind the metal dog K9 as well as working on TV shows including Dad’s Army, Sorry!, Crown Court and Longitude.

Earlier this year he reunited with Dr Who co-star Tom Baker to starr as Doctor Watson alongside Baker as Sherlock Holmes in the audio drama Sir Sherlock: The Red Letter Day.

Sharing news of his father’s death to Facebook, Guy Ducker said: “I regret to announce the death of my father, John Ducker, a.k.a. John Leeson, at 3:03pm today after a summer of illness. The end was peaceful.”

Guy added a William Shakespeare quote saying: “Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Tributes for the actor have poured in from co-stars, colleagues and fans.

Dr Who writer Russell T Davies said it was “impossible to imagine anyone else” in the role of K9 and praised John as “a fine, fine actor”.

Reminiscing on his performance as the beloved robodog, he added: “What a character: a posh dog, uppity, haughty, wry, but somehow innocent too, and so funny. ‘Maximum defence mode!’ God he was good.”

He ended his heartwarming tribute writing: “A true gent, and a great loss. Good night, sir. Affirmative!”

John played the role of K9 for the majority of the show’s run over six decades – starting in the 1977 episode ‘The Invisible Enemy’.

He has been remembered as “the voice, heart and soul of K9” and a “firm favourite of countless fans”.

“John was a stalwart of the Dr Who universe and is going to be much missed, particularly since literally millions of us can’t think of or hear the word ‘Affirmative’ without hearing it in K9’s voice” said one fan under Russell Davies’ post.

“Such an important part of Doctor Who. Such a sad loss”, added another.

“So soon after sir Patrick Stewart. Terrible time for sci-fi fans.”

One wrote: “Such sad news. John was a true icon. invested K9 with so much charm, character and nobility – he was absolutely integral to K9’s appeal.”

Leeson reprised the role in several Dr Who audio dramas and spin-off series, including CBBC’s The Sarah Jane Adventures, before returning to the original programme after its revival.

His other credits include The Bill, Vanity Fair, Doctors and Blake’s 7, and he was also regularly heard as a continuity announcer on Channel 4.

He also portrayed the original Bungle the Bear in the children’s TV series Rainbow.

SOMETIMES you just want a break from the hum-drum of daily life, without having to spend too much money.

After all, what’s better than a beautiful hotel room where you can wake up at your leisure, or a cosy cottage with all your family?

So as the team of travel experts at the Sun, we’ve looked at all of our favourite places across the UK where we’ve stayed which DON’T break the bank.

And you certainly don’t have to splash the cash on expensive five star stays to enjoy a luxurious and restful break.

Not only have we searched the entire UK, from Edinburgh and the Lake District to Oxford and Kent, but all of these stays are less than £100, so £50 each an night.

Some are even a bargain £3 each, per night. You’re welcome.

Searles Hunstanton, Norfolk

A cheap and cheerful holiday park break can really jazz up an otherwise boring and drizzly November.

Growing up in north Norfolk, I spent my fair share of days at Searles Leisure Resort. I even worked on the mini golf course, so I have plenty of recommendations!

Visiting in the autumn is super affordable. Use of the pool, sauna, jacuzzi and £1m kids splash zone is completely free (as long as you book direct) – so no need to buy an expensive add-on swim pass.

If visiting over a weekend, make sure to tuck into their impressive Sunday carvery. While the main restaurant can get busy, I recommend eating in the Sports Bar which overlooks the golf course.

While on-site entertainment is limited in autumn, there’s plenty of indoor, kid-friendly attractions nearby such as Farmer Fred’s soft play in Heacham and shows at Hunstanton Princess Theatre.

The site practically backs onto Hunstanton promenade, so you can be on the seafront in only a few steps. On dry days, make sure to walk all the way along to Old Hunstanton’s stripey chalk cliffs for a stunning view.

Grab a pack of hot, sugary cinnamon doughnuts from Kay’s, then head to Hunstanton Pier amusements to spend your spare 2ps. You won’t miss the massive building right on the green with a bowling alley overlooking the sea.

With a November Super Savers break, you can bag a four-night stay for £119. If you stay as a group of six, that works out to £4.96pp per night. – Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Maldron Hotel, Newcastle

If you’re looking for a fantastically central hotel to enjoy a night out in the party city of Newcastle while still getting a good night’s sleep, you can’t go wrong with the Maldron Hotel on Newgate Street.

This modern, fresh hotel delivers 4* quality at great prices.

There’s free wifi, smart TVs, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities and a choice of deluxe rooms, executive suites and family rooms.

There’s hearty breakfasts and all-day dining at the Grain and Grill bar and restaurant as well as options that can be delivered to your room.

But its main attraction is its central location. Opposite the Eldon Square shopping centre and close to The Gate leisure complex, it’s just a three-minute walk from Newcastle’s Central Station and close to local metro stations.

Footie fans will love the fact they can walk to St James’ Park and the Quayside is with its famous bridges, modern art galleries, lively bars and famous Sunday market is also just a 10minute stroll away.

Rooms from from just £68 a night for a double room, or £34 each. See maldronhotels.com. – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Cefn Nannau, Wales

An off-grid cottage staycation, deep in rural countryside just can’t be beaten – especially at this time of year when the autumn chill is finally starting to hit.

There’s room for the whole family (and more) in the gorgeous 12-person Cefn Nannau, buried among rolling fields in Corwen, North Wales.

It features two cosy living rooms with roaring log burners and board games so you can hunker down on those dark evenings, plus there’s an outdoor hot tub overlooking farming fields where sheep graze freely.

Rooms are cosy and come with glorious green views (and many feature en suite bathrooms, too) while the spacious kitchen, with a rugged Aga, is great for whipping up group feasts.

The property’s charm comes from its history as a former barn and character comes in the form of wonky beams and traditional terracotta floor tiles.

Its location is second to none, too.

Wales‘ largest freshwater lake, Bala Lake, is a short drive away,stretching 3.5miles in length. There’s also Snowdonia National Park right on your doorstep.

Cefn Nannau cottage costs from around £21 per person per night, based on full occupancy and a stay of seven nights. See sykescottages.co.uk. – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

London & Paris Hotel, Folkestone

Sea views, check. Cosy rooms, check. Fantastic pub grub, check. With all the boxes ticked, the London & Paris Hotel in Folkestone I think is one of Kent‘s best, affordable places to stay.

The seaside town is short of boutique hotels, with the majority of options being B&Bs or pub stays.

But the London & Paris reopened back in 2023 after years of renovations restoring the historic building.

Now, every room has sea views, and each is designed in elevated beach chic, so kooky patterned interiors and blue striped walls.

It no longer has its own restaurant, but the downstairs Harbour Inn pub is one of the finest in town with fantastic fresh seafood and Sunday Roasts.

Even better, Folkestone is less than an hour from London so makes for a great weekend trip from the capital.

Rooms start from £90 a night, so £45 each – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Butlins, UK locations

Earlier this year, I made my first pilgrimage to Butlin’s at their Skegness resort, and was so overwhelmed that I drew up an hour-by-hour activities spreadsheet to make sure that we made the most of every opportunity.

In just three days, we saw six shows, swam in the pool, played mini golf and laser quest, explored the soft play, spent far too many pound coins in the arcade, enjoyed arts and crafts and went to the fun fair.

We didn’t have time for the bowling, go-karting, pottery, climbing and aerial adventure courses.

What’s particularly incredible is that so many of these activities are included in the price of your stay, even if you go for the cheapest accommodation.

Their base rates start from £49 for four nights for a family of four during school holidays, which is an astonishing £12.25pp per holiday (working out to around £3 each a night).

It doesn’t matter where you book – the cheapest or priciest rooms – the activities included in the price are the same.

The quality of the entertainment is top notch too – and much cheaper when you could easily be spending £40 each for tickets to the West End, while Butlin’s shows are included and the same standard.

If we’re conservative, that’s £120pp for three nights of quality shows already. – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Pinewoods Holiday Park, Norfolk

In my mind, holiday parks are rowdy places filled with screeching children and soft play fun barns, so imagine my surprise when I pulled up to the peaceful Pinewoods Holiday Park in Norfolk.

Saltmash Lodge in Wells-next-the-Sea has ample room for six people – and a dog too. 

Inside, the master bedroom is impressively large with a kingsize bed, spacious en-suite and plush dressing area. The other two had twin beds and a separate bathroom.

My favourite part though, is the open-plan dining, kitchen and living area surrounded by large windows and a skylight.

Outside there’s a wraparound deck with a barbecue. But during the autumn, evenings are best spent settled on the sofas in front of the coal-effect fire.

Pinewoods is in a top location too, an equal walk into the town of Wells which has pretty quayside pubs and boutiques. Walk the other way to get to Wells beach with lots of golden sand and backed with brightly decorated beach huts and, beyond that, a pine forest.

Lodge prices start from £747 for a three-night stay, sleeping six people in three bedrooms which works out to £41.50pp per night.– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Mollies Motel, Oxford

Mollie’s opened its first ever motel in Oxfordshire in 2019 – a quirky concept inspired by roadside stays in the US, except more lavish.

And best of all, it’s super cheap.

In fact, I challenge you to find a more chic and handsomely-decorated bedroom for the same low price as this (less than £40pp a night).

The hotel started as the budget-friendly little sister to swanky members club Soho House and although it is now a separate entity, it still maintains a close relationship with the brand.

That means uber stylish furniture from Soho Home and Scandi-style decor. Think wooden panelling, earthy tones and funky lighting.

If you love American grub, then you’ll love the hotel’s diner which sticks to the American theme with huge burgers, dirty fries and hard shakes loaded with whipped cream.

Rooms cost from £37per person per night, on a room-only basis, with other hotels including Mollies Bristol and Mollies Manchester. – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Kickass Grassmarket, Edinburgh

Now hear me out: don’t knock a hostel until you try it. 

Kick Ass Grassmarket sits in the centre of Edinburgh, just a few minutes’ walk from all the major attractions and is a welcoming and secure hostel. 

Now, when you think of a hostel you probably picture dorms full of bunk beds and strangers, but at Kick Ass you can actually get a private room making it a great budget option. 

Plus you’ll get the benefit of social spaces and a fully-equipped kitchen. 

A double or twin room costs from just £70 per night, and has enough space for your luggage. 

Rooms have plenty of sockets, a full-length mirror and reading lights by the bed. And if you are lucky, you might even get a castle view – not bad for £35pp, eh?

Edinburgh is stunning all year and you don’t have to spend much to have a good time in the city, with hiking the famous Arthur‘s Seat is a top free activity. 

The National Museum of Scotland is also well worth exploring; its airy central atrium lets light flood the museum.– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

The Alan, Manchester

One of my favourite cities in the UK is Manchester, as it has all the elements of London – fantastic food scene, beautiful architecture and history – just with friendlier locals.

Oh and much cheaper hotels that are just as beautiful.

I love The Alan, built into the a former Victorian cotton warehouse.

The rooms feel elevated, so pink plaster rooms, marble tables and orange glass mugs, as well as brass bathroom fittings and fancy toiletries.

They have all the modcons, from flat screen TVs to Bluetooth speakers as well while the bar below is where you should be meeting your mates for a glass of wine and some nibbles.

Rooms start from £62 a night, or £31 each. – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Free travel to a Salzberg gem

Bad Gastein is a relatively unknown gem. The Austrian state it sits in, Salzburg, offers free local transport (the guest mobility ticket) if you are staying in the state, so you can travel to the resort via train for nothing. The slopes are directly next to the station, too.

Rob Owen

Family fun in the French Alps

Puy-Saint-Vincent in France is a wonderful, small, child-friendly resort. Our grandchildren learned to ski each morning with great instructors on the gentle slopes under amazing azure skies. Three generations then made memories of a lifetime, skiing the wide quiet slopes together each afternoon. We enjoyed dog sleds and cosy hot chocolate in the slopeside cafes. A wonderful trip.

Barbara

A historic railway and superb skiing in Norway

Gausta, Norway, is such fun. Stay at Gaustablikk, the hotel built by Kirk Douglas’s stuntman, a wonderfully quirky piece of local history. Explore Vemork, the historic heavy-water plant where British and Norwegian resistance fighters carried out their daring sabotage during the second world war. For families, the on-piste skiing is friendly and accessible; while the cross-country trails are simply stunning. Then there’s the real adventure: an old US military train climbs Gaustatoppen, opening up spectacular off-piste skiing with views and terrain that rival much of mainland Europe. It’s a brilliant mix of history, skiing, scenery and adventure, and somehow remains a wonderfully under-the-radar destination.

Fiona

Markets and gluhwein in the Austrian Tirol

As a family of four, we loved St Johann in Tirol. It’s a comfortable Austrian village with Christmas markets, picturesque churches and gorgeous frozen valley walks – with little marmosets and weasels to look out for along the river. Wherever you stay, you can walk to a gondola. It’s really near to Salzburg airport, too. In Austria, kids get all-day lessons, which is a big bonus. Parents can just kick back or wander around and have a gluhwein or two. Prices were very reasonable in the Christmas holidays.

Nick

A locals’ favourite on the Italian border

Tarvisio-Monte Lussari on the Italian-Slovenian border covers 24km (15 miles) of skiable terrain interconnected across two main sectors: the historic and stunning Monte Lussari pilgrimage peak and the Priesnig area. Used by local people and those in the know, it offers sufficient ski runs and good value ski passes and restaurants, and is much cheaper than neighbouring resorts in Austria.

Neil

Magic in the air at La Rosière, France

Stay in the attractive resort of La Rosière in France, in the foothills of the Mont Blanc region. Enjoy the short forest walk to the village, with wind chimes and magic in the air, for an après-ski drink and a cheese fondue in a local tavern with the kids.

Oliver

Off-piste heaven in the Norwegian Alps

About 50km (30 miles) from Ålesund, Strandafjellet has excellent pistes, but also some of the best off-piste skiing in Norway. Strap on a pair of randonnée skis and you can use the lifts to access spectacular backcountry skiing in the Sunnmøre Alps. The views down to the fjord make this truly special. Pistes are illuminated for evening skiing.

Graham

A charming village in Les Trois Vallées

Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, in the French Alps (Les Trois Vallées), is low at about 1,500 metres, so go mid-season. The single run ends smack in the centre of the village, which has retained its historical features along with small, friendly bars and places to eat. Plus, it gives access to the whole of the Trois Vallées ski area – absolutely amazing from one small but beautiful village. There are plenty of choices for accommodation, both expensive and cheap.

Russell Walker

Queue-free skiing for all in Italy’s Dolomites

Brunico is tucked away in the Dolomites, just a 90-minute transfer from Innsbruck. I had a great week at the beginning of March. Unlike bigger resorts, queues were nonexistent here. There are runs for beginners through to experts. Great snow and plenty of opportunities to use it.

Ian B

Winning tip: Bavarian charm and quiet slopes

Oberstdorf in Germany continues to be my go-to for a quiet and restorative ski week away. There are 130km (80 miles) of pistes for all levels, stacks of Bavarian restaurants, a wide variety of mountain huts, plenty of hotels for all budgets and family sizes, and the novelty of skiing into and out of Austria daily. Neuschwanstein Castle is a short hop away for a day off. Unbeatable value.

Daniel Stephens

AUTUMN is theme park season in my house, as the time between summer season and October half-term is quiet with no queues – and I know how to get great deals.

The key to keeping costs down is using a technique I call ‘hack stacking’, and it’s really easy for everyone to do.

The way it works it to combine different deals to get entry for the individuals in your party and maximise the benefits that come with each.

We’ve already enjoyed cheap trips to Warwick Castle and have already lined up visits to Drayton Manor, Alton Towers and Legoland Discovery Centre.

One deal to take advantage of is with Merlin which is currently running an annual pass deal that includes the rest of this year if you pay for 2027.

A gold pass includes car parking, so the £239 cost of one pass could be well worth it just for that if you go once a month plus a couple of extra visits in the summer as lots of the theme parks charge £13 a day for parking.

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The key to hack stacking is that not everyone uses the same deal to get in.

So someone else could use Tesco Clubcard vouchers or Nectar points to pay for individual entry and others could get parent and toddler tickets if you’ve got children the right age. 

It’s also important to keep an eye out for deals over the course of the year and work out how they could be combined to get the most bang for your buck.

In the spring, Merlin ran a stay and play deal that included annual passes if you booked an overnight stay at one of its parks.

That’s an amazing base for building your hack stacking on. I took two of my sons to stay overnight at Legoland Windsor in June for £270 and now the three of us can get free entry into multiple Merlin attractions until next summer.

If I add on a gold pass for my husband under the current 15 months for the price of 12 deal, I only have to find a final hack to get my third son a ticket to whichever attraction we plan to visit.

So for £510, split over two payments made six months apart, not only have I got annual passes plus car parking for four people, I’ve also enjoyed an overnight theme park stay and even got a little bit of cashback through Quidco.

I did much the same at Drayton Manor, starting with the tickets I claimed through the Sun Club earlier in the year and then using a Blue Light Card discount to buy more.

I could prebook two free tickets through my Sun Club membership over the summer and then buy two more for £20 each.

My final ticket to cover my family of five was £26 using our Blue Light Card and what’s great about this offer is that you can even book it on the day, saving almost £20 on the gate price.

Normally, Drayton Manor pricing is dynamic so it goes up the closer you get to the day of your visit, even if you’re booking online, whereas the Blue Light price is a flat rate.

We paid £66 for the five of us to visit Drayton Manor on a September weekend instead of £200 if we’d turned up and paid on the day.

You can even shave a couple of quid off the parking by prebooking that online too.

And if you visit during September, you get a return visit until the end of October included.

Teachers can get in free on October 3-4, so that’s something to consider if you work in a school.

My hack-stacking trick works at most theme parks as long as you take a bit of time to look at who you’re buying entry for and then work out how to combine deals.

We visited Pleasurewood Hills near Lowestoft, which has just been named theme park of the year, in April and there’s some great deals to be had for tickets there.

You can get a Blue Light discount, but it actually makes better financial sense to use a family ticket for four people for £70 or to buy early bird tickets at £16 each a month in advance.

People with local postcodes could get a reduced price ticket at the start of the season, so it’s worth keeping an eye out to see if that pops up again.

My final tip if you fancy giving hack stacking a go is to keep an eye on discount sites like Planet Offers, Groupon or Wowcher as you can make some great savings, as long as you read the small print to make sure what you’re buying is valid on the date you want to visit.

A family ticket on the Flamingo Land website costs £168 for four people, whereas it’s £98 for the same ticket on one of the discount sites.

And make sure you check rival sites too as there can be a big difference in what they are offering.

Collioure is a Mediterranean dream

Last October, while I was cycling around south-west France, near the Spanish border, a tip from a local waiter led me to Collioure, near Perpignan. The town was like a Mediterranean dream, where the summer crowds had faded, leaving behind a peaceful, artistic haven of soft light, warm sunshine, cobbled streets, sandy beaches – and the Pyrenees as a backdrop. In the early evening, the still balmy autumn air was perfect for wandering through the quiet, pastel-coloured alleyways of the Le Mouré district to enjoy €5 off-season happy hour wine with fish tapas. I had planned to stay a weekend but ended up staying a week, seduced by Collioure’s perfect autumn cocktail of chilled Catalan culture and sunkissed seaside sensuality.

April

Peaceful Portuguese sunsets

Sitting outside in T-shirt and shorts on the deck of a boat gliding along the Tagus River in Lisbon, sipping a glass of crisp Portuguese wine as the setting autumn sun illuminated the pastel-coloured hills, is a lasting travel memory for me. October temperatures were still in the mid-20s, perfect for exploring fascinating areas on foot, or hanging out of trams as they rattled up and down the cobbled streets. In the evenings, I joined local people basking in the remaining warmth of the year at outdoor cafes or waterside tavernas like Ponto Final, enjoying coffee and pastries, or anchovies and beer, while watching magnificent sunsets without the summer masses.

Nicoletta

Wild times in St Davids, Pembrokeshire

My autumn escape is St Davids on the Pembrokeshire coast. Once the summer crowds disappear, it feels wonderfully wild and tranquil. We walk the coast path towards Whitesands, stopping to watch for seals below the cliffs, before heading back into tiny St Davids for something warm to eat. The beaches are often almost empty and, even when the weather turns, the dramatic sea and windswept coastline are part of the charm. My tip is to visit in early autumn; pack proper walking boots and layers, and embrace the weather – you get one of Britain’s loveliest coastlines almost to yourself.

Tess

Baroque beauty in eastern Germany

Görlitz makes for a fascinating autumnal base, with its location on the German-Polish border to the east of Dresden. The highlights were day excursions to Bad Muskau, where there is a wonderful baroque palace, and the Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge), reached by a narrow gauge forest railway (waldeisenbahn.de). It’s a part of Germany rarely visited, but those who go there will be rewarded with amazing photographs.

Martin

Bliss on a lesser-visited Canary island

The Canary Islands are well-trodden choices for autumn sun, but the island of El Hierro remains a wilder alternative to Tenerife or Lanzarote. The scenery is beautiful and bizarrely varied: from pine forests to black volcanic lava flows – most of which you’ll have to yourself. You can pass hours exploring the rugged coastlines, where volcanic swimming holes such as Charco Azul can be found. We spent a blissful few hours there, relaxing on the rocks and looking out at the Atlantic. There are no big resorts but plenty of guest houses and smaller hotels, and sunshine is almost guaranteed into November.

Leo Mark

Dramatic Devon walks

We stayed in Woolacombe, north Devon, with our three-year-old in October 2023 and the off-season suited us well. The three-mile beach gave us room for proper sandcastle engineering, and the Atlantic offered drama rather than deckchair weather. We watched the sunset turn the sea orange and purple from the hill above the bay. We could walk into the village, then use Woolacombe as a base for Mortehoe and the South West Coast Path. Pack waterproofs as well as sunglasses: north Devon makes no promises. But on a bright autumn day, those enormous sands feel almost privately hired.

Katharina Parsons

Coast, culture and cable cars on Madeira

Funchal on Madeira is my pick for an autumn escape because it still feels properly alive after summer. The seafront is made for slow walks in the sunshine, with cafes and gardens open year-round. You can browse the colourful Mercado dos Lavradores, ride the cable car for views over the terracotta rooftops and Atlantic, then cool off at one of the city’s lidos. The weather is pleasantly warm rather than overpowering, while the mountains and levada (aqueduct) walks are within easy reach. It combines coast, culture and dramatic scenery without feeling like a resort that closes down for winter.

Bernice

Clifftops and crab rolls in the Scottish Borders

If you’re looking for a cracking wee coastal escape, head straight to St Abbs in the Scottish Borders. My wife and I absolutely fell in love with its rugged charm and bonny views. First off, Marvel fans will know it as New Asgard from Avengers: Endgame, and taking a selfie by the official sign set the right tone. Beyond the film fame, the dramatic clifftop walk up to St Abb’s Head is brilliant, packed with seabirds and proper fresh sea air. Afterwards, grab a fresh crab roll down at the harbour cafe – nae hassle, just proper good cheer.

Craig

Nonstop sun in a Cretan haven

Autumn came brutal and early to Crete this month. But the ferocious northerly that drenched the northern coast got stuck on the White Mountains. And on just one tiny south-west speck of the island, the sun shone all and every day. Palaiochora is a year-round magic place anyway. No big hotels. Still proudly Greek. A place where the town’s rhythms are set by the comings and goings of the Loutro ferry. But this past week, while thunder stalked the mountains, we swam and walked every day. “We’re unique,” said the man at the cafe. “Please don’t tell anyone.” What have I done?

Kay Jones

Winning tip: Fiestas and feasts in Zaragoza, Spain

For an autumn city break, Zaragoza comes alive during the Fiestas del Pilar in October. We spent a week there, wandering bustling streets lined with people, many in traditional dress, queueing to lay flowers at the vast floral tribute to the Virgin Mary in Plaza del Pilar. Along the river, food stalls served Aragonese specialities, from chistorra (sausage) and stews to roast chestnuts and sweet wine. Between festivities, we explored the stunning Aljafería Palace and discovered tiny tapas bars tucked down side streets. The city felt wonderfully local, lively and full of surprises.

Carrie